Every now and then, we come across a beautiful home that effortlessly lends itself to several interiors looks. One such place is this family residence on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, home to Rhiannon Swan, her husband Cameron and their three young daughters.
This recently built home is a modern interpretation of the dream Australian beach house, and it’s a fitting reflection of Rhiannon’s contemporary coastal style. For this festive photoshoot she let our stylists go wild with an on-trend ’70s look, and amid the timeless interiors it works.
The dining table is set with an assortment of Mud Australia dinnerware and Bastile & Sons napkins.
Aesthetics aside, what makes the design of this home feel so natural and intuitive is the team behind it – the architect Brianna Swan is Rhiannon’s sister-in-law and the builder Keegan Mitchell of Blucore Construction is Brianna’s brother. “It is a very special thing to be able to build your own home and have your sister-in-law design it,” Rhiannon says.
The pastel scheme is accented with brass Black Blaze candleholders, Dinosaur Designs vases and Krof cutlery. Glassware from Maison Balzac and Lee Mathews, candles from House of Heras and paper garland from Pulp Creative Paper. Chairs from Great Dane.
“We’re lucky we had people we know and trust throughout the build. Everything was special, from the day the original house was knocked down to the day we moved in. Our third daughter was born during this time!”
The brief began with a few photos of houses that resonated with the couple. “When Brianna sent the first mock up, we didn’t want to change a thing!”
While the girls joyfully decorate the tree, the real fun begins when it’s time to unwrap all those presents. Displayed beside the Christmas tree are vases from Dinosaur Designs and Makers’ Mrkt. The Humble Matter ‘TTR’ vessel and Monique Lovering artwork are both from Curatorial+Co.
From the beginning, Rhiannon loved the idea of a modern beach house. “We really wanted the front to look original and the back to be modern and functional,” she says of the 1950s-style front facade. Open plan living spaces and high ceilings breathe fresh air and instill a sense of flow throughout, as does the white palette.
The living room features a sofa from Instagram store My Verona, a Sarah Ellison coffee table, a Tigmi Trading rug and cushions from Stylecraft and Tara Dennis Store. Design objects from Makers’ Mrkt are displayed on the coffee table. Atop the white Muuto side table from Luumo is a Maison Balzac tumbler, a Dinosaur Designs coaster and a candle and brass holder by Black Blaze. The glorious Christmas tree is decorated with ornaments and garlands from Pulp Creative Paper, David Jones and Tara Dennis Store.
“We chose mostly white because then you can change your interiors and add or take away colour at any time,” she explains. Some materials were chosen primarily for their practicality like the concrete flooring in the living area, which is low-maintenance and family-friendly. Texture was also essential – Rhiannon says the shutter-front kitchen cupboards and master robe doors “were a must”.
Refined stone surfaces and contemporary lines were selected for the kitchen. A Calacatta marble splashback and benchtop complements the white island in Caesarstone ‘Snow’ and the cabinetry made by R A Joinery and James Middleton Projects. The Portofino oven is Smeg, the bar stools are from DesignByThem, the resin wares are by Dinosaur Designs and the ceramics are from Makers’ Mrkt, Batch and Curatorial+Co.
Not only does this home nod to the couple’s creative family ties, it’s a reflection of their surrounds. For example, Rhiannon first saw the bathroom wall tiles on her favourite walk from Queenscliff to Shelly Beach.
Style tip: A simple timber bench like this one is more versatile than it may seem. It works as a focal point against a bare wall, can double as a display for decorative objects and is perfect for when you need extra seating for guests, indoors and outdoors. On the wall above are oars from Water Tiger.
“The public bathrooms along the coastal walk had just been rebuilt. I loved the tiles so much I called the council and they told me where they sourced them.” Similarly, she discovered the floor tiles on Instagram and called all the local tile shops until she found the supplier. “We’re quick decision makers and know what we like. If we loved it, we went for it and hoped for the best!”
The decorating scheme in the master bedroom nods to Rhiannon’s cool, coastal style with subtle stripes, a shutter-front robe and white wall panels. The bed and cushions are from The Boathouse Home, the bedside is from Great Dane and the couple found the wall sconce while in London. Garlands from Pulp Creative Paper, ceramics from Makers’ Mrkt and presents with paper and ribbon from Vandoros.
This bedroom is a young girl’s dream, with Bella + Lace tutus, paper garlands and beautifully layered bedding. Bed from Freedom, side table from Ikea, lamp from Bastille & Sons and throw by Blue Daisy Wares. A crown from Oh Mee Oh Mai and shell wreath from The Boathouse Home hang on Kmart wall hooks. The garland, cracker and big honeycomb ornament are from Ruby Rabbit.
Three ways to achieve coastal Christmas style
1. Colour palette is key. Swap a red and green scheme for shades inspired by the beach at dusk and dawn, and add soft shades of olive, moss and seagrass.
2. Instead of making a Christmas tree the hero, why not make a potted palm the feature? All it will need is a lightweight paper garland and a sprinkle of tinsel.
3. Creating a relaxed atmosphere is the most important element, so keep your decorating scheme simple. Think less styling and more fun!
The bathroom wall tiles were inspired by the design of a local public bathroom, and Rhiannon first spotted these floor tiles on Instagram. The soap dish is from Fazeek and the soap and hand towel are from Oliver Thom.
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