CHIL DRE N ’S SPACE S: Smart rooms for bright young minds
The ultimate family home
We visit comedian TIM ROSS, a man who takes his DESIGN seriously
124
+
pages of
FOREVER HOMES
Moving on up, side-sizing or downsizing? Inspiration abounds!
Lantern House, Victoria, by Timmins+Whyte Architects. Photography by Peter Bennetts. COLORBOND and the BlueScope brand mark are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. 2020 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.
Beautiful simplicity. Tested in some of Australia’s harshest conditions, durable COLORBOND steel Matt diffuses light to create a subtle, textured and contemporary aesthetic. COLORBOND steel in Surfmist Matt offers a stylish contrast to softer tones and complements darker hues for added design flexibility and an elegantly understated appearance. Visit COLORBOND.COM/MATT or call 1800 702 764
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A R M A D I LLO - C O.C O M
The ultimate family home
FEBRUARY Cover stories
22 124+ pages of forever homes Moving on up, side-sizing or downsizing? Inspriation abounds! 37 Children’s spaces: smart rooms for bright young minds 194 We visit comedian Tim Ross, a man who takes his design seriously
People
Photograph by Pablo Veiga.
22 Beachy Keen Every day feels like a holiday at the relaxed home of retailers Michelle and Andrew Algar.
55 Sweet Chariot Cherie Barber is hooked on classics. 194 The Creative Type Media personality and Modernism aficionado, Tim Ross.
Decorating
37 Minor Miracles Amazing decor for tots, tweens and teens. 47 Ask An Expert Solutions for surfaces that look terrific from start to finish. 51 On Trend Fruit tingle. 53 On Trend Coastal cues.
Houses
64 The Long View Buying sight unseen is always a lucky dip, but this property was definitely a winner. 78 Top Form Rising to the challenges of an inhospitable site delivered handsome rewards. 88 Click And Connect A desire to spread out brought family and friends together again. 100 Walk This Way Out-of-the-box thinking resulted in a Queenslander with a difference.
Gardens
170 Passion Project Meander through the grounds of Emaho, a luscious garden and ornamental tree farm in Queensland’s Darling Downs region. 176 Enjoy The Journey A garden designed with both exploration areas and destination points was the winning formula for this seachanging family in NSW. 181 Outside In Our new columnist, horticulturist Tammy Huynh, talks indoor plants and how to care for them.
Living
183 Wild At Heart Delicious dishes inspired by nature’s bounty.
For our readers
10 Subscribe to H&G this month and receive three issues for just $15, a saving of 41 per cent! 18 Top 50 Rooms! Your invitation to enter our annual interiors showcase. 20 Your H&G Readers’ letters. 192 Where To Buy Seen something you like? Find your nearest stockist. 193 Privacy Notice
On our cover Lured by the location, the owners of this Mornington Peninsula home took a punt that more than paid off. Photograph by Armelle Habib. Turn to page 64 for more.
Photograph by Pablo Veiga.
110 Life Of The Party A bungalow’s epic evolution from drab to dreamy. 120 Creative Solution Key to the success of this Melbourne makeover was going straight to the art. 128 Get Smart Clever design optimises every centimetre of this 1880s terrace. 138 Labour Of Love Talented ownerdesigner-renovators nurture their ugly duckling into an elegant swan. 148 Barefoot Brilliance Fuss-free and fabulous in Perth. 156 State Of Grace Victorian opulence, but not as you know it.
FURNITURE & HOMEWARES | INTERIOR DESIGN | PROPERTY STYLING | DESIGN SCHOOL WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.COM.AU
Photograph by Kristina Soljo. Hair and make-up by Samantha Powell.
I
“There are eleven wonderfully UNIQUE houses in this issue, and I’m SURE at least one of them will RESONATE with you.”
EDITOR’S LETTER H G
absolutely love the fabulous variety of houses in this issue. It’s fascinating to read about the personalities behind them, and see how these idyllic abodes have been created for a range of family configurations. I like the differing paces of dream realisation too – some people are impulsive, while others take their time. And let’s face it: buying property is full of unknowns and can be stressful. When it all works out, the aura of happiness that radiates from the owners is palpable. There are eleven wonderfully unique houses in this issue, and I’m sure at least one of them will resonate with you. Take the gorgeous Mid-Century property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches that is home to Andrew and Michelle Algar. When they spotted it, the couple were desperately seeking a more familyfriendly set-up as Michelle was heavily pregnant with their second child. There was lots of interest and she was convinced that they would be pipped at the post, but Andrew was working hard behind the scenes and had already made an offer to secure their dream home. When you read the story on page 22, you will see how much they truly love living there with their young children. Then there is the story of builder Steve Cahill (page 64), who popped into a property on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula where an auction was already in progress. He found himself with his hand in the air, buying a house he hadn’t even inspected. I think you will agree that the home he has created with his wife Lucy and the design finesse of Kate Walker is a keeper – a beautiful forever home for the couple and their three children. It’s also this issue’s cover star. Another Sydney family home (page 78) came to fruition because of an excellent partnership between brave owners and architect Andrew Donaldson. The site was steep, rocky and daunting but there was amazing potential and sublime views to be captured for those with perseverance. Up in Brisbane, David and Hannah dramatically transformed a 1950s Queenslander into a light-filled family haven without a cliché in sight (page 100). Elsewhere, professional renovator, Cherie Barber, shows us her great house and incredible set of wheels (page 55). Her first foray into the property market was a house on a busy road that was ‘a mistake’. She gave it a quick makeover and made a small profit which set her on the path to a career in house flipping. Today, Cherie is literally enjoying the sweet smell of success living in an expansive former lolly factory and driving a restored 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air called Mildred. We trust the abundance of inspiration in this issue helps you achieve some sweet home dreams this year too.
Tanya Buchanan, Editor in chief TOP PICKS
Tanya’s top five
COLLECT
Like a Tiger painting by Joanna Gambotto, $4200, michaelreidstudiodirect. com.au.
UNWIND
Cire Trudon ‘Les Albâtres’ candle, about $258, Libertine Parfumerie; libertineparfumerie.com.
SPARKLE
Kandinsky Collection ‘Marcelle’ rose quartz and pearl earrings, $595, Jan Logan; janlogan.com.
STOW
State of Escape ‘Odyssey’ XL tote in Paprika, $385, Bassike; bassike.com.
REFRESH
Compagnie de Provence liquid soap, $49.95, Libertine Parfumerie; libertineparfumerie.com.au.
The 2019 Room of the Year, designed by Arent & Pyke. EDITORIAL Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan Creative director Antonietta Panuccio Deputy editor Elizabeth Wilson Interiors editor Kate Nixon Chief copy editor Sarah Pickette Senior content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar Homes group coordinators Sara Sleeman and Matilda Ringrose
YS! R R Y
ART & STYLE Art director Shayne Burton Designer/stylist Sophie Wilson Prepress specialist Matus Kundrat
U DA T H LA
S
CONTRIBUTORS
Calling all architects and interior designers! Do you have a beautiful project to share? Enter now and be part of H&G’s Top 50 Rooms showcase. Submissions open!
Top 50 Rooms celebrates the beauty, quality and creativity in Australian interiors today. Entries close Friday, January 29, 2021 with the best 50 projects to appear in H&G’s April 2021 issue.
Entry requirements
Send in high-resolution images (jpg or tiff) of the room/s you would like to submit. Rooms should be professionally styled and photographed.
How to enter:
Contact us for an entry kit. An entry fee of $150 per entrant applies (multiple rooms per entry allowed). Send images via WeTransfer or Dropbox link.
EMAIL, DROPBOX & FILE TRANSFER TO
House&GardenTop50Rooms@aremedia.com.au ENQUIRIES (02) 9282 8456 PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
PILLOWS
Artwork by Judith Wright. Styling by Claire Delmar. Photograph by Anson Smart.
Jackie Brygel, Aisha Chaudhry, Darren Christison, Steve Cordony, Stephen Crafti, Jody D’Arcy, Claire Delmar, Karen Dunn, Elise Elliott, Tom Ferguson, Adam Gibson, Deborah Grant, Julia Green, Analiese Gregory, Armelle Habib, Janice Hogg, Kylie Hood, Natalie Hunfalvay, Tammy Huynh, Alana Landsberry, Sarah Maloney, Shannon McGrath, Lynda Owen, Chris Pearson, Carli Philips, Jordan Pola, Samantha Powell, Kristina Soljo, Barton Taylor, Simon Whitbread, Kim Woods Rabbidge, Pablo Veiga, Helen Young, Olga Zdjelar 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 Brand executive Mikayla Skarzynski (02) 9282 8142 Victoria, SA & WA sales director Jaclyn Clements (03) 9823 6341 Director of sales, NSW Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 Victoria head of direct sales Will Jamison (03) 9823 6301 Queensland head of sales Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 General manager – production services Ian McHutchison Production controller Sally Jefferys Advertising production controller Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 Senior event manager Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342 MARKETING & CIRCULATION Marketing director Louise Cankett Senior marketing manager Jillian Hogan Circulation manager Robert McIntosh Subscriptions campaign manager Jesvin Vincent Brand manager Sarah Webster Marketing enquiries homes@aremedia.com.au ARE MEDIA CORPORATE Chief executive officer Brendon Hill Finance director David Loeffler Executive general manager – publishing & digital operations Sarah-Belle Murphy Publisher – homes titles Shane Sutton Director of sales Andrew Cook Customer director Sally Eagle Business manager Georgina Bromfield Syndications syndication@aremedia.com.au New Zealand enquiries +61 2 9282 8505 SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES
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Published by Are Media Pty Ltd (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN is the property of Are Media Pty Ltd and is used under licence. © 2021. All rights reserved. Printed by Ovato, 31-37 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW 2170. National distribution by Gordon and Gotch Australia Pty Ltd. 1300 650 666. ISSN 0004-931X. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Are Media does not accept responsibility for damage to or loss of freelance material submitted for publication. Allow several weeks for acceptance or return. For enquiries regarding subscriptions, call 136 116 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm AEDT, email magshop@magshop.com.au or mail letters to: Australian House & Garden, Reply Paid 3508, Sydney, NSW 2001 or subscribe online at magshop.com.au/hg. Subscription rate*: Australia $79.99 (one year, 12 issues); NZ A$120 (one year, 12 issues); other countries A$180 (one year, 12 issues). All overseas subscriptions sent air speed. *Recommended price, Australian House & Garden.
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H G LETTERS
YOUR H&G
QU ICK , M A RCH
PRIN T IS CH A R MING
The December issue won my heart at first glance: those oversized soldiers standing guard with planet-sized baubles at their feet was an instant reminder that it is the season to be jolly! Hooray! Throw in those geese meandering up the garden path – pure joy and happiness. We can’t all live in that glorious farm house, but we can be happy for the owners who do. I am also thankful to Australian House & Garden for bringing such beauty into my own home, and for inspiring me to buy some Christmas decorations just like those divine soldiers. I’m booking my next holiday to Orange, pronto! Caron Salib, Lugarno, NSW
As a student, I am often entangled in words and definitions as I write my assignments. For me, H&G denotes a place of freedom, creativity, light and inspiration. The pages provide me with a sense of escape, something I am very grateful for during these times of isolation and disconnection (just about the entirety of 2020!). It’s quite extraordinary that something as simple as a magazine can offer so much serenity and make you feel safe from the chaos. Caitlin Olsen-Ludlow, Centennial Park, NSW
SU RPRISE PACK AGE
Okay, I admit it. I only purchased my first-ever copy of H&G because of the gift wrap and tags designed by Sibella Court for the December issue. My partner sent me off to the shop to pick up some last-minute gift wrap and I thought I’d take the opportunity to rack up some man-points by being a savvy shopper and scoring a three-for-one deal! After delivering the wrap and tags to my partner, I disappeared for a quiet evening of relaxing with my bonus purchase. So here I am – your latest fan! Looking forward to loving more of H&G in 2021. Peter Wyatt, Turner, ACT 20 |
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
W RIT E IN TO W IN The author of each letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a prize. This month, Dominica van der Ploeg of the ACT wins a Philips Airfryer XXL, valued at $599. This 7.3L model features smart-sensing technology that automatically adjusts cooking time for perfect results. For more details, go to philips.com.au. Email your letter to H&G@aremedia.com.au or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include your full name and address in order to be considered for publication.
H^G social
The posts that made your month Facebook fans gave an updated Victorian home a big thumbs up, Steve Cordony’s homestead in regional NSW won hearts on Instagram, while a crisp white-onwhite kitchen hit the mark on Pinterest. Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to tours of our favourite homes. Instagram @houseandgarden View the most inspirational images of the month from H&G headquarters and out and about. Pinterest pinterest.com.au/ houseandgardenau Picture-perfect images from our pages and sensational products to covet.
Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
I admit I wasn’t feeling very festive this season. But those comical geese, posing so proudly on December’s cover, made me laugh so much! The issue was beautiful, so positive and joyous. The houses were lovely as usual, but I especially loved the interview with Ronni Kahn – what an inspirational role model in the face of such challenges. I’ve also given the Christmas recipes a go already! Thank you for helping me see 2020 out with renewed motivation and optimism. Dominica van der Ploeg, Latham, ACT
BEACHY KEEN Seeking a more family-friendly home, Andrew and Michelle Algar swapped their inner-city terrace for this Modernist beauty on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Hair and make-up by Samantha Powell.
STO RY Sarah Pickette | ST Y LI N G Kate Nixon | P HOTO GR AP HY Kristina Soljo
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AT HOME WITH H G
Michelle Al ar (ho ding s rll , tw wo w five-yea ye r-old a ght h er Oli e a u bandd us n rew on the frrontt de d ckk of hee r home. Thhe l te t -1950s house is pain edd Dulux Lexi on Quarter and feat a urres e nat l s ndstone clad sa a diing n and n traveer e s.
he beach is at the end of the street. There’sapalmtreeoutthefront,planted when the house was built nearly 70 years ago. And then there’s the home’s crisp Modernist roofline, so redolent of its architectural era. The character andbeautyofthispropertyonSydney’s Northern Beaches held instant appeal for Andrew and Michelle Algar, who are now its proud owners. “Wewerelivinginathree-levelterracewe’drenovated inBondiJunction[inthecity’sinnereast]and,although we loved it, we had one young child and another on the way,” says Andrew. “It just wasn’t working for us. We needed something more family-friendly.” Both Michelle and Andrew have family on the Northern Beaches, but they weren’t specifically looking to buy in that area. “My dad and I just happened to spot this house for sale,” says Michelle. “When I stepped inside for the first time, I recognised the place for what it was: our dream home.” Andrew took a look as well and agreed that it was right, but there was a hitch. “The property was being marketed very intensively,” Michelle explains. “People were coming from all over Sydney to inspect it. I assumed we had no hope of owning it.” By that time, the couple had already sold their terrace and Michelle was heavily pregnant. They needed to secure a new home fast. “I got home from work one evening and Andrew showed me that the house was on the cover of a local real-estate magazine. My heart sank. But when I opened the magazine, there was the contract for the house – Andrew had made an offer and the vendors had accepted. It was truly the best surprise ever!” The deal on their move was sealed, and the young family hasn’t looked back. “It still feels a bit like I’m on holiday when I pull into the driveway after work,” says Andrew, the owner of furniture and homewares store Contents International Design, which has a showroom in Sydney’s Moore Park Supa Centa. “Life is more relaxed now. That’s not a feeling we had when we lived closer to the city.” Given Andrew’s line of work, the focus for this house was always going to be on fitting it out beautifully. He finds himself exposed to all manner of exquisite homewares through the process of >
AT HOME WITH H G THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE BOTTOM The formal living room features a four-seater
Olivia sofa, a pair of Arianne armchairs and a Scout rug, all from Contents International Design. The framed photograph is by Aquabumps. All other featured items, including the Cuttlefish sculpture (over fire), assembly of straw hats, mirrors and Dragon pot, are also from Contents International Design. OPPOSITE TOP An antique Chinese console table from Orient House sets the style standard at the door. Leather hanging mirror, porcelain stools, stone figurines and bowl, all from Contents International Design.
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On this side of the formal living room is an oversize feather artwork, Elle nesting coffee tables and Mary McDonald chevron table lamp, all from Contents International Design. Busatti cushions, Casa by Studio Kate. Vase and greenery, Mandalay Flowers. >
at home with H G “THIS IS A ROOM THAT’S TV-FREE AND ALL ABOUT CONVERSATION.” Andrew Algar, owner
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H G at home with
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buying stock for his business – to the point that it’s something of a professional hazard. “I see all sorts of beautiful pieces on a daily basis, and there are so many amazing ways we could decorate our home with them that narrowing down which style I like best seems impossible sometimes.” Despite the abundance of decorative choices at their fingertips, both Andrew and Michelle had a distinct vision for how they wanted their home to look and function. “The plan was to keep it nice and light, with an easy-living feel, but it was important for there to be a designer edge at the same time,” he says. With access to furniture and homewares from across the
and Mi M ele cooktop. Black pot, Casa by Studio Kate. Willow buffet and Kelly Wearstler ‘Linden’ table lamp, Contents International Design. Artwork by Aquabumps. OPPOSITE X dining table, Takahashi Asako ‘Design 170’ and Thonet ‘Hoffmann’ chairs, all sourced by Contents International Design. Artworks by Jan Schlegel. Vase and flowers, Mandalay Flowers.
globe and some made in Australia, the pair have picked out pieces that are timeless, well constructed and durable. “Our children are young,” says Michelle, “so the emphasis at this point in time has to be on hard-wearing fabrics and surfaces.” After they bought the house in 2017, Andrew and Michelle freshened it with a lick of white paint inside and out. They also sanded the red-toned floors and stained them dark, plus they improved the backyard and relined the pool. As the home had been wellmaintained over the years, very little structural work was required. “The layout works brilliantly for us now,” says Michelle. “We plan to go up a level >
H G at home with
“VISITORS TO OUR HOUSE OFTEN COMMENT ON WHAT A LOVELY FEEL IT HAS.” Michelle Algar
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BELOW The artworks, also from Contents International Design, are framed natural sea fans. RIGHT Michelle and Arlo in his bedroom. Blanket, Casa by Studio Kate. Hello Bunny Ears art print from Leo & Bella. BOTTOM, LEFT AND RIGHT Michelle and Andrew’s bedroom features an artwork from the Storm Cloud series by Katie
Carmichael. Mirror, Malawi occasional chair, Ritz bed, rattan table and lamp, Contents International Design. The navy grasscloth wallpaper is from Porter’s Paints. OPPOSITE Olive plays in her pretty bedroom. Bed, rug and ottoman, all Contents International Design. Quilt cover, L&M Home. Artwork by Kerrie Jeffs. >
H G at home with
and create a main bedroom suite and another bedroomeventually,butitwillbeamatteroffinding an architect who can achieve that while staying true to the house’s roofline.” Opening the doors or windows allows refreshing sea breezes to flow through the house, negating the need for artificial cooling. Positioned by the front door is a formal living room with a fireplace and windows that look to the ocean. A corridor leads either to the home’s four bedrooms or the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. All summer long, the kids spend hours in the pool and play under the pergola installed just after Michelle and Andrew moved in. “This was unused space, just an old garden bed really, but now it’s a spot we gravitate to,” he says. With its breeze-blockscreen,thepergolatiesinwonderfully with the home’s Palm Springs vibe. Sometimes, seeing your home through the eyes of others can sharpen your focus even further, adds Andrew. “Not long ago, we had someone make us a serious offer to sell our house to them out of the blue, but we’re nowhere near ready to move. This is exactly where we want to be.” > Contents International Design; contentsid.com.au. Moore Park Supa Centa, Kensington, NSW; (02) 9662 2443. New showroom opens in Castle Hill, NSW, in April 2021.
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POOL AREA The steel and concrete-block structure gets a
lot of use in summer. Sofa from Harbour 1976. Maui outdoor chairs, Livorno Boulder coffee tables, Livorno dining table, Granada dining chairs and Viva outdoor rug, all Contents International Design. GARDEN Michelle and Olive near the colour-coordinated cubbyhouse with Kevin, the family’s chocolate labrador. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
“THIS WAS AN UNUSED SPACE, JUST AN OLD GARDEN BED REALLY, BUT NOW IT’S A SPOT WE GRAVITATE TO.” Andrew
H G AT HOME WITH
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LIFE & ST YLE Andrew and Michelle share some firsts and favourite things.
3 3
FIRST ADULT HOME? Andrew: A terrace in Sydney’s Bondi Junction. BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? Michelle: The Hotel Santa Caterina (2) in
10 11 9
Amalfi, Italy, to soak up the Mediterranean sun and sea. My Australian bucket-list destination is Hobart to visit MONA and sample the world-class food and wine. MY IDEA OF A GREAT NIGHT OUT IS... A & M: Date night! A local dinneer with a bottle of wine, possibly followed by a competitive game of putt-putt. BEST MEAL EVER? M: Crab and squid-ink lasagne at Raes on Wategos (4). DREAM CAR? A: It would have to be a 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 (7). FAVOURITE FLOWERS? M: Jonquil erlicheers and gardenias (8), for their sceent. FAVOURITE ARTISTS? A: Olivier Razir and Jacob Sparkes. FAVO OURITE FASHION LABELS? M: I adore Zimmermann (9) and Innika Choo (3) for their detailing, colours and prints. Bec & Bridge for fun occasions. For days with the kids, I love Ess the Label – simple, gorgeous pieces from a local company. FFAVOURITE SCENT? A: The beach at 6am. M: Byredo Bal D’Afrique (10). FAVOURITE MOVIE? M: Almost Famous (11). WHICH ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS INSPIRE YOU? W
A: Rama R Architects and Bruce Stafford. And in terms of designers, Pamela Makkin, Kelly Wearstler (6) and Kelly Hoppen. A DESIGNER HOMEWARE PIECE I COVET IS... A: Anything from Contents International Design (1, 5). That place is great! FAVOURITE DOWNTIME PURSUIT A & M: A beach day with the kids. YOUR NEXT WORK OR PASSION PROJECT? A: We’re really excited about the upcoming opening of our brand-new store. #
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Featured Product: Encanto Shimmering Platinum Curtains, blindsonline.com.au
D e c or at i ng Styling by Sarah Maloney Photograph by Kristina Soljo.
Bundala Beauty wallpaper, $270/3m panel, Wallpaper Trader. Raffles wardrobe, $1299, Freedom. Orlando ottoman, $750, Globe West. Troll ‘Sun’ birch cot, $789, Banana Baby. Garbo & Friends ‘Ollie’ blanket, $96, Nord Life (on cot). ON TOP OF WARDROBE In stack, from top Australian House & Garden ‘Sandy Cape’ quilt cover in Natural, $249.95/queen-size set, Myer. Ruffle flat sheet in White, $219/queen, and Wasabi/Turmeric Stripe double-sided quilt, $359/single-bed size, both Society of Wanderers. Raduga Grez tree toys, $99/8-piece set, Kido Store. Winnie-The-Pooh Complete Collection, $40/6-book set, Harry Hartog Bookseller. ON WARDROBE DOOR Garbo & Friends ‘Woodlands’ baby blanket, $96, Nord Life. IN WARDROBE, TOP SHELF From top Australian House & Garden ‘Sandy Cape’ sheet set in Pink, $299.95/queen, Myer. Pinstripe quilt cover, $329/queen, and Florence/Winifred Floral double-sided cot quilt, $189, both Society of Wanderers. IN WARDROBE, MIDDLE SHELF Lario cushion in Forest Green, $80, Trit House. Holden cushion, $44.95, Freedom. IN WARDROBE, BOTTOM SHELF Tree toys, as before. Australian House & Garden ‘Sandy Cape’ sheet set in Ocean, $319.95/king, Myer. Society of Wanderers fitted sheet in Tobacco Stripe, $209/queen, Few & Far. ON OTTOMAN Stevie throw, $179, Trit House. Miva Vacov pull-along bunny, $30, Leo & Bella. ON FLOOR From left Adeline wears Dymples Baby broderie bodysuit, $6, Big W. Frilly cotton romper, $20, Best & Less. Muskhane felt morel mushroom, $15.95, lemongrass mushroom, $29.95, and dotty mushroom, $20.95, all Leo & Bella. Sophia cotton-viscose rug (250x350cm), $1795, Coco Republic.
R O O M S C H E M E S T O S PA R K J O Y I N L I T T L E H E A R T S A N D M I N D S
MIR AC L E S
Chester roman blind in Cedar, $277, Wynstan. Numero 74 ‘Circus Bunting’ canopy, $239, and Donsje ‘Buzzing’ mobile, $129, both Leo & Bella. Troll ‘Sun’ birch convertible cot, $789, Banana Baby. Camomile London cotton comforter, $180, Leo & Bella. Garbo & Friends ‘Fauna’ cotton fitted cot sheet, $69, Nord Life. Adeline wears Dymples Baby broderie bodysuit, $6, Big W. Frilly cotton romper, $20, Best & Less. Maria table lamp, $550, Rubble Workshop. Serena rattan trunk, $995, Coco Republic. FOREGROUND From left Giraffe nursery rocker, $339, Pottery Barn Kids. Liewood ‘Felix Fox’ toy, $72, Leo & Bella. Liewood unisex jelly sandals, $49, Nord Life. Quax Deluxe ash baby rocker, $299.95, Banana Baby. ON WALLS Eggshell Acrylic paint in Popcorn, $130/4L, Porter’s Paints. Bundala Beauty wallpaper, $270/3m panel, Wallpaper Trader. ON FLOOR Sophia cotton-viscose rug (250x350cm), $1795, Coco Republic. >
Inspire bright young minds with fun, functional bedrooms that ease them through every age and stage. Stylist’s assistants Kate Lincoln and Paloma Maine.
Minor
STY L I N G Sarah Maloney | PH OTO G R A PH Y Kristina Soljo
decorating H G
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H G decorating
Handsome colours and weaves provide a classic backdrop for sleep, study and dreams.
Knox desk, $1795, Coco Republic. Cooper Mid-Century swivel chair, $899, West Elm. ON WALL Clockwise from far left Antique David Cobb print, $48, and 1920s bookplate, $45, both Antique General Store. P&O mirror, $300, and Alchemy wall hook, $40, both The Society Inc. The Great Liners book by TK Fletchett, $12, Antique General Store. Polished wall shelf, $129, Pottery Barn Kids. French Beachscapes painting, $220, Vintage Art Emporium. Antique maritime light, $140, Antique General Store. Wall painted Eggshell Acrylic in Popcorn (top) and Beach Grass, both $130/4L, Porter’s Paints. ON DESK Vintage model ship, $140, vintage fishing reels, $12 each, and antique books, $18 each, all Antique General Store. Vintage torch. ON FLOOR Young Soles ‘Vera’ ankle boots, $170, Kido Store. River Echo rug (2x3m), $1690, Armadillo. Champagne Oak luxury vinyl planks, Polyflor. OPPOSITE Clockwise from left Adeline occasional chair, $1490, Globe West. Bamberg throw, $99.95, Freedom. Curtains made from Nostalgia fabric in Tanguy, $116/m, The Society Inc. Felicity roman blind, from $49, Tuiss Blinds Online. Vintage ship lamp, $550, The Society Inc. Fenton bedside table, $1195, Coco Republic. Louis queen-size bedhead, from $1190, Heatherly Design. 1940s French folding stool, $5280, Tamsin Johnson. ON BED From rear European pillowcase, stylist’s own. Dark Green pillowcases, $129.95/queen-size quilt cover set, Pillow Talk. Halsey cushion (stripe), $59.95, Freedom. Ship cushion, $240, The Society Inc. Aura ‘Herringbone Ink’ quilt cover, $279, Domayne. Dark Green quilt cover, part of set as before and Stripe flat sheet, $199.95/queen-size sheet set, both Pillow Talk.ON WALL Clockwise from top left 1920s bookplate, $45, Antique General Store. The Guiding Star antique lithograph, $220, Vintage Art Emporium. Vintage Franz Stelling print, $60, Antique General Store. Danish Mid-Century Modernist painting, $795, Vintage Art Emporium. Vintage David Cobb print, $48, Antique General Store. ON FLOOR Chich-Bich chess set, POA, Tigmi Trading. Poly-rattan basket, $35.95, Howards Storage World. Aura fringed throw (in basket), $99, Domayne. All other items as before. >
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H G DECORATING
Hemnes day bed, $499, Ikea. Taj ‘Abstract’ side table, $1095, Globe West. Grech & Co kids’ sunglasses, $38, Kido Store. Numero 74 curtain, $99, Leo & Bella. ON DAY BED From left Grace bolster, $39.95, Pillow Talk. Holden cushion, $44.95, Freedom. Society of Wanderers ruffle pillowcase in Turmeric, $99, Few & Far. Ariella wears Broderie top, $30, and Trixiebelle skirt, $35, both Cotton On. Loveat fitted sheet, $199/queen, Sage x Clare. Belgian Linen ruffle pillowcase in Soft Grey, $99, Pottery Barn. Fog Stripe cushion, $49, and Tobacco Stripe ruffle flat sheet, $199/king single, both Society of Wanderers. Hannah quilt cover, $79.95/single-size quilt cover set, Pillow Talk. For similar doll, try Nana Huchy. Lafayette cushion, $165, The Society Inc. Leopard/Joan double-sided quilt, $359, Society of Wanderers. ON WALL Clockwise from top left Boramiri bird and leaf wall hanging, $219, Leo & Bella. Antique French landscape painting, $450, Vintage Art Emporium. Maileg bunting, $66, Leo & Bella. Vintage French village painting, $495, Vintage Art Emporium. Sequin crown, $14.30, Millie Moo Custom Hampers. Acorn Kids ‘Charlotte’ boater, $42.95, Leo & Bella. Numero 74 butterfly wings, $119, Eve of Indigo. Eggshell Acrylic paint in Soleil and Popcorn, both $130/4L, Porter’s Paints. ON FLOOR Andes wool rug (2x3m), $1945, Armadillo.
Arbre polyester sheer curtain in Froth, POA, Luxaflex Window Fashions. Abatjour raffia pendant light, $175, Tigmi Trading. ON WALL Clockwise from bottom left
Carrer de Tantarantana One artwork by Pep Ventosa, $219, Lumas Gallery. Stone Bloom artwork, $540, Ellin Byrne. Bloomingville ‘Kite’ wall decor, $45, Leo & Bella. Collector’s Shelves wall shelf, $119, Pottery Barn Kids. ON SHELF Winnie-ThePooh Complete Collection, $40/6-book set, Harry Hartog Bookseller. Guess How Much I Love You book by Sam McBratney, $15, Harvey Norman. What Katy Did Collection, $10/box set, QBD Books. Eggshell Acrylic paint in Soleil, $130/4L, Porter’s Paints. ON BENCH From left Ohana pillowcase in Sunflower/Peach, $99/pair, Sage x Clare. Duane cushion, $165, The Society Inc. Hannah pillowcase in Blush, $79.95/single-size quilt cover set, Pillow Talk. Charcoal Stripe/Wasabi double-sided quilt, $359/ single size, Society of Wanderers. ON FLOOR From left Make Me Iconic wooden tea set, $70, Kido Store. Woven basket, $59.95, Howards Storage World. Lellouche throw, $49.95, Freedom. Malawi rug (2x3m), $2415, Armadillo. >
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Chester roman blind in Cedar, $277, Wynstan. Troll ‘Sun’ birch cot, $789, Banana Baby. Garbo & Friends ‘Ollie’ blanket, $96, and Cam Cam Copenhagen canopy, $199, both Nord Life. Kasia cushion, $59.95, Freedom. Maileg Sailor rabbit, $82, Leo & Bella. Hampton occasional chair, $2595, Max Sparrow. ON FLOOR Raduga Grez wooden arch stacker, $59, Kido Store. Bloomingville ‘Sheep’ mat, $209, Leo & Bella. Sophia cotton-viscose rug (250x350cm), $1795, Coco Republic. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #
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decorating H G
Ask an expert
SURFACE PA R A DISE
Creative direction by Ortolan. Styling by Natalie James. Photograph by Derek Swalwell.
innovation has opened the door to some fabulous new finishes, writes Kate Nixon.
Cold-forming and post-forming are two fabrication methods for creating curved surfaces with laminate, as seen in this elegant kitchen designed by Kennedy Nolan. Featured laminates are Laminex French Cream Natural, Paper Bark Natural and Whitewashed Oak Natural. >
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H G DECORATING
T
he brave new world of technology-led architectural finishes and building materials is fast-paced and ever-evolving. Designs continue to be inspired by the endlessly alluring colours, textures, tones and patinas found in nature. As we search for durable – and cost-effective – finishes to dress our interior and exterior surfaces, we are spoilt for choice with modern, lightweight, boundarypushing solutions. Spray-on metals, printed stone and plaster-like micro cement can be applied to myriad substrates like never before. Think bronze doors, copper-clad beams, concrete ceilings and curved stone drawer fronts, the possibilities are limitless and beautiful. #
Glass mosaics deliver a lovely shimmer, are available in endless colour combinations, and can be used to decorate many hard surfaces. ● Micro Cement is a composite coating that can be applied to a range of surfaces including tile ●
and timber. It provides the look and feel of concrete at a fraction of the cost and weight. ● For beautiful bespoke lighting, try carved metal. It’s perfect for elegantly capturing the nuances of light and shade.
Get the look...
BATHROOM Ghiaccio Plus glass mosaic tiles, Bisazza. ENTRY DOOR Treasury Bronze Lunar applied-metal finish, Axolotl. KITCHEN Laminate overhead cabinetry in Laminex Lustrous Elmi, stone-composite rear benchtop and splashback in Essastone Unique Calacatta, and laminate island bench fascia in Laminex AbsoluteMatte Terril, all from Laminex. GET THE LOOK Clockwise from left Shelf Oval
concrete surface-mount basin in Sand, $850, NoodCo. Kelly Wearstler for Visual Comfort ‘Utopia’ linear pendant light, from $3850, Bloomingdales Lighting. Tunisian stone flower mosaic tiles, POA, Aeria Country Floors. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
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Room design and styling by Studio Kate (bathroom). Photograph by Maree Homer (bathroom).
Fresh ideas & easy updates
cultivate
wallpaperdirect.com Make your home your own.
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BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! rslartunion.com.au/dreamchoice | 1300 889 505 Draw 383 closes 8pm (AEST) 24 February 2021 | Drawn 10am (AEST) 3 March 2021
RSL Art Union Draw No. 383 (AU383L) is conducted by Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) ABN 79 902 601 713 of ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, under QLD licence No. 29819, ACT Permit No.R20/00200.1, VIC Permit No. 10437/20, NSW Authority No. GOCAU/2332, SA permit No. M13947. Close date: 8pm (AEST) 24/02/21. Draw Date: Drawn 10am (AEST) 03/03/21 at ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006. Promoter: John Strachan, Locked Bag 4032, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006. Proceeds are for the purpose of veteran welfare and support in Australia. 1st prize $5,003,113. The total number of tickets available for AU383 is 5,538,900 which may include a maximum of 1,406,881 bonus tickets. Entrants must be 18 years or over. Winners notiďŹ ed by registered mail. Results published in The Courier Mail and The Australian on 05/03/21. Cheque, money order and credit card payments must be received by 24/02/21 to be entered into Draw 383. If an order is received after this date or if the draw is sold out, the order will be automatically entered into the next draw, Draw 384. Some items shown in pictures are for display purposes only. Floor plans are for illustration purposes only. Any rental estimates provided are for informational purposes only. Selling costs and market variations apply when selling gold bullion. Travel is in the form of a voucher, is not redeemable for cash and must be booked directly with our selected supplier, subject to their terms and conditions. Information correct at time of printing. For up to date details and full terms and conditions please refer to www.rslartunion.com.au
DECORATING H G
1 12
2 3 On trend
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F RU I T T I NGL E 11
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5 10 6 8 9 Produced by Sophie Wilson.
7 Bring the sunshine in with these zesty pieces for lovelier living. 1 Bordallo Pinheiro earthenware bowl, $638, Matches Fashion. 2 Panier Des Sens Orange Blossom hand cream, $11.95, L’Uccello. 3 Klippan ‘Lemon Tree’ cotton oven glove, $29.95, Valise. 4 When life gives you lemons A3 art print, $64.30, Hôtel Magique. 5 Lemon Twig stoneware plates, $94/set of 4 assorted, Trouva. 6 Oranges linen cushion, $195, Bonnie and Neil. 7 Cavallini & Co ‘Citrus’ cotton napkin, $59.95/four, Rose St Trading Co. 8 Bitossi Home ‘Bel Paese’ porcelain fruit plate, $61, Amara. 9 Apple & Melon painting by Nicki Nelius (30x40cm), POA, Nicki Nelius. 10 Emma Bridgewater ‘Vegetable Garden Lemons’ earthenware mug, $44, Amara. 11 Pineapple brass bottle opener, $39.95, Rose St Trading Co. 12 Arancia ceramic platter, $220, Alex and Trahanas. 13 Orange ceramic jar, $69.50, Lemon Twig plate, $94/set of 4 assorted and earthenware
carafe, $72, both Trouva. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #
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Trying to choose new flooring or a new rug for your home? Our room visualiser tool RoomView makes the decision easy. Simply visit choicesflooring.com.au, upload a photo, select from any of our flooring types and rugs - and view them right in your own home! There are thousands of colour, style, and texture options available. Send your favourite to your local store, book a free measure and quote, and you’re on your way to finding the floor you have been searching for.
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2 5 1 13
6 14 12
11 8 9 10
On trend
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Produced by Sophie Wilson.
C OA S TA L C U E S Yearning to be beside the seaside? These beachy buys will take you there. 1 Australian House & Garden ‘Coachwood’ ribbed-cotton cushion with fringe, $59.95, Myer. 2 Stripes outdoor-linen cushion, $260, Lucy Montgomery. 3 Lorna Murray capri hat in Flores Bungalow, $149, Mode Sportif. 4 HK Suites Special: Shell ceramic wall lamp, $199, HK Living. 5 A splash of holiday A3 art print, $64.30, Hôtel Magique. 6 Retro Webbing magowood and cane cabinet, $1695, House of Orange. 7 Carla Dinnage ‘White Palm’ ceramic mini jug, $49, Husk. 8 Puglia scalloped ceramic platter, $220, Alex and Trahanas. 9 Stripe Green ceramic teacup and saucer, $59.95, Husk. 10 Frank teak and rattan armchair, $899, McMullin & Co. 11 Australian House & Garden ‘Whitehaven’ rattan basket, $49.95, Myer. 12 Anchorage iron and cane bottle opener, $35, The Society Inc. 13 Lighthouse rope mirror, $495, The Society Inc. 15 Puerto Waffle
cotton cushions in Sand, $119.95 each, Hope & May. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #
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W O N E L A S ON AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AT NEWSAGENTS AND SELECTED WOOLWORTHS, COLES & COLES EXPRESS AND AT MAGSHOP.COM.AU
great house, great car H G
Sweet C H A R I O T “accidental renovator” cherie Barber usually makes over houses, but rescuing her 1956 chevrolet Bel air was a total affair of the heart, writes motoring expert and WhichCar presenter Elise Elliott. P H OTO GR A P H Y Kristina Soljo
Hair and make-up by Samantha Powell.
Dressed in her favourite 1950s style, Cherie and Mildred, her beloved Chevrolet Bel Air, are a perfect match.
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C
herie Barber is a vintage vision in a 1950s-style heart-print dress made from repurposed bed sheets. The professional renovator and TV personality’s look is stylish, playful and romantic. Her car, a cherry-pink and pearl 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, is a perfect match. Cherie’s classic Chevy, affectionately known as Mildred, is beautifully preserved with shiny chrome on the front fenders, fetching tailfins, two-tone body styling and period-correct whitewall tyres. Shimmy behind the wheel and the Bel Air is a dream to behold. Despite her age and primitive drive train, the three-on-thetree manual, coupled with a purring straight six, delivers a smooth, head-turning ride.
Cherie in the dining zone. Dining chairs, Dedece. Artwork in living area by Slim Aarons. OPPOSITE
Clockwise from top left The stairs leading to the main living level. A serene nook for taking time out.
The sculptural Gyrofocus suspended fireplace in the living area is from Oblica. Cherie with her puppies Axel and Bella; the framed photos are souvenirs from a trip to Palm Springs.
Equally show-stopping is Cherie’s home in Sydney’s inner west, which she recently moved into with her 14-year-old daughter Milan, partner Matt, puppies Axel and Bella, and Snowball the curious cat. Cherie, the founder of Renovating For Profit, bought the three-storey warehouse conversion in early 2020. It features soaring ceilings, a suspended fireplace, and a 5-metre-high library wall. Some of the internal walls are retractable, as is part of the roof. There’s even a rooftop pool. In its previous life, the warehouse was a lolly factory called the Oh Boy Candy Company. And boy oh boy, Cherie cannot wait to add her own brand of retro flair – once she fully unpacks, of course. >
great house, great car H G
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The library wall, located in a corner of the living room, soars 5 metres. Although she didn’t design it herself, the 12-metre-long kitchen island is one of Cherie’s interior highlights. Slim Aarons prints add colour and personality in the main bedroom. Since the room is not overlooked, bathers can also enjoy a garden view. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top The portrait of Cherie is by Laurel Foenander. Elise, Cherie and Mildred. The Bel Air’s beautifully maintained interior.
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great house, great car H G
Have you always appreciated vintage style? I adore everything from the 1950s and ’60s. My obsession started with retro clothing, which then worked its way into everything I own. I developed an appreciation for classic cars that feature ornate details and clean lines. I’m not into muscle or hoon cars, just something pretty and feminine. Explain the extraordinary story behind your 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. My sparky sent me a link to a US classic car auction in 2013 of around 500 Chevys that had been stashed around a property in Pierce, Nebraska, owned by former Chevrolet dealer Ray Lambrecht and his wifeMildred.Collectorsflockedtothesmall towntowitnessthisultra-rareauction.The carswereevengivenauniqueclassification – the Lambrecht Chevrolets. Mycarwasoneofahandfullockedaway in the dealership for over 30 years. She wasn’triddledwithrustandwasstructurally in original shape. Getting her home was a mission but I was dedicated. I paid about
$49,000tobuyheratauction,then$10,000 in freight and a further $100,000 for restoration.She’s the onlyBel Air fromthe LambrechtcollectioninAustraliaandIcall herMildredinhonourofheroriginalowner. What is it about your car that appeals? Thereissomuchtolove:heroriginalcolour pinkandpearl;thecooldesignonthefront seat which is so 1950s; the ornate crest on thebonnetandherbeautifulhubcaps.She’s my favourite possession and one I’ll never sell.IplantopassMildredontoMilan,even though she says “Mum, I don’t want your car. It’s too slow, it’s got no aircon!” I hope her attitude changes as she gets older! I only take Mildred out for a spin about four times a year, mostly to take Year 12 students to their formals. I do this for kids whose parents can’t afford to hire cars; it’s just my small way of giving back. When did your passion for home renovation begin? I bought my first property in 1991 on a six-lane highway, moved in, then realised I’d made a big >
H G GREAT HOUSE, GREAT CAR THE KNOWLEDGE VINTAGE STAR Make: Chevrolet Model: Bel Air Year: 1956 Engine: 3.9L, inline 6, 3-speed manual transmission MODERN CLASSIC Make: Holden Model: Commodore VXR Year: 2020 Engine: 3.6L, V6, 9-speed automatic
Cherie behind the wheel of her beloved 1956 Chevy Bel Air.
For Where to Buy, see page 192.
mistake. The house was so noisy, I couldn’t sleep. I quickly cleaned the property up and resold it. I thought I’d lose money but I managed to cover all my costs and make a small profit. I call myself “the accidental renovator” as a result of stuffing up my first purchase. I’ve renovated more than 130 properties and transacted well in excess of $50 million in house purchases. I launched Renovating For Profit in 2009. My aim is to share tips with homeowners and investors about smarter renovating – doing real renovations on tight budgets. It’s an absolute honour to share my knowledge with others. What’s your vision for the warehouse? The previous owners did a sympathetic and clever renovation that retained a lot of the original elements. I intend making a few minor tweaks, mostly to lessen the amount of marine ply. All my retro bits and pieces will add colour. What are the interior highlights? I love that it’s so unusual and contains so much history, most of which has been preserved.
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When I close the front door, I feel like I’m in my own world – you can’t hear anything from the street. I’m growing dwarf fruit trees and vegetables in vintage-style pots. all around the house. The whole space is flooded with natural light and the suspended fireplace is pretty spesh! What is your favourite room? The kitchen. The island bench is 12 metres long – you don’t even get that in a commercial kitchen. Matt says my cooking is “questionable” at best, so at least I have the space now to perfect my skills. Any culinary shortcomings I blame on spending profitable time on renovation sites! What are your favourite pieces? My Slim Aarons photographs. He is one of my main creative inspirations as his work captures the essence of life in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. He often shot people doing day-to-day activities so I like that none are too staged. I also appreciate the retro clothes, houses and lifestyle items he captured. They inspire me to find my own authentic vintage items.
What inspires your style and creativity? Palm Springs in the US. I drive the streets for hours and photograph the houses. Their colourful doors, unique use of breeze blocks, pastel colours and the gardens – it’s heaven for lovers of Mid-Century design. What is your next project? An old hotel in Broken Head, near Byron Bay in northern NSW, that I plan to turn into boutique accommodation. It will be my most complex and difficult project yet, but also the one I’m most excited about. What advice do you give people about to embark on a renovation? Educate yourself. People study for years to become a hairdresser or a cake maker; renovating should be no different. When you buy a property you’re dealing with hundreds of thousands of dollars. Knowing a lot about the topic will minimise mistakes. # @EliseElliott_Media @WhichCar For expert motoring advice, go to whichcar.com.au. Renovating For Profit; renovating forprofit.com.au.
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Hou se s Photograph by Armelle Habib.
There’s always something fun for Huxley (left), Hunter and their mini schnauzer Snitzel to do at their “home with soul” on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Turn the page to take a tour.
S P E C TA C U L A R H O M E S T H A T S H I N E W I T H I N N O VA T I V E D E S I G N
The long view Stepping out of their comfort zone, one couple turned a chance discovery on the Mornington Peninsula into their forever family home. STORY Carli Philips | ST Y LIN G Julia Green & Aisha Chaudhry | P H OTOG R A PHY Armelle Habib
Stylist’s assistants Jessica Retalack and Cassandra Dillon.
HOUSES H G
La dsc sca byy Plum ume Sttuddio, thee vast st o or are reaa er erss an upppeer lawn an poo ooll ar a ea with saaun u a. T pav a e lilme mest ston one. e Firie ce, J tmass er.r. Mon Je ontego three e -sea e terr so sofa f cov o err d in u reellllaa fabr b ic a d L vorrnoo ‘Curve v ’ coffee tablee, bo b th t G obee Wesst. Exter erioor p in i te in D ux Bl k avi v r wii C lor or o onum on umennt roo a d tr ms m. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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I
n 2017, Steve Cahill, co-owner of Cahill Building Group, wandered into an auction that was already in progress. He hadn’t been to the open house, but suddenly found himself raising his hand. “Half an hour later, I was signing a contract for the house, sight unseen. It was more money than my wife Lucy and I had ever spent but we had wanted to live in this area, Beleura Hill [on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula], for years and I had a good feeling about it.” Atthetime,SteveandLucywereparentstooneson,Hunter, now five. Their plan was to live in the house for a while then rebuild, but with the arrival of Huxley, three, it took until July 2019 for the project to get underway. Baby Fleur joined the family in October 2020, just in time for completion. >
HOUSES H G
KITCHEN/DINING Lucy and Steve with baby Fleur, sons Huxley and Hunter, and the family’s mini schnauzer Snitzel. Infinity dark-green granite on
benchtops, Gladstones Granite & Marble. Engineered European oak floor. Capital lantern, The Montauk Lighting Co. Zellige ‘Bianco’ ceramic tiles on rear wall, KWD & Co. Olivia stools, Globe West. Acquello sink and Perrin & Rowe ‘Io’ mixer taps, The English Tapware Company. Windows, 3D Windows. Oak-veneer joinery, Farmers Doors. Oven, Ilve. Pot on stove, Le Creuset. Clear vase, Peony & Weasel Flower Co. Joinery hardware, Domino Brass Fittings. For similar vintage runner, try Love Moroccan Rugs. Vessels on dining table by Simone Karras. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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HOUSES H G “WE WANTED AN ENVIRONMENT THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO BE IN, SOMEWHERE WITH WARMTH AND SOUL.” Steve Cahill, owner
KITCHEN/DINING A cathedral-style ceiling and
elegant custom steel doors and windows help imbue the kitchen with glorious sense of space, the light having a shimmering effect on the handmade wall tiles by KWD & Co. Windows, 3D Windows. Pedro dining chairs, Globe West. Paxton dining table, Schots Home Emporium. >
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H G HOUSES THE PALET TE Porter’s Paints Jeep (main bedroom, ensuite joinery)
Dulux Black Pearl (exterior)
LIVING Custom swivel chairs in Mulberry Home linen by Sorrento Furniture, which also made all the cushions. Sofa, Coastal Living. Houghton coffee
table, Boyd Blue, with Femme #5 vessel with flowers, Makers’ Mrkt, and Alice Bell ceramics, Greenhouse Interiors. Turnstall sisal rug, KWD & Co. Sandton faux shagreen side table and Seaweed Specimens IV artwork, Boyd Blue. Boston double-arm wall light, The Montauk Lighting Co. Curtains in Mokum linen, Lynch’s Window Fashions. DINING Paxton vintage elm dining table, Schots Home Emporium. Raku vessel by Simone Karras. Pedro dining chairs, Globe West. Ralph Lauren Home ‘Roark’ chandelier, The Montauk Lighting Co.
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Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Dulux Kimberley Tree (nursery)
The couple had always lived in modern townhouses that Steve admits were quite clinical. For this family home, they sought something completely different. “We wanted to create an environment that was beautiful to look at and to be in, somewhere with warmth and soul,” he explains. Steve and Lucy had seen the work of Mount Marthabased designer Kate Walker of KWD & Co on Instagram and engaged her to help with the transformation. Kate inherited the shell of the house with its plain, basic interiors and set about adjusting the spatial planning, material touchpoints, palette and hard finishes. Inspired by a sophisticated European farmhouse aesthetic, she created detailed wainscoting with weathered floors and aged limestone. “So many clients have constraints but Steve and Lucy gave us carte blanche,” says Kate. “They took a leap of faith to engage us and we appreciated their mindset which is also ours: spend and invest now because it will definitely pay off. They spared no expense with finishes and they just trusted us. And in our profession, that’s really important because it gets the best result.” >
THIS IS THE LIFE
Steve and Lucy’s life here on the Mornington Peninsula is intrinsically linked with the outdoors. The family live just a five-minute walk from the beach, and the house includes a generous garden that is seamlessly connected to the living area, an outdoor kitchen and a pergola with fireplace that ensures they can enjoy alfresco dining year round. But if the five-minute walk is too much, they can head upstairs to enjoy the view.
“SO MANY CLIENTS HAVE CONSTRAINTS BUT STEVE AND LUCY GAVE US CARTE BLANCHE.” Kate Walker, interior designer
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CHILD’S BEDROOM Steve built the bed himself. Rocking chair, Ikea. Mokum curtains, Lynch’s Window Fashions. Alhambra ‘Coolbaby’ wallpaper, Binnichi. FAMILY BATHROOM Nero bath, Hardings Hardware. Architectura basin, Villeroy & Boch. City Plus ‘Manhattan’ tapware, Brodware. Liaison sconce, The Montauk Lighting Co. NURSERY Mokum ‘Peonia’ wallpaper (on ceiling). Belle bassinet, Sacred Bundle. Cot quilt, Greenhouse Interiors. Chest, Mahlia Interiors. Montauk armchair, Hope & May. Mobile, Juno and Ace. GUEST ENSUITE Metalicus quartzite benchtop, Gladstones Granite & Marble. Handles, Domino Brass Fittings. Bryant sconce, The Montauk Lighting Co. STUDY NOOK Light, Ikea. Timber seat, Globe West. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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THE LAYOUT Ground floor Bed Bath
Family
Living
Dining Garage
Bed
Bath Bath
Bed
Kitchen
First floor Bed
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Dressing
Bath
Study
Pergola
Pool
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MAIN BEDROOM Top and opposite Bedhead and armchair upholstered in Mulberry Home ‘Wild Geese’, both Sorrento Furniture. Throw, Coastal
Living. Cushions, Tigger Hall Design. Zenn ottoman, Greenhouse Interiors. Hawa mirror, artworks and Fjord bedside tables, all Boyd Blue. Bryant sconce, The Montauk Lighting Co. Carpet, KWD & Co. Shutters, Lynch’s Window Fashions. WALK-IN WARDROBE Ottoman upholstered in Marco Fabrics ‘Romo’, Sorrento Furniture. MAIN ENSUITE Walls and floor aged limestone, KWD & Co. Metalicus quartzite benchtop, Gladstones Granite & Marble. Handles, Domino Brass Fittings. Architectura basin, Villeroy & Boch. Covet sconces, The Montauk Lighting Co. Harvard wall mirror, Luxe Mirrors. Nero bath, Hardings Hardware. City Plus ‘Manhattan’ tapware, Brodware. Hand towel, Købn. >
PERGOLA Byron outdoor slatted dining table, Montego three-seater sofa and orange butterfly-style chairs, all Globe West. Dining chairs, Kmart. FRONT ENTRANCE The grounds were landscaped by Plume Studio.
Aged lim mestone external paving. Exterior painted in Dulux Black Pearl with roof, gutters and downpipes in Colorbond Monument. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
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The house is designed so that the family can enter amazing sunsets.” While the original plan was to have through the garage and a sensible mudroom. The more a study up here too, they found out Lucy was pregnant formal entrance opens into a grand foyer. To the right of with baby number three part of the way through the this foyer are the boys’ bedrooms, which are separated interiors process so it was changed to a nursery. by a shared bathroom. To the left is a guestroom and, via Furnishing the house came very late in the process a small study nook walkway, is a play room for the and Steve says he and Lucy spent three months of children. Through a narrow, double-storey light-filled their lives and every waking moment buying all new void and past the staircase pieces – with a little advice “NOW WE HAVE THE DREAM withapowderroomtucked from Kate along the way. neatly underneath, the “It was very stressful HOME AND THREE house opens up into a and we had to make quite KIDS, WE’RE HAPPY massive kitchen, dining a few decisions on the fly TO JUST ENJOY WHAT and family zone. because we were on such a Steve says Lucy would tight deadline,” says Steve. WE’VE ACHIEVED.” have been happy with a “We’d moved with a baby Steve Cahill, owner single-storey house but the before and really didn’t sea views higher up were just too good not to maximise. want to do it again. Now that we have the dream home “We had paid for the view and I thought it would have and three kids, we’re happy for things to slow down a bit # been a waste to have the kids upstairs. So we decided to and just enjoy what we have achieved.” put the master bedroom up there. It’s amazing – you can KWD & Co, Mount Martha, Victoria; (03) 5974 1800 see straight down the beach to the pier. We also have a or kwdandco.com.au. Cahill Building Group, nice westerly aspect over Port Phillip Bay and get some Mornington, Victoria; cahillbg.com.au.
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T OP FOR M
GARDEN, DECK AND FAMILY ROOM Owners Sybi and Anthony with their son Hugo and dog Bowie on the uppermost level of
their home, where an expanse of lawn, indoor/outdoor living area and plunge pool (beyond the glass fence at right) ensure there’s plenty of space for fun and relaxation. Landscaping by Emily Simpson Landscape Architecture. Sofas, King.
houses H G Thanks to brave owners and a forward-thinking architect, an incredible Sydney site now has the striking home it deserves. STO RY Stephen Crafti | P H OTO GR A P HY Barton Taylor Photography
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n Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a series of sculptural zinc-clad structures cascade down a steep site overlooking the magnificent Pacific coastline. Given the fall of the land is about 30 degrees (equating to 17 metres), it’s not surprising that few had been brave enough to attempt replacing the existing fibro shack with a more sophisticated home – until now. HomeownersAnthonyandSybi,wholiveherewiththeirsonsCallum,now 18, and Hugo, four, briefed architect Andrew Donaldson to design a home that navigated the dramatic south-facing site, which included a number of massive sandstone boulders, a 3.5-metre cave and a 4.5-metre-high cliff. The residence had to be suitable for a family at different life stages, and flexible enough to accommodate entertaining, working from home, elderly parents and extended visits from relatives living overseas. Embracing the ocean view was a must, as was ample natural light, separate living areas and as much useable outdoor space as possible given the topography. To make the most of the site, Andrew designed the home over four levels that step down the site. The lower three levels are connected by a gently graded and beautifully landscaped external stairway that weaves through the garden (there’s also a lift for less-mobile guests). The lowest level is the garage/workshop; part way along these stairs is the entrance to the first floor, which is dedicated to a self-contained guest suite. >
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“THE HIGHER YOU GO, THE MORE NATURAL LIGHT THERE IS AND THE MORE SPECTACULAR THE VIEWS.” Andrew Donaldson, architect
SECOND-FLOOR LIVING AREA Above and opposite Timber throughout the house is recycled blackbutt sourced from Australian Architectural
Hardwoods. Joinery by Husk&Co (throughout). Fireplace from Real Flame. Sofa and ottoman, King. Windows by AWS, installed by Manly Windows. A hydronic heating system under the burnished-concrete flooring keeps the occupants cosy year round. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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THIS IS THE LIFE
The incredible but rather inhospitable site drove every element, says Andrew. Key spaces are fused with unique site features: the living wing cantilevers over the cave, the cliff forms a feature wall in the courtyard, and the family room and garden are located at the sunniest, most level part of the site. “We only excavated where absolutely necessary. We certainly couldn’t camouflage all of the stone on the site, but why would you want to?”
KITCHEN/DINING Island benchtop, integrated sink and niche joinery in Corian Glacier White. Integrated fridge cabinetry
(right) in Corian Deep Nocturne. Chair 170 dining chairs, The Wood Room. Custom timber joinery and meals table in recycled blackbutt from Australian Architectural Hardwoods. The kitchen stools are part of the owners’ existing collection. INTERNAL COURTYARD Anthony, Sybi and Hugo in the courtyard, which is designed to feel like an extension of the open-plan area.
The main entrance, on the second floor, rises 12 metres from the street – the climb is certainly worth the effort. The oversize front door pivots to reveal a foyer that looks directly into an internal courtyard. Immediately to the right of the entrance is a beautifully detailed ‘pod’, a bespoke element made by Filip Janssens, that conceals a handy bag-drop area. Beyond the pod are a study, two bedrooms, the main bathroom and an internal stairwell connecting this level with the one above. Upstairs, there’s a serene main bedroom suite to the south and the deck, family room, outdoor living area, plunge pool and an expanse of level lawn to the north. “The higher you go, the more natural light there is and the more spectacular the views,” says Andrew. To the left of the internal courtyard with weathered stone ‘feature wall’ is the open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with frameless windows for panoramic coastal views. “The idea was to bring the landscape inside to make the home feel at one with the environment,” says Andrew. Central to this open-plan zone is a dramatic 3.6-metre-long island bench which merges the kitchen with the dining zone. Taking its cues from a chopping block, the Corian-topped section of the island functions as prep space, while the timber extension serves as a meals area for six. “Living spaces tend to overlap, and the split design of the island is sort of a physical representation of that,” says Andrew. When eating alfresco is on the menu, there’s a setting for 10 in the adjacent internal courtyard. A wall of recycled-blackbutt joinery creates a smooth transition from the kitchen to the living zone, plus gives the family all the storage > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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THE LAYOUT First floor
Second floor
Ground floor
Living
Kitchen/ dining
Third floor Bed Entry
Bath Pool Family
Cliff Bed Bed
Bed Bath
Garden
Pod Bed/ study
Garage/ workshop
Bath
Lawn
KITCHEN/DINING The full-height sliding doors to the internal courtyard are often wide open, expanding the circulation space. V1 Vola mixer tap. Miele cooktop, oven and dishwasher. Schweigen rangehood. MAIN ENSUITE Studio Bagno basins and Brodware ‘City Stik’ tapware in Nero, all Candana. Custom Corian Glacier White vanity with recycled-blackbutt reveal. Porcelain wall tiles and stoneclay mosaic floor tiles, all Bisanna Tiles. Recycled-blackbutt cladding from Australian Architectural Hardwoods.
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they could ever need. A day bed built into a nook between the window and the fireplace is the perfect spot for reading or just taking in the view. The space is simply furnished with plush sofas, an oversize upholstered ottoman and cushions, all in neutral tones so as not to distract from the naturally spectacular outlook. The materials palette, too, is designed to feel secondary to the site. Outside, robust zinc cladding and off-form concrete suit the coastal climate and complement the texture and tones of the weathered stone. Inside, concrete reappears in the open-plan area flooring and in the colour of the softfurnishingsthroughout.It’steamedwithrecycledblackbuttforwarmth and lashings of white to boost the amount of light in every room. Glass is used judiciously to create sightlines through the home as well as to keep the occupants connected wherever they may be in the house. Anthony and Sybi – and Andrew! – may have been brave to attempt a project of this size on such an inhospitable construction site, but all are definite that it was more than worth the effort. As well as meeting the brief in terms of function and flexibility, it’s a striking structure worthy of its location and eminently liveable too. > Andrew Donaldson Architecture & Design, Surry Hills, NSW; 0412 839 465 or andrewdonaldson.com.au. Mallinger Constructions, Brookvale, NSW; mallinger.com.au. Emily Simpson Landscape Architecture, Mona Vale, NSW; emilysimpsonlandscape.com.au.
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THE PALET TE
POD AND SECOND-FLOOR HALL Above Behind the feature
joinery by Filip Janssens is a bag drop area and the rear wall of the guestroom/study. ENTRY PORTICO Right The oversize doorway with custom pivoting door creates a spectacular sense of arrival. EXTERIOR Above right and opposite The landscaped path winds around the first-floor guest suite, past the cave and up to the main entrance on the second floor. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #
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Recycled blackbutt (joinery throughout)
Zinc cladding (exterior)
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Dulux Antique White USA Quarter
“WE COULDN’T CAMOUFLAGE ALL OF THE STONE ON THE SITE, BUT WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO?” Andrew
H G HOUSES
STREET E FRON AGE Retainingg the
home’s heritage charm was thhe keey cons n id i eration for owners Katrina and Ian Holmes. Landscaping by Wyer & Co. Fence painted Dulux N tu Na t raal White Half (palings) and G ey Pebb e pos Gr osts t)
C L IC K A N D C ON N E C T At this Federation cottage in Sydney, spreading out helped bring people together. STO RY Carli Philips | ST Y LI N G Clare Delmar | P HOTOGR A PHY Pablo Veiga
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ydneycoupleKatrinaandIanHolmeshadjust made the decision to renovate when they chanceduponanarticleaboutarchitectDaniel Boddam. His designs suited their ideal aestheticand,asithappened,therewasamore personalconnectionatplay.“DanielandIwere friends at school but had since lost touch,” says Katrina. “We were able to have a good catch-up as well as work on a great project together,” adds Daniel. Top priority was removing the 1990s rear extension and replacing it with something more sympathetic to the original Federation cottage. Ian and Katrina were also keen to create more living space for themselves and their children Edward, eight, and Annabelle, seven. While the new addition was important, Katrina and Ian were in love with the charm of the old house and had concerns that extending upwards would compromise its structureandcharacter.Anextrastoreymighthavelooked overbearing from the street too. Happily, the 1214-squaremetre site enabled another alternative: expanding on a single level. “Daniel came up with a modern take on
“OUR DESIGN CREATES THE SPACE THE FAMILY NEEDED WITHOUT DOMINATING.” Daniel Boddam, architect
Hamptonsarchitecture,whichwasperfectforour117-yearold house,” Katrina says. Based on classical design principles, the extension features the lightness and aesthetically pleasing symmetry and repetition that is typical of Hamptons style. “It was really an exercise in goodmanners,”saysDaniel.“Ourdesigncreatesthespace the family needed without overwhelming the site.” At the front of the home, the layout was slightly revised to better suit the family’s lifestyle. To the left of the entrance, three separate rooms were combined to create a generous main bedroom, walk-through wardrobe and ensuite. Across the hall, a bedroom with bay window was converted into a study and a new guestroom with ensuite created from what was part of the living area. Between them is the formal living room, which was retained in place and refreshed with new furnishings. “In the early days of Covid lockdown, the formal living room became a place of retreat for Ian and Katrina, a space in which they could unwind and enjoy some separation after homeschooling Edward and Annabelle,” says Daniel. >
FORMAL LIVING This page and
opposite bottom Heirloom sofas covered
in Jane Churchill fabrics from Domus Textiles. Malibu coffee table and side table, both Daniel Boddam. Pendant light, Magins Lighting. Drum stool, Orient House. Rug, International Floorcoverings. Painting by IIdiko Kovacs. Bowl by Donna Greene, Utopia Art Sydney. ENTRY HALL Original stained glass. Pendant light, Magins Lighting. Artwork by Jennifer Riddle.
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H G houses DINING/FAMILY Artworks by
Aaron Kinnane (left) and Todd Hunter. Dining table, Miguel Meirelles Antiques. No.18 dining chairs, Thonet. Sofas, MCM House. The sideboard and floor lamps are family heirlooms.
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The end of the hall is the point where heritage meets modern. Immediately to the left are the children’s bedroomsandsharedensuite;thiszonecanbepartitioned off from the rest of the house simply by closing a sliding door. From here, a vast living/dining area opens up like a flower in bloom. The kitchen is tucked into one corner and a family room in another; the whole space offers expansive views over the backyard. “The area is arranged so no one ever feels isolated,” says Daniel. “Katrina and Ian can be cooking in the kitchen yet still feel connected to what’s going on around them. It’s specifically sited in front of the pool so they can have eyes on the kids at all times,” says Daniel. There’s plenty more that’s family-friendly here. The garageopensdirectlyintoamudroomandlaundry,where the kids can kick off their shoes, drop bags and throw towels or sports gear straight into the washing machine. Having three living areas to spread out into is great now, but this feature will really come into its own as Edward
andAnnabellebecomeyoungadults.Katrina took charge of the furnishing throughout, purchasing some new pieces and including some treasured family heirlooms. The extension is designed as three A-frame pavilions, which is probably best appreciated from the backyard. “The design is loosely based on a club house, where a structuremeetsrecreationalspacethatisclosetonature,” says Daniel. The rear entertaining area is designed to the full width of the garden, so there’s room for sit-down socialgatheringstohappilycoexistwithagameofcricket. “There’s no natural focus or surrounding views, it’s just a large-scale suburban backyard, so we created a focal point by installing an outdoor fireplace,” says Daniel. “They can come home, light a fire and sit outside – decompress before their nightly family rituals. I think it’s actually Ian and Katrina’s favourite space.” # Daniel Boddam, Sydney, NSW; (02) 9660 1144 or danielboddam.com. 3Corp, Neutral Bay, NSW; (02) 9904 1999 or 3corp.com.au.
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“THE LAYOUT IS ARRANGED SO NO ONE EVER FEELS ISOLATED.” Daniel
KITCHEN Above and opposite Artwork by Jun Chen. Bifold doors, Cool Change Doors and Windows. No.18 barstools, Thonet. Pendant lights, Magins
Lighting. Steeped ceramic bowl by Brett Stone, Utopia Art Sydney. HDR vessel by Humble Matter, Curatorial+Co. Glassware, Space. Calacatta marble benchtop. Tapware, The English Tapware Company. Joinery by Nu Space. Splashback tiles, Tiles By Kate. FAMILY ROOM Below left Antique blanket box (used as a coffee table). Strek floor lamp, Great Dane. Artwork by Kathryn Ryan. Ceramics by Katherine Watson. Rug, Cadrys. POWDER ROOM Wallpaper, Schumacher. Basin and tapware, all The English Tapware Company. Wall lights, Magins Lighting. MAIN BEDROOM Bedhead, Camargue. Vintage lamp and bedside table. Bedcover and throw, Society Linen. Plaid cushion, Studio Cavit. Marc Jacobs vase. The artwork, clock and antique bottles are all family pieces. Natural Velvet carpet by Prestige Carpets. >
THIS IS THE LIFE
THE PALET TE Dulux Natural White Half (interior, main walls)
Dulux Grey Pebble (formal living room)
Dulux Green Paw Paw
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
“We were fortunate to be able to accommodate all of Katrina and Ian’s requirements on one level,” says Daniel. “It’s really rare, and I think much more desirable.” A bank of bifold doors opens directly from the dining/living room to the covered alfresco area and backyard. “The layout has been created for us to be together but also allows each of us to have our own space,” says Katrina. “It’s just perfect for the way we live.”
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“THE FAMILY LIKES TO COME HOME, LIGHT A FIRE IN THE OUTDOOR FIREPLACE AND DECOMPRESS BEFORE BEGINNING THEIR NIGHTLY RITUALS.” Daniel
ALFRESCO ENTERTAINING Outdoor dining and lounge settings,
all Cotswold InOut Furniture. Bottle vase, Orient House. Wolf barbecue and Sirius rangehood, both from Winning Appliances. Bar fridge, Vintec. Firebox, Jetmaster. James Hardie Scyon cladding. Building by 3Corp Pty Ltd. >
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Laundry
THE LAYOUT
Garage
Family Garden
Bath Bed
REAR FACADE The
Buy, see page 192. #
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Living
Study
Dining
Entry
Bed Pool
Bed
Kitchen Bath
Bath
Wardrobe
single-storey, pavilionstyle extension gives the Holmes family the best of both worlds. The pool is an existing feature. For Where to
Formal living
Bed
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ENTRY WALKWAY This page and opposite
Offset stool by Philippe Malouin from Janie Collins Interiors. Le Corbusier ‘Applique de Marseille’ wall light, Cult (throughout). Porteno weekender bag, Pampa. Tray, Living Edge. Joinery by McAtamney Cabinets (throughout).
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Wa l k t h i s w a y
One Brisbane couple’s desire for an “interesting” home developed into a dramatically different take on the traditional Queenslander. STO RY Jackie Brygel | ST Y L I N G Lynda Owen | P HOTOGR A PHY Kylie Hood
isingaboveastreetinnorth-eastBrisbane,thisdramatically reborn 1950s Queenslander basks in its tranquil setting. Unpretentious yet undeniably special, the house ensures arelaxedlifestyleforitsowners,HannahandDavidHodson, without ignoring its postwar roots. Most of all, Hannah and David – who share the home with their daughters, Murphy, three, and Bronte, almost one – say it’s a house that’s distinctly ‘them’. “We bought the property in late 2017,” says David. “The existing house was a fairly poky weatherboard decorated in a heritage colour scheme, but it was sitting on a 920-square-metre corner block. We could see what a great opportunity it presented.” After living in the home as it was for almost a year, Hannah and David called interior designer Ian Wrightson of Wrightson Stewart to help them update it. “Hannah and David came to us because they were keen on a previous project of ours where we had adapted the original architecture plus added an interesting extension,” explains Ian. “Here, old and new are likewise connected in an interesting way.” Working collaboratively with architect Barbara Bailey of BoARC and JCW Builders, the Wrightson Stewart team drew up plans for a full-scale renovation and extension that takes its cues from the Arts and Crafts movement, with modest form and thoughtful craftsmanship. Over a period of eight months, the design took shape, delivering on the request for family functionality with distinct zones. The layout in the original residence was reconfigured as the children’s domain and includes two bedrooms, one bathroom, family >
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DINING An American-oak banquette frames
the dining zone. Studio Nitzan Cohen for Mattiazzi ‘Solo’ chairs, Janie Collins Interiors. Existing dining table. Assorted cushions from Pampa and Tigmi Trading. Sideboard finished in American-oak veneer with Dulux China White drawer fronts.
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FINE DETAILS CARRY THROUGH THE INTERIOR, LENDING A HANDCRAFTED QUALITY TO THE HOME.
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THIS IS THE LIFE room and study. In the luminous extension are an airy main bedroom suite and open-plan kitchen/dining/living area. The home’s main entrance sits between the two in a show-stopping walkway. Clad in white-painted battens, the walkway functions as a light well and breakout space, and eases the transition between old and new. American-oak joinery extends the length of the link, which helps keep the clutter of family life under control. Inside, the home is understated and beautifully earthy, with expanses of tactile American oak and terracotta providing warmth and textural contrast to the crisp white walls and clean-lined furnishings. “The terracotta references the roofing material of the surrounding homes,” says Ian. “We incorporated various apertures and openings to draw glimpses of terracotta into the interior, and tiled the kitchen island in terracotta to continue this thread. I think it has to be one of my all-time favourite kitchens.” There’s a bold interplay of lines and angles in every room, delivering a strong sense of drama. “The furnishings are quite linear, which creates beautiful angles and plays of light and shadow that change throughout the day,” says Ian. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered. In the dining area, the generous banquette seating segues into the joinery in the adjacent entry link. In the girls’ bathroom, lively green, grey and gold floor tiles are a colourful surprise. Then there’s the DJ booth in the >
The designers took every opportunity to draw natural light, breezes and lush vistas into the home and Hannah and David are certainly delighted with the end result. “Ian and his team encouraged us to go in a direction we might not otherwise have been brave enough to do,” says David, “And we’re so happy that they did. It’s certainly not a home we’re going to grow out of, but one I can see us enjoying for a long time to come.”
KITCHEN Above and opposite American oak,
used here for both joinery and flooring, is a unifying thread throughout the home. Muuto ‘Nerd’ stools, Living Edge. Island bench clad in Cotto Manetti ‘Naturale’ terracotta tiles from Artedomus. Etnico runner, Pampa. Cushions from Tigmi Trading (on sofa). AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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THE LAYOUT Living
Laundry
Bath
Bed
Bath
Dining
Entry Bed Study
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Family
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Link
Bath
Bed
houses H G THE PALET TE
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Dulux Lexicon Quarter (throughout)
Porter’s Paints Apple Cider
MAIN BEDROOM This page and opposite
Porter’s Paints Evergreen
BassamFellows ‘Geometric’ lounge chair and ‘Circular’ stool, both from Living Edge. Snoopy table lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni from Euroluce. Monte rug, Pampa. Custom American oak bed with built-in bedside unit. Bedlinen, Carlotta+Gee. >
living zone: “Hannah and David love their vinyl!” says Ian, laughing. “The spaces are designed to provide an opportunity to explore as you walk through them. Everything is purpose-built. To me, if decoration doesn’t have a purpose, then there’s no real point in it.” Landscape architect James Birrell is currently completing the dreamy package, rejuvenating the wraparound garden with native plantings, including tea trees, gums, tree ferns and banksia. “It was important to us to use species that are endemic to the area,” says David. “We also hope to add a pool in the future.” For all concerned, this joyously left-of-centre project has proven a delight to bring to life. And now the family is continuing to make the home very much their own. “Our home references the heritage of the area, but in an interesting and unique way,” says David. “We’re enjoying growing into the home.” # Wrightson Stewart, Fortitude Valley, Queensland; wrightsonstewart. com.au. BoARC, Paddington, Queensland; 0412 362 361. JCW Builders, Wavell Heights, Queensland; jcwbuilders.com.au.
“I THINK THIS HOUSE HAS A DISTINCTLY BRISBANE FEEL.” Ian Wrightson, interior designer
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STUDY NOOK Anglepoise lamp, Cult. Uncino
Version B chair, Janie Collins Interiors. Gufram ‘Cactus’ coat stand, Living Edge. CARPORT Weatherboards and fence painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter. “The white makes everything feel so fresh,” says Ian. FAMILY BATHROOM Tapware, Meir. Neo Mini basin, Reece. Ceramica Vogue ‘Ghiaccio’ wall tiles. Pittorica floor tiles, Classic Ceramics. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
Life of the PA RT Y For one Sydney couple, large open-plan spaces and a summery alfresco area created a true entertainer’s delight. STO RY Carli Philips | ST Y L I N G Karen Dunn | P H OTO GR A PHY Tom Ferguson
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KITCHEN Normann
Copenhagen ‘Just’ barstools, HG Furniture Solutions. Pendant lights, About Space. Ceramics by Katherine Watson and Brett Stone. Appliances, Fisher & Paykel. Mixer tap, Häfele. Essastone Milano Venato benchtops. Door hardware, Kethy. Joinery by Mayneline Joinery (throughout).
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H G houses FORMAL LIVING Painting by
Euan McLeod. White ceramic sculptures by Natalie Rosin. Diesel by Moroso chair and Fjord ottoman, both Hub Furniture. Harper sofa and Lyla side table, both Studio Pip. Ceramic vessel on books by Donna Green. Cup on side table by Katherine Watson. Marble fire surround, Avant Stone. Signature Vintage rug, Tribe Home. European oak flooring (throughout).
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his home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is almost unrecognisable from the California bungalow the owners purchased in 2016. The couple, both of whom work in the property development industry, had been househunting for quite some time and recognised that the property, although tired and dated, offered great potential. “We knew there was a solid structure underneath the layers of Mission Brown paint, with beautiful high ceilings and ornate details that were worth keeping,” say the owners. About two years after moving in, the owners were ready to renovate, calling on architect Nicholas Grimes of Place Studio. The plan was to reinvigorate the house by revising the floor plan and replacing the existing rear addition. Interior designers Heath Baldwin and Hayden Bagnall also came on board to help transform it into the sophisticated and liveable home it is today. The heritage part of the house was in decent condition, but the rear would have to be completely rebuilt as it just wasn’t conducive to modern living. Beginning at the >
front of the bungalow, an enclosed sunroom was transformed into a generous entry portico. Moving through the house, there are two bedrooms on the right-hand side of the hall and a formal living room opposite. In each of these rooms, the decorative ceiling details were retained and restored to keep the home’s character. The original flooring was not salvageable, however, so it was replaced throughout. From here on, it’s all new: a powder room, full bathroom, laundry and, up a few steps, a generous, light-filled open-plan kitchen/dining/living space. “The owners were after an entertainer’s home, so that concept drove a lot of the design decisions,” says Hayden. The centrepiece of the kitchen is a stained Tasmanian oak island with Essastone top that Hayden and Heath designed in collaboration with Mayneline Joinery. “The joinery was the first element to be fully resolved,” says the owner. “We knew the kitchen would be the heart of our home so wanted a beautiful island for our family and friends to gather around.” Just off the kitchen is a spacious butler’s pantry that helps keep prep mess out of sight. It also includes a second dishwasher and additional oven to make cooking and cleaning even easier when there’s a full house. The owners opted to include a covered barbecue area and alfresco dining space too, which is linked to the open-plan area by fully >
houses H G SECOND BEDROOM Right and below left Mattiazzi ‘Cugino’ side
table, Normann Copenhagen ‘Herit’ armchair and ‘Silo’ pouf, all HG Furniture Solutions. Tumbler, Montmartre Store. Vase and velvet cushion, Maison et Jardin. Assorted bedlinen from Hale Mercantile Co and In Bed. Vintage artwork. Blooper table lamp, Hub Furniture. Artwork by Kerrie Oliver, available from Curatorial+Co. Ceramics by Katherine Watson and Brett Stone, Utopia Art Sydney. MAIN BATHROOM Eclipse wall light, Articolo Lighting. Glassware, Oliver Thom. Vase, Great Dane. Casablanca subway tiles, Skheme. Joinery painted Dulux Dieskau. Tapware, Reece. SITTING ROOM Artwork by Peter Berner. Molteni&C ‘Panna Cotta’ side table, Hub Furniture. Bench seat by Mayneline Joinery. Cushion, Montmartre Store.
“ T H E O W N E R S W E R E A F T E R A N E N T E RTA I N E R ’ S H O M E , S O T H AT C O N C E P T D R OV E A L OT O F T H E D E S I G N D E C I S I O N S .” H AY D E N B A G N A L L , I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R
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retractable doors. This area is designed to be similar in style to the interior, connecting the home to the pool and garden beautifully. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms plus separate bathroom and powder rooms. The generous main bedroom suite includes a walk-through wardrobe that leads to an ensuite with custom vanity that ties in with the kitchen island. Heath and Hayden designed sliding doors outside the second bedroom/study and bathrooms, so they can be closed off to create a private guest suite if required. The third bedroom is neatly tucked into space once occupied by the bungalow’s attic. Today, the house is a constant hive of activity. Especially in summer, when friends and family pop by for a swim in the pool or to share a long alfresco lunch that rolls into dinner. “After so many months of lockdown and pandemic-related restrictions, getting together just to hang out feels like a special occasion,” say the owners. “We love living in a home that’s so easy to share. Every day is a good day to invite people over.” > Place Studio, Redfern, NSW; placestudio.com.au. Baldwin Bagnall, Surry Hills, NSW; baldwinbagnall.com. Mayneline Joinery, Arundel, Queensland; mayneline.com.au.
MAIN ENSUITE Kelly Wearstler ‘Rousseau’ sconces, The Montauk Lighting Co. Ceramic vessels,
Janus et Cie. Hand towel, Oliver Thom. Moov wall tiles, Earp Bros. Custom vanity. Epoca marble benchtop, Skheme. Tapware and towel rail, Reece. WARDROBE The custom joinery features Laminex panels and Häfele hardware. Normann Copenhagen ‘Silo’ pouf, HG Furniture Solutions. MAIN BEDROOM Opposite Artwork by Amy Wright. Diesel by Moroso ‘Chubby Chic’ armchair and matching ottoman, Hub Furniture. Ceramic vases, Janus et Cie. Custom sideboard by Mayneline Joinery, painted Resene Half Truffle. Cabinet knobs, Kethy. Chatsworth carpet, Godfrey Hirst Carpets.
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Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
“ W E K N E W T H E R E WA S S O M E T H I N G W O RT H K E E P I N G U N D E R A L L T H O S E L AY E R S O F M I S S I O N B R O W N PA I N T.” O W N E R S
THE PALET TE
Dulux Dulux Dieskau Wombat Forest (main bathroom (kitchen joinery) joinery)
Dulux Milton Moon (exterior)
H G houses THE LAYOUT
Ground floor Carport
Bed Bed Entry Bed
Formal living Bath
Pantry Kitchen
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Bath
Laundry Dining Living
Pool
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Bed First floor
Bed
POOL AREA Vintage rattan loveseat. Existing pool. KITCHEN AND ALFRESCO ENTERTAINING Opposite top and opposite bottom right Artwork
by Kerrie Oliver. Pendant light, About Space. Just barstool and Cane-line ‘On-The-Move’ table, both HG Furniture Solutions. Dining setting, Outdoor Elegance. Husky bar fridge. STREET FRONTAGE The exterior of the house was simply refreshed with a coat of Dulux Milton Moon. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
“ W E L OV E L I V I N G I N A H O M E T H AT ’ S S O E A SY TO S H A R E . E V E RY DAY I S A G O O D DAY TO I N V I T E P E O P L E OV E R .” O W N E R S
THIS IS THE LIFE
One half of the couple lived in the area many years ago, so moving here was a return to the neighbourhood of sorts. “We love the proximity to amenities and convenient access to the city for work. We even have family that lives 100 metres away!” And since the renovation has been completed they have welcomed a new family member called Rosie. “She’s a gorgeous Staffy cross and this is really her house now!” #
FORMAL LIVING This image and opposite The brilliant colours in Rhys Lee’s Painting 1 (above
mantel) bring this space to life. Moroso ‘Longwave’ armchair from Hub Furniture. Sofas from Camerich and Natuzzi Italia. Monza rug, Halcyon Lake Rugs & Carpets. Petite Friture Vertigo pendant light, Pad Furniture. Sneaky artwork by Jacob Leary from Flinders Lane Gallery.
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CR E AT I V E S OLU T ION
In the hands of a designer who took a curatorial approach to its transformation, this Melbourne home is now itself a work of art. STO RY Sarah Pickette | ST Y L I N G Swee Lim | P H OTO GR A P HY Shannon McGrath
CASUAL DINING This image and opposite, bottom left A striking artwork titled Directionless by Marisa Purcell was commissioned specially for this space. Molteni&C table and chairs, Hub Furniture. Modo ‘Ombrella’ light, Espo Lighting. STUDY Opposite, top right and bottom right Home Hotel writing desk, Poliform. NICHE Opposite, top right The three beautiful pieces of art glass by Mark Douglass Design were made to fit into the existing wall perfectly. >
THE PALET TE
Dulux Spinach Green (study)
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Dulux Natural White (interior, main walls)
Dulux Capital Blue
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Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
“ T H E DA R K G R E E N C O LO U R M A K E S T H E ST U DY F E E L CO SY A N D CO C O O N I N G .� Swee Lim, interior designer
H G houses rt sits at the very heart of this Melbourne home. When the businesswoman who owns this 1920s property first bought it, the house was in excellent shape but needed a complete interior refit to become the kind of space where the owner could demonstrate her love of contemporary art and design. Enter Swee Lim, who happens to be an art consultant as well as an interior designer. She took on the task of transforming the shell of a house into an elegant and sophisticated family home. “The artworks were largely commissioned specially for this house,” says Swee. “They played a very important role in establishing the mood of the interiors.” Glass artist Mark Douglass created a series of iridescent glass sculptures that slot perfectly into the existing wall niches near the formal dining room while acclaimed abstract artist Marisa Purcell delivered a dazzlingly beautiful green painting for the casual dining area. “Marisa’s large-scale painting draws the green of the garden inside and plays beautifully to the idea I had that the furnishings be based around the concept of jade, a semi-precious stone,” says Swee. Greens and blues abound throughout the home, in the rugs Swee specified and in the deep-green study. Dark timbers such as smoked oak and >
FORMAL DINING This page Nomon Delmori clock and marble-topped Bonaldo dining table, both Pad Furniture.
Ipanema dining chairs, Poliform. Rug, Coco Republic. Vases, Domo. Artwork to the left of the clock is by Rosslynd Piggott. Glass bowl, Natuzzi Italia. Floor lamp, Mobilia. GUESTROOM White marble wall mural, Wallsauce. Bruce bed, Poliform. Arflex ‘Sigmund’ bed-end bench, Space. Kundalini Kushi lamp, Radiant Lighting.
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THE LAYOUT
Formal Study dining Dining Formal living Entry Kitchen
Pool Living
Ground floor Garage
First floor Bath
Bath
Bed
Bed Balcony
Bed Bath
Dressing
Bed
THIS IS THE LIFE
The owner of this Melbourne home regularly travels to Australia and the US for work and wanted a place that was elegant and that reflected her international taste in art and design, says Swee. “As well as having the house set up for family visits, it was important that it be a sophisticated space in which she could entertain business associates when required. The formal dining room serves this purpose beautifully.”
CASUAL LIVING This page Minotti ‘Freeman’ sofa and ‘Jacob’ coffee table in Bardiglio Nuvalato marble, both from Dedece. Sheer curtains, Lovelight. Rug, Hali Rugs. Artwork by Rosslynd Piggott, vases from Natuzzi Italia (blue) and In Good Company. GARDEN Opposite Tosca club chair, coffee table and sofa, all Cosh Living. Sfera Vani Murano glass vase from Natuzzi Italia. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
“ T H E D E S I G N WA S B U I LT A RO U N D T H E LU ST RO U S F I N I S H E S A N D CO LO U R S .” Swee
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wenge are teamed with lustrous furnishings that offer up the iridescent sheen of glass, silk and brass. The lights and key pieces of furniture were carefully selected for their sculptural qualities. Oversize pendant lights, redolent of Chinese lanterns, create movement and form in the air; floor lamps play the role of ‘jewellery’ in each room. There is a strong sculptural element to the shapely Molteni&C casual dining table and the curvaceous Moroso ‘Longwave’ armchair – another striking blue item – in the formal living room. Marble also plays a starring role in this home, with the real thing used extensively in the bathrooms and on coffee tables, and its likeness making an appearance in the form of wall murals that steal the show in the home’s bedrooms. The bedrooms have been simply furnished so as not to compete with this punchy print. “It was all about creating a luxe-hotel feel in these rooms,”
says Swee. In the generous main bedroom, glass doors open out to a private balcony where the owner can sink into a warm bath and take in views of the garden and pool. Given that the homeowner was overseas for much of the renovation period, this was a logistically challenging project for Swee. “I’d source items I thought would suit the house, send photos to the owner and then we would set up a video call to sign off on them or to look at other options. It’s not the usual way of doing things, so the project took longer to complete than normal.” The result, though, clearly reflects the attention to detail and time that has been put into it. “This a luxurious and elegant home and the owner tells me she’s thrilled with it. It’s a wonderful hybrid of cultures and styles and suits her to a tee.” # Swee Design, Malvern East, Victoria; 0401 161 208 or sweedesign.com.au.
LIVING Artwork by Colin Pennock. Cushions, Studio ALM. Milo sofa and square ottoman, Jardan. Round ottoman, Fred International. Herman Miller ‘Crosshatch’ chair, Living Edge. Custom joinery made by SED Joinery (throughout). Outdoor chairs and stool, Anibou. The rug is part of the owner’s existing collection.
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SM A RT Reinstated heritage details and thoughtful new additions have transformed this Sydney terrace into a home that’s perfectly on point. STO RY Carli Philips | ST Y L I N G Steve Cordony P HOTO G R A PH Y Tom Ferguson
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LIBRARY This page Eames
lounge chair, matching footstool, Eames turnedtimber stool and Vitra ‘Sunflower’ wall clock, all Living Edge. Serge Mouille ‘Lampadaire 3’ floor lamp, Cult. Aerin ‘Corvo’ side table/stool, Palmer & Penn. Rug, Cadrys. Fireplace, Jetmaster. STUDY Opposite Artwork by Colin Pennock. Fireplace, Jetmaster. Luminator floor lamp, Euoroluce. Chair, MCM House.
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his1880sinner-Sydneyterracehadonlyjustbeenrenovated when the current owner bought it. While the location and floor plan were near perfect and it was entirely liveable, it just didn’t have the finesse the owner was looking for. It was also lacking character, having had its period detailingstrippedout.EnterinteriordesignerGilBennett of More Than Space (formerly Zavie Creative), who was briefed to create a home with high-end joinery, improved storage and contemporary furniture. It was important to honour the home’s heritage too. “The beautiful historical fireplaces in the library and study had been replaced by flat, silver box-style mantels and hearths,” says Gil. “The house definitely needed a modern makeover, but it needed to reference its rich 1880s origins.” As the owner had worked with Gil before, he felt confident giving her considerable creative leeway. Originally, the scope of works was limited to remediating the rather flimsy cabinetry, but that job soon evolved into a full-scale project that took six years from start to finish. It was enacted in stages so the owner could remain in the house during the renovation. After the joinery, the electrics were next on the hit list. “There was a surplus of downlights in every room,” says Gil. “They were completely unnecessary, very unsightly and created a lot of glare.” She replaced > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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WITH SPACE AT A PREMIUM IN THE NARROW HOME, OUT-OF-THE-BOX STORAGE SOLUTIONS WERE NEEDED.
KITCHEN Above The compact but ultra-efficient kitchen
includes a pop-up niche for small appliances within the island. It’s powered by an A250 lift system by Nexus Construction Systems. Tapware, Abey. BAR AREA Right Handily located next to the entry-level living room, the bar area is cleverly concealed by a Hawa-Folding Concepta pocket-door system by Häfele. Liebherr wine fridge. Dekton benchtop and splashback. Artwork from The DEA Store. Bowl, Orient House. Vases from Ondene and MCM House. Rug, Cadrys. DINING Artwork by Colin Pennock. Y chandelier, Douglas & Bec. Dining table and chairs, all Hub Furniture.
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THIS IS THE LIFE
Having worked with the owner before, interior designer Gil Bennett had a good understanding of the owner’s style and needs before beginning this project. Improved storage has made this narrow terrace more functional for the owner, who prefers streamlined surroundings. “The pop-up appliances niche and pocket doors to the bar area allow me to hide clutter in an instant,” says the owner. “It’s like a push-button clean-up.”
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FIRST-FLOOR GUESTROOM This page Lambert & Fils
THE PALET TE
‘Beaubien’ double-shade wall light, Living Edge. Bed spread and throw, all Hale Mercantile Co. Cushions, Cultiver. Tom Dixon ‘Fan’ stool, Dedece. SECOND-
FLOOR GUESTROOM Opposite, top left and bottom right
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
Dulux Snowy Mountains (throughout)
Dulux Smoky Bark
Dulux Dark Rainforest
A Beoplay wall-mounted speaker from Bang & Olufsen hangs above a custom credenza by SED Joinery. Tulip side table by Eero Saarinen from Dedece. Vases from Conley & Co (left) and The DEA Store. Buster+Punch wardrobe handles from Spark & Burnish. POWDER ROOM Opposite top right Tapware, Gessi. Mastella basin, Abey. Hand towel, Hale Mercantile Co. Bluestone wall and floor tiles, Earp Bros. Custom mirrored cabinet and vanity. Dekton benchtop. MAIN ENSUITE Opposite, bottom left Taps and showerhead, all Gessi. Mastella basin, Abey. Bluestone wall and floor tiles, Earp Bros. >
“GIL MANAGED TO FUSE OLD AND NEW PERFECTLY.”
themwithwall-washingbladelightsfromiGuzziwhichdistribute light more evenly. They are placed strategically to illuminate the owner’s artworks, mostly by renowned Australian artist Colin Pennock. The whole house was then rewired to accommodate solar panels and improve energy-efficiency overall. The terrace is located on a narrow, sloping site and has a layout that spreads across five levels, creating 210 square metres of useable space on a 120-square-metre block. The front door opens directly into a library that leads to a light-flooded living room with its own bar area concealed by pocket doors. Down a short flight of stairs is the ground floor, which contains the open-plan kitchen/dining space, a second living room, the study and a powder room. Further down is the lower-ground floor, including the garage, laundry and dedicated bike storage. The first floor (above the entry level) accommodates the main bedroom suite and a guestroom, with an additional bedroom on the top floor. Since the floorboards were in good nick and the architectural ‘bones’ still evident, Gil met the charm-reinstatement part of the brief by removing those too-modern fireplaces in the library and study, replacing them with Victorian-style hearths and decorative timber mantels.
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Owner
With space at a premium, storage was a primary focus and Gil came up with some innovative solutions to “maximise the use of every nook and cranny”. In the kitchen, the existing island bench was reduced by 20 centimetres in order to increase the capacity of the adjacent pantry, which is now double its original depth. While the footprint of the island is smaller, it’s more functional thanks to the genius inclusion of a pop-up niche for small appliances. Nearby, there’s a wine-storage drawer tucked under the stairs, complete with slide-out racks for easy access. “Retaining period character while enhancing the functionality oflivingspacescansometimesbeachallenge.It’safinebalance,” saysGil.“Here,thedetailedcustomjoineryisthekey.Thelayering of textures and materials was carefully considered too.” The owner is absolutely delighted with the outcome. “Gil managed to fuse the old and new perfectly, while also improving practicality with better lighting, thoughtful joinery and clever storage solutions that keep clutter out of sight,” he says. “It’s also a supremely comfortable home. The perfect package.” # More Than Space, Banksmeadow, NSW; 1300 160 791 or morethanspace.com.au.
GARDEN The garden was beautifully landscaped by previous owners. Chair from Anibou. MAIN BEDROOM Portobello
bedhead in Warwick Fabrics Malabar Midnight, Heatherly Design. Bedcover, Hale Mercantile Co. Bolsters, Jardan. Domi sconce, Articolo Lighting. Gubi ‘Bat’ chair, Cult. Bespoke shutters. Artwork by Colin Pennock. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
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L A BOU R OF L OV E Revived and reimagined by a talented multitasker, this Sydney home has been transformed from an ugly duckling into a designer swan. STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y L I N G Olga Zdjelar | P H OTO G RA PH Y Tom Ferguson
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DINING/LIVING Owners Dean and
Olga Zdjelar have created a perfect balance of light and dark in their home. Ligne Roset ‘Togo’ sofa, Domo. Mini rocket stool, Anibou. Coffee table, Fred International. Credenza, Rudi Rocket. Concrete side table and dining table, Globe West. Dining chairs, Space. Spun table lamp, Flos. Egyptian rug in Russet, Armadillo. Vintage Louis Poulsen ‘PH 6.5’ pendant light, Modern2vintage. Artwork by Rohan Carter (on concrete bench). Vintage Rosenthal plates (on wall). Concrete bench by Dean through his company, The Designer-Renovator.
H G houses ith their home now renovated and impeccably furnished, Sydney creative couple Dean and Olga Zdjelar can look back and laugh about the day they bought the place. But it was no laughing matter at the time. “I cried!” says Olga. “And they were not happy tears.” The year was 2016 and Dean and Olga had been repeatedly out-bid at auctions for other properties. With a young baby, Henry, in tow, they were desperate to find a home within their budget. When Olga first saw this house, she was underwhelmed. It was a two-bedroom, 1940s semi that had been renovated in the 1980s and stripped of any period details and character. “It was the ugliest house I’d ever seen,” says Olga. Clearly, others shared her feelings. “On the day of the auction, it was pouring with rain and no one else >
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KITCHEN Cabinetry by Joey Australis
Joinery plays a solid supporting role for the beautiful Arabescato benchtops and splashback. Voda tap, Sussex Taps. Miele appliances, Winning Appliances. Can lights, About Space. Rocket stools, Anibou. Artworks by Peter Hardy (above sideboard) and Keith Sherlock (on bench). LIVING Below and opposite The portrait of Anthony Bourdain is by Chico Cristobal. DCW Editions ‘Mantis’ wall lamp, Spence & Lyda. Magis ‘Dalmation Puppy’, Cult. Børge Mogensen vintage chair, Nord Modern. Fireplace, Jetmaster. White smoked engineered-oak flooring, Woodcut. Curtains, Marlow & Finch.
H G houses turned up to bid,” says Dean, an interior designer and professional renovator who convinced Olga the home could be transformed. “It was on a 382-square-metre block — a big block for a semi. I knew I could turn the ugly duckling into a swan.” Despite her “what have we done?” tears, Olga had faith in her husband’s vision and capabilities. “I knew he would do amazing things with it,” she says. As Dean tells it, the evolution of this little duckling has been very much a combined effort. Indeed, both he and Olga have serious design credentials to bring to the table: after meeting at university, where they studied interior design, Dean spent a decade designing high-spec interiors while Olga worked in fashion. Dean’s specialties are spatial planning and minimalism; Olga’s are colour and vintage-Scandi styling. Between them, there was a lot of creative talent to draw on. Their aim was to turn the dwelling into a five-bedroom home with plenty of room to grow for themselves and Henry, now five. Dean drew up plans for a single-storey extension, atop a design that retained the two original front rooms but reworked everything else. Downstairs, there are now two bedrooms at
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the front, with an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area at the rear. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, including the main bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. To make the most of the 57-metre-long block, Dean also designed a studio and double garage at the back of the property. During the demolition phase, the old home imparted a lovely gift to the couple. “The common wall was covered in plaster and wallpaper, and Olga said we should see what was underneath,” says Dean. “We stripped back the layers and struck gold. It’s a beautiful wall built from recycled bricks and is one of the greatest features of the house.” Dean was hands-on during the build and crafted many of the bespoke touches himself, including the beautiful oak ‘ribs’ of the balustrade on the staircase. He also formed the 14-metre concrete bench that stretches along the downstairs living-room wall. Design-wise, he added elements of drama, such as the rounded black bulkhead above the kitchen, which helps to define the cooking and dining zones while creating a perfect foil for the benchtops of honed Arabescato marble. He also designed walls of joinery featuring hidden doors >
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
“ I T WA S A N O L D , DA R K S E M I . O N E O F O U R C H A L L E N G E S WA S TO B R I N G L I G H T I N TO T H E H O M E , A N D D E A N H A S D O N E T H AT W I T H B R I L L I A N T R E S U LT S .” Olga Zdjelar
THE PALET TE
Haymes Paint Whitewash 1 (main walls)
Dulux Pozieres (V-groove panelling)
Dulux Monument (roofing and fence)
UPSTAIRS LANDING Oak-veneer wall cladding and balustrade designed by The Designer-Renovator. Timber cupboard handles, Auburn Woodturning. Skylights, Velux. Vintage Italian mirror, 506070. Wall art by Slowdown Studio, through Koskela. PLAYROOM Top right and opposite More joinery by Joey Australis keeps things neat in here. Chalkboard, oak table and chairs, Lilly & Lolly. Mobile art, Flensted Mobiles. Artwork (top right) by Olga. Beanbags and rug, Koskela. HENRY’S ROOM Right The V-groove ceiling and Double Cup wall lights by Anna Charlesworth are all painted Dulux Pozieres.Custom bed and bouclé-upholstered bedhead, The Designer-Renovator. Quilt cover, Adairs. Artek side table, Anibou. Pendants, Spence & Lyda. Artwork, Koskela.
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“ I P U S H E D T H E B O U N DA R I E S W I T H T H E C E I L I N G H E I G H T S U P S TA I R S A N D I T C H A N G E D T H E DY N A M I C S O F T H E R O O M S . I E N J OY S E E I N G V I S I TO R S ’ R E AC T I O N S TO T H E S PAC E A N D L I G H T.” Dean Zdjelar
HENRY’S ROOM Above and top right Sweet details, including the
wood-turned handles and Anna Charlesworth wall light, bring this room to life. Joinery by Joey Australis Joinery/The Designer-Renovator, painted Dulux Pozieres. Fabric (shelving insert), Marimekko. Cot, Leander. Chair, a vintage find. Anne-Claire Petit blanket, Kido Store. MAIN BATHROOM Right This family space is a calming vision of Sahara limestone from Bisanna Tiles. Mirrored cabinetry, Joey Australis Joinery. Basin, Villeroy & Boch. Bath, Cass Brothers. Matt tapware, Meir. MAIN BEDROOM Opposite Shield wall lights by Anna Charlesworth reinforce the detail on the bed designed by Dean, The Designer-Renovator. Linen bedcover, Cultiver. Artek side tables, Anibou. Pendant lights, Great Dane. Vintage artwork. V-groove panelling on ceiling painted Dulux Pozieres.
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THIS IS THE LIFE
An impressive aspect of this renovation is Dean and Olga’s teamwork. Their mutual respect for each other’s skills is evident and has resulted in a tailor-made home, finessed to perfection. “Dean’s spatial planning is impeccable,” says Olga. “He designs and builds and is an all-round creative soul.” Meanwhile, Dean loves Olga’s styling nous: “I’d be lost without Oli’s colour advice and eye for vintage pieces. She puts the ‘home’ into the project.” >
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(leading to rooms and/or storage cupboards), creating a sense of the unexpected. Upstairs, he took the ceilings to their absolute maximum reach – 5 metres – and lined them with V-groove panelling to accentuate the height. Skylights placed above the stairwell help to flood the entire home with natural light. There are no glossy or polished surfaces in this house – everything is deliberately matt and velvety, providing the perfect backdrop for the couple’s collection of Mid-Century furnishings and art. One of the most striking of these is a portrait of the late US chef Anthony Bourdain (bought by Olga several years ago as a gift for Dean), which takes pride of place in the living room. An equally joy-giving object is the vintage Louis Poulsen pendant light above the dining table. “It came out of the Sydney Opera House when they were renovating the Bennelong restaurant,” says Olga of the prized possession. Fittingly, Dean has created a theatrical ‘stage’ for it, hanging the pendant from a cut-out in the black bulkhead above. In many ways the pendant light is symbolic of the couple’s teamwork in shaping the home. “This house is a perfect collage of my minimalistic style and Olga’s love of Scandinavian pieces,” Dean says. # Dean operates two businesses, The Studio Zdjelar (design/styling) and The Designer-Renovator (renovating services), Sydney, NSW; 0401 954 646.
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Entry Bed Bed
Laundry
THE LAYOUT
Dining
Living Garden
Kitchen
Ground floor Bed
Bed Bath Bed
REAR DECK This page and opposite top Colorbond
Monument external cladding emphasises the greenery. Decking in grey-stained blackbutt. Livorno Boulder table, Globe West. Hee lounge chairs, Hay. Can lights, About Space. Vintage Murano vase (inside), Tamsin Johnson. Barbecue, Tucker Barbecues. STREET FRONTAGE The aluminium picket fence, also in Dulux Monument, was designed and built by Dean. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
Wardrobe
First floor
Studio/ bed
Garage
ENTRY With the living areas raised above the basement, the main
entrance seems to hover above the site. Windows, Aneeta Window Systems. Salvador Grey limestone pavers, Bernini. HALLWAY Koura pendant lights by David Trubridge from Alti Lighting have impact even during the day. The walls are board-form concrete.Â
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Ba r e fo ot br i l l ia nc e Big ideas transformed this Perth home into a light and highly adaptable beachside masterpiece. STO RY Chris Pearson | ST Y L I N G Jordan Pola | PHOTOGR A PHY Jody D’Arcy
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KITCHEN Bonnie the
schnauzer enjoys the home’s generous open spaces. Lapalma ‘Miunn’ kitchen stools, Cosh Living. Benchtop and splashback Elba dolomite from Artedomus. Phoenix ‘Blix’ gooseneck tap, Sea of White. Art surface mount downlights, Alti Lighting. Timber veneer joinery in Polytec Notaio Walnut. Overhead and wall joinery finished in Laminex AbsoluteMatte Black.
umming up the design of this luxurious yet laidback home inabeachsidesuburbofPerth, architect Megan Cordin of MJA Studio simply says “this is salt-in-your-hair, sand-inyour-toes architecture”. With white sands and aquamarine waters just a stone’s throw away, sea and surf are constant companions for the homeowners, Mary and Phil, and their three teenage children. It’s a dramatic departure from the property the couple bought in 2012. “The house was next to the beach, had a large front yard for the kids and development
potential,” says Mary. But its virtues halted there. The unusual Hamptonsmeets-Tuscan home had been randomly added to over the years and wasted its dreamy location. The floor plan itself was tangled, lacked flow and felt shut off from the garden. MaryandPhilengagedMegantodesign a new home in 2016. The only option was to bring in the bulldozers and start afresh, in a two-year build by Valento Residences. “Our brief was to create a four-bedroom family home with voluminous open-plan living areas bathed in natural light,” says Megan. “Blurring the boundary between inside and out was important too.”
The new house also had to provide generous common areas for the family to cometogetherandentertainfriends,along withbreak-outareasforquietermoments. “We wanted fuss-free living, including a pool house for the teenagers to have their own space, a basement to contain all our ‘toys’, and an outdoor shower to manage sandy feet,” says Mary. Beach traffic would influence the materials throughout. “The finishes needed to be beautiful yet practical for a coastal lifestyle,” says Megan. “Salt and sand would be ever-present, so I chose hardy materials for both their textural qualities and character.” >
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Drawing inspiration from Mid-Century Modern architecture, especially the iconic homes in Palm Springs, California, and thosebyBrazilianarchitectsMarcioKogan andOscarNiemeyer,Megancreatedalightsoaked home that touches the ground lightly. The property is perched on former dunes,andthatrollingsiteprovedanasset. “Its verticality enabled us to use existing ground levels to form a family zone, and tuck the garage, a storage area and cellar underneath,” she says. “The main living zone became a balcony to the street.” Thanks to moveable walls of glass, the communal open-plan space on the ground floor practically extends from the front of the house to the back of the site – from the living room via the kitchen/dining area, through the pool area and into a pool house at the rear. The house can be closed off according to the time of day, the weather and the mood of its occupants. Large sashless sliding windows provide a strong visual link to the street and front garden. But, for privacy and protection, aluminium blinds can close this connection, instantly switchingthelivingareastobunkermode. The home presents as a series of boxes staggered across the site, creating an interplay of horizontal and vertical forms and ensuring separation between zones. A floating box housing the children’s bedrooms – the parents’ bedroom is downstairs, to the right of the entry – extends from above the family space and out over the pool. Timber-look screens wrap the structure and provide protection from sunlight while allowing the air to circulate. And that enclosure around the pool provides shelterfromoffshorewinds. The finishes were chosen for their longevity as well as their beauty, says Megan. “We wanted the whole house to read together, so interior and exterior materials work in harmony. To create the flow from interior and exterior spaces, we needed them to be seen as the same thing > – it’s a house turned inside out.”
houses H G THE PALET TE
Polytec Notaio Walnut veneer (kitchen)
Laminex AbsoluteMatte Black (kitchen)
Elba dolomite (kitchen)
THIS IS THE LIFE
KITCHEN/DINING AREA, TERRACE AND POOL HOUSE The main living areas of the house lead to
the pool house, a favourite hang-out for Mary and Phil’s three teenagers. Kett ‘Otway’ dining table, ‘Karma’ dining chairs, ‘Wye’ and ‘Addis’ outdoor settings and ‘Aireys’ woven chair, all Cosh Living. Bowl, Empire Homewares. Vase, Country Road. Art surface-mount downlights, Alti Lighting. In the pool house, Teton coffee table, Freedom. Kendo sofa, Natuzzi Italia.
At this indoor-outdoor address, the beach is never far away, physically and in spirit. “Most of our living is either around the outdoor table and barbecue area, or the kitchen, which is central to our living,” says Mary. When the family isn’t there, they are usually outdoors. Their outdoor pursuits are reflected in the basement storage and garage, which is full of surfboards, suPs (stand-up paddle boards), bikes and kites. And with the omnipresent salt and sand, the outside shower gets plenty of use.
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THE LAYOUT Ground floor Pool house
Bed Bath
Pool
Kitchen
Garage
Terrace
Dining
Entry
Laundry
Basement
Storage
Throughout, there is an interplay of light and heavy materials, plain and patterned, especially board-form concrete and stone, juxtaposed with timber. “The board-form concrete allowed us to use a hard-wearing and raw material, yet create detailing and interest,” says Megan. “The patterned concrete, as well as the natural stone, offsets the sharp line and volume created by matt-black cabinetry and expansive glass.” Furnishings, meanwhile, are simple and low-key, letting the architecture do the talking, which it does so eloquently. “I love the weightlessness you feel in the house,” says Megan. “The living zone floats above the street, and the light and space flowing through into the back garden and to the pool house create an expansive indoor-outdoor experience. I love the way concrete and timber work together and take their cues from one another. This is a house that feels calm but never precious.” #
First floor
Bath
Bed Bed Play/ study
Bath Bed
Bed
Living
MJA Studio, Subiaco, WA; mjastudio.net. Valento Residences, Leederville, WA; valento.com.au.
LIVING Bonnie makes herself at home on a Kendo sofa from Natuzzi Italia. Cushions, LeMarc. STAIRWELL Opposite, top left Laminex’s AbsoluteMatte in Black is used here. MAIN BEDROOM Opposite, top
right Madison bed, Snooze. Bedlinen, Sheridan. Rug bought in Turkey. Aicha pendant, Alti Lighting. Chair, Pottery Barn (discontinued). Savanna flat-weave carpet, RC+D. MAIN ENSUITE Opposite, bottom right Icon+ wall set, Astra Walker. Re Work Series porcelain tiles, Original Ceramics. Vanity in Elba dolomite from Artedomus and Notaio Walnut laminate from Polytec. FAMILY BATHROOM Opposite, bottom left Vanity in Caesarstone Fresh Concrete. Axa basin, Reece. Icon+ wall set, Astra Walker. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
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“I LOVE THE WAY CONCRETE AND TIMBER TAKE THEIR CUES FROM EACH OTHER.” Megan Cordin, architect
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STATE OF GRACE
Yearning for something “never seen before”, the owner of this 1880s semi in Sydney put her faith in a fresh designer who was game to push the boundaries. STO RY Chris Pearson | P HOTOG R A P H Y Simon Whitbread
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Diamond wall mirror, Jardan. Guax vase, Conley & Co. Upside Down Half Drill #2 and Mallet sculptures, both by Liz Stops from Planet. Victorian figurine and antique cabinet, both from owner’s own collection. Painting by Maritsa Micos. FACADE Main colour Dulux Parisian Grey, cornerstones and dark detaililing ng Dulux l Wayywa ward Grey, whhitite detailing Duulux Terracee ite, the dar arke ker grey detailling ng is lux Parisiann re reyy Double l Strength, windows annd fronnt dooor in Dulux Indiaan Redd.
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hen Beverley Bosman was planning to remodel her stately inner-Sydney home in 2017, she really wanted to loosen the grand old lady’s corsets. Forget prim and proper for this Victorian: Beverley wanted a home that was dynamic and contemporary, but respectful of its past. Who better to bring new life to those beautiful 1880s bones than spatial designer Alexandra Marrotte of Amarot, who was then fresh from university and bursting with novel ideas from a Millennial’s perspective? “Alexandra was a friend of my son Oscar’s from university,” says Beverley. “I knew she had studied design, so I asked her for ideas about renovating my kitchen.” Such was the rapport between the homeowner and the young designer that the friendly advice mushroomed into a professional project embracing the entire house, including the garden. Beverley and her late husband bought the semi-detached house in 1983, attracted by its Victorian architecture. “We really loved Victorian houses and specifically looked for one with its original features intact. We liked the character: the high ceilings, Italianate cornices, ceiling roses and the deep, deep skirting boards.” In the ensuing years, Beverley’s husband, a French polisher and cabinetmaker, lovingly deconstructed and restored the period details from architraves to skirting boards. The couple also replaced the kitchen and bathrooms, all while raising Oscar and his sister Emily, who still live in the home. When Alexandra first visited, Beverley presented her with a brief that any designer, let alone one just launching their career, would find exciting and daunting in equal measures: “I want something I have never seen before”. But there was more. “I wanted to work with someone who is passionate, with fresh
ideas,andwhowaswillingtopushmyboundaries,”saysBeverley. “That said, we had paid a premium for a Victorian house with its original features intact, so I wanted to maintain its integrity. I love the high ceilings and the polished woodwork, but I don’t want to live in a time capsule. I wanted the layout simplified and adaptedformodernliving,lotsofnaturallight,betterventilation, and, because I love to cook, a bigger kitchen complete with walk-in pantry.” Storage, a feature sorely lacking in traditional Victorian homes, was also on the wish list. And plenty of it. Layout-wise, the original section of the house was little changed, with separate but connected living and dining rooms fronting onto each other and two bedrooms above them. Surprisingly, that section posed one of the trickiest elements of the renovation: reinstalling the dismantled architraves and skirtings.“Workingoutwhatwent where was like putting a jigsaw puzzle together,” says Alexandra. A heritage overlay meant that anyadditionshadtoremainwithin the building’s existing footprint, but they were able to demolish the termite-damaged rear section to create a schmick new kitchen on thegroundfloorandtwobedrooms above. To eke out even more space, Alexandra designed a balcony for the rear bedroom that cantilevers over a small courtyard, while banks of doors abutting the patio open up the kitchen. In order to boost the brightness, Alexandra suggested installing a series of skylights. Beverley was initially reluctant to include them, but is now totally won over. In keeping with the home’s origins, each room had to feel individual and boast rich colour, both typical of late 19th-century homes of this calibre. “I thought of the rooms as chapters in a book, keeping the overall ‘language’ and tone consistent,” says Alexandra. Cohesion is created by an integrated palette as well as the furniture choices. >
LIVING/DINING The antique light fitting was salvaged from the renovation of Sydney’s Burdekin Hotel in the 1980s. Custom dining table designed
by Amarot, made by Eclipse Handcrafted Furniture. Annie Soft dining chairs, Voyager Interiors. Phoenix sofa from Arthur G covered in Warwick Fabrics ‘Entice Cerulean’. Moroso ‘Net’ coffee and side tables, Hub Furniture. Artwork and console, both Boyd Blue. Discobolus statue, Mercer & Lewis. Mallet by Liz Stops, Planet. Aries rug (foreground), Designer Rugs. Tiger Lily Blue rug, The Rug Establishment. Antique cabinet and statuette. BALCONY Don’t Leave Me side table and Palissade chair, both Hay.
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H G HOUSES oved beagle Baxter. Volt pendant lights, Søktas. Arne Jacobsen ‘Grand Prix’ dining chairs and Hay ‘About A Stool’, all Cult. Benchtop and splashback in Storm White granite from SNB Stone. Kitchen joinery in Evenex Persian Walnut veneer and NTM laminate in Cacao Orinoco from Fenix. Hand-painted metallic finish by Set For Art. The dining portion of the island is made from oregon. Australian cedar tongue-andgroove panels (ceiling), Cedar Sales. Chester floor tiles, Kalafrana Ceramics. City Stik kitchen mixer with pull-out spray, Brodware. Lugano double-bowl sink, Abey.
THE PALET TE Dulux Parisian Grey (exterior, main colour)
Dulux Porter’s Paints Indian Red Overcast (exterior window (main bedroom) frames)
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
KITCHEN This page andd opposite o Homeowner Beverley Bosman with her
“WE HAD FUN EXPLORING MATERIALITY.” Alexandra Marotte, designer
“I definitely didn’t want all-white,” says Beverley, which topped the list of what she had “seen before”. “I was after something different and unique, and Victorian houses traditionally had lots of colour.” Accordingly, Alexandra chose a palette of jewel hues, including “dark and moody” ruby, garnet and sapphire to deliver the desired richness and glamour. In the living room, emerald satin curtains contrast with a topaz velvet sofa. “It’s luxurious, but not over the top,” says Alexandra. Timber was also off Beverley’s wish list – initially, at least. “I was over woodwork, because there was so much of it already.”ButAlexandrapushedherboundariesbysuggesting it for the kitchen cupboards to add warmth and, most daringly, for the ceiling, to contrast with the tiled floor. The benches are topped with honed granite because Beverley preferred not to have shiny surfaces in her house, a principle that extends to the textured matt wall finishes throughout. “We had fun exploring materiality, mixing cement tiles, stones,veneersandspecial wall washes and a timber ceiling,” says Alexandra. When it comes to furnishings, there’s no hint of the stuffy, bloatedstylessynonymouswiththeVictorianera.Everything here is streamlined and contemporary, creating a striking contrast with the home’s intricate detailing and helping to unify the spaces. “We opted for contemporary furniture to create juxtaposition with the ornate architectural > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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“WE RETAINED THE VICTORIAN RICHNESS YET EVERYTHING NOW FEELS FRESHER AND MORE FUNCTIONAL.” Beverley
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MAIN BEDROOM Right and opposite
The Earth Is Turning, an artwork by Sydney artist Alexandra Plim, is the star of this space. Roar+Rabbit bedside table, West Elm. Narciso wall lamps, LightCo. Spaghetti vase, Becker Minty. Society bedlinen, Ondene. Cushions, Spence & Lyda. Little Petra chair, Cult. Eco+ Silken Touch II carpet in Wilpena Pound, Godfrey Hirst Carpets. SECOND BEDROOM Below right Cole & Son ‘Orchid’ wallpaper, Radford. Gubi ‘Grasshopper’ table lamp, Cult. Bennett bedside cabinet, Boyd Blue. Society bedlinen, Ondene. Cushions , Spence & Lyda. MAIN ENSUITE Lago 54 semi-recessed basin, Studio Bagno. City Stik wall mixer and City Plus hand shower, both Brodware. Duomo brass light from Anaesthetic. Cubo Piazza tiles, Greg Natale. Tadelakt wall treatment, Idea Creations. >
BEDROOM/STUDY Above left and opposite Aerin lamp, Becker Minty.
Vase, Planet. Bolster, Jardan. The artworks are Big Lizzie by Alexandra Plim (opposite) and ‘Oil Droplets’ (this page) from West Elm. Gubi ‘Masculo’ desk chair, Cult. Joinery in Laminex Fox (white) and Eveneer Ristretto. Eco+ Silken Touch II carpet in Wilpena Pound, Godfrey Hirst Carpets. Maceda pendant light, Beacon Lighting. Vases from Orient House and Mercer & Lewis. Walls painted Dulux Dieskau. MAIN BATHROOM Above and left
Custom vanity in Evenex Burnished Oak veneer. Pietra Verde marble benchtop, Euro Marble. Soul 2 inset basin from Studio Bagno. Tapware, all Brodware. Liano bath, Caroma. Solo heated towel rails, Avenir. Stool, Inartisan. Ignia Grigia stone slab tiles (around bath), Onsite Supply+Design. Cubo Portico floor tiles, Greg Natale. Tadelakt wall finish by Idea Creations. >
HOUSES H G THIS IS THE LIFE
Beverley spends much of her time in the kitchen, in the adjoining courtyard, or streaming TV in her living area. “I make sure each room is used every day,� she says. Working from home has seen the study become a centre of activity, but Beverley is looking forward to hosting soirees soon. With an eat-in kitchen, grand dining room and barbecue area in the courtyard, there are plenty of options to suit the occasion and mood.
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detailing,” says Beverley. “But there’s no doubt that comfort and practicality played a part in my decisions. This is still a family home.” Outside, Alexandra specified architectural plants such as agaves and kalanchoes to reflect the clean style of the furnishings inside. There, too, Beverley, uncertain of walls of glass, was persuaded to again push her boundaries, literally and figuratively. Kitchen and courtyard flow into one, thanks to a massive bank of sliders. Today, both owner and designer are delighted with the renovation that changed both of their lives. “This was my first project since graduating,” says Alexandra. “It was huge, but it unfolded beautifully. It was challenging, but I loved every moment.” “We retained the Victorian richness, yet everythingfeelsfresherandmorefunctional,”addsBeverley. “This home is just a pleasure to spend time in.” # Amarot, Sydney, NSW; amarot.com.au.
COURTYARD Kennel, available from Harvey Norman. Sofa, ottoman, dining table and dining chairs, all Cosh Living. Cushions, Orient House. Palissade armchair and Bowler side table, Hay. Barbecue, BeefEater Barbecues. Busts (on step and beside barbecue) by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Floor tiles, Kalafrana Ceramics. Step in Ignia Grigio stone slab from Onsite Supply+Design. Walls painted Dulux Pelaco. JITT planter, The Balcony Garden. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
THE LAYOUT Ground f loor
Entry
Barbecue
Kitchen
Dining
Courtyard
Living
Bed/ study
Bath
Bed
Bed
Bed
First f loor Bath
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P L A N T- F O C U S E D S PA C E S T H A T I N V I T E A N D D E L I G H T
G a rden s
Hand-forged poppies by sculptor Alex Scheibner emerge from swathes of groundcovers at Emaho, an ethereal garden and tree farm in the hills north of Toowoomba. Turn the page to take a tour...
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PA S S IO N PR O J E C T How does this garden grow? With a blend of natives and deciduous plants, a mix of rich textures and pretty hedge plants lined up in rows… STO RY & PH OTO GR A P H Y Kim Woods Rabbidge
The homestead at Emaho nestles into the hillside and surrounding garden. Within the ‘stream’ of canna lilies below, a century-old trough that once provided water for grazing dairy cows is now a beacon for local birds and wallabies.
“Barbara and I have been very fortunate. It’s not often that you get the opportunity to create something with no limitations.”
Feature plants _______ TREES Japanese crabapple (Malus floribunda) Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Trompenburg’) Manchurian pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) Golden ash (Fraxinus excelsior aurea) SHRUBS Azalea kurume ‘Kirin’ Camellia lutchuensis Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ Metrosideros collina ‘Little Dugald’ Loropetalum chinense ‘Bobz Red’ GROUNDCOVERS Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’
James McGeoch, owner
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S
et in the undulating valleys of Queensland’s Darling Downs region is a beautiful Asian-inspired garden withinatreefarm.HometoJamesandBarbaraMcGeoch, the property is aptly named Emaho, which means ‘wonderful and amazing’ in Tibetan. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where the 2-hectare garden ends and the tree farm begins: the view from the homestead extends across a valley filled with native and exotic trees to sylvan hills of towering eucalyptus. At 750 metres above sea level, it’s cooler here than on the coast, with the added benefit of rich volcanic soils. Rainfall averages 1000 millimetres per annum,butclimatechangehasresultedinreduced falls in recent years; the couple try to conserve every drop. James and Barbara have worked in the horticultural industry for several decades. After selling their nursery to developers about 15 years ago, they were able to make Emaho, a property spanning16hectaresintotal,theirprimaryfocus.Emahooffered the ideal environment for growing ornamental trees and made a useful base for the couple’s landscaping business.
In2005,whileJameswastravellingforwork,Barbaradesigned acorrugatedironandtimber‘ecocottage’nestledintoaprotective embankment. The plan was to use it as a temporary base, then build a main residence 100 metres to the northwest. But the eco cottage proved so perfect that they decided instead to add a spacious extension and make it their permanent home. When James and Barbara took the former dairy farm on, it hadworn-outgrass,fewtrees,manystumpsandabundantweeds, whichmakesthegarden’stransformationallthemoreremarkable. Their first step was planting slender weaver’s bamboo (Bambusa textilis var. Gracilis) along the driveway. The bamboo protects the house from dust and westerly winds, plus forms a cocooning enclosure in line with the feng shui principles Barbara was keen to factor into the garden plan. Feng shui influenced the location of their residence too. “It’s built on the leeside of the hill, so we can sit on the verandah completely protected,” she says. The McGeochs planted masses of Australian native trees in copses around the property. Today, these trees are thriving, providing shade and habitat for local wildlife. The couple >
Medicinal and culinary herbs mingle in a perennial garden sheltered by coffee and bamboo hedges. A beautifully shaped laurel in a wine barrel grows above the wine-coloured Alternanthera dentata ‘Little Ruby’, catmint, pineapple sage, salvia and echinacea. At the rear of the bed are dragonfruit and feijoa (Acca sellowiana). OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left The cottage is now James and Barbara’s permanent home. Passionate plantspeople, James and Barbara McGeoch. Formal hedges of camellia enclose intimate ‘rooms’ within the garden.
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H G gardens also planted 30 semi-mature deciduous trees to give the garden structure, filling in vast areas with leftover nursery stock – thousands of azaleas and camellias – which have proved very drought-tolerant. “Barbara and I have been very fortunate,” says James. “It’s not often that you get the opportunity to create something with no limitations.” Inspired by gardens they visited in Japan and China, the McGeochs have created extensive hedging for zoning, while sweeping ribbons of plants in varying textures and colours are a clever ploy to cover large areas and reduce weeds at the same time. At the entrance, hedges of Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ offer up cheery flowers all winter. They link to rows of lilly pilly (Syzygium ‘Bush Christmas’) beneath majestic liquidambar trees.Onaslopingbanknearthehomearebandsof Metrosideros collina ‘Little Dugald’, dwarf Loropetalum ‘Bobz Red’ and the reliable native groundcover, Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’. On the northwest side of the house, garden rooms are enclosed byCamelliasinensishedgesfeaturingthreeofJamesandBarbara’s own cultivars, ‘Kirsty’, ‘Sally’ and ‘Rosemary’. “They’re named for our daughters,” says Barbara. A couple of years ago, the pair added a 14-metre wisteria bower to segue between the garden
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rooms and the ‘stream’ of lilies filled with summer-flowering cannas, iris and day lilies that form vibrant waves of colour. Ornamental trees – crabapples, Japanese maples, Manchurian pear, and golden and claret ashes among them – are planted throughout the garden, delivering flowers, colourful leaves and shade with the turn of the seasons. “I love the umbrella shape of the crabapples. They’re gorgeous in flower but even in winter they look quite sculptural,” says Barbara. Productive plants also make an appearance at Emaho. There’s a citrus orchard and an enviable vegetable garden contained within a hedge of coffee plants. Arranged around a charming 100-year-old creamery, the only structure remaining from the dairy-farm era, they provide an abundant harvest year-round. As with all gardens, there’s always something to do at Emaho. The McGeochs’ next project is a 25-metre pond amid the cannas, which will be bordered with Louisiana iris and filled with water lilies. It will make the perfect natural swimming spot for their grandchildren. With so much passion, and so many projects planned, there’s simply no time for this amazing couple to contemplate retirement. # Emaho Trees; emahotrees.com.au.
Formerly a dairy farm, the site only had worn-out grass, few trees and abundant weeds when James and Barbara took it on, making the transformation all the more remarkable.
ABOVE LEFT The former
creamery was repurposed as a garden shed. ABOVE The tree farm at Emaho, which produces advanced trees for public and private landscaping projects all along the east coast. LEFT Poppies growing throughout the perennial garden inspired the McGeochs to include a poppy-shaped fire pit and coordinating sculptures by Alex Scheibner. OPPOSITE Painterly bands of Metrosideros collina ‘Little Dugald’, dwarf Loropetalum ‘Bobz Red’ and Camellia sansanquas flank a recently erected trellis for wisteria.
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E NJOY T HE JOU R N E Y Faced with a steeply sloping coastal site, landscaper grant Boyle designed a family-friendly garden around meandering paths and a series of destination points. STO RY Helen Young | P HOTO GR A P H Y Natalie Hunfalvay
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Crushed granite is a practical surface for the fire pit area. A huge Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) forms a pillowy mound, while the tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) tree will soon provide welcome shade. Fire pit and Frankenstool stump seats, Robert Plumb. In the foreground, a frangipani is strategically located against the rear of the house. The grass is Lomandra ‘Tanika’. OPPOSITE Formerly a grassy slope, the garden is now an engaging series of terraces linked by informal steps.
C
oledale is a sweet village that tucks into the narrow strip of land between an idyllic stretch of coastline and the Illawarra escarpment, just 70 kilometres south of Sydney and 18 kilometres north of Wollongong. Professional couple Ann and Chris, along with their two young boys, relocated to the covetable location from Sydney’s inner west in 2015, attracted by the beachside lifestyle. The historic coal-mining village boasts sandy beaches, small areas of rainforest and a laidback vibe that makes properties here tightly held. The home Chris and Ann bought enjoys expansive views to the coast, but that elevated position necessarily came with steeply sloping ground. “It was just a big grass hill,” says landscaper Grant Boyle, whose company Fig Landscapes undertook both design and construction for the transformation. “It was a blank canvas,” says the Byron Bay-based designer. “Because Ann and Chris didn’t know what could be achieved, they trusted us to come up with a concept plan, taking into account their busy work lives and young children.” Importantly, the new garden had to be low-maintenance and able to withstand the extremes of Australian coastal conditions. A large deck on the top level of the two-storey house already accommodated generous outdoor living and entertaining facilities, so Grant’s design concentrated on the garden and play spaces. “I wanted to make the access down through the garden a journey, so the spaces don’t reveal themselves until you get there,” he says. He carved out a series of level, useable areas using a small excavator to “cut and fill”, minimising the amount of material needed to be taken out or brought in. Old railway sleepers form the steps and retaining walls, chosen for their rugged good looks, durability and simplicity of construction. “You can build walls quite quickly with them and they don’t need to be painted or rendered,” says Grant. “They don’t need any ongoing maintenance, either – they just weather beautifully.” On the downside, they weigh 80 kilograms each, and the team had to carry 220 of them down the site by hand. The steps from the house through the back garden meander rather than go straight, enriching the experience of moving through the various spaces. They link firstly to an open court of crushed granite with a fire pit at its centre. Groundcovers
such as Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ and native pigface (Carpobrotus) now spread effortlessly across the gravelly surface, softening the edges. To one side, Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) forms a huge silvery ball, which is covered in dramatic spires of mauve-purple flowers in spring. From here, more tiered beds, formed from sleepers set upright at subtly varying heights, flank the path as it steps down towards a lush lawn level, edged in Corten steel. In the bottom corner, Grant decided to position the trampoline in the afternoon shade of an existing paperbark tree, a surefire lure for the children and in sight of adults on the deck. Gently falling over the edges of the retaining walls are French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare), both with light-reflecting silvery foliage. Other tough, water-wise plants selected for the garden beds include yuccas (Yucca elephantipes), coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax ‘Purpurea’), frangipani and textural grasses such as Lomandra ‘Tanika’ and purple foxtail grass (Pennisetum ‘Rubrum’). The mix of natives and exotics survives happily without any supplementary irrigation, although of course they were watered during the establishment period. New native trees such as tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), coastal banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and weeping lillypilly (Waterhousea floribunda) will supply welcome shade and attract the attention of birds as they grow. This clever integration of location, plants and materials gives the garden a sure sense of place. “In selecting the simple palette of materials, I took inspiration from the coastal location – I wanted that raw, natural feeling as much as possible,” says Grant. “Weathered timber is just right here, and using it throughout, in different ways, helps to integrate the different levels.” Despite the difficulties posed by the steep site, Grant’s team completed the project in just six weeks – and the transformation exceeded expectations. “We were surprised at how much space we actually had once the job was complete,” says Ann. “The materials and plants Grant selected created such a relaxed and carefree garden – we absolutely love it!” # Fig Landscapes, Byron Bay, NSW; figlandscapes.com.au.
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The use of timber sleepers
for steps and retaining walls helps create the “raw, natural feeling” Grant wanted. Dwarf river wattle (Acacia cognata ‘Mini Cog’) weeps over a retaining wall, with coastal rosemary and agave adding tonal and textural contrast. Fire pit and Frankenstool stump seats from Robert Plumb. Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) has silver leaves. French lavender (Lavandula dentata) flowers most of the year.
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Outside in The past 12 months have seen the rise and rise of indoor plants. Horticulturist Tammy Huynh shares her tips on how to help your ‘plant babies’ thrive.
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dding greenery to the home is one of the easiest ways to transform a space. Plants instantly provide interest and because they come in a diverse range of forms, colours, textures and patterns there are species to suit every interior size and style. Use them as a feature, to soften harsh lines or to simply cultivate an indoor oasis. Plus, indoor plants have been proven to boost your mood and increase productivity, so it’s no wonder you feel good around them. They do need care though – some a little more than others, but once you understand what they like, it’s easy.
POSITION
Most indoor plants grow best in a brightly lit spot, out of direct sunlight. While morning sun is generally fine, you will need to shield them from the hot afternoon sun as this can scorch the leaves. There are a handful of plants that will tolerate lower light levels – devil’s ivy, mother-in-law’s tongue or ZZ plant, for example – but even these perform better with more sunlight. POTTING MIX
When repotting plants, use a premium quality potting mix. This is suitable for most plants, but for specialty plants like cacti and succulents or orchids, look for a mix specially formulated for them.
WATERING
Indoor plants are often over-watered, so until you become accustomed to the watering requirements of your plants, it’s best not to guess when they’re thirsty. To check if you need to water, invest in a moisture meter, or if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, dig your finger into the mix to a depth of 3-4 centimetres. If it’s dry, give it a good drink, but if it’s moist, leave watering for a few days. FERTILISER
To boost plant growth, apply a fertiliser suitable for indoor plants during the warmer months. Use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and always water in well. Don’t be tempted to feed more than required – over-feeding can damage roots and leaves. PESTS AND DISEASES
They may be growing indoors, but indoor plants can succumb to pests and diseases. This usually occurs with the introduction of a new plant, which may be harbouring unwanted guests. If you do spot pests, they’re likely to be sap-sucking pests like mealy bugs, aphids or mites. You can control them with an organic insecticidal soap, but for sap-suckers like scale, you will need to spray them with a horticultural oil. #
3 5
1
2 4
Eye-catching and hardy plants to try Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) An easy-care plant with perfectly round leaves perched on the ends of slender stems. Place in a well-lit spot, out of direct sunlight and water when the soil is near-dry (1). ● Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) A fern with graceful arching fronds that are more tolerant of dry conditions than most ferns. Position in a bright spot and water when the soil is near-dry (2). ● Marble queen (Epipremnum aureum) Hardy and reliable with beautifully patterned white and green leaves. Tolerates low light, but the variegation will be more pronounced in brighter conditions (3). ● Indian rope hoya (Hoya ‘Compacta’) One of the more unusual forms of hoya, with twisted succulent vines and curly cupped leaves. Place in a brightly lit room and water when the soil is dry (4). ● Pin stripe calathea (Calathea ornata sanderiana) The dark green-purple leaves are beautifully adorned with contrasting pink stripes. If you notice the leaves fading, the plant is sitting too close to a light source (5). ●
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Photograph by Adam Gibson.
H E A V E N L Y FA R E , I N S P I R E D B Y N A T U R E
Living
Chef Analiese Gregory’s cooking is inspired by the rugged landscapes of her current home, Tasmania, and that in her native New Zealand. For more, turn the page.
Wild
at he a rt YOUNG VEGETABLES WITH CASHEW MISO CREAM
Having learned her trade in some of the world’s best restaurants, New Zealand-born chef Analiese Gregory is now based in Tasmania, where she forages, fishes and grows her own produce. Her new book celebrates the slow-food life. P HOTO GR A P H Y Adam Gibson
living H G “One day I returned home to find a friend sitting on my lawn, holding a crayfish, with the intention of staying for dinner. All I had to hand were potatoes and eggs in the kitchen and lovage in the garden. And so the crayfish cocktail was born.”
CRAYFISH COCKTAIL
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POTATO GALETTE Serves 4
125g clarified butter 900g (about 7 medium) waxy potatoes 10g sea salt flakes 1 Preheat oven to 180˚C (160˚C fan). Line the base of a 22cm-diameter ovenproof frypan with baking paper. 2 Melt clarified butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, scrub potatoes and slice very thinly, about 2mm thick (use a mandoline if you have one). Place potato slices, melted butter and salt in a bowl and toss until completely coated. 3 Starting in the centre of the pan, lay potato in concentric circles, each new slice overlapping the previous one by about two-thirds. Continue to layer potato slices, overlapping slightly, until pan is full and all potato is used. Place another sheet of baking paper on top, then weight with a plate or similarly sized tray to compress slightly. Bake in oven for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted in the centre meets no resistance. 4 Once cooked, place on stove or under grill to brown. For the stove method, place the pan on the stove over low heat until done to your liking, checking periodically. For the grill method, turn galette onto a plate, slide back into same pan, drizzle with olive oil and grill until browned to your liking. Serve immediately.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Analiese has embraced life in the remote landscape of the Huon Valley in southern Tasmania, where she immerses herself in gathering wild ingredients, including catching fresh fish in icy waters. The rugged terrain requires a vehicle to match. Analiese helps harvest vegetables from James Hutchinson at Longley Organic Farm at Longley, south of Hobart.
TIPS ● To make ahead, prepare steps 1-3 as above, then weight and refrigerate overnight. The next day, turn the galette out, cut into portions and warm in the oven or a pan. ● Potato galette is great as a side dish with any main course or as a vegetarian dish on its own. Serve with garlic yoghurt, goats’ curd, crème fraîche, whipped cod roe, salsa verde, chutney or gravy.
living H G
“This is one of my all-time favourite potato dishes.”
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LEFT Fresh-baked mulberry clafoutis:
“Pretty much any stone fruit or berry is great in this dessert,” says Analiese. ABOVE AND BELOW LEFT Analiese at her farm in the Huon Valley, a place of winding country roads and mystical skies.
Analiese’s story is a window into the joys of travel, freedom and the search for meaning as much as it is about cooking...
HUNGRY FOR MORE? This is an edited extract from How Wild Things Are by Analiese Gregory with photography by Adam Gibson ($45, Hardie Grant Books).
living H G
MULBERRY CLAFOUTIS Serves 6
100g sugar 60g (about 4) egg yolks 120g (about 2) whole eggs 1 cup (250ml) cream Heaped 1/2 cup (70g) almond meal Heaped 1/2 tbsp (10g) plain flour, sifted 150g fresh mulberries Mascarpone, to serve (optional) Honeycomb, to serve (optional) 1 Preheat oven to 200˚C (180˚C fan). line a 20-25cm metal cake pan or tart dish with baking paper. 2 Place sugar, yolks and whole eggs in a bowl and gently whisk to combine without creating any foam. Add cream and whisk to incorporate. Add the almond meal and flour and whisk gently until smooth. 3 Pour batter into prepared tin. Scatter fruit on top and bake 40 minutes or until golden on top but still slightly wobbly in the centre. Serve warm or cold, with mascarpone and honeycomb, if you like. CRAYFISH COCKTAIL Serves 2–4
500g live crayfish 350g waxy new potatoes 2 tbsp (50g) sour cream 1 shallot, finely diced 10 lovage leaves, finely shredded 2 baby gem lettuce 1 lemon Mayonnaise 1 clove garlic, minced 2 egg yolks 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp white-wine vinegar 1 tbsp dijon mustard 1/2 cup (125ml) olive oil 1/2 cup (125ml) grapeseed oil 1 To prepare crayfish, place in freezer or a bath of ice water. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to the boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer, then add crayfish, ensuring it is fully submerged in water.
Cook for 7 minutes (monitor to ensure water does not return to a rolling boil). Remove crayfish, drain, then stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. 2 Meanwhile, scrub potatoes and place in a large saucepan of cold salted water. Bring to the boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until tender but not falling apart. Remove from heat and leave to cool in the water. When cool enough to handle, drain and dice potatoes into rough 2cm cubes and set aside to cool to room temperature. 3 To make mayonnaise, combine garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, vinegar and mustard in a blender and blend until smooth. Combine oils in a small jug and, with the blender still running, slowly drizzle into egg yolk mixture until emulsified. Season with sea salt to taste and refrigerate until needed. 4 Holding the head of the crayfish in one hand and the tail in the other, twist the tail away from the head. next, use hands to gently crack and peel away the shell or, using scissors, cut either side of the soft carapace underneath, then remove this piece and the tail from the shell. Once shell and flesh are separated, use a sharp knife to cut the tail down the centre lengthways and remove the vein that runs the length of the tail. Slice meat into 1cm medallions and reserve. 5 Place potatoes in a bowl with the mayonnaise, sour cream, shallot and lovage and mix to combine. 6 To serve, trim lettuce and arrange as a bed on a platter. Top with the medallions of crayfish, a squeeze of lemon, cracked black pepper and the dressed potato. YOUNG VEGETABLES WITH CASHEW MISO CREAM Serves 4
1/2 baby romanesco 1 baby cucumber 1 baby gem lettuce 4 yellow butter beans 2 baby carrots 2 zucchini flowers 2 purple carrots
2 hakurei turnips 1 baby candy-stripe beetroot, leaves on 1 pink turnip 6 amaranth leaves 6 blueberries 4 purple basil leaves 4 shiso leaves 4 Greek basil tips Olive oil, to serve Cashew miso cream 250g raw cashews 2 tbsp (50g) chickpea miso (available from Harris Farm or health food stores) 1 To make cashew miso cream, soak cashews in cold water at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Drain, then place in a food processor with 220ml water, miso paste and 1/4 tsp salt and blend on high speed until smooth (it may take a while). 2 Meanwhile, clean and slice all vegetables, keeping edible leaves on where possible. All vegetables in this dish are served raw, left whole, broken into florets or sliced thinly, as you would for crudités. 3 To assemble, dress a plate with some of the cashew miso cream and arrange the vegetables on top. Dress with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. # AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |
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W H E R E T O BU Y
Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. # 3D Windows (03) 9786 0597; 3dwindows.com.au 506070 0413 764 101; 506070.com.au A Abey 1800 809 143; abey.com.au About Space (03) 9417 4635; aboutspace.net.au Adairs 1300 783 005; adairs.com.au Aeria Country Floors 0413 841 590; aeria.com.au Alex and Trahanas alexandtrahanas.com Alexandra Plim alexandraplim.com Alti Lighting (08) 9284 2203; alti.com.au Amara amara.com/au Anaesthetic anaestheticdesign.com Aneeta Window Systems 1800 653 207; aneetawindows.com Anibou (02) 9319 0655; anibou.com.au Anna Charlesworth 0412 288 111; annacharlesworth.com.au Antique General Store (02) 9913 7636; antiquegeneralstore.com Aquabumps (02) 9130 7788; aquabumps.com Armadillo (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Artedomus (02) 9557 5060; artedomus.com Arthur G (03) 9543 4633; arthurg.com.au Articolo Lighting (03) 8595 8011; articololighting.com Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Auburn Woodturning auburnwoodturning.com.au Australian Architectural Hardwoods (02) 6562 2788; aahardwoods.com.au Avant Stone (02) 9817 0037; avantstone.com.au Avenir (02) 9476 6917; avenir.com.au AWS 1300 026 189; awsaustralia.com.au Axolotl (02) 9666 1207; axolotl.com.au B Banana Baby (02) 9550 2888; bananababy.com.au Bang & Olufsen (02) 9356 8111; bang-olufsen.com Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266; beaconlighting.com.au Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com BeefEater Barbecues 1800 356 660; beefeaterbbq.com Bernini Stone & Tiles (08) 9388 1193; bernini.com.au Best & Less bestandless.com.au Big W 1300 244 999; bigw.com.au Binnichi binnichi.it Bisanna Tiles (02) 9310 2500; bisanna.com.au Bisazza (02) 9838 9233; bisazza-australia.com.au
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Bloomingdales Lighting (02) 8345 6888; bloomingdales.com.au Bonnie and Neil (03) 9384 2234; bonnieandneil.com.au Boyd Blue (07) 5527 0899; boydblue.com Brodware (02) 9421 8200; brodware.com.au C Cadrys (02) 9328 6144; cadrys.com.au Caesarstone 1300 119 119; caesarstone.com.au Camargue (02) 9960 6234; www.camargue.com.au Camerich (02) 9699 1088; camerich.com.au Candana (02) 9389 8631; candana.com.au Carlotta+Gee carlottaandgee.com Caroma 131 416; caroma.com.au Casa by Studio Kate www.studiokate.com.au Cass Brothers (02) 9569 5555; www.cassbrothers.com.au Cedar Sales 1800 156 455; cedarsales.com.au Choices Flooring choicesflooring.com.au Classic Ceramics (02) 9560 6555; classicceramics.com.au Coastal Living (03) 5984 5480 Coco Republic 1300 000 220; cocorepublic.com.au Colorbond 1800 022 999; colorbond.com Conley & Co (02) 8065 9411 Contents International Design (02) 9662 2443; contentsid.com.au Cool Change Doors and Windows (02) 9450 0889; coolchangedoorsandwindows.com.au Corian 1800 267 426; corian.com.au Cosh Living (03) 9281 1999; coshliving.com.au Cotswold InOut Furniture 1800 677 047; cotswoldfurniture.com.au Cotton On cottonon.com Country Road 1800 801 911; countryroad.com.au Cult 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au Cultiver cultiver.com Curatorial+Co curatorialandco.com D Dedece (02) 9360 2722; dedece.com.au Dekton (02) 8311 1518; dekton.com.au Designer Rugs 1300 802 561; designerrugs.com.au Domayne domayne.com.au Domino Brass Fittings (03) 9330 0111; www.dominobrass.com.au Domo (03) 9277 8888; domo.com.au Domus Textiles (02) 9380 6577; domustextiles.com.au
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
Douglas & Bec (03) 9419 1146; douglasandbec.com Dulux 132 525; dulux.com.au E Earp Bros (02) 4925 4550; earp.com.au Eclipse Handcrafted Furniture (02) 9310 2506; eclipsefurniture.com.au Ellin Byrne ellinbyrne.com Emily Simpson Landscape Architecture emilysimpsonlandscapearchitecture.com.au Empire Homewares (08) 9755 3501; worldofempire.com Espo Lighting (03) 9037 0893; espo.com.au Essastone essastone.com.au Euro Marble (02) 9960 6234; www.euromarble.com.au Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; euroluce.com.au Eve of Indigo eveofindigo.com.au Eveneer 1300 133 481; eltongroup.com Evenex 1300 133 481; eltongroup.com Farmers Doors (07) 5574 6881; farmersdoors.com F Fenix fenixforinteriors.com Few & Far (02) 4441 8244; fewandfar.com.au Filip Janssens @filipjanssens Fisher & Paykel 1300 650 590; fisherpaykel.com.au Flinders Lane Gallery (03) 9654 3332; www.flg.com.au Flos, available from Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; euroluce.com.au Fred International (02) 9310 3263; fredinternational.com.au Freedom 1300 135 588; freedom.com.au G Gessi, available from Abey abey.com.au Gladstones Granite & Marble gladstonesgranite.com.au Globe West 1800 722 366; globewest.com.au Godfrey Hirst Carpets 1800 630 401; godfreyhirst.com Great Dane (03) 9417 5599; greatdanefurniture.com Greenhouse Interiors greenhouseinteriors.com.au Greg Natale (02) 8399 2103; gregnatale.com H Häfele 1300 659 728; hafele.com.au Halcyon Lake Rugs & Carpets (03) 9421 1113; halcyonlake.com Hale Mercantile Co halemercantilecolinen.com Harbour 1976 (02) 9666 5972; harbouroutdoor.com Hardings Hardware (03) 8773 7999; hardingshardware.com.au Harry Hartog Bookseller harryhartog.com.au
Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; harveynorman.com.au Hay (02) 9358 0855; hayshop.com.au Haymes Paint 1800 033 431; haymespaint.com.au Heatherly Design (03) 5772 2089; heatherlydesign.com.au HG Furniture Solutions (02) 9693 2288; hgfs.com.au HK Living (03) 9500 9991; hkliving.com.au Hope & May (07) 5455 6325; www.hopeandmay.com Hôtel Magique hotelmagique.com House of Orange (03) 9500 9991; houseoforange.com.au Howards Storage World 1300 479 479; hsw.com.au Hub Furniture (03) 9652 1222; hubfurniture.com.au Husk (03) 9827 2700; www.husk.com.au Husk&Co 0478 672 882; huskandco.com.au Husky huskybrand.com.au I Idea Creations ideacreations.com.au Ikea (02) 8020 6641; ikea.com.au Ilve 1300 694 583; ilve.com.au In Bed inbedstore.com In Good Company ingoodcompany.com.au Inartisan 0401 818 157; inartisan.com International Floorcoverings 1800 339 379; interfloors.com.au J James Hardie jameshardie.com.au Janie Collins Interiors (07) 3856 3697; www.janiecollins.com.au Janus et Cie janusetcie.com Jardan (03) 8581 4988; jardan.com.au Jetmaster 1300 538 627; jetmaster.com.au Joey Australis Joinery 0409 820 858 Juno and Ace junoandace.com K Kalafrana Ceramics (02) 9569 5010; kalafranaceramics.com.au Kethy (02) 9542 4991; kethy.com.au Kido Store 1300 115 436; kidostore.com King 1300 546 438; kingliving.com.au Kmart kmart.com.au Købn kobn.com.au Koskela (02) 9280 0999; koskela.com.au KWD & Co kwdandco.com.au L L’Uccello luccello.com.au Laminex 132 136; laminex.com.au Le Creuset 1300 767 993; www.lecreuset.com.au Leander leander.com LeMarc lemarc.com.au Leo & Bella leoandbella.com.au Liebherr 1800 685 899; andico.com.au LightCo 1300 795 548; lightco.com.au
stockists H G
Lilly & Lolly (02) 9699 7474; lillyandlolly.com.au Living Edge 1300 132 154; livingedge.com.au Love Moroccan Rugs lovemoroccanrugs.com.au Lucy Montgomery lucymontgomery.com Lumas Gallery au.lumas.com Luxaflex Window Fashions 135 892; luxaflex.com.au Luxe Mirrors 1300 799 065; luxemirrors.com.au Lynch’s Window Fashions lwfaustralia.com.au M Magins Lighting 1300 495 032; maginslighting.com.au Mahlia Interiors mahliainteriors.com.au Maison et Jardin (02) 9362 8583; www.maisonetjardin.com.au Makers’ Mrkt makersmrkt.com Mandalay Flowers (02) 9362 5000; mandalayflowers.com.au Manly Windows (02) 9907 2644; www.manlywindows.com.au Marimekko (02) 9281 6519; marimekko.com Mark Douglass Design 0414 540 110; markdouglassdesign.com Marlow & Finch (02) 8960 6103; marlowandfinch.com.au Matches Fashion matchesfashion.com Max Sparrow maxsparrow.com.au Mayneline Joinery (07) 5580 0911; mayneline.com.au McAtamney Cabinets mcatamneycabinets.com.au MCM House (02) 9698 4511; mcmhouse.com McMullin & Co mcmullinandco.com Meir meir.com.au Mercer & Lewis mercerandlewis.com Miele 1300 464 353; shop.miele.com.au Miguel Meirelles Antiques (03) 9822 6886; www.meirelles.com.au Millie Moo Custom Hampers milliemoohampers.com.au Mobilia (08) 9284 5599; mobilia.com.au Mode Sportif modesportif.com Modern2Vintage @modern2vintage Mokum mokumtextiles.com Montmartre Store (02) 9969 5456; www.montmartrestore.com.au
Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au N Nana Huchy 1800 454 282; nanahuchy.com.au Natuzzi Italia natuzzi.com.au Nexus Construction Systems 1300 845 854; nexuscs.com.au Nicki Nelius nickinelius.com Nood Co noodco.com.au Nord Life nordlife.com.au Nord Modern (03) 8060 8874; nordmodern.com Nu Space (02) 9386 4542; www.nu-space.com.au O Oblica (03) 9416 0400; www.oblica.com.au Oliver Thom oliverthom.com.au Ondene (02) 9362 1734; ondene.com.au Onsite Supply+Design (02) 9360 3666; onsitesd.com.au Orient House (02) 9660 3895; orienthouse.com.au Original Ceramics (08) 9444 8087; www.originalceramics.com.au Outdoor Elegance outdoorelegance.com.au P Pad Furniture (03) 9421 6655; padfurniture.com.au Palmer & Penn (02) 9328 4800; www.palmerandpenn.com.au Pampa pampa.com.au Peony & Weasel Flower Co (03) 5223 1459; peonyandweaselflowerco.com.au Pillow Talk 1800 630 690; pillowtalk.com.au Planet (02) 9211 5959; planetfurniture.com.au Plume Studio @plume_studio Poliform (02) 8339 7570; www.poliformaustralia.com.au Polyflor polyflor.com.au Polytec 1300 300 547; polytec.com.au Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; porterspaints.com Pottery Barn 1800 232 914; potterybarn.com.au Pottery Barn Kids potterybarnkids.com Prestige Carpets (03) 9708 6913; prestigecarpets.com.au Q QBD Books qbd.com.au R Radford 1300 692 393; radfordfurnishings.com
Radiant Lighting radiantlighting.com.au RC+D (03) 9428 6223; rc-d.com.au Real Flame (03) 8706 2000; realflame.com.au Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au Resene 1800 738 383; resene.com.au Rose St Trading Co (03) 9822 9444; www.rosesttradingco.com.au Rubble Workshop rubbleworkshop.com Rudi Rocket 0488 990 490; @rudirocket S Sacred Bundle sacredbundle.com.au Sage x Clare sageandclare.com Schots Home Emporium schots.com.au Schumacher fschumacher.com Schweigen www.schweigen.com.au Sea of White (08) 9344 1500; seaofwhite.com.au SED Joinery 1300 159 807; squareedgedesign.com Set For Art @setforart Sheridan 1800 625 516; sheridan.com.au Skheme (02) 8755 2300; www.skheme.com Slowdown Studio slowdownstudio.com SNB Stone www.snb-stone.com Snooze (03) 9830 4166; snooze.com.au Society of Wanderers societyofwanderers.com Søktas 0423 909 055; soktas.co Sorrento Furniture (03) 5975 0344; sorrentofurniture.com.au Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Spark & Burnish (02) 8042 8495; sparkandburnish.com.au Spence & Lyda (02) 9212 6747; spenceandlyda.com.au Studio ALM (02) 9363 1459; studioalm.com Studio Bagno (02) 9316 5588; www.studiobagno.com.au Studio Cavit (02) 8018 8259; studiocavit.com Studio Pip 1300 857 470; studiopip.com.au Sunbrella www.sunbrella.com Sussex Taps (03) 9308 6599; www.sussextaps.com.au T Tamsin Johnson tamsinjohnson.com The Balcony Garden (03) 8306 0544; thebalconygarden.com.au
The DEA Store (02) 9698 8150; thedeastore.com The English Tapware Company 1300 016 181; englishtapware.com.au The Montauk Lighting Co montauklighting.com The Rug Establishment therugest.com The Society Inc thesocietyinc.com.au The Wood Room (02) 9970 8480; thewoodroom.com.au Thonet 1800 800 777; thonet.com.au Tigger Hall Design (03) 9510 2255; tiggerhall.com Tigmi Trading 0418 602 231; tigmitrading.com Tiles by Kate (02) 9949 4300; tilesbykate.com.au Tribe Home tribehome.com.au Trit House www.trithouse.com.au Trouva trouva.com Tucker Barbecues 1300 300 227; tuckerbbq.com.au Tuiss Blinds Online blindsonline.com.au U Utopia Art Sydney (02) 9319 6437; utopiaartsydney.com.au V Valise valise.com.au Velux 1300 859 856; velux.com.au Villeroy & Boch 1800 252 770; villeroy-boch.com.au Vintage Art Emporium vintageartemporium.com Vintec 1800 666 778; www.vintec.com.au Vola (03) 9070 4988; @vola_au Voyager Interiors (03) 9208 0600; voyagerinteriors.com.au W Wallpaper Trader 0408 503 210; wallpapertrader.com Wallsauce wallsauce.com Warwick Fabrics 1300 787 888; warwick.com.au West Elm 1800 239 516; westelm.com.au Winning Appliances (02) 8767 2301; winningappliances.com.au Wolf, available from Winning Appliances (02) 8767 2301; winningappliances.com.au Woodcut (02) 9319 6050; woodcut.com.au Wyer & Co (02) 9362 3333; wyerandco.com.au Wynstan 1800 157 622; wynstan.com.au
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H G the creative type
The comedian, media personality and self-confessed “design nerd” has parlayed his love of architecture into a career as design aficionado and advocate. ST Y L I NG Kate Nixon | P HOTO GRAP H Y Alana Landsberry
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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
Produced by Elizabeth Wilson.
Tim Ross
“The best architects talk about humanity.” I grew up in Mount Eliza, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. I think living in a bush suburb full of interesting houses had a huge impact on my passion for architecture and design. As a kid, I’d ride my bike around the area and admire the streets filled with houses by great architects like Robin Boyd, Kevin Borland and Roy Grounds. My change of career began when I did some live comedy shows in architecturally significant buildings, and then was asked to do a few talks about design. Then I made Streets of Your Town for ABC TV – and that was it. It’s been amazing to be able to travel and meet so many great people and visit incredible houses and buildings. My wife, Michelle, and I have lived in our home [a Mid-Century property in Sydney] for 15 years. It continues to evolve with our family and it’s a testament to Modernist design that it still works so well. It’s flooded with light, which sets you up for a great day. I love that it’s modest in size but works perfectly well today. My working day is a mixed bag so the schedule depends on what projects we’re working on. I have a small team and we make films, live shows, books, podcasts and exhibitions. I work from home most days. Most importantly, my day revolves around picking up our two boys from school, which I do in tandem with Michelle. We both have small businesses so we can be flexible but it’s a juggle sometimes. The biggest challenge of my career? I was part of a very successful comedy duo [Merrick & Rosso] for many years and when that ended, I had to start from scratch in many ways. Ultimately, it enabled me to take a different path. I’m incredibly proud of lots of things I’ve done. The architecture documentaries are pure labours of love but they are worth every moment of it. But I think having the conviction to do the things I believe in is the thing I’m proudest of. There is a long list of people whose work I admire. Architect Paul Owen is a brilliant architect who understands people and life. The best architects talk about humanity, not architecture, and that sums him up. I also really admire Michael Dysart. Now in his 80s, he designed some of the best domestic architecture in the country that reflected our lifestyle, climate and landscape. Hannah Tribe is another favourite architect. Designer Mary Featherston is a hero of mine. She’s clever, intuitive and thoughtful with a broad variety of work. I’m just in awe of her talent. On the art front, I love the work of Ben Quilty, Reko Rennie, Miranda Skoczek and photographer Leila Jeffreys. And Louise Olsen is one of the most impressive people I have ever met. Naming my favourite building is difficult because I have so many, but I always return to the Sydney Opera House. It never fails to knock my socks off. It’s so symbolic of our potential as a nation and it means a great deal to so many. I dream of visiting Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright in the US. It’s widely regarded as one of the greatest houses of all time. I’d love to see whether it lives up to the hype. A favourite object? I have a Richard Sapper coffee maker I use every day and I just love it. I also have a set of old university chairs by Arne Jacobsen that I adore. A favourite fashion item? Michelle made me a linen suit for my birthday last year and I absolutely love it. It was the best gift ever. In my local area there’s a great little providore called The Pantry Hunters Hill that has the best bread and Polish donuts. My favourite restaurant in the ’hood is Boronia Kitchen [in Gladesville] – the food and service are just incredible... Every neighbourhood needs a place like it. # Tim Ross presents Designing a Legacy, exploring why architecture matters, on Tuesday February 2 at 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iView.
Tim at Lyons House, in Sydney’s Port Hacking, one of the buildings that appears in Designing a Legacy. “Bill Lyons – who still lives here – commissioned iconic Melbourne architect Robin Boyd to design the house for his family,” says Tim. “It’s practical, simple, built around a large pool and is a truly glorious home.” The art and furnishings are part of the Lyons family collection.
TIM’S FAVOURITE THINGS From top
9090 coffee maker by Richard Sapper, Alessi. “I’m currently reading Honeybee by Craig Silvey.” Floating Moons by Miranda Skoczek. Superb fruit dove by Leila Jeffreys.
