Photography: Louise Roche/ Styling: Kylie Jackes
Water views, a sense of seclusion and luxury of space were the elements that inspired Kristy and Trent to snap up this home in a Noosa estate, to enjoy with their daughters Chloé and Willow. For keen golfer Trent, the onsite golf course had appeal and for designer Kristy, the 20-year-old home offered scope to reimagine it, inside and out.
“I was itching to do a project again after selling our previous house and renting for a year while we searched for the right place,” says Kristy. This time she wanted to channel a resort feel inspired by Mediterranean and Mexican villas and infuse the interior with neutral tones, timber, rendered surfaces and natural stone.
Who lives here?
Kristy, designer; husband Trent, business owner; their daughters Chloé, 12, Willow, nine; and their Pomeranian, Bentley.
How would you describe your interior style? Kristy: “I am all about details and textures. I also love making every space special.”
Favourite spot to spend time? “I love the areas off the kitchen, sitting by the big window or doors, having a coffee overlooking the lake and watching the birds play in the trees.”
Best decision with the reno? “Integrating all the natural wood beams and poles, and experimenting with the render textures and microcement.”
“Initially, I thought the renovation would only involve surface and material updates, but we discovered elements of the home that needed repair and I decided to overhaul the layout to better suit our needs, so it evolved into almost an all-new build inside,” says Kristy.
The original kitchen was replaced with a reorientated rustic-inspired cooking zone featuring a sunken roof with exposed timber beams and rendered island bench. The internal staircase was given sweeping concrete curves and clad in timber treads, and space was allocated for a cosy sitting area overlooking the pool, while the vast dining area was enclosed to create a more intimate family zone.
“Some people questioned what I was doing ‘enclosing spaces and making rooms smaller’ but with a 7.5-metre-high ceiling running the length of the house and so many doors leading outside, I was confident it would still feel incredibly airy and spacious,” says Kristy.
Another design alteration was reducing the size of the pool and hardscaping in favour of more greenery, which enhanced the sense of connection to the trees and nearby lake. “This relaxed style with arches and natural materials is something I’ve always wanted to do and it came quite naturally,” says Kristy, who designed the changes and worked with building company Island View Building. “I really love the simple lines, warmth of the timber throughout and the inclusion of so much built-in furniture.”
it a welcoming sanctuary. (Credit: Photography: Louise Roche/ Styling: Kylie Jackes)
The challenge lay in living in the house during the 18-month renovation among constant disarray, dust and noise, coupled with hurdles during the approval process. “It was the biggest renovation project we’ve embarked on and was emotionally, physically and financially draining, but somehow we got through it as a family,” says Kristy.
Finishing touches were completed just before Christmas 2024 and the family enjoyed a summer ‘holidaying’ at home, making the most of the pool and outdoor areas.
A luxury mediterranean style kitchen
“The theme for this house was natural tones and materials, which felt raw and rustic,” Kristy.
WE LOVE… diverse materials
A key feature in the kitchen is the rendered microcement benchtop and island top by Rhodes Render. This material could look stark but it’s warmed up with custom-designed honey hued Tasmanian Oak cabinetry by Sunshine Cabinetry and Loughlin Furniture. Texture was introduced in the form of Moroccan mosaic splashback tiles from Ceramica Senio and ‘Sade’ pendant lights sourced from Bisque Traders.
A cool coastal living room
A modern coastal bedroom
A luxurious mediterranean bathroom
A coastal style laundry
A modern Mediterranean style pool and garden
with an arbour swing from Haus of Rattan. (Credit: Photography: Louise Roche/ Styling: Kylie Jackes)
“A home is where I am able to achieve beautiful areas that are also functional for my family,” Kristy.
Source Book
Design & interiors Kristy Giumelli, Gmelli Design, @gmellidesign
Builder Island View Building @islandviewbuilding
Joinery Sunshine Cabinetry, sunshinecabinetry.com.au; Loughlin Furniture, loughlinfurniture.com.au
Renderer Rhodes Render, rhodesrender.com.au
Hardscaping Noosa Scapes, @noosascapes_
Landscaping installation HinterCare Gardens & Landscapes, @hintercare_noosa
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
The design detail most homeowners leave too late
Native ad body.
