Queenslanders are packed full of original features, that deserve plenty of love and respect when renovating your home. Queenslander style houses provide great opportunities to value add to your home simply by respecting the original features that are loved by so many. We’ve asked Nicole Cox, also known as ‘The Builders Wife’ for some tips how to renovate a Queenslander whilst also respecting and preserving the original features.
SOURCE: HANNAH PUECHMARIN
VJ’s
VJ boards are common in most Queenslander homes. The character they bring is both timeless and sought after. When painting your VJ’s, take a tip from the experts and spend time prepping your walls before applying the paint. Gapping your VJ’s is the best way to show them the love and respect they deserve and will create a seamless finish once completed.
DECKS/VERANDAS
A favourite feature of Queenslanders are there decks and verandas. Quite often found with at least a front and back deck, these homes provide the perfect opportunity for year-round entertaining, with plenty of space to find the sun or hide from it, depending on the time of year. There is something ever so romantic about the beautiful decks and verandas typical on Queenslanders, they help to create their unique appearance. Sleep outs are another common Queenslander feature that offer the opportunity to close in for extra internal space.
SOURCE: HANNAH PUECHMARIN
INTERNAL FRETWORK
Most common in Queenslanders are the fretwork breezeway designs above doors. This style of home, was designed for maximum airflow during our hot Summers and the popular breezeways were a perfect example of this. Not just ornamental but useful as well.
HEIGHT
Queenslanders were built to capture the breeze, hence them being built on stumps, this presents a perfect opportunity to raise and build in underneath. For the modern growing family, this style of home can be the perfect blend between the traditional warmth and charm of an older home, and the space required for fitting everyone and their needs. Still on the height theme, the ceiling height within the home is a winning feature, again for circulation but also for the feel of the space.
SOURCE: HANNAH PUECHMARIN
COLOURS
Many of the original colours that were used in Queenslanders are still perfect for use today. Whites and creams will never go out of style and provide the blank canvas needed for you to really show your personality within your home. Modern soft greys and white also work exceptionally well in this style of home. With a little thought and planning the colour scheme can be one of the greatest assets in your home.
The romantic appearance of a Queenslander is one that many find hard to refuse. These stunning examples of our own State based architecture are a dream to live in and can be very rewarding as an investment.
‘Pen Y Llechwedd’ pictured above is currently for sale.
Nicole Cox
Blogger ‘The Builders Wife‘, Business Manager ‘Fernbrooke Homes‘ & Owner of ‘Pen Y Llechwedd‘
Busy mother of five, Nicole is a full-time blogger and business manager. ‘The Builders Wife’ blog is about her experiences renovating, and building dream homes, from a builders perspective, with a little bit of our crazy family life thrown in for good measure.
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