Laid-back Coastal Cool
When Rich and Becky purchased an unassuming, renovated 1970s brick and tile home in Currumbin, they almost immediately set to work on plans to transform the property.
Nestled in what locals affectionately call 'The Pocket' - a sought-after loop of leafy streets within a short walk from the beach - they were drawn to the generous flat block, backing onto parkland, with the view of creating a place they could truly call their own.
"Unfortunately there was nothing we liked about the existing house—it didn't feel like 'ours'. It was dark, poky and detached from the outdoor spaces. It was purely the land and location that we were drawn to," explains Becky.
After initially pursuing plans to completely rebuild, Rich and Becky eventually settled on the idea of a renovation, working with local building designer Brad Ruddell to utilise the existing footprint and reconfigure key spaces to create a light-filled, open-plan abode.
"We really wanted the home to feel like a retreat—using natural materials to instill a sense of comfort, warmth, and calm."
"Because we had lived here for a few years prior to renovating, we knew what areas received the best light, which is where we naturally gathered as a family. We also knew we wanted to orient the living space there and focus on getting that flow and connection with the outdoors."
The new plan allowed for much of the bedroom wing to be retained and refreshed, extra floor space to be added in the living and alfresco zones, and a new master bedroom suite situated on the northwestern corner of the property, spilling onto a breezeway and native gardens.
"We wanted to bring in elements of our favourite design styles and philosophies," says Becky.
"We love the laid-back, coastal cool look and feel of Southern Californian bungalows, but we're also drawn to the texture, materiality, and minimalism of Japanese aesthetics, so we wanted to incorporate elements of both.
"I also love neutral tones and was adamant about using as much timber as possible, including the joinery, windows and doors."
As friends of Mosh, the young family engaged our team to help with joinery design and construction. They already had their hearts set on Artedomus terracotta floors throughout - an ideal canvas for the warm, mid-tones of Spotted Gum timber veneer, mottled cream for laundry and linen spaces, and a fun pop of custard yellow cabinetry in the boys' bedrooms.
"I loved the process. Because I am a very visual person, I found it so valuable to see our vision come to life through 3D visualisations," Becky explains.
"(Mosh Home) would come up with great ideas and go above and beyond. I could show one Pinterest photo and you'd just get it. I felt like we were on the same page - it was a true team effort.”
After completing the project in late 2024, Becky happily notes their new home is coping well with the rhythms of family life - testament to a solid design and build collaboration, and beautiful and functional joinery at the heart of it all.
"As soon as you walk in the door, everything just feels so cohesive and 'works'. We've never had proper storage before, and now our home life doesn't feel so chaotic—everything has a spot. Even the boys know where to put their stuff. We are more organised than ever.
"I also love that I can be in the kitchen and connected to both the living room and our outdoor space. Everything feels generous in size but equally within reach."
"We are so happy. To renovate or build and create a home yourself, it feels like a true reflection of us. We're thrilled with the result and just want to enjoy the space."
Wabi-sabi - relating to or designating a Japanese aesthetic characterised by finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, or simplicity.
(Oxford Dictionary).
When our clients approached us with this design philosophy as part of the brief, we knew we were aligned. We love this kitchen for so many reasons but at the core of it is its simplicity. It’s exceptionally considered, generously proportioned, simple in form and uses a limited material palette. The timber and steel - whilst innately durable will inevitably show the marks of age and wear and tear - but this is all part of its journey and the beauty in imperfection.
