A Hamptons-Inspired Makeover Feels Perfectly at Home Against This Kitchen’s Idyllic Waterfront Setting

Coastal Classic Style Notes

The finer details in this kitchen, such as the hand-painted finish on the joinery, elevate the scheme to perfection. “We wanted the brush strokes to be visible while enhancing the subtle variations,” says Alexandra Mason, director and lead designer of Studio Aem. Striking silhouettes feature, particularly in the splashback, comprised of carrara marble ‘Arabesque’ lantern-shaped tiles from Di Lorenzo. The light hue of the AC Stone porcelain benchtops in Rain is a timeless Hamptons touch.

studio aem lantern house hamptons interior design blue kitchen island

With three of their four daughters living at home, plus two cats and a pair of miniature Dachshunds, this busy couple’s brief was simple: a kitchen with a large central island to bring everyone together and a scullery tucked behind to keep the mess out of sight. Alexandra Mason, director and lead designer of Studio Aem, was tasked with renovating the waterfront home in the Sutherland Shire. “They wanted pared back finishes that aligned with a classic Hamptons beach-style house,” she says.

The transformation involved relocating the kitchen to the middle of the home, where it enjoys bay views. With a palette of crisp whites and carrara marble, the space nods to classic Hamptons style. Luxurious hero features abound, like a Turner Hastings butler sink, Ilve ‘Nostalgie’ freestanding oven, Perrin & Rowe tapware in Satin Brass from The English Tapware Company and a concealed Sirius undermount rangehood with a decorative shroud.

The standout centrepiece is the oversized kitchen island, swathed in bold Dulux Blue Lobelia. “While the overall palette is light and airy, we introduced a deeper, moodier tone on the kitchen island to echo the colours of the water from the bay,” Alexandra shares. Brushed Satin Brass hardware from Touch Handles accents the sparkling sensation.

The result is a kitchen that’s just as functional as it is beautiful, with a style that enhances the connection to the water beyond.

studio aem lantern house hamptons interior design modern kitchen

Designer’s Tip

“Never overlook lighting,” Alexandra advises. “Task lighting is essential for practicality, but mood lighting will transform the kitchen into a warm, welcoming space when it’s not in active use.” Here, three Chapman & Myers small ‘Darlana’ lanterns in Gilded Iron illuminate in the most beautiful way, while charming Coco Republic ‘Albin’ wall sconces complete the palette.

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Clockwise from top left:

‘Darlana’ lantern pendant in Antique Burnished Brass, $2090/medium, The Montauk Lighting Co.

Dulux Wash&Wear paint in Mystification, $121.50/4L.

Fisher & Paykel 900mm ‘Series 7 Classic 5-Burner’ dual fuel cooker in White, $5499, Harvey Norman.

‘Carrara Diamond Honed’ mosaic tiles (309mm x 285mm sheet), $37/sheet, Perini.

Perrin & Rowe ‘Ionian’ mixer with crosshead taps and spray rinse in Gold, $2285, The English Tapware Company.

‘Clementine’ pedestal bowl in Natural, $44.99, Adairs.

Lovely Luxe Fixtures and Natural Light Turn This Bathroom Into a Couple’s Retreat

Crisp white walls and grey-toned stone flooring anchor the bathroom. “We used carrara subway format tiles in a brick lay and a herringbone format,” Alexandra says of the Di Lorenzo tiled flooring, which extends into the shower. “We specified a coat of the bright Dulux Lexicon Quarter to further enhance the sense of lightness and openness throughout the space.”

Located within a busy family home, this ensuite was designed to be the private sanctuary of a husband and wife. “The clients envisioned a pared back yet bright bathroom that would feel calm and functional,” shares Studio Aem’s Alexandra Mason, who led the renovation. To enhance the sense of openness within the shared space, the freestanding Cassa Design ‘Hampton’ freestanding bath is positioned on an elevated plinth, highlighted by a brass trim. Above it, an existing window was enlarged and repositioned to encourage natural light, heightened by the perfect crisp white shade of Dulux Lexicon Quarter across the walls and ceiling.

A custom floating dual vanity topped with white porcelain from AC Stone and ADP ‘Neptune’ above-counter basins free up more floor space. “Careful planning ensured ample circulation space in the centre of the room, maintaining effortless movement at all times,” shares Alexandra. Thoughtful storage is provided by the generous shower recess and built-in-wall niche with decorative architraves, while warm brass accents in the Phoenix tapware, joinery pulls and Coco Republic wall sconces bring a sense of classic sophistication.

The overall effect is a serene space where the couple can truly unwind and decompress. “The owners are very pleased with the new layout and now spend a great deal of time bathing and relaxing in their generous, light-filled bathroom,” Alexandra says. “The space has become a personal sanctuary.”

Designer’s Tip

For Alexandra, functionality forms the foundation of every bathroom design. “Proper ventilation prevents moisture build-up, protects finishes, and keeps the space fresh,” she says. “Underfloor heating is an item that I would recommend. Not only does it create a warm, ambient space, it also helps to keep floors dry as well.” This practical purpose is often overlooked by those who view underfloor heating as a luxury.

View Project

Source Book

Interior design Studio Aem, studioaem.com.au
Architect Innovate Architects, innovate.com.au Builders My Thred Built, mythred.com.au
Joinery Tasker Joinery, taskerjoinery.com.au