Normally, I ‘hunt’ down and photograph the properties featured here myself (it’s a labour-intensive blog!). But this very, very pretty house was sent through to me and I’m extremely excited to feature it. It’s located in Brisbane, a city I haven’t properly visited (but am keen to). Stephanie Skyring, the architect, specialises in sustainable design, and has also shared her top ten tips for environmental sustainability with us – our next post will feature those, so look out for it.

By way of (short) contextual background, my research has informed me that Sherwood is within ten kilometres of Brisbane’s CBD, borders the Brisbane River and is next to an awesome-sounding suburb called Fig Tree Pocket.

The house was a beautiful Queensland character property that needed a contemporary update. Stephanie focused on opening spaces to external areas, making the house seem roomier without having to increase its environmental footprint by extending it. Similarly to Rose Seidler House, large windows are used to bring in light and connect the house with its lush, rainforest-like surroundings. The living room nails the brief – the slanted wood-pannelled ceiling paired with a wallpapered feature inlet and angular glass window pane is, firstly, insanely attractive, and, secondly, completely complementary to the home’s bushland habitat.

My favourite rooms, though, are the powder room and bathroom. They. Are. Amazing.

Powder room: I have to note that nothing strikes me as more luxurious than a powder room, and I must have one myself. But I digress. Fish wallpaper (need I go on? This alone seals the deal) and a gilded ornate mirror set off against white cornices, black flooring and an oversized hanging light – decadent, inspired, eccentric.

Bathroom: you see the wide, white, brick-style tiles (apparently known as ‘metro tiles’, as they resemble those used in the subway)? I love these things. They’re classically stylish but still jump off the wall at you in an edgy way due to their dark borders. Here, they are set off against the silver finishings, tiny green plant (cute! Also essential in adding some colour goodness) and symmetrical lighting to great effect.

Again, the bedroom has the slanted roof/wallpaper combination that I adore – it makes a room pop without the need for many furnishings (in fact, such a style looks better with a minimalist layout, as is shown here). The fans were employed by Stephanie as an environmentally-friendly way of combating the Queensland heat. The louvre windows are also great at regulating temperature, and they’re a delightful aesthetic addition.