Cbbvcc

WE’RE LEVITATING Hot bathrooms to elevate daily rituals

60

+ page

KITCHEN & BATHROOM

Special

FATHER’S DAY ESSEN TI A LS

Stylish gifts FOR BUSY DADS

GLORIOUS GARDENS A luscious country plot and a verdant city patch

THIS PAGE Henley extension dining table in Black, $1199 (available from December), Henley carver chairs in Black (available from December), $249 each, Pesce resin coasters in White, $29.95/set of 4, Pesce resin servers in White $ 24.95, Pesce resin salad bowl in White, $79.95, Pesce resin pitcher in White, $79.95, Lunar oval platter in Light Green, $24.95, Avutto planter in White, range starting from $79.95. OPPOSITE, FROM LEFT Cannes Mini 2-seater sofa, $849, Cannes Mini chaise in Natural, $750, Cannes coffee table, $400, Harperz throw, $99.95, Largo tumblers in Clear and Mustard, $4.95 each, Pesce resin coasters in White, $29.95/set of 4, Mackay condiment bowl in Grey, $6.95, Studio serving bowl, $49.95, and Allaperto outdoor rug in Buff (160x230cm), $499.

MADE ESPECIALLY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN OUTDOORS, FREEDOM’S CONTEMPORARY YET TIMELESS DESIGNS WILL LOOK AT HOME ON ANY DECK OR PATIO.

Whether breakfast for two or long lunch for eight, entertaining is a breeze with a stylish outdoor zone. Dress the table with local foliage and handcrafted tableware from Freedom’s new-season homewares.

For more styles and stockist information, visit freedom.com.au

RA NGE COO KERS

Style it your way!

For over 100 years, we’ve been proudly leading the market with our selection of high-quality British-made kitchen appliances. Boasting traditional charm and large capacity ovens, our stunning range cookers promise to make a statement in any kitchen.

Also available in:

NEW INSTAGRAM COLOUR VISUALISER TOOL

BELLING.COM.AU

SUBSCRIBE TO

Receive a Solar bone-china trinket box designed by Greg Natale, leading interior designer and winner of Australian House & Garden’s Top 5o Rooms competition in 2021. It’s a chic vessel for your console or bedside table. Choose from three stellar designs: Soleil, Eclipse and Lune.

COMING UP ROSES T E BRINDABELL A I A

This is l vin

108 PAGES OF INSPIR

HURRY!

BEDDED B I LUXE NEW LI NEN

for you

DREAM BED

Offer ends September 19, 2021!

M

Gardens great n Gorgeous grounds in the c t an co

SUBSCRIBE & RECEIVE

» 12 ISSUES FOR $74.99 VIA AUTOMATIC RENEWAL » BONUS SOLAR BONE-CHINA TRINKET BOX

BY GREG NATALE, VALUED AT $120 » SAVE 29% OFF THE NEWSSTAND PRICE » FREE DELIVERY OF THE MAGAZINE TO YOUR HOME EACH MONTH

Already a subscriber?

SIMPLY EXTEND YOUR SUBSCRIPTION WITH THIS OFFER TO RECEIVE YOUR BONUS GIFT.

MAGSHOP.COM.AU/P/M219HGN For Terms and Conditions, visit magshop.com.au/p/m219hgn. Please see contents page for location of our Privacy Notice.

If you do not want your information provided to any organisation not associated with this offer, please indicate this clearly at time of order or notify the Promoter in writing. Offer valid from 16/08/2021 to 19/09/2021 to Australian residents only. Savings are based on retail cover price of $8.80.

Valued at

120

$

“Our unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe with clean architectural lines.

These boxes are a super-stylish addition to your coffee table or your bedside.”

136 116 AND QUOTE M219HGN The offer includes one complimentary Solar trinket box from Greg Natale in subscriber’s choice of Soleil, Eclipse or Lune design, valued at $120, with any $74.99 12-issue subscription.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of bonus gift. Bonus gift is sent to purchaser of the subscription. Subscription copies do not receive free gifts offered at retail. Automatic renewal: After the first payment of $74.99 for 12 issues, the subscription will automatically renew and be billed as $74.99 every 12 issues (yearly) thereafter until cancelled.

SPRING BRINGS

IT HOME S HAYN N A BLAZE

ONLY AT HAR R I S SCAR FE

Kitchen & bathroom special

SEPTEMBER Cover stories

41 Father’s Day essentials Stylish gifts for busy dads 129 Glorious gardens A luscious country plot and a verdant city patch 145 60+ page Kitchen & Bathroom Special 182 We’re levitating Hot bathrooms to elevate daily rituals

People

Photograph by Maree Homer.

29 Family Ties Drawn to an unrenovated 1970s home she

spotted online, Zuster co-founder Fleur Sibbel soon discovered a special reason for the connection.

202 The Creative Type Julia Levitt and Fiona Ericsson of Sticks & Stones Landscape Design share the highlights on their path to success.

Shopping

41 Praising Dads Go ahead and make Dad’s day with our curated collection of special gifts.

200 Where To Buy Stockists’ details.

Houses

58 Simply The Best When Three Birds Renovations tackles a project home, every element has a personal touch.

70 Mission Accomplished Rethinking key elements, rather than replacing them, worked wonders.

84 Style Counsel One clever designer shows how heritage features can complement contemporary living.

94 Let There Be Light This innerMelbourne property now makes the most of its compact plot.

Gardens

129 Cottage Industry This fairytale garden escape would be at home in England’s lush Cotswolds, let alone Daylesford in central Victoria.

138 Spa Treatment An expert touch transforms an awkward outdoor space into a true oasis.

Kitchen & bathroom special

145 More than 20 five-star kitchen and bathroom projects to inspire your next makeover, plus all the latest fittings, fixtures and appliances to achieve the space of your dreams.

For our readers

12 Subscribe to H&G this month and you will receive a complimentary Solar trinket dish by Greg Natale, valued at $120!

26 Your H&G Readers’ letters.

201 Privacy Notice

On our cover Inspiration is never in short supply at the Sydney project home conceived by Three Birds Renovations.

Turn to page 58 to see more. Photograph

by Maree Homer.

Photograph by Chris Warnes.

104 Double Take In Perth, the concept of yin and yang is taken to a fascinating new level by its designer owners.

116 Practical Magic Now lighter, brighter and more family friendly, this Sydney home is the ultimate in laidback living.

5112 Aterra Blanca™

Whitelight Collection

caesarstone.com.au

Bring the earth into your home with our 2021 new designs

A series of four nature-inspired lighter colours that are washed in the purity of white and wrapped in the smoothness of a stone.

It’s a mark of our craftsmanship and care, carefully passing from us to you.

EDITOR’S LETTER H G

Photography by Edward Urrutia (portrait), Georgie Mann (Utopia Goods) and Nicholas Watt (Tracey Deep sculpture). Tanya’s hair and make-up by Kelly Tapp.

A

“ALL of this issue’s homeowners have ensured their DREAM HOUSE is as personal as their SIGNATURE.”

s we go to print on this issue of Australian House & Garden, Sydney is grappling with a prolonged lockdown and the wonderful H&G team and I are corresponding remotely, remarking on how fortunate we are to take refuge in this edition’s pages of stylish homes designed specifically for their owners’ lifestyles. Vaccine supply uncertainty, thousands protesting, lots of physical and emotional turmoil... We really are lucky to have this glorious respite in which to lose ourselves!

Home is undoubtedly the focus at the moment, and it’s not size, newness or design that’s important. The important thing is finding solace, warmth and comfort in a place, whether on your own, with your partner, children, family, roommates or pets. It’s about tailoring your home for you. All of this issue’s homeowners have done their best to ensure their dream house is as personal as their signature.

Take Fleur Sibbel, one half of the successful Zuster furniture business. She and her partner Simon had firm ideas in mind when renovating a Mid-Century home her father had built back in the 1970s, page 29. The result is a dark and glamorous sanctuary perfect for the couple and their family. And they both managed to incorporate unique inclusions: a triple-car garage for Simon and an expansive wardrobe for Fleur. “You can clearly see our priorities!” she says.

It is a common belief that eschewing the services of an architect in preference for a project-home company leads to a blander outcome. Well, the results were far from cookie cutter when the glamorous ‘girl band’ of home improvements – Lana, Bonnie and Erin from Three Birds Renovations – joined forces with Rawson Homes. With 14 home makeovers behind them, the savvy and stylish renovation trio had some firm non-negotiables for the CEO of Rawson Homes, Nick Chandler, when they set out to design a new home for their CEO, Candice Fernandez, page 58. Double-height ceilings, a statement staircase, a void, timber cladding and a white-on-white colour palette were all on the must-have list for Nick and his team. Both parties rose to the challenge, and Nick is clearly chuffed with the results. “The project is a game-changer,” he says.

Kitchens and bathrooms are getting a substantial workout with more of us spending most of our time at home. With chez nous being the only view, you might be desperate to do a kitchen and/or bathroom overhaul – see page 145 for some inspiration for those vital engine rooms of the house.

Father’s Day is a couple of weeks away, and our designer and stylist Sophie Wilson has assembled some fabulous gifts whether your dad is quirky, creative, techy, sporty or fashion-forward – see page 41.

Tanya Buchanan, Editor-in-Chief TOP PICKS

Tanya’s top five

INVEST Utopia Goods x Saved NY cashmere throw in Rock Wallaby, $1500, Utopia Goods; utopiagoods.com.

ADMIRE

Sandscape sculpture by Tracey Deep, from the ‘Fauna’ exhibition at Saint Cloche; saintcloche.com.

SCENT

Le Diffuseur refillable fragrance diffuser, $299, Trudon; trudon.com.au.

COLLECT

Blackwattle at Bustard Bay artwork by Jane Guthleben, Edwina Corlette Gallery; edwinacorlette.com.

STITCH Heavy Duty HD6605C digital sewing machine, $799, Singer; singerco.com.au.

On Sale Now EDITORIAL Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan Acting creative director Shayne Burton Deputy editor Elizabeth Wilson Interiors editor Kate Nixon Chief copy editor Sarah Pickette Senior content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar Homes group coordinator Annika Baker ART & ST YLE Designer/stylist Sophie Wilson Prepress specialist Matus Kundrat CONTRIBUTORS

Atelier Lab, Linda Alam, Sevak Babakhani, Mike Baker, Jackie Brygel, Sharyn Cairns, Darren Christison, Ess Creative, Anna Flanders, Martina Gemmola, Kayla Gex, Nic Gossage, Simon Griffiths, Kristina Harrison, Maree Homer, Jack Lovel, Georgia Madden, Patrick Moran, Megan Morton, Jess Munitz, Annette O’Brien, Heather Nette King, Rhiannon Orr, Chris Pearson, Carli Philips, Meghan Plowman, Amanda Prior, Sue Ramsey, Matilda Ringrose, Dion Robeson, April Sharratt, Anson Smart, Kristina Soljo, Nic Stephens, Sue Stubbs, Saffron Sylvester, Kelly Tapp, The Palm Co, Samantha Torrisi, Jacqui Turk, Edward Urrutia, Pablo Veiga, Chris Warnes ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Group category manager Rhyl Heavener (02) 8114 9420 Advertising production manager Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 Brand executive Amelia Paterson (02) 9282 8038 Victoria, SA & WA sales director Jaclyn Clements (03) 9823 6341 Director of sales, NSW Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 Victoria head of direct sales Demi Martelo (03) 9823 6368 Queensland head of sales Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 General manager – production services Ian McHutchison Production controller Sally Jefferys Advertising production controller Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 Senior event manager Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342 M A R K E T I N G & C I R C U L AT I O N Marketing director Louise Cankett Circulation manager Nicole Pearson Subscriptions campaign manager Jesvin Vincent Marketing enquiries homes@aremedia.com.au A R E M E D IA C O R P O R AT E Chief executive officer Jane Huxley Finance director David Loeffler Executive general manager – publishing & digital operations Sarah-Belle Murphy Group publisher – homes Shane Sutton Director of sales Andrew Cook Customer director Sally Eagle Business manager Georgina Bromfield Syndications syndication@aremedia.com.au New Zealand enquiries +61 2 9282 8505 SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES

Magshop GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia Phone 136 116 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm AEST) Web magshop.com.au All other Australian House & Garden enquiries: (02) 9282 8456

Published by Are Media Pty Ltd (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN is the property of Are Media Pty Ltd and is used under licence. © 2021.

All rights reserved. Printed by Ovato, 31-37 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW 2170. National distribution by Gordon and Gotch Australia Pty Ltd. 1300 650 666. ISSN 0004-931X. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Are Media does not accept responsibility for damage to or loss of freelance material submitted for publication. Allow several weeks for acceptance or return. For enquiries regarding subscriptions, call 136 116 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm AEST, email magshop@ magshop.com.au or mail letters to: Australian House & Garden, Reply Paid 3508, Sydney, NSW 2001 or subscribe online at magshop.com.au/hg. Subscription rate*: Australia $79.99 (one year, 12 issues); NZ A$120 (one year, 12 issues); other countries A$180 (one year, 12 issues). All overseas subscriptions sent air speed. * Recommended price, Australian House & Garden.

www.ara-anz.com

H G LETTERS

Facebook

YOUR H&G With my paramedic husband on night shift and our three children (all under the age of five) asleep, I’m enjoying a little me time. Sitting by the fire, cup of tea in hand – and simply devouring the latest issue of Australian House & Garden. I’m a first time subscriber and I have to say, I’m regretting not subscribing earlier! I’m drawing so much inspiration for the extension/renovation that has just got underway. What a beautiful magazine! This is bliss.

Jannalee Bollinger, Bonville, NSW

I am currently locked in a hotel room, completing two weeks mandatory quarantine. I’m so glad I decided to include H&G in my supermarket delivery.

I have spent hours poring over the pages, but it was Breath of Fresh Air (July), a Handelsmann+Khaw project, that really resonated. Like the owners, I too am an expat returning to Australia after living in Hong Kong (for 34 years!). We are very much looking forward to our retirement years in Byron Bay. I’m not going to lie – hotel quarantine is difficult, especially the lack of fresh air.

So thank you, H&G – the magazine, and this article in particular, delivered exactly what I was craving.

Sally Croagh, South Golden Beach, NSW TH AT HOLIDAY FEELING

We have just completed a full renovation of our beach house with a view to retiring there in a few years. I enjoyed the process and am fairly confident in my style, but I have loved having faithful, dependable H&G as my backstop. Each issue presented me with some different options, confirmed my tastes or inspired me to make a braver choice. My final look is consistent and calming – just what you need on holidays!

Cath Cox, Albany, WA MOME N TS IN TIME

‘Inspirational’ is a word that comes to 26 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

mind when I flick through the pages of Australian House & Garden.

I’m a lover of architecture, interiors and landscaping, and H&G provides such a diverse mix of styles and textures and ideas for both indoor and outdoor spaces. One thing I always notice – and love – is the perfect way those little moments of connection are captured by your photographers, such as a delicate maple tree framed by a picture window. It’s these little things that I find so inspiring and that drive my passion for good design.

Katherine Haddock, Pearcedale, Victoria W RIT E IN TO W IN The author of each letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a prize. This month, Jannalee Bollinger of Bonville, NSW, wins a KSM160 Artisan Series stand mixer in Pistachio, including 4.8L bowl, 2.8L bowl, flat beater, wire whisk, dough hook and pouring shield, valued at $949, courtesy of KitchenAid; kitchenaid.com. au. Email your letter to H&G@aremedia. com.au or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include your full name and address.

Instagram

Pinterest

H^G social

The posts that made your month An inviting Perth home found fans galore on Facebook, Instagrammers loved a shapely heritage-meets-modern garden, and a serene blue entryway hit the mark on Pinterest.

Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to tours of our favourite homes.

Instagram @houseandgarden View the most inspirational images of the month from H&G headquarters and out and about.

Pinterest pinterest.com.au/ houseandgardenau Picture-perfect images from our pages and sensational products to covet.

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

H A PPY RET U R NS

www.ara-anz.com

Come home to Austral Bricks Enduring style. Energy saving efficiency.

Everlasting strength in all conditions. It’s easy to see why brick outlasts all other materials.

Life is better with Austral Bricks.

UNBEATABLE WARRANTY

We’ve Launched 100 New Products!

LEARN MORE AT

australbricks.com.au

A BRAND OF

AT HOME WITH H G

FA M I L Y T I E S After finding this sleek Mid-Century home listed online, Zuster’s Fleur Sibbel discovered an added attraction: it had been built by her own father more than 40 years before.

STO RY Carli Philips | ST Y LI N G Heather Nette King | P HOTOG RA PHY Mike Baker

Simon Ansell and Fleur Sibbel outside their striking home. The facade was reclad and repainted Dulux Black.

Landscaping by Blac Design.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

29

Marble door handle, Contour storage unit, Halo mirror and Warrior Women sculpture, all Zuster. Bell table lamp by Tom Dixon, available from Living Edge. Fornasetti candle, Mecca Cosmetica. Flowers by Flowers Vasette. Artwork by Gary Heery (reflected in mirror). OPPOSITE Artwork by Matthew Johnson from Olsen Gallery. Axolight ‘Alysoid’ pendant light, Mondo Luce. Embellish table, Zuster. Tallria rug, The Rug Collection. Flowers by Flowers Vasette. Tank vase by Tom Dixon, Living Edge. Orbit tray, Mr Pinchy & Co.

at home with H G

“WE WANTED TO CELEBRATE THE HOME’S BEAUTIFUL TIMBER PANELLING AND SIGNATURE SIBBEL DESIGN FEATURES.” Fleur Sibbel, owner

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

31

“I have collected a lot of art over the years and bought even more since we finished [renovating this house],” says Fleur. “The bright artworks bring a pop of colour to a modern, moody space.” Artwork by Sue Beyer from Studio Gallery. Tapestry buffet, Zuster. Vases, Greg Natale. The timber panelling is original to the house. Through the doorway is the dining room, where furnishings include an Embellish dining table, Husk dining chairs, and Halo wine cabinets, all from Zuster. Pendant light, Porcelain Bear. Astoria Jewel carpet from Tsar Carpets. The artwork in the family room beyond is Andy Harwood.

32 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

at home with H G

leur Sibbel, co-owner and managing director of furniture company Zuster, first saw this house late one night when she was scrolling through real estate listings online. Curious, she made an appointment for a viewing which confirmed her suspicions: the 1970s house was originally built by her father, Meyer, part of a familyofbuilderswhomigrated to Australia from Holland after World War II. Sibbel Builders was renowned for its high level of workmanship and forward-thinking ideas, such as siting homes with a northerly aspect, installing concrete slabs with hydronic heating and limiting excavation in order to preserve sites as much as possible. Indeed, Heritage Victoria acknowledged the company as being ahead of its time in terms of environmentally friendly building.

“When I first saw the house online I suspected it may have been one of Dad’s projects – all Sibbel houses had signature features with consistent elements: rectangular door handles, crown-cut timber, flat roofs, timber-clad walls and handcrafted built-in furniture,” says Fleur. “The original owners of this particular house sold it to a family that had plans to demolish it and build a McMansion, but things didn’t pan out for them – luckily for us! It was just sotimelessandhadglasslookingoutallacrossthenorth.”

Fleur and her family – partner Simon Ansell, children Chloe, 23, Willem, 18, Gracie, 11, and Harvey the cockapoo – moved into the home in 2016 and renovations got underway the following year. “We lived in the house throughoutandjustroom-hoppedaswewent.Itwasreally important to be on site every day,” says Fleur. All through theprocess,sheworkedcloselywithhersisterWilhelmina, co-founder and creative director of Zuster, and her father.

Originally,accesstothehouseinvolvedwalkingthrough the carport. Now, a new entry consists of a vestibule followed bydouble slidingdoorsthat openintoagenerous arrivals area. Sliding doors are a feature throughout the house so certain areas can be closed off to contain heat or cooling. When they are all open at the same time, there is a line of sight from the front all the >

Fleur in the kitchen. Her dress is by Zimmermann, one of her all-time favourite fashion labels. The timber panelling on the ceiling is original. The benchtops are Zimbabwean granite; Oliveri ‘Vilo’ mixer tap from Reece. On the floor, slate tiles were replaced with Valantino terrazzo tiles from San Marco Ceramics for contrast. OPPOSITE TOP AND BOTTOM LEFT The cosy family room features an Embellish TV cabinet, Cloud marble coffee table, Sabrina modular sofa, and Duyfken console, all Zuster. Melt table lamp by Tom Dixon, Living Edge.

Artworks by Andy Harwood from Studio Gallery (bottom) and Nunzio Miano (through doorway). Grasscloth wallpaper by Elitis. OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT An artwork by Nunzio Miano from Curatorial+Co stars in the dining room. Dining table and chairs, Zuster. Pendant light, Porcelain Bear.

34 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

at home with H G

H G at home with

“THE BLACK WORKS REALLY WELL WITH THE ORIGINAL FEATURES. IT FEELS SO COSY.” Fleur

Brera grasscloth wallpaper in Graphite, Designers Guild.

Alape ‘Unisolo’ basin, Zuster ‘Issy Ballerina’ mirrored cabinet, Zuster ‘Issy Butterfly’ vanity, and Milli ‘Pure’ tapware, all Reece.

Contour console and marble door hardware, Zuster.

OPPOSITE Echo bed, Halo bedside table, and cushions and throw, all Zuster .

Decanter and glass by Tom Dixon, Living Edge. Fizi pendant light, Articolo Lighting. Bedlinen, The Sheet Society. For Where to Buy, see page 200.

way through to the rear. The main bedroom, to the right of the entry, was kept in position but extended outwards.

In the living room opposite, the 1970s cabinetry was still in good condition so was retained intact.

The kitchen was a time capsule and while the decor got a work-up, Fleur was adamant about retaining the existing timber ceiling. “So many people don’t know what to do with Mid-Century homes and end up just painting the ceilingandbeamswhite.Wewantedtocelebratethehome’s beautiful timber panelling and signature Sibbel design features, sokeptasmuch as wecould salvage, then painted the beams grey and the exterior black.”

A separate playroom was converted into the dining room and one of its walls knocked out to better connect it to the kitchen. Instead of hinged doors, Fleur used another set of sliding doors, adorned with feature handles. From here on, however, the house felt like it came to an abrupt stop.

“The original owners had built a granny flat that was attached to the house and closed off about here,” says Fleur. “It even had its own separate side entrance with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. So we created a double door and made this whole area into a bar and hangout

space. It flows really well now. It also meant we could have separate living and TV rooms.”

Outside,thehome’sfacadewasrecladandpaintedDulux Black. A triple-car garage – a special request from Simon – was addedto theleft of thehouse. Totheright, anexisting carport was retained, although reduced in size thanks to the main bedroom’s newly expanded walk-in wardrobe, which protrudes into the space. “You can clearly see our priorities!” says Fleur, laughing. This extension added another92squaremetres to the home’s existing400-squaremetre footprint.

Inside the house, the theme is dark with moody colours and furniture like Zuster’s embellished oak dining table, matt black tapware and graphite grasscloth wallpaper. “It just feels so cosy,” says Fleur. “I wanted something comfortingbecausethere’salotofbrightnessinthenatural timber which was hard to modernise. I felt like black worked really well with the original features.

“When we first told Dad about the house he said we should knock it down and build something more modern.

We weren’t sure if he was joking! But he got involved in the process and I know he was pretty chuffed.” >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

37

H G AT HOME WITH

2

3 12 11 10

LIFE & ST YLE Fleur shares some firsts and favourite things.

FIRST ADULT HOME? An architect-designed home on a steep block in Melbourne’s

9

8

7

outer east. It was was featured in the first edition of Inside Out magazine.

BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? The Ice Hotel in Sweden (5). We love the snow and I’ve always had a dream to experience the Northern Lights.

DREAM RESTAURANT TABLE? Somewhere fancy in Paris with Coco Chanel, Carla Zampatti (3), Steve Jobs, Karl Lagerfield and Marcel Wanders.

FAVOURITE DOWNTIME PURSUIT? Gardening. I love the process of planning, planting and watching the garden develop and grow. I also enjoy getting my hands dirty and looking back to see the results.

FAVOURITE ARTISTS? Del Kathryn Barton (10), Matthew Johnson (2) and Dale Frank.

WHICH DESIGNERS INSPIRE YOU? My sister Wilhelmina (1, right) who is the creative director of Zuster. I’m lucky enough to work with her every day. Seeing her creativity come to life in incredibly beautiful furniture pieces is amazing!

FASHION FASHION LABELS? Zimmerman (9) – I love the brand’s innovation and design details. Also, Fendi (8, 11) and Scanlan Theodore.

FAVOURITE SCENT? Diptyque Do Son (12). It has been my go-to for years.

FAVOURITE MOVIE? Hamilton. Can’t wait to see the musical!

HOMEWARES YOU COVET? Tom Dixon’s Tank vase (6). They are so versatile and suit the colours in the house.

NEXT MAJOR PURCHASE? More art. Thinking a bronze sculpture by Stephen Ormandy (4) or something by Melinda Harper.

AN ITEM YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My faux-fur throw from Zuster (7).

It’s just the thing for cosying up on the sofa at the end of the day. #

6 38 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

4

5

Sun Cloud by Matthew Johnson (2) and Koala by Stephen Ormandy (4), courtesy of Olsen Gallery. The Highway is a Disco by Del Kathryn Barton courtesy of Oxley9 Gallery. Photography by Lillie Thompson/Are Media (1), Brett East (2), Damian Bennett/Are Media (3), Sowerby Smith (4), Asaf Kliger/Image Bank (5).

1

Praising Dads Seeking something special for Father’s Day? We’ve done the shopping for you.

P R OD UC ED BY Sophie Wilson

3

2 1

4

10

5

6 Styling by Kate Nixon. Photograph by Kristina Soljo (main image).

9

7 8

MAIN IMAGE Clockwise from top left Martell Blue Swift cognac, $110, Dan Murphy’s. Normann Copenhagen whisky glasses, $79.90/pair, Top3 by Design. Ferm Living ‘Fein’ brass bottle opener, $39, and ‘Basho’ tray, $75, both Designstuff. Marble platter, $193, 1stDibs. Brass vessel and silver hip flask kit, both vintage. ATH-AP2000Ti headphones, $2199, Audio Technica. BS#51 – staircases, ladders & bridges, hydro stair, sunderland st, moonah artwork by Bec Stevens, $650, Planet. Moon wireless charging pad, $59.95, Hardtofind. The Gentleman’s Guide to Cocktails book by Alfred Tong, $23, Booktopia. Gingko ‘Cube Click’ alarm clock, $59, Designstuff. PRODUCTS Clockwise from top left 1 Penhaligon’s ‘Endymion’ cologne, $229, Libertine Parfumerie. 2 Ralph Lauren ‘Wyatt’ bar tools, $185/3-piece set, Palmer & Penn. 3 Striped silk shirt, $425, P.Johnson. 4 Navy silk knit tie, $150, P.Johnson. 5 Smythson two-pack playing cards, $130, Mr Porter. 6 Aerin ‘Lucas Lapis’ coasters, $639/set of 4, Palmer & Penn. 7 Saddler duffle bag, $795, RM Williams. 8 Møbel Copenhagen ‘Font Bold’ lounge chair, from $3054, Fred International. 9 Fear of God leather sneakers, $962, Mr Porter. 10 Tom Ford cashmere-wool half-zip sweater, $2794, Mr Porter. >

H G SHOPPING

The entertainer A whole host of goodies to cater for your favourite epicurean.

3

2

1 4

5 10

6

9

7

8

MAIN IMAGE Cooper barstool in Boucle Paper, $495 each, Coco Republic. PRODUCTS Clockwise from top left 1 Fferrone Glassware ‘Dearborn’ wineglasses, $335/pair, Becker Minty. 2 Fferrone Glassware ‘Boyd’ decanter, $395, Becker Minty. 3 Popped in the Dark popcorn, $17.90, Koko Black. 4 Stone resin teaspoon in Black marble, $25, Dinosaur Designs. 5 Bacchus Nero marble ice bucket, $1130, Greg Natale. 6 Polar Nero and Rosso marble coasters, $230/set of 4, Greg Natale. 7 Linen apron in Navy, $45, In Bed. 8 Dom Pérignon Blanc Champagne, $300, Vintage Cellars. 9 Stellar Works ‘Valet’ bar cart, $2320, Living Edge. 10 Themis Z Kyma porcelain serving platter, $173, MatchesFashion. >

42 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

FURNITURE & HOMEWARES | INTERIOR DESIGN | PROPERTY STYLING | DESIGN SCHOOL WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.COM.AU

H G SHOPPING

The sporty type You’re sure to hit the mark with one of these fitness bits.

2 1

3

4

5

9 7

6

8

MAIN IMAGE NOHrD Bike exercise bike, from $3999, NOHrD. PRODUCTS Clockwise from top left 1 Vintage leather heavy training bag, $320, Vintage Sports. 2 Nike fundamental speed rope, $29, Mr Porter. 3 Tom Dixon ‘Rock’ dumbbells, $370 each, Living Edge. 4 Brown and Navy vintage rugby ball, $89.95, MJ Bale. 5 Unisex organic cotton sweatshirt in Dark Blue, $259, Hugo Boss. 6 The Terremotto Scrambler 250W electric bike, $3550, Vallkree. 7 G.O.A.T ‘Throwback’ vintage-style leather boxing gloves, $199.95, The Barberhood. 8 Frescobol Carioca x Garrett Leight canvas beach-bat case, $274, Mr Porter. 9 Hedonist open-face helmet in Teal, $530, Deus Ex Machina. >

44 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

H G SHOPPING

The jetsetter There’ll be holiday vibes all round – even if it’s a staycation this year.

2 3

4

1

5

6 11 10

7

8 9

MAIN IMAGE A magazine subscription is the ideal armchair-travelling companion. Go to Magshop.com.au for an extensive selection.

PRODUCTS Clockwise from top left 1 Woody 10ft paddleboard, $1420, Ride the Tide. 2 Monogram bucket hat, $640, Burberry. 3 Mühle travel shaving set, $222, Mr Porter. 4 Oliver Spencer Loungeware ‘Canvey’ cotton robe, $395, Mr Porter. 5 Aviator sunglasses, $530, Bottega Veneta.

6 Breezing Away framed print by Stephen Ringer, $359, Mr Porter. 7 Bellerby & Co Globemakers mini desk globe, $2395, Mr Porter. 8 Hunter Lab SPF 50+ facial sunscreen, $48, Adore Beauty. 9 Mulberry silk sleep mask, $55, Slip. 10 Reflections woven raffia slides, $1290, Fendi.

11 Gucci leather-trimmed monogrammed suitcase, $5230, Mr Porter. >

46 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

H G SHOPPING

The outdoorsman Elements to enhance enjoyment of alfresco areas.

2

1

3

4

5 11

6

7 10

8

9

MAIN IMAGE Malmo three-seater outdoor sofa, $3195, Coco Republic. PRODUCTS Clockwise from top left 1 Burgon & Ball ‘National Trust’ secateurs, $55, Maisie & Clare. 2 Angelina firepit, $1320, Robert Plumb. 3 Diptyque ‘Feu de Bois’ outdoor candle, $459, Mecca Cosmetica.

4 Mercer St outdoor pendant light, $2048, Dunlin. 5 Vivero stainless-steel watering can in Black, $225, Becker Minty. 6 Japan Best gardening set in Off-White, $1155, Mr Porter. 7 Friends & Founders ‘Knock Out’ side table, from $1761, Fred International. 8 Friends & Founders ‘Castle’ planter, from $1570, Fred International. 9 Malmo sunlounger, $2495, Coco Republic. 10 Extremis ‘Acacia’ parasol, POA, Living Edge.

11 Corfu plant pot in Grey, $69.95, Alfresco Emporium. >

48 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

tutti frutti

wallpaperdirect.com Make your home your own Borastapeter 1960 Borastapeter 1975 Main: Coordonné 8000051 Mind the Gap WP20098 Petronella Hall 11864 Morris 216724

H G SHOPPING

The style aficionado For the man who likes the finer things in life.

2

3

1

11

4 5

10

8

9 7

6

MAIN IMAGE Fresco wool single-breasted suits, POA, P.Johnson. PRODUCTS Clockwise from top left 1 Aquaracer Professional 300 watch, $4350, Tag Heuer. 2 Météore cologne, $440, and Nuit de Feu cologne, $615, both Louis Vuitton. 3 Derek Rose modal-blend pyjamas, $505, MatchesFashion. 4 Hazel aviator sunglasses, POA, Rag & Bone. 5 Tom Ford leather reversible belt, $1289, Mr Porter. 6 Loro Piana cashmere colour-block fringed scarf, $1146, Mr Porter. 7 Jordaan GG velvet loafer, $1085, Gucci. 8 Mini saddle bag in Khaki, $4100, Dior. 9 Kenny Scharf sweater, $3300, Dior. 10 Cire Trudon ‘Nazareth’ scented candle, $140, Libertine Parfumerie. 11 Buckle tote bag, $2990, Loewe. >

50 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

From benchtops to floor panels, we are dedicated to creating ground-breaking projects, whilst delivering an exceptionally supportive service. Our exclusive range of handpicked Marble, Travertine, Limestone, Granite, and Onyx are the preferred materials chosen by some of Sydney's most prestigious design firms.

Ocean Grey Limestone Tiles + Calacatta Viola Table

H G SHOPPING

The virtuoso Elegant accoutrements for work, rest and play.

1 3

2 4

12

5

11 6

10

7

9

8

MAIN IMAGE Toledo desk in Drifted Matt Black, $3695, Coco Republic. PRODUCTS Clockwise from top left 1 Daily News daily planner, $47, Papier.

2 Northern ‘Gear’ table lamp, $1562, HK Edit. 3 London marble and acrylic chess set by Skyline Chess, $590, Mr Porter. 4 Instax Mini 90 instantprinting film camera, $219, Myer. 5 Surface wall light in Bronze, $1840, Studio Henry Wilson. 6 Polar Fiore/Nero marble bookends, $540/pair, Greg Natale. 7 Newgate Clocks ‘Music Hall’ wall clock, $292, Amara. 8 Space Copenhagen ‘Swoon’ swivel chair, from $3830, Cult Design.

9 Poltrona Frau ‘Trust’ desk, POA, Cult Design. 10 Ziggurat Nero marble box, $570, Greg Natale. 11 Loewe ‘Tomato Leaves’ scented candle, $284.70, Net-A-Porter. 12 Brass scissors, $35, Hay. >

52 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

H G SHOPPING

The gadget guy Even the sleekest geek will be impressed by this smart selection.

1

2

3 11

4

5 10

6 9 7

8

MAIN IMAGE Beoplay A9 speaker, $3199, Bang & Olufsen. PRODUCTS Clockwise from top left 1 The Frame 55in Smart TV, $1749, Samsung.

2 Horizon wireless earbuds, $1750, Louis Vuitton. 3 Orbit Plus turntable in White, $309, U-Turn Audio. 4 Hermès ‘Double Tour’ Apple watch in Bleu Saphir, $2119, Apple. 5 Beosound Explore bluetooth speaker in Green, $199, Bang & Olufsen. 6 24in iMac, from $1899, Apple. 7 Marshall ‘Woburn II’ bluetooth speaker, $800, Myer. 8 Optoma ‘UHD50X 240Hz’ projector, $2799, Harvey Norman. 9 Master & Dynamic ‘MW65’ wireless over-ear headphones, $780, Mr Porter. 10 DJI ‘Mini 2’ drone, $748, Harvey Norman. 11 MacBook dock in Walnut, $90, Grovemade. #

54 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Imagine a home so beautiful,

its exterior is the centre of your universe.

It’s Possible™ to bring your dream home to life exactly the way you imagined with James Hardie’s range of exterior cladding solutions.

This coastal cool dream home is brought to you by James Hardie, Three Birds Renovations and Rawson Homes.

EXPLORE THE RANGE

JAMES HARDIE

© 2021 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and ® denote a trade mark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd. JAOCOS0030/HG

Photograph by Jacqui Turk. For Where to Buy, see page 200.

FA M I L Y H O M E S W I T H S PA C E , G R A C E A N D S T Y L E

Hou se s

Sunlight streams into this upstairs media room, part of a project home collaboration between Three Birds Renovations and Rawson Homes.

The artwork is a print of La Concha Beach Club by Slim Aarons from Fineprint Co. Wall battens, Intrim Mouldings. Side table, Harpers Project.

Rug, Miss Amara. To see more of this airy, sun-loving home, turn the page.

EXTERIOR A collaboration between Three Birds

Renovations and Rawson Homes, this project home exudes the coastal, resort-style feel synonymous with Three Birds designs. Exterior clad in James Hardie Linea weatherboards painted Taubmans Cradle White. The roof is Colorbond in Surfmist.

Double-hung windows, Stegbar. Porch tiled in Annangrove travertine-look tiles in Grey, TileCloud.

Bacardi plant pot, The Balcony Garden. Panelift garage door in Dover White, B&D Doors.

58 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

houses H G

Simply the best When the team from Three Birds Renovations decided to create a namesake project home, they put all their favourite elements together under one roof.

STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y LI N G Three Birds Renovations P H OTO GR A P H Y Chris Warnes, Maree Homer & Jacqui Turk

s theCEOofhome-design company Three Birds Renovations, Candice Fernandez knows a thing ortwoaboutthebusiness of achieving a dream home. Recently, she and herfamilyexperiencedfirst-handjusthow life-transforming that journey can be.

Candice and her husband Drewe Letchford had always known it was a matter of time (and savings) until they renovated. With three growing children – Mia,13,Joe,11andHunter,four–inasinglestorey 1930s home, the irrefutable fact was that they needed more space.

Theylovedtheneighbourhoodanddidn’t want to move, so they developed plans for a second-storey extension. They had

60 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

selected a builder, paid a deposit and were poisedtocommencework–whentheyhad an extraordinary change of plans.

It just so happened that Candice had been busy overseeing an altogether different building project as part of her work. In collaboration with building company Rawson Homes, she and the ‘Birds’ co-founders Lana Taylor, Bonnie HindmarshandErinCaylesswerefinalising plans for a Three Birds project home. The concept?Tocreateabeautifuldesignwithin a budget, built to reflect the Three Birds signature ‘look’, with finishes and fittings allselectedbyLana,BonnieandErin.After a long design phase, they had arrived at a template floor plan: they just needed to find a real-life knock-down/rebuild test case. Cue Candice’s lightbulb moment.

She came home from work with a propositionforDrewe:thattheybethefirst onestobuildthisThreeBirdsprojecthome.

“Iknewwe’dhavetoforfeitthedepositwe’d paid, but I also knew the value of building a dream home versus working with what wehad.” Drewe wasopen to this curve ball.

After weighing up the pros and cons of ‘renovating versus detonating’, they felt a rebuild would deliver the best outcome. “It would give us a much better layout, including a second living space which we weren’t going to get from a reno,” says Candice. “We’d also get a double garage with internal entry and generally make better use of our block. We knew we’d get a huge amount of value and utility from a new home. And being a Three Birds home, we knew it would be beautiful.” >

HOUSES H G THIS IS THE LIFE

When Candice and her family opened the front door for the first time, “it immediately felt like home,” she says. “The spaces feel light and airy and there’s a relaxed-lifestyle vibe that is just perfect for our family.”

They feel vindicated by their dramatic decision to rebuild. “It’s a beautiful home, with luxe finishes and design integrity.

Everything is quality. It’s testament to the fact you can create a beautiful home on a budget.”

LIVING Double-height windows and a 6.35m void send light throughout the home. Fireplace, Lopi.

The chimneybreast is clad in James Hardie Axon cladding. Windows, Stegbar. Pendant light, Lighting Collective. Sofa, Oz Design Furniture. Monty swivel chair in Camel, Freedom. Savvy armchairs in White, Capri coffee tables and Neo side table, all Few & Far. Hermes side table, CLO Studios. Artwork by Rikki Day. Rug, Miss Amara. Engineered-oak flooring in White Oiled, Woodcut (throughout). ENTRY The sculptural curved staircase wows at the front door. Forster dining table and vases, Oz Design Furniture. Stoneware side table, House of Orange. Maitai rug, Freedom.

H G houses THE PALET TE Taubmans Brilliant White (interior, throughout)

Dulux Cat Mint (laundry joinery)

Colorbond Surfmist (roof)

KITCHEN This page and opposite top Drewe and Candice with their children (from left) Mia, Hunter and Joe in their dreamy kitchen.

The rounded ends on the island bench were inspired by a previous Three Birds Renovations project, House 9. Custom joinery by Carrera by Design, in Taubmans Brilliant White. Benchtops and splashbacks all Caesarstone White Attica. Shaws Lancaster single butler sink and Mizu ‘Drift Mk2’ gooseneck sink mixer with pullout spray, both Reece. Cabinet hardware, Lo&Co. Appliances, all Electrolux. Hermosa pendant light, Few & Far. Barstools, Satara. Hermes white bowl, CLO Studios. Tulu vase, Papaya. Ceramic jar in Mustard, House of Orange. Laciles rug, Freedom.

BUTLER’S PANTRY Opposite bottom Console, Oz Design Furniture. Shaws Lancaster butler sink, and Mizu ‘Drift Mk2’ gooseneck tap, both Reece.

Tahiti wall sconce, Gypset Cargo. Artwork by Whitney Spicer. >

62 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Portrait photograph by River Bennett. Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

H G houses MAIN BEDROOM Custom bedhead, Create Estate. Bedlinen, Bed

Threads. Nesting side tables, The Organic Ceramics Co. Chloe swivel armchairs, Lounge Lovers. Slab coffee table, Trit House. Marble plinth side table and vase on coffee table, Harpers Project. Tilly Beni Ourain rug, Love Moroccan Rugs. Wall sconces, Enlightened Living.

Artwork by Sophia Lind, Designstuff. Zion curtains in Raw, Luxaflex Window Fashions. ENSUITE Custom vanity, Carrera by Design.

Caesarstone Pure White benchtop. Bath, basins and tapware, all Reece. Carrara-look floor tiles and Kit Kat feature wall tiles, all TileCloud. Hermes side table, CLO Studios. Russes wall light, The Society Inc. Floor mat, The Dharma Door. Artwork, Lounge Lovers.

From that point, things moved quickly.

The old house was demolished (“I shed a few tears,” admits Candice), the slab went down and the new home took shape. In terms of vital statistics, it is a two-storey, four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, clad in James Hardie Linea weatherboards with a footprint of 387 square metres including balconies and garage. Downstairs, a spacious foyer leads to an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area featuring a lightfilled 6.35-metre high void. A sculptural, curved staircase leads upstairs to a main bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, a bathroom and a media room/office.

This is the fourteenth house developed by the Three Birds team, and it’s designed to represent “the best of the Birds”, says Lana Taylor. “We’ve taken all the elements we’ve loved from our previous projects and rolled them into one,” she says.

There were some non-negotiable Three Birds “signature items” built into the design. “It needed to have a coastal vibe – that’s always been at the heart of our projects. Then of course it needed weatherboard cladding and our signature white-on-white aesthetic,” says Lana. “We also wanted it to have a void, wide hallways, statement engineered stone in the kitchen, quality timber flooring, amazing tiles and a spacious main bedroom/retreat.”

Many of the design elements are unexpected for a project home, says Lana.

“We’ve pushed the envelope by including things like the amazing curved staircase,” says Lana. “The double-height ceiling in the void space and extra wide hallways are special, too, and they’re crucial to the whole open, airy feeling we wanted for the house.

And the luxe detailing is next level.”

The CEO of Rawson Homes, Nick Chandler, admits the Three Birds house challenged many of the conventions of the project-home genre, but he’s thrilled with the result. “This project is a game-changer,” he says. Clearly, many people agree: in the first week of its release, 1400 people had registered interest in this home, testament to the popularity of the ‘staycation’ lifestyle goals of the Three Birds brand.

Lana says the project home is perfect for people who want the “full, immersive Three Birds experience... We’ve made all the decisions for you, right down to the selection of the taps, the grout colour, the handles and knobs.”

All of which was music to the ears for Candice and Drewe. “We were very happy to know all those things had been selected for us. We knew we’d end up with a gorgeous new home where every detail is luxe and lovely,” says Candice. “As Drewe said, we never need to have another conversation > about renovating ever again.”

Three Birds Renovations; threebirdsrenovations.com.

Rawson Homes; rawsonhomes.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

65

H G houses

JOE’S BEDROOM Above left Linen half-moon bedhead, Create Estate. Bed base and mattress, Freedom. Bedlinen, I Love Linen. Cushions and wall banner, Pony Rider. Surfboard, Maywood. Gingham wallpaper, Olive et Oriel. MAIN ENSUITE Above middle Artwork, Lounge Lovers. Custom vanity, Carrera by Design.

Caesarstone Pure White benchtop. Basin and tapware, Reece. Kit Kat wall tiles, TileCloud. Russes wall light, The Society Inc. HUNTER’S BEDROOM Above right Bedlinen, I Love Linen. Throw, Pony Rider. Cushions, Bonnie and Neil. Rattan sideboard, Lounge Lovers. Rattan chair, Hunter and Nomad. Wallpaper on ceiling, The Society Inc. Rug, BoConcept. Artwork, Olive et Oriel. FAMILY BATHROOM Below Kado Neue wall vanity in white, Kado ‘Lussi’ basin, Kado ‘Lux Petite’ freestanding bath and Phoenix ‘Vivid Slimline’ bath mixer, all Reece. Carrara-look floor and wall tiles and mosaic tiles, all TileCloud. Rattan shelf, Lounge Lovers. Stool, CLO Studios. Wall light, Gypset Cargo. Floor mat, The Dharma Door. EXTERIOR The house was sited close to the existing pool for water views throughout the living space. Landscaping with palm trees completes the coastal look. “We modelled the landscaping very much on Bonnie’s own home, Three Birds’ project number 8,” says Lana. “Nothing says ‘relaxed coastal lifestyle’ like a palm tree.” >

THE LAYOUT Pantry

Kitchen Bath

Bed

Entry

Bed

Media

Dining Living

Pool

Bed

Wardrobe

Ground floor

Bath Laundry

Garage

Bed

Void

Bath

First floor

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

67

H G HOUSES

OUTDOOR DINING Above and below left The outdoor dining area is perfect for relaxed family dinners – or open the gas-strut servery window to create a bar

and the whole area moves into entertaining mode. Myles dining table, House of Orange. Tablecloth and napkins, Bonnie and Neil. Glassware and cutlery, Freedom. Bench seat, Byron Bay Hanging Chairs. Tsuna stools, Uniqwa Collections. Dining chairs, Lounge Lovers. Bobby barstools, DesignByThem. Ceiling fan, Beacon Lighting. Servery window, Stegbar. LAUNDRY Custom joinery in Dulux Cat Mint, Carrera by Design. Shaws Lancaster single butler sink, and Mizu ‘Drift’ gooseneck tap in Brushed Gold, both Reece. Stool, Lounge Lovers. FIREPIT/FRONT GARDEN Filled with white crushed pebbles, this circular cut-out in the front lawn forms a perfect firepit and conversation corner. Firepit, Yagoona Design Australia. Armchairs, Byron Bay Hanging Chairs. Umbrella, Basil Bangs.

68 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

2

3

1 4

1 Pretzel armchair, $750, Byron Bay Hanging Chairs. 2 Carrara marble finger tiles, $33/280x292mm sheet, Perini. 3 Muuto ‘Strand’ pendant light, $1447, Surrounding. 4 Zip ‘HydroTap G5 Celsius Arc’ mixer tap, $3695, Harvey Norman. 5 Stripes outdoor cushion, $260, Lucy Montgomery. 6 Zig Zag stool, from $795, Mark Tuckey. 7 Franklin Vintage wallpaper in Riverkeeper, $380/10m roll, The Society Inc. 8 Russes wall light, $465, The Society Inc. 9 Stone-composite surface in White Attica, $600-$800/m² (supply only), Caesarstone.

10 Bermuda console, $649, Oz Design Furniture.

11 Dagar planter, from $425, Garden Life.

12 Rock vase in Light Horn, $295, Dinosaur Designs. 13 Paros bath towel, $49.95, Aura Home. For Where to Buy, see page 200. #

5

THE SOURCE

13

6

A white-on-white palette punctuated with timber, rattan and stripes evokes a relaxed coastal vibe.

7 Produced by Shayne Burton.

12 8 9

11

10

Mission accomplished A Melbourne home with great bones has been sensitively tweaked to enhance its Spanish-inspired beauty – no reinvention of the wheel required.

STORY Sarah Pickette | P H OTO GR A PH Y Annette O’Brien

houses H G FORMAL LIVING/DINING Lending a painterly beauty to this generous space is the Sultana wall mural in

Blanca from Eskayel, a New York-based company. Georgio sofa from Furniture Inspirations, upholstered in Mokum ‘Strata’. Cushions made from Ocean Beach velvet from Peggy Platner Collection. Custom European Adarra sisal rug, International Floorcoverings. ENTRY The home’s original door, previously a chocolatestained timber, was retained and painted Porter’s Paints River Stone. Existing pendant light. Painting by Melbourne artist Graeme Rowe.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

71

H G houses

ecause it was built in 2007, this Melbourne residence was in good shape when its current owners, a family of four, bought it in 2017.

Structurally, nothing major needed to be done, but they wanted to freshen its look and tone down some of the home’s more over-the-top Mediterranean flourishes.

They were, however, conscious that ripping out perfectly good fixtures just because they weren’t quite to their taste was wasteful. Katie Sargent, an interior designer whose values very much aligned with the family’s, was engaged to help them navigate the renovation process.

Katie’s style – “sophistication without shouty statements” is how one of the owners describes it – appealed to them, as did her approach. “It’s very satisfying to discover the inherent beauty in things by stripping them back and revealing what others may not have been able to see at first,” he says. “Katie is an expert in recognising what can be transformed.”

She ensured the expanses of marble in the kitchen were retained. “It would have been a crime to remove it; it had aged > beautifully,” says the owner.

72 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

FORMAL LIVING Georgio sofas upholstered in Mokum ‘Strata’ (left) and ‘Soot’ (right), Furniture Inspirations. Mayla lumbar cushion, Eadie Lifestyle. The vintage coffee table is part of the owners’ existing collection. Amara marble side table, Globe West.

Left of the darker sofa is a petrified wood and resin drum stool from Fenton & Fenton; on the floor to its right is a Tsubo vase from Kazari+Ziguzagu. Taccia table lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni from Euroluce. FORMAL DINING A dining table from Coastal Living and chairs from Furniture Inspirations are set in front of a striking Sultana wall mural sourced from Eskayel. Linen curtains custom-made by Nicholls Interiors. 4 Bowl Pendant with Arch by Melbourne lighting designer Anna Charlesworth.

“CREAMY NEUTRALS PROVIDE THE BASE UPON WHICH THIS HOME’S INTERIORS ARE BUILT.” Katie Sargent, interior designer

KITCHEN/DINING The Calacatta marble in the existing kitchen was retained by Katie but treated very differently. It’s now teamed with walnut-veneer cabinetry, installed by Simon Paton Cabinetry, and display shelving painted Porter’s Paints Squid Ink. Above the island are two Thomas O’Brien ‘Goodman’ hanging lamps from Laura Kincade. Iva bar stools with custom leather seats, Grazia & Co. Artwork on the wall at left is by Graeme Rowe. Smaller artworks on shelves are by Katie Sargent (left), Alannah Josie (centre) and Campbell Irvine (right). The painting on the wall behind the dining table is by Zoe Grey.

houses H G “This is where we really reaped the benefitsofworkingwithKatie.Themarble stayed and the tired white-gloss cabinetry was replaced with rich walnut doors and dark overhead shelving. The resulting kitchen is far more sophisticated.”

Likewise, the engineered-timber floors – originally a “generic brown” – were stripped back to their paler original state, repaired in places and given a clear finish.

“Theimpactshockedusall,”hesays.“That process was totally transformative.”

Having spent quite a lot of time in the US, the owners and their two older teenagers were very familiar with California’s Spanish Mission architecture.

“We’ve spent many hours wandering the streets of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Los Feliz. We wanted to bring some of that style to our home.” The house already had arches, Spanish roof tiles and beautiful timberwork, but Katie added further highlightsbypaintingtheexistingwindow frames Porter’s Paints River Stone. “It’s a powerful colour – not black or charcoal, but somewhere in between,” she says.

Wide, ornate glass doors welcome visitors to the house. To the right of the entry is a generous formal living and dining room. “These spaces are dreamy, warm and relaxing,” says Katie. The round dining table positioned in this spot >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

75

KITCHEN/DINING The walnut-veneer cabinetry is paired with pulls from Kethy. The mangowood dining table has been with the family for 20 years; the chairs were secondhand and refurbished with a coat of black lacquer. FAMILY LIVING Opposite top Reeded

timber cabinets from Trit House are set either side of a fireplace designed by Katie and made with Tundra Grey marble from Apex Stone. Rocco sofa and Studio armchairs, Furniture Inspirations. Artwork by Vynka Hallam. Parker coffee tables, Provincial Home Living. Side tables, Kazari+Ziguzagu. POWDER ROOM Bisazza ‘Duct’ tiles designed by Tom Dixon, Perini Tiles. Sink carved into Tundra Grey marble from Apex Stone. Manhattan wall-mounted tapware in Roma Bronze PVD finish, Brodware. Mirror, Bunnings.

houses H G

echoes the curves in the arched doorway and the pendant light above it. Star of this space is a soft-yet-striking wall mural the owners fell instantly in love with.

“It came from a small-scale supplier in Brooklyn, New York. Katie’s ability to track down these perfect elements turned out to be just magic.”

The ground floor is mostly devoted to an open-plan kitchen, casual dining and living area. This main kitchen is, in fact, one of three in the house that Katie transformed. There’s also a small kitchen on the lower-ground level (by the home cinema and games room) that’s flanked by a bar and comes complete with its own popcorn machine.

The third is the spectacular outdoor kitchen that was existing, but in need of an update. “We had a bricklayer build the benchandadjoining seatin averyspecific brick pattern that was common a century

ago,”saystheowner.“Wesourcedrecycled bricks, selected for their imperfections.

The bricklayer thought we were mad, but I knew what I wanted.” The finished space is the perfect balance between rustic and elegant, and offers a nod to the home’s Spanish Mission-style exterior.

The family moved to this house from a Hamptons-style home in the same suburb (it too had featured on the pages of H&G) but this time they knew they wanted something “moodier and more European influenced”, says the owner.

“Ourfocuswasnotonproducingabright and shiny renovation,” he adds. “We kept lots of materials that had patinated, and where we did add new materials we opted for those that would settle in quickly to look like the place had been here a long > time – not just 15 years.”

Katie Sargent Design, St Kilda West, Victoria; katiesargentdesign.com.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

77

H G houses

“OUR KIDS ARE OLDER AND THEY’RE FORTUNATE TO HAVE THEIR OWN SPACE AND SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE.”

THE PALET TE

Porter’s Paints Plaster of Paris (interior walls)

78 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Porter’s Paints Squid Ink (kitchen shelves)

Porter’s Paints River Stone (windows and doors)

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Homeowner

THE LAYOUT

Entry Bed

Bed Bath

Bath

Formal living

Garage

Bath Bed

Formal dining Bed Bath

Pantry

Cellar Gym/ games room Bath

Home cinema

Family

Kitchen Bath

Kitchenette

Dining

Bed

Lower ground Pool Cabana

First floor

Ground floor

MAIN BEDROOM A custom armchair is

positioned beneath an artwork from Coastal Living. Cushion in a Ralph Lauren fabric. Habitat Collection recycled-fibre carpet in Siren Tria, Bremworth. SON’S BEDROOM Opposite This room was painted a colour that was custom mixed to match a Restoration Hardware paint the family had seen in the US. The bed and bedside drawers are from Weylandts (now closed) and bedding from Cultiver.

An Anchor Rope pendant from Fat Shack Vintage has been fitted with a shade custom-made in a Lilièvre Paris fabric. >

H G houses

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING “We were going for a rustic, Mediterranean look here,” says Katie. “The existing sandstone tiles

were kept, but we painted the walls a custom Bauwerk colour and installed a new kitchen carcass and bench seat made with reclaimed bricks we painted white.” Ash Grey engineered-stone benchtop, Quantum Quartz. Snow Bejmat zellige splashback tiles from Tiles of Ezra, installed by Ireland Tiling. Outdoor table, Jati Furniture. Outdoor chairs, Coco Republic.

80 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

THIS IS THE LIFE

The outdoor kitchen that was in place when the family bought the house was really “just an added bonus”, says the homeowner. It had basic kitchen facilities that had seen better days.

Not so now: traditional brickwork is paired with rustic materials to create an appealing multifunctional zone the family is drawn to year-round. A grapevine planted by the owners thrives here and adds colour, shade and movement to the space. >

H G houses

POOL AREA “We did the landscaping ourselves,” says the owner. “It’s intended to appear slightly

overgrown and mysterious.” Outdoor chairs from Jati provide a sunny outlook over the tiled pool.

Javanese bronze rain drum with rainforest frogs, Kazari+Ziguzagu.

82 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

1 Trapeze 7 Mobile pendant light by Gabriel Hendifar, POA, Criteria. 2 Arcisan ‘Axus’ wall-mounted tap set in Rose Gold PVD, $369, Harvey Norman. 3 You stood still

across the table from me artwork by Chanel Tobler.

1

4 Botta marble table (35x85cm), $10,145, Greg Natale.

5 Excess vase by Cassie Hansen, $250, Curatorial+Co. 6 Willem dining chair, $1249/pair, LivingStyles.

7 Valentine vessel by Simone Bodmer-Turner, POA, Criteria. 8 Malmo 2-seater outdoor sofa, $2995, Coco Republic. 9 Relais stackable armchair, from $2250, Janus et Cie. 10 Long Seed platter in Chalk Swirl, $295, Dinosaur Designs. 11 Aeyre ‘Coro’ mugs, $69/pair, Reliquia Collective. 12 Pillar coffee table, $649, House

of Orange. For Where to Buy, see page 200. #

2 3 10 9

THE SOURCE Th modern Mediterranean home embra The aces soft, organic shapes and magnificent materrials.

8

4

11 12

Produced by Saffron Sylvester.

5

6 7

S T Y L E COUNSEL

Plans for a cosmetic revamp of this late-Victorian terrace evolved into a whole-house makeover that truly restored its splendour – and then some.

STO RY Carli Philips | ST Y L I N G Rhiannon Orr | P HOTOG R A PHY Jack Lovel

houses H G GROUND-FLOOR LIVING Zanotta

‘William’ sofa and Metalarte ‘Inout’ floor lamp, both Space. Elephant sculpture by Geoffrey Ricardo, Australian Galleries.

Lasvit ‘Neverending Glory’ pendant light, Living Edge. Custom coffee table. Jewel rug, Bayliss. STREET ENTRANCE Dating back to the late 19th century, the ornate terrace is a fine example of the Boom Style architecture unique to inner-city Melbourne.

The wrought-iron trims, chequerboard path tiles and decorative cornicing are original elements that the owners restored.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

85

H G houses

I

t may be a relatively small claim to fame, but this elegant 19th-century house is among Melbourne’s first Boom Style terraces. It’s also significant for its ‘widow’s walk’, a turret named for the mariners’ wives who waited there anxiously for ships to return to shore. These features were just some of the attractions that drew Fiona Mason and James Kelly to the three-level property in 2018.

Inside, however, the decor hadn’t been touched for 20 years, which left the home feeling tired overall. Cautious of the home’s heritage overlays that prohibited any alterations to the exterior, Fiona and James planned to give the terrace a simple cosmetic refresh. But with the assistance of architect Penny Kinsella, the couple realised more was achievable than they first thought. “Penny showed us that we could open up some spaces so light could penetrate from front to back. Her vision was amazing,” says Fiona.

Typical of townhouses of this style and era, the lowerground floor is accessed via a separate entrance two metres below street level. Unsurprisingly, the subterranean location made the entire lower-ground floor extremely dark. >

86 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

KITCHEN Above and opposite Carrara marble benchtops, Corsi & Nicolai. All-In-One HydroTap, Zip. Barazzo Cubo under-bench sink,

Abey. Island painted Dulux Natural White, wall-side joinery painted Dulux Grey Pail. Normann Copenhagen ‘Bell’ pendant lights, Huset. Stools from Ebay. Painting by Yvette Swan. Platter, Mud Australia. GROUND-FLOOR LIVING Antonio Citterio ‘Kalos’ armchair, Space. Original marble fireplace and reconditioned cast-iron insert. Custom coffee table. Wall bees by Richard Stringer.

Painting by Alyce Bailey, Handmark Gallery. Jewel rug, Bayliss. DINING Dining table, Miguel Meirelles Antiques. Chairs, Roy’s Antiques.

Rabbit sculptures by Peter McLisky. Zakkia ‘Podium’ plant pot from Ivy Muse. Lasvit ‘Neverending Glory’ pendant light, Living Edge. Original Baltic pine flooring. B&B Italia ‘Button’ side table and Antonio Citterio ‘Kalos’ armchair, both Space.

“The brief was for light, light, and more light,” says Fiona.

And thanks to Penny’s clever replanning of the layout within the existing footprint, Fiona got her wish.

By switching out the solid front door in favour of a steelframed glass one, Penny created an uninterrupted line of sight all the way through to the study and garden at the rear. She also installed skylights to draw as much natural light as possible into rooms without windows, such as the ensuite to the guestroom on this floor. “Skylights are a great solution for drawing light into dark spaces and they’re really affordable,” says Penny. “The light here is fantastic and the revisedarrangementofroomsworksbeautifully,”saysFiona.

“The home office, which overlooks the pool, was a hotly contested spot during lockdown.” Further down the corridor, the one-metre opening between the living room and library was enlarged to three metres wide and fitted with a set of steel-framed glass doors. A couple of steps down leads to a second study. “I never imagined the basement could be so completely transformed,” says Fiona.

Pennyessentiallyreconstructedthebasementbyremoving some jarring columns and replacing them with visually lighter steel beams. Airconditioning ducts were stripped >

houses H G

LOWER-GROUND LIVING Steel-framed doors by Aplo. Prostoria ‘Cloud’ sofa,

Collective Furniture. Erik Jorgensen ‘Insula’ coffee tables, Cult Design. Icelandic sheepskins, Hides of Excellence. Iceland rug, Bayliss Rugs. Artworks by Nick Goodwolf (above sofa), Graham Fransella (near door) and Fiona Mason (pencil sculpture). STAIRWELL VJ cladding was installed over the original brick walls leading from the basement to the ground floor. “Partly as a design detail, partly to conceal a multitude of sins,” says Penny. For similar cladding, try Easycraft. Douglas fir solid-plank flooring, Dinesen.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

89

H G houses

out in order to raise the ceiling height, and a few arches removed to create clear expanses of wall to accommodate the couple’s extensive contemporary art collection – some pieces by Fiona herself. As the basement lacked any significant decorative elements, Fiona surmises that it may oncehavebeentheservants’quarters.“Wehadmorefreedom here because there were very few features worth salvaging,” says Penny. Now decorated in Scandi-style white and limewashedtimber–withthosebeautifulartworksdelivering pops of colour – the overall feel of this basement level is simultaneously fresh, refined and relaxed.

On the ground level, where the terrace’s heritage features were largely intact, Penny planned to keep the rooms formal to showcase the architecture. It also made sense that the furnishings here were more traditional in style. To improve the connection and flow on this floor, Penny cut a secondary doorway between the separate kitchen and adjacent dining and living areas. While Fiona had wanted a colourful kitchen, Penny convinced her to paint the cabinetry a muted hue, Dulux Grey Pail, to reference the decor on the lower-ground floor and to provide a clean, neutral backdrop for their art. “Previously, the kitchen was cut off from the rest of the house but now it reads as an integrated space with views to the city skyline and the gardens,” says Fiona. “There’s always food and cups of tea on the go and it’s a very happy place to be.”

On the first floor, Penny focused on the main bedroom suite. The furniture was reoriented to make the fireplace the focus. Existing built-in cabinetry was removed to create more circulation space and a door to the dressing room filled in. “There’s new panelling and a concealed door to the dressing room near the stairs,” says Penny. “It’s actually left open most of the time as there is a lovely view as you approach the room, plus it brings a lot of light into the circulation space.” Elsewhere upstairs there are another two bedrooms, a sitting room and bathroom.

“Penny has an extraordinary eye for design,” says Fiona.

“The house is a joy to come home to.” > Penny Kinsella Architects, Toorak, Victoria; pennykinsellaarchitects.com.au. Mirabuild, Hawthorn, Victoria; mirabuild.com.au.

LIBRARY Zanotta ‘Maggiolina’ lounge chairs and Gubi

‘Grasshopper’ floor lamp, all Cult Design. Prostoria Polygon low table, Collective Furniture. The fire surround is made from Bedonia limestone from Artedomus; the chimneybreast is polished plaster. European oak-veneer joinery. Artwork at left by Mark Schaller. Rug, Tretford. Steel-framed doors by Aplo.

90 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

THE LAYOUT

Deck Deck Meals Bed

Library

Kitchen

Study

Sitting Bath Dining

Bed

Living Bath Bath

Bed Living

Bed Entry

Dressing

Laundry

Entry First floor

Lower ground Ground floor

THIS IS THE LIFE

Fiona cites the attention to detail, especially in terms of the finishes, as one of her favourite features of the beautifully renovated townhouse. “We absolutely love the house and its newfound abundance of natural light,” says Fiona.

“You can always find a place to sit in the sun and there are views to the city skyline from the kitchen. Its proximity to the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria and Fawkner Park is fantastic too.”

THE PALET TE

Dulux Vivid White (exterior)

Dulux Black (front door)

Dulux Grey Pail (kitchen joinery)

MAIN BEDROOM The fireplace is an original feature that has been restored.

Artwork by Joanna Logue from Scott Livesey Galleries. Throw, Mondopiero.

Theory rug, Bayliss Rugs. On mantel (from left) ceramic from Ivy Muse; smoky quartz; ceramic by Amy Lee Worthy. MAIN ENSUITE Above right Custom vanity with Carrara marble benchtop from Corsi & Nicolai. Carrara marble wall tiles, Buckley Ceramics. Eccentric tapware, Falper Ciotola basin, Falper Ciotola bath and Zero 55 toilet, all Rogerseller. Custom wall mirror. GUEST ENSUITE Right Carrara marble vanity, Corsi & Nicolai. Eccentric tapware, Rogerseller. Cloche wall light by Porcelain Bear. Custom mirror designed by Penny Kinsella. Wall tiles, Tiento Tiles. Ceramic vessel by Adele Jade. Hand towel, The Lab Organics.

92 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

HOUSES H G

2

1

3 12

Produced by Saffron Sylvester. Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

4

THE SOURCE 11

There’s nothing finer than designer: pick out pieces that draw gasps for their beauty and ingenuity.

5 10 6

9 8

7

1 Normann Copenhagen ‘Bell’ pendant light, from $562, Top3 by Design. 2 Elders Path artwork

by Colin Pennock, Scott Livesey Galleries.

3 Zanotta ‘Maggiolina’ lounge chair, from $10,300, Cult Design. 4 Halfway wall sculpture

by Mo Cornelisse, $3481.70, 1stDibs. 5 Posh Domaine wall mirror (75cm diameter), $248, Reece. 6 Aspect electric kettle, $169, Morphy Richards. 7 SPM (wasabi) artwork by Tim Woodward, Darren Knight Gallery. 8 Duvivier ‘Allure’ armchair, $2295, Domo. Akari 14A light sculpture by Isamu Noguchi, $1895, Living Edge.

10 Koishi coffee tables by Jean-Marie Massaud, POA, Poliform. 11 Asymmetry #21.071 vessel by Kerryn Levy, $800, Curatorial+Co. 12 Jamaica stool by Pepe Cortes, $1255, 1stDibs.

For Where to Buy, see page 200. #

Let there be light Thanks to a considered upgrade, this early 1900s cottage makes the most of its compact lot in sweet, sophisticated style.

STORY Jackie Brygel | STY LI N G Mikayla Rose PHOTOGR AP HY Martina Gemmola

FRONT ENTRANCE Newly restored and freshly painted in Dulux Natural White, the Edwardian-era worker’s cottage looks as good as new.

Lysaght Custom Orb roofing in Surfmist. Ash bench, Project 82. Bluestone pavers.

HOUSES H G

THIS IS THE LIFE

While Bridie and Justin’s home may be just a quick tram ride to the CBD, a relaxed haven unfolds beyond the front door. “It’s incredibly quiet here, but we’re also so close to our favourite cafes and lots of buzzing eateries,” says Bridie. “The parks are great for our beloved labrador Barkley and will be wonderful places to visit with our baby, Archer, as he grows up.

It’s the perfect location for our little family.”

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

95

any renovations turn up the unexpected. But not every journey unveils such a sweet surprise as the one Melbourne homeowners Bridie and Justin uncovered: a magical view of the city skyline and, on clear nights, the moon, from the landing that leads to their new upstairs retreat. “Every time I walk up to our bedroom, I pause on the stairs for a few seconds to take it all in,” says Bridie. “It’s a very special view and a wonderful bonus of the renovation.”

Certainly, though, the couple were confident they were in good hands when they engaged Mikayla Rose, principal designer and director of Heartly, and her team to reimagine their home. “The house, a singlefronted Edwardian brick cottage, sits on a 136-square-metre block in a narrow one-way street surrounded by cobbled laneways,” says Mikayla.

“The home had been tidied up, with a lean-to added at some stage, but it was very tired. The walls seemed paper thin and it was very cold – very difficult to live in during winter. Bridie and Justin wanted to substantially renovate and extend the house.”

As well as improving its liveability, Bridie and Justin were keen to stamp their personality on the place. And that they definitely did. “We bought the house in 2014, just after we got married, and started thinking about the renovation a year or so later,” says Bridie. “We knew we >

96 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

houses H G KITCHEN/DINING Conehome Arch pendant light, Laal. The splashback is Elba

marble; the floating shelf and kickboard are made from recycled brick. Silestone benchtops in Blanco Zeus Extreme. Icon sink mixer, Astra Walker. Kubus under-mount sinks, Franke. Raft stools by &Tradition. Stove and integrated fridge, Fisher & Paykel. Cabinet hardware, MadeMeasure. Flute wall light, Anchor Ceramics. Banquette upholstered in Pelle Leathers Ascona Caribou. Dining bench storage clad in Laminex Oyster Grey. Custom dining table by Joel Elliot. Seb dining chairs, Jardan. The balustrade is made from powdercoated-steel mesh.

“ W E WA N T E D T H E H O U S E TO BE AS LIGHT AND BRIGHT AS I T C O U L D P O S S I B LY B E .”

Bridie, homeowner

THE LAYOUT

Kitchen Living

Bath

Dining

Bed

Wardrobe Bath First floor Bed

Entry

Bed

Ground floor

houses H G

LIVING The glass-walled internal

courtyard funnels natural light into the ground-floor living spaces.

Artwork by Stuart Cantor. Custom sideboard clad in American oak veneer. Alison lounge chair, Trit House. Zaza sofa, King. Sidney coffee table, Jardan. Rug, Armadillo. Volley chair by Adam Goodrum (in courtyard), Tait. STAIRWELL Engineered-timber flooring in Pale Oak, Woodcut.

could give it a new lease on life but really wanted to live in the house and get a good feel for it first.” After the design was finalised in 2019, building works commenced in May 2020 with Bridie, Justin and their rumbunctious labrador, Barkley, moving temporarily into a rental apartment nearby.

Just six months later, the transformation of the couple’s beloved home – one that delivers lashings of natural light and space – was complete. While the heritage rooms facing the street have been carefully restored to reflect the cottage’s architectural past, a luminous two-level addition that wraps around two north-facing courtyards ushers in a beguiling new chapter for the property.

“Bridie and Justin had a strong vision for the interior aesthetic, and we embraced that wholeheartedly,” says Mikayla. “We were very much on the same page, so they felt confident allowing us creative licence to come up with unique ideas within their broad brief. Together with the builder, Jordan Ames of ACS Builders, we really had a dream team working on the project.”

This home now puts every centimetre of this compact block to good use too. But perhaps best of all, this is a home in which comfort comes to the fore, one that adapts efficiently to the ever-changeable Melbourne climate. “The concrete slab of the extension and northern orientation of the windows creates thermal efficiency, which is boosted by doubleglazing with ‘thermally broken’ frames,” says Mikayla. “This type of frame is really important for double-glazing as it separates the glass from the surrounding material – often aluminium, which is a >

“ M A K I N G T H E M O S T O F T H E L I M I T E D S PAC E WA S PA R A M O U N T. E AC H A R E A N E E D E D TO B E S U P E R F U N C T I O N A L A N D H AV E A M P L E S TO R AG E .” Mikayla Rose, interior designer

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

99

THE PALET TE

Haymes Paint Black Pitch (front door)

Dulux Blossom Time

T H E PA L E T T E O F G R E Y, W H I T E , OA K A N D BLUSH IMBUES TH E IN TERI ORS W ITH A S E R E N E A N D S O P H I S T I C AT E D V I B E .

MAIN BEDROOM Above and right Bed, Koala. Eggcup stool,

Mark Tuckey. Calo pendant light, Klaylife. Everest carpet, Victoria Carpets. MAIN ENSUITE Above right and opposite Inax 50 wall tiles in Pink, Artedomus. Matt White wall tiles and LEA London Grey floor tiles, Signorino. Custom shelf unit and vanity.

The vanity benchtop is Elba marble. Icon basin and shower tapware, Astra Walker. Basin, Studio Bagno. Flute wall light, Anchor Ceramics. Artwork by Annie Everingham. >

100 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Dulux Natural White (throughout)

houses H G

H G HOUSES ARCHER’S ROOM Little Lion Cub art print, Olive et Oriel. Muuto ‘Around’ coffee table, Living Edge. Darling 1.5-seater sofa, James Lane. Cabinet pull, MadeMeasure. Carpet, Victoria Carpets. MAIN BATHROOM Right and below Inax ‘Nuances’ mosaic tiles, Artedomus. Matt White wall tiles and LEA London Grey floor tiles, Signorino. Vivid Slimline rail shower and tapware, Phoenix Tapware. Kado ‘Lux Petite’ freestanding bath, Reece. Good One stool by Alastair Keating, Tait. Custom wall shelf and vanity. Elba marble is used for the vanity benchtop and at the rear of the bottom shelf. Wall hook, Anchor Ceramics.

good conductor of heat and cold. The ‘break’ ensures there is no thermal transfer between the glass and its frame, and therefore no heat gain or loss.”

Throughout, cloud-like Elba marble is teamed with tactile oak, leather and polished concrete, with pretty accents of blush pink for warmth.

This scheme imbues the interiors with a serene and sophisticated vibe.

“Bridie and Justin love this palette. It works beautifully to create a very calming space,” says Mikayla. “My team and I really enjoy working with heritage buildings. The challenge of restoring original details and breathing new life into an old space to create a home for modern living, without losing the character and patina of years gone by. I love the way it’s all come together here.”

As does Bridie. “We wanted the house to be as light and bright as it possibly could be, and we’re just thrilled with the result,” she says. “The house, with the concrete floor in the new downstairs living area, is also surprisingly robust and easy to maintain.”

With the vision brought to fruition, all that remains is for Bridie, Justin and their new baby Archer to relish their time as a young family in the home. “During the renovation, I went to bed at night dreaming of the finished product and how we would live in the house,” says Bridie. “It’s even better than I could have imagined. It was definitely worth the wait.”

Heartly, Abbotsford, Victoria; 0447 006 449 or heartly.com.au.

ACS Builders, Melbourne, Victoria; acsbuilders.com.au.

102 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

1 4

2

6

5 3

15 14

7

THE SOURCE A compact footprint calls for smart pieces that have strong lines yet still sit lightly.

8 9

13

Produced by Saffron Sylvester.

10

1 Luxury vinyl flooring in Burnished Concrete, POA, Polyflor. 2 Smeg TSF02WHAU 50s Retro 4-slice toaster, $269, Winning Appliances. 3 Full Circle ‘Tidy’

12

dish cloths, $12.95/three, Howards Storage World.

4 Hee lounge chair, $475, Hay. 5 Inax ‘Accordi G’ tiles, POA, Artedomus. 6 Woud ‘Annular’ pendant light, $699, Southwood. 7 Salt and Sky VIII photographic print

by Brooke Holm, from $1850, Modern Times. 8 Grand Pauline candleholder, $79, Maison Balzac. 9 Lola James

11

Harper ‘The Coffee Shop of JP’ candle, $79, Libertine Parfumerie. 10 SPO1 ‘Holland’ dining table by Metrica, $7145, Space. 11 Kartell ‘Shanghai’ vase by Mario Bellini, $330, Space. 12 Tash, Curved and Comb (from left) decorative bricks by Austral Bricks, POA, Brickworks. 13 Cesello wall-mounted tap set, from $1850, Abey. 14 Alta stool, $290, MCM House.

15 LSA International vessel (35cm), $400, Amara.

For Where to Buy, see page 200. #

H G houses LIVING Sliding doors by K&R Contractors. Sofa from Harvey Norman. Pink and white vase, Studio Mulders. Sketch

‘Nysse’ chair and ‘Kile’ coffee tables, all Kartique. Beni M’rit Berber rug, Temple Fine Rugs. Books, Boffins Books.

STREET ENTRANCE Owner-designers Kerry and Simon Jacobs designed the combined balustrade/seating/planters from Corian and merbau. Letterbox, Arko Furniture. Zincalume roofing.

Double take A striking addition to a once-derelict Perth cottage delivered a dramatically different old-meets-new home.

STO RY Jackie Brygel | ST Y L I N G Anna Flanders | P H OTO G RA PHY Dion Robeson

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

105

H G houses

ou could say it’s not typical for a house to have its own name, let alone two of them. But the artfully reborn inner-city Perth home of award-winning building designerKerryJacobsandherinterior-architect husband Simon is anything but run of the mill.

“Wecallitthe‘VeiledHouse’becauseofthealuminium ‘veil’ that wraps around the upper floor,” says Kerry, who with Simon heads boutique building and interior design practice, JUO. “But almost everyone in the neighbourhood seems to know our dog, Poppy, by name, so they just call it ‘Poppy’s House’.”

Both names have meaning and are reflective of the somewhat yin and yang nature of the house – the new and the old, the small and the big.

“The house has something of a split personality to its structure, so its two different names are indicative of its design and soul,” Kerry says.

Also true is that what was once a severely dilapidated circa-1908 worker’s cottage sitting on a compact 316-square-metre plot of

106 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

KITCHEN Splashback, island fascia and benchtops in Corian Rain Cloud. Liano Nexus tapware, Caroma. All appliances from Winning

Appliances. Joinery by Shepherd Craft Furniture. The black joinery is finished in Eveneer Ravenna, white joinery is 2-pack polyurethane.

Cabinet pulls, MadeMeasure. Pendant light from Sii Light. Brass planter (used as vase), Kartique. Breadboard, Simon Johnson.

Knife set, Georg Jensen. Mortar and pestle by Tom Dixon, available from Living Edge. Herringbone flooring, Austim (throughout).

THIS IS THE LIFE

It’s only a short stroll from Kerry and Simon’s home to Perth’s busy city centre, yet the redesigned house feels a world removed from the hustle and bustle of a lively metropolis.

The veiled first floor and brick garage protect the property’s interior living zones, creating a cocooning effect for this couple and their children. “Between the roof garden and courtyard, we can enjoy green spaces and views from every angle,” says Kerry.

land has been transformed by Kerry into a stylish and spacious home for her young family.

“The cottage had been deemed uninhabitable when we bought it,” she says. “It was in terribly poor condition, without proper wiring. But we loved the location and the fact that the home had views of the CBD. The cottage is triple-brick and therefore incredibly solid. And I’ve always been really interested in heritage structures from an environmental, as well as a character and soul, point of view.”

Transformed over two stages, with the family living in the original wing during the construction of the two-level extension, this is a home brimming with purposeful features. Above all, it’s a house that Kerry and Simon – who are expecting another child in December – relish sharing with their six-year-old daughter Ella, two-year-old son Harrison, and, of course, Poppy the West Highland terrier.

“It was almost like Simon was the client with this project,” says Kerry. “He was adamant that the finished product wouldn’t look >

cold and architectural. He wanted all of the spaces to feel homely and function very well.”

Sympathetically renovated to accommodate the couple’s main bedroom suite and home office, as well as a family bathroom and powder room, the restored cottage is dramatically linked to the striking new wing. Enveloped by a leafy courtyard, the addition houses the open-plan kitchen and living space and, on the upper level, a roomy children’s wing.

“The extension is contrasting but complementary to the original cottage in terms of the material and colour tones,” says Kerry. “Our approach has always been that if you want to architecturally respect what something is representing, then you shouldn’t try to mimic it. I do feel that the stories that come with these historic buildings are not something that you can try to recreate.”

Delightfully, too, surprises present at every turn. There’s the glazed walkway providing a light-drenched junction between old and new, as well as the drama of the newly exposed original red-brick wall – once the plastered rear exterior of the cottage – in the bright and breezy communal domain. Not to mention the rather remarkable garage structure, complete with a floor-toceiling glass door and a roof garden designed by Gavin Hicks of Hicks Horticulture, that doubles as a ‘display cabinet’ for Simon’s cherished vintage Mercedes. >

108 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

houses H G

COURTYARD Clear sightlines ensure each element of the home’s story can be read at once. LIVING/DINING Doors leading to under-stair

storage were painted with blackboard paint. Door pull, MadeMeasure.

White sofa, Harvey Norman. Sketch ‘Portobella’ sofa (grey), ‘Kile’ coffee tables and assorted cushions, all Kartique. Rug, Temple Fine Rugs. Dining setting, Stylecraft. KITCHEN Homeowners and award-winning design duo, Kerry and Simon Jacobs. Ilse Crawford jug, Georg Jensen.

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

H G houses

110 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

ELLA’S ROOM Bed, This Little Love. Bedlinen

and cushions, Remedy. Drawers, Ikea. Tepee, Uber & Klein. Child’s table and chairs, Kmart.

Ceiling fan, Big Ass Fans. Rug, Temple Fine Rugs. GARDEN Simon, baby Harrison and Poppy the West Highland terrier play in the shade of a mature snow pear tree (Pyrus nivalis).

Magis ‘Puppy’ stool, available from Dedece.

Outdoor lounger, Remedy. UPSTAIRS BATHROOM Custom mirrored cabinet. Vanity in Cleaf Yosemite Aquamarine. Tapware and basin, Caroma. Platter, Kartique. Pot plant, Little Leaf Co. Brushes, Remedy. Wall and floor tiles, Original Ceramics. Throw, Pure Linen.

STAIRWELL This stairway, on the west side of the house, acts as a thermal chimney and has views of the garden, veil, roof garden, laneway and street beyond. Wall lights, Mondoluce. >

THE PALET TE Murobond Paint Just White (living/dining, first floor)

Dulux Purpura (exterior)

Dulux Limed White Half (original cottage walls)

H G houses This is also an energy-efficient home that responds with ease to the warm Perth climate. “Environmentally, we can open the sliding doors in the new extension which sweeps a very effective breeze through the link, across the open-plan space and up the thermal chimney created by the staircase in the summer months,” says Kerry. “All of the upstairs bedrooms face due north and enjoy beautiful light all year round, with the overhang protecting the full-height glazing downstairs. A lot of calculations were done to maximise the natural potential of the weather to heat and cool the spaces.”

For Kerry and Simon, this renovation project was simultaneously acutely personal and an ambitious design challenge. It’s first and foremost a beautiful, liveable and supremely comfortable home for their young family. It has also ushered their heritage cottage, once in dire need of an intervention, into an exciting new era. > JUO, Perth, WA; 0421 378 225 or juo.com.au.

THE LAYOUT

Laundry

Garage

Courtyard

Bed

Bed Bath

Living

Bed Kitchen

Dining

Ensuite

First floor Bath

Bed Entry

Study

Ground floor

“ T HE UP STA I RS B E DR OO MS FAC E DU E NORTH A N D HAVE B E AU TI FU L L I GH T A L L YE A R R OUN D, W I TH T H E OV E R HA N G P R OTEC T ING T HE F ULL - H E IG H T GL A Z IN G D OWN STA I RS .”

Kerry Jacobs, building designer and homeowner

DOWNSTAIRS BATHROOM Artwork by Barney Ellaga from Linton &

Kay Galleries. Bath, Victoria+Albert. Tapware, Reece. Stool, Empire Homewares. Antique Males prayer rug, Temple Fine Rugs. Throw, Remedy. Marble vessels and Salus bathroom products, all Kartique.

MAIN BEDROOM Pendant light, Brass Decor. Green drawers, Zenith Interiors. Stone-washed silk kilim, Temple Fine Rugs. Bedding, Pure Linen. Marble and metal side table, Kartique. Devil’s ivy, Little Leaf Co. STUDY Original mantelpiece. Artwork by Ken Done from Linton & Kay Galleries. Ceramic vases, Studio Mulders. Glass vase with brass stand, cushions and throw, all Kartique. Floor lamp, Empire Homewares.

Potted Dracaena, Little Leaf Co. Sofa, Baker & Shuhandler. The coffee table is made from a tray found at Angove Street Collective on top of a decorative base salvaged from the cottage. Rug, Temple Fine Rugs.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

113

H G HOUSES

EXTERIOR “The metal ‘veil’ that wraps around first floor is multifunctional,” says Kerry. “It brings an organic form to the mass of the building, adds visual interest, houses lighting and provides privacy screening and shade for the north-facing rooms.” GARAGE/LAUNDRY Featuring glass sliding doors on the internal side, the garage functions as a showcase for Simon’s treasured vintage Mercedes. Plants from the roof garden by Hicks Horticulture spill over the brickwork, adding colour, texture and softening the sharp lines of the architecture.

1 2 3

11

4 5

THE SOURCE Texture and tonality team up to create warmth in a home where old and new coexist happily.

Produced by Saffron Sylvester. Photograph by Josh Bentley (8).

6

9 10 1 Kenza wool rug (160x230cm), $599, Freedom.

2 Carson sideboard, $1399, Brosa. 3 Florence floor lamp, $429, Domayne. 4 Merwyn sofa by Sebastian Herkner, from $8185, Domo. 5 Stone

pestle and mortar by Tom Dixon, $355, Living Edge. 6 Yam Dreaming artwork by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, $22,000, Cooee Art. 7 &Tradition ‘Fly SC10’ easy chair, from $4510, Cult Design.

8 Fuze sculpture by Luke Ryan O’Connor, Artereal Gallery. 9 Studio 1 ‘Windsor’ clawfoot bath, $999, Harvey Norman. 10 Cascade 30571 dual shower, $1261, Faucet Strommen.

11 Transitional Styled bunker light, $239, Lighting Collective. For Where to Buy, see page 200. #

8 7 AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

115

H G houses

116 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

FOYER The decorative archway is original to the house. “It had some fairly significant cracks but has been beautifully restored by the builders,” says interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones. Mauritius chandelier, Gypset Cargo. Rug and console table, both Beachwood.

STREET ENTRANCE The roof is Colorbond in Shale Grey.

Sandstone cladding and bluestone cobblestones, Barefoot Living.

Landscaping by ED Landscapes.

Practical M AGIC

Thanks to a family-focused makeover, this Federation beauty in Sydney’s east is all set for a lifetime of laidback living.

STO RY Georgia Madden | ST Y L I N G Samantha Torrisi P H OTOG R A P HY Sue Stubbs

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

117

H G houses ith soft, coastal colours and an abundance of natural light flooding in from all angles, this renovated Federation home in Sydney’s east is a far cry from its former self. “It was a beautiful old house with lots of character, including high ceilings and stunning arches in the living area and hallway, but it was dark, rundown and in need of a refresh.Ithadbeenrenovatedseveralyearsbeforewithanew kitchen and bathrooms, but they were already dated,” says SallyRhys-Jones,theinterior architect tasked with breathing new life into the home.

Located just a few steps from Tamarama Beach, this lovely house is home to a couple and their three surf-loving sons.

“We loved the feel of it straight away, but we needed more space. Plus, the main bedroom was in a converted attic accessed via a very steep and impractical staircase,” says the owner. “We wanted a more family-friendly layout, with separate bedrooms for each of the boys and a second living room where they could hang out with their friends. We were keen to keep some of the original features, like the archways, and not lose the feel of the home we first fell in love with.”

Architect Joanna Lukaszewicz drew up plans to extend the ground floor to accommodate a light-filled open-plan kitchen/dining area, a butler’s pantry and bathroom. The original bedroom at the front of the house was turned into amediaroom/retreatfortheboys.Upstairs,theatticbedroom anditspocket-size ensuitemade way for a new second storey with four bedrooms, three bathrooms (two of them ensuites to the main bedroom), as well as a study and a laundry.

Having admired Sally’s work on Instagram, the owner approached her in 2019 to design and detail the home’s >

KITCHEN Kitchen design by Rhys/Jones Interior Architecture. Joinery

by Blank Joinery, painted Dulux Angora Blue (island) and Dulux Lexicon Half (wall-side cabinets). Quantum Quartz benchtops in Alpine White.

Splashback tiles, Tiles by Kate. Perrin & Rowe ‘Io’ mixer tap, The English Tapware Company. Cooktop, Miele. Normann Copenhagen ‘Bell’ pendant lights, Huset. Selby barstools, Canvas+Sasson. Engineeredtimber flooring in Stoney Grey from Woodcut (throughout).

THIS IS THE LIFE

“We love entertaining here,” says the owner. “The kitchen is an easy area to hang out in, especially with the bar nook so handy.”

Being just five minutes’ walk from the beach, the area scores top points for this outgoing, outdoors-loving family too. “There are lots of other kids in the street for the boys to hang out with,” adds the owner.

“They’re always together, down the beach for a surf or skating around the neighbourhood.”

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

119

H G houses interiors. “We immediately got on like a house on fire,” says Sally. “I altered the floor plan slightly to improve the flow and made some minor adjustments to make it more functional for the family’s needs, such as taking some space from the butler’s pantry to accommodate a built-in bar in the kitchen that can be hidden behind a barn-style sliding door when not in use – a feature the owners really appreciate when they entertain,” she says.

Sally then turned her attention to the interior palette and furnishings. “The owner wanted a simple and sophisticated coastal look with lots of beautiful textures, but was keen not to veer into cliched Hamptons territory,” she says. Given the family’s active lifestyle, tough, easy-care finishes were a must. “Every element had to be hardwearing, easy to look after and super practical. We decided not to use natural stone or anything too precious,” says Sally.

A palette of dusty blue, soft grey, natural timber and acres of white created the laidback, luxe-coastal feel the owner was after, and speaks to the home’s coastal setting. Texture has been introduced in clever ways throughout the home.

In the bathrooms, terrazzo, zellige tiles and marble-look engineered stone are artfully layered. V-groove panelling is usedonthecabinetryinthekitchen,bathroomsandhallway, with more formal Shaker-style cabinetry in the living area.

“Mixingjoinerystylescanaddrealdepth and visual interest,” says Sally. “There are no rules.”

The much-loved heritage arches were carefully restored and repainted, and now play a starring role in the new scheme. “I love combining original features with a more contemporary look in this way – it’s always a great way to tell the story of a home,” says Sally.

In the kitchen, where the family spendsalotofitstime,Sallydesigned “MIXING JOINERY STYLES CAN ADD REAL DEPTH a generous multifunctional island.

The sink and cooktop are installed AND VISUAL INTEREST. THERE ARE NO RULES.” ontherearbenchtoptoensurethere’s Sally Rhys-Jones, interior architect a clear expanse of benchtop for entertainingorforthekidstodotheir homework, she explains. The island is topped with Quantum Quartz, an engineered stone selected for its durability and minimal upkeep, which extends about 30 centimetres over theedgesoftheislandateitherend.“Littletoucheslikethese are cost-effective and can make a big impact,” says Sally.

ENTRY Mauritius chandelier, Gypset Cargo. Rug and console table, With all the space they require in one beautiful, familyboth Beachwood. Vase and baskets, all Provincial Home Living. Dish, friendly package, the owners are settled in for the long haul.

Handmade Ceramic Market. The entry path is made from bluestone “The house feels bright, relaxed and spacious – it’s the sort bricks from Barefoot Living, laid by ED Landscapes. Planter from The Pot Warehouse. KITCHEN/DINING Opposite, top and bottom left The of home you never want to leave.” > barn door leads to a butler’s pantry to the left and bar nook at right.

Rhys/Jones Interior Architecture, Mona Vale, NSW; Double oven, Miele. Normann Copenhagen ‘Bell’ pendant lights, sallyrhysjones.com. Joanna Lukaszewicz Architect, Coogee, Huset. Selby barstools, Canvas+Sasson. Piana dining chairs, MCM NSW; (02) 9315 7152 or jlarchitect.com.au. Virtue Projects, House. BAR NOOK Opposite bottom right Vintec wine fridge, Waverley, NSW; 0407 245 468 or virtueprojects.com.au. available from Harvey Norman.

120 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

H G houses DINING Classique dining table, Globe West. Piana dining chairs, MCM House.

Curtains by Nuevue Window Furnishings. Custom sideboard. Vases on sideboard from McMullin & Co (large) and Provincial Home living (small). STAIRWELL Print from Beachwood. Runner, Armadillo. For similar V-groove cladding, try Easycraft.

HIS ENSUITE Duomo Piccolo wall sconce by Nightworks Studio. Moroccan Zellige wall tiles, Tiles by Kate. Custom vanity with Talostone Superwhite benchtop.

Brodware ‘Manhattan’ tapware, Candana. Soap and soap dish, Saardé.

LIVING A new skylight was installed to highlight the original arch. TV, Samsung.

Lamp, Provincial Home Living. Sofa, King. >

122 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

THE LAYOUT

Outdoor entertaining

Pantry

Ground floor Pool

Bath

Garage

Kitchen

Garden

Bath Dressing

Bed

Bath

Bed

Bed

Laundry

Bed

Living

Bath

First floor

Study

Dining

TV Entry room

H G houses

“IT’S THE SORT OF HOME YOU NEVER WANT TO LEAVE.” Homeowner

124 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

MAIN BEDROOM This page and opposite top

right Bed, Beachwood. Chair, More Like Me.

Rug, Armadillo. Planters, The Pot Warehouse.

Custom window treatments and cushions, all Nuevue Window Furnishings. Duomo Stem wall light, Nightworks Studio. Throw, Provincial Home Living. HER ENSUITE Opposite, top left and bottom right Brodware ‘City Plus’ tapware, Candana. Moroccan zellige wall tiles, Tiles by Kate. Fibonacci terrazzo tiles, Di Lorenzo Tiles. Niche and vanity benchtop in Talostone Superwhite.

FRONT BALCONY Bird of paradise (Strelitzia), a hardy and visually striking plant, is used judiciously throughout the garden.

Here, it’s underplanted with Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’. Planter, The Pot Warehouse. >

H G HOUSES

THE PALET TE

Dulux Natural White (interior walls)

Dulux Angora Blue (front door, kitchen island)

Dulux Silkwort (rear exterior)

“EVERY ELEMENT HAD TO BE HARDWEARING, EASY TO LOOK AFTER AND SUPER PRACTICAL – NOTHING TOO PRECIOUS.” Sally Rhys-Jones REAR DECK Above and right Outdoor sofa, armchairs and

coffee table, all from Harvey Norman. Scatter cushions, Kas Australia. Throw, Globe West. Tray, Provincial Home Living.

Outdoor rug, Beachwood. Planter, The Pot Warehouse.

LAUNDRY Wall and floor tiles, all Tiles by Kate. Washing machine and dryer, LG. Quantum Quartz benchtops in Alpine White. Brodware ‘Manhattan’ tapware, Candana.

126 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

1 Liebherr ‘Barrique’ 168-bottle wine storage cabinet, $4279, Winning Appliances. 2 Igattipardi Carolina tile (600x600mm), POA, Signorino. 3 Sierra chandelier, $1999, Attica House. 4 Britannia Sway bowl, from $140, Janus et Cie. 5 Cove coffee table, $699, Freedom. 6 BonTon tiles in Blue on White (600x600mm), POA, Signorino. 7 Gessi ‘Goccia’ basin mixer, $1236, Abey. 8 LG Series XL 14kg

1

front-loading washing machine, $1749, Harvey Norman. 9 Tulip planter, from $1415, Janus et Cie. 10 M.M Linen ‘Tusca’ towel collection, from $13/face washer to $100/bath sheet, Myer. 11 Elton outdoor cushion in Black, $49, Domayne. 12 Windsor outdoor cushion in Sand, $49, Domayne.

13 Luna dining table, $1499, Lounge Lovers.

3

2

For Where to Buy, see page 200. #

Produced by Saffron Sylvester. Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

4

5

THE SOURCE The coast is calling: blonde timbers and bursts of considered colour are the hallmarks of this look.

13 7 10 12

11

9

8

6

Reliable home Wi-Fi has never been more important, which is why we include the Telstra Smart Modem on eligible home internet plans for new customers who stay connected for 24 months. It’s backed up by Australia’s best 4G network, so if the connection to your home stops, we’ll have you back online in minutes.

Head to your local Telstra store where we have the right people committed to helping you connect to the right home internet plan.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Mobile backup is available to premises in 4G coverage areas. Check coverage at telstra.com/coverage. Your mobile backup connection is capped at 25 Mbps for downloads and 5 Mbps for uploads.

Actual speeds may be lower due to local conditions and content accessed.

G a rden s Photograph by Simon Griffiths.

Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) brings spectacular spring colour and drama to a perennial border growing along a fence at Hedgerow garden in country Victoria. To see more of this pretty cottage garden, turn the page.

P L A N T- F O C U S E D S PA C E S T H A T I N V I T E A N D D E L I G H T

C O T TAGE I N DUS T RY Pretty as a picture, with colourful beds of roses and foxgloves, this idyllic retreat in rural Victoria evokes the delights of the English country garden.

STO RY Chris Pearson | P H OTOG R A P HY Simon Griffiths

GARDENS H G

This historic brick barn is a picturesque focal point at Hedgerow garden in central Victoria. Key plantings here include a golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) to the left, ornamental grape (Vitis vinifera) climbing the front portico, common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) to the right and fragrant evergreen rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) flanking the path. A corten steel pear sculpture adds a characterful punctuation point.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

131

H G GARDENS

Feature plants _______ TREES Golden elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’) Golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) Silver birch (Betula pendula) Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ SHRUBS Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii) Snowball tree (Viburnum opulus) GROUNDCOVERS & PERENNIALS Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) Forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis) Kiss-me-quick (Centranthus ruber)

132 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Sharing this section of the garden at the far end of the Orchard Paddock are Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias subsp wulfenii), butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) and heavily scented lilac (Syringa vulgaris). OPPOSITE,

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans), lilac and Hardenbergia ‘White Out’, a white form of the popular purple-flowering happy wanderer. Sculptures, such as this Corten steel one near the barn, provide focal points throughout the garden. A bird’s-eye view of the garden, showing the Verandah Lawn beside the homestead at the top, and the Orchard Paddock with the Rose Garden in the middle.

Digiplexis ‘Berry Canary’: “These large, showy plants are a striking addition to any garden and are attractive to butterflies and bees,” says garden owner Suzanne Batch. >

H G GARDENS

A pear sculpture from Get Rusted Steel Designs sits in the centre of the herb and vegetable garden, which includes lavender, rosemary, strawberries and raspberries, as well as long-flowering Agastache ‘Pink Scepter’. OPPOSITE From top A copse of silver birch in the Orchard Paddock is underplanted with perennials such as love-in-a-mist, forget-me-not and kiss-me-quick; Tower of Strength statue by local artist Janet Cameron. Armed with her trug, owner Suzanne does the rounds of the garden, picking flowers and decorative foliage. Snowball tree (Viburnum opulus).

Beside a privet (Ligustrum spp.) hedge, a vintage garden bench, gifted to Suzanne by the property’s previous owners, provides a spot for quiet contemplation.

L

ush and green, with bursts of flowering colour, this cottage-style garden – aptly named Hedgerow – could be nestled in England’s Cotswolds district rather than Kingston, a little town about 20 kilometres from Daylesford in regional Victoria. The secret to this abundant garden lies in its fertile clay-loam soils and generous rainfall. “There is a local saying,” says owner Suzanne Batch. “‘If you plant a feather here, you can grow a chicken!’ It is the perfect environment and climate for a garden to thrive.” Which her garden certainly has since she moved here in 2015.

Suzanne says she had long harboured a strong desire for the rural life. “I grew up on a farm and I wanted to return to the country to relive my happy childhood memories. As a child, I spent hours exploring the rambling garden, with pets as friends when my big sisters were at boarding school,” she says. “When Hedgerow came on the market, it was the dream come true.”

It also meant she could be near her elderly parents, who live in nearby Ballarat.

When she first drove along the Avenue of Honour, which passes by the front gate, she knew she had come home. Nearly 300 Dutch elm trees line one of the most impressive avenues of its type in Victoria. “These magnificent trees, planted in 1918 and dedicated to those who served in World War I, are a sight to behold at any time of the year,” she says.

Some of the work on the garden had already been done by the previous owner, with the layout determined by privet and hawthorn hedges – hence the property’s name – which create discrete garden rooms on different levels around a weatherboard cottage. Within these rooms, Suzanne has added her special touch with judicious underplanting.

“You feel like you are walking from one room to another,” she says. The first, the garden directly in front of the house, centres on a massive century-old Chinese tulip tree with spectacular large leaves in the middle of lawn. Beside that, also at the front of the property, is the Secret Garden, hedged on four sides, entered through an archway and with a lavender twist weeping redbud tree in the centre. From there, you step through a >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

135

H G GARDENS hedge and down steps to the Verandah Garden, which runs up the side of the house towards a handsome old two-storey red brick barn, originally the property’s dairy, in front of which Suzanne has planted perennials around a circular gravel path. Parallel to the Verandah Lawn, through a timber archway, sits the Orchard Paddock, arguably the part of the garden that has been most transformed under Suzanne’s watch. There she has created a dedicated rose garden, silver birch grove and a vegetable patch, together with an Orchard Walk running at an angle along its edge.

“The rose garden features mostly David Austin roses, chosen because they repeat flower over a long period, and Alister Clark roses from the 1950s, all of which flower and thrive,” says Suzanne.

In the same paddock she has also planted a spectacular array of trees that form an arboretum, with varieties including the luscious red Lipstick maple (Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), linden, Chinese pistachio, gleditsia and poplars. “In autumn, the variety of colours, visible from the road, is striking,” says Suzanne.

Within the patchwork of hedging throughout the garden, Suzanne has added garden beds, focusing on perennials and herbaceous borders in the English cottage style, creating yearround colour and interest. She has planted flowers for picking, including roses, Peruvian lilies (Alstroemeria), hydrangeas, sedums, foxgloves and salvias. In wonderfully haphazard fashion, traditional cottage favourites such as love-in-the-mist, forget-menots and kiss-me-quick self-seed and pop up unexpectedly throughout the garden. Meanwhile, delightful swathes of catmint, lavender, rosemary and lamb’s ear appear en masse.

While she has plenty to choose from, the Verandah Lawn remains Suzanne’s favourite spot in the whole garden. “Many Sunday lunches are spent with Mum and Dad under the shade of the golden elm beside the verandah,” she says. “Family gatherings and drinks parties are also held under the extensive canopy of this glorious tree, which creates a microclimate, even on boiling hot days, shading the whole area beside the house.”

This garden can be shared in other ways, too. Suzanne has opened the gates of Hedgerow to the public three times since moving there and will again this year, on November 6 and 7, for Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend.

A corrugated-iron flower shed at the rear of the property will greet those visitors. It’s lovely to look at, but it’s also a great space for drying herbs and flowers, including rose petals and lavender, which are dried for a range of bath soaks made in the old barn.

Suzanne sells these online and at selected stockists throughout Australia. Behind that shed, in a new potting shed/greenhouse, cuttings are grown for visitors.

“These are ways of sharing the essence of the garden with others,” says Suzanne. “It truly is a very special garden with such a beautiful feel. It’s hard to explain its magic.” Her enthusiasm # for her “dream come true” says it all.

Hedgerow, Kingston, Victoria; hedgerowkingston.com.

136 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

OPEN GARDEN

Hedgerow will open its gates to visitors as part of Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend, November 6 and 7. For more information and to book, go to creswick.net.

A golden elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’) is “the most admired tree in the garden, with its extensive canopy”, says Suzanne.

Also shown are Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) along the verandah and box (Buxus sempervirens) hedging. Obelisk sculpture from the Secret Garden of Daylesford. Timber garden furniture collected over the years.

S PA T R E AT M E N T

A small, challenging site has been transformed into a wondrous pocket garden complete with a ‘plant bathing’ experience in the heart of the city.

STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P H OTO GR A P H Y Kristina Soljo

Designed by Steve Warner of Outhouse Design Landscapes & Gardens, this city courtyard is miraculously multifaceted, accommodating a dining area, barbecue, daybed, spa and outdoor shower within the 49m² space. A focal point is the integrated barbecue bench/recliner seat formed from lightweight concrete.

A tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) creates a canopy layer while Madagascan jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda) grows up the wall. B&B Italia outdoor setting and Serralunga ‘New Wave’ pot, both Space.

Barbecue, BeefEater. Outdoor shower, Robert Plumb.

gardens H G

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

139

ABOVE The daybed, spa and outdoor shower are all located

in the reclaimed space, where Steve elevated elements of the design to accommodate the services underneath. The daybed is encircled by lady palms (Rhapis excelsa) and Philodendron ‘Xanadu’. A tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) stands sentinel in the corner. Outdoor shower, Robert Plumb. Towels, Hotel Luxury Collection. BELOW LEFT Travertine steppers and tree ferns in the side passage. BELOW RIGHT The tree fern canopy sends dappled light into the space. Spa from Spa World.

A

fter 17 years of living in a high-rise apartment, Sydney couple Derek Raney and David Delaney were keen for a change of altitude. They wanted to stay in their inner-city neighbourhood, but they were ready to swap their views fortheopportunitytostepoutdoorsandentertainalfresco.

They bought a nearby garden apartment off-the-plan, excited by the promise of 49 square metres of outdoor space. But shortly before the pair moved in, they were dismayed to discover a change to the layout meant a large portion of the space would be taken up with plumbing and services. The new plan featured a retaining wall and massedplantingsofornamentalgingersdesignedtohidetheplumbing.

“It was basically a 40-square-metre planter box,” says Derek.

The couple approached a few landscape designers for a solution to their challenging L-shaped site. They hoped to reclaim the space and create an entertaining/barbecue zone, relaxed sitting area and – key on their wish list – room for a two-person spa. The most imaginative response came from Steve Warner at Outhouse Design Landscapes & Gardens. “Steve and his team really nailed the brief,” says Derek.

Steve’s vision was for an immersive, multi-zoned garden, an “engaging space you can walk into and journey through”. His first step was to cut away the retaining wall, which immediately opened up the site. Then, thanks to a combination of lateral thinking and clever engineering, he elevated an entire section of the garden so it sits above the plumbing, creating a multi-level design while allowing access to the services. In this area he placed a circular daybed, spa and outdoor shower, all accessed via a ‘bridge’ of raised stepping stones that appear to float through a sea of greenery.

In the alfresco dining area he designed a bespoke, integrated barbecue bench/recliner seat made out of lightweight concrete coloured with dark pigment. “It’s the hero of the garden,” says Steve, “a piece of furniture that draws you outside.” The sinuous lines of this sculptural benchtop/seat also form part of the “visual ribbon” of curvilinear shapes and dark tones that flow throughout all zones.

Plant-wise, Steve matched his palette to the surrounding backdrop of raw, formed-concrete walls. “The architecture is wonderful but quite brutal and industrial, so we needed strong and textural plants that could hold their own,” he says.

Chosen for their foliage contrasts, the plants are layered to create depth and lushness. At ground level are hardy native violets and Ajuga reptans. The mid-level consists of Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, Rhaphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’ and Liriope muscari ‘Isabella’ against a green boundary wall of lady palms (Rhapis excelsa). And the canopy layer is created by a regal tree fern (Cyathea cooperi), its umbrellalike fronds creating a privacy screen above the spa. In the opposite corner is a frangipani tree while Madagascan jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda) climb a series of vertical wires, forming soft, green tendrils against the raw concrete walls.

Derek and David are thrilled with their pocket-sized, resort-style garden deep in the heart of the city. “It’s a total joy to be able to walk outdoors into this space,” says Derek. “To be able to jump into the spa with a tree-fern canopy overhead, in this location, is amazing.” # Outhouse Design Landscapes & Gardens, Stanmore, NSW; outhousedesign.com.au.

140 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

H G gardens

TICKETS ONLY

$

5

PAL M B E AC H, SY D NEY

TU GU N, G O LD COAST

Your chance to win the ultimate sea change is here!

For just $5 a ticket, you could be living it up by the sea in your choice of two luxury beach homes.

Which one would you choose?

BUY YOUR $5 TICKETS TODAY! rslartunion.com.au/seachange | 1300 889 505 Draw 389 closes 8pm (AEST) 29 September 2021 | Drawn 10am AEST 6 October 2021 RSL Art Union Draw No.389 (AU389L) is conducted by Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) ABN 79902601713 of ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, under QLD licence No. 29819, ACT Permit No. R21/00070.1, VIC Permit No. 10204/21, NSW Authority No. GOCAU/2332, SA Permit No. M14022. Close date: 8pm (AEST) 29/09/21. Draw Date: Drawn 10am (AEST) 06/10/21 at ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006. Proceeds are for the purpose of veteran welfare and support in Australia. 1st prize $6,293,715. The total number of tickets available for AU389 is 7,321,100 which may include a maximum of 1,903,486 bonus tickets. Entrants must be 18 years or over. Winners notifed by registered mail. Results published in The Australian on 08/10/21. Cheque, money order and credit card payments must be received by 29/09/21 to be entered into Draw 389. If an order is received after this date or if the draw is sold out, the order will be automatically entered into the next draw, Draw 390. Some items shown in pictures are for display purposes only. Floorplans are for illustration purposes only. Any rental estimates provided are for informational purposes only. Selling costs and market variations apply when selling gold bullion. Travel is in the form of a voucher, is not redeemable for cash and must be booked directly with our selected supplier, subject to their terms and conditions. Information correct at time of printing. For up to date details and full terms and conditions please refer to www.rslartunion.com.au.

No matter the choice, the decision’s always Kinsman Whether renovating or updating spaces in your home, there are so many decisions you need to make. You want to get them right.

Luckily Kinsman are the experts in kitchens, laundries, wardrobes and home offices, so no matter your choice, you can be confident you’ve made the right decision.

To book your free virtual or in-home design appointment, visit kinsman.com.au or find us within selected

Sp e cia l

Kitchens ^ Bathrooms

Photograph by Pablo Veiga.

Designed for an Art Deco apartment, this light and airy kitchen features curved cabinetry to echo the original architecture. A palette of timber veneer, marble and finger mosaics completes the look. See more of this, and many more clever designs, over the page...

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SHOWCASING LUXE L OOKS, BRIGHT IDEAS & SMART MATERIALS

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Shaping up Curved cabinetry and a subtle colour palette come together seamlessly in the kitchen of this Art Deco apartment.

STO RY Sue Ramsey | STY LI NG Megan Morton PH OTOG RAPH Y Pablo Veiga

Favourite furnishings provided ample inspiration for the renovation of this 1920s apartment

in Sydney’s east, recently refurbished by interior designer Alexandra Kidd. “During the initial stages, the owners highlighted beloved artworks and an antique sideboard, which created the foundation for the colour palette throughout the home,” she says.

That palette is “warm and calm with a hint of glamour”, befitting an apartment of this vintage, built in Art Deco style. The owners, now empty-nesters, wanted to prioritise storage in the kitchen, which includes a small breakfast bar and a traditional oven. “This informed the shape of the new curved dining banquette and shelving,” says Alexandra. Double glass doors were installed to create a better connection between the kitchen and living areas too.

The location of the 3.4x3.2-metre kitchen, which opens to the rear courtyard, was retained but the internal layout rearranged to improve its function. “We chose to place the kitchen sink under the window, which looked out onto luscious greenery and also allowed for an ample amount of bench space,” says Alexandra. “We then focused on storage, creating a main wall of joinery to house the pantry, crockery, fridge and laundry.”

What does Alexandra love most about the renovation? “The beautiful soft curves that were inspired by the existing architecture of the apartment and the stunning twin rangehoods that are tiled to match the splashback. They’re such unique features!”

Alexandra Kidd Design; alexandrakidd.com.

design notes

JOINERY Evenex timber veneer in

Persian Walnut, Elton Group. Curved units and shelves in Porter’s Paints Volcanic Ash. FEATURE TILES Kit Kat Brillante tiles in Stacked (300x300mm), $135/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles.

BENCHTOP Carrara marble, Prego Marble & Granite Works.

APPLIANCES Fisher & Paykel 614L ActiveSmart French door refrigerator, $2399, Harvey Norman. Smeg ‘Portofino’ 90cm freestanding dual fuel oven/stove, $7990, Winning Appliances. Asko fully integrated dishwasher. Albany custom double rangehood, Condari.

TAP KWC ‘Zoe’ 10201102127 pull-out mixer, $2349, Winning Appliances.

SINK Franke ‘Kubus’ KBX210-55-OF single-bowl under-mount sink, $1119, Winning Appliances.

LIGHTING Il Fanale ‘Bagan’ brass pendant light, $1092, LightCo. FURNITURE La Palma ‘Continuum’ stools, in Black, $775, Cosh Living.

PAINT Porter’s Paints Bone (walls, ceilings, woodwork).

FLOORING Existing timber, stained to a custom-mixed chocolate tone.

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

“ THE BEAUTIFUL SOFT CURVES WERE INSPIRED BY THE ARCHITECTURE.” Alexandra Kidd

KITCHEN

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

147

Arch of triumph

Striking yet supremely functional, this kitchen allows form and colour to claim its rightful place in the spotlight.

STO RY Jackie Brygel | ST Y L IN G Natasha Levak | P H OTOG R A PHY Sevak Babakhani

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

“IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE KITCHEN RELATE TO OTHER AREAS IN THE HOME, PARTICULARLY THE ORIGINAL ARCHED FRENCH DOORS.” Natasha Levak, interior designer

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

149

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

The exquisite architectural features of this 1920s Spanish Revival home in Sydney provided

fitting inspiration for its new kitchen. And it all began with some appealing curves. “It was very important that the kitchen relate to other areas in the home, particularly the original arched french doors that feature throughout the house,” says interior designer Natasha Levak. “The kitchen is centrally located in the home, connecting the front formal rooms to the casual family room at the rear.”

Certainly, the island bench is a triumph, creating a sense of harmony in the renewed heart of the home. “It features custom curved supports, which reference the many arched details present in this period house, notably those adjacent french doors,” says Natasha.

Such detailing required an equally rich colour palette. The rear wall of tall cabinetry, finished in Dulux Bronze Fig, creates a dramatic contrast to the island, which is finished in Dulux White Duck. “The combination of colours presents a light and dark, or hard and soft, appearance,” says Natasha.

But while there is plenty to please the eye in the generous 6.5x4-metre kitchen, practicality is also a high priority. “The owners wanted the benchtops to be highly serviceable,” says Natasha, referencing the slabs of low-maintenance reconstituted stone – Quantum Quartz Michelangelo – used for the benchtops. “And the long island bench has plenty of seating to allow family meals, work sessions and preparation zones to exist side by side.”

What does Natasha love most about the completed space? “The lack of clutter and fussiness,” she says. “The main cabinetry houses all the kitchen necessities, allowing the island bench to be more streamlined.”

Natasha Levak Interior Design; www.natashalevak.com.

150 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

design notes

JOINERY Full-height cabinets finished in Dulux Bronze Fig; island bench fascia finished in Dulux White Duck. Constructed by Salt Interiors.

BENCHTOPS 40mm Quantum Quartz Michelangelo with arris edge.

APPLIANCES CoolDrawers (in island), $5499 each, Fisher & Paykel.

Integrated KF1911Vi bottom-mount fridge/freezer, $15,000, H6260BP oven, $3999, KM2357 cooktop, $3600, and G6767SCViXXL integrated dishwasher, $3999, all Miele. SL906 EM-L1200 concealed rangehood, $2859, Sirius.

TAPS Perrin & Rowe ‘Io’ kitchen mixer with spray nozzle, $1662, The English Tapware Company.

HydroTap Arc HT2787, $3511, Zip. SINK PR1160U half-bowl under-mount sink, Oliveri.

LIGHTING Aerin ‘Agnes Large’ pendant lights, $2385 each, The Montauk Lighting Co. STOOLS Woven leather and limed-oak frame stools, $385 each, Natasha Levak Interior Design.

FLOORING Reclaimed ironbark.

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

KITCHEN

Bold Yet Subtle – Beautifully Proportioned To The Finest Detail Highgrove Bathrooms believes innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.

EVOKE has been designed to minimise waste and environmental impact, with the future of our planet top of mind.

This versatile collection of superior bathroom products, comes with a 6 Star WELS Rating. So you can create the luxurious and sustainable bathroom of your dreams.

Shop online highgrovebathrooms.com.au

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Drama queen Thanks to some thoughtful planning, a compact footprint proved no impediment to achieving a fully functional kitchen that really packs a punch.

STO RY Georgia Madden | ST Y L IN G Atelier Lab | P H OTO GR A P H Y Maree Homer

Emma Buchan, interior designer and owner

152 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN DRAWN TO RICH, ‘MASCULINE’ COLOURS.”

A magnificent charcoal marble was the starting point for

this kitchen/diner in a newly built duplex in Sydney’s south.

“I’ve always been drawn to rich, ‘masculine’ colours, particularly in the kitchen,” says interior designer Emma Buchan, who is also its owner. “The kitchen truly is the heart of my home and so it was important that the space felt alluring, colourful and warm. These colours – black marble, rich teal joinery and grey limestone flooring – create an intimate atmosphere and feel incredibly luxe. It gets a fair amount of light thanks to glass doors at the rear, so it could handle this palette without feeling oppressive.”

Ensuring the 2.5-metre wide kitchen had a good sense of flow was another consideration. “We’re a family of four and constantly in the kitchen so we needed room to move,” says Emma, who built the layout around the traditional ‘work triangle’ to maximise functionality. “Each appliance is positioned in a way that suited our lifestyle, within an open layout that allows everyone to pass through comfortably.”

Bench space is generous to accommodate treasured mother-daughter baking sessions, with space-saving finger grip handles on the cabinets. There’s even a butler’s pantry disguised as a cupboard.

“Being a designer myself and with my husband in a design-based industry, it was important to have a space we could both enjoy, and this kitchen is an absolute pleasure to spend time in,” she says.

EB Interiors; www.ebinteriors.net.au.

KITCHEN

design notes

JOINERY Under-bench cabinetry

finished in Ravenna timber veneer, Elton Group. Overhead cabinetry in 2-pack polyurethane matched to Bauwerk Colour Woad.

SPLASHBACK, ISLAND FASCIA & BENCHTOPS Bruno marble,

Euro Natural Stone.

APPLIANCES Fridge and rangehood, Fisher & Paykel. Oven, Miele.

Dishwasher, Smeg. Teppanyaki plate, Wolf. All from Winning Appliances.

TAP Parisi ‘Envy Arch’ sink mixer, Harvey Norman.

SINK Franke ‘Planar Radius 10’ sink, $1299, Harvey Norman.

LIGHTING Archier ‘Highline’ pendant light, from $2420, Rakumba Lighting.

FURNITURE Olo dining chairs, $815 each, Cosh Living. Slender table, Interstudio.

ART Artwork by David Hamilton.

FLOORING Manyana limestone tiles, Euro Natural Stone.

Kitchen ^ Bathroom

SPECI A L

Easy does it When interior designer Carole Whiting came to design a kitchen for her own weekender, the plan was to keep it simple.

STORY Sue Ramsey | PHOTOGR A PHY Sharyn Cairns

KITCHEN

design notes

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

JOINERY The main bench fascia is routed MDF, finished in two-pack Dulux Lexicon Quarter with legs painted Dulux Black Quarter.

The sink bench is tiled in Dtile ‘Construction’ tiles in Snow from Mondopiero, with timber battens for the under-bench shelf and solid oak for the display shelf above.

SPLASHBACK Dtile ‘Construction’ tiles in Snow, POA, Mondopiero.

BENCHTOP Laminex Hi-Macs acrylic solid surface, from $564.65/3680x760mm sheet, installed by Ashwood Design.

TAPWARE Icon+ a67.31 sink set in Matt Black, $1128, Astra Walker.

SINK Butler 838mm fireclay sink with chopping block, from $1325, Belfast Sinks.

APPLIANCES Fisher & Paykel refrigerator. Combi-steam oven, induction cooktop and integrated dishwasher, all V-Zug. Whispair ‘Paris 36’ island rangehood, $3190, Winning Appliances.

ARTWORKS The Boxer by George Raftopoulos (on shelf) from Otomys; etching by August Carpenter (next to cooktop).

FLOORING Existing Baltic pine, painted Dulux Grey Pebble.

A self-described “black and white girl”, interior designer

Carole Whiting applied her preferred colour palette to a 1970s timber cottage in Red Hill, Victoria, which she purchased as a holiday home in 2020. “I love the clean look of monochrome kitchens,” she says. “It’s a timeless scheme and in this case, it was also, in part, to keep the space feeling light and open.”

When Carole bought the house there was no access to the backyard from the kitchen. “So I converted the main bedroom’s walk-in wardrobe, extending it towards the kitchen and turning the whole space into a butler annexe,” she says.

“New windows and doors connect it to the garden.”

With a modest budget, Carole spent her money where it would have most impact: on the cabinetry, appliances and tiles. “The tiles on the splashback and sink bench come from The Netherlands and really add to the vibe of the house,” says Carole. “I purchased all the plates, small appliances and linen with Qantas points because I wasn’t able to use them for travel,” she adds.

Keeping it simple and fresh is a reflection of the ‘weekender’ vibe Carole was seeking. “I love how easy it is to navigate the space and to keep it clean,” she says.

“Having the joinery up off the floor means the room feels airier and the light in there is bright but relaxing. I mostly love the sink bench. It feels a little whimsical – like the house is on holidays too!”

Carole Whiting Studio; carolewhitingstudio.com.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

155

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Modern family A sophisticated colour scheme and Mid-Century styling made all the difference in this Sydney kitchen.

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

STO RY Georgia Madden | PH OTOGR A PHY Jacqui Turk

156 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

With two teenagers and a passion for entertaining, Fiona and her husband

needed more space, storage and functionality than the kitchen in their 1940s home could provide. The couple called upon interior designers Sonia Warner and Jacinta Woods of Woods & Warner for help.

“Key to the new design was a spacious pantry with space for appliances, an island large enough for people to gather around to eat or chat, and an entertainers’ drinks station,” says Sonia. To create enough space, the kitchen was moved from the rear of the house to the heart of the open-plan living area. Initially, the colour concept centred around green, but that all changed when Fiona laid eyes on a striking terrazzo floor tile in steely grey and blue.

“The scheme evolved to accommodate this newly curated palette and the result is timeless,” says Sonia.

With a show-stopping curved island in inky blue and rich timber cabinetry, the kitchen makes a nod to Mid-Century styling, while slender marble benchtops add a sophisticated and contemporary feel.

The cabinetry conceals clever storage. “We introduced a highly functional appliance nook next to the oven,” says Charlotte Riggs, brand director at Bondi Kitchens & Joinery, who collaborated with Sonia on the new kitchen.

“Double doors open to a work bench with six drawers below and set-back shelves above – the perfect spot for a microwave and blender.”

“I love everything about this kitchen,” says Fiona. “It’s easy to move around and the curved lines and timeless mix of timber, terrazzo and marble feel so luxurious.”

Woods & Warner; www.woodsandwarner.com.au.

Bondi Kitchens & Joinery; www.bondikitchens.com.au.

KITCHEN

design notes

JOINERY MDF with 2-pack

polyurethane finish in Porter’s Paints Yacht Race (island). Perimeter cabinetry in American oak veneer with custom stain, Briggs Veneers.

BENCHTOP & SPLASHBACK

Baltic White marble, $450/m², Surface Gallery.

APPLIANCES Fridge, Fisher & Paykel. Oven, cooktop, dishwasher and rangehood, all Asko.

TAP Gessi concealed Pullout Mixer, $749, Winning Appliances.

SINK Franke ‘Kubus’ under-mount sink, $1250, Winning Appliances.

LIGHTING Proline LED pendant light, $381, Urban Lighting.

FURNITURE Stools, owners’ own.

FLOORING Italian terrazzo tiles (400x400mm), Surface Gallery.

Car insurance for me n Do you ever feel like you’re living in a man’s world?

Like the

odd man out? Like you’re not the right man for the job? Why not check in with the Chairman? Although he might tell you to man

up. Or say you haven’t been putting in enough man hours.

You’re too much of a yes man. He needs a new right hand man.

At which point, you say “Oh man, give me a break!”

We think it's time to level the playing field so we’re starting with car insurance. We want to put women back in the driver’s seat and reward them for being safer drivers.

It’s part innovation, part revelation.

Will switching Stella change the world overnight? Maybe not, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Stella Insurance

Car insurance. Unapologetically for women.

Underwriting criteria, policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Any advice provided is general advice and does not take your personal circumstances into consideration. Please read the Stella product disclosure statement (PDS) available at stellainsurance.com.au for the terms, conditions, and exclusions before purchasing this insurance. Stella Underwriting (ABN 72 633 811 319) is an Authorised Representative (AR 001282046) of Allstate Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 82 073 267 053, AFSL 239010) which is acting (under its own AFSL) on behalf of the product issuer, QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545).

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Fresh start Spacious and elegant in equal measure, this is a family kitchen that always keeps its cool.

STO RY Annika Baker | P H OTO GR A P H Y Sue Stubbs

KITCHEN

design notes

JOINERY Satin-finish polyurethane

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

“Beautiful and practical with a ton of storage” was interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones’ brief

for this kitchen on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Previously a jumble of DIY components in an awkward U-shape layout – including work areas at different heights – Sally’s aim was to create a more harmonious, more practical kitchen for the homeowners, a family of five. It would be the entertaining hub of the house, but had to have instant impact since the main entrance of the home opens directly into the space.

Key to the new design is a hard-working 2600x1475mm island, which houses two ovens plus functions as a prep and meals area. It’s topped with Talostone in Superwhite, a family-friendly engineered stone that delivers the look they wanted without any maintenance fuss. The remainder of the appliances – including a french-door fridge and two dishwashers – are integrated into the cabinetry to keep the overall aesthetic crisp and clean. Sally’s suggestion of handmade Moroccan tiles for the splashback was an instant winner. “The owners fell in love with the tiles straight away – they loved their depth, texture and subtle sheen,” she explains.

“The revised layout makes the most of the room’s square shape,” says Sally of the completed project. “There’s ample full-height enclosed storage to keep everything neat and tidy as well as huge expanses of bench space – including one of the largest islands we have designed!”

Rhys/Jones Interior Architecture; sallyrhysjones.com.

in Dulux Lexicon Half.

SPLASHBACK Moroccan Zellige tiles, from $240/m², Barefoot Living.

BENCHTOPS Talostone Superwhite, Central Coast Granite.

APPLIANCES S90A1 integrated french-door fridge, Fisher & Paykel.

X975LVC1E cooktop, Siemens.

H2860BP ovens and G4980Vi dishwashers, Miele. DHL895DAU rangehood, Bosch.

TAP Perrin & Rowe ‘Io’ mixer, $1084, The English Tapware Company.

SINK Franke ‘Bow’ double-bowl sink, $1145, Reece.

LIGHTING LED Lux Vegas dimmable spotlights, $129 each, Beacon Lighting.

STOOLS Cancun barstools, $249, Glicks Furniture.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

159

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

View finder The key to upgrading this Sydney kitchen? A glorious materials palette and a layout that kept the focus on the home’s spectacular setting.

STO RY Jackie Brygel | ST Y L I N G Natasha Levak | P H OTO G R APH Y Sevak Babakhani

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

Capturing the mesmerising vista from every angle was the prime

motivation for this kitchen makeover in Sydney. To interior designer Natasha Levak, the approach made perfect sense.

“The kitchen spans the middle level of the waterfront home and enjoys spectacular views through full-height windows, so making the most of this location and aspect was paramount,” she says. Natasha opted for a smoky grey mirror splashback behind the cooktop to reflect the view, while the sink was very deliberately positioned on the island bench, facing out to those windows, so that the chef can soak up the scenery even while rinsing dishes.

Pre-renovation, nondescript stretches of white cabinetry dominated the space. Now, the kitchen – spanning a generous 5.5x3.5 metres – showcases tactile elements that both surprise

and delight. “The owners wanted a bespoke kitchen that was contemporary, but not devoid of detail,” says Natasha. Certainly, the designer met the brief – and then some. The island’s custom-woven mesh inlay presents as an eye-catching focal point, while inky-toned joinery provides a dramatic contrast to “soft and serviceable” Corian Sage Brush benchtops. “The main cabinetry is finished in an oak laminate,” says Natasha. “The presence of timber adds texture and elevates the sense of quality in a kitchen.”

Meanwhile, an expansive butler’s pantry offers the ultimate in behind-closed-doors storage. “It meant that the kitchen cabinetry could be streamlined and minimised, eliminating the need for overhead cupboards in the main kitchen,” says Natasha. > Natasha Levak Interior Design; natashalevak.com.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

161

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

“TIMBER BRINGS A LEVEL OF TEXTURE TO A KITCHEN THAT IS UNMATCHED BY ANY OTHER MATERIAL.” Natasha Levak, interior designer

KITCHEN

design notes

JOINERY Eveneer Xilo Black Touch pre-finished oak laminate. Cabinet fronts in Armac Martin G213 decorative mesh and G300 decorative grill in Antique Nickel finish, available from Gregory Croxford Living. Joinery by Apollo Kitchens.

SPLASHBACK Toughened mirror in Smoke Grey.

BENCHTOPS 40mm Corian Sage Brush with arris edge, about $450m².

APPLIANCES SBSES8486 740L side-by-side fridge, $12,000, Liebherr.

PW150 FMP freestanding dual-fuel cooker, $15,000, Ilve. Integrated dishwasher, $4395, Miele. Rangehood, $3645, Qasair.

TAPS Perrin & Rowe ‘Io’ kitchen tap with spray rinse, $1662, The English Tapware Company. HydroTap Arc HT2787 chilled, sparkling and boiling water tap, $3511, Zip. SINK Oliveri PR1160U under-mount sink, Winning Appliances.

FURNITURE Palecek ‘Fritz’ counter stools, $3645 each, Boyd Blue.

FLOORING Honed Serpeggiante (Perlino) Bianco Italian limestone tiles.

162 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Taking Food & Wine Preservation to a Whole New Level Quality, Design and Innovation

home.liebherr.com.au

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Neat and complete With its oodles of storage, generous bench space and easy flowing layout, this lovely kitchen is now the heart of a revived country cottage.

STORY Elizabeth Wilson | STY LI N G April Sharratt P HOTO GR AP HY Patrick Moran

“THE ALL-WHITE SCHEME COMPLEMENTS THE COTTAGE AESTHETIC AND HELPS BOUNCE LIGHT AROUND THE ROOM.” Sarah, homeowner

164 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

When keen cook Sarah purchased a sweet 100-year-old

weatherboard cottage in the NSW Blue Mountains, the kitchen was quaint but impractical. Its 1950s cabinetry consisted of poky cupboards with 45cm-wide benchtops and very little storage. Needless to say, a kitchen makeover went straight to the top of Sarah’s renovation wish list.

She went to Freedom Kitchens with a request for a design that would sit within the existing footprint while also maximising workspace and storage. Freedom’s designers devised a U-shaped layout with the sink sitting directly under the window, and a freestanding cooker taking centrestage.

An additional wall of cabinetry houses the fridge and pantry.

Sarah wanted cabinetry that would complement the cottage aesthetic, so she selected the Sierra doorfront, which has a Shaker-style profile that works perfectly with the original shiplap boards lining the walls and ceiling. To keep the scheme classic, she opted for an all-white colour scheme, including benchtops in Caesarstone White Attica that extend up the walls to create low splashbacks.

There is storage aplenty, with a mix of drawers, cupboards and open shelving catering for all kitchen items. Especially handy is the Le Mans corner pull-out carousel system, allowing easy access to the corner cupboard, while a hidden charging station completes this tailormade design.

Freedom Kitchens; freedomkitchens.com.au.

KITCHEN

design notes

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

JOINERY Sierra cabinetry with

classic Shaker profile in Classic White Matt, and 10-K-85 bar handles in Black Olive, all Freedom Kitchens.

BENCHTOPS & SPLASHBACK

Caesarstone White Attica, $600-$800/m² (supply only).

APPLIANCES DEF905EX1 freestanding electric cooker, DéLonghi.

FLOORING Impressive Ultra laminate in Classic Oak Brown, Choices Flooring.

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Personality plus Sleek, contemporary appliances are softened by a palette of warm, natural materials to make this Melbourne kitchen the perfect fit for its owners.

STO RY Matilda Ringrose | P H OTO GR A P H Y Martina Gemmola

The vivacious retired couple who owns this home in Melbourne’s

north had been living with a cramped, outdated kitchen for three decades, so it was hardly surprising their patience with it had worn thin. Enter interior designer Mikayla Rose of Heartly, who set to work reinvigorating the space as well the owners’ relationship with this all-important room.

Mikayla’s key concern in the kitchen was its limited functionality.

“In the old kitchen they found themselves in each other’s way, so the relocation of key utility spaces was critical to avoid this,” she explains. Through careful spatial planning, Mikayla resolved the awkward and impractical U-shaped layout, opening it up to create a 4x3-metre kitchen/dining room that’s suitable for cooking and entertaining simultaneously. There’s also a generous butler’s pantry (pictured opposite), which keeps prep mess out of sight and frees up even more floor space for guests to mingle.

166 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

The decoration is intentionally restrained to keep the focus on the materials palette, which includes textural handmade Moroccan tiles. “We wanted to include an organic, handmade tile in the kitchen but for practical reasons it needed to be located higher up, away from all of the action of the splashback – spaghetti sauce on a porous surface is never a good idea!” says Mikayla.

The result is a light, bright and streamlined kitchen that perfectly suits the homeowners. “When I first visited the property, it seemed to me like the owners’ personalites clashed with their home,” says Mikayla. “They are passionate and worldly people with wonderfully eclectic tastes, but the house itself felt very dark and sombre. Now, it’s practical and contemporary yet earthy and soulful. It is authentic and welcoming – just like the owners themselves.”

Heartly; heartly.com.au.

KITCHEN

design notes

JOINERY Oak veneer and

MDF painted Dulux Dieskau.

SPLASHBACK & BENCHTOPS

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

Dekton porcelain composite in Zenith (40mm thick), $254/m², Cosentino.

FEATURE TILES Clay Bejmat tiles, $264/m², Tiles of Ezra.

APPLIANCES Freestanding french-door fridge, Fisher & Paykel.

PowerMove Plus induction cooktop, IQ 700 StudioLine oven, and IQ 700 StudioLine pyrolytic oven with microwave, all Siemens.

Sirius rangehood.

TAP Vivid Slimline gooseneck sink mixer in Brushed Nickel finish, Phoenix Tapware.

SINKS Franke ‘Kubus’ under-mount single-bowl sinks, $909 each, Winning Appliances.

LIGHTING Flute wall light, Anchor Ceramics.

FURNITURE Mattiazzi ‘Osso’ stools

by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, from $1075 each, District.

FLOORING Tasmanian oak, stained with Bona Natural Primer.

“IT’S PRACTICAL AND CONTEMPORARY YET EARTHY AND SOULFUL.” Mikayla Rose, interior designer

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

With entertaining on the menu, these empty-nesters needed a kitchen that delivered on both looks and functionality.

STORY Georgia Madden | STY L ING Rachael Pearse | P HOTOG R A P H Y Meghan Plowman

Not only was the former kitchen in this heritage inner-city Perth home feeling dated, its

layout no longer suited the owners’ lifestyles. “Liz and Peter have grown-up children and grandchildren, and they love to cook, entertain and fill the house with friends and family,” says interior designer Rachael Pearse.

“Initially, the main goal was to revamp the kitchen with new finishes and appliances.

However, as the design progressed, we realised there was a great opportunity to adjust the layout to use the space more effectively,” she says.

Rachael removed a meals area between the kitchen and formal dining room to open up the space, and then linked the two rooms with a wall of glazing. She also replaced the too-small kitchen island with a generous 3x1.4-metre furniture-like piece with prep space at one end and a casual dining area for six at the other.

Removing an under-utilised powder room behind the kitchen freed up space for a new butler’s pantry, while new full-height cabinetry provides plenty of storage and conceals appliances such as the fridge. A trio of glamorous pendant lights completes the look. “It now feels like a far more enticing room to spend time in,” says Rachael.

Staple Design; www.stapledesign.net.au.

168 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

KITCHEN

design notes

JOINERY MDF with polyurethane finish in Dulux Natural White.

BENCHTOPS & SPLASHBACK

Versailles honed quartzite, $750/m², Bernini Stone & Tiles.

APPLIANCES Integrated fridge, pyrolytic oven, dishwasher and induction cooktop with extractor, all Miele.

TAP Perrin & Rowe ‘Mimas’ sink mixer in Satin Brass, $1164, The English Tapware Company.

SINK Bolero sink, $976, Franke.

LIGHTING EF Chapman for Visual Comfort ‘Grosvenor’ pendant lights, $1859 each, The Montauk Lighting Co. FURNITURE Vela stools, $1345 each, Cosh Living.

ART Vintage artwork by M Borymchuk.

WALLS Dulux Grey Pebble Half.

FLOORING Existing jarrah floorboards.

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

The great entertainer

Beautiful simplicity.

Tested in some of Australia’s harshest conditions, durable COLORBOND steel Matt diffuses light to create a subtle, textured and contemporary aesthetic.

COLORBOND steel in Surfmist Matt offers a stylish contrast to softer tones and complements darker hues for added design flexibility and an elegantly understated appearance.

Visit COLORBOND.COM/MATT or call 1800 702 764

Lantern House, Victoria, by Timmins+Whyte Architects. Photography by Peter Bennetts. The COLORBOND steel colour swatch represents actual product colour as accurately as possible. However, we recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing. COLORBOND , the BlueScope brand mark and colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited.

2021 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.

BRAND PROMOTION

COU N TRY RETRE AT Kinsman gives this classic country kitchen a contemporary twist with the use of luxurious finishes, rich colours and clever cabinetry to create a true entertainer’s paradise.

H

omeowners Jesse and Tori love to cook, so when they set upon building their home in Victoria, the pair knew they needed a skilled and creative design expert to oversee the project.

Naturally, they chose to work with Kinsman, who was able to seamlessly integrate the couple’s dream inclusion: an island bench with cooktop and integrated rangehood.

“This was our non-negotiable item,” says Tori. “We spoke to our designer about how we would achieve this and they designed the kitchen around it.” Kinsman’s classic shaker-profile Somersby cabinetry in matte white and a striking navy blue were chosen for the home and finished with Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo benchtops.

A farmhouse sink, brass pendant light, golden handles and tapware complete the modern country look. “The experience was brilliant. To have a one-stop shop for our entire build saved us time and money,” says Tori. “It was amazing to watch our design come together.”

THE PALETTE Somersby White Matt (cabinetry)

Avalon Oxford (cabinetry)

Caesarstone® Calcutta Nuvo™ (benchtops)

“ ”

WE REALLY ENJOYED WORKING WITH THE DESIGNER

FUNCTIONAL DESIGN After assessing exactly what storage Jesse and Tori needed, their designer used a combination of drawers and cupboards to maximise functionality, and even suggested a ‘sauce and spice’ cupboard next to the fridge, “which really captured our vision of having a chef’s kitchen,” says Tori.

The design aesthetic was extended to the laundry, where penny round marble mosaic tiles were used to create a sophisticated splashback.

No matter the choices, the decision is always Kinsman. Visit a Kinsman showroom inside selected The Good Guys stores or online at kinsman.com.au to book a Kinsman design appointment.

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Top brass Sleek materials and a luxuriously generous floor plan combine to make this kitchen a laidback yet lavish affair.

STO RY Annika Baker | PH OTO GR A P H Y Shannon McGrath

KITCHEN

design notes

JOINERY Notaio Walnut veneer, $67.65/m², Polytec. Frankie handles in Walnut, from $18 each, Linear Standard.

SPLASHBACK Inax ‘Yohen Border YB21’ tiles, POA, Artedomus.

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

Although it was built as part of a spec home, this kitchen is anything but generic. It forms

part of a central living zone in a holiday house located at Mount Martha, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where the interiors were conceived to reflect the laidback beach environment. “We wanted to create a kitchen that was both fresh and relaxed, with expansive benches that could accommodate extended family,” says interior designer Lauren Li. “A holiday home should be somewhere you feel like you can slip off your sandy shoes, chill out and revel in the peacefulness of the space.”

Colour-wise Lauren drew inspiration from the Australian landscape.“The walnut cabinetry and stone bench are warm and earthy in tone, while the brass shelf and decorative pendant add quiet luxury.” The brass shelf, a crown-like flourish, has become the defining feature of the space.

The focal point of the room is the 3.6m-long Caesarstone island, which is the perfect gathering place for family and friends. The location of the bench, which has a direct line of sight to the pool, was an important factor in the decision-making process. “Being able to see the pool from the kitchen is a lovely aspect and also allows the homeowners to keep an eye on the children when they’re playing.”

Enhancing the kitchen’s functionality is a not-so-little butler’s pantry, where the fridge and other appliances are located to keep the main kitchen zone clear and uncluttered. “Since the butler’s pantry takes care of many of the practical needs of the kitchen, the kitchen itself can be a more social space – the real heart of the home,” says Lauren.

Sisällä; www.sisalla.com.au.

ISLAND & BENCHTOPS

Caesarstone Atlantic Salt, $450-$550/m² (supply only).

APPLIANCES Series 6 HBT578FS2A pyrolytic oven, Bosch. PCR7A5B90A 6-burner gas cooktop, Fisher & Paykel. CU8990 rangehood, Ilve.

TAP Greens ‘Galiano’ mixer with pull-down spray in Brushed Brass finish, $399, available from Harvey Norman.

SINK Franke ‘Kubus Fragranite’ KGB 120-B under-mount double sink, $1499, Harvey Norman.

LIGHTING Code lighting system, from $794, Nightworks Studio.

ACCESSORIES Hoop grinders, $109.95, Charcoal containers, $80 and Inka tray, $119, all from Apartment by Sisällä. For similar stool, try Hay ‘About A Stool’, available from Cult Design.

FLOORING Engineered timber in Shannon Rise finish, Woodsmith.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

171

Models: 30711-83, 34351-83 and 30655-83

Antique Brass Medium

CLEAN AUSTRALIAN-MADE TAPWARE DESIGNS The Pegasi Collection, pictured, is just one of Faucet Strommen’s beautifully designed and engineered tapware ranges. Made in Australia and finished to the highest standards, these pieces will transform your space and bring unquestionable quality to your home.

(03) 5450 4236 faucetstrommen.com.au

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

The right tone A small footprint and heritage limitations were no barriers to the creation of this charming family kitchen.

STO RY Matilda Ringrose | STY LIN G Kayla Gex | PH OTO GR A P H Y Nic Gossage

KITCHEN

design notes

JOINERY 2-pack polyurethane finish

in Dulux Benang.

SPLASHBACK Inax ‘Yohen Border YB1’ tiles in White, POA, Artedomus.

ISLAND FASCIA & BENCHTOP

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

Tucked away at the rear of a heritage terrace in Sydney’s inner west, this kitchen received a

sensitive upgrade so it would better serve the family of four that lives here. The requests from the homeowners were simple and few: a butler’s sink and a Falcon freestanding electric oven were the only absolute must-haves. The rest was left in the capable hands of interior desiger Josie Simpson of Altus Design Studio. “Heritage restrictions on the house meant we could only make an opening in one of the walls rather than remove it. This naturally lent itself to a galley layout, with an island on the side that opens out to the informal living area,” says Josie.

A key ingredient in the success of this design is the pared-back, monochromatic palette, punctuated by Caesarstone benchtops and joinery finished in Dulux Benang, a gorgeous greyish teal. Every aspect of the design contributes to a wonderful sense of cohesion throughout the house. The kitchen is actually smaller than it was, but is now far more efficient and more enjoyable to be in. “I love the strength of colour in the kitchen – the teal is very much a highlight in the house and makes the space feel larger than it really is,” says Josie.

Altus Design Studio; altusdesignstudio.com.au.

Caesarstone White Attica, $600-$800/m² (supply only).

APPLIANCES Bosch Series 8 SMV88TX02A integrated dishwasher; Fisher & Paykel RF610ADUB5 614L french-door fridge; Falcon PROP90EI5GB-CH 90cm freestanding electric cooker, and Fisher & Paykel 90cm under-mount rangehood, all from Winning Appliances.

TAP Brodware ‘City Stik’ kitchen mixer with pull-out spray in Aged Iron PVD finish, Just Bathroomware.

SINK Abey ‘Chambord Clotaire’ double-bowl sink, Winning Appliances.

LIGHTING ML10 fixed downlight, Mondo Luce.

FURNITURE Diiva swivel stools, $900 each, Grazia & Co. FLOORING Piccolo Chaoisee solid European oak, Tongue N Groove Flooring.

ARCHITECT Gaetano Palmese.

BUILDER BBJ Construction Group.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

173

Be immersed.

Abey Australia’s diverse range of sinks provides you with a selection from around the world. Visit an Abey Selection Gallery to immerse yourself in the collection.

Chambord Henri 1 & 3/4 Bowl

VICTORIA Selection Gallery 335 Ferrars St Albert Park Ph: 03 8696 4000

N E W S O U T H WA L E S Selection Gallery 1E Danks St Waterloo Ph: 02 8572 8500

QUEENSL AND Selection Gallery 94 Petrie Tce Brisbane Ph: 07 3369 4777

WESTERN AUSTR ALIA Selection Gallery 12 Sundercombe St Osborne Park Ph: 08 9208 4500

www.abey.com.au

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Smooth operator Swapping an L-shaped layout that blocked light and conversation for a more open design has made all the difference in this smart eat-in kitchen.

STO RY Georgia Madden | ST Y L I N G Kylie Forbes | PH OTOG RA PHY Martina Gemmola

KITCHEN

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

design notes JOINERY Overhead cabinetry finished in Dulux Dieskau; full-length cabinetry in Dulux Deep Bottle Brush. The underbench cabinetry is solid American oak.

SPLASHBACK Mutina ‘Tape’ tiles, $163/m², Urban Edge Ceramics.

BENCHTOPS Stainless steel (wall side) and Dekton Aeris (island).

APPLIANCES Fisher & Paykel fridge. V-Zug oven, cooktop and dishwasher.

Sirius rangehood.

TAP Phoenix mixer, $1769, E&S. LIGHTING PH5 Poul Henningsen pendants, from $1740, Cult Design. Mini Glo-Ball wall light by Jasper Morrison, $292, Euroluce.

STOOL Vintage Erik Buch barstools.

ACCESSORIES Mud Australia and Make Designed Objects.

Having lived with a dark and dysfunctional

kitchen for about 15 years, Melbourne homeowners David and Anouk were ready for a fresh take by the time they contacted specialist kitchen company, Cantilever.

Located in an open-plan area at the back of the couple’s California bungalow, the original L-shaped kitchen took up a lot of space, but didn’t provide much in the way of flow or storage. Nor did it foster a connection with the other parts of the room. “It felt tired and old, and the layout isolated the cook, which Anouk was keen to change,” says Kylie Forbes, creative director at Cantilever.

“The couple immediately fell in love with our Tableau kitchen system,” says Kylie.

“They wanted a clean, robust and functional design that didn’t feel austere,

and they adored the softness and tactility of this kitchen.” American oak cabinetry with gently rounded edges, textured feature tiles and touches of forest green convey a Mid-Century vibe, while feeling thoroughly modern.

Design sorted, the Cantilever team reworked the layout to improve the function of the space. “We reconfigured the room to include a mixed-use laundry and pantry in order to provide generous storage. A service-free island complements the perimeter bench, which holds the sink, cooktop and dishwasher. The fridge and pantry were zoned together for easy access to food storage,” explains Kylie. Her opinion of the result? “It feels refreshed, light and true to the home’s character.”

Cantilever; cantileverinteriors.com.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

175

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

EVOLV ING DOOR

The Alea Pro (left) is the evolution of one of Poliform’s longeststanding and most successful kitchen systems. The linear design remains, but the cabinet door has been refined to feature a tapered edge and handle profile. For optimum versatility, there is also the option of glass cabinet fronts and a greater range of surfaces and finishes to choose from. poliform.com.au

A C O OK’S TOU R T H E L AT E S T F I N D S A N D F I T T I N G S F O R YO U R K I TC H E N .

Natural touch

Inspired by the endless variations of natural stone, Caesarstone has added four new colours to its Whitelight Collection of quartz surfaces, including this sandstone and travertine-influenced Adamina design. From $600/m² (installed). caesarstone.com.au

GO DEEP

Responding to the popularity of darker-toned kitchens, Falcon has launched three rich new colours to its range of freestanding cookers – Mineral Green, Stone Blue and Charcoal Black. Shown here is the Elise dual-fuel cooker in Charcoal Black, $12,994, a sophisticated piece designed to complement dusky-hued cabinetry or as a contrast to lighter neutrals. For more details, go to andico.com.au.

Produced by Elizabeth Wilson.

Golden idea

In sweet news, KitchenAid has announced its colour of the year is Honey. To celebrate, the brand has released a range of limited-editon stand mixers, including the Artisan Series KSM175 ($949, above), in the hue. kitchenaid.com.au

LOOKING COOL Combining top performance and quality, V-Zug’s Cooler V6000 Supreme fridge/freezers have touchscreen displays and custom shelving. winningappliances.com.au

A stunning sip

Designed by London-based studio Campbell-Rey and handmade in Murano, Italy, the Cosimo range of glassware is both playful and elegant. The tulip-shaped, two-tone glassware comes in coupe, wineglass, tumbler and highball options. The Pink/Yellow coupe pictured is $105 each (sold as pair). lucymontgomery.com > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

177

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

PERFECT DROP Wine connoisseurs will be happy to learn Liebherr has added the Monolith wine cabinet, $16,490, to its range. Capable of holding 100 bottles, the 60cm-wide unit completes the company’s Monolith range of fridges and freezers. It features beech shelves and three individual temperature zones.

For more, go to home.liebherr.com.au.

NATUR A L ACCENTS

Bring the colours of the garden inside with the forest-green hue of Hushed Pine, part of Laminex’s new nature-inspired Living Pigments range of laminate surfaces. All the cabinetery in this gardenadjoining kitchen is in the calming green, combined with benchtops and splashback in Laminex Manhattan Concrete. Both laminates are from $113.19/m². Laminex; laminex.com.au.

Wind & sand

Inspired by the coastal landscape, Maxwell & Williams’ ‘Dune’ collection features patterning reminiscent of tracks of wind and water across sand. Included in the range is this oval platter, from $34.95, and 2.5L pitcher, $39.95. maxwellandwilliams.com.au

A LL A BOUT HUE

Style-conscious chefs can now order an Ilve freestanding cooker in any colour they desire. Using the universal RAL colour system, there are up to 213 shades to choose from and the baked enamel finish is high gloss and super resilient. Order through Winning Appliances; winningappliances.com.au.

THE FINEST FINISHES

KNURLED

Urban D pull-out mixer with knurl design in Chrome, $715; abey.com.au.

178 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

3

NICKEL

Round Piccola pull-out mixer in Brushed Nickel, $899; meir.com.au.

Your Kitchen Your Style Your Choice

Product shown: Nexus 110cm

Professional+ 90cm

1800 685 899 • andico.com.au

Classic Deluxe 110cm

Elise 90cm

Nexus SE 110cm Induction

With over 120 diferent combinations to choose from, including Australia’s only range cooker with full steam oven and the stunning new Earth Colour Collection, there’s a Falcon cooker to suit any kitchen and cooking style.

No matter the choice, the decision’s always Kinsman Whether renovating or updating spaces in your home, there are so many decisions you need to make. You want to get them right. Luckily Kinsman are the experts in kitchens, laundries, wardrobes and home offices, so no matter your choice, you can be confident you’ve made the right decision.

To book your free virtual or in-home design appointment, visit kinsman.com.au or find us within selected

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Deeply pleasing A rich seam of history and colour know-how has been mined to maximise the beauty of this revamped ensuite.

STORY Sarah Pickette | PH OTOG RA PHY Mike Baker

This moody ensuite is located in a Yarra Valley house that holds special

significance to the Sibbel family. “It was built in 1968 by my grandfather, Herman, and my father, Meyer,” says Fleur Sibbel, one of its current owners and half of the duo of sisters who lead Melbourne furniture company, Zuster.

The family acquired the house at the beginning of 2020. Naturally, the star of the show in this space is an Issy vanity in a beautiful hazelnut finish, proudly designed by Zuster in collaboration with Reece. “The house is set on about a hectare of land and looks out to lush greenery,” says Fleur. “I wanted to bring the outside in by referencing those views throughout the home. We started with the incredible Forrest Green marble benchtops on the vanity, then decided to keep embracing green with the Artedomus wall tiles.”

A shower and tapware in soon-to-patinate Living Bronze suits the scheme perfectly. The effect is atmospheric and luxe, says Daniela Santilli, kitchen and bathroom merchandising leader for Reece. “This is a clear trend. People want their homes to have rich spaces, filled with tactile surfaces, opulent finishes, ‘just right’ colours and, where possible, pieces that are locally made.

This bathroom ticks those boxes beautifully.” >

Zuster; zuster.com.au. Book a stay at airbnb.com/h/sibbelhouse.

BATHROOM

design notes

VANITY Issy ‘Blossom I’ vanity (1800x450mm)with Forrest Green marble benchtop and handles, from $4550, Reece.

MIRROR Issy ‘Blossom’ triple mirror with shaving cabinet, $3265, Reece.

BASIN Omvivo ‘Venice’ 450mm solid-surface basin, $660, Reece.

TAPWARE Sussex ‘Scala’ basin outlet, from $287.15, wall mixer, $441.15, and Milli ‘Pure’ twin shower, $1300, all in Living Bronze finish, Reece.

LIGHTING Fizi wall lights, from $1650 each, Articolo Lighting.

TILES Inax ‘Sugie Series’ wall tiles in Green (50x50mm), POA, Artedomus.

Valantino terrazzo floor tiles in Light Grey Matt P3, $44.95/m², San Marco Ceramics.

182 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

2

1

THE SOURCE Out with the old, in with the noir...

Produced by Saffron Sylvester. For Where to Buy, see page 200.

4 7

3

5 6

1 Mizu ‘Drift Twin Waterrail’ shower in Matt Black, $935, Reece. 2 Alape ‘Unisono’

glazed-steel freestanding basin in Bi-Colour, $2730, Reece. 3 Kartell by Laufen ‘Max Beam’ polycarbonate stool, $605, Reece. 4 Milli ‘Pure’ wall basin hostess system with diamond textured handles in Brushed Gunmetal, $1355.85, Reece. 5 Lowe Nero, Bianco and Fiore marble vase, $2735, Greg Natale. 6 Kado ‘Neue Arch’ 2-door mirrored shaving cabinet (900x1050mm), $929, Reece.

7 Alape ‘Circa’ enamelled-steel abovecounter basin in Matt Black, $890, Reece.

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

BATHROOM

design notes VANITY Custom birch-ply

cabinetry by Fusion Cabinets.

MIRROR Eclipse backlit mirror, Geelong Tiles & Bathware.

BASIN Roca ‘Inspira’, $530, Reece.

TAPWARE Mizu ‘Drift Mk2’ basin mixer set, $474, and Mizu ‘Drift Mk2’ shower mixer, $474, and Mizu ‘Drift Single Waterrail’ shower, $556, all in Brushed Gold finish, Reece.

BATH Posh ‘Solus’ freestanding bath, $1180, Reece.

BUILDING DESIGNER

Accord Building.

Team work Thanks to a restrained colour palette, this bathroom’s varied mix of materials, textures and shapes sing in perfect harmony.

STORY Matilda Ringrose P HOTO GR AP HY Nic Stephens Photography

Part of a new build on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, this bathroom was

designed with both young and expanding families in mind. This meant that it needed to be practical for all ages, as well as offer that much sought after spa-at-home experience. “Because this property was designed to be sold straight away, the bathroom needed to stand out aesthetically and also be highly functional,” says Kitty Van Den Bosch of Franca Interiors and VDB Homes. The materials palette is intentionally neutral in tone so as to appeal to a broad audience, but it’s definitely far from bland. Simple yet sophisticated mosaic tiles and terrazzo work perfectly together, with bursts of gold in the tapware taking the room to the next level.

“The mosaics and the terrazzo are strong features individually, and the restrained colour scheme ensures they complement, rather than compete with, each other,” says Kitty. Generous windows bathe the space in natural light, highlighting the beauty of the design throughout the day. “The fresh palette and touches of gold make this coastal beauty shine even brighter,” says Daniela Santilli, kitchen and bathroom merchandising leader for Reece. >

Franca Interiors; francainteriors.com. VDB Homes; vdbhomes.com.au.

THE SOURCE To elevate the everyday, go with a little gold.

Produced by Saffron Sylvester. For Where to Buy, see page 200.

1

4 2 3

5

1 Kado ‘Aspect’ LED mirror (600mm), $550, Reece. 2 Mizu ‘Drift Single Waterrail’

shower in Brushed Gold, $556, Reece.

3 Leif liquid handwash in Buddha Wood, $35, Aura Home. 4 Mizu ‘Drift Mk2’ wall-mounted mixer tap set in Brushed Gold, $474, Reece. 5 Roca ‘Inspira’ above-counter basin, $530, Reece. 6 Issy ‘Blossom II’ vanity with Corian top and marble inlay handles, $4050, Reece.

6

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

185

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Into the now Clean-lined fittings and a thoughtful layout were the keys to bringing a heritage home’s bathroom into the 21st century .

STO RY Sarah Pickette | P H OTOG R A P HY Jess Munitz/Creative Edge Photography

BATHROOM

design notes

VANITY Issy ‘Halo I’ vanity with Corian Glacier White top, $3850, Reece.

MIRROR Issy ‘Z8’ shaving cabinet, $4645, Reece.

BASIN Kado Lussi cast solid-surface above-counter basin, $574, Reece.

TAPWARE Milli ‘Pure’ wall basin outlet, $199, tap assembly, $382, and bath set, $812, all Reece.

BATH Kado ‘Lussi’ cast solid-surface freestanding bath (1500mm), $3480, Reece.

TILES Portraits Italian porcelain tiles in Comblanchien Matt, 297x597mm (wall) and 596x596mm (floor), POA, G-Lux.

186 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

2 The owners of this 1890s home in Melbourne,

1

a family of four, sought to update their bathrooms to make them better suited to 21st-century living, says Jessica Karlovic, interior designer for First Avenue Homes, a boutique construction company. “For the main ensuite [pictured here], we selected luxurious fixtures that befit the grand home they feature in.”

A Corian-topped charcoal vanity adds texture and definition to this neutral bathroom and the contours of the Kado ‘Lussi’ basins are echoed in the elegant freestanding bath from the same range.

“This bathroom represents the perfect combination of natural light, timber and fine lines to create an inviting space,” says Daniela Santilli, bathroom and kitchen merchandising leader for Reece. “The placement of the bath means it captures and amplifies the light, and enhances the room’s existing design features by drawing attention to the original windows.” At the other end of the room is a generous shower and a toilet that is separated from the bathing zones by a glass door. “The owners liked the additional privacy and boost to the aesthetics of the bathroom that the glass door provided,” says Jessica. “Having a separate toilet, whether it’s behind a nib wall or a door, is always ideal and we often amend plans to achieve this where possible.” >

3

THE SOURCE Clean, simple shapes offer a timeless appeal.

First Avenue Homes; firstavenuehomes.com.au.

4

Produced by Saffron Sylvester. For Where to Buy, see page 200.

8

5 7

1 Milli ‘Pure’ bath filler with

6

handshower in Brushed Gunmetal, $3750, Reece. 2 Posh ‘Domaine’ wall mirror, $248, Reece. 3 Base freestanding bath, $1112, Reece.

4 Milli ‘Pure Vessel’ basin set, $1225.30, Reece. 5 Omvivo ‘Villa’ above-counter basin, $899, Reece.

6 Kado ‘Arc’ stool, $179, Reece.

7 Australian House & Garden hand towel, $20, bath towel, $40, and bath sheet, $60, Myer. 8 Milli ‘Voir’ wall-mounted tap set with lever handles in Chrome, $550, Reece.

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Dramatic edge Eye-catching elements and an ultra practical layout have delivered a family bathroom that’s a cut above the rest.

STORY Matilda Ringrose

BATHROOM

design notes

VANITY Issy ‘Blossom II’ with Corian top, $4380, Reece.

MIRROR Issy ‘Halo’ rounded triple mirror with shaving cabinet (recessed), $2999, Reece.

BASIN Kado ‘Lussi’ above-counter basin, $574, Reece.

TAPWARE Milli ‘Pure Progressive’ column/hand shower and mixer tap system, $3220, ‘Pure Progressive’ mixer tap with diamond textured handle, $605, ‘Pure’ wall-mounted basin outlet, $245, and bath outlet, $314, all in Brushed Gunmetal, Reece.

BATH Kado ‘Lussi’ freestanding bath, $3740, Reece.

TILES Design Industry feature tiles in Raw Shadow Light by Ceramiche Refin (600x600mm), $110/m², White Satin wall tiles (300x600mm), $22/m², Stonehenge Bianco floor tiles (600 x600mm), $48/m², Blackrock Tiles.

With its swathes of stone, ample light and generous floor plan, it’s difficult

to picture this family bathroom as the cramped, dated space it once was.

The owner had a clear vision and, as it’s the home’s only bathroom, her main concerns were – understandably – practical in nature.

“The brief was for greater functionality, especially in terms of storage,” says interior designer Angela Bailey of Mark Sheppard Bathrooms and Renovations. As for the look: “It had to exude a spa-like quality while being modern and a little bit edgy”. The graphic feature wall of 600x600mm tiles

by Ceramiche Refin brings the edginess and texture the owner was looking for. “She expressed a desire to have grey and white but wanted something a little different,” says Angela. “At one point she mentioned graffiti, which is how I came to these tiles.”

The original L-shaped layout was completely revised. A cavity sliding door and in-wall cistern toilet were installed to maximise space, allowing room for both a walk-in shower and freestanding bath as well as a beautiful Issy ‘Blossom II’ vanity. “The vanity is a statement feature in this bathroom,” says Daniela Santilli, bathroom and kitchen merchandising leader for Reece. “The soft arcs and rich timber work to create a design that celebrates the beauty of curves and provides a sense of comfort.” > Mark Sheppard Bathrooms and Renovations; bathroomsandrenovations.com.au.

2 3

1

4

THE SOURCE Tonal accents hit the sweet spot in a monochrome scheme.

9 Produced by Saffron Sylvester. For Where to Buy, see page 200.

6

5 8

7

1 Kado ‘Lussi’ floor-to-ceiling heated towel rail, $2240, Reece. 2 Milli ‘Pure’ wall-mounted basin outlet in Matt Black, $230, Reece. 3 Venice solid-surface counter-top basin in Softskin Blush, $1225, Reece. 4 Milli ‘Pure

Progressive’ column/hand shower system, $3751.75, Reece. 5 Aesop Sage & Zinc facial hydrating cream, $45, Myer. 6 Issy ‘Halo’ rounded triple mirror with shaving cabinet, $2999, Reece. 7 Laufen ‘Sonar’ freestanding bath with overflow, $10,040, Reece.

8 Omvivo ‘Venice’ solid-surface pedestal basin, $1890, Reece. 9 Australian House & Garden waffle cotton hand towels in Pink Clay, $30/pair, Myer.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

189

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Everyday hero Making a statement vanity the focal point paid handsome dividends in this newly built home.

STO RY Sarah Pickette | ST Y LI N G & P HOTOG R A PHY The Palm Co

BATHROOM

design notes

VANITY Issy ‘Glide’ wall-hung vanity with American oak fascia and double inset basins, $4360, Reece.

MIRROR Issy ‘Z1’ custom mirrors with shaving cabinets, $1485 each, Reece.

TAPWARE Milli ‘Pure Progressive’ wallmounted basin mixer sets, $657 each, Reece.

BATH Posh ‘Domaine’ acrylic bath (1750mm), $1850, Reece.

TOILET Axa ‘Uno’ wall-hung rimless pan with soft-close seat, $939, Reece.

TILES DLT85883 ceramic tiles in Vanilla (45x230mm), $138/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles (ensuite). Kone ceramic tiles in Matt Grey (450x900mm), from $62.95/m², Amber Tiles (main bathroom).

190 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Warm, inviting and modern: that was the look the owners of a newly

constructed home on the edge of Wollongong, NSW, asked interior designer Leah Rispoli of Hemma Interiors to create for their ensuite (opposite). The couple, who are parents to one young child, wanted a bathroom that would stand the test of time and incorporate a touch of timber. Leah opted to make an Issy ‘Glide’ wall-hung vanity the star of the space. The American oak-fronted unit, which features touch-to-open drawers, creates interest through its rich graining, while inset basins echo the rounded contours of the Issy cabinets above. “As you enter the room, the vanity is the first item that comes into view,” says Leah, “and that’s why we picked out a really good-looking piece.”

The vanity is set against a wall of 45x230mm tiles, laid vertically to draw the eye upwards. Meanwhile, the floor and other walls feature a larger, more subdued grey tile. To create a sense of cohesion, the same grey tiles also appear in the home’s main bathroom (shown right), where a back-to-wall bath has already proved to be a great, family-friendly inclusion. “A back-towall bath offers the best of both worlds,” says Daniela Santilli, bathroom and kitchen merchandising leader for Reece. “You get the the look and feel of a freestanding bath without it occupying too much space.” >

Hemma Interiors; hemmainteriors.com.au.

1

2

THE SOURCE

Produced by Saffron Sylvester. For Where to Buy, see page 200.

Fabulous fixtures will spark joy daily.

4

3

5

6 8

1 Issy ‘Z1’ wall mirror, $1210, Reece.

2 Hideaway+ in-wall cistern push plate, $117, Reece. 3 Posh ‘Domaine’ twin rail shower, $526, Reece. 4 Speckle bath sheet, $59.95, Freedom. 5 Kartell

7

by Laufen freestanding bath with overflow, $8920, Reece. 6 Kado ‘Arc’ towel ladder, $229, Reece. 7 Alape ‘Unisono’ counter basin in Bi-Colour, $1090, Reece. 8 Mizu ‘Drift Mk2’ wall-mounted basin mixer set in Matt Black, $479, Reece.

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

In the zones Creating a series of focal points proved a winning formula for this Federation home in Sydney.

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

STO RY Georgia Madden | ST Y L I N G Samantha Torrisi | P HOTOGRA PH Y Ess Creative

192 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Muted tones and natural textures were key to

creating the luxurious feel the owners wanted for the family bathroom in their Federation home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. “At 3.6x2.4 metres, it was quite a large room, but it had zero character and didn’t make the best use of space,” says interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones.

Handmade Moroccan zellige wall tiles and limestone flooring provided the starting points for the new design, paired with fresh white to keep the space feeling bright and open.

Increasing the size of the surprisingly tiny shower was high on the to-do list. Sally’s solution was to design a walk-in space with a decorative archway that takes its cues from period detailing elsewhere in the house. “This shower enclosure feels lovely and private, references the home’s heritage, and creates a beautiful focal point in the room,” she says. The walls of the enclosure are lined with those zellige tiles, and there’s a limestone-clad bench seat at one end, delivering a textural and pattern contrast, as well as extra accessibility.

A freestanding bath is positioned under a generous double-hung window with views to the garden. “I’ll always place the bath under a window if possible and the vanity where its length can be maximised,” says Sally. “In this instance, we also considered the mirror location to reflect that beautiful archway.”

Rhys/Jones Interior Architecture; www.sallyrhysjones.com.

BATHROOM

design notes

VANITY & MIRROR Custom designed

by Sally Rhys-Jones, fabricated by Captive Cabinetmaking.

BENCHTOP & SPLASHBACK

Chambord Grey limestone, SNB Stone, installed by Central Coast Granite.

BASIN Studio Bagno ‘Ovale’ basin, $410, Candana.

TAPWARE Manhattan basin wall set, $705 and bath wall set, $584, and City Plus shower, $1162, all in Brushed Nickel, Brodware.

LIGHTING Articolo Lighting ‘Fizi’ wall sconce, Est Lighting.

TILES Moroccan zellige wall tiles, $229/m², Barefoot Living. Chambord Grey limestone floor tiles, SNB Stone.

BATH Kado ‘Lussi’ freestanding bath, $3480, Reece.

Check out our cleaning products!

WALL

FLOOR

Affnity: 9784 French Limed Oak

For more inspiration visit polyfor.com.au

Try our new WALL & FLOOR Visualiser

Kitchen ^ Bathroom SPECI A L

Family value Careful planning delivered a bathroom that works a treat for bathers of all ages.

STORY Georgia Madden | STY L ING Lara Ette | PH OTO G R A P HY Amanda Prior

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

Smart spatial planning was essential for this family bathroom makeover – there was a lot to

pack into a fairly compact 2.6x2.85-metre footprint. Part of a first-floor addition to a Sydney semi, it needed to accommodate a vanity with double sinks for two school-age children, a decent-size shower and a generous bath for ritual relaxation.

“We considered a few different layouts before the final design,” says Lara Ette, the interior designer behind the slick new setup. “But when it came to the colours and finishes, the owner was clear that she didn’t want anything mundane.”The home’s coastal outlook provided inspiration for the new palette. “It felt right to acknowledge the elements of the sea, sky and sun when selecting the finishes,” says Lara. “Standing on the terrazzo, which is used as both floor tile and skirting, you feel as though frothy waves are enveloping you.” A custom-designed vanity in deep-ocean blue further emphasises the connection to nature.

“Given the room’s dimensions and the window location, it was logical to place the bath in the corner of the room. We had to ‘borrow’ about 5 centimetres from an adjoining bedroom to create a more generous shower enclosure, one that had a shower screen of adequate length to catch the spray as well as to prevent the opening from feeling too tight to manouevre,” says Lara.

And the end result? A highly functional and unique space that gets the tick of approval from the whole family.

Lara Ette Interior Design and Decoration; www.laraettedesign.com.

BATHROOM

design notes VANITY MDF, finished in Taubmans Blue Ink. Archer handles, $16 each, Linear Standard.

Corian benchtop in Glacier White.

Joinery by FAF Woodwork.

BASINS D-Code under-mount basins, Candana.

TAPWARE & SHOWER SET

Brushed nickel tapware and shower set, Brodware.

BATH Kaldewei ‘Centro Duo’, about $4000, Bathe.

MIRRORS Custom designed by Lara Ette, fabricated by FAF Woodwork.

TILES Satin White wall tiles (300x200mm), $38/m², Onsite Supply+Design. Honed terrazzo 400x400mm tiles, Surface Gallery.

LIGHTING In Common With ‘Up Down’ wall sconce (between mirrors), from $1070, In Good Company.

Roc wall lamp, $458 (above bath), AJAR Furniture & Design.

ARCHITECT Onsite Planning and Design.

BUILDER Laycock Constructions.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

195

Kitchen ^ Bathroom

In the pink

SPECI A L

Having admired a rose-toned bathroom in a magazine, the owners of this Sydney home knew which direction to go in to achieve suite success.

STO RY Annika Baker | P H OTO G R A P HY Anson Smart

When the owners of this Sydney home briefed

interior designer Susan Koedam for their guest bathroom revamp, they had a couple of specific requests: a spacious shower zone and a soft-pink colour scheme.

Unsure how it would fit within the home’s traditional architecture, Susan was initially hesitant about using pink, but the palette prevailed and has become the defining feature of the space. She opted to use pink and rose-gold mosaics as a feature wall, teaming them with striking Norwegian Rose marble for the vanity on the same wall. These eye-catching elements are balanced by white wall and floor tiles in a matt finish. “The whole bathroom has a lovely rosy glow,” says Susan.

Susan says she enjoys the challenge of designing within a compact footprint, which is just as well since this room measures just 1.6x2.3 metres. It has one big advantage, however: a ceiling height of 3 metres. The arched mirror – which spans the full width of the vanity and extends almost to the ceiling – visually expands the space, drawing the eye upwards and reflecting light around the room.

To create the largest shower possible, Susan got creative. “It’s designed along the length and incorporates a marble-clad bench seat,” she explains. “As the space is narrow, the shower rose and taps are located on the long wall, maximising the useable space.” # Koedam Design; www.koedam.com.au.

196 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

design notes

VANITY Custom designed by Koedam Design. Benchtop in Norwegian Rose marble, POA, Artedomus. Custom mirrored cabinet with LED lighting, $10,150, Koedam Design.

BASIN Studio Bagno ‘Lago 54’ semi-recessed basin, $869, Cass Brothers.

TAPWARE City Que wall shower set and Manhattan wall-mounted basin set in Polished Rose Gold, Brodware.

TILES 75560-30 wall tiles in Matt White (300x300mm), $73/m², 62046 floor tiles in Matt White (300x600mm), $28.90/m², and Bisazza ‘Le Gemme’ mosaic tiles in Pink/Rose Gold, $198/m², all Academy Tiles+Surfaces.

Norwegian Rose marble feature floor tiles, POA, Artedomus.

LIGHTING Fizi Single Ball wall sconce, from $1650, Articolo Lighting.

ACCESSORIES Brian Tunks vase, $145, Bisonhome.

For Where to Buy, see page 200.

BATHROOM

The Gareth Ashton Poco K tapware collection is new to Abey Australia. Pieces are distinguishable by their knurled detailing. The bathroom mixer shown here is in a Brushed Brass finish and costs $328. abey.com.au

The Terrace desk chair By Coco Republic has a late-Seventies form that’s been given a feminine refresh – tailored for the modern desk. White bouclé upholstery highlights the curves of this design. cocorepublic.com.au

Combining the beauty of terracotta with contemporary ceramic technology, San Selmo SK1Ns (from $149/m²) from Brickworks is a great product for creating distinctive façades and rooflines. brickworks.com.au

H&G ESSENTIALS The Darlana Two-Tier chandelier from The Montauk Lighting Co. is a classic, timeless piece with a modern silhouette – the perfect choice for a large, open-plan space or void. From $2519. montauklightingco.com

Create a beautiful lifestyle and home with these must-have products.

The Zero range of Australian-made tapware by Faucet Strommen combines fine design with superb quality to create a contemporary collection for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. faucetstrommen.com.au

The much-loved White Smoked engineered timber by Royal Oak Floors sets a sophisticated standard for the modern interior. Hard-wearing, low maintenance and timeless, it costs from $85/m². royaloakfloors.com.au

Enjoy Zebra blinds from Tuiss Blinds Online work harder than your average roller blind. Strips of sheer and blockout fabric align for a personalised balance between privacy and light. From $77. blindsonline.com.au

The Alape ‘Circa Terra’ collection from Reece introduces three earthy matte finishes: Gravel, Nordic and Oyster.

These basins are crafted from durable enamelled-steel to create an incredibly thin-edged design. reece.com.au

Available at Harvey Norman, the AEG 8kg 3D Scan heat-pump dryer’s FiberPro System uses sensors to detect humidity on the surface and inside of garments, enabling precise drying. harveynorman.com.au

The Lexi MKII collection, from $198, builds on the linear profile of the Lexi collection from Phoenix Tapware. The outlet of the new tap is slender and its long pin handle sits vertically. phoenixtapware.com.au

New from Falcon, the UK’s number-one range-cooker brand, comes the Earth Colours Collection, featuring three new shades: Mineral Green (shown), Stone Blue or Charcoal Black. From $9798. andico.com.au

H G DESIGN DIRECTORY

wheelie bin stickers PROUDLY MADE IN WA

Specialising in Bronze Fountains, Lighting & Urns, Garden Seating, Statuary, Marble Fire Surrounds & Antique gates.

Swings for all ages Australian made since 1993 0414 551 895

design art

www.swingz.com.au

www.grovewesley.com

info@hrandr.com.au • architecturalheritage.net • 0412 677 125

FLEXIBLE STEEL GARDEN EDGING WHICH BENDS TO VIRTUALLY ANY SHAPE FOR LAWNS, DRIVES, PATHS FLOWER AND VEGETABLE BEDS EverEdge® is easy to install, suits all soil types and is avilable in a variety of colours and depths. EverEdge® is made from 1.6mm gauge mild steel galvansed and power coated or with a Cor-Ten rusted finish.

www.everedge.com.au Tel: 0488 010 203

introduced Visual Comfort Lighting to Australia in 2005 and for 16 years is still proud to offer this amazing brand for those seeking high quality designer lighting.

Visit our Sydney showroom to see a broad selection from Visual Comfort displayed in vignettes showcasing furniture and accessories from all of our American and European luxury brands, all available for immediate delivery.

VISUAL COMFORT LIGHTING FINE ART HANDCRAFTED LIGHTING CHRISTOPHER GUY HICKORY CHAIR CENTURY

THEODORE ALEXANDER MAITLAND SMITH JULIAN CHICHESTER & MR BROWN HOME ROBERTO GIOVANNINI MIRROR IMAGE

80 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria • 02 9667 4415 E: sales@laurakincade.com • Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

www.laurakincade.com T O A D V E R T I S E 02 9282 8273

I

REBECCA .WHITE@AREMEDIA .COM.AU

Your destination for unique homewares, furniture, gifts and fresh flowers.

montauklightingco.com 08 9380 6239

85 Yarra St, Geelong 03 5221 9585 www.townhouse-living.com.au

Featuring the ‘Compass’ Chandelier by Tigermoth Lighting

THE

MONTAUK LIG HT I NG C O.

AFFORDABLE CONTAINER HOMES AUSTRALIA Create Living Space On Your Property Or Generate Extra Income Without The Time & Money Expenses Of Building.

Instant Home Solutions For All People & Budgets achaustralia.com.au 1300 909 940 office@achaustralia.com.au PO Box 18, Milperra NSW 2214

T O A D V E R T I S E 02 9282 8273

I

REBECCA .WHITE@AREMEDIA .COM.AU

H G DESIGN DIRECTORY

The Montauk Lighting Co. brings Australia distinctive, quality feature lighting, created by acclaimed international designers including Kelly Wearstler, Ralph Lauren Home and AERIN through Visual Comfort, Tigermoth Lighting and Haberdashery.

Let us help you make a statement in light.

W H E R E T O BU Y

Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. # 1stDibs 1stdibs.com A Abey 1800 809 143; abey.com.au Academy Tiles+Surfaces (02) 9436 3566; academytiles.com.au Aesop www.aesop.com.au Adore Beauty (03) 9344 1671; adorebeauty.com.au AJAR Furniture & Design ajar.com.au Alfresco Emporium (02) 9919 0601; alfrescoemporium.com.au Amara amara.com/au Amber Tiles 1300 362 241; ambertiles.com.au Anchor Ceramics anchorceramics.com Angove Street Collective angovestreetcollective.com.au Anna Charlesworth 0412 288 111; annacharlesworth.com.au Apartment by Sisällä sisalla.com.au/apartment Apex Stone (03) 9360 0133; www.apexstone.com.au Aplo (03) 5428 3477; aplo.com.au Apollo Kitchens 1300 908 090; www.apollokitchens.com.au Apple 133 622; apple.com.au Arko Furniture arkofurniture.com.au Armadillo (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Artedomus (02) 9557 5060; artedomus.com Artereal Gallery artereal.com.au Articolo Lighting (03) 8595 8011; articololighting.com Ashwood Design (03) 9482 7287; ashwooddesign.com.au Asko 1300 002 756; asko.com.au Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Attica House 1300 754 700; www.atticahouse.com.au Audio Technica audio-technica.com.au Aura Home 1300 304 269; aurahome.com.au Austim (08) 6558 1266; austim.com.au Australian Galleries (02) 9360 5177; australiangalleries.com.au B B&D Doors 136 263; www.bnd.com.au Baker & Shuhandler www.bakershuhandler.com.au Bang & Olufsen (02) 9356 8111; bang-olufsen.com Barefoot Living (02) 9976 6324; www.barefootliving.com.au Basil Bangs basilbangs.com Bathe 1300 133 320; bathe.net.au Bauwerk Colour (08) 9433 3860; bauwerk.com.au Bayliss (03) 9708 6664; baylissrugs.com Beachwood (02) 9918 7162; beachwood.com.au Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266; beaconlighting.com.au Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com Bed Threads 1300 371 571; bedthreads.com.au BeefEater Barbecues 1800 356 660; beefeaterbbq.com Belfast Sinks 1800 111 566; belfastsinks.com.au Bernini Stone & Tiles (08) 9388 1193; bernini.com.au

Big Ass Fans 1300 244 277; bigassfans.com.au Bisazza (02) 9838 9233; bisazza-australia.com.au Bisonhome (02) 6257 7255; www.bisonhome.com Blac Design blacdesign.com Blank Joinery (02) 9666 1441; blankjoinery.com.au BoConcept (02) 8090 4438; boconcept.com.au Boffins Books (08) 9321 5755; boffinsbooks.com.au Bona www.bona.net.au Booktopia booktopia.com.au Bosch Home Appliances 1300 368 339; bosch-home.com.au Bottega Veneta bottegaveneta.com Boyd Blue (02) 8338 8113; boydblue.com Brass Decor (08) 9386 6057; brassdecor.com.au Bremworth 1800 251 172; bremworth.com.au Brickworks brickworks.com.au Briggs Veneers (02) 9732 7888; www.briggs.com.au Brodware (02) 9421 8200; brodware.com.au Brosa 1300 027 672; brosa.com.au Bunnings bunnings.com.au Burberry au.burberry.com Byron Bay Hanging Chairs www.byronbayhangingchairs.com.au C Caesarstone 1300 119 119; caesarstone.com.au Candana (02) 9389 8631; candana.com.au Canvas+Sasson (03) 9790 1266; canvasandsasson.com.au Captive Cabinetmaking (02) 9905 4468; captivecabinetmaking.com.au Caroma 131 416; caroma.com.au Carrera by Design (02) 9725 5110; carrera.com.au Cass Brothers (02) 9569 5555; www.cassbrothers.com.au Central Coast Granite (02) 4324 2930; centralcoastgranite.com Chanel Tobler www.chaneltobler.com Choices Flooring choicesflooring.com.au Cleaf laminato.com.au CLO Studios clostudios.com.au Coco Republic 1300 000 220; cocorepublic.com.au Collective Furniture collective-au.com Colorbond 1800 022 999; colorbond.com Condari www.condari.com.au Cooee Art cooeeart.com.au Corian 1300 795 044; casf.com.au Corsi & Nicolai Australia (03) 9546 3644; www.cnanaturalstone.com Cosentino cosentino.com Cosh Living (03) 9281 1999; coshliving.com.au Country Road 1800 801 911; countryroad.com.au Create Estate www.createstate.com.au Criteria (03) 9421 2636; criteriacollection.com.au Cult Design 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au Cultiver cultiver.com Curatorial+Co curatorialandco.com

D Dan Murphy’s 1300 723 388; danmurphys.com.au Darren Knight Gallery darrenknightgallery.com Dedece (02) 9360 2722; dedece.com.au Dekton (02) 8311 1518; dekton.com.au DéLonghi 1800 126 659; delonghi.com.au DesignByThem (02) 8005 4805; designbythem.com Designers Guild designersguild.net.au Designstuff (03) 8598 9700; designstuff.com.au Deus Ex Machina shop.deuscustoms.com Di Lorenzo Tiles dilorenzo.com.au Dinesen dinesen.com Dinosaur Designs (02) 9698 3500; dinosaurdesigns.com.au Dior (02) 9695 4800; www.dior.com District (08) 9388 1855; district.com.au Domayne domayne.com.au Domo (03) 9277 8888; domo.com.au Dulux 132 525; dulux.com.au Dunlin (02) 9907 4825; dunlinhome.com.au E E&S (03) 9034 9503; eands.com.au Eadie Lifestyle (02) 4969 8998; eadielifestyle.com.au Easycraft (07) 3906 7200; easycraft.com.au ED Landscapes edlandscapes.com Electrolux electrolux.com.au Elton Group 1300 133 481; eltongroup.com Empire Homewares (08) 9755 3501; worldofempire.com Enlightened Living (02) 9318 0833; enlightened-living.com.au Eskayel eskayel.com Est Lighting (02) 9194 3422; estlighting.com.au Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; euroluce.com.au Eveneer 1300 133 481; eltongroup.com F FAF Woodwork www.fafwoodwork.com Falcon, available from Andico 1800 685 899; www.andico.com.au Fat Shack Vintage (03) 9943 9026; fatshackvintage.com.au Faucet Strommen 1800 505 116; faucetstrommen.com.au Fendi fendi.com Fenton & Fenton (03) 9533 2323; fentonandfenton.com.au Few & Far (02) 4441 8244; fewandfar.com.au Fineprint Co fineprintco.com Fisher & Paykel 1300 650 590; fisherpaykel.com.au Flowers Vasette (03) 9419 4988; flowersvasette.com.au Franke 1800 339 451; franke.com.au Fred International (02) 9310 3263; fredinternational.com.au Freedom 1300 135 588; freedom.com.au Freedom Kitchens 1800 113 733; www.freedomkitchens.com.au Furniture Inspirations (03) 9562 8355; www.furnitureinspirations.com.au Fusion Cabinets fusioncabinets.wixsite.com G Garden Life (02) 9517 3633; gardenlife.com.au Geelong Tiles & Bathware geelongtilesandbathware.com Georg Jensen 1800 536 736; georgjensen.com.au

Glicks Furniture glicksfurniture.com.au Globe West 1800 722 366; globewest.com.au G-Lux (03) 9429 4589; www.glux.com.au Grazia & Co (03) 9555 5760; graziaandco.com.au Great Dane (03) 9417 5599; greatdanefurniture.com Greg Natale (02) 8399 2103; gregnatale.com Gregory Croxford Living gregorycroxfordliving.com.au Grovemade grovemade.com Gucci (02) 9282 4299; www.gucci.com Gypset Cargo 0412 547 662; gypsetcargo.com H Handmark Gallery handmark.com.au Hardtofind hardtofind.com.au Harpers Project www.harpersproject.com Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; harveynorman.com.au Hay (02) 9358 0855; hayshop.com.au Haymes Paint 1800 033 431; haymespaint.com.au Hides of Excellence www.hidesofexcellence.com.au HK Edit hkedit.com.au Hotel Luxury Collection www.hotelluxurycollection.com House of Orange (03) 9500 9991; houseoforange.com.au Howards Storage World 1300 479 479; hsw.com.au Hugo Boss hugoboss.com Hunter & Nomad hunterandnomad.com.au Huset (03) 8609 1443; www.huset.com.au I I Love Linen 1300 859 773; ilovelinen.com.au Ikea (02) 8020 6641; ikea.com.au Ilve 1300 694 583; ilve.com.au In Bed inbedstore.com In Good Company ingoodcompany.com.au International Floorcoverings 1800 339 379; interfloors.com.au Interstudio 1300 785 199; www.interstudio.com.au Intrim Mouldings intrimmouldings.com.au Ireland Tiling irelandtiling.com.au Ivy Muse ivymuse.com.au J James Hardie jameshardie.com.au James Lane jameslane.com.au Janus et Cie janusetcie.com Jardan (03) 8581 4988; jardan.com.au Jati Furniture 1800 807 815; www.jati.com.au Joel Elliott joelelliottfurniture.com Just Bathroomware (02) 9719 3000; justbathroomware.com.au K K&R Contractors (08) 9356 2121 Kartique (08) 6161 7179; www.kartique.com.au Kas Australia (02) 8035 2248; kasaustralia.com.au Kazari+Ziguzagu (03) 9510 2528; kazari.com.au Kethy (02) 9542 4991; kethy.com.au King 1300 546 438; kingliving.com.au Klaylife (03) 9007 0467; www.klaylife.com Kmart 1800 634 251; kmart.com.au

stockists H G Koala au.koala.com Koko Black kokoblack.com L Laal (03) 8692 0024; laal.com.au Laminex 132 136; laminex.com.au Laura Kincade (02) 9667 4415; laurakincade.com LG 1300 542 273; lg.com.au Libertine Parfumerie (03) 9661 1258; www.libertineparfumerie.com.au Liebherr 1800 685 899; andico.com.au LightCo 1300 795 548; www.lightco.com.au Lighting Collective (02) 6685 5744; lightingcollective.com.au Linear Standard linearstandard.com.au Linton & Kay Galleries www.lintonandkay.com.au Living Edge 1300 132 154; livingedge.com.au LivingStyles livingstyles.com.au Lo&Co (08) 7200 3203; loandcointeriors.com.au Loewe loewe.com Lopi 1800 064 234; www.lopi.com.au Louis Vuitton 1300 883 880; www.louisvuitton.com Lounge Lovers 1300 738 088; loungelovers.com.au Love Moroccan Rugs lovemoroccanrugs.com.au Lucy Montgomery lucymontgomery.com Luxaflex Window Fashions 135 892; luxaflex.com.au Lysaght lysaght.com M MadeMeasure 0431 489 504; mademeasure.com Maisie & Clare maisieandclare.com.au Maison Balzac 1300 342 662; www.maisonbalzac.com Make Designed Objects (03) 9347 4225; www.makedesignedobjects.com Mark Tuckey (03) 9419 3418; marktuckey.com.au MatchesFashion www.matchesfashion.com Maywood www.maywood.com.au MCM House (02) 9698 4511; mcmhouse.com McMullin & Co mcmullinandco.com Mecca Cosmetica 1800 007 844; mecca.com.au Miele 1300 464 353; shop.miele.com.au Miguel Meirelles Antiques (03) 9822 6886; www.meirelles.com.au Miss Amara missamara.com.au MJ Bale www.mjbale.com Modern Times (03) 9913 8598; moderntimes.com.au Mokum jamesdunloptextiles.com Mondo Luce (02) 9690 2667; mondoluce.com Mondoluce (08) 9321 0101; www.mondoluce.com.au Mondopiero mondopiero.com.au More Like Me @morelikemehomewares

Morphy Richards morphyrichards.com.au Mr Pinchy & Co mrpinchyando.com.au Mr Porter www.mrporter.com Mud Australia (02) 9569 8181; mudaustralia.com Murobond Paint 1800 199 299; murobond.com.au Muuto muuto.com Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au N Neon Parc neonparc.com.au Net-A-Porter www.net-a-porter.com Nicholls Interiors (03) 9596 2335; nichollsinteriors.com.au Nightworks Studio www.nightworksstudio.com Nini Creative ninicreative.bigcartel.com NOHrD www.nohrd.com Nuevue Window & Soft Furnishings (02) 9300 8830; nuevue.com.au O Olive et Oriel www.oliveetoriel.com Oliveri (08) 8348 6444; oliveri.com.au Olsen Gallery (02) 9327 3922; olsengallery.com Onsite Supply+Design (02) 9360 3666; onsitesd.com.au Original Ceramics (08) 9444 8087; www.originalceramics.com.au Otomys otomys.com Oz Design Furniture 1300 721 942; ozdesignfurniture.com.au P P Johnson pjt.com Palmer & Penn (02) 9328 4800; www.palmerandpenn.com.au Papaya (02) 9386 9980; papaya.com.au Papier www.papier.com Peggy Platner Collection www.peggyplatnercollection.com Pelle Leathers (02) 9460 9222; pelleleathers.com.au Perini (03) 9421 0550; perini.com.au Phoenix Tapware (03) 9780 4200; phoenixtapware.com.au Planet (02) 9211 5959; planetfurniture.com.au Poliform (02) 8339 7570; www.poliformaustralia.com.au Polyflor www.polyflor.com.au Polytec 1300 300 547; polytec.com.au Pony Rider (02) 8911 3518; ponyrider.com.au Porcelain Bear (03) 9044 2728; porcelainbear.com Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; porterspaints.com Prego Marble & Granite Works (02) 9534 2311; @pregomarbleandgranite Project 82 (02) 9357 2704; project82.com.au Provincial Home Living 1300 732 258; provincialhomeliving.com.au Q Qasair condari.com.au Quantum Quartz (02) 9772 9888; wk.com.au R Rag & Bone rag-bone.com Rakumba Lighting 1300 784 748; rakumba.com

Ralph Lauren fabrics, available from Radford 1300 692 393; iconradford.com Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au Reliquia Collective reliquiacollective.com Remedy (08) 9431 7080; www.remedyonline.net.au Ride the Tide ridethetide.com.au RM Williams (08) 8259 1007; www.rmwilliams.com.au Robert Plumb (02) 9316 9066; robertplumb.com.au Rogerseller 1300 559 759; rogerseller.com.au Roy’s Antiques roys-antiques.com.au S Saardé saarde.com Salt Interiors saltinteriors.com.au Samsung 1300 362 603; samsung.com.au San Marco Ceramics www. sanmarcoceramics.com.au Satara (03) 9587 4469; satara.com.au Scott Livesey Galleries (03) 9824 7770; www.scottlivelseygalleries.com Shepherd Craft Furniture (08) 9244 9400 Siemens siemens-home.com.au Signorino (03) 9427 9100; signorino.com.au Sii Light (08) 9221 5544; siilight.com.au Silestone cosentino.com Simon Johnson (02) 8244 8255; www.simonjohnson.com Simon Paton Cabinetry @simonpatoncabinetry Sirius 1300 762 219; siriusbrand.com Slip slip.com.au Smeg (02) 8667 4888; smeg.com.au SNB Stone (02) 9793 2001; snb-stone.com Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Spa World 1300 862 032; www.spaworld.com.au Stegbar 1800 681 168; stegbar.com.au Studio Bagno (02) 9601 1948; studiobagno.com.au Studio Gallery (03) 8597 9190; studiogallerymelbourne.com.au Studio Henry Wilson henrywilson.com.au Studio Mulders www.studiomulders.com Stylecraft (02) 9355 0000; stylecraft.com.au Surface Gallery (02) 9566 2002; surfacegallery.com.au Surrounding (03) 9005 6253; surrounding.com.au Sydney Tap and Bathroomware (02) 9550 4628; sydneybathroomware.com.au T Tait (03) 9419 7484; madebytait.com.au Talostone talostone.com.au Taubmans 131 686; taubmans.com.au Temple Fine Rugs (08) 6140 1763; www.templefinerugs.com.au The Balcony Garden thebalconygarden.com.au The Barberhood barberhood.com.au

The Dharma Door (02) 6629 1114; thedharmadoor.com.au The English Tapware Company 1300 016 181; englishtapware.com.au The Lab Organics (03) 9347 8871; www.thelaborganics.com.au The Montauk Lighting Co montauklightingco.com The Organic Ceramics Co www.organicceramicsco.com The Pot Warehouse @the_pot_warehouse The Rug Collection (03) 8555 3584; therugcollection.com.au The Sheet Society the sheetsociety.com.au The Society Inc thesocietyinc.com.au This Little Love thislittlelove.com.au Tiento Tiles tiento.com.au TileCloud (02) 9557 6785; tilecloud.com.au Tiles by Kate (02) 9949 4300; tilesbykate.com.au Tiles of Ezra 0400 667 505; www.tilesofezra.com Tongue N Groove Flooring (02) 9699 1131; tngflooring.com.au Top3 by Design 1300 867 333; top3.com.au Tretford (07) 3881 1777; tretford.com Trit House www.trithouse.com.au Tsar Carpets (02) 9331 4244; www.tsar.com.au U Uber+Klein www.uberandklein.com.au Uniqwa Collections (07) 5596 0884; uniqwafurniture.com.au Urban Edge Ceramics (03) 9429 2122; urbanedgeceramics.com.au Urban Lighting urbanlighting.com.au U-Turn Audio uturnaudio.com V Vallkree 0406 889 227; vallkree.com Victoria Carpets 1800 136 040; www.victoriacarpets.com.au Victoria+Albert 1300 737 779; vandabaths.com/aus Vintage Cellars vintagecellars.com.au Vintage Sports www.vintagesports.com Vintec 1800 666 778; www.vintec.com.au V-Zug (03) 9832 7500; vzug.com/au W Winning Appliances 1300 050 050; winningappliances.com.au Wolf, available from Winning Appliances 1300 050 050; winningappliances.com.au Woodcut (02) 9319 6050; woodcut.com.au Woodsmith (03) 6326 1181; wearewoodsmith.com.au Woud, available from Southwood (03) 9077 5474; southwoodhome.com.au Y Yagoona Design Australia yagoonadesignaustralia.com.au Z Zenith Interiors (02) 9211 4744; www.zenithinteriors.com.au Zimmermann www.zimmermannwear.com Zincalume 1800 800 789; steel.com.au Zip 1800 947 827; zipwater.com Zuster (03) 9852 8410; zuster.com.au

PRIVACY NOTICE This issue of Australian House & Garden magazine is published by Are Media Pty Ltd. Are Media may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Are Media publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is located at aremedia.com.au/privacy.

It also sets out on how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge a complaint. Are Media may disclose your personal information offshore to its owners, joint venture partners, service providers and agents located throughout the world, including in New Zealand, USA, the Philippines and the European Union. In addition, this issue may contain Reader Offers, being offers, competitions or surveys. Reader Offers may require you to provide personal information to enter or to take part. Personal information collected for Reader Offers may be disclosed by us to service providers assisting Are Media in the conduct of the Reader Offer and to other organisations providing special prizes or offers that are part of the Reader Offer. An opt-out choice is provided with a Reader Offer. Unless you exercise that opt-out choice, personal information collected for Reader Offers may also be disclosed by us to other organisations for use by them to inform you about other products, services or events or to give to other organisations that may use this information for this purpose. If you require further information, please contact Are Media’s Privacy Officer either by email at privacyofficer@aremedia.com.au or mail at Privacy Officer – Are Media, 54 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

201

H G the creative type

Julia Levitt & Fiona Ericsson While their business began organically, this creative duo has grown Sticks & Stones Landscape Design from seed to thriving success.

PH OTO GR A P H Y Kristina Soljo

202 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Photograph by Slim Aarons (Kaufmann House)/Getty Images.

“Working with plants is by far my favourite part of what we do.” Julia Levitt

Did your childhood influence your choice of career?

Julia: My mum always encouraged us to appreciate nature and spend time outdoors.

I was always climbing trees, picking flowers or building forts in the garden.

Fiona: I was always making a mess! Painting, experimenting with ceramics, cooking, sewing, exploring the local bush and tearing around on my bike. It was later that I developed an interest in landscaped gardens in rural NSW. I admired and appreciated what could be achieved in challenging elements.

How did Sticks & Stones come about?

J: Fiona and I met at Ryde TAFE while studying Landscape Design. Just prior to graduation, we collaborated on a project and realised that our strengths and skill sets were complementary.

The business formed organically.

How does your average working day unfold and what does it look like?

J: Every day is different, which is what keeps it so interesting. There is one constant in my day though: coffee.

F: It definitely starts with coffee! Then the way it unfolds depends on whether it’s a site day or a design day. We encourage collaboration in our business and team up on designs so it’s creatively challenging. We meet with clients and architects, chat with the construction teams, source materials and locate the best plant stock.

What do you love about your work?

J: Creating spaces that connect people with the outdoors. Working with plants is by far my favourite part of what we do as well as having the opportunity to encourage people to have an appreciation for them too.

F: I love designing outdoor spaces and enjoy the process of landscape construction. The best day is plant-out day! Once all the plants are in, you get to admire and experience the sanctuary that you have envisioned.

Do you listen to any music or podcasts while you work?

J: I love hip-hop, but I can’t say the rest of the office agrees!

F: I love listening to the best of the 1980s…

Occasionally some ’90s as well.

The biggest challenge of your career?

J: Building our brand. Establishing a design studio with minimal industry experience was very ambitious of us – and more than a little daunting. It took a lot of perseverence to get where we are today.

An achievement you’re most happy with to date?

F: Winning the 2018 Allan Correy Award for design excellence, judged by the Landscape Design industry body (AILDM).

Strategies for achieving good work-life balance?

J: Disconnecting work emails from my phone has been very helpful. When I am home with my 16-month-old twins, there is not much time for anything else!

F: I stopped trying to achieve a good balance.

Some weeks are better than others. I try to appreciate the days when I’m not spinning.

What nourishes your creativity?

J: Taking walks and getting outdoors.

F: Art and architecture.

Who are the creatives you admire?

J: William Dangar [of Dangar Barin Smith] has been a wonderful and supportive mentor to us. We absolutely adore his work and creative use of plants.

F: Piet Oudolf in the Netherlands, Fernando Martos in Spain and Ground Studio Landscapes in the US. We like to seek inspiration for our gardens from similar climates such as California and countries in the Mediterranean.

The drought-tolerant plants and natives used there are perfect for the Australian climate.

What’s on your reading list at the moment?

J: This One Wild and Precious Life by Sarah Wilson.

F: He’ll Be OK by Celia Lashlie.

A favourite plant?

J: It changes all the time, but I really love the Japanese anemone (Anemone japonica).

F: Tractor seat plant (Ligularia reniformis). It can be used in a broad variety of plant palettes.

Your idea of true luxury?

F: Travelling, hands down. How special it is to hop on a plane and explore the world!

A travel destination that has inspired your work?

J: Morocco and Italy.

F: New York, Palm Springs and Portugal.

Your dream landscaping project?

J: Any project where the client appreciates the garden and has full trust in what we do.

That, for me, is a great project.

F: Yes, the dream project is a collaboration between the client, the construction team and us. The result always exceeds expectations.

Favourite cafes and bars in the neighbourhoods where you live and work?

J: Bart Jr. in Redfern, Mensch Bagels in Surry Hills and The Hive Bar in Erskineville. # Sticks & Stones Landscape Design; sticksandstonesld.com.au.

OPPOSITE Julia Levitt (left) and Fiona Ericsson pictured together in a fresh-completed residential

garden they designed in the northern Sydney suburb of Pymble.

JULIA AND FIONA’S FAVOURITE THINGS

From top This One Wild and

Precious Life book by Sarah Wilson. Kaufmann House by Richard Neutra in Palm Springs.

Tractor seat plant (Ligularia reniformis). Bellevue Hill project

by William Dangar of Dangar Barin Smith.

Carefully considered contrast.

Whether it’s subtly blending in with the environment or combining contrasting materials and textures, COLORBOND steel offers beautifully understated yet striking impact. From the calming tones of Shale Grey™ to the deep elegance of Monument , COLORBOND steel can help create a more dramatic design statement for any style of home.

Visit COLORBOND.COM or call 1800 022 999

Croydon House, NSW, by Ben Giles Architect. Photography by Katherine Lu. The COLORBOND steel colour swatch represents actual product colour as accurately as possible. However, we recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing. COLORBOND , the BlueScope brand mark and colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited.

TM colour names are trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. 2021 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.