Tips for Renovating Queenslanders
Renovating a Queenslander-style home can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
These iconic homes are known for their unique architectural features and rich history, and renovating one can breathe new life into an old property while preserving its charm and character. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind when renovating a Queenslander-style home.
1. Respect the home's heritage
Queenslander-style homes are an iconic part of Australia's architectural history, so it's important to respect their heritage when renovating. This means preserving as many of the original features as possible, such as ornate timber detailing, high ceilings, and VJ walls. If you need to replace or repair any of these features, make sure you use materials that are consistent with the home's era and style.
2. Open up the living spaces
One of the hallmarks of Queenslander-style homes is their airy, open-plan design. To enhance this feature, consider removing any non-structural walls that divide up the living spaces. This will create a more modern, spacious feel while still retaining the home's character. Be sure to consult a structural engineer before removing any walls to ensure the structural integrity of the house is maintained.
3. Embrace natural light
Queenslander-style homes are known for their abundance of natural light, so make sure to maximise this feature during your renovation. Consider adding skylights or roof windows to bring in more light, or install larger windows or French doors to connect the indoor and outdoor living spaces. This will not only make your home feel brighter and more open, but it will also help reduce energy consumption.
4. Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most frequently used rooms in a house, so it's important to make sure they are functional and up to date. In a Queenslander-style home, these rooms can be quite small, so consider using clever design tricks to make the most of the space. For example, install shelving or cabinets that extend up to the ceiling, or use a pedestal sink to free up floor space.
5. Extend the outdoor living spaces
Queenslander-style homes are known for their expansive verandahs and outdoor living areas, so make sure to maximise these spaces during your renovation. Consider adding a deck or outdoor kitchen, or even extending the verandah to create more space for outdoor entertaining. By enhancing the outdoor living areas, you'll be able to fully embrace the Queensland lifestyle and enjoy the beautiful weather year-round.
6. Choose the right materials
When renovating a Queenslander-style home, it's important to choose the right materials to ensure a cohesive look and feel. Consider using traditional materials such as timber, brick, and weatherboard, and stick to a colour palette that complements the home's character. You may also want to consider using sustainable materials to reduce your environmental impact and create a more energy-efficient home.
In conclusion, renovating a Queenslander-style home can be a rewarding experience that allows you to modernise the property while preserving its unique character and history. By respecting the home's heritage, maximising natural light and outdoor living spaces, and choosing the right materials, you can create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable home that will stand the test of time.
Need some help? Interiors By Maz offers a full renovation project service. We help plan, design, budget, select finishes and decorate. Book a discovery call today.
