A Feast For The Eyes
HAVENIST’S ULTIMATE WA GUIDE TO DINING ROOMS
Style Is Served
Discover how to choose the perfect table for your space
Shop our edit of dining chairs to suit every taste and budget
Style your room with expert tips from leading designers
Truss up your table with the season’s chicest décor
Take a peek at three fabulous Perth dining spaces (and steal their style)
Contents
HAVENS
56 House Of Chic
Designer Nickolas Gurtler weaves his signature style and glamour through a Woodlands home.
78 Level Best
Come inside the ultimate party house by Humphrey Homes (rooftop bar, anyone?)
100 West Meets East
Traditional Japanese-inspired design and contemporary style mingle in this South Perth residence by Riverstone Builders.
122 Open House
Architectural firm Mountford McCarey rescues a 1930s gem in Menora and gives it a 21st-century voice.
140 In The Zone
For a riverside home, designer Lua Henri chose furnishings that would work together to foster a sense of serenity.
DESIGN
22 Art With A View
The only WA art gallery with an ocean vista.
26 Seated in Style
Capture modern comfort with these brilliant designs.
30 In Conversation With Cult
The newest cool kid on the block.
40 Bottoms Up
The classic flooring that provides elegance to any space.
42 Live Well With Less
The WA-made cabins proving a small footprint is the secret to better living.
46 All-Star Floor Show
Temple Fine Rugs’ bespoke creations inspired by art.
STYLE
24 Make An Entrance
Design objects to make a stylish first impression.
34 Winter Solstice
A/W interiors never looked more sumptuous.
184 Inside Stories
Glossy new volumes on interior style, architecture and food.
PEOPLE
186 My Favourite Things
Sophia Barbagallo shares her daily loves.
EAT
180 Paris On The Beach
An ocean view and design-led interiors make Gibney destination-worthy dining.
AND THE REST
20 The Havenist Life
The latest designs and finds you need to know about.
182 Space Creators
Head to the Havenist Online Directory and connect with experts for your new build and renovation.
183 Limited Edition Magazines
Collect all five exclusive print editions of Havenist magazine for unlimited divine inspiration.
78
The Ultimate Dining Room Guide
DESIGN
160 How To Choose The Right Dining Table For Your Room
Don’t go shopping without these expert tips from Living Edge.
STYLE
162 Pull Up A Seat
Modern, rustic and glamourous, we’ve got you covered.
176 Dressed For Dinner
Winter dinner parties are waiting in the wings.
DINING ROOMS
164 Finer Dining
Loam shows us how to make your table the star in an open-plan space.
168 No Sharp Edges
Designer Emma Mackie crafts the dream coastal dining space in Sorrento.
172 Mid-Century Minimalism
Interior maven Jess O’Shea and maker Sam Lander create mid-century magic in Cottesloe.
176
164
172
ON THE COVER
The Baldives #19 by Andy Quilty, 122 x 122 cm, oil and aerosol on aluminium composite panel. Represented by Linton & Kay Galleries.
AUTUMN/WINTER 2024
FOUNDER + EDITOR
Jody D'Arcy jody@havenist.com.au
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Kelli Savietto artwork@havenist.com.au
FEATURES DIRECTOR & STYLIST
Elizabeth Clarke elizabeth@elizabethclarke.com.au
SUB-EDITOR
Phil Stafford
CONTRIBUTORS
Dion Robeson
Joel Barbitta
Timothy Kaye
We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people of the Bibbulmun Nation; the custodians of the land on which we so passionately design, build, furbish and decorate our beautiful havens. We also acknowledge the continuing culture of the Whadjuk Noongar people and the influences they have on our architecture, gardens, interior design and decor, and we pay our respects to elders past and present.
Havenist is a bi-annual print and digital magazine. Views of those featured in this magazine do not reflect the views of the editorial team or publisher. Copyright is reserved, meaning no part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher, including scanning of pages and posting on your website or social media. The publisher accepts no responsibilIty for any errors or omissions within.
For all enquiries: hello@havenist.com.au
Welcome to our fifth edition, which salutes innovative creatives, our most beautiful homes, and the very best of West Australian design.
In this issue, we visited some outstanding havens and spoke with their clever creators, including interior designers Nickolas Gurtler and Andrew Thornton Hick and the team at Humphrey Homes. We chatted with Todd Nener, founder of Redipods, about the increasing popularity of tiny homes and the big benefits of living small. We popped in on the newest design destination on the block, Cult Design, and Linton & Kay's new luminous gallery on the ocean right next door to Perth's hottest new eatery, Gibney.
This month, we celebrate winter with our edit of cosy, sumptuous objects for home and table. Our special dining room section will have you redesigning yours with our pick of new tables, chairs, and serveware that will elevate every meal and gathering this season.
Where and how we live should not be considered as just four walls filled with belongings. It's the life we live there that makes a house a haven. Share our passion for local architecture, interior design and food, and find joy, inspiration and innovation in the designed world around us.
WA design continues to enrich and inspire our homes; I hope this issue is a testament to that.
Jody D’Arcy, Editor
30 160 42 180
The Havenist Life
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR RIGHT NOW.
CURATED BY ELIZABETH CLARKE
SIMPLIFY TO BEAUTIFY
Hormonal fluctuations, stress and ageing can throw even the most finely honed beauty regimens off kilter. Enter The Skincare Company, Australian-made and scientifically formulated in collaboration with biophysicists, clinicians, plastic surgeons and dermatologists. "I love The Skincare Company for its simplicity and active ingredients that provide incredible results," says registered nurse Allison Ellison from About Aesthetics in Claremont. "Simple formulations with efficacy and a professional skin consultation are the first steps for creating beautifully luminous skin." Book a winter consultation and shop the full range at About Aesthetics. aboutaestheticsperth.com.au
WEARABLE ART
Art and fashion entwine with AGWA Design Store's collaboration with Kaylene Milner, founder of WAH-WAH Australia, and contemporary artist Anna Park. The exclusive fashion capsule is crafted from 100 percent Australian merino wool and features the artist’s iconic greyscale exploration of the human subject from her world-first exhibition, Look, look. designstore.artgallery.wa.gov.au
SHIRLEY’S THE BEST
From the team that gave us Manuka Woodfire Kitchen comes Shirley's, a cool little wine bar in Fremantle's east end. With a wine list to die for, choose from a menu of foodie favourites like prawn cocktails, chicken skewers, peach trifle with vanilla bean custard, and ice cream sundaes. It's the new neighbourhood hang. shirleysfremantle.com.au
QUILTY DOES BALDIVIS
For The Baldives, this issue's cover artist Andy Quilty deep dives into Australian suburbia's physical and psychological forms. Through large-scale abstracts on panels and scratchy graphite landscapes on paper, he dissects the cultural symbols of residential sprawl; in this artwork’s case, Baldivis, touching on themes of class mobility, social and political flux, nostalgia, ritual, and territorial identity. lintonandkay.com.au
DESIGN DA NANG
Gigi’s Bowls, a Vietnamese-inspired tuckshop on Leederville’s Oxford Street, is more than noodles, fresh salad bowls and bánh mì. Perth architectural firm State of Kin wove their magic inside and out with a palette of bold colour, warm timbers and organic curves, making Gigi’s the delicious design destination. gigis-bowls.square.site
MINI CLOUD NINE
Ditch the doughnut and treat your furry friend to the dog bed of their dreams. GlamSwag's new Mini, a half-size version of their best-selling luxury cloud-like bed, is a pillowy, feather-filled rollup mini-bed swathed in ultra-soft 100 percent French flax linen. It is available in various colours and is perfect for discerning dogs and kids who love to lounge and nap. It's also a stylish and comfy spot to sit for outdoor soirees, sunset drinks, meditation sessions, or as a luxe layer for your sofa. Best of all, its linen cover is machine washable, so the whole family can use it however they please (we dare you to stop at just one). glamswag.com.au
A
ABOVE. Linton Partington, Gary Kay and Miranda Brown outside the new Linton & Kay Gallery on Marine Parade.
OPPOSITE. The gallery space revolves around a custom table designed by Andrew Thornton Hick and crafted by Skél Design. Its flowing, curved form is clad with solid oak flutes and features a carving that traces the walk through Cottesloe to the gallery.
Linton & Kay’s new Cottesloe gallery offers a coastal retreat for their creatives and art lovers, young and old.
PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D'ARCY
STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LINTON & KAY GALLERIES
Fine art specialists Gary Kay and Linton Partington have completed arguably their most important endeavour to date, a spectacular ocean-front gallery space at Cottesloe Beach. The latest Linton & Kay Gallery, conceived as a luminous and accessible space with the ocean as its backdrop, feels warm yet cleanlined, crisp and contemporary.
Celebrating 25 years in the business, Gary and Linton believe the space will be as important as their landmark Subiaco flagship gallery. "The opportunity arose to open a space at Cottesloe, and we believe its location and aesthetic will make it a true art destination and an accessible community gallery that welcomes international collectors," says Gary. "Also, it is the only art space with an ocean view!"
The partners’ latest acquisition champions contemporary Australian artists while delivering a distinct personality and offering compared to their other exhibition spaces.
"Cottesloe is very upmarket due to its prestigious location and attachment to [George] Kailis’s new restaurant, Gibney, next door," says Linton. "Our Subiaco flagship space is very high-profile, our gallery down south at Cherubino winery
TOP LEFT.
painting by local artist Kate Elsey shares space with ceramics by Jeffery Mincham AM.
is serene and tranquil, and our headquarters in The Pickle District in West Perth is a little grungier and in an area with its finger on the cultural pulse. It is undergoing a huge transformation as the state's art hub."
The pair combined forces in 2003 after Gary joined Linton's art business after 15 years of high-profile media and radio work. "Linton's business partner was relocating to Singapore and the opportunity was there for me to buy in," Gary says. "Together, we changed the gallery model considerably, holding solo exhibitions and transforming to an exhibiting gallery rather than a shop selling art."
Perth's art scene at the time was vibrant, and the pair acquired a second gallery in Subiaco in 2005. They later opened a large gallery on St Georges Terrace and another in the Swan Valley. "They were all fantastic and eventually ran their course," Gary says. "When the opportunity popped up to open in Cottesloe, we couldn't resist."
Linton & Kay's stable of world-class artists will be able to showcase their works across all four spaces to a broad audience. "We will hold the occasional solo exhibition at Cottesloe but will mainly feature half a dozen artists at a time to provide them with a substantial platform," says Gary. "This approach benefits the artists and offers our visitors a diverse and engaging experience, fostering a real sense of community within all four galleries."
For general manager Miranda Brown, "the magic" of the business is the experience offered to every person who walks through the door. "Our galleries are open, comfortable and friendly," she says. "We build our business on relationships and educating our customers, ensuring they get the most from every exhibition. We want them to have a genuine experience and learn about art, which is the essence of our Cottesloe space – a diverse showcase of different art forms and artists."
The new gallery space curates contemporary Australian paintings and decorative arts. It also includes a dedicated exhibition space for the duo’s collection of prints and working drawings by American children's author and cartoonist Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss).
"We have been the West Australian agent for ‘The Art of Dr. Seuss’ since 2007 and have acquired a strong following here in WA," says Linton. “It is a business within a business, and we felt he deserved his own space. It has received an extraordinary response from young and old since opening just weeks ago."
For art buffs searching for new works, Linton & Kay is expanding its three-dimensional art offering, spanning ceramics, bronzes and glassworks from artists such as Steven Glassborow, Jeff Mincham and Pippin Drysdale.
"People come in and tell us their walls are filled with paintings, and we can offer them three-dimensional
artwork that can sit alongside a painting and create a beautiful vignette," says Linton.
Demystifying the gallery experience has been an objective of the partners since their first trip to the eastern states together in 2004. "We were surprised how galleries operated then with their desks situated at the back of the room and no one to greet you," recalls Gary. "We were determined our approach would be more intimate, so our desk is at the front entrance and we greet everyone at the door. We have always been open to collaboration with other galleries and have formed fantastic relationships with those in the eastern states, elevating our offerings here while providing our artists invaluable national exposure."
Recently, the partners hosted the prestigious Tom Malone Glass Art Prize, Australia's most significant award for Contemporary Glass Art. They are preparing a new exhibition in Cottesloe showcasing the work of "silversmith royalty" Philip Noakes, and another solo show for awardwinning landscape photographer Christian Fletcher later in the year.
"It is important for us that there is art for everyone, and here in Cottesloe we are part of a community who eagerly engage," says Linton. "That's the most important aspect for us. This is the people's gallery." n
LINTON & KAY GALLERIES
lintonandkay.com.au | @lintonandkay
ENTRANCE MAKE AN
1 Hendrix door pull in polished brass and nero marquina marble by PullCast, $5445, The Modern Traditionalists. 2 Sensei bench by Staffan Tollgard & Filippo Castellani for Gallotti & Radice, POA, Ultimo Interiors. 3 Sciangai clothes stand by Zanotta, $2350, Cult Design.
4 Bower Studios Melt mirror II, $6645, Living Edge. 5 PER/USE Piano coat rack in walnut, $6660, Living Edge. 6 Tafla 02 mirror in blown and polished stainless steel by Zieta, $4785, The Modern Traditionalists. 7 Audo Copenhagen Afteroom coat hanger, $310, Arrival Hall.
8 Amsterdam Keramik sideboard by Tosca Design, POA, Ultimo Interiors. 9 Avalon 2 Door sideboard by TROVE, $6325, The Modern Traditionalists. 10 Aerin Alina Tail sconce, $1240, The Montauk Lighting Co.
Orbis Pendants by Brokis Lighting
Seated in Style
WHATEVER
YOUR SPACE NEEDS, EDITEUR HAS A CHAIR TO MATCH.
STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EDITEUR
Aside from being purposeful, the best-designed chairs are a must for contributing to a space's style. No matter a room's tone or use, there's a special seat to help express it. Whether modular, timeless, hanging or barely-there, we've rounded up the best from editeur.
01/ Breaking Moulds
When American design visionary Florence Knoll asked designer Eero Saarinen to create her the world's most comfortable chair, he found inspiration in the comfort of the womb. Wrapping fabric around a perfectly shaped fibreglass shell on tubular legs, he created a streamlined seat as comfortable as an overstuffed chair. Today, the Womb chair is a masterpiece of Modernist design and, more than 70 years since its inception, it remains iconic. The Womb chair is available in three sizes and has an
Knoll Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman, editeur
02/ Transforming Spaces
Lightweight mesh offers comfort and ergonomics, and as it almost recedes into its space it imbues an understated aesthetic, allowing it to take a back seat to any interior style.
A bold frame and form characterise the Uccio chair, a meshswathed, multi-use chair ideal for large or small spaces and projects. Beautifully stackable, durable and offering firm support and supreme comfort, its corseted backrest provides subtle detail while its solid steel frame has an anti-corrosion coating, making it a long-lasting piece.
Barbera UCCIO Chair Mesh, editeur
03/ Modular Elegance
Modular seating has the flexibility to allow for numerous configurations that work for your space and needs. Visually light and linear in form, Minotti's Torii modular seat embraces functionality, ergonomics and design detail that draws on Japanese techniques and tradition. The fully customisable range spans sofas, armchairs, lounge and dining armchairs, ottomans and tables.
Each seat offers plenty of design and configuration variations and can be accessorised with a leather magazine caddy crafted using fine luggage-making techniques. A small decorative disc with a black nickel finish adds a luxurious detail, contrasting with the bronze-varnished metal finish of the legs, which are a nod to the image of the “torii”, the entrance gate to Japan’s Shinto shrines.
Minotti Torii Sofa, editeur
EDITEUR
496 Stirling Hwy
Peppermint Grove
editeur.au
@editeurperth
04/ Timeless Charm
Bench seats are an elegant and practical solution for accommodating more guests without overcrowding a table with chairs. The Nymphea Bench by R&Y Augousti is a unique piece that draws inspiration from Art Deco style and the designers' travels.
Combining timeless artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary luxury, it features a rattan finish base or a bronze patina brass base, both with inlaid seats. The Nymphea Bench adds beauty and sophistication, complementing any dining table with its unique design.
R&Y Augousti Nymphea Bench, editeur
05/ Bauhaus Classic
Knoll’s iconic Cesca Chair, designed by legendary architect Marcel Breuer, is informed by the principles of the Bauhaus movement and remains a collectable. Originally known as the B32, it evokes pure simplicity with its linearity, subtle curves, and tubular steel construction. It appears almost to float while offering sublime comfort and a timeless aesthetic. The Cesca is now available in new ultra-matte frame colours of black, white, and archival dark red.
Knoll Cesca Chair, editeur
06/
Hanging Around
Swinging seats have it all – comfort, functionality and whimsy. Whether crafted from rattan, leather, rope or canvas, it adds a playful touch to a corner, niche, living space or veranda.
Case in point: Designer Victor Carrasco's Orbitry suspended seat for Paola Lenti. Hand-woven directly onto a stainless steel structure, it features one of two structural weaves: a flat braid in Rope yarn in solid colours, or in two-colour combinations that are enduring and resistant to UV rays. The cushions are loose and water-repellent, so they are easy to maintain whether you hang this beauty inside or out. Most importantly, it’s as comfy as a cocoon. The Orbitry is available in two different sizes and as a two-seater sofa.
Paola Lenti Orbitry Suspended Seat, editeur
In Conversation With Cult
For over 27 years, Cult has curated and advocated great design with a lineup spanning Danish masters such as Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen and Louis Poulsen and great Italian houses including Zanotta and Cappellini.
Standing alongside these iconic brands are equally impressive Australian designers, including one of the country's most recognised contemporary object artists, Perth-born Adam Goodrum, who designed the Stitch Chair for Cappellini, tableware for Alessi and Norman Copenhagen and the Riddling Stool as a project for Veuve Clicquot. Adam works closely with Cult and has designed several furniture ranges, including Fat Tulip and the Molloy collection of dining tables and chairs inspired by the Molloy River in Western Australia, where, as a younger man, he hand-built a holiday home with his father.
Cult's new Perth showroom joins five others across three countries, and we sat down with Adam and Cult's founder and managing director, Richard Munao, on the eve of its opening.
Havenist: Richard, what values lie at the heart of Cult?
Richard: Authenticity, quality and timeless design. We started the business representing a Danish company called Erik Jørgensen, which we still represent today. Recently, Fredericia purchased Erik Jørgensen. When we started the business, these products were manufactured here in Australia under licence. Cult is known as the place designers want to be. When we started representing Fritz Hansen, other designers noticed, and iconic brands Carl Hansen and HAY joined us. We put the expertise we have acquired over the years into our own collections, working closely with leading Australian designers and manufacturers whom we showcase in our Nau Gallery, an Australian designer showroom that sits at the heart of each of our stores. Nau is an incredible backdrop for homegrown talent where our top local designers share space with the world's best.
Adam: There is a growing appetite for Australian designers, and Richard is a true advocate. It’s amazing as a local designer to sit beside international designers with stature.
R: To date, Australia has been known mainly for our architecture; now, we are being recognised for our furniture and lighting design. When overseas brands visit, they want to meet Adam. He and designer Kate Stokes (of Melbourne brand Coco Flip), also from Perth, are extraordinarily talented, generous with their time and humble.
How does Cult address sustainability? In this industry, Australia’s location is one of our largest challenges.
R: In a sustainable world, we shouldn’t be shipping from Australia to Europe. Availability is important and makes products more affordable and sustainable. People don’t want to wait for an order coming all the way from »
Cult's managing director Richard Munao (left) and WA-born designer Adam Goodrum. PHOTO NATASJA KREMERS
Cult Perth represents leading local and international designers. PHOTO DION ROBESON
A range of Palissade outdoor furnishings by HAY on display at Cult Perth. PHOTO NATASJA KREMERS
« Europe or vice versa. For example, we've collaborated with manufacturers in Denmark to produce Adam Goodrum's Molloy chairs. Currently, we're in the process of partnering with upholstery companies in Europe to initiate the upholstery of our Nau collection. We have a new Danish brand that makes couches in Vietnam – it’s a beautiful design manufactured nearby, so people won’t want to have to wait.
Does a product need to be expensive to have longevity?
R: We want products that last but are also accessible. So a customer can purchase a HAY Colour Storage Crate for $29, or a Kate Stokes Jolly pendant light for $1200. There is something for everyone. We want our customers to evolve with us; maybe start with a piece of HAY, then a Fritz Hansen, and then an Adam Goodrum! Regardless of cost, every piece is built to last because of its design and quality. It has longevity.
Tell us about your innovative in-house sustainability program, Cultivated.
R: Cultivated buys back, refurbishes and recycles authentic designer furniture. You don’t buy a car you can’t service, so why buy a chair you can’t authentically re-upholster? We work with local manufacturers and craftspeople to create a sustainable circular economy for authentic furniture and lighting that prevents furniture from being left on footpaths. Buy once, buy well, and then pass it on.
Adam, what took you from Perth to Sydney in the early days?
A: I grew up here and moved to Sydney at 17 to study
industrial design. I started my design studio in 2006 and work out of a space in Waterloo, not far from Cult. I also work on private commissions and have designed for international brands. It was a big deal to design the Stitch chair for Cappellini and see it go into production.
R: Cappellini is like a talent scout! The big international designers, like Marc Newson, all got their breaks with him. It’s a huge deal.
Adam, your acclaimed Molloy collection stands out for many reasons. How did it come about?
A: Richard had many beautiful dining chairs and he briefed me to design a table to go with them, which was the Molloy. He loved it so much that he wanted a chair to go with it! I wanted to design an ergonomic chair that could be stacked but wouldn’t read as a stacking chair. It’s made of eight pieces of solid timber in walnut, ash or oak that fit together seamlessly.
R: We worked with Bates Smart, who designed the new building for the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. They wanted all the furnishings to be Australian and needed stacking chairs, so we supplied Molloy tables and 400 chairs, which look absolutely beautiful. The Sydney Opera House also commissioned an order of 60 Molloy chairs and Qantas bought 750 for their business lounges across Australia.
We are so excited to have you on the West Coast. What is special about the new Perth showroom?
A: The other Cult stores are multi-level, but this one is single-level with a beautiful aspect, full of sunlight, fresh air, and a massive outdoor area. It just feels so Perth.
R: Right now, brands must keep evolving and maturing, which is what we try to do. Our WA store is a part of this evolution, and our team here is all Perth; there’s not a single “wise person” from the East! We honestly couldn’t be happier to be here. n
CULT DESIGN
242 Stirling Hwy, Claremont cultdesign.com.au | @cultdesignau
Cultivated restores, reinvigorates and recycles original furniture and lighting. PHOTO FIONA SUSANTO
Cult Perth's airy and light-filled spaces make it feel quintessentially Western Australian. PHOTO DION ROBESON
"Australia has been known mainly for our architecture; now, we are being recognised for our furniture and lighting design."
—RICHARD MUNAO, Cult Design
Adam's idea for the Molloy table's artfully rounded joinery, where two elements become one, comes from the unusual meeting of two rivers forming the Molloy River. PHOTO ANSON SMART
Elegantly sculptural, the Molloy collection of dining tables and chairs features sinuous lines, fluid detailing and seamless craftsmanship. PHOTO ANSON SMART
WINTER
SOLSTICE
SUMPTUOUS LUST-HAVES FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE IN DRAMATIC SPACES.
CURATED BY ELIZABETH CLARKE
1 4 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 12 11
1 Christopher Boots Smoky Diamond Ring pendant, POA, editeur. 2 Millennium dining table by Gino Carollo for Arketipo Firenze, POA, Ultimo Interiors. 3 Velvet cushion, $139.95, Empire Home. 4 The Row Bindle 3 bag, $3880, Cult Status. 5 Cabana footstool, $1745, Coco Republic. 6 Ferm Living Lod pendant, $1169, Arrival Hall. 7 DODO side tables by Oriano Favaretto, from $2340, Ultimo Interiors. 8 Agon sofa, $20,190, Henri Living. 9 101 Copenhagen Home Cobra candle holder, $212, Loam. 10 Bibliothèque candle by BYREDO, $129, Mecca Cosmetica. 11 Battilossi Tocca Persian Plum floor rug, POA, Temple Fine Rugs. 12 Limewash paint in Midnight, from $45/tin, Bauwerk Colour [PHOTO CHRISTOPH NEUMANN] 13 Fogia Bollo dining chair, $3575-$5379, Loam.
DESIGNED FOR LIFE
Retreat into a cosy world of pillowy, cloud-like, down-filled luxury, and add warmth to modern interiors. Glamswag's 100% French Flax linen beds, quilts, and cushions are designed for sleeping, daydreaming, entertaining, and wherever your day takes you.
BARELY THERE BEAUTY
A Less-Is-More Approach to Skin Treatments is the Secret to a Youthful, Glowing Complexion
Experience the unparalleled sophistication of Parquetry European Oak Flooring. This distinctive flooring solution harmonises the richness of European Oak with the intricate craftsmanship of parquetry design. Admired for its exceptional endurance, organic allure and timeless elegance, European Oak is the preferred choice of artisans for its adaptability and refinement.
BEAUTY
European Oak is renowned for its natural beauty, striking grain patterns and warm, luxurious tones. When fashioned into parquetry flooring, these qualities are accentuated, creating a visually captivating surface that is the focal point of any interior design scheme.
ENDURANCE
European Oak is celebrated for its robustness and durability, making it an ideal selection for high-traffic areas in your home. With proper care and upkeep, Parquetry European Oak Flooring can endure years of use without any signs of deterioration while exuding beauty, value and tranquility.
TIMELESS ALLURE
Unlike fleeting flooring trends, Parquetry European Oak Flooring offers a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style. Whether you prefer classic herringbone or intricate Versailles patterns, this flooring choice infuses a touch of elegance into any space, making it a wise investment for discerning homeowners.
VERSATILITY
Parquetry European Oak Flooring is perfect for traditional and contemporary interiors. It allows homeowners to express their unique tastes and preferences, transforming any space into a haven of elegance and refinement.
BOTTOMS UP
01/ BEDFORD RESIDENCE
Residential Home | New Build
Series Coswick Series
Pattern Herringbone Parquetry
Colour Aqua White
Design Draftworx + Studio Fazari
Installation C & J Timber Flooring
02/ IGO PERTH HEAD OFFICE
Commercial Office | New Fitout
Series Signature Oak Range Herringbone
Pattern Herringbone Parquetry
Colour French White
Design Rezen Studio + Templewell
03/ SANCTUARY APARTMENTS
Multi-Residential Apartment
Series Signature Oak Range Herringbone
Pattern Herringbone Parquetry
Colour Custom Stain
Design X-Space Architects
Developer Developwise
04/ DALKEITH RESIDENCE
Residential Home | New Build
Series Solid European Oak
Pattern Chevron Parquetry
Colour Pastel
Design Jill Owens Interiors
Builder Palazzo Homes
Installation Art Of Timber
WOODPECKER FLOORING
25 Sundercombe St, Osborne Park
woodpeckerflooring.com.au
@woodpeckerflooring
LIVE WELL
with less
WITH THEIR SMALLER FOOTPRINT AND FLEXIBLE OPTIONS, REDIPODS OFFER A SPACE-SAVING AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR WORK, LIFE AND FAMILY.
With recent changes to West Australian regulations, homeowners can now build mini cabins in their backyard without requiring lengthy council approvals. This streamlined process responds to the growing need for additional space, whether for loved ones, commercial ventures, or a cosy office.
"Redipods mini cabins offer freedom and flexibility, attracting extra income, or for growing families seeking versatility or parents in need of additional space. They are ideal for backyards, holiday parks, wineries, farms, or any location requiring multiple dwellings," says Todd Nener, founder of West Australian family-run company Redipods. "Our range of models is designed to suit any environment, offering architecturally progressive and sustainable design that evolves with you and complements any space. You can even generate income by renting your Redipods cabin as an Airbnb for short stays, weekend breaks and summer holidays."
The tiny homes trend has garnered significant interest in recent years as economic trends drive up rent and mortgage costs, consuming a large proportion of income. With space and housing in short supply globally, homeowners are exploring alternative ways to build on restricted sites and live well with less.
"By choosing a Redipods mini cabin, you're not just investing in a home but also a sustainable future," says Todd.
Traditional buildings account for a staggering 39 percent of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. A Redipods cabin requires fewer building materials and significantly less energy to power, heat, and cool. This reduces your carbon footprint and lowers utility bills and maintenance costs, making it a win-win for both you and the planet.
Redipods’ range of models, manufactured in Perth, includes six architecturally designed cabins ranging from 25-75 square metres. Each model is named after a wellknown Western Australian river and is available in different floorplan configurations. For instance, the Canning, at just 45 sqm and including one bedroom, one bathroom and a kitchen, is ideal for short stays on Airbnb, or as a home office. The largest Redipods model, The Gascoyne, boasts 72 sqm of living space with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it the perfect family holiday shack.
Customise your Redipods cabin by choosing from various interior colour schemes, including Japandi, Coastal and Contemporary palettes, to suit your style.
Acquiring a Redipods mini cabin is a hassle-free process, with each model prebuilt and delivered within 1012 weeks, and craned onto your site in one day.
"We employ an innovative, concrete-free foundation system that adapts to any site condition and eliminates the need for footings, offering flexibility and the possibility of relocation if needed," says Todd. Generous format doors and strategically placed windows provide ventilation, natural light and privacy, while Redipods’ signature exterior »
« Colorbond steel sheets with continuous corners ensure a robust and seamless structure that offers better protection from embers and increases its resistance to bushfires.
With generous glass sliding doors, strategically placed windows, open floorplans and seamless indoor-outdoor integration, Redipods are designed to enhance your connection to nature. Whether in a vineyard, by the sea or in the bush, they provide luxurious accommodation for immersing yourself in the unique West Australian landscape.
"Redipods offer a fast, creative and strategic solution that provides freedom, flexibility and affordability," says Todd. "If you're looking for a smart, innovative and luxe solution that can transform into any space you need at any given time, Redipods is the ultimate choice." n
REDIPODS
96 Queen Victoria St, Fremantle redipods.com.au | @redipods.au
"Redipods offer a fast, creative and strategic solution that provides freedom, flexibility and affordability."
—TODD NENER, Redipods Founder
All-Star Floor Show
TEMPLE FINE RUGS’ BESPOKE CREATIONS SIT BETWEEN A MODERN AND TRADITIONAL AESTHETIC FOR FUNCTIONAL ART THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TEMPLE FINE RUGS
Artists have long sought inspiration from their contemporaries and with creative collaborations commonplace for many brands, designers and makers can often work better together.
Chris Hoyne, Sandy Brennan and their in-house designer Rachel Ozolins of Temple Fine Rugs are known for their unique approach to rug design through artisanal craftsmanship and creative alchemy. They design bespoke rugs for some of Perth's most beautiful homes and work closely with leading local interior designers, including Christian Lyon and artist Sheree Dornan.
"We spent time with Sheree in her studio, where she gave us the freedom to explore her works and photograph different parts of her paintings so we could create a library of her artwork," explains Rachel. “When Christian briefed us on his next interior project, we had plenty to inspire us and we knew it would be a fantastic opportunity to incorporate some of these art pieces."
A floor rug is an essential element of every space, yet it is often an afterthought. “Finding the right rug is much more than simply deciding on style and size,” agrees Chris. “It is also about provenance, materiality, design and artisanal technique.”
Creating spectacular bespoke floor rugs is all in a day’s work for the creative team at Temple Fine Rugs, either as part of their collections or as a response to a brief from a client or designer. Highly trained design professionals Chris, Sandy and Rachel work together to develop new concepts. Using sections of artwork to create a design, they re-colour and scale up to create an abstract textural piece.
Painstakingly executed with a digital program, specifics such as colours and knots are sent to their international producers so that a prototype can be created. Once the design is approved, the colours, techniques and materials are broken down.
“For prototypes, we sometimes nail it in the first sample but other times have to resample until we get it right and then it goes to production, which can take up to six months,” says Chris. “Technical complexities, such as quantity of colours, twills and percentage of silk, affect the price, so when we are designing we keep budget in mind as that informs how complex the rug will be.”
For Rachel, a trained graphic designer, painting inspires her work. “My mother is a painter and I have always been surrounded by art,” she says. “I guess you could say I have a painterly aesthetic. It’s amazing to see your work transformed into a textile, but the anticipation can be daunting.”
It can also be intimidating for the client, who must visualise the rug's appearance before receiving it. “A rug is a substantial investment and we are asking a lot of clients to imagine what it will look like,” Rachel says. “Rug making is a long and thorough process, and we provide accurate design visuals and samples to help them visualise the end product. The process can be a nine-month gestation waiting for the rug, and then we roll it out.”
Chris says communicating with producers in developing countries such as India, Nepal, Morocco, Turkey and Pakistan is equally challenging. “We provide excruciatingly detailed instructions for our producers who »
STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
A bespoke rug is marked by its enduring beauty, effortless elegance and timeless appeal. Harbour is inspired by Perth artist Sheree Dornan’s abstract work on paper.
Left to Right: Sheree Dornan, Chris Hoyne, Sandy Brennan, Christian Lyon and Rachel Ozolins pictured at editeur with the Channel rug, by Temple Fine Rugs.
« are dealing with language issues and various business challenges, and of course there is also the tyranny of distance,” he says. “It’s a faith business.”
Temple Fine Rugs has not only developed strong relationships with its own producers but also submits designs to Italian rug brand Battilossi and US rug brand Sahar. “They are two big international rug brands, and because we have been working with them for so long we have forged strong and respectful relationships,” says Chris. “Now they open up their workshops for us to adapt their designs and produce our own. It’s a huge privilege.”
For Sheree, a renowned West Australian multidisciplinary artist, contributing to such a complex process is “joy”. “It’s inspiring working with Temple Fine Rugs and seeing my art take a completely different shape,” she says.
Known for her astute skill in layering texture, tones and a considered palette, Sheree’s works are serene and harmonious, interspersed with strong contrasts and elements alluding to nature. “The landscape is my inspiration,” she says. “I start with a colour palette and just paint; it’s purely instinctive.” Working mostly on paper, Sheree uses a combination of watercolours, acrylics and metallics and says her work evolves as she paints. “I
work very loosely – unlike rug design, which is incredibly precise!” she laughs.
Because a rug is created differently from a painting, many artworks are too complex to transform directly into a design, so Rachel converts them technically. "It's like translating the French language to English,” says Chris. "There is a technical aspect to translating a piece of art into a woven textile. If the painting features colours that wash into each other, we must determine what weaving techniques are needed to achieve that effect. We never want the rug to become a mechanical, stiff version of the art because it can easily become contrived. The trick is in the translation – there must be subtlety, freedom and flow.”
Translating Sheree’s work into a floor rug for a specific space is exciting, says Sandy, especially working alongside a prolific talent such as Christian Lyon. “Christian was involved in the entire process and, at the first meeting, presented mood boards showing architectural pieces of furniture that were modern, vintage, or very brutalist in style,” she says. “In response, we presented him with Sheree’s strongest works. It was a hugely inspiring process.”
For Christian, a floor rug sets the tenor for his work. “My projects often demand custom design to achieve the
Midnight is an art-inspired 4 x 4-metre masterpiece crafted by Tibetan weavers.
An artwork by Sheree inspired Spinnaker, a floor rug for a client’s bedroom.
right proportions, palette and texture,” he says. “A rug is the foundation of a room and sets its language. Temple Fine Rugs is very responsive and Rachel is brilliant at translating a brief, such as choosing the palette and fibres to express what we want.”
For Harbour, some of Sheree’s abstract works on paper served as inspiration. Taking specific sections of the art, Temple Fine Rugs recoloured them, scaled them up, and added a striking scratchy overlay. Several different rugs were created from the same artwork using different colour palettes.
“One version we did in natural tones with a hint of rubbed-back gold, making it perfect as a moody bedroom design,” says Sandy. “It has high energy yet is soft enough to be a backdrop for furniture. It’s a work of art.”
Midnight, inspired by a soft seascape created by Sheree using an ink wash and bamboo stick, was translated by Temple Fine Rugs. It was hand-knotted by Tibetan weavers in Nepal into a 4 x 4 metre masterpiece using Highland Tibetan wool. “Sometimes it is hard to see the original painting, but if you look deep enough into the rug you recognise it,” says Sheree, identifying an abstract seahorse near the top corner.
Christian’s vision for the client's bedroom proved inspirational for Spinnaker, where a section of Sheree’s abstract work was repeated various times to form one
design; Christian was definite about how he wanted Sheree’s work translated, where colour should be placed, and how the bed would sit on the design.
“When designing a floor rug, it’s crucial to consider each interior element,” he says. “We worked out where the rug sits and how the furniture sits, and then the design was adapted around the furniture placement.”
Equally important is the space’s purpose and orientation. “How will the client travel through this space, and where is the most foot traffic?” he asks. “How the light falls is important too as some give a lot of sheen and others absorb light, making the space feel cosy.”
For Chris, bringing together creative and artisanal talent who work seamlessly as a team is critical for an extraordinary outcome. “In a collaboration, all parts are equal and, when combined, create something greater than the sum of us,” he says. “This project was about Christian, Sheree, our team and the craftsmen doing the weaving, dyeing, spinning and finishing. We couldn’t have achieved such a wonderful result without them all. Collaboration is key to a great creative outcome.” n
TEMPLE FINE RUGS
343 Railway Road, Cnr Morgan St, Shenton Park templefinerugs.com.au | @templefinerugs
PHOTO TIMOTHY KAYE
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D E SI G N - F OR M - F U N C TI O N
Here at Indeko Studio, we are renowned for achieving the highest level of design and performance with products that are sustainably sourced and deliver energy efficiency
Offering one of Perth’s largest ranges of premium European fabrics and world leading brands, our showroom showcases the best in luxury sheers and curtains, soft shades, shutters, external awnings and blinds, and is the perfect place to start your journey
Our team work closely with clients, architects, designers and builders to deliver a cohesive design capturing your personality and realising them in a style that is as individual as you.
The living space is dominated by a Reuber Henning floor rug from Halcyon Lake and holds furnishings, including Jardan's Lemmy sofa and a brown leather chair by Cassina from Mobilia. The marble coffee table is by Grazia&Co.
House of Chic
Timeless design, luminous spaces and exquisite furnishings introduce a dynamic, contemporary ambience to this family home in Woodlands.
BUILDING DESIGN DORIAN MORELLI INTERIOR DESIGN NICKOLAS GURTLER
LANDSCAPE DESIGN TRISTAN PEIRCE CONSTRUCTION FORMVIEW BUILDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMOTHY KAYE STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
Statuesque and classically stylish, this comfortable, evolving family home draws on American midcentury style and classic modernity.
A collaboration between interior designer Nickolas Gurtler and building designer Dorian Morelli, the project took over six years to complete and spans three levels. The garage, storage, mud room and wine cellar are in the basement. Open-plan living, balcony, bedrooms and a guest pod are on the next level, and the master suite and home theatre are above.
A pronounced use of white-rendered brickwork, aluminium frames and glass marks the front elevation. “I like homes that are streamlined and slick with clean lines,” says Dorian, who was challenged by the home’s inclined site. “I split the house and stepped it over the course of the site so all three storeys aren’t seen from the street; it allows the front elevation to be scaled down and appear minimal rather than bulky,” he explains.
Above the garage, Dorian designed a roof garden. Eventually its plants will cascade over the edge, softening the home’s austere lines. “Landscaping has become a large part of the architecture, whereas before it was often an afterthought,” he says. “In this instance, it will be integral to the home’s appearance.”
The home is entered from the side through a customreeded glass and steel front door that filters in light, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
"The owners wanted a fabulous house that is classical but not trend-driven," says Nickolas, who responded by giving them beautiful, eternally modern interiors that exude glamour.
The open-plan living space is vast, with a kitchen that is striking yet gentle with marble-strewn surfaces and a teak-battened ceiling. "The owners were unsure if they wanted natural stone but fell in love with this marble!" says Nickolas of the dolomite superwhite slabs sourced from Brazil's Bahia quarry that cover the island, benchtops and splashback. The stone's smoky tones inform the gentle French grey of the surrounding cabinetry. Hand-finished stainless steel wraps around the rangehood and is used for hardware on the pantry door.
A constant throughout the house is a discreet 45-degree curve that softens the architecture's lines, and
the rangehood and custom stainless steel handles were the perfect spots to accentuate it. The kitchen connects to the outdoors through a striking circular window, an oculus that draws the exterior angled steel architecture into the space. Adjacent, a brushed nickel pendant light by Lost Profile Studio hovers above a bronze and oak dining table handcrafted by designer Jack Flanagan.
The family's living room, wrapped in warm, tactile Venetian plaster, feels luxurious but not precious. A striking check floor rug frames an astute combination of furniture by designers such as Mario Bellini and B&B Italia. Jardan's Lemmy sofa in military green is "slouchy, bean-baggy yet firm", says the designer. Its moveable modular design offers flexibility depending on the space's requirements.
The entertainment cabinet is made of Venetian plaster and teak, which complements the adjacent kitchen's timber-lined ceiling. Beneath it, Nickolas added strong diagonal shapes for visual interest.
The curvaceous staircase leading to the master suite is softly plastered, showcasing a bold sculptural artwork. A trio of wall sconces crafted from raw bronze and opal glass provide soft light.
A strong, simple palette in the bedroom creates a warm, intimate space for the owners that breathes in views over the treetops. Another large-scale checkerboard floor rug fills the space. "We wanted to include a subtle check print on every level," says Nickolas. "This one has a hand-done finish that feels just right for a bedroom."
The adjoining ensuite is almost entirely swathed in marble and includes a double shower and a freestanding bath surrounded by Jurassic marble. Fluted glass and black steel imbue strength and texture, and alabaster wall sconces and skylights draw in light and a leafy view.
"I love the drama a freestanding tub brings to a bathroom," says Nickolas. "It has a very indulgent sense of ritual." Behind the bath, a glass window covered in film glows while providing the space with privacy.
"During the two-day photo shoot of the home, I had the rare experience of watching the family living and moving around in these rooms," says the designer. "Seeing them using each space as we intended and in ways we hadn't imagined was just joy." n
A mature tree, new plantings and privacy blades soften the home’s white-rendered brickwork.
OPPOSITE. The timber-formed staircase by Woodpecker Flooring features Venetian plaster with a gently curved motif at each end. The custom art piece is by Henryk Studio.
RIGHT. A custom-reeded glass and steel front door marks the home's entrance. The polished brass wall lights are by Atelier Areti, and the T 904 bench seat is by Gastone Rinaldi for Poltrona Frau. Originally designed as a transportable side table with handles, its cushions allow it to be used as a bench seat. Made of tubular metal and ash veneer, its cushions can be moved around to form various configurations.
The kitchen is hewn in Super White Dolomite slabs, and the cabinetry is in a 2PAC finish that picks up on the same French grey as the stone. The aged iron tapware is by Brodware, and the stools are from Cult Design.
A striking circular window frames the home’s exterior steelangled architecture.
OPPOSITE. The dining space embraces a Jack Flanagan table from Loam, chairs from Grazia&Co, custom light by Lost Profile Studio and decorative vessels by Greg Natale.
LEFT. Glamorous vertical custom stainless steel door handles feature 45-degree curves seen throughout the residence.
RIGHT.
In the living space is a Reuber Henning floor rug from Halcyon Lake, Jardan's Lemmy sofa, a Cassina leather chair and a marble coffee table
OPPOSITE. In the master suite, a custom check floor rug from Designer Rugs acts as art. A custom wall unit by Chrissy Couture Interiors holds glass objects and treasures. The bed linen is by Bed Threads, and the bed was designed by Daniel Boddam.
RIGHT. Next to the bed is a bronze table lamp by Henry Wilson and side table by Merlino.
RIGHT. The ensuite cabinetry is crafted in Elba Marble and Polytec veneer, the aged iron tapware is by Brodware, and the wall sconce is by Kelly Wearstler from The Montauk Lighting Co.
OPPOSITE. The master ensuite is wrapped in Elba stone from CDK and includes a double shower and freestanding bath surrounded by Jurassic marble.
LEFT. Inspired by luxury boutiques, the walk-in robe displays clothes with illuminated upright panels. A classic Knoll Platner stool is the perfect place to perch and apply makeup.
OPPOSITE. The theatre is off the master suite and is installed with LED lighting that shines upwards, creating a beautiful cinematic effect. Venetian plastered walls provide a gentle softness and carpet from Halcyon Lake and an Elba stone plinth add weight to the sumptuous space. The leather Togo chair is by Michel Ducaroy from Ligne Roset Perth, the smoky glass coffee table is by B&B Italia, and the aged brass light sconce by Henry Wilson.
A brushed chrome wall light cum sculpture by Lost Profile Studio sits at the end of a long glass corridor overlooking the pool and outdoor spaces.
RIGHT.
In the cellar is a sofa from Arflex, table by
Grazia&Co and floor rug from Halcyon Lake.
At the rear, an existing frangipani punctuates the minimal pool and alfresco area, and glass doors and windows create a seamless connection with the indoors.
The view to the upstairs bedroom which extends out to a private balcony designed to breathe in views of the valley beyond.
Level Best
The dynamic City Beach home, complete with a roof bar, is high on style and big on entertainment.
ARCHITECTURE, INTERIORS + CONSTRUCTION HUMPHREY HOMES
PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D’ARCY STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
As Humphrey Homes in-house architect Helen Marchesani put pencil to paper to design this sprawling City Beach home, her client delivered the ultimate challenge: "We want to live like we are always on holiday."
Responding with a minimal yet sumptuous design, focusing on materiality, functionality, and sweeping ocean views, the architect says it is not a typical white and bright beach house. "We designed this home like an international hotel with a rooftop bar, swimming pool, fire pit, luxurious master suite, and spaces that flow from inside to out for entertaining," she says. "It is a home with everything the family needs – and more."
But the property isn't just about fun and luxury. The couple has grown children and wanted a home that could be a vibrant, sociable space where the whole family could gather, yet be intimate for two once their visitors had left.
Built on a sloping site on one of City Beach's highest peaks, the three-level home finds an integration and balance between the indoors and its coastal location. The lower level includes a garage, gym, storage and lift; the main entrance is on the next level, accessed via large terrace steps interspersed with zen-like water features. It shares family-centric spaces (the kitchen, living area and dining room), a master suite, guest bedroom, study and theatre. Above is a bedroom wing for the couple's family, and the cherry on top – a sparkling rooftop bar taking in panoramic water views.
From the street, the modernist home appears as a series of stacked modules atop a stone-clad base tied together by a sinuous white rendered ribbon. Its dramatic gestures are tempered by greenery that, in time, will merge with the surrounding treetops. Timber-lined eaves wrap the exterior and continue inside.
"Wherever you see timber, it is connecting you from the outside to the interiors," says Helen. "The porches and terraces are timber-lined on the inside, and we have dragged that timber all the way through to the ceilings inside."
Blackwood panelling forms the home's central spine, from the passageway off the main entry to the main living area. Hidden within the panelling is a series of cleverly concealed doors leading to a powder room, lift, and laundry. "It's a seamless architectural feature that requires a huge amount of planning, detailing and craftsmanship," says Humphrey Homes owner and director Dean Humphrey. "These are the details we like to include that make every one of our homes bespoke."
Dean is passionate about the polished concrete floors that flow throughout the home. "I have carried out extensive research in America to learn a more in-depth method that sees a huge reduction of possible cracking," he says. "This home has the highest standard of concrete flooring and hydronic underfloor heating, making it cosy in winter."
The entire house, including the kitchen, living and dining areas, features floor-to-ceiling double glazing, allowing the elevated ocean view to be its backdrop. "We’ve implemented airtight principles, and combined with the double glazing it makes it easy to stabilise and control the indoor temperature. It also makes it a very quiet and comfortable home," says Dean.
The kitchen features vertical black timber panelling, Tuscan oak cabinetry and walnut-stained timber-lined ceilings. Dolomite stone-covered benchtops, island and splashback mesh with cabinetry that hides appliances, including double fridges, a freezer and a wine fridge. In the scullery is a large pantry with pocket doors, two dishwashers and another refrigerator. The dining and living area bound a pool terrace, blurring the lines indoors and out. An adjustable louvred pergola wraps around the back of the home and controls light levels inside.
The master bedroom, tucked away on the ground level, overlooks the garden and pool area and captures morning views over the ocean. A beautiful dark, timber-lined wall frames the bed. Its recessed ledge and custom-made bedhead provide high-end hotel vibes.
"To remain true to the home's architecture, it was »
« important to keep the interiors clean and contemporary," says Humphrey Homes in-house interior designer Katie Bossong. The materials are minimal, modern and timeless, so a lovely balance between them creates a warm, welcoming feeling."
Case in point: the suite's boutique-like dressing room. Tuscan oak veneer hides spacious floor-to-ceiling storage alongside a sumptuous central island packed with more storage. Adjacent, a herringbone tile-lined ensuite includes a free-standing bathtub overlooking a courtyard garden, a walk-in shower room, and twin vanities.
A comfortable home relies on clever indoor-outdoor connections, so retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors allow the living area to flow seamlessly into the outdoor terrace. Here, at the rear of the home, Helen designed two levels, placing the rooms together in a way that achieves the best aspects and views.
"This whole section is a machine that controls its environment," she says. "The outdoor living areas, including deep verandas and porches, are tucked away, and louvres protect them from the wind and the western sun while allowing them to take in the view."
The alfresco area includes a fully equipped kitchen with an integrated barbecue and fridge, and a timberlined ceiling embedded with heating and music systems. A pergola wraps around the back of the home, providing extra shading in summer. Alongside the adjacent pool and spa, a sunken fire pit and conversation area allow the family to sit beneath water height so they feel as if they are surrounded by water while being warmed by the fire. Two bar seats are built into the pool, allowing for easy conversation across all areas, and the pool is fitted with a glass viewing window to enhance the connection between fire and water.
"This space is clever because no matter what you are doing, you are connected to everyone around you," says Katie. Nearby, along the south side of the residence, is a three-hole putting green, and an outdoor shower is set into a stone-clad wall – perfect for rinsing off after a morning at the beach.
On the top floor, each bedroom has its own ensuite and a private balcony or an ocean view. While every room boasts an outlook, the rooftop bar claims the best – an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean. Its wow factor also comes in the form of custom navy-blue timber panelling, striking stone countertops, delicate bands of copper, and smoked glass that captures the glow of the setting sun.
"It is the owners’ favourite space," says Katie, who looked to classic whisky bars for inspiration while ensuring its design was cohesive with the rest of the house.
For a home with it all, its generous spaces and clever design still allow it to feel warm and intimate. "It is a home for all seasons," agrees the designer. "It's sophisticated and adaptable and has everything they could ever need for entertaining – but most importantly, it’s for family." n
The front of the home appears as stacked modules, grounded by a stone-clad base which is softened with greenery.
OPPOSITE. The study is visible from the home’s entry through a 3m-tall custom pivot door crafted from Accoya timber with a rich walnut stain and a handle from Architectural Door Hardware. The black bench seat is from GlobeWest.
RIGHT. At the top of the staircase is a light fitting by David Trubridge and artwork by landscape photographer Christian Fletcher. The black timber panelling conceals utilities, including a lift, powder room and laundry.
LEFT. The island bench is in Superwhite Dolomite by CDK, and the integrated fridge wall is clad in Tuscan Oak panelling. The tapware is by Zip Water, the kitchen stools are from GlobeWest, and the vase and vessels from a selection at Granite Lane.
BELOW. Polished concrete floors flow from the kitchen into a tucked-away scullery.
A dining table by TIDE Design from Loam teamed with softly curved chairs from GlobeWest with a view of the swimming pool. An abstract pendant and Coco Republic floor rug define the space and curtains from Payton Place control the light. The ceramic on the table is from Granite Lane.
The informal lounge is made comfy with a modular King Living sofa, French-style-inspired chairs by Coco Republic, and two marble-topped coffee tables from GlobeWest in the middle. The floor rug is from Coco Republic, and the floor lamp from Living By Design.
LEFT. A characterful tweed-covered occasional chair bathed in sunlight in the master suite.
OPPOSITE. The custom bed with upholstered bedhead, inky black cladding and recess make the master bedroom feel like a hotel suite. The bedside table is by Grazia&Co from Loam, and the pendant light above it is a great find from Beacon Lighting.
OPPOSITE. Luxurious pendant lighting, cabinetry crafted in Tuscan Oak, and matte platinum white porcelain benchtops make the bathroom a sumptuous space. The tapware is by Phoenix.
ABOVE. Wall-to-wall cabinetry wrapped in Evenex Tuscan Oak veneer makes the walk-in robe feel extra luxurious. The central pendant lights are by Lightingales Lighting Store.
LEFT. The upstairs bar takes in uninterrupted ocean views. The bar table and stools are by King Living.
OPPOSITE. The rooftop bar revolves around a curvaceous bar clad in 2PAC cabinetry with a stone benchtop by CDK Stone. The bar stools are from GlobeWest, and the custom ceiling lights from HS Reflections.
LEFT. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen is accompanied by timber furnishings from Eco Outdoor that provide plenty of space for family and friends.
BELOW. Finch Freeform stone walling from Eco Outdoors adds a rustic feel to the outdoor shower area.
The rear of the home features a wraparound pergola with operable roof louvres for sun control. A sunken firepit adjoins the glass-walled swimming pool.
The home’s entrance features an oversized pivot door, with timber square style cladding on the custom joinery and black door hardware. The oak timber floorboards are walnut stained, laid in a herringbone pattern. The sunset wall mirror is by Tonin Casa from Ultimo Interiors, the Kose Futurismo vase is from editeur, the Seedpod 54 ceramic vessel by Sarah Keirle Ceramics and the Vitra Akari pendant is from Living Edge.
West Meets East
This South Perth home crosses timeless Japanese design with a contemporary Western ethos.
ARCHITECTURE/BUILD RIVERSTONE CUSTOM HOMES
INTERIOR DESIGN NADIA DE CERFF
INTERIOR STYLING + FURNISHINGS ANDREW THORNTON HICK
PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D’ARCY STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
Japanese design, committed to its centuries-old tradition and ceremony, significantly influences contemporary homes where Eastern and Western aesthetics culminate in beautifully layered materials, textures, and intriguing shapes and geometry.
For Riverstone Custom Homes and interior designer Andrew Thornton Hick, such was the tenet of the design process for this South Perth residence. A beacon of creative expression, it celebrates the serenity of Japanese design meshed with a meditative design ethos.
"Tapping into the owner's deep affection for the cultural aspects of Japan, we blended social, traditional and habitual concepts into a contemporary setting," says Nadia De Cerff, Riverstone's interior architect. "Honouring quality and craftsmanship was a priority, as was integrating traditional Japanese elements such as shoji screens into the interior language."
The home's layered facade gives a hint of what lies inside. A koi pond wrapping the perimeter of the porch inspired the fish icon in the polished plaster wall above. Decking, paving and stone cladding connect the exterior to the interior, creating a sense that the house has stood here for many years.
A feeling of purity and simplicity of order are evident as you step inside, where herringbone flooring guides you through to a double-volume stairwell.
"Important to the client was the design and construction of this staircase, as was the zen garden, which symbolises the ancient Japanese aesthetic belief that aspires to inner peace through simplicity and minimalism: austerity (koko), simplicity (kanso), naturalness (shinzen), asymmetry (fukinsei) and stillness (seijaku)," Nadia says.
Handcrafted shoji screens provide a visual partition to the main living area, where a striking blackbutt timber ceiling lines the kitchen. The considered placement of a skylight illuminates black-stained oak joinery and Caesarstone Black Temple benchtops, bringing them
to life. The nearby scullery and laundry feature similar finishes and their timber battens continue to the living room, where open shelving displays precious Japanese artifacts and books.
Bedrooms and a bathroom are accessed down an adjoining passage, and the second floor is dedicated to the owners. Their private lounge room has serene finishes such as black-stained oak custom joinery, blackbutt batten lining, salmon-coloured shelving, and swathes of grey-tinted mirrors. Large glazed stacking doors open to a private terrace bound by laser-cut screens.
Treading a line between past and present, the master suite draws on the traditional tatami room, with sliding shoji screens concealing its windows. There is a comfortable sense of wellbeing with the tatami-matinspired walls and ceilings, and feature inlays of veneer and Cole & Son's Nuvolette wallpaper. A low built-in bed is grounded by luxurious parquetry floors. Concealed behind it is an elegant wardrobe and a master ensuite entered through a shoji screen-style cavity slider. Ancient bathing rituals and a connection to nature inspired the space with its timber batten ceilings, artisan Japanese tiles, handcrafted blackbutt bathtub, bespoke oak vanity and hidden shower enclosure. Shoji screens connect to a private garden terrace beyond.
The kitchen, wrapped in dramatic terrazzo tempered by warm timber batten, includes a teppanyaki bar and caters for all five authentic cooking methods: raw, simmered, steamed, grilled, and fried. Meals are often carried out to the alfresco area, which includes a pool terrace and pizza oven. Clad in stone, it is minimal yet feels cosy thanks to the dramatic curved metal spines that embrace it.
A sense of serenity, tradition and contemporaneity encapsulate the overall spirit of the home poetically. Inner sanctums may provide personal refuge, but this entire home is the ultimate retreat. n
A koi pond wraps around the perimeter of the porch, its fish providing inspiration for the polished plaster feature wall above. NewTechWood decking and Eco Outdoor Endicott paving references the tones of Baw Baw stone cladding
A combination of fixed panel glazing, louvres and highlight windows allow for natural sunlight and ventilation.
East meets West in the family lounge room, with handcrafted Tasmanian Oak shoji screens offering a visual partition between the open-plan spaces. Rolf Benz’s Onda sofa, Wittmann Paradise Bird armchairs, and Meridiani Vittorio coffee table, are all from Ultimo Interiors. The Timeless mirrored clock is by Tonin Casa from Ultimo Interiors, and the Kokeshi dolls were sourced from Japanese Flea Market in Subiaco.
OPPOSITE. The Janeiro dining table by Bartoli Design for Lago and Full Moon tray by Elisa Ossino for Paola C are from Ultimo Interiors. The Ubon dining banquette is designed by Andrew Thornton Hick and made by Artifex Australia and Melbon. Ingo Maurer’s Floatation pendant is from Space, the 0414 dining chair by Gallotti & Radice from Ultimo Interiors is covered in Métaphores Bauhaus fabric from Decor Design.
RIGHT. A classic treasure, the Sheraton sideboard from Ultimo Interiors was designed in 1977 by Giotto Stoppino and Lodovico Acerbis. LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE SIDEBOARD. Still Life by John Olsen and Four Blacks by Terri Brooks, both from Linton & Kay Galleries. The Paola C Flame tea set was designed by Neri & Hu for Paola C from Ultimo Interiors. Seedpod No. 53 is by Sarah Keirle from Linton & Kay Galleries. The Belly Enorm vase by Guaxs is from Ultimo Interiors and the L’Objet Terra vase is from editeur.
LEFT. A Velux skylight in the custom square-line timber battened ceiling punctuates the dramatic kitchen space. The Wolf Pro Style Gas Range, Sub-Zero Classic fridge-freezer, and Gessi Officine Kitchen Mixer are all from Winning Appliances. The kitchen cabinetry was custom-designed by Nadia De Cerff at Riverstone and made by International Cabinets.
OPPOSITE. Dramatic terrazzo Supreme wall tiles from Myaree Ceramics and Azuma floor tiles from Premier Tile Gallery make a strong statement in the kitchen. The benchtop is Caesarstone Black Temple; the interplay between dark and light materials and the red accents on the appliances are used to create visual stimulation.
LEFT. The living space sits alongside the kitchen for easy entertaining. The teppanyaki bar top is solid blackbutt and provides a canvas for the Japanese art of food presentation. The Sting side tables and Dumbo barstools, both by Cattelan Italia, are from Ultimo Interiors.
BELOW. A thread of salmon hues carries through to the study nook. The floating shelf design is a common element throughout the home, referencing the traditional tatami rooms of Japan. Kate Elsey’s Dragon Fly Jar and Matthew Wright’s Largesse artworks are from Linton & Kay Galleries.
OPPOSITE. The floating staircase was custom-designed with a striking black steel spine and timber treads by Byfinesse. A timber veneer feature wall provides the backdrop in the stairwell, another nod to the Japanese Tatami room. In the zen garden beneath are granite rocks from Magic Garden Supplies and a zen custom rake designed by Andrew Thornton Hick and made by Marshall Wood.
Timber square style cladding is repeated, juxtaposed with custom joinery in black stain oak and salmon-coloured floating shelves against a grey-tinted mirror. The Uroko floor rug designed by Andrew Thornton Hick for Brintons gives weight to a set of Livre armchairs by Gallotti & Radice and a Vittorio coffee table by Meridiani from Ultimo Interiors.
RIGHT.
Comfort and style, luxury and utility combine in essential spaces such as the master suite. Tasmanian Oak shoji screens conceal the windows, and the walls and ceilings are visual representations of tatami mats with oak segments and borders, with inlays of wallpaper from Cole & Son. The bed is designed by Andrew Thornton Hick and made by Artifex Australia. The Cassia floor rug is by The Rug Establishment. Opposite the bed is a Paradise Bird desk designed by Luca Nichetto and Grain Cut side table designed by Jaime Hayon, both for Wittmann. The Planeta floor lamp and Emilia chair are from Ultimo Interiors.
LEFT. Bookending the custom bed are Kana bedside tables designed by Andrew Thornton Hick and crafted by Marshall Wood. The Guaxs Gobi and Tube vases are from a selection at Ultimo Interiors. The Elk & Bare blanket and Basix Ayrton coverlet are from editeur. The cushion in Casamance Garbo is from Ultimo Interiors and Nuvole Fornasetti wallpaper by Cole & Son from Decor Design.
BELOW. Wall-to-wall Moretti walkin robes, in a Rovere Fiamma finish with smoked glass doors and champagne metal, are from European Concepts. The traditional Japanese haori is from Japanese Flea Market.
OPPOSITE. Kumiko shoji sliding panels from Shoji-Tatami filter light into the bathroom where a Soak bathtub in solid Victorian Ash from Wood & Water plays a starring role.
HAVENS | WEST MEETS
Daily rituals are elevated in the main ensuite thanks to Doric basins from Meek Bathware and Milli Pure tapware from Reece. Custom-designed reeded glass shower screens, and feature stone square tiles from Artedomus, conceal the shower and WC. The Guaxs Tube vase is from Ultimo Interiors and the MAD et LEN Amber Rock Figue Noire potpourri-fragranced crystals are from editeur.
OPPOSITE. Looking back to the outdoor entertaining area are custom-made steel arches with a sleek angled roof line above and black joinery. The large pizza oven and garden beds are encased in Eco Outdoor’s Baw Baw cladding, a continuation of materiality from the front exterior. The tiled pool deck and alfresco flooring match the interior flooring, creating a resolved aesthetic.
RIGHT. Small yet concise, the alfresco area embraces Tea Time coffee tables designed by Kris Van Puyvelde for Royal Botania from Ultimo Interiors. The Vida outdoor rug is from The Rug Establishment and The Others floor lantern is by Stephen Burks for Dedon from Cosh Living.
An antique Japanese screen from Edo Arts steals the spotlight in the open-plan living space. The floor rug is from Jenny
and
from
Jones Rugs,
Vibia Tempo light pendants
Sii Light.
Open House
A 1930s home is given a new lease on life, making it a delightfully lofty, light-filled sanctuary.
ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS MOUNTFORD MCCAREY
PHOTOSHOOT STYLIST GRACE BUCKLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D’ARCY + DION ROBESON STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
Thoughtful is an apt appraisal of the considered renovation of this 1930s Menora home, from its carefully preserved frontage to its contemporary extension that connects effortlessly with its leafy surrounds.
Architect Ben Mountford, from the firm Mountford McCarey, was approached by the owners to find the perfect balance between heritage and contemporary. Known as an “inter-war functionalist” home, referencing the period spanning the two world wars when building materials were in short supply, the home was not listed as significant and thus was able to be modernised.
"There was some merit in the existing home, and the council required at least the front to be kept or the home to be demolished entirely and rebuilt in a prescribed style," says Ben. The catch? Retaining the original frontage as long as the rear extension remained hidden from the street.
After restoration of the original two front rooms, one now a formal living space and the other a guest bedroom, and renovation of an old bathroom, the home’s rear 1970s extension was demolished to make way for a generous two-storey wing orientated to the northern aspected back garden.
"While the front of the home was kept modest and in keeping with the streetscape, the extension was to be open, sunlit and luxurious," says Ben. "Menora is known for its beautiful trees, and we wanted the home to look into their canopy and engage with parts of the site the owners felt had been neglected."
Utilising the ample space, Ben created a lofty rear wing with textured brick walls, large picture windows, and vast sliding glass doors that open the kitchen, dining and living area to the garden terrace. It is a design, he says, not typical of a cottage renovation.
"A strictly pragmatic approach would be to separate [those spaces] and add a box extension, but instead we took a fully integrated approach and added another storey to the home interior over the formal dining room before opening up the family space at ground level so the inside and outside spaces are seamless and lofty,” he explains. “All the new openings frame the trees and garden, providing
long views of the canopy. Dappled sunlight dances across the courtyard and deep into the home, so it's a dynamic yet relaxing space to be in.”
On the ground level is an open-plan living space that is spacious and airy. Life is lived mainly in the kitchen, which, unlike the traditional tucked-away butler's pantry, is fitted with extensive built-in joinery and extends to the adjacent sitting area.
A floating staircase, comprising timber treads and a curve-ended balustrade, lead to the master suite and the couple's treehouse-like bedroom. “They prefer to sleep with the windows open at night and love the calming effect of the outdoors,” says Ben, who placed their suite on the upper floor amid the age-old tree canopy. Glazed sliding doors open out into the branches for an immersive experience.
Elements of the original home, including Art Deco motifs such as staggered tile and brickwork, curved handrails and metal fireplaces, were introduced into the new wing. The period rooms at the front retained their original ornate bevelled glass doors.
"It was like a second chance for the older home, and it informed our new interior spaces," says Ben, who decided against a door between the old and the new, allowing them to melt into each other.
Ben’s partner, Dervla McCarey, introduced a series of finely detailed architectural elements in steel and marble with strong, simple forms and plenty of curves. “The owners appreciate beautiful artwork and furniture and acquired many pieces from a relative who is an antique art dealer interested in Japanese antiques,” she says. These treasures coexist intriguingly with striking new pieces such as Fogia's Bollo Easy Chair and a range of Fermob outdoor furniture that are perfect for entertaining al fresco.
"The owners are busy with work and play but love to relax at home," says Ben. "They host family and friends on Friday nights, so for our project meetings spanning eight months, we met at the house on Friday afternoons. I could see it would always be an open house, and now it performs beautifully as just that." n
RIGHT. The owner’s luxe furnishings make a strong statement against the inky joinery.
OPPOSITE. Dark cabinetry is given life by a clever lighting plan that includes Deltalight track lights from Inlite.
LEFT. The seamless dark cabinetry in Eveneer Ravenna designed by Mountford McCarey serves as a dramatic backdrop for a sophisticated island bench. Its benchtop is by Stone Ambassador, and its fluted base is solid oak. The charcoal bronze tapware is from Astra Walker and will continue to develop a patina.
Large panes of glass by DGA Windows create an effortless connection between indoors and the garden.
OPPOSITE. The stair plinth is clad in Carrara marble and extends to form a fireplace plinth on the wall behind. “We introduced this to connect the architectural elements in the centre of the home and provide a display area for sculptural pieces,” says Dervla.
RIGHT. “The original bathroom had a beautiful but wonky terrazzo floor with a perimeter upstand around the wall,” says Ben. “We felt sad demolishing it but reintroduced terrazzo in the new powder room.” A sculptural pedestal washbasin clad in terrazzo with a brass strip accent and a sculptural wall conceals the powder room, which also functions as a guest bathroom.
LEFT. A light and airy living space, complete with original leadlight French doors, is filled with the owners’ treasures and furnishings.
BELOW. Deltalight track lighting in the kitchen flows through to the breakfast room where it extends down the wall. Two glass wall globes reference the Art Deco features of the original home. A selection of ceramics by Emma Flaherty arranged on the owners’ sideboard catches the eye.
The master bed is styled in layers of Hale Mercantile Co. linens from editeur.
“The bespoke headboard references the timber floor boards and bespoke floating joinery drawers,” says Dervla. The Tempo pendant lights are by Vibia.
OPPOSITE. Large mirrors bounce natural sunlight throughout the ensuite, which is clad in tiles from Artedomus and a porcelain benchtop by Lusso Group.
LEFT. The sunlit master bedroom backs onto the ensuite. The suspended bedside light pendant is by Vibia.
RIGHT. The tapware in the master ensuite is by Astra Walker.
Mature trees were integrated into new landscaping by Studio 634 Landscapes.
A dramatic flame tree creates a colourful backdrop for Saba Italia’s New York chair.
In the Zone
With the Swan River as its backdrop, this contemporary home for two takes a less-is-more approach with flexible living spaces and clever furnishings.
BUILD ADRIAN ZORZI INTERIOR DESIGN LUA HENRI PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D’ARCY STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
Designer Lua Henri from Henri Living worked closely with the owner of this sleek, modern home, completed by Adrian Zorzi, set back from the river in Perth's Western suburbs.
The ground floor houses the home’s more private areas, and upstairs on the first floor is a large open space cleverly zoned into various entertaining spaces.
"The brief was for a homely contemporary retreat with exceptional furnishings that take in the incredible river views," says Lua. “The owner fell in love with an image of the Lovely Day Sofa by Italian brand Désirée, set in a relaxed, non-tv-centric space with an airy high vaulted ceiling and various living zones coming off it. This image served as the main inspiration for her home."
Light-filled and open to the water, the large living zone embraces multiple living spaces—a generous kitchen and scullery, a powder room, two living spaces and two dining areas that access three outdoor spaces on different verandas. "It was simply one giant area without any division of space, and our goal was to provide it with soul, scale and usability," says Lua.
Flexible furnishings were essential in creating this multi-purpose space. "We kept a neutral base palette to emphasise the room's spaciousness and our edit of designled furnishings," says the designer.
Of course, the hero piece was the Lovely Day Chair by Désirée, a sculptural freestanding sofa featuring selfbearing and adjustable cushions that can be positioned
to create different types of seating and remain in place once positioned. "Originally, it was to be placed in the larger living area next to the fireplace, but given its clever flexibility and ability to be forward and rear-facing, it made more sense to position it in the second living zone as more of a conversation space overlooking the water, linking the kitchen and dining settings," she says.
With its dark timber flooring, vast panes of glass and dramatic black lighting, the home feels unmistakably masculine and is imbued with cosiness using a textural palette. On the floor, subtle custom rugs help delineate spaces and add a sense of warmth. The repetition of the furnishings' styles, tones, and textures, including the Lovely Day sofa and the New York collection of seating by Saba Italia, creates a cohesive space. "The home has a curated feel as all the design elements work together in a moody palette," she says. "The owners collect art which is hanging on the ground level, but for the upper floor, they wanted the river and boats to be the art, and the interior elements simply point to that."
The project was collaborative, says the designer, who enjoyed sharing ideas with her client. "There was a synergy between us, and she was open to sharing ideas while excited to incorporate her own treasures and objects from her travels into the space to make it her own," she says. “It is a home that epitomises true understated glamour, allowing the owners to entertain easily while having cosy spaces to escape. It’s simply fabulous.” n
Beyond the living space, a generous marble-look dining counter delineates the kitchen while inviting conversation between cook and guest. The cabinetry is crafted in timber veneer, and behind a door on the left is a scullery, bar, and drinks area.
OPPOSITE. Désirée’s Lovely Day sofas in custom dark bluegrey fabric face each other; their seatbacks are able to be repositioned should the conversation change. A pair of Kara leather armchairs by Désirée add sumptuous texture and a tailored silhouette.
RIGHT. The kitchen includes two parallel marble-look island benches; this one is dedicated to dining. Large floor-to-ceiling glass windows turn natural light and water views into essential players in the space’s tonal palette. A trio of New York counter chairs by Saba Italia pull up to the dining island and are repeated in the adjoining alfresco area, allowing them to be brought inside when the crowd expands.
“Our client wanted a minimalist design and for the river outlook to sing,” says Lua, who opted for metal Loman side tables by Ditre Italia that encourage intimate conversation and open up the view rather than a large central coffee table that would obstruct it.
A fireplace warms the formal living space; on one side is a bench seat, and on the other, mirror-back shelves hold the owner’s collectibles. The entertainment unit above is discreetly camouflaged within timber veneer cabinetry. Twin Savoye sofas by Désirée, upholstered in fabric and leather, feature jewel-coloured cushions by Rapee for subtle glamour. The custom hand-loomed floor rug from Colorscope features a lush, ribbed texture and is seen in various incarnations throughout the space.
OPPOSITE. The Unity dining table by Camerich is made from walnut veneer and includes an inset Lazy Susan and leather cone-like base. It is surrounded by New York chairs by Saba Italia.
RIGHT. A light-filled corner, that includes a metal Loman side table by Ditre Italia, is made cosy with rich jewel colours and layers of textures.
ABOVE. The entertainment cabinet slides open to reveal a television screen. The Flamingo coffee table by Carmerich draws focus, while a metal Loman side table by Ditre Italia provides a spot for a drink.
BELOW. Large format concrete look porcelain tiles flow throughout the outdoor areas on both levels, and vast floor-to-ceiling glass doors open right up, allowing the inside to merge with the various alfresco areas.
HAVENS
Sunrise breakfast or late-night speakeasy?
Twin Moon tables by Talenti on a terrace just off the kitchen allow plenty of flexibility for entertaining – day or night. Custommade to be counter-height, they are made of marine-grade powder-coated aluminium with a ceramic top. The New York Soleil chairs by Saba Italia feature handwoven nautical backs and ergonomic cushions upholstered in quickdrying, non-absorbent technical fabric specifically designed for outdoor use.
Elevated and set back from the Swan River, this modern home is the definition of understated waterfront glamour.
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TAKE A SEAT
Pull up the perfect chair for your space and budget
SCENE STEALER
How to make your dining table a multi-purpose focal point
TOP TABLE
Designs that call out for some serious wining and dining
NEPENTHES
by
christopher boots
How to choose the right dining table for your room
FROM DINNER PARTIES AND GAME NIGHTS TO CASUAL FAMILY GATHERINGS, EVERY MEAL FEELS SPECIAL AT A BEAUTIFUL TABLE.
INTERVIEW ELIZABETH CLARKE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LIVING EDGE
As the saying goes, “The oldest form of theatre is the dinner table”, and every night brings a cast of different characters, narratives, scene changes and, of course, food. Gathering around a function-forward table is essential. So, how do you choose the right style for your space, needs, and nightly gettogethers? We speak to Robin Ellis, Residential Consultant at Living Edge Perth, to discover all there is to know about choosing the perfect dining table. Whether you have a dedicated dining space or a cosy little nook, these expert tips are guaranteed to fuel a design refresh...
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP WHEN SHOPPING FOR THE PERFECT DINING TABLE?
Robin Ellis (RE): Consider how you intend to use it – will it be used for large gatherings and family dinners, or will it double as a work-from-home space or for kids to do homework? Your answers and the size of the room will inform how large it should be. Of course, the material choice must also suit the home's overall aesthetic.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE RIGHT SHAPE AND SIZE?
RE: Measure the available space in your dining area, considering its length and width and the distance between the table, walls, or other furniture. This ensures you select a table that fits well without overcrowding the room. Shape, like size, is dictated by functionality and room size. A larger, longer room suits a rectangle, while round tables suit smaller, less formal spaces. Comfortably, a 1.8-metre table fits six chairs.
THERE ARE SO MANY MATERIALS TO CHOOSE FROM. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE?
RE: Your dining table is the room's focal point and should reflect your style. Consider the overall aesthetic of your home – is it modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic? Choose a table that complements this style while adding visual interest to the space.
Walter Knoll Tadeo table. PHOTO SHANNON MCGRATH
SHOULD THE DINING TABLE MATCH THE OTHER FURNISHINGS IN THE SPACE?
RE: Your dining table should complement the rest of your furniture and decor, so consider the materials, finishes, and colours of other pieces in the room to ensure they complement each other. Each material has its own aesthetic appeal and maintenance requirements. For instance, timber tables are classic and warm but may require more upkeep, while glass tables are sleek and modern but can easily show fingerprints.
WHAT TABLE IS BEST FOR A MULTIPURPOSE ROOM?
RE: The Andoo table from Walter Knoll is an excellent choice for a multi-purpose room where the dining table serves various functions beyond just eating. It features a sleek and versatile design that seamlessly integrates into any space, making it ideal for multi-functional rooms, and its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic complements many interior styles, from modern to traditional. By sliding out the tabletops and folding the leaf up and out, it can be extended to accommodate more people. It also provides ample surface area, making it suitable for a wide range of activities beyond dining. Whether you're working on a puzzle, crafting with your kids, or spreading out paperwork, its generous tabletop offers plenty of space to accommodate your needs.
WHAT BRANDS DO YOU CONSIDER A SPECIAL INVESTMENT?
RE: e15 is a German brand known for its bold, minimalist aesthetic and commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship. It strongly emphasises natural materials such as solid wood, marble and metal, resulting in furniture that exudes warmth, texture and authenticity.
Walter Knoll is also from Germany and has a rich heritage dating back over 150 years. Known for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design, each piece embodies the perfect balance of form and function.
Closer to home, SKUPA> is an Australian brand specialising in contemporary furniture and lighting solutions. With a focus on craftsmanship and innovation, SKUPA> has quickly gained recognition for its distinctive designs and meticulous attention to detail. n
Walter Knoll Tadeo table extension table top. PHOTO BROCK BEAZLEY
e15 Bigfoot dining table.
SKUPA> Breadstick table.
Pull Up A Seat
BEAUTIFUL DINING CHAIRS GUARANTEED TO STEAL YOUR TABLE’S LIMELIGHT.
CURATED BY ELIZABETH CLARKE
1 BassamFellows Geometric side chair, $5375, Living Edge. 2 Raf armless chair - 4 Star, from $962, Jardan. 3 Greta dining chair by Paolo Cattelan, from $2660, Ultimo Interiors. 4 Dalton slipcover chair, $995, Coco Republic. 5 Miranda Wood dining chair by Luca Signoretti, from $2880, Ultimo Interiors. 6 Fermob Lorette outdoor chair in pesto, $700, Patio & Balcony Outdoor Living. 7 Featherston Scape dining chair by Grazia&Co, POA, Loam. 8 Vitra Panton red chair, $740, Living Edge. 9 Billie dining tub chair by Ditre Italia, from $2450, Henri Living. 10 Cappellini 01 Chair from $6920, Cult Design. 11 Principal natural oak chair by Karakter, POA, Cult Design. 12 Knoll MR Chair with leather sling seat by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, $3150, editeur.
Finer Dining
How to design a special space for sit-down meals in an open-plan setting.
PHOTOGRAPHY DMAX PHOTOGRAPHY STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOAM
The exquisite craftsmanship of the
by local
makes a handsome addition to any dining space.
Froxfield dining table
maker Nathan Day
The space in your home where you entertain guests or share a special meal is not just a table and chairs. It's a place that holds the warmth of family togetherness, the joy of spending time with friends, and the excitement of sharing stories, experiences and ideas.
So where do you place your dining table if you don't have a designated room? The open kitchen-dining-living layout, while popular, presents a unique challenge. Can you create an intimate dining experience even when it's near the kitchen and serves as a drop zone for life admin, keys and empty coffee cups?
A dining zone in an open plan is a great opportunity to make a strong design statement and add character to your space. While it is an extension of the kitchen and living room, the dining area can have a personality all its own. In fact, making it a focal point can transform the look and feel of your home.
TABLE AND CHAIRS
Choose a table made of material that effortlessly blends with its surroundings to create a captivating space. Loam selected the Froxfield dining table by local maker Nathan Day in walnut, which matches the walls surrounding it. "It's fine to mismatch your timbers, but in a large open space, creating a seamless timber palette makes it feel capacious, calmer, and tidier," says interior designer Lulu Cavanagh from Loam.
As a modern take on the early 1900s refectory table, Nathan handcrafted the Froxfield dining table in his Margaret River studio. Finding inspiration in the Hay Rake dining tables crafted by Froxfield’s English pioneers, Nathan crafted shapely curves and interlocking timber joinery, a study in precision and sturdiness. The table’s size and artisanal craftsmanship make it a natural focal point, and its accompanying chairs further draw the eye.
When choosing dining chairs, carefully consider form and proportions. Look for shapes in the table and surrounding architecture, such as arches and angular floor-to-ceiling windows, and let them inform your choice of chair. For example, the Froxfield dining table is very linear, but its legs culminate in beautiful curves at each end, making TIDE’s Lumi chair, which features straight and sweeping lines, the perfect match. Handcrafted by TIDE’s maker, George Harper, the Lumi chair combines the very best of traditional and contemporary artisanal techniques. Its soft curves, straight lines and angles make for a discreet yet dynamic visual.
LIGHTING
Good lighting is essential for creating the perfect atmosphere, the ultimate goal of a beautiful dining space. Lighting can draw attention to a dining suite in an openplan space, injecting depth, dimension and drama. It also clearly distinguishes the dining area from its surrounding spaces, giving it a more purposeful and deliberate feel.
Soft, warm lighting, whether from a table lamp or candles, has a magical ability to conjure a cosy and inviting atmosphere, drawing people around the table and encouraging them to relax and unwind. "I love to place sculptural candles on a dining table not just for soft, flattering light but as art forms," says Lulu, who has a particular penchant for pure beeswax candles by Tony Assness. "Each one is hand-poured in Bondi [Sydney] and has a sweet, subtle honey scent."
Choose from traditional pillar candles, wax bowls with an internal candle, large ribbed wax sculptures or small egg-shaped designs. Place one at the centre of the table or cluster several together, remembering that when styling, a grouping of three objects looks most impactful.
STYLING
Experiment with metallic and organic elements for a dining setting in an open-plan space. Take a minimalist approach with a single metallic centrepiece. For a more eclectic style, Loam recommends layering metallic and natural elements like bowls, flowers, fruit and candles.
"A favourite object of mine is 101 Copenhagen's handglazed Ruin vase, inspired by archetypical ruins," Lulu says. “It is the perfect decorative vessel for plants, with its tower-like design offering various openings that hide and reveal foliage while providing room to grow."
Alternatively, Tom Dixon's extra-large Bone bowl looks beautiful on its own or filled with pomegranates, and being brass, patinas elegantly with time. n loam.com.au | @loamaustralia
These three-legged vessels are as playful as they are practical. Duck Plate, Big-Coffee by 101 Cophenhagen Home, $390, Loam.
ABOVE. Whether you prefer tea lights or taper candles, this candle holder is sure to enhance your decor. Spin candelabra by Tom Dixon, $1,600, Loam. RIGHT. A beautiful, mouth-blown vase imbues an organic quality to your styling. Ostrea Rock Glass vase in rush, $330, Loam.
ABOVE LEFT. Inspired by floral shapes, this vase changes appearance throughout the day, according to light and shadows. Bloom vase by 101 Copenhagen Home, $390, Loam. ABOVE RIGHT. Sculptural like a Lotus flower, this beautiful curvy vessel looks perfect perched on a similarly dark table or a timber surface. Lotus vase by 101 Copenhagen Home, $471, Loam.
ABOVE. Beautiful objects elevate a well-designed space. Froxfield dining table by local maker Nathan Day, POA, Loam. ON TABLE LEFT TO RIGHT. Taper candles by Tony Assness, from $75; 101 Copenhagen Home Ruin vase, $220; Tom Dixon Eclectic Root , $199, all from Loam. ON SIDEBOARD. Tom Dixon Bone bowl, from $255, Loam.
No Sharp Edges
A curved wall, oval table and cosy banquette seating are key to this French-flavoured dining space.
INTERIOR DESIGN EMMA MACKIE, M INTERIORS
PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D'ARCY STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
DINING
There's nothing cosier than a banquette. Like the corner booth of a French bistro, it feels glamorous and inclusive, making it the ideal dining format for a family or a dinner for two. Designer Emma Mackie says that as part of this Sorrento dining space, it imbues ambience but is practical too.
"A banquette looks stylish and makes a strong impact, but this is also a family home, so it must be functional. It's not an obvious choice for everyday family life, yet it works."
Situated near the beach, the house was designed by Banham Architects, with Emma in charge of its interiors. "It’s a very modern home, and the kitchen's five-metre-long kitchen island bench made of porcelain with beautiful veining and peachy tones is its hero," she says. Its dramatic veining, inspired by Arabescato marble, marks a delightful journey across a colour palette of soft, peachy and natural tones, culminating in the elegant banquette-style dining space that sits opposite.
"The floorplan is very long, and we needed a dining space that would fill the area and balance out the long island bench," Emma says. The solution was to bookend the dining space with cabinetry at one end and a long, curved wall clad in timber at the other that flows right through to the entry.
"It is a dining space that sits seamlessly in its floorplan, but best of all, it's comfortable and functional too."
—EMMA MACKIE, M Interiors
Emma decided on a banquette-style dining space that embraces padded seating on one side, its backrests floating above the seating so as not to dominate the space, and a quartet of chairs on the other. The dining table, oval in shape with substantial circular ribbed legs, was the last piece of the puzzle.
"We wanted a natural timber table but felt it would be overkill next to the curved cladded wall," Emma says. Instead, she selected an oak veneer table in a soft shade of putty from GlobeWest that blends beautifully with the space's dreamy palette.
The table's organic shape offsets the kitchen island's long angular form and speaks to the curved wall. "An organic shape is also more practical for moving around than a table with strict corners," Emma says.
A large window takes in garden views, filling the room with sunlight. Emma's gentle, soothing colour scheme is elevated by atmospheric lighting: a brass pendant light featuring blown glass and hand-finished metal by New Zealand brand Snelling Studio, and a pair of ribbed white wall sconces that reference the detail of the table legs. The composition sits beautifully with the polished concrete floors that flow throughout the home, inside and out.
A large artwork is the finishing touch on this Michelin-star-worthy space. "The walls are large, so we needed a substantial piece," Emma says, and a print, The Stepwell, by photographer Giovanna Aryafara, was just the one.
Combining various elements into a seamless whole sums up Emma's method of blending various design elements into something fresh and enticing. "It is a dining space that sits seamlessly in its floorplan," she says, "but best of all it's comfortable and functional too." n
m-interiors.com.au | @m_interiors
PREVIOUS PAGE. The chic dining space rotates around a GlobeWest Benjamin Ripple dining table, banquette seating, and a set of Raglan chairs from Papaya. The brass Line pendant is from Snelling Studio, and the wall sconces are from the Lighting Collective. The photographic artwork is by photographer Giovanna Aryafara.
RIGHT. Emma styled the space simply with Bloomingville candlesticks from French Bazaar and the owner’s own ceramic vase. The table's curve riffs on the adjacent timber-clad curved wall that runs through the open floor plan.
Mid-Century Minimalism
Hand-crafted timber inspires subtle separation within a large open floorplan.
PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D'ARCY
STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
FURNITURE MAKER SAM LANDER, SKÉL
INTERIOR DESIGN JESS O'SHEA
The purpose of specific rooms has evolved over generations according to households' needs, but the beauty of their interiors has remained intact. This dining space steeped in timber in the middle of a large open floorplan is its own, thanks to mid-century modern-inspired styling, fine craftsmanship, and subtle separation from its adjoining spaces.
The 20-year-old home’s renovation, helmed by interior designer Jess O'Shea, included overhauling the open-plan space, which included the kitchen, dining and living rooms.
The dining space sits in the middle of the floorplan and adjacent to the front entrance, which includes a cupboard and drop zone, which Jess masked with a large custommade timber divider. In keeping with the rest of the house, its mid-century design is artful and statement-making; its openings provide ample space for decorative objects while creating separation from the entrance without completely enclosing the area.
Handcrafted by furniture maker Sam Lander from Skél, who collaborated closely with Jess and the owner, it is faithful to mid-century style and made entirely of Australian materials. "A mid-century palette is often associated with American oak and walnut, but many Australian timbers work just as beautifully," he says. "I source locally to be sustainable and to celebrate our wonderful West Australian timbers."
The room divider, a special request from the owner, holds a significant place in the home's design. Made from spotted gum, its long form accentuates the room, amplifying its spaciousness.
"It's a substantial piece, and because of the weight of the top section verticals, we had to use a big metal beam at its base to stop it from bowing," Sam says. "It wedges right up to the ceiling and onto the floor. No house is perfectly square and true, and the beauty of custom work is you can make any piece of built-in furniture fit perfectly, which this one does."
Adding to the space’s pragmatic sense of beauty is a sophisticated and beautifully crafted dining table, also made by Sam. Its gentle curves and round-overs are a nod to his signature style, inspired by Scandinavian design.
"I love blended soft forms made of timber, so this table is very much my vibe," he says. "It needed to be modest in its proportions to fit purposefully between the room divider and kitchen and retain the expansive feel of the open-plan space. I made it minimal with revealed leg joinery, solid, sturdy legs that gradually taper down to the floor, and deep round-overs that reflect light and feel soft to the touch."
Crafted in American walnut, its rich, dark chocolate tones will turn golden with time.
"There is a lot of spotted gum throughout the home, including the floors and room divider, and walnut works beautifully alongside it," Sam says.
Jess agrees. "Spotted gum is typically varied, with lots of warmth and greys, so it’s flexible and easy to pair with other timbers like the walnut dining table and chairs, which were sourced by the owner and work beautifully.”
There is a sense of restraint that threads through this home, creating an uncluttered, calming retreat. Simple sculptural objects of art, a rich landscape painting and Scandinavian-style pendant lights provide visual interest, and a floor rug subtly grounds the dining table and chairs. The result is an atmospheric dining area that integrates seamlessly with its adjacent spaces.
“It’s a home filled with fine materials crafted using refined techniques,” says Sam. “The owner has a great eye and appreciates good design and beautiful work, and it shows.” n
jessosheadesigns.com.au | @jessosheadesigns skeldesign.com.au | @skeldesign
PREVIOUS PAGE + THIS PAGE. The dining space revolves around the handcrafted table and room divider with highlights afforded by strong forms and considered decor. The Molloy chairs are from Cult Design and the floor rug is from Stan’s Rug Centre. OPPOSITE. Steel-framed glass doors lead from a second living area into the dining space.
1 Bonnie & Neil checked napkin, $23, Remedy. 2 Ferm Living Flow napkin rings, $89 set of 4, Arrival Hall. 3 Henry Holland tall bowl in oatmeal, $300, Jardan. 4 Clovis Medium chandelier by Chapman & Myers, $3290, The Montauk Lighting Co. 5 Sabre Panda carving set of 2, $145, Empire Home. 6 Cisco & the Sun Bima ceramic teapot, $99, Arrival Hall. 7 Rachel Convers Ibride Alhambra porcelain plates, $189 set of 2, AGWA Design Store. 8 Henry Holland fruit bowl in green, $300, Jardan. 9 Dante brass condiment spoons, $59 set of 4, Loam. 10 Sferuco 2 Karakter glass, $52, Cult Design. 11 Eva Solo oil and vinegar carafe, $89, Remedy. 12 Mooon rechargeable 41cm light, $340, Patio & Balcony Outdoor Living.
Luxe Apple Ricotta Cake
Serves: 10-12
INGREDIENTS
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 1½ cups raw sugar, plus ½ tbsp to sprinkle on top before baking
• 230g Pink Lady Apples, cut in 2.5cm pieces – about 2 ½ cups
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 115g unsalted butter, barely softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract, optional
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup sliced almonds, for the top before baking
• Icing sugar
1. Mix lemon zest with the 1½ cup sugar. Set aside.
2. Drizzle apple pieces with lemon juice and place in the freezer for half an hour.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 22cm springform or regular cake pan or line with baking paper.
4. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, then strain through a sieve.
5. Using a stand or electric hand mixer, beat butter slowly for about 30 seconds to cream it a little. Add the lemon zest-sugar mixture for a minute until you get a grainy paste. Add eggs, one at a time and mix in between. Add vanilla, almond extract, ricotta and oil and mix until combined.
6. Slowly add the dry mixture, gently mixing until combined. Add the frozen apple pieces, fold them into the batter and ensure all ingredients are incorporated well.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Sprinkle extra sugar and sliced almonds on top.
8. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, covering the cake with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent the top burning. Insert a skewer through its centre, remembering it is a gooey cake. If it’s not runny, it’s ready.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before removing it from the pan (about an hour). Dust with icing sugar and serve with whipped cream.
The texture of this cake reaches its peak if you place it in the fridge after cooling it for an hour or two and then let it come down to room temperature. Store it in a cool, dry area on the first day, then wrap it in cling wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Recipe & Image by The Yellow Butterfly
In Flavour
Delicious fresh produce to help you warm up to winter
While rich casseroles, winter braises, pasta, and hearty pies are our go-to's during the cooler months, sometimes the comfort food we crave the most is crisp, colourful, fresh produce. It not only provides the best flavour and optimal nutrition, but it is also the healthiest choice for you and your family. It's more affordable than out-of-season produce, and every time you eat local, you support WA farmers.
This season, stock up on dark leafy greens like spinach and kale and add to fresh salads, stir-fries, and soups. Root vegetables, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and turnips, are true winter staples. They can be roasted, mashed, or used in soups and stews. Try roasted pumpkin with a drizzle of tahini or alongside a warm slab of melty feta. Add herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage to any dish. They thrive in cooler weather and add freshness to your roasted vegetables and winter salad mixes.
Winter fruits such as oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit add a zesty touch to any dish. A squeeze of citrus instantly livens up any pasta, braise, or cold-weather dish. A fruit salad is deliciously dressed like a regular salad, with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Apples and pears harvested in autumn are crisp, juicy and available throughout winter. The perfect nutrientpacked snack on the go, they also make a delicious jammy pie filling, strudel, apple pear crisp or a from-scratch homemade pie. Avocado (a fruit because it has a seed) is an excellent brain food due to its natural abundance of unsaturated fats. Far beyond avocado toast, it instantly elevates tacos, a BLT, a burger or a nutritious green smoothie.
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Winter entertainment made easy
Just because we tend to hibernate during winter doesn't mean the entertaining must stop. With easy and delicious recipes, like this Apple Ricotta Cake, feeding loved ones is a breeze. This decadent, gooey cake is the perfect stand-by for when friends drop by for coffee or as an after-dinner dessert with a touch of cream.
Or order a Good Grocer Grazing Box made fresh and to your requirements. Choose from our artisan cheeses, cured meats, antipasto offerings, seasonal fresh local fruit, nougat, WA honeycomb and premium crackers.
Our made to order GRAZING BOXES packed with produce ORDER NOW
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Boulevard 31 Gayton Rd, City Beach
Canning Bridge 916 Canning Hwy, Applecross
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Leederville 313 Vincent St, Leederville
Shenton Park 159 Onslow Rd, Shenton Park
South Perth 21 Mends St, South Perth
Mount Pleasant 80 Cranford Ave, Mt Pleasant
Myaree 67 North Lake Rd, Myaree
Newman Parnawarri Shopping Centre, 1 Lee Lane
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2nd Ave Cnr Second Ave &, Beaufort St, Mt Lawley
thegoodgrocer.com.au/ grazingboxes
Paris on the Beach
A LOCAL FIRST, SOUTH COTTESLOE’S GIBNEY COMBINES A EURO BISTRO APPROACH WITH A CALIFORNIAN COUNTRY CLUB AMBIENCE.
STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
Gibney, the newest culinary hotspot in South Cottesloe, is a trailblazer in many ways. It's not just the first restaurant in the area, but also the first luxury alfresco eatery in Western Australia and the first new restaurant on Marine Parade in two decades.
The sophisticated seaside brasserie and grill, helmed by owner and restaurateur George Kailis, draws inspiration from the world's finest bistros and brasseries. Its seafoodcentric menu is a nod to the classic steakhouses and brasseries of Europe and New York City.
Rezen Studio's $5 million fitout has transformed the 600 square-metre oceanfront space into an opulent design-led destination. The 40m elevated north-facing frontage offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Rottnest Island, adding to the allure of this exclusive dining experience.
Gibney's seafoam, cream and emerald palette mirrors its beachside location, while the sandy-textured natural stone floor tiles shimmer like sunlight on water. Rezen's interior designer Zenifa Bowring describes it as “California country club meets Parisian bistro on the beach”.
The restaurant blends seamlessly
with its natural surroundings, offering an elevated coastal dining experience. The entry, surrounded by local Donnybrook sandstone and deep green quartzite, gives way to capacious views of the ocean.
Rezen's architect Rhys Bowring says George wished to make arriving at Gibney memorable. "The main entry’s custom fabricated aluminium system is incredibly light, allowing expansive views north of the restaurant," he says. “Maintaining good clarity of view was paramount, and highperformance glazing helped us maintain that."
There is inspired glamour at every turn: the jacketed wait staff laying out Georg Jensen tableware, a vast mosaic tile-clad champagne well, and the jewel in its crown, a 10m marble cocktail bar marked by a line of Kooij Helm pendants, a nod to Rottnest's lighthouse beacon.
The outdoor area is as large as the indoor space, and the connection between the two is seamless. "The exterior space bulges out to the northwest, taking in amazing views, and is a more relaxed lounge area with large umbrellas, making it the
Gibney
40 Marine Parade Cottesloe (08) 9468 1540 gibneycottesloe.com @gibneycottesloe
perfect place for champagne after work," says Zenifa.
Head chef James Cole Bowen reimagines classics like seafood, steaks and homemade pasta with a contemporary flair. His creations not only showcase the natural beauty of West Australian produce but also celebrate the joy of simplicity. Complementing his dishes is WA's most extensive Champagne collection, curated by group sommelier Nina Throsby, who recently travelled to Champagne in France to forge relationships with historic Champagne houses and procure rare and exclusive bottles for Gibney's cellar.
"The space itself is a large part of the dining experience at Gibney, which works seamlessly with its menu offering," says Rhys. "It is a joy to sit and experience; it is energising, and people simply love being there. It's going to be hard for them to turn over tables!" n
Limited Edition
THE NEW MODERNIST HOUSE
Discover mid-century gems by Modernists such as Anatol Kagan, Alistair Knox and Ernest Fooks, restored and renovated for contemporary living by today’s creative innovators. Complete with historical overviews and practical considerations for devoted Modernists, this is the ultimate resource for your own renovation project. Patricia Callan, Thames & Hudson, $79.99
NEW DESIGN AND FOOD TOMES TO STOCK THE SHELVES OF YOUR WINTER SANCTUARY.
EDITED BY ELIZABETH CLARKE
THE ARCHITECTURE OF IWAN IWANOFF
Acknowledged as Western Australia’s most famous architect, Bulgarian-born Iwan Iwanoff is known for his Brutalist style, Besser block relief, and innovative use of materials. Immigrating to Australia as a refugee in 1950, he was schooled in the Modernist style and established his practice in Perth in the mid-1960s. He worked prolifically throughout the mid-20th century, designing homes, commercial buildings, and apartments informed by the West Australian climate that are still coveted today and are celebrated in this new book. Warren Andersen, Bossanova Lounge Australia, $65
BOLD: BIG FLAVOUR TWISTS TO CLASSIC DISHES
The colder months call for creativity in the kitchen, and we’re finding inspiration in TV chef and bestselling cookery author Nisha Katona’s beautiful new book. Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with inspiring ingredients that combine to create classic dishes with a twist, from sticky scrumpy, maple and anise BBQ ribs to peppery pink grapefruit pavlovas. Nisha Katona, Penguin, $64.99
CAPE TO BLUFF
From its snow-capped alps to its brisk waters, building a home in Aotearoa, New Zealand, requires imagination and a resourceful approach. Take a walk through some of the country’s most poetic architecture, from a crescent moon-shaped bach (holiday house) in Tutukaka to a bivvy house (a small, bivouac-like home) inspired by a gold miner’s hut overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Simon Devitt, Andrea Stevens, Luke Scott, Thames & Hudson, $79.99
MODERN HERITAGE
RICK STEIN’S SIMPLE SUPPERS
From the bestselling British chef and restaurateur comes this compendium of everyday suppers that are as simple to make as they are delicious. Recipes such as pilaf with buttermilk chicken, pomegranate, wild garlic and broad bean risotto are paired with stories and anecdotes that celebrate the simple things in life. Make it your winter recipe book go-to midweek, weekends, and for special occasions. Rick Stein, Penguin, $59.99
SMALL HOUSE LIVING AUSTRALIA
At a time when house prices are rising and we are increasingly aware of our ecological footprint, living minimally is becoming the way forward. Explore 21 Australian homes, all under 90 sqm, as distinctive as their landscapes. From backyard bunkers to country retreats, each celebrates considered design and the joy of living well with less. Catherine Foster, Penguin, $39.99
Heritage homes, built from the 1920s to the 1940s, brim with charm and character but are not always suited to a contemporary lifestyle. This new book studies 20 homes that have been given a new lease on life with advice from homeowners and architects on how to embark on a heritage renovation and the joy of protecting the legacy of these treasured homes. Cameron Bruhn, Thames & Hudson, $79.99
Arpeggio coffee capsules, $8.20/sleeve, Nespresso. “I get up 30 minutes before the kids to savour my espresso, wake up in my own time and do my Wordle before the crazy school preparation and workday begins.” nespresso.com
Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control, $96, Blanc. “This is the most incredible SPF sun protection that creates gorgeous glowing skin.” blancskin.com.au
My favourite things
SOPHIA BARBAGALLO, PINK TANK EVENTS’ CREATIVE DIRECTOR & TOYBOX AUSTRALIA CO-FOUNDER.
INTERVIEW ELIZABETH CLARKE
Sahara Rug in Grid by Cassina, POA, Mobilia. “This rug brings warmth to our home and is the best cushioning for sitting on the floor, around the coffee table, or playing games with the kids.” mobilia.com.au
Brow Crayon, $38, Alison Jade. “I see Alison Jade Brows for regular eyebrow makeovers and love their Brow Crayon for filling in the gaps. Just this and my tinted SPF, and I'm ready to take on the day.” alisonjade.com.au
Ozwear Ugg Brooklyn Fluff Slide, $198, Ugg. “There is nothing better than getting home at this time of year and throwing on the comfiest slippers.” uggozwear.com
Artist Alesandro Ljubicic. “Alesandro’s paintings evoke the feeling of being bathed in sunshine and are pure joy. You can’t help but smile when you see them.” alesandroljubicic.com
Workwear jacket in denim, $2500, Loewe. “This was a gift and is my favourite go-to jacket because it works for casual or dressier occasions and is super soft. I wear it to death.” loewe.com
Coconut & Cashew with Vanilla, from $5.95, Loco Love. “The most decadent, guilt-free afternoon pickme-up. It is dangerously delicious.” locolove.com
Patek Philippe 5267 Aquanaut, POA, Barbagallo Adnili. “We have the most incredible selection of timepieces at Barbagallo Adnili, but I can’t go past this one. I am obsessed with green and the rubber strap is perfect for practical, everyday glam.” patek.com
Walter George the Adelhills Bengal Cat. “It only took me 14 years and a daughter to convince my husband Troy to get a cat. Wally is the most wonderful, handsome addition to our family and lights up our days with his crazy antics.” bengalcatbreeder.com.au
