Creating Timeless Elegance: My Journey with Mode Design House
Written by Nicole Kostarakis- Founder of MDH x
Hi, I’m Nicole, founder of Mode Design House. I’d love to share a bit about my journey, my design philosophy, and how Mode Design House is creating timeless elegance in homes across the Sunshine Coast. I am so grateful to the journey that life has guided me on to get to where I am today. Located in the gorgeous Queensland, Sunshine Coast Hinterland is where I call home. Proudly embracing the chapter of my 40's, a wife and a Mum to three beautiful girls, and family groodle dog life is certainly is a blessing. Coming through into this new chapter of my life, is where I knew it was time to bring to life Mode Design House.
The Story Behind Mode Design House
Mode Design House was born from my own experience of creating a home for my family. As I went through the process, I realised how important our everyday environment is—how it can influence our energy, reflect who we are, and support how we live. For me, a home is so much more than a physical space. It’s a deeply personal canvas where the colours, materials, layout, and even the artwork come together to tell your story. A home should reflect where you’ve been, where you are in life, and the direction you’re heading. It should capture who or what inspires you and become a space that aligns with your personality and your family’s unique energy. This passion is deeply connected to the environment around us, and it’s why I feel so fortunate to live and work on the Sunshine Coast. The pure air, the ocean, the hinterland, and even the Australian wildlife influence my approach to design. I believe that the beauty of the outdoors should seamlessly flow into our interiors, creating harmony and balance between the two. A Style That’s Uniquely Me.... My design style is what I like to call modern coastal with a European influence. Think light-filled spaces with clean lines, layered with vintage treasures and natural materials. It’s all about balancing elegance with warmth and creating a timeless feel that never goes out of style. I love to bring history into new homes—it adds so much energy and storytelling to a space. There’s a certain magic to incorporating a vintage or antique piece with a story of its own and pairing it with contemporary design elements. These combinations create depth and personality, making each space feel truly one-of-a-kind.
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainability isn’t just a responsibility—it’s an opportunity to design with purpose. I believe great design should respect the environment, which is why I focus on using eco-friendly materials, incorporating antique or vintage pieces, and designing with longevity in mind. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about giving an old piece a second life or choosing materials that are as kind to the planet as they are beautiful. For me, sustainability is just another layer of the story—a way to honour the past while designing for the future.
Where Life Happens: Kitchens and Bathrooms
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that kitchens and bathrooms are the heart of any home. They’re where life unfolds—whether it’s preparing meals for loved ones or finding a moment of calm in a luxurious bath. That’s why I love transforming these spaces into functional works of art. From dreamy kitchens with natural stone countertops to spa-inspired bathrooms with European flair, my goal is to create spaces that elevate your everyday.
Standing Out in the Sunshine Coast Design Scene
The Sunshine Coast is home to so many talented designers, but what makes Mode Design House unique is the personal experience I offer. Every project begins with understanding you—your personality, your lifestyle, and your vision. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to ensure your home reflects your story. I also bring a distinct blend of modern coastal design, European influences, and sustainability—an aesthetic that’s elegant yet approachable. The connection between indoor and outdoor spaces is also a hallmark of my work, ensuring that the breathtaking beauty of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast flows seamlessly into every home I design.
Looking Ahead
There’s so much I’m excited about! I’m continuing to work on incredible projects across the Sunshine Coast and collaborating with local artisans to bring unique touches to my designs. I’m also planning workshops and webinars to share tips on sustainable design and how to blend old and new in your home. Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together If you’re dreaming of transforming your home into a space that’s timeless, elegant, and uniquely yours, I’d love to help. You can explore more of my work on Instagram or reach out directly through my website. Let’s bring your vision to life!
Contact us today to start your journey toward timeless design.
Talk soon,
Nicole xx
