The influence of the ocean can clearly be seen in interior designer Billy Beson's penthouse condominium. Beson says he is a fan of the ocean.

He was drawn to the condominium because of its high ceilings, good-sized rooms, a balcony that runs around the condominium's entire perimeter, and of course, its great view.

 

Both colour and material choices are influenced by the surrounding
environment - the pale blue of the lobby represents the colour of the sky.

To complement the apartments existing structure and architectural features, Beson chose colours that have a direct relationship to the outside environment. The wall colour in the living room, for example, is derived from the look of the sea on a stormy day.

 

The living area has chairs the colour of the sunset, sofas the shade
of sand, and walls which mimic the look of the ocean on a stormy day.

Likewise, the living room sofas are upholstered in suede the colour of sand, and the pink chairs are inspired by sunrise and sunset. The blue furniture in the lobby – which Beson also designed – was chosen to match the sky on a clear day.

Other colour choices were made to inject fun and vitality – the use of lime in the guest bedroom, for example. Beson says he also chose this shade because he likes the combination of blue with acid green.

 

Black and white shades predominate in the master bedroom,
which features vinyl walls that look like metal.

Conversely, the master bedroom is almost entirely in black and white, playing up Beson's desire for what he calls tongue-in-cheek glamour. The only non neutral shade in the room is found in three pale blue vases on the bedside table. This play with neutrals and introduction of texture over colour, is directly reflective of colour predictions for the next few years.

"I wanted to use only blacks, greys and whites, because the rest of the condominium is so colourful," Beson says. Rich, dark walnut floors throughout balance the brightness, and help to bring the condominium together as a whole.

Other references to the ocean can be found in the use of materials. Reflective surfaces, such as stainless steel and glass, mimic the reflective nature of the sea.

 

The bar area features an ice-maker, fridge, and a Kohler sink.

The accessories in the condominium are mostly arranged in groups of three. Grouping ornaments in twos is more common, but Beson feels that groups of three give a more contemporary feel.

Because the condominium is Beson's holiday home, it gave him the opportunity to make colour and style choices he wouldn't dare to do in his own home.

Above all, he wanted the condominium to be a relaxed, happy place. Beson says too many people try to design their holiday homes the way they would their primary homes, but often these design choices don't match the holiday location.

"My condominium is the way a beach apartment should be," he says.