Heritage & Restoration

Inside The Pocket Land: How to Emulate Traditional Design in a New Build

25 September 2025

Alana and Alex knew they wanted to move to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, live in a farmhouse, and raise their brood. Then, in 2020, 19 acres of land popped up for sale, but with no farmhouse onsite. The couple set about building a new farmhouse on the land, with all the mod cons necessary to live in the Queensland climate, but with the look and feel of a heritage home. The Pocket Land was born.

Prioritising character charm

Trying to make new look old can cost a pretty penny, so Alana and Alex realised early on how important it was to be discerning. “From the very beginning, we knew that to achieve a true farmhouse feel we had to focus on the details that mattered most,” explains Alana. “We were careful with our budget, choosing to invest in the things that would shape the character of the house and stand the test of time.”

Layered materials

The couple gravitated toward materials with a sense of history and authenticity. “We were drawn to antique and natural finishes,” says Alana. “Unlacquered brass tapware, Antique Brass hardware, recycled timbers, and natural stone benchtops and tiles brought warmth, texture, and a timeless quality to the space.” With a young family and two dogs, they wanted a home that felt grounded and lived-in from the start. “Choosing materials with inherent character gave the house an immediate sense of soul — they made the space feel considered, layered, and full of quiet character.”

The weight of timber

A quick-fire way to build a narrative of age and history is via wood, so much of the home boasts timber accents and larger scale wooden installs. “Custom timber joinery for our windows and doors was one of those must-haves,” explains Alana. “They immediately give the home a sense of history and weight, and they’re the first things people notice when they arrive.” The couple employed teams who understood the importance of heritage. “Some items were lovingly crafted by local joiners and carpenters, while others were slowly found through months of searching.” The windows are a case in point, boasting traditional window fittings like Window Sash Lifts, which enrich utilitarian spaces like the kitchen and bathroom with a sense of history and ornament.

Quiet convenience

One of the benefits of building a home from scratch is the technology — you can have as much or as little as you want, and it can make day-to-day life much easier. “For us, the key was building the bones of the house in a traditional style, and then layering in modern comforts quietly in the background,” states Alana. “Things like integrated appliances and heating and cooling systems which are essential for daily life, especially in Queensland. But they don’t need to overpower the traditional charm; it’s about balance. Let the traditional details shine while the modern conveniences are hidden, working silently to support your lifestyle.”

Richmond Door Knob - Long Backplate

Richmond knob on long backplate. Made from sheet brass.

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Richmond Door Knob - Long Backplate

Richmond knob on long backplate. Made from sheet brass.

See product

Hardware for Period Homes

“With traditional-style homes, it’s all about the details, and hardware is one of those details you touch every single day,” says Alana. “Aged brass door handles, antique-style hinges, and classic cabinetry knobs may seem small, but they’re what make your home yours.” When Alana and Alex discovered TradCo, they knew they had found what they needed to dress their home. “As we moved into the finishing stages, hardware became the quiet hero of our build,” explains Alana.

From Traditional Antique Brass Light Switches, to Antique Brass cabinet hardware, the brand features across the build, and in the kitchen in particular with the vintage-style cabinet hardware and Antique Brass Drawer Pulls. “TradCo’s hardware was the perfect final layer, tying everything together with warmth and character. It influenced colour choices throughout the home (and continues to do so) and gave our rooms that aged, timeless look we were striving for.”

Now that the home is complete, it’s the TradCo detailing, like the traditional cabinet hardware and light switches and dimmers, that takes Alana’s breath away. “I still smile when I see the sunlight catching on our Antique Brass hinges. Those tiny glimpses remind me that the smallest details often make the biggest impact.”

Classic Sash Lift - Large

Solid brass sash lifts. Available in 2 sizes.

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Home of dreams

Alana and Alex knew they had created their dream home on one fateful day. “It was the day our custom windows and doors were installed. They weren’t even finished yet; just primed and waiting for paint,” says Alana. The Antique Brass Richmond Door Knobs had a real moment here. “Our TradCo door knobs were installed so that the doors could be locked, and in that moment it suddenly felt real. The home felt quaint, homely, and warm, and for the first time I could see our dream farmhouse taking shape right in front of me.”

The journey

“When we started, we had no idea what to expect,” says Alana. “We fell in love with the land, and both just agreed to dive right in. This was our first build, and we didn’t realise how much we would fall in love with the process itself — the planning, the early wake-ups and driving to the property, the joy of watching everything come together.” And now, the dream has become reality: it’s home. “For now, we’re simply soaking up the home we created. We’re not worrying about whether it’s forever or whether another project might be in our future. Right now, it’s about living in and enjoying what we’ve built.”

Alana’s Top Tips on How to Make a New Build Look Like a Period Home

“Prioritise timber windows and doors. They truly make the biggest impact. If the budget is tight, invest in the most visible areas like your façade or kitchen, or look out for second-hand treasures, on Facebook Marketplace and junkyards, that you can restore.”

“Always have inspiration images with you. Make sure your builder and draftsman or architect understand the elements you want to protect, and don’t be afraid to stand your ground if shortcuts are suggested. We found some builders prefer the easy option, which can dilute your vision. Staying firm pays off in the long run.”

“Don’t compromise on tiles and benchtops. Natural stone can feel daunting, but it only gets more beautiful with time. The imperfections become part of the story, and it’s timeless, so you’re never going to want to replace them if this is your forever home.”

“Invest in hardware. Hinges, handles, and knobs might seem minor, but they’re the pieces you interact with every day. Go for quality and timeless styles.”