Sunshine Coast Eye and Retina

Sunshine Coast Eye + Retina engaged Elite Fitout to design and deliver a high-quality ophthalmology clinic that balanced clinical functionality with a calm, refined aesthetic. The brief called for a space that would reflect the practice’s commitment to excellence in eye care while creating a positive and reassuring environment for patients.

The Design Intent

The design direction embraced understated luxury with a palette of layered neutrals, warm timber tones, and curated details. Subtle nods to mid-century modern design informed the materiality and furnishings, delivering a space that is both welcoming and timeless. The interiors were designed to support operational functionality while elevating the patient journey through texture, tone, and form.

Design priorities included:

• Creating a patient-centred flow with welcoming zones and discreet service areas.
• Selecting finishes that evoke comfort, quality, and professionalism.
• Introducing residential elements to soften the clinical environment.

Design Features

• Mid-Century Modern Influences: Clean lines, warm walnut joinery, and curved detailing provided the foundation for a subtle mid-century aesthetic. These elements were complemented by statement lighting and tactile styling accents.
• Mixed Metal Finishes: A refined combination of black, brushed brass, and gunmetal finishes added depth and sophistication throughout the space. Joinery handles, tapware, pendants, and mirrors were selected for their contrasting tones and cohesive visual impact. This layered approach to metal finishes enhances the overall material palette and aligns with the mid-century modern influence.
• Reception + Waiting: The reception and waiting area sets the tone for the patient experience—welcoming, refined, and layered with detail. A sculptural custom reception desk in Walnut anchors the entry with its curved form and warm timber finish, offering both functionality and visual presence. Above, the linen pendant is softly feminine and adds an airy aesthetic contrasting with the deeper timber joinery, adding balance and elegance to the space.  Intentional spatial planning places the practice manager’s office directly behind the reception desk, discreetly connected through a smoked mirror visual panel. This design detail allows the practice manager to monitor the front-of-house activity without compromising privacy, while also serving as a visual highlight that reflects and amplifies the feature pendant. Underfoot, the heavy textured carpet tile delivers both performance and design impact. With a marble-inspired pattern featuring metallic veining and organic variation, no two tiles are alike—creating a bespoke look with every installation. The selected colourway adds depth and dimension, subtly echoing the mixed metal palette seen throughout the interior. The result is a waiting area that is as thoughtfully designed as it is visually engaging, where every detail contributes to a cohesive and elevated experience.
• Consultation + Treatment Rooms: Designed for clinical performance, these areas feature practical finishes such as coved vinyl, integrated handwash stations, and joinery. Warm timber finishes and discreet black hardware ensure continuity of aesthetic while supporting the functionality required in healthcare settings.
• Lighting + Styling: Soft white sheer curtains, feature linen pendants, black and brass fixtures, as well as smoked mirror details contribute to the layered styling. These curated accessories of textured fabrics and soft furnishings add comfort while reinforcing the design narrative.

The Outcome

Elite Fitout delivered a high-performing medical space that feels both considered and calm. The mix of natural finishes, mid-century references, and warm metallic detailing provides Sunshine Coast Eye + Retina with a sophisticated clinical environment that supports both patients and practitioners. The result is a bespoke healthcare space that reflects the practice’s commitment to excellence, designed and delivered with precision.