Vincent Sheppard’s latest collection of indoor and outdoor furniture offers a blend of modern allure and exceptional functionality. The 2024 range from the Belgian brand, available in Australia exclusively through Cotswold, merges classic lines with innovative elegance, ensuring style and durability, inside and out at home.

Inspired by modern leisure, the luxurious Lento collection, meticulously crafted by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly, combines natural teak wood, tactile polypropylene rope, and plush cushions to create an ambience of relaxed luxury. The sturdy teak legs and intricately woven rope backs add refinement to this effortlessly chic design, embodying “refined simplicity” and timeless sophistication.

The Kodo collection by studio segers stands out as another must-have from Vincent Sheppard, offering versatility with modular options. Combining ceramic, aluminum, and rope, the Kodo collection features weather-resistant materials for stylish and functional pieces. Soft curves and rounded backs create a warm atmosphere suitable for any indoor or outdoor space, with studio segers’ commitment to design emphasising quality, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Exemplifying Scandinavian elegance, the Frida range features exquisite teak legs and meticulously handwoven rope seats. Lightweight yet durable, these chairs blend impeccable design with unparalleled functionality, catering to those who value both style and craftsmanship.  

For sleek and stackable seating options, consider the Freya dining chairs. With robust wooden legs and gracefully curved backrests, they exude timeless sophistication, enhanced by wide teak slats.

Your home deserves the most exquisite and captivating furniture pieces to enhance its beauty and create a welcoming atmosphere. Visit the Cotswold Furniture showroom at 8 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, to experience Vincent Sheppard’s elegance firsthand. Or explore the extensive collection online for inspiration and to find the perfect pieces for your space. 

The post Modern living, inside and out with Vincent Sheppard and Cotswold first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Coming home is an absolute joy for the owners of this freshly renovated abode. The family of four now enjoys the comfortable elegance and effortless flow of their hilltop haven in Brisbane’s riverside suburb of Hamilton.

It was a personal recommendation that put them in touch with luxury interior design firm Highgate House. Director Leigh Boswell immediately saw the home’s beauty and potential. “With an abundance of natural light, generously proportioned spaces and a great connection to the outdoor areas we instantly knew we could achieve a light and airy feel” she notes.

With a keen understanding of the owners’ brief, Leigh and Interior Designer Ashlee Consoli were enlisted for a concept-to-completion update of two out of the three storeys, taking care of everything from renovation to soft furnishings and window treatments. The design would encompass the very best of the location and existing structure, finessing this to create a home that embraces its residents. “We strived to create a fresh, well-connected, elegant and functional home,” says Leigh. Job well and truly done, we say.

The first level is classic, inviting and serene, with hints of blue adding a subtle softness. Whether it’s deep indigo, as used in the high-backed chairs in the study, or delicate powder blues artfully dotted in each room. The use of blue is offset with white and natural timber, illuminated by swathes of natural light.

A combination of exclusively imported furniture and custom upholstery paired with Hand-painted lithographs above the living room sofa pair effortlessly with the soft furnishings (the peacock cushions being a personal favourite). While the gorgeous timber pieces add a touch of modern charm.

And, speaking of modern charm, the subtle colour palette of the powder room by Highgate House is a nod to the classical elements within the home and is offset by the use of a more contemporary floor tile. “We can’t go past the fabulous trailing floral wallpaper in the powder room, or its pretty blue ceiling!” says Leigh.

Downstairs, the home’s entry level would take on an entirely different aesthetic, again in line with what best suited the existing architecture. “This area was essentially a large space with a relatively low ceiling, lacking in personality” explains Leigh. The ideal place for a billiards and bar room, where a much darker colour palette takes centre stage imparting a masculine feel underpinned by a subtle sense of luxury. “Its transformation was quite outstanding,” she says. And we’re inclined to agree.

Parquetry flooring is a sophisticated foil for the deep-hued walls, while bespoke cabinetry is lit from within. The space has been meticulously planned to ensure entertaining is a dream for both larger get-togethers and more intimate gatherings. Cocktails, anyone?!

Words: Natasha Pavez / Photography: Elouise Van Riet-Gray

The post An interior design home remodel with classic charm first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Welcome to a sumptuous urban retreat, floating above one of Brisbane’s liveliest streetscapes. Designed by renowned interior design firm Darren James Interiors, this stunning South Bank apartment offers breathtaking city views and combines functionality with an aesthetic to create a luxe, layered and utterly alluring space.

As you step through the door, you’re immediately greeted by an artful fusion of comfort and deliciously decadent design. Every detail has been carefully considered — with softly rounded profiles, plush textures, and a curated palette conspiring to reflect the vibrant surroundings while evoking a sense of inner-city opulence.

The team behind this transformation from ‘off the plan’ to sky-high haven is led by award-winning husband and wife duo Darren James and Elissa Greer. The pair worked closely with their client to create a personal refuge of calm and sleek sophistication.

“After years of hard work and lusting over high-end furnishings, our client engaged us to bring their visions to life,” says Elissa. “Being a busy surgeon, he wished for a warm and inviting sanctuary to escape and enjoy days off.” With a love of nature and travel, the client didn’t shy away from a little colour either, requesting richly organic tones to enhance the interior environment.

The property started with a typically confined inner-city apartment layout. However, with carefully considered spatial planning, Darren James Interiors has transformed the open-plan living area, incorporating ample functionality for lounging, dining and entertaining.

This area now serves as the focal point of the home with a sleekly curvaceous sofa inviting you to sink into its plush depths. The adjacent bookcase in the dining room is filled with books, plants, personal photos, and styling pieces to inject individuality and personality into the space.

The master bedroom is designed to be a sanctuary of tranquillity amidst the bustling city streets outside. Luxurious linens, soft lighting, moody wallpaper, and carefully selected accents create an oasis of calm, a perfect zen zone for unwinding after a long day.

The contemporary interior design by Darren James Interiors seamlessly integrates into the building’s architecture, with a fluid transition from the outside world to a cosy, modern home. The apartment embraces the cityscape through large windows that frame the views and allow ample natural light, connecting the interior space with the outside world — a thoroughly urban edge from which the design team took their cues. 

“One of the key challenges in re-designing the apartment’s interiors was achieving the perfect balance between warmth and minimalism,” says Elissa. “We’ve achieved this balance by carefully selecting materials, colours, and furnishings. The result is a space that feels inviting and cosy while still maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic.”

Darren James Interiors has created a home their client can be proud to welcome family and friends into, with a focus on high-end furnishings layered with softly sculptural forms and personal touches. Every detail has been meticulously thought out, from the artwork on the walls to the placement of accessories on shelves, ensuring each element contributes to the overall aesthetic.

The residence now feels like home, an urban gem that perfectly balances comfort and style with all the exuberance and energy of modern inner-city living.

Words: Natalie Bannister / Photography: Brock Beazley

The post A contemporary and chic apartment designed for stylish city living first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Di Henshall, Design Director of Di Henshall Interior Design, explains this home’s appeal succinctly: “It has an organic, welcoming feel,” she says. It’s luxurious, definitely, but there’s a sense of nature lingering in every space, whether that’s through honeyed timber accents or splashes of green (or greenery) dotted artfully throughout the home.

But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves — instead, let’s go back to the beginning, when the owners contracted the Di Henshall Interior Design team, including interior designers Rebecca Eggelton and Jaye Murtagh, to transform their new home’s decor with the studio’s signature style.

Built by Costa Homes, the incredible four-bedroom property, complete with a guest house and entertainment pavilion, is nestled on a cliffside with sweeping coastal views, surrounded by classic Sunshine Coast verdure.

Tasked with selecting all finishes, cabinetry and appliances, both inside and out, the Di Henshall Interior Design team worked closely with the owners to conjure the home of their dreams. As a young professional couple with children, they wanted a space that was as practical as it was beautiful, echoing the landscape outside in the smallest details.

“There was a clear brief to include colours, textures and finishes that harmonised with the natural landscape,” says Di. “Both clients were instrumental in the design choices and direction, which made it a very collaborative, inclusive project to work on.”

The overall concept celebrates natural elements, with timber, stone and slate the heroes of the piece. As you enter, for example, you’re greeted by a curving staircase, with warm lighting under each step gently coaxing you up into the family quarters on the second floor. There’s also a view to the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows, a hint at the visual connections to come. The aesthetic concept ties the home together with a harmonious thread, stitching the interiors and exteriors almost seamlessly. But each room is its own star — or, as Di phrases it, “every room has its own personality and surprise factor.” Despite being open plan, it’s easy to see where each distinct room is, and how each selection is deliberate for that particular space. 

Take the media room by Di Henshall Interior Design. It, too, uses timber and slate as accents, but in deliciously moody tones. A deep-emerald modular sofa nods to the greenery outside, while lighting sets the mood for whatever blockbuster’s on screen. Lighting plays a starring role in the home at large; the Di Henshall team worked closely with Electronic Living, who designed and installed all lighting and AV equipment. “I wanted to make sure that the lighting plan — a major feature of the overall design solution — enhanced the other features in the house,” says Di. And it certainly does; whether it’s lighting up the bar in the entertainment pavilion outside or guiding you back along the outdoor paths to the main home, it’s carefully chosen and so beautifully integrated, you’d be forgiven for overlooking it at first.

Each room captures a feature of the natural environment in its practical elements — rippled bathroom tiles are evocative of the ocean views, pendant lights in the bedroom curve like lilies, and soft furnishings pair white with green (we love the living room rug and softly rounded dining table, both custom Di Henshall designs). Even the kitchen backsplash and the dining area feature wall celebrate nature with their organic leaf motifs. It’s effortlessly beautiful, like nature itself. You’re invited to be at home, but without lifting a finger.

“The whole home exudes energy and love,” says Di. “A love of nature, family, and the environment in which it was built.”

Words: Natasha Pavez / Photography: John Downs

The post Fresh and contemporary interior design for a modern home on the Sunshine Coast first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Wendy Neilson, owner and director of Xavier Furniture, is taking us on a tour through a project close to her heart — it is, after all, her own home! When she and her husband Des (also a director of Xavier Furniture) moved into their apartment in the HIA-awarded Botanica Residences, Wendy knew she would delight in selecting furniture and furnishings to maximise the features and space with clever Xavier design choices.

“We wanted to make the most of the views facing the Maroochy River and the ocean,” Wendy explains. “That was one of the most important considerations for how we’d use the spaces and where we’d place furniture so we could all enjoy the stunning views.”

Naturally, Wendy looked to Xavier Furniture’s collection to create the overall look, selecting beloved pieces that would, together, evoke a feeling of colonial Singapore. “I love Singapore and its wonderful history,” she says, citing that iconic 20th-century black-and-white style. “So many items in our collection were perfect for the look we wanted to achieve.”

The styling is bold, and evocative of vast 1920s Singaporean bungalows. Drawing on her design expertise, Wendy has taken hallmarks of this theme and adjusted them to suit the living spaces — tiled floors, for example, take on a new life thanks to the Winton House black-and-white plaid rug in the living room, echoed in the Amsterdam sofa chairs upholstered in a striking monochrome stripe. Swathes of light dancing across each room mean that all of the elements sing. 

There’s also a sense of that old British style tucked into the space courtesy of the mahogany Mayflower desk from Xavier Furniture, but modernised (and brightened) with rattan inset panels, a texture which repeats with the rattan side table. You also feel as though the Singaporean landscape has made its way into the home, with vibrant bursts of green adding a natural touch in each room — the Spencer sofa, upholstered in that luscious emerald hue, oozes comfort to be enjoyed at the end of a long day. 

Words: Natasha Pavez / Photography: John Downs

The post Step inside the beautiful apartment home of Wendy Neilson from Xavier Furniture first appeared on Queensland Homes.

For a young family who loves to cook and entertain, any home renovation was destined to have a dash of restaurant luxe. In this case, it’s a big serve of boutique hotel style thanks to a wall-to-wall update by Studio James Interiors.

Set on a hectare overlooking Brisbane bushland, the home’s scale is generous, to say the least. The 600 sqm+ internal floor plan comprises six bedrooms and five bathrooms (including the Pool House) plus plenty of spacious living, dining and lounging spaces and entertaining zones. Its grand proportions were crying out for the interiors to match.

Cue David James, director of boutique Brisbane-based interior design studio Studio James Interiors, who was handed the brief for a ‘visually impressive and luxurious home’ with a relatively free rein. “Initially, I was engaged for furnishings/decorations, but as the scale of the project increased, so did my scope,” says the designer, who collaborated with Milan Acimovic, director of luxury home builder Construct Right, on the project. “The home was presented as a blank canvas, leading to our overall concept of modern, Australian resort living presented in a masculine and luxurious way.”

Cinematic moments start at the threshold, where an epic staircase unfurls like a ribbon of tempered chocolate — perfectly expressing the home’s heady blend of form and function.

“The size of the home demanded a statement entry,” says David. “We selected a two-way fireplace, adding drama and visually segmenting the lobby from the front living space. The staircase to the bedrooms was envisioned as a sculptural element to welcome guests.” A statement stone wall accentuates the ceiling height and balances the family’s enormous television (even keen entertainers cherish a cosy night in).

On the functional side, the home needed to meet the rigours of daily life and double as a party pad. “The main practical brief was to integrate the living spaces with the bushland views and to create a vast entertainers’ paradise,” says David.

“The owners had already chosen the appliances before the kitchen design was completed!” The high-performance hub was repositioned to the back of the property to maximise those views. It’s another wow moment, with 2pac cabinetry colour-matched to the Miele appliances, contrasting dark timber joinery, and a 3.7-metre island bench clad in durable and beautiful Blanc Borghini porcelain slabs. Dreamscape Landscape from Melbourne-based artist Claire Kirkup softens the scene with a joyful bolt of colour.

Tucked away behind custom joinery, a full caterer’s kitchen seems to complete the picture. But then you spot the teppanyaki bar: with Gaggenau grills, a bronze range, and a full wet bar in glorious green Maximum Verde Alpi porcelain from Artedomus. Bon appetit!

Convivial gatherings now converge around the island or bar, spill out to the refurbished swimming pool, or flow into the neighbouring dining room where custom pendants from lumen8 hover over a 12-seat walnut dining table by Christopher Blank. There’s also a cosy sitting room overlooking the pool. All in all, the seating count totals 35 in this spectacular open-plan space (akin to a small restaurant). Need a nightcap? Head to the whisky room.

Upstairs, the bedrooms and bathrooms take cues from luxury hotel design with soft integrated light, plush carpeting, premium linens, and underfloor heating. The master suite and guest bedroom were reconfigured for better flow, with the “overly large” family bathroom split to deliver a proper guest suite.

For David and his team, the home’s scale and natural setting underscore the design. “The most challenging part was the property’s sheer size and creating a consistent thread to connect the spaces while giving character to individual zones,” he says. In response, bronze accents, consistent cabinetry, and porcelain-look stone establish visual continuity with bespoke lighting, feature tiles, and tactile soft furnishings delivering unique moods. “From the bushland backdrop emerged a sophisticated palette that weaves shades of lush greens, warm sennas, and rich browns,” David adds. “This colour scheme is the cornerstone, grounding the design in harmony with its surroundings and creating an abode where nature’s beauty and modern luxury meet.”

David’s preference for Australian-made design and small-batch manufacturing shines in every room, with art selections from Studio Gallery Brisbane creating a perfectly curated whole. “The detail and care shown by smaller businesses align with my own design process,” he notes. When it comes to the designer’s ‘favourites’, he leans towards the luxury inclusions that make this home so special. “I love the steam shower,” he admits. “A teppanyaki bar is also a stand-out feature for a residential space.”

We hear both are already in high rotation. 

Words: Nicole Double / Photography: Mindi Cooke

The post A grand family home in Brisbane designed for art, entertaining and luxury first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Brisbane-based studio Design & Co has mastered the art of collaboration, working closely with local artisan cabinetmakers Facoory Cabinetry to transform ordinary residences into stunning showcases of bespoke design. Spaces that demonstrate a seamless integration of functionality and style.

The Rivergum House project presented Design & Co with the opportunity to create a light, minimalistic ambience for a family home. The challenge was to refine the internal layout and enhance the flow between adjoining rooms. Grainne Devlin, Creative Director at Design & Co, worked alongside Senior Interior Designer Jocelyn Baxter to develop a fresh new design for the kitchen, dining, and bar zones.

The kitchen design focused on catering to the clients’ love of entertaining and the desire for a space where the entire family could gather during holiday seasons. “The new kitchen had to be a bright and airy family space,” says Grainne. But there was a non-negotiable inherent in the brief.

“We couldn’t move the existing plumbing to the original island, so we had to find a solution that created a new island in that same space,” the designer explains. “The end result is a glorious large square island bench, which we worked closely with Facoory Cabinetry to perfect.” Wrapped in timber and stone, it’s the showpiece of the new kitchen, creating easy movement and an informal family meeting point.

As with many projects, it’s those finer details that make a difference day to day. In this case, it’s the sleek custom-routed handles to the pantry door and the utilisation of the Blum Servo Drive in the bin drawer, eliminating the need for handles or shadow lines and ensuring effortless functionality. The little things, right?

Thanks to the reconfigured spaces, your focus now flows naturally from the kitchen to the dining zone where upholstered bench seating, designed by Design & Co and crafted by Facoory Cabinetry, creates a highly social hub for family and guests to enjoy.

“I just love the whole kitchen and dining space,” says Gem Walker, co-owner of Facoory Cabinetry alongside her husband, Shane.“It is such a lovely space to sit and dine or just mingle, with its long bench seating beckoning you to settle in and relax.” Gem also notes the neighbouring cocktail bar as a standout. “Design & Co has created such a gorgeous moody area for the bar: my favourite space in the project,” she says. The aesthetic is certainly beguiling, with a bronze splashback mirror, striking dark brushed brass hardware from Momo Handles, and a Kate Spade light. The cherry on top? A playful Mallow lounge chair from Great Dane Furniture (itself a collab between Danish brand Labofa and Stockholm’s Note Design Studio). Inspired by a plush pile of marshmallows, it invites you to linger longer.

The space holds hidden practicality too: an integrated Point Pod that rises from the bar benchtop as required, perhaps to drive a blender (margaritas anyone?) or charge a phone.

The bar area seamlessly connects to a large home theatre for footy afternoons and movie nights, with direct access to a spacious entertainer’s deck. All in all, it’s a perfectly curated and generous setting for both family relaxation and parties.

For another example of this symbiotic relationship, we travel to inner-city Brisbane and the Coronation Residences. The project here involved a guest bathroom redesign and renovation in an urban pied-à-terre apartment. Design & Co once again collaborated with Facoory Cabinetry to fulfil the clients’ desire for a WOW bathroom with lots of storage.

Despite the constraints of the apartment’s layout, including an absence of natural light, Design & Co managed to create a sense of spaciousness through the use of large format 1200 x 600 porcelain tiles. The bathroom now exudes elegance and functionality, with carefully crafted storage solutions provided by Facoory Cabinetry and a custom marble light sourced by Grainne from America.

Since its establishment in 2015, Design & Co has been dedicated to facilitating seamless collaborations between cabinet makers, builders, and their clients. The studio has grown into a thriving hub for designs that transcend residential and boutique commercial spaces. What sets them apart? Their close partnerships with experienced cabinet makers like Facoory Cabinetry, a family business established in 1970 with the third generation coming through, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each project.

“They share our values: going above and beyond for clients and their requirements,” says Grainne. “As these two gorgeous homes show, it’s collaborations like these that enable us to customise beautiful, bespoke living spaces that are well designed and genuinely unique, with a touch of the unexpected.”

By bringing together design finesse, specialist know-how, and meticulous attention to detail from both sides, perfect projects are born. These beautiful, liveable spaces demonstrate the remarkable synergy between contemporary design and artisan craftsmanship.

Words: Natalie Bannister / Photography: Busted Media

The post Get inspired by these two beautiful home renovations that showcase great design first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Designed to be a contemporary yet welcoming and intimate sanctuary for its residents, Sonnenhaus is ingeniously built on an unusually shaped site, utilising every inch of space to create a dynamic, light-filled home that merges comfort and class.

John Contoleon from John Contoleon Architecture, the mastermind behind the design, shares his insights, “Taking advantage of the northern aspect, capturing light and breezes, the plan hugs the boundary to surround a central courtyard, the gathering space for family and friends and the heart of the home. Large openings and continuation of materials beyond the internal boundaries blur the lines between inside and outside, creating one large outdoor living room.”

While Sonnenhaus embraces openness and connection with nature, it also offers privacy and separation when needed.  Through the strategic use of screens and concrete walls, the interior spaces remain shielded from prying eyes while still offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Brought to life by Kasso Constructions, the design takes into account the narrow street frontage, harmoniously integrating with the surroundings and sympathetic to the neighbourhood’s mix of post-war and newly built homes.

A considered palette of materials underpins the allure. “Formed concrete, face brickwork, travertine, timber and natural stone were chosen for their durability, tactile qualities, and rawness,” says John. “With the ability to last generations and age gracefully, these low-maintenance materials fit the family’s long-term aspirations for Sonnenhaus.”

John Contoleon Architecture also incorporated sustainable principles to minimise energy consumption and ensure a comfortable living environment throughout the year. Given its location in the subtropics, the home’s single-room-thick plan and large openings allow living spaces to catch the breeze, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.

Deep concrete overhangs provide direct solar access during winter and shade during summer, further optimising energy efficiency. The clever use of timber screening not only ensures privacy but also acts as a double facade, along with the stone-ballasted roof and gardens, to reduce heat load while providing softness and interest.

When it came to selecting furniture and styling the interiors, the residents of Sonnenhaus turned to Studio James Interiors for their expertise. Collaborating with renowned furniture supplier Living Edge, Studio James Interiors curated an indoor/outdoor design to enhance the home’s unique textural elements.

Interior designer David James shares their plan, saying, “For us, it was about choosing pieces that would respond to and complement the stunning modern architecture of John Contoleon. An earthy mid-century approach was taken to the selection of furnishings from Living Edge, which responded to the textural elements and curved concrete features throughout the home. Iconic mid-century pieces such as the Noguchi coffee table and Eames Lounge have been mixed with more contemporary pieces such as the Extremis Hopper table outside for a timeless feel.”

With three energetic children, practical considerations also played a crucial role in the interior design. The family stressed they wanted the furniture to be comfortable and approachable so guests felt at home. The selection of materials focused on durability and ease of maintenance, with wipeable materials such as timber, leather, and metal.

“Everything passed the sit test with flying colours!” says David, who singles out the EOSS x Herman Miller Crosshatch lounge chairs (uniquely crafted with parachute cords!). “They are a favourite of mine as they sit perfectly in a space that blends interior and exterior architecture.”

The home’s public spaces were all relatively neutral; however, in the more private areas on the first level, the clients requested more colour to be used. For the primary suite, for example, a specific brief was given for a feeling of a beach holiday in the suburbs.

“We achieved this with a beautiful feature wall, a custom print from Australian artist Georgie Wilson, oak furniture, and beautifully casual linens. Wall-to-wall linen sheer curtaining was also selected to soften the space,” says David.

The design also took into account the family’s desire for bedrooms to be adaptable. Each child was given the opportunity to choose their own paint colours, creating a sense of ownership and personalisation in their individual spaces.

David explains, “The children’s briefs started with pink, purple, and lime green; I then built a scheme around the core colour to reflect each child’s personality. Despite the bold colour, the critical furniture items were all neutral, allowing the spaces to grow with the child.”

In the vast open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen area, the selections from Living Edge take centre stage. Iconic pieces including Walter Knoll’s Prime Time sofa and Tadeo dining table anchor the interior and create a visual harmony between architecture and decor. This thoughtful curation enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, ensuring that Sonnenhaus remains a stylish and inviting home for years to come. Setting a benchmark for high-end design and innovative functionality, it’s a masterful blend of design and comfort — an exceptional residence that is not only visually stunning but also perfectly suited for modern family life.

Words: Natalie Bannister / Photography: Brock Beazley

The post This contemporary family home showcases the best in modern architecture and iconic furniture pieces first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Established by Tamzyn Adding, an artist with a background in celebrity fashion styling with a passion for injecting colour into people’s lives, Miss Lolo began life in New Zealand in 2013, and within a short period the brand gained national recognition and a dedicated social media following. Now, after relocating to Brisbane in late 2023, Tamzyn aims to bring her unique vision to design-savvy Australians and into Queensland homes.

Miss Lolo specialises in maximalist wall coverings that demand attention. From traditional wallpapers to convenient Peel + Stick options and even waterproof coverings, their range caters to diverse design preferences. Whether you’re looking for contemporary art or a bold statement piece, Miss Lolo’s wall coverings are sure to transform any space into a vibrant work of art.

Traditional Wallpaper

For those who appreciate the timeless elegance of traditional wallpaper, Miss Lolo offers a wide selection of designs. From floral motifs to geometric patterns, their wallpapers add depth and character to any room. With their commitment to quality, Miss Lolo ensures that their wallpapers are not only visually stunning but also durable and long-lasting.

Peel + Stick Convenience

For a hassle-free and versatile option, Miss Lolo’s Peel + Stick wall coverings are a game-changer. With their easy application and removal process, you can experiment with different designs and update your space whenever inspiration strikes. Whether you’re renting or simply enjoy change, Peel + Stick is the perfect choice for adding a pop of color to your walls.

Waterproof Wall Coverings

Miss Lolo also offers waterproof wall coverings, ideal for spaces that require extra protection against moisture. These durable and waterproof options are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or any area where spills and splashes are common. With Miss Lolo’s waterproof wall coverings, you can enjoy vibrant and stylish designs without compromising on functionality.

Explore Miss Lolo‘s wide range of wall coverings at www.misslolo.com and bring a burst of colour into your home. Whether you’re seeking contemporary art or a statement piece, Miss Lolo’s designs are sure to inspire and delight.

The post Meet Miss Lolo: Transforming Homes with Vibrant Wall Coverings first appeared on Queensland Homes.

As we embrace Springtime here in Queensland, it’s time to ditch the dark gloomy winter feeling and inject colour, texture, and life into your space. We talked to design mavens, Tara Dehbozorgi and Laure Bebbington from Brisbane interior design studio, Residence Studio, to find out their top tips for injecting some Spring-inspired style at home!

“At first glance, it can be extremely daunting to change your home, but we have made that easier by putting together a list of our favourite ways to update our homes for Spring,” they tell us. Read on for more of their expert insights!

LOSE THE LAYERS

“Spring is the time for a deep clean and delayering to add a new freshness to your home. Less is absolutely more, so take away the winter blankets, spring clean your wardrobes and do the odd jobs that don’t spark joy during winter. Once done, these changes can make a home feel completely transformed, light and glorious. We like to take it one step further and clear a space once the layers are gone – light some Palo Santo, walk around your home and set your intentions for the new season.”

CHANGE UP YOUR BEDDING TO LINEN

“There is nothing quite like the feeling of fresh crisp sheets and nothing says spring quite like linen. Linens are a great way to cool down in Spring not only physically, but aesthetically too. Using cooler tonal colours for your bedding is a great way to transition from winter to spring.

Don’t be afraid to mix colours especially colours with cooler muted tones such as the lemons, soft apricots, mint, baby pink and so forth as they work back nicely together whilst creating a softer palette to make you feel cooler as the temperature gets warmer. Pinstripes and patterns are also a good option if you want to add a bit of depth to the space.”

UPDATE YOUR COLOUR PALETTE

“Lightening the colour palette in your home’s main areas to a fresher more neutral palette can transform a space and it can be as simple as updating your cushion colours, adding a beautiful feature marble tray or investing in some new coffee table books. It doesn’t have to be daunting and mean changing larger items such as sofas or rugs, small changes can take you from a gloomy winter into a sunny spring.

If you are struggling with which direction to go, opt for neutral tones as a base. Think crisp white and linens, mix up the textures then add in your favourite springtime colours of the season. We currently are lusting over vibrant spring colours such as mint, greens and citrus colours.

If you want to take it one step further, adding sheer curtains, mirrors and changing art can also make the space feel bigger than it is and double the amount of light you currently have – a great way to lighten up darker corners!”

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

“If you have a large open plan living and dining area, opening all the curtains and doors to have the connection with the outside can improve your mood, reduce stress and make you feel calmer and more relaxed. If your space can’t be opened up, add a stack of pots and plants to a corner of the room to bring the outside in. We always opt for real plants however if you don’t have a green thumb there are so many faux options that look like the real thing. We recommend doing your homework and trying to find the best-looking faux options out there as they can look completely different from those online.

We love adding in florals for Spring – Florals for spring? Ground-breaking! Think citrus and floral scents as opposed to the more spicy and warm scents of winter. We love large-scale feature florals for a dining table or kitchen bench, also consider adding lemons and limes to a bowl to make your space feel fresh.

Also, think of bringing in a beautiful bunch of colourful flowers to your coffee table – colourful poppies are a seasonal spring floral and are the perfect addition to your interior.”

ADD YOUR FAVOURITE BEATS

Straight after florals and greenery, we love to add in music. Sound can be just as important as scent and can absolutely add to your home’s interiors, it can make it feel like an escape, and it can be calming or more upbeat for entertaining.

Gone are the days of unsightly-looking speakers, they have been replaced with minimal, sleek and contemporary options that act as a feature like a sound bar or if you prefer, use a concealed option that can be controlled by your phone. It can be such a useful addition to your home space!”

See more of the stunning homes and interiors that make up the Residence Studio portfolio at www.residencestudio.com.au

The post Top 5 makeover ideas that are perfect for Spring season style at home first appeared on Queensland Homes.

With their love of classic Cape Cod architecture, it’s no wonder the owners of this freshly updated Gold Coast address were instantly smitten. After two decades living in Asia and America, the couple had been searching for an Australian home base when the expansive property (designed by BGD Architects) caught their eye in 2021. A quick trip from San Francisco later, and they were ready to unpack their surfboard collection in the coastal suburb of Southport — but not before refreshing the interiors to create a more personal haven for their busy family of five.

Enter design-build studio Darren James Interiors, whose signature brand of relaxed custom luxury struck an immediate chord with their returning clients (husband-and-wife team Darren James and Elissa Greer had worked for the family on their Gold Coast holiday home over a decade ago). And the brief? Reimagining several key areas while paying homage to the original house, and enhancing family life through creative and considered design.

Because the Cape-inspired property already stopped traffic from the outside, finding a beautiful balance inside was key. A light touch here, a deft hand there. Darren and Elissa worked closely with the owners on a raft of elegant updates underpinned by a whisper-soft palette.

The most dramatic evolution reveals itself in the basement garage (also the home’s most-used entry point). Previously a cavernous box with space for six cars, it was ready for reinvention. “We transformed a cold concrete jungle into a functional and inviting entry that feels like an extension of the home,” says Darren of the space that now includes a full gym and laundry and plenty of storage. “Materials were chosen to suit the rest of the home (light timbers, bright whites, nickel hardware, and traditional profiles), ensuring that cohesive look and feel.”

One of the storage solutions presented a fun little challenge for the team. “As the clients are avid surfers with a collection of 20+ surfboards and paddleboards, this part of the design was crucial,” says Darren of the cool custom racking. “We played a kind of surfboard jigsaw when laying out the racking and deciding on each board’s position!” 

Bringing the garage into the style fold extended to a new mudroom: a design gem that makes the most of an unused stair landing. “The custom joinery includes integrated bench seating, concealed storage, basket nooks, and wall hooks: crafting a space for the family to make organised chaos,” notes Darren. “We picked out the beautiful Elkhorn wallpaper by Louise Jones in ‘Stone’ from Style Revolutionary which adds lovely character.”

Upstairs, the heart of the home also revels in a fresh style update. Here, the team looked to create a more traditional, light, and airy kitchen zone and scullery complemented by new Gaggenau and Liebherr appliances. The only caveat? Retaining the beautiful American oak floors that had been lovingly stained and lime-washed in situ by the previous owners. Whitewashed oak, nickel highlights, porcelain benchtops, and handmade Moroccan Zellige tiles bring subtle texture to the delicate palette of creamy whites and serene grey/blues. The soft two-tone joinery finish (Porters Paints ‘Mist’ and ‘Popcorn’) was inspired by the owners’ east-coast style leanings.

The bespoke cabinet profile, a collaboration with Farmers Doors, is a gorgeous focal point: oak lattice fronting glimmering cathedral glass. “The unique details really set the kitchen apart,” notes Darren. “With the custom joinery doors, nickel and brass capped feet on the island, the Restoration Hardware nickel handles, and pendant lights imported from the US. It all sings together to create a timeless kitchen, with depth, practicality, and personality at its core.” 

Over in the neighbouring open-plan family room, a full-height wall blocking views to the backyard was first on the team’s hit list. “The design solution we landed on was to drop the wall to half height, creating a great visual connection through to the outdoors,” says Darren. “This simple change really opened up the space without having to touch the  floors.” Joinery and oak accents carry through, with a new built-in wall unit offering plenty of storage to tuck away TV and AV equipment, open shelves to display treasures, and niches to stash extra cushions and blankets.  

While the home’s most dramatic makeover plays out in the garage, and the kitchen and living areas are pure delight, the ‘sports room’ has become a favourite with the owners. With its vaulted ceilings and exposed rafters, the space was already stunning. So, the team set about creating a sense of warmth and extra functionality while celebrating its grand proportions. “This part of the home was influenced by the couple’s 14 years in Asia,” explains Darren. “A tropical plantation style was used as inspiration, crafting space for the artworks and artefacts collected overseas over the years.”

A glass and brass mobile-style pendant sourced from America sets the tone while a new full-wall joinery unit in whitewashed oak and Porters Paints ‘Rubble’ delivers plenty of storage and prep space. Safe to say, weekends now orbit around the large pool table or spill straight out to the pool area. For cosy afternoons in, the room’s television is cleverly concealed in a custom joinery feature – thanks to an Ultralift Titan mechanism, the benchtop folds open, and the television rises as needed!

Bringing the home’s soft-luxury aesthetic together are beautiful new window coverings throughout. “We selected a sheer linen-blend from Unique Fabrics and included a combination of sheers and block-outs for the upstairs bedrooms and romans for the smaller louvered windows,” says Darren. “The double pinch-pleat heading delivers a classic, more formal look.” 

Getting the balance right was crucial in this home. And by enlisting an experienced design team like Darren James Interiors ready to listen as well as lead, the owners hit that sweet spot — an inspired custom design channelling their favourite style. Having pressed pause on global roaming, the family can now enjoy a new life by the sea.

Words: Nicole Deuble / Photography: Brock Beazley

The post Cape Cod-inspired interior design for a luxurious Gold Coast home first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Few of us would be brave enough to take on a new build as we approached retirement, but for the owner of this Sherwood home, it wouldn’t just be a new build: it would be a design that was conscious of both the environment and its occupant.

“Our client David was after an environmentally sustainable and passive new home with some very specific goals,” explains Dion, principal architect of dion seminara architecture. “It had to be highly energy efficient, while also cost-effective, functional and comfortable.”

For music-loving maths professor David, the design needed to tick every box and include his preference for simple and airy interior spaces. Sustainable living, the first item on the must-have list, has been well and truly achieved — so much so, in fact, that the design has been awarded an energy star rating of 8.7 out of 10 on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).

Here, elements of eco-conscious living pair seamlessly with bespoke retirement-friendly design. Dion was determined to create a home that perfectly married both concepts, while also guiding his client through myriad design choices.

Every aspect and square metre was carefully considered. As a new build, the design would, firstly, take advantage of its block. David’s dream was to generate more energy for the house than it consumes: a north-facing pitched roof, for example, draws in that beaming Queensland sunshine, converting it into power thanks to 52 solar panels (with room for more if David wishes in the future). Thanks to the home’s position, the light gently filtering through is rarely from the west — dion seminara architecture chose to limit the western exposure wherever possible, meaning the interior climate is comfortable in all seasons. Even the block, enviably flat, has been subtly altered to ensure sufficient drainage. “The entire design includes elements to maximise positives and eliminate negatives,” says Dion of the whole-site approach.

And, it’s not simply in the overall look of the home, its angles or placement — it’s evident in the products used throughout. COLORBOND Coolmax keeps the roof solar reflective, perfect for harnessing more solar power while also reducing the home’s overall heat load with its high thermal emittance. Ceilings are vaulted, insulation is of the best quality, double-glazed windows are placed high, and sliding doors control the division of spaces to regulate temperature. This means air conditioning is rarely needed; however, it’s there, smartly ducted into zones to only cool or warm areas as needed. But it’s an exceptionally energy-efficient home: during winter, Dion tells us, his client was comfortably inside at 17 degrees, while a 3-degree chill lingered outside. “During construction,” he continues, “the builder and contractors were amazed at the thermal comfort on a hot summer’s day.”

The four-bedroom home is open-plan and single-level to ensure ease of movement; it’s also sleek but unfussy, warmly inviting thanks to a natural palette and pops of soft colour. While large enough to host visiting family and grandchildren, it’s also perfect for one. A special indulgence is a TV lift mechanism incorporated into the built-in dining table at David’s request. “It provides flexibility but is also a cool feature,” notes Dion.

It’s apparent the team has more than harnessed both form and function: the home was awarded the ArCH International Design Excellence Award for Residential Architecture Design in 2020, but, more importantly, David is ecstatic with his new forever home.

“This project proves that high-performance home design doesn’t need fancy innovative elements, but focused sustainable and passive design principles,” says Dion. “Everyone deserves a home that’s comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing, without breaking the bank.”

Words: Natasha Pavez / Photography: Darren Kerr & Marc Cranitch

The post Sustainable design and eco-friendly architecture is at the forefront of this award-winning home. first appeared on Queensland Homes.