It’s important to have a long-term vision when you design your dream family home. There are a lot of options out there that can allow you to renovate your existing Queenslander home to make more room for your kids to play and study, for dad to enjoy his hobbies, or for mum to get in some relaxing reading. We share some of our practical tips to take on board so that you can transform your Queenslander into the family home you’ve always dreamed of.
1. Open up the space
Because of the way Queenslanders are built, it’s often necessary to first open up the space within the house to allow it to breathe, and have more functional living areas. One way to do this is through the use of sliding doors which allow you access to the garden and backyard areas. This makes for seamless indoor to outdoor living that we all crave when the weather warms up.
Additionally, think about the way your family spends time together. From there, design the common spaces with liveability in mind. In modern houses, this is often done through open-plan kitchens and living areas which allows everyone to feel as though they’re part of the conversation, no matter where they’re standing.
2. Storage, storage and more storage!
When you’re renovating your Queenslander, you need to take the storage factor into consideration. Make sure that every shelf, drawer and corner is utilized to its full potential so that nothing gets lost amongst the clutter! Think about how you can create storage solutions that maximize the space but also work for you. One idea is to look into built-in wardrobes and bedside draws which can be a great way to keep your clothes and linen neat, tidy and out of sight. Butler’s pantries have also become extremely popular among Brisbane families because they take the walk-in-pantry up a notch, and provide a walk-in space where messy, everyday kitchen activities can be kept out of sight.
3. Create privacy
This may sound contradictory to our first point, but creating privacy in your home is one of the most important things to do when renovating your Queenslander for your growing family! Part of the beauty of our homes is that we control them – who enters them, who hangs out in them. They’re our own private domain. So even if the sound of floor-to-ceiling windows is extremely appealing (think of all that natural light!), you also don’t want your neighbours to constantly peer into your house. Position your windows with this consideration, and think about pergolas and awnings to cut off views neighbours may have down into your rear gardens and living areas.
Additionally, think about how the family can also have their own space. If you’re renovating your house and have several children, consider a kids’ wing with at least one bathroom that they can share. If you have young children, then consider adding a play area that can later perhaps be transformed into a study.
4. Make sure it works for years to come
It’s important to consider how well your house will age with a family in mind. Consider the different stages of a family home – when you have kids, when they’re teenagers, and when they move out. Will it still be as functional and practical then? Are there any steps that you can take now to make sure that it is? Consider the different stages of your home and how they will change through the years in order to provide a space that is adaptable and functional!
In conclusion, renovating your Queenslander home is a fantastic way to make it suitable for the next generation. We hope that some of our tips will prove useful in helping you to create the family home you’ve always desired. Remember, it’s about finding the balance between practicality and design – make sure that your house works for both!
