SMALL WONDER

A BUSY FAMILY NOW HAS MORE ROOM TO MOVE AFTER TRANSFORMING A TIRED GARAGE INTO A MULTI-PURPOSE STUDIO SPACE

“BLUE IS SUCH A TIMELESS COLOUR TO WORK WITH AND JUST EXUDES A SUMMERY ATMOSPHERE” ~ SALLY PATERSON, INTERIOR DESIGNER

Big on functionality and flexibility, this former humble garage has been reborn as three spaces in one: a pool cabana, living area and guest house. Indeed, owner Lara Beesley (founder of online indoor plant service Captain Monstera) says the poolside room has become an integral part of life since it was completed last year, adding extra space where the children can play, and suiting the family’s love of hosting friends and family. “We do a lot of entertaining because of this little cabana,” says Lara. “All the bi-fold windows in the servery open out, making the bar section a great place to perch, and there’s a view of the TV.” Lara and her husband, Darren, had first knocked down and rebuilt the original house on the site two years earlier, but left the old garage until they were ready to tackle the next stage. Nimmo Nielsen Collective designed the original layout, and Sally Paterson from Heliconia Interiors & Design later updated the design and completed the project. “This small space needed to achieve quite a few roles!” says Sally. “Its success came down to careful spatial planning but also a strategic use of scale in fixtures and furnishings.”

Original room: A neglected garage

Time frame: Six months.

Why the makeover? After the original house had been demolished and

rebuilt in a contemporary style, it was time to transform the old garage.

The works: The space was completely gutted and the zone was then reconfigured to include a kitchenette and bathroom.

Major changes: Just about everything was changed, including the wall linings, the flooring and the bathroom fittings.

Lessons learned: Lara didn’t use Sally when they did the main house and she says in retrospect it would have made things easier. “Working with Sally was a godsend,” says Lara. “The detail she covers off was a huge benefit.”

TAKE A SEAT This open-plan space acts as the hub of the versatile cabana. A Signature sofa from Freedom, Ibis White rug from Fab Habitat and ‘Arniston’ occasional chair from Uniqwa Furniture introduce comfort, while plants and planters from Captain Monstera, and the ‘Palm Springs’ and ‘Lonesome Palm’ artworks from Olive Et Oriel, brighten up the space. Extra storage comes courtesy of an entertainment unit from Zanui, and the kitchenette features custom joinery in Dulux Ship’s Officer, offset by ‘Aver’ brass handles from Lo & Co Interiors. >

sss ON THE SHELF Open timber shelves sitting above the Pure White Corian benchtop (above left) keep the atmosphere informal and airy in the kitchenette, while bi-fold windows offer a clear view of the adjacent pool. The Grey 450mm x 900mm textured floor tiles from Tiles By Kate, and walls painted in Dulux Lexicon Half, help showcase the custom-made joinery.

WATER WISE Almost an afterthought, the outdoor shower (left) from Hardware & General has become indispensable after beach trips. “Rather than the kids traipsing sand through the house, they just go down the side gate and under the shower and rinse off,” says Lara. As in the bathroom (opposite), encaustic tiles in Navy and White, from Tiles By Kate, offer style and cohesion.

VANITY PROJECT A vanity, custom-designed by Heliconia and made by Arc Projects (painted in Dulux Lexicon), creates a relaxed beachside feel, allowing the ‘TBK169106’ encaustic tiles in Navy and White, from Tiles By Kate, to be the hero of the room. Beacon Lighting ‘Tadao’ wall lights are a subtle addition, while a ‘Flynn’ mirror from Warranbrooke and the Mizu tapware from Reece add a modern, yet timeless touch.