Australian Interior Designer, Natalee Bowen's take on Hamptons Style

Above: Sub tropical palms bring an instant coastal feel to a home

One of my favourite designers a little closer to home is Natalee Bowen, based in Perth, Natalee has become somewhat of an Australian icon in Hamptons style.

Adding Character to a Home with Solid Wood Flooring

Above - My 1940's cottage with solid wood floors

If you are building a new house or renovating, one way to add charm and character is with solid wood floors, I say "solid" as there are a few other options including engineered wood, however, if you want quality and durability, you can't go past the beauty of solid wood. With the many types of wood finishes, I've written this post with hints on selecting the right look for your style of home. 

A Bold Take on a San Diego Beach Cottage

Image via CM Natural Designs Company

A beach cottage should be decorated in a relaxed style, however that doesn't mean you can't inject some colour and personality, just as the designers have done with this lovely home.

A Nantucket Beach House

I haven't posted a house tour for a couple of weeks, so I thought you would enjoy touring this gorgeous Nantucket beach house.

Beautiful Hamptons Beach House - Part One

This stunning home epitomises all that a beach house should be with its calm, coastal appeal, yet at the same time it feels sophisticated and its light filled, organic aura must welcome all that visit her. Of course, little coastal touches have been included but far from overdone, this beautiful home is a long way from the humble kiwi beach bach.

Not Your Typical Kiwi Bach - A Stunning Beach Front Beauty

Who wouldn't want to have a holiday home on the beach, literally, 'on the beach' with nothing to get in the way of those ocean views. Imagine diving into blue seas or lazing in bed listening to the waves swooshing back and forth on the sands...and, smell that salt air.

A Beach House Beauty by Blackband Design

Another stunning beach style project by one of my favourite interior design company's, Blackband Design. This Newport Beach house has fabulous texture and colour and must be a dream come true to the home owner's.

Contemporary Beach Home - Jodi Fleming Design

I am usually attracted to traditional style homes, however when contemporary blends with traditional and a touch of rustic is added, I am smitten!

Behind the Black Door

Behind the black door we discover classic style with coastal touches...

A Californian Beach Cottage Renovation

When putting together a relaxed, coastal theme, good design does not mean cliche blue and white stripes, clusters of white coral and decorative oars, it is about creating a haven that shouts, "come in, sit down and relax" and importantly stamping your style. It can be traditional or contemporary, it may have a Mediterranean feel or it could be rustic and neutral. In the renovation of this Californian beach cottage we see a combination of most of these styles that has come together to create a coastal haven for its owners.

Nantucket Style Exterior, Eclectic Interior in a Washington, Beachside Home

After a weekend of bitterly cold weather and small tornadoes, including one at nearby St Heliers beach, I am pretty sure this is why I am looking at beach side homes in warmer locations, not to mention travel brochures which are currently sitting in a neat pile beside me and which I plan to peruse when I finish this post. However, If I lived in this beautiful home, I doubt I would ever need to take a holiday.

Tour My Home - My Recent Interview on Houzz

Recently I was approached by Emily Hutchinson of Houzz who wanted to interview me about my home. I feel truly honoured that my little cottage is worthy of being showcased on an international website and couldn't resist to share the story with you.

Nantucket Beach Style

I spotted a lovely Nantucket beach home and fell in love with its interesting mix of contemporary and traditional style.

Contemporary Beach House

I am not a minimalist at heart, I also like to bring some colour and pattern into my home, however should I happen to own a beach house like the one below in Clifton, Cape Town,  I am pretty sure I could happily live there without changing too much. 

Images Source: jjlocations