Personal touch
Personality and style fill every room in this contemporary beach bungalow. It took a lot of imagination for Briana Huiskamp-Forster and husband Chris to see beyond a sea of apricot walls, oatmeal carpet and mint green laminate when buying their 1980s beach bungalow in Coolum. After missing out on their dream house at auction, the pair decided to instead buy a modest renovator they could restyle and convert into a funky beach abode. “The house simply had the right feel when we first saw it,” Briana recalls. “There was nothing really special about it but it had potential.”
Four years and an enormous amount of handy work later, the property has been transformed into a gorgeous entertainer that brims with individuality. Before the couple even moved in, the first stage of the overhaul involved removing the carpets and a mish-mash of mixed floor tiles in the bathroom and kitchen. Opting for a modern look, the exposed concrete was polished and finished with clear terrazzo glaze to make it beautifully smooth underfoot. A fresh coat of Wattyl’s White Weave paint did wonders to modernise the interior.
The weatherboard cladding outside was painted in Wattyl’s Solar Guard Cumberland and Whiteweave to enhance the home’s sophistication and enable it to sit more discreetly among the surrounding greenery. Another significant change saw the standard front door replaced by a wider double timber door with glass inserts, which was unearthed at the Yandina Demolition Yard. The couple gained an appreciation of their available space after moving in. They realised while no structural changes were necessary, there was scope for an expansive entertainment area at the back of the block.
To prepare the site, the back yard was partially excavated before cement was laid and a retaining wall built to help define the area as an outdoor room. To shield it from the elements a floating skillion roof was also added to effectively elongate the existing roofline. Final major changes included adding glass bi-fold doors to connect the space with the indoor dining area, while a large gas strut window was installed in the kitchen, along with a timber ledge outside, to create an interactive bar area.
Both keen entertainers, the kitchen was also transformed into a fashionable focal point with bespoke cabinets, large format grey tiles, charcoal Laminex benchtops and red mosaic feature tiles between shelving for cookbooks. As creative director and colour consultant for Coolum store Watermelon Red, Bri’s flair for pairing beautiful prints, textures and colours is evident in every room. With the design ethos “you should surround yourself with the things you love and that are meaningful”, spaces are imbued with personality and warmth.
Favourite fabrics include designs by Florence Broadhurst and cloth, which adorn cushions and canvases. Outside, day beds are covered in Mokum’s Firewheel while striped Missoni towels add a shot of vibrancy to the all-white bathroom. Investing in quality pieces, design classics abound. In the front garden a pair of striped iconic butterfly chairs sit gracefully on a courtyard deck and white Panton chairs provide a contrast to the rustic timber outdoor table setting. In the dining area chrome Harry Bertoia side chairs create a stylish yet informal setting.
Interspersed in the mix are pieces inherited from friends and family, and unearthed from sites including the Tendershed in Doonan. “We didn’t just fill the house for the sake of it. The decorating happened over time. For ages we lived with nothing,” Briana says. One splurge was a striking artwork by Andrea Pindan, which graces the living room wall. “As soon as I saw it I just had to have it,” Briana says. “I saw her work at the Mangkaja Arts exhibition at Cool Art Gallery (in Coolum) and was instinctively attracted to her work. I felt her style was unique and I was drawn to her vibrant use of colour.”
The gardens that envelop the house have also evolved into a flourishing sea of colour and texture. Dividing the plant selection into shade and sun lovers, the landscaping features varieties such as dwarf liriope, gardenia, tibouchina, hibiscus, agapanthus and kangaroo paw as well as a vegie garden brimming with chilli, parsley, chives, sage, fennel and rocket. The pair agree the house has evolved beyond their expectations. “It definitely turned out better than I thought,” says Chris, who is a teacher at Mountain Creek State High School. “It’s a tiny space but it has a lot of heart and a very welcoming atmosphere. I love that it has individuality and exemplifies Chris and I,” Briana adds.
Favourite spot
Chris I like the outdoor area. It’s great for afternoon naps.
Briana The servery/bar area. I love it when I am preparing food in the kitchen and Chris sits up at the bar with a beer and we can chat about what’s on our minds.
Local favourites
Briana My new favourite spot is the Cafe nights where they have a DJ and a great tapas menu Thursday and Friday nights. We love the beach and riding to Cucina in Marcoola for pizza and pasta, cocktails at Castro’s and then to the Yandina markets on a Saturday for plants.
Story: Kylie Jackes, weekender Issue 634, July 8th, 2010.
Personality and style fill every room in this contemporary beach bungalow. It took a lot of imagination for Briana Huiskamp-Forster and husband Chris to see beyond a sea of apricot walls, oatmeal carpet and mint green laminate when buying their 1980s beach bungalow in Coolum. After missing out on their dream house at auction, the pair decided to instead buy a modest renovator they could restyle and convert into a funky beach abode. “The house simply had the right feel when we first saw it,” Briana recalls. “There was nothing really special about it but it had potential.”
Four years and an enormous amount of handy work later, the property has been transformed into a gorgeous entertainer that brims with individuality. Before the couple even moved in, the first stage of the overhaul involved removing the carpets and a mish-mash of mixed floor tiles in the bathroom and kitchen. Opting for a modern look, the exposed concrete was polished and finished with clear terrazzo glaze to make it beautifully smooth underfoot. A fresh coat of Wattyl’s White Weave paint did wonders to modernise the interior.
The weatherboard cladding outside was painted in Wattyl’s Solar Guard Cumberland and Whiteweave to enhance the home’s sophistication and enable it to sit more discreetly among the surrounding greenery. Another significant change saw the standard front door replaced by a wider double timber door with glass inserts, which was unearthed at the Yandina Demolition Yard. The couple gained an appreciation of their available space after moving in. They realised while no structural changes were necessary, there was scope for an expansive entertainment area at the back of the block.
To prepare the site, the back yard was partially excavated before cement was laid and a retaining wall built to help define the area as an outdoor room. To shield it from the elements a floating skillion roof was also added to effectively elongate the existing roofline. Final major changes included adding glass bi-fold doors to connect the space with the indoor dining area, while a large gas strut window was installed in the kitchen, along with a timber ledge outside, to create an interactive bar area.
Both keen entertainers, the kitchen was also transformed into a fashionable focal point with bespoke cabinets, large format grey tiles, charcoal Laminex benchtops and red mosaic feature tiles between shelving for cookbooks. As creative director and colour consultant for Coolum store Watermelon Red, Bri’s flair for pairing beautiful prints, textures and colours is evident in every room. With the design ethos “you should surround yourself with the things you love and that are meaningful”, spaces are imbued with personality and warmth.
Favourite fabrics include designs by Florence Broadhurst and cloth, which adorn cushions and canvases. Outside, day beds are covered in Mokum’s Firewheel while striped Missoni towels add a shot of vibrancy to the all-white bathroom. Investing in quality pieces, design classics abound. In the front garden a pair of striped iconic butterfly chairs sit gracefully on a courtyard deck and white Panton chairs provide a contrast to the rustic timber outdoor table setting. In the dining area chrome Harry Bertoia side chairs create a stylish yet informal setting.
Interspersed in the mix are pieces inherited from friends and family, and unearthed from sites including the Tendershed in Doonan. “We didn’t just fill the house for the sake of it. The decorating happened over time. For ages we lived with nothing,” Briana says. One splurge was a striking artwork by Andrea Pindan, which graces the living room wall. “As soon as I saw it I just had to have it,” Briana says. “I saw her work at the Mangkaja Arts exhibition at Cool Art Gallery (in Coolum) and was instinctively attracted to her work. I felt her style was unique and I was drawn to her vibrant use of colour.”
The gardens that envelop the house have also evolved into a flourishing sea of colour and texture. Dividing the plant selection into shade and sun lovers, the landscaping features varieties such as dwarf liriope, gardenia, tibouchina, hibiscus, agapanthus and kangaroo paw as well as a vegie garden brimming with chilli, parsley, chives, sage, fennel and rocket. The pair agree the house has evolved beyond their expectations. “It definitely turned out better than I thought,” says Chris, who is a teacher at Mountain Creek State High School. “It’s a tiny space but it has a lot of heart and a very welcoming atmosphere. I love that it has individuality and exemplifies Chris and I,” Briana adds.
Favourite spot
Chris I like the outdoor area. It’s great for afternoon naps.
Briana The servery/bar area. I love it when I am preparing food in the kitchen and Chris sits up at the bar with a beer and we can chat about what’s on our minds.
Local favourites
Briana My new favourite spot is the Cafe nights where they have a DJ and a great tapas menu Thursday and Friday nights. We love the beach and riding to Cucina in Marcoola for pizza and pasta, cocktails at Castro’s and then to the Yandina markets on a Saturday for plants.
Story: Kylie Jackes, weekender Issue 634, July 8th, 2010.
