Interior designer Matt Michel was re-engaged by longtime clients Lorraine and Cyril to help bring their Northern Beaches architectural build to life. Set on a rare double block with two street frontages, the home evolved in stages, beginning with a two-bedroom apartment built at the lower end of the site, later transformed into a successful Airbnb.
The main residence, a four-bedroom contemporary Mediterranean style home, was constructed above and thoughtfully designed around an existing sandstone retaining wall, now a hero feature in the main bathroom.
“The design brief centred on creating a modern Scandi–coastal aesthetic that would not only suit their lifestyle but also position the property for strong resale appeal in the coming years,” Matt explains. “With entertaining at the heart of the home, the kitchen was crafted as a welcoming hub, anchored by a sculptural island featuring finger-jointed drawers, a seasoned concrete benchtop and an integrated Bora cooktop with downdraft ventilation.”
The clients brought a clear and creative vision, drawing inspiration from just three images: a handcrafted oak island, concrete basins, and a dramatic staircase using recycled railway sleepers. “These raw, textural materials now define the home, from limestone flooring in a French pattern to organic Zellige tiles in the kitchen and ensuite,” says Matt, who adds it is one of his proudest projects to date.
“The biggest design win came from a clever space-saving solution in the apartment: an elliptical dining banquette integrated into the kitchen island, both practical and photogenic for Airbnb guests.
“While the limestone floors and custom tiling were the project’s biggest splurges, one of the most rewarding bargains was repurposing seasoned cabinetry-grade oak found in a local workshop. A generous skylight over the ensuite allows the handmade tiles to glow, while the custom kitchen island merges craftsmanship and creativity—bringing personality, warmth and functionality to the heart of the home.”
With over 19 years experience delivering bespoke interior design solutions across Sydney, Matt Michel Design operates from a loft studio in Brookvale. Whether it’s a single room or a full home transformation, Matt and his team work across the Sydney metro area and can recommend trusted suppliers, builders and trades to bring the project to life.
Stylists: Danielle Fairclough and Tamara Hodkinson | Photographer: Mark Burrough
