We transformed a dated 1990s Queenslander into the ultimate healthy, inclusive and sustainable home, we were able to do a full home renovation for under $50,000, proving that creating a low-tox, inclusive space doesn’t have to hurt your pocket, your health or the earth.
Every material has been carefully chosen to protect both people and the planet, from reclaimed timber and repurposed cabinetry to non-toxic paints and natural finishes.
Latest Project
90's Queenslander Home
Click on a room to find out more
Home Office / Spare room
Brief: To turn an outdated bedroom into a custom double home office, with plenty of bench space, storage and shelving, using an old kitchen we got for $100 for the cabinetry and shelving, must also be able to fit a double bed/ pull out couch for guests. Must also have dimmable light and a calming blue colour pallet and to have some sort of reference to a traditional Queenslander home.
THE END RESULT
We were able to use most of the used kitchen cabinets to create the bottom cabinets by just painting them (using a primer first), while the unused cabinet shells were cut, nailed, and repurposed into top shelving, finishing them with a wooden trim to hide the exposed particle board.
We also repurposed old VJ roofing and added it to the back of the cabinets for texture. We added new timber benchtops, brass knobs and installed strip lighting under the shelves for a modern touch. The window was also repainted to complete the look.
Approximate Cost: $1000
Products used:
-
Recycled timber cabinetry
Click on links to view items
Children's Bedroom
The brief was to create a calm and nurturing bedroom that supports focus, rest, and emotional regulation for a child with ADHD. The space needed to feel safe and predictable, with soft natural colours inspired by nature.
A dedicated calming corner was to be included for reading, stimming, and quiet time, using natural textures and gentle lighting. The layout needed to be simple and structured, with minimal clutter and easy-to-follow routines. Materials were to be low-tox, sustainable, and soothing to the senses, helping create a healthy, grounded environment for both relaxation and creativity.
THE RESULT: The bedroom was created to be calm, organised, and nurturing for focus, rest, and emotional balance. A hammock was included as a quiet reading and stimming zone, with a small magazine rack holding only a few books to prevent overwhelm. A calming blue, toxin-free wallpaper with subtle tree patterns introduced a gentle nature-inspired feel, complemented by white walls and a white wardrobe painted with extra-low VOC paint to reduce toxins and visual clutter.
We repurposed unused architraves as decorative dado rails, adding character while keeping materials sustainable. A princess-style bed with curtains provided a cosy nook and a sense of safety. Warm lighting from a bedside lamp and ceiling light created a soothing atmosphere, while soft rugs added texture and comfort. A few child-safe plants such as peace lilies and spider plants were placed to purify the air and enhance calmness. A dresser was included to neatly store hair and morning essentials, reducing clutter and helping maintain an organised daily routine.
Approximate Cost: $500
Products Used
-
100% paper (no voc) wallpaper
Click on links to view items
Main Bathroom
The brief was to split the huge main bathroom into an ensuite and a smaller low-tox main bathroom, that feels like a calming retreat for the whole family. The space needed to include a walk-in shower and a resort-style bath, with materials that are sustainable, easy to clean, and resistant to mould. The overall look was to remain consistent with the ensuite, adding stone or natural materials, maintaining a soft, natural palette that promotes relaxation and wellbeing.
THE RESULT: The bathroom was designed with the same natural and low-tox materials used in the ensuite to create a cohesive feel throughout the home. Sketch Stone, a thin 2 mm slice of real stone, was used to add a beautiful natural texture to the space. The timber vanity was sealed with a food-safe low VOC sealer and finished with lime wax for a gentle whitewashed effect.
Large white smooth tiles were chosen for the walls and floors to make cleaning simple and prevent mould build-up. A low VOC waterproofing membrane was used for a healthier indoor environment, and a powerful exhaust fan was installed for ventilation. The walk-in shower and freestanding resort-style bath bring a sense of luxury and calm, enhanced by warm lighting that gives the space a soft, soothing atmosphere.
Approximate Cost: $6900
Products Used
-
White Matt Ceramic Wall Tile 600 × 300
Click on links to view items
Ensuite
BRIEF: To transform one large bathroom into two functional spaces, creating a private ensuite and a family bathroom. The ensuite was to include a double shower, natural finishes, and easy-to-clean surfaces that prevent mould and support a low-tox environment. The design needed to feel calm, light, and timeless, with soft natural tones and sustainable materials that flow with the rest of the home.
FINAL RESULT: The original bathroom was divided into a private ensuite with a double shower and a separate family bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a resort-style bath. In the ensuite, Sketch Stone, a 2 mm thin slice of real stone, was used to bring texture and a natural feel to the walls. The timber vanity was finished with a food-safe low VOC sealer and a lime wax, creating a soft whitewashed look.
A low VOC waterproofing membrane was applied, and large white smooth tiles were chosen for the walls and floors to make cleaning easy and prevent mould build-up. A powerful exhaust fan improves ventilation, while warm lighting creates a soothing, spa-like atmosphere. The result is a fresh, calm, and healthy space that reflects the home’s sustainable design.
Approximate Cost: $6100
Products Used
Click on links to view items
-
White Matt Ceramic Wall Tile 600 × 300
Main Bedroom
BRIEF: The main bedroom was originally too long and lacked functional balance. The aim was to reconfigure the space to feel more proportionate, calm, and connected to the new ensuite. The existing wardrobe was to be redesigned as an integrated feature wall with a built-in television, mantel, and concealed storage, incorporating a dresser on one side and a journalling nook on the other.
To improve flow, part of the room was sectioned off to create a new walk-in robe. Additional consideration was given to reducing radiation exposure from the power meter on the adjoining wall by using shielding materials and carefully positioning the bed. The overall design vision was for a light, airy, and restorative space, featuring natural textures, soft tones, and gentle lighting to support relaxation and wellbeing.
Final result: The main bedroom was transformed into a calm and light-filled retreat that feels both functional and nurturing. A new walk-in robe was added to help reshape the bedroom and create more space for clothing storage, improving flow and balance. The original wardrobe was converted into an integrated feature wall with a recessed television, a mantel, and shelving. One side now serves as a dresser area, while the other functions as a journalling nook with soft timber finishes and greenery for a peaceful touch. Recycled VJ panelling was used throughout to tie the design to the other bedrooms and give the space a classic Queenslander feel.
A delicate blue botanical wallpaper behind the bed adds a gentle connection to nature, complemented by white walls that keep the space airy and soothing. Shielding wallpaper was installed behind the bed to reduce exposure from the nearby power meter. Warm lighting and natural textures complete the design, creating a restorative and healthy space for rest and reflection.
Approximate Cost: 2,500
Products Used
-
100% paper (no voc) wallpaper
-
Wool rug
-
Anti-Radiation wall paper
Kitchen/ Laundry
BRIEF: Merge the existing kitchen and large laundry to create a more spacious and functional kitchen with a butler’s pantry that includes an integrated laundry. Use natural and recycled materials throughout, including cabinetry and benchtops, to support sustainability and a low-tox environment.
Reuse the cabinets from a pre-loved kitchen purchased for only $500, repurposing and refinishing them to fit the new layout. Replace the unused sliding door with a servery window to open the space to the outdoors and bring in natural light and airflow.
Include a large island bench with shelving underneath for charging phones, built-in storage for the vacuum cleaner and brooms, and a dedicated coffee and tea station to enhance organisation and daily living comfort.
Final result: We bought used kitchen cabinetry that was only 2 years old for only $500, including oven and stove top. we then rearranged the kitchen cabinets to fit the space and adjusted some of the cabinets to create the top cabinet and fill in gaps. We opened the kitchen onto the existing laundry and created a laundry/ butlers pantry combined. We used a beautiful American oak benchtop that we sealed with a low VOC benchtop sealant. We also reused the timber shelving from the second hand kitchen we bought. We then used huge Italian ceramic tiles imitating stone (easier to clean) and repainted the area with a white on white colour ultra low-voc paint from Tint. We also used white stone sinks that we sealed with a low voc sealant to avoid scuff marks.
Approximate Cost: $8,500
Products Used
-
Ceramic stone look tiles
-
Recycled kitchen cabinets
Click on links to view items
Lounge room/ dining
BRIEF: To create more light while reducing the western heat, add a fire place and a spot for the TV on the wall. To create a calm, relaxing atmosphere while keeping a healthy, low-tox environment.
Result: The lounge room and dining ended up being one of my favourite rooms in the house! as the room was facing west, but had amazing views of the hinterland, I decided to replace the large window with a smaller frameless low-emissivity glass window that just framed the view and added the same window on the other side to help with symmetry and to take even more advantage of the beautiful view! The special glass featured a transparent coating that reflects UV and infrared light while letting in visible natural light. We saved money on the windows by creating a timber frame and adding a piece of glass straight from the glazier and securing it with a timber bead. We then created a fireplace feature with recycled VJ boards to house the electric fireplace in. Used a natural edge recycled timber as the mantel that we used a clear beeswax coating to protect it. We painted everything with an ultra-low VOC paint (white on white) added a natural cotton rug and used my home-made log lamp as a feature. (click here to learn how to make the lamp!)
Approximate Cost: 5,500
-
Recycled timber mantel
Products Used
-
Low-emissivity glass
-
100% wool rug
Front Yard
The front yard was redesigned to feel welcoming, low-maintenance, and connected to nature while supporting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. We replaced synthetic materials with natural, breathable options and introduced native and drought-tolerant plants to attract bees, butterflies, and local wildlife. These choices reduce water use and create a calming, sensory-rich space that feels alive and grounding.
The result: What was once bare grass is now a warm and inviting outdoor space featuring a South American charcoal BBQ, a stone fire pit, and a thriving herb and vegetable garden. Most of the materials used were recycled, including the fencing, bricks, and stone, giving the project a sustainable edge while keeping costs low. Designed for connection and outdoor living, this space brings together culture, sustainability, and creativity, turning an unused front yard into a functional, eco-friendly retreat, perfect for cooking, relaxing, and gathering with family and friends. The project was very affordable because we mainly used recycled/ repurposed materials or materials that were left over from construction sites and would have otherwise gone to landfill.
Approximate Cost: $2,500
-
Recycled timber posts, rails and pailings
-
Recycled cobble stones for the fire pit area
-
Recycled travertine stone tiles for the entry
-
Blackbutt timber decking
-
Recycled bricks for the bbq area
Products Used
-
Low-voc satin paint (white on white)
-
Second-hand electric garage doors
-
Sandstone cladding for the bbq (free)
-
Tree logs from a fallen tree as seats