Le Bateau Ivre by Tamsin Johnson and Lucy Folk

A rejuvenated 1930s timber home typical of tropical northern Australia, Le Bateau Ivre is an ode to the sun and bright hues that define the area. Considered structural changes and interior design choices modernise the home without neglecting its historical charm.

Named after a poem by French poet Rimbaud, Le Bateau Ivre, meaning ‘drunken boat’ is the collaborative effort of two friends; interior designer Tamsin Johnson and homeowner, jewellery and fashion designer, Lucy Folk. Located in Boreen Point, a haven away from fast-paced life and where one can watch the boats sail past, the home seeks to celebrate the energy of the locale and create a friendly environment for a growing family with lots of opportunities for entertaining.

Located in Boreen Point, a haven away from fast-paced life and where one can watch the boats sail past, the home seeks to celebrate the energy of the locale and create a friendly environment for a growing family with lots of opportunities for entertaining.

“It needed a lot of restoration and renovation,” says Folk. “We stripped it back and basically rebuilt. All doors became French doors, old beams were highlighted and ceilings raised.” In doing so, the home opens and welcomes the Queensland sunshine inside. A partly enclosed verandah protects from the elements while welcoming views of Lake Cootharaba and the creeping Bougainvillea and palms.

Natural materials are honoured throughout the home, complemented by a considered colour palette that reflects the tropical hues of Queensland. The external timber facade is painted green with white accents, allowing it to blend in with the established garden. All internal doors are covered in various sunset hues, while other moments of colour create drama and intrigue, such as a turmeric kitchen with mustard joinery and speckled tiles. Furnishings are quite minimal, with statement pieces that echo Folk’s unique style. “We brought all our furniture, most of which Tamsin sourced, from our apartment in Paris and, somehow, it all works,” she says.

Natural materials are honoured throughout the home, complemented by a considered colour palette that reflects the tropical hues of Queensland.

While the home has undergone a significant transformation, the original timber flooring and ceiling have been retained and painted white. The green facade is a subtle nod to the classic Australian beach shack and the white interior colour scheme creates a blank canvas of sorts, working seamlessly with bold interiors and bright colours. Nods to Australia’s architectural past are also found in the sun motif that appears above each door. “It is thought to bring good luck and a little extra light and air through the house; it was a detail my mother inspired and something you find in old Australian houses,” says Folk.

The most notable structural changes include the addition of a pool and pool house. The pool is tiled in stripes; it is both retro and playful. “I live for stripes, so it was a tribute to the ‘Lucy Folk’ stripes that were hand-loomed in cotton by our friends, Marrakshi Life, in their atelier in Marrakesh and fashioned into garments for us that we sold for years,” notes Folk. Custom-whittled timber fencing and timber decking surrounding the pool soften the bold striped facade. The pool house is made from reworked materials, creating a sense of harmony with the main house.

The green facade is a subtle nod to the classic Australian beach shack and the white interior colour scheme creates a blank canvas of sorts, working seamlessly with bold interiors and bright colours.

Le Bateau Ivre’s distinct, exotic allure comes from various custom and handmade details throughout the home. “I wanted to celebrate our connection to artist friends and create custom pieces for the house together,” says Folk. Ceramic sconce lighting by artists such as Ceri Müller, Lockerroom and Ben Mazey softly illuminate the lime plaster and hardwood panelling, while floating handworked shelves and a wobbly bench seat at the entrance imbue the space with an unpretentious, rustic feel. Similarly, all the hardware is designed by Folk and Johnson. “Toilet roll holders, towel rails, door pulls and fridge handles have been rendered in bronze with the iconic dough texture from my jewellery collections,” says Folk. “Bronze towel hooks realised in signature ‘Lucy Folk’ motifs are positioned freely throughout the house to hang our extensive collection of sarongs, hats, robes and towels.”

Combining the colours and textures of the Boreen Point vernacular with existing details, modern touches and eclectic and minimal furniture creates a home unlike any other. Le Bateau Ivre is not just a place to live; it is a place that is a reflection of those who live there – an ode to creativity, design and friendship.

Interior design by Tamsin Johnson and Lucy Folk. Build by St  Andrews Construction. Artwork by Magnus Reid, Makinti Napanangka, Antoine Wagner and Carment D’Apollonio.