The Queenslander is arguably Australia’s most romantic style of architecture. These historic homes, with their big, breezy verandahs, towering stilt structures and ornate heritage design features, seem to possess a sense of grandeur rarely found in other types of Australian properties.
It’s for this reason that the Queenslander remains one of the country’s most popular architectural styles — even featuring as the beloved family home in the iconic children’s television series Bluey. And while modern Queenslanders offer a particularly beautiful blank canvas for decorating, renovators also can’t resist the opportunity to restore one of these character-filled properties.
What is a Queenslander ?
A Queenslander is a style of Australian architecture that originated in Queensland but is now found in other areas of the country, including northern New South Wales.
The architectural style is directly influenced by the sub-tropical Queensland climate, with these properties being designed to combat against the region’s tropical storms and hot weather.
Key characteristics
Detached
A Queenslander is a detached property that usually occupies its own independent plot of land. While these buildings have a rural history, with many heritage Queenslanders being surrounded by large gardens and sprawling land, they are also found in suburban areas.
Stilts
A traditional Queenslander a single-story property which is elevated off the ground via stilt structures. However, it’s common for modern iterations of these properties to enclose and convert the lower section of the home into more living space.
Verandas
A veranda is a defining element of both the traditional and modern Queenslander. While the veranda will often appear to wrap around the entire property, it will only reside on the back and sides or the front and sides of the home. It’s common for a Queenslander veranda to feature both open and closed sections.
Rustic materials
Traditional Queenslanders are made from timber and feature a corrugated metal roof to combat tropical storms.
Historical design features
With the first Queenslanders being built back in 1850, the properties often come with historical design features from Colonial, Federation and Victorian era styles.
These features often include a Colonial railing, central staircases, gables, column brackets, louvres, balustrades and porticos.
The history of the Queenslander
The Queenslander style emerged in the mid 1800s when European settlers came to live in the state. The properties were built to combat Queensland’s extreme heat and wet weather, with the corrugated metal being specifically selected for its durability in wet weather, and the big veranda built for protection from both rain and heat.
The rise of sawmills also made lightweight timber more affordable and accessible during the period.
However, the architectural style lost popularity after World War II, when people required cheaper housing construction and American style brick homes rose in popularity.
Why are Queenslander houses on stilts?
Stilts are one of the Queenslander’s most interesting architectural features, but they also serve a very practical purpose by keeping the residence safe from flooding and pest infestations.
By getting air under the house, they also help with natural ventilation.
Home Beautiful’s favourite Queenslanders of all time
A transformative restoration
From dilapidated to stylishly renovated
The owners of this 1916 Queenslander undertook a major renovation to undo the design missteps of bygone eras and restore the Brisbane property to its former glory. Opting for a classic black and white exterior, this ambitious renovation takes the tired property from dated to distinguished.
A colourful Queenslander
Full of personality
With its colourful walls and eclectic collection of antique décor, artwork and indoor plants, this 1935 Queenslander is full of personality.
“It’s maximalist, biographical, classic and, most importantly, comfortable,” says home owner Lloyd, who shares the home with his husband, David.
“This is our first home and, incredibly, it was the first home we inspected when we began searching. We instantly fell in love with the charm of the period detailing and unique character that can’t be replicated in newer constructions.”
A classic family home
Bright and playful
With its playful patterns and cosy furnishings, this East Toowoomba Queenslander is a warm and welcoming family home.
“We wanted a home that reflected our age and stage of life,” says homeowner Ainsley. “We wanted it to feel warm, comfortable and like a family with small children actually lived there.”
A serene space
Coastal calm
The homeowners of this 1925 Brisbane Queenslander transformed the property by converting the the awkward layout into a open, dynamic design.
“We raised a beam that was making the kitchen really small and built right out to the space they had used as a dining room,” says homeowner Hayley. “It has made a very small kitchen quite grand.”
An American influence
Bold and bright
The owners of this Brisbane Queenslander took inspiration from their time in the States when designing and decorating their bright and bold family home.
“I had definite thoughts about décor and how our family wanted to live. I didn’t want to see someone else’s ‘signature’ or ideas everywhere in my home,” says homeowner Teresa.
A Hamptons-inspired home
Classic and comfortable
This bright and airy 1880s Queenslander is the home of Olympian swimmer Hayley Lewis and her family.
With a deep love of Hamptons style interiors, Hayley has turned her Queenslander into a calm coastal retreat.
“Ever since watching the film Something’s Gotta Give in 2003, I’ve wanted a home with a similar beach feel,” explains Hayley.
A modern makeover
Cool and contemporary
Giving this inner-city Queenslander a modern makeover turned the property into this couple’s dream home.
“Paul has always loved Queenslanders, but I’m more into a modern house,” Lisa explains of the couple’s decision to bring contemporary design into the heritage property.
A sleek update to the interiors while still preserving some heritage features helped this property achieve the perfect blend of old and new.
A characterful cottage
Patterned and pretty
The homeowners of this 1930s Brisbane Queenslander made their house a home with a new layout and plenty of pattern.
“With so much more light, space and fresh finishes, it feels like a new home, yet still has the charm of an old Queenslander,” says homeowner Monica. “I just love it.”
An airy tropical oasis
Light and spacious
An ambitious renovation turned this grand 100-year-old Queenslander into the dream family home.
“The modern living area downstairs is all open plan with dining and informal living, with a new kitchen and servery to the backyard and pool area,” says homeowner Cathy. “In summer, I open the bi-fold servery windows and keep my eyes on the kids in the pool and still get dinner done.”
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
