Home Beautiful

Home on the hill A love of America inspired the look of this abode

A LOVE OF AMERICAN HOMES INSPIRED THIS BRISBANE COUPLE TO CREATE A HOME – AND BUSINESS – CLOSE TO THEIR HEART

- Story & styling TAHN SCOON Photograph­y JOHN DOWNS

The grand proportion­s, classic lines and clean, elegant finishes of American architectu­re have always pulled on the heartstrin­gs of Brisbane real estate agent and mother-of-two Anne-Maree. “It reminds me of the homes we drew as kids,” she reveals with a smile. “Pitched roofs, muntin windows and smoke coming out of the chimney.” But it wasn’t until Anne-Maree was living in an inner-city apartment with her husband Luke and their two young sons that she fell in love with the work of Atlanta-based architect C. Brandon Ingram and decided to build a big American-style house of her family’s own in the Queensland capital city.

Style decision made, finding the right block proved to be a challenge, as it needed to be wide enough to support her vision of a sweeping double-gable abode. Eventually, the couple

“AS WE EAT almost EVERY MEAL AT THE ISLAND, I DIDN’T WANT A SINK IN THE MIDDLE OF IT” ~ ANNE-MAREE

spotted a double corner block, just 10 minutes east of the city. “It was on a hill, with beautiful suburban and city views and was perfect, so we snapped it up,” says Anne-Maree. The intention was to start building immediatel­y, but as often happens, life got in the way. Alongside raising their sons, Brynley, now 21, and Kristian, 17, Anne-Maree and Luke launched a local staging and real estate agency, Cape Cod Residentia­l, which tapped into other people’s passion for American design and took off much faster than expected. Seven years passed before the couple bit the bullet. “It’s like having a baby; there’s never a right time, you just have to do it,” says Luke.

During the wait, Anne-Maree had drawn up copious amounts of what she describes as “chicken scratch drawings”, which were passed on to their chosen architects, Invilla Design, to decipher and draw up for the family’s builder and trades. >

“The build itself took about a year,” says Anne-Maree. “We were still working in our business full-time, but thought it was imperative to be really present for the build as well, so we pretty much worked seven days a week for the entire year.”

The hands-on approach was well worth it. “To see our vision come to life was amazing; it was even better than we expected,” she says. And, in what turned out to be a piece of fortuitous timing, the exquisite home was completed just in time to host eldest son Brynley’s 21st birthday party celebratio­n. “It was a ‘Roaring Twenties’ themed party with everyone dressed to the nines,” recalls Anne-Maree. “We were able to comfortabl­y accommodat­e over 100 people and it was such a success I was finding feathers danced loose from boas six months later!”

With the big build behind them, the hard-working twosome have found a little more time to enjoy the house. “We designed it with ‘destinatio­ns’ in mind and it’s been a delight to explore them all,” says Anne-Maree of the home’s different zones throughout. “Whether that means morning coffee watching the sun come up in The Great Room, a glass of wine in the evening in the French garden or having family over for an impromptu dinner around the island.” Adds Luke: “It’s a beautiful house and we’re determined to enjoy it.”

“AT THE LAST MOMENT WE commission­ed OUR HEAD CHIPPIE TO ADD BOARD AND BATTEN DETAILING THROUGHOUT” ~ ANNE-MAREE

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?? ?? TAKING A BREAK The US East Coast wasn’t too far from the minds of Anne-Maree and Luke as they designed their hilltop home in Brisbane. “Being a corner block, we wanted it to be beautiful from every angle, even the side,” says Anne-Maree, who mixed 25 test pots to come up with the striking blue exterior (for similar, try British Paints Kara Sea). The custom-made criss-cross balustrade­s by Layton Constructi­on and sash windows by Duce Timber Windows & Doors are US style, as are the James Hardie Scyon Linea weatherboa­rds (below & opposite). Luke relaxes in an Adirondack chair with Bandhini cushions. >
TAKING A BREAK The US East Coast wasn’t too far from the minds of Anne-Maree and Luke as they designed their hilltop home in Brisbane. “Being a corner block, we wanted it to be beautiful from every angle, even the side,” says Anne-Maree, who mixed 25 test pots to come up with the striking blue exterior (for similar, try British Paints Kara Sea). The custom-made criss-cross balustrade­s by Layton Constructi­on and sash windows by Duce Timber Windows & Doors are US style, as are the James Hardie Scyon Linea weatherboa­rds (below & opposite). Luke relaxes in an Adirondack chair with Bandhini cushions. >
?? ?? KITCHEN The beautifull­y designed kitchen has an island topped in Quantum Quartz Alpine White as its centrepiec­e (below), with Anne-Maree opting to keep the Shaws ‘Lancaster’ ceramic sink, teamed with a Nicolazzi Adore mixer (both sourced from Reece), to the side of the kitchen, rather than on the island. A ‘Darlana’ linear pendant from The Montauk Lighting Co provides light down the island’s length, while the upholstere­d ‘Bobbin’ stools from Anne-Maree’s own store, Cape Cod Home, create comfort for the whole family. Cabinetry by Germancraf­t Cabinets is 2-pac in Dulux Lexicon Quarter with hardware from Castella’s Century range, while the prettiest of duck egg blues is showcased in brick tiles from the Urban Tile Company. This kitchen is a true entertaine­r’s delight – behind the main wall is a hidden scullery, flanked by entrances to the butler’s pantry and laundry, while the cooker is both crowd-pleasing and handsome. “A must-have was the Falcon Deluxe,” says Anne-Maree. “I’ve been coveting a navy blue cooker ever since pinning one to my moodboard 15 years ago.”
KITCHEN The beautifull­y designed kitchen has an island topped in Quantum Quartz Alpine White as its centrepiec­e (below), with Anne-Maree opting to keep the Shaws ‘Lancaster’ ceramic sink, teamed with a Nicolazzi Adore mixer (both sourced from Reece), to the side of the kitchen, rather than on the island. A ‘Darlana’ linear pendant from The Montauk Lighting Co provides light down the island’s length, while the upholstere­d ‘Bobbin’ stools from Anne-Maree’s own store, Cape Cod Home, create comfort for the whole family. Cabinetry by Germancraf­t Cabinets is 2-pac in Dulux Lexicon Quarter with hardware from Castella’s Century range, while the prettiest of duck egg blues is showcased in brick tiles from the Urban Tile Company. This kitchen is a true entertaine­r’s delight – behind the main wall is a hidden scullery, flanked by entrances to the butler’s pantry and laundry, while the cooker is both crowd-pleasing and handsome. “A must-have was the Falcon Deluxe,” says Anne-Maree. “I’ve been coveting a navy blue cooker ever since pinning one to my moodboard 15 years ago.”
?? ?? DINING ROOM For continuity, the same colour palette is carried through from the kitchen (opposite) to the nearby open-plan dining area (top left), with a banquet seat topped with seat cushions by Gatti Design and blue ceramics from Gordon Ramsay’s Maze collection from Royal Doulton stacked nearby. The sturdy Vivin ‘Utah’ table from Harvey Norman, teamed with ‘Heywood’ carver chairs from Cape Cod Home, helps delineate the space, while a Caribbean mirror by Xavier Furniture and plantation shutters from Newport Custom Shutters enhance the breezy ambience. Chic Elegant Oak boards in Slate Grey by Hurford Flooring add to the elegance.
DINING ROOM For continuity, the same colour palette is carried through from the kitchen (opposite) to the nearby open-plan dining area (top left), with a banquet seat topped with seat cushions by Gatti Design and blue ceramics from Gordon Ramsay’s Maze collection from Royal Doulton stacked nearby. The sturdy Vivin ‘Utah’ table from Harvey Norman, teamed with ‘Heywood’ carver chairs from Cape Cod Home, helps delineate the space, while a Caribbean mirror by Xavier Furniture and plantation shutters from Newport Custom Shutters enhance the breezy ambience. Chic Elegant Oak boards in Slate Grey by Hurford Flooring add to the elegance.
?? ?? ENTRY & STAIRS With a full height void, the entrance to the home (top right) was designed to impress, and a sweet scene was created with a linen-covered Rococo loveseat, bespoke Mokum throw cushion by Tahn Interiors and ‘Herman’ wool rug by Bayliss. “However, that hasn’t worked out quite as planned,” says Anne-Maree, with a laugh. “The loveseat has become a drop zone for boys’ lunchboxes and schoolbags!”
ENTRY & STAIRS With a full height void, the entrance to the home (top right) was designed to impress, and a sweet scene was created with a linen-covered Rococo loveseat, bespoke Mokum throw cushion by Tahn Interiors and ‘Herman’ wool rug by Bayliss. “However, that hasn’t worked out quite as planned,” says Anne-Maree, with a laugh. “The loveseat has become a drop zone for boys’ lunchboxes and schoolbags!”
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?? ?? THE GREAT ROOM The home’s formal lounge (below & opposite), dubbed ‘The Great Room’ in honour of its American-style heritage, was deliberate­ly designed to be television-free. “We wanted to encourage quiet pursuits like reading, and it works,” says Luke. “We often find one of the boys stretched out on the sofa with a book.” Being on the east side of the house, this is also the couple’s favourite spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee while watching the sun come up. “We put a lot of effort into the design of this room as we hold meetings with potential clients here to showcase our style,” says Anne-Maree. “It works a treat.” Her luxe and layered decorating style includes rugs by Bayliss, a collection of custom cushions by Gatti Design, a Caribbean coffee table from Xavier Furniture and a plush, inky blue sofa (for similar, try the Bogart ‘Stitched’ in Old Navy by Globe West). Beautifull­y formal drapes in Mokum’s ‘Satori Stonewash’ in Duck Egg Blue, with Unique Hollis embroidery trim, consolidat­e the grown-up elegance. >
THE GREAT ROOM The home’s formal lounge (below & opposite), dubbed ‘The Great Room’ in honour of its American-style heritage, was deliberate­ly designed to be television-free. “We wanted to encourage quiet pursuits like reading, and it works,” says Luke. “We often find one of the boys stretched out on the sofa with a book.” Being on the east side of the house, this is also the couple’s favourite spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee while watching the sun come up. “We put a lot of effort into the design of this room as we hold meetings with potential clients here to showcase our style,” says Anne-Maree. “It works a treat.” Her luxe and layered decorating style includes rugs by Bayliss, a collection of custom cushions by Gatti Design, a Caribbean coffee table from Xavier Furniture and a plush, inky blue sofa (for similar, try the Bogart ‘Stitched’ in Old Navy by Globe West). Beautifull­y formal drapes in Mokum’s ‘Satori Stonewash’ in Duck Egg Blue, with Unique Hollis embroidery trim, consolidat­e the grown-up elegance. >
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?? ?? DRESSING TABLE A little dressing table nook (above right) was created at the entrance of the walk-in-robe and taps into an old-world Hollywood vibe. Beautifull­y made by Germancraf­t Cabinets, the table features a built-in glass-topped jewellery drawer. Decadent Italian linen curtains in Mokum ‘Satori Stonewash’ by Gatti Design and an antiqueins­pired mirror and pendant by Cafe Lighting complete the look.
DRESSING TABLE A little dressing table nook (above right) was created at the entrance of the walk-in-robe and taps into an old-world Hollywood vibe. Beautifull­y made by Germancraf­t Cabinets, the table features a built-in glass-topped jewellery drawer. Decadent Italian linen curtains in Mokum ‘Satori Stonewash’ by Gatti Design and an antiqueins­pired mirror and pendant by Cafe Lighting complete the look.
?? ?? ENSUITE The bedroom opens into the ensuite (above left & right), with the room’s prettier elements, such as the vanity and bath, on display and more practical elements hidden away from view. Ellery ‘Gros-Grain Bow’ sconces from The Montauk Lighting Co are sweetly adorned with signature Kate Spade New York bows, reflecting the metallic lines of the wonderful mirrors by Cafe Lighting. >
ENSUITE The bedroom opens into the ensuite (above left & right), with the room’s prettier elements, such as the vanity and bath, on display and more practical elements hidden away from view. Ellery ‘Gros-Grain Bow’ sconces from The Montauk Lighting Co are sweetly adorned with signature Kate Spade New York bows, reflecting the metallic lines of the wonderful mirrors by Cafe Lighting. >
?? ?? MAIN BEDROOM The location of the couple’s bedroom (opposite & above left) was chosen for its lovely leafy views over the garden and is a picture of calm and five-star appeal. A vintage loveseat, which sits in the corner of the main bedroom (above left), was gifted to Anne-Maree by a former client, and then re-covered in a blue floral linen by Gatti Design. Beyond, the Roca ‘Virginia’ freestandi­ng bath from Reece continues the hotel suite vibe, while a little ‘Hairpin’ side table by Madras Link adds an attractive, yet practical touch.
MAIN BEDROOM The location of the couple’s bedroom (opposite & above left) was chosen for its lovely leafy views over the garden and is a picture of calm and five-star appeal. A vintage loveseat, which sits in the corner of the main bedroom (above left), was gifted to Anne-Maree by a former client, and then re-covered in a blue floral linen by Gatti Design. Beyond, the Roca ‘Virginia’ freestandi­ng bath from Reece continues the hotel suite vibe, while a little ‘Hairpin’ side table by Madras Link adds an attractive, yet practical touch.
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?? ?? BACK PATIO Luke and Kristian share a laugh on the back patio, which connects the main house out to the pool house. Veranda Collection wicker seating – part of Cape Cod Home’s new online range – and the ‘Polka Dot Palm Tree’ cushions from Peacocks And Paisleys, create a space that is a magnet for the family. And the adjoining doors were always going to be French, topped with transom windows. “Not only are they gorgeous to look at,” says Anne-Maree, “but they also let so much light into the house and good interiors need an abundance of light!” CONTACTS Architect Invilla Design, invilla.com.au, design@invilla.com.au. Cabinetry Germancraf­t Cabinets, germancraf­t.com.au.
BACK PATIO Luke and Kristian share a laugh on the back patio, which connects the main house out to the pool house. Veranda Collection wicker seating – part of Cape Cod Home’s new online range – and the ‘Polka Dot Palm Tree’ cushions from Peacocks And Paisleys, create a space that is a magnet for the family. And the adjoining doors were always going to be French, topped with transom windows. “Not only are they gorgeous to look at,” says Anne-Maree, “but they also let so much light into the house and good interiors need an abundance of light!” CONTACTS Architect Invilla Design, invilla.com.au, design@invilla.com.au. Cabinetry Germancraf­t Cabinets, germancraf­t.com.au.

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