Check out the understated, yet impressive work InsideOut Property Stylists recently did on their Cairns Beauty.

There's no doubt that when it comes to home renovations less is definitely more.  In fact it's an interior design philosophy that the decorating duo of InsideOut Property Stylists, Aaron Coshaw and Richard Stevens live by, even when it comes to their own property makeovers. 

Nestled in the hills surrounding Brinsmead in Cairns, this property was in need of a lift and who better to wave their makeover magic over it than the InsideOut pair themselves.  So between client renovations and refurbs, Aaron and Richard stole some time to do over their tired old two storey, three bedroom home.

Given its lush tropical surrounds, your eyes are first drawn to the property's outdoor living area.  One of the most inviting parts of the makeover is the gazebo beside the pool, which surprisingly was barley touched during the renovation. It just goes to show that less is definitely more, especially when renovating.  The first step was to render the edge of the pool with a charcoal coloured finish to cover the red bricks.  Small timber flat benches were placed at random spots around the edge of the pool.

Gone are the flat red bricks that led from the house to the pool, they were replaced with (very expensive) polished Bali stones, spread out between block pavers.  The steel framed undercover area was cut down from its 45 degree angle and straightened to allow for an Alang Alang grass thatched roof to be installed.  The Indonesian covering is totally water and cyclone proof and only requires a quick rake if the thatching gets a bit messy. A hand made, dark-framed timber day bed provides for a comfortable resting place, perfect to take in the impressive views over to Crystal Cascades and Yorkeys Knob.

Back inside, upstairs to the kitchen and the transformation is obvious.  No sign remains of the 70s themed kitchen with its apricot colourings and boxed in feeling.  Keen to create plenty of storage and bench space, the InsideOut crew went straight to work ripping out the overhead cupboards and creating more user-friendly storage areas.  Simple details complete the look with long steel handles on all the cupboards and Indonesian style wall hangings.  There's a rustic touch to the kitchen in the form of a rather unconventional but effective style of splashback.  Tiles were definitely a no-go so the boys went with a traditional outdoor stack stone, bought in metre lengths, and installed in 10 minutes flat, creating a distinctive natural feel.

Downstairs and a guest's haven has been create out of barren space that was once a rumpus room with an expanse of brown chequered lino and a leather padded bar.  "It was an empty shell," Aaron states.  "We wanted to keep a large open feel and because it's surrounded by lovely gardens, give it a real resort feel, natural feel that's not forced but casual and stylish."

The not-so-stylish lino was the first feature removed.  The bare concrete floor underneath was re-surfaced and varnished (a few times) and chocolate coloured borders painted on to divide the large space.  To keep with the open, airy feel, walls were avoided and instead a large calico divider was hung to create a bedroom.  The rest of the space was made into a sitting room and neutral coloured furnishings added to create a luxurious atmosphere with a touch of the old world tropics.  Glass louvers line the length of the wall bringing in natural light.  It's now a space perfect for guests who want a little privacy from the rest of the house.  A paved patio area is just outside, overlooking the pool and surrounded by tropical gardens.

A neighbouring sitting area takes up what was once the carport.  A bamboo screen divides the area, which now features a brick rendered bench seat adorned with padded seating and plenty of cushions for comfort.  Pillars were added to the half wall to partly enclose the space but still allow the inclusion of the garden.

So if bringing the outside in, and vice versa, is a design aspect that appeals to you then take note of this little beauty because it is a prime example of what living in the tropics should look like.

InsideOut Stylists can be found here.