reveal / Ocean Escape living room
I’m excited to show you around this incredible Waiheke Island beach house transformation we have been working on for 18 months, starting with the living room! Picture this: a tired, 80s bach in the perfect ocean-side position, now reimagined into a dreamy coastal sanctuary designed for comfort, connection to nature, relaxation and memory making.
A front row seat
Step inside, and wow—the ocean view hits you like a postcard come to life. Expansive glass doors frame the sea perfectly, flooding the space with natural light and seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. But the magic doesn’t stop at the view—it’s all about the layers of texture that make this space feel warm, inviting, and coastal chic.
The power of texture
Keeping the palette neutral was key, but the secret design ingredient? Texture. We layered it in everywhere—bandsawn timber ceilings that add a touch of rustic charm, wide plank bandsawn oak flooring that’s both timeless and elegant, a travertine and plaster fireplace, linen curtains, a whole family of textural fabrics. The organic veining and soft neutral tones in all these textures make you feel calm, grounded, and surrounded in nature.
Sofa custom made, side tables from House Of Forbes.
A clever sofa
This might just be my favourite feature (apart from the view, that is)—the custom double-sided sofa! Whether you’re gazing out at the waves or curling up by the fire, this beauty has you covered. Plush, oversized cushions make it super comfortable, and it effortlessly anchors the whole room. This was designed and made by us to get the perfect shape, style and fabric.
Cozy corner daybeds
Tucked into the corners like little slices of heaven, the built-in daybeds are perfect for lazy afternoons with a book (or, a nana nap). Piled high with soft, textured pillows in sandy hues, they’re all about that effortless coastal comfort.
Open shelving
We kept things light and airy with floating timber shelves, styled with a curated mix of ceramics, organic sculptures, and books. Every piece was handpicked to add personality without overwhelming the space, creating that perfect balance of refined yet relaxed.
Coffee table and matching side table from David Shaw. Travertine and stonework by SCE Stone & Design.
“From cabinetry and kitchens, to furniture and cushions, designing custom pieces for clients
creates a unique interior, perfectly personalised to feel like their one-and-only home.”
The beauty of travertine
The fireplace and hearth are functional and beautiful. The natural, earthy quality of travertine blends seamlessly with the home’s breezy palette, and we extended the hearth to double as extra seating or a spot to display beautiful decor pieces. Above the fireplace a plastered column adds another interesting material - this was paint matched to the wall paint.
Side table from Simon James.
Thoughtful accessories
The final touches? Thoughtfully chosen accessories that make the space feel lived-in and loved. Think linen throws, sculptural side tables, softly curved furniture, custom made cushions, and the perfect mix of textures. Every detail was considered to create a home that feels organic, luxurious, and in tune with its coastal surroundings.
This island beach house is everything I hoped it would be—breezy, beautiful, and impossible to leave. I hope you like it, and stay tuned next week for the kitchen and dining reveal.