Mood Board Projects
Mood Board to Mediterranean Style in Coastal Queensland | Inside the Solaire Project Studio Journey
Build and Design: Cotter Builders
Style Sourcebook Profile: Cotter Builders
Photography: Lynae Webb from Webb + Co Photo
Perched along the coastline of Mackay Harbour, this beautifully considered residence by Cotter Builders captures the essence of sun-soaked living through a palette of warm neutrals, curved silhouettes, and tactile finishes, all brought to life through a mood board journey and Project Studio.
Inspired by Mediterranean design with a subtle nod to the relaxed luxury of the Gold Coast, Solaire has been thoughtfully designed to embrace light, ocean views, and the art of calm living. Even the name itself, meaning sun, perfectly reflects the feeling that flows throughout the home. Style Sourcebook’s mood board tool and Project Studio completely streamlined Cotter Builders’ design workflow, allowing them to capture every detail of each space in one central, easy-to-access platform.
From the very first mood board, there’s a clear sense of intention woven into every detail. Soft microcement flooring, timber-look textures, flowing curves, and layered tonal finishes create a home that feels cohesive from every angle. Through Project Studio schedules, Cotter Builders seamlessly communicated selections with clients and trades, ensuring the vision translated beautifully from concept to completion.
Featured Retailers: ABI Interiors, Beacon Lighting, Polytec, YDL Stone, Bohteak, Choices Flooring
The kitchen is where Solaire’s warm, sculptural personality truly comes to life. Wrapped in Polytec Boston Oak cabinetry and grounded by soft marble veining from YDL Stone’s Mahal Ivory surfaces, the space feels refined yet deeply inviting. Fluted detailing across the island and above the cooktop adds movement and texture, while the ABI Interiors brushed gold sink mixer introduces a subtle touch of luxury against the tonal palette.
Then there are the stools. The beautiful white Bohteak kitchen stools with their wave-like detailing feel almost coastal in spirit, softening the clean architectural lines with something a little more playful. Nearby, a dedicated bar area complete with shelving and a drinks fridge feels made for slow afternoons turning into evening cocktails with friends. With such detailing and thoughtful design throughout the process, Project Studio allowed Cotter Builders’ clients to see their selections come to life in context, making decisions easier and more collaborative.
One of the most breathtaking moments? The oversized kitchen window that opens directly to the outdoors, dissolving the line between inside and out. Paired with stunning lined timber doors that mirror the cabinetry detailing, the transition feels seamless. The kitchen effortlessly flows into the living area, where a plush neutral Nick Scali sofa and softly patterned rug create a grounding sense of comfort, encouraging you to truly settle into the space.
Featured Retailers: ABI Interiors, aLive Body, Polytec, Choices Flooring, MoMo Handles
In the main bathroom, a dramatic half-circle mirror floats above a double vanity with circular basins and ABI Interiors brushed gold tapware, creating a space that feels sculptural yet serene. Warm tiling and timber cabinetry echo the materiality seen throughout the home, while the freestanding bath is beautifully framed by an arched shower enclosure that feels distinctly Mediterranean in mood. ABI Interiors products feature throughout the bathrooms, from the bath and basins through to the tapware and hardware, bringing cohesion to every detail.
“Project Studio was an essential tool throughout the Solaire project. It allowed us to clearly communicate our vision with clients and trades, streamline selections, and ensure every detail felt cohesive from concept through to completion.”
Jess, Design Consultant | Cotter Builders
Featured Retailers: ABI Interiors, aLive Body, Polytec, Choices Flooring
The laundry proves that even practical spaces deserve beautiful design. Warm finger tiles introduce texture and movement, while the cabinetry continues the same timber tones seen throughout the home. Gold tapware and hardware elevate the room, transforming it from functional to thoughtfully styled.
Upstairs, the master suite feels like a true sanctuary. Positioned to capture expansive ocean views, the space embraces a soft, calming palette of flowing white curtains, pale textured bedding, white walls, and plush beige carpet underfoot. Natural light pours through the room, creating the kind of atmosphere that instantly exhales stress. The ensuite continues the same refined material palette, featuring matching benchtops carried throughout the home alongside warm tiles and twin circular LED mirrors that softly illuminate the space.
“Given Solaire’s coastal location, we selected Colorbond Ultra in Surfmist for its superior durability and resistance to salt-laden environments. It allowed us to maintain a refined, contemporary aesthetic while ensuring the materials would perform over time in harsher conditions.”
Jess, Design Consultant | Cotter Builders
Outside, Solaire’s coastal warmth extends beautifully across the façade. DECO’s Coastal Spotted Gum battens and cladding introduce rich timber texture without the maintenance concerns of natural wood, perfectly suited to the coastal environment. Paired with Colorbond Ultra roofing in Surfmist, selected for its durability against salt-laden air, the exterior balances practicality with a clean, contemporary softness that feels completely aligned with the home’s interior story. With so many decisions being made in the process, Project Studio provided Cotter Builders’ clients with a clear, cohesive view of their design choices and ensured seamless collaboration between designers from concept to completion.
Featured Retailers: Colorbond, DECO, Choices Flooring, Beacon Lighting
“Solaire features DECO’s timber-look aluminium cladding and battens. We chose these products to introduce warmth and texture to the exterior. The product achieves the look of natural timber while being low maintenance and highly durable, making it ideal for a coastal setting. We also love that there are so many colours to choose from!”
Jess, Design Consultant | Cotter Builders
Solaire feels so captivating, and every element feels connected with each curve, the textures, and cohesive finish quietly work together to create a home that feels warm and calming. We’re swooning over the sunlit curves and coastal calm that started from a mood board concept and became reality through Project Studio.
If you want to watch your concept come to life creatively and effectively, browse our product library and use our mood board tool to start your design journey. For design professionals, bring those designs to life with Project Studio.
