Elevate your space this New Year: Explore the Modern Mediterranean look with award-winning interior designer Kate Cooper

As hot as a scorching Sicilian summer’s day, modern Mediterranean design is guaranteed to be one of the big trends of 2024.

And with its white-washed walls, beautiful natural stone, feature arches, and architectural cacti gardens, Endeavour Foundation’s latest $2.5 million Waterfront Oasis Prize Home is a stunning example of this look done right. 

Sunshine Coast interior design guru, Kate Cooper, recently awarded the People’s Choice in the 2023 Polytec Design Awards, has again worked her magic to take this already stylish home to a whole other level. 

“This style of home is right on trend and really popular at the moment. It’s a beautiful home and it’s got a lovely feel. I think it’s going to be a really popular one,” Kate said.

One of the standout features that helps to create that ‘feel’ is the large double storey void in the main living area. While also being visually stunning, this vast open space encourages airflow throughout the home making it perfect for the Queensland climate. 

In keeping with the light, bright, modern Mediterranean look, a foundational colour scheme of whites and neutral tones has been used for fixtures and finishes, with a pop of brass.

“People love the use of natural materials…and this Prize Home ticks that box in a bold way,” Kate said.

Keen to introduce some colour to build on the neutral base, Kate’s eye was drawn to the natural landscaping surrounding the home. 

“When I went to visit the home, there were these succulents that had beautiful sage green tones and a rusty red colours, and so I used those colours to inspire the palette that we brought into the house.”

“The first thing I found was the entry artwork – a photographic print by Francesca Owen that I just love. And from there, I worked my way through the house, weaving the colours through the bedrooms and, of course, the living spaces.”  

To create a cohesive, yet interesting interior, Kate has used tonal variations of her chosen core colours along with a subtle mix of patterns and textures.  

“We’ve used a little bit of sage green and a darker green, then we introduced an auburn colour extending from that rust red we started with,” Kate said.

“It’s nice and soft and works with the house but also brings some contrast and a bit of punch to it.” 

“The home also lends itself to a lighter timber – for example a light oak – which has been used in the joinery and furniture selections throughout.” 

If you’re designing to a particular trend like modern Mediterranean, avoid taking a cookie-cutter approach to choosing furnishings and instead have some fun with it. 

Try to find some one-of-a-kind pieces that fit the look you’re going for in a less expected way.  

And that’s exactly what Kate did in our waterfront oasis. 

“I love the tiled dining table and coffee table and I think they’re really different.” 

With minimalistic, contemporary lines, the oak pieces are finished with feature tiling that adds texture and a Mediterranean flavour.

“They’re not pieces you can use in every house but for this style they are perfect,” Kate said.

Kate’s top 5 design tweaks for your home 

1. Shape/Form 

Add in subtle curves in your furniture or décor. You could add a curved mirror to your entry or living room wall. Wall hang it or floor mount it to make a statement. 

2. Texture

Add in some wall cladding or panelling using prefabrication sheeting from Bunnings. Porta Timber has a great range and can be used to sheet a whole wall or even create a bedhead. 

3. Colour 

The power of paint is always a winner to create a new feeling in a space. Check out the ‘Dulux Colour Forecast 2024’ for colour inspiration to elevate a room. 

4. Space 

Rearrange the furniture in your room to give it a different feel. You might add in an additional piece, or swap something out from another room, and it will change the space in an inexpensive way. 

5. Light 

One of the most important design elements, light can change a space instantly. Add in a floor or table lamp with a warm white bulb to create a feeling of warmth. There’s even a new trend to add a lamp to your kitchen bench!

You could be calling this $2.5 million Waterfront Oasis home

If you’re loving the modern Mediterranean vibe, don’t miss your chance to win this picturesque $2.5 million waterfront Prize Home.

Snap up a ticket or two from Endeavour Foundation Lotteries, then come and explore this modern Mediterranean masterpiece in person. You’ll find directions to Pelican Waters here. 

Or if you just can’t wait, take a virtual tour now.