Familiar Forms – Casita M by The Simple Collective

For Emily Evans, Founder of design studio The Simple Collective, comfort can be found in familiar forms. It is therefore unsurprising that her family home – Casita M – embraces midcentury modern and Spanish colonial style architecture, which she has known and loved since childhood.

Located in the Victorian town of Torquay, Casita M is immersed in a coastal setting of rocky clifftops, wind-swept vegetation and an expansive beach. An impressive history of surf culture sees the town dotted with unimposing structures resembling surf shacks, creating an overall impression of architectural modesty. The design of Casita M echoes the sense of restraint embodied by the surrounding builds whilst offering a visual point of difference. Presenting a midcentury modern exterior defined by a flat roof, dark timber cladding and a carport incorporating a brick lattice insert, the house represents the architecture commonly found in Southern California, where designer Emily Evans was born and raised.

The design of Casita M echoes the sense of restraint embodied by the surrounding builds whilst offering a visual point of difference.

Upon entering Casita M, residents can turn right into a north-facing living-dining area, or left into the kitchen. “My husband Mitch and I love to create beautiful meals,” says Emily. “When you’re cooking in this space, it’s your main focus; there’s not a TV playing in the background.” The kitchen sits adjacent to a spacious courtyard, which in turn is connected to a light-filled work studio. Whilst the bedrooms of Casita M are positioned towards the back of the home, highlighting the importance of rest, the communal spaces are centrally located. “The living and dining area are the heart of our home,” says Emily. “We spend lots of time here sitting around the table and connecting as a family.”

Featuring lime-washed walls paired with timber-lined ceilings, exposed rafters and arched doorways, the internal architecture of Casita M pays homage to the Spanish colonial style. The interior is further characterised by a lively juxtaposition of contemporary furniture and older pieces, sourced via vintage or second-hand shopping platforms. “It gives me such joy to source furniture, art, décor this way,” says Emily. “It’s like a treasure hunt. It takes time but it’s a beautiful result.” Complementing the scheme are layers of natural materials, including timber, stone and woven textiles.

Featuring lime-washed walls paired with timber-lined ceilings, exposed rafters and arched doorways, the internal architecture of Casita M pays homage to the Spanish colonial style.

Now on the market, Casita M promises residents an uplifting experience of life in Torquay. “My hope is that this home sparks creativity,” says Emily. “It is a safe and warm space to those who inhabit it, and it cultivates a sense of wellbeing, happiness and inspiration, even on the darkest of days.”