Make an understated impression. Available in five neutral colours, from subtle, lighter tones through to bolder, darker hues, COLORBOND steel Matt diffuses light to create a soft and textured appearance. Tested in some of Australia’s harshest conditions, its strength and durability are perfect counterpoints to its designer appearance. Visit COLORBOND.COM/MATT or call 1800 702 764
Discover more at laminex.com.au
EDITORIAL EDITOR Eliza O’Hare CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mia Daminato DEPUTY EDITOR Kate Hassett HOMES GROUP COORDINATOR Matilda Ringrose
ART & STYLE ART DIRECTORS Josie Smith, Katrina Yaxley JUNIOR DESIGNER Sophie Wilson IMAGE RETOUCHER Matus Kundrat MARKET EDITOR Natalie Johnson
FEATURES & COPY SENIOR COPY EDITOR Deborah Grant COPY EDITOR Laura Barry HOMES GROUP PRODUCTION EDITOR Tamarah Pienaar SENIOR DIGITAL WRITER Christina Rae
THANKS TO Sarah Pickette ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION HEAD OF BRANDS Anna Mistilis (02) 9282 8111 GROUP COMMERCIAL BRAND MANAGER Rhonda Maunder (02) 9282 8687 ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 VICTORIA, SA AND WA SALES DIRECTOR Jaclyn Clements (03) 9823 6341 DIRECTOR OF SALES — NSW Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 VICTORIA HEAD OF DIRECT SALES Will Jamison (03) 9823 6301 QUEENSLAND HEAD OF SALES Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING Nick Carson (02) 9282 8369 NEW ZEALAND INQUIRIES +61 2 9282 8505 GENERAL MANAGER — PRODUCTION SERVICES Ian McHutchinson PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Alisha Stoddart PRODUCTION MANAGER Daniella Kalach ADVERTISING PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 SENIOR EVENT MANAGER Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342
MARKETING & CIRCULATION HEAD OF RETAIL SALES AND CIRCULATION Andrew Cohn MARKETING DIRECTOR Louise Cankett SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Jana Williams BRAND MANAGER Sarah Webster CIRCULATION MANAGER Rob McIntosh SENIOR SUBSCRIPTIONS CAMPAIGN MANAGERS Ellie Xuereb, Jesvin Vincent HEAD OF CREATIVE | STORY 54 Clare Catt
BAUER MEDIA CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Brendon Hill CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Andrew Stedwell EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER, PUBLISHING & DIGITAL OPERATIONS Sarah-Belle Murphy PUBLISHER Shane Sutton COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Andrew Cook BUSINESS MANAGER Georgina Bromfield SYNDICATION syndication@bauer-media.com.au
GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES Address Bauer Media, 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9282 8000 Email insideout@bauer-media.com.au Online homestolove.com.au/insideout Facebook facebook.com/insideoutau Instagram instagram.com/insideoutmag Pinterest pinterest.com/insideoutpins
GENERAL MARKETING INQUIRIES Email insideout@bauer-media.com.au
SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Phone 136 116 Online magshop.com.au/inside-out Email magshop@magshop.com.au Post Inside Out, Reply Paid 5252, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
DuraSquare. Striking. Precise. Rectangular. The new bathroom series, DuraSquare, blends the precise edges of the rectangular outer form with soft, organically fl owing inner contours. The washbasin made from DuraCeram® sits on top of a matching metal console, shown here in chrome. The glass shelf provides practical storage space. More information available at www.duravit.com.au
Download our Inside Out app, now available on smartphones and tablets For Apple users, download from the App Store For Android users, download from Google Play Published by Bauer Media Pty Limited (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark Inside Out is the property of Bauer Media Pty Ltd. © 2020. All rights reserved. Printed by Ovato Warwick Farm, 8 Priddle Street, Warwick Farm NSW 2170. National distribution by Gordon and Gotch Australia Pty Ltd. 1300 650 666. ISSN 1835-9631 (print). No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Bauer Media Pty Ltd does not accept responsibility for damage to or loss of freelance material submitted for publication. Allow several weeks for acceptance or return. For enquiries regarding subscriptions, phone 136 116, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm AEST, email magshop@magshop.com.au or mail letters to: Inside Out Reply Paid 5252, Sydney, NSW 2001, or subscribe online at magshop.com.au/insideout. Subscription rate*: Australia $69.95 (one year, 12 issues); NZ A$79.95 (one year, 12 issues); other countries A$159.95 (one year, 12 issues). All overseas subscriptions sent air speed. *Recommended price
EDITOR’S LETTER
FOL LOW US AT
For the best home ideas to spark your imagination insideoutAU
D
epending on their personal style of at-home mooching, I find that people can be categorised as either kitchen people or bathroom people. For the kitchen people, an afternoon of prepping and planning and plotting in the kitchen to a Saturday-afternoon soundtrack is pure bliss. Mastering Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s no-bake Raspberry Ripple Cake (page 134, highly recommended) may be more of a solo pursuit, or it could be with friends and a little gin and tonic, creating a feast to share. That’s their happy place. The bathroom people, however, are a different breed. It’s a slow and steamy bath with maximum self-care, soft towels, mood lighting and delicate calm that they seek at home. So, here’s the thing. If you had to choose to renovate one or the other of these rooms, which would it be? Don’t worry, Shannon Vos addresses this question for us all on page 109. This month, we bring you our Kitchen & Bathroom Special, with 45+ pages of ideas and expert tips to ponder before you renovate. Interestingly, the story that’s become the office favourite this month is Tale Of Three Kitchens, with its delicious suggestions for budget, mid-range and luxe fit-outs. It’s a great place to start if transformation is on your mind… Enjoy!
Be inspired by our curated moodboards @insideoutpins
Your daily renovation and design goals @insideoutmag
WEBSITE
The latest news, inspo and ideas homestolove.com.au/ insideout
NEWSLETTER
Sign up for a weekly dose of inspiration homestolove.com.au/ insideout-newsletter
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Make sure you never miss an issue magshop.com.au/ inside-out
Eliza O’Hare EDITOR / FOLLOW ME @ELIZA_OH
8 | INSIDE OUT
PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISTINA SOLJO. ELIZA IS WEARING BASSIKE, BASSIKE.COM. HAIR & MAKE-UP: ELSA MORGAN. SHOT ON LOCATION AT IN BED, PADDINGTON, NSW
Which is the most important room in your house?
contents
82
October 2020 the cut 23
64 72
THE CUT Mirror perfection that’s a feng-shui must-have
24 NEWS From gloriously vibrant textile collabs to skillets of iron, 26 28 30 32 34
we showcase the latest and greatest design finds THE POWER OF COLOUR In his new book, design hero David Harrison champions the crucial role colours play BEST BUYS: CUSHIONS Plump things up with perfect pillows PROFILE Indigenous artist and photographer Brad Turner reveals how his journey into spirituality helped him heal COLOUR TREND Apple green is a taste sensation STYLE TREND Weave a simple tale of texture and pattern
inside: homes & renovation
82
88
94
100
46 ROUND THE BLOCK After a decade of two TV renovators’ vision
and hard work, an abandoned clubhouse does a full 360 to become their very own slice of Queensland paradise 56 CROWDED HOUSE This thoroughly modern Central Coast home comfortably caters for every single member of its enterprising owner-builders’ multi-generational family 64 BOXING CLEVER Despite a tight budget, a poky 1920s semi is transformed into a light-filled family home with space to gather, thanks to big ideas and professional ingenuity
106 109 112 118
DESIGN SCHOOL A Swedish glass artist and designer has
rediscovered the value of space and solitude in a 19th-century schoolhouse turned beautiful country home KITCHEN DESIGN SPECIAL Three design firms take on the challenge of redefining the heart of the home — with results both practical but playful and stunningly stylish TALE OF 3 KITCHENS We’ve got a reno style to suit your budget, whether you’re looking for an affordable update, a mid-range makeover or a luxe design overhaul BATHROOM DESIGN SPECIAL Studies in timelessness and sanctuary — interior designers work their magic to turn three bathrooms into the perfect space to relax and luxuriate NEAT TRICK Layered with light and lush finishes, a contemporary ‘facelift’ was the icing on this delicious Melbourne cake, refreshed by a designer with a discerning eye I’VE ALWAYS WANTED… A BANQUETTE Built-in seating isn’t just for restaurants and cafes. It’s perfect for home dining, too! KITCHEN VS BATHROOM Shannon Vos helps with the difficult decision when you’ve only got the budget for one BUYER’S GUIDE: SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES How to navigate the maze of tiny-but-mighty kitchen gadgets designed to help ASK AN EXPERT Stylish solutions for all your design dilemmas
46
88 This month It’s all about the two most important rooms in the home: kitchens and bathrooms. From renos to additions, we’ve got them covered
122
34
28 out: gardens & entertaining 122 NATURAL FIT All the right plant choices ensure this relaxed
beachside retreat basks in street appeal as well as privacy 129 RECIPE FOR SUCCESS After 20 years and 12 books, restaurateur Bill Granger knows a thing or two about dining design 134 EVERYDAY SIMPLE Julia Busuttil Nishimura offers some wise words on how to create unfussy family food
regulars 128 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Tap into our special Spring rate 138 LAST WORD Freestanding basin mixers take the floor
on the cover 46 Carlene Duffy: At Home In The Sunshine State 81 88 106 112 122 129 134
Superstar Kitchens & Bathrooms: 45 Pages Of Breathtaking Case Studies, Budgets, Plans, Inspiration & Ideas The High/Low Reno: A Tale Of 3 Kitchens From Budget To Luxe You’re Benched! Banquette Seating 101 Small Appliances To Change Your Kitchen (And Your Life) Planting In Colour: Sage, Olive & Soft Greys Bill Granger On Creating Happy Rooms Summer Simple: New Food From Ostro’s Julia Busuttil Nishimura
our cover look Photographed in her beautiful kitchen near the Queensland/ NSW border, celebrity designer Carlene Duffy talks us through her trickiest renovation to date: the transformation of a decadesold clubhouse into a luxurious, larger-than-life family home. Photography: Mindi Cooke Styling: Sarah Ellison
H A R V E Y
N O R M A N
P R E S E N T S
One perfect day
HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
online | mobile | in store
Embrace the transition to warmer weather from the comfort of the ‘Rimini’ outdoor lounge setting. Made from light acacia timber with rope detailing, it’s beautifully complemented with a matching coffee table or bar setting.
‘Rimini’ 4-Piece Lounge Setting $2499; ‘Rimini’ 5-Piece Rectangular Bar Setting $1799; ‘Banana Leaf ’ Square Cushion - White $29.95ea; ‘Monstera’ Square Cushion - White $29.95ea; ‘Monstera’ Rectangular Cushion - White $29.95ea.
HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
online | mobile | in store
your relaxation essentials Find an excuse to put your feet up and chill out on the sleek ‘Vito’ armchair with matching side table. Features deep grey cushions with piping.
Left ‘Aro’ 9-Piece Round Dining Setting featured in Black $2499 Above ‘Vito’ Armchair featured in Charcoal $599; ‘Vito’ Side Table featured in Charcoal $299.
Summer afternoons are meant to be easy. Retreat with drinks and a grazing platter on this lowline ‘Angkor’ lounge with gently curved arms and oversized charcoal cushions.
‘Angkor’ 3-Seater Sofa $1399; ‘Angkor’ Armchair $599; ‘Angkor’ Coffee Table $499; ‘Angkor’ Side Table $249; ‘Angkor’ Sun Lounge $1199ea; ‘Monstera’ Square Cushion - Black $29.95ea; ‘Monstera’ Rectangular Cushion - Black $29.95ea.
your ultimate retreat
HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
online | mobile | in store
HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
online | mobile | in store
your great outdoors Chase the sun with these luxurious, cushioned ‘Dario’ chairs with matching foot stools and aluminium side table.
Left ‘Dario’ 9-Piece Rectangular Dining Setting $2999 Above ‘Dario’ 5-Piece Chat Setting $1299.
Create your own slice of paradise where everyone is welcome. Family and friends will fit easily around the contemporary grey-topped ‘Paso’ dining table. Extend the party to the ‘Cargo’ lounge setting in powder-coated aluminium with acacia arms and matching tabletop.
‘Paso’ 240cm Rectangular Dining Table featured in Grey $1199; ‘Sami’ Dining Chair featured in Black $129ea; ‘Cargo’ 4-Piece Lounge Setting $1999; ‘Hali’ Square Cushion - Driftwood $19.95ea; ‘Hali’ Square Cushion - Driftwood Stripe $19.95ea.
HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
online | mobile | in store
your secret hideout
SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278
Harvey NormanÂŽ stores are operated by independent franchisees. Furniture prices are valid in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth metropolitan areas only. Prices in other areas will be higher due to additional freight charges.Promotion ends 30/11/2020.
DESIGN | SHOP | PLACES | PEOPLE | SPACES
THE CUT on reflection
It may be the most perfect minimalist round mirror we’ve come across. The Como mirror, created by Beatrix Rowe Product Design, is a Melbournemanufactured masterpiece that sits on a wall hook that can be oriented vertically or horizontally, and comes in a natural, bronzedbrass or powdercoated-metal finish. It is a feng shui must-have and, according to the method of minor additions, can help invite good energy into your space and shift out the bad. Say no more! Priced from $890. grazia&co.com.au
PRODUCED BY RODRIGO RABACO
THE CUT COMPILED BY ELIZA O’HARE
COME TOGETHER
WOMEN’S BUSINESS Victorian homewares brand Kip & Co has collaborated with the Northern Territory’s remote Bábbarra Arts Centre, where seven women artists have created works that will be rolled out into vibrant bedding, cushions, tea towels, aprons and bags. Each print is unique and tells the ancestral stories of Arnhem Land country and culture. KIPANDCO.COM.AU
NOT YOUR REGULAR ROUND-UP JUST A FEW OF THE LOVELY AND UNUSUAL THINGS WE’VE DISCOVERED THIS MONTH…
LIGHT FANTASTIC
Henry Wilson
HOT STONE
FIBONACCI Two new terrazzo releases from Fibonacci in greys, black and pastels bring timeless 1960s vibes. FIBONACCISTONE.COM.AU
24 | INSIDE OUT
In a pair as a bedside ensemble, this jaunty table lamp is on our wishlist. Pillar light in Honey Onyx, from $3000. STORE.HENRYWILSON.COM.AU
LOVE LETTER
HIGH FREQUENCY
INCENSE
AEYRE has released a collection of Japanese-made organic incense sticks, including Sage, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Frankincense and Lavender, $29 for box of 50. RELIQUIACOLLECTIVE.COM/ COLLECTIONS/AEYRE
HETTY McKINNON The creator of Community Cookbook revisits her childhood in To Asia, With Love, an ode to Asian home cooking ($39, Pan Macmillan). ARTHURSTREETKITCHEN.COM/ COOKBOOKS
IN BLOOM
columbines
These bell-shaped buds flower profusely through spring in a variety of colours so you can stuff a vase with a rich, floral rainbow. @SOPHIA_KAPLAN
AIRGARDEN
GREEN KITCHEN Halcyon House’s award-winning restaurant, Paper Daisy, now has an onsite kitchen garden, made possible by movable vertical aeroponic structures manufactured by a Gold Coast team. They require no soil and apparently need 95% less water than a regular garden. According to executive chef Jason Barratt, “It’s been a great way to have access to herbs and greens, without them taking up too much space.” Units retail from $699.
LOCAL HANG
arcade pendant Just the pop of colour needed to elevate any space — but especially effective over a dining table. Check out the hot colour combos of this light, priced from $300, at DOWELJONES.COM
AIRGARDEN.COM.AU
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHARYN CAIRNS (ARMADILLO). STYLING: CLAIRE DELMAR (ARMADILLO)
CUT A RUG
grey all day The disciplined minimalism of Armadillo’s luxurious rugs has spawned a cult following anxiously awaiting this new release: Acacia Rug in Sable, from $1460.
EDITOR FEEDBACK
WROUGHTIRON PAN
TRIED & TESTED
I love the look of a well-used skillet. In fact, I’d love a collection of them in different sizes to suspend over my kitchen bench, but until now I haven’t actually tried one. The AUS-ION ‘Raw’ 18cm wrought-iron skillet is made from one sheet of pure Australian iron and arrives in the mail in a gorgeous golden khaki colour. Not for long. Seasoning the pan requires a series of high-temperature baking sessions — with rigorous oiling inbetween to create that burnished black, naturally non-stick surface. It may take half a day, but it’s worth the effort and I feel completely bonded with my new pan by the time I give it a first test run with some softly sautéed vegetables that turn out beautifully caramelised for a work-from-home lunch. For some revolutionary baking, my next project will be baked garlic focaccia in the pan in the oven, served on a rustic bread board for an impressive tabletop. Love it. The AUS-ION ‘Raw’ 18cm wrought-iron skillet by SolidTeknics retails for $79. SOLIDTEKNICS.COM
ARMADILLO-CO.COM
OPEN HOUSE
little national Opening this month is a brand new hotel sitting above Sydney’s Wynyard Station in the CBD. Designed by Bates Smart Architects with a focus on fivestar luxury at an affordable price, the rooms may be small but they deliver big impact in a top location. WWW.LITTLENATIONAL.COM.AU
PEARLS OF WISDOM
creative collab As if defying gravity, this immersive installation, 219 Spheres by artist Cyril Lancelin, pays homage to the aesthetics of La Prairie’s iconic caviar beads. Inspired by the concept of a beauty that transcends the ages, it celebrates the brand’s Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, reimagined for 2020. LAPRAIRIE.COM
INSIDE OUT | 25
THE POWER OF COLOUR Long-time Inside Out collaborator David Harrison has a remarkable knowledge of design and is our go-to guy for furniture pieces with pedigree. In his new book, A Century Of Colour In Design, he shares his love of colour and how it has influenced modern design Why the particular focus on colour in this book? I had noticed the steady increase in the importance placed on colour in object design over many years. There are many good books on design, however most of these feature pieces that rarely experiment with colour. I wanted to showcase designs that incorporate colour into the design process. There are many contemporary designs that use colour for the pure joy of combining
colours in unconventional ways… look no further than the Stitch chair by Australian designer Adam Goodrum from 2008 or any of the Memphis designs from the 1980s. How difficult was the editing process when you were writing the book? Massively difficult. The first few months of the process were consumed by long lists of possible candidates for inclusion that I then had to massage into great combinations.
How does a wave of colour pick up momentum and become a movement? I think different eras bring out different attitudes to colour and this is what makes certain colours more ubiquitous at that time. What was interesting during the research was just how little importance was placed on colour in the 1990s — it was like the ’80s had used up all the colour and the world was just left with white, black and beige! Any predictions for future colour trends? The only prediction is that restraint won’t be used — at least not for a while anyway! The beauty of design is that it’s constantly evolving and the use of colour will change along with it. And your favourite piece in the book is… Like a parent asked about their favourite child, you can’t really have favourites in a book like this. My favourite piece to write about was the
UP 5_6 chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia in 1968. It was such a fascinating story of radical thinking and brilliant marketing and it was set against a backdrop of the breakdown of a collaboration between two companies and the establishment of a new one. The design’s success was short-lived, but it was reissued by B&B Italia in 2000 and remains a landmark of ’60s design. Few furniture designs have caused such violent reactions as the UP 5_6.
THIS PAGE (from top left) Bau pendant by Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt 2010. UP 5_6 armchair and ottoman by Gaetano Pesce 1968. David Harrison. Wassily (B3) chair by Marcel Breuer 1925–27. OPPOSITE (clockwise from top left) Doshi Levien pages. Tulip chairs by Pierre Paulin 1960–1965. Unikko textile by Maija Isola 1964. Scholten & Baijings pages. Kremlin Bells decanter by Kaj Franck 1957 (left) and Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen 1958. Anemone rug by François Dumas 2012. Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood 2014–18. Sofa 3031 by Josef Frank c1940. Gulvvase bottles by Otto Brauer 1962. Standard chair by Jean Prouvé 1944.
PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL WEE (PORTRAIT), ERIK HESMERG (GULVASSE BOTTLES). IMAGES COURTESY: B&B ITALIA (UP 5_6), BLOOMBERRY (GULVASSE), COOPER HEWITT SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM (WASSILY CHAIR), DRIADE (ROLY POLY), LA CHANCE (ANEMONE RUG), MARIMEKKO (UNIKKO), NORMANN COPENHAGEN (BAU LIGHT), SVENSKT TENN (SOFA 3031), VITRA (STANDARD CHAIR)
THE CUT
A Century Of Colour In Design: 250 Innovative Objects And The Stories Behind Them by David Harrison (Thames & Hudson, $39.99) is available now.
INSIDE OUT | 27
THE CUT
2
4
3 1 5
6
BEST BUYS
cushions
Refresh your living space with a comfy new style statement
7 13 12
8
11 10
9
1 Edna punch needle cushion (50cm), $159, Sage and Clare. 2 Muuto ‘Tile’ cushion in Black and White (50cm), $230, Living Edge. 3 Gemini cushion in Ochre (30cm x 50cm), $79.50, Sunday Society. 4 Hedgerow cushion in Green (50cm), $59.95, Kas Australia. 5 Chelsea ‘Buttercup’ cushion (50cm), $89, Domayne. 6 Monte cushion #8 in Natural (50cm), $210, Pampa. 7 Ferm Living ‘Loop’ cushion in Landscape (50cm), $126, Finnish Design Shop. 8 Boulevard cushion in Bronze (40cm x 60cm), $59.99, Linen House. 9 Creative Muster bouclé sphere cushion in Mustard (28cm), $150, Etsy. 10 Monte bolster pom-pom cushion #11 in Natural (20cm x 90cm), $310, Pampa. 11 Ferm Living ‘Way’ cushion in Off-White (70cm x 50cm), $195, Designstuff. 12 Irida Turkish kilim cushion (50cm), $145, Tigmi Trading. 13 Missoni Home ‘Whitaker’ checked wool-blend cushion (40cm), $275, Matches Fashion.
28 | INSIDE OUT
COMPILED BY NATALIE JOHNSON
INSIDE OUT | PROMOTION
understated elegance Using a complex grey in a room can help create the perfect backdrop for art and furnishings make an impression
ON THE WALLS Porter’s Paints French Green
Striking a balance between gravitas and grace is no mean feat but this sophisticated grey-green with notes of ochre hits the mark in a living room. Tonally, the depth is just right – not too light and not too dark. Create surprise and contrast by pairing this versatile colour with contemporary pinks, muted greens and metallics.
the perfect palette
PRODUCED BY STORY
RUG AND LAMP, BOYD BLUE
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 can make a beautiful statement on their own, or work together in any room or special space.
Porter’s Paints Old Stone Wall
The power of grey lies in its chameleon-like qualities. As a neutral, it will adapt beautifully to any colour you want it to sit beside
THE PERFECT COMPLEMENT
Porter’s Paints Timberline
Porter’s Paints Bayleaf
In a similar palette to Porter’s Paints French Green, Porter’s Paints Old Stone Wall is a slightly lighter iteration while Porter’s Paints Timberline has a deeper green base. For a complementary green, look to Porter’s Paints Bayleaf.
Find the Porter’s Paints Capsule Collection at Bunnings or porterspaints.com
®
THE CUT
PROFILE
brad turner This Bundjalung Country artist takes a spiritual approach to Indigenous art, using a unique mix of colours in his inspiring work Can you explain what you do? I’m an Australian Indigenous
artist and photographer from Bundjalung Country, living on the beautiful coastal border between Queensland and NSW. I use my contemporary style of Indigenous art to build relationships, connect people from all walks of life, and unite communities with my culture. My modern approach uses a mix of earthy, coastal tones and vibrant colours to inspire hope and positivity, often in a form of a ‘Chalahn’ [rainbow]. What inspired you to start a creative business? A few years ago, after a workplace injury, I was in a really dark place. As part of my healing process, I attended a photography workshop to help with my anxiety and depression. This sparked something in me that had lain dormant for years; I was able to reconnect with my creative side and that made me feel ‘whole’ again. Then, in late 2019, I really started to lean into my painting. How did a photography workshop lead you to painting? Initially, my art was a way for me to connect my daughter with her Indigenous ancestors and our deep connection to the land. But it quickly turned into a passion project, and I realised other people wanted to feel that connection, too. My dream job was becoming my reality, even if it was from my dining-room table. I set up online and began to stock prints in amazing stores across Australia. A massive turning point in my career was being given the opportunity to feature my artwork on The Block Shop. 30 | INSIDE OUT
Who are you influenced by? When I was starting out, I was
lucky enough to connect with [artist] Karina Jambrak after she bought one of my original paintings. She has not only been a huge inspiration but has helped and encouraged me professionally. Another inspirational Indigenous creative is Lowy Wright from Salty One Here. I am lucky to own one of his limited-edition prints and it has a special place in our home. What was the most challenging aspect of the business set-up?
The operational side of the business is the most challenging; being able to juggle all the moving parts at once can be difficult. As a creative person, it’s not really something that I like doing, but it is necessary and I’m grateful to have a supportive family and network behind the scenes. Do you have a spiritual connection to your art? Each time I paint, it’s such an intuitive experience. Every piece of artwork has a part of me, a spiritual connection. It’s amazing - I can remember every piece and the unique stories behind them. I thrive on bringing an idea to life but also feel a great sense of responsibility, as an ambassador for my community and culture. What is your creative process or ritual for getting into the right mindset to create? Start with a clear space and an open mind.
I love working from home as it allows me to be completely relaxed and comfortable, getting me into the right mindset to come up with new ideas. Another ritual is to play music. My favourite artist to paint to is Xavier Rudd. How does the commissioning process work for you? Each commissioned piece is one-of-a-kind. It allows the client more flexibility as the artwork can be customised to suit their individual palette, aesthetic and story. The first step in the process is to get a feel for what the client is after; we do this step online by completing a form. This gives me an opportunity to better understand the client. Before I start to paint, I contact
WORDS LAURA BARRY
PHOTOGRAPHY: BRAD TURNER (ARIAH, CHAGUN PRINT), ANDREW THURTELL (BRAD IN STUDIO), ARTJAFARA (LIVING ROOM)
THIS PAGE (from top left ) Framed Kubill Buggerrajung canvas print by Brad Turner, $695 from The Block Shop. Brad and one of his limited-edition prints, Nyunga, from $320, available on his website. Brad can customise denim jackets, like this Kuryana jacket, worn by his daughter Ariah, who’s 10. Framed Chagun Wongara canvas print by Brad, $695 from The Block Shop. Brad working on a commission. OPPOSITE Brad hard at work on a new painting in his home studio.
“A few years ago, after a workplace injury, I was in a really dark place. As part of my healing process, I attended a photography workshop... and reconnected with my creative side. It made me feel ‘whole’ again” BRAD TURNER, INDIGENOUS ARTIST
them personally and discuss any significant or specific details, events or emotions that they want to portray. Once I start to paint, the work will usually be finished within 4–6 weeks. Where do you find inspiration? I get my inspiration from so many places, however it usually comes from brainstorming with my wife. As a family, we love to get out into nature and explore different landscapes so that helps. I also research home trends and palettes for inspiration. What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
Being interviewed by Inside Out is definitely a professional highlight! Also, being featured on 9Now [for The Block] as part of Deb & Andy’s selection of favourite Indigenous artists. What’s next for you? We have some stunning new prints and homewares being released later this year on our website, as well as collaborations with the awesome team at The Block Shop and the fine-art experts at LeftBank Art Group. See Brad’s artwork and prints at bradturnercreative.com
THE CUT
1
TREND COLOUR
apple green
2
3 4
Get some skin in the game with key pieces in this fresh fruity hue 14
5
6
7
13 15
8
9
12 11
10
1 Jam Kink oil bottle in Olive, $160, Jam Factory. 2 Artifort ‘Mushroom P560’ footstool in Divina 3 #956, $1355.20, Ke-zu. 3 Nature In A Jar cleanser, $42, Philosophy. 4 iPhone 11 case in Neon Green, $59.95, The Daily Edited. 5 Vitra coat dots in Green, $145 for 3, Space Furniture. 6 Siirtolapuutarha cotton fabric, $69 per metre, Marimekko. 7 St Barts linen queen quilt cover in Fern Green, $319, Kip & Co. 8 Hay jug in Green with Lilac handle, $71.30, Finnish Design Shop. 9 Hecks ottoman in Vesper Grasshopper, $499, Blu Dot. 10 Etcetera lounge chair in Grass Green, POA, Tigmi Trading. 11 Wendy Fairclough Lead Crystal Fruit apple sculpture, $310, Jam Factory. 12 Baby Bugalugs cotton-fleece children’s sweater, $59, Castle and Things. 13 Vola HV1 basin mixer in Light Green, $878.90, Sydney Bathroomware. 14 Sancal Talo sofa in 102 #387, $3021.80, Ke-zu. 15 Zulta silk/velvet cushion in Peacock Green, $160, Fenton & Fenton.
32 | INSIDE OUT
Come home to Austral Bricks Enduring style. Energy saving efficiency. Everlasting strength in all conditions. Life is better with Austral Bricks.
LEARN MORE AT
australbricks.com.au
A BRAND OF
3
THE CUT
1 TREND STYLE
woven
2
Be inspired by the humble simplicity ty of organic patterns and textures
4 13 12
5
11 10
9
8
7
6
1 Tangali day bed, $4400, Tigmi Trading. 2 Sinnerlig pendant lamp, $99, Ikea. 3 Carl Hansen & Son ‘Cuba’ chair, $1500, Cult. 4 Thalia rattan-handle servers, $49, Inartisan. 5 Ringvide ‘Weave’ cabinet, POA, Criteria. 6 Gemla ‘Vilda 5’ dining chair, $2750, Great Dane. 7 Papaya ‘Cicely’ wide woven basket, $149.95, Aura Home. 8 & 9 Large laundry basket, $289, and Arc lounger, $1100, Worn Store. 10 Monte wool lumbar cushion, $210, Pampa. 11 Fred leather cushion in Tan, $180, Barnaby Lane. 12 Weave Cantania silk/wool rug (200cm x 300cm), $899, Luumo. 13 Agatha rattan and cane bedside table, $599, McMullin & Co.
34 | INSIDE OUT
COMPILED BY NATALIE JOHNSON
H A R V E Y
BEST
N O R M A N
IN
P R E S E N T S
CLASS
T HE BE S T IN CL A S S ENERGY S AV ING P R ODUC T S F ROM T HE HUGE R A NGE OF L E A DING BR A ND S AVA IL A BL E AT H A RV E Y NOR M A N.
ENERGY RATING T H E M O R E S TA R S , T H E M O R E S AV I N G S WHEN COMPARING SIMILAR-SIZED PRODUCTS L OOK FOR MORE S TARS AND SAVE MONE Y
HN.COM.AU/ENERGYEFFICIENCY
online | mobile | in store
160kWh
THE LOWER THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION FIGURE, THE LESS ELECTRICITY THE APPLIANCE USES, AND THE CHEAPER IT WILL BE TO RUN
337kWh
BE S T IN R A NGE
TOP MOUNT FRIDGE
WTB4600W
$10 9 9
T H E F E AT U R E S With a streamlined flat door design, this fridge will look at home in any kitchen. Internally, it offers a full-width humidity controlled crisper bin and a FamilySafe lockable compartment plus SpillSafe glass shelves.
THE BENEFITS The efficiency of the FreshSeal crispers helps to reduce wastage by keeping your food fresher for longer while the FlexStor adjustable door bins gives you complete flexibility for jar and bottle storage.
E N E R GY R AT I N G The WTB4600W is designed to deliver energy benefits through reduced energy usage. It also uses a more eco-friendly refrigerant which helps reduce your household impact on the environment.
EVERY EXTRA S T A R S A V E S 23%
OF RUNNING COSTS ON FRIDGES
390kWh
BE S T IN R A NGE
FRENCH DOOR FRIDGE
M R - L X 6 3 0 E M - G S L- A 2 $ 319 9 T H E F E AT U R E S With a dedicated vegetable drawer, LED control panel and wide chilled case, this Mitsubishi French Door fridge offers a generous 630L of chilled and freezer space. The freezer also features an automatic ice maker which doesn't require plumbing. Comes in black, white or silver finish wth glass front panels.
THE BENEFITS The dedicated vegetable drawer (117L) is perfect for health conscious meal preparation – store ingredients for longer, keeping them as fresh as when they were picked. Wide shelves offer plenty of space for large platters and family-sized meals.
E N E R GY R AT I N G If saving money on household bills is important, this family size fridge will certainly help.
EVERY EXTRA S T A R S A V E S 23%
OF RUNNING COSTS ON FRIDGES
E N E R G Y B E S T I N
E F F I C I E N C Y C L A S S
AU S T R A L I A' S M O S T E N E RG Y- E F F I C I E N T FRIDGE EVER
216kWh
BE S T IN CL A S S
BOT TOM MOUNT FRIDGE H R 6 B M F F 519 B
$16 9 9
T H E F E AT U R E S With its sleek black finish, this sophisticated refrigerator delivers good looks and outstanding features all round. Enjoy a multifunction control panel, electronic temperature control, easy-slide drawer and a twist icemaker for your convenience.
THE BENEFITS The Inverter Compressor Motor offers advanced chilling functions while the reversible doors allow for complete flexibility in your kitchen space.
E N E R GY R AT I N G With Australia's highest energy rating ever for a fridge (six stars*) this model is engineered for efficiency and bill-savings.
EVERY EXTRA S T A R S A V E S 23%
OF RUNNING COSTS ON FRIDGES
* At time of printing.
535kWh
BE S T IN R A NGE
SIDEBY- SIDE FRIDGE HR6SBSFF624SW
$12 9 9
T H E F E AT U R E S Bring the perfect balance of form and function into your kitchen with the Hisense side-by-side fridge - perfect for large families. The flexible water tank offers indoor chilled water and ice while the electronic temperature control and Holiday Powersave function allows you to minimise power usage in low-use periods.
THE BENEFITS The 624L capacity offers plenty of space all year round, including large fruit and vegetable drawers and a modular wine caddy.
E N E R GY R AT I N G The three star energy rating allows you to reduce your power consumption while still enjoying generous storage capacity.
EVERY EXTRA S T A R S A V E S 23%
OF RUNNING COSTS ON FRIDGES
E N E R G Y B E S T I N
E F F I C I E N C Y C L A S S
189kWh
BE S T IN R A NGE
D ISHWASH ER G 7 314 S C U C L S T
$2499
T H E F E AT U R E S Dishwashing is a seamless experience with the superior technology and design behind the new Miele G7314SCUCLST dishwasher. A world-first in dishwashers, it uses an automatic ‘AutoDos’ dispensing system with integrated PowerDisk so you can schedule your wash cycle with a touch of your phone via the Miele@mobile app.
THE BENEFITS The PowerDisk offers exceptional cleaning outcomes, particularly for glassware and silver. It also ensures complete efficiency of detergent usage thanks to a unique Miele granular detergent which guarantees outstanding washing and drying results.
E N E R GY R AT I N G The Miele G7000 dishwasher range offers a 4.5 star energy rating and a 6-star WELS rating for water efficiency.
EVERY EXTRA S T A R S A V E S 30%
OF RUNNING COSTS ON DISHWASHERS
275kWh
BE S T IN R A NGE
TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE
WTG9020V
$999
T H E F E AT U R E S Saving water and energy on every wash can add up, especially for large families and frequent loads. Featuring a TurboDrum to improve the washing action, this LG top load washing machine has a nine kilo capacity. The Inverter Motor (with ten year warranty on parts) ensures constant reliability.
THE BENEFITS The machine has no agitator which allows for more room in the drum while the Smart Diagnosis can troubleshoot via a compatible smartphone and the LG ThinQÂŽ app, saving time and money on unnecessary technician call-out.
E N E R GY R AT I N G Save money on every wash thanks to the 4-star energy rating.
EVERY EXTRA S T A R S A V E S 27%
OF RUNNING COSTS ON WASHING MACHINES
E N E R G Y B E S T I N
E F F I C I E N C Y C L A S S
186kWh
BE S T IN R A NGE
FRONT LOAD WASHER L F 8 E 8 411A
$18 9 9
T H E F E AT U R E S Take your washing to a new level with the AEG front load washer featuring a steam refresh program, Woolmark Green accreditation and an anti-allergy program.
THE BENEFITS AEG's innovative blend of energy-efficient technology and science allows you to transform the washing task; wash with complete confidence knowing that fibres, colours and textures will remain pristine and that even your most delicate garments with be truly protected and last longer.
E N E R GY R AT I N G Wash with confidence that both your clothes and the environment are being looked after thanks to a five star energy rating.
EVERY EXTRA S T A R S A V E S 27%
OF RUNNING COSTS ON WASHING MACHINES
94kWh
BE S T IN R A NGE
DRYER TWF720WP
$2499
T H E F E AT U R E S The Miele Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is an incredibly efficient laundry partner with precise drying outcomes and a generous eight kilo capacity. Households can enjoy 12 drying programmes, an automated 'FragranceDos' fragrance setting and a honeycomb textured drum to deliver gentle garment care.
THE BENEFITS Thanks to heat pump technology the dryer offers a eco-friendly drying solution which reduces the condensation output and effect on furniture and rooms.
E N E R GY R AT I N G With an incredible 10-star energy rating, the Miele TWF72OWP is truly best in class.
EVERY EXTRA S T A R S A V E S 15%
OF RUNNING COSTS ON DRYERS
E N E R G Y B E S T I N
E F F I C I E N C Y C L A S S
SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE HN.COM.AU/ENERGYEFFICIENCY OR CALL 1300 464 278 Harvey NormanÂŽ stores are operated by independent franchisees. Ends 25/12/20.
The look of summer. That’s freedom. IMU/HAVELOCK sofa package + Woven rope frame and solid Eucalyptus timber legs + Foam and fbre-flled cushions for all-day comfort + Cofee table with cement table top
Follow us on Instagram for your style inspiration @freedom_australia
All set for the silly season? The Imu sofa package will ensure
your summer is carefree, comfortable (and stylish!). A striking woven rope frame on timber legs curves around plush cushion seating while the Havelock coffee table’s stylish grey concrete top completes the look. So sit back with your guests and let the good times roll.
Shop online today at freedom.com.au
INSIDE
generation flex
Plenty of room to move makes this big home a ripper
Eco-friendly construction and robust materials such as glass, concrete and steel ensure this multi-generational home on the Central Coast of NSW will withstand the test of time, without sacrificing style or functionality. The restrained palette is brought to life by natural materials and warm tones, but it’s the thoughtful floor plan that really delivers, giving everyone a private place as well as spaces to stay connected. Turn to page 56 for more details.
PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT STYLING VANESSA COLYER TAY
the
block
It took vision, hard work and 10 years for two TV renovators to create their own piece of paradise in southern Queensland WORDS JOANNE HAWKINS STYLING SARAH ELLISON PHOTOGRAPHY MINDI COOKE
WARDROBE STYLING: AUBREE SMITH. CLOTHING, WOLFGANG SCOUT
round
INSIDE | HOME
cheat sheet Who lives here Michael and Carlene Duffy, home renovators, interior designers and TV hosts; their son Paddy, 11, daughter Stella, nine; and four-year-old labrador Harry. Style of home A rundown 1970s brick building that was once part of a health spa, now transformed into a stylish family home. After buying the property in December 2009, the couple spent the next 12 months making the building liveable enough to move in. They added another wing in 2017, and later gutted and refitted the interior of the original structure.
KITCHEN (both pages) Carlene loves this ‘grown-up’ space. The Green Slate cabinetry is by Freedom Kitchens, teamed with Moroccan zellige tiles and Quantum 6 stone (on benchtops) in Pietra Grey and Bianco Classico from WK-Quantum Quartz. Wall light and pendant, Beacon. Table, GlobeWest. Custom booth by Carlene and Michael, built by Dog Thumbs. Vintage chair in Duck Stripe fabric, The Textile & Design Studio. Accessories, Habitat Byron Bay.
INSIDE OUT | 47
his wife Carlene that they check out an unusual property he’d spotted online, she wasn’t overly enthusiastic. For starters, the couple were finishing off the renovation of their home at the northern end of the Gold Coast and the potential new house was 30 kilometres away, in the hinterland of Tallebudgera. They’d also just become parents to their first child, Paddy, who’s now 11. “Moving was the last thing on my mind if I’m honest,” says Carlene, laughing. However, she agreed to take a look and was immediately captivated by the property’s lush semi-rural location. “As soon as we drove into the street, I felt like I was home. It was very alluring.” Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for the property. While it did have a large pool, the house, which had once been the clubhouse for a health retreat, was by then an abandoned, burnt-out wreck. The Duffys, however, could see the long-term potential, both as an investment and as an amazing place to raise their family (daughter Stella was born in 2011). They threw in a “ridiculous” offer and, before they could say, ‘What have we done?’, had sold their renovated home and bought a third of a hectare containing a large concrete slab wrapped around a swimming pool. And an uninhabitable house. It took Michael, an experienced carpenter, a year of working evenings and weekends while they lived with Carlene’s sister to make the house fit to live in. “It was very, very basic,” says Carlene. “We didn’t have any flooring, cabinet fronts or even any benchtops in the kitchen when we first moved in. But we just chipped away at it over time. We had a very love-hate relationship with the house because it did feel like we weren’t getting anywhere with it sometimes. It did test my patience.” It was the desire to win some money to enable them to finish the home that was the driver for the couple taking part in 2014’s The Block Glasshouse. Unfortunately, they walked away with only $10,000, a far cry from the vast sums won by contestants in later seasons. Stage two of the renovation had to wait until 2017, when they were finally able to build a bedroom and bathroom wing on the opposite side of the pool, plus a two-storey brick tower with a rumpus and upstairs guest bedroom. “We always knew we could wrap the house around the pool,” says Carlene, “but our problem was that if we used all of the concrete slab, the house would have been bigger than we knew what to do with.” “However, at that point Michael’s cousin and her partner, who were final year architecture students, came up with the
48 | INSIDE OUT
ARTWORKS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) BY SHERIDAN AUSTRALIA, THE ARTWORK STYLIST (PINK DESERT), LIONEL LINDSEY, PADDY DUFFY, KIMMY HOGAN, PENNY FARTHING DESIGN HOUSE
W
hen Michael Duffy first suggested to
INSIDE | HOME
RUMPUS Carlene hates having a TV in the main living room. This one in the secondary sitting area is camouflaged by the picture wall. Santa Monica sofa, Plush. TV unit and side table, Ikea. Walls painted Resene Mantle. KITCHEN SINK (opposite top) Behind the Chambord Louis sink from Abey are windows that Michael sourced from a 1950s Queenslander. LAUNDRY (opposite below) The bespoke walls are Istinto Levigata by Luxury Wall Finishes. Washer and dryer, both Electrolux.
“I love juxtaposing vintage furniture and artworks with more contemporary pieces and finishes” CARLENE DUFFY, HOMEOWNER/DESIGNER
LIVING Two blue velvet Santa Monica sofas from Plush formed the basis for this scheme, which makes great use of the original concrete floor. Teak hand-shaped chair, Salvation Army. Cork side table, Collectika. Tussah linen on curtains, Unique Fabrics. STAIRCASE (opposite left) This heads down to an as-yet-unfinished area below the main house. Artworks by Vynka Hallam from Kira & Kira. CHILDREN’S ROOMS (opposite right) Both are clad in textured EasyVJ panelling from Easycraft, painted Resene Madison. “I didn’t want every room to be a different colour as you walked down the hallway,” says Carlene. There’s dusty pink linen from Kip & Co in Stella’s, and a framed photograph of the family’s vintage caravan in Paddy’s.
BIBI ANA + CO ARTWORK (LIVING), ABBEY ROAD
INSIDE | HOME
genius idea of carving up some of the slab to create a courtyard, and then connecting the original house to the new part with an internal breezeway.” The next stage of the renovation started in 2019, almost a decade after the couple first set eyes on their “big, beautiful money pit”. The interior of the original side of the house was gutted, and Carlene finally got the slate-green kitchen of her dreams, along with a striking circular dining area that forms one side of the island bench. “I wanted a round table to break up the squareness of that space, and Michael came up with the idea of incorporating banquette seating into the island,” she says. “It’s worked much better than we could ever have imagined.” Describing her interiors style as eclectic, Carlene drew on the mid-century vibe of the house and mixed it with more classical elements, such as decorative skirtings and VJ wall panelling, which are used throughout. “I gave myself a lot of freedom to borrow from any styles that I love. It’s definitely a mash-up,” says Carlene. A big fan of colour, she’s went for a palette of greens, blues and a touch of salmon pink. “I love to live with colour but am not really drawn to brights or pastels. I actually spent a lot of time sampling various shades to make sure I got exactly what I wanted.” After more than a decade, the Duffys’ vision for their forever home has come to life and they can finally relax. “I can’t imagine ever going anywhere else,” says Carlene. “This house was always about the lifestyle, and we’d be absolutely bonkers to do a project for this long and then not get to enjoy it!” Carlene and Michael run a full-service interior design and styling studio called Cedar + Suede. Check it out at cedarandsuede.com.au INSIDE OUT | 51
GROUND FLOOR
18 5 17 13
16
4
15 3
14 12 19 FIRST FLOOR
19 11
7
10 9
1 Entry 2 Kitchen 3 Dining area 4 Living area 5 Deck 6 Office 7 Laundry 8 Powder room 9 Courtyard 10 Rumpus 11 Guest room
MAIN BEDROOM “Our room is at the far end of the house so it’s always quiet and makes me feel like I’m in a cocoon,” says Carlene. The EasyVJ panelling on the walls is painted Resene Mantle. Light, Emac & Lawton. Quilt cover, Sheets On The Line. Black Mountain oak flooring, DecoRug. Artwork by Kara Rosenlund. FAMILY BATHROOM (this page) Carlene wanted the bathrooms to reflect the rest of the house and not feel “cold and hard”. To that end, she limited the White Cloud marble mosaics from National Tiles to the shower and used more EasyVJ panelling on the walls, which are painted Resene Quarter Foggy Grey. ENSUITE (opposite) The black aluminium shower screen was made by a local welder. Vanity in Laminex Natural Walnut topped with Quantum 6 Statuario from WKQuantum Quartz. Basin, Abey. Stool, Bisque Traders.
2
1
6 8
12 Deck 13 Swimming pool 14 Bathroom 15 Bedroom 16 Bedroom 17 Ensuite 18 Main bedroom 19 Breezeway
INSIDE | HOME
lessons learnt “I wish we’d carved a metre off our main bedroom and given it to the kids’ rooms instead” CARLENE DUFFY, HOMEOWNER
“Paddy and Stella’s rooms aren’t small by any means and both have queen-size beds, good wardrobe space and built-in desks. But as they tend to play in their rooms and use them more during the day, the extra space that, in hindsight, we just don’t need in our bedroom, would have been better utilised in theirs.”
INSIDE OUT | 53
“We knew we were a bit bonkers to buy this place but the location was so captivating. I love being surrounded by the ancient gum trees” CARLENE
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Soho velvet ottoman in Burnt Orange, $220, Darcy & Duke. Celine 3.5-seatervelvet sofa, $2490, Trit House. Luxury velvet cushion in Khaki (50cm), $59.95, Aura Home. Palms Clay outdoor cushion (60cm), $290, Bonnie and Neil. Zylone Sheen waterborne interior paint in Madison (left) and Mantle, $101.42 and $94.15 per 4L respectively, Resene. Handcrafted Rani viscose/cotton/wool rug (152cm x 244cm), $799, West Elm. Vanoise wall bracket light in Grey Patina, $219, Schots Home Emporium. Linen single duvet cover in Khaki, $220, In Bed. Orange Blossom Water skin care, $48 for 250ml, Libertine Parfumerie. Gladom metal tray table in Blue (45cm x 53cm), $19.99, Ikea. Vitra ‘Cork Family’ stool, $795, Living Edge.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON
GREAT FINDS
INSIDE | HOME
POOL AREA (this page and opposite right) Across the pool are black and tan bricks from PGH with Weathertex EcoWall cladding. Awning, Peter Meyers Blinds. Arc loungers, Worn. ENTRY (opposite left) The rough-sawn black-timber exterior was inspired by Rodd & Gunn men’s clothing store on Noosa’s Hastings Street. “I always wanted a black house,” says Carlene. “When you live in a lush setting, it blends into the surroundings and is easier on the eye.” Michael made the oversized blackbutt front door.
INSIDE OUT | 55
crowded house
INSIDE | HOME
An enterprising couple on the NSW Central Coast commissioned a simple rectilinear base for three generations of their family to thrive
56 | INSIDE OUT
WORDS JACKIE BRYGEL PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT STYLING VANESSA COLYER TAY
cheat sheet Who lives here Vanessa Speed, a ceramicist; her husband Shaune, CEO of Wastewater Australia; their three youngest children: Thomas, 19, Isabelle, 18, and Oliver, 12; plus kelpie dog Scout and poodle Toby. Style of home A thoroughly modern home in NSW’s MacMasters Beach that provides space, privacy and functionality for a multi-generational family. Three-and-a-half years from design through to completion. The house has been valued at $$$$ around $5 million.
POOL AREA Architect Matt Thitchener designed the house as three pavilions surrounding the pool. For similar chairs, try the Hartman wicker designs at Temple & Webster. EXTERIOR (opposite) The cladding is Scyon Matrix by James Hardie. “Once we decided on it, the house was adjusted to suit the Matrix grid,” says Matt. “This not only reduced wastage, but makes the house easier to read — everything lines up.”
F
amily life is literally a breeze in the bold and beautiful
MacMasters Beach home of Vanessa and Shaune Speed. For the young grandparents, who have five children aged 12 to 31 between them, the “black courtyard house” they lovingly brought to life from the ground up ticks every box on their owner-builder wish list. On almost a hectare of headland at the southern tip of the NSW Central Coast, the home revels in its glorious location with sublime views of the ocean and Bouddi National Park. Yet best of all, perhaps, is the fact that this is a family home in the truest sense. As Vanessa, a ceramicist, says: “We wanted a house that would cater for our growing family, with grandchildren, an elderly mother and also my sister who uses a wheelchair, as well as being operational for our business – with a designated area for an office and an art studio. Our aim was to build a black box-style structure that would nestle into the landscape – a home that would be cohesive, functional, sustainable and also aesthetically pleasing.” Seasoned renovators Vanessa and Shaune were living with their expanding clan in an extended beach shack 200 metres down the road when they realised the time had come to make a move. “After a few years of all living together, and with my mother’s health declining, the children becoming teenagers and our business growing, we decided we needed more space to meet all of our needs,” says Vanessa. “There is little acreage available at MacMasters Beach, so when we discovered this bushland up for sale, we moved heaven and earth to buy it. Through the dense bush, Shaune and I immediately saw the potential of this block.” Calling on the expertise of architect Matt Thitchener, the Speeds were quietly confident that their goal was within reach. “We knew we were going big, and fortunately Shaune and I have completely different skill sets that complement each other in a practical sense,” says Vanessa. “We were both on the same page and knew what we wanted, and Matt was able to translate that into his design. He worked creatively and practically to include his own ideas for things like cross-ventilation, using louvres in the bedrooms and hallways to capture breezes. It was important to us to keep the rooms cool in summer without relying on air-conditioning.” With a declared love of high ceilings and airy zones flooded with daylight, the couple embraced the concept of a ‘courtyard house’ in which the core living spaces wrap around a large central courtyard and pool. Their vision was certainly rewarded. Sleek, dark and ultra-contemporary on the outside, this is a home that is joyously bright and luminous within. “Natural light is extremely important,” says Matt. “Most of the living areas, work spaces and transitional spaces open to the light. There are three distinct zones in the house – the parents’ wing, the kids’ wing and the guest wing. The entry is an impressive doubleheight space with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall glass to both STAIRCASE (top) One of the home’s most striking features is the foyer, with a vertical concrete wall and ‘suspended’ steel steps to the main bedroom. LANDSCAPING (left) The gardens have a mix of bush rock and river pebbles around the paths. KITCHEN/DINING (opposite) Caesarstone Fresh Concrete on the benchtops goes beautifully with the polished pebbled-concrete floor. The cabinetry is Polytec Black Wenge and White Gloss. The dining table was originally owned by Vanessa’s mother. Coogee dining chairs and Avalon stools (not shown), Loughlin Furniture. Walls painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter.
58 | INSIDE OUT
INSIDE | HOME
FIRST FLOOR
25 24
4
26 3
27
19
1
22
7 17 GROUND FLOOR
8
9 10
11
17 Pool 18 Parking 19 Powder room 20 Bathroom 21 Bedroom 22 Home gym
12
13
14
15
16
23 Bedroom 24 Ensuite 25 Main bedroom 26 Balcony 27 Walk-in robe 28 Store room
the north and south elevations, with a sculptural steel and concrete staircase leading upstairs.” Showcasing materials that appear slightly rough around the edges – namely concrete, steel and exposed recycled brick – the interiors are united by a timeless monochromatic base palette. “This enabled us to furnish with colour,” says Vanessa, referencing the burnt-orange leather sofa and peacock-blue vintage armchairs in the core living zone opening to the courtyard and pool. “It also meant we could decorate the gallery-style walls with an eclectic mix of artworks.” Another key aspect of the home is its lush greenery, providing a wonderful outlook and a real sense of privacy. From the outset, the Speeds wanted a garden layered with colour, texture and interest so they hired Costata Landscape Design to incorporate plantings of natives, such as tuckeroo trees and banksias, amid paved and grassy areas. A smaller cottage-style garden, created for Vanessa’s mother using her favourite plants, is sprinkled with fragrant frangipanis, gardenias and magnolias. “We love how secluded the house and garden are,” says Vanessa. “It’s so peaceful and relaxing, and yet we’re only 10 minutes from the shops and two minutes to the beach. My favourite space to chill out is my art studio. It looks over the western side of the national park and the sunsets are breathtaking as they’re framed by the landscaped garden and bushland.” Going solo in the studio is a departure for Vanessa as the rest of her home is often full of people. “It’s very busy, with our children and their friends, our grandchildren and all sorts of other family members and friends constantly coming and going,” she says. “This house is a real hub for our family’s life.” View this and other projects by Matt Thitchener at mtarch.com.au. Costata Landscape Design is at costata.com.au LIVING “The recycled brick wall was a last-minute addition I’m really pleased we ran with,” says Vanessa. “It gives the space an unexpected warmth and presents as a beautiful textured backdrop for our artwork and Chiswick sideboard, which I bought through eBay.” Sofa, King Living. Avalon coffee table, Loughlin Furniture. Artwork by Patsy Payne. MAIN BATHROOM (opposite top) A flower-pattern tile from Coastal Tiles gives the bathrooms a dramatic look. Tapware, Meir. MAIN BEDROOM (opposite below) Vanessa chose a simple bedhead from Adairs. Linen, Eadie Lifestyle. Throw, Temple & Webster. Glass vase, a gift from Vanessa’s sister. Artwork by Patsy Payne.
60 | INSIDE OUT
21
5
6
1 Entry 2 Office 3 Sitting room 4 Art studio 5 Kitchen 6 Butler’s pantry 7 Dining area 8 Living area 9 Bathroom 10 Laundry 11 Bedroom 12 Bedroom 13 Bedroom 14 Ensuites 15 Bedroom 16 Second living area
20
18
2
28
23
INSIDE | HOME
“I prefer natural finishes and textures rather than colours. You can always add splashes of colour to a room later by way of furnishings, artwork and even flowers” VANESSA SPEED, HOMEOWNER
INSIDE | HOME
FROM LEFT Home Republic ‘Malmo Spice’ linen throw, $107.99, Adairs. Stumpy timber stool, from $349, Loughlin Furniture. Fresh Concrete quartz surface, from $550 per sq m (installed), Caesarstone. Tamegroute pottery jug in Yellow, $135, Tigmi Trading. San Selmo reclaimed bricks, $2115 per 1000, Austral Bricks. Scyon Matrix fibre-cement cladding $60 per sq m, James Hardie. Cassidy iron pendant light (50cm), $419, MDA Lighting. GL Goodrum coil pot, $950 (without plant), Garden Life. Bronsen Beni Ourain wool rug (315cm x 173cm), $7400, Tigmi Trading. Coogee timber dining chair, from $715, Loughlin Furniture.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON
GREAT FINDS
bright idea With frameless glass making swimming pools safe as well as beautiful to look at, more homes are being built around them. “The pool is a focal point for this house, not just from an architectural perspective, but also for entertainment and socialisation,” says Vanessa.
lessons learnt “Haste makes waste” VANESSA SPEED, HOMEOWNER
“There’s not a lot of flexibility to change your mind once the build starts, so it’s very important to be 100 per cent confident in your decisions. Think through the entire project and how the home will best suit your circumstances. Plan, plan and then plan some more.”
CENTRAL COURTYARD The solar-heated pool is bordered by travertinetiled spaces and a breezeway linking two of the pavilions. “As well as joining the outdoor sections together, it provides shade during summer, an alfresco escape from the rain, and a bonus area to play table tennis and entertain,” says Vanessa. FACADE (opposite) Both Vanessa and Shaune love their home’s simple construction. “The beauty of this house is that we didn’t need to overburden it with ‘stuff’ internally because the glass and black window trimmings frame the landscape and that’s our focus,” says Vanessa.
INSIDE OUT | 63
BOXING A designer brings real value to the transformation of a poky semi for a time-poor family on a budget
CLEVER WORDS & STYLING ALEXANDRA GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY PRUE RUSCOE
INSIDE | HOME
KITCHEN/DINING Wollongong Blend recycled bricks from The Brick Pit wrap around this area. Benchtops in Caesarstone Fresh Concrete and Quartzite Mont Blanc from CDK Stone. Bok dining table. GlobeWest. Chairs and bench, Koskela. HALLWAY (opposite) Carolyn and her son in the void space. &Tradition ‘Journey’ wall light, Cult. Walls painted Dulux Snowy Mountains Half. Engineered oak flooring in Bistre, Tongue N Groove. Artwork by Delores Furber Napaltjarri.
cheat sheet Who lives here Carolyn Chan, her husband, and their three children aged 11, eight and five. Style of home A 1920s semi on Sydney’s lower north shore that’s been opened up and filled with natural light without expanding the existing footprint. Construction commenced in July 2018 and took a year to complete.
INSIDE OUT | 65
M
any people find their architects and
“Remnants of bricks from the existing chimney in the internal courtyard were our starting point. We connected new recycled bricks to the old, carrying them through into the internal space” TAMMY MICONI, INTERIOR DESIGNER
66 | INSIDE OUT
designers through word of mouth. But nothing speaks as loudly to a prospective client as a first-hand experience of a well-executed space. A visit to a friend’s newly renovated home was a defining moment for Sydney’s Carolyn Chan. “It was like nothing I’d seen before in our area; the aesthetic was so unique and refreshing and a clear deviation from the stock-standard designs I’d seen elsewhere,” she explains. “We were about to embark on our own renovation, and I knew I wanted to work with Lot 1 Design.” Carolyn had obtained a DA for transforming the twobedroom semi into a four-bedroom home that would better suit her family of five. “It was very poky and there was no open space for them to gather,” recalls Tammy Miconi, the principal of Lot 1 Design. Neither the original house nor its later additions were designed to maximise the northern aspect. “The place was very dark and there was no natural light, so they had lots of issues with damp,” says the designer. What the house did have going for it was the location and size of the block. “They were umming and aahing about renovating it or just finding another home. They looked but couldn’t find anything that really met their needs in terms of the area,” says Tammy. “It was on a large block so they could easily gain enough space for the five of them, and for the children to grow into it, so it made sense for them to renovate in the end.” Busy with work and family, Carolyn was happy to hand over the reins to Tammy to bring it all together stylishly on a budget. Not a lot remained in the concept that was designed by Neil Haybittel for DA and bought to life by Tammy, architect Peter Valencic and Richards Building Co. “The facade was retained to mirror the neighbouring semi, but apart from the two front rooms, the rest was gutted and rebuilt,” says Tammy. Transitioning the house from old to new at ground level is a double-height void (next to an internal courtyard), which opens to a large light-filled combined kitchen/dining and living room
INSIDE | HOME
13 11
14
GROUND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
10
8 7
9
12 16
4
5
15
6
2
3
OBJECTS ON SHELVES, LUUMO
1
1 Entry 2 Media room 3 Bedroom 4 Atrium 5 Powder room 6 Laundry 7 Kitchen 8 Dining area 9 Living area 10 Deck 11 Main bedroom 12 Ensuite 13 Bedroom 14 Bedroom 15 Bathroom 16 Void spaces
LIVING AREA The slimline window seat doesn’t detract from the outlook at all. Soho sofa, Life Interiors. Missoni cushion and Nelson ‘Ball Bubble’ pendant, Spence & Lyda. Tobi-Ishi coffee table, Space. Fireplace wall, Rockcote render. Agra rug, Armadillo. Haiku fan. OUTDOOR SERVERY (opposite) Bifold windows at the end of the kitchen make light work of handing out food and plates. B&B Italia ‘Jens’ stools, Space. Ro Design vase, Spence & Lyda. KH Würtz plates, Ondene.
INSIDE OUT | 67
ENSUITE (this page and opposite) Core Shade porcelain tiles in Cloudy Natural from Artedomus have an almost ethereal quality. Cassina ‘523 Tabouret’ stool, Space. Saardé towel and Frama bath product, Oliver Thom. Society hand towel, Ondene. &Tradition ‘Mega Bulb’ pendant, Cult. Ro Design glass vase, Spence & Lyda. MAIN BEDROOM (opposite) Joinery in Dulux Tranquil Retreat keeps the calm in here. Quattro surface-mounted American-oak door pulls from In-Teria. &Tradition ‘Catch’ easy chair, Cult. Society linen and throw, Ondene. Mater ‘Liuku Drop’ pendant light, Finnish Design Shop. Vase, Spence & Lyda. Levante loop-pile carpet in Felucca, Cavalier Bremworth.
68 | INSIDE OUT
that spills out onto a deck and lawn. Upstairs is the main bedroom and ensuite, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Bricks that were uncovered early in the process formed the genesis of the design. “Remnants of bricks from the existing chimney in the internal courtyard were our starting point,” says Tammy. “We connected new recycled bricks to the old, carrying them through into the internal space.” The strong tactility of this material led to a restrained approach to the kitchen joinery detailing and finish. Tammy cleverly integrated ample storage despite the fact that full-height cupboards were kept off the ceiling to continue the visual effect of the brick. “Carolyn was amazed to find that she still had a couple of spare drawers when she moved everything in,” says Tammy. The family love to entertain so they were happy to splurge on what they knew would become the hub of their reimagined home. “Finishing the island bench differently to the main kitchen really allows it to stand alone as a single element where family and friends can gather,” says Tammy, who selected a natural quartzite for the benchtop to compliment the engineered stone workspace behind. “Even the mundane tasks are easy and enjoyable in this beautiful and functional kitchen,” says Carolyn. Hardworking details and practical finishes have been seamlessly combined to achieve a house that is an ingenious mix of style and function. The white shelving in the living room is animated by objects rather than design flourishes. In this same area, a window seat and servery are other invaluable features. A dark ridged sliding door to the store cupboard creates a visual link to the kitchen while cleverly concealing brooms, school bags and general clutter. Elsewhere, designer light fittings elevate inexpensive elements, such as the simple pendant lights against the grey porcelain tiles in the bathrooms. “Lot 1 was able to source some stunning, bespoke pieces within our budget that gave our home a ‘wow’ factor we could never have achieved on our own,” says Carolyn. A good working relationship is often the secret to a successful project, and that was certainly the case here. “They are great clients,” says Tammy. “They knew what they wanted and put trust in me to make the best selections with their budget in mind.” This respect seems mutual. “When the builders were handing over, Carolyn turned to me and said, ‘I don’t ever want this to end,’” recalls Tammy. Not only has the process been enjoyable for everyone, the place looks great and works day to day as well as when entertaining family and friends. See more of Lot 1’s projects at lot1design.com.au and @lot1design. Richards Building Co is at richardsbuilding.com
INSIDE | HOME
“Lot 1 was able to source stunning, bespoke pieces [such as designer lights and handles] within our budget that gave our home a wow factor we could never have achieved on our own” CAROLYN, HOMEOWNER
INSIDE OUT | 69
INTERNAL COURTYARD Spotted gum decking goes perfectly with the aluminium doors and windows from Hanlon Windows. Jeanette sofa, SP01. EXTERIOR (opposite) “The family didn’t extend the footprint of the home because they didn’t want to lose any of the yard,” says Tammy. “But simply opening up the space at the rear has given them much more room.” Standing seam metal cladding in Colorbond Monument.
GREAT FINDS
bright idea
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT Artifort leather butterfly chair, $5200, Spence & Lyda. Round porcelain vase (27cm), $227, Mud Australia. Tina Frey side table, $950, Oliver Thom. Agra rug in Kingfisher (2.4m x 3m), $4500, Armadillo. Linen double duvet cover in Petrol, $150, Bed Threads. &Tradition ‘Catch’ easy chair, from $3850 (in fabric or leather), Cult. Habibi stainless-steel side table, $1635, Living Edge. San Selmo reclaimed bricks, $2115 per 1000, Austral Bricks. Dulux Wash&Wear paint in Tranquil Retreat, $49.90 per 1L, Bunnings. Gubi ‘Ronde’ aluminium pendant light, $709, Luumo.
70 | INSIDE OUT
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON
The central courtyard creates a unique connection to the external elements. “When it rains you feel so connected to the outside,” says Tammy, “and then it’s a magical feeling in the afternoon as the sun sets over the existing chimney and brick wall.”
INSIDE | HOME
lessons learnt “We worked around a tricky design issue” TAMMY MICONI, INTERIOR DESIGNER
“The courtyard in the middle of the house was going to be properly landscaped with a green wall, but we couldn’t do that because of a drainage issue and ended up with decking and utilising pot plants to green up the space. If there was one thing I could change about the renovation, it would be that.”
INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION
design school
Glass artist Gunnel Sahlin found a country home in Sweden that taught her the value of space and solitude WORDS DEBORAH GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY JOHAN SELLÉN STYLING GILL RENLUND
cheat sheet Who lives here Artist and designer Gunnel Sahlin, with her cat, Findus. Style of home A schoolhouse in Sweden’s Sörmland that was built some time before the 1890s. A new room was added to the upstairs apartment in the 1930s, and the owner before Gunnel did some renovation work. Gunnel moved in at the end of 1998 and took her time refurbishing the property.
EXTERIOR The converted schoolhouse as seen from the drive, with the kitchen on the right, its external walls almost covered with Boston ivy. A more formal entrance can be accessed from the left side. Owner Gunnel Sahlin’s 1969 MG sportscar is ideal for quick trips to Stockholm. SIDE DOOR (opposite) Gunnel with her loyal cat, Findus, on the timber steps leading out to the garden, added about 10 years ago.
INSIDE OUT | 73
INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION
I
n 1998 Swedish designer and artist Gunnel Sahlin was
on the hunt for a new home to double as her studio when she found an old school building on a hill overlooking the pastoral landscape of Sörmland. As she stepped into the former schoolroom and natural light poured into the beautiful space, it was easy to imagine herself working creatively where local children had once started (and sometimes finished) their education. Gunnel is among Sweden’s top glass artists and features in some of the country’s most prestigious private commissions and commerical projects. As well as exhibiting internationally, she has collaborated with Kosta Boda and Ikea, and has even designed rugs for high-end rug store Kasthall. To keep on top of the demand, she wanted to live and work in the same place and the schoolhouse is perfect for that. Gunnel has two rooms above her 90 square-metre art studio, which once comprised the teacher’s apartment, so inspiration is always close to hand. When friends or family stay over, they are offered the spare bed downstairs in a corner of the studio, near two white tables loaded with glass and other art materials. Spatially, not much has changed since Gunnel moved in, apart from a new bathroom that’s been created in the corridor where satchels and coats were once hung. In the hall leading to it, the floorboards are so worn by children shuffling through over time that small bumps have developed — marks of character that Gunnel loves. Next door is the dining room, where she added a new door and steps down into the garden not long after moving in. At the same time, the artist also installed a central heating system, a series of retro-style cast-iron radiators that are are stylistically in keeping with the building. “I wanted to be faithful to the soul of the house, and to create a certain harmony with it,” she says. More recently, many of the surfaces have been painted in soft neutrals and blue hues from UK paint company Farrow & Ball. The hallway near the kitchen Gunnel installed (when she moved in, there was only a small upstairs kitchen with no eating area) is a colour she mixed herself. During the renovation, she discovered no less than 12 layers of wallpaper and, under that, plaster on the solid timber walls — an exciting find. “I see the house as something living,” says Gunnel. “Sometimes I take away something or put up something new; it is a way of expressing myself. I surround myself with things that inspire and also nourish my work process.” Outside is no less of a delight. The fantastic garden that surrounds the house is Gunnel’s own creation completely. In the beginning, there was nothing — even the soil was gone — but now there’s a wonderful balance between rough and wild, and restrained and pruned. First, she cleared a space for growing vegetables and herbs, and later added a greenhouse. Where the land slopes down towards the road, she thinned out some of the overgrowth and discovered a flat surface where there had once been a lilac arbour. Gunnel decided to build a pavilion there, using windows and doors made by an equally crafty neighbour. This is where she entertains in summer, with her guests treated to bucolic views of the surrounding fields. Check out Gunnel’s work and inspiration at gunnelsahlin.com
KITCHEN (both pages) This space is a mix of classic and contemporary, with cupboards in some sections dating back to the 1890s and others purchased from Ikea after being modified (made 20cm shallower). Slotting in next to the sleek white Smeg refrigerator is a more rustic oak table, an antique bench bought in Gemla, chairs by Thonet and a stool from Ikea. The artworks are by Gunnel and some of her friends.
INSIDE OUT | 75
lessons learnt “It’s okay to make plans and then change them” GUNNEL SAHLIN, OWNER/ARTIST
“This place was originally intended as a summer house, where I could work when I needed to, but the light and character convinced me to live here permanently. As it’s only 120 kilometres south-west of Stockholm, I can still be in the city quite quickly when I want to.”
LIVING ROOM (all images except far right) This is more of a grown-up space, perfect for evenings. Great Ash velvet sofa from Eilersen. Black chair and coffee table, vintage finds. Against the internal wall is: a 19th-century oak console featuring a pink glass vase by Gunnel. Painting (on the wall) by Tommy Östmar and photograph by Lars Grönwall. Artwork (beside slip-covered white chair), also by Gunnel. STUDIO HALLWAY (opposite, top) Like generations of children many years before her, Gunnel hangs up her coats along the wall. At the back is an old-style cast-iron radiator, its paint flaked off long ago.
INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION
INSIDE OUT | 77
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT In The American West photography book by Richard Avedon, $475, Amazon. Vulca mini vase in Off White Stone, $27.54, Mr And Mrs Designer. Monsoon wool and bamboo rug (300cm x 240cm), $5990, Designer Rugs. Kado ‘Era’ acrylic bath (1700mm), $2276, Reece. Harrison adjustable floor lamp in Bronze, $179, Beacon Lighting. Sika Design ‘Nanny’ rattan rocking chair, $1250, Domo. City Scape Night cushion in Charcoal (35cm x 50cm), $113, Shibori. Mira ‘Ana’ linen bedcover, $355, Cultiver. Perrin & Rowe ‘Deco Bath’ chrome-plated brass filler (on legs), $3950, The English Tapware Company. Dulux Wash&Wear acrylic paint in Sell Out (blue) and Vivid White, both $91.55 per 4L, Bunnings.
78 | INSIDE OUT
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: KATRINA YAXLEY
GREAT FINDS
INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION
STUDIO Gunnel works from white tables she designed for the centre of the space. On display are pieces she’s made and collections such as a series of Modernist trolleys. “I have been to quite a few flea markets over the years,” she confesses. The worn floor is painted a forgiving grey. BATHROOM (opposite top) Once a corridor, this room is lined with reconditioned benches, cupboards and shelves. The traditionalstyle bath, wash basin and tiled floor are new. GUEST CORNER (opposite below) A Josef Frank cushion from Svenskt Tenn adds interest to the white bed. Rocking chair, made by Gunnel’s great-grandmother.
live
FOR SUMMER Create a space that realises the infinite potential of your home, with stylish lighting that invites you to relax, entertain and live brighter all year round.
RIVIT LED colour-shifting, dimmable pendant in brass – $995. Price correct at time of printing.
NEED
advice ?
Our Beacon Design Studio lighting designers can transform your home or commercial space into a designer dream. We’ll create a customised lighting plan to help you live brighter and love the space you’re in. Book your consultation in-store or online at beaconlighting.com.au
KITCHEN & BATHROOM RENOVATION CASE STUDIES
the best in
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY MARTINA GEMMOLA
1
VISUAL FEAST
Katherine Siketa of Keta Interiors turned a small Melbourne kitchen into a practical but playful space with plenty of personality
perfect in pink The overhead cupboards and wall are a 2-pack matt finish in Dulux Potter’s Pink (half strength), providing on-trend colour that is bold yet soothing, without being overly feminine.
temperature check Engineered-oak flooring in a mid tone provides visual warmth for the space, in contrast to the cool grey cabinets and stone. Timber is also physically warmer underfoot than a tile choice.
WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY MARTINA GEMMOLA
INSIDE | RENOVATE
tracking black Black track lights and LED strip lights have been used for task lighting, while pendant lights in organic shapes provide texture and warm ambient light that softens the hard materials.
stylish storage Panelled cabinetry in Dulux Malay Grey occupies a full wall of the kitchen. As well as ample storage opportunities, there’s a hidden drinks station for cocktails.
GET THE LOOK 1
2
3
4
5
“The client wanted natural stone, grey tones and a pop of colour that pushed the boundaries”
6
7
KATHERINE SIKETA, DESIGNER 8
1 Turbine Grey quartz surface, from $900 per sqm (installed), Caesarstone. 2 &Tradition ‘Formakami’ JH4 pendant light, $410, Cult. 3 Phoenix Vivid slimline gooseneck sink mixer in Matte Black, $396, Cass Brothers. 4 Smeg 600mm Classic Thermoseal pyrolytic oven in Matte Black, $2117, Harvey Norman. 5 Dulux Wash&Wear paint in Potter’s Pink (half strength), $94.40 per 4L, Bunnings. 6 Series 15cm bowl in Black, $5.97, Freedom. 7 Abode Alpha flooring in Wandella Oak, from $38.50 per sq m, Choices Flooring. 8 Tierra tall bowl in Chalk, $17.95, Freedom.
designer details Keta Interiors is based in Melbourne, Victoria. See more of Katherine’s design work and aesthetic @ketainteriors INSIDE OUT | 83
statement maker To the homeowners’ delight, Jillian created an expansive one-metre-high Superwhite Dolomite splashback from Granite Marble Works, to allow the cylindrical Falmec rangehood to pop against the dramatic veining of the stone used throughout. Sculptures on shelf by Natalie Rosin.
2
MONOCHROME MIGHT
A single-minded contemporary approach by terrace-house specialist Jillian Dinkel was ideal for this stunning Sydney kitchen
learning curves Custom-stained American Oak veneer, installed by builder Prekaro Projects, was placed in an artful curve around the island bench to create more space and subtle intrigue in the relatively small space.
WORDS KATE HASSETT PHOTOGRAPHY PABLO VEIGA
INSIDE | RENOVATE
“The details have made all the difference in creating a truly unique, bespoke home” JILLIAN DINKEL, INTERIOR DESIGNER
vivid dream Working with a limited footprint, clever cabinetry was a must for Jillian’s client. She chose Dulux two-pack polyurethane in Vivid White for the wall of cupboards, which conceals almost all of the kitchen’s gadgets.
finishing touches Smart inclusions such as a stainless-steel back bench provide a low-maintenance solution to messy prep work. The sleek matt-black tapware is from Astra Walker, and the cool colour palette is given a soft touch with Grazia & Co ‘Iva’ stools upholstered in sheepskin.
6
7
3
PREKARO PROJECTS: PREKARO.COM.AU
GET THE LOOK
1 5 2 4
1 Salt & Pepper ‘Refine’ pedestal bowl in Black, $89, Domayne. 2 Natalie Rosin Maquette 5 sculpture, $490, and Maquette 8 sculpture, $380, Curatorial & Co. 3 Superwhite Dolomite marble surface, POA, Granite Marble Works. 4 Icon mixer in Matt Black, $634, Astra Walker. 5 Falmec canopy rangehood in Polar White, $1790, Winning Appliances. 6 PureGrain laminate in Terril, from $113.52 per sq m, Laminex. 7 Iva bar stool with Mannex Black frame and Brindle leather seat, from $870, Grazia & Co.
designer details Jillian Dinkel Designs is based in Mosman, NSW. To see more of her work, visit jilliandinkel.com or @jilliandinkeldesigns INSIDE OUT | 85
INSIDE | RENOVATE
3
TONAL TRIUMPH
Kennedy Nolan collaborated with Laminex for this Melbourne kitchen of soft curves and subtle contrasts
the materials
When Kennedy Nolan principal Rachel Nolan was tasked with creating a kitchen that showed off Laminex’s Colour Collection, she immediately began thinking about curved forms. “Laminex can be very flexible,” she says. “You can curve it; you can cut it into shapes.” Consequently, the most eye-catching elements in the kitchen – the curved cupboard doors and dual drum-shaped legs of the kitchen island – are all crafted from Laminex laminate. “Typically, in our kitchens and fancier projects at the moment,” Rachel explains, “people are using timber veneers and solid timbers and stone. Laminex has a reputation for being something cheaper, so there was certainly a desire to show how it can be used beautifully and innovatively as well.”
the palette
For the kitchen island, the benchtop and the main cupboard doors, Nolan used two subtly contrasting shades of Laminex: Paper Bark and French Cream. A third shade, patterned Whitewashed Oak, was deployed on other cupboards and shelves. “All of the colour contrast is quite quiet in this kitchen, because there are a few things going on; if it was all very loud, it might look too busy,” says Rachel. Instead, she heightened visual interest by using a range of other textures, including Japanese ceramic tiles (on one wall) and a timber rod for hanging utensils. “We carefully considered a mixture of textures so that you can really enjoy the smooth, man-made quality of Laminex,” she says. “The perfect quality of the laminate can be appreciated when it’s beside something more rustic, and vice versa. The collision of all those materials heightens their qualities.”
WORDS DAN F STAPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY DEREK SWALWELL
1 Muuto ‘Nerd’ seamless plywood bar stool, $910, Living Edge. 2 Low-sheen laminate in Paper Bark, from $81.07 per sq m, Laminex. 3 Voda square stainless-steel sink mixer, $992.20, Sussex Taps. 4 Whitewashed Oak woodgrain laminate, from $86.57 per sq m, Laminex. 5 Inax ‘Renga Border’ REB4 ceramic tiles, $314.60 per sq m, Artedomus. 6 Chasseur ‘Escoffier’ tri-ply copper-covered saucepan (18cm), $249, Living By Design. 7 Robert Gordon ‘Mason’ mini dish in Khaki (6.5cm), $3.99, Living By Design. 8 Muuto New Nordic ‘Ridge’ earthenware vase in Off-White (48.5cm), $319, Top3 By Design.
GET THE LOOK 2
3 4
1
5
6
8 7
designer details Kennedy Nolan is based in Fitzroy, Victoria. See projects by the studio at kennedynolan. com.au or @kennedy_nolan INSIDE OUT | 87
INSIDE | RENOVATE
tale of 3 kitchens
BUDGET VS LUXE One kitchen reno, three budgets — how to get the most bang for your buck from an affordable update, a mid-range makeover and a total redesign
budget renovation
Changing what you can — and disguising what you can’t — is key to creating maximum impact for minimal outlay in your kitchen
K
eeping your existing cabinetry and updating it with paint,
new tapware and on-trend handles can save you serious cash, particularly if you’re happy doing the hard graft yourself. Cosmetic updates along those lines can breathe new life into a dated kitchen and will cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to about $3000, depending on what’s involved, says renovation broker Blake Riley, director at Blakes of Sydney. Paint gives you the most bang for your buck when you’re on a shoestring budget. You’ll find specialist paint finishes to spruce up everything from laminate benchtops, cabinetry, tiles and even the fridge, made by brands such as White Knight and Dulux (from its Renovation Range). According to Dulux, you can do up a whole kitchen for less than $600. “Pale greys and darker shades, such as navy, are right on-trend for cabinetry right now,” says Kitty Lee, the principal at Sydney’s Kitty Lee Architecture. Or, add a show-stopping splashback. “Tiles are an inexpensive splashback material and can really add warmth and character to a kitchen,” says Blake. “They work out at about a third of the cost of glass, and even more when compared with a natural stone such as marble.” Pair your splashback with new cabinetry handles and statement tapware. “Consider matt black, brushed nickel or brushed brass as an alternative to shinier chrome styles,” says Kitty. You can pick up fashionable matt-black or brushed-gold tapware from $355, according to Daniela Santilli, merchandising leader for bathrooms and kitchens at Reece. “To keep costs down, replace with like for like in terms of the outlet and its location on your benchtop,” she says. “And always use a licensed plumber to install your new tapware.” Good lighting is another smart investment. “LED lights under wall cabinets allow you to see what you’re doing when you’re cooking, and provide a soft lighting option when you’re entertaining – for as little as $500 installed,” says Blake.
WORDS GEORGIA MADDEN
1
5 6
4 7 2 8
3 19
HOW TO KEEP COSTS DOWN Some smart ways to keep kitchen renovation costs to a minimum, according to architect Kitty Lee: + Retain the existing walls and structure. + Keep the plumbing in the same locations. + Opt for open shelves rather than overhead cabinets.
PHOTOGRAPHY: DEREK SWALWELL (THIS PAGE), HANNAH BLACKMORE (OPPOSITE). STYLING: BREE LEECH (THIS PAGE)
18
9
10 11
15
13
17 16
14
12
1 Mod Penny Round glazed porcelain tiles with a matt finish, $9.40 per 291mm x 315mm sheet, Beaumont Tiles. 2 Mondella ‘Rococo’ square single bowl sink, $259, Bunnings. 3 On cabinetry and benchtop: Laminate surface in Spinifex, from $81.07 per sq m, Laminex. On island bench base: Laminate surface in Carrara Marble, from $84.15 per sq m, Laminex. 4 Muuto ‘Grain’ pendant lamp in Blue Grey, $275, Living Edge. 5 Lumbersider waterborne low-sheen paint in Athens Grey, $97.56 per 4L, Resene. 6 Lumbersider waterborne low-sheen paint in Atomic, $103.57 per 4L, Resene. 7 Mondella ‘Resonance Vegie Spray’ stainless-steel sink mixer, $218, Bunnings. 8 Grand Portobello Silk tile, $247.51 per sq m, Beaumont Tiles. 9 Laminate surface in Fresh Spring, $81.07 per sq m, Laminex. 10 Henley T-Bar drawer pull in Satin Nickel, $24.95, Hepburn Hardware. 11 Halifax knob in Satin Nickel, $19.95, Hepburn Hardware. 12 Coogee Kit Kat porcelain mosaic tiles in Antique Green, $133 per sq m, Tile Cloud. 13 Palm Beach porcelain encaustic-look tile in Blue, $55 per sq m, Tile Cloud. 14 Memo Sia Sensor gooseneck sink mixer in Matte Black, $988, Reece. 15 Halifax hooded cup pulls in Satin Nickel and Carbon Black, $34.95 each, both Hepburn Hardware. 16 Moisture-resistant 18mm MDF finished door in Dulux White Cloak Quarter satin finish, $115.39, Sydney Doors. 17 Shaker polyurethane 2-pack coated MDF door in Dark Sage (custom coat), $189, Ren Studio. 18 Laminate surface in Oyster White, from $81.07 per sq m, Laminex. 19 Laminate surface in Tornado, from $81.07 per sq m, Laminex.
INSIDE OUT | 89
5
INSIDE | RENOVATE 1 7 2 4 6
3
8
9 10
11
12
17
16
15
20 14 19
13
18
1 Premium melamine in Ghost Ash, from $61 for a cabinet door, Kaboodle. 2 LeMans corner shelf system, POA, Freedom Kitchens. 3 Metallic paint in Blast Grey 3, POA, Resene. 4 Zylone low-sheen acrylic paint in Alabaster, $97.56 per 4L, Resene. 5 Mini Stack White Edge glazed porcelain mosaic tiles with gloss finish, $25.73 per sheet (30cm x 30cm), Beaumont Tiles. 6 Hay ‘30 Degrees’ pendant light, $300, Cult. 7 Galangal ceiling lamp, $195, Domo. 8 Bodbyn fibreboard door in Off White, $65, Ikea. 9 Rugged Concrete 4033 surface from the Supernatural Range, from $650 per sq m, Caesarstone. 10 Voxtorp kitchen in high-gloss white, $2845 (excluding appliances), Ikea. 11 Circa basin high sink set in Recycled Brass, $1067, Sussex Taps. 12 Westinghouse 600mm dark stainless-steel multifunction oven, $949, Harvey Norman. 13 Empira White 5151 surface, from $1000 per sq m, Caesarstone. 14 Graf T knobs in Dull Brushed Nickel, $13.53, and Brushed Black, $13.71, Momo Handles. 15 Basalt Supermatt laminate benchtop, from $167 per linear metre, Kaboodle. 16 Salty Oak premium melamine cabinet door, from $61, Kaboodle. 17 Wattleseed premium melamine cabinet door, from $61, Kaboodle. 18 Eneryda handle in aluminium with a polyester powdercoating, $12 for two, Ikea. 19 Dorf Vixen Black retractable sink mixer, $318, Bunnings. 20 Hisense ‘HRCD512SW’ 507L four-door French door fridge, $1499, Harvey Norman.
90 | INSIDE OUT
OTHER COSTS TO FACTOR IN
mid-range renovation
PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS WARNES (THIS PAGE)
A moderate budget can mean more possibilities. Think flatpack kitchens with designer upgrades, smart storage and on-trend touches Flatpack kitchens are the darlings of mid-priced kitchen renovations, and for good reason – you can pick up a goodlooking Ikea kitchen from around $2700 (excluding appliances) and DIY install it in three or four days, provided you have the tools, an extra pair of hands and plenty of stamina. Flatpacks are also more customisable than you might think; Ikea has over 20 different door options, including one made of recycled PET bottles. You can mix and match different benchtops, sinks, tapware and appliances for a unique look. Optional extras include push-open drawers and integrated appliances. Kaboodle offers melamine doors in a variety of finishes (including textured timber-look and super-matt), benchtops in all sorts of laminates (which look like stone, marble, concrete and timber), and smart storage (such as pull-out wireware systems and corner rotating baskets). You can also tailor the width of selected doors, panels and benchtops to fit your kitchen. If your cabinetry is in decent condition, but the doors are dated – or if you want to give your off-the-shelf kitchen a designer edge – consider swapping them out. Companies such as Ren Studio make stunning cabinetry and drawer fronts (think VJ and Shaker panelling in plywood and a soft, super-matt finish) and door handles to fit Ikea ‘Metod’ carcasses, giving you a fashionable look for less. Expect to pay between $3500 and $5500 on Ren Studio fronts, or from $1500 for unpainted styles to fit an average-size kitchen. Alternatively, you can update cupboard doors, benchtops, your island front and shelving with budget-friendly laminate. Laminex comes in a huge range of colours and finishes, including of-the-moment soft pastels and warm woodgrains, starting from around $81 per square metre. It’s incredibly versatile, too: use it to create curves, two-tone inlays or to add a pop of colour inside cupboards or at the back of shelves. A luxe new island benchtop is guaranteed to lift the look of your cooking space, but it won’t come cheap. Choose from solid timber (from about $600 per square metre), natural stone (from about $650 per square metre), engineered stone (Caesarstone costs from about $450 per square metre) and stainless steel (from about $950 per square metre). New, energy-efficient appliances are another way to give your kitchen a boost (and save on running costs). “You don’t have to spend a fortune – you’ll find entry-level appliances in contemporary finishes, such as brushed stainless steel, and with impressive functionality. French-door fridges start from around $1200,” says Gary Brown, senior brand manager for home appliances at Harvey Norman. Buy as energy-efficient as you can, he advises: “That 4.5-star appliance will cost less to run over 10 years than the 2.5-star model.” So, where is it worth spending if you’re watching the budget? Architect Kitty Lee has the final word: “Quality fittings, such as strong and smooth-operating drawer and hinge systems – you’ll appreciate the investment every time you use them.”
When you’re working out your budget, joinery isn’t the only thing you need to include, says renovation broker Blake Riley. You’ll also need to factor in: Trades Up to $10,000 for the cost of removing the existing kitchen, plumbing and electrics. Stone benchtops These average around $7000. Splashbacks Generally cost about $1000. Appliances If you’re going for high-end styles, the cost of a new fridge, dishwasher, freestanding or built-in oven and cooktop can be around $10,000 or more.
“Splash out on one big thing that will lift the overall look of your kitchen, such as a tiled kitchen splashback, which can be as small as three square metres” CHRISTIE WOOD, DESIGN SPECIALIST, BEAUMONT TILES
INSIDE | RENOVATE
luxe renovation
A high-end kitchen with appliances can cost upwards of $50,000, says Blake Riley. In return, you can expect a design that’s perfectly tailored to your cooking space, with top-of-therange finishes and luxe extras, such as appliance nooks to keep your toaster and kettle out of sight, and pocket-door storage. “Flexibility is key,” says Tracy Smedley, chief growth officer at Freedom Kitchens. “Our Designer range of kitchens gives you more flexibility in terms of module sizes, accessories, colours and finishes.” A bigger budget opens the door to luxe materials and finishes, such as solid timber, timber veneer, V-groove door profiles and natural and engineered stone benchtops. To get the most from a custom design, start with a good set of measurements and make a wish list of everything you want to do in your kitchen and how many people will be using it. When selecting colours and finishes, consider those in any adjoining living and dining spaces in order to create a cohesive look. And don’t forget the little details, such as having sufficient power points and recharging stations. Overall, be mindful of things that can push the budget up and prioritise accordingly. “High-category stone benchtops, waterfall ends to an island and profiled doors will all bump up the budget,” says Blake. Small inclusions can have an impact, too: “Pantry pocket doors can cost $3000 a pair, high-end drawer runner systems can cost 30% more than standard runners, and coloured carcass internals can be 30% more expensive than plain white ones,” he says. Of course, you’ll want good-looking appliances to complement your luxe kitchen. “Integrated appliances allow you to conceal appliances such as the fridge and dishwasher behind cabinetry doors for a seamless look,” says Gary Brown. “They tend to cost more than freestanding models – fridges start from about $4000 and dishwashers from $2000.” Other appealing products for a top-end kitchen include induction cooktops that sit perfectly flush with your benchtop; touch-to-open, handless built-in ovens in sleek matt-black; steam and speed ovens; and built-in or freestanding wine cabinets and sommelier drawers. You’ll never want takeout again! 92 | INSIDE OUT
NATURAL VS ENGINEERED STONE Can’t decide between natural and engineered stone benchtops? Blake Riley outlines the pros and cons of each: Natural stone If you are after a magnificent, coloured benchtop, nothing compares with natural stone. It also handles heat better than engineered stone. But stones such as marble are porous and stain easily, making them impractical for family homes. For durability and stain resistance in a natural stone, consider granite. Engineered stone Available in a huge range of colours and patterns, including popular ones such as marble and concrete. Engineered stone that mimics white Calacatta or Carrara marble can look just like the real thing. Engineered stone is more durable and stain-resistant than natural stone, so it’s a much better fit for busy family homes.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ARMELLE HABIB (THIS PAGE), SIMON WILSON (FISHER & PAYKEL FRIDGE), MICHELLE WEIR (COWRIE KITCHEN). DESIGN: ROWSON KITCHENS (COWRIE KITCHEN), ROGAN NASH ARCHITECTURE (TIMBER FRIDGE)
Top-end finishes, customised joinery and designer appliances are just the start when you have a generous budget to play with
2
3
1
4
5
6
7
You’ll want good-looking appliances to complement your luxe kitchen
8
9
15
10
12
14
13
11
1 Integrated Columns refrigerator in Timber, from $16,999, Fisher & Paykel. 2 Dekton ‘Laurent’ ultracompact surface from the Natural Collection, POA, Cosentino. 3 Miele ‘KM7897FL’ 936mm frameless-glass ceramic induction cooktop, $6999, Harvey Norman. 4 Nebulae Horizontal chandelier, $9611, Ross Gardam. 5 Italian Terrazzo 43 Honed tiles, $160 per sq m, Surface Gallery. 6 Dekton ‘Liquid Shell’ ultracompact surface, POA, Cosentino. 7 Dekton ‘Khalo’ ultracompact surface, POA, Cosentino. 8 Travertine Zena stone surface, POA, Artedomus. 9 Silestone ‘Doradus’ surface, POA, Cosentino. 10 Cornet rail handle in Polished Brass, from $26, Kethy. 11 Leather recessed pulls in Natural and Chocolate, from $77.50 each, MadeMeasure. 12 Zip ‘HT3786Z5’ HydroTap with boiling and filtered water in Brushed Rose Gold, $1910, Appliances Online. 13 Falcon Classic Deluxe dual fuel range cooker in Racing Green and Brass, AGA Australia. 14 Inax ‘Yohen’ glazed ceramic border tile, POA, Artedomus. 15 Grohe Essence pull-out sink mixer in Brushed Cool Sunrise, $921, Reece.
Oak laminate with glossy grey and bronze made this Brisbane bathroom by KJK Interiors a best seller
bespoke beauty The custom vanity with ample storage was made from Laminex ‘Elegant Oak’ in a low-gloss Chalk finish by Angle Joinery. The benchtop is Portsea Grey limestone from CDK Stone.
the design This classic Queenslander in Brisbane’s leafy suburb of Auchenflower was given a high-end renovation with an eye to capture the interest of potential buyers. “We had to appeal to a broad spectrum of clientele as this was built to sell,” says interior designer Karen Kunst of KJK Interiors. With that in mind, Karen set about creating a luxurious space with family-friendly appeal: “We wanted to create a calm space, a sanctuary that the new owners could relax and enjoy after a long day.” With gorgeously high ceilings to work with, a feature tile that would create a sense of warmth and comfort (as well as add a textural element) was key. “We chose a soft palette of light greys and oak, complemented with bronze fixtures and fittings,” says Karen. “All of which combined to create a subtle yet refined look with a welcoming and luxurious feel.”
PHOTOGRAPHY SCOTT BURROWS
ARCHITECTS: JOE ADSETT ARCHITECTS. BUILDER: GRAYA CONSTRUCTIONS
1
CHAMPAGNE TASTE
INSIDE | RENOVATE
“We wanted to create a calm space, a sanctuary for the new owners to enjoy after a long day” KAREN KUNST, STUDIO DIRECTOR
going grey Handmade ‘Hops’ tiles from Ace Stone and Tiles line the splashback and shower walls, while larger-format stone-look tiles ground the high ceilings and provide a smoother under-foot experience.
GET THE LOOK
1
2
1 Wave towel in Grey & White, $189, Loom Towels. 2 Elegant Oak laminate, from $86.57 per sq m, Laminex. 3 Portsea Grey natural stone surface, POA, CDK Stone. 4 Hops tiles in Lux Grigio, $114 per sq m, Ace Stone + Tiles. 5 Round wall mixer in Champagne, $269, Meir. 6 Round curved spout mixer in Champagne, $249, Meir. 7 Honour Woman shower gel, $110 for 300ml, Libertine Parfumerie. 8 Faux String of Pearls garden pot, $22.95, James Lane. 9 Valencia freestanding concrete bathtub in Dark Charcoal, $4990, Concrete Nation.
4 3
5
6
9
7
designer details
8
KJK Interiors is based in Brisbane, Queensland. Visit kjkinteriors.net or @kjk_interiors
INSIDE OUT | 95
INSIDE | RENOVATE
GET THE LOOK 1 2
4
2
3 5
UNDER STATEMENT
Cassie James-Herrick, director of CJH Studio, has created a timeless, low-maintenance design for the owners of this Gold Coast bathroom
the palette
Created as a restful retreat for a young couple – who didn’t want to detract from their apartment’s enviable ocean views – this ensuite bathroom by Cassie James-Herrick is carefully considered and calming. Its restrained and creamy palette of soft greys, matt whites and gunmetal fixtures was presented as a way of offsetting the gorgeous yet harsh coastal aspect, and to reference the curvaceous shape of the building. Arched niches and rounded feature pieces throughout the apartment also reinforce this. The Moda ‘Amelie’ freestanding bath mimics the curves of the custom vanity, which is crafted from Raw Cotton laminate by Laminex and accessed via shapely pulls by Linear Standard. The subtle impact of the terrazzo-style floor and mosaic-tile wall creates a harmonious meeting of tone and texture that leaves the space feeling lovely, light and luxurious. Cassie’s choice of curtains was the perfect finishing touch; they filter the light reflected off the ocean and soften all the harder materials. 96 | INSIDE OUT
6
1 Verrazzo ‘13642’ tiles, $85.60 per sq m, Academy Tiles. 2 Soft hooks, $33 each, Linear Standard. 3 Marchetti ‘Tin Tin’ wall light, $429, Gineico. 4 Raw Cotton laminate, from $81.07 per sq m, Laminex. 5 Curve hook, $22, Linear Standard. 6 Moda ‘Amelie’ freestanding stone bath, $4700, ACS Designer Bathrooms. 7 Phoenix ‘Vivid’ Slimline Gooseneck sink mixer in Matte Black, $396, Cass Brothers. 8 Thorens sheer S-fold curtains in Smoke, from $204, Blinds Online.
7
8
designer details CJH Studio is in Prahran East, Victoria; cjhstudio.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY CATHY SCHUSLER
Rainfnity. Remarkable shower design with the incredible feeling of PowderRain PowderRain produces thousands of gentle and silky micro-fne droplets to surround your whole body in an immersive shower experience. German innovation since 1901
Available nationally and through the following specialist partners: NSW Elia Bathrooms eliabathrooms.com.au 02 9160 3000
WA Parkwood Plumbing parkwoodplumbing.com.au 08 9455 6433
PREMIUM GERMAN BRAND DESIGN
INNOVATION QUALITY
hansgrohe.com.au/rainfnity info@hansgrohe.com.au | (03) 8319 5753
INSIDE | RENOVATE
3
CIRCLE BACK
GET THE LOOK
With a brief to avoid bland and boring, this guest bathroom by Sydney’s Your Beautiful Home is defined by a smart feature tile
1
space to spare 2
Mirrored cabinets with room for guests to store their toothbrushes keeps the Smartstone Nieve White benchtop free from clutter. The ADP Dignity semi-inset basin and Faucet Strommen ‘Zeos’ chrome mixer add to the sophistication.
3
4
6
5
form and function The custom cabinetry was designed by the team at Your Beautiful Home and made from Polytec Natural Oak veneer. Going handle-free reduces the visual clutter.
98 | INSIDE OUT
deep dive There are no windows in the room, so penny round mosaics from Tiles by Kate were used to bounce light around and create a statement as you enter the room. Porcelain wall tiles on right, also from Tiles by Kate.
1 Zeos 35100 basin mixer, $301, Faucet Strommen. 2 Vintage marble-look tile, $86 per sq m, Tiles by Kate. 3 Giant Vintage penny round tiles in Ocean, $129 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 4 White quartz benchtop in Nieve White, POA, Smartstone. 5 Tasmanian Pepper & Lavender body wash, $30 for 500ml, Bondi Wash. 6 Paros hand towel in Eucalypt, $24.95, Aura Home.
designer details Your Beautiful Home is located in Balgowlah, NSW. Discover more at yourbeautifuhome.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON WHITBREAD
INSIDE OUT | PROMOTION
Axia matte black wall basin/bath curved outlet hostess set.
Axia brushed nickel wall basin/bath mixer set.
The shape-shifting Axia tapware delivers exciting new design possibilities direct to your bathroom.
a fresh approach A strikingly slim and modern profile sets Phoenix Tapware’s new Axia collection apart
PRODUCED BY STORY
S CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Axia brushed nickel wall basin/bath curved outlet mixer set. Axia chrome vessel mixer. Axia brushed nickel basin mixer.
howcasing crisp detailing and ultra-thin lines, the beautiful Axia collection from Phoenix Tapware is destined to become a new design classic. As a result of two years of intensive research and development, this Australiandesigned range includes basin mixers, bath outlets, showers and more. A clear standout is the handsome Axia wall mixer, with its non-traditional shape that positions the mixer dial diagonally to the spout – a look that was inspired by the elegant way a single sheet of metal can be folded and bent. In perfect balance, the innovative dial and long outlet combine to create a
fine-profiled, sophisticated and minimal piece. Axia’s innovation has been recognised internationally, and Phoenix Tapware has already won multiple design awards for it. Every Axia product utilises high-quality European brass cartridges and is available in chrome, matte black and brushed nickel finishes.
Go to phoenixtapware.com.au for more information and inspiration
INSIDE | RENOVATE
DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.
This Melbourne home had already been opened up at the back, but it was only when the new owner called in the experts that the real magic happened 100 | INSIDE OUT
WORDS JESSICA BELLEF PHOTOGRAPHY ARMELLE HABIB STYLING JULIA GREEN
STYLING ASSISTANTS: AISHA CHAUDHRY, JESSICA RETTALACK
NEAT TRICK
cheat sheet Who lives here Bianca McCann, an online customer service representative at fashion label Mister Zimi; her daughter Grace, 11; and their pet cavoodle, Peppa. Style of home A traditional Victorian home in an inner suburb of Melbourne. Though the house had been previously renovated, it needed a total refresh. Bianca bought in 2009 and was ready to renovate by April 2017. The work began in October 2017 and was completed three months later.
kitchen
New hard surfaces in the form of honed Carrara marble with Albedor cabinetry in Satin White and Antrazite have transformed this space. The tapware is from Zucchetti’s ‘Pan’ range. Teak and leather bar stools, Fenton & Fenton. Customised Bosphorus rug, Loom Rugs.
B
athed in light and layered with lush finishes and
shades of blue, Bianca McCann’s updated home in Melbourne was definitely worth the wait. At her first inspection of the property in 2009, with newborn daughter Grace on her hip, Bianca could certainly appreciate the renovation of its Victorian bones by the previous owners. The kitchen, living and dining spaces were open to the backyard by way of expansive glass doors and windows, and she thought the huge sliding doors were incredible. “They bring in so much natural light. It’s not a big block, but those doors make it feel like it is. The architecture was really well thought out and executed. However, it needed a little refresh,” she explains. The cooking enthusiast knew the kitchen could function more seamlessly and wanted to bring a spa-like feeling into the bathrooms and laundry. “I knew I wanted to renovate,” she adds. “It was just a matter of waiting until I could afford to do it the way I wanted.” In 2017, when the time was right, Bianca reached out to interior designer Kate Walker of KWD, requesting a contemporary ‘facelift’ for her home.
INSIDE | RENOVATE
dream it
dining room
Bianca wanted to revamp the home’s hard surfaces by switching its existing warm tones to a cool palette of soothing blues and greys – without over-capitalising. “We knew we could update the interior to make it architecturally relevant without unnecessary costs,” says her switched-on designer Kate. The most significant changes would occur in the kitchen, where additional storage was high on the wish list. “I have a lot of kitchen stuff, but I like the kitchen to be very minimal,” Bianca explains. Tweaking the kitchen layout was also a priority for the busy mum, who loves to entertain at home. “Before, if I was in the kitchen and had a dining table full of guests, I couldn’t see them or interact with them,” she says. Overall, however, Bianca wanted a relaxing retreat for herself and Grace.
An American natural-oak Huxley table from Jardan fits right in with the cooler scheme. Maggie chairs, also Jardan. Artwork from The Harbour Series by Cressida Beale. Vases, House of Orange.
kitchen bar Bianca loves entertaining and surprising her guests with this built-in bar and wine fridge. The cabinetry is Albedor 12mm Faceline with Holly edge in Antrazite, installed by Gravina Cabinets & Interiors.
the moodboard
CLOCKWISE FROM STOOL Flat Leather bar stool in Teak, $490, Fenton & Fenton. Albedor flat-profile Holly-edge cabinetry in Antrazite, POA, through Gravina Cabinets and Interiors. Wilfred upholstered American Natural Oak armchair in Seaspray, from $5092, Jardan. Luxor large glass vase in Indigo Blue, $90, Greenhouse Interiors. Titanium surface-mount powdercoated-aluminium lights in UV Textured White, $160 and $184, Lights Lights Lights. Wayfarer wool carpet in Bruce, $68 per sq m, Carpet Court. Smoked oak flooring, $93.50 per sq m, Royal Oak Floors. Zimbabwe leather-finish granite tile, POA, CDK Stone.
102 | INSIDE OUT
16
living room
14 15
13 10
The floor-to-ceiling column of firewood is a feature in itself. The fireplace hearth is Zimbabwe Black leather-finish granite. Nook sofa in Fleck Neptune and Wilfred chair in Seaspray linen, Iko coffee table and Alby leather floor cushion, all Jardan. Cushions and throws, Tigger Hall Design. Poppi artwork by Jai Vasicek.
12
11 9
6 8
5
4 7
3
2
1
1 Entry 2 Bedroom 3 Sitting room 4 Main bedroom 5 Walk-in robe 6 Ensuite 7 Bedroom 8 Bathroom
9 Laundry 10 Shed 11 Storeroom 12 Bedroom/study 13 Dining area 14 Living area 15 Kitchen 16 Outdoor area
wishlist + Custom storage “I wanted the butler’s pantry and breakfast buffet and bar to be hidden,” says Bianca. + Kitchen remodel “Another priority was changing the orientation of the island bench so that it faced the open-plan living and dining area.” + Bathroom update “The chocolatebrown tiles and heavy timber in there just had to go!”
INSIDE | RENOVATE
design it
laundry
Dunas ceramic tiles in White Gloss from National Tiles have added a little sparkle in here. The benchtop is Essastone in matt Ash Concrete by Laminex. Pan tapware from Zucchetti. As elsewhere, the flooring is blackbutt timber (new boards laid to match existing) and the paintwork is Dulux Whisper White.
main bedroom
A curved Reeno bench from Grazia & Co softens the mood in Bianca’s space. Flax linen bedding, Bed Threads. Side table, Hub Furniture. Lamp, styist’s own. Green Square carpet in Ashen, Godfrey Hirst. Artwork by Debbie Mackenzie.
“It was important to show Bianca the possibility of what we could create with clever space planning and beautiful joinery to really uplift the look of the property,” says Kate. By retaining as much of the existing layout as possible, and leaving the windows and doors untouched, Kate was able to deliver a design that stuck to the budget. Easy surface updates in the wet rooms and on the fireplace surround (including the hearth and joinery) would provide a refreshed modern look. Bianca’s favourite colour, navy, was the starting point for the material palette. “We incorporated this tone in key elements that worked back with some very contemporary finishes: terrazzo, timber veneers, stainless steel and stone,” says Kate. Marble surfaces and inky charcoal-hued cabinetry would inject new life into the existing timber kitchen. When it came to decorating, Bianca wanted to keep the colour palette reigned in. “I’m actually a bit scared of too much colour!” she admits. Working with Fiona Luxton of Luxton Architecture to make the furniture selections, Bianca was drawn to tonal shades of blue, grey and touches of tan leather. Artworks, chosen by her, further highlight the soothing blue tones she loves. “The blue is so relaxing – it’s like being by the water,” she says.
do it
With Kabsav Projects on the build, the renovations were completed swiftly, with minimal stress. “They were just the greatest guys, and so easy to deal with,” says Bianca. “It made the whole process really effortless.” The process was helped along by the fact that Bianca and Grace didn’t have to live among the dust and debris. “As luck would have it, a house two doors down was up for rent, so we took on a short three-month lease.” The new kitchen is a source of pride and joy for both owner and designer. “The joinery is beautifully manufactured,” says Kate. “It takes the kitchen to a whole new level.” The sleek cabinetry by Albedor, installed by Gravina Cabinets and Interiors, gives Bianca plenty of space to stash her cookbooks, supplies and equipment. “It’s so well thought out and perfectly designed with all my storage requirements in mind. I don’t think I have one empty cupboard,” she says with a laugh. Repositioning the cooktop and reorienting the island has increased the functionality of the kitchen and opened up the space to the living and dining areas. Bianca says that while her 11-year-old Grace doesn’t do a lot of cooking yet, she will often sit at the roomy island bench or on the sofa while Bianca is in the kitchen. “She likes to stay close,” says her mum, adding, “We love our home. I wouldn’t change a thing.” See KWD’s work at kwdandco.com.au. Kabsav Projects: kabsav.com.au
lessons learnt “Budget constraints can be worked around” KATE, INTERIOR DESIGNER “There was a pain point during this project where it almost didn’t go ahead because the material prices came in too high. So the client and I had to make some very sensible choices, spending money where it was most important and then saving money where we could.”
the best bits + Process “I really looked forward to my meetings with Kate, and I had full confidence in her aesthetic,” says Bianca. “It was a breeze as everything she suggested was to my taste.” + Kitchen “Storage was very important in the kitchen and we absolutely nailed that. I have it in spades.” + Terrazzo tiles “I think the bathroom tiles are my favourite finish in the house. Along with the kitchen’s marble.” + Finishing touches “The art piece in the dining room is by my friend Cressida Beale. It ties in so beautifully with the custom Loom rug in the living area. My other favourite is Poppi by Jai Vasicek [above the fire]. I just love it.”
bathroom Glossy white wall tiles and grey terrazzo floor tiles appear in both the home’s bathrooms. The vanity and mirror in this larger space are faced with Navlam sandblasted oak veneer from New Age Veneers. Pan tapware, Zucchetti.
INSIDE OUT | 105
INSIDE | RENOVATE
I ’ V E A LWAYS WA NTE D. . .
banquette seating No longer just for trendy cafes and restaurants, a padded built-in seat is a practical solution when space is an issue
W
hat is banquette seating? Banquettes
are built-in mass seating arrangements, most often in a kitchen or dining area, that are fixed along a wall or into a corner nook in order to maximise the available seating in any given space. Banquette seating is most often found in cafes and restaurants, but now appears in many residential projects and smaller homes.
1
f lexibility rules
Banquette seating is ideal for tricky layouts and tight spaces as it can be customised to fit a window bay, corner, wall or nook, plus it’s great for those who love to entertain as it allows you to fit more people into one area. “The shape of the banquette is usually dictated by the layout of the space,” says Mikayla Rose of Melbourne design studio Heartly, “but wrapping a banquette around a corner can also look fabulous.” Banquette seating can be adjusted to suit any style of home, from midcentury and contemporary to coastal and country, and you can even add hidden storage, or make it a flexible working, dining and entertaining space.
2
style decisions
This sort of seating can be designed to fit into a large open-plan space, or into a small complex space. It can be curved in an Americandiner style, or it can be built in straight along a wall, fitted into a corner or positioned under a window. “We often design banquette seating in smaller open-plan spaces as they can save valuable floor space,” says Mikayla. “Banquette seating can be an excellent way to build in additional hidden storage, which is often highly valuable in smaller spaces,” she adds. “If the available space is really tight, then we try to ensure the back rest isn’t too bulky. In larger spaces, we might choose to make the upholstery cushioning more substantial and really go to town making the banquette a place to kick back and relax.” Mikayla says that banquette seating is well suited to open-plan homes because it can create a link between a large open kitchen and its adjacent living area. WORDS LAURA BARRY
3
upholstery options
You’ll need fabric that is robust enough to withstand people sliding in and out of the seat on a daily basis. Tough leather, linen, wool and bouclé all fit the bill. “I love leather, but I’m happy to embrace the patina developed with aniline leathers coloured with soluble dyes. If you can’t cope with leather ageing, then a corrected grain option (leather embossed with artificial grain) is a good choice. There are also some faux leathers that are quite beautiful. If the banquette seat is not going to be used regularly or enjoyed by kids, then there are many more fabric options available,” says Mikayla. “Right now, a quilted line-stitch detail on fixed upholstery is popular, as is a small French flange on loose cushions.”
4
add-ons
Banquette seating is the perfect way to stealthily add a little extra under-seat storage to your home. This most common way to do this is by putting the seat top on hinges, allowing it to open up toy-box style. Just ensure that storage is factored into your design from the get-go, so there aren’t any design mishaps once a table is set against the seat. You want to be able to lift the lid without it getting stuck beneath the table. Alternatively, you could have drawers installed into the base of the banquette seating for super-organised pull-out storage, or have the base hollowed out so baskets can slide under the seat.
5
lighting
Lighting can really enhance banquette seating, and Mikayla recommends an offset feature light on the wall behind the banquette area for ambience, or a structural pendant light over the dining table to create intimacy. A wall lamp on a flexible arm that can be moved to suit different lighting needs is another great option.
FROM LEFT La Casa Bison
leather, $123.20 per m, Warwick Fabrics. Ralph Lauren ‘Signature Seto Texture’ fabric in Indigo, $342 per m, Radford Furnishings. Mokum ‘Canvas 12547’ fabric in Nude, $297 per m, James Dunlop Textiles.
5
ambience A pendant will zone your dining area and provide mood lighting
1
exibility Banquettes are ideal seating for bay windows and tight spaces
3
fabric Select a tough material that can endure years of wear and tear
2
PHOTOGRAPHY: ARMELLE HABIB GUTTER CREDIT
design Choose a shape that suits your floor plan and seating needs
4
storage Increase your storage capacity with a lift top or hidden drawers
INSIDE OUT | 107
SINKS REIMAGINED Combining elegance and innovation, Lavello sinks are unparalleled in quality. Hand-crafted and finished in an environmentally friendly PVD coating using a state-of-the-art nanotechnology layer of fine aggregate, which provides industry leading durability. Available in single and double size variations in three premium finishes - Gunmetal Black, Brushed Bronze Gold and PVD Brushed Nickel. Explore the full range at meir.com.au
INSIDE | RENOVATE
The Block: Glasshouse co-winner and interior architect Shannon Vos. voscreative. com.au
KITCHEN VS BATHROOM
Only have the budget to renovate one room? Shannon Vos sheds a little light on which to choose
I
f you’re renovating to sell, the kitchen should probably
be first on your list because a shiny new one will please potential buyers and add to the value of your property. Conversely, if you plan to stay put, the bathroom wins out because a little luxury in the wet area will be just what you need to soothe body and soul as you tackle the big-money renovation of your personal food/entertainment hub down the track. But before you decide, there are a few things you need to know...
PHOTOGRAPHY: MAREE HOMER
FIRST CHOICE It’s great to update other areas of the home, but nothing beats the indulgence of a new bathroom only you have used. Contemporary design touches will take the scheme to the next level.
INSIDE OUT | 109
INSIDE | RENOVATE
In all of this deliberating, the big question to ask yourself is, who are you renovating for?
BESPOKE BLUSH The cabinetry in this kitchen hides everything away, and the stool could not be more perfect with the pink hue.
ask yourself the question
Kitchens are about sustenance and socialising while bathrooms are personal spaces that should be peaceful and safe, but in all of this deliberating over what to do first, the big question to ask yourself is, who are you renovating for? If the answer is for yourself or the family, it’s a decision for the heart and you will have to take into account your use of the kitchen and the bathroom. If you’re an Uber Eats ambassador and the kitchen doesn’t see much use, you’re more likely to get satisfaction out of a new bathroom space. But if you’re an entertaining king or queen, the kitchen is the hub of your home and should be seen to. It’s the space that, if designed right, will impress visitors and change the functionality of your home for the better. If you are renovating for a sale, however, it should purely be a numbers game, and getting the biggest bang for your buck is imperative for a successful renovation. Generally speaking, the best investment to make is in your kitchen, as more than half of all real-estate agents claim that this space is the best one to focus on for resale. But having a buyer fall in love with your swish new kitchen isn’t always that easy. The trick is to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible, as you don’t want to be too polarising with your choices. This formula will differ depending on when and where you are selling, but generally consists of a practical layout and unoffensive finishes.
the quick-fix
Renovations can cost the earth, and kitchen and bathroom spaces, along with their budgets, often blow out. So it’s important to have a realistic budget for the works you have in 110 | INSIDE OUT
mind. If you are looking to save money, there are plenty of ways to transform a space without breaking the bank. A new splashback is an easy hack for updating your kitchen. Splashbacks date faster than the other elements, but a freshly tiled look can usually be tackled by most DIYers. Handles on cabinetry are a weekend fix (just remember to choose a new handle that will utilise or cover up any existing holes), and even benchtops can be swapped out with a bit of elbow grease (a new one can be professionally installed over existing cabinetry, but you should look at updating your splashback at the same time as it could be damaged during the benchtop removal). Replacing tapware and sinks that look like they belong in the Eighties can be done fairly quickly by a plumber. (Again, make sure you choose a design that will cover your existing sink’s cut-out, and taps that do the same). For a more involved look, kitchen doors and panels can be changed (or resprayed) without touching the cabinetry carcass. This is a good option for those who want the feel of a new kitchen without the expense. One of biggest costs in a bathroom renovation is changing the floor plan. Chasing pipes and wastes through concrete slabs, with plumbers trudging underneath your home or ripping out the downstairs ceiling, are expensive so are best to avoid. Floor-to-ceiling tiles always look great but aren’t cheap. Consider stopping your tiles above shower-head height to save a few dollars here and there. Removing tiles often requires you to re-waterproof a wet area, which adds up, so the budget-minded might consider painting the tiles instead. This will get you a few more years out of a drab space, enabling you to save for a full-blown renovation later on. Painting a bath is surprisingly effective, and a cost-efficient way to extend the life of your tub, but I strongly suggest hiring someone experienced to do it.
how much, how long
Renovations rarely run on time or on budget, but when you add lead times and the COVID-19 factor to the mix, the cost and duration are almost like a shot in the dark right now. Kitchens are a bit more involved than bathrooms, so the costs tend to run a bit higher, averaging out at roughly $20,000 for a full-blown renovation. With cabinetry build times and stone and appliance installations, a kitchen build is a more elaborate process, but you can usually bank on six to eight weeks for an average kitchen (hello take-out), depending on the complexity. Generally speaking, the renovation of an average-size bathroom tends to cost about $17,000 and, with a decent project manager, can be tackled in two to three weeks.
PHOTOGRAPHY: DEREK SWALWELL, ANGELITA BONETTI (OPPOSITE)
where to save
when to splurge
As ever, it’s important to save where you can, unless you’re a Block contestant who refused to budget for the first six weeks of their build and literally paid the price (guilty). Taking on certain jobs yourself or even managing the build might sound like an easy way to free up funds, but this approach is usually more work than it may seem. Standard-size off-the-shelf cabinetry will always be more cost-effective than a bespoke option. Engineered stone (think Smartstone and Caesarstone) are far cheaper and easier to manage than marble, and there’s an endless array of budget-friendly kitchen appliances that look and perform just like their costlier cousins. Choosing a less-expensive tile for the majority of a bathroom gives you the option to spend up on a feature wall or floor, and standard laminate vanities generally run cheaper than their timber counterparts. Opt for simple and soft lighting — natural if you can — in your wet area and let texture create what should be a relaxing palette.
Every space needs a hero, a wow-factor element that makes the room and is the basis for all the other choices. It’s usually something that pulls at the heart strings and costs a bit more than you’re willing to admit but — damn it — pulls the whole scheme together. For the kitchen, that element may be a stone, marble or composite benchtop. Or it could be bespoke timber cabinetry, a killer pendant or even an OTT oven. Just don’t crowd your kitchen with too many bold choices, and let the light and space guide the overall design. The bathroom is usually a smaller space and only really capable of balancing one or two commanding features. That could be a special tile, a custom vanity, or that expensive tapware you’ve had saved on Pinterest for goodness knows how long. Gold baths are only really for TV shock value and I wouldn’t go too heavy on the lighting in your bathroom. Again, you want space to be the ultimate feature, creating a sense of calm and retreat in such a personal room.
PRACTICAL SENSE A thoughtfully designed bathroom with attractive shelving and/or a niche opening to stow beauty products, shampoos and conditioners will always present well.
BUYER’S GUIDE
SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Make food-prep a breeze with these tiny-but-mighty helpers to take you through the festive season with ease
WORDS KATE HASSETT
INSIDE | RENOVATE
1
2
I
3
t’s a time that can fill even the most experienced
entertainers with dread. That magical (read stressful) period between pre-Christmas and post-New Year that seems to simultaneously drag on forever and be over too soon. A time that brings with it a host of responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, preparing fabulous feasts for extended family, hosting lavish long lunches or simply catering for guests that always manage to ‘pop in’ just as you’re about to sit down. Although our holiday season may look a little differentt this year, what remains is the need to stay flexible in the kitchen and avoid festive fatigue. Enter this year’s bright new class of small appliances, guaranteed to lighten the load and perhaps even embolden your cooking routine.
4
PHOTOGRAPHY: MARTINA GEMMOLA (OPPOSITE)
ultimate convenience Small appliances are meant to make our lives easier, right? Yet a benchtop full of stainless-steel contraptions can sometimes be so overwhelming, you spend more time moving them out of thee way than using them. So how do we know we’re going to get serious bang for our buck? According to Gary Brown, senior brand manager for home appliances at Harvey Norman, it’s all in the planning. “Before you start getting excited, think about what you cook, how you cook and what you would cook, if you ou had the resources,” says Gary. “Use this as a checklist before you go buying appliances that will just gather dust.” More than ever, our busy lives demand convenience and what’s more convenient than a multi-purpose machine? Multicookers, slow cookers, pressure cookers, oh my! Store shelves are filled to the brim with functionality, but are they worth the hype? “Every family is different,” admits Gary. “But when you’ve found your perfect match, it can be life-changing.” g.” Capacity comes first, so you’ll want to buy the largest machine your budget (and space) allows. Next comes the why? Do you spend weekends cooking in bulk and filling the freezer for time-poor weekdays, or do you like to whip up a falling-offthe-bone osso bucco in less time than it takes to bake a cake? “Cooking is all about confidence,” says Gary. “Once you’ve discovered the right machine for you, the world is your oyster.” Heading into the summer months, best-sellers like slow and pressure cookers still reign supreme, but there are a few surprising additions gaining traction in the market. “Pie makers have been super popular,” says Gary. “With the ability to make a pie, with any filling, in just 12 minutes, the options are endless!” Once reserved for the commercial world, dehydrators are becoming more common in kitchens, with an uptake in making jerky, roll-ups and dried fruit by some of Gary’s customers. And of course, with summer entertaining comes
5
7
6
8
9
1 Braun Multiquick Gourmet hand blender, $209, Harvey Norman. 2 Wüsthof thof ‘Crafter’ knife (20cm), $399, Kitchen Warehouse. Warehou 3 Big Chop Jamie Oliver chopping board, $379.95, Kitchen Warehouse. 4 Nespresso ‘Vertuo Next’ xt’ coffee machine, $329 with milk frother, Harvey Norman. 5 Cordless hand blender in Almond Cream, $259, KitchenAid. 6 Sunbeam ‘Food Lab’ dehydrator, $199, Harvey Norman. 7 Combi Wave 3 in 1 convection oven, $749, Breville. 8 Smeg 50s Retro Style stand mixer in Pastel Green, $639, Harvey Norman. 9 Aarke sparkling water maker in Black, $219, Harvey Norman.
INSIDE OUT | 113
“With consumers becoming increasingly time poor, the demand for innovative and easy-to-use appliances is stronger than ever” JIM KALOTHEOS, SMEG AUSTRALIA
1
2
products such as blenders, mixers and sparkling-water machines. “People are starting to realise that you pay for quality when it comes to big-ticket items like blenders and standmixers,” says Gary. “They may have started off on the cheaper side, but have moved three or four steps up the ladder purely because of performance.” Products like the Kenwood standmixer have stood the test of time for a reason, says Gary. “You can still buy a Kenwood mixer the same quality as the model you might have inherited from your parents, but with a little more pep – and the ability to press citrus, process meats, make pasta and even churn ice-cream.” And now there’s a new kid on the block, who’s here to shake things up. “As we’ve all pivoted to spending more hours at home and, in turn, are cooking more than usual, we need equipment that’s reliable and up to the task,” says cook, TV presenter and Tefal brand ambassador Justine Schofield. “Having had the luxury of being able to test so many different machines, I’ve learnt that bench space is prime real estate and you want your appliances to be worth the investment.” According to Justine, it’s a numbers game. “Think about how much it would cost you to buy all those things individually. It might be a little more of an upfront outlay, but spending a little more to get a quality, all-purpose product will give you a serious ROI.” Tefal’s I-Companion Gourmet XL is a bit of an overachiever and, at $1899, seemingly does it all. “Traditional ways of cooking are thrown out the window and the idea of dropping everything into one bowl, pressing a button and letting it do all the work is quite a thrill!” says Justine. And while it might feel strange to let go of your culinary control, she says “it’s really quite liberating”. The I-Companion boasts bluetooth connectivity for automatic recipe downloads and the smart technology allows even novice cooks to hone their skills. “Going into the holiday period, you want something that’s going to make your life easier, and having the ability to whisk eggs into a silky meringue, slow-cook a casserole, or shred vegies for a speedy coleslaw in the one machine, ticks all the boxes.”
style and substance
3
3 OF A KIND
Investment-worthy pots and pans 1 12-inch cast-iron Twin Spring grill pan, $799, Finex. 2 Jamie Oliver Cook’s Classic frypan, from $189.95, Tefal. 3 Cast-iron Signature oval casserole dish in Fig, $619, Le Creuset.
While technological innovation is a consideration, appliances must be efficient, clean and, perhaps more importantly, score high in the style stakes. “Consumers love adding colour and expressing their individuality with design to bring their kitchen to life,” says Jim Kalotheos, managing director of Smeg Australia. “Adding a colourful, stylish collection of small appliances will balance the minimalist look of most built-in appliances and offer a vibrant look and feel every day.” Smeg products are synonymous with vintage style and pops of colour. If luxury is your thing, you can’t go past the brand’s iconic Dolce & Gabbana collection. “With consumers becoming increasingly time poor, the demand for innovative and easy-to-use appliances is stronger than ever,” says Jim. “They are seeking highquality performance without sacrificing design or style.”
INSIDE | RENOVATE
2 3
1
4
6
7 5 8
10
PHOTOGRAPHY: ARMELLE HABIB (OPPOSITE)
9
11 13 12
1 I-Companion Gourmet XL multicooker, $1899, Tefal. 2 ReThread recycled cotton and polyester-fibre apron in Carbon, $39.99, Sheridan. 3 Chef XL Titanium stand mixer, $999, Kenwood. 4 SodaStream ‘Spirit One Touch’ sparkling water maker in White, $149, Harvey Norman. 5 Philips Twin TurboStar XXL airfryer, $499, Harvey Norman. 6 De’Longhi ‘La Specialista’ coffee machine, $899, Harvey Norman. 7 DD60DDFB9 Double Dishdrawer dishwasher, $2599, Fisher & Paykel. 8 Piccolo Black coffee capsule machine, $129, Vittoria. 9 Cordless 5-Cup chopper, $259, KitchenAid. 10 SmartClamps Model Three wine preservation system, $379, Coravin. 11 Cordless hand blender in Matte Black, $259, KitchenAid. 12 Sunbeam ‘Pie Magic Traditional 4 Up’ pie maker, $79, Harvey Norman. 13 Bugatti ‘Jacqueline’ 1.2L kettle with transparent handle and adjustable water temperature, $649, Winning Appliances.
INSIDE OUT | 115
Exceptional coffee, whatever your style
SMART VERSATILITY
SLEEK & SUSTAINABLE
EXCEPTIONAL COFFEE
Makes 5 cofee sizes
Compact one-touch
Over 25 blends of
with the touch of a
design made with 54%
sustainably sourced
single buton
recycled plastic
roast and ground cofee
INSIDE | RENOVATE
Luxury velvet cushion in Indian Teal (50cm), $59.95, and round cushion in Mahogany (45cm), $69.95, Aura Home.
Q
I would love to be more experimental with colour in my living room, but I am worried about going too crazy with it. What are the best ways to make a statement with colour without being too bold? Lena, via Instagram If you’re nervous about using colour, start by adding some bold coloured cushions to the colour scheme you are considering and see how you feel after a month. If you still love the colours, it’s probably safe to invest in a more substantial piece of coloured furniture. A statement sofa is a good way to add colour to a space, and looks great when paired with a classic, tonal palette as a base. Balance is really key to creating a harmonious space, and by incorporating an accent colour into a neutral base, the result will be refined yet still feel like home.
Deep, dark colour was used to add warmth to this luxe bay apartment in Sydney’s Cronulla.
EMMA BUCHAN, DIRECTOR, EB INTERIORS
ask an expert Q
I’m looking for a wireless security camera to use in my rental property. What are my options, and what are the benefits of having a wireless system? Charlie, via email If you’re looking for a wireless security camera for your rental property, you can’t go past the Arlo brand. It’s a leader in the category with a wide variety of options, depending on where you want to place your camera. My advice would be to start with the Arlo Essential Spotlight camera. It comes with all the key features you will need. Arlo Essential captures video in 1080p resolution, with an integrated spotlight and colour night vision. Wire-free and weather-resistant, Arlo Essential works indoors or out. The best thing is that you can set it up yourself in just a few easy steps, no need to call in an electrician or drill holes in the wall. It also allows you to speak to visitors with clear, two-way audio, and has a built-in siren. It even lets you receive notifications on your smartphone when your camera spots people, vehicles, animals or packages, and view recorded video clips directly from your phone, with three months of included Arlo Smart service trail. BRAD LITTLE, VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, APAC — ARLO
Arlo Essential Spotlight camera, $229, JB Hi-Fi.
118 | INSIDE OUT
Reusable cotton produce bags, $19.95 each, Thinc Eco.
Q
What are some simple ways I can achieve a more sustainable lifestyle, starting with my kitchen? Elly, via Instagram Living a sustainable life means making conscious decisions on what products you’re using and how they affect the environment. Plastic is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse-gas emissions and can also be harmful to our health because it carries chemicals that seep into the food we eat. Bamboo lunchboxes, or Reusable Silicone Ziplock bags, are a simple yet cost-effective alternative to single-use plastic and will help keep your leftovers fresher for longer. ANDONIA KAILIS, CO-FOUNDER, THINC ECO
The ClickClack Pantry range starts from about $10.99 for a small Storage Basics container.
Q
I want to reorganise my pantry but I’m sick of buying storage containers that don’t fit my kitchen aesthetic or fade over time. How can I remedy this once and for all? Kat, via email Using clear storage containers is a great idea because they suit any kitchen style. Look at stackable containers as they can give the illusion of order while utilising all the space in the pantry. When it comes to keeping them looking fresh and new, investing in good-quality containers, such as our ClickClack Pantry range, is key. Then take proper care of your containers by hand-washing them in warm soapy water. KELLY WEST, MARKETING MNGR, INNOVA PRODUCTS
PHOTOGRAPHY: PRUE RUSCOE (EB INTERIORS)
Stylish solutions for all your design dilemmas
Massive Spring Sale Treat yourself or someone else you care about to an Inside Out subscription from just $6 via recurring payments BR IN GI NG
TH E FU N HO ME How a fam ily tre
INSPIRING HO
MES WITH HE
ART
ehouse ca n ch
ange your life
conscious colour TH E YE AR OF
RE NOVATI CA SE ST UDON IE
FREE HOME DELIVERY S California bu ngalow
Brand new be house buildach Charming litt weatherboa le rd cottage
KE EPING IT GREE N LESSONS FROM A PLA WHISPERERNT
MATE RIA MA ST ER CL LS AS S
BU ILD IN G WI TH BR IC KS
HO ME MA DE
OT TO LE NG A VE GE TA RIHI ! AN FE AS T WI TH PU NC H
BUYER’S GU
IDE ALL YOU
HOW TO...
CR EATE AN OU TD OO R SH OW ER
NEED TO KN
OW ABOUT
HARD FLOO
$6
SUBSCRIBE FROM JUST
RING
BENEFITS INCLUDE: 3 ISSUES of Inside Out from just $6 • SAVE 76% off the retail price FREE DELIVERY of the magazine to your home every issue
HURRY! OFFER ENDS NOVEMBER 4, 2020! To subscribe, visit
magshop.com.au/p/M20AIOT OR
136 116 and quote M20AIOT
For Terms and Conditions, visit magshop.com.au/p/M20AIOT. Savings are based on retail cover price of $8.50. Please see Contents page for location of our Privacy Notice. If you do not want your information provided to any organisation not associated with this offer, please indicate this clearly at time of order or notify the Promoter in writing. Offer valid from 01/10/2020 – 04/11/20 to Australian residents only. Subscription copies do not receive gifts offered at retail. Automatic renewal: After the first 3 issues, the subscription will automatically renew and be billed at $18.95 every 3 issues thereafter.
OUT
about face
A sandy plot now enjoys a very different life in the sun A great relationship between homeowner and designer almost always results in a pleasing outcome – and that was very much the case with this garden on Sydney’s northern beaches. Landscape designer Michael Cooke has known architect Matthew Woodward and his family for a long time, so Michael was the obvious choice when it came to transforming the sparse garden around Matthew’s first home into cleverly connected and well-equipped outdoor spaces that suit its beachside location. Turn the page to see more.
WORDS SARAH PICKETTE PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT
Recycled bricks from The Brick Pit provide a base for the new outdoor entertaining area. At its centre is an ingenious concrete fire pit, which has a removable timber top that allows it to function as a coffee table when the fire is not in use. Nomah outdoor lounge and Nullica day bed cushion on bench from Eco Outdoor.
122 | INSIDE OUT
OUT | GARDEN
natural
Simple materials and thoughtful plant choices create a relaxed beauty that runs right through this beachside garden in Sydney
fit T
he process of transforming a bare corner block
into this relaxed, beachy garden had special significance for landscape designer Michael Cooke. The homeowner, architect Matthew Woodward, had bought the property on Sydney’s northern beaches and it was his first home. “I’ve known Matthew for a very long time,” says Michael. “He grew up with a garden I designed for his dad. He has a great eye and it was just such a pleasure to collaborate with him in creating a garden that would be in keeping with his own house.” With a fairly blank slate to work with, Michael set about improving the usability and functionality of the garden: boosting the house’s street appeal; enhancing the private, sunken deck at
WORDS SARAH PICKETTE PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT
OUT | GARDEN
the side of the house; and transforming the rear garden into a relaxed and welcoming spot that Matthew and his wife Gabriella could enjoy with their friends and young family. “We like to call it Maiya’s garden, because the work was happening when our daughter was born,” says Matthew. The native street trees at the front of the house are now complemented by a selection of low, textural plants that greet visitors to the home. White pebbles and new off-form concrete steps neaten and update the facade and, though the concrete driveway original to the house remains, it is concealed from view by white breeze blocks that add privacy and character. “Our goal here was to smarten up the front while keeping things in step with the humble fibro home,” says Michael. On the north-facing side of the house, a vegetable garden makes the most of the abundant sunlight and leads to a metal gate that opens into a pergola-covered outdoor dining area designed by Matthew. A fast-growing, variegated Honolulu lily (Solandra maxima ‘Variegata’) will eventually cover the steeland-timber beams with its generous, glossy foliage. Sunken for privacy from the street, this spot has been transformed with striking off-form concrete walls topped with the same painted breeze blocks that are used out the front. “The breeze blocks create privacy, but ensure the space doesn’t feel too enclosed,” says Michael. “They suit the house perfectly – they look cool, but not so cool as to be out of context with the house.” The outdoor dining area is also defined by its spotted-gum decking, simple table-and-bench seating and an outdoor shower that’s used after beach visits. “It’s also pretty spectacular to shower out there in mid-winter under the night sky,” says Matthew. Generous slabs of off-form concrete visually and physically link the outdoor dining area to the backyard. “Concrete works because it’s a low-key material that looks current but goes well with an older house,” adds Michael. Tucked behind the concrete retaining walls, a variety of plants – from wispy Zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) to colourfully flowered heliotropes
A Bronte outdoor table and bench from Eco Outdoor are positioned on the spotted-gum deck. A Cambodian pot is home to a fruiting olive tree. OPPOSITE (from top) Murray Rose outdoor shower from Robert Plumb. Plants include (from front to back) Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Heliotropium arborescens, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ and Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’.
“The deck was sunken to the street to create a private, sun-drenched oasis off the side of the house while also enabling a good flow from front to rear” MATTHEW WOODWARD, FORMER OWNER
INSIDE OUT | 125
OUT | GARDEN
LEFT The front garden is planted with (from rear) felt bush (Kalanchoe beharensis), Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Oak Leaf’, silver teaspoons (Kalanchoe hildebrandtii), licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) and coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa). 1
2 4
“Off-form concrete suits a variety of architectural styles and showcases plants beautifully” MICHAEL COOKE, LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
3 5
– create a lushly screened area to sit. Recycled bricks demarcate the zone and a frangipani tree that was formerly at the side of the garden was removed and craned into this spot, where it’s the star of the backyard. Again, the furniture is kept clean-lined and simple, with an Eco Outdoor sofa set by the concrete fire pit that’s fitted with a timber top so it can double as an outdoor coffee table when not in use. To form a connection between the seating area and the lawn at the back garden’s rear, Michael and Matthew chose to create a gentle, grassy slope. “It’s about having a long line that tapers down, rather than simply opting for stairs and more retaining walls,” says Michael. The variety of plants he selected means there is always something to capture interest, no matter what the season. “The layering and combination of textures and colours that change throughout the year is impressive,” says Matthew. The end result is a garden that looks smart but feels relaxed and is at one with the house. Matthew and Gabriella have since sold this home, but have again engaged Michael to work on their new garden. “This property was only on the market for about a week before it sold,” says Michael “The garden feels like it belongs here and is loved and enjoyed. Isn’t that what everyone wants?” Michael Cooke Garden Design projects at michaelcooke.com.au. Matthew Woodward Architecture is at matthewwoodward.com.au 126 | INSIDE OUT
design details
Materiality matters in this garden, with concrete playing a starring role 1 A striking Kate Kelly letterbox from Robert Plumb sets the tone for the front garden and hints at what lies beyond. 2 Glossy-leafed Honolulu lily (Solandra maxima ‘Variegata’) proliferates on the pergola. This creeper tolerates sun and windy weather well, and produces extravagant flowers. 3 New concrete steps show off the form of structural plants. 4 The backyard’s terraced lawn has soft-leaf buffalo grass; it was chosen for its density and hardiness. 5 The Honolulu lily will eventually grow right over the pergola, creating beautiful dappled shade in summer. 6 Sharp angles in the concrete walls add a touch of modernity to the front of the house.
6
INSIDE | HOME & FASHION
WWW.HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/DIRECTORY AS SEEN ON
The destination for beautiful and inspiring lifestyle pieces
EST 1993
Complete your home with your own personal touch
www.designstuff.com.au I @designstuff
rug_addiction Furniture
10,000+ Styles
@rugaddictionbgo
www.rugaddiction.com.au
Lighting
4,000+ Styles
AUSTRALIA'S BEST ONLINE FURNITURE & HOME DECOR STORE
Register now to receive your $50 coupons* to spend store wide!
Exquisite and exclusive. Affordable hand-woven cushions, quilts, throws, and table linen from Central Asia. www.birchandloom.com
I robin@birchandloom.com
Enjoy a 15% discount by using code INSIDE15 at checkout
Log on at www.livingstyles.com.au/iso to sign up. Home Decor
6,000+ Styles
Rugs
10,000+ Styles
*Terms & conditions apply, please see sign up page for details.
Blending Beauty and Sustainability since 1972
Ethically Sourced
100% Natual
• Select from 18 unique rattan patterns in either open and close weave. • Complement your interior by using it for furniture, joinery, wall panelling or screening projects. • Team it with engineered bamboo for a contemporary and sustainable design.
www.houseof bamboo.com.au I 1300 665 703 TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8369
Custom made Outdoor showers
HOLLOWTR E ES H OWE RS .CO M @HOLLOWTREESHOWERS INSIDE OUT | OCTOBER 2020
Massive Spring Sale Treat yourself or someone else you care about to an Inside Out subscription from just $6 via recurring payments BR IN GI NG
TH E FU N HO ME How a fam ily tre
INSPIRING HO
MES WITH HE
ART
ehouse ca n ch
ange your life
conscious colour TH E YE AR OF
RE NOVATI CA SE ST UDON IE
FREE HOME DELIVERY S California bu ngalow
Brand new be house buildach Charming litt weatherboa le rd cottage
KE EPING IT GREE N LESSONS FROM A PLA WHISPERERNT
MATE RIA MA ST ER CL LS AS S
BU ILD IN G WI TH BR IC KS
HO ME MA DE
OT TO LE NG A VE GE TA RIHI ! AN FE AS T WI TH PU NC H
BUYER’S GU
IDE ALL YOU
HOW TO...
CR EATE AN OU TD OO R SH OW ER
NEED TO KN
OW ABOUT
HARD FLOO
$6
SUBSCRIBE FROM JUST
RING
BENEFITS INCLUDE: 3 ISSUES of Inside Out from just $6 • SAVE 76% off the retail price FREE DELIVERY of the magazine to your home every issue
HURRY! OFFER ENDS NOVEMBER 4, 2020! To subscribe, visit
magshop.com.au/p/M20AIOT OR
136 116 and quote M20AIOT
For Terms and Conditions, visit magshop.com.au/p/M20AIOT. Savings are based on retail cover price of $8.50. Please see Contents page for location of our Privacy Notice. If you do not want your information provided to any organisation not associated with this offer, please indicate this clearly at time of order or notify the Promoter in writing. Offer valid from 01/10/2020 – 04/11/20 to Australian residents only. Subscription copies do not receive gifts offered at retail. Automatic renewal: After the first 3 issues, the subscription will automatically renew and be billed at $18.95 every 3 issues thereafter.
OUT | DESIGN DESTINATION
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANSON SMART (DARLINGHURST), HUGH STEWART (PORTRAIT)
recipe for success
It’s been 20 years since cafe king Bill Granger released his first cookbook and now, 12 books later, Australian Food is about to land. Here, he shares how he’s taken his personal style to people everywhere
CLOCKWISE (from top left) UK-based Bill Granger in his element. His original (and some say, best) restaurant in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, where the design reflects the minimalism of the 1990s, when it opened. The suggestion of a hearth is key. Outside the corner plot of Bills #1, looking in.
breakfast according to bill In Bill Granger’s world, every day is like Saturday – specifically
a sunny Saturday morning in his favourite city, Sydney, the inspiration for all of the 19 restaurants he’s created around the world over the past 28 years. Wherever you are in the world, from Ginza to Notting Hill to Honolulu, when you walk through the door of Bills you will feel at home. Although each one is different – taking cues from local environments and site-specific details – in some strange way he has managed to make every Bills feel the same. It’s an amazing accomplishment, fuelled by the self-taught cook’s refined but laidback aesthetic. We talk to him about his design journey and how he came up with the template for his cafes. All are called Bills, except in the UK, where they’re affectionately known as Granger & Co... INTERVIEW ELIZA O’HARE
DAR LINGHURST, AUSTR ALIA INSIDE OUT | 129
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Bills is known for its legendary avocado toast, but all the group’s meals are casual and delicious. Raw materials such as leather and wood are regular features of Bills interiors. Tomato treats at Surry Hills. The Hawaiian interiors feature timber panelling. Cool geometric tiles at an Hawaiian Bills. Bringing Australian style and outdoor breakfasts to Notting Hill was a risk in London (a notoriously late-to-rise city), but has proven to be a brunch hit. OPPOSITE TOP Pancakes, a perennial Bills staple.
HAWAII, USA 130 | INSIDE OUT
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANSON SMART (SURRY HILLS, MIKKEL VANG (HAWAII AND NOTTING HILL), PETRINA TINSLAY (SEOUL)
SUR RY HILLS, AUSTR ALIA
OUT | DESIGN DESTINATION
NOTTING HILL , UK
starting out
When we opened the first Bills in Darlinghurst in 1993, everything was very minimal and simple. We had just come out of the 1980s, where it had been all excess, pattern and colour, and the 1990s was the opposite. I was really inspired by the minimalist interiors of designers like Jean Michel Frank, and that Armani look had emerged. I loved the sophisticated simplicity. And it suited me very well because I didn’t have much money. We went with polished floors, white walls and good furniture in a simple room, paring everything back and making the food the hero, which worked really well. That interior is 28 years old and when I walk in today, it still feels fresh to me. Working out how to create the interior [of a cafe] in a new country was a matter of bringing that Australian style but making it appropriate. We learnt as we went. The first one in Japan was the hardest. The question was, how do you communicate Australian food? It’s about the way we live, it’s about the casualness and the ease of our brunch with the sun streaming in, with the papers spread out, with bike riders outside – that kind of energy. But in the middle of winter, Tokyo gets very cold, and we discovered that Japan is the home of really warm textures and timber, so our style there gradually evolved to include that. We always brought the influence of the environment around us to each new location.
“The light in Sydney is very good and [so] in Australia I think we’re all natural minimalists” BILL GRANGER
signature chair
I think it’s really important to use Australian creatives; we have a particular point of view and I think we’re very global. We started collaborating with [interior designers] Don McQualter and Jules Meacham and they really helped transform what I did.
SEOUL , KOR EA
OUT | DESIGN DESTINATION
BILL GRANGER
Working on these projects with them has been the joy of my work life. Don and Jules are fans of Le Corbusier and French Modernism, as am I, but they were also obsessed by India. That’s how the Pierre Jeanneret chair first came into it for the Notting Hill restaurant. At that time, I hadn’t really seen them anywhere, but of course, now they’re everywhere and they are, hands down, the best restaurant chair ever. They last and last. We got them made especially for us and started playing around with the materials. [Eventually we] introduced a synthetic pop plastic weave on the seats and it looks fabulous. It’s very much ours, and it’s obviously fake – as it is meant to be.
GINZA , JAPA N
The next couple of restaurants had to be more glamorous. Bills in Ginza [Tokyo] sits opposite Chanel and Louis Vuitton and above Cartier and Bulgari, so we went for big glamour – beautiful recessed booths and velvet chairs. Then at Bills in Sloane Square [London] we went with a green velvet banquette. Low seating is a little trick we use to make the ceilings appear higher, and we also make our tables shorter because that makes the whole room feel instantly more casual and intimate. Times are changing though. So much has happened that I feel like we need to go back to minimalism... it might be the right time to pare it all back again.
polished style The Italian coffee culture in Australia had a big impact [on design], bringing in those utilitarian workman-like materials that we still use: terrazzo, marble, solid timber, laminates, all of those good-quality materials but done in a luxurious way. I use things that don’t chip – things you can polish. Having a restaurant takes a lot of work to make it lovely, keep it clean, polish the brass and that’s what I try to teach all of the guys. If interiors are looked after, they evolve and they wear in, they develop patina. I love things that are worn out, but they’ve got to be well-maintained. I’m a big fan of Etsy. The trick is to go onto very expensive websites like 1stDibs to find what you like and the names of the designers, then search on cheaper sites. Otherwise, you don’t know what you’re looking at – it’s impossible. I’ve found great Swedish glass and pottery... it just takes a bit of research. We’re always on a budget, but people have to be comfortable. We found a lot of what makes you comfortable can’t be seen, like air-conditioning and the sound level. We spend a lot of money on our ceilings; they’re all acoustic to sound baffle because it’s essential to have buzz but not chaos.
fake vs real I was an art student and when I started I didn’t have any money, but I made sure I got one Murray Hilton piece: this big glossy artwork which I still love. I always try to get real art, but sometimes we have to mix it up. We’ve used photocopies from art books that we framed and they worked really well, too. It’s fake art but art doesn’t always have to be ‘good’ pieces – but it does need to be emotional. In Bondi, we have one work by [Australian actor and artist] Noah Taylor and the rest came from eBay – the entire French hang is from there. If the colours are right and they work together, yyou can buy cheap things, frame them and put them together in a way that makes them look expensive. That way you’re actually making a memory, and a moment. Australian Food by Bill Granger is published by Murdoch Books, $49.99 from good booksellers.
PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKKEL VANG (TOKYO), PETRINA TINSLAY (CHELSEA, GWANGHWAMUN AND OMOTESANDO)
“During the day, there’s got to be lots of natural light, but at night the lights need to come down and that means finding the right lamps and sconces and wall lights. No overhead lights because they make you look shocking. Everyone needs a side light – it takes years off you!”
GWA NGHWA MUN, KOR EA
CHELSEA , UK
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT COLUMN The Granger & Co eatery in Sloane Square, Chelsea, upped the glamour with luxurious fabrics and velvet-covered booths and chairs. Korean success in Gwanghwamun takes on some local elements: pops of colour and vintage light pendants. Omotesando, located in the Harajuku area of Tokyo, is a sunny Sydney-inspired respite from the street below. OPPOSITE Bills in Tokyo’s Ginza district takes its cues from the Japanese tradition of using texture to create warmth.
OMOTESA NDO, JAPA N
INSIDE OUT | 133
ever y day simple Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s new book is full of wise words on unfussy family food from her popular blog
M
elbourne-based cook and author Julia Busuttil
Nishimura first came to our attention through her cult blog, Ostro. It’s there that she indulges her flavour base: a mix of family traditions from Malta, Japan and Italy. She’s also an advocate of the well-stocked pantry, so the collection of recipes in her new book, A Year Of Simple Family Food, really resonate in our current stay-at-home climate. The beautifully photographed title is devoted to cooking according to the seasons, with price, taste and sustainability contributing to that mindset, and recipes divided into seasons along the lines of which ingredients are in abundance at that time. “My year is punctuated with the comings and goings of ingredients,” says Julia. “Yes, we have four seasons, but in truth there are all of these micro seasons where ingredients appear and are gone again in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments to make way for others. So while this book is divided into four chapters, it could easily have been several more.” PHOTOGRAPHY ARMELLE HABIB
OUT | ENTERTAINING
tomato poached fish with saffron and chickpeas Poaching is a beautiful way to cook fish quickly. This is such a flavourful dish and comes together without much effort at all. Serve this with crusty bread or creamy polenta.
PHOTOGRAPY: JEREMY SIMONS (LINEN BACKGROUND)
pinch of saffron threads 250ml (1 cup) hot water 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 20g unsalted butter 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped sea salt ½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes 125ml (½ cup) dry white wine 200g canned whole peeled tomatoes
3 parsley sprigs, leaves picked and roughly chopped, stalks reserved 400g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 600g skinless fillets of firm white fish, such as coral trout, bream, cod or rockling, cut into 3 cm pieces juice of 1 lemon crusty bread or soft polenta, to serve
1 Place the saffron threads in a small bowl and cover with the hot water. Set aside to steep for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over a low heat. Add the garlic, a pinch of salt and the chilli flakes and gently cook for 3 minutes. You don’t want the garlic to colour. 2 Increase the heat to medium and pour in the wine, allowing it to simmer for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, breaking them up with the back of a wooden spoon, along with the parsley stalks, chickpeas and the saffron and water. Allow to simmer gently for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. 3 Add the fish and poach for approximately 5 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the parsley stalks and discard. Season to taste. Scatter with the chopped parsley leaves and finish with a good squeeze of lemon juice. Serve the poached fish with crusty bread or on a bed of creamy polenta.
TOMATO POACHED FISH WITH SAFFRON AND CHICKPEAS
TOP ROW (left to right) Julia with her husband Nori, also a chef, and son Haruki at their Melbourne home. Haruki in the family’s garden. At the table with Haruki, taste-testing some of the dishes from Julia’s new family-focused book. Julia says she doesn’t cook separate meals for her (two) children.
INSIDE OUT | 135
OUT | ENTERTAINING
RASPBERRY RIPPLE CAKE
raspberry ripple cake This is one of the most delicious and simple ‘cakes’: just cream and raspberries sandwiched between biscuits and left to sit in the fridge. Inspired by the chocolate ripple cakes that were so popular during my high-school days in the country, this version is considerably lighter and perfect for summer. Because it requires absolutely no cooking, it’s my go-to dessert when the weather is scorching hot. I love serving this over the festive season when berries are juicy and sweet. You’ll need to assemble the cake a whole day before you want to eat it. SERVES 6—8
600ml pure cream 250g (1 cup) crème fraîche 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped, or 1 teaspoon vanilla-bean paste 40g (⅓ cup) icing sugar, sifted 250g (2 cups) raspberries,
plus extra to serve finely grated zest of 1 lemon 250g Butternut Snap or other plain, sweet biscuits Red currants, to serve (optional)
1 Combine the cream, crème fraîche, vanilla and 3 tablespoons of the icing sugar in a large bowl and whip to stiff peaks. 2 Place the raspberries in a bowl with the lemon zest and remaining 1 tablespoon of icing sugar and crush together with the back of a fork. 3 Line a 23cm loaf tin with plastic wrap, with plenty overhanging. Spread a thin layer of the whipped cream over the base, then top with a layer of biscuits. You can break some of them if you need to make them fit. Top with another layer of the cream, then half of the raspberry mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the cream (reserving about ½ cup of the cream mixture for finishing the cake). Enclose the cake with the overhanging plastic wrap and place in the freezer overnight. Transfer to the fridge and leave the cake for a further 8—12 hours. 4 When ready to serve, release the cake from the tin by sitting it in some hot water for 30 seconds. Unwrap the overhanging plastic, pop your serving plate over the tin and invert the whole thing. Lift off the tin and remove the plastic wrap. Use the remaining cream to cover the sides and top of the cake, then decorate with extra raspberries and red currants (if using). Serve immediately.
136 | INSIDE OUT
EXTRACTS FROM A YEAR OF SIMPLE FAMILY FOOD: DELICIOUS RECIPES TO FEED YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THE SEASONS
by Julia Busuttil Nishimura. Published by Pan Macmillan, $39.99 for paperback, and sold online and through all good booksellers.
INSIDE OUT | PROMOTION
extras
BRIGHT IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME
HARVEY NORMAN Savour contemporary style in your dining space with the
PORTER'S PAINTS The new Capsule Collection, available at Bunnings, is a
BEACON LIGHTING Compact in size and minimalist in design, the Artisan Dot is a
Tenterfield Buffet. Crafted from Victorian ash timber with Victorian ash veneer, this buffet is the perfect storage option for your
curated range of 32 beautiful colours that add character and complexity to any interior and exterior space. RRP $84/2L.
customisable, versatile light. Its IP44 splash proof rating and excellent colour rendition makes it perfect for the bathroom. RRP
dining room. Visit harveynorman.com.au
Visit porterspaints.com
$198.95. Visit beaconlighting.com.au
BATHE The Neu 2.0 range from Swiss shower brand Aquas features air cross spray technology, infusing water with air to provide superb flow performance that is both soft and invigorating. Available in five finishes. RRP $1,220. Visit bathe.net.au
CAROMA With an extensive range of quality products and a choice of colour finishes, the Luna collection is the practical choice to create your bathroom sanctuary. RRP from $233. For more information and the view the full range, visit caroma.com.au
HARVEY NORMAN The Samsung 8.5kg Quick Drive Washer features the AddWash™ door for easy addition of items during cycles. The Hygiene Steam cycle protects your clothes from allergens and bacteria. RRP $1,499. Visit harveynorman.com.au
FREEDOM Featuring a three-door cabinet, the Larsson Buffet has plenty of storage. The buffet boasts rounded edges and turned wooden knobs, and is perched on slightly splayed legs for a chic, retro look.
REPLICA FURNITURE The Scandinavian Bar Stool is a true reflection of Scandi Style. Perfect for a modern or period home, the stool is constructed from solid ash timber and is handcrafted to last. RRP $169.
ILVE Create a customised, individual look with The Majestic Freestanding Oven range that features the new 4.3 inch touch control display, Steam Valve and non-stick nano technological coated burners. RRP from
RRP $1,019. Visit freedom.com.au
Visit replicafurniture.com.au
$9,999. Visit ilve.com.au
LAST WORD
standing order
Tall and elegant, freestanding basin mixers and outlets are taking the floor
Guy and Jules Sebastian have one in their lavish Sydney home and this beautiful image gives some idea why. The design possibilities for bathrooms with a floor-mounted tap are endless, and Sussex Taps has the exclusive on three new releases: the Circa and Calibre floor-mount basin mixers, and the Voda floor-mount outlet. Perfect for a freestanding or an off-the-wall basin set-up, they’re available in 33 finishes, from bold primary colours to subtle, moody hues. Pictured is the Circa floormount basin mixer, priced from $2370. sussextaps.com.au
138 | INSIDE OUT
yo ur c h oi ces ACT Belconnen Fyshwick Mitchell
(02) 6251 1030 (02) 6280 4500 (02) 6241 9555
NSW Adamstown Albion Park Rail Albury Alexandria Armidale Balgowlah Batemans Bay Bathurst Blacktown Byron Bay Caringbah Castle Hill Coffs Harbour Dubbo East Maitland Erina Fairy Meadow Forster Goulburn Griffith Heatherbrae Hornsby Mittagong Narellan North Bega North Richmond Nowra South Orange Parkes Penrith Port Macquarie Silverwater St Leonards Tamworth Taylors Beach Tuggerah Wagga Wagga Warners Bay Young
(02) 4952 1835 (02) 4257 1877 (02) 6042 4828 (02) 9319 0551 (02) 6772 7999 (02) 9907 9077 (02) 4472 7001 (02) 6331 4866 (02) 9671 1800 (02) 6685 5503 (02) 9524 3755 (02) 9680 1340 (02) 6652 2473 (02) 6885 3397 (02) 4932 5122 (02) 4367 7329 (02) 4225 0900 (02) 6555 5334 (02) 4822 2795 (02) 6964 4111 (02) 4983 1883 (02) 9477 3857 (02) 4872 2158 (02) 4647 2888 (02) 6492 4496 (02) 4571 2300 (02) 4421 3833 (02) 6361 7575 (02) 6863 4463 (02) 4731 4242 (02) 6581 1851 (02) 9748 6846 (02) 8355 5925 (02) 6765 5513 (02) 4982 2522 (02) 4351 1550 (02) 6931 9500 (02) 4954 5511 (02) 6382 3991
NT Alice Springs Darwin
(08) 8953 8166 (08) 8984 3402
QLD Alderley
(07) 3354 1544
Atherton Bald Hills Bundaberg East Bundall Burleigh Heads Cairns Cannon Hill Capalaba Fortitude Valley Helensvale Hervey Bay Ipswich Jindalee Maroochydore Noosaville North Mackay Toowoomba Warwick Yeppoon
(07) 4091 1482 (07) 3261 6677 (07) 4151 2241 (07) 5561 0355 (07) 5535 1744 (07) 4041 1271 (07) 3399 4644 (07) 3245 6683 (07) 3257 3377 (07) 5580 0711 (07) 4124 2689 (07) 3282 9555 (07) 3279 6566 (07) 5443 6280 (07) 5449 9319 (07) 4942 0700 (07) 4638 7019 (07) 4661 1466 (07) 4939 5505
SA Blackwood Campbelltown Eastwood Keswick Modbury Mount Gambier Parafield Airport Port Lincoln
(08) 8370 3899 (08) 8365 3494 (08) 8373 1064 (08) 8293 3833 (08) 8396 7600 (08) 8723 1234 (08) 8281 0292 (08) 8682 4194
WA
TAS Cooee Devonport Hobart Kingston Launceston Midway Point Moonah
(03) 6431 1555 (03) 6423 6555 (03) 6231 1922 (03) 6229 5544 (03) 6344 9555 (03) 6265 2008 (03) 6228 2925
VIC Ararat Ashburton Ballarat Benalla Colac Dandenong Doncaster East Bendigo Echuca Euroa Ferntree Gully Frankston
inspiration station AVA I L A B L E
Geelong West (03) 5222 1555 Hawthorn (03) 9859 0300 Hoppers Crossing (03) 8742 2299 Horsham (03) 5382 3374 Kyabram (03) 5852 2388 Leongatha (03) 5662 5030 Lilydale (03) 9739 5755 Mansfield (03) 5775 2688 Mildura (03) 5021 1116 Moe (03) 5127 2499 Moorabbin (03) 9557 3300 Mornington (03) 5975 2600 Narre Warren (03) 9796 7733 Niddrie (03) 9379 2900 Nunawading (03) 9878 1921 Parkdale (03) 9590 9322 Robinvale (03) 5026 4095 Seymour (03) 5799 1905 Shepparton (03) 5822 2777 Stawell (03) 5358 3374 Sunbury (03) 9744 2364 Swan Hill (03) 5032 3701 Thomastown (03) 9466 1444 Torquay (03) 5261 6279 Wangaratta (03) 5721 8900 Warragul (03) 5622 3558 Warrnambool (03) 5561 1411 Wodonga (02) 6024 2200 Wonthaggi (03) 5672 2148
(03) 5352 2899 (03) 9885 6000 (03) 5332 7584 (03) 5762 6062 (03) 5231 4526 (03) 9791 9422 (03) 9850 8500 (03) 5443 0144 (03) 5482 3883 (03) 5795 1211 (03) 9758 8182 (03) 9781 1466
Albany Bellevue Bunbury Busselton Cannington Esperance Geraldton Joondalup Kalgoorlie Margaret River Myaree Northam Osborne Park Rockingham
(08) 9841 5555 (08) 9274 3244 (08) 9791 3522 (08) 9754 4929 (08) 9458 8334 (08) 9071 1200 (08) 9964 1866 (08) 9300 0911 (08) 9021 4741 (08) 9758 8348 (08) 9330 6001 (08) 9622 1154 (08) 9444 9955 (08) 9527 1260
NZ East Tamaki Hamilton New Plymouth Rotorua Tauranga
(09) 212 9483 (07) 847 6430 (06) 759 2227 (07) 348 0615 (07) 577 0338
MOOD COLLECTION WINDOW FURNISHINGS S TO C K I S T
I nfo rm a t i on cor re c t as at A ug us t 2 02 0
67
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
B O N U S 6 5 + PAG E FLO O R I N G M AGA Z I N E Full of inspiration, tips and advice on how to create your Healthy Home.
choicesflooring.com