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as it as simple as being stuck at home during this pandemic, or was it something else that triggered the current global obsession with table setting? Too long taken for granted, the dinner table has shifted into view as host of the new totems of style and indulgence: all of those superstar stacked plates, natty linens and napkins, filigree cutlery, and vessels overflowing with sculptural florals. It’s not even about the food anymore. My Instagram feed is crammed with tables dressed in everything from the most disciplined monotone, minimalist set-ups to joyous, kitschy, mismatched tabletops. I trawl cutlery sites constantly. My most recent interiors purchase was more plates (more plates!) – a set of entrée dishes adorned with lobsters, scallop shells and hand-painted parsley from The Boathouse Home (see page 153), which will take centrestage in my next round of table theatre. And it’s not just me. This month, we visited the tables of three other table-top obsessives (page 42) to indulge their individual table styles. Hope you enjoy the issue. Ready, set, go!

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Everyone loves the deck of this freshly renovated home MOST TA P P E D THIS MONTH

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INSIDE OUT | 7

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122

contents

May 2021 the cut 15

THE CUT Marimekko reissues some of its most iconic prints

NEWS The latest designs and finds you need to know about

DESIGN PROFILE: CONCREATIVE A snowboarding trip to

23 26 30 41 42

Canada introduced Matthew Touma to the magic of concrete INTELLIGENT THRIFTING Interiors expert Deborah Bibby styles her new boathouse pad in a sustainable way TREND STYLE Candy-coloured statement pieces TREND COLOUR Warm up your interiors with burnt sienna DESIGN PROFILE: GOLDEN Interiors duo Alicia McKimm and Kylie Dorotic balance aesthetics and functionality AT MY TABLE Three design aficionados share their interpretation of world’s hottest interiors trend — tablescaping

inside: homes & renovation 52

62 VIEW FROM THE TOP This striking Brisbane home was built with 72 82 90 102 110 116 118 120 122

MEMORY LANE Her wedding in rural Italy inspired designer

130

Chloe Matters’ renovation of her Sydney semi

134

family fun and relaxation in mind TEAM EFFORT A new build on the Mornington Peninsula has attracted much attention, both locally and overseas THE GREAT DIVIDE Separate spaces for living and entertaining were a priority when renovating this modernist home in Perth ORIGINAL SPIN Architect Lisa Rorich made the decision to restore, rather than renovate, her 1960s home in South Africa FRESH INK A Victorian-era weatherboard in Ballarat, Victoria, is given an update while carefully retaining its hallmark features BUDGET TO LUXE A tale of three different bathroom scenarios PROJECT LAUNCH How to plan a new bathroom COLOUR THEORY Going bold with your bathroom design BUYER’S GUIDE: BATHROOM TAPWARE What you need to know CLEAN BREAK Practical yet polished laundry looks GOLDEN RULES OF GREAT LAUNDRIES How to design your space SHOPPING: BEDROOM Update your sleeping quarters

138

153

144

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out: gardens, food & leisure 138 NEXT LEVEL How a Sydney courtyard became a guest magnet 144 COLLOCA IN THE KITCHEN Silvia Colloca’s Italian-inspired recipes 150 CHOC FULL Recipes that celebrate all things chocolate 153 DESIGN DESTINATION: THE BOATHOUSE ROSE BAY Inside

Sydney’s most colourful over-the-water eatery

regulars 20 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Subscribe for the chance to win one of

20 Thermomix prize packs, valued at more than $2500 each 154 LAST WORD Sculptural pieces in a palette of muted, earthy tones

on the cover 23 26 42 110 120 144

Expert Thrifting: Rescue, Reuse And Decorate The Style Source: 258+ Life-Changing Home Buys Why Napkins Are The New Black: Fashion Experts Set Their Tables Building Better Bathrooms & Laundries: From Budget To Luxe Buyer’s Guide: The Best-Ever Bathroom Taps Silvia Colloca In The Kitchen

cover look

Sydney interior designer Chloe Matters wanted a harmonious home — in colour and feel — and realised the way forward was there in her past. She took style cues from her white-washed wedding venue in Puglia and applied them to her Bondi semi, creating a beautiful family abode that’s become a timeless showpiece for her work. Check it out on page 52. Photography: Simon Whitbread Styling: Natalie Johnson

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BEST NEW HOME BUILD 2019: SYDNEY HOUSE BY RENATO D’ETTORE ARCHITECTS

HOME OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2021

BEST HOME RENOVATION 2019: SYDNEY HOUSE BY IAN MOORE ARCHITECTS

entries open! In association with Brickworks, Australia’s leading building-products company, we are thrilled to announce

THE 2021 INSIDE OUT | BRICKWORKS HOME OF THE YEAR AWARDS

BEST HOME RENOVATION 2019: SYDNEY HOUSE BY IAN MOORE ARCHITECTS

These awards celebrate the best homes across the nation and the professional teams that created them. We are seeking the most thoughtfully designed and beautifully ﬁnished projects, ones that embody the idea of ‘home’, highlighting sensitive design and the ability to create emotional spaces. We’re also looking for a clever use of materials and innovative treatment of light and space. The overall winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize (excluding GST)

PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ALEXANDER (RENATO D’ETTORE ARCHITECTS), RORY GARDINER (IAN MOORE ARCHITECTS)

Our six award categories are: + Best new home build + Best home renovation + Best sustainable project + Best use of material: BRICK + Best interior + The Inside Out BRICKWORKS Home Of The Year Entries close June 9, 2021, and the overall winner will appear in the August 2021 issue of Inside Out magazine HOW TO ENTER Contact InsideOutHOTY@aremedia.com.au to request an entry kit and submit entries by close of business on June 9, 2021. Email, dropbox and ﬁle transfer to InsideOutHOTY@aremedia.com.au. Conditions apply, see aremedia.com.au/competitions. Commenced 11/03/21. Ends 11:59 AEST/ AEDST on 09/06/21. AU residents 18+. This is a game of skill, not a game of chance. The Promoter is Are Media Pty Limited (ABN 18 053 273 546) of 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000.

Rules The ﬁrst ﬁve categories are open to landscape architects and designers, interior designers, interior architects and builders. They must have completed the residential property in the past three years. The Home Of The Year prize will be awarded to the overall winner, an architect, as judged by the Inside Out judging panel. T&Cs are housed at aremedia.com.au/competitions.

DESIGN | SHOP | PLACES | PEOPLE | SPACES

THE CUT strawberry f ields forever In celebration of its 70th birthday, Finnish design house Marimekko is reissuing iconic archive prints from the 1960s and ’70s. The collection features the brand’s signature joyful patterns, including textile designer Maija Isola’s playful Mansikkavuoret (strawberry mountains). Accessories start from $53. We can’t wait! marimekko.com/au_en/

THE CUT COMPILED BY ELIZA O’HARE

B O N N I E N EWS Australian textiles brand Bonnie & Neil has just launched a new collection called Olive. Riding the 1970s-revival wave, it juxtaposes rich colours and bold patterns. BONNIEANDNEIL.COM.AU

R I T U A L R E M E DY Step into the soothing space of Slow House, a new wellness studio in Sydney’s Bondi that enourages you to take a breath and engage mindfully in the practice of self-care. Treat yourself to the luxurious Signature Slow treatment. Much like a self-guided meditation, the 75-minute session invites you to take uninterrupted time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate. SLOWHOUSE.COM.AU

CHOOSE A SIDE This cute mat is made from waterproof, biodegradable foam perfect for crawling and general play. Measuring 2m x 1.4m, there’s a road map for toddlers on one side and an attractive, parent-friendly pattern on the other; $189.95.

POEM FOREST Red Room Poetry has a new initiative inviting young people to write poems inspired by the environment. For every poem entered, a tree will be planted at the Australian Botanic Garden to help save endangered plants and animals.

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WOV E N WON DE R Handmade entirely from recycled plastic, this tote bag from Mimmi Terra is practical and planetfriendly. Available in more than 10 great colours, the Amaretti (above) is our fave; $123. MIMMITERRA.COM

C U R AT E D LUNCH Crafted by Matt Moran has opened at Sydney’s Art Gallery of New South Wales, offering the perfect pit stop after a morning of art appreciation. Aligning with Matt’s culinary credo, the menu champions local and seasonal produce, plus an all-Australian wine list. Open for brunch and lunch Wednesday to Sunday. WORDS: MATILDA RINGROSE. PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMONE COTTRELL (POEM FOREST), LAUREN BAMFORD (BONNIE & NEIL), DAVE WHEELER (ADESIGN STUDIO), ARMELLE HABIB (GREENHOUSE). RODD YOUNG (CRAFTED), KURT TILSE (MATT MORAN PORTRAIT). STYLING: AISHA CHAUDHRY (GREENHOUSE). STYLING ASSISTANT: JESS RETALLACK (GREENHOUSE)

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MOU N TA I N HIGH Designed to replicate the silhouette of Austria’s Kaiser mountain range in Tyrol, home of Riedel, the new Altitude Matters decanter is priced at $1000. RIEDEL.COM

DREAM IN COLOUR Wander, the latest collection of bed linen from Greenhouse Interiors, captures the rich, vibrant palette of the Australian landscape. Created in collaboration with three artists, blush-pink hues meet brushes of dusty ochre and stunning sky blues. From $99 for a set of two pillowcases. GREENHOUSEINTERIORS.COM.AU

L I G H T SH OW Eon is the latest collection from the award-winning designers at A Design Studio, helmed by Alex Fitzpatrick. These ethereal orbs are finished in the studio’s signature crackled glass, casting a dreamy dappled glow. Available in four sizes from $500. ADESIGNSTUDIO.COM.AU

DOW N TO EA RTH Calm yourself with aromas from the bush, courtesy of Lumira’s Terra Australis candle. Its fresh notes of berry, tea and herbs dance together with patchouli and pine on a woody, smoky base for $70. ATELIERLUMIRA.COM

INSIDE OUT | 17

THE CUT

DESIGN PROFILE

concreative

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILLIP CASTLETON (PORTRAIT), WILLEM RETHMEIER, BRETT BOARDMAN, ANSON SMART, ROHAN VENN, MICHAEL WEE

Matthew Touma was in Canada on a snowboarding trip when he started to look at concrete in an entirely new way

WORDS LAURA BARRY

n unlikely series of events led chef Matthew Touma

to explore concrete as a design medium – and career. On a break from a 15-year work stint, he was in Canada snowboarding when he discovered the creative possibilities of the building material. “I was staying with a friend who had recently made a concrete benchtop for his kitchen, and every day after snowboarding we would sit at his bench, having a meal and talking into the evening. I loved to sit there,” he says. “The look and feel of it made me feel so grounded.” Back in Australia in 2009, Matt rented a small garage around the corner from his apartment and began researching concrete, teaching himself how to pour and polish it, and how to make formwork (the timber moulding frames). He then went on to become the founder of Concreative, an architectural concrete solutions firm that has gone from strength to strength since his first foray into design 12 years ago. Being self-taught has worked to Matt’s advantage. He wasn’t influenced by people who may have argued the limitations of concrete, and instead just saw endless creative possibilities for it. “I love how concrete looks; the colour and texture are so beautiful,” he says. “But there are challenges of course, such as supply chains, the weather, finding the best staff for the job – there are so many variables. We can do the same thing, the same way, on two different days and produce two completely different outcomes. But hard work and experience has put us in a position to deal with these issues, and be able to move through them successfully. We always find a way, even on the most challenging projects.” Indeed, Matt’s work is an ongoing labour of love. While timber and metal are base products that simply need to be constructed and refined, concrete requires the craftsman to create the base product first. Building the formwork, mixing the concrete, pouring, finishing and curing the material all present an opportunity for something to go wrong. “We take a lot of care to research each product we make, and to move with new technology as it becomes available,” he says. “We’re very lucky to have a number of interesting projects right now, both residential and commercial.” He’s talking about jobs the calibre of boutique gin distillery Four Pillars in Sydney’s Surry Hills, a luxe statement bar that proves just how versatile the medium is. This year, Matt plans to expand his creative repertoire and strengthen Concreative’s commitment to sustainability. “We’ve been working with a sustainability consultant on how we can put more practices in place when we move to our new headquarters in the middle of 2021. Currently, some components of our concrete, such as recycled glass products and silica fume, come from by-products of other industries. We also reuse as much of our formwork material as many times as possible to minimise our footprint. Moving into our new HQ will also give us more space to develop some of the ideas we’ve been working on with a couple of partners in the design industry. This year is shaping up to be quite exciting!” See more at concreative.com.au or @concreative

CLOCKWISE (from above) Kitchen island with curved soffit. Curved bench in a home by Sam Crawford Architects. Courtyard entry and capping beam at a Sydney home. Recessed lighting. Precast bar top and waterfall leg with brass inlay for Kuro bar in Sydney. Blue concrete and micro-cement bar at Four Pillars. Matthew in his studio. Off-form polished concrete staircase for Madeline Blanchfield Architects.

“We can do the same thing, the same way, on two different days and produce two completely different outcomes” MATTHEW TOUMA, CONCREATIVE

INSIDE OUT | 19

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THE CUT

SECONDS LIFE When interiors writer and stylist Deborah went to live in her dream boathouse north of Sydney, it came furnished with the basics so she only brought a few things with her and added key vintage or recycled pieces. (Right) Her moodboard and amber Maison Balzac carafe catching the early-morning light.

intelligent thrifting This new approach to blending old and new is all about decorating stylishly and sustainably. Interiors expert Deborah Bibby opens the door to this smart way of thinking

here’s a return right now – and about time, too

– to authenticity, honesty, comfort, good design and things you can trust, such as handcrafted designs using natural materials. People are more conscious. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened our eyes to the need for more sustainable shopping, and a life more in harmony and rhythm with nature. To that end... Last year, I decided to rent out my Sydney house (with everything left in it) and take up the offer to live in a boathouse on Sydney’s Pittwater, right at the water’s edge – a little dream I’ve had all my life. The boathouse was already furnished with the basics. I took my laptop, one treasured painting by New York artist Jessica Falstein, a few photographic prints, some of my favourite linens and a suitcase of clothes for the year-long adventure (maybe two years now – I’m loving it so much).

With all of us being homebodies for most of 2020, it was the perfect work-from-home base. Of course, I wanted to add my own interior touch to the place, but I also wanted to be resourceful and smart and not buy a whole pile of new furniture. What I did invest in were two beautiful Eames chairs I bought at a friend’s sale for a few hundred dollars (bargain!) and a number of key pieces from Avalon’s best-kept secret, Composition By Office Elias. The rest I either foraged at my local Salvos store, was gifted to me by the neighbours, was washed up outside my boathouse or recycled in some way. Beauty is more than skin deep when it comes to interiors. Combining stylish sustainability, whether that’s with thrift-store finds or reusing what you have, and adding a key ‘designer’ piece of provenance or a contemporary modern piece gives a space confidence, depth and balance. That mix of eras and styles

TEXT AND STYLING DEBORAH BIBBY PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID GUBERT

INSIDE OUT | 23

$2000, except for a beautiful, original 1960s designer sofa, equals magic. Adding a hero design item is like adding a coffee table, armchair and headboard. I sourced large, original, gorgeous designer shoe to an affordable outfit. If the shoe is era-appropriate timber frames (over a few weeks) and framed beautiful you can get away with murder. fashion tear sheets from magazines to give the place a current I’ve always had a magpie instinct. It’s so rewarding, and the vibe while adding an element of fun. The vases, lamps and other thrift pieces are often one-off finds as opposed to mass-produced homewares I placed there were all sourced from the Salvos. ‘stuff’. Having said that, I have found the odd mass-produced item in Salvos, and if it saves another 2 Relationships are key, so you receive piece going to landfill, the joy of giving a heads-up when good pieces hit the “Thrift shopping saves something ‘crappy’ another life feels like floor. Get to know the shopkeepers and another piece from going beating the system – ha! Most of all, I’m owners and they might clue you in to landfill, and the joy of drawn to soulful, timeless pieces (things ahead of the others. with a history and a narrative) or pieces giving something ‘crappy’ 3 Look at the material of the piece. Is it that transcend trends. But if something is solid timber, brass, leather, pottery? Turn another life feels like a little wacky, unique or out there and it upside down and inside out. The most beating the system” you fall for it, grab it. Sometimes it is that important tip I can give is to always look item that can make a space sing. for good quality, and items that have a story to tell. Having an ‘eye’ is everything in the interiors world, even 4 Look for simple lines and curves in pieces. Imagine you are when foraging. It helps you pick the gems, but I do have a few shopping for sculpture. tips and design secrets to help you hunt out that bargain or 5 In regards to the more expensive items, never splurge on swoon-worthy piece. Here goes: anything that doesn’t make you swoon – or at least increases your heartbeat. 1 It takes time, so make sure you are looking in all of the (right) places, all of the time. Be passionate in the hunt. I run into my 6 I own pieces I’ve had for 25 years, which have stood the test local Salvos every time I pass by in case I find a gem for an of time. Some are meaningful; others practical. Lighting is one interior project. One 1960s-style four-bedroom house I styled of those, and it’s a great practical investment because lights can for an Airbnb was close to entirely sourced from the Salvos for go with you anywhere, especially accent lights (see my little 24 | INSIDE OUT

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PRICELESS STYLE Deborah mixed her own fabrics and sheepskins with existing pieces and foraged greenery and dried palms, using logs for side tables and a washed-up plank for dining-table displays. Her 1960s armchairs (around fire pit) are by Rohe Noordwolde and the Wegner print (right) is from Composition By Office Elias. Office table and tiled table, Salvos. Vases, Sarah Ellison and Dinosaur Designs.

designer kitchen lamp against the pink-tiled wall). This could be the piece that changes a room instantly with its gentle glow. 7 Take the road less travelled and look into the following: Salvos Stores, Vinnies, Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, weekend markets, antique stores, vintage stores and makers direct. You’ll find treasures at all those places. 8 When looking for vintage furniture on eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, don’t be specific with your searches. Use unique word combinations related to what you’re after, for example, ‘handmade’ or ‘handcrafted’ and pop in two material combinations, such as timber and leather, and you’ll get more choice. Shopping on Instagram, you need to be very specific and follow particular designers or hashtags. Make sure you have notifications switched on so you can act quickly. 9 Choose your pieces well. That means items that resonate with you, that are personal and that you will love forever. Be brave! Going forward, sustainable living and shopping – whether that means recycling, upcycling or supporting brands that care about making products that will last a lifetime – should become a way of life for all of us. If you haven’t started to already, make the most of sources that are local to you and remember, almost every suburb across Australia has a Salvos or Vinnies store. The journey of improving your home is one of the best things you can undertake. Have confidence in your style, forget the trends, trust your heart and create an interior designed to last and feel like home.

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16 15

TREND STYLE

candy

Lolly-coloured statement pieces that sweeten the mood

10 9 14

1 Stripe pendant light in Caramel, $1500, Daniel Emma. 2 Playa quilt, $800, Lucy Folk. 3 Helle Mardahl ‘Bon Bon’ glass plate, $375, Matchesfashion. 4 Jardan Editions x Yeend ‘Sugarpill’ candle, $260, Jardan. 5 Wittmann Miles pouf, from $2275, Domo. 6 Two Wave glasses in Amber, $69, Fazeek. 7 Vase Versa bud vase in Pink and Melon, $120, Makers’ Mrkt. 8 Pebble rug in Natural (200cm x 300cm), $4500, Jardan. 9 Helle Mardahl ‘Bonbonniere’ glass jar, $472, Matchesfashion. 10 Flare tall candlestick in Yellow, $88, Hay. 11 Patricia Urquiola ‘Glas Italia Shimmer’ side table, $3765, Space Furniture. 12 Danielle Rickaby ‘Rock Candy’ vase in Green, $155, Jam Factory. 13 River Stone resin vase in Shell Pink, $95, Dinosaur Designs. 14 Mima stoneware vase in Natural, $59, Domayne. 15 Ligne Roset ‘Plumy’ armchair, from $3675, Domo. 16 The Kemp cushion in Blush Pink and Olive, $80, Kitaboodle.

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COMPILED BY NATALIE JOHNSON

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3 4

1 5 17 6

TREND COLOUR

burnt sienna

Warm autumnal tones to keep you grounded all year 7 8

9 14 11 13

12 10

1 Hay ‘Tulou’ table in Rust Red, $358, Wallpaper Store. 2 Tea cup and saucer, $107, Mud Australia. 3 Northern Territory framed print, $1590, Kara Rosenlund. 4 Bomma ‘Pendulum’ pendant light, from $1150, Spence & Lyda. 5 Avenue throw in Rust, $295, In The Sac. 6 Taubmans Endure interior paint in Toffee Apple, $72.90 per 4L, Bunnings. 7 Small carafe, $100, Mud Australia. 8 Alvar Aalto vase in Cranberry, $349, Iittala. 9 Sequence bench seat, $1870, Coco Flip. 10 Double Tuck felt basket in Tomato, $269, Blu Dot. 11 Coral Shag rug (200cm x 300cm) in Tabasco, $3720, Designer Rugs. 12 Sony ‘XB12 Extra Bass’ portable bluetooth speaker in Red, $89, Harvey Norman. 13 Cement Library red tiles, $121 per sq m, Earp Bros. 14 Le Creuset casserole dish in Cerise Red, $640, David Jones. 15 Linen queen quilt set in Rust, $425, In The Sac. 16 Connect Modular sofa, from $4898, Muuto. 17 Bowie cushion in Rosewood, $240, Jardan.

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COMPILED BY NONCI NYONI

Rest easy with the ultimate in Australian-made and designed furniture and mattresses in your home. From mattresses to pillows crafted using quality materials, you’re guaranteed year-round support and comfort.

EVERY SEALY mattress is handcrafted right here in Australia using the ﬁnest materials and latest innovation. The Sealy Posturepedic® mattress comes with a 10 year guarantee.

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ABOVE Sealy Posturepedic® Exquisite™ Hammond Medium Queen Mattress $2699; Harrison Queen Bed (featured in ‘Natural’ stain) $1799; Luxe 2-Drawer Bedside Table $499; Sealy Memory Rest Traditional Pillow $279ea; Loxton Cushion $59.95, European Pillowcase $69.95ea and Runner $199.95 in Navy. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

FIVE STAR LUXURY The Beautyrest Black® is more than just a bed – it’s an escape. Made right here in Australia, Beautyrest Black® mattresses are a combination of quality, durability and state-of-the-art technology. They bring together a harmonious balance of divine comfort and temperature-balancing properties with decadent support and a luscious feel. Topped with a Silk Aircool™ Quilt for improved mattress airﬂow and breathability, a more consistent night’s sleep is yours for the taking. While Kulkote Carbon helps to maintain ideal sleeping temperature, plush Dreamfoam adds a luxurious sense of comfort, extra support and a silky feel, and a Triple Helix Micro Pocket Coil system delivers optimal support, better durability and greatly minimised partner disturbance. The Beautyrest Black® mattress comes with a 10 year warranty.

ABOVE Beautyrest Black® Medici Plush Queen Ensemble $4499; Beautyrest Black® Memory Foam Standard Pillow $349ea; Rialto 1-Drawer Bedside Table in Oak $449; Urchin Pendant Light 50cm $475. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

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H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

ON A SLEEPMAKER® MATTRESS, you can sleep soundly in the knowledge that you are helping support local businesses for years to come – just as surely as they are supporting your perfect night’s sleep. As one of the few mattress-makers in Australia to manufacture their own springs and foam right here at home, they’ve remained passionate over the decades about taking the ﬁnest materials our country has to offer, and turning them into the best night’s sleep for all Australians. Available from single to super king, the SleepMaker® Arizona Deluxe boasts Natural Silk Fibres and an Ultra Fresh treatment for breathability and hypoallergenic protection, perfect for those with asthma or allergies. Graphene and Fusion Gel combined with Climatex® Quilt and Memory Foam also deliver sumptuous cushioning for superior balance and pressure relief. The SleepMaker® mattress comes with a 10 year warranty.

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ABOVE SleepMaker® Arizona Deluxe Firm Queen Mattress $2299; Emmett Queen Bed $1499; Beautyrest Celsius Gel Infused Pillow – Classic Mid $249ea; L’Avenue Summer Cushion $29.95 and Throw $49.95 in Rust; Chicago 1-Drawer Bedside Table in White $649ea; Portsea 701 Medium Rug (160cm x 230cm) in Buff $529; Baloo Pendant 46cm $435. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

HAND-MADE TO ORDER A ﬁfthgeneration family business, A.H. Beard has been in Australian bedrooms for more than 121 years. With local manufacturing and premium design at their core, the A.H. Beard brand has been keeping the art of mattress-making alive in Australia. When you choose an A.H. Beard mattress, not only are you investing in a good night’s sleep but you’re also supporting their 400-strong team of employees across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart. Available in a range of sizes, the King Koil Bellagio II Firm Ensemble pictured here offers luxurious Natural Fibre blend quilting featuring Cashmere, to help naturally regulate temperature. Gel-Infused Latex, Memory Foam and Micro-Comfort coils provide pressure relieving comfort, while King Koil’s Reﬂex Platinum support system responds to each person’s unique size and shape to deliver the individual level of support they need. The King Koil mattress comes with a 10 year guarantee.

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BELOW King Koil Platinum Posture Bellagio II Firm Queen Ensemble $3699; Pure Linen Queen Quilt Cover Set in Olive $199; Pure Linen Pair of European Pillow Cases in Linen $59.95; Savannah Cushion $29ea; Boho 2-Drawer Bedside Table $499ea; Dakota Natural Ceramic Lamp $129ea, Java Large Rug (180cm x 270cm) in Natural $449. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

JUST PERFECT The luxurious Body Balance Memory Foam mattress is designed to provide the perfect balance between comfort and support, as well as excellent pressure relief. The premium-quality Body Balance Memory Foam cradles the curves of your body while evenly distributing bodyweight for a more comfortable sleep. Individual contouring results in minimal partner disturbance and a more restful sleep through the night. On the outside, the Cool-To-Touch fabric provides an instant cooling effect on the skin to assist in falling asleep more quickly. The Body Balance mattress also features adaptive temperature-regulating technology, which helps keep you cool and dry for optimal sleeping comfort. Body Balance is proudly designed and made in Australia by A.H. Beard. The Body Balance mattress comes with a 15 year warranty.

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BELOW Body Balance Lotus 30cm Plush Queen Mattress $3899; Designer Series Memory Foam Medium Pillow $149ea; Westbury Queen quilt cover set $169; L’Avenue Summer Cushion in Charcoal $29.95ea; Adamson Queen Bed (featured in ‘Aged Smoke’ stain) $2399; Adamson Bedside Table $1199ea; Visconti Large Rug (200cm x 285cm) in Camel $849. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

All bedding products at Harvey Norman are carefully curated to include a wide selection of Australian-made manchester. An unwavering commitment to quality products and thoughtful, classic design all help to keep you sleeping comfortably for longer.

ABOVE Herington All Seasons Wool Queen Quilt $249.95; Natura Clima Ingeo Pillow $89; Herington High & Firm Pillow $44.95; Herington Low & Firm Pillow $44.95; Bambi Australian Made Wool Blanket in Wool Plaid Light Double/Queen size $479.

SHOP ONLINE OR AT YOUR LOCAL STORE HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278 Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Advertised prices are valid at NSW stores only. Prices may vary between states due to additional freight costs. Selected products are available in store only. Promotion ends 30/06/21.

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DESIGN PROFILE

golden A delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality defines this duo’s solid success

PHOTOGRAPHY: NICOLE ENGLAND (VIKTORIA & WOODS). ARTWORK BY SEPIDEH ILSLEY (TOP RIGHT)

licia McKimm and Kylie Dorotic had a clear vision of

what they wanted to achieve when they started Golden in 2013, after a decade of working in some of Melbourne’s most respected interior-design studios. “We wanted to create contemporary, timeless, functional spaces that are deeply felt, and to build a business focused on great work and client relationships,” says Alicia. “Golden is about a feeling. It describes a space that is harmonious, resolved and makes you feel good. You walk in and it just feels right. It functions well, it’s aesthetically beautiful and it’s not over-designed.” What sets Golden apart is its reductionist approach. The team review and eliminate elements within a design that don’t serve a true purpose, ensuring the final result enhances the quality of life for the user. “We question and challenge why everything is there,” says Alicia. “We want to ensure everything has a purpose.” This dedication to excellence has earned Golden recognition from its peers. In 2016, the studio won the Emerging Interior Design Practice gong at the Australian Interior Design Awards, and were shortlisted for Designer Of The Year in the 2020 Interior Design Excellence Awards. Stand by for more, especially with their understanding of evolving workplaces in the COVID era. “We love that people are paring back their purchases, and the spaces they live and work in,” says Alicia. “People have become more engaged with their personal space because they’ve spent a lot of time in it and used it in different ways – to live, work, study, exercise and so much more.” Fortunately, the Golden team have always prioritised the improvement of everyday life through their work. “We predict an even greater focus on health and wellbeing, with residential and commercial spaces designed to be places of calm and retreat,” says Kylie. “We believe design should be clever and intriguing, and offer an element of surprise or discovery.” See more at designbygolden.com.au or @designbygolden WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY SHARYN CAIRNS

CLOCKWISE (from top left) The Seen Skin salon in Prahran and this Brighton home are two of Golden’s greatest hits. Designers Kylie Dorotic, at left, and Alicia McKimm also devised the Viktoria & Woods boutique at Westfield Doncaster (left) as well as the V&W Chadstone store. An ethereal capture of the Brighton home (below).

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at my table

The biggest trend in global interiors is the art of tablescaping – the creation of your own abundant, exquisitely set and insouciantly mismatched table. We invited three of our favourite entertaining aficionados – Alyce Tran, Pip Vassett and Victoria Collison – to share their tabletop styles and sources

STYLING JESSICA HANSON PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS COURT FLOWERS SOPHIA KAPLAN CREATIVE DIRECTION MIA DAMINATO

STYLING ASSISTANT: ALEX JOHNSON. HAIR AND MAKE-UP: ELSA MORGAN, USING LA MER, ZOEVA, CHANEL AND FENTY. JEWELLERY (WORN BY ALYCE), CARTIER

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FLOWER GIRL Alyce Tran welcomes her guests with a beautifully set table and cushioned Thonet chairs.

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ALYCE TRAN

GIRLY BRUNCH Alyce is a former corporate lawyer whose love of a party table inspired the launch of affordable tableware company In The Roundhouse, with her friend Brooke Bickmore. What is your idea of a perfect table?

One with a lot of colour, something special my guests haven’t seen before, and really delicious food ready to be served. Name one thing you can’t stand at your table

Oh, it’s got to be bottle caps on the table. What is the greatest extravagance for your table?

Always plenty of flowers! Do you have a starting point for creating a great table?

Naturally, my starting point is always deciding which plates I would like to use on the table, then I work from there. How do you collect your tableware?

What is your favourite colour palette?

White, pink and green. With flowers on the table, do you like them high or low?

Definitely low, so you don’t have to get rid of them to have a conversation! intheround.house OPPOSITE Ciao Bella green-bordered and Grazie Mille purple-bordered bone-china plates, $29 each; larger Ciao Bella plate, $35; small pink-bordered and green-bordered side plates, $80 for set of four; white shell bowl (containing strawberries, part of a party box), $189.95 for the set; scalloped-edge placemat, $129.95 for set of four; napkins in Multi Colour, $49.95 for set of four; and tablecloth, $150, all from In The Roundhouse. Volute glass platter in Pink (containing nougat), $129; Coucou carafe in Clear, $129; and Grand Galet candleholder in White, $49, all Maison Balzac. Wave glasses in Pink, $69 for two, Fazeek. Hay ‘Flare’ candleholder in Pink, $45.95, Finnish Design Shop. Two-tone pink/green and pink/blue candles, $35 for set of two, P Johnson. Egg-shaped glass candy dishes in Pink Punch (top) and Milky Rose, $383* for set of two, Helle Mardahl. Aeyre eight-piece ceramic and stainless-steel cutlery set in Pastel, $99, Reliquia Collective. Penny Round double-piped velvet cushions in Lilac and Ice Grey, $79 each (with inserts), Castle. Champagne coupes in Green and Clear, stylist’s own. PREVIOUS PAGE Branch resin vase in Shell Pink, $140; Skipping Stone resin vase in Blood Orange, $170; Liquid resin vase in Snow Swirl, POA; Pearl resin vase in Blood Orange (also above), POA; and Pebble resin vase in Shell Pink, $150, all Dinosaur Designs. Other items (as before).

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* CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING

It’s a process. I like to continually add interesting pieces in different shapes and colours, but I figure I can always get things to match based on colours working together.

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PIP VASSETT

RELAXED LUNCH Overseeing her homewares brand, In Bed, Pip has minimalist tendencies that extend to her own table, where handmade pieces and natural style rules. What is your idea of a perfect table?

One with an abundance of good food, wine and people! Name one thing you can’t stand at your table

Any stiff table linen or napery. I prefer a natural setting, in case you couldn’t tell. What is the greatest extravagance for your table?

Usually the wine, but also a few beautiful statement pieces such as our Walk In The Park bowl stand or our Henry Wilson brass candleholder. Do you have a starting point for creating a great table?

Probably the time of year and the guests. For summer with friends, it would be about grazing plates and being inside with all the doors open. For winter, we’d light the fire and create a cosy atmosphere with candles and slow-cooked dishes. How do you collect your tableware?

I’m lucky because I can source our brands and buy them for our store, then steal them for home! What is your favourite colour/material palette?

It’s always earthy – terracotta or clay, undyed linen, timber and hints of brass. With flowers on the table, do you like them high or low?

Low but abundant. I love lots of flowers, but no one likes peeking around vases to have a conversation. inbedstore.com 46 | INSIDE OUT

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Lagos del Mundo glazed stoneware plates, $160 for set of four; glazed stoneware bowls, $190 for set of four; hand-blown glass tumblers, $75 for set of four; Walk In The Park ‘Swamp Totara’ pedestal bowl, $440, and platter, $170; Henry Wilson ‘Almendres’ brass candleholder, $245; Tara Burke speckled vase in White, $190, and black vase (on console), $370; and linen tablecloth, from $110, and napkins, $40 for set of four, all from In Bed. Small green vase, $38.50, Wingnut & Co. Muller Van Severen cutlery in Brass, POA, Spence & Lyda. Louis Poulsen ‘PH 4/3’ pendant light, $1160, Cult. The Magician artwork by George Raftopoulos, clear vase and large white vase, all Pip’s own. OPPOSITE Tara Burke stoneware mini-vase with Gold Lustre (next to speckled vase), $100, In Bed. All other items (as before).

VICTORIA COLLISON

GARDEN-INSPIRED DINNER A longstanding fashion editor of Vogue Australia, Victoria now sources decorative objects for her pop-up stores and website. Her love of fashion, interiors, design, art and travel are all combined in one serendipitous tabletop for Inside Out. Describe your table-decorating style?

I love planning a table, whether that’s a relaxed setting outside in the courtyard or a more formal table in the dining room. I actually prefer dinner, as to me it has more of a sense of occasion – especially when it’s candlelit. I love entertaining in a low-key way, as it is a bit like planning a photoshoot (gathering all the elements to see what works best). I like to mix vintage and contemporary pieces, for a more individual look as opposed to anything too generic. My table setting often ends up being more ‘set’ as it’s the process that I enjoy. Can you share your style inspo?

I get inspiration from many sources, such as artworks, ﬁlms, design books and, most of all, from travelling. I am not locked into any particular style. I love mixing up styles, including decorative English, Mediterranean and Deco. What is your idea of a perfect table ?

Name one thing you can’t stand at your table

Gold cutlery – and tricky napkins. How do you collect your tableware?

Mainly when travelling – ﬂying home with candlesticks, bowls and jugs on my lap. I love going to antique fairs and markets, seeking one-off pieces. I have some antique English pieces from my mother and uncle that I love to mix with more contemporary items. I go for an eclectic mix. What is your favourite colour palette?

More often than not, green is involved. This table is a pale grey/lilac cloth with forest green napkins and dark red/deep purple ﬂowers. Or I like a dark cloth with pale ﬂowers. And a plain colour in the dining room; a colourful print outside. victoriacollison.com

* CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING

There should be a lot to look at. Flowers are all-important. I like more romantic ones as opposed to anything too sculptural.

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Handpainted green-bordered ceramic plates by Gavin Houghton, $220 each; Bobble side plates (on plates), POA; Carron small footed bowl (containing blueberries), $155; green swirl bowl (containing figs), POA; French 20-piece stainless-steel cutlery set in Dark Green, $128; Murano glasses with dots in Green, $34 each; Murano glass bottle with stopper in Green, $100; Puglian candlesticks, $185 and $295; Italian ceramic acorn vase, POA; lacquered taper candles in Forest Green, $10 each; 19th-century French linen napkins in Green, $280 for set of seven; Swedish linen tablecloth, $310, all from Victoria Collison. Glass bud vase (part of a set of six), $113*, Petersham Nurseries. Astier de Villatte ‘Rocaille’ vase, bowls (containing plums) and plate (with cake), 1940s English wine glasses and cake stand, all Victoria’s own. Vintage picture frames from Arezzo antiques market in Italy. OPPOSITE (top right) Vera Wang ‘Grosgrain’ silver cake server (part of a set with cake knife), $139, Wedgwood. All other items (as before).

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INSIDE raw power

A renovated Sydney semi enjoys the full designer treatment

Interior designer Chloe Matters loves using natural and tactile materials to set the tone in her projects. She practiced what she preaches in the main bathroom of her family’s Federation home, pairing a rugged Tadelakt plaster wall finish with pristine white surfaces and shadowy black detail. It sets a simple, clean and classic standard for what Chloe has accomplished throughout. Turn the page for more details.

PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON WHITBREAD

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MEMORY LANE Chloe Matters transformed her small Sydney semi into a gorgeous family home by trawling through some very personal design references and literally plastering them on the walls WORDS CHRIS PEARSON PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON WHITBREAD

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CHEAT SHEET Who lives here Chloe Matters, an interior designer; her husband Adrian Oddi, a real-estate agent; and their two young children: Oscar, three, and Mimi, one. Style of home A Federation semi in Sydney’s Bondi, extended and renovated to become a three-bedroom contemporary home with three bathrooms and two living areas. The renovation cost approximately $$$$ $750,000, excluding furniture and artwork.

LIVING AREA An artwork with a lot of movement enhances this rear space’s neutral palette. Custom sofa, Tow And Line. Coffee table, Barefoot Gypsy. Moa Grey herringbone braided rug, Miss Amara. Painting by Oliver Wagner, through Sarah Cottier Gallery. KITCHEN (opposite) Chloe in her new kitchen, featuring Dulux White Duck on the full-wall cupboard doors and a Polytec laminate called Ravine Maison Oak elsewhere. The benchtop is Caesarstone Cloudburst Concrete.

“My style is using raw and tactile materials to create a calm, soothing atmosphere” CHLOE MATTERS, INTERIOR DESIGNER/OWNER

er own magical wedding in an Italian masseria

[country house] among the olive groves, complete with white plaster walls and bleached timbers, inspired interior designer Chloe Matters in the renovation of her Sydney semi. And every time she turns her key in the door, the happy memories come flowing back. Yet these serene rooms belie the home’s chaotic rebirth. In late 2019, on the day Chloe and her husband Adrian Oddi settled on the Bondi property, she was heavily pregnant, already with a toddler, and setting up her own business – the perfect time to start demolishing a wall! Patience, she admits, is not one of her virtues, so she literally took matters into her own hands. What followed was a whirlwind eight months, which included the arrival of her second child as she steered the home’s transition and made a major change to the plans along the way. When the couple bought the two-storey Federation home, it was a mishmash of additions and alterations. “Not one thing was consistent,” Chloe explains. “The previous owner was a builder and had added bits here and there, such as odd cornices and skirtings, and panelling in some rooms but not in others, without thinking of the bigger picture.” Instead, she wanted a family-friendly home with a smooth flow. “Storage and the usability of spaces, especially in the kitchen and laundry, was crucial,” she says. “It needed to have at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs as having the kids close to us at night was key. We also wanted a second living space, to double as a study.” In the end, they moved walls in every room, bar one, with the exception of a bedroom near the front door, although that was repurposed, switching places with a sitting room/study on the first floor to fulfil that need for three upstairs bedrooms. Keeping largely within the existing footprint, Chloe moved the

54 | INSIDE OUT

LIVING AREA (above) Chloe designed the cabinetry with a finish by Venetian Plaster Sydney. iSpace Solutions built it, and the sandstone piece under the EcoSmart fire is from Gather Co. Wall colour, Dulux White Exchange Half. Artwork by Danica Firulovic. HALLWAY (above left) Rounding off the storage cupboard was a stroke of genius as it opens up the passage to the living areas. The Contemporary Plaster LED wall lights are from Lighting Collective. Runner, Grounded Rugs.

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

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1 Entrance 2 Sitting room 3 Bedroom 4 Family bathroom 5 Laundry 6 Kitchen 7 Dining area 8 Living area

16 11 12

9 Deck 10 Pool 11 Bedroom 12 Bathroom 13 Bedroom 14 Ensuite 15 Main bedroom 16 Walk-in wardrobe

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good news Chloe’s renovation included a number of environmentally friendly innovations, including double glazing, hydronic heating, a bioethanol fireplace, and using recycled bricks and timber.

stairs from the living area at the rear to opposite the kitchen in line with the hallway, which, as with most semis, forms the home’s backbone. Meanwhile, although not on the original plans, she decided to extend the first-floor main bedroom suite. “Heavily pregnant mid-renovation, I decided to enter a manhole into the ceiling to check out the space,” she says. “The builders loved me! So, halfway through the project we extended the main bedroom into the roof at the front to create a walk-in wardrobe.” And in pursuit of simplicity, she removed all the cornices, skirtings and architraves and replaced the original windows front and back. For the interior design, Chloe’s inspiration came from the couple’s white wedding in Puglia, southern Italy. “I immediately felt at ease in that country house. It was clean and simple yet so tactile, created through layers of texture, not colour or pattern. The white textured walls and oak timbers played off the surrounding olive groves, with their gnarled trunks and sandstone outcrops. I am naturally drawn to tonal colours derived from natural elements, like stones, olive trees and water,” she says. Chloe also tapped into the work of her muse, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen. “I use pure tones and textures to develop a timeless interior. For me, it’s about the feeling when you enter a space – the tactility, the light and the use of natural elements, which creates a sensuality and a connection. Van Duysen does this beautifully.” The potpourri of finishes Chloe eventually settled on includes traditional Tadelakt lime waterproof plaster (see box on the final page), sandstone, hardwood floors, exposed timber beams, hand-treated joinery finishes and stone-hued paints. “All these materials have an organic shape or texture and generate an emotional response,” she says. Now, as the mother of two children, Chloe admits that her favourite furniture pieces not only have clean profiles, they are very practical. “I love my Tigmi Trading dining table and chairs, and my sofa. They are tactile, simple, stunning designs that will stand the test of time and trends – and hopefully my kids!” Find Chloe Matters’ work at chloematters.com or @chloematters LIVING AREA (top) This is the left side of the fireplace. Vase, Barefoot Gypsy. Art piece (on wall), The Visuals. KITCHEN (left) Wilton door pulls from Mother Of Pearl & Sons go with the new black metal window. Wall light, Est Lighting. Linen rug, Coppola Home. Flooring and stair treads, whitewashed Cypress pine. DINING (opposite) The Organic round table and Pierre Jeanneret chairs from Tigmi Trading are Chloe’s favourites. Cosydar raffia pendant, Smallable. Leather cone pendants (above bench), Bisque Traders.

56 | INSIDE OUT

Chloe’s kitchen design tips Functionality is key in a kitchen. I design with a place in mind for everything from the outset (such as a spice rack to hang on the inside of some pantry doors). Storage is crucial, so I design my kitchens with low drawers instead of cupboards, so you don’t have to bend over to find things and can easily access everything from above. In every kitchen, I include: + A dishwasher and bin on either side of the sink + Ample bench space on either side of the sink and cooktop + Hidden space for electrical items + A golden triangle design, with the oven, fridge and sink at the points of the triangle + Bench space to load and unload the fridge + Powerpoints in several locations.

lessons learnt “TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS WITH DESIGN AS YOUR FIRST CHOICE IS USUALLY RIGHT” CHLOE MATTERS, DESIGNER/HOMEOWNER

“Don’t be in a hurry to start your renovation. Take time to get the design right and gather quotes before you start. However, time was not on my side in this case, so I changed some things on the go, which is a budget no-no. In general, you should always work out where to save money and where to splash. If a quote comes back too expensive, ask questions, because if you understand how the trades propose to build something and with what materials, there could be a cheaper way to achieve the same effect. Then, make sure you brief your trades with visuals so they understand your vision. And remember, contrary to what many people think, reclaiming hardwood floors and staining them is usually harder than laying new flooring.”

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HOME OFFICE (above) More beautiful joinery by iSpace Solutions defines this room. Tse & Tse ‘Comet’ wall lamps, Smallable. Chairs (as in dining area). OSCAR’S ROOM (below left) The niche structure created by the roofline makes a great spot for the Hideout canopy bed from Freedom. Linen, Adairs. Rug, Planet Furniture. FAMILY BATHROOM (below right) Complementing the Tadelakt wall finish are white surfaces, grey tiles and black details. Custom mirror, iSpace Solutions. Tahitian Geometric wall sconce, Lighting Collective. BEDROOM (opposite) In this elegant yet relaxed space, the wall colour is Porter’s Paints French Blue, a gorgeous neutral that cossets the sleeper. Most of the bedding is from West Elm. Gras wall light, Spence & Lyda. Horse print by Mark Tweedie.

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CLOCKWISE (from above) Folded stainless-steel plinth piece (40cm x 38cm x 46cm), $880, The Visuals. Removed Painting 20 housepaint-dust-on-linen artwork by Oliver Wagner (127cm x 117cm), POA, Sarah Cottier Gallery. Custom roll-arm linen sofa, POA, Tow And Line. Azizah marbled wool rug in Grey (200cm x 100cm), $529, Miss Amara. Hideout bed, $1399, and canopy cover, $300, Freedom. Cosydar parasol raffia pendant lamp, $198, Smallable. Waffle bath towel in Real Grey, $123, Oliver Thom. Lampe Gras No303 wall light, POA, Arrival Hall. Contemporary plaster wall light, $79, Lighting Collective. Palissade lounge chair, $635, Cult. Organic Round micro-cement dining table, $3900, Tigmi Trading. Ferm Living ‘Vulca’ mini vase in Off-White Stone, $29, Designstuff. De Crécy taper candle, $120, House Of Heras. Potted olive peace tree, $130, Growing Gifts. Eggshell paint in French Green, $130 for 4L, Porter’s Paints.

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON

GREAT FINDS

tadelakt for beginners Chloe used Tadelakt, a waterproof plaster originating from Morocco, to spectacular effect in her main bathroom. The lime plaster is rammed and treated with a soap to make it water-repellent. Applied as a paste, it’s perfect for curved surfaces, but is labour-intensive to apply. Here are her suggestions for using it: + Tadelakt is not cheap (about $150 per sq m) but worth every cent, so save it for a powder room or feature space your guests will see + The material is organic in its application and no two areas will look the same — this is the appeal + Suppliers use different methods to apply the plaster. Find out about these before deciding. Ask about maintenance and colour and get a sample board to check before installation. Make sure supplier and installer provide warranties.

MAIN BATHROOM Chloe opted for a Kaldewei Puro Duo bathtub from Reece. Milani brushed-nickel mixer and spout with Dana showerhead, ABI Interiors. Sleek Grey tumbled marble floor tiles, Surface Gallery. Thermogroup towel rail, The Blue Space. POOL AREA “The only thing I’d do differently is retile the pool, which our budget didn’t allow,” she says.

Built with hard-wearing materials and boasting plenty of room to relax and entertain, this new home near a golf course in Brisbane suits its young family to a tee

V I EW FROM THE TOP

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cheat sheet Who lives here Kirsty Morland, a full-time mum; her husband Ben, owner and director of building and development firm GrayHAUS; and their children: Evie, nine; Max, eight; and Isla, five. Style of home A four-bedroom new build in the southern Brisbane suburb of Yeronga, featuring clean lines and softening curves in a minimalist, mid-century modern style. Starting in September 2016, planning took 12 months and construction 14 months. The home was completed in December 2018. The final figure worked out at $1.8 million, $$$$ including all the landscaping.

POOL “We used natural Garonne limestone from Eco Outdoor in the outdoor spaces,” says owner Kirsty. “It’s a beautiful, warm tile.” Antigua sun lounges, GlobeWest. EXTERIOR (opposite) Kirsty and husband Ben clad the middle level in another Eco Outdoor product called Wamberal stone, introducing curves to soften the look. Ironbark cladding, Hurford’s. Tyrolean render painted Dulux McGinley (walls) and Castlecliff (the home’s upper level).

WORDS STEPHANIE HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY MINDI COOKE STYLING CARLENE DUFFY

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rom the vantage point in the kitchen of her

riverside Brisbane home, Kirsty Morland enjoys a 180-degree view of her property and its parkland surroundings. While preparing dinner or washing dishes at the marble-topped island bench, she can survey the landscaped gardens, take in the pristine pool, soak up the vista of frangipanis and jacarandas, and keep tabs on her three children under 10 as they play on the grass. “I spend a lot of time in the kitchen,” says Kirsty, “so when we were designing this space, it was important for me to see all of the outdoor entertaining areas at all times.” The solid concrete home that she and husband Ben built two years ago is split across three levels on an elevated block, with the kitchen and main living spaces sitting three metres above sea level. As such, they are perfectly positioned to take in all the charms of their riverside suburb of Yeronga. “Ben grew up in the area,” explains Kirsty. “It’s a beautiful suburb with an active community and an abundance of parklands. Yeronga is known for its jacaranda trees, so in planning our home, we incorporated plenty of north-facing windows and floor-to-ceiling glazing, to bring these trees into our home.”

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KITCHEN (this page and opposite) “At 5.4 metres, the island is the main attraction,” says Kirsty (with daughter Isla), perching on a Barbera ‘Uccio’ stool. It’s functional, too, housing the dishwasher, sink, food-prep area and breakfast bar. Honed marble features in the benchtop and splashback. Polytec ‘Florentine Walnut’ cabinetry by Mivis Joinery, with Lo & Co ‘Alpha’ door knobs and ‘Kintore’ appliance pulls. Billi tap. Fabbian ‘Lumi Sfera’ wall lights, Caribou. Falmec rangehood clad in Black Japan-stained silky oak battens. Flooring, Polished Concrete Floors Australia. Opa print by Kate Mayes, Greenhouse Interiors. “We wanted to maintain a light-filled space in the stairwell and achieved this with the floating oak stair treads,” adds Kirsty.

“We love the rawness and hardiness of concrete, plus it’s so easy to clean” KIRSTY MORLAND, HOMEOWNER

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LIVING AREA Another Kate Mayes artwork, Fancy Pants from Jumbled Online, brightens the lounge. Neo sofa and Seymour armchair, King Living. Astra coffee table, Trit. Martini side table, West Elm. Escea gas fireplace. Ravine rug in Indigo, The Rug Establishment. Mermaid artwork by Jai Vasicek, through Ahoy Trader. KITCHEN NOOK (opposite left) This is where the family display small pieces they've collected. Print by Kara Rosenlund. MAIN BEDROOM (opposite right) Kirsty and Ben’s bedroom opens to a balcony with views of the Brisbane River. Flat leather bedhead, Fenton & Fenton. Estiluz ‘Volta’ wall light, Lumen8. Solaris side table, Satara. Bed linen, Society Of Wanderers. Quilt cover, I Love Linen. Artwork by Justina Blakeney.

good news All the windows in the home are louvres, chosen to increase ventilation and the cross flow of breezes from the Brisbane River. Although the concrete structure has air-conditioning, the louvres mean it’s rarely used.

bright idea Ben and Kirsty love green vistas and made them integral to their design. “We retained the most amazing magenta frangipani tree in the front left corner of the block and moved the boundary fence one metre into the property to picture-frame the tree when viewing it from the street,” says Kirsty. “In the stairwell, we planted bamboo screening outside so we could see greenery while it was blocking the harsh western sun.”

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FIRST FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR

LOWER GROUND

1 Entry 2 Office/studio 3 Powder room 4 Kitchenette 5 Storage 6 Garage 7 Courtyard 8 Pool 9 Outdoor living area 10 Outdoor dining area 11 Kids’ room 12 Bathroom 13 Dining area 14 Kitchen 15 Pantry/laundry 16 Living area 17 Bedroom 18 Bedroom 19 Bedroom 20 Bathroom 21 Sitting area 22 Main bedroom 23 Walk-in robe 24 Ensuite

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With Ben the owner of design and construction firm GrayHAUS, the couple were well placed to deliver just the right home for their family. They went for a mid-century modern, minimalist design of concrete slabs and ceilings, stone cladding and timber joinery, with plenty of curved details in the facade, fencing, walls and cabinetry to provide a soft contrast. From its position on the street, the home makes a striking first impression, thanks to the sensual curves and mixed materials of Tyrolean render, stonewall cladding and ironbark shiplap cladding. “We didn’t like facades that were too vertical or overpowering, so we decided to sink the garage entry back four metres, to give the main level above a floating appearance, and then stepped back the upper level for a layered effect,” she says. Inside, the floor plan was configured to allow each space to feel connected to the next. “Every room feels so open, but they can all be closed off to create private spaces,” says Kirsty. The lower basement houses the garage, lots of storage and a selfcontained home office/studio complete with kitchenette and bathroom, while the main living areas and outdoor entertaining spaces are found one floor up. Four bedrooms occupy the top level, ideally situated to take in the views. Kirsty is particularly pleased with her kitchen, which boasts premium V-Zug and Liebherr appliances, a generous butler’s pantry that doubles as a laundry and mud room, and an oversized 5.4m-long island bench at its centre. “We can comfortably seat our whole family at the breakfast-bar end, and that’s where we eat most of our dinners,” she says. Outdoor living and entertaining is also a large part of this family’s reality, and needed to be factored into the home’s design. As well as the pool and lush lawns, they enjoy a large covered outdoor area with an oversized dining table and outdoor lounge, and a wood fire to make it usable all year round. “We love nothing more than a Sunday afternoon happy hour by the outdoor fire, watching the kiddies move from the pool to toasting marshmallows or cooking damper by the fire,” says Kirsty. “It’s such a relaxing space.” The entire building process, which took a little over two years from start to finish, was extremely rewarding for both Ben and Kirsty. “When you put your heart and soul into designing and building your dream home, it’s just magical when your vision comes to life!” she says. Anything she would change with the benefit of hindsight? “As our home is three storeys, we would probably go back and design it with provision for a lift!” See more projects by GrayHAUS at grayhaus.com.au 68 | INSIDE OUT

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BATHROOM VJ panels painted Dulux Winter Terrace contrast with the November wall and floor tiles in Rain from Classic Ceramics. Bath, Highgrove Bathrooms. Martini side table, West Elm. Palmary print, Bibi Ana + Co. ENSUITE (opposite top) Kirsty and Ben left out a wall between their bedroom and ensuite to keep the space “light-filled and functional”. Inax ‘Yohen’ mosaic wall tiles from Artedomus, installed by Korpac Tiling. Omvivo ‘Latis’ basin, Reece. Fabbian ‘Lumi Sfera’ wall light, Caribou. PANTRY/ LAUNDRY (opposite bottom) In a clever use of space, these zones were combined and a desk nook added at one end. Appliances, AEG. Basket, Kmart. Terrazzo hourglass stump, Fenton & Fenton.

CLOCKWISE (from above left) Aruba Frame occasional outdoor chair, $895, GlobeWest. Flat leather king bedhead in Teak/Tan, $1950, Fenton & Fenton. Dulux Wash&Wear low-sheen acrylic interior paint in McGinley, $79.90 per 4L, Bunnings. Wamberal Freeform natural-stone walling, POA, Eco Outdoor. Solaris bedside table in Natural Oak, $904, Satara. Milford Blue hand-knotted Persian rug (240cm x 300cm), $4680, The Rug Establishment. Seymour fixed-base low armchair by Charles Wilson, from $1768, King Living. Estiluz ‘Volta’ wall light, $853, Lumen8. Opa limited-edition print on paper or canvas (60cm x 60cm), $490, Greenhouse Interiors. Boat Shed limited-edition photographic print, from $290, Kara Rosenlund. Ethnicraft ‘Bok’ teak dining table, (1400cm x 800cm), from $1615, Trit. Inax ‘Yohen’ mosaic wall tiles, POA, Artedomus. Ascot knobs in Black, $19—$24 each, Lo & Co.

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: JOSIE SMITH

GREAT FINDS

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LESSONS LEARNT

“Curves are the ultimate antidote to harsh concrete” KIRSTY MORLAND, HOMEOWNER

“Ben was adamant that we should have concrete floors and ceilings — and rightly so — but my focus was on adding warmth and softness for contrast. The rounded, organic nature of curves was the solution, and we carried this theme through from the curved stone facade and rendered fence to the pool balustrade, cabinetry and rounded edges on the kitchen’s island bench.”

OUTDOOR AREA (both pages) Max, Evie and Isla have ample space to run free. “They also love the pool and toy room adjoining the grass area,” says Kirsty. “It’s their space to play and hang out with friends.” Southport dining table, GlobeWest. Quay outdoor dining chairs, King Living. Beefeater Signature ProLine barbecue. Antigua chairs, Aperto Ali side table and coffee table, GlobeWest. Fireplace, Escea. Rug, Bayliss.

TEAM EFFORT Collaboration got this new build on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula off the ground in a spectacular way and the result attracted attention from the other side of the world WORDS STEPHANIE HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY ARMELLE HABIB STYLING JULIA GREEN AND WHITE PICKET INTERIORS

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KITCHEN Interior designer Kate Walker chose Phoenix oak chevron flooring from her KWD & Co range. “It’s beautiful to walk on in bare feet,” she says. Muuto ‘Nerd’ bar stools, Huset. EXTERIOR (opposite) Andrew Stark Garden Design was responsible for the gardens, which were designed around an existing acorn tree. Two tones of Dulux Black Caviar paint were used on the exterior, resulting in a striking backdrop for the greenery. Artist Matt Hill created the Corten steel sculpture, modelled on his own beloved labrador. Maxline roof in Monolith, Colorbond.

cheat sheet Who lives here Brooke Davies Casanova and her husband Christopher, with their two rescue dogs: Swanson and Cholula. Style of home A new build with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, designed with a modern-farmhouse look and feel to reflect its surroundings. Building began in October 2019 and was completed by November 2020. $$$$ The project cost $1.2 million.

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“Some of Kate’s colours and finishes were out-of-the-box different but we wouldn’t have had it any other way” PROJECT 718

STYLING ASSISTANTS: CASSANDRA DILLON, JESSICA RETTALACK

ount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula,

south of Melbourne, recently welcomed a new addition to one of its quiet, in-demand suburban streets, and it caused quite a stir – for all the right reasons. With its black facade and fresh green gardens, the striking single-storey home is called Sable Lodge and is the inaugural showpiece of up-and-coming firm Project 718, headed up by property developers Mark Godek and Steve Ditterich. They took great pains to create something that stood out from the real-estate crowd. “Our aim was to build a home that we would be over the moon to live in,” says Mark. “As well as creating somewhere that was easy to live and entertain in, we also wanted to deliver something that people hadn’t seen before.” Working in collaboration with interior-design studio Kate Walker Design (KWD) and building designer Rod Hannah, Project 718 has produced a home that is comfortable, functional and jam-packed with beautiful features. “Our goal was to shock the local market, change things up and show what is possible with some innovation, experimentation and a commitment to design execution,” says Kate. From the outset, the dark colour scheme, modern-farmhouse design and landscaped gardens built around a 60-year-old acorn tree make an impact. Then, stepping through a solid-oak entry door, expertly curated interiors delight at every turn. “The home itself isn’t overly large, so we wanted to make a visual impact with tactile elements,” says Kate, who selected – and, in some cases, custom-designed – all of the home’s finishes. From the shiplap walls and ceilings to the timber, tiled or plush carpeted floors, each surface brings its own unique textural layer. The cleverly devised layout places the primary living areas and main bedroom at the front of the property, and a second living zone and three additional bedrooms to the rear. “This whole back end can be shut off if needed, keeping the heating and cooling to the areas that are most used,” says Steve. An open-plan kitchen, dining and living room flows to the outdoor entertaining area, gardens and lawn. We all know that kitchens sell houses and Sable Lodge’s doesn’t disappoint. Black Shaker-style cabinetry conceals a bar, appliance cupboard, breakfast cupboard and integrated appliances, while the central island has deep drawers and a built-in dishwasher and sink. A black-tiled rangehood and splashback lends an almost jewel-like finish. “We actually questioned this tile choice twice with Kate, but she assured us it would look amazing – and she wasn’t wrong,” says Steve. The bathrooms have received the same degree of care and diligence. “It was really important that each bathroom became an extension of the living areas, rather than just being utilitarian spaces,” says Kate. The main ensuite overlooks the gardens, where a deep bathtub sits in front of floor-to-ceiling windows framed by sheer autumnal curtains. In the main bathroom MAIN LIVING AREA (top) Spacious and light with a garden view, this is one of KWD’s hallmark projects. “We are always looking to bring the outside in,” says Kate. Sofas by Guests Furniture and KWD. Coffee table, White Picket Interiors. Cushions, Tigger Hall Design. Open firebox fireplace, Jetmaster. DECK (above) The dining zone opens to a blackbutt timber deck featuring a chair and side table from White Picket Interiors. KITCHEN (opposite) “We wanted to steer away from the Hamptons look prevalent in the area and instead went with a dark aesthetic for a cocoon-like feel,” says Kate. The Shaker-style cabinetry is Porter’s Paints Black Ice, while glossy charcoal Zellige tiles conceal a Smeg rangehood. Normann Copenhagen ‘Bell’ pendants, Huset. Kaz Morton bowl, Greenhouse Interiors.

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good news The temperature at Sable Lodge is controlled via three Daikin reversecycle units — one for the main bedroom, one for the kitchen, dining and living zone, and another for the back bedrooms. That way, you can heat or cool individual areas or not have the aircon operating at all. There is also underfloor heating in the main ensuite.

ENSUITE (top left and opposite) A skylight illuminates the shower nook in this bathroom, and Manhattan Stone White ceramic tiles from KWD & Co adorn the walls and floors. “There’s nothing standard in this house,” says Project 718’s Mark Godek. Kate selected rust-coloured curtains from Lynch’s Window Fashions to mirror the look of autumn leaves. “They help to create different moods when they’re open and when they’re closed,” she says. Timber-veneer vanity (topped with Bianco Carrara marble), Farmers Doors. Kado ‘Lussi’ bath, Reece. Yokato bath mixer in Aged Iron, Brodware. Timber stool, Coco Republic. Towel, Lüks. MAIN BATHROOM (top right and above) Textured handmade Norwich wall tiles by KWD & Co link this space with the outdoors. “The floor heating is a plus on chilly Melbourne mornings!” says homeowner Brooke. Basins, Rogerseller. Mirrors, Restoration Hardware. Thomas O’Brien ‘Hulton’ wall sconce, The Montauk Lighting Co. The separate WC (above) off the wet area has a concrete washbasin on a steel stand in powdercoated Dulux Cove by KWD & Co.

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there’s a bath and large shower nook, plus a double vanity with ample storage. But it’s the smallest bathroom that Mark and Steve are most pleased with. “The powder room features black shiplap walls, marble mosaic flooring, a timber-and-stone vanity and a custom mirror – it’s pretty cool!” says Mark. Of course, he and Steve need no convincing of the property’s many charms, but the real confirmation came when Sable Lodge attracted the attention of a buyer on the other side of the world. Brooke Davies Casanova, an Australian who grew up in Mount Eliza, was living in LA with her husband Christopher when the home popped up in her daily property search. “A terrible hobby of mine is looking at real estate in both Melbourne and Los Angeles – I like to know everything that’s on the market at all times,” says Brooke. “Sable Lodge was so unique compared to other houses, and we were so excited to see it. We returned to Australia from the US and arranged to view the house within four days of exiting hotel quarantine, and a day later we made an offer!” She lists the incredible attention to detail as one of many reasons why she and Christopher jumped at the sale. “The layout has been carefully designed for entertaining, there’s ample storage, and the quality of finishes went above and beyond what we had seen in other properties,” says Brooke. Other drawcards were the extra rooms for guests, a kitchen island with bench seating for entertaining, and a work area for two that makes use of a thoroughfare between the living area and back bedrooms. “The house has a beautiful, calm, welcoming feel when you walk in, and it’s clear that no detail has been missed,” says Brooke. “We can’t wait to sit on the back deck among all that green foliage and read our books by the fire.” Follow Project 718 on Instagram @project_718. Kate Walker Design is at katewalkerdesign.com.au, kwdandco.com.au or @ katewalker_design. Rod Hannah is at rodhannahandassociates.com.au. The builder was Marc Toussaint Constructions at mtcon.com.au, and the landscaping was done by Andrew Stark Garden Design at astarkgardendesign.com.au MAIN BEDROOM (this page and opposite) “This space needed to feel really ‘nooshy’,” says Kate. “So we specified one of KWD & Co’s handmade wool carpets in Manhattan Beige — it’s 27mm thick and you feel like you’re walking on clouds.” Bench seat, Zenn Design. Armchair, White Picket Interiors. Table, SK Designer Living. Artwork by Amanda McColl. Behind the wall painted Dulux Snowy Mountains is a wardrobe area fitted with a tallboy, which can be used as a make-up station or layout space for jewellery and accessories. Slimline Shaker-style joinery in a natural finish, and shiplap cladding in Dulux Snowy Mountains. Sydney handles, Hepburn Hardware. Mirror, KWD & Co. Bedhead, White Picket Interiors. Linen, Bed Threads. Vintage throw, Greenhouse Interiors. Side table, Oly Studio. Lamp, Milk & Sugar. Vase, Marmoset Found. Artwork by Belynda Henry, through Greenhouse Interiors.

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1 Entry 2 Main bedroom 3 Walk-in wardrobe 4 Ensuite 5 Garage 6 Powder room 7 Mud room 8 Laundry 9 Butler’s pantry 10 Kitchen 11 Dining area 12 Living area 13 Deck 14 Study 15 Bedroom 16 Bedroom 17 Bathroom 18 Main bathroom 19 Bedroom 20 Second living 21 Terrace

FROM TOP LEFT Eggshell Acrylic paint in Black Ice and Camouflage, both $130 per 4L, Porter’s Paints. Normann Copenhagen ‘Bell’ aluminium pendant light in Sand, $1215, Huset. Lakeside Dreaming print by Kate Pittas (35cm x 35cm), $330 (unframed), Greenhouse Interiors. Emerson eucalyptus-and-rope outdoor dining chair, $269, Domayne. Muuto ‘Nerd’ oak bar stool, $825, Living Edge. Flax towel, $149, Købn. Basic linen cushions in Light Blue (30cm x 50cm), $39, and Rust (55cm x 55cm), $44, Domayne. Eggcup radiata pine stool, from $650, Mark Tuckey. Zellige glazed clay tiles in Charcoal (10cm x 10cm), $329 per sq m, Tile Republic. Cubby marble-topped bedside table, $529, Domayne. Manhattan handmade wool carpet in Beige, $160 per sq m, KWD & Co. Hulton sconce by Thomas O’Brien, $594, The Montauk Lighting Co.

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: KATE HASSETT

GREAT FINDS

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TERRACE (this page and opposite, top right) The covered entertaining area can be used year round, thanks to the Jetmaster open fire. Sofa, Coco Republic. Chairs, coffee table and stool, White Picket Interiors. MUD ROOM (opposite, top left) “This is a house full of detail, from front to back,” says Steve. Case in point is this space, with shoe drawers built under the planked oak bench and hanging space courtesy of Hepburn Hardware wall hooks. Manhattan Slate Black floor tiles, KWD & Co. Door painted Porter’s Paints Camouflage. LAUNDRY (opposite, bottom right) Access from the garage to here, the mud room and the butler’s pantry is easy, which makes carrying in groceries from the car a breeze. Appliances, Siemens.

lessons learnt “ DON’T BE AFRAID TO CLASH TEXTURES” KATE WALKER, INTERIOR DESIGNER

“We went to town with textural elements, especially in the ensuite. From the subtly patterned tiles to the timber joinery with Carrara marble benchtops, the beautiful aged-bronze wall sconces and the sheer, rust-coloured curtains, it’s a lot — but everything adds to the overall sanctuary feel of the space.”

the great divide

This revived modernist home in Perth has entirely separate private and social spaces so the owners can party like it’s 1960 without waking the kids WORDS CARLI PHILIPS PHOTOGRAPHY JACK LOVEL

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cheat sheet Who lives here Carly and Chez, who are hospitality vendors; and their baby daughter Cleo, six months. Style of home A three-bedroom 1960s house in Perth’s City Beach that’s been stripped back and reworked within its existing footprint. The couple bought the house in 2017 and design documentation began in mid-2018. Construction commenced in August 2019 and they had moved back in by April 2020.

FAMILY ROOM (above) Sculptural Alhambra travertine plinths designed by DenHolm conceal the build-up for the basement stairs below. Bordered with ceramic finger tiles from Original Ceramics, they work as platforms for displaying art pieces. Built-in sofa and coffee table, Ohlo Studio. Fogia ‘Bollo’ armchair, Loam. Glass pendant, vintage. Rug, Artisan Rugs. Ceramic objects (on plinth) by Emma Lindegaard and Peter Milligan. Mosman Bay artwork by Merrick Belyea. EXTERIOR (opposite) The home has been refreshed from front to back. It’s comprised of two wings separated by the wide central corridor seen here.

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oung Perth couple Carly and Chez knew

they were onto a winner the moment they stumbled upon this 1960s home in City Beach. A residential suburb with contemporary dwellings, it was once flush with mid-century buildings designed specifically to house athletes participating in the 1962 Commonwealth Games, held nearby. “Most of the modernist family homes in the area have been knocked down since then, which is a shame, so we were lucky to have found it,” says Chez. “The land value was much more than what we anticipated, but we couldn’t let the opportunity [to renovate] pass. The house had such great potential.” The couple’s dream, for themselves and daughter Cleo, was to live by the beach, and they loved the strong sense of community in the street of just nine houses. The city is only 20 minutes’ drive, but feels like a million miles away. “There’s a large Norfolk pine out the front and big eucalyptus trees all around us,” says Carly. “We often wake to bird calls and it’s pretty special falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves.” However, the house was in disarray and not fit for them to move in straightaway, so they engaged Ohlo Studio’s Jen Lowe, who’d previously worked on a project with them. The environment that Carly and Chez loved resonated with interior designer Jen, especially the surrounding sand dunes, which served as inspiration for the interiors. “We wanted to create a material and colour palette that riffed on the expansive, sun-bleached West Australian landscape,” she says, citing the ivory-hued travertine flooring and sheer linen curtains. The restrained scheme was enhanced by sapele veneer in the kitchen and rich jarrah in the bedroom, both a nod to the home’s past. Carly and Chez wanted to retain the mid-century feel of the place, but were realistic about making the changes necessary for modern living. Jen and architect Simon Pendal worked on a clever response that involved creating sculptural design features to hide the new amenities. Because of the home’s age, there was no roof cavity for ducted air-conditioning, so they lowered and scooped the ceiling to make room for integrated cooling. In the living space is a new two-tiered plinth that looks decorative but actually serves to conceal the top of the basement stairs underneath. “We took opportunities to create non-intrusive sculptural features that add to the character of the house without exposing their true purpose,” says Jen. Working within the existing footprint, the interiors were gutted and most of the windows and exterior doors replaced. A faded concrete path was designed to dissect the home’s

ENTRY (top) The stairs to the living area were reshaped with rounded edges. Taco door pulls, Rowsaan. Photograph (in background) by Traianos Pakioufakis. LIVING AREA (left) An artwork by Jay Staples and Stephen Brameld draws the eye. Wobbly side table, Remington Matters. KITCHEN/DINING (opposite) “The cleverly designed kitchen makes cooking a joy,” says owner Carly. Sapele timber-veneer joinery, Worldwide Timber Traders. Punt ‘Maeda’ dining table, Cassina ‘Back-Wing’ chairs, Fritz Hansen ‘Dot’ stool and Santa & Cole ‘Tekiò’ pendant light, all Mobilia. Hay ‘Soft Edge’ bar stools, Cult.

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good news Architect Simon Pendal extended the northern edge of the home’s roof by 500mm, to properly shade the building and windows. It’s also been heavily insulated (in excess of code) to improve the thermal performance.

The colour palette reflects the blue skies, pale yellow sand and rich red timbers of the WA landscape

“We stayed true to the design era without being too retrospective and created something that could work in with the clients’ lifestyle” JEN LOWE, INTERIOR DESIGNER

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1 Entry 2 Verandah 3 Living area 4 Dining area 5 Kitchen 6 Family room 7 Bedroom 8 Bedroom

9 Main bedroom 10 Walk-in wardrobe 11 Ensuite 12 Laundry 13 Bathroom 14 Bathroom 15 Rotunda

INSIDE | HOME

east-west divide, starting at the front letterbox and navigating all the way through the central spine, emerging on the other side of the property near the rear garden’s rotunda. “The original layout hasn’t been tampered with too much,” says Carly. “If you divide the house down the middle, the living area is in the west wing and the bedrooms are in the east, so we can easily entertain after putting Cleo down to sleep and shutting off the bedroom side.” The kitchen was formerly in the centre of the house and walled off the two living areas. As big entertainers and serious cooks, the couple found this harsh separation didn’t work for them. They wanted a more seamless relationship between the spaces. To overcome this, Jen created a ‘floating kitchen, which “gently carved out the two distinct living areas without compromising the view or creating a disconnect”. This means that from the island bench, Carly and Chez can interact with guests in the living area and kids in the family room at the same time. They also have a line of sight through to their outdoor kitchen, where the real fun began. After improving the ambience for entertaining (by removing downlights - except for a few spots on the workbench - and adopting lighting with an ambient glow, as well as hooking up a sound system), they got to work choosing their appliances. The industry professionals chose a Bora down-draft rangehood, an induction cooktop, double ovens and a Hibachi grill. “Chez loves being out the back working with the charcoal pit or the gas barbecue,” says Carly. “We are always thinking of people to have over so we can cook.” Ohlo Studio is at ohlostudio.com. Simon Pendal is at simonpendal.com. Building work by Rossbrook Construction; rossbrookconstruction.com. Soft landscaping by Steven Postmus of CAPA; carrierandpostmus.com

DINING (right) The Alhambra travertine used for the family-room plinth appears on much of the flooring, and the bench seat is edged in the same ceramic finger tiles. Anton Mini wall lamp, Volker Haug. LIVING (opposite) Design classics from the early 1960s include the vintage Fler ‘Narvik’ armchairs, a Cassina ‘Rio’ table from Mobilia and a vintage glass pendant light by Aloys Gangkofner for Peill & Pulitzer. Custom sofa by Ohlo Studio. Mattiazzi ‘Cugino’ side table, District. Minotti ‘Jacques’ green ottoman, Dedece. Gubi ‘9602’ floor lamp, designFARM. The walls throughout are Dulux Fair Bianca Quarter. All the window glass is low-emissivity (low-e) to reduce the intensity of UV rays and heat.

INSIDE | HOME

LESSONS LEARNT “Building checks are vital so don’t forget about them” JEN LOWE, INTERIOR DESIGNER

When Carly and Chez bought the house, it was in much worse condition than they thought. There were a number of unexpected costs, due to issues that could have been minimised with more thorough building checks from the outset. “Damp, in particular, was a surprise as it wasn’t picked up in a condition review,” says Jen. “Later down the track, when the winter set in, plasterwork in the main bedroom had to be removed. The walls had to be injected and dried out before it could be redone.”

BATHROOM (left) “Marmorino plaster walls in a custom blue create a moody and lightly playful effect,” says interior designer Jen. Vase, Peter Milligan. EXTERIOR (below) Architect Simon Pendal recommended fitting some of the main windows with secure ventilation panels, allowing the house to be safely left open at night for breezes to sweep through. Hay ‘Palissade’ low chair, Cult. MAIN BEDROOM (opposite) The custom unit nods to the modernist origins of the house; it was made from jarrah, with a dark brown stain to pull out some of the warmth. La Chance ‘Lalou’ mirror, Living Edge. Fontana Arte ‘IO’ wall lamp, Radiant Lighting. Oluce ‘La Sixty’ wall sconce, District. In Bed linen, Loam. Curtains made with Designs Of The Time ‘Adahy’ sheer fabric from James Dunlop Textiles. Photograph by Ben Hosking.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON

GREAT FINDS

CLOCKWISE (from above left) Gubi ‘9602’ floor lamp by Paavo Tynell, $1650, Cult. Juliette velvet ottoman in Emerald, $119, Life Interiors. Copse II oil-on-board artwork by Merrick Belyea (27cm x 61cm), $2000, Art Collective WA. Agra wool rug in Marlin (240cm x 300cm), from $4500, Armadillo. Colle PVC pendant light, $299, Freedom. Mattiazzi ‘Cugino’ oak stool by Konstantin Grcic, $745, District. Ferm Living ‘True’ striped cushion in Sugar Kelp/Black (60cm x 40cm), $119, Designstuff. Etro luxe velvet cushion in Storm (60cm x 60cm), $99.99, Living By Design. Fogia ‘Bollo’ leather chair, $4770, Fred International. Cassina ‘Rio’ low table by Charlotte Perriand, $17,820, Mobilia. Transporteuse vessel, $445, Lindegaard Studio. Round porcelain vase in Milk (22cm), $154, Mud Australia.

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INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

ORIGINAL WORDS KERRYN FISCHER PRODUCTION LUANNE TOMS PHOTOGRAPHY LAR PHOTOGRAPHY

FRANK FEATURES

DINING AREA Instead of contemporising her new home, Lisa Rorich built on its splendour with quality touches such as these original Marcel Breuer ‘Cesca’ dining chairs, which she bought on Gumtree. COURTYARD (opposite) Durban’s humid, subtropical climate is the perfect environment for orchids and palms. “Garth spends so much time in the garden that we call him The Constant Gardener,” says Lisa. “In fact, I’m sure it’s the only thing that lures him back from his safaris.”

cheat sheet Who lives here Lisa Rorich, an architect, and her partner Garth Robinson, a private safari guide. Style of home A three-bedroom Hans Hallen home in Durban, South Africa, built in the 1960s and extended a few years later.

An architect’s decision to restore – but not renovate – her 60-year-old home in South Africa oﬀers a valuable lesson in the power of longevity

SPIN

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UPSTAIRS LIVING AREA (above) This communal space is known as the Pyjama Lounge. Accessed from the bedrooms, it has a built-in circular seat that looks onto the courtyard. The mid-century-modern chairs belonged to Garth’s grandfather. Marble table, Cécile & Boyd. Wicker mirror (in the shape of an eye), found on a trip to Morocco. On the wall next to the mirror is an original drawing of the house by its architect, Hans Hallen. Lisa bought the other artwork at an arts fair. DINING AREA (opposite) The dining table is fixed to the ground. Lisa replaced the Duco top using the same green colour. Terrazzo floor, repolished.

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hen architect Lisa Rorich and her

partner, Garth Robinson, bought their iconic home in Durban, South Africa, five years ago, it was the realisation of a long-held dream for Lisa. She had been aware of its charms for years. “This was the childhood home of architect Janina Masojada, in whose architectural practice I’d worked, and at whose invitation I’d attended a party years earlier,” says Lisa. “I recall walking into the courtyard for the first time and being blown away, as the entire structure is cantilevered off a slab and staircase – a feat of engineering that is no less impressive now that I am the owner.” The house had been commissioned in 1960 by Janina’s parents, Shirley and Milek Masojada, a Mauritian remedial educationalist and Polish structural engineer respectively. They were good friends with local architect Hans Hallen, the home’s designer and a leading proponent of Brazil’s flamboyant modernismo movement, a style of architecture popular during the postwar development boom of the 1950s and ’60s. “Hallen saw architecture as art,” explains Lisa. “He believed that in order for buildings to have universal and, therefore, timeless validity, the design should be informed by site, social context and appropriate construction methods.” So when Lisa and Garth bought the well-loved, lived-in family home in 2016, they were conscious of its past and very excited about its future. Situated high on the Berea ridge above Durban, on a narrow 1000-square-metre plot, the house, which was extended in the late 1960s, is laid out over two floors in a T-shape. The lowerlevel living areas run lengthways down the plot while the upstairs bedrooms form the stem of the ‘T’ and are cantilevered to provide a verandah and link the staircase. “There is something in this design that, combined with the authenticity of the materials used and the extreme level of detail, surpasses anything I’ve encountered,” says Lisa, who runs her own architectural practice and has projects throughout Africa. “Six decades of wear and tear meant a revamp of some rooms – but not much beyond the bathrooms – and we touched nothing externally besides the front aluminium windows, which were replicated.” With just the couple in residence, their decision to turn one of the upstairs bedrooms into a shared bathroom for the other two bedrooms is good news for their house guests. Its wall-towall carpet was replaced with large slabs of white terrazzo to match the black terrazzo floors downstairs. Lisa also had the house painted pure white, inside and out, bar an accent wall here or there, where colour’s been employed to great effect. To her, however, the most extraordinary feature of the house is its play of light. “There are a variety of textures in the glass windows looking onto the courtyard, and an exact rhythm to the way the light falls here during the course of the day.” It’s clear that Lisa and Garth felt a responsibility to honour the original principles of the design while modernising the home to suit them. This didn’t extend to the 1960s garage, though. “It seems only sportscars were allowed in homes like these, because when we moved in, we discovered that Garth’s Landcruiser wouldn’t fit,” says Lisa. “It was either buy ourselves a sportscar or redo the garage. Sadly, the latter won.” View more of Lisa’s projects at lisaroricharchitects.co.za

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

“COMBINED WITH THE MATERIALS AND LEVEL OF DETAIL, SOMETHING IN THIS DESIGN SURPASSES ANYTHING I’VE ENCOUNTERED” LISA RORICH, HOMEOWNER

COURTYARD This leafy space acts as a lung for the home. Lisa likes to call the concrete wall’s relief sculpture “the fossil”. She designed the coffee table and had it custom-made in Verde Guatemala marble. “I wanted a robust outdoor table that would withstand the extreme heat of Durban and still look good in years to come,” she says.

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INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

“THERE ARE A VARIETY OF GLASS TEXTURES ON THE COURTYARD WINDOWS AND AN EXACT RHYTHM TO THE WAY THE LIGHT FALLS HERE DURING THE DAY” LISA

“HANS HALLEN SAW ARCHITECTURE AS ART AND BELIEVED THAT DESIGN SHOULD BE INFORMED BY SITE, SOCIAL CONTEXT AND APPROPRIATE CONSTRUCTION METHODS” LISA

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

KITCHEN (left and below) Lisa painted the walls white, but kept the red accent wall. Artwork by Lisa’s sister, Kim Rorich. DINING AREA (bottom left) A close-up of the Duco table. Artwork in background by Nikhil Tricam. LIVING AREA (bottom right and opposite) A wall of river stones forms the spine of the glass-lined space. “I was unsure of the stones at first and considered painting them white, but now I love the wall,” says Lisa. Custom sofa slip cover. Vintage armchairs, bought at auction. Cane chair, Singita. Brass side table and ottoman, Tusker Trading. Oluce ‘Atollo’ lamp. Coffee table, junk-shop find. Footstool, Kare. Rug, Hoffmann Rugs. Artwork by Richard Hart.

LESSONS LEARNT “Appreciate the splendour of period homes” LISA RORICH, HOMEOWNER

“What I’ve learnt about modernising a period house is to honour the integrity of the space and the original thinking wherever possible. While we reconfigured the bathrooms, we kept the plumbing in the same place and decided to join two small bathrooms for one big bathroom that feels much nicer to live with.”

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ENSUITE (this image and below left) The pink bathroom vanity was custom-made to Lisa’s design and topped with honed pink Indian marble. Custom mirrors. Dado ‘Amsterdam’ bath. Side table, Cécile & Boyd. MAIN BEDROOM (left) Lisa and Garth’s open-plan room was updated with a bed designed by Lisa. Side table, Cécile & Boyd. Fontana Arte ‘Blom’ table lamp. Linen, H&M and Kirkby Design. COURTYARD (opposite) Sitting directly beneath the upstairs ‘pyjama lounge’ is an outdoor area where Lisa replicated the built-in seats above and had large cushions made. Tables, Weylandts.

CLOCKWISE (from mirror) Middle Of Nowhere ‘Bjorn’ oval mirror in White, $359, Designstuff. Petunia rug in Natural, from $820, Armadillo. Gem Black honed terrazzo tiles, $184.80 per sq m, Marble & Ceramic Corp. La Chance ‘Monument’ shelving system in Indian Green Marble, POA, Living Edge. E15 ‘Byron’ lounge chair by Florian Asche and Phillip Mainzer in Ranchero leather with European walnut frame, $11,345, Living Edge. Hay ‘Slit’ side table in White, $390, Designstuff. Oluce ‘Atollo’ table lamp in Glass, $1537, Living Edge. Tom Dixon ‘Beat Tall’ vessel in Brass, $1650, Living Edge. Jose planter, $34.95 for wide, Freedom. Ferm Living ‘Mirage Cacti’ cushion, $139, Designstuff. Chintina planter, $47.97 with Rogue Monsteria faux plant, from $49.95, both Freedom.

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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: KATE HASSETT

GREAT FINDS

INSIDE | OVERSEAS INSPIRATION

good news Louvre windows are a great choice because they look good and allow for variations in ventilation. “We also learnt that, wherever you have a lot of glass, you need to include lots of vegetation to create shade and offset the glare,” says Lisa, who adds that, in Durban, the louvres keep out the vervet monkeys, too!

About Hans Hallen Now retired, living in Sydney and following his passion for art, Hans Heyerdahl Hallen was born in Durban in 1930 to Norwegian parents. Apart from Lisa’s house, Hans designed many local buildings in his seven-decade career, such as the university residences at Howard College, the Glass House (a famous office building), St Olav Church, Mangosuthu Technikon university and The Little Top/Beachball on Durban’s Addington beach.

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RENOVATE new chapter

Renovated with the greatest respect, a traditional charmer has come to life

“The careful selection of furniture and art was very important in this project,” says interior designer Gillianne Griffiths of the Ballarat home. For the fireplace in the main bedroom, she added subtle but striking detail to the original marble mantel with Mutina ‘Puzzle’ tiles in Edge Smoke from Urban Edge Ceramics, and accessorised with a Shady floor lamp from ISM Objects and stunning artwork by Sydney’s Danielle Cross (DanielleX). Turn the page for more.

PHOTOGRAPHY SHARYN CAIRNS STYLING JESS KNEEBONE

INSIDE | RENOVATE

cheat sheet Who lives here A family of four, with two sons under 10. Style of home A four-bedroom, Victorian-era weatherboard in Ballarat that’s been updated with a modern look and improved functionality. The owners purchased the property in 2016. Design and planning took place at the beginning of 2017, and the eight-month renovation was complete by December 2018.

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DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.

fresh ink

Preserving the hallmarks of this Ballarat home while updating it to modern standards has rewritten its future

living

Custom joinery in Polytec Natural Oak Ravine MDF by Studio Griffiths is offset by the inky-blue tones of a Prostoria ‘Cloud’ modular sofa from Collective, Coast velvet ottoman from Jardan and Tuck rug from Armadillo. Muuto ‘Around’ side table, Living Edge. Paris Au Mois D’août pendant light, Hub. Cushions, Figgoscope Curates. Throw, Abode Living. Menu planters, Simple Form. Kristina Dam Studio ‘Sculptural Chair’ (at the end of the hall, above right), Designstuff. Original fretwork, painted Dulux Natural White.

ith its welcoming community, wide boulevards

and historic buildings, the city of Ballarat in Victoria’s central highlands has proven too irresistible for one couple to ignore. In 2014, the professionals thought they were making a temporary move from Melbourne to the region for their work. “We didn’t plan to stay long, but fell in love with it,” they say. In the middle of their drawn-out house hunt, the couple spotted a late-19th-century home replete with cast-iron lacework and timber ornamentation. Its large block and convenient location also appealed. “We love this area as it’s close to Lake Wendouree and our work, and it’s a pretty part of Ballarat with many Victorian homes. I remember walking past this beautiful house and thinking, ‘I wish it would go up for sale,’” says the homeowner. When the property appeared on the market in 2016, they were rewarded for their patience and pounced: “We bought it within 24 hours of the sign going up!” While reconfiguring the layout to suit their growing family (now including two sons), they were keen to retain the home’s vintage elements. They engaged building designers Madin Lyons Associates to reshape and extend the exterior, and chose interior designer Gillianne Griffiths, creative director and principal at Studio Griffiths, to reimagine the interiors.

WORDS JESSICA BELLEF PHOTOGRAPHY SHARYN CAIRNS STYLING JESS KNEEBONE

wishlist + Extended main suite “The ensuite and wardrobe were on the small side and we wanted more space,” say the owners. + Space for the boys “We wanted a kids’ zone with a play area, so we could keep the toys out of the main living room.” + Family-friendly kitchen “We also decided to update the kitchen and include a bigger pantry.” + Retain heritage features “We wanted to be respectful of the original home, and to feel like the renovation blended in.”

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the moodboard

INSIDE | RENOVATE

kitchen/dining Two-pack joinery in Dulux Silkwort Quarter was specified for the kitchen (opposite), while the existing flooring was sanded and restained a lighter colour. Elba stone benchtops and splashback, CDK Stone. Peninsula base, Polytec Black Wenge. Hay ‘About A Stool’ bar stools, Cult. Flynn dining table, Jardan. Tanner chairs, Barnaby Lane. Paris Au Mois D’août lights, Hub. Artworks (left) by Mark Tipple, through Otomys. A chalkboard (right) above Dial hangers from Design By Them was created with Dulux Chalkboard paint.

good news Polytec was widely used for the home’s joinery, including the kitchen peninsula. All Polytec products are Chain of Custody-certified under the Australian Forestry Standard, meaning they are from legal, well-managed forests.

dream it “We wanted to be respectful of, and showcase, the period features of the home: the tall ceilings, the fireplaces, the plasterwork and the thick skirting boards,” says the homeowner. “The house was undoubtedly beautiful and in good shape, but functionally not quite right for us.” A rejig of the layout and a new second storey would give the family more space, with a sophisticated parents’ retreat on the ground floor and an upper level dedicated to the boys, featuring their bedrooms, study nooks, play areas and a bathroom. “The clients wanted each room to tell a nostalgic and whimsical story of the past with this Victorian gem,” says interior designer Gillianne, adding that they dreamt of a refined and inviting interior with a calm feel. “But first and foremost, the focus was on comfort and durability, with a more practical floor plan and additional storage.”

FROM FAR LEFT Paris Au Mois D’août ‘Kyoto Drop 40’ fabric pendant light, $230, Hub. DCW Editions ‘Mantis’ aluminium wall sconce, $825, In Good Company. Elba stone, POA, CDK Stone. Muuto ‘Around’ coffee table in Grey (45cm), $660, Living Edge. Natural Oak Ravine MDF surface, POA, Polytec. Ercol ‘Lara’ ash chair in Black, $490, Temperature Design. Billiani ‘W605’ beech chair by Fabrizio Gallinaro, from $400, Design Nation. Menu ‘JWDA’ concrete table lamp, $525, Top3 By Design. Dulux Wash&Wear acrylic paint in Western Myall (top) and Sir Edmund, both $79.90 per 4L, Bunnings. Float ‘Hover’ short wall sconce in Snow with electroplate in Black, $2600, Articolo.

INSIDE | RENOVATE

formal living

Mutina ‘Puzzle’ tiles in Edge Smoke from Urban Edge Ceramics surround the fireplace. Camerich ‘Noble’ armchair, Collective. Joinery in Dulux Western Myall. Rug, Behruz Studio.

kids’ study nook

design it

Both the homeowners were more than happy to let the professionals guide them. “My sister is a graphic designer and I have come to realise over the years that she does her best work when people don’t interrupt her creative process too much,” says one. “We wanted to just let Gillianne do her thing because we loved her taste and trusted her.” The designer suggested the addition of bespoke cabinetry and joinery to maximise the storage throughout. “It’s a favourite element in all our projects as it is purpose-built to meet the clients’ needs,” says Gillianne. “It provides a customised solution to the size and space of each room, as well as playing a major aesthetic role.” Sleek furniture and finishes sit comfortably with the throwback details. “The clients wanted to let the past and present mingle seamlessly and to explore freely with colour.” The property’s heritage leadlight windows and the old navy front door inspired a bold palette of inky blues and moody hues. “The blues were so striking at our first site visit and set the tone for the entire home,” says Gillianne.

do it

When it came time to implement the design in 2018, the renovation process could hardly have run smoother. “Everyone involved – the building designers, Madin Lyons; our designer, 106 | INSIDE OUT

Gillianne; and the builder, John Gleeson – were excellent,” say the owners. “No disasters, really. I think the way everything went with the renovation affirmed our belief that if you let creative people do their thing without interfering too much, you will get a beautiful outcome.” The extended main-bedroom suite, the new kids’ zone on the upper level and the open kitchen offer the family the conveniences they searched for, while a sense of history sings through the spaces. “We’ve emphasised the grandeur and adornment of the old and defined the new with a pared-back, contemporary approach,” says Gillianne. “With period homes, it’s important to honour form, space and materiality by simplifying the ornamentation. By this, I mean including really subtle tonal shifts in carpets, rugs and soft drapery, and adding objects with simple forms in restrained colours.” Injected with fresh energy and heightened functionality, the reinvented residence really enhances daily life for the family, which was perfectly illustrated during the lockdowns of the 2020 pandemic. “We used the house very heavily during that time, but it’s held up so well,” say the owners. “We thanked goodness for Gillianne every day, and were so glad we had to spend all that time in this beautiful place.” Studio Griffiths is at studiogriffiths.com.au. Madin Lyons Associates is on (03) 5331 4653. J&L Gleeson Builders is on 0409 190 257

WET II 03 ARTWORK BY CHRIS WARNES, OTOMYS (TOP RIGHT)

Two-pack cabinetry in Dulux Sir Edmund carries on the colour theme, with more Polytec in Natural Oak for the desk and shelves. Cleo chair, GlobeWest. Menu ‘JWDA’ table lamp, Top3 By Design.

the best bits

+ Interior design help “We found Gillianne through Google and, in hindsight, we were very lucky to find someone so wonderful,” say the owners. + Joinery “We manage to keep our house tidy and uncluttered because we have places for everything, tucked neatly away in clever joinery.” + Parents’ zone “We love our amazingly huge new walk-in robe!”

FIRST FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR

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7 8

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1 Entry 2 Study/music room 3 Main bedroom 4 Ensuite 5 Walk-in wardrobe 6 Bathroom 7 Pantry 8 Kitchen 9 Dining area 10 Deck 11 Living area 12 Laundry 13 Powder room 14 Bedroom 15 Formal living 16 Bedroom 17 Rumpus 18 Bedroom 19 Bathroom 20 Bathroom

study

“The owners have a shared work space, which also serves as the music room and display space for their beloved guitars,” says Gillianne. Joinery, Polytec Natural Oak. Ercol ‘Lara’ chairs, Temperature Design. DCW Editions ‘Mantis’ wall sconces, In Good Company. Walls, Dulux Western Myall.

main bedroom

Sheer curtains from Window Workshop sit comfortably with the Dulux Natural White walls. Billiani ‘W 605’ chair, Design Nation. Camerich ‘Bell’ mirror, Collective. Traverse console, Zuster. Canal bedhead (opposite, bottom) and cushions from Figgoscope Curates. Linen, Cultiver and In Bed. Leo bedside table, Grazia & Co. Silhouette wall light, Ross Gardam.

INSIDE | RENOVATE

guest room

“The colour of the joinery was driven by the original leadlight windows,” says Gillianne of the Dulux Sir Edmund blue. Clay bottle by Paola Paronetto, Fanuli. Hay ‘Strap’ mirror, Cult.

ensuite

Custom mirrors by Studio Griffiths are the perfect shape. White Brick tiles, Signorino. Astra Walker taps, E&S. The vanity is Dulux Silkwort Quarter with an Elba stone top from CDK Stone. Float wall sconce, Articolo. Towel, Loom Towels.

lessons learnt “Take your time finding the right person for the job” THE HOMEOWNERS

“It took us a while to find an architect willing to do the exterior renovation in a period style. The first few we saw wanted to put a modern addition on, when we really wanted to keep the renovation respectful of the original home.”

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tale of 3 bathrooms

BUDGET TO LUXE Have a bathroom ready for a refresh and not sure how much to spend? Here’s how to do an affordable update, a mid-range makeover and an extensive redesign budget renovation

Paint, accessories and smart styling touches are the go-tos if you have a tiny bathroom budget

focusing on affordable cosmetic changes. Even $1000 can go a long way with simple DIY updates such as painting, swapping out cabinetry handles, updating your splashback and adding floating shelves. “Also high on the agenda is replacing a dated vanity, tapware, lighting or accessories such as towel rails,” says Ania Forster, creative director at Gold Coast design studio Zephyr + Stone. “To really make an impact, concentrate on changing whatever is letting your bathroom down the most, or updating larger surface areas.” Paint will give you the biggest bang for your buck. “You can transform your bathroom for less than $600,” says Dulux brand manager Romy Nayagam. Look for specialist paints, such as the Dulux Renovation Range and White Knight Kitchen & Bathroom Range, which can be used to jazz up dated laminate, melamine and timber cabinetry doors as well as floor and wall tiles. Consider adding a heated towel rail, something you’ll really appreciate in winter. “It can have a power outlet or be hardwired – the most cost-effective option is one you can plug into a power outlet,” says Daniela Santilli, bathrooms and kitchens merchandising lead at Reece. Finally, banish clutter and create Zen-like calm with smart storage. “Look at freestanding shelving or trolley options, and maximise vanity storage with drawer inserts and storage containers,” says Amy Hare, an interior designer for Ikea Australia. “Also ensure there are enough towel rails for everyone – it seems obvious, but this is something people often forget.” From there, aim to style like a pro. “Add indoors plants – they can make a huge difference to the look and feel of the space – and fluffy new towels, beautiful candles and soap dispensers,” says Frances Cosway, design director at Melbourne’s White Pebble Interiors. If your mirror is too small, consider swapping it for a larger style that bounces light around. “I prefer oval or round mirrors,” she says, “to break up all the straight edges that are traditionally in a bathroom.” The bottom line is this – if you want to save some dollars, be prepared to do the legwork. “Shop around for fixtures and fittings and get three quotes from trades to ensure that you pay a fair price for any work that’s done,” says Ania.

WORDS & PRODUCT SOURCING GEORGIA MADDEN

PHOTOGRAPHY: BEAUMONT TILES (THIS PAGE). PICTURED: CARRARA HERRINGBONE TILES (THIS PAGE); BATHROOM WITH ABSOLUTEMATT LAMINATE IN OYSTER GRAY, FROM $105.39 PER SQ M, LAMINEX (OPPOSITE)

ake a tight budget work by keeping what you can and

INSIDE | RENOVATE

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COUNTERTOP STYLING

No budget to renovate? Create a new look for your vanity with fresh accessories, says Kaety Thompson of Sydney’s Oliver Thom: + Add some metal magic Brass or gold accessories add instant elegance. + Keep a consistent theme Create a cohesive look by pairing chrome tapware with accessories in a similar tone, such as pewter or brushed nickel, or brass with bronze accessories. + Explore the dark side Accessorise with dark colours, such as dark grey, for a sophisticated feel. + Anchor accessories Use trays to keep products such as your handwash, lotion and scent diffuser together. Have a separate area for hand towels.

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1 Posh Domaine Twin Rail shower in Matte Black, $526, Reece. 2 Grohe ‘Essence New’ wall basin mixer tap set in Hard Graphite, $696, Reece. 3 Schönbuch ‘Beauty’ mirror in Dusky Rose, $499, Oliver Thom. 4 Fazeek ‘Wave’ soap dish in Dusty Pink, $45, and ‘Absolute Terrazzo’ soap, $16, both Oliver Thom. 5 Linea storage system in Silver & Sharkfin, $97.90, Made By Pen. 6 Gastone Carrara tile in White Gloss, $42.75 per sq m, Beaumont Tiles. 7 Thermorail 12V single bar heated towel rail in Matte Black, $179 each, Bathware Direct. 8 Artisan Cross baskets, $179.95 for two, Ozdesign Furniture. 9 Købn hand towel in Shell, $55, Designstuff. 10 Nissafors trolley in White, $39.99, Ikea. 11 Arcticwood Matt tile in Argent, $36.54 per sq m, National Tiles. 12 Penny Round tiles in Blush Honed Mosaic, $44.95 per sq m, National Tiles. 13 Bellazza 60cm x 60cm porcelain floor tile in Creama, $20.41 for box of three, Bunnings. 14 Brazilian slate tile in Oxford White Textured, $128.29 per sq m, Beaumont Tiles. 15 Norwegian Rose Picket honed marble mosaic tiles, $48 per 26.7cm x 31cm sheet, Marble & Ceramic Corp. 16 Living Textures towel collection in Ash, from $14.95 for face washer, Sheridan. 17 Ignite White Speckle Embossed Gloss tiles, $17.93 each, Beaumont Tiles.

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1 Round wall shower rose in Tiger Bronze, $449, Meir. 2 Tbk1151219 grey marble random chip tiles, $325 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 3 Paddington terrazzo-look tile in Terracotta, $59 per sq m, Tile Cloud. 4 Tbk23207 Terrazzo Chunky porcelain tile, $155 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 5 Paddington terrazzo-look tile in Charcoal, $59 per sq m, Tile Cloud. 6 Slate baskets, $59 for set of three (one big; two little), Mustard Made. 7 Tbk80014 finger tiles in White, $135 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 8 Newport subway tiles in Baby Pink Gloss, $69 per sq m, Tile Cloud. 9 Tbk185124 Marble Weave mosaic tiles, $330 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 10 Eccentric Vertical heated towel rail in Gold Brushed, $1215, Rogerseller. 11 Issy ‘Halo’ vanity unit with offset basin, $4080, Reece. 12 Tbk20140 Black Cockatoo tiles (90cm x 90cm), $340 per set of four tiles, Tiles By Kate. 13 Kado Lussi ‘Cast’ solid-surface freestanding bath (1700mm), $3740, Reece. 14 Square standalone bathroom shelf in Matte Black, $249, Meir. 15 Round cross-handle jumper-valve wall-top assemby taps in Tiger Bronze, $299, Meir.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSIE PRINCE (THIS PAGE), METHVEN (THIS PAGE), REECE (OPPOSITE)

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“Keeping the plumbing where it is will save dollars but only if the layout works — it’s a false economy to renovate a space that won’t feel right on completion” mid-range renovation

ANIA FORSTER, INTERIOR DESIGNER

Off-the-shelf cabinetry and minimal layout changes will get the most from a moderate budget Unless you’re doing all the work yourself, a budget of $10,000 probably won’t be enough for a new bathroom, so consider what will most improve the look and function of the one you have. “Upgrading your showerhead and tapware should be a priority, and replacing your vanity, basin, tapware, mirror and light fittings will also have a huge impact,” says Ania Forster. “You might also look at swapping a dated shower screen for a new, frameless version. If replacing a tired window isn’t in your budget, hide it behind new plantation shutters. “Choosing off-the-shelf items rather than custom pieces can save you thousands,” she adds. “Keeping the plumbing where it is will save dollars, but only if the layout works – it’s a false economy to renovate a space that won’t feel right on completion.” Not touching the tiles is another way to keep the budget in check. “Taking out tiles can become a costly exercise – have them professionally painted instead,” says Anoushka Allum, interior designer at Sydney’s Anoushka Allum Design. Ania,concurs, adding, “Tiles can really push up the cost of a bathroom. Consider using VJ panels or painting some walls to keep costs down, so you can invest in a quality tile for wet areas.” If you do want new tiles, opt for porcelain. “It’s generally cheaper than natural stone, doesn’t require sealing and comes in amazing ranges that replicate natural stone,” says Ania. A great-looking vanity can give your bathroom a serious lift. “Replacing a vanity that’s fixed to the floor with a floating style is a wise move,” says Frances Cosway. “It has a more sophisticated and contemporary look and, as you can see the floor underneath it, will make your bathroom appear bigger.” What if your vanity is in decent condition? Update it with new handles and a stylish new surface. Laminex laminate for benchtops comes in a vast range of fashionable colours and finishes that start from about $96 per square metre. “Or, if you have a small vanity, approach a stonemason to see if they have offcuts they can fit for a more competitive price than you’d pay to buy a whole slab,” says Ania. Consider upgrading your bath, too, if your budget can stretch to it. “A freestanding bath will give you a more luxe look than an inset style,” says Anoushka. “While the bath itself may be more expensive, the labour is less, so it ends up cheaper.” But don’t even think about specifying a concealed cistern at this budget, she warns. “They are double the price of a standard toilet – both the toilet itself and the installation costs.”

BUDGET SMARTS Interior designer Ania Forster of Zephyr + Stone shares her top tips: + Plan ahead Work out your budget and order as much as you can before you start renovating. Onsite changes due to lack of planning and communication can cost thousands of dollars. + Don’t change plumbing and electrics Changing their positions can really add to the cost. + Get three quotes for trades Always a good idea, but remember: the cheapest quote isn’t always the best one. It could mean a cheap finish, or cost you more to fix mistakes. Good trades are usually busy so they will charge a premium.

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luxe renovation

A generous budget gives you options such as custom joinery, select finishes and spa-like style

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GLAM INCLUSIONS If you have a decent budget, these must-have inclusions can really elevate the look and feel of your bathroom, advises interior designer Anoushka Allum: + Underfloor heating + Custom joinery for the vanity, mirrored cabinetry and sometimes additional joinery, such as a dedicated make-up area or extra storage cabinets. + Wall ledges, niches and built-in shelves + Luxurious tapware + Extra illumination such as lights on either side of the mirror, and niche lighting.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GEORGE FETTING (THIS PAGE), ANSON SMART (OPPOSITE)

So what does a top-range bathroom really cost? “For an averagesize design with a double vanity and shower, you’re looking at $35,000-plus,” says Ania Forster. “This includes demolition, re-screeding floors, retiling, cabinetry and plumbing fit-off.” A good-size budget like this gives you the freedom to design a space tailored to the room’s dimensions and your personal style. Top of the list is custom joinery: think solid timber cabinetry, marble benchtops, luxurious engineered-quartz surfaces such as Caesarstone or Dekton by Cosentino, and personalised storage. Complete the look with a next-level mirror cabinet. “Invest more in a mirror cabinet and expect a larger-than-average size, with shelves, internal lighting and power points,” says Daniela Santilli. Some also feature LED lighting and automatic de-foggers. Adds Anoushka Allam: “I upgrade tapware when I have a good budget – it gives the bathroom such a luxe look.” Daniela reveals that sensor tapware and statement aged finishes are trending. “Think tumbled brass, brushed nickel, gunmetal and a textured bronze such as Sussex Taps’ Living Rustic Bronze.” Thermostatic showers and easy-to-clean rimless toilets are other popular additions to high-end bathrooms. “Thermostatic technology allows you to set your preferred shower temperature at the push of the button,” says Daniela. “It removes temperature fluctuations, too, so you’ll never fear a toilet flush again.” A generous budget means you can think outside the box when it comes to bath and basin materials. “A solid stone or solid-surface bath and basin feels much more luxurious than standard porcelain and acrylic,” says Anoushka. Or you can add an artisanal touch with a handcrafted concrete basin or a bath from a brand such as Concrete Nation. For the ultimate in comfort and convenience, specify underfloor heating. “The product I like to use costs about $1000 (installed),” says Anoushka. Ania explains that some styles can be installed in a shower area, which is great for reducing damp build-up. “Make sure you apply it to your whole floor or you’ll end up with cold spots,” she adds. “For extra convenience, get your electrician to automate it with a timer so it switches on in the early morning and late evening.” A skylight can be a great solution if your bathroom is enclosed or low on light. “It’s also fantastic for dumping hot air and boosting ventilation,” says Frances Cosway. You can expect to pay between $500 and $2000 to have one installed, depending on your specifications.

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“Always have a plumber install new tapware, otherwise you void the manufacturer’s warranty”

ANOUSHKA ALLUM, INTERIOR DESIGNER

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1 Sussex Taps ‘Calibre’ wall bath mixer outlet system in Living Tumbled Brass, $1060.96, The Blue Space. 2 Sussex Taps ‘Calibre’ wall-top assembly tap set in Living Tumbled Brass, $570.90, The Blue Space. 3 Colorisvea wall-hung bidet in Matt Black, $880, and toilet pan in Matt Black, $990, both Paco Jaanson. 4 Pavimento ‘Amalfi’ tiles by Greg Natale, $189 per sq m, Perini. 5 Piccolo Fan Carrara tiles, $349 per sq m, Perini. 6 Marquis Oxford wall-hung vanity with Dekton Orix benchtop, Marquis Regio basin and Brushed Brass top pull handles, from $1990, The Blue Space. 7 Fern Flora ceramic mosaic tiles, $245 per sq m, Perini. 8 Zellij tiles in Mint Gloss, $142.89 per sq m, Skheme. 9 Valencia bath in Greenstone, $6355, Concrete Nation. 10 Lithos Design ‘Opus Anemone’ marble tile in Muschio, POA, Artedomus. 11 I Cocci Spaccatto tile in Calce, $99.95 per sq m, National Tiles. 12 Empira Black 5101 marble surface, POA, Caesarstone. 13 Stone Concave Laurel tiles, $328.79 per piece, Skheme. 14 Calacatta Maximus 5114 marble surface, POA, Caesarstone. 15 Aura Pod concrete basin in Grey Mist, $1430, Concrete Nation. 16 Adonis Triangle ceramic tile in Sage, $235 per sq m, Perini. 17 Mette Ditmer ‘Grid’ bath towel, $69, Designstuff.

The Block: Glasshouse co-winner and interior architect Shannon Vos is at voscreative. com.au

PROJECT LAUNCH

Take a considered approach to renovating and you could

where you can shut the door and forget about adulting for a few minutes. It’s usually the only room with a lock, making it a more private and personal place, with an added bonus: the power to thoroughly relax and refresh you. Traditionally utilitarian spaces, bathrooms used to be all about function and cleanliness, but, these days, aesthetics are also high on the list of must-haves. Most are after a day-spa feel, complete with organic materials and natural light, reﬂected in the ‘spaces of scrub’ gracing magazine covers and ﬂooding Pinterest feeds. But beauty is more than just skin deep. The devil is in the detail when it comes to a wet area, and planning is key. Know what you’re doing well before the tools are picked up, and have all your rubber duckies in a row.

planning It seems like fun to plan the ultimate bathroom, but you must wade through a plethora of planning before booking a plumber. The ﬁrst item is budget. If ya don’t know, don’t go. Always set a limit on the amount you’re willing to spend, as things can

quickly get out of hand once you start picking tiles and fittings. On average, Australians spend just a smidge under $20,000 on a bathroom renovation. That seems like a lot, but once the trades start working, the bills add up. Spend time in front of a calculator and assess how much you will be able to spend. Then comes the plan. What you allow for in your bathroom is entwined with your budget. Generally, the more you want to do, the more you pay. You will need floor plans, elevations, ventilation plans and specific selections to determine those costs. Think of who will use the space and for what. If that’s children, you may need a bath, plenty of storage and non-slip floors. However, if the kids have flown the nest, you may want a double shower, stone finishes and a more minimalistic aesthetic. It’s all about balancing what you want with what you can afford. Third on the checklist is a permit. Again, generally speaking, you will need strata permission and a by-law passed if you want to renovate a bathroom in an apartment or unit. With a house, you may need council approval to move forward with your renovation. Local laws vary as much as the weather, so check with your local council before booking any trades.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIGID ARNOTT

he bathroom is that one space of solace in the home

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land a spa-style bathroom at home, writes Shannon Vos building checklist

Once you have a plan, the go-ahead with local authorities and the contingencies to deal with any changes or blowouts, you’re ready for work. Your best bet is to have a builder manage the build and trades, but if you want to save a pretty penny, you can manage this sort of renovation yourself. First, disconnect the power and water. Legally, you will need your electrician and plumber to do this for you. It’s also a good idea to have the fittings and fixtures on site before any trades start work. That way, they can see what they need to install and advise of any changes you may need to make. Second, prep for the demo. This is something you can handle with a pair of safety glasses and a crowbar, but be careful. Only remove what you need to, be careful of load-bearing elements and stray chips of porcelain tile – they’re as sharp as glass. In older homes (built before 1984), keep an eye out for asbestos; avoid it like the plague and get a professional to remove it. The next step is to frame up any built elements and get your plumber and electrician to ‘rough-in’. This means placing the electrical, water and waste points where they need to be.

Three things – sheeting the walls and floors, plastering and waterproofing – come next. The latter has to be done by professionals for the waterproofing certificate, which can guarantee against leaks or water damage for up to seven years. Then, depending on where you live, the cement bed should be laid (give this a couple of days to dry), followed by another coat of waterproofing as you can never be too careful. If you’re having underfloor heating, now is the time to lay that down. Hang in there – we’ve turned the corner. It’s time for the floor tiles and wall tiles, grout and anything that needs to be painted. You could probably tackle the painting on your own, but I’d advise leaving the tiling to a professional. The glass (if needed) can then be installed, and the plumber and electrician can fit off the taps, vanity, sinks, bath and toilet, as well as the lights and switches. A carpenter can fit off the towel rails and door handles plus any hooks or shelves. Now you’re ready for caulking (sealing joints) – and the rest is up to you. Style that space within an inch of its life and you’re ready to broadcast your achievement on every damn social media channel you can get your thumbs on. Good luck!

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LEFT TO RIGHT Midnight-hued walls, patterned tiles and gold tapware give this small powder room a strong presence. Teal wall tiles work with the multicoloured Moroccan rug in this bathroom. A custom concrete and timber vanity makes a statement.

colour theory

Julia Green of style destination Greenhouse Interiors shares her quick and easy tips for going bold in the bathroom

e often talk about the use of colour in visible zones,

such as kitchens, living rooms and dining areas, but we rarely flag using bold hues and bright accents to great effect in wet areas. Although bathrooms aren’t usually spaces made for display, injecting a little life and personality into these workhorse rooms will elevate your overall interior style and add a little luxury to your morning routine. SELECTION There’s no right or wrong way to apply colour, but

Julia Green, interior stylist and founder of Greenhouse Interiors, recently renovated her own bathroom and has some excellent suggestions for ideas you can try at home. “I tend to lean towards fresh palettes of greens and blues for the signs of life they can add to an otherwise hardworking space,” explains Julia. “Having said that, it can be a good idea to consider other accent colours used in your home and tie the two together, if you like a considered feel across the board. But if, like me, you prefer surprise elements, choose whatever you like! Have fun with your choice, though do consider how the bathroom will present for sale if it’s a home you’re looking to flip at some point in the future. Some colours can polarise the masses, but I find that greens and blues are universally liked.” LOCATION Choosing where to splash colour across your bathroom depends on the style of home you have and how far you’re prepared to take – and live with – it. “If you’re a maximalist who loves to throw colour around, you’ll find no boundaries. However, should you be a minimalist who likes white, you may 118 | INSIDE OUT

want to consider gently layering soft pops of colour into your styling,” says Julia. “Tiles, tapware and vanities can be costly and relatively permanent, whereas painting walls is an easy weekend DIY job for most and can be a safer way to introduce colour because it’s easier to change.” Try homewares, artworks and trinkets that are easily changed before committing to a makeover of your flooring, tiles, tapware and cabinetry. STYLE As stated before, permanent changes aren’t the only way to introduce colour to your bathroom. Step away from the fixtures and add interest with towels, plants, lighting, decorative objects and artworks instead. “Painting is an inexpensive way to makeover your bathroom, and don’t just think walls – consider recolouring cabinetry, ceilings and other unexpected places. Wooden stools and greenery look great in most spaces; they’re the perfect antidote to the clinical nature of tiles.” ADVICE Not sure where to start on your colour journey? Look towards texture and materiality to guide you in the right direction. Warm up hard surfaces such as stone or ceramics with materials and colours found in nature, and try pairing some of your cooler tones with warmer palettes and textures. “Tapware that oxidises, and plants and colours that embody life lend themselves to pairing with green and blue, whether that’s in tile form or accessories,” says Julia. “Timber bathrooms already have a warm element, so they can carry off cooler tones too.” When in doubt, start small and work your way up to bigger, bolder infusions as your colour confidence grows. For more inspiration, visit greenhouseinteriors.com.au

WORDS LAURA BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY ARMELLE HABIB

NATURAL UNION

Photographer Bryan Adams

Glass and steel, grace and strength, connected to perfection in MIENA bowls

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BUYER’S GUIDE

BATHROOM TAPWARE

From temperature control and water ﬂow to aesthetic elevation, taps can bring a unique sense of luxury to your wet areas

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oday’s tapware is so much more than a practical necessity.

As the crown jewels of any bathroom design, taps have the power to elevate humble spaces and add panache to minimal schemes. As such, choosing your tapware is a duty that should be taken seriously, says Chantelle Malone, marketing manager at national retailer Phoenix Tapware. “The first step in selecting tapware is to consider the design of your bathroom – is it contemporary or traditional? Make sure your tap of choice fits seamlessly into the rest of room to avoid a disjointed look,” she says. “One of the easiest ways to identify high-quality tapware is to check the materials it’s made from, and the length of the warranty the tapware comes with. Lack of a good warranty program for the product is an immediate red flag.”

mounted mixers and tap sets With myriad shape, style and ﬁnish options to choose from, it’s important to understand what each type of tapware is best for, and how it will ﬁt into your bathroom. Basin mixers have a single mixing lever handle that combines hot and cold water; vessel mixers are similar, with a little extra height. Wall mixers can come as a set with one large backplate, or split between two backplates for the outlet and mixer. Tapware sets include a tap each for hot and cold water, 120 | INSIDE OUT

plus spout, installed from within your vanity or wall, while hob sets are another counter-mounted option. Floor-mounted bath mixers protrude from the ﬂoor adjacent to a free-standing bath, and some even come with a hand shower.

now trending “Wall-mounted mixers are the most versatile because they suit any space, work in smaller bathrooms or powder rooms, and can be used for both basin and bath,” says Chantelle. “Basin mixers are extremely popular as they offer better control of the temperature as water flows from the tap, and are fitted with a flow-limiter that prevents too much water being taken from the hot and cold pipes at once, meaning you’ll use less hot water, which is beneficial for the environment and your energy bills.” Brushed nickel and matt-black finishes have emerged as customer favourites, due to the contemporary aesthetic of the finishes, says Chantelle, who says that both finishes are sufficiently versatile to fit into many different styles of bathroom. “Brushed nickel is subdued enough not to overpower texture or pattern, yet it also looks timeless and contemporary. Matt black makes a statement and complements both monochromatic and bold environments, but also flourishes in bright and/or colourful surroundings.”

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17 16 the right mix “Basin mixers are easy to use with simple one-handed operation, and generally installed centrally behind the basin bowl. Vessel mixers allow freedom of placement – they can be placed to the side of a basin and their extra height means they work perfectly with above-counter basins,” says Chantelle. “Wall mixers are streamlined and have the added benefit of freeing up counter space, making them ideal for small bathrooms. Tapware sets offer a more traditional look and are a popular choice for family bathrooms because of their greater degree of control over water flow and temperature.” Chantelle also recommends hob sets for under-counter basins, and says that floor-mounted bath mixers typically accompany a freestanding bath. “A sleek spout resting on the floor is the perfect way to finish your bathroom. Just pair with a mixer or tapware to complete the look.”

price guide Although pricing for wall- and basin-mounted mixers and tap sets will vary wildly from place to place, Chantelle suggests that mid-range tapware should cost between $300 and $500, while high-end designs can be upwards of $800. Phoenix Tapware is at phoenixtapware.com.au

1 Eccentric by Rogerseller swivel hob outlet in Brushed Gold, from $395, Rogerseller. 2 Calibre 200mm wall basin mixer outlet in Gold, $1273.14, Sussex. 3 Icon Plus knurled lever kitchen mixer in Tuscan Bronze, $908, Astra Walker. 4 Liano II 175mm wall basin/bath mixer with round cover plate in Brushed Nickel, $325, Caroma. 5 Custom Scala hob bath outlet with Milli Pure hob mixer in Brushed Gold, POA, Reece Exclusive. 6 Milli Pure 200mm bath set in Matte Black, $779, Reece. 7 Vivid Slimline 316 SS 200mm wall basin/bath mixer set in Stainless Steel, $638, Phoenix Tapware. 8 Urbane II 220mm wall basin/bath mixer with cover plate in Brushed Brass, $389, Caroma. 9 Tonic floor-mounted bath filler in Brushed Nickel, from $1495, Rogerseller. 10 Grohe Essence 180mm wall basin mixer in Hard Graphite, $696, Reece. 11 Scala floor-mounted curved basin mixer in Gold, POA, Reece Exclusive. 12 Vivid Slimline Plus 180mm wall basin/bath outlet in Brushed Gold, $146.85, Phoenix Tapware. 13 Urbane II basin mixer in Gunmetal, $389, Caroma. 14 Liano II 220mm bath

WORDS & PRODUCT SOURCING LAURA BARRY

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27 swivel outlet in Brushed Brass, $219, Caroma. 15 Yokato Disc wall set in Brushed Nordic Brass PVD, $1145, Brodware. 16 Liano II 175mm wall basin/bath mixer with round cover plates in Brushed Nickel, $325, Caroma. 17 Axia 180mm wall basin/bath outlet hostess set in Chrome, $653.40, Phoenix Tapware. 18 Assemble wall set with reeded handles and spout in Matte Black, $908, Astra Walker. 19 Mizu Drift MK2 floor-mounted bath mixer in Brushed Gold, $1300, Reece. 20 Lexi MKII vessel mixer in Matte Black, $506, Phoenix Tapware. 21 Urbane II bath/shower mixer with cover plate in Gunmetal, $259, Caroma. 22 Nanobar basin set in Roma Bronze PVD, $841, Brodware. 23 Liano II 210mm basin/bath outlet in Matte Black, $195, Caroma. 24 Spring Street basin set with mixer and swivel spout in Aged Brass, $1128, Astra Walker. 25 Scala 200mm wall basin/bath mixer outlet system in Matt White, POA, Reece Exclusive. 26 Voda custom spout in Living Rustic Iron, POA, Sussex. 27 Grohe Essence new gooseneck basin mixer in Brushed Cool Sunrise, $579, Reece.

CLEAN BREAK

Ready for your dream laundry? Eight industry experts reveal how they created these beautiful designs — all trend-driven but tireless and practical yet polished

disappearing act Parker Studio

PHOTOGRAPHY: JACQUI TURK (THIS PAGE), SHARYN CAIRNS. STYLING: JONO FLEMING (THIS PAGE)

The most extraordinary aspect of this Sydney laundry by interior designer Caitlin Parker-Brown is that it’s hidden in plain sight. Tucked away behind bifold doors in the kitchen/ dining area, the design allows unobstructed access to a sink, appliances and hanging space, courtesy of LED lights triggered by the doors’ opening and closing. “The joinery runs the length of the room, making it seamless,” says Caitlin. “And the pale green V-groove doors with timber moon handles are elegant yet striking.” parkerstudiointerior.com

Cabinetry in Dulux Waltzing, made by Timberline Joinery. Handles, Auburn Woodturning. Appliances, Fisher & Paykel. Earth table and Arch dining chairs, Sarah Ellison. BZippy blue vases, Jardan.

WORDS LAURA BARRY

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high and dry Carole Whiting Interior Design

With cool tones and a serene feel, this lovely laundry by Carole Whiting performs double duty in its Melbourne home. Well proportioned and ﬁlled with storage space, its functional features really shine. Entry to the house from the garden happens here, so there’s a bench seat for taking off shoes and a concealed hanging rail over the sink that allows items to drip-dry unobtrusively, much like a mud-room set-up. The dark-hued walls are elegant and splash-friendly. carolewhiting.com

Cabinetry made by Hallam Kitchens. Customised Time bench, Nomi. Hay ‘Beam’ coat rack, Cult. Walls, Porter’s Paints Leaden.

SANDRINGHAM HOUSE

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white wash Space Grace & Style

Cabinetry, Duropal W0400 Xtreme Matt laminate in Snow White. Benchtop, Caesarstone Snow. Brushed brass shelf, Ore Designs. L795 handles, Kethy. Penny round splashback tiles and terrazzo floor tiles, both Geelong Tiles & Bathware.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: NIKOLE RAMSAY, ARMELLE HABIB (OPPOSITE)

This compact laundry in Geelong was thoughtfully considered by SGS’s Rebecca Jansma so that every square centimetre can be used. The all-white palette ensures the room feels spacious and fresh, while terrazzo underfoot, stone on the benchtop and an unexpected brass shelf with strip lighting give it a contemporary look. “Every bit of this room was mapped out to meet the owner’s requirements,” says Rebecca. “There’s a spot for everything, and all the shelves, drawers and hampers were customised to their contents. The LED strip light is on a separate circuit, so if you’re just popping in to drop some laundry into the hamper, you don’t need the full-room lighting.” spacegracestyle.com.au

farm fresh Kate Walker Design (KWD)

To emphasise the modern-farmhouse aesthetic of this property on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, interior designer Kate Walker speciﬁed hand-chipped black limestone ﬂoor tiles in a herringbone pattern and gave a calming rural-landscape art piece pride of place. Below it is plenty of room to fold clothes. “People think you need to have appliances side by side or on top of one other,” says Kate, “but by having the washing machine on one side, you can take clothes from it, use the sink area to sort them and then dry as required, in the dryer or drying cupboard” – the latter a nifty addition that removes the need for pop-up clothes racks when the weather is wet. katewalkerdesign.com.au

Cabinetry made by Gravina Cabinets And Interiors. Floor tiles, KWD & Co. Wall panels, KLS Builders. Sink and taps, The English Tapware Company. Appliances, Siemens. Door, 3D Windows. Artwork by Debbie Mackenzie.

stack attack Amarot

Fior Di Bosco stone takes centre stage in this Sydney laundry by Amarot’s Alexandra Marrotte, who used the material to zhoosh up this traditionally utilitarian zone. “The joinery next to the stone benchtop and splashback houses a washer/dryer stack with functional storage space above,” she says, adding that a separate broom cupboard to the right has its own door and powerpoint for easy vacuum-charging and cleaning-appliance use. The timber cabinetry brings warmth to the cool scheme and is a nice point of textural difference. On another wall is a series of louvred windows, providing ample airﬂow when required. amarot.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON WHITBREAD, LAURA HANNAN (OPPOSITE). STYLING: KATY BOTTOMLY (OPPOSITE)

Cabinetry, Laminex Oyster Grey. Overhead cupboards, Evenex Deep Grain Oak. Fior Di Bosco marble, CDK Stone. Andano sink, Blanco. Oliveri ‘Essentials’ gooseneck mixer, Reece. Appliances, Fisher & Paykel.

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personality plus By Bruno

Just off the kitchen of a Melbourne home, this laundry has made it possible for the owner to put through a load of washing while cooking dinner. But despite being meticulously planned, there was a glitch in the build and necessity became the mother of invention for the project’s designer, Lena Bruno, halfway through. “The client and I were looking forward to seeing show-stopping 150mm x 75mm straight-laid blush-pink tiles – and we were crushed when there were supply issues during construction,” says Lena. “With only the 100mm x 100mm option available, the client was hoping for a different look. So I came up with an unusual laying pattern that was drawn to scale and executed by the tiler – an on-the-ﬂy solution that’s given the laundry its own personality.” bybruno.com.au; quilliambuilding.com.au

Cabinetry, Albedor Thermo Formed MDF in White Matt. Tundra Mist benchtop, Apex Stone. Porcelain wall tiles in Rose Pink (with Davco grout in Palladium) and Granitogres porcelain floor tiles in Ankara, De Fazio Tiles & Stone. Pegasi M sink mixer, Faucet Strommen. Victorian ash hardwood for shelves and hanging rail, Ash.

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material mash-up The Designory

Cabinetry in Haymes Paint Moon And Stars, made by A&R Cabinets. Leather handles, MadeMeasure. Fossil limestone benchtop, ADBA Stone. Appliances, Fisher & Paykel. Scandiluxe wall hooks, The Design Hunter. Walls, Haymes Paint Modesty White.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSIE PRINCE & CAT GERKE, ANSON SMART (OPPOSITE). STYLING: CLAIRE DELMAR (OPPOSITE)

Hidden behind the beautiful doors of this sleek laundry – part of a home in the Byron Bay hinterland – is a huge linen cupboard and lots of storage. Also featured are baskets for sorting washing and a set of floating shelves for displaying treasures. “The mix of materials is definitely the hero design element,” says The Designory director Melissa Bonney. “That includes the fossil limestone benches and splashback, the copper tapware and leather handles, plus timber features that tie in with the truss timber ceiling.” Better yet, this home is off the grid and eco-friendly appliances are fitted throughout, including an energy-efficient heat-pump dryer. the-designory.com.au

Cabinetry, two-pack polyurethane in Dulux Sea Breeze. Porcelain bench tiles in Matt Blue and terrazzo floor tiles, Surface Gallery. Fireclay sink, Schots Home Emporium. Scala sink mixer, Reece. Walls, Dulux Tranquil Retreat. Artwork by Kate Hopkinson-Pointer, through Project Gallery 90.

blues fest Arent&Pyke

Aiming to surprise and delight the owners of this Sydney laundry, the interior experts at Arent&Pyke chose a predominantly blue palette. “It injects a sense of fun into a space that is generally overlooked,” says designer Sarah-Jane Pyke. “Now it feels like a beautiful space you’d want to spend time in.” The ﬂoor plan was also changed, to connect the laundry to the garden and to maximise styling opportunities, such as the tiled benchtop and blue tapware at the back. Proving this space has both beauty and brains, 5-star energy-rated appliances were selected for the ﬁnish. arentpyke.com INSIDE OUT | 129

GOLDEN RULES OF

GREAT LAUNDRIES

EURO STYLE Melbourne-based Alison Lewis Interiors designed this stylish cleaning station behind bifold doors.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DYLAN LARK (BOTH PAGES)

The BuildHer team share their tried-and-tested tips for wash spaces that perform well in form and function

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DOUBLE DUTY Installing efficient yet chic hanging rails in laundries can be the ultimate cheat to reduce ironing time. BuildHer Collective co-founders Rebeka Morgan (left) and Kribashini Hannon can be found at buildhercollective.com.au

he once-forgotten laundry is back, and with

a bang. Today, we see it being a space that is super functional and beautiful. This important room is now receiving its share of the buzz and increasingly fitted with ‘jewellery’ to match. We work with BuildHers to get the location and flow of their laundries right, and want to share some of our top tips:

DIG DEEP

The ideal depth for benchtops in a laundry is usually between 600mm and 700mm. One of the key factors that will determine this is the appliances. If you have an underbench washing machine and dryer, they will need to fit neatly under the bench, with enough room to form the tap connections. Another factor to consider is the sink or laundry trough that integrates with the bench depth. If you use a ceramic farmhouse sink, often the tap will sit behind the bowl, so you need enough space for this. Plus, don’t forget to allow for clearance on either side of the appliances and sometimes above. Most of the time you’ll need 30–50mm on either side, but check the whiteware specs and installation guides during the design phase.

MEASURE TWICE

If you are building new, the location and size of the laundry are super important. Generally, these spaces are between 1800mm and 2400mm wide – this gives you enough space for the appliances and sinks on one wall, while the other wall can be for shelving or hanging storage and circulation space. With that said, if you are renovating, you may need to compromise on the size and depth of the room, based on the existing space you must work within. Either way, measure twice to be sure!

HAMPER HEAVEN If space permits, opt for built-in laundry hampers to avoid washing piling up.

ALLOW SPACE TO WORK

A walkway of between 900mm and 1200mm will usually be sufficient to help with the use of integrated items such as ironing boards or drying cabinets. Also, think about the workflow in the laundry in terms of space and laundry hampers. Rebeka has four in her laundry – one for clean laundry to be folded and put away, one for general washing, one for whites, and one for towels and bedding. INSIDE OUT | 131

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Storage is so important! Write a list of all the things you keep in your laundry as this will inform what is best for overhead storage and elsewhere

LONG VIEW If possible, locate your laundry in a spot with good access and a pleasant outlook to enjoy while you’re folding clothes.

This is so important! How much storage do you need? Write a list of all the things you keep in your laundry as this will inform what is best for overhead storage and elsewhere. The list will probably be bigger that you imagine. Think about the overhead storage of chemicals, to keep them away from children, and whether these are things you want to see on open shelves or in overhead cabinets. Overhead hanging rods work well – for storing or drying items.

WHERE TO SAVE

You can save on the level of finish here. Rather than a full laminate on the insides of cabinets, use standard melamine. Save on tiling by not tiling the walls to full height – just the floor and a small skirting. Buy wire storage systems if you can’t afford new joinery, although Ikea has affordable cabinetry.

WHAT TO SPLURGE ON

I [Kribashini] think you should splurge on the quality of your washing machine and dryer, your iron and your storage solutions. But also consider your individual needs. I have a fantastic iron with a water base, but it is large and bulky and I won’t use it if I have to get the board out. I’m always rushing

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around, so having the iron out is important for convenience. But honestly, it’s unsightly and takes up so much space! Other items to splurge on are a great sink and storage, which will add useability and functionality. If you are building, you’ll have the potential to resolve all your laundry issues with the new design. If you’re renovating, you may need to compromise features to suit the space you have. Think about high-end touches, such as gorgeous cabinet handles (you only need a few in a laundry space). You could also add an expensive tile or stone you love for the splashback – if it’s a small quantity, you may be able to buy a cheap offcut.

OTHER ASPECTS

A laundry can be considered a wet area, so make sure that the new plasterboard behind your appliances and at tap penetrations is fully waterproofed. You may also like to consider storage for pet food and other related items. And if the trough or sink will be large enough to wash your pet, or sporting gear and other muddy items. For obvious reasons, families really value full-scale laundries, and often look for this when buying a house. In apartments, however, having a compact laundry off the hallway, as in a lot of European homes, is perfectly acceptable.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DYLAN LARK (BOTH PAGES).

THINK ABOUT STORAGE

EQUAL MEASURES Incorporating elements used elsewhere in your home will give the space more design cred.

MUST-HAVES

Ticking off these factors will create a laundry that’s super fit for purpose + Sufficient ventilation + Enough circulation space + Natural light (if possible) + External door for access (if possible) + Durable floor surfaces + Ample storage + Bench space for folding + Good-quality appliances, with high ratings for energy consumption and water usage + Dryers vented to the outside if required (based on model and type) + Full-height cupboard for brooms, mops and vacuum cleaner + Doors to conceal the laundry if it is in a bathroom, garage or hallway.

RESTORATION PROJECT Count sheep in style with the Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite ‘Hammond Medium’ mattress. It’s been developed through orthopaedic research that promotes restful, restorative sleep. From $2699 for the queen size. harveynorman.com.au

GROUND FORCE Earthy tones of terracotta, honeycomb, cream and caramel reign supreme in Dinosaur Designs’ latest collection. Our favourites are the Crown dish in Terracotta Swirl (above left) and Caramel Swirl, both $55. dinosaurdesigns.com.au

royal treatment

SHOPPING

bedroom

Update your sleep space with dreamy, delicate touches that look great and warm your heart

GET FRESH GOOD VIBES

Concealing a built-in pocket of crystals, the Rose Quartz Crystal eye mask from Caw helps calm, cool and soothe. $49.95 at cawlife.com 134 | INSIDE OUT

Neutralise odours with the uplifting notes of lemon balm and sea salt in The Botanical Life’s Breath Of Fresh Air room and linen spray, $28 for 500ml. thebotanicallifeco. com.au

welcome, home Awash with muted hues and floral motifs, Villeroy & Boch’s It’s My Home collection of decorative objects has all you need for personalising your interiors, from elegant vignettes to elevated table settings. The Leaf candleholder in White, $19.95, is simply beautiful. villeroy-boch.com.au

WORDS: LAURA BARRY. PHOTOGRAPHY: JEDD COONEY (DINOSAUR DESIGNS), NIKOLAS HAGELE (VILLEROY & BOCH), MARTINA GEMMOLA (HEATHERLY DESIGN), EVAN JENKINS (GINGER FINCH). STYLING: BEK SHEPPARD (HEATHERLY)

King has released four rugs that reflect the Australian lifestyle and complement the King sofa range. Hand-loomed from wool, flax linen, ArtSilk and bamboo silk in a refined, minimalist palette, the company’s first foray into floorcoverings is set to be a stunner. Pictured is the Oceania rug (200cm x 300cm) in Night Sky (top) and Terra Firma, from $3380. kingliving.com.au

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pjs party

two timer

Hybernate sees pyjama design through a lens of quality and craftsmanship. Made in Australia, the latest range celebrates winter with sleeveless T-shirts, from $65, and slim-leg pants, $109; hybernate.com

Change the look of your bed to suit your mood with Heatherly Design’s reversible Rupert bedhead. From the Chameleon collection, with a youthful aesthetic and easily flipped design, the 120cm-high bedhead features two opposing shades inspired by Australia’s coastal hues Shown here is Dargo linen in Nectar, $1860 for queen. The other side is up to you! heatherlydesign.com.au

winter woollies Ward off winter chills with Lady Kate cable-knit socks made from Merino wool. At $89, these little beauties are perfect for lounging around or lining your wellies on rainy days. ladykate.com.au

3 OF A KIND Soft throws

1 Ascot Merino wool throw in Beige (140cm x 180cm), $195; huxfordgrove.com 2 Studio Herron reversible jacquard throw in Rodinia (130cm x 180cm), $329; gingerfinch.com.au 3 Sailor Merino wool blanket in Navy (160cm x 200cm), $480; curiopractice.com.au

HOMEGROWN TALENT Adairs has announced a second collaboration with Miimi & Jiinda, a creative mother-daughter duo from the Gumbaynggur, Dunghutti and Bandjalung tribes of Australia’s east coast. The lovely homewares range weaves traditional and contemporary colours and textures reflecting their stories. Pictured are the Jagun Miirlarl fitted cot sheet, $79.99 for two, and Yillah cot quilt-cover set, $99.99. adairs.com.au

MADE FOR BEDS Local start-up Bedsmade is here to transform your bed-making experience with its crisp 100% organic cotton, 400-thread-count tailored sheet set. The double is priced from $240. bedsmade.com.au

FRUIT FEST Marimekko turns 70 on May 21, and the Finnish design house is showcasing some of its most iconic prints, inspired by berries, fruits, vegetables and fresh flowers. How about the Mansikkavuoret bathrobe with a complementary cushion? They’ll set you back $239 and $53 respectively. marimekko.com.au

ECO-FRIENDLY

REUSABLE CUTLERY SET

CK ! I L C GO &

IN STORE FROM MAY 17th Only $3.99 when you purchase a participating magazine or $9.99 when sold separately

*On-sale 17/05/2021 – 22/06/2021 or while stocks last. Subject to availability. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Participating magazine titles include: Woman’s Day, New Idea, Who, Better Homes and Gardens, The Australian Women’s Weekly, That’s Life, Take 5, Diabetic Living, TV Week, Australian House & Garden, Marie Claire, Inside Out, The Australian Women’s Weekly Cookbooks, That’s Life Puzzler On The Go, The Australian Women’s Weekly Royal, Country Style, The Australian Women’s Weekly Icons, Belle, Bluey, That’s Life Mega Monthly, Take 5 Mega Puzzler, Woman’s Day Royal Special, Better Homes and Gardens Puzzle Book.

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courtyard cool

Smart design makes the most of a small space This clever courtyard in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is a welcome change for its busy owners. They confess to a lack of green thumbs, so the new design means they can still enjoy the restorative properties of an inviting garden. Carefully curated surfaces and finishes do most of the heavy lifting, while the edited plantings are confined to robust, easy-care grasses and succulents. Copious strip-finished concrete does triple time as seating, steps and barbecue surround, creating a smooth flow from one level of the courtyard to the other. Turn the page to see more.

WORDS CHRIS PEARSON PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE HUNFALVAY

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next level

Replacing a tired Tuscan scheme and fountain, the simple new design for this Sydney courtyard works for its owners in ways they never expected

WORDS CHRIS PEARSON PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE HUNFALVAY

This courtyard is brilliantly suited to a couple who don’t love gardening. A Japanese black pine tree supplies verticality, underplanted with Japanese box and dwarf mondo grasses. A cardboard cycad (Zamia furfuracea) sits in a pot from Hibernate Outdoors. Tribù ‘Vintage’ chairs and Gloster ‘Split’ table, Cosh Living. Banquette seat, Inform. Wall lights, Gardens At Night. OPPOSITE Low-maintenance succulents (from left) Crassula ‘Blue Bird’, string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) and blue chalksticks cascade over a back fence made with weatherresistant IronAsh battens from Ash.

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“We weren’t using the backyard so we wanted something that was conducive to year-round entertaining and pet-friendly” THE OWNERS

hile it’s the perfect spot for rest,

relaxation and reflection, this small but stylish courtyard garden in Sydney’s inner suburbs also rolls up its sleeves and earns its living – big time. And the hardscaping does much of the hard yards. “As it’s only five metres by 10 metres, our approach was to make every millimetre count, from a functional perspective or [an aesthetic one] through the inclusion of beautiful finishes and details,” says its creator, Trystan Graham of Outdoor Establishments. “When space is limited, if the landscape performs poorly or the construction is not executed well, there is no hiding it.” The owners, who had bought the property two decades earlier, asked him to renovate their courtyard in 2019. Trystan was confronted with Tuscan overload, a signature look of the 1990s. At the far end it boasted a terracotta-hued feature wall, complete with a fountain, hand-decorated tiles and a mishmash of distressed surfaces over three levels. “The boundary fences were deteriorating, the paving failing and the stumps of old trees were actually holding up walls,” he says. “We weren’t using the backyard,” say the owners, “as it was not a relaxing space. We wanted something uncluttered, with a sense of spaciousness and flow, which would be conducive to year-round entertainment and pet-friendly.” As keen entertainers, they wanted two distinct spaces: a dining zone immediately behind the house and a second seating area on a higher level towards the back of the garden, shaded from the afternoon sun. But they confess to not being green-fingered, so ‘low maintenance’ joined the wishlist. Trystan’s solution was to place the emphasis on crafted hardscaping with a curated selection of robust, sculptural plants. “We wanted to create a wow factor using simple and honest materials – concrete, brick and timber – and not much else, used in unique formats or installed in highly skilful ways,” he says. “As the site was small, we felt the detailing should be bold.” While hardwood decking sits underfoot on the lower level, bricks were cut to create paving in a simple, stack-bond pattern on the upper level. Most strikingly, a strip of concrete flows from front to back, morphing from seating to steps, from planter and retaining wall back to a second seat, in one uninterrupted sweep, and also encases the barbecue on the other side of the courtyard. Boundary fencing in fine timber battens (echoing the timber deck) results in enclosure on two sides, with a rendered brick wall forming the other. “Structural as well as decorative, the concrete is the hero,” remarks Trystan. “It is incredible what you can achieve with it.” Playing with scale – paradoxically, a smart way to make a small space seem larger – he also commissioned three handcrafted oversized planters to sit beside the barbecue. Then, in keeping with the brief for low-maintenance greenery, Trystan opted for a mix of robust and sculptural species, such as a Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) for shading, underplanted with Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) and mondo grass (Ophiopogon

THIS PAGE At the back of the courtyard, twin-flowered agaves in custom pots from Cameron Williams Pottery make a statement in what could otherwise be an idle space beside the BeefEater stainless-steel barbecue. Strip-finished concrete (where the formwork is removed and the surface smoothed with a trowel) extends from the steps and seating to the barbecue surround. OPPOSITE The courtyard sits on two defined levels, zoning the dining area abutting the house and the seating area near the back boundary. Mrs Frankenstool seats, Robert Plumb. Nomah table, Eco Outdoor.

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OUT | GARDEN

japonicus). It’s no coincidence that a Japanese theme emerges, with echoes of Zen permeating this space. “Simplicity was key,” says Trystan. “This garden isn’t overly designed or cluttered. It’s laid out for purpose and built with a simple and clean material palette complemented by an interesting composition of plantings.” Adding to the mix, a Madagascan jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda) climbs along the timber screening, while a trio of twin-flowered agaves (Agave geminiflora) sits in three humungous planters, ensuring a focal point towards the back of the garden. Along the rear boundary, cascading blue chalksticks (Senecio serpens), pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) and Crassula ‘Blue Bird’ spill into the courtyard. Meanwhile, cycads and succulents such as cereus cacti and curio – all very forgiving for less-than-avid gardeners – adorn pots on the lower deck. “I love the playfulness of the cascading succulents over the rear fence, contrasted by the sculptural form of the buxus topiary and Japanese black pine,” says Trystan. This transformation wasn’t without challenges, however, largely due to tricky access. “Everything had to go through the terrace house, with its narrow doorways, long hallways and carpet, and directly through the living area,” says Trystan. “The only item that was carried in via neighbouring properties was the advanced Japanese black pine, which had to fence-hop.” The owners have not regretted a minute of the process. Their courtyard no longer sits idle and is now used every day for a variety of reasons. “We love the flow of the concrete, which curves and morphs and performs different functions,” say the owners. “Every section can be used for seating and relaxation, which makes the courtyard so handy for entertaining. It works for everything from intimate dining to being a ‘clubhouse’ for the touch footy team.” Outdoor Establishments is at outdoorestablishments.com

“This garden isn’t overly designed or cluttered — it’s laid out for purpose” TRYSTAN GRAHAM, OUTDOOR ESTABLISHMENTS

Chillingham White bricks from Bowral Bricks in a stack-bond pattern contrast with a brick fence laid in the same material but in a larger format and a subway pattern. A sago cycad (Cycas revoluta) and Lomandra Seascape fill pots from The Balcony Garden. OPPOSITE (top and bottom right) Concrete’s versatility is shown in its application for steps and seating. String of pearls tempers the lines of the barbecue surround, while Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus peruvianus) softens the vertical battens. (Bottom left) Wide-gauge waterproof decking in Silver Gum from ModWood contrasts with the wall. Madagascar jasmine in an Apollo cylinder planter from Garden Life is espaliered along the fence.

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COLLOCA IN THE KITCHEN In her new book, Silvia Colloca presents 100 recipes that channel traditional and modern Italian cuisine

homemade cavatelli with spring vegetables Shaping cavatelli is one of my favourite stress-relieving activities. Once I have rested my dough and dusted my board, I immerse myself in the repetitive pinching, rolling and dragging action. I’m never fussed if they are not particularly precise — all I really care about is creating a slit in the middle big enough to trap the goodness of the sauce. The name cavatelli comes from the word cavati (hollow), which is what makes this shape so efficient and satisfying to the palate.

WORDS & RECIPE SILVIA COLLOCA PHOTOGRAPHY ROB PALMER

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roasted chilli & crab crostini

FOOD STYLING: VANESSA AUSTIN

Crostini are very similar to bruschetta, but in Italy we only use that term for grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes (in fact, the most traditional bruschetta simply has garlic and oregano!). Veer away from this classic combination and your preparation is instantly transformed into crostini. There is no particular reason for this — it is simply a matter of tradition and one I am happy to stick to.

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roasted chilli & crab crostini

cacciucco (tuscan fish zuppa)

SERVES 6

SERVES 4

10 large long red chillies 3 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves and chives Salt flakes 80ml (⅓ cup) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing 300g picked crab meat

2 tbsp lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved 1 day-old baguette, cut into 1cm-thick slices TO SERVE

Small flat-leaf parsley leaves

1 Preheat the grill function on your oven to high and line a baking tray with foil. Place the chillies on the prepared tray, slide under the grill and roast, turning the chillies over as they blister, for 25—30 minutes or until blackened. Remove chillies from the tray and place in a zip-lock bag for 1 hour. 2 Remove the chillies from the bag and scrape off the skin. Don’t rinse them or you will wash away the beautiful charred flavour you’ve just given them. If you can’t handle too much heat, scrape off the seeds. Cut the chillies into thin strips and mix with the chopped herbs, some salt and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. 3 Place the crab meat in a small bowl and stir through the lemon juice and remaining olive oil. 4 Heat a chargrill pan over high heat or your barbecue grill plate to hot. Rub the cut sides of the garlic cloves over the bread slices, then brush with some more olive oil. Grill the bread on both sides until nicely charred. Top with the crab meat mixture and roasted chilli. Crown with a few small parsley leaves, if you like, and serve.

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3 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tbsps finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus extra leaves to serve 100ml white wine 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 1 litre fish stock 300g skinless ling or barramundi fillet, pin-boned, cut into 3cm pieces

12 large raw prawns, peeled and deveined, tails intact 8 scallops, roe removed 8 mussels, scrubbed and debearded (see note) 8 clams, rinsed TO SERVE

Grilled bread

1 Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the garlic and parsley and cook, stirring, for 1—2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the wine and cook for a further 2—3 minutes until the wine has evaporated. Add the chopped tomatoes and stock and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium–low and cook for 20—30 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened. 2 Add the fish and prawns and cook for 1 minute, then add the remaining seafood. Cover and cook, shaking the pan once or twice, for a further 1—2 minutes until the mussels and clams have opened (discard any that don’t open) and all the seafood is cooked through. Ladle into bowls and serve with plenty of grilled bread. NOTE To remove the beard from a mussel, tug the little hairy bit at its base. The beards aren’t inedible, but they are not very palatable.

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cacciucco (tuscan fish zuppa) Of the many types of fish stews typical of Italy, cacciucco is a favourite of mine. Firstly, it is uncomplicated to prepare yet looks and tastes stunning, which makes it a winner for both family dinners and more formal occasions. Secondly, I love the way old recipe books indicate that you need to have the same number of seafood varieties as there are letter Cs in cacciucco: five, to be precise! And while the choice of fish is largely the cook’s privilege, the unspoken rule is that at least one should be a spiny fish, such as red mullet. This can be tricky to come by, so I have used ling here. I hope my Tuscan friends can forgive the transgression!

homemade cavatelli with spring vegetables

torta della nonna SERVES 8—10

SERVES 4

1 quantity Basic Vegan Pasta Dough (see right) Coarse semolina or semolina flour for dusting (see note) 1 bunch of asparagus, woody ends trimmed Iced water, for refreshing 4 baby zucchini with their flowers attached 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 golden shallots, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, skin on, bashed with the back of a knife Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp frozen peas

BASIC VEGAN PASTA DOUGH

150g (1 cup) type 00 or specialty pasta flour, plus extra for dusting 150g semolina flour, plus extra for dusting (see note) 1 tsp salt flakes 250ml (1 cup) lukewarm water TO SERVE

Finely grated lemon zest Baby mint leaves Freshly grated pecorino

1 egg white, beaten 100g (⅔ cup) pine nuts Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

CUSTARD PASTRY

300g (2 cups) type 00 flour, plus extra for dusting 170g butter, chilled and cut into cubes 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped

750ml (3 cups) milk Zest of 2 lemons, cut into strips 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped 6 egg yolks 170g (¾ cup) caster sugar 70g plain flour

1 To make the pastry, place the flour, butter and vanilla seeds in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until it resembles crumbs. Tip onto a floured board, add the icing sugar and mix well. Make a well in the centre and add the egg and extra yolk. Start incorporating the flour mixture with a fork, then use your hands to bring the dough together. Flatten the dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Leave to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. 2 Meanwhile, to make the custard, pour the milk into a saucepan over medium heat and bring to just below simmering point. Remove from the heat, then add the lemon zest and vanilla bean and seeds. Set aside to cool and infuse for 15 minutes. 3 In the meantime, beat the egg yolks and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the flour and mix well to remove any lumps. Gently pour the milk mixture through a sieve into the flour mixture (to collect the zest and vanilla bean) and combine well. Pour the mixture back into the pan and cook over low heat for 2—3 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to remove any lumps. Take it off the heat sooner if you think it’s starting to split. Once off the heat, give it a good whisk, then pour into a shallow dish. Cover closely with plastic wrap to prevent a skin forming and leave to cool and thicken. 4 Preheat your oven to 170°C. Grease and flour a 20cm springform tin. 5 Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger portion to a 3—4mm thickness and use it to line the base of the prepared tin, making sure the dough reaches 3cm up the side to create a pastry shell. Pour in the custard, then roll out the second piece of dough to a 3—4mm thickness and use it to cover the custard. Trim the edge and press to seal, to ensure the custard is well enclosed in the pastry. 6 Brush the top with the egg white and sprinkle over the pine nuts. Bake for 40—45 minutes until golden. Cool completely in the tin. Remove the side and base of the tin and dust with icing sugar, if you like. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

1 To make the pasta dough, put the flours and salt in a large mixing bowl, make a well and slowly start pouring in the water, mixing as you go to incorporate the flour. Don’t add all the water at once as you may not need it all. Tip the dough onto a floured surface, oil your hands and knead for 3—4 minutes or until it comes together in a smooth ball. Add a little flour if the dough feels a bit wet. Wrap in plastic or beeswax wrap and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. 2 After the dough has rested, dust a large board with semolina. Pinch off a 2cm piece of dough, then use a butter knife to drag it towards you — the dough will stretch and an indent will be created. Repeat with the remaining dough. Dust the cavatelli with semolina and set aside. 3 Cut asparagus spears into 3—4 pieces, depending on size. If spears are big, peel and remove the stringy outer layer. Leave tips intact. 4 Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Drop in asparagus and blanch for 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and plunge into iced water; drain and set aside. Reserve the boiling water. 5 Separate the baby zucchini from their flowers. Remove the stamen within the petals, then open them and shred the flowers. Slice the baby zucchini into thin rounds. 6 Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat, add the shallot, garlic and a pinch of salt and sauté for 2—3 minutes. Add the zucchini rounds and cook for another 2—3 minutes until they start to colour. Add the peas and asparagus and cook for 1—2 minutes. Remove from the heat, discard the garlic clove and season to taste. 7 Return the saucepan of water to the boil, drop in the cavatelli and boil for 3—4 minutes or until cooked. 8 While the cavatelli is cooking, return the frying pan with the vegetable mixture to medium heat. Use a slotted spoon to lift the cavatelli out of the cooking water and into the pan, dragging a little of the cooking water with it, and sauté briefly to lightly colour and mingle with the greens. Add a little cooking water if it seems a bit dry. Scatter over the lemon zest This is an edited extract and shredded zucchini flowers, then top with the from Simple Italian by mint leaves and grated pecorino and serve. Silvia Colloca. Published NOTE Semolina flour (or semola) is fine durum wheat by Pan Macmillan, $39.99. flour that you can buy in specialty stores or online. Photography by Rob Palmer.

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100g icing sugar 1 egg 1 egg yolk

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torta della nonna Torta della nonna (Grandma’s tart) was not invented by my nonna, or indeed by any specific nonna. Its origins are a little hard to pin down, but it appears the name is meant to convey the tart’s intrinsic simplicity and lack of adornment. The way an Italian nonna would make it — a simple pastry case filled with lemony custard and studded with creamy pine nuts. It is absolutely divine and always on offer in dessert carts around Italy.

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choc full

Winter’s on the way so our thoughts turn to comfort food and, of course, chocolate! Here’s a sneak peek from a new book by the Sage Creative team, celebrating milk, dark and white RECIPE JESSICA BROOK PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS COURT STYLING STEVE PEARCE

choc-chip cookie dough brownies Can’t decide whether you love choc-chip cookies or brownies more? Our two favourite choc treats are together at last in this incredible mash-up that will be adored by all. SERVES 12

160g unsalted butter, chopped ⅔ cup (150g) firmly packed brown sugar ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 1 egg 1⅔ cup (250g) plain flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) ¼ tsp table salt 200g dark chocolate chips 200g milk chocolate, chopped BROWNIE LAYER

PHOTOGRAPHY: BEN DEARNLEY (PORTRAIT). WORDS: PRU ENGEL

90g unsalted butter, chopped 200g milk chocolate, chopped ¾ cup (165g) caster sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract ⅓ cup (50g) plain flour ¼ cup (25g) Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Lightly grease a 20cm x 30cm slice tin and line with non-stick baking paper, leaving a 3cm overhang. 2 Place the butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high for 8—10 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well to combine. Add the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt, and mix until just combined. Fold through the chocolate chips. Spoon onto the tray, pressing into the base and slightly up the sides. Sprinkle with chopped milk chocolate. 3 To make the brownie layer, melt the butter and chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour into a large bowl and set aside to cool slightly. Whisk the sugar into the chocolate mixture, followed by the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour and cocoa powder and beat well to combine. Pour brownie layer over the cookie layer. Bake for 55—60 minutes or until the top looks shiny and doesn’t wobble (an inserted skewer should come out with a few sticky brownie crumbs). Cool completely in the tin. Slice to serve.

about Jessica and Steve

Jessica Brook and Steve Pearce formed Sage Creative Co out of their shared love for great food content, both on the plate and the page. Their professional partnership is an extension of the friendship they’ve forged over the years, working on many of Australia’s and the world’s best-loved food magazines, books and brands.

Collaborating throughout the creative process to harness their passions, they each bring something very special and unique to Sage. As food and content director, Jessica crafts recipes and food stories with expertise. She brings her food knowledge, technical skill, intrigue in the multicultural aspects of food and personal style to every recipe she writes. Style and creative director Steve brings the immense beauty and stories behind the food to life on the pages. Meticulously selecting backgrounds, props and ingredients, his style and his approach to design are always beautifully considered and visually stunning.

This is an edited extract from Chocolate: A Food And Recipe Journal (Issue #2) by Jessica Brook and Steve Pearce, with photography by Chris Court, Ben Dearnley, James Moffatt and Con Poulos. The book is available in print for $34 (plus postage and handling), or as a digital version for $14, both from sagecreative.co

INSIDE OUT | 151

INSIDE OUT | PROMOTION

extras

BRIGHT IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME

BATHE Specialist shower brand Aquas has launched a new luxury showering

CAESARSTONE® Uniquely crafted, Caesarstone® Calacutta Maximus™

CHOICES FLOORING A Choices Flooring Gift Card is the perfect choice for someone

experience: the Neu 2.0. Available in five finishes, this fixture will be a stunning addition to your bathroom. $1219 (in brushed

embraces the popularity of prominent veining, turning surfaces into graphic works of art. Approx $800-$1200/m2

who is planning a home makeover or new build. Make their dream a reality and start them on their way! Buy online today at

gold, as pictured). Visit bathe.net.au

(supply only). caesarstone.com.au

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BRICKWORKS Combining the beauty of terracotta with contemporary ceramic techniques and colours, San Selmo SK1Ns has a range of imaginative applications, from unique façades to distinctive rooflines. From $149/m2. brickworks.com.au

HARVEY NORMAN Cook like an expert with the SMEG 120cm Portofino Pyrolytic Freestanding Cooker, $13,990. It has two 60cm ovens and is available in black, turquoise and stainless steel. Visit harveynorman.com.au

DOMAYNE A.H. Beard understands that comfort is subjective: mix and match to find a mattress and comfort topper to suit your sleep style. Then customise further with an A. H. Beard Invigorate adjustable bed base. domayne.com.au

PHOENIX TAPWARE The Lexi MKII vessel mixer, from $396, builds on the distinctive linear profile of the original Lexi mixer. The new outlet is slender and its pin handle elongated, sitting vertically for a

COCO REPUBLIC presents its Winter 2021 Collection, which explores a balance between monochromatic tones and minimalist shapes. With over 150 additions to the range, look out for clean lines and

POLYFLOR MiPlank is designed especially for Australian homes and busy families. Featuring longer, thicker planks, MiPlank is easy to install and quiet underfoot. It will add a sense of spaciousness to any room.

streamlined look. phoenixtapware.com.au

sculptural forms. cocorepublic.com.au

See the range at polyflor.com.au

OUT | TRAVEL

PIER PERFECT The new eatery at Boathouse Rose Bay features delicious seafood served in a vibrant interior by Pip Goldsmith. Some of the lampshades and lobster-pot lights can be purchased at The Boathouse Home store. Rounded marble tables by Joel Taylor.

DESIGN DESTINATION

the boathouse

This addition to Sydney’s restaurant scene stays true to crisp nautical tradition

P WORDS: ELIZA O’HARE

ip Goldsmith, the creative director of The Boathouse

Group, has hit the nail on the head again with the renovation of The Boathouse, an iconic over-thewater restaurant on a pier in Sydney’s Rose Bay. This is the ninth property in a group portfolio that includes fine-dining restaurants, beachside cafes, a hotel, a bakery and a homewares store – all reinforcing a warm, beachy style that veers momentarily into tropical kitsch but then settles comfortably into a clean, coastal vibe. “The Boathouse is the sister restaurant to Barrenjoey House [on the Northern Beaches] so it feels similar, but we wanted it to be more polished for the local crowd,” says Pip. “It’s welcoming enough to make you want to settle in, but also feels a little bit special.” Helping this is the fact that every seat gets a water view. Pip has no fixed design rules, though there are a few standards. “I like to play around, mixing colours and patterns and tones,” she says. “But there must always be a lot of white. I think it’s vital for a venue to feel clean – and a good white does that.” Pip also employed some structural updates that became tools of transformation. Old sliding windows were swapped for new louvres, which deliver great airflow and don’t blast guests with unexpected weather. In addition, the ceiling was raised to open up the internal space, now covered with serious soundproofing camouflaged by a cluster of crab pots. The menu, by head chef James Brownrigg, has a few local additions, but remains very fresh and simple. “You must try his taramasalata dip,” advises Pip. “It’s my favourite.”

details The Boathouse Rose Bay is at 594 New South Head Road, Rose Bay, NSW. Call (02) 9189 5259 or see theboathouserosebay.com.au INSIDE OUT | 153

LAST WORD

perfect form

Five sculptural pieces, finished in a palette of muted, earthy tones, make up the new collection of stoneware items from L&M Home. Each vessel is handmade and unique, paying homage to the beauty of organic materials and traditional craftsmanship. Available in three colours – Black, Fawn and Chalk – the success of the range lies in the subtle juxtaposition of curvaceous silhouettes and rigid concrete forms. The vessels are priced from $128 each. lmhome.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY MARTINA GEMMOLA

Reliable home Wi-Fi has never been more important, which is why we include the Telstra Smart Modem on all home internet plans for new customers who stay connected for 24 months. It’s backed up by Australia’s best 4G network, so if the connection to your home stops, we’ll have you back online in minutes. Head to your local Telstra store where we have the right people committed to helping you connect to the right home internet plan. THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Mobile backup is available to premises in 4G coverage areas. Check coverage at telstra.com/coverage. Your mobile backup connection is capped at 25 Mbps for downloads and 2 Mbps for uploads. Actual speeds may be lower due to local conditions and content accessed.

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Articles inside

GOLDEN RULES OF GREAT LAUNDRIES How to design your space

given an update while carefully retaining its hallmark features BUDGET TO LUXE A tale of three different bathroom scenarios

PROJECT LAUNCH How to plan a new bathroom

COLOUR THEORY Going bold with your bathroom design

restore, rather than renovate, her 1960s home in South Africa FRESH INK A Victorian-era weatherboard in Ballarat, Victoria, is

attracted much attention, both locally and overseas THE GREAT DIVIDE Separate spaces for living and entertaining

family fun and relaxation in mind TEAM EFFORT A new build on the Mornington Peninsula has

VIEW FROM THE TOP This striking Brisbane home was built with

MEMORY LANE Her wedding in rural Italy inspired designer Chloe Matters’ renovation of her Sydney semi

Canada introduced Matthew Touma to the magic of concrete INTELLIGENT THRIFTING Interiors expert Deborah Bibby styles

DESIGN PROFILE: GOLDEN Interiors duo Alicia McKimm and

THE CUT Marimekko reissues some of its most iconic prints

Kylie Dorotic balance aesthetics and functionality AT MY TABLE Three design aficionados share their interpretation of world’s hottest interiors trend — tablescaping

NEWS The latest designs and finds you need to know about