There’s something incredibly special about giving old timber a second life. Out the back of this character-filled Queensland home, we recently finished a project that combined everything we love about working with reclaimed materials: history, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of heart.
What was once a simple corner of the deck is now a fully functioning outdoor laundry, complete with a concrete sink, VJ lining, storage and even room for a bar fridge for long summer afternoons.
Because doing the washing doesn’t have to feel dull.
It can feel like a little moment of calm, even luxury.
The materials used here all have their own story. The VJ boards and hoop pine were rescued from the inside of the house ( old wall linings infact ) and instead of ending up in landfill, they now frame a space that will be used every day
. The VJ lining brings that classic Queensland character, while the hoop pine doors and cabinetry add warmth and the soft honey tone we never tire of seeing.
Above the bench, a stained-glass window filters in morning light and adds a beautiful nod to the past, a reminder that older homes have layers of stories worth preserving.
Outdoor laundries can be challenging with exposure to weather and humidity, but reclaimed timber has already lived through decades of conditions. It’s seasoned, stable and full of soul, often stronger than new material
. This little laundry includes a concrete sink with a raw, grounded texture, cabinetry for the everyday essentials, and doors that slide closed to keep everything streamlined and tidy. It’s practical, but also thoughtfully designed so it doesn’t interrupt the peaceful rhythm of the deck and garden.
There’s a reason we love working with recycled timber. It carries the marks and colour variations that can’t be replicated. Every piece has its own fingerprint, and every project becomes completely unique because of it. Choosing reclaimed material is also a gentle step towards lighter living, reducing waste and preserving old-growth timber while still creating something that feels crafted, solid and lasting.
The beautiful finished product
The beautiful stained glass makes for a delightful backdrop for this charming outdoor laundry
We’ve always believed that home should make the everyday feel better. A laundry might seem like a small thing, but when it’s designed with intention, it can turn daily tasks into moments of ease. This outdoor space blends naturally with the deck and garden, and yes, if the bar fridge takes priority over the washing machine on a summer weekend, we are absolutely supportive of that.
If you’d like a space like this in your own home, we’d love to help you imagine it. Whether it’s an outdoor laundry, a mudroom, a kitchenette or a nook built from reclaimed timber, these kinds of projects don’t just change a home — they honour it.
Just reach out when you’re ready.
