Big River Group Helps Simone Mathews Realise Her Dream of a Plantation-Inspired Home
Tucked away in the picturesque beachside suburb of Cronulla, The Maybe forever home is the true creative vision of Simone Mathews, the founder and interior designer of SOUL Homes. A labour of love, this stunning sanctuary combines classic elegance, natural warmth, and resort-inspired relaxation. Designed to provide the perfect balance for an active family, it offers an escape from the busyness of life, making Simone’s family feel as though they are living an island lifestyle every day.
Simone has crafted a space that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary design elements, creating a home that is both beautiful and practical.
The Maybe forever home epitomises SOUL Homes’ signature 70/20/10 rule: 70% classic elements, 20% organic influences, and 10% resort vibes. Natural timbers play a crucial role in this blend, lending themselves to creating the warm, inviting atmosphere that characterises the home. This unique approach of combining inspiration from Bahamas architecture and European styles creates a timeless yet modern space which evokes a sense of escape and relaxation.
Big River Group’s timber products played a crucial role in realising this vision. The ArmourCab Spotted Gum veneer, used in the kitchen, butler’s pantry, and office, offers a stunning, natural aesthetic that enhances the interior design. “ArmourCab wood veneer is a prominent feature throughout our home, especially in the kitchen and pantry,” says Simone “The Spotted Gum veneer adds a classic, authentic feel to the spaces,” says Simone. “It creates a sense of timelessness, making it feel as though it has always belonged in the home. We also love its exceptional quality, that ensures durability against heat and humidity, which is critical in these areas, especially living in a suburb near the ocean.”
In the laundry and master robe, Master Oak in White was selected for its durability and high-performance. “Master Oak offers a scratch-resistant, moisture and stain-resistant, and colourfast surface that looks and feels like real oak but stands up to the wear and tear of a busy family home,” Simone notes.
The flooring base on the first and second floors, MaxiFloor by Big River, significantly enhances the home’s acoustics and thermal properties. “MaxiFloor has had the greatest impact on the home’s functionality,” explains Simone. “It’s aerated concrete panels provide excellent acoustics. With the home spread over two levels, reducing noise transmission between floors was high on our list of considerations, and finding a product that offers superior thermal capabilities compared to traditional particleboard was a win. MaxiFloor’s lightweight panels also enabled a quick and cost-effective installation.”
European Oak Flooring in Desert was used on the first and second floors, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The durability of the Engineered flooring addressed the need for impact resistance in a busy family home “While we believe a timber floor should show signs of a lived-in home, we also wanted durability to withstand the daily activities of a family of six,” Simone remarks. “These floorboards are much stronger than boards/flooring we’ve used in other builds, minimising dents and wear over time is important in a family home. The Desert colour strikes a perfect balance, lending itself to the timeless, classic foundation for the home’s design,” Simone adds.
The Grey Ironbark Timber Decking, used in the front and rear yards, complements the home’s exterior, ensuring a seamless blend with the surroundings. “We chose Grey Ironbark for its ability to weather naturally over time, there is something appealing about a grey deck that truly suits that plantation design style and minimal maintenance requirements is also a major plus,” says Simone. “Its high Janka rating ensures durability and strength, which was essential for our extensive decking.”
Living in The Maybe forever home has so far been an incredible experience for Simone and her family. The unassuming front facade offers privacy, while the rear facade resembles a resort, creating a striking contrast. “I love that the front façade is reminiscent of a cottage, which provides the privacy and cosy, homely atmosphere we desired,” says Simone. “In contrast, the rear facade resembles a resort fit for the Bahamas – it’s a striking contrast that adds to the home’s allure.” Despite its large size, the home feels cosy, with each level offering its own unique personality. “It was designed not just for size but for functionality, with each level having its own personality that continues to surprise and delight anyone who steps in the door,” Simone remarks.
Achieving both functionality and atmosphere through material selections has been immensely satisfying. “The products we’ve used have consistently delivered in terms of quality and aesthetics, meeting the high standards expected of a designer,” Simone explains. “Big River Group’s products, like the ArmourCab Spotted Gum veneer and MaxiFloor panels, have played a key role in creating the ambiance and functionality I envisioned for our home. From a design perspective, I look for products that not only enhance aesthetics but also add character to a home without merely following passing trends. The durability and timeless appeal of these materials ensure that our home will continue to reflect our style and withstand the demands of daily life for years to come.”
The Maybe forever home showcases the perfect blend of creativity and technical expertise, reflecting the unique personality and story of its creators. It represents the culmination of careful planning, quality material selection, and a vision of a home that serves well now and in the future. “This project represents the perfect blend of creativity and technical expertise – a home that not only reflects our personality but also tells our unique story,” Simone concludes.
