What’s better than one dreamy home? Two, of course. Laura Blake, a Sunshine Coast-based interior design lover and self-declared Palm Springs tragic, has created not one, but two stunning homes under one roof and not for the first time! This is her and her hubby’s fourth duplex project in 10 years, earning her the unofficial crown as Queen of the Duplex.

Welcome to their latest project, The Springs - a pastel-hued, stone-clad, breezy block of brilliance just 300 metres from the beach in Buddina, Queensland. Designed, built and styled by Laura, her family and a handy crew of tradie rellies, this dual-dwelling beauty is proof that seeing double really is twice as nice.

THE VISION: PALM SPRINGS MEETS CLASSIC COASTAL

Laura’s goal for The Springs was crystal clear: blend the breezy, bold lines of Palm Springs design with the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast. The exterior is layered with breezeblocks, native stonework and desert-style planting, while inside it flows seamlessly into curves, Venetian plaster and a coastal-meets-classic Palm Springs interior.

“I’ve never really used colour before,” Laura admits, “but this time I went for soft pinks, sage greens and the bathrooms have honestly become my favourite spaces in the house.”

MEET THE FAMILY BEHIND THE BUILD

This wasn’t just a building project, it was a full-blown family affair. Laura’s husband owns a concrete construction company, her dad (a builder with 40 years under his belt) held the licence, and her brother, a carpenter and plumber, ran the day-to-day on-site.

Add in their two kids, Ivy and Bobbie, and Frenchie pup Ruby, and it’s safe to say this duplex was built on love, skill and a solid foundation of family teamwork.

THE REALITY CHECK

What started as a 12-month build stretched to 20 months, thanks to supplier delays and the complexity of constructing a basement on sandy soil near a water line, including a few unexpected cave-ins along the way.

But despite the drama, the payoff was worth it. And being owner-builders meant they saved big by managing the project themselves, leaning on their experience and trade connections to get top quality at the right price.

IS THIS LAURA’S FOREVER HOME?

Well... maybe. Maybe not. Laura and her family have been building and selling duplexes for the past decade – this is project number four – and they’ve already got a fifth one DA-approved and ready to roll. “We’ve got plans for both a forever home and another build,” she says. “We’re just not sure which path we’ll take next.”

Fair enough. When you’re this good at the game, why stop?

A RENO SCHOOL RAVE FROM HER MAJESTY OF MIRRORED HOMES

Laura is a proud Reno School grad - and a devoted one at that. “I have a Reno School bible of all my notes and tips and tricks highlighted. My notes are my toolbox, literally.”

It was that toolbox that helped bring The Springs to life. “From understanding how to build and utilise spaces, to choosing a style that works and is cohesive – even down to little things like skirting savings,” she says. “Once I start planning project #5, I like to go back into Reno School and run through the modules again, to glance and embed the tools ready to make the right decisions with full confidence.”

The Reno School community played a big part too.

“I love how we can interact with like-minded people to share ideas or vision in a safe space and welcome feedback. I feel supported, validated and empowered to bring my vision to life with confidence.”

With four duplexes under her belt and a fifth ready to go, Laura’s not slowing down. “Reno School gave me the nudge to rethink my whole career. I’m 42 and seriously considering a complete change into interiors.” YES, GIRL.

“I just wanted to say thank you for your vision, your advice, your learnings, and your platform! It’s now given me the skills to rethink a career change at the age of 42. Thank you, Three Birds!”