🍳 Growing pains in Beach Haven | Down the Shore

The Tecture-designed Deans Marsh House is a tranquil, light-filled residence nestled in the Surf Coast's hinterland, specifically designed to offer a sense of anticipation and seclusion. The home is accessed via a meandering one-kilometer driveway, intentionally concealing its full form until visitors are well into the property. The initial view is a rammed earth wall with a single opening, revealing little of the interior beyond. This design choice, according to Tecture director and lead architect Ben Robertson, was a deliberate psychological play to create a powerful sense of discovery. The owners, transitioning from urban Newtown to Deans Marsh, sought a calm, quiet, and isolated space that would feel warm and cozy, deeply connected to its rural environment. A central design element is the extensive use of rammed earth walls, each 400mm thick, prominently featured throughout the main living areas as per the homeowners' request. The design maximizes the internal exposure of this material, which also forms a significant part of the home's exterior. This natural, environmentally friendly material, combined with timber cladding, drives the home's façade, ensuring it blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The material palette was chosen to complement the rammed earth's tone, avoiding bright whites in favor of earthy and natural hues to facilitate a seamless transition from the clients' previous urban lifestyle. Internally, the home showcases a calming blend of dark and earthy tones, with consistent use of complementary and contrasting materials such as timber, laminates, and travertine. The design intentionally limited the number of materials to avoid complexity and maintain a cohesive aesthetic. This minimalist approach allows the natural material palette of the exterior to extend inward, especially given the remote location where privacy concerns are minimal, enabling large openings and an indoor-outdoor connection. The house is divided into two distinct sections. The living, kitchen, dining, and main bedroom areas are oriented northward to optimize sunlight and solar gain. A 'kids' wing' is situated to the south, primarily intended for occasional visitors. While an ideal design would have elongated the property to ensure all bedrooms benefited from northern light, budget constraints necessitated prioritizing the primary living spaces. Robertson expressed pride in the outcome, highlighting the home's profound sense of discovery, stillness, tranquility, and refined material application, all contributing to a successful and cathartic living environment. #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #RuralLiving #CoastalHinterland #NaturalMaterials #HomeDesign #Tecture #DeansMarshHouse

This article details the transformation of two weatherboard cottages on Sydney's Northern Beaches into a serene family home that masterfully integrates with its natural surroundings. Designer Sarah Parry-Okeden, founder of Wild Orchid Spaces, spearheaded the four-year knockdown-rebuild project, which commenced in 2012. Her primary objective was to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, a vision inspired by the generous 7300sqm block and its dense natural landscape, including an abundance of palms. The original cottages, though structurally sound, presented challenges with their low ceilings, closed-plan layout, and minimal connection to the environment. The renovation resulted in two distinct residences: a coastal bungalow and guesthouse named 'Little Lokahi', and the main three-bedroom, four-bathroom beach house called 'Lokahi'. A key architectural concept, developed in collaboration with River Run Design and Bacuss Constructions, involved creating a highly fluid transition to the outdoors, making the environment an integral part of the home's design. To achieve this seamless integration, Sarah employed a carefully selected palette of natural stone and incorporated large-scale glass doors. The main residence features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that extends into an outdoor room beside the pool. A notable and innovative design element is the integration of existing palm trees directly into the structure of the outdoor living zone. This was achieved by reinforcing roof openings with circular steel rings, allowing the palm trunks to grow through, thereby bringing the natural canopy into the living space. The original pool beneath this area was repurposed into a rainwater tank. Sarah's design philosophy emphasized the importance of the kitchen, living, and dining areas as the heart of the home, dedicating at least half of the house to these spaces. The main bedroom suite, including an ensuite and retreat, offers treetop views. Even the children's bedrooms, though modest in size, feel expansive due to eight-meter-high gabled ceilings and Velux electric skylights that maximize natural light and ventilation. The interior aesthetic is rich in sensory detail, with a material palette balancing rough sandstone, featured in the foyer and as a block wall, with soft furnishings. Champagne Onyx stone extends floor to ceiling in the kitchen, complemented by 'Vogue' honed sandstone floor tiles. The color scheme is intentionally restrained to white with subtle warm undertones to highlight these natural materials. High-pile rugs define living zones, alongside custom and vintage furniture from Wild Orchid Spaces' collection, which includes refurbished and repurposed pieces from around the world. The outdoor areas further enhance the tropical resort feel with a daybed, a pool featuring Sukabumi stone tiles for their mineral properties, and a Bali thatch hut. The home's design ensures comfort in all seasons, with a back-to-back fireplace connecting indoor and outdoor living rooms and underfloor heating beneath the stone, making the space warm and inviting even in winter. #CoastalLiving #IndoorOutdoorFlow #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHomes #Renovation #InteriorDesign #LandscapeIntegration #NorthernBeaches #NaturalMaterials

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 Ventura, California, beach house, purchased by an LA-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab, formerly a project manager for Sarah Sherman Samuel, to redesign the space. The house, which was the only oceanfront property available at the time, presented a unique design challenge due to its irregular shapes, compartmentalized social areas, and a 'clunky' three-floor layout. Diab's design philosophy centered on celebrating the home's existing geometry, particularly inspired by its swooping entry stairwell. The primary goal was to enhance the sense of flow throughout the three-story structure without undertaking major structural changes. The layout includes guest bedrooms on the lower, beach-level floor, living, dining, and cooking areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab aimed to create numerous "moments" and visual movement to counteract the feeling of simply navigating a series of staircases. Key design elements and strategies implemented by Diab included plastering the walls of a funky stairwell niche to create a soothing, textured aesthetic. This area was further adorned with a sculptural side table and a large decorative clamshell, designed to encourage a momentary pause before guests exit the home. In the guest bedrooms on the ground floor, Diab opted for a hotel-suite ambiance, incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A notable design choice in these rooms involved custom cushioned panels framing the headboard, inspired by Drop It Modern fabric. A black side table, originally an inexpensive find, was spray-painted to elevate its appearance and complement the graphic patterns in the room. The lofted main bedroom initially suffered from a long, narrow configuration, resembling a 'bowling alley' where the bed could only be placed on one wall. To mitigate this awkward orientation, Diab introduced a custom channel-tufted headboard to visually expand the room with horizontal lines. In the kitchen, a new marble countertop and backsplash featuring dark green and gray veining were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The slab yard meticulously book-matched the visible edges of shelves to create a continuous, swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to keep essentials like coffee and mugs accessible for guests. Addressing storage concerns, Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing. Beyond stocking the house with the family's preferred snacks, the project involved building custom cabinets to accommodate surplus kitchen items. Given the homeowners' need to host up to 15 people, Strickland designed extra storage around the dining nook for pantry items and dishes. The curved theme was extended to these cupboards, which were finished with Park Studio hardware, a detail replicated in the bedroom closets. The collaboration with Strickland reportedly brought a sense of calm and order to the home's functional aspects. #HomeRenovation #BeachHouseDesign #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #SpacePlanning #CurvedArchitecture #VenturaCalifornia #JessDiabStudio #StorageSolutions

Nestled within Odessa's Victoria Lakes community, a newly constructed four-bedroom, four-bathroom home by AR Homes by Custom Craft seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. The design draws inspiration from the local lakes and wooded landscapes, employing a palette of organic textures, lush greenery, and soothing blue tones to evoke Florida's inherent beauty while maintaining a sophisticated and refined aesthetic. This residence, built on the Grandview floorplan, emphasizes open-concept living, robust storm-safe construction, and cutting-edge smart home technology, alongside versatile spaces for both social gatherings and private retreats. A central feature of this home is the luxurious owner’s bath, offering a spa-like experience. The kitchen is designed to cater to a chef's needs, and a spacious great room serves as the heart of the home. This great room transitions effortlessly into the outdoor living area through 10-foot sliding glass doors, leading to a covered lanai, a dedicated cabana, a swimming pool, and a spa, creating a harmonious indoor-outdoor flow. Interior designer Jill Sunseri, from AR Franchising, Inc., was instrumental in shaping the home's ambiance. She meticulously curated the interiors with warm neutral colors—including creams, taupes, and soft grays—which are accented by strategic bold contrasts and reflective metallic finishes. These metallic elements subtly echo the brightness of the Florida sunlight, enhancing the overall luminosity of the space. The selection of materials such as natural stone, wide-plank hardwood floors, and sculptural accessories contributes to a tactile and visually rich environment. Every surface within the home is deliberately chosen to create a sense of thoughtful design and luxury. The furniture, characterized by its streamlined forms, combined with rich wood tones and dynamic ceiling designs, creates a balanced atmosphere that is simultaneously elevated and relaxing. Sunseri particularly enjoyed the process of selecting artwork and accessories, viewing each piece as essential to the home’s refined and collected appearance. This meticulous curation was pivotal in actualizing the overarching design vision. Ultimately, the residence achieves a delicate balance between elegance and understated style. It is designed to be impressive without being ostentatious, and its generous proportions are tempered with a sense of intimate personalization. This home is not merely constructed to make an impression; it is crafted to foster a deep sense of belonging for its inhabitants. #ARFranchising #ARHomesTampa #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #FloridaLiving #CustomCraftHomes #VictoriaLakes #OpenConcept

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 beachside home in Ventura, California, which was purchased by a Los Angeles-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab to revitalize the property, which was initially described as "clunky" with irregular shapes and compartmentalized social areas. Diab's primary goal was to celebrate the existing geometry of the space while introducing a sense of flow and movement, despite the house's three-story layout and numerous stairs, which often made it feel disjointed. The design strategy focused on enhancing the home's inherent curves and improving its functionality without undertaking major structural changes. The house features guest bedrooms on the lower level, living, dining, and kitchen areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab addressed the 'clunky' feel by creating design 'moments' throughout the house, aiming to give the illusion of seamless movement. For instance, a funky stairwell niche was transformed into a calming focal point using textured plaster walls, a sculptural side table, and a decorative clamshell, encouraging occupants to pause and appreciate the space. In the guest bedrooms, located on the beach level, Diab aimed to create a hotel-suite ambiance. This was achieved by incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A custom-cushioned panel, sourced from Drop It Modern fabric, inspired the design of a three-ball side table. This table, originally an inexpensive piece, was spray-painted to mimic a high-end designer item, demonstrating a resourceful approach to budget-conscious design. The lofted main bedroom, initially narrow and awkward, was made more inviting with a custom channel-tufted headboard that introduced horizontal lines, visually broadening the space. The kitchen's design also incorporated the theme of movement and connection to the surroundings. A new marble countertop and backsplash, featuring dark green and gray veining, were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The visible edges of the shelves were meticulously book-matched to create a swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to ensure easy access to essentials like coffee and mugs for guests. Storage was a significant consideration, especially since the homeowners needed to accommodate up to 15 people. Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing to not only stock the home with family favorites but also to design and install custom cabinets. These cabinets, framing the dining nook, provided ample storage for pantry items and dishes, essential for entertaining large groups. The curved theme was extended to the hardware, with Park Studio handles adorning both the kitchen cupboards and bedroom closets, ensuring a cohesive design language throughout the home. #BeachHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CurvedDesign #SpacePlanning #CoastalDecor #StorageSolutions #JessDiabStudio #VenturaHome

The RH Beach House concept offers a comprehensive solution for furnishing seaside residences, drawing inspiration from various stylish coastal living destinations worldwide, including Mykonos, Sydney, St. Barts, and Malibu. This concept integrates products from over one hundred of RH's existing collections, making them accessible through both print source books and the company's website. The initiative introduces several new designer collaborations, notably featuring modular sofa collections developed by Paola Navone, Jan de Lintelo, and Los Angeles-based Jason Chauncey. These sofa designs are characterized by their easy elegance, relaxed silhouettes, low-slung proportions, deep seats, and loose cushions, contributing to a timeless aesthetic ideal for ocean-facing comfort. Beyond seating, the RH Beach House collection encompasses a wide array of lighting, textiles, additional furniture pieces, and decorative accents suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. A notable furniture item is an oak brûlé bed frame designed by Luay Al-Rawi, which undergoes a high-heat finishing process to achieve a deep, caramelized tone and a distinctive crackled appearance. For outdoor settings, the collection includes mid-century-inspired poolside loungers by Mario Ruiz, featuring architectural frames now available in teak, paired with handwoven wicker backs and seats for enhanced durability and style. Furthermore, Piet Boon's renowned outdoor collection for RH, the Bonnare collection, is introduced for the first time in sustainably harvested teak. To complete the aesthetic, the RH Beach House concept incorporates several new rustic lighting designs. These include a handwoven blackened rattan pendant and another design inspired by traditional Indonesian fishing baskets. The overall offering of RH Beach House is distinguished by its rich textures, organic feel, and a luxurious yet comforting ambiance, aiming to replicate the desired atmosphere of a sophisticated holiday home. The collection's curated selection allows individuals to effortlessly imbue their coastal properties with a sense of refined tranquility and style, reflecting the diverse influences of global seaside living. #RHBeachHouse #CoastalLiving #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFurniture #OutdoorLiving #DesignerCollaboration #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign

Surfside House, designed by Andrew Burges Architects, is a compact family home in Clovelly, a beachside Sydney suburb. This project involved converting an existing semi-detached dwelling, where the ground floor was reimagined into bedrooms, and a new open living space was added above. The design responds to the coastal hillside site, suggesting a new neighborhood character through its tower-like form and integrated garden platforms. The ground floor of the Surfside House houses three bedrooms arranged around a central stair and study. The architects utilized overly wide doors to enhance light distribution and extend the perception of space. A main bedroom faces the street, while two children’s rooms at the rear open onto a small garden and connect to each other. This thoughtful allocation of doors creates a sense of continuous space throughout the ground level. To maximize the utility of the small rooms, built-in sleeping lofts were incorporated, providing each child with a private elevated space featuring a small window. The varied ceiling heights on this level, with their bulkheads and thresholds, define distinct areas and manipulate natural light to create pockets of shadow, making the rooms feel discrete even when doors are open. In stark contrast to the ground floor, the first-floor living room is a singular, expansive open space. Large windows offer ocean views and invite breezes, while nearby treetops and new planter beds bring greenery close to the interior. Timber walls and sliding screens contribute to a treehouse-like ambiance. A rear deck extending from the kitchen further integrates planting through built-in garden beds. The kitchen, dining, and lounge areas are unified under a raked ceiling that ascends to a generous corner skylight, making the room feel large and spacious. The kitchen joinery is crafted to resemble bespoke furniture, reflecting its role as the heart of the home for a cooking-focused family. Despite its open plan and large windows, the living room maintains a cozy and inviting atmosphere due to deliberate design choices. Deep reveals around most upper-level windows encourage occupants to sit and converse by the sill. A subtle separation between eating and lounging areas is achieved through a few steps and a low credenza, effectively zoning the space without dividing it. This allows for a sense of containment provided by the timber furniture. The Surfside House stands out in Clovelly, an area that has seen significant development from its original simple cottages to a mix of units, duplexes, and contemporary homes. The state government's "Complying development" planning controls have often led to new constructions that disregard neighborhood character. Surfside House, with its hardwood board cladding, clean roofline, and raised planters, intentionally diverges from the traditional brick cottage aesthetic. Its tower-like form, visible through a gap in banksia trees, is designed to harmonize with the rich vegetation of the eastern suburbs. The timber cladding blends with the giant banksias, and the built-in planters integrate with the tree canopy. This design approach not only revived a dilapidated cottage but also provided a growing family with a functional and aesthetically pleasing home within their community, potentially offering a new vision for neighborhood character and priorities. #SurfsideHouse #AndrewBurgesArchitects #CoastalLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #SydneyHomes #CompactDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableDesign