Hinkler House
Tucked into the coastal serenity of the Mornington Peninsula, Hinkler House is a refined study in balance – between form and function, lightness and warmth, modern lines and timeless materials.
From the outside, its cream brick and natural timber façade sets a gentle tone, with curved walls and breeze blocks that echo the movement of the ocean just moments away. Inside, thoughtful design choices bring together soft finishes, sculptural detailing, and a tactile palette that supports everyday family life – grounded by our Storm flooring, selected for its depth, warmth, and ability to anchor the home with quiet sophistication.
The Vision
The brief for Hinkler House was clear: to create a warm, welcoming family home with strong architectural appeal. A space built not just for living, but for gathering, where entertaining felt effortless, and the flow between rooms was intuitive and calming.
Inspired by mid-century design and a love of organic curves, the interior palette is soft and considered, combining light tones with walnut timber accents for contrast and character.
A deliberate decision to move away from white walls allowed for warmer hues to take the lead. In the bedrooms, a muted mushroom tone wraps each space in subtle colour, while the striking Arabescato Rosso stone introduces soft pink veining that flows throughout the home.
Our Storm boards became the perfect foundation, selected after multiple showroom visits and chosen for their soft, smoky undertone that pairs seamlessly with both the natural light and the more dramatic material moments throughout the home.
The Details
Homeowners Toneya and Lochlan collaborated with local suppliers to bring their vision to life, favouring materials that felt refined yet relaxed, practical yet beautiful. Stone and tiles from Signorino, microcement from Raw Surfaces, and custom antiquated brass hardware from Windsor Hardware added texture and tonal depth throughout the home.
In the kitchen and robes, New Age Veneer laminates brought warmth and visual continuity, while soft sheers from Soft Studios, paint by Dulux, and plush carpet from Cav Bremworth layered in softness and comfort. Finishing touches – including statement tapware from Yabby – added a sense of craftsmanship that ties the entire palette together.
The result is a home that feels both grounded and elevated, perfectly attuned to its coastal surroundings.
Styling the Space
In a home designed for real family life, styling choices were made with longevity and comfort in mind. A mix of contemporary Australian designers and existing pieces brought new energy and personal character into the space.
With two young children, durability was key – but never at the expense of style. The result is a home that feels curated, not overly styled. Every element, from furniture to artwork, was chosen to complement the architectural detail and tonal palette, not compete with it.
The Challenges
Like many new builds, Hinkler House had to find a balance between aspiration and budget. As a knockdown rebuild and not a forever home, every decision was carefully weighed to ensure long-term appeal and smart investment.
Coordinating landscaping and external works before moving in added further complexity, but with a clear plan and strong design direction, the result is a home that feels elevated, resolved, and ready for life from day one.
Lessons from the Journey
When asked for advice, Toneya and Lochlan are clear: trust your instincts. “Evaluate all your finishes together, look at them in different lights and settings, and don’t overthink it. Too many opinions can water down your vision.”
In short: be considered, be confident, and stay true to your design intent.
Evaluate all your finishes together, look at them in different lights and settings, and don’t overthink it. Too many opinions can water down your vision.
The Kustom Timber Experience
It was a joy to work with Toneya and Lochlan, and luckily, the feeling was mutual.
“Kustom Timber provided an exceptional experience, offering expert advice and flexible service. We appreciated their patience and transparency regarding cost and lead times, making our decision-making process smoother. We visited the showroom at least 3 times before we settled on Storm.”
Ready for your own build journey? It all starts in the showroom.
