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GARDENISTA PAUL BANGAY ON HIS FAB NEW BOOK

Home for the holidays STAR STYLIST STEVE CORDONY’S CHIC FARM

Perfect presents FOR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND YOU!

An abundant

FESTIVE LUNCH

SE A SON’S GREET I NGS

2020’s trailblazers including • Gladys Berejiklian • Ronni Kahn • Christine Anu • Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy


Plaza Designed in Australia with a simplified approach to a contemporary spirit, Plaza touches down lightly on elegant, tapered legs. A harmony of clean minimalistic lines, blended with soft elements for a timeless aesthetic.

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Home for the holidays

DECEMBER

Cover stories

19 Home for the holidays Star stylist Steve Cordony’s chic farm. 42 Perfect presents for friends, family and you. 75 Season’s greetings 2020’s trailblazers including Gladys Berejiklian, Ronni Kahn, Christine Anu, Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy. 160 Gardenista Paul Bangay on his fab new book. 166 An abundant festive lunch.

Christmas special

Photograph by Kristina Soljo.

19 Fields Of Dreams Home is most definitely where the heart is for interiors stylist Steve Cordony. 42 Presents Of Mind Inspiring gift ideas for everyone on your list. 71 Ask An Expert Stylist and designer Kate Nixon shares her tips on creating a sparkling, alfresco festive table. 75 2020 Revision Local leaders and tastemakers reflect on the year that was and reveal what’s in store for the year ahead. 166 Let’s Celebrate Chef Amanda Cordony dishes up her familyfavourite Christmas recipes.


65 Bonnet Drama Maz Romandini is a mum, businesswoman and a vintage Ford Mustang aficionado. 178 The Creative Type Alexandra Heard and Heleena Trahanas.

Houses

94 Wedded Bliss Winning a homemakeover competition marked a new era for this Sydney cottage and its owners. 104 Changing Times A former vicarage in Melbourne is now blessed with space, functionality and style. 114 Set For Life In Sydney, a pair of empty-nesters made a fresh start without leaving the home they loved.

122 Personal Best For two lifelong friends, sharing the renovation journey of this Gold Coast home doubled the joy. 132 Living Colour Invigorating hues have transformed a beach house into a truly happy place. 140 Home On The Range Meet the dog that rules the roost at his serene Byron Bay hinterland home.

160 The Plot Thickens Paul Bangay on the evolution of Stonefields, his beloved property in country Victoria.

For our readers 6

Gardens

150 Revival Story A sophisticated garden revamp that restored the splendour of the home too. 156 French Connection A magnificent Mediterranean-style garden in the Adelaide Hills.

14 16 176 177

Subscription Offer Subscribe to Australian House & Garden this month and you will go into the running to win $10,000 cash or one of 200 gourmet hampers from Byron Bay Gifts valued at $250 each! Top 50 Rooms! Your invitation to enter our interiors showcase. Your H&G Readers’ letters. Where To Buy Seen something you like? Find your nearest stockist. Privacy Notice

On our cover Sensitive restoration and a dash of urban chic have transformed the country home of stylist Steve Cordony. Photograph by Kristina Soljo. Turn to page 19 to see more.

Photograph by Kristina Soljo.

People


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H G EDITOR’S LETTER

“The MOVERS and shakers in this issue are proponents of POSITIVITY and it’s infectious – in A GOOD WAY!”

Tanya Buchanan, Editor in chief TOP PICKS

Tanya’s top five

COLLECT

Blue interior painting by John Bokor, $11,900, King Street Gallery on William; kingstreetgallery.com.au.

WAFT

Aganice Aromatique vegan-friendly candle in ceramic holder, $135, Aesop; aesop.com.au.

INDULGE

Chanel No 5 eau de parfum spray, $240/100ml, Myer; myer.com.au.

CELEBRATE CELEBRAT BR

High Performance crystal cabernet wineglasses, $200 each, Riedel; riedel.com.

REVIVE

Jasper queen-size bed with built-in storage and charging docks, $5801, King; kingliving.com.au.

Photograph by Kristina Soljo. Hair and make-up by Samantha Powell.

B

ecause I’m happy… Clap along if you feel like that’s what you want to do… It’s a few years old now but Pharrell Williams’ joyous anthem keeps playing in my head as I look at this gorgeous December issue. I had goosebumps reading the completed pages. It’s a great feeling when you love something so much that you want to share it with everyone you can reach. The pages are so cheerful, a perfect prescription for erasing words we don’t want to hear again like ‘challenging’ and ‘unprecedented’. The movers and shakers highlighted in this issue are proponents of positivity and it’s infectious – in a good way! I was lucky to visit Orange in the Central West of NSW for our upfront house story on two hardworking and stylish city fellas. Super stylist and designer Steve Cordony and his partner Michael Booth, a corporate sales whiz, have turned a historic property into a sensational country dream. Lightness and joy radiates from every single part of this perfectly curated property, so the shots came together effortlessly – at least in the hands of our multi-talented photographer Kristina Soljo who has captured a large chunk of this issue. From interiors to food to portraits, she is a helluva stellar snapper! If you’ve decided to call time on this year and are seeking motivation for 2021, take a look at our 2020 tastemakers for lessons in resilience and determination (page 75). I thought NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian might cancel our planned shoot because it came at the end of a particularly brutal week in politics for her. Admittedly, our questions were warm and fuzzy compared to those she’d been answering all week. But at the scheduled time – 5.30pm on a Friday afternoon – she arrived upbeat and positive. We were all left thoroughly impressed. Gladys told us that when things are tough, she always reminds herself that her best days are ahead. Another woman on a mission, a mission to ensure no one in Australia goes hungry, is Ronni Kahn. I have just read her wonderfully honest memoir, A Repurposed Life, and can hardly contain the ideas and inspiration exploding in my head! Rounding things off is our Christmas gift guide, filled with thoughtful suggestions for your special people (page 42). Finally, I would like to hear a round of applause for the H&G band. Please give it up for Antonietta Panuccio and Shayne Burton on art direction; Elizabeth Wilson, Sarah Pickette and Tamarah Pienaar on words; and Kate Nixon and Sophie Wilson on style. Enjoy the issue and the holidays and see you in 2021. We are feeling lucky!


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


The 2019 Room of the Year, designed by Arent & Pyke. EDITORIAL Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan Creative director Antonietta Panuccio Deputy editor Elizabeth Wilson Interiors editor Kate Nixon Senior features editor Sarah Pickette Content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar Homes group coordinators Sara Sleeman and Matilda Ringrose ART & STYLE Art director Shayne Burton Designer Sophie Wilson Image retoucher/designer Matus Kundrat CONTRIBUTORS

Calling all architects and interior designers! Do you have a beautiful project to share? Enter now and be part of H&G’s Top 50 Rooms showcase. Submissions open!

Top 50 Rooms celebrates the beauty, quality and creativity in Australian interiors today. Entries close Friday, January 29, 2021 with the best 50 projects to appear in H&G’s April 2021 issue.

Entry requirements

Send in high-resolution images (jpg or tiff) of the room/s you would like to submit. Rooms should be professionally styled and photographed.

How to enter:

Contact us for an entry kit. An entry fee of $150 per entrant applies (multiple rooms per entry allowed). Send images via WeTransfer or Dropbox link.

EMAIL, DROPBOX & FILE TRANSFER TO

House&GardenTop50Rooms@aremedia.com.au ENQUIRIES (02) 9282 8456

Artwork by Judith Wright. Styling by Claire Delmar. Photograph by Anson Smart.

Alan Benson, Amanda Cordony, Steve Cordony, Stephen Crafti, Karen Day, Elise Elliott, Nicole England, Simon Griffiths, Natalie James, Maree Homer, Marnie Hawson, Olga Lewis, Sarah Maloney, Christine McCabe, Tim O’Connor, Judy Pascoe, Chris Pearson, Samantha Powell, Louise Roche, Anson Smart, Kristina Soljo, Derek Swalwell, Pablo Veiga, Chris Warnes, Nicholas Watt ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Group commercial brand manager Rhonda Maunder (02) 9282 8687 Advertising production manager Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 Head of brands Anna Mistilis (02) 9282 8111 Brand executive Mikayla Skarzynski (02) 9282 8142 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 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 MARKETING & CIRCULATION Marketing director Louise Cankett Senior marketing manager Jillian Hogan Circulation manager Robert McIntosh Subscriptions campaign manager Jesvin Vincent Brand manager Sarah Webster Marketing enquiries homes@aremedia.com.au ARE MEDIA CORPORATE Chief executive officer Brendon Hill Chief financial officer Andrew Stedwell Executive general manager – publishing & digital operations Sarah-Belle Murphy Publisher – homes titles Shane Sutton Director of sales Andrew Cook Acting head retail ^ circulation Andrew Cohn Business manager Georgina Bromfield Syndications syndication@aremedia.com.au New Zealand enquiries +61 2 9282 8505 SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES

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Published by Are Media Pty Ltd (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN is the property of Are Media Pty Ltd and is used under licence. © 2020. 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. Are Media 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.


CREATE YOUR FOREVER KITCHEN TODAY


H G LETTERS

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YOUR H&G I’m an interior design student currently feeling overwhelmed with my studies (and everything else in life, like most people this year!). H&G is my saviour each month, setting my mind into relaxation mode as I spend some ‘me’ time reading, absorbing all the information, and taking in the stunning designs. H&G has become a sort of security blanket both for my studies and my home renovation, giving me the confidence to say ‘I’m doing alright at this’. Caroline Plant, Aldgate, SA DRE A MS TIME

FORWA RD THIN K ING

Reading the Living the Dream issue (November) over the recent long weekend, I found the perfect design (curved!) for my new kitchen bench in the stunning Sydney home designed by Romy Alwill (Good Neighbours). There were also great ideas for outdoor furniture, which we will definitely invest in since we are staying home all summer! Elise Elliott’s monthly Great House, Great Car feature also brings a smile to my face – especially those gorgeous vintage convertibles. Jen Eagles, Hawksburn, Victoria

I’ve never subscribed to a magazine before, but H&G is such good value for money that I simply had to. I eagerly await the sight of the new ideas-packed issue poking out of my letterbox each month. While I’m not much of a gardener at the moment, the garden section in particular always gets me dreaming about what I will do with my forever home once I retire in a few years’ time! Sarah Atwood, via email

With all our local shops closed and Christmas fast approaching, I was puzzling over what I could buy for my wife. Luckily for me, she had tagged a few pages in the October issue of H&G to point me in the right direction of the perfect gift. Thanks for coming to my rescue! Michael Bowden, Rosebud, Victoria

A FRIE N D IN DEED

My mum is currently undergoing cancer treatment so I’m spending quite a bit of time in hospital waiting rooms. H&G is my constant companion. Each issue brings me comfort as I dream about plans to redo my bathroom and kitchen – maybe one day! But, in the meantime, I pore over pages and pages of colour and texture, taking note of the products that appeal. Thank you for the tapestry of inspiration! Jane Petersen, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

W RIT E IN TO W IN The author of each letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a prize. This month, Caroline Plant of Aldgate in South Australia wins a Smeg x Lavazza ‘A Modo Mio’ capsule coffee machine, valued at $349. For more details about this technologically smart and super-stylish machine, go to lavazza.com.au or pop into your local Harvey Norman or The Good Guys outlet. Email your letter to H&G@aremedia.com.au or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include your full name and address in order to be considered for publication.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Pinterest

H^G social

The posts that made your month Clean-lined design and luxe textures found fans on Facebook, a Perth cottage won the hearts of Instagrammers, while Pinners took a shine to the thoughtful revamp of a Sydney bungalow. Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to tours of our favourite homes. Instagram @houseandgarden View the most inspirational images of the month from H&G headquarters and out and about. Pinterest pinterest.com.au/ houseandgardenau Picture-perfect images from our pages and sensational products to covet.

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

K EEP ON GI V ING

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CREATE YOUR FOREVER HOME TODAY


BRAND PROMOTION

COLOUR PL AY Adding colour to a room can give it a whole new vibe. Here’s the shade of pink that’s got everyone talking. SOFTLY SOFTLY

ON THE WALLS Porter’s Paints Petal Pink and Popcorn (above the picture rail).

Inspired by nature in blossom, this dusty pink brings just the right balance of uplifting energy and calming retreat to a room. Warm it up with natural textures and create contrast with crisp whites. THE PERFECT PALETTE

Using fine-quality pigments, Porter’s Paints colours are expertly blended to have richness, complexity and depth. The Capsule Collection contains 32 versatile colours that are carefully curated so they make a beautiful statement on their own, or work together in any room or special space.

Team Porter’s Paints Petal Pink with a warm neutral like Porter’s Paints Rubble. If you want to make a bolder statement, look to Porter’s Paints Baby Doll.

Porter’s Paints Baby Doll

WITH A PLAYFUL BUT CALMING EFFECT, A MODERN PINK CAN INVIGORATE A ROOM WHEN USED IN A SOFT, RESTRAINED WAY.

Find the Porter’s Paints Capsule Collection at Bunnings or porterspaints.com

PRODUCED BY STORY

The perfect complement

Porter’s Paints Rubble

®


at home with H G

Fields of

DREAMS It’s a passion project on an epic scale: a property near Orange, NSW, is being transformed into an exquisite home and garden that works beautifully for its owners. STO RY Sarah Pickette | ST Y LI N G Steve Cordony | P H OTO G RA PH Y Kristina Soljo

“As soon as we saw it, Rosedale Farm felt like home,” says Steve Cordony, pictured left with his partner Michael Booth and their English springer spaniel, Bedford. A gaggle of seven geese also gets to call Rosedale Farm home. Tall toy soldier Christmas decorations from Chas Clarkson. Pots, Thomson’s Garden Centre. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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hen the right place comes along, you’ll know: that was the nugget of advice just about everyone gave to interiors stylist Steve Cordony whenhewassearchingforacountryhome. Three years of looking hadn’t yet turned up ‘the one’ – but then a friend sent Steve and his partner Michael Booth a clipping aboutapropertynearOrange, NSW, which had just hit the market. “We thought we might as well take a look and within three weeks it was ours,” says Steve. That property was Rosedale Farm, 49 hectares of prime grazing land presided over by a glorious 1877 homestead that ticked a lot of boxes for SteveandMichael:“WewantedaGeorgianstyle house, a wraparound verandah, and plentyofroomforalargegarden – Rosedale Farm had all those things.” That was 2017, and a huge amount of work has been carried out to restore and reinvigorate the eight-bedroom property since then. First, the home’s old carpets >

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

“We put in wall panelling and cornices to keep this [living] room in line with the heritage of the house,” says Steve. “I spent many weekends cleaning the Australian cedar windows and doors with fine steel wool.” Huxley sofas, Coco Republic. Antique armchairs, Vickers & Hoad. Coffee table, MCM House. Vintage portraits, The Country Trader. Cushions, Orient House. Kelly Wearstler lamps, Becker Minty. When it comes to the Christmas tree, Steve prefers a subtle look, with just strings of fairy lights serving as decorations.


at home with H G “BY REMOVING A WALL BETWEEN TWO ROOMS WE’VE CREATED A GENEROUS, AIRY LIVING SPACE.” Steve Cordony, owner


were pulled up so Steve could get a better sense of the space. Then the huge tasks ofrewiring and replumbing got underway. New fences went in, along with a new driveway. The exterior, which used to be pink, received a lick of crisp white paint and the house-paddock garden was expanded from 1.2 hectares to almost four hectares (Michael is passionate about gardeningand vegetablebedsnowoccupy half a hectare). The pond by the house was relined and a hay shed transformed into a poultry house. A staggering 27,000 trees were planted too. But the most beautiful of all the big changes have occurred inside the house. Theoldkitchenwasguttedandcompletely overhauled. Anchoring the new space is its striking Shaker-style cabinetry in a khaki tone so deep it’s almost black. “I looked at hundreds of colours before finally settling on this one, which is Porter’s Paints Black Cockatoo,” says Steve. “Unlike a true black, it takes on a life of its own as light moves through the space.Itlooksdarkerinthebrightestlight, a bit more green in some light and more likegreyinotherconditions.It’snotstatic, it moves and shifts through the day.” Arabescato vagli marble was selected for its heavy veining – necessarily punchy to work in with the joinery colour – and the French oak chevron flooring was >


at home with H G

“We enjoy entertaining, so we went with Miele appliances, because they’re quality products,” says Steve, pictured with Michael and Bedford. The joinery is hand-painted with Porter’s Paints Aqua Satin Enamel in Black Cockatoo and the island bench and splashback are Arabescato Vagli marble from CDK Stone. Lassen ML42 stools, Finnish Design Shop. French oak chevron floorboards sourced via Woodstock Flooring. Ralph Lauren ‘Rivington’ suspension light from The Montauk Lighting Co.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G at home with

Breathtaking Iksel ‘D-dream’ wallpaper from Boyac is the ultimate conversation starter as guests gather around the table for a meal. Beeswax candles on mantelpiece from The Nuptial Collective. Decorative plate, Ginori 1735. OPPOSITE Console from Leonard Joel auction house and mirror found at a Byron Bay antiques store. Jute rug from Ikea and vase from Water Tiger. >

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


“I HAD BEEN TRAWLING ANTIQUE STORES FOR YEARS AND PICKED UP LIGHTS, CABINETS AND CONSOLES THAT REALLY SUITED THE HOUSE.” Steve


“THE BEDROOM FEELS LIKE AN APARTMENT WITHIN THE HOUSE, AND WE LOVE THAT.” Steve

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


AT HOME WITH H G

LEFT The guest ensuite features a vanity from Vanity by Design

and Perrin & Rowe taps from The English Tapware Company. Mirror, Kmart. Kelly Wearstler wall light, The Montauk Lighting Co. THIS IMAGE The home’s once-pink exterior is now painted crisp Dulux Natural White. BELOW AND OPPOSITE Custom bed by H&J Furniture in Antoine D’Albiousse fabric from Boyac. Blinds by Simple Studio. Rug, Cadrys. Vintage armchair from Vickers & Hoad, reupholstered by Anthony Kennedy Upholstery.

sourced from overseas. “I love the patina and the rawness of the timber,” he says. A generous butler’s pantry and mud room flow off the kitchen and out to the garden. “The mud room has so much beautiful natural light, it’s one of my favourite spots in the house,” says Steve. Upstairs, in what was once the home’s nursery, three rooms have been turned into one very generous main bedroom suite. “I wanted it to feel calm and to make the most of the natural light that floods in through the windows, which offer a mountain view at the rear and look out to the pond at the front,” says Steve. The main ensuite inherited a step that Steve decided to keep, using it to neatly delineate the room’s bathing and dressing zones. Two steel-framed showers add a graphic element and were made by Steve’s brother, a builder and the owner of Cordony Constructions. “The showers contrast with the soft lines of the bath and provide another interplay between contemporary and traditional,” says Steve. His innate understanding of how to balance historic and up-to-the-minute >


THIS PAGE, OPPOSITE TOP LEFT AND TOP RIGHT The oregon floorboards in this

room, the main ensuite, are original to the house. Antique mirrors, The Vault Sydney. Tapware, The English Tapware Company. Vanity, Vanity by Design. Emerald bath, Apaiser. Carrara 30x60cm tiles and Channel patterned-marble floor tiles from Steve’s Labyrinth collection, Di Lorenzo Tiles. OPPOSITE BOTTOM The property’s existing pond was relined and reclayed.


at home with H G

design elements is evident right through the house. “I had been trawling antique stores for years and picked up various lights, cabinets and consoles, so I already had some great pieces that really suited the house,” he says. “But I also wanted the rooms to feel light and fresh, and to pay homage to the heritage of the property but also to set it up for our future.” Andthefutureislookingexcitingindeed for Rosedale Farm, with the old servant’s quarters soon to be transformed into two guesthouses for farmstay visitors. Plans are also being hatched for events, a pool and poolhouse, and an on-site nursery selling plants propagated on the property. But first, there is Christmas. “It’s my favourite time of the year,” says Steve. “The ceilings are 3.6-metres high, so we’re able to have a very tall tree. Our families come to visit and we set a beautiful table under the trees. The house is full, the food is fantastic and it all feels very special.” > Steve Cordony Stylist; stevecordony.com. To see more of Rosedale Farm, turn to our Christmas entertaining feature, page 165.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G at home with

“HAVING A HOME WE CAN RESTORE AND SPACE FOR LOTS OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS IS A DREAM REALISED FOR BOTH OF US.” Steve

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Gardening is a great love of Michael’s and he and Rosedale Farm’s full-time gardener are working to a master plan developed for the property by Christopher Nicholas Garden Design. OPPOSITE Steve and Michael’s beloved shire horses are in beautiful condition. Ebony (left) is 14 years old while Brave is four years old. For Where to Buy, see page 176. >


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

FIRST ADULT HOME? An apartment that Michael and I purchased in

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the revamped St Margarets building in Sydney’s Surry Hills. BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? It would have to be Marrakech (2). FAVOURITE MEAL? Poached salmon (10), served with mushy peas, twice-roasted potatoes and steamed greens. DREAM CAR? A 1959 Mercedes 190SL (6). In silver, please. I’D CROSS THE WORLD TO… Immerse myself in any culture I haven’t yet experienced. There’s so much inspiration to be had in opening your eyes to the new. I LOVE A VASEFUL OF… White hydrangeas (11), when they’re in full bloom. FAVOURITE ARTISTS? Australian artists Lottie Consalvo (1) and Antonia Mrljak. FAVOURITE FASHION LABELS? Ralph Lauren (4). FAVOURITE SCENT? Sufi hand-blended oil from Ayu (7). FAVOURITE MOVIE? Either Something’s Gotta Give (3) or Pretty Woman. FAVOURITE ARCHITECTURAL ERA OR STYLE? 1950s Italian (5). DESIGNERS WHO INSPIRE YOU? Athena Calderone (8), Christian Liaigre, Kelly Wearstler and Charlotte Perriand. ONE THING I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT IS… For practicality, I would say my iPhone. But in general, it is – of course – Michael. I HAVE MY EYE ON… A pair of Louis XVI-style chandeliers (9) from The Vault Sydney. LIFE IS INFINITELY BETTER WITH… Family, friends and good food. CHRISTMAS IS… Always the time of year I look forward to most. This year especially, given everything 2020 has thrown at us! #

“Yes, style is important, but the best thing anyone can say when they come over is ‘your home feels lovely’.” 32 |

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Into And From by Lottie Consalvo, courtesy of the artist and Dominik Mersch Gallery. Photography by Dean Beletich (1), Jack Single/Luxury Escapes (2), Alamy (3), courtesy of The Grand Hotel Tremezzo (5), Are Media Digital Library (9).

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H O M E .

A N D

F U R N I T U R E


CUSTOMISED

CHOOSE YOUR

DESIGN

FABRIC

WITH A HUGE SELECTION OF FABRICS AVA I L A B L E , YO U C A N C R E AT E T H E M O O D YO U W A N T, F R O M C O A S TA L C H I C T O B O L D A N D F U N K Y - T H E C H O I C E I S YO U R S .

CHOOSE YOUR ARMS C U S TO M I S E T H E A R M D E S I G N B Y CHOOSING FROM THIN, THICK OR CURVED STYLES.

CHOOSE YOUR

LEGS

SELECT FROM FOUR DISTINCT LEG SHAPES AND A WIDE SELECTION OF COLOUR OPTIONS.

TA P E R E D - L E G FURNITURE EVOKES STRENGTH AND ELEGANCE

THE MODULAR DESIGN OF THE AUSTRALIAN MADE ZURI 3 - S E AT E R C H A I S E L O U N G E M E A N S I T W I L L F I T YO U R S PA C E P E R F E C T LY – A N D N O W YO U C A N C U S TO M I S E T H I S S T U N N I N G S TAT E M E N T P I E C E E V E N F U R T H E R V I A A R A N G E O F E X C L U S I V E O P T I O N S I N C L U D I N G S I Z E , U P H O L S T E R Y, C O L O U R , L E G S TA I N A N D A R M D E S I G N . C H O O S E F R O M T H I N , THICK OR CURVED ARM STYLES, PLUS FOUR LEG SHAPES A N D T H R E E D I F F E R E N T WO O D S TO S E L E C T F R O M .


S U MM E R

ANCHOR YOUR A

Esc ap e

ROOM WITH

S TAT E M E N T C O U C H I N T H E SOFTEST OF FABRIC - ADD

CERAMIC-TOPPED

S I D E TA B L E S

F O R A L O O K T H AT F E E L S GROUNDED AND SERENE.

FRONT COVER FURNITURE ‘STATTON’ 2.5-SEATER LOUNGE $1999; ‘ZARA’ COFFEE TABLE $199; ‘ZARA’ LAMP TABLE $119; ‘ANDERSON’ VASE IN TERRACOTTA $59; ‘AURA’ WAFFLE THROW IN PEBBLE $169; ‘CORDUROY’ CUSHION IN TRUFFLE $59; ‘TROPICANA’ 50CM CUSHION IN BLACK $69. CURRENT PAGE ‘ZURI’ 3-SEATER LOUNGE WITH CHAISE UPHOLSTERED IN WARWICK ‘FLETCHER’ FABRIC $2499; ‘COCO’ COFFEE TABLE $499; ‘COCO’ LAMP TABLE $479; ‘SARI’ SILK HARPER RUG (160 x 230CM) IN GREY $599; ‘MASON’ FLOOR LAMP IN BLACK $369; ‘HAVANA’ 50CM CUSHION IN ECRU $59EA; ‘SIAN’ 60CM CUSHION IN SHIITAKE $69; ‘SIBELLA’ VASE MEDIUM IN DARK PEACH $59; CONCRETE VASE MEDIUM $69; ‘AURA’ WAFFLE THROW IN NUDE $169.


S U M ME R

THE

Escape

FUSION

OF

CRISP WHITE FINISHES WITH L I G H T S TA I N E D TIMBER

BRINGS A

LIGHT AND

BREEZY

AT M O S P H E R E TO ANY ROOM.

‘C APELLA’ DOUBLE BUTTERFLY EXTENSION DINING TABLE $2999; ‘C A P E L L A’ M O D E R N FA B R I C D I N I N G C H A I R U P H O L S T E R E D I N Z E P E L ‘ M E G A’ FA B R I C $ 429; ‘ C A P E L L A’ 5 - D R AW E R B U F F E T $19 9 9; ‘ F E L I X ’ R U G (16 0 X 2 3 0 C M ) I N N AT U R A L $ 9 9 9; ‘ L E O N E ’ S T R A P M I R RO R 6 0 C M $ 219; S A LT & P E P P E R ‘ R E F I N E ’ P E D E S TA L B OW L I N B L AC K $ 8 9; S A LT & P E P P E R S E T O F 4 L I N E D H I G H B A L L S $3 9; S A LT & P E P P E R S E T O F 4 L I N E D T U M B L E R S $3 9; S A LT & P E P P E R ‘ N O M A D ’ N O O D L E B OW L $14 ; S A LT & P E P P E R ‘ N O M A D ’ CO N D I M E N T D I S H $ 7; ‘ P E T R A’ VA S E I N R U S T $ 49; ‘ BY RO N ’ L A RG E VA S E I N O L I V E $ 6 5 I N S E T R I G HT ‘A S H L E Y ’ D I N I N G C H A I R $ 29 9.


CUSTOMISED

DESIGN

CHOOSE YOUR

SIZE

A DA P T TO YO U R AVA I L A B L E S PAC E A N D NUMBER OF GUESTS WITH A QUICKC H A N G E E X T E N S I O N D I N I N G TA B L E (EXTENDS FROM 140-210CM).

CHOOSE YOUR

COLOUR

ELEGANT DINING CHAIRS WITH LIGHT O R D A R K F A B R I C A N D S TA I N O P T I O N S C A N A LT E R T H E M O O D O F YO U R R O O M .

CHOOSE YOUR

CHAIR

C L A S S I C D I N I N G C H A I R S A LWAY S I M P R E S S , O R O P T F O R A TA P E R E D - L E G A S H L E Y D I N I N G C H A I R F O R C H I C S O P H I S T I C AT I O N .

SET THE MOOD WITH LIGHT OR DARK WOOD S TA I N S

M A K E T H E M O S T O F YO U R L I V I N G S PAC E W I T H T H E A U S T R A L I A N M A D E C A P E L L A D O U B L E B U T T E R F LY E X T E N S I O N D I N I N G TA B L E A N D M AT C H I N G M O D E R N FA B R I C D I N I N G C H A I R S , W I T H M U LT I P L E FA B R I C A N D W O O D S TA I N O P T I O N S . T H E S O L I D V I C TO R I A N A S H TA B L E TO P C O M F O R TA B LY S E AT S S I X G U E S T S – O R Q U I C K LY E X T E N D S TO E A S I LY W E L C O M E T E N . C H A N G E U P T H E L O O K B Y U S I N G A S T R I K I N G L Y M O D E R N C H A I R L I K E T H E A S H L E Y.


CUSTOMISED

CHOOSE YOUR

DESIGN

STAIN

S E V E N U N I Q U E S TA I N C H O I C E S F O R YO U R B E D R O O M S U I T E G I V I N G YO U P L E N T Y O F S T Y L E O P T I O N S TO M AT C H A N Y D É C O R .

CHOOSE YOUR WIDTH C U S TO M I S A B L E B E D H E A D W I D T H L E T S YO U G O B O L D O R S C A L E B AC K TO S E A M L E S S LY S U I T YO U R B E D R O O M S U R R O U N D S .

CHOOSE YOUR

STORAGE

O P T I O N A L S H E L F C O N F I G U R AT I O N A N D E X T R A B E D S I D E S TO R AG E M A K E T H E B E S T U S E O F AVA I L A B L E S PAC E .

T H E C L E V E R D E S I G N A N D S E V E N U N I Q U E S TA I N OPTIONS ON THE HUGO 1-SHELF QUEEN BED FRAME A N D M AT C H I N G H U G O 1 - D R A W E R B E D S I D E TA B L E A R E C L E A N , C O N T E M P O R A R Y A N D E X C L U S I V E TO D O M AY N E . T H E B E D H E A D ’ S I N T E G R AT E D S H E L F I S C U S TO M I S A B L E I N H E I G H T A N D C O N F I G U R AT I O N , W H I L E T H E C O N C E A L E D H A N D L E A N D H I D D E N S TO R AG E O F T H E B E D S I D E TA B L E O F F E R E X T R A S PA C E - S A V I N G A P P E A L .


SU MME R N AT U R A L TOGETHER

IN

ELEMENTS L AY E R S

C OA S TA L

COME

OF TEXTURE,

COLOUR AND TONE TO A

Es ca pe

C R E AT E

CONNECTION.

GO WITH N AT U R A L OA K F O R A T R U LY MINIMALIST LOOK

‘HUGO’ QUEEN BED FRAME WITH EXTENDED BEDHEAD & 1-SHELF $2799; ‘HUGO’ 1-DRAWER BEDSIDE TABLE $659; AURA ‘HERRINGBONE’ QUEEN QUILT COVER IN INK $279; ‘HERRINGBONE’ PILLOWCASE IN INK $39EA; AURA ‘MAISON’ QUEEN SHEET SET IN WHITE $329; ‘CAICOS’ 50CM CUSHION IN BLACK $69; ‘GEORGIA’ BOWL LARGE IN RUST $49; ‘LULU’ TABLE LAMP IN WHITE $89; ‘AURA’ JUMBO MOSS STITCH THROW IN CLAY $199 LEFT INSET ‘HUGO’ QUEEN BED FRAME WITH EXTENDED BEDHEAD & 2-SHELVES $3099.


S U M ME R

Escape BRING

RELAXING

CUES

INTO THE

B E D R O O M W I T H L AY E R S O F G R E E N S AND BLUES INSPIRED BY THE OCEAN AND

SEA-TUMBLED

GRASS.

PURE WHITE BEDDING HELPS A ROOM FEEL BRIGHTER AND LESS CLUTTERED

‘FITZROY’ QUEEN BED FRAME UPHOLSTERED IN WARWICK ‘FOSTER’ $2399; ‘HUNTER’ LAMP TABLE $479; ‘BYZANCE’ TRIBAL RUG (160 X 230CM) IN BLACK/NATURAL $699; ‘DOMAYNE LUXURIES’ 500TC QUEEN SHEET SET IN SILVER $169; ‘HERRINGBONE’ QUEEN QUILT COVER SET IN WHITE $279; ‘CHELSEA’ CUSHION IN BUTTERCUP $109; GLASSHOUSE 380G ‘MAGIC SPELL’ C ANDLE $54.95; ‘C ALIENTE’ BOWL $99; ‘BYRON’ ROUND GLASS VASE IN OLIVE $65; ‘JENSON’ LAMP B ASE IN CHROME $129; LINEN LAMP SHADE IN DOVE GREY $69; AURA ‘WAFFLE’ THROW IN OLIVE $169.

V I SI T D OM AY NE .COM . AU TO B R OWSE O U R FU L L RANGE OF FURNITURE, BEDDING AND HOMEWARES.

Domayne ® sto res are o pera ted by in depen dent franc hisees. Adverti sed pr ic e s va lid a t New So uth Wal es sto res only. Prices may var y be twe en sta tes due to addition a l fre igh t co sts. Mattress, b ed li nen a nd a ccessorie s are option al extras. Prices m ay va r y due to custo mi satio n. Promo ti on e nds 31/12/2 020.


CUSTOMISED

CHOOSE YOUR

DESIGN

SIZE

C U S TO M I S E YO U R B E D S I Z E TO M A K E A P O W E R F U L V I S U A L S TAT E M E N T A N D C R E AT E YO U R D R E A M B E D R O O M F E E L .

CHOOSE YOUR

FABRIC

P E R S O N A L I S E YO U R M O S T P R I VAT E L I V I N G S PAC E WITH A CHOICE OF FABRICS AND COLOURS F R O M D O M AY N E ’ S I M P R E S S I V E R A N G E .

CHOOSE YOUR

LEGS

M AT C H YO U R B E D ’ S T I M B E R L E G S TO T H E B E D H E A D TO G G L E M AT E R I A L F O R A N E Y E C AT C H I N G D E TA I L T H AT W O N ’ T G O U N N OT I C E D.

E X C L U S I V E TO D O M AY N E , T H E E L E G A N T N E W F I T Z R OY I S AVA I L A B L E F R O M Q U E E N TO U B E R K I N G S I Z E , C O M B I N I N G A L O W- B U I L D B A S E A N D TA P E R E D L E G S O P H I S T I C AT I O N W I T H S O F T C O N TO U R S A N D P R E M I U M F A B R I C U P H O L S T E R Y. Y O U C A N F U R T H E R C U S TO M I S E T H I S P L U S H , C O N T E M P O R A R Y S TAT E M E N T P I E C E W I T H YO U R C H O I C E O F W O O D S TA I N S , F A B R I C C O L O U R S , B E D H E A D TO G G L E S A N D M O R E .


Presents OF MIND

Thoughtful gifts for everyone on your Christmas-shopping list. ST Y L ING Steve Cordony | P H OTO GR A P H Y Kristina Soljo

FOR THE GARDENER


ON WINDOWSILL From

Stylist’s assistant Olga Lewis. Product sourcing by Sarah Maloney and Sophie Wilson. Shot on location at Rosedale Farm, NSW.

left Potted daisies, from

$12.50, Bunnings. Move bluetooth speaker, $649, Sonos. Mizuno hatchet with cover, $205, Shokunin Store. Japanese secateurs, $111, Heaven in Earth. Garden Glory 20m garden hose, $195, Top3 by Design. ON VERANDAH From left 50cm bamboo cloches, $71.50 each, Heaven in Earth. Potted daisies, as before. Potted flannel flowers available from Flower Power. Vintage pitchfork and spade, stylist’s own. Hunter ‘Original Tall’ adjustable gumboots, $216, The Iconic. OPPOSITE Andes wool rug (1.7x2.4m), $1335, Armadillo. ON RUG Jute and linen cushion (left), $79.95, and Navy Floral cushion, $109, both Alfresco Emporium. ON SWING SEAT From left Kanoko Indian Teal , and Java Riviera linen square cushions, $161 each, Nullabor Chalk and Montenegro Celadon rectangular cushions, $132 each, all Walter G. BELOW 1 Kartell ‘Stripes’ outdoor cushion, $240, Space. 2 Cyclone heavy-duty pruner, $26.25, Bunnings. 3 Salt&Pepper ‘Alfresco’ iron and glass hurricane candleholder, $79, Domayne. 4 Delta Outdoor III Circle sofa, $1990, King. 5 Burgon & Ball ‘Budding Gardener’ hand trowel, $27.50, Quality Products. 6 Plantopedia: The definitive guide to houseplants book by Lauren Camilleri & Sophia Kaplan, $59.99, Smith Street Books. >

Perfect pieces for green thumbs, happy potterers and sunseekers.

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Christmas GIFT IDEAS

FOR THE HOME CHEF

Ralph Lauren Home ‘Anette’ brass sconce, $869, The Montauk Lighting Co. ON BENCHTOP From left Kaawi cut-glass hurricane (used as vase), $340, Leïlah. Wolf high-performance blender, $689, Winning Appliances. KH Würtz cup, $85, Ondene. Smeg 50s Retro Style juicer, $226, Winning Appliances. Still Life with Pumpkin painting by Rachel Stevens, $260, Palette by Jono Fleming. Marimekko ‘Oiva Terra’ stoneware teapot, $129, Top3 by Design. Society Limonta ‘Tab FR’ linen napkin, $50, Ondene. Milton Brook porcelain mortar and pestle, $259.95, The Lost+Found Department. Assorted vintage chopping boards, stylist’s own. CABINETRY Custom made by Winchester Interiors. Armac Martin ‘Cotswold’ cabinet hardware, $61-$100 each, Gregory Croxford Living. Arabescato Vagli marble benchtops, CDK Stone. PAINT Wall Paint in Black Cockatoo (cabinetry) and Popcorn (wall), both $130/4L, Porter’s Paints. OPPOSITE, TOP SHELF From left Still Life: Plate of Pears painting by Catherine Hickson, $950 (framed), Art2Muse Gallery. Tab ceramic teapot, $64, Tab mug, $43, Fine Stem wineglass, $76, and Fine Stem blown-glass flute, $67, all Zakkia. SECOND SHELF From left Ferm Living ‘Ripple’ blown-glass carafe, $79, Funkis. Kitamura Mitsogumi ceramic teapot, $440, The DEA Store. Fancy Bow Duo stoneware urn (part of 2-piece set), $450, and Molten Trio stoneware vase (part of 3-piece set), $500, both by Chrystie Longworth, from Michael Reid Studio. Split Pomegranate artwork by Rachel Stevens, $155, Palette by Jono Fleming. Rock resin jug, $255, Dinosaur Designs. ON BENCHTOP From left Plateau Garde Robe Pop porcelain tray, $1790, Hermès. HydroTap Elite filtered boiling water tap, $2895, and stand alone font, $580, both Zip. Richard Ginori 1735 ‘Cantene’ porcelain espresso cups, $105/set, Greg Natale. La Marzocco ‘Linea Mini’ coffee set (includes manual coffee machine, grinder and accessories kit), $9999, Winning Appliances. OPPOSITE BOTTOM 1 Ruka mangowood fork and spoon, $14.95/set, Hope & May. 2 Ottolenghi Flavour cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage, $55, Ebury Press. 3 De’Longhi Dinamica Plus automatic coffee machine, $1499, Winning Appliances. 4 Australian House & Garden recycled-glass tumbler, $9.95, and highball glass, $7.95, Myer. 5 Stone resin salad servers, $125, and Earth resin bowl, $280, Dinosaur Designs. >


Delicious new tools, servingware and tech to treat the cook.

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Christmas GIFT IDEAS

FOR A LITTLE PAMPERING GIFTS This page, from left Santa Maria Novella orange blossom water, $48, and skin-cleansing milk, $102, both Libertine Parfumerie. For similar flower bowl, try Gingerfinch. Kohro monogrammed towel, POA, South Pacific Fabrics. KH Würtz medium deep bowl, $180, Ondene. Vintage stool from Water Tiger. ROOM DETAILS Wall mirror, $30, Kmart. Kelly Wearstler ‘Melange Pill Form’ sconce, $979, The Montauk Lighting Company. Vanity from Vanity by Design. Perrin & Rowe ‘Country’ basin spout and lever taps, $1294/set, The English Tapware Company. Emerald bath, Apaiser. Carrara C wall/floor tiles and Steve Cordony ‘Labyrinth Collection – Channel’ mosaic floor tiles, all Di Lorenzo Tiles. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top Antique Chinese wine jar, $1200, Water Tiger. Linge Particulier linen waffle bath towel, $123, Oliver Thom. Twill Up silk twilly, $345, and Series 6 Apple watch, $1969, Hermès. Andrée Jardin ‘Heritage’ ash bath brush with natural bristles, $60, and Andrée Jardin ‘Heritage’ gift set (includes soap cube, soap tray and nail brush), $70, all Oliver Thom. Santa Maria Novella skin tonic, $72, Libertine Parfumerie. Frama ‘Apothecary’ body wash, $82, Oliver Thom. OPPOSITE BOTTOM 1 Flip stand mirror by Javier Moreno Studio, $199, Arrival Hall. 2 Casa cotton fringed towel, $75, Hope & May. 3 Decor Walther ‘Kristall’ glass soap dispenser, $450, Oliver Thom. 4 Meraki marble tray, $159, Designstuff. 5 Claus Porto soaps, $29 each, Becker Minty. >


Little luxuries to make them feel special every day.

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Christmas GIFT IDEAS

FOR ‘ME’ TIME

For those all-important moments of quiet, curled up with a book.

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No.19 by Fairfax & Roberts products available at number19.com.au.

Brides de Gala wool-cashmere blanket, $1750, Hermès. CUSHIONS From left Stripes Belgian linen cushions with brush fringe, $260 each, Lucy Montgomery. Fenella Moor linen cushion, $100, and Fenella Sabi cushion, $100, both Canvas+Sasson. Brides de Gala wool-cashmere cushion, $740, Hermès. Azure Fringe velvet and chambray cushion, $75, Canvas+Sasson. Window seat cushion covered in Création Baumann ‘Vincent’ fabric from Boyac. FOREGROUND For similar Apollo bust, try The Ancient Home. Angel crystal and glass mini bowl, $285, No.19 by Fairfax & Roberts. Peter Anderson ‘SOH’ ceramic bowl (used as plant pot), $26.50, The DEA Store. Cire Trudon ‘Metallic’ Christmas candle, from $145, Libertine Parfumerie. Antique timber stool from Horgans. Antique rug from Cadrys. BELOW 1 Mini Chevron wool throw, $345, Coco Republic. 2 Dynasty ceramic ginger jar, $325, Coco Republic. 3 Snuggle Petite occasional chair with woven upholstery, $1799, Plush. 4 Beautiful Beach Houses book, $65, Images Publishing. 5 Wyatt concrete stool, $425, Coco Republic. >


Watercolour Stripe Roller Blind

Free Fabric Samples

blindsonline.com.au


Christmas GIFT IDEAS

FOR SLEEPING BEAUTIES

Ralph Lauren Home ‘Cody’ linen hanging light shade with leather trim, $2489, The Montauk Lighting Co. Grasscloth wallpaper in Navy, $480/roll, Porter’s Paints. Duke No.1: Eastern grass owl photo print by Leila Jeffreys. Round Belgian linen cushion, $340, Lucy Montgomery. Habitat bamboo-cotton pillowcase in Navy, $34.95/pair, Pillow Talk. Moss River ‘Eton Chambray’ cotton pillowcase with breakfast border, $89, single-size cotton fitted sheet, $349, and reversible quilt cover, $539, all Polite Society. Table lamp, tray and chest of drawers, all stylist’s own. Cire Trudon ‘Reggio’ candle, from $135, Libertine Parfumerie. Vintage cut-glass vase, Leïlah. BELOW 1 Acacia wool-jute rug (2x3m), $2155, Armadillo. 2 Double Sided queen-size linen quilt cover, $330, and matching pillowcases, $69.90/pair, I Love Linen. 3 Kelly Wearstler ‘Armato’ ceramic table lamp with brass shade, $2450, Becker Minty. 4 Lulu linen cushion, $99, Domayne. 5 Linen pillowcases in Cedar Stripe, $90/pair, Cultiver. >

Cocooning layers and poised pieces for dreamy personal spaces.

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For similar wall hooks, try Bunnings. ON HOOKS From left Suede tote with leather handles, $249.95, The Lost+Found Department. Whitney leather clutch bag, $1725, Max Mara. Fornillo hat, $120, Maison et Jardin. Royal Navy leather and brass dog leash, $59.95, The Lost+Found Department. ON BENCH French wool blanket with leather carrier straps, $279.95, The Lost+Found Department. Stansborough queen-size lambswool blanket, $650, The DEA Store. Joinery by Winchester Interiors, painted Wall Paint in Black Cockatoo, $130/4L, Porter’s Paints. BELOW 1 Rattan basket, $69.95, Howards Storage World. 2 Ms Brown wool and cashmere wash, $24, Designstuff. 3 Hay plastic laundry basket, $49, Designstuff. 4 Sanssouci 1 limited-edition print by Sibylle Prinzessin von Preussen, $899 (framed), Lumas Gallery. 5 Bondi Wash dog wash, $30, Arrival Hall. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #

Christmas GIFT IDEAS

FOR THE FAMILY

Kick off your boots in style and feel the embrace of home.

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HARVEY NORMAN PRESENTS

A few of our

favourite things Invite friends and family, set the table and prepare for a celebration of the things we have discovered that matter most this year – good health, family and quality time together.

Find the recipe at harveynorman. com.au/recipes

HN.COM.AU/SMALLAPPLIANCES

online | mobile | in store


drinks on arrival

Set the mood for the day ahead with beautiful cocktails made with native Australian ingredients.

Cucumber & Finger Lime Gin Frappé and White Peach Aperol Spritz.

You need The Breville Bluicer With Breville’s latest versatile Bluicer you’ll be blending and juicing like a pro in no time. Completely eliminating the need for separate blending and juicing equipment, now you can effortlessly create restaurant-quality cocktails, juices and smoothies for friends, family and loved ones this festive season. BREVILLE THE 3X BLUICER PRO JUICER BJB815BSS $599.


JOANNA HUNKIN Editor, Gourmet Traveller

"Nothing says summer fun quite like an ice-cold cocktail. Give your favourite recipe a refreshing frappé makeover by blending it with freshly crushed ice – or purée fresh fruit to add an instant hit of colour and flavour. Have fun as you experiment - just don’t forget to refill those ice trays!" Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes


LUCY KELLY Food Editor, AWW FOOD

"When we are sharing the cooking for Christmas Day I always love to tackle entrĂŠe. If you're going for a traditional ham or turkey for lunch or dinner I always find a seafood appetiser is a good way to start." Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes


a little appetiser

Begin the feast with delicate starters that are deliciously artistic and designed to impress.

Salmon & Avocado Roulade with Wasabi Cream.

You need the KitchenAid Cordless Collection This Christmas, go completely KitchenAid cordless with the 5 Cup Chopper, Variable Speed Hand Blender and 7 Speed Hand Mixer and let your inspired creativity in the kitchen run free. KITCHENAID CORDLESS VARIABLE SPEED HAND BLENDER IN EMPIRE RED 5KHBBV83AER $259; KITCHENAID 5 CUP CORDLESS CHOPPER IN EMPIRE RED 5KFCB519AER $259; KITCHENAID 7 SPEED CORDLESS HAND MIXER IN EMPIRE RED 5KHMB732AER $259 - ALSO SHOWN IN ALMOND CREAM ON THE COVER 5KHMB732AAC.


the main event

Nothing says 'Christmas' more than an extravagant seafood main with a surprising twist.

Grilled Lobster & Steamed Kipfler Salad with Furikake Lime Mayo.

You need the Morphy Richards Multicooker Whether your festive heart is set on grilling, slow cooking, steaming or frying this Christmas, now you can lovingly craft a variety of delicious meals with just one pot. The convenience of the Morphy Richards Multicooker means more time for you to relax with your loved ones. MORPHY RICHARDS MULTIFUNCTION COOKING POT IN RED 562010 $229.


FRAN ABDALLAOUI Food Director, Australian Women's Weekly

"When entertaining at Christmas time I want convenience at my fingertips! The Morphy Richards Multicooker ticks all the boxes in one clever appliance. I can steam the potatoes and par-cook the lobster tails ahead of time and just before serving grill the lobster to caramelised perfection." Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes


KARLIE VERKERK Deputy Editor, Gourmet Traveller

"A lavish Christmas lunch should always be topped off with a show-stopping dessert, and my go-to for any celebratory occasion is a classic pavlova. Topped with luxurious pillows of whipped cream and fresh in-season fruit, it’s the perfect sweet treat for a crowd." Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes


for our sweet tooth Clear the table for a spectacular dessert that is sure to be your entertaining crown jewel.

White Chocolate & Berry Crown Pavlova.

You need the KitchenAid Stand Mixer The absolute centrepiece of any aspiring baker’s kitchen, this stunning KitchenAid Artisan Mixer is a standalone Christmas miracle. Its solid die-cast metal and baked enamel construction, paired with a powerful motor and a 4.8-litre bowl, is more than up to the challenge of any Christmas dessert. KITCHENAID DRIED ROSE MIXER 5KSM160PSADR $749; KITCHENAID EMBOSSED WHITE CHOCOLATE CERAMIC BOWL STAND MIXER ACCESSORY KSM2CB5TLW $199.


the perfect finish

Stretch lunch out to late afternoon and round things off with coffee and a sweet treat.

Espresso & Dark Chocolate Mousse.

You need the Smeg Capsule Coffee Machine A delicious cup of artisan coffee from your Lavazza Smeg Capsule Coffee Machine doesn’t signal an end to the day’s festivities – merely the beginning of an inspired dessert creation! Smooth, flavoursome and oh-so-simple to brew, getting a barista-quality cup every time is as easy as pressing a button. LAVAZZA SMEG COFFEE CAPSULE MACHINE IN CREAM 18000465 $349.

SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE HN.COM.AU/ SMALLAPPLIANCES OR CALL 1300 464 278 Harvey Norman®

stores are operated by independent franchisees. Ends 24/12/20.


ALIX DAVIS Editor, Family Circle

"Dessert is always the highlight of Christmas Day for me - it means the hard work is all done and I can sit back and relax as the afternoon turns into a long summer evening. This simple yet indulgent espresso and chocolate mousse is the perfect dessert for summer and Christmas entertaining as it can be made ahead, leaving me time to enjoy celebrating with friends and family." Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes


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Bonnet D R A M A

Whatever she turns her talents to, Melbourne mum, businesswoman and classic-car enthusiast Maz Romandini takes a hands-on approach, writes motoring expert and WhichCar presenter, Elise Elliott. P H OTOG R A P HY Tim O’Connor

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az Romandini (pictured) is a rev-head who always aspired to own her own V8 muscle car. While many girls were scribbling boys’ names on their books, Maz was drawing Ford Falcon GT emblems to represent her own object of desire. Now, the Melbourne motherofthreespendsmostofhertimeunderthebonnet of her beloved 1966 Ford V8 Mustang Coupe. What’s more, she also owns the ’stang’s little sister: a 2016 Ford Mustang Fastback GT in a matching red. Female drivers of muscle cars are often seen as an anomaly – Maz says she has lost count of the times people have asked “Is that your husband’s car?”. In response, she set up a Facebook group for women who own and work on their own cars, and who champion other women within the car community.

Maz shares a home with her cabinetmaker husband Adrian, their children, and the family’s Staffordshire bull terrier, Cira. Their property, bought 20 years ago, had one major selling point: a five-car garage. When not tinkering with her cars, Maz can often be found in the kitchen, which is very much the hub of this home. Thoughtful cabinetry is an essential part of the space,shesays.Frequentlyuseditemsareineasy-to-reach drawers underneath crisp white Caesarstone benchtops. Thanks to Blum hardware, many of the cupboards are self-opening – no greasy fingerprints on handles here! Storage is incorporated into almost every space: in the kitchen island, under the stairwell, around the main bedroomsuite,inthelaundry.“I’msurewestillhave empty cupboards somewhere!” says Maz, laughing. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G great house, great car The dining table features a Caesarstone top that matches the kitchen benches. Dining chairs, Adriatic Furniture. Joinery under stairs finished in Dulux Storm. RIGHT Kitchen designed and made by Romandini Cabinets. Smoked-glass splashback. Overhead cabinets in Alabaster veneer, Slice Veneers. Under-bench drawers in Dulux Storm. Toaster and kettle, Morphy Richards. Oven, Electrolux. Fridge, Fisher & Paykel. BOTTOM RIGHT Tactile wormy-chestnut timber is used for the flooring throughout.

Have you always appreciated cool retro cars? In 1974, my dad bought a brand-new XB Falcon 500 hardtop coupeasafamilycar.Itwascanaryyellow,bigandbold!With its killer curves and cool stripes it really made a statement. Dad not only taught me the basics of mechanics on that car, but also how to drive it. I appreciate the nostalgia and styling and recognise the sheer amount of time, money and effort put into building, restoring and maintaining retro cars. What is it about your vintage Mustang that appeals? Everything! From the Mustang’s iconic, sporty muscle car styling – the galloping-horse logo is recognised and revered by car enthusiasts all over the world – to the sweet rumble of itsV8engine.Ienjoylookingoutoveritslonghoodandgazing out to the round chromed side mirrors. The size of the car is perfectforashortylikeme!There’snothingIenjoymorethan ‘fat-arming’it[drivingdownthestreetwiththewindowrolled down and arm resting on the windowsill], with the engine roaring and music blaring. The car’s appeal is pretty widespread: little kids point, older men give me a thumbs up, women mouth “love your car”. Other drivers change lanes just to have a bit of a chat at the lights. >

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Artworks by unknown artist.

“I love nostalgic styling and appreciate the sheer amount of time, effort and money that goes into building, restoring and maintaining things by hand.” Maz Romandini


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H G GREAT HOUSE, GREAT CAR

Which do you prefer: the ’66 or 2016 Mustang? WhileIenjoyallthemodernfeaturesandundeniablemusclecar styling of the late-model Mustang, I totally adore my ‘oldgirl’,fromthe shine onthe chrome bumpers to the sound the doors make when closing. Do you like getting under the bonnet? Yes,Ireallyenjoygettingmyhandsdirty.Onthe’66,Iremoved all the interior and insulated the shell. Then I restored or replaced most of the interior with new upholstery, including the seats and carpet. I replaced the old 289 engine with a newly built 347 stroker, as well as updating the diff, cam, carby, stall converter, tailshaft, auto and radiator – with lots of help from both Adrian and YouTube tutorials! Tell us about your home. It was built in the 1980s, a single-storey house with five bedroomsandafive-cargarage.Wemadeafewsmallchanges initially, including painting, removing the burgundy velvet curtainsandglasschandeliersandpolishingthefloorboards. Our most recent update, four years ago, was a massive transformation. We stripped it back to the frame and added a second storey and an extensive sunroom with fireplace. It tookeightmonthsandIamsoproudthat we completed most of the works ourselves as a family. What are the interior highlights? The star would have to be the floor, made from solid wormy chestnut.Itaddssomuchwarmthandcharactertothespaces. Ialsoappreciatehowmuchlightfloodsintoourhomeduring the day, and the mood and softness the select LED lighting in cabinetry offers in the evening. #

THE KNOWLEDGE VINTAGE STAR Model: Ford Mustang Coupe Year: 1966 Engine: 347cu (5.6L) V8 MODERN CLASSIC Model: Ford Mustang Fastback GT Year: 2016 Engine: 5.0-litre V8

@EliseElliott_Media @WhichCar For all your motoring advice, go to www.whichcar.com.au.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Maz loves her Mustangs, inside and out. The main bedroom suite features a timber-clad niche with built-in

bedside tables, designed and made by Romandini Cabinets. Cira, the family’s beloved Staffordshire bull terrier. Maz and Elise with the 1966 Mustang Coupe; in the driveway behind them is the Mustang Fastback GT. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

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Styling by Kate Nixon. Photograph by Alan Benson.

Vera Wang ‘Jardin’ soup plate and Arris dinner plate, both Wedgwood. Chelsea cutlery, Greg Natale. Star ornament, napkin and placemat, all stylist’s own. Calligraphy by Lesley Workman.

Ask an expert

SHIN ING STA RS

thoughtful trimmings can make christmas even more magical, writes Kate Nixon.


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his year, the festive season will be marked by celebrations close to home. Embrace a truly Australian Christmas with a fresh, summer menu and a table setting inspired by nature. If space allows, an alfresco setting with lanterns and fairy lights brings a sense of magic and nostalgia to your gathering. Formal place cards and printed menus mark the occasion with thought and care. A drinks station within easy access keeps the tabletop free for shared platters and finger bowls, and bonbons before pudding keep festive spirits high (DIY your own with personalised gifts). Here’s to surviving the year that was and keeping our loved ones safe and well. #

LEFT Prepare a printed

Get the look...

ABOVE LEFT, ON TABLE From left Ardan Mara crystal stemless wineglasses, $139/pair, and Ardan Enis crystal wineglasses, $139/pair, all Waterford

Crystal. Vera Wang ‘Jardin’ fine bone china teacup and saucer, $89.95/set, Wedgwood. Busatti linen hemstitch napkins, POA, Casa by Studio Kate. Napkin ring, stylist’s own. Arris bone china bowl and dinner plate, $299/5-piece place setting, Wedgwood. Rattan placemats, stylist’s own. Elegance crystalline accent decanter, $329, Waterford Crystal. White Folia fine bone china bulb vase, $149, Wedgwood. Ribbed vase, stylist’s own. Flowers from Mandalay Flowers. OPPOSITE From left For similar dining chairs, try Milano Republic. Busatti ‘Zodiaco’ linen-cotton tablecloth, POA, Casa by Studio Kate. White Folia fine bone china tall vase, $149, and 3-wick candle, $169, both Wedgwood. For similar baking dish, try Myer. White Folia candle, $99.95, and fine bone china round vase $149, both Wedgwood. All other items as before. GET THE LOOK From left Chelsea gold-finished cutlery, $300/5-piece place setting, Greg Natale. Vera Wang ‘Jardin’ fine bone china soup plate, $59.95, Wedgwood. Busatti ‘Giglio’ linen tablecloth (270x160cm), $650, Casa by Studio Kate. Elegance crystalline accent decanter, $329, Waterford Crystal. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

Room design and styling by Kate Nixon/Studio Kate. Photography by Alan Benson for Winning Appliances. Hair and make-up by Michelle Cox.

menu for each place setting to create a sense of occasion. Calligraphy by Lesley Workman. BELOW Kate puts the finishing touches on the table.


Fresh ideas & easy updates

✚ Make the event extra special by dining in a location that’s different from the usual spot. For a relaxed, low-key affair, shift the dining table to the courtyard or lawn. For a more formal do, move the furniture to a separate living area. ✚ Dress the table and individual place settings in a tonal palette and personalise with an elegant mix of elements – think ribbons, fragrant herbs or flowers, found objects and small ornaments. ✚ Combine freshly foraged herbs, flowers and foliage from the garden in a beautiful vase. A touch of brass or gold adds a festive flourish.

“Smart technology in the latest appliances takes the guesswork out of Christmas cooking.” Chloe Skipp, national culinary manager, Winning Appliances

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For more entertaining tips and design ideas, pick up your free copy of Summer of Senses in Winning Appliances stores or online at winningappliances.com.au. Compiled by the company’s National Culinary Team, the book includes tantalising recipes, the latest technology and inspiring designer kitchens to help you live your best life at home.

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2020

Revision After a year like no other, we asked leaders and tastemakers in a range of fields to reflect on the lessons they’ve learned, and share their hopes for summer and the year beyond. P R OD UC E D BY

Antonietta Panuccio & Elizabeth Wilson

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H G CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Gladys Berejiklian Admired for her handling of the bushfire and Covid-19 crises, the Premier of NSW also weathered personal dramas. She loves reality TV and Marie Kondo-style cleansing.

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF 2020? Managing the trauma

ARE YOU A KEEN HOME DECORATOR? I don’t live in a large

and stress people have gone through. I needed to make sure people were getting the information they needed, in the most direct and simple way. UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHTS? I love the way everyone has rallied together and really supported each other. I’ve seen a sense of resilience and a sense of love and compassion for others and that makes me feel very proud. A LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR? No matter how dark things get, your best days are always ahead of you.

house but I am very proud of it. I like to keep it modern and refresh cushions and pillows frequently. I am not sentimental with things and if I buy something new, I give something away. I suppose I am a bit of a minimalist. I don’t like clutter. What’s the name of that organising person – Marie Kondo? I could have a career in organising. WHAT KIND OF BOOKS DO YOU LIKE? History books and anything that explores changes in society. None of us know what things are going to look like in the post-Covid era, except that the world has changed forever. I read anything that gives me insights into that. HOW DO YOU UNWIND? Reading and music. I love Ed Sheeran – he’s my favourite. I am quite into classical as well. HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES? I follow fashion quite closely. I love wearing Aussie designers like Carla Zampatti, Karen G, Cue, Anna Thomas and Veronika Maine. FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? Playing with my sisters in the front yard with the sprinkler going – one of those old-fashioned spinning ones. And being in our cossies sliding down the slip-and-slide Dad set up for us. FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? Freshly cut grass. It just reminds me of those long summer days of my childhood. Also the smell of the ocean. WHAT WILL YOU BE WATCHING? I love reality TV. It’s my secret pleasure. How trashy? Where reality TV is concerned, nothing is off limits. I also love documentaries and biographies. YOUR HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS FOR 2021? I just want it to be better and easier for everyone than this year has been. >

HOW WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING THIS FESTIVE SEASON?

With family and quiet times. It’s the only time of the year I actually cook and entertain – I like to make my mother’s dishes, which are very labour intensive. My background is Armenian and we celebrate Christmas on December 25 and again on January 6. Everyone comes to my place on New Year’s Eve and I’ll cook fish-based dishes to serve with salads and vegetables. FAVOURITE FESTIVE TIPPLE? On a summer holiday I would pick a cocktail, although I don’t normally finish it. I get tipsy before I finish it. I don’t drink a lot so when I do it affects me. WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER? I love spending summer in Sydney. I do artsy things associated with the Sydney Festival and enjoy the city without the crowds. ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Somewhere where I can go for long walks in nature. WHEN WE CAN FLY AGAIN, WHERE WILL YOU GO? It’s a toss-up between Cinque Terre in Italy or the Greek Islands. Or both. Yes, I think both.

WEAR

Hair and make-up by Samantha Powell. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

ST Y L I N G Kate Nixon | P HOTO GR A P H Y Anson Smart


NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian loves spending summer in Sydney. “Holidaying at home is lovely – you can do all the things you don’t normally get to do.” FURNISHINGS From left Flexform ‘Eaton’ ottoman, ‘Drop’ sofa, Penta ‘Spoon’ floor lamp, Flexform ‘Fly’ side table, ‘Bangkok’ ottoman, all Fanuli. ACCESSORIES From left Flexform ‘Eldorado’ cushion, ‘Armand’ cushion, Layered Dream vessel by Susie Solomon, all Fanuli. Marble dish, stylist’s own. ON WALL Mountain artwork by Phoebe Halpin from Studio Gallery. Grasscloth wallpaper, Porter’s Paints.

“Difficult times bring out the best in people and that has been inspiring to watch.” AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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Hair and make-up by Samantha Powell. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

Louise (right), Stephen and their daughter Camille at the Dinosaur Designs headquarters in Redfern, Sydney.

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL H G

Louise Olsen & Stephen Ormandy Louise and her husband Stephen are co-founders of Dinosaur Designs, makers of vibrant resin homewares and jewellery. Both also have artistic careers beyond resin. ST Y L I N G Kate Nixon | P H OTO GR A P HY Kristina Soljo

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF 2020? Louise: Working with

WHAT BOOKS WILL YOU BE READING OVER SUMMER?

all the uncertainty.

Son of the Brush by my brother, Tim Olsen; High Grade Living by Jacqui Lewis & Arran Russell (The Broad Place), and A Net of Fireflies, a book of Japanese Haiku by Harold Stewart. QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? Salad Niçoise accompanied by a glass of crisp rosé.

UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHTS OR POSITIVES? All the love,

care and support we recevied from our key teams at Dinosaur Designs, and our family and friends. A LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR? The need to be nimble and flexible in business. And how to read the signs. HOW WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING THIS FESTIVE SEASON?

We are having Christmas with my Dad [artist John Olsen] and family at Hidden Lake [John Olsen’s home and studio, in the Southern Highlands of NSW]. Cooking is a shared love so there will be lots of that happening. GO-TO STORE FOR GIFT SHOPPING? Wholefood House in Sydney’s Waterloo, for natural and organic gourmet foods. ARE YOU TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER? We are looking forward to a holiday at Raes in Byron Bay [northern NSW]. ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Cairns, in Far North Queensland. From exploring the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest there’s so much to see there. HOW DO YOU UNWIND? Swimming and surfing. AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…? It starts with a walk and a swim. And painting all day. HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES? A Bassike t-shirt. WHAT WILL BE ON YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST? Steve’s Spotify playlist – find it as ‘Sormandy’ if you want to check it out.

YOUR FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER?

Early morning swims and walks with my family at Watsons Bay [in Sydney’s east], where I grew up. FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? The Australian bush. WHAT WILL YOU BE WATCHING? We love the TV series Chef’s Table and the recent documentary about musician Miles Davis, Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, both on Netflix. WHERE DO YOU LIVE AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

We live up on a hill by the beach in Bronte [in Sydney’s east] in a home that is beautifully open to the landscape. Our most treasured possessions would be our collection of art and objects, gathered on our travels and received from family and friends over the years. They provide us with wonderful, inspiring memories. YOUR HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR? Healing and recovery from Covid-19 and more global awareness of the delicate nature of our planet. AN EXCITING CREATIVE PROJECT FOR 2021? Just to keep painting. That’s always exciting. >

“An ideal summer’s day starts with a walk and a swim.”


H G christmas special

“Don’t sweat the small stuff...”

Nicole and five-yearold Ellery at their home in inner-city Sydney and inset, with Tom.

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Nicole Byers & Tom Moore Nicole is editor-in-chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly, a coveted post she has held since 2017. Her husband Tom, is general manager of a construction firm. ST Y L I NG Kate Nixon | PHOTO G RAPH Y Kristina Soljo

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF 2020?

Nicole: Producing a magazine while the entire team, and all the subjects of our stories, were in isolation or working from home. On a personal level, Tom and I found it challenging guiding Ellery, our sensitive five-year-old, through the strange and frightening times. UNEXPECTED POSITIVES? Nicole: Our little family bunkered down together and spent time crafting, cooking and doing puzzles – just being happy in our bubble. Something our busy pre-Covid lives left little time for. A LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR?

Hair and make-up by Kelly Tapp. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

Nicole: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Save it for when the big stuff happens. Tom: Never take a family visit for granted. My mum was supposed to be visiting us now and it might be years before Ellery sees her granny again. HOW WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING THIS FESTIVE SEASON? Nicole: With a

relaxed family gathering at my sister’s, enjoying a feast with intermittent dips in the pool and various games tournaments. Everyone brings their signature something to the table. Mum’s boozy trifle is the highlight for me. ARE YOU TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER?

walk somewhere beautiful and peaceful. Tom: I find building things for our home or garden very therapeutic. AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…?

Nicole: Oysters, ocean swims and sunset drinks with friends. HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES?

Nicole: Floaty shirt dresses to throw over swimmers, a bucket hat (Oroton has a great one this year) and a killer pair of sunglasses. I’m also obsessed with chunky sandals and slides. WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST?

Tom: My sister-in-law, Tawiah, makes beautiful music in the UK which is the soundtrack for relaxed summer days. AND YOUR READING LIST? Nicole: The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante. Tom: The Children Act by Ian McEwan. WHAT WILL YOU BE WATCHING?

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WEAR

Silk Stripe Dupion print dress, $549, Oroton.

Nicole: For laugh-out-loud joy I’ll be revisiting the ABC series Rosehaven and rewatching Fleabag. Tom: Succession. I find the power struggle within a rich and morally corrupt family really intriguing. QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL?

Nicole: My mum’s prawn salad with mango and coriander salsa. FESTIVE TIPPLE? Nicole: Aperol Spritz – it’s the closest I’ll get to the Amalfi Coast.

Nicole: Yes, to Brunswick Heads [in northern NSW] after Christmas. I refuse to travel on Boxing Day. It’s my favourite day of the year spent eating leftovers and staying horizontal.

Nicole: Late-night swims in the pool with my sister on balmy nights. Digging for pippies for Dad to use as bait for fishing. SUMMER SCENT? Tom: Jasmine.

ULTIMATE SUMMER DESTINATION?

YOUR HOPES FOR NEXT YEAR?

Nicole: Anywhere on a beach with a good book and fresh local seafood. Tom: Thailand is up there for me – lovely people, great food. HOW DO YOU UNWIND? Nicole: A few quiet hours with a good book or a long

Nicole: To remember everything I learned in 2020 about treasuring time with my family and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Tom: I’m hoping we will be able to see my family in the UK. FaceTime only goes so far... >

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READ

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SHOP

The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante, $32.99, Europa Editions.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER?

La Muralla Roja jigsaw puzzle, $60, Koskela. “Koskela’s a favourite store,” says Nicole.


H G christmas special

“It’s about sharing quality time with family at home.” Ronni Kahn wants to see long-term solutions for housing the homeless and feeding the vulnerable: “Covid showed us that we do know how to take action and provide support – now let’s keep the support momentum happening”. INSET Ronni with her musician son Navad and grandson, Lev.

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Ronni Kahn As founder and CEO of food-rescue organisation OzHarvest, Ronni leads hundreds of staff and thousands of volunteers with the goal of feeding the vulnerable. ST Y L I NG Kate Nixon | PHOTO G RAPH Y Kristina Soljo

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF 2020?

ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

Continuing to provide our services to those who need it most, with fluctuating food supply. And keeping OzHarvest staff employed UNEXPECTED POSITIVES? The extraordinary opportunity to get real and realise how much stuff we don’t need. Also the realisation that people, relationships and serving the greater good are what’s most important.

A cabin somewhere with no internet, a great beach, walking tracks, fabulous food and good company. HOW DO YOU UNWIND? Walking, yoga, meditation, swimming, reading, cooking, spending time with family and friends. Walking along the beach, swimming , eating a picnic and spending quality time with people.

A LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR?

HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES?

That we can never, ever take anything for granted. Our core freedoms have been challenged this year and we never thought that would be possible.

A black one-piece maillot, sunscreen, a great hat, comfortable linen clothing and walking sandals. YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST? It’s very eclectic. I love indie, folk, classics from the 1960s and ’70s, Eastern mantras and classical music.

HOW AND WHERE WILL YOU CELEBRATE THIS FESTIVE SEASON?

Sharing quality time with family at home. We celebrate both Christmas and [Jewish festival of light] Chanukkah, so we get to eat traditional foods from both! Pannetone for Christmas, donuts and potato latkes (fritters) for Chanukkah. FESTIVE TIPPLE OF CHOICE? Kombucha! A GIFT YOU’D LOVE TO RECEIVE? I love things, but I’ve come to value friendship and family more . Beautiful photos of my family together will be a precious gift.

For Where to Buy, see page 176.

GO-TO SHOP WHEN BUYING GIFTS?

For delicious gifts with purpose and impact we have launched Gourmet Foodie Gift Hampers at harvestbites. com.au, featuring products from local chefs and food suppliers. All profits go to OzHarvest and each purchase enables us to deliver more meals to people in need. WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER? Yes, to my son Edo’s beautiful

farm and animal sanctuary near Byron Bay (bodhiglow.com) to enjoy precious time with my grandchildren.

AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…?

WHAT WILL YOU BE READING?

Biographies and a juicy novel.

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WEAR

Haight ‘Paula’ swimsuit, $325, Net-a-Porter.

QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL?

Fish grilled on the barbecue, fresh bread and olive oil, and a nectarine, rocket, pecan and goats’ cheese salad. FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? Coconut and patchouli. WHAT WILL YOU BE WATCHING?

Reruns of The West Wing and Grace and Frankie and some documentaries. HOPES FOR NEXT YEAR? That we, as a nation, find solutions to long-term social issues such as housing the homeless and feeding the vulnerable. >

Ronni’s memoir, A Repurposed Life ($32.99, Murdoch Books), is out now.

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GIFTING

Gift vouchers for restaurantquality meals in Sydney, from $63, Harvest Bites.

RELAX

The Reversible 3mm yoga mat, $69, Lulu Lemon.


H G christmas special Tina and Michael in their inner-city apartment, with their dog Frankie, a “Staffordshire bull terrier-boxer cross we were extremely fortunate to rescue”.

Michael Brand & Tina Gomes Brand Director of the Art Gallery of NSW since 2012, Michael is overseeing the gallery’s largest expansion in its 150-year history. His wife, Tina, is a food writer and blogger. ST YL I NG Kate Nixon | PHOTO G RAPH Y Kristina Soljo

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For Where to Buy, see page 176.

THE GREATEST CHALLENGES OF 2020? Michael: Keeping the art

gallery connected with our public during the initial lockdown, and then opening back up with COVID-19 restrictions. Tina: Maintaining a positive attitude; supporting family and friends in enforced isolation. UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHTS OR POSITIVES? Michael: The success of our Together In Art online social project. It has kept artists and audiences connected, and provided paid working opportunities for artists during a challenging year. Tina: Having Michael at home some of the time was a nice plus. Getting into the groove of Zoom and FaceTime meant more connections with friends overseas. LESSONS LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR? Tina: That I’m okay being with myself. I’ve always thought of myself as a person who thrives on being with others. This year has revealed that it is actually quite nice to have long periods alone too. Michael: In challenging times, people turn to art for comfort, for inspiration and to find joy. HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON? Michael: With family in Sydney. Our hope is that our eldest daughter, Isabel, who lives in Melbourne, will be able to join us. Tina: Christmas is about cooking together: salads, seafood, and my mum’s Christmas cake with half a bottle of brandy and 22 eggs! WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER? Michael: The furthest we’ll get is the NSW South Coast. But no complaints about that! AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…? Michael: Very little planned ahead, but always with family and close friends. Tina: A walk by the water, lunch enjoyed alfresco and a siesta in the hammock. HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES? Tina: A Pamela Easton kaftan, straw hat and Ultra Violette sunscreen. Michael: Swimming trunks. YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST? Michael: Hopefully lots of new music that I’ll discover through friends and trusted sources such as Los Angeles radio station KCRW. Sydney musicians Fig, Rainbow Chan and Vlossom too. Tina: Lomboy, Lord Echo, Dua Lipa and Khruangbin. WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY READING LIST? Michael: Some classic noir – Leonardo Sciascia’s The Day of the Owl (1961) and Jean-Patrick Manchette’s Fatale (1977). Tina: My girls and I are reading books together on race issues, and some on the list are: Waking up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving, Greyboy: Finding Blackness in a White World by Cole Brown, and So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo. QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? Tina: Cold soba noodle salad with barbecued satay skewers, homemade dips and an assortment of sides. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? Michael: The long, hot drive from Canberra to Melbourne, which was always rewarded by the Boxing Day Test Match at the MCG, which my father never missed. FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? Tina: Hermès ‘Eau d’Orange Vert’, Maison Balzac ‘Sainte T’ and Aesop ‘Hwyl’. HOPES FOR NEXT YEAR? Tina: That world politics will head towards an even keel. That the Black Lives Matter movement won’t lose momentum, and that my family will continue to be fulfilled in their lives. Michael: To have the gallery operating at full capacity with extraordinary local content, such as our Streeton exhibition [until February 14, 2021], and a major international exhibition. >

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Chime embroidered-cotton kaftan with silk lining, $975, Pamela Easton.

Greyboy: Finding blackness in a white world by Cole Brown, $29.99, Arcade Publishing.

RELAX

Maison Balzac ‘Sainte T’ candle, $69, Hermetica Flowers.

SCENT

Hwyl eau de parfum, $140, Aesop.


H G CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Alexandra & Genevieve Smart Sisters Alexandra and Genevieve Smart founded fashion label Ginger & Smart in 2002. They focus on creating timeless, quality pieces that will be loved forever.

THE GREATEST CHALLENGES OF 2020? Alexandra: Managing

family and work life, and keeping both rolling forward. Genevieve: Yes, keeping the business, family life and creativity thriving in such uncertain times was often overwhelming. But the challenges have in many ways brought out the best in all these areas of my life. UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHTS? Alexandra: Our team has been amazing and supportive. Genevieve: We’re so grateful for our loyal team. I also loved seeing a different side to every member of my family as we worked and schooled under the same roof. LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR? Alexandra: That anything can happen – it’s amazing what the human spirit can deal with. Genevieve: The importance of being able to adapt and change and never to take a moment for granted. WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER? Alexandra: It’s a great time to explore our own back yard. We will do a road trip to Casuarina, a little town near the NSW-Queensland border after Christmas. We’re looking forward to discovering parts of the country we never knew existed. Genevieve: I’m counting the days to our trip to Brunswick Heads [northern NSW] with my family. We’ll be visiting friends along the way. ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Alexandra: I can’t wait to go back to Morocco. Genevieve: I’m craving new horizons. Costa Rica is on my list. AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…? Genevieve: Sun, sand and salty water. Alexandra: An early morning swim at Balmoral Beach [on Sydney’s North Shore] is just the ticket. A GIFT YOU WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE? Alexandra: Sounds corny, but the best gift for me is being around loved ones.

Genevieve: Time is always the greatest luxury for me. I’m looking forward to giving myself a moment to breathe. HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES? Genevieve: My favourite vintage Ginger & Smart holiday dresses that get better with age. Silk jumpsuits, gorgeous slides, a great hat and a few oversized scarves that can work as a sarong or head scarf as required. Alexandra: A fascinating book, bucket hat, good-looking slides, and resort pieces that are made from sustainably sourced fabrics. YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST? Alexandra: I’m loving the Moroccan festival playlist Makara Love by Carlos Velasco. Genevieve: Nostalgia Killer [by Life of Riley] is a favourite summer playlist. FAVOURITE FESTIVE TIPPLE? Alexandra: Always rosé. Genevieve: I love a jalapeño Margarita in summer. FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? Alexandra: Ripe mangoes. Genevieve: Rain after a hot day. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? Genevieve: Summer holidays spent at Pittwater, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. There were no phones or computers or sometimes no electricity. Summer days were spent jumping off wharves, reading, fishing and exploring nature. HOLIDAY VIEWING? Genevieve: Fashion documentaries like Martin Margiela: In his Own words and House of Cardin. YOUR HOPES FOR NEXT YEAR? Alexandra: That there will be a greater sense of ease. This year has had multiple stress points for so many people and I think 2021 needs to give back a little bit. Genevieve: I truly hope for a year of peace and positive change. >

Hair andmake-up by Michelle Cox. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

ST Y L I N G Kate Nixon | P H OTO GR A P HY Kristina Soljo


“I truly hope for a year of peace and positive change.”

Talented siblings and co-founders of Ginger & Smart, managing director Alexandra (left) and creative director Genevieve, wearing their label’s signature glamorous, floaty dresses. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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“People’s company is enough of a gift for me.”

Christine and her daughter Zipporah, 18, at home in their coastal townhouse, located about an hour south of Sydney.

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL H G

Christine Anu Singer, actor and radio presenter Christine is proud of her Torres Strait Islander heritage. Her version of My Island Home is widely regarded as an unofficial national anthem. ST Y L I NG Kate Nixon | PHOTO G RAPH Y Kristina Soljo

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF 2020?

QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL?

To try and stay positive in this unknown world. In the entertainment industry, working from home means changing up everything you do. With no audiences you have to reinvent yourself in a way. UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHTS? Having so much time at home meant a lot more time in virtual worlds and the chance to reconnect with people far and wide. It’s a little bit crazy that the disconnectedness that came with a pandemic actually made people more connected.

Anything with watermelons or mango – sweet or savoury, doesn’t matter to me.

Hair and make-up by Lulu Padmore. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

A LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR?

HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES?

Wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, flip flops and a different pair of earrings every day. A shady spot, good tunes and a dip in the local rockpool. HOW DO YOU UNWIND? I love cooking. I find joy in reading new cookbooks and challenging myself with new recipes. WHAT WILL BE ON YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST? Electric Fields, Emily

Wurramara and Mo’Ju [previously known as Mojo Juju]. Love them!

HOW WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING THIS FESTIVE SEASON? With family, always!

for a new one by Kylie Kwong.

WHAT BOOKS WILL YOU BE READING OVER SUMMER? Cookbooks! I’m hoping

grandparents, aunties and uncles. Laughter. Feasting. Singing. Dancing. Playing under the sprinkler.

A GIFT YOU’D LOVE TO RECEIVE?

FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT?

Just being in people’s company is enough of a gift for me. I much prefer giving to receiving.

Salt water and the smell of rain after a hot summer’s day.

GO-TO STORE FOR BUYING GIFTS?

My Christmas go-to is Elf. That’s the first movie I choose when it’s time to get in to the festive mood. After Christmas, I’m sure I’ll be watching and re-watching Selling Houses Australia – I just love that show!

with sun, sea, sand and salt water. ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

Great Keppel Island. It is an incredibly special place to me. FAVOURITE FESTIVE TIPPLE?

White wine spritzer.

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Solar Halo gold-plated earrings, $375, Lucy Folk.

FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? Being with my cousins,

Hopefully the travel restrictions will ease and I will be able to see family in Queensland in person. It’s hard to share a Christmas meal over FaceTime.

WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER? Fingers crossed! Anywhere

Palma wide-brimmed boater hat, $129, Lack of Color.

AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…?

I have a few! How to use Zoom, how to live-stream gigs with a whole orchestra (each from their own homes) and how to keep evolving.

I look for stores that are small and locally owned. I love going to markets to buy gifts because I know that I am also giving to local communities.

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Knotted-leather slip-ons in Black, $520, Bassike.

YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR?

A new album and a national tour. I can’t wait to get back on the road and see all the happy people in the audiences. It’s the reason I do what I do. I’ll also be working on a few more creative projects – watch this space! >

Christine Anu hosts the ABC Radio Evenings program nationally on Fridays and Saturdays.

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COOK Lantern Cookery Classics: Kylie Kwong by Kylie Kwong, $19.99, Lantern.


H G CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

David Caon & Jeramie Hotz Industrial designer David founded Caon Studio in 2009 and has designed everything from ceramics to the interiors of Qantas’ Airbus A380s and the airline’s first-class lounges. His wife Jeramie, formerly a film producer, is Caon’s studio director. ST Y L I N G Kate Nixon | P H OTOG R A P HY Kristina Soljo

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF 2020? David: Maintaining our

HOW DO YOU UNWIND? Jeramie: We don’t have time to

momentum and keeping our studio team and our colleagues engaged. There has been a lot to navigate in a business sense, but luckily we’ve had a great team guiding us through. UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHTS OR POSITIVES? David: We’ve been able to devote a lot more time to establishing our new brand, Laker, which has been in development for a few years with our friend Henry Wilson.

unwind at the moment! David: I’ll take a massage, thanks. AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…? David: A harbour beach morning session, fresh seafood and drinks in the courtyard with friends! HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES? Jeramie: A beach robe from Lucy Folk, vintage sunnies, James Perse t-shirts and linen shorts. WHAT WILL BE ON YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST? David: ‘Heaven’ by Rolling Stones. ‘Casio’ by Jungle. ‘Summer in the City’ by Quincy Jones. ‘Outstanding’ by the Gap Band HOLIDAY READING LIST? David: Harley Loco: A memoir of hard living, hair and post-punk from the Middle East to the Lower East side by Rayya Elias. QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL? Jeramie: Summer pasta, prawns, baguette and chilled rosé. FAVOURITE FESTIVE TIPPLE? Jeramie: Ruinart Blanc de Blanc. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER? David: Summers spent on Kangaroo island every year. They were the best. FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? Jeramie: Aesop Rozu de Parfum WHAT WILL YOU BE BINGE-WATCHING? Jeramie: Schitt’s Creek – we’re addicted. Also My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. HOPES FOR NEXT YEAR? David: We have a lot of products in various stages of development. I hope we have more hits than misses as those ideas come through the design process. We’re excited to see them take shape and our new studio/showroom space blossom into something great. #

WHAT WILL BE A LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR?

Jeramie: Expect the unexpected. HOW WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING THIS FESTIVE SEASON?

David: My parents are in Adelaide so we are heading there for the Christmas/New Year period. We’ll have two weeks there, so it will be a very chilled festive season for us! WHAT IS A GIFT YOU’D LOVE TO RECEIVE? Jeramie: An Aesop facial treatment. The ultimate luxury experience. David: Yes, a big fan of the Aesop facial but I also have my eye on a vintage fountain pen from Parker Japan. GO-TO STORE FOR BUYING GIFTS? Jeramie: Ondene or Studio Henry Wilson. ARE YOU TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER? Jeramie: Adelaide for Christmas and New Year, then Byron Bay in February. ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Jeramie: South Africa. A safari in Kruger National Park, then down to Babylonstoren [an historic farm with hotel] which is in the wine region and one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve ever been to. Then to Cape Town for summer fun near the beach.


Hair and make-up by Kelly Tapp. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

“It will be a very chilled festive season for us.”

David and Jeramie at home with their 2-year-old son, Bobby, and their Australian bulldog, Bagel. “We love our sunken sitting room and courtyard,” says David. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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Make every corner count

A N E W C O L L ECT I O N O F S M A L L S PAC E R U G S FR O M A R M A D I L LO - C O.C O M


Photograph by Chris Warnes.

CELEBRATING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AT HOME

Hou se s

This 1950s cottage has been totally reimagined by Three Birds Renovations, opening the door to a whole new chapter for its owners. Turn the page to see more.


Wedded BL IS S When the owners of this outer-Sydney home said ‘we will’ to participating in an exciting home makeover experiment, they paved the way to the perfect backdrop for them to say ‘I do’. STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y LI N G Three Birds Renovations P H OTO GR A P H Y Chris Warnes & Maree Homer

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Three Birds Renovations transformed the rear of the property into an

entertainer’s heaven. Stria fibre-cement shiplap cladding, painted Dulux Pozieres, and HardieDeck decking, all James Hardie. Windows, Colonial Warehouse. Window trims painted Dulux White Dune. Cannes outdoor dining table and benches, and Trentham planters, all Freedom. Flora tablecloth, Bonnie and Neil. Moffat bar stools, Lounge Lovers. Zulu hanging chair and Santorini resin chairs, all Uniqwa.


HOUSES H G THIS IS THE LIFE

Living in the outer-Sydney township of Windsor, on the Hawkesbury River, is the best of both worlds, say homeowners Sarah and Cath. “You always feel like you’re on holidays,” says Sarah. “We have all the facilities we need nearby, and it’s close to transport. We can walk to cafes or a cute little wine bar, or take the boys to the park, or go kayaking on the river. We don’t miss out on anything here, and it’s a wonderful place to grow as a family.”

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H G houses

LIVING This page and opposite Walls and trims painted Dulux Clay Pipe.

European-oak floorboards in Smokey Grey, Woodcut. Parchment sofa and Nordic vases (in hearth), Oz Design Furniture. Huggy armchair, Sarah Ellison. Mele stool, Uniqwa. Cushions on window seat, Bonnie and Neil. Cove coffee table, Freedom. White fruit bowl, House of Orange. Ceramic candleholders, Haar East. Brass candle stand, Woven Oak. Mirror, Life Interiors. Bowl and vase (on mantel) by Rikki Day. The blinds are Pirouette Shadings with Powerview motorisation, Luxaflex Window Fashions. Tara Rattan sideboard, Lounge Lovers. Parque face sculpture, Oz Design Furniture. Glass vase, Target. Artwork by Rikki Day.


ometimes, it pays to throw caution to the wind, according to Sydney couple Sarah and Cath Jordan de Souza. And they would know. They recently surrendered their home to the dynamos at Three Birds Renovations, giving them total free rein to transform it. And they couldn’t be happier with the gleaming result. The radical renovation began when Sarah and Cath responded to a Three Birds Renovations call-out on Instagram.Theproposalwasanexcitingone–withamajor caveat: “We asked if there was anyone who’d like us to renovate and furnish their home,” says Three Birds’ cofounder, Erin Cayless. “But they needed to be prepared to hand over their house keys, their budget and to give us 100 per cent creative control – that was the catch.” For Sarah and Cath, the proposition was a timely one. The couple lives in the historic town of Windsor, 55 kilometres north-west of Sydney, with their sons Chaise, 11, and Addison, nine. Their home, a cute early 1950s cottage, was in near-original condition when they boughtitsixyearsago.Cladinpaleyellowtimberbattens, the three-bedroom home was characterful and cosy but needed work. And with two growing boys, Sarah and Cath knew they needed to rethink their floor plan. They had consideredgoingupandgoingout,andwerestillweighing their options when the Three Birds proposal came along. The team from Three Birds was seeking a project of a manageable scope and budget that could be completed in eight weeks, and Sarah and Cath’s home fitted the bill. It was selected from more than 800 projects. Thrilled to be the chosen ones, Sarah and Cath handed over their bank-approved funds, along with their full blessings to “go for it”. Sarah admits it was difficult to relinquish control and “some friends told us we were nuts” but over a bottle of wine, and Cath’s assurances, she decided to > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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embrace the adventure. The Three Birds team asked the couple for a renovation wish list. “They said ‘no’ to most things on that list,” says Sarah, laughing. “But they took in the fact that we like entertaining, that we needed a studyspaceandwewantedafamilyhome,notashowpiece. They kept saying ‘just trust us’ – and we did.” For Three Birds’ creative director and co-founder, Bonnie Hindmarsh, the cottage was an exciting blank canvas. “I wanted to make it more contemporary but with a subtle nod to its origins,” says Bonnie. Outside, this meant replacing the old horizontal battens with new James Hardie ‘Stria’ cladding, laid vertically, and painted Dulux Pozieres, a muted green. “The vertical cladding immediately made it feel more modern,” says Erin. The concrete roof tiles were cleaned and sprayed in Dulux Surfmist to match the fresh new look. Internally, the cottage underwent a complete overhaul. In its original state, the home’s kitchen, dining and living rooms were all separate. “We removed the hallway wall and two smaller walls to create one open-plan space,” says Erin. In doing this, the original bathroom became

part of the new main bedroom suite and a new family bathroom was created. Then, to enhance the indooroutdoor connection, they pushed out a section of the rear wall, creating space for a dreamy new kitchen with cafe-style bench seating and servery bifold windows onto a new deck. They moved the laundry facilities (previously at the rear of the property) into the kitchen, where they are concealed behind a wall of joinery. The backyard has been converted into a heavenly entertaining zone with the back shed morphed into a glamorous bar. It remains a three-bedroom home but now has two bathrooms and feels more spacious overall. There’s a requisite study nook, plus a variety of newly-created sitting spaces for Sarah and Cath to work from home. Colour-wise, Bonnie adopted a “warm, cosy, textural and organic,” palette of soft and earthy tones. Drawing inspiration from an original 1950s curved built-in cupboard in one of the bedrooms, she designed a series of archways and curvilinear shapes througout the home. “The curves complement the soft colours and help accentuate the height of the ceilings,”says Erin. >


houses H G

KITCHEN This page The Three Birds Renovations trio (from left) Erin Cayless, Lana Taylor and Bonnie Hindmarsh. Cabinetry, Carrera by Design.

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Elba White engineered stone benchtops and splashback, Talostone. Scala pull-out sink mixer and Memo Harper butler’s sink, Reece. Appliances, all Electrolux. Axon vertical groove panelling, James Hardie. Custom bench seat cushions, The Foam Booth, in Hessian Pavlova fabric, Florence Broadhurst Fabrics. Gabriella mirror, Sarah Ellison. DINING Opposite Fenton dining table and Totti chairs, Oz Design Furniture. Aiden-1 pendant light, Beacon Lighting. Curtains, Luxaflex Window Fashions. Artwork by Vynka Hallam (dining area) and Rikki Day (seen through cut-out).

THE PALET TE

Dulux Pozieres (external cladding)

Dulux Deep Sun (Chaise’s room)

Dulux Clay Pipe (living/dining/ kitchen walls) AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G houses

MAIN BEDROOM Custom bedhead, Create Estate. Trunk side table, Future Collective. Abbotts occasional chair, Freedom. Parasol pendant light

and Cappelen Dumyr No 1 rug, both Tigmi Trading. Cuzzi 11 lamp, MCM House. Bedlinen, I Love Linen. Curtains, Luxaflex Window Fashions. Artwork by Rikki Day. ENSUITE Newport gloss mini bone subway tiles (walls) and Thirroul matt bone subway tiles (floor), Tile Cloud. Kado basin and mirrored cabinet, Milli tapware and shower mixer, all Reece. CHAISE’S BEDROOM Custom bed, Carrera By Design. Bedlinen, Society of Wanderers. Wall painted Dulux Deep Sun. Florence Broadhurst ‘Steps’ wallpaper in Deep Sun (ceiling), Materialised. Wool carpet in Limestone, EC Carpets.

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On the day of the final reveal, Sarah, Cath and the boys waited around the corner before being escorted up the driveway. “All we could say was ‘wow’. It was sensory overload,”saysSarah.“Themomentwesteppedinside,all our ‘what ifs’ disappeared,” says Cath. “We all loved it – it felt like home. It’s a home to live in and grow in.” The completion of the renovation became a double celebration: before the family moved in, Sarah and Cath were married in the backyard, with Chaise and Addison as attendants. “It was perfect,” says Sarah. “Forever we will look out to the garden and say ‘that’s where we got married’,” says Cath. “And each year, we’ll stand on that very spot where we said ‘I do’, with a glass of Champagne, and say ‘cheers to us’. We’ll always look back on this year and marvel at what we went through as a family.” > See more of this home, ‘House 12’, at Three Birds Renovations; threebirdsrenovations.com.

THE LAYOUT Shed Living

Deck

Entry Dining Bath

Bed

Bed

Bath

Kitchen

Bed Carport


H G houses

DECK Lana, Bonnie and Erin celebrate the completion of another dreamy makeover. WEDDING Homeowners Cath (bride at left) and Sarah loved

the renovation so much they celebrated by getting married in the backyard, attended by their sons Chaise (left) and Addison. “It was wonderful to share our special day, and new home, with our family,” says Sarah. FRONT EXTERIOR Stria 255mm cladding, James Hardie, painted Dulux Pozieres. Roof sprayed Dulux Surfmist. Bondi Tan encaustic tiles, Tile Cloud. Pebble 1 wall lights, Beacon Lighting.

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FESTIVE STYLE

A peaceful, easy-to-live-with palette.

Wedding photography by River Bennett Photography.

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1 Arch wall mirror, $899, House of Orange. 2 Margo limited-edition art print, $400 (unframed), Vynka Hallam. 3 Iveta bedhead, $590 (single), Inartisan. Venice Sunset

Skater 3 photo print, from $195, Camilo O. Desert Palm framed print, $429, Oz Design Furniture. Kaspar oak bedside table, $399, Freedom. Picasso lamp, $249, Neighbourhood Studio. 4 Swell linen cushion, $200, Bonnie and Neil. 5 De’Longhi ‘Icona Metallics’ 4-slice toaster, $169, Harvey Norman. 6 Google Nest Audio speaker, $148, Harvey Norman. 7 Beliz rattan planter, $119.90, MRD Home. 8 Woven water-hyacinth basket, $59.95, Howards Storage World. 9 Mimosa ‘Malibu’ outdoor dining chair, $169, Bunnings. 10 Waffle cotton bath sheet, $79.95, Aura Home. 11 Dreamweaver Mid Light pendant light shade, $980, Pop & Scott. Cove coffee table, $529 Freedom. 12 L’Art de Vivre American-oak lounge chair with bouclé upholstery, $3350, Fomu Design. 13 Arabian handmade tiles in Sand 50, $485/m², Perini Tiles. 14 Apple Watch Series 6 smart watch, $1119, Harvey Norman. 15 Anderson terracotta vase, $59, Domayne. 16 Tao leather, metal and marble table lamp, $495, Coco Republic. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #

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Changing times Having spotted the potential of this Federation vicarage, one Melbourne couple decided to transform it into a home for all ages. STORY Stephen Crafti | PH OTO G R A PH Y Derek Swalwell


houses H G KITCHEN Two of the owners’ children enjoy the sophisticated yet family-friendly

space. Kitchen island in Colonial White granite from Gladstones Granite & Marble. Icon mixer tap, Astra Walker. Muuto ‘Fiber’ stools, In Good Company. Wall-side benchtop in Caesarstone Fresh Concrete. The bricks (rear wall) are sandbagged in a custom render. American oak joinery by E&M Creative Cabinets. Bertazzoni X122 upright cooker. Argyle Albany rangehood, Qasair.

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Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

even years ago, the owners of this innerMelbourne property were seeking a new home that could grow with their family. With five children under the age of 14, space was top of the wish list. Set on a 1200-square-metre site, this house seemed ideal. The Federation home was built in 1907 as a vicarage for the nearby church and still offers hints of its heritage, including a crucifix embedded in the timber surrounding the front door. “There were still little maid’s bells in one of the smaller rooms and beautiful tessellated floor tiles in the foyer,” says the owner. While the home’s heritage features and the amount of space appealed, some work was needed to bring it intothe21stcentury.ThecouplecalledonarchitectClare Cousins, briefing her and her team to create a home that was robust and not at all precious, with areas for both adults and children to separately entertain their friends. It was important to retain a sense of the home’s history too. >


houses H G THE PALET TE Bauwerk Colour Mykonos (ceilings and upper walls)

Dulux Natural White (main interior walls)

Porter’s Paints Sydney Harbour

LIVING Vintage Spanish chair, Angelucci 20th Century. Nook modular sofa,

Jardan. Ivy coffee table, Grazia & Co. Gubi ‘Cobra’ wall light, In Good Company. Wood fireplace, Cheminées Philippe. Custom firewood holder. Rug, Saffars Fine Rug Collection. Sliding doors, Whetstone Windows & Doors.

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Clare says they were fortunate that the original part of the house was in reasonably good condition, so the project mainly involved refreshing the existing structure and extending at the rear to give the family space to sprawl. As a bonus, the extension would improve the home’s indoor-outdoor connection too. The first step was to slightly reconfigure the floor plan to better suit 21st-century family living. The home now has two entryways. The original, via a portico, acts as a formal entrance; the second, a glazed ‘link’ between old and new, bypasses private rooms at the front to lead familiar visitors directly to the living spaces at the rear of the house. Down the hall from the formal entrance, a small room adjacent to the existing main bedroom was transformed into a dressing room and luxe ensuite, creating a much-needed parents’ sanctuary. The front part of the house also accommodates an additional bedroom, plus a sitting room, library and study, ensuring there’s always somewhere quiet to retreat to. The owners alsodesiredasuper-practicallaundryonthescaleneeded for a family of seven. To make it so, Clare combined the > existing laundry with a neighbouring bedroom.


HOUSES H G LIBRARY This page and opposite right

Vintage armchair and sofa. Lambert & Fils ‘Waldorf’ suspension light, Living Edge. Nemo Lighting ‘Lampe de Marseille Mini’ wall light, Cult. Braid Weave rug, Armadillo. Flo small table by Patricia Urquiola. Shutters, Barlow & Hunt. Banquette cushion covered in Sunbrella Heritage Denim. HALLWAY Opposite, top left Original floor tiles. Lambert & Fils ‘Laurent 10’ pendant lights, Living Edge. LIVING Opposite, bottom left Nau ‘Aran’ sofa and &tradition ‘Hoof’ side table, both Cult. Vintage trunk. Original stained glass. Rug, Halcyon Lake Rugs & Carpets.

THIS IS THE LIFE

The owners of this house enjoy dining outdoors, particularly around the wood-fired oven. However, even when dining is inside, it’s an informal affair with meals served directly from the kitchen via the generous island bench. As soon as the meal is finished, the children head down to the games room in the basement. It’s not uncommon for them to spend hours down there, only reappearing at meal times.

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H G houses

THE LAYOUT

Ground floor

Entry Pantry

Kitchen

Bed

Retreat/ play room

Bed

Bath

Bed

Bed

Bath

First floor

Study

Bed Bath

Laundry Gym

Library

Kitchen

Bath

Family

Dining Pool

Entry

Barbecue area

Bed

Wardrobe


MAIN BEDROOM Above left and opposite Lewis bed, Jardan. Compact

As well as the main house, the property included a freestanding brick guesthouse and a garage that blocked natural light from entering the home. In place of the now-demolished outbuildings is a two-storey tower-like extension with contemporary open-plan kitchen/dining/ living area at ground level and four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a family room on the first floor. In the kitchen, a monolithic island finished in cloudlike Colonial White granite acts as a pivot point between zones. Measuring 2x3 metres, the island offers plenty of room at the bench for the children to enjoy a snack, do homework or simply sit and chat to the cook. When friends or extended family visit, the adjacent dining zone gets a real workout. A beautifully tactile timber setting by Australian furniture designer Adam Goodrum is the star in this space. While the original portion of the home had smaller windows and tended to look in on itself, the kitchen, diningandlivingareasweredeliberatelyplacedtoconnect the interior with the garden. The alfresco dining area, for example, is thoughtfully framed by a low brick wall that doubles as extra seating when entertaining. >

04 suspension light, Douglas & Bec. Astep VV Cinquanta wall light, Hub Furniture. Moller #63 bench, Great Dane. Shutters, Barlow & Hunt. Vintage cabinet and mirror. STUDY Custom built-in desk. Lambert & Fils ‘Waldorf’ wall light, Living Edge. Molloy chair by Adam Goodrum for Nau from Cult. MAIN ENSUITE Grigio Orsola tiles and benchtop, all Artedomus. Tapware and basins, all Astra Walker.

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H G houses BARBECUE AREA Kamado Joe barbecue smoker, available from Barbeques Galore. Molloy dining table and chairs (inside dining zone) by Adam Goodrum for Nau, Cult. ENTRY LINK Below Glazing on both sides of the link draws light into the home and creates a lovely connection to the garden by Eckersley Garden Architecture.

The owners say they absolutely love the natural patina of recycled brick, so using this material for the addition was a given. They had seen and admired a number of Clare’s previous projects, many of which feature recycled bricks.Whilesomeofthebrickscamefromthedemolition of the existing guesthouse and garage, many more were sourced from salvage yards. “Recycled bricks were the perfect choice here: they tie in with the heritage of the century-oldhouseplusdeliverlovely texture and a feeling of warmth overall,” says Clare. Arches, another unifying thread, appear throughout. “Curves are visually softer than rectangles,” says Clare. “Here, the archways act as a counterpoint to the angular extension and are very useful for framing key vistas. The open sightlines add to the feeling of light and space and enhance the connection to the garden.” The whole family adores the dramatic heritage-meetsmodern home. “We are thrilled with the way it has turned out,bothintermsoflooksandliveability,”saystheowner. “We will definitely be here for years to come.” Clare Cousins Architects, North Melbourne, Victoria; (03) 9329 2888 or clarecousins.com.au. Eckersley Garden Architecture, Richmond, Victoria; (03) 9981 9585 or e-ga.com.au.

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Design classics deliver the coolest yule.

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1 Aerin ‘Charlton’ double wall light, $1595, Becker Minty. 2 1940s still-life with tulips, $420, Vintage Art Emporium. 3 Recycled bricks, Paddy’s Bricks. Hay

‘Palissade’ lounge chair, $635, Cult. Anchor side table with ceramic top, $1950, Grazia & Co. 4 Woven-leather ice bucket, $269, Alfresco Emporium. 5 Caro crystalline whisky carafe, $99.95, Krosno. 6 Seymour low swivel chair with leather upholstery, from $2635, King. 7 Morgan & Finch ‘Linea’ glass tumbler, $6.95, Bed Bath N’ Table. 8 Serena rattan trunk, $995, Coco Republic. 9 Bronsen beni ourain rug (315x173cm), $7400, Tigmi Trading. 10 Coffee table, sofas, wall light, rug and wood stove, all as before. 11 LSA International ‘Utility’ blown-glass highball, $65/pair, and matching jug, $76, Amara. 12 Plant Tribe book by Igor Josifovic and Judith de Graaff, $49.99, Abrams. 13 Parallel chair with James Dunlop ‘Soho Shadow’ upholstery, about $2335.70, Simon James Design. 14 Signature Collection cast-iron casserole, from $469, Le Creuset. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #

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REAR GARDEN The back of the house enjoys views to the river.

Mediterranean Sand travertine terrace and pool pavers from RMS Marble Natural Stone & Ceramics. Lille old bronze and glass lights from LightCo. Landscaping by GoodManors.

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SET FOR LIFE Becoming empty-nesters gave the owners of this Sydney property the chance to make a fresh start without leaving the home they loved. STO RY Chris Pearson | ST Y L IN G Andrew Waller | P HOTOG R A P H Y Nicholas Watt


H G houses hile many empty-nesters downsize, Judi and Paul, the owners of this tranquil retreat on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, preferredtostayput.Instead,theyopted to revamp the four-bedroom home to ensure it will remain the perfect fit through their retirement years. They bought the house in 2001, when their adult children, James and Georgia, were youngsters. “We had been living in Hong Kong for about 10 years when we thought it was time to look for a property back in Sydney,” says Judi. After searching the area for six months, the couple found this house, built just a year prior. “We loved the location – north facing, with a flat block leading down to the river and a private jetty – but also its simple, clean design.” They tweaked a few things in the ensuing years, including adding a pergola on the north side upstairs, but since the house had been recently built and simply decorated, it was easy to live with, says Judi. After James and Georgia left home, the couple decided it was time to remedy the things that had niggled them

and elevate the practical, family-oriented house to something more graceful and elegant. Theexistingfittingsandfinishes–redtimbers,glassbenchtops and acres of tiles – were looking a bit tired and dated. The scale, too, was overwhelming: fine for a family, but not for a party of two.“Itwasfloodedwithspace,wideandtall,including3.4-metrehigh ceilings at the back, so the areas merged into one, with no definition,” says interior architect Andrew Waller of Mr Waller. And, despite the seductive river view, a solid balustrade at the end of the broad hallway sliced off the open-plan living spaces at the rear, blocking sightlines to the water. “Judi and Paul wanted a classic, yet timeless, refurbishment,” says Andrew. “I set out to reconstruct 20 years of family living.” To this, Judi adds: “Andrew visualised our house in a relaxed contemporary classic style, moving away from sharper modern minimalism to a much softer, tranquil look.” Keeping within the ground-floor footprint, Andrew converted the study into a wine cellar and sliced up an over-generous laundry to create a butler’s pantry. Abutting the pantry, the kitchen has resurfaced in a country-house style, with >


“ T H E R E VA M P E D K I TC H E N , L AU N D RY A N D B U T L E R ’ S PA N T RY A R E A L L FA N TA S T I C – U S E R - F R I E N D LY, A R C H I T E C T U R A L LY C L E V E R A N D B E AU T I F U L TO L O O K AT.”

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

JUDI, OWNER

THE PALET TE Resene Akaroa Half (main kitchen joinery)

Dulux Aspinall Blue (kitchen island)

Dulux Vivid White

KITCHEN Above Joinery by Andrew Waller made by Middleton Design (throughout). Calacatta Caldia benchtops and Mocha Cream floor tiles, all RMS Marble Natural Stone & Ceramics. Dual-fuel oven, Falcon. Visual Comfort ‘Billiard’ light, Laura Kincade. Barstools, Thonet. Picasso sketch bought in Paris. Bizen vase, Planet. BREAKFAST NOOK Right Banquette and cushions by Andrew Waller. Le Corbusier B9 bentwood chairs, Thonet. Palecek Rain Drum stool, Laura Kincade. Carved-marble side table bought in India. Beehive box and Rose bowl, both Greg Natale. FORMAL LIVING ROOM Armchairs, sofas and cushions, all by Andrew Waller. Rug and mirror bought in Hong Kong. Visual Comfort ‘Farlane’ chandelier, Laura Kincade. Kanta nested coffee tables and Santon side table, all Boyd Blue. Antique table lamp sourced at auction. Vault box and Gem Objet Fiore, both Greg Natale. Vases from Planet and Conley & Co.

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THIS IS THE LIFE

Better use of space has meant the whole house is in constant use, especially with the steady flow of visiting friends and family. “We don’t save any spaces for formal occasions,” says Judi. She can’t fault the final result: “The revamped kitchen, laundry and butler’s pantry are all fantastic – user-friendly, architecturally clever and beautiful to look at. As are the redesigned ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Every room is a joy to be in.”

A N D R E W F O U N D P E R F E C T P L AC E S F O R T H E O W N E R S ’ M O S T P R E C I O U S T R E A S U R E S , S U C H A S A RT W O R K S , T H E B E AU T I F U L O R I E N TA L R U G S A N D O B J E T S D ’A RT, T E A M I N G T H E M W I T H C O N T E M P O R A RY E L E M E N T S S U C H A S G L A M O R O U S L I G H T F I T T I N G S .


MAIN BEDROOM Primula wallpaper, Quercus & Co. Marco bed, Oly Studio. Custom bedside table. Norman table lamps, Boyd Blue. Pinto carpet, Prestige Carpets. DRESSING ROOM Table lamp bought in New York. Joinery and carpet, as before. MAIN ENSUITE Stone benchtops, wall and floor tiles, all RMS Marble Natural Stone & Ceramics. Victoria+Albert ‘Toulouse’ bath, Just Bathroomware. No. 18 chair, Thonet. DINING Baxter dining table, Boyd Blue. Custom chairs by Andrew Waller. Rug bought in

Hong Kong. The paintings are heirlooms. Visual Comfort ‘Bryant’ pendant light and basketweave box, both Laura Kincade. Sculpture bought in Paris. Oscar bowl and Metropolis box, both Greg Natale. Vases from Conley & Co, Planet and Boyd Blue. >

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H G houses VJ panelling, crafted joinery and marble benchtops. Upstairs, a family room became the study, the main ensuite reconfigured to include a bath and the fourth bedroom repurposed as a TV room. In the name of future-proofing the home, the staircase was realigned to make room for a lift. An open balustrade at the end of the hallway ensures clear sightlines through the house. Andrew addressed the scale issue by dividing the layout into zones. Custom joinery, his signature, also adds character and warmth throughout. Paradoxically perhaps, the furniture was upscaled and low-key lights replaced with statement chandeliers. The palette predominantly comprises muted, muddy tones to create a tranquil atmosphere. It’s enlivened by discreetly patterned pieces, the exception being an oversized floral on the walls of the main bedroom.

Treasures from the family’s travels were woven into the new interior, helpingJudiand Paulenjoy themanew. APicasso sketch migrated from the main bedroom to the kitchen; a mirror from a Hong Kong hotel was repainted; and a marble side table – a souvenir from a visit to India’s Taj Mahal – graces the new breakfast area. “Andrew found perfect places for all of our most precious items, such as the beautiful oriental rugs and objets d’art,” says Judi. Among the contemporary elements are light fixtures to fill what would otherwise be gaping voids, a long dining table and chairs, and more formal living room furniture. For Andrew, it wasn’t just a job, but a labour of love. “Judi and Paul trusted me to do all of the structural work as well as the decorative detail. Bespoke joinery, more buoyant spaces and blue accents have created the perfect oasis by the water.” Mr Waller, St Peters, NSW; 0422 992 676 or mrwaller.com.

THE LAYOUT First floor

Bath Bed

Dressing Bed

Study

TV room Bath

Bed

Cellar Garage Family

Formal living

Entry

The property’s private jetty, one of the riverside home’s many attractions.

Games

Bath

Kitchen

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Dining Pool

Ground floor

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Pantry


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1 Ceramic table lamp, $360, Domo. 2 Sertnight limited-edition photo print by Benjamin Everett, $699, Lumas Gallery. 3 KitchenAid ‘Artisan’ stand mixer, $749, Harvey Norman. 4 Primula wallpaper, $77/m, Quercus & Co. Custom bedside table. Norman table lamp, $1375, Boyd Blue. 5 Bloomingville ‘Arabesque’ sculpture, $199, Love Tree Interiors. 6 Cherry Blossom teapot, $24.95, and teacup, $12.95, Bed Bath N’ Table. 7 Australian House & Garden ‘Kelda’ vessel, $79.95, Myer. 8 Everyday Fresh: Meals in minutes cookbook by Donna Hay, $45, Fourth Estate. 9 Grand Royal crystalline flutes, $79.95 each, Villeroy & Boch. 10 Halton dining table, $7400, Boyd Blue. 11 B9 Le Corbusier chair, $431, Thonet. 12 Mallard wool-blend rug (2.4x3m), $4650, Designer Rugs. 13 Tempest wallpaper in Celeste, Quercus & Co. Chair, console and artwork, all vintage. 14 Flexform ‘Mood Ortigia’ dining chair, $8450, Fanuli. 15 Orchid Blue linen cushion, $220, Bonnie and Neil. 16 Marine Stripes queen-

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size linen quilt cover, $330, and pillowcases, $69.90/pair, I Love Linen. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #

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Personal BEST For one Melbourne interior designer, distance was no deterrent when a lifelong friend on the Gold Coast sought her help to create a fabulous new family home. STORY Sarah Pickette | P H OTO G R A P HY Louise Roche/Villa Styling


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CASUAL LIVING Bergere sofa and armchair, Pottery Barn. Low seat and Tamale timber tables, all

Uniqwa. Madras rug, Freedom. Palm Cove ceiling fan, Early Settler. Engineered-oak parquet flooring in Riesling, Marques Flooring. ENTRY/KITCHEN Opposite Kandalu bar stool and white planters from Uniqwa. Fretwork custom-made for Katie Sargent Design by the home’s builder, SEQ Construction. Walls and ceilings painted Dulux Casper White Quarter (throughout).

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H G houses THE PALET TE Dulux Casper White Quarter (interior, throughout)

THIS IS THE LIFE

homeowner Kate and interior designer Katie have known each other for most of their lives, so the fact they live in different states was no impediment to them working together. “Katie gave us the confidence to be brave with our design decisions, for example in going with blue for our kitchen island colour,” says Kate. “Without her, I think we probably would have opted for ‘safer’ choices and we wouldn’t have the beautiful kitchen we do.”

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Porter’s Paints Dusty Mule (exterior cladding)

Dulux Calico Dress (kitchen joinery)


Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

aving made the decision to knock down the less-than-perfect home on their completely perfect Gold Coast block, homeowners Kate and Matt knew who to call. Melbourne interior designer Katie Sargent has known Kateforaslongasshecanremember.“We’re like cousins,” says Katie. “I’d visit Kate on her family farm in NSW when we were kids. We’ve pretty much grown up together.” So it was only natural that, with the fresh slate of a rebuild ahead of her, Kate would bring Katie onboard to help with the design process. “Matt and Kate engaged a local architect, Herwig Hartl, and he and I worked collaboratively on the interiors,” says Katie. “I did this remotely from Melbourne, travelling up to the Gold Coast every three months or so as the build progressed.” Kate and Matt had clear intentions from the beginning: they didn’t want their home to feel new. “We wanted the charm of a grand old Queenslander, but with today’s materials and technology,” says Kate. They also knew they would be staying put, and that this was the place where they wanted to raise a family. Halfway throughthroughthebuild,Katediscoveredshewaspregnant withtheireldestdaughterAlice,nowtwo.Sincethen,Sophie, one, has joined the family and another sister for the girls is due to arrive any day now. Incorporating classic Queenslander features – gorgeous fretwork, breezy louvres and a beautiful indoor-outdoor connection – Katie set about drawing up plans for a family homethatwouldbeasrelaxedandpracticalasitisbeautiful. “I wanted it to feel welcoming, open and bright the moment you first walk in,” she says. Beyondthe front doorarethe kitchenandopen-planliving area, entered via a fretwork archway custom-designed by Katie. Star of this space is the 3-metre blue island that features drawers for extra storage, a cut-out end for bench seating and a built-in wine fridge. Classic-style cabinetry profiling is paired with push-to-open functionality that ensures the kitchen is clean-lined and seamless. A concealed butler’s pantry and wine cellar round out the luxe facilities. Tall glass doors connect the living and dining spaces to the backyard, which features a pool and raised platform for taking in the canal and city views. “In summer we can open up the entire back of the house to take advantage of > CASUAL LIVING The house benefits from its 3.3-metre-high ceilings. White planters and Mele timber stool, Uniqwa. FAMILY ROOM Right Harry the cocker spaniel enjoys city views through the

Trend Windows & Doors servery. Kandalu bar stools, Unqiwa. KITCHEN Opposite Custom island bench by Kirra Cabinets, painted Dulux Calico Dress. Smartstone benchtop in Calacatta Blanco. Splashback tiles from Three Balls Red. The pendant lights are a mix of Beacon Lighting components.


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coolingbreezescomingoffthewater,”saysKate.Theflooring – engineered-oak herringbone parquetry – links the living spaces and is one of her favourite inclusions in the home. “We were intent on beautiful flooring that would fit in with our lifestyle and not require too much upkeep,” she says. “It’s fuss-free, quiet and feels nice underfoot.” The living zone is demarcated by a jute rug from Freedom and set with softly rounded pieces that invite the family to sink into them and relax. Adjoining this space through a broad doorway is the family room, which has a bioethanol fire at one end. “It’s mostly for ambience,” says Katie. “It never gets too chilly in this part of Queensland!” There’s also built-in joinery for containing the girls’ toys and games, and a servery window that frames a view of the city skyline. The emphasis on providing lots of living space for the family continues upstairs. “Kate’s idea is that there will always be somewhere to retreat to when the kids get older and need their own space,” says Katie. “The parents’ retreat has its own sitting area, and there’s a spot at the top of the landing that is currently set up as a playroom.” Also built into the home’s design are a swathe of useful yet discreet features: pelmets for the automated blinds are concealed within cornices; high-performance glass has been specified; doors are fitted with smart locks. The airconditioning and room-to-room audio set-up are app-enabled too. The build process took about 18 months and was handled expertly by local firm SEQ Construction (which has since wonawardsforthishome).ShaneHaddley,principaldesigner for Reserve Landscape Architecture and Construction, was then brought in to ensure the gardens lived up to the beauty of the interiors. The backyard’s existing viewing platform was updated and from this vantage point it’s possible to spot swans, stingrays and dolphins in the cool of the early morning. “The garden and pool have the appearance of extending into the water; they’re a perfect fit for this house and its location,” says Katie. For Kate, the process of collaborating with Katie was pivotal to creating the spectacular home she and her family now live in. “Katie not only understood the look we wanted and our desire to maximise the potential of the north-facing block, she made the process transparent and feel achievable from beginning to end.” The result is a home that is both classic and modern, fits its owners’ needs like a glove and sits perfectly in its surrounds. “You wouldn’t know it was new,” says Katie. “That sense of belonging speaks volumes about a house.” > Katie Sargent Design, St Kilda West, Victoria; katiesargentdesign.com. SEQ Construction, Mermaid Beach, Queensland; seqconstruction.com.au.


“ W I T H I T S L O U V R E S , FA N S A N D B R A S S D E TA I L S , I T ’ S Q U E E N S L A N D E R M E E T S C OA S TA L W I T H A B I T O F A H A M P TO N S F E E L TO O.” K AT I E S A R G E N T, I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R

DINING Villa cafe chairs, Provincial Home Living. For similar dining table, try Hamptons Style. Manor three-bar pendant light, Beacon Lighting. FAMILY ROOM An EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fireplace is set into a custom Rockcote surround. A

Samsung ‘The Frame’ television is mounted above. Khadi Anass armchair, Provincial Home Living. Artwork by unknown artist. STUDY Printmakers’ desk from Temple & Webster. Phoenix lamp, Domo. Autumn Leaves painting by Amber Kingi. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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houses H G MAIN ENSUITE Barcelona bath,

Victoria+Albert. Ming Green marble herringbone tiles and travertine floor tiles, all Three Balls Red. ENTRY Opposite, top left Detroit Bowler industrial-style pendant light from Lightworks. GUESTROOM Opposite, top right and bottom right Kennedy Point wool carpet in Oyster Inn, Cavalier Bremworth. Artwork on the wall by Katie Sargent. Window seat upholstered in Ubud fabric from Warwick Fabrics. Artwork by Graeme Rowe. FAMILY BATHROOM Opposite, bottom left Lava Stone basin from Uniqwa. City Plus wall mixer set, Brodware. Mirror, Oz Design Furniture. Walnut vanity custom-made for Katie Sargent Design. >

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H G HOUSES THE LAYOUT Ground floor Viewing platform Pool First floor Retreat

Family

Living

Bath

Bed

Dining Bed Laundry

Wardrobe Kitchen Bed

Playroom

Bath Bed

Living

Entry

Study

Bed

BACKYARD Harry explores the garden. The observation deck

provides spectacular canal and city views. Landscaping by Reserve Landscape Architecture & Construction.

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1 Ashburn seagrass pendant light, $4860, Boyd Blue. 2 Plaited rattan mirror, $159, Love Tree Interiors. 3 Australian House & Garden mangowood accent table, $199, Myer. 4 James Hardie ‘Linea’ cladding, painted Porter’s Paints Dusty Mule. 5 De’Longhi ‘Icona Metallics’ pump espresso machine, $499, Harvey Norman. 6 Morgan & Finch ‘Marlton’ cotton oven glove, $9.95, Bed Bath N’ Table. 7 Tula indoor/outdoor bar chair with rattan seat, $749, Uniqwa. 8 Rattan basket, $64.95, Howards Storage World. 9 Australian House & Garden ‘Esperance’ stoneware dinnerware, $129.95/12-piece set, Myer. 10 Airlie rattan chair, $189, Oz Design Furniture. 11 Similar director’s chairs, Temple & Webster. 12 Manon stoneware planter, $70, Love Tree Interiors. 13 Bramble jute rug (3x4m), $3360, Armadillo. 14 Adriatic cotton cushion cover, $121, No Chintz. 15 Cook, Eat, Repeat cookbook by Nigella Lawson,

$49.99, Penguin Random House Australia. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #

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L I V I NG C OL OU R Jubilant, invigorating hues are handled with exceptional expertise in this beach house, which never fails to please its owners. STO RY Judy Pascoe | ST Y L IN G Cameron Kimber & Robyn Holt | P HOTOG RA PH Y Pablo Veiga


houses H G FOYER The home’s entrance is enlivened by art

by Ian Abdulla (left) and Lucy Jones from Flowers Gallery in London. Drum stool, Orient House. Antique table. Bespoke bench seat designed by Cameron Kimber and upholstered in Madagascar Straw. DOOR The front door is painted a custom-mixed coral colour.

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ydney interior designer Cameron Kimber is well known for his refined and elegantly tonal schemes. So it is something of a surprise to see the bursts of exuberant primary colours splashed around this beachside weekender that he recently completed for longstanding clients. The house was originally a classic brick and weatherboard structure and its interiors were in need of a refresh. Cameron suggested that the owners approach Daniel Boddam Studio, because he felt that Daniel’s architectural aesthetic would be in sync with their style. “The owners loved the house in its previous embodiment and this meant the new version had to be even better,” says Cameron. The result is a completely rebuilt home, spread over three floors with five bedrooms, a clean-lined kitchen, beautiful ocean vistas and a cabana. Retaining its coastal feel, the house has been updated with white-painted timberwork, grey decking and copper sheeting, and now presents a relaxed and contemporary face to the water. If joy is to be found in colour, then this is most definitely a joyful home. The first inkling of the happy vibe within comes at the front entrance, which features a stable-style door painted a custom deep-coral hue. “It’s great fun,” says Cameron. The owners’ vast contemporary art collection, which includesworksby ZhongChen,Marion Borgelt, IanAbdullaandJanetLaurenceamongothers,wastheinspiration for the striking pops of colour that appear throughout. “My starting point was picking out tones that would work with the vibrant art collection,” says Cameron. “Creating a feeling of comfort was important too, since the house was to serve as a weekend getaway for the owners’ family and friends.” As well, the owners requested that this house feel completely different to their sophisticated and restrained city residence – which Cameron also designed for them. Key to the relaxed appeal of the home is its easy flow from indoors to out, enhanced by

the wide doors and windows that provide unobstructed water viewsandgreataccesstothelushgarden.Conceivedbylandscape designer Marcia Hosking and designed around an existing date palm, the garden is a laidback, versatile and frequently used space, the perfect extension of the living areas that range across the middle level of the home which, because of the slope of the land, becomes ground level at the rear of the property. While the vibe throughout the home is informal and carefree, the assemblage of furniture runs the gamut of design classics, albeit with a playful edge. An Eero Saarinen ‘Tulip’ dining table is attended by bamboo Chippendale chairs – seemingly conventional, but the chairs, painted Dulux Red Stop and upholstered in Madagascar Straw, pack a punch. Likewise, the guestroom’s Schumacher ‘Zanzibar Trellis’ wallpaper in an acid yellow shade is intensified by the addition of a stool covered in a matching fabric and an artwork in citrus hues. Bespoke lamp bases pop in shades of turquoise and apple green, while comfortable upholstered chairs beckon, dressed in bright-green toile. White walls (for the most part) and neutral flooring provide the blank canvas onto which are layered the colours and patterns, frills and furbelows. Printed fabrics, cushions edged with fringing and decorative pendant lights complement the art, but do not compete. And while it could appear over the top, it actually feels restrained. In the hands of a consummate professional such as Cameron the look is assured – comfortable, pretty and oh-so chic. For the owners, their weekender is “a relaxed, family oasis with high comfort”. They continue to add to their extensive art collection with their most recent purchase being a work by Michael Muir, which the owner says, “makes me happy”. > Cameron Kimber Design, Woollahra, NSW; cameronkimber.com. Daniel Boddam Studio, Potts Point, NSW; danielboddam.com. Marcia Hosking Landscape Design, Glebe, NSW; (02) 9660 1670.

PORTRAIT Interior designer Cameron Kimber. LIVING Opposite top Custom-upholstered sofas by Cameron Kimber Design in Pierre Frey ‘Collobrières’ and Hill Brown ‘Green Stripe’. Custom armchairs and matching cushions covered in Schumacher ‘Arbre Chinois’. Cushions in Martyn Lawrence Bullard ‘Kabba Kabba’ from Tigger Hall Design. Ottoman covered in Clarence House ‘Mandarin’. Table lamp, Cameron Kimber Design. Abaca rug, International Floorcoverings. Artworks by Marion Borgelt (pink discs) and Zhong Chen. DINING Opposite bottom Eero Saarinen ‘Tulip’ dining table, available from Dedece. The bamboo Chippendale chairs are painted Dulux Red Stop and upholstered in Madagascar Straw. Artworks (from left) by Ali Wood, Michael Muir, and Janet Laurence.


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THE PALET TE

Dulux Vivid White

Porter’s Paints Cardigan Green

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Porter’s Paints Gusto


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I F J OY I S TO B E F O U N D I N COLOUR , THEN THIS IS MOST D E F I N I T E LY A J OY F U L H O M E .

GUESTROOM Above Artwork by Paddy Japaljarri Sims. Wallpaper and stool upholstery in Schumacher ‘Zanzibar Trellis’ in Canary. STAIRWELL Painting by Tom Polo. MAIN BEDROOM Right Custom bedhead and valance in Perennials ‘Jake Stripe’ fabric. Cane sofa and bespoke spoon-back chairs upholstered in Schumacher ‘Nanjing’ toile in Jade. Cushion in Hill Brown ‘Patola’ in Red. Wallpaper is Phillip Jeffries ‘Japanese Paper Weave’ in Ecru. Light fittings by Vaughan Designs. Artworks by Ali Wood. KITCHEN The understated kitchen is home to a small painting by Alexander McKenzie from Martin Browne Contemporary. Handmade subway tiles, Calibre Concepts. >

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H G HOUSES THE LAYOUT

Ground floor

First floor

Bed

Family

Media

Garage

Mud room

Dining Media room

Bed Bed

Bed Study

Kitchen

Bath Living

Bath

Laundry

Bed Bath

Lower ground

Wardrobe

Bath

Store

THIS IS THE LIFE

With its gentle flow from indoors to out, tranquil water views and profusion of lively colours and fabrics, this house is the perfect weekender, ideal for taking in all the beachside location has to offer. As all good beach houses do, it offers the owners an escape from the everyday – and it’s a place that’s as welcoming and comfortable as their city home.“This is a haven,” says the owner. “It’s where our growing family loves to get together, enjoy and relax.”

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MAIN BEDROOM The homeowners wake to serene water views. The back deck leads out to the garden designed by Marcia Hosking.


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Pops of colour bring joy to the world.

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1 Stanford, Five limited-edition art print by Pep Ventosa, $1399, Lumas Gallery. 2 Pop double gourd table lamp, $829, Bragg & Co. 3 Custom armchairs in Schumacher ‘Arbre Chinois’ fabric. 4 Tonic ‘Halfmoon’ cosmetic bag, $39.95, Bed Bath N’ Table. 5 Latitude rattan bar stool, $229, Love Tree Interiors. 6 BK enamelled-steel 8.7L stockpot, $299.95, Myer. 7 Woven ceramic lidded jars, $69.95 (small) and $139 (large), Alfresco Emporium. 8 Dolce & Gabbana for Smeg ‘Sicily Is My Love’ 2-slice toaster, $899, Harvey Norman. 9 Palacek ‘Pavilion’ side chair, $2665, Boyd Blue. 10 Schultz 1966 sunloungers, Dedece. 11 Printed Floral polyester and cotton cushion, $69, House of Orange. 12 Heritage ‘Nagoya’ ceramic stool, $129.95, Myer. 13 Punch stoneware noodle bowl, $14.95, Ecology. 14 British Designers at Home book by Jenny Rose-Innes,

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$60, Hardie Grant Books. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #

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HOME ON THE R A NGE Meet Ranger the Hungarian vizsla, one of the stars of a new book by Nicole England celebrating four-legged friends and the homes they live in. STORY Karen Day | ST Y LI N G Natalie James | P HOTOG RA PHY Nicole England


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LIVING ROOM Earthy and understated, this property in the Byron Bay hinterland is a soothing oasis for Ranger and his busy farming family. The stones surrounding the hearth were collected on the property. Corten steel mantel. The display shelves are made from trusses salvaged from the demolished home. Stool, Bisque Interiors. Terracotta pavers, Jatana Interiors.

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THE HOME WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND, USING AS MANY LOCAL AND UPCYCLED MATERIALS AS POSSIBLE.


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taSpanish-stylefincainthehinterland of Byron Bay, NSW, lives a chestnutcoloured Hungarian vizsla called Ranger. Aptly named and suitably huedfortheearthyAustralianterrain, the two-year-old pup guards The Range, home to Emma and Tom Lane and their four children Charlie, 16, George, 13, Matilda, 11, and Lucinda, nine. The property covers 49 hectares and includes a 4500-strong macadamia orchard, 75 Saint Helena olive trees and a rainforest spring-fed river dam and, perhaps most importantly, afamilyhomedesignedaroundsustainableprinciples. Ranger’s humans built their abode upon the slab of an existing derelict house in order to minimise waste, while integrating as many local and upcycled materials as possible. The chimney is made from stones collected on site; the timber ceiling beams are crafted out of wood repurposed from a deconstructed bridge; electricity is generated through solar power. Ranger doesn’t just protect this expansive property; he looks after everyone on it. When an injured baby wallabywasfound,hehelpednurseheruntiltheLanes could release her into the wild. When it’s time for bed, Ranger watches over the children until sunrise, then checks on the adults before heading out to survey the grounds. Perched on top of a hill, the house gives Ranger the perfect refuge to oversee the action. The use of natural materials – such as the pink-tinged walls meticulously rendered in a shade that complements the soil they sit on – allows it to quietly blendinwiththeenvironment.There’salottomonitor, but when he’s not on self-elected duty, Ranger happily transitions from caretaker to carefree pup and settles in for a well-deserved siesta. > DFJ Architects, Byron Bay, NSW; (02) 6687 1425 or dfj.com.au. Forty Four Constructions, Lennox Head, NSW; fortyfourconstructions.com.au.

HALL The cocooning spotted gum-clad hallway leads to the main bedroom. Painting by Dick Ward. Polished-concrete flooring. KITCHEN Traditional cement render, tinted a custom colour, is used inside and out. The kitchen island is made from polished concrete.

Stools, Bisque Interiors. Pendant light, Lighting Collective. The wall-side bench is topped with copper. HydroTap Miniboil Classic boiling filtered water tap, Zip. Mixer tap, ACS Designer Bathrooms. Terracotta pavers from Jatana Interiors. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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THE PALET TE

Porter’s Paints Drumbeat

Porter’s Paints Red Ochre

CASUAL LIVING ROOM Ranger is regal, statuesque and in perfect tonal harmony with his chic, earthy surroundings. Rug, Tigmi

Trading. Terracotta pavers, Jatana Interiors. Small table, Jess Design ‘Earl’ armchair and matching footstool, all from Island Luxe.

MAIN BEDROOM Where possible, furnishings, fittings and accessories were sourced locally. Bedside pendant light and stool, both

Island Luxe. For similar bedlinen, try Hale Mercantile Co. Moroccan-style rug and jute rug, bothTigmi Trading. >

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Porter’s Paints Clay Pit


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PERCHED ON TOP OF A HILL, THE HOUSE GIVES RANGER THE PERFECT REFUGE TO OVERSEE ALL OF THE ACTION.

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This is an edited extract from Resident Dog (Volume 2): Incredible dogs and the international homes they live in by Nicole England ($60, Hardie Grant).

POOL AREA The poolside loungers were designed by owners Emma and Tom and fabricated by their builder, Forty Four Constructions. Rosewood decking. VERANDAH Taking care of business is thirsty work for Ranger. Towel, Hale Mercantile Co. Vintage grape-crushing barrel, Fossil Vintage. Bespoke outdoor shower. Bamboo day bed, Tigmi Trading. For Where to Buy, see page 176. #


NATURE’S NATURAL REPELLENT

Waxworks products contain premium citronella essential oil derived from citronella grass. Nature’s natural repellent against mosquitoes.

waxworksworks.com.au


Photograph by Marnie Hawson.

P L A N T- F I L L E D S PA C E S T H A T I N V I T E A N D D E L I G H T

G a rden s

What a sweet greeting: fragrant Chinese star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) covers the columns of the front portico of this Melbourne home. For more on the restoration of this lovely garden, turn the page...


H G gardens The arches of the front portico are cloaked in flowering Chinese star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Low hedges of Korean box (Buxus microphylla var microphylla) and clipped balls of English box (Buxus sempervirens) contrast with the slender, wispy English lavender. “English lavender is my favourite lavender. It has a refined, delicate look that softens the clipped elements,� says garden designer Andrew Panton. In the pots are Agave americana. OPPOSITE Andrew in the jasmine-framed archway.

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R E V I VA L S T O R Y

A simple and sophisticated garden helped restore the understated glamour of this Melbourne home. STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P H OTO GR A P H Y Marnie Hawson


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elbourne couple Lucy and Andy Bowen know araregemwhentheyseeit.Whentheybought their 1930s home three years ago it had lost its original lustre, but they knew it would polish up brilliantly as a family home for themselves and their three young sons. Built in the Spanish Revival style, the home’s signature features – white stucco, arches, terracotta – had been tampered with over time. “But we saw the potential to bring it back to life and revitalise the features that were no longer celebrated,” says Lucy. As an architect,Lucy waswell placedtooverseetherestoration. The garden, too, was in dire need of repair. For this, the couple turned to their friend, horticulturist and landscape designerAndrewPanton.Theirbrief?“Wewantedthegarden to embrace the heritage architecture of the home, with a nod to Santa Barbara style,” says Lucy. The existing garden was “basic and not redeemable, unfortunately”, says >


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Feature plants _______ TREES Olive (Olea europaea) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Smaragd conifer (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) Pleached fig (Ficus ‘Flash’) SHRUBS Korean box (Buxus microphylla var. microphylla) English box (Buxus sempervirens) English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Rosemary ‘Blue Lagoon’ (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Blue Lagoon’) American aloe (Agave americana) CLIMBERS Chinese star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) Creeping fig (Ficus pumila)

The side entry pathway is edged with Rosemary ‘Blue Lagoon’. BELOW Homeowner, architect Lucy Bowen with her American bulldog, Moose. ABOVE LEFT & BELOW LEFT A row of smaragd conifers (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) lines the property boundary. The circular planter contains a 50-year-old olive tree underplanted with balls of English box. OPPOSITE English box in antique urns are set in beds of English lavender.

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Andrew. Working with a clean slate, he set about designing the three key spaces – the 18x12-metre front garden, side entrance andrearcourtyard–takingintheSantaBarbara-style landscaping references he’d researched with Lucy. With a focus on creating a “Mediterranean feel”, Andrew devised a “restrained, simple and sophisticated” plant palette featuringsoftlycontrastingtextures.There’s alsoamix offormal and informal planting. For example, Korean box (Buxus microphylla var. microphylla) is used extensively as low hedging, creating a sense of formality and containment for the looser, massed plantings of English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Blue Lagoon’). Along with the box hedging, Andrew used clusters of clippedbox spheres – this time English box (Buxus sempervirens). “Having the spheres in different shapes and sizes helps to create interest, especially when the rest of the planting is simple and en masse,” he says. To soften the home’s front facade, he planted Chinese star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) which now festoons the arches of the portico. At the side of the house, the entry walkway is flanked by Rosemary ‘Blue Lagoon’. “In late spring, when the jasmine, lavender and rosemary all flower, it’s aromatic and beautiful. Just sensational,” says Andrew. The Bowenswanted theoptionof off-street parking,so Andrew created a driveway using recycled bricks laid in a herringbone pattern. Then, to break up the brickwork, he designed a large central circular planter in which he installed an advanced olive tree underplanted with more English box. The driveway morphs into an area of white pebbles punctuated with antique terracotta pots planted with blue-toned agaves (Agave americana). One existing plant the Bowens loved and wanted to retain was an old espaliered lemon tree in the rear courtyard. It was near its last legs and needed a lot of TLC to bring it back to life, but it survived and is now a stunning feature of that space. For Lucy and Andy, the new garden completes the home. The exteriorandinteriorspacesnowsingtogetherandLucyisthrilled to see her vision realised: “Andrew really helped refine it with his gorgeous plant selections and sculptural elements.” # Andrew Panton Design andrewpantondesign.com Lucy Bowen Design @lucybowen.design

“I always like a mix of formal and informal planting in a garden. The plant palette here is deliberately restrained because sometimes less is best.” Andrew Panton, garden designer

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GARDENS H G This old espaliered lemon tree was the one redeemable feature from the existing garden.”We did everything we could to revive it and it was worth it,” says Andrew. “It has a lot of character.” OPPOSITE From top Spotted gum seating in the courtyard features a built-in planter filled with red geraniums; the wall is covered in creeping fig (Ficus pumila). In the front garden, clipped balls of English box are clustered under pleached figs (Ficus ‘Flash’) and contrasts with the English lavender. Antique doors sourced from Spain are used for the side gate.


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FRENCH C ON N E C T ION

a new book showcasing the beautiful gardens of the adelaide Hills reveals this French-inspired beauty, designed to celebrate light and space. STO RY Christine McCabe | P H OTO GR A P H Y Simon Griffiths


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antaringa, which translates as ‘house on top of a hill’, has lovely views down over steeply sloping paddocks, where wood ducks paddle on the dam and a few errant rabbits frolic in the grass. It’s a fairly common view for a historic Adelaide Hills house, but the garden at Yantaringa is less typical. Owners Scott and Jodi Brumby love the structure and clean lines of French gardens, and with the ongoing help of designer Virginia Kennett they’ve restored and remade Yantaringa’s old-fashioned garden to cater to contemporary life. The 2.7-hectare property dates from the 1860s, when Chinese market gardeners are thought to have built a modest two-room cottage on the site. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that master builder and designer Walter Torode established a larger house. When the Brumbys arrived in 2002, the property held plenty of large trees but had no “daunting horticultural history” to hamper redevelopment, says Virginia. At the front of the house, the overwhelming scale of several old pines and poplars had severely distorted a line of flowering cherry trees. The cherries were removed, as were roses that were failing to thrive in the shade. Nevertheless, where possible, existing trees and shrubs were retained. The Brumbys “provided a very strong aesthetic brief”, says Virginia, and the garden evolved in tandem with the restoration and expansion of the house. >

Curved hedges of Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) add structure to the plantings of strappy New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) and elephant’s ears (Bergenia cordiflora). OPPOSITE Redesigned by Virginia Kennett, the once very traditional garden has a newfound sense of light and space. Cones of Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) are set in a bed of gravel at the front of the home. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G GARDENS

This is an edited extract from Adelaide Hills Gardens by Christine McCabe with photography by Simon Griffiths ($80, Thames & Hudson).

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A low, wide hedge of Japanese box and clipped balls of tree germander (Teucrium fruticans) create an understated border while the pool fence is screened by evergreen laurustinus (Viburnum tinus). OPPOSITE Clockwise from top The guesthouse overlooks the pool and entertaining area; massed New Zealand rock lily (Arthropodium cirratum) bloom in the foreground. Flowering alliums (ornamental onions) are sprinkled through the vegetable garden, the perimeter of which is dotted with pencil pines. The vine-covered arbour.

Over the course of almost two decades, Virginia has helped bring a certain je ne sais quoi to Yantaringa. There’s a French mood apparent from the moment guests arrive in the courtyard of plane trees and neatly clipped box set into gravel. The cone-shaped Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) act as soft bollards, preventing cars from parking too close to the house. An old privet hedge that miraculously survived the building works separates the gravel courtyard from the pool area. At the garden’s entrance, beneath those towering old pines and poplars, Virginia has established repeating sweeps of clipped Japanese box in-filled with mass plantings of elephant’s ears (Bergenia cordifolia), the native grass Poa labillardieri ‘Suggan Buggan’ and New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax). Several Magnolia ‘Star Wars’ – small trees that produce ravishing rosy-pink flowers in spring – stand daintily amid the bergenia. Beyond these big sweeps, the palette is muted, green on green, most plants selected to be as drought-tolerant as possible because the Brumbys are conscious that a ready water supply cannot be taken for granted in the future. In the small entrance garden, however, burgundies and purples predominate, with plants including smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’), forest pansy redbuds (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’) and purple Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea).

In the ‘family-friendly area’ of the garden, designed for entertaining, a vine-draped arbour links the lawn – dominated by a copper beech (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea) – with the guesthouse, swimming pool and outdoor dining space. The pool area features clipped balls of tree germander (Teucrium fruticans) and is screened with a hedge of laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) and a wall smothered in Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). Below the pool, the vegetable garden is terraced down the slope using curved gabion walls backfilled with locally quarried rock. At the edge of the garden, a young arboretum features ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), claret ash (Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa ‘Raywood’), evergreen dogwoods (Cornus capitata), kousa dogwoods (Cornus kousa), English oak (Quercus robur), California live oak (Quercus agrifolia) and sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima). It’s perhaps unusual for a designer to have such a long relationship with a project, but Yantaringa is one of Virginia’s favourites. “When I visit the garden now, I am struck by its composure,” she says. Virginia believes most modern garden “interventions” are too ‘built’, with too much rigidity and formality. She prefers a simple and restrained garden “in which plants, not built forms, are celebrated”. At Yantaringa, the Brumbys, with Virginia’s help, have reimagined an old Hills garden for future generations, working deftly with the site and wisely preparing for hotter, drier summers. #


T H E PL O T T H I C K E N S In his new book, garden designer Paul Bangay returns to a beloved subject, his Stonefields property in country Victoria, and reflects on the evolving changes – in climate and his own thinking – that impact on his garden. STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P HOTOG R A P HY Simon Griffiths

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aul Bangay has been in a reflective mood lately. Arguably Australia’s most famous garden designer, Paul has just completed a book documenting life in his garden at Stonefields, the property he shares with his husband Barry, in the Central Highlands of Victoria. It’s not his first book on the subject. He wrote his first, The Garden at Stonefields, back in 2013, when the garden was young. In this latest book, the garden is older and things have changed – and not just in a botanical sense. “For a start, my priorities and interests have changed over the years, and these are reflected in the way the garden has evolved,” says Paul. “I first developed the garden 16 years ago

and that’s a long time in terms of design. At the time, I was obsessed with straight lines, formality and geometric forms. But I’m mellowing in my old age and I’ve fallen in love with meandering lines and softer forms and shapes. The garden is becoming much less formal that I had originally planned it to be.” Paul bought Stonefields in 2005, drawn to its location on a hill – at an altitude of 650 metres – near the village of Woodend. “I love being perched on the side of a hill,” he says. “We have beautiful, red volcanic soil, good water supply and a cool mountain climate, which I adore.” Being in the Central Highlands means Stonefields experiences four distinct seasons. Paul >


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Paul’s herb garden has changed as his desire for “more softness and freedom” in the plantings has increased. Intricate compartments of box hedge have been removed, leaving these simpler borders framing beds of herbs and flowering perennials – euphorbia, wallflowers, foxgloves and iris – that are at their best in summer. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G gardens relishes the freezing winters and mild springs and autumns. He has “warmed to the summers”, although he doesn’t love extreme heat or the lack of rain. What he does love is the effect the changing seasons have on the garden. “They allow it to change radically throughout the year and, as the plants mature, these changes become more obvious,” he says. and that is the main focus of his new book, Stonefields by the Seasons. With beautiful photography by Paul’s long-time friend and collaborator, simon griffiths, the book charts the garden through the seasonal shifts, from the winter months when it is blanketed in frost – “it snows just enough to create magic” says Paul – through to the hottest summer days when the nearby paddocks are shimmering in the heat (as depicted on these pages). ever the practical gardener, Paul includes helpful information about pruning, weeding and watering for each season, plus tips on planning and preparing ahead. The stonefields garden now spans over 4 hectares (10 acres). The first areas developed were the outdoor rooms close to the house: the entry forecourt, parterre and pool area. after that, came the woodland which was looser in style and has now grown to create its own microclimate. More recently, Paul added perennial borders below the pool, which are “a lot softer again”, featuring swathes of Penstemon ‘Firebird’, Salvia nemorosa and Geranium ‘rozanne’. The main thing to have changed over the years is Paul’s style of design. He calls it his “evolving sense of casualness” which is at odds with some of the older, formal areas of the garden. “I no longer want to contain the plants within borders or box “Stonefields is my refuge – it’s the place that enriches and hedging,” he says, preferring to give relaxes me. To live a life led by the seasons is to live one closely tied plants freedom to sprawl, drift and to a garden, and Stonefields is mine.” Paul Bangay occupy gaps in the paving or gravel. The impact of climate change, too, means his plant selections have changed, as he seeks species that can survive prolonged, hot, dry summers. so, where to from here? It’s a question Paul himself poses at the conclusion of the book. He endlessly dreams up new projects for stonefields, but the garden is already more than enough work. He even fantasises about starting afresh with a smaller garden “with no lawn or hedges”. For now, he feels replete living a life led by stonefields’ seasons: “If only summer was shorter and winter was longer, it would be perfect”. # Stonefields by the Seasons by Paul Bangay ($59.99, Penguin Random House Australia). TOP Paul’s so-called “blue borders” in the front garden feature Agastache

‘Blue Boa’, ‘Blue Fortune’ and ‘Sweet Lili’, Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ and Eutrochium maculatum ‘Gateway’. LEFT Paul Bangay reflects on his garden: “I can, at last, relax and enjoy the fruits of my physical and creative input,” he says. OPPOSITE TOP The view from the rear terrace to the pool garden. A low hedge of Cotoneaster horizontalis lies between the pool loungers and the display of flowering perennials. OPPOSITE BOTTOM The pool borders feature feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’) and sunny yellow sawtooth sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus).

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Living Styling by Steve Cordony. Photograph by Kristina Soljo.

Christmas at Rosedale Farm in Orange, NSW, is a true family affair. Around the table are (from left) Michael Booth, Amanda Cordony, Amanda’s daughter Sara, Steve Cordony and English springer spaniel, Bedford. On the lawn are Amanda’s husband Victor Gennusa, their son Xavier and Ebony the shire horse.

SHARING CHRISTMAS COMFORT AND JOY


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Let’s celebrate

Christmas is a time for family, friends, togetherness and sharing a delicious meal, lovingly prepared. REC I PE S Amanda Cordony/The Cordony Kitchen | STY LI N G Steve Cordony PH OTO GRAP H Y Kristina Soljo

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Chopping board (with potatoes), Maison et Jardin. Ceramic candle holder, striped vase and beeswax pillar candles, all Alex and Trahanas. Greek key basket, Mercer & Lewis. Beeswax bowl candle, The Nuptial Collective. Patterned bowl, Ondene. All other items, stylist’s own.


H G living

CARAMELISED ONION TARTE TATIN

Prep time: 20 minutes. Cooking: 45 minutes. Makes 12.

2 tbsp olive oil 2 large red onions, halved then finely sliced 1 heaped tsp brown sugar 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1x 375g roll Carême ready-made spelt puff pastry 50g chèvre (soft goats’ cheese) 12 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked 1 Heat oil in a large sauté pan over low heat. Add onions and a good pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until very soft. Add sugar and vinegar, season, then cook a further 15 minutes or until onions are caramelised. Set aside. 2 Bring pastry to room temperature (about 15 minutes) and preheat oven to 200˚C (180˚C fan). 3 lightly spray 12 holes of a mini muffin tray with cooking oil. Spoon onion evenly into muffin holes. Use a cookie cutter to cut rounds of pastry the same size as the muffin holes, then use to cover onions, pressing down lightly. 4 Bake for 15 minutes or until pastry is golden. Remove from oven and stand for 1 minute. Cover with a wooden board, then quickly flip to turn tarts out (if onion falls off pastry, simply spoon back on). Crumble chèvre over, scatter thyme leaves on top and serve.

TOP LEFT Beeswax candle, The Nuptial Collective. Vase and board, as before. All other items, stylist’s own. TOP RIGHT Elderflower cordial, Belvoir

Fruit Farms. Coral gin, Applewood. Glass, plate and paddleboard, stylist’s own. ABOVE LEFT Chef Amanda Cordony, wearing a Diane von Furstenberg dress from The Outnet, and her daughter Sara. ABOVE RIGHT Homeowner and stylist, Steve Cordony. OPPOSITE Candlesticks, Alex and Trahanas.


FRUIT-GLAZED CHRISTMAS HAM

Prep time: 30 minutes. Cooking: 1.5 hours (glaze) + 1.5 hours (ham). Serves up to 40.

9kg whole leg ham 5x 450g cans pineapple slices in juice 2x 700g cans apricot halves in juice 1x 680g can/jar pitted morello cherries 500g white sugar 2 cups (500ml) dry sherry 1 To make glazing syrup, place juice from pineapple, apricots and cherries in a large saucepan. Stir in sugar and sherry and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1.5 hours or until thick enough to cover the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and refrigerate until needed, up to 2 days. 2 To make ham, preheat oven to 180˚C (160˚C fan). Soak some toothpicks in water for 10 minutes. 3 Use a paring knife to cut the skin at the hock (where the ham meets the bone). Insert your finger between skin and fat to separate, then carefully peel skin from ham. Use a

paring knife to score fat in a large diamond pattern. Wrap a 20cm-long sheet of baking paper around the bone and secure with kitchen twine. Place ham in a roasting tray large enough to accommodate whole leg. 4 Arrange pineapple slices over ham (slices should touch), securing pineapple with two toothpicks per slice. Stuff one cherry inside one apricot half; secure with a toothpick. Place one stuffed apricot in centre of each pineapple slice, securing with a toothpick. 5 Pour 1/2 of the syrup over ham, ensuring fruit is well coated to prevent burning. Roast for 1.5 hours, glazing from time to time with syrup and juces in base of baking dish and some of the remaining glaze (ensure fruit is well coated). Add any leftover fruit to the base of the tray for the last 20 minutes of cooking. 6 Remove ham from oven, then remove and discard some of the toothpicks (leave enough in place that the pineapple slices remain in place). Transfer ham to a large platter or clean wooden board. 7 To serve, wrap a linen cloth around bone and secure with festive ribbon, tucking a sprig of rosemary into the ribbon, if you like. >

“This fruit-glazed ham has been on our family Christmas table for 20 years. We have experimented with different recipes but we always come back to this one.” Amanda

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HEIRLOOM TOMATO & HALOUMI SALAD WITH PARSLEY PESTO

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cooking: 8 minutes. Serves 8-10.

Vase, Alex and Trahanas. Bowl, stylist’s own. BELOW Chopping board, Maison et Jardin.

4 large heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced on a mandoline 4 kumatoes, cut into wedges 100g cherry tomatoes or ‘medley’ tomatoes, cut in half 250g haloumi, cut into 5mm slices 1 lemon, halved, then 1 half sliced thinly Fresh parsley and mint leaves, for garnish Parsley pesto 8-10 fresh mint leaves 1 cup loosely packed (about 50g) parsley leaves 1 large clove garlic 3cm piece of fresh ginger 1/4 cup (60ml) verjuice 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1 Place all pesto ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Set aside. 2 Place sliced heirloom tomatoes, kumatoes and cherry tomatoes in a serving bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil over; set aside. 3 lightly oil a frypan set over medium heat. Add haloumi slices and fry until golden on each side. Squeeze juice of half a lemon over haloumi during cooking. 4 To serve, arrange haloumi and lemon slices in and around tomatoes. Drizzle with a little parsley pesto, scatter fresh herbs over and season with a little sea salt and black pepper.

ROAST POTATOES WITH PARMESAN & THYME

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cooking: 1 hour 10 minutes. Serves 8.

1kg chat potatoes 1 lemon, halved 2 tbsp duck fat 10 sprigs fresh thyme 3 tbsp grated parmesan 1 Place potatoes in a large saucepan with enough cold water to cover. Add a good pinch of salt and juice of half a lemon (retain spent lemon after juicing). Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potato is easily pierced with a knife. Remove from heat, drain in a colander and stand 10 minutes. When cool, cut large potatoes in half. 2 Preheat oven to 220˚C (200˚C fan). 3 line a baking tray with baking paper; arrange potatoes on tray, cut-side down. Add duck fat and 5 sprigs thyme. Squeeze juice from remaining lemon half over potatoes, then place both spent lemon halves in tray. Cook potatoes on bottom shelf of oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown, turning tray halfway. Remove from oven and discard cooked thyme. 4 To serve, transfer potatoes to a serving platter. Sprinkle parmesan over, season with sea salt and garnish with fresh thyme. > 170 |

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With 10 speed settings and more than 10 attachments available, the KitchenAid KSM160 Artisan stand mixer is powerful and versatile enough to tackle a huge range of recipes. harveynorman.com.au

Available at Winning Appliances, the intelligent features in V-Zug’s 60cm Electric Built-In Combair Pyrolytic Oven, $3999, make faultless cooking easy. winningappliances.com.au

Featuring colours designed to stand alone or work elegantly together, the new Capsule Collection from Porter’s Paints, now at Bunnings, is simply beautiful used indoors or out. $84/2L. porterspaints.com

Entertain your guests in style with the Dario outdoor setting, exclusive to Harvey Norman. It’s made with durable powder-coated aluminium and resin wicker. harveynorman.com.au

The 100 per cent mulberry silk pillowcases from Bed Bath N’ Table are gentle on your skin and hair, so you wake refreshed and rejuvenated each morning. View the silk collection at bedbathntable.com.au


H G LIVING Serving bowl, Ondene. RIGHT Amanda, Xavier and Victor. BELOW LEFT Sara with fresh-picked roses for the table. BELOW RIGHT Tableware, all as before.

ZUCCHINI, LEMON & TRUFFLE PECORINO SALAD Prep time: 15 minutes. Serves 8.

4 medium zucchini 1 clove garlic, grated 1 tsp sumac, plus extra for garnish Zest and juice of 1 lemon Âź cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 100g truffle pecorino 10 leaves basil 1 Using a mandoline, slice zucchini lengthwise then place in a large mixing bowl. Set aside. 2 Place garlic, sumac, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix to combine. Using a vegetable peeler, shave pecorino over. Set aside. 3 Add garlic dressing and 6 basil leaves to zucchini then lightly toss with your hands. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with remaining basil, pinch of sumac and season with sea salt and pepper. >

Fresh, juicy lemons and natural beeswax candles are a great choice for decorating the dining table. They deliver colour and a subtle scent that won’t take anything away from the aroma of the food. 172 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


TICKETS ONLY

10

$

Win this ENTIRE complex!

Draw 381 closes 8pm (AEST) 16 December 2020 | Drawn 10am AEST 23 December 2020

RSL Art Union Draw No. 381 (AU381L) is conducted by Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) ABN 79902601713 of ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, under QLD licence No. 29819, NSW Authority No. GOCAU/2332, ACT Permit No. R20/00121.2, VIC Permit No. 10260/20, SA Permit No. M13890. Close date: 8pm (AEST) 16/12/20. Draw Date: Drawn 10am (AEST) 23/12/20 at ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006. Promoter: John Strachan, Locked Bag 4032, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006. Proceeds are for the purpose of veteran welfare and support in Australia. 1st prize $8,506,933. The total number of tickets available for AU381 is 3,900,000 which may include a maximum of 819,000 bonus tickets. Entrants must be 18 years or over. Winners notifed by registered mail. Results published in The Courier Mail and The Australian on 28/12/20. Cheque, money order and credit card payments must be received by 16/12/20 to be entered into Draw 381. If an order is received after this date or if the draw is sold out, the order will be automatically entered into the next draw, Draw 382. Some items shown in pictures are for display purposes only. Selling costs and market variations apply when selling gold bullion. Travel is in the form of a voucher, is not redeemable for cash and must be booked directly with our selected supplier, subject to their terms and conditions. Information correct at time of printing. For up to date details and full terms and conditions please refer to www.rslartunion.com.au.


H G LIVING Serving plate and tablecloth, stylist’s own. For Where to Buy, see page 176.

PAVLOVA WITH CHERRY & ORANGE COMPOTE

Prep time: 25 minutes. Cooking: 1 hour 20 minutes + overnight cooling. Serves 8.

6 eggwhites 1½ cups (220g) caster sugar 2 tsp cornflour 2 tsp white vinegar 300ml pure cream 125g blackberries, some halved Small mint leaves, for garnish Cherry compote 500g can pitted cherries Zest and juice of 1 orange ⅓ tsp cinnamon ½ cup (115g) coconut sugar 1 To make compote, place all ingredients, including liquid from cherries, in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes or until liquid has thickened slightly. Refrigerate until needed. 2 Preheat oven to 200˚C (180˚C fan). Place eggwhites and a pinch of salt in a clean metal or glass bowl. Whisk at high speed until soft peaks form. Continuing to whisk, add sugar, 1 spoonful at a time, whisking until dissolved before adding the next (this will take about 15 minutes). Scrape down sides of bowl. 3 In a small dish, mix cornflour and vinegar together. Continuing to mix eggwhite mixture at low speed, slowly add cornflour mixture. 4 On the reverse of a sheet of baking paper, trace a 20-25cm circle. Flip paper over and use to line a baking sheet. Gently place meringue mixture on baking paper, using a spatula to shape meringue into the drawn circle. Reduce oven temperature to 140˚C (120˚C fan) and bake for 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn oven off but leave meringue in the oven with door ajar until completely cool. 5 To serve, use an electric mixer to beat cream to soft peaks. Spoon over pavlova, then top with cherry compote, fresh blackberries and mint leaves. # 174 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Top pavlova with slightly acidic fruit such as berries or passionfruit to balance the sweetness of the meringue.


BRAND PROMOTION

STOPPI NG TR A FFIC Meet Sam White, the founder and CEO of Stella insurance, the brand changing the game in a male-dominated industry.

M

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Sam believes in the idea of ‘purposedriven business’ which is essentially a business model based on both making profit and giving back to the community. “For me, success involves giving back. It’s as simple as that.”

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THREE REASONS TO SWITCH BETTER OUTCOMES FOR WOMEN

Sam’s deep interest in improving outcomes for women is a fundamental part of her business drive and is important to how she can make a difference – whether it’s through better value insurance premiums or better social outcomes. “We’re looking to support purposedriven female entrepreneurs in Australia through Stella – especially those whose businesses might have taken a hit as a result of COVID-19. “Any entrepreneur we support can’t just be motivated by the bottom line – they must have a wider purpose beyond that. “I can’t tell you how incredibly open and supportive of women I’ve found Australians to be. “Ultimately, though, our purpose is much bigger than changing the insurance game. Our plan is to change the game, full stop.”

Get a quote now at stellainsurance.com.au *Any advice provided is general advice and does not take your personal circumstances into consideration. Please read the Stella product disclosure statement (PDS) available at stellainsurance.com.au for the terms, conditions, and exclusions before purchasing this insurance. Stella Underwriting (ABN 72 633 811 319) is Authorised Representative (AR 001282046) of Allstate Insurance Pty Ltd (AFSL 239010) which is acting under an agreement on behalf of the product issuer, QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited AFSL 239545). ^Magazine subscription not redeemable with any other offer. Redemption available 21 days after policy purchased. Subscriptions are from selected titles only. 1 subscription per policy. Offer ends 31 December 2020.

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W H E R E T O BU Y

Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. A ACS Designer Bathrooms 1300 201 451; www.acsupplies.com.au Adriatic Furniture 1300 278 493; adriatic.com.au Aesop aesop.com.au Alex and Trahanas alexandtrahanas.com Alfresco Emporium (02) 9919 0601; alfrescoemporium.com.au All Beauty www.allbeauty.com Amara amara.com/au Amazon amazon.com.au Angelucci 20th Century (03) 9525 1271; angelucci.net.au Anna Thomas annathomas.com Anthony Kennedy Upholstery anthonykennedy.com.au Apaiser (03) 9421 5722; apaiser.com.au Applewood applewooddistillery.com.au Armadillo (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Arrival Hall arrivalhall.com.au Art2Muse Gallery art2muse.com.au Artedomus (02) 9557 5060; artedomus.com Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Aura Home 1300 304 269; aurahome.com.au B Barbeques Galore 1300 227 237; barbequesgalore.com.au Barlow & Hunt barlowandhunt.co Bassike bassike.com Bauwerk Colour (08) 9433 3860; bauwerk.com.au Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266; beaconlighting.com.au Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com Bed Bath N’ Table (03) 8888 8100; bedbathntable.com.au Belvoir Fruit Farms belvoirfruitfarms.com Bertazzoni 1800 654 265; au.bertazzoni.com Bisque Interiors bisquetraders.com.au Bonnie and Neil (03) 9384 2234; bonnieandneil.com.au Bookoccino (02) 9973 1244; www.bookoccino.com.au Booktopia booktopia.com.au Boyac (03) 9429 5455; boyac.com.au Boyd Blue (07) 5527 0899; boydblue.com Bragg & Co braggandco.com.au

Brodware (02) 9421 8200; brodware.com.au Bunnings (03) 8831 9777; bunnings.com.au Busatti (02) 9363 4318; busatti.com.au C Cadrys (02) 9328 6144; cadrys.com.au Caesarstone 1300 119 119; caesarstone.com.au Calibre Concepts (02) 8084 9100; www.calibreconcepts.com Cameron Kimber Design (02) 9388 0144; cameronkimber.com Camilo O @camilo_ortega_p Canvas+Sasson (03) 9790 1266; canvasandsasson.com.au Carla Zampatti carlazampatti.com.au Carrera by Design (02) 9725 5110; carrerabydesign.com.au Casa by Studio Kate studiokate.com.au Cavalier Bremworth 1800 251 172; cavbrem.com.au CDK Stone (03) 8552 6000; cdkstone.com.au Chas Clarkson (02) 9557 7300; www.chasclarkson.com.au Cheminées Philippe (03) 9417 3315; chemphilaust.com.au Coco Republic 1300 000 220; cocorepublic.com.au Colonial Warehouse (07) 3868 3088; colonialwarehouse.com.au Conley & Co (02) 8065 9411 Create Estate (07) 5438 8670; createstate.com.au Cult 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au Cultiver cultiver.com D Dedece (02) 9360 2722; dedece.com.au Designer Rugs 1300 802 561; designerrugs.com.au Designstuff (03) 9592 2960; designstuff.com.au Di Lorenzo Tiles (02) 8818 2950; dilorenzo.com.au Dinosaur Designs (02) 9698 3500; dinosaurdesigns.com.au Domayne domayne.com.au Domo (03) 9277 8888; domo.com.au Douglas & Bec douglasandbec.com Dulux 132 525; dulux.com.au E E&M Creative Cabinets emcreativecabinets.com eBay ebay.com.au EC Carpets 1800 324 768

Eckersley Garden Architecture (03) 9421 5537; e-ga.com.au Ecology (03) 9765 5700; ecologyhomewares.com.au EcoSmart Fire ecosmartfire.com Electrolux electrolux.com.au F Falcon, available from Andico 1800 685 899; andico.com.au Fanuli (02) 9908 2660; fanuli.com.au Finnish Design Shop finnishdesignshop.com Fisher & Paykel 1300 650 590; fisherpaykel.com.au Florence Broadhurst Fabrics florencebroadhurstfabrics.com Flower Power flowerpower.com.au Fomu Design fomudesign.com Forty Four Constructions @fortyfourconstructions Fossil Vintage fossilvintage.com.au Freedom 1300 135 588; freedom.com.au Funkis (02) 9368 7045; funkis.com Future Collective future-collective.com.au G Ginger & Smart (02) 9918 5286; www.gingerandsmart.com Gingerfinch gingerfinch.com.au Ginori 1735, available from Amara amara.com/au Gladstones Granite & Marble (03) 9548 5008; gladstonesgranite.com.au GoodManors (02) 9818 3377; goodmanors.com.au Grazia & Co (03) 9589 4398; graziaandco.com.au Great Dane (03) 9417 5599; greatdanefurniture.com Greg Natale (02) 8399 2103; gregnatale.com Gregory Croxford Living gregorycroxfordliving.com.au H H&J Furniture (02) 9821 2699; hjfurniture.com.au Haar East haar-east.com Halcyon Lake Rugs & Carpets (03) 9421 1113; halcyonlake.com Hale Mercantile Co halemercantilecolinen.com Hamptons Style (07) 5577 9667; hamptonsstyle.com.au Harvest Bites harvestbites.com.au Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; harveynorman.com.au Heaven in Earth (02) 4423 2041; heaveninearth.com.au

Hermès 1300 728 807; hermes.com Hope & May hopeandmay.com Horgans horgans.com.au House of Orange (03) 9500 9991; houseoforange.com.au Howards Storage World 1300 479 479; hsw.com.au Hub Furniture (03) 9652 1222; hubfurniture.com.au I I Love Linen 1300 859 773; ilovelinen.com.au Ikea (02) 8020 6641; ikea.com.au In Good Company (03) 7007 5277; ingoodcompany.com.au Inartisan 0401 818 157; inartisan.com International Floorcoverings 1800 339 379; interfloors.com.au Island Luxe @islandluxeofficial J James Hardie jameshardie.com.au Janet Laurence, through Dominik Mersch Gallery (02) 9368 1999; dominikmerschgallery.com Jardan (03) 8581 4988; jardan.com.au Jatana Interiors jatanainteriors.com.au Just Bathroomware (02) 9719 3000; justbathroomware.com.au K King 1300 546 438; kingliving.com.au Kirra Cabinets & Timber Products (07) 5536 1072 Kmart 1800 634 251; kmart.com.au Koskela (02) 9280 0999; koskela.com.au Krosno (03) 9318 0466; krosno.com.au L Lack of Color lackofcolor.com.au Laura Kincade (02) 9667 4415; laurakincade.com Le Creuset 1300 767 993; lecreuset.com.au Leila Jeffreys leilajeffreys.com Leïlah leilah.com.au Leonard Joel (03) 9826 4333; leonardjoel.com.au Libertine Parfumerie (03) 9661 1258; libertineparfumerie.com.au LightCo 1300 795 548; lightco.com.au Lighting Collective (02) 6685 5744; lightingcollective.com.au Lightworks (02) 9690 0666; lightworks.com.au Living Edge 1300 132 154; livingedge.com.au Lounge Lovers 1300 738 088; loungelovers.com.au


stockists H G

Love Tree Interiors thefamilylovetree.com.au Lucy Folk lucyfolk.com Lucy Montgomery lucymontgomery.com Lulu Lemon lululemon.com.au Lumas Gallery au.lumas.com Luxaflex Window Fashions 135 892; luxaflex.com.au M Maison Balzac 1300 342 662; maisonbalzac.com Maison et Jardin (02) 9362 8583; maisonetjardin.com.au Mandalay Flowers (02) 9362 5000; mandalayflowers.com.au Marques Flooring (07) 5578 4665; marquesflooring.com.au Martyn Lawrence Bullard, available from Tigger Hall Design (03) 9510 2255; tiggerhall.com Materialised (02) 8558 3500; materialised.com.au MCM House (02) 9698 4511; mcmhouse.com Mercer & Lewis mercerandlewis.com Michael Muir, through Martin Browne Contemporary (02) 9331 7997; martinbrownecontemporary.com Michael Reid Studio Direct michaelreidstudiodirect.com.au Middleton Design 0416 170 009; middletondesign.com.au Miele 1300 464 353; shop.miele.com.au Milano Republic (02) 9158 2088; milanorepublic.com.au Morphy Richards morphyrichards.com.au MRD Home (03) 9331 7533; mrdhome.com.au Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au My Theresa mytheresa.com.au N Net-A-Porter net-a-porter.com No Chintz (02) 9386 4800; nochintz.com O Oliver Thom oliverthom.com.au Oly Studio olystudio.com Ondene (02) 9362 1734; ondene.com.au

Orient House (02) 9660 3895; orienthouse.com.au Oroton (02) 8275 5500; oroton.com.au Oz Design Furniture 1300 721 942; ozdesignfurniture.com.au D Paddy’s Bricks (03) 9687 2338; paddysbricks.com.au Palette by Jono Fleming palettebyjonofleming.com Pamela Easton pamelaeaston.com.au Perini (03) 9421 0550; perini.com.au Pierre Frey, available from Milgate (03) 9421 2122; www.milgate.com.au Pillow Talk 1800 630 690; pillowtalk.com.au Planet (02) 9211 5959; planetfurniture.com.au Plush 1300 075 874; plush.com.au Polite Society polite-society.com.au Pop & Scott popandscott.com Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; porterspaints.com Pottery Barn 1800 232 914; potterybarn.com.au Prestige Carpets (03) 9708 6913; prestigecarpets.com.au Provincial Home Living 1300 732 258; provincialhomeliving.com.au Q Qasair condari.com.au Quality Products (02) 9999 0684; qualityproducts.com.au Quercus & Co (02) 9699 4444; quercusandco.com R Raes raes.com.au Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au Reserve Landscape Architecture & Construction 0403 981 358; reservelandscape.com.au RMS Natural Stone & Ceramics (02) 9316 9677; rmsmarble.com Rockcote 1300 736 668; rockcote.com.au Romandini Cabinets (03) 9706 8110; romandinicabinets.com S Saffars Fine Rug Collection (03) 9509 1170; saffarsfinerugs.com.au

Samsung 1300 362 603; samsung.com.au Sanity sanity.com.au Santa Maria Novella buy.smnovella.com.au Sarah Ellison sarahellison.com.au Schumacher fschumacher.com SEQ Construction (07) 5526 1649; seqconstruction.com.au Shokunin Store shokuninstore.com Simon James Design simonjames.co.nz Simple Studio simplestudio.com.au Slice Veneers (03) 9776 9099; sliceveneers.com.au Smartstone 1300 888 607; smartstone.com.au Society of Wanderers societyofwanderers.com South Pacific Fabrics (02) 9327 7222; southpacificfabrics.com Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Studio Henry Wilson (02) 9358 1040; henrywilson.com.au Sunbrella www.sunbrella.com T Talostone talostone.com.au Target 1300 753 567; target.com.au Temple & Webster templeandwebster.com.au The Ancient Home theancienthome.com The Country Trader (02) 9698 4661; thecountrytrader.com.au The DEA Store (02) 9698 8150; thedeastore.com The English Tapware Company 1300 016 181; englishtapware.com.au The Foam Booth thefoambooth.com.au The Iconic theiconic.com.au The Lost+Found Department 0414 474 686; thelostandfounddepartment.com.au The Montauk Lighting Co montauklighting.com The Nuptial Collective 0418 654 351; thenuptialcollective.com The Outnet theoutnet.com

The Vault Sydney thevaultsydney.com The Wine Emporium thewineemporium.com.au Thomson’s Garden Centre (02) 6362 3191; thomsonsgardencentre.com.au Thonet 1800 800 777; thonet.com.au Three Balls Red @threeballsred Tigmi Trading tigmitrading.com Tile Cloud tilecloud.com.au Top3 by Design top3.com.au Trend Windows & Doors 137 456; www.trendwindows.com.au U Uniqwa (07) 5596 0884; uniqwacollections.com.au V Vanity by Design (07) 3376 6055; vanitybydesign.com.au Vaughan vaughandesigns.com Vickers & Hoad (02) 9699 7887; vickhoad.com Victoria+Albert 1300 737 779; vandabaths.com/aus Villeroy & Boch 1800 252 770; villeroy-boch.com.au Vintage Art Emporium vintageartemporium.com Vynka Hallam vynkahallam.com W Walter G walter-g.com.au Warwick Fabrics 1300 787 888; warwick.com.au Water Tiger watertiger.com.au Waterford Crystal 1300 852 022; waterfordcrystal.com.au Wedgwood 1300 852 022; wedgwood.com.au Whetstone Windows & Doors (03) 9338 7066; whetstonewindows.com.au Winchester Interiors (02) 9757 4315; winchesterinteriors.com.au Winning Appliances (02) 8767 2301; winningappliances.com.au Woodcut (02) 9319 6050; woodcut.com.au Woodstock Resources woodstockresources.com.au Woven Oak wovenoak.com.au Z Zakkia zakkia.com.au Zip 1800 424 344; zipwater.com

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

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A L E X A N DR A H E A R D & HELEENA TR AHA NAS This duo’s online lifestyle and clothing store, Alex and Trahanas, was inspired by their shared love of Mediterranean summers: the seaside trattorias, the delicious food and wine – and the linen garments and ceramic pieces to match. PHOTOGRAPHY Anson Smart

178 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Hair and make-up by Samantha Powell.

H G the creative type


Heleena (pictured left): My grandparents came to Australia by ship in the 1960s. They created a wonderful life here, and their drive and passion for living has influenced me greatly. I have been surrounded by a family that loves to live life to the fullest and celebrate every moment of being. My childhood was filled with mountains of Greek food shared with loved ones – both my grandmothers were very good cooks. I began travelling at a young age and have always been curious about culture and the way people live. Alexandra: My mother and grandmother were both strong, creative women who shaped my love for design, food and fashion. My grandmother, an artist from New Zealand, designed and made all her own (very chic) outfits. She taught my mum – who went on to have a few small fashion labels – and my mother taught me. I was brought up surrounded by rolls of fabric, trims and cutting tables, and we made weekly car trips to suppliers and makers around Sydney. My mother loved to cook and entertain, which was always so exciting to me. It feels very natural to be working among all these things now. The thrill of a finished garment and a beautifully laid table is never lost on me. H: Each day in the office is different, depending on what requires the most attention. But it has to begin with espresso! And something delicious picked up on the way. We’re always discussing what’s next for us – curating and designing new collections, meeting with our local garment makers, planning travel and photo shoots. We’re constantly seeking to create and the days unfold, marked by lunch served in our ceramics out in our courtyard. This truly makes us happy. A: We love listening to music, but we also both enjoy silence – it’s almost meditative when we are deep in the work zone. It depends on the job. H: The biggest challenge was having the confidence to start our own business. Once we launched, we went at it with full force and momentum soon followed, but overcoming the initial self-doubt of ‘will anyone love this as much as we do?’ was really our biggest challenge. A: Our greatest achievement so far is celebrating three years of Alex and Trahanas and also our collaborations with some incredible people and businesses we truly admire, including Louise Olsen with a jewellery collection and Masseria Moroseta with a collection of linen garments. H: We find that work and life are intrinsically intertwined. Both of us love a quote by Charles and Ray Eames, which is ‘take your pleasure seriously’. We seek to do this by constantly creating opportunities to dress up and entertain

with our loved ones, which in turn educates, fuels and inspires our brand and work. A: What nourishes our creativity? Time spent resting, cooking, being in nature or at the beach, travel and seeking out hidden gems, and of course culture in its many forms. H: There are so many artists, architects, and designers we admire. To name a few: John Olsen; Rothko; Pablo Picasso; Rei Kawakubo; Issey Miyake; Cy Twombly; Josef Albers; Giorgio Morandi; Jean Arp; Karl Blossfeldt; Chris Rhodes; Zaha Hadid; Dries Van Noten; Axel Vervoordt; Phoebe Philo; Rick Owens; and Martin Margiela. A: We both love reading Yolo Journal, a US magazine that is currently providing a heavenly escape in lieu of European travel. Our dear friend and avid reader Julie Gibbs also inspires our nightly reading with regular posts of her bedside stack of books. H: My favourite fashion pieces? Our Ischia summer dress in Limone, or the Fruittivendelo unisex shirt and drawstring striped shorts, worn with Louise Olsen x Alex and Trahanas ‘Chifferi’ earrings. A: I love our classic navy travel essentials shirt dress, made from a lovely Italian aloe-verainfused linen. I am also loving the quintessential Italian-summer feel of our Fruittivendelo striped dress, worn with Marni sandals. H: True luxury comes in many forms. There’s the luxury of time and freedom to do the things you love, as well as items or experiences that are authentic, thoughtful and impeccably made. H: A destination we found inspiring was Masseria Moroseta in Puglia, Italy. A sun-drenched, contemporary masseria (country house) set in a landscape of ancient olive trees with views of Ostuni and the Adriatic sea – truly inspirational. A: Our brand is all about experiencing summer year-round. One day, we would absolutely love to make this a reality with a base in both Italy or Greece and Sydney, so we can chase the sun. H: In Sydney, our favourite cafes and bars include Sean’s Panaroma, 10 William, Lucio’s, Dear Saint Eloise, Omeio, Penny’s Cheese Shop and Kindred. # Alex and Trahanas; alexandtrahanas.com.

“The thrill of a finished garment and a beautifully laid table is never lost on me.” Alexandra Heard

FROM TOP Alexandra and Heleena’s curated collection of tableware is designed to elevate the dining experience. Chifferi polished-brass earrings from the Louise Olsen x Alex and Trahanas collaboration. Navy aloe-vera-infused Alex and Trahanas linen shirt. Yolo Journal is a favourite for these two keen travellers. Criss-Cross sandals by Marni. Zesty lemon tones star in the Alex and Trahanas linen range. OPPOSITE Heleena Trahanas (left) and Alexandra Heard, surrounded by their Mediterranean-inspired homewares.


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