A wide poinciana-lined street where children cycle from home to home to play with neighbours… That’s life in this idyllic pocket of Brisbane’s inner north, where Anna and Andrew and their children – Emily, 15, Henry, 13, and Sam, 11 – have put down their roots in this colonial-style Queenslander home.
The couple bought the two-storey, four-bedroom property on a sprawling 1050m2 block in 2007. Built in the late 1980s, the reproduction-colonial house was in good repair, and they could see its potential to evolve into the gracious family home they desired.
They soon enlisted interior designer and director of Highgate House, Leigh Boswell, who had collaborated on several of their previous houses, to create a classic, colonial-style family home that took a different approach to Queensland style.
A vintage chandelier and imported gold mirror serve as jewellery for the glamorous foyer. Antique console. Lamp, from Bloomingdales Lighting.
While the existing 550m2 footprint was maintained, significant changes were made to improve the flow and overall aesthetics. Like Queenslanders typical of the area, the main entrance, living spaces and bedrooms are on the first floor. To enhance the grandeur of the entrance, Leigh chose a black-and-white scheme with luxe crystal and gold accents. She then replaced the internal doors between the hall and communal areas with architraves to create a more open, welcoming feel.
An elegant Carrara marble fire surround gives the room gravitas. Generous drops of sheer linen at the windows diffuse the Queensland sunshine. The fire surround, sofa and rug were all custom-designed by Highgate House.
In this silver-themed space, the chair fabric sets the tone. Anna’s antiques take centrestage on the table and sideboard. A custom rug from Highgate House ties it all together.
At the front of the home, part of the wraparound verandah was reclaimed in order to expand the main bedroom’s ensuite and walk-in robe. The existing family bathroom was converted into a new study, and the laundry was relocated downstairs, replaced by a larger bathroom for the children to share.
The refurbished kitchen is lovely and light, with plenty of storage, prep space and room to mingle. Joinery throughout, by Wyer+Craw. Carrara marble and stainless-steel benchtops. ‘San Remo’ stools from Tecno Furniture, personalised with striped seats.
At the rear of this level, the kitchen was extended and treated to an upgrade. Finally, the verandah surrounding the family room was enclosed with retractable glass panels. “We practically live in the kitchen/family room,” says Anna. “With the glass panels open, it has a wonderful indoor-outdoor feel.”
CHILL-OUT ZONES
There are chill-out options galore in Anna and Andrew’s home. One of their favourite spaces is the upstairs family room at the rear of the house, near the kitchen and leading onto the verandah. Retractable glass panels on the north and south sides of the room can be opened and closed at the touch of a button, transforming the area into a quasi outdoor room. There’s also a custom-made sofa that seats the whole family.
Textural elements in soothing tones are perfect for the parents’ space. Villa Nova ‘Naples’ wallpaper, Marco Fabrics. For similar bedside lamp, try West Elm.
The ground floor, accessed via stairs at the end of the hall, was redeveloped to suit the family’s love of entertaining. Flowing seamlessly to the outdoors, it now includes a bar/dining area, second family room, guestroom, study and bathroom. Anna says this downstairs area is coming into its own as the children mature into teenagers.
The black-and-white palette is picked up in the bathroom with painterly Carrara marble floor tiles and a sparkling feature wall of Sicis glass mosaics, all from Elite Bathware & Tiles.
Leigh loved creating the glamorous spaces in this home, and admits that sourcing unique items was an exciting challenge. “We had lots of pieces custom made; others were imported,” she says. “It was important to find just the right touches to complement Anna’s antique furniture.”
There’s plenty of room for Sam (left) and Henry – plus all their friends – to hang out in the ground-floor entertaining zone. Built-in sofa by Highgate House.
Anna relaxes with Millie, the family’s beloved moodle. The table is antique. For similar wicker chairs, try Pottery Barn.
Anna and Andrew couldn’t be happier with the result and say the house is now exactly as they envisioned – a beautiful, inviting home that’s enjoyed by family and visitors alike.
