Modern Oasis La Quinta
palm Spring style with local charm.
Set against the leafy backdrop of East Maitland, La Quinta is a home reborn.
What began as a dark brick, box-like two-storey dwelling with little flow and minimal connection to the outdoors has been completely reimagined by Green Ink Design Studio, with interiors by Hunter Interior Design and construction by Muse Built.
“From the street, La Quinta presents a striking reinterpretation of Palm Springs modernism”
Originally built in 1974, the property once operated as a mechanics workshop with the family residence above.
Over time, the home became dated, compartmentalised, and disconnected from its generous site. For the new owners, the vision was clear: a Palm Springs-inspired retreat filled with light, seamless flow, and the sense of resort style living.
Green Ink Design Studio’s response transformed the existing structure into a sophisticated, light-filled sanctuary that balances openness with privacy, and glamour with calm.
From the street, La Quinta presents a striking reinterpretation of Palm Springs modernism, carefully reimagined for the East Maitland context.
The once boxy façade has been transformed into a sculptural composition anchored by a stone fin wall, complemented by breeze block screening, crisp white render, and vertical timber battens that add texture and rhythm. By relocating the garage to the side street, not only maximised an underutilised setback but allowed the architecture and landscaping take centre stage within the streetscape.
The architectural drama of the interior is defined by a soaring double-height void that anchors the dining spaces as the heart of the home. This bold design gesture channels natural light deep into the plan while visually connecting the two levels, establishing a true centre for family life. Gentle curves soften the geometry, lending refinement and
balance, while vistas extend directly into the garden, reinforcing the seamless flow between inside and out. Expansive yet intimate, the void embodies the home’s design ambition – to feel grand yet welcoming, open yet grounded in place.
The existing floor plan was also completely reimagined to support the demands of modern family life. On the
ground level, the entry was repositioned and the stairwell opened to create a generous sense of arrival, immediately enhancing light and spatial flow. This reconfiguration also made way for a flexible guest suite with its own bathroom, offering comfort for visitors and adaptability for multi-generational living.
The kitchen/living/dining positioned on the ground level allow the indoor and outdoor living zones to be seamlessly intertwined, with expansive sliding doors opening from the main living zone to the alfresco and pool, completing this resort like atmosphere, encouraging a lifestyle that moves effortlessly between inside and out.
Upstairs, the plan now accommodates four bedrooms, a third living space, and abundant storage, balancing family gathering areas with private retreats.
Hunter Interior Design worked closely with Green Ink Design Studio and the clients to curate an interior and exterior palette that is timeless and welcoming. Light stone surfaces lend warmth and weight, breeze blocks cast dappled patterns of sun and shadow, and smooth rendered walls provide a luminous canvas.
“The design balances the desire for expansive internal spaces with the need for privacy.”
Inside, Florentine Walnut veneers bring softness to the architecture, brushed copper detailing adds a subtle glow, and a muted sage green in the kitchen echoes the desert garden beyond. Tiles were selected for their tactility and used with precision, introducing depth and rhythm without overpowering the composition.
One of the home’s striking qualities lies in its treatment of thresholds. The design balances the desire for expansive internal spaces with the need for privacy, achieved through a layering of screens, glazing and semi-transparent elements. From the street, the house feels approachable, yet once inside, spaces are cocooned, layered, and carefully composed.
“The design balances the desire for expansive internal spaces with the need for privacy.”
designed for longevity. Flexible spaces accommodate family and evolving needs, generous storage supports daily life, and design choices ensure comfort for years to come. Every design decision reinforces functionality, and the ability for the home to evolve gracefully over time.
The success of La Quinta lies not only in its striking appearance but in how an existing house can be transformed to create a home that supports modern family living – light-filled, flexible, and connected to nature.
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