Tour Architect Daniel Boddam’s Light-Filled Byron Bay Home

Welcome to The Makers. Each week, we’re celebrating innovators, artisans and crafters of all types, taking you on a private tour of their creative spaces. For this instalment, we head to the open and inviting house of architect Daniel Boddam.

When Daniel Boddam and his partner moved into their home two years ago, the space underwent a major renovation. So much so, that if you saw the place before the couple took possession, you might not recognise it. Boddam, an architect and designer by trade, went about improving not only the interior of the house, but re-landscaping the exterior, too.

The result is a home that is open and inviting, full of natural light and warmth. Backing onto a reserve, the living areas are flooded with sun and look out onto endless greenery. Everything is relaxed and natural, whether it’s the colour palette (creamy neutrals and earthy tones) or the custom furniture, designed by Boddam. That curved headboard in Boddam’s bedroom? It’s one of his own designs, as is that wooden side table.

Boddam’s home is an evocation of his studio, which encompasses “architecture, interiors and furnishings” for his clients. Raised by two architect parents, Boddam grew up looking at material samples under the table; some of his earliest memories are from visiting construction sites. “From an early age I knew I wanted to design furniture,” he says. “All my favourite designers were architects.” He went to university knowing exactly what he wanted to study, with a view to one day becoming the leader of a “holistic” business.

Since its launch, Boddam’s studio has prided itself in quality and innovation. As Boddam puts it, it’s about building relationships and never taking the easy route. “I love learning, growing and expanding my mind and skillsets,” he explains, “Each project is an opportunity for growth, and I enjoy being invited back at the completion of a project and seeing the enjoyment of my clients and impact the designs have had on them.”

Hi Daniel! This series is called The Makers. What is it that you make?

I make living spaces/homes. This includes the architecture, interiors, and furnishings.  

How does the act of “making” relate to your personality and who you are?

I have always had a compulsion to create and get excited by the act of making. Predominantly others help make the things I design, so for me it is about collaboration and communication with highly skilled craftsmen.  

Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?

My architecture projects normally start with an understanding of the clients and site, which sets a narrative for the design. I like to think in terms of the materials (which are the main ingredients of each project) and how best to honour them. The design process is explored through hand-drawn concept sketches on butter paper which is then developed into a 3D working model on the computer. The furniture design normally starts with a curiosity, inspired by the landscape, built environment and artists that influence my work. In each piece, I try to instil depth and meaning through a layering of influences. Then I follow a similar process to my architecture projects by producing hand-drawn sketches, computer modelling and construction drawings.

What’s been the single most crucial tool or strategy you’ve used to grow your creative business?

Focusing on quality over quantity, building and establishing valuable relationships has enabled me to grow my business through word of mouth. Instagram has been a great platform to share my work to a larger audience.

What’s been the most challenging lesson learnt since you started your business?

How important it is to begin with the end in mind. That is, to establish your vision, values and purpose and choose the right business model from the start. I figured this out organically along the way and wish I had done it sooner.

Do you have a single piece of advice you’d give to your younger self/ someone looking to start their own business?

Make time for innovation and play, even if it’s only half an hour a day.  

Now, the home stuff. How long have you lived in your home?

Two years.

How did you initially know this was the space for you?

My partner and I were attracted to the natural light and location. The house backs onto a natural reserve which was appealing, and the house needed renovating which is what I was after -- something to add my touch to.

Did you do any renovations or make any big changes after moving in?

We fully gut-renovated the home, which also included re-doing the landscaping and some cosmetic external work. I changed the layout to make better use of the spaces -- bringing in more natural light and creating a connection with the landscape.

Shop Daniel's look with Pinstripe and White in our Build-Your-Own Bundle. 

What was the thought process behind the way you’ve styled the interior?

I custom-designed most of the furniture to suit the environment. I wanted to do an elevated take on coastal living. The feeling I wanted was a sense of calm simplicity.

What are your favourite pieces in the home?

My favourite pieces are the Wave Bed and Celeste Sconce, paired with the Malibu Side Table in the bedroom which is a modern, yet restful, environment.

Do you have any special décor pieces you’re looking to add?

I am always on the hunt for art and interesting objects to compliment our space.

Shop Daniel's look with Pinstripe and White in our Build-Your-Own Bundle. 

Which is your favourite room in the house?

The living room, as it gets great sun and has views of the front garden and rear reserve. I like the way our books form part of the decoration in this room.

What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom, and home generally?

I like the mantra less is more. Few, but edited, pieces that have breathing space. A bedroom should be a restful atmosphere, so working with complimentary colours and natural materials works well. I tend to favour layered monochromatic and neutral colours and rely on art for pops of colour.

Do you have any projects coming up you want to talk about?

I have designed a new furniture collection and virtual space to house the collection which I will be launching soon, which I am super excited about. 

For more from Daniel, follow him at @danielboddam and danielboddam.com

Loved this home tour? Inside the Thoughtfully Curated Home of Interior Decorator Claudia Stephenson

Discover more of Australia's most beautiful homes in our series, The Makers.