Nesting instinct
Light, shadow, form and shape perform a captivating dance in this artfully composed modern beach house in Cronulla.
Words: Casey Hutton / Photography The Palm Co / Interior design + Build Nested Projects / Joinery Finch Projects
“I’m inspired by people who aren’t afraid to take a risk with design – to make it truly about the design and not just how the house will be sold.”
“I’m inspired by people who aren't afraid to take a risk with design – to make it truly about the design and not just how the house will be sold,” muses interior designer Katie Burt, who runs Nested Projects with her husband James, a construction manager. “I always make sure the home really does feel like a home, and not just a showpiece.”
When renovating their own house in Sydney’s beachside suburb of Cronulla, Katie incorporated a handsome mix of materials and finishes. “I avoid being too on-trend; it’s fine to pick up some current details but on-trend will definitely date,” she points out.
The transformation of the home’s interior and exterior began in September 2019 and took around five months. The finished product melds sparse Scandinavian sensibilities with Mediterranean flourishes such as arches, alcoves, terrazzo, terracotta tones and even a pizza oven. These elements are underpinned by a laid-back beachiness that’s unmistakably Australian.
“The facade was very tired,” says Katie. “We had the exterior rendered with lime plaster in ‘Natural White’ and added breeze blocks, keeping their natural concrete finish.” The distinctive circular motif in the breeze blocks is repeated in wall-mounted outdoor lights and the oversized round timber handles on the front gate and matching front door.
The entrance to the house reveals one of Katie’s favourite spaces: a striking dining area with banquette seating and custom shelving. The existing staircase was moved in order to create this nook, and angled sunlight floods the area from windows in the void above. “I love this space; it’s such a beautiful feature as you enter the home.”
With a young daughter, Georgie, and stepson, Hudson, Katie was conscious of the practical aspects of family life when planning the reno. The couple opted to have all their living spaces on the ground floor, with the alfresco lounge area and pool in view. “It’s so much easier with young kids,” explains Katie.
In the open-plan kitchen and lounge, clean vertical lines are balanced by curved forms, and white walls are warmed by timber tones and stone surfaces. “When our fireplace stone arrived it was too pink, so we had it painted white and just love it!”
A guest bedroom and bathroom, office, powder room, laundry and rumpus room complete the downstairs layout. Upstairs, what used to be one big room was carved up to create three bedrooms, an ensuite and a main bathroom. The main bedroom enjoys the best scenery. “We added a balcony off this bedroom to make the most of the sea views and breeze. It feels so soft and inviting with the curtains and bedding.”
The home’s beachside location informed many design decisions, Katie explains “Wind and salt always need to be considered. We also chose lots of louvres to take advantage of the breeze and, more importantly, to hear the ocean!”
Outside, the effortless coastal cool continues. A largely monochromatic palette is offset by lush greenery, natural stone textures, and the inviting pale blue of the pool beyond. A bench seat incorporating breeze blocks is “hands-down the best place to lie in the sun – our pug Peggy loves it”, and a pizza oven and built-in alcove for firewood set the scene for poolside entertaining.
“A bench seat incorporating breeze blocks is “hands-down the best place to lie in the sun – our pug Peggy loves it”, and a pizza oven and built-in alcove for firewood set the scene for poolside entertaining.”
