Displaying posts labeled "Beach"

Hubert Zandberg, one of my favourite designers for about as long as this blog has existed, was tasked with creating a Mediterranean melting pot for his client’s holiday home. He combined a paired-back blue and white colour scheme with a plethora of neutral textures and earthy elements. The mix of locally sourced finishes, bespoke furniture and vintage finds resulted in a relaxed home for the family to refuel in a spectacular setting – Torre Vedra, Ibiza. It is so serene and welcoming.

I’m daydreaming … again. A beach house somewhere exotic, well at least exotic to me.  Somewhere simple but stylish, relaxed and beautiful. A house where bare feet are de rigueur as are long lunches with friends, dips in the pool, walks by the ocean. A house with natural finishes and layers of texture and a monochrome palette.  A house in the dunes in Comporta, Portugal by Isabelle Stanislas.

I’m real estate strolling scrolling in the Northern New South Wales “it” holiday town of Byron Bay. It’s stylish and chic but also boho and alternative, the place where Sydney-siders escape their stratospheric real estate market … except that Byron Bay now holds the dubious title of most expensive market in Australia. Today I am sharing a simple beachside getaway (but definitely not beach front), relaxed coastal living for just $3.3 million. Ouch! On the bright side that’s Australian Dollars so overseas readers need not fear because our currency is definitely weak at the moment and I guess you can always rent out the backyard studio on Airbnb to help with the mortgage. Link here while it lasts.

“Located along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay and within arm’s reach of the Portsea Pier, Portsea Beach House is the refurbishment of an existing cliff top residence. The proposed scheme pays homage to the understated character of the house which is reminiscent of the modernist era and adopts a sympathetic palette that draws inspiration from the surrounding coastal context.”

Simple, stylish, so satisfying. Respect for the past informs new design decisions. Finishes are luxe but restrained except those crazy paved floors. They’re just outrageously good. Portsea Beach House by Melbourne-based Studio Esteta.

Where would I rather be on this cool and rainy Sunday? How about lounging poolside or soaking in a tub at the beautiful Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach (formerly a dilapidated Motor Inn). Hotel Joaquin was designed by Studio Robert McKinley to embody chic, playful, and layered décor. Inspiration for the décor was taken from the island of St.Barths, the 1950s Southern California beach culture, and the timeless and pristine aesthetic of the Mediterranean coast. Each room was individually designed with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, customized furniture, and curated artwork. Luxurious bathrooms feature monolithic imported stone offset by glinting solid brass fixtures. Hand-cut and crafted tile pays homage the timeless work of coastal craftsmen.