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MOMBA range + Available in 6 fabrics + Feather and fbre cushioning + Sofa, armchair and ottoman available

Comfort starts at home.

That’s freedom.

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Modern coastal style with ultimate comfort.

The Momba range will bring a cool relaxing vibe to your living room. Curl up and sink into deep seating with sumptuous feather and fibre filled cushions. Choose from a range of subtle shades, including a washed canvas fabric for a laid-back feel.

Shop online today at freedom.com.au

Iconic Jasper II Experience the multi award-winning Jasper, an icon of Australian design. The ultimate expression of flexibility and long-lasting personal comfort. Built around a superior steel frame that’s backed by a 25-year warranty, Jasper can be effortlessly reconfigured into multiple configurations, even a heavenly guest bed for two.

kingliving.com 1300 546 438 AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND SINGAPORE MALAYSIA SHANGHAI CANADA

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Make an understated impression.

Available in five neutral colours, from subtle, lighter tones through to bolder, darker hues, COLORBOND steel Matt diffuses light to create a soft and textured appearance. Tested in some of Australia’s harshest conditions, its strength and durability are perfect counterpoints to its designer appearance.

Visit COLORBOND.COM/MATT or call 1800 702 764

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contents July 2020 the cut 13

16 18 19 20 22 30

64 STONE ROUSSES This historic Provençal farmhouse is so

THE CUT A salon-style fitout for a new Sydney bar, a handy app

from Choices, awesome at-home viewing, a fun Indigenous game for kids, and best seasonal flowers for your bedside table BEST BUYS: BOLD RUGS Take a walk on the wild side with statement floorcoverings to delight every taste STYLE TREND Lunar-inspired pieces usher in a new design phase COLOUR TREND Petrol blue delivers a sultry seasonal update DESIGN PROFILE: LITTLE BIG LEARNING The dynamic duo bringing simplicity, style and sustainability to kids’ furniture HOLLYWOOD ENDING Superstar design family the Novogratz just renovated a fantasy castle in the Hills, but are they done?

EASY DOES IT Our ultimate family living room finds, from comfy seating to handy side tables and genius storage

inside: homes & renovation

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84

88

91

92

36 SAVE HAVEN This clever reimagining of a 1960s home proves

that gaining an extra living space can be as easy as moving the kitchen, and child-friendly can also be cool 46 CABIN CREW A growing family gets a two-for-one deal on Sydney’s northern beaches, designing a mid-century-style second home at the back of an idyllic bush block 56 ETERNAL FLAME The red fireplace of a living room in Melbourne was the unlikely hook on which a sleek renovation hangs, igniting the spark for a warm palette that works for everyone

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100

brimming with rustic French charm that its creative new owners bid adieu to Paris and relocated their kids to the country SUPER SIZE ME In dire need of more space, a Sydney family set about optimising their classic 1800s inner-city terrace to make it work harder – and look fabulous (NOT) DESIGNING FOR KIDS Shannon Vos suggests renovating interiors around our youngest housemates, not for them — and leaving anything more than vaguely thematic at the door MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Savvy Victorian kitchen renovators look to ranch-style casas in the Americas for inspiration and come up with a design that knows no boundaries ASK AN EXPERT From choosing sustainable insulation to improving a kitchen work space and welcoming a robovac into your home — all your latest design dilemmas dealt with KITCHEN & BATHROOM NEWS Elegant innovations and lust-haves to make your food-prep and wash spaces sing BUYER’S GUIDE: MOOD LIGHTING Getting the light right is a cinch with our round-up of the freshest fixtures I’VE ALWAYS WANTED... BUILT-IN BUNKS How to stack sleepers without compromising on style or sophistication. And who would have thought a triple bunk could look so good!

NOOKS Cosy, conversation-fostering and a key asset in the war on clutter, the day bed/storage unit magics a feature out of what might otherwise be dead space

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122 This month It’s all about family – whatever that looks like for you

30 out: gardens & entertaining 110 DATE WITH DESTINY A date palm presides over a stunning

circular garden in Sydney’s north, which sprang from the ashes of a vegie patch, bringing the owners plenty of seasonal colour 116 YERRABINGIN An Indigenous farm in Sydney’s Redfern is delivering a whole new set of herbs to city restaurants 118 THE FAMILY TABLE All you need to set the stage for a significant meal, or to simply enjoy every day 122 UPPER CRUSTS Gluten-free baking recipes that are as easy to make, airy and moreish as their traditional ovenmates

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regulars 34 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER This month, you’ll save 21% on the regular

price and be in the draw to win a $3000 Meir voucher!

130 LAST WORD Rock on in the nursery with a hip mummy makeover

on the cover 16 22 94 98 100 122

Style Crush: Bold Rugs & Winter’s New Blue Real-Life Renovation: The Novogratz Rules — A Dream Home For Seven Kids Buyer’s Guide: Find Mood-Making Lights For Every Room What You Need: Built-In Bunks, Clever Living-Room Storage, Family Table Ideas The New Nook: The Ultimate Cosy Curl-Up Spot Crowd Pleasers: Gluten-Free And Easy!

our cover look Owner/builder Brenden Rudd and his wife Katie wanted a contemporary family home that was a sanctuary, a safe play space for their three children and the setting for countless happy memories. Brenden’s firm, Chase Projects, delivered in style, turning a 1960s relic into a bright, free-flowing Scandinavian-style abode. Discover more on page 35.

Photography: Simon Whitbread.

Styling: Katie Rudd

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8 | INSIDE OUT

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ave you ever designed a home for a family? I haven’t, but I know people who have. Robert and Cortney Novogratz, the US design stars whose series of home renovations cause a regular sensation in the States, each one a colourful, well-considered project rich with joyful detail and lots of striped fabric. But what astounds me is that when they design each of their home projects, they are accommodating a family of nine. Yes, that’s right – seven children and a thriving design business. Their renovation story on page 22 is an important lesson in fun and function.

Most of this issue is about making homes for families, with lots of clever ideas direct from our featured owners – mostly about how they got their incredible homes to fit the people who live in them – but my favourite story this month is on page 100. It’s a simple gallery of family nooks. What’s a nook? It’s a deliberately private, deeply comfortable space made only just big enough to snuggle in with the kids, squash up next to a lover, or lie alone in to take a delicious, quiet moment away from these crazy times. I’ve never craved calm and quiet like I have in 2020. That’s why a nook is next on my list…

Enjoy!

INSTAGRAM

Your daily renovation and design goals @insideoutmag

Our Instagram post hit the spot for kitchen renovators

In this super-functional kitchen it’s the soft, glazed Moroccan Zellige tiles that steal the limelight. For more design inspiration, follow us on Instagram

@insideoutmag

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ON SALE AUGUST 6

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2019

Photographer: Israel Rivera

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DESIGN | SHOP | PLACES | PEOPLE | SPACES

THE CUT

swing time

This low-riding reinvention of a classic Modernist chandelier designed by Gino Sarfatti for Flos in 1958 presents today in a petite version, made with apartment living in mind. Lower ceiling heights can shatter dreams of full-sized dramatic pendant lamps, but at 70cm the 2097/18 works.

The 18 LED light bulbs and their exposed cords also deliver a little industrial edge to the elegant and organic form. Priced at $3420. euroluce.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI LERKENFELDT

THE CUT COMPILED BY ELIZA O’HARE

HOT SPOT

NO.92

This neighbourhood joint just took Sydney bar dining to a whole new level with a three-strikes-and-you’re-in strategy: a transformative fitout by Pattern Studio, the cuisine of Michelin-starred chef John Lyons, and drinks selected by Super Super.

Have small plates and drinks downstairs or a full-tilt degustation in one of the three dining salons upstairs, all elegantly decorated with feminine flourishes and art by the likes of Angie Pai. 92 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.

NOT YOUR REGULAR ROUND-UP JUST A FEW OF THE LOVELY AND UNUSUAL THINGS WE HAVE DISCOVERED THIS MONTH… CROSSOVER BUY

FAMILY FASHION

These adorable furry slippers

by Kip & Co are available in adult and children’s sizes so twinning with your littlies becomes a very chic affair. Polyester slippers with rubber soles in Midnight Merlot, $35 (women) and $29 (kids).

KIPANDCO.COM.AU

GOOD BOOK

BRUNCH IN MELBOURNE

This book not only shares recipes for the best breakfasts in the city, it also supports charity OnePlate in building gardens and farms around the world to break the hunger cycle.

Order online for $59.95.

ONEPLATE.CO

14 | INSIDE OUT

WATCH NOW

NEW VIEW

DESK WISH

HALF-YEAR DIARY

We are loving Apple TV’s format-busting docuseries Home, with the first nine episodes featuring inspiring, boundary-pushing builds in Sweden, Bali, Hong Kong, Mexico, India and the US.

This is a better way to do it — starting a new diary now instead of Christmas.

Mid-year Weekly Diary 2020/21, $39.99.

TV.APPLE.COM

ANORGANISEDLIFE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY: TRAIANOS PAKIOUFAKIS (NO.92), @PUTUINDAHAU (LIL’ KNITS). MODELLING: @AUDREY_ISLA (LIL’ KNITS)

NO92GPR.COM.AU

FLOOR FEST

PURL#1

CARPET VS FLOORBOARDS

Torn between two floors? Check out any flooring in your home by visiting the Choices website and trying RoomView, a new online room visualiser that will sort out the issue once and for all.

CHOICESFLOORING.COM.AU

lil’ knits Lil’ Knits jumpers and scarves are designed and handmade in Melbourne from Peruvian Highland wool.

To minimise production waste, they’re made to order in 13 different colours, from $480 for a jumper.

LILKNITS.COM.AU

SWEET RETREAT

baby baskets McMullin & Co’s chic-simple bassinets and Moses baskets in blond untreated cane and rattan come with their own mattresses and removable cotton covers. Frankie bassinet, $549.

MCMULLINANDCO.COM/CHILD

IN BLOOM

PANSIES WITH CLEMATIS

These two are great together. The delicate petals of the humble Pansy against the tropical drama of the clematis is a sculptural pairing perfect for a dresser or bedside table.

LITTLE BIRDY

Hand-whittled in timbers salvaged from sources such as the old steps at the Garrison Church in Sydney’s Rocks area, these tiny individually numbered bird sculptures come with a certificate of authenticity.

Prices start at $65 each. WAITINGFORSPRING.COM

@SOPHIA_KAPLAN

PLAY TO LEARN IN THE AIR

pure & simple A new fragrance by Sensori+ is inspired by Australia’s Macedon Trail.

Its fragrant geranium, vetiver and sandalwood mists will clear the air and inhibit bacteria and toxins. $29 for 30ml; $70 for 100ml. SENSORIPLUS.COM

YAALI CREATIONS

Designed for children to learn Aboriginal symbols and meanings through play, this hand-painted pack includes 16 symbol stones, matching cards and an activity card.

Order by DM. @YAALICREATIONS

THE CUT

1 3 2

BEST BUYS

bold rugs

Graphic, shapely, textured or tasselled, a statement piece of carpet can tie a room together 5

4 7

6

COMPILED BY NATALIE JOHNSON

1 Finch rug (200cm x 300cm), $3900, Designer Rugs.

2 Asplund ‘Horizon’ rug (160cm x 240cm), $8270, Great Dane. 3 Echoes Black Spot rug (120cm x 200cm), $419, Amigos De Hoy. 4 Nanimarquina ‘Cal 3’ rug (90cm x 130cm), $1150, Cult.

5 Ames ‘Nobsa’ rug in Rose/ Ochre (130cm x 214cm), $2795, Halcyon Lake. 6 Gan ‘Silaï Spaces’ rug (171cm x 258cm), $4559, Hub Furniture.

7 ClassiCon ‘Castellar’ by Eileen Gray rug (175cm x 175cm), $9000, Anibou. 8 Bebey Beni M’Rirt vintage rug (205cm x 330cm), $5950, Tigmi Trading.

9 Moroccan Beni rug (340cm x 435cm), $17,400, Loom.

10 Gan ‘Kilim Parquet’ rug (213cm x 147cm), $2375, Hub Furniture. 11 Promesses Boujad vintage rug (180cm x 306cm), $4600, Tigmi Trading. 12 CC Tapis ‘Flatlandia Cartesio’

by Elena Salmistraro rug (300cm x 400cm), POA, Loom. 13 Contemporary Simena Gold rug (300cm x 400cm), $11,300, Loom.

14 Ligne Roset ‘Quadric’ rug (260cm x 300cm), $2650, Domo. 15 La Chance ‘France’ made-to-order rug, POA, Living Edge. 16 Casablanca rug (260cm x 360cm), $4580, King Living.

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INSIDE OUT | 17

THE CUT

2

1

10

TOP 10 PICKS

3

cosmic chic

Celestial-inspired pieces to take your interiors out of this world

9 7

8

4 6

5

1 Woud ‘Lunar’ pendant, $1199, Floc Studio. 2 Moooi ‘Celestial’ carpet (350cm diameter), $5915, Space. 3 Flos ‘Arco’ floor lamp, $4845, Euroluce.

4 Notre Monde round, heavy, aged mirror, $795, Papaya. 5 Tama occasional table, from $12,360, Living Edge. 6 Stone spice grinder, $195, Living Edge.

7 Luna pulls in XL Bronze, $64 each, Lo & Co. 8 Ferm Living ‘Rico Divan’ chaise lounge in Boucle Off-White, $6689, Designstuff. 9 Ash Curve II In White clay sculpture by Jan Vogelpoel, $540, Modern Times. 10 Kristina Dam Studio ‘Double Moon’ marble and antique mirror sculpture, $825, Designstuff.

18 | INSIDE OUT

COMPILED BY NATALIE JOHNSON

THE CUT 1

2

3

4

TREND COLOUR

petrol blue

10

5

Cool and calming, winter’s grittiest tone calls for a slick seasonal update

9 6

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8

1 LZF Lamps ‘Chou Tall’ suspension light, $1229.80, Ke-zu. 2 Agra rug in Kingfisher (2.4m x 3m), $4300, Armadillo & Co. 3 Bishop tabletop planter in Midnight Blue, $39, West Elm. 4 Andreu World ‘Grand Raglan’ lounge chair, $3811.50, Ke-zu. 5 Aalto vase in Rain, $279, Iittala. 6 BD Barcelona ‘Shanty Model A’ cabinet in Blue, $16,015, Living Edge. 7 Editions Milano ‘Gilda Fringe’ sofa, $31,320, Hub Furniture. 8 Northern ‘Me’ floor lamp in Petrol Blue, $943, Luumo. 9 Gubi ‘Beetle’ dining chair in Smoke Blue, $499, Top3 By Design. 10 Ultra Premium Interior Expressions low-sheen acrylic paint in Midnight Sky, $85 per 4L, Haymes.

COMPILED BY NATALIE JOHNSON

INSIDE OUT | 19

PROFILE

little big learning The founders of a local startup devoted to simple, sustainable children’s furniture put the planet (and parents) before profits

20 | INSIDE OUT

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY KATE JOHNSON

THE CUT

FROM TOP Pikler Triangle, $399, with Rock Wall & Slide in Birch, $99; Tecla Table (double), $260, with Montessori Cube Chairs, $110 each; Slimline Learning Tower, $199; Kinsfolk Wooden Peg Dolls, $45 for set, Little Big Learning. Opposite Founders Stephanie (left) and Lauren.

How did Little Big Learning begin? Describe those early years

Like most family-centred businesses, Little Big Learning started with the arrival of our own baby, a product that couldn’t be found and a mum – or two! – with an idea. The early days of business coincided with the early days of parenthood, so it was a blur of sleepless nights, juggling the needs of the two children (the human one and the business one), celebrating their milestones, crying over them (mostly the biz-child), laughing about them, and all the emotions in between.

What is the philosophy behind the brand? It’s pretty simple.

We ethically create natural and purposeful products for little big people, with a focus on the impact our choices have on the Earth.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARLY KRUGER (PIKLER TRIANGLE), STEPHANIE CLEAVER (KINSFOLK)

How do you choose which products go alongside your LBL line?

Firstly, we look to what the item is – is it purposeful? Timeless?

Does it bring value to a home, a child’s life? Can it be used in multiple ways? Is it an environmentally friendly alternative to a common kids’ product? Then, if it ticks those boxes, we ask how it is being made, transported, packaged and who is making it – is it culturally appropriate, are workers treated right, the list goes on.

Tell us why you created Plants for Products We believe that we need to take responsibility for the Earth we are leaving to our children. We inevitably produce carbon through the manufacturing and transport of our products. Planting trees is the simplest and most effective way to offset that, and in our two and a half years in business we have planted more than 4000 trees.

What do you love most about your LBL pieces? Their simple nature. We don’t follow trends – we keep everything simple, thoughtful and purposeful. Each piece is designed to be passed down through families and friends or sold on through secondhand websites. Nothing makes us happier than seeing our products loved and treasured by multiple families.

What is your favourite design? We don’t usually do favourites, but if we must it has to be the Learning Tower. The day-to-day difference this simple piece of furniture can make in a parent’s life has to be experienced to be believed. We have so many people write and tell us how much it has changed the connection their toddlers have with mealtimes. We love anything that can make the early days of parenthood easier.

What is the hardest thing about what you do? Knowing that it could always be bigger, better, more, and all of those words that we strive for as business owners if we gave it 150 per cent of our time. But alas, we are subject to the restraints of hours in a day, and we are also human. We have other roles. We are women, we are mothers, we are lovers and daughters and friends and

family, and managing a sustainable work-life balance is a constant juggle.

What is the most rewarding aspect? Being part of the shift to more mindful consumerism. There is such a huge paradigm shift in the market towards things that are produced with purpose while being ethically and environmentally considerate.

What goes into creating the products? They usually start with a middle-of-the-night idea, a concept, a drawing, chats with the all-important friend/advisory service who you can trust to tell you if it’s crap. Then we prototype, product test, prototype again…

Then it’s time for the best bit – giving it to a bunch of four-yearolds for their guaranteed brutal honesty and feedback. And repeat.

What does play mean to you? For our little folk, we think playing is simply being. We believe in creating time and spaces that

“For our little folk, playing is simply being. We believe in creating time and spaces that facilitate this natural state” STEPHANIE AND LAUREN, LITTLE BIG LEARNING

facilitate this natural state and the power of just letting our children ‘be’. Play is the creative conclusion.

Where do you get inspiration for your furniture? Inspiration has always developed first from an unmet need – a design we couldn’t find elsewhere. And then, coffee – those magical little beans.

What does family mean to you? So many things. We believe that sometimes families are created by blood, sometimes not.

Sometimes families are chosen, sometimes they’re not. Whatever the formula for family – and it can be so different for everyone – the uniting notion is always love. Family means love.

See more at littlebiglearning.com.au or @littlebiglearning

THE CUT

HOLLYWOOD

Fresh from New York, the interior design world’s most photogenic family landed in LA and found themselves a castle to renovate.

Now Robert and Cortney Novogratz have an epic home for their brood and a showpiece of reinterpreted film-star glamour

ENDING

CLOCKWISE (from opposite) The open lounge and dining area balances high and low design, from the Tom Dixon prototype orange chair to the twin blue chairs, which were flea-market finds. The whole family with their vintage truck. Robert and Cortney managed to save the staircase railing and details from the vaulted ceiling, then added their own Hollywood sign. Their unified shingle roof and covered fence. The grand new entrance has a lot more pizzazz.

A

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE NOVOGRATZ

fter 20 years of living in Manhattan,

and one too many brutal winters, we packed up our seven kids and headed across the country. We moved our brood from the West Village in New York City to the Hollywood Hills, arriving in August, a week before the school year began. We moved into a rental home and immediately began to scour the city in search of the perfect fixer-upper.

As we started the search, we had some important criteria; for us New Yorkers, a home within walking distance of restaurants and city life was non-negotiable. But we also wanted to take advantage of the incredible California weather, which meant having an outdoor space with a big patio and a swimming pool.

It didn’t take long. After searching for a few weeks, we found the house of our dreams. It was also centrally located to the four different schools we’d enrolled the kids in – because it would have been too easy to put them in the same school (why make things easy for ourselves? Not our style!)

More importantly, it was right up the hill from the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel.

INSIDE OUT | 23

THE CUT

The home was an old castle that had been built in the 1920s by a silent-film star. Remarkably, there had been only three owners in 100 years, but clearly they all had very different taste, which was now our problem to contend with. There were many small rooms, many types of flooring and a nonsensical floor plan. The house felt like a maze, with tiny rooms and multiple doorways that led to more doorways and even more tiny rooms.

Everything had to be gutted and redone. In other words, it was perfect. Our biggest challenge was to keep the charm and period feel of the house while modernising it. We opened everything up to give a loft-like look and created a seamless feel between indoors and out.

our goals

To transform a large 100-year-old house with a

byzantine floor plan into an open family home with a good flow from room to room.

To make the house feel more intimate yet retain the classic (slightly dramatic) Hollywood Hills style.

To build a private outdoor oasis in the middle of urban Los Angeles.

To add multiple spaces for entertainment, including a games room, music room, home theatre and bar.

our challenges

A poorly designed floor plan There were hallways

and staircases everywhere, creating a confining – and confusing – layout, so we opened up the space by knocking down several interior walls. We converted seven small bedrooms into four larger ones, moved the living areas to the main floor, and the rooms we’d use less often to the floors above and below.

24 | INSIDE OUT

Replacing multiple layers of flooring The house

had many different types of flooring that had been laid over the years. We got rid of all of them and replaced the hardwood floors with reclaimed oak flooring from Germany to create a better flow.

Remodelling a shabby entry Our front door entered straight into the kitchen area. It felt anticlimactic and took away from the grandeur of the house. We added a gated entrance as a second means of egress, which feels more elegant and private.

Bad windows The windows were a mix throughout.

Some were made with great old steel frames, others had subpar aluminium frames, and a few were wood. Unfortunately, the beautiful steel ones needed to be reglazed (to meet current building codes), which was as expensive as replacing them, so we sold them, which offset the cost of the expensive steel windows we used throughout the property. It was our largest investment and worth every penny.

Maintaining the integrity of a 1920s house while doing a gut renovation A key to striking this

delicate balance was restoring the facade to its original aesthetic, a white-and-black colour scheme.

We were also able to save the circular staircase, the rotunda ceiling above it and the original front door.

Bad roofline The house had many different rooflines and a number of turrets that were unattractive. We replaced the entire roof with a grey slate shingled roof, which gives it a uniform look.

Lack of privacy Due to the short distance between the street and door – typical of LA houses – we added Sunbrella fabric to the gates to create a more private front and planted hedges around the property when we bought it. By the time we started rebuilding, they’d grown enough to enclose the yard.

CLOCKWISE (from far left) The minimal Boffi kitchen lets a favourite Erwin Olaf photograph shine. A wall of eclectic artworks behind the kitchen table. The screening room, added for resale value in line with the house’s Tinseltown location.

A ping-pong table in the games room. Objects and books are an easy way to inject personality.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE NOVOGRATZ

“Everything had to be gutted and redone. In other words, it was perfect”

THE CUT

THEIR TIPS FOR CREATING AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN

easy to remove. Determining whether or not a wall is structural is as simple as knocking on it to gauge its density — does it sound hollow or not? If you are still unsure, you will need to open the wall to see if it is load-bearing or structural. + Structural walls have to be replaced by steel beams, which are very costly, so should only be removed if it’s an absolute necessity or price is not an issue. + Paint can make a place feel expansive or cramped. Using one colour throughout makes a space feel larger and more cohesive. + Colours such as grey, navy, blue, white and even black are considered more classic and give a high-end effect. For smaller spaces, including bedrooms, we usually prefer to use different shades of red, green, orange, pink and yellow. + We added hardwood floors throughout, even in the kitchen, so all the rooms feel connected. + Design the room so you can see it from the entire space. Take note of where the best natural light is coming from and whether it’s from a large window or, say, French doors. + Let in more light by enlarging a window or doorway. + Higher ceilings will open the space even more. Raising a ceiling is not easy, or even possible in most projects. But if and when it’s doable and we can steal six inches [15cm] in the beams or add a couple of feet [60cm] from an unused attic or storage space directly above the room, we will do it. For this house, we managed to do away with the large attic above the main bedroom, which has made an enormous difference to how that room feels.

26 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE NOVOGRATZ

+ All non-structural walls are fairly

“Our biggest challenge was to keep the charm and period feel of the house while modernising it�

Two of the kids in the music room, soundproofed by a steel door and full of classic albums and other pop-culture memorabilia. OPPOSITE (from top) Steel windows and black walls give the main ensuite dramatic flair. A tall candelabrum is a novel way to display jewellery. One of the bedrooms.

28 | INSIDE OUT PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE NOVOGRATZ

THE CUT

OUTDOOR PATIO/POOL (both pages) For these New York transplants, an alfresco living space that capitalised on the California sunshine was a must. Their subway tiling and statement concrete column fireplace lend a note of Manhattan cool. The eggshaped pool is original.

This is an extract from Novogratz Design Fix: Chic And Stylish Tips For Every Decorating Scenario by Robert, Cortney and Elizabeth Novogratz ($99, Rizzoli).

easy does it The secret to a great family living space? Comfortable seating, handy tables and buckets of practical storage pouffe perfection Small solid-top ottomans work double time as a table and convenient storage CLOCKWISE (from far left) Upholstered storage base ottoman, $319 (small), West Elm. Adams reversible coffee table in Dove Grey, $439, Castlery. Storage ottoman in Twist Granite with Black Oak Veneer and Light Oak Veneer, both $1099, Innovation Sofa Beds.

30 | INSIDE OUT

COMPILED BY NATALIE JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS WARNES (MAIN IMAGE). STYLING: CLAIRE DELMAR (MAIN IMAGE)

THE CUT

wall shelves Aim high with shelving that elevates a blank wall while maximising storage CLOCKWISE (from left) Normann Copenhagen ‘Horizon’ mirror in White, $230, Finnish Design Shop. Floating Lines entryway mirror and hooks, $249, West Elm. Como bookcase, $859, BoConcept. Karpenter Oak ‘Simply City’ ladder shelves in Oak, $685, RJ Living. Frank open bookshelf, $699, Brosa. Ligne Roset ‘Dita’ storage, $2825, Domo.

Karpenter Oak ‘Roots’ 2 door cupboard, $2935, RJ Living. Woud ‘Wallie’ wall drawer, $450, Finnish Design Shop.

storage benches These hardworking pieces are multitaskers you’ll always want on side CLOCKWISE (from above right) Innika ottoman in Forest Green, $499, Incy Interiors. Pebble fabric storage ottoman in Pumice, $289, Freedom. Mod storage bench in Twill, $799, West Elm. Neo storage ottoman in Astral Platinum, $999, Plush.

THE CUT

super sofas Comfy seats with hidden storage for remotes, throws and even snacks CLOCKWISE (from left) Austin Full Sleeper modular sofa with storage in Classic, $1499, Brosa. Hampton sofa in Dark Blue Frisco with Aquaclean, $9029, BoConcept. Todd sofa with storage table in Deep Teal Velvet, $1759, Castlery.

Jasper II sofa in Palm Beach Whitewash, from $9789, King Living. Osvald storage sofa bed in Microcheck Grey, $2999, Innovation Living Melbourne.

coffee tables with benefits Chic and compact designs that don’t skimp on multipurpose style CLOCKWISE (from above) Tetra coffee table, $2499, Mubu Home.

Woud ‘Arc’ coffee table in Ash, $1570, RJ Living. Akira American white oak coffee table with two soft-close drawers, $599, RJ Living.

Unica ‘Concord’ rectangular coffee table, $849, RJ Living.

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baskets and totes

A practical and portable way to keep track of bits and bobs CLOCKWISE (from above) Ashoka paper basket set, $121, Tribe Home. Water hyacinth hexagonal basket with rope handles, $149, Inartisan. Water hyacinth rounded square basket with plaited handles, $149, Inartisan. Tjillevips poplar basket, $34.99, Ikea. Snidad basket, $39.99, Ikea.

for little ones

Perfect ways to stash the Lego before visitors arrive FROM TOP Bloomingville ‘Penguin’ basket, $219, Designstuff. Rattan apple storage basket, $45, Juni Moon. Owl planter basket, $129, The Family Love Tree.

sideboards with style Sleek storage-heavy cabinets that bring star power to your living space CLOCKWISE (from left) Ligne Roset ‘Dita’ double console in Mustard, $4925, Domo. Isabelle sideboard, $3995, Coco Republic. Cresta sideboard in various finishes, from $5995, Domo. Ipanema sideboard in Black, $1295, Life Interiors. Unico ‘Lizzie’ console table in Black/Smoke, $629, RJ Living.

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INSIDE

personal project

Even when relaxing, this builder’s work is very close to home

Brenden Rudd builds homes for other people every day, so it’s wonderful when he gets to spend time in his own, which was not so incidently built by Chase Projects, the company he runs.

He and wife Katie found it a fascinating experience being clients for a change, a process that was rewarding in ways they couldn’t have imagined. Oh, and did we mention that they only planned to do a small renovation and ended up with a practically new house?

Turn the page to see more.

PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON WHITBREAD STYLING KATIE RUDD

sa fe

A single-level home by an owner/builder in Sydney’s north proves that child-friendly can also be cool

haven WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON WHITBREAD STYLING KATIE RUDD

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EXTERIOR (both pages) The path to the front door passes a round feature window belonging to the main bedroom. All the new external walls are a combination of recycled brick and white gloss-painted stucco render panels. The screening is cedar.

cheat sheet Who lives here Brenden Chase Rudd, director of construction company Chase Projects, with his wife Katie and their kids: Frankie, five, Sage, three, and Axel, two.

Style of home A single-level home built in the late 1960s that’s now a mid-century modern mash-up of old and new with Scandinavian interior touches.

Two years from the initial concept to completion by Brenden’s company.

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S

et back on a corner block in Sydney’s northern

KITCHEN (both pages) Designed

by Brenden and built by Sublime Custom Joinery, the cabinetry is matt white polyurethane and natural oak veneer. Dulux Lexicon Quarter was used on the walls throughout and durable concrete-grey tiles cover the floor.

DINING (below) This area leads out to the front terrace. The striking marble table is from Harpers Project, and the Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ dining chairs from The Modern Furniture Store are a great match for the cedar window frames.

suburbs is a free-flowing home that proves a house doesn’t need to be huge to comfortably fit and cater to a family of five. In fact, this freshly renovated single-level property has multiple indoor and outdoor living zones, with an open-plan design that keeps the occupants connected – but never cramped – at all times.

Before they bought the house, Brenden Rudd and his wife Katie were drawn to the relaxed local vibe. They also loved the position of the block, and the fact that it only had neighbours on two sides. “This area is ideal for families, and schools, transport and local shops are just minutes away,” says Katie. “There are also bush walks and parks around the corner, and the green views from here are just so inviting, they bring a sense of escape.”

Brenden is the owner/director of award-winning building company Chase Projects, which specialises in residential and hospitality projects in Sydney and country NSW, so it was natural for him to take on the renovation of his own place. The original structure was tired and needed a facelift, but Brenden says he and Katie then got excited about the floor plan and decided to make lots of spatial changes to increase the feeling of light and space.

“The house as it was didn’t capture the great northern aspect and had no connection with the pool at all,” he says. “And lastly, the double street frontage needed more privacy.”

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The biggest part of the renovation involved relocating the kitchen to become part of the living zone. “We moved it into the spot where the old dining room was,” says Brenden. “We also rotated the staircase from the front entry to face the pool, and removed the front door’s portico to make more internal space.

In addition, we shifted the front door three metres to allow more space for the fireplace in the living room and create better access to the internal stairs leading to the garage below.”

New asymmetrical vaulted ceilings in the living areas now provide extra breathing room, and the floor plan has been reoriented north. The building has also been kitted out with three recycled-brick pentagonal gables, which buttress the kitchen wing, the main bedroom wing and the rear bedroom wing. “I really like the brick gables on each end of the house,” says Brenden. “They’re functional, providing a solid feel and shielding us from summer sun and road noise.”

In addition to the main living area, the property has a second living area at the back with access to the pool, a compact but space-savvy white and wood kitchen with integrated appliances, four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a properly equipped laundry, a northern terrace and a second terrace overlooking the pool, plus a garage with built-in storage.

Inspired by mid-century modern architectural forms and Scandinavian interior style elements, the home’s interior palette features recycled materials and neutral colours, with most of

the walls painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter, a cool white with a hint of grey. “The neutral palette has allowed us to be bolder with shapes and design features without overpowering the space, and has brought the joinery to life without it competing with the architecture,” says Katie.

She and Brenden love to entertain, and having multiple indoor and outdoor living zones means they can have friends over on a large scale. Outside, there are two main areas. The first is just off the laundry so it has a clothes line and drying area leading to a play space for the children that’s hidden from the street. The second outdoor zone includes the elevated terrace and pool with a swim-up area for the kids. To one side of the pool, sitting in the middle of the home’s primary street address, is the driveway into the garage. “It has an automatic gate and the area inside it is great to play on, keeping the kids off the road and safe inside the boundary,” says Katie. Meanwhile, the family’s front door is on the quieter street, ensuring a more relaxed entrance for the steady stream of visitors.

On the surface, this home is an entertainer’s paradise, but dig a little deeper and you see that functionality, safety and a great indoor/outdoor connection are the true heroes of this renovation.

And, true to Brenden’s design philosophy, it was all done with the lowest possible environmental impact.

Chase Projects is based in Brookvale, NSW (02) 8964 1140.

For more details, see chaseprojects.com.au or @chaseprojectsptyltd

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1 Entry 2 Living 3 Dining 4 Kitchen 5 Second living 6 Bedroom 7 Bedroom 8 Laundry

9 Bathroom 10 Vanity 11 Bedroom 12 Ensuite 13 Main bedroom 14 Pool 15 Front terrace 16 Garage

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LIVING AREA (both pages) There’s space to spare in here, and what looks like a woodburning stove is actually a gas heater. “It brings a Scandinavian element to the room,” says Katie.

The supersized sofa from Glicks Furniture ensures no one is ever left standing, and the mid-century modern chair is a vintage find.

J Elliot ‘Emilia’ round faux-fur rug, Temple & Webster. Artwork by Ammiki, through Etsy.

“The neutral palette has allowed us to be bolder with shapes and design features without overpowering the space” KATIE RUDD, HOMEOWNER

CHASE_curban_S_088.jpg

BATHROOM Terrazzo floor tiles bring a textured look to all the wet areas and transition seamlessly to the grey flooring elsewhere. Sublime Design built all the vanities. Benchtop, matt porcelain. Taps, Astra Walker. Wall tiles, Amber Tiles. Bath, Kaldewei.

MAIN BEDROOM (opposite) Home to a showstopping circular window, this room receives plenty of natural light. The Slab bed is by Mark Tuckey and the side table is a Gumtree find. Sheer white curtains, Kresta.

lessons learnt “It was great to be a client for a change” BRENDEN RUDD, OWNER/BUILDER

“My renovation allowed me to look through the lens that my clients have to use, and provided more insight into how emotionally engaged clients can become when building or renovating their homes.

It’s helped me to be more empathetic and, on a personal level, it was super rewarding for Katie and I to do together.”

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“The bedroom’s round window offers visual relief from the straight architectural lines of the home, and a soft, passive feel to the entrance” BRENDEN RUDD, OWNER/BUILDER

FRONT YARD On the left side of the house, half of a recycled-brick pentagonal gable is clearly visible.

The large pots and other circular elements mirror the round window on the side. Chase Projects had the brown-patinaed pots fabricated in Corten steel.

POOL AREA (opposite) Giving a resort-style feel to the inside of the pool are green Sukabumi natural stone tiles. The terraces and coping are covered with large concrete pavers. Benches and outdoor table, Bunnings.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Slab bed, $3250 for single and $4550 for king, Mark Tuckey. Carmo sofa, $8989, BoConcept. Plank armchair, $999, Icon By Design. San Selmo reclaimed bricks, $2115 for 1000, Austral Bricks. Toorak Drizzle paver, $89.95 per sqm, National Tiles. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘Wishbone’ chair, $1650, Cult. Sled stool, $259, Vorsen. Round marble dining table, $2499, Harpers Project. Armadillo & Co ‘Braid Weave’ rug, $880, Life Interiors.

44 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: LUCAS ALLEN (SLAB BED).

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON

GREAT FINDS

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CA B I N CREW A creative couple makes a tree change with a difference, building a ‘bush retreat’ in a city suburb with a ton of design savvy and new baby daughter in tow

WORDS & STYLING JACKIE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES DECK

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DECK Sliding doors create a seamless flow between the house and deck. Leather-trimmed butterfly chair, Muumuu Design.

Pot and cactus, The Pot Warehouse. Sofa, Freedom.

EXTERIOR (opposite) The house is constructed from FSC merbau with cedar windows, doors and trims. It has a Shadowclad plywood skin, painted Dulux Domino.

cheat sheet Who lives here Architect Ava Shirley and builder Michael Hilton, director of Beach Houses Australia, with their 18-month-old daughter Una, and cats Django and Gatsby.

Style of home A mid-century-inspired dwelling at the rear of an existing property, nestled under two red gums on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Building the new 60-square-metre home took nine months.

The couple spent $1.4 million on $$$$ buying the property so their budget of $250,000 for the ‘cabin’ was tight.

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DINING AREA The table and timber chair in this space are from Organic Modernism. Bowl, Dinosaur Designs. Among the diverse artworks are a woman’s face on silk by Gabriella Hirst, a school friend of Ava’s; a still life Ava drew at eight; and prints sourced on a trip to Cuba.

FAMILY PORTRAIT (opposite) Ava, Michael and baby Una.

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T

hose who know Ava Shirley and Michael

Hilton agree on one thing: the couple know how to make beautiful houses, and babies. Back in 2015, well before the latter was born, the pair was making the move back to Sydney after a stint in Newcastle, where Ava had been completing a master’s degree. They had already cut their teeth on the renovation of a weatherboard cottage in Islington and now, back in their home town, they were hungry for another project.

“Whatever we bought, we wanted to capitalise on our skills as architect and builder,” says Ava. As ‘chief financial controller’, Michael realised they could better afford a mortgage on a house than an apartment – as long as they could build a secondary dwelling and rent out the main home to supplement the repayments. Finding a site that could hold a second house narrowed the search considerably, and the pair quickly came across a property on a large, steep block in North Manly. The house was completely disconnected from the upper portion of the site (a downside for many), but the couple saw a dream opportunity. The second garden area even had rear-lane access, making it the perfect site for another home and carport.

The rear portion of the block was terraced over two levels, so Ava and Michael worked with it to design what they affectionately dub their ‘granny flat’. Two large angophoras or Sydney red gums provided a beautiful canopy under which to site their new 60-square-metre home and helped inspire some ideas for the design. “We were immediately drawn to the trees and took a lot of inspiration for the house from them,” Ava explains.

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DINING ZONE The pouredconcrete floor is sleek and practical, its darker tone created by adding black oxide. Orangered Eames chairs, Herman Miller.

Rug, Ikea. Icon tapware in Aged Brass, Astra Walker. To the right is the nursery, screened by a door painted Dulux Battle Dress.

50 | INSIDE OUT

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“We were immediately drawn to the gum trees and took a lot of inspiration from them” AVA SHIRLEY, ARCHITECT/OWNER

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“This is also a great party house.

We had more than 100 people here once. We emptied the main room and turned it into a dance floor” AVA In fact, when the concrete slab was poured, leaves from these trees fell and cast fossils into the finish – nature literally making their imprint in the foundations of the home.

Once inside, guests feel as if they are in a treehouse rather than a regular dwelling. Surrounded by native flora, it could be a hideaway in the bush because there is almost nothing to suggest its location in a pocket of suburbia. To enhance the sense of space, many of the walls don’t meet the ceiling. Instead, joinery partitions off the key spaces such as the main bedroom, and further separation is achieved via frameless glass. A subtle change in levels between the private and more public zones has been integral in creating distinct spaces under the one roof. Off the living space, large sliding doors open up completely to the deck and garden, blurring the boundary between inside and out.

The angophora trees, which shed mottled silver bark to reveal a crimson tone and whose grey-green leaves are visible from every window, informed the home’s palette. Using colour as a design tool to demarcate zones, the couple tucked their study (which soon became a nursery) behind a green sliding wall, and shielded the bedroom and ensuite with burgundy-painted joinery.

Despite its small footprint, the house was designed to work hard to accommodate the party of three. “We dedicated a lot of space to joinery and storage so everything could be put away,” says Ava, adding, “It’s especially important to be tidy when you live in a small house, but I must admit, I’m pretty terrible at practicing what I preach. Michael worries about the mess I make, but I call it ‘being creative’.” However, the home has been wonderful for Una, though Ava says “it possibly lets in a little too much natural light to be conducive to a baby sleeping”.

It may be a new build, but the house already feels as if it contains years’ worth of stories. The layering of furniture, knick-knacks and art means that visitors are immediately drawn to its personality and warmth. “We’ve spent very little money on furniture over the years; a lot of it has been sourced at op shops, on the side of the road or as hand-me-downs. There’s a healthy smattering of Ikea in there, too,” says Ava, adding that much of the art is by her, from friends or family or bought during the couple’s travels, and every so often they open the home to their friends and family. “It’s a great party house. We had more than 100 people here once – we set up a bar in the carport and emptied the main room, turning it into a dance floor.”

After three happy years in their couple’s retreat/mini family home/party house, they’re already planning a move into the large Art Deco house at the front of the property. “It needs a renovation,” Ava points out, “and we’ve got itchy feet again.”

To see more projects by Ava and Michael, follow them on Instagram @avashirley.architect and @beachhousesaustralia; @_woodsquared 52 | INSIDE OUT

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LIVING AREA Custom joinery

by Ava’s dad, Dean Shirley of Wood Squared, keeps things tidy.

The Parker chair is one of a pair found on eBay, restored by Adam Stewart at Modanest and covered in Warwick ‘Plateau’ fabric. Rug, Lounge Lovers. David Bromley throw, Mark Tuckey. Artwork by Emily Pwerle, through Art Mob.

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LESSONS LEARNT

“Collaboration is everything” AVA SHIRLEY, ARCHITECT/OWNER

GREAT FINDS FROM TOP Skold sheepskin rug, $349, Ikea. Eames chair, $775, Living Edge.

River Weave rug in White (1.6m x 2.3m), $1019, Amigos De Hoy. Leander ‘Linea’ cot, $860, Baby Village. Flow resin soy dish in Dark Horn, $45, Dinosaur Designs.

Pieni Unikko cushion cover, $53, Marimekko. Eton sofa in Tan Vintage, $2159, Freedom. Dulux Wash&Wear acrylic paint in Battle Dress, $42.60 per 1L, Bunnings.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON. PAINT COLOUR MAY VARY ON APPLICATION

“Michael and I discussed every detail until we were both satisfied it was the best outcome based on function, aesthetics and budget. At the end of the build we had a newfound appreciation for the skills the other brought to the process. On any job like this, cultivate a co-operative nature and make sure you engage passionate people who respect your situation. Also, trust the advice of professionals and allow them to make brave or bold decisions.”

MAIN BEDROOM New bed linen from Cultiver looks great with cushions Ava rescued from her parents’ attic. The copper wire pig is by Sophie Toupein, co-owner of High Swan Dive in Newcastle. NURSERY (opposite top) A vintage Parker chair slots in next to the cot. Rug, Ikea.

Flower artwork by Bridie Watt.

BATHROOM (opposite bottom) Birch plywood cabinetry features in here as well. Icon aged-brass taps, Astra Walker.

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cheat sheet Who lives her Anna, her partner, and their three children, aged 16, 13 and 11, plus Bob, a Samoyed, and one rabbit.

Style of home Tudor Revival brick residence in south-east Melbourne with four bedrooms and a 1990s addition at the back that needed reworking.

The family bought the house 11 years ago and engaged their architect in August 2018. Building work took place between January and June 2019, and the house was fully furnished

by October last year.

The budget for the renovation was $$$$ $200,000 (excluding furniture).

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LIVING The starting point for the renovation was the beautiful marble fireplace, which was slightly out of place in the Tudor-style home.

Architect Alexandra Ansari used it as her design cue for the home’s glamorous look and colour scheme. Vittoria sofa in Sand Leather and Milou swivel chair, Coco Republic.

Tables, Beeline Design.

Custom Tretford rug, Gibbon Group. Framed Atelier CPH print and Sway floor lamp, Designstuff. Vessels (on mantel, from left), Pépite and Bungalow Trading.

eternal

FLAME

PLANT STAND (IN CORNER), VOYAGER INTERIORS. CUSHIONS, HYGGE LIV. THROW AND CANDLEHOLDER, DESIGNSTUFF. MARBLE TRIVET, TOP3 BY DESIGN

While some homeowners leap at the chance to replace their old fireplace, a Melbourne family had other ideas

WORDS ALEXANDRA GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE WILLIAMS STYLING BREE LEECH

point for the six-month renovation of this home in south-east Melbourne. “I wanted to keep the old mantelpiece,” says the owner, Anna, who shares the four-bedroom Tudor Revival house with her partner and their three children. Luckily, their architect, Alexandra Ansari of Ansari Architects, also recognised the merit of what has remained the centrepiece of the reimagined space. “The fireplace looked pretty full-on when I first visited the house, with a red wall behind it and dark-brown joinery all around,” recalls Alexandra, “but it was such beautiful stone and I knew I could work with it.”

Though the home had served the family well for 11 years, it really needed an update. “From a functional point of view, the house was already large enough for a family of five, was within our preferred school area and still close to the CBD,” says Anna.

It was well equipped, with a two-car garage, a swimming pool and good lawn area. However, its grand proportions and beautiful brickwork at the front highlighted what was lacking in an earlier renovation at the back, which had made the living spaces dark.

While they could have gone for a more extensive renovation, the family wanted to live there while the work took place, which partly determined the scope of works. At ground level, changes were made to the kitchen, bar and family area as well as the laundry and adjacent bathroom. Upstairs, the children’s bathroom was also gutted and refreshed. “The kitchen was the only area where I changed the plan,” says architect Alexandra, “but to keep costs down we agreed to keep the locations for the plumbing in the bathrooms and laundry as per the existing layouts.”

The functionality and light of the new open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas are impressive, says Anna, “I wanted a lot from what is fundamentally not a large space that faces south.”

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BOWL (ON ISLAND), DESIGNSTUFF. GLASS VASE, TOP3 BY DESIGN

A

dark-red marble fireplace was the starting

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KITCHEN Owner Anna was keen on a grey-based colour scheme, which has been warmed up by dark red accessories and shiny items like the new Fisher & Paykel Quad Door fridge. Roxton stools and Markson dining chairs, Coco Republic. Ridge dining table, Beeline Design.

Pendant light, Mark Douglass.

Artwork by Stan Yarramunua.

STORAGE Alexandra designed the cupboards to conceal as many appliances as possible while allowing extra light to flow in under the window bench. The cabinetry colours are Dulux Brume and Charcoal Light, with George Fethers & Co timber veneer in Oak Rift Swamp. Benchtop, Caesarstone Georgian Bluffs.

LAUNDRY (opposite) Häfele Hawa Concepta pivot sliding hardware means the doors in this corridor retract back into the cavity. Appliances, E&S.

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FIRST FLOOR

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By installing skylights and reorienting the space, Alexandra managed to make it the airy centre of the home. “Before, it was pushed into a corner and really dark,” she says. But not now, as the space has been lightened and visually expanded with an elevated bench running along the window side of the kitchen and into an appliance cupboard. “This enables small appliances to be easily accessed and tidied away when not in use – a must with three children making smoothies and toasties at the same time.”

The fireplace in the living room provided a touchstone for all the new finishes and furnishings. “The inspiration for the herringbone floorboards in the main area against the fire mantel came from a Paris apartment,” says Anna. She and Alexandra searched endlessly to find a luxurious flooring solution with a reasonable price tag. This and the classic, neutral palette throughout now allows the fireplace to be the star of the show.

“I love marble, but I needed to source something a little more subtle for the kitchen,” says Alexandra, who opted for grey aggregate benchtops and joinery to match. Installing crisp white herringbone tiles in the ground-floor bathroom has provided yet another visual link to the living spaces.

While there are plans for more work down the track, the family couldn’t be happier with what’s been done so far. “I love all the renovated areas but I do have some favourite features,” Anna admits. These include the oak flooring, and the large island bench in the kitchen. The list continues into the bathroom (with its herringbone feature wall, large bath and wall light), the simple yet functional laundry, and the upstairs bathroom – “a triumph in meeting the needs of three adolescents in a small space”.

Alexandra is equally pleased with the design outcome, adding, “The end result really speaks for itself, both from an aesthetic point of view and just how well it serves the family now.”

Ansari Architects, Northcote, Victoria: ansariarchitects.com.au

“The inspiration for the herringbone floorboards in the main area [and the patterning of the bathroom tiles, above] came from a Paris apartment” ANNA, HOMEOWNER

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INSIDE | HOME

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Franco dining chair, $425, Coco Republic. Tully dining table, $2185, GlobeWest. Middle Of Nowhere ‘Fergus’ small planter in Rust, $35, RJ Living. Ferm Living ‘Bendum’ vase, $169, Designstuff. Ascot Herringbone flooring, $114.25 per sq m, Havwoods. Ellipse A3 art print, $99 (unframed), Urban Road. Milou Swivel armchair, $1595, Coco Republic. Home Republic ‘Mimosa’ textured bath towel in Plum, $39.99, Adairs. Bevelled white matt tile, $44.95 per sq m, National Tiles. Redfern Terrazzo tile (600mm x 600mm), $48 per sq m, Tile Cloud. Blanco kitchen mixer, $929, Winning Appliances.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON. TOWEL AND PLANTER, DESIGNSTUFF

GREAT FINDS

LESSONS LEARNT

“If you don’t move out when the builders move in, be prepared for more than a little interruption’’ ANNA, HOMEOWNER

“I didn’t enjoy living in the house during the renovation, mainly because I struggle with chaos, dust and sharing my bathroom with two teenage boys! We lived in the front part of the house and all five of us used the main ensuite. I cooked our meals outside on the barbecue and set up a mini kitchen with microwave and fridge in the hall.”

BATHROOM (this page and opposite) In this practical space off the laundry are white wall and terrazzo floor tiles from National Tiles. Custom vanity and shelf are George Fethers & Co timber veneer in Oak Rift Swamp. Roca basin, Reece. Custom mirror. The bath is the Posh Domaine design from Reece and the black ‘circle’ on the wall is a vintage-style light by Mark Douglass. Taps, Brodware.

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STONE ROUSSES

When this family saw a real-estate ad for a farmhouse in a Paris newspaper, they started packing their bags WORDS MARZIA NICOLINI & DEBORAH GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY MONICA SPEZIA

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

cheat sheet Who lives here Justine and Julien, an interior designer and app creater respectively; and their two children: Malo and Elia, both under 10.

Style of home A 19th-century French farmhouse in Lamotte-du-Rhône, which is 40 minutes’ drive from Avignon.

After buying the property in early 2017, the family spent a year renovating before renting part of it out.

FRONT COURTYARD (both pages) Having left the city behind, interior designer Justine and her family are now settled into their new life at La Maison Rousse. At certain times, Justine rents out part or all of the property and its stunning outdoor areas.

INSIDE OUT | 65

‘‘The house is surrounded by green, with fields of lavender and sunflowers beyond’’ JUSTINE, HOMEOWNER/INTERIOR DESIGNER

66 | INSIDE OUT

S

lowing down is a luxury many of us aspire to,

and busy French couple Justine and Julien are no exception. In December 2016, they were sitting in their tiny Paris apartment when Justine spotted a real-estate advertisement for a Provençal farmhouse less than three hours away on the TGV. It was too tempting to ignore, and in no time they were packing up their car and starting a new, more relaxed life in the Vaucluse, on the border of Gard and Ardèche.

The property was a substantial 200-year-old cottage with a huge barn and a hectare of land. “We immediately fell in love it,” says Justine. “The large plot of land, the old, original stones, the green shutters, the trees – they were all amazing. Ten days later we visited and loved it even more, especially after seeing our two kids, Malo and Elia, run around and enjoy themselves so much.

What seemed like a dream became a certainty as we said to ourselves: ‘We are going to live here and that’s it!’”

Only 40 minutes from Avignon and with good transport links to the capital, the home’s location meant that Julien and Justine could make short trips back and forth to work-related meetings whenever required. Julien is the creator of a meditation app, and Justine is an interior designer and stylist for Ginger House. She relished the opportunity to take on such a unique project.

“The house was basic but very charming,” says Justine, referring to the 320 square metres of living space. Though it was all in fairly good condition, some updates were required. “As soon as we arrived, we built the swimming pool and redid the roof,” she says. “On the ground floor, we created a separate entry for the guest house (which we rent out on airbnb), adding a private kitchen and two bedrooms. Then we refurbished the two bathrooms (one in the main house) and started decorating.”

Justine’s concept for the interiors involved a lot of creativity, free use of colour and just the right amount of personalisation.

“We really wanted to give the house a relaxed atmosphere, a holiday-home feel,” she says. “Also, because we rent it during the holidays and some weekends, we left it deliberately basic so that

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

GUEST COTTAGE No wall treatment was needed in the separate living area. The furniture is a mix of vintage and flea-market finds.

KITCHEN (opposite) Justine turns out onion tarts and peachy summer salads from here on a regular basis.

Coffee makers, Bialetti.

Pink jug and tea pot, Jars.

LIVING ROOM (both pages) This room looks out to the garden and a mix of plane trees and wisteria. Elia is in the kids’ corner, decorated with rattan and wicker furniture from a local market. AMPM sofa.

Cushions, Lorena Canals and Milk Decoration for Monoprix. Georges ‘Pale Suspended Lamp’ pendant light, Smallable.

The green chair is a family piece.

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INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

CHILDRENS’ ROOM (this page and opposite top) Flowers on Light wallpaper by Lilipinso on one wall forms a dreamy backdrop for the two beds. Minnen extendable bed in Black, Ikea. Micuna chair. Carpet, Lorena Canals. Paris poster, L’Affiche Moderne.

BATHROOM (opposite) The beautiful green used in the bedrooms flows into the main bathroom and surrounds the gloss-tiled tub. Mirror, Maisons du Monde.

70 | INSIDE OUT

everyone can feel at ease here.” This has been achieved without spending a fortune. “We have a lot of secondhand furniture, and family pieces with wicker and rattan touches, which we’ve refurbished or repainted,” Justine explains. “I also gave special importance to the lighting as I love original-style lamps. Then I added colour here and there with textiles such as bed linen and curtains, and by painting some walls or putting up nice wallpaper.

Recently, we repainted the entire living room in a white shade, stripping the beams and adding more terracotta furnishings.”

When they’re not working at their day jobs or maintaining the property – it has 50 pear trees (from which they make juice), six olive trees, an almond tree, a walnut tree, an apricot tree, a mirabelle plum tree and chickens – Justine and Julien just enjoy the slower pace of life at home, which they’ve named La Maison Rousse because of the red colour of the stone walls at sunset.

On weekends they often have Parisian friends to stay and visit food and flea markets at nearby villages. “We might go to Pont-Saint-Esprit and buy seasonal vegetables, cheeses, meat for barbecues and amazing wines,” says Justine. “Then we might relax by the pool in summer, or listen to music as the fire crackles in winter. It doesn’t take much to feel happy here.” airbnb.fr/p/lamaisonrousse; @lamaisonrousse; @gingerhouseproject

lessons learnt “Be prepared to change your whole life” JUSTINE, HOMEOWNER/STYLIST

“Coming here wasn’t just a move for us — it was a major life adjustment. Now we work from home while making an income from it, we have more time to spend with our children, and more opportunity to pursue our passions: cooking, yoga and meditation.”

“We rent out the house and gîte so the decor had to be basic but charming’’ JUSTINE

INSIDE OUT | 71

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Lilipinso ‘Fleur Light’ wallpaper, $205 per 10m roll, Natty & Polly. Linen duvet cover set in Blush, $365, Cultiver. Trails rug in Cream, from $519, Amigos De Hoy. Marset ‘Bicoca’ table lamp in Yellow, $99, Finnish Design Shop. Rattan Fan pendant light, $990, Salt By The Caza Project.

Dulux Wash&Wear paint in Sink Hole, $91.55 per 4L, Bunnings. Bird cushion cover (48cm), $44*, Fine Little Day. Herbier seagrass bench, $499, Corner Store.

72 | INSIDE OUT

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON. *CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING

GREAT FINDS

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

POOL AREA The salt-water pool has made summer more fun for Elia and Malo. Lounger and umbrella, Ramberti.

TREEHOUSE (opposite right) La Maison Rousse has plenty of space to roam and places to climb, as well as a fish pond, cats and chickens.

MAIN BEDROOM (opposite left) Neutral linen from Harmony works in with the green walls, woven pendant and natural floorcovering.

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RENOVATE the great indoors

Gutting this old terrace has amplified its grandeur

A Sydney couple wanted to turn their normal-size terrace house into something palatial, so they enlisted the interior-design team from Alexandra Kidd Design to help them optimise every inch of space. Custom-built wine storage under the staircase, complete with custom lighting and elegant glass doors, was just one of the ingenious ideas they came up with.

Turn the page to see more.

WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY PABLO VEIGA STYLING KERRIE-ANN JONES

INSIDE | RENOVATE

cheat sheet Who lives here A professional couple and their son, aged six.

Style of home An 1880s terrace with a rear extension, located in a heritage suburb near the centre of Sydney.

The couple bought the home in 2012 and began planning their renovation in 2016. Building commenced in 2018 and lasted seven months.

All up, the renovaton cost was $$$$ a little more than $1 million.

76 | INSIDE OUT

DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.

super size me For a Sydney couple, optimising a 19th-century terrace meant finding extra space to accommodate their changing needs and growing son

A

living area

A dark teal velvet Sullivan Classic armchair from GlobeWest draws the eye, and a cream Dallas occasional chair from Becker Minty provides a fun contrast.

The Kett ‘Belle’ sofa from Cosh Living is upholstered in the brand’s Como Cloud fabric. Walls painted Dulux Natural White.

Oak flooring, Euro Style Floors.

fter a stint working in New York, the young couple

who own this house returned to their hometown of Sydney in 2011 with a plan to buy a terrace.

Though they were keen, there were some reservations. “We had never lived in a terrace house before and knew they could be dark and have issues with rising damp,” they say. “We thought that we should rent one to see if we liked it before buying.”

They did just that, leasing an 1880s property a few kilometres east of the CBD. “What happened was that, within six months, we decided we loved it and wanted to buy, but not just any terrace – this specific one!” While the house needed a lot of work, the couple weren’t daunted by the prospect of spending time, and money, on a big renovation. “We approached the owners directly and asked them to sell us the house. It took about five months of negotiations, but finally we came to an agreement.

We settled almost a year to the day after first moving in.”

Not long afterwards, they had their first child, a baby boy.

At that point the couple decided to put their renovation plans on hold. “We wanted him to get a little bit bigger, past that stage of destroying a brand-new designer terrace.” But by mid-2016, when their son was four, they couldn’t wait any longer. They contacted interior designer Alexandra Kidd and began planning a comprehensive renovation that would transform their home from traditional to strikingly contemporary.

WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY PABLO VEIGA STYLING KERRIE-ANN JONES

INSIDE | RENOVATE

banquette

The built-in seating on the right side of the kitchen/family space features custom upholstery in a James Dunlop fabric.

Both the throw cushions are from Country Road. When there’s no natural light streaming in from the skylight above, the wall sconce takes over.

dream it

Having lived in New York, where space is at a premium, the owners were keen to make the most of their substantial block by adding an extension. “We already had a formal lounge at the front, but really needed a family space at the back,” they explain.

In addition, they dreamt of enlarging the main bedroom to create a more luxurious atmosphere.

Equally important were natural light and air flow, both of which had been in short supply in their Manhattan apartment.

“We decided to increase the light in the house in a number of different ways: installing skylights, pulling open walls, and adding a glass roof to the back room.” Extra windows were also to be added, as well as ceiling fans in several rooms.

Finally, the couple hoped to create a home where their son could thrive. In part, that meant designing a bedroom for him with ample light and space. “We decided to sacrifice his old room, the middle bedroom, to get an ensuite and a walk-in robe for the main bedroom. His new room would be at the back of the house, with alterations to make it perfect for a little boy.”

design it

Interior-design veteran Alexandra Kidd appointed staff member Jessica Gombault as lead designer on the project. Together, the pair sketched out significant changes to both the ground floor and the upstairs rooms. “We took advantage of every inch of space,” says Alexandra – “literally every inch!”

On the ground floor, the designers doubled the footprint of the rear kitchen, adding an impressive marble island and custom joinery plus space for the family to sit and relax. Under the staircase, a built-in cupboard and wine racks were installed to take advantage of space that might otherwise have been wasted.

Upstairs, the main bedroom was expanded as planned.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the middle bedroom and a portion of the old bathroom were given over to the new bedroom. “That room had a very low ceiling, and yet the house had a peaked roof at the back. So, we decided to raise the ceiling,” say the owners.

Extra windows and a skylight were also added there.

Accentuating the home’s improved natural light was a priority for the designers, says Alexandra. “We introduced light, warm timber flooring throughout, and soft whites to carry the natural light from the new glass ceiling at the back of the home through towards the front. We also introduced moments of vibrant colour and bold metallics to provide playful interest.”

wishlist + More space The owners wanted a larger main bedroom with a walk-in robe (or two) and an ensuite. + New bedroom A bright and spacious room for their son was paramount. + Storage Purpose-built space to keep a range of things, including their wine collection (which went behind glass under the stairs), was essential.

kitchen

(this page and opposite bottom) The Calacatta-marble island is the centrepiece. Miele ovens, Fisher & Paykel fridge and Vintec wine fridge. Bomma ‘Soap’ pendants, Spence & Lyda. Pepper bar stools in Pearl Grey, GlobeWest.

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fireplace

As in many Victorian homes, the fireplace in the front room is the focal point. Knick-knacks, a Cire Trudon candle and a striking artwork by Antonia Perricone Mrljak adorn the mantel.

Kett ‘Otway’ coffee table, Cosh Living.

Savannah rug, Armadillo & Co.

dining room A Grace oval extension table by Potocco is accessorised with upholstered Johanna dining chairs

by Kett, all from Cosh Living. An Alexandra pendant light from Fanuli adds charm and personality.

the moodboard

laundry

*PLUS MANUFACTURING AND INSTALLATION

The splashback is a bronze mirror that reflects the wallpaper on the opposite wall, creating a glamorous 3D effect. The brushed rose-gold tap is from Brodware.

CLOCKWISE (from top left) Prestige Oak flooring in Storm, $90.20 per sq m, Euro Style Floors. Mirror splashback in Bronze, $600 per sq m (plus installation), Stegbar. Bomma ‘Soap’ pendant light in Silver, $805, Spence & Lyda. Otway coffee table, $3765, Cosh Living. Calacatta marble surface, from $1666.50 per sq m*, Granite & Marble Works. Dulux Wash&Wear paint in Natural White, $77.90 per 4L, Bunnings. Hydrotap Celsius Arc B tap in Brushed Rose Gold, $3295, Zip Water. Luxe Tone carpet in Opal, $66 per sq m (plus installation), Carpet Court.

INSIDE OUT | 81

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bedroom

This is the desk space in the little boy’s room, looking out to the back of the house. The cabinetry has been painted a Resene colour called Clouded Blue.

Zanotta ‘Elipse’ chair, Cult. Blue table lamp with cotton shade by Chi Dang.

bathroom

(this image and below left) The fireplace’s copper hearth contrasts beautifully with the Carrara Gioia Venato honed hexagon floor tiles by Indigo Jones & Co. Shower rose, shower rail and ceiling dropper, all Brodware.

do it

With so much to accomplish, the designers warned the owners that the process could take some time. They were right because in the end the renovation lasted seven months. “That’s seven months of six-days-per-week work. And the builders didn’t work on any other projects for the duration.”

The first month was spent removing a large amount of material from the house. “By that stage it was a shell. We did that deliberately to make sure it was properly rebuilt into a modern terrace, but with the original architectural features – the high ceilings and Victorian fireplaces – preserved.”

While it was obvious the house had good bones, the project wasn’t without some nail-biting moments. “The extension was an engineering feat,” Alexandra reveals. “We had to remove external walls and hold the rest of the house up with a forest of steel pillars before craning in a couple of oversized beams.”

Along the way, the owners found themselves upgrading many of the interior details they’d initially decided on, adding toprange wallpaper and marble, bronze and copper fixtures throughout. “Alexandra and Jessica pushed us out of our comfort zone,” say the owners. “We’re very practical, but they showed us things that were very beautiful for the sake of beauty.”

Looking back, the designers skillfully guided the couple through what was, in hindsight, a hugely ambitious renovation. “The enthusiasm Alexandra and her team brought to the project meant that we finished the whole thing feeling great,” they say. “So much so, we could see ourselves doing something similar again.”

Alexandra Kidd Design is located in Potts Point, NSW; (02) 9331 1554 or alexandrakidd.com 82 | INSIDE OUT

the best bits + Bunk bed “Raising the roof in our son’s bedroom allowed him to have a bunk bed,” say the owners. “That meant he could start inviting his friends for sleepovers.” + Calacatta marble “We ended up with more marble than we could have possibly imagined. It was expensive, but worth it.” + Renovating “It was a big surprise how much we enjoyed the process.

We got such pleasure bringing our old, dark terrace to life.”

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8 7

16

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15

4 5 13 3

main bedroom

Behind the custom bedhead is one of two walk-in-robe areas. The Architect’s Swing Arm wall light in hand-rubbed antique brass with silk shade is from Laura Kincade. Orbit bedside table with a Frassino vintage finish, Fanuli.

19 18

FIRST FLOOR

2 1

12 ATTIC

GROUND FLOOR

1 Entry 2 Formal living 3 Dining 4 Laundry 5 Powder room 6 Seating 7 Kitchen 8 Family area 9 Courtyard 10 Grassed yard 11 Balcony 12 Main bedroom 13 Walk-in robe 14 Ensuite 15 Bathroom 16 Bedroom 17 Storage 18 Guest/living 19 Bathroom

14

11 10

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The Block: Glasshouse co-winner and interior architect Shannon Vos. voscreative. com.au

not designing for kids

Children come with a lot of stuff and tend to change their minds about what they like on a regular basis, so the challenge is to create rooms for them that anticipate their needs while not caving under the chaos nothing really mixes that well with kids, except maybe dirt and snot. That said, we are responsible for the tikes, so it’s probably wise (said with rolled eyes and in a super-sarcastic tone) to design with the little cherubs in mind.

However, coming up with age-specific themes for kids’ rooms is a no-no. Do you notice how children change their opinion, like, 40 times a day, and stare at you blankly while you’re trying to tell them something important? Imagine going through fabric samples with a four-year-old or asking a teenage boy to start a Pinterest board. Ha! What we do have to do, though, instead of designing for our kids, is design around our little bundles of joy. That means designing for what they do, what they will do (if we ever have control over that, right?) and how they use their space. The aim is to keep the kids in line while still managing to have an aesthetically pleasing home – fingers crossed!

design for now and the future A toddler’s needs aren’t really that different to a teenager’s. They both need supervision, storage for days and, to some extent, their own space. Making smarter decisions early in the game will not only make things easier and more efficient in the younger years, they will help you accommodate the needs of a growing child.

84 | INSIDE OUT

Take, for instance, a toy room. Separated from the ‘kept clean’ part of the home, it can house all the books, plush toys and Lego in the first years, then become a WWF ring later on (I’m speaking from experience here) and later, hoping the little tackers want to remain with their loving parents, become a teenager’s retreat down the track. Just make sure the space isn’t too far removed from the hub, you’re not splurging on the unnecessary, you’re enabling your home to run efficiently, and you’re foreseeing any issues you might have two, five, even 10 years on.

storage will keep you sane Ever trodden on a devilishly small piece of Lego on a midnight toilet run? Yep, it’s up there with childbirth (this is a wild guess that’s completely unfounded, with apologies to women and mums everywhere if I’ve got it wrong). Imagine a home free from kids’ clutter, with school bags neatly hung, little to no Peppa Pig books strewn over the floor, and freedom to invite friends over without the 20-minute scramble to clean up. It can exist.

With clever planning and even the smallest of budgets, you can create all sorts of storage options to keep clutter to a minimum.

Keep cabinetry low and linear to stretch out a room and avoid visual disruption. This will keep it looking and feeling open while still providing ample storage space.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DEREK SWALWELL. STYLING: BEK SHEPPARD

I

nterior design and kids don’t mix well. As a matter of fact,

CHILL FACTOR Kids’ downtime can be as simple as a podcast and a comfortable chair. In this space by architects Pleysier Perkins, a Husk chair by B&B Italia does the job nicely.

Keep cabinetry low and linear to stretch out a room and avoid visual disruption.

This will keep it looking and feeling open while still providing ample storage space

toughen up Using hardy surfaces is a no-brainer when it comes to dealing with kids of all ages as they graduate from avocado smush to sand and mud, then Texta and lipstick. It’s a nightmare keeping a home clean at the best of times – add to that walls you can’t scrub, floors that always seem dirty and a kids’ bathroom with white grout… no thanks. Choose finishes and surfaces that will take a beating but still look good when the stampede passes through. Engineered stone, tiles, coloured grout and washable wall paint are God’s gifts to parents everywhere.

cater for everyone Your home is a personal space and must serve everyone who uses it, whether you have a brood of grunting teenagers, screaming toddlers, an angel baby, or a mix of something in between. These 86 | INSIDE OUT

days, we are all using our homes more than ever so that needs to be factored in, too. Think study spaces close to the living room, the nursery near enough to the main bedroom to enable the baby monitor to work, and a kitchen that overlooks whatever the children are up to at any moment. Think of how the activities of the family play out in the home and how they can be intertwined to maintain connection and keep abreast of things.

choose what matters A wise young girl once said, “Let it go, let it go, can’t hold it back anymore.” Well, I’m not sure about that last part, but yes, let it go. I’ve learnt that with two young boys whom I can barely contain on the best of days, I have to let go. The floors can get dirty, the avocado milkshake (yeah, I know) will wash off the couch and the cat’s hair will grow back. Before kids, it was managing an image of everything being clean, neat and organised.

Now it’s an achievement just to have them alive at the end of each day. So, take stock of what’s really important, make some smarter decisions (brain, not heart), keep washing those hands and enjoy whatever it is you call your family.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAREE HOMER (THIS PAGE), TOM FERGUSON (OPPOSITE).

STYLING: STEPHANIE POWELL (THIS PAGE, TOP LEFT), CLAIRE DELMAR (OPPOSITE)

Use furniture that can double or even triple its function.

Whether it’s storage inside a sofa, bench seats that open to a chest or TV cabinetry that keeps toys at bay (you can chuck out that old DVD player and say hello to the future), it’s all about seeing opportunities to double up.

Using built elements for storage purposes may seem a step too far, but they are a smart way to hide the chaos of life. A hutch on the kitchen bench to tuck away the toaster and kettle wouldn’t add much to the cost of a new kitchen but could be expensive if it’s an afterthought. Similarly, niches and recesses in walls and floors are a great way to keep a space looking more open and planned.

INSIDE | RENOVATE

ALMOST GROWN A sophisticated scheme for a teenage daughter in a home by Alexander & Co. BED TIME (opposite from left) Space under a beautiful raised bed has become a book/reading nook in Nikki Yazxhi’s Sydney home by Nina Maya. A hard-working cabinet does double duty as twin bedheads at a Central Coast house by The Quinlan Group and Darryl Gordon Design.

INSIDE | RENOVATE

IN DETAIL

mission accomplished Ranch-style casas inspired the reworked kitchen of this 1970s family home

T

he owners of this house in Melbourne’s Brighton

worked backwards when designing the kitchen, which was their first joint renovation project as husband and wife. Avid travellers, Daniel and Rachel were inspired by overseas locations they loved and often visited. “We wanted to be reminded of those places when we were in our kitchen, in particular the old Spanish mission homes hidden on winding streets in the hills of Laurel Canyon and Santa Barbara in the US,” says Rachel.

WORDS CARLI PHILIPS PHOTOGRAPHY SHANI HODSON

GET THE LOOK

the palette While keen to use green, the couple was initially nervous about the shade. They settled on Dulux Mildura, a muted green that wouldn’t look too dark. “It was the perfect shade to bring the colours of our jungle-like garden to life indoors,” Rachel explains. To enhance the matt-finish joinery, three-dimensional shell-shaped handles were used on the drawers and a textured, glossy splashback was installed. A deep ribbed trough from Belfast Sinks was chosen for its practicality and country look.

To get the Spanish Mission ranch aesthetic, reclaimed terracotta tiles from Signorino were specified for the floor. Traditional inset cabinetry by Moda Kitchens, which designed the space with the owners, adds depth and a “natural, earthy feel”, says Rachel.

*PAINT COLOUR MAY VARY ON APPLICATION

the design The couple are talented cooks, and the cream vintage-style Smeg oven is the pièce de résistance. “We pretty much designed the kitchen around it,” says Rachel. Opening up the kitchen area was integral to the brief so multiple people could use the space. The large bench space in Caesarstone Organic White is a great canvas for pieces on display, especially the pop of purple Le Creuset cookware. The bench where the family eat (not shown) is generous enough to accommodate meals and to host friends.

Comfort was also key and cane stools from The Family Love Tree have been cushioned with custom pillows in a banana-leafprint fabric by Catherine Martin. “We wanted to create a cosy atmosphere,” says Rachel, “where you just want to pour a glass of red and cook and tell stories over the counter.”

Moda Kitchens, Keysborough, Victoria: modakitchens.com.au FROM TOP Double fluted Apron sink, $985, Belfast Sinks. Renaissance traditional kitchen bridge sink mixer tap, $645, Belfast Sinks. Organic white quartz surface, from $550 per sq m (installed), Caesarstone. Raami tumblers in Linen, $34.95 for two, Iittala. Zellige mosaic tiles in Avocado, $260 per sq m, Tiles of Ezra. Dulux Wash&Wear low-sheen paint in Mildura*, $49.90 per 1L, Bunnings. Traditional cup drawer pulls in Polished Nickel, $8.60 each, Handle House. Smeg ‘Victoria’ 90cm dual-fuel upright cooker, $5690, Bing Lee. OPPOSITE (clockwise from left) Vintage glassware fills the custom cabinetry. Jars (on counter) by Le Creuset and Emma Bridgewater from Minimax. Casali ‘Ca Del Bosco’ floor tiles from Signorino.

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ask an expert

Stylish solutions for all your design dilemmas from people in the know

Q

I am renovating and looking for a more sustainable insulation option. Any ideas? Vera, via email Keep your home warm and help reduce energy bills by adding Earthwool insulation. Its thermal properties act as a barrier to the outside elements, which limits heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer via the walls, ceiling and floor. Creating a comfortable temperature all year round, Earthwool is produced with up to 80 per cent recycled glass and manufactured using ECOSE Technology. With no added formaldehyde, the insulation helps to create a healthy home and is soft to handle when installing. GUY MANTHEL, TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER, KNAUF INSULATION

British Paints low-sheen Paint & Prime paint in Love Note, $68 per 4L, Bunnings.

Earthwool insulation, from $52.90 per pack, Bunnings.

Q

My child is no longer a toddler so I’d like to change up his room to reflect his growing needs. How can I design a room he’ll love well into the future? Eddy, via email Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on an existing space, it’s important to remember that you want to design a room that will grow with your little one. Firstly, keep your main paint colour simple. Creating a base that will stand the test of time is the easiest way to give your child’s newly decorated space longevity; lighter colours, such as British Paints’ Love Note (above) and Diamond White, won’t date and can be easily enhanced with affordable art.

When selecting furniture, pick multipurpose pieces like a bed with pull-out drawers. Finally, use accessories to make the space inviting, homely and — most importantly — fun!

PHOTOGRAPHY: AMANDA PRIOR (BRITISH PAINTS), DEREK SWALWELL (LAMINEX).

STYLING: JESSICA HANSON (BRITISH PAINTS), BREE LEECH (LAMINEX)

Ecovacs ‘Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI’, $1299 (including Pro attachment), JB Hi-Fi.

NICK WALSH, PRODUCT MANAGER, BRITISH PAINTS

Q Q

What should I look for in a robovac and are the new technologies effective? How are they suitable for a family home? Ben, via Instagram Over the past few years, we have seen some really impressive technology in the new robotic vacuum models designed to suit Australian households.

Depending on the price range you go for, you can find robots that vacuum and mop, detect stairs, automatically recharge, and can be voice-activated or even controlled remotely through an app. For a more thorough and customised clean, I would recommend a robotic cleaner with mapping technology. You can take that one step further with AI-enabled models such as the new Ecovacs Deebot, which can recognise and avoid obstacles often strewn on the floor of a family home. It will even adjust the clean, depending on the floor type of your home.

KAREN POWELL, HEAD OF ECOVACS ROBOTICS FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Working from home, I often find myself using my computer at the kitchen bench. Any ideas for creating a designated work space for those of us who don’t have a study? Sofia, via Instagram Creating a designated workspace is the key to setting boundaries between your work life and personal life. One way to achieve this is by adding a study nook to an underused space. Laminex laminate is the perfect material for this as it offers great design flexibility. It’s also highly durable, easy to clean and cost-effective, so you can get creative without breaking the bank. With the ongoing curve trend, creating a stunning arched study nook is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your home. SACHA LEAGH-MURRAY, GENERAL MANAGER MARKETING, LAMINEX

Shelves and cabinetry shown in Smoked Birchply laminate, from $86.57 per sq m, Laminex. Wall panel shown in Tinted Paper Terrazzo laminate, $84.15 per sq m, Laminex.

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DIVINE DINING

Inspired by the season’s moody tones, Aura Home’s latest table linen collection is enzyme-washed for a soft vintage look that oozes cosiness and comfort.

Available in eight colourways, including the Khaki and Tobacco shown below.

Napkins are priced at $59.95 for four. aurahome.com.au

layer up!

There’s no better time than the present to get cracking on that feature wall you’ve been putting off for months and the new Crayon range from National Tiles is begging to take centre stage. We love the wintry hues of Ficus and Moscari (shown). nationaltiles.com.au

KITCHEN & BATHROOM NEWS

what’s new

Little luxuries for your food-prep and wash spaces

hold tight This clever little device-stand-turnedtrivet by Eva Solo is the multi-tasker we didn’t know we needed. Read a recipe, watch the news or blast the tunes while you cook, and when you’re done, simply transport the trivet to the dining table as a holder for hot pans — sans device of course! $89; gingerfinch.com.au

sultry surfaces The new Dekton Avant Garde ’20 collection from Cosentino is inspired by the luxe touch of natural stone. Available in three rich colour options, such as the Laurent finish pictured here, the beautiful scratch-, heat- and stain-resistant surfaces are both durable and design-focused. cosentino.com

3 OF A KIND

These refillable dishwashing liquids tick all our eco boxes!

1 Topup Insink, $24.95, and Insink dish wash, $19.95, both Ashley & Co. 2 Dish Wash Refill, $16.80, Barkly Basics. 3 Dishwashing Liquid Combo, $9, Zero Co.

A CUT ABOVE

Now we’ve all become cordon-bleu-level cooks due to the hours spent in our kitchens recently, we need the tools to match. Enter the Swiss Modern Santoku Damast knife, $1125. victorinox.com

WORDS & COMPILED BY KATE HASSETT

the right touch Go on and treat yourself to a heavenly set of plush waffleweave bathroom essentials from Philé. This Dusty Pink set features a bath sheet, hand towel and washcloth for $160. phile.com.au

super storage Everyone loves a secret compartment, and this sleek little number from Beaumont Tiles is no exception. Made from marinegrade steel and built to sit flush within the wall cavity, this nifty storage solution is the answer to our minimalist bathroom dreams! beaumont-tiles.com.au

IN THE NOOD No space to spare? Lucky for you, these small-butmighty Shelf concrete basins from Nood Co will sit pretty in even the tightest of spaces. Bring your powder room to life with one of these beautiful designs, available in 14 complementary colourways to suit every style. Shelf Oval Basin Overflow (surface mount) in Clay, $940. noodco.com.au

WET’N’ WILD

Reece’s latest additions, dditions, including this sleek chrome Milli Shower, Pure Twin Rail Showe r $1500 r, $1500, and the Kado Arc solid oa oak k stool, $158, upgrades are the bathroom upg grades we’ve been waiting for. reece.com.au ree ece.com.au

pattern play Big, bold and botanical, Bonnie and Neil’s new drop of statement bath mats, $79 each, are a super simple way to spice up your bathing experience and add a much-needed splash of colour to see you through to summer. bonnieandneil.com.au

TILE ME HAPPY Turn your bathroom into a spa-like retreat with the textural, touchable, stone-look Fiandre Fragmenta porcelain tile range from Artedomus. Created by fusing fragments of porcelain together to allow for exposed and honed finishes, the chunky, chip-resistant tiles are suitable for interior and exterior projects. Shown here is Arlecchino. artedomus.com

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BUYER’S GUIDE

MOOD LIGHTING Illumination (or lack of it) has the power to make or break a space. But with a little know-how it’s easy to get your light right

GUTTER CREDIT

WORDS SARAH PICKETTE

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T

o put it plainly, light is the most critical element

for creating atmosphere in a room. And yet, not everyone gives it the consideration it deserves, says Adele Locke, lighting designer and director of Melbourne-based Mint Lighting. “It breaks my heart to see people invest thousands of dollars into the structure and finishes of the home they’re building or renovating and then get lumped with harsh downlights that do nothing to create a sense of atmosphere,” she says.

Carefully selected furniture and tactile surfaces and finishes are all great at creating a beautiful aesthetic in any space, but without the right lighting, all these elements will never live up to their potential. “Our moods and emotions have layers – and so does good lighting,” says Jessica Durdin, lighting design manager for Beacon Lighting. So if you do want your home to be seen in the best possible light, here’s what you need to know...

f loor lamps PHOTOGRAPHY: LUCAS ALLEN (MAIN IMAGE). COURTESY OF COCO REPUBLIC (ROOM, THIS PAGE). MARK BUCKNER (ALBANY, OZ DESIGN)

Sculptural and versatile, a tall, elegant lamp might be the focal point your room needs

ABOVE With its domed shade and veined-marble base, the Aleka floor lamp, $895 from Coco Republic, can hold its own in any living space. FROM LEFT Esteem steam-bent timber floor lamp, from $950, Apparentt.

Chiles bamboo floor lamp in Black, $295, Domo. Denver steel and veneer floor lamp in Natural, $329, Domayne.

Albany timber and rattan floor lamp, $329, Oz Design.

Arnage brass floor lamp, $905, Coco Republic.

OPPOSITE The classic shape and height of the Nevada 1 floor lamp, $159 at Beacon Lighting, ensures it will be a timeless piece.

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wall lights By the bed, in the bathroom or along the hall — these designs will slot into any wall space

f loor lamps Like all good lights, a floor lamp should enhance the beauty of your room whether it’s switched on or not. Adding one instantly adds a welcoming feel to a room, says Adele. “It’s great for providing that little bit of extra light where you need it. I tell my clients that lamps play an important role in filling out the light in a room. My advice is to start with one that’s inexpensive and introduces the right light so you can enjoy your room. You can always upgrade when you do find the ‘perfect’ one.” Scale is important for floor lamps and so is thinking about which angle you’ll be looking at it from – you don’t want the globe too visible – and what sort of light it will throw.

table lamps Table lamps provide flexible, warm ambient light. “Wintry days and long, dark evenings mean now is a great time to invest in one,” says Allira Bell, stylist for Temple & Webster, adding that styles with natural and tactile lampshades are selling well at the moment. Before you buy, think about how the shade will disperse and diffuse light as soft fabric will give a different glow to a lamp with, say, a metal shade. You can have a lot of fun with lamp height, material, colour and shape, but if you’re choosing a style for by the bed, just make sure the base won’t occupy too much precious real estate on your side tables.

wall lights “Wall lights soften a room and can create a focal point or feature,” says Adele. “You can use them to suggest formal symmetry with a gentle illumination, or to break up a long hallway and make it feel luxurious rather than tunnel-like.” Wall lights are also fantastic for introducing texture and shadow. “They’re a musthave in all good lighting designs,” adds Jessica. “Wall sconces serve many functions in lighting – they can be soft in their output, which plays into mood, or they can be directional and wash light up into a space.”

pendant lights

ABOVE (clockwise from top left) Louis Poulsen ‘AJ’ wall light, from $1500, Cult.

Attalos wall light, from $715, Marz Designs. Alberto wall light in Antique Gold Leaf, $869, Montauk Lighting Co. Rotaliana ‘Sunset’ wall light, $825, Mondoluce.

Chambon metal double wall light in Rust, $329, Schots Home Emporium.

Nebulae wall light, $542, Ross Gardam. Honey raw ceramic wall light, $891, Coco Flip. Terra 00 walnut-base wall light, from $855, Marz Designs.

“Pendants are a crucial ‘ingredient’ in the recipe for layered light,” says Jessica. “They help to bring the light closer to the work surface where you need it. And aside from the design aesthetics of the fixture itself, a pendant light can introduce contrast to a room.” If you’re looking to create texture and movement, you will need a pendant that casts some shadow, and a light globe that is a ‘point source’ to create that texture because an opal or diffuse globe just won’t work that well, says Adele. “If you want function below, invest in pendant lights that are reflective inside and push the light down – then buy a high-output light globe, making sure it won’t be in your eyeline.”

Also, remember that pendant lights don’t have to be placed in the centre of the room. “Using them asymmetrically, to add drama, can be transformative in a living space,” says Adele.

Finally, she advises carefully considering the scale of the light.

“Pendants that sit just below the ceiling or are too small for the space will actually detract from the room.”

pendant lights An eyecatching statement light has the potential to be the most beautiful object in a room

table lamps Small yet mighty, a lamp allows you an affordable means of moving and layering light with ease

TOP (from left) Ball Lamp Mini pendant in Black, $95, Aura Home. Honey pink-glass pendant, from $792, Coco Flip. Sinnerlig bamboo pendant, $99, Ikea. Hay ‘30 Degrees’ oak-veneer pendant, $300, Cult. Mink pendant in Black, $129, Domayne. Tom Dixon ‘Opal’ pendant, $250, Living Edge. Ginger pendant, $150, Domo. Silhouette cluster of pendants, $2106, Ross Gardam. ABOVE LEFT Positioned for maximum impact and beauty, the Bungalow 1 pendant in White Wash is $299 at Beacon Lighting. ABOVE (clockwise from top left) Xenon table lamp, $44.95, Freedom. Karakter ‘Aida’ table lamp, $1750, Cult. Arizona lamp, $108.70, Schots Home Emporium. Cohan rattan table lamp, $199, Harvey Norman. Nutmeg black-bamboo table lamp, $99, Domo. Mark Tuckey lamp, $179.99, Adairs.

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I ’ V E A LWAYS WA NTE D. . .

built-in bunks

Get creative with bunk beds that double down on style

1

space Try to make every inch count

2

storage Include smart solutions for sleep essentials

3

lighting Illuminate the bunks with individual lights

4

safety Keep things safe and secure and consider location

ALL TOGETHER NOW

Keeping their girls in one room with ample space for friends and lots of smart storage was a must-have for Noosa homeowners Catherine and Hugh.

L

et’s face it, at some stage of our

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS WARNES (MAIN IMAGE), ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLDIS. STYLING: NATALIE WALTON (MAIN IMAGE), SIMONE BARTER

lives we were all desperate for the ultimate sleepover status symbol: a bunk bed. Whether you want one for its space-saving abilities or purely as a fun way to entice your kids to stay in their beds, we show you how to make the most out of this practical yet stylish sleep space.

1

space

When considering built-in bunks, the main aim is to maximise the bed space. As you’re building a permanent structure, you need to plan for the future. The kids may be little now, but soon enough they’ll be teenagers and a single bed might not cut it. Popular designs feature a double bed below and a single bed up top. Or, depending on your ceiling height, you could go high with three sleeping levels (as shown opposite).

5

look and feel Get creative with a custom build

4

safety

look and feel

2

storage

Customising your sleep space means that it’s easy to add in some must-haves from the planning stage. Think about inclusions such as a shelf for storing books, a place for a water bottle, and even some pull-out drawers to hold spare bedding or toys and extra pyjamas.

Safety always comes first when kids are involved so bunks aren’t recommended for children under the age of nine. Totally secure guard rails (on both sides if there’s a space between the bed and wall) should be a minimum of 160mm above the mattress height and fixed ladders are also a must.

Bunks should never be placed against a window or under a ceiling fan or light fixture; ensure a two-metre clearance and always make sure the build meets the Australian/New Zealand product standard.

3

lighting

5

For a luxe addition, consider placing individual reading lights in each bed. As these lights will be in a confined space, they’ll need to be covered (no bare bulbs) and relatively flush to the wall to prevent any unfortunate midnight head clashes.

CUSTOM CREATION The triple bunk (opposite) was built for three sisters.

It was inspired by an image that their mum, graphic designer Lauren Charge, saw on Pinterest. Dad Michael, an electrical engineer, custom-built the timber railing and ladder using Tasmanian oak.

This is the fun part! Whether you’re creating a playful space to enjoy well into the teenage years, or a peaceful retreat from the rest of the home, there’s not much that’s out of bounds when it comes to customising your kids’ sleep space.

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nooks

An upholstered nook takes many forms, from day bed to window seat to craft centre and lots more in between.

This built-in piece is the perfect destination for a nap, a chat, a story or a snuggle in the afternoon sun, plus it’s chock-full of storage opportunities

1

In this home in Sydney’s Bondi, interior designer Kristy McGregor transformed an awkward corner of dead space into a delicious sun trap that doubles as a guest crash zone and extends the kitchen for lazy tea parties overlooking the owners’ frangipani-filled tropical garden. The cushions and Tool stool are from MCM House and the Face sculpture is from Annabelle’s in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. kristymcgregor.com.au

FINDS & READS

FROM FAR LEFT Tonk stool, (35cm x 46cm), $350, Coastal Living. Espresso cup, $26, Elph Store. Vintage linen fringe cushion in Marshmallow, $39.95, Aura Home. Kokomo book

by Victoria Hannan, $32.99, Hachette. Finding François book by Gus Gordon, $24.99, Penguin Random House.

WORDS ELIZA O’HARE PRODUCT SOURCING NATALIE JOHNSON BOOKS KATE HASSETT

PHOTOGRAPHY: DEREK SWALWELL (THIS PAGE). MAREE HOMER (OPPOSITE), CESAR OCAMPO (FREEDOM). STYLING: SARAH ELLISON (OPPOSITE)

white light

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2

FINDS & READS

vantage point

Doherty Design Studio (DDS) created a floating concrete bench that anchors the central fireplace of this home in Thornton, Victoria. “The left bench houses a joinery unit that conceals the TV, and the right side forms a seat,” says director Mardi Doherty. “The glass behind is double-glazed and toughened, and the angled edge of the fireplace makes for a comfortable back rest.” Above it, the rattan pendant light casts a warm glow at night. dohertydesignstudio.com.au

FROM TOP Lamb’s wool throw, $75, Freedom. Rover faux-leather cushion, $74.95, April & Oak. Small Pleasures book by Clare Chambers, $32.99, Hachette. Ocean Atlas: A Journey Across The Waves And Into The Deep book by Tom Jackson & Ana Djordjević, $24.99, Murdoch Books.

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3

secret spot

In this corner of a living room in a renovated Sydney terrace, a spare space presented an opportunity for seating.

“We designed an upholstered banquette that sat cosily in the corner,” says Tess Glasson, who owns the home with her husband, architect Jeremy Bull, the principal of Alexander & Co. “Reading here lets us spend a little one-on-one time with each of our four sons – away from the usual noise and energy of the house.” alexanderand.co

FINDS & READS

FINDS & READS

FROM LEFT It’s Not Just a Phase cup, $34, Latara Ceramics.

Agra rug in Moonstone (2.4m x 3m), $4300, Armadillo & Co. Tokyo Redux book by David Peace, $39.99, Allen & Unwin.

Vase, $330, Pépite. The Ultimate Dinosaur encyclopedia by Chris Barker, $39.99, Allen & Unwin.

102 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANSON SMART (THIS PAGE), DEREK SWALWELL (OPPOSITE). STYLING: CLAIRE DELMAR (THIS PAGE), RACHEL VIGOR (OPPOSITE). ARTWORKS (BOTH THIS PAGE): ANYA PESCE SCULPTURE, M CONTEMPORARY; MARIA KOSTAREVA PINK AND LEMON PAINTING, CURATORIAL+CO

FROM TOP The Vanishing Half book by Brit Bennett, $32.99, Hachette. I Am Not A Label book by Cerrie Burnell & Lauren Mark Baldo, $29.99, Murdoch Books. Still Life cushion in Tea/ Biscuit, $119, RJ Living. Chen ZhiYi square upholstered ottoman, $149, Life Interiors.

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4

double duty

This clever window seat, in a Melbourne house by Preston Lane Architects, leads a double life. An external messmate deck extends inside as a protected wall-to-wall ledge, creating a perfect reading nook that is separated by an ingenious sliding glass wall to make the most of sunny days. The Tonon ‘River Stone’ foot stools in the foreground are from Domo. prestonlane.com.au

“Our clients’ daughters use this nook not only as a day bed and for reading (as we had envisaged), but also as a built-in stage for performances both inside and out” NATHANAEL PRESTON, ARCHITECT

FINDS & READS

FROM TOP The Last Paper Crane book by Kerry Drewery & Natsko Seki, $16.99, Allen & Unwin. The Rose book (Royal Horticultural Society) by Brent Elliott, $49.99, Allen & Unwin.

Penny Round cushion cover in Butterscotch, $49, Castle.

Eyeke wall light, $469, Temple & Webster. Cylinder stool, from $650, Mark Tuckey.

Part of the kitchen but not actually in it, this nook is one of the most used areas of this Sydney house by Crawford Architects.

It doubles as storage, with one long, low drawer for oversized games and other things. “This is the perfect spot to curl up in and sleep in the sun,” says owner/interior designer Aimee McKechnie. The macramé artwork is by Little Loom. crawford.com.au

FINDS & READS

LEFT TO RIGHT Cowhide rug in Champagne (about 4 sq m), $473, Hides of Excellence.

Rodham: What If Hillary Hadn’t Married Bill? book by Curtis Sittenfeld, $32.99, Penguin Random House. The House Of Clouds book by Lisa Thompson & Alice McKinley, $12.99, Murdoch Books. Habitat ‘Tallow’ cushion in Sage, $39.95, Pillow Talk. Terrazzo Tooth Stump stool, $315, Fenton & Fenton. Espresso cup, $23, Mud Australia.

104 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: CATH MUSCAT (THIS PAGE), DEREK SWALWELL (OPPOSITE). STYLING: VANESSA COLYER TAY (THIS PAGE), BEK SHEPPARD (OPPOSITE)

5

sun trap

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6

first room

Helping this beautiful existing bay window reach its full potential, Melbourne-based architects Pleysier Perkins incorporated built-in bench joinery with three large, low-level drawers and a seat generous enough for friends to sit on and read together. The gorgeous filigree architrave setting the scene is original, the rug is by Armadillo & Co, and the solid timber side table is from Mark Tuckey. pleysierperkins.com.au

FINDS & READS

7

nook with a view

The renovation of a Federation semi in Sydney gave architect Jeremy Bull of Alexander & Co (also see page 102) the chance to include a nook off the main bedroom with a second-storey outlook. “The window seat has a generous storage space underneath, which is always welcome in a home that is spatially challenged,” he says. “The space is framed by steel windows and linen curtains, which make a lovely moment to take in the view of the garden and gumtree.” The striped tasselled throw is from West Elm. alexanderand.co

106 | INSIDE OUT

FROM TOP Injiri ‘Rebari’ cushion, $130, Spence & Lyda.

Gordon Ramsay ‘Bread Street’ mug, $19.95, Royal Doulton.

Luxury velvet cushion in Tobacco, $59.95, Aura Home.

Injiri ‘06’ bed cover, $430, Spence & Lyda. How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right?

Essays On Modern Love book

by Pandora Sykes, $35, Penguin Random House. Mabel And The Mountain book by Kim Hillyard, $14.99 (out July 21), Penguin Random House.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAREE HOMER. STYLING: VANESSA COLYER TAY

INSIDE | RENOVATE

INSIDE OUT | PROMOTION

extras

BRIGHT IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME

CASTLERY Raise the bar with the new Abel bar stool from Castlery. Its solid timber frame

ZIP The Zip HydroTap Celsius All In One delivers all your drinking-water needs in

DOMAYNE Elegant and minimal, the Marli lamp table is readily coordinated with other

and padded seat (available in Steel Grey or Antique Gold colourways, both $249) boast of style and comfort in one sleek package.

one beautifully designed system — that means boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered drinking water, as well as hot and cold

pieces from the Marli dining collection, exclusive to Domayne. Made from solid ash and available in an ash or a walnut stain, it

Discover more at castlery.com.au

unfiltered water. See zipwater.com

retails for $399. Visit domayne.com.au

BLINDS ONLINE Stylish and functional, light-filtering honeycomb blinds are the perfect choice for winter as the tiny honeycomb pockets trap the air for thermal protection, keeping your room comfortable.

Priced from $65. See blindsonline.com.au

WHOM Inspired by the dramatic rugged terrain of Iceland, Whom bed linen is crafted from the finest organic bamboo.

Designed to deliver a peaceful and healthier sleep all year round, duvet cover sets start at $315. Visit whom.com.au

BATHE Italian manufacturer FIMA presents SO, a special award-winning range. Now available with handles in different finishes, the customisation possibilities are endless.

Pictured in brushed gold with light wood handles, from $1926. Go to bathe.net.au

FREEDOM Crafted from mango wood, the Meknes mirror adds instant drama to any wall. Pair with black furnishings for a bold statement, or match with natural textures for a subtler look. From $169. For more

CAROMA The Tribute collection features contemporary designs to suit any bathroom and lifestyle. Pair with tapware from the Luna collection and everyday luxury will come to your space. Check out

WYNSTAN Protect your home with Wynstan Crimsafe® Ultimate Doors. Proudly Australian-made and 40% stronger than regular Crimsafe® doors, there is no better choice for your property. Book a free

information, visit freedom.com.au

the full ranges at caroma.com.au

in-home consultation at wynstan.com.au

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OUT

great escape

Stepping into this multilayered garden is a transportive experience

Landscape architect Hugh Burnett designed this handsome circular garden for a large property on Sydney’s north shore, digging deep into his botanical knowledge to curate a selection of flora that provides visual interest within and beyond the circumference at all times of the year. Lining the pathway in are purple Mexican sage (Salvia leucantha), the foliage of a Tahitian lime tree (Citrus aurantifolia), oak-leaf hydrangea and vein-leafed Strobilanthes.

Turn the page for more details.

WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT

OUT | GARDEN

A diversity of trees, including a magnificent date palm, encircle this lush garden and shade its two main seating areas. The spiky plants on the edge are Gymea lily (Doryanthes), the climber on the central pond is Ficus pumila, and the groundcover is native violet.

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D AT E W I T H DESTINY What was once a forlorn vegetable patch has become the seasonal centrepiece of a heritage home on Sydney’s north shore

WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT

OUT | GARDEN

W

hen Linda and her husband

David purchased a sprawling estate in northern Sydney a decade ago, they had grand plans for its extensive grounds.

“We had three young boys,” Linda explains, “and wanted them to utilise the open space.”

That meant installing footy posts on the property’s main lawn and sprucing up the swimming pool to create a recreational wonderland for the young trio. Linda and David also worked with a landscape architect to replant existing garden beds and construct a large kitchen garden that formed a buffer between the main house and the street. “We planted the vegetable patch with the best of intentions,” says Linda. “But it was huge. It got very messy and out of control.” The busy family simply didn’t have time to maintain it – and there was another problem. “The first landscape architect we contracted specialised in commercial and industrial properties.We ended up with a lot of hard surfaces and very boring planting that didn’t show the seasons.”

The family turned to Sydney landscaper Julian Bombardiere from Ballast Landscape to help with replanting. Through Julian, they were introduced to landscape architect Hugh Burnett, and began making some structural changes around the grounds.

By 2019, Linda and David decided the time had come to let go of the vegie patch. “The site of the kitchen garden and its relationship with the house and outbuildings made it too important to go to waste,” says Hugh. “The family were keen to improve the visual outlook from inside the bedrooms while also giving the area a better purpose.”

They also wanted to continue the good work that Ballast Landscape had begun. “While taking care of the other parts of the garden, they had added new layers of seasonal interest – perennials and flowering plants – to a very clipped, formal environment,” says Hugh. “Linda and David really enjoyed the softness of this. When it came time to redesign the front of the property, they were very keen to see even more layers and softness through the planting.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Canvas chairs from Ici Et La provide extra seating. Hand-shaped sandstone flagging from Sandstone Sales contrasts with the house’s Federation brickwork. The groundcover between the sandstone steppers is Caitlin’s giant (Ajuga) and the surrounding plants are (on left) Salvia and lamb’s ear and (on right) Persian shield (Strobilanthes), Buxus rounds and oyster plant (Acanthus mollis). Purple Mexican sage (Salvia leucantha) was chosen for its foliage texture and long flowering time.

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“Linda and David wanted more layers and softness through the planting” HUGH BURNETT, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

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OUT | GARDEN

The new garden is enclosed on two sides by a wall of the main house and a garage wall, creating a sense of intimacy despite its generous dimensions. In the centre of the garden, sandstone pavers laid in a circular footprint surround a raised circular pond softened with planting. Bounteous flower beds border the garden on all sides, and there is a sandstone ballast seating wall plus other, moveable, seating. “The pond was added to provide life and movement to the paved area while also giving the garden a purpose and point of focus when it is empty of people,” Hugh notes. “Walking through this garden and around the pond makes you slow down a bit, rather than it just being a rudimentary cut-through to the lawn beyond.”

Both Hugh and the owners were keen for the new garden to be used all year round. “The densely planted zone provides a secluded seating area in cooler months when the pool and larger lawn are out of use,” says Hugh. “This spot also enjoys the shade of some impressive mature trees, including a conifer (Podocarpus) and a turpentine – both native – along with a large date palm.”

In other sunny parts of the garden, Hugh added a gordonia for its beautiful bark and winter flowers, as well as smokebush (Cotinus ‘Grace’) for its foliage colour and distinctive summer flowers.

Below these are clipped rounds of coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) and looser rounds of white correa for colour and texture.

In the more protected areas, plantings include star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), which flowers in early spring, and a few redbuds (Cercis). “Redbud has a great form and red foliage in summer,” says Hugh. “In autumn it turns a bright orange, then yellow, before losing its leaves. In the springtime, its branches are lined with tiny pink blossoms.” Elsewhere, grouped rounds of clipped buxus frame the entry points to the garden and provide an evergreen structure. The pond is covered with creeping fig (Ficus pumila) and surrounded by native violet (Viola hederacea), which softens the edge of the sandstone flagging and – to everyone’s delight – flowers nearly all year round.

The finished garden is now the focal point of the property, clearly visible from inside the house and the front driveway.

“It’s become a space that is used and enjoyed, rather than just sitting idle,” says Linda. “We never get tired of spending time out there because it’s ever-changing. Thanks to Hugh and Julian’s great work, something new appears every couple of weeks.”

See more of Hugh Burnett’s landscaping projects at hughburnett.com.

The garden was installed by Ballast Landscape: ballastlandscape.com.au CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Looking towards the house from the main lawn. The seating wall, crafted from hand-shaped sandstone ballast. An old swing set sits beneath a Prunus tree underplanted with Japanese anemone, Indian hawthorn and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’. Caitlin’s giant thrives in the spaces between the pavers. Ficus pumila creeps up and over the pond wall.

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PLANT LIFE A variety of flora from around the world creates interest in this magic circle of a garden

Oak-leaf hydrangea

Japanese windflower

Native violet

Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’

CONSCIOUS LIVING

yerrabingin The power of Indigenous permaculture drives this collective’s mission to impact future design and landscapes – and save a few native species along the way

Y

errabingin is a thriving inner-city farm

that educates visitors in Indigenous knowledge and shares its yield with top Sydney chefs. The project’s focus on native permaculture, environmental sustainability, and physical and mental health and well-being is something of a passion for co-founder and CEO Christian Hampson.

What is Yerrabingin all about? Yerrabingin is focused on bringing Indigenous design thinking to major projects across the country, weaving Aboriginal social and cultural narratives, a holistic mosaic of stories, knowledge and experiences, into the design space. We are about creating cultural capital for local Aboriginal communities, and we do that by bringing to life economic, environmental, cultural and socially sustainable opportunities, creating diverse experiences in places of natural diversity and also creating a refuge for visitors and native species alike.

What is Yerrabingin doing at Eveleigh? We are working on a number of new landscape projects, including looking at commercial-scale foragable

gardens and other adaptations of the rooftop concept as well as other commercial landscape projects. In the rooftop garden, winter is a time for maintenance so now we are pruning and preparing for the spring flourish.

What plants are you focusing on? The main species still in abundance at the moment are the Prostanthera, which is often called native mint but has a more thyme taste and texture; it can be used to create an oil, and as a dried herb. Right now the rooftop is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but you can participate in a virtual tour of the rooftop farm and our new cultural landscape garden in the South Eveleigh precinct. We are looking forward to opening again to kick off our workshops and events such as our popular native cocktails course as well as tours and one-off events. Keep an eye on our Instagram and website!

Why is Indigenous permaculture so important?

It can be argued that the practice of permaculture using natives derives from Indigenous landmanagement practice. Our culture is embedded in the landscape and environmental consciousness.

WORDS ELIZA O’HARE

OUT | GARDEN

“Sharing [our] knowledge and wisdom through a cultural landscape at this point in time, when our Earth is under threat, must be a principle for future design approaches” CHRISTIAN HAMPSON, YERRABINGIN

Sharing this tacit knowledge and wisdom through a cultural landscape at this point in time, when our Earth is under threat, must be a principle for future design approaches. Sustaining our Mother is our religion, our spirituality. A great example of this is the Murnong (or Munyang in my language), commonly known as daisy yam. It was a staple for our people and almost extinguished from the landscape by Australian agricultural practice. We were lucky enough to get a couple of parent plants and have been nurturing and propagating to expand our stock to have a representation of a wild meadow. This plant is inspiring and important from an ecological and a cultural education perspective.

Working with chefs has been part of your strategy from the beginning. Can you share the names of some of the chefs you’re working with now?

Yerrabingin is working with the amazing chef and restaurateur Kylie Kwong to bring ingredients to her new venture (when it eventually opens in South Eveleigh). We have also worked with Jock Zonfrillo [a celebrity chef and TV presenter who owns upscale Restaurant Orana in Adelaide] during his pop-up in Sydney, and are continuing to work with some local brewers and cocktail bars to share the amazing flavours of native foods in a number of exciting beverages.

See Yerrabingin.com.au for more information.

THIS PAGE (from top left) Native raspberry bush bears fruit. A rooftop harvest of native ingredients including ruby saltbush. CEO Christian Hampson leads an onsite garden tour. The foragable rooftop garden in Eveleigh showcases the basics of Indigenous permaculture and has successfully revived threatened native species.

OPPOSITE (from left) Australian flannel flowers.

CEO Christian Hampson.

An aerial view of the office block that houses the 500-square-metre garden.

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OUT | ENTERTAINING

the family TABLE

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Some of our fondest memories are made when gathered around a dinner table with the people we love, so celebrate that in all its chaotic, colourful glory with this season’s hottest tableware

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1 Rosarium plywood tray, $69, Marimekko. 2 Forge serving spoon, $32.90, Città. 3 Forget Me Not linen-blend tea towel, $19.90, Città. 4 Oiva/Rosarium mug, $32, Marimekko. 5 Poppy Clay timber tray, from $66, Bonnie and Neil. 6 Smokey amber salad servers, $79, Kip & Co. 7 Enamel salad bowl in Dust Mustard, $65, Hay. 8 Food-safe porcelain salt dishes in Yellow and Orange, $17 each, Mud Australia. 9 Wattle Blossom tumbler, $39 for two, Angus & Celeste.

10 Barel Designs ‘Barel Junior’ two-tone rimmed melamine plate in Apricot, $5.95, Zanui. 11 Borosilicate mug in Yellow, $50, Hay. 12 Robert Gordon pastel dinner plate in Lemon, $14, Domayne. 13 Piccadilly glass carafe in Amber, $69.90, Città. 14 Piccadilly glass tumbler in Amber, $89.40 for six, Città.

COMPILED BY NATALIE JOHNSON

*CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING

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1 Grazie Mille plate, $29, In The Roundhouse. 2 Bottoms Up mug in Lilac, $49.95 for four, Robert Gordon. 3 Ceramic 80’s oval dinner plate in Green/Lilac, $49, House of Orange. 4 Basic cake fork in lilac, $20.70*, Sabre. 5 J’ai Soif carafe & glass, $89, Maison Balzac. 6 It’s My Match Green plate in Leaf, $29.95, Villeroy & Boch.

7 Kobi waffle tea towel in Teal, $26.99 for two, Adairs. 8 Grid tumbler in Olive, $59.60 for four, Città. 9 Bistrot Shiny serving set in Green Fern, $74.50*, Sabre.

10 Madras Garden napkins, $45 for two, Utopia Goods. 11 Flûtes in Teal, $79 for two, Maison Balzac. 12 Colombo apron, $69, Kip & Co. 13 Barel Designs ‘Classic’ jug, $24.95, Zanui. 14 Hue soup bowl, $14.95, Salt & Pepper. 15 Tasse spoon, $6.60*, Sabre. 16 Kastehelmi plate, $29.95, Iittala. 17 Hue cereal bowl, $9.95, Salt & Pepper.

18 Glaze cake tray, $110, Top 3 By Design. 19 Pomegranate Fruit tumbler cup, $39 for two, Angus & Celeste. 20 Paisley linen napkin set, $69 for six, Kip & Co.

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OUT | ENTERTAINING

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1 Soup bowl, $45, Winterwares. 2 Caro teapot, $69.95, Salt & Pepper. 3 Pieni Unikko table runner, $99, Marimekko. 4 Stainless-steel 24-piece cutlery set in Brushed Silver, $349, Krof. 5 Roam dinner plate, $19.95, Salt & Pepper. 6 Bloomingville ‘Colombine’ mug, $29, Designstuff. 7 R+D Lab carafe in LM Pink, $209, Lee Mathews. 8 R+D Lab ‘Calice’ wine glass, $205 for two, Lee Mathews. 9 Robert Gordon ‘Pastel’ dinner plate in Peach, $14, Domayne. 10 Serpent tablecloth, $159, Kip & Co. 11 Oiva/Siirtolapuutarha plate, $39, Marimekko. 12 Keepresin cheese knife, $25, Liberty Trading Co. 13 Dippy spoon in Quartz Marble, $16, Keep Store. 14 Pink marble salad servers, $79, Kip & Co. 15 It’s My Match ‘Powder’ plate in Blossom, $29.95, Villeroy & Boch. 16 Tint glass in Pink, $65 for two, Hay. 17 Zakkia ‘Speckle’ jug, $43, Trit House. 18 Dawn bowl, $14.95, Ecology. 19 Talo dip bowl, $14.90, Città. 20 Asili x Città salad servers, $79.90, Città. 21 Issi tea towels, $24.95 for two, Country Road. 22 Terrazzo tray, $110, Fenton & Fenton. 23 Bistrot tart slicer, $41*, Sabre. 24 Adam D’Sylva bowl, $24.95, Salt & Pepper.

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1 Party plate, $29, In The Roundhouse. 2 Cutipol ‘Goa’ 24-piece cutlery set in Turquoise, $474, Amara. 3 Kartio Highball glasses in Water Green, $39.95 for pair, Iittala. 4 Bornn ‘Enamelware Marble’ large flat plate in Mint, $34.95, Until. 5 Dawn tapas plate in Matcha, $10.95, Ecology. 6 Calma tea towel in Saltbush, $24, Sage x Clare. 7 Sage mug, $45, Ghostwares. 8 Linddna ‘Curve’ table mat in Nupo Olive, $39.90, Top3 By Design. 9 Liewood ‘Etsu’ bamboo spoon in Blue Mix, $25 for six, Designstuff. 10 Luxe tea towel in Dusty Sage, $24.99 for three, Adairs. 11 Extra Large ‘Pebble’ bowl in Pistachio, $473, Mud Australia. 12 Barel Designs ‘Classic’ melamine bowls in Frost, $37.95 for six, Zanui. 13 Serena serving bowl in Pistachio, $89.90, Città. 14 Finch dinner plate, $131.60 for four, Città.

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OUT | ENTERTAINING

BEETROOT PAN LOAF

As gluten-free baking goes from niche to mainstream, we round up elevated options for the whole family

upper crusts PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MOFFATT STYLING STEVE PEARCE FOOD PREP ELIZABETH FIDUCIA

FLOURLESS ALMOND & PEACH LOAVES

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OUT | ENTERTAINING

POTATO & ROSEMARY FOCACCIA

potato & rosemary focaccia PREP + COOK TIME 1 hour (+ cooling) SERVES 6

600g sebago potatoes 1 egg 1 egg white 2 tablespoons honey ⅓ cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 2 cups (300g) raw cashews 1¼ cups (180g) tapioca flour ⅓ cup (50g) potato flour 1½ teaspoons gluten-free baking powder 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 large rosemary sprigs, leaves picked ⅓ cup (25g) finely grated parmesan 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a large oven tray, then line with baking paper, extending the paper 2cm over the long sides.

2 Peel 300g of the potatoes; halve and place in a saucepan. Cover with cold salted water. Bring to the boil; cook for 18 minutes or until tender. Drain; stand in a sieve set over a saucepan for 15 minutes to dry out and cool completely. Push the potato through a ricer or fine sieve into a medium bowl. Fold through whole egg, egg white, honey and 2 tablespoons of the oil.

3 Process cashews until finely chopped. Add flours, CHARRED BROCCOLINI baking powder, salt and pepper; pulse until mixture is & MUSHROOM fine and combined. Transfer to a work surface and FLATBREADS make a well in the centre. Add potato mixture to well.

Using a butter knife, cut the wet ingredients through the dry ingredients until loosely combined. Using your hands, knead FLATBREADS for 1 minute or until a smooth, dense dough forms.

1½ cups (225g) buckwheat flour 4 Transfer dough to lined tray. Using oiled hands, press and spread 1½ cups (225g) 100% corn cornflour evenly to form a 20cm x 30cm oval. Thinly slice remaining 300g 2 eggs, beaten lightly potato using a mandoline, V-slicer or a very sharp knife. Toss potato in 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil a bowl with remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the rosemary leaves.

Arrange over dough, pressing down slightly with fingers. Season.

1 Process ricotta, goat’s cheese, garlic, lemon rind, lemon juice and 5 Bake focaccia in the top third of the oven for 30 minutes or until 2 tablespoons water until a smooth, spreadable consistency. Season; golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the base. refrigerate until required.

6 Cool on tray for 10 minutes. Transfer to a board, then drizzle with 2 Preheat a chargrill plate (or barbecue) over high heat. Trim ends extra olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan.

TIP While best eaten on the day, it can be frozen for up to 1 month. from broccolini then cut thick stalks in half lengthways. Toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil; season. Chargrill for 2 minutes each side or until tips are lightly charred and broccolini is tender. Toss mushrooms with remaining olive oil; season. Chargrill for 1½ minutes each side or until mushrooms are tender.

PREP + COOK TIME 50 minutes SERVES 4 (makes 10 flatbreads) 3 Combine flours in a medium bowl; make a well in the centre. Add egg, half the oil and ¾ cup (180ml) water, approximately, to form a soft 200g soft ricotta dough. Knead on a gluten-free floured surface until smooth. Divide 200g fresh goat’s cheese, crumbled dough into 10 portions; roll each portion into a 3mm thick, 20cm oval.

1 clove garlic, crushed Brush flatbreads with remaining oil; cook on a heated chargrill plate 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind (or barbecue) for 3 minutes each side or until browned and crisp.

2 tablespoons lemon juice 4 To serve, spread four flatbreads with goat’s cheese spread. Top with 2 x 175g bunches broccolini chargrilled broccolini and mushrooms and season to taste.

TIPS Wrap remaining 6 flatbreads in plastic wrap and freeze for up ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil to 3 months. Flatbreads are also great to use as pizza bases.

300g oyster mushrooms

charred broccolini & mushroom f latbreads

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OUT | ENTERTAINING

beetroot pan loaf PREP + COOK TIME 45 minutes SERVES 8

1 bunch each of red and yellow baby beetroot (500g each) 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 2 cups (270g) gluten-free self-raising flour 2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder 2 teaspoons finely chopped thyme 200g fetta, crumbled ¾ cup (180ml) milk 125g butter, melted 1 egg, beaten lightly ¼ cup (40g) natural seed mix (see Tips) 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 26cm round ovenproof frying pan or a 20cm x 30cm slice pan; line base and long sides with baking paper, extending the paper 2cm on each side.

2 Trim and scrub beetroot, keeping a little of the stalks attached.

Cut beetroot into thin slices lengthways. Place in a small bowl with the oil; toss to coat.

3 Sift flour and baking powder into a medium bowl. Add thyme and half the fetta. Stir in milk, butter and egg to make a soft, sticky dough.

4 Spread mixture into prepared pan. Top with sliced beetroot and remaining fetta; scatter top with seed mix.

5 Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until browned and firm when pressed in the centre.

TIPS Natural seed mix is a combination of pepitas (pumpkin seed kernels), sunflower seeds and pine nuts. This recipe is best eaten on the day it is made. Cut the loaf into wedges and serve with hummus, with hearty soups (in winter) or as a side with grilled lamb.

f lourless almond & peach loaves PREP + COOK TIME 1 hour 45 minutes MAKES 2

4 medium green apples (600g), grated coarsely 4 eggs, beaten lightly ½ cup (125ml) unsweetened almond milk ⅓ cup (115g) honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon vanilla extract finely grated rind of 1 orange or lemon 4 cups (480g) almond meal 4 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder 5 medium peaches (750g), quartered 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, extra 1 Preheat oven to 160°C. Lightly grease two 10.5cm x 21cm (top measurement) loaf pans; line base and long sides with baking paper.

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2 Combine the grated apple, beaten egg, almond milk, honey, vanilla and orange rind in a large bowl. Add the almond meal and baking powder, then stir until combined.

3 Divide mixture between the two pans and level the surface. Top mixture with peaches, cut-side up, pressing them slightly into the batter; drizzle with extra honey.

4 Bake loaves for 1½ hours or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean, covering with baking paper for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.

TIPS If you want to, you can use other stone fruit, such as plums or apricots. Serve loaf warm with coconut yoghurt. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

rhubarb upside-down cake PREP + COOK TIME 1 hour 5 minutes (+ standing) SERVES 8

400g rhubarb (see Tips) ½ cup (110g) caster sugar 40g butter, melted, cooled 185g butter, extra, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup (220g) caster sugar, extra 3 eggs 1⅔ cups (225g) gluten-free self-raising flour ⅓ cup (40g) gluten-free custard powder ½ cup (125ml) buttermilk 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a deep 23cm square cake pan; line the base and sides with baking paper.

2 Cut rhubarb into 23cm long pieces (see Tips). Combine rhubarb, sugar and melted butter in a large bowl; stand for 5 minutes. Arrange the rhubarb in a single layer over the base of the lined pan; top it with the remaining sugar mixture.

3 Beat the softened butter, vanilla and extra sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Stir in the sifted flour and custard powder, alternating with the buttermilk.

4 Drop spoonfuls of cake mixture gently over the rhubarb in the pan, then smooth the surface.

5 Bake cake for 55 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave cake in pan for 15 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving plate or cutting board.

TIPS You may need to purchase two bunches of rhubarb to ensure that all the stalks are of an even thickness to achieve the striking patterned top. Select bunches of rhubarb with the reddest stems.

If the rhubarb stalks are thick, cut in half lengthways before tossing in the sugar and butter; place cut-side up in the base of the pan.

RHUBARB UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

OUT | ENTERTAINING

easy chocolate tahini slice PREP + COOK TIME 50 minutes (+ cooling) MAKES 20

8 gluten-free Weet-Bix (120g) 1 cup (80g) desiccated coconut ¾ cup (115g) buckwheat flour 2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa 1½ teaspoons gluten-free baking powder ¾ cup (165g) raw caster sugar 150g butter, chopped ¼ cup (70g) tahini 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg, beaten lightly 2 tablespoons flaked coconut, toasted 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted TAHINI ICING

1½ cups (240g) gluten-free icing-sugar mixture 2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa 1 tablespoon tahini 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 20cm x 30cm slice pan; line base and long sides with baking paper, extending the paper 2cm over the sides.

2 Crush Weet-Bix into a large bowl; add the desiccated coconut. Sift over the buckwheat flour, cocoa and baking powder.

3 Stir sugar, butter, tahini and vanilla in a small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves.

Add to dry ingredients with egg and mix well.

Spoon mixture into prepared pan; press out with EASY CHOCOLATE TAHINI SLICE your hands to level, then smooth surface.

4 Bake slice for 18 minutes or until dry to the touch. Cool completely in the pan.

5 Make tahini icing. Sift icing sugar and cocoa into a large mixing bowl; stir in tahini and ¼ cup (60ml) boiling water until the texture of the icing is thick and smooth.

6 Spread icing over cooled slice; sprinkle with the flaked coconut and sesame seeds. Stand for 1 hour or until the tahini icing is set.

TIPS You can store the slice in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

If you prefer, you can use smooth natural peanut butter or any other nut butter instead of the tahini.

baking essentials If your cookware needs refreshing, go for gold with a few colourful pieces and add to the collection as required. Increased demand for new baking equipment in lockdown has caused delays with some online stores, so be sure to place orders well before you plan to cook!

EXTRACT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY GLUTEN FREE

Books, $5.99, and available in selected supermarkets and newsagents.

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FROM ABOVE LEFT Judge marble rolling pin, $38.95, Essential Ingredient. Rose Gold quiche/tart pan, $14, Wiltshire. Lime spatula, $16, Williams-Sonoma. Goldtouch pan with baking rack, $50, WilliamsSonoma. Ferm Living ‘Fein’ measuring spoons, $149, Designstuff.

INSIDE | HOME & INTERIORS

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LAST WORD

rock ’n’ roll

modern nurseries are nothing like their stuffy predecessors Gone are the days of blue and pink nurseries, decorated with bunting and soft furnishings that children grow out of quicker than you can say, “Don’t put that in your mouth!” Now kids’ rooms are about having fun with style while maintaining the flexibility for the design to grow alongside your child. Case in point, this bold and bright nursery, which takes its cues from nature while adding impact with statement wallpaper and lush essentials. A stint in the new Innika Rocker in Forest Green, $1299 from Incy Interiors, is guaranteed to take the edge off all those late nights. incyinteriors.com.au

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PHOTOGRAPHY FRANCOISE BAUDET STYLING MADELINE McFARLANE

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