Behind the Custom House Portrait: Your Questions Answered

Curious about how a custom house portrait comes to life? Here’s a little behind-the-scenes peek into my process, materials, and packaging. I’ve compiled the most common questions I have received to date from fellow artists and customers below.

1. What paper do you use?
Only the good stuff! I paint on Arches 100% cotton, 300 gsm cold-pressed watercolour paper — it has a lovely rough texture and holds many layers of watercolour, which is perfect for each house portrait which is built up with base layers, highlights and brickwork. The paper has a heavy weight, it is 140lb / 300 gsm, which keeps it flat without buckling when water is applied. It’s also acid-free and archival, which means your portrait will last a lifetime (and then some).

2. What pen do you use that doesn’t smudge?
Ah, the all-important pen! I alternate between Sakura Micron pens and UniBall Unipin fineliners — both are waterproof and smudge-resistant, perfect for crisp linework that won’t bleed when I start adding washes of colour.
You can get them from

3. Do you use sustainable packaging?
Yes! Keeping things beautiful and eco-friendly is really important to me.

I steer clear of bubble wrap and those squeaky little styrofoam peanut fillers. Instead, each framed portrait is wrapped in honeycomb packaging wrap made from recycled paper.

Everything gets packed into a sturdy cardboard box, to complete the plastic free packaging.

4. Do you show drafts before painting?
I don’t provide drafts. But! You can get a really clear sense of my style by browsing my Instagram and website, where you’ll find plenty of examples of finished portraits.

If you like what you see there, you can trust your finished house portrait will be in the same charming, unique style.

5. What’s the typical lead time?
Each portrait is hand-drawn with love, care, and lots of tiny details — so I ask for 4 to 6 weeks to complete your piece, to allow time and space for others that might also be waiting for their portraits.

If you have a special date in mind (like a birthday or settlement), let me know when you place your order and I’ll do my best to make it happen. A little heads-up always helps!

Have a question I didn’t cover here? Reach out and send me a message here — I’m always happy to chat about the process (or your house!).

Ready to place your order? Pop over to quokkascorner.com — I’d love to bring your special place to life.

A Closer Look at the Californian Bungalow: A Beloved Aussie Classic

If you’ve ever wandered through the tree-lined streets of Sydney’s Inner West—or many suburbs across Australia—you’ve probably come across a Californian Bungalow. With their wide verandahs, exposed timber, and earthy tones, these homes are as charming as they are nostalgic. But have you ever wondered where this style came from?

A Californian Bungalow in the Sydney Inner West suburb of Five Dock.

A Style Born in California, Raised in Australia

The Californian Bungalow originated in the United States in the early 1900s, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the simplicity of nature-focused living. The style made its way to Australia around the 1910s, quickly gaining popularity during the interwar period. Australians embraced the design, adapting it to suit our climate and lifestyle—adding wide verandahs for shade, and using local materials like brick, stone, and timber. By the 1920s and 30s, it had become one of the most popular styles for suburban homes.

The evolution of the California bungalow evolved as it swept across Australia, with its regional adaptations; in Melbourne its local red brick, local liver-coloured brick in Sydney and limestone in South Australia. The Queensland Bungalow also was elevated and made from timber with galvanised iron roofing.

Key Features of the Australian Californian Bungalow

1. Low-pitched, gabled roofs with wide eaves and exposed rafters

2. Deep, shaded front verandahs supported by solid brick or stone columns

3. Face brick or roughcast rendered exteriors in warm, natural tones

4. Stained glass windows, timber panelling, and cosy interiors

5. Often single-storey, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and simplicity

These homes aren’t just beautiful—they carry a strong sense of heritage and family.

That’s why I love painting them. Each Californian Bungalow I illustrate is more than a house—it’s a piece of someone’s story.

Quokkas Corner’s Californian Bungalow, a watercolour illustrated Custom Houe Portrait

If there is a Californian Bungalow that you call or once called home, that you would like captured as a custom house portrait, head over to www.quokkascorner.com

5 Sentimental Mother's Day Gift Ideas (That Aren’t Just Candles or Flowers)

Mother’s Day is one of those special moments where you really want to get the gift right. If you're looking for something unique, meaningful, and personal—something that says “I see you, I love you, and I remember”—you’re in the right place. Here's a roundup of thoughtful gift ideas that go beyond the usual and speak straight to the heart.

Gift Guide: 5 Sentimental Gift Ideas

1. A Custom House Portrait
   Whether it’s the family home, their new home, —a custom illustration turns a place full of memories into a keepsake she’ll treasure forever. (Hint: a Quokkas Corner house portrait could be a great option here)

2. A Memory Jar
   Fill a glass jar with handwritten notes—little memories, reasons you love her, or messages from each family member. It’s simple, sweet, and makes for a lovely daily pick-me-up.

3. A Family Recipe Illustration
   Turn her signature dish or a treasured family recipe into a hand-painted artwork for the kitchen. Sophie from Sonny Studio creates beautiful hand painted recipes perfect for art in the kitchen.

4. A Family Bouquet
   Each family member has a birth month that corresponds with a flower. Sam from Art by Sam Johnson creates watercolour family bouquets that can be framed as little keepsakes.

5. A House Portrait Gift Voucher
   If you don’t have time to get the painting done by Mother’s Day, a gift voucher still lets her know that something special is on the way. (You can get one from Quokkas Corner and I’ll take care of the rest.)

Whether you’re celebrating Mum or a mother figure in your life, a personalised gift makes all the difference.

If a custom house portrait feels just right, you can place an order or grab a gift voucher over at quokkascorner.com — I’d love to help you bring a special place to life in time for Mother’s Day.

The Art of Home – Why Custom House Portraits Make the Perfect Keepsake

9 April 2025

There’s something incredibly special about the home. It’s where our stories unfold—first steps, family gatherings, garden blooms, and quiet coffee mornings on the verandah. Every home has a soul worth celebrating. That’s where custom house portraits come in.

What Is a Custom House Portrait?

A custom house portrait is a hand-illustrated artwork of your home (or a loved one's). It’s a timeless way to honour a place filled with memories. Whether it’s a traditional heritage home, a modern townhouse, or the family home you grew up in, capturing it through illustration turns it into a cherished piece of art.

Why Commission a House Portrait?

• Sentimental Value: A portrait of your first home, your grandparents' house, or the family home can evoke powerful emotions. These artworks tell a story that's deeply personal.

• Unique Gift Idea: Custom house portraits make unique gifts for weddings, anniversaries or housewarmings. They're thoughtful, one-of-a-kind, and meaningful.

• Celebration of Milestones: Buying a home is a big deal! Mark the occasion with a bespoke illustration to remember the start of your new chapter.

• Preserving Family History: As homes change or are sold, a portrait can preserve a moment in time, keeping those memories alive for generations.

The Process at Quokkas Corner

Every portrait starts with love and attention to detail. You send us a photo (or a few), or simply provide the address so we can stalk on google maps, and we bring it to life with ink and traditional watercolour on a quality cotton paper. From the textures of brick to the tiny flowers and hedges in the garden—each element is carefully illustrated to capture the unique character of your home.

You can choose your preferred style, size, and even add special touches like pets on the porch or the written address.

How to Get Started

1. Head over to our Custom House Portraits page.

2. Choose your style and upload reference images.

3. Add personal details or requests in the notes section.

4. Sit back while we illustrate your little slice of home!

More Than Just a Picture

At Quokkas Corner, we believe art should connect us to what matters most—our stories, our people, and the places that shape us. A custom house portrait isn’t just a picture of a building. It’s a memory you can hang on the wall.

Got questions or a unique idea? We’re always up for a creative challenge. Reach out so we can start your story.

Top Five Real Estate Settlement Gifts

28 February 2025

As a real estate agent, you work hard to make your clients’ dreams a reality. A thoughtful settlement gift is a great way to show appreciation for your client’s trust and ensure a continued partnership. However, finding the perfect gift can be tricky – here are five real estate settlement gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression on your clients, whether they’re purchasing their dream home or selling the family home they've held for years.

1. Custom House Portraits: A Unique Gift to Celebrate Their New Home

One of the most meaningful and personal gifts you can give to your purchasers is a custom house portrait. A hand-painted watercolor portrait of their new home is the perfect way to commemorate this new milestone. A custom house portrait is lasting reminder of the home they’ve worked so hard to secure and a great way to continue the relationship with your client for future sales and purchases.

Custom portraits are also an excellent gift for your vendors. After they’ve sold their property, a custom house portrait that depicts their home before they moved on can evoke fond memories. It's a personal, unique gift that shows your appreciation to your vendor for the trust they have placed in you for the sale.

To order a custom house portrait, visit Quokkas Corner

2. Personalized Welcome Home Gifts for Purchasers

Moving into a new home is an exciting yet stressful time, and a personalised welcome home pack can make the transition a little easier and more special. Consider creating a custom welcome basket filled with essentials like local treats, a bottle of wine, candles, and homewares such as wooden cheese boards. You could also include personalized items, like a doormat with their last name or a set of monogrammed towels. These thoughtful touches help your clients feel immediately welcome and valued in their new space.

To purchase ready made hampers, visit Ellar Boutique

3. Home Improvement or Decor Vouchers

For many purchasers, a new home means new opportunities to style and personalise their new space. Offering a gift voucher to Bunnings for home improvements or homewares stores such as Adairs can be an useful and appreciated gift. This way, your clients can pick out exactly what they need to make their new house feel like a home. If you're working with vendors who are preparing for a new property or relocation, a gift card to a home goods store or furniture shop could be a helpful gesture as they look ahead to their next chapter.

4. Champagne to Celebrate Their New Beginning

There’s no better way to celebrate your client’s purchase of a new home than with a bottle of champagne. Whether you’re gifting it to your purchasers to toast the closing of their new home or to your vendors to commemorate the successful sale of their property, champagne is a classic and celebratory gift. You can even include a personalised champagne flute or two to make the experience extra special.

5. Local Experience Vouchers: A Gift That Lets Them Explore

For both purchasers and vendors, a great way to show appreciation is by giving the gift of an experience. A voucher for a local restaurant or spa is a thoughtful way to help clients, particular those who are moving from interstate, explore and settle into their new surroundings. Purchasers will appreciate the chance to immerse themselves in their new neighborhood, while vendors can enjoy a little relaxation after the sale of their home.

For a range of local experience vouchers, visit Red Balloon.

Conclusion

As a real estate agent, your relationship with your clients doesn’t end at settlement. A thoughtful, personalised gift is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for their trust and support, fostering the relationship for future opportunities. Whether you’re giving a custom house portrait to commemorate a purchase, offering a home improvement voucher, these gifts will help you build long-term, meaningful relationships with your clients.