ROOMS G ON E W IL D – the best from the animal kingdom
36 SUBLIME
sanctuaries Bespoke bathrooms for your bathing pleasure
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pages of
HOME HQ: It’s CHIC and WARM in here
Evergreen style LUSH GARDENS FROM A CIT Y ROOFTOP TO A COUNTRY SPREAD
Make an understated impression. Available in five neutral colours, from subtle, lighter tones through to bolder, darker hues, COLORBOND steel Matt diffuses light to create a soft and textured appearance. Tested in some of Australia’s harshest conditions, its strength and durability are perfect counterpoints to its designer appearance. Visit COLORBOND.COM/MATT or call 1800 702 764
COLORBOND and the BlueScope brand mark are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. 2018 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.
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Miele’s full-surface Induction Cooktop has no predefined cooking zones so you have the freedom to move pots and pans anywhere you like. Heat settings can be retained thanks to the innovative intelligent pan recognition.
C R E AT E D B Y K Y L E C O N N A U G H T O N
ONCE UPON
A SOFA Every lounge room tells a story, and with a huge range of fabric and leather options, freedom will help add character to yours.
Eton leather chaise
Classic styling in four leather options. Also available in a two-seat, three-seat and armchair option.
LIVING top to bottom: Eton three-seat leather chaise in tan vintage; Wyatt side table.
BRAND PROMOTION
Panama sofa
Contemporary style in a three-seat sofa. Also available in two-seat and 2.5-seat options. Customise your sofa in your choice of either a fabric or leather finish.
LIVING top to bottom: Live The Moment painted canvas 95x125cm; Panama three-seat leather sofa; Alfred cushion 50x50cm in slate grey; Broadway cushion 50x50cm in light pink; Kunis cushion 55x55cm in blue; Fono side table; Kolton rug 200x300cm in dark grey; Fistral two-seat leather chaise; Round coffee table.
L
Fistral leather chaise
Two-seat modular sofa with chaise in grey lucia. Also available as an armchair, three-seat sofa and ottoman. Four fabric and 13 leather options.
ike a good friend, your sofa has a critical part to play in the story of your home. Be it classic or contemporary, leather or fabric, it’s a character that you want to enjoy spending time with for many years to come. With this in mind, freedom’s extensive sofa range will help you find the perfect match for your home. Featuring soft curves, the Fistral chaise (pictured left) makes a style statement with its retro curves. Timber legs keep it elevated, which can help create a greater sense of space. For a contemporary look, the new Panama sofa (above) boasts beautifully wide seating with feather-filled cushions for that ‘sink back into luxury’ feeling. The craftsmanship includes French seam detailing and a choice of up to 10 fabric and five leather finishes. For a classic lounge room, it’s hard to pass the timeless style of the Eton in tan leather (opposite page). With its deep seating, plush fibre, feather cushioning and soft padded arms, it’s like sinking into the arms of a long-lost friend.
For more details about leather sofas and style ideas visit freedom.com.au
MAGAZINE
S A L E NOW ON TEXTURAL HEALING: Decorating is the best therapy!
MUSK FARM’S NEW OWNER-GARDENERS
Fabulous local holidays – we visit Victoria’s Surf
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY This year it’s lunch at home
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AUST DES INT
HOUSE HONOUR S
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TAKE A BREAK TO TASMANIA # TR AV ELLOCA L
Honey, we’re home!
RENOVATION COMPLETE
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MONDAY MORNING COOKING CLUB cooks for you
Your forever GORGEOUS
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KITCHEN starts here
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COMING UP ROSES
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Our pick of what to plant now
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CONTEMPO
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STUNNING
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THE BEST APPLIANCES TO BUY cooktops, ovens, fridges, dishw
GA RDE N I NG IS ST IL L ON!
Chic, petite and green – f ive small gardens to inspire
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Details that bring a home to life
JUNE
Cover stories
26 36+ Sublime Sanctuaries Bespoke bathrooms for your bathing pleasure. 39 Rooms Gone Wild The best from the animal kingdom. 63 Home HQ It’s chic and warm in here. 134 Evergreen Style Lush gardens from a city rooftop to a country spread.
Decorating & design
Photography by Tom Ferguson.
18 Open-Door Policy Stylist Lynda Gardener’s barn-style cottage is a welcoming haven. 26 Bathe In Beauty Embrace soothing hues and bespoke pieces to create the ultimate escape from the daily grind. 36 Ask An Expert How to pick the right fixtures and finishes for an irresistible bathroom. 38 On Trend: Brass Enrich your home with touches of this wonderfully warm metal. 39 On Trend: Animalia Embrace the roar power of a daring animal print. 40 All Sorted Classic-style cabinetry comes into its own in this storage-filled laundry. 57 Rare Beauty The owners of this spectacular Sydney home have an extraordinary vehicle in their garage.
Shopping
42 44 46 51 52 176
9 By Design Heated towel rails. 9 By Design Bathroom side tables. Buyer’s Guide To Benchtop Appliances Home Comforts The latest and loveliest finds. Smart Shopper Heating options for your home. Where To Buy Stockists’ contact details.
Houses
64 Sitting Pretty A second renovation of this gorgeous Melbourne home means it is now simply perfect. 74 Work, Rest And Play It only took an instant for the residents of this Perth home to be charmed. 82 Classic Notes Heritage details shine alongside some clever contemporary inclusions. 90 Styling Up Fashion was just one factor in the thoughtful update of a modern Sydney terrace. 98 Moody Clues A glamorous overhaul ensures this home’s interiors are as lovely as the views beyond. 106 Natural Wonder This stunning coastal site now has a dwelling that can match its beauty. 116 As You Please Inside a sophisticated Sydney home.
On our cover In Melbourne, a carefully considered renovation resulted in a family-friendly home. Turn to page 64 for more. Photograph by Armelle Habib.
124 Imagine This Clear vision saw a rough diamond transformed into a covetable, family-friendly home.
Gardens
134 Healing Place In the hands of a talented landscape designer, a long-neglected block has been reborn. 140 Sun, Wind And Sky Smart plantings shine in this spectacular yet low-maintenance rooftop garden. 144 Have A Ball Topiary tips for every garden. 146 Clippings Garden news and to-dos.
Bathroom special
149 From punchy powder rooms to superb family bathrooms, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration for the wet zones in your home.
Community 8
Subscription Offer Subscribe now for super savings. 16 Your H&G Readers’ letters. 177 Privacy Notice 178 The Creative Type Retailer Bethany James.
FURNITURE & HOMEWARES | INTERIOR DESIGN | PROPERTY STYLING | DESIGN SCHOOL WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.COM.AU
EDITOR’S LETTER H G
Hair & make-up by Samantha Powell. Photograph by Kristina Soljo.
A
“When YOU ARE sharing your home and workspace, the bathroom becomes a SANCTUARY.”
s I write this, the legendary David Bowie is on a loop in my head. ‘Ch-chch-ch changes, turn and face the strange ch-changes…’ Resilience – that concept we talk about instilling in our children – and our nimbleness have definitely been tested in 2020. Despite the recent devastation, we now have to recognise and embrace some incredible and potentially life-changing outcomes. Pre Covid-19, many paid scant attention to home and hearth. Waking up early, trying to cram in some exercise or meditation, rushing to get ready and zooming out of the house (that we are working hard to afford to live in), and, if we’re lucky, catch glimpses of family and friends. Any household things that needed attention like the overflowing life-sapping drawer, chipped wall, dead plant, or tired room took a back seat… Over the last months, morning preparation has been a little easier. Meetings are on Zoom, and with no commute, breakfast has been healthier. An old-school coffee might be your beverage of choice over the usual brew from your hipster barista. Your abode might be looking more loved due to the multitasking afforded by working from home, and your mind, while probably harbouring some anxiety about the future, might be feeling a little less cluttered with some more order in the house. The transition back to a relatively normal life is going to be exciting and we will never be the same. Technology and soul-enriching creative pursuits have collided epically. We’ve all noticed the interest in fermenting and feeding a sourdough starter, with everything from kneading the dough to unveiling the perfect loaf all documented on social media. Content creation is where it’s at: whether it’s envy-inducing, informative or simply eye-candy, we are all publishers. I love seeing clips of newly tech-empowered grandparents going to extraordinary and humorous lengths to stay in touch with their grandchildren. People have embraced the miracles of technology to work productively while reconnecting with home, family, and earthy pursuits like gardening, cooking, reading, craft, and lengthier self-care rituals. Speaking of elevating grooming rituals – how sacred is the bathroom? When you are sharing your work and home space 24 hours a day, that cool, tiled room becomes nirvana. If you are thinking of sprucing up your bathing sanctuary, take a look at the stunning bathrooms from some of Australia’s leading designers starting on page 149. If you are not after a full overhaul, our sublime decorating shoot will give you some ideas from adding artwork or a fabulous piece of furniture to getting some luxe new linen – page 26. In my teens it seemed pretty easy to be au courant: latest book? Read. Latest film? Seen. Latest album? Heard. Now it is impossible to be abreast of every hot new release, so we are all editors and curate what we decide to imbibe. If you are reading this – thank you, as I know you have H&G on your must-read list. Enjoy the abundance of beautiful homes and inspiration inside.
Tanya Buchanan, Editor in chief TOP PICKS
Tanya’s top five
BREW
Gaggia coffee machine, $899, Harvey Norman; harveynorman.com.au.
GLOW
Blue Orchid treatment oil, $57/30ml, Clarins; www.clarins.com.au.
GROW
250mm Gardenia ‘Florida’, $38.95, Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au.
ADMIRE
TTM vessel, $1150, Curatorial+Co; curatorialandco.com.
COVET
B3847 FashionMaster ironing system, $2399, Miele; shop.miele.com.au.
EDITORIAL Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan Creative director Antonietta Panuccio Deputy editor Elizabeth Wilson Interiors editor Kate Nixon Senior features editor Sarah Pickette Content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar Homes group coordinator Matilda Ringrose ART & STYLE Art director Shayne Burton Junior designer Sophie Wilson Image retoucher/designer Matus Kundrat CONTRIBUTORS
Leigh Boswell, Lisa Cohen, Steve Cordony, Sibella Court, Stephen Crafti, John Downes, Elise Elliott, Tom Ferguson, Anna Flanders, Martina Gemmola, Nic Gossage, Simon Griffiths, Armelle Habib, Maree Homer, Holly Irvine, Leta Keens, Andrew Lehmann, Olga Lewis, Ryan Linnegar, Georgia Madden, Heather Nette King, Tess Newman-Morris, Chris Pearson, Ashley Pratt, Dion Robeson, Prue Ruscoe, Steve Ryan, Bek Sheppard, Anson Smart, Sue Stubbs, Derek Swalwell, Kristina Soljo, Lillie Thompson, Mikkel Vang, Ruth Welsby, Helen Young
ATTENTION ALL GARDEN LOVERS!
If you admire a beautiful garden and the power of plants to transform a home, you’ll love Great Australian Gardens Volume 2. Featuring country and urban projects, this book showcases 25 diverse, beautiful and inspirational gardens that have appeared in the pages of Australian House ^ Garden magazine. While you’re staying at home pondering your next project in the garden, here’s all the inspiration you need!
ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Homes commercial manager Rhonda Maunder (02) 9282 8687 Advertising production manager Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 Victoria, SA & WA sales director Jaclyn Clements (03) 9823 6341 Director of sales, NSW Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 Victoria head of direct sales Will Jamison (03) 9823 6301 Queensland head of sales Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 New Zealand enquiries +61 2 9282 8505 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 MARKETING & CIRCULATION Marketing director Louise Cankett Senior marketing manager Jillian Hogan Circulation manager Lauren Donikian Subscriptions campaign manager Jesvin Vincent Brand manager Sarah Webster Marketing enquiries homes@bauer-media.com.au BAUER MEDIA CORPORATE Chief executive officer Brendon Hill Chief financial officer Andrew Stedwell Executive general manager – publishing & digital operations Sarah-Belle Murphy Associate publisher Shane Sutton Director of sales Andrew Cook Acting head retail ^ circulation Andrew Cohn General manager – subscriptions & e-commerce Sean McLintock Business manager Georgina Bromfield Syndications syndication@bauer-media.com.au SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES
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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 Bauer Media Pty Limited (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN is the property of Bauer Media Pty Ltd and is used under licence. © 2020. 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. Bauer Media Pty Ltd 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.
Comfort starts at home. That’s freedom.
MOMBA 3 seat sofa + Available in 6 fabrics + Feather and fbre cushioning + Armchair also available
Follow us on Instagram for your style inspiration @freedom_australia
Modern coastal style with ultimate comfort.
The Momba three seat sofa will bring a cool relaxing vibe to your living room. Curl up and sink into deep seating with sumptuous feather and fibre filled cushions. Choose from a range of subtle shades, including a washed canvas fabric for a laid-back feel.
Shop online today at freedom.com.au
H G LETTERS
Your H&G Drought, bushfire and now coronavirus isolation... What a mixture to deal with, all in the space of a few months! Sitting here, looking out over the town, rejoicing in the lush green growth that has regenerated since the recent rains, drought and bushfires forgotten for us (even though many are still suffering) restores my faith. Daily exercise to the mailbox rewards me with the April edition of Australian House & Garden. Marvellous! While poring over the pages, the frojalda recipe (Heart & Soul) beckoned – easily made and so delicious. Thank you H&G for broadening my horizons and brightening up my day.
H&G social The posts that made your month. Facebook
Carol Andrews, Coonabarabran, NSW
Having recently moved house, I rewarded myself with a subscription to H&G. I feel like I am completely surrounded by wonderful living spaces – and what better a time for it! The magazine has brought me so much in such a short space of time and I look forward to enjoying more. The writing and virtual ‘open homes’ are amazing. Thank you. Saira Lusby, Chatswood West, NSW
Country comforts A fresh new edition of H&G always brings with it a sense of comfort and calm. I was lucky enough to have my friendly local newsagent bring the latest issue, along with a few other essentials, to my car window as I kept the kids strapped in. I could shop like that all the time! I just love H&G. It is my little escape and gives me a moment to focus my
WRITE IN TO WIN
The author of each letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a prize. This month, Carol Andrews receives a special Australian House & Garden package, including a quilt cover set from Myer, valued at $149.95, and Great Australian Gardens Volume 2, valued at $59.99. Email your letter to H&G@ bauer-media.com.au or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include your full name and address.
thoughts as I gather ideas for a future farmhouse renovation. I love seeing country homes and people represented too. Callie Manser, Keith, SA
Escape plan Spending these past couple of months at home with our two teenage sons has been both a challenge and a blessing – for all of us. It’s certainly given me lots of time to reflect. The routine of ‘keeping the home fires burning’ seems to keep everyone as happy as they can be. My moments of escapism come when they’re online for school and I’m able to sit down with a pot of tea and the latest copy of H&G and ponder which jobs to tackle next. Maybe a blue feature wall? Definitely some work in the garden. Thanks for the inspiration. Melinda Zahra, Taylors Lakes, Victoria
Facebookers really liked an old-meetsnew Melbourne home, a beautiful bedroom found fans on Instagram, while ideas for compact courtyards hit the spot on Pinterest.
Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to our favourite home tours. 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. For weekly news and inspiration, subscribe to our free e-newsletter at newsletter.houseandgardenmag.com.au.
Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
Homes delivery
Open-door policy Stylist Lynda Gardener’s barn-style cottage proves good things indeed come in small packages. STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y LI N G Sibella Court | P HOTOGR AP HY Mikkel Vang
at home with H G
Salvaged windows from an old schoolhouse lend a storied quality to the barn and send light streaming through the interiors. Dining table, HK Living. Mushroom stools, Globe West. African masks and vase, secondhand and vintage finds. OPPOSITE Split-style barn doors are located at either end of the home. “The top half of one side opens up to views of the garden, filling the place with sun and air,� says interior designer and owner Lynda Gardener. Side table, pendant lights and baskets are treasures Lynda had in storage from her retail days. For similar sofa, try the Max modular sofa from King Living.
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“ W H I T E M A K E S E V E RY T H I N G S H I N E . T H E S PAC E L O O K S B I G G E R , L I G H T E R A N D L OV E L I E R .” LY N D A G A R D E N E R , O W N E R / S T Y L I S T
at home with H G
S
ome people have a gift for creating beautiful interiors. They can take a modest space and conjure a gorgeous, emotive, tactile environment filled with make-you-smile touches.StylistLyndaGardenerisavirtuoso, and her latest home project is a shining example. Located in the main street of Daylesford, Victoria, on a narrow block measuring 30x7 metres, sits her newly built one-bedroom property. From the outside, it’s a simple structure built in the traditional barn vernacular,withahigh-pitchedceilingandsplitstable doors. Open the doors and you enter a portal into a warm, calm, perfectly curated world filled with plants,curiositiesandcollections.“Iwantedtocreate aconservatory feel,with greenery,loads of whiteand exposed beams,” says Linda. “It’s spacious, open and an all-round happy place to be in.” Lyndaiswell-knowntoMelburniansfortheEmpire Vintage homewares store she operated there for 24 years. She closed the store four years ago and now co-managesInsideStoryStudio,aninteriordecorating business. She’s also a serial renovator and owns >
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Lynda loves the serenity of the
whitewashed interior. The coathooks were custom-made by the builder, Rob Roy. The kitchen is a simple inline layout with concrete benchtop and open shelving. Concrete kitchen sink, Schots Home Emporium. OPPOSITE “I always use concrete for the kitchen benchtop – it’s raw and basic. Not everyone loves it because it’s porous and consequently stains but that’s what I love about it. I like a sense of history and character in a home.” FAB 28 refrigerator, Smeg. Cooker, Glem. Tap, Bunnings. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Lynda is joined on the roomy sofa by her friends, fellow stylists Louella Boîtel-Gill (left) and Sibella Court. Authentic 1970s Arabiaware ceramics and vintage cutlery add to the character of this treasure-filled home. OPPOSITE Lynda’s plan to paint the barn black was rejected by the local council so she opted for Colorbond Woodland Grey on the roof and weatherboards. Plantings at the front include a young hedge of Pittosporum ‘Silver Sheen’ with two potted bunya pines at the front door. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
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five boutique getaways. Most of these homes have been old places that Lynda has bought, revived and decorated in her signature vintage style. The barn is her first new build, which came into being after a spontaneous land purchase. The rectangular block it sits on is located next door to ‘The White House’ – the best-known of Lynda’s bespokehomes,whichshehasownedfor15years–and itwasformerlyaneighbour’sdriveway.“Theneighbour’s property had two entrances and this driveway wasn’t being used,” explains Lynda. “I made an off-the-cuff remark about buying it and before I knew it I was the owner of this long, narrow piece of land.” To make the purchase viable, she needed to build on the plot. “I wantedtobuildsomethingsimpleandaffordable,”she says. “It had to be 20x5 metres, so a barn was perfect.” Lyndadesignedtheweatherboardstructureherself, enlisting a local builder to construct it. She conceived it as a rectangular box with a bathroom ‘pod’ at the centre of the home. “Placing the pod in the middle creates an open-plan kitchen/dining/living zone at the front and privacy for the bedroom at the rear.” Multi-paned windows salvaged from an old schoolhouse extend down one side of the barn and give it a light-filled, conservatory feel. Thewalls,ceilingandexposedbeamsarelimewashed in Bleached White, a colour Lynda created in collaboration with Bauwerk Colour. “White makes everything shine,” she says. “It’s the best canvas to showoffyourinteriorstyleandlook.Here,itenhances the feeling of spaciousness. You walk in and it looks bigger than it is, and feels light and lovely.” Offsetting the white are layers – linens, timbers, rattan and cane – of natural textures in warm tones. Glossy plants play a key role: “I wanted to play up that conservatory feel,” says Lynda. “It’s calming with the white walls and green leaves everywhere.” The kitchen is a simple inline layout with concrete benchtops, open shelving and a splashback of handmade tiles that were a serendipitous find: “They were end-of-the-line stock and a little faulty, but that made them affordable and gave them character,” she says. “Imperfect is perfect for me.” The barn – dubbed ‘Room+Board’ – is a departure fromLynda’ssignaturelook.“It’sanewbuild,soithas a more contemporaryfeel, butthere areplenty of little vintagetreasures,”shesays.“It’slayeredandpersonal and still has that mix of old and new I love.” > Room+Board is available to rent; www.roomandboard.com.au.
at home with H G
“ T H E R E I S S O M E T H I N G S I M P L E A N D H O N E S T A B O U T A B A R N .�
LY N D A
H G AT HOME WITH 1
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LIFE & ST YLE Lynda shares some first and favourite things.
FIRST ADULT HOME? A gorgeous Victorian
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I A M I N S P I R E D BY P EO P L E J U ST D O I N G T H E I R OW N T H I N G . 8
I am inspired by people – stylists, creators, retailers or individuals – just doing their own thing and are absolutely passionate about what they do. Interior designers I admire are Carole Whiting, Hecker Guthrie, Sibella Court (6) and my dear friend Louella Boîtel-Gill (8, and pictured with Lynda at top left). Vintage portraits – always.
SOMETHING I’D LIKE TO PURCHASE NOW IS…
I collect vintage cocktail rings (10), so they are always on my wish list! # 7
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
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4 5
WHICH INTERIOR DESIGNERS INSPIRE YOU?
A DESIGNER HOMEWARE PIECE I COVET IS…
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OV V E R S E A S T R AV E L I S M Y PA S S I O N .
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Photography by Mikkel Vang (portrait and tableware), Sibella Court (6), Getty Images (2, 4)
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weatherboard in Brunswick, Melbourne. BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? Portugal. And I can never get sick of Venice (2) for its beauty. It took my breath away many years ago and I need to go back. BEST MEAL EVER I have so many favourite haunts, mostly small places hidden in streets around Melbourne: Napier Quarter (1) and Marion Wine Bar (5) in Fitzroy, and City Wine in thhe city… I adore tiny, out-of-the-way places. DREAM CAR Mercedes 280SL Pagoda roadster (4 4). It’s timeless and I am so very proud to own one. There is no other in my eyes! I’D CROSS THE WORLD TO Visit any country I have not been to before. Overseas travel is my passion. FAVOURITE FLOWERS Hydrangeas (9) or anythinng hand-picked from the garden. FAVOURITE MUSICIANS Nick Cave, Nouvelle Vague, Serge Gainsbourg (7) and Cat Power. FAVOURITE FASHION LABELS I don’t usually stick to one, I am forever changing. But I’ve always loved Scanlan Theodore (3) and small Melbourne labels such as Before March and Morrison. FAVOURITE SCENT Le Labo Santal 33 (11). ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FILMS Anything by Wes Anderson or movies directed by Tom Ford, especially A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals. I loved The Joker, Gattaca and Farinelli too.
Bathe in B E AU T Y Surround yourself with soothing touches to create the ultimate relaxing retreat. ST Y L IN G Kate Nixon | P HOTO GR A P H Y Kristina Soljo
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D e c or at i ng
Stylist’s assistants Nicholas Bryan-Brown & Roberta Galllo. Shot on location at Casa by Studio Kate.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Salvatori stone parquet tile, $620/m², Boffi Studio. DW soap dispenser, $565, Becker Minty.
Turbinaria coral, $155, Boyd Blue. Calligraphy brush, stylist’s own. Royal & Langnickel sea-silk sponge, $10, Art Supplies Australia (throughout). Soap, stylist’s own. DW soap stand, $140, Becker Minty. Plat-eau stone tray with marble vessel, $675, Boffi Studio. Inlay box, $65, Orient House. Linen towel with fringe, stylist’s own. Raw cotton foliage, Mandalay Flowers. Versailles French oak panel flooring, $600/piece, Enoak (throughout). OPPOSITE, IN NICHE From left Crokia foliage, Mandalay Flowers. Kharal marble bowl, $255, Orient House. The Golden One artwork by Michael Taylor, $5300, .M Contemporary. Vintage mosaic box, $425, Becker Minty. Ormaggio a Morandi ceramic vessel, $815, Boffi Studio. Mid-Century vessel, POA, Tamsin Johnson. Tribal resin table lamp with linen shade, $550, Bloomingdales Lighting. Fireplace with Marmorino finish by Idea Creations and built by iBuild. FOREGROUND From left Sussex ‘Voda’ brushed-brass bath filler with hand shower, $3742.20, and Dado Julia DadoQuartz freestanding bath, $5590, Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Twig iroko wood bath rack with Cristalplant plate, $1195, Boffi Studio. Coconut bowl, $115, Orient House. French metal stool, $319, Maison et Jardin. Flocca linen bath towel in Russo Solid, $155, and Kristine linen guest towel, $39, both Hale Mercantile Co. Uragano chair, $3060, Boffi Studio. Wall painted Wash & Wear in Natural White, $77.90/4L, Dulux.
H G DECORATING
A N A RT F U L D I S P L AY O F B AT H R O O M E S S E N T I A L S S E T S A C A L M , S O P H I S T I C AT E D TO N E F O R T H E W H O L E S PAC E .
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FROM LEFT Rokumaru ash coat stand, $1745, Boffi Studio. Society Limonata cotton robe, $560, Ondene. Wall
Floor installed by Italian Art Flooring; 0424 548 324.
niches by iBuild. Macrame basket, $120, Orient House. Aura Home waffle hand towel, $24.95, Sydney Design Agency. Mid-Century Italian mirror, $3200, Tamsin Johnson. Classic French bronze spout, $795, Parterre. Vintage baby bath, $325, and folding table, $395, both Orient House. Morocco 3 wool mat, $990/m², Robyn Cosgrove. IN NICHE, TOP SHELF Slope bowl and spoon, $100/set, Orient House. Closer to the Moon sculpture by Bettina Willner-Browne, $1800, Saint Cloche. MIDDLE SHELF Begonia in pot, Mandalay Flowers. Plat-eau bamboo and brass soap dish, $770/3-piece bathroom set, Boffi Studio. Flocca linen bath towels, $155 each, Hale Mercantile Co. BOTTOM SHELF From left Buhera basket, $220, and Portuguese ceramic vessel, $160, both Orient House. Omaggio a Morandi vessel, $815, Boffi Studio. Socli French Centri Storici limewash wall finish by Idea Creations. OPPOSITE, TOP SHELF From left Candlestick, $80, Orient House. Ceramic jug, $139, Casa by Studio Kate. Atta woven bowl, $50, Orient House. Flocca linen hand towels, $65 each, and bath towel, $155, all Hale Mercantile Co. SECOND SHELF From left Preserved hydrangeas, Mandalay Flowers. Ceramic urn, $105, Casa by Studio Kate. Portuguese vessel, $160, Orient House. Leather coaster, $30 (includes matching placemat), 1803. Plat-eau marble toothbrush holder, $385, Boffi Studio. Golf-plated nail brush, $29.95, Becker Minty. BOTTOM SHELF Montgomery faux-marble urn, $575, Boyd Blue. Macrame basket, $120, Orient House. >
H G DECORATING
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FROM LEFT Untitled artwork by Mark Hislop, $2000, Wagner Contemporary. Cardo glazedterracotta wall tiles, $370/m², Aeria Country Floors. Tiling by iBuild. Vanity by Idea Creations, built by Kreative Kitchens. ON VANITY From left Flocca linen bath towel, $155, Hale Mercantile Co. Tofu terracotta bowl, $140, Orient House. Plat-eau bamboo and brass toothbrush holder, $770/3-piece bathroom set, and Fontane Bianchi make-up mirror, $910, both Boffi Studio. Visual Comfort ‘Dover’ iron table lamp with linen shade, $550, Bloomingdales Lighting. Wooden brush, stylist’s own. Michael Verheyden travertine canister, $640, Ondene. OPPOSITE, FOREGROUND From left Curtain in Lino Antico linen fabric, POA, Westbury Textiles. Bisque Petal pendant light, $738, Sydney Design Agency. Sussex ‘Voda’ brushed-brass bath filler with hand shower, $3742.20, and Dado Julia bath, $5590, Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Flocca linen bath towel in Russo Solid, $155, and Kristine linen guest towel, $39, both Hale Mercantile Co. Twig iroko wood bath rack with Cristalplant plate, $1195, Boffi Studio. Coconut bowl, $115, Orient House. French metal stool, $319, Maison et Jardin. Twig iroko wood stand, $1085, Boffi Studio. Aura Home chambray towel in Cinnamon, $29.95, Sydney Design Agency. Linen tea towel, $33, Maison et Jardin. Indiana linen cushion, $355, Boyd Blue. Uragano chair, $3060, Boffi Studio. Berber 3 cashmere and silk mat, POA, Robyn Cosgrove. IN NICHE From left Crokia foliage, Mandalay Flowers. Kharal marble bowl, $255, Orient House. The Golden One artwork by Michael Taylor, $5300, .M Contemporary. Vintage mosaic box, $425, Becker Minty. Ormaggio a Morandi ceramic vessel, $815, Boffi Studio. MidCentury vessel, POA, Tamsin Johnson. Visual Comfort ‘Dover’ iron table lamp with linen shade, $550, Bloomingdales Lighting. Fireplace by Idea Creations and built by iBuild. >
H G DECORATING Going Through artwork by Min Woo Bang, $3500, Wagner Contemporary. Curtain in Hidra polyester fabric, POA, Westbury Textiles. Rattan tissue box, $65, Orient House. Brass drinks table, $1400, Tamsin Johnson. Tondo freestanding bath spout, $1015, and Seed ceramic pedestal basin, $5010, both Parisi. Aura Home cotton hand towel, $24.95, Sydney Design Agency. Vase, both stylist’s own. Bleached and preserved palm fronds, Mandalay Flowers. Perrin & Rowe ‘Country’ soap dispenser, $313.65, The English Tapware Company. Indian marble plate, $100, Orient House. Lido ottoman, $695, Coco Republic. Italian Moka tone cobblestones, $380/m², Aeria Country Floors. Tiling by iBuild. OPPOSITE French 1930s brass hat rack, $4200, Tamsin Johnson. The Early Swimmers artwork by Eleanor Millard, $2000, Wagner Contemporary. Shanxi timber bench, $1150, Orient House. French 1960s stool, $1700, Tamsin Johnson. ON RACK From left Aura Home waffle hand towel in Natural, $19.95, and bath towel in Dove, $49.95, both Sydney Design Agency. Flocca linen bath towel in Tempest, $155, Hale Mercantile Co. Atta round basket, $65, square basket, $70, and tissue box, $65, all Orient House. Aura Home ‘Paros’ bath towel in Tobacco, $24.95, Sydney Design Agency. ON BENCH From left Copper watering can, $299, vintage French bread board, $210, and timber washboard, $129, all Maison et Jardin. Michael Verheyden marble tray, $1350, Ondene. Casuarina foliage, Mandalay Flowers. The Water Monopoly ‘Rockwell’ wall-mounted basin, $1181.80, and Perrin & Rowe ‘Contemporary’ brass tap set, $869.10, all The English Tapware Company. ON STOOL Slope bowl and spoon, $100/ set, and Indian marble platter, $50, all Orient House. ON FLOOR Balinese rattan bowl, $130, Orient House. Kristine linen guest towel, $39, Hale Mercantile Co. Cicim wool kilim, $1025, Orient House. >
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U S E A RT A S YO U W O U L D ELSEWHERE IN THE HOME. C O N S I D E R T H E OV E R A L L PA L E T T E , S C A L E A N D P L AC E M E N T, A N D TA K E C A R E TO P R OT E C T YO U R PRECIOUS PIECE FROM STEAM A N D WAT E R W I T H VA R N I S H O R A S U I TA B L E F R A M E .
H G DECORATING
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ON WALL Vintage French ceramic wall sconce, $6400/pair, Tamsin Johnson. What might have been and what
has been X artwork by Leah Fraser, $1450, Arthouse Gallery. Arch by iBuild. Wall finished in Meoded ‘Tonachino Half White Duck’ by Idea Creations. FOREGROUND From left Raw cotton foliage, Mandalay Flowers. Portuguese vessel, $160, Orient House. Brodware ‘Yokato’ tap set, $1145, Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Aura Home ‘Paros’ cotton hand towel, $24.95, Sydney Design Agency. Indian marble wash basin, $630, Orient House. Plat-eau bamboo and brass soap dish, $770/3-piece bathroom set, Boffi Studio. Italian Moka cobblestones, $380/m², Aeria Country Floors. OPPOSITE Vintage timber bookshelf, $1450, Orient House. Tantra candle pot, $264, Sydney Design Agency. Brass and steel ashtray (used as toilet roll holder), $980, Tamsin Johnson. The Water Monopoly ‘Lonsdale’ toilet pan, $1318, timber toilet seat, $631.80, and Aquadomo dual-flush push plate, $904.55, all The English Tapware Company. Blarney wool mat, $990/m², Robyn Cosgrove. Vintage French iron sconce, $2400/three, The Vault Sydney. ON BOOKSHELF, TOP Tate marble and metal table lamp with glass shade, $300, Bloomingdales Lighting. Bisque ‘Urli’ marble bowl, $158, Sydney Design Agency. FIRST SHELF Bisque ‘Ilala’ basket, $111, Sydney Design Agency. Preserved amaranthus foliage, Mandalay Flowers. Balinese pumpkin pot, $190, Orient House. SECOND SHELF Cane basket (2-piece set), POA, Tamsin Johnson. Flocca linen hand towel, $65, and bath towel, $155, both Hale Mercantile Co. THIRD SHELF From left Italian ceramic bowl, $1200, Tamsin Johnson. Square marble plate, $100, Orient House. Vintage brass and copper candleholders, $475/ pair, Becker Minty. Plat-eau bamboo and brass toothbrush holder, $770/3-piece bathroom set, Boffi Studio. FOURTH SHELF Flocca linen bath towels, $155 each, Hale Mercantile Co. Cane basket (2-piece set), POA, Tamsin Johnson. BOTTOM SHELF Ravi blown-glass votive holder, $77, Westcliffe parchment box (top), $485, and Clifton laminated raffia box, $530, all Boyd Blue. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #
Ask an expert
SO FRESH, SO CLE A N
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he bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in the house and often the most expensive space to renovate when you consider the cost per square metre. While a neutral palette has broad appeal, a splash of considered colour and a few key fixtures and fittings will elevate your everyday experience and deliver a great return on investment. Your
choices for lighting (both decorative and task), artwork, storage, wall and floor finishes are as important in the bathroom as elsewhere in your home. For a cohesive finish, take palette cues from the kitchen. # Send decor questions (with name and address) to H&G Advice, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 or email H&G@bauer-media.com.au.
Rooms designed by Kate Nixon/Studio Kate; www.studiokate.com.au or @studio_kate_. Photography by Maree Homer. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
Invest in the details to create a bathroom that really sings, writes Kate Nixon.
DECORATING H G Programma Simple vanity with granite top and WK6 mirror, all Boffi Studio. BELOW LEFT Martyn Lawrence Bullard ‘Royal Fernery’ wallpaper, Radford. Mirror, Domo. BELOW RIGHT Tiles, Aeria Country Floors. Towel, ceramic and tray, all Casa by Studio Kate. OPPOSITE Brodware ‘Yokato’ tapware, Sydney Tap & Bathroomware. Wall light, Articolo Lighting.
A bathroom should always have at least one decorative light fitting.
Fresh ideas & easy updates
✚ Mix different metals to enhance visual interest and depth. ✚ Think about grout. I love pairing rustic tiles with sand cement, but there’s a rainbow of colours to choose from. ✚ Paint and wallpaper present the quickest, most cost-effective update for bathrooms. Bold wallpaper works wonders in powder rooms (below, left). ✚ Tapware can date a bathroom so look for classic lines and finishes. ✚ Select a quality feature tile for the floor or walls and mix with inexpensive standard tiles to achieve maximum bang for buck. ✚ Reinvigorate the space with foliage or flowers, freshly picked and popped into a vase, pot, cup or toothbrush holder. ✚ Baskets are a great way to bring texture to a bathroom and neatly store toilet paper, spare towels and trinkets.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Cameo
mirror with built-in lighting and shelf, $1695, Parisi. Padma sconce, POA, Arteriors. Zoe basin, $1050, Koskela. Antique Brass toilet roll holder, $45.45, Light in the Box. Pietra D’Avola Raw tile, $620/m², Boffi Studio. Hideaway+ in-wall push plate, $133, Reece. Busatti ‘Jakarta’ bath towel, $220, Casa by Studio Kate.
OR TRY THESE…
Wynstan Custom fit roman and roller blinds with unique prints and textures. Luxaflex Window Fashions Highquality privacy, light filtering, blockout blind fabrics and shutters. Choices Flooring Great range of waterproof flooring options. Freedom Well-priced accessories. Faucet Strommen Beautiful Australian tapware. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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Bring a bit of brilliance to your decor with a judicious touch of brass. 1 Gubi ‘F.A.33’ brass-framed mirror (80x58cm), $1759, Surrounding; surrounding.com.au. 2 Arch 01 brass pendant light, about $1542, Douglas
& Bec; douglasandbec.com. 3 Gervasoni ‘Brass 96’ suspension light, $1950, Anibou; www.anibou.com.au. 4 Riyad mantel ornament, $59, Domayne; www.domayne.com.au. 5 Aerin ‘Charlton’ brass double wall light, $1595, Becker Minty; beckerminty.com. 6 Arc mixer tap, $899, Zip; zipwater.com. 7 Fold brass table lamp, $2400, Studio Henry Wilson; www.henrywilson.com. 8 Duresta ‘Lewis’ stool with fabric upholstery, $2775, Domo; www.domo.com.au. 9 Brussels brass easy chair with leather upholstery, $3395, Coco Republic; www.cocorepublic.com.au. 10 Orchid brass ring, $180, Dinosaur Designs; www.dinosaurdesigns.com.au. 11 Sprout brass neckring, $350, Dinosaur Designs; www.dinosaurdesigns.com.au. 12 Amuneal’s brass pantry, POA, 1stdibs; www.1stdibs.com. #
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Produced by Sophie Wilson. Currency conversion correct at time of writing.
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Wild homewares and accessories to feed your animal attraction. 1 Lila Narcissa silk pyjamas, $850, Olivia von Halle; oliviavonhalle.com. 2 Les Ottomans ‘Snake’ wooden tray, $135, Amara; au.amara.com.
3 Jane Churchill ‘Animal Tapestry’ viscose-linen fabric, POA, Domus Textiles; www.domustextiles.com. 4 Carnets D’Equateur porcelain breakfast cup and saucer set, $480, Hermès; www.hermes.com. 5 Leather belt with feline buckle, $835, Gucci; gucci.com. 6 Podevache ‘Lobster’ PVC placemat, $29, Amara; au.amara.com. 7 Natural Curiosities ‘Animals Playing I’ wall art, $875, Coco Republic; www.cocorepublic.com.au. 8 Thistle and Bird beech stool with Trevira CS fabric upholstery, $5020, Gucci; gucci.com. 9 Panthère de Cartier 18-carat gold ring, $4700, Cartier; cartier.com.au. 10 Panther Pixel silk scarf, $510, Cartier; cartier.com.au. 11 Cole & Son ‘Leopard Walk’ wallpaper, $220/10m roll, Wallpaper Direct; www.wallpaperdirect.com.au. #
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Text by Elizabeth Wilson.
Classic-style cabinetry and neutral tones breathed new life into this dreamy storage-filled laundry.
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The light, fresh palette amplifies the natural light and is perfect for a room dedicated to washing and cleaning. Placing the appliances under the bench creates a cleanlined look and provides ample sorting space.
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oung Melbourne homeowners ganaelle and daniel knew they were onto a good thing when they bought their 1967 brick-veneer home in the city’s east. The structure was sound, the layout was good and the rooms were a generous scale. All they needed to make it truly theirs was to rejuvenate the interiors. inspired by Hamptons styling, they set their sights on creating a modern home with classic touches, mixing clean-lined cabinetry with crisp whites and natural tones. They wanted to strike a balance between sophisticated, timeless and homely. When it came to the laundry, ganaelle and daniel wanted to create a room that echoed the look and feel of the kitchen and butler’s pantry. As these rooms are in close proximity, they felt it was important for the colour scheme and aesthetics to be consistent and unified throughout. The resourceful diY-ers found the answer in cabinetry from Kaboodle Kitchen. in keeping with the Hamptons theme, they opted for doors in the shaker-style Alpine profile. A two-tone palette – nougat Truffle for the overhead cabinets, soft-grey Cremasala for the base cabinetry – adds visual interest. Both colours are from Kaboodle’s premium thermoformed range of doors. A Mayonella laminate benchtop completes the picture. The laundry is smart, streamlined and ultra practical thanks so generous storage and bench space. “We were able to maximise every centimetre of the room and the overhead cabinets gave us optimum storage,” says ganaelle. “Having the appliances under the bench gave us ample bench space too. We just love this laundry.” #
HE DETAILS
Overhead cupboard doors are in Nougat Truffle and base cabinet doors are in Cremasala, both colours from Kaboodle Kitchen’s scratch-resistant premium thermoformed range. The doors feature an Alpine profile. Walls painted Dulux Natural White. The Mayonella laminate benchtop gives the impression of marble. “It’s perfect for budget-conscious renovators,” says Kaboodle’s marketing communications manager, Briony Mikrou.
Kaboodle Kitchen; www.kaboodle.com.au.
H G SHOPPING
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1 Milli ‘Pure’ vertical heated towel rails in Matt Black, $1850/three, Reece; www.reece.com.au. 2 Otto heated towel rail in Brushed Copper, $329.90, ABI; www.abiinteriors.com.au. 3 Avenir Hybrid heated towel ladder, $952, Cass Brothers. 4 Hawthorn Hill towel warmer in Chrome, $3550, The English Tapware Company; www.englishtapware.com.au. 5 Milli ‘Pure’ vertical heated towel rail in Rose Gold, $906, Reece; www.reece.com.au. 6 Forme ‘Premium Tranquillity’ heated towel rail, $915, Harvey Norman; www.harveynorman.com.au. 7 S60SSB heated towel ladder in Brushed Brass, $2545, Thermogroup; www.thermogroup.com.au. 8 Forme ‘Free Standing’ heated towel rail, $89, Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au. 9 Roll vertical heated towel rail in Matt Black, $550, Rogerseller; www.rogerseller.com.au. #
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Produced by Sophie Wilson.
H E AT E D T OW E L R A IL S
it’s in our nature Skin and bodycare that reflects the Australian spirit. Powered with nourishing, native wildflower and plant extracts found just off the beaten track. N AT U R A L A U S T R A L I A N B E A U T Y
natio.com.au
H G SHOPPING
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1 Lincoln Junior rattan side table, $229, Oz Design Furniture; ozdesignfurniture.com.au. 2 Bodhi timber side table with lavastone top, $299, Freedom; www.freedom.com.au. 3 Hay ‘Bowler’ steel and granite side table, $530, Designstuff; designstuff.com.au. 4 Pebble fibrestone side table, $529, Vorsen; www.vorsen.com.au. 5 Idaho side table with timber shelves, $595, Papaya; www.papaya.com.au. 6 White Wash timber stool, $395, Harpers Project; harpersproject.com. 7 Elm milking stool, $199.95, Provincial Home Living; www.provincialhomeliving.com.au. 8 Font cement side table, $2990, Fanuli; www.fanuli.com.au. 9 HK Living ‘Retro Webbing’ timber stool with rattan seat, $299, Cranmore Home & Co; www.cranmorehome.com.au. #
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Produced by Sophie Wilson.
BAT HR O OM SIDE TA BL E S
Cosy up this winter with Choices Flooring Find inspiration with the latest trends in carpet, timber, laminate, luxury vinyl, rugs and window furnishings to transform your home this winter.
only a va ila b le a t
Product featured: Eternity Inception - Karalis Colour featured: Seal Grey
choicesflooring.com.au
Buyer’s guide
BE NC H T OP A P PL I A N C E S
Smeg TSF03BLAU Retro two-slice toaster in Black, $199, and Smeg KLF03BLAU Retro electric kettle in Black, $219, both Appliances Online; www.appliancesonline.com.au.
Styling by Kate Nixon. Photograph by Maree Homer.
From ‘set and forget’ machines to trusty assistants that will help you power through meal prep, the latest benchtop appliances are all about lightening the load, writes Georgia Madden.
shopping H G
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mall kitchen appliances can be an absolute lifesaver, helping you zip through time-consuming prep so you can quickly and easily get dinner on the table or batch-cook like a pro. With some of the latest models, you don’t even have to be in the kitchen to prepare a meal – simply toss the ingredients in and set the machine to task. You’ll also find models that help you cook more healthily, multitask and/or offer step-by-step guidance. “People want multifunctionality, which saves precious bench and storage space,” says Gary Brown, senior brand manager for home appliances at Harvey Norman. “They also want efficient machines that allow them to whip up nutritious meals. Thenewestappliancesonofferare powerful and incredibly easy to use.” Multicookers, which do everything from slow-cook to deep-fry, score top marks for versatility and time savings. Tefal’s new Cook4Me+ Connect, for instance, features different cooking modes – slow cook, sauté
If you want to eat more healthily but can’t resist a little crunch, the new breed of hightech air fryers is sure to appeal. “Air-fryers are great as they cook quickly with little to no oil,” says Brown. “They’re not just for chips, you can use them for steaks, burgers, chicken nuggets and more.” Philips’ XXL Digital Air Fryer is a standout option. “It hassmartsensorsthat‘read’theingredients and automatically set the optimum temperature and timing for perfect results. It’s also 1.5 times faster than oven cooking.” Craving a great-tasting pizza? “Breville’s new Pizzaiolo, which heats to 400°C, gives you authentic wood-fire style pizza in 80secondsinacompact,benchtopmachine – so you can churn them out for a crowd,” says Brown. With open-plan kitchens on the rise, designers are putting stylish new spins on everyday benchtop essentials. “Benchtop appliances are no longer hidden behind closed doors – they are an essential part of the overall kitchen design,” says Arthur
“A P P L I A N C E S S H O U L D B E S I M P L E TO C L E A N , M U LT I F U N C T I O N A L A N D S O M E T H I N G YO U W I L L U S E R E G U L A R LY.” L O R R A I N E E L L I O T T
andsear,sousvide,bake,yogurt-makingand pressure cooking – in the one pot. “It’s also Bluetooth-connected so you can download recipesdirectlyfromanapp,withmorethan 100 dishes that can be cooked in less than 10 minutes. You can monitor cooking progress from your smartphone too,” says ToddGibbonsofAppliancesOnline.Another notable multitasker, he says, is Morphy Richards’MultifunctionCookingpot, which grills, steams, fries and more. Stand mixers are no longer just for baking. Kenwood’s Cooking Chef, for example, cooks as well as beats and mixes so you can slow cook, make stir-fries and casseroles as well as prepare your favourite cake. It features 23 preset cooking programs and automatically changes temperature, stir intervals and power to suit. It also comes with 24 additional attachments for everything from making fresh pasta to mincing meat.
Banbas, small-appliance manager at Smeg. Add a touch of 1950s flair with the brand’s sleek ‘retro’ kettles, toasters and mixers in soft pastel hues. If you prefer to make a bold statement, select a piece from the ‘Sicily is my Love’ collection – a collaboration with fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. With so many whizzbang machines available, working out which ones will actually make your life easier (rather than gather dust in a cupboard) is essential. “If youhaveasmallkitchen,lookforacompact machine that’s easy to store. A great appliance should also be simple to clean, perform many functions and be something you will useregularly,”says Lorraine Elliott, foodbloggerandeditoratNotQuiteNigella. “Focus on what you want to achieve with the machine rather than price,” says Brown. “And buy a brand you know – it will do what it says it will, last longer and cook and perform more efficiently.” >
SMOOTH OPERATOR
If you’re in the market for a new food processor, here are the key features to look for, says Todd Gibbons from Appliances Online: ✚ Signs of quality A wide feed chute, multiple attachments, different settings and stainless-steel blades. ✚ A powerful motor Motors range from 650W to 1400W. Higher wattage means more power so you can speed through cooking prep and get consistent results. Useful inclusions S-blade, ✚ slicing disc, grating/shredding disc, dough hook, bowls of different sizes and on-board attachment storage. Useful extras Julienne cutter, ✚ French-fry disc, decorative slicing disc, blender attachment or citrus press.
TRIED AND TESTED
For Nagi Maehashi, cook and food blogger at RecipeTin Eats, speed and efficiency in the kitchen are crucial. Here are the workhorses of her cooking space: ✚ Bullet blender Compact, powerful and easy to clean, it’s the most-used appliance in my kitchen. I use it to make green smoothies, pesto, sauces, curry pastes and, perhaps most importantly, frozen cocktails. Food processor I use mine ✚ every day. It allows me to do big, batch chopping fast so I can get through recipe testing more efficiently. I also use it to mix raw vegetables into homemade dog food (it’s the only way my dog will eat kale!) ✚ Stand mixer An essential for baking, frosting and breads.
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Kettles and toasters
Blenders and mixers DE’LONGHI ‘ICONA CAPITALS COLLECTION’ KETTLE, $139
Add a splash of colour to the kitchen with this curvy 2000W kettle. It’s cordless, has a 360-degree swivel base, 1.7L capacity and a removable and washable anti-scale filter.
MULTIQUICK 5 SPIRALISING HAND BLENDER, $139
This compact all-in-one kitchen helper chops, whizzes, crushes ice and spiralises. The 750W motor easily handles tough ingredients such as beetroot. Harvey Norman; www. harveynorman.com.au.
Myer; www.myer.com.au.
BROOKLYN KETTLE, $99.95
A chic 1.7L kettle in matt black with a fashionable copperaccent base. Features include 2400W power, quiet-boil technology, push-button lid, and a removable filter that is also washable.
VITAMIX 066571 E310 BLENDER, $589
Stainless-steel blades ensure this blender is built to last. Also has 10 speeds, a 1.4L capacity and texture functions that allow you to make everything from silky smooth soups to chunky dips.
Russell Hobbs; au.russellhobbs.com.
The Good Guys; www. thegoodguys.com.au.
ASPECT FOUR-SLICE TOASTER, $179.95
SMEG SMF13WHAU STAND MIXER, $739
The cork-effect trim on the base gives this streamlined stainless-steel toaster an appealing designer edge. It has defrost and reheat functions, variable browning control, a high-lift facility and cord storage. Morphy Richards; www. morphyrichards.com.au.
SUNBEAM ‘NEW YORK’ FOUR-SLICE TOASTER, $149
Useful features of this sleek design include self-centring slots to ensure bread toasts evenly and dual controls for optimum efficiency at breakfast time. The Good Guys; www. thegoodguys.com.au.
This cute 880W stand mixer features a 4.8L bowl, 10 speeds, planetary action for perfect mixing, a sturdy aluminium body. Optional attachments include a pasta roller and ice-cream maker. Appliances Online; www. appliancesonline.com.au.
CHEF XL TITANIUM STAND MIXER, $999
Practical and powerful, this 1700W kitchen all-rounder comes with a generous 6.7L bowl, stainless-steel tools, electronic speed control and built-in lighting. Optional attachments include a food processor and frozendessert maker. Kenwood; kenwoodworld.com.
SHOPPING H G Steamers and multicookers PHILIPS ‘VIVA COLLECTION’ 6L MULTICOOKER, $179
Steam, bake, pressure cook and slow cook all in the one pot. Heats up quickly and the scratch-resistant ceramic bowl is easy to clean. Keeps food warm for up to 12 hours. Harvey Norman; www. harveynorman.com.au.
FH1396.BK MULTICUISINE COOKER, $449
Make all manner of family favourites in this clever machine. An automatic stirring paddle does much of the hard work for you; also features five preset cooking functions and dishwasher-safe components.
Air-fryers and benchtop ovens
BREVILLE SMART OVEN/ AIR-FRYER, $469
This nifty 22L benchtop oven offers 10 cooking functions, including air-frying, dehydrating and pizza making. The super convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30%. Harvey Norman; www. harveynorman.com.au.
SUNBEAM BT7200 MULTIFUNCTION OVEN + AIR-FRYER, $249
For versatility and convenience, you can’t go past this well-priced 22L unit. It offers five cooking functions, including grill, bake, pizza, convection and air-fry.
De’Longhi; www.delonghi.com.au.
Appliances Online; www. appliancesonline.com.au.
NINJA AG301 FOODI AIR GRILL, $329
FX202D ULTIMATE FRY DELUXE AIR-FRYER, $399
Myer; www.myer.com.au.
Tefal; www.tefal.com.au.
Barbecue lovers will adore this smokeless grill and air-fryer in one. Heats up to 260˚C for perfectly seared meats and crispy chips, while a high-density grill plate delivers beautiful char marks and unique grill flavours.
This compact appliance offers four cooking functions (fry, grill, roast and bake) and eight preset modes (including chicken, fish, fries and defrost). The non-stick cooking bowl is dishwasher safe.
BREVILLE ‘MULTI CHEF’ 9-IN-1 MULTICOOKER, $299
HD9861/99 XXL SMART AIR-FRYER, $599
Breville; www.breville.com/au.
Philips; www.philips. com.au. #
This smart machine does the job of nine appliances, allowing you to sauté, slowcook, deep-fry, make soup or stew and bake all on your benchtop. Great for batch cooking with a 5L capacity for slow-cooking and 10-cup rice capacity.
A top-of-the-range digital model, this 1.4kg-capacity machine features sensors that automatically adjust time and temperature for perfect results every time. Cooks up to 1.5 times faster than an oven, with no heat-up time.
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SHERBROOKE EGG SHELL SHUTTER BLINDS
blindsonline.com.au
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HOM E C OM FORT S Now is the perfect time to transform your home into the haven you’ve always wanted.
WARMING SIGHT The double ‘honeycomb’ design of Luxaflex Window Fashions’ Duette Architella Shades features four fabric layers and three air pockets for optimum insulation year round. Luxaflex Window Fashions; luxaflex.com.au.
Into the folds The elegant S-fold Madagascar voile curtain comes on a track that delivers perfectly uniform pleats every time. From $119, Blinds Online; blindsonline.com.au.
SWEET SLUMBER
Text by Elizabeth Wilson. Styling by Sarah Maloney & photograph by Will Horner (Wynstan).
Lay your head on a dreamy pillow tailored to your needs. Dentons has a large range of shapes and profiles to suit every type of sleeper. The Medium Loft, $64.95, is lowallergy with a medium profile. Dentons; dentons.com.au.
PICTURE WINDOWS THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A ROMAN BLIND (BELOW) TO GIVE A ROOM A TAILORED LOOK. CHOOSE FABRICS FROM A SPECTRUM OF COLOURS, PATTERNS AND TEXTURES, INCLUDING BLOCK-OUT AND HEAVIER WEIGHTS TO TURN UP THE WARMTH AND LUXURY. WYNSTAN.COM.AU
LIGHT FANTASTIC Bring clarity into your life with the beautiful LEDlux Rivit LED 1200mm Colour Change dimmable pendant light, $995. A colourswitch function allows you to change from warm light to cool light. Beacon Lighting; beaconlighting.com.au.
REST ASSURED Float off to sleep with a made-toorder Sealy Posturepedic ‘Exquisite Vienna’ queen-size mattress, $2599. We love it teamed with the Stratton 2-drawer bed base, $2499. Harvey Norman; harveynorman.com.au.
STEP THIS WAY
Add a cosy layer with the Oasis Selma rug (240cm diameter), part of the Bohemian/Tribal collection. It’s made from robust polypropylene, so it’s as practical as it is beautiful. $369, Choices Flooring; choicesflooring.com.au. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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Room design by Three Birds Renovations. Photograph by Maree Homer/bauersyndication.com.au.
With one of these effective options, your place will be the cosiest nest in town, writes Georgia Madden.
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as, electricity, wood, bioethanol – there are plenty of ways to warm up your home in the cooler months. The key is to find a style that provides the amount of heat you want without the burn of a hefty power bill.
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WOOD-BURNING FIRES If it’s atmosphere you’re after, a log-burning fire is hard to beat. “A fabulous fireplace is an investment worth making as it can add lovely shapes, form and depth to a room,” says interior designer and decorator Jasmine McClelland. “It also gives a room a focal point around which you can arrange furniture for cosy conversation and entertaining,” adds Melbourne interior designer Justin Bishop. An open fire is great for ambience but may not heat the whole home. You’ll also need ready access to firewood and be prepared to deal with some mess and maintenance. For ambience and warmth, there are built-in fireboxes,
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“A fireplace can add lovely shapes and depth to a room as well as physical warmth.” Jasmine McClelland, interior designer slow-combustion heaters and suspended ‘pod’ fireplaces. “Colour, especially white, is making a statement in hanging fireplaces,” says Simon Guyon, director at Oblica. A slow-combustion heater, which has a closed hearth, is more efficient for larger spaces. “It will also consume less wood, produce fewer emissions and allow greater control over the intensity of the fire than an open fire,” says Guyon. For the best of both worlds, consider a hybrid style, which offers the energy-efficiency of a closed heater and a lift-up door to convert it into an open fire. Wood-burning fires are priced from about $1400 up to $13,000 for a suspension style.
GAS FIRES Gas scores top marks for no-mess, no-fuss heating. “The heat is constant and they’re generally more energy-efficient,” says Todd Gibbons of Winning Group. New fluing options means they can be installed practically anywhere with a gas supply, including bedrooms, bathrooms and outdoors, says Joel Belnick, director of Jetmaster. “Freestanding fireplaces installed at eye level, which allows you to enjoy the flames while seated, are trending for 2020,” says Alex Hodge, design lead at Escea. “Corner fires, which are great for visually connecting two >
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6 1 Noirot 7358-7 2000W Spot Plus panel heater, $399, The Good Guys; www.thegoodguys.com.au. 2 Dimplex
1.5kW two-speed ceramic heater, $79.95, Harvey Norman; www.harveynorman.com.au. 3 Kambrook KOH105WHT oil column heater, $70, Appliances Online; www.appliancesonline. com.au. 4 TCH89903ER Silent+ ceramic tower heater, $249, De’Longhi; 1800 126 659 or www.delonghi.com.au. 5 Arlec PEH220 2200W glass panel heater, $95, Bunnings; www. bunnings.com.au. 6 Vornado VMH300 fan heater, $279, Harvey Norman; www.harveynorman.com.au. 7 Kambrook KFH700 2400W upright fan heater, $49, Big W; www.bigw. com.au. 8 Pure Hot+Cool air-purifying fan heater, $898, Dyson; www.dyson.com.au. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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H G SHOPPING adjoining spaces in an open-plan room, are gaining popularity, as well as frameless, linear styles recessed into joinery. We’re also seeing arches and curves in fireplace surrounds,” he says. If long-range heating is your goal, seek a closed-front style, says Belnick.“As with wood-burning styles, open gas fireplaces heat areas in the immediate vicinity of the fireplace. Closed-front styles will heat larger areas for a longer period.” Prices start from $3800.
ELECTRIC FIRES
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An electric fireplace gives you the feel of a real fire, but without the complex installation – simply plug in and away you go. “They come in front-facing, three-sided, corner- and wall-mounted styles and can be installed anywhere within the home – Amantii Electric Fireplaces even has ones for outdoor entertaining areas,” says Gibbons. They’re best for heating small to moderately sized rooms and start at about $2000 for a style with a mantel.
PORTABLE HEATERS
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For occasional heating, a portable model is a great option. Consider a fan heater (from about $30) or a column heater (upwards of about $60) for small rooms. A ceramic model (from about $70) is a smart choice for a moderate-size room. For larger living areas or open-plan rooms, opt for a panel heater (from about $400), convection heater (from about $50) or gas heater (starting at $1400). “Gas heaters are our biggest sellers,” says Gary Brown, senior brand manager for home appliances at Harvey Norman. “They provide a moist heat, warm large spaces quickly and they’re cheaper to run than electric heaters.” Dyson’s Pure Hot+Cool fan, which can heat, cool and purify the air, is another popular model. If you’re buying an electric model, it pays to check the wattage. “The higher the wattage, the more heat is produced. Note that the running costs will be higher too,” adds Brown.
REVERSE-CYCLE AIRCONDITIONERS 1 DS1150 double-sided gas fireplace, $9499 (supply only),
Escea; www.escea.com/au. 2 Manhattan 50 bioethanol portable fire pit, $2495, EcoSmart Fire; www.ecosmartfire. com.au. 3 MSZ-EF25VE reverse-cycle airconditioner (3.2kW heating/2.5kW cooling), $2618 (supply only), Mitsubishi Electric; www.mitsubishielectric.com.au. 4 WS09TWS reverse-cycle airconditioner (3.2W heating/2.6W cooling), $1242 (supply only), LG; www.lg.com/au. 5 Hase Lima 4-7kW wood-burning heater in Alabaster, $8250 (supply only), Oblica; www.oblica. com.au. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left FLEX68SS bioethanol fireplace, $7995 (supply only), EcoSmart Fire; www. ecosmartfire.com.au. Universal 1050 wood-burning fire insert with log pan, $2790 (supply only), Jetmaster; www.jetmaster. com.au. Element 1800DS double-sided gas space heater, $10,999 (supply only), Real Flame; www.realflame.com.au.
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“Reverse-cycle aircon is one of the most efficient forms of heating and is particularly cost-effective since the same unit is used to cool a room in summer,” says Brown. “Some models purify the air too.” The latest options come packed with energy-saving features. Fujitsu General’s Lifestyle range has sensors that detect if a room is occupied or unoccupied and automatically adjusts the temperature to suit, along with fans that ensure warm air reaches all corners of the room. Mitsubishi Electric’s MSZ-LN split-system has split vanes that direct heating to specific parts of a room. Meanwhile, LG’s WS split-system series is voice-activated, compatible with Google Home, and allows you to track energy consumption in real time. #
Room design by Cadence & Co (opposite, top right).
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“For the most inviting ambience, install the fireplace so you can enjoy the flames at eye level when seated.� Alex Hodge, Escea
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Rare B E AU T Y For the owners of this bayside home in sydney, luxury comes in many forms, writes motoring expert and WhichCar presenter Elise Elliott. P H OTOG R A P HY Kristina Soljo
Owner Kylie Bates in the dramatic pool area of her home in Sydney’s south. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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N “There is nothing better than coming home. It’s our retreat from the world.” Kylie Bates, owner
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atural beauty surrounds the home of Sydneysiders Kylie Bates and Michael Powell. In addition to breathtaking water and bush views, their home sits on a sloping block that includes an exquisite sandstone rockface. In fact, when they came to build their home, their architect Cameron Jones recommended celebrating this natural piece of sculpture and designed the house around it. This extraordinary sandstone wall is now a much loved, and much talked about, feature of this gorgeous home. The peaceful property sits on the point of the Burraneer peninsula, with spectacular views over Port Hacking totheRoyalNationalParkbeyond.Massive glass sliding doors make the most of the outlook while waves lap below, giving the occupants the sensation of being at one with nature. Kylie and Michael, who live here with their 14-year-old daughter Billie, wanted their home to be warm and inviting,
with the feel of a luxury resort. They engaged local interior designer Emma Buchan of EB Interiors to help create the desiredlookandfeel.Emmausedapalette ofrawandnaturalmaterialssuchastimber and stone in a neutral tones, with pops of blue to reference the bay. Texture, always very important, is used here as a tool to soften the clean-lined architecture. Like their home, the couple’s family car, a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 Lamborghini Urus, is luxurious yet understated. Urus, the Italian marque’s new SUV offering, is not the company’s first foray into off-road toughness. Between 1986 and 1992, Lamborghini’srangeincluded the LM002, also known as the ‘Rambo Lambo’. Only 328 of these off-roaders were produced in that period, making it one of the rarest vehicles on the planet. What do you like about living here? We have always loved this area. It is a great community and there are plenty >
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ABOVE AND OPPOSITE TOP RIGHT Black-framed
glass doors open to a balcony with majestic views. Sofa, dining table, coffee table and pendant light cluster, all Fanuli. Dining chairs and armchairs, all Poliform. Custom rug, Tappeti Fine Handcrafted Rugs+Carpets. THIS IMAGE Outdoor lounge setting, coffee table and plant pot, all Cosh Living. OPPOSITE TOP LEFT Painting by Stefan Gevers. OPPOSITE BOTTOM Kylie (left) and Elise with the Urus SUV.
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of excellent local cafes to visit and breathtaking coastal walks to enjoy too. That said, there is nothing better than coming home to our peaceful oasis – it’s a real retreat from the world. Michael and I enjoy sitting on our balcony with a coffee in the mornings and watching the everchanging view of the water, the sandbars and the Royal National Park. What are the interior highlights? I enjoy how natural light is reflected into every main room of the house. I also love our stairwell which is a sculptural centre in the home and connects all three levels. EB Interiors worked hard to design a stairwell that was organic and soft, and reflected the shapes of the view. What are your favourite pieces? The entry light is my favourite piece in the whole house. You can see it from the outside looking in, from the entry and also from the first floor. The soft circles inside offset all the straight lines of the architectureandmakeitfeelmorehomely.
THE KNOWLEDGE > VINTAGE STAR Make: Lamborghini Model: LM002 (aka the Rambo Lambo) Year: 1988 Engine: 5.2-litre V12
What inspired the style for this home? I relied on Emma and her team for all the creative direction and styling of the house. She and I share a love for timeless design that still has a lot of personality; she absolutely achieved that feel here. Does the Lamborghini Urus cause a stir? Yes! I was driving it while dropping Billie off at school and it certainly turned a lot of heads. It’s new and quite different in a country saturated with SUVs. It is fast, powerful and stylish. # @EliseElliott_Media @WhichCar WhichCar TV airs on Channel 10 at 4pm Sundays. For all your motoring advice, go to www.whichcar.com.au.
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The sculptural stairwell; polished-plaster wall treatment by Hermosa Painting Finishes and custom light by Giffin Design. Kylie and her beloved Lamborghini Urus. Perched on a clifftop, the pool is a favourite haunt for family and friends. Billie’s elegantly furnished room will see her through to adulthood. Pendant lights, Porcelain Bear.
For Where to Buy, see page 176.
> MODERN CLASSIC Make: Lamborghini Model: Urus Year: 2019 Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8 www.lamborghini.com
ENGINEERED STONE BATHS FROM ESTONIA Beautiful Nordic designs create a focal point in luxury bathrooms. Cast and hand polished in Estonia, these silky smooth baths are the last word in comfort and durability and come with a 25 year warranty.
Premium engineered stone for strength & performance Silkstone is created using the unique SPS process combining natural minerals and resins to form a strong monolithic stone that is highly resistant to scratching.
Celebrating 20 years 1999-2019
Photograph by Armelle Habib.
INSPIRATION FOR PROJEC TS LARGE AND SMALL
Hou se s
Having gained space and a fresh new face, the Melbourne home of interior designer Terri Shannon is adored by all the family, including Honey the cavoodle. Turn the page to see more.
SITTING PRETTY One Melbourne family’s space mission led to a simply spectacular renovation. STORY Sarah Pickette | ST Y L I N G Heather Nette King | P H OTOGR A PHY Armelle Habib
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ENTRY Artwork by Claire Stening. Custom bench. Rug, Loom Rugs. GARDEN The
house’s fretwork might look original but it was installed by owner/interior designer Terri, pictured, and her husband Luke. A decorative urn creates a focal point in the garden, where rosemary, Portuguese laurel and hydrangeas thrive. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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“ THE FORMAL LIVING ROOM IS A BIG, B E AU T I F U L S PAC E T H AT W E A R S I T S B L U E WA L L S S O W E L L .” T E R R I S H A N N O N FORMAL LIVING This page and opposite bottom Morris
pendant light, Bloomingdales Lighting. Custom sofa. Curtains by Bloom Bespoke. Rug, Cadrys. Artwork in study area by Helen McCullagh. CASUAL LIVING Opposite top Terri perches on a custom ottoman covered in Manuel Canovas fabric; Sam and Chloe sit on a custom sofa. Rug, Armadillo & Co. Artworks by Lise Temple (landscape), Nunzio Miano (portraits) and Ishbel Morag Miller (still life).
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ot everyone gets a second bite of the cherry when it comes to renovating, but Terri Shannon did: she’s had the good fortune to have renovated her bayside Melbourne home twice now, with the most recent project seeing an open-plan extension added. “Our house is a 1912 double-fronted home we bought in 2011 and initially renovated to restore it and make it comfortable,” says Terri, director of Bloom Interior Design & Decoration, “but we always intended to live in the house for a while and then extend.” At the time they bought the home, Terri and her husband Luke were parents to two daughters, Charlie, now 13, and Chloe, 11. The arrival of Sam, now three, instigated renovations that would allow the house to grow alongside the family. Luke took on the role of owner/builder and project manager, and set about bringing Terri’s vision for the extension to life. “We lived in the front section of the house while building work was going on,” says Terri, “andwhilethatcertainlyhaditsmoments,theexperienceofcollaborating with Luke to extend the house was great.” For Terri, the flexibility to make last-minute decisions as the house took shape was a godsend. “As issues came up, we were able to adapt and change things. We could make decisions like ‘let’s take that door a bit higher’ or ‘let’s put a skylight in there’. It’s a luxury you don’t always have when renovating.” At the front of the house, what was once Terri’s study has been transformed into Chloe’s bedroom. In order to retain the work space, > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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THIS IS THE LIFE
Having an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area has been a longheld dream for Terri. “My kids just want to be near me, so this new layout means they can do their homework or watch TV while dinner is being made.” The children attend school and daycare locally and Terri and Luke never take for granted the warm and friendly community they’re a part of. “It’s a very old suburb that has one road in and out – we like that.”
KITCHEN/DINING Terri designed the marble-topped oak dining table based on one she had seen and loved in an English magazine. Custom dining chairs. Oak floorboards, Market Timbers. Striking joinery in Dulux Black is counterbalanced by a white-tiled splashback and cover for the rangehood, which was made by Luke. Steel doors constructed onsite by a local welder. Pendant lights, both Bloomingdales Lighting. Pot filler tap, Perrin & Rowe. >
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a desk has instead been built into the adjoining formal living room. “It’s generous enough in size to be multifunctional in this way,” says Terri. Beautifuljoineryfeaturesinthelivingspacesandallthebedrooms.“The kids have built-in desks, bench seats and drawers,” she says. “Storage was very much front of mind when I was designing the bedrooms.” The kitchen also had its storage radically enhanced with the addition of a butler’s pantry, which has made a huge difference to Terri, who’s a keen cook. “I designed built-in spice drawers and oil drawers, so it’s tailored to the way I like to use the kitchen. I always wanted a black kitchen and I was confident that one would suit this house.” Another key inclusion in the kitchen is its formed-concrete benchtops. “I looked at loads of English kitchens and admired their semi-industrial concrete benches,” says Terri. “I did a lot of research before putting them in but we’ve still been surprised at how easily they stain. With three kids, >
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“ THE STEEL DOORS ARE A DREAM INCLUSION; THEY ’RE SOME TH ING I ’ V E A LWAY S WA N T E D .” T E R R I OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Barbecue, Electrolux. Armchairs
and dining chairs, Lincoln Brooks. Outdoor table, Cotswold InOut Furniture. KITCHEN A beautiful linen curtain made by Bloom Bespoke brings a touch of softness to the kitchen. Falcon Professional oven. BUTLER’S PANTRY Perrin & Rowe mixer and Billi filtered-water tap. Acquello fireclay sink, The English Tapware Company. HALL This spot, looking to the hall from the extension, is home to a photo of Charlie and Chloe.
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The palette
Dulux Rangitikei (formal living)
Porter’s Paints Dusty Mule (entry) MAIN BEDROOM A blue grasscloth wallpaper from
Milgate brings texture to the walls of Luke and Terri’s bedroom. Plantation shutters by Think Shutters. Curtain by Bloom Bespoke. Seagrass flooring by Floorspace. Artwork by Anastasia Wiltshire. CHARLIE’S ROOM Opposite top Artwork by Sarah Winfield. Bird and Thistle wallpaper by Brunschwig & Fils. CHLOE’S ROOM Opposite bottom Cole & Son wallpaper. Custom bedhead. BATHROOM Floor tiles, Jatana Interiors. Bath, Caroma. Tapware, Astra Walker. Artwork by Anastasia Wiltshire. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
Dulux Naked Lady (bathroom)
I can’t be precious about olive oil and lemon juice marks. That said, the more we hammer our benches, the better they’re looking.” This family-friendly approach runs right through the house, with washable covers on the sofas and hardy seagrass in the bedrooms. Americanoakflooringwaslaidinaherringbonepatternoverthehome’s draughtyBalticpineboardsandwindowtreatmentsfromTerriandLuke’s business, Bloom Bespoke, add warmth and softness to the home. The main bathroom didn’t require much updating, just a lick of baby-pink paint. “It’s been black, navy and white over the years, but I really love this pink,”saysTerri.Outside,awell-equippedoutdoorkitchenhasbeenadded and the exterior painted Dulux Natural White. “It’s a pretty house,” she says. “We get a lot of comments about it, which makes us happy.” # Bloom Interior Design & Decoration, Williamstown, Victoria; (03) 9397 4343 or bloominteriordesign.com.au.
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ENTRANCE Suki the cocker
spaniel waits expectantly for guests. Concrete blocks, Modular Masonry. Lysaght cladding in Night Sky, BlueScope Steel. LIVING Sofa, Blupeter Homestore. Turkish cushions and berber rug, all Temple Fine Rugs. Rocket stool, DesignFarm. Pendant light, Bunnings. Antique Indian bench (used as coffee table), Kartique. Artworks by Elle Campbell (left) and Jodie Gray. The ceiling is clad in spotted gum.
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Work, rest and play A serendipitous search led a pair of Perth creatives to their dream home – and work – base. STO RY Pearl Simson | ST Y L I N G Anna Flanders | P HOTOG R AP HY Dion Robeson
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LIVING Pendant lights, Bunnings. Sketch day bed, Kartique. Freistil 173 armchair and ottoman, Ultimo. Pull floor lamp, Living Edge. Stools, DesignFarm. Ligne Roset chimney vases, Contempo Studio. Artworks by Jodie Gray (above sofa and beside stool) and Eveline Kotai (on rear wall).
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hen interior stylist/writer Anna Flanders and her partner, artist/ geologist Jo Gray, saw this house advertised, they knew instantly it would be theirs – and they couldn’t believe their luck. “It was quite funny,” says Anna. “We had just decided we wanted to move so Jo began searching in our preferred area. It came up straight away. She turned to me and said ‘this is our new home’.” Two hours later, they inspected the property and officially sealed the deal. “Welovedthatthehousehadbeensothoughtfully designed [by architect Kate Rae],” says Jo. “It took advantageofthelocation,breezesandthenorthern light. At 140m2, it’s not too big and had a bedroom at the front that could be used as an office for Anna. The 48m2 garage at the rear was perfect for my art studio, and there’s plenty of room for our cocker spaniel, Suki,” says Jo. Kate designed the home as a downsizer so it’s all on a single level, inside and out. There’s a generous outdoor area for alfresco living and entertaining, plus a sociable open-plan kitchen/ living/dining area. Two of the home’s three spacious bedrooms include ensuites. >
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High-set louvred windows on the southern wall of the house frame treetop views and make the most of the sea breezes. In the open-plan zone, 3.2-metre high glass sliding doors give direct access to the patio plus allow green glimpses from indoors. From an interior design point of view, the finishes are very much led by the build: concrete walls and floors, spotted gum and black laminate. “The restrained palette was great for us as we have an eclectic assortment of furnishings,” says Anna. “We have a rather large collection of furniture, which includes pieces passed down through generations of our families. The definitionof‘clutter’isoftendebated,butwehavesofarmanaged to contain our collections to built-in shelving. And sometimes the dining table.”
There is plenty of wall space to hang artwork, both from the couple’s collection and Jo’s works in progress, and the flexibility ofthelayoutmeansJoandAnnacanhostlargergroupsofvisitors with ease. “Sometimes we have whole teams of people over, working collaboratively on different projects. The versatility of the floor plan means we can do that in the office, on the sofa in the living space, in the dining area or on the patio,” says Anna. As they lead such busy lives, it was important that their home was a sanctuary, a place that would allow them to work in peace when required as well as relax, either on their own or with friends. “This home does all that and more,” says Anna. “It’s perfect for us.” > Kate Rae Design, Perth, WA; kateraedesign.com.
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KITCHEN/DINING Anna (left) and Jo delight in the openness of the home. “We feel like we are at one with nature here,” says Anna. Concrete-block island with spotted-gum top. Black laminate cabinetry with spotted-gum details. Small painting by Carol Wells. Lion sculptures, Hunters+Collectors. The sink is hidden from the main living area. Antique Turkish runner. The piano belonged to Jo’s late mother. Vessels on piano by Studio Mulders. Dining table by Tom Twopenny. Sketch Tami dining chairs and Indian bench seat, all Kartique. Ilse Crawford cork stools, Ikea. Window frames, Alspec.
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The palette Haymes Paint Basic Instinct (throughout)
Colorbond Night Sky (exterior cladding)
OFFICE The table, Anna’s work desk, was Jo’s family dining table. Artwork by Michael Kmit. Ligne Roset chimney vase, Contempo Studio. Chair, Ikea. The Middle Eastern camel headdress was bought many years ago. MAIN BEDROOM Painting by Jodie Gray. Paul Smith Anglepoise lamp, DesignFarm. Antique Indian bench, Kartique. An antique French coffee table is used as a bedside table. Bedlinen, Pure Linen. Rugs, Temple Fine Rugs. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Taubmans Tiger Eye (sliding door)
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“The house is our sanctuary – our workplace and a great entertaining space,” says Anna. “We get up around 5am most days and enjoy a cup of coffee on the sofa. Taking moments like these helps us prepare for the day ahead. If we are working from home, our colleagues arrive around 9am and the house becomes a hive of activity. When we have family or friends over, we simply move some of the furniture around for more space.” #
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CLASSIC NOTES
Exquisite 1930s detailing and contemporary conveniences happily coexist in this lovingly revamped Brisbane home. STORY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y L I N G Leigh Boswell | P H OTOG RA PHY Steve Ryan
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FORMAL LIVING Custom armchairs, Boyd
Blue. Chandelier, tables, cushions and accessories, all Highgate House. Rug, Jenny Jones Rugs. Artworks by Will Blundell (left) and Robert Dickerson. ENTRANCE Console table, Cromwell. Mirror, pot and table lamps with custom shades, Highgate House. Custom rug, Jenny Jones Rugs.
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reg Josephson could barely believe his luck when he realised he was the top bidder at the auction of this Brisbane home. But his incredulity was nothing compared to the surprise experienced by his wife, Tamra. When the auctioneer’s hammer came down, she hadn’t even viewed the interiors. “She arrived at the auction after the bidding, and the first time she saw inside the house was after it had been purchased,” says Greg. “She was taken aback. But once she was over the initial shock – within half an hour – she came around to seeing how wonderful it was.” Greg and Tamra were very familiar with the neighbourhood, in the city’s inner north, and both had admired the charming 1930s home sitting behind the high wall on the elevated block. They’d talked about the auction, but didn’t think the property would sell within their price range. Greg went along to the auction for a look-see more than anything else. “I found myself bidding and getting the house for less than the price we thought it would go for,” he says. With its Art Deco features, 2.9m-high ceilings and gracious, light-filled rooms with leadlight windows, it’s easy to see why the couple fell in love with the four-bedroom home. It needed work, but they could envisage it as a beautiful family home for their children Benedict, 10, Sydney eight, and Alexander, six. “We wanted to renovate in sympathy with the style of the house, but modernise it at the same time,” says Greg. The Josephsons also recognised the sloping site’s potential. By excavating, they could create additional living space within the existing footprintandenlistedlocalbuildingdesigner,DavidReynoldsofReynolds Design, to make it happen. This new lower level has provided the family with a spacious family room, guestroom and bathroom. On the ground floor, the layout remains almost totally original, with fourbedroomsandseparateformaldiningandlivingspaces.“Wewanted to stay true to the 1930s design,” says Greg. “The one exception was the kitchen area where we knocked down a wall to open it up.” Opening up this zone delivered a large, modern and family-friendly kitchen with a generous island connecting it to the living/dining area. Throughout the process, Greg paid painstaking attention to the details, working closely with the builder to ensure all decorative architraves and ceiling mouldings were restored throughout. He also retained all the leadlight windows, replacing frosted glass panes with clear glass to amplify the natural light. Old carpets were ripped up to reveal hoop pine, jarrah and crow’s ash floorboards in perfect condition. One of Greg’s favourite rooms is the formal dining room featuring an original silky-oak panelled wall and a coffered ceiling. “It was a hard decision, but we chose to paint the panelled wall white to increase the light in that room,” says Greg. He and Tamra wanted a neutral palette throughout the house, opting for Dulux White Polar Quarter for the walls up to the plate rails, with Dulux Lexicon above. “This treatment helps give the illusion of the ceilings being even higher than they are,” says Greg. The white walls also create a perfect backdrop for the couple’s prized collection of Australian art. When it came to furnishing the home, Greg and Tamra wanted to start afresh. They entrusted interior designer Leigh Boswell of Highgate House to help marry old and new. “We like classic furniture and >
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The key for the Josephsons was to balance their desire for classic style with the demands of a family. “We spend most of our time in the casual living spaces,” says Greg. “We’re yet to really christen the formal dining area but we’re planning on it!” In the family room, the furniture is upholstered in wipe-clean outdoor fabrics. “We’ve been amazed at how soft the outdoor fabrics are,” says Greg. “They’re both beautiful and practical.”
FORMAL DINING French oak dining table,
Chatsworth Fine Furniture. Custom dining chairs, nickel pendant light, nickel lamps with custom lampshades,Highgate House. Buffet imported from the US by Highgate House. Rug, Jenny Jones Rugs. Artwork by Kenneth Green.
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“ I T WA S I M P O RTA N T F O R T H E F U R N I T U R E TO F E E L L I K E A C O L L E C T I O N .”
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LEIGH BOSWELL, INTERIOR DESIGNER
SUNROOM This page and opposite bottom left Round dining table, Wisteria Design. Dining chairs
(discontinued), artwork, marble bowl, silver planter and cushions in Manuel Canovas ‘Severac’ fabric, all Highgate House. Rug, Armadillo & Co. KITCHEN Joinery by Wyer+Craw painted Resene Alabaster. Island bench in stained American oak. Carrara marble benchtops. Custom stools, Highgate House. Pendant lights, Visual Comfort. Blinds in Schumacher ‘Antique Ticking Stripe’. Cooker, Wolf. Fridge, Sub-Zero. Dishwasher, Miele. Mixer tap, Hansgrohe. Zip Hydrotap, Zip. >
The palette Dulux White Polar Quarter (lower portion of walls)
Dulux Lexicon (upper portion of walls)
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Resene Alabaster (kitchen joinery)
timeless style with an American influence, as you might see in a 5-star hotel,” says Greg. “We just love that look – clean lines with a stately feel.” Leigh sourced all the furniture and devised the room layouts, lighting selections and window treatments. As a foil to the intricate architectural details she aimed for a ‘quiet’, elegant furnishings palette of cream, ivory and neutrals, with highlights in chrome and nickel. “There is a lot of detail in the architecture, so it was important for the furniture to be pared-back,” says Leigh. “Every single room has a beautiful pendant light – that was our starting point with each room.” Many of the pieces were sourced from US suppliers such as Stanley Furniture, or custom-made by the Highgate House team. All the accessories – bowls, vases, table lamps, lamp shades – were selected for their surface details and sheen levels. “Using the right accessories is important with a neutral background,” says Leigh. “It adds personality and colour and provides all the layers.” There’s a lovely cohesion to the interiors, and each room radiates the Josephsons’ focus on classic pieces and quality materials. Greg and Tamra are thrilled with every elegant detail. “We love it all, from the layout to the furniture, the cabinetry and the layering,” says Greg. # Highgate House, Hendra, Queensland; (07) 3256 0860 or highgatehouse.com.au.
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“ W E L OV E T H E B E AU T Y O F T H I S L O O K – T H E C L E A N L I N E S A N D S TAT E LY F E E L .”
GREG JOSEPHSON, OWNER
MAIN BEDROOM Custom bedhead, cushions, curtains, lamp and pendant light, all Highgate House. Charcoal drawing by Robert Dickerson. CASUAL LIVING Owner’s sofa reupholstered
in ‘Umbria’ fabric, Elliott Clarke Textiles. Armchairs covered in Romo ‘Burlington’. Cushions in Unique Fabrics ‘Hampton’. BATHROOM Thibaut ‘Bonaire’ wallpaper. Carrara marble benchtop. Marble floor tiles, Elite Bathware & Tiles. GUESTROOM Custom bedhead, table, lamp and cushions, all Highgate House. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
Styling up Updating this modern Sydney terrace was a matter of fashioning a floor plan that would open the door to a fresh new look. STO RY Sarah Pickette | P H OTO GR A P H Y Prue Ruscoe
houses H G LIVING Custom sofa. Walter Knoll 369 chairs, Home Furniture on Consignment. Trevor Mein artwork from Otomys. DINING Custom rattan doors by Hanna’s Joinery. Concorde dining table, Poliform. Johanna chairs with custom upholstery, Cosh Living. Artwork by Jai Vasicek.
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THIS IS THE LIFE
Kylie attended the local primary school in this Sydney suburb. “Now I live near that school and, while it’s busy when the bell rings, it’s blissfully quiet at other times. We could be anywhere.” She and her partner love being close to Centennial Park, where their sausage dog, Boo Farrington, gets taken for walks. When they need to travel further afield, there are two electric cars charging in the garage via the home’s solar power.
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his is a home that has all the hallmarks of an owner who understands fashion: thoughtfully selected and deeply textural materials, bold-yet-liveable colours, and details that elevate the space they occupy. Kylie Farrington is a public relations and marketing consultant who specialises in fashion and lifestyle, so when it came to renovating her Sydney home she knew she wanted it to be up-to-the-minute – but supremely comfortable and most definitely not precious. Kylie met with architects Brooke Aitken and Delphine Hernot of Brooke Aitken Design and quickly found that the pair had an excellent grasp of what she was looking to achieve. “Kylie wanted her home to be elegant but still warm and welcoming,” says Brooke. “She and her partner entertain a lot, so they needed their home to work well for when it’s the two of them and also for when they have a bunch of friends over.” Situated on a quiet laneway in Sydney’s east, the house is a modern, architect-designed terrace that was built in the early 1990s. “It had good bones and quite a lot of nice features, but it hadn’t really been touched since it was built. Thankfully I could see past the apricot-coloured carpet to what a great home it could be,” says Kylie. >
LIVING Existing blackbutt floors were restored as part of the renovation. Maison des Vacances houndstooth cushions, Bastille & Sons. Asbury Park Agency velvet cushions, Ivy Lane Agency. Trevor Mein artwork from Otomys.
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H G houses DINING Estiluz ‘Volta’ pendant light, Alti Lighting.
Artwork by Jai Vasicek. Concorde dining table, Poliform. Joanna dining chairs, Cosh Living. KITCHEN Below and opposite Piper bar stools, DesignByThem. White joinery by Hanna’s Joinery. Island benchtop in Michelangelo quartz, Quantum Quartz. Navlam ‘Verde Noce’ veneer, New Age Veneers. Icon mixer tap, Astra Walker.
The renovation started off small in scope but grew as time went on. “My poor builder!” says Kylie, laughing. “Initially we just intended to update the bathrooms and kitchen, but then it became a case of ‘if we’re going to do that room, we might as well do this one’.” Led by Andy Eassey from A & A Building Services, the build team was incredibly accommodating and set about knocking out walls to deliver Brooke and Delphine’s vision for an open-plan living area. “The home nowhasa goodconnection between the front and rear courtyards and everything feels much more light and open,” says Brooke. “Previously, you walked through the front door to a long corridor and there was a laundry at the front of the house. There’s now a dining area in that space.” Ingeniously designed by Delphine to be enclosed by rattan doors – “they’re warm and soft and organic all at the same time” – the dining area can be open to the living area or shut off to create an intimate space for meals. Most of the time, the doors are left partly open to frame a view of the art and pendant light in that space. Across from the dining area is an eye-catching powder room decorated with a monkey-motif wallpaper. “We had a lot of fun with this room,” says Brooke. “Homeowners aren’t always game to go quite that bold in their wallpaper choices, but Kylie just loved those monkeys.” The kitchen – once tucked behind a blade wall –wasopenedrightup.“Becauseofitsrelationship to the living area we wanted it to resemble a beautiful piece of furniture,” says Delphine. To this effect, there’s copper cabinetry that’s been treated so it appears like aged brass. A circular motif on the white overhead joinery is subtly repeated in the curved lines of the bar stools and armchairs in the nearby living area. With guidance from Brooke and Delphine, Kylie and her partner shared the task of buying key pieces of furniture. The result is a relaxed and inviting living area that features a library wall and views to the rear courtyard. Linking the two floors is a staircase that has the same brasslookdetailingthat’sfoundinthekitchen.Wheretheoldstaircase was heavy and dark, the new one is light and lovely. On the remodelled first floor, four bedrooms became three, one of which serves as a study. The main bedroom was expanded to incorporate
a generous walk-in wardrobe – a must-have for anyone involved with the fashion industry. “I work from home so I find myself following the light around the house,” says Kylie. “I start in the kitchen and end up in the study by the afternoon. It’s not a huge house but it never feels small because it’s well planned.” She describes her home as “an island of quiet” in an otherwise bustling suburb. “It’s the kind of place where our friends and family can walk in and feel completely at home. That’s what we wanted.” > Brooke Aitken Design, Ultimo, NSW; (02) 9212 6262 or www.brookeaitkendesign.com.au.
The palette Dulux Grey Pebble (entry, living, main bedroom) Dulux Casper White Quarter (kitchen)
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Porter’s Paints Admiralty Navy
“ B E C AU S E I T ’ S O P E N TO T H E L I V I N G A R E A , W E WA N T E D T H E K I TC H E N TO B E QUITE GRAPHIC AND I N T E R E S T I N G .” Kylie Farrington, owner
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“CLIENTS SOMETIMES SHY AWAY F R O M T H E MORE VIBRANT WA L L PA P E R S T H AT W E L OV E , B U T N OT K Y L I E .” Delphine Hernot, architect
HOUSES H G BEDROOM Bed, Poliform. Mirror, Ikea. Cavalier Bremworth ‘Siren Dio’ carpet in Dione. BATHROOM Below right Novem Grey travertine tiles,
Inigo Jones & Co. Vanity benchtop in Silver Sandscape marble from SNB Stone. STAIRWELL Porcelanosa ‘Tribeca Caliza’ tiles, Earp Bros. POWDER ROOM Opposite Arte Internationale ‘Curiosa’ wallpaper in Langur 13532, Unique Fabrics. WO light, Porcelain Bear. Mixer tap in Weathered Brass, Brodware. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #
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MOODY CLUES
Bold architecture transformed this interwar home into a glam family pad that is at one with its Sydney Harbour views. STO RY Chris Pearson | P H OTO GR A P H Y Tom Ferguson
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KITCHEN Oak benchtop. Rangehood surround in Cosmic Black granite, CDK Stone. Dekton Sirius splashback. Ovens and coffee machine,
all V-Zug. Metrica Thomas barstools, Space. Kitchen design by SJS Interior Design and Michael Robilliard & Associates, made by Debrich Custom Joinery. BSP Sabbiata floor tiles, Bisanna Tiles. Wall-side joinery in Polaris Noir Pol laminate, Abet Laminati. DINING Sideboard by SJS Interior Design, made by Debrich Custom Joinery. Artwork by Bogdan Molea. Bowls by Caroline Blackburn Ceramics, Spence & Lyda.
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“ W E W E R E D E M O C R AT I C A N D G AV E E V E RYO N E A WAT E R V I E W.” M I C H A E L R O B I L L I A R D , A R C H I T E C T KITCHEN This page Benchtops in solid oak (meals zone), Cosmic Black Granite,
CDK Stone (island) and Dekton Sirius (wall side). Cooktop, V-Zug. Metrica Thomas barstools, Space. Custom sideboard. DINING Who dining chairs and Codex dining table, Hub Furniture. Colossal light fitting, Est Lighting. Curtains by Ozshade. Limewashed silvertop stringybark flooring. BAY WINDOW Bell side table, Anibou. Ottoman chairs, Domo. Custom sofa. Phoenix coffee table, Hub Furniture. Caroline Blackburn Ceramics bowls, Spence & Lyda. Rug, Hali Rugs.
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bay window with two plush swivelarmchairs is afavourite nook for the owners of this homeonSydney’sLowerNorth Shore. Ensconced in these front-row seats, they can soak up views of the calming waters and nearby bushland – perfect for taking time out. Turn 180 degrees in those chairs and the sitter is back in the thick of the action. When the owners – a couple with a son, 15, and daughter, 11 – bought the property in2016,theyweredrawntoitsleafysetting and, just steps away, a sandy beach. But thesteepsitewasdominatedbyatwo-anda-half-storey interwar home, which had discrete living spaces that shunned the view. So they hired architect Michael Robilliard and Sarah Jayne Marriott of SJS Interior Design to open the property up to the landscape and accommodate the family’s diverse needs. “We wanted Michael to make the most of the aspect and provide fun spaces for everyone to enjoy,” says the owner. “We also wanted an open-plan kitchen/living/ dining room and ensuites for each bedroom.” Sarah Jayne’s role was to bring all the elements – the architecture, furnishings and art – together to create a layered, luxurious whole. First up, Michael gutted the original home, retaining only its solid-brick walls on the lower level. In its stead is a lightfilled house with walls of glass to the east, north and west. He also shifted the living areas from the middle level to the top. Embracinghisloveofthecurve,Michael designed a soaring vaulted ceiling on the top level inspired in part by the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium in Ravello, Italy. Under that vaulted void are all the living options the family could want: that muchloved seating alcove, family and dining areas, and a showcase kitchen. On the middle level is the main bedroom suite, a music room and children’s sitting area; the children’s bedrooms and a games room occupy the lower level. >
THIS IS THE LIFE
This house, with its vast, jaw-dropping top floor, is a great entertainer. But there are plenty of spaces for the owners to enjoy their own interests. “There’s easy access to the harbour for kayaking plus space for workout machines, should we want to be active,” says the owner. “The children love the games room, pool and the garden. I’m glad they enjoy the house so much but I do sometimes wish they spent more time in the study!”
“A S YO U C L I M B T H E S TA I R S , T H E E L A B O R AT E C E I L I N G FA N S O U T. I T ’ S N OT T H E U S UA L P E R S P E C T I V E .” M I C H A E L LIVING Moroso ‘Phoenix’ coffee table, Hub Furniture. Small rug, Tappeti Fine Handcrafted Rugs+Carpets. Throw, Shackpalace
Rituals. Modernica Case Study Cylinder planter, Spence & Lyda. Foscarini Bahia LED sconces, Space. Big Bug armchair, Poliform. The walls are finished in Venetian stucco and wax (throughout). STAIRWELL Silvertop stringybark steps. BSP Sabbiata floor tiles, Bisanna Tiles. MAIN ENSUITE Opposite, top right and bottom left Terrarossa mosaics and Agape Sen tapware, all Artedomus. Basin, Rogerseller. Bath, Apaiser. Drum stool, Bisque Traders. Comet vase, Tribe Home. MAIN BEDROOM Platner armchair, Dedece. Belize mirrors, Domo. Wall covered in Phillip Jeffries ‘Abaca Harvest’ fabric, The Textile Company. Cruz basket, L&M Home. Rug, The Rug Establishment. >
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The palette Dulux Natural White (dining)
Dulux Very Cherry
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Porter’s Paints Cygnet
houses H G Sarah’s task was to create a house fit for a family but also an impressive space forentertaining.“Ithadtobesophisticated and contemporary, muted and rich in texture. Nothing too out there or bright, out of respect for the architecture,” she says. The owners already owned an impressive collection of art and furniture, which Sarah wove into the scheme to create a cohesive picture of old and new. Throughout the living spaces, mostly neutral tones offset the champagne hue of the ceiling; black granite in the kitchen, joineryandfurnishingsgroundthespaces. Bronze highlights, including on the dramatic island bench, add warmth and
glamour. “The owners cook and entertain a lot, so it was important for the kitchen to be a showpiece,” says Sarah. The main bedroom is likewise “a bit dark and luxurious”, she says. “The freestanding wardrobe, grasscloth wallpapersandsurfacesinCalacattaViola marblecombinetocreateasanctuaryfeel.” The major exception to the refined neutral palette is the children’s sitting room, where a David Bromley artwork provided the starting point for the decor. Other happy surprises are peppered throughout. Twin Foscarini lights in the living room function like wall sculptures, while dark joinery provides handy storage
andconcealstheTVwhennotinuse.Below is a simple slatted-oregon bench, devised byMichael.“Itaddscharactertothespace, where everything else is so sharp and contemporary,” says Sarah. Liketheowners,afavouritespotforSarah isthatbaywindow.“It’sashowstopper,”she says.“Cantileveredintothelandscape,you feel you are part of that water view.” It seems there’s plenty of competition for the best seats in the house. # Michael Robilliard & Associates, Paddington, NSW; (02) 9331 2232 or www.michaelrobillard.com.au. SJS Interior Design, Woolloomooloo, NSW; sjsinteriordesign.com.au.
MAIN BEDROOM Platner stool, Dedece. Dressing table in honed Calacatta Viola
marble from CDK Stone. Bud vase, Zakkia. Custom bed, bedhead and side table. Bedlinen, Hale Mercantile Co. Lee Broom ‘Mini Crescent’ bedside pendant lights, Space. Sylvia rug from The Rug Establishment. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
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STAIRWELL Andrew made the console himself. Baby Tree table lamp, Pierre+Charlotte. Mirror, Coastal Living Rosebud. Runner, Armadillo & Co. Concrete flooring. ENTRANCE A rain chain delivers rainwater directly to the garden. Water feature by Zenibaker Architects. Landscaping designed by James Ross Landscape Design, maintained by J&K Plantscapes. Zinc cladding. Exposed aggregate concrete, Rosebud Garden Supplies.
Natural wonder On Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, a spectacular coastal site now has a beautifully sophisticated home to match. STO RY Stephen Crafti | ST Y L I N G Ashley Pratt, Tess Vafiadis & Charlotte Sangricoli PH OTOG R A P HY Kristina Soljo
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ituated on an escarpment with views to Bass Strait, this property’s location is undeniably one of its star attractions. The owners, Andrew and Elaine Stewart, had been living in this idyllic spot for decades, in a three-level 1980s home that had long passed its use-by date by 2014. “We spent at least two years looking for another site, but where else would you find these views?” says Andrew. The Stewarts decided to stay put and build anew. This new home, designed by architect Michael Baker of Zenibaker Architects, is a striking contemporary structure that evokes the beach houses on stilts of the 1950s. Unlike those Mid-Century homes, however, this one is supported by massive columns and trusses. “I wanted to express the form of a postwar beach house but I also wanted to create thesenseofwalkingunderapier,”saysMichael.Theconcrete steps and a water feature at the home’s entrance are further references to the nearby ocean. The link to the water was always going to be there: “Andrew has spent a lifetime on ships, so the sea is in his DNA,” says Michael. Although Andrew and Elaine were open to a number of design styles, they were clear that their prime objective was that this would be home for the long term. “We wanted the kitchen, living areas and bedrooms, including the main bedroom, all on one level in case we struggle with stairs >
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houses H G DINING Sculpture by Mela Cooke. Phasmida Branch 5 suspension light, Christopher Boots. Jade dining table, Zuster. Series 7 dining chairs, Cult. American-oak flooring, Royal Oak Floors (throughout). Ceiling clad in American-oak veneer (throughout). RETREAT Elaine enjoys a quiet moment.
Double-glazed windows in low-e toughened glass by Autex Windows. The glass and window frame are rated BAL40 due to the risk of bushfire in the area. Tolomeo Mega floor lamp, Artemide. Leeroy sofa, Tommy ottomans and Nikki armchair with footstool, all Grazia & Co. Salsa rug, Halcyon Lake. Australian House & Garden vase and cushions, all Myer. FRONT GARDEN The curved path creates a palpable sense of arrival. Colorbond Windspray roof and downpipes. Landscaping designed by James Ross Landscape Design, maintained by J&K Plantscapes.
in the future,” says Elaine. They also specified wide corridors and doorways for ease of access and installed a lift in case the stairs they do have become too much. The home, built by Pop Building, spans two levels. On the groundfloorisaflexiblespacethatisusedasbothguestroom and TV room – a boon when the couple’s four children and fourgrandchildrencometostay.There’salsoadoublegarage and an adjoining workshop that is well used by this pair of former furniture makers. The first floor is where the action is, however. This level contains three bedrooms (the main with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite), a vast L-shaped open-plan kitchen/ dining/living area and a relaxing retreat adjoining a northwest-facing terrace at the front of the home. The rooms are arranged around a timber-clad pod that houses the
LIVING Painting by Sally Joubert. Twiggy floor lamp, Space. Ezra coffee
table and Stamp side table, both Grazia & Co. The custom sofa – part of Elaine and Andrew’s existing collection – was made by Furniture Inspirations. Armchair, Grazia & Co. Suspended fireplace, Oblica. Latitude rug, Armadillo & Co.
bathroom, laundry and a pantry. Connecting the two levels is a staircase with netting as a balustrade, another nautical reference. Here, an angled glass roof floods the stairwell with light and captures more of those spectacular views. The open-plan communal area is zoned to create a sense of separation – much needed when the extended family descend, says Elaine. This arrangement also allows the couple to enjoy different aspects of the property’s panoramic views of the ocean, the nearby national park, the pool terrace and their newly landscaped garden. Since the kitchen is always on show, it was important to Elaine and Andrew that it looked and felt sophisticated. Michael delivered on this part of the brief by using a restrained palette of materials. The five-metre long island bench is made from poured concrete, with the >
The palette
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Dulux Whisper White (interior, throughout)
Porter’s Paints Bayleaf
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Porter’s Paints Wattleseed
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Sculptures and paintings from Elaine and Andrew’s extensive art collection pique interest throughout the home. “We like to support local artists and designers, so most of our art was sourced from galleries along the Mornington Peninsula,” says Elaine. The sculptural lighting by Christopher Boots is another source of homegrown pride. “Christopher is based in Melbourne but he hails from around here too.”
houses H G MAIN BATHROOM Haven composite-marble bath,
Apaiser. Mizu ‘Soothe’ tapware and heated towel rail, all Reece. Wall cladding, Ameri can-oak veneer. Floor tiles, Lifestiles. FRONT GARDEN Landscaping by James Ross Landscape Design. KITCHEN Elaine and Andrew in the spacious entertainer’s kitchen. American oak-veneer joinery. G4 kitchen mixer, Zip Hydrotaps. Pendant light, Christopher Boots. Dita stools, Grazia & Co. Polished concrete benchtops. Caesarstone splashback in Sleek Concrete. Stove and ovens, V-Zug. Liebherr fridge. RETREAT Leeroy sofas, and Tommy ottomans, all Grazia & Co. Baby Tree table lamp, Pierre+Charlotte. Australian House & Garden vase, cushions and throw, all Myer. Rug, Halcyon Lake. Artwork by John Olsen. STAIRWELL Architect Michael Baker. Netting, Oxley Nets. >
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MAIN BEDROOM Pendant light, Beacon Lighting. Bedside table, Adairs. Australian House & Garden vase, bedlinen, cushions and throw, all Myer. Carpet, Floorspace. FRONT GARDEN Outdoor rockers, Domayne. Molly (Mel)drum firepit, Robert Plumb. Concrete bench, Hungry Wolf. POOL AREA Pool by Pop Building. Pool mosaics, The Pool Tile Company. Travertine coping by KHD Stone Merchants. Steppers, Hungry Wolf. Fence designed by Zenibaker Architects. POOL TERRACE Travertine pavers. Table and chairs, Remarkable Outdoor Living. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
surroundingjoineryinAmericanoak.Thejoineryisdesigned to look like furniture; appliances are integrated into the cabinetry for a streamlined finish. As beautiful as it is, the exposed coastal location means the house is sometimes subjected to wild weather, including gale-force winds. In order to allow the Stewarts to enjoy the outdoors in comfort year round, Michael installed operable awnings to protect the front terrace. The adjacent retreat features floor-to-ceiling glass on two sides, allowing Elaine and Andrew to enjoy a feeling of being in the outdoors regardless of the weather. Once the build was complete, Elaine and Andrew engaged interiordesignerSylvannaMitriofAustinDesignAssociates to help with the decoration. “Our mission was to furnish this new build in a way that felt like an oasis – a comfortable place to relax and unwind,” says Sylvanna. “It was also
important that the interior was flexible and offered some separation when there’s a full house.” The decorating scheme was inspired by the surrounding landscape. “Michael did a great job with the use of concrete and American oak, so we had a great canvas to work with,” says Sylvanna. “We enhanced that with the use of furniture in organic shapes, in a palette of warm browns with black accents for contrast and definition.” “The house has the wow factor, but it’s also extremely liveable,” says Elaine. “It feels like we’re completely on our own here,” adds Andrew. “Only the movement of the ships in the bay remind you that there are others around.” # Zenibaker Architects, Mount Eliza, Victoria; zenibaker. com.au. Pop Building Group, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria; www.popbuilding.com.au. Austin Design Associates, Brighton, Victoria; austindesign.com.au.
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As you PL E A SE
When they decided it was time for an update, the owners of this Sydney home knew exactly the right interior designer for the job. STO RY Sarah Pickette | ST Y LI N G Steve Cordony P H OTO GR A P H Y Anson Smart
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REAR EXTERIOR This page
Doors open out to the family’s tennis court and pool. FRONT ENTRANCE Opposite The 16-year-old home has renewed street appeal after a coat of Dulux Paving Stone on the walls and Dulux Vivid White and a colour custom-mixed to match Dulux Duracoat Zeus for its trim.
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or an interior designer, there’s possibly no greater complimentthantobeaskedbackbyclientsbecause they’re so satisfied with your work. That’s the situation Lynne Bradley found herself in with this home in Sydney’s leafy north. “I first did some work on this house about four years ago,” she says. “After that, the family asked me to take on two other design projects for them. Last year, with two of their four children having moved out, they decided to invite me back to give some areas of the home a refresh.” Lynne set to work updating four bathrooms, the main bedroom and the laundry, then designed a new butler’s pantry offthekitchen.A coupleof other rooms were tweaked and the whole exterior repainted. “The owners wanted to improve some important areas of the house but not to over-invest,” says Lynne. “My approach was to develop a sense of continuity through these spaces, with the same surfaces, shapes and colours flowing through to balance everything.” From the street, the house presents as a warm and welcoming home. “You can just tell it’s a beautiful place to raise a family,” Lynne adds. The manicured front garden is the work of one of the owners, who has a particularly green thumb and a love of symmetry. The gardens add a sense of grandeur to the property and frame it perfectly. During the first renovation, Lynne had given the home’s entry foyer more presence. “It was in danger of being an area you would just fly through and down the stairs to the living “Geometry is there to be played with. The key is balancing straight lines levels. So I decided to create a and hard angles with gentle curves.” LY N N E B R A D L E Y, I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R place to pause.” She did this by placing an armchair at the top of the stairs and creating visual interest with graphic wallpaper. The ground level of this house hosts the main bedroom and its newly refurbished ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, three more bedrooms, the main bathroom and a home office. “The wall colour in the main bedroom comes from the colour of the vanity in the ensuite,” says Lynne. “I added sisal flooring for texture and reworked the walk-in wardrobe to make it more functional.” The result is warm, relaxing and very luxurious. The ensuite, a tricky shape, proved one of the tougher elements of this renovation but Lynne transformed its look and functionality by rounding off the room’s angles with clever joinery. The main bathroom was gutted in order to address some plumbing problems, but the fixtures were retained in situ to keep a lid on renovation costs. Today, striking grey Dekton surrounds the bath and extends into a new display >
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STAIRWELL Above and top right The family dog, Zach, at the top of the stairs that
lead down to the living areas. Lynne had the parquetry refinished and placed a Natadora ‘Scribe’ chair from Trit House there to create a visual focal point. Arched windows painted Dulux Drive Time. BUTLER’S PANTRY Custom-designed by Lynne and installed by Kastell Kitchens, the new butler’s pantry features cabinetry in Dulux Domino and a Dekton benchtop. Emporio pull-out sink mixer, Abey. Floor tiles, Di Lorenzo Tiles. Toro ice bucket (used as vase), Greg Natale. ENTRY FOYER Chandelier, Arteriors. Darcy Pearl wallpaper, Graham & Brown. Catherine Martin ‘Rhapsody’ rug, Designer Rugs. BALCONY Situated off the home office, this balcony looks out to the front yard and street. GARDEN The green-thumbed owner has a love of iceberg roses.
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MAIN BEDROOM Above and opposite Bedhead custom-designed by Lynne, made by HB&Co. Society Limonata quilt and throw, Ondene. Sisal and wool carpet, Artisanweave Flooring Co. Knoll ‘Womb’ armchair, Dedece. Tall cabinet, Trit House. FAMILY BATHROOM Below, middle and right Inset bath with Dekton Kreta surround. Bar Bianco mosaic tiles, Di Lorenzo Tiles. Custom vanity designed by Lynne, made by Kastell Kitchens. Cabinetry painted Dulux Jiping. Margot basins and Milli Pure tapware, Reece. NICHE This spot between the study and main bedroom features a Stepwell print from Greg Natale. >
The palette Dulux Drive Time (hall and ceilings)
Dulux Jiping (bathroom and main bedroom)
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Porter’s Paints Bachiotto Grey (ceiling)
THIS IS THE LIFE
After a few years as expats, the owners of this home returned to Australia and settled on Sydney’s north side. They were attracted to this locale for its great schools and leafy, quiet streets. There was plenty of room for their children to play too. Importantly, the home is positioned not far from a freeway out of the city that allows the family to escape to their beloved rural property as often as they can.
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niche Lynne created. There are new heated towel rods too. “They’re great for family bathrooms – there’s no excuse to not hang up a wet towel!” she says, laughing. Character comes in the form of some smart-yet-subtle details: pale green grouting and a mix of finishes on the tapware backplates. Thestaircase,flankedbyspectaculararchedwindows,wasupdated with a lick of paint. “Dulux Drive Time was used down the stairs to link the space to the black cast-iron chandelier that hangs above it and to reference the black metal in the foyer’s chandelier. This colour also beautifully highlights the green of the garden beyond.” The kitchen, dining and living areas of the 16-year-old home are located on the lower-ground floor. “The only significant change I made to the kitchen was the addition of a butler’s pantry in what
had essentially been a simple storage room,” says Lynne. “I put a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer in there, a tap with vegie spray and a second sink. There’s also extra storage, hardy melamine shelves and built-in recycling receptacles, which saves space in the kitchen.” Outside, the home was painted Dulux Paving Stone, with trims in DuluxVividWhiteandacustom-mixedcharcoal;thesetonesenhance the green of the garden and tennis court. The roof was washed and repointedand,asafinishingflourish,Lynnehadthechimneypainted with grey stripes. “This project was all about refreshing the home and adding a touch of sophistication. The family love it; they tell me their only regret is they didn’t do it years ago.” # Lynne Bradley Interiors, Lindfield, NSW; 0412 192 929 or lynnebradleyinteriors.com.au.
REAR EXTERIOR “This is a family of keen tennis players,” says Lynne. “They get a lot of use out of their court.”
The open doors lead to the formal sitting room; the balcony at left flows off the main bedroom. The striped detailing on the chimney was added as part of this renovation. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
I M AGI N E T HIS Taking a chance on the “ugliest house in the street” paid off handsomely for the owners of this stylish Sydney home. STO RY Leta Keens | ST Y L I N G Holly Irvine | P HOTO GR A P HY Tom Ferguson
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GARDEN Homeowners Andrew and Stephanie with
their children Cleo, Gretel, and Freddie, and the family’s dogs, a pair of lagotto romagnolos named Monty (left) and Frankie. Big Green Egg barbecue. Outdoor dining setting, Tait. DINING Table made by Andrew’s father. Coco pendant lights, Coco Flip. Maggie dining chairs, Jardan. Terrazzo floor tiles, Surface Gallery. Landscaping by Formed Gardens.
H G HOUSES KITCHEN/DINING Above-counter joinery in Navlam Sandblasted Oak veneer. Kit Kat mosaics (splashback) and terrazzo floor tiles, all Surface Gallery (throughout). Caesarstone benchtop in Rugged Concrete. City Stik mixer tap, Brodware. Albany rangehoods, Qasair. Pendant lights, Coco Flip. Joinery by Leading Edge Kitchens. Custom dining table. Dining chairs, Jardan.
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ydney’s eastern suburbs are sought after for a reason. There are world-renowned beaches and coastal walks for a start, but scratch the surface and you’ll find parks, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. All with a lovely village vibe. Easy proximity to amenities was a priority for the owners of this home, Stephanie and Andrew, especially once their son Freddie, now four, and their dog Frankie, a lagotto romagnolo, came into the picture. The couple had been living in the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills but by 2016 were ready to make the shift to a more laidback location. They began the search excitedly but quickly became disheartened – most of the properties they favoured were way over their budget. In fact, Stephanie had completely given up on finding their forever home by the time Andrew came across this one. “I didn’t even see the house before we bought it but I trusted Andrew that it was the right decision,” she says. The 1980s blond-brick semi was, according to architect Jo Hurley, the ugliest house in the street. “It had awful white balustrades and no architectural features to speak of. The house had once been owned by a family who were in the concrete business and it was built like a bunker.” Stephanie and Andrew lived in the two-storey, four-bedroom house for a couple of years while they saved the funds to renovate. During that time, they became frustrated by its disjointed layout, minimal storage and lack of connection to the garden. Jo, an old schoolfriend of Stephanie’s, was an obvious choice to help them out. “We liked Jo’s style, which is why we went to her in the first place,” says Stephanie. “She insisted we talk to a couple of other architects to make sure we weren’t just choosing her because I knew her.” They approached two or three, but soon came to the conclusion that Jo was the one for the job. “One of the first things Jo asked us was how we were going to use the spaces,” says Stephanie. “They didn’t want to move again, so the home had to be versatile and designed to stand the test of time,” says Jo. “It had to be comfortable and super practical, as they spend a lot of time at home with their kids [Freddie, two-year-old Cleo and baby Gretel]. A sense of calm was also important.” >
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“ STEPHANIE AND ANDREW WA N T E D T H I S TO B E T H E I R FOREVER HOME, SO IT HAD TO B E V E R S AT I L E A N D D E S I G N E D TO S TA N D THE TEST OF TIME. IT ALSO H A D TO B E C O M F O RTA B L E A N D S U P E R P R AC T I C A L F O R A FA M I LY W I T H YO U N G C H I L D R E N .” J O H U R L E Y, A R C H I T E C T
Initially, the plan was to add a third level to the home to accommodate a retreat-like main bedroom suite with a walk-in wardrobe, which Stephanie considered a musthave. When council knocked back the idea of the extra storey, Jo explored the options for making better use of space within the existing footprint of the long, narrow house. “It’s all about the details,” says Jo. With nothing much going for the interior, it was stripped back to its concrete slab. Jo’s design divided the ground floor into two zones, with the living room – to the right of the entrance – separated from the inline kitchen and generous dining area by a pod containing thelaundry,apowderroomandgenerouswalk-instorage. Upstairs, there’s enough room for four bedrooms (the main with ensuite) and a family bathroom – but not for Stephanie’s walk-in wardrobe. “When you’re so pushed for space, something has to give,” says Jo. “The solution was to create a ‘shoe gallery’ for Stephanie in the upstairs hallway.” “I love it,” says Stephanie. “It’s one of the things I’ve been most excited about.” There’s plenty of storage elsewhere too. Stephanie and Andrew were adamant that despite its coastal location, the house shouldn’t look beachy. They wantedacleaner,moresophisticatedfinishthatwouldn’t date. Jo specified terrazzo flooring and Caesarstone benchtops,thesamewalltilesinthekitchenandbathroomsonabackground of crisp white. To prevent all those hard surfaces feeling clinical, all joinery features V-groove panelling; soft furnishings in a palette of stone colours deliver warmth and softness. A bespoke American oak dining table made for the family by Andrew’s father, Philip, and beautiful artworks from the couple’s art collection are the final, very personal, flourishes. Stephanie says there’s one more feature that is loved by the whole family: the rear deck and the now well-used garden; sliding glass doors in the kitchen/dining area ease the transition from indoors to out. There’s a new built-in barbecue and lovely outdoor setting for alfresco dining, but the deck and generous steps themselves are a favourite spot to play or sit. Even Frankie and his new pal Monty, the couple’s second lagotto romagnalo, haven’t been forgotten. “There’s space underneath the steps for the dogs to shelter from the weather,” says Stephanie. “That was an important consideration as well.” > Josephine Hurley Architecture, Sydney, NSW; 0423 177 290 or www.josephinehurley.com.
COFFEE STATION A built-in cabinet next to the stairs includes a fridge drawer –
a neat space-saving inclusion. Vibiemme coffee machine, available from Jetblack Espresso. Stairs in Eterno Grande, Tongue N Groove. Hasami mugs. Jug, Phendei. LIVING Opposite Music from Another Room artwork by Caroline Walls. Rug, The Rug Collection. Sofa, Jardan. Timber joinery in Navlam Sandblasted Oak veneer. Caesarstone benchtop in Rugged Concrete. Curtains, Homelife Furnishings. Gras 411 floor lamp, Spence & Lyda. Eames chairs, Living Edge.
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THIS IS THE LIFE
“It was important to give these two working parents a space of their own,” says architect Jo Hurley. “There wasn’t room for a separate parents’ retreat or a playroom, so we made the living room function as both. Thanks to deep drawers beneath the display storage, toys can be easily tidied and the room used as a more adult space. It’s purposeful yet subtle so it works for everyone.”
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C O U N C I L K N O C K E D B AC K T H E COUPLE’S PLANS FOR AN ADDITIONAL LEVEL SO RETHINKING THE EXISTING S PAC E B E C A M E T H E P R I O R I T Y.
UPSTAIRS HALL Shoebox-deep
cabinets – Stephanie’s ‘shoe gallery’ – run the length of the corridor.
FREDDIE’S BEDROOM Opposite, top and bottom left Custom-made book
racks. Bedlinen, Cultiver. Lamp, Spence & Lyda. For similar bed, try Scout House. BATHROOM Scola basin, Duravit. Halo tap and shower rose, Brodware. Kit Kat mosaic tiles, Surface Gallery. >
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The palette Dulux Vivid White (interior, throughout)
Dulux Domain
Dulux Timeless Grey
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Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
D E S P I T E T H E C OA S TA L L O C AT I O N , S T E P H A N I E A N D A N D R E W P R E F E R R E D A S O P H I S T I C AT E D N AT U R E - I N S P I R E D PA L E T T E R AT H E R T H A N A T Y P I C A L LY B E AC H Y L O O K .
MAIN BEDROOM This image and right middle Featherson ‘E254’ armchair, Grazia & Co. Bedlinen, Cultiver. Klop table lamp, Mica Lighting. ENSUITE Kit Kat mosaic
tiles, Surface Gallery. Vanity in Navlam Sandblasted Oak veneer with Caesarstone Rugged Concrete benchtop. BALCONY Landscaping of the garden and balcony by Formed Gardens. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #
H E A L I N G PL A C E In a fertile pocket of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, a landscape designer has shaped an atmospheric sensory garden. STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P H OTOG R A P HY Martina Gemmola
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G a rden s In a corner of his lush garden, designer Greg Palmer created a ‘Fibonacci Garden’ featuring spheres of clipped English box planted in the exact dimensions of Fibonacci’s golden spiral. The plants sit in a bed of crunchy gravel, adding to the sensory nature of the garden. In the background are two types of tree fern, the slender-trunked Cyathea cooperi and the shorter Dicksonia antarctica, a species synonymous with the area.
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aren Dickson describes the garden created by her husband Greg Palmer, as a “living meditation”. It’s easy to see why. Set in a gully near Healesville, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, on a plot of land blessed with a running creek, a billabong and neighbouring temperate rainforest, this is an immersive wonderland teeming with life, scent and sound. Greg and Karen both grew up in the Yarra Valley and returned to live here, near family, in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009. “We became quite active in the local recovery process,” says Karen, who works in complementary medicine and counselling. “Being back here reminded us of what a beautiful place it is to live.” They now reside in the family home where Greg grew up, and are very committed dwellers of the Valley.
A garden including a red-flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia), red-flowering bottlebrush, white-flowering tea tree and mature camellias hug Habitat House, one of the renovated cottages. OPPOSITE Clockwise from
top left A boardwalk leads
under a wisteria. Karen and Greg in their meditative garden. Even the shed is picturesque. A seat for contemplation surrounded by Japanese maples. Nasturtiums in the kitchen garden. Tea-tree blossom. The deck of Willow House, edged with dwarf bay leaf and azaleas, and screened by slender weaver’s bamboo. Young buds of oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia).
As part of their own recovery, after bearing witness to so much community heartache, they purchased two nearby blocks of land – furnished with a couple of cottages and overgrown garden – with dreams of creating a special place for family and friends to stay. Bordered by a dense forest of towering mountain ash and tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) these parcels of land were ripe for rehabilitation and landscape designer Greg, owner of Ayus Botanical, threw himself into the project. “The land had been neglected for years and it needed to heal. In the process of healing the land, we healed ourselves,” says Karen. Once he’d cleared the weeds and overgrowth, Greg discovered some old plantings – camellias, a port wine magnolia and an Irish strawberry tree – which he rejuvenated and integrated into the new scheme. With two mature willow trees dominating the >
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Feature plants _______ Willow (Salix babylonica) Ornamental pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’) Irish strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) Port wine magnolia (Michelia figo) Soft-tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) English box (Buxus sempervirens) Hydrangea sp. Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica) Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) Gardenia (Gardenia augusta ‘Florida’) Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) Yellow-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’)
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A boardwalk curves around a tea-tree and a clump of trusty
agapanthus. Greg tends the prolific Iceberg roses that grow with abandon over the Boston ivy-covered fence. Greg and Karen’s border collie, Kirra. A converted cubby house is now used as Greg’s garden conservatory: in the trough is an espaliered apple propagated from a tree Greg’s grandfather planted. A local pony says hello. OPPOSITE The ‘Willow Walk’ leads to a bridge over Picaninny Creek. The path is lined by glossy-leafed camellias, hydrangea and agapanthus.
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site, his priority was to plant species that could withstand the damp and shady microclimate. In the wettest areas he massplanted dogwoods – “They love wet feet,” says Greg – and ribbonsofarumlilies,cannaliliesandyellowginger(Hedychium flavescens).Inthedrierareasaredriftsofhelleboresinterspersed with Acanthus mollis under a mid-level canopy of Pyrus calleryana‘Chanticleer’ and Japanese maples (Acer palmatum). To this mix of mostly exotic species, he included some additional native tree ferns (both Dicksonia antarctica and a more slender variety, Cyathea cooperi) and some small red-flowering eucalypts (Corymbia ficifolia). Fragrance is an important presence here and there are masses of sweetly scented murraya, azaleas, Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) and daphne (Daphne odora) among many others. While the garden is largely filled with contrasting foliage types, there are flowers to be found, including white-flowering azaleas (Azalea ‘Alba Magnifica’), gardenias and hydrangeas (both mophead and oakleaf varieties) appearing in spring and earlysummer.“Iprefergardenstobelushandgreen,”saysGreg. “Sometimes a garden full of flowers feels over-stimulating.”
Boardwalks meander through the greenery, and there are seats for contemplation dotted throughout the grounds. There’s a vegetable patch, a medicinal garden, a citrus grove and a ‘Fibonacci Garden’ that features spheres of English box planted in a spiral, Greg’s homage to the Fibonacci sequence. Greg says his objective was to “create a feeling” as much as a beautiful landscape. “I always try to design gardens with a feel as much as a look,” he says. “When you walk into this space, you immediately feel calm, like you’re in your own little world.” Karen and Greg restored the two cottages on site – now called Willow House and Habitat House – and offer accommodation at the property. Greg tends the garden regularly, and both he and Karen love to stroll, sit and contemplate in the grounds. “There’s an energy here that helps us slow down and be still,” says Karen. “It’s quite healing. We find everyone who comes to this place has the same experience. That’s what’s a beautiful garden can do. It connects you back to something grounded, pure and truthful.” # Accommodation enquiries; www.botanicaeditions.com.au. Ayus Botanical; www.ayusbotanical.com.au.
S U N, W I N D A ND S K Y
With hardy, textural, sun-loving plants, this rooftop garden thrives even when left to its own devices. STORY Elizabeth Wilson | P H OTO GR A P H Y Sue Stubbs
Garden designer Adam Robinson enjoys the late afternoon light in the rooftop garden he created for Anne and Klaus; the tapestry of plants around him includes sword-leafed Mauritian hemp (Furcraea foetida), wheaten-toned Carex buchananii and C. ‘Frosted Curls’, pruned balls of Westringia, Buxus, Teucrium and a fragrant rosemary bush. OPPOSITE The path of recycled railway sleepers leads to a water bowl feature. Growing in between the sleepers is a carpet of creeping thyme, which becomes a sea of white flowers in summer.
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unsets are magical in Klaus and anne’s sydney rooftop garden. as golden light spills onto their sky-reaching terrace, the grasses light up, the Melaleuca tree shines and the city lights twinkle. and when the breeze picks up – as it nearly always does – the whole space ripples and gleams with colour. “There’s continual movement in the garden,” says Klaus. “It’s a very dynamic space and very restful to watch.” This bird’s eye location is a dramatic change of scenery for the couple, who downsized four years ago, when they swapped a family home on a 2000m² block in a semi-rural suburb for a fifth-floor apartment in the city. For 15 years, they’d enjoyed a sprawling bushland garden but the empty-nesters were beginning to find the
upkeep burdensome. They set their sights on finding a city pad with some form of outdoor space, so were thrilled to discover this apartment in sydney’s inner west, which includes a rooftop garden in its title. They bought it off-the-plan within an hour of hearing about it. When they moved in, the rooftop had only the bare bones of a garden. There was one bed with a frangipani and some shrubs, surrounded by paving and an expanse of lawn, which required constant mowing. “I started off using a rotary push lawn mower, then I graduated to an electric one... and then we decided it was time to get rid of the grass,” Klaus says. at the same time, anne wanted guidance in choosing pots to screen out a neighbouring apartment. They decided to consult an expert and anne sent >
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H G gardens an sOs to garden designer adam robinson, whose work she knew and admired. adam met the couple at the rooftop, and the scope of the garden renovation grew and grew. “Initially, anne and Klaus sought my help to choose a few pots, but the project escalated to what you see now!” says adam. “They asked me to come up with a design that was beautiful to look at and could be explored as you walked through. anne loves gardening so she wanted the opportunity to potter and nurture plants.” It was also important that the garden was easy-care for this travel-keen pair. The lawn came out and in its place adam installed an undulating, textural mix of natives, succulents and exotics. “Being an open rooftop means it cops wind and sun from all directions,” says adam. “so we needed to select sun-loving, water-wise plants and install an irrigation system to ensure the garden would thrive.” With the existing stone paving in mind, he created a palette of earthy-toned plants. Loosely clipped spheres of Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica), silvery germander (Teucrium fruticans) and coastal rosemary (Westringia) mingle with swordleafed Mauritian hemp (Furcraea foetida) and grasses including Lomandra ‘Tanika’ and copper-toned Carex (both ‘Frosted Curls’ and C. buchananii). Leading through these plantings is a wide
informal path made from recycled railway sleepers, directing the eye to a large water bowl at the end of the path. a carpet of creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘albus’) grows between the sleepers, while low hedges of rosemary encircle the water bowl – both adding fragrance to the garden. Taller plantings including a melaleuca tree and a lilly pilly hedge (Syzygium ‘Cascade’) grow by the perimeter, along the glass balustrade. The garden is a focal point for anne and Klaus’ daily lives. Their living room is glazed on two sides with 9x5m of sliding doors that open onto the rooftop, meaning they’re constantly connected to this space. The alfresco dining area is in regular use and the outdoor sofa is a favourite spot for sunset drinks. “We’re in the space every day,” says Klaus. The couple can still look after the place when they’re out of town thanks to a sophisticated wi-fi controlled watering system. “It’s a lock-up-and-leave garden with irrigation that Klaus can operate from his phone while travelling,” adam says. anne and Klaus love that fact that the garden is a moving, breathing, living microcosm that changes with the seasons. “It’s a kinetic garden,” says Klaus. “even though it’s not huge, you can still walk around it and have a sense of contentment and peace.” # Adam Robinson Design; www.adamrobinsondesign.com.
Outdoor diners enjoy prime views of the garden and the skyline beyond. Plants in the original garden bed on the western side of the property (left) have grown and meld beautifully with the new garden. A melaleuca tree (Melaleuca linariifolia ‘Snow in Summer’) is the tallest feature. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left A trough filled with Cephalotaxus harringtonia underplanted with Rhipsalis (mistletoe cactus). Clipped Westringia, blue chalksticks (Senecio serpens), golden Carex ‘Frosted Curls’ and strappy Lomandra ‘Tanika’ edge the pathway. A Tahitian lime and common sage set against a backdrop of a thriving evergreen bay tree. A row of Kalanchoe ‘Copper Spoons’ and Carex buchananii sits on a groundcover of Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’.
“They have the enjoyment of a garden and the therapeutic benefits of nurturing plants, without the stress of too much maintenance.” Adam Robinson
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Have a ball
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hrubs clipped into spheres or buns can be seen in all types of gardens. In classic-style gardens, topiary – often Buxus – has long been used to enhance a geometric layout. Formal gardens might have clipped balls in rows, punctuating the corners of a rectangular bed, or planted in beautiful urns. Contemporary designs take a very different approach, with clipped plants of various sizes grouped informally. Designers use a wider range of species in modern gardens – to highlight contrasts of silvery foliage with crisp green, for example, or to create an interplay of textures. The groups might be positioned closely to meld into cloud-like forms. Or they might be set at intervals, interspersed with sculptural spheres in wire or stone. Mixing the strong forms of clipped balls with soft, loose plantings is especially effective. Examples are ornamental grasses that provide movement and texture, and airy, flowering perennials such as whirling butterflies (Gaura).
DESIGNER TIPS Melbourne designer Ian Barker says he uses spheres to create structure when there isn’t any. “Our planting style is organic by design, so placing some green ‘blobs’ of texture seemingly randomly throughout the garden provides a reliable respite from the seasonality of mixed plantings,” he says. “We used to create garden beds with low hedges to create obvious formality and ‘picture-frame’ the real show beyond. Multiple spheres allow for the real show to come proudly forward while maintaining year-round formality and certainty. Lately, we have been experimenting with ribbons of cloud plantings that are designed to draw the eye through the garden. This forces the viewer to take in the whole garden rather that just one or two focal points.” Matthew Cantwell of Secret Gardens says he often uses ball-shaped plants en masse, mixing varieties and sizes for a modern, sculptural
Photography by Simon Griffiths (this page) & Andrew Lehmann (opposite).
Clipped spheres and bun-shaped plants are a versatile design element in the garden. Here, Helen Young explains how to use them and which plants to choose.
effect. “Or, set deep in a garden among softer, looser plantings, they create focus and provide direction through a garden,” he says. “A cluster of three as a standalone arrangement in a wide gravel path is also very sculptural.” Landscape architect William Dangar prefers to use plants with natural form. “There are many plants that deliver the wonderful rounded forms without the work of heavily pruned alternatives. Crassula ‘Max Cook’ is a good example, and some of the barrel cactus. And Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’ forms a beautiful symmetric rounded form.”
SHAPELY SPECIES English box (Buxus sempervirens) is favoured in cool climates but Japanese box (B. microphylla var. japonica) does better in warmer areas; seek out the cultivar ‘Faulkner’ for most diseaseresistance. Box’s small, densely packed leaves are ideal for forming tightly clipped balls, and it’s very long-lived. Alternatives include dwarf murraya (Murraya ‘Min-a-Min’ or ‘Hip High’), Euonymus ‘Pierrolino’ or ‘Tom Thumb’, box honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), which is super fast-growing, and dwarf lilly pilly (Acmena ‘Allyn Magic’). The best choices for silvery foliage are white correa (Correa alba), silverberry (Elaeagnus x ebbingei), germander (Teucrium fruticans), and coastal rosemary (Westringia), which has a variety of cultivars. Be aware that silver-leafed plants generally need more sun to thrive, and the faster they grow the shorter their lifespan. For larger spheres, up to 800mm across, try Chilean myrtle (Myrtus luma), grey myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia), murraya and port wine magnolia (Michelia figo) If clipping isn’t your thing, choose species that naturally have a neat bun shape. One of the best is Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis). ‘Oriental Pearl’ forms a rounded bun to 50cm diameter with white spring flowers; ‘Spring Pearl’ is a pink form. Pittosporum ‘Miss Muffett’ grows as a ball to 1m and has fragrant white flowers; a variegated form, ‘Cream de Mint,’ has cream-edged leaves. Others include Pittosporum ‘Golf Ball’ and native dwarf heath myrtle, Babingtonia virgata dwarf form. Crassulas are the best bun-shaped succulents – try Crassula ovata and cultivars like ‘Max Cook’, ‘Gollum’ and ‘Bluebird’. #
Spheres of Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) mix with spires of flowering Agave desmettiana in this Sydney front garden by William Dangar. OPPOSITE Westringia and Teucrium, clipped into buns, contrast with the slender trunks of gum trees in a garden by Ben Scott on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Keeping in trim
✚ Frequent light tip-pruning results in spheres that are tight and dense. It’s actually easier to prune little and often than to tackle an overgrown plant. ✚ If you’re growing your own spheres to save on paying the big bucks for instant ones, make a circle of galvanised wire to use as a template for pruning. ✚ To make pruning easier, use a small cordless machine with a rechargeable battery. They’re called shrub shears and have shorter blades than hedging shears. If using hand shears, buy a quality brand and keep the blades clean and sharp. ✚ Apply an organic-based general fertiliser in spring and autumn to keep plants growing strongly. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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Neat ideas
We love Kun Design’s funky, plant-focused homewares. The Balance side table (left), $395, converts to a planter simply by removing the tabletop. The Branch aluminium screen (above), $650, combines a trough planter with a mesh screen for hanging pots, or training climbers. Available from Domo; www.domo.com.au.
C L I P PI N G S D E S I G N A N D I N S P I R AT I O N F O R G A R D E N S G R E AT A N D S M A L L P R O D U C E D BY Elizabeth Wilson
Settle in
There’s no simpler pleasure than soaking up the rays on a sunny day, and you’ll be sitting pretty in this Roy lounge chair by Vincent Sheppard. It’s made from synthetic rattan on a steel frame. $895, Cotswold InOut Furniture; cotswoldfurniture.com.au.
Flower show
Hellebores are a perfect choice for potted winter blooms, and the new varieties are bred for improved flowering and easy-care performance. Try ‘Molly’s White’ (left), ‘Angel Glow’ or ‘Anna’s Red’. They will flower indoors for three weeks, after which you can plant them in the garden. www.bunnings.com.au
In the round Sydney landscape design firm Secret Gardens has launched a range of handmade pots under the new Hibernate Outdoors brand. The lightweight 86 Degrees pot in Salt, above, is made from fibreglass. From $195. hibernateoutdoors.com.au
Hang ups Create greener walls with these Capi wall grips, especially designed for displaying indoor pots. Simply mount the grip and click the pot in (as shown here with the Capi Row II cylinder vase). Wall grips are $13/two and available from Bunnings. www.capi-europe.com
Photography by Andrew Fraser (Hibernate Outdoors) & Plants Management Australia (hellebores).
DO TRY THIS AT HOME... With everyone hunkering down at home, there has been a huge increase in the number of people growing food crops in their gardens, says Angie Thomas, horticulture consultant for garden-product company Yates. “Growing some of our own produce helps us feel more in control of our food supply,” she says. “As well, the peaceful, methodical process of gardening provides a source of relaxation and stress relief in these uncertain times.” Delicious vegetables to sow and grow in June include: peas (sugarsnap, telephone and snowpeas), broadbeans, baby beetroot, carrots, onions, radish, spinach and winter-hardy varieties of lettuce such as winter iceberg and mignonette. “Some garden centres may also have broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, silverbeet and Asian-vegetable seedlings that are perfect for planting during June,” says Angie. In the tropics and subtropics you can also try sweetcorn, capsicum, eggplant, cucumber, pumpkins, tomatoes and zucchini. “Most vegies like a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunshine a day,” says Angie. “Some leafy vegetables will tolerate part shade, so check plant tags and seed packets.” The best news is that you don’t need a huge backyard to grow your own: many vegetables will grow in small courtyard plots or in pots on balconies. www.yates.com.au
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NX ORLI
With its softly curving square shower head atop a wide rail, the sleek Orli model appears to float like a ribbon in space. Designed in two separate pieces, the streamlined handpiece radiates an air of refinement. “Perfect for sophisticated bathrooms, Orli represents a ground-breaking design within the Australian market,” says Phoenix Tapware senior designer Andrew Cocks.
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NX IKO
The Iko’s well-rounded profile has been pared back to its essence, removing and concealing extraneous details to take shape as an elegant, harmonious centrepiece for the contemporary bathroom. NX Iko showers mix and match with many pieces in the Phoenix Tapware range. LEFT The Iko shower comes in a choice of finishes, Chrome or Matte Black.
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Photograph by Anson Smart.
Bat h ro om s
Bathroom special
Interior designer Lynne Bradley specified a Zuster ‘Halo III’ vanity with American-oak doors and a white Corian top from Reece for this Sydney ensuite. It’s teamed with a Nood Co concrete basin and Milli Pure tapware, also from Reece. For more bathroom trends and inspiration, turn the page... PRO DU CED & TEXT BY Sarah Pickette
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CREATE THE SUITE OF YOUR DREAMS
Bathroom special
Transcendent tiles Innovative and creative tile design makes for a bathroom masterpiece in this Sydney home. PH OTOG RAPH Y Anson Smart
catalyst for this bathroom renovation. “The owners had tried their best to rectify a seepage problem but there came a point when it was clear it was time to start again,” says Lynne Bradley, the interior designer on this Sydney project. The owners requested that the bathroom, primarily used by their young-adult son, be “low maintenance and masculine yet still appeal to a female guest”. THE DESIGN APPROACH The monochrome palette was an early decision. “I also wanted to explore texture and pattern, and to play with scale,” says Lynne. Maximising the compact footprint was important, which led to the unusual tiling pattern. “It creates direction through the space, and adds intrigue and depth.” Robust materials – chrome, concrete, porcelain, timber and steel – are masculine and provide the desired contrast. To improve the room’s flow, Lynne completely reworked the floor plan, shifting the vanity and toilet to the rear wall, freeing up more space for a generous shower area that didn’t need to be sectioned right off. It’s the tiles, however, that are truly the star of this space. “As you enter the room, a matt-black pathway moves you through the space,” she says. THE RESULT A beautifully balanced, well-proportioned space that’s strong yet still quite understated. “There’s a sense of luxury, space and freedom here,” says Lynne. > Lynne Bradley Interiors; lynnebradleyinteriors.com.au .
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For Where to Buy, see page 176.
THE BRIEF Waterproofing woes were the
T HE DETA IL S Zuster ‘Issy Halo III’ vanity with oak panelling and Corian top, $3734, Zuster ‘Issy Z1’ oval mirror with shaving cabinet, $1579, Milli ‘Pure’ chrome basin tap set, $758, Methven ‘Aio Aurajet’ twin shower, $1430, The Gap wall-hung toilet, $597, and Geberit in-wall cistern, $1143, all Reece. Buch wall light, $149, About Space. Mutina ‘Raw Edges’ floor/wall tiles, $88/m², Solo White Naturale wall tiles, $68/m², Tape Cobble Half Black skirting tiles, $108/m², Tape Cobble Black feature wall tiles, $108/m², and Sole White Naturale wall tiles, $68/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles.
Bathroom special
Serene scene Luxurious and lovely, the ensuite in this Sydney home is simply too beautiful to hide away. ST Y L I N G Olga Lewis | P H OTO G R A P HY Prue Ruscoe
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THE BRIEF This sumptuous ensuite by
Sydney interior designers Justine Hugh-Jones and Katrina Mackintosh beautifully complements the glamorous main bedroom immediately alongside it. “We took our cues from five-star hotels,” says Justine. “The bathroom and bedroom read as one.” THE DESIGN APPROACH Space was borrowed from a generous existing bedroom to give the ensuite a greater sense of scale, says Justine. And while it is open plan, a cavity door separates the bathroom from the bedroom when privacy is desired. A seamless transition from bedroom to bathroom is achieved through the use of cohesive flooring. “Visual impact is created by the freestanding bath and a streamlined wall-hung vanity that extends from one side of the room to the other,” adds Katrina. Striking patterning in the vanity’s marble front adds interest
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and graphic impact. The Moroccan zellige tiles in the shower have a handcrafted look that is a counterpoint to the sleekness of the surrounding marble. “By confining tiles to the shower alcove, the room eschews the look of a conventional bathroom and flows smoothly from the sleeping area,” says Justine. The toilet is concealed behind a mirrored door to the left of the vanity; that mirrored door not only acts as a convenient full-length mirror it also bounces natural light around the room. The wall colour has a hint of peppermint to it and brushed gold tapware adds warmth. THE RESULT This is a sophisticated ensuite with a sculptural chandelier as its star feature, says Katrina. “This beautiful piece serves to finish and elevate the room.” > Hugh-Jones Mackintosh; hughjonesmackintosh.com.
T HE DETA IL S Custom vanity in Silver Sandscape Marble, $300/m², SNB Stone. Antonio Lupi ‘Ago’ bath, $12,547, Candana. Oiled white-oak floorboards, $159/m², Mafi. Synapse pendant light, from about $13,666, Apparatus Studio. Curtain in Kohro ‘Lucilla’ Italian washed-linen fabric, POA, Simple Studio. Pinch floor-mounted bath filler in Brushed Gold, $1495, Rogerseller.
Currency conversion correct at time of writing. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
Bathroom special
Seeing is Believing. The POCO range by Gareth Ashton is inspired by the enduring pin-lever design, this elegant tapware delivers a new shape featuring a minimalistic handle and thin cylinder. A simply beautiful range that will enhance any room with its graceful forms. SELECTION GALLERIES 335 Ferrars St, Albert Park, VIC Ph: 03 8696 4000 1E Danks St, Waterloo, NSW Ph: 02 8572 8500 94 Petrie Tce, Brisbane, QLD Ph: 07 3369 4777 12 Sundercombe St, Osborne Park, WA Ph: 08 9208 4500
Bathroom special
Dark heart A lack of natural light saw the designer of this Victorian powder room embrace the power of a moody scheme. PH OTO GR A P H Y Armelle Habib
THE BRIEF “My clients live on the
Mornington Peninsula and are big entertainers,” says interior designer Kate Walker of KWD. “They wanted their powder room to capture the personality of the rest of the home.” THE DESIGN APPROACH “A powder room might be a small space but it can pack a punch,” she says. “We chose navy, brass and Carrara marble and then added wainscoting [wall panelling] as a nod to the Victorian heritage of the home.” Kate and her team decided to work with the room’s lack of natural light by creating a glamorous, moody feel. The reflective quality of the navy and gold wallpaper works beautifully with the wall sconces to bounce light around the room and to add a touch of glamour and whimsy. “We underplayed the mirror; it’s frameless and modern so it acts as a counterpoint to the classic elements in the room.” The customised washstand from The English Tapware Company has a Carrara marble top. “You can see the wainscoting through the frame, which allowed us to keep the space visually light.” THE RESULT There’s a lovely balance between the dark walls and the room’s high ceiling. “Used together, the space feels luxe and intimate,” says Kate. >
T HE DETA IL S Martyn Lawrence Bullard ‘Zerzura’ wallpaper, $317/10m roll, Radford. Wainscoting painted Resene Licorice. Hawthorn Hill washstand with Carrara marble top, $4160, Perrin & Rowe wall-mounted basin set in Satin Brass, $774, and undermount basin, $795, all The English Tapware Company. Ralph Lauren wall sconces, $1199 each, The Montauk Lighting Co.
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For Where to Buy, see page 176.
KWD; (03) 5974 1800 or katewalkerdesign.com.au.
ashÂŽ Starck f. m comfort. ensoWashÂŽ Starck f, a new generation shower toilet for state-of-the-art, ort is guaranteed thanks to technical fnishing touches such as a motion gh to a wide range of setting options for seat heating, water spray and the le with all Duravit design series thanks to its uncompromisingly puristic 1300 022 843 www.bathe.net.au
Bathroom special
Time honoured Heritage inspiration is delivered without a hitch in this gorgeous Sydney guest bathroom. P H OTO GR A P H Y Ryan Linnegar
T HE DETA IL S Classic washstand, from $1800, and Neu England lever tapware set, $524, Brodware. Mirror and make-up station with Quantum Quartz top in Alpine White, custom made for Brooke Aitken Design. Café mosaic tiles, $87/m², and Matt White penny round mosaics, $82/m², Surface Gallery. Original BTC ‘Hatton’ wall light, $968, Dunlin.
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For Where to Buy, see page 176.
THE BRIEF Located in what was once
a maternity hospital in Sydney, this guest bathroom on the home’s ground floor was remodelled by architect Brooke Aitken as part of a broader renovation project. “Our client asked that each of the three bathrooms in the house have its own joyful character and also referenced the heritage of the home,” says Brooke. THE DESIGN APPROACH Brooke and her team combined the existing bathroom, toilet and a section of corridor to create this new, more generous bathroom. It’s now divided into two distinct zones, with the bath and shower area sectioned off by a glass door. In a nod to the fact the original building dates back to
the 1920s, the rear wall features a decorative tiled arch. This detail is the star of the space, says Brooke, along with the equally lovely mosaic flooring. “The tiling is quite Parisian in feel,” she says. “Our tiler did an incredible job.” Situated opposite the washbasin is a make-up station with a beautiful, smoothly curved profile. “Its inclusion adds a touch of old-school glamour.” THE RESULT “Our client understands the benefits of good design and trusted us implicitly. That goes a long way towards creating a gorgeous room. Our builders, Cathayne Constructions, were also key to the finish we achieved – it’s classic, soft and joyful.” > Brooke Aitken Design; (02) 9212 6262 or brookeaitkendesign.com.au.
Bathroom special
Colour me happy This Brisbane parents’ retreat is a vision of pure pastel perfection.
For Where to Buy, see page 176.
PH OTO GR A P H Y John Downes
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THE BRIEF When it came time to
renovate the bathrooms in her own home, Brisbane interior designer Maree Woodley went for a colourful take on a classic look. “The ensuite in our parents’ retreat is a space that I wanted to be both practical and luxurious,” she says. THE DESIGN APPROACH “We began by reconfiguring the floor plan to optimise storage,” says Maree, who achieved this by shifting the furniture-style vanity to the other side of the room. The extraordinarily lovely joinery was custom-made for Maree by Wyer+Craw and is the shining star of this space. To get the colour just right, she collaborated with Sophie Armstrong from Magnolia Interiors and between them they decided on Dulux Aqua Mist. The vanity is set off by brushed-gold handles sourced from the US. “I really wanted oval bevelled-edge mirrors with cabinets behind them. This was one of the hardest things to get right; it truly tested the skills of the glaziers.” At the bottom left of the vanity is a drawer that acts as a chute connected to the laundry below. The bath’s existing surround was easy to update – it received a lick of
Dulux Aqua Mist too. The hydrangeapattern curtain was inspired by the Magnolia Interiors showroom. “Initially, I chose this print for wallpaper in the entry to my home, then I realised it was perfect for the blind in the bathroom,” says Maree. The tiles, including handcrafted Turkish marble hexagonal tiles for the wall behind the vanity, unite all the elements of the room beautifully. THE RESULT “I’m really proud of how it all came together,” says Maree. “I collaborated with so many people on the tile selections, tile laying, cabinetry design and hardware, the tapware, lighting and window treatments. It’s amazing what it takes to achieve everything you want in a bathroom!” > Woodley Interiors; woodleyinteriors.com.au.
T HE DETA IL S Custom-made vanity and mirrored cabinets with Arabescato marble top and brushed-gold handles, about $15,000, Wyer+Craw. Joinery painted in Dulux Aqua Mist. Custom-printed roman blind and lampshades, POA, Magnolia Interiors. Avanza handmade Turkish marble hexagonal tiles, $589/m², Baby Picket handmade Turkish marble floor mosaics, $590/m², Axor ‘Citterio’ basin mixers, $1277 each, and Villeroy & Boch ‘Loop’ undermount basins, $1098, Elite Bathware & Tiles.
Bathroom special
Bespoke brilliance Refined, classic and calming: this Melbourne ensuite is its owners’ dream come to life. ST Y L IN G Tess Newman-Morris | P H OTO GR A P H Y Lisa Cohen
T HE DETA IL S Custom-made vanity with Fume de Nevai marble top by PB Cabinets for Marylou Sobel Interior Design. Ore brushed-brass handles, Rocky Mountain Hardware. Kelly Wearstler ‘Utopia’ wall sconces, $1125 each, Bloomingdales Lighting. Custom-made ‘Indiana’ mirrors, $1150 each, Rich & Davis. Kaldewei ‘Meisterstuck Classic Duo’ freestanding bath, from $4800, Mary Noall. Manhattan basin mixer sets, from $880 each, Brodware.
owners of this Melbourne home asked Marylou Sobel Interior Design to give their main ensuite a fresh new look. “They wanted a space that felt calm and was very much their own,” says Marylou. “It was to be a sanctuary away from the busyness of a family home.” THE DESIGN APPROACH The existing ensuite was similar in layout, but “very plain with dark floors and wall tiles – not a room you’d want to unwind in,” says Marylou, who worked on the project with her colleague, interior architect Stephanie Nadel. Key to the new design is the vanity profile and its Fume de Navai marble top. “The vanity led the design for the rest of the finishes,” she says. “It’s the first thing you see as you enter the room so we wanted it to reflect warmth, character and order. The mix of materials means the vanity presents like a piece of furniture.” The ribbed timber doors are teamed with bronze hardware, Kelly Wearstler wall sconces and custom mirrors. Other elements in the room have been kept deliberately understated so as not to compete with the vanity: a classic Kaldewei freestanding bath was chosen and honed limestone tiles have been used on the floor and the wall that frames a picture window. A roman blind in a delicate de Le Cuona fabric ensures there is privacy but also adds a little softness to the room. THE RESULT “The space we’ve created is calm and relaxing,” says Marylou. “This is a room where the bespoke shines. Including quality fittings was of the utmost importance in our quest to create perfect ensuite for our clients that would look beautiful and last.” > Marylou Sobel Interior Design; 0411 195 404 or marylousobel.com.au
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For Where to Buy, see page 176.
THE BRIEF When they renovated, the
WINTER
living
This winter, transform your home into a stylish yet warm and cosy sanctuary where you can feel your best throughout the day.
BALLY 6-light pendant in black – $449. Price is correct at the time of printing.
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Bathroom special
Classic good looks White and marble work together harmoniously in this old-meets-new ensuite. ST Y L I N G Bek Sheppard | P HOTO GR A P H Y Derek Swalwell
THE BRIEF The owners of this Melbourne
home were happy to allow architect and interior designer Luke Fry a free hand when it came to their ensuite. “We were given a great amount of creative license,” he says. Luke’s goal was to come up with a classic yet contemporary scheme that tipped its hat to the home’s Edwardian heritage. THE DESIGN APPROACH Fluted glass is an inspired inclusion for a bathroom in a period home. “It creates a subtle level of privacy that works well with the home’s overall aesthetic,” says Luke. “The proportion and scale of the fluted elements also ties in with the scale of the finger tiles.” Those thin marble tiles make a feature of the nib wall that encloses the double showers. This wall wasn’t really intended to be a key element of the room, says Luke. “You can actually see from the main bedroom all the way through
the walk-in wardrobe to the shower at the other end of the main suite. The wall was designed for privacy, so no one felt exposed when they used the shower, and they made the space work more effectively too. The focus then became the light flooding down from the skylight above.” The vanity extends from the shower to the door and features a luxurious Carrara Bianco marble top. THE RESULT It’s the sum of all the parts that makes this ensuite work so well. “I love each and every element – the glass, the tiles, the vanity, the mirrors, the wall sconces, the tapware, the skylight,” says Luke. “Everything in the room is custom-made or specifically selected. Whether they are very expensive or priced to a budget, every element needs to work together and tell a story.” > Luke Fry Architecture & Interior Design; lukefry.com.au .
T HE DETA IL S
For Where to Buy, see page 176.
Vivid Slimline wall mixers in Gun Metal, $281.60 each, paired with Vivid Slimline outlet in Gun Metal, $327.80 each, Vivid Slimline Compact twin shower in Gun Metal, $616, and Radii towel rails in Gun Metal, from $115 each, all from Phoenix Tapware. Montecarlo 600x600mm terrazzo floor tiles, POA, Signorino. Inax ‘Yohen’ marble finger tiles, POA, Artedomus. Vanity custom-made for Luke Fry Architecture & Interior Design.
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Bathroom special
Aqua splash Colour comes to the fore in this cleverly planned Melbourne ensuite. ST Y L IN G Ruth Welsby | P H OTO GR A P H Y Martina Gemmola
THE BRIEF Interior designer Camilla
Molders was engaged to advise on spatial planning, finishes, fittings and cabinetry for this newly built Melbourne home, designed by Phooey Architects. “The owners wanted their ensuite to be luxurious and a lovely spot to escape to – with a dreamy underwater feel.” THE DESIGN APPROACH The long, narrow shape of the ensuite meant careful planning was required to get the balance of the design just right. “Its shape could have led to it being bland and that was something the owners were keen to avoid,” says Camilla. “We were presented with a great opportunity to include bold colour in the shower area, which leads the eye down the length of the room.” The tiles, the marble, the richly toned timber make-up station and textural limestone on the floor are all perfectly balanced. But as striking as the aqua tiles are, for Camilla, the star of the space is the room’s polished-plaster wall. “Its pure simplicity balances the pattern and detail on the opposite wall.” THE RESULT “We wanted an ensuite that would tie in with the luxurious design elsewhere in the house, yet also have its own personality,” says the owner. “Everyone’s first reaction when they get a glimpse of the room is ‘wow!’” >
T HE DETA IL S Tavella Verde subway tiles, $160/m², Byzantine Design. Custom vanity with New York marble top and Bord black-gold timber veneer, about $16,000, Camilla Molders Design. Mini Glo-ball lights, about $300 each, Euroluce. Eccentric spout, $395, and Tonic mixer, $305, Rogerseller. Laufen Kartell 420mm basin, $930, Reece. Pietre Tre limestone floor tiles, $119/m², Tiento Tiles. Tantra Imports velvet stool, $350, Jennifer Button Agency.
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For Where to Buy, see page 176.
Camilla Molders Design; (03) 9699 6641 or camillamolders.com.au. Phooey Architects; phooey.com.au.
Bathroom special
Crisp and clean A light touch has brought this petite Sydney ensuite to life.
T HE DETA IL S Custom vanity in Neolith stone-composite in Aspen Grey by iSpace Solutions, about $10,000, and Custom-made aged-brass mirror, $300 each, through Nina Maya Interiors. CTS-ACM-10 marble-look tiles (90x45mm), about $110/m², Cerastone Tile+Stone. Mini Glo-ball wall lights, about $300 each, Euroluce. Eccentric basin mixer and shower in Brushed Nickel, from $395, Rogerseller. Floor-to-ceiling shower screen with customfinish hardware, POA, Stegbar.
designer Nina Maya approached this attic-level ensuite, adjoining the bedroom of her son, Harley. “I wanted his bedroom and its ensuite to feel open and spacious,” she says. THE DESIGN APPROACH Some smart specifying ensured this space, which is 4.8x1.5m, works as hard as it can. “Key to its success is a large operable skylight, and the fluted-glass and steel double-width sliding doors,” she says. “These elements allow for a good transfer of light between the bedroom and ensuite.” A floor-to-ceiling Stegbar shower screen keeps the room feeling spacious. “Full-height shower screens draw the eye upwards. Stegbar was happy to put a custom finish on the shower-screen hinges so they matched our tapware perfectly.” Taking star billing in the space are the large-format Italian porcelain tiles used on both walls and floor. “They’re a continuation of the gentle neutrals we’ve used elsewhere in the house,” she says. The vanity was custom made for Nina. “I prefer bathrooms to have a limited colour and material palette. Here, the vanity and its integrated sink are entirely clad in Neolith, a stone composite, for a solid, monolithic look.” The custommade mirror and sleek Rogerseller tapware complete the look. THE RESULT “This is a sophisticated and serene ensuite that’s sure to stand the test of time,” says Nina. # Nina Maya Interiors; 0411 711 558 or ninamayainteriors.com.
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For Where to Buy, see page 176.
THE BRIEF Maximising light flow was central to how Sydney interior
The made-to-measure Clarissa Hulse collection of blinds and curtains by Blinds Online will elevate any interior space. From $59. blindsonline.com.au
Developed with a practical pull-down hose, Facuet Strommen’s minimalist and clean Pegasi M mixer is a genius in the kitchen. $1187. faucetstrommen.com.au
Brease broadloom carpets, like this offering from Choices Flooring, come engineered with air quality improving properties. Pet-perfect. choicesflooring.com.au
H&G ESSENTIALS Designed with an Art Deco-inspired backrest, Harvey Norman’s sumptuous Shell velvet chair will lend bedrooms a sophisticated finish. $399. harveynorman.com.au
Create a beautiful lifestyle and home with these must-have products.
Arabella Sleepwear makes luxury nighties from the finest cotton. Featuring lace detailing, the timeless designs will be worn for seasons to come. From $60. damaskbedlinencollection.com.au
Available at Bunnings, Capi Europe’s stylish pots feature a unique insulating layer that helps plants to live longer. From $75. bunnings.com.au
Caroma’s range of sleek Opal support rails help reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom, enabling independent living for longer. From $154 to $699. caroma.com.au
The Coco lamp table from Domayne is the perfect perch for a lamp, vase or candle. Features metal legs and a hardwearing ceramic tabletop. $449. domayne.com.au
Made from sustainable materials such as stone, each of Ligne Roset’s statement-making Oxidation tables from DOMO are unique. From $1625. domo.com.au
Enhance your kitchen’s storage and style with Kaboodle’s contemporary steel frame shelving range. Available in black, they lend kitchens a modern edge. kaboodle.com.au
Wynstan Crimsafe® Ultimate Doors are seven times stronger than the impact level required by Australian Standards. Made in Australia. wynstan.com.au
Bathroom special ERA DEFINING Trends may come and go, but classic bathroom furniture won’t date. The Kado ‘Era’ range from Reece (left) is a good example of traditional shapes being given a contemporary twist for today’s bathrooms. The Shaker-style profile of the vanity and cabinet pairs beautifully with its gold-brass cup handles. reece.com.au
BAT HROOM N E WS From smart new surfaces and boundary-pushing taps to timelessly stylish fixtures, here’s what’s fresh for bathrooms. Reflective glory PERFECT PUMPS
CLEAN SWEEP
As well as having clean lines, the Pegasi shower range from Faucet Strommen (left) is easy to keep clean. The Australian designed and assembled showers feature neat silicone nozzles that simply rub clean of any limescale build up. Instead of the water filling up the brass cavity, Pegasi showers have a cartridge system inside that sends the water flow directly to the silicone nozzles for an even rain spray. faucetstrommen.com.au
Interior designer Carole Whiting created these Black+Whiting hand and body soaps ($34.95 each, left) when she couldn’t find the right products for photo shoots. blackandwhiting.com.au
Prizes on tap
Seeking a little bling for a powder room? Take a look at the range of decorative Fiam mirrors (above) from Fanuli. Priced from $3790. fanuli.com.au
It’s unsurprising, really, that Phoenix Tapware has taken out four 2020 Red Dot Design Awards, with its category-redefining Axia range receiving the Best of the Best accolade. “We’re thrilled to be the first Australian tapware company to receive such a distinction,” says Steve Jackson, Phoenix managing director. Pieces in the Axia collection start from $385 and are notable for their sleek, ultrathin outlets and dial handles. phoenixtapware.com.au
Silver lining
Combining the look of natural stone with a velvet-soft finish, the new Silver Grain range of porcelain tiles at Di Lorenzo Tiles (left) comes in five grey colourways. “It’s the perfect palette for bathrooms,” says marketing manager, Tina Di Lorenzo. “The grain print is subtle, yet noticeable enough to create interest.” There are five mosaic patterns in every colour and each can be worked back with a matching base tile for a cohesive look. From $62/m². dilorenzo.net.au
MINTY MARVEL
The beautifully packaged Marvis Spearmint mouthwash (above) is one dental helper you’ll be happy to leave on the vanity. It’s $24.95 from Saison. saison.com.au
L O O M L OV E LY
Parisi’s handcrafted Loom bathroom furniture collection (left) has taken inspiration from the weaving process. You’ll find bathroom vanities, mirrors and side cabinets in the range, each with a beautiful, textured appearance. “Every piece is hand carved, sanded or polished,” says Franco Parisi, chief operating officer at Parisi. parisi.com.au IN WITH THE NOIR A whole new world of deep, dark vanity tops has just opened up with the release of Caesarstone’s latest collection of black quartz surfaces. Ranging in hue from ebony to jet and onyx, each new offering works a treat with the latest brushed- and aged-metal tapware on the market at the moment. caesarstone.com.au
SOFTLY DOES IT Fluffy new towels can be a cost-effective way to update your bathroom’s look. The Australian House & Garden range of towels at Myer (from $17 for a hand towel) may just be the style refresh you’re seeking. myer.com.au
Wow and zen
Fans of the minimal-meets-industrial look will love Paco Jaanson’s IB Rubinetterie ‘OnlyOne’ collection of bathroom fixtures (right). Designed to have a ‘zen garden’ feel (thanks to their resemblance to bamboo water fountains), the mixers sweep back at a 45-degree angle to allow for unhindered water flow. pacojaanson.com.au AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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Bathroom special
Natural fit No matter which look you’re leaning towards, our selection of smart buys will ensure your bathroom scrubs up beautifully.
Produced by Sarah Pickette. Styling by Kate Nixon (this page). Photography by Kristina Soljo (this page) & Ryan Linnegar (bathroom, opposite).
FROM LEFT Copper watering can, $299, Maison et Jardin. Michael Verheyden travertine container, $640, Ondene. Bread board, $159, and timber washboard, $129, both Maison et Jardin. Kristine linen guest towel, $39, Hale Mercantile Co. Rattan bowl, $130, and Shanxi timber bench, $1150, Orient House. HDDM7 artwork by Daniel McLellan, $350, Saint Cloche.
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FA M I L Y F R I E N D L Y 1 This family bathroom in Sydney was designed by Schemes & Spaces and features tiles from Di Lorenzo Tiles and Phoenix Vivid Slimline tapware from Reece. 2 Ivy 1 IP44-rated wall light, $149, Beacon Lighting. 3 Jenson mirror in Dark Grey Gloss, $199, Oz Design Furniture. 4 Menu bathroom storage container in White, $109, Designstuff. 5 Abode rigid waterproof flooring in Floro Oak, from $57.75/m², Choices Flooring. 6 Twiggy face cloth in Khaki, $15, Sage x Clare. 7 Kreoo ‘Diamond’ marble basin, from $5401, Elite Bathware & Tiles. 8 Mini-Unikko slippers, $68, Marimekko.
9 Valencia bath in Dusty Pink, $4990, Concrete Nation. 10 Casablanca handmade clay tiles in Cream, $7 each, Perini. >
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MONO C HR OM E M AGIC 1 Waffle cotton bath towels, $49.95 each, and hand towel, $24.95, Aura Home. 2 Powdercoated-metal tissue box cover, $59, Designstuff. 3 Fima ‘Next’ basin mixer, $369, Bathe. 4 Gessi ‘Goccia’ oval mirror in Black, $1617, Abey. 5 Icon+ A67.31 basin tapware set, $1128, Astra Walker. 6 Euston polished-marble soap dispenser, $29, Freedom. 7 Aura Home ‘Vintage Stripe’ cotton bath towels, $30 each, Domayne. 8 Menu ‘Studiopepe’ brass-framed mirror with marble base, $1100, Oliver Thom. 9 Agape ‘Lariana’ Cristalplant bath in White/Dark Grey, POA, Artedomus. 10 Caroma ‘Elvire’ twin shower in Gunmetal, $1189, Harvey Norman.
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Tap into classic style
T I M E L E S S A PPE A L 1 Avenza Bianco laminate surface, from $84.15/m², Laminex. 2 Ecru stripe organic-cotton bath towel, $189, Loom Towels. 3 Natio Spa Relaxing Magnesium & Mineral bath salts, $14.95/350g, Natio. 4 Duravit ‘Cape Cod’ solid-surface bath, $8998, Bathe. 5 Armando Vicario ‘Provincial’ three-piece basin set, from $628, Abey. 6 Herringbone Carrara marble mosaic tiles, $27.95/m², National Tiles. 7 This bathroom, designed by The Stables, uses DLT85883 tiles in Vanilla, $138/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles. 8 Conchiglie 40cm ceramic bowl, $450, Fanuli. 9 Salone glass soap dispenser, $15, Freedom. 10 Perrin & Rowe ‘Deco Collection’ shower in Polished Brass, $1145, The English Tapware Company. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #
W H E R E T O BU Y
Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. # 1803 0411 765 662; 1803.com.au A Abet Laminati (02) 9672 7300; www.abet.com. Abey 1800 809 143; abey.com.au About Space (03) 9417 4635; aboutspace.net.au Adairs 1300 783 005; adairs.com.au Aeria Country Floors 0413 841 590; aeria.com.au Alspec 1300 257 732; www.alspec.com.au Alti Lighting (08) 9284 2203; www.alti.com.au Anibou (02) 9319 0655; anibou.com.au Apaiser (03) 9421 5722; apaiser.com.au Apparatus Studio apparatusstudio.com Armadillo & Co (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Art Supplies Australia artsuppliesaustralia.com.au Artedomus (02) 9557 5060; artedomus.com Artemide 1300 135 709; artemide. com.au Arteriors www.arteriorshome.com Arthouse Gallery (02) 9332 1019; www.arthousegallery.com.au Articolo Lighting (03) 8595 8011; articololighting.com Artisanweave Flooring Co www.artisanweave.com.au Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Aura Home 1300 304 269; aurahome.com.au Autex (03) 9729 2322; www.autex.com.au B Bastille & Sons bastilleandsons.com.au Bathe 1300 133 320; bathe.net.au Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266; beaconlighting.com.au Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com Big Green Egg www.biggreenegg.com.au Billi 1800 812 321; billihome.com.au Bisanna Tiles (02) 9310 2500; bisanna.com.au Bisque Traders (02) 6658 0699; www.bisquetraders.com.au Bloom Bespoke bloomandco.com.au Bloomingdales Lighting (02) 8345 6888; bloomingdales.com.au BlueScope Steel www.lysaght.com
Blupeter Homestore (08) 9433 1782; www.blupeter.com.au Boffi Studio www.boffi.com Boyd Blue (07) 5527 0899; boydblue.com Brodware (02) 9421 8200; brodware.com.au Brunschwig & Fils, available from Elliott Clarke Textiles elliottclarke.com.au Bunnings (03) 8831 9777; bunnings.com.au Byzantine Design (03) 9078 2811; www.byzantinedesign.com.au C Cadrys (02) 9328 6144; cadrys.com.au Caesarstone 1300 119 119; caesarstone.com.au Candana (02) 9389 8631; candana.com.au Caroma 131 416; caroma.com.au Casa by Studio Kate (02) 9363 4318; www.studiokate.com.au Cavalier Bremworth 1800 251 172; cavbrem.com.au CDK Stone (03) 8552 6000; cdkstone.com.au Cerastone Tiles+Stone (02) 9388 9001; cerastone.net.au Chatsworth Fine Furniture (03) 8360 9697; www.chatsworthfinefurniture.com.au Chloe 1800 812 663; www.chloe.com Choices Flooring choicesflooring.com.au Christopher Boots (03) 9417 6501; christopherboots.com Coastal Living Rosebud (03) 5986 1730; coastalliving.com.au Coco Flip cocoflip.com.au Coco Republic 1300 000 220; cocorepublic.com.au Cole & Son, available from Radford (03) 9818 7799; radfordfurnishings.com Colorbond 1800 022 999; colorbond.com Concrete Nation (07) 5593 4075; www.concretenation.com.au Contempo Studio (08) 9385 1149; www.contempostudio.com.au Cosh Living (03) 9281 1999; coshliving.com.au Cotswold InOut Furniture 1800 677 047; cotswoldfurniture.com.au Cromwell (03) 9510 5294; cromwellaustralia.com.au Cult 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au
Cultiver cultiver.com D Debrich Custom Joinery (02) 9905 7792; www.debrich.com.au Dedece (02) 9360 2722; dedece.com.au Dekton (02) 8311 1518; dekton.com.au DesignByThem (02) 8005 4805; designbythem.com Designer Rugs 1300 802 561; designerrugs.com.au DesignFarm (08) 9322 2200; www.designfarm.com.au Designstuff (03) 9592 2960; designstuff.com.au Di Lorenzo Tiles (02) 8818 2950; dilorenzo.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 Duravit (02) 8070 1889; www.duravit.com.au E Earp Bros (02) 4925 4550; earp.com.au Electrolux electrolux.com.au Elite Bathware & Tiles (07) 3391 1399; elitebathware.com.au Elliott Clarke Textiles 1300 355 468; elliottclarke.com.au Enoak 0476 239 799; www.enoak.com.au Est Lighting (02) 9194 3422; estlighting.com.au Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; euroluce.com.au F Falcon, available from Andico 1800 685 899; www.andico.com.au Fanuli (02) 9908 2660; fanuli.com.au Faucet Strommen 1800 505 116; faucetstrommen.com.au Floorspace (03) 9882 2477; www.floorspace.com.au Formed Gardens (02) 8036 8580; formedgardens.com.au Freedom 1300 135 588; freedom.com.au Furniture Inspirations (03) 9562 8355; www.furnitureinspirations.com.au G Giffin Design 0452 412 634; www.giffindesign.com.au Glem 1300 307 917; www.emiliaappliances.com.au Globe West 1800 722 366; globewest.com.au Graham & Brown www.grahambrown.com
Grazia & Co (03) 9589 4398; graziaandco.com.au Greg Natale (02) 8399 2103; gregnatale.com H Halcyon Lake (03) 9421 1113; halcyonlake.com Hale Mercantile Co halemercantilecolinen.com Hali Rugs 1300 131 120; hali.com.au Hanna’s Joinery 0414 388 052 Hansgrohe 1800 001 901; www.hansgrohe.com.au Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; harveynorman.com.au Haymes Paint 1800 033 431; haymespaint.com.au HB&Co www.hbandco.com.au Helmut Lang www.helmutlang.com Hermosa Painting Finishes hermosafinishes.com.au Highgate House (07) 3256 0860; highgatehouse.com.au HK Living (03) 9500 9991; hkliving.com.au Home Furniture on Consignment (02) 8338 8000; www.hfoc.com.au Homelife Furnishings (02) 9664 6700; www.homelifefurnishings.com.au Hub Furniture (03) 9652 1222; hubfurniture.com.au Hungry Wolf Studio @hungrywolfstudio Hunters+Collectors (08) 6101 4004; huntersandcollectorsinteriors.com.au I iBuild i-build.com.au Idea Creations ideacreations.com.au Ikea (02) 8020 6641; ikea.com.au Inigo Jones & Co www.inigojones.com.au Ivy Lane Agency www.ivylane.com.au J James Ross Landscape Design www.jamesrosslandscape.com.au James Said (08) 6180 3615; jamessaid.com.au Jardan (03) 8581 4988; jardan.com.au Jatana Interiors jatanainteriors.com.au Jennifer Button Agency 0439 111 006 Jenny Jones Rugs (08) 9286 1200; www.jennyjonesrugs.com Jetblack Espresso (02) 9452 6470; www.jetblackespresso.com.au K Kartique (08) 6161 7179; www.kartique.com.au Kastell Kitchens (02) 9634 3395; www.kastell.com.au KHD Stone Merchants (03) 9822 2748
stockists H G
King Living 1300 546 438; kingliving.com.au Koskela (02) 9280 0999; koskela.com.au Kreative Kitchens 0418 862 710; www.kreativekitchens.com.au L Laminex 132 136; laminex.com.au Leading Edge Kitchens (02) 9540 2022; lekitchens.com.au Lifestiles (03) 9889 4950; www.lifestiles.com.au Light in the Box lightinthebox.com Lincoln Brooks (02) 4957 2908; naturallycane.com.au Living Edge 1300 132 154; livingedge.com.au Loom Rugs (03) 9510 3040; loomrugs.com Loom Towels loomtowels.com Luxaflex Window Fashions 135 892; luxaflex.com.au M Mafi (03) 9689 7606; www.mafi.com.au Magnolia Interiors (07) 3252 0805; www.magnoliainteriors.com.au Maison et Jardin (02) 9362 8583; www.maisonetjardin.com.au Mandalay Flowers (02) 9362 5000; mandalayflowers.com.au Manuel Canovas, available from Domus Textiles; domustextiles.com.au Marimekko (02) 9281 6519; marimekko.com Market Timbers (03) 9314 9999; www.markettimbers.com.au Mary Noall (03) 9690 1327; marynoall.com.au .M Contemporary mcontemp.com Mica Lighting 1300 466 422; www.micalighting.com.au Miele 1300 464 353; www.shop.miele.com.au Milgate (03) 9421 2122; milgate.com.au Modular Masonry (08) 9527 3201; www.modularmasonry.com.au Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au N Natio natio.com.au National Tiles 1300 733 000; www.nationaltiles.com.au Navlam, available from New Age Veneers (02) 9457 9622; newageveneers.com.au
O Oblica (03) 9416 0400; www.oblica.com.au Oliver Thom oliverthom.com.au Ondene (02) 9362 1734; ondene.com.au Orient House (02) 9660 3895; orienthouse.com.au Otomys otomys.com Oxley Nets oxleynets.com.au Oz Design Furniture 1300 721 942; ozdesignfurniture.com.au Ozshade 1300 134 372; ozshade.com.au P Parisi parisi.com.au Parterre (02) 9363 5874; parterre.com.au PB Cabinets (03) 9729 0800; www.pbcabinets.com.au Perini (03) 9421 0550; perini.com.au Perrin & Rowe, available from The English Tapware Company www.englishtapware.com.au Phoenix Tapware (03) 9780 4200; phoenixtapware.com.au Pierre+Charlotte (03) 9329 4414; www.pierreandcharlotte.com Poliform (02) 8339 7570; www.poliformaustralia.com.au Pop Building www.popbuilding.com.au Porcelain Bear (03) 9044 2728; porcelainbear.com Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; porterspaints.com Pure Linen (08) 9418 7015; linenthings.com.au Q Qasair condari.com.au Quantum Quartz (02) 9772 9888; wk.com.au R Radford 1300 692 393; radfordfurnishings.com Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au Remarkable Outdoor Living (03) 9532 2270; remarkablefurniture.com.au Resene 1800 738 383; resene.com.au Rich and Davis richanddavis.com.au Robert Plumb (02) 9316 9066; robertplumb.com.au Robyn Cosgrove (02) 9328 7692; robyncosgrove.com
Rocky Mountain Hardware (02) 9564 2877; www. rockymountainhardware.com Rogerseller (03) 9429 8888; rogerseller.com.au Romo, available from Marco Fabrics (03) 9882 7238; www.marcofabrics.com.au Rosebud Garden Supplies (03) 5986 8369; www.rosebudgardensupplies.com.au Royal Oak Floors (03) 9826 3611; royaloakfloors.com.au S Sage x Clare sageandclare.com Saint Cloche 0434 274 251; saintcloche.com Schemes & Spaces 0416 226 697; @schemesandspaces Schots Home Emporium schots.com.au Schumacher fschumacher.com Scout House (03) 9525 4343; scouthouse.com.au Shackpalace Rituals shackpalacerituals.com Signorino (03) 9427 9100; signorino.com.au Simple Studio (02) 9557 4322; simplestudio.com.au Smeg (02) 8667 4888; smeg.com.au SNB Stone www.snb-stone.com Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Spence & Lyda (02) 9212 6747; spenceandlyda.com.au Stegbar 1800 681 168; stegbar.com.au Studio Mulders www.studiomulders.com Sub-Zero (02) 8767 2301; www.winningappliances.com.au Surface Gallery (02) 9866 2002; surfacegallery.com.au Sydney Design Agency (02) 9700 7090; julielewisagency.net Sydney Tap and Bathroomware (02) 9550 4628; www.sydneybathroomware.com.au T Tait (03) 9419 7484; madebytait.com.au Tamsin Johnson tamsinjohnson.com Tappeti Fine Handcrafted Rugs+Carpets (02) 9698 2735; tappeti.com.au
Taubmans 131 686; taubmans.com.au Temple Fine Rugs (08) 6140 1763; www.templefinerugs.com.au The English Tapware Company 1300 016 181; englishtapware.com.au The Montauk Lighting Co www.montauklighting.com The Pool Tile Company www.pooltile.com.au The Rug Collection (03) 8555 3584; therugcollection.com.au The Rug Establishment therugest.com The Stables www.thestables.com.au The Textile Company 1300 852 994; textilecompany.com.au The Vault Sydney thevaultsydney.com Thibaut, available from Boyac (03) 9429 5455; www.boyac.com.au Think Shutters (03) 9397 4381; www.thinkshutters.com.au Tiento Tiles tiento.com.au Tongue N Groove Flooring (02) 9699 1131; tngflooring.com.au Tribe Home tribehome.com.au Trit House www.trithouse.com.au U Ultimo (08) 9201 2479; ultimo.com.au Unique Fabrics 1800 145 855; uniquefabrics.com V Visual Comfort, available from Bloomingdales Lighting (02) 8345 6888; bloomingdales.com.au V-Zug (03) 9832 7500; vzug.com/au W Wagner Contemporary (02) 9360 6069; wagnercontemporary.com.au Westbury Textiles (02) 9380 6644; westburytextiles.com Wisteria Design (07) 3255 2233; wisteriadesign.com.au Wolf, available from Winning Appliances (02) 8767 2301; www.winningappliances.com.au Wyer+Craw (07) 3856 2400; wyercraw.com.au Wynstan 1800 157 622; www.wynstan.com.au Z Zakkia zakkia.com.au Zip 1800 424 344; zipwater.com Zuster (03) 9427 7188; zuster.com.au
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H G the creative type
B E T H A N Y JA M E S The Perth interior designer-turned-furniture retailer shares the highlights and hardships on her creative journey.
Interiors and furniture are in my blood. Dad was very hands-on around the home. He spent most weekends working on the house and would usually have several ‘projects’ on the go. It drove my mum nuts – she would say they were unfinished but Dad would work on whichever project he felt the most inspired by at the time. This rubbed off on all of my siblings – we are always working on our homes. Moving into retail was a natural step. Eight years ago, I was working as an interior designer. It was the height of the whole Scandinavian trend and all of the furnishings were pale timber and minimalistic – not my taste! I love the Hollywood Regency aesthetic, which was huge in the US but hadn’t yet caught on here. I recognised that gap in the Australian market and set up my company, Regency Distribution, to import pieces in the Hollywood Regency style. Regency Distribution’s success led to
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BETHANY’S FAVOURITE THINGS
From top Drew leather
Photography by Lillie Thompson. For Where to Buy, see page 176.
shoulder bag, about $2780.50, Chloé. Trident brass bowl, $784, Greg Natale. Side Zip leather leggings, $1490, Helmut Lang. Mirage swivel armchair with shearling upholstery, $2275, James Said.
establishing our retail arm, James Said. Today, we have three showrooms – one in Perth (Nedlands), one in Sydney’s Paddington and in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale – plus a strong online presence. I’m really proud of the Melbourne showroom. Its sheer size was very intimidating but I’m delighted with the end result. I feel like I’ve created a unique shopping experience for my customers that would hold its own on an international level. I have big dreams and it takes a lot of time, energy and money to grow at the pace I want. I currently own 100 per cent of my company and maintaining that status quo has been challenging. I am always learning about running a business, but the more I learn, the more I realise how much more I have to learn. In the future, I would like to have my own range of fragrances. It’s something that’s been on my mind for a while but I keep getting distracted with the daily grind. Achieving work/life balance is tricky and it’s something I am constantly working on. I have to accept that I can’t work the hours I do and be the mum I want to be and have a thriving social life – when I’m doing well in one area, it’s usually to the detriment of another. Something always has to give so it’s about focusing on what’s most important. Creative inspiration comes from everywhere. Travel is huge for me and I always return home with a fresher perspective. I visit Paris every year and always return with loads of ideas.
I take so much from the creativity on display there – at the trade shows, in the architecture, the fashion and also just from ‘people watching’. Colour, fabrics and fashion are a huge influence too. Painter Waldemar Kolbusz, a Perth local, is my favourite artist by far. His use of colour is so in sync with my personal taste. In terms of interiors, I really identify with the work of Greg Natale. I love his focus on the interior architecture of a space. Fashion is very important to me. It gives me an opportunity to express myself. I invest in classic pieces so they stand the test of time. My Chloé ‘Drew’ handbag is a great example. Even though the hardware has worn and I have purchased new bags since, I still just keep going back to it. My leather Helmut Lang leggings are an absolute staple that I continue to wear year after year. I love wearing them under dresses or on their own, in any season. To me, true luxury is all about the emotion something creates. The feeling is very important. In fashion, luxury is created with great cuts and beautiful fabrics. When it comes to interiors, it’s a combination of glamour, comfort and a sense of peace all at the same time. I’m living in Melbourne at the moment and absolutely loving it. It’s great having a restaurant in the James Said showroom – you will often see me there after work, enjoying a meal and a glass of wine with a girlfriend. My best dining experience here in Melbourne was at Dinner by Heston, which is sadly no longer in operation. # www.jamessaid.com.au