Do you live in a Queenslander and have an unused verandah in need of an update? Be inspired by this renovation project by Bay-Lu Properties. The duo renovated their parents’ unused verandah into a stunning cottage styled sunroom which can be enjoyed all year round.
Bay-Lu Properties is run by the very clever, builder-designer couple, Joel and Nola. They are the Aussie version of Chip and Joanna Gaines.
For over a decade, Joel and Nola have been flipping houses, focusing on renovate to sell projects. In recent years, they have started to renovate for family and offer design consultations.
This verandah revamp was done on a cattle property in Liston, 15 minutes east of Stanthorpe.
Sunroom Brief
As the winters are chilly and the eastern wind really does bite in this part of country NSW, the project brief was to revamp the verandah into a sunroom.
The space needed to make the most of the sun and stunning outdoor landscape, but also offer protection from the gusty winds.
A list of features included lots of windows to let the sun in and feel connection to the outside landscape.
There was also a ‘must have’ request by the owners, to include a bench seat to fit a large family so all adults could sit and enjoy the space.
Cottage Styled Sunroom
Joel and Nola went about building in the verandah to create a sunroom. A corner bench seat was designed to meet the brief, positioned below a row of windows to let the sunlight in.
To tie the sunroom in with the aesthetic of the rest of the house, which is quintessential country cottage (think weatherboards and dormer windows and a wide wrap around verandah), the duo sourced a mixture of picture windows, sliding windows and sliding doors with grids. The timber floating floors from Andersons add to the farmhouse look.
The space was styled using pre-owned furniture from the owner, layering a few new scatter cushions. The wicker chairs are from Harvey Norman, which are for outdoor use as the sun hits hard on this space.
The sunroom has now become a much-loved retreat seating 8-10 adults, with a kid’s zone play area (which is out of shot) to maximize the best use of the space.
A large coffee table offers a functional surface for board games or colouring in while the adults can sit back, drink coffee and do Australian Sunday quiz. Apparently, it’s a family tradition taken quite seriously!
The before and after of this space is stunning. One can only dream of relaxing in a space like this on their next country escape!
For more inspiring before and after renovations, follow Bay-Lu Properties on Instagram. If you need a hand with designing your space, message Nola via Instagram for a consult.
