Clovelly House by Folk Studio

Clovelly House, designed by Folk Studio, stands out as an unconventional, bold and functional family home, perfectly suited to the clients’ flexible and energetic lifestyle. Set against a coastal backdrop, the residence embodies a laid-back beach lifestyle.

Wanting a home that could adapt to their daily life and comfortably host family and friends, the clients approached Folk Studio to design their residence in Clovelly. “Understanding that they were planning to expand their family and raise a child in this space, we aimed to create an enduring, timeless and playful atmosphere that reflected their personalities and their journey together,” says Mariah Burton, co-founder and director at Folk Studio.

To create a home that feels lived in, Folk Studio employs a palette of soft, layered and textured materials, “so it feels bold without leaning into a maximalist colour palette,” says Burton.

To create a home that feels lived in, Folk Studio employs a palette of soft, layered and textured materials, “so it feels bold without leaning into a maximalist colour palette,” says Burton. To introduce bold colours without overwhelming the space, Folk Studio has incorporated pastels with hints of mustard. “There’s a lot of contrast, but with the hues being quite soft and tonal, it gives the spaces a calm and serene feel.” In addition to blush pink walls, mustard upholstery and blue accents in chairs, deep maroon Viola marble features subtly throughout the dwelling. The architect has also utilised Viola marble in the kitchen, wavy Viola marble for the fireplace and natural blue stone in the ground-floor bathroom for distinctive architectural elements.

For the floor plan, Folk Studio worked to preserve as much as the original layout as possible to accommodate the clients’ budget. “We removed the laundry, which was originally situated in the kitchen area, where the mustard banquette dining area is now,” says Burton. Folk Studio has used the roof space next to the nursery to create a reading nook that also serves as storage for toys and other items.

For the floor plan, Folk Studio worked to preserve as much as the original layout as possible.

Despite its proximity to Clovelly Beach, the clients opted against a typical Hamptons-style, all-white home. “They wanted the fresh, light, earthy tones you would often characterise with a beach house; however, they wanted us to think outside of the box.” Elegantly connected with its coastal surroundings, Clovelly House by Folk Studio complements the vibrant lifestyle and growing family of its owners.

Interior design by Folk Studio. Build by Paperbark Projects. Landscape design by Adam Robinson Design.