The renovation of this classic 1920’s Queenslander home demonstrates how a home can be modified to respond to modern needs of a young family of 4, whilst being sympathetic to the home’s origins. We met local businessman Matt and his wife Vali at the airport while grabbing that all neccessary pre-flight coffee. Matt struck up a conversation with us as an employee of his had been one of the electricians on The Black in Melbourne. A few months later, he reached out to us to design their full home renovation of their gorgeous 1927 Queenslander home.

The beauty of the job was its proximity to our own house, located in a semi-rural pocket near Currumbin. The area mostly comprised of acreage properties, with mature trees and grassy paddocks populated by cows and horses, all under 15 minutes to the beach – encapsulating the best of both worlds = heaven!

Matt and Vali had purchased the 1.4-acre (0.56ha) property in 2015 after years of living in a very modern home. It was love at first sight for them and their two young children, mainly because the two-storey Queenslander had the family feel they’d yearned for. They were surprised to learn that the house was originally built in the heritage area of Ipswich and relocated by the previous owners.

We were given the following brief: to renovate the interior in an architecturally sympathetic way. Often the integrity of these old buildings is lost during the update, so we were excited to show how this house could be transformed while celebrating its history.

Find below our resources guide for this classic Queenslander with a few of our favourite pieces that brought this project to life.

Dining

Natural light wasn’t in abundance in this house, so we added skylights to the kitchen and dining area.

Dining Table – ‘Parquetry’ Elm Dining Table

Dining Chairs – ‘Provincial’ Chairs from Village Stores

Pendant Lights – Vintage

Artwork – Kimmy Hogan

Floor Rug – Hypnose in Blue from Decorug

Paint colour – Resene Half Wan White

Entrance

Opposite the front door on the first floor is a nook for coat, bag and shoe storage.

Cabinetry – Polytec Ultra White

Cushion Fabric (built-in seat) – Stippled print from These Walls

Multi Hook – ‘Geo’ with antiqued brass finish from West Elm

Paint colour – Resene Half Wan White

Living

The living room has my heart. We worked with the moodiness of the house by opting for a rick, saturated wall colour that feels like a warm hug and allows the art to pop off the walls. I also love the floor-to-ceiling bookcase. My favourite aspect, though, is one I’m not responsible for – the beautiful stained-glass windows at the entry.

Sofa – Upholstered in Warwick Fabrics ‘Husk’ fabric in Steel from Molmic

Armchair – Upholstered in Warwick Fabrics ‘Axella’ Denim from Molmic

Side Table – ‘Ink Round‘ from Early Settler

Floor Lamp –  ‘Calais‘ in brass from Emac & Lawton

Artwork (pandanus and kangaroos) – Kara Rosenlund

Artwork (foliage) – Kimmy Hogan

Artwork (jar with nasturtium and jug) – Elizabeth Barnett

Wall Panelling – Easycraft VJ Panelling

Paint colour – Resene Wedgewood

Master Bedroom

Bedhead – Custom made by Heatherly Designs

Paint colour – Resene Wedgewood

Wall light – Pottery Barn

Art – Kara Rosenlund

Bed linen – I Love Linen

Bedside Table – Pottery Barn

Lamps – West Elm

Kids Bedroom 

Bed – ‘Willow’ from Fantastic Furniture

Quilt Cover – ‘Creature Features’ from Target

Bedside Table – ‘Elise’ from Provincial Home Living

Artwork – By the eight-year-old occupant works perfectly in this cool green space

Paint colour – Resene Spring Green

Bathroom

Basins – Abey Australia

Taps – Abey Australia

Floor Tiles – Burleigh Tiles

Bathroom

The bathroom is a family-friendly space where Murphy the mini labradoodle is also welcome!

Paint Colour – Resene Half Truffle

Bath – Abey

Basin – Abey

Floor Tiles – Burleigh Tiles

Towel – Nikau Store

Alfresco

Lush tropical surroundings are the drawcard here, so we utilised this with the openness of the verandah.

Sofas – Sonoma Sofas from GlobeWest

Coffee Table – GlobeWest

Dining Chairs – GlobeWest

Cushion Fabrics – 3Beaches

Pizza Oven – Zesti

Bar Table – Custom made

Bar Stools – Interiors Online

Deign and Styling: Cedar and Suede

Editorial Styling: Sarah Ellison for Australian Homes and Garden

Photographer: Mindi Cooke

Carlene xx

Below is a series of material boards which, we created for Easycraft, conceived to provide audiences with an expanded view of what can be created by simply granting yourself permission to play. A range of textures, colours and materials work together here to create 7 very different schemes designed to provide inspiration for the home interior.

Elegance

A saturated and versatile palette, elevated by brass metals and warm timbers. The use of rich navy creates elegance and calm, simultaneously. The flexible, adaptable profile, easygroove is the perfect starting point. Matching the elegance and impact of dramatic navy blue, with brass metal and rich timber, this statement style comes to life. If you live and breathe design, whether it’s for a new home or a creative renovation, welcome to your new comfort zone.

Panels
easygroove 150 – Easycraft

Veneer
easyveneer American Walnut – Easycraft

Paint
Madison – Resene

Tapware
Brushed Brass Spout – ABI Interiors

Carpet
Halcyon Lake

Wallpaper
Blue – Zepel Fabrics

Fabric
Velvet – Wortley
Blue – Zepel Fabrics

Stone
Breccia Nera – Artedomus

Tile
Biyusai – Artedomus
Mosaic – Fourefle Blue – Artedomus

Granite
Groove Tiles

Metal
Brass – Brodware

Authenticity

A grounding colour palette, with reference to the natural landscape. Celebrating our fragile earth – the rich forests to the barren red outback. This is a versatile palette for any space. Perennially popular, easyvj is comfortably at home in both traditional and contemporary interiors. It is the indispensable element that brings symmetry and calm. This design draws from nature– the cool multi-hued native forests to the rich reds of the outback. Time to explore!

Panels
easyvj 100 – Easycraft

Veneer
easyveneer Feature Blackbutt – Easycraft

Paint
Spanish Green – Resene

Carpet
Cavalier – Bremworth

Handle
Brass – Anthropologie

Fabric
Floral – Elba in Ember – James Dunlop Textiles
Woven – Wortley

Tile
Terracotta – Burleigh Tiles
Terrazzo – Surface Society

Granite
Groove Tiles

Leather
Made Measure

Rattan
Camberwell Cane

Brass
Brodware

Generosity

Luxurious, opulent and elevated by rich timbers, aged brass and tan leather. A palette perfect for a bold kitchen, bedroom or living room. Creating an exhilarating contrast with the texture and visual interest of our easyline profile, the atmospheric deep green, rich dark timbers, aged brass and tan leather present a provocative palette. This style is begging to be experimented with in a bold living room, bedroom or statement kitchen. 

Panels
easyline 150 – Easycraft

Veneer
easyveneer American Walnut – Easycraft

Paint
Half Forest Green – Resene

Mesh
Brass – Arrow Metal

Metal
Brass – ABI Interiors

Leather
Made Measure

Carpet
Halycon Lake

Tiles
Gloss – Three Balls Red
Matte – Antilia 18 – Artedomus
Mosaic – Yohen Border – Artedomus
Grey – Burleigh Tiles

Fabric
Dark Green Velvet – Wortley
Light Green Velvet – Wortley

Energetic

A topical colour palette that is spirited and fun. This is best used tonally, as an evolution from the ever-present blush pinks of recent years. Part of our Expression Series, it is the cornerstone of this exuberant, fun and feminine design scheme – only for those confident enough to be playful with colour. The colour palette is on trend, an evolution from the ever-present blush pinks. Best complemented by toning hues, this striking interior style is certain to stir the emotions and raise the spirits. 

Panels
Expression series Herringbone – Easycraft

Paint
Manhattan – Resene

Brick
PGH Bricks

Carpet
Cavalier – Bremworth

Metal
Rose Gold – Brodware

Wallpaper
Vinyl – Unique Fabrics

Stone
Calcutta Viola – Artedomus

Tiles
Terrazzo – Fibonacci Stone
Square – Mallorca – Surface Society
Pink Mosaic – Thermo Milky – Artedomus
Round Copper – ABI Interiors
Large right – Surface Society
Large left – National Tiles

Fabrics
Rattan – Camberwell Cane
Rust Woven – Zepel Fabrics
Cream Woven – Oasis in Snow – Warwick Fabric

Loyal

A timeless aesthetic that can be applied to any home. Experimenting with angles allows for further design expression. Confident yet calm – masculine and brooding. Our geometrically inspired Chevron profile is integral to the success of the design style. Another of our Expression Series, it is sleek yet endlessly intriguing. There’s a masculine energy to this smoky colour palette. Paired with leather, metal, stone and timber, this is a scheme that will bring interest and complexity to any interior. From inspiration to creation, dream to reality; take the journey.

Panels
Expression Series Chevron – Easycraft

Veneer
easyveneer American Walnut – Easycraft

Paint
Zeus – Resene

Carpet
Cavalier – Bremworth

Leather
Langham in Saddle – Thomas Maxwell

Iron
Brodware

Stone
Marble – Concordia Honed – Artedomus
Square – Noir Des Alpes – Artedomus
Right – Artetech Pietra Cardoso – Artedomus
Small Black – Quantum Quartz – WK Stone

Round Copper
ABI Interiors

Fabric
Plaid – Balfour in Schist – Unique Fabrics
Striped – York – Unique Fabrics
Velvet – Rubelli – South Pacific Fabrics

Grace

A calm and sophisticated palette that encourages natural materials to shine. Allowing for quiet expression – it is more than what meets the eye. The fine vertical lines of easyregency create a backdrop of graceful understatement. Pared down and perfect, at home in a traditional residence or in a modern one – enhancing a hallway, in a bedroom or dining room. It’s a virtuoso example of taste and style that allows natural materials like marble, terrazzo, granite and polished metal to shine. Fresh, light-hearted, sparkling and self-possessed.

Panels
easyregency 150 – Easycraft

Veneer
easyveneer American Oak – Easycraft

Paint
Half Seafog – Resene

Brick
PGH Bricks

Granite
Groove Tiles

Carpet
Cavalier – Bremworth

Tiles
Square Silver – Mallorca Tile – Surface Society
Square White – Mallorca Tile – Surface Society
Bluestone Mosaic – National Tiles
Small Marble Mosaic – Artedomus

Metals
Round Gunmetal – ABI Interiors
Polished Nickel – Brodware

Stone
Large Terrazzo – National Tiles

Wallpaper
Vinyl – Zepel Fabrics

Fabric
Linen – Sette  – South Pacific Fabrics

Drama

A decadent palette for the confident colour curator. Igniting the imagination through drama and modern mysticism. Vogue and easyAscot put a stamp of distinction wherever you choose to use them: especially in formal dining rooms, master suites and entryways. Infinitely elegant, this design style adds a touch of decadence and drama. Pairing violet with dark purple,  counterbalanced with the richness of polished marble, stone, leather, brass, and the warmth of timber. If you’re enthralled by daring design and open to possibilities, seize your
opportunity.

Panels
easyascot & ascot.vogue – Easycraft

Paint
Violet – Sonique – Resene
Dark Purple – Fedora – Resene

Tile
Large Tile – National Tiles

Tapware
Brushed Brass Tap – ABI Interiors

Leather
Made Measure

Stone
Square – Groove Tiles
Purple & White – Burleigh Tiles

Wallpaper
Carioca – Zepel Fabrics

Marble
Polished – Rosso Levanto – Surface Society

Timber
Royal Oak Floors

Carpet
Cavalier – Bremworth

Metal
Brushed Rose Gold – Brodware

Fabric
Velvet Fabric – Wortley

Get the look and download PDFs of all Style Guides here.

Styled and curated by Carlene – Cedar and Suede for Easycraft. 

Our sunshine in a van; our fresh spring air; our beloved Bumblebee. A joy to look at and even more to be in, we still get as many interior requests and questions regarding her as the day we completed her. Inspired by her sunny yellow interior, we keep things fresh with a neutral palette injecting vintage florals to pay homage to the vans heritage. With rattan and oak cabinetry throughout and little antique treasures, Bumblebee feels like the retro home you’ve always yearned.

Needing some more hints and tips on how to create your own BB? Watch here as we give you some space saving tips for for your own caravan living!

See below our resources guide from the paint colours, to the pendants and each itty bitty detail in between.

Overall Look and Feel

Exterior paint (yellow): Taubmans Sundial
Exterior paint (white):  Taubmans Big White
Interior paint (white): Taubmans Big White
Exterior decal: Advanced Signworks
Flooring: Godfrey Hirst “Spotted Gum” Vinyl Plank from DecoRug
Rattan Cabinetry: Ikea timber cabinet doors modified with rattan insert (you can now purchase rattan doors from Ikea)
Cabinet knobs: Kethy

Dining Nook

Woven Pendant: Beacon Lighting Byron Pendant
Bench Fabric (back rest): Hattie Daffodil from Warrick Fabrics
Bench Fabric (seat): Ambrosia Daffodil from Warrick Fabrics
Dining table: Resurfaced in Laminex Carrara Marble Laminate

Kitchen

Benchtop & splashback: Laminex Carrara Marble Laminate
Kitchen tapware: Direct import (Cedar and Suede)
Stove: Dometic
Fridge: Dometic
Sink: Ebay

Bed Corner

Bedspread: Linen House
Pillows: Adairs
Bed cushions: Adairs
Curtains: Montpellier Snow from Warwick Fabrics

Small Decor

Clock: Original
Vases: Vintage
Artwork: Etsy

I think that covers it but if not, please ask questions in the comments section below because no doubt others will have the same. To see more inspiration and images of our beloved van check out the blog post here.

Carlene xx

After choosing colours, materials, and all those fun things in a home renovation, selecting your home appliances can seem a bit dry. When choosing our own appliances for our recent renovation we’ve learnt that the functionality of these items plays a major role in our day to day life. We fit out our kitchen and laundry with a range of Electrolux appliances and including our oven, cooktop, rangehood, fridge and freezer, dishwasher and washer and dryer.

If you’re renovating for the first time, you’ll be surprised about how early in the process you need to choose your stovetop, oven, fridge etc. These items need to be accounted for in the electrical and plumbing rough-in which happens in the initial stages. You also need to make the decision early on about whether you want a gas or induction cooktop. It’s something I went back and forth over for a bit, but having had some experience with both, there is just something about being able to see and control the flame from a gas stove that I can’t go past. Hence why we went with the 90cm black gas cooktop.

In the appliance selection process, you need to ask yourself some key questions and really dig deep to determine the difference between how you think you’d like to live/cook/clean and how you actually function in your home. For example, you may love the classical look of a freestanding dual oven/stove but if you don’t like the idea of bending down to get your food out of the oven then you may need to consider a wall oven for the sake of practicality. Similarly, you may think the idea of a steamer sounds pretty good but if this isn’t typically your go-to cooking style it’s probably something you can eliminate in the selection process and potentially help keep you on budget.

When it comes to the fridge, it was important to Michael and I that we have something that provided us with ample room to negate the need for a separate fridge or freezer elsewhere in the house. We’re big eaters and we’re entertainers, which means at Christmas, Easter, and every other celebratory event happens at our house and as you can imagine, the fridge becomes very full very quickly with lots of food.  We got the 501L stainless steel refrigerator and 425L single door freezer that are finished off with a 70cm trim kit, integrating the two appliances into the cabinetry for a seamless finish. We can’t tell you how much we love the pace this combination provides!

To opt for integrated appliances or not is another thing you need to question in the design phase of your build or renovation. With our fridge, it was more important that we have an icemaker and plenty of internal space over having it concealed. Whereas, with our rangehood and dishwasher, we knew we wanted these items to be integrated to showcase the surface material of the joinery and feature tiles.

In the laundry, we incorporated the Electrolux 8kg Heat Pump Dryer alongside the 9kg Washer with Sensor Wash. If you can include your washer and dryer side by side, do it. It’s a much cleaner look than having them stacked. Living on the Gold Coast we don’t use our dryer frequently but simply owning one is actually a first for us and it’s come in very handy when I realise I’ve forgotten to wash the kids’ uniforms. Can you believe we’d gone 15 years without a dryer?! The washing machine, on the other hand, we run every day and on the weekends it does about 6 loads per day. I love that this washer has a ‘Pause’ option that allows you to throw in the pair of pants you always inevitably forget. Being able to throw in forgotten clothes is something the top loader will always have over the front loader washer, so I feel like this function is a bit of a bonus and one I utilise frequently.

Something I’m seeing people do of late is include 2 x dishwashers and 2 x washing machines in their home. It seems excessive at first thought, but after living in our space there have been multiple times when I wish I would have had 2 of both of these things. Granted, you’d need to have the space and budget for it but if you can justify it, it might be something to consider. A washing machine beside a washer/dryer combo actually sounds like a really good idea that I might jump on the next time we renovate, which I hope is in the far distance future. These renovators need a break!