Where calm meets quiet luxury.

There’s something undeniably special about a home that balances clean, modern design with warmth and comfort. This Mount Waverley project, designed by Carissa Young from CMY Design, does just that - bringing calm, natural tones together with a touch of quiet luxury to create a kitchen and living space that feels timeless yet inviting.

A Modern Hub with Heart

The design brief was clear: create a family hub that’s not only functional but also effortlessly beautiful. At the heart of the space sits a monolithic travertine island, striking in its simplicity yet grounded in natural texture. Around it, layers of warm oak, soft whites, and subtle stone details flow seamlessly, giving the kitchen its calm yet luxe personality.

The Fireplace Connection

Anchoring the adjoining living space is a slimline fireplace wall, tiled floor-to-ceiling in travertine-inspired mosaic. This detail adds depth and warmth, visually tying the kitchen and living areas together. The effect? A space that feels open and connected, while still offering cosy corners to gather and unwind.

Why 3D Rendering Was Key

For this project, 3D rendering played an essential role. It allowed the clients to see the interplay of finishes, how the cabinetry tones complemented the stone, how the pale timber flooring softened the palette, and how the fireplace feature created balance across the open-plan layout. With so many layers and textures at play, being able to visualise the end result gave the confidence needed to move forward with every selection.

Calm, Luxe, and Built to Last

The end result is more than just a kitchen and fireplace - it’s a lifestyle setting. One where every detail, from integrated storage to soft LED lighting, has been carefully considered to support both daily living and those moments when the family simply wants to slow down and enjoy their home.

Designer | CMY Design

3D Render | melodee g miller

A Place to Breathe - and Be Inspired

Just steps from the sand at Forresters Beach, this stunning Central Coast home captures the essence of relaxed coastal living while drawing deeply from the grounding tones of native Australian bushland.

The result? A home that’s both breezy and serene, soft yet modern, and completely at ease in its coastal setting.

The Exterior: Modern Coastal with a Natural Heart

Inspired by two standout designs - The Palms by @kiraandkira and the Long Jetty masterpiece by @kyalandkara - the exterior was designed to feel warm, inviting, and timeless.

Under the guidance of Osmond McLeod Architects, we paired Cathago stone with Sycamore Knotwood and Dulux’s Natural White and Winter Fog to create a soft, coastal palette. The gentle curves of the façade, leafy balcony overhangs, and timber accents speak to a relaxed lifestyle - one that embraces sea breezes in the morning and golden sunsets in the evening.

Every choice was refined through 3D rendering, testing how stone, timber, and greenery played together before the first tradesperson set foot on site. This “visual dress rehearsal” meant we could explore multiple options until the combination felt just right.

The Kitchen: Bushland Warmth, Modern Function

Step inside, and the palette shifts seamlessly from coastal neutrals to the earthy tones of the Australian bush. The kitchen is anchored by Florentine Walnut cabinetry paired with a fresh Polytec Topiary green island - a colour pairing inspired by eucalyptus leaves against sun-warmed bark.

The Carrara Gold benchtops from @talostoneaustralia, Nieve Punto tiles from @tilesofezra, and Cappuccino Blonde Oak floors from @quickstepfloors layer in soft, natural texture.

Every detail serves both form and function - from the dedicated coffee and drinks station to the generous island that invites casual gatherings. With views that connect you back to the outdoors, the kitchen feels less like a separate room and more like an extension of its coastal-bush surroundings.

Where Coast and Country Meet

What makes this home truly special is the way it merges two iconic Australian landscapes - the calming blues and breezes of the coast and the grounding warmth of the bush.

From the Cathago stone in the façade to the muted greens of the kitchen, every element has been chosen to reflect the beauty of nature while delivering a home that’s fresh, functional, and future-proof.

This is more than just a build - it’s a thoughtful expression of place, designed for the way we want to live now.

3D Render | melodee g miller

Architect | @osmondmcleodarchitects

Exploring Two Vanity Finishes in a Light, Airy Bathroom Retreat

When it comes to bathroom design, even a single material choice can completely change the mood of a space. This project is a perfect example of how 3D rendering can help clients confidently make those big calls - by showing them exactly how their options will look and feel in their own home.

A Spa-Like Vision for a Tricky Space

The brief for this bathroom was clear: create a light, warm, and airy retreat with a spa-like feel. But the space came with its quirks - an angled ceiling, a small window nook, and the client’s wish to fit a freestanding bath for added luxury.

We embraced these challenges, using the nook as the perfect setting for the Poseidon Olivia freestanding bath. The unusual ceiling lines became a feature rather than a constraint, giving the room its unique character.

Testing Two Vanity Finishes in 3D

The client was drawn to two very different vanity options:

• Polytec Husk - a timeless, soft neutral for a serene and tonal look.

• Polytec Plantation Ash - a light timber finish that added natural warmth and texture.

To help them decide, we created photorealistic 3D renders showing both finishes paired with YDL Stone Vene Rose benchtops, brushed brass tapware, and elegant tile selections from TileCloud and Jules Baxter. Seeing the two options in context allowed the client to compare how light, materials, and details interacted in the space - long before committing to the final selection.

Why 3D Rendering Made All the Difference

When designing a space, it’s easy to fall in love with samples or inspiration images. But seeing materials and finishes in your own layout, with your lighting and angles, is a whole different story.

This project highlights how rendering can help test ideas and avoid costly regrets later. From working around unique architectural features to experimenting with colour and material palettes, every decision was made with confidence.

The Final Result

The completed design feels calm, luxurious, and cohesive - an elegant bathroom retreat that meets every goal of the brief.

If you’re planning a renovation or new build, 3D rendering can help you visualise your space and refine your design before making the big decisions. I work with homeowners, designers, and builders to bring concepts to life.

3D Render | melodee g miller