ele HOME interviews Simone Mathews, the creator of the Gerringong, New South Wales based holiday home, The PAUSE.

Who lives here or owns the home?

The PAUSE is a purpose-built holiday property we (my husband and I) created as a business.  

I am an interior designer by trade, an online educator, a HPO (nickname for holiday property owner) and dabble in property development.  I am married to my builder husband Ben, and together we have four boys.

When was The PAUSE built?

The PAUSE was built in 2020, during the first lockdown in Australia.  It was a new build, and everything was created from the ground up.  We completed everything in this year from the build to the styling to the landscaping.

Since opening the only thing that has changed is that the landscaping has matured to become a lush tropical oasis.

How did you find the property? Are you originally from Gerringong? 

We originally renovated the original farmhouse and cottage that is next door, known commonly as SOUL of Gerringong. The PAUSE was created on this small parcel of land.

We are not from the area originally, we moved to Gerringong four years ago. We were meant to stay for nine months but the town was hard to leave.  As a child, I holidayed in the area and when we got married, it was just down the road.  So, you could say that we have always had a connection with this area on the NSW South Coast.

Do you have design backgrounds? What’s your personal story?

I am an interior designer, and my husband is a builder.  Originally, I was in marketing and real estate, and when I had children, I worked in our construction business whilst developing on the side.  After five years of study to become an interior designer, I found the career that I love.  It really is true when they say, ‘when you love what you do, you will never work another day’.  After ten years in this industry, I love it just as much as when I first started.

How would you describe your style?

I don’t really define myself by one style.  Instead, I use my 70/20/10 rule to create a unique style for each project.  You use 70 percent of one style as your base, add 20 percent off another and a final 10 percent layer to bring it all together.

But if I had to define my ultimate style it would be 70% organic, 20% classic and a final 10% coastal style to bring it together.

 What do you love most about The PAUSE?  

I love the simplicity of The PAUSE. It is less home, but it also feels so welcoming and warm.   Each room and space has a hero, and it is all worked around it.  In the hallway it is the brass wall light that draws you in, in the kitchen/living area it is the custom concrete island that Ben created, outside it is the pool with the tropical gardens, in the guest rooms it is the subtle use of arches, the ensuites it is the handmade tiles, and the master bedroom is the feeling of space with the drama in the ceiling.

Who designed the exterior and interior of the home?

We worked in collaboration with Paul from GUD Studios.  We have worked with Paul many times, and we really do understand collectively how to create homes that make you feel good, that function and are practical and look good.

Who designed the garden? What type of planting have you gone with?

The landscape design was created by Ben and I and the selection of plants and plating to create the tropical oasis was completed by Clint from Bamboo South Coast. He is an absolute magician.

 Your best interior design tip?

Create a home that feels good, make how it looks second.  And to have a home that feels good, it needs to function for how it will be used, it needs to be practical, and it needs to work with your financial goals.

As far a design tip, focus on the proportions of your space and the items that you select and use.  This is the absolute key.

What designers inspire you?

Studio McGee from the US is an absolute fave.  I also really connect with the Indiana Hicks vibe.  

Favourite places to eat and shop in your region?

In Gerringong I have to say Gather as I designed it and the cocktails are amazing.  For a lunch or dinner out, The Blue Swimmer at Gerroa is quaint, and it feels like time stops when you are there, and the food is all local produce.  For a bit of homewares shopping, Deer Willow in Kiama and T&C in Albion Park are an absolute must to visit.  For a spot of clothes shopping, Zibe Clothing Boutique and Kalm in Gerringong are always good to pick up a couple of pieces for your wardrobe.

Favourite pieces in your home?

Brass wall lights and timber doors we designed and had handmade in Bali.

Biggest splurge?

Custom steel staircase balustrade.

Greatest budget buy or budget decorating tip?

Using a linen flat sheet as a throw on the beds.  Creates the layers and textures for a guest bedroom to be inviting and can be laundered every time you change the sheets.

What’s your favourite way to spend a day in your region?

Wake up in the morning as the sun is rising and head to Werri Beach for an ocean dip.  Walk across the road to The Kiosk for a morning coffee and breakfast.

If you’re feeling energetic, walk the coast walk from Werri to Kiama, it is so beautiful, and you get to take in the rolling green hills on one side with the coast on the other.  Once in Kiama, go to Deer Willow for a spot of lunch to enjoy the local produce and the local friendly service.

Head back to The PAUSE and chill out by the pool in summer or by the fireplace in the cooler months.  I love to have a bath in the stone bath upstairs to relax.

Walk across the road to Gather for some cocktails and tapas style food, a great place to connect with friends and enjoy the evening.

Stroll back home to The PAUSE and head to bed as the beds are literally like sleeping on a cloud.

That is my favourite way to spend the day … actually, can I go there now? (lol)

@soulhomeaus

soulhome.com.au

HOME DETAILS

Exterior paint: Dulux Mt Aspiring

Interior paint: Dulux Natural White

Bathroom tiles: Custom made in Bali

Vanity: Custom made in Bali

Bath and basin: Natural Stone Bath Worx

Bathroom tapware: Organic Brass by Brodware

Kitchen tile splashback: Custom made in Bali

Kitchen pendants: Uniqwa 

Benchtop: Custom made by BAM Constructions Group

Bedroom linen: Cultiver 

Sconces in bathroom, hallway etc.: Custom made in Bali

 Bedroom artwork: Art and Framing Co

Living room artwork: Ozlem Savelle commission

Find more details here:  soulhome.com.au/online-series/the-pause/

IMAGES: The Palm Co. and Hayley Haynes

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