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T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
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BY MICHAEL RAYNER
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If proof were needed of our enduring national obsession with home renovations, you need only look at the runaway success of the current season of The Block. On any given night, close to 1.8 million of us are tuning in to watch this season’s contestants grapple with the challenges of renovating a clutch of five dilapidated houses trucked in to the Elsternwick site from points across Melbourne. The ratings are not so surprising given a recent Westpac study which found that 76 per cent of Aussie home-owners are either considering renovating, currently renovating or have already renovated their homes. This week we jump on board with a special edition devoted to the home. Whether you’re renovating, redecorating or merely dreaming, you’ll find plenty of tips, tricks and inspiration inside. ●
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PI C T U R E ● DA N I E L P O C K E T T
Secrets of
The Block Stars
Millions tune in to The Block each week to hear what Scotty, Darren, Shaynna and Neale make of the contestants’ latest renovation efforts, but what about “The Block stars” own homes? We caught up with the team on set in Elsternwick to find out their style tips and secrets. ● 6
T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
interior design equivalent of kale. It’s everywhere and overrated.”
COURTESY CHANNEL NINE
– NEALE
NEALE WHITAKER What’s your favourite design store? I love Mondopiero and Criteria in Melbourne for seriously high-end, one-off pieces and West Elm for affordability. Jardan and Armadillo are favourite Australian brands and online I like Hunting For George - and The Block Shop of course! I’m a sporadic shopper and have a strict ‘one in/one out’ policy as I’ve recently downsized to an apartment. Your preferred design look? I like to mix it up. I like elements of colonial, industrial, Scandi and boho, but I’m a firm believer that style rules are made to be broken. My own home mixes industrial concrete with antique Chinese. Say no more. What’s the hottest emerging design trend? I’m happy to report that individuality is the biggest trend at the moment. We’re all really having fun with our interiors and experimenting with colours and styles. Art deco references have been a major trend for a while and there’s a Scandi/Asian fusion on the horizon. Those styles work very well together. And we’re getting into art and craft in a big way. A trend that’s had its day? I’m not going to make any friends, but rose gold and throws. Rose gold is the interior design equivalent of kale. It’s everywhere and overrated. And to me, throws make rooms feel untidy instead of cosy. But it’s a personal thing and I know I’m in the minority. A secret money-saving decorating hack? Always look at what you can do with what you have
first. Look at what can be achieved by simply moving the furniture around and maximising the space and light. Describe your own home in three words. Unique, timeless, welcoming. Favourite design piece in your home? If the place was burning down, all I’d grab is my partner David and our dogs, but there are lots of pieces I love, like our Tom Dixon S-chair and artworks by Melbourne artist Robert Doble that we’ve collected over time. Everything has a memory attached. One design item you’re coveting – if money was no object? I am in love with a circular leather ottoman by Swedish designer Monica Forster and a big, black industrial ceiling fan by Big Ass Fans. I’m always in love with something. Biggest renovation mistake you’ve made? There have been a few over the years but the biggest – and costliest – mistakes have involved not doing due diligence on contractors. I’ve been caught out a few times. Always check credentials. Best advice for home renovators? Be really clear in your own mind about why you’re renovating. If it’s for resale, then be sensible in your choices – don’t overcapitalise – and think about what will add value for potential buyers. If it’s for you, then think about how you want to live. If you’re not a cook or an entertainer, do you really need that bells-and-whistles kitchen? If you never have guests, then how valuable is that guest bedroom? ●
imagination and you can make a budget room look a million dollars. A simple thing like turning a small bookshelf on its side to create a window seat with upholstery and storage can make a huge difference to a room Describe your own home in three words. Oasis, family, embraced. Favourite design piece in your home? My two occasional chairs that have a hidden swivel element. I bought them when we first moved into our house 15 years ago. They are ready for re-covering (only because I’m tired of the fabric) and they’ll last at least another 20 years. One design item you’re coveting – if money was no object? I would love an antique full-length mirror at least 2.4 metres high – think Versailles. I’d love to one day have a house where I can create a miniature hall of mirrors to hold events, or a full ball. You said money was no object! Biggest renovation mistake? My biggest mistake was putting the house on the market a year after I’d painted the lounge room teal – the world wasn’t ready for teal back then. Best advice for home renovators? Make sure you have the best finishes you can afford in taps, handles and surfaces such as flooring and benchtops. Long-lasting quality in the structure of the house will repay you in the long run. ●
“Never underestimate
SHAYNNA B L A ZE
the power of
What’s your preferred design look? I’m not a slave to any style; rather I have a classic base that I work with. I love Victorian, it’s in my veins, and a strong sense of black and white. I then build the interior and palette from there. Teal and navy always have a strong presence, then I add colours and pieces that capture me. Hottest emerging design trend? We are seeing technology integrated into almost anything. Small hidden speakers integrated into lights and furniture are big at the moment. You will see a few of these things on this season of The Block. Block Secret money-saving decorating hack? Never underestimate the power of secondhand items and flat-pack that you can re-invent into something else. Add a little elbow grease and
secondhand items and flat-pack that you can re-invent into COURTESY CHANNEL NINE
“Rose gold is the
something else.” – SHAYNNA
Continues next page
T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
7
“Do all the painting yourself.
From previous page
Block-star style
It’s the one thing you can do.” – SCOTT Secret money-saving decorating hack? hack Do all the painting yourself. It’s the one thing you can do.
SCOT T CAM
Favourite piece in your own home? My clay ball collection in the dining room. I’ve collected clay from 100 backyards I’ve worked on over the years. I made them into golf ball sizes and put them on display. Check it out on www.scottycam.com.au
Favourite design store? I visit The Block Shop regularly to look at potential artwork for my home. And I would visit West Elm a few times a year.
Hottest emerging home-style trend? Rustic bush. It’s not quite there yet, but I’m sure it will become a big trend soon. A trend that’s had its day? Mission brown. It was on its way out in 1970, so I think we’re almost there.
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T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
COURTESY CHANNEL NINE
Preferred design look? Industrial design. I like the warehouse look and I like chunky timber beams and timber trusses.
One design item you’re coveting ? I have my eye on an antique carpenter’s bench with a dual timber vice. It’s a good one, it costs about $3000, and I would put it in the lounge room as a sideboard feature. Best advice for home renovators? When you’re renovating with your partner, make sure you have a cold beverage at the end of each day and go to bed happy because there will be blues. ●
Favourite design store? I love Myer for homewares (including my own range). Their 30-day return policy means you can test things in your home and return should you need to. Your preferred design look? I love minimalist architecture and contemporary interior design. I don’t follow trends at all. I’m into a classic and enduring style, something that fits the home and its location. Hottest emerging design trend? Individualism. Finding ways to personalise things, whether it be monogramming, tailoring or creating one-off bespoke pieces, is appealing. People are finding true luxury in custom objects. A trend that’s had its day? Copper . There is still a place for it but copper’s saturation into accessories and homewares has made it commonplace.
Secret money-saving hack? Airless spray guns are the best time-saving device ever created. You need to spend more time masking, and the same time prepping, but your painting time gets cut down to a quarter to a tenth of the time it takes to paint with a brush. Describe your own home in three words. Family, beach, comfortable. Favourite design piece in your home? I’ve just received a bunch of my products exclusive to Myer, and the Belgian linen is extremely high quality. The colours are rich and the feel extremely luxurious. I’ve never owned linen sheets before and I love them. One design item you’re coveting – if money was no object? I’ve wanted a Neil Frazer artwork for a really long time. I hoped I could give myself one for my birthday this year but, unfortunately, I’ll have to wait. His work makes my heart beat faster. I love the depth and texture.
Biggest renovation mistake? Not setting a timeline on a renovation. I renovated my first apartment every weekend for a year. It took forever but it got done – not necessarily a mistake but something I won’t repeat again. Best advice for home renovators? Write a brief, set a budget, get a reference, work out what you want to achieve and then do due diligence to see if what you propose to do is going to be appreciated by buyers looking in your area, should you need to sell. You want to run an efficient project that’s targeted and constrained by a water-tight brief and a clear budget. You want to be sure you’re increasing amenity and value, while spending the right amount to get the best result in terms of capital gain. ● ● The Block airs 7pm Sundays and 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday on Nine. ● Watch out for Domain’s ’s own Alice Stolz each Wednesday, awarding a weekly $5000 prize to the best team.
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T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
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ST YLE
Click for inspiration Y
ou don’t need to have a cutting-edge interior designer on retainer to keep up with the latest trends and must-have designer pieces for your home. The proliferation of design blogs means anyone can tap into the best ideas, products, advice and innovations from leading professionals or creative amateurs, here and around the globe. If you have even a passing interest in home style, here are six websites you need to know about. ●
THE DESIGN FILES Best for sneak peeks inside Australia’s most stylish homes A former stylist and film-set dresser, Melbourne’s own Lucy Feagins pioneered design blogging in Australia when she launched The Design Files from a laptop on her couch in 2008. Within a year TDF was named one of the world’s top 50 design blogs by The Times in London, and today lays claim to being Australia’s most popular design site. Known for its stunning pictorial peeks inside Australia’s most stylish homes, TDF also offers daily updates on covetable homewares, architecture, art and even recipes. ●
DESIGN MILK
The latest trends in architecture, art and home styling are explored on this US site started by artist Jaime Derringer in 2006. Design aficionados will get lost for hours in interviews with worldrenowned furniture designers, interior architects and stylists. There’s plenty of inspiration for newbies, including images of envy-inducing homes and architecture from around the world. There’s also an array of inventive and stylish new products, from Braille smartwatches to integrated sound systems. ● design-milk.com
FL AT 15
COURTESY THE DESIGN FILES
Best for innovative products
thedesignfiles.net LU CY F E AG I N S
SIX DESIGN WEBSITES YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING
Best for trend-spotting with styling her residence, and decided to share her experiences online. She writes product reviews, conducts interviews with creative professionals, and offers a bunch of useful tips on how to create different looks. Now working as an interior designer (she completed an interior design and decorating diploma in 2013), Vivian also shares great behindthe-scenes insights into her professional decorating projects. ● ishandchi.com
London blogger Gabriella Palumbo shares her favourite trends, tips and tricks on this pretty site. Accessible Q&A-style articles shine a spotlight on the homes and workspaces of artists, fashion designers and filmmakers, while features on trends and DIY projects offer practical advice you can apply to your own home. Gabriella also writes great posts on living and entertaining, including ideas for throwing parties at home. ● flat15.com
COCO KELLEY
DESIGN HUNTER
Best for beautiful DIY projects
This British site is chic and minimalist. Started by stylist and interiors writer Helen Powell in 2009, it focuses on her styling, as well as the gorgeous interiors and products she comes across. Her posts are beautifully laid out with that magazine feel, complete with product suggestions so you can see how to put the look together. There’s also a wide range of more general lifestyle content, from travel to fashion. ● designhunter.co.uk
DESIGN HUNTER
ISH & CHI Best for step-by-step styling Sydneysider Vivian Panagos started her blog in 2008 after buying her first home. She fell in love
SUPPLIED
Best for swoon-worthy pics This magazine-esque site by American Cassandra LaValle is a trove of simply lovely ideas. Started in 2007, it now has a team of writers and designers who bring their expert knowledge on everything from interior styling to floral arrangements. There’s also a handy section on entertaining, including recipe ideas and tips on how to set the perfect table. ● cocokelley.com JEMIMAH CLEGG
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TREND
B
lack has emerged as a hot decor trend in European homes, with high-end townhouses and apartment developments in London using it in multimillion-dollar interiors. But how do you use black without it becoming overpowering and gloomy? “Black can work in Victorian and art deco homes and in super-modern designs,” says Tom House, interior designer at Melbourne’s SJB Interiors. “But it is a powerful colour, so you need to use it cleverly.” ● I N T H E BAT H R O O M
Choose black wisely in the confined space of a bathroom. Dark granite or slate can be a practical choice for a bathroom floor, but break it up with a lighter finish on walls. “I would use [black] very sparingly as a block colour, but you can use it in tapware or as a fine frame around a mirror,” says Nick Travers, director of Techne Architecture + Interior Design.
The new neutral TOM BLACHFORD
IN THE BEDROOM
SARAH MARINOS FINDS THAT BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK
Black hasn’t yet ventured into the bedroom to any great extent and the experts’ opinion is to use it sparingly, if at all. “I think people generally want this to be a calming space. In this area, black can be jarring,” Nick says. If you do want to introduce black, it can work as a floor covering or as a fine detail on bed linen. ● IN THE LOUNGE
I N T H E KIT C H E N Opt for black tapware, hinges, pull handles and light fittings. “Choose variations in black, not just a flat black powdercoat,” Tom says. “On tapware and handles, we often use an oil-rubbed charcoal. As it gets touched more, it patinas and gets lighter in those areas, so you get black in a more complex sense, rather than a flat finish.” Black sinks and ovens add detail. If you want to be bold, use black in a benchtop or splashback. “Maybe choose a black marble counter top with a white vein so surface to break up the black. For a splashback, choose a handmade glazed wall tile that will reflect.” ●
TECHNE
TOM BLACHFORD
you have reflections playing off the
Black can have impact in a lounge room, no matter the size of the space, but it works best in a room that receives plenty of natural light. Tom says to bring in textures, such as glossy black lacquer on furniture and velvet soft furnishings. “If you decide to have a black floor, such as blackstained floorboards, make sure the grain shows through so the natural variation cuts through the black,” he says. Black also works well with natural materials such as stone and timber, which add warmth. Nick says to use mirrors to extend the living space if you use black. “Black adds a sense of negative space and adds another dimension to a room,” he says. “Balance it with light finishes and timber oak flooring, a beautiful rug, neutral furnishings and textured loose cushions.” ● ● sjb.com.au ● techne.com.au
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2.5
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BUYING & SELLING
S O N YA & C O L E
Diary of a serial home owner AUTHOR SONYA HARTNETT KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT MOVING HOUSE
S
onya Hartnett is one of the finest writers of her generation, with 25 books and some of the world’s most prestigious literary awards to her name, but it’s not only her words that are moving. With a restless spirit and a conviction that the grass is always greener on the other side, Sonya has shifted house every 18 months, on average, for the past 20 years. The author of award-winning novels, including Of A Boy and Thursday’s Child, Sonya didn’t set out to be a serial home owner when she bought her first place – ostensibly a granny flat at the back of a house in Cain Avenue, Northcote, in 1997. “It cost me $91,000, which I found completely horrifying, but I just knew I needed a place of my own,” Sonya says. “I grew up one of six kids, in a three-bedroom house in Box Hill, and actually shared a bedroom until I was 23. When I bought my first place, I was working part-time in the Hill of Content bookshop
so I didn’t have a big wage, but I’d figured out the mortgage was going to cost me less than rent. “I didn’t even think about selling it, but right from the start I enjoyed working on it. I got a builder in to help me turn the attached two-car garage into habitable space and I remember him saying, ‘this won’t be the last house you ever live in’. “As soon as he said it I knew I wasn’t going to stay. It was like some gruesome, restless die had been cast and, after that, the ceaseless shifting began.” In the next few years, Sonya rode the wave of the rising property market, tripling her initial investment as she embarked on a peripatetic housebuying adventure that took her from Northcote (where she has owned four houses at different times, including two in the same street) to Bulleen, Preston West, Clifton Hill (two houses) and Warrandyte. “There were a couple of times where I have lived in and been renovating three houses within a single year . I’d get in my car sometimes and think, ‘now,
WO R D S ● SA R A H H A R R I S
where do I live?’,” she says. “Some of the houses have fought me, but others have been really friendly and enthusiastically embraced what was being done to them. There are some houses I could have probably done without, but from every house I … have taken away something. “For example, Thursday’s Child is perhaps my best-known book and the central character is a little girl called Harper. Ever since I wrote it people have said this must come from Harper Lee (in To Kill A Mockingbird) and reference Scout. Poor school students have to nut out these sorts of questions about the book, but I called the character Harper after a street in Northcote where I was living – nothing to do with Harper Lee at all.” Oakover Road, Preston West, will always be memorable because this is where Sonya was living when she won the world’s most prestigious literary Continues next page
PI C T U R E S ● M I C H A E L R AY N E R
T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
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BUYING & SELLING “Houses are my works of art. Each of them is a character in my life and a defining landmark”
From previous page
SONYA’S HOUSE RULES ● Never live in a house at the same time it’s being restumped.
● Find somewhere to hide when your house is being auctioned – it’s nerve-racking.
● Buy a bag of plastic dinosaurs at the op shop to occupy prospective buyers’ kids during house inspections.
READ \ Sonya’s most recent book is Golden Boys ($29.95, Penguin Random House)
● Never underestimate the importance of paint.
● sonyahartnett.com.au
W
prize for children’s authors – the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. “I remember coming home to a message on my answering machine from someone who said they were calling from Sweden and I thought, ‘I don’t know anyone from Sweden except ABBA’,” Sonya says. The $862,000 Sonya won with that award meant she was able to dramatically raise her house-buying budget. “When I put up my hand at an auction in Clifton Hill, I could see everyone wondering, who’s the midget with the wolf (her late husky Shilo) spending over a million dollars.” Most recently, Sonya has entered the regional market, buying two good-sized family homes in Castlemaine for considerably less than one modest house would cost anywhere in Melbourne.
How long will she stay there? “I don’t know. Hopefully for the rest of my life. I am feeling my age these days and renovation can be hard work – younger person’s work,” the 49-year-old says. “It has been a ridiculous way to live, this moving and moving, looking for I don’t know what. But, if buying and renovating houses has become something of a habit, it is also something I enjoy. “The houses to me are like my books in that I want to make them the best I can under the circumstances because both represent me. “Houses to me are my works of art. Each of them is a character in my life and a defining landmark. They are the children I haven’t had, the men I haven’t married, the paintings I haven’t done.” ●
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INNOVATION
fridge from wherever you are. It creates shopping lists based on what’s inside and alerts you if your milk expires tomorrow. Plus, its touch-screen door lets you order groceries – or a takeaway pizza (we don’t judge) – directly from your fridge.
THE GRILL
W
ho remembers the arrival of the microwave? For those too young to conjure such ancient memories, it felt as though magic had happened, right there in our own humble kitchens. Today, the ’80s home-appliance sensation has been relegated to heating up leftovers, and there hasn’t been much change in the “hub of the home” since. Getting dinner on the table is still a daily challenge, and it’s too much for some – hence our booming food-delivery market. But word is things are about to get better. Home appliances are getting smarter, even if we’re not. We take a peek into the kitchen of the future.
Love your steak medium rare? Of course, there’s an app for that. We’re not all MasterChefs at home, and mere mortals are often forced to rely on guesswork when attempting a juicy steak or fluffy pancakes. Using next-gen thermal control, the Cinder Grill pairs with an app that “tells” the grill how to cook your food. It promises perfect, even cooking from frozen or fresh. Your guests are late? No worries – it holds food at the perfect temperature for hours.
THE COOK One day soon, the call of “what’s for dinner?” might be to a machine. Innit, the connected kitchen of the future, suggests recipes based on ingredients it knows you already have in your fridge and pantry. Just click on a recipe and your oven and timers will be set based on your chosen dish. You’re still responsible for the prep work, but video tutorials
Wait, you thought a fridge was just for keeping food cold? Samsung’s new Wi-Fi-enabled Family Hub has interior cameras that let you check what’s in the
SUPPLIED
THE FRID GE
SA M S U N G
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What’s hot in ovens? TULÈR
THE B ENCH Most traditional kitchen counter tops do nothing but support chopping boards and the odd glass of pinot. Italian designer Tipic has created a harder-working version. The Tulèr benchtop, made from a quartz composite with technology built into the stone, is controlled by hand gestures. Turn on taps, reveal a “hidden” sink, weigh your bench. It’s perfect for germophobes – all you need to touch is the food. SMEG
new from Hand-crafted, solid Oak & Walnut blend.
JACQUI TURK
ingredients or charge your phone – all from
The “line” – it’s one of the most fundamental elements in design. Smeg’s latest range of ovens (and more), the Linear Collection, honours the concept with sleek silhouettes and clean, reflective finishes. Created to maximise available space, the new collection brings beautiful balance to any kitchen. But it doesn’t just look good. Style is overlaid with intuitive design and technology to create the range. Smeg’s cutting-edge Thermoseal system lets anyone produce wholesome, delicious meals at home – no professional training required. Wow family and friends with crispy roast chooks, healthy steamed vegies or the perfect pav. ●
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KITCHENS
W
ith a kitchen that was built the year Back to the Future was in cinemas, Andrea and Steve knew they needed an update. The Templestowe couple did a lot of research before choosing a new design that has transformed the once dull and dark kitchen into a light and lovely room with plenty of new storage.
WHY UPDATE? Andrea: The kitchen was so old – it dated back to the ’80s. Dark and tired, it was begging for a renovation. Some of the doors didn’t close properly and I was dreaming of lots of pot drawers and more effective storage. I was also sick and tired of all the appliances cluttering the bench space; I wanted them hidden.
A fresh new look SUPPLIED
WHAT WERE YOUR PRIORITIES? We definitely wanted a brighter space, so I was thinking white or off-white and stone benchtops. An appliance cupboard was always on the agenda, as well as storage, but I guess storage would be important for everyone. I wanted a space all our
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Say goodbye to the ’80s family could enjoy. I have a husband and three kids, as well as a large extended family, so it can get rather crazy in the kitchen. With everyone cooking and preparing, the design needed to incorporate, not only our family, but also our extended family. Funny, I didn’t consider cleaning as an aspect, but all I do now is clean as I want it to look brand new every day. It’s easy to keep clean anyway.
We needed to shop around to consider colours and offerings, as well as quality, and we ended up visiting four showrooms. We learnt a lot along the way and were surprised at the price variations, as well as the length of time different companies take from start to finish. There were a few reasons why we decided on Zesta Kitchens. The time factor was definitely one. Another was the price; we found Zesta Kitchens’ quality was very well priced, so that met our budget. Their friendly, informative showroom staff, as well as Joe (the designer), made us want to buy from Zesta Kitchens. Their ability to quickly organise the whole job from initial design to manufacturing and then all the tradespeople was important for us as we don’t have any contacts in this area.
HOW LONG DID IT ALL TAKE? From first confirmation to final installation took about six weeks.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE? Definitely my appliance cupboard. It is huge and I can easily close it and hide all those bulky
appliances. I also love the deep drawers and massive increased storage. In fact, I now have drawers that are nearly empty as I have so much space.
WOULD YOU CHANGE ANY THING? Surprisingly, no. In the past, when we have done renovations, we have often wished we’d done some things differently, but this time it was perfect and met all the needs of our family.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE A KITCHEN COMPANY?
ANY TIPS FOR THOSE THINKING OF A KITCHEN RENOVATION? Research. We spent a fair bit of time on the iPad collecting ideas, working out what styles we liked and disliked. I’d recommend visiting at least three showrooms. For us, the showroom visits to see the finishes, quality and pricing was time well spent to learn how the process would work. It had been a long time since we had done a kitchen, so it was a bit daunting for us. But in the end, our gut feeling told us that Zesta Kitchens was right for us and we were happy with the price. We couldn’t be happier with our gorgeous kitchen. ● MELISSA HEAGNEY ● zestakitchens.com.au
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C O M PI L E D BY J E M I M A H C L E G G
ST YLE IN STORE
SCHOTS HOME EMPORIUM MEDIUM ORIGAMI PENDANT LIGHT IN GREY \
SALT & PEPPER FELIX CLOCK IN INDIGO \
$125.30 ● schots.com.au
$49.95 ● saltandpepper.com.au URBAN ROAD SPRING OCEAN PRINT \ $135 ● urbanroad.com.au SALT&PEPPER MONTMARTRE
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CANISTER IN BLUE \ $24.95 ● saltandpepper.com.au
HABITAT HOME COLLECTION BRITA SWEDEN ANNA-LISA BLANKET IN GREY \ $275 ● habitathomecollection.com.au HUNTING FOR GEORGE LEO NAVY LEATHER CUSHION \ $299 ● huntingforgeorge.com AMALFI OXFORD CUSHION \ $44.95 ● amalfihomewares.com.au
HUSET OUTLINE LEATHER CHAIR BY ANDERSSEN & VOLL FOR MUUTO \ $5350 ● huset.com.au FENTON & FENTON WOODROW MARBLE SIDE TABLE $420 ● fentonandfenton.com.au WILLIAMS SONOMA PACIFICA COLLECTION TABLEWARE \ $10-$12 each ● williams-sonoma.com.au RED FOX RUNS MANGO BREAD BOARD \ $24.95 each ● redfoxruns.com.au
T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
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FURNITURE
Local inspiration W
e’ve had our love affair with Scandi chic and our obsession with Japanese minimalism – now Australian designers are turning to their own backyard for inspiration. Industrial designer Justin Hutchinson, of Melbourne’s Kett Studio, has collaborated with Cosh Living on a striking new furniture range that takes its cues from the Victorian coastal landscape – specifically from a photograph of the Otways and Great Ocean Road region by Russell Charters. “We took a single picture and put it on the wall and looked at all the colours that existed within that photo, and then allowed those to build the palette for our collection,” Justin says. Launched at Denfair in June, the inaugural Kett range features an evocative palette of deep greens, dark chocolates and soft latte hues that tie in
seamlessly with natural curves, sumptuous textures and classic lines. The range includes furniture for the living room, bedrooms and outdoor spaces, as well as lighting, soft furnishings and artwork. Justin says his team set out to create a style that was uniquely Antipodean – bringing the outdoors in and working with the open-plan living and kitchen spaces that are so common in Aussie homes. “Australians do celebrate our outdoor spaces. We’re very connected to them, we design our homes around them,” Justin says. “Our northern neighbours have colder climates and therefore congregate around an internal kitchen as the hub of the home.” He believes a distinctly Australian aesthetic has the potential to influence interior style around the
world, particularly in places such as California and South Africa which share a lifestyle similar to our own. “We’re talking about an Australian sensibility and way of life. We know that we have a wonderful lifestyle here and that’s something we’d love to share with the rest of the world,” Justin says. With a family of his own, Justin was keenly aware of the need for furniture to be not only beautiful, but also practical, when designing the Kett range. “With one of the armchairs, we’ve used leather on the outside so that it’s very durable. If you’ve got young children running through the home, fingerprints can be wiped down. But the interior of the chair is all beautiful wools,” he says. Fabric choice was a key consideration in the design. The Kett team used textiles from industry-
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“We’re talking about an Australian sensibility and way of life … and that’s something we’ d love to share with the rest of the world.”
renowned company Mokum, giving each piece longevity and functionality. Justin says the range is designed with comfort in mind, an area where a lot of minimalist furniture can fall short. “Clean, contemporary, modernist furniture, I think, has done design a great injustice in many ways, because a lot of the time those pieces were for show. They didn’t actually provide the pure comfort or respond elegantly to the human form.” Cosh Living is well established as a furniture brand that understands comfort and the Australian aesthetic. The company designed the quintessentially modern-Australian decor for the Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula – recently named Australia’s hotel of the year. The Kett brand continues this narrative in furniture and homewares design. The team have already started thinking about its next range and the next area of our sunburnt country’s landscape it can draw on for inspiration. “We’ll be looking at the drier, warmer tones that you find in the Northern Territory,” Justin says. “There are so many different palettes to explore.” ● JEMIMAH CLEGG ● coshliving.com.au
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APARTMENT LIVING
Small & beautiful
A
partment-style homes, where space is at a premium, are on the rise. This doesn’t mean you have to put up with cramped quarters and tiny furniture. Whether you live in an inner-city loft or have taken up residence in a suburban townhouse, make your home feel stylish and spacious with apartment-friendly furniture from Domayne. We spoke to Caitlin Melling and Sibel Alpsal – stylist extraordinaires responsible for creating the look and feel of Domayne’s latest catalogue, which is full of beautifully clever and compact dining, living and bedroom furniture options. They were full of sound advice on how to transform petite spaces into cosy, comfortable and chic homes. ●
BOTTLE WIRE PENDANT This beautiful
LIKE TO SEE MORE? VISIT US AT … ● Domayne Melbourne – QV, 210 Lonsdale Street, city ● Springvale Homemaker Centre – 917 Princes Highway, Springvale ● domayneonline.com.au
brass pendant light MANSFIELD THREE-SEATER FABRIC SOFA
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COWHIDE RUG IN BLACK & WHITE Add upscale New York loft vibes to your apartment with the classic black and white appeal of this genuine PURE MARBLE BOX IN WHITE
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serveware, drinks and a floral
This Australian-made bed comes with the option of several timber stains and fabric
centrepiece. Plus, it creates a more
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The Marli is a great Nordic-
SPECIAL PROMOTION
an open flow of conversation. AURA CHAMBRAY QUILT COVER
inspired choice, featuring a Victorian
With an inky indigo hue in a washed finish, a gorgeously tactile feel and 100 per cent
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COLLECTING
T
he world of art collecting can be a daunting place. When you reach the point in life when you want to invest in an artwork for your home, it can be difficult to work out the next step. Melbourne Art Foundation chief executive and director Maree Di Pasquale has a simple jumpingoff point – she says you should buy art that you love and want to look at every day. To get a sense of the styles you like, she recommends visiting galleries and museums such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and Heide Museum of Modern Art. “Attend art fairs such as Melbourne Art Fair, where you can be exposed to a wide range of new and interesting work,” adds Maree, who is also artistic director of the contemporary art fair, which is relaunching in 2018.
She suggests reading art magazines and following their social media, as well as talking to gallerists. Maree says it’s important to consider the location or size of the wall where you will place the art. Also look at other elements in the space, such as where the doors, windows and light switches are, and the height of the ceiling. “Avoid locations that could damage the artwork, including heaters, fireplaces and sunlight from windows,” she says. If you can avoid these pitfalls, Maree says, art can provide a useful point of inspiration for the decor in a room. For her personal collection, Maree predominantly acquires works by early-career artists from emerging markets. “I tend to buy from art fairs, but I try to follow the artists beyond that first fair encounter,” she says.
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Framing tips We asked framing expert ODETTE MILES from Fastframe for some advice.
● Before efore you begin, decide where you want to hang the art. A large piece in a small area can overpower and a small piece in a large area will look lost.
● The frame should fit the artwork and act as an extension of it.
● The framer should use acid-free backing and matting as well as glass with UV protection to protect your art.
● Beware of framing trends – your art might look great only for a season. Choose a frame to suit the artwork and it will never go out of style. ●
● Fastframe Bentleigh \ 9557 7576 ● fastframe.com.au
● melbourneartfair.com ● fentonandfenton.com
SUPPLIED \ ARTWORK BY DEL KATHRYN BARTON
Lucy Fenton, whose business, Fenton & Fenton, sells original art as part of its homewares collection, agrees that art has the power to transform your home style. “Art can bring a room to life, so make sure the piece makes you feel good,” Lucy says. “Don’t follow trends and just buy something that’s popular now – unless you love it – as you are likely to be over it in a short period.” Lucy advises avoiding buying art just because it’s affordable. She suggests saving for a piece that resonates with you. “Invest in pieces you want to have on your walls for ever.” To make it easier for first-time buyers to visualise art in their own homes, Fenton & Fenton displays works in store with furniture and accessories. Lucy says her business, which she has run with husband Josh for almost 10 years, aims to help make art more accessible. “Traditionally original artwork was sold through galleries, which can be a little intimidating for some of us, in particular younger people just starting to collect art.” ●
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N
E P LO E E V S D E LE A EW RE
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BEDROOM
S
tylish throws in the season’s “it” colour, perfectly placed cushions, and quilt covers that wouldn’t be out of place in an art gallery. The bedroom has become the latest Insta-fabulous style showcase, as professional stylists and the simply house proud show off their sleep-spaces online. ●
Sleeping giants JEMIMAH CLEGG GETS BETWEEN THE SHEETS HUNTING FOR GEORGE
SA DIO STU
Alex van der Sluys, co-founder of cult bedding brand Kip & Co, agrees that Instagram and home-renovation shows have created a new focus on bedroom style. “Now everyone is an interior stylist, and I think that’s cool.” Alex launched Kip & Co in 2012 with her friends, sisters Kate Heppell and Hayley Pannekoecke, after Kate came across printed bedding with intricate designs in fun colours on an overseas trip. She had not seen anything like it in Australia and suggested they make something similar and put their own spin on it. “It ticked a lot of the boxes for us that we were looking for in a small business idea,” Alex says. A bunch of design sessions and one small order of polka-dot, diamond and zig-zag printed bedding later, Kip & Co was born. “We got it manufactured in India, and it turned out so well.”
KI P & C O \ A L E X , K AT E & H AY L E Y
Five years on, they have released their 10th collection, which includes bedding for adults, kids and newborns, as well as tableware, wall hooks and ottomans. They have also branched into the US with an online store. ●
SUPPLIED
KIP & CO
HUNTING FOR GEORGE
MARTINA GEMMOLA
“I remember growing up in the ’70s, you had the same bedspread for years and years. The cushions never got changed, nothing changed – everything was just the same for ever and ever,” Sanctuary Studio co-founder Anne Cook says. Anne and her daughter Simone Rennard started their business in 2015. It’s just one of a slew of Melbourne linen brands bringing on-trend, quality bedding to Australian homes. Anne believes the popularity of home-renovation TV shows and the rise of social media have made people more house- and bedroom-proud than ever. “We live in such a visual world at the moment – you’re looking at pretty things the whole time,” she says. “We wanted something that would be an accessory to dress up a bed.” Anne and Simone work with local graphic artists to bring their design ideas to life. They have now branched into other homewares including candles, travel bags and cushions, and have plans to move into Y UA R the US market. ● NCT
SUPPLIED
SANC TUARY S TUDIO
Lucy Glade-Wright, half of the sister act behind the Hunting for George label and online store, says the growing demand for stylish bedlinen stems from our desire to pamper ourselves. “The bedroom is arguably the most important room in the house, you start and finish every day here, so it’s important to create a beautiful space for yourself to relax.” Lucy had been working as an art director in branding and her sister Jo Harris was a nurse when they launched Hunting for George six years ago, selling wares from other designers. “We wanted to bring a bit more personality to Australian homewares and attract a younger, more designsavvy audience,” Lucy says. Before long the sisters were designing their own range of bedding. “We found that there was a real gap in the market for unisex designs.” ● ● sanctuarystudio.com.au ● kipandco.com.au ● huntingforgeorge.com
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STORAGE
Smart solutions
SUPPLIED
I
MORE IN THE MUDROOM
t is a universal truth that if your home has good storage, you and all your family will dwell in a rainbow-coloured haze of happiness. Bluebirds will trill on the windowsills, kittens will … A slight exaggeration, maybe, but there is no denying that appropriate storage goes a long way towards creating ease and harmony and the peace of mind that comes with order. Storage expert Rosana McLeod of Creative by Design believes the key to maximising the benefits of storage is good design backed up by discipline and organisation. Creative by Design, which operates in all major capital cities, designs storage for all rooms of the house and for the garage. Rosana says the laundry has excellent potential for storage and she offers ideas for making it a more efficient work room. “The most efficient configuration is the washing machine and dryer side by side under the bench. You then open up all
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that space on the wall for cupboards. Plus, you can attach a hanging rack to the underside of the cupboards and get rid of the clothes horse,” she says. “We always struggle with the clothes horse and the ironing board. Creative by Design does an ironing board drawer whereby you just pull out the drawer, flip open the ironing board and slide it all away when you’re finished.” Laundries can also be efficient mudrooms, Rosana says, and they can put a halt to clutter before it gets into the house. A couple of shelves, a hanging rail and hooks on the wall can store schoolbags, wet shoes, raincoats, dog leads, shopping bags etc. “We have been operating for 30 years,” Rosana says. “We know storage and we know people’s habits. The best advice I can give when you are thinking about storage is to reflect on how you and your family live in your home.”
SUPPLIED
ladders, likes to think that by enabling access to the roof space, he is giving homeowners another room. “Most people tend to put the stuff they are not using in one of the bedrooms. If you pull all of the stuff out of there and put it in the roof space, you’ve got that room back. “In an ordinary terrace house, we would create 12 to 15 square metres of storage space. That’s plenty for a family.� Attic Group has been a family company for 42 years. Its core business is installing ladders and creating useable roof space. This can be done in three ways – as a storage platform for lightweight items, as a sealed dustproof area, or as a structural conversion that can be used as a studio or bedroom. “It’s all about making the ceiling safe,� says Stewart. The company has a full range of high-quality attic ladders, some manufactured in Australia, others imported from Europe. They start at $395 and go up to $6500 for an electric ladder. Stewart says most are $1200-$2000 plus installation. �
Efficient storage is becoming more and more important as we deal with heightened consumerism and a trend towards smaller living spaces. No wonder our homes are bulging. Stewart Taylor, Victorian product manager of Attic Group, which manufactures and installs attic
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FLOORING
some really high-quality ranges, like Porter’s French oak flooring (pictured, left) which allows customers a lot of choice.” Engineered floors can be used in most areas of the home, though they’re not always recommended for wet areas such as bathrooms. “You can definitely use them in the kitchen. It looks really good if you have an open-plan home and have the wooden floors throughout,” Ken says. “Some people think you need tiles in the kitchen, but they are cold and can be noisy. Engineered floors can be laid with an acoustic mat underneath so they’re very, very quiet in a room.” Natural wood colours have been popular in the past, but Ken says it’s a grey palette that is very ontrend this year. ●
SUPPLIED
S E YC H E L L E S
PR A LI N E
T
imber flooring has always added style and sophistication to homes. It’s a finishing touch that many consider when aiming for a sleek and natural look. While solid timber flooring is one option, it can be hard to source, difficult to colour (in-situ) and costly to install. That’s why the new trend in engineered floors – high-quality, solid timber-look flooring – has become popular across the country. Ken Luke, general manager of Completely Floored in North Melbourne, says engineered floors are a great option for homeowners who are looking for stylish, versatile and hard-wearing floor coverings. “Engineered flooring is made out of anything other than a solid piece of timber,” Ken says. Boards can be made from a range of materials, including bamboo.
Ken says engineered flooring is coloured and treated and hand-scraped for a perfect, hardy finish. It can be glued to an existing floor or used as a floating floor. “There’s a huge amount of potential because the floors really are beautiful, and there are
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT \ ● completelyfloored.com.au
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Johanna Hemara
John Lecner
F o r p r o g r a m p u r c h a s e , a c c o m m o d a t i o n e n q u i r i e s a n d g e n e r a l d e t a i l s Phone 1800 039 043
w w w. m i l d u ra co u n t r y m u s i c. co m . a u
SPECIAL PROMOTION
A better kind of board
BATHROOMS
The bathroom is having a moment, taking its cue from the idea of sanctuary. Clean lines, a layering of textures and materials and a focus on artisan and handmade products are among the hottest trends. “Bathrooms are definitely becoming larger and more opulent,” says architect Kate Fitzpatrick, codirector of Auhaus. “[It’s] a restful sanctuary.”
says lighting is vital in bathrooms and should be carefully considered to eliminate shadows. Be mindful of safety regulations.
NATURAL MATERIAL S
HANDMADE TILES
It’s back to nature with materials such as ceramics, timber and natural stone. “Timber-veneer oak has had a stranglehold for a long time, but warmer, richer shades of timber are coming back,” Kate says. “You just want it to feel like a restful space, and natural materials really help with that.”
Tiles are less about the ubiquitous subway design and more of the handcrafted variety that have finishes with character and texture.
MOODY LIGHT Lighting is changing from being just one source to mood lighting, with pendants still popular. Kate
TORQUAY CONCRETE HOUSE \ DEREK SWALWELL
Sanctuary style ORGANIC SHAPES Curved mirrors are popular, along with egg-shaped and non-symmetrical shapes in baths and basins.
PL ANTS The move towards modernism has brought plants and views into bathrooms.
B ESPOKE JOINERY
of furniture. “People are tailoring their homes to suit their particular needs,” Kate says.
INDUSTRIAL Channelling an industrial aesthetic, concrete is popular. Copper and brass tapware in a brushed finish (as opposied to shiny) is also on trend. ● CLARE KENNEDY
Joinery is becoming bespoke and more like a piece
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“Very excited with our new storage area! No longer tripping over boxes and enough room to start a Man’s Shed!” Kate & Ed, Glen Iris, Attic Storage “We found the installation process very easy with as minimal interruption as could be possible with two little kids!” - Fiona & Paul, Malvern East, Attic Storage
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Contact Us Today For An Obligation Free Consultation P: 9575 3700 | 1269 NORTH ROAD, OAKLEIGH | www.atticgroup.com.au T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
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FOR SALE
By Expression of Interest Thursday 7th September
10 YEAR LEASE UNTIL 2027
MEDICAL INVESTMENT Suites 2, 3, 4 and 5/220 Bay Road, Sandringham National tenant – Kieser Training Pty Ltd 4 separate titles – purchase 1 or all 4
Total net rental - $155,000 + GST + Outgoings** Total building area – 348 sqm*
*sizes approximate **excluding Land Tax
9532 6088
James Davie 0412 209 696 David Bancroft 0418 318 747 121 Chesterville Rd, Moorabbin
dbreproperty.com.au
HOUSE OF THE WEEK PORT MELBOURNE \ 222 ESPLANADE WEST 4
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f you can’t take the house to Bali, add some Bali to the house. A waterfall, a bubbling urn and a bamboo wall that gives way to living, leafy fronds make this threelevel house a fascinating haven on the city edge. Designed and built by Jason Spear of Unearthed in 2012, it has two living areas, which open to courtyards, and four bedrooms that give elegant comfort to the young family who live here. “We find the place really tranquil,” one of the vendors says. What sold him, however, was the chance for raucous good times on the rooftop terrace, which has a bar and an extraordinary view north and east across the city skyline. “I thought ‘right – barbecues for the footy and New Year’s Eve fireworks’,” he says with a grin. “From South Yarra to the bay, the whole landscape is lit up by those events.” Slipped into a quiet street with a double garage at the rear, the house nimbly balances a bright interior with secluded outdoor spaces. Melbourne bluestone mixes with exotica such as Rheinzink cladding, European oak floorboards and a huge wooden front door that was custom carved in Vietnam. The bluestone side hall opens to a carpeted lounge, which has a gas fireplace and french doors to a pebbled courtyard with a fountain urn. Follow the bamboo-panelled hall to the open-plan zone, which begins with a kitchen immaculate in white Corian, satin-finish cabinetry and Miele conventional, steam and microwave ovens. Turn left past the integrated fridge to the walk-in pantry. The oak-floored dining and family area has Bowers & Wilkins ceiling speakers for cinema-quality sound. Timberframed glass doors link the room to the central courtyard, where the waterfall feeds a pond that run alongside the family room’s window. On the carpeted first floor, two double bedrooms, with wardrobes and desks, share a full-tiled bathroom with a glass-ceiling shower. The main bedroom has a day bed, built-in and walk-in wardrobes and a marble en suite with shower. At the rear, the garage opens to the laneway and has a double bedroom with en suite above. The property has keyless entry, hydronic heating and ducted heating and cooling controlled via smartphone. ● ALISON BARCLAY property@domain.com.au AGENT \ Marshall White 9822 9999 PRICE \ $3 million – $3.3 million AUCTION \ September 2 at 2.30pm
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TOP CHOICE YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE … IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PORT MELBOURNE \ 96 NOTT STREET AGENT \ Oliver Bruce, 0409 856 599 PRICE \ $2 million – $2.2 million AUCTION \ August 26 at 11.30am Scan the code with the Domain app
PORT MELBOURNE \ 201 STOKES STREET
AGENT \ Oliver Bruce, 0409 856 599 PRICE \ $1.35 million – $1.42 million AUCTION \ August 26 at 10.30am Scan the code with the Domain app
FINAL WORD “THIS HOME DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, DIVERSE TEXTURES & A BRILLIANT ARCHITECTURAL FINISH. STEPPING INSIDE IS LIKE NOTHING ELSE. YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAV EA E.” EAV OLIVER BRUCE – AGENT
SOUTH MELBOURNE \ 4 ANDERSON STREET
AGENT \ Nicholas Hoo, 0435 728 272 PRICE \ $4.6 million – $5 million AUCTION \ August 19 at 12.30pm Scan the code with the Domain app T H E W E E K LY R E V I E W
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FEATURE HOUSE BRIGHTON \ 3/398 BAY STREET 3
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f Rapunzel had had a tower this fabulous, we wouldn’t have a fairy tale. A 360-degree view from the top, a two-storey walk-in wardrobe, a magnificent living area opening to a deck and pool … Seriously, why would any aspiring princess want to leave? The tower belongs to the former St Luke’s Church, built in 1926. It’s lately been divided into three residences, of which this is the most spectacular, with four distinct floors and two decked courtyards. If such profane glamour wasn’t what the original architect, Louis R. Williams, had in mind, it’s nice to know the man behind the transformation, Ben Genser, earned his stripes converting the former Theosophical Society headquarters in Collins Street. Genser took particular care to preserve the stone rose tracery window that is a highlight of the main bedroom. “They just don’t build buildings like this (church) any more, and I’m sure it would be most people’s dream to live in a historic building with its own tower,” he says. Inside, exposed brick mingles with white walls and black-framed, full-length windows whose mullions echo the arches of the old church. The ground floor is largely open plan. European oak flooring unites the living area – nestled at one end with a gas log fireplace and french doors north to a courtyard – with the dining area and kitchen. The dining area opens west to the deck and plunge pool. Caesarstone Calacatta graces the kitchen, serene in white satin-finish with Gaggenau appliances, a Liebherr fridge and Poggenpohl soft-closing cabinetry. A corridor behind the kitchen leads to the laundry, powder room and store room. The first floor is split level. Two carpeted double bedrooms have wardrobes and fully tiled en suites with showers. The main bedroom has a lavish en suite with a shower and freestanding tub. The walk-in wardrobe begins in the tower: shelves below, racks via the spiral staircase. A timber ladder leads to the top, where one can admire the bay, the Dandenongs and the city. On the second floor, via a separate staircase, is a sunny retreat with a reading loft. The property also has a double garage via a shared driveway. ● ALISON BARCLAY property@domain.com.au
FINAL WORD “THIS IS A UNIQUE RESIDENCE. BEN GENSER HAS DONE AN INCREDIBLE RESTORATI ORA ON, GIVING THE OLD CHURCH SURPRISINGLY ORATI INGLY LARGE LIVING INGLY SPACES & BEDROOMS.” BERT GERAERTS – AGENT
AGENT \ Kay & Burton 9252 1801 PRICE \ $3.75 million – $3.95 million AUCTION \ August 19 at 2pm
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BLACK ROCK \ 6 PROSPECT GROVE 4
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Blending the best of old and new, this Victorian-inspired residence is just a couple of blocks from the beach. Left of the entry is a carpeted open-plan living and dining area. A north-facing bay window looks to the side garden and ensures the room is filled with light. That bay window is matched by another in the informal living area. In between is the kitchen and meals area. The all-white kitchen has stone benchtops, stainless-steel appliances and polished floorboards. The walk-in pantry will please those who prize storage. Doors from the meals area open to the al fresco area, while the cathedral ceiling makes for a grand setting for casual dining. The bedrooms line up along the opposite side of the house. The main – with walk-in wardrobe and en suite – is at the rear. French doors to the pergola-covered outdoor area make it an appealing retreat for parents. Other features include a double garage, security alarm, water tank and solar hot water. ● ALEAH ESPANTA AGENT \ Buxton 9598 8222 PRICE \ $1.97 million – $2.15 million AUCTION \ August 26 at 11.30am Scan the code with the Domain app
ALBERT PARK \ 123 RICHARDSON STREET
HAMPTON \ 39 CRISP STREET
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Neatniks who love to conquer chaos will adore this Edwardian house. Extended and immaculate, it’s a masterpiece of good order. Even the living area opens squarely north. Solid brick and semidetached, the house has an arched hall past two front bedrooms, one with a fireplace. Floorboards give way to concrete in the kitchen, which is lustrous in Neolith benchtops with Bosch appliances, and resume in the dining and living area. The bluestone courtyard has a barbecue. The main bathroom has a bath with shower. On the new first floor are the main bedroom (with en suite and balcony), fourth bedroom and attic storage. ● ALISON BARCLAY
If any house could make Gen X-ers burst into tears of nostalgia, it would be this. Set in a rockery garden, it’s a stunning chunk of 1970s domestic bliss that a big family would adore for its four living areas and enormous pool. The ground floor has two double bedrooms, a bathroom and a games room, plus huge storage. Elevated for a leafy outlook, the first-floor living, dining and family/meals rooms have vaulted timber ceilings and full-length windows. The sunroom opens north to the patio and Japanese-style garden. The main bedroom has an en suite bathroom, and two further bedrooms share the front balcony. ● ALISON BARCLAY
AGENT \ Marshall White 9822 9999 PRICE \ $2.15 million – $2.35 million AUCTION \ August 19 at 12.30pm
AGENT \ Hocking Stuart 9521 9800 PRICE \ $2.1 million – $2.3 million AUCTION \ August 19 at 12.30pm
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