A Luxe Byron Bay Beach House
Tigmi’s earthy, tribal-inspired rugs bring warmth and texture to Saint Rocky’s, an exceptional house on Byron Bay’s Belongil Beach.
Saint Rocky’s is a home that feels like a luxurious, private sanctuary. It’s not surprising: architect George Gorrow was also the visionary creative behind SOMA, a sublime wellness retreat in Ewingsdale in the Byron hinterland. Influenced by both Palm Springs style and the natural beauty of Byron Bay, Saint Rocky’s is the embodiment of ‘tropical modern’ – long, clean lines, high ceilings and indoor-outdoor flow. With a palette of concrete, timber and stone, the home could easily seem cold – yet the carefully curated interiors provide an abundance of warmth and texture.
Tigmi’s contribution can’t be understated. Named for the Berber word for ‘my home’, the Byron-based brand creates and curates design-led rugs, lighting and objects that draw on traditional craftsmanship while also speaking to contemporary living. At Saint Rocky’s, each piece was thoughtfully selected to soften the architecture’s strong lines, complement the incredible natural surroundings and bring elegance, comfort and character to every room.
Stepping inside the residence, a grand spiral staircase curls theatrically across all levels, while a sweeping dining and living zone opens out to the deck and magnesium pool. Here, Tigmi’s Mauritia rug in Emet grounds the living space. A modern reinterpretation of traditional Tuareg designs, Mauritia celebrates the resilience and beauty of Moroccan textiles. The Emet colourway – meaning ‘rain’ – carries subtle tribal patterning and natural textures that bring a rustic beauty to the space.
Earthy jute pieces handwoven by gifted weavers are dotted throughout St Rocky’s, offering both a warm contrast to the expansive polished concrete floors and the durability to withstand everyday foot traffic. The Jute De Base 02 runner, woven in subtle natural and burnt tones, blends beautifully with the Mauritia rug in the downstairs living space, while upstairs – in another of the home’s stunning living areas – the timeless hue and understated weave of Jute De Base 01 provide an effortless canvas for refined furniture. In the children’s bunk room, the Flacq 01 rug’s playful tribal pattern can easily cope with adventurous, sandy feet.
In the entertainment room, the Cashmere rug in Wheat enhances the calm and quietly luxurious atmosphere. Woven from a unique blend of cashmere and wool with a dense 200-knot count, it has a rich tone and exceptional softness. The handwoven trim detail elevates the space, creating an inviting place to spend long evenings.
Wool rugs were chosen for the bedrooms for their sumptuous plushness. In the primary suite, the Sahara in Sand – hand-knotted from Afghan wool – creates a deeply serene and restful grounding. Also woven from Afghan wool, Dune in Desert features subtle triangle motifs inspired by traditional Afghani embroidery that echo the home’s geometry. In the adjacent bedroom, the boldly patterned Nomad in Camel, crafted from New Zealand wool, offers a cushioned, low-pile alternative to flatweave rugs.
Gorgeous lighting from Tigmi also complements the modernist design. At the entrance, the award-winning Natura Lamp Large in Mud welcomes guests with its mushroom-like form and warm, diffuse glow. Meanwhile, the sleek, conical Natura Pendant Large in Sand is suspended delicately over the kitchen island. Handcrafted in Australia, both lights feature plant-fibre bodies and solid brass fixtures, embodying Tigmi’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Tigmi’s collections bring new meaning to the term ‘barefoot luxury’. Their extraordinary craftsmanship and contemporary design demonstrate that rugs are not simply decorative but essential elements that respond to a home’s location and its occupants’ lifestyle, contributing to interiors that feel authentic, timeless and beautiful.
