insights

& INSPIRATION

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Insights & inspiration

Explore stories, tips, and advice for planning and building your dream Queenslander.
Woman in blue dress walks toward a white house with dark gray front doors.
September 5, 2025
A bit of background around the 7 Stars.
White house with wrap-around porch, on a grassy hill, backed by trees, under a blue sky.
September 4, 2025
You may have heard us mention that we are custom home builders…but what does that mean exactly? At Shelton Homes, we take our job very seriously, and our job is to help make your dream home a reality. Custom home builders take the time to discuss and figure out what it is you may need and want to create. We don’t pump out cookie cutter home designs that look identical, we prefer to work closely with you during the design process and give you the freedom to add and change design aspects to suit your own aesthetic and lifestyle…butlers pantry anyone?
White farmhouse with a porch and metal roof in a grassy field.
September 3, 2025
Let’s just kick things off by saying that with all the curveballs thrown into the building industry over the last couple of years, we have kept our programs in place to maintain a 26-week build time. Everyone has heard horror stories about building new homes in the current climate, so we wanted to take the time and explain exactly what has been happening, and how we are responding to it.
White farmhouse on a grassy hill; dirt driveway and surrounding trees. Sunny day.
September 2, 2025
It all begins at the crack of dawn, a day in the life of a chippy.
Open white doorway with a view of a grassy field and a tree; a pendant light hangs from the ceiling.
September 1, 2025
Should you choose a local builder in your quest to build your dream home? Spoiler alert - The answer is YES!
Dining room with wooden bookcase, table, chairs, and large window overlooking a landscape.
August 29, 2025
Standard cookie cutter home design? No thanks.
White kitchen with island, large window overlooking a field, stainless steel appliances, and wood floors.
August 12, 2024
Looking to build?
House with pool: White house with veranda, pool, and lounge chairs on a sunny day.
By Daniel Hurst October 26, 2023
Perhaps you have been researching Queenslander Home builders, or looking at new home design ideas before making contact with a builder?
Spacious white kitchen with island, pendant lights, cabinetry, and windows overlooking greenery.
June 22, 2022
When it comes to finding the perfect builder for your dream Queenslander home, aside from evaluating builders on their experience and portfolios, it is also important to understand the ‘home inclusions’ each builder offers.
Construction of a house with metal frame under blue sky, tree in the foreground, mountains in the background.
January 21, 2022
Shelton Homes are award winning Queenslander home builders. if you're yet to see the stunning homes we build for our clients please feel free to see a few videos here
Open-concept kitchen and dining area with hardwood floors, white cabinets, and a long wooden table.
By Daniel Hurst November 22, 2021
If you’re looking to build a new Queenslander home, one area you may need some help with is knowing how much you could, or should be spending. For most people, there are a lot of budgeting decisions that need to be made, and for everyone a lot of paperwork and moving parts to digest.
White farmhouse under an arch with a sign reading
October 17, 2021
In Australia, it goes without saying that Queenslander homes are the most desired homes for families living on rural properties. You don't need to drive far out of Brisbane to see stunning new, and charming older Queenslander homes nestled gorgeously amongst bushland and on working farms.
White house with a wrap-around porch and a metal roof, set on a green lawn with trees in the background.
March 25, 2020
If you are looking for the ultimate family home, one that offers abundant space, is layered in charm, and provides the rock-solid foundations your family needs, then you will love the Bilby.
A large, light-colored house with a wraparound porch and dark foundation on a grassy lawn.
By Daniel Hurst February 11, 2020
If you're craving privacy, peace and plenty of space to move around, then the Wattle 1.1, is the perfect Queenslander home for you.
Two men, outdoors, conversing and smiling while holding mugs.
January 27, 2020
For more than 20 years Shelton Homes have been building beautiful Queenslander homes in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs areas. During this time, we have seen the home building industry in Australia change, sadly not for the better.
Two construction workers installing decking on a house frame.
December 25, 2019
Chances are if you live in Toowoomba or the Darling Downs area, you have seen the team from Shelton Homes around. Perhaps at the shops, the local footy field, that stunning new Queenslander home being built down the road.
Wooden veranda with white railing and light fixtures, overlooking a grassy field.
November 14, 2019
When Europeans first settled in our sub-tropical environment, they needed a way to beat the Queensland heat and humidity. And with a spur of sunny inspiration and no doubt an ale or fresh pot of tea in hand, they designed what we have come to know as the famous Queenslander verandah.
Cream-colored cottage with porch, steps, and front door, set in a grassy yard under a blue sky.
October 31, 2019
You only need to drive down a street here in Toowoomba, and you will see a charming variety of Queenslander Homes, some beyond pristine, others well worn but still going strong raising generations of local families.
Bedroom with window seat, white bed, neutral walls, and roman shades.
October 15, 2018
If you are looking to build a new Queenslander home in Toowoomba or the Darling Downs areas, it is worth taking the time to dream about, and plan your next master bedroom.