VIEW MASTER
his is not your typical beach house, says interior designer Greg Natale of the stunning residence in Sydney’s eastern suburbs that resulted from the eschewing of any beachy trappings while heroing all the luxury of contemporary coastal life. The clients saw my work in an issue of and loved my style, so they approached me when they were looking to completely rebuild There weren’t any major challenges beyond ensuring that the view remained centrestage. The scheme was all about connecting the design to the outlook beyond through palette, material and texture, as well as keeping the view in focus by choosing furniture that harmonised and didn’t obstruct. When it comes to materials, it helps to avoid stainless steel, which can rust – brass, on the other hand, acquires an appealing tarnish that can make it look better with age. Choosing natural materials such as wood and stone is a good idea in terms of wear but more importantly because of how they link to the landscape. In general, finding connections to the outside in the palette and materials makes for a more cohesive design. It’s a sophisticated take on a beach house that combines the organic and textural with the elegant and refined. I love the polished plaster ceilings introduced to suggest the fluidity of water inside – with their high-gloss, reflective finish, the effect is almost as if the water is flowing above you. I also love the travertine staircase with its brass railings, which becomes a sort of vertical sculpture that connects the whole house. Palette plays a big role, softly echoing the tones outside and reinterpreting them inside. Grey oak floors recall the colour of driftwood, while warm travertine calls to mind the smooth sand, with the golden gleam of brass taking it a step further. The blush pink that features throughout resembles the inside of shells you find along the shore, while deeper teal reminds you that you’re right by the ocean. In keeping with the seaside vibe, much of the furniture and abstract artworks are curved and organic in line, to maintain that link with the natural features outside. Sofas and dining chairs are low profile so the view can be enjoyed uninterrupted. Texture and pattern are important here – I’ve mentioned the ceilings, which have the shimmering gloss of water, but in the bedrooms there’s a focus on the textural in the wallpapers and ceiling. Texture and line are also on show with the cerused oak-topped dining table and the burl top of the coffee table. They’re over the moon! They’re big entertainers who love having friends and family over, and they spend a lot of time in the two main living spaces. The upstairs area, with its blush pink, teal and grey tones, is for more formal occasions, but for the downstairs living area they requested a ‘pool house’ vibe, so the design there features bolder pops of colour from the same palette. Always the magnetic appeal of water – it’s just so alluring and calming – and of course the fresh air and sense of openness. Sydney does seaside so well – we’re really lucky – and the beautiful vista of this project is no exception.
