Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Two Neighbours Fall in Love, the Rest is History
A true love story extended this 1940s house to create a family haven ideal for a growing brood and Queensland climate
Rob and Barb share a mutual love for objects with character and a story to tell – much like their home and the part it played in their fateful meeting. Musician Rob purchased this 1940s house in 1992 and the following year Barb purchased the house next door. One morning during a spring clean, Barb was moving some plants around when neighbourly Rob jumped over the fence to suggest Barb move her indoor plants out of the sun – the rest, as they say, is history.
Rob’s once-bachelor pad is now a family home with an unmistakable coastal vibe – this is largely due to the copious amount of natural light that flows in through the louvres and hallway skylights. Combined with the lime washed timber floors, the home feels cool and appears bright.
“There is rarely a shortage of a nice breeze drifting through here,” says Rob.
Wall paint in ‘Oolong’: Dulux
“There is rarely a shortage of a nice breeze drifting through here,” says Rob.
Wall paint in ‘Oolong’: Dulux
The duo spent approximately two years working on their ideas for the renovation before employing architect Virginia Russell to create the plans. “The design was to be simple and Queensland orientated, with no air-conditioning and only high positioned louvres on the external walls,” says Barb.
Russell worked with them to reconfigure the functions of every room in the house (except one bedroom) and added in a pool. After several initial design meetings, with the help of structural engineers Westera Partners, the drafting stage was completed, the plans finalised and they were ready for approval. The build took 10 months to be completed.
Russell worked with them to reconfigure the functions of every room in the house (except one bedroom) and added in a pool. After several initial design meetings, with the help of structural engineers Westera Partners, the drafting stage was completed, the plans finalised and they were ready for approval. The build took 10 months to be completed.
The house now stands as four bedrooms with a study and three bathrooms. “There’s plenty of space for us and the kids. We call it ‘The Resort’ as we love the beach house-like feel of the place,” says Barb.
A number of handmade gifts, vintage furniture and artwork fill the home with love, history and provide many talking points.
This decoupage port stands proudly in the entry of the home and was a gift from Rob’s mother who made it for Barb.
This decoupage port stands proudly in the entry of the home and was a gift from Rob’s mother who made it for Barb.
“We both love visiting Woolloongabba Antique Centre and have purchased many items of furniture, collectibles and decor from there,” says Barb.
The layout suits the family’s active and social lifestyle and starts in the kitchen. The open-plan design of this impressive space is ideal for the family that loves to cook and enjoy good food.
A Velux skylight was installed in the kitchen and opens up to let hot air out and automatically closes if it rains.
The base of this island bench is made from 95-year-old kauri pine salvaged from the old David Jones store on Pitt Street Mall in Sydney. The benchtop is salvaged ironbark from Brett’s Wharf in Brisbane.
A Velux skylight was installed in the kitchen and opens up to let hot air out and automatically closes if it rains.
The base of this island bench is made from 95-year-old kauri pine salvaged from the old David Jones store on Pitt Street Mall in Sydney. The benchtop is salvaged ironbark from Brett’s Wharf in Brisbane.
The kitchen splashback makes a bold statement in glossy red, and is complemented by 1960s kitchen canisters.
The two main benches that separate the kitchen from the deck double as breakfast bars when the bi-fold windows and retractable screens are open.
On any Sunday morning, Jack and Rosemary can be found enjoying their breakfast while perched at ‘The Cafe’ as they refer to it.
On any Sunday morning, Jack and Rosemary can be found enjoying their breakfast while perched at ‘The Cafe’ as they refer to it.
Rob chose a grey Modwood decking to combat the harsh Queensland sun as little maintenance is required. “It was three years before I needed to give it a wash for the first time. Compared to timber decking, it has saved a lot of time, effort and money,” he explains.
The main living and dining area extend seamlessly onto the rear-facing deck, cleverly creating the illusion of added space.
Rob’s love of retro music memorabilia and Porsche merchandise merge effortlessly with Barb’s Art Deco and coastal inspired decor.
New and old treasures sit successfully side by side on this hand-me-down 1970s coffee table from Barb’s parents. Pops of yellow and vibrant blues tie this collection of objects together.
New and old treasures sit successfully side by side on this hand-me-down 1970s coffee table from Barb’s parents. Pops of yellow and vibrant blues tie this collection of objects together.
This ice chest – known as a ‘Freezarda’ – used to belong to Rob’s parents and is over 100 years old. It was made by and purchased from J. Rowe & Son in Toowoomba, who are still in operation today.
Art Deco lamp: Woolloongabba Antique Centre
Art Deco lamp: Woolloongabba Antique Centre
Red accents feature throughout the main living areas. The front door provides the first pop of colour, which is then subtly seen again further down the hallway in the arrangement of hanging wooden artworks.
These religious artworks originate from Russia and were given to the family by Rob’s sister-in-law who inherited them from her aunt.
These religious artworks originate from Russia and were given to the family by Rob’s sister-in-law who inherited them from her aunt.
Barb’s fun mishmash of coastal styling and Art Deco can be seen in this corner of the main bedroom at the front of the home.
Creative use of colour and clever juxtaposition of old and new have enabled Rob and Barb to create an eclectic decor. While their personalities shine through with their favourite knickknacks on display, they manage to maintain order and a home that feels calm, organised and inviting.
Bed Linen: Florence Broadhurst; artwork: My Friend Can Paint; Art Deco inspired lamp: Gallery B in Newmarket
Creative use of colour and clever juxtaposition of old and new have enabled Rob and Barb to create an eclectic decor. While their personalities shine through with their favourite knickknacks on display, they manage to maintain order and a home that feels calm, organised and inviting.
Bed Linen: Florence Broadhurst; artwork: My Friend Can Paint; Art Deco inspired lamp: Gallery B in Newmarket
The opposite wall in the main bedroom features some iconic Aussie references.
A framed print of Charles Meere’s ‘Australian Beach Pattern’ of 1940 appropriately hangs above this original Chesty Bond’s mannequin. The mannequin was found in Toowoomba in 1996 after the rebuilding of the Myer Centre.
A framed print of Charles Meere’s ‘Australian Beach Pattern’ of 1940 appropriately hangs above this original Chesty Bond’s mannequin. The mannequin was found in Toowoomba in 1996 after the rebuilding of the Myer Centre.
Polished ply was installed on the ceilings of the deck, kitchen and living areas, with the expressed joints between each sheet painted black with stainless steel button head screws to finish. “This was a very labour intensive process but has come up really well,” recalls Rob.
The framed photographs were taken by Rob’s brother Stuart, a keen travel photographer.
Artwork: My Friend Can Paint
The framed photographs were taken by Rob’s brother Stuart, a keen travel photographer.
Artwork: My Friend Can Paint
The timber staircase leads down to a second living area, known to the family as ‘Kids Central’.
Natural light streams in through the windows, which are positioned high along the west-facing wall closest to the staircase.
Natural light streams in through the windows, which are positioned high along the west-facing wall closest to the staircase.
This corner comes together in unison, with a combination of warm colours – yellow, orange and red –despite the different themes at play.
Artwork: 1960s Walter Lambert vintage print
Artwork: 1960s Walter Lambert vintage print
The balustrade on the stairs was designed by an architect school friend of Barb’s, Grant Buglar. It matches the vertical timber slats that externally clad the top and bottom decks.
Barb says, “We absolutely love it and have named it ‘Buggies Balustrade’.”
Barb picked up the 1960s Walter Lambert vintage print to the left many years ago at a charity shop for just $10, while the Walter Lambert print on the right was a birthday present to Barb from a friend.
Barb says, “We absolutely love it and have named it ‘Buggies Balustrade’.”
Barb picked up the 1960s Walter Lambert vintage print to the left many years ago at a charity shop for just $10, while the Walter Lambert print on the right was a birthday present to Barb from a friend.
There are two bedrooms, a laundry and family bathroom along the hallway of the ground level, which the children have completely to themselves.
Jack’s bedroom neatly showcases some of his prized possessions, artworks and a rather impressive collection of Lego.
A notably practical feature in Jack’s room is the desk. It folds down from the the built-in wardrobe door when open. When not in use, the desk folds away out of sight once the door of the wardrobe is closed.
Rosemary’s bedroom is full of light and reflects her expressive nature with a combination of colourful artwork, soft furnishings and handmade craft.
The vibrant and bold painting that hangs above Rosemary’s bed was purchased by Barb at an auction held at the children’s school fair. It was painted by the Grade 2 students in Jack’s class – Jack painted all of the blue sections.
The vibrant and bold painting that hangs above Rosemary’s bed was purchased by Barb at an auction held at the children’s school fair. It was painted by the Grade 2 students in Jack’s class – Jack painted all of the blue sections.
To make the most of their sunny surrounds, the couple planned to add an entertainer’s deck and pool to enjoy with their family and friends.
Now, sliding doors and screens run the majority of the way across the lower level of the house, which lead onto the deck. The deck joins the swimming pool via a short boardwalk.
“We have spent many an afternoon and night eating, drinking and laughing with our friends while all of the kids play happily in their own space,” says Barb.
“We have spent many an afternoon and night eating, drinking and laughing with our friends while all of the kids play happily in their own space,” says Barb.
The remaining backyard, where a fire pit is situated for garden entertaining and cooking, is also accessible from the undercover deck.
“While it is a small block, we’re lucky because it’s surrounded by lovely trees in the neighbour’s yards; our architect called it ‘Borrowed Landscape’,” says Barb.
“While it is a small block, we’re lucky because it’s surrounded by lovely trees in the neighbour’s yards; our architect called it ‘Borrowed Landscape’,” says Barb.
Asked what she loves most about the house, Barb says, “Looking up the hallway from the back to the front of the house with the front door open, especially when the Jacaranda is blooming.”
‘My Houzz’ is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
‘My Houzz’ is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
Who lives here: Former neighbours Rob and Barb Orford, and their two children Jack and Rosemary
Where: Brisbane, Queensland
Size: 279 square metres; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, study, 2 living rooms and a swimming pool.
In 1997, having officially dated for two years, the couple moved into Barb’s house. A year later, lured by job offers in Sydney, the duo decided to relocate; renting out the two neighbouring homes during that time. By 2007, their family had grown by two new members and they were drawn back to the heartland where sparks first flew. By this point, they had sold Barb’s house, so they moved into Rob’s house next door and began to create their dream family home.
Here are the two lovebirds sitting in Rob’s front garden, the Jacaranda tree hangs over from Barb’s old house next door. “I planted it there 20 years ago and we’re now enjoying the shade and flowers in our house together,” says Barb.