Beach House Design Ideas :: Whitstable, England

Continuing with my beach side finds along the Kent coast...

Who needs to worry about the cost of a 350sqm house when you can live in something as small as 35sqm! 

Nina Tolstrup from Studiomama has designed this cosy beach house for her own family of four as a weekend retreat on the Whitstable coast.

The total floor area is only 35sqm plus a small deck at the front and rear. The structure is built on galvanised steel stilts to prevent flooding, with the outside clad in cedar shingles and inside clad in a light softwood timber.

Loads of ideas are used here for maximising space; split floor levels separating the sleeping from the living areas with bunk beds for the kids and a mezzanine sleeping area for the parents; a compact and efficient kitchen and bathroom and a mix of reclaimed timber furniture and stackable chairs.

images via Studiomama & Ben Anders

Sea views are captured by full height glazing to the front allowing for that inside-outside feel and maximum light penetration.

For a relaxing weekend just add a bottle of wine! Have fun.

Natural modern design by Lisa Coulburn

Design Refuge has posted their October challenge... What is your design style?

When I design interiors for my clients I always design for their own personal design style so this is a lovely opportunity to share my own design style with you.

My style can be described as natural modern with an eclectic traveller twist and a strong connection to the outdoors. As an interior designer I am also inspired by recycling old materials and the use of non-toxic and natural finishes.

These images (courtesy of photographers Richard Powers & Rhiannon Slatter and Linda from Oeke design) are a collection of natural materials and textures, reclaimed wood and objects that tell stories of past memories and experiences with different cultures. They really sum up my own style which reflects my life, my travels and my connection to nature. They will also be the starting point for my own dream home. 

What's your design style?

Natural interior design ideas :: Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville

With all of my interior design projects I tend to use my camera quite often to either record the current site or room conditions, for shopping trips for furniture and finishes or for interior design ideas and design inspiration.

These leaves were gathered on a rainforest walk in the Sunshine Coast hinterland prior to me working on the interior design for Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville, Queensland.

When you think of a rainforest colour you normally think of the colour green. As you can see from these leaves there are many more colours to be found in a rainforest.

I used these colours and textures to help build up a mood board to communicate the inspiration and interior design ideas below.

Here are some photos of the finished interior design and renovations.

We kept the living space and kitchen lighter in tone to allow the bedroom to feel more cosy and inviting.

Warmer colours are used to make a smaller room more cosy.

Keeping the walls, window coverings and decor within the rainforest colour scheme.

A fully glass shower unit maximizes the indoor outdoor feel of this bathroom.

This full glass shower recess creates the feel of a larger bathroom.

Great rainforest views from the deck.

I would love to know where you find your inspiration and interior design ideas from. Have fun.

Indoor outdoor living by Richard Powers photography

Today my online interior design ideas and inspirational blog is finally born and what a better place to start than with sharing my dream home.

As a keen traveler, trekker and interior designer now living in Brisbane, I love the rainforest and the indoor outdoor living and lifestyle that is so typical of Queensland.

Many years ago whilst working in London, I designed my first warehouse apartment for a lovely couple, Richard and Danielle in Clerkenwell, East London. Richard Powers was then and still is a keen photographer and has since photographed many gorgeous houses around the world. One of these houses is my dream home, a lovely rainforest retreat designed by the owner architect Arthur Casa.

Richard Powers

I love the indoor outdoor living, double height ceilings and the natural backdrop of the rainforest. It gives a huge sense of openness to the living areas and a direct relationship with nature.

Richard Powers

Inside, ethnic patterns, natural fabrics and rich earthy tones add warmth and texture to the living areas.

An indoor outdoor dining area has been integrated with the cooking area to one end of the kitchen island design whilst a feature pendant light, designed by Camilla Diedrich for Rotaliana, hangs over the other end.

This house creates a beautiful balance between the surrounding natural habitat, clean architectural lines and an ethnic modern vibe.

Thank you for reading my first post. Feel free to leave a comment or share with me what your dream home looks like.

Indoor outdoor living by Richard Powers photography

Today my online interior design ideas and inspirational blog is finally born and what a better place to start than with to share my dream home.

As a keen traveler, trekker and Interior designer now living in Brisbane, I love the rainforest and the indoor outdoor living that is so typical of my home state of Queensland.

Many years ago whilst working in London, I designed my first warehouse apartment for a lovely couple, Richard and then Danielle in Clerkenwell, East London. Richard Powers was then and still is a keen photographer and has since photographed many gorgeous houses around the world. One of these houses is my dream home, a lovely rainforest retreat designed by the owner architect Arthur Casa.

 Richard Powers

I love the indoor outdoor living, double height ceilings and the natural backdrop of the rainforest. It gives a huge sense of openness to the living areas and a direct relationship with nature.

 Richard Powers

Inside, ethnic patterns, natural fabrics and rich earthy tones add warmth and texture to the living areas.

An indoor outdoor dining area has been integrated with the cooking area to one end of the kitchen island design whilst a feature pendant light, designed by Camilla Diedrich for Rotaliana, hangs over the other end.

This house creates a beautiful balance between the surrounding natural habitat, clean architectural lines and an ethnic modern vibe.

Thank you for the time to read my first post and appreciate your time if you would like to leave a comment or tell me what your dream home looks like.