Modern Mix

Rather than move and upsize, this brisbane family made the most of their home’s modest footprint, with spectacular results

- Kylie Jackes

DECK’S APPEAL

Space was at the heart of all the decisions Abbie and Michael made when they decided to do a complete overhaul of their Queens lander, which included extending their deck a few metres to ensure a larger entertaining area for them and their three daughters, Millie, seven, Evie, three, and Eliza, one. Glass railings maximise city views, while timber battens add privacy and exterior blinds from Vanguard fend off summer sun. For similar outdoor furniture, try Milan Direct. In the backyard (opposite), the couple’s eldest daughters Evie (pictured far left) and Millie enjoy tending to a garden bed filled with lisianthus and jasmine. A laser-cut, powder-coated ‘Orb’ screen by Tilt Design Collective adds decoration, height and structure to the garden bed. 

When Brisbane couple Abbie and Michael bought their Queensland style home 10 years ago, it was a great fit. However, after the arrival of their daughters Millie, now seven, and Evie, three, it began to feel much smaller: the demands of their quickly growing family made the couple instantly more aware of their home’s shortcomings. “All the rooms on the lower level were dark and impractical, so the entire space was basically just a thoroughfare,” says Abbie of their suburban home’s slowly growing list of not-so-family-friendly challenges. “As well, a lack of storage was a significant issue, and the kitchen and bathrooms were crying out for a makeover.”