Overlooking the famous Surfers Paradise strip, this apartment boasts an enviable location and breathtaking views. But inside, its faded interiors were overdue an update when designer Paul Coulson from Earthborne by Design stepped in.
“The owners wanted us to bring their 30-year-old property ‘into the now’,” Paul explains. “The main bathroom and ensuite bathroom were completely renovated, as was the laundry and powder room. We have also redecorated the entire apartment, giving new life to what was a dated interior.”
Located right on the beach, the apartment commands a sweeping vista of the Gold Coast’s most famous stretch of surf and sand. “With such a beautiful location, it was easy to find inspiration from the setting when it came to the decor,” says Paul. “The idea was to keep the style comfortable, relaxed, light and organic — with a touch of elegance and a little bit of Hamptons.”
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Working within a 30-year-old solid brick-and-concrete building brought some hurdles to the design process, however. The plumbing and electrical services were dated and difficult to access, which made relocating and reconfiguring the spaces an issue. “The other significant challenge was furnishing the main living space due to the open-plan layout,” adds Paul. “The shape of the room and the egress points meant we had to find ways to create specific zones within the same space, combining lounge, dining and casual living areas. It was important to create a cohesive feel where all the elements worked harmoniously — without feeling contrived or ‘put together’.”
The spectacular vista remains a constant focal point throughout the apartment, so Earthborne by Design focused on decorating the main living and dining space to maximise those incredible coastal views.
Because the apartment is a weekender and holiday home for the client and her family, it was essential to source products that would be durable and easy to maintain. Paul chose fabrics and textiles that would stand up to the conditions of beachside living and introduced sustainably sourced timber and rattan pieces for a relaxed, coastal feel.
The new palette is calm and neutral, punctuated with hits of blue and gold in the artwork and accessories to mimic the beach beyond. It’s a comfortably chic scene, and the perfect perch for beachside bliss – so much so that this project won the 2019 HIA Interior Decorate award. Congratulations, Earthborne by Design!
