Why is Modern Coastal style perfect for our evolving Australian lifestyles
The Modern Coastal style continues to capture the hearts of Australian homeowners – thanks in large part to its effortless laidback luxury and how it can seamlessly integrate with our natural surroundings.
James Foley, founder of FOLAR Architecture and an expert in Modern Coastal design, sums up its appeal as “bringing the best of Australian coastal living – pared-back, laidback and open-plan, perfect for entertaining and unwinding.”
Flexibility is at the heart of Modern Coastal
Different lifestyles demand homes that can adapt to various family configurations, work-from-home setups and even supplementary income streams like Airbnb rentals. Modern Coastal homes are perfect for this as they can deliver a versatile layout that can easily shift as your lifestyle changes.
“Our clients are really interested in more flexible homes,” James said. “You can plan a Modern Coastal house as two wings linked via a courtyard. This allows a main entry at the front next to the garage, as well as a side entry for teenagers and/or guests.”
Separate entrances give you privacy as well as practicality, which is great for guest accommodation or short-term rentals, while multi-functional spaces are adaptable to changing household needs.
Designing spaces that can easily transition, such as garages converting into wellness or extra living areas, means Modern Coastal homes can cater to intergenerational families or new income opportunities without expensive structural overhauls.
Designing for resilience and energy efficiency
Modern Coastal homes are particularly well-suited to Australia’s diverse – and at times harsh – climate, as they are all about resilience and energy efficiency. Some of the main features that can drive this efficiency include smart placement of solar panels, robust insulation and carefully positioned windows and screens.
“Generous windows are enhanced with hoods or vertical screens to provide additional shade and frame any beach views or native landscaping,” James said, adding that Modern Coastal designs should inherently embrace energy efficiency and resilience.
“Solar panels on the roof help the heating and cooling of the home during the day,” explained James. “Feature indoor and outdoor ceiling fans and large sliding doors located at opposite ends in the floor plan help with air circulation and cross-ventilation.”
4 cost-effective tips for Modern Coastal style
While Modern Coastal homes exude a sense of effortless luxury, cost remains a big factor for most homeowners. James advises it’s possible to make your build more affordable through practical yet elegant design choices:
Keep the overall footprint manageable: “How you save money on a design is to build a smaller-sized home.”
Choose standard window and joinery sizes: This will make installation simpler while minimising your costs.
Limit elaborate materials: “Keep things standard in an elegant way – avoid too much stone and joinery.”
Incorporate pitched roofs instead of flat roofs: They are generally less expensive and more simple to build.
Why exterior solutions by James Hardie are a Modern Coastal match
Choosing materials that deliver on aesthetics – yet are durable and easy to maintain – is a must. Hardie™ exterior cladding has been specifically designed for Australian climates – it’s just one reason why James Foley loves using these materials on his Modern Coastal projects. “We consistently choose Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding for the texture,” he said. “You get that changing light over it – it’s not a flat-looking material.”
James also favours Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding for its contemporary simplicity, as well as Linea™ Weatherboard: “Linea™ Weatherboard is versatile, crisp and smooth, and features a uniform shape and deep shadow lines. It’s typically painted in a cool white to suit a minimalist style.”
3 recommended Hardie™ exterior cladding products to use in Modern Coastal homes
Linea™ Weatherboard: The sharp horizontal lines nod to a traditional beach house with a modern twist. The deep shadow works well with the generous windows and shading elements, creating a functional yet stylish exterior. Using Linea™ Weatherboard with Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soakers differentiates Modern Coastal design from a more traditional Hamptons look which has trim covering the corners.
Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding: Its organic, flowing texture adds depth and character to the facade, creating a natural look that is perfect for coastal environments.
Axon™ Cladding 133mm: The shallow and narrow vertical grooves create a sleek look that epitomises laidback luxury. The 133mm groove spacing option evokes the look of vertical joint timber with the benefits of Hardie™ fibre cement.
Promoting wellness through design
Modern Coastal style doesn’t just look great – it feels great to live in. James describes it as a “luxurious resort-feel” taken to the next level by “bright spaces and complementary materials” that make every day feel like a relaxing getaway.
Incorporating other features like wellness spaces, relaxing courtyards and plenty of natural light mean Modern Coastal homes can become genuine havens.
Whether you’re looking for flexible living solutions, a more energy-efficient home or simply a tranquil and luxurious coastal-inspired haven, the Modern Coastal style is perfectly suited for diverse lifestyles.
Download the Modern Coastal Design Handbook and read our Modern Homes Forecast 2025 for all the tips and design inspiration you need.
