A guide to building design for waterfront homes
There is something undeniably special about living by the water. The sight of the ocean at sunrise, the calming rhythm of waves, or the quiet beauty of a river outlook can transform a house into a sanctuary. For many people across Port Stephens and Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and the Central Coast, the dream of a waterfront home is about more than just location — it is about lifestyle.
However, designing a home in such a setting requires a careful balance of beauty and practicality.
At Sorensen Design, we specialise in creating spaces that honour their natural surroundings while working seamlessly for those living there. Every detail matters, from structural decisions that maximise natural light and protect against harsh coastal conditions, to interiors that reflect a modern coastal style.
In this guide, we’ll explore some key principles, including:
- Building design principles for waterfront homes
- The coastal aesthetic: blending building design principles and interiors
- Designing living spaces for modern coastal style
- The coastal kitchen and dining experience
- Bedrooms and bathrooms: serene retreats
- Outdoor living: extending the home to the sea
- Practical considerations for building design
- Bringing it all together: creating your dream waterfront home.
Building design principles for waterfront homes
Before thinking about furnishings or finishes, every successful coastal home design starts with the right building principles.
Orientation is one of the most important considerations. By positioning key living spaces to capture sunlight and ocean views, the design can create bright and uplifting interiors. High-level windows, open-plan layouts, and careful placement of skylights all help distribute natural light throughout the house.
Durability is another essential factor. Waterfront locations expose buildings to salt, wind and moisture, which means materials must be chosen for strength and appearance. Aluminium joinery, treated timber, and natural stone can all provide resilience while complementing the coastal aesthetic.
Flow is equally important. A home by the water should feel open and inviting, with a natural connection between inside and outside. Wide openings, sliding doors, and carefully designed outdoor living areas ensure the architecture supports the relaxed rhythm of coastal living.
Our Foreshore Drive Project is a clear example (pictured above). Every room, from the living room to the master bedroom, is oriented to embrace the water, while durable finishes and open-plan living balance style and practicality.
Designing living spaces for modern coastal style
Once the building framework is right, interiors can bring the vision to life. A true modern coastal home reflects its setting through materiality, colour, and texture. Rather than overly themed or decorative, the coastal aesthetic is understated, letting natural elements take centre stage.
Clean lines, white walls, and uncluttered layouts create a backdrop that enhances ocean or lake views. Neutral tones in flooring, cabinetry and furnishings keep spaces calm, while organic textures — such as jute rugs, linen curtains, or timber furniture — bring warmth and tactility.
The goal is not to replicate the sea but to create a serene, inviting atmosphere that feels at one with nature.
Our Sunset Beach Project (picture above) demonstrates this beautifully. Its refined palette and use of natural timber and stone textures result in modern and luxurious interiors while still reflecting the casual ease of coastal living.
Designing living spaces for modern coastal style
Beach Cottage Renovation & Extension Project
The heart of a waterfront home is the living space. Here, building design and interior choices must work hand in hand.
A modern coastal living room is usually light-filled, with large windows framing views and allowing breezes to flow. Interiors should emphasise comfort and flexibility: slipcovered sofas, soft furnishings in natural fabrics, and carefully placed furniture that supports relaxation and entertaining.
Textures and layers are what create the modern coastal look. Linen upholstery, rattan side tables, woven light fixtures, and cushions in muted coastal tones all add depth without overwhelming the simplicity of the space. Subtle accents of blue or green can also connect the interior palette with the surrounding landscape.
The coastal kitchen and dining experience
Kitchens and dining areas in waterfront homes are not just functional — they are social spaces designed to bring people together. Building design plays a key role in ensuring these spaces flow naturally into the rest of the home.
An open-plan kitchen with a central island often becomes the gathering point, with finishes that continue the coastal theme. White cabinets, stone benchtops, and brass finishes strike the perfect balance between casual and refined. Combining neutral tones with accents of natural timber or stone creates a space that feels both durable and inviting (alternatively, contrasting colours can be a contemporary twist, like our Squire Street project above.
The dining area should feel connected to the living space, the outdoor terrace, or both. Wide openings that link to an alfresco area encourage year-round entertaining, especially when paired with durable outdoor furniture and weather-resistant natural materials.
Bedrooms and bathrooms: Serene retreats
Soldiers Point Waterfront Project
Private spaces in a coastal home should extend the same principles of light, calm and connection to nature. Bedrooms benefit from generous windows that frame views while maintaining privacy through clever screening or planting. Neutral hues, soft textiles, and organic textures create restful retreats that feel like a continuation of the surrounding landscape.
Bathrooms are an opportunity to introduce tactile luxury. Natural stone, brand bathtubs, and high-quality fixtures create serene spaces that feel indulgent without being over-designed.
Incorporating other outdoor connections, such as private courtyards or skylights, adds to the sense of relaxation!
Outdoor living: Extending the home to the water
Waterfront homes are defined by their outdoor spaces. These areas are not an afterthought but an integral part of the design.
Terraces, balconies and decks should be positioned to capture breezes and views, with materials chosen for durability and style. Natural stone paving, hardwood decking, and glass balustrades create elegant spaces that withstand the elements. Covered outdoor kitchens or dining areas extend living space and allow for entertaining across seasons.
Practical considerations for building design
As building designers, we know that a beautiful interior is only possible when the underlying design responds to its environment. For waterfront homes, this means addressing a series of practical challenges.
The coastal climate requires resilience. Salt air and high humidity can quickly damage unsuitable finishes, so robust construction methods are essential. Choosing natural materials like stone or high-quality treated timbers ensures longevity and enhances the home’s aesthetic.
Council controls are another layer of complexity. Waterfront projects often involve flood assessments, environmental protections and strict zoning limits. Our experienced team guides clients through this process, handling development applications and approvals so the design can progress smoothly.
Sustainability is also a priority. Passive design strategies such as cross-ventilation, thermal mass, and solar orientation reduce energy costs and support a healthier lifestyle. A waterfront home should feel as effortless to live in as it is beautiful to look at.
Bringing it all together: Creating your dream waterfront home
Designing a waterfront home is more than simply building a house by the sea, lake, or stream. It is about creating a place where building design, interiors and landscape work harmoniously. The best coastal homes feel timeless; homes that embrace natural light, celebrate organic textures, and frame their surroundings with elegance and simplicity.
At Sorensen Design, we work closely with our clients to balance vision with practicality. Whether you are inspired by the beach house style, drawn to the elegance of modern coastal interiors, or ready to create a new dream home by the water, we bring together building design expertise and an eye for detail to deliver homes that reflect both lifestyle and setting.
Explore our project gallery for inspiration, and when you are ready, contact our team to begin designing a waterfront home that captures the beauty of coastal living and the comfort of a carefully considered interior.
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