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A cosy self-contained studio on the NSW Central Coast

A rich, moody colour palette paired with warm timber accents make this granny flat the perfect addition.
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With more time spent at home last year, Saul Myers found staying put was the perfect opportunity to make the most of his sprawling block on the NSW Central Coast.

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Having previously teamed up with Home Beautiful to renovate a beach house, which he shares with his son Brooklyn, seven, on the leafy property, it was time to realise his long-held plan – to design and build a stylish self-contained studio to sit at the front of the site.

“I saw it as a great way to create a little earner I could rent out, which offered guests a unique escape from the everyday,” says the one-time House Rules judge.

“Often granny flats are built as a little square box on a super-tight budget, with little thought put into the space; my aim was to create a small architectural-style home that was sexy, smart and felt great to be in.”

Natural light is afforded in spades with Luxaflex Curtains and shades, which soften this cosy coastal abode.

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With a compact 50sqm floor area, the design was kept entirely open plan, with just a single internal wall and a barn door screening the bathroom. In lieu of walls, carefully chosen furniture, fixtures and fittings cleverly define the kitchen (fitted out with sleek Bosch appliances), bedroom, living and dining zones, all thoughtfully layered with eclectic pieces and stylish accessories.

Keen to differentiate the studio from his classic white coastal home nestled at the back of the block, colour also played a key role. “It was a big gamble particularly in a small space to paint everything inside and out in Dulux Monument,” he says. “At the time, people questioned the choice, but I feel it’s really paid off. I love the moody, broody feel.”

Decidedly different from typical white coastal homes, the rich, dark colour palette makes a bold style statement.

This dark, cosy ambience was softened with the addition of custom made-to-measure curtains and window shades from Luxaflex, including the stone-coloured curtains in the dining area. Meanwhile, the bedrooms were also fitted with Luxaflex Silhouette Shadings, the clever design of which gives the appearance of floating vanes. These vanes gently diffuse natural light, softening the colour of the walls and ceiling and, when turned, also offer complete privacy and block out unwanted light.

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The neutral colours of the soft furnishings reference nature, and creates a sanctuary-like bedroom.

While the four-month build had its setbacks, including rain delays as well as prolonged council approvals, for Saul it was a dream to walk to site, a stone’s throw from his house, and project manage the build, all while home schooling Brooklyn.

The workload was also shared with his best mate Troy, whose company, Hudson Lane Projects, provided extra labour. Since he’s downed tools, Saul’s enjoyed a staycation in the studio, which has given him the chance to appreciate all the hard work. The only thing left to do is name the boutique accommodation. “Brooklyn calls it ‘The Black House’, but it’s something we’re workshopping,” he says with a laugh.

Brought to you by Luxaflex.

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