How a Young Brisbane Family Finally Got the Entertaining Space They'd Been Dreaming Of
What Felt Unimaginable Became A Reality
When it came time for a renovation, a young Brisbane family transformed their small Queenslander into an indoor outdoor space that is now an entertainer's delight and filled with light. What did this renovation achieve? A functional space for the children to play safely, a space for friends to easily gather, and a space for family life to flow naturally.
About the Client
A young couple loved entertaining purchased this house before having children. Friends regularly dropped over for bbqs. The two young children and the dog meant that they needed more useable space in the living area. They were now a young family who wanted to stay in this area but desperately needed more room to move. Their beautiful Queenslander wasn't keeping up with their busy lifestyle any longer. The kitchen felt outdated and cramped. That triangle shaped deck? Practically impossible to arrange furniture on.
The Layout That Was Holding Them Back
Here's what was really going on.
The kitchen was small with cabinets that didn't make sense for daily use. Drawers opened into traffic flow. Appliances were old. The whole space felt like it was fighting against them rather than working with them. The layout of the timber doors did not work to their needs.
Then there was that deck triangle shaped deck, which sounds quirky until you actually try to put a dining table and chairs on it. Nothing fit properly. Every outdoor gathering became a furniture puzzle that never quite solved itself.
Inside, the living area felt squeezed. Two kids need room to move, to play, to just be kids.There was nowhere for them to sleep, which meant saying no to family who wanted to visit.
The real problem wasn't just the physical space. It was what they were missing out on. Those easy Sunday afternoon barbecues. Grandparents staying for the weekend. The kind of relaxed family life Brisbane's weather is perfect for.
They needed their home to actually support their lifestyle.
This project needed more than cosmetic updates. It required rethinking how this living area functioned.
We started by completely replacing the kitchen. Same layout, but longer bench space, new cabinetry designed for a walk through space, energy efficient appliances with warranties they could count on. Every drawer and cabinet was positioned to make daily cooking and cleanup actually easier and more functional.
Those old French doors were replaced with 1 large sliding door that opened the kitchen up properly to the deck, creating that seamless Brisbane indoor outdoor connection.
The triangular deck was replaced with a brand new rectangular design. Seems simple, but it was transformative. All at once, there was room for a proper outdoor table, sensible seating areas, and a safe place for the children to play while the parents kept an eye from the kitchen.
We sanded and polished the timber flooring throughout after matching and replacing the damaged sections of flooring with the original flooring
Painting inside and out refreshed the whole home. We built in storage and bedroom study downstairs, turning wasted space into something genuinely useful. This downstairs area was originally a garage space with a laundry area and a separate toilet.
Here's the part that mattered most to them: they were going to be away during construction. That's nerve wracking for any homeowner. We communicated with regular photo updates and detailed emails about every decision point. When we needed approval for changes, we sent quotes and options immediately. They never felt out of the loop, even from interstate.
Beyond Construction: A Home That Works for Real Life
The key part of the story:
Completed on time and on budget despite the complexity of matching heritage timber and reconfiguring the entire upper level
Measurable value increase to the property through quality materials and thoughtful design
Full appliance warranties and energy efficient upgrades that reduce running costs
Functional rectangular deck that finally accommodates outdoor furniture and family gatherings properly
But here's what really changed.
Morning coffee on the deck while watching the kids play. Kitchen prep that doesn't feel like navigating an obstacle course. Friends over for dinner without the anxiety of cramped spaces. Grandparents visiting and actually having somewhere comfortable to stay.
The house looks refreshed inside and out. Those timber floors gleam. The new kitchen handles the daily chaos of family cooking. The outdoor space works exactly the way Brisbane living should: easily, naturally, without thinking about it.
They're entertaining again. Properly. The way they'd always wanted to.
You're not alone in living in a lovely Queenslander that no longer quite suits your family. Your kitchen may be dated. Your deck likely has an awkward shape. Or, your family is growing and there is not enough space.
The difference between a house that frustrates you everyday and a home that supports your lifestyle is usually due to intelligent planning with a builder with experience in Brisbane homes.Should you want to talk about what is possible for your renovation, we would love to chat about your place and what it could be. Contact McVeigh Homes.