It’s hard to believe that Istana Residence was once a homeowner’s nightmare when you look at today’s stunning waterfront home on the Gold Coast.
Located on the Clear Island Waters canals, interior designer Lynda MacDonald’s studio was originally engaged to deliver a comprehensive interior design service, including spatial reconfiguration, detailed joinery and cabinetry design, and all internal selections.
Early design moves focused on opening up the home, removing walls to allow the kitchen to fully connect with the main living and dining areas, and designing a substantial front extension to accommodate additional bedrooms with private ensuites upstairs.
“Midway through construction, the project was severely impacted when the builder failed to meet contractual obligations and ultimately ceased trading. The clients were left with a half-finished home and no option but to move back in while works were incomplete, living with concrete floors, exposed wiring, and an unfinished kitchen,” Lynda said.
“Faced with a situation that would overwhelm most homeowners, the clients took full control of the build, coordinating trades, managing sequencing, and driving the project forward themselves to bring the home to completion.”
The completed spaces captured in these photos reflect both the strength of the design and the resilience of the clients, she adds. “The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the butler’s pantry, powder room and master ensuite are also captured here.”
The kitchen is defined by a coastal contemporary palette, she says. “A generous arched opening leading through to the pantry, creates a sense of flow, calm and functionality that anchors the home after a challenging build journey.”
-Working with clients across the Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Northern NSW, Lynda MacDonald Design is a full-service interior studio delivering sophisticated yet inviting homes that showcase thoughtful design in every detail.
