The perfect calm and serene coastal retreat

With the easing of restrictions comes the joy of being able to plan getaways again. We have partnered with some of our favourite places to stay to bring you Eadie Escapes - a series showcasing inspirational accommodation featuring a touch of Eadie. Catherine Heraghty from The Stables is renowned for her timeless yet contemporary interiors combining natural textures and patterns. With Cape Beach House in Byron Bay, she has created the perfect calm and serene coastal retreat. We spoke with Catherine to find out more about this stunning project.

The Cape Beach House in Byron Bay design by the Stables with Eadie Lifestyle

The living area featuring Eadie's Luca and Luca Boho Cushions

 

What was the starting point for your creative process?

The starting point was a mood board as it is with most of our projects. Our clients loved our style and they essentially asked us to give them a Byron Bay version of it! We worked through a lot of inspiration images with the clients and just started collecting samples and putting them all together. I sat with all of the samples spread over my dining table for at least a week. I wanted to see how they felt alongside each other and how the natural light affected them at different times throughout the day. Once I was comfortable with the selections and knew that they worked harmoniously together we locked those in. Then started the mammoth exercise of selecting the furniture!

One of the bedrooms featuring Eadie Lifestyle at The Cape Beach House in Byron Bay

 One of the bedrooms dressed with Eadie's Bedouin and Chelsea Cushions

 

What are the key elements in creating a coastal retreat that is both stylish and comfortable?
I think the key is striking a balance between something that is ever so slightly rustic yet refined. A coastal style is all about comfort and relaxation so its important to avoid spaces that feel too minimal and too perfect. If you want to however create a coastal space that is stylish and comfortable, I think you need to ensure that there is ample amount of textures, soft furnishings, natural materials but this is balanced against a back drop of clean lines in the joinery and bathrooms. 
The perfect spot to spend an afternoon relaxing at The Cape Beach House in Byron Bay with Eadie Lifestyle's Dolce cushion and Chelsea cushion
A stylish corner to spend a relaxing afternoon with our Dolce Cushion and Luca Throw
 
For those of us don't live or get the chance as often as we would like to be near the coast, what do you see as the five must haves to get that coastal vibe happening in our homes?
I think texture is the single most important element that I try and introduce when doing a coastal interior, this can be in the way of woven rugs, cushions with frayed edges and rattan furniture. I also think that the use of natural materials is super important, this could be introduced in the joinery, furniture and soft furnishings. Examples include natural linens, timber and stone. I think when selecting your colour palette, going for soft muted colours is key to creating that coastal look. Avoid strong and saturated colours where possible. I think when styling a coastal home, think of using pieces that are relaxed – so oversized sofas with loose linen slip covers and natural linen bed linen. I think the use of artwork that portrays coastal scenes also help to create that coastal vibe, there are so many great photographers out there these days that have beautiful landscapes available at cost effective prices.
The rattan hanging chair and patio at The Cape Beach House in Byron Bay featuring Eadie Lifestyle
Rattan furniture pairs beautifully with our Bedouin and Chelsea Cushions
 
We’d love to spend an afternoon with a good book and vino in the cane hanging chair. Do you have a favourite room in the house? And what are you reading or listening to?
My favourite room in the Cape Beach Holiday house would be communal kitchen, I am thrilled with the way this space turned out! I would not change a thing – I very much had the vision of this kitchen very early on and I was firm from the outset on how I wanted it to look. The use of the rattan inlays in the shaker doors is one of my favourite elements along with the stunning tiled splash back. I wish I had time to read these days!! But I always have music on, I am currently loving Asgeir, The Kite String Tangle and Harrison Storm to name a few. All the cruisey vibes to get me through my days! 
The rattan doors and tiled splash back in the kitchen of The Cape Beach House in Byron Bay
 
You’ve incorporated a number of Eadie cushions in the house. What was it about the pieces that you loved?
We love the pulled back understated range of cushions that Eadie create, their colour palette is perfect for the coastal home as they are soft and muted. We also adore the inserts that Eadie do, they are the best on the market! They sit perfectly, the look plump and luxurious and they also have a super relaxed feel about them. We adore using Eadie in all of our projects! 
The natural textures and tones in the living space at The Cape Beach House in Byron Bay featuring Eadie Lifestyle
An array of Eadie cushions create the ultimate cosy and stylish finishing touch to this living area
 
And finally, what is the best thing (or things) about a stay at Cape Beach House?
Hmmmm that is a super tough question, its hard to name one thing! I would say though you would be hard pressed to find a better host than Katie. She is one of the most gorgeous people you will ever meet, so welcoming and warm and she will look after your every need. She will make you feel like you made an instant friend and you will never want to leave. Her home made muffins that she prepares every day for guests are unbeatable… strawberry and white chocolate was always my favourite! 
Poolside at The Cape Beach House in Byron Bay

The entrance to The Cape Beach House in Byron Bay
Discover more of Catherine Heragthy from The Stables work at www.thestables.com.au
Get the Cape Beach House look with Eadie here