Alan Mc Mahon is the founder and Director of Mac Design Studio,which is a boutique interior design company located in Sydney. Alan was formerly a Senior Associate & sector leader of the lifestyle team at internationally renowned Architectural firm, Woods Bagot Sydney, and started his fledgling business just two years ago. Well respected within the industry, Alan has a recognised history of working in high end Interior Architecture projects within the Hotel, Hospitality and Residential sectors both in Europe and Australia.
The brief was to create a coastal retreat, a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the amazing surroundings. The property was to become my client’s escape to the country, withan emphasis on elevating the alfresco aspect of living, which essentially became key to the overall project.
The property is a north facing 472m2 home, set on an amazing 1.5 acre block of land overlooking Coopers Shoot, Byron Bay. The property is advantageously positioned high up in the hinterland, with stunning views across the district in the direction ofthe ocean.
Redefining the entry space was key to the overall project, with the goal being to create areal sense of arrival to the property. A new sandstone walkway leads you down a curved pathway to the front entrance of the property where you are greeted by large glazed doors connecting the exterior with the entrance hall. The entrance area was clad in wall panelling which leads you into the interior and up into a double height volume to the first floor. The white panelling, rich in texture, is offset by bleached herringbone floors. The space is further enhanced with feature lighting and the client’s artwork.
The house is split over two stories, with the upper floor taking full advantage of the beautiful views. This level occupies a large open plan lounge and entertaining space, which along withthe kitchen & dining areas, create a natural hub for the home. The colour selection was instrumental to grounding the central kitchen area, with natural stone complementing the colour selection. Lighting to the interior & exterior also played a dual role, with sculptural pendants defining the dining spaces.
The main living area was grounded with a new joinery element housing a fire place for the winter months. This element also concealed the entertainment system for this space while creating a ledge for housing some special artefacts. The layout of this area was designed to be completely flexible, ranging from entertaining mode to cosy nights in with the family. This space was zoned with two plush over scaled rugs off set from each other, introducing colour into the space.
The entire upper floor interior & exterior is connected via large sliding doors, maximising natural light and exposure to views of the beautiful countryside. These external areas encompass entertaining and relaxation zones alongside an outdoor pool area which is complemented by a curved dusty pink wall, adding an element of surprise to the project. This wall can be seen from different vantage points within the interior of the property.
The large outdoor dining area and bar was instrumental to enhancing the alfresco aspect of living. A bespoke timber clad ceiling was designed, complemented by external outdoor pendants, successfully adding a domestic touch and creating ambiance within the dining space. In addition, multiple lounging areas were created on the balcony to take advantage of the vista.
The master suite is located on the west side of the property. Conceived to feel like a hotel suite, the layout is free flowing to create the scene of a luxurious retreat. Central to the space is the bed which is positioned against a flanking wall, anchored by a built structure housing a luxurious powder room and dressing area. A combination of coloured wall panelling and timber joinery line the dressing area in order to provide a luxurious dressing experience. Adjacent to this area is a walk-in wardrobe and master ensuite. The vanity and bath surroundings feature New York marble and refined joinery whichconceals ample storage.
The ground floor consists of additional bedrooms, each encompassing full ensuites and walk in wardrobes. These areas reflect the refined selection of materials and furnishings complementing the look and feel of the overall property.
The result is the delivery of this project which refines luxurious interior and exterior spaces, with an emphasis on detail and personality.
A refined, timeless palate and high-quality materials were selected and approved at the outset of the project, this cemented a strong sense of cohesion throughout the home, restoring a sense of casual luxurious.
A considered palate of colours and textures were selected to complement key materials such as bleached ash flooring offsetby coloured wall panelling in tones of blue and teal. The bespoke kitchen joinery boasts the boldest colour scheme in the designand is complemented with honed elba stone counter tops and splashback. Bespoke joinery throughout the property consists of treated timbers and natural stonein neutral grey tones.
All of the materials were complemented by a refined selection of contemporary furniture and fittings to enhance the interior architecture, which with the balance of design classics hascreated special moments throughout the home.
These items were all complemented by a carefully curated collection of local and international furniture &accessorise which transformed this home. Suppliers and artists ranged from the following brands, Living edge, Jardan, Armadillo &Co, Cult and The DEA store
Local providers to the Byron area wereShack Palace Rituals, Pampa, Pop & Scott, Zakay studio & gallery, Suvira McDonald sculptures, Sunday Supply Co, Jordana Henry.
