Author // Shannon Edwards, Place Bulimba
From open plan living to wrap-around verandas, with our tropical Queensland climate there’s no doubt Brisbanites are lovers of the outdoor lifestyle.
After 25 years as an architect, working in iconic locations such as Malaysia, Sydney, Dubai and Fiji, Norman Park’s resident architect, Carolyn Mclean, has an eye for unique and practical architectural designs.
We caught up with Carolyn and talked Brisbane style, while getting some handy tips on how to spruce up a home.
Photo Credit: Carolyn Mclean Architect
What sort of styles are popular in Brisbane?
In the Brisbane sub-tropical climate, we really love indoor/outdoor living.
We have a relaxed lifestyle and enjoy the leisure of the outdoors.
From traditional Queensland-style homes to modern constructions, big verandas are always popular.
We build a lot of outdoor kitchens on decks with built in barbeque and sink space or kitchens that flow onto the deck with an outdoor dining area.
Ventilation and natural light is also a big aspect for Brisbane living.
Depending on where your home is located, it may or may not catch a good breeze.
What we recommend is finding out what direction the breeze usually comes from.
With that information, you can start to tailor renovations to make use of that airflow to create a comfortable, open-plan arrangement.
Open-plan living brings more natural light, which can really brighten up and cool down our homes.
If that is not an option, skylights will also bring vibrance to your home - they’re really effective, especially in bathrooms, they provide great natural light, perfect for getting ready in the morning, but also helps dry the towels and keep things fresh.
Photo Credit: Carolyn Mclean Architect
What are some ways we can get creative and personalise our homes?
I often suggest using neutral tones for the more permanent housing fixtures, but spice them up with pops of colour through things such as cushions, rugs or towels.
Artwork is a magnificent way to add personality and is a fantastic investment for your home.
Don’t feel like your artwork has to stay in one spot - you could rotate it every few months and it will really change the feel of the space.
Photo Credit: Carolyn Mclean Architect
What are some trends you’ve seen in architecture in the last 12 months?
The flat roof look has become really popular for modern homes.
We’re seeing high ceilings which open up a room, giving the illusion of more space.
We are loving fresh, clean colour schemes – lots of whites, timber, charcoal and soft greys.
People are enjoying the look of exterior timber but don’t want the maintenance - now there are some really good products with the ‘timber look’ without the hassle of care.
There has also been an increase in pop-out elements to a home, for example, a window seat or a key window feature on the upper level that projects out and shades the front door.
Additionally, I have begun to notice a growth in homes with lifts.
A lift may be built initially into a home or space is allocated for its instalment in the future.
People are seeing them as real investments - if they love the home and think they may form issues with mobility.
This provides some security.
Photo Credit: Carolyn Mclean Architect
What are some quick renovations you can do if considering selling your home?
Firstly, you don’t want to over capitalise when renovating before selling, rather you should just fix the things that need fixing.
If your kitchen and bathroom need a refreshments, then address that first.
A fresh paint job of the interior and at least the front of the exterior is important.
If you have a lot of furniture - remove some.
Less furniture makes a home look larger and more spacious.