Modern elegance blends with rustic charm at Mimosa Moon, the exquisite home of celebrated designer and stylist Megan Morton.
Located in the beautiful Northern Rivers on a large property that includes a small rainforest, creek boundary, and 360 scenic vistas, the 120-year-old homestead was built by one of the area’s original founding families. It consisted of a very large plot of farmland that was divided a long time ago and now compromises several neighbouring properties.
“When I first saw the property, I could see the potential, not only for a comfortable family home but a showcase for the varied passions both myself and my husband Giles share, as well as ample room for our equestrienne daughter, Bea’s ever-growing stable,” explains Megan.
From its modest beginnings, Mimosa Moon has flourished much like the majestic trees it is named after. Once a cosy four-room retreat with a welcoming verandah, it now stands as a testament to thoughtful evolution. While retaining the essence of the original cottage, recent renovations have revitalised its walls, creating a haven where charm and hospitality harmoniously intertwine.
“I often refer to my job as ‘house whispering’ as I like to let the building speak to me and tell me how it should be designed,” said Megan. “When we first moved here, I waited a long time to settle in before planning the changes that have eventuated in a very functional and efficient but well-utilised space. I wanted the family to come and stay, see how the existing house worked and then figure out what could be improved.”
Megan initially made minimal alterations to the kitchen and dining area, relocating utilities to the room’s perimeters to create additional space for meal preparation and entertainment while preserving access to the outdoor views. The new kitchen island, an old high cedar workbench discovered in Hobart, is ideal for food preparation and serves as a natural gathering spot for family and visitors. Adjacent to the kitchen and dining area, Megan established her ‘Kosy Korner,’ inspired by her in-laws’ cosy dining space, where the family enjoys informal meals and television viewing.
The refurbishment of Mimosa Moon seamlessly integrates contemporary conveniences with the enduring allure of a rural farmhouse. Megan’s selection of decor materials was pivotal to the project’s triumph. “When it comes to adorning your rooms, a curtain is a guaranteed success. We have utilised our curtains to do more than just provide privacy; we have used them to introduce colour, infuse a sense of warmth, and transform an ordinary room into a delightful one. The scale, colour, and texture all contribute to its success.”
Megan looked for beautiful practicality in window dressings. “The window coverings were selected to enhance the property’s views while adding depth and comfort.” Facing the winds, sun, and occasional flooding of Northern NSW, Megan explains that “we needed the real deal when it came to window dressings and what we were going to reveal versus what we wanted to conceal. The window coverings had to add something to the property without taking away any of the vistas.”
The blend of soft interior treatments with durable exterior ones provides a contemporary update to the home without the need for extensive structural changes. Megan chose this approach, believing the modern farmhouse was the perfect environment to balance softness and hardness. “It’s homey but warm, modern but still country,” she explained. The abundance of soft window treatments inside and the hard ones outside have given Mimosa Moon its contemporary charm without knocking down a wall or excavating a single thing.
A standout feature of the home is the 12-metre-long curtain wall in the living room. With so many windows and so much to see outside, the idea was to make a wall of softness. Megan has chosen the Luxaflex® Curtain in Arbre Fabric in a soft, semi-sheer neutral Froth colour. Backed with blackout fabric, it gives scope for various levels of light control and privacy to have the dream wall fully closed, partly opened or opened fully, and is a wonderful way to add dimension and depth to a very open and overly lit room.
“The same semi-sheer curtains without the blockout backing have been used for the dining room to complement the living room, which is important when you are dealing with an open plan,” says Megan. “Here we can diffuse the morning light without losing any of its splendour.”
As so much of the family’s lives are outdoors, Megan chose old-style classic Australian fixed awnings above the dining room windows (a simple pair of Luxaflex® System 2000 Awnings in white canvas) to protect the herb gardens on the back deck.
Continuing the use of awnings, Megan explains, “One of my favourite transformations has been the carport, in which we are leaning into our love of portmanteau and calling The PartyPort.” No longer just a carport, the space is a multi-functional outdoor room with incredible airflow, great views and a wonderful atmosphere. Powered by the Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation system with motorised blinds, it can instantly transform into a party room, outdoor bar, or entertaining area. Without altering the traditional farmhouse structure, the carport has been elevated to new heights with Luxaflex® Evo Awnings. “I wanted to use the straight drops in the open garage to create a conservatory room, an extension of our living spaces. These were fabricated in Dickson fabric in the colour Hardlot Green—a green and beige stripe reminiscent of old caravan annexes, giving the nostalgic feeling of family holidays.”
Mimosa Moon embodies a style that effortlessly combines the beauty of its natural surroundings with modern living. Through carefully selecting materials and thoughtful design choices, the property has become not just a home but a sanctuary where every corner tells a story of comfort and elegance. As Megan aptly puts it, “It’s homey, but warm, modern but still country,” a contemporary update achieved without the need to knock down walls or excavate, but rather by adorning spaces with the magic of softness and durability.
Discover more of the beautiful world of Australian stylist Megan Morton at her website.
