It’s not every day a laundry steals your heart. We came across the relaxed coastal renovation from Lynda Macdonald during a casual Instagram scroll and just knew we had to feature it on the blog.
A project featuring beautiful blue elements around every corner, this is a masterclass in how to add colour but still keep it classic and timeless. Let’s explore!
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This was a renovation project that needed to be classic and functional, but also beautiful.
“Project Mourne is home to a retired couple looking to update their home for future tenants,” Lynda explains. “They wanted to live in it for a few years, while they build their forever home, so the renovation needed to be practical for them, but suitable for a different family in the future.
“It started out as just a kitchen redesign, to make better use of the space. But it soon turned into an update of the entire upper level of the home! We took on the main and master bathrooms and the laundry. We painted throughout, added new flooring and curtains.
“The brief was to create a relaxed, coastal feel that was easy to maintain.”
This relaxed coastal renovation is functional, practical and beautiful — the perfect combo!
“The laundry is specifically designed as a walk through layout,” Lynda says. “It goes out to the pool / outdoor entertaining area, so had to be designed with this in mind. It needed to be functional, as a laundry and thoroughfare, as well as aesthetically beautiful, knowing family and friends would be walking through this shared space frequently.
“We kept the design fairly simple, but incorporated a lot of drawer storage for towels, blankets etc, and bench space for folding. The hanging rail from H&G Designs is for when it’s raining outside, and there are under bench pull out baskets too.
“In the kitchen, we completely transformed the former space by opening up a dividing wall. This gave the clients an open plan area that makes the most of the amazing hinterland views in Banora Point, NSW.
“Lots of storage solutions were incorporated to keep appliances hidden, but not on the benches to give the space a clean, seamless look.”
What we love about this home is its use of colour, while still keeping things classic.
“Our top tip when it comes to renovation projects is to design with your own preferences (or in this case, our clients) in mind. Don’t just do what’s on trend. Everyones space is different, and you want to ensure you get the most functionality out of the space. Something that is going to work specifically for you.
“Look for other ways to add interest and texture. For example, in the bathrooms, we laid the tiles in a basketweave pattern to create a point of difference and elevate the overall look,” Lydia says.
“We generally aim to incorporate a neutral palette with a splash of colour but nothing too punchy that it will date over time. In the bathrooms, we mixed things up in the tile lay pattern and door front pattern.
“Using quality taps and basins is also really important. Then, we used a large floor tile and repeated this on the walls where there isn’t a feature tile.”
Credits
Photography — Louise Roche, Villa Styling
Builder — Brad, Bradford Constructions
Cabinet maker — Andy, Peerless Kitchens
Plumbing — Lee, Deep Dive Plumbing
Thank you so much to Lynda for showing us around this wonderful relaxed coastal renovation project. If you would like to see more from Lynda Macdonald Interior Design, take a look through her website or explore her Instagram page.
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