Summer has well and truly landed on the Gold Coast and while we are still unable to travel internationally to picturesque locations such as the Greek islands and Ibiza, one talented lady has brought her beautiful international interior design and styling to us. Kelle Howard has been an interior designer and stylist since 2012 specialising in her minimalist raw, coastal and luxe style. After an encouraging 2020 where we saw Kelle embark on an epic furniture collaboration with Emma Sweeney and Matt Jamieson of Object X, she is now turning her attention to a busy 2021.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve lived in Burleigh for two years and also four years previously. When I was looking for a place to build Bajo el Sol, I knew there was no other place that I wanted my dream home to be.

What do you love most about living here?
I love the holiday atmosphere, there are so many incredible places to eat and socialise. I’m a typical Pisces and love being by the ocean.

Tell us about your career thus far.
I studied Interior Design in 2012 after the birth of my first child. I worked on projects locally, interstate and overseas and then I took a break for a few years whilst I focussed on being a full-time Mum. I decided to re-launch my business and solely focus on the aesthetic that I am renowned for – which I describe as raw, coastal, luxe. Over the past two years I have shared a lot of my journey on social media and I love the connection and community it brings to my work. I thrive on variety in my creative outlets and last year was so exciting because I had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects such as styling photoshoots, designing a limited edition bespoke furniture collection, magazine features, organised and co-hosted a Manifestation Workshop in Byron Bay and was a guest on several podcasts.

What’s your proudest business moment?
There have been so many highlights and I’m exceptionally proud of the collection I designed in collaboration with local designer furniture brand – Object X. From the very first meeting I knew that we would be able to design some truly unique pieces and I was given complete creative control to design the collection. Object X were an absolute dream to work with and I love every piece we created.

Tell us about your home Bajo el Sol Beach House.
Bajo el Sol is my interpretation of my love for European architecture with an Australian influence. I was designing a family home for myself and my two children so it needed to be functional as well as fit my raw, coastal, luxe style. I love to mix tactile elements together such as architectural concrete, render and venetian plaster, aged brass and raw timbers. I wanted to make sure that we used each space equally with no ‘wasted’ rooms. The house has received worldwide attention and it really does showcase my style as a designer. I love minimalism and prefer to let the architecture of a space be the feature rather than decor pieces. We feel so lucky to wake up here every day – having the opportunity to create my own home from my imagination was a dream.

Tell us about your collaboration with Object X.
I worked with Matt and Emma styling a shoot for their first Object X collection at my home which, at the time, was available to hire as a photoshoot location. A few months later we spoke about possibly collaborating on a collection together and we all agreed it was a perfect match. It was important to me that I was able to design pieces with little to no limitations and Object X were on board with trusting me with creative control on the design. I was inspired by natural elements, raw textures and curves and I wanted to create Objects that could work in various spaces. I designed the curvaceous bottoms to sit under table tops with organic, handmade shapes and Matt is a genius that could recreate the ideas that I had and bring them to life. The three of us had so much fun working together — which is paramount to any working relationship I have.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I am heavily inspired by Ibizan architecture, raw textures, natural tones and fashion. I love taking elements from commercial spaces and translating them in a way that can function in a residential space also. I like to push the boundaries in terms of what a ’normal’ home should look like.

Any advice for someone wanting to get into interior design?
It may sound counter-productive but try not to pay too much attention to what other designers do. The few designers I do follow are because I am friends with them personally but I choose not to look at what everyone else is doing as I find it curbs my own creativity. Instead find other ways to be inspired and that way you can really hone in on your own vision and aesthetic that will help you stand out.

What’s in the works for your for 2021?
I would love to design some boutique apartments or a hotel! Working on multiple spaces and making them cohesive but unique is something I am very passionate about. I am currently mentoring two up-and-coming Interior Designers so I would love to continue that this year also. I plan on purchasing an apartment in the next few months and documenting the renovation again and sharing the process on social media the same way I did for Bajo. I am open to any opportunities that come may way which align with my core desired feelings – free, alive, connected.

Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café for breakfast: Palm Springs
Coffee spot: Next Door Burleigh
Restaurant for dinner: Light Years
Bar or pub for a drink: Burleigh Pavilion

How does your weekend usually look?
It varies whether I am with my kids or not, and no two weekends are the same. But I usually wake around 6am and enjoy a slow morning at Bajo. I love making time for the Burleigh to North Burleigh Walk before it gets too hot, or we head to Nippers, hang out at Echo Beach, I love to eat out at Bonita Bonita, Hail Mary or Light Years and afternoon drinks at Burleigh Pavilion. If I can squeeze in a massage on James Street at some point, even better!

They are one of the Gold Coast’s most creative and innovative couples and soon Emma Sweeny and Matt Jamieson will be launching their brand new collection for Object X. The Australian label approaches furniture as art, mixing form, functionality and mood to create covetable pieces that will make a statement in any space.

We sat down for a chat with Emma and Matt about the new collection launch and why these pieces are unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else.

How long have you been Gold Coast locals?
We have lived on the Gold Coast for 10 years and have been together for the past two. The life we have recently created is one that ensures we don’t plan on leaving any time soon. We’ve just purchased a house in Miami, which we plan to renovate, or as Matt likes to say “rendervate”, over the next year.

What do you love most about living here?
We are fun, energetic, easy going people who love life and the Gold Coast is the perfect place for our lifestyle. We have an incredible network of friends here and enjoy the social life that comes with that. We’re also very spoilt to be just a stone’s throw from some of the region’s most pristine beaches.

Tell us about your new venture Object X, how did it come about?
Object X is a new Australian label that approaches furniture as art, mixing form, functionality and mood to create covetable pieces that will make a statement in any space. Our furniture is technical in execution but adventurous in approach. We believe in the emotive attributes of everyday objects and designing pieces that are versatile, durable and timeless. Matt is the visionary artist behind the in-demand, high-end rendering business, Render X, while I lead the charge at my Gold Coast based boutique agency, In The Game PR. Earlier this year, feeling the pull to seek out undiscovered terrain, Matt found himself channelling his creative energy and expertise into handcrafting rendered furniture not seen anywhere else. With encouragement from me, Object X was born. Every Object X piece is impeccably handmade to order at our Gold Coast studio with care and precision, using only the highest quality materials. Our Italian Venetian plaster is durable, luxurious, sustainable and safe.

How do you come up with ideas for new pieces?
We both have a keen eye for design and dream up the creative concept behind each piece together. Drawing on Matt’s affection for experimentation and pushing artistic boundaries, the inaugural collection we launched in Spring can be customised in colour and finish to match our customers’ personal style. We’re so excited to be launching our first collaboration with Gold Coast based Interior Designer, Kelle Howard on 1 December. If there’s anyone that knows how to make a statement, it’s Kelle. We’ve long admired Kelle’s work and her innate ability to transport us to exotic seaside destinations with her raw coastal luxe style. This collection is like nothing else you’ve ever seen. Think raw, textured finishes, an earthy palette and exaggerated curves of bold proportions. It’s jaw-dropping!

You’re both passionate about design, where does that passion come from?
For as long as we’ve known each other, we’ve been drawn to design, interiors, architecture and fashion. Object X is the culmination of many years honing our style and identifying a gap in the market for tables that make a statement and can be customised in colour and finish to match the interior of a client’s home.

What’s unique about Object X pieces?
We’re creating one of a kind, locally handmade pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. A customer can sit down with Matt or walk him through their living and dining spaces, show him fabric swatches, paint samples, inspiration boards and discuss textural finishes. Together, they’ll design a signature statement piece completely unique to that customer. We believe in thoughtful, sustainable, bespoke furniture. Nothing you see from us will ever be mass produced.

You’ve created spaces for some internationally renowned brands, do you have a favourite and how did it come together?
Through his company Render X, Matt has executed inspiring spaces for architectural luxury homes and brands such as Dior, Hardy Brothers, Sabo Skirt, Palm Springs Cafe, Rick Shores and The Block, to name a few. Every project brings unique challenges and a chance for Matt to flex his creative muscles.

Will Object X pieces work with any decorative scheme?
Absolutely! And the best part is we can customise the colour and finish of our core range of products to fit a customer’s personal style and interior aesthetic. Bringing your creative vision to life through careful consultation and a meticulous approach to our craft, is where we really shine.

What does 2021 hold for you and the business?
As the saying goes, the sky is the limit. We see more collaborations with local talent, our furniture line expanding, wholesale becoming a big part of our business and our statement pieces featured in magazine editorials. We’d love Object X to become a global name revered by style conscious individuals, interior designers, stylists and magazine editors all over the world.

Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Restaurant for dinner: Our top three picks for dinner on the Gold Coast would have to be Rick Shores, Lupo and The Tropic.
Coffee spot: We’re regulars at No Name Lane. Not only do they do great coffee, but the service is impeccable too.
Cafe for breakfast: We love starting our day at Commune. I can’t go past the Coriander Corn Fritters, while Matt’s favourite on the breakfast menu is Breakfast Burrito.
How does your weekend usually look: When we’re not working on one of our three businesses, Object X, Render X and In the Game PR, you’ll find us lapping up the Gold Coast’s glorious weather at one of the region’s pristine beaches, catching up with friends or dining out at one of our favourite locals.

There are houses, and then there are houses – the kind that result in squeals usually reserved for Cavoodle puppies and Black Friday Zimmermann sales.

The spectacular current Mater Prize Home No. 324 falls irrefutably into the latter category. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Waters, just seven minutes from the beach and perched gracefully along Lake Heron, this breezy, neutral-toned, gloriously textural beauty queen is the architectural equivalent of a deep exhale. It’s serene, it’s eye-wateringly gorgeous, and it’s about to become someone’s everyday reality. And that somebody could be you!

There’s more loot in this jaw-dropping $5,683,882 first prize package (keep reading!) but let’s kick things off by deep-diving the seriously swoon-worthy details behind the home’s design that would make every Pinterest board blush.

From the moment you step inside, you’re embraced in a warm, luxurious hug and instantly struck by the abundant space, which feels welcoming, sophisticated, and intentional all at once. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a powder room, this 819 sqm work of art is built for families, friends, and the kind of gatherings that start as ‘just a few people’ and end with a sunset cocktail session that mysteriously lasts five hours.

The interiors are a masterclass in modern serenity: soaring ceilings and natural light making every corner airy and effortlessly elegant, Sokeria limestone finishes for that luxe Euro energy, and ambient dimmable lighting catering for every mood from productive mornings to wine-o’clock evenings.

The bedrooms are tasteful and refined, with a main bedroom wing so decked out it could file for its own postcode. We’re talking a timeless oak walk-in robe to store those sneaky online purchases (“this? Oh, I’ve had it for ages babe…”), chic ensuite bathroom with a double rain head shower and skylight, media room and a study nook, perfect for ‘working from home’ while actually watching Netflix.

Now to the heart of the house – the wine room, umm, we mean kitchen, but it’s like splitting hairs really and we’ll get to the vino’s living quarters next. The kitchen is a dream for entertainers and snackers alike and we identify as both. Boasting dual Bosch ovens, integrated appliances and a butler’s pantry, wining and dining is clearly this home’s love language.

Because your grape juice deserves to be admired too, the wine room, encased in a striking arch shaped bay window (yes, you can lounge while you gaze lovingly at your plonk collection) is a unique focal point in the beautiful open-plan living space.

Outside, the modern alfresco dining area and BBQ zone overlook the sparkling lake, making it the perfect spot for a morning yoga sesh, mid-morning coffee with the gals, long lunch, barbie with mates, waterside dinner with the fam – you name it, it’ll be better done here.

Speaking of outside, wellbeing warriors – you’re going to want to sit down for this. Just when you think this house couldn’t out-luxe itself, it does – in the form of a home wellness retreat. Think infrared sauna, cold plunge, outdoor shower – the whole shebang. It’s the kind of setup that turns your daily self-care routine into a full-blown spa montage.

Because a fancy home deserves a fancy car, the lucky winner will also score a Land Rover Defender 110S, perfect for beach runs, hinterland adventures or just looking uptown in the school pickup line, and $100,000 in gold bullion!

This home isn’t just a place to live – it’s a lifestyle upgrade of the highest order. Plus, you’ll be helping an amazing cause in the process, supporting ground-breaking medical research and leading patient care services in our community.

A serene sanctuary, an entertainer’s paradise, a wellness haven and a lakeside dream all rolled into one. And the best part? You can actually visit the home to check out every thoughtfully designed nook and cranny, soak up the luxe serenity, and mentally move in (we’re all for manifesting!).

Consider this your sign to go have a look, buy a ticket, and start practising your “I can’t believe I won” face.

When: 9am to 5pm, Saturday 31st January – Monday 20th April
* Please note: The home will be closed from 9am – 12pm Tuesday, 3 February & Good Friday, Friday 3 April
Where: 76 Dipper Drive, Burleigh Waters

Words by Bianca Trathen