Queenslander Renovations in Brisbane

Thoughtful renovation plans to maximise your home’s potential

get started today
angled view of the lounge area / dining room for an east brisbane home redesign project

modern Queenslander redesigns

Bring your dream home renovation to life

Have you fallen in love with the charm of your Queenslander, but find the layout less than ideal?

Maybe it’s the kitchen at the far end of the house, and you have to carry everything down the hallway, past the toys, and step over the dog to get out to the dining area. 

Or perhaps you’re considering whether moving a few walls could create a more fluid living space while adding that much-needed second bathroom.

Whether it’s a kitchen overhaul, reconfiguring spaces, or adding rooms, renovating your Queenslander can breathe new life into your home.

That’s where I come in! At Three Stems, I specialise in creating customised home renovation plans for Queenslander homes. 

book your free consultation
Renovated open-plan farmhouse style Queenslander kitchen with island bench designed by Three Stems
  • About Three Stems

    Hi there, I’m Stella! I’m an experienced residential building designer with a passion for helping Brisbane families make the most of their homes.

    My clients love working with me because I’m not just experienced in residential building design – I’m also great at bouncing ideas around. I understand how to best cater to your Queenslander home’s architectural style while also balancing the needs of young families.

    Unlike builders who may not offer this personalised guidance, I excel at turning your renovation dreams into reality, even if you’re not entirely sure what’s possible. 

    I’ll work closely with you to identify your needs and desires, make personalised recommendations, and translate these into detailed building plans ready for approval.

    If you are also looking to extend or raise and build under your Queenslander, my pre-site packages will take care of the entire process for you. 

    get in touch
    Stella Franks headshot Residential Building Designer at Three Stems Brisbane
  • comprehensive renovation planning in brisbane

    Expertly-Configured Small Home Renovations

    Even small changes can have a big impact. Reconsidering the location of a few key rooms while being mindful of the orientation can completely transform the feel and flow of your home.

    I provide innovative solutions to re-align your home’s layout, making the most of your existing space while ensuring every room is functional and stylish.

    Innovative Design Solutions That Consider regulations

    Working within the existing framework of your home, I devise creative renovation solutions, taking into account factors such as flood risk and Brisbane or Ipswich City Council regulations such as Traditional Building Character (TBC) overlays affecting Queenslander or post-war homes. 

    As a seasoned residential building designer, I am well-versed in these regulations. I’ll provide guidance on whether your home is affected, collaborate with you to develop compliant building plans, and assist in navigating council approvals—saving you time, money, and potential headaches.

    Turning Your Ideas Into Fully Functional Blueprints

    Unsure of what’s possible? I’m here to help you explore and refine your ideas. With my guidance, you’ll transform uncertainty into a clear vision for your renovation.

    As part of my pre-site package you will receive a FREE 90-minute colour consultation with an expert interior designer, ensuring your new space is as beautiful as it is functional.

    This personalised session ensures you make confident decisions about your home renovation’s colour palette.

    Vase sitting on wooden bench with cactus interior design Brisbane

    Three Stems Projects

    inspired brisbane home redesigns

    Check out the below selection of beautiful home renovation projects I have completed for my clients. You may find inspiration for your own home!

    I have successfully transformed homes across the Brisbane and Ipswish areas, including Moorooka, Salisbury, Yeronga, Holland Park, Greenslopes, East Brisbane, Paddington, Wooloowin, Sadliers Crossing, and Woodend, to name a few.

    FAQs

  • have questions about your home renovation?

    Check out my answers to some frequently asked questions regarding extending your home, or click on the button below to view all FAQs.

    The initial draft will be sent through to you with options, based on the onsite consultation.

    The first plan will provide the layout as discussed and an alternative option as applicable. You then have 2 opportunities to make changes to your selected layout.

    There are a few main roofs that are well know and used in high frequency in Brisbane residential housing. Most homes will use one or more in combination to provide interest and articulation.

    • Gable
    • Hip
    • Skillion
    • Parapet

    The livable housing design guidelines are technical provisions that have been set to help meet the needs of the community. The main requirements are to allow access to and through the dwelling. Providing wider openings and doorways, and reducing any trip hazards.

    The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating categorises the severity of potential bushfire exposure and dictates the minimum construction requirements necessary to increase a building’s resistance to bushfires.

    BAL-LOW: Low risk, no special construction requirements.

    BAL-12.5: Low to moderate risk, some ember protection required.

    BAL-19: Moderate risk, additional ember protection and protection against radiant heat.

    BAL-29: High risk, more stringent requirements for ember protection and radiant heat.

    BAL-40: Very high risk, even stricter construction requirements.

    BAL-FZ (Flame Zone): Extreme risk, requires the highest level of protection, including against direct flame contact.

    When designing a building in a bushfire-prone area, knowing the BAL is essential to ensure compliance with local regulations and to enhance the safety of the building’s occupants.

    A development approval is approved by the council. A town planner will need to be engaged to prepare an application on behalf of the owner. A DA is required if the proposed plans do not comply with the council (BCC or ICC) requirements.

    A building approval is approved by a private certifier. It’s requirements are triggered when any engineering is required.

    View all FAQs
    Young couple consulting with buildilng designer on home renovation plans
  • testimonials

      Michelle

      Paddington

      Stella was fantastic to work with. She understood the brief, was easy to deal with, was fast, efficient and delivered as per our instructions.

      Karl

      Greenbank

      Always received a follow up message, was kept in the loop. Always knew what’s going on if changes happened.

      Denise

      Tallebudgera

      Stella Franks was kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable, professional and an absolute pleasure to work with.

      Lyle

      Yeerongpilly

      Stella has been professional, reliable, flexible, and fun to work with. The ability to share a laugh at stressful times is great.

      Jonny

      Salisbury

      Stella is great to deal with.

      Simon

      Paddington

      Stella has been super helpful. We have been very happy with her. She was easy to deal with, understood the brief, was fast and efficient.

      Erin

      Rosewood

      Stella has been wonderful, she is an asset to your team. Nothing is too much trouble and Stella is really trying
      to help us design the perfect layout we will have to live in for a very long time.

      Stella is a real asset to your team. So friendly and helpful and knows her stuff!

      Barry

      Mooloolaba

      10/10.  Stella has been fantastic working with the certifier who is hard to deal with, but she is working through his issues and we will have a great outcome.

    contact

  • get in touch

    Cup of tea icon

    To get started, you can give me a call or fill out the form on the contact page.

    We’ll arrange a time for an on-site no obligation chat and a cup of tea to discuss your project and refine your vision.

    I will get an understanding of your project, requirements and budget and be able to answer any questions about the process.

    Let’s get started!

    submit an enquiry
    Family looking at house designs on laptop