Interior designer Annique Heesen of Gezellig Interiors worked closely with Niche Design Co and Throne Group Architecture on this beautiful beach house on New Zealand's East Coast. With a brief from a nature-loving couple to create a space for solitude and to connect as a family while honouring the old home with mid-century design details, the build was specified with natural materials at its heart.

Tasmanian Blackwood timber was one of the key materials used and Prime Veneer in Tasmanian Blackwood - Crown Cut features heavily throughout the joinery in the kitchen, bathrooms and living spaces. The richness of this veneer ties in beautifully with the modern, mid-century look the homeowners were keen to honour.

Clean lines, muted tones, generous light sources, and an integration with nature is evident throughout the house, but shines through the kitchen, which runs from one end of the house to the other. The thinly framed kitchen cabinetry and curved veneer pillar under the breakfast bar speaks to the high level of craftsmanship from Eastwood Joinery. The large open kitchen was designed to create a thriving heart of the home, and with a smart design using beautiful materials, Annique Heesen has done just that.

Credit: Interior Design by Annique Heesen of Gezellig Interiors with design detailing by Niche Design Co. Joinery by Eastwood, Build by Thorne Group Architecture. Photography by Matt Queree