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Real reno: Blockheads Kyal & Kara’s beachside sanctuary

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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Located on the NSW central coast, it’s hard to believe that this four-bedroom, three-bathroom coastal dream of a home was once a simple fibro cottage.  “Our goal was to create a light-filled sanctuary that felt comfortable and inviting. It’s a real sanctuary but with plenty of space for entertaining,” says expert renovator and former Blockhead Kara Demmrich who tackled this project with her husband Kyal after purchasing the original home for $710,000 in early 2017.

Kyal & Kara kitchen dining room
Kitchen and dining

Originally intending to carry out a single-level extension, the house was completely gutted and little of the original house remains. Aside from the four bedrooms, three bathrooms and large open plan living spaces, the home also has an outdoor kitchen and plunge pool – all of which resulted in the home being purchased at auction for $1.59 million upon completion. That’s quite some increase in value!

Lounge
Lounge

Drawing on a mix of inspiration, the original Canary Date palm tree at the front of the house and the Desert Modernism movement that came out of Mid-Century Palm Springs homes, were two key references.

The front of the home
The front of the home

“Although the palm tree inspired our design theme, we wanted to create a classic coastal look for the facade using some of our favourite materials – white weatherboards, timber and limestone. We’re so happy with how it’s all come together and we believe we’ve created the perfect facade,” says Kyal of the front of the home that features blackbutt timber decking, hand-laid limestone walls and white weatherboard cladding.

Master bedroom
Master bedroom

“The original home was a small weatherboard cottage with lots of tack-ons, such as a carport, shed, back verandah and outdoor laundry. Initially, you had to walk down the driveway and the front door was located on the side of the house – this is one of the first things we knew we had to update. First impressions count, and having an open, welcoming path to the front door is important to us,” says Kyal.

Ensuite
Ensuite
Ensuite shower
Ensuite shower

Mostly though, the high ceilings and large expanses of glass are what really catch the eye upon entering the house. “The first thing that strikes you about the renovation is the scale of the ceilings. At 3.6 metres high, they make a real statement,” says Kyal.

Guest bedroom
Guest bedroom

To ensure the project not only looked great, but felt comfortable too, Kyal and Kara selected Gyprock Superchek plasterboard for its impact and sound resistant benefits. “Gyprock Superchek makes this house like a little Fort Knox. It’s great for families because it delivers better sound absorption and less noise transfer. This results in a noticeably quieter interior environment and creates a level of serenity,” says Kara.

Barn door
A barn door conceals the entertainment room

Kyal and Kara also chose to install some of the internal doors as sliding ones using barn door fittings – a time-saving choice as much as an aesthetic one. “The installation process was easy and saved us time and effort, and Corinthian Moda doors are factory primed on all sides and edges, and as a result they deliver a superior finish with any paint sheen. They are a great design feature that emphasises the shaker profile of the doors and create a statement in themselves,” says Kara.

Child's room
Child’s bedroom

The outdoor space is perhaps one of the most enviable aspects of the home – I love the Moroccan-inspired tiles lining the plunge pool combined with lush greenery and breeze block wall. Alfresco lovers, Kyal and Kara completed the space with a fully integrated kitchen and barbecue, covered deck area (with large skylights) and poolside outdoor shower.

Plunge pool
Plunge pool

“We’re big believers in every detail being carefully considered – it’s the details that count and create a unique and beautiful renovation,” says Kara.

For more | Five steps to a stylish seaside abode

 

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June 8, 2018

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Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

#newbuild #hamptonsaustralia #hamptonsnewbuild #fretwork #benchseat #benchseating #fireplace🔥 #fireplacedecor #ikeahacks #diymudroom #mudroom #kidsroomwallpaper #frenchdoors #frenchdoor #hallwaydoors #frenchdoorpantry #butlerspantrydesign #newbuildupgrades
Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodlelaundry #kaboodle #flatpackfurniture #flatpackkitchen #bunningskitchen #flatpackcabinets #budgetkitchen #ontrendkitchens #colourfulkitchen #colouredcabinets #kitchencolourtrends2023 #colourtrends2023 #boldkitchen #jonofleming #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #bunningsdiy #heartyourhome #realreno #realrenovations #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenonabudget #colourfullaundry #flatpacklaundry
Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

“I believe in the democratisation of good design,” says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. “It was very important to me that they were ethically made, and they are all Good Weave certified ensuring that no child labour is involved in their creation."

#darrenpalmer #darrenpalmerofficial #darrenpalmerinteriors #theblock #rugshopping #rugdesign #ruggoals #rugmaking #naturalrugs #sustainablerugs #ethicalrugs #jute #juterug #juterugs #handcarved #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #goodweave
Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

#theblockroomreveals
#theblock #theblock2023 #blockshopper #masterbedroomdecor #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #mastersuites #walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realreno
The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel ☀️

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

#rattanlovers #rattan #rattanfurniture #rattandecor #rattanbed #rattanbedhead #timberbuffet #mockaaustralia #mocka #affordablefurniture
My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodle #kaboodlelaundry #flatpack #bunnings #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #barndoor #laundryroomdecor
▶️ Swipe for before! Bathroom of my dreams 😍

Overcrowded with fixtures and with very little natural light, this main bathroom was in need of an update. The existing window was removed and replaced with custom steel bi-fold doors with clear glass above and ribbed for privacy below. “They provide an abundance of natural light and connection to the beautiful garden and incredible view. Indoor or outdoor bathing is now optional!” says Darren Genner of @studio__minosa 

Head to the blog via link in bio to see this home's KITCHEN transformation.

#outdoorbath #outdoorbathroom #outdoorbathtub #gardenbathroom #gardenviews #bifolddoors #steelbifold #blacksteeldoors #blacksteeldoors #bathroombeforeandafter #studiominosa #bathroomdesigninspiration #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome  #indooroutdoorflow
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarMel says

    June 11, 2018 at 3:35 pm

    It would be interesting to find out what their profit was as no mention of what the renovation cost is…

  2. AvatarPenelope White says

    August 1, 2018 at 9:30 am

    I’m not sure about that Guest bedroom; it’s just……………………..well…………it’s awful. There I said it. The rest of the house is stunning. I just feel that they’ve got to doing the guest bedroom and were just ‘over it all’. Or they ran out of funds or they just dropped the ball. It looks like they raided Nana’s linen cupboard and grabbed whatever they could find and threw it on the bed. Sorry guys. I’d be interested to hear honestly if anybody else finds it a bit ‘blahhhh’. The rest of the house is beautiful though.

  3. AvatarCindy Stewart says

    August 2, 2018 at 1:48 am

    I kinda feel the same about the guest room and the use of the wainscot panelling just doesn’t “fit” with the rest of the sleek vibe they have got going, ditto for the child’s room. Putting a bed up in front of it just doesn’t look right. I am however in LOVE with the pool.

  4. AvatarBart Collart says

    March 1, 2020 at 4:35 am

    Love the reno. We especially love that ensuite/bath. Any chance of posting the specs on the items used – tiles, toilet, sink, etc?

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      March 2, 2020 at 4:54 pm

      Hi Bart. you could try contacting Kyal and Kara, maybe via their Instagram?

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