R
enovating a home at lightning speed can
test even the happiest of relationships. But
for former The Block stars and soon-to-be
parents of two Kara and Kyal Demmrich,
juggling their latest property transformation
while raising toddler son Ziya was the easy
part. Having to contend with morning
sickness in the final stages of the project, on
the other hand, proved trickier - for Kara, at least. “Even the smell
of the new carpet would make me feel ill,” she says. “It’s a fresh
new smell that I would normally love, but it just set me right off.”
Fortunately, Kara and Kyal managed to meet their design
and construction deadlines in near Block-time. Over the course
of nine months, their Long Jetty property, once a dilapidated, poky
fibro home, was given a dramatic facelift. Awash with organic
textures and tones that pay homage to the surrounding seascape,
the house has been transformed into a bright and beautiful abode.
What was it about this place that appealed to you from the start?
Kara: We first noticed the house while driving past one day. It had
a certain charm about it and we fell in love with the big Canary
Island date palm tree out the front. It was also a great sized block
- 650 square-metres – so we knew there was room to play. When
we took ownership, there had been some add-ons, such as a deck,
shed, outdoor laundry-bathroom and a chicken coop.
Kyal: By the time we’d done all the demolition work, we’d really
only left the wall frame of the front two bedrooms. It was a huge
job. We wanted an extensive open-plan living and dining area
and the home was planned around that.
You’ve worked together on more than 40 renos. What’s the
secret to staying happily married? Kara: We disagree during the
projects, but we’ve learnt that it’s almost like a teething process.
You just have to listen to each other: once you do that, you end
up coming up with a decision you’re both happy with. Kyal is
good at spatial planning and layout – he builds the project. I’m
more thinking about the finishes, colours and the look and feel.
Kyal: And we’ve just had our 10th wedding anniversary and have
been together for over 14 years, so it’s working!
Speaking of the interiors, what vibe were you hoping to create?
Kara: I wanted people to walk in and instantly feel it was a light,
airy and fresh home. There is a lot of white, but also elements
of colour in the artwork and other accessories.
