A Seaside Transformation at Mount Martha with Contemporary Coastal Home Makeover Appeal

Studio Esar has worked its magic on a once-dated early 2000s family home in Mount Martha, Victoria, infusing new energy into each space, shaping a haven that mirrors the serene charm of the ocean beyond. What was once a builder's range home, marked by uninspired grey tiles, dated feature wallpaper, and an unimaginative colour scheme, has been transformed into a contemporary seaside sanctuary, rich with warmth and texture.

Nestled along the beautiful expanse of the Mornington Peninsula, the four-bedroom Mount Martha residence offered generous high ceilings and stunning ocean vistas—but it lacked a sense of coastal soul, falling short of embracing its picturesque location. With a dated aesthetic and awkward layout elements like dead spaces and highlight windows that contributed nothing to the ambience, the house was ripe for transformation.

Enter Studio Esar: the design team embraced the challenge, giving the property a complete interior overhaul, creating a home that feels like a soft, light-filled embrace—the perfect respite by the sea.

Stepping inside, one is greeted by the interplay of newly laid herringbone timber floors and shiplap-clad walls, creating a tactile narrative that flows seamlessly down the hallway. The timber continues up the split-level staircase, with sunlight filtering through battens, casting ever-changing patterns of light and shadow that breathe life into the lower landing.

The reimagined kitchen stands as the true centrepiece of this transformation—expanding from its once-confined form into a sweeping, cohesive focal point. Fior di Pesco marble adorns the benchtops, splashback, island, and rangehood, with soft apricot tones and earthy accents that weave a natural dialogue with the warm herringbone flooring. Studio Esar extended the kitchen beyond its original boundaries, transforming an unutilised area into a striking focal point, replete with additional storage and functionality.

Gentle curves were woven into the design to soften harsh lines—from the island benchtop to transitional walls—introducing a natural flow that feels both comforting and organic, in contrast to the rigid geometry of the home's original construction. Behind the open shelving, fluted timber adds depth, punctuating the clean lines with an inviting warmth.

Downstairs, the bedrooms and bathrooms were given a similar treatment, with an emphasis on creating spaces that feel both luxurious and serene. The master bedroom has been transformed into a true sanctuary, with thick loop pile carpet adding texture underfoot, diaphanous sheer curtains allowing filtered light, and an upholstered bed that beckons for quiet moments of rest. The bathrooms underwent a similar metamorphosis—fresh grout gave a renewed sheen to existing tiles, while Tundra Grey marble vanities paired with bronze fixtures added understated luxury, carefully balanced to maintain a sense of serene calm.

The master ensuite features an extended wall-to-wall mirrored cabinet for ample storage, and elegant Orb wall sconces create a soft glow, enhancing the understated elegance of the space. The use of timber veneer in the vanity unit complements the natural tones throughout the home, creating a space that exudes warmth and an understated allure.

One of the standout features of this  contemporary coastal home makeover is the layered material palette. Studio Esar expertly orchestrated a mix of natural stone, timber veneer, and muted white finishes—resulting in an aesthetic that is at once soothing and rich in character, effortlessly blending modern sensibilities with timeless design. The introduction of textures—be it through shiplap panelled walls, reeded glass in the shower screens, or timber battens on the staircase—ensures each space tells its own story while contributing to the harmonious flow of the home.

The choice of finishes speaks volumes about Studio Esar's commitment to quality and timelessness. By using Australian-sourced materials wherever possible and designing with longevity in mind, the home now stands as an elegant embodiment of coastal living—rich in character, connection, and comfort.

The Mount Martha project by Studio Esar is a testament to how a thoughtful, inspired design approach can completely transform a home, imbuing it with a sense of place and purpose. Gone are the uninspired chrome fittings and awkward dead spaces. In their place is a home that celebrates its surroundings—a sophisticated coastal palette where warm timber floors meet natural stone and soft whites, and where each room feels like an invitation to slow down and savour the beauty of its environment.

Principal Designer Silvia Roldan captures it perfectly: “The original home is beyond recognition. Every inch has been touched, rethought, and reimagined. There is not an inch of this four-bedroom home we didn't touch.” And it shows—Studio Esar has elevated the mundane into something truly magical, proving that good bones, paired with inspired design, can create a home worthy of its breathtaking coastal setting.

Inspired by the effortless charm of this Mount Martha transformation? Discover our 'Intentional Ease' collection—an edit that embodies the same sense of warmth, texture, and coastal sophistication, bringing these design elements into your own space.