Rosy Summers
Claire Lloyd’s latest destination, Rosy Summers, in Lettes Bay, Tasmania, draws on her love for simplicity, light and timelessness.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Claire Lloyd & Karina Camenzind
‘We love being able to share them - that’s the really nice thing about having these shacks. You feel like you’re giving someone a really beautiful taste of what you believe in and for me, it’s all about surrounding yourself with what touches your senses.’ Photo: Karina Camenzind
Artwork by Matthew Usmar Lauder. Photo: Claire Lloyd
‘My partner Matthew and I enjoy the process of creating together – it gives us huge joy.’ Photo: Claire Lloyd
‘Rosy Summers is all about surrounding yourself with what touches your senses.’ Photo: Karina Camenzind
A standout design feature is the pressed tin applied to the ceilings, ‘We’ve used it quite a lot; on the bedroom ceiling, the bathroom walls and ceiling and on the main ceiling running through the kitchen – it softens everything off nicely.’ Photo: Claire Lloyd
For creative director and author Claire Lloyd, designing and restoring interiors is not new. Claire has transformed properties around the world – from London and Greece to Australia – each space capturing her signature style, which exudes simplicity, light and timelessness.
Claire’s latest project, Rosy Summers in Lettes Bay, Tasmania, is a traditional miner’s shack painted in the prettiest baby pink. Designed alongside her partner, Matthew Usmar Lauder, an artist and maker, this is the couple’s second shack renovation in Tamania, a sister location to Bushy Summers.
The pair have a strong connection to the area, in awe of the surrounding natural landscape. ‘There is something quite magical about Lettes Bay, the ever-changing light on the water, the reflection of the huge skies above, the drama of the many changes in the weather throughout the day,’ says Claire. ‘The bay can change so dramatically from a place of stillness, where the sky is mirrored in the deep bay waters to a dark and moody place with agitated water that pounds against the wooden jetties.’
From its pink-painted exterior to all white walls and floors, Rosy Summers is a sanctuary – a sensual space of calm, peace, and serenity, a place to spend days admiring the glimpses of the bay, sitting by the fire, making a delicious meal, or lazing on the large linen sofa.
Claire and Matthew have been together for many years, first meeting in London while working together in magazine shoots. ‘Matthew has always had a real appreciation of my aesthetics and over the years he has developed the amazing skill of being able to adapt them practically, something he puts a lot of time and love into. I’m extremely clear in my vision and Matthew really gets it,’ says Claire.
Claire’s design inspiration always starts with the building and space itself. ‘I try to keep the essence of the original and from there I rearrange the internal space to give a simple flow,’ she shares.
Drawing on simplicity and light, sensuality and femininity are applied to each space Claire restores, implemented with the addition of texture, layers, art and handmade objects. In contrast, Matthew is a whizz at up-cycling, making and recycling.
‘Where Matthew turned his hand to restoring the most wonderful shack, I focused on making it beautiful, and doing this project together has been such a fabulous journey,’ says Claire.
Rosy Summers is available for short-term stays - the perfect cosy winter getaway!
‘We knew it would be another wonderful, creative adventure.’ Photo: Karina Camenzind
Soft, delicate design details at Rosy Summers. Photo: Claire Lloyd
“It’s important to me that there’s a sensuality and femininity to the space, so I top it off through the use of textures, art, found and handmade objects.”
‘The bay is like an ever-changing canvas. I love its rawness,’ says Claire Lloyd.
Soft, delicate design details at Rosy Summers. Photo: Claire Lloyd
Rosy Summers is the perfect place to restore the senses, take a rest and nurture wellbeing. Photo: Claire Lloyd
Set back from the water and tucked cosily amongst other shacks, Rosy Summers is a delightful, surprising interpretation of a traditional miner’s shack. Photo: Claire Lloyd
‘I just felt the shack needed prettying up, so set about trying to find just the right shade of pink. I chose a soft pink as I didn’t want it to look over the top – I just wanted it to look welcoming and sweet.’ Photo: Claire Lloyd