This Sydney Northern Beaches family needed more casual living spaces for the parents and young children. Since a larger renovation was planned for further down the track, the brief was to convert an open verandah into a stylish sunroom / conservatory with timber deck surround.

The lounge was planned as an adults-only relaxation space, while the children could use the indoor/outdoor space of the conservatory and deck to play. Both spaces needed to be practical, and reflect the ‘stylish beach’ aesthetic of the rest of the home.

Working with the home’s existing colour scheme, Monica combined high-quality, durable fabrics and textures - to endure day-to-day family life — with furnishings, finishes and accessories to reflect the natural environment - the beachside - and also pay respect to the ‘Federation’ heritage of the house.

Seagrass matting meets with shiplap ceilings, marine life artworks and white and blue sofas to create a relaxed yet sophisticated living space, framed by a nautically inspired and sun-bleached timber deck.

From the client:

Monica turned our old verandah into a magical summer space. It’s hard to describe the transformation but it has literally changed the way we live. She saw the potential to connect and activate the back of our house with a new sunroom and deck. She was very easy to work with and handled everything end-to-end, helping us define our ideas but also bring fresh vision to what could be. We now live in this room and soak up its beautiful atmosphere.

Monica was tasked with transforming this 60’s style one-bedroom apartment into a relaxing sanctuary for a client who travels constantly. Being overseas on business a lot, the client was after a space with the structured, uncluttered aesthetic of a luxury ‘hotel’, combined with the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere of a holiday home. Highlighting the dramatic ocean views was another requirement.

Taking cues from the client’s lifestyle - at home and away - and inspiration from the natural surroundings and classic lifestyle brands like Ralph Lauren, Monica worked on transforming the entire apartment, including a kitchen renovation. Making sure the space would be masculine but fresh, colours include neutrals, browns, whites and blues, which also reflect the hues of the natural ocean environment.  Monica chose 100% linen for the sofa and sheer curtains to bring in a soft, coastal mood, combined with more masculine structured furniture and straight lines. 

The client is now able to come home to a relaxing, homely space, which is easy to maintain and uncluttered.

From the client: 

I was time poor and needed someone to bring my tired apartment up to date. Monica drew out what was in my head, understood the look I was after, and brought it to reality. Monica was great at making suggestions and was never daunted when I knocked some back! I kept her busy hunting for alternatives. If you just look at the transformation of my place it speaks for itself — don’t hesitate to give Monica a call.