Balancing Heritage and Accessibility at Elysees House, Coronet Bay
Steeped in family history and perched above the coastline, Elysees House in Coronet Bay holds a special place in the hearts of its owners. Built by the client’s grandfather in the 1970s, the home remained a completely original time capsule of retro design, serving as a beloved family holiday escape for over 50 years.
However, as the home transitioned from a weekend getaway to a permanent residence, it required a thoughtful evolution. The goal was to modernise the layout, enhance everyday functionality, and integrate aging-in-place principles - all while fiercely respecting the home's original 1970s essence, exposed timber beams, and nostalgic color palette.
Here is how a brilliant design strategy transformed the kitchen and bathroom into accessible, contemporary masterpieces that still feel exactly like home.
The Kitchen: Reimagined flow with retro roots
The original kitchen was like stepping back in time full of 1970s character, boasting pine wood cabinetry, bright orange laminate countertops, and a distinct lack of optimised workspace.
Before: Delightfully nostalgic, but our clients were frustrated by the cramped layout, dated split-level bench, and dominant orange surfaces.
The Response
Nod to the original palette: Rather than stripping away the home's soul, the design elevates it. The vibrant orange laminate has been replaced with a sophisticated, earthy ochre splashback tile and burnt orange accents. Sliding door panels and brass suspension rods pay homage to the original era of the home.
Enhanced functionality: The dark pine cabinets were replaced with custom Tasmanian oak timber joinery featuring beautifully simple timber pulls. The layout was opened up to improve workflow for these avid cooks.
Clever spatial solutions: A compact pantry doubles as an appliance cupboard, concealing the microwave and food prep essentials to keep the main benchtops clean and uncluttered.
Light timber tones, streamlined joinery, and an updated, sophisticated take on the original palette.
Cabinetry Ilm Interiors, Photography Lisa Atkinson.
The Bathroom: A masterclass in aging-in-place design
The original wet areas were heavily segmented, featuring a tiny, cramped bathroom compartment alongside a completely separate toilet corridor. This layout was highly impractical and entirely unsuitable for future mobility needs.
By dissolving the internal walls, the footprint was completely maximised to create an open, expansive, and accessible bathroom.
A beautiful custom bench seat wrapped in mustard square tiles is built directly into the shower enclosure, offering both comfort and stability along with discreet grab rails designed to blend in without feeling clinical.
Before: Fragmented, narrow rooms with restrictive swing doors. After: A seamless wet room balancing mid-century charm with safety.
By honouring the original high-raked timber ceilings, taking cues from the 1970s palette and strategically opening up the floor plan, Elysees House has transitioned from a tired time-capsule into a grounded, peaceful coastal retreat ready to welcome generations of family for decades to come. The home is testament to the idea that accessibility and longevity doesn’t mean sacrificing design personality.
You can see more of our Elysees House project here.
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