Tucked away in Scarborough QLD, just a short walk from the little seaside town’s cafes, and breezy waterfront, The Campbell is an old cottage lovingly transformed into a warm, modern coastal farmhouse.
“They wanted the space to feel like home. Something thoughtful. Something with heart,” says interior designer Kanla Percival. “The owner, a friend of a family member, reached out to me with trust and a clear intention: to renovate the home for long-term rental, but not as a quick flip. They cared deeply about how it would feel. It wasn’t just an investment – they wanted to create something meaningful.”
The project was a full renovation, but the design focus was centred on the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and dining. These were the key spaces Kanla, of Kanla Perla, was able to complete with a full interior scheme, bringing clarity and cohesion to the heart of the home.
“The original cottage was small, weathered, modest in details, but rich in charm. When I first stepped inside, the house was dark and still had faded 70s flooring. The bones of the home felt tired yet full of potential.
“One of my favourite additions is the custom-built window seat in the dining area. I include one whenever the space allows. It brings a gentle softness and soul to the room; a place where you can pause and feel embraced by the home.”
Kanla loved her clients’ “heart-first mindset”; even though this was an investment, they wanted it to feel good. “Their belief that a well-cared-for home attracts tenants who will return that care shaped every decision, and I truly think it shows.”
Today, The Campbell stands as a renewed version of itself: soft, grounded, and full of quiet charm. A small coastal cottage, ready to be lived in again, with a whole new spirit.
Interior design & styling: Kanla Perla | Photography: Tanika Blair Photography
