Step Inside the Warm, Minimal Home Inspired by Mediterranean Vacations

Some homes feel like a destination. The Brisbane River Residence is one of them. Designed by CG Design Studio, this riverfront retreat sits along a prestigious stretch of the Brisbane River in Australia, and began with a simple wish from the client: to bring the earthy calm of their favourite Mediterranean escapes into their everyday life. What followed was a full transformation into a warm, layered sanctuary that feels part boutique hotel, part coastal getaway, and entirely personal.

Where the Mediterranean Begins

The first impression sets the tone. Rocky textures and lush greenery rise from the garden, creating a landscape reminiscent of the Mediterranean coastline. The exterior palette stays minimal and organic, leading to a front entry where oversized openings and soft, sculpted details ease you into the home’s relaxed sophistication. It’s a quiet arrival, but a memorable one.

A Living Space Built Around Warmth

Inside, the living zones unfold with a gentle rhythm. Oversized bullnose architraves mark each opening, while Venetian plaster softens both walls and ceilings. The textures stay warm and earthy, keeping with the home’s coastal inspiration. Tucked seamlessly into the wall, the wine cellar reveals itself through a dramatic arched opening, a sleek and cave-like moment that adds depth without interrupting the calm.

Rounded Edges, Warm Mornings

The kitchen continues the story of curated texture. Travertine is rounded and concaved to look impossibly soft, making every surface feel inviting. A minimal palette keeps the focus on materiality. Nearby, a large walk-in pantry echoes the materials of the kitchen.

A Dining Space Designed for Long Evenings

The dining area brings ease and elegance together, forming a natural pause between the kitchen and the outdoors. It feels calm, with the same warm materials running through, offering a space that works for both everyday meals and long, lingering dinners.

Alfresco Moments by the Water

Just outside, the terrace leans into resort-style living. Soft concrete render and warm travertine set the stage beside the cool blue of the pool. It feels like an afternoon on a European coastline, designed for sunshine, grill-side meals, and slow evenings outdoors.

A Workspace Bathed in Subtle Light

The home office, located off the living room, strikes a more tailored tone without losing warmth. A travertine threshold and custom oak doors set the mood at the entry. Inside, light glides across a Venetian-plastered ceiling, lifting the otherwise refined, softly masculine space, while wood bookshelves and cabinets follow the curves of the room.

Even the Laundry Gets the Mediterranean Touch

Even the laundry carries the home’s signature restraint and warmth. Simple forms and natural textures turn a functional space into a quietly pleasant one, still connected to the home’s travel-inspired palette.

A Gentle Climb Through Soft Materials

The staircase becomes a moment of continuity. Natural oak, travertine, and a curved balustrade create a sculptural flow between levels, echoing the soft lines found throughout the home.

The Suite That Feels Like a Private Getaway

The primary suite is designed for unwinding. The bedroom stays understated and layered, with a calm presence that settles instantly. In the walk-in robe, a clean white scheme comes to life with warm lighting bouncing off subtle timber grain. The en-suite bathroom turns the softer notes up a little further, using fluted stone with rounded edges to create visual interest while maintaining the spa-like serenity. Travertine remains the hero, divided into zones to give the space a sense of layered grandeur.

Guest Spaces With Boutique-Hotel Warmth

Guest spaces maintain the home’s elevated, hotel-like feel. In the guest bathroom, custom oak joinery introduces curved edges and furniture-like craftsmanship, while the powder room goes minimalist with clean lines and monolithic forms. Together, the rooms feel elegant, intentional, and ready for visitors.

Curved Alcoves and Cosy Bunk Moments

The children’s room brings a playful twist. Custom bunk beds are built into curved alcoves, creating a cosy, imaginative retreat that feels both whimsical and grounded within the home’s soft, Mediterranean vocabulary.

The Brisbane River Residence doesn’t try to recreate the Mediterranean; instead, it channels its spirit with authenticity and restraint. Through natural materials, sculpted forms, and a palette that feels warm in every light, the home becomes a daily reminder of travel, calm, and the beauty of thoughtful design. It’s a renovation that looks refined, but more importantly, feels lived-in and loved.

Photographer: Mitchell Kemp | Design: CG Design Studio | Builder: Unita