It’s hard to imagine contrast as a stylistic theme of an almost exclusively white home, but for media personality Deborah Hutton’s newly renovated forever beach house, it can be seen in every detail through the use of light and shadows. 

Affectionately known as ‘The Beach Hutt’ in reference to the nickname ‘The Hutt’ given to her by a close friend, the beautiful two storey property on Sydney’s eastern coastline is one that only Deborah could have designed. 

“My home has been a passion project for the last 10 months and I have created the beach house of my dreams, not just a house at the beach. When I look at it I see elements of my grandparents’ traditional weatherboard Queenslander, a beach house I used to own, the Hamptons style I’ve fallen in love with and so much more. I’ve really poured my heart and soul into it,” says Deborah.

The moment you turn the corner onto Deborah’s quiet coastal cul-de-sac, the brilliant white home stands out in contrast to the yellows and browns of the neighbouring properties. The home captures the brightness of the location while creating interest with a slowly shifting play of light created by Linea Weatherboard by Scyon Walls which is used around the full façade of the home. 

“One of my first big decisions was choosing Linea Weatherboard. I had this vision of the light and shadow effect you see in coastal and Hamptons houses, so when I saw the Linea Weatherboards at the Sydney Home Show and found out they were more durable than timber and needed less touch ups I knew I wanted them for my home. I’ve added stone cladding in soft greys to the front and the natural shapes and texture of the rock contrast against the uniform straight lines of the weatherboard really well. It’s a look that runs through the home, creating a flow from the outside in,” she adds.

“The house feels more like home than it ever did because I’ve had so much input. The layout of the fireplace, windows and furniture comes from a beach house I used to own. It’s the space I had laid out in my mind first and I ordered my oversized three seater sofas from America a year in advance, even though everyone warned me it would be a nightmare, it was fine. The same goes for the Ralph Lauren lights that hang over the kitchen bench - the wait was worth it.” 

 “I think I’ve made more than a pretty house. While I love how it looks, it’s the way the home is tailor made to my memories, my interests and my lifestyle, even down to the name, that makes it special to me. From the moment I see the Linea Weatherboard gleaming in the sun and the palm trees moving in the wind I know it’s the home I want to come home to.”

For more information about Deborah Hutton’s renovation journey, visit Renovation Rookie by Deborah Hutton at renovationrookie.com.au.