There’s something about a Queenslander house that evokes a particularly Australian lifestyle. We’re picturing morning cups of coffee on the shaded verandah and nights spent listening to the rain tap-tap-tapping on the iconic corrugated iron roofing. All you need to complete the image is an old rocking chair.
Hailing from the Sunshine State and incorporating Victorian, Colonial, Federation and Ashgrovian aesthetics, Queenslander houses continue to be a popular design choice for Australians due to their cottage-style charm and relaxed appeal. But what exactly defines a home as a Queenslander?
What makes a house a Queenslander?
Queenslander houses are known for their big, breezy verandahs – typically part-enclosed to make the most of indoor/outdoor living – as well as timber walls, corrugated roofs, central staircases and decorative features. They were originally designed for a sub-tropical climate, primarily built of timber and elevated above-ground to allow air to flow underneath for increased ventilation.
Today, modern interpretations and reproductions of this classic style can be found widespread across the country.
Why are Queenslander houses on stilts?
The architectural characteristics of the Queenslander were designed to respond to the tropical climate in northern parts of Australia. The stilts serve three key purposes; they help to moderate the temperature by facilitating airflow underneath the house, and they protect homes against both flooding and pest infestation.
Here, we’ve rounded up our most-loved Queenslander homes.
Our all-time favourite Queenslanders
A black and white beauty
Carefully undoing layers of mismatched finishes from bygone eras, this classic Queenslander’s original beauty now shines through in a classic black and white scheme, delivered by Dulux Vivid White with trims in Dulux Domino Black.
A reimagined workers cottage
The heritage architectural features of this 120-year-old workers cottage made Queensland interior designer Jordan Cash weak at the knees when she first viewed the property. “We fell in love with its quintessential Queenslander charm,” says Jordan. In fact, the facade had such an impact that when she and her husband Dion bought it, they made honouring the heritage of the home an important part of the renovation they undertook to revive it.
A unique twist on the classic
This light-filled home in inner Brisbane has all the hallmarks of a Queenslander – but not as you know it. It was designed for an empty-nester couple whose brief to architects Vokes and Peters was that the home not only respond to its rather idyllic site, but that its spaces be tailored to accommodate their extensive art collection.
The art-filled heritage retreat
The elevated position of this heritage-listed Queenslander offers views to the horizon and a sense of privacy from the street below. Inside, an enviable collection of art adorns the space, injecting the white-walled rooms with pops of energy.
The Montville dream home
This Queenslander home in Lake Baroon was transformed into the perfect guesthouse featuring stark dark timber floors paired with striking white walls and ceilings.
A contemporary family pad
The modern renovation of this five-bedroom, two storey traditional Queenslander involved a large new addition to accomodate the lives and work of chef Katrina Meynink and her husband Tom. Cleverly grafted onto the original structure, the home retains its north-easterly aspect and beautiful through-breeze.
The left-of-centre delight
One Brisbane couple’s desire for an “interesting” home developed into a dramatically different take on the traditional Queenslander. Unpretentious yet undeniably special, the house ensures a relaxed lifestyle for its owners, without ignoring its post-war roots.
A resort-style family property
This idyllic six-bedroom Queenslander has been transformed into a resort-style family home with all the trimmings.
The modern Hamptons haven
Keeping its Queenslander soul intact, this light-filled abode was transformed from Federation fixer-upper to modern Hamptons haven with a new kitchen and living spaces, while retaining the original architectural features.
The white-walled wonder
This charming Queenslander in Bundaberg was given an all-white revamp that amplifies the natural light throughout.
The refreshed workers cottage
This former worker’s cottage in Brisbane’s West End was given a monochromatic refresh that has transformed it into a dreamy holiday home.
The ‘Grand Old Lady’
In this historical Queenslander home, nicknamed the ‘Grand Old Lady’ by its owners, timber was used liberally to add warmth against all-white walls and ceilings to great effect.
The light-filled family cottage
DIY wunderkind Geneva Vanderzeil of Collective Gen transformed her dilapidated 1871 worker’s cottage into the perfect family home.
A stately and sophisticated sanctuary
This grand Queenslander in Brisbane has been extended to include a two-level rear extension with new living areas, bedrooms, an office and gym.
The polished diamond
This classic Queenslander was given a clever renovation and extension that included painting the exterior weatherboards a dreamy shade of grey.
The respectful transformation
The Block’s Michael and Carlene Duffy injected ample amounts of colour throughout this relocated heritage Queenslander home, transforming it into a contemporary abode.
The relocated family retreat
A love for the Northern Rivers of NSW evolved into a mission to relocate and renovate a classic Queenslander for a Northern Beaches Sydney couple and their family.
The antique-filled abode
Nestled in Bangalow, this traditional Queenslander home features an all-white interior that’s peppered with handcrafted pieces.
The cool colonial quarters
Weatherboards and striking architraves are staples of traditional Queenslander homes, adding an irresistible character to these homes, as can be seen in this traditional Queenslander home.
The upside-down house
A modern renovation and reconfiguration has quite literally turned this Brisbane Queenslander on its head, for all the right reasons.
The bold and colourful charmer
This untouched 1917 Queenslander provided the perfect canvas for a pair of serial renovators to create a comfortable family home full of personality and charm.
The timeless coastal abode
This 1920s Queenslander has been refreshed with Hamptons style and a laidback coastal vibe while retaining its original charm.
The glamorous entertainer
Embracing its natural surrounds and heritage charm, this Colonial-style Queenslander has been transformed into a glamourous entertainer for owners Anna, Andrew and their three kids.
The indoor-outdoor retreat
The contemporary addition to this original home bears all the hallmarks of a classic Queenslander house while improving the flow of living areas and maximising space.
An interior designer’s colourful home
Interior and textile designer Anna Spiro transformed her own 1880s-era open-plan timber Queenslander with pops of bold colour and pattern.
A slick contemporary renovation
An architect and an interior designer have transformed this urban Queenslander cottage into something truly special.
A quirky and romantic house
French doors, leadlight windows, high ceilings and fretwork only add to the romance of this classic Queenslander house.