cockatoo

Design library

Design education and references for your next project

Welcome to the Cockatoo Design Library. This is your entry point for practical design and planning content linked to upcoming projects: from early visioning, through material choices and room planning, to supplier-ready briefs.

Library items

1263

Across styles, spaces, materials, palettes, and gardens.

Styles

97

Apply coherent design direction from the first brief.

Materials & colours

1018

Choose finishes and palettes that match budget, weather, and style.

Rooms and layouts

25

Plan circulation and function before the first call-out is booked.

Use this section to prepare your upcoming project

Guides

Read practical how-tos for common trades, property, and professional service projects.

Open guides

Start a project

Launch a new Cockatoo project request with timeline, scope, and budget preferences.

Open start a project

Browse the design catalog

Jump directly to the category you need.

Fresh picks from the library

Featured styles

Project context profiles

A Frame

The A Frame house is known for its iconic triangular silhouette, offering a unique architectural style that maximises vertical space while maintaining a compact footprint. This design is particularly suited to open concept layouts, providing a seamless flow between living areas. With its steeply pitched roof, the A Frame is ideal for regions with heavy rainfall or snow. Inside, the design can accommodate modern amenities and minimalist decor, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a distinctive yet functional home. Outdoor spaces like contemporary courtyards or minimalist gardens complement this house type well.

Adobe Pueblo

The Adobe Pueblo house type is inspired by traditional Southwestern architecture, characterised by thick earthen walls, flat roofs, and rustic wooden accents. This style embraces natural tones and materials, creating a harmonious blend with its surroundings. Ideal for those seeking a unique and environmentally conscious home, Adobe Pueblo houses are well-suited to dry climates and offer excellent thermal mass for energy efficiency. The open concept layout enhances the sense of spaciousness, making it a practical choice for modern living while maintaining a connection to historical design elements.

Apartment Building

Apartment buildings are a practical choice for urban living, offering a range of configurations to suit diverse needs. With a focus on efficient use of space, these buildings often feature open concept layouts and space-saving solutions. They provide a communal living experience while maintaining private spaces, making them suitable for singles, couples, and small families. Apartment buildings can include modern amenities and are often located in areas with easy access to public transport, shopping, and dining options. They are ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle in a vibrant urban setting.

Art Deco

An Art Deco house embodies bold architectural features with streamlined forms, geometric shapes, and rich materials. It is known for its glamorous accents and luxurious feel. This style often integrates open concept layouts, allowing for a seamless flow between living spaces. Art Deco homes are well-suited for those who appreciate historical charm combined with modern functionality. The design typically includes elegant interiors such as a contemporary kitchen, a serene bedroom, and a luxurious bathroom, complemented by a minimalist garden or courtyard for outdoor relaxation.

Art Deco House

The Art Deco House is a distinctive architectural style known for its bold geometric shapes, rich colours, and intricate detailing. Originating in the 1920s and 1930s, this style is perfect for those who appreciate vintage charm with a modern twist. Art Deco homes often feature open concept layouts that seamlessly integrate living spaces, making them ideal for entertaining. With a focus on craftsmanship and luxury, these homes can be paired with various interior styles like Bohemian or Glam to create a unique and personalised living environment.

Barn Conversion

A Barn Conversion house offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern living, transforming traditional agricultural structures into comfortable homes. With open concept layouts, these homes provide spacious interiors and a seamless flow between rooms. The design often incorporates original features like exposed beams and stone walls, adding character and warmth. Ideal for those who appreciate history and craftsmanship, barn conversions can be tailored to suit various lifestyles, offering a perfect mix of old-world charm and contemporary comforts. Outdoor spaces often complement the interior with minimalist gardens or contemporary courtyards.

Barndominium

Barndominiums combine the rustic charm of barn-like exteriors with the modern comforts of open-plan living. These homes typically feature metal framing, offering durability and a unique aesthetic appeal. With spacious interiors, barndominiums are ideal for those who appreciate an open concept layout, providing flexibility in room arrangements. They often suit rural settings but can be adapted to suburban areas with the right planning. Whether you're seeking a home with a contemporary courtyard or a minimalist garden, a barndominium can accommodate a variety of outdoor spaces.

Bohemian

The Bohemian house style embraces an eclectic mix of vibrant colors, layered textiles, and global-inspired decor, creating a home full of artistic flair. This style is perfect for those who love to express their personality through their living space, combining elements from various cultures and eras. With an open concept layout, the Bohemian house encourages a free-flowing atmosphere that seamlessly connects living areas, making it ideal for creative minds and those who enjoy a relaxed, unstructured environment. Gardens often reflect a contemporary courtyard or minimalist approach, offering a serene escape from the vibrant interiors.

Butterfly Garden

Design ideas and inspiration for creating beautiful butterfly gardens with nectar-rich flowers, host plants, and sheltered spaces that attract and support butterfly populations throughout their lifecycle.

Children

Design ideas and inspiration for creating engaging children