We see inside of some stunning Queensland homes every single day (tough gig, we know!). The excitement never wanes when we come across beautifully designed living spaces to share with our readers – especially when it came time to begin rounding up these good-looking, inspiring interiors and designer spaces for our very first interior design digital mini mag!

Take a peek inside inspiring transformations by some of Queensland’s best interior designers, from renovated homes to gorgeous room reveals. There’s also a hit of international inspiration via world-renowned interior designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a stunning guesthouse conversion, and lots of superb and style-savvy ideas, products, and tips to help dictate your interior design direction and start creating that beautiful home of your dreams – one that suits your taste, your life, and your style.

QH Interiors Edition 1, 2018 is online and out now!

Here\’s just a sample of the interior design projects to discover …

You can view the QH Interiors digital mini mag now at interiors.queenslandhomes.com.au

The post Introducing the brand new QH Interiors digital mini mag first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Located 12 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, in the prestigious and leafy suburb of Gumdale, this abode was designed to offer a relaxed acreage lifestyle. The only thing missing was a  functionally designed kitchen and dining space that could serve as the contemporary and cool heart of this stylish family\’s home.

“Stopping this gem of a property from reaching its full potential was the original kitchen. It was small and dated and in no way catered for the client’s large family, which includes five adult children who all live at home,” says designer Darren James, of Darren James Interiors, who is behind the impressive transformation of the kitchen and dining zones.

The brief from the client was to think beyond the strange angles created by previous renovations in order to create an open, spacious and family-focused kitchen and a modern, edgy dining space which, 
most importantly, centred around family life.

Related article: A light and airy kitchen designed for family life
“Essentially they requested that we create a cool and hip space that brought urban edge to this city-adjacent acreage home,” says Darren. “The clients wanted us to create a space where they could all cook, eat, hang out and entertain in and where they could ultimately share daily life together.”
Central to the brief was to create a flowing connection between the new adjoining 
study, living spaces, and the entertaining 
area outside. Also on the wish list was a feature cellar for the clients’ extensive 
wine collection.
The use of timber and matte black accents provides a sleek backdrop to thoroughly contemporary designer features, such as the oversized pendant which hangs over the kitchen bench, feature strip light above the dining table and the zesty, fun pop of colour from the chairs at the oversized timber dining table. The long, custom-made bench seat offers plenty of casual seating for when guests are over or when someone wants a space to curl up and relax before or after meals.

This beautifully designed space is yet another triumphant result by Darren James Interiors. It’s chic, comfortable design and styling that places the kitchen front and centre as the 
real heart of this home.

Photography Steve Ryan, 
Rix Ryan Photography

The post Take a look at the contemporary cool of this kitchen/dining space first appeared on Queensland Homes.

“This entire project was constructed by myself and my team from Bioscapes Gold Coast,” says Noel of his stunning, natural abode. “The design is inspired by my deep passion for Balinese and tropical gardens, and the works of South East Asia\’s famous Landscape Architect and Designer, Made Wijaya.”

Noel has travelled several times to Bali over the years, garnering ideas and inspiration to bring home to his own haven, giving it a contemporary exotic style with a modern twist.

All of the products for the build and design were sourced from Australian suppliers, some which required manufacturing onsite, like the stone feature wall above the pool, the black granite statue plinths used as cladding and feature corner pieces, and the pool and spa steps which are all hand cut and honed. White limestone from Western Australia has been used for the paving surrounds – a crisp contrast to the glass bead interior of the pool with its slump glass pink Hibiscus feature motif.

The garden is home to four large hand-carved Balinese green stone statues (weighing almost one tonne each!) which not only provide a visual anchor but can be illuminated at night, giving the garden a beautiful zen-like glow after the sun goes down.

Related article: An exotic-inspired garden escape

While the creation of an interesting and colourful garden requires expert design and horticultural skills, Noel says there is also a stylist\’s eye required when adding the final artistic touches to any well-designed landscape. And this garden is a showcase of Noel’s own talent, as well as that of Danni Nicole of Biostyling, who has added her expert touch to the stunning styled spaces throughout the garden and by the pool. Biostyling is responsible for the modern, contemporary outdoor furniture and luxe accessories beckon one to linger a little longer, to kick back, relax and unwind – the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of this couple’s busy lives, in their very own home.

Noel has chosen some of his favourite pieces and accents for his own garden. “These are the elements that can take your garden to another level. The use of urns and statues in just the right position, for example, can bring an entire area to life and provide the perfect eye-catching frame for your design. I designed this garden to stimulate all your senses. We also planted some of my all-time favourite plants, including those with a nocturnal scent that keep their flowers at night, like the Heliconias, the ginger family, and the beautiful Star Jasmine.”

Noel had largely established palms craned in, their lush foliage creating filtered light and vital shaded areas, allowing the understorey planting pallet to broaden.

The Bioscapes team have certainly had a work in progress in creating this beautiful tropical garden, and it\’s one that this landscape designer is proud to call his own – a 20-year creation, with all the exotic charm of beautiful Bali, right at home here on the Gold Coast.

Phone Bioscapes on 0413 127 890 to discuss all the options for transforming your own garden into the tropical retreat of your dreams. Danni Nicole from Bio Styling can be contacted on 0412 760 660, info@biostyling.com.au

Photography: John Downs

The post A multi-award-winning Landscape Designer\’s very own tropical retreat first appeared on Queensland Homes.

The architectural design of this modern series of townhouses on a 760m2 block with an existing Queenslander on-site demanded real sensitivity. The architects, Refresh*Design, knew that the old and new needed to sit together with ease, blending the traditional elements of the Queenslander style with the contemporary edge of the townhouses.

Related article: Two homes sit side by side in Tarragindi, with very different personalities

To meet this demand, the existing dwelling was raised and relocated towards a high set timber house next-door to the east. This new setting allowed for a new townhouse to take root to the west, closer to a neighbouring three-storey unit block, which allowed the architects to borrow height from the unit block while reinterpreting the shape, proportion, and features of the existing house façade into their sleek, modern design.

A further three rear dwellings repeat this concept to form a set of ‘glued together’ houses. North and south façades are visually linked with a ribbon of folded metal sheeting, which forms the triple-gabled roof that extends down to bookend the east and west sides.

Each dwelling embraces sustainability through passive design principles. The living spaces extend into the landscape through the use of full-height bifold doors – they connect the inside and outside, opening up the compact living areas and ‘borrowing’ a sense of generous space from the outdoor vista.

An entry sequence to the three rear townhouses is accessed via a private external gate, with stairs that lead up to a beautifully landscaped yard and private terrace for each individual home.

Architect: Refresh*Design | Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones and Roger D’Souza

Follow Queensland Homes on Twitter, Facebook, Google+  and Pinterest. If you haven’t grabbed a copy yet you can get the digital edition now or the print copy in newsagents.

The post Habitat on Terrace first appeared on Queensland Homes.

The Reno Lads love heritage cottages and Queenslanders that are iconic to the Garden City. They typically buy project houses that fall under heritage conversation regulations, as the boys love maintaining the character of their homes (and so does the community). Their latest renovation is an original 1920s cottage that they’ve nicknamed Project Geoffrey, which they’ve transformed from the ground up in just over three months.

“This has been our biggest and most intense renovation to date,” Baden said. “It’s just like being on the TV show The Block – except there are no cameras and it’s certainly not as glamourous. We think it’s great to see TV shows finally showcasing how people can help preserve and renovate heritage buildings and bring them back to their former glory,” Baden said.

Related article: A renovated Queenslander with style and sophistication

The Reno Lads have literally rebuilt the house from the ground up to create a stunning home with all of the character that people love and want. Every room in the house has been reconfigured to maximise floor space and open up the home to take in the sprawling backyard.

“We love the older character homes with their 12-foot ceilings. It’s this character that people love and want with the added bonus of the modern layout of open plan living. We reconfigured the entire floorplan at Project Geoffrey by converting the old living room into a luxuriously oversized family bathroom, transformed the old kitchen into a family lounge and gutted the entire back of the house to create a sleek modern kitchen that opens out to a huge wrap around deck,” Baden said.

The Reno Lads have raised the bar (and their budget) and splashed out on some luxuries that aren’t typically found in Toowoomba’s renovations, including the marble mosaic fish scale tiles that feature in the kitchen and in the main bathroom.

Most importantly all of the renovations were carried out using the original footprint of the home – no additions to the original house were carried out. It shows The Reno Lads commitment to honouring the home’s heart and history while transforming it for the future.

“Each home we renovate has its own story. Project Geoffrey is no exception. It was previously owned by an older gentleman who had to go into care. It was lovely to have his son and family come and have a look last week and tell us they have been following us on our Facebook page. They were so happy to see how we had respectfully injected new life into the loved house they previously owned for over 50 years. We hope the next owners will enjoy #ProjectGeoffrey and have as many happy memories.”

Related article: Meet a grand old Queenslander in Ipswich with a tale to tell

Check out the before and after images below to see the full transformation! To find out more information and to check out the latest updates visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

The post An inspiring renovation in Toowoomba first appeared on Queensland Homes.

The gorgeous Crystal Crush collection from Stoned Crystals is a range of premium square trivets, circle trays and rectangular platters crafted from semi-precious stones including clear and smoky quartz, labradorite (right), sodalite and rose quartz.

The practical, functional and stylish collection meshes groundbreaking design with unusually unique colour spectrums to create conversation-starting decor pieces with good vibes for the home environment. Infused with style and energy, they’re truly statement pieces.

See more from Stoned Crystals and find out how you can inject some healing energy into your home with the beauty of crystals.

Related article: Styling with crystals at home and work

The post Good vibrations with Stoned Crystals decor pieces first appeared on Queensland Homes.

The original house was an honest, architecturally predictable, solid home, but made little concession to our sub-tropical climate. Outdoor living areas were non-existent, and the owners were forced to live indoors. The clients’ brief to architect Stewart Smith of Smith Architects was for more space, more light, and outdoor areas that flowed back and forth effortlessly between living spaces.

Excavation under the house created space for two garages, a cellar, and a mud room. Upstairs, the closed in porch was opened up to restore the original dynamic of the facade, and interior spaces were expanded to create the light-filled open plan areas incorporating a kitchen, dining and living room, a rumpus room for the children, two bedrooms, a bathroom and an office. But the star of this show is the way the light has been drawn into the home through timber doors which slide back to stack against the exterior walls, opening up the home to filtered sunlight and prevailing breezes.

The poolside terrace has an easterly aspect, and Stewart designed an overhang to protect it from the rain. With a series of vertical supports, it projects shadow lines onto the building, creating a textural effect which is reminiscent of the play of light on the original weatherboards. Deep eaves to the upper level also protect against sun and rain, allowing the windows to be left open even when the heavens open.

A void between the upstairs and downstairs areas brings the light from these windows to both areas, and horizontal timbers intersect the space at the same intervals as the vertical timbers outside.

Related article: A classic Queensland is renovated into a sleek family home

The upper level is home to the couple’s bedroom, ensuite and walk-in robe, plus a spare bedroom with its own ensuite. Separated from downstairs and serenely self-contained, it is still within easy reach of the children with a view through the void.

The renovation and extension of this house were carried out by L.A.K. Constructions, with Stewart having worked with Luke Kruberg on previous projects. “Luke takes the time to understand the design intent of each of my projects…the quality of his work excellent, but his commitment to producing a superior outcome for the clients is outstanding,” he says.

And if the heart of a home is its kitchen, then this home has a very big heart. Constructed by Maytain Cabinets, who also worked on all the bathrooms and ensuites, the kitchen echoes the sleek modern finish of the interiors with a splash of flash in the Smartstone Calacutta Blanco island bench, plenty of storage in the over counter cupboards and under the island and back counter, and a butler’s pantry complete with a pyrolytic oven, a combi steam oven, and an induction cooktop.

The collaboration between architect, builder, cabinet maker, and the owners has transformed this old home into a contemporary abode, with a distinctly Queensland edge. It now has everything this family needs – now and into the future.

Architect: Smith Architects | Builder: L.A.K Constructions | Photography: Black Bee Studio | Words: Margaret McGuire

The post The stunning architectural transformation of a pre-war home first appeared on Queensland Homes.

This Spring/Summer 2017 issue we have over 10 incredible homes to show you, all from a broad range of talented local interior designers, architects, and builders, as well as some exciting and inspirational real life build and design projects. And there\’s also the chance to get your Global Style fix and step inside the (seriously luxe!) London home of interior designer, Kelly Hoppen.

We\’ve also brought back our popular Lifestyle section, so there\’s plenty to keep you busy in the next few months, with foodie faves, art and crafts, recipes, and travel and adventure to discover across this great state of ours. Here’s a sneak peek at the Spring/Summer 2017 issue – be sure to grab your copy when it hits the shelves tomorrow!

There\’s all of this and so much more in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of Queensland Homes!

A digital version of the latest and past issues is also available via Zinio.com

The post Queensland Homes Spring/Summer 2017 issue sneak peek first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Australian brand Mulberry Threads Co. was founded in 2014 through a shared love of soft, natural textiles by sisters Claire and Kate and bestie Kira. As linen and homewares lovers, these ladies were over having to compromise on high quality and stylish design when choosing a product that was eco-friendly, organic or super comfy. So, what do you do? You create your own! Their bamboo sheets were a hit straight away, and since then they’ve been growing their range to include cot sheets, quilt covers, and bamboo towels.

Kira Sterling, one-third of Mulberry Threads Co., has listed all the benefits of sleeping with Bamboo to help us all achieve truly ‘Clean Sleeping.\’

Bamboo is thermo-regulating

Bamboo sheets keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Micro-sized holes of the bamboo fibre allow the fabric to breathe and regulate body temperature. These holes assist with insulation by keeping warm air between the body and the blanket.

It’s kind to sensitive skin

Bamboo is gentler than many man-made fibres and will not irritate the skin. The hypoallergenic properties of the bamboo are perfect for those with sensitivities and is a natural solution for those predisposed to skin irritations.

‘Clean’ sleeping – it’s a thing

Antibacterial textiles are made from bamboo fibres that are naturally resistant to bacteria, repels dust mites, mould, and mildew and allows for greater air flow.

Bamboo helps to repel bad odour

“Bamboo Kun” is a naturally occurring substance that is odour-resistant and allows for greater air flow (which in turn helps to repel body odour).

It’s also highly absorbent

Bamboo is an extremely resilient and durable fibre. When compared to cotton and polyester, it has stronger wicking properties and moisture absorption (approximately 60% more absorbent than cotton).

And did we mention, bamboo sheets are really super soft?

Made from 100% organic bamboo and designed with a sateen weave to create a smooth, luxe texture. The sheets are as soft as your baby’s skin!

Best of all, bamboo is environmentally friendly

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth and requires little to no water to grow meaning it is a renewable resource and is not harming the environment. What’s more the bamboo used to make Mulberry Threads fabric is not the species consumed by Pandas for food.

Check out the range of beautiful bamboo beddings from Mulberry Threads Co. below, and get on your way to creating your own ‘Clean Sleeping’ bedroom haven.

The post Clean sleeping tips from Mulberry Threads Co. first appeared on Queensland Homes.

The home is being redesigned in stages. With the lower living area now complete, the interior designers are moving on to phase two: the upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms.

As one of Queensland’s best kitchen designers, it\’s little wonder that Darren James Interiors has given the home’s kitchen such a remarkable makeover. It’s all class, with Laminam Bianco Statuario Venato Soft Touch ceramic slabs from Ace Stone + Tiles for the island cladding, splashback and benchtops. A Pitt cooktop is built into the Laminam benchtop, with an automated 2-pac \’Pearl White’ satin finish on the fronts.

The kitchen boasts luxe additions, including custom folded metal powder-coated handles on all the automotive 2-pac fronts and a custom Walnut profile handle on the solid timber fronts. Another nice touch is the disconnected solid Walnut timber servery bench on the island and an electronic lift up liquor cabinet with solid walnut internals. A sculptural Lumen8 H Series pendant light perfectly complements the space.

Related article: A trendy Woolstore apartment by Darren James Interiors

In the living zones, the designers have removed the existing timber floors, replacing it with large tiles for a more contemporary feel. The lounge room has been decorated with a rug from Halcyon Lake, cushions from Jardan and Coco Mojo, and a Canvas + Sasson throw. The Grasshopper lamp by Gubi and tray table by Hay were sourced from Cult. A second, smaller sitting room boasts a coffee table from Boyd Blue, cowhide rug and charcoal linen sheer and blackout blinds.

The dining space is equally stylish. “We refurbished the existing solid timber dining table, which has been re-sanded and stained in a warmer colour to lessen its red mahogany characteristic,” explains Darren. A feature pendant from Rakumba Lighting completes the room.

Darren James Interiors has also transformed the laundry and reworked a powder room, which features large wall tiles to offset the chic Issy by Zuster Ballerina vanity and Butterfly mirror from Reece. Classic towels by Missoni finish off the designer look.

Photography: Steve Ryan, Rix Ryan Photography

The post A new contemporary interior transforms this Bulimba home first appeared on Queensland Homes.

With grand four-metre ceiling heights, this old house in Brisbane already offered plenty of high style, but a bespoke new kitchen would bring it into a modern new era.

Style Kitchens by Design were brought in to transform the home’s existing living room and surrounding areas into an urbanised kitchen space.

A sensitive design was needed to seamlessly integrate the old with the new. A custom designed stainless steel range hood canopy and solid timber bench top mix with ease with the home\’s original brickwork, while the old fireplace is now the perfect home to the new V-Zug oven. Open feature shelves with rustic wood grain are in perfect contrast to the sleek, matte black 2pac cabinets, while the new bi-fold windows blend the zones.

Style Kitchens by Design gave special consideration to the kitchen’s lighting, with mainly LEDS used throughout. The woven pendant light adds a punchy style statement.

This new kitchen has all the cool combos one could ask for in a modern kitchen design, without ever losing touch with its heritage charm.

Creating your dream bathroom or kitchen is easy with our comprehensive directory of bathroom and kitchen designers and specialists.

The post Bespoke kitchen design gives this old home new life first appeared on Queensland Homes.

Obsessed with plants? So are we, it seems as though everywhere we look greenery is being embraced, and we are loving it!

If you’re just starting to introduce plants into your home, or just in need of some fresh ways to display your gorgeous greens get excited, we’ve put together a list of our favourite pots and planters. They will freshen up and add instant personality to your space. Choose from ceiling hangers, geometric printed pots or weaved baskets.

Note, this post comes with a word of warning: Once you start decorating your home with plants you won’t stop!

Terracotta

Terracotta is back in a big way, so dust off those old pots in the backyard and move them indoors, the more rustic they are the better!

Hang it

Keep it simple with neutral colours an organic textures. These Saturn planters by Ivy Muse feature hand-stitched leather detailing and powder coated steel rings.

Basket beauties

Add a touch of bohemian luxe to your space with weaved baskets – simple, inexpensive and stylish!

Toa Heftiba

Desert tones

We adore these handmade hanging Concrete Planters by Fox & Ramona, the desert colour palette works perfectly when featured in a monochrome abode.

Wall of wonder

Daring Flowers create custom made vertical gardens, perfect for herbs, succulents and ground covers! Pop one in the kitchen, or if you live in an apartment, on the wall outside. They will bring instant green to your surroundings.

Contemporary cool

Kate Moss Studio has designed uber-cool plant pouches that are geometric in shape and bold in colour, ideal for your bathroom or kitchen countertop.

Love to layer

Get creative with these fab pots from Milk + Sugar. Use three of more, and be sure to play with scale and colour for maximum effect.

Gold but never gaudy

Add a sense of glamour by mixing your greens with gold. Get the look with this hanging flowerpot available at iDecorate.

Sculptured statements

Have a space to fill? Make a statement with Capra Designs\’ high impact pots and planters!

Make it pop

These gorgeous Graphico bowls are hand-made in Mexico and make the perfect planters for all colour-loving decorators.

The post 10 fresh ways to display plants in the home first appeared on Queensland Homes.