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Nine decorating ideas to steal from Halcyon House

Soak up the suave styling inspiration, then add this hip hotel to your holiday destination lust-list.

What do you get when you take a classic Aussie beachside motel and combine it with brilliant architectural influences and divine interior stylings? Say hello to Halcyon House – the hottest-looking holiday haven on the east coast of NSW. Situated in laidback Cabarita Beach, roughly midway between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, Halcyon House sets out to thrill your senses with its delightfully eclectic take on the Hamptons look. And, best news of all – you can stay here!

1. Colour palette

Go for a timeless, classic colour palette. Here, a range of vibrant blues and white set the tone for layers of coastal styling.

Flanked by the restaurant and bar, check out the sumptuous sitting space abundant in coastal styling. Solid, striped or intricately patterned, deep navy blue makes an appearance throughout the interior scheme.

2. Stick With The Original 

The original architectural lines from a former life as a 1960s surfie motel take a starring role. PS, arches are back – big time!

3. Breeze Blocks

The hotel’s entryway is lined with white-painted breeze blocks. You can pinch this design idea to bring a touch of retro Palm Springs splendour to your outdoor landscape.

4. Gallery Wall

If you’re considering a gallery wall, stick to a theme (say, ‘by the sea’). Choose interesting frames that are different sizes, colours and shapes, then decide on your balanced layout before hanging the display.

Not only will the hotel’s restaurant, Paper Daisy, dazzle your taste buds – you’ll be inspired to head home and hang wall loads of eclectic artworks, too.

6. Texture

Think outside the box when choosing finishes. Here, the bedroom walls are padded and lined with patterned fabric instead of traditional wallpaper.

For a bedroom that’s equal parts vibrant and also utterly relaxing, partner patterned wall and bedhead treatments with fresh white linen, window shutters and trims. PS, note how you only need two feature cushions – here, matching the bedhead fabric – to create a heavenly hotel-style bed set.

7. Boho Bathroom

The design love continues to be shared in this bathroom, through striking blue-and-white floor tiles. What makes this space so splendid? The wall tiles are kept all-white, allowing the high-energy floor plan to do its thing. Metallic and timber elements add warmth.

8. On The Wall

If you’re drawn to coastal decorating, why not drench a wall in ocean-inspired blue paint, fabric or wallpaper? It’s the most gorgeous backdrop for a sea-themed vignette.

9. Be Brave!

Who says you can’t hang fabulous artwork and mirrors on patterned walls? Or layer pattern on pattern? If it looks fab and you love it – do it! All 21 rooms at Halcyon House experiment with pattern and colour, and show you how upcycled vintage furniture sings in an updated setting. Aim for balance by offsetting your base colour palette with curious collections and earthy, natural materials. Try cane, rattan and character-filled antique items to enrich interior spaces.

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