Home Beautiful: An idyllic sun-drenched Christmas with a coastal colour palette
Rewritten from Home Beautiful original article “An idyllic sun-drenched Christmas with a coastal colour palette by Brittany Smith”
(Credit: Photo: Simon Whitbread / Styling: Nonci Nyoni)
Welcome to the idyllic Sydney home of Helena and her family, where a sun-drenched Christmas is celebrated with a coastal colour palette. This family home, completed in March 2021, is a haven of tranquillity with tall ceilings and an airy atmosphere, just a few minutes drive from the beach.
Helena, a finance professional, her husband Oliver, and their children Harry and Elsa are all set to host their first Christmas in their new home. The festive menu is a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, including barbecued seafood, ham, trifle, plum pudding, and pavlova. The decor is conventional, with wreaths, baubles, and garlands, all aimed at creating a fun atmosphere for the kids.
The home's design is a testament to the meticulous work of their builder, Alex from Stritt Design and Construction. The living room features a fireplace by Stone Age Masonry, adding a traditional holiday touch. The room is further enhanced by Nicole Fearfield's artwork, "Some Splendid Moments", available at Sibu Gallery, which complements the blue and green tones of the Balsam Hill tree. Marble coffee tables from Globe West bridge the indoor and outdoor zones, while the different tones of MCM House's 'Hampton' sofa in Stone and 'Joe' armchairs in Navy add visual interest.
The home, with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living spaces, an alfresco dining area, and a pool, is perfect for Helena's growing family and her love for entertaining. The kitchen features herringbone floors in Argento from Tongue & Groove and custom paints created by interior designer Janette, setting a nautical palette throughout the home.
(Credit: Photo: Simon Whitbread / Styling: Nonci Nyoni)
The interiors are elegant yet relaxed, with plenty of communal areas for shared experiences and family time. The abundant sunshine is maximised with crisp white walls and stacker doors leading to a wraparound balcony. The dining area, one of Helena's favourite spots, features a striking Ralph Lauren chandelier from The Montauk Lighting Co.
The master bedroom is grounded by MCM House's 'Joe' high bedhead in a deep grey. At the same time, Anna Curnuck's artwork "Insouciance", available through Sibu Gallery, introduces warm tones. The ensuite features Carrara basketweave mosaic tiles from Stone Bathware.
The outdoor areas are maximised for a relaxed and open style of living. The LM Home Interiors outdoor table, decorated with white dahlias from Provincial Home Living, provides ample room for summer entertaining. The backyard and alfresco areas, facing northeast, are stunningly sun-drenched, with a tree serving as a focal point surrounded by lush greenery.
This Christmas, Helena looks forward to hosting her brother and his family, hoping for good weather so they can enjoy the pool and the beach. She aims to continue the holiday traditions she enjoyed as a child, creating fond memories for her children in their beautiful new home.