Design boldly, live beautifully
Hear from Darren on how the unique backdrop of the Illawarra escarpment helps inspire great design.
Inspired by the Illawarra escarpment
Few people understand coastal living quite like Darren Palmer. As one of Australia’s most recognisable interior designers, his work has taken him to some of Australia’s most coveted locations — yet even he was struck by the balance and beauty of The Waterfront, Shell Cove on the NSW south coast. In this exclusive feature, Darren shares how the landscape and being surrounded by the backdrop of the Illawarra escarpment inspires great design, what defines a truly coastal home, and why building beautifully doesn’t require a massive block of land.
Designing for the coast
When I talk about coastal design, I’m not talking about seashells, driftwood and blue feature walls. For me, good coastal design is about connection, it’s about designing a home that belongs, that feels anchored to its surroundings.
When I first visited The Waterfront, Shell Cove, what stood out to me wasn’t just the views, though they’re extraordinary, it was the balance. You’ve got the Pacific Ocean and the white sandy shores of Shellharbour South Beach on one side, the first-class Shellharbour Marina on the other, and a sense of community and calm in between. It’s rare to find that kind of setting, where every element feels in harmony.
What makes a great coastal home
The best coastal homes aren’t defined by their size, but by how they make you feel. For me, a great home starts with how light moves through it. Open spaces, high ceilings, and materials that allow the environment to speak. I like to use natural tones: whites, soft greys, sandy neutrals, then layer texture through timber, stone, and tactile finishes that reflect the coastline rather than compete with it.
At The Waterfront, Shell Cove, that philosophy comes naturally, the landscape gives you the palette. The blues of the marina, the greens of the escarpment, the warm tones of sunset. When you design here, the environment does half the work for you. The rest is about restraint, balance, and letting the space breathe.
Breaking the myth of small blocks
There’s a common misconception that you need a huge block of land to design a beautiful coastal home. I don’t agree. At Shell Cove, the average block is around 450 square metres, and that’s more than enough to create something remarkable.
As a builder and designer, I know that what makes a home liveable isn’t the size — it’s how you use the space. Wider frontage, with up to 15 metres, gives you room for proper entryways, wide hallways and open-plan living zones that flow seamlessly outdoors. You can even build up to three levels on selected lots, which adds incredible volume and flexibility.
That opens up so many possibilities. You can design a home that evolves, one that suits family life now but also adapts as it changes. Maybe it’s a multigenerational layout, maybe it’s a retreat-style floor with space for guests, or maybe it’s about designing sustainably for the long term. That’s the beauty of a well-thought-out block: it gives you freedom without excess.
Where else can you build between the beach and the marina?
Sit down with Darren Palmer and Building Designer and South Coast local Nadine Ryan from Nadine K Design as they chat through all things design. The possibilities at Shell Cove are endless.
Why Shell Cove inspires me
What I love most about Shell Cove is that it makes good design effortless. You’re surrounded by everything that makes coastal living special – the marina, the beaches, the parks, the community and it all feels considered. The amenity is built into the landscape, so your home doesn’t have to fight for attention. It becomes part of something larger, something connected.
Designing here isn’t about making a statement. It’s about creating calm; spaces that feel timeless, materials that age gracefully, and interiors that work with the rhythm of the environment. When you get that right, the result is a home that doesn’t just look coastal. It lives coastal.
For me, that’s what makes The Waterfront, Shell Cove so special. It’s rare to find a place where the setting, the planning, and the potential all align. Here, the design inspiration isn’t forced, it’s already there.
The Waterfront, Shell Cove is more than rare. It’s ready.