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THE COLLECTOR’S EDITION

INSPIRING HOMES WITH HEART

THE

OUR

21 st BIRTHDAY

BIG

SPLASH

THE GOOD GUIDE TO OUTDOOR LIVING

+ All-weather furniture + Backyard showers & baths + At-home open-air cinema + High summer tables

ISSUE

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

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

Beautiful simplicity.

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

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

Visit COLORBOND.COM/MATT or call 1800 702 764

THIS IS FOR A NEW GENERATION. The EQA takes electric driving to exciting new heights as the first luxurious compact vehicle by Mercedes-EQ. Experience its athletic design, impressive range, high-speed charging capabilities, intelligent MBUX multimedia system and advanced driving assistance systems.

Discover the all-electric EQA.

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It’s our Big Birthday...

W PHOTOGRAPHY: STEFAN WELLSMORE

hen Inside Out launched with great hype in 2000, we were the most exciting new homes magazine in Australia. A huge event for 400 partygoers on Woolloomooloo Wharf in Sydney welcomed the masthead to newsstands across the country and we quickly cemented our place at the vanguard of modern Australian architecture and style.

That hasn’t changed. But 21 years later, we’ve broadened our view to take in the shift over the past two decades towards sustainable housing and materials and local design that make the most of our unique geography. We’ve also branched into more meaningful ways to live at home, with a focus on great local food, entertaining and ways to live with kids and expanding families – basically everything you need to create spaces that bring joy.

Working on Inside Out is also a joy, and I want to thank our team here at Are Media for bringing this brand to life every month with the support of the design and interiors industries, our advertising partners, local manufacturers and retailers, and the inspiring architects, builders, photographers, stylists and writers we work with every day. Thank you — and enjoy your birthday issue.

Your daily renovation and design goals @insideoutmag

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Inside Out acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the place we now call Sydney, where this magazine is published. Inside Out also pays respects to Elders past and present.

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THE CUT Elevate your daily bathing ritual with plush towels

and luxurious textiles from Melbourne label Købn NEWS Our round-up of the latest design finds, things to try, best pieces to buy and fabulous new places to visit COLOUR TREND We’ve bean loving coffee and chocolate tones HOMEWARES PROFILE: JONES & CO Meet Jennifer Jones, the founder of this much-adored Australian ceramics brand DESIGN PROFILE: SOFTEDGE STUDIO Up close and personal with the works of multi-talented ceramicist Layla Cluer GET SET Elevate your entertaining with some beautiful new dinnerware — and fantastic floral arrangements to match RETAIL PROFILE: COLLÉCTE Embrace the circular economy: this online marketplace is making designer furniture more accessible 21 MOMENTS IN AUSTRALIAN DESIGN To mark our BIG birthday, we’re celebrating 21 of Inside Out’s all-time favourite things HEALTH KICK Hot hues to help you reshape your fitness space

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DREAM TEAM A former interior-design student reunites with

a mentor to tackle the task of updating her own Sydney home and the result is nothing short of spectacular KIRA & KIRA The owners of a furniture and interior design studio pulled together to renovate their Gold Coast property and make it a great family home IN THE STICKS One city-based family has realised a longheld ambition: to own a bush retreat in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley FLOUR BOMB What was once a rundown Sydney flour mill has been converted into a sensitively renovated home PAINT ME A WALL Try colour, just as Parisian artist and fresco lover Solène Eloy has done in her vibrantly painted apartment PARTY OF FIVE With spaces that are open and places that are private, this expertly renovated Melbourne home truly delivers BEDROOM NEWS From the latest looks in linen to scents you can’t resist spritzing, we present our finds for the bedroom

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This month Summer is calling and we’ve got you covered with the hottest new looks and trends

146 out: gardens, food & leisure 138 ART OF LIFE Discover a dynamic, cleverly layered Sydney garden 146 GARDEN FURNITURE Everything you need for a summer set-up 152 OUTSIDE LIVING Transform your garden into an entertaining zone 158 OUTDOOR CINEMA Pass the popcorn — it’s alfresco movie night 160 ASK AN EXPERT Stylish solutions to all your design dilemmas

regulars 22

SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Receive two Rainbow Pots from Jones & Co

162 LAST WORD Dreaming of a beach getaway? This is just the spot

on the cover 40 The Big Splash: 21 Moments In Australian Design 146 The Good Guide To Outdoor Living: All-Weather Furniture;

Backyard Showers & Baths; At-Home Open-Air Cinema; High Summer Tables

cover look Pop the champers — Inside Out is turning 21 in November!

To celebrate, we bring you a bevy of beautiful homes, our pick of the finest moments in Australian design and all the latest summer decorating and entertaining looks. So, what are you waiting for? Turn the page and dive right in...

Photography: Nikole Ramsay Styling: Julia Green

Electric now has a Mercedes.

The EQC is here.

Mercedes EQC

EDITORIAL EDITOR Eliza O’Hare CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mia Daminato DEPUTY EDITOR Kate Hassett HOMES GROUP COORDINATOR Annika Baker ART & STYLE ART DIRECTORS Paloma Garay, Judie Siu IMAGE RETOUCHER Matus Kundrat STYLE ASSISTANT Kate Lincoln FEATURES & COPY SENIOR COPY EDITOR Deborah Grant COPY EDITORS Laura Barry, Matilda Ringrose HOMES GROUP CHIEF COPY EDITOR Sarah Pickette HOMES GROUP PRODUCTION EDITOR Tamarah Pienaar THANKS TO

Jessica Matthews, Patricia Sheahan ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION GROUP CATEGORY MANAGER, HOMES, FOOD & SPECIALIST Rhyl Heavener (02) 8114 9420 BRAND EXECUTIVE Amelia Paterson (02) 9282 8038 ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 VICTORIA, SA AND WA SALES DIRECTOR Jaclyn Clements (03) 9823 6341 DIRECTOR OF SALES — NSW Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 VICTORIA HEAD OF DIRECT SALES Demi Martello (03) 9823 6368 QUEENSLAND HEAD OF SALES Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING Rebecca White (02) 9282 8273 NEW ZEALAND ENQUIRIES +61 2 9282 8505

MOST TA P P E D THIS MONTH

PRODUCTION PLANNER Kara Stead ADVERTISING PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 SENIOR EVENT MANAGER Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342

MARKETING & CIRCULATION MARKETING DIRECTOR Louise Cankett SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Jana Williams CIRCULATION AND INSIGHTS MANAGER Nicole Pearson DATA AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Joshua Blanshard SENIOR SUBSCRIPTIONS CAMPAIGN MANAGER Ellie Xuereb SUBSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN MANAGER Jesvin Vincent HEAD OF CREATIVE | STORY 54 Clare Catt

ARE MEDIA CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jane Huxley FINANCE DIRECTOR Marena Paul EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER, PUBLISHING & DIGITAL OPERATIONS Sarah-Belle Murphy GROUP PUBLISHER, HOMES Shane Sutton COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Andrew Cook BUSINESS MANAGER Georgina Bromfield SYNDICATION syndication@aremedia.com.au

@insideoutmag PRIVACY NOTICE This issue of Inside Out magazine is published by Are Media Pty Ltd. Are Media may use and disclose your information in accordance with the company’s Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Are Media publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is located at aremedia.com.au/privacy. It also sets out 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. 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 by mail at Privacy Officer, Are Media Pty Ltd, 54 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: PRUE RUSCOE. STYLING: ALEXANDRA GORDON

Rounding out November’s offerings is this brick-walled kitchen – a vision of subdued colour and gentle curves in perfect harmony. See it and more beautiful homes on our Instagram

5222 Adamina™

Whitelight Collection

caesarstone.com.au

Bring the earth into your home with our 2021 new designs

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

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

DESIGN | SHOP | PLACES | PEOPLE | SPACES

THE CUT tactile ingenuity Launched in 2017, textile label Købn elevates the experience of bathing with plush towels and mats in gorgeous colourways. Its newest collection, Jasper, is simply divine.

Designed in Melbourne and manufactured by a family-run mill in Denizli, Turkey, each Købn product carries SedEX, GOTS and Oeko-Tex certifications, ensuring the towels are made with ethical production methods and sustainable practices. Prices range from $60 to $129 per towel, or sets can be purchased from $300. kobn.com.au

WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY VICTORIA ZSCHOMMLER STYLING STEPHANIE SOMEBODY

THE CUT COMPILED BY ELIZA O’HARE

LIMITED EDITION

P O O L PA RT Y Luxury Antipodean brand Baina has extended its organic cotton-towel collection to welcome a limited-edition Roman pool towel in Cedar & Sand, $110, featuring earthy tones in the label’s signature chequerboard design. Inspired by seaside holidays on New Zealand’s west-coast beaches, it’s the perfect summer accessory. SHOPBAINA.COM

NEW RELEASE

ELEVAT ED E S S E NT IA L S Handcrafted ceramics, linen napery and luxe homewares are now available from Seed Heritage, which has just launched its Home collection, right in time for Christmas shopping!

SEEDHERITAGE.COM

yarra valley treat This festive season, delight the foodie in your life with a gift box comprising four tins of deluxe caviar, two motherof-pearl spoons and a bespoke tin opener, all from specialist producer Yarra Valley Caviar. The bundles start from $45 and come with tasting notes and serving suggestions — they can even be customised.

YARRAVALLEYCAVIAR.COM.AU

F R E N C H F L AVO U R With skyline views from its location on the ninth floor of Adelaide’s new Sofitel, French restaurant Garçon Bleu is set to become the city’s freshest gourmet destination. Its Michelin-star credentials are accompanied by divine interiors designed by Carl Almeida of P49Deesign. SOFITELADELAIDE.COM.AU

Bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your outdoor space with Spanish brand Oiside, to be stocked in Australia exclusively at Robert Plumb from December. Oiside’s innovative collections are renowned for their timeless elegance and focus on durable and sustainable materials. Among the ranges on offer will be No12 (pictured above), which utilises tubular aluminium shapes and wire rods to provide a modern interpretation of wicker furniture. ROBERTPLUMB.COM.AU

WORDS: LAURA BARRY. PHOTOGRAPHY: PARKER BLAIN (YARRA VALLEY CAVIAR)

spanish evolution

MAKE A BOOKING Indulge in delicious dishes and cocktails aplenty at Bondi’s newest restaurant and bar, Lola’s. Designed by H&E Architects, the Mediterranean-inspired venue creates an exotic atmosphere with blue stucco walls, mirrored archways and terracotta lamps. Find it on Level 1 of the Pacific Building at Bondi Beach. LOLASLEVEL1.COM.AU

KICK IT

CELE BR ATE I N ST Y LE

The life and creative legacy of Charles and Ray Eames have been honoured with the first-ever footwear range officially developed in partnership with the Eames Office. The Reebok x Eames Club C ‘Monotone Pack’ sneakers, $180, have heritage features such as original tongue tags, window boxes and logos, along with a functional aesthetic that’s perfectly in step with the Eames philosophy.

Inside Out is marking a major milestone this year — we are turning 21! But we’re not the only ones commemorating a significant birthday. Finnish design house Marimekko turns 70 in 2021, while influential Scandinavian label Iittala is celebrating its 140th anniversary. Closer to home, Australian homewares outfit Koskela is also marking its 21st birthday.

Be sure to show your love for these brands by seeking them out for your next hit of gorgeous home decor.

MARIMEKKO.COM; IITTALA.COM.AU; KOSKELA.COM.AU

REEBOK.COM.AU

wall of the wild Cole & Son’s new range of luxury wallpaper, Ardmore Jabula, is brimming with gorgeous botanical prints and animal motifs inspired

by South Africa. It’s sure to bring your walls to life – literally. COLE-AND-SON.COM broad appeal Having recovered from skin cancer, Australian media personality Deborah Hutton set about producing a range of UPF 50+ hats in collaboration with Rigon Headwear. Her label, Canopy Bay, delivers stylish, ultra-protective designs (starting from $95) that are crush-resistant, water-friendly, lightweight and hard-wearing. CANOPYBAY.COM.AU

INSIDE OUT | 17

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1 &Tradition ‘Como SC53’ table lamp in Brass, $350, Cult Design. 2 Rilievo 05 rug in Cacao, $3750 (300cm x 80cm), Tigmi Trading. 3 Brokis ‘AWA’ pendant, $3350, Spence & Lyda. 4 Ferm Living ‘Desert’ rug in Red Brown (140cm x 200cm), $1494, Surrounding. 5 Natadora ‘Archive’ sofa, from $3960, Inner Space. 6 Little Brown Thinker sculpture by Kristiina Engelin, $800, Curatorial+Co. 7 Arnaud stool with rattan seat, $860, James Said. 8 Eggshell acrylic paint in Turkish Coffee, $130 per 4L, Porter’s Paints. 9 Culture brick honed mosaic tile in Mocha Brown, $49.28 per 376mm x 300mm sheet, Beaumont Tiles. 10 Sofie round velvet cushion, $119, and Bear velvet lumbar cushion, $129, Nathan + Jac. 11 Worth double loop in Smoke, $84, Oliver Thom. 12 Kinto mug, $34.95, Milligram. 13 Zambesi stool, $495, Coco Republic.

14 Journey leather AirPods Pro case in Tan, $59.95, Harvey Norman. 15 Morten sideboard, from $3395, Coco Republic. 16 Diptyque ‘Tubéreuse’ candle, $128, Mecca.

17 Bloomingville vase, $79, Temple & Webster. 18 Paola Paronetto ‘Cartocci Liscia’ decorative bottle in Maroon, $478*, Artemest. 19 Trad sandal in Tan, $209, Elk. 20 Leather tote in Chocolate, $499, Country Road. 21 Miller et Bertaux ‘Malagasy’ EDP, $199 for 100ml, Libertine Parfumerie. 22 Santanna bowl, $24.95, Freedom.

23 Sergio leather dining chair, $395, Life Interiors. 24 Pursue canvas art print, $203, Urban Road. 25 Maya cabinet in Antique Brown, $1199, Oz Design Furniture.

18 | INSIDE OUT

COMPILED BY NONCI NYONI

*CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING

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choicesflooring.com.au

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THE CUT

HOMEWARES PROFILE

Jones & Co

Founder Jennifer Jones spreads happiness with wonderful wares handmade in the Philippines and beyond

J

ones & Co was founded in 2006, the result of a promise

Jennifer Jones made to herself: that she would have her own business by her 30th birthday. And so Have You Met Miss Jones, as her ceramics venture was known back then, was born. Being involved in homewares is in Jennifer’s blood – she grew up in the Philippines, where her parents ran an export company. Through them she saw the benefits of building an independent life first-hand, and fell in love with the idea of being able to combine work, family and travel. Today, Jones & Co is one of Australia’s best-loved homewares brands.

What do you feel Jones & Co represents as a brand?

That joy is accessible to everyone. We are committed to designing products that make your space a happier place. There’s an optimism to everything we do and we think our products should be available to everyone. We consciously work towards affordability and designs to make you smile, or pause and exhale.

Can you describe the ethos behind the business?

We’re able to sum up our brand purpose in one line – it’s not just for us. We firmly believe that a good life is a shared life, and so we act with generosity in everything we do. That includes giving back, such as our work with Australian domestic and family-violence charity RizeUp. How do you choose the products that make it into a collection?

We design every item in our range – about 300 new items every 20 | INSIDE OUT

CLOCKWISE (from opposite, bottom left) Jones & Co founder and director Jennifer Jones. Palmy and Cockatoo candlesticks, $88 and $118 each. Happy mug range, $36 each. Black Spotted range, $32—$56 each. Dakota range pieces, $70—$130 each. Crab trinket tray, $48; Nautilus trinket tray, $39; and Scallop trinket tray, $48. Speck vases and trophies, $70 and $75 each. Inset: Finca vase in Stone, $49; and Casita vase in Salmon, $46 (opposite left); and Maisy vase, $40 (opposite bottom).

season – and there’s usually very little that doesn’t make it into the collection. We don’t follow strict rules, but instead go with what feels good and makes sense to us at the time. Our customers constantly tell us that we are always one step ahead of the trends, which is so important to our business.

How important is the relationship you have with your makers?

Our makers are family. In the Philippines, we work with makers that I’ve known since I was a child. I can’t walk down an aisle at a trade fair in Manila without people coming to tell me stories about my dad. We design specifically for each maker and are always there to support them. I wouldn’t be here today without their help and so we treat them with care and consideration.

Has Jones & Co changed at all since its inception?

There’s more structure, more processes and a bigger team behind the scenes. With the emergence of social media, we’ve been able to easily reach our customers and build a closer relationship with them. Our product ranges have expanded and grown, but I think the brand still carries the same energy it always has.

What does the design process look like at Jones & Co?

Creative director Jennifer Sampson and I start with an initial idea or concept, then build on it by collating images, references and throwing ideas around about what it could be. We then narrow that down to what form it will take, such as a set of vases or a tableware range. Our graphic designer, Suzanne, will then work

on the imagery and patterns. We bring it all together, merging form, function and pattern, and send it to our makers, who usually put their own spin on it, too. We’ll have a few rounds of iterations before the final sample is approved.

Do you have any favourite pieces from the latest collection?

I love the Cousteau and Kokomo vases and planters! The hand-painted fish and shells remind me of great beachside hotels and that holiday feeling. I also adore our new Palmy and Cockatoo candlesticks. I love entertaining at home, and can see these on a mismatched table setting, glowing well into the evening.

How do you think Jones & Co pieces make your customers feel?

We’ve had so much feedback over the years about our pieces and how special they are to people. I think there’s something so joyous in our designs and that gives people the little lift they didn’t know they needed during the day. Customers love giving our pieces as gifts and to spread a little happiness.

What’s in store for Jones & Co in the next five years or so?

We all love the simplicity of our business and the freedom it gives us. I don’t think huge expansion or growth is on the cards – we’re happy doing what we’re doing. What we are focusing on is building a closer relationship with our customers and showing them more of who we are and our world. We want to build a community that’s centred around joy and generosity.

Shop online at jonesandco.com.au or check out the ranges @jonesandco_

WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS CHEN STYLING JENNIFER SAMPSON

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INSIDE OUT | 23

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DESIGN PROFILE

softedge studio Inspired by the sculptural possibilities of everyday objects, ceramicist Layla Cluer creates functional art to surprise and delight

W

CLOCKWISE (from left) Layla Cluer in her Byron Bay studio.

Tableware from the Edition series. Conversation Cups in Mixed Greens, $240 for four.

24 | INSIDE OUT

practices, it comes as no surprise that Layla Cluer’s work is refined and polished. Describing her pieces as convivial, colourful and sometimes clever, Layla says her vast skill set brings a unique perspective to her role as a ceramicist.

“I would say that each of the three disciplines feeds into the way I design today, as well as the way I run my business, Softedge Studio. Architecture definitely taught me rigour and established my work ethic, but I felt architecture was a little dogmatic at times and realised early on that there were other things on my horizon. Studying and making art opened me up to more expansive and tangential ways of thinking – and gave me the space to experiment with many materials and processes. And the time I spent working in curation really allowed me to understand the importance of framing my practice.”

Layla’s love of food and cooking led her to explore the role of vessels in her ceramic work, resulting in an impressive collection of tableware that is now available to purchase from her online store and in selected retailers across Australia. However, Layla didn’t always plan to become a ceramicist. In fact, it wasn’t until 2019 that she seriously engaged with the medium. “It’s something I had dabbled in over the years, but when I returned home to Australia in 2019 for what was supposed to be a short break on my way to London to begin a master’s [degree], I picked it up again and this time it stuck,” says Layla. “I had always thought I would follow the path of academia, but at that time I was suffering from debilitating chronic pain and I think the immediate and sensuous nature of ceramics allowed me to start feeling more at home in my body again.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARLEE PASINETTI. STYLING: LINNEA GRÖNDAHL

ith experience in architecture, fine art and curatorial

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THE CUT

In late 2019, Layla signed up to a 10-week studio program at her local TAFE to hone her skills, and by the end of it she had completed her first prototype for Ewer, a smooth and curvaceous jug that now stands at the core of her collection.

She established Softedge Studio shortly afterwards. “Softedge Studio started as a project about vessels. I liked the inherent ambiguity and flexibility of the vessel typology; its soft and spongy parameters, so to speak. The name Softedge stuck, and very quickly I realised that my love of function and food could be explored through the medium. So, for now at least, my goal is to create tableware that’s as aesthetic as it is functional.”

Layla now works out of her Byron Bay studio, on what was once a permaculture commune – a location that often provides her with inspiration. “It’s a little overgrown now,” she says, “but if you pay attention, there’s always a fruit tree in season or some exotic plant to discover. The studio itself is quite small but has great light, and keeping it clean allows me space to synthesise ideas that are swirling around my head.”

While Softedge Studio has quickly gained momentum in the two years since setting up, it hasn’t been without challenges.

“Things have grown pretty organically, but it costs a lot to physically establish a ceramics studio,” says Layla. “And as I’m a bit of a novice, I haven’t always had the foresight to see when there’s an important but expensive purchase coming up.

“For me, working with clay has a lot of similarities to dancing and cooking, which I think are two of life’s greatest joys. There’s a lot of alchemy to it. On one level, it’s a very rigorous material science; on another, it’s an incredibly embodied practice – contingent on time and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and air flow. But when you mix them all together, something magic happens!”

Follow Layla online at softedge.studio and @softedge_studio

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“Working with clay has a lot of similarities to dancing and cooking, which I think are two of life’s greatest joys” LAYLA CLUER

CLOCKWISE (from right.)

Fluidity vase in Cornflower, $120. An array of colour test tiles in Layla’s studio. An Ewer jug in the early stages of completion. Ewer jug in Cornflower, $520; Cups With Curves in Klein Blue and Espresso, $65 each; Cup For Fingers in Tangerine, $70, all by Softedge Studio.

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It's summer and we are so ready for long, lazy lunches and elegant drinks parties that last all day and into the evening. Go both ways and take your table from a joyful daytime setting to a dramatic night-time spread by shopping the best and brightest tabletop pieces for summer 2021

STYLING EMMALY STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY WILL HORNER FLOWERS WILLOW AND BEAR

STYLING ASSISTANTS: KATE LINCOLN, TESS THYRGOOD

get set

Classique dining table, $5765, GlobeWest. Sarah Ellison ‘Arch’ chairs, $585 each, Life Interiors.

Palmvale lamp shade, $229.99, Linen House. ON TABLE (from left) Terrazzo tray in Seashell, $94, Zakkia. Loulou vase, $129, and Gaspard vase, $249, Maison Balzac. Scalloped bowl in Pink, $45, Alex and Trahanas. Resin seed platter in Lemon, $295, Dinosaur Designs. Ceramic wine cooler in Yellow Stripe, $220, Alex and Trahanas. Black Label bee lights and Mini Marilyn brass candleholders, $79.95 for 12 pairs, Queen B. J’ai soif carafe and glass in Miel, $89, Maison Balzac. Clayton high stand, $79.95, Country Road. Ferm Living ceramic basket in Off White, $119, Designstuff. Reversible brass beehive candle holder and candle, $49.95, Queen B. Canvas dinner plate in Rose Quartz, $86 for three-piece set, Robert Gordon. Glass plate in Pink, $119 for two, Maison Balzac. Garden Party sundae bowl, $39.95 for two, Robert Gordon.

Vera Wang ‘Moderne’ cutlery set, $249 for 16 pieces, Wedgwood; Kuru bowl in Beige, $99; and Aalto vases in Opal White, $279 and $349, Iittala. Resin boulder grinder in Honeycomb, $330, Dinosaur Designs. Basix napkins in Rosa and Floss (on chair), $24 each, Hale Mercantile Co. Bloomingville ‘Colombine’ bowl, $29, Designstuff. Pebble bowl in Blossom, $74, Mud Australia.

Pipi teaspoon, $20, Dinosaur Designs. Wine glass in Pink, $89 for two, Maison Balzac.

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Canvas dinner plate in Rose Quartz, $86 for three-piece set, Robert Gordon. Glass plate in Pink, $119 for two, Maison Balzac. Garden Party sundae bowl, $39.95 for two, Robert Gordon. Vera Wang ‘Moderne’ cutlery set, $249 for 16 pieces, Wedgwood. Clayton high stand, $79.95, Country Road.

Ferm Living ceramic basket in Off White, $119, Designstuff. Queen B lights, candle holders and candles, as on previous pages. Aalto vases in Opal White, $279 and $349; and Kuru bowl in Beige, $99, Iittala. Dinosaur Designs grinder, as on previous pages. Scalloped bowl in Pink, $45, Alex and Trahanas. Bloomingville ‘Thea’ plate in Multi Colour, $34, and Bloomingville ‘Colombine’ bowl, $29, Designstuff. Basix linen napkin in Stripe, $24, Hale Mercantile Co. Gobelet tumbler in Miel, $79 for four, and wine glass in Pink, $89 for two, Maison Balzac. Pebble bowl in Blossom, $74, Mud Australia.

Pipi resin teaspoon, $20, Dinosaur Designs. Basix linen napkin in Rosa, $24, Hale Mercantile Co. OPPOSITE (from left) Terrazzo board in Rose, $79, Zakkia. Ikana Blossom dish, $24.95 for four, Salt & Pepper. Limone bowl, $340, Alex and Trahanas. Stone servers, $125, Dinosaur Designs. Wave glasses in Amber, $69 for two, Fazeek. Aalto vase, $349, Iittala. Bloomingville ‘Thea’ plate in Multi Colour, $34, and ‘Colombine’ bowl, $29, Designstuff. Pipi resin teaspoon, $20, Dinosaur Designs. Cutipol ‘Goa’ teaspoon in Pink, $474 for 24-piece set, Amara. Black Label twisted candle, $44.95 for four, Queen B. Seed platter in Lemon, $295, Dinosaur Designs. Tab bowl, $43, and napkin in Marigold, $45 for four, In Bed. Cutipol ‘Goa’ knife and fork in White, $474 for 24-piece set, Amara. Tab mug, $43, Zakkia.

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Miniforms ‘Claretta’ dining chairs, $1185 each, JRF. ON TABLE (from left) Linen table cloth in Pine, $120, In Bed. Poet’s Dream cake stand in Chocolate, $79.95, Robert Gordon. Temple vase in Sandalwood, $210, and Metal Liquid vase in Gold, $165, Dinosaur Designs. Linen napkins in Toffee, $45 for four, In Bed. Louise Olson x Alex and Trahanas candle holder, $180, Alex and Trahanas.

Offering vase in Cream, $280, Dinosaur Designs. Nappula plant pot in Dark Green, $139, Iittala.

Hue dinner plate and side plate, $159.95 for 12-piece set, Salt & Pepper. Peter Anderson ‘Soh’ bowl, $26.50, The DEA Store. Krof Collection ‘No1’ cutlery in Brushed Gold, $149 for eight-piece set, Designstuff. Peter Anderson ‘Soh’ bowl, $130, The DEA Store. Aalto bowl in Rose Gold, $299, Iittala.

Volute platter in Amber, $129, Maison Balzac. Miranda bowl in Grey, $59.95, Iittala. Pickle dish in Bottle, $24, Mud Austalia. Brass candle holder, $320, Dinosaur Designs. Oval vase in Milk, $158, Mud Australia. Nappula plant pot in Dark Green, $179, Iittala. Plate, side plate and cutlery, as before.

Futagami ‘Ihada Kobo’ coaster, $108, and Rosemary Irons ‘Eucalyptus’ beaker, $52, The DEA Store.

Champagne flutes in Teal, $89 for two, Maison Balzac. Essence tumbler in Dark Grey, $129 for two, Iittala. Normann Copenhagen ‘Pebble’ cheese platter in Black Marble, $167, Designstuff. Arch brass holder, $179, and Column pillar candle in Black, $32 for two, Black Blaze. Vice Versa carafe in Smoke + Teal, $149, Fazeek. ON WALL Dulux Wash&Wear paint in Sepal, $91.55 per 4L, Bunnings.

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THE CUT

(Clockwise from far left) Nappula plant pot in Dark Green, $139, and Essence pitcher in Dark Grey, $219, Iittala.

Flared bowl in Sand, $325, and Oval vase in Milk, $158, Mud Australia. Glass plates in Teal, $119 for two, Maison Balzac. Metal Pebble vase in Gold, $155, Dinosaur Designs. Peter Anderson ‘Soh’ side plates, $46 each, and Futagami ‘Ihada Kobo’ coaster, $108, The DEA Store. Grey stirrer, $59 for four, Zakkia. Ferm Living ‘Flow’ napkin ring in Brass, $79 for four, Designstuff. Round tray in Brass, $169 for two, and muddling spoon, $36, Zakkia. Coucou vase in Smoke, $129, Maison Balzac. Terunobu Hirata katakuchi jug, $120, The DEA Store.

Palazzo napkin, $180 for four, Alex and Trahanas. Pincho oval platter in Camel, $49.95, Salt & Pepper. Ebisu salad servers, $49.50, The DEA Store. OPPOSITE (clockwise) Aalto metal bowl in Rose Gold, $299, and Miranda bowl in Grey, $59.95, Iittala. Volute platter in Amber, $129, Maison Balzac. Column pillar candle in Black, $28 for two, and Column brass candle holder, $49, Black Blaze. Rosemary Irons ‘Eucalyptus’ speckle beaker, $52, The DEA Store. Hue dinner plate and side plate, $159.95 for 12-piece set, Salt & Pepper. Krof Collection ‘No.1’ cutlery in Brushed Gold, $149 for eight-piece set, Designstuff. Peter Anderson ‘Soh’ bowl, $130, The DEA Store.

Brass tongs, $50, Zakkia. Champagne flute in Teal, $89 for two, Maison Balzac. Normann Copenhagen ‘Pebble’ cheese board in Black Marble, $167, Designstuff. Linen napkin in Toffee, $45 for four, In Bed. Ferm Living ‘Flow’ napkin ring, $79 for four, Designstuff. Coaster, as before. Pickle dish in Bottle, $24, Mud Australia. Linen tablecloth in Pine, $120, In Bed. Malawi rug (200cm x 300cm) in Amber, $2415, Armadillo.

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RETAIL PROFILE

collécte Melissa Giuffrida’s new online marketplace is making preloved designer furniture and homewares more accessible to Australians

M

FROM TOP Collécte’s rolling stock includes classics such as the Ercol ‘Love Seat’, designed by Lucian Ercolani in the 1950s. Collécte’s Melissa Giuffrida at the business’s Melbourne headquarters.

Another item you might find on the site — a Ligne Roset ‘Curule’ armchair designed by Pierre Paulin in the early 1980s and priced at just under $2000.

36 | INSIDE OUT

any of us dream of owning an Eames chair,

an Eero Saarinen ‘Tulip’ table or perhaps even a Wishbone chair by Hans J Wegner – but the price tag often exceeds the means of style-savvy Australians. While some people settle for replicas, Melissa Giuffrida, founder and CEO of online marketplace Collécte, was determined to make these iconic pieces more accessible to all.

“In Australia, there’s no automatic copyright protection for design,” Melissa explains. “As a result, furniture and lighting fakes are rampant. It’s devastating for the designers who are dedicated to their craft because replicas rob them of their work and income. If we can give consumers an alternative to buying replica furniture, we’re not only helping the designers but also the environment as replicas are often made from low-quality materials that end up in landfill.”

After almost 30 years of working in the fashion, cosmetics and interior-design industries, Melissa had noticed this issue, though it wasn’t until she returned to Australia from the US in 2017 that she came up with an idea to rectify it. “I realised there was no true automated marketplace here to buy and sell authentic pre-owned designer furniture,” says Melissa. “That’s when Collécte was born.”

Launched during the pandemic of 2020, Collécte is an online marketplace that directly connects buyers to sellers, offering a competitive commission rate. “At Collécte, we believe in the value of the circular economy, which means eliminating waste by providing a trusted destination for people to buy and sell quality pieces,” says Melissa. “Every item is curated by the Collécte team to guarantee authenticity, so users are always shopping genuine pieces.”

From furniture and lighting to rugs, art and accessories, Collécte’s marketplace is extensive. At any given time, you might find almost anything, from a USM Haller sideboard or Tufty-Time sofa by B&B Italia to a Röthlisberger ‘Shell Trunk’ cupboard. The Melbourne-based business, which ships across Australia, has proven to be a success for buyers and sellers alike.

“Years of working as an interior designer have given me a great base knowledge of furniture and design and provided me with the fundamental skills to run the business, but Collécte is an online marketplace,” says Melissa. “I had to learn about technology, how to build an online brand and how to attract buyers and sellers. I wouldn’t have been able to build Collécte and get it to this point on my own. I’m fortunate to work with an incredible team who support me and share my vision.”

Collécte is at collecte.com.au or @collecte_australia WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY KATE COLLINGWOOD

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THE CUT

21 MOMENTS IN AUSTRALIAN DESIGN FOR EVERY YEAR THAT INSIDE OUT HAS BEEN ON THE STANDS, THERE HAVE BEEN DESIGN MOMENTS THAT HAVE SHAPED OUR COLLECTIVE SENSE OF LIVING IN STYLE. THESE PRODUCTS, MATERIALS AND DESIGN INFLUENCES HAVE DEVELOPED OUR WAY OF LIVING INDOORS AND OUT AND OUR USE OF COLOUR AND MATERIALS, AS WELL AS HELPING TO BUILD OUR CONCEPT OF HOME. THESE ARE THE 21 DESIGN MOMENTS THAT MADE AUSTRALIAN STYLE WORDS CHRIS PEARSON IMAGE RESEARCH JACK MILENKOVIC

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1 TERRAZZO

Reach for your specks! Pattern is making a comeback, but in a loose, random form.

We’re all going dotty for terrazzo (marble aggregate set in concrete), which, in its more muted iterations, can evoke the elegance of a Venetian palazzo or, in bolder hues, suggest the brushstrokes of a Jackson Pollock flight of fancy. But it’s not just on surfaces; terrazzo features on tables and chairs by Melbourne carpenter Micka Lesinskis. And lookalikes have joined the party, including Laminex Tumbled Terrazzo and Caesarstone Frozen Terra.

Coral Underground terrazzo, Fibonacci Stone

Miniforms ‘Chap’ side table, JRF Apartment by DO Architects

Medley terrazzo, Di Lorenzo ACP Atelier ‘Sedis’ coffee table, Stylecraft

Ceramic plinths by Alison Frith, CCSS

MakeBelieve ‘Drop Lamp’, CCSS

There’s a yearning for the handcrafted and all things Aussie – recalling a simpler time when the artisanal ruled and harking back to the patriotic late 1990s when Australian-made was all the buzz. Designers-cum-manufacturers such as Jardan, Zuster and Mark Tuckey front up in furniture, while illuminating designers Articolo, Rakumba and MakeBelieve shine in lighting.

Skeehan ‘Nave’ lounge, Stylecraft

Booham chair, Daniel Boddam Halo counter stool, SBW

AOD-T Natural desk, Made By Morgen

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARTINA GEMMOLA (STYLECRAFT), DEREK SWALWELL (KENNEDY NOLAN)

2 ALL AUSTRALIAN-MADE

3 WALK-IN SHOWER ROOMS

After so many open-plan bathrooms – not great for sharing – the walk-in shower room restores a little modesty. But it retains one open-plan feature: the bathroom floor and shower base sit on one plane, lathering up a sense of spaciousness. “Shower rooms work well where more than one person is using a bathroom and they crave privacy,” says architect Patrick Kennedy of Kennedy Nolan. “They also define parts of a bathroom, so the basin area can feel like a dressing room, with less waterproof materials and gentler lighting.”

Elsternwick house

by Kennedy Nolan

INSIDE OUT | 41

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4 SUPERSTAR SOFAS

De Sede ‘DS-707’ sofa, Domo

42 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARCO OESCHGER (DOMO), CHRIS WARNES (STUDIO PRINEAS)

Sofas aren’t just for sitting on – they can take centrestage in a room, stealing the scene. Cashed-up and grounded homeowners are splurging on classic head-turners costing $10,000 and skywards; after that outlay, they will last for eons, especially if they’re leather. A word of warning before you buy: choose the colour carefully as you still want to love it in 2030.

Royal Doulton canister and pitcher Ann Demeulemeester ‘De High Plate’, Spence & Lyda

Mixer tap, Novas

Dulux Black Caviar

Audrey stool, K5 Furniture

ILVE Pro-Line Nero Lusso cooker in Matte Graphite, Harvey Norman

Laminex kitchen by Kate Walker Design

Kitchen by Studio Prineas

5 BLACK KITCHENS

Diptyque ‘Black Berries’ candle, Mecca

In the pendulum swings of interior design and after years of fresh white kitchens, we have embraced the other extreme, the moody and mysterious. Hence the black and nearly-black (with a hint of licorice) joinery making the boldest design statement. “In the past, a black kitchen may have been considered daring. Today, it’s considered another neutral – great for those who love a sleek, sophisticated look,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, Laminex general manager for sales and marketing. “The latest development is blackened and charred timbers.”

John Pawson bowl, Hub Furniture

THE CUT

Kite Breeze blocks

by Adam Goodrum, Brickworks Rometti ‘Fysallida’ vase, Space Furniture

6 TERRACOTTA Earthiness is back. This comes as the back-to-nature movement piggybacks on our concerns with climate change, and we look over our shoulder to the 1970s, with its celebration of all things organic – itself a reaction to previous decades during which we embraced all things synthetic.

Terracotta’s tactile textures and Aztec patterns are shaping up in tiles, vases and four walls. Sydney’s Arent & Pyke recently designed an immersive terracotta media room in a family home, which co-principal Juliette Arent calls an “exercise in colour and texture”.

Cotto tiles, National Tiles Butler’s pantry by Sanders & King

YSL Museum, Morocco

Out of sight, out of mind. While we love open plan, we don’t want mess on show, so the main event becomes the trophy kitchen while the prep and washing up occurs behind the scenes in a butler’s pantry. “With almost every project, the butler’s pantry comes up,” says interior designer Elissa King of Sanders & King. “It may be in a separate room adjacent to the kitchen, an extension to the side, or within a cupboard.” Must-have features include generous bench space, a deep sink and plenty of storage. But, sadly, no butler!

8 CRAZY PAVING Causeway pavers in Terracotta, Brickworks Changeling sculpture

by Stephanie Phillips, Michael Reid Clay

44 | INSIDE OUT

Palm Springs retro cool visits the patio – and the indoors, too, in the striking example (opposite) by YSG Studio. With its loose, free-form style, crazy paving is all the rage.

“We used crazy paving both indoors and out to extend the footprint of this living area,” says the studio’s principal, Yasmine Ghoniem. “A fractured slick of oil shimmers underfoot, connecting the kitchen, living and dining zone to the garden.” Contrasting pale grout breaks up the dark emulsion. “The abstract lines become the feature more than the stone,” Yasmine points out. The Rat Pack would be envious.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAN GLASSER (YSL), SHARYN CAIRNS (SANDERS & KING), PRUE RUSCOE (YSG STUDIO). ARCHITECTURE: PLEYSIER PERKINS (BUTLER’S PANTRY)

7 BUTLER’S PANTRY

Polychrome House by YSG Studio

THE CUT

9 WINDOW SEATING Chill-out time has become precious and the nook, which is a fresh take on the old bay window, lets you commune with nature (albeit through glass) with a good book. It also allows you to be part of the action in a living area while being apart from it. “We like nooks to be soft,” says Patrick Nolan of Kennedy Nolan, designers of the space below.

“They work best when they are intimate and contained. In an era of personalised devices, when we are spending more time at home, they offer a place for solo time.”

Nook space by Kennedy Nolan Cobargo Santa project by Breathe

46 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: DEREK SWALWELL (KENNEDY NOLAN), PABLO VEIGA (BREATHE), CLINTON WEAVER (TRIAS STUDIO), SHARYN CAIRNS (CAROLE WHITING), MARTINA GEMMOLA (HEARTLY). STYLING: ATELIER LAB (BREATHE)

Minima House

by Trias Studio

11 TINY HOMES With the push for sustainability and the squeeze on affordability, our homes are shrinking, with pocket-sized houses that are miserly with materials and metreage gaining ground.

Trias Studio’s Minima House (left) is under 200sqm and prefabricated in sustainable cross-laminated timber. “Sustainability is fundamental to how we work. We see buildings as small acts, but significant ones,” says Trias co-principal Jennifer McMaster. “We design places that quietly provoke change in our cities, suburbs and landscapes.”

10 BUSHFIRERESISTANT TECHNOLOGY The bushfires of 2019/20 and the threat of climate change have created even more urgency for fire-resistant building techniques. Technology that architect Glenn Murcutt pioneered back in the 1970s – think fireproof window shutters, corrugated-iron cladding, floodable concrete roofs and sprinkler systems to inundate the house – are being dusted off to create beautiful bunkers against bushfires.

Sustainable architecture firm Breathe designed the home below for a Victorian couple who had lost their previous house in the devastating fires, with a pitched roof to shed embers, and steel cladding and a sprinkler system along the roofline.

Barn-style home with interiors by Heartly

Cizeta ‘Alpha’ dining chair, JRF

12 URBAN BARNS A love of open plan meets a yearning for the rustic – little wonder we have embraced the urban barn. “It’s all about relaxed living, being in the country or on holidays, but in the city,” says architect Carole Whiting.

Volumes rule, with pitched ceilings, exposed beams and tongue-andgroove cladding in country-fresh neutrals. “Most commonly, it’s generous spaces not broken down into smaller spaces, and with few hallways or corridors.”

Red Hill project

by Carole Whiting

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13 BREEZE BLOCKS Who wants solid patio walls? These 1960s-style beauties provide separation, air flow and light all at the same time, while the geometric patterns ooze mid-century glamour. They also tune into our love of concrete and texture. “The resurgence of the breeze block is more than a nostalgic yearning for the golden years of Modernism,” says Brett Ward, general manager of international marketing for Brickworks. “Breeze blocks offer incredible architectural drama and reflect a new appreciation of the design potential of the humble concrete block.”

Patio by Studio Prineas

48 | INSIDE OUT

Budapest Cafe

by Biasol Bomma ‘Pendulum’ pendant light, Spence & Lyda

Bathroom by Full Of Grace Interiors

Bollo armchair, Fred International Electric Dreams vase in Blush, Greg Natale

Tribeca 3668 bar stool, JRF

PHOTOGRAPHY: KATHERINE LU (STUDIO PRINEAS), DEREK SWALWELL (TERRAZZO), PRUE RUSCOE (FULL OF GRACE). STYLING: CLAIRE DELMAR (FULL OF GRACE)

Edra ‘Cipria’ sofa, Space Furniture

Zaza sofa, King Living

14 MILLENNIAL PINK After turn-of-the-century minimalist greys and charcoals – with kapow punches of red – we craved softness and romance. Warm pastel pink came to the rescue, teamed with sandy hues as muted counterpoints. It’s celebrated in furniture, accessories, rugs and tiles.

Designer Greg Natale recently revealed a whole house celebrating the hue. “Pastel pink lets me show my softer side,” he says. “When I was a teenager in the 1980s, pink and grey was hot. That gorgeous combination made me yearn to become an interior designer.”

Pink terrazzo bathroom floor Bauwerk lime paint, Saint Germain

Sculpture by Bettina Willner, St Cloche

Cerchi coffee table by Paola Lenti, Dedece

Ton ‘Again’ chair, JRF

THE CUT

LIFX smart lightbulb, JB Hi-Fi

Echo smart speaker with Alexa, JB Hi-Fi

Courtyard garden

by Michael Bates

LG Signature TWINwash washer/dryer, Harvey Norman

Chromecast with Google TV streaming device, Officeworks

If we were connected before, working from home has turned our living spaces into a communications hub for Zooming and virtual assistant Alexa. We are being virtually invited into each other’s private domain like never before (let’s all confess to a quick tidy-up before a Zoom call). No longer is that office an adjunct to the kitchen – it’s now kitted out for a 40-hour working week. Meanwhile, the fully integrated smart home has become mainstream and not merely high-end.

15 LOW-WATER GARDENS Low-water and low-fuss – what’s not to like about today’s gardens? Hijacked by drought, the English model of tricky grass and perennials has gone out the gate, supplanted by something hardier and less thirsty. “Australian natives, Mediterranean varieties and succulents have replaced exotics and sub-tropicals,” says Michael Bates, creator of the courtyard above.

“We layer our plantings, with an upper storey, a middle storey and aground storey, reducing the risk of the lower storey drying out.” Meanwhile, the lawn is replaced by aggregate.

50 | INSIDE OUT

PHOTOGRAPHY: PABLO VEIGA (GARDEN), PETE DALY (OUTDOOR KITCHEN), SHANNON McGRATH (BOWER ARCHITECTURE). STYLING: ATELIER LAB (OUTDOOR KITCHEN)

16 CONNECTED/ SMART/FUTURE HOMES

CoeLux high-tech sun- and sky-like lighting, Dedece

Outdoor kitchen featuring materials from Brickworks

17 OUTDOOR KITCHENS As we keenly embrace the outdoors, the outdoor kitchen – with bells and whistles such as six-burner barbecues, wine fridges and sinks – is the flavour of the moment, together with the latest must-have pizza ovens, allowing you to enjoy bread and pizzas with your steaks and bangers. Smart designs, often sporting stainless steel, make these kitchens truly sizzle. For all-season versatility, the culinary outsiders are often under cover, too.

18 OUTDOOR SHOWERS They’re located near backyard pools or in homes by the sea, ostensibly to wash off chlorine and sand – but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful. Some of the best outdoor showers have slabs interplanted with groundcover or hardwood decking underfoot. Often they flaunt fabulous plumbing.

Robert Plumb has a range of plumbing and showerheads that make a splash, such as the copper Murray Rose and the Mosman in brushed chrome or brass.

House by Bower Architecture

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Swisspearl ‘Dune’ right chair in Natural Cement, Robert Plumb

20 CONCRETE EVERYTHING

Willy Guhl Loop fibre-cement chair and Porto tables, Robert Plumb

Tops for texture and strength, concrete embodies a great paradox – it’s fluid one moment, rigid the next, so it can articulate sinuous curves and is then set to go. Once just a building material, it appears in many guises, off-form for textured walls and buffed for flooring, but, excitingly, it’s making waves in furniture: think Swisspearl’s Willy Guhl Loop chair and Coco Republic’s Regent table. The incredible Whorl Console by US designer Neal Aronowitz is made with Concrete Canvas, a fabric impregnated with concrete.

Windsor Street Project by Tom Mark Henry

Neal Aronowitz ‘Whorl Console’ in Concrete Canvas, Pamono

19 CRITTALL WINDOWS Crittall what, you ask? Otherwise known as steel-frame windows, their slim profiles frame our views without intruding on them. They were all the rage in the 1930s when Modernism blossomed, but then they disappeared, eclipsed by cheaper timber and then aluminium. Now they are the ultimate in pane relief and, unlike aluminium, you can paint them. “We love their Modernist aesthetic,” says Cushla McFadden of Sydney design studio Tom Mark Henry. “They have a timeless look, elevate an interior and bring the outside in. Normally, we use black; however, depending on the scheme, we may change it up – to bronze, white or even burgundy.”

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21 MUD ROOMS

PHOTOGRAPHY: PABLO VEIGA (TOM MARK HENRY), THE PALM CO (BONE MADE). STYLING: ATELIER LAB (TOM MARK HENRY)

A misnomer, because mud rarely makes an appearance, the mud room is a transitional space as you enter the house, where you can shed your shoes and other detritus of the outside world. It usually includes a bench to sit on and somewhere to hang coats, where once a hallway would do the trick. And like the butler’s pantry, it reflects an urge to keep clutter at bay.

“The mud room has become a sought-after space, typically for a family with kids; however, it’s quickly becoming a must-have in other homes, too, because of its practicality and storage,” says Leah Pitman, co-founder of Bone Made, the interior designers who created this space.

Mud room by Bone Made

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HEALTH KICK

PHOTOGRAPHY NIC GOSSAGE STYLING JESSICA HANSON

STYLING ASSISTANTS: SOPHIE NEWTON, TESS THYREGOD. PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: CHARLOTTE KOCH

Forget those grey weights and neutral yoga mats lurking in the garage — get your home gym into gear with the new generation of exercise essentials in room-friendly colours

CLOCKWISE (from top left) Wavy floor mirror, $1350, Knot Studio. Yoga mat and holder set in Quartz Pink, $160, The Daily Edited. Cork roller, $70, and Exhale Kit cork ball, $70 for set, Meraki Mats. Squire Me Y1 Collection 500ml water bottle in Mint Green, $49.95, Opus Design.

Resin plinth/stool in Pink, $399, Condo Objects. Spring Wind Sweeps The Blossom Away artwork by Peter Summers (33cm x 27.5cm), $900, and Awake From Morning Dreams artwork by Peter Summers (27cm x 22.5cm), $900, Studio Gallery Group.

Bala beam in Sage, $149, Bala. Baby bolster cushion in Natural Hemp, $125, Mandala Living. Small pilates ball, $15, Sculpt By The Sea. Power ring set in Sand, $189, Bala. Align cork yoga mat, $109, Meraki Mats. YR Studio reformer bed in Ivory, $4195, Your Reformer. Baina ‘Roman’ pool towel in Sage, $110, Oliver Thom.

Wellness ball in Oatmeal, $179, Esfera Designs. ON WALL Dulux Wash & Wear low-sheen acrylic paint in Eaves, $101.50 per 4L, Bunnings.

OPPOSITE (from left) Cork yoga mat with strap, $109; Exhale Kit cork ball, $70 for set; and cork yoga block, $40, all Meraki Mats. Nylon gym bag in Pale Pink, $170, The Daily Edited.

Baina ‘St Clair’ bath towel, $80, Oliver Thom. Power ring in Sage, $129, and bangles in Lavender, $75 for two, Bala.

FLEX THAT DESIGN MUSCLE WITH A STATEMENT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT PAIRED WITH MULTI-PURPOSE ACCESSORIES IN MOTIVATING HUES INSIDE OUT | 67

CLOCKWISE (from left) Jump rope in Ultra Fast Ash and Coal leather, $118*, Kalon Studios. Hay gym hook in Black, $97 for large, Leo & Bella. Retro Deluxe heavy punching bag in Tan Leather, $457* (unfilled), Modest Vintage Player.

Fairtex boxing gloves in Baby Blue, $179, Shogun Martial Arts. Saardé vintage-wash bath sheet in Nutmeg, $95, Oliver Thom. Fermob ‘Bellevie’ bench in Cactus Green, $1750, Design Nation. Swing bells tower set in Ash, (tower not shown), from $899, Nohrd.

Double Oak Mills ‘Midtown Weekender’ bag in Dirty Sand, $149.99, The Iconic.

Adidas ‘Ko Legend 16.2’ boxing boots in Black/White, $149.95, Shogun Martial Arts. Put On The Gloves artwork by Stephen Tiernan (53cm x 73cm), $1080, Bluethumb. ON WALL Shades Of Grey Marble wallpaper, $79 per sq m, Luxe Walls. Dulux ‘Wash & Wear’ low-sheen acrylic paint in Ocean Current, $101.50 per 4L, Bunnings. ON FLOOR Eternal wood-design vinyl sheet flooring in Warm Chestnut, POA, Forbo Flooring Systems. OPPOSITE (from top) Wall bars in Ash, $626*, WaterRower. Pro deluxe boxing speed ball in Tan Leather, $347*, Modest Vintage Player.

Retro leather boxing gloves in Cream, $180, and leather skipping rope, $30, Goat Sports Gear. Tekla Organic cotton hand towel in Aqua, $40, Pan After.

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*CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING

THE CUT

BOX CLEVER WITH YOUR CHOICES AND CREATE A COHESIVE AESTHETIC THAT LOOKS TIDY WHEN NOT IN USE

THE CUT

Shanghai 14 box stand in Black and Olive, $1490, Sagitine. ON STAND Hydration Inner Beauty Boost, $45, and Glow Inner Beauty Essential Powder, $65, The Beauty Chef.

Glass, stylist’s own. Gymnastic ring, from $90* for two, Leg&go. ON WALL Dulux Wash & Wear low-sheen acrylic paint in Maiko, $45.90 per 1L, Bunnings. OPPOSITE (clockwise from left) Shanghai 14 box stand in Black and Olive, $1490, Sagitine. Icebaer artwork by Sasha Vatoff (60cm x 40cm), $850, Sasha Creative Art. Gymnastic rings, from $90*, Leg&go.

Cork yoga mat, $109, Meraki Mats.

Plufisg folding gym mat, $30, Ikea, reupholstered in calico fabric in Natural, $7.90 per m, Lincraft. Cotton handwoven mattress in Stripe, $590, Imprint House. Set of two medium and large rattan hula hoops, $34, Such Great Heights. Dulux Wash & Wear low-sheen acrylic paint in Maiko, $45.90 per 1L, Bunnings.

ON FLOOR Surestep original safety vinyl-collection flooring in Violet, POA, Forbo Flooring Systems.

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KEEP ALL YOU NEED WITHIN ARM’S REACH AND OPT FOR STORAGE SOLUTIONS THAT WORK WITH YOUR DECOR

THE

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sunny outlook

INSIDE

Summer is when this Sydney home shines Interior designer Sophie Pearce had the unique experience of collaborating with one of her design-school teachers, architect Victoria Aleporos, while renovating her Mosman house.

The fresh, fun and sun-filled interiors are now bursting with light and energy, and each room has optimised views. With its see-through glass balustrade and neutral scheme, this expertly styled balcony is just a taste of what the home has to offer.

Turn the page for more details.

WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA GALBRAITH STYLING ALEXANDRA GORDON

DREAM cheat sheet Who lives here Sophie Pearce and her husband; their three sons, aged nine to 13; and the family’s British shorthair cat.

Style of home Five-bedroom, three-level contemporary house in Northern Sydney.

After more than three years and two DAs, the renovation was completed in September 2020.

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TEAM

A Sydney design student and her mentor combined their talent on a renovation to ensure the home reached its full potential WORDS AND STYLING ALEXANDRA GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA GALBRAITH

FAMILY ROOM (above) An inviting area off the kitchen is centred around a window seat. This hardworking space has a built-in desk at one end and a fireplace at the other. Moroso ‘Klara’ armchair with cane back from Hub Furniture and Guston white chair from Smith Made. Pearl swivel chair, Jardan. Cleveland coffee table, Project 82. Sherpa rug, Armadillo. ENTRANCE (above right) The reimagined front porch and foyer are softened with landscaping by Myles Baldwin.

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here’s nothing like hands-on

experience. Interior designer Sophie Pearce of Two Stories Interiors had worked on a couple of smaller projects before graduating from Sydney Design School in 2018, but being involved in the renovation of her own fivebedroom Mosman home made all the difference. Had it not been for architect and educator Victoria Aleporos, whom Sophie met through her diploma course, the task could have been a trial of fire.

“We’d wanted to renovate for a while and had been going back and forth with different male architects yet I didn’t really feel like they were listening to me,” says Sophie. “Then I began talking to Victoria about it and she said she would love to work on the project, that it would be a collaborative process.”

While the balance might have been tricky to navigate in such a relationship, the reality was quite the opposite. “In your long career, you probably only have a few super-successful tick-allthe-boxes collaborations between clients and interior designers and this was one of them,” says Victoria. “I think that vibe shows through the house. It has such a nice aura and that’s what we are both really proud of.”

Victoria took charge of the development application (DA), documentation and construction, and Sophie drove the finishes, furniture and lighting selections. The project started out fairly small, but ended up as a fully-fledged renovation where only the

good news Sophie and her husband reused bricks and soil from the existing house. They also installed a water-capture drainage system across the site that leads to large tanks filled with water that’s used for irrigating the gardens.

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“There’s nothing over the top about this design but there are points of interest in almost every room” SOPHIE PEARCE, OWNER/DESIGNER

KITCHEN (above) Parachilna ‘Bai’ chandeliers from Criteria Collection hang above the Super White Dolomite island bench in the newly expanded space. The kitchen mixer is from Brodware’s Weathered Brass Organic range. A Sub Zero fridge and Gaggenau ovens and microwave complete the picture. Muuto ‘Nerd’ stools from Living Edge. On the bench are Rina Menardi vessels from Ondene, with Dinosaur Designs pieces and a sculpture by Scott McNeil from Curatorial+Co on the shelves below. STAIRCASE (opposite) The sweeping curve brings people up to the main living areas. At the bottom of the stairs is a peg-shaped Riva ‘Molletta’ bench from Fanuli Furniture. Vantot ‘Limpid’ pendant lights, Spence & Lyda. Stevie rug in Camel, Jardan. Artwork (above bench) by Marisa Purcell.

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living and dining areas remained untouched. “The main reason we began this was because there wasn’t a laundry – it was a cupboard in the kitchen – and we were just going to rejig the kitchen and add a walk-in pantry and a laundry,” laughs Sophie.

Eighteen months and two DAs later, approval was granted for the changes that make the house what it is today.

On two levels, the rooms were increased in size to better suit the family of five. Then another level was created. The steep site meant that excavation enabled the addition of another floor for the entry plus a mud room, cellar and rumpus space. That extra level also accommodates a guest room and ensuite. “We kept the majority of the bones of the house and extended up and down and out,” says Victoria. “We made sure that every area captured the light and had access to the beautiful harbour views and we also gave the family what they wanted.”

Spanning three levels over a 1100-square-metre site complete with a generous lawn and 12-metre pool, the property is now grand in scale but not in feeling. “We wanted the house to feel really homey and that’s hard to do with a three-level place,” says Sophie. “The finishes were really important because everything had to be soft and welcoming to create that informal atmosphere.”

Pale European-oak floorboards brought a lightness to the living spaces and glass mosaics introduced texture and interest to the new ensuite. Untreated brass seemed the natural choice for the tapware. Sophie loves that finish: “The more you use the taps, the more the brass gets roughed up and changes colour.”

Sophie also strived to encapsulate the spirit of her family with the furniture choices. “I wanted the house to be fun, hence the wallpapers in the bedrooms and powder room and even some of the lighting choices,” she says. As you walk in the door, a peg-shaped bench makes a statement, while wall-mounted ceramic bees are a whimsical touch in the dining space. A sophisticated coastal palette runs through the living area, but unexpected jolts of bright colour in the art, pink rug and sideboard keep it from getting too serious.

The new spaces not only look great, but, thanks to careful consideration, they support busy family life perfectly. Rooms dedicated to storage, such as the mud room and cellar, are complemented by extensive custom-designed joinery in almost every case. “This place really works and everything is in the perfect spot. It’s very satisfying when you put in all that hard work and planning and it pays off,” says Sophie of the successful outcome borne of the happy collaboration.

There’s no doubt, however, that the oversized kitchen is the home’s standout feature. “That’s everyone’s favourite part of the house,” says Sophie. “We are always sitting there together.”

Apparently, she and Victoria explored 20 different options before arriving at the current configuration with enormous island bench and purpose-designed display for Sophie’s enviable collection of Mud Australia crockery. “At the start it wasn’t going to be as big, and then I saw Jessica Alba’s LA house and huge kitchen in Architectural Digest and thought, let’s make the whole area the kitchen.

“In terms of the new layout and the way it works on a daily basis, I just love this house,” says Sophie, who’s now in business with Emma Hodges, another design-school contact. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Two Stories Interiors is at twostoriesinteriors.com or @twostories_interiors 78 | INSIDE OUT

lessons learnt “Working in a team of two helped to fix problems quickly” VICTORIA ALEPOROS, ARCHITECT

“The collaborative nature of this project meant that any hiccups encountered along the way were swiftly dealt with before they became a problem. There were a couple of small issues, but once we realised we’d made a mistake, the guys would sort it out straightaway so it was never a drama.”

DINING AREA Just behind the staircase, the eating area and window seat look towards the harbour. On that wall is a multicoloured credenza by Zuster and custom bookshelf by Arent & Pyke. Next to it are a swarm of ceramic bees made by Richard Stringer and available from Mondopiero. Flynn American-oak dining table, Jardan. Eames moulded-plastic chairs, Living Edge. Gala pendant, RBW. Rug, Cadrys. Photo art by Aquabumps. Painting by Chris Langlois.

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MAIN BEDROOM A wall in Osborne & Little ‘Mouflon Twill’ offsets the breathtaking water view. Society Limonta bedding from Ondene and an armchair from Manyara Home reference the colours of the trees and water while linen curtains from Blind & Drape Store and Bremworth Collection ‘Champs Elysees’ carpet create a soothing backdrop. ENSUITE (opposite) This bathroom features a customised vanity and matching Agape ‘Spoon’ basins from Artedomus. The glossy wall tiles are from Bisanna. On the shelves are Michaël Verheyden tealights from Ondene. Woven baskets and coral pieces, Orient House.

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1 Entry 2 Mud room 3 Cellar 4 Rumpus 5 Bedroom 6 Bathroom 7 Dining area 8 Living area 9 Balcony 10 Pool 11 Powder room 12 Laundry 13 Butler’s pantry

14 Kitchen 15 Family room 16 Terrace 17 Bathroom 18 Bedroom 19 Bedroom 20 Study 21 Walk-in wardrobe 22 Ensuite 23 Main bedroom 24 Bathroom 25 Bedroom 26 Roof garden

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FROM TOP Parachilna ‘Bai Chandelier II’ pendant light, POA, Criteria Collection. Roda ‘Piper’ sofa, POA, Pure Interiors. Riptides Bondi print (95cm x 70cm), $900 in raw oak frame, Aquabumps. Muuto ‘Nerd’ bar stool, $820, Living Edge. Super White Dolomite surface, $730 per sq m, Marble Slab House. Topwood Riesling oak timber flooring, POA, Aspire Floors.

Stemless ceramic wine cups, $59—$71 each, Mud Australia. Eloquent Figure stoneware sculpture by Scott McNeil, $1200, Curatorial+Co. Tonsätta glass vase, $16, Ikea. Cleveland oak coffee table by Cameron Foggo (50cm), $1790, Project 82. Pearl swivel chair, $3166, Jardan. Bombay velvet cushion in Blue Mist (50cm), $59.99, Adairs. Medium resin horn vase in Abalone, $280, Dinosaur Designs. Linen duvet-cover set in Sage, $365 for queen size, Cultiver. Float glide brass wall sconce, from $2550, Articolo.

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: PALOMA GARAY

GREAT FINDS

“We wanted the house to feel really homey and that can be hard to do with a large three-level place” SOPHIE

OUTDOOR AREA (above) This overlooks the refurbished pool and garden design by Myles Baldwin. Louvred roof, SkyMax. Colmar limestone floor tiles, Eco Outdoor. Dust Zellige tiles (at pool line), Tiles Of Ezra. Roda ‘Piper’ furniture, Pure Interiors. Plates (on table), Mud Australia. Glassware, Jardan.

KIR A & KIR A In Brisbane, a couple who set up an interiors business together finally had the opportunity to work their design magic at home

WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY MINDI COOKE STYLING CARLENE DUFFY

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cheat sheet Who lives here Grason and Simone Kira, owners of Kira & Kira furniture and design; their two sons: West, 15, and Chilli, 14; plus two dogs: Pip, a shih tzu, and Billie, a Pomeranian.

Style of home A Palm Springs-style, mid-century modern house in Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast.

The property took 12 months to complete across 2018 and 2019.

LIVING ROOM Two outside areas lead off this space: a balcony with canal views and an alfresco zone beside the pool. Sketch ‘Morocco’ sofas, Ferm Living ‘Desert’ lounge chair, Séduire coffee table and Armadillo rug, all from Kira & Kira, the owners’ design store. Window treatments, A Curtains & Blinds. FACADE (opposite) While the home’s interior walls are mainly white, the exterior battens are a deep black. “We wanted to maintain our connection to the street, so there are no front boundary fences, only gardens to the curb and a skateboard ramp on one side for the boys,” says Grason Kira.

Custom bench (in hall), blackbutt. Artwork by Tania Blanchard.

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very grey cloud has a silver lining, and for

Simone and Grason Kira, the global financial crisis and its effect on the property market gave them the opportunity to purchase a waterfront house on the Gold Coast in 2011.

“The real-estate market was favourable at the time, and allowed us to realise our dream of owning a house on the canal,” says Grason.

However, it wasn’t until September 2018 that the couple, who own Kira & Kira furniture store and interior-design studio, chose to renovate the property, mainly because they needed more room for their sons, West and Chilli. “While this was technically a renovation, it incorporated a complete strip down to the foundations so we could expand the envelope of the house and push our living area closer to the water,” says Grason.

“The original house was tired, and our growing family demanded more space. We wanted to express our creative side with the architecture and interiors. Owning an interiors store and bespoke-furniture design business meant we have worked closely with many clients on their own personal projects over the years and it was great to push that effort and creativity into our own home. Creating this contemporary habitat for our family really just developed our passion for design,” says Grason.

Simone and Grason incorporated plenty of outdoor living areas to enjoy Queensland’s favourable weather and overhauled the entire home. The ceiling heights were raised, and a new kitchen was designed and connected to two new living areas, with a rotating, ceiling-hung fireplace taking centrestage.

They chose timber for much of their cabinetry and the floorto-ceiling doors in the hallway, which have a gallery feel.

“Simple to the eye, but very clean in execution,” says Grason.

“It’s a contemporary approach to mid-century modern that exudes a little Palm Springs attitude.”

The new layout also accommodates three bedrooms overlooking the pool area, a main bedroom with ensuite, and two bathrooms. “Removing the dividing wall between the two living areas on the fly created some issues that included moving the suspended fireplace into the lounge over a custom-cut granite keyhole hearth,” says Grason. “And creating a butler’s pantry in the final hour reduced our overall entertainment space by a metre.” However, the result is a kitchen/living zone that now overlooks the water. “Whether we are spending time alone here or entertaining with friends, we never tire of this space.”

The interiors are awash in white accented with light grey elements and an abundance of natural timber surfaces. The light, bright and calming colour palette stands in stark contrast to the exterior, a solid all-black presence with flat roof that presents proudly to the street. American black walnut and white oak play leading roles in the scheme, a nod to Grason’s passion for working with timber as a furniture designer and maker.

Other key materials include the formed concrete around the renovated pool and on the cantilevered facade, and the stunning Pegasus granite on the kitchen’s island bench. “These are all natural materials that we cherish as they sit well with our timeless approach to design,” says Grason. “Juggling our busy schedule at the workshop while also building our kitchen and custom oak panels was a true test of time management, but we love the result – it’s a true representation of our style.”

Kira & Kira is at kiraandkira.com.au or @kiraandkira

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“We designed everything. Our brief to ourselves was mid-century modern lines with bespoke elements and plenty of outdoor space” GRASON KIRA, OWNER

LIVING ROOM (this page and opposite bottom) Solid Hemlock timber by Modinex was used to create a tactile feature wall. The ceiling-hung rotating fireplace from Aurora Suspended Fires is located between the two living spaces, allowing the family to face it in any direction, depending on where they are. Natadora ‘Attendant’ sofas, black Sketch ‘Humla’ end table and Ferm Living shelving unit and throw, Kira & Kira. Salvador lamp, Indigo Love. Artwork (above)

by Vynka Hallam. KITCHEN (opposite top) Simone in the beautifully detailed eating area. Fenn walnut pendant light, Fluxwood Lighting. Sketch ‘Odd’ stools, Kira & Kira.

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good news This house has a full positive solar system heating water and running the pool pump during daylight hours only.

The family also invested in twin washing machines to make sure all their laundry is done during the day.

KITCHEN Grason designed the kitchen cabinetry in American black walnut and paired it with benchtops in Pegasus granite from CDK Stone. Salt and pepper finished polished concrete flooring appears throughout. “Our floor-to-ceiling curtains cover the length of the entertaining space, which means we are open to the views but able to close the curtains for privacy. And they absorb sound from the hard surfaces when we entertain,” says Grason. Séduire dining table and Tolv ‘Inlay’ chairs, all from Kira & Kira.

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MAIN BEDROOM (this page and opposite, bottom right) The custom American white oak bedhead was made by Kira & Kira. Ferm Living side table and HK Living lamp, also from Kira & Kira. Bedding, In Bed and Cultiver. Bremworth wool carpet, Flooring Xtra. Artwork by Vynka Hallam. ENSUITE (opposite top) The custom vanity has an integrated Corian sink and benchtop. Tapware, Abey. Terrazzo tiles, CDK Stone.

Fluted glass screen, Euroglass. Mirror, Middle Of Nowhere.

MAIN BATHROOM (opposite left) A sleek freestanding bath

by Concrete Nation invites rejuvenation. Windows by Bradnam’s Windows & Doors. Wooden stool, Worn Store.

LESSONS LEARNT “There are always challenges to overcome” GRASON KIRA, HOMEOWNER

“We learnt that although there are many design and logistical issues along the way (especially when you’re designing a whole building yourselves), they will be worth it. Even well-planned designs have to change in some way on the [renovation] journey, so stay flexible and accepting.

And perhaps plan for more external storage. This was our only real hiccup — we needed more room for bikes, surfboards, firewood and rubbish bins.”

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: KATE HASSETT

LAUNDRY (above) Bespoke American white-oak cabinetry was designed to optimise storage and functionality in the laundry. Benchtop, Corian. Terrazzo floor tiles from CDK Stone.

GARDEN (opposite) Polished concrete pavers surround the renovated 1980s pool, which has been lined with white penny-round tiles. Simone and Grason designed the gardens and Grant Boyle from Fig Landscapes realised their vision.

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“We love the result – this house is a true representation of our style” GRASON

FROM FAR LEFT Ferm Living ‘Desert’ lounge chair in Black/Soil, $689, Kira & Kira. Sketch ‘Morocco’ sofas, $1795 (no arms) and $2195 (open end), Kira & Kira. Stripe outdoor cushion in Charcoal, $49, and Basic linen square cushion in Beige, $44, Domayne. Three Palms framed print, from $625, Vynka Hallam. Faris

by Katie Wyatt framed artwork, $1290, Greenhouse Interiors. Ferm Living ‘Distinct’ travertine side table, $2450, Kira & Kira. Ferm Living ‘Ripple’ long drinking glasses, $199 for four, Designstuff. Indigo Love Collectors ‘Salvador’ table lamp, $460, Kira & Kira. Bosch ‘Series 8’ 10kg washing machine, $1599, Harvey Norman.

Stripe flax-linen duvet cover, $170 for queen, Bed Threads. Wall cladding in Monument, POA, Colorbond.

Ferm Living ceramic basket in Off White, $160, Designstuff. Vintage Wash cotton bath sheet in Olive, $95, Saardé. Thorens Voile S-Fold curtains in Smoke, from $208, Tuiss Blinds Online. Ferm Living ‘Orb’ watering can in Cashmere, $199, Designstuff. Tolv ‘Inlay’ dining chair in Natural and Canyon Leather, $890, Kira & Kira.

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STICKS A Sydney-based couple found a secluded parcel of land in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley and set about building a weekender that blends seamlessly with its peaceful bush location

WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY PRUE RUSCOE

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ENTRANCE Timber walls shelter this corner of the front garden from the elements while allowing the local wildlife to roam freely. HALLWAY (opposite) A large picture window and Sketch ‘Nysse’ occasional chair from GlobeWest have created a reading nook in this transitional area. Wooden stool/table, also GlobeWest.

CHEAT SHEET Who lives here A city-based couple and their teenage daughter, who use it as a holiday house and rent it out to others when they are back in Sydney.

Style of home A five-bedroom new build on a 10-hectare block in Kangaroo Valley, NSW. The couple bought the land in 2018 and enlisted an architecture firm straightaway.

Construction began in early 2019 and finished in early 2020.

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LIVING Planked off-form concrete surrounds the fire. Felix Chubby chair, Anja occasional chair, Sketch ‘Nysse’ occasional chair and Sketch ‘Pensive’ sofa, all from GlobeWest. KITCHEN (opposite) The custom island is topped with polished concrete that was poured in situ. Sketch ‘Odd’ oak stools, GlobeWest. MFL By Masson ‘Fleming’ pendant light, Beacon Lighting.

In the foreground, rough-sawn Victorian-ash cladding adds texture.

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he owner of this spectacular home says he’s

dreamed about living deep in the bush since he was a teenager. “I always liked the idea of being hidden away,” he says. Then life took him in a different direction. He and his partner met, got married and started a family in Sydney. The couple currently own a handsome terrace in the eastern suburbs and work in busy jobs. Their teenage daughter attends high school nearby. It wasn’t until a few years ago that they realised they could potentially buy a second house to serve as a weekend getaway.

“We wanted to find something relatively close to Sydney, so we could jump in the car and head down on a Friday after work,” says the owner. However, it needed to feel well and truly removed from the Big Smoke. “My hope was that, one day, it could be a place for us to settle down,” he explains.

Finding seclusion within two hours of the city proved tricky. After several research trips, the family concluded that the nearby coastal areas were too densely populated. So they turned their attention inland. When he was younger, the owner had spent some time in Kangaroo Valley, a lush region about 150 kilometres south of Sydney. “It gets a lot of rain and is usually quite green, plus it’s a really friendly area,” he says.

“It almost feels like the English countryside. Something kept drawing me back there.” Sure enough, the first property they inspected was a perfect fit: 10 hectares of gently rolling hills and

mature bushland, with a grassy clearing where a house could be built. They submitted a purchase application immediately.

Having secured the property, the couple wasted no time hiring local firm iarchitecture to design a home on it. To facilitate social gatherings, they opted for five bedrooms. “That made the house considerably bigger, because we decided there should be no ‘bad’ bedroom and that everyone should have an ensuite,” says the owner. “We’re in our forties, and I’m too old to be sharing a bathroom with six other people.”

The residence is divided into two wings, with the bedrooms split between them. When the family has no guests, one wing can remain shut, saving on heating and cooling. The living area is positioned where the two wings meet, creating a focal point. Large east-facing windows capture the morning sun and frame views of distant tablelands.

By the time interior designer Romaine (Romy) Alwill came on board, the couple had already spent most of their budget, not only on the build but also on an impressive collection of contemporary Aboriginal art. “We knew we were going to end up with a house that had lots of big white walls,” says the owner, “so we didn’t hold back.”

Romy was tasked with hanging the collection, which includes works by highly respected painters Gloria Petyarre, Polly Ngale and Belinda Golder Kngwarreye. “Every bedroom got a painting,” reveals the owner. “Romy picked colours out INSIDE OUT | 97

DINING The owners admit that the handsome LEDlux ‘Bolton’ pendant from Beacon Lighting is mostly ornamental: the dining area is usually flooded with daylight or bathed in ambient light from the surrounding living spaces. The Duke armchairs from GlobeWest are perfect for lazy lunches.

LIVING (opposite) A custom circular silk rug from The Rug Establishment helps pull together this area. On the far wall, a bold painting by Natalie Purvis echoes the greenery outside.

INSIDE | HOME

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: KATE HASSETT

GREAT FINDS

FROM TOP MFL By Masson ‘Fleming’ dimmable pendant light in Black, $795, Beacon Lighting. Anja occasional chair in Ebony/ Natural, $1330, GlobeWest. Brokis ‘Muffin H346’ solid-oak table lamp in Clear Glass, $2010, Huset. Caroma ‘Elvire’ freestanding bath, $4059, Harvey Norman. Luminare rug (240cm) in Moss, $2015, The Rug Establishment. Sketch ‘Nysse’ occasional chair in Camel/Light Oak, $2750, GlobeWest. Elle Block square side table in Natural Travertine, $2020, GlobeWest. J’ai Soif carafe and glass in Amber, $89, Maison Balzac.

Dante brass bowls, from $99 for small, Papaya.

Felix Block four-seater sofa in Coal, $5880, GlobeWest. Home Republic ‘Aries’ cushion in Deep Forest, $59.99, Adairs. Southport Diablo stool, $750, GlobeWest. Serge Mouille ‘Lampe Tripode’ table lamp, $6210, Cult Design.

Jagger bedside table, $1130, GlobeWest.

of the works and created a unique palette for each of the rooms.”

Her top-level brief for the communal areas was to select materials that were affordable but did justice to the sophisticated architecture and incredible location.

“We had to be pretty clever,” Romy says with a chuckle.

“We went for laminates where we could, but they were beautifully detailed ones.” She chose dark timber and tan leather for their longevity, and wove grainy tones throughout the home to enhance its connection to the surrounding scrubland.

“Working with a tight budget took me out of my comfort zone,” she says, “but it pushed me to be creative, and I think the outcome speaks for itself.”

The final component was the landscaping. Local horticulturalist Warren Walker, who operates Wariapendi Nursery, was the natural choice. “It was so important to us to respect the flora and fauna that was already in the area,” says the owner. Warren’s top priority was to plant the right sorts of trees and shrubs to bring back all the local wildlife, including the birds that had been dispersed by the construction. The landscaping has done exactly that – almost too successfully. “The animals eat the garden now!” says the co-owner. “It’s totally worth it, though.

In the evening, you can sit out on the deck with a glass of wine and watch the kangaroos come all the way up to the house.”

Since the build wrapped up, the couple and their daughter have been spending as much time as possible at the property, keeping it tidy and exploring its secret nooks. “We’ll spend the entire day outdoors,” says the owner of his family’s routine.

“We’re exhausted by the end of the day, but it’s a good kind of exhaustion. It doesn’t really feel like work.”

Romy Alwill’s work can be viewed at alwill.com.au or @alwillinteriors. iarchitecture is at iarch.com.au or @iarchitecture_southcoast. See more of the home at offtothesticks.com.au or @thestickskangaroovalley INSIDE OUT | 99

EXTERIOR Local horticulturalist Warren Walker established Wariapendi Nursery in the 1980s, before it was common to use Australian plants in domestic settings. With experience consulting for State Forestry, he was expertly qualified to create a garden that would blend with the surrounding bushland. The white cladding on the home is fibre cement.

good news With a spine wall clad in vertical hardwood battens, the iarchitecture house is known as The Sticks. It was built by Djokic Constructions and recently shortlisted for the Grand Designs Australia Magazine House Of The Year Awards 2021/22.

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lessons learnt “ BEING HANDS-OFF COMES AT A PRICE” OWNER

“If I did a project like this again, I would get a bit more involved with the decision-making. Leaving everything in the hands of the contractors delivered a great result, but cost us more than we had anticipated.”

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INSIDE | HOME

BEDROOM An angled bed can make a bedroom feel cramped, but this home’s generous footprint allows for it.

Simple furnishings, including an antique Japanese bench sourced from Edo Arts, enhance the Zen vibe. Blinds, Verosol.

Rug, armchair and bedhead, GlobeWest. Throw, Bemboka.

BATHROOM (opposite) The five ensuite bathrooms were expertly situated to allow for large windows without compromising privacy. Bathtub, Forme. Tapware, Phoenix.

FLOUR BOMB A Sydney couple and their architect son worked hard to make an old flour factory habitable, then beautiful WORDS KATHERINE CHATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON WHITBREAD STYLING NATALIE JOHNSON

INSIDE | HOME

CHEAT SHEET Who lives here Geraldine Weber, a Montessori teacher; and her husband John, a business advisor and non-executive director; with two of their three adult sons.

Style of home A 1912 warehouse in Sydney’s inner west that’s been converted to a three-storey, four-bedroom home of approximately 500 square metres.

The project took place in two parts; the first was to make the industrial building livable, the second was to complete the conversion. It took 14 months in total.

FOYER (opposite) The first thing you see is an old paintedglass sign the builder found holed up in a wall. Cassina ‘Cab’ chair, Mobilia. Framed artwork by Frank Hodgkinson.

COURTYARD “We carried the huge fangipani tree up the stairs, which was hard work,” says architect Dan. Swisspearl outdoor pots and Loop fibre-cement chairs, Robert Plumb.

Urban outdoor dining table by Jakob Berg. Artek ‘Atelier’ chairs from Anibou. Snapped Carrara marble floor tiles, Bisanna.

M

oving out of the suburbs is one thing but

doing so for a near-derelict warehouse is another. So in 2017, when Geraldine and John Weber decided to leave Sydney’s north shore for a city pad, they never imagined such a scenario. They were looking for a home to fit them and their three sons and had viewed this inner-west property, then discovered it was under offer.

Shortly afterwards, the sale fell through and they leapt at the chance to buy it. “Mum was on holiday, and Dad bought it on a whim while she was away,” says their son Daniel, an architect in training. The family – along with their two other sons – moved into the place shortly after settlement. It had most recently been used as a recording studio and was set up as one big room on each floor. “It had purple, green and mushroomcolour walls and was almost uninhabitable,” says Dan. Despite the work it needed, the family were entranced by the building’s history. “It started life in 1912 as a flour mill,” says Geraldine. “Then there were two fires, one in the 1930s and another in the 1950s. Later, it was used by a leather and plastic-goods manufacturer, and became a furniture-restoration place in the 1970s and ’80s. We are the first people to live in it.”

Initially, John and Geraldine started working with a designer to transform the building, but when he wasn’t able to continue, it turned out to be serendipitous – their son Daniel had started studying architecture and was happy to take over. “Dan had

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some very clever ideas that we really liked,” says Geraldine.

“It helped that we’d lived in the largely unrenovated building for a while, so that we understood where the light was needed and how we wanted it to be reorganised.”

“I was nervous,” admits Dan. “I kept asking for a brief, but let’s say it was loose! I was working off hope and intuition – and just kept hoping that I wouldn’t be uninvited to Christmas dinner!”

Although there were some minor disagreements to start with – John wanted to add another storey to the building but was persuaded otherwise – they all agreed that the priority was bringing as much light as possible into the structure. Glass became a central feature of the house and a large portion of the roof on the top floor was removed to create two sunny courtyards, maximising the northern light. Two walls of the kitchen consist of big glass doors, so it can be completely opened up to both courtyards and all-day sun. “It was a real change from – and I think reaction to – living in the house when it had no outside space,” says Dan. Renovating an old building came with some quite serious challenges though. “There were lots of elements we wanted to keep, but the building was in much worse condition than we had anticipated,” says Dan. “In the end, only the timber beams, the trusses and the bricks were salvageable. When the floor was exposed and we got to see the joists, we couldn’t believe that we’d been living on them for two years because we could have fallen through at any point.”

INSIDE | HOME

LIVING AREA Clever furniture placement defines the eating and sitting spaces, all warmed by a cast-iron Cheminées Philippe fire to counter the cool, raw nature of the exposed brick walls.

Black sofa, owner’s. Flos ‘Taccia’ lamp, Living Edge. ENTRANCE (opposite left) “We didn’t want to change this because it speaks to the street and had to be in scale with the rest of it,” says Dan. KITCHEN/COURTYARD (opposite right) The beautiful roofline is fully visible here. At the kitchen counter are Fritz Hansen ‘Dot’ stools from Cult. The glass pendant lights were another exciting discovery, found boarded up (like the old sign) and refurbished.

SITTING AREA “The coffee table is mine,” says Dan. “I brought it round one day and thought it looked great there!” It’s a Carl Hansen ‘CH417’ tray table. That and the Erik Jørgensen ‘Delphi’ sofa, Adam Goodrum ‘Nest’ table and Carl Hansen & Søn ‘OW149 Colonial’ chair are all from Cult. The rug is Persian.

Corrugated-iron artwork by Ross Tamlin. Iittala ‘Aalto Savoy’ vase, Top3 By Design. DINING AREA (opposite) Geraldine and John chose a Fritz Hansen ‘Essay’ table from Cult. The chairs are vintage PP Mobler ‘PP203’ designs. Hay rice-paper shade.

Artworks by Ben Shearer (at left) and Marlene Young. Ella Bendrups white ceramic vases from Modern Times.

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FIRST FLOOR

Instead of using new timbers to replace the existing floorboards and joists, which were so rotten they “crumbled in your hand when removed”, Dan opted for recycled tallowwood boards. “They’re from a nearby shoe factory that was demolished,” he says. “New timber would have looked wrong in the space.” Wood is carried through to the walls in the bedrooms in the form of veneer. “The ceilings are lower in the bedrooms than in the other rooms, so the wood panelling gives them a cosy, warm feel.”

The size of the building meant it was essential to think about how to heat and cool it sustainably. Now, the two courtyards bring sun into every room on the top floor in winter, and there’s a fireplace in each of the two living rooms. “It’s hard to heat 4.5m ceilings any other way,” Dan points out.

“In summer, that second, smaller courtyard to the southeast draws a cool breeze right through the top-floor living spaces,” says Geraldine, who admits her Irish heritage means she really feels the heat. “We have windows on three sides for cross ventilation, and shaded western windows. All the west-facing glass is shaded and there’s cross ventilation in every room so air can cycle out. If we need it, there’s a fireplace in each of the living rooms, and very efficient air-conditioning to keep the entire place cool when it’s really hot.”

The house is designed to be versatile enough for several adults to live there, with lots of different spaces to retreat to, such as the upstairs nook with a sofa and coffee table. “It’s light, open and breezy,” says Geraldine. “And there are many spaces here to work, play music, read or have a chat.”

There are also some serious mod-cons. John wanted a lift, but Geraldine didn’t – so they compromised with a dumb waiter. “It’s designed to bring shopping, firewood and other heavy or bulky items to the top floor, straight into the kitchen pantry – otherwise it’s a 3.5-floor haul from the garage.”

Dan no longer lives at home, but loves visiting. When asked to name a highlight, he says, “Sitting at the kitchen bench with the sun on your back is pretty great.” Geraldine and John agree and add that converting a historical commercial building to their home was very rewarding. “It’s an art, not a science,” says Geraldine. “Not easy nor cheap, but we are delighted with the result. And really proud of what Daniel has achieved. It really feels like an oasis in the city.”

And would they work together on a project again? Dan shrugs – “I feel quite attached to this place, but I know that Mum and Dad never stay anywhere for more than a few years.

Maybe I’ll get to design their next house, too. Why not?”

Daniel Weber can be contracted through wylde.design. The builder was Rob Meddich from Managed Build at managedbuild.com.au

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INSIDE | HOME

CLOCKWISE (from top left) Fermob ‘Bellevie’ two-seater sofa in Red Ochre, $4780, Trit House. Rice-paper light shade, $88 for large, Hay Shop. Fermob ‘Bistro’ metal chair, $180, and round table, $480, Trit House. Antique Heriz Persian rug, $18,000, Cadrys. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘OW149 Colonial’ chair by Ole Wanscher, from $4330, Cult Design. Swisspearl ‘Kolonna’ pots, from $630 each, Robert Plumb. Flos ‘Taccia’ table lamp, $2060, Living Edge. Nau timber nest tables, from $2302 for set of two, Cult Design. EJ450-E11 Delphi three-seater sofa by Erik Jørgensen, from $12,800, Cult Design. Amber Belgian linen and velvet cushion (60cm), $159, Nathan + Jac. Palatino Carrara marble stone mosaic tiles, $35 per 283mm x 304mm sheet, Perini. San Selmo reclaimed bricks, $2115 for 1000, Austral Bricks. Swisspearl ‘Loop’ chair by Willy Guhl, $1645, Robert Plumb. Cassina ‘Cab’ chair with arms by Mario Bellini, POA, Mobilia.

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: JUDIE SIU

GREAT FINDS

MAIN BEDROOM “All the wood panelling is spotted gum plywood by Big River Group,” says Dan. “It has a 3mm face veneer so is really hard-wearing and sandable if it gets damaged, unlike regular veneered ply.” Danish cord bench by Adam Stewart of Modanest. Throw (on bed), In Bed Store.

POWDER ROOM (opposite) A creative plumber rigged up the sink with pre-existing copper pipes and taps from Bunnings.

Ruban mirror, Hay Shop. Frama hand soap, Oliver Thom.

lessons learnt “ NEVER UNDERESTIMATE OLD BUILDINGS” DANIEL WEBER, ARCHITECT

“Just because an old building is still standing up doesn’t mean it’s sound. Maintaining the character is so important — that’s the reason people love and want to live in old buildings — but it’s very difficult when so much needs to be replaced because it is rotten or has been water damaged or eaten by borer. This is compounded by the fact that a lot of this damage is hidden by bad renovations and is revealed in trying to bring the building back to its former self. But it’s a great feeling once that’s done.”

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good news Every room on the top floor has opening windows on three sides so they can get a breeze through, no matter which way the wind is blowing.

To keep the summer sun under control, both courtyards have retractable awnings by Sydney Sailmakers.

“The awnings are basically woven out of canvas strips by a sailmaker and they let through little squares of light that move with the sun, so the place doesn’t feel claustrophobic when the courtyards are shaded” DANIEL WEBER, ARCHITECT

INSIDE | HOME

MAIN COURTYARD (opposite) “This open space is very special,” says Geraldine. “It opens at both ends and converts the whole top floor into one space.” Inside the nook are two outdoor sofas from Cult, the Carl Hansen & Søn ‘BK12’ design.

SMALL COURTYARD (above) Just off the kitchen is this high-walled step-out lined with green life in low planters. Rive Droite bistro set from UK company Garden Trading.

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INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

PA INT ME A

Decorative artist Solène Eloy demonstrates the power of colour and texture in her Paris apartment

WA LL WORDS JEREMY CALLAGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY GAELLE LE BOULICAUT

cheat sheet Who lives here Solène Eloy, a modern-day fresco artist and founder of L’Atelier du Mur (The Wall Shop), which produces contemporary art and installations for luxury homes, restaurants and hotels.

Style of home A loft-style space in Paris’s 9th Arrondissement featuring furniture classics against striking backdrops.

ENTRANCE (opposite) After many years of art study and experimentation, Solène Eloy is adept at painted fresco, textured render and verre églomisé or gilded glass, where the back of a glass piece is decorated with a design in gold leaf. In the foyer of her apartment, the walls are a ‘combed render’ with an Art Deco feel, also by Solène. LIVING AREA (this page) The velvet sofa is called Andy and the white lounge chair is Pumpkin, both by Pierre Paulin and through Ligne Roset. Barth marble stool by Le Berre Vevaud from Invisible Collection. Rattan ‘rolling’ table (at right), Galerie Vauclair. Floor lamp, made from a 19th-century Italian candle holder. Winter Moon glass artwork (on wall) by Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert. Mirror (on mantel), found in the street.

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I

like colour a lot,” states Solène Eloy. “I like it to the point

where I literally have trouble understanding interiors that are all white.” Sounds about right for an artist who has made a career out of transforming walls into works of art. For her, a white wall is like a red rag to a bull; a blank canvas, an invitation for expression. And all of this stems from what she describes as an ‘aesthetic shock’ in Rome, where her family lived for a year, when she was 18.

“In Rome, I discovered all of the monuments and the churches with an incredible technique [fresco] that converted walls into artworks. In some of them, the colours were still sharp and vibrant, even after several centuries – it was this moment that my fascination for the medium started.”

When her family returned to France, Solène enrolled at Paris’s National Superior School of Applied Arts to learn more about fresco techniques. But at the time, she says, “people had the wrong idea about what a fresco really was. The very word conjured up the old world, with no idea how it could fit into a modern context. Interior architects would hear it and imagine garlands of flowers and cherubs painted on Rococo ceilings!”

Solène entirely rethought her approach because talking about ‘frescoes’ was becoming a barrier to her working with some of the great architects she aspired to collaborate with. “So I stopped using that term and spoke of ‘wall decorations’ and ‘bespoke decor’ instead. That got my foot through the door and when they saw my work, they began to understand what it was that I did and how they could use it in their projects.”

Solène formed her company, L’Atelier du Mur, in 2010 with the aim of creating bespoke wall decor that includes ornamental panels and wall coatings using age-old techniques such as fresco

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OVERSEAS INSPIRATION | INSIDE

“From the beginning we were very clear: we wanted to live with colour everywhere” SOLÈNE ELOY, ARTIST/OWNER

LIVING AREA This super-stylish space is actually three shades of emerald green, contrasting with the more airy white-painted void over the adjacent dining area. The ceiling is a satin tint of the matt colour used on the walls, and the skirtings are a darker green. Solène designed and made the coffee tables in sand-blasted glass and 24-carat gold églomisé. The hand-knotted wool and jute rug is fromJD Staron. Brass Nasturtium art piece (on window wall) by American artist Kirk Maxson and the white alabaster lamp underneath it are by Pierre Chareau, through Galerie MCDE. Framed print is paper by Japan’s Sogara Yuzen.

DETAIL (opposite) A closer look at the foyer’s 1960s sideboard from Galerie Yvan Royer and mirrored artwork called Flaque or ‘pool of water’ by Solène.

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

good news For her wall colours and trims, Solène used Perrot & Cie paints throughout. The brand is French-made and each of the curated colours has a uniquely deep opacity to match their low VOC level.

KITCHEN (above) Here, Solène opted for wall art by Isidore Leroy, a panoramic print called Dune that allows the eye to wander. It’s a great match for the subtle grey Carrara marble benchtops. Casalto pendant lights, Haga Paris. Padded felt stools by AMPM. Moroccan candlestick holders and ceramics, Salé T. DINING AREA (opposite) Set against the wall is an elegant antique credenza by Cees Brackmann, purchased from Les Passions de Tom at Paul Bert market.

The dining table is a 1950s Italian design while the Hammer chairs are classic Arne Jacobsen. On the table is a bamboo sculpture called Fossile by renowned ‘basket artist’ Jiro Yonezawa. Japanese silk obi (used as a runner on the window ledge), bought on holiday in Nara. Moldavian rug, Le Monde Sauvage.

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and traditional wallpainting, as well as producing églomisé glass and art furniture, all in a contemporary way. Her target market was – and remains – high-end interior designers around the globe.

Fittingly, home for Solène is this Paris apartment, located in the 9th arrondissement. It was once part of famous nightclub and cabaret venue Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat), made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec’s iconic posters. Le Chat Noir was a hub of creativity, festivities and bohemian life in the late 19th century.

“It’s comforting to know that some real spirit existed here, in this place,” she says.

When Solène and her husband purchased the space for their family, they could have moved straight in, but instead waited until the artist had worked her magic. “From the beginning we were very clear,” she says, “we wanted to live with colour everywhere.

It brings out whatever you place in a room, and adds value and definition to your art and furnishings.”

Inspired by a French Impressionist painting by Édouard Vuillard, which used different shades of green to create a subtle harmony, the idea of painting

the main room emerald green was born. Its skirting boards, however, are painted a shade slightly darker than the matt walls. This is a subtle but important distinction that gives the room its special look. “It creates a kind of visual resonance that I find quite beautiful. Maybe in 10 years I won’t like the walls,” she speculates, “but for now they’re green.”

Texture also plays a major part here, in the soft furnishings, rugs and wall finishes, some of which people have to resist touching. After a minimalist phase, interior decoration is re-embracing texture, Solène says, acknowledging that the element brings an important sensory aspect to our interiors. “It’s difficult to tell to what extent we are influenced by the moment’s trends and fashions. Buts it’s true that up until recently, white, smooth surfaces in Corian and marble were being used a lot.

“The counter swing to this trend is quite natural, as interiors are once-again becoming more personalised and less uniform. There is a lot to be said for inconsistencies – and the human touch.”

Check out atelierdumur.fr and @atelierdumur_wallpaper

STAIRCASE Ascending from the entry level of the home to the mezzanine and private areas takes you closer to the centrally hung pendant light in hammered brass and transparent blown-crystal glass. BEDROOM (opposite) Solène’s daughter’s room is an earthy shade of pink chosen to complement the feature Heron wallpaper by Gucci. Set of timber drawers, vintage 1970s. Naoko armchair in Bordeaux, Habitat. Cushions, BHV Marais. Singapore cane and linen pendant by Market Set. Mire artpiece (on wall) by Solène.

OVERSEAS INSPIRATION | INSIDE

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: KATE LINCOLN

GREAT FINDS

CLOCKWISE (from top left) Coco bar stool in Light Grey Fabric, $449, Vorsen. Shaggy rug (170cm x 240cm), $1330, Hay Shop. Home Republic ‘Navara’ cotton-bamboo towel in Mustard, $49.99, Adairs. Cesendello silk ivory pendant light, POA, Fortuny. Printed Rose kelim rug (120cm x 180cm), $699, House Of Orange. Heron print wallpaper, $685 per roll, Gucci. Magnus oval dining table in Solid Walnut, $3199, Icon By Design. Lune candlesticks, POA, Canvas+Sasson. Tom Dixon ‘Rock’ candle holders, $350 and $550, Living Edge. Fritz Hansen ‘Series 7’ dining chair, from $995, Cult Design. Eggshell acrylic paints in Aniseed, Bittersweet, Evergreen and Frosting, all $135 per 4L, Porter’s Paints. Mid-Century buffet in Acorn, $1699, West Elm. Marmoucha Jasmin rug (240cm x 190cm), $2290, Beni Kesh. Kartell ‘Componibili’ storage unit, $305, Space. Ligne Roset ‘Pumpkin’ chair, POA, Domo.

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INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

Gold is a recurring element in Solène’s work and she brought it into the main bedroom with a mustard-gold painted dado strip

MAIN BEDROOM (above left and opposite) A pastel-blue wall colour with a gold strip running around the base allows the timbers and black lines inspired by the hallway’s balustrade to come forward. Oak and rattan bedhead from Maisons du Monde. Woollen bed cover made in Marrakech. Silk pendant lights, Fortuny. Componibili storage unit, Kartell. Sunburst mirror, a lucky find at a secondhand store. Stowe hand-knotted wool rug, JD Staron. Framed engraving by Nicole de Bertier and linocut by Véronique Trimming. Photographs by Agnès Roché and others. Ceramic, Baudtoun. BATHROOM (above right) With its skylight and surfaces in natural stone and timber, the wet area has a Japanese-style sense of simplicity and serenity. Linen bath towel, Maison de Vacances.

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LESSONS LEARNT “It’s not hard to introduce the element of surprise” SOLÈNE ELOY, ARTIST/OWNER

As well as having an unconventional colour palette, Solene’s apartment has a number of unique features that she had fun creating. One is the reflective lacquered ceiling in the foyer, which boosts the light on arrival; another is a hall cupboard that’s opened to reveal shelves painted bright Klein Blue. Both reinforce the genius of the design.

RENOVATE

side show

The owners of this house are crazy for entertaining Even though one of the owners comes from a family of architects, they called on the creative powers of architect Kate Vernon to help get their Melbourne renovation across the line. While they retained the front of the house, the transition to the new section is clearly obvious in this capture, showing how easy it is for visitors to access the amazing new terrace area – complete with a huge fireplace and spa – at the back.

Turn the page for more details.

WORDS DEBORAH GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY DIANNA SNAPE

DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.

PARTY OF FIVE A sociable couple and their three kids craved open-plan areas for entertaining but also wanted plenty of privacy so they turned to a creative architect for help WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY DIANNA SNAPE

INSIDE | RENOVATE

cheat sheet Who lives here Storrm Rodwell and Gus Balbontin, both entrepreneurs and investors; their two sons, aged 15 and eight; and 13-year-old daughter.

Style of home A 1950s weatherboard cottage in Melbourne.

The couple began brainstorming with their architect in 2017, but the work didn’t begin until early 2019. It was completed by December that year. $1.1m, including the interior $$$$ design and landscaping.

terrace Eclectic materials give this area real personality. “We didn’t want it to feel sterile,” says owner Storrm. Recycled beams, Jaks Timber. Charred cladding, EcoTimber. Bluestone crazy paving, Core Pave. Tio easy chairs, In Good Company. Eggcup stool, Mark Tuckey.

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kitchen/study The island bench is the perfect place to soak up some afternoon sun. It’s custom-made from Polytec Natural Oak, Caesarstone Cloudburst Concrete and Popham Design Moroccan tiles from Tiento. Bar stools, Tim Webber Design. In the background, a study nook gives the kids another place to do homework.

G

us Balbontin, his partner Storrm and their three

children are used to sharing space. Up until a few years ago, the kids cohabited a single bedroom in the family’s weatherboard cottage in suburban Melbourne. After lights out, Gus and Storrm would often host large dinner parties.

“The house is right in front of the kids’ school, so it gets circulated by lots of different visitors, all the time,” says Gus. “There are kids and parents in the morning, kids and parents in the afternoon.” The busy dad, who used to be an executive at Lonely Planet before becoming an investor and speaker, plays in a band, too. Rehearsals would often take place at the cottage.

As the Balbontin children neared adolescence, the couple began thinking about an expansion. Gus says they loved the cottage and the memories they’d made there, and enjoyed being a sociable family. But teenagers need their own space. “We wanted a house that was easy to circulate and move around in, that was open and welcoming but provided privacy when we needed it.”

wishlist + More space A combination of open and private spaces. + Large outdoor area With a fireplace, for entertaining as many as 60 guests at a time. + Rumpus room Also equipped to serve as a guest room.

INSIDE | RENOVATE

kitchen/dining Burnished concrete flooring was chosen for its durability. Cabinetry

by Kulija Kitchens. Highline pendant (above island), Archier. Suspence P2 pendant lights, Cult. Dining table and chairs, Mark Tuckey. Artwork by Kyle Hughes-Odgers. Print (in foreground), from Gus’s publishing days.

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1 Porch 2 Entry 3 Living area 4 Dining area 5 Kitchen 6 Butler’s pantry 7 Office 8 Terrace 9 Rumpus room 10 Laundry

11 Bathroom 12 Powder room 13 Bedroom 14 Bedroom 15 Bedroom 16 Ensuite 17 Walk-in wardrobe 18 Main bedroom 19 Hot tub 20 Storage

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good news Sustainability was a priority for the owners: they requested recycled bricks and timber beams and installed a large solar array with battery.

dream it

design it

Gus and Storrm contacted architect Kate Vernon, whose daughter attended school with theirs, and drew up a wishlist.

The top priority was a bedroom for each of the children. The couple also hoped to add a second living space that would primarily function as a rumpus room for the kids.

“We wanted that room to be functional and adaptable,” says Gus. “It could be a spare bedroom for my parents or for Storrm’s. It could accommodate four or five mattresses, so the kids could have sleepovers with their friends. Or I could use it to rehearse with the band.”

Next, they turned their minds to socialising. “We’re a family with Latin-American roots,” Gus explains. “I’m Argentinian and we love entertaining. Our goal was a house that we could invite 60 people to for a good party. Cooking is hugely important to us as well.” An essential inclusion was a large Argentinian-style outdoor fireplace. “Over there, they do a lot of cooking over fire, and often the fireplaces are in enclosed spaces yet you never get smoke,” Storrm notes.

While being very sustainably minded and wanting to use materials that were either aged or recycled, they were also after furnishings that reflected the spirit of their family. Says Kate: “They’re so open and enthusiastic. They’re adventurous, they love travel. I think the old house just wasn’t fitting with them.”

“We wanted to maintain the facade and preserve the feeling of the old house, but also achieve the spaces we wanted,” says Storrm. “So, we kept the original roof with the lovely old tiles covered in lichen and moss and retained the skeleton of the front, but we completely gutted the rest – floors and all.”

This gave Kate freedom to reimagine the rooms in the original cottage. She enlarged Gus and Storrm’s bedroom by combining it with another bedroom, and expanded the front living area by combining it with the original kitchen and dining spaces. Behind, she added an L-shaped extension containing a large kitchen/dining zone, the kids’ bedrooms, the rumpus room, a bathroom and a powder room. Outside is a paved space with the traditional Argentinian fireplace and cedar hot tub.

To achieve privacy, Kate situated all the bedrooms on one side of the central hallway that runs the length of the house, then moved the front door off-centre. When guests arrive these days, they step directly into the living room, not the hallway.

From there, visitors can walk through to the kitchen/dining zone and out to the patio without using the central hallway.

Kate suggested a neutral modern palette to maximise the sense of space and allow family members to personalise certain areas as they grew. “We also brought in some dusty blues and tan leather because of the Argentinian connection,” she says.

the moodboard FROM LEFT Cedar hot tub, $11,797 for medium, Sproutwell.

European oak flooring in Smoked & Limed, POA, Royal Oak Floors. Charred timber cladding in Burnt Ash, $289.30 per sq m, Mortlock Timber. Milli Pure Hi-Rise shower in Curved Chrome, $742, Reece. Daniel Robertson ‘Overland’ bricks in Tasman Blended, from $2321.00 per 1000, Austral Bricks. Endicott crazy paving, POA, Eco Outdoor. Refined Oak laminate, from $113.20 per sq m, Laminex.

INSIDE | RENOVATE

living area There’s enough room for the whole family on the Sunny modular sofa from Jardan. Pale toasted-oak floorboards from Royal Oak and an Iko coffee table, also from Jardan, enhance the airy vibe. A long Polytec bench (opposite) with built-in drawers does double duty as a reading nook and storage area.

It’s been covered in leather by Inform Upholstery and topped with custom-made cushions.

the best bits + Moroccan tiles “We used them in the kitchen, the bathrooms and the powder room,” says Storrm. “They’re a bit colourful, a bit brave, a bit out of the ordinary.” + Hot tub “We chose a hot tub over a pool and it’s incredible,” says Gus. “Anyone who chooses a pool is making a mistake!” + Enormous fireplace “Gathering around the fire with our friends feels amazing,” says Gus. “There’s nothing like it.”

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ensuite Clad in more Popham Design tiles by Tiento, this bathroom is super fun.

The vanity is Polytec Natural Oak and Caesarstone Airy Concrete. Basins, Nood Co. Taps, Faucet Strommen.

fireplace Locally sourced recycled bricks give the new Argentinian-style fireplace a vintage look.

do it The couple wanted to create a forever home, so they didn’t rush either the design or the construction (each took about a year).

What they did do was ask Kate to be frugal where possible.

“All the timber joinery is actually laminate, so we tried to make some practical concessions,” she points out.

However, when it came time to build the fireplace, the family knew that only the best would do. “Gus’s dad is an architect, so we flew him over from Argentina and he oversaw the building of the chimney,” says Storrm. “The brickies were quite amused, but they also learned a lot from him about Argentinean techniques.”

Storrm says working with Kate was a joy. “She was able to guide the process and incorporate all the things that we talked about but, equally, put her architectural knowledge and design into it and make it all come together.” This was one of the first projects Kate took on after starting her own firm, says Storrm.

“It was really lovely to be on that journey with her, too.”

Gus agrees. “My dad’s an architect, my sister’s an architect, and I’m quite handy with a pencil myself. So, I was a nightmare client. I would draw things for Kate and she would have to push back and say: ‘Hang on a minute – what about this?’”

Now that the house is finished, Gus says he’s glad Kate was as assertive as she was. “We had high expectations, but I have to say, since we’ve been back in the house, we’re yet to find a non-functional area. It’s amazing.”

See more of Kate’s work at katevernonarchitects.com or @katevernonarch 132 | INSIDE OUT

lessons learnt “Don’t do the project management yourself ” STORRM RODWELL, HOMEOWNER

“Having Kate manage the project shielded us from a million and one questions and getting phone calls from the builder at 7am. At first, we baulked at having to pay more money, but looking back, it was the best money we spent — for the peace of mind it brought us, and knowing that our project was going to be seen through.”

INSIDE | RENOVATE

hot tub This prized addition is from Cedar Hot Tubs. The surrounding greenery is by the Peachy Green team, with an assist from landscapers Core Pave.

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GOOD ETTITUDE Drawing inspiration from nature and adventure, sustainable bedding brand Ettitude has introduced two gorgeous new colourways to its Signature Sateen collection, Canyon & Sky. The queen sheet set is $268. ettitude.com.au

LITTLE TIENDA Fashion and homewares brand Little Tienda has put a modernday twist on traditional Indian kantha patchwork with their gorgeous quilts made by women in rural Rajasthan. From $420. littletienda.com.au

mihi WHAT’S NEW

bedroom

Enhance time spent in your private space with fabulous finds and vibrant pops of colour

søla power If you’re on the hunt for a new signature scent, try Lys Sølaberg, the enchanting new fragrance from Maison Crivelli. A little woody, a little floral, this eau de parfum is rich and complex with notes of lily, ambroxan and cedar, $299 for 100ml. libertineparfumerie.com.au

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CANDLE COLOURED Sheridan has unveiled a new selection of candles prettily packaged in bright hues, $49.99 each. sheridan.com.au

Meet Mihi Home, a new online brand dedicated to premium, high-end home decor products.

We love the Amari diffuser, $139.99, and the Emerson incense holder, $49.99. mihihome.com.au

INSIDE | RENOVATE

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zenn design Elevate your boudoir with the softly sculpted lines of the Wave bench, handcrafted in Melbourne by the talented makers at Zenn Design. Fully customisable, the Wave can be sized to suit any space and upholstered in almost any fabric you care to choose, from $2500. zenndesign.com.au

RESTFUL READS New releases for your bedside 1 My Body Keeps Your Secrets by Lucia Osborne-Crowley, $29.99, Allen & Unwin.

A confronting yet elegantly portrayed collection of intersectional testimonies around vulnerabiity and our connection with our bodies, as told by one of the key thinkers of this generation.

2 Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney, $39.99, Allen & Unwin. Rooney delivers yet another bitingly realistic portrait of millennial identity and the nuances of human connection.

3 Snowflake by Louise Nealon, $29.99, Allen & Unwin. A beautiful exploration of love, loss and the safety we find in familial comforts.

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ECOYA SPRAY Refresh your room or bed linen with the sweet scents of Lotus Flower, French Pear or Guava and Lychee Sorbet — all new fragranced sprays by Ecoya that are priced at $25.95 each. ecoya.com.au

summer wool

PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISTIN GEHRADTE. STYLING: BEA LAMBOS (ZENN DESIGN)

Improve the way you sleep this summer by swapping out your usual quilt for the Eco Ultra Light wool quilt, from $179, by Woolstar. Made from light layers of wool with a smooth cotton covering, it’s a seasonal alternative for those who feel the heat. woolstar.com.au

KIP TIME Bursting with florals and stripes in the freshest colours, Kip & Co’s new Golden Hour collection features quilt covers, linens, throws, cushions and more. Shown is Abundance quilted cot bedspread, $99. kipandco.com.au

Homegrown hero Koala is determined to ensure every Australian gets a good night’s sleep with the launch of two new mattress options to complement their bedding ranges.

Calm As, from $1650 for queen, and Soul Mate, from $2700 for queen, both prioritise comfort, cooling, stability and customisation. koala.com

add to cart Australia’s favourite interiors expert Neale Whitaker has launched a new homewares range exclusive to MyHouse and House. Expect to find bedding, throws, cushions and textiles made from linen and Turkish cotton, plus swish homewares, such as these elegant glass Hemisphere vases and diffuser, from $29.99 each. myhouse.com.au and house.com.au

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Wallpaper is Superfresco Easy! It’s easy to choose with a variety of designs.

Superfresco Easy’s Paste the Wall Technology is easy to use, reduces decorating time and covers uneven surfaces. It’s even easy to remove, when you fancy a change! superfrescoeasy.com.au @superfrescoeasy_au

OUT

master peace

This serene garden is a natural extension of an art-filled home On Sydney’s north shore, this crafted garden was created for its owners, lovers of painting and sculpture. It combines the skills of landscape designer Michael Bates, who masterminded the softscaping, and the home’s architect, Daniel Boddam, who provided the inspired setting for his handiwork.

Hardy grasses and succulents intermingle in a hardscape of crazy paving, sandstone pavers and river pebbles – all in perfect balance.

Turn the page to discover more.

WORDS CHRIS PEARSON PHOTOGRAPHY JASON BUSCH

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ART OF LIFE House and garden are cleverly intertwined in this living gallery on Sydney’s lower north shore

WORDS CHRIS PEARSON PHOTOGRAPHY JASON BUSCH

The front garden is a sensual interplay of shapes, colours and textures. There are drifts of succulents, including agaves (Agave desmettiana), propeller plant (Senecio crassissimus) and ripple jade (Crassula arborescens undulatifolia) together with Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff ’ grasses in a sea of Nepean River pebbles.

OPPOSITE The home’s facade comprises Cambia Ash from Britton Timbers and Howqua Freeform stone cladding from Eco Outdoor.

In addition to the succulents and grasses are Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’ and some hardy thorny olive shrubs (Elaeagnus pungens).

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“The contemporary backdrop

of polished concrete and burnt timber made our job easier — anything looks good against it” MICHAEL BATES, LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

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rafted and curated, this garden is a dynamic

work of art that perfectly complements a home owned by lovers of painting and sculpture.

When landscape designer Michael Bates first sighted the property on Sydney’s lower north shore in late 2019, the house was midrenovation. Bare earth presented him with a blank canvas for his signature brushstrokes, defined by a subtle palette and an oil-paint-like layering of textures. “Our clients are passionate about art,” says Michael. “The brief was to curate – from the ground up – a garden integrated with the architecture, interiors and their art collection as one living place.

“On a practical level, we wanted something low-maintenance, drought-friendly and offering screening from a neighbouring house while enhancing the water views,” adds the owner. “And a courtyard with a Mediterranean feel.” This was the third collaboration between clients and designer. “We met in 1996,” says the owner, “when Michael installed the garden for our family home. We loved working with him from the word go.

He goes out of his way to work with the architecture.”

And what potent inspiration this home provided. As well as designing the house, architect Daniel Boddam had masterminded much of the hardscaping that shaped the garden. He, in turn, had been influenced by Carlo Scarpa, a 20th-century Italian architect. “Scarpa was the guru of concrete, making it part of a holistic design and an artwork in its own right,” says Daniel.

This house has a crazy-paving sandstone podium grounding it, with a ground floor of off-form concrete and a lightweight upper level of charred Cambia ash. “The contemporary backdrop of polished concrete and burnt timber made our job easier – anything looks good against it,” says Michael. Embracing the architecture, he created four zones: a north-facing, sun-soaked courtyard tucked between the original and new bedroom wings; the front garden on an east-facing slope; the entryway at the side

LEFT The central courtyard breathes light and air into the bedrooms and a walkway at the rear of the home. Liriope muscari ‘Just Right’ grass sits in custom cylindrical planters while thorny olive, Blechnum gibbum ‘Silver Lady’ ferns and Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca’ plants occupy ground level.

Architect Daniel Boddam designed the wall-mounted water feature.

RIGHT Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus), agaves (mainly Agave desmettiana), Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Huntington Carpet’ and Westringia fruticosa ‘Jervis Gem’ weave their way through the front garden in unrestrained fashion.

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OUT | GARDEN

(leading to a magnificent charred-ash front door); and a roof garden above the new wing at the back. The central courtyard functions as the lungs of the home, ensuring cross-ventilation and delivering light and energy. “I love Scarpa’s use of courtyards, weaving nature in with the architecture,” says Daniel.

While this courtyard serves a range of purposes, including hosting casual dining or pre-dinner drinks, as a through-space it had to look beautiful all the time, says Michael. “Our focus was to use glauca (blue-grey) greens and the lacy canopy of olive trees, which look great against the natural stones and black timbers. We wanted to create an artistic composition integrated into the house.” The olive trees are tough, fast-growing and allow the light to filter through their pleached canopy and fall on clipped westringia balls and liriope ornamental grasses below.

Bottomless steel planters for the trees enabled Michael to create a deep soil profile without excavating bedrock. “They lent added interest and vertical modulation, making the space feel larger. In tight courtyards, I like to employ stage-design concepts of changing levels and layering to make them feel larger,” he says. The olive trees are teamed with gravel underfoot, which, with every crunch, delivers Mediterranean chic by the barrowload. “River pebbles allow me to blur the edges between the plantings and usable surface,” says Michael.

“Gravel gardens use little water and create voids without the ubiquitous lawn.” Little wonder he has used them throughout.

A water feature designed by Daniel and framed by a wall of crazy paving provides a gentle soundtrack for the courtyard.

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Meanwhile, the front garden, which can be enjoyed from the main living area and its adjoining terrace, is a rich layering of exotics – succulents and Mediterranean varieties together with Australian natives, their roots lying in the inspired work of Spanish landscape designer Miguel Urquijo. “He uses contrasting textures and a subtle gradation of colour with a palette of glauca greens and grey, while spiky feature plants add spice to the mix,” says Michael. “The colour relationships are magical.”

As well as cloud-clipped westringia (coastal rosemary), agaves, kalanchoe and various grasses, this area features a frangipani (“one of the client’s favourite trees”) as a vertical element.

“This spot is like an oil painting with living things,” Michael explains. “It’s about colour gradation, with contrast in the forms and textures, crafted in a considered manner.”

The result draws the eye to the expansive harbour views beyond the centrepiece – a bespoke Jamie North charred-earth sculpture that echoes the home’s finishes. Adding to the tactile rawness, river pebbles are reprised here, says Michael, “in warm browns and greys because most plants look great against them.

As this garden soaks up the sun, it needed tough plants and so, now, with its gravel ground cover, it’s like one big planter box.”

Meanwhile, a side path lined by buxus balls, cycads and a podocarpus hedge, again in a subdued palette, ushers visitors to the striking Cambia-ash front door.

Favourite feature? “I love it all,” says Michael. The owner is similarly challenged by that question. “The central courtyard is a beautiful space in which we sit among the olive trees and enjoy the winter sun, but the front garden is also everything we asked for and more, with its different textures and shades.

The podocarpus hedge along the walkway is a favourite though, because it has a unique texture and takes up minimal space.”

Should the owners ever decide to sell this magnificent home, there’s little doubt they would ask Michael to work on another masterpiece – project number four.

Bates Landscape is at bateslandscape.com.au. Daniel Boddam Studio projects can be viewed at danielboddam.com or @danielboddam

“This area is like an oil painting with living things. It’s about colour and gradation, with contrast in the forms and textures, crafted in a considered manner” MICHAEL

A frangipani (Plumeria acutifolia) adds verticality to the front garden.

It’s underplanted with agaves, thorny olive shrubs, Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff ’ and Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’ grasses with Nepean river pebbles on the ground throughout.

OPPOSITE The roof garden features shallow-rooted, drought-tolerant plants, including cycads (Cycas revoluta) and ripple jade (Crassula arborescens undulatifolia).Cascading down a wall of off-form concrete is Casuarina glauca ‘Kattang Carpet’.

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design details Some of the garden’s key features 1 The monumental entrance with its custom door in Cambia Ash. 2 Howqua Freeform stone cladding from Eco Outdoor.

3 Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’ grass.

4 Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’ grass and Beauford creamy-grey-coloured sandstone pavers from Eco Outdoor.

5 Cotton lavender (Santolina chamaecyparissus).

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With its grove of olive trees (Olea europaea) and river pebbles, the courtyard has an alluring Mediterranean feel. Thorny olive shrubs sit under the olive trees, while Liriope muscari ‘Just Right’ grasses spill out of custom black steel planters. The Exes table and Folia dining chairs were sourced from Parterre in Sydney.

“Gravel gardens use little water and create voids without the ubiquitous lawn. Pebbles blur the edges between plantings and usable surfaces” MICHAEL

Transform your undercover space into an outdoor room, complete with fireplace, plush rug and comfortable seating options.

BUYER’S GUIDE

GARDEN FURNITURE

Make the most of longer days and balmy evenings with chic pieces that can cope with anything the seasons throw at them It needs a frame strong enough to withstand the harsh weather we experience in Australia and life-proof upholstery. We’ve consulted the experts on how to pick a winning outdoor selection that’ll be with you for years to come.

criteria Furniture can be expensive, so invest in a style that won’t date.

“Outdoor tables, chairs and loungers are the most popular outdoor furniture types, given the Australian climate,” says Peter Braher, head of digital at Remarkable Furniture. “As our backyards have shrunk, we’ve embraced the global trend of a preference for modern, space-conscious and durable materials with wicker and reclaimed timber being increasingly complemented by aluminium, ceramic and concrete designs.”

materials The materials and surfaces from which your outdoor furniture is constructed play a key role in the longevity of the design, so it’s worth taking note. “When you’re in the market for a piece of high-quality outdoor furniture, the adage ‘buy once, buy well’ should be front and centre. The harsh Australian elements aren’t forgiving at the best times, so it’s important to invest in something that will go the distance,” says Susan Tait, creative director at Tait outdoor furniture. “Ensure the piece is made from corrosion-resistant metals or is protected with layers of corrosion-resistant coatings.”

Brendan Nash, furniture franchisee for Harvey Norman, agrees, and adds that hardwood can also work well. “Lowmaintenance pieces are popular, and for that you can’t go past full aluminium settings. Aluminium frames are key for anything

WORDS LAURA BARRY

PHOTOGRAPHY MINDI COOKE STYLING CARLENE DUFFY

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utdoor furniture has to do more than just sit pretty.

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seating Kick back and relax in style

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1 Monte deck chair in Sage, $389, Basil Bangs. 2 Nolita 3655 chair in TE, POA, JRF. 3 Tip Ton chair in Mango, $580, Living Edge. 4 Leuca mesh bar stool in Ghost White, $556 for four, Living By Design. 5 Hogsten armchair in White, $139, Ikea. 6 Cara recycled-teak bar stool in Natural, $269, Remarkable Outdoor Living. 7 Halden outdoor lounge chair, $999, West Elm. 8 Zephyr lounger in Blue Gum, $2995, Tait. 9 Corso rocking chair, $1295, Coco Republic. 10 Henry chair in Sky/Veranda, $2912, Jardan. 11 Indigo sun lounge, $1695, Coco Republic. 12 Jimmy pool lounge in Charcoal, $3865, Robert Plumb. 13 Byron wicker two-seater sofa, $1099, Early Settler. 14 Hay ‘Palissade’ lounge sofa in Sky Grey, $1150, Cult. 15 Pier straight sun bed in Black, $1465, GlobeWest. 16 Losil day bed, $2299, Harvey Norman. 17 Malmo three-seater sofa in Black, $3995, Coco Republic. 18 Paola Lenti ‘Canvas’ modular sofa in Maris, POA, Dedece.

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dining Gather your nearest and dearest at a beautiful table

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Stylish and functional, metal outdoor furniture is really easy to clean. Exhibit A (above) is the Krokholmen coffee table, $69, from Ikea.

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1 Fermob bistro table in Honey, $400, Arrival Hall. 2 Aldo coffee table, $729, Brosa. 3 Otis coffee table, from $2876, Jardan. 4 Swisspearl ‘Porto’ side table, $430, Robert Plumb. 5 Rocco side table, $329, Brosa. 6 Hay ‘Palissade’ cone table in Green, $800, Cult. 7 Martini side table in Sky Blue, $449, Early Settler.

8 Abbott concrete dining table, from $1695, Coco Republic. 9 Cannes dining table, $1099, Freedom. 10 Rubik seven-piece dining setting, $3299, Harvey Norman. 11 Glaze dining table in Leaf, $1599, Early Settler. 12 Hopper picnic table, POA, Living Edge. 13 Trace dining table in Pale Eucalypt, from $6012, Tait.

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Blond timber with white framework is a classic pairing that neatly complements the Australian aesthetic. The Ribbon dining table, $5998, from Robert Plumb is a perfect outdoor addition.

“For our wellbeing, time spent outdoors is more important than ever” SUSAN TAIT, TAIT OUTDOOR FURNITURE

outdoors around the country, but especially in coastal regions.

Also, remember that even wicker furniture has a frame and, if it’s made of steel, you may not get as long as you’d hoped out of your new outdoor setting. Hardwood timbers – acacia, eucalyptus and karri gum – have been used for many years and are well suited to Australian conditions. When it comes to upholstery, Olefin fabrics are the way to go for colourfastness and ease of maintenance.”

trends “This season, we expect to see a continuation of the modern trend with ceramic and reclaimed teak used to complement and enhance outdoor space,” says Remarkable Furniture’s Peter Braher. “These are some of the most durable yet elegant materials for manufacturing outdoor furniture. The robustness of reclaimed teak is typically popular among clients seeking an organic natural look, while those wanting a more crisp and modern appeal will choose ceramic.”

You can also take a holistic approach. “At Tait, we’re big fans of the biophilic design movement, which connects people more closely with nature,” says Susan. “For our wellbeing, time spent outdoors is more important than ever, so we always look for ways to encourage people to spend time outside. If you harness the comfort and luxury you would expect of indoor furniture, there’s every excuse to be outdoors when weather permits.”

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protection “Keeping outdoor furniture protected with a vented outdoor cover will extend its life and you won’t have to scrub it down minutes before your guests arrive,” says Brendan Nash of Harvey Norman. “We also have a huge range of umbrellas in different size and colour options, which not only protect your outdoor furniture but also yourself from harsh UV rays.”

To extend the longevity of your outdoor fabric and to shield it from the elements, you may consider using a fabric protector.

“These solutions maintain the new look of fabric and make upholstery repellent to dirt, water and moisture,” says Peter.

“Ultimately, the best way to protect your outdoor furniture is to clean it regularly. Even materials of the highest quality need some love occasionally. We recommend choosing a particularly sunny day to clean outdoor furniture. Most types of furniture, including aluminium, all types of fabrics, ceramics, concrete and rope, only require a clean with warm soapy water or an approved outdoor-furniture cleaner. Most outdoor fabrics can even be cleaned in a washing machine on a cold-water cycle with a moderate amount of detergent.”

selection When it comes to purchasing your new setting, it’s important to look beyond the brand or price tag, says Peter. “Price point is not always indicative of quality. There are some very expensive

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WHEN TO WASH

The Halden sofa, $1699, and Paradise outdoor lounge chairs, from $800 each, by West Elm look the part in a foliage-filled yard.

Furniture and coverings should be washed down regularly, especially after extreme weather. “You should, at a minimum, give your furniture — fabric, frame and all — a hose just to remove any dirt, dust or grime that has accumulated over time, as this will prevent it becoming embedded into the surface. Once or twice a year, we recommend a more intense clean,” says Remarkable Furniture's Peter Braher. “Most cushion covers are removable and can be either hand- or machinewashed on a cold-water cycle. Spot cleaning is recommended as soon as is possible for spills, and if you use a fabric protector, it’s a good idea to reapply a coat after an intense clean.”

finishing touches Make yourself at home outside with cushions and accessories 2

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outdoor settings that are made using cheap materials, and yet there are some pieces that are expertly made with reasonable price tags,” he says. “My advice is to check a piece of furniture for three things: great frame, great fabric, and a great warranty.”

He explains that this means you should consider furniture with a robust and heavy frame; synthetic fabrics such as Olefin, Agora and Sunbrella; and a warranty that guarantees easy repairs and returns in case of faults.

“Expect to pay more than $2500 for a mid-range lounge setting,” Peter adds. “For outdoor tables, $1500 is a good entry price point, and extendable ones offer great flexibility; chairs and benches have an entry point of around the $250 mark.”

1 Sackit Light 100 battery-powered lamps, $449 for two-pack, Robert Plumb.

2 Reversible outdoor rug in Gold and Cream (1.8m x 2.7m), $125, Temple & Webster. 3 Ananas cushion cover, $89, Basil Bangs. 4 Aruba coconut and banana-palm cushion in Green, $45, Early Settler. 5 Koney planter, $99 for 60cm size, Early Settler. 6 Luxury beach umbrella in Chaplin, $450, Basil Bangs. 7 Pesce lightweight resin salad servers, $24.95, Freedom. 8. Sarah Ellison ‘Geometric Powder’ placemats, $50 for two, Basil Bangs. 9 Lincoln outdoor floor lamps in Teak, $329 for large, Remarkable Outdoor Living.

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BUYER’S GUIDE

OUTSIDE LIVING

Today’s gardens can be multi-purpose spaces for relaxing in nature, dunking the family in water, dining alfresco — and maybe even dancing!

WORDS LAURA BARRY

A multi-zoned approach to landscaping means safe pool time and stylish seating for spectators.

Porta Cumaru decking.

Furniture, Cosh Living.

OPPOSITE As well as generating warmth and light, a Robert Plumb ‘Brad’ fire pit will create a strong focal point for your space.

PHOTOGRAPHY: PRUE RUSCOE (THIS PAGE), ARMELLE HABIB (OPPOSITE). STYLING: HEATHER NETTE KING (OPPOSITE)

I

f the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that our

homes and – by extension – our gardens, need to accommodate an array of activities, from working and relaxing to cooking and entertaining. One of the easiest ways to expand your living space is to transform your backyard or courtyard into a multi-functional area that can facilitate any type of recreational activity, from quiet contemplation to boisterous family gatherings. We asked a number of industry experts how to create an outdoor living, kitchen and bathing zone at home and these are the key takeaways.

entertaining essentials When it comes to setting up an alfresco space to party in, excellent lighting, outdoor furniture and an inviting fire pit are a must. “Recent progress in battery development means we can all enjoy outdoor light fittings that are easily moved from place to place, making it possible for lights to do double duty at the pool and in the garden. These lights typically last for up to eight hours and are recharged via USB,” says David Harrison, creative director at outdoor-living specialist Robert Plumb.

“Other than durability, it’s important to choose a fire pit in a scale to suit your space,” David advises. “For large open areas, the more generous the better. We’ve recently introduced smaller fire pits for courtyards and small gardens, and some with handles that are easily stored when not in use.” He recommends keeping outdoor furniture simple, opting for hardwoods that will weather well and durable porcelain-topped tables that won’t mark easily.

“With outdoor spaces becoming more like lounge rooms,” he adds, “there are no longer any rules about what should be outside, though it’s worth being mindful of what you can set and forget and what needs to come indoors when the weather changes”, so ensure your soft furnishings are made from water-proofed fabric. To elevate your outdoor entertaining experience, he suggests creating ambience with hurricane lamps, beautiful glassware and tableware as well as citronella candles to repel uninvited guests in the form of mosquitoes.

CLOCKWISE (from top left) Mindo 104 side table in Dark Green, $540, Trit House. Harbour 12V large bollard in Copper, $229, Beacon Lighting. Carrie LED light in Brushed Brass, $498, Robert Plumb. Solvinden LED solar lamp, $16.99, Ikea. Halden outdoor bar cart in Haze, POA, West Elm. The Terrace outdoor soundbar, $1299, Samsung. Roam portable speaker, $299, Sonos.

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“You can personalise an outdoor kitchen just as you would a regular one”

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAREE HOMER. STYLING: KELLY TAYLOR

ROHAN MATTHEWS, HARVEY NORMAN

OUT | GARDEN

Sliding screens block the sun while allowing air flow.

Outdoor sofa, GlobeWest.

Dining table, Hub Furniture.

Chairs, Harbour Outdoor.

RIGHT Materials such as stainless steel and stone can help your outdoor kitchen withstand the elements. Here, the owners chose Phoenix Tapware.

alfresco cooking An outdoor kitchen is the dream for many Australians who love entertaining because it removes the need for countless trips back and forth. But what do you really need for a functional outdoor set-up? “These kitchens are a personal choice and give you the opportunity to express yourself outdoors,” says Rohan Matthews, furniture proprietor at Harvey Norman. “You can personalise an outdoor kitchen just as you would a regular one. Visualise your space and work out where everything will be set up so that it all flows. Add some greenery and timber around it to really set off the outdoor feel.”

Some of the best materials to use in your outdoor kitchen are stainless steel and stone, as well as porcelain for the benchtops.

When it comes to appliances, it’s best to start simple. “The very basics you need are a barbecue, a sink and a cooler, and maybe an outdoor rangehood, depending on where it will be situated,” says Rohan. “A pizza oven, steam oven, or dishwasher are little luxuries that will also make it easier to cook and entertain outdoors without having to transport everything between the house and outdoor area and back again.”

barbecue options FROM LEFT Neo Kitchen 6 LPG Burner Island Module barbecue, $6399, and Gasmate two-door premium 228L bar fridge, $2259, both Harvey Norman. Pro Series 575 pellet grill, from $1599, Traeger Grills. Smokey Mountain cooker, $749 for 47cm size, Weber. Family Q3200 Premium gas barbecue, $799, Weber. Artusi One Bowl sink in Black Granite, $769, Harvey Norman. Artusi pull-down gooseneck tap, $439, Harvey Norman.

If a fully equipped outdoor kitchen isn’t in your budget, a barbecue on its own may be all you need. “You’ll want to consider safety, cost, ease of use and, most of all, the way the barbecue grill will make your food taste,” points out Traeger Grills ambassador Josh Dixon.

Of the wood pellet, gas and charcoal grills currently on the market, Josh recommends pellet grills for achieving that wood-fired taste while keeping the flame safely away from food.

“Elements such as temperature and smokiness can be set and controlled from the palm of your hand, with a lot of brands introducing apps for easy monitoring.

“Cast-iron grill plates may require more investment of your time and money,” he adds, “but are proven to be the most durable – lasting decades if properly cared for and maintained.

You have to keep them clean and ensure the plates are well oiled with each use to avoid rusting. The other noteworthy benefit to cast iron is that you can use any metal barbecue tool you like.”

INSIDE OUT | 155

Rinse off sand and surf with a stylish outdoor shower. For similar Turkish towel, try Sammimis.

Pot, The Pot Warehouse.

OPPOSITE Enjoy your bubbles in a natural setting with a bath like this design

by Concrete Nation.

Having an outdoor shower is a dream come true for some, and Australian homes offer lots of opportunities for including one.

However, before installing such a luxury, you’ll need to be across the technicalities and materials required to withstand the elements. Position is also important, and if you put the shower zone on a deck or another firm base, like paving, your plumber can ensure the water will run off into a drain or channel.

“You should also check in with your local council because regulations around outdoor showers vary between states,” says Daniela Santilli, bathrooms and kitchens merchandising leader at Reece. “For your outdoor shower, just as in real estate, location is the number-one consideration. Make sure you consider the sightlines of your neighbours to preserve your privacy, and check the shower’s location in relation to nearby trees and shrubs – overhanging branches are likely to drop leaves and may clog up the drain. You’ll also need to make sure that the shower is positioned in the sun to enhance the experience and stimulate all your senses.”

When it comes to tapware, Daniela recommends 316 marine-grade stainless steel as it’s a durable, high-quality material that can withstand the harsh Australian elements, unlike standard brass. In addition, she says, go for an overhead rain shower or freestanding twin rail shower for flexibility. “An optional foot-wash tap located at the shower base is perfect for washing off those sandy feet and ankles.”

backyard bathing

CLOCKWISE (from above left) Valencia freestanding concrete bath in Nude, $6355, Concrete Nation. Milli Inox stainless-steel overhead rail shower with foot wash, $921, Reece. Agape ‘In-Out’ bathtub, POA, Artedomus. UrbanStone Australian granite in Austral Juperana and Australian marble in Pilbara Green, both POA, Brickworks. Vivid Slimline 316 stainless-steel shower arm and shower rose, $396, Phoenix Tapware.

Wall-mounted 5171R hand shower and thermostatic mixer, POA, Vola.

156 | INSIDE OUT

Disappearing beneath a cloud of bubbles in an outdoor bath seems like a truly decadent way to spend one’s time and why not? This can be you – with some careful planning. “Concrete is the perfect material for an outdoor bath and, as it’s made from natural materials, you know it will withstand the test of time and the elements. The thermal properties of concrete also mean the bath will stay warm for longer, even in colder climates,” says Kate Lett, co-founder of Concrete Nation.

“Most people place their bath on decking, a polishedconcrete slab or tiles,” Kate continues. “Be sure to put it somewhere that takes in your surroundings, and allow a place for refreshments and a book. We find that people tend to go for larger baths for their outdoors as they aren’t typically restricted with the size. And if you’re going to soak and enjoy the view, you may as well have room for a party of two!”

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAREE HOMER (THIS PAGE, MAIN SHOT), ANDREA FERRA (ARTEDOMUS), VILLA STYLING (OPPOSITE).

STYLING: ALEXANDRA GORDON (THIS PAGE), VILLA STYLING (OPPOSITE)

outdoor showers

OUT | GARDEN

“If you’re going to soak and enjoy the view, you may as well have room for a party of two!”

KATE LETT, CONCRETE NATION

OUT | ENTERTAINING

I ’ V E A LWAYS WA NTE D A N . . .

outdoor cinema

Add another dimension to your summer experience with alfresco movie nights on demand of open space can be fairly simple to do.

Once you have the equipment to show and watch the audio-visual content, it’s actually quite quick and easy to set up. Here are a few pointers for making outdoor movie nights at home something to remember.

C

splash-resistant, and can be paired together to create a surround-sound effect. Prices start at about $300 and rise according to the model’s features and performance. Samsung’s The Terrace soundbar retails for $1299 and is designed for outdoor use as it produces clear sound and dialogue in suburban environments.

1

4

lights, camera, action

5

set the scene

6

hit the snack bar

location scout

Every cinema needs a screen, and an alfresco arrangement requires either a projector screen or a DIY alternative. You can pick up a simple fold-up outdoor fabric screen that can be hung from rope or hooks, or a portable pull-down projector screen on a tripod, for less than $100 online via Amazon or eBay (professional screens can soar into the thousands). Alternatively, hang a white sheet over the clothesline. Whatever method you choose, ensure your screen is positioned out of the breeze.

2

seeing is believing

To watch the movie, you’ll need a projector that can connect to a laptop or Blu-ray player, or stream wirelessly. “For a quality outdoor cinema experience, the projector should have an LED light source, which means the projector is energyefficient and long-lasting,” says Alberto Zamudio, general manager of Amber Technology. “HDMI and USB-C ports enable easy content sharing, while built-in speakers make setting up easy.

The projector will also need a long-life battery or power source.” Philips has an excellent selection of portable projectors at affordable prices. Mid-range options include Hisense’s Laser series, followed by Samsung’s Triple Laser 4K Smart projectors at the higher end. Prices start at about $400 and head well into the thousands.

3

surrounding sound

Clear voices and an atmospheric soundtrack are important, so you need a portable speaker or soundbar that’s suitable for outdoor use. Brands such as JBL, Ultimate Ears and Sonos make outdoor speakers that are dust-resistant and

location Set up your screen in a spot that’s protected from the wind.

Use a combination of lighting methods to achieve a magical atmosphere. Deliver ambient lighting and a warm glow with festoon or fairy lights strung along fences or around trees or plants – you could even frame the projector screen.

Lanterns and candles are best suited to tabletop locations or placed safely on flat, solid ground away from flammable objects such as the screen.

Relax and enjoy the film with a variety of seating options and objects of comfort. Find a clear, flat patch of grass 3–5 metres away from your screen and lay down a tarp as a barrier between you and the damp earth. Layer rugs, picnic blankets or throws over the tarp to create a pleasant seating area. For comfortably reclined, slightly elevated seating, incorporate low-slung beach chairs or outdoor loungers. However, floor cushions, low ottomans, beanbags and even blow-up pool furniture are great on-ground options. Add a favourite throw blanket and cushion each for when you’re ready to settle in.

Take the at-home entertainment experience to the next level by operating your own candy/ snack bar using a bar cart, coffee table or bench space. If you want to go nuts, authentic oldschool popcorn carts, snow cone stands and hot dog machines starting at about $600 can be purchased online from Fun Food Machines.

Alternatively, you can buy themed popcorn tubs, ice-cream cones and candy dispensers from Kmart or Target and recreate classic cinema-style food in your own kitchen.

WORDS LAURA BARRY

PHOTOGRAPHY: TRIA GIOVAN/GAP INTERIORS

reating an outdoor cinema on a patch

1

BIG SCREEN

If you have a fairly large screen, position the seating at least 3—5 metres from it, to reduce the risk of viewers developing a sore neck.

2

tech Place your projector on a solid surface to minimise shake.

3

sound Utilise speakers with wireless connectivity for surround sound.

4

lighting A fire pit adds instant ambience while providing light and warmth.

5

seating Soft chairs, cushions and blankets ensure a comfy evening.

INSIDE OUT | 159

INSIDE | RENOVATE

Point Piper home

by Archer Design.

Q

RICHARD ARCHER, PRINCIPAL, ARCHER DESIGN

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

Q

I’ve recently undertaken a redesign of my kitchen but am struggling to find switches that will complement all the curved elements in the design. What would you suggest? Jacob, via email ZETR switches and power outlets are the perfect solution for spaces with curved elements. Refined in design and discreet in appearance, ZETR’s uniquely rounded shapes will work harmoniously in any interior. Available in a trimless, flush-fit design or as a surface-mounted outlet, there’s a solution for every room.

GARTH ELLIOTT, DIRECTOR AND LEAD DESIGNER, ZETR

ZETR_carbon Three Gang Switch Grid Faceplate in Aged Brass.

160 | INSIDE OUT

Walls in Light Ceramic; trims in Snowy Mountains Half, both by Dulux.

Q

I want to paint my bedroom and don’t want the fumes to leak out into the rest of our small apartment. Are there any options that allow us to paint without having to leave the apartment for the weekend? Tom, via email When painting a room that you plan to use that same day or soon after, opt for a paint that is not only low VOC, but has low chemical emissions. That way, you’ll feel sure that you’re not breathing in or spreading any paint chemicals, whether you can smell them or not. Dulux’s new product range, Dulux UltraAir, is a premium, water-based interior range that significantly reduces the number of chemicals present in the air during and after application. Each coat is touch-dry after two hours and virtually odourless, ensuring users have the convenience of using the room almost immediately after the paint is applied — due to the combination of ultra-low odour and ultra-low chemical emissions.

HEATHER HART, INTERIOR CATEGORY MANAGER, DULUX

Q

I would love to introduce some colour into my home and am thinking of investing in a statement piece. Do you have any recommendations? Mila, via Instagram If applied correctly, a pop of bold colour or pattern can really elevate your design style. A simple yet effective way to incorporate colour into your home is through the furniture. When choosing a colourful statement piece, I suggest something that is refined in form, allowing the colour to do the talking.

One great option is the Bask S armchair by Paola Lenti. The bold turquoise tone sits comfortably in a neutral colour scheme. With its timeless, curved shape, the chair offers elevated, functional comfort.

JOHN ENGELEN, DIRECTOR, DEDECE

Bask S armchair by Paola Lenti, through dedece.

PHOTOGRAPHY: FELIX FORREST (ARCHER DESIGN), RYAN LINNEGAR (ZETR), SERGIO CHIMENTI (DEDECE), LISA COHEN/DULUX AUSTRALIA (DULUX). STYLING: BREE LEECH (DULUX). SHOWN IN DULUX IMAGE: POTS AND PLANTS, PLANT SOCIETY; PLINTH, CCSS; CUSHIONS AND BENCH SEAT, WARWICK FABRICS; SCULPTURE, MODERN TIMES

I would love to invest in some artworks for my home but don’t know where to start. How do I select pieces that will fit in with my existing decor? Sonia, via email When it comes to selecting beautiful art for your home, the pieces should hit you in the soul and truly move you.

Pieces that are rich in texture and colour make excellent statement pieces, while art with a more refined colour palette can integrate seamlessly into your existing space.

Scale also plays a significant role in choosing your art. Consider how the size, placement and scale of a piece will work in your chosen space to allow for maximum impact and ensure it sits alongside your existing decor.

INSIDE OUT | PROMOTION

extras BRIGHT IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME

BRICKWORKS Minimalist, modern and sleek, Austral Bricks Mineral Contours are

HARVEY NORMAN The sleekest Frenchdoor fridge in the Hisense range, the

EASYCRAFT Silhouette by Easycraft is the latest innovation in decorative wall panelling.

crafted from some of the finest white clays in Australia, delivering an incredibly elegant natural stone finish. RRP from $2,527 per

Pureflat Black Steel (585L) fridge has an innovative 'My Fresh Choice' convertible door with adjustable temperature to use as

Crafted by architects and designers, this intricate range brings depth and texture to any space. Get inspired now. Indicative

1000 bricks (inc. GST) brickworks.com.au

fridge or freezer. harveynorman.com.au

RRP from $72 per m2 easycraft.com.au

ILVE ILVE’s NEW Professional PLUS built-in range features a 4.3-inch touch control display with intuitive and vibrant graphics and logical operation. The Steam Valve offers a choice between dry or humid

SUPERFRESCO EASY Bold floral patterns allow you to transform your space into an indoor oasis. Superfresco Easy’s Isabelle Grey design wallpaper is the perfect way to bring calm into your home. RRP $105 per

TUISS BLINDS ONLINE Enjoy Zebra Blinds from Tuiss Blinds Online – so much more than your average roller blind. Strips of sheer and blockout fabrics align for a personalised balance between privacy and

cooking. Now available at ilve.com.au

roll (52cm x 10m) superfrescoeasy.com.au

light. RRP from $77 blindsonline.com.au

REMARKABLE OUTDOOR LIVING New season has landed at Remarkable Outdoor Living. The Neverland ceramic dining table is low maintenance and stain resistant.

Made from sturdy aluminium, this outdoor table will elevate your alfresco experience.

RRP $2399 remarkablefurniture.com.au

LAMINEX Encompassing both form and function, Laminex’s AbsoluteMatte range delivers a velvety smooth, ultra-matte surface that’s fingerprint, stain, heat and scratch resistant. Laminex AbsoluteMatte laminate in French Navy, RRP from $115.28 per m2 (inc. GST) laminex.com.au

REECE The new GROHE Rainshower SmartActive range features three innovative spray patterns to ensure individual shower enjoyment. The perfect showering experience – whether refreshing or energising – is just a click away. reece.com.au

LAST WORD

coastal retreat Swap the city for the far north of NSW The Surf boutique hotel has occupied its current location opposite Yamba’s Main Beach for almost a century and now it has a refreshing new vibe courtesy of Sydney’s Design King Company.

Offering 12 sets of guests an authentically local experience in an exceptionally private space, the complex has a curvy rooftop terrace, plunge pool and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the ocean. thesurfyamba.com.au

162 | INSIDE OUT

WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY ELISE HASSEY

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