A stunning traditional weatherboard ‘Queenslander’  – the Brisbane home of Tony Jarratt and Arthur Holder.

Kitchen details

Today’s home comes to us all the way from sunny Brisbane – we’re ALWAYS so excited to branch beyond Melbourne and Sydney, so massive thankyou to Tony Jarratt and Arthur Holder for submitting their beautiful Queenslander for a TDF feature!

Tony and Arthur purchased their weatherboard home sandwiched between the Bardon and Paddington areas in Brisbane 2 years ago, and have completely renovated the home since then.  They were keen to retain as much of its original charm as possible – so the beautiful exterior frontage of the home remains largely unchanged, whilst the rear of the house has been opened up to create a bright open-plan living space that takes full advantage of the generous verandah and view of Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane’s western suburbs.   The pair also built under the house at the rear, to create an additional living area, guest suite and laundry room downstairs.

The bright, beachy feel of this home is so instantly appealing – the white timber panelling in the bedrooms and study is such a pretty, understated feature, and really celebrates the colonial heritage of the property. The interior details are classic and restrained, but so spot on in this environment – the seagrass matting runner in the hallway, and green / grey cabinetry throughout are the perfect nautical touches for this classic Australian home.

Tony is thrilled with the results of the renovation and has many favourite features!  He says he loves the upholstered chairs in geometric patterned fabric in his study, and industrial side tables in the bedroom and living space, all purchased from Brisbane designer / blogger Anna Spiro‘s much loved store, Black + Spiro.  ‘I just love Anna and her sense of colour and style!’ says Tony. Other favourite finds include Julie Paterson’s Kangaroo Paw prints that hang behind the sofa in the living area, purchased in Sydney. ‘Julie’s use of thick gloss varnish on these pieces adds such depth and texture’ says Tony.  He is also particularly fond of two original London Underground posters from the 1930’s by British artist Edward Bawden. ‘I love them so much, I’ve carried them half way around the world with me’ he enthuses!

But the main drawcard of this home for Tony and Arthur is the location.  The leafy surrounds and view of Mount Coot-tha from the front verandah was a major attraction initially – Tony says the feeling of living amongst the trees is very calming, and the perfect antidote to the bustle of city life.   Being right on the edge of the Bardon and Paddington neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Tony also loves being only a short walk from the lively Paddington precinct on one side, and the leafy suburb of Bardon with the Botanic Gardens and Mount Coot-tha on the other.  ‘It really is the best of both worlds’ he says.

Huge thanks to Tony for sharing his beautiful Queensland home with us today – I know, I know we are shockingly bad at featuring homes from this neck of the woods… please forgive us, we can’t be everywhere at once – Queenslanders, if you have any tip-offs of other fabulous homes for a potential TDF feature, we’re all ears!

Kitchen – beautiful muted tones in the cabinetry, also love the wishbone dining chairs – super perfect in this space.

Antique dresser in the kitchen – nice balance with the new cabinetry

Hallway.  Love the white timber panelling throughout and seagrass runner – so perfect here.

Living – Kangaroo Paw painted panels behind couch by Julie Paterson.  Original vintage bus scroll so perfect in that spot!

Bedroom – industrial side table from Black + Spiro

Bedroom reverse – including one of Tony’s much loved London Underground posters

Perfect bathroom / laundry details.  Subway tiles, deep ceramic laundry sink with lab tapware, sea green cabinetry…

Study – Tony’s favourite geometric upholstered chair.

Exterior details and that beautiful leafy view!