Manly Pavilion
Manly, Australia
2025
Set gently above the harbour’s edge, Manly Pavilion is an ode to light, breeze and understated coastal elegance. The interiors embrace their waterfront setting, framing uninterrupted views through a rhythm of heritage sash windows that draw the blue of the harbour deep into the room, restoring the iconic landmark to its former glory of decades gone by.
A palette of warm neutrals textured reed-like white-washed wallpaper walls, soft creams and sun-washed timber forms the architectural backdrop. Herringbone floors and classic bentwood chairs reference European seaside dining, while caramel leather banquettes add a tailored softness that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. The materiality is tactile yet restrained: linen napery, woven pendant shades, brushed brass details and natural stone underfoot create layers of warmth without competing with the view.
The terrace continues the narrative outdoors. Deep red tabletops and muted sage metal chairs introduce a subtle Mediterranean note, softened by striped umbrellas and festoon lighting. Glass balustrades dissolve the boundary between dining and water, allowing sailboats and shifting light to become part of the experience.
In the private dining room, a long communal table sits beneath woven pendants, framed by floor-to-ceiling curtains and filtered daylight intimate yet connected to the coastal landscape beyond. Throughout, the design balances heritage charm with relaxed sophistication, creating a space that feels effortless, refined and distinctly Sydney.
The result is a timeless pavilion sunlit by day, glowing by night where architecture, interior and harbour converge in quiet harmony.
Interior Design and Decoration: La Vaur Studio