Home tour: Classic Queenslander

Balcony

The deep first-floor balcony, a stunning retreat with knockout city views, is a favourite part of the home. A simple cane outdoor setting, made super-comfy with cushions by US brand Serena & Lily, completes an inviting scene that often hosts family visitors.

Main lounge room

Gentle blues and greens create a serene feel in this zone. All textiles, including the Schumacher fabric used to upholster the armchairs and Westbury linen on the sofa, are sourced through Porchlight Interiors, set off with an oversized copper-rimmed clock from Meizai. On the cushions, a vibrant botanical print by Raoul Textiles of Santa Barbara, US, creates more visual interest, while the herringbone-weave sisal rug provides texture and warmth underfoot. (For a similar rug, try the ‘Serengeti Weave’ hemp rugs in Natural/Ivory by Armadillo & Co). The charming pastel artwork of a Tuscan scene is by Queensland artist Christine Abson.

Bar area

As with many Queenslanders, previous owners had raised the house to utilise the ground level, and during this refit installed a bar salvaged from another home of similar heritage. In keeping with the glamorous Californian air of the new pool area it looks onto, the bar received the same treatment as the rest of the interior, painted in Dulux Whisper White for a lighter and fresher feel. The structure was also updated with a high-impact Nero Marquina marble benchtop, its contrasting veins picked up in the black and white bar stools, sourced from a commercial supplier by Porchlight Interiors.

Family room

Inspiring tomes and mementoes from travels create an appealing display in the downstairs living zone. Blue and white ginger jars (find similar at Alfresco Emporium), candlesticks found in Santa Barbara and a ceramic artichoke from a Los Angeles design store take centre stage on a Chinoiserie-style bookcase from local retailer St. Barts.

Family room

Replacing cream gloss floor tiles with wide engineered French oak boards has made the world of difference to the downstairs living area. This teen chill zone is decidedly grown-up, but the layers of texture keep it feeling relaxed: plump linen-covered sofas and a tactile wool rug do the trick nicely. Furniture, all in chalky whites, includes an Indian hall table, with antique Chinese drum stools from Orient House below. In contrast, a solid Naga coffee table (for similar pieces, browse the range at Stone Pony) floats in the middle to centre the space. 

Paint

Wash & Wear Barrier Technology in Whisper White, Dulux.

Dining area

For a stylish dining nook, make sure the built-in seating is standard dining chair height to fit under the table. This includes the finished height once the foam cushions go on top. The backrest cushion needs to be on an angle for added comfort. Romo fabric was chosen to cover the bench seating – which contains discreet storage – offset by Walter G cushions. Throughout this upper level, existing timber floors were given a sultry Black Japan stain. 

Floor finish

Black Japan, Feast Watson.

Kitchen

A mix of cabinetry not only makes the space feel more relaxed, but responds to key needs in the area. The cooking zone’s high-end brasserie look reflects the family’s passion for food and entertaining. Constructed by Maytain Cabinets, the generous island is painted in Dulux Maraetai Grey and topped with luxe Statuario Venato marble. This striking hub of the home is finished with polished nickel lighting and cabinet pulls from Restoration Hardware in the US (available through Porchlight Interiors), while Perrin & Rowe nickel tapware from The English Tapware Company completes the super-chic styling.  

Bathroom

The downstairs bathroom is the domain of the eldest children, and introduces a hip, industrial vibe. A steel-framed vanity topped with honed Carrara marble sets the scene. Phoenix ‘Vivid Slimline’ tapware in matt black Onix finish, a trough-like ‘Cielo’ basin from Highgrove Bathrooms, ‘Enhance’ wall light brackets from Beacon Lighting and a black-framed mirror complete the look.