Roof tiles from Monier Roofing met the classic American design aesthetic sought by builder Rachael Turner in her latest home renovation project.

Turner runs a highly successful building business in Brisbane called Front Porch Properties, which specialises in new-home builds as well as renovations. Thanks to the classic style and charm associated with her homes, her services are always in demand. Turner buys, renovates and sells her own developments, while also building new homes for families looking to construct their ‘forever’ home.

Her latest project, which just sold for a tidy profit, involved the renovation of a ‘daggy Queenslander’ into a modern farmhouse-style family home.

“It was an original Queenslander and we had to keep the building because it was pre-war,” explains Turner. “We raised it two metres. The whole downstairs area is new and then we did a dramatic renovation on the existing structure and added a new roof. It's basically a brand new house.

“We've kept all the original ornate ceilings and the original cornices. Other than that, it's all new.”

The Coorparoo house is now a gracious homestead, boasting five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and a pool.

The new roof features Monier Roofing’s Concrete Cambridge tiles in Soho Night colour, chosen by Turner for their resemblance to the classic American style. The shingle look works well with the monochromatic colour palette and generous verandah.

The open plan design also makes the most of the Queensland sunshine, creating a seamless experience between the inside and outside spaces with French doors that lead straight to the back deck. Four separate decks around the house maximise city views for the residents.

Turner’s signature designs are very popular amongst Brisbane homeowners, reflected through her 20,000-strong Instagram follower base as well as a growing waiting list for her building services.

“We specialise in classic style and American-inspired homes and renovations so all of the homes we build have that classic, timeless charm to them,” Turner explains.

5 ways to recreate Turner’s classic, timeless charm in home design

1. Stick to a monochromatic palette

Turner chose Resene’s Half Merino for the exterior paint, bringing a softer white shade that still works under the bright Queensland sun. Dark trims in Charcoal by Resene provided a counterbalance and framed the trims and exterior features.

2. Shutters for added personality

Fixing shutters to either side of the exterior windows adds that classic American feel; Turner built the shutters herself, painting them in Resene’s Charcoal to match the rest of the trims.

3. Choose shingle-look roof tiles

Monier’s Concrete Cambridge tiles met Turner’s expectations. “Because we specialise in American style homes, I was trying to find a product that would most closely mimic the American slate shingle roof that you see on those beautiful American coastal homes,” she explains. “The Concrete Cambridge tile was the closest in recreating that look and it's perfect for a home like this.”

4. A touch of whimsy

The classic letterbox profile, actually a full-sized mailbox provides a sense of personality and fun, greeting visitors as they enter the property.

5. Keep exterior lighting consistent

Exterior lighting is so important, especially with a house of this size. Turner chose simple glass and metal lights from Barn Light Australia, all with the same aesthetic to ensure a sense of harmony with the front aspects of the house.

Architecture & Design Team

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