Beauty is in the natural details for Pennyfarthing, the developer that made the most of the attractive waterfront outside the town houses at Rivers Walk on the New Westminster.

With one look at the surroundings and the show home’s spacious layout, Janet Hardy found her inspiration.

“The location was very influential in my interior design. I want the buyer to see the full potential of the location in their home, as well as outside,” says Hardy, the principal of Creative Spaces Design.

The 36-town house development sits in New Westminster’s Queensborough neighbourhood on a prime piece of waterfront between Derwent Way and Highway 91 crossings of the Fraser River.

Pennyfarthing makes it easy to drink in the waterfront views. River’s Walk boasts large roof decks and patios, a staircase to the roof filled with light and a main floor with a grand view of the natural surroundings.

These main floors of the three-bedroom town houses sit at a height that nearly equals the height of a second storey of single-family homes in the neighbourhood.

On the rooftop patios, Hardy furnished an outdoor lounge area. Height considerations are paramount when choosing pieces for a space with such an outlook, she says.

“Lower clean-lined furniture is important, but a raised table for eating is a must for a perfect view.”

In the kitchen and dining space, Hardy evoked more of a waterfront feel with blue and white hues set against a wooden table, art depicting a sandy beach, white gloss cabinets and Adirondack-style chairs.

Hardy is particularly proud of the blend of natural and modern touches in this area.

“I mixed rustic pieces with clean lines and a funky light fixture. It was a bit of a risk but it all worked.

“The kitchens have great cabinet space. I was able to get a modern hood fan in the kitchen, which gave me a more gourmet feel. I am so happy with the living space because it has so many options for furniture placement.”

So far, Rivers Walk’s suites — with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and two-car garages — have attracted newlyweds, young families and downsizers, says Hardy.

“People are seeing that they are getting so much more for their money in New West.”

She says she had a blast decorating the girls’ room, where she placed a mirrored desk and covered the bed with a bedspread, pillows and artwork in bright greens and blues in candy-like shades.

“I love doing girl’s rooms,” she enthuses.“ (When I decorated this room) I just thought, ‘Girlie-girl goes to the beach.’”

Project: Rivers Walk

What: 36 townhouses in six buildings

Where: 100 Wood Street (at South Dyke Rd.), New Westminster

Residence sizes and prices: Three-bedroom townhouses, 1,538 to 1,779 sq. ft, from $479,900 to $589,900

Builder and developer: Pennyfarthing

Sales centre: 42 South Dyke Rd., New Westminster

Hours: Mon — Thurs, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat and Sun, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Friday