Designer Spotlight | Whitewood Agency

WHITEWOOD AGENCY
featuring
The Beach Byron Bay

We caught up with Director & Principal Designer Julie King from Whitewood agency to explore the team's unique flair for coastal interiors and to hear a little more about their recent refurbishment of 'Beach Byron Bay'. This idyllic waterfront restaurant is an iconic location for casual lunches, private events and sunset dinners.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU CONSIDER WHEN STARTING A NEW PROJECT?

We first immerse ourselves in the location of the project and truly understand how the space will sit in its surroundings. Then we refine how the space is going to be used and who the user is, this then allows us to develop the design language of the interior and the emotions we want to evoke.

WHAT WAS THE CLIENT’S BRIEF AND HOW WAS THIS ACHIEVED?

The client wanted to reimagine the interiors of the restaurant to be more in line with a fine dining and wedding venue while also re working behind the bar to create a more efficient and streamlined work flow on the cocktail line.

WHAT IS THIS SPACE AND WHAT IS ITS INTENDED USE?

Beach started as a casual beachfront café and restaurant, which over the years has evolved into a fine dining restaurant and wedding venue with an exceptional wine list. Our job was to create an interior that was in line with the evolution of the restaurant.

The main principle when creating a visual story for me is that each project is completely unique. A one style fits all approach isn't where we design from. I like to start the visual story by uncovering the personality of the space through exploring colour, materiality and structure - Julie King

How have you used lighting?

In every way possible, Lighting can be functional, playful, intimate, exciting and breathtaking. We use it for general illumination, wayfinding, wall accents and even as sculptural forms of art.

When we consider lighting for projects we look for ambience and flexibility. The key to lighting a space well is to deeply understand what you’re lighting and how the space is going to be used. And of course the look of the fitting and how it sits with the overall aesthetic of the space.

How would you describe your design style?

Relaxed and refined with a hint of surprise.

What was your must-have feature within the space?

The Robert Gordon Handmade Ceramic Frill Sconce.

Shop Robert Gordon Lighting Design's

WHAT EXCITING THINGS DO YOU HAVE ON THE HORIZON

We have quite a few projects on site right now, from a grungy Pizza restaurant and Calm coastal footwear shop in Lennox Head to an elegant contemporary renovation of a 100year old farmhouse in Alstonville and a quirky vibrant kitchen extension for a bold and colourful client in Bangalow, we’re tiling the whole kitchen bench top it’s going to look great.

Shop The Coastal Collection