How do I update my heritage home?

Classic Queenslander

If you are fortunate enough to own an older heritage home, you will probably be aware that this type of property poses special challenges. How do you update it and at the same time honour its architecture? Challenges The good news is that you have an asset that has outlasted fashion trends and with careful…

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What is an ‘Unfitted Kitchen’?

Have you heard the term ‘unfitted kitchen’? It seems to be relatively unknown in Australia where built- in cabinetry and continuous bench tops reign supreme in kitchen design. But I think they are just right for Queensland homes and I’ll explain why here. Inspiration from the past Firstly, what is an ‘unfitted kitchen’? Basically it…

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Can you over-restore a home?

Victorian Terrace House, East Melbourne

If you are renovating an older home it is important to remember what attracted it to you in the first place. It’s definitely possible to ‘over-restore’ a home just as a conservator can make a painting look too new by overpainting and varnishing to remove all signs of age. Ideally you retain the best features,…

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