Baywatch House
As we freeze our socks off in the frigid northern European winter, our fantasies turn to the sunny shores of Australia with its promises of sun, sand and beautifully designed houses. This cliff-side abode in the Coogee suburb of Sydney, with its stunning ocean views and elegantly restrained design, ticks all our boxes.
Designed by Sydney-based Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, this suburban house maximises light and space with simple rectilinear shapes and vast expanses of windows. The exterior is clad in dark stained timber, which looks great against the concrete structure and the dark metal window frames. As you enter the house you can see through the three-storey stair void to the lap pool in the back garden and the stunning views of Gordon's Bay beyond, making it clear who the star of the show is.
The interior space exudes contemporary cool. Vertical pivoting timber frames outside the windows provide protection from the harsh sunlight. The extra wide timber floor boards and dark wood panel feature walls offer the perfect backdrop for a thoughtful selection of contemporary furniture in soothing neutral tones. We particularly like the bathroom with a dark wood panel wall on one side and wall-to-wall mirrors on the other, neatly doubling the ocean view through the window.
This is a fantastic house which personifies the casual elegance and sunny optimism of Australian lifestyle.
Links
Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
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Product Inspiration
Neutral tones and contemporary shapes would work wonderfully in a light-filled space such as the Gordon's Bay house. The Gentry sofa from Moroso is a perennial favourite, as is the clever Lake rug from Golran. The Meduse occasional table from Casamania adds a fun, colourful touch.
The sleek shape of the New Wave suspension light from LZF is perfect for this space, its wavy shape echoing the ocean views outside. Smaller pendants, such as the Material pendant from New Works (the concrete version looks great), also work well, especially in a group. Another good choice is the Cave table light from Moustache, with its sculptural shape and subdued light.
The Muselet bowls from Incipit, with their sculptural shapes and elegant colours, would look great on the kitchen counter. For something a bit more decorative but just as slick try the Metrobowl New York from Frederik Roije. Last but not least make sure your wine is perfectly chilled with the clever Wine Cooler from Menu, ready for parties by the pool.
