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CONTENTS

29 APRIL

2021 23

C ALL FOR ENTRIE S It’s your first

chance to enter the Belle Fanuli Interior Design Awards 2021.

S P Y Belle steps inside the hallowed

halls of the State Library of NSW – and it will never be the same again.

D E S I G N N E WS Lucy Montgomery rounds

up the who, what and where of design.

43 44

ART What’s on the walls near you. A RC H I T EC T U R E Melbourne’s Wood

Marsh Architecture continue to play their part in cultural and community projects.

ST YLE ETIQUETTE Melissa Penfold trains

her expert eye on priceless powder rooms.

L I B R A RY A selection of page-turners to educate, entertain and inspire.

SOURCING WITH STEVE CORDONY

STATELY MATTERS

In the first of a new series, Belle’s style director gets behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and takes you on a tour of his favourite Sydney design haunts.

THE STATE LIBRARY OF NSW OPENED IN DECEMBER 1827 AND THOUGHT IT HAD SEEN IT ALL. NOT QUITE – BELLE STRIDES THROUGH THE DOORS TO CREATE A 21ST-CENTURY READING ROOM.

57 58 70

HOM ES M Y KO N O S A Greek design practice draws on history and tradition to create a masterpiece in tune with its surrounds. SYDNE Y Architect Daniel Boddam stages the union of

a heritage-listed home and an ultra-modern extension.

SY D N E Y Scandanavia transports to suburbia as architect Madeleine Blanchfield transforms a 1900s cottage.

SY D N E Y These owners saw Greg Natale’s work in Belle and gave the design dynamo carte blanche. He didn’t let them down.

MELB OURNE Interior designer Swee Lim takes a large bayside property and fashions a world-class resort-style escape.

106

SYDNE Y Attention to detail and her characteristic panache

define this residence that was reimagined by Pamela Makin.

132

114

SYDNE Y Interior designer Emma Buchan delivers a home to match this southern Sydney property’s wondrous water views.

122

MELB OURNE Clients with vastly different tastes present

a challenge interior designer Sally Knibbs more than solves.

132

GARDEN Landscape designer Lisa Hochhauser turns nearly

50 hectares of Byron Bay land into her own tropical paradise.

CONTENTS

BLON DE A M BI T ION CHARMING HERITAGE FEATURES ARE DEFTLY BLENDED INTO A COOL, CONTEMPORARY DESIGN, GIVING THIS SYDNEY HOME A BRIGHT NEW FUTURE.

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS 141

K I TC H E N S These functional spaces transcend utility to

usher beauty into the daily lives of their inhabitants.

161

KITCHEN ST YLE A selection of new and noteworthy

ingredients to dial up your kitchen design scheme.

163

BATHRO OM ST YLE A splash of luxe accoutrements lends

softness to cutting-edge fixtures and graphic surfaces.

165

B AT H RO O M S Furnished with supple stone, luxurious

fittings and an air of quietude, these perfectly formed bathrooms feel wonderfully transportive.

R EGULARS

142 18

Masthead and Privacy Notice

25 26 178

Editor’s Letter InBox The Office ... Steven Maccora

OUR COVER Sydney home by Olivia Babarczy of Studio S.O. See Family affair, p142. Photography Jennifer Soo. Styling Sophie Wilson. Accessories on coffee table from Greg Natale.

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A BRAND OF

E D I TO R I A L

Editor-in-chief Creative director Deputy editor Senior copy editor Art production Contributing editors

Tanya Buchanan Cathryn Zhang Harry Roberts Janice Hogg Matus Kundrat Steve Cordony (Style director-at-large), Karen McCartney (Architecture), Lucy Montgomery, Judy Pascoe (Library), Melissa Penfold, Carli Philips (Melbourne), Jean Wright (Design)

E D I T O R I A L O F F I C E GPO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 Tel (02) 9282 8456, email: belle@aremedia.com.au

CON T R I B UTO R S Shayne Burton, Sharyn Cairns, Jeremy Callaghan, Lauren Camilleri, Darren Christison, Felix Forest, Gaëlle Le Boulicaut, Lyla Levy-Jordan, Matt Lowden, Shannon McGrath, Tim O’Connor, Chris Pearson, Sarah Pickette, Prue Ruscoe, Anson Smart, Jennifer Soo, Derek Swalwell, Sue Ramsey, Rhiannon Taylor, Edward Urrutia, Pablo Veiga, Dave Wheeler, Jen Wilding, Nicholas Watt

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M A R K E T I N G , R E S E A R C H & C I R C U L AT I O N

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SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES Visit: magshop.com.au. Email: magshop@magshop.com.au. Tel: 136 116. Mail: Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney NSW 2000. S Y N D I C AT I O N E N Q U I R I E S syndication@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ACN 053 273 546) part of the Are Media Group, 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, tel (02) 9282 8000, fax (02) 9267 8037. The trademark Belle is the property of Are Media Limited and is used under licence. © 2021. All rights reserved. Printed by Ovato Warwick Farm, 8 Priddle St, Warwick Farm NSW 2170. ISSN 0310-1452. Contributors’ manuscripts should be typewritten, and all text, photographs and illustrations must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope stamped to the appropriate value. Are Media does not accept responsibility for damage to, or loss of, material submitted for publication. Material contained in Belle is protected under the Commonwealth Copyright Act, 1968. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. PRIVACY NOTICE This issue of Belle is published by Are Media Pty Ltd. Are Media may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Are publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is located at www.aremedia.com.au/privacy/. It also sets out how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge a complaint. Are Media may disclose your personal information offshore to its owners, joint venture partners, service providers and agents located throughout the world, including in New Zealand, the USA, the Philippines and the European Union. In addition, this issue may contain Reader Offers, being offers, competitions or surveys. Reader Offers may require you to provide personal information to enter or to take part. Personal information collected for Reader Offers may be disclosed by us to service providers assisting Are Media in the conduct of the Reader Offer and to other organisations providing special prizes or offers that are part of the Reader Offer. An opt-out choice is provided with a Reader Offer. Unless you exercise that opt-out choice, personal information collected for Reader Offers may also be disclosed by us to other organisations for use by them to inform you about other products, services or events or to give to other organisations that may use this information for this purpose. If you require further information, please contact Are Media’s Privacy Officer either by email at privacyofficer@aremedia.com.au or mail at Privacy Officer Are Media Pty Ltd, 54 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

AD Beatrice Rossetti - Photo Federico Cedrone

Call for ENTRIES » In association with FANULI, Australia’s leading furniture and design brand, Belle is delighted to announce that entries are open for the 2021 INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS » Now in its eleventh year, this prestigious awards program is committed to supporting the creativity and innovation of the local industry by celebrating and rewarding excellence in Australian interior design and decoration by individuals, partnerships and design practices at residential, hospitality and commercial levels.

2 02 1 AWA R DS CAT EG OR I E S » BEST RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR » BEST RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR – READERS’ CHOICE

» BEST RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN DESIGN » BEST RESIDENTIAL BATHROOM DESIGN » BEST HOSPITALITY INTERIOR

» BEST COMMERCIAL INTERIOR » BEST WORK WITH COLOUR » EMERGING DESIGN STAR » HALL OF FAME » BELLE/FANULI INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

S P O N S O R E D BY

2021

S U P P O RT I N G S P O N S O R S

E N T R I E S C LO SE F R I DAY, J U N E 4 , 2 02 1 FOR AN ENTRY KIT AND FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE EMAIL BELLEAWARDS@AREMEDIA.COM.AU

EDITOR’S LET TER Articolo ‘Starburst’ pendant light. articololighting.com

P ORT R A I T BY K R I ST I N A SOL J O

elcome to the April 2021 issue of Belle. Many people have now returned to corporate offices or their version of pre-pandemic industry, but the way we work, live and travel has certainly changed forever. And there is a definite upside! In this issue, we profile Randal Marsh and Roger Wood, partners in award-winning Victorian firm Wood Marsh Architecture on p44. Roger Wood’s comments about learning from the pandemic really resonate with me. “I realised that going to the office at 8.30am and leaving at 6.30pm was some kind of Dickensian obligation on my behalf. I think we now work smarter and are more flexible,” he says. I agree – the pandemic has forced us to use technology to explore possibilities and there’s no going back. Hooray – that oft-talked-about yet elusive work-life balance might now actually be a possibility for some after the compulsory rethink! It’s like travel – while we can’t go overseas, we can explore our own sensational country and support boutique tourism ventures. As soon as the Queensland border reopened, I hopped on a flight to see family, visit restaurants and indulge in retail therapy. Now more than ever, investment in the hospitality, retail and service industries is crucial. There is so much potential for fabulous hotel, food and shopping destinations, but I feel we need to lift our customer service game. Many regional towns are booming and, to impress the increased influx of visitors, businesses are going to have to elevate their customer experience to keep them coming back! I am continually browsing and shopping homewares – it’s an occupational hazard – and I have a bit of extra time to indulge on a short break. To harness that loose holiday spending money, boutiques may want to consider time-poor visitors and adjust their opening hours. If I owned a shop in Noosa, I think I would stay open beyond 4pm on a bustling Saturday and then, to get the all-important work-life balance, I would open a little later on quieter days. Steve Cordony, Belle’s style director-at-large, knows how to take sourcing and shopping to luxurious heights. See p52 for a tour of his favourite boutique pit stops with motoring expert Elise Elliott in our new Driving in Cars with Designers feature. Kitchens and bathrooms can be wonderful spaces – or the most frustrating rooms in the house! If you are working on a luxe kitchen or bathroom transformation, head to p141 for oodles of kitchen and bathroom inspiration. But beware, this could turn into a total home redesign, as often kitchen and bathroom improvements start a landslide of design enhancements! We had a lot of fun with our shoot at the State Library of NSW on p29. It is always a treat to experience a busy public institution after hours, and I think you’ll agree that classic literature is a worthy backdrop for impressive design pieces. Finally, architects and designers, start your engines. Entries are now open for the Belle Fanuli Interior Design Awards 2021. We are delighted to introduce Fanuli as the headline sponsor of our prestigious awards and look forward to working with Fabio, Sandro, Marco and the rest of the team on making this year’s awards a design sensation.

Tanya Buchanan, Editor-in-chief

Louis Vuitton ‘Matière Noire’ EDP, $440/100ml. au.louisvuitton.com

Costa Brazil ‘Vela Jungle’ candle, $264. mecca.com.au

Sentinal, 2020 artwork (43x43cm) by Emily Gordon, $850, from Michael Reid Northern Beaches. michaelreid.com.au

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INBOX

2 1 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary is a fabulous retrospective on the dynamic designer, entrepreneur and marketer Dame Mary Quant. And it’s coming to Bendigo Art Gallery, having had a sell-out season at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. This is a vibrant exhibition – a poppy parade of fun fashion, touching anecdotes from women who wore Mary Quant, and an insight into a powerful role model whose collaborations were way ahead of her time. March 20 to July 11, 2021. bendigoregion.com.au

Just gorgeous Hot stuff to view, shop and collect.

2 RED CENTRE Emily Imeson’s recent exhibition ‘Ancient River, River Red’ is a gentle depiction of dramatic Northern Territory landscapes. Emily is a recipient of a Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship. saintcloche.com

3 ALVAR A ALTO’S AMAZING AMETHYST To celebrate 140 years of enlightened Nordic design, Iittala’s iconic Aalto vase has been released in amethyst, 2021’s colour of the year, and a handsome grey. iittala.com.au

Edited by TANYA BUCHANAN 6 GR APE RELIEF I Solari After Sun Cream by Santa Maria Novella, $55, is made with fresh pomace from organic Italian grapes as well as a slew of soothing ingredients. It’s lightly scented with Santa Maria Novella’s ‘Vespro’ fragrance. buy. smnovella.com.au

4 GL AMOUR ZONE Mecca’s enormous new beauty, health and wellbeing emporium in the former Gowings department store in Sydney’s CBD is a delicious dedication to the art of grooming. Conceived by Sydney design studio Meacham Nockles, the biggest beauty store in the Southern Hemisphere boasts hundreds of brands of make-up, fragrances, beauty products and candles. Salon and event spaces also feature in this bold new beauty world. mecca.com.au

5 WICKER WUNDERKINDS French wickerwork artisans Atelier Vime have teamed up with Diptyque to design a light and breezy collection of woven pieces, including wicker sleeves designed to hold a 1.5kg candle, placemats and trays. diptyqueparis.com

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

ST Y L I ST ’ S A S S I STA N T OLG A L E W I S . P HOTO G R A P H E D ON LO C AT ION AT T H E STAT E L I B R A RY OF N E W SO U T H WA L E S .

Build a handsome library of reissued design classics and limited editions that tell a compelling story.

This page, from left Ngumu Janka Warnti side table by Johnny Nargoodah and Trent Jansen, $7000, from Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert. Henry Timi ‘HT120 Hashtag’ chair, POA, from VBO Australia. Gufram ‘Radiant Cactus’ coat rack, POA, from Living Edge.

SPY

This page, from left ‘Easy’ chair by Pierre Jeanneret, POA, from Ondene. ‘Cotteville 45’ suitcase, $9450, from Louis Vuitton. USM ‘Haller’ trolley, $7805, from Anibou. 1950s French glass lamp, $4800, from Tamsin Johnson. ‘1.1 Clear Millionaires’ sunglasses, $1130, from Louis Vuitton. Opposite page, from left 1930s hammered stool, $2400, from Tamsin Johnson. Flos 1954 ‘Luminator’ floor lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, $1277, from Euroluce. B&B Italia ‘Camaleonda’ sofa by Mario Bellini, from $35,570, from Space.

SPY

These pages, from left Knoll ‘Platner’ side chair, $6500, from De De Ce. Oluce ‘Zanuso’ table lamp, POA, from Euroluce. Freda artwork, $2200, and Lily artwork, $1800, both by Edward Waring from Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert. Studio Toogood ‘Roly Poly’ chair, $17,965 from Hub. Knoll ‘Cesca’ chair, $1210, from De De Ce. Cappellini ‘Sofa with Arms’ by Shiro Kuramata, $5150, from Cult. &Tradition ‘Flowerpot VP3’ lamp, $950, from Cult. On person ‘1.1 Clear Millionaires’ sunglasses, $1130, tailored T-shirt, $7600, cigarette pants, $1350, and ‘LV’ loafers, $1610, all from Louis Vuitton.

SPY

This page, from left ‘Cotteville 45’ suitcase, $9450, and Catwalk book, $115, both from Louis Vuitton. Ligne Roset ‘Togo’ fireside chair, $4375, from Domo. Kalmar Werkstätten ‘Dornstab’ floor light by J.T. Kalmar and A. Poll, from $7560, from Great Dane. By the River, 2017 artwork by John Olsen, $65,000, from Olsen Gallery. Bronze BOS vase, POA, from Ondene. Flexform ‘Paul’ chair, $5095, from Fanuli. Opposite page, from left City guide books, $59/each, from Louis Vuitton. Paul Smith X Maharam ‘Marshmallow’ sofa by George Nelson, POA, from Living Edge. Backlight ‘Magic Cloud’ LED custom-size panel, POA, from VBO Australia.

SPY

Trends may come and go, but these design opuses and contemporary collectables will always read beautifully.

This page, clockwise from bottom left Vitra ‘Eames House’ bird by Charles and Ray Eames, $370, from Living Edge. Artek ‘Karuselli’ lounge and ottoman by Yrjö Kukkapuro, $17,680, from Anibou. Assouline Yves Saint Laurent: The Impossible Collection book, $1950, from Palmer & Penn. ‘1.1 Clear Millionaires’ sunglasses, $1130, from Louis Vuitton. On person Evening suit jacket, POA, cigarette pants, $1350, 3D mid-layer ‘DNA’ shirt, $2380, and ‘LV Ollie’ sneakers, $1480, all from Louis Vuitton. 1960s Flos ‘Splügen’ steel pendant light, $1800, from Tamsin Johnson. ‘Porte-Documents Business’ bag, $3750, from Louis Vuitton. ‘Luna’ chair, $1540, from King. ‘LV Ollie’ sneakers, $1480, from Louis Vuitton.

Minimal can be magical. Subtle, sensory pieces soothe the soul and please the eye.

Photography EMMA LEE Styling LOUISA GRE Y

ARMADILLO AND HOUSE OF GREY HAVE COLLABORATED ON A NEW COLLECTION OF RUGS THAT EXUDE A QUIET SIMPLICITY. SHOWN HERE IS THE ‘TERRA’ RUG IN NATURAL,WHICH LAUNCHES ON MARCH 5. ARMADILLO-CO.COM

RIGHT N OW

1_BRIGHT SPARK

Canadian lighting studio Lambert & Fils has toasted its tenth anniversary with the opening of a Tribeca showroom where contemporary pieces are accentuated by 19th-century architectural features. lambertetfils.com; livingedge.com.au

1 2

2_MADE TO MEASURE

Global village Lucy Montgomery travels the design world to present alluring pieces from near and far. 3

Sydney designer Daniel Boddam applies a considered simplicity to both his architectural projects and his bespoke furniture collections. The ‘Oscar’ high cabinet and ‘Geo’ round table are shown here. danielboddam.com 3_FLOWER POWER

Celebrated New York artist Wayne Pate’s geometrics and silhouettes of flora and objects have been translated onto a range of decorative handcrafted terracotta tiles for Balineum. ‘Flora Exotica IV’ is pictured. balineum.co.uk 4_NEW YORK GROOVE

Artistic spirit abounds at the Ace Hotel in Brooklyn, designed by Roman and Williams. Its design reflects the locale’s creative fabric. acehotel.com/brooklyn

6_LOUNGING AROUND

Børge Mogensen’s comfortable and functional teak ‘Deck’ chair, designed for his own home in the 1960s, has been revived with an integrated footrest and loose cushion. cultdesign.com.au

5_FULL CIRCLE

Named after Nick Drake’s song about new beginnings, Italian designers Studiopepe’s low-carbon-footprint ‘Pink Moon’ table and chairs for Benchmark represent design’s potential to contribute to a brighter future. studiopepe.info

Design News

RIGHT NOW

7_CLOSE KNIT 7

A new spin on the modernist classic design by Kofod-Larsen from 1951, Danish design house Menu is offering the ‘Knitting’ lounge chair in soft sheepskin and natural oak. menuspace.com

9_ARCH RIVAL

New York-based Italian architect and designer Pietro Franceschini’s ‘Gold Arch’ console is beautifully crafted in solid brass to become a striking statement piece. pietro-franceschini.com

8_NATUR AL AT TR ACTION

The ‘Canvas’ chair by Børge Mogensen, designed for Denmark’s Fredericia in 1970, presents simple forms in canvas and European oak, for laid-back sophistication that suits any interior scheme. greatdanefurniture.com 11_LIGHT FANTASTIC

Lighting specialists Nuura’s luminous new showroom in Copenhagen is inspired by the Nordic light of their Denmark base and reflects the brand name’s meaning: light and honour. nuura.com

12_FEET FIRST

With a nod to nature and travel references including palm trees from London’s Kew Gardens (top) and Japanese indigo dyeing processes (bottom), London designer Sussy Cazalet’s abstract rugs are gorgeous. sussycazalet.co.uk

10_ORIGINAL THINKING

California ceramicist Eric Roinestad created these one-of-a-kind stoneware vessels in Los Angeles during the 2020 Covid-19 quarantine. They are meticulously handworked and beautifully textural. thefutureperfect.com 11

[ Fine dining ] RATTAN REVIVAL

Evoking the Parisian cafes synonymous with the French capital, the ‘Odette’ bistro chair designed by Anthony Guerrée in collaboration with rattan artisans Maison Louis Drucker (above) is a playful take on the traditional design. maisonlouisdrucker.com 41

Artist - Miranda Russell Stylist - Bek Sheppard Photography - James Geer

MELBOURNE · SYDNEY

Art

RIGHT NOW

S Y D N E Y

REMEDIAL MESSAGE Art’s potential to provide healing and care for fragile natural and social ecosystems is a major focus of the third iteration of The National, the biennial survey of contemporary Australian art exhibited across Sydney’s three major institutions – the Art Gallery of New South Wales, MCA and Carriageworks. Spanning emerging, mid-career and established artists from remote, regional and urban communities, the 39 new and commissioned works in this year’s program include the Fragile Ecologies installation by Lauren Berkowitz (left) at the MCA and Ngangkari ngura (Healing Country) by Betty Muffler and Maringka Burton (below) at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. March 26-September 5. the-national.com.au

Work in progress Presenting art pieces that intrigue, inform and invigorate. SY D N E Y

M E L B O U R N E

ON THE SURFACE

FRESH CACHE Adam John Cullen’s sculptures (above) read as personal archaeology, cast from op-shop vases, glassware and ceramics that the artist then breaks down and re-casts before chipping away at their new surface to excavate secret details. Titled as a nod to childhood memories of his grandmother’s dog, ‘Elton’ makes physical the act of burying and recalling personal histories. March 10-April 3. longallery.com

Nabilah Nordin’s wonderfully wonky installations (left) relish the haphazard process through which they are forged, dressing up scrappy offcuts and toppled, slippery forms as parodies of monumental artefacts and embracing the wild and visceral physicality of her materials. The artist is joined by Orson Heidrich, Stanislava Pinchuk and Kien Situ – rising arts stars linked by an interest in form and surface – in ‘Emerging Topographies’. March 11-April 3. yavuzgallery.com

SY D N E Y

A L L W OR K S S HOW N CO U RT E SY OF T H E A RT I ST S A N D G A L L E R I E S .

PATTERN AND PATINA SAM MARTIN’S EMBROIDERED PAINTINGS (LEFT) ARE WOVEN WITH A WIDE ARRAY OF INFLUENCES – FROM ANCIENT SCRIPT AND OP ART TO PSYCHOANALYSIS AND THE CAMOUFLAGE TECHNIQUES OF BUTTERFLIES. FOR HIS FIRST SYDNEY SOLO SHOW, NAMED ‘PHENEMAR’ FOR THE POETRY TECHNIQUE HE DEVELOPED DURING LOCKDOWN, THE MELBOURNE ARTIST ALLOWED HIS CANVASES TO ACCUMULATE MARKS ON THE STUDIO FLOOR BEFORE SEWING OVER THEM TO FORM COMPLEX PATTERNS. UNTIL MARCH 13. STATIONGALLERY.COM.AU

TA K I N G I T S L O W LY Inspired by the Woiwurrung word that gives the museum its name, the theme for this year’s TarraWarra Biennial, ‘Slow Moving Waters’, invites contemplation of deceleration, drift and the elasticity of time. A rebuke to the pace of our hyperconnected age and the neoliberal fetish for speed and optimisation, works by 24 Australian artists – including Lauren Brincat (right) – instead reach for geological cycles, seasonal rhythms and ancient knowledge systems. March 27-July 11. twma.com.au

TA R R AWA R R A

SY D N E Y

LIKE A DREAM The compelling dramas that play out on Henry Curchod’s canvas suggest the inchoate, fragmentary logic of a dream, portraying encounters between figures and curious objects – pomegranates, scissors, minarets, champagne bottles and flying carpets – and moving stylistically between broad brushstrokes, figuration and pellucid wisps. Letting the sand fall (above) forms part of the Belle ArtStart-winner’s new series, ‘Inside head, Outside head’. March 4-28. martinbrownecontemporary.com

RIGHT NOW

Architecture

MYSTERY ROAD Wood Marsh Architecture’s sinuous structures settle naturally in the landscape, reflecting the enigmatic path of revealing a space by degrees. Portrait TIM O’CONNOR Edited by K ARE N McCARTNEY

Wood Marsh Architecture founding partners Randal Marsh (left) and Roger Wood on site at the Towers Road House.

This page, clockwise from top left

PHOTO GR APHY PE TER BENNE T T S (R ACV C APE SCHANCK), TOM BL ACHFOR D (R ACV TORQUAY), JOHN GOLLINGS (TOWERS ROAD), MENGZHU JIANG (O CE AN GROV E SLSC), JE AN-LUC L A LOUX (FINDERS HOUSE)

The swimming pool at RACV Torquay. Flinders House embraces Bass Strait. Expressive form in Corten steel and stone at RACV Cape Schanck Resort. Towers Road House with its Christo-inspired wall and roadside landscaping. Ocean Grove Surf Live Saving Club was informed by eroded sandstone rocks.

“W E DON’ T H AV E A PA N DEM IC every century and it would be wise to learn from it,” says Roger Wood, who is founding principal of longstanding Victorian practice Wood Marsh Architecture with partner Randal Marsh. Wood is in a reflective mood about the past year. “I realised that going to the office at 8.30am and leaving at 6.30pm was some kind of Dickensian obligation on my behalf. I think we now work smarter and are more flexible,” he says. This shift is balanced with the knowledge that architecture is a craft-based discipline and the need remains to nurture and mentor recent graduate students coming into the practice. While renowned for their singular houses, Wood Marsh have always played a major role in delivering cultural, civic and community-based projects that have shaped both the city of Melbourne and regional Victoria alike. ACCA, the landmark Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (1998), is a faceted structure in Corten steel which is as much sculptural object as building. It is urban, gutsy and raw, referencing the warehouses and foundries of the original site while clearly communicating that it is a place of experimentation and a laboratory for ideas. As with the Gottlieb House (1990) before it, a mute concrete edifice that some neighbours thought to be a squash court in the making, ACCA embodies several of the enduring tropes of Wood Marsh that play out in a variety of innovative ways over their nearly 40 years of working together. With an ongoing interest in contemporary art as a motivator, sculptural form takes precedence often in a singular material that is designed to weather: Randal Marsh briefed the textured external render of the Flinders House to take on the colour of cooked porridge. “The pockmarked surface will gain patina with age and increase the sense of chiaroscuro as lichen settles to the south and it lightens to the north,” explains Wood. The form often sets up intrigue with the entrance obscured, or reading as a minimal presence, with few or no windows to the street. It is building as enigma. A recent example is Towers Road House (2019) which references Christo and JeanneClaude’s Running Fence (1976), an approximately 39km installation of nylon panels draped between steel poles – sweeping over the countryside of Sonoma and Marin Counties in California. The idea of taking conceptual art into the built form in the Melbourne suburb of Toorak confidently sets up a dynamic between private and public space. Austere perimeters often belie the life of a house as they open to unexpected vistas: a glazed northern facade frames a

lush garden with a massive plane tree in the Towers Road House, the wide water expanse of Bass Strait is embraced at the Flinders House (2012) and the theatre of a double-height atrium, of public rather than private dimensions, is experienced at the Gottlieb House. Aiming to engage the senses, Wood Marsh have adopted the Japanese sensibility that all is not revealed at once but rather as you move through a space new perspectives unfold, materials layer and forms coalesce. Of the Flinders House, Wood notes, “We wanted it to seem as if it had been here for many years and the earth had simply eroded away and exposed its form, rather than being a new addition to the landscape.” This concept of erosion and revelation again finds expression in the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (2020), a timber control tower and low-lying horizontal clubhouse. Wood is a surfer and knows the area well and it was the windblown rocky sandstone outcrops that inform the design of the tower. While sculpture, art and nature are important conceptually the practice is grounded in the practical needs of any project – both functionally and commercially. “We ask what does it need to do and develop our concept from there,” says Marsh. To that end the vehicular access to the beach and storage of emergency equipment, to have a first-aid area and to be able to efficiently coordinate police rescue efforts were all front of mind. “The new building has reinvigorated the club with an enormous rise in membership, particularly among the young. The impact of the architecture on the community and the business is very gratifying,” says Wood. A competition win for the RACV at Cape Schanck Resort redevelopment (2019) again took note of the site, settling the building in a saddle of land to minimise the perception of scale which is further mitigated by burying the level for the spa and swimming pool underground. “It’s an exploration both in landscape and architecture and the Corten steel and the stone have maritime references to rusted nails in piers and stone jetties of the area,” says Wood. Notably, it adds amenity to an area which had little and hence there were minimal objections to the proposal. “People can arrive on a Friday night, put the car in the garage and walk across to a place with excellent food and then use the day spa over the weekend. That seemed a more attractive option than objecting,” says Wood. woodmarsh.com.au

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Architecture ALPINE DELIGHT Milan-based Peter Pichler Architecture aims to create ‘a contemporary reinterpretation of the past that upholds the current Zeitgeist’. This is clearly evidenced in their Hotel Milla Montis in Italy’s South Tyrol (left and below), which references traditional wooden barns while subverting the existing language with playful forms. Avoiding a singular monolith design, the buildings cluster – all the better to fit into the landscape. peterpichler.eu

I TA LY

VINE CENTRIC Raised one metre above ground level to capture views, Casa Tapihue in the Chilean wine district (below) sits among the vines. Matías Zegers Arquitectos has designed the home in a restricted palette of white stone and timber, where connection to nature and protection from the strong breezes were two driving factors. matiaszegers.com

C H I L E

N AT U R A L S Y M M E T RY

The Patio House is defined by its remarkable site at Chile’s Lake Ranco, its geometry and its material. Constructed entirely in wood, the large house (below) is 400 square metres and combines generous communal spaces with areas for solitude and separation. Using a simple shed typology common to the region, architects Guillermo Hevia and Catalina Poblete placed emphasis on order and structure. guillermohevia.cl

S Y D N E Y

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B E N GA L

COMMUNAL CR AFT Originally, this building in Bansberia in India’s West Bengal was destined to be a garage – then its architect, Abin Chaudhuri, persuaded his private client of the role of social responsibility. It is now a communal mixed-use building called the Gallery House and pays tribute to the artisan craft of terracotta while recalling temple complexes in the city. abindesignstudio.com

ALL IN THE FAMILY

A RARE 1970S, HERITAGE-LISTED SEMI IN SYDNEY’S BALMAIN (BELOW), DESIGNED BY SIR ROY GROUNDS, ONE OF MELBOURNE’S MOST REVERED ARCHITECTS, HAS, ACCORDING TO THE HOME OWNER, ARCHITECT CONRAD JOHNSTON, BEEN “RE-ENGINEERED FOR CONTEMPORARY FAMILY LIFE”. WHILE FORGING A DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LANDSCAPE AND MAINTAINING THE ORIGINAL FOOTPRINT, CONRAD HAS CREATED MORE AMENITY FOR HIS FAMILY, TAKING IT FROM A TWO-BEDROOM TO FOUR-BEDROOM HOUSE THAT CAN CATER FOR MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING. FOXJOHNSTON.COM.AU

P HOTO G R A P H Y C R I STOB A L PA L M A ( C A S A TA P I H U E ), N ICO L A S S A I E H ( PAT IO HO U S E ) , A N SON S M A RT ( S I R ROY G RO U N DS HO U S E ), E DM U N D SU M N E R ( G A L L E RY HO U S E ), G U STAV W I L L E I T ( HOT E L M I L L A MON T I S )

C H I L E

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P HOTO G R A P H Y P RU E RU SCOE ( M E L I S S A M A R S H A L L ), K R I ST I N A SOL J O ( ST E V E COR D ON Y )

For Melissa Penfold, a powder room’s small canvas invites big ideas. NO MATTER HOW PETITE , the powder room is the jewel box of the home – a bijou space that can make a showstopper design statement. It is a perfect opportunity to take risks. To emphasise its potential and style, look at a powder room as somewhere to impress guests, because you don’t have to worry about tiring of something. Dark, saturated colours and large-scale patterns that might overwhelm in a living room or bedroom are often ideal. And use high-end materials that may be too expensive to install in larger spaces, as there isn’t a lot of area in a powder room. D O N ’ T B E A FR AID TO THIN K B I G Things don’t have to be tiny just because the space is. Think big. You may be surprised what dramatic wallpaper, statement lighting or a hero mirror can do to make a small room feel grand and give it dimensions it doesn’t actually have. GO BOLD The biggest mistake when decorating a small space is to treat it like a small space. Use an oversized mirror, paint the room in a dark colour or use dramatic tiling to add architectural weight. A D D CO LO U R FRO M FLO O R TO CEI LI N G A common misconception with a powder room is that you have to keep it minimal. A little room with nothing in it will always look like a room with nothing in it, but clever decorating can see a beautiful room with character. Pack as much punch as possible. Create an experience.

Having a sound design plan is important in all spaces, and especially in smaller ones. Determine your vision at the outset to avoid clashing styles. Or choose a dominant element – a wallcovering, ceramic tile or heavily veined marble – and build the room around it, with subtle details in a coordinating colour palette. Everything has to balance. If you choose a graphic wall, you might opt for a calmer floor. DRE SS THE WALL S Wallpaper in a striking pattern adds life. People think a small space shouldn’t have pattern all over, but rules are made to be broken. Wall-to-wall paper enlarges a powder room and pushes parameters. ED IT Don’t squeeze in too many elements. Go with one theme for harmony and build from there, which doesn’t mean limiting style or drama. Carry the theme with candles, scents, soap dishes, mini trays and towels. US E S TATEM ENT PIECE S Thinking small pieces work better in a small space is a mistake. Use large statement pieces. Fewer pieces, but the right ones, create impact. S H OW O FF YO U R A RT CO LLEC TI O N Art lovers like the jewel-box effect when vibrant art is featured in small spaces. A powder room lets visitors view smaller pieces that would be overlooked in the living room. Artwork in the bathroom needs to be protected, remember, so place it out of the way of sinks. Smaller sculptures can be displayed on custom pedestals against the wall. PL AN, PL AN, PL AN

Nostalgia shepherds crook lever basin set in Antique Black, $561, phoenixtapware.com.au 2 Aura ‘Paros’ towels in Limestone, $49/each, hand towel, $24, bath mat, $39, face washer, $14, domayne.com.au 3 Powder room by Melissa Marshall 4 Turnstyle Designs door lever in Antique Brass with Black Bronze grip, $810/pair, gregorycroxfordliving.com. au 5 Designers Guild Christian Lacroix ‘Kiyosumi’ wallpaper in Celadon, $533/six-metre roll, radfordfurnishings.com. au 6 Soap dish, $630, 1stdibs.com 7 15 May (Paris) artwork by Samuel Condon (unframed), $800, studiogallerymelbourne. com.au 8 Powder room by Steve Cordony 9 Visual Comfort ‘Hampton’ wall light in Gild Leaf, $738, laurakincade.com 10 DW ‘Kristall’ soap dispenser, $395, beckerminty.com 11 Green onyx side table, $750, manyarahome.com.au 12 DW ‘Rocks’ cosmetics mirror, $765, beckerminty.com 13 Nero Marquina Extra stone, POA, signorino.com.au 1

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Library

A DV E N T U R E S IN EDEN S I G B E R G A M I N A RT L I F E Architect and designer Sig Bergamin is in high demand in his native Brazil as well as in the world’s most glamorous locations. His style is a heady cocktail of colour, pattern and dramatic art that brings punch to his schemes. This latest volume of his work explores 12 homes, where Warhols, Lichtensteins and Hirsts provide the linchpin of the interior design. A special edition encased in a painted silk-wrapped slipcase will be available ($310). Beatriz Milhazes, Assouline, $140

Living large Creatives indulge their bold vision.

With overseas travel off the agenda, this book offers a wonderful consolation, providing a visual portal into some of the most magnificent gardens in Europe. Profiling 50 private properties from England to Scandinavia, the author includes a dissertation on their history, connection to the surrounding area and an overview of the planting. Some have been designed by well-known landscapers such as Louis Benech while others are the labour of love of their passionate owners and all are lavishly photographed. Carolyn Mullet, Timber Press, $70

Edited by JUDY PA SCOE

A N D R E W M A RTI N INTERIOR DESIGN REVIEW The bible for design aficionados, this broadsweeping annual update on the world’s top 100 designers is in its 24th edition. Lavish photographs showcase a vast array of styles and projects around the world from such stellar names as Kelly Hoppen, Axel Vervoordt and Martyn Lawrence Bullard. More than 500 pages of visual splendour offer inspiration and information. TeNeues, $130

T R AV E L BY D E S I G N

E V E RY R O O M S H O U L D S I N G

L I F E M E E T S A RT Creative people, whether they be writers, artists, fashion designers or musicians, are bound to inhabit interesting spaces, and this reveal of the living arrangements of 250 such individuals is proof positive. The richly decorated and idiosyncratic abodes of a disparate array of past masters including Picasso, Le Corbusier, Sinatra and Hemingway join more au courant names such as Marc Newson and Diane von Furstenberg in this fascinating tome. Sam Lubell, Phaidon, $79.95

A delightful air of whimsy pervades this, the first book of Swedish-born, Londonbased designer Beata Heuman. With an emphasis on creating spaces that reflect the personality of the occupants, Beata guides her clients on a joyful exploration of their aesthetic. Featuring townhouses in London, and a vacation home in Nantucket among others, variety, sentimentality and a sense of mystery are foremost in the composition of these interiors, and offer an insight into the exhilaration that design risk-taking can bring. Beata Heuman, Rizzoli, $110

Holiday snaps like no other, this book celebrates beautiful and exotic destinations in photographs taken by 150 of the world’s top architects and designers. Providing fuel for their creative endeavours, buildings, customs, colours, art and natural surroundings are all captured, from the colour pop of Luis Barragán’s Casa Gilardi in Mexico to the architectural marvel of Machu Picchu. Creatives find inspiration everywhere and, seen through their lens, these locations offer fascinating new appeal. Michael Boodro, Assouline, $195

Photography EDWARD URRUTIA

S T E V E ’ S S T Y L E is ever-elegant and

finessed, but his presence is adventurous and bold. Fittingly, then, this interiors and lifestyle expert chose a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen to visit his favourite haunts in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The G-class – a robust, four-wheel drive SUV – was originally designed more than 40 years ago as a military vehicle. Today it remains authentic and iconic while exuding sumptuous luxury. Much like the driver.

GRANDIFLORA

Sourcing with

STEVE CORDONY BELLE STYLE DIRECTOR STEVE CORDONY SHARES THE PLACES THAT INSPIRE HIM AND THE CAR THAT TAKES HIM THERE. By motoring expert Elise Elliott @EliseElliott_Media

First stop is this whimsical, charming florist in Potts Point. Buckets of magnolias, Grandif lora’s brand feature, spill onto Macleay Street. The flowers are lovingly grown by a VIP at Dural in Sydney’s north, who planted the trees three decades ago. Owner Saskia Havekes opened her small flower shop in 1995. Fast-forward 26 years, and while the shop remains untouched, both owner and business have built a deserved international reputation. Saskia and Steve are dear friends and have collaborated on many events together. “He taught me about finishes and I taught him about flowers,” says Saskia. While the impossibly tall Russian Giant sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) look tempting, Steve settles on a handful of Grandiflora’s signature magnolias. grandiflora.net

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MR MINTY’S Next door in Macleay Street is the newly opened Mr Minty’s, the edgier little brother of the unapologetically eclectic Becker Minty flagship store. Here is an exquisite, curated space filled with art, furniture and objets created by artists and designers that both inspire and excite owner Jason Minty. “I have known Steve for years as he’s been styling with our product,” says Jason. Today, Steve takes the locally made ‘Club Tropicana’ swivel chair, a Duistt white ‘Apollo’ dining chair made in Portugal and a ceramic ram sculpture by Athena Jahantigh, a Persian artist living in the south of France. All products easily fit into the boxy SUV. beckerminty.com

This page, clockwise from top left Steve Cordony selects bunches of hydrangea at Sydney floral institution Grandiflora. The stylist loads up the G-Wagen with his chosen blooms and branches on leafy Macleay Street in Potts Point. Sourcing furniture and accessories from Mr Minty’s, the counterpart to nearby Becker Minty. Inside Mr Minty’s – the artwork is Harold David’s Slow The Bird Down. Opposite page, clockwise from top left Steve visits The English Tapware Company in Woollahra. Elise Elliott and Steve cruise Sydney inside the G-Wagen. Steve with Grandiflora owner, author and floral superstar Saskia Havekes.

Mr Minty’s is an exquisite, curated space filled with art, furniture and objets created by artists and designers. 53

This page, clockwise from top left Steve visits P Johnson in Paddington. The atelier’s salon-like interiors (right and below) were designed by tailor Patrick Johnson and his partner, the uber-talented designer Tamsin Johnson, and are furnished with the duo’s eclectic, idiosyncratic collection of contemporary and antique furniture, art and objects.

Opposite page, clockwise from top left

Steve parks the G-Wagen for a pit stop at the Art Gallery NSW. Steve and Elise drop by Palmer & Penn on a stylish strip of Transvaal Avenue in Double Bay. Driving done, it’s time to relax.

P JOHNSON Steve’s style extends to his wardrobe. Porter Dowd, a tailor at P Johnson in Paddington, has dressed Steve for years. Their top line of suiting is crafted in a Tuscan-based atelier where suits are made by hand using traditional artisanal means. But there’s a range of effortlessly wearable pieces on offer, from navy dad caps and A.S.O sunglasses to hoodies and, yes, even face masks. Steve collects his new suits and hangs them in the G-Wagen. pjt.com

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THE ENGLISH TAPWARE COMPANY This family-owned business delivers beautifully crafted kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The unique, premium-quality products feature throughout Steve’s property, Rosedale Farm, a Georgian homestead at Orange on the NSW Central Tablelands. The company’s ivy-covered Sydney showroom in Woollahra provides a perfect backdrop to Steve’s wheels for the day. englishtapware.com.au

STEVE’S FINAL THOUGHTS…

THE G-WAGEN DESIGN

PALMER & PENN Our final visit is to luxury homewares and furniture store Palmer & Penn in Double Bay. “We offer pieces from the world’s leading luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren,” says interior stylist Ben Palmer. “We also source fully authentic rare, antique and vintage luggage and trunks from the luxury designer houses of Louis Vuitton, Goyard and Prada.” Steve and Ben decide to flick through a leather-bound book, Rolex: The Impossible Collection, before selecting a few pieces for a shoot Steve has lined up for the next day. palmerandpenn.com.au

I like the hard-edged, graphic, utilitarian design element of it. The G-Wagen is classic yet contemporary and instantly recognisable. All the luxury details, crafted from high-quality materials, make the ride comfortable — from the feel of the steering wheel, the analogue clock, the ambient lighting and the streamlined rear vision mirror to the surround sound system.

D R I VA B I L I T Y It feels amazing. I did not realise how high up you sit in it. I like that it feels large and solid but also malleable to drive (despite sporting a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet!). Whether I’m going on a long trip up to the farm, off-road, or navigating the narrow streets of Paddington, the G-Wagen delivers a great performance. That duality is perfect for my lifestyle. It sounds great, and if I need to be somewhere in a hurry, I know I’ll get there quickly.

FUNCTIONALIT Y The back seats offer substantial space. The folding backrests are great. The boot is not as big as I imagined but the square shape allows for large objects like furniture, sculptures, flowers, indoor plants and trees. It’s a good size to manoeuvre the things I need to move on a day-to-day basis.

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HOMES Beautiful abodes that brim with a quiet sense of sophistication.

BEST OF BOTH Sydney interior design firm Les Interieurs has created a beautifully polished, art-filled harbourside home for its clients. See Limited Edition, p106.

Photography FELIX FOREST

These pages A free-ﬂowing fluidity between inside and out is part of the secret to the splendour of Villa Mandra. The indoor kitchen, dining and living areas on the left, and the lounge on the right, are housed in traditional-looking whitewashed cubes. A shaded outdoor living and dining area spans the two spaces, while the bedrooms are located underneath the garden in the foreground.

B ACK TO

Despite its sophisticated ﬁnish, the true spirit of 58

Mykonos

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this Mykonos villa is rooted in Greek island tradition. Words JEREMY C ALL AGHAN Photography GAËLLE LE BOULICAUT

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he last 50 years has transformed Mykonos into a popular stop on the world’s summer itinerary. Private yachts, ferries, Gulfstreams and Airbuses transport visitors and residents looking to reconnect with one thing – authenticity. For generations, this island, all 85.5 square kilometres of it, has been a destination for those who seek the Greek island experience. Over the years, the essential ingredients to this summer recipe have remained the same: a Cycladic horizon where blue water meets blue sky, thick stone walls to keep interior life comfortably cool, and an outdoor living space, around a pool, that shelters the visitor from the harsh elements of searing heat, strong wind and blinding sun. In short, Mykonos identity. The rest, it could be said, is design. K-Studio is a design practice rooted in architecture. Co-founders, brothers Dimitris and Konstantinos Karampatakis, are accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (following studies at the prestigious Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London), but their inspiration springs from the Greek landscape. Sky, rocky slopes, wind and sun restrict vegetation to the desert-like minimum, but they remain the essential ingredients and constraints that inform the sort of spirit of place that is Mykonos. The creative process is imagining how the end result will make one feel. The brothers, while architects, maintain they are truly narrators. “We think beyond the building envelope,” says Konstantinos. “We imagine the feeling of actually being there. We are storytellers. Wherever we go, our ethos remains the same: to build strong identities and architectural narratives that use the local context in balance with contemporary aspirations to elevate and enrich the user’s enjoyment.” The user in this case is a dynamic couple who sought a place to share mindful time with family and friends in an extraordinary context. »

This page Thick walls made from stone excavated to make room for the underground bedrooms form an architecture that filters the elements. ‘Hunting’ chair from Mia Collection. Opposite page, from top Visitors are greeted by a mature olive tree. A corridor of water deﬁnes the front of the outdoor living area. A window is incorporated in the pool ﬂoor, an aquatic twist to a natural skylight for an internal underground corridor that links living and sleeping areas. The architecture uses the full spectrum of stone, from massive raw boulders incorporated into the structure to artfully arranged dry stone walls and the house’s thick rendered stone walls. Maison de Vacances cushions from Bastille and Sons.

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« The house is imagined along the lines of laid-back summer living, in a context that encourages a connection with family, friends and the freedom to exist peacefully in nature. “Form follows emotion rather than function,” says Konstantinos, “as every space becomes another opportunity for rest, reflection and exploration”. A list of the essential ingredients reads as follows: two white boxes, the walls, the wooden pergolas, the rocks, the trees, a water strip. There is probably not a house built on Mykonos in the last 25 years that doesn’t share this list. It’s the method or design that makes the Mandra house stand out. Architecture and landscape literally merge in a six-bedroom villa that sits into a hill near Aleomandra. On an island where privacy is premium, from the road the house is almost hidden by stone, the timeless and traditional material of choice. The permanence of the original building

block is complemented with craftsmanship and fine form, and hints of the elevated design lies beyond. Nesting behind them are two main buildings, with their whitewashed softness recalling the island’s more traditional structures. The homogeneity of concrete lintels in each door and window also recall the traditional architectural vernacular, as do the chestnut beams that form the shade structure between the two buildings. But the worldly influence of classic and contemporary furniture, particularly by Scandinavian greats such as Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen, represent an expression of architecture and design that goes all the way to the pointy end. The combination of mythical context, fine realisation and honed choice of complementary contemporary and cosmopolitan design makes Villa Mandra a meeting of meridians and the result is a rare sense of wellbeing. »

These pages, from left The neighbouring island of Delos is on the horizon. Sunloungers and occasional table, all from Mia Collection. Maison de Vacances linen towel from Bastille and Sons. The harsh elements are ﬁltered by the architecture of the outdoor living area, providing a comfortable, communal space under a traditional chestnut wood-beamed terrace with bamboo shading. Living Divani ‘Extrasoft’ sofa by Piero Lissoni from Space. Custom low tables and dining table all designed by K-Studio. ‘Hunting’ easy chairs and ‘Danish’ dining chairs both from Mia Collection. Pendant lights from The Gentle Factory. Decor sourcing seen throughout from Myran-Scandinavian Design in Athens.

This page Squares of natural stone were installed as ﬂooring throughout this entire level, including outside. The surrounding views are ever-present. Every bit as grand is the Boffi kitchen island by Santiccioli in walnut and leather. Miniforms ‘Pelleossa’ stools by Francesco Faccin from James Richardson Furniture. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘CH46’ armchairs by Hans Wegner from Cult. ‘lT’ table by Trapa. Woud ‘Stone’ pendant lights by Philip Bro from Luumo Design. Ceiling spotlights by Halo. Wall hanging by Greek artist Aggeliki Dimitriadou. Artwork on rear wall is a print inspired by Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Opposite page Tapware by CEA. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘CH53’ footrest in background by Hans Wegner from Cult.

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« So anchored in the landscape is the architects’ inspiration that rocks and plants were plotted, suggesting that nature has birthed the architecture. Boulders were engineered into place as structural support and, like a timeless host, an olive tree, itself hundreds of years old, welcomes the visitor into a shaded courtyard as if having sprung through the foundations of an ancient temple. Passages guide the visitor freely. The natural materials envelop and filter the environment, casting comfortable places from which to take in the view. But the visitor could be forgiven for asking, “Where do we sleep?” Six suites, each with an ensuite, are accessed by an underground passage beneath the house and pool. Each pod is in itself a refined extension of the already established theme of natural materials – the additional elements of bronze and marble are evolutions towards classicism. Each bedroom emerges with private views through the landscaped garden, towards the sea and the horizon. Although many of the decor elements are from elsewhere, the materials and craftsmanship that make up the home are Greek. “Our home is Greece, a country of incredible natural beauty and resources, where the cultural identity is founded upon being outside and making good, economic use of local skills, materials and agriculture to provide nourishing hospitality to visitors from near or far,” says Konstantinos. “Our architecture is deeply impacted by the amazingly kind climate and the beautiful nature surrounding us, that invites you to unfold the building outwards. We do not need to block out or fight against the elements in pursuit of shelter – we seek to connect by filtering them. We seek to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, creating a deep border, a living threshold where everyday routines can flourish.” # k-studio.gr

These pages, from left The lounge area maintains the palette – stone on the floors and wooden lattes forming the graphic lines of the false ceiling. Living Divani ‘Extrasoft’ sofa by Piero Lissoni from Space. Low table designed by K-Studio and made by Giorgos Kapraras. Wall display shelving by Boffi with artworks from Ferm Living and Block Shop. Leather string ‘Sitar’ chair by Enzo Berti from Saba Italia. Fredericia ‘Spanish’ chair by Børge Mogenson from Great Dane. Artworks by Nikomachi Karakostanoglou (left and right walls). Simplicity and elegance describe the six bedrooms, with graphic details such as bronze rods designed by K-Studio that support the bedhead and the continuity of the ceilings. The floors are poured resin and the light fitting is by Halo. Fredericia ‘J39’ chair by Børge Mogenson from Great Dane. Each bedroom has an ensuite with marble, bronze and wood finishes designed by K-Studio. Gubi ‘Cobra’ wall lamp by Greta Magnusson Grossman from Cult. Tapware by CEA. Sanitary ware by Ideavit. Custom mirror designed by K-Studio and made by Antonis Konstantonis.

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“ WE D O N OT FI G HT AGAINST THE ELEMENTS IN PURSUIT O F S H E LT E R – W E S E E K T O C O N N E C T BY F I LT E R I N G T H E M .”

SPEED READ » Athens-based design practice K-Studio achieved an uninterrupted flow between indoors and out, and the surrounding landscape, with the design of six-bedroom Villa Mandra on the island of Mykonos. » A variety of architectural forms use local stone in a hardscape, complemented with endless blue of sky and sea, to integrate itself with the harsh surroundings. » The stone used in the construction was largely excavated onsite to create the underground bedroom suites, which are comfortably separated and isolated from the more communal areas of the home. The suites are located under landscaped gardens on the ocean side of the pool and accessed by an internal corridor. » The architecture and craftsmanship draws heavily on Greek island vernacular and techniques. It is finished not only with fine local craftsmanship in marble and bronze, but the timeless aesthetic of Danish furniture classics and modern Italian icons.

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These pages, from left The interior details are a mix of natural materials in varying degrees of reﬁnement. In one of the bedrooms, a raw timber plank forms a minimalist desk and shelf that extends into the bathroom. Fredericia ‘J39’ chair by Børge Mogenson from Great Dane. Artworks by Caroline Walls. Black ‘Baby Dome’ lamp on desk from Wallpaper Store. ‘Orbit’ bedside lamp by Workstead. Maison de Vacances bedlinen from Bastille and Sons. Each suite’s bathroom is ﬁnished in combinations of marble, wood and metal. Custom mirror designed by K-Studio and made by Antonis Konstantonis. Cabinetry and marble bench designed by K-Studio. Hay ‘J77’ chair by Folke Pålsson from Cult. Tapware by CEA. Ceiling spotlights by Halo.

Unlikely bedfellows Opposites attract in this splitlevel Sydney home where Australian Federation proudly meets tropical modernism under one cohesive roof. Words C ARLI PHILIPS Photography PABLO VEIGA Styling CL AIRE DELMAR

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This page Looking from the new extension through to the existing hallway, the threshold is marked by the original archway and a change in flooring from granite to dark floorboards. ‘Kute’ pendant lights by Atmosphere D’Ailleurs from Spence & Lyda. ‘No.811 Hoffmann’ chair from Thonet. Opposite page There is a clear dichotomy and demarcation between the Federation home and the new charred-timber extension. The walkway link is above a new courtyard. “The idea was a complement-by-contrast approach,” says architect Daniel Boddam.

hen it came to the renovation of this home in Sydney’s Mosman, all roads led to architect Daniel Boddam of Daniel Boddam Studio. His clients, Carolina Hughes Elliott and Greg Elliott, had noticed a house he was designing in their street, and he had also been referred to them by friends. Around the same time, magazine articles on the talented architect had fallen into their laps. If there was ever a case of meant-to-be, this was it. The couple and their children moved into the heritage-listed property with its 1990s extension in 2009 and did a minor upgrade, but always had a long-term plan for a major renovation. In 2017, with growing kids, Carolina and Greg decided that the time had finally arrived. They were keen for a reimagining that would “retain the charm and cosy feel of the [Federation] house” in addition to “more internal space and separate living zones that were flexible”. Carolina, who was raised in Brazil, approached Daniel armed with a Pinterest of Brazilian tropical modernist buildings and architects such as Jacobsen Arquitetura, Marcio Kogan, Isay Weinfeld and Arthur Casas. Daniel, who has Latin American heritage, greeted Carolina’s contemporary brief with gusto. “Daniel was the perfect fit, with his similar design aesthetic and sensibility,” she says. “The fact that his mother is South American was an added bonus!” Carolina and Greg also wanted the style to reflect some of their favourite travel spots, a combination of South America, South-East Asia and Mediterranean Europe, all of which have climates similar to the Australian subtropical one. Day to day, they wanted “easy living that was low-maintenance, elegant, simple and timeless”. The design concept, according to Daniel, was a “complement by contrast” approach, whereby the expressions of the traditional house are counterbalanced by the drama of the blackened and minimalist modern rear addition. The original part of the house was largely kept intact, with two kids’ bedrooms to the left of the entry, a bathroom straight ahead and a living and rumpus to the right. Heritage skirtings and architraves remained, but windowsills were lowered to facilitate »

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These pages, from left A split-level landing steps down to the new extension built by To The Mil. In the front living room, windowsills were lowered to create a line of sight into the new extension, which is softened by curtains in Maison Collection ‘Lavera 101’ linen from Homelife Furnishings. Eames ‘Rocking Shell’ chair from Design Within Reach. ‘Monument’ low coffee table by Daniel Boddam, with a black bowl from Ondene. Ceramic jugs from Becker Minty. Day bed re-covered by Gala Upholstery. Circular artwork above fireplace from Emporium Avenue Sydney.

These pages, clockwise from left In the contemporary addition, the living and dining space looks out to the home’s Federation foundations on one side while flowing naturally to the rear garden on the other. ‘No.811 Hoffmann’ chairs from Thonet surround a dining table from Oishi Furniture with a bowl from Ondene and butter dish by Alana Wilson. Douglas & Bec ‘Y’ chandelier. Kett ‘Forrest’ lounge chairs from Cosh Living. ‘Streck’ floor light from Great Dane. ‘Mini Malibu’ table in smoked oak by Daniel Boddam. ‘Sunny’ sofa from Jardan. Yakisugi screens unfold and overlook the rear garden. Fireplace surround in Super White honed stone from Gitani Stone. Aluminium sheet artwork on mantelpiece by Skye Jamieson. Ceramic floor sculpture by Walter Auer from Graphis Gallery. The glass ‘link’ and narrow courtyard between the old and new structures provides breathing space.

« a new line of sight into the extension. A historic, decorative arch marks the end of the existing house, picking up with a short, transparent passage linking and defining the junction between the old and the new. This segue is also marked by a very definite change underfoot, from oak timber floorboards to granite. Stepped down from the original home, there’s a new kitchen, living and dining space that, because the site is on a cross-slope, has immediate access to the yard. In the spirit of creating an “outdoor room”, Daniel extended the living area outside to form a garden seat that he says feels akin to “living within the landscape”. Carolina has a background in industrial design and a great eye for detail. She largely project-managed the fit-out, sourcing fabrics and furniture that embrace a nonchalant, laid-back atmosphere. Expressive and inherently tactile, the communal spaces are lined in textural finishes: white bagged brick walls, satiny-smooth honed stone, rich charred timber and matte lacquered cabinetry. The restrained living room palette hums in organic tones and is a relaxed expression of nutty timbers, milkysoft furnishings and a blue ‘Sunny’ sofa from Jardan.

Breathy curtain sheers are opaque enough for privacy yet transparent enough to embrace the view. It’s all one big, graceful expression of marble, wood and bronze – elements that are sure to patinate superbly over time. Designed as a split-level house, stairs lead to the first-floor master suite at the same juncture where stairs flow down to the lower-ground living area. Upstairs, the layout consists of a study/ reading room that has a built-in desk, as well as a master bedroom with ensuite that, from its elevated position, offers up views to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Much closer to home, the line of sight extends to the succulent garden on the garage rooftop. Shrouding the building are yakisugi charred screens that unfold with a concertina-style stacking system in front of the balconies. They enable both connection and disconnection while remaining attuned to the surroundings. “It’s like a crafted lantern that can open and close,” says Daniel. “The breathable skins allow for sunlight and shadows, privacy and connection.” # danielboddam.com; wyerandco.com.au; tothemil.com.au

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SPEED READ » Homeowners Carolina Hughes Elliott and Greg Elliott enlisted Sydney architect Daniel Boddam after seeing a house he had designed go up in their street. » The couple wanted to renovate their Federation-style home with a modern extension. » Carolina was inspired by Brazilian tropical modernist architecture. » At the threshold of the old house, Daniel designed a split-level footprint. » The new intervention upstairs is encased in charred timber yakisugi screens that unfold and open to the elements. » A succulent garden has been planted across the top of the garage.

This page Passive design principles and privacy were important to Carolina and Greg, with external timber shutters cutting out direct sunlight and reducing solar heat gain while providing privacy. Opposite page, clockwise from top The kitchen has lashings of Super White honed granite from Gitani Stone on splashbacks and benchtops, matched with ‘Torino’ granite flooring in a brushed finish from Eco Outdoor. Brodware tapware in aged iron. Fisher & Paykel integrated French door refrigerator/freezer, NEFF oven and dishwasher, and Siemens cooktop, all from Winning Appliances. Bar stools from Thonet. Ceramic object by Katarina Wells and artwork by Sybil Craig. On the study desk, sculpture from Greg Natale and artwork by Alexandra Brownlow from Studio ALM. Herman Miller office chair. Oak timber flooring in Otta from Tongue n Groove. Viewed from the master bedroom, the succulent garden on the roof of the garage was installed by landscape designer Wyer & Co.

Blonde ambition A deft blend of charming heritage features with a cool, contemporary edge has given this Sydney home a bright new future. Words JUDY PA SCOE Photography DAVE WHEELER Styling ATELIER L AB

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This page Neutral tones dominate the kitchen, with joinery by FAF Woodwork in Victorian ash veneer from Mortlock Timber and a Scala travertine splashback and bench from Granite & Marble Works. ‘Icon’ tapware from Astra Walker. Bomma glassware from Spence & Lyda. Victorian ash timber battens screen the stair, and the timber bench in the foreground doubles as a dining table. SP01 ‘Jeanette’ bar stool by Tom Fereday from Space. ClassiCon ‘Selene’ clear glass crystal sphere pendant light by Sandra Lindner from Anibou. Oluce ‘Atollo’ lamp from Euroluce. Flooring is white smoked American oak from Royal Oak Floors. Opposite page The new extension is unapologetically contemporary yet marries seamlessly with the 1900s cottage.

These pages, from left Entry to the house is directly into the open-plan kitchen and living space, so architect Madeleine Blanchfield created a cocooning timber pod to lend a sense of arrival. Joinery by FAF Woodwork in Victorian ash veneer from Mortlock Timber. Scala travertine bench and splashback from Granite & Marble Works. ‘Icon’ tapware from Astra Walker. Ann Demeulemeester ‘Ra’ white porcelain cake stand from Spence & Lyda. ClassiCon ‘Selene’ clear glass crystal sphere pendant lights by Sandra Lindner from Anibou. SP01 ‘Jeanette’ bar stool by Tom Fereday from Space. White smoked American oak flooring from Royal Oak Floors. HC28 Cosmo ‘Bol’ sofa from Domo. Stairs lead to the master bedroom suite.

Sydney Scandinavian aesthetic, by way of blonde timbers, white walls and pitch-perfect furniture, has infused this original 1900s cottage with a sense of youthful joie de vivre. Located in a desirable pocket of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs with easy access to the beaches and all facilities, it had irresistible appeal for the owners, who wished to maximise the heritage charm of the house and complement it with contemporary, open, light and flowing living spaces. Impressed by residential projects they had seen in surrounding areas, the homeowners engaged Madeleine Blanchfield Architects. Their house had been renovated and extended in the 1980s in an unsympathetic style. “The original fabric of the home was quite lovely,” says Madeleine, “but the extension had some significant flaws.” The starting point was to retain the heritage rooms, reinstate key detailing such as the ornate ceiling roses and cornices, and augment the appeal of the arched bay windows by painting them in a dazzling white. A new two-storey extension was added at the rear of the property to rationalise levels, open up views to the city and improve circulation. On the ground level, two bedrooms and a bathroom occupy the original part of the

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house, which leads to the kitchen, living and dining space and a north-facing terrace. Upstairs is the generous master suite and balcony, while a wine cellar and media lounge on the lowest level offer extra facilities. The 1980s extension had provided a double garage – truly a boon in this location – without impinging on the generous outdoor terrace, which has been retained and enhanced with lounging and dining furniture and an array of lush planting. Being in a heritage conservation area, the new extension required a fair amount of negotiation with council, which was a lengthy process initially. “We had to find a solution that satisfied both the clients’ expectations and council’s requirements, and allowed for a comfortable flow-through on a narrow site,” says Madeleine. Unsurprisingly, she employed some useful design tricks to let in light. These included incorporating an open-tread stair that, she explains, “didn’t chew up too much space visually or literally”. The stair runs parallel to the kitchen and is positioned behind a timber-battened screen. Madeleine inserted slivers of mirror in parts of the slatted wall under the stair so it appears open and consistent from the kitchen side. The open risers also allow light to flood into the level below. »

« Above the stair and continuing to the back wall of the house, a double-height void makes the spaces feel more generous and admits abundant light into the attached side of the cottage. A large timber bench in the kitchen combines seating and a preparation zone. “This allowed us to double-use the bench space and eliminated the need for a dining table, which made the living area less cluttered and the space feel bigger,” says Madeleine. With the entry to the property directly into this kitchen and living area, a sense of arrival was important. Lining the ceiling and walls in Victorian ash veneer, which is replicated in the kitchen joinery and slatted wall, created a kind of cocooning pod and provided the requisite cohesion combined with flair. “It makes the space feel cosy and defined, adding visual interest and making it more dynamic,” says Madeleine. A neutral palette has further enhanced the impression of spaciousness and the calm vibe. White walls and white smoked American oak flooring are the backdrop to a selection of contemporary pieces that include

SP01 ‘Jeanette’ bar stools by Tom Fereday and a HC28 Cosmo ‘Bol’ sofa designed by Christophe Delcourt. Simple, stylish lighting such as ‘Selene’ hand-blown clear glass spheres and an Oluce ‘Atollo’ lamp help to keep the mood classic yet fresh. In the master bedroom, Victorian ash joinery is again used to define the bedhead and delineate the entrance to the ensuite and walk-in robe. A calming space painted in Dulux ‘Silkwort’, a warm grey, it has the added attraction of a balcony with city views – the perfect spot for a morning coffee or an evening cocktail. Timeless and elegant, the subdued palette of this home provides a wonderful foil for busy family living and entertaining. While the impression is of a cool and contemporary abode, there is certainly no lack of warmth, which is generated by the tactile quality of the timber and travertine, nubbly rugs and shapely seating. And, despite its compact footprint, there is a genuine feeling of space, thanks to clever, considered planning and dual-purpose features. # madeleineblanchfield.com

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These pages, from left Heritage details such as the decorative fireplace surround and curvaceous bay windows were retained and painted in Dulux ‘Antique White USA’ quarter strength. Ligne Roset ‘Cinétique’ lamp from Domo. Pãn Pottery ‘Terracotta Weyba’ vase and ‘Peach’ vase from Michael Reid Clay. In one of the bedrooms, a Disderot table lamp from Dunlin sits on a Ligne Roset bedside table from Domo and opposite a Tacchini ‘Sesann’ armchair from Stylecraft. Society Limonta throw on bed from Ondene. Bettina WillnerBrowne ceramics on window seat from Saint Cloche. Joinery in Victorian ash veneer from Mortlock Timber. Rug from Coco Republic.

SPEED READ » Attracted by its heritage charm and favourable location, the purchasers of this c1900 attached cottage in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs engaged architect Madeleine Blanchfield to give it a contemporary makeover. » Retaining the home’s historic features was a given, and Madeleine juxtaposed these with a strikingly modern two-storey extension that offers open-plan living and harnesses city views from the top-floor master bedroom suite. » Clever planning, continuity of materials and a subdued palette ensure that the spaces feel uncluttered and open, despite the compact footprint. » A double-height void that runs almost the entire length of the house drenches the lower floors in light, and a carefully edited selection of furniture and lighting enhances the feeling of easy liveability.

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This page The bathroom has Vixel B.34 glass mosaic wall tiles from Artedomus and Vulcano Terrazzo ‘Gris Grande’ floor tiles from Inigo Jones & Co. Polyurethane joinery in Dulux ‘Silkwort’. Benchtop in ‘Carrara C’ marble from Skheme. ‘Fizi’ sconces from Articolo. ‘Icon’ tapware from Astra Walker. Baina towel from Oliver Thom. Pãn Pottery ‘Peach’ amphora from Michael Reid Clay. Opposite page Details in the timber joinery in the main bedroom echo those seen in the living areas. Victorian ash veneer from Mortlock Timber. Society Limonta bed cover from Ondene. Ornamental mobile by Odette Ireland from Curatorial+Co. Pãn Pottery ‘Peach Weyba’ vase and Hana Vasak ‘Forming 1’ bowl from Michael Reid Clay. ‘Envoy Swing’ sconces from Schoolhouse. Ligne Roset ‘Pumpkin’ armchair from Domo. Walls painted in Dulux ‘Silkwort’.

METAL AS ANYTHING

This glamorous entertainers’ home is the ultimate showstopper with its ultra-luxe lashings of brass, nickel and gold. Words C ARLI PHILIP S

Photography ANSON SMART

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These pages, from left Built in the 1990s, the three-level house in Hunters Hill was well oriented with strong foundations, and its private facade and secluded location appealed to the owners. The curved ceiling in the grand entryway is stepped ivory stucco in polished plaster, while the original staircase was replaced with a new, ribbon-like curved balustrade. Flooring is Pietra Grey marble from CDK Stone and Calacatta marble laid in a geometric pattern. Visual Comfort ‘Liaison’ chandelier in antique burnished brass by Kelly Wearstler. Custom ottoman in satin, brass and stainless steel, ‘Stacked’ centre table in satin brass and black-stained American oak satin finish with honed Nero Marquina marble top, and ‘Trident’ bowl in lacquered brass (on table), all by Greg Natale. Diverted Limited Edition 4 sculpture on table by Dan Murphy. Artwork by Monica Dalek from 1stdibs. ‘Everything is Golden Mirror No.4’ wall mirror from Hava Studio.

This page Sumptuous pieces guide the eye from the dining room to the living room. ‘Empire’ side table in brass and Nero Marquina marble from Demorais International. Waylande Gregory lava-pattern lamp (on side table) and artworks by Antonia Mrljak, all from Becker Minty. ‘Lena’ chairs by Greg Natale. Opposite page, clockwise from top left An ‘Aegean’ rug from Designer Rugs grounds a custom dining table with stone top and black-stained American Oak and satin brass base, and custom dining chairs with a stained frame and brass feet, all by Greg Natale. Behind the table, natural brass is wrapped over the wall panels. Visual Comfort ‘Ardent’ antique burnished chandeliers and ‘Iveala’ sconces, all by Kelly Wearstler. ‘Halston’ vase and ‘Niemeyer’ bowl on table by Greg Natale. Artwork by Antonia Mrljak from Becker Minty. The kitchen island has been inlaid with a brushed brass and nickel trim, and Calacatta slab benchtops have been mitred with thickened edges. Visual Comfort ‘Presidio’ pendant lights by Kelly Wearstler. Stellar Works ‘Blink’ stools from Living Edge. Wolf oven and Sub-Zero refrigerator from Winning Appliances.

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rom distressed outdoor limestone to charcoal Pietra stone, black granite and slabs of Calacatta, this Sydney house is a wonderland of marble that has been leathered, polished, honed and even laid in mosaic patterns with custom brass inlays. The extensive application of such materials was, quite simply, “non-negotiable”, explains interior designer Greg Natale of his client’s brief, which essentially directed a “more is merrier” approach when it came to the surface. It’s an expression that adds both drama and glamour to the home. The homeowners, a couple with three teenage children, had seen Greg’s work in Belle and at another property close by, and approached him straight after purchasing this secluded three-storey home in Hunters Hill. Built in the 1990s, it was dated but well oriented and had solid foundations. Their instructions were clear: a full gut and renovation of everything from the ground up. From feats of engineering to carefully selected dish trays, the first-time clients entrusted Greg with the two-year transformation of their home. The house was also Greg’s first to use pieces mostly from his eponymous homewares and product collection. “I wanted to keep the furniture contemporary with my tailored designs, a bit of deco and some mid-century mixed in, too,” says Greg, who was inspired by 1950s American designer Milo Baughman. “This really is like a whole new house,” he says of the extensive structural work involved. “We needed to get the wall, floors and ceilings right before doing anything else. The ceilings were especially complicated,” he adds of the panelling and stepped ivory stucco curved ceiling in polished plaster. “We did drawings and I was there with the builders constantly. It was extremely complicated and »

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This page The complex stepped ceiling runs from the ground-floor entry to the first floor. On the plinth is Clogger With Messy Hair sculpture by Dan Murphy. Artwork by Monica Dalek from 1stdibs. ‘Everything is Golden Mirror No.6’ wall mirror from Hava Studio. Visual Comfort ‘Precision’ ceiling mounts. Opposite page, clockwise from top left Brass is at its brilliant best in the upstairs bedroom ensuite, with a Gubi ‘F.A.33’ mirror from Cult flanked by Visual Comfort ‘Lloyd’ jewelled sconces. ‘Icon’ basin and ‘Icon + Lever’ basin set from Astra Walker. Cabinet pulls from Designer Doorware. Calacatta stone slab with brass trim inlay. The owners’ daughter can relax in her own pink paradise, thanks to Gucci ‘Heron’ print wallpaper. ‘Deco’ bed and ‘Renwick’ nightstand from Anthropologie. Visual Comfort ‘Halcyon Accent’ table lamp. Roberto Cavalli cushions from Amara. Artwork from Boyd Blue. All the kids’ bedrooms run off an upstairs hallway. ‘Vapour’ rug from Designer Rugs. Custom banquettes in ‘Royale Velvet’ fabric from Zepel Fabrics. Custom cushions on banquettes in (from front) Robert Allen ‘Kaleidoscope’ in Neptune from Redelman, ‘Infinity’ in Blush from South Pacific Fabrics and fabric from Redelman. Artworks on side wall from ‘Urban Abstract Series’ from Boyd Blue. Artwork on rear wall from The Art And Framing Company. Visual Comfort ‘Eden’ ceiling mounts.

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« there was a lot of trial and error. In the end, I did it by eye.” Most dramatically, one of the two staircases was removed to make way for a lift, while the main staircase leading from the grand entryway was rebuilt with a smooth, ribbon-like balustrade. Together with the monochromatic flooring of lined concentric marble, the house puts a modern spin on art deco motifs, with burnished brass sconces, stylised motifs, stepped edging and chrome trimming on everything from cabinetry to hooks and handles. The interiors were re-planned to create an expanded footprint better suited to contemporary family living. To the left of the foyer is a home theatre with interconnected study, both of which feature masculine tonal blues. A marble portal to the right of the foyer leads to a vast open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room. The clients are big entertainers and wanted a scullery and fully kitted out kitchen with premium appliances. “Sub-Zero and Wolf are all stainless steel, but it’s a brass house so we decided to mix the silver with the banding on the island bench and the brass accents on the light fittings and taps,” explains Greg, who has also tied in gold accessories. “There’s no reason why you can’t mix metals.” Upstairs, the ceilings were low so the house was re-engineered with a new roof that raised the bedroom heights from 2.4 metres to three metres. The simple layout here comprises a master wing to the north-east with his-and-hers dressing rooms. At the other end, mirror images of three bedrooms with ensuites branch off a timber-lined herringbone floor. Often considered innocuous transition spaces, Greg has treated this private hallway with as »

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« much care as the rest of the spectacular home, lining it with art, a handmade textured rug and a welcoming emerald velvet bench seat directly opposite each bedroom. Greg’s clients wanted the look the designer is renowned for: plush fabrics, layered furniture and glamorous touches. Adding depth to the large interiors involved the use of different wall treatments. There is nutty leather quilting in the master bedroom, rich, quartered timber-lined walls in the study and velvet wallpaper in the powder room. In the bedroom belonging to the couple’s daughter, pink Gucci ‘Heron’ print wallpaper has been perfectly matched with soft, dusty-rose furnishings.

As the couple regularly welcome friends and family, the lower ground floor is entirely self-contained, consisting of a garage, bedroom, cellar and a generous entertaining zone including a full commercial kitchen. The bathroom in particular channels an art deco feel, with vertical ‘kit-kat’ black-and-white geometric tiles, a hammered gold-and-iron mirror with an arched frame and tall box sconces with burnished brass bases. Together with a sauna, it’s adjacent to the Myles Baldwin-designed garden. Complete with a fireplace for winter and a pool, this home is ripe for hosting year-round – just as the owners requested. # gregnatale.com; mylesbaldwin.com

This page, clockwise from top left A mosaic of Thassos and Carrara marble with a brass inlay from Teranova was used for the floor of the ensuite. Calacatta stone vanity with brass trim inlay. ‘Icon’ basin and ‘Icon + Lever’ basin set from Astra Walker. Visual Comfort ‘Liaison’ sconce by Kelly Wearstler. ‘Ava Gold’ accessories from Labrazel. Looking towards the ensuite from the ‘Hers’ walk-in robe, a Gubi ‘Randaccio’ mirror from Cult. With the his-and-hers robes, Greg says the exploration of gendered spaces was integral to the concept. In the ‘His’ space, Eveneer ‘Wild Macassar Quartered’ joinery from The Elton Group. Custom ottoman from Greg Natale. Cabinet pulls from Made Measure. Doorway lined in Pietra Grey marble. In the ‘Hers’ walk-in robe, the joinery unit features brass inlay and drawer pulls from Designer Doorware. Visual Comfort ‘Alpine’ chandelier by Aerin. Custom ottoman from Greg Natale. Vintage rug from Designer Rugs. ‘Wabi’ wallpaper in Cloud from Calico Wallpaper. Opposite page A panelled leather bedhead and a fireplace surround in Pietra Grey marble from CDK Stone dominate the master bedroom. Bed, bedside table and bench by Greg Natale. ‘Relic’ rug from Designer Rugs. ‘Vapour’ bed linen, quilted coverlet and mint cushions, all from Macy’s. Cushions in Sahco ‘Savaii’ striped fabric from South Pacific Fabrics. Visual Comfort ‘Bonnington’ chandelier by Aerin. Artworks from Curatorial+Co.

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SPEED READ » This secluded home in Sydney’s Hunters Hill was gutted and re-planned with structural works to create a stepped ceiling and raised roof. » Designer Greg Natale answered the homeowners’ “non-negotiable” brief for the extensive use of marble. » Mixed metals have been used throughout, with brass, nickel, gold and silver sitting side by side. » This is the first house Greg has fitted out with everything from his new eponymous homewares and design collection. » Nods to art deco come by way of antique burnished brass and geometric motifs. » The exploration of traditional gendered spaces was integral to the concept, by contrasting the use of dark masculine blues and feminine pinks with dusty rose. » The clients wanted a home fit for entertaining with a large commercial kitchen and self-contained guest quarters. » The upstairs ceiling was raised from 2.4 metres to three metres. » Huge terraces run the length of the house and overlook a formal, Myles Baldwin-designed garden.

This page, clockwise from top left ‘Areaborder Sai’ kit-kat mosaics from Academy Tiles bring a Japanese flavour to the outdoor bathroom and sauna. ‘Icon’ basin and ‘Icon + Lever’ basin set from Astra Walker. Arteriors ‘Lianna’ mirror from Boyd Blue. Visual Comfort ‘Covet’ tall box sconces. Joinery in lacquered American oak guarantees a suitably sophisticated air to the cellar on the lower-ground floor, matched with a custom coffee table and ‘Tub’ chairs, all from Greg Natale. Visual Comfort ‘Melange’ ceiling-mount light. ‘Rockface’ rug from Designer Rugs. Dish on books from Becker Minty. Opposite page Afternoon shade adds to the serenity of the outdoor fireplace terrace. Emu ‘Heaven’ woven steel chairs and coffee table, all from Ke-Zu. Custom cushions in Gaston y Daniela fabric from Domestic Textile.

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This page Huge terraces run the length of the house, overlooking the rear garden. Landscape designer Myles Baldwin was responsible for the formal landscaping, which features clipped hedges and stairs leading to manicured lawns. Opposite page The garden extends to provide a scenic backdrop to the pool. ‘Mustique’ aluminium chaise longue in Sunbrella canvas in Indigo and ‘Mustique’ teak side table from Restoration Hardware. Custom cushions in Gaston y Daniela fabric from Domestic Textile.

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Melbourne

CH ECKI N G I N With its resort-like rooftop, club ﬂoor and basement bar,

These pages Striped cushions from Mrs Blanchett’s Summer House add a jaunty air to the ‘Vivara’ sunloungers from Huset on the rooftop pool area. ‘Bruno’ cylinder planters from Coco Republic are filled with plants from Roraima Nursery.

this home channels the look and feel of a boutique hotel. Words C ARLI PHILIP S Photography SHANNON McGR ATH

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omeowner Tracey Atkins admits she started with a “strange brief that was more about an idea [rather] than a place” when she and her husband Andrew first approached interior designer Swee Lim about renovating their recently purchased beachside property. With an affinity for all things equine, Tracey hesitantly put forward a loose concept that referenced the look and feel of an Argentinian polo club and its muted textures and natural tones. She found herself pleasantly surprised with Swee’s enthusiastic response: “It was refreshing and rare but I loved it and completely embraced it,” says the Melbourne-based designer and art consultant. The Brighton home, originally designed by architect James Rigney about six years ago, featured finishes that, although beautiful, were a little sterile. At 1115 square metres across four storeys, the sheer breadth of the house was daunting and filling it with proportional furniture and artwork required careful planning. “It was a beautiful blank canvas with lots of travertine, marble and stone but the surfaces were still cold and hard – and really big. So we had to work a lot with scale and layer it up to make it feel like a family home,” says Swee. “The house has so many enormous rooms and large common areas that it simply did not sit comfortably with a normal residential approach.” Her proposal was to create clearly defined zones in the spirit of a boutique design hotel: an arrival experience, ground-level hosting and living areas, upstairs “club floor” designated as the parents’ accommodation retreat, basement bar, and “resort moment” on the rooftop with its pool and beach views. On the entry level, Swee gave the couple’s three daughters a private wing

for some independence and privacy. “It turned out to be the perfect pandemic house when we all worked from home. We each had our own zone and it was amazingly successful … and yet we could still come together whenever and however we wanted,” says Tracey, who owns Goldeneye Media, a boutique film company that creates niche marketing content for some of the world’s most exclusive private properties (she recently interviewed and visited Caroline Kennedy at the famous Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis estate in Martha’s Vineyard). For the interiors, Swee paid homage to the style of a traditional South American polo club with a litany of handsome pieces: dining chairs slung in natural tanned hide, a chesterfield sofa, cognac leather armchairs, bar carts and dark timber. Adding to the distinguished equestrian spirit are wool rugs, oversized shaded lamps and rich velvet upholstery for extra warmth. Faced with a tight delivery deadline, Swee says Tracey’s decisiveness was a great asset. The two were likeminded throughout the process, ultimately transitioning from a working relationship to a firm friendship. “We had lots of kismet moments and there was great synergy,” says Swee. Opening into a gallery hallway, the ground floor is mapped out with three bedrooms, an outdoor courtyard and formal dining room with a generous fireplace to the front of the house. The light-filled rear centres on family life, with an open-plan kitchen, sunken living room and dining area which extends onto a travertine terrace with a barbecue. Both a staircase and lift lead to Tracey and Andrew’s dedicated first-floor domain. Here, in addition to the master bedroom, there’s a powder room, north-facing “club lounge” with a separate living and dining section »

This page In a corner of the formal living room on a rug from RC&D, Minotti ‘Fil Noir’ armchairs from De De Ce and ‘Kendo’ coffee table from Natuzzi with a When Objects Work vase from Hub. DePadova ‘Elementi’ pendant light from Boffi Studio. ‘Rico’ brass and marble side table from Horgans. The impressive fireplace is made from travertine which complements the silver travertine flooring. Opposite page This intimate ground-floor courtyard runs alongside the formal living room and overlooks a stand of mature cypress trees. ‘Amalfi’ outdoor dining chairs from Coco Republic attend the ‘Jenson’ outdoor dining table from Horgans. Fferrone glasses from Hub.

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This page Set up for drinks and intimate dinners the ‘Club’ dining room on level one sports a kitchenette complete with cooktop, fridge and dishwasher. The owners’ table is ringed with ‘Cooper’ chairs from James Said on a rug from RC&D. Visual Comfort ‘Cleo’ pendant light by Kelly Wearstler. Ceramic bowls by Kristina Dam from In Good Company. Opposite page, clockwise from top left Artworks by Lori Pensini from Gallerysmith light up the dining room. Custom table from Arranmore Furniture with ‘Pieman’ chairs by Tom Fereday from Dessein. Rina Menardi ‘Royal Queen’ ceramic vase and Paola Paronetto ‘Cartocci’ bowl, both from Fanuli. Muuto ‘Fiber’ stools from Living Edge deliver a squeeze of orange to the kitchen. As the house was only six years old, there was no need to change fittings such as the Miele appliances and Sub-Zero refrigerators. ‘Hide’ leather pendant light from Nightworks Studio. Artwork by Adriane Strampp from Gallerysmith. On the bench are two vases by Paola Paronetto from Fanuli and a bowl by Ania from Collective. In the living room, ‘Mad Joker’ armchair by Marcel Wanders from Poliform. Kendo ‘Van’ coffee tables from Ajar. Paper object from Domo and ‘Bowie’ vase by Sarah Ellison. Banquette upholstered in Zepel ‘UV Pro Outdoors’ fabric in Ink with cushions in Carlucci ‘Colzano’ from Unique Fabrics. ‘Zeus’ custom rug with leather border from Whitecliffe Imports.

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SPEED READ » Tracey Atkins and husband Andrew wanted to create the look and feel of an Argentinian polo club for their new beachside abode in Melbourne’s Brighton. » The house was only six years old so no architectural or structural work was necessary. » The house was a blank canvas with its clean lines, travertine surfaces and oak flooring. » Tracey worked with interior designer Swee Lim to translate the sophistication of equestrian culture into the furnishing and styling. » To offset the cold surfaces, Swee layered the rooms with tan leathers, rich dark timbers and deep blues. » The breadth of the four-storey house was daunting so clearly defined zones were created. » Tracey says this made it the “perfect pandemic house” for her family as everyone had their own dedicated spaces. » Swee treated the interior footprint akin to a boutique hotel, with a “club floor” for the parents featuring a master bedroom, dining and living area for small dinners and drinks with friends. » The “resort rooftop” boasts sweeping ocean views.

« that the couple use to socialise with friends over drinks or dinner (it’s equipped with a full kitchenette including an oven and cooktop). Tracey says her daughters regularly use the home’s two main entertaining spaces: the rooftop and basement which has affectionately been dubbed the ‘Saddle Club’. Transformed into a cosy bar and movie room, there’s also a guest bedroom. To warm up the cold concrete walls, Swee plumped up the interiors with a large tartan rug, swivel tub chairs and a banquette in royal blue velvet with white piping. A large pair of family-owned rowing oars add a touch of nostalgia. With four living and two dining areas Tracey says “activating rather than just furnishing” the common rooms was important so they could be enjoyed and shared with family and friends. It was no mean feat, but just after moving in they celebrated by hosting an event for more than 200 people spread across all four floors with different music on each level. Thanks to Swee, says Tracey, this home is “everything we dreamed of – and more”. # sweedesign.com.au

These pages, from left Bedhead custom made by New Image Upholstery in Zepel ‘Refract’ fabric in Graphite. Leather cushion from Established for Design. Flaxfield bed linen and cushions, all from Jennifer Button. ‘Curata’ bedside tables from James Said with Eichholtz ‘Olympia Equestrian’ table lamps from The Flying Fox. ‘Coral’ rug from Bayliss. ‘HC28 Earl’ bench from Domo with Bemboka wool blanket from Southwood Home. EOOS Crosshatch chair from Living Edge. ‘Livorno’ round dining table from GlobeWest and ‘Catalina’ outdoor chairs from Coco Republic.

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Limited edition A pared-back aesthetic and neutral colour scheme enlivened by eclectic accents create a tranquil mood in this home overlooking Sydney’s Middle Harbour.

Words JUDY PASCOE Photography FELIX FOREST

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This page A calming ambience pervades the entrance, with its neutral tones and hero pieces. Matter Made ‘Arca’ two-tier chandelier by Philippe Malouin from Criteria. Vintage urns from Sally Beresford. Artwork by Jupp Linssen. The parquetry flooring was original, sanded and refinished in a natural shade. Opposite page The ‘less is more’ aesthetic that features throughout is evident in the upstairs landing, leanly furnished with a slate table from Martyn Cook Antiques and vintage candlesticks from Les Interieurs.

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This page A dramatic wall sculpture by Alison Coates sets the scene in the dining area. B&B Italia ‘Tobi-Ishi’ cement table by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby from Space. Kristalia ‘Elephant’ dining chairs from Fanuli. Papier-mâché pendant light, Chinese bench and vintage candlesticks, all from Les Interieurs. Leather tray from Becker Minty. Opposite page A marble benchtop and splashback, and Shaker-inspired cabinetry, highlight the kitchen. Missoni ‘Mister’ bar stool from Spence & Lyda. Papier-mâché bowl and orchids from Les Interieurs. Sculpture by Alison Coates.

he adage ‘less is more’ is definitely at play in this serene home overlooking Middle Harbour in Sydney. Deftly reinvented by interior designer Pamela Makin of Les Interieurs, the heritage home has been stripped of its fussiness and its rooms streamlined and honed, whitened and brightened to welcome a carefully edited collection of contemporary furniture, striking art and sculptures and vintage artefacts. This is the second collaboration between Pamela and her clients, so their synergy was a given. The house was of significant size and presence, as indicated by the

moniker, the ‘Pink Palace’, which was given to it by locals. The European features in its design were a plus but it was dated and needed to be cleared of unnecessary clutter to reveal its character. “It’s a unique house with European charm and influences,” says Pamela, “and the gardens and views of Middle Harbour are exceptional.” The interior was prepared by sanding and re-finishing the existing parquetry floors to their original colour, and painting the walls throughout in Dulux ‘Natural White’. New black steel-framed doors created an elegant passage to the outdoors or between rooms. Upstairs, Bremworth ‘Tussore’ wool carpet in Sumac was laid. »

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These pages The welcoming living space marries a diverse selection of pieces. Gervasoni ‘Ghost’ sofa by Paola Navone from Anibou with cushions in African mud cloth from Les Interieurs and fabric from Hale Mercantile Co. Living Divani ‘Frog’ woven leather chairs by Piero Lissoni and B&B Italia ‘Diesis’ marble coffee table by Antonio Citterio, all from Space. Vintage books on coffee table from Les Interieurs. Three-legged stool from Martyn Cook Antiques on an ‘Agra’ knot rug from Armadillo. Vintage urns from Sally Beresford against an artwork by Anne-Karin Furunes. Tom Dixon ‘Spin’ candelabra. Marble fireplace from the Heritage Building Centre. Black lacquer Chinese cabinet from Orient House. Vintage console table from Camargue. Flos ‘Taccia’ table lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni from Euroluce.

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“European inﬂuences and contemporary furnishings give warmth, tranquillity and an eclectic edge,” says Pamela.

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Sydney This page The serene master bedroom has a custom bedhead from Les Interieurs with linen bedding in Russo from Hale Mercantile Co. African mud-cloth cushion from Les Interieurs. Sheer curtains from Blinds by Bayliss. Opposite page, from top Also in the master bedroom, a custom cabinet by Les Interieurs sits beneath a textured plaster artwork by Sam Whiteman. Vintage camel bells from Les Interieurs. Baxter leather chair from Cavit & Co. Bremworth ‘Tussore’ carpet in Sumac. The home’s ornate architraves, ceilings and angular details were retained, with new steel-framed doors and a bright white paint scheme bringing a contemporary edge.

SPEED READ » Interior designer Pamela Makin of Les Interieurs has crafted an eclectic and sophisticated home overlooking Middle Harbour in Sydney. » Pamela was tasked by her repeat clients to retain the architectural charm of the heritage home while refurbishing the internal spaces and creating a serene environment. » Stripping back the ‘clutter’ in the three-level house, Pamela had a blank canvas of natural parquetry flooring and white walls on which to layer a variety of contemporary and vintage pieces, tactile objects and graphic art. » She played up the European features by installing a classic fireplace in the living room and black steel-framed doors, and designing a traditional kitchen with Shaker detailing and a marble island bench. » Design classics such as a Flos ‘Taccia’ table lamp from Euroluce and a B&B Italia ‘Diesis’ coffee table from Space sit happily alongside vintage urns, Chinese antiques and textured plaster art, ensuring a truly unique feel.

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« “The first challenge was to design a kitchen to reflect the period details in the ornate architraves and ceiling,” says Pamela. She chose cabinetry with a traditional Shaker profile and a marble island bench – classic features “that ensure the kitchen remains timeless”. The same marble was also used for a new fireplace in the living area. Against this calm and neutral backdrop, Pamela placed eclectic and judiciously selected pieces – contemporary sofas, vintage urns, Chinese cabinets, textured art, cast-iron light fixtures and African mud-cloth textiles. The look is spare yet indulgent, as each piece is a stand-out and the negative space reads as a luxury. The absence of colour, other than a drop of rust or tobacco or raw linen, lets the predominantly black-and-white scheme embody drama. Large and graphic pieces are the narrative. Across the three-storey property, this distinctive aesthetic is employed from the main level that comprises an open-plan living, dining and kitchen opening to a terrace overlooking the harbour, a library and guestroom, to the upstairs bedrooms and study, and the yoga studio and wine cellar on the lower level. One of Pamela’s favourite items is an oversized black, steel-framed floor-to-ceiling mirror placed against a wall in the living room to reflect the view and maximise the sense of space. “The combination of sophisticated European influences with contemporary furnishings gives the house warmth, tranquillity and an eclectic edge,” she says. The power of the attraction of opposites has been harnessed with the tension between simple and sophisticated, old and new, polished and weathered, which creates pleasing vignettes. While the look could be described as minimalist, a tactile richness belies that description. Whether it’s the sculptural wire work of the wall art by Alison Coates in the dining room, the glossy patina of the antique Chinese cabinet in the living room or the shredded papier-mâché bowl in the kitchen, texture reigns supreme. Outside, the garden devised by Annie Wilkes is a natural adjunct to the house, and great care was taken with plant choices and placement. Seasonality is an important element, with the Boston ivy that covers the house lending charm and character, especially during the cooler months when the leaves turn a russet red before dropping. In summer, the splash of colour from the bougainvillea marries with a sea of agapanthus that rings the pool area. At the front of the house, succulents cluster by the gravel path. Renowned for her synchronistic mash-up of tribal pieces of disparate provenance, contemporary furniture and quirky art, this house is an assured new take on Pamela’s aesthetic and one that includes a European sensibility. While the two-year project was in progress, the clients travelled extensively overseas and communication was solely by email. However, every element was just as they desired. “They are especially happy with the atmosphere of serenity, the quality of light in the house, the combination of old and new pieces and the different textures,” says Pamela. # lesinterieurs.com.au; Annie Wilkes Design (02) 9958 8568

FOR ALL

SEASONS Stately gardens and a grand, glittering pool imbue this bayside Sydney home with palazzo vibes. Words C ARLI PHILIP S Photography PABLO VEIGA

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This page The poolside scene calls to mind a European villa, with views over the Burraneer peninsula. “It was a pivotal aspect of the design of the house,” says interior designer Emma Buchan of the space, which is paved with ‘Chrysler 20 Art Deco’ tiles in Super White and Black from Olde English Tiles and Tunisian handmade mosaic tiles from Earp Bros. Two different pool tiles were used to achieve the exact shade of blue. Beach umbrella from Basil Bangs. Tribù ‘Ile’ side table from Cosh Living. ‘Loop’ lounge chairs and footrest from Cotswold. Opposite page Landscape design by Site Design. E15 ‘Habibi’ side table from Living Edge.

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This page Established & Sons ‘Easy’ chairs flank a Vitra side table by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, all from Living Edge. Crito’s Beautiful Knee sculpture by Scott McNeil from Curatorial+Co. E15 ‘Enoki’ low table and Herman Miller ‘Noguchi Rudder’ coffee table, both from Living Edge, display Nesting by Tracey Lamb from Curatorial+Co and a wire sculpture by Morgan Shimeld. Rug from Tappeti. On the platform, Eternity Pot by Katarina Wells from Curatorial+Co, B&B Italia ‘Bunch’ vase by Naoto Fukasawa from Space and Dafni I, IV and V sculptures by Marea Gazzard from Utopia Art Sydney. Opposite page, from top The rangehood in Pietra Grey marble required significant engineering work. On the Carrara benchtops, ceramic bowl by Timna Taylor from The DEA Store and brass bowl from Ondene. Joinery wall in Eveneer ‘Ravenna’ from Elton Group. ‘Stone Polygon’ splashback tiles in Perla from Skheme. ‘Jewel’ sideboard from Zuster. Marble tray from Ondene. In the entry, a ‘Regency’ table from MCM House displays A Quiet Night In sculpture by Tracey Lamb from Curatorial+Co. Vase from Ondene. Bowl by Timna Taylor from The DEA Store. ‘Float’ wall lights by Articolo.

ith its stepped landscaping surrounded by formal clipped hedges, manicured lawns and creeping vines, this Sydney house has a transportive quality. Blink and you could be at a European villa, huddled around the stone outdoor fireplace in winter or sunning under a nautical umbrella in summer. Framed in no less than two different tiles, the glamorous aqua pool is the ultimate showstopper, ringed by Tunisian handmade tiles. Built in the 1960s, the house had a kitsch, Tuscan-inspired look but sentimental value for the homeowner, who has memories of visiting the property as a child. “Family friends used to own it and I spent a lot of time here growing up and always loved the feel of it,” he says. “After having my own family, I knew it would be a great house for us. I loved the functionality and estate-like feel with its gated entry, levelled lawns and mainly single-storey living, so I approached the [previous] owners off-market and they just so happened to be ready to downsize. We were really lucky. You could say the stars aligned. Quiet, leafy and private with 1600 square metres of land, it fitted all the requirements.” The house hadn’t changed much and although liveable, it lacked any sort of design direction. Interior designer Emma Buchan had worked with her clients for more than a decade across various residential and commercial projects, so there was an instant and innate understanding of their aesthetic preferences. They gave her a simple brief that included a desire for dark colours with an edge that would “amplify the individuality of the home”, says the owner, a real-estate agent in Burraneer, where the house is located. Emma used a palette of smoke, deep indigo and rich chocolate to achieve the overall scheme. The kitchen has an exceptionally moody look, with charcoal accents and deep tonal tiles. Most impressive is »

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This page Arches are a recurring motif throughout the home, including in the kitchen, where a ceramic Connection totem sculpture by Katarina Wells from Curatorial+Co stands beside the Knoll ‘Seito’ dining table and Muuto ‘Cover’ armchairs, all from Living Edge. On the table, Tacchini ‘Mantiqueira’ vase from Stylecraft. Wire sculpture by Morgan Shimeld. ‘Cobb Rise & Fall’ pendant light from Dunlin. Opposite page Cabinetry beneath the kitchen island bench is a polyurethane finish in Dulux ‘Squid Ink’. The Clouds Above, The Vault sculpture by Scott McNeil from Curatorial+Co. Lobster pot on stove and ceramic bowl on rear bench, both from The DEA Store. ‘Stone Polygon’ splashback tiles in Perla from Skheme.

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« the oversized Pietra Grey rangehood that Emma calls a “feat of engineering”. While dark hues were the owners’ preference, Emma gently pushed the boundaries, steering them away from their safe zone and towards something lighter in the central living space. A vast contrast to the other communal areas, it’s fresh and bright, with a softer layout composed of a deep rose rug from Tappeti, neutral Coco Republic ‘Mardi’ sofa and minty armchairs by Established & Sons that echo the greenery of trees just outside. Positioned behind large gates, the house opens into a grand foyer. A number of large columns were removed to open up the space and provide an unobstructed view to the vineyard-like outdoor patio ahead. To the right, Emma re-organised the spaces for smoother transitions, with the formal dining room leading easily through to the kitchen and to the meals area on the other side. Straight in front of the kitchen is the casual living area with an expansive floor-to-ceiling outlook over the peninsula. To the left of the entry is the kids’ wing, with a cosy media room at one end and a playroom at the other, where Emma reports they took the opportunity to go “a bit crazy with wallpaper and colour”. Animated and bright, it opens onto a secure cobblestone driveway designed so the kids can safely ride and scoot with a direct line of sight from the kitchen. In between the two rooms is a study and bedroom, both with desks and a shared bathroom. Leading upstairs, the staircase has been lined in sisal and the balustrade crafted in a tactile tan leather. On the first floor, there are another two bedrooms, one of which is a nursery that evolved as the project developed. When the owners found out they were expecting a baby, they didn’t want to find out the sex, so Emma presented two schemes. “But then they had the obstetrician email us with the gender so we designed it accordingly,” she recalls. On the west side is the master wing, featuring generous walk-in robes, a dedicated joinery unit solely for shoes, bench seat, console and breakout space. A dusky, intimate space, the ensuite is lined in diamond-shaped Elba stone mosaics that meet dark-veined Grigio Carnico cobblestone tiles on the wall. Adding glamour are two pendants with polished brass bases by Rubn Lighting. “This is a house that’s refined and traditional,” explains Emma. “But at the end of the day it’s a family home, and we didn’t want it to feel like a museum.” # ebinteriors.net.au; sdstudios.com.au; urbanjunglesydney.com.au

SPEED READ » With its stepped landscaping, show-stopping pool and large manicured lawns, this house in Sydney’s Burraneer evokes a European palazzo-like feel. » The homeowner had fond memories of visiting the house as a child and approached the owners to purchase it off-market. » The couple enlisted interior designer Emma Buchan, whom they had worked with many times over the years. » The brief was for a dark palette with a moody colour scheme, but Emma encouraged her clients to think outside the box with a light and colourful living room. » Columns in the entryway were removed to open up the floor plan. » The ageing house lacked design direction so Emma updated the interiors with contemporary furniture and lighting without forsaking its classic appeal.

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This page The expansive gardens were a massive drawcard for the clients. Site Design was responsible for the landscape design and Urban Jungle Landscapes for the implementation and ongoing maintenance. Opposite page, from top The master bedroom’s custom bedhead and cushions are by DL Designer Furniture. ‘Domi’ wall light by Articolo. V.I.P. sculpture by Marea Gazzard from Utopia Art Sydney. Small dish from Mud. Wire sculpture by Morgan Shimeld. Rubn Lighting ‘Vox’ pendant lights from Fred International hang above the vanity in the ensuite. Elba stone benchtop and lower walls in Elba mosaic tiles, both from Artedomus. Upper walls in Grigio Carnico cobblestones from Aeria Country Floors. Black Barb IV sculpture by Marea Gazzard from Utopia Art Sydney. Baina hand towel from Oliver Thom.

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BEST OF One couple with two very their wish in this 1930s

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BOTH WORLDS different ideas of luxury are each granted home that reﬂects their personal best. Words CARLI PHILIPS Photography SHARYN C AIRNS Styling MARSHA GOLEMAC

These pages The rear extension by Powell & Glenn contains the new dining and living room. Its clean, contemporary lines are a marked contrast to the original period home.

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This page A ‘St Tropez’ table from MCM House is centred in the entrance, which is paved in palladiana terrazzo with an alabaster base. Wilpena Wattle, Gums and Glade artwork by Nicholas Harding from Sophie Gannon Gallery. Opposite page In the study, custom desk by Sally Caroline on which sits ‘Black Dildo’ vase by Seb Brown from Pieces of Eight, Earth Tray #1 by Ella Bendrups from Mr Kitly and Oluce ‘Atollo’ metal lamp from Euroluce. Cassina ‘055 Capitol Complex’ chair by Pierre Jeanneret from Mohd. Walls in Dulux ‘Goyder’.

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These pages, from left In the formal sitting room, linen sofa from Studio Cavit, Tommaso Barbi coffee table and vintage chandelier, both from Pamono, ocelot and lion print rug from Brownlow Interior Design, Gubi ‘9602’ lamp from In Good Company, B&B Italia ‘Le Bambole’ armchairs from Space, cushions from House of Hackney and mirror by India Mahdavi from Studio ALM. Walls finished in Dulux ‘Goyder’. In the gallery, custom console and ‘Pear’ mirror, both by Sally Caroline, Japanese pottery basket from Kazari + Ziguzagu, Romina Gris vase from House of Orange, Liam Fleming ‘Graft’ vase from Modern Times and vessel from Pieces of Eight.

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he same as for all her projects, designer Sally Knibbs of Sally Caroline met her first-time clients armed with a quiz. It’s an initial briefing phase that she says is crucial to the way she does business. “For so many people, a new home and renovation is one of the biggest things they’ll do in their lives. People plan for years and work extremely hard to reach this point and getting it right is critical. We just have to nail it so I’m big on asking the important, strategic questions and really getting into the nitty-gritty details.” The homeowners were moving from a conservative Edwardian property and this was the first home they had ever bought and designed together. It soon became apparent that the couple differed greatly when it came to their perspectives on luxury. While he was more classic, reserved and quiet, her taste geared towards something more wild and rebellious. They were, however, a united front when it came to one instruction: “nothing cookie cutter”. “They wanted to respect the integrity of the original building by designing something made to last – but not something to be expected,” says Sally. “The compromise was to make some areas more his, and others more hers. Each space was treated individually – some parts were dialled up, others dialled down.” While he favoured something more relaxed, her cues were more out there. Armed with mood boards, she had clear references to lively green hues, textural orange velvets and a palette favoured by luxury fashion brand Celine. Bearing this in mind, Sally carefully considered where to up the ante and, conversely, where to temper the tone. Either way, it would be a nudge out of their respective comfort zones. Care was taken to introduce materials and furnishings that would sit well within the grand proportions and traditional elements of the house but also inject a “fun factor” of balanced juxtapositions. There are offbeat colours such as heavy emerald drapes and wine-hued armchairs, but also more demure moments where wispy-white sheer curtains sashay around buttery leather sofas. »

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« Originally built in the 1930s, the house had a dated 90s renovation and needed considerable work to bring it back to life. Renowned architects Powell & Glenn were brought on board, gutting the interiors and creating a clever extension. The house now opens into a generous entryway and subsequent gallery lined in impressive green palladiana terrazzo flooring reminiscent of an Italian palazzo. Branching to the right are the original heritage rooms, still lined in their period mouldings and outfitted in conservatively hued furniture with a chandelier well suited to the formality of the space. Adjoining this room is the study, where an eye-catching metallic ‘Atollo’ lamp rests atop a custom desk in a glossy vivid green. To the left of the gallery and tucked under the staircase is a compact powder room followed by one big open-plan zone, starting with the kitchen on the west wall, followed by an impressive brass island bench. A new addition encompassing the dining area and casual living room has been composed with an arrangement of sofas, cushions and armchairs in desert tones of khaki, wine, hazelnut and saffron. Behind the kitchen, timber flooring continues through to the new build and ground floor

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pool pavilion. Here, the palladiana flooring picks up again, calling to mind a boutique European hotel or beach club with its indooroutdoor paving and casual living area kitted out in whitewashed shutters, sisal carpets, linen sofas and an impressive marble bar made with mesh pivot doors. To put it simply, says Sally, this is the “party cabinet … the stuff dreams are made of”. Beyond, double doors open to freshly manicured gardens by Myles Baldwin. From the pool pavilion, a set of back stairs moves through to the first floor part of the double-storey extension to a playroom, kids bedroom and bathroom. The remainder of the floor is planned with a central hall, off which are two bedrooms and another bathroom. At the end of the corridor, the master suite is made up of an ensuite and two dressing rooms, hers a gutsy space where a voluptuous makeup vanity in high-gloss candy pink sits atop mossy green carpet. In contrast, the bedroom is decidedly masculine. A large void shines a light on the central front stairs that lead back to the ground floor entryway. “There’s just a beautiful interplay of individual dynamics,” says Sally of the house and its spaces. “It’s a place for family, and always a home for fun.” # sallycaroline.com; powellandglenn.com.au; mylesbaldwin.com

These pages, clockwise from left The kitchen’s palette of desert tones includes benchtops and splashback in Verde Alpi marble from G-Lux, timber joinery, solid-oak parquetry flooring from Le Parqueteur, ‘Diiva’ swivel stools in custom upholstery from Grazia & Co and Gretel Corrie terracotta vase from Modern Times. Architect Ed Glenn of Powell & Glenn with interior designer Sally Knibbs of Sally Caroline. Adjoining the kitchen is a casual area for the kids with hidden storage under a banquette upholstered in Colourscapes ‘Babou’ from Unique Fabrics. Glas Italia ‘Shimmer Tavoli’ side table by Patricia Urquiola from Space. In the pool pavilion, the downstairs living area with Venetian polished plaster walls is furnished with a sofa from Maker&Son, B&B Italia ‘Lady-Fat’ ottoman from Space and rug from Armadillo.

SPEED READ » This original 1930s home in Melbourne’s bayside was the first renovation project the homeowners undertook as a couple. » Architects Powell & Glenn created a masterplan for the property but, structurally, the existing home was kept intact. » The addition involved the extension of a communal living and dining zone. » A new double-storey poolpavilion wing was also added and lined in lavish palladiana terrazzo paving. » Interiors pro Sally Knibbs reimagined the new interiors by balancing out-there moments with quieter spaces to satisfy the brief.

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This page, from top The pool pavilion’s bar exudes the sporty glamour of a European beach club with its mesh pivot doors, swathes of Arabescato Vagli marble from Corsi and Nicolai and ‘Amalfi’ bar stools from JANUS et Cie. The facade of the pool pavilion, which houses the ground-level bar and living zones with new bedrooms upstairs. ‘Zeta’ sunloungers from Satara. Opposite page, clockwise from top left In the master bedroom, glass sculpture by Bastien Thomas and Mari Masot ‘Two-Part’ planter, both from Pépite, and Iittala ‘Aalto’ vase. Black Verandah artwork by Rob Howe from Sophie Gannon Gallery. SuperTuft wool-velour carpet. A Fontana Arte-style ‘Broken Glass’ wall sconce from 1stdibs and custom mirror by Sally Caroline hang in the master ensuite above the vanity in Arabescato Vagli marble from Corsi and Nicolai. The view from the entry gallery through to the pool pavilion. The master bedroom walk-in robe features a custom makeup vanity and ottoman. Cheshire Architects ‘Parison’ table lamp from District.

Words CHRIS P E ARSON Photography NICHOL A S WAT T

TROPICAL punch

That this former dairy farm’s vast expanses of lush, rambling rainforest and idyllic waterscapes seem to have sprung from the earth eons ago is a testament to the artistry of the landscape architect who lives here.

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These pages, from left A Queensland bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris) at the end of the swimming pool rubs shoulders with a tree aloe (Aloe barberae) and blue chalksticks (Senecio serpens) used as groundcover. Two unusual cacti flank the bottle tree. The pool is clad in natural blue slate used as coping and dropping into the pool to the waterline. Sculpture by Hopi Steiner. The smaller waterhole to the eastern side of the property, near the house, was created when owner Lisa Hochhauser dammed a spring and fringed the edges with basalt rocks. A rich layering of plants includes Bangalow palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana), spindle palms (Hyophorbe verschaffeltii), Australian tree ferns (Cyathea cooperi), giant tree ferns (Angiopteris evecta), assorted heliconia, blue water lily (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea), swamp lily (Crinum pedunculatum) and false cardamom ginger (Alpinia mutica).

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This page In the rear entry, a dinner plate fig (Ficus dammaropsis) makes a bold statement. Rhapis palms (Rhapis excelsa) create an under-storey to Bangalow palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana). Opposite page, clockwise from top left Exotics mingle with endemic species near the house. Lord Howe wedding lily (Dietes robinsoniana) shares the garden bed with several species of Xanthorrhoea grass trees (X glauca, X fulva, X gracilis, X johnsonii). In the background are an exotic coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) and redneck palm (Dypsis lastelliana). The house is clad in assorted eucalyptus hardwoods left to weather. Along the driveway, the blue blooms of Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans), the pink flowers of bougainvillea variegated and poinciana (Delonix regia) hint at the botanical potpourri. On a deck abutting the main living area, old seagrass chairs and a timber Senufo tribal bed, sourced years ago, lend a raw quality. Paperbark trees (Melaleuca quinquenervia) command the canopy of the Tyagarah Nature Reserve beyond.

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“My plan was to replenish the land by re-establishing endemic species. As a plant lover, I couldn’t help myself.” ith rainbow lorikeets flitting through a lush canopy of palms and eucalypts casting dappled light on ferns below, this sprawling Byron Bay garden is a tropical paradise for its owner and creator, Lisa Hochhauser of LANDstudio. Cooling and all-enveloping, her bushland garden, which covers a massive 49 hectares, appears to have been here forever – but that seeming natural randomness has resulted from inspired planning with a generous seeding of spontaneity. A landscape architect, Lisa has had the luxury of time in this passion project. It has evolved over the last 20 years when, yearning for a tree change, literally, she shifted here from Sydney. When she first saw the site in the mid-1990s, it had been stripped of native rainforest, with dairy cattle grazing among lantana and camphor laurel, both invasive pests, and a peppering of tea trees. Strewn across the paddocks were basalt boulders and a series of craters, tailings of intensive sand-mining from the 1930s. Above it all, a tired Queenslander on a ridge overlooked the ravaged slopes. However, Lisa was smitten with the site’s virtues. The two most obvious were the jaw-dropping 180-degree views to Cape Byron enjoyed from the house and an Australian garden’s biggest asset, a free-flowing spring – several, in fact. “Even in drought, you get pristine, flowing water, as much as you could ever need,” she says. “There are a lot of springs just seeping water. This area is not called the Northern Rivers for nothing.” That ready and steady supply of water would prove the catalyst for the new garden she had in mind. Taking her inspiration from the Tyagarah Nature Reserve, which occupied about 60 per cent of her property, Lisa set about regenerating the bush that had been cleared. “My plan was to replenish the land, which had been

brutalised, by re-establishing endemic species,” she explains. “As a plant lover and landscape architect, I couldn’t help myself.” On the ridge, taking full advantage of the views, she built a house designed by architects Jan Hochhauser, her US-based brother, and Sydney-based Drew Heath, with glass areas and raw materials such as rammed-earth walls and weathered hardwoods, from which she could experience her tropical wonderland. Apart from tracts of lush, regenerated bush, the vast garden features three key areas – two spring-fed lakes surrounded by native plant species and the area immediately around the house, with its expanse of lawn and sheltered enclaves populated by a mixture of the endemic and the exotic. First up, the scattered rocks were moved to create natural hardscaping in the form of stacked formations. “They provide structure in an organic way,” says Lisa. Most strikingly, they encircle a spring on the eastern side of the property, which she dammed to create a swimming hole that also ensures constant ground water for the bush. Then, harnessing a second spring, she constructed a bigger dam in 2005 to the north, to form another lake. “About 50 metres in diameter and with native water lilies, it’s simply spectacular,” says Lisa. Meanwhile, the house, with its swimming pool and kitchen courtyard sheltered from the prevailing nor’easters off the ocean, provides nooks and crannies for some less resilient exotics that rub shoulders with hardier endemic species. In the regenerated area, the plant palette is native. It includes clumps of Bangalow palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) up to 20 metres high, blue figs (Elaeocarpus angustifolius), forest red gums (Eucalyptus tereticorni) and swamp messmate (Eucalyptus robusta), with smaller tuckeroos (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), banksias and

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GARDEN

This page At the dam along the northern boundary, blue lotus water lilies (Nymphaea caerulea) break the mirror-like surface, overlooked by Bangalow palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana), kentia palms (Howea forsteriana) and hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii).

lomandra grasses beneath. Hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii) and the orange blooms of firewheels (Stenocarpus sinuatus) add more colour and texture. Surrounding the house, Bangalow palms, kentias (Howea forsteriana) and Norfolk pines (Araucaria heterophylla) create an under-storey for tree ferns and lomandras, with surprises such as magnolias and hydrangeas that evoke Lisa’s childhood in New York. There’s also an overlay of tropical cycads, orchids and strelitzias. Near the house you will find Lisa’s prized working garden, comprising a vegetable patch and an orchard where she grows everything from limes and mangoes to starfruit and dragonfruit. The result is a multi-faceted, layered garden that combines the native and the exotic in often surprising combos. “My gardens are organic and romantic, with an emphasis on sight lines, views and discovery,”

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explains Lisa. “A garden should include continual visual interest created by subtle rhythms and patterns as one moves through it.” There’s plenty of light and shade here, too, literally and figuratively. “Hidden, intimate spaces” mingle with “the grand choreographing of open, expansive spaces”. Despite her passion for plants, the basalt boulders so casually discarded by sand-miners last century are Lisa’s favourite element of all. “I love the lichens and mosses that grow in them and I am very lucky to have had my land strewn with them,” she says. “In any great garden, you are surrounded by the wonders of nature. There’s no word for that. It’s a spiritual connection,” she adds, as she surveys her handiwork. “It’s both calming and re-energising when you step into a space of natural beauty.” landstudio.com.au

PR E S E N T E D W I T H A blank canvas, interior designer Thomas Hamel and

Photography PRUE RUSCOE

his colleagues Brendan Guy and Carla Barton were able to explore the use of some exciting materials in this penthouse kitchen. Chief among them was a dazzling white rock crystal benchtop for the island. “The brief was for us to create the feel of a pre-war New York apartment,” says Thomas. “This informed the joinery design and our focus on the architectural detailing throughout the space.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “Definitely the unique white rock crystal benchtop on the island. Our clients fell in love with it. There’s a strong contrast between the white stone and the rich walnut joinery. Together they create drama set against the surrounding room’s neutral palette.” thomashamel.com

Builder Peter Szwarcbord, Charbord Group. Joinery Custom-made timber joinery by Minerva Cabinets finished in Dulux ‘Pale Tendril’ half. Benchtop/island bench White rock crystal benchtop installed by Apex Stone and custom-made solid walnut joinery by Charbord Group. Splashback Calacatta ‘Manhattan’ marble from Apex Stone, with glazed subway tiles from Creative Environments, Los Angeles. Cooktop Wolf ‘ICBC1365T/S’ Transitional Framed Induction Cooktop. Rangehood Qasair ‘NDCH90L-2’ Executive Range Undermount rangehood. Lighting Desiree ‘8198’ four-light halogen chandelier from Ironware International, Los Angeles. Furniture Suzanne Kasler ‘Laurent’ counter stools from Witford, Los Angeles, upholstered in Twill Textiles ‘Switch’ from Tigger Hall Design.

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Studio S.O

FAMILY AFFAIR [ Vaucluse ]

Photography JENNIFER SOO Styling SOPHIE WILSON

Builder Red Empire Constructions. Joinery Custom design by Art of Kitchens with polyurethane doors and drawers with handleless shark nose finish in Dulux ‘Domino’. Benchtop/island bench Calacatta Statuario marble from SNB Stone. Splashback/wall finish Rockcote ‘Otsumigaki’ clay and lime premixed plaster from Triple A Rendering. Flooring Engineered oak flooring in Paris from Aged Oak Floors. Tapware ‘Scala’ pull-out kitchen mixer in Living Tumbled Brass from Reece. Cooker Ilve 90cm ‘Nostalgie Series’ oven and cooker, and 60cm ‘Nostalgie Series’ concealed oven, both in Matt Black with brass knobs, from Winning Appliances. Rangehood ASKO ‘CC4840’ integrated rangehood from Winning Appliances. Refrigerator/freezer Liebherr ‘UIK1620LH’ 140L integrated fridge/freezer from Winning Appliances. Dishwasher Miele ‘G5715SCI XXL’ dishwashers from Winning Appliances. Lighting Vintage French sconces in brass from Chiara Colombini. Furniture Pierre Jeanneret stools in rattan and timber from 1stdibs. Accessories Merlot artwork (on benchtop) and Portait I artwork, both by Alf Lindberg from Log Box Red Hill.

T H E P R IO R I T Y F O R interior designer Olivia Babarczy of Studio S.O for her own Sydney kitchen was that it set a beautiful stage for the theatre of family life. “That was of the utmost importance,” she says. “I have a large family and we entertain a lot, so the key element was for the space to have a seamless flow and the capacity to cater for big gatherings. Two dishwashers certainly help on that front! It was also important that the language of the kitchen was in keeping with the rest of the house. The mix of materials, from the black cabinetry to the marble and aged brass, creates a sense of timelessness while still being hard-working. It was apparent to me early on in the design development that a U-shaped kitchen with an island would work best. The success of the space is that it creates an emotional response as soon as I enter it. It is a happy place and the hub of the home. We solve the world’s problems around the island bench!” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The luxury items were the ‘Otsumigaki’ rendered walls [from Rockcote], Calacatta marble benchtops, the artwork and the Ilve and Liebherr appliances.” studio-so.com.au

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Builder Leone Constructions. Joinery Cabinetry by EC Joinery in American walnut veneer (cabinets and drawer fronts) and solid American walnut routed by the joiner (island). Custom circular metal legs in Centauri ‘Dark Brown Bronze’ by Astor Metal Finishes. Island bench/splashback Super White Dolomite (splashback) and Super Grey Dolomite (island) from Signorino finished with TuffSkin Surface Protection by Rockstar Sealing. Stonemasonry by APEX Stone. Wall finish Random-bond brickwork using Krause Bricks. Flooring Wyndam limestone pavers from Eco Outdoor. Sink Franke ‘Centinox Minimalist’ sink in stainless steel from E&S. Tapware Zucchetti ‘Streamline’ mixer in Titanium Grey and Billi ‘B-5000’ boiling, chilled and sparkling water tap in Gunmetal, both from E&S. Oven Wolf M Series wall oven and convection steam oven with warming drawer, both from E&S. Cooktop Wolf Contemporary ‘ICBC1365CB’ fiveburner induction cooktop in Black from E&S. Rangehood Qasair Benton ‘BRH17003B’ rangehood with custom Centauri ‘Dark Brown Bronze’ canopy by Astor Metal Finishes. Refrigerator/freezer Sub-Zero integrated fridge/freezer and wine fridge from E&S with ‘Tura’ handles in oil-rubbed brass from Pittella. Lighting Rakumba ‘Archier Highline’ pendant lights (over island) from Design Nation and Moooi ‘Mesh’ pendant lights from Space. Furniture Cassina ‘Cab’ medium-height stools in Russian Red leather from Space.

Photography DEREK SWALWELL Styling NATALIE JAMES

I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N E R

AV-ID A RC H I T EC T

Cera Stribley Architects

FINISH LINES [ Toorak ]

G AT H E R I NG S P O T S D ON ’ T come much more beautiful than this Melbourne kitchen, which was specifically designed to be not only a hard-working cooking zone but a space that would wow guests. And that it does. Devised by interior designer Alice Villella in conjunction with Cera Stribley Architects, the kitchen flows seamlessly on from the living area and offers glimpses of the home’s striking spiral staircase. “The finishes were inspired by mid-century Brutalist architecture, with the concrete replaced by gorgeous limestone pavers and Super Grey Dolomite,” says Alice. These materials are balanced out by the warmth of the routed solid American walnut on the oversized island and the American-walnut veneer joinery. Custom metal finishes and handles introduce both refinement and a touch of drama. The result? A kitchen that makes its homeowners, who delight in cooking and entertaining, happy every day. What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The wall of Sub-Zero fridges and the Wolf ovens and cooktop. I love how easy it was to integrate these appliances into the kitchen.” av-id.com.au; cs-a.com.au

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kitchens

BATHROOMS

E V E N T H E BE S T OF HOM E S need an upgrade eventually, and that was certainly the case with this grand old lady on the northern shores of Sydney Harbour, which was fast approaching its centenary. The trick for interior designer Meryl Hare of Hare + Klein was to respect the past and then use it to inform and guide the transformation. “This new kitchen is part of extensive renovations to the home, which was built in 1922,” says Meryl, who devised the space in collaboration with architect Yun Gao of Corben Architects. “The home is located within the Cremorne Point Conservation Area and, therefore, development of the site was mostly internal. This part of the house was dark and in need of renovation. Our approach was to bring light into the space, and to create a contemporary kitchen/dining area that is practical and sophisticated as per the client’s brief.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The beautiful stone on the island and the ‘Modo’ chandelier that hangs above the dining table.” hareklein.com.au; corben.com.au

Builder Sandlik Constructions. Joinery Cabinetry by Debrich Custom Joinery. Benchtop/island bench/splashback Honed limestone in Elegant Grey from CDK Stone. Wall finish Dulux Wash&Wear ‘Ghosting Half’ in low-sheen finish and Eveneer ‘Groove’ veneer in Fango from Elton Group. Flooring European Oak engineered boards in Roman Grey from Woodcut, laid in a chevron pattern. Sink Franke Kubus ‘KBX210-34-HW’ sink from Winning Appliances. Tapware KWC ‘Eve’ pull-out from Winning Appliances. Oven Miele ‘H2661BPW’ pyrolytic oven from Winning Appliances. Cooktop Wolf ‘ICBCI365CB’ induction cooktop from Winning Appliances. Rangehood Qasair Lismore ‘LIS900L2B’ under-cupboard rangehood from Winning Appliances. Refrigerator/freezer Sub-Zero ‘ICBIC36RIDRH’ integrated upright fridge and ‘ICBIC24FILH’ integrated column freezer with ice-maker, both from Winning Appliances. Dishwasher Miele ‘G6897SCVI’ fully integrated dishwasher from Winning Appliances. Lighting Roll & Hill ‘Modo’ three-globe chandelier from Koda Lighting. Furniture Molteni&C ‘Asterias’ graphite oak table from Hub. Mater ‘The Dining’ chairs by Space Copenhagen from Cult.

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D E S I G N E R

Hare + Klein

NEW BEGINNINGS [ Cremorne ]

Photography JEN WILDING

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Building architect CBG Architects (Pavilion Green apartments). Builder Camillo Builders. Joinery Cabinetry by Crema Group using Admira ‘Fumed Oak Natural’ veneer from Bench Top City. Benchtop/island bench/splashback Silver Era natural stone from Signorino. Flooring Cloud French-oak engineered timber chevron flooring from Made By Storey. Sink Franke ‘KBK 110-45’ sink in stainless steel from E&S. Tapware CityStik kitchen mixer with pull-out hose in Brushed Nickel PVD finish from Brodware. Oven Miele ‘H 2661 BP’ oven in Obsidian Black from E&S. Cooktop Miele ‘KM 2354’ gas cooktop in Black from E&S. Rangehood Miele ‘DA 3690’ rangehood in stainless steel from E&S. Refrigerator/freezer Miele ‘KS 37422 iD’ integrated fridge/freezer from E&S. Dishwasher Miele ‘G 4263 Vi Active’ dishwasher from E&S. Furniture Fredericia ‘Spine’ stools in Black from Great Dane. Accessories Skruf ‘Kolonn’ vases from Great Dane.

A RC H I T EC T

Tecture

ART OF STONE [ Sandringham ]

Photography SHANNON McGRATH

T H E R E ’ S A MONOL I T H IC quality to the island bench that architect Ben Robertson, director of Tecture, designed for this penthouse apartment. “I chose Era Silver stone for its depth and moodiness,” he says. “It was all about selecting a stone that could convey a sense of grandeur and sophistication, but also stand up to being used at this sort of scale.” The bench is positioned in line with a set of stairs and its dramatic curved legs are designed to reveal themselves once you venture into the kitchen zone. Soft-toned oak-veneer cabinetry and pale-timber chevron flooring work to counter the weight of the stone. “We wanted to strike the right balance between luxurious finishes and the casual manner of living that comes with being so close to the beach.” The kitchen’s appliances are discreetly positioned, so as to not take anything away from the heightened beauty of the silver stone. What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The two curved-stone legs and the abundance of natural stone in general. We wanted the kitchen to feel soft, luxurious and calm. The subtle oak panelling on the overheads draws the eye up to very effectively expand the visual scale.” tecture.com.au

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Melanie Beynon Architecture & Design

PARIS REVIEW [ St Kilda West ]

W I T H I T S S T E E L doors opening out to the garden, this striking kitchen is a space that’s refined in form and materiality yet also perfectly set up for fuss-free family living. “The 19th-century bones of the house were good,” says architect and interior designer Melanie Beynon, who worked on this project alongside her colleague Alis Garlick. “We were able to honour its heritage while offering a nod to our client’s love of Parisian decor.” This is most apparent in the parquetry flooring and pale-grey joinery, as well as those lovely steel doors. “Reflecting the generosity of the first floor, the rear of the ground floor is now the heart of the home with a remodelled kitchen, dining and living zone,” says Melanie. The integrated gas fireplace and oak floor add a touch of warmth and cosiness. What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The pendant light by Volker Haug that hangs over the porcelain-clad island bench. This is a statement piece, for sure, but it’s not overly showy. The light is offset by the soft-grey cabinetry and a separate bar console that’s used for entertaining guests.” melaniebeynon.com.au

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Builder Tykon. Joinery Custom design by TT Cabinets + Design in Porter’s Paints ‘Elegance’. Benchtop/island bench/splashback Inalco ‘Larsen’ tiles from Stonetile Industries. Flooring ‘Herringbone’ American oak parquetry from Market Timbers. Sink ‘Piazza One & 3/4 Square Bowl’ in stainless steel from Abey. Tapware Perrin & Rowe ‘Provence Country’ mixer in chrome from The English Tapware Company. Cooker Ilve Majestic Series 90cm Freestanding Cooker in custom Dark Blue from E&S. Rangehood Qasair ‘Lismore’ rangehood from E&S. Refrigerator/freezer Liebherr integrated fridge and freezer from E&S. Lighting ‘Big Kick’ pendant light from Volker Haug. Furniture Muuto ‘Nerd’ bar stool, Gubi ‘Beetle’ dining chairs, John Bastiras Design ‘Myron’ dining table, Gubi ‘Pacha’ lounge chair and Woud ‘Sentrum’ side table, all from In Good Company. Accessories Rug from Armadillo.

Photography SHARYN CAIRNS Styling HILGAR DESIGN/ SANDFORD GRAY

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Photography DAVE WHEELER

I N T E R I O R

A RC H I T EC T

Phoebe Nicol Interior Archtecture

CL ASSIC BEAUTY [ Woollahra ]

Builder M Hill Building. Joinery Panelled cabinetry by M Hill Building in Resene ‘Double Alabaster’ matt polyurethane. Benchtop/island bench Honed Statuario marble with a bullnose edge from Gitani Stone. Wall finish Resene ‘Double Alabaster’. Flooring Chevron engineered-timber flooring in Roman Grey from Woodcut. Sink Franke ‘Kubus’ single-bowl undermount sink from Winning Appliances. Tapware Industrica kitchen set in Chrome from Brodware. Oven/cooktop ILVE 90cm freestanding dual-fuel cooker from Winning Appliances. Rangehood Qasair ‘Lismore’ rangehood from Winning Appliances. Refrigerator/freezer Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge/freezer from Winning Appliances. Dishwasher Miele integrated dishwasher from Winning Appliances. Lighting Bespoke brass light fitting. Accessories Aerin vase from Becker Minty.

C L A S S I C I S M I S M E T with a crisp, modern sensibility in this kitchen by interior architect Phoebe Nicol. “The room sits within a Victorian terrace, so we wanted to explore a subt le pairing of tradit ional joiner y techniques wit h contemporary materials,” says Phoebe. The timelessly stylish chevron flooring and profiled cabinetry offer a nod to the heritage of the home but are brought instantly up-to-date by the room’s soft whites and brass punctuation points. By being generous in her specification of Statuario marble for both the benchtops and the splashback, Phoebe has deftly underlined the sophistication of this space. “It’s a stone that has an everlasting beauty; there’s so much character in its graining,” she says. Both the lighting and hardware were hand-forged by local artisans. “Brass accents add a beautiful sense of quality to the kitchen. I wanted to use a material that would patinate with age and become more beautiful over time.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The stretches of Statuario marble – it’s definitely the hero of this kitchen.” phoebenicol.com

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A RC H I T EC T

Maria Danos Architecture

HIGH NOTES [ Windsor ]

Photography DEREK SWALWELL

A K I T C H E N ’ S L O CAT I O N in the home can really impact on its functionality and its suitability as a spot in which the family can congregate. In this Melbourne townhouse, the kitchen has been positioned at the heart of the ground floor, so it’s strategically located adjacent to a sculptural stair void. “This means the kitchen draws in light from the concealed northern roof terrace above,” says architect Maria Danos. “It was designed to be experienced and enjoyed from above as well as from within the room.” Materials such as the stunning silver dolomite benches were selected to provide a dramatic ‘aerial perspective’. Vertically quarter-cut timber-veneer joinery creates a dark backdrop so the expressive stone splashback can stand out. Tapware in a muted gunmetal finish is matched tonally to the palette, and dark handles punctuate the joinery faces. The curvilinear island bench (partially supported by a turned solid-timber post) enables comfortable access around the bench for perching while still allowing a good spatial flow. What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “We collaborated with a local lighting artisan, Giffin Design, to create the bespoke patinated brass light fitting. It traverses three floors through the void and is located to ‘mark’ and illuminate the island bench below while also providing a sculptural – and very dramatic – focal point in the stair void.” mariadanos.com.au

Builder Larik Constructions. Joinery Cabinetry by AB Symmetrix in stained quarter-cut Tasmanian oak veneer and solid Tasmanian oak with Blum ‘Legrabox’ drawer inserts and Castella ‘Gallant’ joinery pulls. Wine storage Custom-designed unit in a combination of stained solid Tasmanian oak and Tasmanian oak veneer. Benchtop/island bench/splashback Silver Ash honed dolomite from G-LUX. Wall finish Dulux ‘White Duck’. Lighting Stem Void chandelier with patinated brass and frosted-glass sconces custom-designed and -made by Giffin Design. Flooring Eire engineered timber boards from Perfect Oak Floors. Sink Franke 'Kubus' in stainless steel from E&S. Tapware Phoenix Tapware ‘Vivid Slimline‘ pull-out sink mixer in Gunmetal from Reece. Oven Fisher & Paykel ‘7 Function‘ stainless steel oven from E&S. Cooktop Fisher & Paykel 'CG604DNGGB1' 60cm gas cooktop from E&S. Furniture 'Chair 811' dining chairs from James Richardson Furniture.

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Builder Bear Projects. Joinery Cabinetry by Big Unit Kitchens in Dulux ‘Natural White’ 30 per cent satin finish; overhead and pantry cupboard in Dulux ‘Domino’. Benchtop/island bench/splashback Honed Cote d’Azur stone from G-LUX. Wall finish Dulux Wash&Wear Low Sheen acrylic paint in ‘Natural White’. Flooring ‘Mate’ tiles in Terra Grigio from Cerdomus, laid in a herringbone pattern. Sink Abey ‘Lago’ double-bowl undermount sink from E&S. Tapware Abey Gessi ‘Quadro Hi-Tech’ sink mixer with pull-out from E&S. Oven Gaggenau combi-steam oven. Cooktop Gaggenau induction cooktop. Rangehood Qasair Flinders Range ‘Eastmore’ rangehood. Refrigerator/freezer LG 730L three-door French door fridge/freezer. Dishwasher Gaggenau fully integrated dishwasher. Lighting ‘Span ED15 LT07’ pendant light in Jet Black from Living Edge. Furniture ‘Dita’ stool from Grazia & Co.

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D E S I G N E R

Doherty Design Studio

GRAND PL AN [ Elwood ]

Photography DEREK SWALWELL Styling JESS LILLICO

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A BASE PALETTE of light and dark in the kitchen of this inner suburban Melbourne home plays up both its softness and its strengths. A pared-back use of embellishments by Doherty Design Studio provides a contrast to the decorative aesthetic of the original 1920s design and allows the elements and intricacies of this grand home to shine. “Materials and patterns were chosen to complement the heritage detailing,” explains designer Mardi Doherty. “The herringbone tiled floor and island bench speak directly to the original leadlight windows throughout. Natural light was embraced through the introduction of large windows to the northern side of the home, including the kitchen splashback.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “Simplified and modern was our design intent for the kitchen so we used Cote D’Azur marble to bridge the gap between a contemporary functional area and the home’s existing heritage character. The sculptural marble benchtop and finely detailed herringbone-tiled face are the finished space’s focal point, a modern use of materiality that stays true to the overall context of the home.” dohertydesignstudio.com.au

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T H E C ONG E S T E D, NOI S Y S U R R OU N D S of inner-Sydney’s Paddington seem a lifetime away from the expansive, sun-drenched kitchen fashioned by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects for this terrace house. “The home is on a large block with some spectacular gardens,” says Madeleine. “We reworked the lower level to bring light into the attached side and open up the living and kitchen areas.” The strong, contrasting colour palette gives definition – black blade walls contain the new kitchen but allow it to share the light and views from other rooms. “A large skylight brings ever-changing light into the house, and shadow and light move across the marble surfaces throughout the day,” she says. “This kitchen is simple but beautifully detailed and has transformed the home.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The marble splashback and reveal, which is a monolithic feature and can be seen from other rooms. The stone had to be installed in two pieces, so we opted to express the joint with a brass inlay through the splashback and benchtop. Mounted on the marble bench, the Pitt cooktop also makes a statement. The skylight is a complex element and was definitely a luxury, but one worth having because it transformed the attached side of the house.” madeleineblanchfield.com

Builder One Up Building. Joinery Custom polyurethane panel cabinetry in Dulux ‘Antique White USA’ quarter-strength by Streamline Custom Interiors. Benchtop, island bench and splashback Honed Carrara marble from CDK Stone. Wall finish Dulux ‘Antique White USA’ quarter-strength. Flooring Existing floorboards. Sink ‘Smooth 850’ double-bowl integrated in Glacier White from Corian CASF. Tapware Brodware ‘Halo’ kitchen set with mixer in Roma Bronze from Candana. Cooker Bosch ‘Serie 8’ compact combi-microwave with Pitt ‘Dempo’ four-burner natural gas cooktop, both from Winning Appliances. Rangehood Falmec ‘Downdraft 90’ from Winning Appliances. Refrigerator/freezer Liebherr integrated ‘ECBN6156LH’ from Winning Appliances. Dishwasher Miele ‘G6767SCVIXXL’ fully integrated from Winning Appliances. Lighting Flos ‘Kap Surface’ wall light from Euroluce. Furniture Miyazaki bar stools by Inoda + Sveje from Great Dane. Accessories Black bowl and vase from Ondene.

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10 A RC H I T EC T

Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

LIGHT FANTASTIC [ Paddington ]

Photography DAVE WHEELER Styling ATELIER LAB

Seeing is Believing. The POCO range by Gareth Ashton is inspired by the enduring pin-lever design, this elegant tapware delivers a new shape featuring a minimalistic handle and thin cylinder. A simply beautiful range that will enhance any room with its graceful forms. SELECTION GALLERIES 335 Ferrars St, Albert Park, VIC Ph: 03 8696 4000 1E Danks St, Waterloo, NSW Ph: 02 8572 8500 94 Petrie Tce, Brisbane, QLD Ph: 07 3369 4777 12 Sundercombe St, Osborne Park, WA Ph: 08 9208 4500

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FRESH TAKE The latest fixtures, finishes and finds for your kitchen.

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1 Sable ‘Panda’ bamboo bread knife, $65, from Becker Minty. 2 ‘Signature’ cast-iron 28cm casserole dish in Nectar, $680, from Le Creuset. 3 Cotto Manetti ‘Naturale’ 300 x 300mm terracotta tiles,$114/square metre, from Artedomus. 4 ‘Volute’ glass platter in Amber, $129, from Maison Balzac. 5 Sub-Zero ‘ICBBI-42UFDID/S/TH’ 778L integrated French-door fridge/freezer with internal water dispenser, $25,995, from Winning Appliances. 6 Honed and unfilled Roman travertine, $240/square metre, from Signorino. 7 ‘Manu’ salad servers in Gold, $104/set of two, from Amara. 8 ‘PureGrain Tornado’ woodgrain veneer, $86.57/square metre, from Laminex. 9 ‘A Recipe for Love’ candlestick, $90/tall, from Merci Maison. 10 Angela Wickstead scalloped-edge linen napkins, $315/set of four, from Matchesfashion.com. 11 ‘Myhill’ kitchen mixer with pullout hose in Graphite finish, $745, from Rogerseller. 12 Armac Martin ‘Gaumont’ handle, $129, T-bar, $97, and knob, $84, in Satin Antique Satin from Gregory Croxford Living. 13 Belling Richmond Deluxe ‘BRD1100DFGR’ 110cm duel-fuel cooker, $9098, from Harvey Norman and select stockists. 14 ‘Medusa Rhapsody’ espresso cup and saucer, $420, from Versace. 15 Still life artwork by Jean-Louis Boussingault, $1250, from The Vault Sydney. 16 ‘Sharky’ beech-leg stool, $1595, from Fanuli. 17 1930s Venini sconce by Carlo Scarpa, POA, from Nicholas & Alistair.

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B E L L E P R O M O T ION

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Been crying out for more bench space? Meet Blum’s new Pull-out shelf lock – a clever mechanism that allows you to create a sturdy and secure extra work surface whenever and wherever you need it. When it comes to improving the functionality of your home, it’s little details like these that can make all the difference. VERSATILE & SECURE Whatever the size and set-up of a home, we could all do with a little additional bench space from time to time. With Blum’s new Pull-out shelf lock, turning that pull-out shelf into a secure and reliable extra work surface is easy. And you can use it just about anywhere in the home; magic up more space in the kitchen with a sturdy pull-out shelf where you can place a blender, create a convenient spot to pop the washing basket in the laundry or squeeze more space into your home office with a firm-holding, pull-out shelf for the printer. Enjoy cocktail hour? A pull-out shelf complete with Blum’s Pull-out shelf lock creates an instant no-wobble, no-spill bar surface.

stays firmly in place for as long as you like, even when you’re running an appliance such as a printer or food processor on it. It’s easy to operate too; you can lock and unlock the Pull-out shelf lock with one hand and in one smooth motion. SMO OTH OPER ATION For the ultimate in convenience, combine the Blum Pull-out shelf lock with BLUMOTION and TIP-ON BLUMOTION, which make opening and closing your pull-out a pleasure. With BLUMOTION, your pull-out shelf closes softly and effortlessly, no matter how hard you slam it. And with TIP-ON BLUMOTION, you simply touch the pull-out shelf to open it – no handle required. Blum products are backed up by rigorous research and testing, ensuring homeowners absolute peace of mind when using Blum products in their home.

E A SY TO US E With Blum’s Pull-out shelf lock, you never have to worry about the shelf wobbling or sliding back into the cabinet. Implemented with Blum’s MOVENTO and TANDEM full-extension runners, the two-sided lock engages securely on both sides when the shelf is extended so it

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kitchens

BATHROOMS

2 5

SOAK STARS Strong, colourful pieces bring personality to the bathroom.

7 15

1 Santa Maria Novella olive-oil soap, $33, from Libertine Parfumerie. 2 Fritz Hansen ‘Happy’ hook in Green Grey by Jaime Hayón, $107, from Cult. 3 Mosaic Collection ‘DLT90487 Tutte Le Pietra’ tiles, $26/305x305mm sheet, from Di Lorenzo. 4 ‘Fini’ sconces in mid-bronze, POA, from Articolo. 5 Honed and filled silver travertine, $450/square metre, from Signorino. 6 ‘Avalon’ ceramic vase in Navy, $375, ‘Electric Dreams’ ceramic vase in Sage, $240, and ‘Devo’ ceramic vase in Teal, $325, from Greg Natale. 7 Officine Universelle Buly ‘Alabaster Retour D’Egypte’ scented stone, $116, from Mecca. 8 1950s Artimeta mirror by Mathieu Matégot, POA, from Nicholas & Alistair. 9 Rabitti 1969 ‘Verona’ woven-leather basket, $3446, from Matchesfashion.com. 10 Sheridan ‘Luxury Retreat’ face washer, $24, hand towel, $37, bath towel, $59, and bath sheet, $109, and bath mat, $54, all in Vapour from Domayne. 11 Honed ‘Gardano’ quartzite, $770/square metre, from Artedomus. 12 Armac Martin ‘Sparkbrook’ furniture knob, $91, from Gregory Croxford Living. 13 Seashell and acrylic soap dish, $565, from 1stdibs. 14 ‘FS2’ freestanding basin mixer, POA, from Vola. 15 The Water Monopoly ‘Rockwell’ bath in Willow Green, from $12,690, from The English Tapware Company. 16 1959 Richard Ginori ceramic pedestal basin by Antonia Campi, POA, from Nicholas & Alistair.

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Builder M Hill Building. Wall finish Marmorino Venetian plaster by Idea Creations. Flooring Cabochon marble floor tiles from Aeria Country Floors. Vanity Custom-designed by Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture in two-pack polyurethane joinery in Resene ‘Double Alabaster’ and with Statuario marble top from Gitani Stone. Mirror Custom mirror. Basin Alape ‘Metaphor’ undercounter basin from ACS Bathrooms. Basin tapware Industrica wall-mounted tap set in Chrome from Brodware. Bath Moda ‘A-819’ inset bath from ACS Bathrooms. Bath tapware Industrica wall-mounted bath set in Chrome from Brodware. Showerhead Industrica shower set in Chrome from Brodware. Toilet Rona A98.75 toilet suite from Astra Walker. Towel rail Neu England double towel rail from Brodware. Accessories linen towels from Cultiver.

Photography DAVE WHEELER

I N T E R I O R

A RC H I T EC T

Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture

SMALL VICTORY [ Woollahra ] A N AW K WA R D LY S H A P E D space proved absolutely no impediment to interior architect Phoebe Nicol’s treatment of this petite terrace-house ensuite. Embracing its dimensions, she sought to highlight the room’s symmetry and features by having the walls rendered by hand in a Marmorino Venetian plaster. “This finish adds a subtle depth of texture and colour through the mineral variations in the plaster,” she says. Meanwhile, the more-pronounced patterns in the marble-topped vanity and the cabochon marble floor tiles complement and strengthen the material palette. A fan of mixing metals, Phoebe opted to use both chrome and brass fixtures throughout. Positioned perfectly in the centre of the space, a generously sized Brodware showerhead serves to deliver an unfailingly luxurious shower. What luxury items did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The Marmorino Venetian plaster and the Statuario marble: both work hard texturally.” phoebenicol.com

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AV-ID A RC H I T EC T

Cera Stribley Architects

ALL ROUNDER [ Toorak ]

Photography DEREK SWALWELL Styling NATALIE JAMES

Builder Leone Constructions. Joinery EC Joinery using American-walnut veneer with custom metalwork in Brushed Black Sapphire. Wall finish Portsea Grey honed limestone from CDK Stone (behind vanities), Vixel glass mosaics from Artedomus (rear shower wall) and Sairin glazed ceramic tiles in SAR3 Dark Warm from Artedomus (wall behind bath). Flooring 600 x 300mm honed-finish bluestone tiles from CDK Stone. Basin Omvivo ‘Venice’ solid-surface basin from Reece. Tapware Marble taps with custom metal finish in Black Brushed Sapphire from Wood Melbourne (basin) and Astra Walker Icon ‘A67.07.XS’ bath spout in Ice Grey from E&S (bath). Bath Agape DR ‘AVAS1090ZG’ freestanding bath in Terra Cruda ‘Dark Grey’ clay finish from Artedomus. Showerhead/tapware Astra Walker ‘Icon’ A69.11.AC.200 shower (overhead) in Ice Grey and A69.43.V2 shower in Ice Grey (rail shower) from E&S. Lighting Bomma CZ ‘Dark Star’ pendants from Spence & Lyda (over bath) and Apollo ‘Up Down’ wall lights (vanity) from Masson For Light. Towel hooks Astra Walker ‘Icon’ A67.63.V2 Icon towel hooks in Ice Grey from E&S.

I T S F L OW I NG , C U RVAC E OUS shape inspired interior designer Alice Villella’s approach to this Melbourne bathroom. “It was all about celebrating the room’s rounded walls and sculptural elements,” she says. “I didn’t want to crowd the space, but it was important that it feel warm and inviting.” She picked out a moody, tonal palette with luxe, textural finishes and fixtures to elicit the feeling of a high-end spa. Alice used a walnut veneer on the vanity and shaving cabinet for its warmth and grounding qualities – it’s a perfect counter to the cooler limestone and metals that are also at play in the room. Basin tapware from Wood Melbourne features the marble used on the walls as an inlay for yet another beautifully bespoke touch. What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The homeowners requested a large bath and since it takes up so much of the space, I chose the very striking Agape DR bath. I wanted a sculptural tub that would occupy the space in a beautiful way and complement the curved walls.” av-id.com.au; cs-a.com.au

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BATHROOMS Building architect CBG Architects. Builder Camillo Builders (Crema Group). Wall finish Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co ‘Areaborder Sai 88026’ kit-kat mosaics from Academy Tiles. Flooring ‘Volakis’ natural stone tiles from Signorino. Vanity ‘Volakis’ natural stone from Signorino. Mirror Custom mirror. Basin Duravit ‘Foster 43’ under-counter basin in White from E&S. Basin tapware Brodware ‘Minim’ wall set with 150mm spout in Brushed Nickel PVD. Bath ‘Seascapes’ marble bath in Glacier White from Apaiser. Bath tapware Brodware ‘Minim’ wall set in Brushed Nickel PVD. Showerhead/tapware Brodware ‘City Plus’ shower arm and rose in Brushed Nickel PVD. Towel rail Brodware ‘City Stik’ single towel rail in Brushed Nickel PVD.

A RC H I T EC T U R E

Tecture

IN TOP FORM [ Sandringham ]

A PE N T HOUS E DE M A N D S special rooms and this bayside Melbourne bathroom, designed by Ben Robertson of Tecture in collaboration with CBG Architects, achieves it through a less-is-more approach. “Being an internal space, we wanted to maximise any opportunities to obtain light and reflection,” says Ben. “As a penthouse on the top level, we were able to introduce skylights to the design and, referencing the mirrored curves in the home’s kitchen, we applied subtle radii to the cabinets.” What luxury items did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The luxury items we chose were focused on the subtlety of form in the interior architecture: the curved moment in the shower, and multiple skylights to ensure the space is filled with light. Both took precedence in the layout and design. The softness of the radial corners on the mirror tie the space neatly back in with the kitchen’s design.” tecture.com.au

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Photography SHANNON M C GRATH

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kitchens

BATHROOMS

I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N E R

Melanie Beynon Architecture & Design

BLUE NOTES [ St Kilda West ]

Builder Tykon. Joiner TT Cabinets & Design. Wall finish Inalco ‘Larsen’ tiles from Stonetile Industries. Flooring Living Ceramics Bera&Beren floor tiles in Light Grey ‘Natural’ finish from Stonetile Industries. Vanity/mirror Custom-designed vanity and mirror in Dulux ‘Prestige Blue’ with custom vanity legs by Daniel Barbera. Basin Omvivo ‘Venice’ countertop basin from Reece. Basin tapware Brodware ‘Neu England’ wall set in polished nickel PVD from E&S. Bath Gareth Ashton ‘Byron’ Matt ClearStone freestanding bath from Abey. Bath tapware Brodware ‘City Plus’ custom floor-mounted bath/hand shower diverter in polished nickel PVD from E&S. Showerhead/tapware Brodware ‘Neu England’ custom exposed shower set in polished nickel PVD from E&S. Towel rail Hydrotherm ‘Tube’ series towel rail from Mary Noall. Lighting ‘Swoop Arm’ chandelier (seen in mirror) from West Elm. Glo-Ball lamp from Flos. Accessories Ava Chalk throw from L&M Home. Iittala ‘Kuru’ vase from In Good Company.

THE ICONIC BEACHSIDE LOCATION of St Kilda is home to this double-storey Victorian terrace that has been restored to its former grandeur by architect and interior designer Melanie Beynon and her colleague, Alis Garlick. With its sweeping spans of marble, the master ensuite offers up a beautiful combination of classical style and contemporary design. “This room is the main feature of the first floor, with its high ceilings, restored fireplace, double shower and a double vanity accented with indigo blue joinery,” says Melanie. “These architectural details are accompanied by custom polished-nickel tapware and brass detailing.” What luxury items did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “Because the bathroom is very spacious, the scale of each item or zone could be quite generous, and this allowed us to use materials such as the large-format porcelain tiles. The custom-designed vanity legs by Daniel Barbera were chosen as a classic and elegant style that would be in keeping with the period of the home, but not be too bulky within the space – it’s about balancing the volumes.” melaniebeynon.com.au

Photography SHARYN CAIRNS Styling HILGAR DESIGN/ SANDFORD GRAY

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Doherty Design Studio

DECO DELIGHT [ Elwood ]

A N E X I S T I NG L E A D L IG H T W I N D OW was the key reference point for interior designer Mardi Doherty in her makeover of this Melbourne bathroom, achieved with colleague Michelle Evans. “Our aim was to create a peaceful sanctuary that links aesthetically to the home’s deco heritage, but with less visual theatre than the living spaces,” says Mardi. “Materiality and form were employed in opposing philosophies. The copper in the vanity and joinery is a contemporary form in a classic material, while the mirror cut-out in perforated copper sheet is a modern interpretation of deco embellishment.” What luxury items did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “Custom copper is used for detail – polished for drawer and cupboard pulls; aged and perforated for the joinery sheathing, detail and under-vanity storage. ‘Rosa’ marble tiles run floor-to-ceiling, with veining that echoes the tonality of both polished and aged copper details. The combination of these materials and fine detailing creates a sense of oldworld luxury worthy of the home’s proud heritage.” dohertydesignstudio.com.au

Photography DEREK SWALWELL Styling JESSICA LILLICO

Builder Bear Projects. Joiner Big Unit Kitchens. Wall finish ‘Rosa’ marble tiles from G-Lux with Mapei grout in Jasmine. Flooring ‘Glade’ porcelain tiles in Branco from G-Lux. Vanity ‘Rosa’ marble tiles from G-Lux with Mapei grout in Jasmine. Cabinetry in two-pack polyurethane finished in Dulux ‘White Duck’ with plain mill-finish copper sheet from George White (also used for mirrored cabinet). Mesh cover over light fitting in mirrored cabinet from Metal Mesh. Mirror Silver mirror from David Glass. Basin ‘Sanctum’ basin in Diamond White from Apaiser. Basin tapware ‘Arq’ wall mixer in Stainless Steel from Rogerseller. Bath ‘Sublime’ marble bath in Diamond White from Apaiser. Bath tapware Brodware ‘City Stik’ floor-mounted mixer in Chrome from E&S. Showerhead/tapware ‘Flow’ dual shower rail combination and ‘Arq’ shower mixer, both in Stainless Steel and Chrome from Rogerseller. Toilet Sfera wall-hung pan in White from Rogerseller. Towel rail DCS heated towel rail from Reece.

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Builder Charbord Group. Joiner Minerva Cabinets. Wall finish Custom Gregorius Pineo ‘Glint’ wall panels from Kneedler Fauchère, Los Angeles. Flooring ‘Santa Maria’ honed 450mm x 450mm directional stone tiles from Apex Stone. Vanity Custom by Minerva Cabinets in Impressions ‘Oyster Linea’ from Laminex. Mirror ‘DL MR17C’ Queen Anne mirrors from Dennis & Leen, Los Angeles. Basin Perrin & Rowe ‘Oval’ under-mounted porcelain basin in White from The English Tapware Company. Basin tapware Perrin & Rowe ‘Deco’ in Pewter from The English Tapware Company. Bath Devon & Devon ‘Celine’ reconstituted stone and resin bath in White from Studio Bagno. Bath tapware Perrin & Rowe ‘Deco’ in Pewter from The English Tapware Company. Showerhead/tapware Perrin & Rowe ‘Deco’ in Pewter from The English Tapware Company. Toilet Perrin & Rowe ‘Traditional’ wall-hung pan in White from The English Tapware Company. Towel rail Perrin & Rowe ‘Deco’ in Pewter from The English Tapware Company. Lighting Porta Romana ‘Blossom’ chandelier from South Pacific Fabrics. 1940s-style moulded glass leaf appliqué wall sconces from The Country Trader. Accessories Towels from Loom Towels. Blinds from Blinds by Peter Meyer.

I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N E R

Thomas Hamel & Associates

A WORLD APART [ Toorak ]

Photography MATT LOWDEN & PRUE RUSCOE

S T E PPI NG BAC K I N T I M E to an era when elegance reigned, this bathroom in Melbourne’s Toorak by Thomas Hamel & Associates shows what can be achieved when the net for design features, influences and finishes is cast far and wide. The undisputed stars in this traditional masterpiece hail from California, in the stately form of gold-framed Queen Anne mirrors sourced from Dennis & Leen and magnificent handmade glazed plasterwork wall panels by Gregorius Pineo that subtly shimmer in natural daylight or when the lights are on, thanks to intricate metallic-leaf lines. “Our client’s brief for her bathroom was to create a space of serenity – simple, elegant and opulent,” says Thomas Hamel, who worked on the project with his colleagues Carla Barton and Brendan Guy. “We focused on clean lines, luxurious textures and introduced details of antique brass to offset the fresh aesthetic.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The most luxurious item in this bathroom is its bespoke wall coverings, which are a textured plaster with a hand-applied metallic leaf in a gold-andsilver vein detail. These panels provide a sumptuous layer to this inner sanctum.” thomashamel.com

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THE OFFICE

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORKSPACE?

Le Salon Aux Fleur is a studio for our floral work where we prepare flowers for friends and clients’ homes, dinner parties and celebrations. We’re also open for locals to buy flowers and have a chat. WHAT INITIALLY APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT THE SPACE?

It used to be a cupcake shop. I couldn’t wait to darken it and strip the floor to a natural, aged, rose-coloured concrete. I wanted a home for my favourite Geddes mirror and 1930s spider-leg pendant. I also wanted it dark and romantic with a touch of theatre. DID IT REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT ALTERATION?

Garden scissors, Trudon candles and a written diary that I leave open every night on the next day’s page. We can’t go a day without soft wrap for flowers: baby blue, pastel pink, soft lemon and leopard print for the locals. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR SPACE? We are located in the beautiful Kings Arcade [in Armadale] which dates back to the 1800s. It’s a thoroughfare from the main road to the train station and is traditional, with shops and a glass roof. We wanted it to feel like a classic European salon, which it does. It’s the perfect fit. WHAT ARE YOUR DAILY ESSENTIALS?

Visiting clients’ homes to prepare their weekly flowers, client meetings and sales, designing concepts for events. WHAT WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY?

IS A DREAM WORKSPACE OBJECT YOU WOULD BUY?

I buy everything I stock. I have always been passionate about Cire Trudon candles. I also love Portuguese fragrance and soap brand Claus Porto, which I plan to carry at the store. DO YOU USE YOUR OFFICE TO ENTERTAIN CLIENTS? My friend, restaurateur Jason M. Jones, prompted me to set up the space next door as his French restaurant Bouzy Bar À Vins (co-owned with Brem Perera). At night we convert Le Salon Aux Fleurs into an intimate private dining room serving their cuisine. WHAT INFORMED THE DECISION TO OPEN YOUR SALON? The business evolved when I was on a break from working at the flower market. Scanlan Theodore asked me to do their flowers, followed by Graham Geddes Antiques and [restaurant] Entrecôte. I’d always loved working in shops. I ran a NY-style grocer in Fitzroy and bespoke framers Murdoch & Barclay. I grew up behind a greengrocer, hence the passion for retail. IF YOUR SALON WAS LOCATED ANYWHERE ELSE, WHERE WOULD THAT BE?

London, Paris, Rome or New York. I love older, bustling cities full of character. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2021? Hopefully another store filled with scents and perfumes, candles, books and vintage French pieces. Also some fashion, design and photography work. I’m excited to add more beautiful objects to the shop, such as vases by Mark Douglass, Italian gardening tools and scents from Middle Eastern brand Amouage. @le_salon_aux_fleurs

Steven Maccora

Coming up roses In an under-the-radar arcade, Steven Maccora’s Parisian-inspired salon is a florist by day and a private dining space by night. 178

Photography RHIANNON TAYLOR

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