Project Type: Residential/Commercial

Role: Interior Designer – Feather & Lawry Design

Builder: Acute Builders - Mitch McDouall

Joinery: Kitchen Perfect

Photography: Cameron Murchison

Project Overview

The Quay Street Renovation in Rockhampton was created as a city base for a client whose primary life is on rural farmland. The brief was simple yet ambitious: a home that was distinct, personal, and “nothing pedestrian.” Drawing on the client’s cattle farming background, the design embraces rich timbers, raw textures, and a strong masculine aesthetic, all while respecting the heritage of the building.

The project required careful balance. Heritage considerations guided the renovation, though the client also wanted elements that pushed boundaries. The goal was to create a space that felt relaxed yet sophisticated, grounded in its context, and entirely unique.

Design Approach

The design approach focused on listening carefully to the client’s style preferences and translating them into a cohesive home environment. Every decision, from layout adjustments to material selection and lighting, aimed to reflect the client’s personality and lifestyle.

A strong play of light and dark defines the interiors. Masculine contrasts are softened through purposeful and discreet indirect lighting, highlighting textures, finishes, and furniture. This approach ensures every element of the space is visible without ever feeling overbearing.

Custom joinery and carefully chosen materials bring individuality and depth to the project. Applied metal cabinetry by Axolotl adds a subtle edge to the kitchen and living spaces, while the craftsmanship of the builder and joiner is evident throughout.

Materiality and Finishes

The selection of materials was central to creating a home with longevity, tactility, and visual impact. Standout elements include:

·       SNB Stone slabs throughout the kitchen, living room, and powder room

·       Tongue and groove herringbone flooring

·       Classic Ceramics marble tiling in the powder room

·       Axolotl Viper applied metal cabinetry in the kitchen and living areas

·       Coco Republic Timothy Oulton furniture in the living, dining, and second bedroom

·       Domo fabric bedframe in the main bedroom

·       Porters Paints internally and externally

·       Instyle gilded cork wallpaper in the alley entry hall

Every material was chosen to complement the heritage building while providing a modern, masculine, and refined atmosphere.

Outcome

The result is a home that feels both grounded and elevated. Walking through the completed space, the success of the project is immediately apparent. The interiors reflect the client’s personal style and appreciation for craftsmanship while creating a city retreat that is entirely distinctive.

From spatial planning to lighting, finishes, and furniture, the Quay Street Renovation demonstrates the power of considered design, where every detail contributes to a cohesive and sophisticated environment.