Keep, Remove or Add…

Being a design and build company in Brisbane we tackle a lot of Queenslander renovations. Lets face it its pretty much all we do and we LOVE it….

This process usually involves a lift of an original pre 1940s home and a build in under sometimes with an extension. These beautiful old homes are normally packed full of character - which we cherish and want to keep and make shine like a diamond - but the new lower section well that can be what ever we want it to be!!!!

Now when I was at Uni doing my Minor subjects in Architecture the biggest thing that was drummed into us was that when you renovate old buildings there has to be a clear distinction between old and new. Like really clear. Which is why we often see these huge modern glass and black boxes on the back of epic old buildings. (has anyone been watching the block) Now don’t get my wrong - I like them. I appreciate them - theres no way in hell I want to live in them……..

SO! when you’re looking at renovating your pre 1940 Queenslander or little bungalow how do you pay homage to past but also live in the now?? My answer is references….. Yep References…..

Well Im not a believer in adding features to new sections of these homes like heritage archways or verandah brackets, ill keep polish and love whats there but not add new ones. However I do love a good VJ. Now if you’re really new around here VJ’s are generally what lines the walls of pre 1940 homes in Queensland. They are Vertical Joint timber pieces that create a V grove at the joint and they are beautiful. We now have these great large panels that make it super easy to put up, but they are waaaaaay more expensive that good old plaster. SO VJ’s are the PERFECT reference. I say reference because in general if you were to do all the walls and ceilings like the original home you can add a but load to your budget, BUT if you do the ceiling its a beautiful reference to the old part of the house. Couple this with a moderately detailed cornice and an in keeping architrave and skirting board and you have a new renovation that references the old.

Now let's say you have moved into a renovated property or you are nearly don on your renovation and are now stuck with the interiors. References are super important here as well. Ive spoken previously about how I love a Nana Chic moment. In all the new shiny pretty pieces just having a few little older pieces reference the age of the original building you are in as well as give your home a little soul. You don’t have to go all out antiques - you don’t have to buy all new - its a happy medium! Because we all collect things along the way that hold special memories, have been passed down to us or you really just love it even though its totally left of field for your taste now. These pieces tell stories and reference where we’ve come from. And I think we should all be super proud of our stories!

If you are feeling a little stumped with your renovation or interiors lets chat! Send us an email at admin@rylo.com.au or click here to book in for a consult with Lauren!