The elusive beauty of imperfection is showcased in this home that features vintage treasures, contrasting textures and sand-inspired style.
Byron Bay is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most popular vacation destinations. From lush, rolling hinterland to diverse boutiques and Instagram-worthy beaches, Byron has it all — including one of the most relaxing homes in Australia.
Sikata House is nestled in the coveted golden grid of Byron Bay, located within 100m of some of the most enticing cafes and restaurants in town. Venture a little farther through a dreamy bush track and you’ll emerge onto the golden shores of Byron Beach, where locals and tourists alike splash in the waves — that’s if you can drag yourself away from the beauty of the home itself.
Sikata House was a project from The Designory. The name Sikata comes from Sanskrit and means sand, which is where this home’s design inspiration stems from. But don’t let the name fool you; this isn’t some surf shack with a cast-iron roof and ramshackle floors. Instead, Sikata House is barefoot luxury at its finest, with an open-plan design, high-end finishes and a relaxed coastal aesthetic that truly feels special.
Melissa Bonney, company director and lead designer at The Designory, sought to explore the Japanese design principle of wabi sabi when creating this home. This appreciation of imperfect beauty can be seen in the stunning hand-crafted materials used, the vintage furniture pieces displayed and the design treasures sourced from all over the world. Locally hand-crafted timber is the basis for the dining table, the timber bench in the kitchen is French, and the vintage coffee table was once used in a dining room. The result is a house that takes you on a journey, making it seem like an experience instead of just a place to rest.
The design started with a coastal colour palette. Sandy hues and natural materials are abundant, with textural details mimicking the non-uniform patterns found in nature. The kitchen is expansive, with a generous island bench that’s perfect for congregating around. An elegant fireplace warms the home in winter, and each pendant light in the living and dining areas tells a story that complements the coastal aesthetic.
The rumpus room is one of the key areas, with its inviting oversized couches and the gold-toned rug on the floor. Sheer curtains frame the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, creating an ethereal feel. “For the rumpus room, I wanted to be able to draw the curtains out of the way during the day or leave them floating in the breeze when the doors are open,” says Melissa. “The floor-to-ceiling Luxaflex® S Wave Sheer Curtain on a curved, motorised track works beautifully, as it allows the curtains to wrap back into the room and opens the space fully to the landscape.” This enables a blurring of the lines when it comes to indoor and outdoor living, a concept perfectly suited to Byron’s temperate climate.
Step outside and the lush, manicured gardens will enchant you. Around every corner there’s a nook or relaxation area to be explored and enjoyed, from the outdoor couches to the porch swing and the north-facing alfresco area. The heated designer plunge pool sits near the outdoor firepit and barbecue space, with a motorised awning from Luxaflex able to keep the sun at bay.
Upstairs, four generous bedrooms continue the coastal aesthetic. Tempting bunk beds with woven stairs will enchant even the grown-ups, and the other guest bedrooms delight by harmonising texture, art and natural light. But it’s the master bedroom that truly feels like a favourite. A dreamy four-poster bed is draped in sheer white curtains. This romantic setting is flanked by a sand-inspired wall, a luscious rug and a view of the home’s backyard that can be obscured entirely thanks to the curtains.
“As a busy mum and business owner who doesn’t usually get much sleep, the block-out material is a godsend,” says Melissa. “Having the option to select fabrics for each room allowed us to get creative, matching and complementing textures and tones throughout. For the remaining three bedrooms we’ve chosen Luxaflex block-out roller blinds to create the perfect ambience for a restful sleep, regardless of if it’s day or night.”
All these elements combine to create a haven — a destination for relaxation that still celebrates the magic and relaxed seaside charm Byron Bay is renowned for. “As a designer, creating a feeling when you walk into a home is the epitome of success,” reflects Melissa. “There’s nothing more serene than a dreamy sunlit home by day, nor more calming than a darkened, candlelit one by night.”
Sikata House manages to meet these design objectives with its imperfectly perfect curated style that celebrates natural beauty.
This article originally appeared in Home Design Magazine #25.4
Words Lauren Clarke Photography Jessie Prince, The Quarter Acre; Simon Hunter Photography; The Designory