Corrie Residence by She is Liv
A Mediterranean-inflected family home by She is Liv, Corrie Residence layers sculptural details, soft textures and Made by Block flooring to shape a serene, tactile coastal sanctuary.
In Corlette, just west of Nelson Bay of the shores of Port Stephens, is Corrie Residence, a light-filled haven for a young family, where calmness and connection are prioritised through natural textures and a soft material palette. Designed by Olivia Frater, director of She is Liv, the home offers a sense of ease and composure, shaped by its coastal setting and a desire for open, purposeful spaces.
Created for a family of five, the home balances practicality and warmth, with a spatial layout that allows for daily life to unfold with ease. “Our main goal was to create a soft and neutral aesthetic complemented by a refined material palette,” says Frater. “Key objectives included designing spacious open areas to encourage family interaction while also defining distinct functional zones for cooking, dining and relaxation.”
The house unfolds across two levels, with two living areas, four bedrooms and three bathrooms connected by a series of curved hallways and sculptural thresholds. “The curved hallways were designed to enhance the fluidity of movement throughout the home and contribute to the overall architectural aesthetic,” explains Frater. “Curves invite exploration and create a more dynamic spatial experience.” On entry, a curved staircase finished in micro-cement with crushed mother-of-pearl shells introduces a moment of theatre, made all the more striking by the arched window that casts it in shifting daylight.
Attention to light continues throughout the home, particularly in the upper level, where large sliding doors open to views of water and treetops. Here, the kitchen and living areas foster indoor-outdoor living, framed by louvres that filter breeze and daylight. “We wanted to create an atmosphere of calm luxury,” says the designer, citing a palette of “beiges, warm whites and earthy browns” and an emphasis on natural materials including stone, travertine and timber. Together, they evoke a Mediterranean feel while also paying homage to the coastal location.
Flooring played a key role in bringing this palette of colours and materials to life. Made by Block’s engineered timber floorboards in Oslo were specified throughout. “The flooring served as a foundational layer upon which we built all other tones and textures. Choosing such a light timber allowed us to incorporate bolder colours while maintaining an open and airy atmosphere.”
“The flooring served as a foundational layer upon which we built all other tones and textures.”
Selected for its subtle tone and refined grain variation, the Oslo flooring quietly anchors the home’s interiors while pairing effortlessly with textured stone and sculptural detailing. “The natural grain of the wood beautifully contrasts with the smooth surface of the stone. We also incorporated sculptural furniture to further highlight the natural beauty of the timber flooring.”
The choice of engineered timber was both practical and deliberate. “We found Oslo to be of exceptional quality. The tones are subtle, with a perfect amount of texture, and the design process with Made by Block was incredibly smooth and easy.” With guidance on application, durability and colour selection, the flooring became more than a finishing surface – it was part of a deeper design dialogue, supporting the project’s desire for lightness, warmth and longevity.
Selected for its subtle tone and refined grain variation, the Oslo flooring quietly anchors the home’s interiors while pairing effortlessly with textured stone and sculptural detailing.
“The natural grain of the wood beautifully contrasts with the smooth surface of the stone. We also incorporated sculptural furniture to further highlight the natural beauty of the flooring.”
From the emphasis on natural light and the striking water views to the interplay of surface and form, Corrie Residence evokes a quiet sense of luxury that feels both coastal and grounded.
Interior design by She is Liv. Build by Nubuilt Projects. Flooring by Made by Block.
