The Philosophy Behind the Design
K5 speaks to Geraldine Maher on her process of creating Authentic Living Spaces
In conversation with Geraldine Maher, it becomes clear that her design philosophy revolves around creating spaces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings while capturing the character of her clients. Two of her recent projects, Bellbrae Coastal Home and Mermaid Beach House, exemplify this approach, with a focus on thoughtful material selection, subtle luxury, and intentional design choices.
Bellbrae Coastal Home is a transformative reimagining of a 1940s house set amidst Victoria’s Surf Coast hinterland. "We wanted to respect the character of the original house while making it practical and inviting for modern living," says Maher. By retaining the footprint and restoring elements like the Tasmanian myrtle floorboards, the home maintains a connection to its past. Warm timber tones, layered textures, and refined craftsmanship help cultivate a space that feels timeless and lived-in.
“We enhanced the house’s natural charm with minimal intervention, ensuring the materials felt true to the rural setting,” she adds.
Meanwhile, Mermaid Beach House on Queensland’s coastline reflects a bold yet harmonious coastal lifestyle. Originally planned as a light refurbishment, the project expanded into a complete redesign.
“We realised early on that to optimise the flow between the interior and beach, we needed to rework the layout,” Maher recalls.
“Moving the kitchen back allowed us to open the living and dining spaces to the terrace, creating a stronger connection to the ocean.” The result is an open, breezy home that encourages relaxed living while harnessing the coastal elements through subtle design.
Maher’s signature approach shines through in the material palette of both projects. She explains, “I aim to strip back the unnecessary and focus on elements that feel natural and are easy to live with.” At Mermaid Beach House, for instance, terracotta tiles became a central feature, providing continuity throughout the home while helping to temper the intense sunlight and sea breeze. "There’s a beauty in the simplicity of it—it’s practical yet makes a statement," Maher reflects.
Integral to both projects is a curated selection of furniture that speaks to Maher’s commitment to craftsmanship, including key pieces from Nikari. “Nikari’s attention to detail and natural finishes were a perfect fit—they complement the material palette without overpowering the spaces,” she says. The furniture subtly supports the narrative of each home, adding to the overall sense of warmth and authenticity.
Across her work, Maher emphasises the importance of designing with personality. “For me, it’s about creating spaces that reflect the people living in them, not just a visual trend,” she says. Whether in the rural charm of Bellbrae or the dynamic energy of Mermaid Beach, Maher’s ability to create homes that feel authentic and functional is at the heart of her success.
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