Brokenhead Settlers Cottage

Snugged on a slope in the subtropical bush of Northern NSW, this charming timber settler’s cottage was full of potential but needed a thoughtful refresh to better serve its creative, character-loving owner.

Our client—a passionate collector of mid-century furniture, music, and photography, came to us with a vibrant brief and a clear appreciation for colour and nostalgic design. It was a wonderfully aligned collaboration from the start.

We replaced the heavy and worn carpeting with blonde timber flooring to bring warmth and light into the lower level. In the kitchen, we reimagined the layout for both function and flow—borrowing space from an adjacent guest room to tuck away the fridge, add a petite pull-out pantry, and create a custom bar to house a beloved whisky collection.

Colour played a joyful role throughout, most notably with butter yellow tiles, complemented by stainless steel benchtops, minimalist hardware, and subtle nods to mid-century design.

The bathroom previously cramped and awkward, was reworked into a calming, spa-like retreat that feels generous despite its small footprint, framed by greenery both inside and out.

The result is a character filled and inviting home that honours the cottage’s original charm while bringing in a sense of ease, personality, and playful modernity.