Photography: Mindi Cooke
Once home to a prominent Brisbane engineer, this classic Georgian home is brimming with charm and character. The current owners – a family of four and their beloved dog – sought to keep the historic feel while bringing in their own style. “It was important that the home felt like a true reflection of the way we live together day to day – comfortable, warm and welcoming,” they say.
Starting with the living room and main bedroom, they called upon interior designer Nick Barnes of Lawrence Barnes Creative to work his magic. “He has transformed these rooms into sanctuaries that we absolutely love spending time in,” the owners share.
He takes us through the considered process that brought the home to life.
1. Confirm the colour palette
“When it came to choosing the colours for both rooms, I didn’t want to go for anything too trendy or colours that might feel dated over time,” says Nick. “The owners were drawn to more subdued hues like blues, greens and caramels, which really helped set the tone for the house.” Gender-neutral shades of oatmeal, toffee and white ensure the living area is a space for all to enjoy, and the furniture selections follow the same versatility. “The seating options and table configurations allow us to use it in different ways – not just as a family space but also for entertaining friends and family,” says the owner.
“I’m really drawn to the soft, neutral palette – it feels calm and timeless with just the right amount of subtle colour coming through.”
Homeowner
With the goal of creating a calming atmosphere in the bedroom, Nick selected shades of soft duck egg blue, turquoise and silver for the fabrics and upholstery. “The colours also reflect the surroundings outside,” he shares. “Since the owners’ home is elevated on a hill overlooking Brisbane River and the surrounding foliage, these hues create a beautiful connection to the natural landscape.”
2. Introduce texture
With the refined palette established, Nick brought balance to the scheme with the introduction of textural elements, including luxurious fabrics like velvet, linen and leather as well as natural materials like brass, rattan and stone. A subtly patterned rug introduces a dash of character without deviating too far from the understated scheme, while a Thibaut ‘Lattice Weave’ wallpaper wraps the walls. “The wallpaper colour is called Black, but in person it comes up as a dark indigo blue,” Nick shares.
“Use natural elements to bring the outdoors in. Fresh foliage, moss and florals breathe life into a space while subtly mirroring the beautiful surroundings,” says Nick.
Designer’s tip
3. Lean into symmetry
Symmetry brings order and balance to the living room where a central marble fireplace and existing French doors set the parameters nicely. “It was one of those moments where the architecture was already doing so much of the work so I really wanted to honour that,” says Nick. Twin sofas are placed facing each other, with a pair of woven stools in between and a six-armed chandelier to anchor the space. “By leaning into the symmetry, it helped create a sense of harmony that feels both intentional and timeless,” Nick adds.
4. Select furniture
Custom furniture pieces, such as the bespoke caramel-hued ottoman, mingle with some of the owners’ existing items, which received a second life with new upholstery. “I knew the best way to create a space the owners would love would be to incorporate pieces that gave off that same sense of warmth and history they felt when they first saw the home,” says Nick. A gateleg table in the living room is one of his favourite pieces. “It’s a piece that carries so much history and I loved the idea of my clients being able to create new memories with it, adding their own chapter to its story.”
“Don’t overlook the details. Accessories bring warmth and soul into a room. Think coffee table books, feature trays, sculptural bowls, artworks and mirrors,” says Nick.
Designer’s tip
5. Layer lighting
“When I first visited the home, the formal living room depended on a mix of downlights and natural light from the windows and doors, but it felt like it needed more warmth and intimacy,” says Nick. An oversized pendant casts a warm glow over the seating area while a floor lamp in the corner dials up the ambience. “The finishes were just as important as the lights themselves,” says Nick, who went with gilded antique bronze frames paired with natural linen shades. “It all came together to create a space that feels both elevated and incredibly inviting.”
6. Cover windows
Sheer fabric curtains in an S-fold style soften the window frames while diffusing the light coming in. They were added by the previous owners and Nick points out that he would typically add a second blockout curtain for temperature control and privacy. “But as is, and the way they billow in the breeze, they add a beautiful, airy feel to the room,” he says. They also help enhance the outdoor connection, offering glimpses of the river and surrounding hillside.
7. Bring in fabrics
“My design process often starts with fabrics, and this project was no different,” says Nick. “On a recent trip overseas, the owner visited the Lewis & Wood London showroom and absolutely fell in love with their collection. Once I heard how much she adored the fabric house and what they offer, I knew it was the perfect place to kick things off.” The brand’s ‘Jakarta’ and ‘Stockholm Stitch’ prints feature in scatter cushions, while ‘Pashmina’ adorns the scalloped bedhead. “The beauty of these selections is that they’re classic and timeless, meaning they aren’t going to date over time.”
8. Work in wallpaper
Wallpaper introduces yet another dynamic, visual layer to both the formal living and bedroom. “It adds so much character and personality to a space, something that wall paint can sometimes miss,” says Nick. Not just for walls, he also advocates using it on ceilings or within joinery. “My advice for anyone on the fence about using wallpaper is, don’t be afraid to go for it! I absolutely loved that the owners were bold enough to choose a patterned wallpaper for the master bedroom,” says Nick of the ‘Fan Flower’ design by Lewis & Wood, which pairs perfectly with the woven motif on the bedhead.
“Our bedroom is where we go to relax, read and switch off. The space has a beautiful warmth to it – it honestly feels like a luxury hotel room”
Homeowner
‘Kira’ rug in Soft Blue
$999, Ruggable
Mavis bedside table in Natural Oak
$849, Temple & Webster
‘Toorak’ love seat in Florence White
$2499, Lounge Lovers
Capeview Interiors ‘Paddington’ throw blanket
$79.99, Temple & Webster
CL Living ‘Jak’ side table
$979, Freedom
Country Road ‘J’adore’ vase
$59.95, David Jones
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