Project Spotlight: Soft Curves, Smart Choices

Some homes just have that energy—and this one had us swooning from the start. From the curved timber garage door to the soft, modern lines of the upper level, this new build is all about laid-back elegance with just the right amount of edge.

We worked closely with Brock to bring his ideas to life in 3D before the build began—making sure every material, finish, and feature was locked in with confidence. The textures in the stone entryway, the warm balance of timber and white in the kitchen, the archway linking zones—it was all visualised, refined, and signed off before it was built. No guessing, no regrets.

Here’s what Brock had to say about the process:

"Mel was great to work with. She checked in multiple times during the process to make sure I was happy with how things were progressing and even gave some great ideas for changes to make our project look even better. I would definitely recommend going the 3D route as it helped to decide on some designs that we thought would look good but didn't meet our expectations once they were applied to the house. Mel was super helpful in making the changes so the house is now what we hoped it would be. Would have been very costly to change after it was done if we hadn't had the 3D images done. Worth every cent." - Brock, Peter Brock Homes

We couldn’t be happier with how it all came together.

Thinking about building or renovating?

A few renders might be the step you need to see everything clearly—before making big calls on materials, layout, or colour.

3D Render | melodee g miller

Unlocking the Lockyer Valley: Where Style Meets Soul

If you’ve ever craved wide skies, rolling green, and neighbourhoods that feel choreographed (in the best possible way), Lockyer Valley is calling — not just for weekend trips, but for new beginnings.

Why Lockyer Valley is Having Its Moment

• From farm‑gated produce to boutique cafés: Picture filling your boot with cherry tomatoes from roadside stalls, then winding up at a lavender farm for tea. It’s the quiet luxury of authenticity.

  
  

• History meets fresh air: Picnic lawns at Spring Bluff Railway Station, retro jukebox energy at The Barn & Scotty’s Garage, heritage walks in Laidley - there’s a layer of story in every street.

Designing Community with Heart

From paddocks to perfectly planned homes. Clare Elizabeth from Clare Elizabeth Design was engaged to design the facades for an entire new estate in the Lockyer Valley, and we teamed up to bring those ideas to life in 3D. That’s where the magic of rendering + master planning comes in. When you build just one house, you get one story. When you build a whole estate, you get a symphony.

• Aesthetic continuity: With eight unique facade designs, each home sings its own tune - but they’re all in the same key.

  
  

• Curated materials + colour palettes: It’s not just what you see, but what you feel when you pull up the drive - warm tones, clean lines, material textures that invite touch.

  
  

• Future‑friendly visualisation: Renders don’t just show a home; they help buyers imagine BBQ's, morning coffees, kids running around on a quiet street. You can see the light in summer, the shade in winter.

  
  

• Privacy & spatial awareness: Designing from scratch lets you orient windows, garage access, landscaping so views are embraced and the “feeling of neighbours” is respectful, not invasive.

  
  

• Views and design in harmony: Nothing ruins a good view faster than a neighbouring house that clashes. Thoughtful planning ensures privacy, light, façade cohesion, and that satisfaction of living somewhere that looks deliberate.

Visit or Thrive: Lockyer Valley as Escape & Opportunity

Whether you’re considering a new home, a weekend escape, or an investment that’s more about lifestyle than leverage — Lockyer Valley offers both.

• Explore markets & farm gates on your Saturdays.

  
  

• Snap heritage shots at old railway stations and step into cafés where locals know your name.

  
  

• Let views at lookouts soothe the city itch.

  
  

• And for those drawn to living: imagine coming home to a place built with both big vision + everyday beauty.

Eight Facades, One Story

Scroll through the 3D renders of the facades of this new Lockyer Valley Estate - each one a mood, a moment. Each one part of a broader vision: where people can buy not just a house, but a lifestyle.

Designer | @clareelizabethdesign

3D Render | melodee g miller

When modern farmhouse dreams meet real-life renos.

Some homes don’t need a complete reinvention - just a little vision and a few smart design choices to bring them into a new era. This Queensland home already had charm: a lush tropical setting, strong two-storey structure, and a welcoming layout. The owner loved its personality but wanted to see what it might look like with a more modern, grounded, and slightly rustic edge.

Inspired by the Barndominium and Modern Farmhouse aesthetic, the client’s brief focused on mixing cladding, stone, and timber. But instead of diving straight into construction, we started with AI-generated concept images to explore the possibilities. These quick visuals gave the client an overview of different roof colours, material combos, and front-entry ideas. From there, we refined the design direction in photorealistic 3D renders, allowing every detail to be dialled in before committing.

Key Design Decisions

There were two main render versions developed for this project. The differences might seem subtle at first glance, but they played a huge role in final decision-making. One version featured Colorbond Monument, while the other used Colorbond Woodland Grey for the roof, roller doors, and window trims. We also compared driveway options - concrete vs. a French pattern paver and looked at two garage door styles, one with windows and one without.

The final renders also showcased:

• Stone cladding wrapping around the porch and framing the new timber entry

• Thick timber posts and gable detail to add architectural weight and warmth

• Vertical cladding to break up the existing brick and create a cleaner, more modern feel

• Garage door options to help the client visualise both functional and aesthetic changes

Every element was viewed in realistic lighting with the original tropical landscaping retained, ensuring the design updates felt true to the home’s natural environment.

Why 3D Rendering Was So Valuable

When it comes to major exterior changes, especially with materials that have strong visual impact like stone, cladding, and roof colours seeing the full picture makes all the difference. For this homeowner, rendering meant no second-guessing: they could confidently explore their ideas, compare options, and tweak details before lifting a finger onsite.

Considering a facade refresh of your own?

3D renders are a great way to bring your ideas to life and make clear, confident decisions, especially when working with multiple material options or colour schemes.

3D Render | melodee g miller

Working with homeowners, designers, and builders across Australia