An Australian Vacation Villa Gets a Sophisticated New Look

On the peninsula of Palm Beach, a northern Sydney suburb, a holiday home is treated to a restrained, yet luxe, renovation.

In Sydney’s scenic Palm Beach suburb, a waterfront villa was in desperate need of a remodel. The existing home featured a flawed, ineffectual layout and little connection to the outdoors—a genuine frustration given the home’s spectacular location.

The kitchen now opens out to a courtyard and outdoor dining area thanks to large glass doors. 

The kitchen now opens out to a courtyard and outdoor dining area thanks to large glass doors. 

Led by principal Jeremy Bull and Charlene Cong, Sydney–based studio Alexander & Co. transformed the villa into a sophisticated, airy abode. Seeking to improve the home’s circulation and connection to the landscape, the studio reconfigured spaces and opened corridors to facilitate entertaining. Large expanses of windows offer sublime vistas, while a new glass door connects the kitchen to an alfresco dining area.

A marble island and white cabinetry define the bright, open kitchen, while matte black and bronze finishes celebrate craftsmanship. 

A marble island and white cabinetry define the bright, open kitchen, while matte black and bronze finishes celebrate craftsmanship. 

In creating a comfortable home-away-from-home for their clients, Alexander & Co. opted for a subdued material palette and bespoke interior furnishings. Marble countertops, cool hardwood floors, and a muted color story contribute to a lived-in quality for this understated, elegant retreat.

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With its tranquil color palette and casual furnishings, the living room oozes laid-back sophistication. 

With its tranquil color palette and casual furnishings, the living room oozes laid-back sophistication. 

In the open-plan living area, a wet bar facilitates the homeowners’ affinity for entertaining. 

In the open-plan living area, a wet bar facilitates the homeowners’ affinity for entertaining. 

A guest bedroom offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony. 

A guest bedroom offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony. 


Special attention was given to the villa’s garden. In order to maintain focus on the surrounding natural beauty, landscape designer Myles Baldwin followed a contemporary, minimalist approach with a neat lawn and pared-down softscape elements.

A pergola over the dining area allows for privacy without obstructing the phenomenal views.

A pergola over the dining area allows for privacy without obstructing the phenomenal views.

The breezy foyer exemplifies the design team’s commitment to creating an airy, elegant space. 

The breezy foyer exemplifies the design team’s commitment to creating an airy, elegant space. 

Project Credits:  

Architect of Record, Interior Design: Alexander & Co / @alexander_andco

Landscape Design: Myles Baldwin Design

Landscape Contractor: Kyora Landscapes

Builder: Lovett Custom Homes

Structural Engineer Company: Ashby Doble

Cabinetry Design/Installation: Pittwater Joinery

Erin V. Mahoney
Erin V. Mahoney is the Senior Marketing Manager at Dwell. She also specializes in translating IKEA product names. Get in touch erin@dwell.com

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