Rustic Touch DESIGNING HOMES WITH HEART, HERITAGE, AND HARMONY WWW.RUSTICTOUCH.COM
DESIGNING HOM WITH HEART, HERITAGE, AND HARMONY RUSTIC TOUCH AT A GLANCE RUSTIC TOUCH WHAT: A leading sustainable home builder that is defined by unparalleled craftsmanship and customer loyalty WHERE: Central Coast, New South Wales WEBSITE: www.rustictouch.com 1 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08
MES Nestled on the picturesque Central Coast of New South Wales, Rustic Touch has carved out a unique niche in the world of residential construction—creating homes that aren’t just built, but crafted. Since its inception in 1987, the company has remained steadfast in its founding mission: to design and build sustainable, timeless homes that work with nature, not against it. CRAFTING SPACES THAT ARE IDEALLY SUITED TO CALL HOME 2 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08
For founders Tony and Debra Turner, Rustic Touch isn’t just a business—it’s a deeply personal expression of values, vision, and community. A NAME, A VISION, A LEGACY The journey of Rustic Touch began when Tony, disenchanted with commercial construction, and Debra, with a passion for design, decided to forge their own path. “Rustic” wasn’t just a name—it embodied their love of natural materials, sustainable design, and building homes that felt healthy, livable, and enduring. “When we started, we were young and idealistic,” Debra recalls.“Back then, you gave away your design just to win the job. But even then, we believed in solar passive design. It wasn’t mainstream, but it felt right—and it still does.” Today, that commitment has evolved into a company of 15, including site staff, apprentices, and office personnel. But the heart of Rustic Touch remains unchanged: thoughtful, bespoke design and unwavering integrity. DESIGNING WITH NATURE Rustic Touch’s design process is grounded in an intimate relationship with the land.The team begins each project by walking the site—often alongside the client—studying topography, sunlight, views, and ventilation.“We want to create homes that sit softly on the land,” Tony explains. “We work with Mother Nature. You can’t fight her—she’ll win every time.” The company continues to champion solar passive design principles over trend-driven styles. While they’ve completed Passive House-certified builds, they prefer designs that invite natural light, airflow, and thermal comfort. “We don’t chase trends,” says Debra.“We’re sympathetic to them, but we prefer to set our own.” Their approach is both aesthetic and philosophical. “A good home shouldn’t scream for attention—it should belong to the environment it’s in.” FROM SKETCH TO SHOWPIECE Rustic Touch is a full-service design and build firm. 3 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08 RUSTIC TOUCH
4 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08
At Colonial Painting, professionalism isn’t just a promise – it’s how we work every day. Our highly skilled painters deliver world‑class finishes, backed by a genuine commitment to quality workmanship and long‑term value. Trusted by builders, strata managers and commercial property owners, we understand the importance of meeting deadlines, working seamlessly with other trades and delivering a result that stands the test of time. From high‑impact exteriors to detailed interiors, we’ve proudly completed countless projects that not only meet but exceed expectations. Every job is handled with care, precision and pride – and our customers’ satisfaction speaks for itself. Choose Colonial Painting & Decorating – where craftsmanship and professionalism go hand in hand. Old-Fashioned Craftsmanship. Mo COLONIALPAINTING.COM.AU Quality Craftsmanship Timely Completion Clear Communication Professionalism & Expertise Premium Materials Flexibility & Customisation
odern Systems. Stunning Results. n m
At Colonial Painting, we believe the finest homes deserve the finest finishes - and it all starts with craftsmanship, care and clear communication. Our long-standing partnership with Rustic Touch is built on those same principles. As a preferred painting contractor for Rustic Touch, we’re proud to bring their architectural vision to life with finishes that not only complement the design, but elevate the experience of the space. Whether it’s a bespoke beachside home or a refined rural estate, we take a tailored approach to each project—adapting our process, team, and schedule to suit the unique needs of the builder and their client. Our partnership with Rustic Touch works because we share a common commitment to quality. From early involvement during planning to final walkthrough, we treat every job with the same level of detail and pride as if it were our own. We understand that a builder’s reputation is only as good as their subcontractors - and we take that responsibility seriously. Colonial Painting combines old-fashioned workmanship with modern systems to ensure efficiency, transparency and consistency. Our team follows clear scopes of work, structured site management and a culture of accountability. This enables us to work seamlessly alongside other trades, stay ahead of program timelines and deliver an end product that reflects the high standards of our builder partners. Beyond the brushwork, we also provide scope consulting, long-term maintenance planning and digital project tracking to ensure every detail is managed and communicated with ease. For our builder clients, this means fewer surprises, smoother handovers, and happy homeowners. With 39 years of industry experience behind us, Colonial Painting has become known for delivering stunning results across NSW’s most beautiful homes. We’ve built a reputation for being the kind of team you want on site—skilled, reliable, and easy to work with. As Rustic Touch continues to craft homes of exceptional quality, we’re honoured to play our part in making those homes sing with warmth, depth, and character—one brushstroke at a time.
Projects typically span two years, beginning with site evaluation and continuing through architectural planning, council approvals, interior design, and construction. It’s a deeply collaborative process— and one that results in highly personalized homes, often award-winning. Among their many accolades—over 35 and counting—a standout was a National Award for a complex curved build designed in collaboration with renowned architect Dick Clarke.“Every surface curved—floors, walls, everything. It was an incredible challenge,” says Tony. “And no callbacks. That’s something to be proud of.” Still, one project stands out above all: their own home.“It’s 25 years old, but still one of our proudest creations,” says Debra.“It’s ageless—and that’s what we aim for in all our designs.” A BOUTIQUE APPROACH Rustic Touch limits itself to building six to eight homes per year, allowing for exceptional quality and consistent client experience. “We know every team member’s birthday,” Debra smiles. “We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re trying to be the best.” Clients meet the whole team—from design through build—and the culture of transparency is unwavering. 8 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08 RUSTIC TOUCH
“We don’t ‘sell’ a client,” says Debra “We educate them. If we’re not the right fit, that’s okay. But if we are, we hold their hand the whole way.” The company’s ethics are just as strong as its craftsmanship. If a client requests unsustainable or incompatible materials, Rustic Touch will recommend they look elsewhere. “We’re small enough to stay true to our principles,” Tony says. “And that’s nonnegotiable.” STABILITY IN AN UNSTABLE INDUSTRY Navigating challenges is nothing new for Rustic Touch. From economic fluctuations to pandemicrelated disruptions, the company’s strong foundation has kept it thriving where others faltered. During COVID-19, many Australian builders closed their doors. Rustic Touch didn’t just survive—it excelled.Thanks to longstanding relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, and a high-overhead but well-managed model, the company stayed organized and transparent throughout the crisis. Clients were updated via Google Meets, site signage changed daily, and staff adapted swiftly. “The way we managed our business meant we had our finger on the pulse at all times,” says Tony. “Our team stepped up. And so did our clients.” 9 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08 RUSTIC TOUCH
We are a proudly family-run business with a team that brings over 25 years of experience in the roofing industry. Our expertise spans a wide range of services, catering to both residential and commercial projects — from new installations to repairs and maintenance on both modern and heritage buildings. In addition to our on-site services, we operate a fully stocked shop front offering a comprehensive selection of high-quality roofing materials and products, available to both trade professionals and the general public. At the heart of our business is a commitment to reliability, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. COMMITMENT TO RELIABILITY, CRAFTSMANSHIP & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. Email: s.and.n.roofinginfo@gmail.com Phone: 0431 827 217 Address: Factory 5/9 David Street, Doyalson NSW Roofing
Post-COVID, the building industry continues to grapple with 30–40% increases in material costs, labor shortages, and complex new regulatory changes. But Rustic Touch remains steady—because their model was always built for resilience. A TEAM THAT STAYS What truly sets Rustic Touch apart is its people. Office manager Tracey has been with the company for 20 years. Their site foreman Craig, for over a decade. Many apprentices have become carpenters and team leads—and one recent graduate is even the son of a long-time staff member. “We treat our staff like family,”Debra says.“If someone needs to attend their kid’s swimming carnival, they go. We’ve had four daughters—we know how important that is.” This loyalty translates into trust, consistency, and a warm working atmosphere that clients feel immediately. “We want clients to feel like they’re 11 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08 RUSTIC TOUCH
being welcomed into our home,” says Tony. THE SHOWROOM THAT FEELS LIKE HOME Even Rustic Touch’s office space reflects their ethos. Their commercial showroom—located just minutes from their home—is designed not like a sales floor, but a living room. “We’ve got a display kitchen, lounge area… but no sample clutter,” Debra explains.“We sit on the couch with clients, have a coffee, and chat about their vision. It’s all about comfort and connection.” It’s a far cry from their humble beginnings—when their coffee table was their desk and a tapestry shoulder bag doubled as a briefcase. But the values remain the same. A FUTURE BUILT TO LAST Looking ahead, Rustic Touch is focused on stability rather than scale. With Tony and Debra eventually planning to step back, their vision is for the company 12 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08
to grow within its existing framework—guided by the same principles that shaped it from day one. The company continues to adapt to the everchanging building codes and environmental demands, including Australia’s stringent bushfire (BAL) regulations and engineering requirements for steep and coastal blocks. Their focus remains on longevity and sustainability—not just for structures, but for the business itself. “We’ve always said our homes should last 100 years,” says Tony. “Project homes might last 30. Ours are meant to stand strong for generations.” STAYING TRUE, STAYING STRONG At its core, Rustic Touch is more than a builder. It’s a custodian of craft, a believer in balance, and a quiet leader in a noisy industry. With a reputation built on trust, transparency, and timeless design, the company has weathered storms—literal and figurative—and emerged stronger every time. 13 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08 RUSTIC TOUCH
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Colonial Painting & Decorating Service Pty Ltd www.colonialpainting.com.au Colonial Painting delivers premium painting services for high-end residential, commercial, and heritage properties across NSW. With a reputation built on old-fashioned craftsmanship and modern project management systems, we’re proud to support builders like Rustic Touch in creating timeless, beautiful homes. n S&N Roof Plumbing s.and.n.roofinginfo@gmail.com For reliable roofing on the Central Coast to Hunter, Newcastle and NSW, look no further. Our company delivers exceptional craftsmanship, using quality materials to protect your home. From repairs to new installations, we pride ourselves on transparent service and lasting results. Trust us for your next roofing project -experience the difference quality makes. n Del Stairs www.delstairs.com.au Since 1980, our family-run business delivers exceptional timber staircases, all types of stairs and rails, and modern glass and steel options. With a second owner holding 35 years’ experience, we cater to your designs, service all regional areas, handle any job size, support all builders, and offer free quotes. n Twin Lakes Air & Solar www.twinlakesair.com.au Twin Lakes Air & Solar are the Central Coast’s experts in Air Conditioning and Solar. We have been servicing our residential and commercial clients for over 25 years. We specialise in everything from small bedroom systems to large commercial projects. We can help with design and construction for new architectural homes as well as existing homes or business’s. “Being honest from the beginning is always easier than fixing problems at the end,” says Debra. “That’s why we don’t cut corners, and why we’ll always stay small enough to care,” she concludes. 14 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08
WWW.RUSTICTOUCH.COM WWW.BUSINESSVIEWOCEANIA.COM AS FEATURED IN BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA Rustic Touch
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx