Project Feature | River Grove

Graham and I both grew up on rural properties, so it always felt natural that we’d want to raise our own family in a similar way. There’s something really grounding about a lifestyle being connected to the land, growing your own food, and living a little more slowly.

In the lead-up to having our son, we renovated our small farm cottage here at River Grove. It’s been such a special chapter, creating a home where we can cook, garden, grow flowers, and just enjoy a simple, family-focused life.

We always dreamed of living rurally while still being close to the coast, and Graham was particularly set on finding a property with a river. When this very unpolished but incredibly special slice of land came up, just a short drive from the beach, it felt like a no-brainer.

The property itself really shaped the direction of the home. Our gardens and the landscape guided so many of our decisions. The connection between indoors and outdoors, particularly through the kitchen, was a key priority. I wanted a space where I could cook alongside friends and family, with doors open, kids running around, and everything feeling connected.

We’re a very outdoorsy family, so it was important to bring elements of the outside in wherever possible. We wanted the home to feel calm, open and light-filled, but also have the ability to feel cosy and protective when needed.

It’s a space that can be flooded with light during the day, but equally can feel warm and intimate on rainy afternoons or those wild, windswept nights.

We’re so lucky to be surrounded by incredible design inspiration here in Byron Bay. From beautiful local homes to the natural environment itself, spanning both coastline and rainforest.

That coastal proximity has definitely influenced the softness of the interiors—particularly in the lighter textiles, natural tones, and overall sense of ease. Even the lighting plays into that, soft, diffused and never too harsh.

Lighting was actually one of the first things we chose. As soon as Lighting Collective released the Handmade Ceramic Frill Wall Sconce, I knew it would be perfect for a future nursery. We purchased it before we’d even begun the renovation, which feels really special looking back.

Throughout the home, we leaned into plaster and ceramic wall lights to create soft, sculptural moments without overwhelming the spaces. Because the rooms aren’t huge, it was important that the lighting felt considered but not dominant.

Everything is on dimmers, which allows us to completely shift the mood of the home throughout the day. From bright and functional to soft and ambient.

Lighting is definitely one of them; it has such a big impact on how the home feels. I’m also really proud of how much we were able to achieve within a relatively small footprint, particularly in the kitchen. It’s compact but incredibly functional, and layered with details like brass, marble, and built-in elements that make it feel both practical and beautiful.

Small details really do make a difference.

Choose what you truly love and commit to it.

Start with how you want to live in the space. Decide what matters most day-to-day and design around that. Think about flow, how people move through the home, and how each room connects to the next.

If you can marry functionality with materials and finishes you genuinely love, the home will naturally feel cohesive, personal, and timeless.

Early mornings are my favourite. The house is still, the light is soft, and there’s a quiet calm before the day begins. I’ll often have the doors open, coffee in one hand, baby in the other, with the sound of the river and birds gently filtering through. I especially love mornings after we’ve gathered the daily harvest and freshly cut flowers. It brings a beautiful sense of rhythm and connection to the home.

I also love the transition into the evening, when the lights are dimmed, dinner is cooking, and the house begins to settle. There’s a warmth and softness that takes over; it’s those simple everyday moments that truly define how the home feels.

2026 is shaping up to be a big year for us at River Grove. We’re really excited to soon offer the opportunity for guests to stay with us and experience the property through a small tourism offering.

Longer term, we’re also planning a future residence for our family, along with continuing to expand our gardens and orchard. It’s very much an evolving space, and we love that it’s growing alongside our family.