Mood Board Projects

Escape to Four Winds; A Uniquely Renovated Country Home

Photographer: Sally Singh Photography

Instagram: Four Winds

“Watch the lightning crack over the cane fields - bring your hammock and your hammer.” These were the words that captivated Nerissa and Sam when viewing the listing for their soon-to-be home. Welcome to Four Winds; a 1950s Queenslander-style house boasting organic character. Perched high on a hill in Northern New South Wales, the home has been completely restored by designer, Nerissa and her husband, Sam, an award-winning builder. Making the dream renovation team, the couple curated a space that would cater to their lifestyle without erasing any of the original country charm. The result? An idyllic sanctuary with an abundance of personality.

Come with us as we tour this heavenly home with Nerissa and discover just how mood boards helped bring this vision to life.

When Nerissa and Sam purchased the home, it was barely liveable. A few alterations had to be made just for their family to move in, like connecting water and building walls. Once settled, the main renovations fell within the Covid lockdowns, so Nerissa and Sam took advantage of the stay-at-home order to begin the transformation. The aim was to create the perfect family home through warm aesthetics that incorporated practicality but didn't disrupt the character of the original home or native surroundings. The couple engaged with an architect from Brisbane to develop a concept that would suit their needs and lifestyle while understanding their vision for an organic space.

To help with this vision, Nerissa turned to Style Sourcebook, who came across our mood board tool while studying at the Interior Design Institute. Having just completed her course, Nerissa was ready to put her knowledge into practice and began creating mood boards to help bring the vision of Four Winds to life.

“We couldn’t have created our dream space without the use of Style Sourcebook. I love the way you can create and design rooms exactly the way you like; using either your own items and materials or getting ideas from the Style Sourcebook product library. I tell everyone who is designing their home or space to use it! It’s so inspiring to see your space come together from initially using the mood board tool to living in your newly created home. We can’t wait to move on to the next project and will definitely not be doing it without Style Sourcebook!”

- Nerissa | Designer, Bay Design Co.

Mood board created by Four Winds on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Upon entering Four Winds you’re completely submerged into an earthy haven that feels inviting and warm. The couple wanted the style of the home to suit their lifestyle but also seamlessly flow with the original structure. This may seem like a difficult task given the differences between modern living and a 1950s Queenslander, but Nerissa and Sam have completely created a space that feels cohesive in every aspect. It's a cosy home the family can retreat to, while still offering visual interests like soft curves, textural elements, and raw features.

A striking component of Four Winds is not just what materials are used but how these elements are utilised throughout the space. Both new and old components intertwine to illustrate the authentic beauty of the home. From the polished concrete to the rich floorboards that were chosen for their matching characteristics to the original flooring and raw décor; each element adds to the warmth and character of Four Winds.

We also must bring your attention to the gorgeous palette, as we can’t help but be instantly relaxed by the raw tones featured throughout this home. Natural White by Dulux creates the perfect backdrop for deep browns, organic whites, and natural greens; like the kitchen cabinetry, which was inspired by the colour of the sugar cane in the fields overlooked by the home.

Mood board created by Four Winds on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

A lot of the character of the home comes not only from the incredible interiors but from the positioning of the house. Nerissa and Sam wanted to take advantage of the 180-degree views while also enabling sunlight to stream through large windows and glass-stacking doors, filling every corner of the home.

And we simply cannot go past the incredible brick feature wall that separates the lounge room from the master bedroom and includes a two-sided fireplace that can be enjoyed from both spaces. Nerissa and Sam wanted something with visual interest that wasn’t going to feel overwhelming. When they stumbled upon a brick that reminded them of sandstone, they knew it was perfect for their home. So perfect that the same product was used for the sunken outdoor firepit situated beside the idyllic magnesium pool.

Much like the palette and materials, Four Winds features unique elements that really define the vision Nerissa and Sam were after for their family home. We’re in awe of every aspect, but it's the sentimental influences that really elevate this project. Like the locally sourced materials that were handcrafted into the countertops and dining table by Sam and his team. Many of the incredible pieces in this home were sourced locally, handmade, or installed by local tradespeople which has made living in Four Winds that much more special to Nerissa and Sam.

“For me, designing holistically means cherishing the journey as much as the destination. It's about blending aesthetics with intentionality, creating spaces that welcome you with open arms and embrace your very being. As you step into these sanctuaries, a sense of serenity washes over you, inviting you to slow down and be present in the moment.”

- Nerissa | Designer, Bay Design Co.

We hope you absolutely loved touring Four Winds as much as we did. If you’re feeling inspired by Nerissa and her incredible home, why not put your visions on canvas using our mood board tool.

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