The Barefoot Sophisticate, Sorrento
A turnkey coastal retreat designed for real holiday living, not careful living.
Project Overview
Purchased completely vacant, The Barefoot Sophisticate was conceived as a turnkey coastal retreat for a time-poor client seeking immediate enjoyment without compromise. DMP Creative was engaged to fully furnish, style and deliver the home end-to-end, transforming an empty shell into a refined, ready-to-use holiday residence.
The scope extended beyond furniture alone, encompassing bedding, linens, towels, select appliances, gym equipment, artwork and decorator curation, along with full procurement, delivery and installation. The brief was simple: make it feel finished, effortless and genuinely relaxing from day one.
Design Story
Purchased completely vacant, The Barefoot Sophisticate was conceived as a turnkey coastal retreat for a busy business owner with two teenage children and limited time to manage the countless decisions required to bring a holiday home together. DMP Creative was engaged to fully furnish, style and deliver the home end-to-end, transforming an empty property into a relaxed, ready-to-use escape that could be enjoyed immediately.
The project unfolded in two considered phases. An initial fast-tracked procurement focused on bedrooms and outdoor areas, ensuring the home was functional in time for upcoming school holidays. Once the immediate needs were met, there was scope to refine the broader design direction and complete the interior with a more layered and cohesive approach. Throughout both stages, speed remained a priority, with insider knowledge guiding supplier selection and clever substitutions made where long lead times would have slowed progress.
Materiality was approached with durability front of mind. With teenagers, sandy feet, wet bathers and coastal living firmly part of the brief, finishes and furnishings were selected to withstand real holiday use rather than require constant upkeep. Natural linens, travertine accents and tan leather were layered through the home alongside a grounded palette of muted sage greens, rusts and ocean blues. These elements softened the existing modern, urban interior while creating a relaxed coastal atmosphere that felt robust, comfortable and genuinely liveable.
The result is a home that balances refinement with practicality. Calm, confident and effortless, it’s a space designed to be enjoyed rather than fussed over — exactly as a holiday home should be.
Materials & Finishes (Highlights)
Natural linens and layered textiles
Travertine accents
Tan leather upholstery
Muted sage greens, rusts and ocean blues
Furniture, Lighting & Decor
Globe West • The Rug Collection • Coco Republic • Urban Road • Beacon Lighting • Sheridan • Ferm Living
Why This Project Matters
The Barefoot Sophisticate is a clear example of how decisive design thinking, strong supplier relationships and a calm, structured process can turn a vacant property into a fully resolved home, quickly and without stress. It speaks directly to clients who value ease, clarity and confidence over endless decision-making.
Project Team
Interior Design, Furnishing & Styling: DMP Creative
Photography: Dave Puckering, DMP Creative
Location: Sorrento, VIC
If you’ve recently purchased a holiday home, whether for personal use or short-term rental, and are looking for a turnkey approach that removes the stress from furnishing and styling, get in touch to discuss how we can help.
Key Design Moves
Turnkey delivery from a fully vacant property
Phased procurement to balance urgency with design refinement
Earthy, coastal palette introduced to soften a modern interior
Strategic supplier selection to prioritise local stock and speed
Layered textures to create warmth and lived-in comfort

