California dreaming This abode is the epitome of coastal cool
A STRIKING HOME ON VICTORIA’S MORNINGTON PENINSULA IS NOW THE EPITOME OF COASTAL COOL
DESIGNING A HOME
with a spectacular outlook and location – to highlight the view without compromising on the house interiors – was the challenge facing the House Rules contestants when they tackled Leigh and Kristie’s Mornington Peninsula home, near Port Phillip Bay. With a brief to create a mood of California cool and employing natural materials, the teams devised a series of engaging spaces with a largely neutral palette taking occasional sidesteps into show-stopping drama. House Rules judges Wendy Moore, Drew Heath and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen all felt that the highlight of the renovation was the kitchen, with its muted, textural tones and oversized island bench. “I pretty much loved everything about that kitchen – it was just awesome,” says judge and Home Beautiful’s Wendy. “It was a great layout. It felt really spacious and part of the living room.” Texture is the hero throughout the house, with earthy materials, rustic finishes and tactile elements playing a starring role and adding an element of coastal-influenced cosiness. The relaxed style and warm colour scheme has been paired with carefully chosen green accents to create a wonderful inside-outside flow.
KITCHEN
The winning touch in the kitchen was the extension to the island bench (opposite & right), Chadstone Oak, supplied by Kinsman Kitchens. “It felt fantastic and it made a really modern kitchen feel instantly organic,” says Wendy. “I loved the cabinetry. I loved the long window. I loved the open shelving.” Fellow judge and interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen felt the kitchen worked well with the pantry. Both spaces, he says, had a very strong relationship, with the dark tiles inside the pantry offering a counterpoint to the stone of the island bench.