A magical dream home in the heart of Byron Bay

When designer Melissa Bonney and her partner Brendon first set foot on their new Byron Bay block, it was love at first step. “There’s something a little magical about the land and the old house that was on it,” says Bonney, owner of multi-disciplinary design studio The Designory and boutique accommodation business Barefoot Escapes.

“We were excited to create a new dream home which spoke to its surrounds and settled well into its existing streetscape.”

A short walk from town and a hop to the beach, Barefoot Bay Villa sits firmly fixed in an exquisite coastal setting and lush nature reserve.

“I saw the Australian film Breath and was captivated by the raw Australian coastline that reminded me of childhood summer holidays,” Bonney says. “It presented a different perspective on the coastal vibe with its dark rocks, stormy seas, rich eucalyptus, terracotta cliffs, pure white sands and deep pink sunsets.

There are plenty of homes in Byron inspired by the coast, but we wanted to capture its landscape.”

Creating a comfortable holiday home for their family and visitors demanded a fluid layout with flexibility, which Bonney achieved through loosely defined spaces.

“The expansive open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas connect effortlessly to the tropical-inspired outdoor zones via cavity stacking doors, which can partition off each area or open up to create a single indoor-outdoor space,” she says.

Encompassing five bedrooms and bathrooms, the home features large expanses of glass that provide airiness and create stunning sightlines and cross-ventilation.

The interior spaces are infused with calm and serenity thanks to a palette of coastal greens. These soothing shades are integrated into a mix of textural and matt finishes, like burnished concrete flooring, wool carpets, and concrete benches.

Australian art adds a modern bohemian touch to each space and complements the finishes, textures and tones throughout. “There are stunning photographic works by travel photographer Kara Rosenlund, beautiful oils by Prue Clay and Lottie Rae, and numerous textural pieces from emerging Australian artist Vynka Hallam that set the tone for the whole house,” Bonney says.

The home’s beachside sensibility, she says, not only resonates with its environment, but with her family or anyone else who enjoys time there.

“It is a reflection of all of the things we love to experience on a holiday,” she says.

Style notes

Hanging chair

The Coco Hanging Chair’s vintage-inspired shape makes it a focal point with beachy sensibility.

Timber buffet

The timber crafted Pacific Buffet is a statement piece and provides ample storage space.

Wall light

The OLLO wall light is mouth-blown by Currumbin lighting designer Oliver Höglund.