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This page The inspiration behind the
colour scheme was the warm russet hues
of autumn with its rusty red and earthy
browns, with random bursts of green and
a white base to tie everything together.
home and away
An inspiring home that opens its doors to many
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B
risbane-based John Croft Design has
established itself as one of the leaders in
interior design in Australia. Not only does the
company represent quality, but there is a certain
je ne sais quoi about what the team do. They look
after each and every client exceedingly well,
which is why their clients keep coming back
and why most of their work is by referral.
It was, of course, no different for this home,
which was designed by John Croft Design’s
senior interior designer, Renee Burgess. What
was different for Renee was that it was not
only going to be used as a family home for the
owners, children and grandchildren, but as a
bed and breakfast as well. Therefore it was up
to Renee to make the home appeal universally
to a large number of people, as well as have a
personal touch for the family.
The Montville home was a 30-year-old plain
brick abode, which was built in a Y-shape
with a flat roof and long decks in the centre of
town. One of the home’s greatest qualities is its
spectacular 180-degree view of the Queensland
coast. When Renee started work, the home had
already undergone structural renovation with an
extension adding another level for extra space.
The clients had long discussions with Renee
about what they wanted for the home and their
desired overall look. The colours throughout had
to harmonise, however not necessarily match, so
each room was interesting and different. The
mix of furnishings and accessories was to be
eclectic, with traditional pieces mixing with
Above Neutral tones of beige and cream were deliberately chosen to give the first bedroom warmth and charm. Below Patterned custom-made rugs are placed strategically
around the house without drawing attention away frm the floorboards. Opposite page above Cherrywood floorboards and an ornate staircase give the house the feeling of an
American East Coast summer house. Opposite page below Cerise bedding with a floral motif against a striped ottoman creates a strong visual effect in the second bedroom.
It was up to the
interior designer
to make this home
appeal to a large
number of people,
as well as have a
personal touch for
the family.
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Quiet nooks feature
ornate tables and
mocha lounge chairs
to snuggle into, with
vibrant fire reds
bringing the whole
place to life.
Above The outdoor areas look into landscaped gardens and across to the Queensland coast. Left A mixture of
traditonal and unconventional furnishings were hand-picked for this project.
unusual contemporary shapes to add interest.
All of the pieces in the home were sourced and
supplied by John Croft Design specifically for
the look and some pieces, such as the bedheads
and rugs, were custom-designed and made.
The lower level was transformed with an
entry leading to a formal lounge and fireplace.
A provincial-style kitchen and informal dining
and living area overlook landscaped gardens
and the spectacular view. A study, powder
room, laundry and the master bedroom are also
situated down on this level.
Firmly establishing the distinctly Hamptons
feel to the home, a wooden and wrought-iron
staircase takes you to the upper level, which is
equipped with a kitchenette/reading area and
sitting room mezzanine for the guests. Visitors
also enjoy two large bedrooms that overlook
the views, each with their own ensuites. Both
bedrooms lead out to one large balcony, which
can be divided by bi-fold doors for privacy.
Being an area where there would at times be
a lot of traffic, all fabrics needed to be hardwearing without a commercial hotel-like feel.
The clients were very clear that they wanted the
home to be warm, inviting and comfortable.
Soft, washable fabrics were chosen and are
accented with plenty of cushions and custommade rugs for comfort. The autumn-colour
palette used to help the family and guests
ease into relaxation with various hues of reds,
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browns and oranges adds to the rustic feel. The
area also gets quite cold so the ambience created
is very cosy.
Classic creams were chosen for bathroom
and kitchen areas, with glass feature splashback
tiles adding a touch of the modern. Marble
creates elegance and is complemented with
silver guilt frames. Renee chose lots of rich and
regal patterns, such as bold stripes and delicate
jacquards used together in bedrooms and living
spaces, while quiet nooks feature ornate tables
and mocha lounge chairs to snuggle into, with
vibrant fire reds bringing the whole home
to life.
John Croft Design’s clients are absolutely
ecstatic with the result. The home is now
everything they had hoped it to be and more.
The space transforms beautifully from family
home to newly named ‘Montville Village Bed
and Breakfast’ and is definitely an extra-special
place to stay, not only for B&B guests, but the
whole family. 
JOHN CROFT DESIGN
63 Amelia Street
Fortitude Valley Brisbane Qld 4006
Tel: 07 3257 0633
Fax: 07 3252 3433
Email: [email protected]