Nina Maya – A Minimalist and Contemporary Seaside House in Sydney
Architectural Digest, France
A Minimalist and Contemporary Seaside House in Sydney
On one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, interior designer Nina Maya has created a soothing coastal retreat, emphasizing breathtaking views and soft, calming tones and materials.
Located east of Sydney, just steps from Bondi Beach, the expansive seaside residence overlooks Tamarama Beach and cliff, offering stunning ocean views. This contemporary reimagining of a beach house, designed by Nina Maya Interiors, is intended to be a tranquil, luxurious haven for a family of five.
“Of course, the natural environment inspired the decoration to create a deliberately serene and calming atmosphere that doesn’t detract from the breathtaking views,” explains decorator Nina Maya. The Cove House, named by its owners, has been completely renovated, with its five levels featuring a private cinema and an ultramodern wellness space, including a gym with a cold plunge pool and an infrared sauna.
Diaphanous Serenity
As you walk through the rooms, which open up to the landscape through full-width and full-height sliding glass doors that disappear into the walls, and transparent terrace railings, you feel a sense of serenity and calm thanks to the whites, milks, skies, and pastel greys that Nina Maya employs. Natural woods, Arabescato marble, and travertine create a neutral palette, a desaturated base that emphasizes the art and furniture. A large-format artwork in the main living room sets the tone for a raw and sensual minimalism that is echoed throughout the house.
Neutral Minimalism
“Bringing some of our heaviest marble furniture into the house was no small feat. Just the solid marble coffee table in the living room, carved from a single block, weighs over a tonne. It had to be crane-lifted over three floors, a real tour de force.” The house features numerous custom-made pieces by Nina Maya Interiors, including dining tables, coffee tables, bedside tables, outdoor sofas, rugs, and lighting in the main living room. The rough elegance of the furniture is punctuated by luminous works from British artist Max Patte and alabaster chandeliers from Canadian Randy Zieber, along with pieces from local artists Marissa Purcell, Tan Arlidge, and Henryk Studio.
Calming Ambiance
The private cinema room stands out with its all-over aubergine velvet for lounge chairs, carpet, and wall coverings. Here, Nina Maya evokes the refined cocoon spirit and codes of vintage cinemas, complemented with alabaster and crystal wall sconces. Back outside, the pool area and its green wall, along with large planters and integrated beds, bring vegetation close to the house, situating it within its natural environment. And just steps from the beach, you can fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves day or night
