As far as airy seaside escapes go, they don't come much more quintessentially Australian than Noosa. Possessing a special blend of laid-back glamour and beachside bliss, it's no wonder many flock to the Sunshine Coast haven when they need a break. Its appeal is certainly not lost on Today co-host Karl Stefanovic and his Mara & Mine shoe designer wife Jasmine, who've just
finished renovating the lavish four-bedroom, four-bathroom beach house they bought last year.

While the Noosa home already boasts stunning 180-degree water views and a swimming pool, the Sydney-based couple have quietly transforming the space into a unique and homely retreat during the pandemic. The project was led by Jasmine's sister, Jade Yarbrough, interior designer and cofounder of homewares brand Merci Maison, with construction by Andrew Spencer and architecture by Concepts Unlimited. With Yarbrough's help, the couple have curated a home that reflects the surrounding coastal Australian landscape, while subtly nodding to the couple's love of European travel.

"We wanted the mood to be quiet and relaxed, yet refined and a little bit playful, with an underlying sense of the European lifestyle," explains Yarbrough. "[Karl and Jasmine] wanted the home to feel like an escape. Jasmine wanted to recreate their memories from travels abroad, taking design cues and influence from adored hotels such as Il San Pietro di Positano, Hôtel
Costes in Paris and Villa Brunella in Capri."

Creating a sense of this "boutique hotel experience" was paramount, and Yarbrough and Stefanovic worked closely to create a multi-layered home filled with custom furniture and imbued with colours spanning oceanic blues and warm, earth-inflected tones. "The base palette is tonally consistent throughout the three-level home, composed of whitewashed floor boards, natural sisal flooring, rattan and chrome fixtures, [and further] enriched with variations of colour and texture using marble, micro cement, stone and travertine," says Yarbrough.

Utilising a slightly different colour palette in each of the rooms, Yarbrough weaved in some of her own designs, such as the Merci Maison headboard in the master bedroom, which features custom upholstery from Japan and a wavy silhouette inspired by a stone feature wall the sisters encountered in Italy. The master suite also features a custom-made Lelèvere velvet daybed, custom console and travertine-topped bedside tables, alongside lamps from MCM House and bed linen Hale Mercantile Co.

Wavy lines continue in the three other guest bedrooms, which all feature customised variations of curved and seashell-inspired headboards, alongside Merci Maison, MCM House and vintage pieces. "I loved designing the custom pieces with Jade throughout the project so we could adapt furniture pieces to match the layout of the house," says Jasmine.

Functionality was imperative to the Stefanovic family, which includes Karl and Jasmine's toddler daughter, as well as Karl's three teenage children. Avid entertainers, the couple required a living area that could happily host 10 or more people. "Karl loves to cook and they both love to host, so we sourced a monumental 3.5 metre dining table in raw timber," shares Yarbrough.

The kitchen has a modern fit out, and features Ibiza pendant lights from Tigmi Trading, Merci Maison bar stools, and a charming ceramic caltagirone head sourced from Palermo, Sicily.

They also commissioned Bondi-based artist Daimon Downey to create the tongue-in-cheek Italian Sunscreen artwork on the nearby wall.

In the living room, two modular lounges in ribbed corduroy fabric are positioned back-to-back in a configuration intended to make use of the panoramie sea views from the second floor. The rug was also carefully considered. "With her background in fashion, Jasmine wanted to be across all of the colours and fabrics we were using. It was a natural marriage of her distinctive taste and my design aesthetic," adds Yarbrough.

"She was also really invested in the design process — we went to stone factories together and we hand drew designs for the custom rug in the living room, which is inspired by the female form."

Originally the home was just two storeys, but the bottom level was dug out to create a third storey, to facilitate Karl's request for a "man cave and wine cellar". After gutting the entire bottom level, they were able to create a bunk room and sunken lounge for Karl's three teenage children, which is accessed through a built-in archway and staircase. "We played on the notion of Italian grottos and archways for the teenager's oasis," says Yarbrough.

Finished with Kelly Wearstler wallpaper, in-built USB ports and brass wall sconces from New York, the bunk area is notably playful, yet suitable for guests of all ages.

Also downstairs, the new bathroom incorporates custom palladiana terrazzo tiling, custom joinery and mirrors, and a curved shower archway that's a further nod to Mediterranean-style vacations. "It reflects a real European island feel," says Jasmine, "to see that transformation was so exciting, and we can't wait to spend more time there."

While the project was a real labour of love for all involved, the result is a home that feels intrinsically welcoming and relaxing. "We really love its stripped-back, beach chie feel," says Karl. "The design balances practicality and comfort with style through Jade's custom pieces. The vibe is: bring everything outside in-except the sand."

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