Sunshine, Style and Something Special
A Coastal Forever Home: Katie & Steve’s Papamoa Signature Sanctuary
Sometimes, the best things happen by chance. That was the case for Katie and Steve Berry, who had just moved from Auckland to the sunny Bay of Plenty with their two young boys in tow.
Katie had gone to view an existing home in Papamoa—but when she arrived, it had just sold. Right across the road? A bare section that had just been listed. “It felt like it was meant to be,” says Katie. That serendipitous moment led them to build their forever home with Signature Homes.
The Brief: A Place to Grow, Rest, and Reconnect
Katie and Steve wanted to create a home that would grow with their young family- a space where the boys could play, swim, and thrive, and a haven for years to come.
With their love for relaxed outdoor living and their dream of a Scandinavian-style beach home, they set out to design a space that felt both restful and vibrant. Natural materials, layered textures, and plenty of sunshine were all part of the vision.
The Plan: Forever Starts Here
They chose Signature’s Design & Build service to start from scratch and bring their vision to life. The two-storey layout maximises the section beautifully- offering generous decking, a spacious lawn, and a sparkling pool that feels like the centrepiece of the home.
The entire downstairs area is designed to open out to the outdoors, blurring the lines between indoor and alfresco living. Every turn offers a glimpse of the pool, creating a calm, coastal vibe throughout.
The Look: Scandinavian Simplicity, Coastal Charm
Working with Cactus Design Architecture and their Signature New Home Consultant, Katie and Steve embraced soft whites, blonde wood accents, and simple lines to create a home that reflects their laid-back lifestyle.
The exterior pairs a crisp white cladding with warm timber detailing, while structural steel, rebated sliders and glass balustrades create that seamless indoor-outdoor feel they were after. Inside, the Scandi theme continues- light tones, airy rooms, and natural textures create a calm and welcoming space.
The Build Experience
While the journey had its challenges- especially with COVID delays—Katie and Steve are proud of what they’ve created.
“Our New Home Consultant was a real standout,” says Steve. “He stayed solutions-focused the entire way through.”
Katie also enjoyed working closely with Signature’s colour consultant, Toni, to bring their Scandi style to life - one soft, earthy tone at a time.