When a family from a cold, grey region of North America purchased a three-bedroom vacation home at the WaterColours on Seven Mile Beach, they inherited dark cabinetry, scarlet stools and an abundance of gleaming chrome. The mismatched interior lacked cohesion and neither honoured the property’s prime beachfront position nor reflected the serenity they craved.

Working with the designers at IDG, the homeowners embarked on a bold and beautiful transformation inspired by a timeless palette of white and soft neutrals. From the walls and furniture to the curated artworks and layered textiles, every detail was chosen to celebrate the ever-changing seascape beyond the windows – a serene backdrop that sets the tone for this light-filled coastal retreat.

An Elegant Welcome

As you enter, a grand hallway welcomes you, adorned with a striking chandelier, mirrors and sculptural wall art, evoking a sophisticated, gallery-like ambience. Accents of natural wood in the bench and the tray ceiling introduce warmth and an organic touch, balancing the elegance with subtle, inviting texture.

This layered approach continues throughout the home. While the first impression is one of light, harmony and cohesion, a closer look reveals a nuanced palette of creams, warm beiges, soft greys and the occasional black accent that adds definition and depth. Layered with organic materials – rattan, rope, wood and stone – the interior gains subtle colour, texture and an inviting sense of natural warmth.

Beauty Meets Function

With four young children, the family needed a design as practical as it was beautiful. In the living room, where sandy feet, wet swimsuits and sticky fingers were unavoidable, the owners opted for a hard-wearing travertine dining table from an outdoor collection and an oversized sectional sofa upholstered in high-performance fabric. This practical foundation was then enhanced with a range of textures and shapes: deep-pile rugs, round ottomans, delicately shaped side tables and tactile fabrics.

Although the kitchen layout was not changed, to improve the flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas, the dark cabinetry was painted white and the grey granite countertops were replaced with a glamorous, dramatically veined Calacatta marble. By lowering the breakfast bar to counter height and hanging the beaded chandelier higher than usual over the dining table, the family area was opened up, creating a sense of spaciousness while maintaining intimacy and flow between the kitchen, dining and living spaces.

Thoughtful Reconfiguration

With a desire to accommodate as many family members and friends as possible, one of the most important updates was converting the den into a double bedroom with an ensuite. By introducing a wall partition, both privacy and functionality were enhanced. The new wall extends seamlessly from the main hallway, serving as an architectural divider and a subtle visual anchor within the open layout. Custom inset shelving continues the gallery-like ambience, softly backlit to provide warmth and evening glow. While not intended as a primary feature, the shelves help break up the expanse of wall, create a sense of rhythm and provide an invisible layer of soundproofing for the new bedroom, which sits adjacent to the kitchen.

Refined Retreats

The master bedroom is an ode to quiet luxury. Plush fabrics, clean architectural lines and sculptural furnishings come together in a composition that is understated yet indulgent. The abstract ‘dancing’ sculpture – its flowing form reminiscent of ocean waves – occupies a niche at the entrance to the suite, catching the eye and the light while adding movement and texture to the serene neutral palette.

In the guest and children’s rooms, variations of cream, taupe and misty grey provide individuality without disrupting the home’s visual rhythm. Layered textures – woven wallpapers, fluffy cushions and tactile throws – enhance the sense of comfort, while soft metallic accents add a subtle sheen.

In the bathrooms, the simple act of painting vanities in lighter tones and replacing chrome faucets and pulls with brushed nickel and bronze warms and elevates the environment.

Coastal Details

Seaside references are subtly woven throughout: from the white painted fish in the entrance hall and framed sea fan art to sea sponge-shaped table décor and the driftwood finish of the dancing sculpture, numerous details pay homage to the location in a fresh, sophisticated way.

For a family escaping grey winters, this home now delivers exactly what they sought: sun-drenched serenity, seaside sophistication and a peaceful haven that accentuates the turquoise tones beyond. It’s a space where sandy feet are welcome, where every room tells a story, and where the simple act of coming home feels like an exhalation.