Seaside Apartment
INTERIOR DESIGN Kim Pearson Design • BUILDER: Adrian Zorzi • ARCHITECT Banham Architects • PHOTO SHOOT STYLIST Featherhorse Studio • IMAGERY Jody D’Arcy • STORY Elizabeth Clarke
A vast stone island bench and curved timber stools imbue a convivial and communal feel to the kitchen.
Timber stools, Muuto from Living Edge; kettle, Smeg; mixer, Kitchen Aid; glass vases, client’s own
When an international family began seeking a beachside bolthole as a respite from fast-paced city life, Cottesloe proved the ideal locale.
"Visiting down south from their bases in Hong Kong and Singapore, they were enchanted with our life here,” says interior designer Kim Pearson. “They fell in love with our beach, light, pace, and lifestyle so much they wanted to create a home here as well."
Seaside Apartment was created for the family before the pandemic. Flying in and out constantly, they wanted Kim to have it ready and furnished down to the very last detail. Presented with a blank canvas and just 9 months to complete the home, it was full steam ahead.
The dining room is infused with light and quintessential Australian feel, thanks to a soft summery palette and image of Bondi Beach.
Dining table, Gubi from Design Farm; dining chairs, Muuto from Living Edge; Artwork, Colours of Bondi by Aquabumps from Jardan; pendant, Coco Flip from Design Farm; Panama tray, Jardan.
The dining table is accented with mismatched coloured chairs and soft décor.
Dining table, Gubi from Design Farm; dining chairs, Muuto from Living Edge; two-tone pink vase, Country Road, Panama Tray, short table vase & face detail vase, Jardan.
Art adds a splash of colour to the dining space.
Artwork, Colours of Bondi by Aquabumps from Jardan; dining table, Gubi from Design Farm; dining chairs, Muuto from Living Edge; Panama tray, Jardan.
Various surfaces are defined by a rich and varied assemblage of objects.
Dining table, Gubi from Design Farm; dining chairs, Muuto from Living Edge; Panama tray, Jardan.
A statement console table featuring vibrant colour grounds a gentle palette.
Bespoke console table by Kim Pearson Interior Design, Birdie lamp by Foscarini from Mobilia, Disco Confetti artwork by Rachel Castle, Buli candle from Mecca.
"It needed to be designed for instant living and in a fully completed state, from full library and stocked fridge, to toys, linen and picnic basket!" she recalls. "It is designed in a way that no matter where they're flying in from, they can be home within 45 minutes, fire on, and comfy on the sofa, It's a home that is always ready and waiting for them."
Each space beautifully balances Australian aesthetic and Feng Shui principles in a colour palette informed by surrounding nature and a combination of custom designed and locally made pieces. Feng shui principles informed decisions like furniture and appliance placement as well as colours, materials and numbers and groupings of objects.
The inside and outside living spaces merge, assuming a presence both architectural and decorative. Oversize cushions provide a place to hang and take in the view.
Floor cushions, Iko side table, Lewis armchair all from Jardan; Rockpool vases, Dinosaur Designs; bespoke lounge, Kim Pearson Interior Design; rug, Loom; floor lamp, Douglas and Bec; drapes, bespoke by Kim Pearson Interior Design.
A sofa to stretch out on is positioned with a coffee table crafted in marble and timber.
Floor cushions and wrap knot from Jardan; bespoke lounge, scatter cushions and drapes, Kim Pearson Interior Design; rug, Loom.
Sheer drapes filter soft ambient sunlight, whilst a statuesque lamp provides good looks.
Lewis armchair and wrap knot from Jardan; Rockpool vase, Dinosaur Designs; bespoke scatter cushions and drapes Kim Pearson Interior Design; rug, Loom; floor lamp, Douglas and Bec, circular glass box, Normann Copenhagen.
Situated on the ground floor with its own private entrance, the apartment includes two bedrooms and bathrooms, a vast open plan kitchen, dining, study, and sitting room. A full wraparound outdoor living space embraces a large ocean-facing balcony with masses of space for sitting, dining and yoga. Doors throughout are floor to ceiling glass that coax in the light.
Opposite the open plan kitchen resplendent in stone and timber, a large sitting room runs down one side of the apartment, morphing into a dining room and study nook.
"In Singapore and Hong Kong, the clients work very long hours, so it was important for the mother's study space to be central so she can spend as much time as possible with her son," says Kim.
Crisp outdoor furnishings marry beautifully with a striking coastal outlook.
Outdoor setting by Kettal from Mobilia; assorted ceramic vessels, Jardan; resin pieces, Dinosaur Designs; plant selection + pots, The Terrace Gardener and Kim Pearson Interior Design.
Layers of rustic, polished, and natural elements create an interesting play on texture.
Resin pieces, Dinosaur Designs.
Timber panelling, succulents and woven cane contribute to the relaxed nature of the beachside apartment.
Kettal chair with custom fabric by Kim Pearson Interior Design; side table Kettal.
Classic pieces by Herman Miller provide timelessness to a modern home office.
Birdie floor lamp by Foscarini from Mobilia; Herman Miller Eames chair, Living Edge; Herman Miller Nelson desk, Living Edge; Hella Jongerius rug, Hub; Little Birds sculptures, Normann Copenhagen.
A trio of ‘birds’ provide a playful touch to a busy nook.
Herman Miller Eames chair, Living Edge; Herman Miller Nelson desk, Living Edge; Hella Jongerius rug, Hub; Little Birds sculptures, Normann Copenhagen.
The lounge and dining spaces capture sunlight, sea breezes and ocean views from the front and rear. A material palette, equal parts cool and warm, is grounded in neutrals.
"The client specifically wanted modern Australian colour, not one colour or variations on a neutral, just gentle tones," says Kim. Above the dining table, an iconic Australian beachscape picks up the tones of the chairs and décor in a summery melange of pink, aqua and blues, alongside luxurious European and American oaks.
In the loft-like master bedroom, Kim used handwoven grass wall cloth to add texture and depth. Timber and shades of blue, grey and crisp white create calm, whilst more vibrant shades of red, green, purple and canary yellow punctuate the space. A specially commissioned artwork by UK artist Becky Blair pulls focus. "We loved working with Becky from her studio in London," she says. "It's a gorgeous piece and perfectly reflects the ethos of the home we wanted to create."
An idyllic childhood haven is achieved with a neutral palette and pops of colour, both inside and out.
Polka dot cushions and portable sand box, bespoke by Kim Pearson Interior Design; Rachel Castle polka dot sheets; pinstripe bedding, Major Minor; Hippo print, All Posters; Vitra Eames Elephant, Living Edge.
Form and function create a soothing bedside vignette.
Polka dot cushions bespoke by Kim Pearson Interior Design; Rachel Castle polka dot sheets; pinstripe bedding, Major Minor; bedside table, Cult; lamp, Beacon Lighting.
A bespoke (and mobile) sandpit for when creativity strikes.
Portable sand box, bespoke by Kim Pearson Interior Design; Vitra Eames Elephant, Living Edge.
Soft yet strong, layers of texture and colour create a sense of luxury. Canary accents add sunshine.
Bespoke bed, tall, timber side table, bed stool and scatter cushions by Kim Pearson Interior Design; bedding, Hale and Mercantile; bedside table, Jardan; flowerpot lamp, Verner Panton from Design Farm; Artwork, commissioned by Becky Blair; mirror, Muuto from Living Edge.
Kim's approach to creativity is both a joyful and fearless one. A designer for almost thirty years here and in Europe, she comes from four generations of artists, including her sister, renowned artist Samantha Dennison. "There is also four generations of real estate developers in our family, so art and homes are in my DNA!" she laughs. Studying a Bachelor of Arts, major in Maritime History and minor in English and psychology at UWA, Kim is a historian.
After completing a postgraduate in business, she worked for years in the arts and advertising in London, Melbourne and Perth before ‘falling into interiors’.
“Quite a few of us end up working in the fields we studied, but everything I have done, I continue to draw inspiration from today," she says. "I remember when I was 7, choosing purple hibiscus wallpaper for my bedroom and building Lego houses for my Barbies. I have ended up doing what I’ve always loved."
For Kim, a beautiful home is forever. "When I work, I design for relevance and timelessness," she says. "For this lovely couple to be able to teach their children to ride a bike by the sea, feed the seagulls and swim in the ocean is truly wonderful. It means everything to be able to give this to them. This home is a testament to the team of architects, builders, developers and ourselves. I feel privileged to have been a part of it.”
The Creative Life
A DAY WITH KIM PEARSON
5.00 am I wake and try and meditate or do a little yoga. I'm halfway through my teacher training with the amazing Tamara Graham. She is a true yogi raj.
6.00 am I take my twin West Highland Terriers, Aggie and Lolly, to Grant Street dog beach or White Beach in Dalkeith. The golden sunlight, smells, the birds – it's fantastic. Everywhere, early birds are out with me, swimming and fishing, and kids are rowing. There are pelicans, dolphins and on one occasion, giant stingrays! It's quite amazing and another form of meditation.
7.30 am I get ready for my workday. I have a coffee and if I'm peckish, I might have berries and yoghurt. I make my bed and kiss the puppies goodbye.
8.00 am My office is on the corner of Stirling Highway and Reserve Street. It is a site with a real legacy, and I've always loved it. I am so thrilled to call it my space now.
9.00 am Sometimes I'm on-site or in supplier workrooms by 7 am. Every day is different. My team and I hit the ground running. We collaborate on all the designs, they help me with everything. There's no hierarchy – whoever's closest to the coffee machine makes the coffee. We're friends, and I can't do what I do without them. They're incredible.
12.00 pm I might have a bite to eat. We are a very boutique practice in that I am very hands-on with a phenomenal team who support and facilitate. We work on numerous projects at a time that is all at different stages. If I feel something is not right, we keep going until it is.
1.00 pm Project management plays a critical role in any designer's work. There is so much administration involved with interior design and architecture – from documentation and communication to specs and liaising with suppliers and makers. It's been very challenging with COVID-19. Its impacts on the industry are profound and it's increasingly challenging to get things done, and some things take two or three times longer. But we are getting it done and everyone I work with is putting in maximum effort to move towards our deadlines.
6.00 pm I head home and am greeted by the puppies as though they've never seen me! We have a play, and I take them for a walk.
7.00 pm I make dinner and watch TV. It's my favourite thing to do. A client’s nickname for me is KP (Kerry Packer). I love television that much! Right now, I'm watching Vigil, a submarine drama, Stockholm Requiem, a dark Scandi crime, Morning Wars, The White Lotus and Nine Perfect Strangers. I'm a car buff and love The Grand Tour, a British motoring television series. I also love Clarkson's Farm, a British television documentary series about Jeremy Clarkson and his farm in the Cotswolds.
9.30 pm I'm actually a night owl, but I pretend not to be given my hours. I'm tucked up by now, reading and ready to call it a day!
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