A long-term friendship between designer, Tahn Scoon from Tahn Interiors, and her homeowner clients creates an updated Queenslander home that, in all seasons, meets this family’s every need
It is our firm opinion at QH that the perfect home is one that simply works for whoever may dwell in it. And, as we all change throughout our lives, shouldn’t our homes evolve, too?
For homeowners Sarah and Tom, this has always been the aim behind the design choices in their Norman Park Queenslander. Seven years ago, they had one goal: transform the tired old space into something fresh and inviting for their family of five. Sarah signed up for a decorating workshop (hosted by Tahn Scoon of Tahn Interiors), and so began this home’s transformation.
“Sarah attended one of my decorating workshops, and just days later, she engaged me to furnish and style this dilapidated old Queenslander,” says Tahn. “It was a very successful project all around — and one that’s continued to this day! We keep being invited back to do more as the kids grow and the family’s needs change.” So, once again, Tahn set to styling with a clear vision: update the living space to suit three now-teenagers and their parents, style a newly added guest suite, and finish off with a kitchen refresh.
At over 7 m2, the living space could easily have felt cavernous; instead, it’s warm and inviting, evoking a sense of warmth thanks to considered groupings of furniture, artwork and colour. The furniture nestles into the centre of the room; at its heart is a deep-blue ottoman, custom-made in Zepel’s Aspen ‘Ink’, which sets the tone across the room. The matching velvet cushions date back to the original makover, and Tahn brought them back to life with plump new feather inserts. New cushions in Earle ‘Pebble’ from Unique Fabrics work back with the playful oversized ‘beanies’, perfect for teenagers to lounge on after school or to pull up as footrests.
It’s a restrained palette in soothing tones — inky-blue, black, and beige — accented by metallic shimmers of black and nickel. “Metal accents are like adding jewellery to an outfit,” says Tahn. “The scattering of silver adds such a lightness to the room.”
In Tahn’s signature style, the tiniest details carry from piece to piece — those inky hues, for example, are echoed in the bespoke art on either side of the fireplace. “The abstract artworks, Sanctum 1 and Sanctum 2, were commissioned for this space,” Tahn explains. Another piece, this time an illustration of redwood trees by Saska Scoon, is a sweet nod to the family (Redwood is Sarah’s maiden name).
Sarah and Tahn are united in their love of calm, clutter-free interiors, which lends itself to a beautifully styled home that lacks for nothing — even “fireplace paraphernalia” is tucked away in large wicker baskets in the same tones as that stunning timber floor. But, Tahn admits, they couldn’t resist a few “purely aesthetic” choices: the styled Oslo console from Xavier Furniture teams up with a custom mirror designed by Tahn Interiors and brought to life by Frames on Farrant.
So now, we’ll wander down a wide hallway (styled with a chic rattan console from Xavier Furniture and a few pieces Tahn hand-picked herself) and find ourselves in the kitchen. Here, there’s a luxe new update — custom-panelled banquette seating, designed by Tahn and built by Abode Style Furniture to marry style with practicality. “The faux leather from Warwick was chosen for extra comfort and easy cleaning,” she explains. Extra seating options (the custom-made ‘pods’) are upholstered in Mokum ‘Esplanade’, an outdoor fabric also chosen for easy cleaning.
Across both the living room and kitchen is a lusciously long nine-metre, linen-look curtain to filter out that Queensland heat and add a delicate sense of whimsy — we love how it joins the two rooms together so effortlessly.
And then there’s the newest addition: the guest room. “This newly built space needed to feel serene and welcoming, so we added luxurious layers in soft teals and warm greys,” says Tahn. Bespoke pieces, such as the custom bedhead and cushions, create a sanctuary that, while in harmony with the rest of the home, singles this room out as its own special haven.
This home will surely continue to change as life goes on for its residents — and there’s no doubt Tahn will remain its style guide. “I love working with Sarah and her family,” she says. That love is clear; from top to toe, it’s a home that’s considered, cherished and ready for its family to adore.
Words: Natasha Pavez | Photography: John Downs and Mindi Cooke
