A holiday home with breath-taking views
A Project By: Tanith McKenzie
Location: Mawgan Porth, North Cornwall
Project Summary:
Tanith McKenzie gave this property a refresh with an injection of colour, statement furniture and artwork & accessories throughout. Bringing an injection of colour that not only frames the views of Mawgan Porth, brings a much needed sense of warmth and depth.
Project Detail:
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Mawgan Porth, this property was conceived as a space that balances openness with a sense of depth and warmth. From the outset, the clients were clear in their vision for crisp white walls, creating a bright, gallery-like canvas that would reflect the ever-changing coastal light.
However, the ceiling remained an open question, presenting an opportunity to introduce a more unexpected design gesture.
The proposal of a dark blue ceiling was, understandably, met with some hesitation. Yet once realised, it became the defining element of the interior. Rather than closing the space in, the ceiling draws the eye upward, framing the architecture and adding a sense of intimacy that feels both deliberate and understated. It introduces contrast without heaviness, anchoring the room while allowing the surrounding light to remain the focal point.
This rich tone also brings a surprising warmth, softening the starkness of the white walls and creating a more balanced atmosphere throughout the day. As natural light shifts, the ceiling responds in kind, deep and enveloping in the evening, yet quietly grounding under brighter skies. The result is a space that feels layered and immersive, shaped as much by light as it is by material.
Throughout the property, natural materials and textures are thoughtfully layered to complement this approach. Timber, stone, and tactile finishes introduce subtle variation and character, designed to evolve over time as the home welcomes guest after guest. These materials are not only aesthetic choices but integral to the narrative of the space, celebrating imperfection, longevity, and the quiet beauty of a lived-in coastal retreat.
