6 Hallmarks of the Modern Coastal Look

We’re often asked about our Three Birds Renovations signature style, and while we love any different style, it’s fair to say a Modern Coastal Look is up there with our faves. We love a fresh, coastal inspired home for its versatility and timelessness and, judging by the vision boards of our Reno School students, they do too.

For us, a Modern Coastal Look, works just as well for a house that’s nowhere near the coast, like Bonnie’s (House 8) on acreage in a semi-rural setting or House 14, set in a suburban neighbourhood.

Our mates at James Hardie define the Modern Coastal look by its 6 hallmarks which will help you achieve this iconic look at your place.

The Modern Coastal Hallmarks are:

1. Crisp White Linea™ Weatherboards – We choose the 180mm wide boards because of the way the boards overlap to create deep shadow lines and a distinctive, premium look. Linea™ Weatherboards give a contemporary vibe because they’re square with no machined profile concaves or grooves and are smooth without any wood grain effect. The alfresco area is an important part of the Modern Coastal Look and James Hardie designed fibre cement products are perfect to create an integrated seamless look from the front of the house to the rear.

2. Relaxed coastal styling – The white weatherboards are a canvas for layers of luxurious styling. Go for a relaxed coastal feel with a sun lounge and lots of seating for entertaining. Use warm natural textures and tones and over-sized cushions. Plant frangipanis and palms.​

3. Matching window frames and trims – To keep it looking modern avoid (Hamptons-style) contrasting window and door trims and frames by making them cladding colour or black to blend with the windows.​

4. Façade articulation – Avoid having one big box. Ensure parts of the façade project out. Use verandas and cantilever upper levels to provide weather protection for outdoor entertaining areas.​ Using cladding offers endless design possibilities such as adding balconies, round windows and gables, meaning you can create your dream vision due to the versatility of the product.

5. Well placed modern windows – Large windows capture views and sky and let in abundant northern light. Ensure they're well placed and use stylish coverings to shade the interior from summer sun.​

6. Clean lines – Hide busy roof lines with a parapet wall. Maintain clean cladding lines by hiding downpipes and guttering. Purposeful details like exposed beams and rafter tails are fine.

When it was time to choose the exterior materials for our Three Birds Dream Home, built by Rawson Homes, it was imperative that we choose and exterior finish that gave it character to fit in with a street full of original cottages and bungalows. Linea™ Weatherboards by James Hardie was a no-brainer.

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Learn how to create a Hamptons home that is well adapted to the Australian way of life.

Download the Modern Look Book.