Spirited Nostalgia – Foam House by Amelda Wilde Interior Design

A boutique coastal accommodation offering in Torquay for Sunday Sailor, Foam House is a robust and textured dwelling enriched with nostalgic elements throughout. Amelda Wilde Interior Design addresses the desire for escapism, ensuring that every guest can experience moments of the unexpected as well as a spirited ambiance from the moment they step inside.

An immersive lodging experience on the Great Ocean Road, Foam House, which was once a 1980s beach house, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Preserving the essence of the original structure, the carefully styled additions and newly crafted joinery seamlessly connect the historical elements with contemporary design. “I had a vision of a record player switching on at coffee time and then long into the evening,” says Amelda Wilde of Amelda Wilde Interior Design. “I wanted to create an atmosphere of confidence, playful expression and distinct rebellion to the expectation of residential design. Colour is so potent and something I love to play with to create some magical moments.”

Preserving the essence of the original structure, the carefully styled additions and newly crafted joinery seamlessly connect the historical elements with contemporary design.

An earth-inspired base palette comprising ochre brown, rich, muted green and claret red sets the stage for each of the designed pieces that have been introduced. The original floor plan served as the perfect foundation, with its centrally positioned courtyard enveloped by open living, kitchen and dining spaces. “The central courtyard is a bit of an oasis and allows the occupants to maintain a visual connection across all of the living spaces,” says Amelda. “This project was all about encouraging human connection with guests, and I wanted the space to enhance both the inward perspective and the complete disconnect to the surrounding urban context.”

Completed within nine months and on a limited budget, the project demonstrates efficiency in resourcing and repurposing elements. Inspired by the idea that traditional beach houses become homes for items no longer in use in the primary residence, a similar philosophy guided the selections in Foam House. Focused on creating a lived-in and welcoming environment, the designer seeks to envelop guests in a blend of colour, tactility, artwork, furniture and lighting.

Focused on creating a lived-in and welcoming environment, the designer seeks to envelop guests in a blend of colour, tactility, artwork, furniture and lighting.

Through bold elements, Foam House is given a distinctive identity. “It is a refurbished holiday home,” says Amelda, “potent in surprise and enchanted intimacy, overtly playing with nostalgia and authenticity to transport guest to halcyon days and disconnect.”