Se Déa take cues from the ocean and their clients’ eclectic style to forge a contemporary family home in Tamarama, Sydney.
The kitchen features a striking island bench made of sea-foam-coloured stone, which contrasts with light timber joinery and a stainless-steel benchtop and splashback. The space also features the grazia&co Iva stool and Nemo Lampe De Marseille.
The dining space features a custom dining table designed by Se Déa in collaboration with Remington Matters, and a custom banquette seat designed by Se Déa, which have been paired with Knoll Cesca chairs. Print above banquette by Tamara Dean; print on far wall by Petrina Hicks.
When a young Sydney-based family decided to relocate from their inner-city post to a more quiet, beachside setting, they commissioned local architecture and interior design studio Se Déa to design their new sanctuary. Se Déa director Samantha Birtles describes the clients as family-oriented working professionals with an “edgy” and “bold” style. As a result, the brief was to layer playful, coastal-inspired colours and textures, and incorporate a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces.
“We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor our designs to our clients’ needs, to assimilate their style within their home. Fletcher House is the perfect reflection of this ethos; we worked closely with the client to create a design that exceeded their expectations and embodied their unique style and personality,” Samantha says.
The living space reflects the clients’ “edgy” and “bold” style. Featured pieces included the Cassina Soriana sofa, Tigmi Jan Eskelius Etcetera lounge chair, Vitra Wiggle side chair, Flos Arco floor lamp, Vitra Akari 1A table lamp, Daniel Boddam Portsea side table, Grazia & Co. Ivy coffee table, Massproductions Sander side table and Fogia bond shelf. Print by Gerwyn Davies.
Left painting by Stanislas Piechaczek; right painting by Jordan Richardson.
Se Déa have combined earthy and textural elements – including wood tones, aged-metal accents and stones in colours reminiscent of the ocean – to breathe tactility and warmth into the spaces. The home’s white walls are a neutral backdrop to eclectic furniture, art and objects. “The revival of classic pieces in a contemporary manner evokes feelings of nostalgia, giving the spaces a retro quality,” Samantha says. Elements of a wabi-sabi aesthetic are woven into the private spaces, particularly the primary bedroom and ensuite, contributing to the retreat-like feel of the home.
A true sanctuary by the sea, Fletcher House demonstrates Se Déa’s commitment to crafting personalised spaces that mirror their clients’ lifestyle and tastes. The clients said so themselves, noting that the team “nailed the brief”.
Se Déa have incorporated playful colours and textures into the bathrooms, including light-pink resin and blue-and-orange quartzite.
The primary bedroom and ensuite is designed to emulate an at-home spa, with a spacious bathroom and sauna.
The outdoor spaces promote a slow, coastal lifestyle.
