A grand (albeit neglected) six-bedroom Queenslander located in Brisbane’s northside suburb of Kedron was just the project est Editor at Large Sian Macpherson was looking for when she moved interstate last year. Undergoing a total transformation, this stately home has stepped into the 21st century – thanks to the inclusion of contemporary fixtures, fittings and appliances throughout.

We take a closer look into the design-led product selection behind Sian’s inspiring project and explore how to achieve this look with Abey. 

An intense eleven-week renovation saw Sian transform this diamond in the rough back into the great dame it once was. Spread across two levels, the five bedroom, two bathroom home with added powder room now offers separate living areas for both parents and children. Polished timber floorboards stained in Black Japan with a matt finish, run throughout the entire top level of the home adding a sense of sophistication to the traditional style of architecture.

Refined and simple, the highlights for us at est include the new family sized kitchen, bathrooms and laundry. From expanding and redesigning the kitchen to include the latest appliances and technology, to bathrooms that feature minimally luxurious fixtures and fittings to a laundry that boasts both functionality and style; Sian has successfully maintained the integrity of the original home while adding more livable modern additions throughout.

Traditionally the kitchen is the heart and hub of the home and this Queenslander is no exception to the rule. Hands down one of our favourite shared spaces, we love that the overarching monochromatic palette of black, white and pale greys also extends through the kitchen to build a simple, family-friendly and timeless space with an easy indoor/outdoor flow. 

The stone covered bench tops and splash back in pale grey together with the black matt tapware add subtle colour graduation from the pure white, streamlined cabinetry, to ensure a style that exudes classic longevity. Top line appliances throughout offer a luxurious functionality and an added butlers pantry create ample room for a generous double door fridge, extra storage and a stone bench top for top end appliances.

The bathrooms are now a beautiful balance of finishes and products. The main bathroom downstairs features a free-standing bath and a shower recess tiled in grey stone from floor to ceiling.

Sticking to the restrained colour palette, white plantation shutters, black tapware and a white stone covered, double sink vanity completes the fresh look for the now lavishly sized bathroom.

The most often overlooked space in the house is the laundry, so it’s refreshing to see a family sized laundry space done right. Light-filled and minimal with plenty of built-in overhead cabinetry, it’s now a space that would be a joy to work in while undertaking the most mundane of tasks. We love the addition of a quirky black ceiling pendant and white painted brick walls that add a layer of detail and texture.

When the addition of fixtures and fittings can have the final say on a home’s aesthetic, we think it’s fair to announce that the innovative and quality products selected for this home have elevated it to the next level.

For design-discerning Australians, we recommend starting with Abey. Offering one of the largest ranges of kitchen and basin taps, sinkware and bathware as well as exclusive Italian collections including Gessi, Armando, Vicario and Barazza Appliances they are renowned among local designers and architects for their ability to supply complete kitchen and bathroom packages to compliment all designs and budgets.