modern mixRATHER THAN MOVE AND UPSIZE, THIS BRISBANE FAMILY MADE THE MOST OF THEIR HOME’S MODEST FOOTPRINT, WITH SPECTACULAR RESULTS

STORY & STYLING KYLIE JACKES PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN DOWNS

DECK’S APPEAL Space was at the heart of all the decisions Abbie and Michael made when they decided to do a complete overhaul of their Queenslander, which included extending their deck a few metres to ensure a larger entertaining area for them and their three daughters, Millie, seven, Evie, three, and Eliza, one. Glass railings maximise city views, while timber battens add privacy and exterior blinds from Vanguard fend off summer sun. For similar outdoor furniture, try Milan Direct. In the backyard (opposite), the couple’s eldest daughters Evie (pictured far left) and Millie enjoy tending to a garden bed filled with lisianthus and jasmine. A laser-cut, powder-coated ‘Orb’ screen by Tilt Design Collective adds decoration, height and structure to the garden bed. >

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KITCHEN Originally a galley-style layout, the kitchen (top left & opposite) was transformed into a more functional L-shape with an island, gloss white cabinetry, Caesarstone benchtops and a touch of timber veneer. The lighting scheme was enhanced with Lightyears ‘Caravaggio’ pendants from Cult and the replica ‘Tolix’-style chairs are from Replica Furniture. The dining table from Jimmy Possum is recycled from old boardwalk planks from around a lake in Melbourne. OFFICE NOOK Custom powder-coated ‘Mr Big Shot’ pendants from Satelight (top right) command attention above the internal stairs, where sleek timber joinery forms an office nook. “Having a computer near the kitchen is convenient for looking up recipes, paying bills and for Millie [pictured top left, with Michael & bottom right] to do her homework,” says Abbie of the chic alcove furnished with a ‘Malmo’ stool from Middle Of Nowhere. ENTRY A key change in the redesign was to establish a formal entry (above). Visitors pass a custom bench that doubles as a daybed, with storage below. “We keep shoes in the pull-out drawers, so the kids can pop them on before going out,” says Abbie. The internal stairs are spotted gum.

“THE KIDS CAN BE playing DOWNSTAIRS WHILE I’M SEWING OR WORKING IN THE OFFICE, SO I STILL feel part OF THE ACTIVITIES” ~ ABBIE

When Brisbane couple Abbie and Michael bought their Queensland style home 10 years ago, it was a great fit. However, after the arrival of their daughters Millie, now seven, and Evie, three, it began to feel much smaller: the demands

of their quickly growing family made the couple instantly more aware of their home’s shortcomings. “All the rooms on the lower level were dark and impractical, so the entire space was basically just a thoroughfare,” says Abbie of their suburban home’s slowly growing list of not-so-family-friendly challenges. “As well, a lack of storage was a significant issue, and the kitchen and bathrooms were crying out for a makeover.”

It seemed the solution was to move and, having always harboured a desire to build, the couple began searching for a great block where they could design and construct their dream family home. However, the more they looked, the more they realised there was much to love about the place they had. “Our location was pretty hard to beat,” says Abbie. “We always kept coming back to the fact we really liked our neighbours, our street the local schools and the proximity to the city. We decided to stay and make a few improvements.”

The first job was to upgrade the kitchen. The couple rolled up their sleeves and tackled this themselves, reconfiguring the layout and exchanging dated finishes with a timeless neutral palette. Impressed with the results, it proved to be the catalyst for a sweeping transformation both inside and out. >

CABINETRYGet the look with

Enviroven wood veneer in Sunlight Strata, from $69.60/sqm, New Age Veneers.

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LIVING ROOMDuring the renovation, internal stairs were relocated and the furniture reconfigured for a more open-plan feel, which freed up valuable floor space. “We really didn’t want the TV to be the focus, so we orientated the sofa out to the deck so there can be interaction between the spaces,” says Abbie of the sumptuous ‘Jasper’ couch from King Living that sits opposite a ‘Winston’ armchair from Jardan. In lieu

of a coffee table, a timber-framed ledge (below & opposite far right) behind the sofa displays greenery, curios, photos and an abstract artwork from Adairs. Joinery designed by architects Base Architecture, in collaboration with interior designer Rachel Cochrane, also pairs practicality with good looks. The wall cabinets conceal DVDs, games and throws, and audio equipment is neatly screened behind custom laser-cut panels by Tilt Design Collective.

ENTRY The foyer has been emboldened with a black wall (top left), while the bench has been upholstered in an ikat fabric from Style Revolutionary. Spotted gum with a clear polyurethane finish was used for the screen. LIVING ROOM One of Abbie’s favourite changes was the addition of glass stacking doors that retract into the walls (above right), to open up the space and ensure an effortless connection between this zone and the deck. Sheer curtains in a custom sourced drapery fabric from Style Revolutionary diffuse the sun for a lovely translucent glow in the afternoons. A Milkcart stool adds another surface to display greenery, and the sofa has been customised with a wraparound timber ledge designed to hold drinks, also from Milkcart.

< Abbie and Michael enlisted an expert team for help. Chris Kolka of Base Architecture came on board to design the extensive changes, while Rachel Cochrane of Darren James Interiors devised new-look bathrooms, a luxe parents’ retreat and beautiful bespoke touches.

“It was an experiment to see if it was possible to have a little fun and create our ideal family home on a small lot,” says Abbie.

Externally, the front deck and staircase were removed so the house could be extended a few metres front and back. This allowed for larger bedrooms, a bigger deck and a striking modern facade.

The ground-floor layout was rejigged to create a multipurpose play area with a craft studio, guest room and laundry linked to the backyard, while new internal stairs were added to create a designated entry that leads to an open living area on the first floor and enlarged bedrooms. Also included in the redesign was a nursery for new family member Eliza, born just before the project was completed.

Abbie embraced the opportunity to add her decorating stamp, introducing a sophisticated green-and-grey palette throughout, along with rich timber features and pretty wallpaper.

The whole family is thrilled with this conversion. It has effectively given them a new home, with every room enjoyed and well used. “With three small children, we spend a lot of time at home and it all just works perfectly,” says Abbie. “The real renovation magic was reimagining the space we already had.” It just goes to prove that good things really can come in relatively small packages.

RUGDesigner Collection

‘Triangle’ custom wool rug in Fern, Cornflower, Indigo

& White, from $336/sqm, Armadillo & Co.

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MILLIE & EVIE’S ROOMBespoke beds from Bednest were designed so the girls (pictured top left) would feel like they were lying in a fairytale. “I love the winged back, which creates a nook for story time and a sense that they’re in their own little space,” says Abbie. The walls are swathed in Quercus & Co’s ‘Oslo’ wallpaper in Freya, while the bedlinen was custom-dyed to get the right colour. Textural cushions from Lazybones and Domayne add layers, and the multi-height ceiling draws the eye upwards and offers a sculptural element.

ENSUITE With a passion for quilting, Abbie was drawn to the texture of the hexagonal Mutina ‘Tex’ tiles from Ace Stone & Tiles that form the ensuite’s moody backdrop (top right). Beautifully colour-coordinated, the

monochrome palette features a honed marble silver sandscape vanity and splashback, with 2-pac cabinetry below colour-matched in Dulux Paving Stone. Pastel mint towels from Aura By Tracie Ellis echo the gelato-toned linen in the main bedroom. To enhance the ensuite’s functionality, its layout was flipped, allowing for a floating double vanity topped with Axa ‘H10’ basins from Reece. Recessed mirror cabinets are another clever inclusion and provide abundant storage without encroaching on the space.

MAIN BEDROOM Michael reads with Evie (pictured right) while relaxing on a ‘Wilfred’ sofa from Jardan. The window has been dressed in Chivasso ‘Transit’ sheer curtains from Unique Fabrics. Overhead, a trio of tonal Caribou lights cascade from the ceiling. >

MAIN BEDROOM With three young children, the couple admit that on lazy Sundays Millie and Evie sneak in to watch cartoons on TV in the sitting area here. “We don’t mind, though, as it means we can relax and have a cup of tea as the rest of the week is all go,” says Abbie. This is one of just two rooms in the house that was extended – the additional floor area was used to create the lounge section. The collection of cushions are from Adairs, Pillow Talk, Sheets On The Line and Sheridan, while the pale green bedlinen is also from Sheets On The Line.

“IF YOU ARE RENOVATING AND CARE ABOUT THE outcome, YOU NEED TO ENGAGE A GOOD design AND BUILD TEAM” ~ MICHAEL

WE LOVE...

timber-dressed wallsA glossy wall of floor-to-ceiling

spotted gum timber delivers impact in the main bedroom and

beautifully defines its lounge area (opposite). “I love the way the timber accentuates the room’s

vaulted ceiling,” says Abbie. “The natural colour variation

within each board injects so much warmth and character.” To get the look, try Boral’s Solid Qld spotted gum hardwood flooring, 130mm

x 19mm boards, from $83.50/sqm, from Floorboards Online. Visit

floorboardsonline.com.au.

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Who lives here?Abbie, a HR manager and designer at Sunday’s Child Quilt Co; her husband

Michael, an IT consultant; their daughters Millie, seven, Evie, three, and Eliza, one

(all pictured left, with Abbie). What worked well in your renovation?

Michael: “Every project has problems along the way, and having a responsive builder and

architect makes finding a solution much easier.”What is the best spot in the house?

Abbie: “My favourite place is my studio and our spacious bedroom. The kids still find us wherever

we are, but they’re lovely spaces to share.” What is your next project around the house?

Abbie: “I’d love some kitchen cabinetry on the deck, to build in a barbecue

and create an outdoor kitchen.”

INSIDE STORYABBIE & MICHAEL’S HOME

SOURCE BOOK

CONTACTS

ArchitectChris Kolka, Base Architecture,(07) 3352 5899, basearchitecture.com.au.

BuilderSpace Constructions, (07) 3102 2555, spaceconstructions.com.au.

Interior designerRachel Cochrane, Darren James Interiors,(07) 3899 0627, darrenjames.com.au.

CRAFT STUDIO Keen quilter Abbie has her own label, Sunday’s Child Quilt Co – so one of her requests in the renovation was a studio nook on the ground floor where she could sew within the open-plan playroom (above). It is fitted with custom joinery and concealed drawers

and cupboards that provide ample storage for stowing bundles of fabric, while a nifty roller door enables the sewing machine to slide away. On the wall, a hexagonal pegboard by Al & Em ties in with a ‘Harper’ occasional chair made in custom fabric from Jardan.

Ground floor

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living

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entry

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FRONT EXTERIOR With its black ‘Ulltraclad’ metal cladding by Ullrich Aluminium in Dulux’s Colorbond Monument, spotted gum weatherboard and batten screens, and vibrant accents in Resene’s Wasabi,

Abbie and Michael’s home is a head turner in a street dominated by more traditional architecture. The wall adjoining the garage is fibre cement with a shadow gap, painted in Resene Fuscous Grey.

L’dry

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