Inside Oyster Bay: A Colourful Take on Coastal Living

Q: Maggie, what first attracted you to Whitstable, and how did you come across Oyster Bay?

“With semi-retirement plans in mind, we headed to the South East for the very first time, and it completely changed everything! The delicious fresh seafood, creative chefs, live music, theatre, art scene, beach, independent shops and especially the amazing sunsets, all within walking distance, quickly made us want to stay. When we found the house, it had been sitting empty for a few years and was just waiting to be turned back into a home. It had the stairs and bathroom in the right places, lovely high ceilings and, of course, was on the sunny side of the street!”

Q: What was your vision for the property when you began renovating it?

“The property was a completely blank white canvas, which is actually harder than you might think when you’re trying to work out where to begin introducing colour. We loved the bold colour combinations of British designers Vanessa Arbuthnott and Charlotte Gaisford and wanted to create a cohesive seaside feel, with a real wow factor in every room. We knew we could bring our own practical skills to the project, along with our artistic flair and soft furnishing skills. After many paint tester pots, Jess came along and helped turn our dreams into an affordable reality! She already understood the Whitstable atmosphere we’d fallen in love with, and together we developed our ideas through mood boards, visuals and her wonderful ability to source pieces that would make the interiors feel really special.”

Q: Jess, is there a particular room or design feature you’re most proud of?

“I think I’m most proud of creating a space that feels genuinely interesting to be in, where there’s always something to look at, discover or wonder about. From the cupboard of coastal curiosities to the artwork and collected treasures, every detail has a story to tell. I love the mix of old and new, and our day at Ardingly Antiques Fair was a real highlight when sourcing unique pieces. Having these little moments of curiosity throughout the house makes it feel both stimulating and, in its own way, wonderfully relaxing.”

Q: Are there any particular colours, wallpapers or furnishings that you especially love?

“Two of my favourite colours at Oyster Bay are Livid by Little Greene, which we used in the bathroom, and Blue China, also by Little Greene, which Maggie chose for the woodwork in the living room and along the staircase. I absolutely love how these colours work within the wider palette of soft pinks, greens and blues. To help bring a sense of cohesion to such a colourful home, we used OKA Areca cushions in different colours throughout the rooms. Repeating certain elements in this way helps tie everything together while still allowing each space to have its own personality. I love mixing colour, pattern and texture alongside vintage and antique finds to create interiors that feel layered and individual. It’s often these thoughtful details that make a home feel considered and special, without everything needing to match perfectly.”

Jess, what are your three top tips for owners looking to create a beautiful holiday let, particularly when working to a budget?

• Never underestimate the power of good lighting. The warmth of a light bulb can completely change how a space feels. Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere will always help guests feel relaxed and at home.
• Use colour, pattern and texture thoughtfully. I love using wallpaper and pattern in bedrooms to make them feel special, while keeping downstairs spaces a little simpler and bringing in colour and interest through artwork. You don’t need a huge budget to create a sense of luxury. Investing in good-quality fabrics, cushions and curtains can really elevate a room and make it feel considered.
• Buy second-hand furniture where you can. I’d always look at online marketplaces and antique fairs for furniture such as tables, chairs and bedside tables. You can find some wonderful bargains, beautiful quality pieces that will give your home far more character than buying everything new. Mixing these pieces with carefully chosen fabrics and accessories can create a home that feels both individual and luxurious without overspending.