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A Dreamy Interior Update For A Coastal Summer House

Architecture

A graceful, grand backdrop of towering gum trees sits behind this breezy weekender in Palm Beach. It was these natural surrounds and the sense of calm they evoke that inspired designers Arent&Pyke when they were engaged to reimagine the interiors of the home.

Steering clear of the typical beach-house aesthetic, the designers drew on serene blues, natural textures and native scenery to create a modern coastal look. It’s a timeless, updated holiday space that feels like home!

9th December, 2021

Arent&Pyke were engaged to decorate the downstairs living-kitchen-dining zone and four upstairs bedrooms of this Palm Beach weekender. Photo – Anson Smart.

The towering trees create a sense of calm and stature as soon as you enter the site. Photo – Anson Smart.

A perfect view. Photo – Anson Smart.

Textures and colours create constant moments of visual interest. Photo – Anson Smart.

The formal living space connects to the dining room and kitchen in the main open-plan zone. Photo – Anson Smart.

Windows line the downstairs living spaces, flooding them with natural light. Photo – Anson Smart.

Folding doors open the living spaces to the greenery beyond. Photo – Anson Smart.

‘The blues, golden grassy tones and neutrals are carried through the living areas, with texture and pattern adding complexity, rather than any bold accents,’ says Sarah-Jane Pyke. Photo – Anson Smart.

Grey-blue joinery and rattan accents create a dialogue between the living space and the kitchen. Photo – Anson Smart.

A shelf of treasures. Photo – Anson Smart.

The blue tones of the kitchen reference the typical coastal surrounds. Photo – Anson Smart.

The kitchen is the functional centre of the home, and connects the living spaces to the outdoors via its capacity for entertaining. Photo – Anson Smart.

Soothing slate blue is an anchoring force constant throughout the interior palette. Photo – Anson Smart.

A painted beach scene echoes the Palm Beach locale. Photo – Anson Smart.

In the upstairs quarters, the palette becomes more playful. Photo – Anson Smart.

Classic coastal stripes create a timeless feel in the upstairs study. Photo – Anson Smart.

The towering trees offer glimpses of the sea through branches. Photo – Anson Smart.

Summery yellows and fringed textures create a more lived-in, relaxed upstairs space. Photo – Anson Smart.

Peachy pinks gives a burst of colour! Photo – Anson Smart.

Sasha Gattermayr
Thursday 9th December 2021

‘The interiors are not competing for attention with their environment, but rather they are in harmony with the eucalypts, sky and shimmering water beyond, exuding a quiet, natural charm.’ – Sarah-Jane Pyke

When you complete multiple projects for the same client, a bond of mutual trust invariably develops. These are the circumstances under which the Peninsula House by Arent&Pyke was conceived, being the third time the interior designers had collaborated with this particular client.

A professional history and understanding afforded the designers a lot of freedom when it came to reimagining this Palm Beach weekender.

‘Our scope was to renovate the kitchen and decorate the two living areas downstairs and one upstairs, as well as the four bedrooms,’ explains Sarah-Jane Pyke of Arent&Pyke. ‘All our work was carried out within the existing envelope of the home. We updated joinery, lighting and flooring throughout, as well as the stairs. The most significant work was to the kitchen, which opens onto the ground floor lounge and outdoor terrace.’

The downstairs space comprises two living zones (one casual and one formal), a dining area and open kitchen. This continuous sequence of spaces are anchored by slate blue joinery, which echoes the calming tones of the seascape beyond and works in tandem with the rich walnut and rattan notes.

‘The blues, golden grassy tones and neutrals are carried through the living areas, with texture and pattern adding complexity, rather than any bold accents,’ says Sarah-Jane.

Upstairs, the palette becomes more relaxed and beachy. Striped furniture offers a more classic coastal approach, while warm umber yellows, peachy pinks and fringed textures create inviting, personalised relaxation spaces.

‘The home is now vibrant, layered and comforting all at once,’ explains Sarah-Jane. ‘There is a plateful energy in the home, with its cheerful furnishings, textures and colours.’

Perfect for barefoot living!

See more projects by Arent&Pyke here.

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The Design Files acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

First Nations artists, designers, makers, and creative business owners are encouraged to submit their projects for coverage on The Design Files. Please email bea@thedesignfiles.net