The Log House by Emma and Simon O'Meara
Resembling a traditional American cabin, The Log House by interior designer Emma O’Meara and her husband Simon sits between the bush and the beach.
Words: Thida Sachathep | Photography: Nikole Ramsay
Photo: Nikole Ramsay
Photo: Nikole Ramsay
When Australia was struck with the pandemic, we all realised that we were cut off from the rest of the world. And although it might have seemed as though there was no end in sight, interior stylist Emma O’Meara and husband Simon found their escape by renovating a 1980’s kit-home into a quirky and contemporary cabin.
When their flight to Italy was cancelled in 2020, Emma used that time to explore homes around Victoria, and happened upon Johanna, a surfing and beach suburb three hours’ drive from the bustle of Melbourne City, and completely transformed a dated holiday home into The Log House.
The Log House occupies three acres and sits on the edge of a fern gully with a mini orchard while also being only a few minutes stroll away from the beach. Every detail is meticulously designed, ideal for a family getaway – as it comfortably sleeps eight guests, with two main bedrooms, a kid’s area, and multiple bunk beds.
Furthermore, having taken inspiration from the surrounding lush greenery of the Otways, the pair worked with the apparent characteristics of the home. The rustic wooden walls were the motivation for the interior furnishings and finishes. By upgrading the kitchen with a new benchtop, painted joinery, cabinetry, and new curtains, achieve a quirky yet calming feel.
“Something that felt like it would be part of a real experience where you wouldn’t normally stay – I think it fits right in, in the Otways.”
‘I love sitting by the fire when its going… that room has a real sense of calm and warmth. It really makes you believe you are there to relax and let go,’ says Emma O’Meara. Photo: Nikole Ramsay
Decorative elements embrace the original style and textures of the home. Photo: Nikole Ramsay
The cosy and textural living space. Photo: Nikole Ramsay
“I chose dark/earthy tones to go with the natural surrounds. The cabin really lends to tones that complement the space and natural materials used.”
The palette, made up of dark shades of grey, olive, mossy green and a deep blue, exudes an understated vibe of neutral, earthy and enigmatic tones to create a cosy and homely feel. However, this was juxtaposed with the bright and airy bathrooms and bedrooms.
Colours are injected to light up these spaces, which is evident in the use of vivid textiles, tilings, and a bold blue feature wall – establishing a modern aesthetic into an otherwise dated home.
The Log House is an unmatched exemplar in proving that small interventions can result in significant and impactful transformations. A sense of peacefulness and privacy is achieved, making it perfect for a family to escape, enjoy each other’s company and watch the sunset on the north-facing back deck.
A bold, blue bedroom. Photo: Nikole Ramsay
The tiling in the bathroom was completed by Emma’s husband Simon - with no experience! Photo: Nikole Ramsay
The home was originally a kit home from New Zealand built in the 80s. Photo: Nikole Ramsay
Interior stylist and owner Emma O’Meara. Photo: Nikole Ramsay
Design details in the living space. Photo: Nikole Ramsay
‘It feels like you could be so far away from anything but actually its really close to the beach. You are really amongst the rain forest – a feeling of remoteness and tranquillity.’ Photo: Nikole Ramsay