The Timber Whisperer's Blog

New Farm House – Black Solid Oak Interior

September 21, 2024
by Matthew
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This home has many varied living spaces which all came with their own challenges; the solid oak timber fluted paneling with each section of the paneling throughout this home being different so it flows around into another section, so each section had to be custom made. And there were to be no fillers used in the corners, which added another challenge.
The kitchen, panty and living spaces also all have complex curves and fluted paneling running into flat panels.
The upstairs office is a very workable office space with plenty of thought gone into how this space will work, as more than one person are working from home.
The main ensuite is just simply breath taking, the curved vanity adds a really unique touch to this design and is something I am sure we will see more of.
The Master suite with walk-in robe really make this home, the wall paneling and window seat fit beautifully with the Tudor window frame.

The architects wanted a black finish on all the joinery, and we had to make sure the oak grain was still visible, so we mixed up an earth black stain to achieve this and then finished all the joinery in a clear matt finish 2 pack.

This project was designed by Shaun Lockyer Architects and the build by CGH Constructions. Both a pleasure to work with.

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Fine Wine Cellar Dining Room

February 26, 2023
by Matthew
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We were asked to create a curved (yes curved) wine cellar and dining room. The curved wall cellar was a challenge we enjoyed and we were able to create our clients dream cellar dining room and they love it. This cellar allows you to select a few bottles of your favourites, while dining with friends.

This statement cellar is made from Solid Oak with Marble backing and Marble whiskey shelves.

The Lighting adds to the room, showing the grain and curve, the curved doors are layers of veneer to fit the perfect shape so the doors close perfectly each time.

We have added a full length white leather banquet seat for guests to sit and admire the wine collection, beautifully lit, while enjoying a drop with friends.

 

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New Farm Penthouse

February 19, 2023
by Matthew
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This penthouse has 2 levels with an elevator between, we have created wood paneling for all of the walls to bring the two floors together for the harmonious uninterrupted view of the Brisbane river, Storey Bridge and skyline.

Every room we created is made from Solid oak or Veneer oak. We have tinted some of the timber to bring out different elements in the wood. And with the use of gold trim to highlight and complement the timber.

The top level houses the informal dining and service area, overlooking the pool and on the lower level; the kitchen, living, bedrooms, bathrooms, dressing room, hallway display, library all in natural oak and the entertainment room and pool room with wine storage in dark oak veneer.

To achieve this level of high detail and finish we worked closely with Tom Dooley’s team, in consultation with John, manager of the construction. Who provided us with expertise and as a team we were able to produce exceptional high quality penthouse living.

Wine Cellar and Cigar Room

February 3, 2022
by Matthew
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Working with Kco Designs on initial concept designs and then working with the owners on the final designs we created two amazing rooms, that compliment each other beautifully and are stunning.

The Wine cellar needed to be kept at a control temperature of 14.8 Deg , so we had to design our panels for this Dry area. We used an American Walnut timber in both solid and veneer panels. The owner wanted an old worldly feel and American Walnut was the perfect fit. Along with aged brass mesh for the lower cabinet doors.

All the spacing for the red wine was worked out with the owner, as he wanted certain places for each bottle. We added LED Lighting behind each section of racking, and the light flows though each bottle and creates beautiful colours and effects. A real bonus in this space.

We were asked for a fully functional kitchen, to include a glass washer, small fridges for champagne and wine. We installed glass holders, a sink and a tv. As the wine cellar also houses an exquisite Maple dining table to be able to discuss wines with clients and friends.

We all decided that the wine cellar will age like a fine wine,  with the timbers holding an aroma of tastefulness.

The brief for the Cigar Room was developed with Kco Designs and fined tuned with the owners. The Cigar Room leads into the cellar and there is a view of the wine room, through the glass entrance door.

We added plaster board to all walls and ceiling to allow for a feature moulding. With the addition of LED lighting within the 2nd ceiling, creating a room within.

We created a mantel piece with carved woodwork and installed a gas fireplace. We installed a TV above and at the back is space for coats and hats to use as you enter. We needed to house a very rare book in the side cabinet, which required lighting and a book display. The display unit has side by side book shelves and we used the aged brass mesh for the cabinet doors for continuity.

We included two small wall nooks with LED lighting, that house display bottles which frame the wall painting, which it lit and all three make a feature wall.

All of the doors that lead to the Cigar Room are made from American Walnut with long custom handles.

Our clients Scott and Jenni love their new rooms to relax and entertain friends and enjoy a drop and a tasty Cuban cigar.

 

 

Wine Cellar in the Hills

October 25, 2021
by Matthew
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This wine cellar is made from Solid Spotted Gum and Veneer.

The storage is 925 Bottles of Wine.

The timber brings a warm feel and design a clean look , we added shelves for the wine boxes.

There is also an added space for a artwork in the middle framed section.

“Our experience of creating our wine cellar with Finer Living was wonderful: we’re exceptionally happy with the result. They went out of their way to research and work with us on the design to create a gorgeous and very functional space with a real eye for detail, and exceptional craftsmanship. I would highly recommend them.”

Kind regards and many thanks to the whole team for doing such a great job on our cellar project!

From David  (The Gap)

 

Queenslander Renovation

June 24, 2021
by Matthew
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We Have just finished a large renovation for a Queenslander in Mitchelton. The Client wanted a Modern feeling in the home, and a kitchen that had clean lines and plenty off bench space.

After a few meetings we came up the final design,, all the internals are finished is a soft Black finish, and the outside is finished in a painted oak , with a custom grey. The main oven tower has two larger storage areas with a foldaway door. The under benches are finished in a black oak, the upper cabinets are finished in French Oak natural finish. The whole kitchen is finished off with a 12 mm white no stain porcelain top, which makes this kitchen absolutely stunning. The internals are finished off with natural birch ply, and we even designed a solid timber curve to soften the corner. This kitchen will give many years off enjoyment.

For the living room the client wanted a bookcase/Tv unit which would hold a very old core sample from the Pilbara region, so we designed the cabinet around this, they also wanted a fireplace and a frame TV. After a few design consultations we designed this wall hanging unit with lighting on the top and underneath. We made a special place for his core sample, which is held in with brass rods. There is a space for a sound bar, and the new frame tv sit well inside the space, the fireplace sits below the TV. This unit is made from Tasmanian Black wood and is finished in a clear 2 pack coating,to give it a soft feel and look. At night with the fireplace on and looking at Art from Belgium Art Gallery you are taken to another place.
The Clients are very happy with their new home.

 

New Entrance Door and Divider

June 22, 2021
by Matthew
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We were asked to create a whole new entrance and walk in divider for a well loved residence.

This new entrance gives the whole place a new fresh feel and look inside and out.

The divider is designed with random placement of timber pieces to create shadows and light movement.

The timber divider creates a lovely warm welcoming entrance to the home.

 

TESTIMONIAL

We approached Matthew from Finer Living to give us some fresh ideas on a kitchen renovation in our home.

Matthew not only came up with some amazing kitchen ideas, but he also gave us great ideas on remodelling the whole living areas of the house.

The result is an amazing functional bespoke kitchen, a feature bookcase in our lounge room with matching partition screen in the newly created entrance way to the house.

Even the new front door stands out as a work of art.

The quality of the work is amazing and has inspired us to redecorate the whole hose from floor to ceilings.

Finer living handled all of the contractors required for the whole job and came in within our budget.

Our home now has more features than a new home and a lovely warm feel.

Nice Job Matthew

Yours Sincerely

David & Kriaten McKinnie McKinnie

 

Bar Cabinet, Creating Timeless Furniture that Serves

June 1, 2021
by Matthew
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Our Client wanted to bring a unique bar cabinet into their dining room space, that leads onto the deck. This cabinet doubles up to serve the dining and deck dining spaces.

Our client, came to us and asked for a bar with character and style. They selected this timeless style, that works with all other styles of decor.

We used Am Walnut timber , with a leather insert in the pull down section for serving. The inside of the cabinet is also Am Walnut, with solid brass supports and we added two leds lights in the display area, to give this section a soft glow at day and night.

Kitchen Reno With Many Moods

September 3, 2020
by Matthew
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Our Clients, Peter and Dianne wanted to bring a modern feel to their Riverside Apartment. We discussed the use of their kitchen area and they expressed they wanted to be able to create a soft feel, through the use of timber and lighting.

They wanted to keep the marble bench tops uncluttered, so we built the coffee maker into the pantry, all hidden behind the warm stained oak doors.

The working area of the kitchen is finished in a Hamptons, raised panel design. Finished with a Satin white 2 pak look.

Dianne chose the sleek black metal handles, which worked really well and brought curves into the linear cupboards, complimenting the curve of the ceiling. And the stone finish has only a limited overhang, and this shows off more of the handles.

All these little details work well, adding to the feel of the kitchen.

We included lighting under the breakfast bar, to create a evening bar feel as well when needed.

This kitchen is multi purpose, with lots of bench space to work with or use as a kitchen or bar service area, and the stained oak cupboards on one wall bring the warmth and softness.

We also created a new office area, from a disused balcony space. We built a sliding door from oak, which nicely frames the wall space as well as bring warmth into the new found office space.

Peter and Dianne are overjoyed with how the kitchen turned out and love having the extra office space.

See the before and after photos below.

Apartment Renovation by the River

February 5, 2020
by Matthew
0 comments

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We offer a full apartment renovation service, we take care of everything.

We were approached by Anju Designs to renovate an 80’s apartment by the river. We transformed this four bedroom, three bathroom apartment into a fresh new look and feel, that the owners are very happy with.

The kitchen had a large pole on the edge that needed to be integrated into the open living space and we came up with a reshaping solution using timber pieces, that creates a lovely transition into the kitchen from the living.

We completely renovated all the bathrooms, bedrooms, including joinery, tiling, painting, lighting plan and installation to create the look of a new apartment.

The owners were very impressed with our work and the final result.

Anju Designs were great to work with and we often collaborate with designers and between us we find good design solutions for many of the problems that often arise with renovation.

We were first introduced to Matthew by our designer Penny from Anju Designs, as we wanted to do a complete renovation on our apartment in Kangaroo Point.

We selected Matthew to do the work as his quote was acceptable compared to others, but he was able to do the complete renovation from demolition right through to the finished product, including all joinery. This proved to be the best solution for us.

We have been totally happy with Matthew and his team throughout the whole process, and the quality of the workmanship is second to none.

Thank you Matthew and your team for making our project go so well and we are absolutely delighted with our finished apartment. We highly recommend Matthew and Finer Living.

 

Paul & Lesley Langdale-Hunt,

Watermark Residences