Bay House by Milieu Creative

Perth-based Milieu Creative have crossed the country to embrace the heart of Sydney living in their Bay House, on Sydney’s idealistic Gordons Bay cove. First designed in 2005 by architect Craig Rosevear, the geometric home needed a contemporary update to match the new clients’ art aesthetic while cultivating a welcoming retreat for the young family.

To ensure every return home welcomed the new design, the first update was the external aspect of Bay House. Milieu Creative replaced the boxed street façade with floor-to-ceiling glass panels and discrete timber screens. These adjustment allow the family house to blend smoothly within its surroundings, complete with a lush rooftop garden which elevates the architectural detail.

Perched above the glimmering ocean, Milieu Creative director, Davina Bester wanted to capture these unparalleled views in the Bay House while inviting warmth and sophistication into the design.

In the kitchen, the designer added dark wooden timber cabinetry and a marble counter to the island with raw timber DC09 Chair for Miyazaki and Philipp Mainzer’s TA04 Bigfoot Table. “A previously stark white interior and exterior, we saw the opportunity to create a timeless approach with a moody palette of dark oaks, walnut and soft linens,” Davina says.

The designers adopted a tonal palette to provide contrast against the vast blues but ensured the ocean-side home provokes a visceral reaction, responding to ample indoor/outdoor living. When considering the styling, Studio CD designer, Claire Delmar, knew she couldn’t compete with the exterior views. Instead, she used contemporary pieces with pops of colour to highlight tones from the expansive scenery.

A mix of vintage-inspired furniture and organic sculptural artworks embrace the client’s personality yet allow them to continue to cultivate their own collection. “With the ocean view as the main backdrop, furniture, lighting and art are selected in minimal form yet each piece holds its own character through shape, colour and finish,” Claire says.

Landscaping by Secret Gardens ensures harmony between the stacked series of spacious living areas and the external zones of the house; from the infinity pool looking out over Gordons Bay to the tranquil courtyard that encourages reflection. Each level has its own balcony connecting the interiors to the ocean vistas, providing seamless indoor/outdoor living spaces.

The Bay House by Milieu Creative is faithful to its environment; from the sleek, minimal entrance to the layered terraced landscape, complete with spots to pause and enjoy the view right down to the water’s edge.