Stickybeak of the Week: A Cabana Inspired by Witchcraft and Wizardry
This backyard cabana became the perfect Hogwarts-inspired common room even Harry Potter would want to hang out in
The transformation of this backyard shed, once used for storage and now a Hogwarts-inspired common room, involved hard work and a little bit of magic. Lisa Burdus of Rooms by Design was asked by the English homeowner to create a space with warmth, soul and a touch of fun, by making it resemble a common room in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Burdus achieved this look by combining classic English style with interjections of quirkiness – rich colours, antiques and traditional patterns are mixed with an assortment of paraphernalia on the walls, animal-print cushions and colourful artwork. The renovation began at the start of June 2015, and it only took Burdus a month to conjure up this cosy cabana.
Houzz at a Glance
Who uses it: A family of four
Location: Roseville, NSW
Size: 40 square metres
Burdus achieved this look by combining classic English style with interjections of quirkiness – rich colours, antiques and traditional patterns are mixed with an assortment of paraphernalia on the walls, animal-print cushions and colourful artwork. The renovation began at the start of June 2015, and it only took Burdus a month to conjure up this cosy cabana.
Houzz at a Glance
Who uses it: A family of four
Location: Roseville, NSW
Size: 40 square metres
Before it became the comfy cabana, this space was an under-utilised old shed used for storage. The homeowner saw the potential to use the additional space, and wanted to transform it into a retreat from the main house.
The family used mostly pieces they already had to furnish the space, which gave it a more personal touch. The only new items added were the rug, curtains, wallpaper and armchair. However, it is the way in which Burdus has put the pieces together that makes the space work.
For the gallery wall, she started with some items that the homeowners already had lying around, including the artwork. “I then sourced the remainder from secondhand shops in and around Sydney, laid it all out on the floor and with the help of a picture hanger set about hanging it all up,” Burdus says. “I started with the two large pictures and worked around from there.”
For the gallery wall, she started with some items that the homeowners already had lying around, including the artwork. “I then sourced the remainder from secondhand shops in and around Sydney, laid it all out on the floor and with the help of a picture hanger set about hanging it all up,” Burdus says. “I started with the two large pictures and worked around from there.”
The cabana is used by the entire family – especially the teenaged kids who spend hours out here when their friends come over. It provides a comfortable secluded spot to relax in. “The family uses it year-round,” says Burdus. “At night they watch the rugby and entertain friends – with the doors open and the fire pit outside the warm tones in the space make it very cosy.”
Burdus used the red tones from the rug to tie in with the red wallpaper, which she thinks gives the cabana the quintessential English cottage style that the homeowner wanted.
Burdus used the red tones from the rug to tie in with the red wallpaper, which she thinks gives the cabana the quintessential English cottage style that the homeowner wanted.
The armchair from Boyd Blue was reupholstered in a similar pattern to the rug, which provides a nice contrast to the other two sofas that the homeowners already had.
Cushion: Ruby Star Traders
Cushion: Ruby Star Traders
Burdus describes her style as classic meets bohemian. “I always use objects and items the client already has and add pieces with texture, history and warmth,” she says. “I love a combination of old and new to create spaces that people want to hang out in, that are beautiful without being precious.”
A lot of the artwork hung on the walls are from secondhand stores, including this vintage poster hanging behind the sofa. The homeowner bought it during a visit to Melbourne.
The wolf cushion seen on the sofa is quirky and cute, and brings to mind the shapeshifting potential of some of the magical characters featured throughout the Harry Potter novels.
The wolf cushion seen on the sofa is quirky and cute, and brings to mind the shapeshifting potential of some of the magical characters featured throughout the Harry Potter novels.
Outside on the blank wall, Burdus used an old harrows she found in country New South Wales as a coat and hat rack. It’s the perfect spot to add more character to, to create the homey feeling the homeowner was striving for.
TELL US
What do you like about this cosy cabana inspired by Hogwarts? Let us know in the Comments section.
TELL US
What do you like about this cosy cabana inspired by Hogwarts? Let us know in the Comments section.