PROJECT OVERVIEW
Renovation Rescue for Design Co client Bob Carpenter. Located in Nambour, 23 Aspland Street is an east-facing, two storey timber house on a sloped site. The home has been previously regarded as the ‘worst house in the best street’.
Whilst the property doesn’t fit the criteria for heritage protection, its location in Nambour is within a heritage precinct and can therefore be regarded as a ‘character home’. The design problem to solve for this project was to find creative solutions to ensure the clients requested coastal Hampton’s theme was incorporated, whilst simultaneously evidencing elements of pre 1915 styling in accordance with council regulations.
GROUND LEVEL
LEVEL ONE
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
Pre 1915 styling for the façade of this project took inspiration from the popular design elements of Victorian, Edwardian, and Colonial eras that were researched extensively prior to the project. Websites such as Woodworkers, Finlayson’s, Restoration Station, QLD Ceiling Panels, Wagga Iron, Dulux, Resene, Bradbury & Bradbury, William Morris, Polytech doors, Annandale, Brionne Hardware, Sun Valley Bronze, Brintons Rugs and Lighting Collective provided a great deal of inspiration when selecting material finishes, furnishings, and hardware.
Taking inspiration from Colonial architecture, a symmetrical approach was taken in styling the facade of this property. With the addition of an external carport, there was little need for the existing garage space on the lower floor. With plans for an expansive upper balcony, this additional driveway space was opportune for an entry porch that extends to the southern side of the property to complement the composition of the upper deck, creating a proportional frontage. To exaggerate this symmetrical entrance, landscape excavation was required to create an elevated deck with three grand entry steps to align with the front gable; a common feature in many Queenslander style homes. Large casement windows flank the centrally located entrance door to further accentuate symmetry and simple window hoods protect the north and south facing windows. The exterior is clad with modest weatherboards in a soft grey, while deep red corrugated iron roofing in a sensible gable style replaced the outdated roof sheeting. To soften the somewhat harsh angles of Colonial styles, Victorian and Edwardian style pedestal arches in a curvilinear design with gorgeous tulip fretwork adorn the facade. Further out, a stunning arbour is fringed with a white picket fence. The styling elements selected for the façade of this property address the general character of the neighborhood and has such, led to an improvement in streetscape for the client. The additional space that was created, as well as the new material selection and finishes have undoubtedly increased the investment value return.
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Careful consideration was taken when selecting paint colours, material finishes and furnishings for this renovation. Internally, there was more flexibility to incorporate Coastal Hamptons style as there is obviously no council demand to match the streetscape. However, to fit the scope of the project as requested by the client, it was still important to balance heritage and contemporary styling. Wall paneling immediately presented itself as the perfect design element to showcase this styling mix. As a common feature in Colonial, Victorian and Edwardian era’s, wall paneling is the quintessential statement of elegance, and the finish options are endless. To honour these heritage styles, the living and dining areas are decorated with wall paneling that is divided with a Woodworker’s dado rail. The contemporary Hamptons style is simultaneously achieved by a calming neutral palette of whites and greys, which form the visual base of interior and adds a soft level of contrast.
The kitchen modestly blends with its surroundings in the same tones and features a stunning island bench. This bench is host to a luxurious neolith sintered stone benchtop with detailed edge profiling, and a venetian bronze faucet as the perfect addition to maintain a timeless look. The neolith sintered stone was also selected for the kitchen splashback to provide continuity with the benchtop. I chose this finish in preference to tiles as a smooth surface was needed to relieve the textured panelling throughout the kitchen. Overhead three industrial style charcoal pendant lights hang from a Red Oak Glulam Panel, as a modern statement.
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The engineered oak flooring in wide planks gives a traditional and homely aesthetic, as well as a coastal feel which suits the scope of this project perfectly. To further the spaciousness that was achieved with the rear extension, high ceilings in a gable formation and expansive doors and casement windows work to flood the interior with light and enhance the white and bright colour tones. A selection of houseplants embellishes the living and dining space which helps to create a more coastal feel and a relaxed vibe.
In terms of furnishings, the dining and living areas display and elegant mix of classic and coastal styles. The round dining table was selected for not only for its coastal and rustic feel, but its ability to throw a round edginess into the strong vertical and horizontal lines that dominate the space. The living area hosts two plush large sofas in a white linen fabric with grey and deep orange cushions, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. A subtle grey and white rug sits underneath the sofas, with elements of inspiration from both Hamptons geometric patterning and Victorian damask styles. The fiddle leaf and blue artwork inject a much-needed splash of colour in a modest and appropriate way.
Moving into the main bedroom, viewers can appreciate an array of differing design styles. Tongue and groove wall paneling extends to meet the dado rail line, which was a common feature of most pre 1915 Queensland homes. This is contrasted beautifully with peacock and floral wallpaper, which came into popularity at the turn of the Edwardian era. The same wall skirting, dado rails and architraves that are used in the living and dining areas are seen in the main bedroom and work to insert a classical and romantic feel. Hamptons style side tables and oblong wall-mounted lights flank the bed which is covered in a variety of modest grey tones, while blush and green tones feature in the selected artwork, play further upon the Edwardian styling.
