With their dream location secured (steps from the sand at Dicky Beach on the Sunshine Coast), the owners of this home knew they wanted the dream interiors to match. Stylish, fuss-free spaces for creating memories with their two young children, and a base to celebrate modern beach life, sandy footprints and all.
“The owners had a clear idea of how they wanted their home to look and feel — clean with uncluttered lines, a beautiful flow between spaces, and warm in texture,” says interior designer Kate Cooper, who came onboard after a glowing recommendation from the couple’s building designer, Taylor’d Distinction.
Also on their list? Light timber, a large kitchen sink, bronze fixtures, curved cabinetry, and textured wall tiles (all of which have been delivered so elegantly here).
“After our initial consultation, the clients both felt we could create something really beautiful together,” says Kate, who was tasked with a complete interior design and decoration overhaul of the three-level residence. With her Sunshine Coast studio, Kate Cooper Interiors, the designer set about merging refined coastal style with family-friendly functionality across the four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and living/dining areas.
“We started by redesigning the layouts for the kitchen and wet areas,” explains Kate. “Originally the kitchen was on the opposite side of the room in a corner, so moving it and opening it up to the living room and view was so important.” The main bathroom (now with laundry included) also required a serious rethink. “The toilet was separate from the bathroom and the laundry and main bathroom were flipped,” says Kate. “We created one larger space and made the existing tiny skylights bigger to bounce light around the room as there were no windows.”
With the new layout locked in, Kate Cooper Interiors began working their magic on everything from joinery and fixtures to decorative touches including art, accent pieces and window treatments. “The beachfront property was a huge inspiration for the design,” she says. “I adore a soft, light palette for interiors close to the beach.”
With ocean air in the mix, functionality was also key, with Kate anchoring the scheme around Karndean Vinyl Planking Flooring and custom pieces that would wear well. A curated palette of natural materials and washed-back tones is echoed throughout for a sense of relaxed luxury, cohesion, and calm.
The high-traffic heart of the home is, of course, the glorious new kitchen with its custom curves and light yet inviting feel. As requested, bronze accents (Brodware’s Manhattan tapware in ‘Statue Bronze’ and Lo & Co handles in ‘Bronze’) draw the eye while elegant Taj Mahal quartzite from Verona Stone brings warmth and depth with its delicate pattern play.
The island is a highlight, with a fluted Tasmanian oak profile and custom whitewash finish that is mirrored in the master ensuite bathroom. “The cabinetry is most definitely a stand-out,” notes Kate of Blackwood Collective’s exquisite craftsmanship. “The cabinet maker is a skilled furniture maker so using gorgeous natural timber and stone for the custom-designed joinery was amazing.” Kate also gives a special shoutout to builders Gold Leaf Constructions, who helped make the project such a success. “They are such great communicators and were troubleshooting any issues that came up,” she says. “They even created a surprise cubby house under the stairs for the client’s little boy to enjoy.”
When it comes to choosing a favourite feature, Kate is enamoured with the main bathroom’s oak vanity, but awards ‘most improved’ to the kitchen. “It underwent the most amazing transformation from a dark and ill-considered area to a light-filled space with beautiful finishes the family can use and enjoy every day,” she says. “The client recently sent me a message, saying: “Who knew how much of a difference nice tapware makes in the day-to-day goings on? That and the cabinetry and stonework and light fixtures and …”
The owners were keen to expand on that sentiment. “Kate’s design expertise and industry knowledge made our renovation process something we could enjoy!” they say. “She nailed our vision and brought together all the beautiful finishes and details to make it happen. Kate’s considered yet decisive approach was just what we needed, and her coordination of suppliers with the builder was invaluable.”
For the designer, this kind of feedback is golden. “That’s what I love about renovations — seeing the potential of a home or space then seeing it transformed,” she says. “It is so fulfilling as a designer to create spaces for clients that serve them and their lives.”
Seems that life at the beach just got better.
Words: Nicole Deuble // Photography: Anastasia Kariofyllidis
