Take a Tour Inside This Sun-Drenched Minimalist Melbourne Beach House

Now a fully-fledged travel destination in its own right, the bayside suburb of Elwood in Melbourne tells a tale of two towns—one whose original architecture and facades allude to a rich history and the other of a cosmopolitan haven for modern cafe culture to thrive amongst its youthful demographic. Add in the fact that there's a scenic stretch of golden sand and turquoise ocean at your fingertips and you've got the ideal spot to put down roots. Today we've got the inside scoop on one of the area's most exciting new developments by the talented team at The Stella Collective. The freshly-constructed block of eight townhouses are a modern lesson in luxury and comfort, with modern living and the way humans work, eat and play at the forefront of every design decision.

The interior design collective responsible for the Pine Ave development are specialists in crafting world-class interior experiences—spaces that are responsive to the needs of the user and that actually promote a sense of wellbeing. They consistently achieve this by focusing on the finer details that have the ability to enhance the experience of a room. For example, custom made medicine cabinets not only provide a storage solution but act as a living piece of art that connects to the overall aesthetic of the home. Their projects aim to tell a story that's a combination of the site, the client and the design—always aiming for accessible and aspirational spaces that are refined and rebellious simultaneously.

To match the relaxed, beachy vibe of the surrounding suburb, the Pine Ave townhouses don't draw attention to themselves with flashy gadgets or excessive decoration. Instead, they let their sleek bones and beautiful interior features like the jaw-dropping steel mesh staircase do the talking. A mix of blonde timber floorboards and terrazzo tiles keep things cool underfoot after a sunny day by the sea, with textural rugs added to anchor and delineate the open-plan spaces. The internal walls have been kept in a crisp white to let the eye breathe and bask in the shadows that stream in from the sun-drenched outdoor terrace. Dotted strategically throughout the floorplan is a curated collection of monochrome abstract prints as well as richly-hued landscape photographs that complement a burnt orange armchair and a selection of warm-toned homewares. This project is quintessentially Australian, with its indoor/outdoor connection (did we mention the outdoor shower?) and proximity to a beautiful stretch of natural coastline. Custom design and everlasting materiality will mark this project as a timeless example of how comfort and practicality can coexist without sacrificing on style.

Images courtesy of The Stella Collective. Photography by Maegan Brown.

Liked this? You'll love Bondi's favourite Mexican eatery that's packed with interior inspiration.