A Coastal Home Reimagined: Balancing Heritage with Contemporary Living

When this couple first purchased their charming freestanding home, they made some minor cosmetic updates. But as their family grew, it became clear that more space was needed to accommodate their evolving lifestyle. They wanted to honour the home’s rich history and architectural details, while thoughtfully introducing fresh elements inspired by their coastal surroundings.

To achieve this, a second story was added - creating room for a home office, additional bedrooms, and bathrooms - while the ground floor was carefully reconfigured to support the new layout. Understanding that a growing family comes with accumulating “stuff,” storage was a key priority throughout the design. The goal was to create a home that feels organised and functional without the constant need for tidying.

Embracing the home’s northern orientation and abundant natural light, the design focuses on seamless indoor-outdoor connections, encouraging a relaxed, bright lifestyle that reflects the coastal setting.

Custom joinery was designed into every room, offering ample storage and a streamlined way to live. Spacious wardrobes were crafted with flexibility in mind, allowing room to grow alongside the children’s changing needs. Bathroom vanities and overhead shaver cabinets were carefully planned to accommodate all essentials. The office space features lockable overhead cupboards, a built-in desks, and a whiteboard wall which combines beauty and practicality. Elsewhere, a linen cupboard and a floating TV cabinet provide tidy homes for everyday items and cherished knick-knacks alike.

Originally small and cramped, the kitchen was transformed into a bright, functional heart of the home. By opening up the space and adding a large sideboard with additional joinery, storage became abundant which was perfect for everything from family meals to entertaining guests. The natural Calacatta Vagli stone added depth and character, becoming a striking feature within the kitchen’s design. To enhance the sense of space in this narrow cottage, light and bright finishes were selected throughout. A smoky mirror splashback offers a clever touch by allowing the cook to keep an eye on children playing outside, almost like having “eyes in the back of their head.” Centrally located, the kitchen ensures that whether entertaining or parenting, the heart of the home remains connected and alive.

Downstairs, the original detailed cornices and ceilings were lovingly preserved, maintaining the home’s historic charm. To complement these features, VJ panelling was added beneath the picture rail which introduced texture and a subtle nod to the home’s coastal environment. Upstairs, raked ceilings were designed to flood the space with natural light and created a feeling of openness, especially important within the narrow hallway. Together, these thoughtful finishes and design choices create a home that effortlessly blends timeless character with a fresh, light-filled coastal aesthetic.

Ultimately, this home transformation creates a seamless blend of function and style, designed to grow with the family and celebrate the relaxed, light-filled lifestyle that coastal living inspires.