How to Give a Traditional Queenslander a Modern Makeover
Bring your classic Queenslander right up to date with inspiration from these exciting renovations
Uniquely Australian, the Queenslander was developed in the 1840s to withstand its namesake state’s sub-tropical climate. As locals know, the so-called Sunshine State has a list of environmental hazards to contend with: from stifling heat to flooding rain… not to mention the snakes and termites.
Queenslanders tend to be two-storey weatherboard constructions, raised high on stumps to allow breezes to whip through, and rainwater to flow past. Huge partially enclosed verandahs extend the liveable area, while corrugated-iron roofs help the homes withstand heavy winds.
Having stood the test of time, Queenslanders are now ripe for renovation. The best updates capitalise on their potential for indoor-outdoor living, maximise the sense of space created by high ceilings, and temper the warm weather with cool, uncomplicated colour schemes. Take inspiration from these impressive overhauls.
Queenslanders tend to be two-storey weatherboard constructions, raised high on stumps to allow breezes to whip through, and rainwater to flow past. Huge partially enclosed verandahs extend the liveable area, while corrugated-iron roofs help the homes withstand heavy winds.
Having stood the test of time, Queenslanders are now ripe for renovation. The best updates capitalise on their potential for indoor-outdoor living, maximise the sense of space created by high ceilings, and temper the warm weather with cool, uncomplicated colour schemes. Take inspiration from these impressive overhauls.
Embrace simplicity
A lesson in restraint, this Brisbane home makes a stunning statement. Clean white-wooden panelling looks graceful and elegant, while carefully chosen furniture and black accents complete the package. The understated colour scheme projects an airy feel – the perfect foil for those hot, steamy days. Each room wows with stunning pendant lighting, making the most of the high ceilings.
A lesson in restraint, this Brisbane home makes a stunning statement. Clean white-wooden panelling looks graceful and elegant, while carefully chosen furniture and black accents complete the package. The understated colour scheme projects an airy feel – the perfect foil for those hot, steamy days. Each room wows with stunning pendant lighting, making the most of the high ceilings.
Consider sustainability
Built in the 1920s, this Brisbane home has been updated for modern living. The renovation improved the flow of northern light, and allows for better cross-ventilation – helping to minimise air-conditioning expenses. Flooded with dappled sunlight, the kitchen’s expansive benches double as a handy breakfast bar. Glass shutters and timber accents offer a touch of ‘old meets new’.
Built in the 1920s, this Brisbane home has been updated for modern living. The renovation improved the flow of northern light, and allows for better cross-ventilation – helping to minimise air-conditioning expenses. Flooded with dappled sunlight, the kitchen’s expansive benches double as a handy breakfast bar. Glass shutters and timber accents offer a touch of ‘old meets new’.
Unleash the power of paint
The perfect palette can be the hero of any home transformation. Dramatic and dark with its charcoal weatherboard exterior, this Southport, Queensland, home’s interior plays it cool with airy neutrals that celebrate the abundance of space and height. In the bedroom, white skirting and gables add beautiful detail to the refined wooden panelling. A tastefully upholstered window seat, luxurious headboard and striking lamps finish the glamorous look, while a Queenslander staple – the ceiling fan – ensures a cool night’s sleep.
The perfect palette can be the hero of any home transformation. Dramatic and dark with its charcoal weatherboard exterior, this Southport, Queensland, home’s interior plays it cool with airy neutrals that celebrate the abundance of space and height. In the bedroom, white skirting and gables add beautiful detail to the refined wooden panelling. A tastefully upholstered window seat, luxurious headboard and striking lamps finish the glamorous look, while a Queenslander staple – the ceiling fan – ensures a cool night’s sleep.
Add a stylish office
The beauty of Queenslander homes is they offer space in spades. Why not add a reading room – perfect for days when you’d prefer to work from home. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves keep everything in order in this circa-1800s home, and a wooden hook-on ladder ensures you can easily access all your reading material. Add a warm-toned rug and a sturdy wooden desk and you’ll be ready to take on the day.
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The beauty of Queenslander homes is they offer space in spades. Why not add a reading room – perfect for days when you’d prefer to work from home. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves keep everything in order in this circa-1800s home, and a wooden hook-on ladder ensures you can easily access all your reading material. Add a warm-toned rug and a sturdy wooden desk and you’ll be ready to take on the day.
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Tell us
Are you considering a renovation on your own Queenslander? Tell us what you are planning to do in the Comments section below.
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Is your Queenslander home crying out for an update? Find a building designer near you who’s worked with heritage and Queenslander-style houses
Are you considering a renovation on your own Queenslander? Tell us what you are planning to do in the Comments section below.
More
Is your Queenslander home crying out for an update? Find a building designer near you who’s worked with heritage and Queenslander-style houses
Queensland’s year-round warmth is envied by people across the globe. Make the most of it by using your verandah to best effect. Add a stunning outdoor kitchen and a huge cane dining table and your guests will be content to settle in for the day – rain, hail or shine. Whitewashed plantation shutters allow you to take control of the elements, while bi-fold patio doors allow easy access inside.