Inala House

A Serene Coastal Sanctuary

The Brief

Located in the coastal town of Rye, Inala House possessed incredible architectural bones - featuring soaring raked ceilings, timber linings, and large timber-framed windows. However, the interiors felt tired, dated, and structurally disconnected. Our clients desired a calm, cocooning holiday home that blended a warm Australian aesthetic with serene Japandi minimalism. The goal was to create a highly functional, neutral backdrop that allowed their treasured items to take center stage, while opening up the floor plan to accommodate expanding generations of family.

The Design Solution

• The Layout Overhaul: We removed the original, restrictive U-shaped kitchen layout and integrated a generous island bench. This instantly opened up traffic flow and established a direct, seamless connection to the adjoining dining room and entry point.

• The Architectural Anchor: To solve the dilemma of a long, underutilised dining wall, we designed a striking piece of custom hybrid joinery. Finished in a muted clay tone and warm timber open shelving, the unit maximizes storage for daily items while providing a beautiful backdrop for the dining space. A soft, sweeping curved edge was introduced to gently soften the transition into the kitchen and hallway.

• Material & Texture Selection: The material palette was meticulously curated to feel grounded and tactile. We paired soft muted laminates, warm oak timbers, and natural stone with exquisite Japanese glazed finger tiles. In the kitchen, these tiles are featured in a dual configuration (vertically and horizontally stacked) to create subtle, sophisticated visual texture.

• The Private Sanctuaries: The bathrooms and laundry were completely rejuvenated. In the main bathroom, sandy-toned large-format tiles pair with a rich timber vanity and a statement matte olive-green concrete basin, while the laundry introduces a playful nod to the home's aesthetic with square Japanese mosaic tiles.

Read our Inala case study here.