Unfolding Ettalong Beach

A Refined, Coastal Interior Design Project

The Ettalong Beach project was a long-term collaboration, three and a half years in the making, located on the Central Coast in Ettalong Beach.

Unfolded was engaged by Gene Development to deliver the full interior design scope, working closely alongside True North Architects from concept through to completion. From the beginning, the intention was to create home interiors that felt calm, refined and deeply connected to their coastal setting – spaces that feel considered and enduring rather than trend driven.

The Brief: Timeless Coastal Interiors with Considered, Enduring Design

The development consists of four three-bedroom apartments, with the two front residences enjoying uninterrupted water views.

From the outset, the brief was clear – create warm, refined coastal homes that feel timeless and calm, while also delivering strong return on investment for the developer.

The interior design needed to balance aesthetic restraint with long-term durability, ensuring the homes would remain both beautiful and functional well into the future.

Rather than leaning into overt coastal references, the design focused on subtle material layering, soft tonal palettes and natural textures that quietly reflect the surrounding landscape.

Interior Design Driven by Material Longevity

Material selection became one of the most important drivers throughout the project.

Given the coastal location, every finish and fixture needed to withstand exposure to salt air while maintaining its integrity and appearance over time. Durability was essential, but never at the expense of warmth or refinement.

Natural stone, warm timber joinery, soft neutral upholstery and tactile finishes were layered throughout the apartments to create interiors that feel elevated yet relaxed.

Every selection was considered through a practical lens – how it would perform, how it would age, and how it would continue to feel years down the track. The goal was always to create interior design that feels timeless rather than temporary.

Even the more functional spaces within the apartments were approached with the same care and intention as the main living areas.

The laundry balances practicality with warmth through custom joinery, thoughtful storage and materials selected to support everyday function while still feeling elevated.

Cabinetry is finished in Florentine Walnut by Polytec, introducing warmth and depth, while the stone and tiles feature Ios Blue supplied by Marblous Group. These finishes continue into the bathrooms, creating a quiet sense of cohesion and continuity across the home interiors.

By carrying materials through multiple spaces, the design language remains consistent and calm throughout the apartments.

Interior Design That Complements the Architecture

The interiors were always intended to complement the architecture rather than compete with it.

Curved joinery, restrained palettes and subtle detailing soften the spaces and allow the coastal light to move gently throughout the interiors during the day.

This is particularly evident in the front apartments, where the expansive water views naturally become a central part of the living experience.

By allowing the architecture and outlook to lead, the interior design supports a sense of calm, openness and connection to the surrounding environment.

A Collaborative Process

Like many projects of this scale, Ettalong Beach was the result of a deeply collaborative process.

Client, architect, interior designer and builder worked closely throughout every stage, carefully unpacking each decision before moving forward. This shared approach ensured both the design vision and commercial objectives remained aligned.

The result is a collection of coastal sanctuary-style apartments that feel warm, timeless and robust.

Spaces designed not only to stand the test of time aesthetically, but to perform commercially and practically for many years to come.

Personal Reflection

When we were first engaged, Unfolded was only two years old. Taking on a development of this scale so early in the studio’s journey felt equal parts exciting and stretching.

Across the three and a half years, there were moments that challenged me creatively and professionally – but I chose to lean in.

Working alongside such experienced collaborators pushed me to elevate my thinking, refine our processes and grow in confidence as a studio. It taught me how to navigate long timelines, complex decisions, and the balance between creative integrity and commercial performance.

Now, seeing the finished spaces and sharing them with our audience and future clients, there’s a quiet sense of fulfilment. A deep appreciation for the work, the resilience and the team effort that brought it to life.

Projects like this don’t only shape the built environment – they shape you as a designer and as a business.

View The Project