Under the sun

Embracing open spaces and sunkissed colours, Bajo el Sol is Burleigh Heads very own Mediterranean-inspired beach house.

Step inside Bajo el Sol

Just two years ago, Kelle Howard purchased a rundown beach shack in the sunkissed Gold Coast suburb of Burleigh Heads. With a clear vision in mind, the idea of Bajo el Sol – which translates to ‘Under the Sun’ in Spanish – was born.

2.

3.

8. 7.

6. 5.

After the birth of her first child, Kelle Howard, who at the time was State Manager for MAC Cosmetics, had the time and space to reassess and decided it was an opportunity to start over. Having always had a passion and interest in interior design she decided her maternity leave was as good a time as any to hit the books and study.

In 2019, when Kelle stumbled across a beach shack in Burleigh Heads she had 7 years’ interiors experience under her belt, and her vision for Bajo El Sol was born. “I dreamt of creating a space that pushed the boundaries of what you would usually find in a family home. I drew inspiration from commercial spaces such as luxe hotels and day spas with a big influence from Ibizan architecture,” she says. As a new mum, the project was initially supposed to be a renovation, but after not finding anything that suited her vision she decided to knock down and rebuild instead. Taking just eight months, Kelle said the entire process felt pretty effortless, thanks to an incredible team who helped bring her dream to fruition. Each room was meticulously planned so that every space had its own special features and vibe. From a master suite that Kelle describes as her own private sanctuary, to the family cinema room and an outdoor space that feels like you’ve been transported to a private resort – all just a walk from the beach.

With a love of minimalism, Kelle focuses on the architectural details of a home – dreamy white concrete and artisan render for the raw, coastal aesthetic, and touches of brass and unexpected details for the luxe element. When designing her spaces, Kelle focuses on larger pieces such as rugs and artwork to form the colour palette for each space and then draws on the colours within these pieces to curate the decor and soft furnishings. While Kelle says architectural statement furniture pieces are her interior must-have, she says being fluid and letting the space evolve naturally throughout the design process often leads to even more amazing results.

1. Adairs Malmo Check Linen Throw $129.99 2. Freedom Retro Surfers Framed Print $159.97 3. Adairs Home Republic Mexica Cushion $59.99 4. Adairs Home Republic Henan Succulent Small Garden $29.99 5. Freedom Orbit Vase $39.95 6. Freedom Aspect Vase $69.95 7. Adairs Alfie Laundry Basket $129.99 8. Adairs Hanover Check Rug Runner $79.99

GOLD

RUSH

The ultimate symbol of luxury, gold accents add warmth and sophistication to any room but it’s the kitchen where the decadent trend truly comes alive.

The Midas touch

Seen as a symbol of wealth and power for centuries, gold is often associated with opulent interiors and gaudy overdone designs but when applied with subtlety and sophistication in mind, can add just the right amount of gilded age splendour to your home.

3.

Kitchen essentials

With a nod to the 1920s, Art Decoinspired gold finishes and accents are not going away anytime soon. Add splashes of gold throughout your kitchen with faucets, cutlery, lighting, and goldaccented furniture. Pair with natural timbers to create a soft rustic finish.

6.

5. 2.

4.

Kitchen designed by Kitchen Connection featuring their Tuscany Premium White cabinets, Caesarstone Ocean Foam benchtop and brushed gold handles and tapware. 1. Harvey Norman Lenovo Filament Smart Bulb $29 2. James Lane Frame Clock $299.95 3. Adairs Naturaliste Cheese Set $39.99 4. Harvey Norman Oliveri Essente Faucet $590 5. Early Settler Hemming Bar Stool $199 6. Freedom Fusion Champagne Flute Set of 4 $49.95

Writer’s Block

Blocky, minimalist, and angular – we’re embracing simplicity and structure in a lived-in and comfortable way that’s modern and timeless, but never stark or clinical.

Lovely literature

Add warmth and personality to your space with coffee table books that give guests a hint of your personal style. From fashion and architecture to design and art, aesthetic coffee table books blend functionality with style.

2.

4.

5. 3.

6.

COCO REPUBLIC Sharp and angular, inviting yet bold – the structural trend is the polar opposite of the curve trend and it’s resurfacing in a big way for 2022. 2021 saw the re-emergence of the structural trend, with furniture brands embracing clean lines and statement-making furniture. As we enter the cooler seasons, interior designers have moved away from the stark, clinical style that often comes with minimalist interiors and are instead adding a comfortable edge that’s perfect for lounging, relaxing and living.

As the main social area of the home, the living room should offer functionality and comfort while also being a bold focal point. This season, we’re opting for statement coffee tables and lounges to centre these spaces while adding soft hues, organic fabrics, and curved décor to offset the angles and create a tranquil cohesion.

While the trend typically lends itself to a monochrome finish, brown and marble add a warmth to the space that’s autumnal, rustic and comforting. Add in touches of light with glass and mirrored surfaces to finish the look, while metal accents create a timeless, trans-seasonal finish that won’t date.

1. Coco Republic Potraits of Interiors by Axel Vervoordt $125 2. Coco Republic Studio Co $199 3. James Lane Bagatelle Floor Mirror $449 4. Oz Design Furniture Medina Table Lamp $199.95 5. Coco Republic Alpine Side Table $1,245 6. Freedom Atlas Sofa $3,499