An Art Deco seaside home that expertly blends 1920s glamor with cozy Cornish cottage style
Take a tour of this retro retreat where an Art Deco aesthetic is given a country-style twist
Perched cliffside, surrounded by wildflower meadows and hidden by towering sun dunes, lies Deco Beach House. With its curved walls and flat roofs, the 1920s architecture wouldn't look out of place perched up on the hills above the French Riviera rather than the slightly less glamourous (but equally beautiful) Cornish Riviera.
This modern home was actually only built last year but feels like it could have stood on this spot for decades, playing host to Gatsby-esque parties and providing a luxurious retreat for The Bright Young Things. Of course, in 2021 it's still the perfect getaway, split over three floors with five double bedroom suites, and plenty of open-plan areas for entertaining...
Situated amongst its own garden, with a private path down to the nearby beach, Deco Beach is perched just above Portmellon Cove, a sheltered cove on the east coast of Cornwall.
Behind the Art Deco exterior, you can clearly see the 1920s influence with large Crittall-style windows that all provide beautiful ocean views, dark walnut parquet flooring, and quirky curved furniture. However, there's a traditional feeling to the interiors too, the dark wood antiques and traditional wingback chairs sit amongst scalloped edges and elegant gold bar carts.
Old meets... slightly less old and new in this open plan living room and the result is a space that feels both elegant, and in keeping with the exterior of the house, and yet cozy and inviting too.
The mix of mustard yellows and teal greens is fresh a fun and gives the dark wooden furniture a real lift. A well-stocked bar cart gives a retro, parlor room vibe, paired with the potted palms and sociable layout that's clearly designed to enjoy a tipple.
On the other side of the living room is a more casual space with sofas and a stylish, simple fireplace. Crittall doors lead through, to the kitchen and a sweeping staircase that's reminiscent of something from a 1920's ocean liner fills the corner of the room.
- See all our stylish modern living room ideas.
The kitchen is part of a large open-plan space, with a dining space at one end and a relaxed living room at the other. Sleek white cabinetry meets dark wood, with marble countertops and a smokey mirrored backsplash that reflects the beautiful view behind.
- Find more kitchen ideas and inspiration in our gallery.
There's an island too with seating for more casual dinners. The furniture in here has an elegant feel with a real mix of styles and shapes – it works, the simple color palette of blues, creams, and dark woods keeps it from feeling too busy and mismatched and instead feels purposeful and cohesive.
Crittall windows wrap around two of the walls, filling the space with light and providing panoramic views of the bay.
Through the living room is the elegant hallway, complete with built-in shelves that are decked out in an interesting mix of decor. Books, vintage clocks, and various other quirky pieces fill the spaces and the circular table adds a sophisticated touch.
A study area adjoins the hallway and sliding Crittall doors open out onto a patio area.
On the ground floor, there's an additional WC that's decorated with statement Art Deco style wallpaper and a classic 1920s mirror.
The five bedrooms are quite traditional in style and all have different color schemes. The master is bright and airy with yellow and blues that reflect the natural shades of the surrounding countryside.
- Discover more master bedroom ideas
The second bedroom pairs teal blues with dark woods and imposing vintage furniture that works surprisingly well juxtaposed with the clean lines of the Crittall windows.
There's a warmer color scheme in the smallest bedroom, with deep pinks burgundies, and touches of lilac. The dark wood can also be found here, but on a smaller scale so less bulk is added to the room. The corner window is the perfect spot for a table and accent chair to provide a cozy reading spot looking out over the ocean.
Like what you see? Deco Beach is available to rent on Unique Homestays.
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Hebe is the Digital Editor of Livingetc; she has a background in lifestyle and interior journalism and a passion for renovating small spaces. You'll usually find her attempting DIY, whether it's spray painting her whole kitchen, don't try that at home, or ever changing the wallpaper in her hallway. Livingetc has been such a huge inspiration and has influenced Hebe's style since she moved into her first rental and finally had a small amount of control over the decor and now loves being able to help others make decisions when decorating their own homes. Last year she moved from renting to owning her first teeny tiny Edwardian flat in London with her whippet Willow (who yes she chose to match her interiors...) and is already on the lookout for her next project.
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