159 Martin Street Brighton, VIC, 3186
When The Block alumni Rachel and Ryan Carr set their sights on a weathered rural property nestled in the Shoalhaven wine region, they weren’t just planning a renovation—they were crafting an experience. Through their design firm R&R Design Co., and with the help of Luxaflex® window coverings, the couple has transformed the home into a luxury holiday retreat that feels plucked straight from the hills of Tuscany.
Set against a backdrop of gum trees and sweeping rural vistas, the property seamlessly blends the raw beauty of the Australian landscape with the timeless elegance of Italian luxury.
Luxaflex® window coverings were a major part of this transformation. They not only elevated the interiors but played a central role in achieving the couple’s vision of relaxed, high-end comfort.
“The goal was to make our guests feel like they’re stepping into something spectacular, with all the comforts of home and the elegance of a high-end retreat,” Rachel says.
“We wanted to make sure guests feel like they’re stepping into a world apart, where everything flows effortlessly from one room to the next, creating a sense of peace and relaxation,” she adds.
“It’s not just about luxury for its own sake but creating an environment that invites guests to unwind, reconnect, and fully enjoy the space. That’s where Luxaflex® window coverings played a crucial role - they unified the overall look.”
Their journey was captured as part of a special Holiday Home Makeover TV series on Channel 9—of which Luxaflex® is a proud sponsor. Throughout the home, the Carrs used a carefully curated mix of Luxaflex® curtains, sheers, blinds and awnings—each selected to enhance the look and functionality of the space. Here’s how.
In the bedrooms, comfort and customisation were top priorities. Here, automated Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Elan fabric, in the warm, grounding shade of Ginger Snap, allow guests to control light and privacy with ease. Block-out fabric creates dark, peaceful environments for sleeping, while the rich colour adds depth and warmth to of each room—whether it’s a blush-pink guest room or a moody teal master.
The unique honeycomb structure of the Duette® Shades also traps air to provide important thermal control in the bedrooms—helping keep them cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The shades were then paired with billowy Luxaflex® Swane Curtains in Orlane fabric, creating a soft, luxurious feel.
“We wanted the bedrooms to really pop with personality, but the living areas needed to feel refined and calming,” Rachel explains. “The mix of colours throughout the house adds character without disrupting the flow.”
In key living spaces like the lounge and media rooms, the Carrs also opted for Duette® Shades in Elan Trans fabric and in Desert Sands colour. These shades provide natural light during the day while maintaining privacy—striking the perfect balance between softness and control.
The Desert Sands tone worked beautifully to bring in a natural, earthy feel that tied in with the overall colour palette.
In the kitchen, the sheer Luxaflex® Swave Curtains in Orlane fabric and Organic colour make a bold design statement, effortlessly gliding open to unveil the alfresco area and create a seamless flow between indoors and out.
One of our favourite moments is standing in the kitchen and watching the sheers reveal the outdoor space – it’s a real showstopper,” Rachel notes. The use of Powerview® Motorisation also adds an element of luxury for guests, enabling them to control their window coverings effortlessly with just the touch of a button.
Meanwhile, in the lounge and sitting areas, Duette® shades in Desert Sands colour introduce a gentle, earthy warmth. They help ground the interior palette, balancing the bold bedroom hues and allowing for a smooth, calming transition into the home’s more neutral living zones.
Another standout spot is the breakfast nook—one of Rachel and Ryan’s personal favourites—thanks to its constant stream of natural light. Whether it’s the first coffee of the day or a wind-down glass of wine, the space offers a tranquil escape. “There’s something magical about the way the light falls in that space at all times of the day,” Ryan explains. “It’s the perfect spot to unwind.”
The couple also knew that the exterior experience needed to be just as considered as the interior. A standout feature of the transformation was a decision to preserve the original brick exterior. “We fell in love with the blonde brick and knew it was something we had to keep,” says Ryan. “It ties the whole design together, bridging the old with the new.”
In the pool area, they chose the Luxaflex® Nordic Arafura Awning in black and white colours, a striking and functional solution that offers all-important sun protection without disrupting the aesthetic.
“We didn’t want the outdoor areas to feel like an afterthought,” Ryan says. “This awning gives us that bold, architectural feel while keeping things cool and comfortable for guests.”
With expansive windows and wide glass doors drawing the outdoors in, Rachel and Ryan needed window coverings that could complement the home’s elegant aesthetic while still delivering on everyday functionality.
“The Luxaflex® sheers, curtains, and blockout blinds gave us everything we were looking for,” says Rachel. “They bring a sense of elegance to the rooms while offering privacy and comfort for our guests.”
Here’s a summary of how Luxaflex was used throughout this stunning home:
This Shoalhaven sanctuary is a perfect example of how functional design can elevate luxury living. With Luxaflex’s support, Rachel and Ryan have reaffirmed their talent for creating elevated, design-led spaces with purpose and personality.
“Every little detail was planned meticulously,” Ryan says. “The thoughtful pairing of colours, materials, and window treatments, such as the curtains in the sitting bays and the shades in the bedrooms, provide a seamless transition between spaces, enhancing both the visual and functional cohesion of the entire home. We wanted this place to be a true masterpiece, and we have achieved that.”
If you want to learn more about the window coverings used in this renovation, drop by your local Luxaflex showroom.
