Expert renovators Kyal and Kara Demmrich recently completed their most recent project - a three-bedroom family home and studio just metres from Blue Lagoon beach on the Central Coast of NSW. Drawing inspiration from a frangipani tree in the front yard of a small fibro cottage, the couple successfully realised their vision for the home - the ultimate beach house for their growing family, where coastal style meets Mediterranean villa.
Purchasing the house a few years ago, the fibro shack was demolished to make way for their first new build. With a goal to design a family home built to last, the importance of high-quality and carefully selected materials was imperative. Their hard work has resulted in this jaw-dropping transformation, from a beach shack to a dream surf house with touches of Mediterranean style in both the architecture and interiors.
"In keeping with our 'Australian coastal meets Mediterranean villa' we've incorporated subtle curves throughout this build, beginning with the garage at the very front of the property, which is rendered to a rough Mediterranean-look render," says Kara. "The curved features continue inside with arched doorways, rounded walls and a showstopper curved staircase taking centre stage of the living room."
The front facade provides a stunning first impression, with blackbutt timber decking blending beautifully with hand-laid sandstone walls. The interior has soaring raked ceilings, a neutral colour palette and an abundance of natural light.
To ensure the home not only looks great, but feels comfortable and can stand up to the knocks of everyday living, Kyal and Kara needed a solution that had impact and sound resistant benefits. "When it came to sheeting our walls, we've used Gyprock Superchek in the high traffic areas as we wanted to ensure it will withstand the impact of life with our energetic, boisterous kids who are at times literally bouncing off the walls," says Kara. "As it's three times tougher, Superchek has enhanced resistance to dents, scuffs and scrapes, as well as improved noise resistance that make shouts sound more like whispers - perfect for our crazy two and their friends."
The rumpus room has a helical staircase that provides a link to the other curves in the home, as well as being a feature you can see from various living spaces.
One of the couples' favourite rooms is the master bedroom, with a few key features making it special. "Throughout the home, we've used curves as a design element, and we wanted to do the same and add that architectural feature in the master bedroom," says Kyal. The curved wall leading from the entrance of the bedroom around to the walk-in robe is a standout feature and softens the look of the space.
"We also selected key doorways around the home to create arch entryway features," said Kara. Having the two arched doorways into the bathroom gives a sense of design continuity throughout the bedroom and ensuite, and frames the beautiful finishes.
The ensuite is great example of using varying textures with similar colour tones to create a room that really packs a punch. Gyprock's Aquachek plasterboard, which is designed for use as a lining in wet areas due to its moisture and humidity resistant properties, provides the base for the styling, with round mirrors and tactile accessories setting the scene.
The guest studio provides a retreat for visiting family and friends, and also creates a villa-style yard for the main house, with plenty of privacy from the front. With bespoke features and dreamy styling, this space is one to inspire.
The crowning glory of the home however, is the outdoor entertaining space, with its gorgeous mosaic tiled pool alongside lush greenery and a stunning stone wall. "The rendered bench seat amplifies the seating area and helps create the Mediterranean villa-style vibes we were after," says Kyal. With the beach just a stone's throw away, the couple have certainly created an idyllic seaside escape in their own backyard.
