Queensland Houzz: A Cute Cottage Awash With Colour and Pattern
Bold colour, quirky prints and an abundance of art transformed this 1920s cottage into an inviting and relaxing gem
The owner of this home had travelled extensively during her training as a doctor. When it came time to buy her first house and settle down, she chose to return to her home town of Toowoomba, Queensland. She quickly fell in love with this three-bedroom 1920s cottage and turned to local interior designers Elizabeth Flekser and Melanie Parker of Ivy + Piper to help her make it feel like home. “After so many moves she wanted a cosy, comfortable and joyous space to relax in and host friends, but mostly a place that felt like a reflection of her,” says Flekser.
“The cottage had generic finishes, including a basic white laminate kitchen, and lacked warmth and personality,” says Parker. “The owner has quite classic taste but loves colour, so we wanted to create a beautiful, classic home that highlighted all the cottage’s wonderful original features, with a colourful twist.” Here’s how they went about it.
“The cottage had generic finishes, including a basic white laminate kitchen, and lacked warmth and personality,” says Parker. “The owner has quite classic taste but loves colour, so we wanted to create a beautiful, classic home that highlighted all the cottage’s wonderful original features, with a colourful twist.” Here’s how they went about it.
Floor plan before works.
“Our brief was to bring this home to life,” says Flekser. “Our client has a vibrant personality and wanted a home to match.
“The cottage had beautiful original features, which is what had initially drawn her to the house. We wanted to amplify these and add in some more traditional elements to really round out the cottage vibe,” she says.
“She wanted the space to feel elegant, vibrant and comfortable and to reflect her personality. Her home is her sanctuary and the interior design needed to maximise that feeling,” adds Parker.
“Our brief was to bring this home to life,” says Flekser. “Our client has a vibrant personality and wanted a home to match.
“The cottage had beautiful original features, which is what had initially drawn her to the house. We wanted to amplify these and add in some more traditional elements to really round out the cottage vibe,” she says.
“She wanted the space to feel elegant, vibrant and comfortable and to reflect her personality. Her home is her sanctuary and the interior design needed to maximise that feeling,” adds Parker.
Floor plan after works.
“The client didn’t want to completely renovate the kitchen as the basic white kitchen was perfectly functional as it was,” says Flekser. “Instead, we focused on decorating the rooms and maximising the functionality and beauty throughout, while gently updating the kitchen and existing bathroom to keep construction costs down.
“The redesign was rolled out in stages. Later down the track, she invited us back in to convert the sunroom into a new main ensuite and wardrobe, decorate the nursery and renovate the front garden. It has been an evolving project as her home has adapted with each stage of the client’s life,” she says.
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“The client didn’t want to completely renovate the kitchen as the basic white kitchen was perfectly functional as it was,” says Flekser. “Instead, we focused on decorating the rooms and maximising the functionality and beauty throughout, while gently updating the kitchen and existing bathroom to keep construction costs down.
“The redesign was rolled out in stages. Later down the track, she invited us back in to convert the sunroom into a new main ensuite and wardrobe, decorate the nursery and renovate the front garden. It has been an evolving project as her home has adapted with each stage of the client’s life,” she says.
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Sitting area off the kitchen and dining room. The client’s existing cane chairs were reupholstered in a fabric to tone in with the new banquette seat upholstery (Batik fabric: Westbury Textiles).
To create a cosy spot to sit, relax and entertain, the designers added a comfortable banquette seat upholstered in a vibrant blue-and-white print in the sitting area at the rear of the house.
“The owner and her friends and family love using this spot, whether it’s for book club, morning coffees or sundown drinks. There’s no TV here, so there is plenty of opportunity for conversation,” says Parker.
“Being the casual sitting area off the kitchen and dining zone, we knew it would be well-used so it needed to be comfortable and functional for socialising but also full of personality. It’s the client’s favourite place to sit, read and ponder the day ahead,” she says.
To create a cosy spot to sit, relax and entertain, the designers added a comfortable banquette seat upholstered in a vibrant blue-and-white print in the sitting area at the rear of the house.
“The owner and her friends and family love using this spot, whether it’s for book club, morning coffees or sundown drinks. There’s no TV here, so there is plenty of opportunity for conversation,” says Parker.
“Being the casual sitting area off the kitchen and dining zone, we knew it would be well-used so it needed to be comfortable and functional for socialising but also full of personality. It’s the client’s favourite place to sit, read and ponder the day ahead,” she says.
When the owner bought the property, the walls throughout were painted white. Beautiful original detailing, such as the timber fretwork in the hallway, was among the features that drew the owner to this cottage – features both she and the designers were keen to celebrate.
The kitchen was given a simple and affordable refresh with a new Persian rug on the floor, a display of blue-and-white ginger jars and a custom valance in an embroidered fabric with a bamboo blind at the window (see next image). The home’s original blue stove, which both the owner and designers adore, retains pride of place in the cooking space.
To enhance kitchen storage and bring in some character, the designers added overhead cabinets with French-style glass doors.
Successfully combining colour and pattern, as the designers have done here, takes careful consideration. “When using colour and pattern we always balance it with some grounding elements like texture, timber or solid pieces,” says Flekser. “In this home, the majority of the rooms are painted a fresh white, which helps give the textiles space to shine.
“Using pattern in unexpected places, such as the plaid on the bathroom floor and wallpaper in the powder room, are also fun and interesting ways to make an impact,” she says.
“Using pattern in unexpected places, such as the plaid on the bathroom floor and wallpaper in the powder room, are also fun and interesting ways to make an impact,” she says.
Chandelier: Magnolia Interiors; Great Jones curtain fabric in Raspberry: Diane Bergeron.
“The client’s favourite colour is blue, so we have used blue and navy as consistent threads throughout the house, while incorporating lots of patterns and other colours so it doesn’t feel like a ‘blue and white’ house,” says Parker.
“The client’s favourite colour is blue, so we have used blue and navy as consistent threads throughout the house, while incorporating lots of patterns and other colours so it doesn’t feel like a ‘blue and white’ house,” says Parker.
“Practically all the art and furniture was purchased new,” says Parker. “As the client has moved around a lot and this was her first home, she had few existing pieces.
“Antiques add a beautiful classic tone and the element of ‘forever’ to the home. They also blend well with the home’s architecture and act as a grounding design element among all the pattern and colour,” she says.
“Antiques add a beautiful classic tone and the element of ‘forever’ to the home. They also blend well with the home’s architecture and act as a grounding design element among all the pattern and colour,” she says.
“Antiques are very important to both us and our clients and we believe they have a place in every home,” says Flekser. “They are kind to the environment and built to last, and we fully endorse the ‘buy once, buy well’ philosophy,” says Flekser.
Artwork: ‘Homegrown Lemons’ by Amanda Brooks; dining table: Range Antiques.
For the dining room, the designers sourced an antique table and mismatched timber chairs, which they had reupholstered, and a crystal chandelier. They they designed custom curtains in a beautiful toile-style print.
For the dining room, the designers sourced an antique table and mismatched timber chairs, which they had reupholstered, and a crystal chandelier. They they designed custom curtains in a beautiful toile-style print.
Bedhead upholstered in Santiago fabric in Teal: Baker Lifestyle.
Reworking the main bedroom and adding in the ensuite and walk-through wardrobe were among the trickier parts of the project. “The main bedroom was probably the most challenging from a design perspective. There was a lot of storage we needed to fit in and we didn’t want it to feel like a completely built-out room,” says Flekser.
Reworking the main bedroom and adding in the ensuite and walk-through wardrobe were among the trickier parts of the project. “The main bedroom was probably the most challenging from a design perspective. There was a lot of storage we needed to fit in and we didn’t want it to feel like a completely built-out room,” says Flekser.
“Getting the main bedroom storage to integrate with the walk-through wardrobe and ensuite while working with the existing windows was a challenge. But the beautiful result was well worth the tricky planning,” she says.
The sunroom before works.
The designers reworked the enclosed verandah/sunroom at the front of the house to convert one end into a new main ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.
The designers reworked the enclosed verandah/sunroom at the front of the house to convert one end into a new main ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.
Celorio wallpaper: Gaston y Daniela.
“Replanning this narrow sunroom was an exciting design challenge,” says Parker.
“We wanted to squeeze in a double shower, a full run of cabinetry and retain the original double-hung Flemish glass cottage windows. This meant we had to be very considered when working on the new bathroom layout and play up the quirk of the original windows.
“The mullions between each window were important landmarks. We worked within them to create the shower space and mirror location for a freestanding vanity,” she says.
“Replanning this narrow sunroom was an exciting design challenge,” says Parker.
“We wanted to squeeze in a double shower, a full run of cabinetry and retain the original double-hung Flemish glass cottage windows. This meant we had to be very considered when working on the new bathroom layout and play up the quirk of the original windows.
“The mullions between each window were important landmarks. We worked within them to create the shower space and mirror location for a freestanding vanity,” she says.
New main ensuite with wardrobe.
“We wanted the ensuite floor to carry a boat-load of interest and punch,” says Flekser. “A plaid floor can be achieved with the simplest of tiles in varying tones and make a huge impact in a space. Blue and white is such a classic palette; we knew it would be a timeless choice.
“The beauty of the space is that it is both bathroom and wardrobe, so layering the area with a small-scale wallpaper enhanced the feeling of it being a dressing room within a wet room. It’s an unexpected touch of luxury in an everyday space,” she says.
“We wanted the ensuite floor to carry a boat-load of interest and punch,” says Flekser. “A plaid floor can be achieved with the simplest of tiles in varying tones and make a huge impact in a space. Blue and white is such a classic palette; we knew it would be a timeless choice.
“The beauty of the space is that it is both bathroom and wardrobe, so layering the area with a small-scale wallpaper enhanced the feeling of it being a dressing room within a wet room. It’s an unexpected touch of luxury in an everyday space,” she says.
Quarterpath polyester door curtain fabric in Mandarin: Robert Allen Design.
The ensuite doorway from the bedroom is set back within the depth of the wardrobe, which let the designers create the effect of a secret door.
“The north-facing ensuite benefits from amazing sunlight, so we opted for a glazed door. As privacy was still essential, we treated it with a light fabric curtain that still allows light to filter through. The [bright orange] fabric creates a magnificent clash against the other decorative elements in a room, creating a sense of whimsy,” says Parker.
The ensuite doorway from the bedroom is set back within the depth of the wardrobe, which let the designers create the effect of a secret door.
“The north-facing ensuite benefits from amazing sunlight, so we opted for a glazed door. As privacy was still essential, we treated it with a light fabric curtain that still allows light to filter through. The [bright orange] fabric creates a magnificent clash against the other decorative elements in a room, creating a sense of whimsy,” says Parker.
Art features prominently throughout the house. “As we progressed through the decorating master plan, we were able to recommend some larger investment art pieces as well as some sweet vintage and smaller original works [to the client],” says Flekser. “We love grouping small works or photography together in a cluster – it is a way to create uniformity when combining art with different subjects or colour to give substantial impact.
“It also means that you really need to stop and take time to really view the individual pieces. We feel this is such a lovely opportunity to share your home’s story with friends and family. We made sure to leave some wall spaces blank so the client can continue to collect,” she says.
“It also means that you really need to stop and take time to really view the individual pieces. We feel this is such a lovely opportunity to share your home’s story with friends and family. We made sure to leave some wall spaces blank so the client can continue to collect,” she says.
The study features a desk custom-lacquered in the owner’s favourite colour, blue. A quirky lamp with a custom shade and a photo gallery wall add depth and interest to the at-home workspace.
The main living room.
“The client and her guests use the main living room for everyday lounging, watching TV, entertaining the children and catching up for a chat,” says Parker.
“The client and her guests use the main living room for everyday lounging, watching TV, entertaining the children and catching up for a chat,” says Parker.
The owner took a considered approach to the rollout of the renovation. “Rather than trying to achieve the master plan and do everything all at once for less, she preferred to roll out the house in stages and continue to save for the major bedroom/ensuite/wardrobe renovation work,” says Flekser.
“The largest portion of the budget spent in one hit was the bathroom/ensuite/main bedroom extension which, considering the scale of work and trades required, was understandable,” she says.
“The largest portion of the budget spent in one hit was the bathroom/ensuite/main bedroom extension which, considering the scale of work and trades required, was understandable,” she says.
The retained portion of the original sunroom.
The new upholstered banquette seat and cosy furnishings have transformed the existing enclosed verandah/sunroom into an inviting spot to sit and pause.
The new upholstered banquette seat and cosy furnishings have transformed the existing enclosed verandah/sunroom into an inviting spot to sit and pause.
The guest bedroom.
The designers built the guest-room scheme around a black-iron bed the client already owned and artwork by one of her friends. “This room is more gender neutral than the others so anyone staying here will feel comfortable – but it’s still colourful,” says Parker.
The designers built the guest-room scheme around a black-iron bed the client already owned and artwork by one of her friends. “This room is more gender neutral than the others so anyone staying here will feel comfortable – but it’s still colourful,” says Parker.
Given the joy the cottage exudes, it’s somehow fitting to hear that the design process was thoroughly enjoyable too. “This client lives life to the full and was not afraid to let us design with that in mind,” says Parker. “Her trust in our ideas and expertise, along with the design freedom she gave us, meant that we poured our hearts and souls into the creation of her home.
“She is now a forever client and firm friend,” she says.
“She is now a forever client and firm friend,” she says.
Your turn
Are you as charmed by this colourful cottage makeover as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images for your own renovation inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Interested in seeing another colour-rich makeover? Don’t miss this Before & After: A Cheap & Cheerful Makeover of a 1980s Caravan
Are you as charmed by this colourful cottage makeover as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images for your own renovation inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Interested in seeing another colour-rich makeover? Don’t miss this Before & After: A Cheap & Cheerful Makeover of a 1980s Caravan
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House at a Glance
Who lives here: A doctor and her newborn daughter
Location: East Toowoomba, Queensland
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms before works: Three bedrooms, one bathroom
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms after works: Three bedrooms, two bathrooms
Size of the house: 220 square metres
Interior designer: Ivy + Piper
Builder: Tom Eales
Tiling: Enhanced Tiling Toowoomba
How did you use Houzz?
To showcase and share the finished project on our Houzz profile.
We also used Houzz Pro software to compile all our various selections in one place, and to create proposals, invoices and purchase orders.