Creating a house as breathtaking as the sweeping ocean views which can be enjoyed from this parcel of land in Trigg was always going to be a challenge.
But Perth interior designer Emma Mackie from M Interiors makes it her mission to utterly delight her clients, regardless of the brief, and this was no exception when it came to working on this beautiful home.
Picture: Jody D’Arcy
Emma, who left a high-profile career in marketing to pursue her passion for interiors, says the homeowners, a semi-retired couple who love entertaining, spend plenty of time at the beach and often play host to their extended family, including grandchildren.
The brief was to create a home that was ideal for entertaining and which would enable them to get the most out of the location.
With a coastal plantation vibe in mind, Emma and a team of builders and experts set about creating a home befitting of its enviable perch with an emphasis on maximising the epic views.
“We took some inspiration from The Hamptons hence the weatherboard cladding, ceiling beams and wall panelling detail, however the clients were more than happy to steer away from the typical blue and white colour palette in favour of a more restrained palette of caramel, taupe and off-whites with layers of subtle pattern and texture to create interest,” Emma says.
Picture: Jody D’Arcy
Picture: Jody D’Arcy
“And lots of natural materials including jute, stone, timber, marble and linen which worked well with the coastal location and style.”
Emma says practicality and functionality were a big part of the design brief given her clients’ age. “Furniture needed to be comfortable but firm for back support, easy to maintain and clean, for example we chose large-format tiles with minimal grout lines and we paid special attention to things like the balustrades and joinery to make sure they were sturdy and easy to use.”
Part of the magic of what Emma has been able to achieve is that despite the grand location, jaw-dropping views and impressive architectural elements, the home still has a relaxed, resort-like feel.
Picture: Jody D’Arcy
“There is a very serene, calming and homely feel as soon as you walk through the entry, it is very casually elegant and there is an abundance of space,” Emma says.
“While it is open plan, each of the zones have been thoughtfully considered and that contributes to the serenity.”
Emma says the ceilings in the ground-floor living area are lined with James Hardie boards and long timber beams which are all painted crisp white. Solid timber finishes used extensively throughout the house also create timeless appeal.
A 20m hallway that wraps the length of the central alfresco area and lap pool is a key feature in the home’s design and it is lined with sheer curtains that catch the famous Fremantle Doctor, creating an artistic, billowing display.
With walls and ceilings painted in light and bright tones, carefully chosen dark-coloured sculptural light fittings from The Montauk Lighting Co. create mesmerising pops of contrast.
Picture: Jody D’Arcy
Picture: Jody D’Arcy
“A stone fireplace in the front sitting room adds texture and warmth and some real wow factor,” Emma says.
Some beautifully placed splashes of blue further add to the resort-style ambience. Emma says creating sanctuaries for her clients is incredibly rewarding.
Picture: Jody D’Arcy
“I work to any brief and believe it is very much a collaboration with the clients,” she says.
“I try to bring out their style and reflect their personality into each home but I always aim to create spaces that evoke a sense of relaxed, casual elegance because after all our homes are our own personal retreats, a place where we can celebrate the things that are most important to us, like family time and being with our friends and loved ones.”
