Kyal and Kara reveal their secrets to achieving the French Coastal aesthetic.
With over a decade of experience and more than 35 projects under their belt, The Block’s Kyal and Kara give us a behind-the-scenes look at their latest stunning project, Bay Builds.
26.03.25
InspirationMaking the perfect first impression

On the picture-perfect Central Coast, two creative minds have carved out two very distinct homes. Bay Builds is Kyal and Kara’s latest project, a stylish duplex that effortlessly showcases how two design approaches can harmoniously coexist under one roof.
For House One, Kyal and Kara wanted to create an entrance that was both grand and welcoming.
“We want people to stand at the front of the home and really want to take a peek inside,” the team updated their followers recently when announcing the project’s completion. “In any build or renovation we complete, we put a lot of time and effort into ensuring the front facade has ‘wow’ factor.”
Key to this was their choice of the Elements ELEM WS A2 and white oak timber pad handle, both finished with Johnstone’s Clear Satin Varnish. The door’s tall vertical panels help make the entrance stand out from the street, while setting the scene for the incredible double-height internal foyer.

Creating functional elegance inside
Moving beyond the naturally lit foyer to the media room, Kyal and Kara selected doors from our Manhattan Collection, paired with the Attica Face of Wall Track System. The Manhattan doors have a sophisticated timber design that mimics a steel profile, offering an elegant yet practical solution that is easy to install and light to operate.

To achieve our ‘wow’ factor, we wanted to use a combination of materials working together to tell the story of what we feel makes a ‘modern coastal’ home.
– Kyal and Kara

The main living space is a beautiful blend of textures, with microcement walls for a soft yet tangible texture, leather seating and oak accents that echo the natural wood finish of the entrance.
Upstairs, Kyal and Kara have introduced the Moda Primed Collection across different spaces – their self-described favourite for the home’s interior. The sleek, refined lines and satin nickel handles perfectly complement the home’s modern yet coastal style.

The Moda doors are an absolute favourite for us when selecting internal doors
– Kyal and Kara
“For the ensuites, we’ve again used the Moda Primed PMOD 3 door, but this time we’ve hung them with a black barn door system by Corinthian. The black tracks subtly compliment the black window frames, and a sliding door is a great option when you need to save space.”
The Moda Primed Collection is used in different configurations across the home, based on functionality as well as the unique feel the pair were seeking to achieve in the space. The Platinum cavity sliding system was used in the main bathroom, a smart choice for saving space while enjoying increased durability and resistance to moisture damage over traditional timber units.

In the upstairs hallway, a set of Manhattan doors lead into the office that are as practical as they are beautiful, allowing Kyal and Kara to create a quiet, private space that’s still visually connected to the rest of the home.


Found something you like in this project?
Kyal and Kara’s thoughtful blend of textures, natural materials and crafted details across Bay Builds just goes to show how important design and hardware choices are when looking to create a unique yet timeless aesthetic.
If you’re inspired by House One, check out our curated list of door designs that perfectly match the coastal style. Add your favourites to My Doors – an easy way to create collections and have them available when it’s time to add them to your project.
For more from Kyal and Kara, check out their website for other projects, tips and supplier information.
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