Berkeley Vale Cottage by AMA Studio Interiors
A stunning transformation of a family home by AMA Studios Interiors is a combination of coastal and earthy tones inspired by the surroundings of the Central Coast in New South Wales.
Words: Thida Sachathep | Photography: The Palm Co
‘I always select natural materials when possible as these add a lot of warmth to a space,’ Agathe Touguet says Photo: The Palm Co
Sage green cabinetry coated in Dulux Tranquil Green complements the lush tropical outloo in the kitchen space. Photo: The Palm Co
Berkeley Vale Cottage by AMA Studio Interiors sits in the Central Coast of New South Wales, where pristine beaches meet renowned national parks. Located just north of Sydney, the context played a significant role in inspiring the home's renovation. By reconfiguring the dark, dilapidated and wood-panelled cottage to have a more open plan, Berkeley Vale Cottage became more inviting and warmer for the family of five.
Agathe Touguet of AMA Studios explains that ‘[her] clients wanted to create a family friendly home, in a style somewhere between earthy boho and coastal.’ This is apparent in the white-painted overlapping fit of the shiplap walls.
Raw and rich textures are achieved by using a neutral colour palette. The combination of rattan, teak, oak, white sheer curtains and jute all balance the cold of the concrete while exuding an earthy feel and adding character.
The old ceiling of the cottage was low and had made the space seem confined. However, the introduction of skylights, floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains and V groove panelling in the kitchen and the wall behind the fireplace instantly let natural light in and visually elevated the ceiling.
Jute, rattan, teak, timber and sheer curtains add warmth to the space. Photo: The Palm Co
The sheer curtains add warmth and softness to the space. Photo: The Palm Co
“I wanted this home to feel warm, inviting and be a relaxing space where my clients can spend quality family time with their 3 kids.”
‘To balance the coldness of the concrete flooring, we introduced a lot of raw timber, linen, jute and wool,’ says Agathe Touguet. Photo: The Palm Co
Spatial circulation was achieved by reconstructing the kitchen, living, and dining areas. ‘When I design a space, I always try to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, I believe a home should be a haven to unwind with your loved ones at the end of the day,’ says Agathe.
The sage coloured kitchen is a statement, which also references the delighting leafy views of the palm trees outside. ‘This view from the kitchen makes washing your dishes so much more enjoyable!’ Zellige tiles used in the kitchen splashback harmoniously ties in with the sage tones of the kitchen cabinets. These hand-moulded and hand-cut tiles add warmth to the home like the freestanding corner fireplace achieves.
A repetition of soft curves from the round coffee table, entertainment unit and dining table adds softness to the interiors of Berkeley Vale Cottage. The before and after images of the home capture this renovation's dramatic effects; a cottage turned contemporary family coastal home.
‘I like to say that it should feel like your home is giving you a big hug each time you get back! And I think this home does exactly that,’ says Agathe Touguet. Photo: The Palm Co
Warm and cosy details in the lounge space. Photo: The Palm Co
Design details in the concealed laundry. Photo: The Palm Co
Accessible via an archway in the kitchen is the concealed laundry. Photo: The Palm Co