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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

The heart of

THE HOME

Love the look of this kitchen? Book your free in-store or in-home design consultation with one of our expert designers today.

For more inspiration and to see our special offers go to kinsman.com.au.

Visit a Kinsman Kitchens showroom within selected

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8 | INSIDE OUT

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PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISTINA SOLJO. ELIZA IS WEARING BASSIKE, BASSIKE.COM. HAIR & MAKE-UP: ELSA MORGAN. SHOT ON LOCATION AT IN BED, PADDINGTON, NSW

W

hat I know for sure is that a good kitchen makes life better. The dream of enough storage, soft-close drawers, a fabulous six-burner stovetop and enough prep and bench space so the rest of the family can actually help make dinner fills me with joy. And it doesn’t need to be a whole new kitchen to get some of that joy...

This month, Inside Out creative director Mia Daminato had a dream Fisher & Paykel French-door fridge delivered to her place. While the fridge is only one – although very important – element of a good kitchen, you would be surprised at just how much office chat has been devoted to the life-changing impact of this new appliance. Or maybe you wouldn’t be surprised, because you’ve probably been there yourself.

You can get in on the feeling, too. Turn to p114 for our appliance buyer’s guide, and our peek into the kitchens of industry people on p40. I love to know what goes on in other people’s houses, so I’m thrilled with this real-life kitchen story, where we get to see a bunch of kitchens created by people who love to cook – including the incredible Karen Martini and Palisa Anderson.

Here’s to making life better.

Be inspired by our curated moodboards @insideoutpins

Make it more you.

That’s freedom.

SIGNATURE DOUBLE 2 seat modular sofa with right chaise + High quality fabric and leather options + Three stylish arm designs

Design your Signature sofa at freedom. The go-to solution for those odd spots, cramped corners, and oversized rooms, the Signature sofa range helps tailor your new sofa to make it more you.

Shop in-store or online at freedom.com.au

EDITORIAL EDITOR Eliza O’Hare CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mia Daminato HOMES GROUP COORDINATOR Matilda Ringrose

ART & STYLE ART DIRECTORS Josie Smith, Katrina Yaxley JUNIOR DESIGNER Sophie Wilson IMAGE RETOUCHER Matus Kundrat MARKET EDITOR Natalie Johnson

FEATURES & COPY SENIOR COPY EDITOR Deborah Grant HOMES GROUP PRODUCTION EDITOR Tamarah Pienaar SENIOR DIGITAL WRITER Christina Rae

THANKS TO Darren Christison, Kate Hassett, Stephanie Hope, Virginia Jen, Sarah Pickette, Nate Vella ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION HEAD OF BRANDS Anna Mistilis (02) 9282 8111 HOMES COMMERCIAL MANAGER Rhonda Maunder (02) 9282 8687 HOMES BRAND MANAGER Kimberly Anderson (02) 9338 6103 BRAND EXECUTIVE Mikayla Skarzynski (02) 9282 8142 ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 VICTORIA, SA AND 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 CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING Nick Carson (02) 9282 8369 NEW ZEALAND INQUIRIES +61 2 9282 8505 GENERAL MANAGER — PRODUCTION SERVICES Ian McHutchinson PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Sally Jefferys ADVERTISING PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 SENIOR EVENT MANAGER Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342 HEAD OF CREATIVE | STORY 54 Clare Catt

MARKETING & CIRCULATION HEAD OF RETAIL AND CIRCULATION Andrew Cohn MARKETING DIRECTOR Louise Cankett SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Jillian Hogan BRAND MANAGER Sarah Webster CIRCULATION MANAGER Nicole Pearson SENIOR SUBSCRIPTIONS CAMPAIGN MANAGERS Ellie Xuereb, Jesvin Vincent

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 COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Paul Gardiner GENERAL MANAGER, SUBSCRIPTIONS & E-COMMERCE Sean McLintock BUSINESS MANAGER Georgina Bromfield SYNDICATION syndication@bauer-media.com.au

GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES Address Bauer Media, 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9282 8000 Email insideout@bauer-media.com.au Online homestolove.com.au/insideout Facebook facebook.com/insideoutau Instagram instagram.com/insideoutmag Pinterest pinterest.com/insideoutpins

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SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Phone 136 116 Online magshop.com.au/inside-out Email magshop@magshop.com.au Post Inside Out, Reply Paid 5252, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia Download our Inside Out app, now available on smartphones and tablets For Apple users, download from the App Store For Android users, download from Google Play Published by Bauer Media Pty Limited (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark Inside Out is the property of Bauer Media Pty Ltd. © 2020. All rights reserved. Printed by Ovato Warwick Farm, 8 Priddle Street, Warwick Farm NSW 2170. National distribution by Gordon and Gotch Australia Pty Ltd. 1300 650 666. ISSN 1835-9631 (print). 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, phone 136 116, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm AEST, email magshop@magshop.com.au or mail letters to: Inside Out Reply Paid 5252, Sydney, NSW 2001, or subscribe online at magshop.com.au/insideout. Subscription rate*: Australia $69.95 (one year, 12 issues); NZ A$79.95 (one year, 12 issues); other countries A$159.95 (one year, 12 issues). All overseas subscriptions sent air speed. *Recommended price

10 | INSIDE OUT

The owners of this house planned a small renovation that ended up being a major revamp

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS WARNES. STYLING: KAYLA GEX

MOST TAPPED THIS MONTH

Inspired by a love of Hamptons style, the Sydney home is both bright and beautiful.

For more inspiration, follow us on Instagram

@insideoutmag

100

40

contents

March 2020 the cut 19

82 COLOUR THERAPY It’s time to reframe your understanding

THE CUT Why matt-black KROF cutlery is so cutting edge

20 NEWS We dig out designer fashion and furniture and all the 22 24 28 30 32 40

hottest new finds you need to know about this month BEST BUYS: BATHROOM MIXERS A great-looking bathroom is permanently on tap when you seek out a statement mixer BEST BUYS: PENDANT LIGHTS See things in a beautiful new light TOP 10 PICKS Brush strokes revive the hand-painted look COLOUR TREND Discover how appealing deep blue can be DESIGN PROFILE: SAGE CREATIVE CO Meet the unstoppable styling and recipe-writing duo of Jessica Brook and Steve Pearce AT HOME IN THE KITCHEN Keen to update? There’s inspiration aplenty in our pick of the best contemporary designs

92 100 104

110 114

inside: homes & renovation 50 THE RIGHT STUFF An old Sydney home that needed some love

got the special treatment from its creative owners 58 GOING FOR BOLD Bought on a whim, lots of planning then went into this superbly kitted-out Byron Bay retreat 68 LET THERE BE LIGHT Her professional experience in restoring Victorian houses came in handy when interior designer Jillian Dinkel and her husband bought a unique property in Sydney 78 CLOSE QUARTERS Flexibility was top of mind when design firm Studio Quarters took on the challenge of a dining nook

120 124 126 128 130 132

of what Scandinavian interiors look like — this Swedish home is bright, daring and humming with good energy BABY STEPS Strategic planning and a child on the way spurred on the owners of a 1980s Melbourne home ODE TO OLIVE A world away from white, this contemporary kitchen is a study in how to successfully use deep colour ON THE SURFACE From irresistible natural tones to tactile textured finishes and on-trend terrazzo, we profile the latest and greatest materials for benchtops and splashbacks PLAN YOUR KITCHEN LIKE A PRO How to achieve a design that’s functional, full of useful storage and fabulous to look at WHICH KITCHEN STYLE ARE YOU? Whether you’re faced with space constraints or you love to entertain, take on our expert tips and find the appliances to suit you best PARTY HOUSE Shannon Vos details what’s hot and what’s not when it’s time to prep your kitchen for entertaining BUYER’S GUIDE How to find the perfect kitchen mixer, with 16 gorgeous taps to suit a range of styles and budgets I’VE ALWAYS WANTED... A WINE CELLAR Cheers to that!

KITCHEN NEWS The latest accessories and appliances, plus on-the-way tiling trends from an Italian design fair BATHROOM NEWS Colour is the key to a fresh new look ASK AN EXPERT Stylish solutions for all your design dilemmas

THE KITCHEN ESSENTIAL All your drinking water needs, All-in-One beautifully designed system.

Remove the need for multiple taps in your kitchen with a single, beautifully designed system that delivers boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered drinking water, as well as hot and cold unfiltered water for your sink.

The Zip HydroTap All-in-One offers every water option you need from one multi-functional tap and a single intelligent compact under-bench system. That’s why the Zip HydroTap will be the one and only hydration solution for your kitchen.

Discover more at zipwater.com

ZIP HYDROTAP | PURE TASTING | INSTANT | BOILING | CHILLED | SPARKLING

T H E W O R L D ’ S M O S T A D VA N C E D D R I N K I N G WAT E R S Y S T E M

136

92

104

open season Autumnal freshness is breezing through this month, with kitchen makeovers and general spruce-ups to plan

30 out: gardens, entertaining & travel 136 DOUBLE VISION The front is a picture of cottage-garden

prettiness while the rear of this Melbourne property is an exercise in clean lines and cleverly chosen plantings 142 VEG OUT Delicious, healthy recipes that are reassuringly easy to make and look wonderful on the plate 148 SHOALHAVEN This lovely spot on the NSW south coast offers visitors plenty to see, do and enjoy

regulars 48 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Subscribe to Inside Out and receive

12 issues for $64.99 plus a bonus cheese-knife set worth $89 154 LAST WORD Art Month Sydney returns with a series of eyepopping events to enrich your experience of March

on the cover 40 At-Home Kitchens Of Foodies & Chefs 40 49+ Pages Full Of Inspiration & Information 104 The Nitty Gritty: The Materials List, Taps & Mixers, Appliances 110 114 126 136

For Your Style & Budget, Tile Trends 2020 Design School: Our Simplest Kitchen Planning Guide Ever Buyer’s Guide: New Ovens, Fridges, Blenders & More How To Create A Great Wine Cellar Garden Party: Making A Beautiful Backyard For Entertaining

142 our cover look You wouldn’t know by looking at it, but this tranquil, thriving courtyard lies in the heart of Sydney’s bustling inner west. Designer Aurélie Remetter and her husband Jace O’Connor undertook a three-year renovation of a gloomy Victorian terrace to fashion a true oasis for their family. The surprises continue inside, on page 50.

Photography: Pablo Veiga Styling: Kerrie-Ann Jones

FROM DENMARK. TO THE WORLD.

BoConcept Moore Park

BoConcept Crows Nest

233 reviews

359 reviews

Vienna chairs by Henrik Pedersen shown in dark green lazio fabric; Vancouver extendable dining table in walnut veneer; Manhattan sideboard by Morten Georgsen in walnut veneer with ceramic top and drawer covers; Demand table lamp by Henrik Pedersen. View or order your free copy of the 2020 catalogue.

Crows Nest Flagship Store - 575 Pacifc Hwy Tel. (02) 9437 0066 Moore Park - Shop GA03 Moore Park Supa Centa Tel. (02) 9697 2886 www.boconcept.com.au

| Open 7 days

DESIGN | SHOP | PLACES | PEOPLE | SPACES

THE CUT

first impression KROF is a new Australian cutlery maker that is elevating local dining to an art form with Insta-friendly pics showcasing the simple beauty of its ranges. Based in Melbourne, KROF is the brainchild of product designer Nicholas Johnston and restaurateur Kristian Klein, who’ve honoured the company’s mantra of ‘make every meal remarkable’ with designs such as this 24-piece handpolished matt-black set, $349. It’s high-grade, distinctive and durable, the epitome of what modern eating tools should be. krof.co

WORDS DEBORAH GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY TOMAS FRIML

THE CUT COMPILED BY ELIZA O’HARE

RETAIL NEWS

WISHLIST

M OA C H A I R Exclusive to interiors store Domo, this standout occasional chair is part of Ligne Roset’s ‘Moa’ collection by Keiji Takeuchi. DOMO.COM.AU

SOLID CHOICE GlobeWest introduces Belgian-designed interiors label Ethnicraft into the fold with solid oak and walnut pieces that are simple and modern. GLOBEWEST.COM.AU

ART SMARTS

cool numbers We dig these limitededition, archival-paper prints made by Alphapop for curious little minds.

From $45 for A3 size.

ALPHAPOP.DESIGN

WEEKEND WORKSHOP Their Dispatch To A Friend podcast is such a hit that Australian photographer, florist and stylist Annabelle Hickson and cake-maker Gillian Bell decided to share their passions and host a weekend of creative workshops, good food and great company at one of New Zealand’s most beautiful farmstay lodges, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay. May 29–31; $1995pp*.

ROBERTSONLODGES.COM

METALLIC MAGIC

FANCY PANTS If there’s one thing you buy for yourself this month, make it these fabulous gold paperbag pants by Australian designer Gary Bigeni.

Flemming gold python skin (100 per cent polyester) pants, $325.

GARYBIGENI.COM

*CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING

P O D S TA R S

STORE FLOOR

IN BLOOM

DA H L I A S They spell the last gasp of the warmer months so extend their life even longer (past the usual 3–4 days) by dropping the cut stems into hot water and allowing them to cool. Keep them out of direct sunlight, too. Insta image by flower lover @SOPHIA_KAPLAN

KING LIVING The family-owned brand has been at the forefront of Australian furniture design for more than 40 years WORDS MATILDA RINGROSE

+ MORE THAN

CURVES AHEAD

SKY HIGH Collaboration is the keyword for 2020 and this combined project between rockstar interior designer Jonathan Adler and Caesarstone challenges the regular use of the super surface. In his Dreamland installation, clouds carved from marble and quartz hang suspended from the sky, riding on the curved interiors trend and hopefully inspiring some shapely at-home projects in your space.

10,000

NOW OPEN

MRS SINGH Jessi Singh expands his Indian-style small-plate restaurant empire with a new launch in Melbourne’s Flinders Lane. Expect casual vibes with 300 wines to try and a truly excellent $25 power-lunch menu.

MRSSINGH.COM. AU FLINDERS LANE , MELBOURNE

KING LIVING SOFAS SOLD IN AUSTRALIA EACH YEAR

+ BESTSELLER IN 2019

Jasper

The popular Jasper sofa was updated last year to feature a host of smart accessories and bespoke storage options

CAESARSTONE.COM.AU

+ DID YOU KNOW?

START UP

King Living began by selling furniture at Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets in 1977 + TEST OF TIME

bright idea Founder and car enthusiast David King found the inspiration for King Living’s durable and quality designs in steel car frames + BESPOKE BRIEF

1000+

SHOP GREEN

LIVING BUILDINGS It may look like business as usual but Victoria’s Burwood d Brickworks shopping centre, a Frasers Property project, is on track to be the most sustainable shopping centre in the he world. That’s no small feat, considering its aim to meet the Living Building Challenge, the most advanced measure of sustainability. The building also houses the first urban agriculture project to be seen in a shopping centre, with a 2000 sq m rooftop farm and native floral installations

by Joost Bakker. BURWOODBRICKWORKS.SHOPPING

GOOD BUY

Fabric choices are available and there are more to come this year.

Each King Living piece can be as individual as its owner

pyjama games These Petite Plume short-set pyjamas in navy and white with pearl buttons have us dreaming of drifting off in style, $115.

THEMONOGRAMMODE.COM

INSIDE OUT | 21

THE CUT

BEST BUYS

bathroom mixers

CLOCKWISE FROM MIDDLE LEFT Scala basin mixer in Gold, $809, Sussex Taps. Marmo tall basin mixer, $1290, Paco Jaanson. Gessi 316 ‘Intreccio’ basin mixer in Black Metal Brushed PVD, $1375, Candana. HV1 One-handle mixer with fixed spout in #08 (yellow), from $878.90, Vola. Agape Memory tap (countermounted for basin) in Brushed Brass, POA, Artedomus. HV1 One-handle mixer with fixed spout in #04 (light blue), from $878.90, Vola. Zimi basin mixer (no handle) in Brushed Nickel, $330, and mixer handle in Sage Green, $44, both Phoenix Tapware. Round basin mixer in Black Gold, $329, Meir. Handmade encaustic tiles in Yellow 17 and White, both $157.08 per sq m, Surface Society. Terrazzo wallpaper, $79 per sq m, Luxe Walls.

22 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY NIC GOSSAGE STYLING NATALIE JOHNSON

STYLING ASSISTANTS: NATE VELLA, ANISHA GITTINS

A handpicked selection to help you get a grip on the latest trends

BEST BUYS

pendant lights

We never mind an extraordinary design hanging over us, especially if it’s by one of the industry’s luminaries

HANGING FROM LEFT Aiden 1 pendant in Walnut, $189, Beacon Lighting. Ligne Roset ‘Brass Bell’ suspended ceiling light, $925, Domo.

Terra 00 pendant light in Slate, $865, Marz Designs. Double drop pendant light, $1430, Volker Haug. Honey pendant in Pink, $792, Coco Flip. Circus Bucket pendant in Grey and Pink, $179, Domayne. ON TABLE Kaare Klint ‘101’ LED pendant, $1195, Great Dane. Clear Star flute, $59 for 2, and gobelets, $49 for 4, Maison Balzac. Small linen tablecloth in White, $110, In Bed. ON FLOOR BRDR Kruger ‘F’ chair painted grey with grey polyester seat, $1221, SeehoSu. ON LOWER WALL Eggshell arcrylic paint in Napoleon, $130 per 4L, Porter’s Paints.

24 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY NIC GOSSAGE STYLING NATALIE JOHNSON

STYLING ASSISTANTS: NATE VELLA, ANISHA GITTINS

THE CUT

TOPS ON TOP Cindy Crawford on New Silestone Eternal Marquina

A product designed by Cosentino® Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F T ô VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS IN Adelaide | Auckland |

Brisbane

|

Melbourne

|

Perth

|

Sydney

THE CUT

3

2 1

TOP 10 PICKS

4

brush strokes Make your home a work of art with vibrant colours and fluid patterns

10 9

5 6

1 Fairfax right-hand facing chair, from about $6545*, Kelly Wearstler. 2 LRNCE No6 side plate, $65, Tigmi Trading. 3 Blue To Eye’s Touch, Merlin’s Lookout Hill End artwork by Bronte Leighton-Dore, $4800, Edwina Corlette Gallery. 4 Direction wallpaper in Sun, $72 per linear metre, These Walls. 5 Dancing Lady Orchid vase in Amber, $300 (large), Bonnie and Neil. 6 Humphrey Tia 3-seater sofa in Print fabric, $3915, GlobeWest. 7 Congo cushion in Tar, $79.95, Weave Home. 8 Crab Trail cushion in Shelley Blue, $89, Sunday Folk Textiles. 9 Painted Stumpy stool in Design 1, $340, Pop & Scott. 10 Chintz tea towel in Green, $39, Bonnie and Neil.

28 | INSIDE OUT

COMPILED BY NONCI NYONI

*CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING

8

7

THE CUT

4 3

1

2

COLOUR TREND

inky blue Deep dive into moody hues – all on the dark side and some with a hint of purple 11 5

6 10

9

8 7

1 Polished resin and brass horn bangle in Lapis Swirl, $240, Dinosaur Designs. 2 Caravan Moroccan rug (2m x 3m), $1845, Few & Far. 3 Night Owl table lamp, $270, Cult. 4 Oil on linen artwork by Sylvia McEwan (152cm x 122cm), $6500, Artduo. 5 Velvet queen quilt cover in Navy Blue, $269, Kip & Co. 6 Woud ‘Nakki’ 2-seater sofa in Blue Velvet, $9835, Luumo Design. 7 Juno ‘Florence’ 1-seater sofa in Navy Velvet, $1445, GlobeWest. 8 Colour crate (26.5cm x 17cm), $15, Hay. 9 Bleecker ottoman in Teal Velvet (W150cm x D45cm x H50cm), $895, Coco Republic. 10 Vista cushion in Dark Blue (50cm x 50cm, with brass zipper), $159, Ferm Living. 11 Lumbersider low-sheen acrylic paint in Into The Blue, $105.37 per 4L, Resene.

30 | INSIDE OUT

COMPILED BY NONCI NYONI

sage creative co PROFILE

Food styling, editing and recipe writing — there’s not much that Jessica Brook and Steve Pearce can’t do How was Sage Creative Co founded? We started the company

after we’d been working on a food [magazine] title together for seven years. After finishing up there, we realised how much we loved working together and wanted to continue the journey in some shape or form. This meant spending many hours chatting about how we could make this possible. We wanted to continue producing amazing content, writing and developing recipes and styling, so naturally the next step was to continue doing exactly that but under our own brand. After a lot of toing and froing, we came up with ‘Sage’. The ‘Creative’ naturally followed, and we added ‘Co’ because it’s not a solo project, which also left it open for us to build the team in the future.

What does an average day at Sage Creative look like? Well, as you can imagine, there is never an average day. Our weeks can consist of brainstorming, recipe-writing, propping, sourcing unusual produce (purple cauliflowers before they are in season comes to mind) and products, location scouting and, of course, shoot days.

Let’s just say, there are a lot of to-do lists going on.

How do you source your beautiful props and figure out what works best with each dish? Sourcing props is one of the fun bits,

although it can be challenging at times, depending on the brief and time frame – things can get a little crazy. Choosing what works best with each dish usually starts with the shapes, size and texture of the food, as well as the colour palette and style of the shoot. Also, it’s important to always have a good back-up plan and ensure we have extra props in the back of the car.

Can you talk us through your creative process? What does a typical shoot look like? The creative process always starts with a

‘keep calm’ and ‘one thing at a time’ philosophy. Given there are always so many elements to a shoot, whether we’re in a studio or on location, it’s always a good idea to start with a shot list (see, more lists… lol). Generally, we start with the easier shots to get the look and feel going – the story, in other words. Once that’s established and all the parties are happy, momentum gains.

32 | INSIDE OUT

That’s when the magic begins. Shoot days can be long and creatively exhausting, but seeing the end result is always rewarding.

What impact has social media had on your business?

Social media is always a positive experience for us. Seeing our work shared and commented on across social-media platforms around the world is always a lovely reminder of what we set out to do, and that is to create beautiful content and imagery.

Where do you find inspiration? Our inspiration comes from everywhere: the seasons, travel experiences, new food trends, art galleries and fashion. We strive to be present in our surroundings and search for the perfect in the imperfect.

How do you keep your prop room organised? The prop room is like a jigsaw puzzle; every piece has its place and the ceramics are all colour-coded, as are napkins, glassware, chopping boards, cutlery and backgrounds. It’s generally quite tidy and organised – otherwise it’s chaos, especially when the bubble wrap comes out!

What are some of your favourite props and why? That’s a hard one.

Over many years, each prop has been carefully hand-picked and collected by both of us. So they all have a story, whether they’re sourced from overseas travels, antique shops or flea markets, or are vintage pieces passed down from our families – it’s hard to choose.

What do you love about working with food? Well, apart from the fact we both love to eat, working with food always seems to come with a slight touch of nostalgia. We both grew up with food as an important part of our background, so certain smells, different types of cooking methods and ingredients always seem to link to a great story or shared food moment with family and friends. It’s nice to be able to work with something we’re so passionate about.

How has your practice developed over the years and how would you describe your signature style? Our practice is constantly

evolving and our style is modern rustic.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your careers?

Collectively, we would have to say it was creating our brand.

See more at sagecreative.co or @sagecreativeco WORDS KATE HASSETT PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS COURT

THE CUT

This page The artfully displayed and carefully organised prop room at Sage provides serious style inspiration.

Everything has its place, including cutlery that’s ready to roll from set to set. You may recognise Sage’s food styling from Josh Niland’s groundbreaking The Whole Fish Cookbook.

Opposite Jessica Brook and Steve Pearce in work-ready attire. Ceramic bowls and plates in harmonious hues form a sculptural stack.

D O M AY N E E X C L U S I V E LY P R E S E N T S

n at ural co m fo rt Experience the ultimate in comfort with the Dunlopillo range of mattresses, pillows and bases.

Exclusive to Domayne , the Dunlopillo r ange of mattresses, bases and pillows offer ever ything from super ior suppor t spr ings to temper ature regulating comfor t and natur al fibres for softness and sustainability. With three outstanding mattresses to choose from – Dunlopillo Confor m, Regener ate and Attune – each has a comfor t-level r anging indicator from Extr a Fir m to Ultr a Plush.

Dunlopillo has been developed from natural fibres and sustainable latex

sleep science Dunlopillo mattresses combine the ver y best in natur al fibres with the latest technologies to create blissful sleep engineered to perfection. From antialler genic , anti-bacter ial and anti-microbial latex to adjustable bases, unique temper ature regulating and moisture wicking fabr ics, you’ll know you’re sleeping on the ver y latest in mattress innovation.

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comfort zones To allow ideal spinal alignment and offer strength and suppor t to hips, shoulder s and other areas that need it most, cer tain mattresses in the Dunlopillo r ange feature independent Austr alian-made pocket spr ings ar r anged in five separ ate comfor t zones. This will help you achieve perfect suppor t with unsur passed comfor t.

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Dunlopillo Ther apillo Premium Memor y Foam pillows mould to the contour s of the head and neck, reducing pressure points and lending extr a suppor t for your individual shape .

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DUNLOPILLO REGENERATE 8 QUEEN MATTRESSES FROM $2999, DUNLOPILLO SLIMLINE QUEEN BASE $900, DUNLOPILLO QUEEN BEDHEAD $1899; DUNLOPILLO THERAPILLO PREMIUM HIGH PROFILE DUAL CONTOUR PILLOW $189.

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We have ad j ustable matt re ss m o de ls that ca n help wi th a nu mb e r of the rap eut ic b e n efits , fro m re li ev ing j oi nt pre ssure to i mprov in g c ircu lat ion.

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RIGHT DUNLOPILLO THERAPILLO PREMIUM MEDIUM DUAL CONTOUR PILLOW $189.

adjust and adapt Pair your Dunlopillo mattress with a clever and stylish adjustable base – in Black or Biscotti – to treat your self to the full r ange of sleep positions. The ther apeutic benefits of adjustable bases r ange from improved circulation to relieving joint pressure and more .

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 extra firm

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Visit domayne.com.au to browse our full r ange of furniture, bedding and homewares.

D omayne® stores are op er ated by inde pe ndent f r anchisees. Adve r tised pr ices v a lid a t New South Wales stores on ly. Pr i ce s m ay var y between states due to addi tional fre ig ht costs. Accessor ies show n are n ot i ncluded. O ffe r s a re not to be used in conjunction wi th any oth er of fer. P romotion ends 11/4 /20.

at home in the kitchen We discover what kitchen experts, designers and passionate cooks love most about a special kitchen – either their own or a lucky client’s

WORDS ALEXANDRA GORDON

THE CUT | DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY: LYNDEN FOSS. STYLING: SARAH ELLISON

Chat Thai restaurant owner Palisa Anderson in her Byron Bay kitchen. She grows many of the brand’s ingredients on the property’s farm. Turn the page for more.

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Palisa Anderson (from previous page) RESTAURATEUR & GROWER

Palisa Anderson runs the Chat Thai empire from Boon Luck Farm in Byron Bay, where she grows organic delicacies for her family business and the likes of Quay and Momofuku. “We bought our farm four years ago, and the 1980s bungalow on it – while in good shape – had absolutely no personality,” she says.

With the help of interior designer Genine Noakes, Palisa transformed the house on a tight budget using as much salvaged material as possible. In the kitchen, old timber fences were repurposed to front cabinets and the extractor hood, and floor tiles were stripped back to reveal concrete that was then polished.

“The renovation didn’t change the footprint of the house,” says Palisa, “but it did expand the kitchen into the living area to accommodate our lifestyle of cooking and entertaining.”

Storage was a must (Palisa also collects ceramics) as well as a large sink, sturdy cooking element and commercial oven. “Bench space is incredibly valuable to prep on, and when that runs out we spill onto the kitchen table, where often I enlist guests to help shell peas or some such job,” says Palisa, who often cooks for 16–20 and relishes it. chatthai.com.au; facebook.com/boonluckfarm

Kelvin Ho ARCHITECT

Having collaborated on a number of the Merivale restaurants and bars, architect Kelvin Ho, founding director of Akin Atelier, has an enviable hospitality design portfolio. Materiality and an understanding of context is a common theme in some of his atmospheric venues – Totti’s, Bert’s Bar & Brasserie and Coogee Pavilion – and more streamlined residential projects. This Sydney harbourside family kitchen, for a client with a background in the restaurant industry, is no different.

“The house was originally designed by modernist architect Hugh Buhrich, so we wanted to design something sympathetic to the era but still contemporary,” says Kelvin. “I would have loved to open the kitchen up to the harbour-facing lawn, but it would have meant demolishing the full-height timber windows.”

A pink marble island and brass tapware and handles bring an unexpected twist to the sleek white interior. “The client loves pink, so we chose Norwegian rose marble to clad the island,” says Kelvin. “I love its duality. While the kitchen has a simple layout and open format, that doesn’t mean it lacks in originality.”

Open shelving and a custom hanging rail enable the owner to make the kitchen their own, with an artfully curated selection of cookware and tabletop items on display. akinatelier.com

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44 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: HUW LAMBERT (RACHEL), PRUE RUSCOE (YASMINE)

THE CUT | DESIGN

Rachel Luchetti

Yasmine Saleh Ghoniem

INTERIOR DESIGNER

INTERIOR DESIGNER

As co-director of Sydney design firm Luchetti Krelle, Rachel Luchetti has been the creative force behind a swathe of inspiring interiors, including numerous bars and restaurants here and overseas. For the kitchen of her holiday home in Noosa, she drew on that extensive experience.

Ikea cabinets, a butler sink and a vintage-style tap were the starting points, closely followed by custom black concrete benchtops and an antique butcher’s block as the island. “By being clever about material choices and construction methods, you can save money while creating something unique,” says Rachel. Her firm is renowned for its layered hospitality designs, and a copper splashback imbues her country-style eat-in kitchen with this quality. “I’ve always loved copper pots and pans, and I explored the idea of a copper splashback as a nod to that,” she explains.

Rachel says she loves the way her kitchen envelopes the dining area. “It’s our holiday home, so we are often there with extended family and friends, which certainly influenced our approach to the layout. The kitchen is very social and inclusive, and you can certainly have more than one chef in there.” luchettikrelle.com

“People who work in the restaurant business like to make their own spaces individual and often think outside the box,” proclaims Sydney-based Yasmine Saleh Ghoniem of YSG design studio.

Perhaps better known from her time as one part of Amber Road, Yasmine is not one to shy away from taking risks herself. She met her match recently, as the lead on the renovation of a 1960s brick home in Sydney’s Cronulla for a client with a string of cafes.

Yasmine began by relocating the upstairs kitchen to the ground floor, where it now flows onto a living space and into the garden. New crazy paving creates a link between inside and out.

“It felt appropriate to the era of the house,” says Yasmine of the bold flooring choice, adding, “It’s a modernised and twisted nod to the ’60s, as are the colours and warm timber.”

Collaborating with Sonia van de Haar of Lymesmith on the daring palette for the open living zone, which extends to a mural-clad seating area adjacent to the kitchen, Yasmine left the brickwork raw in parts. This created a foil for the vibrant yellow pantry joinery, blue integrated fridge cabinets and terracotta backdrop to the main kitchen bench. ysg.studio

Karen Martini Having designed a handful of restaurants for Karen Martini, Melbourne architect Chris Connell was recently tasked with renovating the celebrity chef ’s own home. “The brief was to create a beautiful, functional, modern extension to an existing Victorian-era home,” says Chris.

Light was the key design driver, and it was achieved through a combination of full-height pivoting windows and a continuous skylight running the length of the kitchen, dining and living area.

The kitchen, however, was more complicated. “We were asked to incorporate all the facilities and functionality of a commercial kitchen while still retaining its domestic qualities,” says Chris.

While Karen’s light-filled space is, first and foremost, a family kitchen, it can also be used to record television cooking programs.

“The full-height glazing to the patio can be opened to allow for television crews to film in wide angle,” explains Chris.

Plenty of preparation space was, of course, a must. “A double island bench allows for preparation at the rear, while keeping the front island clear for cooking demonstrations or during dinner parties,” says Chris. A separate butler’s pantry accessed through a hidden timber door supports the main kitchen. Clad in stainless steel, two large fridges are prominently positioned within the space – yet another clue that this is a serious cook’s kitchen. @karen_martini; chrisconnell.com.au 46 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: EARL CARTER (KAREN), LOUISE LISTER (JANE). PRINT (OPPOSITE) BY LOUISE LISTER

CHEF & AUTHOR

THE CUT | DESIGN

Jane Hann FOOD STYLIST

Together with her builder husband, Tim Major, Jane Hann has produced a stylish yet hardworking kitchen within the somewhat confined space of their Sydney terrace. By building out to the boundary, they gained an extra 1.5 metres, allowing for a separate preparation space, another sink and more storage.

Having set up a prop-hire business for food stylists many years earlier, Jane still had a bounty of treasures to store.

“I do have quite a lot of plates,” she admits. The kitchen design celebrates the couple’s travel experiences, with utensils hanging from a rack of vintage French hooks and ornate taps sourced in Florence. Timeless colours, finishes and fittings were then selected to complement Jane’s unique collection.

“I really like an eclectic feel combining contemporary neutrals with things of character,” she says. janehann.com.au

ICONIC DESIGN

MEETS BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE In the superbly versatile AGA 3 Series featuring optional induction plate.

Now available in 90cm, 100cm and 110cm Discover our latest models at AGAaustralia.com.au | To find your nearest stockist, call 03 9521 4965

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need for speed

Sometimes working to a tight deadline can achieve the best results

For interior designer Jillian Dinkel, the imminent arrival of her first child meant she had little time to waste when it came to the restoration of her history-filled home in Sydney’s Manly. And in true testament to Jillian’s prowess under pressure, the end result shows no signs of being rushed. Take the open-plan kitchen, which features a considered combination of finishes – Hermesmarble splashback, stainless-steel benchtops and handpainted cabinetry – which make a dramatic statement.

See page 68 for more details.

PHOTOGRAPHY PABLO VEIGA STYLING KERRIE-ANN JONES

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T H E

R I G H T

STUFF

Inspired by their travels, a Sydney couple have gone where others would love to with a bold mix of midcentury, Scandi, bohemian and a sprinkle of beach WORDS & STYLING KERRIE-ANN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY PABLO VEIGA

cheat sheet

GUTTER CREDIT

Who lives here Aurélie Remetter, owner of Tumbleweed and Poppies; her husband Jace O’Connor, director of Built Complete; and their two children: Romy, 4, and Marlowe, 1.

Style of home A dilapidated Victorian terrace in Sydney’s inner west that’s been extended and updated.

They bought in 2013 and renovated until 2016.

The project cost about $$$$ $400,000 (excluding furniture).

EXTERIOR “Instead of a deck next to the dining area, we put it down the back and planted the garden in the middle. This encourages you to wander down the path, to see what’s behind,” says Jace, who also designed the rooftop garden.

DINING (opposite) Timber bifolds bring that holiday feel.

The table is a vintage-store find. Vase, Marloe Marloe.

Pendants, Authentic Store.

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or fashion and homewares designer Aurélie

Remetter and her builder husband Jace O’Connor, it was a shared passion for travel and mixing old with new that inspired how they designed and decorated their terrace home in the arty inner-Sydney suburb of Newtown.

The couple met while travelling in Croatia 10 years ago.

Aurélie is French and was living in Paris working on her children’s fashion label, Louise Misha, and Jace was working in Sydney as a builder. Three years of a long-distance relationship culminated in their engagement in August 2013. A few months later, they bought their home at auction and Aurélie moved to Sydney permanently, travelling to Paris on a regular basis.

When they bought it, the Victorian-era house was empty and pretty much uninhabitable, mainly because the bath and toilet were in a separate, shack-like dwelling at the back of the property.

“It was a very honest house, a double-story terrace that was untouched,” says Jace. “As a designer and builder, I could see its potential and how we could push the envelope with its design, which might have been too risky if I was building for a client.”

As soon as they received the keys, Jace got started with the first renovation, which took place over a six-week period. His company, Built Complete, restored the original, older part of the house so it was liveable, and created an ensuite bathroom by converting the attic space above the main bedroom. Other changes were made, such as removing some internal walls in the downstairs living space, and restoring the front verandah, which had previously been enclosed.

As two creative people, Aurélie and Jace had lots of design ideas and inspiration from their various overseas travels together.

Before commencing the second major renovation, they took time to think about what inspired them and created Pinterest moodboards. Jace took on the role of the ‘architect’ in terms of the construction design, and Aurélie made the decorating decisions. As Jace puts it, “Aurélie is the dreamer and I am the realist. So the results are often a compromise between the two.”

A good example of this is the kitchen, where Jace designed the cabinetry and Aurélie chose the pastel paint colours, tiles and tapware. They both wanted a modern kitchen that was retro in style, and the result is the perfect balance of both.

The second round of renovations was far bigger than the first and was a slow process over 18 months. It included extending the rear ground floor of the home to house a bathroom, a laundry and a new kitchen and dining area that opens to the garden.

The crowning glory is a rooftop garden on top of the structure.

Once these renovations were complete, Aurélie focused on decorating the home, combining vintage pieces with new.

“We have a mix of influences from mid-century, Scandinavian, beach and bohemian styles,” she says. “We enjoyed blending all these styles and our interests together.”

KITCHEN “One of the main criteria for the kitchen was easy entertaining,” says Jace, who designed the cabinetry.

Aurélie chose the Murobond colours; the pink is Summer Dance and the blue is Seaglass. Appliances, Smeg.

Flooring, polished concrete.

‘‘We don’t like the look and colours of many modern kitchens. We chose pastels as they remind us of vintage furniture from the 1950s” AURÉLIE REMETTER, HOMEOWNER

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LIVING “Vintage pieces look amazing but aren’t always practical,” says Aurélie, “so we bought some new furniture.”

One of the most functional is their MCM House sofa with washable covers. Large artwork (above sofa) by Aurélie Lecuyer.

SIDEBOARD (left) On one side of the dining area is this piece from GlobeWest. It has great storage and is in a spot loaded with books, art and objects from the couple’s travels.

The upstairs bedrooms are decorated with natural, earthy tones and textures. “We wanted a very simple and relaxing atmosphere for both bedrooms, with a slight holiday feel,” Aurélie explains. “So we used a rattan bed in the main bedroom, with vintage bedside drawers and rust-hued linen.” Elsewhere, some of the homewares are from Aurélie’s homewares brand, Tumbleweed and Poppies, established in 2018. A ceramic moon and three birds in the second bedroom, along with some small woven baskets in the kitchen, living and dining room, are all from her collection.

Decorating is clearly Aurélie’s passion; Jace’s is his exotic garden, which he created and maintains. “The design was inspired by our travels to Mexico and the Cook Islands, where we fell in love with the flora and fauna,” he says. “We wanted a garden with a mix of cactuses and tropical plants, yet in a balanced way.” The rooftop garden above the ground-floor extension is also one of Jace’s designs; from the back it creates green views of the house without crowding the area in front of the bifold doors, as well as giving the main, upstairs bedroom a wonderfully soft natural vista.

While the home is beautifully resolved, there may be more tweaks, if not major projects, to come for the family. “We love to create and decorate,” says Aurélie. “For us, decorating isn’t just a task to complete, but an ever-changing and developing movement. We change and reimage our house constantly while always trying to be environmentally conscious in our choices.”

Built Complete is in Leichhardt, NSW; builtcomplete.com.au 54 | INSIDE OUT

FIRST FLOOR

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GROUND FLOOR

ATTIC SPACE

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1 Porch 2 Entry 3 Living area 4 Laundry 5 Kitchen 6 Bathroom 7 Dining 8 Garden 9 Balcony 10 Bedroom 11 Main bedroom 12 Rooftop garden 13 Ensuite 14 Storage

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT Finsbury Geo buffet in Grey Sand, $3220, GlobeWest. Stevie vase in White Gloss, $280, Marloe Marloe.

HK Living glass vase in Smoke, $49, House of Orange. City Stik kitchen mixer, POA, Brodware. Victoria Thermoseal white enamel oven, POA, Smeg. Natural finish laminates in Natural Rose and Fresh Spring, both from $83.49 per sqm, Laminex.

Linen quilt-cover set in Ochre, from $280, I Love Linen. Avery Maja armchair in White, $565, GlobeWest.

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATE VELLA

GREAT FINDS

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LESSONS LEARNT “MAKE THE MOST OF STORAGE OPPORTUNITIES” AURÉLIE REMETTER, HOMEOWNER

“Our house isn’t large but we’ve put in some pretty good storage. One of our best ideas was filling the cavities between the stairs leading from the main bedroom to the attic ensuite.

We created hidden shoe drawers up there, which comes in really handy.”

MAIN BEDROOM Decorated in rust tones, the textured linen sheets

by I Love Linen are a great contrast to the soft Dulux Timeless Grey walls. Bed, The Rattan Collective.

Side table, Naturally Cane. Pendant light, Authentic Store. BATHROOM (opposite left) Copper piping gives the room a vintage industrial look.

The mirror is another retro find.

STAIRS (opposite right) “The stairs are original and reminded me of the old building I lived in in Paris. They were the most beautiful thing in the living room and we wanted to make them pop,” says Aurélie, who chose Aral Sea by Murobond for the job.

New floorboards in European oak.

G O I N G FO R B OL D An impulse buy in Byron was just what interior designer Melissa Bonney needed to kickstart a long-held ‘holiday’ project

WORDS CERI DAVID PHOTOGRAPHY JESSIE PRINCE STYLING SARAH ELLISON

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cheat sheet Who stays here Melissa Bonney, an interior designer, her partner Brendon Bott, a builder, and their family — Bella, 17, Liv, 15, and Nixon, 6 — plus Louie, who’s a French bulldog.

Style of home A luxe five-bedroom holiday rental in Byron Bay, NSW. Mel and Brendon bought the block of land, which included a cottage and DA approval for an additional dwelling, in October 2017. They split the block, renovating the cottage before submitting new plans for a revised second house in April 2018. Approval came in November, followed by building between February and September 2019.

The total cost for this property, The $$$$ Bay Villa, was $1.34 million.

KITCHEN (this page and opposite) The standout element of the cooking zone is the green-and-timber combination, carried through joinery and island.

Any uniformity is offset by the curves of the island, featuring American oak battens, as well as a custom Concrete Nation benchtop in Greenstone.

Custom satin polyurethane joinery in Haymes Wilderness, finished with FlapJack knobs from In-Teria. An inset sink and drainer grooves are built into the top for a seamless look. Arq mixer, Rogerseller. Eco water dispenser, Billi. Wall tiles, Earp Bros. Dowel stools, Mr Fräg. Ollo wall lights, Søktas.

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nyone who’s ever renovated knows the toll

it can take on the family living through it.

For Melissa Bonney, director of multidisciplinary design studio The Designory, it’s no different. “We’ve dragged our poor children in and out of houses every year: we buy, renovate, flip.

It’s awful,” she admits. On the other hand, she says, there’s no better time to try new ideas and iron out mistakes than on your own projects, with no risk to clients.

To give her brood a break from cardboard boxes and packing tape, Melissa came up with an alternative plan that just so happened to tie in with a pipe dream of her own. “Years ago, I used to imagine that one day I’d run a B&B,” she says. “Lately, that evolved into the dream of owning a place in each of my favourite locations: towns like Byron, Noosa, Berry. I’d rent them out as holiday homes, and then retirement would involve flitting between all my lovely properties around the country, making the occasional breakfast for guests!”

She and her partner Brendon Bott, owner of B2 Construction, were enjoying a family trip in Byron Bay when the idea began crystallising into a real possibility. Melissa had spotted a cottage for sale on 1000 square metres, with DA approval for a second house, so they drove to see it en route to the airport. “We made 60 | INSIDE OUT

The kitchen is where Melissa implemented some of those braver ideas that clients might shy away from, such as the extraordinary green joinery

RUMPUS ROOM Louie on a Joe sofa from MCM House, which is topped with Walter G cushions. Bringing the vacation vibes is a pair of photographic prints from Middle Of Nowhere. Nomad beanbag from Koskela. Avalon round coffee table and Barrenjoey kids’ stools, Loughlin Furniture. Jute rug in Mist, Cadrys.

KITCHEN (opposite left) Melissa in holiday mode. ENTRY (opposite right) Hanging on the wall is a work called Shipwrecked Beach by Sydney artist Vynka Hallam. Below it is another piece by Loughlin furniture; available in a number of different timbers, it’s called the Pacific buffet and is great for storage.

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LIVING AREA A striking Hearth fireplace from Aurora Suspended Fires is balanced by the evocative Seaweed Pearls print by Kara Rosenlund. Leather sofa, Project 82. Avalon coffee table, Loughlin Furniture. Mongolia rug, Tribe Home. BUNK ROOM (opposite top) Scandiluxe ladders lead to the upper beds.

Huddy’s Dots wallpaper, Milton & King. Cream Totem rug, The Design Hunter. Mod leather sofa, HomeDay. ENSUITE (opposite bottom) Tactile surfaces bring luxe interest to this bathing zone. Zen bath from Apaiser. Old White dimensional ceramic wall tiles from Earp Bros. Drifter stool, Hendrix The Maker.

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1 Entry 2 Rumpus room 3 Bedroom 4 Powder room 5 Bathroom 6 Bathroom 7 Bedroom 8 Laundry 9 Dining area

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10 Kitchen 11 Living area 12 Pool 13 Ensuite/WIR 14 Main bedroom 15 Bathroom 16 Bunkroom 17 Bedroom

“I spent time walking around Byron, and knew those were the colours we needed to be pulling through... that raw coastal palette” MELISSA BONNEY, INTERIOR DESIGNER/HOMEOWNER

an offer and it was accepted by the time we landed back in Sydney,” she says. “It was an emotional buy so I think we overpaid, but I was comfortable, knowing we’d be putting another house on it.”

The couple split the land down the middle and renovated the cottage before moving on to the new build. Closer examination of the existing DA (lodged by the previous owners) revealed there had been 36 objections to the plans. “It was too big and ostentatious for the area,” says Melissa. “When you build, you’re charged with a responsibility. What you do changes the experiences of people walking down that street. I’m not interested in leaving a legacy that isn’t sympathetic to the environment or the neighbours or the heritage.”

Though it would lengthen the process, Melissa went back to the drawing board. “We reoriented it for privacy, and brought it in from the sides and created setbacks into the ground to lower the house and lessen the impact on the neighbours,” she says.

The result is a beautiful matt-black haven that blends in with its low-profile surroundings, a theme that continues inside.

“I spent time walking around Byron, watching the sun go down, looking at the sheer black cliffs, the terracotta rocks and the sea, and I knew those were the colours we needed to be pulling through, referencing that raw coastal palette,” says Melissa. The same goes for the textures used throughout. “There’s nothing shiny in here at all,” she adds. “It feels very earthy.”

Designed with her own extended family in mind, Melissa sees the house as the perfect space to slow down and reconnect, with the kitchen very consciously at the centre of it all. “I love to cook, but I don’t like being disconnected from what everybody else is doing,” she says. “I can stand in that kitchen and see everyone in the living room, at the dining table, in the yard and in the pool. Someone can be making drinks. Someone can be doing dishes. You’re not on top of one another, and you’re all still part of whatever else is happening. That kind of flow isn’t easy to achieve without starting from scratch, as we did here.

It’s my favourite thing about the house.”

Though still based in Sydney, Melissa and her family head to their coastal escape as often as possible, opening up both properties as holiday rentals in between – complete with all the creature comforts imaginable. “For me, luxury on holidays means having everything you need right there, and seriously, that kitchen is better kitted out than my kitchen at home,” she says.

“You don’t want to lug a high chair or a travel cot, or beach towels or surfboards, to your accommodation. Here, you don’t have to do any of that. You can literally walk into the house with a bag of clothes and feel at home.”

Visit the-designory.com.au and barefootescapes.com.au INSIDE OUT | 63

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LESSONS LEARNT

“We anticipated that DA

approval would take eight to 12 weeks but were wrong” MELISSA BONNEY, INTERIOR DESIGNER/OWNER

“We had the previous plans so we knew what council had approved in the past, and that we weren’t proposing anything crazy. We submitted our application in April and it wasn’t approved until November. Seven months. It was devastating.”

MAIN BEDROOM Melissa teamed the timber-panelled wall in Dulux Monument grey with a Millie bed and Asta bedside, both from Mubu. Linen, Bemboka.

Pott Project ‘SpongeUp’ light, Greenhouse Interiors. Artwork by Lisa Madigan. BATHROOM (opposite) Pale pink Nazari Asilah tiles from Earp Bros complement the light timber tones of the vanity by Loughlin Furniture and barn door from Corinthian. Custom O-Ring pull, In-Teria. Mirror, Stegbar. Strata shower, Rogerseller.

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GREAT FINDS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Wallpaper Republic ‘Huddy’s Dots’ wallpaper in Muddy, $170 per 10m roll, Milton & King. Pott Project ‘SpongeUp’ pendant light in Red, $649, Greenhouse Interiors. Natural scullery board, $69.95, Provincial Home Living.

Nazari Asilah ceramic wall tiles, $95 per sq m, Earp Bros.

Interior Expressions low-sheen acrylic paint in Wilderness, $92 per 4L, Haymes. Phendei mugs, $168 for 6, The Design Hunter. FlapJack handle, from $60, In-Teria. Nomad beanbag, $640, Koskela. Fisher & Paykel 90cm dual fuel cooker, $3896.

Billi ‘B-5000 915100LCH’ Boiling, Chilled and Sparkling Filtered water dispenser, $4206, Winning Appliances.

POOL Harper sun lounges from Uniqwa are perfectly placed by the pool. Fencing by Modular Walls closes off the wet zone from the rest of the garden and the alfresco entertaining area. ALFRESCO AREA (opposite) The sleek Robert Plumb timber dining setting is offset by two Kartell ‘Masters’ chairs in Sage Green by Philippe Starck. Above is a Fresco outdoor heater from IXL Appliances, which allows the space to be used on cooler days. On the Dulux Monument-painted exterior wall is an SGO brass outdoor shower by Mon Palmer; it gets plenty of use after visits to the beach, just a short stroll away.

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Interior designer Jillian Dinkel faced an unexpected challenge when she and her partner bought an ‘uninhabitable’ home near the beach WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY PABLO VEIGA STYLING KERRIE-ANN JONES

FLOWERS FROM HERMETICA

let there be light

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KITCHEN/DINING The crowning glory of Jillian’s kitchen is an Ilve Nostalgie gas stove with bronze hardware. For the cabinetry, she went with a hand-painted poly finish in Dulux Blue Metal. The Hermes-marble splashback from Euro Marble pairs neatly with the Flex marble dining table from Coco Republic. Knoll ‘Cesca’ chairs, Dedece. Face bowl (on table), Alex and Trahanas. Glass vessels, Maison Balzac. Various sculptures from Clae Studio, Curatorial+Co and The DEA Store.

ENTRY (opposite) Jillian chose mural-style Etched Arcadia wallpaper from Anthropologie. Hampton pendant, The Montauk Lighting Co. Arc sconce, West Elm.

cheat sheet Who lives here Jillian Dinkel, a residential interior designer; her husband Kevin, a stock trader; and their daughter Delilah, 10 months; plus Miller, an Italian greyhound.

Style of home A freestanding 1904 Federation home in Sydney that has been sub-divided into four separate dwellings. The couple owns the largest one, with street frontage.

The couple purchased the property in September 2018 and began their four-month renovation in early 2019.

A figure close to $400,000, based on $$$$ Jillian’s great project management.

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rofessional interior designer Jillian Dinkel and

her husband Kevin had just purchased a fixerupper in Manly on Sydney’s northern beaches when the pair received some surprising news.

“Two days after we signed the documents, I found out I was pregnant with our first child,” says Jillian. “That was not exactly our intention.”

Jillian, who grew up in the US, had been planning to spend about a year overhauling the home – one half of the grand ground floor of a subdivided Federation house – before hopefully moving in with a newborn. Now, with the clock ticking, she and Kevin had to ready the nest in half that time. And there was plenty of work to be done. “The house had been neglected for decades and was in a state that no one would say yes to but me,” Jillian explains. “It was dark and damp and mildewy, and stank from before you reached the front door. It was, as the bank labelled it when we purchased, ‘uninhabitable’.”

Yet something about the home spoke to Jillian, whose eponymous design agency specialises in restoring historic properties. “It just screamed potential,” she says. “It had these beautiful wedding-cake cornices that were still mostly intact.

When we first saw the place, I just knew I had to take it on.”

Approaching her second trimester, Jillian sprang into action, completely redesigning the home in six weeks. “We didn’t have time for a DA, so we were working within the original envelope and really just repurposing rooms and putting up walls to section off some places,” she says. That doesn’t mean the structural modifications were minor. “We took it from a two-bedroom one-bath to a three-bedroom two-bath. Every single room changed function from what it was when I purchased it.”

Key to the changes was moving the living areas from the rear of the home, which faces west, to the eastern-facing front.

“I reconfigured the floor plan to take advantage of the beautiful giant windows on the eastern boundary of the property because that side gets the most amazing sunrises and a little bit of an ocean glimpse,” says Jillian. What was originally the main bedroom became the kitchen, with a generous open-plan kitchen/dining/living area created by removing a wall between the new kitchen and the room behind it. Additional north-facing windows have brought even more natural light into the space.

KITCHEN Anchoring the room is a kitchen island designed by Jillian with an Hermes-marble top, walnut-veneer sides and an aged-brass trim. The tan-leather Drexel bar stools by Coco Republic are a playful addition to the sophisticated space. Above the island are Thomas O’Brien ‘Hicks’ antique-brass pendant lights from Montauk Lighting Co. Untitled Landscape II oil painting (on mantel) by Theresa Hunt, through Curatorial+Co. Ceramics on mantel from Clae Studio, Rachel Saunders and The DEA Store. Lumière candle, The Vignette Room. Small bowl (on island), The DEA Store. Floral arrangments, Hermetica Flowers.

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“The kitchen is ‘modern Victorian meets Brooklyn brownstone’. Having an in-kitchen eating area is great for small dinner parties” JILLIAN DINKEL, INTERIOR DESIGNER/OWNER

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Behind the living space are three bedrooms (the largest with an ensuite) plus an additional bathroom, and at the rear of the property is a laundry. Linking them is a grand hallway running almost the full length of the party wall. Jillian had considered narrowing the hall to maximise the family’s living space, but scrapped the idea because of her shortened timeline. “Instead,” she says, “I decided to make a really dramatic statement with it.”

Jillian opted for a marble-tiled entryway and a striking blue, black and white colour scheme, enhanced by arresting forestthemed wallpaper. “Being in that hallway, with its navy-blue wainscoting and dramatic wallpaper and wall sconces hung really high up, it just envelopes you and creates a mood all of its own,” she says. “Now there’s a real sense of arrival. When we have friends over for dinner, they step right into this forest and it’s a dramatic start to our evening of entertaining.”

By early May 2019, work on the property was finished. A few days later, on May 10, Jillian and Kevin welcomed their baby daughter, Delilah, into the world. She came home to the nursery her parents had prepared earlier, in a traditional American style.

After working on dozens of houses for clients, Jillian says designing her own home gave her an opportunity to do things differently. “I was able to really experiment and get creative because it was my own,” she says, citing decisions such as painting the main bedroom black and having an unusual layout in the ensuite.

Jillian and Kevin love the idea of raising Delilah in a characterful home with a somewhat mysterious past. “Its quirkiness and knocked-about historical details tell a million possible tales,” she says. “We’re honoured to add to that story.”

Find out more about Jillian’s design philosophy at jilliandinkel.com FIREPLACE Jillian at the hearth of her home. Glass vase (on mantel) and black-and-white glass bowl, Maison Balzac. Humble Matter ‘HDR’ vessel, Curatorial+Co. Books, Opus Design. HALLWAY Another view of the elegant Anthropologie wallpaper, through an arch Jillian created to complement the ornate one in the hall.

LIVING (opposite) Contrasting materials and textures give this space an inviting feel. The marble coffee table was a vintage find from Vinnies. Sofa, Camerich.

Armchair, Cult. Cushions, Sheridan. Above the original marble fireplace is The Frame, a Samsung television that doubles as an artwork. Rug, Armadillo & Co.

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INSIDE | HOME

Unusually, the walls and ceiling of the main bedroom are painted black, a blue-based Dulux shade called Klavier. “As the room already had two large windows, natural light wasn’t a problem so this was a great opportunity to experiment,” says Jillian. “The resulting space is a really inviting cocoon that makes getting out of bed even harder than before.”

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MAIN BEDROOM The home’s most dramatic room is also the most minimal. Here and throughout the home, Jillian had the original kauri-pine floorboards sanded and stained with a light-grey wash and a matt sealant. Bed frame, Pottery Barn. Quilt cover, Cultiver. Amara side table, GlobeWest. Mirror, a custom piece.

ENSUITE (opposite) Reflected in the mirrored cabinets is the luxurious double shower. Jillian bought the 1920s leadlight window from an antique store. Vanity, Hermes marble. Steel-frame partitions, Architectural Installations. Wall and floor tiles, Surface Gallery. Trapeze lights, Criteria Collection. Towel, Sheridan.

VASE, MAISON BALZAC. CANDLE, THE DEA STORE. FLOWERS, HERMETICA FLOWERS

bright idea

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INSIDE | HOME

CLOCKWISE Calacatta gold marble, POA, Euro Marble.

Thonet ‘S32’ dining chair by Marcel Breuer, $1785, Anibou.

I Think I Have Done Everything That Is Possible To Do artwork

by Antonia Mrljak, $1550, Becker Minty. Jean vase, $159, and Pomponette bowl, $79, Maison Balzac. &Tradition ‘Little Petra’ armchair, $10,100, Cult.

Scott copper handle, $34.95, Schots Home Emporium.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATE VELLA

GREAT FINDS

LAUNDRY Miller stands watch over the laundry. Light fixtures, Beacon Lighting. Cobblestone floor tiles, Surface Gallery. The benchtop is Carrara marble.

NURSERY (opposite left) Baby Delilah’s room was kitted out for her arrival. The cot is from Pottery Barn and painted to suit the scheme. Bookshelves (also painted by Jillian), Ikea. Light fitting, The Montauk Lighting Co. Carpet, Cavalier Bremworth. ENSUITE (opposite right) Shooting from the side reveals the wall’s subtle white tiles from Surface Gallery. The taps are from Astra Walker. White-framed artwork by Australian photographer Richard Bailey.

lessons learnt “I would never advise a client to rush a timeline” JILLIAN DINKEL, INTERIOR DESIGNER/OWNER

“We didn’t have as much time as I would usually allow, so I ended up having to problem-solve with my tradies on site. That meant there was more stress than we ideally would have liked. Normally, I would have figured out all those things before any tradies passed through the door.”

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BEFORE&AFTER

close q u ar t er s The duo behind Studio Quarters optimised this compact dining zone with great design and flexible furniture WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY PRUE RUSCOE STYLING CLAIRE DELMAR

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DINING NOOK This casual eating area’s centrepiece is a Knoll ‘Saarinen Tulip’ dining table with Statuarietto marble top. The custom bench, a collaboration between Studio Quarters and Atelier Furniture, is topped with a bolster cushion by Pelle Leathers.

CORNER STOP A painting by Nunzio Miano from Curatorial+Co defines the dining setting. The CH20 Elbow oak chairs by Carl Hansen & Søn echo the curves of the table. The jug was crafted by Ella Bendrups from Modern Times while the large ceramic plate is

by Young Vessels+Objects. The Society napkin is from Ondene.

On the other wall of the nook (only shown opposite) is a painting

by Lee Wise from Art2Muse.

COURTYARD (opposite top) A pair of black Roda ‘Harp 368’ lounge chairs, teamed with a Ligne Roset ‘Oxydation’ table, all from Domo.

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hen interior designers Theresa Chan

and Janice Yim of Studio Quarters were called on to decorate this breakfast nook in a newly purchased terrace house close to Sydney Harbour, the owner was already using it for many of her meals. “She wasn’t keen on eating in the main dining room at the other end of the house, and wanted something more convenient and less formal,” says Theresa.

Originally, the owner had decked out the nook with a basic table and chairs, but the area seemed cramped and she felt the quality of the furniture wasn’t adequate. With adult children and a growing number of grandchildren in the family, she also wanted a more adaptable space for different social scenarios.

Studio Quarters resolved these issues by bringing in sophisticated and versatile Danish-designed pieces in organic shapes. The circular marble-topped Knoll table they chose takes up less space than a rectangular design, and the two dining chairs (based on a 1956 design by Hans J Wegner) can be almost fully tucked under.

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Theresa and Janice took advantage of the nook’s one solid wall by installing a custom upholstered bench seat. “The furniture combination optimises the number of people who can sit at the table and creates various seating experiences for the client, whether it be dining with three others, or stretching out her legs on the bench seat for reading,” says Theresa.

The nook is situated in the north-east corner of the home, separated from a plant-filled courtyard by large glass sliding doors.

Theresa and Janice wanted to create a sense of seamlessness between the nook and the courtyard, so they chose a cushion upholstered in olive-green leather for the bench-seat, to speak to the shrubbery outside. “Aside from that green colour, we selected a lighter palette of whites and light woods,” says Theresa, “which reinforces the fact that the space is so well lit.”

In the months since the nook was overhauled, the owner has all but abandoned her formal dining room – proof that a small but expertly equipped space can work just as well as a larger one.

For more of Studio Quarters’ work, visit studioquarters.com.au

INSIDE | SPOTLIGHT

“The furniture combination optimises the number of people who can sit at the table and creates various seating experiences for the client” THERESA CHAN, INTERIOR DESIGNER

CHEAT SHEET Who lives here Interior designer, artist and colour specialist Sara Garanty.

Style of home A 106-square-metre apartment in Vallastaden, a sustainable, ‘dense, green and mixed’ eco village in Linköping, Sweden.

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colour therapy

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

This Swedish apartment turns Scandinavian design on its head with a bright and daring palette using ‘social colours’ that shake up the calm, milky whites we’re used to WORDS CARLI PHILIPS PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES STOKES

KITCHEN The wall shade is Nancy’s Blushes

by Farrow & Ball. Sara had the Thonet chairs customised in her favourite red. The table is Ikea, and on it are pieces by Marimekko, Alessi and Rörstrand, a Swedish porcelain maker.

Bau (hanging) Lamp by Normann Copenhagen.

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nterior designer Sara Garanty’s unique address in

Vallastaden, Sweden’s new ecological village, is as unconventional as her aesthetic. Just outside Linköping city, the green development has been designed to accommodate a cross section of society – everyone from the elderly to young families and the disabled. It has a very strong community spirit, with shared spaces, carpooling, lots of public art and even a river crossing. The lifestyle really appealed to Sara, who had been living a busy life in Stockholm before relocating. “It’s much more calm and relaxing here,” she points out.

Unlike other developments, Vallastaden prohibits carboncopy housing. Instead, the homes must be designed by different architects. However, everyone adheres to the strict guidelines for only using sustainable building materials. As the first one to live in her apartment, Sara had a blank canvas to work with.

“I was confronted with a totally white new place, so I had to colour it,” she says. Breaking with the Swedish tradition of safe, monochromatic interiors, she painted the 106-square-metre pad (including a 25-square-metre terrace) in evocative tones. With a sideline writing trend reports for big companies, she is passionate about the psychological effects that coloured environments have on people and wanted to express that in her home.

“In the studio [that’s also a spare room] I chose a light blue, since it is known to be the best colour when you have to spend many hours working; it helps to focus. In the bedroom I painted the walls dark blue to emphasise the need for resting, without adding any other ‘disturbing’ elements.” The corridor was narrow, so she juxtaposed a sherbet pink hue with a modern crimson shade called Raddicchio by Farrow & Ball.

Hanging in the hallway are 10 geometric artworks Sara designed in collaboration with a company called Straight Design; each one symbolises a world landmark that is going to vanish due to climate change. It’s a powerful and somewhat overwhelming space, but a risk worth taking as the hallway is just a temporary thoroughfare “you only pass by and don’t need to stay long”.

The kitchen walls are pink as it is “a social colour that makes people more talkative and engaging in conversation”, says Sara, who envisioned a place to gather friends and family.

While Sara went to the nth degree in terms of painting everything, she suggests that pops of colour on smaller areas are also effective. This is demonstrated in her living area, with her lemon window frames, fire-engine red kitchen chairs and sunny yellow side table. The neutral timber flooring (used practically everywhere in Sweden) made it easier to combine colours.

When it came to decorating, considered contemporary pieces were bought rather than inexpensive things on a whim. “I like buying Swedish, Danish or Italian furniture,” says Sara. “I prefer quality furniture, and wait before I buy something.” To temper the fun multicoloured palette, elegant furnishings were introduced, including a velvet sofa, sumptuous curtains and luxe bed linen.

Sophisticated brass details, such as the Svenska Armaturer pendant and brass Palette Table JH7 by &Tradition in the living room, have really dialled things up. “At first people are surprised by the apartment,” admits Sara, “but when they spend time here, they usually love it.” How could they not?

See some of Sara’s other projects at saragaranty.com

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LIVING (this page and opposite) A Bloomingville sofa in a dark blue velvet ties in with curtains by The Romo Group & Kirkby Design. Side table by &Tradition used as a coffee table. Svenska Armaturer ball pendant lights.

The block-colour prints were designed by Sara in collaboration with Straight Design.

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

‘‘I like to be bold and surprise the calm and tranquil Scandinavian people’’ SARA GARANTY, INTERIOR DESIGNER/OWNER

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BEDROOM For the walls, Sara chose a restful, inky hue called Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball.

Linen by Himla. Patterned pillows by fabric maker Studio Lisa Bengtsson. Louis Poulsen ‘AJ’ wall lamp. LIVING ROOM (opposite) The credenza is an older design by Maze Interior, a brand known for its use of recycled materials.

Louis Poulsen table lamp by Verner Panton.

HAHA floor lamp. Framed prints by Wall of Art, a Swedish website where Sara sources posters and replica prints by up-and-coming artists.

bright idea Sara has made her wall sconces the brightest element in the room. They’re eye-catching in the daylight, but when you turn them on — kaboom! — it’s an explosion of light and colour.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Thonet ‘GmbH 214’ dining chair, POA, Anibou. Taubmans paint in Red Alert and Raspberry Rose, $67.10 per 2L and $55.55 per 2L respectively, Bunnings. Athena artwork by Suzy O’Rourke, $590 (unframed), Suzy O’Rourke Design Art Interiors. Louis Poulsen ‘AJ’ wall lamp in Rusty Red by Arne Jacobsen, $1980, Danish Red. HAHA ‘Vilma’ handmade floor lamp, $1863, Pamono. Palette JH7 lounge table by Jaime Hayón, POA, &Tradition.

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATE VELLA

GREAT FINDS

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

HALLWAY Red Radicchio stripes by Farrow & Ball line the passage, along with 10 framed prints by Sara and Straight Design. Cord stool, Crooked Concept. STUDIO (opposite) A chair

by Normann Copenhagen pulls up to the Design House Stockholm desk. Buddy lamp, Northern. On the table are accessories from Hay. Wall colour, Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball.

LESSONS LEARNT “TRY NEW THINGS AND LOOKS” SARA GARANTY, INTERIOR DESIGNER/OWNER

“Since it was a new apartment, I put in modern and contemporary furniture — with a strong colour twist.

I started with the red chairs in the kitchen and worked from there. When I got to the living room, I put a pop-pink shade on the wall because it’s a happy, social colour.

The result is a home with a lively, original personality.”

impalakitchens.com.au DRUMMOYNE: 5-6/50 Victoria Road, Drummoyne NSW Tel (02) 9819 6915 PENNANT HILLS: 370 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills NSW Tel (02) 9483 2222 SEVEN HILLS: 5 Foundry Road, Seven Hills NSW Tel (02) 8824 2310

RENOVATE

fantasy island

Lack of straight lines called for a radical kitchen design

DITA STOOL, GRAZIA & CO

“In my wildest dreams, I would never have thought of splitting the kitchen island and angling the base,” says the owner of this unusually shaped Melbourne home. “The island is more of a piece of art and has become a major talking point with guests.

It’s also very practical as we can seat stools around it.” Interior architect Sarah Reid is behind the beautifully resolved design and the stunning stone choices: Bianco Carrara and Pietra Grigio.

Turn the page to see more

PHOTOGRAPHY ARMELLE HABIB

INSIDE | RENOVATE

DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.

baby steps

A well-timed makeover released this trappedin-the-1980s Melbourne home from its past just before the arrival of a new family member WORDS HEATHER NETTE KING & ALAANA COBON PHOTOGRAPHY ARMELLE HABIB STYLING HEATHER NETTE KING

cheat sheet Who lives here Carla Fetter, a real-estate agent; her partner Jacqui Hennessy, a retail executive for risk and sustainability; their 19-month-old daughter Theodora (Teddy); and Mavis, a French bulldog.

Style of home A three-bedroom 1980s home with a wood-panelled cathedral ceiling and two internal courtyards in inner-Melbourne, updated internally with a few walls removed and a major update.

After planning it for six months, the work took seven months.

The renovation cost $300,000; the $$$$ landscaping was about $70,000.

dining The pre-existing internal glass doors were retained. Custom banquette

by S R & O. Dining table by Mark Tuckey. Knoll wire-frame chairs, Dedece. Atelier Areti pendant light, Mobilia. French Oak flooring in Pale Grey (see Moodboard), Royal Oak Flooring. Art by Taj Alexander (works on left) and Ellie Malin, Modern Times.

Pictured opposite (from left) are Jacqui, Teddy and Carla with Mavis.

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real-estate listing in May 2016 and deeming the home an ‘ugly duckling’, Jacqui Hennessy and her partner Carla Fetter very nearly didn’t inspect the 1980s-style home they ended up buying in Melbourne’s inner east. “But we were hoping to start a family soon and had been looking for a year – missing out on two others – so I gave it a look, based purely on the location and floor plan,” says Jacqui.

Once inside, the soaring cathedral ceiling and versatile spaces were enough to make Jacqui forget the “aesthetically challenging” facade. “The house is north-facing so it gets epic natural light, and because there are two internal courtyards, there’s a garden view from every window,” says Jacqui. She called Carla from the inspection, saying, “I’ve just found our home.”

After a successful auction bid, the couple engaged Sarah Reid of interiors firm Sarah Reid & Others (S R & O), to whom Carla had previously sold a property. “Carla admired Sarah’s style,” says Jacqui. “And Sarah understood that we wanted our house to be beautiful and high-quality but didn’t see it as our ‘forever home’, because we knew we’d outgrow it at some stage. We renovated knowing it would be a really attractive offering when we do sell.”

dream it With visions of creating their first family home, Jacqui and Carla were keen to maximise the best of the 1980s design, such as the pitched, wood-panelled ceiling in the living area, and the easy flow of the front rooms. “We wanted to honour the heritage of the property, but it definitely needed a major makeover,” says Jacqui. “While it had a great feel and the layout was pretty good, we knew it would benefit from a redesign of the kitchen, dining and laundry spaces as they weren’t as functional as they could be.”

Without extending the home’s original footprint, the couple wanted to make sure they captured all the available natural light, as well as giving it a complete cosmetic makeover. “The bathrooms, flooring, joinery, paint colours and fixtures all had to change – especially the 1980s salmon tiles in the wet areas,” says Jacqui.

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wishlist + Stucco walls “The exterior was a mix of painted brick and timber panelling so we wanted an overall stucco finish to unify those surfaces and make them feel more contemporary,” says Jacqui.

“Doing this has really lifted the look of all the external walls.” + A ‘new’ fireplace “We really loved the fireplace but it was very dated, so Sarah suggested a black marble finish. It’s classic and shouldn’t date.” + Lots of joinery and storage space “The main living area lacked storage and we wanted somewhere for all of our books and my record collection.”

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATE VELLA

A

fter glancing at the

living space The timber cathedral ceiling was given a more airy look with Dulux Natural White while the contrasting fireplace was clad in black marble to match the nearby kitchen island.

Chairs, Jardan. Linden occasional tables, Domo. Pond rug, Loom.

Mantis wall light, In Good Company.

Artworks by Kayleigh Heydon (over fireplace; through Modern Times) and Michael Bond (next to Mantis light; through Fenton & Fenton).

the moodboard FROM FAR LEFT European oak engineered floorboards in Arcticc Grey (similar to discontinued Pale Grey), from $139.70 per m, Royal Oak Floors. Dita stool, $540, Grazia & Co. Pietra Grigio limestone, $385 per sq m, CDK Stone. Blanco Brillo Gloss tiles, POA, Signorino. o Disc + Sphere light, $1200, Mobilia. Togo Fireside chair, $2825, Domo.

INSIDE | RENOVATE

kitchen The kitchen was designed with plenty of storage and work space.

“We needed it to pack a punch,” says interior architect Sarah Reid.

“Visually, it’s also a central point for people to gather. I designed the island bench so it was an interesting monolithic form that conceals extra storage behind its stone doors. This was hard to achieve, but after much collaboration with the joiner, we got there!” Atelier Areti light, Mobilia.

sitting room “Our daughter spends most of her time on the [Halcyon Lake] rug,” says Carla. “Jacqui, Teddy and Mavis love to sit on the pink Togo sofa from Domo and play vinyls in the day time.” Artworks by Mito Elias.

design it

Having seen some of Sarah’s work, Carla was confident that the interior architect would help them produce a great result. “We had lots of good conversations at the property, shared inspirational images on Pinterest and collaborated on the decisions,” says Jacqui.

“Carla and I wanted a relaxed but sophisticated vibe as we both work very hard and the time we spend at home needs to be comfortable,” Jacqui explains. “Also, we didn’t want anything too ‘on trend’. We like classic finishes, especially marble, terrazzo and oak, and wished to avoid that ‘cookie-cutter’ look by choosing interesting light fittings and furniture. Sarah encouraged us to be brave with certain decisions, such as the pink carpet in the bedrooms and the banquette seating in the dining area, and this achieved the mix of classic and slightly quirky that we were after.”

Sarah says she “looked to find a balance between celebrating the unique features from the 1980s and introducing a more sophisticated, contemporary base”. She maintained much of the original floor plan, then reconfigured the kitchen, laundry and dining zones, even managing to eke out enough room for a small bar area. “The biggest challenge was positioning the island bench and laying the floorboards as the house is set on an angle and we needed to visually complement the lack of parallel walls.”

bar At the back of the home, this bar area was created to add interest to the end of a walkway. The joinery features Carrara marble on the shelves and splashback. Atelier Areti ‘Ilios’ light, Mobilia. Artwork by Chris Clements, through Modern Times.

“I did regret not doing herringbone timber floors, but given we have terrazzo, pink carpet and bluestone crazy paving, I understood we were at risk of having too many flooring types” JACQUI HENNESSY, HOMEOWNER

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bathroom Textured wall tiles from Signorino Tile Gallery meld into the clean lines of the Carrara-framed bath and vanity. Kaldewei undermount bath, E&S Trading. Chrome tapware and towel rails, Astra Walker.

main bedroom The pink Whitecliffe Imports carpet is a tribute to the home’s history, modernised with an artwork by Stacey Rees (through Modern Times). Techne bedside table, Grazia & Co. Linen, Bedouin Societe.

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1 Garage 2 Entry 3 Main bedroom 4 Ensuite 5 Bathroom 6 Bedroom 7 Courtyard 8 Bedroom 9 Courtyard 10 Living area 11 TV/sitting room 12 Dining area 13 Kitchen 14 Laundry 15 Garden/courtyard

“We thought the work would only take three months because we planned to do the bathrooms later to save on costs – but then we realised it wouldn’t be wise to have a renovated home with unrenovated bathrooms and scrambled to get them added,” says Carla. Despite this change to the scope of the project, and a few delays with materials and trades, the rest of the design and material decisions were made with a tight time frame in mind, which led to the home being completed in under six months.

“I still regret not putting in steel-framed windows and doors,” admits Carla, “but the lead time didn’t work with our baby’s arrival so we sacrificed that. It would have been quite a seamless build if I hadn’t been pregnant. I wouldn’t say that pregnancy and building go hand in hand; the desire to nest is a real thing and I was frustrated that I couldn’t go ‘nest crazy’ in our new home.

Fortunately, we made it in the nick of time.”

“We are really pleased with the end result,” says Jacqui. “Sarah executed the vision perfectly, and the only thing we would change is the budget, which could have allowed for more art.”

S R & O is based in Glen Iris, Victoria; sr-and-o.com.au

the best bits

garden & exterior

+ Living room “I love playing music and reading books,” says Carla, “so to sit in a room with amazing light, two garden aspects, a cathedral ceiling, bookshelves and my vinyls is heaven.” + Dining area “Equally, we love sitting around our dining table, which has a very inviting banquette.” + Landscaping “We invested heavily in landscaping due to the garden aspects from every room. Daniel Fulton from DF Landscape Developments did an amazing job.

The crazy paving was expensive but we’re delighted with the outcome as it really complements the concrete and timber elements outside.”

By crazy-paving the rear courtyard in hand-cut bluestone, Carla and Jacqui created more usable space and strengthened the indoor/outdoor connection. The process was very labour intensive as the paving was double-layered to achieve the thick, flush finish. Custom concrete barbecue table and bench. Ligne Roset ‘Grillage’ chair from Domo.

Anchor side table, Grazia & Co.

lessons learnt “Any block shape can be worked with SARAH REID, INTERIOR ARCHITECT

“In terms of buildability, the unusual shape of the floor plan added a layer of complexity,” says Sarah. “None of the walls in this home are parallel, due to the site’s unusual shape, so many of the new walls and joinery pieces were marked out on site so we could be sure of their placement and alignment.”

INSIDE | RENOVATE

I N D E TA I L

ODE TO OLIVE Deep olive cabinetry with brass details, luxe marble and lots of storage have revitalised this once-bland kitchen

C

arole and Barrie Delves built a beautiful house in

the Victorian surf mecca of Jan Juc 10 years ago, but the kitchen was the one room they weren’t happy with. “It was white on white – bland and ugly,” says Carole. “I wanted to change it significantly, but couldn’t step away enough to see what to do.”

The couple hired interior designer Rebecca Jansma of Space Grace & Style (SGS) to add a new feel to the cooking zone.

“The brief was to bring some character into the kitchen and make it feel as though it fitted with the rest of the house, which is contemporary but has lots of beautiful organic textures and colours throughout,” says Rebecca.

Facing north, the kitchen has the benefit of amazing light – something Rebecca wanted to take advantage of. “The floors in the house are jarrah and we needed to work round those,” she says. “The abundance of light meant we could work with this wood and introduce darker colours successfully.”

design process

The design and build took about four months in total. “We stuck closely to the original layout so we didn’t have to spend money moving plumbing in the slab,” Rebecca explains. “Originally, there was a huge sink in the island taking up too much space, so we made that smaller. We included lots of storage and swapped the pull-out pantry for cupboards and drawers, which are much more practical. We also added two cupboards with pocket doors that can sit open and function as a breakfast bar.

“In addition,” says Rebecca, “we included a side-by-side integrated fridge and freezer, along with the same amount of tall pantry space, where there had previously been impractical and unsightly pull-out pantries. Carole is a keen cook and wanted 100 | INSIDE OUT

COMFORT ZONE Monolithic cabinetry in Haymes Comfort 6 is a key ingredient of this kitchen’s success, bringing sophistication and functionality.

The olive tone also matches the marble island. Smed stools, Great Dane.

WORDS KATHERINE CHATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY CRICKET SALEH STYLING REBECCA JANSMA

to keep her freestanding oven, so we put it in the back wall and made a feature of the rangehood by trimming the base with aged brass that ties in with the other fixtures and brass accents.”

Rebecca used walnut in the kitchen as a feature element.

“The jarrah floorboards are a deep, rich red; we settled on walnut as an accent timber because it also ties in with some of the lighter woods in the house,” she says.

Carole admits she was surprised when Rebecca showed her the Haymes Comfort 6 paint colour for the kitchen cabinetry.

“I’d never considered green before and I was unsure at first,” says Carole. But after seeing a 3D render of the space with the tone, she was convinced to take the plunge. Elsewhere, organic tones – including the speckled Japanese Intariyo Border tiles from Academy Tiles + Surfaces – reference the wonderful limestone used in the rest of the house.

The rear benchtop in slate grey Caesarstone Raven was selected for two reasons. “It’s right by the stove so is a bit more hardwearing than marble,” says Rebecca. “I also wanted to give some contrast to the tiles running up behind the benchtop.”

hero piece

GET THE LOOK

In the centre of the kitchen is its standout element, the Calacatta Oro-clad island bench. “The aged-brass veining of the marble really makes it striking,” says Rebecca. “Also, the curves on the front corners of the island soften the look and make it feel more organic. This area felt quite compressed before, but this opens it up a bit.” The island also conceals the bin and dishwasher.

the result

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT Quad 6283 single brass blade pull, from $94, Designer Doorware. Calacatta Oro marble, $1320 per sq m, Apex Stone. Sketch #7 stoneware brick in matt travertine, $125, Natalie Rosin Ceramics. Haymes Expressions low-sheen interior paint in Comfort 6, $82.99 per 4L, The Hardware Store. L4314 walnut knob, $18.48, Kethy. Nagoya ‘Intariyo Border 11944’ mosaic tiles, $86.90 per sq m, Academy Tiles + Surface. Workstead ‘Orbit’ brass sconce, $985, In Good Company.

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ARTWORK (OPPOSITE) BY STEVE SALO

Post-renovation, the kitchen is much more conducive to spending time there. “The new design has transformed the whole house,” says Carole. “The green is amazingly soothing and the layout is much more functional – the drawers and cupboards are better placed and we love the breakfast bar, too. We used to feel reluctant about cooking, but now we can’t wait to get in there.”

For more information on SGS, visit spacegracestyle.com.au

INSIDE | RENOVATE

HANDLE ON IT Antique brass-finished handles and knobs from Designer Doorware, along with the Workstead ‘Orbit’ wall sconce from In Good Company, lend a subtle industrial edge to the kitchen.

“The kitchen has transformed the whole house. It’s much more functional and the green colour is amazingly soothing” CAROLE, HOMEOWNER

ON THE

SURFACE

Renovating your kitchen and looking for fresh benchtop and splashback material? Here are three new design directions

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pattern punch

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With its varied flecks of texture and tone, terrazzo has become a kitchen style staple, ably supported by blocks of colour and must-have mosaics

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STYLING ASSISTANT: PALOMA MAINE

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1 Gigacer ‘Le Corbusier Tokyo’ porcelain panel in Le Jaune Vif, POA, Artedomus. 2 Serving bowl in Terracotta, $140 for assorted set of 2, Marloe Marloe.

3 Rosso red quarry tile in Box Matt, $62.59 per sq m, Skheme.

4 Oyoy ‘Inka’ bowl in Caramel, $59, Designstuff. 5 Inax ‘Hacienda’ ceramic mosaic tile in HN2H, POA, Artedomus.

6 Split glazed terracotta tile in Khaki, $125 per sq m, Perini.

7 Mipa terrazzo slabs in Caramel (on left) and Fancy, POA, Di Lorenzo Tiles. 8 Graffito handle in Brushed Dark Brass, $32, Linear Standard. 9 Graf knob in Brushed Brass, $10, Linear Standard. 10 Terrazzo tile in EM-1055, $130 per sq m, Signorino. 11 Rosso red quarry tile in Brick Matt, $82.39 per sq m, Skheme. 12 Mutina Tex porcelain tile in Yellow, $310 per sq m, Di Lorenzo Tiles. 13 Panier basket in Rust, $75, Hay. 14 Inax ‘Nuance’ ceramic mosaic tiles in NY-54, POA, Artedomus.

15 Moon Garden terrazzo slab, $2530 per sq m, Fibonacci Stone. 16 Fatima’s Reflection terrazzo tile, from $165 per sq m, Fibonacci Stone. 17 EM-1085 terrazzo tile, $130 per sq m, Signorino. 18 Narti ceramic bottle, $54, Cisco & The Sun. 19 Quartz surface in Empira White, from $1100 per sq m (installed), Caesarstone.

20 Technicolor glazed porcelain tile in 16 Sky, $130 per sq m, Di Lorenzo Tiles.

21 EZTZ1-2552 mosaic tiles, $253.60 per sq m, Tiles of Ezra.

22 EMA-1418 terrazzo tile, $150 per sq m, Signorino.

23 Gigacer ‘Le Corbusier LCS2’ porcelain panel in Le Jaune Vif, POA, Artedomus. 24 Voda curved sink mixer in custom colour, POA, Sussex.

Background is Wash&Wear low-sheen acrylic paint in Blue Antarctic, $48.55 per 1L, Dulux.

PHOTOGRAPHY NIC GOSSAGE STYLING JESSICA HANSON

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nature’s finest

Neutral shades take a tactile turn in pleasantly coarse, refined or matt finishes. These surface options are all about subtle beauty and elegance

1 Dark walnut chopping board, $135, Opus Lab. 2 Ferm Living ‘Pond’ trivet in Brass (part of set), $149 for assorted set of 3, The Lost & Found Department.

3 Farrago agglomerate marble tile in White Honed, $141.79 per sq m, Skheme.

4 Natural stone in Honey Onyx, $1400 per sq m, Signorino. 5 Brass cheese knife, $65, Opus Lab. 6 Serving platter in Sage, $140 for assorted set of 2, Marloe Marloe. 7 Wyldefel mosaic tiles in White, $88 per sq m, Onsite. 8 Slimtech

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Woodstock porcelain slab in Coffee Matt, $178.09 per sq m, Skheme. 9 Madera glazed porcelain tile in Tan Matt, $95.59 per sq m, Skheme.

10 Echo knob in Brown Brush, $18, Linear Standard.

11 Popham Design ‘Wink on One’ bi-encaustic tile in Khaki/Milk, $385 per sq m, Onsite. 12 KV1 kitchen mixer in Matt White, $1515.80, Vola.

13 Inax ‘Sekiha’ porcelain tile in SKH-1, POA, Artedomus.

14 Column Base brass candleholder, $45, and pillar candle in Cream White, $13.50, both Black Blaze.

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15 Ferm Living ‘Pond’ trivet in Brass, $149 for assorted set of 3, The Lost & Found Department.

16 Fiandre ‘Colour Studio’ Listel porcelain mosaic tiles, POA, Artedomus. 17 Inax ‘Gamon’ ceramic tile in GMN-3, POA, Artedomus. 18 Beren Wall ‘Six’ ceramic 3D tile in White/Bush Hammered, $98 per sq m, Tiento. 19 Popham Design ‘Hex’ bi-encaustic tile with brass inlay, POA, Onsite. 20 Ferm Living ‘Forest’ tray in Brass, $93, Designstuff. 21 Flamed white quartz crazy paver, $129 per sq m, Teranova Ceramics.

22 Coliseum porcelain tile, $127 per sq m, Earp Bros.

Background is Wash&Wear acrylic paint in Peppercorn Rent, $48.55 per 1L, Dulux.

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great shapes Explore the full design spectrum with a colourful confection of supersized shapes and unique motifs that guarantee a statement look

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1 Italia concrete and marble terrazzo tile in Verde Alpi Honed, $139 per sq m, Tiento.

2 Popham Design ‘Conch Shell’ bi-encaustic tile, $315 per sq m, Onsite. 3 HK Living green/pink marble cutting board, $69, House of Orange.

4 HK Living pink polished marble cutting board, $295, House of Orange.

5 MK02-CH kitchen mixer in Champagne, $524, Meir.

6 HK Living napkin in Salmon, $39, House of Orange. 7 Resin Rock teaspoon in Honeycomb, $25, Dinosaur Designs.

8 Dinner plate in Lava & Bone, $80 for 2, Marloe Marloe.

9 Side plate in Terracotta, $60 for 2, Marloe Marloe.

10 Zellige Moroccan porcelain mosaic tiles in Biscotti/Bianco/Ocra (backing removed), $310 per sq m, Tiento. 11 Knife and fork, stylist’s own.

12 Encaustic cement tiles in Plain Green, $149 per sq m, Teranova Ceramics.

13 Tunisian Stone mosaic tiles in Pyramid Beige, $1375 per sq m, Earp Bros.

14 Resin Rock coaster in Honeycomb, $45, Dinosaur Designs. 15 Mipa terrazzo tile in Giallo D’Oro, $295 per sq m, Di Lorenzo Tiles.

16 Nagoya ‘Piombo’ mosaic tile in Colour 43, $113.20 per sq m, Academy Tiles + Surfaces. 17 Artisan

Terracotta circle tile (part of combination) in Salmon, $188 per sq m, Earp Bros.

18 Rosetta marble herringbone mosaic tiles, $33 per sheet, Perini. 19 7A encaustic tile in Green/Lime, $156.75 per sq m, Surface Society. 20 Moroccan traditional glasses in Clear (also next to 14), $8 each, Saarde. 21 Momentti ‘Moncur’ terrazzo tile, $175 per sq m, Onsite. 22 Nazari Marrakech ceramic wall tile, $95 per sq m, Earp Bros. 23 Gigacer ‘Le Corbusier LCS1 Terre Sienne Pale’ porcelain tile, POA, Artedomus. 24 EZTZ1-2551 mosaic tiles, $253.60 per sq m, Tiles of Ezra. 25 Piccolo natural stone mosaic tiles in Pearl Jade Honed, $54.89 per sheet, Skheme. 26 Bangalow Round encaustic tile, $95 per sq m, TileCloud.

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Interior designer James Treble helps turn your home’s hub into a showstopper. jamestreble.com

HOW TO

plan your I kitchen like a pro

But it’s the most important room in the house, too, for all sorts of reasons. Not only is this space where we cook and prepare meals; the kitchen is also used to entertain and socialise. When planning a new one, it should of course look good. But even more importantly, it should be functional and provide the right balance of bench space and storage. So, to help you understand which kitchen layout may work for you (and perhaps which ones won’t), allow me to highlight the features and benefits of the most common designs.

kitchen triangle

To achieve the right layout, consider all the possible options and always factor in that ‘golden’ triangle of sink, cooktop/oven and fridge WORDS JAMES TREBLE ILLUSTRATIONS CRYSTAL OSBORN

Okay, first things first. The term given to the ideal layout is the kitchen triangle. This refers to the location of the sink, cooktop and fridge, and how the imaginary lines between them determine how easy and efficient a kitchen is to use. In other words, it’s basically a guide to make sure you place these three elements in the optimum spot. Aim for them all being within easy reach and walking distance of each other – close, but not so that you feel crowded, as our illustrations show.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DION ROBESON (ABOVE), MAREE HOMER (OPPOSITE).

STYLING: JO CARMICHAEL (ABOVE), STEPHANIE POWELL (OPPOSITE)

t’s accepted that great kitchens sell houses – simple as that.

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IMPORTANT KITCHEN COMPONENTS Four main elements perform a different but equally vital role

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Fresh food storage The location and size of your fridge is key to how successfully your kitchen functions. It’s the go-to when preparing a meal, and if you have a busy family, that door may be opened and closed all day long.

The fridge’s location and access to it is worth plenty of consideration.

Cooktop Although the cooktop and oven are both important for food prep, the cooktop usually gets the biggest workout. Its size, style and location will ensure you have space to prepare and serve your food.

A generous amount of bench space on either side of the cooktop (at least 300mm) is always important.

Sink Not just the cleaning zone, your sink is also used for preparing and cooking meals, which means it has to be practical in size and well located to suit your individual cooking style. One important element is an open, well-lit space, which is why the sink is commonly found in front of a window or in the centre of a kitchen island. An important note for those renovating: check you can move the plumbing as that may affect the new layout.

Bench space There’s nothing worse than being squished into a corner when preparing a meal so bench space is gold when it comes to cooking up a storm.

In an ideal world, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out when you’re having a Nigella moment.

2 A U-shaped layout allows you to get the most out of a compact space, as in this home on Sydney’s northern beaches. OPPOSITE Light from a rear courtyard brings the well-planned kitchen in this Fremantle home to life.

LAYOUT 1

U-shape As the title suggests, this is where the kitchen cabinetry wraps around in a U shape. Depending on the design of your house, this may be between three walls, sometimes only two. The placement of the three main items in the kitchen (the all-important sink, cooktop and fridge) commonly sit on each of the U’s three sides, creating the triangle shape that provides easy movement between the most-used areas during food preparation.

The main benefit of this layout is that it separates your storage, cooking and cleaning areas while providing plenty of valuable bench space for preparation, and allowing multiple people to move around freely. It’s common to have a breakfast bar with stools on one side, which helps to link the kitchen to the dining or living areas.

A U-shaped layout isn’t perfect though. The disadvantage is that it contains two corners in the cabinetry, which may become ‘dead’ spaces when they’re difficult to access. This can be overcome with the help of modern technology such as swing-out corner mechanisms.

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LAYOUT 3

L-shape

galley style

This is a clever option when there’s often more than one person in the kitchen at once. Having the benches adjacent to each other rather than opposite allows more room for multiple people to move around while maintaining that open-plan feel.

An L-shaped layout generally runs off a dining room, and the dining table can at times become a feature by acting as an island.

It’s common for a modern L-shaped kitchen to have the island in the centre. This helps prevent that exposed feeling where all the appliances and cabinetry are on show.

Another negative of this design is that, when it becomes too long on one side, the kitchen triangle rule is blown, because the walk between each key component is too far. But it’s not all bad. In small or narrow spaces, the L shape allows cabinetry to sit along the perimeter walls, opening up more usable floor space in the centre of the room.

Named after the kitchen on a boat, a galley layout has two runs of cabinetry opposite each other. It’s a top choice when space is tight and access for more than one person at a time is important.

As it’s generally positioned between two walls, a sort of tunnel effect is created at either end. This provides easy, functional access from both ends of the room, as well as a thoroughfare that may be vital for flow in your home’s overall layout.

It also means the cabinets do not return on any corners and there is no issue with tricky corner cabinets. This layout is very effective in other ways, too – all the storage spaces and appliances are easily accessible and it maintains the kitchen triangle rule by separating the cooking, cleaning and preparation areas.

The disadvantage of a walk-through, galley-style kitchen for families is that the thoroughfare can be tricky to navigate in the middle of food prep if children are running through it.

PHOTOGRAPHY: NIKOLE RAMSAY (BELOW), BRIGID ARNOTT (RIGHT), DEREK SWALWELL (OPPOSITE). STYLING: EMMA O’MEARA (BELOW), KERRIE-ANN JONES (RIGHT), RACHEL VIGOUR (OPPOSITE). PRINTS (BELOW, ON SHELF), GOOSE STORE

LAYOUT 2

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FAR LEFT The simplicity and practicality of the L-shape lends itself to bold accents and modernist lines in a compact Melbourne home. BELOW For the family of six in this Geelong home, the versatile galley design doubles as seating.

RIGHT A timber-veneer base and marble top set the tone in the kitchen of this new build in Sydney.

KEY MEASUREMENTS

Get the numbers stacking up and you’re well on the way to success + Cabinet space To allow easy access and movement for multiple people, the minimum space between two runs of cabinetry should ideally be about 1200mm. + Island space The minimum space around the sides of an island should be 900mm. This is comfortable enough to walk through or to open the fridge or cupboards. + Island overhang An overhang for an island bench or breakfast bar should be approximately 300mm.

This will allow you to comfortably fit your legs underneath, and to place kitchen stools there when not in use.

LAYOUT 4

island bench Welcome to what is probably the most popular feature of the Australian kitchen. An island bench provides practical bench space for food preparation and serving, which is really important when you have hot items from the oven or cooktop to put down, or are travelling from the fridge with handfuls of fresh vegies.

This design is similar to a galley-style kitchen, in that it creates two runs of cabinetry opposite each other. However, instead of being between two walls, the island offers cabinetry and bench space while linking the kitchen to the rest of the home – crucial to the open-plan lifestyle. The island works with galley and L-shape styles, where it can be easily accessed and still provide the benefits of the kitchen triangle. It’s also a visible barrier between the kitchen and living areas, without feeling closed in.

Best of all, the island bench is a great spot for family and friends to congregate. This alone makes it a winner.

and the winner is...

So, which is the best kitchen layout for your home? While they’re all good, your choice will depend on your kitchen’s location and where all the utilities need to be. Changing your kitchen can transform how you live, so do your homework before you renovate. This will ensure your kitchen adds value to your home while performing optimally for you and your family.

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As the epicentre of your home, the kitchen you put in reflects your personal style as much as your buying power. Read on...

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which kitchen style are you?

1 Jura ‘GIGA 6’ coffee machine, $6490, Harvey Norman. 2 Dolce Stil Novo CVIA618RNR2 wine cellar, $3490, Smeg. 3 eR3 100-3 cast-iron cooker with warming plate in Pistachio, $15,900, AGA Australia. 4 SMF13 stand mixer, $739, with SMIC01 ice-cream attachment, $169, both Smeg. 5 Wolf ‘ICBDF606CG’ 152cm freestanding dual-fuel range, $39,995, e&s. 6 Jet VS90 VS20R9042T2 stick vacuum cleaner, $999, Samsung. 7 Sub-Zero ‘ICBBI42SO’ side-by-side fridge/freezer, $18,995, e&s.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISTINA SOLJO

Centre of attention In this kitchen, a simple galley-style layout (with hefty, well-hidden appliances) makes space for a massive island and dinnerparty-perfect table.

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If you love having people over, consider versatile appliances that can scale up or down Stewart Horton, interior designer, Horton & Co Design, NSW + Mod squad Look for flexibility with ovens and cooktops. There are many great options where the choice is not just between small or large. Semi-modular styles, where you have big sections and smaller sections, are great, so depending on what you use it for, you can utilise all parts of the oven. Look for options with a large section for meat and a small section for sides, along with warming drawers. + More of everything People now want more ovens. Twenty years ago, people were happy with one 900mm oven, but I don’t think that’s the standard any more. Most want a big oven, a small oven, a warming drawer and a steam oven. Once people know how useful it is, they can’t go back. And it’s the same with fridges — people want a full fridge, full freezer, bar fridge and wine fridge, just because of the practicalities of it. + Butler’s pantries Open-plan has made a huge difference to how appliances are used. The more open-plan a kitchen is, the more it’s on display and the less people want to use it because they don’t want to make a

mess when other people are around.

This means the butler’s pantry is becoming important; it’s where all the functional, everyday appliances go, so the kitchen can be a beautiful showpiece. It’s interesting how many of my clients are putting their full-sized dishwashers in the butler’s pantry and then having a little dish drawer in the island so they have somewhere to put their coffee cups when having parties. + Out of sight If you have a butler’s pantry, it is essentially one big appliance cupboard.

But in houses where we don’t do that, we include an appliance cupboard. Nobody wants all that stuff out — if you have a smaller kitchen, it becomes even more important, as you don’t want that clutter on the benchtop.

If you can contain everything in one compact area specifically designed for those products, it helps to utilise the bench space a bit more, even if you are taking away cupboard space. + Wine time Clients often ask for wine fridges, but don’t realise they need to be visually merchandised all the time. Half-stocked is a bit sad. If you’re a good entertainer, that’s not going to be a problem. Just think like a hotel manager and always have it ready to go.

WORDS & PRODUCT SOURCING LYNNE TESTONI

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FA M I LY F R I E N D LY

Busy kitchens need hardworking appliances that won’t crack under pressure Susan Hasler, Freedom Kitchens + Get the angles right I agree with the importance of the working triangle or kitchen triangle. This idea has evolved into zones for meal prep, cooking and cleaning, with many opting for increasingly open-plan kitchens.

These are often a gathering place for multiple cooks, especially if the design includes an island bench that doubles as casual dining. + Planning makes perfect Select your appliances at the design stage. By doing so at the same time your select your cabinetry and benchtops, you’re ensuring they will work perfectly within the layout — meaning your kitchen will be stylish and functional.

This also allows you to plan services such as plumbing and electrics from the start. + Sizing it up Consider your family’s size when selecting key appliances such as ovens and fridges. If the space permits, a 70—90cm oven is ideal for a larger family. Likewise, when selecting a fridge, ensure it has the capacity to cater for all the family. Side-by-side fridges are popular, with many now offering flexible internal layouts and even the ability to change settings from chill to freeze. + Smart choices Look for appliances that work hard for you. Many ovens have a self-cleaning option, which is perfect for busy households. Combination ovens are also popular as they pair the benefits of a multifunction convection oven with steam cooking. The ‘biggest’ small appliance with families now? Air-fryers! They’re healthier, and popular with the kids. + Soap star A lot of busy families are opting for two dishwashers, especially if they have a butler’s pantry. They save time and a quality model will be water-efficient and cost-effective.

Two dishwashers can also mean that one is running while the second is in the process of being loaded, keeping bench space clear.

For those after a seamless and elegant look, an integrated dishwasher is great, especially in the main cooking and cleaning zone.

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1 MC455THRCBB 45L convection microwave, $649, Samsung. 2 Breville ‘The 3X Bluicer Pro BJB815BSS’ juicer, $649.95, Harvey Norman. 3 Electrolux ‘ESF8735RKX’ 14-place settings ComfortLift dishwasher, $1999, Harvey Norman.

4 HRG6769B2A Series 8 built-in oven with added steam, $3799, Bosch Home Appliances. 5 Cuisinart ‘MSC-600XA’ 3-in-1 multicooker slow cooker and steamer, $229, Myer. 6 Breville ‘The Oracle Touch BES990BSS’ coffee machine, $3799, Harvey Norman. 7 Electrolux ‘EHE6899BA’ 681L dark stainless-steel French-door fridge, $3699, Harvey Norman. 8 Scout RX2 home vision robot vacuum cleaner, $1699, Miele. 9 Icona Capitals CTOC4003.Y four-slice toaster in New York Yellow, $169, De’Longhi. 10 Breville ‘The Smart Oven BOV860BSS’ air fryer, $499, Harvey Norman.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNETTE O’BRIEN

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C U T E + C O M PA C T

Save space with slimline elements, and look at gadgets that thrive on double duty

+ All for one Choose the same brand for major appliances as it helps give your kitchen a streamlined and coordinated look. I’m a big fan of Fisher & Paykel’s range of smaller, galley-style kitchens because of all the size options. F&P’s dish drawer is popular in small spaces. The design is really good — you buy it in a single-drawer or double-drawer unit. + Dark matters Elegant dark stainless steel is a huge trend and mirrors the shift away from white to colours such as grey and navy. Until about two years ago, most people used to buy stainless-steel appliances, but the trend now, driven partly by the changes in refrigeration, is for that dark stainless finish. + Steam powered Most built-in ovens have some form of steam component. It may be an electric oven that introduces steam during the cooking process, or a combination oven where you can cook with either steam on its own or electricity, or a combination of both.

A lot of them are steam-assist-only ovens, which are electric ovens that can introduce steam when baking to add moisture. + French flavour Slim styles of French-door fridges have made them a real option for apartment or small-kitchen buyers. You used to need more than a 900mm width to fit a fridge — now they go down to about 760mm and are counter-depth so they won’t stand out in your kitchen but will still give you the flexibility of a French-door configuration. + Optional extras Flexibility is important.

Instead of buying two products and filling your appliance cupboard, buy one and add the right attachment, depending on what you need. We sell a lot of bench mixers, but there are bench mixers, and then there are bench mixers where you add an attachment to make them a pasta maker, a spiraliser, a juicer, a blender or a citrus press. Multifunctionality, rather than multiple appliances, is a big trend.

Think tiny, live large Apartment-sized products make small-kitchen design a breeze.

Here, the dark cooker and cabinets present as one visually.

1 Dyson ‘V7 Trigger’ handheld vacuum cleaner, $299, Harvey Norman. 2 Electrolux ‘EVEP618DSD’ 60cm multifunction steam and pyrolytic oven, $2939, Harvey Norman. 3 COA565GS0A Series 6 60cm built-in microwave with steam function, $2699, Bosch Home Appliances. 4 Fisher & Paykel ‘RB60V18’ 225L integrated fridge/freezer, $3799, Harvey Norman. 5 Emilia ‘EM534MVI4’ 53cm stainless-steel freestanding cooker, $1499, The Good Guys. 6 Fisher & Paykel ‘DD60DDFB9’ Double DishDrawer dishwasher, $2599, Harvey Norman. 7 Drip DCF02SSAU coffee machine, $279, Smeg.

PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY SCOTT

Gary Brown, senior brand manager — home appliances, Harvey Norman

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

PARTY HOUSE

The science behind creating a warm and welcoming kitchen that works for both low-key gatherings and special parties starts with the basics

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(well, being entertained) is top of mind for the warm days and nights that are left. However, it’s not as easy as inviting every Tom, Dick, Harry, Arthur and Martha around. You need to be prepared, capable and ready for the rowdy masses. There should be systems in place to efficiently prepare, serve and clean up while still engaging with your nearest and dearest. Gone are the days when the ‘socially lacking’ (in my case, it was Dad) would put up their hands and retire to a place of quiet, peace and dirty dishes, and then somehow disappear for the rest of the night.

These days, it’s all about open-plan, efficient kitchens and keeping the party going as long as the guests are on site – whether you’re creating cheeseboards or scraping lasagne into the bin.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MAREE HOMER

ummer is drawing to an end and entertaining

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what’s hot

+ Simplicity A crowded kitchen is a messy

one, and a messy kitchen is anything but inviting. Keeping everything bar the necessities hidden will make it look much more streamlined when the chaos begins. + A pop of colour Colour is the spice of life, while a monochromatic kitchen can be so ‘meh’. A pop of rich colour, even in the decor, will bring a smile every time. + Au natural Whether it’s stone or timber, a splash of Mother Nature’s finest will soften a normally harsh kitchen and bring a sense of peace to this often busy space. + Instant hot water I get it, you want a cup of tea, like RIGHT NOW!!!! Instant hot water, chilled water and even bubbly water are the ultimate luxury item. We’re just waiting on the chilled champas tap. + Wireless charging Yep, chuck your smartphone down on one particular part of the benchtop and, hey presto, you’re on charge. No messy wires or powerpoints.

what’s not

+ White on white As much as some of

us love our kitchens to look like dental surgeries, we need more character than the white-on-white look can deliver. + InSinkErators Flushing food waste down the sink is pretty much frowned on these days, so your best bet is to keep a neat little compost bin going for your burgeoning vegie patch. + Shiny stuff Gloss is out and matt finishes are in. Soft, natural surfaces are always a huge asset in the kitchen as glossy or shiny materials tend to be cold and jarring. + Pastels The soft pinks and mint hues we all loved a few years back lacked depth and emotion, but we’re starting to see rich blues and deeper tones of forest green.

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how to design for entertaining I’m guessing none of us have maidservants or chefs who’ll slave, sweat and bleed over a hot stove for us and our guests. So it’s up to us to cook, clean and serve up elaborate platters. That means we need to design our kitchens (and living areas) to enable us to use the kitchen area functionally while still engaging with friends and family; that means creating spaces for conversation and blurring the lines between utility and form.

Open-plan living suits this to a tee.

While there’s a small trend away from open-plan kitchens, they’re a sure winner for entertaining. Clever design and creative storage (in particular, integrated fridges, streamlined cooking stations and a butler’s pantry) will hide the mess when your guests trample on through. These elements will contain all the chaos and functionality of your kitchen while keeping the space open and inviting.

Island benches are pretty much designed to be conversation pieces; it’s the plinth in the room that forces you to face the rest of the home and give at least half of your attention to guests. A butler’s pantry isn’t made for butlers (surprise!) but is instead a dumping ground for messy cooking projects and dirty dishes, freeing up the post-dinner hours for more champagne and keeping the kitchen relatively free of clutter.

Two ovens can be a godsend when the numbers arrive (keep them together for a bit of WOW value), and two dishwashers (yes, we’re in that generation now; that’s one in the kitchen proper and another in the butler’s if possible) can handle even the messiest of soirées. One thing’s for sure: your kitchen MUST be functional before it looks pretty; it’s a utilitarian space so it HAS to work efficiently.

A good place to start is the kitchen triangle. The distance and placement between the sink, cooktop and fridge needs to be big enough to not feel cramped and small enough to avoid walking half a marathon when you want to make some toast. As a general rule, these three stations shouldn’t be more than three big steps away from each other and no closer than one decent one. It’s all about efficiency and creating zones in your kitchen to minimise travel and effort.

Have storage for cooking utensils next to your oven and cooktop; detergent and bench space next to your dishwasher; and free space on either side of the sink.

Considered choices will enable your kitchen to run like a well-oiled machine and be a pleasure to work in.

You get what you pay for when it comes to kitchen design and installation, so it really is a matter of what budget you can set aside. Trusted kitchen designers or builders have all the systems in place and can foresee issues before they arise, so they are worth they’re weight in Calacatta marble. On the other hand, you could leave funds for an impromptu dash to Europe if you opt for a flatpack with a screwdriver in hand – just don’t expect it to last. Good investment is never regretted so always trust a professional with something as valuable as the heart of your home.

must-haves

+ Great design A considered kitchen is

worth more than all the flashy appliances in the world. Get it right and yours will be a dream to work in for decades to come. + Low-maintenance benchtop If you choose well, yours will be an investment that lasts for years. Want all the benefits of stone and granite without the upkeep?

Engineered stone and ultra-compact surfaces (Smartstone and Dekton) are stain, heat and water resistant so they will survive almost any kind of gathering. + Good lighting This makes a space, so ensure your task areas are well illuminated, your kitchen has a gentle ambience, and you include a statement light or two to keep things (cringe) LIT!

splurge

+ Space It’s the ultimate luxury so splurge

on it where you can. At the very least, a butler’s pantry will hide the toaster, kettle and coffee machine, ensuring your kitchen is presentable at any time of the day. + Induction cooktop They’re the bee’s knees: instant heat without the hassle of a naked flame and always cool to touch.

Not cheap, but you won’t look back. + Water dispenser (Zip or Billi) Chilled or sparkling water is the ultimate for entertaining, but the hot-water tap comes into its own at am or pm tea, when you can whip up a brew in no time.

WINE OF THE TIMES Instead of a traditional butler’s pantry, the owners of this Sydney home built wine storage next to their kitchen. Its attractive angled shelves, contrasting cabinetry and glass doors make the new back wall a real talking point. See page 126 for more wine-storage ideas.

“Engineered stone and ultra-compact surfaces are stain, heat and water resistant so they will survive almost any sort of gathering”

TOMORROW’S TECH Kitchens are becoming smarter by the day, and the time will come where we might not step into them at all. But for the time being (the next few decades anyway), we’ll stick with our traditional kitchen designs and slowly incorporate technology into them.

+ These days, many appliances have Wi-Fi integration, so whether it’s controlling your slow cooker from work, checking ingredients in the fridge or monitoring a roast in the oven, most appliances of the future will be controlled via devices.

+ The kitchen benchtop is the war room of any home and this will soon be fully integrated with a variety of functions. Induction cooking, baby monitors, phone chargers and even TV screens will be visible and usable from within the benchtop surface, and once they’re all turned off, you’re left with a big, beautiful slab of (man-made) stone.

+ Cleaning will become more efficient and more precise — from slots in the benchtop to steam clean your revered knife set, to smart dishwashers that monitor how clean wastewater is and then diverts it to either the garden or back into a recycling system. Composting will be a relatively easy task, and recycling could all be done at the touch of a button (à la Marty McFly).

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAREE HOMER

+ Fridges are starting to have plenty of tech integrated into them, and soon they will all monitor the freshness and stock levels of our food and send an order to the supermarket accordingly.

+ Dear future, although I love a little automation, please don’t touch my coffee. I like it hand-pressed, slowly poured and served by a smiling, hairy hipster on minimum wage.

INSIDE OUT | 123

INSIDE | RENOVATE

BUYER’S GUIDE

KITCHEN TAPS

S

crub those pans, rinse the vegies, grab a drink, clean your

hands. The kitchen mixer is your home’s most-used tap by a long shot, so when you’re building or renovating it pays to pick a model that will stand up to being turned on and off many times a day for the life of your kitchen.

“Look for a tap that offers great functionality and comes from a reputable brand,” says Franco Parisi, chief operating officer of Parisi (parisi.com.au). “And for long-term leak prevention, check if it has a European-made cartridge.”

Mixers with one lever or control and one spout for delivery of both hot and cold water are the best-selling style of kitchen tap, but they’re certainly not your only choice. Conventional three-piece bridge sets (with separate hot and cold controls) still sell well. Less common are wall-mounted kitchen taps, which can save you space in a galley kitchen.

“If you’re renovating, you might not want to shift the plumbing, so that could determine the type of kitchen tap you choose,” says Daniela Santilli, kitchen and bathroom marketing leader for Reece (reece.com.au). “Look at styles that work with the overall aesthetic of your home. Visit a showroom and test out a couple of taps.

A good kitchen mixer will shut off firmly and feel good to use.”

goosenecks

“It’s easy to see why goosenecks are the most popular tap choice – there’s so much variance in style that you’ll definitely find one to suit your kitchen,” says Luke Di Michiel, industrial designer for Caroma (caroma.com.au). “But when it comes to selecting

a gooseneck tap, be mindful of size and scale.” A high, curved outlet or a strikingly tall, square spout may look amazing in the showroom, but put it in a smaller kitchen and you risk overwhelming the space. “Where taps like these come into their own is in a larger kitchen or on a generous island bench, where they can assume their rightful role as design centrepiece,” says Luke.

pull-downs and pull-outs

Many of the latest mixers offer pull-down or pull-out hoses.

The advantage of having a flexible hose built into your tap is that it will stretch to where you need it in a double sink (but you’ll need to allow space under the sink for the hose to retract).

“We see new features in kitchen taps released all the time, but it’s only the truly functional ones that stand the test of time,” says Ben Shirtliff, director of Brodware (brodware.com). “Pull-out and pull-down hoses fall into this category, as do dual-function sprays and progressive mixer technology.” Dual-function sprays allow you to flick between a standard flow and an aerated stream while progressive mixers allow control of pressure and temperature with a single turning movement of the mixer control.

Think about how your mixer will fit in with the materials and design of your kitchen and home (you might want to source your bathroom and laundry taps from the same range). In terms of finishes, chrome is timeless and matt black is almost as ubiquitous as chrome. If you opt for a special finish, go with a physical vapour deposition (PVD) coating. “They’re scratch-, tarnishand corrosion-resistant – perfect for the kitchen,” says Ben.

WORDS & PRODUCT SOURCING SARAH PICKETTE

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAREE HOMER (ABOVE). ALL TAPS SHOWN HAVE A 5-STAR WELS RATING UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE

It might look like a beautiful piece of jewellery for your kitchen but your sink mixer also needs to function flawlessly – for the long haul

SQUARE GOOSENECKS FROM LEFT Villeroy & Boch sink mixer in Modern Steel (4-star WELS rating), $999, Harvey Norman.

Mizu Drift MK2 sink mixer in Chrome (4-star WELS rating), $228, Reece. Industrica sink mixer in Durobrite Chrome, $878, Brodware. Arq II sink mixer in Graphite (6-star WELS rating), $685, Rogerseller.

ROUND GOOSENECKS FROM LEFT Icon sink mixer in Red, $714, Astra Walker. Round sink mixer in Gold Black (4-star WELS rating), $579, Meir. Vivid Slimline sink mixer in Matt Black, $435.60, Phoenix Tapware.

Cirrus sink mixer in Chrome (4-star WELS rating), $217, Caroma.

TAP INTO BETTER WATER PULL-OUTS FROM LEFT Armando Vicario Luz pull-out mixer in Chrome (4-star WELS rating), from $592, Abey Australia.

Manhattan pull-out mixer in Durobrite Chrome, $887, Brodware. Vivid Slimline pull-out mixer in Brushed Gold, $804.65, Phoenix Tapware. Y-Con pull-out mixer in Chrome (4-star WELS rating), $840, Parisi.

PULL-DOWNS FROM LEFT Mizu Soothe pull-down mixer in Chrome (4-star WELS rating), $400, Reece. Newform Libera pull-down mixer in Copper Satin (6-star WELS rating), $1495, Parisi. Vido pull-down mixer in Matt Black (6-star WELS rating), $875, Phoenix Tapware. Dorf Inca pull-down mixer in Chrome and Black (4-star WELS rating), $619, Harvey Norman.

It might just be the ultimate kitchen luxury — a tap that delivers pure-tasting chilled, boiling and sparkling water at a flick of its lever.

There’s been a sharp increase in the number of homeowners installing water-filtration systems as they build or renovate a kitchen.

The benefits are pretty compelling — there’s no need to take up valuable benchtop real estate with a kettle, plus your fridge will perform better if it’s not accessed 10 times a day for cold water.

Zip’s market-leading HydroTap Celsius All In One tap (above) costs from $6495 and delivers instant filtered, boiling, chilled and sparkling water, combined with regular hot- and cold-water options for washing up. The manufacturer claims the tap will remove taste, odour, dirt, contaminants and heavy metals from your drinking water.

If you’d prefer a tap that offers simple filtration — without the boiling, chilled or sparkling functionality — take a look at Phoenix Tapware’s Pristine 2-in-1 filtered-water sink mixer, which retails for $638.99 at Reece.

CLASSIC FROM LEFT Perrin & Rowe Parthian sink mixer in Nickel (4-star WELS rating), $853, The English Tapware Company.

Olde English sink mixer in Chrome, $590, Astra Walker. Kado Classic sink mixer in Chrome, $459.24, Reece.

Armando Vicario Palais sink mixer in Chrome (4-star WELS rating), from $582, Abey Australia.

INSIDE OUT | 125

INSIDE | RENOVATE

I ’ V E A LWAYS WA NTE D. . .

a wine cellar

Dreaming of a well-stocked wine room at home?

The odds may be stacked in your favour

likes to entertain, buys Beaujolais in bulk, or simply appreciates a good drop, it’s time to get serious about storing your wine. Here’s what you need to know about creating the perfect home for your precious pours.

1

placement

Don’t have a spare 50 square metres hanging around underneath your house?

Not many of us do. But contrary to what some believe, due to the fairly unpredictable nature of Australia’s climate, underground storage won’t actually do your wine any favours.

In fact, when you consider the need for specific climate-control equipment, the ideal position for a cellar is somewhere on the ground floor against an exterior wall. But if that fails to inspire, then just about anywhere (with the right care and preparation) can become the wine cellar of your dreams. Think hallways, a butler’s pantry, study, or even under the stairs.

2

environment

For wine to mature to its full potential, it’s paramount to have the right environmental conditions. This means a consistent and low temperature of 12-15 degrees year-round, high humidity of about 70 per cent, fresh airflow, minimal vibration or movement, and UV-free lighting. Standard air conditioners won’t cut it when it comes to a wine cellar.

“A purpose-built cellar conditioner such as the Inoa will create four of the five essential conditions for a wine cellar,” says Tania MacPhee, managing director of EuroCave Australia. “In contrast, a standard air conditioner is generally not cold enough (often not operating below 18 degrees) and can reduce humidity in the cellar, which is detrimental to wine.”

3

insulation

Easily done and relatively inexpensive if factored in at the beginning, insulation will allow your wine to live its best life.

Glass rooms and doors are having a moment in the wine-cellar world, but it’s important to note that it’s double-glazed and argon-filled or bust. Don’t forget that each panel will also need to be coated in an energy or UV filter to allow the cellar conditioner to function efficiently and reduce the amount of energy used.

4

look and feel

While it’s tempting to gravitate towards form over function in a wine cellar, rushing into the design too quickly can lead to frustration further down the line. Once you have assessed how much wine you’re likely to consume and, therefore, the size of the room (a good guide is roughly 100 bottles per square metre), you’ll need to think about racking.

“When deciding on the design, think about whether single bottle or bulk storage is most useful for your collection,” says Tania. “Also, whether you want to maximise capacity or use an area to display bottles” – or both. The simplest and most cost-effective choice is timber, followed by steel, although prepare for some careful handling of the latter to avoid dings.

5

PERFECT PICKS

So you have a cellar but what now? Chris Morrison, QT Hotels’ wine director and author of This Is Not A Wine Guide, shares his top tips for selecting wine like a pro Take stock For the new collector, a working wine collection is wine that will be drunk and replaced over the course of a month. Everyone has a different ‘volume’ requirement, so ask yourself how much wine you’re likely to drink in this time.

Budget Without one, wine quickly becomes a cost rather than an investment. Come up with a number and be realistic about sticking to it.

Lifestyle As a sommelier, I believe that a wine only realises its full potential when it’s drunk with great food. Ask yourself: ‘What is my favourite food?

What do I like to cook at home? What is my go-to dish?’ Your wine collection should match your eating habits.

First steps Start with a bottle from your child or loved one’s birth year.

lighting

One of the most common mistakes when fitting out a cellar is incorrect lighting. Bright lights and lamps that omit heat can be too intense. Go with UV-free options – such as LED or soft-glow pendant lighting – for a moody ambiance befitting the space. Even with the correct lighting, it’s important to keep the ‘glow’ to a minimum, so when you’re not busy in there admiring your collection, the darkness can do its work.

WORDS KATE HASSETT

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Fisher & Paykel ‘RF356RDWX1’ wine cabinet, $4299. EuroCave ‘Compact’ integrated wine cabinet, $4295. Husky ‘Vino Pro’ wine fridge, $1999, Harvey Norman.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHELLE WILLIAMS (MAIN SHOT). STYLING: HEATHER NETTE KING

W

hether you’re the type who

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

For homeowners Daniel (pictured) and Shirin Pulitano, having a space to house all of their favourite Italian wines was a must. Setting off the new bar are Patricia Urquiola ‘Azulej Estrela’ tiles from Urban Edge Ceramics. Tom Dixon ‘Beat’ lights, Dedece.

Smed stool, Great Dane.

2

environment Keep things consistent

1

placement Ground floor is ideal but not the only option

3

insulation Create a safe haven for your wine to thrive

4

look & feel What’s your rack style?

5

lighting Low and UV-free is best

INSIDE OUT | 127

CO LO U R C H A N G E Non-white kitchens are here to stay, and designers are using block colour in ever more sophisticated ways. Queensland creative Bree Leech used blocks of Laminex Spinifex, from $81.07 per sq m, on the cupboards of this subdued pastel project, creating a visually calm, clean kitchen space.

Island base, Laminex Carrara Marble (laminex.com.au). Splashback, Kit Kat porcelain mosaics from Tiento. Cloud handles by Linear Standard.

3 of a kind

Clean up with statement paper towels

PRAW N

Eva Solo paper towel holder in stainless steel and leather (left), $125; top3.com.au Ferm Living paper towel holder in Black Brass (middle), $62.60; finnishdesignshop.com Zone Denmark kitchen roll holder (right), $64; designstuff.com.au

AR T S

KITCHEN NEWS

An exclusive collaboration between In The Roundhouse and Sydney artist Daimon Downey brings fun bone-china plates to the table. The range includes Prawn (above) and Octopus, both $29 for the 25cm size; intheround.house

dig in

Products to help you prep, serve and clean up afterwards

TEA TIME Hand block printed on cotton, the nature-inspired Arabella tablecloth ($123) and napkin set ($48) will add a fresh, floral dimension to your setting; lmhome.com.au

MY PRECIOUS Could there be anything more indulgent than the delicious hard surfaces of semi-precious stone?

We’re seeing a wave of extravagant materials at odds with Scandi minimalism, like these Concetto stone surfaces incorporating Agate, Amethyst and Quartz.

Shine on, you crazy diamond!

POA; caesarstone.com.au

128 | INSIDE OUT

THE LAST STRAW This Artesano Hot & Cold Beverages Glass straw set puts an end to plastic straws. $25.95 per set of 4; villeroy-boch.com.au

new t w ist

Minimalist salt and pepper grinders in brushed brass are a look we love. These two have walnut lids, and their powerful ceramic mechanisms mean they can handle a wide range of spices and seeds. Menu bottle grinder set in Brushed Brass, $290; top3.com.au

INSIDE | RENOVATE

TILE REPORT 2020

Sydney interior designer James Treble travelled to Italy to check out the Cersaie International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings in Bologna TILE TREND SUBWAY What is it? A classic rectangular-shaped tile, traditionally 150mm x 75mm.

Why is it hot? At the fair, this season’s new colours really caught my eye.

Lots of dark, moody charcoals and mangrove greens were a standout, as was the matching coloured grout. New and interesting lay patterns were the most exciting: tiles in contrasting colours and a range of sizes, some being long and thin, that let the subway look take on a new, more linear direction.

I particularly loved the ones laid vertically to create a feeling of height.

TILE TREND TIMBER LOOK What is it? Tiles that appear to be wood but are, in fact, synthetic materials.

Why is it hot? Technology has elevated timber tiles, providing convincing finishes with the rich texture and natural tones of wood. Super hard-wearing, water-resistant and versatile, they work on a variety of surfaces inside and outside the home, and make a beautiful floor. I liked how laying smaller-scale timber tiles in a herringbone pattern felt very much like a high-end hotel.

TILE TREND TERRAZZO LOOK What is it? Tiles that replicate the traditionally poured, in-situ terrazzo finish, which includes aggregate chunks for character.

Why is it hot? This traditional Venetian finish has been embraced in Australia as a stylish flooring option, and for tabletops and decorative pieces. This year saw more bold looks, with larger chip sizes for the aggregate pieces resulting in a strong play with pattern. I love how versatile they are in creating a perfect flooring option to run from inside to out, where low-maintenance attributes make it a great choice for alfresco entertaining areas.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DEREK SWALWELL (LAMINEX), SEVAK BABAKHANI (DAIMON DOWNEY), MARTINA GEMMOLA (TABLECLOTH). DESIGN & STYLING: BREE LEECH (LAMINEX). TILE REPORT 2020 IMAGES COURTESY OF TONALITE, 41ZERO42, FONDOVALLE, GLAMORA, NOVABELL

TILE TREND ORGANIC COOL What is it? Tiles that appear to replicate nature.

Why is it hot? An increase in the amount and variety of nature-inspired tiles is perfect for kitchens because it’s a great way to blur the line between interior and exterior. Many graphics in Bologna were tropical in nature, and there were also stunning plays with pastels. Botanical-inspired images were in abundance and the Palm Springs look featured, too, especially graphic cacti prints.

TILE TREND WALLPAPER What is it? Waterproof and hard-wearing vinyl wallpaper.

Why is it hot? This festival was all about bringing images into wet areas, with a wide range of scenes replicating the landscape and others repeating floral motifs in a fun and interesting way. Technological advances mean that these wallpapers are 100 per cent waterproof and can withstand chemical and thermal stress. Any image can be printed on it, which opens up a whole world of design opportunities, and the wallpapers can be easily applied to curved surfaces that would otherwise require smaller tiles and more grout.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Tonalite ‘Lingotti’ tiles in Terra (top) and Foresta, $85 per sq m; dilorenzo.com.au.

41zero42 ‘Franz’ floral tile, POA; acestone.com.au. Artwood wood-look tile in Clay, POA; novabell.it. GlamFusion ‘Kaleidoscope’ wallpaper, POA; glamora.it. Fondovalle ‘Shards’ large-chip terrazzo tile, $148 per sq m; elitebathware.com.au

BI FUNCTIONAL

SCRUB UP These Mexican pot brushes in eight high-pop colours are designed to bring more joy to washing dishes, plus they’re fully recyclable. $8 each; panafter.com.au COMPILED BY NATE VELLA

As well as being sleek-looking, the multiple burner hobs and multifunction oven of the Italian-made Glem Gas 900mm Bi Energy Gloss Black Freestanding Cooker enables both gas and electric cooking. $2899; harveynorman.com.au

INSIDE | RENOVATE

vanity fair Not a fan of cookie-cutter bathrooms? Us either, so this gorgeously crafted Freo vanity by Loughlin Furniture has us excited. It comes in three door profiles: Rattan (pictured), Shaker and VJ panel. From $3285; loughlinfurniture.com.au

ROYAL FLUSH Colour Elements is Astra Walker’s latest family of products featuring sleek matt finishings in a stable of colourways designed to mix and match. POA; astrawalker.com.au

BEACHY KEEN Bring the cool factor to your next bathroom update with the latest addition to Tile Cloud’s popular Bondi Encaustic tile range.

Now available in Tan and Blue, there’s a shade to suit all styles. $95 per sq m; tilecloud.com.au

QUIET TIME The Scent 01 candle by The Raconteur for Nau is an uplifting nod to Australia’s diverse botanical heritage, with layers of native quandong, lemon ironbark and Byron Bay rose. $90; naudesign.com

colour code BATHROOM NEWS

Planning a bathroom refresh? One of these new arrivals could be just the thing for it

care bear

This sculptural freestanding basin from Nood Co Concrete is a serious touch of luxe we never knew we needed.

Available in seven different basin profiles and 14 colourways, there’s no reason why your basin can’t be as individual as you are.

POA; noodco.com.au

130 | INSIDE OUT

SWEET TOOTH Treat your teeth to a Tann toothbrush designed by tastemaker Andreas Engesvik, available in a variety of colours from HAY. $15 each; hayshop.com.au

3 OF A KIND

Colourful bath towels Brighten up bath time Tweed bath towel in Marine, $57; lmhome.com.au Bethell bath towel in Sage & Chalk, $72.42; shopbaina.com Living Textures bath towel in Earth Rose, $39.95, sheridan.com.au

COMPILED BY NATE VELLA

WORDS: STEPHANIE HOPE

rock solid

Proceeds from Lush’s ‘All The Wild Things’ eucalyptus and lemongrass soap will go towards rehabilitating native wildlife and restoring habitat devastated by the recent bushfires, $10; au.lush.com

INSIDE | RENOVATE Stainmaster Pinnacle PetProtect hybrid flooring, $59 per sq m, Carpet Court.

Q

I’m having trouble finding storage for my dining space that works the way I need it to.

What are my options? Rosie, via Instagram Buffets are a great option for dining-room storage. Think about what you want to store and whether drawers or cupboards will best suit your needs, then look for a buffet with that configuration. I find furniture with a combination of drawers and cupboards a smart option in most cases. Bar cabinets are also very on trend and can store and display all your entertaining needs in a purpose-built piece. If you have items you would like to display rather than hide away, look for a unit with both closed and open storage.

Or think outside the square and consider a console or bedroom dresser with lots of drawers.

Q

Osmose buffet, $1499, Freedom.

I’m tossing up between vinyl and timber flooring — but are there any other options I should consider? Amanda, via email Natural timber offers a warm look with a natural feel and lasting quality, making it a popular choice for many homes. Timber has great dimensional stability, and it’s versatile and easy to care for over a long period of time. If you have pets, consider Carpet Court’s hybrid floating flooring — Stainmaster Pinnacle PetProtect — which has ClawShield coating technology, meaning it’s tough enough to resist scratching by an 80kg Great Dane. The range is water-resistant, so can handle pet stains and odours from the odd accident. It’s available in eight tones.

BRETT TALBOT, NATIONAL MERCHANDISE MANAGER — HARD FLOORING, CARPET COURT

ELISE COOPER, INTERIOR DECORATOR, FREEDOM

Blockout roller blind in Robbie Robonaut Space Blue, from $55, Blinds Online.

ask an expert

Q

For my child’s nursery, I’m interested in blinds that allow sun to filter through during the day but block out light at night. Are there any options that will do both successfully? Lucy, via email I would go for one of our beautiful print rollers mounted within the recess, as it will give you the control of light you need at night and a burst of colour during the day to inspire your child. For a soft, warm feel, add our S-Fold Voile curtains to the face for privacy during the day.

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

Q

Our kitchen is next on my to-do list but I’m overwhelmed by the choices.

Where should I start? Paul, via email Begin by researching and look for a qualified designer, or a company with its own joinery factory for a custom build.

Design isn’t just about style, and it’s important for a designer to guide you through everything from the layout to storage and finishes. Look for items that multitask, like pull-out work spaces for small kitchens. Also consider the best position for your island as you don’t want it to interrupt the flow of the room, and you may wish to add integrated appliances. Impala offers an in-home service where we can get to know your style and personal tastes in order to create your dream kitchen.

RASHI MATHUR, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, IMPALA KITCHENS

132 | INSIDE OUT

EDITED BY KATE HASSETT

MATTHEW WALSH, GENERAL MANAGER, BLINDS ONLINE

Q

We’re renovating our living space and I’m looking into automation options. What are the benefits of having automated blinds or awnings? Sophia, via Instagram Automation on blinds and awnings has many benefits, including eliminating cords (a better look), peace of mind (for the safety of young kids) and energy efficiency. The Wynstan Smart Home System, which integrates with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, is controlled via an app, allowing you to operate your blinds through voice control, or from your phone, even when you’re not at home.

AMELIA TAYLOR, HEAD OF PRODUCT & COMMUNICATIONS, WYNSTAN

Wynmotion Smart Home System, $550, Wynstan.

ROCOCO 250MM SQUARE SHOWER HEAD $99.75

ROCOCO 35MM BASIN MIXER $118

ROCOCO BATH SET $97

ROCOCO ABOVE COUNTER BASIN $99

ROCOCO TOWEL RING $31.40 ROCOCO 1500MM FREESTANDING BATH $975

ROCOCO 1200MM WALL HUNG VANITY - CABINET ONLY $420

At Mondella, we make creating your new bathroom easier.

Plan your project with the help of our online tips, choose your look from our helpful design collections and find out how affordable it can be to transform your bathroom. Visit our website to get started.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: NIC GOSSAGE. STYLING: NATE VELLA

Louis Thiers combines traditional French elegance with the timeless Laguiole shape.

Laguiole cutlery is like no other — it’s beautiful, unique in style, superbly crafted, and based on a long tradition spanning several centuries. The quality and craftsmanship of Laguiole products is recognised around the world. To see the full range, visit laguiole.com.au

OUT modern history

A garden makeover refreshes an older home Designed by Fran Hale of Peachy Green and constructed by Vogue Grange Landscapes, the garden of this Melbourne home expertly ties a bold, black extension to the original period residence. In the front garden, at the side entrance to the kitchen, a custom metal firewood cabinet stands guard with thriving plantings including yellow ginger lily (Hedychium gardnerianum) and Italian pencil pine (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’).

Turn the page to see more.

PHOTOGRAPHY TOM BLACHFORD

OUT | GARDEN

DOUBLE VISION A traditional facade gives little hint of the big surprise at the back, where the new garden is made for year-round living

136 | INSIDE OUT

WORDS CHRIS PEARSON PHOTOGRAPHY TOM BLACHFORD

The deciduous Canadian maple in the rear yard is a touching inclusion. Bronte table and bench from Eco Outdoor.

OPPOSITE A secluded nook in Silvertop ash from Radial Timber is the perfect spot to read a book. Cushions, Deco side table and Kun Design ‘Lotus’ side table all from Domo. An asparagus fern spills out of the Pedra planters from Papaya.

Diverse plantings include (from left) Virginia creeper, kidney weed, dwarf blue chalk sticks and Lomandra ‘Lime Wave’.

OUT | GARDEN

T

his garden in Melbourne’s inner north is two worlds

in one, reflecting a striking house with a bold, ultramodern extension on a period facade. “The front garden has a cottage-garden feel,” says designer Frances Hale of Peachy Green, alluding to its magnolias, picket fence and more formal lines – all nods to the original home. Meanwhile, at the rear, the garden lets its hair down. “Back there, it’s all clean lines, using informal stepping stones and plantings to soften the modern architecture,” says Fran.

The front garden may be a little reserved and aloof, but at the back, where most of the family living is done, house and garden fuse into one, with a handsome stacked-stone fireplace conceived

by Kesminas Architecture forming both a gathering and focal point. This built structure also provided the spark for Fran’s design in terms of layout and materials.

When she first visited the site in 2017 and met owners Kate Axup and Jim Leibold, Fran was faced with a blank slate because the renovation had taken its toll on the garden. “The original garden was a disaster, more weeds than plants,” says Kate. “But we did have three lovely old native trees, including a 70-year-old peppermint gum and a 20-year-old Japanese maple tree, which we were sad to lose. Our brief was simple: a hardy native garden that would connect the inside of the house with the outside.”

“Kate and Jim wanted an outdoor living space, a relaxing green living area for entertaining and enjoying on weekends,” says Fran. In her inspired plan, inside and out fuse into one, thanks to

138 | INSIDE OUT

multiple seating areas that catch the light at different times of the day. Based around the fireplace hub and its adjoining timber deck, they serve as gathering spaces or perches for quiet me-time.

The home’s generous glazing soaks up green vistas that combine natives and exotics with contrasting foliage; thanks to a comprehensive lighting scheme, the garden looks lush day and night. True to the brief, all the plants are hardy and easy to maintain.

Kate and Jim had three more, quite specific, requests: a large, established tree in the backyard to replace the scraggly peppermint gum; a place to store two bikes under cover that was also easy to access; and, back to the fireplace, somewhere to store its piles of firewood. That list was ticked off with a Canadian maple tree (in honour of Jim’s mother’s place of birth); a new covered area to the side of the house for the bikes; and two metal shelving systems, which are handsome features in themselves, to store the firewood.

For the hardscaping, Fran took her cues from the house, with the brickwork and hardwood of the built-in seating echoing the palette prescribed by the architects. Meanwhile, oversized bluestone pavers lend a raw informality to the rear garden and reference the irregularly shaped stones in the fireplace.

Natives such as red flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia) and weeping lilly pilly (Waterhousea floribunda), and exotics such as smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria), pencil pines (Cupressus sempervirens) and the Canadian maple (Acer rubrum), are underplanted with Magnolia White Caviar (Magnolia figo x yunnanensis) at the front,

GUTTER CREDIT

The outdoor fireplace gives the rear patio year-round versatility.

Australian bluestone pavers from Bamstone. Portsea limestone chimney cladding installed by Peninsula Stonemasons. The yellow gum to the left provides shade and privacy. Ligne Roset ‘Toits-de-Paris’ terracotta pots from Domo. OPPOSITE (left) The front garden and picket fence have a more traditional feel.

Magnolia laevifolia x figo ‘White Caviar’ graces the hedge.

OPPOSITE (right) The Bronte bench by Eco Outdoor is a perfect match for the deck, which abuts the well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Plantings include bugleweed and kidney weed between the pavers.

OUT | GARDEN

LEFT A brick utility shed keeps garden clutter out of sight while offering support for seating. The bench is Silvertop ash from Radial Timbers. Cushion and throw, Kip & Co. Bowl and planters, Anchor Ceramics. BELOW Looking towards the rear of the garden takes in the home’s stunning contemporary addition.

PLANT LIFE The garden’s richly varied foliage is hardy and low maintenance while also offering splashes of seasonal colour

Kidney weed

Yellow gum

Dwarf blue chalk sticks

Small leaf creeping fig

140 | INSIDE OUT

and natives lomandra (Lomandra longifolia) and billy buttons (Pycnosorus globosus) front and back.

Swathes of kidney weed (Dichondra repens) as ground cover form a rich carpet between the stepping stones, creating continuity with the lawn at the back and helping to soften the angular lines of the house. And being deciduous, that new maple offers shade in summer, glorious colour in autumn and lets sunlight pour into the living areas come winter.

When asked to pick a favourite feature, Kate is a little nonplussed. “There are so many, in no particular order: the Canadian maple, the three gum trees, the bluestone pavers (especially the large feature pieces), the Boston ivy and other creepers that frame the north-facing sliding door, the lighting, the custom-made timber seats…” Just about the whole garden, really.

Above all, Kate says she enjoys the garden’s functionality and shifting moods because the design adapts to the seasons as well as the time of day. Paradoxically perhaps, it both calms and energises, according to the mood of the moment. She and Jim love sitting out there on weekends, lazing about on cushions or entertaining friends, and lighting the fire as the temperature drops.

The garden also offers pleasures that others might find a chore, such as weeding. “Spending a sunny Saturday morning mowing the lawn and weeding the garden is (perhaps bizarrely) one of the highlights of Jim’s week,” says Kate. “The garden is generally weed-free, but he gets a perverse sense of satisfaction from digging out what few weeds he can find.”

Peachy Green is based in Fairfield, Victoria; peachygreen.com.au

Perfect White available online and at selected David Jones and Myer stores nationally. wedgwood.com.au

OUT | ENTERTAINING

veg out

BEEF & RICE NOODLE HERB SALAD WITH THAI BASIL PESTO

This creation came about after bringing an ‘Asian pesto’ back from a shoot years ago. It morphed into this recipe and I have cooked it many times since then. The pesto is versatile and works alongside grilled fish or with steak on its own.

142 | INSIDE OUT

CAULIFLOWER, CHORIZO, POMEGRANATE, RICOTTA SALATA AND CURRANTS

Give cauliflower the best possible chance to be eaten in your house. What I’m saying is roast it, please don’t boil it! That is all.

Food stylist and writer Kirsten Jenkins has a new eBook called One Leaf at a Time, a compilation of simple recipes showcasing vegetables and a support crew of proteins. Here are four of her finest...

RECIPES, PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING KIRSTEN JENKINS

ABOUT KIRSTEN JENKINS

Kirsten completed her commercial cookery certificate before working behind the scenes on the first season of Masterchef Australia.

She went on to assist food stylist Jody Vassallo on three French cookbooks in the UK, worked for 2½ years as the food editor at donna hay magazine and spent several years as a freelance recipe writer, photo chef and food stylist. Working for publishers and companies such as SBS, Murdoch Books, Hardie Grant Books and Bauer Media, Kirsten’s work has featured in Womens Weekly cookbooks and MiNDFOOD and delicious magazines, plus titles for David Jones, Kenwood, Ikea and Kellogg’s. In 2015, she became the style editor at delicious and teamed up with Phoebe Wood to produce their first cookbook, The Pie Project, which Kirsten styled and photographed.

beef & rice noodle herb salad with Thai basil pesto*

cauliflower, chorizo, pomegranate, ricotta salata, currants

SERVES 4 PREP 40 mins COOKING 16 mins

SERVES 6 PREP 20 mins COOKING 75 mins

THAI BASIL PESTO

1 cup each of Thai basil and coriander leaves ⅓ cup (50g) unsalted roasted peanuts 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tbsps sesame oil 1 tsp soy sauce 1 tbsp fish sauce

⅓ cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1 (1kg) small cauliflower, trimmed to sit flat 2 (180g) dried chorizo sausages, sliced 2 tbsps white balsamic vinegar 2 tsps wholegrain mustard 2 tbsps currants

1 tbsp baby capers, chopped ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped ½ (150g) pomegranate, seeds removed 2 tbsps finely grated ricotta salata (or firm Dutch goat’s cheese)

¼ cup rice wine vinegar

1 Cook the noodles in a saucepan of boiling water for 6—8 minutes or until just tender. Drain, reserving ½ cup of cooking water. Combine the eshallots and lime juice in a bowl and set aside for 20 minutes to pickle.

2 Meanwhile, to make the Thai basil pesto, place all ingredients in a bowl of a food processor and process until roughly combined. Set aside.

3 Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Drizzle the steak with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3—4 minutes each side for medium or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest.

4 Place the noodles in a bowl with the pesto (add as much or as little pesto as you like; depending on your taste, you may have some pesto left over) and add some of the cooking water to loosen the pesto slightly. The rice noodles absorb a lot of water so continue to add some of the water if you need to loosen further.

5 Divide the noodles between serving plates and top with the eshallots, cucumber and herbs. Slice the steak and place on top and finish with the peanuts and sesame seeds. *This is a dairy-free recipe

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) fan forced. Place an ovenproof dish filled with boiling water on the bottom shelf of the oven, to create some steam.

3 Drizzle half the oil over the cauliflower in a baking tray and season with salt flakes. Roast for 60—70 minutes or until tender and browned. Add the chorizo to the tray and roast for a further 5—7 minutes or until the chorizo is crisp.

3 Meanwhile, whisk the remaining oil, vinegar, mustard, currants, capers and parsley in a bowl and set aside.

4 Transfer the cauliflower and chorizo to a serving dish, top with the dressing, pomegranate seeds and cheese.

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY: BEN DEARNLEY

200g flat rice stick noodles 2 eshallots, peeled and thinly sliced Juice of 1 lime 400g skirt steak, room temperature ½ tbsp rice bran oil 1 (130g) Lebanese cucumber, thinly sliced ½ cup each of coriander, mint and Thai basil leaves Salted roasted peanuts and black sesame seeds, to serve

OUT | ENTERTAINING

MIXED TOMATO PANZANELLA SALAD

This is an oldie but such a goodie. Panzanella is an Italian bread salad, where really ripe sweet tomatoes create some of the dressing that the crisp golden bread absorbs. Just don’t leave it too long before serving, otherwise you’ll end up with really soggy bread.

INSIDE OUT | 145

“The Middle Eastern lamb salad is a great dish to put in the middle of the table and share with friends — using pita bread as your eating utensil” KIRSTEN JENKINS, AUTHOR

mixed tomato panzanella salad

Middle Eastern lamb salad*

SERVES 6 PREP 30 mins COOKING 20 mins

SERVES 4—6 PREP 40 mins COOKING 25 mins

½ (300g) sourdough loaf, crusts removed, torn into big pieces 6 sprigs marjoram or oregano, leaves removed ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, extra to drizzle 250g truss cherry tomatoes ¼ cup (60ml) red-wine vinegar ½ tsp caster sugar

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 2 tsps Baharat spice 500g lamb neck, finely chopped ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling ½ (130g) brown onion, thinly sliced 3 (200g) silverbeet stems, trimmed, stems and leaves shredded 2 tbsps currants

½ garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped 1 tbsp baby capers 200g mixed cherry tomatoes, halved 4 (600g) tomatoes, cut into wedges ½ cup basil leaves ½ cup micro red-vein sorrel, to serve (optional)

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) fan forced.

2 Place the bread and marjoram leaves on a baking tray, drizzle with 2 tbsps of oil and season with salt. Roast in the oven for 8—10 minutes, add the truss cherry tomatoes to the tray and roast for a further 10—12 minutes or until the bread is golden and the tomatoes have split.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

3 Place the remaining oil in a large bowl, add the vinegar, sugar, garlic, capers and season with salt and pepper. Add the remaining tomatoes and set aside for 20 minutes or until the tomatoes have released some of their liquid.

4 Add the bread and marjoram to the bowl and toss to soak up some of the dressing.

5 Place on a serving platter with the roasted tomatoes and the basil and sorrel (if using). Drizzle with extra oil and serve immediately.

ONE LEAF AT A TIME: A BOOK OF SUBSTANTIAL SALADS AND SIDES

by Kirsten Jenkins is available as a printable PDF for $9.99 from kirstenjenkins.com.au

440g store-bought hummus 2 tbsps lemon juice 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped ½ cup mint leaves, chopped ½ cup (100g) tinned butter beans 2 (40g) watermelon radishes, thinly sliced (optional)

1 Place the garlic, paprika, chilli flakes, cumin, coriander, Baharat and chopped lamb pieces in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Set aside.

2 Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat.

Cook the lamb in batches for 3 minutes or until just browned.

Remove from the pan and set aside.

3 Add the remaining oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium-low.

Cook the onion and chopped silverbeet stems, stirring occasionally, for 16 minutes or until golden brown and softened.

4 Add the silverbeet leaves and currants, then cook for a further 4 minutes or until all the liquid has cooked off. Return the lamb to the pan and stir to combine until warmed through.

5 Spread the hummus over a serving platter and top with the lamb mixture. Combine the lemon juice, parsley, mint and beans and sprinkle over the top. Drizzle with extra olive oil and top with radish if using. Serve with warm pita bread. *This is a dairy-free recipe

OUT | ENTERTAINING

MIDDLE EASTERN LAMB SALAD This recipe

is inspired by my favourite food writer: Ottolenghi.

When I first encountered the flavours of the Middle East as a kid, I wondered whether I might have been adopted from there — but that was ruled out with my incredible likeness to the rest of my family.

INSIDE OUT | 147

DESIGN DESTINATION

Shoalhaven

With its rolling green fields, white-sand beaches and thriving design scene, the south-eastern region of NSW is back in business – and supporting it should be at the top of your bucket list

R

iding a horse along a lush green trail leading to

Shoalhaven Heads’ iconic Seven Mile Beach, it’s hard to believe that, only a few months ago, the region was under threat from some of the worst fires our nation has known. But now that the flames are extinguished and there’s been some much-welcomed rain, the Shoalhaven is back doing what it does best.

Approximately three hours’ drive south of Sydney and a relaxed two-and-a-half hours in the car from Canberra, this vast region takes in areas such as the magnificent bushland of Kangaroo Valley, the white-sand beaches of Jervis Bay Marine Park, the waters of Berringer Lake and Lake Conjola, the artsy township of Milton and the honeymooners’ go-to of Mollymook.

On this trip, we’re visiting Shoalhaven Heads and nearby Coolangatta and Berry. With rolling green hills only seconds from pristine beaches, this pocket of the Shoalhaven boasts luxe accommodation, a thriving food and wine scene and more design and homewares stores than any interiors aficionado could hope for.

Arriving late afternoon at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads, we’re escorted by owner and interior designer Michelle Bishop to a stylish one-bedroom Golf View villa, decorated in a contemporary black and white palette with weaves and wall hangings made from flora by local artist Marina Strode.

As we stroll the outdoor hardwood corridor, she reveals some of the unique design features the villas and onsite restaurant, Bangalay Dining, share. The property was built using sustainable hardwood, which ensured that construction waste was minimised throughout the build. “There can be a lot of waste in construction,” says Michelle. “Planning the design and build gave my husband Tom and I control over them and ensured every material was well considered. We also found creative ways to incorporate leftover materials into things like restaurant signage and furniture, which Tom actually made himself.”

This ethos flows into the restaurant’s dinner menu, created using ethically sourced produce and native Australian ingredients such as Davidson plums, desert lime and lemon myrtle. After a feast of flavours paired with incredible local wines, it’s time to roll off to bed, ahead of the next day’s early horseride.

148 | INSIDE OUT

WORDS SHONAGH WALKER

PHOTOGRAPHY: DEANNA GERLACH, LISA MEDICKE

OUT | TRAVEL

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The swimming pool at Bangalay Luxury Villas. Private entrance to the villas. One of the property’s many palm trees.

A table at the resort’s restaurant. Seven Mile Beach is across the road. The villas are linked by a picturesque timber boardwalk. Locals come on foot, on two wheels or four wheels to sample the region’s renowned food. Outside a two-bedroom Garden View villa. OPPOSITE Solitude and tranquillity are all yours on the sand.

OUT | TRAVEL

The following morning, as the sun creeps into the sky, we’re greeted by Monique Miller and Bernadette Robinson from Regal Riding School, a short drive from the resort. My beautiful horse is Ebony, a placid bay mare, and we all duly trot along a rainforest trail to Seven Mile Beach, past wallabies, water dragons and fern fronds glistening with morning dew.

Following the ride, it’s back to Bangalay Dining for breakfast before heading to a wine tasting at Mountain Ridge Wines.

The sustainable winery and its restaurant sit on a mountain in Coolangatta, some eight kilometres south of Berry. The cellar door also acts as an art gallery, showing works from local artists.

The most awarded winery in the region is historic Coolangatta Estate, which dates back to the early settlers and boasts 10 varieties of grapes onsite, making the wines truly unique to this location. After tasting their vast selection of whites and reds (and purchasing a bottle of the Tannat so thoroughly enjoyed the previous evening), it’s off to Berry for lunch at The Garden, a lovely indoor-outdoor cafe that caters to all kinds of dietary requests. Our vegan beetroot pasta with cashew parmesan supplies plenty of fuel for the long, lazy afternoon ahead, shopping and sourcing accessories on the vibrant high street and quaint side lanes of this gorgeous country township.

Visit bangalayvillas.com.au; @strodehouse; readysettrot.com; mountainridgewines.com.au; coolangattaestate.com.au; facebook.com/TheGardenBerry

Shoalhaven design addresses Cabana Jo’s

This Old House Studio

87 Queen Street, Berry; @cabanajos Take a late stroll into summer.

Think beach towels, umbrellas, shell-encrusted mirrors, cotton throw rugs, printed lampshades, tropical-scented candles and floaty linen clothing.

81 Queen Street, Berry; thisoldhousestudio.com.au A quaint store stocking architectural hardware from leading Australian designers: Tradco Hardware, Designer Doorware, Hepburn Hardware and The Society Inc, plus more.

It’s also the local distributor of Pressed Tin Panels and hosts regular craft workshops.

Moss Nest 69 Queen Street, Berry; @mossneststore If you could live in a shop, you’d pick this one. The owner has an eye for style, selling imported furniture, iron fire pits and one-off artisan wares from India, as well as locally produced items.

Amara Home 83 Queen Street, Berry; @amara_home A curation of one-off furniture, homewares and decorative pieces from across the globe, as well as fashion and fragrance brands such as Tom Ford, Celine, Jac + Jack and Trudon.

Few & Far 133 Queen Street, Berry; www.fewandfar.com.au With designer pieces from far and wide, this store encourages a ‘slow shopping’ experience that entices all the senses with aroma, colour, texture and sound.

Mrs Red’s Shed & Co Emporium 49 Queen Street, Berry; mrsredsshed.com A treasure-trove of antiques, pre-loved toys, furniture and bric-a-brac, this vast shed also has local wares and edible goodies. Ideal for lovers of retro and those with a hankering for restoring things.

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery 12 Berry Street, Nowra; shoalhavenregionalgallery.com.au This creative hub has a vibrant exhibition program showcasing leading Australian artists, some community-based exhibitions and works from the Shoalhaven City Art Collection. The gallery store also supports local artists.

The Collective Beat Gerringong 105 Fern Street, Gerringong; thecollectivebeat.com Fashion, furniture and eco-finds from local artisans make this multi-business studio an eclectic place to shop and browse.

Kinghorne Traders 90 Kinghorne Street, Nowra; kinghornetraders.com A retail centre displaying local businesses and makers. The collective comes to life with ceramics, scented candles, teas, jewellery, furniture and more.

Fern Street Art Gallery 2/131 Fern Street, Gerringong; fernstreetgallery.com.au Owned and run by professional artists, this gallery rotates exhibitions of working photographers and artists from across the Shoalhaven region.

stay up to date To track the recovery journey of fire-affected towns, visit rebuildourtowns.com.au 150 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: DEANNA GERLACH

CLOCKWISE White Shoalhaven sand beckons. Cocktail hour at Bangalay Dining. Shopping at Moss Nest in Berry. Grabbing a bite at The Garden Berry. Monique Miller of Regal Riding School and her horse, Tex, guide tourists on a beach ride.

INSIDE OUT | PROMOTION

extras BRIGHT IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME

ZIP WATER The Zip HydroTap Celsius All

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in One delivers boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered drinking water, as well as hot and cold

is made in a rich gold velvet featuring the most beautiful lustre. This soft, luminous

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unfiltered water — taking care of all your

look is also available in Plum. For more

fabric for the ultimate in stylish comfort. For

drinking-water needs. Visit zipwater.com

information, go to domayne.com.au

full details of the range, see plush.com.au

MILANO REPUBLIC With furniture, lighting, homewares and accessories sourced internationally and exclusively, Sunny Stanton & Co has beautiful items for your home.

Visit milanorepublicfurniture.com.au

HARVEY NORMAN OUTDOOR Inject creative character into your outdoor space with the modern, timber-topped Charlotte dining setting. Fun outdoor dining starts here. See more at harveynorman.com.au

PHOENIX TAPWARE Bring functionality and style to your kitchen with the Prize Flexible Coil Sink Mixer. The matt black finish suits simple, monochromatic environments.

Visit phoenixtapware.com.au

FAUCET STROMMEN Make your kitchen a place of action, conversation and energy with this impressive kitchen mixer from Faucet Strommen, featuring a sleek pull-down hose.

See more at faucetstrommen.com.au

ZEBRANO Wear something that makes your heart sing. From gorgeously gothic to feminine and flirty, Zebrano’s range features beautiful, touchable fabrics and sizes from 14 to 24. Visit zebrano.com.au

WYNSTAN Protect your home with Wynstan Crimsafe® Ultimate Doors. Proudly Australian-made, there is no better choice for your property. Book your free in-home consultation today at wynstan.com.au

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INSIDE | HOME & FASHION

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INSIDE OUT | MARCH 2020

art buzz

Australia’s creative talent unites for a visual festival

Yes, there’s something special about March – and we’re talking about more than the leafy onset of autumn. Art Month Sydney has returned, and this year there’s even more to celebrate across the city as artists and gallerists converge on a plethora of events. The popular Art At Night precinct parties are back, as is the Art Talks panel discussion series and lots of dedicated exhibitions. Offering a tantalising taste of what’s in store are (from top) Amore Motel by Anna Carey, IOU by Elvis Richardson, Untitled

by Saskia Leek, and Backbone by Nabilah Nordin. Until March 29.

artmonthsydney.com.au

154 | INSIDE OUT

ANNA CAREY, AMORE MOTEL 2020, GICLEE PRINT, 93CM X 138CM, EDITION OF 7 + 2AP, $4850 FRAMED/IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND ARTEREAL GALLERY. ELVIS RICHARDSON, I.O.U. 2019, GALVANISED MILD STEEL, 60CM X 36CM, $4500/PHOTO BY NICK DE LORENZO/IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND GALERIE POMPOM. SASKIA LEEK, UNTITLED 2016, OIL AND GESSO ON ALUMINIUM BOARD, 58CM X 47CM, $5500/COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND DARREN KNIGHT GALLERY. NABILAH NORDIN, BACKBONE 2020, WOOD, CHICKEN WIRE, CEMENT, HOUSE PAINT, 41CM X 64CM X 30CM, $3400/IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND COMA GALLERY

LAST WORD

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PHOTOGRAPHY: NIC GOSSAGE. STYLING: NATE VELLA

Louis Thiers combines traditional French elegance with the timeless Laguiole shape.

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