In Bangalow, NSW, florist Mikarla Dawson turned a 1980s eyesore into a photogenic country escape

We chart the transformation of this crisp, clean-lined home in Bangalow, NSW, from a dark and outdated chalet-style cottage

Seeing the potential behind a dated 1980s brick home with old aluminium windows, cork floors and chipboard ceilings takes an inspired eye. “I think my mum even cried a little,” says Mikarla Dawson, recalling her parents’ initial reaction when shown photos of this property in Bangalow on the NSW far north coast.

However, for Mikarla, husband Mitch and son Van, who were relocating from Sydney, the secluded house at the end of a cul-de-sac presented a chance to create the beach home they’d been seeking. Its lofty ceilings, family-friendly layout and mature tropical surroundings were perfect!

Feeling more like a Thredbo ski chalet than a laidback beach house, the orangey wood and dated brick surfaces were the first things to be tackled. “Once the floors were stripped and the exterior rendered and painted, we hit the entire house with white to cover up the pine and make it feel bright,” says Mikarla, who initially made idea boards featuring Dulux Vivid White but was advised by a decorator to use another white.

We wanted lots of whites, neutrals and natural materials that we could live with forever MIKARLA DAWSON, HOMEOWNER

“As Vivid White isn’t tinted, it wouldn’t have covered the wood well enough, so I opted for Dulux Lexicon Quarter instead,” says Mikarla. “The hint of black has cooled the warm wood beneath and helps to keep the backdrop crisp without feeling too icy.” She and Mitch teamed it with Coastal Blackbutt flooring, a hybrid product from Eco Flooring. “We were both determined to steer away from rich tones, like the honey-coloured pine we’d just ripped out, and go down the cooler route,” she says.

Three months into the project, and with the basics all hooked up, the couple moved in with baby Van. From then on, the work was largely decorative – although living amid the chaos for more than a year was testing. “As well as managing the timeline and budget, we were starting up our new wedding and events floral business,” says Mikarla. “We probably should have delayed moving in until 90 per cent of the work was done. I’d also underestimated my husband’s vision for the landscaping, and how long it would take. However, levelling what was a swampy jungle and working with the existing Bangalow palms and eucalyptus was well worth the hard work. We now have an incredibly lush, useable garden.”

The verdant theme continues inside as Mikarla’s leathery green house plants pack a punch against the white walls and exposedbeam ceiling. In the seating area of the open-plan living space, sun-bleached tones and textures ensure the pace stays slow and relaxed. A large island in the centre helps to zone the kitchen, while an alcove off to the side has been fitted with simple storage benches. “We all love the nook,” says Mikarla. “The wraparound windows, which we painted black for a modern update, catch the morning sun and evening warmth, and the hidden storage is invaluable. It was a great spend.” Elsewhere, the kitchen is unfussy and simple, with basic two-pack polyurethane cupboards and a Caesarstone benchtop. “I’ve added subtle colour and texture through the wall tiles and house-plant displays, but overall it’s an easy, down-to-earth space,” she explains.

The vibe is similar in the ensuite along the hall, where an unadorned vanity feels more like a graceful dresser. “The lantern matches the ones in the living space,” says Mikarla. “I bought the last remaining few from an eclectic store in Byron. That’s one of my top tips – always buy that one-off when you see it, or it’ll go.”

Back outside, the white theme continues in the garden with Mitch’s landscaping triumph – the curved rendered walls that contrast with the home’s angular architecture and brilliant green surroundings. Bold, patterned pots add a cheerful note to the pool deck, and an outdoor shower is the soak of choice in summer.

“We work from home and run our business from a studio in the garden, so we wanted to create a relaxed sanctuary where we’d be happy to spend most of our days,” says Mikarla. “In fact, throughout summer it’s hard to leave this place, especially as we have a resident koala to keep an eye on. Van named him Banjo, and even on Christmas Day with 20 people in the garden, he still likes to wander around. This truly is a very special place, and it’s just right for the three of us.” Mikarla and Mitch’s business is called Wilderness Flowers and can be found at wildernessflowers.com or on Instagram wilderness_flowers

The old house was a 1980s horror but we fell for its high ceilings, internal light and mature tropical gardens. We worked with the pros and took away the cons MIKARLA

LIVING AREA Lofty beamed ceilings and striking white surfaces ensure the open-plan space is always bright. Mikarla has kept the seating relaxed with cool linens in sandy shades, while the rug from Tigmi Trading adds a welcoming feel. Chairs inherited from Mitch’s family suit the easygoing set-up. A fiddle-leaf fig ( Ficus lyrata) in Rosso pot from Pop & Scott makes an impact in the corner. EXTERIOR (opposite) This view of the house, featuring Mikarla, shows how it has been rendered and painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter. The green roof is now Colorbond Shale Grey.

KITCHEN Mikarla’s flawless arrangements of house plants brings instant personality, colour and drama to the plain walls and simple shelves. Glossy subway tiles from Beaumont Tiles reflect the light. The benchtops are Caesarstone Oyster. LIVING AREA (opposite) Winter in Bangalow can be chilly so a functioning fireplace was a must for the family. They chose a new Norseman wood-burning stove from Barbeques Galore. Mikarla found the lanterns at Shikara Design & Kasbah Imports in Byron Bay. A handful of Queen Anne’s lace ( Daucus carota) from the garden provides the greenery. Candleholder from Marr-Kett, also in Byron.

VAN’S ROOM Playful Van loves his loft-style space. The eclectic mix of earthy linens from Pampa have a charming timeworn feel, and practical vinyl flooring from Carpet Court is a breeze to clean. DINING NOOK (opposite top) Lush palms and ferns are framed by the black-edged windows. Mikarla had storage benches made to fit snugly on either side of the Habitat Home Collection table. LIVING AREA (opposite bottom) On the staircase side of the room, the upbeat pastel shades of Emma Gale’s artwork The Hustle are picked up in a stunning display of proteas. Replica Eames white table, Matt Blatt.

1 Entry 2 Living 3 Kitchen/dining 4 Bedroom 5 Bedroom 6 Main bedroom 7 Ensuite 8 WIR 9 Bathroom 10 Laundry 11 Loft room 12 Store 13 Garage 14 Deck 15 Pool

MAIN BEDROOM Mikarla’s wishlist included a walk-in-robe and spacious ensuite. The walls are painted Dulux Eucalyptus Leaf Quarter and over the bedhead from The Family Love Tree is a dried eucalyptus branch. The bedhead was Mikarla’s only online purchase — she prefers items she can see and touch first. ENSUITE (opposite) Bold black cement basins from Slabshapers tie in with the lanterns from Shikara Design. The bespoke vanity is so huge they had trouble finding a 3.5m-long slab to fit, so ordered custom Caesarstone in Nougat. The tiles are the same as those in the kitchen. Bath and taps, Who Bathroom Warehouse.