The weathered green timber and peeling paint told the real story. This pre-war Queenslander in Wilston had good bones, but decades of Brisbane weather had taken their toll. The original kitchen belonged to another era. The layout didn’t suit modern family life. And there was no pool, despite the perfect north-facing backyard.
The brief was clear but challenging: restore the character, add a second storey and pool, and make everything look like it had always been there. No jarring modern boxes. No obvious old-meets-new joints. Just a beautiful Queenslander that worked for today’s family.
Respecting What Was There
McVeigh Homes approached this project with one rule: honour the original architecture at every turn. That meant keeping the traditional window hoods, preserving the VJ wall details, and maintaining the classic Queenslander proportions when adding the second storey.
Modern Amenity, Traditional Soul
The new kitchen strikes the perfect balance. White shaker cabinets nod to traditional joinery while white tiled splashbacks add period detail. Spotted gum timber floors warm the space, and grey pendant lights provide a contemporary touch without overwhelming the classic palette.
The bathrooms received a complete transformation. Patterned floor tiles add personality while subway tiles keep things classic. Twin basins, frameless showers, and quality fixtures deliver the luxury expected in a modern renovation.
The Addition That Doesn’t Look Like One
The two-storey addition at the rear completely reimagined how the family uses the home. Floor to ceiling glass doors create seamless indoor outdoor flow. The new pool with glass fencing provides resort-style living while established garden beds soften the edges.
Most importantly, from the street, the addition is invisible. The home presents as a beautifully restored Queenslander, its new scale perfectly proportioned to the original architecture.
The Result
This Wilston home proves you don’t have to choose between character and contemporary comfort. With careful planning, quality craftsmanship, and respect for the original architecture, McVeigh Homes delivered both. The weathered green relic is now a stunning family home, ready for another century of Brisbane living.
