A beach house owned by a family-focused retired couple, engaged Tennille Joy Interiors to refresh the dark and dated house. What started off as adding an extra wing for two bedrooms, turned into a full renovation inside and out. Located on the hills of Mount Martha in the state of Victoria, this home benefits from the green landscapes sweeping to the water views.

During the briefing process, the clients leaned on the side of a warm colour palette, favouring a ‘Hamptons’ style, yet adapted with an Australian native twist. Muted eucalyptus greens, soft blues, warm terracotta, natural oak and fresh white set the tone for the colour scheme.  The term ‘Australian Hamptons’ was adopted for the project.

The 15 year old beach house was overdue for a renovation, especially with the new arrival of their twelfth grandchild. The clients requested a multi-purpose space for one to curl up and read a book or for the grandkids to sit on the carpet and solve a puzzle together. As this space is opposite the front door, it’s a place to pause and take in the view. This newly renovated room is the intellectual brain of the house, otherwise known as the ‘Library’. Custom joinery was installed on one wall to house books and accessories while the cupboards hide the games and puzzles.

Tennille designed a built-in bench seat that wraps around the window with upholstery in Mokum’s high performance outdoor fabric.  With the very intense sunlight directed North West into the space, Mokum’s outdoor fabric was also selected for the cushions using varying designs.  The fabric by Mokum ensures extra protection from fading as well as for its easy clean and durable attributes.

“The best thing about this outdoor collection is that it’s textured, coloured towards our brief and has suitable patterns, like the Catherine Martin La Palma”, says Tennille. The scenery surrounding Mount Martha inspired the colour choices. From the deep sand colours of the Mount Martha Cliffs to the rusty rock, muted green landscape and the endless blue of the ocean and sky. Terracotta acts as a grounding anchor to reference the original terracotta roof.

“What was a serendipity moment was when the olive colour was selected for the joinery and unbeknownst, the clients’ granddaughter was only born that week and given the name Olive. We felt this was a sign to continue down the olive path which is such a soothing colour.”  Says Tennille.

“This project from where the green meets the sea is my most favourite to date. The mutual trust between the clients’ and myself as a designer from the start, kept the creative momentum going. There’s something about drawing in the muted colours of the landscape, so the view is looking in, not out. In saying that, view outside is breath-taking!”  Says Tennille Burnupp.

Photography by Nicole England
Interior Design & Styling by Tennille Joy Interiors

Products Used:
Tropicalia by Catherine Martin by Mokum
Miami by Mokum in colour Bronze
South Beach by Mokum in colour Kelp
South Beach by Mokum in colour Sand