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THIS QUEENSLAND FAMILY DIDN’T NEED TO MOVE FAR TO START THEIR NEXT CHAPTER, COMPLETE WITH A STRIKING NEW MODERNIST-INSPIRED ABODE

- KYLIE JACKES

CASA CURVA Among the leafy streets of Toowoomba on Queensland’s Darling Downs, the curved roofline and stone feature walls of this new build have a unique presence. Homeowner Michelle (pictured opposite, with the family pooch Baxter) and her husband Dustin were keen to make the indoor and outdoor living spaces equally comfortable. “It’s a big block with a great aspect so we wanted to enjoy the surroundings,” says Michelle. In the entertaining area, a Jetmaster ‘Patio Horizon Panoramic’ gas fireplace is set within a wall of ‘Night Star’ random stone from Stone & Tile Studio. Catering is also effortless with a built-in ‘Turbo Elite’ barbecue from Ziegler & Brown. For a similar outdoor dining setting, pair the ‘Houston’ table from the Coco Republic with Ikea’s ‘Fanbyn’ chairs. The poolside outdoor sofa (opposite) is from King with Pony Rider cushions from Kira & Kira. In the background of the entrance, the artwork by Nicole Schafter was commissioned for Dunstin’s 50th birthday.

When Michelle and husband Dunstin bought a big vacant block perched on a range, with sweeping escarpment views across Queensland’s Darling Downs, they knew it was a prime spot. Why? They had lived next door for more than a decade!