- Interior
In a picturesque coastal area in Devon, England, stands an extraordinary house where elegance meets the essence of slow living. This coastal house masterfully combines the cosy comfort of a Georgian house in London with the serenity of a seaside home. The harmonious retreat celebrates the raw beauty of its surroundings.
The interior of this house was designed by Pernille Lind Studio. The style of the eponymous designer is a unique blend of Scandinavian aesthetics and Asian influences, and has been shaped by her education at the Royal Danish Academy and the University of the Arts in London, as well as her travels and her family's furniture background. Her father, an engineer, taught her the art of sculpture, which is also visible in her designs. The house is located in Devon, a region known for its natural beauty and breathtaking coastlines, ideal for a quiet escape from city life. This weekend home is owned by an energetic family of five from London, who have a beautiful Georgian mansion in north London as their main residence. Given their strong ties to Devon, they longed to have their own base in this region for holidays and long weekends. The coastal house, recently built with a contemporary architectural style, presented an interesting challenge for Pernille Lind. Combining the sensibilities of coastal living with the familiar comforts of a London townhouse inspired her to create an enchanting yet functional design within a spacious and well-located property. Initial layouts and plans had already been developed before Pernille Lind Studio was appointed to design the full renovation and furnishing. With every project, the team prioritises the context and the client's needs. By analysing these and taking inspiration from their main home, the interior palette, furniture and colours were determined. The aim was to create a harmonious mix of traditional and modern elements, with spaces that promote both social interaction and relaxation. The house had to feel comfortable to live in, with an emphasis on maximising the beautiful sea views. The interior needed to complement the outdoor landscape. By carefully selecting materials, colours and the right amount of furniture in each room, the design team achieved a balanced approach, resulting in a warm haven that enhances the overall ambience of the house. The main living areas feature sandy sepia tones and soft fabrics inspired by the surrounding landscape. Specific areas, such as the children's rooms and toilets, feature bursts of colour to add a playful touch that reflects the family's personality. The use of wood, bespoke doors and oak architraves, along with natural stone such as limestone for the kitchen and joinery, provided a warm layer to the otherwise modern and clean spaces.
The sensibilities of coastal living combined with the familiar comforts of a London townhouse
The mix of wood, wood panelling, classic rugs, natural fibres, glossy tiles, bronze accents and coloured marble creates different atmospheres in each room. This ensures a perfect balance between cosiness and elegance. The larger rooms needed to evoke a sense of calm and cohesion. By varying the hue of the oak, a subtle differentiation between the rooms was introduced, and the use of natural fabrics and materials highlights the raw beauty of the surroundings. Despite significant price increases and the challenge of construction work that had already started, the team managed to find innovative solutions and stay within budget. The house covers 620 square metres, spread over two floors, with seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, two powder rooms, a boot room, a spacious kitchen and pantry, a snug room and two living rooms. Glass partitions seamlessly connect the living spaces and offer uninterrupted sea views. A guest house with its own facilities was also designed and built. Founded in 2018, Pernille Lind Studio has built an impressive portfolio of residential and commercial projects around the world. Their designs, characterised by a combination of Scandinavian and Asian influences and attention to context and historical details, create unique and characterful projects. Their personal and practical approach supports clients to realise their aspirations and make each project a success.
Photography by Joachim Wichmann
Interior design by Pernille Lind Studio
Text by Celien Hemelaer