The Timber Whisperer's Blog

New Farm House – Black Solid Oak Interior

September 21, 2024
by Matthew
0 comments

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.

OxladeDr-73 OxladeDr-71 OxladeDr-61 OxladeDr-60 OxladeDr-48 OxladeDr-47 OxladeDr-46a OxladeDr-46 OxladeDr-44a OxladeDr-44 OxladeDr-35 OxladeDr-33 OxladeDr-27d OxladeDr-27c OxladeDr-27b OxladeDr-27a OxladeDr-27 OxladeDr-26 OxladeDr-25 OxladeDr-23 OxladeDr-22 OxladeDr-21 OxladeDr-20 OxladeDr-19a OxladeDr-19 OxladeDr-16 OxladeDr-15 OxladeDr-13 OxladeDr-8 OxladeDr-7 OxladeDr-6 OxladeDr-5 OxladeDr-4 OxladeDr-3 OxladeDr-2k OxladeDr-2j OxladeDr-2i OxladeDr-2h OxladeDr-2g OxladeDr-2f OxladeDr-2e OxladeDr-2d OxladeDr-2c OxladeDr-2b OxladeDr-2a OxladeDr-2 OxladeDr-1

Fine Wine Cellar Dining Room

February 26, 2023
by Matthew
0 comments

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.

 

ArgyleApartments-83a ArgyleApartments-84 ArgyleApartments-85 ArgyleApartments-87 ArgyleApartments-87a ArgyleApartments-88 ArgyleApartments-92 ArgyleApartments-92a ArgyleApartments-95ArgyleApartments-95aArgyleApartments-96

Wine Cellar and Cigar Room

February 3, 2022
by Matthew
0 comments

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
0 comments

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)

 

New Entrance Door and Divider

June 22, 2021
by Matthew
0 comments

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
0 comments

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.

Queenslander Renovation

April 1, 2021
by Matthew
0 comments

Trebilcock Architects engaged us to craft all the joinery for an old Queenslander having a complete make-over. Working with an old house can bring many dilemmas; how to work the old into the new without losing the integrity of the historical elements. We created a Hamptons style interior with a difference.

Working closely with the clients and the Architects we were able to achieve a flowing and timeless modern home.

Kitchen Reno With Many Moods

September 3, 2020
by Matthew
0 comments

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

March 8, 2020
by Matthew
0 comments

We have just completed another Apartment Renovation on a 10 year old apartment in New Farm.

We worked alongside Anju Designs and the owners to renovate the kitchen, laundry, staircase and front entrance.

The brief was to “turn this apartment into a modern Home, within a tight budget”

We replaced the kitchen cupboard doors and the island bench, repainted the whole apartment. Stripped back, stained and repolished the staircase in a black finish and added a glass hand rail. Replaced the front door with a solid Oak door and custom built handles, to match the staircase and compliment the entrance.

The owners are really happy with their new look home, all completed within budget.

Library, Fireplace and Built-Ins in French Walnut

June 25, 2019
by Matthew
0 comments

We were contacted by Turul Building to design and build an old fashioned Library and Mantel Piece and make storage with built-in cupboards, all to bring character and a sense of warmth into the home.

We decided on hand made mouldings and fluting, and to work with French Walnut with use a 20% Finish, and brass shelf supports were also included.

We designed the Mantel Piece to compliment the character of design, and to add to the feel of the room.

The client is very happy with the final result and now has a beautiful relaxing sanctuary to read, relax and entertain, all in front of a warming fire.