3 minute read
HOMES: downsizing
from strhw 345yq3y
by loopedsaxe3
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All in fami E A E M O
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For some people, their rst home is their ‘forever’ home, renovated or redecorated only once a decade or so. Other people are free spirits who change their surroundings whenever the mood strikes. Interior designer Bronnie Masefau is in the latter camp. Originally from Brisbane, Bronnie, her husband, A.J., and their children – Isaiah, 21, Nate, 19, and Kayziah, 16 – lived in various addresses in Melbourne over a span of 13 years, ranging from a heritage-listed house to an apartment “a stone’s throw from the National Gallery of Victoria”. Yearning to be closer to family, the Masefaus decided to return to the Sunshine State in 2016.
“Prior to moving to Melbourne, my parents lived with us on a property in Samford Valley [about 40 minutes’ drive from Brisbane],” says Bronnie. We all have wonderful memories of that time, so when relocating to Brisbane, we were keen to buy a home that could also accommodate Mum and Dad in the future.”
After much searching, a 1980s townhouse came up for sale near Bronnie’s parents – right next door, in fact. It was really too small to accommodate the Masefaus. “We four to ve adults physically wouldn’t have tted in the townhouse when purchased,” Bronnie recalls. But they were undeterred. “We decided to downsize our stuff and upsize our lifestyle,” she says.
A family meeting was called and everyone laid their needs and wants on the table. They decided to ➝
HOME DESIGN
TIP “I appreciate many design styles and enjoy experimenting with them in our home,” says interior designer Bronnie. “The best investment you can make is discovering what ‘home’ means to you.”
The home incorporates different textures, colours, artworks and revamped antiques.
Homes
convert the double garage into a family room and a studio for Bronnie and tweak the oor plan elsewhere to improve liveability. New lighting, ooring, joinery and paint throughout would freshen things up too.
“The design really boils down to what home means to us,” says Bronnie. “We enjoy spending time together as a family and we love to entertain, so an open plan layout really works for our lifestyle. We are all bookaholics and love to bring home mementos when we travel, so incorporating plenty of storage/display space was essential.”
The front door opens to a short hallway leading to the laundry and powder room to the left and the family room and Bronnie’s studio to the right. Straight ahead is a spacious new open-plan kitchen/ living room, which opens onto the verdant backyard with sweeping views of the local golf course. Upstairs are three generous bedrooms, the main with ensuite.
However nothing about the renovation was straightforward. “Every new job uncovered another HOME DESIGN TIP “I like the aesthetics of a space to develop over time, to evolve organically,” says Bronnie. Artworks, both modern and vintage, adorn every wall and stamp personality on the home, while plants bring the outdoors inside and create a connection with the green surrounds.
The home has sweeping views of the local golf course. Right: The double garage was converted into a family room and studio for Bronnie.
serious issue,” says Bronnie. “Termites, water damage, uneven ooring, unsafe wiring – you name it.” Fortunately, Bronnie’s industry experience allowed her to take all the ‘surprises’ in her stride and bring the project in on budget. Each room features a dazzling combination of bold colours, tantalising textures, eye-catching patterns and revamped antiques – Bronnie’s signature ‘Australian vintage’ style. But there’s always room for more, she says. “I like the aesthetics of a space to develop over time, to evolve organically.” Artworks – both modern and vintage – adorn every wall, rmly stamping the Masefaus’ personality on the home. Plants, too, are prevalent, bringing the outdoors in and creating a connection with the green surrounds.
Isaiah recently moved back to Melbourne, but the rest of this tight-knit family nd daily delight in their bright and beautiful home. “The kitchen is so welcoming, and the TV room so cosy,” says Bronnie. “In our master bedroom and ensuite, we feel like we’re in a spa retreat. And did I mention the outdoor space overlooking the golf course?” Clearly, they love it all – and their only wish is that they had made the move sooner. “Having Mum and Dad next door is just wonderful,” says Bronnie. “It’s generational living at its best.” AWW
