Header: Georgina Egan
The “Beach House” is a residence in Sydney commissioned by a returning client transitioning from city life to a calm, beachside lifestyle. Melanie Tomlinson Design, the studio responsible for the project, had the vision of a modern home perfect for those who can’t completely break free from the comforts of urban living, however, with a twist.
As the client wanted to enjoy the luxuries of a calmer life by the ocean, the studio decided to mix coastal elements with the chosen contemporary style, resulting in an elegant and serene ambiance made even more perfect by the panoramic views of the seafront landscape.
A key focus of the design was to maximize the duality of indoor-outdoor living, which was achieved by placing large windows and glass sliding doors throughout the house. To further foster this dynamic, the kitchen was relocated from the rear of the house to a more central position, right next to the living room, allowing the residents to interact with each other while enjoying the sea views.
Because duality can also be found in intimacy and independence, the designers placed a glass wall to separate the dining area from the rest of the living spaces, creating an intimate environment that doesn’t feel alienated from the rest of the house.
The interiors are dressed in a neutral color scheme made of soft pastels, natural textures, light wood finishes, and brushed metal hardware. The kitchen reflects the urban vibe familiar to the client with its sleek black cabinetry, contemporary detailing, brass accents, and porcelain countertops. However, the ocean views help counteract it and ground the space.
This project was recently awarded the BLT Built Design Awards for Interior Design – Residential, not only for aesthetically pleasing the design looks but also for successfully mastering two dualities: indoor and outdoor, urban and coastal.
