How To Nail Coastal-Cool Style At Home

How To Nail Coastal-Cool Style At Home

Interiors

Victoria Merrett

Inside A Striking Mornington Peninsula Beach House Transformation. Slab End Dining Table and Wishbone Chairs by Mark Tuckey. IXIA Vase by Hattie Molloy. Photo – Tasha Tylee. Styling – Tatjana Melchiorre.

Inside A Striking Mornington Peninsula Beach House Transformation. The new extension sits quietly behind the original facade of the cabin-like home. Photo – Tasha Tylee. Styling – Tatjana Melchiorre.

A Modern Interpretation Of A Classic Mid-Century Beach Shack. This new Mount Martha beach house by Victoria Merrett Architects balances the historical vernacular of the area with the needs of a modern family. Photo – Tasha Tylee. Styling – Tatjana Melchiorre.

A Modern Interpretation Of A Classic Mid-Century Beach Shack. Rice Paper Shade Large pendant by HAY. Dining table by Mark Tuckey. Mastro Chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa from Castorina. Candle holders by Fabien Cappello. Photo – Tasha Tylee. Styling – Tatjana Melchiorre.

Scale

Scale is the foundation of every well resolved space. We spend a lot of time documenting furniture and art into our projects to ensure each piece sits comfortably within the room. Larger elements like sofas, rugs and tables come first to establish proportion and balance. Each item should feel deliberate, fitting naturally around the others as though they were always meant to be together.

Texture

Our interiors are often pared back and minimal, which allows texture to take the lead. Layering materials through furniture, art and finishes adds depth and character, even within a neutral palette. A balance of rough and smooth surfaces — linen, timber, stone or metal — gives each room a quiet richness without relying on colour or pattern.

De-clutter

Everything in a space should serve a purpose. For some projects, I avoid open shelving because it can easily become crowded. I want rooms to feel calm and considered, so every object on display must earn its place. When visual noise is removed, the architecture and interiors speak for themselves. I’d always prefer a restrained space over one that feels unresolved and cluttered.

Natural Materials

I’m always drawn to materials that feel honest and enduring. Timber, stone, linen and rattan bring a sense of grounding without overwhelming a space. Their natural variations and imperfections are what make them beautiful. I tend to avoid bright colours and artificial finishes, relying instead on these natural elements to bring warmth, texture and a subtle connection to the landscape.

Contrast

Too many safe choices can leave a room feeling flat. Introducing contrast with scale, texture, or tone brings energy and balance. It doesn’t have to be bold; even a small shift in light and shadow, or smooth beside raw, can give a space quiet strength and clarity.

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