Coastal living interior hero

Coastal home refresh — Bay of Plenty

A thoughtful refresh to maximise light, resilience and low-maintenance coastal materials for a seaside family home.

Project: Bay of Plenty, NZ — Residential refresh — Sustainable materials

Project overview

This coastal refresh focussed on improving cross-ventilation, durable finishes for salt air and a calm palette to connect interiors with the seascape. We preserved original joinery where feasible and introduced moisture‑resistant cabinetry and textile choices suitable for beachside living.

  • Scope: Living, kitchen, master bedroom and entry
  • Timeline: 8 weeks design + 6–10 weeks build
  • Main goals: durability, light, storage, low maintenance
See process
Bright coastal living area

Design & delivery process

Key milestones

  1. Initial site visit & site-measurement pack
  2. Concept moodboard & material palette
  3. Detailed drawings & joinery schedules
  4. Procurement, contractor tendering & build
  5. Styling and handover

We selected coastal-grade paints, stainless hardware, sealed engineered timber and outdoor-rated fabrics. Ventilation upgrades and sacrificial surface detailing protect interiors from salt ingress.

Reclaimed timber shelving, low-VOC finishes, locally sourced joinery and durable long-life fixtures reduced waste and transport impact.

We provide a seasonal care guide for coastal fabrics and finishes, and include a simple styling kit for easy refreshes between major maintenance.

Materials & fixtures

Engineered stone sampleEngineered stone benchtops
Salt resistant, low maintenance
Reclaimed timber shelfReclaimed timber shelving
Local provenance, patina finish
Outdoor-rated fabricsOutdoor-grade textiles
Breathable, UV and salt tolerant

Client feedback

Client photo
Hannah & Mark — Ōhope
"Zavirelli understood the coastal constraints and delivered a calm, practical home that withstands the elements. Great attention to detail."
Ready to refresh your coastal property?
Contact usCall +64 27 329-14-58

Project specifications

LocationBay of Plenty
Project typeResidential coastal refresh
Budget rangeNZD 45k–85k (typical)
DurationDesign 6–8 weeks, build 6–10 weeks
SustainabilityReclaimed materials, low‑VOC finishes

Lead designer

Designer portrait

Sofia Zavirelli — Principal Designer

Sofia specialises in NZ coastal homes, combining modern minimalism with durable material choices and a pragmatic approach to natural light and ventilation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you protect interiors from salt?

We specify marine-grade fastenings, sealed joinery, electroplated hardware and sacrificial elements where salt exposure is highest. Regular maintenance guidance is provided at handover.

Do you work remotely for clients outside Auckland?

Yes — we offer remote consultations, measured drawings and procurement management nationwide.