Find Peace on the Gold Coast at Marissa’s Ocean Escape
Posted: 19 January 2022
A place to pause, laugh, and connect. That’s exactly what Marissa and her family envisioned when creating their new home. With soft natural light, warm timber textures, and our Hazelnut Collection, their home is a complete reflection of who they are.
When we saw this home on Instagram, it was love at first sight. The warm, earthy tones instantly drew us in. And the best part? Marissa (the creative force behind Village Markets) crafted this space all on her own.
Stepping through the doors of Marissa's home feels like leaving the world behind. The hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast fades away, replaced by complete calm.
As you stroll through her home, you'll find a cosy courtyard where an olive tree stands tall, creating the perfect setting for peaceful moments.
In our chat with Marissa, she shares the secrets behind her peaceful palace.
From using natural light to adding earthy tones, her home feels like a true retreat where you can leave the busyness behind. Marissa’s choice to keep the space smaller and more thoughtful highlights how simple designs can create a warm and inviting flow.
Q: From the moment you walk past your front door and down your landscaped path, you leave the busy world behind and are captivated by the immediate sense of cosy, contained living. For anyone looking to transform their space with this aesthetic in mind, where is the best place to start when laying the foundation for a design transformation?
Absolutely! While we live in a bustling, built-up area, we always envisioned our home as an oasis—somewhere we could retreat for rest, connection, and family time, all set against the soothing sound of the ocean and lush landscaping. After living in our old beach shack for eight years, we had a clear sense of how we wanted to live and capture natural light while maintaining privacy. Working closely with Studio Workshop, we were able to design the perfect layout. I loved their innovative concept of two separate pavilions connected by a central garden, and the decision to forgo a formal front door has been a wonderful reflection of our relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Q: You led the interior design process. Reflecting on your incredible build, what are your top three 'must-haves' that homeowners should consider to achieve a liveable, cosy home with that coastal-casa aesthetic?
I’ve always been passionate about design and interiors, so having the chance to lead our project was such a joy. For me, the three essentials were:
1. Natural light and an indoor-outdoor flow – It was important to blur the line between inside and outside to create a true oasis for our family.
2. Incorporating natural materials – We used materials like concrete, walnut timber, render, and travertine to bring warmth and texture, avoiding stark white tones to ensure a welcoming, earthy feel. Recycling timber from our old shack for arbors and shelving made it even more special and meaningful.
3. Thoughtfully curated furnishings – Instead of rushing to fill the space, I chose to curate our furniture over time. We focused on vintage pieces, locally made items, and accessories sourced from places like The Village Markets, all of which add character and tell a story.
Q: Based on your experience building from scratch, could you share some tips you’d follow again if you were to build in this style?
Having my husband Rick involved in the process was a huge advantage. As someone who works in steel fabrication, he partnered closely with our builder, Matt, and Chris from Coaker’s Building, ensuring we stayed on budget and schedule. Meanwhile, I focused on the design and aesthetics. Our collaboration with the Coaker’s team and Studio Workshop, particularly Lindy and Rory, was fantastic—they understood our vision and worked tirelessly to bring it to life.
My biggest tips would be:
Teamwork is essential – Find a team that truly understands your vision and is willing to go above and beyond.
Mood boards are your best friend – Planning and sourcing in advance, while creating mood boards, made the design process so much smoother and ensured everything stayed cohesive.
Q: For those hoping to achieve a laid-back coastal vibe like yours without major renovations, what décor hacks would you recommend to elevate a room and create that earthy, coastal feel?
It’s all about curating meaningful spaces that reflect who you are. Don’t follow trends too closely; instead, incorporate textures and pieces that you truly love and that will stand the test of time. Art, linen, and accessories are great for injecting extra personality, and these elements can be updated seasonally or as your style evolves. Think of it as an ongoing process to make your home a true reflection of you.
Q: Colours play a significant role in design. Could you suggest specific colours homeowners can incorporate to effortlessly create a cosy atmosphere?
Definitely lean into the warmth of natural timber, especially darker shades like walnut, which adds depth. Pair this with sheer curtains, linen, textured walls, and natural materials like greenery. Small touches, like stacks of books and organic textiles, help bring a space to life with that layered, lived-in feel.
The large dining room table is styled with a Beige Gingham Table Cloth and Natural and White Ruffle Napkins
Q: What’s your favourite room in the home and why?
I’d have to say downstairs, where the kitchen and living area seamlessly blend together. It’s an open, peaceful space where the sea breeze flows through the curtains, and our olive tree is on display. It’s the heart of our home, perfect for gathering friends and family. Whether we’re by the pool, lounging on the daybed, gathered around the kitchen bench, or pulling up extra chairs to the dining table, it’s a space that always feels welcoming. There’s always incense burning, music playing, and new memories being made—it’s everything we hoped for.
