In the tranquil landscapes of Northern New South Wales, nestled among greenery and the echoes of a community’s resilient spirit, stands Mimosa Moon – home to one of Australia’s leading interior designers, Megan Morton. This unique property, designed with a blend of modern charm and rural warmth is a haven where the essence of ‘the good life’ is lived every day.
“Our home is located in the beautiful Northern Rivers on a large property that includes a small rainforest, creek boundary and 360 scenic vistas. The 120-year-old homestead is well positioned to appreciate the landscape, on a raised slope overlooking the land. The property was built by one of the original founding families of the area and consisted of a very large plot of farmland that was divided a long time ago, and now compromises several neighbouring properties.
“When I first saw the property, I could see the potential, not only for a comfortable family home, but a showcase for the varied passions both myself and my husband Giles share, as well as ample room for our equestrienne daughter Bea’s ever-growing stable,” explained Megan.
Initially a small, four-room cottage with a wraparound verandah, over the last half century it has been extended allowing generous living and entertaining areas, without compromising its charm. Mimosa Moon is named after the native mimosa trees that grace its landscape as well as the moon which is ever present in the clear night skies. The recent ‘decorative renovation’ expresses Megan’s desire to ensure life’s pleasures are easily accessible; swimming, waterfalls, good coffee, and making the best of the views and pastoral setting.
“I often refer to my job as ‘house whispering’ as I like to let the building speak to me and tell me how it should be designed,” said Megan. “When we first moved here, I waited a long time to settle in before planning the changes that have eventuated in a very functional and efficient, but well utilised space. I wanted the family to come and stay, see how the existing house worked and then figure out what could be improved.”
Megan initially undertook minimal changes to the kitchen and dining area, only moving some utilities to the room’s outer edges to take advantage of more preparation and entertaining space, allowing full access to the exterior views. The new kitchen island, an old, high cedar work bench found in Hobart, is perfect for assembling meals and is a natural hangout for family and guests. Off the kitchen and dining room, Megan created what she calls her Kosy Korner, inspired by her in-laws’ intimate ‘dining for two’ space. Here the family have lap-top dinners and watch TV.
The renovation of Mimosa Moon successfully blends modern amenities with the timeless charm of a rural farmhouse. In deciding not to undertake any major building works, Megan’s choice of decorating materials was key to the success of the overall project. “When it comes to dressing your rooms, a curtain is such a sure win. We have made our curtains do more than just give privacy; we have used them to add colour, to add a sense of warmth and make a nondescript room into a charming one. The scale, the colour and the textile all play into its success.”
When deciding on window dressings, Megan was looking for beautiful practicality. “The window coverings were selected to enhance the property’s views while adding depth and comfort.” Located in an area prone to Northern NSW’s winds, sun, and occasional flooding, Megan chose Luxaflex products for their durability. “We needed the real deal when it came to window dressings and what we were going to reveal versus what we wanted to conceal. The window coverings had to add something to the property without taking away any of the vistas.” Semi-sheer curtains, floor-to-ceiling heavy drapes and motorised blinds, were used to create a practical and beautiful solution for each room’s needs.
The blend of soft interior treatments with durable exterior ones provides a contemporary update to the home without the need for extensive structural changes. Megan chose this approach, believing the modern farmhouse was the perfect environment to balance softness and hardness. “It’s homey, but warm; modern but still country,” she explained. The abundance of soft window treatment inside and the hard ones outside have given Mimosa Moon its contemporary charm without knocking down a wall or excavating a single thing.
The use of curtains in Mimosa Moon goes beyond mere functionality. They add colour, warmth, and a sense of charm to the rooms. For the bedrooms, Megan chose a classic curtain with good texture and highlight colours to add depth and comfort to the rooms, transforming the space and enhancing the overall ambience. Bedrooms incorporate the softer tones of ebony, cream, and sky, highlighted with terracotta, rust, seafoam, and navy.
A standout feature of the home is the 12-metre-long curtain wall in the living room. With so many windows and so much to see outside, the idea was to make a wall of softness. Megan has chosen a soft semi-sheer in a neutral colour backed with blockout fabric, which gives scope for various levels of light control and privacy, to have the dream wall fully closed, partly opened or opened fully.
“The same semi-sheer curtains without the blockout backing have been used for the dining room to complement the living room which is important when you are dealing with open plan,” says Megan. “Here we can diffuse the morning light without losing any of its splendour.” In the lounge room, floor to ceiling heavy curtains have been used to create a room that feels much bigger and grander.
“As so much of our lives are outdoors, I chose old-style classic Australian fixed awnings above the dining room windows to protect the herb gardens on the back deck. A simple pair of awnings in white canvas shelter the perfect afternoon spot and can be lowered as the sun sets for dusk cocktails.”
Continuing the use of awnings, Megan explains: “One of my favourite transformations has been the carport, which we are calling The PartyPort.” No longer just a carport, the space is a multi-functional outdoor room with incredible airflow, great views and wonderful atmosphere. Powered by the Luxaflex PowerView Automation system with motorised blinds, it can instantly transform into a party room, outdoor bar, or entertaining area.
Without altering the traditional farmhouse structure, the carport has been elevated to new heights with Luxaflex Evo Awnings. “I wanted to use the straight drops in the open garage to create a conservatory room, an extension of our living spaces. These were fabricated in Dickson fabric in the colour Hardlot Green – a green and beige stripe reminiscent of old caravan annexes, giving the nostalgic feeling of family holidays.”
Mimosa Moon embodies a style that effortlessly combines the beauty of its natural surroundings with modern living. Through the careful selection of materials and thoughtful design choices, the property has become not just a home but a sanctuary where every corner tells a story of comfort and elegance.
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