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S P EC I A L

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EL EG A N T R E T R E AT S FROM TO OR A K TO MO S M A N

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RE ASONS TO BE INSPIRED

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O V E R T H E L A S T 90 Y E A R S , Stanley Rogers has mastered the art of distinctive, yet practical kitchenware, making a name as the iconic Australian cutlery specialist.

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CONTENTS

NOVEMBER

2021

25

AWA R D S Meet this year’s finalists

INFLUENCES INTERIOR DESIGNER SARAH DAVISON OPENS UP ABOUT FAVOURITE PLACES TO DINE AND SHOP, WHY SHE LOVES VINTAGE WARES AND HER GO-TO ARTISANS.

of the Belle Fanuli Interior Design Awards.

33

R I G H T N O W Photographer George Byrne

casts a pastel eye over the wider world.

34

INFLUENCE S Sarah Davison’s curation

P H OTO G R A P H Y A L A N A L A N DS B E R RY ( S A R A H DAV I SO N ), P RU E RU SCOE ( S Y D N E Y H A RB O U R )

of spaces to visit and names to follow.

42

K I N G O F T H E H I L L Three style mavens

– Greg Natale, and Belle’s Steve Cordony and Lucy Montgomery – collaborate with King.

48 50

A RT Fairs and shows to open your eyes.

A RC H I T EC T U R E Melbourne’s Edition Office blends experimental with the ethical.

52

A RC H I T EC T U R E N E WS Extraordinary buildings from Europe and Asia.

54

LUX E F I L E S Up close and personal with

56 58 60

LIBRARY The pick of design page-turners.

Lisa Havilah, CEO of Sydney’s Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

B E L L E P R E S E N T S Linda Cox of AQUEL. CREATIVE HOME Architect Eva-Marie

34

Prineas’s Sydney pad is full of character.

66 79 80

ST Y L E E T I Q U E T T E Spring into action.

M AN It’s time to get down to earth.

WOMAN Rays of light in fashion and decor.

84

83 84 96

LUX E C OA S TA L S YD N E Y Luxury living to the next level on Sydney Harbour.

G OLD COA ST Coastal living in south-east Queensland

is all about a rock-solid approach and foundations to match.

104

SYDNE Y A waterside getaway for a London-based couple

entails embracing the spectacular views and climate.

112

V I C TO R I A On the Mornington Peninsula, sweeps of stone and curves inspired by the landscape result in an epic home.

122 129

N E W S O U T H WA L E S Designer pieces fill this holiday home.

V I C TO R I A Cutting-edge architecture and a demanding site result in something that’s black, white and brilliant.

136

S Y D N E Y A Bondi penthouse is at the centre of everything.

145 146 154

HOMES S YD N E Y Less is more in a stunning Sydney apartment.

S YD N E Y Some projects are so grand that it takes two

interior design studios to do the transformation justice.

168

MELB OURNE Ninety years of renovation tinkering is cast aside for a cohesive, connected and clever overhaul.

176 186

M E L B O U R N E Artwork is the star in a revitalised mansion.

GA R D E N Landscaper Richard Unsworth refers to his past

when creating a sprawling garden in Sydney’s inner suburbs.

17

CONTENTS

168

G L OW I N G REPORT E D I TO R I A L

Editor-in-chief Acting creative director Deputy editor Senior copy editor Chief copy editor, Homes Junior copy editor, Homes Art director, Homes Junior designer, Homes Art production Contributing editors

A LEIL A JEFFREYS ARTWORK IS ONE OF THE PIECES HIGHLIGHTING THE GALLERY-LIKE INTERIOR OF THIS HOME IN MELBOURNE.

Tanya Buchanan Lauren Camilleri Harry Roberts Janice Hogg Sarah Pickette Matilda Ringrose Nina Dorn Saffron Sylvester Matus Kundrat Steve Cordony (Style director-at-large), Karen McCartney (Architecture), Lucy Montgomery, Judy Pascoe (Library), Melissa Penfold, Carli Philips (Melbourne), Rachael Thompson (Digital writer), Jean Wright (Design)

E D I T O R I A L O F F I C E GPO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 Tel (02) 9282 8456, email: belle@aremedia.com.au

CON T R I B UTO R S Annika Baker, Sharyn Cairns, Terence Chin, Darren Christison, Stephen Crafti, Sean Fennessy, Felix Forest, Timothy Kaye, Dave Kulesza, Alana Landsberry, Andy Macpherson, Hitomi Matsuno, Aubrey Mayer, Chris Pearson, Romello Pereira, Tamarah Pienaar, Sue Ramsey, Anson Smart, Kristina Soljo, Derek Swalwell, Alicia Taylor, Pablo Veiga, Chris Warnes, Nicholas Watt, Jen Wilding

A D VE RT I S I N G

48

Commercial manager, Homes Brand executive Advertising production manager Director of sales, NSW Director of sales, Vic, SA, WA Victoria head of direct sales Queensland head of sales Creative director Production planner Advertising production

Rhyl Heavener Amelia Paterson, (02) 9282 8038 Kate Orsborn, (02) 9282 8364 Karen Holmes, (02) 9282 8733 Jaclyn Clements, (03) 9823 6341 Demi Martello, (03) 9823 6368 Judy Taylor, (07) 3101 6636 Clare Catt, (02) 8116 9341 Sally Jefferys, (02) 8116 9385 Dominic Roy, (02) 9282 8691

M A R K E T I N G , R E S E A R C H & C I R C U L AT I O N

Marketing director Senior research and insights analyst Subscriptions campaign manager

80 60+cool coastal spaces pages of

S P EC I A L

I SS U E

R EGULARS 18

EL EG A N T R E T R E AT S FROM TO OR A K TO MO S M A N

W I T H

21 23 194

A

Masthead and Privacy Notice Editor’s Letter Inbox The Office ...

Joanne Gambale

RE ASONS TO BE INSPIRED

with designer Sarah Davison

&

LISA HAVILAH POW ERHOUSE OF TH E A RTS

OUR COVER Salty flair in Bondi, p136.

Photography Terence Chin.

18

Louise Cankett Ania Falenciak Jesvin Vincent, (02) 9263 9865

A R E M E DI A

Chief executive officer Executive general manager Group publisher, Homes National director of sales General manager media solutions Business manager Circulation and insights manager Data and distribution manager

Jane Huxley Sarah-Belle Murphy Shane Sutton Andrew Cook Jane Waterhouse Georgina Bromfield Nicole Pearson Joshua Blanshard

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S Y N D I C AT I O N E N Q U I R I E S syndication@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ACN 053 273 546) part of Are Media Group, 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, tel (02) 9282 8000, fax (02) 9267 8037. The trademark Belle is the property of Are Media Limited and is used under licence. © 2021. All rights reserved. Prepress

by SBM Premedia, Silverwater. Printed by Ovato, 8 Priddle St, Warwick Farm NSW 2170. Distributed by Are Direct, 31-35 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW 2170, tel (02) 9972 8800. ISSN 0310-1452. Are Media does not accept responsibility for damage to, or loss of, material submitted for publication. Material contained in Belle is protected under the Commonwealth Copyright Act, 1968. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders.

PRIVACY NOTICE This issue of Belle is published by Are Media Pty Ltd. Are Media may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Are publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is located at www.aremedia.com.au/privacy/. It also sets out how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge a complaint. Are Media may disclose your personal information offshore to its owners, joint venture partners, service providers and agents located throughout the world, including in New Zealand, the USA, the Philippines and the European Union. In addition, this issue may contain Reader Offers, being offers, competitions or surveys. Reader Offers may require you to provide personal information to enter or to take part. Personal information collected for Reader Offers may be disclosed by us to service providers assisting Are Media in the conduct of the Reader Offer and to other organisations providing special prizes or offers that are part of the Reader Offer. An opt-out choice is provided with a Reader Offer. Unless you exercise that opt-out choice, personal information collected for Reader Offers may also be disclosed by us to other organisations for use by them to inform you about other products, services or events or to give to other organisations that may use this information for this purpose. If you require further information, please contact Are Media’s Privacy Officer either by email at privacyofficer@aremedia.com.au or mail at Privacy Officer Are Media Pty Ltd, 54 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

CONNERY SEATING SYSTEM | RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN TORII ARMCHAIR | NENDO DESIGN BOTECO COFFEE TABLE | MARCIO KOGAN / STUDIO MK27 DESIGN DISCOVER MORE AT MINOTTI.COM/CONNERY

A U S T R A L I A

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FURNITURE & HOMEWARES . INTERIOR DESIGN . PROPERTY STYLING

SYDNEY . MELBOURNE . BRISBANE . GOLD COAST . PERTH . CANBERRA . AUCKLAND WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.COM.AU

EDITOR’S LET TER

‘Rayons Blancs’ necklace from the Sous les Étoiles collection featuring diamonds set in 18-carat white gold, POA. vancleefarpels.com

Tom Dixon large ‘Melt’ LED chandelier, POA. livingedge.com.au

Artwork by Torres Strait Island artist Dennis Nona, POA. artmob.com.au

P ORT R A I T K R I ST I N A SOL J O. P HOTO G R A P H Y W I R E I M AG E ( A L IC I A K E Y S )

W

Bollinger limited-edition ‘B13 Blanc de Noirs’ champagne, $250. danmurphys.com.au

e might have been locked down, but we are not locked out! There are always lots of fabulous front doors opening for our dedicated designsavvy readers and us. This issue, we take you on a private viewing of some of Australia’s most outstanding properties conceived by our creative colleagues at the forefront of interior decorating, architecture, and landscape design. Also, we love the opportunity to take a leisurely walk around one of our featured tastemaker’s personal sanctuaries, and this time we visit Eva-Marie Prineas in her characterful house, p60.

As well as gleaning insights into private worlds, we enjoy rifling through any influential designer’s black book of sources, resources and their go-to people. Here, we get an exclusive rundown from the always-chic Sarah Davison. We think you will love her work and beautiful aesthetic, p34.

We speak to Lisa Havilah, champion of the arts and driving force behind the new Powerhouse rejuvenation across two sites in Sydney, on p54. Lisa is doing great work and is a fabulous ambassador for the arts, especially in these challenging times. Sometimes when we interview incredible artistic savants, their musings are so lofty and esoteric they send me scrambling for a reference to – in the inimitable words of Pauline Hanson – please explain … Part of Lisa’s remit is to broaden the appeal of the offering across fashion, design, science and tech. I cheered reading that she is a fan of pop culture, including When Harry Met Sally, Survivor and fabulously dark comedy The White Lotus!

Our Luxe Coastal special, p83, drinks in views at a diverse collection of coastal homes, from sweeping Sydney Harbour scenes to epic Mornington Peninsula vistas. Coastal design does not have to be clichéd. Projects from pre-eminent designers Mim Fanning, who has just released a tome on her 21 years in the business, award-winning designer Richard Archer and design doyenne Meryl Hare are proof of that! We also visit a rambling metro garden with landscape designer Richard Unsworth, p186, one of many chic city properties he features in his new book, The City Gardener.

In The Office, we meet the fabulous Joanne Gambale of Slogue, bringing her dynamic style to dressing by channelling vintage pieces into bespoke modern looks. The message applies to design too: perhaps the future could be slower – invest wisely and have pieces to cherish and rework forever.

‘Duet’ 225ml Champagne flutes, $29.95/ set of two. krosno.com.au

‘Yuzu’ soap bar, $19, and hand cream, $29. libertineparfumerie.com.au

Tanya Buchanan, Editor-in-chief Follow us

#BELLEMAGAZINE

FACEBO OK BELLEMAGA ZINE AU

INSTAGR AM @BELLEMAGA ZINE AU

EMAIL BELLE@AREMEDIA.COM.AU

Belle is also available to buy as a digital magazine for iPhone and iPad, through Magshop, which is a free app to download from the App Store and from Google Play.

21

INBOX 1 A NEW MIX Father of Danish Modern Kaare Klint conceived the ‘Mix’ chair and ‘Propeller’ stool back in 1930.

He worked with his student, Edvard Kindt-Larsen, on the chair and it has been a popular classic ever since. The stool was tricky to produce so didn’t go into production until the 1960s. Now, for the first time in an exclusive collaboration with Kvadrat/Raf Simons, the iconic pieces are available in dynamic colourways and fabrics. cultdesign.com.au

5 TAKE IT OUTSIDE Coco Republic’s new summer collection, designed by creative director Anthony Spon-Smith, lends a paredback sophistication to a sojourn on the terrace.

Pictured here is the ‘Abbott’ concrete indoor/ outdoor dining table with ‘Malmo’ dining chairs in Black. cocorepublic.com.au

1

2

5

Edited by TANYA BUCHANAN

2 STYLE BLINDING Television personality, design aficionado and former Belle editor-in-chief Neale Whitaker is an interior-decorating maestro. As brand ambassador for Luxaflex, Neale hosts online interior decorating masterclasses sharing his interior design advice. For tips from Neale, head to luxaflex.com.au.

External affairs

These outside interests will provide chic relief from recent introspection.

P H OTO G R A P H Y L E V ON B A I R D ( DI NOS AU R D E S IG N S )

4 IN THE SWIM Inspired by the sensual and soothing tones of the ocean this new collection from creative directors Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy has us longing for languid days and long, sunny dips in the sea. dinosaurdesigns.com

4

3

3 TRÈS GR APHIQUE Hermès launched its gorgeously graphic and artisanal pieces in a standout installation in Milan in September.

Designed by Charlotte Macaux Perelman, the exhibition features exquisite objects that highlight the beauty of craftsmanship and texture; tangible pieces that provide relief in a world that is becoming more virtual. ‘Chromatic’ basket by Hermès Studio (above), ‘Hippomobile’ plate (top) and ‘Tremplin’ embroidered rug (below) designed by artist Gianpaolo Pagni. hermes.com

23

AW A R D S Introducing the inspiring design talent shaping the interior landscapes of Australian entertainment venues and workplaces.

Photography ANSON SMART

I N T H E FI N A L S A favoured destination on Sydney’s northern beaches since the 1920s, Harbord Hotel got a chic refresh from Alexander & Co, a finalist in the 2021 Belle Fanuli Interior Design Awards. Small Horse artwork by Amber Kingi from Curatorial+Co. For all the Commercial and Hospitality finalists, see p26.

S P O N S O R E D BY

25

THOSE A RCH IT EC T S Aje HQ

Photography FELIX FOREST

C O M M E R C I A L AWA R D S The designers making studios, HQs and workplaces beautiful places to be.

Commercial

AWA R D S

Photography SEAN FENNESSY

U N I V ER S A L + FI O N A LY N CH 80 Collins

S M A RT D E S I G N S T U D I O Smart Design Studio

Photography ROMELLO

PEREIRA

27

AWA R D S

Commercial

T H O M A S H A M EL & A S S O CI AT E S Photography ALICIA TAYLOR

G O LD EN Buff Nail Studios

Photography SHARYN CAIRNS

28

Studio HQ

Photography ANSON SMART

A LE X A N D ER & CO Alexander House

S T U D I O K AT E Casa by Studio Kate

Photography KRISTINA SOLJO

AWA R D S

Hospitality

Photography ANSON SMART

FI O N A LY N CH CicciaBella Photography PABLO VEIGA

YS G S T U D I O Four Pillars Eileen’s Bar and Gin Laboratory

LU CH E T TI KR ELLE The Upper

Photography HITOMI MATSUNO

B ERG M A N & CO Poodle Bar & Bistro

Photography DEREK SWALWELL

H O S P I T A L I T Y AWA R D S The pick of the designers finessing entertainment venues, new and old.

Photography ANSON SMART

A LE X A N D ER & CO Harbord Hotel

31

Trace D E S I G N E D BY A DA M G O O D R U M

Tait’s Trace Armchairs in Willie Weston’s ‘Sugarbag Dreaming’ fabric by artist Rosie Ngwarraye Ross of Indigenous-owned art centre, Artists of Ampilatwatja.

M A D E B Y TA I T. C O M . A U

RIGHT N OW

Photography AUBREY MAYER

George Byrne reimagines sunny snapshots of the built environment as bright pastel dreamscapes.

H A L C YO N D AY S George Byrne’s new series ‘Innervisions’ offers windows into surreal worlds.

Splicing his architectural photographs of Miami, Los Angeles and Sydney, the artist constructs images radiant with sunlight and redolent of modernist optimism. Rather than reading as literal landscapes, the works’ minimalist forms and vivid gelato hues are their most expressive feature – sometimes intercut with a palm tree or traffic light – as though these abstract fragments were assembled in a happy dream.

October 27-November 13. olsengallery.com

33

Edited by SAR AH DAVISON Portrait AL ANA L ANDSBERRY

INTERIOR DESIGNER SARAH DAVISON SET UP HER PRACTICE, SARAH DAVISON INTERIORS, IN 1998 IN SYDNEY’S POTTS POINT WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF FUNCTIONALITY, QUALITY AND BEAUTY TO WHICH SHE HAS HELD FAST IN HER MISSION TO CREATE HARMONIOUS, LIFE-ENHANCING ENVIRONMENTS FOR HER CLIENTS. ALONG WITH CUSTOM AND CONTEMPORARY FORMS, SARAH HAS A PASSION FOR INCORPORATING VINTAGE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES AND OBJECTS INTO A SCHEME, BELIEVING IN THEIR POWER TO BRING “DEPTH AND SOUL” TO A ROOM. SARAH TAILORS EVERY INTERIOR SHE AND HER TEAM TAKE ON, AIMING TO EXPRESS THE UNIQUE BLEND THAT CHARACTERISES BOTH THE CLIENT AND THE ARCHITECTURE THEY INHABIT. SARAHDAVISON.COM.AU

I N F L UE N C E S

SARAH WEARS TOP, $310, AND CROPPED ELASTICATED PANTS, $350, FROM ALBUS LUMEN.

RIGHT NOW

One of my favourite places in the world for lunch!

Inside the Hôtel Costes on the renowned Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, its Italian-inspired courtyard restaurant, La Terrasse, was designed by the brilliant Jacques Garcia. With some of the best people-watching in Paris, it serves delectable lunches, including wild asparagus, ‘tigre qui pleure’ (crying tiger warm beef salad), chilled rosé and the most incredible wild strawberries I’ve ever tasted! The lush landscaping inspired us to plant the giant Madonna lilies now flourishing in the courtyard of our Sydney studio. hotelcostes.com

S PAC E S [ Lily pad ] LA TERRASSE, HÔTEL COSTES,PARIS

I NSPIR I NG

HOLDING COURT

I was lucky enough to stay at this beautiful ancient riad amid the old city of Marrakech a couple of years ago. El Fenn is owned by Vanessa Branson, Richard’s sister, and displays some of her contemporary art collections. Made up of seven traditional courtyard houses, the hotel is decorated in rich jewel tones and natural textures. An incredible rooftop garden with a bar, swimming pool and terrace restaurant, and a fabulous homeware store add to the fun! el-fenn.com

A VISIT TO THE YVES SAINT LAURENT MUSEUM (PICTURED), VILLA AND MAJORELLE GARDEN (RIGHT) IN MARRAKECH IS AN EDUCATION IN YSL’S AESTHETIC AND FASHION LEGACY. FOR ANYONE INTO DESIGN AND FASHION, IT’S AN INCREDIBLE DAY AND A MUSTSEE ON A TRIP TO MOROCCO. MUSEEYSLMARRAKECH.COM; JARDINMAJORELLE.COM

DESIGN

P HOTO G R A P H Y G R E ATOR E X /STO C K I MO/A L A M Y ( HÔT E L COST E S ) ; I G OR DE M B A ( E L F E N N HOT E L ); D A N G L A S S E R ( Y S L M U S EU M ); J OS H H A R R I S ON/A L A M Y ( J A R DI N M A J OR E L L E )

Influences

02

EX H I BITIONS

Influences

RIGHT NOW

I FIND IAN GREIG’S ‘BANGALOW PALMS’ SERIES WONDERFUL TO LIVE WITH. WE HAVE ONE OF THE WORKS HANGING ON THE WALL IN OUR DESIGN STUDIO. THE FLUID LINES AND BLACK AND GREY WATERCOLOUR ARE CHIC AND TIMELESS. ARTHOUSEGALLERY.COM.AU

C LLECT ABLES O

WRAPPING UP Comprising a Japanese mother and daughter duo, Shizu Designs uses traditional basketmaking techniques and calfskin strips to wrap and tie small rocks in an ornamental kunoji knot. I couldn’t resist buying a couple for our studio! loewe.com

A RT & [ Poppy passion ]

P H OTO G R A P H Y L I S A CO OP E R ( DR . L I S A CO OP E R ) , P RU E RU SCO E ( S A R A H DAV I SON ST U DI O )

DOCTOR COOPER STUDIO

Dr. Lisa Cooper’s floral arrangements are incredibly elegant and always enhance the beauty of flowers. I prefer the purity of just one or two types of flowers in an arrangement – and Dr. Cooper’s work definitely aces this! doctorcooper.com.au

D E C O R AT I O N THESE PEDESTAL TABLES, DESIGNED BY EERO SAARINEN IN THE 1950S, HAVE BEEN CALLED THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN THE WORLD WITH GOOD REASON. THEY ARE SCULPTURAL, ELEGANT AND SUPREMELY FUNCTIONAL — I’VE HAD ONE IN MY STUDIO FOR MORE THAN A DECADE AND NEVER TIRE OF IT. DEDECE.COM

37

RIGHT NOW

Influences This page, clockwise from top left Albus Lumen garments on hanger: high-neck vest, $450, ‘Mare’ blazer, $650, crochet top, $515. On floor, Albus Lumen x Neous ‘Phinia’ crochet flats, $690. Sarah wears Albus Lumen top, $310, and pants, $350. On shelves, Albus Lumen ‘Casa’ candle holders, $300/set of four, and ‘Casa’ espresso cups, $450/set of four. Albus Lumen x Jumbo Blanc baroque pearl pendant chain necklace, $250, ‘Multis’ freshwater pearl mismatch stud earrings, $190, ‘Keshi’ pearl stud mismatch earrings, $310, and Albus Lumen x Ryan Storer inverted cuff, POA. ‘Corallium’ trinket dishes, $310 each, from Albus Lumen.

[ Bolder style ] ALBUS LUMEN

B O U T IQ U E I love Albus Lumen’s timeless, nature-inspired aesthetic. The Australian brand was created by stylist Marina Afonina in 2015. Her gem of a boutique in Bondi showcases some of her collection of elevated resortwear, handmade jewellery and lifestyle pieces. It’s an earthy, simple space with beautiful, textured walls and tonal, large-scale furnishings. The natural rock boulder which sits in the middle of the floor is a fabulous centrepiece.

Marina collaborates with local and renowned artisans and designers, including the contemporary furniture designer Jordan Gogos, jeweller Ryan Storer and ceramicist Nani Graddon. It’s a strong, elegant space and a refreshingly intimate way for customers to experience a retail environment. albuslumen.com

38

Photography AL ANA L ANDSBERRY

RIGHT NOW

Influences

CREA IVE T

6

Rick Owens is a huge inspiration for me. The Paris-based American is renowned for fashion but also monumental interiors and unique furniture. His unstructured feather-light leather jackets and long layered skirts and dresses are hero pieces in my wardrobe. Exuding a primitive brutality, his designs incorporate natural elements and luxe materials, such as the chaise longue in ebonised plywood and petrified wood (below). rickowens.eu

[ Flat earth ] RICK OWENS

T Y P E S + A R T I SA N S [ Dream weaver ] MODANEST

07

L U X E S U S T A I N A B I LT Y

VINTAGE FURNITURE IS THE ULTIMATE RECYCLING AND GIVES ROOMS DEPTH AND SOUL. I LOVE MIXING VINTAGE, CUSTOM AND NEW PIECES OF FURNITURE IN ALL OUR INTERIORS. WE OFTEN GO ON SOURCING TRIPS WITH CLIENTS TO LOS ANGELES, PALM SPRINGS, PARIS AND NEW YORK — THE BREADTH OF STYLES, VOLUME OF STOCK AND QUALITY WE FIND IS SO INSPIRING! THESE SCULPTURAL 70S TRAVERTINE LAMPS ARE PERFECT FOR A CLIENT’S GUESTROOM BEDSIDE TABLES. 1STDIBS.COM

40

P H OTO G R A P H Y S I M O N W H I T B R E A D ( M O D A N E ST STO OL A N D P O RT R A I T ) ; CO U RT E SY OF C A R P E N T E R S W OR K S HOP G A L L E RY ( R IC K OW E N S D AY B E D )

Modanest has more than a decade of experience restoring furniture in the Danish modern style, working with some of Australia’s leading importers of mid-century furniture. Based on Sydney’s northern beaches, Modanest’s services include furniture restoration, Danish papercord weaving, customised furniture making, seat hand-weaving and repairs. Adam Stewart’s workmanship is impeccable. We’ve used him for restoring delicate vintage pieces and frequently specify his lovely Danish papercord benches and bedheads. modanest.com.au

FA M O U S AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT

FA MOU S POL I S H GLASS

kr o sn o.c om .au Featuring new Harmony tumblers, available in a variet y of sizes. N ow in leading homewares & depar tment stores.

These pages, from left ‘Parallel Lines’ vases from Greg Natale on ‘Monument‘ tall side table in Tundra Grey from King. On the floor sits an ‘Oscar‘ medium travertine bowl from Greg Natale. ‘Macleay‘ and ‘Ziggy‘ cushions from Greg Natale on the ‘Fleur‘ sofa in Positano Sago from King. ‘Rose‘ large travertine bowl and ‘Beehive‘ small box in Rosso marble from Greg Natale beautifully complement the ‘Venus 500‘ and ‘Venus 900‘ marble coffee tables from King. A Broken Silence artwork

by Jo Davenport from Flinders Lane Gallery. Flowers from Colourblind florist.

Kings of

CHIC

Leading tastemakers Greg Natale, Lucy Montgomery and Steve Cordony create stylish signature looks with bespoke pieces from King as the heroes.

Photography PRUE RUSCOE & MONIQUE LOVICK

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Belle partnership

[ Greg Natale ] INTERIOR DESIGNER AND RETAILER

Pattern and tailoring are integral to creating a signature look for all my clients. These bespoke King pieces are so versatile and work beautifully in this vibrant interior.

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Belle partnership [ Lucy Montgomery ] STYLIST, DESIGNER AND BELLE CONTRIBUTOR

My rule when designing an interior scheme is to invest in pieces you love. The ‘Zaza’ sofa,‘Oliver’ tub chairs and ‘Isshu’ coffee table are perfect to layer with cushions, sculptural lamps, books and artworks that reflect the tastes of the occupants.

These pages, clockwise from left ‘Oliver’ tub chairs in Hamilton White Haven from King with cushions from Lucy Montgomery. ‘Zaza‘ three-seater sofa in Lindsay Pearl from King. Plinth, ’Del Rio’ lamp with raffia shade and small square ottoman in Blue Stripe, all from Lucy Montgomery. ’Issho’ coffee table in American walnut from King. Murano vases in Pink from Conley & Co. Aerin ‘Clover’ vase from Palmer & Penn. Rug from Cadrys.

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Belle partnership

[ Steve Cordony ] BELLE STYLE DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

When you have a classic space it’s nice to juxtapose the heritage architecture with contemporary furniture forms in a neutral colour palette with a varied fabric selection.

These contemporary King pieces offer fabulous decorating versatility.

These pages, from left The ‘Max’ sofa in Bronte Natural from King, layered with a ‘Classic’ white linen cushion with brushed fringe in Khaki from Lucy Montgomery and ‘Ball’ cushions from The Creative Muster. Kelly Wearstler ’Linden’ table lamp from The Montauk Lighting Co. Tucked in behind the ’Issho’ coffee table in Congo sits a ‘Fleur’ ottoman in Whiteley Greige, both from King. ‘Classic’ white linen cushion with brushed fringe in Khaki from Lucy Montgomery on the ‘Oliver’ tub chairs in Hamilton White Haven from King. ‘Fleur’ armchairs in Hamilton White Haven from King. On the mantel is a Diptyque ’Feu de Bois’ large outdoor candle from Mecca.

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O N L I N E

FA I R A N D B A L A N C E D The region’s largest art fair has taken its 2021 program online, supporting the practice of more than 450 artists across the globe – from Australia and New Zealand to Thailand, Ghana and beyond – by making their work accessible to seasoned collectors and budding art lovers alike. Accompanied by a virtual public program, ‘Explore Sydney Contemporary’ pools showings from almost 100 galleries. Olsen Gallery’s group show features Elliott Routledge, whose work Balancer is shown (right). November 11-21. sydneycontemporary.com.au

M E L B O U R N E

FEMALE TR ADITION ‘Bark Ladies’ is a major collection of works on bark and larrakitj by Yolngu artists from the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre in Northeast Arnhem Land. It celebrates the bold new artform forged in recent decades by women, who began painting sacred themes on these media after 1970, and reflects a world view that links land and sea in one life cycle. The series includes Gurtha (Ancestral fire) (above) by Barrupu Yunupiƾu.

November 19-May 1, 2022. ngv.vic.gov.au

Art bubble What’s cooking in the creative melting pot?

Edited by HARRY ROBERTS

O N L I N E

T H E B O DY E L E C T R I C Our pre- and post-pandemic realities intertwine in a program that melds the visceral thrill of live performance with the expanded possibilities of the virtual realm. The Liveworks Festival of Experimental Art is broadcasting boundary-pushing work from Carriageworks, including On View: Panoramic Suite (detail, left) by choreographer, filmmaker and artist Sue Healey. Filmed by aerial drone, the augmented cinematic experience sees dancers from three countries weave between a seven-screen video installation. October 20-24. performancespace.com.au

M E L B O U R N E

S E N T I M E N TA L G E S T U R E S James Drinkwater’s gestural abstractions draw on his emotional responses to places and histories as they reverberate through memory. These conversations with the past are expressed in the richly textured physicality of his paintings (right), with their waxy, wandering lines and energetic impasto, and carry an intimacy echoed in the title of his new series: ‘I love you so much I can’t stop saying goodbye.’ October 19-November 6. nicholasthompsongallery.com.au

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SY D N E Y

SCAREMONGERS Warding off bad spirits is top of mind for many of us. For ‘The Guardians’ series, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran looked to ritualistic icons across cultures and histories to cast totemic protector figures for our time. Elaborately constructed in his neo-expressionist, polychromatic style, these volcanic eruptions of ceramic and bronze suggest renewal and collapse that speaks to a moment of upheaval.

Emojis, zoology and queer imagery is irreverently mixed with idolatry and mysticism in sculptures such as Double Headed horned figure (left). Until November 13. sullivanstrumpf.com M E L B O U R N E

COURT JESTER M E L B O U R N E

R ADICAL BEING Swirling with representations of love and desire, community and protest, ‘Queer’ is a deep-dive into the NGV collection that sees the titular concept as a radical position running counter to dominant norms.

The more than 300 works from antiquity to the present day include South African artist Zanele Muholi’s documents of LGBTIQI+ self-expression and ‘selfies’ (left) that reclaim racial identity. December 10-June 2022. ngv.vic.gov.au

Mining social interactions for their absurdities and poeticism, artist, writer and barrister Nick Modrzewski pulls apart the values and assumptions in law, language and shared fictions that surreptitiously shape human behaviour. Legislative Assembly (Nose Congregation) (right) imagines a clandestine meeting of bureaucrats and lawmakers in a quasi-medieval space where their rational resolve descends into carnivalesque contortions of body parts and voluptuous paint. Until November. discordia.gallery

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IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

C A N B E R R A

N AT I O N A L A S S E M B LY The world’s oldest continual culture is alive in the contemporary practice of the 35 First Nations artists and collectives at the fourth National Indigenous Art Triennial. For curator Hetti Perkins, this dynamic is distilled by the theme of ‘Ceremony’, encompassing not only tradition and history, but also the private rituals and public activism through which ties to community, culture and country are kept. Meeting in the nation’s contested political heartland, artists include choreographer and dancer Joel Bray (right), who enacts his connection to country as a queer Wiradjuri man. nga.gov.au

O N L I N E

SECRET GARDEN Jesse Vega’s Reformat your nature (still, left) invites viewers on a virtual wellness voyage through garden oases as they spring to life in pinks, blues and violets in the orbital presence of a Vietnamese dragon. This departure from urban reality into a meditative micro-world combines Buddhist ideas about mindfulness and nature with the immersive capacity of digital ecosystems where a sense of belonging and cultural agency can regenerate.

The 3D video piece was commissioned as part of 4A Digital, which considers screens as mediator between embodied experience and infinite explorations in cyberspace. 4a.com.au

‘Matisse: Life & Spirit’ brings together more than 100 masterpieces by the beloved artist who found new and influential ways of seeing the world by vividly evoking the energy he felt within it. From early Fauvist forays to his late-career decoupages (below) – produced after illness prohibited his painting and sparked an inventive, reductionist mode – this series from the Pompidou Centre collection is an adventure in colour spanning six decades. November 20-March 13. artgallery.nsw.gov.au

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Architecture Edition Office directors Aaron Roberts (left) and Kim Bridgland on the site of their Hawthorn project.

DIALLING UP By drawing outside the lines, this young studio has built a stellar reputation for statement structures.

Portrait DAVE KULESZ A Edited by K AREN McCARTNE Y

Clockwise from top left Federal House is an exercise

P H OTO G R A P H Y B E N HOS K I NG ( F E DE R A L HO U S E , K Y N E TON HO U S E , H AW T HOR N HO U S E , N GV W OR K ); 3 D V I SUA L I S AT I ON BY STA B ST U DIO ( F E N W IC K HO U S E )

in sanctuary and shadow. The interior of Kyneton House. ‘For Our Country’ memorial in collaboration with artist Daniel Boyd. Award-winning Hawthorn House. Stab Studio’s 3D visualisation of Fenwick House in Kew. ‘In Absence’ with artist Yhonnie Scarce for NGV Architecture Commission.

D E S PI T E T H E P R AC T IC E having one director hailing from Tasmania and the other from the Blue Mountains, NSW, there is something distinctly Melburnian about Edition Office.

It might be the beards, the intensity, the intellect or the propensity for brooding black forms of immense beauty and connection to place that leads to this impression. For a practice relatively recently established their work is much awarded and already feels significant.

Formed in 2016, Edition Office is a collaboration between directors Aaron Roberts and Kim Bridgland, both formerly of architects Room 11. “The kinds of conversations that unfolded with Kim were more nuanced and complex, allowing for a rich ground of exploration,” says Aaron. “We had a strong affinity and decided that it would be best to pursue that in a new studio, in a new envelope, to condense and amplify those ideas.” In 2019 they won the prestigious Dezeen Emerging Architect of the Year Award against contenders from Mexico, Switzerland and the US. While a “humbling” accolade there is nothing of the emergent in the way Edition Office presents. The judges’ comments capture the balance they achieve between the rigorous and the experimental alongside the “persistent pursuit of clarity in all projects”.

What is immediately apparent is the alignment between the two in terms of seeking experiential outcomes and a sense that they dig deep to find them. “We use architecture as a facilitator for experience and interaction with place but using very rational design methodologies,” says Kim. While single and multi-residential projects form the lion’s share of the commissions, the most distilled evidence of their work can be seen in two site-specific public projects. ‘For Our Country’ (2018-19) is a collaboration with Kudjla/Gangalu artist Daniel Boyd for a new pavilion at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, to recognise and commemorate the military service and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders. The pavilion is set behind a ceremonial fire pit within an 11m-diameter circular stone field.

The sculptural form is punctuated with thousands of two-way mirrored glass lenses, a recurring motif in Daniel’s work, to create an intimate, contemplative space. “By reducing the material palette, to not have colour, it forces you to see the formal and spatial qualities in relationship to the place, the sky and the gardens in the landscape around you,” says Aaron. It won the 2020 Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Nicholas Murcutt Award for Small Project Architecture. The second is ‘In Absence’, an NGV Architecture Commission (2019), in collaboration with Kokatha/

Nukunu artist Yhonnie Scarce that addresses the false premise of terra nullius in the form of a three-metre tower accessible via a narrow aperture into an internal C-shaped void adorned with 1600 hand-blown black glass murnong (yams). Both strive to permit the cultural lens of the onlooker to lead the narrative rather than be overly prescriptive. “The national story that we share among ourselves as Australians is incredibly important,” says Kim. These projects have heightened an existing awareness of architecture in the context of an Indigenous future and raise questions of how to redress interactions with land, air and water.

Every practice has a pivotal project and for Edition Office it was their Hawthorn House (2018), an ambitious design that shifted the dial in terms of how future clients could understand and appreciate their intentions. The living space, whether inside or out, is one platform within the garden and the eyelid-shaped apertures serve to maintain the downward gaze to the outdoors.

The form gives a certain delicacy to a weighty structure and the reductive materials palette of concrete and glass adds timber to bring warmth to the interior. On the upper level the strategy was to pull bedroom and bathing spaces away from the concrete shell and insert dense gardens that now have generous vines and mature trees that provide a canopy through which dappled light filters.

Widely recognised as a project of significance it won the 2019 AIA National Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New).

“It’s important to be cognisant that when you design a building and it is erected in place, it becomes a major cultural artifact within that community and in dialogue with it,” says Aaron.

Recently completed is Federal House in northern NSW where the clients were particularly aligned to the philosophy of the architects. “When we visited we became interested in creating some sort of sanctuary, an ability to live among a gradient of shadow that would intensify the really amazing views over the valley,” says Aaron. The building is comprised of a series of pavilions under one large roof. The indoor spaces are quite modest in size, and in winter are intimate, but most of the year, when all of the sliding doors are pulled away, habitable space balloons to the east, north and west.

“There is that particular feeling of being nested within a space of quiet,” says Kim. “It has an acoustic quality, a spiritual quality, in that dense forest environment, that gives you a particular framework when you’re looking out into that landscape.” edition-office.com

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Architecture S PA I N B E LG I U M

TWIN FRAME TAKING DESIGN CUES FROM JOHN LAUTNER’S SCHAFFER RESIDENCE – THE MID-CENTURY HOUSE FEATURED IN TOM FORD’S MOVIE ADAPTATION OF CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD’S A SINGLE MAN – BECAME THE SHARED AESTHETIC TOUCHSTONE BETWEEN CLIENT AND ARCHITECT ON HOUSE BPB. BELGIAN ARCHITECT DAVID BULCKAEN FRAMES THE LANDSCAPE FOR THE OUTDOORSY CLIENTS AND USES THE BLACK CLADDING TO UNIFY BOTH THE ORIGINAL BUILDING AND THE NEW EXTENSION. @DAVIDBULCKAEN

VAU LT I N G A M B I T I O N Contrasting materials are combined to great effect in this single-storey house (above) by the beach in l’Escala, Girona in Spain’s northeast. House S2 by Bellafil Arquitectes is constructed with cast-in-place concrete walls using rough wooden boards for the formwork for a matt, textured effect while vitrified tiles, manufactured locally, provide a glossy green cap to the multiple semi-circular vaults that form the roof. bellafi larquitectes.com F R A N C E

POETIC CONVENTION

COOL TRAILBLAZER URBAN DENSITY IN VIETNAM’S HO CHI MINH CITY IS A CHALLENGE FOR ARCHITECTS TRYING TO ACHIEVE PRIVACY, COOLING MECHANISMS AND ACCESS TO NATURE FOR THEIR CLIENTS. NGUYEN HOANG MANH, FOUNDER OF MIA DESIGN STUDIO, SAYS OF VILLA TAN DINH (BELOW), ”WE OPENED UP BOTH SIDES OF THE HOUSE TO ENCOURAGE AS MUCH NATURAL VENTILATION AS POSSIBLE.” A RAISED POND FOR COOLING BREEZES AND VINES FOR SHADE SERVE TO CREATE A MUCH-NEEDED OASIS IN THE CITY. MIADESIGNSTUDIO.COM

V I E T N A M

FUTU R E FACIN G Crafting this extraordinary facade for Cartier located in Shinsaibashi (right), Osaka, architects Klein Dytham have taken an alternative approach in an area of high-end shopping with a propensity for hard-edged gloss. Reflecting the jeweller’s involvement in sustainable practices, the building is clad in the warm tones of Japanese cypress and recycled aluminium, marrying traditional craft with renewable resources. klein-dytham.com

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JA PA N

P HOTO G R A P H Y A D R I À G O U L A ( B E L L A F I L A RQ U I T ECT E S ), KOE N VA N DA M M E ( DAV I D B U LC K A E N ), T H I B AU T D I N I ( A M E L I A TAV E L L A ), H I ROY U K I OK I ( NG U Y E N HOA NG M A N H ) , CO U RT E SY C A RT I E R ( K L E I N DY T H A M )

An abandoned French ruin dating from the 1480s, the Convent Saint-François in Santa-Lucia di Tallano, Corsica, was once a defensive castle, then a retreat chosen for the beauty of its mountainous site. Nature, which had intruded over the decades, is respected in the reinvention as is the built history. Of the meeting of the copper addition with the original structure, architect Amelia Tavella says poetically, “One becomes the other and no one is erased.” ameliatavella.com

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Luxe Files POWERHOUSE CHIEF EXECUTIVE LISA HAVILAH WAS PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE TURBINE HALL AT THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM IN ULTIMO.

Click and collect Steering the vast collection of the Powerhouse Museum – and its renewal across two Sydney sites – Lisa Havilah believes in art that blurs boundaries, sparks ideas and tells stories.

Portrait AL ANA L ANDSBERRY

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My husband, Glenn Barkley [12], is a ceramicist, so his practice is part of my everyday life.

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WHO YOU ADMIRE? I’ve been lucky to collaborate with Australian and international artists – from Nick Cave [2] to Ryoji Ikeda – so I’ve been able to see their processes in creating large-scale, ambitious work.

So many Australian artists are incredible at this: Agatha Gothe-Snape; Peter Cooley [11], a ceramic artist in our ‘Clay Dynasty’ show; Justene Williams.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? Butterfly-wing jewellery from the 1920s [13].

FASHION MUST-HAVES? Bassike [4]. Alexander Wang shoes [10].

FRAGRANCE OF CHOICE? Hermès ‘Un Jardin après la Mousson’ [6].

WHAT ARE YOU READING? Reports, spreadsheets – I take reading home from work.

MUSIC – WHAT IS ON ROTATION? We have a scholarship program with Astral People mentoring young musicians, giving them space and professional opportunities.

In the Powerhouse renewal, we’re thinking of creative industries in an un-siloed way. Not it’s music over here, or design, or fashion. It’s so collaborative and de-siloed now and that’s a real opportunity for how we support young talent.

BEST DOWNTIME PURSUIT? Good television – The White Lotus, Ted Lasso, Survivor, Spike Lee’s NYC Epicenters. I’m obsessed with the podcast Time Sensitive.

FAVOURITE FLOWERS? I grew up in Berry so I work on the gardens there and usually we plant huge beds of dahlias. I’m sad because I can’t get there to do it now and I hope we don’t miss out on this season.

RESTAURANTS OF CHOICE? Lucky Kwong [3], Ester [5], Hubert, Marta. Providoor.

PREFERRED TIPPLE? P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants in Enmore.

FAVOURITE FILMS? Romantic comedies, such as When Harry Met Sally [7].

TRAVEL – FAVOURITE HAUNT AND WHERE IS ON YOUR MUST-SEE LIST? Marau Sound in the Solomon Islands. I dream of going back to the Venice Biennale [8].

OBJECTS YOU WOULD BUY NOW? Working at a museum, I think about a collection in terms of the institution. We’ve been focused on social material around Covid, so we’ve worked with Westmead Research Institute documenting how it’s dealing with vaccine development and rollout. There’s this longitudinal thing about collecting – 100 years ago, we collected material from the last pandemic.

TELL US ABOUT THE PROGRAM? We have six exhibitions. ‘Clay Dynasty’ is 50 years of Australian studio ceramics – an extraordinary collection and new commissions.

‘Eucalyptusdom’ [1] is about the museum’s long relationship with the eucalypt.

In the 1920s and 30s, we worked on economic botany and the start of the eucalyptus oil industry [9]. It looks at the eucalypt in Australia’s cultural memory through design, furniture and fashion. We’re trying to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration – whether it’s an artist, scientist or researcher infusing new ideas into the historic collection. Anna May Kirk worked with a perfumer on a scent.

TELL US ABOUT ULTIMO'S RENEWAL? It’s about reconnecting the museum with the contemporary life around it so it’s a more porous, engaged precinct. We’ll have subsidised workspaces for creative industries and dedicated galleries as Australia’s leading design and fashion museum – spaces where we can collaborate with international museums so we can put Australian designers alongside their peers.

HOW WILL THE COLLECTION EVOLVE? We work right across the applied arts and sciences, so we have different collecting areas. We will continue collecting and documenting Australian fashion and design. But we will be much more proactive in commissioning and supporting artists’ and designers’ practice in a collaborative, embedded way, which we hope will make a bigger contribution.

[ 1 ] ROYA L W ORC E ST E R P ORC E L A I N P L AT E BY M A R I A N E L L I S ROWA N , 1 91 0 - 1 4 , P OW E R H O U S E COL L ECT I O N . [ 9 ] H A N D - CO LO U R E D P H OTO G R A P H I C T R A N S PA R E N C Y, P OW E R H O U S E COL L ECT I ON . [ 1 1 ] W E N T W O RT H FA L L S 4

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THE ARTIST WHO HAS BEEN AN ENDURING INFLUENCE?

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WHAT WILL BE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POWERHOUSE ULTIMO AND PARRAMATTA?

Powerhouse Parramatta is going to be our new flagship focusing on science and technology while Ultimo will cover fashion and design. What’s exciting about Parramatta is the residential studios. We can bring artists, scientists and researchers to come and live on site to collaborate with us, make exhibitions and do research. It’s embedding industry into the everyday life of the museum.

WHAT OTHER PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? We anticipate completion of Parramatta in 2024 and are about to launch the architectural competition for Ultimo. We’ve been working on the digitisation of our collection – photographing 385,000 objects for online which will transform community access to the collection. It’s updated every week, and they’re objects that have never been seen before. The Powerhouse collection is encyclopaedic.

It is this natural repository of design and innovation – and life, really.

‘Clay Dynasty’, until July 2022; ‘Eucalyptusdom’, until May 2022. maas.museum

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Library N E W YO R K I N T E R I O R S

Acclaimed interiors photographer Simon Upton has selected the best of the most beautiful New York residences he has snapped for his first book. From uptown to downtown, along with exclusive weekend getaways in such perfect playgrounds as the Hamptons, the doors of the abodes of elegant denizens including Cynthia Frank and Hamish Bowles have been flung wide open, offering a treat for all.

Simon Upton, Karen Howes, Vendome, $120

THE CIT Y GARDENER Most urban dwellers are cognisant that green space and connection to the outdoors benefit wellbeing, and keenly seek opportunities to create a verdant oasis. The 20 gardens featured here, whether manicured or wild, planted with hardy species or delicate specimens, devised by Garden Life owner and Belle contributor Richard Unsworth offer visual beauty and inspiration alongside his practical ideas on layouts, materials and plants – essential for anyone residing in a concrete jungle. See Garden, p186.

Richard Unsworth, Thames & Hudson, $49.99

Design confidential Insider tips from the top creatives.

Edited by JUDY PASCOE

HOW TO FRENCH C O U N T RY While overseas travel remains a distant goal it could be time to seek inspiration in bringing a little European flair to the home.

Australian writer and interior designer Sara Silm is living the dream in the French countryside and in this, her first book, she shares her distillation of the Pyrenees sights, hues, textures and flavours. Colour palettes and seasonal looks as well as recipes provide the basis for a visual essay on French chic. Sara Silm, Thames & Hudson, $59.99

THE MAINE HOUSE Houses in Maine have a distinctive character born of their position on the windswept east coast and the rugged surroundings. Occupied by writers, artists and fishermen, these idiosyncratic places possess charm and authenticity. Nostalgic, quirky, unpretentious and beloved by multiple generations, they are a genre that the authors believe should be preserved. From kitchen floors finished in nail polish to furniture with the patina of age, imperfection and personality rule. Maura McEvoy, Basha Burwell, Kathleen Hackett, Vendome, $80

L I V I N G W E L L BY D E S I G N Who has not been seduced by Melissa Penfold’s spirited writing style urging readers of Belle and her regular newsletters to embrace stylish living – whether it’s how to entertain at a sprawling country pad, the most splendid bed linen to choose or the way to arrange your living space for maximum comfort and impact. Her expert advice and bons mots are encapsulated in this engaging volume illustrated with sumptuous images from some of the world’s most desirable residences. See Style Etiquette, p66. Melissa Penfold, Vendome, $70

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WORKS — MIM DESIGN Marking 21 years of her design practice is this anthology of projects

by Miriam Fanning of Melbourne’s Mim Design. With her predilection for form and sculpture, proportion and over-scale statements, the featured homes are refined and dramatic. Her passion for cobalt blue, which pops up on furniture, accessories and art, is revealed as having an unlikely, but delightful source – a Sesame Street puppet of Grover she had as a child. See Luxe Coastal, p112.

Foreword by Karen McCartney, Untitled Press, $120

BELLE PRESENTS

AQUEL Boutique F O R

LOVE OF

T H E Photography AL ANA L ANDSBERRY

Luxury boutique owner Linda Cox explains the philosophy behind her store in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and shares the international design trends arriving on our shores for this Spring/Summer season.

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This page 1 Dressed in Altuzarra, Linda arranges an Etro dress beside a stack of Etro jeans. 2 Fabiana Filippi tulle skirt. 3 Maria Calderara jewellery. 4 ‘Watermill’ bag from Altuzarra. 5 Skirt and top by Silvia Tcherassi.

6 Golden Goose sneakers.

7 Etro scarves. 8 Peserico vest and pants. Opposite page The boutique is furnished with B&B Italia pieces from Space.

What were some of the creative influences that brought you to AQUEL? I had always loved fashion and dressing in classic luxury pieces.

Prior to purchasing the boutique in 2017, I’d worked in a stressful job as a corporate lawyer and decided to do something completely different. I saw a sales assistant job advertised at the boutique where I had been a long-time customer. Within six months of working there, I owned it. How would you define your style? My style has always been contemporary classic. I dress in a range of different looks to show how to wear the collections. What was the concept for AQUEL? It was set up 30 years ago by Elizabeth Jones in Mosman, before moving to Woollahra. I changed the name to reposition the boutique’s image. The name means Always Quality Understated Elegant Luxury. The AQUEL woman wants a discreet, understated look. She does not need to wear the latest ‘it’ label to feel confident. How have you curated the AQUEL collection? We have a stable of Italian luxury labels that we have stocked for several years on an exclusive basis in Sydney, including Etro, Fabiana Filippi, Golden Goose, Herno, Nº21 and Peserico. Recently we added New York label Altuzarra,

from French designer Joseph Altuzarra, and Silvia Tcherassi. For SS22 we’re introducing Emporio Sirenuse, S Max Mara and Akris, plus more shoes from our designers’ collections. What are you looking forward to seeing in the coming season? We’ll see lots of colour from some of our designers and new styles as many have felt less constrained than in past seasons, and wanted to show new joy in fashion. Etro, the ultimate bohemian luxury label, is focused on building a following of younger customers while keeping its long-standing customers engaged, which means we will have new looks from them. Similarly, Altuzarra presented their best collection in years at New York Fashion Week. We love the Altuzarra ‘Watermill’ bag (pictured) and we have large a RTW collection coming from the label for summer. If you love classic Italian elegance and style then you’ll want to include Peserico and Fabiana Filippi in your wardrobe. Peserico has the best fitting trousers, while Fabiana Filippi is well known for its luxury knitwear. Both labels have large seasonal collections of classic Italian luxury styles. Tulle skirts have been on trend for a few seasons now, and this one (pictured) from Fabiana Filippi has been given a more casual twist with its tie-dye effect making it versatile for dressing up or wearing more casually. Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi works with European fabrics combining classic and avant-garde elements with a sophistication and high level of detail, often using embroidery, as in this outfit (pictured).

Her styles are perfect for the Sydney climate and lifestyle. What do you love about the space? I worked with Michelle Macarounas of Infinite Design to create the timeless interiors, which were exquisitely executed by Nicom Interiors. I love the elegance of the space; it is even better than I imagined. Many people say that it’s like stepping into a ‘little slice of Europe’. What is your favourite travel haunt? I long for a week on Capri staying in one of the gorgeous hotels and enjoying an aperitif under the summer sky. I miss travelling to Milan, which I was doing several times a year, but hopefully I’ll get there in 2022. What projects are you looking forward to? I’m focused on growing awareness of AQUEL as one of Australia’s most beautiful luxury boutiques.

107 Queen Street, Woollahra; aquel.com.au; @aquelboutique

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Creative Home

Photography CHRIS WARNES Styling ANNA DELPR AT

GU I DI NG l i gh t

The fostering of a life well lived is at the heart of each project Eva-Marie Prineas envisions, not least for her own character-filled home.

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What we were looking for – and what we found in Eliá House – was a project with strong character that had room for us to add our own layering and personality. With two growing boys, it was essential for us that the home would be robust while offering flexibility to suit our changing needs over time. Unlike most terraces, the property was detached on both sides, inviting an abundance of northern light and natural ventilation – a unique offering which immediately appealed.

WHAT DID THE ALTERATIONS ENTAIL? Planned to give a greater sense of clarity and purpose, the impact of the renovation goes far beyond the aesthetic. We removed a number of additions, revealing the true scale and proportion of the original building through a series of living and dining spaces that continue from the street to the back garden. A level change allowed for a third floor and internal stairway. This area can be closed off to create a self-contained living space in line with the outdoor area.

Upstairs there’s a welcome surprise in the generosity of the original home. We incorporated a walk-in robe and ensuite to create a master suite at the front of the house, which includes an original cast-iron lacework balcony. There are two other bedrooms on the same level that have great proportions and connections to the garden. Between them is a generous space that we’ve used as a playroom, study and gym. The grand rooms with high ceilings at the front of the house were always key spaces so we restored the archways to help form a greater sense of space and connectedness.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE INTERIOR? The nuances between classical and contemporary are all throughout the home, with no clear separation between old and new. Exposed tallowwood floorboards run the length of the house and continue on to the deck that overlooks the garden. The discovery of a dilapidated timber ceiling inspired a reference point for the external

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HAT APPEALED ABOUT YOUR HOME?

This page, clockwise from top left Original hardwood floors were retained throughout and brought into relief by crisp Dulux ‘Vivid White’ for the walls. Floor vessel from McMullin & Co. Accessed from the dining space, the deck is furnished with a low-slung ‘Tio’ table and chairs from District. Pop & Scott pots from Koskela. Under the front room’s generous bay window, Herman Miller desk chairs by Charles and Ray Eames from Living Edge flank an ‘AC’ table from Koskela, on which sits Flos ‘Tab’ lamps from Euroluce and Mama Vessel by Katarina Wells from Curatorial+Co. Opposite page Architect Eva-Marie Prineas in front of Eliá House, her 1890s terrace in Sydney.

Facade painted in Dulux ‘Silver Tea Set’ with ‘Vivid White’ trim.

This page, clockwise from top left In the courtyard, planters from Robert Plumb and Garden Life. Chairs from Thonet, table from Ikea and bench seat with cushion in Sunbrella fabric. Kitchen joinery and island in fluted blackbutt with Carrara benchtop, designed by Studio Prineas and built by Finch Projects. Bowl from Greg Natale. Artworks by Caroline Walls beside one of two Flos ‘Parentesi’ lamps from Euroluce. Vessel from McMullin & Co. Stool from Anibou and sofa from Space with cushions from Jardan, all on an ‘Agra’ rug from Armadillo. The living room features two Eames classics – the ‘LCW’ chair in bright red and a lounge and ottoman – both from Living Edge. Artwork by Mike Stacey. ‘Stobie’ coffee table from Great Dane. Vintage Louis Poulsen ‘PH5’ pendant light from Vampt Vintage Design.

Creative Home

cladding and kitchen joinery, including a furniture-like island bench that is elevated on steel legs. The palette is neutral and enables the artwork and furniture to really sing in each room.

The design has been considered with the kitchen as a main focal point. It connects to the garden and is anchored by an outdoor open fireplace and dining area, comfortable for gatherings of extended family. When the sun sets, it’s the perfect spot to spend a long winter afternoon.

HOW DOES THE HOME REFLECT YOUR SENSIBILITIES? At Studio Prineas we believe in the importance of home and the role it plays in our wellbeing. Eliá House is an example of this vision and an embodiment of my values as an architect and designer. Our restoration aimed to reflect the longevity of architecture through bold choices and considered problem solving. The layers we added over the past nine years gently blend the classical and the contemporary in an empathetic way.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT LIVING HERE? There is a place for everything. It’s a considerate space for a growing family, with a large amount of storage and built-in joinery that also highlights the heritage character of the original house. I also love the way the kitchen, dining room and deck all work together in unison.

A favourite pastime is opening up the doors on a weekend morning to invite the sun inside and enjoying a lazy family brunch at home.

IS THERE A PERIOD OR ST YLE THAT APPE ALS TO YOU? There is something particularly rewarding about restoring homes that are in their original state. Eliá House is 130 years old, yet it continues to be a relevant model for habitation now as much as ever before.

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This page, from top Artist Jimmy Nyalalkaya’s 1974 bark painting Wandurrk hangs in the dining space above the ‘AC’ table from Koskela with bentwood chairs by Le Corbusier from Thonet. The pendant light above is a vintage factory fitting. Marble bowls from Greg Natale sit on the kitchen island and on a custom marble slab at the centre of the table. The kitchen floors were covered in ‘Pennyround’ mosaic tiles from Surface Gallery. Looking from the dining room to the deck, outdoor planter from Garden Life.

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Creative Home

This page, from top Flos ‘Tab’ lamp from Euroluce beside a ‘Nook’ bed from Jardan with linen from In Bed. Fireplace surround in Dulux ‘Silver Tea Set’ with artwork on mantel by Bec Smith. Artek table and ClassiCon pendant light, both from Anibou, with Oluce ‘Atollo’ lamp from Euroluce.

Curtains in Warwick ‘Aesop’ fabric in Parchment and Chios.

Vessel by Simone Bodmer-Turner from Criteria on stool from Anibou. ‘Agra’ rug in Kingfisher from Armadillo. ‘Pennyround’ wall tiles from Surface Gallery.

Tapware from Astra Walker with Villeroy & Boch basin. Ikea desk with chair from Living Edge and lamp from Euroluce. Work on paper by Eva-Marie Prineas.

‘Sinclair’ bed from Temperature Design with linen from Bemboka.

Wardrobe from Trit House.

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WHAT INFORMED THE SELECTION OF FURNITURE, ART, FITTINGS AND

Where possible, we always choose to source our materials and furnishings locally. Some of our favourite pieces in the house come from brands and retailers such as Mud Australia, Criteria, Marz Designs, Anibou and Koskela.

FINISHES?

IS YOUR HOME A SANCTUARY OR DOES IT DOUBLE AS A WORK SPACE?

As with all the homes we love to design, Eliá House is all about family and togetherness. It has a kitchen that feels inviting enough for the kids to gather around after a big day at school, a nice garden and place to enjoy balmy nights outside, and spaces of quiet retreat throughout. Yes, we work often in our space – but its primary purpose is to encourage a life well lived.

This is the driving philosophy behind Studio Prineas. As architects, we have a responsibility to design in a way that addresses functional and emotional needs in equal measure, and this has never been truer than when we’ve worked on our own family home.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? We have a number of unique projects underway. A mid-century gem full of eclectic style and warmth, and a waterfront home we’ve affectionately called The Fisherman’s House, to name just a few. Stay tuned.

WHICH OTHER DESIGNERS, ARTISTS AND ARCHITECTS INSPIRE YOU? I am always inspired by the architecture and interiors of Athensbased practice K-Studio – and was fortunate to stay in one of their hotels a few years back. Particularly now, when we can’t travel abroad, it’s wonderful to see what’s being created in other parts of the world where local climate, materials and influences are so different to here. The furniture of Arno Declercq and Gustavo Bittencourt continues to inspire. Locally, I’m always excited to see the work of artists Saxon Quinn and Marcela Restrepo. We recently commissioned a landscape by Paul Ryan.

IF YOU DIDN’T LIVE HERE, WHERE ELSE WOULD YOU LIVE? Before we had children we lived in the city in a tiny apartment with the harbour on our doorstep. When the children arrived we moved to the inner west for more space and we completely fell in love with the community and everything that this wonderful area has to offer. When the kids grow up, though, I like the thought of dipping into city life again ... studioprineas.com.au

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Style Etiquette

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SPRING IS A TIME to embrace a future full of interior design possibilities. To make our home a sanctuary on every level – a place that reflects our taste and style – is to surround ourselves with objects rich in character, craftsmanship, patina and originality.

We have selected a mix of furniture, art and objects in a broad spectrum of provenance, style and era.

Simply move things around to give an old room a fresh look and it will cost you far less than an overhaul.

Hero an antique for a va-va-voom effect and the results can bedazzle and be a sustainable addition.

EMOTIONAL CALL In the pandemic – one of the toughest challenges of our generation – our needs are tied to our emotions, which are influenced by our surrounds.

Beyond rest, it is an emotive interior that prevails in a time of anxiety. The best homes are ones that are comfortable, richly textured and well put together.

CARBON CREDITS Now is a whole different moment with awareness of sustainability, and the whole circular vision of people wanting to reuse and repurpose things.

Scouring local online auctions for the right antique or vintage piece can make your space unlike anyone else’s.

The appeal of buying such pieces is that nothing needs to be produced. They have a better carbon footprint, add instant presence and reflect your interests and sense of beauty. Seek marble-top consoles, copper pans, art, commodes, elm bookcases, glassware,

Georgian tables, Louis XVI-style armchairs and porcelain. Add your touch such as by updating an antique chair in contemporary fabric for a unique look.

OWN GOAL Shop your own house for inexpensive, utilitarian things you love which shine when displayed well. Mass everyday objects with an eye to aesthetics such as curvaceous Danish mills or hang a collection of wooden cutting boards or wicker trays on a wall, which can also be used whenever you need them.

INSTANT HIT Mimic handcrafted collectibles using natural elements as seen in galleries. From branches to beach stones glued onto paper or driftwood sculptures, this is a zero-cost way to bring nature indoors. Put it under a glass dome to add cachet.

OPEN STORAGE Adding new shelves to your space can make a big difference. Free up some visual real estate and opt for shorter shelves – an easy way to make your space more functional without it feeling cluttered.

DECK THE WALLS Move a piece of art that brings you joy into the room where you’re spending most of your time. And, if you have some china you love, take it out of hiding and show it off on shelves.

EXPRESS IT Display sentimental items to make a space your own: a moodboard with photos and cards, a piece from a special holiday or a drawing you love. Whether you’re picking a new lamp or adding an extension, ask how it meets your needs and expresses who you are.

The kitchen at Wollumbi Estate in the NSW Southern Highlands, from Melissa’s new book, Living Well By Design, $70, vendomepress.com 2 ‘Luca Boho’ cushion, $90/50x50cm, livingbydesign.net.au 3 ‘Yufka’ grazing board, $120, livingbydesign.net.au 4 Chrome lamp, POA, lawsons.com.au 5 Cast sculpture on stand after Antonio Canova, POA, lawsons. com.au 6 ‘Bijou’ linen curtain in Oatmeal, from $78, blindsonline.com.au 7 Wollumbi Estate master bedroom, from Melissa’s book, Living Well By Design, $70, vendomepress.com 8 Chinese porcelain charger, $900, thevaultsydney.com 9 ‘Maxim’ bedhead, $649/queen, livingbydesign.net.au 10 ‘Levede’ plant stand, $54, harveynorman.com.au 11 FontanaArte mirror, POA, nicholasandalistair.com 12 Wollumbi Estate hallway, from Melissa’s book, Living Well By Design, $70, vendomepress. com 13 ‘Paloma’ planter, $169/large, domayne.com.au 14 French art deco Champagne bucket, POA, lawsons.com.au 1

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P ORT R A I T K R I ST I N A SO L J O. P HOTO G R A P H Y A B B I E M E L LÉ ( L I V I N G W E L L BY D E S I G N )

’Tis the season to refresh and repurpose, says Melissa Penfold.

D O M A Y N E

P R E S E N T S

SUMMER SPACES

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OUTDOOR SUMMER COLLECTION

OUTDOOR LIVING IS AT ITS FINEST WHEN YOU CAN COOK OUTDOORS WITH EASE

LEFT EVERDURE BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL ‘FURNACE’ 3-BURNER GAS BBQ WITH STAND $1099; ‘ACCORD’ OUTDOOR ALUMINIUM EXTENSION DINING TABLE (90-180CM) $699; BELOW ‘GARRICK’ OUTDOOR 170 DINING TABLE $799; ‘GARRICK’ OUTDOOR DINING ARMCHAIR $399EA; ‘TROPICANA’ OUTDOOR CUSHION IN BLACK $44EA; ‘RND’ MATTE BOWL LARGE IN BLACK $129; ‘DIAMOND’ CHAI VASE LARGE $44.

OUTDOOR SUMMER COLLECTION

BELOW ‘MARIS’ OUTDOOR 4-PIECE OPEN CORNER LOUNGE PACKAGE $2899; ‘MARIS’ OUTDOOR ARMCHAIR IN TERRACOTTA $659; ‘SOUTHPORT’ OUTDOOR SQUARE CUSHION (50X50CM) IN WARWICK ‘MAURITIUS’ FABRIC IN SAND $139; ‘SOUTHPORT’ OUTDOOR LUMBAR CUSHION (60X30CM) IN WARWICK ‘MAURITIUS’ FABRIC IN SAND $129; RIGHT ‘SOUTHPORT’ OUTDOOR CUSHIONS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): ‘SQUARE’ CUSHION (50X50CM) IN WARWICK ‘TULUM’ FABRIC IN PALM $129; ‘SQUARE’ CUSHION (60X60CM) WITH FLANGED EDGE IN WARWICK ‘MATACAWA’ FABRIC IN PALM $169; ‘SQUARE’ CUSHION (50X50CM) WITH FLANGED EDGE IN WARWICK ‘MALLACOOTA’ FABRIC IN MELON $149; ‘LUMBAR’ CUSHION (60X30CM) IN WARWICK ‘NANUYA’ FABRIC IN MARINE $129; ‘SQUARE’ CUSHION (50X50CM) IN WARWICK ‘TULUM’ FABRIC IN ASH $129; ‘SQUARE’ CUSHION (50X50CM) IN WARWICK ‘MYKONOS’ FABRIC IN CASCADE $129; ‘SQUARE’ CUSHION (60X60CM) IN WARWICK ‘MOMBASSA’ FABRIC IN MELON $149; ‘LUMBAR’ CUSHION (60X30CM) IN WARWICK ‘MAURITIUS’ FABRIC IN SUNSHINE $129; ‘SQUARE’ CUSHION (50X50CM) IN WARWICK ‘MAURITIUS’ FABRIC IN SAND $139.

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OUTDOOR SUMMER COLLECTION

ABOVE ‘MONARCH’ OUTDOOR 220CM DINING TABLE $1299; ‘BEACON’ DINING CHAIR $129EA; ‘CAYMEN’ OUTDOOR CUSHION IN OLIVE $44 EA; ‘TANG’ NATURAL GLASS VASE WITH CANE WEAVE SMALL $59, LARGE $69; ‘BASE’ NOODLE BOWL $2.40; ‘BASE’ LARGE BOWL $9; ‘ASH’ WHITE PLANTER LARGE $229; ‘ALOCASIA’ POTTED TREE $279.

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OUTDOOR SUMMER COLLECTION

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LEFT ‘CHELSEA’ OUTDOOR 7-PIECE BAR SETTING $2299; ‘KELIO’ OUTDOOR MULTI-COLOURED CUSHION $44EA; ‘EFFY’ RATTAN LANTERNS LARGE $109, SMALL $89; DESERT SUCCULENT 20CM POTTED TREE $39; SALT & PEPPER SET OF 4 ‘HARDING’ HIGHBALL GLASSES $39; ‘ASHA’ OUTDOOR RUG IN BLUE $319. ABOVE ‘ECLIPSE’ OUTDOOR SUN LOUNGE $599EA; ‘C’ SIDE TABLE $219EA; ‘LENNOX’ 3.3M OCTAGONAL OUTDOOR UMBRELLA $449; MEDIUM CONCRETE ‘UMBRELLA’ BASE $99; ‘ELTON’ OUTDOOR CUSHION IN BLACK $49EA; ‘WINDSOR’ OUTDOOR CUSHION IN SAND $49; SALT & PEPPER SET OF 4 ‘BOND HARDING’ TUMBLERS $39; SALT & PEPPER ‘MASONRY’ NOODLE BOWL $11EA.

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Surrender to romance under endless blue Tuscan skies in earthy hues and breezy stripes.

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Produced by SAFFRON SYLVESTER 17

9 Roberto Zibetti in Stealing Beauty (1996).

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1 Polo Ralph Lauren shirt in Khaki Green, $174, from Farfetch. 2 ‘Melograno’ EDC, $198/100ml, from Santa Maria Novella. 3 Brass bracelets, from $65, from P.Johnson. 4 Rattan ‘Bouillotte’ light by David Netto, approx. $11,689, from Soane. 5 Still life with a cup, coffee pot and apple artwork by Gervais Leterreux, $1100, from The Vault Sydney. 6 ‘Safi’ sunlounger, POA, from Cotswold Furniture. 7 ‘Apollo’ alabaster bust, $490, from Mercer & Lewis. 8 Paisley bandanas, $45 each, from P.Johnson. 9 Toscana ‘Camelia’ sugar bowl, approx. $4800, from Ginori. 10 Prada SS22 Menswear. 11 ‘Cote Tropez’ mosaic tiles, POA, from Aeria Country Floors. 12 La DoubleJ ‘Big Pineapple’ 18kt-gilded porcelain vase, $800, from Matchesfashion.com. 13 Mrs. Alice wicker picnic basket and wool blanket, $830, from Matchesfashion.com. 14 Marni Market vase, POA, from Marni. 15 India Mahdavi ‘Cap Martin’ rattan dining chair, POA, from Studio ALM. 16 Grasscloth wallpaper in Outback, POA, from Porter’s Paints. 17 ‘#615’ mirror, $3650, from Richard Ellis Design. 18 Hermès Maison Collection ‘Pantographe’ floor lamp, from $7000, from Leonard Joel. 19 ’GMT-Master II’ watch, $13,600, from Rolex. 20 Chino trousers in Butter, $350, from P.Johnson. 20 Mephisto ‘Match’ shoes, $595, from P.Johnson.

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1 Jacquemus SS21. 2 ‘Ra’ hand towel in Ecru, $50, from Lucy Folk. 3 Amouage ‘Love Mimosa’ EDP, $499/100ml, from Libertine Parfumerie. 4 Brock Collection ‘Siria’ top, $1019, from Matchesfashion.com. 5 ’Dahlias and Peonies’ notebook, $43, from Papier. 6 ‘Aged Oak Spring’ timber flooring, $180/square metre, from Style Timber. 7 Phillipe Model Maison ‘Bent’ chair, POA, from Studio ALM. 8 ’Trousdale’ floor lamp, approx. $7729, from Soane. 9&10 Agua by Agua Bendita ‘Zarzamora’ crop top, $513, and ‘Margarita’ skirt, $674, from Matchesfashion.com. 11 ‘Margot’ vase, $89/set of three, from Maison Balzac. 12 Tina Vaiae ‘Joan’ platter, $502, from Matchesfashion.com. 13 ‘Raffia Visage’ bag, $1500, from Lucy Folk. 14 Nanushka ‘Azalea’ sunglasses, $375, from Farfetch.

15 Kosas lip oil gloss in Dip, $31, from Mecca. 16 Sea ‘Santos’ blouse, $313, from Matchesfashion.com. 17 Plaster table, $3200, from The Vault Sydney. 18 ‘Bad Kitty’ table lamp, approx. $3393, from Soane. 19 ‘Coromandel Tulip’ wallpaper in Emerald, approx. $735/metre, from Soane. 20 Themis Z ‘Kyma’ mug, $105, from Matchesfashion.com. 21 ‘Siena’ raffia hat, approx. $518, from Helen Kaminski. 21 Vibi Venezia canvas flats, $152, Matchesfashion.com

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P HOTO G R A P H Y A L A M Y ( F I L M ST I L L )

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Broadening the horizon of the Australian coastal fringe, seven homes that channel the spirit of the sea.

O Z O N E L AY E R In a newly built home that soars above Sydney Harbour, a medley of midcentury and contemporary furniture reflects the owner’s love for design.

See Level Best, p84.

Photography PRUE RUSCOE

L E V EL B E S T Boldly staking its claim on a dizzying site, this home rises phoenix-like from the landscape to take its place in the sun – on a prize perch high above Sydney Harbour.

Photography PRUE RUSCOE

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LU X E C OA S TA L

This page The home’s three levels are stacked on the steep, sloping site. The main living area opens to a level garden at the rear that flows seamlessly to the shaded terrace at the front, providing cross breezes and sightlines that extend out to the view. Handmade bricks in a light, sandy shade imbue the built form with softness and ground it in the coastal landscape. Opposite page Graceful curves and openings modulated by shutters and brise soleil lend an airiness to the vertiginous facade. Movement from the street level up the slope and into the home is choreographed by an open-roofed entry structure with a looping stairwell, followed by a path with nautical-rope handrail that winds through gardens by Dangar Barin Smith. “The riot of native planting and meandering pathway softens the lines of the building,” says architect Luigi Rosselli.

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LU X E C OA S TA L These pages Raised off the floor, the curved kitchen bench reflects the building’s organic contours. A palette of rich oak, nutty travertine, brushed stainless steel and mirror-backed narrowline glass was used for the kitchen. ‘Barn’ pendant lights from Specified Store. Cappellini ‘Hi Pad’ stools from Cult. Artwork by Zhuang Hong Yi. ClassiCon ‘Roquebrune’ chairs by Eileen Gray in cognac leather from Anibou surround a De La Espada ‘Marlon’ table from Spence & Lyda on a Baxter ‘Berbère’ rug from Space. Lambert & Fils ‘Waldorf’ suspension light from Living Edge. An artwork by Stephen Ormandy hangs on the floating wall above the fireplace which separates the dining and living areas. ClassiCon ‘Bell’ table from Anibou and ‘Tribeca’ sofa from Poliform. European oak flooring in Chamoisee from Tongue n Groove used throughout.

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trio of talent – Raffaello Rosselli as main architect working in collaboration with his father, Luigi, and Romaine Alwill of Alwill Interiors – pooled their knowhow on this project: a new build on an enviable but challenging site for clients who desired a substantial home that was also hard-wearing with simple finishes. What was the brief? Luigi Rosselli: Our young clients approached us with a brief to build a warm and inviting yet highly functional family home on their beautifully positioned but tricky site. Raffaello was just establishing his own practice and we felt this would be an ideal collaboration. Romy: After working with Luigi Rosselli Architects for more than a decade we were invited to assist with the interior design – from finishes, fixtures and collaboration on the joinery to furniture selection and implementation. We were tasked with threading together the interior scheme with the architectural components and embracing the client’s interest in mid-century design. What were the challenges and how did you resolve them? Luigi: The site has an excellent aspect, with highly desirable views over Sydney Harbour that the clients wished to maximise. But the catch was an incredibly steep and sandy site that even a mountain goat would find challenging.

Maintaining those views meant maintaining the slope. Essentially, we were building on top of a sand dune. We had to do considerable excavation to incorporate a tunnel and lift from street level, and for the house itself. Sand can behave akin to water but rather than employing heavily engineered retaining walls, we chose to wrap

the sand in layers of geofabric to hold it in place then planted native vegetation in the same way dune systems are stabilised.

Romy: The home has stacked levels and is vertical living at its best so creating a connection between floors through materials was key. The interior scheme feathers out as it makes its way up to where light punctuates through a slatted timber stairwell. Finishes reflect this feathering, being earthy and grounded at the base but taking on a lightness and reflectivity going up each floor. The architecture had to contend with a precipitous site and as such built a soft but strong monolithic ‘sandcastle’ largely out of a singular building material – Peterson bricks. How does the project respond to the landscape? Luigi: The home occupies three storeys that tower castle-like above the street. Far from being domineering it is softened by the colour and textures of the materials. Handmade bricks in a light colour mix were used as a traditional building material and to create screens that provide shade and access to natural light. The riot of native planting and meandering pathway softens the lines. Are there any considerations when designing a home in a coastal setting? Luigi: Materials must be considered as salt air can be very corrosive and they should provide adequate protection from and access to the elements. Romy: Aspect and views are key.

Not overstuffing or over-furnishing is important. We saw the role of the interior as supporting the architectural response to the site, creating a language that has its own gently confident personality but doesn’t cry for attention. What were the ideas and influences that shaped your design? Romy: Our combined response was a unique

This page Curved panes of glass and frameless sliding doors create a seamless flow from the living area to the covered terrace with its sea breezes and Sydney Harbour outlook. Emu ‘Round’ chairs from Ke-Zu surround a Living Divani ‘Notes’ dining table with concrete top from Space.

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WALL

FLOOR

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LU X E C OA S TA L

This page, clockwise from top left A Walter Knoll ‘Tama’ coffee table from Living Edge sits at the centre of the living area on a rug from Robyn Cosgrove, surrounded by a ‘Tribeca’ sofa from Poliform, ‘Reeno’ bench from Grazia&Co, Cappellini ‘Sofa with Arms’ chair by Shiro Kuramata from Cult and a ‘CH25’ easy chair by Hans J. Wegner, also from Cult. Lambert & Fils ‘Waldorf’ three-arm suspension light from Living Edge. The entry to the home with views over Sydney Harbour. In the rumpus room, an artwork by Stephen Ormandy is displayed above an Arflex ‘Marechiaro’ sofa from Space. Travertine ‘Stone Slot’ coffee table from Specified Store. Rug from Robyn Cosgrove. “Creating a connection between floors materially was key,” says Romy. “The scheme feathers out as it makes its way up to where light punctuates the spaces through a slatted timber stairwell. Finishes take on a lightness and reflectivity.” Looking through to the master suite, artwork by François Bonnel. A Cappellini ‘01’ chair by Shiro Kuramata from Cult faces an artwork by Hiromi Tango in the bedroom.

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Design and Styling: CJH Studio Photography: Timothy Kay Artist: Andy Harwood

MELBOURNE • SYDNEY

home that was uncomplicated and young at heart. Mid-century overtones were referenced subtly throughout. Limewashed Peterson bricks – the dominant material – are contrasted with shimmering textures of silvery mirrored glass in areas such as the kitchen, and pops of cobalt and marigold in the art and furniture.

This creates a playfulness that overlays the natural and nourishing palette of milk and honey. How would you describe the completed home? Romy: I love the soft texture of the bricks contrasted with strong forms and the colour of the art and furniture. It’s fresh but grounded, contrasting but calm, so there is a gentle tension between these elements. How would you describe the relationship between the built form and the interior? Luigi: There is a strong connection, in that the bricks used as the exterior construction material also form the interior walls throughout the main living areas, contributing to an air of robustness. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? Romy: Architecture and site always inform our selection. Classic furniture and lighting nods to mid-century design, not current trends, with finishes of travertine, smoked timbers and handmade Japanese tiles in the bathrooms to complement the soft edges of the architecture and embrace an organic feel. Through ‘pop’ art, a story of colour unfolds as an overlay to the materiality which responds to light and texture. Were the owners happy? Romy: They love the house and the response from their children was priceless. There is plenty of space for everyone to stretch out and grow. The interior spaces are functional yet playful and connected, ref lect ing how t he fam ily operates. They aren’t huge entertainers but use every part of this house. luigirosselli.com; alwill.com.au; rdotr.com; dangarbarinsmith.com.au This page, from top A sense of arrival is achieved in the open-air entry structure with its snaking staircase leading up to the garden path. Another route leads from here through a blue-clad tunnel to a lift with direct access to the house. Native grasses and plants spill down from above; they add flourish as well as practical stability for the steep and sandy site. In the master bedroom, ‘Pivot’ wall lights from Allied Maker are positioned above the De La Espada ‘Frame Bed With Arms’ by Neri & Hu from Criteria. Molinari Living ‘Rondo’ armchair and De La Espada ‘Laurel’ limestone side table, both from Spence & Lyda. Opposite page The powder room is wrapped in rich oak panelling with travertine from Granite & Marble Works for the vanity and floors. Brodware tapware from Candana.

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Gregory XL modulares Sofasystem Antonio Citterio Design Made in Italy flexform.it

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DUNE QUARTER

With wide-angle views of the Pacific Ocean, this monumental beach house has become a beacon to modernism in an eclectic street.

Words STEPHEN CR AF TI Photography ANDY MACPHERSON

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This page Bifold panels with powder-coated profiles and Accoya timber battens finished with Grimes & Sons ‘Controlled Erosion’ stain enclose the beachfront terrace, framing views when open, shielding the elements when shut, and offering a porous counterpoint to the building’s robust concrete while maintaining its strong, rectilinear form. Concrete floors were poured in situ and inlaid with porcelain tiles from Signorino. Opposite page The home is set back from spinifex-covered sand dunes. “Our clients were looking for a completely different experience from their more traditional beach house nearby,” says Andrew Piva of B.E Architecture. “They wanted something that was fairly monumental, but also felt protected and tactile.” Exterior walls in concrete poured in situ and point-tooled by hand.

iving little away to neighbours except its cantilevered concrete facade, it’s only when you enter this home that the views slowly appear, initially to a north-facing central courtyard and then to the panoramic vistas in the open-plan living areas. Designed for a couple with two children leaving a Cape Cod-style timber home nearby, this was an opportunity to embrace a clear and modernist aesthetic while maintaining some of the wonderful textures found in a traditional beach house, including painted tongue-and-groove ceilings.

The two-storey, five-bedroom home, set in the dunes, was also designed to deal with battering salt-laden winds and intense Queensland sunlight. B.E Architecture director Andrew Piva shares his approach in creating this unique dwelling. What was the brief? One of the owners had seen our houses on Pinterest and she ‘joined the dots’ to some of the features, particularly in the way we use concrete. Looking for a completely different experience from their more traditional beach house nearby, they wanted something fairly monumental, but that also felt protected and tactile. What were the challenges of the site and how did you resolve them? It is extremely exposed to the elements so we had to create a number of protected outdoor spaces that could be enjoyed year round. The plan is U-shaped around a central courtyard with enclosed gardens and terraces on the first floor that bring the outdoors inside. We have also included apertures in some of the eaves to ensure northern light where appropriate. And what could be a more robust material than using off-form concrete against these elements? Are there any considerations when designing a home in a coastal setting? In such an environment it could be tempting to create a response that focuses on a singular view, here being directly to the easterly ocean. But it’s also important to ensure the outdoors can be fully used from all rooms, not just those that come with the ‘heroic’ view. In creating privacy from neighbouring properties there is a more internal aspect for some of the spaces. What were some of the ideas and influences that shaped your design? We generally start with a strong idea, and approach our homes with a simple and reductionist palette of materials. Here, there’s concrete and timber for the exterior, and inside we used white oak timber for the floors and joinery, a lovely contrast

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This page With oil-finished solid American oak floors, ceilings in painted V-groove timber and billowing sheer curtains in white Belgian linen, the open-plan living spaces exude a soft and gentle ambience that contrasts with the home’s solid shell while seeming at one with the natural setting. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘CH24 Wishbone’ chairs and ‘CH327’ dining table, all by Hans J. Wegner from Cult. Opposite page, from top The U-shaped floor plan wraps around a protected central courtyard with pool and landscape design by B.E Architecture. “It’s protective, quite cocoon-like and perhaps a little mysterious from the street as it doesn’t give much away to passers-by,” says Andrew of the home’s discreet facade. The rectangular volume of the building’s upper storey is arranged perpendicular to the ground level, jutting out slightly to offer shade below.

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This page Entering the kitchen and living space is the culmination of a slow ‘reveal’, with views glimpsed sparingly through considered apertures at the front of the house before the oceanic panorama is fully experienced here. Kitchen joinery by Artistry in Cabinets was finished in Eveneer ‘Almond’ from Elton Group with integrated shadow-line pulls to harmonise with the timber elements used throughout the interiors and for the exterior screens that offer privacy and tempered light. “We approach our homes with a simple and reductionist palette of materials,” says Andrew. Benchtops and splashback in ‘Portsea Grey’ from CDK Stone. Gessi ‘Oxygene’ tap. Ovens from Miele. Client’s own kitchen stools.

to the exposed concrete interior walls. We admire some of the brutalist architecture from the 1970s, many examples of which you can see in countries such as Brazil and other parts of South America. But we were always mindful of addressing the local context and responding accordingly.

How would you describe the completed home and what are some of your favourite elements? It’s protective, quite cocoon-like and perhaps a little mysterious from the street as it doesn’t give much away to passers-by. It’s certainly not the typical beach house, which is often quite skeletal in structure, but there’s a feeling of being relaxed and close to the elements. I love that it doesn’t feel overly precious and has a crafted look rather than perhaps a raw and brutalist appearance. We treated the concrete staircase with skylights allowing the continually changing play of light and shade against the walls.

How does the project respond to the landscape? There are the large picture windows and glass doors that frame views, but these have been curated. It’s a slow ‘reveal’ when entering the house from a side door. It’s only when you come into the kitchen and living areas that you’re made fully aware of the presence of the dunes and the water beyond. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? Our client loves Scandinavian furniture and design, and already had a BØrge Mogensen ‘Spanish’ chair in the living area and Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ chairs for the dining room. The Danish designs show the beautiful grain of the leather and timber. These worked with the way we expressed the interior concrete walls, chiselling the concrete (a process called scabbling) to reveal the white aggregate. Were the owners happy with the execution? They use all the spaces in their home. The fifth bedroom, which leads to a garden behind the concrete facade, is also used as a yoga studio when not occupied. The outdoor spaces are treated more like rooms and there’s always an area that’s protected from either wind or heat. They love the house and enjoy the different experience it offers from their former home. bearchitecture.com

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This page, clockwise from top left In the living area, custom bookshelves with backing walls in Eveneer ‘Almond’ from Elton Group sit atop a poured concrete bench. Skylights above the concrete stairwell invite a constantly shifting interplay of light and shadows. A Carl Hansen & Søn ‘Safari’ chair by Kaare Klint from Cult sits at the end of the corridor, which leads to the children’s bedrooms and yoga room. Gervasoni ‘Ghost’ sofas and Artek stool by Alvar Aalto, all from Anibou. Fredericia ‘Spanish’ chair by Børge Mogensen from Great Dane.

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Ultra MARINE Filled with a collection that exudes antipodean style this Sydney apartment mirrors its oceanic milieu.

Photography ANSON SMART Styling LUCY MONTGOMERY + MARIA PAPANTONIOU

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This page Arranged on a rug from Hare + Klein’s collection for Designer Rugs in a custom colour by Archer Design, Baxter ‘Colette’ chairs from Space surround a ‘One & Only’ dining table from Sovereign Interiors with a L’Objet ‘Celestial’ bowl on stand from Becker Minty. Late Afternoon, Cogra Point, 2017

by A.J. Taylor from Martin Browne Contemporary can be seen through ‘Puppet’ pendant lights by Vistosi from Mondoluce. A Tom Dixon ‘Oil’ vase sits on the Minotti ‘Lang’ sideboard by Rodolfo Dordoni from De De Ce. Opposite page On the expansive balcony overlooking Sydney Harbour, a pair of Minotti ‘Warhol Iroko’ outdoor armchairs by Rodolfo Dordoni flank a Minotti ‘Bellagio’ outdoor table by Gordon Guillaumier, all from De De Ce. ‘Karma’ crystal vase from Greg Natale. Inside, sumptuous ‘Marilyn’ carpet from Whitecliffe Imports was used for the floors, overlaid with a rug from Designer Rugs to define the sitting area. Minotti ‘Still’ side table and ‘Seymour’ sofa, both by Rodolfo Dordoni from De De Ce.

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ntrusted with a blank canvas on which to create an exclusive Sydney bolthole for a London-based couple, Archer Design reoriented the interiors of this harbourfront apartment to the magnificent views and divined their client’s aesthetic, selecting everything from the palette to the furniture, art and cutlery.

Explains architect Richard Archer, “They loved the idea of having a coastal Australian oasis in which to unwind, re-engage with nature and take advantage of the tropical climate.” What was the brief? The clients reached out to us when they were considering purchasing the apartment as we had completed extensive renovations on others in this tightly held building.

During the first of only two trips they made to Sydney, we presented our design ideas for their project face to face. Their brief was to organically integrate bold colour throughout the home, which we accomplished through wall panels of deep seablue lacquer, specially curated fine Australian art and luxurious soft furnishings. We used jewel-toned accents of colour to ensure that the project felt bright and bold against a predominantly muted colour palette to create an elegant, refined decor style. What were the challenges of the site and how did you resolve them? The original apartment featured dated fixtures and a layout unsuitable to our clients. It required a full renovation and was gutted, leaving a bare shell. We only had to maintain access to the existing water and waste outlet points, which proved to be no small matter when moving kitchens and bathrooms. Ultimately, we were able to configure the space to ensure the kitchen and master ensuite enjoy direct views to the harbour. With a blank canvas, we tailored an entirely new open-plan layout to suit our clients’ brief for a comfortable refuge. Are there any considerations when designing a home in a coastal setting? Creating a harmonious home is the key to a successful design and we strive to create elegant, calm spaces.

This harmony runs parallel with the style of a coastal home, where the goal is to create an ambience of serenit y, corresponding with the surrounding environment. Always changing and hugely impactful, Sydney Harbour plays an important part in many of our projects. I love creating elegant sanctuaries of calm within, in which the furnishings and

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These pages, from left One of two Bolier ‘Barrel’ chairs from Studio Cavit takes in the view beside a Minotti ‘Noor’ side table by Christophe Delcourt from De De Ce on a rug from Designer Rugs. Outback Creek by Kerry McInnis from Wagner Contemporary hangs above a Minotti ‘Lou’ table by Christophe Delcourt from De De Ce with Lime Green I and II ceramic sculptures by Simone Fraser from Sabbia Gallery. Cini&Nils ‘Klang Suono’ wall light from Enlightened Living. A Splitting Pod – Steel Blue cast-glass and crystal vase by Ann Robinson from Artis Gallery and a faceted crystal bowl in Dark Topaz from Becker Minty are displayed on the Minotti ‘Song’ coffee table by Rodolfo Dordoni from De De Ce. Surrounding the rug from Designer Rugs are Minotti ‘White’ and ‘Seymour’ sofas attended by ‘Cesar’ and ‘Still’ side tables, all by Rodolfo Dordoni from De De Ce. Cushions from Greg Natale. The Donghia ‘Origami’ console from South Pacific Fabrics with ‘Beta’ vase from Greg Natale provides gentle delineation between sitting zones.

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This page In the study area, joinery by Enth Degree Projects is finished in Dulux ‘Sailing Safari’ two-pack polyurethane, brilliantly framing a wall of bronzed mirror on which a circular artwork, Lucid by Kate Shaw from Martin Browne Contemporary, is displayed. Minotti ‘Leslie’ chair and ‘Jacob’ writing desk, both by Rodolfo Dordoni from De De Ce. Vase from Becker Minty. On the low joinery to the right, ‘Moore’ vase in Nero Marble from Greg Natale. Rug by Hare + Klein from Designer Rugs in a custom colour by Archer Design. Opposite page, from top Illuminated by Modular Lighting ‘Marbul’ downlights from JSB Lighting, an artwork by Tamara Dean from Michael Reid Sydney hangs on a wall of bronze mirror above the Minotti ‘White’ sofa from De De Ce with cushions from Greg Natale. Minotti ‘Kay’ side table, ‘Song’ coffee table, ‘Cesar’ table and ‘Blake-Soft’ armchair, all by Rodolfo Dordoni from De De Ce. Rug from Designer Rugs. The moody blues of Elizabeth Bay.

artworks we select set up a conversation with the natural environment.

It is pointless trying to compete with it, but one must never be coy, as at night when the impact of the harbour recedes, the interiors must really become the hero. When we work on a project in a coastal setting, we seek to maximise the view and surrounding natural abundance, integrating the indoors and out to create this feeling of balance. With this project, we kept the textural palette natural, with neutral yet quite rich tones to complement the landscape. Through strategically placed bronze mirror panels, we were able to ensure that the natural light and harbour views were accentuated while creating dimensional depth. What were some of the ideas and influences that shaped your design? I find inspiration everywhere, be it in fashion, music, history, politics, people and of course, architecture. For this project, I looked towards the works of leading designers throughout history, most notably the works of Andrée Putman, Jacques Grange and Le Corbusier. These designers imbued within me a penchant for both modernism and luxurious design. I believe my style has fallen somewhere in the middle of this design spectrum. Quasi-modernist, quasi-luxurious, this project is not prescribed to one specific design style, and transcends interior trends, establishing itself as timelessly elegant. How would you describe the completed home and what are some of your favourite elements? The completed home epitomises elevated city living. While situated just a stone’s throw from Sydney’s CBD, it has a feeling of calm and balance. The subtle yet luxurious palette of burnished bronze, ebony veneer and lacquered panelling sits harmoniously with both the expansive art collection and the hues in the coastal surroundings. The project’s rich textural palette, with plush custom designed rugs, mottled stone and sleek finishes, corresponds to the diverse materiality of Australia’s coast, creating a home that is comfortable and inviting while retaining a modern feel.

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This page, clockwise from left Minotti bed from De De Ce dressed in Quagliotti linen from Studio Cavit with cushions and throw from Greg Natale. Minotti ‘Aston Cord’ outdoor chairs and ottoman from De De Ce. Catellani&Smith ceiling light from Hub. Autumn, Afternoon, Middle Harbour, Sydney 1909 by James R. Jackson on a wall papered in Élitis ‘Talamone All’ ombra’. In the powder room, ‘Seed’ basin from Parisi with Vola mixer from Candana. ‘Fractions’ wall tiles from Earp Bros. Bench in Nero Tempesta and Tundra Grey floor tiles from Granite & Marble Works. Looking through to the bedroom, Minotti ‘Dibbets Rainbow’ rug and ‘Jacques’ chair, both by Rodolfo Dordoni, with ‘Lou’ table by Christophe Delcourt, all from De De Ce. Vase from Greg Natale. Curtains in Osborne & Little ‘Craquelure’ from Domus Textiles.

Artworks by Charlie Sheard from May Space above the bed. Baker ‘Iron Eye’ lamp by Jean-Louis Deniot from Studio Cavit on a Minotti ‘Lou’ nightstand by Christophe Delcourt from De De Ce.

One of my favourite aspects is the art which was selected almost entirely via email consultation. There is a real cohesiveness throughout the project. The clients allowed us to choose all the furnishings and finishes right down to the cutlery, allowing us to ensure that everything was aligned to the brief. How does the project respond to the landscape? As with all our coastal or harbourside properties, we work on harnessing the view, maximising the vista and allowing for optimum light and air flow. The fixtures and tones chosen complement the harbourside environment. Alongside the cool blues and turquoise woven throughout the interiors, we chose predominantly neutral, natural tones to exist in harmony with the surrounds. The jewel tones of the soft furnishings and art respond to the vibrant, rich colours found in the natural Australian landscape, and the colour palette prevalent in the surroundings seen from the property’s expansive balcony. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? Most critical to our design process is having a deep and nuanced understanding of our client. We look for pieces that are both project- and client-specific,

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dependent on the brief, the budget and what they’re comfortable with. We only had two face-to-face meetings with the clients at the earliest phases of the design process. However, we were able to gauge the sort of art they might like, and perhaps (with a few works) just how far we might lead them out of their comfort zone to encounter pieces that gave real impact to the spaces. With the furnishings and the fixtures, it’s about timelessness, comfort and functionality. Ensuring that the design is elegant, while also comfortable and suitable for a modern family home. For this purpose, we often install integrated smart technology to elevate the home and ensure seamless ease in the clients’ day-to-day life.

Were the owners happy with the execution? As more of a holiday base than a permanent residence, we had to ensure it has a ‘lock up and leave’ ease while not compromising on style and luxury. The owners are exceptionally pleased with the final result. Their Sydney sojourns are typically spent relaxing and enjoying the view from their balcony in a home that is equal parts luxurious and immensely serene. archerdesign.com.au

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Tracing the contours of the natural landforms, this curvaceous home harmonises perfectly with its surrounds.

Photography PETER CL ARKE

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ositioned on a wild outcrop of the Mornington Peninsula, this home’s sublime natural setting is matched by the monumentality of its built form. So, when it came to the interiors, Miriam Fanning of Mim Design summoned something equally epic. Anchored by broad sweeps of stone in a confidently restrained palette of cloud-like greys and minty seafoam, living spaces express a fluidity and grandeur befitting the vast, curvilinear volumes sculpted by BH Architects and the immense, untamed beauty of the landscape. These dramatic gestures are tempered by quieter moments – gentle curves, modulated light and soft appointments – that make this a serene home for living in.

What was the brief? At our first meeting, we had a wonderful conversation with the clients about the site, its location and the incredible dreams the project could deliver. We agreed that this unique property needed a soft, connected interior to pay homage to the outstanding views and beautiful surrounds. Once we were officially invited to design this exceptional home, we seized the prospect with open arms. Being granted such a dramatically positioned, untouched site is a rare opportunity. What were the challenges of the site and how did you resolve them? With a home so large, it’s important that all spaces deliver an emotional response of practical and visual comfort. We saw an opportunity to reassess spaces such as the kitchen, entry, library, master bedroom, childrens’ rumpus, bathroom and cellar. Every material, finish and appliance was carefully evaluated to meet energy efficient guidelines, a challenging feat when designing on such a grand scale. Working closely with our clients and the builder, we ensured every addition was conducive to the local environment and its native flora and fauna, and able to withstand the test of time – design- and performance-wise – specific to this locale. Our intention is always to design for permanence, regardless of the challenges. This project of strength, authenticity

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Previous pages The subtle landscape design by Fiona Brockhoff is simpatico with the native vegetation. Granite pavers from Granite Works. This page ‘Noctambule’ blown-crystal pendant lights from Euroluce drape in the void without impeding the view. St Croix natural stone flooring from CDK Stone. Opposite page, from top Under the ‘Opal Arc’ floor lamp by Tom Dixon from Living Edge, the Cassina ’551 Super Beam’ sofa system and Moroso ‘Bohemian’ armchair by Patricia Urquiola from Hub offer a comfortable perch in the living room. ‘Ontario’ rug from The Rug Establishment. The fireplace surround is clad in St Croix dolomite from CDK Stone against the polished plaster wall. Custom ‘Amelia’ coffee table by John Bastiras from In Good Company.

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna ‘Hold On’ side table. Vases from In Good Company. Custom French oak flooring from Woodcut lines the corridor that leads to the bedroom wing.

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These pages, clockwise from top left While the view draws all eyes, the curving kitchen island in St Croix dolomite from CDK Stone is spectacular in its own right. Green bench in Verde Riviera stone from Corsi & Nicolai with New Volumes ‘Hemera’ lamp by Ross Gardam from Cult. In the dining zone a custom ‘Stamp’ table from Grazia&Co is attended by Arflex ‘Botolo’ high chairs from Space. Collection of handblown glass by Mark Douglass.

‘Noctambule’ pendant lights from Euroluce hang from the suspended timber batten ceiling in stained Victorian ash. Living Divani ‘Extrasoft’ sofa

by Piero Lissoni from Space. La Chance ‘Salute’ side table from Living Edge. ‘Ontario’ rug from The Rug Establishment. On the curved island bench, Brodware ‘Yokato’ kitchen mixer from E&S. In the second kitchen, on the lower ground floor, the benchtop, splashback, rangehood and rear bench were made by Stonelux with Atlantic Grey stone from Corsi & Nicolai. Joinery in oak and two-pack polyurethane with custom stone handles by Stonelux. ’New Savior’ honed limestone floor tiles from CDK Stone.

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and craft was no exception. Are there any considerations when designing a home in a coastal setting? Our process is driven by contextual cues.

The design began with considered spatial planning of the interior envelope and careful attention to how each room connected to the others as well as individual sightlines. What were some of the ideas and influences that shaped your design? On a site as breathtaking as this, it’s difficult not to be inspired and influenced by the landscape. The interior reflects natural forms such as ripples, waves and undulating sands interpreted in abstract and contemporary ways throughout.

A grand open-tread stair embraces a softened curvature, while rounded bulkheads artfully roll into ceiling spaces. Joinery is generous in form and finish with gentle curves tempering proportions for an organic, sculpted presence. How would you describe the completed home and what are some of your favourite elements? In a world of trends, repetition and visual overexposure, it is special to work on a project that has such a variety of one-of-a-kind details and finishes. The soft curve of the grand stair is experienced through the smooth balustrade, shaped perfectly to the hand. The kitchen island bench appears hewn and carved from a foamy white marble, encapsulating a gentle ocean wave. Our connection to the project and careful attention to its natural surrounds enabled us to immerse ourselves each day in the foundational design principles of shape, form and flow. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? Responsive to the brief, the home has a soft, interconnected interior that empathises with its natural surrounds in a sculptural, experiential format. All furnishings, art, fittings and finishes were curated to highlight this sense of softness inside, complementing and contrasting with the rugged outdoors. Were the owners happy? Extremely happy and they truly bonded with the experience throughout. Designing to ensure each space had a purpose and personality that could be immersive, and command varied emotions, means our clients enjoy the home in its entirety. This home features in Mim Design’s new monograph, Works, which celebrates the firm’s first 21 years of practice. See Library, p56. mimdesign.com.au; bh-architects.com; fionabrockhoffdesign.com

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This page, clockwise from top left Edra ‘Standard’ sofa by Francesco Binfaré from Space.

‘Ivy’ coffee table by Clare Cousins from Grazia&Co. Tom Dixon ‘Press’ glassware from Living Edge. Real Flame ‘Elegance 1100’ decorative fire-box set with custom chimney breast. ‘Ontario’ rug from The Rug Establishment. Friends & Founders ‘Knock Out’ side table from Fred International. On the north-facing terrace wraparound glazing protects from the elements. Tribù ‘Senja’ outdoor sofa from Cosh Living. Opposite page In the fifth bedroom ‘Huggy’ armchair by Sarah Ellison from Life Interiors. ‘Big Diiva’ chair from Grazia&Co. Artwork by Anya Pesce from Studio Gallery. ‘Moyhu’ curtains by Designs of the Time from James Dunlop Textiles. Aroha carpet from Bremworth.

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This page, clockwise from top left In the powder room Zaffir White stone from Corsi & Nicolai. Reduxr ‘Rollon’ wall light from Lights and Tracks. Brodware tapware. Twin bunks laid with Hale Mercantile Co. linen from Coastal Living. Vibia ‘I.Cono’ wall lamp from Koda Lighting. Aroha cut-pile carpet in Remutaka by Bremworth. Custom bedhead by Mim Design in the fourth bedroom. Vibia ‘I. Cono’ wall lamp from Koda Lighting.

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making places colourful

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Play around with colours, shapes and dimensions and design your own furniture with our online configurator Available at Anibou – www.anibou.com.au Sydney 726 Bourke St. Redfern NSW 2016, 02 9319 0655 Melbourne 3 Newton Street, Cremorne VIC 3121, 03 9416 3671 info@anibou.com.au

This page A stylish and uncontrived mix of collected objects, low-slung Scandinavian furniture and beautiful, earth-toned artworks creates a mood of relaxed elegance in the living space where even the family pooch feels compelled to unwind. The reclining PP Møbler ‘Flag Halyard’ chair by Hans J. Wegner from Cult encapsulates this balance of comfort and refinement, positioned under a ‘Gear’ floor lamp from HK Edit beside an artwork, Time Shifted, by Jenny Sages. Turkish kelim from Behruz Studio on Australian hardwood floors stained and re-finished in Bona ‘DriFast’ in White. A concrete plinth forms the fireplace hearth as well as a built-in seat with custom upholstery and cushions from HK Edit. Vipp shelves from Cult. Opposite page The home opens directly onto the seashore and embraces this ‘bush-to-beach’ environment by drawing on the colours of the sand, sea, kelp, rocks and vegetation. Landscaping by Spirit Level.

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Quiet time

Between the bush and the beach, a breezy family hideaway has been brought to life by Hare + Klein with personality and panache.

Photography JEN WILDING

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LU X E C OA S TA L These pages, clockwise from left Accessed via unspoilt bush, the home opens to sightlines that extend to the beach. Timber handle from Designer Doorware stained to match the door. Four Days on the Crossing artwork by Martin King above an ‘Elk’ console in oak from The Wood Room with objects on top and baskets below from HK Edit. A ‘Monte 1125’ rug from Pampa runs the length of the corridor beside the central courtyard – one of the home’s two outdoor ‘rooms’.

A Foscarini ‘Troag’ light by Luca Nichetto from Space is suspended above the Vipp kitchen island module from Cult with Space Copenhagen ‘Spine’ stools from Great Dane tucked below. Cabinetry by Instyle Design Interiors in Dulux ‘Natural White’ polyurethane with ‘Tura’ joinery pulls in Black Opaque from Pittella. The rear bench in honed terrazzo from Surface Gallery and splashback of handmade tiles from Onsite surround a freestanding Wolf oven from Winning Appliances.

Protected from coastal gusts by a retractable awning, the second outdoor ‘room’ overlooks gardens by Spirit Level and the beach beyond. Dedon ‘Tibbo’ sofa, sunloungers and ‘Mbrace’ rocking chairs, all from Cosh Living, surround a Colorscope ‘Seasons Stripe’ rug from Cadrys and the clients’ own coffee table.

ayering smart, contemporary elements with a seemingly effortless mix of soulful and eclectic treasures, tonally absorbing artworks and soft appointments that radiate warmth, this project exhibits all the trademarks of its interior designer, Meryl Hare. But this is Meryl in holiday mode – and a sense of barefoot insouciance washes over every space. With unspoilt bush to one side, pristine sand on the other, and a life’s collection of art and keepsakes in between, the family home away from home is primed for relaxation. What was the brief? We had worked with this client on a number of homes over many years and established trust as well as a lovely friendship.

They had recently downsized from their family home and moved to a smaller city house and then purchased this as their holiday house. Their brief was to update the tired interior, design two outdoor ‘rooms’ and create a relaxed home for family, friends and their dogs! They had a surplus of furniture and artworks from

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their original home and asked us to curate this collection where we thought it would be appropriate. What were the challenges of the site and how did you resolve them? The site was relatively easy in terms of access and our resolution of the unique qualities was the ‘bush to beach’ approach. There were challenges in creating the outdoor spaces – one on the beach side and one in the central courtyard.

Because of the prevailing winds on the beach side, the terrace was enlarged and a new structure was built with a retractable cover robust enough to withstand the weather. The same structure was constructed in the courtyard terrace. Are there any considerations when designing a home in a coastal setting? The weather and the corroding properties of the salt air. We created the courtyard terrace as an outdoor area protected from the coastal winds and the sometimes harsh sunlight and noise from the beach. The beach is wonderful, but you sometimes need to retreat from it and find calm and soothing spaces. What were some of the ideas and influences that

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shaped your design? We had the advantage of knowing our clients over many years and had seen their tastes and needs change over time. They have a love of Scandinavian furniture, plus they had artworks and furniture from their previous, more traditional home. Our challenge was to marry sometimes disparate styles in creating a unique home that reflected their past as well as the future. In the main living area we introduced them to the Vipp kitchen brand – something they embraced with great enthusiasm.

The long Vipp island bench is a strong, simple element – opposite the freestanding fireplace on a concrete plinth. These strong, dark statements hold the space together. How would you describe the home and what are some of your favourite elements? I think it truly reflects the owners who were greatly influential in the outcome. There is a ‘kick off the shoes’ moment as you enter the home and a relaxed ambience with some quirky, individual elements such as the monkey table in the media lounge that reflects off the Ardmore monkey fabric in an understated way. Or on the landing where a ‘CH22 Easy’ chair sits with the owner’s mother’s watercolours above. I love the juxtaposition of the ‘Circle’ armchair and the ‘Man 3’ classic bronze floor lamp from their previous home. Or the

‘Flag Halyard’ chair with the padded leather ottoman, again from another era and another home. How does the project respond to the landscape? You enter through almost untouched bush at the front of the house. There is a direct sightline to the back, which is almost on the beach, so we responded by acknowledging the bush and beach in our approach to colours and materials. There is a transition room in the centre of the ground level that has dark-blue walls, creating a sanctuary effect from the strong light and sometimes harsh weather of the beach. The rooms on the beach side are bright and embrace the landscape, with some relief in the use of charcoal tones and muted shades, which also reflect the myriad colours of the coastline – sand, kelp, sea, rocks and vegetation. The rooms on the bush side are a little darker and more intimate. Were the owners happy with the execution? The owners were happy and enjoyed the whole process, from the choice of builder and landscaper to every last person who contributed to the success of the project. It was a joyous affair, celebrated by a wonderful ‘gratitude’ lunch given by our clients at the end. They have used this home more than they had ever expected as it’s been a wonderful refuge in recent times. hareklein.com.au; strattibuildinggroup.com; spiritlevel.com.au

This page Softly separating the living area from the open-plan kitchen and dining without disrupting sightlines, the ‘Alex’ tray table from HK Edit displays an assortment of treasures, including those by basket artist Nurit Ophir, in front of the generous ‘Nic’ sofa, also from HK Edit. To the left of the Heatmaster ‘Enviro’ gas fireplace is an artwork by Jenny Sages, ‘Flag Halyard’ chair from Cult and ‘Gear’ lamp from HK Edit. To the right is an artwork by Emily Kame Kngwarreye above a Frigerio ‘Liza’ leather armchair from Pure Interiors.

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This page, clockwise from left Away from the brilliant light and sometimes blustery winds of the beach, the media lounge exudes moody quietude with walls of Porter’s Paints ‘Black Blue’ and a playful BD Barcelona ‘Monkey’ table from Living Edge. R.N.P. After the Fire by Ildiko Kovacs hangs above the sofa and cushions by Hare + Klein. ‘Pond’ coffee tables from Fanuli with a bowl by Ruth Levine. Artwork by Jenny Sages. A Gervasoni rocking chair from Anibou with custom cushion is joined by a flock of the clients’ own sculptures against a wall in Porter’s Paints ‘Caraway’. Black and white ‘Lozi’ stools from HK Edit sit on one side of the sofa, while Termite Mounds by Elizabeth Cummings hangs on the other. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘CH29 Sawbuck’ chairs from Cult surround a ‘Trim’ table from The Woodroom under Fritz Hansen ‘Caravaggio’ pendant lights, also from Cult.

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RIPPLE effect

Built with a weather eye on the fierce elements that assail it, this absolute oceanfront home is an outstanding achievement.

Photography TIMOTHY K AYE Styling K ARIN BO CHNIK

This page The western facade has intersecting planes of timber cladding and rammed earth.

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These pages, from left A slab of Ice Green stone from Signorino is an arresting feature framed by the black bulkhead and joinery. More subdued Super White stone from Signorino was used for the benchtops and splashback. Oven from Miele.

Sculptures by Sally Walk from James Makin Gallery are displayed on the kitchen island. Molteni&C dining chairs and ‘Arc’ table, all from Hub. The landscape design by Jack Merlo complements the home’s sleek, rectilinear form and brooding character with charcoal flamed-granite pavers for the entry fringed with low-lying coastal plantings.

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ighting dolphins playing in the sea as they work from home is the unexpected reward for these owners who tackled a monumental build on a challenging site. Finding a reputable, experienced architect and builder who would understand and handle the project from conception to completion was key to the success of their Mornington Peninsula holiday home. Glenvill Homes met the brief with gusto, drawing on their experience building many properties in the area – and one team member’s intimate knowledge of the environment as a lifelong surfer – to help proof the house against the formidable elements. “The best houses are ones that test the team,” says Glenvill’s design manager and architect Anthony Gosling, who worked with architect Travis Walton on the interior design and landscape architect Jack Merlo on the grounds. What was the brief?

Anthony: To provide a single-storey holiday home of strength that took advantage of the sensational views both out to sea and down the beach.

The brief modified as options were explored and the design revised in the search for the optimum solution. What were the challenges of the site and how did you resolve them? Anthony: While the site is one of the most outstanding on the Peninsula, its exposed nature presented challenges.

The lack of depth meant that the proximity to the water and the rock sea wall of the house was crucial. The design of the rock seawall for the wave energy of a 100-year storm event also reinforced the feeling that the house needed to exhibit a real robustness in planning and construction. The ever-evolving brief was sometimes challenging and time-consuming, but we always knew that the result would be worth it.

Owner: The complexities of the elements meant that everything had to be strengthened. The building supervisor was a lifelong surfer who

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These pages, clockwise from left Terrazzo floor tiles feature in the pavilion-like kitchen, dining and living space where large sliding doors open to the view. Molteni&C chairs and table from Hub. Molteni&C sofas from Hub on a rug from Hali. Outdoor chairs cluster around Molteni&C low tables from Hub on the dressed ironbark deck designed by Jack Merlo. Wrapped in shimmering midnight-blue Bisazza tiles that continue up the boundary wall, Jack’s pool design is a seamless extension of the home’s built form. Ceramics by Ella Bendrups on the kitchen island. Scala pull-out mixer. Oven from Miele. In the master bedroom, an expansive corner window frames the littoral outlook. A sculpture by Anya Pesce from Studio Gallery sits on the stone bench beside the Jetmaster ‘Mezzo 1300’ gas log fireplace. ‘Elmview’ carpet in Murry Grey from Victoria Carpets.

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understood the winds and nature of the environment and his knowledge was invaluable in dealing with the challenge of the elements. The rock wall formation at the front also played a big role in the design process as it had to be built from scratch to establish height to the property. Are there any considerations when designing a home in a coastal setting? Anthony: The house design is all about the site which faces south, so you have this huge outlook and massive amount of glazing that is not so great in terms of energy rating. The high ceilings and extensive floor-toceiling glazing facing the sea and the beach give plenty of light and, with the rammed earth walls, play a big part in the environmental performance of the house. What were some of the ideas and influences that shaped your design? Anthony: As well as maximising the views, the design is largely shaped and influenced by the unique landscape and the strength needed to withstand the harsh conditions of being so close to the sea. How would you describe the completed home and what are some of your favourite elements? Anthony: The owner says a favourite feature would have to be his study, especially after the recent lockdown where he has been working from home. He couldn’t conceive of a more perfect location. “Looking straight ahead I have the best view and enjoy watching the dolphins come in to play right in my own front yard,” he says. For me, the rammed earth wall is a standout feature that serves as a spine and gives the home enormous strength. It was the first thing to go up after the concrete pour and at 400mm thick it gives a feeling of stability and protection against the weather. It was also the highest risk in terms of getting it right. Most rammed earth walls are cream and natural – we wanted one that was grey without defined lines so it looked like concrete. The floor-to-ceiling windows create a glass box, allowing you to take in 180-degree views of the entire coastline,

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This page, from top An artwork by Sebastian Mader from his series ‘Flamingo Kids’ hangs above a bed from Brosa with bed linen from Abode Living. ‘Elmview’ carpet in Murry Grey from Victoria Carpets. Stone tiles and slabs from Signorino in graceful grey tones cover the walls, floors and benchtops of the master ensuite, making the space feel grounded yet ethereal. Joinery in American oak veneer, crown-cut and finished in Dulux ‘Black Caviar’. Mizu ‘Bliss’ wall basin mixer sets in Chrome with Axa ‘Sink 50’ under-counter basins, all from Reece. Black ceramics by Ella Bendrups and Byredo fragrances from Mecca.

and even the bathroom has a stunning view. Also contributing significantly to the building’s success is the higher 3.6-metre ceiling through the living area and entry hall, along with the full-height, wall-to-wall glazing that wraps the house on two sides. The pool and landscape design by Jack Merlo is outstanding and contributes in a big way to the project. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? Travis: From an interiors perspective the main focus of the home needed to be the incredible waterline view. With such extensive glazing in height and width, the interior spaces feel as if you are floating above this endless mass of water. So to enhance this aspect our design response was to create a dark and seductive series of spaces rather than a bright and reflective palette with high glare.

The flooring comprises dark charcoal terrazzo in contrast to the light-grey rammed earth wall that offers more texture than your typical off-form concrete. In the kitchen, the black oak joinery and a palette of contrasting natural stone complement the bluegreen hues of the nearby seascape. In the master bedroom suite, there is a restrained minimalist palette of muted greys and black Jurassic marble which has rippled veins that mimic the patterns of the ocean. Were the owners happy with the execution? Anthony: The owners knew the build wouldn’t be without its challenges but they are ecstatic with the result and love spending as much time there as they can. They call the property an entertainers’ dream with the open-plan living area that spans out onto a beautiful outdoor entertaining area where they can light the woodfired pizza oven and soak up the killer sunsets. glenvillhomes. com.au; traviswalton.com.au; jackmerlo.com

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These pages The living room soaks up mesmerising views of Bondi Beach. ‘Joe’ sofa from MCM House, a pair of Audoux Minet armchairs from Tigmi Trading and a USM coffee table from Anibou sit on a Beni Ourain vintage wool rug from Tow and Line. Custom banquette by Akin Atelier upholstered in wool bouclé. &Tradition ‘Mezcla’ side table from Cult. Brass oil burner, ‘Vide Poche’ and aluminium ‘Fold’ light, all from Studio Henry Wilson. Artwork is Untitled 25, 2017 by Bartolomeo Celestino.

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Words JUDY PA SCOE Photography TERENCE CHIN

S A LT Y F L A I R

Easy living is high on the agenda at this Sydney beachside apartment where a neutral palette and tactile finishes underpin the relaxed mood.

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he owners of this beachside Bondi apartment are fortunate indeed as their primary residence is also in a coastal location on Sydney’s northern beaches. Keen to have a crash pad in the eastern suburbs closer to their work they were delighted when this penthouse came on the market.

Currently working on other projects with architect Kelvin Ho, founding director of Akin Atelier, they immediately sought his expertise on a makeover for the apartment. What was the brief? The clients came to us with a really great site: a two-bedroom, twobathroom penthouse apartment in an original Bondi apartment block overlooking arguably one of the world’s most famous beaches.

As there is no outdoor space, the brief called for the apartment to feel really open and unpretentious – a tranquil oasis above the bustle of Bondi. What were the challenges of the site and how did you resolve them? The original layout was complex and disjointed and there was a disconnect between the key living spaces which we had to resolve to allow light and views into almost every room. We stripped the space back to an empty shell and devised an entirely new floor plan. The new design has a series of rooms pinwheeling off the central kitchen with the lounge, dining and master bedroom all enjoying the incredible views. The strategy was to have an open flow between all the rooms – the kitchen, dining and living are essentially one volume. As the bathrooms are in the darker part of the apartment, we introduced skylights to draw in the light. To create a sense of being outside even when you’re not, we devised a materials palette that focuses on textures with a rough, worn, outdoor feel. Are there any considerations when designing a home in a coastal setting? For this project – and most homes with such an outlook – a key design consideration is creating access to the view and light from as many points as possible. From a functional perspective, the materials need to be hard-wearing and low maintenance, and suitable for sandy feet and salty air, but this shouldn’t lower the overall calibre of the space. What were some of the ideas and influences that shaped your design? Simplicity in materials was pivotal in creating a neutral backdrop to the ever-present and constantly changing view. We wanted to express a relaxed and

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This page Custom kitchen joinery in oak with patinated brass pulls and custom micro-cement benchtop with integrated shelving. Flowers by Benjamin Avery. Artek ‘611’ dining chairs from Anibou. Nanimarquina ‘Wellbeing’ wool Chobi rug from Cult. Opposite page The fireplace and plinth are finished in a custom microcement. Audoux Minet armchair from Tigmi Trading on a Beni Ourain vintage wool rug from Tow and Line. Largeformat Calcetta tumbled limestone tiles from Eco Outdoor.

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These pages Mirrored splashback reflects the view, bringing the outside in to the apartment. Custom kitchen joinery in oak with patinated brass pulls and custom micro-cement rangehood and benchtop with integrated shelving. Fisher & Paykel oven and cooktop.

Gareth Ashton tapware from Abey. Rakumba ‘Highline’ suspended linear light. Flowers by Benjamin Avery.

casual mood so the space felt easy to live in, particularly as the overall footprint is small. For consistency we used large-format Calcetta limestone tiles – an outdoor paver that has been tumbled to look and feel 100 years old. This hard flooring is softened with vintage rugs. Handtrowelled micro-cement was used in the kitchen and living areas to lend a handmade, artisanal feel to otherwise refined architectural elements such as the rangehood and the fireplace plinth. How would you describe the completed home? The penthouse is a light-filled beachside residence addressing composition and tactility with a minimalist point of view. How does the project respond to the landscape?

Materiality and the colour palette address the environmental context of the space. The colours balance the beach views in a warm and lived-in way. Although the project is coastal, it is Bondi and there is an unmistakably

kinetic energy to it, so we deliberately kept the palette very calming and tranquil. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? We wanted it to feel like a beach pad but with a few bona-fide design pieces. And we aimed to further that feeling of a nuanced and worn-in space by balancing the new with the old, sourcing vintage rugs and furniture for some areas. While every surface is brand new we didn’t want the home to impart that mood so we’ve chosen materials, finishes and furniture that suggest a worn, handmade feel. We’ve avoided hard edges where we can, subtly rounding off ends and corners, playing into that softened, aged look. We also specified patinated finishes for hardware such as tapware, handles and drawer pulls. Was the client happy with the execution? Yes, very happy.

They use the apartment as a mid-week stay and occasionally on weekends. akinatelier.com

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This page, clockwise from top left Large-format Calcetta tumbled limestone tiles from Eco Outdoor line the bathroom.

Studio Bagno basin from Candana. Gareth Ashton tapware and towel ring from Abey. ‘Contemporary’ plaster wall light from Lighting Collective. Custom wardrobe in oak with brass pulls. French linen bedding from Tow and Line. Fringed linen cushion from Lucy Montgomery. Serax ‘Pawn’ ceramic side table from Studio ALM with ‘Surface’ sconce by Studio Henry Wilson in black travertine. On floor, ‘Fold’ light also by Studio Henry Wilson in black bronze. Vintage ‘Archduke’ oushak rug from Tigmi Trading.

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Food & Wine Preserved with Passion With its timeless and elegant design, Monolith becomes the highlight of every kitchen. Discover pure perfection at home.liebherr.com.au

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HOMES Photography ANSON SMART

Each striking statements in their genre, four monumental homes breaking barriers in luxury, glamour and sheer good looks.

PRIME NUMBER Studio Gestalt and Studio aem applied a light touch to refresh and reinvigorate the interiors of this seven-year-old home, preserving the best of existing features such as the decorative French windows that offer knockout city views. See Special Treatment, p154.

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This page Texture and a muted palette rule in the living room with a shot of bold colour inserted via a pair of Sally Gabori artworks. Custom sofa and coffee table in Calacatta Viola marble. Pierre Jeanneret re-edition armchair from Tigmi Trading. Jute rug from International Floorcoverings. Lumina ‘Daphine’ floor lamp by Tommaso Cimini from Enlightened Living. The Claude Lalanne-inspired sheep were found online. Opposite page The existing floors were bleached with Loba 2K InvisibleProtect from EuroStyle Floors. Walls in Rockcote ‘Otsumigaki’ finish by Triple A Rendering. The Senufo stool is one of the client’s collection.

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simple pleasures Rather than adding to this Sydney apartment, designers Handelsmann + Khaw chose to subtract, the minimalist results making maximum impact while also evoking a calming serenity.

Words CHRIS PE ARSON Photography FELIX FOREST

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ess is more in this elegant three-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s inner east, crafted by Handelsmann + Khaw interior designers Gillian Khaw and Tania Handelsmann.

“Unlike most projects, this was an exercise in subtraction rather than addition, a case of Coco Chanel’s famous quip: ‘Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off’,” explains Gillian. The pared-back results, with their curated finishes and furnishings, evoke an almost monastic, yet paradoxically glamorous, serenity.

Chanel’s minimalist maxim missed the apartment’s former iteration. Built around 2000, it bore many of that period’s trademarks, including, says Gillian, a “cacophony” of finishes, including yellowing timber floors and joinery, plain plasterboard walls, frameless glass doors, a heavy burgundy marble fireplace and high-gloss Carrara marble bathrooms, together with runways of downlights, all creating “a decidedly commercial feel”. But when the owners, downsizing empty-nesters, scoped the property

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with the designer duo in 2018, they were seduced by the 3.1-metrehigh ceilings, generous proportions and, most importantly, park views with walls of glass looking into a lush canopy of mature fig trees. The calming aspect was soaked up by a wintergarden, or conservatory, connected to, but also separated from, the living areas by glass bifolds. Adding to the appeal, the layout, with all the open-plan public spaces on one side and separated from the three bedrooms by a hallway, was in the classic tradition of the more traditional apartments in the area, says Gillian.

The owners, who had hired the design team for previous projects, briefed them to “bring a tranquil and elegant feel to the space”, says Gillian. “The couple wanted romantic interiors with a contemporary feel. They had previously owned a heritage house, so they asked for some of those elements in a modern context.

“With the freneticism of this inner-city area, we wanted a foil, visually quiet and calming, not overstimulating. We took it back to bare bones and made it a beautiful textured box, with »

This page, from left Gillian and Tania retained existing elements such as the kitchen with its elegant curve in the ceiling but revitalised the veneer cabinets by painting them in Dulux ‘White Duck’. In the media space off the kitchen is a custom sofa upholstered in Kvadrat Maharam velvet. Vintage ‘Clam’ armchair sourced by the designers. Senufo stool from the client’s collection. Artwork by Harold David from Becker Minty. Lumina ‘Daphine’ floor lamp from Enlightened Living. Rug from Whitecliffe Imports. Opposite page In the library with custom shelving by Silhouette Kitchens, a chair from Watertiger sits at the plaster table with white vase, both client’s own.

“WITH THE FRENETICISM OF T H I S I N N E R- C I T Y A R E A , W E WA N T E D A F O I L , V I S UA L LY QUIET AND C A L M I N G …”

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« the focus on the wintergarden and bringing that park inside,” she says. “It needed character and the best way to do that was with patina and texture, especially through painted finishes and the furniture selection.”

They drew cues from Belgian design, especially that of architect Vincent Van Duysen, who skilfully combines minimalism and warmth, often awkward bedfellows. “His is a beautiful minimalism, raw with antiqued timber. The textural rawness of Belgian interiors is the opposite of what you might expect in an inner-city apartment. Where many might add gloss, we did just the opposite.”

Gillian and Tania brought a “purity and simplicity” to the apartment by bleaching the floorboards, stripping the fireplace of its oppressive burgundy marble and replacing the plain walls with a textured lime and clay plaster to lend texture and earthiness.

Walls and timber floors are the one hue to create a seamlessness from one to the other. Meanwhile, existing Carrara marble in the kitchen and bathrooms was given a washed look, while the kitchen joinery was painted white. “It’s easy to change things for change’s sake, but it’s important to know what to change and what to keep,” says Gillian. “The Carrara is timeless and classic, so we kept it, but we took everything back to its palest form for a unified tone.”

Meanwhile, in the living area, a wall of joinery with low-key hardware blends in with those walls to keep the focus on the view.

Also key to that indoor-outdoor connection is the wintergarden.

“It’s an olde-worlde concept, almost Victorian, but re-imagined and executed in a contemporary way, with no cane or porcelain,” says Gillian, who replaced frameless glass bifolds with the “exterior garden language” of steel-framed doors in black to create a demarcation and provide definition against the plaster walls. As with the rest of the home, furnishings there are sparse but carefully chosen, favouring what Gillian calls “the furniture of plants and the sculptural interplay of foliage, chosen for their sculptural shapes” – think fiddle-leaf fig, Swiss-cheese plant and dragon tree.

In the spirit of making each space work to the full, Gillian and Tania turned an idle area beside the wintergarden into a library, with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a rolling ladder. “This was a nothing space. It’s nice to demarcate spaces in an open plan into something more intimate – and there’s something luxurious about a library,” she says. It’s a relatively detailed area in an apartment that Gillian terms “quite monastic”, reflected in both finishes and furnishings. “We wanted to furnish it sparsely, but with interesting pieces on a blank canvas for an elegant look. It was a matter of knowing when to be quiet,” she says. “There’s nothing too tricky, with texture added in the furniture and a rough-hewn bench in the main bedroom, for example.” Two key pieces, the dining table and library desk, were transplanted from the owners’ family home.

Meanwhile, a quartet of armchairs, facing inwards and out, was custom-made for the wintergarden. “Neither armchairs nor »

This page Sleek steel doors from Enviro Window Designs open into the light-filled wintergarden, which looks straight out into a lush tree canopy. The armchairs were custom-made and the Senufo stools are from the client’s collection. Stone console from Yardware and pots from Garden Life. Curtains by Simple Studio.

Pendant lights from Light on Landscape. Opposite page, from top The kitchen, with its Carrara marble benchtop, was retained but given a facelift with the cupboards painted in Dulux ‘White Duck’. Icon tapware in Charcoal Bronze from Astra Walker. Artworks by Gabriele Corni from Studio ALM. In the dining area, Cassina ‘Leggera’ chairs by Gio Ponti with antique French table from Sally Beresford. Wall sconces from Anna Charlesworth. Ceramics on table from Planet.

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This page, clockwise from left The main bedroom, with its subdued palette, is a serene sanctuary. Client’s own antique textiles above a rustic bench from Watertiger. In the ensuite, stool from Watertiger. The existing bath, tapware and marble flooring were retained. The client’s own Indian engraving hangs above the custom bedhead. Lumina ‘Daphine’ table lamp by Tommaso Cimini from Enlightened Living on a custom-made bedside table with Calacatta Viola top. Client’s own rug. Opposite page The Lumina ‘Daphine’ floor lamp attends a custom armchair and footstool.

« sofas, it’s quite a different way of sitting,” she says. And, while the L-shaped sofa might be contemporary in profile, the duo fringed it as a nod to traditional style. Again, in the mix of old and new, mid-century Gio Ponti dining chairs surround an antique French dining table. “In furniture, it’s important to cut across times and provenances,” says Gillian.

In banishing clutter, she admits there was a little push-back from the owners, “who can be quite maximalist. But, because we wanted the serenity achieved with the monastic look, we persuaded them not to fill the walls with artworks and to edit their belongings down. It’s a matter of knowing when to be quiet – the walls look better blank. A designer is expected to add rather than subtract, but we stripped the apartment back to nothing.” Bar one woolly exception – the pair of Claude Lalanne-inspired sheep grazing in the living room. “It’s quite an austere and formal apartment, but it’s also important to have fun – that’s where the sheep come in,” she says. # handelsmannkhaw.com

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SPEED READ » When the downsizing owners bought this three-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s inner east, they were drawn by its generous proportions and calming park views. » But the 2000 build was hampered by a “cacophony” of trademark features of the period, including yellowing timber floors, plain white plasterboard walls, a chunky burgundy marble fireplace and Carrara bathrooms, together with runways of downlights, resulting in a chilly commercial feel. » They hired interior designers Tania Handelsmann and Gillian Khaw of Handelsmann + Khaw to pare it back, bring in a simple elegance and foster a calming, serene ambience. » Employing the less-is-more philosophy, they stripped it back to a warm minimalism, taking many cues from Belgian design. Retaining the footprint, they introduced texture in the hand-finished walls and timber flooring, the palette restrained and walls and floor melding colour-wise into one another. » Classic steel-framed doors fringe the conservatory or wintergarden along the front of the apartment, which, with its sculptural plants, draws the parkland inside. » Furnishings, melding old and new, and with an emphasis on the raw and tactile, are kept simple and uncluttered.

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Sydney This page Freehold II by Christopher Lees from Harvey Galleries and Wing Walkers Study by David O’Toole from Curatorial+Co guide those who climb the travertine stairs of this home. Poltrona Frau ‘Soffi’ pendant light from Cult. Walls in Porter’s Paints ‘French Wash’. Vessels on the landing from Studio Cavit. Opposite page In the first-floor entrance, a B&B Italia ‘Eda-Mame’ sofa and ‘Elios’ side table, both from Space. Missoni Home ‘Tibet’ ottoman from Top3 by Design. Bowl from Montmartre Store. Society Limonta throw from Ondene. What Lies Beneath artwork by Theresa Hunt from Curatorial+Co. French oak flooring from Nash Timbers.

Presented with an immense architectural envelope, two design studios have transformed this home’s

Words CARLI PHILIP S Photography ANSON SMART Styling CL AIRE DELMAR

SPECI AL TREAT M EN T interiors with micro details and massive statements.

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These pages, from left Views across Sydney’s lower North Shore to the Sydney Harbour Bridge are savoured from a Giorgetti ‘Skyline’ modular sofa from Space in the ground-floor living area. The Giorgetti ‘Skyline’ low table and ‘Gradient Reflex’ bamboo silk and linen rug are also from Space. &Tradition ‘Shuffle MH1’ multicoloured side table from Cult. Glass from Becker Minty and glass bowl from Top3 by Design on table. Navigating Our Way artwork by Kerrie Oliver from Curatorial+Co. Apparatus ‘Cloud 37’ pendant light from Criteria. All the internal walls are painted in half-strength Dulux ‘White Duck’. To the other side of the casual eating area, the owner’s existing pendant light, mirror and fireplace add rustic charm. Giorgetti ‘Apsara’ outdoor modular seating system and B&B Italia ‘Fat-Fat’ outdoor tables, all from Space. Zanotta ‘Teti’ green occasional table from Cult. Vida ‘Sonoma’ outdoor rug from The Rug Establishment, made from recycled plastic bottles.

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t was purely just ‘Google luck’, ” says Warren Au of how he came to work on this home in Sydney’s Mosman. Warren, the director of Studio Gestalt, was surprised to receive an enquiry email from the owners. “I looked up the real estate pics and thought, ‘You’ve got to be kidding.’ I thought someone was pulling my leg,” he says. “But I gave them a call and it was actually a real client, with a real project. I struck gold.”

Gobsmacked, Warren’s first port of call was to his friend and fellow designer Alex Mason of Studio aem. With a philosophy of two is better than one, the pair – who first met as graduates working at the same firm – embarked on the project together.

Sitting on a double block spread over 1792 square metres, the architectural envelope didn’t require any structural work. Inside, however, the house called for a whole new reinvigorated identity.

The scope, initially joinery specifications and a comprehensive furniture package, ballooned to encompass accessories, lighting, art and soft furnishings. “The original house was executed to a high standard through original selections and construction, so we were lucky in that we had a strong aesthetic foundation that was high quality – it provided us with a good base,” says Alex. “The intention was to complement what was existing and make improvements with the introduction of materials and finishes.”

In particular, all the carpeting was removed and replaced with elegant, over-scaled herringbone flooring in an effort to “add to the traditional element of the home”, says Alex. Broadly, the concept involved harmoniously blending any new additions with existing features such as the traditional fireplaces and decorative French windows with panoramic views across Sydney Harbour. »

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This page Adjacent to the casual living, the ground-floor casual dining seats six on Porro ‘Frank’ chairs around a Porro ‘Materic’ table by Piero Lissoni, all from Space. Glass vase and glassware from Becker Minty. Aerin ice bucket from Palmer & Penn. Apparatus ‘Cloud 37’ pendant light from Criteria. Zanotta ‘Teti’ occasional table from Cult.

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This page, clockwise from top Honed Super White dolomite stone on the kitchen island and benches contrasts with the Majorca Grey marble used for the rangehood, all from WK Stone. On benchtop, sculpture by Humble Matter from Curatorial+Co. Qasair ‘Lismore’ rangehood. Gaggenau ovens and Franke ‘Chef’ undermount sink with ‘Atlas’ pullout tap, all from Winning Appliances. A corner of the kitchen leads to the kids’ room. Gubi ‘Pacha’ chair from Criteria.

Softline ‘POD’ footstool from Cult. Artwork by unknown artist. Christopher Boots ‘Prometheus VII’ pendant light from Est Lighting. Kristalia ‘BCN’ stools from Fanuli. White bowls from Ondene. Sculptural vase from Studio Cavit.

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These pages, clockwise from left The original full-height French doors in the formal living and dining open to brilliant views. B&B Italia ‘Doyl’ chairs and Giorgetti ‘Amadeus’ table and ‘Alfred’ bar cart, all from Space. Large vessel and ceramic bowl on table from The DEA Store. Marble bowl from Greg Natale. Carafe and glasses on bar cart from Great Dane. Indian ‘Terra 2’ rug from Cadrys. Baxter ‘Chester Moon’ sofa from Criteria. Chandeliers, owner’s existing. Fleur Stevenson artworks from Curatorial+Co. On the terrace, Manutti ‘Torsa’ table from Cosh Living and Zanotta ‘Club’ armchairs from Cult. Also in the formal living, Poltrona Frau ‘Archibald’ chairs from Cult. Baxter ‘Plissè’ leather sideboard, ‘Ninfea’ small table and night table, and set of ‘Jenga’ coffee tables, all from Criteria. Marble bowl from Greg Natale, ceramic vase from The DEA Store and glasses from Great Dane. On sideboard, from left, ‘TTR’ vessel by Humble Matter from Curatorial+Co, bowl from Montmartre Store and vase from Becker Minty. Nettle and artsilk Pokhara rug from Tappeti. Small artwork by Leonie Barton from Curatorial+Co. Interior designers Warren Au of Studio Gestalt and Alex Mason of Studio aem.

Baxter ‘Bauhaus’ chair from Criteria.

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This page The lower-ground floor foyer looks through to a study highlighted by Kerrie Oliver’s Please Get Off My Back from Curatorial+Co. B&B Italia ‘Bolt’ table and Porro ‘Frank’ chair, both from Space. Green vase from Maison et Jardin. Maison Balzac platter from Manyara Home. ‘Froth’ rug from Robyn Cosgrove. Poltrona Frau ‘Xi’ pendant light from Cult. On the study desk, stone sculpture and glass circular base from BoConcept, and metal sculpture by Camie Lyons from Spence & Lyda. Riva 1920 walnut shelving unit from Fanuli. Opposite page, clockwise from top Looking outside from the study, a B&B Italia ‘Tufty-Time’ sofa, ‘Fat-Fat’ ottoman and ‘Husk’ chair, all from Space. Yellow cushion and wineglass, both from Montmartre Store. Large vase on floor from BoConcept. Ceramic tray with cups from Becker Minty.

Cordeaux & Co curtains from Boyac. Artwork by Maria Kostareva from Curatorial+Co. Step out to the master bedroom terrace and a pair of Gervasoni ‘Inout 81’ recliner sun loungers from Anibou await. In the first-floor hall, Baxter ‘Tia’ leather seat from Criteria and ‘Freeform’ wool and silk rug from Tappeti.

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« Due to the vast, expansive nature of the floor plan, Alex and Warren wanted to create visually contained spaces not necessarily closed off by doors or partitions, but distinguished by a composition of furniture and demarcated by rugs and lighting.

Experienced in hospitality design, especially big restaurant venues, Warren was familiar with this type of division and allotment. “I’m used to creating fit-for-purpose spaces, especially smaller defined pockets, which is what we have done here,” he says.

On the ground floor, the west wing has been carved into three zones: a dining table with a silk rug underfoot, a formal living area with Baxter’s ‘Chester Moon’ sofa and occasional chairs surrounding a set of coffee tables, and an arrangement of Gubi’s ‘Pacha’ chairs.

The east wing comprises a TV room and playroom with casual meals and dining. The ‘on-show’ kitchen was re-done and extended with a Super White dolomite island. Behind, there’s another full working Chinese scullery with Caesarstone bench. “It was designed to be the absolute workhorse of the house,” says Warren.

Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in rich chocolate Eveneer timber veneer hides fully integrated services. “From a holistic perspective, we wanted to maintain similar silhouettes and materials for the joinery throughout,” says Warren, referencing the same design, elevated with bronze detailing, that has been used in the master bathroom and boutique-like walk-in robe with a chest of drawers and extensive storage hidden behind a fluted sliding door. »

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SPEED READ » When Warren Au of Studio Gestalt was engaged to work on this five-level home in Mosman, he invited fellow designer and friend Alex Mason of Studio aem to come on board. » The house was only seven years old and didn’t require major architectural interventions, but the new owners wanted to contemporise the interiors with new fixtures, finishes and furniture. » Traditional elements such as the existing French windows, some chandeliers and mouldings were left intact. » The kitchen was reoriented and lined in Super White dolomite, while a new scullery, where most of the cooking takes place, is now tucked behind. » The travertine tiling and limestone was retained throughout but all the carpets were replaced with herringbone flooring. » The hard finishes are expressed in shades of oatmeal and tan with injections of subtle pattern and colour. » The most work was done to the master ensuite and walk-in robe, both now featuring custom Eveneer joinery with bronze detailing.

This page In the master bedroom, the Maxalto ‘Alcova’ bed from Space includes a bench seat upholstered in Dedar Milano ‘Lupo’ fabric. Society Limonta bed linen from Ondene. ‘Lune’ pendant light from Spence & Lyda. Cordeaux & Co curtains in Pearl from Boyac made by Fybre Furnishing Solutions. ‘Velvet Cocoon’ wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries. Missoni cushion in shelf from Top3 by Design and platter from Ondene. Opposite page, clockwise from top left The master ensuite is flanked by a custom vanity in Eveneer in Metro from Elton Group offset in RAW by Salvatori silk georgette wall tiles from Boffi. Existing marble floor tiles and tapware. Ceramilux bath and Falper oval basins, both from Rogerseller. Baxter ‘Nepal’ chair from Criteria. ‘Prometheus I + II’ pendant lights from Est Lighting. ‘Ripley’ handles from The English Tapware Company in the walk-in robe were also used on the ensuite joinery. Island inset with Super White dolomite from WK Stone. Moooi ‘Heracleum Endless’ pendant light from Space. Vintage hat boxes from Palmer & Penn and Maison et Jardin. Leather basket and containers from Great Dane. Artwork from Montmartre Store. Sliding doors from Spectrum Art Glass. Glass vase from Greg Natale on the vanity, which has a custom mirror. In the shower area, Glas Italia ‘Koh-I-Noor Specchi’ mirror from Space and a Prada hat box from Palmer & Penn. ‘Eccentric’ shower rose from Rogerseller.

« A light touch was applied to all seven bathrooms, but special treatment was given to the master ensuite, which has been completely reorganised and lined in handmade tiles. Having undergone the most extensive changes, the reimagined design features curved profiles by way of round-edged double vanities, halo-style pendants and arched mirrors.

The adjacent master bedroom has been treated as a true suite, with an intimate living area complete with a fireplace, ottoman and armchairs. “Even though the house has so many large living spaces, this provides uninterrupted quiet and retreat,” explains

Warren. Another four bedrooms are clustered on this level in addition to a sweeping terrace.

All three levels are linked by a wide, sculptural central staircase which unfolds into a foyer on the lower-ground floor with a glasstopped B&B Italia ‘Bolt’ entrance table by Mario Bellini. Through a floor-to-ceiling internal glass pane is a view to the palatial study, where there’s both a desk and a B&B Italia ‘Tufty-Time’ sofa by Patricia Urquiola which, in its bone and navy colour, was selected as a hero piece to cap off this fine home. # studiogestalt.com.au; studioaem.com.au

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This page Overlooking a compact but well-used swimming pool, the west-facing terrace’s Tribù ‘Tosca’ sofa and chairs from Cosh Living are a prime spot to take in the sunset. Tribù ‘Nomad Pouf’ ottoman and ‘Tao’ rectangular low table, both from Cosh Living. Glass vessel on table from BoConcept. Vida ‘Sonoma’ rug from The Rug Establishment. Opposite page This home is luxury on all levels.

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These pages Adding a reflective dimension to the kitchen is a high bank of glossy cabinets in reflective gold laminate from Abet Laminati. Creamy ‘Ditta’ sheepskin stools from Grazia&Co are parked at the island bench which is dressed in Zaragoza honed marble from Artedomus inlaid with a brushed brass strip and finished in Admira oak laminate in Midnight from Bench Top City. Sculpture by Anya Pesce from Studio Gallery. Walls in Dulux ‘Natural White’. Douglas plank flooring from Dinesen. Artwork by Matthew Johnson from Olsen Gallery. Splashback in Zaragoza marble from Artedomus. Fisher & Paykel oven, cooktop and integrated refrigerator, Miele dishwasher and Abey kitchen mixer.

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With its many iterations over the years, this patchwork house and former duplex has finally come into its own, radiating a joyous and cohesive new identity.

Glowing REPORT Words CARLI PHILIP S Photography DEREK SWALWELL Styling SAMANTHA DE ACON

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ith its circular oak handle and shiny acrylic flavour, the oversized, show-stopping door in this Melbourne home is reminiscent of a chocolate pastille wrapped in foiled pink paper.

It’s just as sweet too, a spunky spark of fun – visible from the entryway – that bookmarks the end of the corridor leading to the master bedroom. While it bursts from the ground in a full-height pivot, the internal face is neutral so that when closed, the bedroom transforms into a serene, all-white sanctuary.

Built in the 1930s, the house had been subject to a patchwork of renovations over the years and there were no internal features worth saving. “It was dated and had an awkward side extension.

Most people probably would have knocked it down, but the clients loved the charm and elevated views. You can see across Melbourne but the property is still somewhat humble in scale,” says Mardi Doherty of Doherty Design Studio, who worked on the project with building designer Ari Alexander, boutique builders Ecoast and landscapers BLAC. For owners Vicki and Elli, the main appeal was the light and position of the communal areas on the top floor. In years prior, the property functioned as a duplex but was later converted into a single residence. Internally, there was a spiral staircase but it was tight and impractical. “It meant that the views couldn’t truly be enjoyed because you were constantly climbing and there wasn’t really anywhere to stop and enjoy the aspect,” recalls Mardi. A flight of newly positioned timber stairs was inserted »

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This page Lighting up the dining area, a white Pianca ‘Confluence’ elliptical table from Meizai is attended by MDF Italia ‘Flow’ chairs from Hub. Hanging above the dining table, a trio of e15 ‘North’ pendant lights from Living Edge in white powdercoated metal, brass and copper. A pink upholstered ‘Elephant’ desk chair from Fanuli is tucked into the study nook which features custom joinery shelving and desk drawers finished in Dulux ‘Polly’ with Zaragoza marble benchtop from Artedomus. Vintage Kosta Boda table lamp from Leonard Joel. On shelves in the study nook, a small artwork by Marisa Mu, vessel in black-and-white checks by Samantha McIntyre from The Soda Fountain and set of client’s own drinking glasses. Opposite page, clockwise from top left “It’s a humble house but with moments of great joy,” says Mardi Doherty, pictured between interior designers Phoebe Lipscombe and Samantha Deacon. The staircase features white powdercoating on one balustrade and brass on the other. The hallway walls are finished in polished velvet plaster by Bishop Master Finishes. Angled in front of the fireplace hearth in honed Grey Aether marble from G Lux on a pink rug from Halcyon Lake is the Mongolian sheepskin armchair and ottoman from CCSS Designer Furniture. Moroso ‘Klara’ coffee table from Hub. Gubi ‘9602’ floor lamp from In Good Company. Artwork by Eleanor Millard from Studio Gallery.

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Melbourne These pages With an adjoining study the lounge can also serve as a workspace. ClassiCon ‘E1027’ glass side table in Black from Anibou. ‘Palais Ovale’ sofa table from Great Dane. Artwork by Leila Jeffreys. Custom bar cabinet inset with peach mirror by InEx Living and Dulux ‘Maximus’.

Fireplace tiles are Kayoborder from Academy Tiles. Fireplace hearth is honed Grey Aether marble from G Lux. In the study, Thonet desk chair from Anibou and brass desk lamp by Oscar Torlasco from CCSS Designer Furniture. Custom sofa from Jardan. On shelves, artwork by Esther Erlich, small white vessel by Nicolette Johnson from Modern Times and brass sculpture by Anna Varendorff from Hub. Custom wool carpet from Tsar Carpet.

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« at the entryway, running across three levels and ultimately transforming the whole spatial organisation of the home. With the ground floor reserved for a garage and laundry, the first floor is occupied by sleeping quarters and Elli’s study which features a curved wall, creating a new line of sight into spaces that an angular corner simply wouldn’t have. Formerly the old dining room, the lounge and workspace is now fitted out with a custom timber and black joinery unit lined with books, a cosy Jardan sofa and a tangerine carpet underfoot.

The house was a network of small, disconnected rooms that Mardi wanted to widen to create larger spaces with more generous openings. “We didn’t really need to shut things off because there are only two of them,” she says. “The hallways and openings were narrow and small so we wanted to increase the connection from one room to the next. We did this by removing non-essential doors so that the doorways could act like extensions of rooms. It was about finding flow.”

Upstairs, the second level includes a west-facing living room, and a kitchen and meals area that unfolds onto a new rear deck. The floorplan was flipped with the kitchen-meals hollowed out to create a sense of seamlessness without any internal obstructions. While Vicki and Elli are empty nesters they needed this area to function for two and also to accommodate 20 for when they are not at their country weekender. “Mardi designed us such a lovely city home, like an apartment but freestanding. It’s very easy to lock up and leave but I love it so much that I find it too hard.” »

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Melbourne « Instead of partitioning the living zone, a short, slightly narrowed passage was created by building a wall of gold shelves on one side and a powder room opposite. “The removal of walls was designed to maximise light and create the idea of transparency within the interior environment,” Mardi says of the concept.

Colour is scattered through the living room with a fuchsia sofa and rose-tinted rug. Upholstered sheepskin kitchen bar stools and a modernist Mongolian shearling armchair add elements of whimsy to the elegant fit-out. “It’s restrained and sophisticated, but in a fun way,” explains Mardi. “Vicki and Elli are quite young at heart and we really wanted to create a joyful home.” # dohertydesignstudio.com.au; @arialexander; blacdesign.com; ecoast.com.au

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SPEED READ » Once a duplex, this property was converted into a single residence a number of years prior to the current owners moving in. » It had a charming 1930s facade but the interiors were a patchwork of renovations that left it lacking any historical features worth salvaging. » Owners Vicki and Elli initially wanted a single-level home but the house proved irresistible and an existing lift meant it would satisfy their needs long-term. » Mardi Doherty of Doherty Design Studio was engaged to reimagine the interiors and rethink the planning. » This involved inserting a new staircase and expanding spaces by removing disconnected rooms and increasing openings for generosity of living. » Crucial to the brief was a new deck on the eastern side on the first floor directly next to the kitchen. » For the furnishings and decorative elements, the concept was for jolts of fun and elements of play, using colourful tones, circular silhouettes and a large reflective pink door. » “We stripped the house back to its bare bones and now it’s in the best condition it’s ever been in,” says Mardi.

This page The pink theme continues in the guest ensuite with a vanity clad in a Hi-Macs ‘Lucent’ surface in Ruby and ‘Arq’ tapware in Rose Copper from Rogerseller. A circular custom mirror is set on the ‘Majorga’ wall tiles in Ash Grey from Signorino. ‘Chalky’ terrazzo floor tiles from Fibonacci Stone.

Opposite page, clockwise from top left In the master bedroom, a ‘Cherry’ pendant light, one of a pair by Petite Friture and Daniel Emma, hangs above the custom bed. ‘Nobsa’ rug from Halcyon Lake. “We embraced a layered approach to colour and materials: soft white polished plaster adorns curved walls, brass accents punctuate finishes, black stained timber and amber-veined marble adds sophistication, and gold-mirrored laminate adds a spirit of playfulness,” says Mardi. The custom-designed door to the main bedroom in hot-pink acrylic by Mitchell Group features a custom oak handle. The hallway walls are finished in a polished velvet plaster by Bishop Master Finishes. On the building’s front facade, the lower window looks into the laundry and the top window opens the study to views across the city.

These pages The 19th-century home’s magnificent proportions invite decorative gestures on a commensurably grand scale – albeit of a different era – including the large psychedelic painting by German contemporary artist Franz Ackermann that hangs in the sitting room above a sleek, wraparound sofa from King. “It’s quite monochromatic in here with the black sofa and timber floor,” says the owner, “but the vibrant artwork just lifts the whole room.” Sculptures by Jimmy An.gunguna. Black geometric side table from Cromwell on a rug from Halcyon Lake. ‘Fandango’ pendant light from Hermon Hermon Lighting. Marble side table from En Gold with Tom Dixon vessels from Living Edge. B&B Italia ‘Up’ chair by Gaetano Pesce from Space. Greenearth timber flooring in Icefield Oak from Golden Field used throughout.

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An extensive collection of artwork has contemporised the sensitive renovation of this 19th-century mansion.

GLORY DAYS

Words CARLI PHILIP S Photography TIMOTHY K AYE Styling K ARIN BO CHNIK

This page An artwork by Damien Hirst, Beautiful Romance in the Age of Uncertainty, hangs below the stairwell in the entry foyer. The A-frame above is a new steel support disguised by decorative detailing. Sculptures by Emily Floyd on a table by Marc French & Co. Original 1800s decorative floor tiles.

Opposite page, clockwise from top left In the sitting room, ‘Fandango’ pendant lights from Hermon Hermon Lighting suspended above a sofa from King, B&B Italia ‘Up’ chair from Space, side table from En Gold and rug from Halcyon Lake. In the entrance to the living and dining room, a plinth in Nero Marquina marble from Multiform displays a sculpture by James Angus. The handsome facade is painted in Porter’s Paints ‘Boncote’ natural-look concrete and enveloped by gardens designed by Clapham Landscape Architecture.

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iving in this house is like a holiday. You feel like you’ve rented this great chateau or historical property in Europe. It’s a very unique experience,” says the owner of this period home. After a year-long renovation, the result is particularly rewarding bearing in mind both the stop-start of lockdowns and the challenge of procuring materials. Curiously, the property isn’t what you might expect of the owner, who is the CEO of Glenvill, a company geared towards new buildings and developments. Initially, plans for a modern extension were drawn up by an architect but eventually abandoned in favour of working with Glenvill in-house where the proposition was to renovate within the existing fabric. “Renovations are not something Glenvill normally does, but I’m so proud of the result.

People are surprised and absolutely blown away,” says the owner.

The statuesque 19th-century mansion was showing its age. All new plastering was required to combat cracks, some ceilings had to be rebuilt, windows needed replacing and damaged cornices replicated. While damaged, the house was deeply ornate and ofthe-era so deciding what to retain was “obvious”, says the owner.

“There were some incredibly magnificent details and we knew what we had to keep. Any alteration we made was done with a sense of timelessness in mind. The aim was to create something to endure long-term. The key was to keep the context of the home.” »

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« While the foyer was retained, damage to the tessellated tiles meant seeking out artisans who could patch, polish and grind to get the grouting right. They scoured tile wholesalers all over the world for replacements to no avail, eventually compensating by creating a black timber band to line the border. Also deteriorating were the grand feature stairs which were falling over. Structural supports were constructed with beams cleverly disguised within a design detail that now frames a Damien Hirst artwork.

Off the imposing foyer to the east of the entry is an interconnected sitting room and study. To the west was a walled-off formal dining room that the owner was keen to open up with a new access point.

As recreating a like-for-like period entryway was impossible, a steel-framed arch was devised to frame the new insertion. “It was an interesting risk architecturally, but it works brilliantly. It does today’s version of what yesterday’s arch was like. We widened it too, which completely opened it up.” Two more steel-framed arches were cut out at the rear of the room, leading across another hall to the living room. From here, another wide opening was cut to make a better connection to the kitchen and meals area.

In the communal spaces, monochromatic and minimalist furniture is juxtaposed with the highly ornate ceiling roses and intricate mouldings. Due to their vast proportions, some rooms »

This page Fox Sisters by Sally Smart hangs in the formal dining room. “The art has a big effect on this room. It makes it feel alive and contemporises the space,” says the owner. “The pink Sally Smart has a gentleness and elegant beauty that suits the room.” Chairs from Meizai surround a table from Cromwell. Candelabras from Market Imports.

Opposite page, clockwise from top left Kitchen island bench in Caesarstone ‘4001 Fresh Concrete’. Arcisan ‘Axus’ lever gooseneck sink mixer in brushed brass. Sculpture by Erwin Wurm. Ethnicraft extension table from Trit. The artwork above the fireplace is by Dale Frank. The home’s handsome period features were preserved and give it an impressive street presence. The sitting room has “a great sense of classicism”, says the owner. “But then there’s this contemporary, Yves Klein-blue Michael Staniak painting that just glows.”

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Melbourne « felt cold and bare in parts, so artwork was used to temper the interiors. While the black sofa is heavy and imposing, it backs onto a vibrant work by German artist Franz Ackermann, “inviting warmth and making the space feel lived in”, says the owner. He adds that clothing the house in an impressive array of contemporary art, including prized works from Tracey Emin and Australian artist Michael Staniak, “made a huge difference in making the house feel modern. In a way, it’s like you have this beautiful, old classic suit on and you just put on one extra piece that’s very contemporary – it could be a tie or a shirt – and it changes the whole context of what you’re looking at.”

The day-to-day rear staircase leads to the first floor where four bedrooms – each with their own new bathrooms – have been oriented in a quad shape around the level-one foyer. The master bedroom was flipped from the front to the back with a walk-in robe and ensuite carved from an existing bedroom. Mirroring the surrounding foliage, the bathroom is lined in forest-coloured bevelled wall tiles and an ice-green quartzite vanity. “We decided to switch the positioning of the master wing because of this view out to the trees. There’s an incredible calmness about being surrounded by nature up here. It’s a view and feeling that we thought deserving of this space.” # glenvill.com.au

“There’s an incredible calmness about being surrounded by nature up here.”

This page, from top In the master bedroom, a lamp from Meizai rests on the bedside table between a B&B Italia ‘Tufty Time’ sofa from Space and ‘Piumotto’ bedhead by Andrea Castrignano from Collective. An artwork by Tracey Emin hangs above the bed. An artwork by Kamolphan Chotvichai is displayed to the right of the fireplace in the master bedroom. Moooi ‘Delft’ vessel from Space on a marble side table from Meizai. B&B Italia ‘Tufty-Time’ sofa from Space. ‘Salisbury 9 Ancient’ carpet from Feltex. Opposite page The master ensuite’s vanity is clad in green quartzite from Signorino.

Axa above-counter basin with Arcisan ‘Axus’ basin mixer in brushed brass. Custom mirror by Glenvill. Bevelled wall tiles in light green and Bianco Carrara floor tiles, both from Signorino.

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These pages A cloud-like ‘Fandango’ pendant light from Hermon Hermon Lighting dances above the master bedroom’s assembly of soft appointments in elegant shades of crisp white, taupe and olive green. B&B Italia ‘Tufty-Time’ sofa from Space. Marble side table from Meizai with Moooi ‘Delft’ vessel from Space. ‘Salisbury 9 Ancient’ carpet from Feltex. Bedside lamp from Meizai.

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SPEED READ » The concept for this home was to retain the heritage features and contemporise the house with art. » Initially there were plans to use an architect but as the scope evolved the renovation ran through the owners’ company, Glenvill. » While the company focuses on new modern builds and developments, they rose to the challenge of a renovation with gusto. » The home was tired and many of the existing decorative period elements needed to be repaired and reinstated. » The dining room was opened up with new steel-framed arched insertions. » The owners say they sought to “freshen up the house by using art that in some instances is bold and in others is very subtle”. » The rear of the house was gutted and reformatted with a new opening connecting the kitchen and meals area with the living. » The idea was to create a look similar to that of a luxury Parisian apartment where “the contemporary furniture sits within the classical home”. » The whole first floor was flipped, with the master bedroom now at the rear to take advantage of the surrounding greenery. » Four other bedrooms on this level were each given ensuites through new planning and a better use of dead space.

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This page Italian pencil pines (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’) provide structure against the historic house, while the gravel driveway sweeps around to the rear of the property. Opposite page An intimate dining setting sits amid lush foliage in a shaded garden corner. Cane begonias (Begonia coccinea), tractor seat plant (Ligularia reniformis) and blue mist flower (Bartlettina sordida) all thrive here in front of the Hill’s fig hedge (Ficus microcarpa hillii ‘Flash’) on the boundary.

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FIELDS Recalling his childhood garden, landscaper Richard Unsworth wove magical elements into these grounds to enchant adults and kids alike.

Words RICHARD UNSWORTH Photography NICHOL A S WAT T

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hen we think of a city garden, the image that is conjured up is usually not like this sprawling garden. But it certainly qualifies on location, sitting gracefully in elegant Woollahra, just four kilometres to the east of the CBD. I’ve always been drawn to old houses. Our family home in the UK, while nothing like this one, stood out as being different from those surrounding it, and from a child’s perspective it was huge and rambling. There’s something about walls of brick and plaster, generous mouldings and architraves, sash windows with lead counterweights, weighty old front doors with old brass fittings ... but I digress.

This wonderful home dates from the 1880s. Our clients were in the throes of a major renovation to bring the heritage property back to its former glory and engaged us to help do the same with the garden. The client and I discussed his favourite plants, combinations that have worked for him in the past and in other gardens he has created. It’s always refreshing when clients share what they want to see or specific plants that resonate with them – it helps hone our response.

The clients had two very young children and they wanted flowers that could be picked by both adults and kids throughout the year for use in the home. We agreed that the garden needed to be formal in its style, but without being rigid. We also wanted to see a freshness and rhythm come through in the planting.

The garden surrounds the house on three sides, and the entrance is reached via a generous gravelled driveway running through the middle of the property. Original old sandstone retaining walls surround the entry to the house and run down the length of the driveway. Gracious wide steps lead up to the portico and the front

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This page, clockwise from top left City gardens need to have places to retreat to, regardless of size. This traditional-style furniture is evocative of another time and is in keeping with the style of the house. A formal sandstone water feature with bronze spouts helps to insulate the garden from road noise. At night, submersible lights illuminate the pond and reflect onto the tree canopy above. Inflorescent spikes of pride of Madeira (Echium fastuosum syn. candicans) and soft miscanthus foliage sit at the side of the formal lawn. Opposite page, from top A rhythmic planting of clipped and mounding specimens complements the imposing house frontage, a good example of repetition of subtle contrasting foliage forms and textures. At the end of the formal lawn sits a traditional garden seat. “Consider filling your pots with vibrantly coloured plants to help draw the eye and contrast with the greenery,” says Richard. “Their intense colour can also help fill the void during flowerless periods in a garden.”

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This page, clockwise from top left “This is a garden that’s still young and evolving. I enjoy dropping in and working there with our team, lending a hand clipping and shaping, and discussing its development with the owners,” says Richard. White bougainvillea (Bougainvillea ‘White Cascade’) frames the windows and a tapestry of clipped and mounding textures of various scales all work together at the front of the house.

Elegant camellia trunks (Camellia sasanqua ‘Snow’) stand out against lower layers of shade-tolerant planting. Prostrate rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’) tumbles down a sandstone wall on the driveway.

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door. A wide, formal lawn retained by the wall stands at the front, and when we first saw the garden, a large murraya hedge surrounded the entrance and extended right down the length of the lawn to the front gate. A mass of oleander ran down the other side of the lawn.

On the other side of the drive, an impressive old evergreen magnolia dominated, as well as a couple of large Canary Island date palms and a huge Norfolk Island pine. Nothing else really grew on this side under the shade of all the tree canopies, and the ground fell away towards the boundary. The majority of the grounds are at the front of the property, with a family pool and small lawn under a large jacaranda at the rear.

The gardens, extensive and tidy as they were, also were tired and uninteresting. The massed monoculture of the murraya hedge had to go: the thick hedge had the effect of splitting the garden in half, separating the formal lawn from the drive. The focus for the whole garden fell mainly on the driveway. Planting was a little municipal and impersonal. While the driveway was impressive, the rest of the garden did not live up to a house of this pedigree and heritage.

Circulation around the garden felt restricted and linear; a visitor was limited to venturing onto the lawn from the house and back again. From my own happy memories of growing up in a garden with hidden paths and secret hideaways, I imagined the children here wandering around and discovering, playing hide and seek and fetch with the dog, clambering up trees with muddy knees, and generally getting up to mischief away from the eyes of grown-ups.

We needed to improve movement in the front garden, and it was paramount to refashion the other areas to enable a sense of discovery.

The solution was a new set of stairs cutting into the long retaining wall that now connects the lawn and driveway. On the other side of the drive, we retained the garden near the boundary, levelling the ground under the magnolia.

A substantial formal water feature now weights the garden’s front corner under the magnolia and helps define and activate this whole area. The children can use a large pad of decomposed granite in front to play pétanque, and the paths on either side of the magnolia leading from the drive create good opportunities for wandering. It’s a garden to amble around at your own pace, run around chasing the dog, pick flowers with your children or choose herbs for dinner.

Extract from Richard Unsworth’s latest book, The City Gardener; see Library, p56. @richard_unsworth; @gardenlifesydney

B E L L E P R OM O T ION

BUYERS’ MARKET When it comes to updating your home and lifestyle, only the best will do – so here’s a round-up of the latest and greatest products out there

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1 CLASSIC WITH A TWIST Add a touch of timeless elegance to your outdoor space with Tectona Paris pieces such as the ‘1800’ low armchair RRP: $2401; and ‘1800’ footrest RRP: $1554. classicwithatwist.com.au 2 LAMINEX Elevate your space with new Surround by Laminex, easy to install wall panelling offering a wide range of design possibilities for your home. ‘Batten 25’ wall panelling by Surround by Laminex, from $137.50 per lm. laminex.com.au 3 TAIT Tait has collaborated with Willie Weston which works with Indigenous artists to create outdoor textiles. ‘Trace’ armchair in Willie Weston’s ‘Sugarbag Dreaming’ by artist Rosie Ngwarraye Ross. RRP: $6638. madebytait.com.au 4 STYLE TIMBER FLOORS Pebble Grey from the Style Timber Mega Collection comes in 220x2200x20mm size. Designed by MI Architects this product is a favourite with designers and renovators. Subtle greys coming through the warmth of the timber bring a fresh modern feel to your home. RRP: $110+gst/m2. styletimberfloor.com.au 5 DOMO COLLECTION The all-encompassing shape of the ‘Bubble’ armchairs and matching side tables are perfect for outdoor summer evenings with refreshing cocktails and long conversations by candlelight. RRP: $5125. domo.com.au 6 SIGNORINO Anthology is a catalogue of original and distinctive porcelain surfaces that are both versatile and durable. With Protect® antibacterial technology, Anthology makes the perfect choice for any space. RRP: $75m2+gst/600x600mm. signorino.com.au 7 HARVEY NORMAN A palette of neutrals and blues helps to create a calm and inviting atmosphere, and a perfect example of this is the ‘Woodland’ four-piece lounge setting in solid acacia timber with plush comfortable seating and four scatter cushions. Exclusive to Harvey Norman. harveynorman. com.au 8 WALLPAPER DIRECT Home to a vast range of wallpaper brands with more than 10,000 designs, and including free samples and calculator, wallpaperdirect is a great resource for any interior project. wallpaperdirect.com 9 JANUS ET CIE Light and airy in form, ‘Nexus’ features intricately woven polypropylene rope around a powder-coated aluminum, with the collection embodying the appeal of negative space. RRP: $4990. janusetcie.com

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THE OFFICE

I’ve always been a vintage fan and was raised on homemade and op-shop clothes.

I wanted to share my skills of styling vintage and second-hand with other women. By doing this I’d be helping the movement against the unsustainable and unethical fast-fashion industry. HOW WOULD YO U D E S C R I B E YO U R A P P R OAC H? I start with what the client already has. I help them to see fresh combination ideas: mixing prints, clashing colours, contrasting textures and various layering options. H O W W O U L D YO U D E S C R I B E YO U R S T U D I O S PA C E ?

Cosy and full of gorgeous clothes, all of which I’ve sourced from vintage dealers, eBay, markets and online resale sites over the years, but some on consignment too. WHAT ARE YOUR STUDIO ESSENTIALS? I love magazines, still, and am afraid I tear out pages that have me obsessed because these images drive me forward. It doesn’t matter whether the fashion shoot is from the latest issue, 2015 or 1974 – if it’s good it inspires me for the future. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YO U R S T U D I O? Well, it’s in the attic of my family home so it includes a sofa bed and a widescreen TV which isn’t ideal. On the plus side, it’s flanked by more storage space for my Slogue collection and it allows me to temporarily escape the Mum role – especially important right now. COULD YOU DE SCRIBE THE VIE W FROM YOUR STUDIO? I only see the branches of gum trees and generally blue sky through the skylights and that’s perfect for me as I get terribly distracted by anything involving people. CO U LD YO U D E SCR IB E A T YPIC AL WORK DAY? I’d love to say I start the day with yoga and CO U L D YO U T E L L U S A B I T A B O U T S LO G U E?

a Goop smoothie, but once the kids are at school I just dive into work and don’t come up for air until school pick-up. I might have a couple of video sessions or an in-person at the studio, or I often visit clients for a more detailed session. When life is normal I’m also visiting my favourite vintage stores sourcing for clients.

D O YOU USE YOUR SPACE TO ENTERTAIN CLIENTS? Yes, you could call it entertaining when regular clients come to be dressed for an event and we share a sneaky cocktail! I also run vintage shopping tours for small groups and have them back to the studio for prosecco. WHAT IS A DRE AM DESIGN OBJECT THAT YOU WOULD BUY FOR YOUR STUDIO? It’s not an object so much as an artwork. I love the bold colour and geometry of Sydney artist Claudia Damichi’s huge canvases. I can see one working so well in this studio to complement the colour already here, but also to counter the clutter of the clothes racks. IF YOUR STUDIO WERE LO C ATED ANY WHERE EL S E, WHER E WO U LD TH AT B E? I would like to transport it, Dr Who-style, to London every northern summer so I could see more of my family and friends there. I get very homesick. WHO HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR ENDURING CRE ATIVE INFLUENCE S? Patricia Field, Grace Coddington, Alessandro Michele, Pedro Almodóvar, Wes Anderson, Iris Apfel, Marilyn Monroe, Prince and David Bowie. WHAT PROJEC TS ARE YOU LO OKING FORWARD TO IN THE COMING YE AR? My new Slogue app is so exciting – it gives all my clients their own digital wardrobe, like Cladwell and Stylebook but styled by me instead of an algorithm. slogue.com.au

JOANNE IS WEARING 70S YVES SAINT LAURENT JACKET, 70S LOEWE BLOUSE, BESPOKE 80S LINDA JACKSON GOLD LAMÉ HAREM PANTS (AVAILABLE FOR HIRE), MIU MIU BOOTS (CIRCA 2010).

Good as new Vintage dreams come true in Joanne Gambale’s attic.

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Photography AL ANA L ANDSBERRY

GREGNATALE.COM FLAGSHIP STORE 115 MACLEAY STREET POTTS POINT SYDNEY ALSO AVAILABLE AT