Sempre on Sea Road

Sempre on Sea Road: A Contemporary Coastal Retreat

Project Overview:

Sempre is a stunning 4-bedroom contemporary house located on the prestigious Sea Road at Carlyon Bay in Cornwall. This beautiful residence offers spacious rooms with uninterrupted views of St Austell Bay and the captivating coastline. As one of the most sought-after locations in Cornwall, this home makes for the perfect coastal retreat.

My clients purchased this house as a second home for their family after several years of living in California. They desired a comfortable sanctuary where they could recreate the beachside lifestyle they cherished overseas. Although the property was in excellent condition, it felt too clinical with its all-white walls and high-gloss floors. Our goal was to transform this space into a warm, welcoming retreat with a unique, homely interior style.

Design Approach:

The design brief was to create a neutral yet interesting aesthetic using minimal patterns, emphasising texture and contrast. Without a set budget or time constraints, we carefully selected materials and finishes to ensure quality and cohesion, resulting in a truly bespoke design. This flexibility allowed for thoughtful planning and investment in the project’s most impactful elements. The project’s total cost, excluding garden landscaping, exceeded £60,000.

Sitting Area:

The sitting area was pivotal to the design scheme, offering comfort and durability to withstand daily family life. The original glossy grey tile flooring felt cold, so we softened the space with textured furnishings and a subtle colour palette.

  • Colour Scheme: Walls were painted with Farrow & Ball’s Purbeck Stone, complemented by Little Green’s French Grey Pale for skirtings and architraves.
  • Feature Wall: A custom stone wall was created as a focal point, featuring a fireplace with a Carrera marble floating plinth and an inset TV. LED lighting softly illuminates the neutral-toned stone, echoing the cliffs of Gribben Head.
  • Window Treatments: To control light and heat without obstructing views, we installed powered semi-opaque roller blinds. Complementing this, Ian Sanderson’s Driftnet fabric in Heather was chosen for unlined curtains, adding a coastal feel with frayed edges.
  • Furniture: Loaf sofas upholstered in Warwick’s washed Denim chenille and Ralph Lauren’s indigo and stone herringbone fabrics provide cosy seating. Piped cushions in textured plains and coastal stripes enhance comfort and visual interest.
  • Accessories: Footstools with Old English tan leather tops and Harlequin fabric sides were custom-made. An ebonized oak and glass coffee table completes the sitting area’s relaxed, coastal ambiance.
  • Bespoke Rug: An abstract rug design featuring neutral shades with a hint of ‘distant blue’ was selected to prevent light reflection from the tiles and anchor the sofas.

 

Dining Area:

The dining area celebrates natural finishes, introducing a harmonious blend of textures.

  • Furniture: A large round table with a natural tree root base and clear glass top accommodates six to eight guests. Washed finish wood chairs upholstered in cream linen complement the table’s organic appeal.
  • Sideboard and Mirror: A wave-design sideboard from a local shop offers storage, paired with a large round driftwood mirror for an elegant touch.
  • Lighting: Handmade glass sphere chandeliers in blue, amber, and cream hues replace the old copper pendant, casting a warm glow over the dining and kitchen areas.
  • Rug: A bespoke rug under the dining table enhances comfort and continues the design theme.

Snug:

The Snug features a darker colour palette for a cosy, masculine atmosphere.

  • Colour Scheme: Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue and Jitney create a dramatic backdrop.
  • Furniture: A tan leather sofa, dark brown swivel chair, and Moroccan leather poufs offer comfort. A quirky surfboard table from California adds a relaxed vibe.
  • Decor: A traditional fairground scene painting and coastal art add personality, while a reclaimed wood console table brings rustic charm.
  • Rug: A sisal rug with blue cotton binding anchors the room’s design.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room:

Working with the existing kitchen, we integrated it into the open-plan space’s relaxed style.

  • Colour Scheme: Farrow & Ball Purbeck Stone walls harmonize with the speckled quartz worktops.
  • Window Treatments: Ian Sanderson’s Ink Blot roman blind in Marine Blue softens the room.
  • Lighting: A bespoke glass chandelier mirrors the dining area’s fixture.
  • Furniture: Solid Beech stools with tan leather and Harlequin fabric link the sitting and breakfast areas. Houseplants and coastal accessories echo the garden and sea views.

Office:

A peaceful garden-facing office provides a productive workspace.

  • Colour Scheme: Farrow & Ball’s Charleston Grey and Elephant’s Breath offer a calming backdrop.
  • Furniture: A glass and metal desk, leather armchair, and dark wood Verdigris shelves create an executive feel.
  • Decor: Rugby memorabilia adds personal touch; sisal flooring and coastal accessories complete the look.

Ground Floor:

Hallway, Stairs, and Stairwell:

Creating interest and texture was key in the expansive hallway.

  • Decor: A natural wood console table with coastal accessories, a shell-framed mirror, and a rattan planter add interest.
  • Rug: A sisal flooring-bound rug softens the glossy tiles. An oversized tree trunk bench with sheepskin draping adds warmth.
  • Stairs: A neutral stair runner reduces noise and adds softness.
  • Lighting: A multi-armed pendant with glass shades in warm tones serves as a sculptural focal point.

Bedrooms:

Using colour, texture and tone to create calming and relaxing rooms.

Second Floor:

Master Bedroom:

The master bedroom offers a serene retreat with breathtaking views.

  • Colour Scheme: Farrow & Ball’s London Stone and Dimity provide a soothing backdrop.
  • Furniture: An oatmeal woven fabric TV bed and wool/silk carpet create luxury. Eicholtz’s cream boucle swivel chairs offer comfort.
  • Window Treatments: Camengo’s By Night fabric for curtains ensures privacy and complements the coastal theme.
  • Decor: Rattan bedside units and a bespoke ottoman with luxurious cushions complete the space.

 


Projects