My Houzz: The Joy of Colour in an Interior Designer's Home
See how a designer transformed her classic Queenslander into a technicolour dream with a delightful mix of old and new
Queensland-based interior designer Maree Woodley of Woodley Interiors has designed countless homes over the past 30 years, but bringing her family home in Ascot to life has easily been her favourite. “I was focused on creating that ideal family environment that really reflected us,” she says.
When she spotted the classic, six-bedroom Queenslander in 2019, she immediately recognised its potential. “The house had beautiful bones – open-plan rooms, meaning plenty of space for our two teenagers, lovely gardens and multiple bathrooms. It truly was the perfect canvas for us to create our dream home,” she says.
When she spotted the classic, six-bedroom Queenslander in 2019, she immediately recognised its potential. “The house had beautiful bones – open-plan rooms, meaning plenty of space for our two teenagers, lovely gardens and multiple bathrooms. It truly was the perfect canvas for us to create our dream home,” she says.
The house before works
“I have an eclectic style and a passion for colour and pattern,” says Woodley. “I enjoy balancing traditional and contemporary pieces, and therefore for this house I used a mixture of Australian and European contemporary furniture, quality timbers like teak for outdoors, oak and mahogany indoors, and one-of-a-kind antiques – along with a few oddities along the way.
“We sought to create a beautiful and practical space that was also calming and welcoming. We wanted our home to feel like home – not just for our family, but for guests and our teenagers’ friends too,” she says.
“I have an eclectic style and a passion for colour and pattern,” says Woodley. “I enjoy balancing traditional and contemporary pieces, and therefore for this house I used a mixture of Australian and European contemporary furniture, quality timbers like teak for outdoors, oak and mahogany indoors, and one-of-a-kind antiques – along with a few oddities along the way.
“We sought to create a beautiful and practical space that was also calming and welcoming. We wanted our home to feel like home – not just for our family, but for guests and our teenagers’ friends too,” she says.
The house before works
When it comes to choosing colour for a home, Woodley believes they should reflect the occupants’ personalities and bring the space to life.
For her own abode, she chose bold, nature-inspired tones of green and blue. “They are such classic, stylish and timeless colours, and they bring a calming presence to a home. Here, they draw the outdoors inside and they’re also great, practical colours for a growing family,” she says.
Inspired to redecorate? Find a local interior designer or decorator on Houzz
When it comes to choosing colour for a home, Woodley believes they should reflect the occupants’ personalities and bring the space to life.
For her own abode, she chose bold, nature-inspired tones of green and blue. “They are such classic, stylish and timeless colours, and they bring a calming presence to a home. Here, they draw the outdoors inside and they’re also great, practical colours for a growing family,” she says.
Inspired to redecorate? Find a local interior designer or decorator on Houzz
The original floor plan
The house was in great condition when the couple bought it and only required a couple of modest alterations. “We moved the kitchen to the other side of the room to create an entertainment area, and then converted an old office to a butler’s pantry. We did this to ensure we had a nice-sized kitchen that was near the butler’s pantry. This change really opened the room up for entertaining and spending time together as a family,” says Woodley.
The biggest challenge, however, was time. “My goal was to have the house completely finished and ready for us to live in without having more work to do, and we only had six months to do it,” says Woodley. “Now we just get to add to our gardens every season and enjoy the fruit trees, flowers and herbs.
The house was in great condition when the couple bought it and only required a couple of modest alterations. “We moved the kitchen to the other side of the room to create an entertainment area, and then converted an old office to a butler’s pantry. We did this to ensure we had a nice-sized kitchen that was near the butler’s pantry. This change really opened the room up for entertaining and spending time together as a family,” says Woodley.
The biggest challenge, however, was time. “My goal was to have the house completely finished and ready for us to live in without having more work to do, and we only had six months to do it,” says Woodley. “Now we just get to add to our gardens every season and enjoy the fruit trees, flowers and herbs.
“Like most families, we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so we wanted to make it a beautiful, open space,” says Woodley.
“Huge bi-fold doors open on to the pool from the kitchen and in winter they open to an outdoor fireplace too, so it’s a really social, multipurpose area.”
Woodley specified two shades of blue in the kitchen. “We really wanted to experiment and have fun with colour and pattern here. The bold colours Dulux Bakos Blue and Aqua Mist bring such life into the room, while the brushed-gold fittings add a touch of luxury.”
A large, custom-designed oak island with a marble benchtop sits at the heart of the kitchen. “We eat most of our meals at the kitchen bench, so it was designed like a table so that everyone can sit around it. Our guests tend to gravitate here too,” says Woodley.
“Huge bi-fold doors open on to the pool from the kitchen and in winter they open to an outdoor fireplace too, so it’s a really social, multipurpose area.”
Woodley specified two shades of blue in the kitchen. “We really wanted to experiment and have fun with colour and pattern here. The bold colours Dulux Bakos Blue and Aqua Mist bring such life into the room, while the brushed-gold fittings add a touch of luxury.”
A large, custom-designed oak island with a marble benchtop sits at the heart of the kitchen. “We eat most of our meals at the kitchen bench, so it was designed like a table so that everyone can sit around it. Our guests tend to gravitate here too,” says Woodley.
The doors on the island and overhead cabinets feature antique patterned mesh that provides glimpses of crystalware, china, vases and teapots housed within. A mix of tan-leather drawer pulls and antique brushed-gold knobs up the glam factor.
The butler’s pantry was converted from a home office. “We have silverware from my grandmother and china from my mother-in-law, both of which are very dear to us, so we had a beautiful custom cabinet created with oak shelves, strip lighting and glass doors to display it all inside,” says Woodley.
“This butler’s pantry is such a beautiful and functional space where some of my favourite and most sentimental kitchen- and dining-ware lives,” she says.
“This butler’s pantry is such a beautiful and functional space where some of my favourite and most sentimental kitchen- and dining-ware lives,” she says.
Chandelier: Wallrocks
The formal living room, with its cosy fireplace, makes for an appealing spot to gather when the family entertains in the cooler months.
“There was initially no mantel above the fireplace, so we had one designed by a cabinetmaker, with Carrara marble for the surrounds that matches the kitchen bench,” says Woodley.
“I wanted to create a traditional living room with a modern twist, so I was really mindful when curating this space.
“Because of the cleaning required, I only wanted one chandelier in the house. I chose this stunning 19th-century French piece for the living room.”
A medley of opulent upholstery fabrics in blues and greens completes the look. These include double curtains on gold rods in Designers Guild Arjuna Leaf Viridian fabric, complemented with a layer of green cotton ("I just love the green as it reflects the gardens outside the room,” says Woodley), and Christian Lacroix Quill Velvet collection in Cobalt upholstery fabric on the bay window seat (not shown).
The formal living room, with its cosy fireplace, makes for an appealing spot to gather when the family entertains in the cooler months.
“There was initially no mantel above the fireplace, so we had one designed by a cabinetmaker, with Carrara marble for the surrounds that matches the kitchen bench,” says Woodley.
“I wanted to create a traditional living room with a modern twist, so I was really mindful when curating this space.
“Because of the cleaning required, I only wanted one chandelier in the house. I chose this stunning 19th-century French piece for the living room.”
A medley of opulent upholstery fabrics in blues and greens completes the look. These include double curtains on gold rods in Designers Guild Arjuna Leaf Viridian fabric, complemented with a layer of green cotton ("I just love the green as it reflects the gardens outside the room,” says Woodley), and Christian Lacroix Quill Velvet collection in Cobalt upholstery fabric on the bay window seat (not shown).
Commode: Wallrocks
A 19th-century oak commode with a marble top was another special purchase for the living room. “It balances out the old and new in the room perfectly,” says Woodley.
A 19th-century oak commode with a marble top was another special purchase for the living room. “It balances out the old and new in the room perfectly,” says Woodley.
Sofas and coffee table: Jardan
A pair of stylish sofas from Jardan are Woodley’s favourite pieces in the house. “They’re such gorgeous contemporary designs, very well-made and are covered in stunning fabric – and they’re extremely comfortable too,” says Woodley. “They’re the perfect blend of design, function and quality.”
A pair of stylish sofas from Jardan are Woodley’s favourite pieces in the house. “They’re such gorgeous contemporary designs, very well-made and are covered in stunning fabric – and they’re extremely comfortable too,” says Woodley. “They’re the perfect blend of design, function and quality.”
A very personal collection of artwork lines the living room walls. “We have collected a piece of artwork in just about every country we’ve ever travelled to over the years, carrying them home and having them individually framed,” says Woodley. “They all group together beautifully here and hold significant sentimental value.
“One of the most special pieces is an artwork that is a collection of handprints from children in Uganda, which is connected to some charity work we did as a family and that was purchased to raise funds to help improve the quality of their lives,” she says.
Other important display items in the room include a collection of vases and canisters and a collection of ceramic animals passed down from generations of family members.
“One of the most special pieces is an artwork that is a collection of handprints from children in Uganda, which is connected to some charity work we did as a family and that was purchased to raise funds to help improve the quality of their lives,” she says.
Other important display items in the room include a collection of vases and canisters and a collection of ceramic animals passed down from generations of family members.
Powder room
“I wanted to make this powder room luxurious with an international feel,” says Woodley. “The wall and floor tiles are handmade mosaics from Morocco and I matched them with Green Camona wallpaper from Anna Spiro.”
“I wanted to make this powder room luxurious with an international feel,” says Woodley. “The wall and floor tiles are handmade mosaics from Morocco and I matched them with Green Camona wallpaper from Anna Spiro.”
Wall and floor tiles: Tiles of Ezra at Elite Bathware & Tiles; Tiling: Korpac Tiling Brisbane
The green ceramic basin is from Spain and the brushed-gold tapware and accessories are from Germany, all sourced from Elite Bathware & Tiles.
“The Gramercy Double sconce from Discovery Noosa brings a traditional element to the room, and the antique French mirror is from Magnolia Interiors.
“The patterns and colours just all work together,” she says.
The green ceramic basin is from Spain and the brushed-gold tapware and accessories are from Germany, all sourced from Elite Bathware & Tiles.
“The Gramercy Double sconce from Discovery Noosa brings a traditional element to the room, and the antique French mirror is from Magnolia Interiors.
“The patterns and colours just all work together,” she says.
The parents’ retreat is Woodley’s favourite spot in the house. “While it’s important that our main living areas are versatile and reflect the whole family, it’s equally important that the adults have a private place to relax in. The verandahs and gardens are quite special too,” she says.
Woodley created a seamless look between the bedroom walls and bedhead in the parents’ retreat by using the same Matthew Williamson’s Bird of Paradise design on both.
“The room has high ceilings and the bedhead is also quite tall, so I wanted the walls to really show off the bedhead. Plain walls would have been too bland here, so I used the same print in a wallpaper, but with a slight silver-metallic finish,” she says.
The lampshades are made with Schumacher Avila embroidery fabric. The side tables are French Art Deco pieces from Wallrocks.
“The room has high ceilings and the bedhead is also quite tall, so I wanted the walls to really show off the bedhead. Plain walls would have been too bland here, so I used the same print in a wallpaper, but with a slight silver-metallic finish,” she says.
The lampshades are made with Schumacher Avila embroidery fabric. The side tables are French Art Deco pieces from Wallrocks.
The parents’ ensuite
The ensuite leading off the parents’ retreat shows the same palette and personality. “I wanted a colourful take on a classic look, while being practical with great storage and utterly luxurious. I love the aqua tones as they’re classic but vibrant, and the brushed-gold finishes really stand out against them,” says Woodley.
The hexagonal wall tiles are handmade Turkish Carrara marble and took four weeks to individually lay. They have been paired with picket marble floor tiles.
“The layout was arranged to optimise storage, with custom joinery used to achieved this. The oval bevelled mirrors go almost to the height of the ceiling, creating a feeling of opulence, and they have practical cabinets behind them,” she says.
“One of the highlights of this bathroom is the Emily Ziz custom-upholstered roman blind – the colours are balanced and fresh and perfectly reflect the flow of the whole home,” says Woodley.
Ralph Lauren Collection sconces from Magnolia Interiors are custom-fitted with emerald-green linen shades.
The ensuite leading off the parents’ retreat shows the same palette and personality. “I wanted a colourful take on a classic look, while being practical with great storage and utterly luxurious. I love the aqua tones as they’re classic but vibrant, and the brushed-gold finishes really stand out against them,” says Woodley.
The hexagonal wall tiles are handmade Turkish Carrara marble and took four weeks to individually lay. They have been paired with picket marble floor tiles.
“The layout was arranged to optimise storage, with custom joinery used to achieved this. The oval bevelled mirrors go almost to the height of the ceiling, creating a feeling of opulence, and they have practical cabinets behind them,” she says.
“One of the highlights of this bathroom is the Emily Ziz custom-upholstered roman blind – the colours are balanced and fresh and perfectly reflect the flow of the whole home,” says Woodley.
Ralph Lauren Collection sconces from Magnolia Interiors are custom-fitted with emerald-green linen shades.
The parent’s ensuite
The exquisite vanity was painted in Dulux Aqua Mist with brushed-gold handles to give it the appearance of a standalone piece of furniture.
For practicality, the bottom left drawer is a chute that connects to the laundry.
The exquisite vanity was painted in Dulux Aqua Mist with brushed-gold handles to give it the appearance of a standalone piece of furniture.
For practicality, the bottom left drawer is a chute that connects to the laundry.
Browse more images of beautiful Australian bathrooms on Houzz
To create a seamless look, the bathtub surround was also painted in Dulux Aqua Mist.
To create a seamless look, the bathtub surround was also painted in Dulux Aqua Mist.
Guest bedroom
Woodley added a big beautiful armchair in cheery tones of pink, plum and forest green to give the guest bedroom a warm and inviting feel. “I saw this at an antique dealer and couldn’t take my eyes off it – I love its hippy vibes,” she says.
French Art Deco side tables from Wallrocks add character.
Woodley added a big beautiful armchair in cheery tones of pink, plum and forest green to give the guest bedroom a warm and inviting feel. “I saw this at an antique dealer and couldn’t take my eyes off it – I love its hippy vibes,” she says.
French Art Deco side tables from Wallrocks add character.
“I found this 19th century marquetry bureau in Wallrocks’ ‘attic of dead furniture’ and it was restored just for us,” says Woodley. “It was a complicated process where they cut out all these tiny little pieces of wood to restore it so beautifully.”
A cosy bench in the living area next to the kitchen contains deep drawers for the dogs’ supplies. “I wanted to create a functional storage and sleeping space for the dogs that also tied in with the rest of the scheme. I upholstered the window seat in Anna Spiro’s Indigo Camona fabric, which is also featured in other areas of the house in wallpapers in different colours. This particular fabric and colourway also ties in nicely with all the tiles in the house.”
The laundry
Woodley added fun and flair to the laundry with a breezy blue-and-white colour scheme, open display shelves and brass fixtures.
Woodley added fun and flair to the laundry with a breezy blue-and-white colour scheme, open display shelves and brass fixtures.
A guest bathroom
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Want to see more stunning homes? Don’t miss this great My Houzz: A Chic Tropical Oasis in the Heart of the ’Burbs
Your turn
Do you love this joyous home as much as we do? Tell us in the Comments below, save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want to see more stunning homes? Don’t miss this great My Houzz: A Chic Tropical Oasis in the Heart of the ’Burbs
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Maree Woodley and her husband, their two teenagers and two golden retrievers
Location: Ascot, Queensland
Size: 535 square metres with six bedrooms and five bathrooms
Interior design: Maree Woodley, principal interior designer at Woodley Interiors
The house was in excellent condition, giving Woodley the freedom to focus her attention on giving it “a contemporary update with personal flair”. She achieved this by introducing a serene blue-and-green colour palette that referenced the lush gardens outside, new built-in cabinetry and swapping a couple of rooms around.
“The biggest lesson I learned from doing this house was the value in being bold with fabrics, pattern and colour. Bringing my own personality and style into the space through colour and pattern really elevates this home and creates a space that I can enjoy and relax in,” she says.