LIVING AREA
Nicole’s favourite part of the renovation is this open-plan space, where caramel tones in the Havwoods ‘Pallido’ herringbone oak floor find resonance in a ‘Hayman II’ sofa, custom-designed by Your Beautiful Home and upholstered in Mokum ‘Sahel’ fabric in Rose Gold. “We have afternoon naps here, feet up and facing out to the ocean,” says Nicole. Sheer curtains from Marlow & Finch increase privacy and “really soften the space,” she says. A ‘Summerhouse’ throw from
Berry Jam Sweet Living and David Jones ‘Coastal’ teapot atop a ‘Pod’ ottoman in a Catherine Martin fabric, designed by Your Beautiful Home, enhance an inviting scene.
“I LOVE THE OPENNESS OF THE LIVING AND DINING AREA, WHICH ALLOWS US TO ENTERTAIN FAMILY AND FRIENDS” ~ NICOLE, HOMEOWNER
Beach babies from way back, Nicole and her husband Evan were on the lookout “for the dream family property in Sydney”, says Nicole, who runs a sport-management firm. She and Evan, CEO of an investment management company, moved to Singapore for work in 2005 but never stopped scanning the property scene back home. Their dedication reaped dividends when a rare find came their way – two three-bedroom apartments had been merged to form a seafront home on Sydney’s northern beaches. “As we said at the time, it was good as it was – but with the right renovation it would be amazing!” says Nicole.
Meeting with design agency Your Beautiful Home, the pair laid out their plan for “an open, light and modern” abode that would radiate relaxation but would never descend into beach kitsch.
The revamp kicked off in 2019, with Nicole and Evan checking off design decisions from Singapore.
“Their number one request was for the home not to be boring!” says Anna Williams from Your Beautiful Home. “They wanted a sense of ‘wow’ when it was all done.”
That accomplished, the sea breezes now carry the sweet scent of forever – even though, for now, the family’s primary residence remains in Singapore. “We see this as our long-term home for many years to come,” says Nicole.
DINING AREA A ‘Balmoral’ American oak table from Loughlin Furniture (below) was one of Nicole’s renovation “non-negotiables” and is surrounded by ‘Rosie’ dining chairs in Soot from Globe
West. She included “a chair by the window” in her brief, and sipping tea or reading in the Home Republic ‘Copenhagen’ armchair from Adairs is a delight. Nicole uses part of the bespoke entertainment cabinet (above, painted in Taubmans November Rains half-strength) as a home office-cum-storage area. >