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Subtle elegance COLORBOND steel in Surfmist Matt is beautifully simple. When paired with natural stone, and darker green foliage, as seen on The Block, it offers a light and delicate contrast to stronger elements and colours – so you can truly express your style.

Whether it’s colour, finish or the freedom to create, COLORBOND steel Matt provides you with the flexibility to realise your design vision.

Visit COLORBOND.COM/MATT or call 1800 702 764

AS SEEN ON

The COLORBOND steel colour swatch has been reproduced to represent actual product colour as accurately as possible. However, we recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing, as varying light conditions and limitations of the printing process may affect colour tones. COLORBOND , BlueScope and colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. 2019 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.

Gardening leave Green spaces to work and play in

Welcome to

2020

New decade, new decor

SUMMER DAYS with

Magical, MYSTICAL MOROCCO JANUARY $8.50 *NZ$9.50 ( *incl. GST)

Wendy Whiteley Jenny Kee Costa Georgiadis Anna Spiro Matthew Evans Kara Rosenlund

SHOPPING FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS BBQs, furniture, lighting, beach chairs & picnic baskets

kingliving.com 1300 546 438 AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND SINGAPORE MALAYSIA SHANGHAI CANADA

Award-winning Neo The ultimate in contemporary luxury design. Neo, famous for its clean, minimalistic lines makes it the perfect sofa for any home. It’s clever, flexible modular design allows you to reconfigure arms, backs and seats to make the most of your space. This award-winning design offers a deeply comfortable and luxurious seating experience.

FEATURING THE ALL NEW TIMBERLINE 1300 WITH WiFIRE® TECHNOLOGY

Upper floor extension Hardie's Linea weatherboard 180mm Dulux Light Rice â„¢

THE 80s Bungalow to Contemporary Hamptons LOOK A STORY OF RENOVATION TO RELAXATION “When we first bought our house, Joe actually hated it.

It didn’t always look like it does now. It used to be a brick bungalow with a bad 80’s reno but I had the vision of turning it into a Hamptons style home. Thanks to James Hardie’s Scyon™ Linea™ weatherboard, lots of patience and some tears and laughter along the way, we got the forever home we dreamed of, somewhere our kids can always come back to.”

To find out more about upper floor extensions go to jameshardie.com.au

Copyright © 2020 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and ® denotes a trade mark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd.

Welcome to 2020

JANUARY Cover stories

23 Shopping for the great outdoors BBQs, furniture, lighting, beach chairs, picnic baskets 46 Welcome to 2020 New decade, new decor 78 Summer days with Wendy Whiteley, Jenny Kee, Costa Georgiadis, Anna Spiro, Matthew Evans, Kara Rosenlund 145 Gardening leave Green spaces to work and play in 171 Magical, mystical Morocco

Styling by Sophie Wilson. Photograph by Kristina Soljo. Flowers by Poho Flowers.

Decorating & design

23 Outside Interest Impress all-comers with an amazing alfresco space.

35 The Boathouse Interior designer Emma Buchan’s tips for coastal chic.

40 Ask An Expert 42 On Trend: Portugal.

44 On Trend: Limoncello.

46 2020 Future Design Classics

Shopping

51 Let It Out Alfresco entertaining is all in the accessories.

57 Beach Chairs Take a seat.

58 Picnic Baskets 61 Buyer’s Guide Barbecues.

190 Where To Buy Stockists’ details.

Insider

66 Design Moment Thermos.

73 Insider Design news and reviews.

78 That Holiday Feeling Six creatives share their summer loves.

Houses

14 Fine Vintage Inside the glam Sydney apartment of retailers Ben Palmer and Josh Penn.

88 Buena Vista Thanks to a chic renovation, life’s a beach for the owner of this Sydney home.

98 Let There Be Light Working from the inside out was the key to success at this property in Sydney’s east.

106 View Finders The dramatic transformation of a 1920s cottage on Sydney’s Northern Beaches – on time and under budget.

116 Infinite Joy This WA home now matches its spectacular setting.

122 Modern Love A Mid-Century home in Melbourne gets its groove back.

128 Follow The Art A Melbourne abode where small(er) is beautiful.

136 A New Turn In Sydney, heritage requirements led to an out-of-thebox renovation.

184 Busy Beagles 186 The Green House 187 Take Cover Home insurance options decoded.

188 A Room Of One’s Own Smart strategies to help your kids get on the property ladder.

Community

13 Your H&G Readers’ letters.

191 Bauer Media Privacy Notice 194 The Creative Type Florist Nelson Pringle of Bloomey’s.

Subscription offer

60 Subscribe to H&G this month and you will be entered in the draw to win $50,000 cash!

Gardens

145 Living History The fascinating evolution of Cranlana.

152 Cool & Calm The refreshing revamp of one family’s pool area.

154 Live On The Edge Thoughtful design makes the most of a tricky coastal site.

158 Floral And Hardy Waterwise plants.

159 Clippings Garden news and to-dos.

Living

162 Ocean Drive Savour the delights of coastal Victoria.

167 Hit Refresh Summery white wines.

169 On The Road Sibella Court’s guide to Lorne.

171 Rock The Casbah Morocco.

Advice

180 Light Touch Spotlight on the latest outdoor lighting.

On our cover Entertaining is a breeze with this glam kitchen, just one of the fabulous spaces in interior designer Annie Benjamin’s own home in Sydney’s east. Turn to page 88 for more. Styling by Kate Nixon. Photograph

by Jason Busch.

EDITOR’S LETTER H G

“APART from my usual notes-to-self, a recurring New Year’s resolution is to make my HOME into nirvana.”

Hair & makeup by Sam Powell. Photograph by Kristina Soljo. Artwork by Joshua Yeldham.

B

y the time you read this, the frenetic festive-season activity will be over and you can relax and contemplate what’s in store for 2020. New Year’s resolutions reach fever pitch when accompanied by the dawn of a new decade and the H&G team and I have been writing and reviewing our must–do lists for 2020. Apart from my usual New Year notes-to-self – do more yoga, read more (that is, finish the 20 books I started this year), eat more fish and less French cheese, consume fewer drinks beginning with c (coffee, Champagne and chardonnay) and try not to get so worked up about things – a recurring resolution is to make my home into nirvana. All needs will be met when the vision is achieved and it will spark joy every day. I think this is all part of a property-renovating/decorating condition that afflicts many and is difficult to cure. I have succumbed on many occasions!

If a renovation, build or move is on the cards for 2020, the beautiful refurbishment of interior designer Annie Benjamin’s Sydney home will provide plenty of inspiration. Her kitchen (featured on the cover) manages to satisfy the quest for classic and modern through savvy use of strong colour, elegant joinery and slick finishes. In WA’s south-west, a couple has achieved their ultimate abode on a two-hectare site with sweeping views of Geographe Bay and the surrounding bushland.

As owner Polly says: “We wouldn’t change a thing”. She and her husband have clearly found the cure for property wanderlust!

Our gardens editor, Elizabeth Wilson, visited Cranlana in Melbourne, the stunning former home of department store founder Sidney Myer and his wife Merlyn. Its parklike gardens are exquisitely kept and it continues to provide plenty of pleasure for many. A project by Think Outside Gardens shows what can be achieved in contemporary style.

If more travel is on your list for 2020 our story on magical, mystical Morocco will have you packing your bags. Closer to home, stylist Sibella Court takes a road trip down the Great Ocean Road to Lorne.

Speaking of driving... I had a glimpse of the future as part of the judging panel of the WhichCar awards when I drove the new Tesla with my colleague, Inside Out editor Eliza O’Hare. Its elegant exterior gave no clue to the sparse interior: simple veneer dashboard and an oversized screen completed the vehicular decor. Very The Jetsons! Welcome to 2020.

Tanya Buchanan, editor in chief TOP PICKS

Tanya’s top five

SIP

SERVE

Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grande Dame’ Champagne, $282; www.veuveclicquot.com.

Long Courrier porcelain bowls, from $35; www. robertplumb.com.au.

READ

Joan Didion: The 1960s & 1970s book, $67.99 (Library of America).

DRIVE

SCENT

Model 3 Performance electric car, Tesla; www.tesla.com.au.

Carrière Frères ‘Tiare’ fragrance diffuser, $89; agencedeparfum.com.au.

EDITORIAL Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan Creative director Antonietta Panuccio Deputy editor & travel John McDonald Interiors & houses Kate Nixon Homes group coordinator Matilda Ringrose ART & STYLE Art director Shayne Burton Junior designer Sophie Wilson Image retoucher/designer Matus Kundrat Style editors Sarah Maloney and Ashley Pratt

recycle

FEATURES & COPY Senior features editors Elizabeth Wilson and Sarah Pickette Content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar CONTRIBUTORS

Kate Barber, Emma Buchan, Jason Busch, Sibella Court, Roger Crosthwaite, Tom Ferguson, Anna Flanders, Alice Flynn, Nic Gossage, Simon Griffiths, Chelsea Hing, Janice Hogg, Maree Homer, Stephanie Hope, Olga Lewis, Shannon McGrath, Georgia Madden, Jack Milenkovic, Paul Myers, Judy Pascoe, Toni Paterson, Chris Pearson, Dion Robeson, Sara Sleeman, Anson Smart, Josie Smith, Kristina Soljo, Rhiannon Taylor, Nate Vella, Helen Young ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Homes commercial manager Rhonda Maunder (02) 9282 8687 Homes brand manager Kimberly Anderson (02) 9338 6103 Advertising production manager Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 Victoria, SA & WA sales director Jaclyn Clements (03) 9823 6341 Director of sales, NSW Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 Victoria head of direct sales Will Jamison (03) 9823 6301 Queensland head of sales Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 New Zealand enquiries +61 2 9282 8505 General manager – production services Ian McHutchison Production controller Sally Jefferys Advertising production controller Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 Senior event manager Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342

create

At elho we use recycled plastic to create beautiful designer pots.

Surround yourself with greenery, it will make you happy!

elho.com

MARKETING & CIRCULATION Marketing director Louise Cankett Senior marketing manager Jillian Hogan Circulation manager Nicole Pearson Subscriptions campaign manager Jesvin Vincent Brand manager Sarah Webster Marketing enquiries homes@bauer-media.com.au BAUER MEDIA CORPORATE Chief executive officer Brendon Hill Chief financial officer Andrew Stedwell Executive general manager – publishing & digital operations Sarah-Belle Murphy Associate publisher Shane Sutton Commercial director Paul Gardiner Acting head retail ^ circulation Andrew Cohn General manager – subscriptions & e-commerce Sean McLintock Business manager Georgina Bromfield Syndications syndication@bauer-media.com.au SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES

Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone 136 116 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm AEDST) Web magshop.com.au All other Australian House & Garden enquiries: (02) 9282 8456

Published by Bauer Media Pty Limited (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN is the property of Bauer Media Pty Ltd and is used under licence. © 2019. All rights reserved. Printed by Ovato, 31-37 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW 2170. National distribution by Gordon and Gotch Australia Pty Ltd. 1300 650 666. ISSN 0004-931X. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Bauer Media Pty Ltd does not accept responsibility for damage to or loss of freelance material submitted for publication. Allow several weeks for acceptance or return. For enquiries regarding subscriptions, call 136 116 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm AEDST, email magshop@magshop.com.au or mail letters to: Australian House & Garden, Reply Paid 3508, Sydney, NSW 2001 or subscribe online at magshop.com.au/ hg. Subscription rate*: Australia $79.99 (one year, 12 issues); NZ A$120 (one year, 12 issues); other countries A$180 (one year, 12 issues). All overseas subscriptions sent air speed. *Recommended price, Australian House & Garden.

LETTERS H G

H&G social

The posts that made your month.

Facebook

Your H&G This year’s Christmas issue was – as always – a delight!

For me, the highlight was the Mornington Peninsula garden (Beach Beauty); I later watched the segment about it on ABC’s Dream Gardens – it was so interesting to see it all come alive. One of the homeowners mentioned that he adores just watching the native grasses moving in the breeze. This is what a beautiful garden does: it lets us take stock of what beauty is, whether it be a wave about to break or grasses bending in the breeze.

Catherine Youngberry, Mackay, Queensland

Instagram

Pinterest

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

A tranquil Melbourne home found fans on Facebook, an award-winning tropical garden had Instagrammers green with envy, and this beautifully feminine bathroom took top honours on Pinterest.

Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to our favourite home tours.

Instagram @houseandgarden View the most inspirational images of the month from H&G HQ and out and about.

Pinterest pinterest.com.au/ houseandgardenau Picture-perfect images from our pages and sensational products to covet.

For weekly news and inspiration, subscribe to our free e-newsletter at newsletter.houseandgardenmag.com.au.

Wall story

Friends forever

When viewing the interior of the house that would become our home, I remarked “that red feature wall will have to go”. Five years on, we are still living with it because I couldn’t visualise what should replace it.

Then I had a light bulb moment while re-reading the August issue, which had the complimentary gift wrap still attached.

I took said wrapping paper [designed by Diane Bergeron] out of the magazine, stuck it on the wall and that was it.

In the middle of the wall there is a large window with white trim, which I intend to frame with green and white wallpaper.

We live in a country area and, as you can imagine, the view out of the window is brown and crisp. I think the green and white wallpaper will look smart and create a cool space to come home to.

Thank you for the lovely gift of the paper but also for inspiring me to think of wallpaper.

Kathryn Joel, Gatton, Queensland

My wife and I began reading H&G when we bought our first home 35 years ago – we were desperate for renovating and decorating ideas. We are now in our third home, a townhouse on the Mornington Peninsula. After 10 years here, we’re thinking of changing things up. We want our home to better reflect our personalities and, to some extent, current trends. So where do we turn?

Our trusty friend H&G. We welcome a new issue into our home every month – and we are never disappointed!

Michael Bowden, Rosebud, Victoria

Design of the times My first introduction to Top 50 Rooms (November) was while reading H&G in a doctor’s waiting room. Since then, Top 50 Rooms has become a highlight in my year.

I always make sure I get it and often buy extra copies to add to presents for friends.

Rhonda Kennedy, Wandina, WA

WRITE IN TO WIN

The author of each letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a prize. This month, Catherine Youngberrry receives an Access Steam Care handheld steamer, valued at $169.95, from Tefal; www.tefal.com.au. Email your letter to H&G@bauer-media.com.au or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include your full name and address.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G at home with

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Fine vintage

Thanks to a Hamptons-inspired renovation, this Art Deco apartment in Sydney is perfectly poised for a fabulous future.

STO RY John McDonald | ST Y L IN G Ashley Pratt P HOTO G RAPHY Kristina Soljo

LIVING Toy Maltese Benji makes himself comfortable on a Duchess salon chair from Ralph Lauren.

Calacatta marble was imported from Italy and carved into a fire surround by a local artisan; it was so heavy that the floor needed to be reinforced. Jamaica salon sofa, Chatsworth ottoman and Daniela lamp, all Ralph Lauren. Rug, Cadrys. Throw, Bemboka. The artwork above the mantel is a poster for the Louis Vuitton Sailing Cup. Artwork above sofa by Tom Everhart.

B

en Palmer and his partner Josh Penn bought their apartment, a three-bedroom Art Deco abode, in 2016. At 200m2, it was larger than their previous place and had sublime harbour views. The originalperiodfeatures,including3.2m-highceilings,alsoappealed.

“It was flooded with light and felt wonderfully serene, but the interiors were extremely tired,” says Ben. At the time, the couple were expecting a child – son Brooklyn, now two – so renovating was a priority.

Theirplanwas tobring the 1930s apartmentinto the 21st century without losing any of its Art Deco character. “The overall layout wasn’t too bad, but a few spaces needed reconfiguring – the two bathrooms, in particular, were awkwardly designed. We were desperate for a new kitchen too,” says Ben. “I love Hamptons/coastal style and am a huge admirer of Ralph Lauren, so that influenced the overall look and feel of the apartment.”

The couple called on interior designer Deanne Rooz of Rooz+Rooz Design to help with tweaks to the floor plan, including straightening some misalignedwallsandreinforcingthefloorinthelivingroomtoaccommodate a marble fire surround. Ben, who co-0wns local furniture and homewares retailer Palmer & Penn, was in a position to deck out the apartment himself, including plenty of his favourite pieces by Ralph Lauren.

Sophistication begins at the front door. The entry foyer features new timberflooring, laid inachevronpattern,and an array ofbeautifulantiques – an heirloom inlay cabinet and sparkling chandelier to name just two.

“We planned to have the chevron flooring throughout, but the cost >

BALCONY Proud dads Ben (left) and Josh with their son Brooklyn. Bougainvillea frames the view.

FOYER Antique chandelier. The inlay cabinet is a family piece. Eichholtz table, James Said.

Flowers by Mr Cook (throughout). SHELVES This bookcase, in the living room, houses special pieces the couple have collected on their travels.

at home with H G

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H G at home with

DINING Ralph Lauren tableware and extension dining table, Palmer & Penn.

KITCHEN The original kitchen was replaced with a bespoke design, including an ornate rangehood cover that references the period of the building. BALCONY The home’s priceless views. BROOKLYN’S ROOM Hot-air balloon decorations, Adrienne

& The Misses Bonney. Merced glider chair and Blythe convertible cot, both Pottery Barn Kids. Giraffe, Melissa & Doug. MAIN BEDROOM Armchair and ottoman, both Coco Republic. Ralph Lauren bedside table, bed and sconces. Bedlinen, Sheridan.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

was prohibitive so we kept the parquetry to the entrance to create a grand first impression,” says Ben. To the left of the foyer are separate living and dining rooms, the latter with direct access to the balcony. To the right of the foyer is the kitchen and a hall leading to the three bedrooms (two with ensuites) and a family bathroom. Each room is beautifully decorated, with elegant tailoring and a classic blue-and-white palette delivering on sophistication and the desired timeless feel.

“It’s exactly as we envisioned,” says Ben. “It looks clean and fresh, > but the original details still have presence. It’s designed to last.”

Rooz+Rooz Design, Dover Heights, NSW; (02) 9371 1122 or www.rooz.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G AT HOME WITH

LIFE & ST YLE Ben shares some firsts and favourite things.

“ W E L OV E G O I N G F O R FA M I LY WA L K S A R O U N D T H E B AY W I T H O U R D O G .”

two-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s bustling Rushcutters Bay. It was decorated in a luxe New York style with geometric patterns and sleek modern furniture.

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT? Bert’s Bar & Brasserie in Newport, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

The decor is fabulous – inspired by the grand hotels of the 1930s – and the food and wines are amazing.

RECENT PURCHASE FOR YOUR HOME?

A Ralph Lauren commode for our bedroom. We ran out of storage space very quickly so this was as much a practical purchase as a beautiful investment.

FAVOURITE COLOUR COMBINATION? Blue, grey and white.

WHICH CREATIVES INSPIRE YOU? Definitely [interior designer] Thomas Hamel. He has nailed the classic American look I love (right).

FAVOURITE ARTISTS? I can’t get enough of Damien Hirst at the moment (bottom left).

WHAT ARE YOU READING READING RIGHT NOW?

Michelle Obama’s autobiography, Becoming.

AND LISTENING TO? The Saxtribution playlist on Apple Music. It features beautiful covers of all the popular songs.

FAVOURITE MOVIES? Anything James Bond.

FAVOURITE FAMILY ACTIVITY?

We love going for walks around the bay with our dog. We usually end up at the park.

NUMBER-ONE SCENT? Eight & Bob Cap D’Antibes reminds me of holidays on the French Riviera.

FAVOURITE FLOWERS? I love all flowers but orchids are up the top of my list.

NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Skiing with the family in St Moritz (top right). When we’re not skiiing, we’ll be taking in the amazing scenery.

The town’s old-world hotels are inspiring too. #

FAVO U R I T E C O L O U R C O M B I N AT I O N ? B LU E , G R E Y A N D W H I T E .

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Styling by Kate Nixon (living room). Photography by Kristina Soljo (family), Chris Warnes (living room) & Alamy (St Moritz, artwork).

OUR FIRST (ADULT) HOME WAS… A beautiful

Bernard Dining Table with Mona Chairs

SYDNEY 02 9906 3686

BRISBANE 07 3252 8488

MITTAGONG 02 4872 2585

sales@cotswoldfurniture.com.au - www.cotswoldfurniture.com.au

Styling by Ashley Pratt & Sarah Maloney. Photograph by Nic Gossage.

Porter’s Paints. Numbers & Letters terracotta house numbers, $70 each, and Lepaar Luxe 20m garden hose with hook, $320, all Robert Plumb.

ON FLOOR From left Odemis urn, $395, spider plant, $40, Indo timber rice pounder, $575 each, Crassula minima plant, $195, and Terrafirma barrel planter, $195, all Garden Life. Hardie Deck fibre-cement decking in Shale Grey, $110/m², Hardie Deck.

TA K E I T O U T S I D E

D e c or at i ng

ON WALL Weatherboards painted Ultra Flat Acrylic in Squid Ink, $118/4L,

Stylists’ assistants Kate Lincoln, Kerri-Ann Kennedy, Jessica Panetta, Christina Parass & Jade Vong.

H G decorating

Outside I N T E R E S T Set the scene for a relaxing summer with these cool, casual and comfortable pieces for outdoor areas.

P R O D U C E D BY Sarah Maloney | ST Y LI NG Sarah Maloney & Ashley Pratt P HOTOG R A P HY Nic Gossage

Contour dining table with timber top, $2995, Cotswold InOut Furniture.

Marco outdoor dining chairs, $295 each, Coco Republic. Dedon ‘Cirql’ dining armchair, $2585, Cosh Living. Cereus forbesii cactus, $295, Garden Life. Allia concrete planter, $325, Coco Republic. ON TABLE From left Teucrium fruticans plant, $75, and Terrafirma barrel planter, $75, both Garden Life. Morgan & Finch ‘Carlisle’ polyester napkin in Brick, $24.95/ four, and rattan napkin ring, $3.95, both Bed Bath N’ Table. Rock resin bowl in Snow Swirl, $180, Dinosaur Designs. Britannia Observant high bowl, $565, Janus et Cie. Maarten Baas brass cutlery, $210/place setting, Spence & Lyda. Moroccan blown-glass tumblers, $6.50 each, Saardé.

Rock resin jug, $255, Dinosaur Designs. ON WALL Diamond 1 exterior wall light, $119, Beacon Lighting. Wall painted Eggshell Acrylic in Rubble, $57/L, Porter’s Paints. ON FLOOR Bahamas indoor/outdoor rug (3x2m), $1995, Coco Republic. OPPOSITE Kuba cotton napkin in Mushroom, $52/four, Walter G. All other items as before. >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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FROM LEFT Aloe ‘Copper Shower’ plant,

$145, Garden Life x Adam Goodrum ‘Coil’ planter, $1450, and Philodendron ‘Hope’ plant, $95, all Garden Life. Esedra Collection ‘Divano’ fibre-weave 3-seater sofa with acrylic upholstery, $8490, Fanuli. Jute ottoman, $190, Cotswold InOut Furniture. Verona concrete coffee table, $695, Coco Republic.

Glazed Egg planter, $145, Garden Life. Kun design ‘Nest’ high-back indoor/outdoor lounge chair, $1575, Domo. ON SOFA From left Mudcloth cushion in Ochre, $145, Zohi Interiors. Kett Studio solution-dyed acrylic cushion in Canvas Mandarin, $149, Cosh Living. Umbria outdoor cushion, $135, Coco Republic. ON COFFEE TABLE From left Ivona glass vase, $119, Inartisan. Rhipsalis plant, $30, and terracotta drum pot, $155, both Garden Life. Seasons Rustic Weave olefin-polypropylene indoor/outdoor rug in Gun Metal (2.5x3.5m), $2194, Cadrys.

Wall painted Eggshell Acrylic in Rubble, $57/L, Porter’s Paints. >

decorating H G

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H G decorating

FROM LEFT Calypso King Rope side table with glass top, $490, King Living. Britannia Reverent fine bone china vase, $730, and Britannia Accordion porcelain vase, $255, both Janus et Cie. Ribbon metal and timber chaise, $2500, and seat pad/head rest in Westbury ‘Linen Driftwood’, $195, both Robert Plumb. Kett Studio solution-dyed acrylic cushion in Merlot, $149, Cosh Living. Emin seagrass cushion, $199, Inartisan. St Tropez raffia slides, $89, Posse. Garlic basket, $363, Zohi Interiors. Crassula minima plant, $195, Terrafirma barrel planter, $195, Dracaena marginata plant, $275, and Indo clay water jar, $895, all Garden Life. Dune Weave recycled-PET rugs in Ash/Oatmeal (left) and Coal/Limestone (2x3m), $1490 each, Armadillo & Co. >

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

There’s no deck that creates an outdoor room quite like HardieDeck™ decking. Providing a clean look with smooth, wide gap-free boards, it also gives you freedom of colour choice. Made from premium fibre cement, it’s perfect for bushfire zones, backyard barbies and fire pits. It won’t rot, warp or splinter, so sit back and relax. If you want to make sure your deck makes an impression this summer, rethink traditional decking options and ask for HardieDeck™ decking by name.

Discover more at hardiedeck.com.au

Copyright ©2020 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and © denotes a trademark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd.

FROM LEFT Riva 1920 ‘Squeeze’ cedar stool, $1740, Fanuli. Morgan & Finch ‘Milano’

linen napkin, $39.95/four, and Elegant glass tumbler, $5.95, both Bed Bath N’ Table.

Cereus forbesii cactus, $295, Glazed Egg planter, $145, Dracaena marginata plant, $275, and Duralite Egg planter in $155, all Garden Life. Murray Rose outdoor shower, $1573, Robert Plumb. Vintage wash Turkish towel in Tobacco, $79, Saardé. Illum outdoor lounger, $4730, and Kett Studio Sunbrella cushion in Clay, $144, both Cosh Living.

Ningaloo olefin cushion cover in Pumice, $143, No Chintz. Peggy outdoor towel rack, $295, Robert Plumb. Take Me Anywhere panama hat, $285, Sarah J Curtis. Ficus longifolia plant, $75, Garden Life. Hardie Deck fibre-cement decking in Shale Grey, $110/m², Hardie Deck. >

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Love your sofa or your money back

Not all sofas are made equal. At Plush we want you to love your new sofa or we will give you your money back. We call this our ‘Change of Heart Guarantee’.^ We give you three whole days to get acquainted and if you don’t love your sofa for any reason, we’ll take it back and refund you in full or you can swap it for another sofa from our range.

It’s just one more reason you can trust the Sofa Specialists.

Visit a Plush Showroom or shop online today. ^Terms and conditions apply.

Visit one of our 43 Showrooms

Speak with a Specialist 1300 709 762

Shop Online plush.com.au

H G DECORATING

FROM TOP LEFT Fabric samples, Cosh Living. Britannia Accordion

porcelain votive, $205/pair, Janus et Cie. Modern brass LED house number, $97.35, Luxello. Iron and mangowood garden tool set, $39, Saarde. STONE SURFACE SAMPLES Clockwise from bottom left Milkwood limestone cobblestones, $200/m², Eggshell pebble, $33.30/20kg bag, Bokra Freeform limestone walling, $144.45/m², Luca split-stone cobblestone, $202/m², Bodega Freefom limestone walling, $161.60/m², and Milkwood limestone cobblestone, $200/ m², Anvil pebble, $33.30/20kg bag, Eden pebble, $33.30/20kg bag, and Arctic limestone pebbles, $33.30/20kg bag, all Eco Outdoor. Hardie Deck fibre-cement decking in Shale Grey, $110/m², Hardie Deck. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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decorating H G

Weatherboards painted Porter’s Paints Squid Ink. Wall lights, Beacon Lighting.

The Boathouse

taking cues from picturesque coastal villages in europe, interior designer Emma Buchan restored a dilapidated beach house in Sydney’s south to its former glory – and then some. Here’s how...

P R O DU C E D BY Kate Nixon | PHOTOGR AP HY Kristina Soljo

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Dining table, sofa, coffee table and wall shelves, all custom-made by Two Acres.

Malawi dining chairs, available from Interiors Online. White pendant lights, Papaya. Scribble pendant lights, Cult. Bonita open-weave pendant light, Darcy Clarke. The ceiling beams are made from reclaimed oregon. Curtains in Rossetti Fabrics ‘Bianca’ by Fybre Furnishing Solutions. Kitchen benchtop in Smartstone Carrara.

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DECORATING H G 1

Design tip Consider tone – warm (yellow or red) or cool (blue or grey) – as well as colour. Build interest in the room by varying hues within that spectrum.

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BAREFOOT LUXURY

Raw and recycled materials help create a relaxed and warm interior. Here, ceiling beams and custom furniture are made from oregon reclaimed from a railway station in Adelaide.

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PERFECTLY FORMED

Custom joinery and furnishings are a godsend when space is tight.

Here, the in-line kitchen allowed for roomier living and dining areas.

Pendant lights are used to demarcate the different zones.

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7 1 Coco Wicker Weave pendant light, $265, Temple & Webster.

2 Palm Beach velvet indoor/outdoor cushion cover, $44.95, Willow Home & Living. 3 Quay outdoor chair, from $625, King Living. 4 Bold Skipping Stone resin vase, $240, Dinosaur Designs. 5 David Collins stoneware teapot, $155, Planet.

6 Floral Ikat cotton fabric, $75/m, No Chintz. 7 Belmont dining

table with recycled-pine top (2.2m), $999, Early Settler. >

H G DECORATING 1

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SINGLE MINDED

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A restrained colour palette can be really effective, especially in a compact space. Here, touches of blue, in various shades, complement the neutrals and create a nautical theme that’s far from kitsch.

PATTERN PRIMER

Mixing and matching patterns prevents a room looking staged.

Start with a feature fabric or wallpaper and work back with less detailed designs. Be sure to include some plains for breathing space. #

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Design tip Robust materials, inside and out, are essential beside the seaside.

Timber is a good choice for furniture; linen is fab for soft furnishings.

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TOP Custom wall shelves by Two Acres. Pendant lights, Papaya. ABOVE LEFT Artworks, all from Quercus & Co. ABOVE RIGHT Interior designer Emma Buchan.

Walls painted Dulux Whisper White. LEFT From top 1 Lace rattan pendant light, $229, Milly+Eugene. 2 Lounge porthole mirror, $379, Temple & Webster. 3 Menu glass bottle carafe with brass lid, $104, Designstuff. 4 Chunky jute rug (149x80cm), $88, Rug.com.au. 5 Amalfi linen fabric in Taupe, POA, Westbury Textiles. 6 Vintage Sumatran teak bowl, $100, Orient House. 7 Home Republic ‘Aegean’ ceramic vase, $30, Adairs. 8 Four-box meranti shadow box shelves, $222, Senkki Furniture.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

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H G DECORATING

Fresh ideas & easy updates

Ask an expert

DR E A M W E AV E S With wicker furnishings, bringing the outdoors in is a breeze, writes Kate Nixon.

✚ Introduce texture through readily updated accessories such as trays, table lamps, baskets and boxes. ✚ Embrace curves – think round side tables and pedestal dining tables, ottomans, and armchairs. ✚ Balance the organic texture of wicker with smooth concrete, natural stone and plush upholstery. ✚ Look for modern mixed-material detailing such as brass feet and powercoated-steel framing.

Team woven pieces with contrasting textures such as marble or velvet for an elegant finish.

Colombo dining chairs, $425 each, Coco Republic.

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Woven wonders

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he rise and rise of natural fibres in our homes speaks to a shifting desire for space and simplicity, an earthy, grounded aesthetic that honours the colours, curves and textures found in nature. Wicker – the name for the weaving of materials such as cane (rattan), bamboo, reed, willow, and, more recently, synthetic fibres – dates back to the Sumerian civilisation of 4000BC. Inherently robust, it’s perfect for coastal climates, with enduring appeal across a multitude of design styles. Whether accessory, hero or occasional piece, there’s a form to fit your summer refresh. # Send decor questions (with name and address) to H&G Advice, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 or email H&G@bauer-media.com.au.

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1 Wrapped Rope stool/side table, $1435, Boyd Blue. 2 Wicked

synthetic-wicker lounge chair, $1910, Cotswold InOut Furniture.

3 Seville rattan lantern, $149, Domayne. 4 Seagrass ottoman, $269, Oz Design Furniture. 5 Strada JANUSfibre dining table, with ceramic top, $28,301, Janus et Cie. 6 Esedra outdoor

armchair, $3090, Fanuli. For Where to Buy, see page 190.

OR TRY THESE…

Domo Exclusive stockist of Sika Designs; domo.com.au. Cosh Living Home to Tribú, Manutti and Dedon; coshliving.com.au.

Cromwell Australia The place to source US brand Tommy Bahama; cromwellaustralia.com.au. King Living Local designer pieces; kingliving.com.au. Provincial Home Living Afforable rattan pieces; provincialhomeliving.com.au.

Follow Kate on Instagram @katenixon_busatti.

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Rethink TV

Designed by Bouroullec and powered by Samsung QLED technology, The Serif is both stylish in design and stunning in picture quality. With its iconic I-shaped profle, The Serif beautifully integrates into your personal style and interior dĂŠcor.

Transform the blank screen with Ambient Mode using The Serif exclusive Bouroullec palette. And with a detachable metal foor stand and harmonious 360° design, you now have the freedom to place your TV anywhere in your living space.

samsung.com/au/theserif

H G DECORATING

On trend

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PORT UG A L An intriguing blend of old world and new, Portuguese style really delivers on rustic charm.

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1 Fliegenbein floor lamp with silk shade, $4365, Great Dane; greatdanefurniture.com. 2 Stoneware lamp base, $299, and Hexagonal linen lampshade, $189, both House of Orange; houseoforange.com.au. 3 Tully teak bookcase, $4145, Globe West; globewest.com.au. 4 Mali ceramic platter, $125, Coco Republic; cocorepublic.com.au. 5 Fibonacci Anda Janusfibre lounge chair, $6240, Janus et Cie; janusetcie.com.

6 Flexform ‘Guscio’ three-seater sofa, POA, Fanuli; fanuli.com.au. 7 Natalie Rosin ‘Wave’ ceramic vase, $280, Jardan; jardan.com.au. 8 Vintage Razer oak chair by Henning Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, $3067/set of six, Pamono; www.pamono.com. 9 Sycamore timber side table, $2415, Boyd Blue; boydblue.com. 10 Gather Co ‘Malina Parquet’ reclaimed-terracotta tiles, $220/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles; dilorenzo.com.au.

11 Zulu wool rug (2x3m), $2300, Armadillo & Co; armadillo-co.com. #

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Produced by Kate Nixon & Sarah Maloney. Photography by Rodrigo Cardoso/Hotel Lisboa (main image) and courtesy of Pamono and Design Classique (8).

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inspired by nature, crafted by hand

H G DECO ATING

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On trend

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Evoking summer on the Med, this bold hue brings a ray of sunshine into the home.

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1 Riviera polyester outdoor cushion, $54, Domayne. 2 Birdcabin timber and steel bird house, $253, Tait. 3 Muuto ‘Unfold’ rubber pendant light, $298, Top3 by Design. 4 Sunny Marbella polyester market umbrella in Yellow & White Stripe (2m canopy), $199, Temple & Webster. 5 Riverstone resin necklace in Honeycomb, $310, Dinosaur Designs. 6 Teas & Cs Contessa porcelain 19.5cm plate, $12.95, Maxwell & Williams. 7 Borosilicate mug, $45, Hay. 8 Amari rattan dining table, $5303.10, Janus et Cie. 9 Sommar 2019 galvanised-steel plant pot, $2, Ikea. 10 Sony SRSVB01Y water-resistant bluetooth speaker, $24, Officeworks. 11 Living Divani ‘Neowall’ 3-seater sofa, from $9455, Space. 12 DeLonghi ‘Icona Capitals’ 1.7L electric kettle, $129, Harvey Norman. 13 FAB28RG1 256L fridge, $2072, Smeg. 14 Volley outdoor chairs by Adam Goodrum, $1135 each, Tait.

For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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Produced by Shayne Burton.

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GIVE THEM SOMETHING THEY WILL LOVE

LUMAS Gallery Melbourne - 597 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121

ART NOW HAS A NEW HOME.

LUMAS.COM.AU

FEDERICO NAEF Penny & Wuffye Global edition of 150, handsigned & numbered, 90 x68 cm From $1,449

BER LIN · LONDON · NE W YOR K · PAR IS · VIENNA · MELBOURNE

2020 Future Design Classics

Beautiful pieces that stand the test of time are always a wise investment.

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ZAZA SOFA

Designed by Australian designer Charles Wilson for King Living, this elegant sofa is also supremely versatile, with adjustable arms, backrests and multiple conďŹ gurations.

From $5412 for 3-seater sofa. kingliving.com.au

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Polar desk lamp

From Ross Gardam, a super-cool space-age table lamp. A paintedceramic disc is mounted atop an unglazed ceramic base for contrast. The disc can be rotated to direct light or shade. Available in Polar White, Dusk Pink or Midnight Blue; $938. rossgardam.com.au

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BOW CHAIR Named for its slender arching backrest, the Bow Chair is a masterpiece in shaped timber by Sydney industrial designer Tom Fereday for DesignByThem.

From $1595; designbythem.com.

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ARTE COFFEE TABLE

The Arte coffee table by Jardan makes a bold statement. The tabletop is hewn from American oak, but it’s the distinctive terrazzo legs that set it apart from the pack. $2544 (AE107H); jardan.com.au.

DESIGN H G

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Knighthood storage unit

PROMETHEUS LIGHTS

Designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Zuster, this three-shelf American-oak unit has a striking chiselled frame and quartz set into the bevelled handle. It can be adapted for wine storage. $8500; zuster.com.au.

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Gleaming natural quartz crystals on metal ‘haloes’ are the hallmark of Prometheus, a striking collection from Melbourne firm Christopher Boots. Prometheus I’s crystals point heavenwards; Prometheus II’s point to Earth. From $6785.90 each; christopherboots.com.

7 Seymour chair

Another gem by Charles Wilson for King Living, Seymour is quite possibly the best seat in the house.

Low chair with fixed base (pictured), from $1768; swivel base and varying back heights available. kingliving.com.au

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TEMPLE PLATE

Dinosaur Designs is well known for its resin homewares and jewellery lines. All items are handcrafted, including the beautiful Temple plate, and no two are exactly alike. In a range of sizes and colours. Large Temple plate, $110; dinosaurdesigns.com.au.

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WOODEN HAMMOCK

This award-winning creation by Adam Cornish has to be the most amazing hammock ever designed. Plywood slats are connected with rubber ‘vertebrae’ to mimic the human form. From $3900; adamcornish.com. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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ERTÉ RUG

Internationally renowned Australian interior designer Greg Natale has produced a new eight-design collection, Geo Deco, for Designer Rugs. Erté, an ode to Art Deco with bold graphics and mixed pile heights, is simply splendid. $5940 (2.4x3m); designerrugs.com.au.

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UP-DOWN PENDANT LIGHT

A twist on classic industrial style from Melbourne’s Ben-Tovim Design, the Up-Down height-adjustable pendant features a metal dome light counterbalanced by a decorative weight – a hunk of obsidian, river stone, marble or metallic objects. $1530; b-td.com.

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Oriental Palm wallpaper

Sydney-based Bethany Linz designs lots of lovely textiles and wallpapers.

The silhouetted palm-leaf design with a stone-look backround for Milton & King (above) is sure to make an impact. $332/two 10m rolls; miltonandking.com.

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LEATHER BENCH & SCULPTURE

Belgium’s Studio LoHo handcrafted these intricate yet informal leather pieces, which were shown at the 2019 Collectible design fair in Brussels. studioloho.com

SAMSUNG THE SERIF

Television reimagined as a work of art by French design studio Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec.

The state-of-the-art 4K QLED TV looks equally beautiful on or off. From $1599 for a 43in model. samsung.com/au

DESIGN H G

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TRILOGY WALL SCONCE

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Featuring a trio of Fizi blown-glass orbs mounted on stately brass rods, this beauty from Articolo Lighting brings understated elegance to a space. $6300; articololighting.com.

Triple Kick suspension light

Melbourne’s Volker Haug Studio specialises in dramatic, sculptural lighting. Triple Kick is part of a modular collection in polished or bronzed brass and enamelled steel. $2777.50; volkerhaug.com.

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ETO SELECT DESK

This neat workstation by Tom Feredayy for King Living features integrated power and lighting, wireless charging for devices and isi crafted ft d ffrom FSC timber veneers in a choicee of three finishes. $1690; kinngliving.com.au.

18 WINE CUP

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VOLLEY ROCKER

Clean lines and a tennis net-inspired mesh seat make the Volley Rocker by Adam Goodrum for Tait a sure-fire winner. $1771; madebytait.com.au.

Limoges clay has been moulded into a delicate porcelain vessel for wine (or other beverages) by Mud Australia. $54; mudaustralia.com.

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NEW VOLUMES ‘WYRIE’ DINING TABLE

Nick Rennie takes Greek Elba marble slabs and carves out a powerfully beautiful form in his New Volumes collection for Artedomus. $24,995; artedomus.com. # AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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FURNITURE & HOMEWARES | INTERIOR DESIGN | PROPERTY STYLING | DESIGN SCHOOL WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.COM.AU

Styling by Sophie Wilson. Photography Kristina Soljo.

Monaco concrete coffee table, $995, and Paolo leather cushion, $175, both Coco Republic. Bench seat cushion in outdoor linen fabric in Elephant Grey, $100/m, Eco Outdoor. Harbour 2-light up/down sconces, $139 each, Beacon Lighting. St Vincent aluminium and wicker outdoor lounge chair, $995, Coco Republic. Città Design ‘Stevie’ wool-linen throw, $179, Trit House.

Home Republic ‘Jasper’ timber planter, $60, Adairs. Belize polypropylene rug in Blue Diamond (330x240cm), $361, Miss Amara. ON TABLE Clockwise from right Globe crystalline Champagne flutes, $99.95/pair, Wedgwood. Rock resin bowls, $75 each (small) and $280 (large), and Flow resin dessert bowl in Dark Turquoise, $88, all Dinosaur Designs. Speckled Raku stoneware vessel, $360, Jardan. Flowers from Poho Flowers. Wall painted ID Advanced in Earth Child, $71.90/4L, Wattyl (throughout).

LIT TLE THINGS THAT MAKE LIFE L OVELIER

Shoppi ng

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT

O

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I T T E

UT Everything you need for alfresco entertaining is right here.

Stylist’s assistants Nonci Nyoni & Nate Vella.

STY LIN G Sophie Wilson | P H OTO G R A P H Y Kristina Soljo F LOW E R S Poho Flowers

SHOPPING H G Fringed linen pendant light, $249, Aura Home. Lorenzo aluminium outdoor dining table, $799, Domayne. Bobby metal stool in White, $515, DesignByThem. Kylix stoneware side table in Denim, $1865.60, Janus et Cie. Heaven steel dining chair, $649, Eco Outdoor. ON TABLE From left Poseidon blown-glass tumblers, $100/six, Jardan. Rock resin jug, $255, Dinosaur Designs. Home Republic ‘Pesce’ ceramic dipping bowls, $8 each, Adairs. Kali stoneware dinner plates, $79/four, Aura Home. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left Aalto glass vase, $125, Iittala. Ferm Living ‘Ripple’ blown-glass Champagne saucers, $79/pair, and ‘Flow’ brass napkin ring, $81/four, all Designstuff. Linen napkin in Navy, $50/four, Cultiver. Pebble ceramic dish, $10, small plate, $20, and dinner plate, $55, all Kim Wallace Ceramics.

Ferm Living ‘Fein’ extra-long brass teaspoons, $55/pair, Designstuff.

Vintage Linen tablecloth in Limestone (150x250cm), $149, Aura Home. >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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FROM LEFT Moderno/ARD ‘Furore’ cement fibreclay planter, $375, Garden Life.

Rand 2 up/down wall lights, $89.95, Beacon Lighting. Windsor aluminium outdoor chair with rope detail, $299, and Tulip concrete fibrestone dining table, $649, both Vorsen. Frösön/Duvholmen recycled-polyester seat pads, $10, Ikea. ON TABLE From left Linen napkin in Bluestone, $50/four, Cultiver. Waterloo glass decanter, $24.95, Provincial Home Living. Fresh ceramic coupes, $8 each, Domayne. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top Aalto pressed-glass bowl, $29.95, Iittala. Omni White by Tom Fereday decorative bricks, POA, Earp Bros. Rockpool resin vase, $105, Dinosaur Designs. Ferm Living ‘Muses’ stoneware vase in Clio, $169, Designstuff. Shell resin vase, $95, Dinosaur Designs. Bianco Carrara penny round mosaic tiles, $473/m², Earp Bros. Valkea pressed-glass votive, $24.95, Iittala. Vera spun-metal footed vase, $130, Lightly. Rockpool resin vase, $105, Dinosaur Designs. Chios polyester fabric in Mist (background), $44/m, Warwick Fabrics. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

SHOPPING H G

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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Attention all garden lovers! If you admire a beautiful garden and the power of plants to transform a home, you’ll love Great Australian Gardens Volume 2.

Featuring country and urban projects, this book showcases 25 diverse, beautiful and inspirational gardens that have appeared in the pages of Australian House ^ Garden magazine. It’s a stunning coffee table book to pop under the Christmas tree for the gardener in your life!

On sale now

Only $59.99. Available where all good books are sold and bauerbooks.com.au

SHOPPING H G

9 by design

Produced by Sara Sleeman & Nate Vella.

BE AC H C H A IR S

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1 Black Sands aluminium beach chair with removable cushion, $129, Sunday Supply Co; sundaysupply.co. 2 Islabomba aluminium beach chair with polyester seat, $69.95, Sunnylife; www.sunnylife.com.au. 3 Sommersault ‘Fern and Toucan’ aluminium beach chair with polyester seat, $25, Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au. 4 Håmö steel reclining chair with polyester seat, $30, Ikea; www.ikea.com.au. 5 Steel beach chair with polyester seat, $13, Kmart; www.kmart.com.au. 6 Dwell Outdoor beech sling chair with oxford fabric sling, $69.95, Temple & Webster; www.templeandwebster.com.au.

7 Life aluminium beach chair with polyester seat, $25, Big W; www.bigw.com.au. 8 Business & Pleasure timber sling chair with fringe, $250, Barefoot Blvd; barefootblvd.com.au. 9 Home Republic ‘Tropicana Palm’ steel beach chair with polyester seat, $50, Adairs; www.adairs.com.au. #

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H G SHOPPING

9 by design

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1 Byron synthetic-wicker picnic basket, $199, Country Road. 2 Australian House & Garden willow picnic set (includes picnic rug, 2 sets cutlery, 2 plates, 2 wineglasses, bottle opener, salt and pepper shakers), $119.95, Myer. 3 Four-person willow picnic set (includes 4 plates, 4 sets cutlery, 4 wineglasses, bottle opener, salt and pepper shakers), $50, Spotlight. 4 Kasbah willow picnic set (includes 2 sets cutlery, 2 wineglasses, 2 plates, bottle opener), $149.95, Sunnylife. 5 Wanderer wicker picnic set (includes cooler compartment, 4 sets cutlery, 4 plates, 4 wineglasses), $140, BCF. 6 Shaynna Blaze ‘Portsea’ wicker picnic set (includes 4 sets cutlery, 4 plates, 4 wineglasses, bottle opener), $179.95, Harris Scarfe. 7 Avanti

‘Contemporary’ bulrush picnic set (includes cooler compartment, 2 plates, 2 sets cutlery, 2 wineglasses, bottle opener, salt and pepper shakers), $129.95, David Jones. 8 Two-person willow picnic set (includes 2 sets cutlery, 2 wineglasses, 2 plates, bottle opener, salt and pepper shakes), $63.80, Koch & Co. 9 Alessi ‘Katrina’ picnic basket, $104, Royal Design. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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Produced by Sara Sleeman.

PIC N IC BA SK E T S

BRAND PROMOTION

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS Interior designer Darren Palmer shares his favourite gadgets plus the home-technology trends to know for 2020.

Darren Palmer’s kitchen includes the LG SIGNATURE Fridge and TwinWash® System – a sleek and non-intrusive kitchen/laundry hybrid setup.

Interior designer

Darren Palmer

T

he future is here, and our hightech homes are proof of it. With technology an integral part of everyday life, it’s only right that our living spaces include the best gadgets. Staying up-to-date with the latest interior trends means you can invest in the home tech that fits most seamlessly into your life.

“Instead of investing in other properties and moving up the ladder, consumers are investing in their homes, in a bid to maximise their interactions with fresh new spaces and spend more time enjoying their at-home cinema setup,” Palmer explains. By investing in state-of-the-art entertainment technology, we can make the most of the abundance of streaming services available, turning the humble home into a private movie cinema.

“Gone are the days where the TV is closed off in a cabinet. Today, the TV can be a design object in its own right,” Palmer says. Case in point? LG SIGNATURE Wallpaper OLED TV, which serves a dual purpose as artwork.

“Open-plan layouts are fantastic for opening up the home, and these interconnected living spaces mean that the lines between the kitchen and living room are blurred aesthetically and physically,” Palmer says. No longer hidden away, appliances now need to fit seamlessly within the home. Take the sleek LG SIGNATURE Fridge and TwinWash® System. Connected to the LG Smart ThinQ™ (the LG appliance App), they boast a refined approach to technology without impacting the enjoyment of your living spaces.

For more information, visit lg.com/au/lg-signature

State-of-the-art Entertainment technology means we can make the most of the abundance of streaming services available, turning the humble home into an interactive investment. “The LG SIGNATURE Wallpaper OLED TV allows you to showcase your own photos with Gallery Mode, and customise the display to suit your home’s unique aesthetic,” says Darren. “Plus, thanks to its slim, versatile design, it will fit in a range of spaces, even those areas with high light exposure.”

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shopping H G

Buyer’s guide

BA R BE C U E S

Photograph by Annette O’Brien/bauersyndication.com.au.

Fire up one of the latest feature-packed grills and get set for a sizzling summer, writes Georgia Madden.

A fully appointed outdoor kitchen takes the hassle out of summer entertaining.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G shopping

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low-cook a roast, sear some seafood or toss a few snags on the grill – the cooking options are virtually endless with barbecues. “We find that customers are interested in making succulent roasts, stir-fries, breakfasts, even cakes and desserts on the barbecue. Almost anything you can cook in a traditional oven can also becookedonacoveredbarbecue,”saysPeter Anderson, new-product development managerforbarbecuesatBarbequesGalore.

The list of barbecues on the market is equally long. Traditional charcoal-fired grills,tabletopmodelsandoutdoorkitchens with pizza ovens, wok burners and sinks allmaketheirmark.Hooded,gas-firedstyles are ever-popular, while specialist models – smokers, pellet grills and rotisseries – allow you to flex your culinary muscles.

Low-profile, built-in barbecues are a favourite for small outdoor spaces. Bold coloursaremakinganimpacttoo.“Colourful barbecueshavebeensellingfast–especially models in orange, blue and white. They make

Barbecue prices vary greatly, says Crosdale. Expect to pay between $300 and $2000 for a hooded barbecue, from $600 to$2500foratabletopgrill,andfrom $2500 for a built-in model or outdoor kitchen.

For a family of four, a four-burner hooded gas barbecue is generally sufficient; keen entertainers might consider a six-burner style, says Anderson. A portable gas or electric barbecue is ideal for small spots such as the balcony,whilea multifunctional outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles is a great option if you regularly cater for a crowd, he says. “Modular styles that allowyou toadd extras such as afridge, a rangehood or an extra grill at a later date are also growing in popularity,” he adds.

Tofindtherightbarbecue,startbyasking yourselfafewquestions,saysDominicWong, category manager for food preparation at Electrolux Home Products (distributor of BeefEater barbecues). “How much space do you have? How many people do you need to cook for? Do you entertain often? Do you

“A L M O S T A N Y T H I N G YO U C A N C O O K I N A T R A D I T I O N A L OV E N C A N A L S O B E C O O K E D O N A C OV E R E D B A R B E C U E .” P E T E R A N D E R S O N

an eye-catching feature in an outdoor area,” saysRohanMatthewsfromHarveyNorman.

Thehottestthinginbarbecuingrightnow is slow-cooking, says Katrina Paras, categorymanagerforbarbecueandheating at Char-Griller. Smoking, too, is trending.

“It imparts a delicious flavour to cuts of meat that take longer to cook, such as briskets and pulled pork and lamb,” adds Paras. Kettle barbecues are also making a comeback, says Russell Crosdale, category expert for barbecues and outdoor living at AppliancesOnlineandWinningAppliances.

“They infuse a unique flavour while being lightweight, portable and easy to use.”

Convenience is improving, too. Appconnected models – Traeger’s latest grills and the Everdure Heston Blumenthal 4K barbecue,forexample–allowyoutomonitor real-time cooking temperatures and access cooking guides on your phone or tablet for perfectly cooked meals every time.

want to experiment with different cooking techniques?Willitbeused/storedundercover ordoyouneedadesigninadurablematerial that will cope with the elements?”

To ensure your barbecue lasts more than a couple of summers, it’s important to choose a model with good-quality construction. “Look for a barbecue with a fully welded or one-piece firebox – this is the most robust option and will retain heat well. Check the barbecue feels solid to the touch, and that the firebox and grease tray are easy to access for cleaning,” says Anderson. “If you’re choosing a stainlesssteel model, be aware that lower grades might be cheaper than higher-grade ones, butthey’llrustfaster,”saysAnderson.Wong concurs: “For cooking surfaces, look for a barbecue with solid cast-iron grill and hotplates. Cast-iron is durable, has high heat-retention properties and delivers a nice, even result”. >

SQUEAKY CLEAN

Matthew Hoffmann, barbecue buyer at Bunnings, shares step-by-step tips for cleaning your barbecue.

1 Turn off and disconnect the gas.

2 Remove the barbecue tray, scrape away the fat, then wash it in hot, soapy water (protect your hands with dishwashing gloves).

3 Scrape fat off the grill and hotplate, washing both sides in hot, soapy water.

4 Clean the barbecue body with hot, soapy water and a soft scouring pad.

5 Wipe grills dry with a paper towel and spray them with a protective coating of canola oil.

6 Replace grills and rack.

7 Line drip tray with foil and fill with fat absorber (this should be changed every 10 or so times you use your barbecue).

8 Wipe down the outside of the barbecue to prevent rust.

LUXE APPEAL

Considering an outdoor kitchen?

Here are some of the most useful elements you might want to include in your set-up, according Russell Crosdale, barbecues and outdoor living expert at Winning Appliances and Appliances Online. ✚ Storage for cooking utensils. ✚ A bar fridge or wine cabinet. ✚ A sink with a pull-out tap so you can wash up outside (and leave your indoor kitchen mess-free). Or, if budget allows, a dishwasher. ✚ Outdoor heating in the vicinity of the barbecue so you can use it year-round.

Built-in

Outdoor kitchens BQI1205HAU, $4490

A streamlined and contemporary gas-fired design made from marine-grade stainless steel, this barbecue features five burners, a cast-iron hotplate and grill, a fast oil collection system and a stainless-steel warming rack.

Smeg; www.smeg.com.au.

BEEFEATER BSH158SA SIGNATURE PROLINE, $3199

With six commercial-grade steel burners, cast-iron grill/hotplate, oil-management system and a self-cleaning function, this natural gas-fired unit is ideal for frequent use. Can be converted to LPG. BeefEater; www.beefeaterbbq. com.au.

RIVERINA, $10,499

This well-appointed outdoor kitchen features a six-burner hooded barbecue and rotisserie, sink, a 138L drinks fridge, laminate cabinetry and an engineered-stone benchtop.

Suitable for LPG and natural gas.

Harvey Norman; www. harveynorman.com.au.

ABBQPACK3, $12,999

Versatility is the key to this chic model. A four-burner gas barbecue with interchangeable cast-iron hotplates, removable grease tray, sink, 100L fridge, vinyl-finish cupboards and a Neolith stone-finish benchtop.

Suitable for LPG and natural gas.

Artusi; www.artusi.com.au.

SPACE GRILL PLUS, $1299

MATADOR BOSS, $2650

Space Grill; www.space-grill.com.

Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au.

CAPITAL ACG40RBI1N, $9990

GASMATE GALAXY, $7685

An appealing option for small spaces, this wall-mounted design folds away flat. The body, grill and three burners are made from high-grade stainless steel and the reversible flatplate is cast iron. Suitable for LPG and natural gas.

Handcrafted from marinegrade stainless steel, this gas-fired model includes two burners, a teppanyaki grill, rotisserie burner and integrated lighting.

Winning Appliances; www. winningappliances.com.au.

This well-priced set-up, crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, features six enamelled cast-iron burners, enamel hotplates, wok burner and rotisserie, granite benchtop, sink and storage. It’s LPG but can be converted to natural gas.

Features a self-draining, enamel-coated cast-iron hotplate and grill, electronic ignition, six cast-iron burners, a stainless-steel body and hood, 228L fridge and sink.

LPG is standard but may be converted to natural gas.

Gasmate; gasmate.com.au.

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H G SHOPPING Pizza ovens and smokers PRO SERIES 575 PELLET GRILL/SMOKER, $1499.95

GASMATE BQ1060 ODYSSEY 1, $299

Traeger Grills; www.traegergrills. com.au.

Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au.

This smart wood-pellet fired grill/smoker features wi-fi technology that allows you to monitor and adjust the heat and food temperature from your smartphone.

Compact and portable, this LPG barbecue features a stainlesssteel burner, a cast-iron hotplate and grill, a die-cast aluminium bowl and hood, rotary ignition and two removable side shelves.

Optional stand also available.

CHAR-GRILLER DELUXE CHARCOAL GRILL, $199

GENESIS II E-415, $1699

Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au.

Weber; www.weber.com/au

Turns into a Texas-style offset smoker by attaching the side firebox. Also features cast-iron cooking plates, adjustable dampers for easy heat and smoke control, ash pan, condiment basket and shelf.

A powerful four-burner barbecue with enamelled cast-iron cooking grills, easy ignition, grease-management system, and twin stainless-steel side tables. It’s iGrill 3 compatible for easy heat and food monitoring. Uses LPG.

AKORN JUNIOR KAMADO CHARCOAL BARBECUE, $240

BEEFEATER BIGG BUGG, $799

Char-Griller; chargrilleraustralia .com.au

BeefEater; www.beefeaterbbq. com.au.

This little beauty lends itself to all styles of cooking, including smoking. Features a cast-iron grill, temperature gauge and an enamel coating for superior heat retention and easy cleaning.

ROCCBOX PORTABLE PIZZA OVEN, $899

Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, this pizza oven heats to 500˚C but is safe to touch thanks to its insulated steel body. Retractable legs; easily converts from wood fuel to LPG gas if you prefer.

Gozney; www.gozney.com/au.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

This mobile LPG model on stand boasts two stainless-steel burners with dual temperature controls for precise heat control, enamelled cast iron hotplate and grill, one-touch ignition, temperature gauge and storage.

TRIPLE GRILL, $948

A natural gas model, this unit features three stainless-steel burners and an enamelled cast-iron grill that can be adapted to accommodate a flat plate, wok burner or pizza stone.

LPG version also available.

Ziegler & Brown; www. zieglerandbrown.com.au. #

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

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

Discover more at zipwater.com

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

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

H G INSIDER LEFT Thanks to Thermos, anytime is a good

time for a hot cup of tea or cool refreshment.

BELOW The Stainless King flask.

T HE R MO S An innovation for retaining temperature evolved into a household name, writes Chris Pearson.

H

e invented the vacuum flask, but life proved no picnic for Oxford University scientist Sir James Dewar – he received little thanks from later generations enjoying piping-hot tea in the great outdoors or on the run.

Dewar actually created the flask to keep liquids cold, not hot. Turning gas into liquid was the Scottish chemist’s obsession. He had devised means of producing liquid oxygen by freezing, but how to maintain the liquid in stable sub-zero temperatures?

In 1892, Dewar hit on a solution. While experimenting in his London lab, he placed a glass bottle inside a larger glass bottle, and drew out the air between. He discovered that this vacuum kept the temperature of the contents constant for long periods.

A professional glassblower was engaged to make sturdier versions, which led to the manufacture of the Dewar flask, consisting of two layers of glass, in 1898. But the glassblower, Reinhold Burger, and his 66 |

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business partner, Albert Aschenbrenner, didn’t stop there. Drawing on Dewar’s discovery, they crafted a domestic vacuum flask with a protective metal casing for the glass core and cheekily secured their own patent. In 1904, they held a competition to name the new invention. The lucky winner came up with Thermos, from the Greek, therme, meaning heat.

US entrepreneur William Walker, realising the potential of a transatlantic market, established the American Thermos Bottle Company and began manufacturing in Brooklyn, New York, in 1907, under Burger’s supervision. But demand for the flasks blew hot and cold – until Thermos won the grand prize at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition World’s Fair in Seattle in 1909. It continued to be honoured at seven more world fairs.

Further success was aided by a critical breakthrough in 1911, when the company pioneered the machine-made glass inner, paving the way to mass-production. Its place

WHAT IT MEANS TO US Thermoses have been a staple at Australian gatherings since the late 1930s. But the company hasn’t stood still: food jars, drink bottles and travel mugs represent new product categories, says Beedham. The brands signature range, Stainless King, includes bottles and flasks in four sizes (470ml, 710ml, 1.2L and 2L). “Larger flasks are great for outdoor adventurers; the 470ml flask is the perfect size for commutes.

That highlights the versatility of the range, a key reason why it has worked so well.”

Aesthetically, the products have enjoyed a long journey, with metallic red and blue the company’s longest running and most widely stocked colours. “A flask that is pleasing to the eye as well as functional is a hallmark of the Thermos brand,” says Beedham. #

Photograph from bauersyndication.com.au.

Design moment

was sealed in the public imagination when Ernest Shackleton’s epic expedition to the Antarctic and the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking biplane were equipped with these fabulous flasks. During World War II, nearly all the company’s output was diverted to military production: every time 100 bombers left on a raid, about 1000 flasks took off with them.

Thermos cannily tapped into the zeitgeist too. In 1953, a lunchbox bearing the image of Roy Rogers sold more than two million units in one year; a 1962 partnership with Mattel produced a Barbie lunchbox and matching flask, another top seller. Back in the UK, the company won the Queen’s Award to Industry in 1971 for exporting more than 50 per cent of its production to more than 100 countries.

From the 1980s, glass inners gave way to stainless steel – a step up in safety. On the outside, striped and tartan finishes gave way to metallics. “There is a level of nostalgia around the brand that cannot be matched by other companies,” says Thermos Australia spokesperson Ravi Beedham. It’s so pervasive that thermos has become a byword for any thermal flask.

A soft fabric headboard set within a dark timber frame evokes serenity and creates the tranquil bedroom setting you’ve always dreamed of. Curved edges and light, bespoke upholstery define the Maxis extended bed frame.

Expertly crafted in Australia using premium-quality Warwick fabric, the Maxis can be customised to suit you. Choose from an array of stains and fabrics to create a bedroom you’re sure to love.

MATTER OF BALANCE Complement a gentle colour palette with dark timber furniture to bring a sense of sophistication to the bedroom. Pictured here is the Maxis bedside table and Lotus tallboy. There’s a variety of bespoke furniture options available at Snooze, and you can customise a stain to suit your bedroom décor.

NATURAL CHOICE Style your bed with nurturing, organic tones such as rose and mustard. Here, the Linen House ‘Haze’ quilt cover set in Maple is teamed with the ‘Cleopatra’ Euro pillowcase. Accessorise the space with an assortment of throws and cushions to take your bedroom’s comfort to the next level.

Visit Snooze in-store or online to find out more about the Maxis extended bed frame and accompanying furniture ranges.

REFINED PRACTICALITY Furniture in a deep-toned timber stain is the perfect choice for a retro-style bedroom. The Maxis tallboy is a great spot to display your favourite personal belongings.

Expertly crafted in Australia, the Lotus bed frame, exclusive to Snooze, is the essence of modern design with a retro twist. It features a simple, rounded headboard and base in Warwick ‘Chambray Storm’ fabric and a Chocolate timber stain.

The Lotus is customisable in a range of fabric styles and timber stains, so you can create a bed that speaks to your personality and style.

CIRCULAR ACCENTS Accent your bedroom space with the circular form of the Lotus bedside table, which pairs beautifully with the Lotus bed frame and the Mayfield ‘Chet’ lamp.

Visit Snooze in-store or online at snooze.com.au to find out more about the Lotus bed frame and accompanying furniture ranges.

BRAND PROMOTION

Retro fit Come home to a modern take on a retro bedroom, where curved, expressive bedroom furniture is teamed with geometric patterns and playful ’70s hues.

PLAYFUL SHADES Add a bold, refreshing jolt of mustard and teal to freshen your bedroom for summer. Featured here is the Linen House ‘Nimes’ linen quilt cover set in Chai, ‘Pani’ cushion and ‘Belmore’ throw in Teal. Complete the look with striking geometric cushions.

“Indoor plants are firmly back in vogue. Showcase your plants in vintage vessels and rattan pots to beautify your bedroom and tie the modern-retro look together.”

SAM AMORE, STYLIST FOR SNOOZE

BRAND PROMOTION

Child’s play Create a bedroom that’s fresh and fun with beautifully designed furniture, delicious colours and accessories that are sure to get the tick of approval from the littlest Snoozers in your family.

“Soft furnishings and bedding in gorgeous colours and patterns add fun to your child’s bedroom.

They can also be very easily modified as their tastes change.”

SWEET TREAT Make your child’s bed frame pop with linen featuring delicious motifs in gelato tones. Shown here is the Logan & Mason Kids ‘Sprinkles Gelato’ reversible quilt-cover set. Keep accessories sunny and fun with a cheery yellow cushion.

SAM AMORE, STYLIST FOR SNOOZE

TIMELESS TIMBER A practical Bingo timber bedside table coordinates beautifully with its matching bed and ensures you’ve created a space that will be easy to adapt as your little one grows. The Mayfield ‘Pia’ desk lamp provides the perfect accent here.

KEEP IT TIDY Bring order to your child’s bedroom with a chest of drawers to fill with clothes or their favourite toys. Decorate it with wooden trinkets, colourful wall hangings or fun, decorative pompoms to make it distinctly theirs. Featured here is the Bingo chest of drawers.

Play away, then fall into bed at the end of the day: the Bingo bed frame, exclusive to Snooze, is a bedroom piece your child will adore. The storage compartments beneath the bed look fantastic and means kids have no excuse not to tidy away their toys! Featuring a light-toned timber bed frame and white finish, this bed is versatile enough to last your child right through to adulthood. Sustainably crafted in Australia, the Bingo bed works beautifully with all styles of bed linen. It’s customisable in an array of upholstery and painted finishes, and available with a trundle base – so you’re prepared for the next sleepover.

Visit Snooze in-store or online at snooze.com.au to learn more about the Bingo bed frame and the new kids’ furniture range.

BRAND PROMOTION

The personal touch For bedroom furniture that reflects your own distinctive style, look to the customisable Lotus collection at Snooze.

Lotus bedside table and bed frame featuring Warwick ‘Chambray Storm’ fabric.

Lotus tallboy

Lotus chest of drawers

STYLE NOTES

1. Bring the outdoors in with pot plants, foliage and natural materials.

They will bring an instant sense of summer to your space.

2. Colour your bed with fresh, juicy hues.

The cheerier and more tropical, the better.

3. Complete your bedroom summer styling with artwork and decor with retro accents.

Visit Snooze in-store and online at snooze.com.au to browse the entire Lotus bedroom furniture collection.

PRODUCED BY STORY

Design your perfect space with the Lotus furniture collection at Snooze. Crafted in Australia, you can choose from various bedside, tallboy and chest furniture options to keep your bedroom neat and free from clutter. Each of these pieces are available in array of stains, sizes and shelving styles (for added storage). For added decorative detailing, opt for the Lotus chest in a Chocolate stain.

The Lotus bed frame is the essence of contemporary style with a retro twist and can be customised in various stains and fabrics that suit your personal style.

Text by John McDonald. Photograph by Derek Swalwell.

Designed by architecture practice Pierce Widera, this slick Melbourne bar, Peaches, is a stonefruit-inspired sensation. The seating sports plush upholstery, which is teamed with terrazzo tabletops. Philodendrons and a disco ball complete the pretty picture. The cocktail list is grand as well.

Level 2, 301 Swanston Street, Melbourne; peaches.melbourne.

INDUSTRY NEWS + PEOPLE + DESIGNS WE LOVE

In sider

SWEET SUCCESS

H G INSIDER

AUS T R A L I A N S T ORY R OBE RT PLU M B

T

oday, Robert Plumb is one of Australia’s best-loved outdoor furniture and garden accessory brands. It’s a far cry from the company’s humble beginnings.

While working as the garden editor at Belle magazine in the mid-2000s, leading landscape designer Willliam Dangar (above) was briefed to pull together a feature on letterboxes.

“To my surprise, there was nothing of real merit on the market, so I designed some myself,” he says. The furniture came later. “As a landscape designer, I see firsthand what clients need and have a good understanding of how brutal the Australian climate can be. Our designs are simple, functional and high quality, crafted from solid New Guinea rosewood and stainless steel.”

William says the birth of “ To my surprise, there were no letterboxes of real Robert Plumb was somewhat merit on the market so I designed some myself.” complicated. The challenges ranged from startup costs CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT William Dangar, the to fund stock, warehouses real Robert Plumb. Kyoto, Spindel and Porto pots. and a website, to finding Ribbon chaise. Scissor table with Emu chairs.

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appropriate staff. “We wanted people who would roll up their sleeves and get on with the job,” he says.

As well as letterboxes, the Robert Plumb range now includes planters and pots, lighting, household objects and an extensive array of garden furniture and accessories. “I am most proud of the firepits and letterboxes,” says William.

“These products created new sectors in the market – 15 years ago, ready-made firepits were nonexistent.

Ours are still the best among the dozens available.”

All of the company’s timber pieces are produced in its own Sydney factory.

Many ceramic pots are made

by Cameron Williams on the NSW South Coast. Metal products are fabricated in southern China.

And the name? “Robert Plumb is derived from plumb bob, a building tool that has been around for centuries,” says William. “We get quite a few customers asking to speak to Robert!” robertplumb.com.au >

Photography by Prue Ruscoe.

A GA P I N T H E M A R K E T L E D L A N D S C A P E R W I L L I A M DA N GA R TO D E S I G N H I S OW N RA N G E O F O U T D O O R ACC E S S O R I E S .

BRAND PROMOTION

It’s what’s inside ith a range of premium materials, sha ustralian-made pillows help ensure a r

z

D

rat

n p.

No two people are alike, so it makes perfect sense that our sleep habits and preferences are individual as well. When it comes to creating pillows, Dentons has developed a huge range using quality, longlasting materials. From offering generous neck and back support to low-allergenic benefits, each and every pillow is designed for the ultimate in comfort, with materials that will stand the test of time. Visit the website to find your profile type and perfect pillow match.

THERAPEUTIC Material: Dentons Softec™ This Softec™ range is made using a patented foam filling. While soft to the touch, it delivers therapeutic support to maintain correct head and neck alignment.

The foam’s open-cell formulation creates outstanding breathability resulting in a cooler and better night’s sleep.

LOW ALLERGY Material: Natural Latex Dentons’ Natural Latex pillows are made using the most luxurious natural and chemical free latex on the market.

A great choice for allergy sufferers, the unique cell structure has a naturally responsive character that makes it supremely comfortable and pressure relieving, while helping to keep dust and dirt out of the pillow’s interior.

LUXURY Material: Memory Foam The premium pillows in Dentons’ Luxury range are made from luxurious, comfortable Memory Foam. The structure of the foam features a very slow recovery to original shape as demonstrated by creating a hand impression in the pillow that remains for some time after it has been removed.

Visit dentons.com.au or call 1300 7455697

COMFORT Material: Memorelle Fibre Dentons’ Comfort range offers their softest and cuddliest pillows.

Made from Memorelle Fibre, this foam alternative is gentler on pressure points and can be folded and adjusted to your preferred sleeping position due to its fluid form. It’s also odourless and machine washable.

H G INSIDER

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RETA IL N E WS

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Two gloriously inky colours have been added to the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint line-up. Oxford Navy (left) and Athenian Black, both $54.95/L. anniesloan.com

Local hero

ADESIGN STUDIO Meet lighting designer Alex Fitzpatrick (pictured below), the man behind the brand.

“ADesign Studio came about when I noticed opportunities for decorative LED lights. We try to stay at the forefront of technical lighting and design a lot of custom luminars. We don’t use light globes at all, and push manufacturers to do more with LED technology.

I try to communicate the nature of the scientific and poetic aspects of light in everything I design. The Crackle lights (above), for instance, cast beautiful reflections, while LightGarden is designed to evoke the experience of light in a forest.

I have been fortunate to work with some of Australia’s top glass artists, Edols Elliott and Annette Blair.

Glassblowing is a seductive process and conducive to experimentation. Two lamp collections are currently in development. Crackle Lamp is a decorative table lamp; Basel is pared down and functional, inspired by the work of Alberto Giacometti. We have also just released a range of vases.”

Brought to you by King Living

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3

Carding Mill, the latest collection of wallpapers and fabrics from Quercus & Co, features subtle textural patterns inspired by the process of fabric weaving.

Pictured is Rill in Mist, $72/m (wallpaper) or $240/m (fabric). quercusandco.com

Tufted spots bring a beautifully tactile dimension to the Haze range from Linen House. Made from cotton and cotton chenille, Haze will delight all ages. Available in five colourways. From $49.95 (cushion cover) to $384.95 (super king-size quilt cover set). linenhouse.com

4

Show you care with this sweet set of beauty products from Maine Beach. Lust Worthy Lip Lustre (gift box), $12.95,and Hand & Nail Crème trio, $38.95. mainebeach.com.au

5

Improve your home’s eco cred with these cute Confetti Cantilever side tables, $490 each, from DesignByThem.

They’re made from 100 per cent recycled plastic. designbythem.com

6

Pick up a premium rug for less at The Outlet by Cadrys, a collaboration between Cadrys and Lawsons auctioneers.

You’ll find beautiful rugs for up to 70 per cent less than in store. cadrys.com.au #

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Hansgrohe M71 2jet, sBox Kitchen Mixer

hansgrohe makes kitchen chores easy With hansgrohe’s new M71 kitchen mixer there’s no need to try and squeeze your large pots in the sink; the extra long 76cm hose gives you the freedom to fll them up with ease. Start and stop the water fow or choose between the gentle vegetable spray or a full fow jet with only one hand using the integrated buttons in the mixer head. Plus hansgrohe’s innovative sBox hose guidance and storage system prevents tangles and keeps everything neat and tidy under the bench.

Extra long 76cm hose | Easy water control | Magnetic hose docking | sBox hose guidance & protection | 15 years warranty & spare parts

Available at: VIC Bright Renovations brightrenovation.com.au 03 9870 3658

e&s eands.com.au 1800 429 589

NSW Elia Bathrooms eliabathrooms.com.au 02 9160 3000

WA Lavare Bathrooms lavare.com.au 08 9230 7950

Parkwood Plumbing parkwoodplumbing.com.au 08 9455 6433

Sea of White seaofwhite.com.au 08 9344 1500

German innovation since 1901 | hansgrohe.com.au

That holiday FEELING

Summertime and the living is...? Here, six cultural movers and shape-makers share what they’re planning, reading and thinking about this holiday season.

PRO D UC ED BY Elizabeth Wilson

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PEOPLE H G

Wendy Whiteley

Wife and muse to the late artist Brett Whiteley, Wendy is creator of the Secret Garden, a jewel on the Sydney Harbour foreshore

Photograph by Mim Stirling/AGNSW. Artwork is Nude Beside the Basin (1963) by Brett Whiteley.

SUMMER IS... Sunshine and chirping cicadas. I love

the beautiful light. It’s specifically why I decided to stop living overseas and come back here.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? They are all about the beach. We used to go camping down at Coledale [south of Sydney], right on the beach. Or at Ulladulla [on the NSW South Coast]. Wading into the water, pulling out bucketfuls of prawns and eating them for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? Really big Queensland prawns cooked in lots of garlic, parsley and oil on black squid-ink pasta with a green salad. Everybody loves it. Summer food is about a lot of fish and a lot of salads. Simple food, simply prepared so you can soak up the flavours.

FAVOURITE SUMMER PLANTS? Gardenias. And great big blue echiums. And lavender, grevilleas and hydrangeas. I love flowers you can pick and bring into the house.

WHAT’S ON YOUR READING LIST? Helen Garner’s Yellow Notebook: Diaries Volume 1 1978-1987 [$29.99, Text Publishing]. And the biography of my friend, Anna Schwartz [Present Tense: Anna Schwartz Gallery and Thirty-Five Years of Contemporary Australian Art by Doug Hall, $59.99, Black Inc].

SOUNDTRACKS OF SUMMER? Indian music – Ravi Shankar. And I really like the music of Joseph Tawadros, an Australian oud player. Bob Dylan.

Leonard Cohen. And classical music.

HOLIDAY FASHION STAPLES? Always deconstructed and loose clothes, like djellabas. And I’ve always worn headgear – headscarves and cloche hats.

FAVOURITE SUNSET TIPPLE? Pear juice with mineral water and ice. Or Fever-Tree ginger ale.

ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? I’d love to go on a long train journey somewhere. I want two weeks on a train, getting on and off at different stops. I want slow travel, slow food, slow days.

I UNWIND... In the garden. For me, it’s a form of meditation. It’s my artwork. It’s where my head stops playing the dreary tape – of anxieties, and things you have to do – and I talk to the plants, or swear at the weeds. It’s a way of losing oneself.

PROJECTS FOR 2020? Tidying up my life. I’m the custodian of the Brett Whiteley legacy. I’m on the foundation of the Brett Whiteley Studio [managed by Art Gallery NSW] and I still curate exhibitions there. I spend a lot of time taking care of that legacy and planning for its future. I’m anxious about the Secret Garden too. I hope it will always be there, a place where people can go and find quiet. > ‘Brett Whiteley: Lavender Bay’ is on at Sydney’s Brett Whiteley Studio, until mid-March 2020.

2 Raper Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9225 1881.

H G PEOPLE

Jenny Kee

Fashion designer famed for highoctane colour and her creative partnership with Linda Jackson SUMMER IS…. I live in the [NSW] Blue Mountains

so summer days are hot but it’s cool at night.

I love those cool summer evenings.

FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER?

They’re all about Bondi Beach where I was born, and learning to swim at Bondi Baths. I was always the one to swim the furthest out in the ocean.

I remember screaming when the shark alarm went off but I loved the adrenaline rush of getting back in. Even as a child I flirted with danger!

AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES… Bushwalking through temperate rainforest, ending up at a waterfall and swimming in a waterhole.

QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? A salad with everything… grains, lentils, salmon, eggs, beetroot, carrots, pomegranate, fennel, radicchio.

WHICH FLAVOURS SAY ‘SUMMER’ TO YOU? Berries, passionfruit, papaya, mangoes and stone fruits.

FAVOURITE SUMMER PLANT OR FLOWER? Native bush flowers like Isopogon (drumsticks), Christmas bells and Leptospermum (tea tree). I love delicate flannel flowers growing on the edge of sandy cliffs.

Reading about inspiring Buddhist masters.

SOUNDTRACK TO SUMMER? Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday singing ‘Summertime’ always does it for me. Also The Harder They Come soundtrack, including Jimmy Cliff’s title track and ‘The Rivers of Babylon’, which takes me back to the Flamingo Park Frock Salon in the summer of 1973.

HOLIDAY FASHION STAPLES? My Speedo cossie worn with my Waratah, Black Opal, Goddess and Nature of Oz scarves as sarongs.

FAVOURITE SUNSET TIPPLE? The Aperol Spritz made by my daughter Grace is just the best drink. My favourite juice is papaya, pineapple, orange and mint.

ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? An Ayurvedic health resort in India or a simple Buddhist retreat.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND? Doing my Buddhist mantras in the water while swimming.

CREATIVE PLANS FOR 2020? Creating some new paintings for silk scarves and maybe another capsule knitwear collection.

DREAM CREATIVE PROJECT? I’m fortunate enough that I have already worked on my dream creative project: creating costumes for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. I would love something else like that – something larger than life.

The exhibition ‘Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson: Welcome to Paradise’ is on at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney until March 2020.

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Photography by Hugh Stewart (Jenny Kee) & Maree Homer (Anna Spiro). Fashion styling

by Irene Tsolakas and hair & make-up by Wayne Chick (Anna). Artwork by Tim Salisbury.

WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER READING LIST?

“CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF S U M M E R ? G O I N G TO STRADBROKE ISLAND A N D S TAY I N G F O R T H E ENTIRE SCHOOL H O L I DAYS .”

Anna Spiro

Anna Spiro

Brisbane-based interior, textile and homewares designer SUMMER IS…. Endless days at the beach,

swimming, sleeping, eating fresh prawn and avocado sandwiches for lunch and barbecues on the deck with my family and friends.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? Going to Stradbroke Island with my family and staying for the entire school holidays.

RITES OF SUMMER YOU’D LIKE YOUR CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE? Swimming

in the ocean every day.

YOUR IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY? Getting up early,

going for a long, fast walk along the beach, having a swim in the ocean, an outdoor shower and then coffee and breakfast. Back to the beach for a few hours and then home for an afternoon sleep. Bliss!

QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? Fresh fish and salad followed by Weiss bars for dessert or fresh mango and ice-cream!

WHICH FLAVOURS SAY ‘SUMMER’? Pineapples, mangoes, coconut, seafood, salad.

WHAT IS YOUR SCENT OF SUMMER? Salt air and coconut.

FAVOURITE SUMMER FLOWER? Frangipani.

WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER READING LIST?

Your Own Kind of Girl by Clare Bowditch [$29.99, Allen & Unwin].

SUMMER SOUNDTRACK? ‘Loving is Easy’

by Rex Orange County or anything by Jack Johnson WHAT WILL YOU BE WATCHING? The Crown Season 3 on Netflix A RESTAURANT I CAN’T WAIT TO GO TO IS...

Yoko, the new Japanese restaurant in Brisbane opened by my friend Jonathan Barthelmess.

HOLIDAY FASHION STAPLES? Converse sneakers, Axel Mano hat, Matteau sun dress and a Lucy Folk beach towel.

FAVOURITE SUNSET TIPPLE? Fresh peach bellini.

PLANS OVER SUMMER? I’m spending it with my boys at my beach house on North Stradbroke Island. There’s nowhere I’d rather be and can’t wait to catch up on a year’s worth of sleep!

ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Anywhere by the beach staying in a beautiful hotel but I’d really love to go to Morocco next year and stay at L’Hotel Marrakech by Jasper Conran.

CREATIVE PLANS FOR 2020? Lots! Including new product lines and a few really exciting projects in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT? My dream project is when the client says – ‘Do whatever you want. I trust you!’ > annaspirodesign.com.au

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Kara Rosenlund

Brisbane photographer, stylist and author SUMMER IS…. Sun-drenched moments, laughter and golden flares of light.

FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER?

Spending time at a small beach on the sunshine coast, with sunburn and peeling skin, enjoying my mum’s prawn sandwiches.

YOUR IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY? An early morning swim. Buying the newspapers, a long lunch on the verandah and making time for the small things.

QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? A classic prawn sandwich on naughty white bread.

WHICH FLAVOURS SAY ‘SUMMER’ TO YOU?

Zingy sharp citrus.

FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? The fragrance of

gardenias and jasmine in the air.

FAVOURITE SUMMER FLOWER? Australian coastal banksia. I love snapping branches off and bringing them home to place in vases.

WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER READING LIST? Olive Cotton: A Life in Photography by Helen Ennis.

Olive Cotton was a modernist photographer from the 1930s and 1940s, married to Max Dupain.

SOUNDTRACKS OF SUMMER? I love listening to songs from the ’60s and ’70s, Nick Drake, The Beatles, Nico, old-school classics.

WHAT WILL YOU BE WATCHING? I just bought a projector which I am excited about. We’ll be watching films outdoors. Out of Africa will be on rotation for sure.

A LOCAL EVENT I LOVE IS The Stradbroke Island Oyster Festival.

FAVOURITE SUNSET TIPPLE? A chilled glass of rosé.

PLANS OVER SUMMER? Escaping to my weekender on North Stradbroke Island. It’s a little hideaway and feels like summer all year round.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND? An ocean swim always relaxes me.

YOU KNOW YOU’RE RELAXED WHEN…..

The windows are down and the music is up while driving.

CREATIVE PLANS FOR 2020? I’m working on a new photographic print collection, as well as expanding my lifestyle range, including more leather and woven bags.

Kara’s latest book, Weekends ($35, Hardie Grant), is available now. Find the collector’s edition ($55) at shop.kararosenlund.com.

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Matthew Evans

Chef, farmer, author, star of Gourmet Farmer on SBS TV, co-owner of Fat Pig Farm in southern Tasmania

Photograph by Alan Benson (Matthew Evans).

SUMMER IS… Raspberries plucked straight from the cane. The most perfect fragrant peach.

Dips in the river. A big hat and long, long days.

AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES… Family, a trip to the beach, and an ice-cold strawberry shrub, our homemade cordial, with a splash of gin at the end of the day.

QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? I love anything from the barbie, with tomatillo salsa.

A tomato, goats’ curd and padron pepper salad. Then strawberries with rose cream.

FLAVOURS THAT SAY ‘SUMMER’? It has to be fresh fruit. The berries are amazing, the stone fruit is incredible. When the gooseberries ripen, you know summer has really begun.

YOUR SCENT OF SUMMER? Rose geranium. It marries perfectly with the flavours from the garden and can be baked into biscuits or used in the base of a cake tin to scent a sponge.

FAVOURITE SUMMER PLANT? Tomatoes. The smell of the leaves reminds me of my childhood, and the memory of that first, incredible home grown, properly ripe tomato.

WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER READING LIST? The Wooleen Way by David Pollock ($35, Scribe),

a story about regenerative agriculture on some of the oldest land on earth in WA. The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka by Clare Wright ($34.99, Text Publishing), because I often wonder about the untold stories of those (often not men) in history. Also The Weekend by Charlotte Wood ($29.99 Allen & Unwin) – she’s an amazing writer.

SUMMER SOUNDTRACK? Paul Kelly, Hunters and Collectors, and The Angels, turned up loud when all others are out.

A SUMMER FESTIVAL WE LOVE IS... Cygnet’s Folk Festival. It’s in our local village, about ten minutes from the farm, and the whole place gets into the party mode.

A NEW RESTAURANT I’M KEEN TO TRY IS...

Osteria @ Petty Sessions, just over the river from us in Franklin. A lovely Italian couple has just taken it over and we’ve heard amazing things about how good it is.

HOLIDAY FASHION STAPLES? You’re asking the wrong farmer that. Fashion? I’ve heard of it.

ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Locally, the east coast of Tassie. It’s just so removed from our day to day and is remarkable in its own

way. Further away, I’m a fan of Italy because I like the food culture.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND? Visiting Tasmania’s wild places. I always feel replenished after going to Mount Field, Cradle Mountain or the Tarkine. I think the ancientness of Tasmania’s wilderness is a real rejuvenator.

YOU KNOW YOU’RE RELAXED WHEN… You don’t know, and don’t care, where your phone is.

CREATIVE PLANS FOR 2020? I’m keen to work on refining the experience at Fat Pig Farm [where Matthew and his partner, Sadie, run a mixed farm and restaurant]. Reducing waste even more, perhaps generating our own gas for cooking from our organic waste, and extracting every last bit of flavour from the ingredients that we grow.

A DREAM PROJECT? We live the dream! The place we call home, the Huon Valley, is gorgeous and the residents are a terrific resilient, supportive community. I think we’re in the middle of the dream project. > Matthew’s latest book, The Commons: A year of growing, cooking and eating on Fat Pig Farm ($60, Hardie Grant) is out now.

“ I L I K E TO U N W I N D I N T H E TA S M A N I A N W I L D E R N E S S .

I A LWAY S F E E L R E P L E N I S H E D A F T E R G O I N G TO M O U N T F I E L D , C R A D L E M O U N TA I N O R T H E TA R K I N E .” Matthew Evans

Costa Georgiadis

Landscape architect and host of ABC TV’s Gardening Australia SUMMER IS... Mangoes and long warm evenings.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? Playing on

the street, riding my bike with friends until street lights came on – that was the cue to head home.

AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES... A morning swim and bike ride back home for breakfast.

QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? Greek salad.

FLAVOUR THAT SAYS ‘SUMMER’? Mint.

FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? Salt breeze.

A FAVOURITE SUMMER PLANT OR FLOWER?

Adenanthos (woolly bush) used as a native Christmas tree, and paper daisies.

WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER READING LIST?

Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum by Kathy Willis and Katie Scott ($35, Big Picture Press).

SUMMER SOUNDTRACK? Currently, ‘Dance Monkey’ by Tones and I. I always enjoy the Red Hot Chili Peppers in summer too.

I’LL BE WATCHING... The two-part documentary version of Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu; and the new Midnight Oil documentary.

I’LL BE VISITING... The Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland. Last year was my first visit and I just loved it!! This year, my band, The More Please Orchestra, is playing five gigs there. Can’t wait.

A NEW RESTAURANT I’M KEEN TO TRY IS...

Mabu Mabu in Yarraville, Melbourne. It’s run

by Torres Strait Island woman Nornie Bero who uses fresh seasonal produce combined with awesome native ingredients inspired by her Torres Strait Islander heritage.

HOLIDAY FASHION STAPLES? Hat, swimmers, shorts and a towel.

SUNSET TIPPLE? Gin and tonic but equally happy with a nice pilsner beer.

FAVOURITE BEACH DESTINATION? NSW South Coast.

ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? I think I have a genetic predisposition to return to Greece and the Greek Islands. The pull is magnetic.

I UNWIND BY... Pottering in the garden or reading a recently arrived magazine or book.

CREATIVE PLANS FOR 2020? Continue to grow the story-telling reach of Gardening Australia and to nurture my work with Get Grubby TV as Costa the Garden Gnome working with kids and families.

DREAM PROJECT? A school garden program that would be a curriculum-based, integrated part of every primary and high school, going through to university and TAFE campuses then on to community farms and gardens. # Gardening Australia returns to screens on February 7. ABC TV, Friday nights at 7.30pm.

“ THIS SUMMER I’LL BE VISITING T H E W O O D F O R D F O L K F E S T I VA L I N Q U E E N S L A N D. M Y B A N D I S P L AY I N G F I V E G I G S T H E R E ! ” Costa Georgiadis

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Hou se s

Photograph by Jason Busch.

Home to an interior designer, this Sydney duplex makes the most of its glorious surroundings. Turn the page to see more.

I N S P I R I N G H O M E S F R O M T H E C O A S T, C O U N T R Y A N D I N - B E T W E E N

BU E N A V I S T A For Sydney interior designer Annie Benjamin, a slow-and-steady approach to renovation delivered a magnificent old-meets-new home.

STO RY Stephanie Hope | ST Y LI N G Kate Nixon | P H OTO GR A PHY Jason Busch

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LIVING In her own home, interior

designer Annie Benjamin created a highly functional space that takes full advantage of the spellbinding sea views. Carl Hansen & Son ‘CH339’ dining table and &tradition ‘Little Petra’ lounge chair, both Cult. Hans Wegner ‘56/68’ dining chairs, Great Dane.

Mokum linen curtains custom-made

by Master Workroom. Rug, Robyn Cosgrove. BassamFellows ‘Circular’ bar stools, Living Edge.

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A

nnie Benjamin was only planning to have a little stickybeak when she called into this 1920s duplex that had been passed in at auction in Sydney’s east. But one glimpse of the home’s generous proportions, abundant light and ocean views changed her intentions quickly.

An experienced interior designer, Annie could see past the tired decor and felt well-equipped to deal with the challenges of an older building. “The home was rather derelict but had the advantage of an additional flat underneath,” says Annie. “Although the interior spaces were in desperate need of updating, they were functional.

The exterior was in a shocking state, however. It needed a newroof,therewerenoguttersordownpipes,somewindows didn’t open, or once opened, wouldn’t close, and there was no garden – just a concrete driveway that led to a largely unusable, asbestos-filled garage.”

Many homeowners are tempted to get stuck right into renovations, but Annie understood the importance of spending a significant amount of time in the spatialplanning phase. She conjured up a new layout for the home, which she shares with her husband and their staffy-cross, Kingsley. The bedrooms would be relocated to the front of the property while the rear would be opened up to >

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“ N AT U R A L A N D T I M E L E S S M AT E R I A L S A R E M Y P R E F E R E N C E .” Annie Benjamin, owner and interior designer

KITCHEN Annie chose a dual-fuel cooker from Ilve and honed Carrara Extra benchtops for her kitchen. “The marble

has a beautiful white base colour and soft veining. It conveys a classic impression even when used in contemporary settings,” she says. LIVING Opposite top Annie is particularly pleased with the custom plaster and wax finish by Hermosa Painting Finishes on the fire surround. Jetmaster fireplace. Longreach sofa with custom slipcovers, Anibou. Rug, Robyn Cosgrove. Gebruder Thonet Vienna GmbH ‘Lehnsthul’ armchair, Space. Le Klint Arc ‘Nordic’ floor lamp, Great Dane. Artworks by Jason Benjamin (left) and Bill Henson. BALCONY Opposite bottom A Tribu ‘Neutra’ easy chair from Cosh Living offers a stylish spot to soak up the sun and views.

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THIS IS THE LIFE

“It’s a happy house with lots of light, air and space,” says Annie. she and her husband love entertaining in the generous kitchen and living zone, which features a large island bench, bar area and fireplace. Their other favourite place to entertain is the roof terrace – complete with day bed, dining table, barbecue and fridge. “We can sit up there and eat, drink, chat and relax with family and mates. My perfect day!”

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make way for an expansive kitchen and living zone that takes full advantage of those views. Large sliding doors glide into a specially built cavity in the wall, so the deck becomes an extension of the living space.

Downstairs, the modest garden includes a paved entertaining area and small pool; above, the roof terrace offers yet another place from which to soak up the surrounds.

“The terrace is pretty special – high enough to feel dramatic, big enough to entertain on, but still quite intimate,” says Annie. “And those views always make me pause.”

After addressing the structural issues, Annie turned her attention to the interiors and discovered that being her own client could be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, she was free to use all of her favourite design devices – from natural materials to colourful artworks – with absolute impunity, but on the other, she experienced a certain degree of stress about botching the entire thing. “I spent a lot >

KITCHEN “I love kitchens that

can be cooked in, entertained in, and relaxed in, so natural and timeless materials are my preference,” says Annie. The striking joinery, painted a custom-tinted colour from Porter’s Paints, is teamed with stainless-steel tapware from Astra Walker and simple white subway tiles. Anna Charlesworth ‘Can’ wall lights add textural beauty, while slim Gubi ‘Semi’ pendant lights give the room a modern edge.

BassamFellows ‘Circular’ bar stools, Living Edge.

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“ O L D A N D L OV E D I S J U S T A S I M P O RTA N T AS NEW … NO HOME FEELS LIVED IN W I T H O U T T H I S E L E M E N T.” Annie

The palette

Dulux Natural White (interior throughout)

Porter’s Paints Forest Green (kitchen)

The layout ROOF TERRACE

Dulux Black

Barbecue

Dining

FIRST FLOOR Dining

Bed

Bed

Living

Bath

Bed

Kitchen

GROUND FLOOR Dining Family Bath

Bed

Bed

Bed

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Entry

ROOF TERRACE Turpentine decking was chosen for its ability to perform well in harsh conditions; potted geraniums add a splash of colour. Calvi wall light, ECC Lighting+Furniture. SECOND BEDROOM Opposite top The bedhead, covered in

Raoul Textiles ‘Lena’ linen, makes a colourful statement. It’s paired with a Jardan throw, vintage leather armchair from 1stdibs and an artwork by Papunya Tula artist Nancy Nungurrayi. Karakter Copenhagen ‘Comodo’ bedside table, Cult.

THIRD BEDROOM Opposite, bottom left Hans Wegner ‘Circle’ chair and Gubi ‘Grasshoppa’ floor lamp, Cult. Rug, Robyn Cosgrove. Artwork by Robert Malherbe. MAIN BEDROOM Opposite, bottom right Annie and Kingsley perch on the window seat, which features concealed storage under its hinged lid. Maison de Vacances cushions, Tigger Hall Design. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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of time deliberating my decisions. I felt under pressure to achieve something beautiful,” she says.

Looking around the revamped home, it’s clear Annie has done just that. The new kitchen is a beautifully classic design, referencing the heritage of the home through its use of glass-fronted storage and understated timber, stone and brass finishes. Dramatic light fittings and forest green cabinets ensure it holds its own against the attentiongrabbing views.

Indeed, colour is used throughout as a budget-friendly decorating device, most notably in the kitchen, but also in the carefully selected artworks and richly patterned rug that anchors the kitchen and living area. “This is our home, not a showroom,” Annie says. “Old and loved is just as important as new, and in my opinion, no home feels finished or lived in without this element.”

Ten years after purchasing the property Annie and her husband are still enamoured with the duplex. She says she is pleased she took a slow-and-steady approach to this momentous task. “The budget was tight and I could have cut corners to get it done faster, but there are some things you can’t undo.” # Annie Benjamin Design, Paddington, NSW; 0408 969 823 or anniebenjamin.com.au.

houses H G ROOF TERRACE The original parapet wall has been retiled with encaustic tiles in Athens Green from Teranova. Maison de Vacances and Nine Muses cushions, Tigger Hall Design. LAUNDRY A Carrara marble-tiled workbench ties in with the home’s natural material selection. The second-hand stool is upholstered in cotton fabric from No Chintz. POOL & COURTYARD Opposite, top right and bottom Succulents, olive trees and potted gardenias bring a layer of lush softness to the split face sandstone-paved outdoor space downstairs. Annie created the outdoor table from a pedestal base and Noce travertine tabletop. The cane chairs are a second-hand find. For Where to Buy, see page 190.

“ T H E R O O F TO P T E R R AC E I S P R E T T Y S P E C I A L – H I G H E N O U G H TO F E E L D R A M AT I C , B I G E N O U G H TO E N T E RTA I N O N , B U T S T I L L Q U I T E I N T I M AT E .” Annie

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Let there be light

houses H G DINING The ‘secret’ door leads to the laundry. Ici sconces,

Articolo Lighting. Tribe Home rug, Luumo Design Store. Channelgroove pine cladding, Intrim Mouldings. LIVING An artwork by Zoe Young and an array of colourful cushions enliven the sitting area adjacent to the front terrace. Møller stool, Great Dane.

In sydney’s east, renovating from the inside out gave this 1980s home a fresh new face and a sunnier disposition.

STO RY Chris Pearson | ST Y LI N G Kate Bell | P H OTO GR A PHY Jason Busch

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W

hen renovating this fourbedroom house in Sydney’s east, the owners made the unusual choice to revamp the interior before updating the exterior. “That was simply so we could live in the property while the building approvals were processed,” says Deborah Herrigan, who lives here with her husband, Mike Weale, their daughter Charlotte, 21, and son Max, 18.

The inside-out approach proved a challenge for interior designer Kate Bell. “It was difficult to envisage the house as a whole, as the window and door openings would change when the main build began,” she says. Despite the tricky start, such is the synergy between Kate’s interiors and the exterior structure, by architect David Smyth of Smyth & Smyth, that most people think the home is a new build.

The family already had an idyllic home in nearby Bondi Beach, but it lacked some desirable luxuries, such as a pool and home cinema. “Mike and Charlotte considered our last home our forever home,” says Deborah.

“But I love the challenge of finding an old house and creating something amazing.” She recruited Max to Team Move and the pair set to work looking for the best options.

In 2015, the family walked into this 1980s home on top of a hill. It was north-facing and double-brick, with a great layout arranged over three levels, including a self-contained studio with kitchenette on the ground floor (street level). “The living area opened to a huge northfacing terrace at the front of the home and the dining space at the rear opened onto the garden,” says Deborah. But there was definitely work to be done. “The red-brick cladding was ugly and the interior was decked out with shag-pile carpet, big flowery tiles and flocked wallpaper,” she adds.

Mike wasn’t so keen, but Deborah knew she had an ace up her sleeve: Kate, who masterminded the interiors of the family’s previous home. “We wanted a sophisticated

and comfortable beach house,” says Deborah.

“We like light colours, but didn’t want the home to feel clinical, so asked Kate to incorporate stone, timber – and an element of surprise.”

Kate completely stripped the interior, removing just one wall on the first floor to open up the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

An existing wine cellar on the ground floor was converted into a home cinema.

Deborah wanted the home to have both open plan areas and more intimate spaces. “It’s a big house, but it can sometimes feel like there is nowhere to escape to in open-plan layouts,” she says. On the first floor, the generous kitchen, dining and living areas are distinctly zoned for a sense of separation. There’s also a bar area in the living zone and a private study tucked behind a wall of joinery. Slatted screens, differing joinery treatments, colours and finishes also help demarcate the zones.

On the first floor, pale timber-veneer joinery creates a light, beachy feel. It’s teamed with soft-grey cabinetry and a concrete benchtop on the island bench. In the living room/bar area, meanwhile, the joinery is a darker gunmetal shade, with a zinc-topped bench and a Carrara Gioia marble work surface.

Decor sorted, attention turned to the outside of the building. “Our brief to David was to make the exterior more striking and less red-brick box,” says Deborah. Raising the window and door heights proved most effective; the home is now flooded with light. Elsewhere, white render, timber and sandstone replaced the red-brick cladding, and the pitched roof gave way to flat. David also relocated the entrance from the side to the front of the home.

Today, even the most sceptical members of the family are smitten. “This home is a beautiful sanctuary for us all,” she says.

“Charlotte and Mike are well and truly beyond holding onto our last home.” > Kate Bell Interior Architecture & Design, Paddington, NSW; katebelldesign.com.

Smyth & Smyth, Rosebery, NSW; (02) 9662 2720 or smythandsmyth.com.au.

The palette THIS IS THE LIFE

“We use every room and space regularly,” says Deborah. “Our front terrace faces north and has great sitting spaces – we have dinner out there often as a family and just chill out in this area.”

The home also adapts to entertaining well. “If we have people over, the kids are usually in the backyard or in the pool and the adults congregate out the front. We can all enjoy ourselves without tripping over each other.”

Resene Alabaster (interior walls)

Resene Sea Fog (kitchen joinery)

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Resene Tapa (bar area joinery)

KITCHEN/DINING Removing a wall delivered brighter, airier communal spaces. ‘Selene’ pendant

lights, Classicon. Polished-concrete benchtop, 2Barrows. Eveneer timber-veneer joinery in Milkwood, Elton Group. ‘Tuscan Arezzo’ sisal, International Floorcoverings (throughout).

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H G houses

The layout Garden Pool

Sitting

Entry

Bed Bed

Study

Bed

Studio

Kitchen

Bath

Laundry

Dining

Bath

Bed

Home cinema

Living Garage Bar

SECOND FLOOR

Terrace

FIRST FLOOR

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GROUND FLOOR

BAR AREA An existing chandelier was restored to give the bar area a touch of glam. Zinc benchtop, Rustic Coast. Ercol stool, Luumo Design Store. LIVING Slatted screens help demarcate zones. Tolomeo ‘Mega’ floor lamp, Artemide. Side table, Luumo Design Store. CHILDREN’S BATHROOM Glass wall tiles from Onsite Supply+Design introduce texture and a hint of colour. Duravit ‘Happy D.2’ basin, Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Yokato basin mixer, Brodware. Custom vanity in Laminex Seasoned Oak. MAIN BEDROOM Custom headboard upholstered in Carlucci di Chivasso ‘Montebruno’ from Unique Fabrics. Gubi ‘Bestlite’ lights, Luumo Design Store. KITCHEN A single wall of storage allows more circulation space. Gubi ‘3D’ bar stool, Luumo Design Store. >

REAR GARDEN Top, above right and opposite Architect David Smyth designed pivoting slatted-hardwood screens to shade the rooms at the rear of the home. Sliding doors between the deck and dining area retract fully, making it feel like one enormous space.

The pool is a favourite haunt for the owners’ adult children. Sunloungers and side tables, all Globe West. Umbrella from Cosh Living. Artwork above dining table by Martine Emdur. STAIRS An elegant covered staircase leads visitors from the street to the new first-floor entry. The feature dragon tree, in a pot from Garden Life, is underplanted with Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’. Limestone pavers, Eco Outdoor. Garden design by Venation Landscapes. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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ENTRY A breezy, beachy welcome awaits visitors to this Sydney home.

Daughter Lola steps out of the front door.

Dragon’s Lair stone walling from Barefoot Living (opposite) gives the front fence a touch of texture.

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View finders

A relaxed, beachy beauty runs right through this freshly extended home on sydney’s Northern Beaches.

STO RY Sarah Pickette | ST Y LI N G Olga Lewis | P HOTOG R A PHY Kristina Soljo

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LIVING Natural materials shine in this light-filled space. The sofa is from Angelucci 20th Century; rattan chairs from Adairs. Blue oil painting by Matt Smith and Collaroy Rockpool photo by Bill Shapter. All other artworks by Suzy O’Rourke. Evie rug from Collective Sol. HALL Royal Oak floorboards in Driftwood are used throughout the home.

Jute rug, Freedom.

B

efore they’d even stepped through the front door, Suzy and Nick O’Rourke knew this home they’d come to inspect was the one. But because it was the first property they viewed, they weren’t completely confident about acting on their gut feeling.

“We thought ‘surely it can’t be that easy?’” says Suzy. “So we looked at other houses for the next two months before we circled back and bought this one.”

Situated on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the 1920s cottage did need some work.

But the spectacular location, offering gorgeous views out over swaying palms to the sea beyond, was worth it. “The home was bathed in winter sun when we saw it, and it had a lovely, relaxed feel,” she says.

That was 12 years ago, when their son Ollie was just four and Suzy was pregnant with daughter Lola. Not long after moving in, the couple undertook some minor renovations –increasingthesizeofthedeckandcourtyard to allow for more outdoor living – but made a decision to leave a bigger renovation until the kids were older. “Then our third child, Finn, came along and we needed more space.

The answer was to add another storey.” >

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“ N AT U R A L M AT E R I A L S A N D L OV E LY T E X T U R E S W E R E M Y F O C U S W H E N I T C A M E TO D E C O R AT I N G O U R H O U S E .”

Suzy O’Rourke, designer and homeowner

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H G HOUSES KITCHEN/DINING

“All summer, we have this area open to the deck so sea breezes flow into our kitchen,” says Suzy. The island bench in Caesarstone Rugged Concrete is softened by pendant lights and stools custom-made for Suzy in Indonesia. The vintage Douglas Snelling chairs belonged to Nick’s grandmother and were restored by Make Furniture.

THIS IS THE LIFE

The home’s three levels make it perfect for a family of five. “I can be upstairs, painting in my studio, and one child might be studying in the living area while the others are down in the family room watching TV or in the pool,” says Suzy.

The home’s lowest level has a soundproofed recording studio for Nick, a voiceover artist.

It’s also used by eldest son Ollie, an aspiring drummer. “Yep, the drums belong down there!”

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A milliner and artist, Suzy has an innate understanding of design. Indeed, she had previously developed the interiors for holiday rental The Shed in Gerroa, NSW (featured in H&G August 2016), so she relished the opportunity to take on this renovation project for her family.

“Our architect, Alexander Michael, helped us work up a floor plan. From that we gained better spatial flow and an amazing parents’ retreat on the first floor that has a beautiful ‘lighthouse’ feel,” says Suzy. “I wanted every room to be quite casual. We’re pretty relaxed people and I felt the home should reflect our beachy lifestyle, in texture and materials.”

From the front door, a hallway flanked by the children’s bedrooms leads to the open-plan living area. A library and office nook is tucked in opposite the living area, which has a stone fire surround as its focal point. Some clever remodelling of this floor saw an oddly positioned bathroom shifted and the space opened right up.

The kitchen has been masterfully designed, with in-line cabinetry flowing out to the deck to offer additional bench space for meal preparation. “The kitchen isn’t massive; this is a cottage, after all,”

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

she says, “so my answer was to integrate the fridge, keep the cabinetry understated, and to run it outside so the kitchen looks twice as big as it actually is.”

For Suzy, the best thing about the kitchen is its Pitt Cooking burners, which are set straight into the benchtop. “I’ll admit I became quite fixated on having them!” says Suzy, laughing. “You can set them in any formation and we love having them in a semi-circle so there’s as much Caesarstone visible as we can have.

It makes a difference in a small kitchen.”

Downstairs, there is a family room and a soundproofed recording studio for Nick, who works as a voiceover artist. This space opens out to a courtyard and the pool. The home’s crowning glory, though, is its new top level. “It has beautiful, wraparound windows – they really make the space,” says Suzy. Plantation shutters create privacy and reference the home’s heritage.

In the main bedroom, the bed is positioned in the centre of the space, with the bath set under the bedroom windows.

“It wouldn’t quite fit in the ensuite and was originally designed to sit where my w workspace is, but there’s such beautiful liigght there I felt it was better used as >

The palette Dulux Mount Aspiring (weatherboards)

Caesarstone Rugged Concrete (kitchen island)

Dulux Alexis Blue

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“ T H E I N - L I N E C A B I N E T RY A N D B U R N E R S S E T I N TO T H E B E N C H TO P M A K E A H U G E D I F F E R E N C E I N A S M A L L K I TC H E N .” Suzy

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FAMILY ROOM Suzy and Finn relax on the sofa, which was

made in Indonesia. Artwork on the left by Suzy’s mum, Shirley Shapter, and photo by Hugh Holland. KIDS’ BATHROOM The mirrors and trough-style basin were custom-made in Indonesia.

MAIN BEDROOM The bed and bath were made to order in Indonesia. FINN’S ROOM A Kmart quilt cover and Ikea rug are affordable inclusions. Artwork by Marty Schneider Art. KITCHEN Pitt Cooking burners are set into the Caesarstone Rugged Concrete bench. Leather handles from MadeMeasure punctuate the cabinetry. Custom pendant light and stools from Indonesia.

Kitchen

The layout

Dining

Bed Bath Studio SECOND FLOOR

Living

Pool

Library Bed Bed Bed

Bath

Games Entry Bath

FIRST FLOOR GROUND FLOOR

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a spot to paint and design.” From the outset, Suzy had a clear idea of how she wanted the house to look and feel: layered, relaxed and beachy. “I stuck to a palette of concrete, white and grey, even down to the flooring and the Marrakech finish plaster for the ensuite – it’s a textured, velvety grey and one of our favourite features in the whole house.”

All the fittings and furniture were selected bySuzy,withthebulkofthefurniturecustommade in Indonesia from her drawings.

“Friends told me I was brave for doing it that way, but we’re thrilled with the pieces we received,” she says.

In the end, the renovation came in on time andunderbudget–“wemadeallourdecisions early on and stuck pretty closely to them” – and,now,there’sjustsomuchaboutthehouse to love,says Suzy.“Allthosetimes weclimbed a ladder to see what the view might look like have really paid off. Sundays mornings are sacred; we’ll sit upstairs and have a cup of tea, gazing out to the ocean. When you’ve put in the hard work, it makes the enjoyment all the more sweet.” # Suzy O’Rourke Interiors, Collaroy, NSW; suzyorourke.com.au. Alexander Michael & Associates, Paddington, NSW; siloboy.com.

DECK From left, Finn, Nick, Lola, Suzy and

Ollie relax on outdoor sofas made in Indonesia.

Decking is whitewashed tallowwood. OUTDOOR KITCHEN A BeefEater barbecue is set into the Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo bench. Louvres

by Signature Shutters and joinery by Mandziy’s Just Joinery. For Where to Buy, see page 190.

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GARDEN This gathering space is a hit with the owners and

their friends, including children (from left) Teag, Zeph and Finn, who are pictured with Tenterfield terriers, Lilly and Winston.

Garden designed by New Grade Landscapes in collaboration with Wildwood Stone. The firepit is a vintage Indian cooking pot from Amandanaga Objectology.

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Infinite joy

A spectacular site in WA’s south-west inspired a considered renovation and delivered a new, more relaxed, way of life for the home’s well-travelled owners.

STO RY & ST Y L IN G Anna Flanders | P HOTOG R A P H Y Dion Robeson

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P

olly and Stephen say they fell in love with this property, located between Dunsborough and Yallingup in WA’s beautiful south-west region, the second they stepped foot on it. The 2.02ha site is high above sea level, which affords sweeping views out over Geographe Bay to the east and bushland to the north. It’s also protected from the strong south-westerlies for which the region is renowned. “It really is the perfect block,” says Stephen. “The aspect is unique and it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, despite being only three minutes from town. The view over the bay is absolutely breathtaking. It took three years of searching to find it, but it was worth it!”

The only negative with the property was the existing U-shaped home, built in the 1980s. “Our builder actually advised us to

knock it down,” says Polly, “but the construction was sound and the U-shape was perfect for the home we envisioned. We wanted separate wings for guests and for us, with a generous communal space in between.”

Architect Clayton Lindley of Naked Architecture completely reconfigured the internal layout and raised the roof to accommodate glazed gables at the front entrance and rear terrace. The now-cavernous foyer leads to Polly and Stephen’s two-bedroom private suite to the left; to the right are the twobedroom guest quarters, a home cinema, study, and laundry.

The inviting living room and adjacent kitchen/dining area are a few steps down from the foyer. In the ultimate luxe touch, Polly and Stephen also have an outdoor bathroom – complete with spa, shower and sauna – adjacent to their bedroom suite. >

MAIN LIVING Owner Polly says she loves having mementos of her travels around her. Rug bought while on holiday in Turkey. For similar Moroccan pouf, try Cush & Co. Sofa, chaise and wooden side table, all European Concepts. Cushions, Empire Dunsborough.

Seating pod (on patio) and mustard throw, Bay Furniture & Design. For similar brass side tables, try Event Artillery. Artwork by Lori Pensini. Foorgres floor tiles, European Ceramics (throughout). KITCHEN The kitchen, featuring Old Jack veneer joinery, is by Dunsborough Woodworks. Stool, European Concepts. Black glass splashback. Appliances, all Miele. Tapware, Rogerseller.

The palette Porter’s Paints Wood Smoke (interior, main walls) Porter’s Paints Riverstone (interior, contrast)

Dulux Olive Reserve

P O L LY

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

“ T H E R E F I N E D M AT E R I A L S D E L I V E R T H E G L A M O R O U S , S U M P T U O U S F E E L W E L OV E .”

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“Our home is the most beautiful place to spend time – looking out over the bay and trees is so peaceful and restorative,” says Polly. Mornings usually begin at the beach with the dogs, followed by an alfresco breakfast. Friends might pop over in the afternoon for a swim or a game of petanque.

“In the evenings, we hide from the wind in the gin garden, then head to the outdoor bath with a glass of local wine. We are loving retirement!”

“ O U R H O M E I S T H E M O S T B E AU T I F U L P L AC E TO S P E N D T I M E . T H E V I E W S A R E S O R E S TO R AT I V E .”

P O L LY

Two-tone grey walls are teamed with textured-porcelain tiles in taupe, creating an earthy backdrop for the couple’s collection offurniture,artandartefactscollectedontheirtravelsthroughout the Kimberley region and Indochina. The darker grey, Porter’s Paints Riverstone, is used in the entrance and living area to absorb the harshest sun, and helps the living zone sink into its bushland surroundings.

Comfort is always a key factor when choosing furniture, but sophisticated finishes were equally important to the couple, who opted for soft Italian leather on the sofa, velvet cushions, and walnut joinery. “These materials deliver the glamorous, sumptuous feel we both love,” says Polly. Colours throughout take their cues from the landscape; objets d’art from travels and vases filled with native foliage add the final flourish.

“Stephen lived in the UK for many years, and he wanted our garden to showcase the native flora he’d missed while abroad,” says Polly. “Our family friend, Louis Van Rooyen, is a landscape

architect and he collaborated with Wildwood Stone to create our spectacular terraced garden and the meandering footpaths through the garden, a feature inspired by Kings Park [in Perth].

The garden complements the home beautifully – we discover new vistas each time we walk through it.”

The house really comes into its own in summer. All the doors are thrown open and life revolves around the infinity pool, grassed terrace, outdoor kitchen and firepit. “We love travel and staying at beautiful resorts and we aimed to bring the best of that into our home, to enjoy every day. Stephen thought he might get bored living in the country, but he loves it as much as me,” says Polly. Stephen’s verdict? “It’s absolutely perfect. We wouldn’t change a thing,” he says. # Naked Architecture, Dunsborough, WA; 0409 999 155 or nakedarchitecture.com.au. New Grade Landscapes, South Perth, WA; 0404 242 496 or www.newgradelandscapes.com.au.

Wildwood Stone, Dunsborough, WA; wildwoodstone.com.au.

POOL Infinity pool designed by Naked Architecture, constructed by Dunsborough Pools Design & Construct. Sunloungers, Bay Furniture. MAIN BEDROOM Bespoke pearl-inlay bedhead and side table, Sohal Living. Turkish sconce from a store that has now closed. Lamp, Empire Dunsborough. REAR GARDEN The mostly native garden, on the western side of the property, helps settle the home into its surroundings. MAIN ENSUITE Vanity, tapware and basin, all Rogerseller. Inlay stool, Sohal Living. Rug, Armadillo & Co. OUTDOOR ROOM This alfresco area is a favourite for Polly, pictured with her friend Bea (seated). Dining table and chairs, all Bay Furniture & Design. Champagne bucket, Georg Jensen. Vase, Empire Dunsborough. For Where to Buy, see page 190.

The layout Study Bath

Bed Cinema

Bed Living

Pantry

Kitchen

Dining

Entry

Bath

Bed Bed Kitchen garden Pool

Outdoor bath Outdoor room

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Modern love A bit of a rough diamond when purchased, this Mid-Century home in Melbourne positively sparkles after a sensitive renovation.

STORY Judy Pascoe | STY LI NG Chelsea Hing | P H OTOG R A P HY Rhiannon Taylor

POOL AREA Magis ‘Spun’ stool, Dedece.

Eames LCW low chair and E15 ‘Backenzahn’ side table (in hall), both Living Edge.

INTERNAL COURTYARD Opposite Hay ‘Palissade’ seating, Cult. Fred coffee table, Jardan. Landscaping by The Plant Society.

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Feature plants _______ Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) Ginkgo biloba Aspidistra elatior Ficus elastica Sedum ‘Blue Feather’

“ T H E R E S T R A I N E D PA L E T T E ALLOWED FOR MORE COLOUR A N D F U N I N T H E F U R N I S H I N G S .”

Chelsea Hing, interior designer

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lex, the owner of this home, “loves a project” so when he happened upon an uninhabited Mid-Century gem in a bayside suburb of Melbourne, he felt a considerable degree of excitement. Hidden behind overgrown shrubs at the end of a cul-de-sac, it had escaped the notice of other renovators. He tracked down the owner and secured a sale.

Alex and his wife Alina had worked with interior designer Chelsea Hing on a previous abode, and she was the first person the couple called once the sale was settled. “The house hadn’t been touched since it was built in the 1960s,” says Chelsea. “It was drab and dark. There was brown floral wallpaper throughout the kitchen and living spaces; joinery interrupted the flow of the layout and limited views through the house.”

Designed by Walter P Pollock, the single-level home had plenty of natural light, so the priority was to improve the flow and update the interior to suit the family, which includes two young boys. >

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KITCHEN American-oak veneer joinery.

Kashmir white granite benchtop. Manetti terracotta tiles (splashback), Artedomus.

Last Minute stools, Hub Furniture. DCW Editions ‘No. 302’ ceiling light, In Good Company. Engineered-timber flooring, Royal Oak Floors (throughout). DINING Knoll Studio ‘MR’ side chairs, Dedece. Cassina ‘713/714’ dining table, Space. Ligne Roset ‘Solveig’ floor lamp, Domo. Artwork by Simon Finn. LIVING Bottom and opposite Gatto table lamp, Euroluce. Fat Fat coffee table, 111 Wink lounge chair and LC14 Tabourets stools, all Space. Concerto sofa, King Living. Vitsoe shelf unit and FDC1 chair, all Hub Furniture. Custom rug, Bibi Viro.

Painting by Barbara Kitallides. Mini sculptures by Melanie Upton, Pieces of Eight. Wall sculpture by Sarah Robson.

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THIS IS THE LIFE

The peaceful internal courtyard is integral to this home, so bringing the previously bland space to life was high on the priority list. Alex and Alina engaged The Plant Society to soften the paved space with lush plantings, which Chelsea complemented with beautiful outdoor furniture.

For the ďŹ nal ourish, training wire was strung up and over the courtyard; in time, the newly planted Boston ivy will provide dappled shade.

The palette The layout Resene Alabaster (throughout)

Dining

Living

Inax ‘Repeat Wave’ wall tiles

Pool

Kitchen

Entry

Bed Courtyard

Garage

Bed

American-oak veneer joinery

Family

Bath

Bed Laundry

Meals

Bed

Bed Bath

THE SIMPLER REMEDIAL MEASURES D E L I V E R E D T H E M O S T I M PAC T.

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Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

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“We retained the existing footprint and kept the original doors and windows wherever possible,” says Chelsea of the makeover. Elements that no longer served any purpose were removed, such as joinery that wrapped around the perimeter of the glass-walled internal courtyard and obstructed sightlines through the home. “One of the assets of a house like this is that you can look through it. That is rare nowadays – we tend to live looking out,” she adds.

Inspiration for the makeover came “straight out of the Palm Springs playbook”, says Chelsea. “We wanted to rejuvenate the home – to liberate it. The same fresh white paint, Resene Alabaster, is used inside and out for unity. The restrained palette allowed for more colour and fun in the furnishings too.”

Stepping through the front door of the L-shaped home, the first sight is the glass-walled internal courtyard. It’s undeniably the heart of the home, both physically and figuratively; the owners say bringing it to life was the most satisfying part of the renovation. A stacked-stone wall on the far side of the courtyard is a wonderfully organic element and an anchor point for the spaces that surround it. Communal areas – the kitchen, dining zone and two living rooms – wrap around the courtyard.

A children’s retreat, study, five bedrooms and two bathrooms occupy the long length of the home.

A new garage and in-ground pool were the biggest changes to the property, however Chelsea says the simpler remedial measures delivered the most impact. The kitchen was reoriented to look into the courtyard and a new built-in dining nook added. “Reinvigorating the kitchen and meals area has really transformed the house,” she says. In addition, removing doors and lowering thresholds helped to make the house feel more generous and connected. “The ceiling heights were relatively low, so it was important to lift the eye up wherever possible,” she adds.

While most of the project was straightforward, it was not without hurdles. For example, the original terrazzo flooring had to go because some walls were moved. “I still think about this a lot,” says Chelsea, “but marrying new terrazzo with old was going to be such a painstaking job that we decided to go with timber throughout.”

Chelsea is still adding the finishing layers to the home, rethinking some of the smaller spaces and working on improving the sun control.

What does not need improvement, however, is the abode’s seamless blend of old and new – the standout contemporary features beautifully complement the integrity of the original design. # Chelsea Hing, South Melbourne, Victoria; (o3) 8506 0417 or chelseahing.com.au. w

MAIN BEDROOM Bedlinen, Cultiver. Oluce ‘Atollo’ lamp, Euroluce.

Francesca side table, Temple & Webster. Artwork by Galliano Fardin, Art Bank. MAIN ENSUITE Right and opposite Inax ‘Repeat Wave’ wall tiles, Artedomus. Flos ‘OK’ vanity lights, Euroluce. Water Jewels basins, Rogerseller.

Astra Walker ‘Icon’ tapware, Mary Noall. Issy Zi mirrors, Reece. Pluro bath, Abey. The dressing room (beyond the ensuite) features Häfele and Blum fixtures and fittings. For Where to Buy, see page 190.

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ENTRY HALL Architect Rob Nerlich simplified the flow of this townhouse, opening it up to the light and freeing up wall space to display the owners’ artworks. Painting by unknown artist (left); the framed prints were found at a Paris flea market. Framed Escape Velour carpet in Noosha, SuperTuft.

REAR COURTYARD Planters and low stool, Redfox & Wilcox.

Bluestone pavers, Eco Outdoor.

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Follow the art

Treasured collections take pride of place in these Melbourne downsizers’ compact new home, an abode that easily adapts to use and the time of day.

STO RY Chris Pearson | ST Y L I N G McMahon and Nerlich | P H OTOGR A PHY Shannon McGrath

The palette

Dulux Lexicon (interior, throughout)

Dulux North Sea (kitchen joinery)

European oak (flooring, throughout)

KITCHEN The formerly squeezy kitchen is now part of a dramatic open-plan space.

Benchtops and splashback in Arabescato Vagli marble, Signorino. Classic Cormatin cooker, Lacanche. Integrated ActiveSmart french-door refrigerator, Fisher & Paykel.

Lismore Executive integrated rangehood, Qasair. Dishwasher, Miele. Sussex Scala gooseneck mixer, Reece. Victorian ash shelves. Mrs.T Soft Flush-Lens pendant light, Darkon. Gemini track lighting, Masson for Light.

A

s the owners of this home show, it’s possible to downsize without losing sight of the bigger picture. One of a neat row of 1980s townhouses, the home expresses the owners’ love for the finer things, including a generous collection of books and art.

The semi-retired empty-nesters moved to this threebedroom townhouse in Melbourne’s southeast in 2016, wooed by the more manageable size and light-filled spaces. Its configuration gave it gardens both front and back and plenty of sun throughout the day, thanks to its east-west orientation.

Inside, peachy pink and beige walls, worn timber benchtops and tired bathrooms cried out for an update.

Layout-wise, the ground-floor laundry hogged valuable floor space, making the adjacent kitchen a squeeze

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

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and limited its connection to the family area. The large living room was cut off from the informal living/dining zone at the rear of the home, which lacked a link to the rear courtyard. “The layout felt cramped and the rooms too separate,” says architect Rob Nerlich of McMahon and Nerlich, the firm engaged for the renovation.

“Wewantedtoopenthelivingspacesuptoeachother, improve the relationship with the garden, and update kitchens and bathrooms to contemporary levels of comfort,” says the owner. A walk-in wardrobe – an indulgenceusuallyreserved for larger homes – was also on the wish list.

Rob opened up the living room by replacing full walls with partial ones to facilitate sight lines through the home. Double doors to the hall were removed to create wall space for the owners’ art collection. >

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“ I L OV E C O L L E C T I O N S O F B O O K S A S A V I S UA L A N D T E X T U R A L B AC K D R O P TO A R O O M .” Rob Nerlich, architect LIVING/DINING Above and opposite The owners selected

furniture and fittings with an emphasis on natural materials and clean profiles. Nook sofa, Jardan. Dining table, Mark Tuckey.

Crochet rug in Atlantic from Jenny Jones Rugs. Heat & Glo gas fireplace, Jetmaster. Artworks by Jason Benjamin (left) and Vu Thuy. AJ Royal pendant lights, Cult. Potted plants, Glasshaus.

Magnus Olesen Butterfly dining chairs, Danish Red.

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A new kitchen island replaced a bench seat, freeing up space for a series of french doors that connect the interior to the garden. Upstairs, the home’s three bedrooms (one currently used as a study) were structually untouched except for the addition of the walk-in wardrobe in the main bedroom. The laundry isnowlocatedinaspaceformerlyoccupiedbyapowder room. Relocating the laundry to the first floor “allowed foranopen,generousrelationshipbetween the enlarged kitchen and dining space”, says Rob. Inthediningroom,cantileveredshelvesaccommodate the couple’s extensive library and objets d’art; similar full-length shelves feature in the living room. A third set of shelves –smaller and backed with marble – acts as a divider between the kitchen and living room. “I love collections of books as a visual and textural backdrop to a room,” says Rob. “The bookshelves in the dining space balance those in the living room and accentuate the connection between these spaces.” The existing skirting was swapped for one with a cleaner profile and all cornicing removed for a simpler, more contemporary feel overall.

The materials palette includes natural finishes such as marble, timber and leather for their inherent texture andcharm,andareteamedwith‘finished’materialsfor colour, says Rob. “These natural materials create a dialogue between a remarkable collection of artworks and the house itself, through to the courtyard beyond.”

White walls throughout ensure a light, airy feel, and provide the perfect canvas for the owners’ extensive art collection. In the kitchen, deep-blue joinery makes a bold statement, complementing the tones of veining in the Arabescato marble on the benches and splashback, as well as the ivy in the garden.

For the owner, shifting to a smaller home has meant sacrifices, but it has also brought many pluses. “In the mornings, I love reading the newspaper at the dining table and looking out to the green wall of the private courtyard,” she says. “The open, relaxed spaces mean it is always a pleasure to come home.” And the couple are still surrounded by the treasures – with a little judicious editing – that have brought them so much pleasure over the years. > McMahon and Nerlich, South Melbourne, Victoria; (03) 8256 9685 or www.mcmahonandnerlich.com.au.

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LIVING/DINING A handsome library wall was

designed to accommodate the owners’ extensive book collection. Hans Wegner Plank chair, Great Dane, Artwork by Nguyen Thanh Binh. MAIN BEDROOM The wall and bedhead of hand-stitched Verona leather in Sepia from Instyle adds richness to the restful scheme. For Where to Buy, see page 190.

THIS IS THE LIFE

“We follow the sun, with the kitchen and dining room being our morning place,” says the owner.

In the afternoon, the focus – and the sun – shifts to the living room, “a calm oasis with dappled light”. With its two living areas and gardens, the house lends itself to entertaining. “We love hosting family gatherings and the combined kitchen and dining area work really well when we have larger groups,” she says. #

HOUSES H G The layout

Kitchen

Dining

Bed Study Bath Living

Bath

Wardrobe

Bath Bed

Entry FIRST FLOOR Courtyard

GROUND FLOOR

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A new turn

The renovation project was incredibly complex, but perseverance has reaped beautiful rewards for the owners of this home on sydney’s Northern Beaches.

STO RY Sarah Pickette | ST Y L IN G Archisoul Architects | P H OTOGR A PHY Tom Ferguson

LIVING Old meets new in the living area, with high-performance glass sitting comfortably

alongside the restored early 20th century chimney. An automated Silent Gliss curtain track is set into the marine-ply ceiling. Devex underfloor heating is linked to the homeautomation system so it can be turned on from anywhere. GARDEN The builder’s young daughter Danielle strides across the concrete steppers. The carport has blackbutt doors and can be used as an extra entertaining space. Landscape design by Podology.

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T

here’s no such thing as the too-hard basketforJoGillies,directorofArchisoul Architects. If there was, this renovation on Sydney’s Northern Beaches would surely be in it. The owners of this early 1900s semi contacted Jo, having seen an Archisoul sign outside another heritage project, to enquire about renovating their property.

Jo and her design team took on the job and soon struck their first challenge: council planning officials insisted the adjoining semi be renovated at the same time. “The owners convinced their neighbour to bring his renovation plans forward.

So we had two different briefs, two budgets and two timelines to work to with our one builder,” she says.“OnehomeownerlivedinEurope,whichmeant lots of late-night phone calls, and we acted as the contracts administrator for one semi but not the other. And when we began the project, we had no idea of the building’s historical significance.”

It turns out that the semis were built by the Sly brothers, local fishermen who would drag their wooden boat out from the house to the nearby ocean to conduct daring sea rescues in the early 20th century. “The Sly brothers were pioneers of the Australian surf-lifesaving movement as we know it today,” says Jo. “It was our heritage consultant who discovered this; none of the homeowners had any inkling.”

Archisoul Architects has carved out a niche for itself as a firm that specialises in heritage work, so the team understood how to approach this complicated project. The facades of the semis, and their two front sitting rooms, were retained and restored. In the semi on the right [the home featured here], the brick fireplace was also saved.

“We protected it with ply and ropes while the house was demolished around it,” says Jo. The floor plan today bears little resemblance to the original layout – “there was no flow, rooms were tacked onto rooms” – and it’s now a light-filled family home with an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area and a whole new level upstairs.

A trip to the Leicht Kitchens showroom saw the homeowners fall instantly in love with the European styling and craftsmanship they >

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“A N E AT J U L I E T B A L C O N Y AT R E A R O F T H E H O U S E A L L O W S T H E O W N E R S P R I VAC Y A N D G R E AT A I R F L O W W I T H O U T H AV I N G TO C E D E TO O M U C H B E D R O O M S PAC E .”

Jo Gillies, architect

REAR EXTERIOR Top left A Vitrocsa sliding door recesses completely to create a juliet balcony.

Automated external venetian blinds works as a solar shade and blackout to the main bedroom.

Nu-Wall aluminium cladding. FACADE Top right The sensitively designed first-floor extension is barely visible from the street. KITCHEN/DINING Above and opposite Miele ovens are set into charcoal cabinetry, designed and installed by Leicht Kitchens. Modern plaster was removed to reveal the original chimney brickwork. The Lopi gas fire was selected for its ability to connect to the home automation system. A Bora downdraft extraction system is neatly hidden in the island bench, which is topped with Caesarstone in Snow. Muuto dining table, Living Edge.

Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ chairs, Cult.

H G houses BEDROOM High windows allow light and privacy in the room where Danielle plays. ENSUITE Original kauri floorboards were used to construct the ensuite’s vanity. Basin from Rogerseller, mixer from Ikon Bathroomware. WARDROBE

Mafi engineered-oak floorboards are used throughout the first floor. Joinery made from Gunnersen’s DesignerPly. STUDY NOOK Bricks from the adjoining semi’s chimney were repurposed in the upstairs hall of this home. Windows by Steel Windows Australia, skylight by Atlite Skylights and joinery by Nu Space. >

The layout FIRST FLOOR Bath

Bed

Bath Wardrobe Bed

Study

Bed Sitting

Bath

Entry Meals

Kitchen

GROUND FLOOR

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Living

Courtyard

Carport

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

“ T H E O L D F L O O R B OA R D S WERE REPURPOSED TO C R E AT E A VA N I T Y I N T H E E N S U I T E .” Jo

The palette Dulux Snowy Mountain Half (interior, throughout)

Caesarstone in Snow (island bench)

Engineered oak (flooring, throughout)

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saw. “They adore the concealed extraction fan that pulls air into a vent in the island bench. This works well with the kitchen’s integrated appliances and handle-free cabinetry.” A slimline timber dining table fits neatly in with the island cabinetry and beautiful Vitrocsa steel doors open the area up to the greenery outside.

The kitchen and dining areas are flooded with light, thanks to the glass hallway floor above that’s positioned beneath a generous skylight. This hallway accommodates a home office area and links a child’s bedroom at the front of the house with the main bedroom, which has a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and juliet balcony.

“Wetreatedtheupdateofthishomeverysensitively,”says Jo.“Theextensionisbarelyvisiblefromthestreet.Wereused materials and far exceeded the minimum environmental requirements. Sustainability to me means a return to wholenessandthat’ssomethingthat,throughacollaborative design process, we’ve achieved for this home.” #

THIS IS THE LIFE

The homeowners, a family of four, love the cool sea breezes that flow right through the renovated home in summer. “Its retractable flyscreens work so well in this regard,” says Jo. “The house is situated close to everything there’s no need for a car. The parents like to sit out on the verandah with their morning coffees, watching the world go by and chatting to neighbours. They feel very much a part of the local community.”

Archisoul Architects, Balgowlah, NSW; archisoul.com.au.

Newmark Constructions, Chatswood, NSW; newmark.com.au.

MAIN BEDROOM This calming sleep space features Walter Knoll ‘Oki’

brass tables and ‘Fabricius’ armchair, all Living Edge. Silent Gliss automated curtain track from Oz Shade For Where to Buy, see page 190..

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OPENING AND CLOSING AROUND YOUR LI FE’S MOST IMPORTANT MO MENTS.

All of the things that are most important to you will pass through your front door. That’s why a Parkwood door is built to see you through it all. Our doors are constructed from the most durable, quality materials available, so they’ll stand the test of time for years to come, seeing you through the ins and outs of life’s little moments and your biggest achievements. parkwooddoors.com.au | sales@parkwooddoors.com.au

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Make yours an Endless Summer® Fleming’s Endless Summer® is an exciting range of repeat flowering hydrangea designed to bring beautiful blooms to gardens all summer long.

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flemings.com.au

G a rden s Photograph by Simon Griffiths.

The elegant former home of department store founder Sidney Myer and his wife Merlyn sits in parklike surrounds. For more on this special Melbourne garden, see over the page.

T H E T R A N S F O R M A T I V E P O W E R O F O U T D O O R S PA C E S

H G gardens

Living history The Myer name needs no introduction, but not so well known is the Melbourne garden loved by four generations of the philanthropic family.

STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P H OTOG R A P H Y Simon Griffiths

The Myers acquired a paddock neighbouring their property in 1932; architect Harold Desbrow-Annear transformed it into this classical sunken garden with topiary, statuary and pond.

Feature trees in the garden include a giant Californian redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) planted by Ken Myer in 1943; a glorious pin oak, golden elms, tulip trees, copper beech, a deodar cedar and a rare white oak (Quercus alba).

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he street view of Cranlana offers tantalising glimpses of the splendour within. Framed by sandstone pillars and wrought-iron gates, the park-like grounds stretch out as far as the eye can see, divided by a gravel driveway that sweepsuptotheporticoofanEdwardianhome.Manicured lawns are outlined by rows of hedging and punctuated by colossal trees reaching into the sky. It’s an extraordinary sight. But then, there is nothing ordinary about this property.

Located in the prestigious Melbourne suburb of Toorak, Cranlana was the home of businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Myer department store, Sidney Myer, and his wife, Merlyn. They bought the 1903 home and property as a newly married couple, in 1920, and immediately began planning and planting around the home, intent on creating a ‘house in a garden’.

The Myers welcomed their first child, Ken, in 1921 and within several years, they had four young children running around the grounds. As their youngest daughter, Marigold – now 92 and known as Lady Southey – wrote in the foreword of Cranlana: The first 100 years, a recently released history on the property: “The house and garden grew and matured together, and in those two places a happy family was raised”.

In 1928, Sidney engaged architect Harold Desbrow-Annear, an exponentoftheArtsandCraftsMovement,tooverseearefurbishment of the house and to revamp the design of the garden. The aim was to create a cohesive layout in which the home would connect with its surrounds. Harold responded by creating a series of terraced lawns and garden beds that fan out from the house, with a grid of stone paths and retaining walls dividing the expanse into zones.

In 1932, Sidney and Merlyn acquired an adjoining paddock, expanding their plot to just under one hectare. Desbrow-Annear was asked to transform this new parcel of land. He had a grand vision: a formal sunken walled garden in the Italianate style.

Designed with strong axial lines, the sunken garden features a lily pond with central fountain, marble statuary and clipped topiaries.

Sidney Myer died suddenly in 1934, at the age of 56. Dame Merlyn continued to live at Cranlana until her death in 1982 and the Myer descendants still own the property. The entire clan holds a deep affection for this special place: Lady Southey still walks the grounds every day with her dogs. >

Cloaked by the canopy of old trees, this sheltered pocket of the garden is bathed in dappled light.

OPPOSITE Clockwise from top

left Vibrant potted marigolds.

The wrought-iron gates designed

by Harold Desbrow-Annear at the street entrance feature the family crest, Sidney and Merlyn’s initials, ‘M’ and ‘S’, entwined; a glorious pin oak stands at the top of the driveway. Classical statuary and urns are found throughout the garden. The tennis court fence is draped in wisteria. The beautiful variegated foliage of calla lily.

An Italianesque water feature.

The delicate flowerhead of pink spider flower (Cleome).

Feature plants _______ Californian redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) Pin oak ( Quercus palustris) Copper beech ( Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropurpurea’) Tulip tree ( Liriodendron tulipifera) Golden elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’) Tree gardenia ( Gardenia thunbergia) Japanese wisteria ( Wisteria floribunda) Snowball tree ( Viburnum opulus)

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“ W E ’ R E N OT I M M U N E TO T H E C H A L L E N G E S O F O U R C H A N G I N G C L I M AT E . W E ’ R E M I N D F U L O F O U R R E S O U R C E U S E A N D O F F O S T E R I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y.” Anna Thompson, head gardener, Cranlana

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For all its sophistication, the garden at Cranlana has been a popular playground for successive generations of younger Myer family members.

Sidney and Merlyn’s children swam in the fishpond on hot days and played leap-frogovertheyoungevergreensonthelowerterrace.KenMyer’sdaughter, Joanna Baevski, says the garden is what she loved most about visiting her grandparents’ home. “The garden was paradise. It still is. My grandson, Simon,recentlyhadhisseventhbirthdayatCranlana.One of his little friends said to his mum, ‘We went to the bush in Toorak’.”

Dame Merlyn loved the garden in all seasons. For her, it was not only a place from which she derived aesthetic pleasure, it was also the largest ‘room’ at Cranlana. In good weather, she loved entertaining guests under the trees in dappled sunlight or under a heated candlelit marquee decorated with flowers from the garden.

Cranlana’s current head gardener, Anna Thompson, says the garden is bothpeacefulandahiveofactivity.Intandemwiththeconstantmaintenance, she and her team also propagate many of the plants – vegetables, flowers, even the oaks – for Myer family members. Anna says there are challenges, too, in balancing the preservation and renewal of this historic plot. “We’re not immune to the challenges of our changing climate,” she says.

“We’re mindful of our resource use and of fostering biodiversity.”

While the property is no longer a permanent residence, it is used as a gathering place for the extended Myer clan and as headquarters for the Cranlana Centre of Ethical Leadership, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to assisting better decision making in business and government.

There will be much to celebrate when Sidney and Merlyn’s descendants gather together this year – under the boughs of Merlyn’s beloved trees – to # mark the family’s 100 years at Cranlana.

ranlana: The irst 100 years by ichael Shmith $80, Hardie rant) is out now.

The sunken garden is a vision of symmetry. Today, the flowerbeds are filled with vibrant dahlias, cleomes, zinnias, marigolds, amaranthus and salvias. In the background, a ‘long walk’ is lined with pencil pines (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’).

OPPOSITE Clockwise from top

Velvet lawns, floral colour and a stone seat in one of the lower terraces. Gardens beds contained by low box hedging. A cherub statue is haloed by an arch of nasturtiums.

C OO L & C A L M Stylish materials, a pared-back plant palette and a glorious feature tree combine to set the scene for this plunge-perfect swimming spot.

STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P HOTO GR A P H Y Anson Smart

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n a hot summer’s day, few things offer relief like a shady swimming hole. The owners of this Sydney garden couldn’t agree more. Their backyard pool is shaded by the spreading canopy of a beautiful jacaranda, its long, sculptural boughs spanning the width of the water. The tree’s reflection mirrored on the pool’s dark, silky surface creates a picturesque backdrop for alfresco entertaining.

This sanctuary radiates ‘cool’, thanks to a recent refurbishment.

Following the renovation of their home, the owners realised their back garden and pool needed an update too. The decking was

rotten and needed replacing; ditto the tea-tree fencing. There was no safety fence between the house and the pool and there were scattered, unrelated plantings. The owners enlisted Sophie Greive from Think Outside Gardens to give it the revamp it needed.

Sophie renewed all key surfaces, replacing the pine decking with stained spotted gum. For the pool edge, she selected a mid-grey vitrified tile to tone in with the existing dark turquoise pool tiles.

New boundary fencing went in, painted a custom charcoal colour so it visually recedes behind the plantings. Glass safety fencing was

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Feature plants _______ Jacaranda Dragon tree (Dracaena draco) Lilly pilly (Syzygium australe ‘Select’) Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa) Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

“ J AC A R A N DA S C A N B E M E S SY A N D T H E Y ’ R E N OT A G R E AT T R E E TO H AV E AROUND A POOL , BUT IN T H I S C A S E , T H E B E AU T Y O F THE TREE OUTWEIGHED R E M OV I N G I T.” Sophie Greive CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT “Timber

decking is a great option to use under a large tree as it makes the area stable, useable and accessible,” says Sophie. “It’s a lightweight material that covers over roots and wraps around the trunk where it’s a challenge to grow anything.” There is now seamless flow between the entertaining deck and the pool.

Poolside seating. The streamlined view from the barbecue.

installed, ensuring the pool remains visible from the house, and allowing views of the existing dragon tree (Dracaena draco), a beautiful feature tree on the rear boundary.

Plants were chosen to suit the varying conditions of the site. A hedge of lilly pilly (Syzygium australe ‘Select’) suits the sunnier side of the pool, and helps soften the boundary fence while a row of shade-loving lady palms (Rhapis excelsa) works under the jacaranda.

Lilly pilly and star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) grow along the shady back fence. “We used a simple palette of dark green

plant species to create a backdrop for the two feature trees and to tone in with the dark colours of the pool,” says Sophie.

The hero, of course, is the jacaranda. “Jacarandas can be messy when they lose their leaves and flowers, but this specimen was the main feature of the garden, so it had to stay,” says Sophie.

The symphony of dark greens is echoed and reflected in the dark pool water. “It all contributes to making the space calm and soothing,” says Sophie. # Think Outside Gardens; www.thinkoutsidegardens.com.au.

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L I V E ON T HE ED GE Transforming this sloping coastal site into a user-friendly, resort-style hangout with its own jewel-like pool house was a feat of engineering.

STORY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y L I N G Alice Flynn | P H OTO GR A PHY Jason Busch

OV ER THE HEDGE An existing 6m-tall hedge of cypress (Cupressus x leylandii ‘Leightons Green’) along the length of the pool was retained because it offers an established privacy screen. All other plantings except for the Norfolk Island pine are new. “We aimed to create a lush, relaxed, coastal garden,” says Matt.

SPA RK LING GE M Built five metres above ground level, this 8.8x7.5m L-shaped pool now sparkles enticingly a short distance from the back door. Matt lined the pool with a pearlescent pale-blue Bisazza mosaic tile to produce the light blue water colour.

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PIN E PERFECTION The giant Norfolk Island pine with spiral layers of branches was preserved in the new design. “We designed everything around the tree,” says Matt. “We cantilievered the pool pavilion to protect its roots: it was an engineering triumph.”

TOP JOB The 8.2x3.2m pool pavilion was designed with a load-bearing roof to accommodate a roof garden.

Plants growing here include rosemary, Crassula ovata ‘Bluebird’, Agave desmettiana and Miscanthus sinesis. Inside, the pavilion is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, dining table and sofa: the perfect hangout spot. Heaven armchair (on lawn) from Eco Outdoor.

MATT LEACY Director and principal designer, Landart

The brief Living on the coast comes with rewards (glorious ocean views!) and a few challenges. Originally, this rear garden on Sydney’s Northern Beaches had a significant slope, with a 6m fall from back door to boundary edge. It was a difficult to use space with no significant plantings except for a beloved Norfolk Island pine.

The owners called on Matt Leacy to design a pool and entertaining area that would lure them from the house into the back garden. The key prerequisite: to protect that pine tree.

The result The garden is now an enticing social space consisting of an upper lawn and a lower pool level. To add to its pulling power, Matt designed a pool pavilion, which is fully furnished with creature comforts. The result is a feat of engineering and logistics: the pool, for example, sits five metres above natural ground level. Protecting the Norfolk Island pine was also a challenge. “We had to cantilever the pavilion and retaining walls so we didn’t disturb the roots of the tree,” says Matt. “The engineering was complex. But the tree, I’m happy to say, is thriving.”

Designer statement “We turned a completely unusable disconnected garden into something that is a drawcard and has purpose.” > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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HALE AND HARDY Plants on the roof of the pool pavilion (right) were chosen to withstand the harsh coastal conditions including full sun and strong onshore winds. Included in this mix is rosemary, Crassula ovata ‘Blue Bird’, Agave desmettiana and ornamental grasses. “We love installing roof gardens,” says Matt. “Most properties have a roof that could be converted to a garden space and it makes such a difference to the general greenscape.” Rosemary is a personal favourite plant of Matt’s: “It’s a gorgeous plant. It can be trimmed and sculpted or it can be trained to cascade over the edge and look really soft.”

COA STA L FRINGE A kentia palm is underplanted with Zoysia tenuifolia, a lush, mounding grass. On the far side of the stairs is Senecio serpens, Crassula ovata ‘Blue Bird’, Rhaphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’ and native ginger (Alpinia nutans).

ON THE L EV EL S “We ended up with only a 2m difference between the upper and lower levels, which was a fantastic outcome given the constraints of the site,” Matt says. “We also split the levels so that the transition between them is enjoyable.”

M AT ERI A L MEDL E Y The stairs and pavilion floor are paved in soft grey Miramah limestone pavers, teamed with textured Wamberal Freeform natural stone cladding on the retaining walls (both from Eco Outdoor). The rendered walls are painted Dulux Monument.

SU N N Y OU T LOOK The silver-toned licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) has amazingly soft, felted foliage yet it is incredibly hardy. “It can be sculpted to whatever shape you desire, and works in small or large spaces,” says Matt.

MU LTI FOCUS “The garden was previously a space the residents couldn’t use at all; now the whole family uses it together,” says Matt. “From swimming, to entertaining, it’s now a multifunctional space.”

gardens H G Matt’s top tips for coastal planting: ✚ Look at which plants are thriving in your neighbours’ gardens, or on the headlands around you, and choose the same or similar plants. ✚ Make sure the plants you use are suited to the soil type and weather conditions. If it’s an exposed area with salty winds, you’ll need hardier species than if you’re planting in an area protected by the house. ✚ good coastal planting will survive without water but looks a lot better after a drink. a drip-line irrigation system is good. ✚ Mulch helps soil retain moisture. If you’re on a sandy site, mix organic matter (such as compost) into the sand first before topping with mulch. ✚ If your new plants are coming from a nursery and are not accustomed to the exposure levels of your site, erect wind breaks – a hessian barrier or protective sleeve – around the plants until they adapt.

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B

A The pool pavilion is a light-filled, fully-furnished living space designed for comfort, making it possible to spend an entire day away from the main house, dipping between the pool and sofa. The wire furniture is from Eco Outdoor. B A hot shower is on offer in the pool pavilion. The hanging plant is a tassel fern (Phlegmariurus sp). C A dining table and glam bathroom are all contained in the poolside pavilion.

LEFT In its previous iteration, the rear garden was under-used largely because it was two storeys lower than the back door. Matt and his colleague Tom Wright entirely reimagined the space, raising the ‘ground level’ by five metres, reducing the difference between the top level to the bottom to just two metres. The old cubby (at left) has gone, replaced with an entirely new pool pavilion the whole family enjoys. # BEFORE

Landart, Manly, NSW; (02) 9199 0680 or www.landart.com.au AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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Floral and hardy

here are hundreds of waterwise trees, shrubs, groundcovers and climbers to choose from and plenty of resources to help you find what’s best for your climate and soils. Each state water authority, and many councils, have lists of locally suitable varieties.

Here are five great plants to get you started.

LAVENDER As tough as it is pretty, lavender hails from the Mediterranean, so it loves hot, dry summers. French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is my pick because it flowers for most of the year, including winter when blooms are especially valuable for us and for bees. Most other lavender varieties have a single flowering period in spring or summer.

French lavender also copes with subtropical humidity. Lavenders love full sun with perfect drainage and an alkaline soil.

MONEY PLANT (CRASSULA OVATA) This versatile succulent grows in a rounded

HOW PLANTS COPE

Waterwise plants minimise water loss via their leaves. Special adaptations include: ✚ Fleshy leaves that store water ✚ Silver leaves that reflect intense light and heat ✚ Hairy leaves that reduce evaporation ✚ Tough, leathery or waxy leaves that resist evaporation ✚ Small, narrow or reduced leaves that minimise surface area ✚ Shiny leaves that reflect hot sun

bun shape, with tightly packed, oval, fleshy leaves. It can reach 1m tall, but there are dwarf varieties too. Clusters of white, starry flowers through winter add to its appeal. Use it as a low hedge, clipped ball or as a feature potted plant. There are varieties with red edges and gold or ruby tones, while ‘Gollum’ has interesting tubular leaves. They take coastal conditions but not frosts, and respond well to clipping.

KARKALLA (CARPOBROTUS ROSSII) Also called pig face and beach banana, this edible succulent is a native groundcover that withstands the ravages of salt, wind and sand. Both the curving fleshy leaves and the grape-sized red fruits are traditional bushtucker foods. Plants spread about 1m and grow 30cm high. The flowers, borne in spring and summer, are scarlet purple (a white form is also available). Use on embankments, nature strips, poolside, or as a fire-retarding plant, in full sun or part shade.

WHITE CORREA (CORREA ALBA) This medium-sized native shrub earns a place in any garden with its white, bird-attracting flowers and grey-green leaves, which are silver on the reverse. It grows about 1.5m tall and 1m wide; dense growth makes it ideal as a low hedge or for clipping into balls. The starry flowers bloom mostly in winter and spring, but can appear throughout the year. A coastal plant, it also takes frost and grows in most soils.

ROCK ROSE (CISTUS SP) For masses of pretty blooms in tough conditions, try a rock rose. The open, saucer-shaped flowers can be white, pink or crimson but all have dark splotches in the centre and a mass of yellow stamens. Most profuse flowering is spring and summer but blooms appear sporadically the rest of the year. Forms a shrub about 1.5m tall and wide, with long, narrow leaves. Needs full sun but tolerates coastal conditions and frost. #

Photography by Claire Takacs (this page) & Caitlin Mills for The Design Files (Sunnymeade, opposite). Clippings text by Elizabeth Wilson.

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As droughts become harsher and water more precious, using waterwise plants in the garden is a no-brainer, writes Helen Young.

ON TOUR H&G’s garden expert Helen Young will lead a seven-day garden tour to Singapore in July, taking in the Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Garden Festival. Renaissance Tours; renaissancetours.com.au.

Open season

This dramatic coastal garden (left) is Sunnymeade, in Anglesea on Victoria’s surf coast. Featuring sculpted grasses, ball-shaped shrubs and windswept stringybark trees, it’s one of two amazing gardens opening to the public on January 18/19 for Open Gardens Victoria. For more, go to opengardens victoria.org.au.

GET GLOWING Light up your party with the Australian House & Garden bamboo lantern (46cm). $99.95, myer.com.au

C L I P PI N G S D E S I G N , E V E N T S A N D I N S P I R AT I O N F O R G A R D E N S G R E AT A N D S M A L L

Bench to impress Soak up the garden views from the comfort of the Nexus two-seater outdoor sofa. It has an aluminium frame wrapped in robust polypropylene rope. From $4220, including cushion, Janus et Cie; www.janusetcie.com.

Top of the pots Plant emporium Garden Life has collaborated with designer Adam Goodrum (pictured) on the new ‘Coil’ range of terracotta planters. Handmade in Morocco and featuring a fab ribbed design, they come in two shapes and multiple sizes. From $650 each. gardenlife.com.au

Art and life An ode to the scribbly gum, this installation by Linda Sok is one of 42 works on display at Eden Unearthed, Australia’s largest privately funded, eco-focused exhibition. At Eden Gardens nursery in Sydney’s Macquarie Park until January 31. edengardens.com.au.

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Available where all good books are sold and at bauerbooks.com.au

Living Photograph by Mikkel Vang.

TA S T Y R E C I P E S , D R E A M D E S T I NAT I O N S + F O O D F O R T H O U G H T

Ocean DR I V E

Acclaimed stylist, author and entrepreneur Sibella Court takes a trip down the Great Ocean Road to visit another talented creative, architect Rob Mills, at his Ocean House.

PRO D UC ED BY Sibella Court | PH OTO GR A P H Y Mikkel Vang

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design notes

> AMBIENCE Architect Rob Mills’ home on the Great Ocean Road exudes an elegant coastal vibe that’s perfect for cooking, relaxing and enjoying the stunning Australian landscape. > FEATURES The use of raw materials including concrete and timber in the kitchen and dining area make the space feel like it is perched within the landscape and has always been there. Heated concrete floors offer natural good looks and comfort all year round. > STAND-OUT PIECES The organic custom-made dining table by Andrew Lowe sits perfectly alongside the earthy finishes in the kitchen. The minimalist Eero Saarinen ‘Tulip’ chairs from Dedece and Viccarbe ‘Last Minute’ kitchen stools from Hub Furniture are classic, minimalist pieces that complete but don’t compete with the relaxed feel of the interior. >

OPPOSITE The exterior of

Ocean House – a stunning getaway in Lorne designed by architect Rob Mills.

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JERK SNAPPER WITH PINEAPPLE & LIME SALAD

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rchitectRobMillswasinspired by the surrounding flora when he designed the interior scheme at Ocean House in Lorne in Victoria. “We took the colour for the interior from the trunks of the gum trees outside,” he says. “It’s very serene. When I arrive, the first thing I do is go to the terrace and lie down on the day bed and take a big deep breath.”

Ocean House is Rob’s happy place: long summer days are spent here, and at the nearby beach with his family. “I love entertaining for family and friends. We join the dining table to another large table and feast on fish, roasts and vegetables accompanied by my favourite wine – a good chardonnay,” he says. The house is fabulous for guests but it is also a great place to retreat to work solo. “I’ve had some good times there alone working.

I can sit at that dining table and get inspired and just go,” he says.

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Prep: 15 mins. Cooking: 20 mins.

Serves 4 as a light meal

Fish is tricky to cook on a barbecue as it can stick. If you have a barbecue with a hot plate, place a dampened piece of baking paper on the plate, then the fish on top; this will prevent the skin from sticking. If you’re using a grill plate (recommended for better flavour), you need to make sure the grill is super-hot to cook the skin without it sticking; when you turn the fish, it should be turned onto a clean section of the grill.

Jerk spice is traditionally made using scotch bonnet chillies; substitute with habaneros or small red chillies if unavailable.

4 whole plate-size snappers (about 600g each), skin on, cleaned Olive oil, for drizzling Shaved coconut, for garnish Jerk seasoning 6 habaneros or small red chillies, coarsely chopped 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped 2 spring onions, finely chopped

Juice of 2 limes 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp allspice 2 tsp finely grated ginger 1 tsp finely chopped thyme Pineapple & lime salad 1 small pineapple, peeled, cored and diced 1 jicama or kohlrabi, cut into matchsticks ½ red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup coarsely chopped mint Juice of 2 juicy limes Drizzle of olive oil 1 If using a charcoal barbecue, preheat until glowing embers form; preheat other types of barbecue or a chargrill pan to high heat.

2 Pound chillies and garlic to a smooth paste in a mortar and pestle. Stir remaining ingredients and 1 tsp sea salt flakes through.

2 Slash fish a few times along the flesh, then rub all over with jerk seasoning. Drizzle with oil, then grill, turning very carefully every few minutes until fish has a nice crust and is cooked through (13-16 mins). Transfer to serving plates and keep warm.

3 Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl, season to taste and serve with fish. >

Recipe by Lisa Featherby. Food styling by Emma Knowles. Photograph by Ben Dearnley (fish).

Rob outside Ocean House, which he designed and built to complement the natural beauty of the Lorne landscape.

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“Rob has created a truly sublime interior that’s a perfect place to escape from the city as well as an inspiring place to work.” Sibella Court

ABOVE Ocean House is

great for work and play.

ABOVE RIGHT Stylist Sibella Court took a road trip to Ocean House to work on her new collection.

Artwork is minimal so as not to compete with the view – the stunning bronze Lynne Edey sculpture is a dramatic exception.

The Living Divani sofa from Space. BOTTOM RIGHT This serene sanctuary this invites relaxation. BOTTOM LEFT The local fauna is pretty friendly. #

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HIT REFRESH A glass of crisp and cool white wine on a warm, sunshiny day is one of life’s great pleasures, writes Toni Paterson.

With winter months now behind us, it is time to say goodbye to the richer, more unctuous styles in favour of more refreshing, zippier options. With the new vintage wines starting to hit the shelves, there are plenty of drops to choose from.

Something different, delicious and great value is the 2018 Feudo Arancio Grillo ($20) from Sicily. It is a wine with a quiet entry, good weight and texture on the mid-palate and a delicious saline thread that lengthens and defines the finish. It is a superb accompaniment to sizzled squid or char-grilled octopus.

The 2019 McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon ($25) is another terrific drop to drink as the temperature starts to rise. It is delicately perfumed with a bright lemony palate and excellent balance. Lovely on its own, though even more delicious alongside a plate of freshly shucked oysters.

Chardonnay’s versatility means that it can be a top choice for summer, particularly when sourced from a cool climate. With faint white-peach flavours and heightened acidity, 2017 Curly Flat

Chardonnay ($46) is a highly satisfying drink. Serve with a delicate white fish such as bream or flathead.

For sauvignon blanc lovers, a top choice is the 2018 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc ($25) from Marlborough. The high-toned lemon and passionfruit aromas draw you in from the start. It is light- to medium-bodied, allowing it to pair well with a wide range of foods.

In the hot weather, wine can warm up quickly. I recommend avoiding stemless glassware as the heat of your hands may cause the temperature of the wine to rise. While ice buckets can be useful, they sometimes chill the wine too much. My tip: serve the wine straight from the fridge and it will rise to optimum drinking temperature in no time. #

Local heroes Riesling: Aromas of lemon, lime and flowers with a light body, intense flavours and bright acidity. Try examples from the Clare Valley, Eden Valley and Great Southern region of WA. Semillon: Cleansing citrus flavours and exceptional purity. Hunter Valley versions have naturally lower alcohol. Vermentino: Crisp and bright with chalky acidity.

Arneis: Aromas of starfruit, fresh pears, honey and spice. Try Pizzini from the King Valley. Grüner veltliner: Gentle stone fruit with spice and herb accents, sometimes with nuances of white pepper. There are many fine examples from the Adelaide Hills. Semillon sauvignon blanc: The sauvignon blanc contributes freshness and aromatic lift; semillon delivers palate weight and depth. Some of the best examples are found in Margaret River.

Styling by Sophie Wilson. Photograph by Kristina Soljo.

FFerrone ‘May Medium’ wineglasses, Becker Minty.

Maculato tiles, Surface Gallery. Wall painted Wattyl Pearl Owl.

Try these 2019 SINGLEFILE GREAT SOUTHERN RIESLING, $25 A bright, flavoursome riesling from WA with honeysuckle and white nectarine notes.

2019 PIKE & JOYCE CÉDER RIESLING, $26 Fabulously concentrated with ripe lime flavours and a long line of acidity. From the beautiful Adelaide Hills.

2019 BROKENWOOD SEMILLON, $28 Incredible lightness and purity with lemon and lime juice flavours. A classic Hunter Valley style. 2019 GROSSET SPRINGVALE RIESLING, $45 One of Australia’s best rieslings from the Clare Valley. Extraordinary brightness and purity with palate softness and generosity.

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ON T H E R OA D Driving along the Great Ocean Road is as delightful as the final destination, writes Sibella Court. > OCEAN HOUSE

nestled into a hillside in north lorne, where the forest meets the sea, Ocean House captures all the romance of the great Ocean Road. The tone for my visit was set on the two-hour drive down from Melbourne, a journey marked by dramatic skies, gum-lined roads speckled with wattle blossoms, and vistas of wild seas. Pausing along the way to photograph a rainbow and the red-capped Split Point lighthouse, all the stress and humdrum of city living had dissipated by the time i arrived.

The shape of Ocean House reminds me of the foundations of a lighthouse, at once monumental and grounded in the landscape. inside, the warmth is noticeable – not only in temperature (the house has great thermal properties), but through the softness and intimacy of the curved and rendered walls, formed concrete, pooling linen curtains and narrow transition spaces.

The interior palette takes cues from the bushscape behind the house; the flow from bush to home is virtually seamless. Beautiful trims and accents of timber on the door jambs and windowsills (i particularly loved the porthole window above the kitchenette!) add to the nurturing ambience, with the colour of the timber echoing the gums behind the house.

The rugged moods of the sea, seen from the panoramic balcony, are forever enticing soundscape of crashing waves. The view out the back is just as magnetic: rain highlights patterns on the tree trunks, wind makes the leaves of the towering gums dance, and dappled sunlight casts soft light on the underbrush.

A curious kookaburra checks in every now and again as i work in the kitchen. # To book your own stay at Ocean House, go to www.oceanhouse.com.au. > SIBELLA’S PACKING LIST

McTavish surfboard The Society inc seafarer cap The Society inc campfire toasting fork Pendleton Australia beach towel Carpenter’s axe > LOCAL HOTSPOTS

Aireys Pub www.aireyspub.com.au Ipsos Restaurant & Bar www.ipsosrestaurant.com.au Brae Restuarant braerestaurant.com Split Point Lighthouse splitpointlighthouse.com.au Lorne Queenscliff Coastal Reserve Foodworks Lorne (for last-minute groceries!)

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Live Fully New Zealand is a celebration of Mother Nature. Cruise through the subtropical Bay of Islands.

See thousands of glowworms illuminate Waitomo’s caves like stars. Glide across Milford Sound and the South Island’s spectacular fiords. It’s no wonder this is our most popular New Zealand trip.

New Zealand Wonderland: 17 days from $6,795* per person, twin share Save up to $1,400 per couple* All-inspiring. All taken care of. So you can Live Fully.

‘A PT LU X U RY T R AV E L’ CA L L 13 0 0 2 14 9 3 8 O R S P E A K TO YO U R T R AV E L AG E N T A PTO U R I N G .CO M . AU/ N E W Z E A L A N D2 0 2 1 *Conditions apply. SEE: aptouring.com.au/SpecialDeals for full conditions. Price is based on per person, AUD, twin share. Prices are correct as at 25 November 2019. Prices based on NCC17: 3 April 2021. Price includes the stated monetary savings including an Early Payment Discount of $200 per person. EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT: An Early Payment Discount is applicable if tour is booked and paid in full 10 months prior to departure. ALL OFFERS: Limited seats and offers on set departures are available and are subject to availability. DEPOSITS: A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is due within 7 days of booking. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. APT-1472

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ROCK THE CA SBA H

Photograph by Klaus Mellenthin/BFF, AOP.

Divine design, diverse landscapes, fabulous food and shopping make Morocco a shining jewel in North africa’s crown, writes Paul Myers.

Exquisitely carved and painted detailing, as seen in the dining courtyard at the Riad Fès hotel, is a hallmark of Moroccan architecture.

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Visually arresting minarets, used to call Muslims to prayer, are a landmark in most Moroccan towns. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left The laneways of the medina give little hint of the splendour behind the doors. The magnificent central courtyard at Riad Fès in Fes. Pastilla, a traditional Moroccan pie, is often served as an entrée. The opulent luxury suite in the Riad Fès hotel in Fes. Ornate tiling, as on this building in Fes, is seen throughout Morocco. View from the rooftop terrace at the Riad Fès; in the distance are the Rif Mountains.

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Photography by Jack Single/Luxury Escapes & bauersyndication.com.au (laneway).

he cream or grey, sometimes blue or pink, exterior walls in the narrow alleys of the medina (old town) in Fes give no clues to the myriad secrets and treasures on the other side. Indeed, to the uninitiated the sameness of these windowless, three or four-level bastions, hardly entice investigation. Unlike Western homes, traditional abodes in a Moroccan medina are deliberately discreet. But step through the small dual-doorway of a riad (house with garden) or dar (house with courtyard only), and you enter a whole new world. exquisite mosaic-tiled courtyards, carved wood and plaster work, landscaped gardens and sometimes a pool are found in this secret heart of the home. Balcony-like walkways leading to bedrooms surround the beautifully furnished courtyard; a rooftop terrace affords sweeping views over the medina and beyond.

Fes’ medina and its hidden riads encapsulate Morocco’s vibrant visitor appeal: culture, tradition, design, style, luxury, discovery and cuisine, all infused with a mix of Berber, andalusian and Moorish cultures. the riads and dars in Fes have been citizens’ homes since the city’s founding in 789aD; today, many are used as tourist accommodation.

Morocco’s other main cities – Casablanca, Marrakech, rabat, Meknes, tangier, essaouira and agadir – also have walled medinas hiding their own treasures. these are, of course, the souks (markets) and squares that bring the medina to life. locals and tourists alike jostle to bargain for food, spices, jewellery, clothes, rugs, textiles, >

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ceramics, brass and silverware, art, leatherwork and trinkets of every description. The motorbikes, mules, carts and trolleys that transport goods through the souks are a constant reminder that a medina is the lifeblood of the community. With or without inquisitve tourists, life in the medina must go on.

Traditional Berber rugs, ceramics, leather goods and jewellery are the best buys in the souk. Bargaining is de rigueur; start at a quarter of the asking price and perhaps go higher, but never offer more than half. When the shop seller chases you down the souk to accept a seemingly brazen offer, you know you’re on the money.

The five elements of the medina – a square, mosque, hammam (public bath), madrasa (school) and bakery – are at the heart of Moroccan society, and all are ubiquitous. Five times daily, commencing before sunrise, worshippers are called to prayer, the imam’s call echoing throughout the medina. It’s a reminder of Morocco’s Muslim heritage, which is practised with more tolerance and more moderately than in some other Islamic nations.

For sheer intensity and diversity, the medina in Marrakech – the largest and most chaotic in Morocco – has romantic, though quirky, appeal. Snake charmers, musicians, touts and innumerable vendors of oils, fruits, juices, spices and soaps, artisans crafting their wares and throngs of tourists create a constant hubbub in and around the Djemaa El-Fna (main square). Ample cafes and restaurants cater for western and Arabic tastes; some even serve alcohol.

Marrakech, on the ancient trading routes between north Africa and southern Europe, has always been Morocco’s melting pot. The 1000-year-old medina is the focal point of a beguiling inland city unashamedly revealing its cultural divergence: luxury hotels, golf resorts, palm-lined boulevards and Andalusian-style villas.

It’s little wonder Marrakech became the second home of French fashion designer Yves St Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé.

In 1980, the pair bought the Jardin Majorelle, saving it from development. The incredible one-hectare garden, created by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1930s, is a cool oasis in the often very warm city. Today, the Jardin Majorelle, along with the Djemaa El-Fna,

Berber and Yves St Laurent museums, are the top tourist attractions in Marrakech. Jardin Majorelle is also a place of homage for fans of Yves Saint Laurent, who died in 2008. His ashes are scattered in the garden, which also has a memorial plinth in honour of the designer.

An hour’s drive from Marrakech is The White Camel, a newly opened luxury tented camp by tourism operator Jawad El Rhannami and a business partner in the unforgiving but spectacular Agafay Desert. Reminiscent of the tented safari camps elsewhere in Africa, there are abundant pleasures on offer, ranging from camel treks to quad biking and a to-die-for gourmet menu. Rising in the distance are the majestic Atlas Mountains, snow-covered in winter, that separate Morocco’s Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara. Invitingly, they beckon modern-day adventurers to hike, trek and explore Berber villages and the desert beyond.

If there is any counterculture in Morocco, it’s in Essaouira, a former Portuguese trading port west of Marrakech, where the walled medina is lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. Essaouira so captivated Ernest Hemingway, Jimi Hendrix, Ira Cohen and other artistes that it became the Goa of the eastern Atlantic. Tourists from all over the world continue to flock to the laidback city, attracted by an eclectic mix of music (including several festivals every year), art, water sports, Berber culture, riads, coffee, antiques and night markets.

Casablanca is the entry point for most long-haul visitors to Morocco. The coastal city in the north-west of the country offers a tantalising mix of Arabic, French and Spanish culture, architecture and cuisine. The combination is no surprise: France and Spain colonised Morocco simultaneously (Spain in the north and south; France in the central region) between 1912 and 1956/1958. The influences are obvious.

Rick’s Café, recreated from the movie Casablanca, is a must-visit for drinks or dinner. Authentically decorated in 1940s splendour, it presents a fascinating cameo of Moroccan-French colonial style and, unsurprisingly, is packed every night.

There’s also a religious draw to the city. Hassan II mosque, on the seafront, is the third largest mosque after shrines in Mecca and >

The oasis-like pool area at The White Camel in the Agafay Desert. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left Freshly dyed yarn in the dyer’s souk, Marrakech. Bicycles, motorbikes and mules are a common sight in the medinas. Locals in Marrakech’s old city. A leather tannery in Fes. Mouthwatering tagine is one of the delights served at the Terrasse Des Épices restaurant in Marrakech. Carpet traders, Marrakech.

Shopping for fruit and vegetables in the Fes medina. Marrakech’s souks are filled with colourful displays of spices and more.

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Medina; its 200-metre high minaret is the world’s tallest.

Unlike most, Hassan II mosque is open to non-Muslims and accommodates 25,000 worshippers at any one time. It’s a sight to behold: a 1100-tonne retractable roof, meticulously carved friezes, fountains in the marble basement, and decorative windows and doors that filter the bright light outside. after you return home, what will linger longest in your mind is Morocco’s individuality and style, particularly that of the people and food. Moroccans display friendliness, openness and a softness, often with multi-lingual expertise – as well as Moroccan arabic, French is widely spoken. Spanish can help in the north; english is spoken in many tourist hotspots. apart from being hassled by touts and shopkeepers, Morocco poses few perils for visitors. Indeed, merhaba (hello) and shukran (thank you) are two arabic words that will serve you well.

In this traditional yet progressing society, women are becoming increasingly empowered: Nawal el Hriti and Nora Fitzgerald Belahcen are two of the local women leading the way. Nawal is a clothing and jewellery designer whose boutique, aya’s, is hidden in the Jewish quarter of the medina in Marrakech. Her distinctive, simple but elegant handcrafted jewellery and clothing are made mostly by women, sometimes surreptitiously, to provide them a modicum of financial independence. eventually, Nawal plans to open a boutique in New York. Nora, Morocco-born but US-raised, has operated amal, a non-profit training centre in Marrakech, for the past six years.

Here, vulnerable women undertake a six-month, hands-on course in cooking, catering and hospitality to prepare them for full-time work, self-fulfilment and independence. the on-site restaurant, serving traditional Moroccan fare, is a hotspot for lunch (only) and is one of the most highly rated restaurants in the city. and the food? Oh, the food! It may not be the only reason to visit Morocco, but it’s a pretty good one. tagines, olives, dates, breads, pastries and sweets, with spices and garnishes galore, entice every palate. tagine is a slow-cooked stew made in a conical earthenware vessel of the same name and is the centrepiece of almost every Moroccan gastronomic experience. Served on its own, with flatbread or couscous, tagines come in all combinations and sizes. the choice of ingredients is regional – mostly chicken, beef or lamb, sometimes fish near the coast, or vegetarian – along with tomatoes, vegetables and spices. a traditional Moroccan pastilla (pie), usually made with chicken and served as an entrée, also rates highly. and, of course, tea. How Moroccans love their tea... ah, Morocco. What a delight. as locals say when showing you around: yalla habibi! let’s go, my dear. # CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Visitors enjoy a sunset camel trek at The White Camel, located in the Agafay Desert. Berber breakfast tagine.

Outdoor dining is a must at The White Camel. Luxurious tented accommodation at The White Camel camp. OPPOSITE The cactus garden at the magnificent Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech.

Paul Myers travelled to Morocco courtesy of Luxury Escapes.

WHEN, WHERE, HOW

When to visit March-May and September-November.

Where to go Casablanca, Fes, Rabat (the capital), Meknes, Marrakech, Tangier, Essaouira and Agadir.

How to get there Three carriers offer direct flights from Sydney/ Melbourne to Casablanca with Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates (via Dubai) and Etihad (via Abu Dhabi).

Where to stay Casablanca Four Seasons at Arfa on the seafront is a great place to unwind.

Fes Riad Fès in the medina and Hotel Sahrai overlooking the city offer unparalleled service and accommodation.

Rabat Sofitel Jardin des Roses.

Marrakech Sofitel Imperial and Four Seasons are in walking distance of the medina.

Agafay Desert The White Camel is luxury like no other.

Luxury Escapes offers luxury small-group tours to Morocco, Europe, North America, South America and Asia. For more information or to book, go to luxuryescapes.com/tours.

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Adv ic e Project by Penman Brown Interior Design. Photograph by Felix Forest.

The right outdoor lighting – such as the Standley wall light from Rakumba pictured here – can make your home feel all the more inviting.

Turn the page for more bright ideas.

EXPERT ADVICE FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR HOME

L IGH T T OUC H Illuminate your garden and open up the space for entertaining with a switched-on outdoor lighting scheme. Georgia Madden explains how.

Flos ‘IC F1’ stainless-steel and Occhio di Pernice (stone) outdoor floor lamp by Michael Anastassiades, $2363, Euroluce.

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he right lighting can transform your outdoor area after dark, adding magic to the garden, extending your living space and boosting safety. “A wellplanned lighting scheme encourages you to spend more time outdoors and if you have windows looking out onto the garden, it can draw the garden into your living areas,” says Adele Locke, professional lighting designer and director of Mint Lighting. “This is especially useful in an urban environment where space is at a premium,” adds Alexandra Donohoe Church, interior designer and founder of Decus Interiors.

“The secret to a great outdoor lighting scheme is combining a range of light sources,” says Josh Densten, home-renovation expert and HPM ambassador. “A mix of up- and downlights, bollard lights and garden spotlights brightens your home’s exterior and highlights the garden’s best features.”

The key is to not overdo it. “You don’t need to light the whole garden,” says Locke. “Instead, use light to showcase

“Lighting areas of the garden you can see from inside creates a lovely view year round.” Celina Clarke, ISM Objects the elements you love, whether it’s a beautiful water feature, an architectural highlight or a striking plant. You want the space to feel inviting and intriguing.” And keep light levels soft: “We usually won’t go higher than five or six watts per fitting; sometimes we use two or three watts,” adds Locke.

If you’re looking to conceal light fittings, choose a colour and finish that blends in well with foliage. “I always suggest black or dark grey lights in a matt finish so as not to reflect the light,” says Locke.

Backlighting plants is one of Locke’s favourite techniques.

“It’s a wonderful way to create silhouettes and shadows.”

She also favours wall lights that highlight texture on walls, invisible ground lights to illuminate a pathway, and bouncing small amounts of controlled light across the surface of water to create sun-like ripples.

Safety lighting is another outdoor essential, says Denise Hammond, product specialist at Beacon Lighting. > 1 Ripple aluminium pendant light (use undercover), $770, Ilanel.

2 Lucci LEDlux Lorne plastic pendant light (use undercover), $299, Beacon Lighting. 3 Decorative Round solar wall light, $27.90/two, Hoselink. 4 HPM stainless-steel LED garden spike, $41.20, Bunnings.

5 Ethimo Lucerna brass-plated aluminium lantern, $1680, Fanuli.

6 Light Up frosted-glass lantern, $64, Pottery Barn. 7 Hay PC Portable plastic LED table lamp, $160, Cult. 8 Wink aluminium

LED table lamp (not waterproof), $462, ISM Objects.

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BRIGHT IDEAS

Josh Densten, former The Block contestant, home renovation expert and HPM ambassador, shares his outdoor lighting tips. ✚ Pathways Use bollard or bunker lights to highlight walkways and uneven surfaces. They’ll also give your pavers a nice glow. ✚ Steps Lights within the steps can look stylish and help visitors move safely to the entrance of your home at night. To make a feature of step lights, place them on every second step. ✚ Front door Lighting the area around your front door helps guests find their way safely and creates a welcoming tone.

For maximum convenience and a clean, contemporary look, consider installing a recessed ceiling sensor light. ✚ Architectural features Opt for up-, down- or up/down lights to highlight architectural features such as columns.

Driveway Floodlights on a timer are ideal for illuminating ✚ large areas such as driveways and the side of the house.

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“Illuminate steps, decks and pathways so people can move around safely.” Denise Hammond, Beacon Lighting

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2 4 VIVE LA RESISTANCE

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The Ingress Protection – or IP – Rating on a light fitting tells you how suitable it is for specific environmental conditions inside and out. The first digit refers to its level of protection against solids, such as dust or flies. The second digit tells you how well protected it is against liquids, such as water. “Good all-round ratings for most domestic uses would be IP44 or IP54,” says Hammond. “But always seek advice from a qualified electrician.”

Look for ‘smart lights’ too. “Smart outdoor switches such as Arteor with Netatmo allow you to control your outdoor lights and monitor energy consumption from anywhere using a smart device or voice control,” says Densten.

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“Steps, decks and meandering pathways really need to be lit so people can move about the space without risk of injury.” The front door and house number should also be illuminated. Sensor lights are Locke’s top picks for these spots. “Make sure the light isn’t too bright, because it can affect your night vision.”

In outdoor entertaining areas, ambience is everything.

“For dining, opt for portable table/floor lamps or lanterns rather than overhead pendants, which can often be too harsh,” says Celina Clarke, lighting designer at ISM Objects.

Don’t forget to illuminate areas of the garden you can see from inside the house. “This creates a lovely view, even in winter,” says Clarke. It’s also wise to add task lighting near barbecues and inside cupboards so you can cook easily and find things such as the gas-bottle control and utensils with ease, says Hammond.

Style-wise, the outdoor feature lights have come a long way. “Luminaires are becoming more decorative, creating a beautiful fluidity between those used inside and outside the home,” says Donohoe Church. “At this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan, we saw a shift from concealing the outdoor light source within the landscape to visibly incorporating the forms into a scheme. In terms of materials, we’re noticing more stone and concrete being used, accents in outdoor leather, and bronze textured powder coating,” she says.

“We’re moving away from standard spike lights to clever lighting that creates real drama outdoors – there’s a shift towards discreet fittings that produce interesting light patterns,” says Locke. “We’re seeing more consideration of light pollution, too – designers are looking to light up outdoor spaces rather than the sky,” she says.

If you’re updating your outdoor area, plan lighting early.

“The key with garden lighting is getting electricity to the right places before the plants go in, so you need to know where you want light at the start,” says Locke. And quality counts, she says. “That $50 lighting fitting will barely see out a season, especially if you’re on the coast. Spend once, spend well and enjoy your lights for years to come.” # 1 Le Corbusier ‘Borne Béton Grande’ concrete LED outdoor floor lamps, $2620 each, Mondo Luce. 2 Mullbacka plastic and bamboo portable LED light, $79, Ikea. 3 Faceted brass lantern (use undercover), $79, West Elm. 4 Castilla rattan lantern (use undercover), $129, Domayne. 5 AQL-404 brass LED-compatible path light, $249, Lighting Collective. 6 Foscarini Gregg XL

polyethylene suspension lamp (use undercover), $600, Space.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

FOR live SUMMER

Take luxurious living to new heights with our stunning collection of fans that not only recreate gentle Summer breezes but also bring ceiling sophistication to every room.

LOUISVILLE 158cm DC fan with light in oil rub bronze with walnut blades. LED globe included $795. Prices correct at time of printing.

N D NEED

advice ?

Beacon Design Studio lighting designers can transform your home or commercial space into a designer dream. We’ll create a customised lighting plan to help you live brighter and love the space you are in.

Book in-store or online at beaconlighting.com.au

live brighter

H G ADVICE

Pets

BUS Y BE AGL E S For a family-loving pooch, you can’t beat a beagle – just don’t leave food lying around, writes Roger Crosthwaite.

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Yes, beagles are somewhat of a greedy guts. And while that works to your advantage in training them – they respond very well to an order if there’s a food treat as a reward – they can easily become overweight.

“They’re very food oriented, which is why they’re so good at detecting it,” says Nancye. “But if I gave a beagle a 20kg bag of dog food, it would most likely sit down and eat the lot.”

On the other hand, being very energetic and keen to get out and follow a scent, beagles readily burn off the calories. The lure of an interesting trail occasionally makes them heedless of their owner’s calls, but that strong-mindedness can be countered with early, consistent training of your pup.

And you can’t deny them their heritage.

Besides eating, a beagle’s greatest joy is experiencing the world through that fantastic nose. “A walk provides both mental stimulation and exercise,” says Nancye. “Beagles love to get out and about. You can’t leave them sitting in the backyard.” #

3 OF A KIND PET ACCESSORIES

Durable and adorable, this felt bone toy with squeaker, $38, will keep your pup entertained for hours.

Lavish Tails; lavishtails.com.au.

Your pooch will be right on trend with this monogrammed dog collar, $59.95. The Daily Edited; www.thedailyedited.com.

BREED ALL ABOUT IT

Beagles are a smallish dog, about 35cm high at the shoulder and weighing roughly 12kg, with a short, dense coat that needs very little grooming. They are regarded as a very healthy breed, but can become obese if their food intake isn’t carefully monitored. They usually live for 12 to 15 years. You can expect to pay between $2000 and $2500 for one from a registered breeder.

The Architect dog bed, $895 for small, is designed to complement your home’s aesthetic. Coco Republic; www.cocorepublic.com.au.

Photography from Alamy.

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eagles have a busy air about them.

That may have something to do with the fact that their noses – their windows on the world – are constantly receiving signals at a fantastic rate. These sniffing machines have worked as detector dogs at airports and ports for decades, and for several hundred years before that as scent hounds for tracking prey.

So how does this compact, energetic and occasionally wilful dog fit into a family household? Very well, as it turns out. For all of their preoccupation with the world of exciting smells and following where they lead, beagles are right at home with families.

While fashion dictates a fair amount of movement in top 10 lists of the most popular breeds, beagles have maintained a steady spot around about the middle.

“Beagles have always been popular because they’re a smart little dog,” says Nancye Lee, a beagle breeder for 40 years and an officer of The Beagle Club of NSW. “Beagles have been a recognised breed for centuries.

They’re very sturdy.”

Affectionate and tolerant, beagles happily coexist with children and other pets, but they don’t like being left alone for long periods – Mum and Dad at work and the kids at school all day is not an arrangement that will work for them.

Don’t expect your beagle to be a guard dog, either, because their innate friendliness makes them pretty affable with strangers. Especially strangers who bring food.

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The green house

F U T U R E FA C I N G

a home’s orientation can play a huge role in how comfortable and energy-efficient it is, writes Sarah Pickette.

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any Australians understand the problems associated with living in a poorly oriented (and usually under-insulated) home. “The lessons have been learnt,” says Craig Etchells, co-owner of Etchells Building Design on the NSW Central Coast. “Today, homeowners have a much better grasp of the role orientation plays in keeping our homes liveable.”

Orientation truly is, if you’ll pardon the pun, a vital building block for anyone interested in having a sustainable home. “Coupled with the right shading strategy, orientation is a major factor in ensuring your home is comfortable during summer and affordable to run,” says Jeremy McLeod, design director of Melbourne-based Breathe Architecture.

Ideally, you’d choose a site or home with good orientation for your climate zone and then build or renovate to maximise that block of land’s potential for passive heating and passive cooling. “What constitutes a well-oriented site will vary across the nation; in the Sydney climatic zone, a block with a north-facing backyard is best,” says Etchells. “Most of our clients want open-plan living areas at the rear, flowing onto outdoor spaces. If your home has a north-facing backyard, you should have both good natural light and cooling breezes throughout summer.”

Every site has its own micro climate to consider, he adds. “Spending time onsite for a new build or, even better, living in a home before renovating will give you valuable insights into how the sun tracks over your block.”

“THE RIGHT ORIENTATION AND SHADING STRATEGY ENSURES YOUR HOME IS COMFORTABLE AND AFFORDABLE TO RUN.” Jeremy McLeod, design director, Breathe Architecture

But it’s not always easy – or possible – for your house to be correctly oriented. “Sometimes it might feel like you’re doing battle with Mother Nature to achieve a comfortable and eco-friendly home,” says Etchells. “You need to be clever about improving energy outcomes – think raked ceilings, high-performance windows, window treatments, thermal mass, insulation and ventilation. All these design factors can really make a difference.”

It’s also good to have an understanding of how to implement passive cooling, says McLeod. “Pull awnings and blinds down before the sun hits, and open windows and doors when a cool change comes through in the evening. You might be pleasantly surprised at the difference this can make to your reliance on airconditioning.”

Australians love to welcome the sun and light into their homes, McLeod says, and when this is done well the end result is a home that’s beautiful and comfortable year-round. “Incorporating passive cooling and heating into a home reduces your reliance on energy derived from fossil fuels and your impact on the environment.” #

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3 OF A KIND AWNINGS

The Windoware awnings range offers 90 per cent UV protection but still allows some visibility. A pull rod loop and enclosed headbox make operation smooth and simple. Bunnings; bunnings.com.au.

Constructed with stainless-steel cables, Evo Cable awnings are durable enough to use even on coastal homes. They allow good airflow alongside outstanding UV protection. Luxaflex Window Fashions; luxaflex.com.au.

More durable than a straight-drop design, Zip Style awnings are a great choice when space is tight; they don’t protrude very far and are a great solution for windows close to fences. Wynstan; wynstan.com.au.

Property

T A K E C OV E R

Christmas cash giveaway!

12 issues of Australian House & Garden for

Home insurance can be expensive, so it pays to understand what you’re buying, writes Harvey Grennan.

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ive in NSW? You could be paying a lot more for home insurance than those in other states (assuming the risk factors are the same). Why? Because more than half your bill is probably taxes – GST, stamp duty and, increasingly, an ‘emergency services levy’. In other states, taxes make up about 20 per cent of the bill. For homeowners in the ACT, GST is the only tax applied. It’s possible that this tax slug is part of the reason 15-17 per cent of owner-occupiers in NSW don’t bother to insure their home at all, compared to a figure of 5 per cent nationally.

In NSW, insurance companies are legally obliged to remind you of the previous year’s bill when the next one hits, so you at least know if you’re paying more or less. So how do you go about paying as little as possible for your home insurance policy? We’ll get to that, but first a few facts to demystify how the home-insurance system works and the tools available to help you navigate it.

It is a common misconception that you ‘pay by postcode’ – that is, get ripped off if you live in an expensive area. It’s a bit more complicated than that. Premiums are set by the degree of risk facing each property and insurance companies have a wealth of information from government and other sources on the likelihood of flood, fire, storm, burglary and even earthquake individually facing each and every one of Australia’s 11 million properties.

As of June this year, you can access this information yourself on the MyHazards app (available from the Apple Store), the first of its kind in the world. Just enter

an address to discover the particular risks your insurance company attributes to that property. And be aware that while many policies include flood cover, some treat it as an extra.

Or sometimes you can opt out. So back to the key question: how to get the best premium? Campbell Fuller, spokesman for the Insurance Council of Australia, offers these tips: ✚ Shop around each year when you receive your renewal notice. Be sure to compare coverage too. ✚ Opt for a higher excess amount in the event of a claim, which will reduce the premium. ✚ Bundle home, car and any other policies with the same insurer to obtain a discount. ✚ Consider home improvements that may reduce your premium. (For advice see the MyHazards app.)

Non-insurance among tenants is chronic issue, adds Fuller. “The landlord is reponsible for insuring the building, but two-thirds of tenants do not take out insurance for their contents.”

For those who expect governments to step in after a natural disaster such as bushfire, cyclone or flooding, Fuller cautions that there would be only limited official relief. “The government does not rebuild houses.” #

Too little? According to the Insurance

Council, up to 83 per cent of households under-insure because they underestimate replacement costs, do not update their policy when making improvements or do not factor in higher rebuild standards if an area is prone to natural disasters or higher materials and labour costs in remote areas.

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S

H G ADVICE

A RO OM O F ON E ’ S OWN

T

Setting up smart saving strategies now can help you help the next generation to purchase a home.

here’s no time like the present to teach your kids good moneymanagement skills or to plan for their financial wellbeing, regardless of how young they are. “Encouraging children to budget and save from a young age helps build behaviours that will serve them well later in life,” says Dimitra Dinos, general manager of home loans for Commonwealth Bank.

“When the time comes that your kids are ready to buy a home, the support you’re able to provide depends on your circumstances (and theirs). The most important question to ask yourself, however, is whether your adult children are financially stable and ready to take on the responsibilities of a home loan.”

If you’re looking to help your child get a home deposit together – either by giving them the money as a gift or a loan – it’s a good idea to set up a high-interest savings account or a term-deposit account as soon as you can. “That way you’ll see the benefits of compound interest over time,” says Dinos.

Many prospective first-time buyers can afford monthly mortgage repayments but find saving a deposit to be the real challenge – and this is where

parents can sometimes help. “Be very clear about whether you expect this deposit amount to be repaid, and be realistic about your children’s financial track record and their ability to repay a home loan.”

Another option to consider is purchasing a property together with a joint loan, which means parent and child both own a stake in the house. Some parents enter into this arrangement with the expectation that their offspring will one day buy out

Helping your children establish sensible money habits will set them up for good financial health in the long term. their share of the home when they have more funds, or will pay back the parental investment when the property is sold. Family members may be your nearest and dearest, but it’s important to seek independent legal and financial advice before making any decisions.

Parents who don’t have a lump sum to give or loan to their child for the deposit might instead consider becoming a

guarantor to the child’s home loan.

“Acting as a guarantor can help children avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and ensures their money is being spent on paying off the mortgage itself,” says Dinos. “Your child may be more likely to secure a home loan and your contribution might help them increase their borrowing capacity, but at the end of the day, if your child can’t pay back the loan you will be responsible for repaying the debt.”

If you don’t want to (or don’t have the means to) become guarantor there are still ways you can help.

“Many parents with adult kids find themselves with extra space in the family home,” says Dinos. “You could allow them to move in for a set period to help them save up for a deposit. Just remember that this might have an impact on your own bills and living expenses, so be certain you can sustain this or ask them to pay an agreed amount of rent or contribute to the bills.”

If you’re good with money, you could also think about becoming a financial mentor to your kids. “Helping them establish sensible money habits will set them up with good financial health in the long term,” says Dinos. #

To help improve your financial wellbeing, please visit financiallyfitfemales.com.au.

Always consider your personal circumstances before acting on financial advice.

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BRAND PROMOTION

Helping hand If you’re in a position to be able to help your children with their first house purchase, there’s a few things to consider upfront.

PRODUCED BY STORY

W

hether it’s going guarantor on their home loan, or offering rent-free living, helping our adult children to buy property has become more common in recent years, particularly with escalating city property prices and stagnant wage growth.

As a finance expert and mother herself, Dimitra Dinos, General Manager Home Loans at the Commonwealth Bank, completely understands why parents would want to help children get a foot on the property ladder but emphasises that there are a few considerations everyone should think about first.

“For example, be realistic about your kids’ financial track record and ability to repay a home loan. It’s also imperative that you consider your own circumstances and ensure that you are able to assist without impacting your own financial wellbeing.

While you might be in a position to help today, you need to also consider your future circumstances; both planned, such as retirement; and the unplanned ‘what if’ moments such as changes in your health, relationship, or career,” she says.

And while it’s emotionally compelling to want to lend a hand to your children, it helps to seek another objective (and emotionally detached) opinion.

“It’s incredibly important that you seek independent legal and financial advice before committing to anything,” she recommends.

MAIN WAYS TO HELP There are two main ways parents can assist their kids to buy property. If your kids can afford monthly mortgage repayments but

find it challenging to save a deposit, providing them with a financial payment (that can be used as the home deposit) could be a big helping hand. Depending on your preference, this can be provided as a gift or as a loan.

For parents who don’t have a lump sum of cash available, an alternative option is to become a guarantor on the child’s home loan.

“It’s important to fully understand the pros and cons of becoming a guarantor as there are some risks. For example, as a guarantor you will be responsible for repaying the debt if your child is unable to meet their mortgage repayments,” says Dinos.

THE BIG PICTURE If you don’t feel comfortable giving a financial gift, have complex or large family dynamics, or don’t have cash available, you can still help your children work

towards their first home, which can be just as valuable in the long term.

“For instance, many parents with adult kids may have extra space in the family home. If you have the room, you could allow them to move in for a set period to help them save for a deposit. Just remember that this could have an impact on your bills and living expenses, so make sure this is something you can sustain or ask them to contribute to the bills,” recommends Dinos.

Find out more about buying property at commbank.com.au/home-buying

W H E R E T O BU Y

Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. # 2Barrows 0423 111 177; 2barrows.com.au A Abey 1800 809 143; abey.com.au Adairs 1300 783 005; adairs.com.au Adrienne & The Misses Bonney adrienne-bonney.com.au Amandanaga Objectology @amanadanaga Anibou (02) 9319 0655; anibou.com.au Armadillo & Co (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Artedomus (02) 9557 5060; artedomus.com Artemide 1300 135 709; artemide.com.au Articolo Lighting (03) 8595 8011; articololighting.com Ascraft (02) 9360 2311; ascraft.com.au Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Atlite Skylights (03) 9584 8500; www.atlite.com.au Aura Home 1300 304 269; aurahome.com.au B Bauwerk Colour (08) 9433 3860; bauwerk.com.au Bay Furniture & Design (08) 9756 7622; www.bayfurniture.com.au BCF www.bcf.com.au Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266; beaconlighting.com.au Bed Bath N’ Table (03) 8888 8100; bedbathntable.com.au Bemboka (02) 9360 1224; bemboka.com Bibi Viro www.bibiviro.com Blum (02) 9612 5400; blum.com.au Bora www.bora.com/au Boyd Blue (07) 5527 0899; boydblue.com Bristol 131 686; bristol.com.au British Paints 132 525; britishpaints.com.au Brodware (02) 9421 8200; brodware.com.au Bunnings (03) 8831 9777; bunnings.com.au C Cabot’s 1800 011 006; cabots.com.au Cadrys (02) 9328 6144; cadrys.com.au Caesarstone 1300 119 119; caesarstone.com.au Classicon, available from Anibou (02) 9319 0655; www.anibou.com.au Coco Republic 1300 000 220; cocorepublic.com.au Cosh Living (03) 9281 1999; coshliving.com.au Cotswold InOut Furniture 1800 677 047; cotswoldfurniture.com.au Country Road 1800 801 911; countryroad.com.au

Covered in Paint (02) 9519 0204; coveredinpaint.com.au Cult 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au Cultiver cultiver.com Cush & Co www.cushandco.com.au D Danish Red (03) 9822 8869; www.danishred.com.au Darcy Clarke (07) 3041 1309; darcyclarke.com Darkon (02) 9699 2000; www.darkon.com.au David Jones 133 357; shop.davidjones.com.au Dedece (02) 9360 2722; dedece.com.au DesignByThem (02) 8005 4805; designbythem.com Designstuff (03) 9592 2960; designstuff.com.au Dinosaur Designs (02) 9698 3500; dinosaurdesigns.com.au Domayne domayne.com.au Domo (03) 9277 8888; domo.com.au Dulux 132 525; dulux.com.au Dunsborough Pools Design & Construct www.dunsboroughpoolandspa.com.au Dunsborough Woodworks (08) 9756 8428; www.dunsboroughwoodworks.com E Early Settler earlysettler.com.au Earp Bros (02) 4925 4550; earp.com.au ECC Lighting+Furniture (02) 9380 7922; ecc.com.au Eco Outdoor 1300 131 413; ecooutdoor.com.au Elton Group 1300 133 481; eltongroup.com Empire Dunsborough (08) 9755 3501; empirehomewares.com.au Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; euroluce.com.au European Ceramics (08) 6240 0100; www.europeanceramics.com.au European Concepts (08) 6240 0100; www.europeanceramics.com.au Event Artillery eventartillery.com.au F Fanuli (02) 9908 2660; fanuli.com.au Feast Watson 1800 252 502; feastwatson.com.au Fisher & Paykel 1300 650 590; fisherpaykel.com.au Fybre Furnishing Solutions www.fybre.com.au G Garden Life (02) 9517 3633; gardenlife.com.au Georg Jensen 1800 536 736; georgjensen.com.au Glasshaus (03) 9421 4100; www.glasshaus.com.au

Great Dane (03) 9417 5599; greatdanefurniture.com Gunnersen gunnersens.com.au H Häfele 1300 659 728; www.hafele.com.au Hardie Deck hardiedeck.com.au Harris Scarfe (03) 9863 2200; harrisscarfe.com.au Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; harveynorman.com.au Hay (02) 9358 0855; hayshop.com.au Haymes Paint 1800 033 431; haymespaint.com.au Hermosa Painting Finishes hermosafinishes.com.au Hoselink 1300 900 617; hoselink.com.au Hub Furniture (03) 9652 1222; hubfurniture.com.au I Iittala www.iittala.com.au Ikea (02) 8020 6641; ikea.com.au Ikon Bathroomware ikonbathroomware.com.au Ilanel (03) 9534 1164; ilanel.com Ilve 1300 694 583; ilve.com.au In Good Company ingoodcompany.com.au Inartisan 0401 818 157; inartisan.com Inspirations Paint 1300 368 325; inspirationspaint.com.au InStyle (02) 9317 0222; instyle.com.au Interiors Online 1800 855 084; interiorsonline.com.au International Floorcoverings 1800 339 379; interfloors.com.au Intrim Mouldings 1800 552 153; intrimmouldings.com.au ISM Objects 1300 888 646; ismobjects.com.au J James Said (08) 6180 3615; jamessaid.com.au Janus et Cie janusetcie.com Jardan (03) 8581 4988; jardan.com.au Jason Benjamin (07) 3254 1855; www.jasonbenjamin.com.au Jenny Jones Rugs (08) 9286 1200; www.jennyjonesrugs.com Jetmaster 1300 538 627; jetmaster.com.au K Kim Wallace Ceramics 0404 187 248; kwceramics.com.au King Living 1300 546 438; kingliving.com.au Koch & Co 1300 555 624; koch.com.au L Lacanche www.lacanche.com Laminex 132 136; laminex.com.au Leicht Kitchens leicht.com.au

STOCKISTS H G

Lighting Collective (02) 6685 5744; lightingcollective.com.au Lightly (03) 9417 2440; lightly.com.au Living Edge 1300 132 154; livingedge.com.au Lopi lopi.com.au Luumo Design Store luumodesign.com Luxello www.luxello.com.au M Mark Tuckey marktuckey.com.au Mary Noall (03) 9690 1327; marynoall.com.au Masson For Light (03) 9009 9651; www.massonforlight.com.au Master Workroom masterworkroom.com.au Maxwell & Williams (03) 9318 0466; maxwellandwilliams.com.au McTavish Surfboards www.mctavish.com.au Melissa & Doug, available from Mighty Ape www.mightyape.com.au Miele 1300 464 353; www.shop.miele.com.au Milly+Eugene (02) 9389 4814; millyandeugene.com.au Miss Amara missamara.com.au Mondo Luce (02) 9690 2667; mondoluce.com Murobond Paint 1800 199 299; murobond.com.au Mutating Creatures (07) 3358 3960; www.mutatingcreatures.com.au Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au N Nancy Nungurrayi (08) 8952 4731; papunyatula.com.au New Grade Landscapes 0404 242 496; newgradelandscapes.com.au No Chintz (02) 9386 4800; nochintz.com Nu Space (02) 9386 4542; www.nu-space.com.au Nu-Wall nuwallaustralia.com.au O Officeworks 1300 633 423; officeworks.com.au Onsite Supply+Design (02) 9360 3666; onsitesd.com.au Orient House (02) 9660 3895; orienthouse.com.au Oz Design Furniture 1300 721 942; ozdesignfurniture.com.au

Oz Shade ozshade.com.au P Paint Place 1800 008 007; paintplace.com.au Palmer & Penn palmerandpenn.com.au Papaya (02) 9386 9980; papaya.com.au Pendleton Australia pendletonwoollenmills.com.au Pieces of Eight (03) 9663 3641; www.piecesofeight.com.au Planet (02) 9211 5959; planetfurniture.com.au Podology podlandscapes.com.au Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; porterspaints.com Posse theposse.com.au Pottery Barn potterybarn.com.au Pottery Barn Kids potterybarnkids.com.au Q Qasair condari.com.au Quercus & Co (02) 9699 4444; quercusandco.com R Ralph Lauren www.ralphlauren.com Raoul Textiles www.raoultextiles.com Redfox & Wilcox 0452 292 115; redfoxandwilcox.com.au Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au Resene 1800 738 383; resene.com.au Robert Malherbe www.robertmalherbe.com Robert Plumb (02) 9316 9066; robertplumb.com.au Robyn Cosgrove (02) 9328 7692; robyncosgrove.com Rogerseller (03) 9429 8888; rogerseller.com.au Rossetti Fabrics (02) 9968 3774 Royal Design royaldesign.com Royal Oak Floors (03) 9826 3611; royaloakfloors.com.au Rug.com.au www.rug.com.au Rustic Coast rusticcoast.com.au S Saardé www.saarde.com Sarah J Curtis sarahjcurtis.com Senkki Furniture 0450 404 639; www.senkkifurniture.com.au Sheridan 1800 625 516; sheridan.com.au Signorino (03) 9427 9100; signorino.com.au

Sikkens 1300 745 536; tenaru.com.au Silent Gliss (02) 9810 4300; silentgliss.com.au Smartstone 1300 888 607; smartstone.com.au Smeg www.smeg.com.au Sohal Living (08) 9303 4420; www.sohalliving.com.au Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Spence & Lyda (02) 9212 6747; spenceandlyda.com.au Spotlight 1300 305 405; spotlight.com.au Steel Windows Australia (03) 5981 1529; www.steelwindowsaustralia.com.au Sunnylife (02) 8755 1500; sunnylife.com.au Supertuft (03) 9427 8600; supertuft.com.au Sydney Tap and Bathroomware (02) 9550 4628; sydneybathroomware.com.au T Tait (03) 9419 7484; madebytait.com.au Taubmans 131 686; taubmans.com.au Temple & Webster templeandwebster.com.au Teranova (02) 9386 0063; teranova.com.au The Plant Society theplantsociety.com.au The Society Inc (02) 9331 1592; thesocietyinc.com.au Tigger Hall Design (03) 9510 2255; tiggerhall.com Top3 by Design 1300 867 333; top3.com.au Trit www.trithouse.com.au Two Acres www.twoacres.com.au U Unique Fabrics 1800 145 855; uniquefabrics.com V Vitrocsa (02) 695 1133; vitrocsa.com.au Vorsen (02) 8608 6405; www.vorsen.com.au W Warwick Fabrics 1300 787 888; www.warwick.com.au Wattyl 132 101; wattyl.com.au Wedgwood 1300 852 022; wwrd.com.au West Elm 1800 239 516; westelm.com.au Westbury Textiles (02) 9380 6644; westburytextiles.com Wildwood Stone www.wildwoodstone.com.au Willow Home & Living www.willowhomeliving.com.au Z Zohi Interiors zohiinteriors.com.au

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Rugs are an esssential inclusion in the home.

Choose from over 500 designs at Choices Flooring and have your favourite delivered free of charge. choicesflooring.com.au

The Torens outdoor dining table from Domayne is made of moisture-resistant karri gum hardwood.

This durable table can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. $899. domayne.com.au

Experience your kitchen in a new way with the streamlined LG 570L slim counter-depth French-door fridge with InstaView, from Harvey Norman. $2988. hn.com.au/french-door-fridges

H&G ESSENTIALS The Cera Eclectic bedroom chest from Cromwell is comprised of linen-covered drawers with metal overlay. Part of the new Serenity collection. $6154. cromwellaustralia.com.au

Create a beautiful lifestyle and home with these must-have products.

The Elroy occasional chair from from Contents International Design is the ultimate in Mid-centurymodern style. A sculptural accent chair that will stand the test of time. $1580. contentsid.com.au

The Woodland range features a comfy armchair ($799) and side table ($299) for all your relaxation essentials, you’ll soon find the time to unwind. harveynorman.com.au

Building a new home? Bradford SoundScreen for internal walls helps you reduce unwanted noise from as little as $400 per room. soundscreen.com.au

Luxurious Antwerp has been vintage-washed for softness and over time; with laundering, its softness will be enhanced even further. From $59.95; provincialhomeliving.com.au

Zip HydroTap Celsius All-in-One Arc tap: here is a system that delivers boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered drinking water, as well as hot and cold unfiltered water for your sink. $6,395. zipwater.com

With a modern design, the Smith LED lamp with USB charging port from Beacon Lighting stylishly dresses up any shelf or table. Touch button to adjust brightness. $189. beaconlighting.com.au

The NX Iko shower by Phoenix features HydroSense, allowing curved sheets of water that multiply into dense, cascading droplets. $572. phoenixtapware.com.au

Next month

SU MMER S A N C T UA R Y

Photograph by Alexander McIntyre.

ON SALE January 20

✚ Dreamy bedroom looks and sumptuous linens that will have you turning in early PLUS expert advice for a better night’s sleep! ✚ Sort your life out with handsome storage solutions ✚ Cruise into 2020 with our round-up of the best new sea journeys

Inspiration lives here…

H G THE CREATIVE TYPE

N E L S ON PR I NGL E Owner of Sydney florist Bloomey’s, Nelson shares the notable events and influences on his creative journey.

has a home in Bowral; both places are wonderful for recharging the batteries – although I don’t get away as often as I’d like. Weekend functions come first!

When I’m not working, I like to spend time with friends. Living and working on the same street is fabulous. There are loads of great people and a terrific community spirit.

Floristry and interior design have a lot in common. The homes and gardens I work in nourish my creativity – there’s always something new going on. I always look forward to my next project.

I adore European style – it’s timeless, elegant and endlessly inspiring.

If I had to pick a favourite style, I’d probably say Italian. The fashion and design are just incredible.

My favourite flower? It’s impossible to pick just one, it changes with the seasons. I can’t live without flowers, especially at home. # Bloomey’s; (02) 9360 1788 or www.bloomeys.com.au.

NELSON’S FAVOURITE THINGS From top

IC Light C/W ceiling/wall light, from $800, Euroluce. Casual jacket, $2350, Giorgio Armani.

Pretty bluebells.

Farmhouse Kings Cross restaurant.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Styling by Kate Nixon. Photograph by Anson Smart (portrait) & Alamy (bluebells).

I became a florist by chance. I got a job at a local florist, which evolved into full-time work and meeting my business partner, Janet Bourke.

Gardening and design were always encouraged in my family. Floristry is the perfect combination of these two creative pursuits.

A florist’s work days are long. I’m normally up at 4am for the markets, which is followed by tending to the shop, functions, and/or styling homes. I try to finish up by 5.30pm.

Maintaining a healthy work/life balance can be a challenge when you have your own business. I’m very fortunate that my family has a farm in the NSW Hunter Valley and Janet