Olive Cooke’s Self-Designed Byron Bay Home Is Made for Slow Living

W hat happens when a creative director with an intuitive eye for design and detail marries a skilled builder? Naturally, a string of dream houses designed with love and care. This is the story for Olive Cooke, whose inspired collaborations with her husband Henry Tervenski have culminated in a stunning family home in Australia's Northern Rivers region.

“We’re just outside Byron Bay… on an acre block, which is really beautiful,” says Olive. “We’re situated between the sea and the mountains, so you get the best of both worlds here.”

Known just as much for its crystal-clear beaches and fertile valleys as its vibrant towns and cultural scene, Olive has lived in the area for over a decade. Throughout the years, she’s forged a community and connection with the landscape, which she describes as feeling “very much like home.” This deep-rooted closeness to nature also inspired her eponymous swimwear brand, Cooke Swim, where she designs timeless pieces made to be lived in – from the ocean to the hinterland waterfalls, and everywhere in between.

Olive moved into the new-build eight months ago, and this time, it’s not just her, Henry, and their dog Pickle who call it home. The couple welcomed their daughter Paloma in March, marking the beginning of a tender new era for their family.

“It’s been the perfect place to settle into, especially with the baby. I honestly feel like I haven’t really left the house much – it’s a mix of having a newborn and just being so content here.”

They relocated when Olive was just over halfway through her pregnancy, which was a lot to navigate at once, but turned out to be a beautiful transition. “I got to nest and organize and focus on the home,” she recalls. “My mom came to visit just before the baby arrived and we spent those weeks pottering inside, in the garden and walking on the beach. It was really special.”

Helping design four homes wasn’t always part of the plan for Olive, but rather something that happened organically (and with plenty of encouragement from Henry). “Honestly, by now I thought we’d still be in our first house from five years ago! But everyone says when you marry a builder, you move around – and that’s definitely been true for us,” she laughs. “We’ve built three homes and renovated one. It’s fun, and we’ve got a good system now.”

Olive describes her role in the process as overseeing “design and materials – everything from floorboards to lighting.” As always, they brought an architect in to design the framework, while Olive dove into the aesthetic decisions and Henry managed the build. “We each stick to our strengths, and it works really well,” she says.

Beyond embracing her own skillset, Olive has learned a thing or two about designing for longevity from her past building projects. “I’ve learned to focus on interiors and pieces that can move with us from house to house.” She’s also leaned into her creative instincts, no matter how bold the design choice. “In our last house, I did a green kitchen and had so many sleepless nights wondering if it was the right decision,” she explains. “It turned out great in the end, but it taught me the importance of trusting your gut.”

When approaching the design, there was no specific era, trend or ethos in mind, but rather a tone and feeling. “I like to keep materials warm and neutral, so the space feels timeless. Then I layer in fun elements – things like colorful cushions or décor that can easily change,” she explains. “I focus on natural materials – timber, sisal carpet, textured finishes. The paneling and floorboards in the kitchen, for example, bring that warmth in a subtle way.”

Although it wasn’t a conscious architectural philosophy from the outset, the house follows the principles of biophilic design. More than just adding plants – this approach is about creating spaces that reflect the rhythms and textures of the natural world. Olive has embraced these ideas by integrating organic shapes, deep wooden tones, layered texture and ample natural light.

A pioneer of biophilic building, Amanda Sturgeon describes this practice as “embedding nature into the very essence of a building.” And this is what Olive’s abode achieves – the colors, shapes and sensory elements found in nature, mirrored inside. The environment spills fluidly into the residence with its high ceilings and windowed walls which unite the indoors and surrounding landscape. “The Northern Rivers climate means we can be outside most of the year,” says Olive. “Even in winter, it’s beautiful. So we definitely designed the house to flow between indoors and out.”

The home is also a reflection of Olive’s fashion sense and lifestyle. “My style is laid-back with touches of fun, which is how I approach interiors too,” she says. It’s all about starting with a versatile foundation and adding personality in a way that leaves room to grow and shift. “I like to start with a calm base and add playful details through things like napkins or décor. It’s about making things enjoyable, but never fussy.”

Often the “default gathering spot” for celebrations and casual catchups, entertaining was front of mind when planning the layout. “We love hosting… We focused on having great entertaining areas – indoor dining, covered outdoor space, and spots in the garden. That’s something we’ve always prioritized in every home we’ve lived in,” says Olive.

Meals and milestones are a communal affair at the Cooke-Tervenski casa. “We’re big on breakfasts – especially on weekends. We’ve had events like a baby shower here, and we hosted Christmas… It’s always relaxed – everyone brings a dish, there are a few people in the kitchen, and it’s very casual and fun.”

Another priority for Olive was perfecting her favorite room of the house – the bedroom. “We wanted the bedroom to be really calm and beautiful,” she says. “We’ve spent so much time in there with the baby, and it’s just such a lovely, functional space. The bedhead has built-in drawers, and the whole room is centered around that. It really supports winding down at the end of the day.”

Despite a sweetly curated nursery tucked in a sun-washed nook, as Olive notes, the family usually spend time nestled together in the bedroom – the beating heart of the home. “It’s funny – newborns don’t use their rooms as much as you think,” she smiles.

When she graduates to her own little space, Paloma will be surrounded by a menagerie of collected items – vintage toys, sentimental trinkets and a mobile made by Olive’s parents from driftwood and shells. In keeping with the laid-back coherence of the interiors, she describes the look of the nursery as, “more of an extension of the house than a themed kid’s room.”

Personal elements can be found in every living space, from vintage pendant lights, to the ceramic dish picked up in Western Australia that reminds her of her family on the far coast. She calls this approach ‘eclectic minimalism’, explaining, “everything has meaning, but it’s all considered.”

In this season of life, Olive’s days are often unhurried as she focuses on staying present. “We’re early risers. We usually get up, walk the dog, and have a coffee,” she says. “It used to be more of an active start with a workout, but things have slowed down lately – and I’m embracing that.”

Then, when the sun sets over the treetops, the house quiets and softens into a mellow pace, “Evenings are for winding down. Once the baby’s asleep, we have a cup of tea and head to bed early. It’s all about calm and rest these days.”

As a business owner and content creator, Olive’s living quarters have taken on many roles – office, studio, and atelier. But recently, she’s redefined what home means to her, relocating her workspace from the kitchen table (or bed) to an external base. “It’s definitely a juggle… but separating spaces has made a big difference. I still love sharing my home through content, but I try to keep clear boundaries now,” she says.

Now, the focus is creating a nurturing place for both everyday life and the people they hold dear. “We definitely saw this as the start of our family home… But it’s also a space we want to share with our loved ones. That was a big consideration – making sure it felt welcoming and comfortable for everyone.” Olive achieves this effortlessly, channeling her own laid-back sensibility, “There’s a focus on function and beauty, but nothing feels too forced. It’s all pretty effortless. It reflects our lifestyle too – being outdoors, living slowly, and making the most of where we are.”

For Olive, it all comes back to one thing, “Home is where friends and family come together. It’s about creating a space that feels like it belongs to everyone. Somewhere calm and welcoming, where you can be totally yourself and surrounded by people you love.”