Melbourne design practice CJH Studio welcome est inside one of their latest projects, located in a quiet cul de sac in a coastal town on the Mornington Peninsula. 

CJH Studio have taken their soothing palette to Residence M; a rural holiday retreat on the coast. The team were called on to create calming spaces for a young family with a love for entertaining, that needed to be equally practical and comfortable all year round. Soft cream tones, consistent elements and warm textures have made way for a sanctuary that relishes in the tranquillity of its beachside context. 

The double-pitched ceiling space continues out to the entertaining deck facing the pool and gardens from the kitchen, dining and living space.  The client asked for Residence M to sit discreetly within its environment and to maximise light. Silvertop Ash cladding was selected for the exterior to patina with age, blending with the natural surrounds. 

Entering through the front door, the home unfolds around a central hallway with custom Linear Standard hooks a fitting finishing touch. Three bedrooms are located off the hallway at the front of the house, including the master bedroom with ensuite. Separating two of the bedrooms is a central bathroom space and adjacent, a double bunk room. Close by, you’ll find the small powder room and large olive green laundry space. A second living space for the children and a flexible working zone are also located off the hallway.

The open plan living, dining and kitchen space cements the relaxed atmosphere. As with the entire home, materials here were kept consistent and designed to be hard-wearing. Darker timber floors are layered with light timber furnishings, while oatmeal hues wrap the walls, where the CJH Studio team have created visual interest through timber panelling and joinery handles. “The colour palette was intended to remain calm and neutral to not only soothe whilst you inhabit the space but also to draw you further and see past the built structure to its natural green surroundings externally,” CJH director Cassie James-Herrick says.