Nestled on the banks of a river, this new Gold Coast hideaway presents as a tranquil oasis. For business owners and empty nesters Jane and Adam, the 779-square-metre parcel of land ticked all the boxes when it came up for sale in 2019. “Adam’s a very keen boater, so the fact that this block has such quick access to the waterways was definitely a factor,” says Jane of the property. “It also has beautiful views.”
At the time, the site – home to a small and outdated 1960s cottage – presented as a blank canvas. Living in the original house for a year while refining their vision for a light-filled, two-level build, the couple enlisted the architectural expertise of Jared Poole. Adam assumed the role of ownerbuilder and the couple’s son Lachlan, founder of Shopfit Co, that of joiner.
Behind the design
Montauk Lighting Co draw the eye up. The front door, painted in Dulux Powdered Gum, is accented by a Dulux White Cloak Half and lit by Ralph Lauren Home ‘Carrington’ wall lanterns from The Montauk Lighting Co. (Credit: Photography: Lynden Foss/ Styling: Carlene Duffy )
Late in 2020, the couple reached out to interior designer Kate Walker of KWD to mastermind the finishes, fixtures and furnishings. With Kate naming the project ‘Martinique’ – a nod to the scenic Caribbean island – the creative journey was underway. “Adam and Jane discovered KWD through social media after admiring another project we completed on the Gold Coast,” recalls Kate of how they met. “Their vision resonated with our design ethos, making it a natural partnership from the start.
“Adam and Jane’s foremost wish was to seamlessly connect their home to the surrounding water views, creating light-filled, airy spaces that would be both manageable for empty nesters and expansive enough to welcome family gatherings. This home needed to reflect their established Gold Coast lifestyle, celebrating both intimate daily rituals and larger family events.” In 2021, the couple’s plans were submitted to council and approved within six months.
Special features
Across both levels of the build, the tactile beauty of natural stone comes to the fore, as do chic feature lights and wall treatments. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Jane’s favourite room – the street-facing sitting area bedecked with Schumacher ‘Pineapples’ wallpaper, which she has fondly dubbed the ‘Pineapple Room’. “That’s my sanctuary – I loved the pineapple wallpaper as soon as I saw it,” says Jane with a smile.
“Wallpaper serves as an expressive canvas,” says Kate. “Jane wholeheartedly embraced its use, from textured grasscloth to the playful motifs in the Pineapple Room and the powder room space. This approach allowed each room to evoke a distinct emotion, while freeing the upholstery and furnishings to remain timeless and versatile.”
Planning process
“We love the British style of houses, as well as French-style windows and very high, raked ceilings – we had a collection of photos of homes we love,” recalls Jane of the couple’s desired aesthetic. “We wanted the kitchen and living spaces on the ground level, as well as our bedroom and a bunk room for our grandchildren, with a loft-style office and second main bedroom upstairs.”
To take advantage of the warm climate, the house was designed to be cradled with a lush garden by Nest Landscape Design, creatingan ever-present sense of being close to nature.
Maximum impact
“Lighting and rugs proved invaluable too often cut when budgeting, both elevate a space” Kate Walker, Interior Designer
mosaics, all KWD&Co. A Stuart Membery Home mirror and Perrin & Rowe tapware from The English Tapware Company chimes with a ‘Katie Cylinder Sconce’ from The Montauk Lighting Co. (Credit: Photography: Lynden Foss/ Styling: Carlene Duffy )
Proving that tranquillity comes in many forms and shades, every corner of the three bedroom home is the beneficiary of the spellbinding effect of saturated colour. Leafy shades of green – arguably the most soulsoothing hue of all – offer cohesion within the home’s different domains.
“Green became the unifying thread,” says Kate of the rich palette. “Each space, while unique, resonates with subtle connections by way of shade, pattern or texture. For example, we anchored the master suite in a stronger, more masculine green and then softened the palette in the Pineapple Room.
“The varied use of green throughout links the rooms emotionally and energetically, enhancing harmony while allowing individual moods to flourish,” adds Kate.
The ethos
“It’s a great home for entertaining and sleepovers with our young grandchildren,” Jane, homeowner.
Although Jane is the first to concede she is anything but a minimalist – “I definitely can’t live in a home where there’s nothing on a bench!” she says with a laugh – a sense of serenity was nonetheless high on the wishlist she and Adam expressed to Kate.
“At KWD, we take pride in creating homes as personal sanctuaries,” shares Kate. “For Martinique, the vision emerged from Jane’s desire for immediate calm – a space that ‘lowers your heart rate’ and feels restorative. Influences ranged from global travel and architecture to deeply personal narratives woven throughout the interiors.”
Lessons learnt
Opening the door to a rich tapestry of hues can reap magical rewards – with the risks easier to calculate than perhaps anticipated. “For those hesitant about using colour, I recommend starting with paint – a change that’s flexible and transformative,” advises Kate. “For instance, purple creates warmth, mint offers freshness, and yellow brings instant joy. Paint colour decisions can be reversed over a weekend, making it a nonintimidating first step.”
Alive with comfort, function and, of course, captivating style, this build is now complete. As for a delighted Jane and Adam, they enjoyed the process so much that they’re ready for the next chapter – and beautiful build! “It wasn’t planned, but we’ve just bought something else,” reveals Jane of their next project. “It’s only five minutes away – and Jared and Kate will be helping us again.”
“We put our full trust in Kate and her team. I would have never pulled it together as she did. It’s all so curated,” Jane.
Source book
Interior design KWD, katewalkerdesign.com.au
Architect Jared Poole Design, jpd.com.au
Joinery Shopfit Co, shopfitco.com.au
Landscape design Nest Landscape Design, nestld.com.au
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