A coastal home sculpted in curves and light

“The Avenue” began with the goal of renovating a family home to create a bright, functional, and cohesive space aligned with everyday life and the relaxed energy of its coastal setting. Designed by Gavin Hepper, the project draws inspiration from the modern Australian Coastal style, interpreted through a contemporary lens grounded in simplicity, clean lines, and an open, airy atmosphere that enhances natural light and a sense of spaciousness.

The renovation sought balance between form and function. The home needed to feel serene and warm, with an interior language that supports a family’s routines while also making it easy to gather and connect. The solution is built around a neutral palette of crisp whites, natural timber accents, and natural stone–inspired details, paired with carefully selected surfaces and finishes designed to create visual continuity and elevate the overall feel throughout the home.

The design took shape around a set of clear principles: timeless, soft curves; a neutral palette with the signature warmth of timber; coastal inspiration; and an optimized layout made to fully enjoy life at home. The residence needed to respond naturally to a wide range of moments—from quick family breakfasts to entertaining guests—without losing order, flow, or visual clarity.

This approach is expressed through smooth transitions between areas, rounded corners, and surfaces that connect spaces seamlessly. The project avoids unnecessary breaks and embraces a calm aesthetic where every element serves a purpose, including on a sensory level. The result feels light, bright, and welcoming—an interior that highlights the experience of living within it.

The kitchen is the heart of the project and brings together its most defining decisions. Two gestures shape the space at first glance: the sculptural curved island, conceived as a statement piece, and the kitchen front finished in Neolith Calacatta Luxe, which becomes the hero plane and delivers the key visual accent within the overall design.

To bring the island’s organic forms—and the main volumes—to life, Corian was specified across the benchtop surfaces, island, and rangehood box, taking advantage of its versatility and its ability to be curved and thermo-formed. This choice enables a fluid, continuous geometry without visual interruptions, reinforced by a white finish that keeps the focus on the design innovation and the island’s curved profile.

On this bright, neutral foundation, Neolith Calacatta Luxe introduces character. Applied on the kitchen front, it creates an “artwork” effect integrated into the architecture: a statement surface that adds depth, texture, and a refined presence without feeling heavy. Its natural stone–inspired look brings a tactile, elegant dimension, lifting the overall composition and balancing the warmth of oak with a distinctly mineral expression.

Functionality received the same level of attention as aesthetics. The kitchen incorporates a hidden appliance cupboard with a Hawa Concepta pocket door system, designed to keep the benchtop clear when the space is not in use. Inside, a slide-out coffee shelf supports daily routines and adds convenience while preserving the kitchen’s clean visual language.

Additional features include a pullout pantry, integrated appliances, and a continuous bank of storage that allows organization by zones and keeps the kitchen tidy—even during the busiest moments. Hettich AvanTech YOU drawer systems with illumination add a practical upgrade, improving visibility, accessibility, and comfort, particularly in low-light hours.

The result is a space that feels calm and uncluttered, yet performs with precision. Every solution is designed to streamline routines, optimize movement flow, and support the high-use demands of a family kitchen.

Material consistency extends across the entire residence. The home is built on a base of crisp whites and natural oak timber highlights, with selected feature stone elements chosen to bring continuity and sophistication. The joinery incorporates Fenix nano-technology, selected for its contemporary finish and its suitability for everyday, high-traffic living.

“The Avenue” shows how a residential renovation can transform the experience of home when design is approached as a balance of aesthetics, materiality, and real life. The home gains spaciousness, brightness, and everyday usability, with a kitchen that becomes a central gathering place—an inviting space to connect and enjoy time together.