A modern Queenslander revival…
Isaac House reimagines the classic Queenslander, blending traditional charm with modern functionality. This comprehensive design, construction, and interiors project was driven by a commitment to addressing the limitations of the original structure while preserving its architectural heritage. The home was lifted to allow for the creation of a new ground floor with soaring three-meter-high ceilings, transforming the layout into an open and connected space ideal for modern family living. At the rear, a contemporary extension was added, featuring a vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom and a seamless flow to the alfresco area and pool.
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Throughout the project, care was taken to honour and enhance the home’s character. The existing French doors and casement windows were restored with updated hardware, while the original timber floors were stained and darkened, bringing depth and richness to the interiors. The deck was refreshed through sanding, staining, and resealing, becoming a vibrant centrepiece of outdoor living. Brick archways were introduced in the outdoor extension, adding a timeless yet contemporary detail. On the ground floor, polished concrete floors provide durability and contrast to the home’s natural materials, while skylights and high bay windows bring natural light into previously dim areas, brightening hallways and enhancing the kitchen’s openness.
The project also addressed significant structural challenges. Asbestos was removed from the home’s structure and soil during ground preparation for the boundary retaining walls and concrete slab areas. Overland water flow from neighbouring properties was redirected, and drainage systems were comprehensively upgraded to ensure the home’s longevity. New boundary fencing and a gatehouse entry provide privacy, while Travertine tiling was used throughout the property’s exterior to unify and elevate its outdoor spaces. These thoughtful interventions reflect Darren James’ dedication to crafting homes that combine beauty, function, and enduring quality.
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Powder Room: A Hidden Jewel
The powder room is a study in texture and elegance. The walls, finished in Porter’s Paints Fresco Finish in Volcanic Brick, create a warm, tactile backdrop that feels both bold and inviting. This dramatic finish pairs effortlessly with the Artedomus Opus Rosso Marble benchtop, whose rich, red tones and intricate veining bring a sense of luxury to the space.
The Astrawalker Assemble Dial Mixer Tap in Chrome, accompanied by a matching bottle trap, highlights a meticulous approach to detail, while the Rogerseller Nest Floor Mount Toilet Pan combines practical refinement with an understated aesthetic. A carefully chosen artwork, “Untitled” by Max Manning, complements the red fresco finish with subtle, harmonious tones, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the space.
Soft Jardan Nelly Wall Lights in Oat provide gentle illumination, enhancing the warmth and richness of the room. Every element is thoughtfully considered, resulting in a small but impactful sanctuary that celebrates materiality and craftsmanship.
Living Spaces: The Heart of Family Life
The living spaces at Isaac House are vibrant and welcoming, designed to bring family and friends together.
At the centre of the room, a Jardan Thursday Modular Sofa in Louella Shadow offers the perfect spot for family movie nights or relaxed evenings, combining style with cozy practicality. A Parma Terra Rug from The Rug Establishment anchors the space, its soft earthy tones adding warmth and grounding the room. The Frida Coffee Tables in Silver Oak are functional yet refined, while playful touches from the likes of Jardan and Bonnie and Neil vases inject personality and character.
Designed with family living in mind, this space blends comfort and durability with a sense of fun and vibrancy, creating a relaxed and stylish setting for everyday life and special gatherings alike.
Kitchen and Dining: A Statement of Form and Function
The kitchen and dining areas are seamlessly integrated into the home’s large open-plan layout, offering a cohesive and functional design that caters to modern living. Cristanza Quartzite benchtops from Artedomus, in a soft light sage green with delicate quartz veining, bring understated elegance to the space, acting as both a functional surface and a design feature. The cabinetry combines the warmth of custom profiled Farmers Doors in an Oak finish with the sleek, timeless finish of lacquered doors painted in Dulux McGinley, creating a harmonious interplay of textures and tones. A tile skirt around the island bench, featuring Japanese ‘Antilia’ tiles by Artedomus, adds a layer of subtle texture, elevating the island as both a design centrepiece and a social hub.
As a continuation of the gulley style kitchen, an open scullery where culinary prep, cleaning and storage come together seamlessly. Designed with efficiency and elegance in mind, ample bench space and open style shelving aim to meet all the functional needs of a busy family.
Suspended above the island is the Lambert & Fils Cliff 01 Suspension Light in black, a striking piece that introduces sculptural form and soft illumination, perfectly complementing the room’s modern design. The island is further completed with stools from Grazia & Co, which combine comfort and style seamlessly into the overall aesthetic.
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In the dining area, a custom-designed and built dining table, created in collaboration with Christopher Blank, showcases a sculptural blend of organic and geometrical elements. The off-set pedestal style legs, highlighted by the striking contrast of Walnut & Limewashed Oak balances the table top shaped with soft and fluid curves.
Custom banquet seating upholstered in Omni Swamp by James Dunlop Textiles provides a balance of softness and structure, making it an inviting space for gatherings.