CERTIFIED AUSTRALIAN MADE & OWNED

Issue No. 53, Winter/Spring, Project Feature | Coast Magazine Rhythm of the Prom Coastline | Cabinetry Artistry The T Family, Yanakie Designed by Dan Bruce x Zoe Kusberg x Studio 44 x Leongatha Kitchens x VerdeLife Outdoor Kitchens Photography by Warren Reed As featured in @coastmagazine With uninterrupted views of Wilsons Promontory, this once-humble seaside home has been transformed to fulfill the homeowners’ vision—a luxurious holiday retreat with the ambiance of a world-class hotel. As two busy professionals whose careers demand long hours and constant decision-making, they sought a space that required nothing of them—just the ability to exhale and unwind. Studio 44, led by Dan Bruce, Principal Designer; (pictured) Carrie Bruce, Managing Director; and Zoe Kusberg, Interior Designer, collaborated closely with the homeowners to deliver a full-scale interior renovation—from concept design and specifications to custom cabinetry manufacture, project coordination, and trades management. From the outset, it was a partnership built on trust. The homeowners brought their aspirations; Studio 44 brought the expertise to bring them to life. Working virtually between in-person meetings, the team refined every detail, seamlessly blending the clients’ vision with expert design recommendations. One decision in particular truly transformed the project: the introduction of microcement walls in the ensuite and open-plan fireplace feature wall. Originally, the homeowners envisioned a sleek, modern aesthetic, but as the design evolved, Studio 44 suggested rendered microcement to elevate the interior. The seamless, sculptural finish not only enhanced durability but added an organic, textural quality that softened the space, creating a perfect balance between refinement and warmth. It was a defining moment—one that turned a beautiful design into something truly extraordinary. In the bathroom, the microcement feature wall is paired with natural stone tiles, each piece uniquely rich in colour, shade, and veining. The same tile, in a herringbone cut, adds further dimension and visual interest in the kitchen splashback, celebrating the natural beauty of the stone. Custom cabinetry, crafted from Australian Spotted Gum timber veneer, infuses warmth, its golden hues harmonizing with the coastal landscape. Now, when the homeowners arrive, they step into more than just a house—they step into a sanctuary designed around them. It’s a space that allows them to leave behind the rush of their daily lives and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living. A place where time moves differently, where every detail is designed to make being effortless.

Cabinetry Artistry | Our collection of Coast Magazine Project Features. Coast is our region's artistically designed, collectible lifestyle magazine that celebrates life by the sea. Each issue is packed with inspiring stories, stunning photography, and the best of Coastal living.

GreenSmart + Supporting Greenfleet Celebrating the Equinox & International Day of Forests As the seasons shift, the equinox reminds us of nature’s balance, making it the perfect time to reflect on our forests and commitment to being a sustainable business both in our processes and products. Tomorrow, March 21, is the International Day of Forests—a day to celebrate their crucial role in biodiversity and climate resilience. With this, we honour the ecosystems we help restore with Greenfleet. Our Commitment to Reforestation Since 2019, we’ve been offsetting our carbon emissions through our partnership with Greenfleet, restoring native forests in Australia and New Zealand. We believe both businesses and consumers must be a part of the solution. Our mission – cabinetry with purpose – embraces our passion beyond just lifestyle cabinetry. Our deepest purpose is as a company devoted to a holistic approach to environmentally sustainable design, manufacture and installation. Sustainability at Our Core Principal Designer, Dan Bruce, a certified GreenSmart® Kitchen Design Professional, and leads our mission to integrate environmentally preferable products and sustainable practices. From reducing waste to maximising recycling, sustainability is embedded in our process. A Greener Future Our six core values—customer satisfaction, simplicity, sustainability, ecological manufacturing, quality workmanship, and family-centered business—guide us in creating eco-conscious, long-lasting cabinetry. Let’s celebrate the forests that sustain us and commit to a greener future together.

Issue No. 52, Summer/Autumn, Project Feature | Coast Magazine Ripple House by Dan Bruce | Cabinetry Artistry The C Family, Inverloch Designed by Dan Bruce x Studio 44 x Leongatha Kitchens x VerdeLife Outdoor Kitchens Photography by Warren Reed As featured in @coastmagazine Like art, cabinetry design can mean different things to different people. Creating designs that inspire their users - something that will be valued, emotionally and functionally. This spacious and newly built oceanfront home overlooks the iconic Inverloch Inlet and features a first-floor entertainer’s kitchen, fully equipped butler’s pantry, outdoor kitchen and master ensuite and laundry. The clients are semi-retired professionals, made busier with a quintuplet of on-the-go grandchildren. They approached Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms to create a multifunctional design that frames local Australian artists and craft and serves as a hub for hosting guests young and old. This whole house project was superbly designed to flow between strategic vantage points connecting the rooftop deck, open dining, alfresco and lounge areas to the buzzing sidewalk along the rippling foreshore and historic Ripple vessel and Rocket Shed below. This design incorporates all the modern functional features including integrated fridges, dishwasher, warming drawers, undercabinet lighting and dish drawer, and purposely built storage zones, as well as a dry bar and wine fridge for bottomless entertaining. The butler’s pantry full kitchen sink and dishwasher allows for easy use and concealed clean-up. A freestanding cabinetry console in the lounge room conceals a motorised TV lift, enhancing the aesthetics of the room The client describes it as Contemporary Australian, featuring an array of carefully curated design embellishments by local and Australian artists, makers and designers. The kitchen’s locally sourced Silvertop Ash Australian hardwood island and wall features are a pleasant contrast to the sophisticated traceless Matt Black ‘Noir’ palette, while the matte Caesarstone Cloudburst benchtops and splashbacks add tone and warmth. The cabinetry perfectly frames a hand-crafted dining table made from Victorian Ash and Jarrah with unique curved edges and made from reclaimed floor boards from the first armory in Melbourne. A whimsical porcelain wall art piece is also featured with hand-pressed feathers gathered from nearby pelicans and hand-pressed and hung from driftwood procured from the town’s back beaches. The large low-hung porcelain pendant lighting above the kitchen island and dining table is Australian Made, provides accent and creates a feel of Australian coastal living opulence. Additional embellishments include a eucalyptus feature wallpaper in the powder room and locally sourced furniture, providing texture and depth. The stack-stone double-sided fireplace and external two-story feature walls were hand-shaped piece-by-piece using a traditional anvil and chipping hammer, giving a more natural look.

Issue No. 33 Project Feature - Melbourne Kitchen + Bathroom Design Magazine

Welcome to Seasons A season can signal the time of year marked by weather or a period of the year such as barbecue season - when alfresco lifestyle is in full swing. It can mark a change or time of life. In action, season means to add flavour – sweet, salty, herbs, spice – adding seasoning and tasteful depth to our palate. We explore all these definitions and more with Seasons. Join us for as we journey through the four seasons whilst pursuing design efficiency and culinary passion. Our award-winning design team personally takes you on an exploration of how beautiful design meets lifestyle and functionality.

Design Studio. Showroom. Workshop. Find us in-person @ 44 Yarragon Road, Leongatha 3953, hidden amongst the rolling hills of South Gippsland, Victoria, where we operate our technologically advanced and fully equipped workshop. Our ‘small but mighty’ showroom and design studio serve as a testament to our commitment to quality, creativity, and personalized service. Find us online @ studio44.au – the online home of the Bruce Family group of companies, Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms and VerdeLife Outdoor Kitchens. Coming Soon! Our new @studio44.au social platform for design inspiration – featuring our new Seasons Blog. We don't just design interior and alfresco spaces; we craft experiences that resonate with your personality and lifestyle. From the moment you schedule your initial consultation, you'll embark on a journey of collaboration and creativity. Our team of qualified interior and alfresco designers will work closely with you to understand your vision, preferences, and aspirations. We believe that great design is born from a deep understanding of our clients, their needs, and the essence of their spaces. What sets us apart is our dedication to offering a seamless experience from start to finish. That's why we offer a free design and quote session, allowing you to explore possibilities without any obligations. Our designers will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your vision is translated into reality with precision and finesse. Whether you're looking to refresh your kitchen, revamp your living room, or create an inviting alfresco area, we have the expertise and resources to bring your ideas to life. Let’s work together—schedule your consultation today and let's create something extraordinary together.