KMcK – Styling and Interior Design

Some projects resonate beyond the brief, distinguished by a collaborative spirit and an openness that allows the design to evolve with clarity and intent. Headland House is one such project, shaped by a strong alignment between client, architect Harley Graham and interior design Kathy McKinnon Interiors

Conceived as a highly functional coastal home, the design supports the rhythms of everyday family life while maintaining a clear architectural language, underpinned by a considered exploration of colour and materiality. The result is a home that feels both resolved and relaxed — refined without formality.

A defining layer of the interiors is the integration of bespoke, hand-crafted elements. The client’s own ceramic bathroom tiles and dining crockery introduce a deeply personal narrative, adding texture and authenticity throughout. This artisanal sensibility is balanced by a rigorous approach to material selection, with finishes and fabrics chosen for durability and ease of maintenance — essential in a coastal environment where sand, salt and wet foot traffic are part of daily life.

Art plays a central role, bringing depth and individuality to the spaces. A sculptural hallway piece by Joshua Yeldham and the striking Cloudless Field Yellow relief by Patricia Piccinini anchor key moments within the home, creating focal points that are both expressive and quietly powerful.

Furniture selections reinforce the relaxed, considered tone of the interiors. Clean-lined forms and natural materials sit comfortably within the coastal context, while custom bedheads subtly reference the home’s curved balcony arches. Vintage, hand-blown yellow glass pendants — sourced at auction — introduce a sculptural counterpoint, their warmth echoed in layered textiles and rugs. In the living space, an antique Berber rug sourced from Morocco grounds the room, while handwoven jute rugs in the bedrooms further enhance the tactile, coastal sensibility.