95 style buys we love
INTO THE GREEN
A low-maintenance high-impact garden oasis
Style goals When your pooch and your home start to match
INSPIRING HOMES WITH HEART
+ 40pages of
kitchens & bathrooms Everything you need to get the essential elements right
THE HOUSE, THE FOOD, THE FUN
A local’s guide to this coastal escape
problems solved Step inside The Ask an expert Your renovation Block with Shannon
Darren Robertson’s salad secrets
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EDITOR’S LETTER
my
A
re you watching The Block this season? Have you already decided which home you think will take out the top prize? Shannon Vos, Jono Fleming and I were lucky enough to spend a couple of days poking around the recently overhauled houses and it was pretty great. They always feel very different to what you see on TV, but the biggest surprise for me was the fact that the house I loved most was not the one that wins the most rooms. Don’t worry, I won’t commit ‘plot-spoiler crime’, but remember what I said when you get to the end of the series. The reason I was surprised was because, I’ll admit, sometimes I fall victim to the idea that our homes would always be better if we had more money. You know, “If only I had enough money to buy that [insert lust-have item here].” My visit to these homes was a great reminder that the key to a beautiful home is making sure you focus on the end goal, not just the details along the way. Sure, some of the other contestants’ homes have prize-winning rooms, but I didn’t think they held together as a home quite as well – I didn’t feel the love. Sometimes when you throw a lot of money at something, you lose sight of what really matters. As the series progresses, head online to see our tours of the rooms and key features of The Block and have a guess at which home was my fave. If you’re looking for a little escape from your renovation (head to page 105 for help with kitchens and bathrooms) or are dreaming of your next getaway, head to page 150 for a little slice of beach life, thanks to one of our favourite contributors, food stylist Kirsten Jenkins. Between her holiday-home style and accompanying menu, it’s all you need to offset some pretty blue ocean blues with an on-trend shade of green.
PS. Follow me on Instagram at @clairebradley_ed
12 / Inside Out
Congratulations to our #SHAREMYSTYLETECH
category winner!
Jenni has won a ‘The Frame ’55’’ 4K UHD TV, valued at $3299, from Samsung
HAIR & MAKEUP: SAM POWELL. PHOTOGRAPHY: (PORTRAIT) NIGEL LOUGH, (SHARE MY STYLE) JENNI HOWELLS
Don’t forget the big picture
THE
er v e u o ou r e i t c oose
DECK
Since we upgraded to HardieDeck , we’re no longer embarrassed to invite people over. There’s no rotting, splintering or warping. It looks and feels just like a deck but is completely different.”
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ic
kitchen & bathroom
contents
17 & renovation
things we love 18
INSIDEOUT.COM.AU A taste of what’s on our site this month
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THINGS WE LOVE Bold tones combine with graphic designs
22 24 28 30 32 34 36 38 43 46 52
to form these bright colour-happy rugs PALETTE This curated selection of tones features the vivid floral shades and fresh greenery of the season TRENDS Soft pink and tan come to the fore, as well as a collection that showcases the refined elegance of simple clean lines PERFECT PAIRS Pieces that form a meant-to-be combination 3 OF A KIND Add these locally designed and produced botanical cushions to your sofa for a feel-good decorating choice ASK AN EXPERT Stylish solutions to all your design dilemmas PROFILE Meet landscape designer and stylist Adam Robinson and his ideas on creating outdoor spaces that tick all the boxes CULT CLASSIC The story behind a design icon and what’s next BEST BUYS Take to the floor with these illuminating ideas, and check out pretty trays, perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts in bed RUGS BY DESIGN The annual ISCD and Designer Rugs competition has resulted in three striking and beautiful floorcovering designs SUITE DREAMS Shannon Vos takes us through what works and what doesn’t in The Block contestants’ master retreats IT’S A DOG’S LIFE Is your home starting to reflect your pup’s style and personality? We dig into how our furry friends can make a style impact on our living spaces
62 LIVING THE DREAM Being patient has paid off for this couple,
who have created their long-desired family home in Sydney 72
IN FOCUS A food stylist and photographer team up with a
renowned architect to create a smart modernist Melbourne home 82 ART & SOUL A masterpiece of tropical influences and colour, this
Byron Bay hideaway is home to artists Rosetta and John Santucci 90 MONOCHROME MOMENT Black-and-white minimalism enhances
the polished yet inviting feel of this open-plan family apartment 100 THE PANELOur Panel helps a family rethink their home’s layout 105 DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT. A busy Melbourne family turned to an
interior designer to create contemporary, streamlined bathrooms 111 IN DETAIL: A BRIGHT & SMART KITCHEN MAKEOVER An interior
designer brings light and everyday elegance to a cooking zone 116 IN DETAIL: WORK ZONE WITH HOME STYLE We give our studio
kitchen a much-needed makeover and style update 120 IN DETAIL: MINIMALIST KITCHEN WITH A SCANDI VIBE A couple
customises a modern modular kitchen with impeccable results 126 TRIAL BY COLOUR We detail the pros and cons of bold bathrooms 128 DESIGN DIRECTIONS The latest bathroom ideas to inspire your reno 130 GO-TO PIECES Everyday essentials for entertaining to suit any style 136 TOP PICKS The must-haves you need in your kitchen and bathroom 146 CATHARTIC CLEANING: PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Peter Walsh
shares his advice on navigating that tough talk with your folks
170
150 in this issue Smart and sophisticated ideas for your kitchen and bathroom, plus a weekend getaway out: gardens & entertaining
120 160 62 40+ pages of kitchens & bathrooms: everything you need
150 A WEEKEND IN MOLLYMOOK A food stylist invites us to her
coastal weekender, sharing style tips as well as local haunts 160 BY THE SEA Pack a basket and head to the beach with this menu of seafood recipes, perfect for the barbie 168 COUNTRY CHARM Darren Robertson and Mark LaBrooy share their restaurant’s star dish, as well as ideas to jazz up any salad 170 ON ANOTHER LEVEL Layers of natives and succulents give this coastal garden pockets of texture and interest at every turn
to get the essential elements right 150 The house, the food, the fun: a local’s guide to this coastal escape 168 Darren Robertson’s salad secrets 170 Into the green: a low-maintenance high-impact garden oasis
INSPIRING HOMES WITH HEART
95
regulars 58 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Subscribe now and save up to 34 per
cent off the cover price, and receive a bonus gift from Zakkia 180 ADDRESS BOOK Where to find and buy products 186 ASK MEGSY Meg Mason’s trademark take on DIY dramas
on the cover 32
Ask an expert: your renovation problems solved
style buys we love
INTO THE GREEN
A low-maintenance high-impact garden oasis
Style goals When your pooch and your home start to match
40+ kitchens
pages of
& bathrooms Everything you need to get the essential elements right
THE HOUSE, THE FOOD, THE FUN
Style goals: when your pooch and your home start to match
This open-plan kitchen and living area is at the very heart of Brooke and Adrian’s long-awaited family home. It also serves as the ideal example of how to blend relaxed contemporary Australian style with Scandi elements. The oak display boxes set the stage for vignettes, and the window splashback brings that all-important touch of nature indoors. Turn to page 62 for more of this home.
A local’s guide to this coastal escape
46 Step inside The Block with Shannon 52
our cover look
Ask an expert Your renovation
problems solved
Darren Robertson’s Step inside The salad secrets Block with Shannon
Photography: Maree Homer Styling: Kerrie-Ann Jones
NSW King Street 02 9299 0372 VIC Emporium 03 9663 1695 • Chapel Street 03 9804 7213 Eastland 03 8658 2350 • Chadstone 03 9569 9517 marimekko.com.au
STAY IN TOUCH
check us out...
9 signs your pet totally rules your home
here’s what you’ll find this month at our online home moving house?
insideout.com.au inspiration for your home, anywhere, anytime
6 stylish ways to pet-proof your home
designer pet accessories set to impress
stay connected... 18 / Inside Out
real talk with stylists and their pets
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CLAIRE BRADLEY CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mia Daminato ASSOCIATE EDITOR Victoria Baker CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Virginia Jen SUB-EDITOR Louisa Bathgate DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Crystal Osborn DESIGNER Michelle Clark SOCIAL EDITOR Gianni Borrelli STYLE EDITOR Jono Fleming MARKET EDITOR Natalie Johnson EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Belinda Kemp (02) 8045 4850
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Here are the top posts from our social media platforms this month WINNING PIN! Our September cover home is contemporary cool yet inviting, with an interesting mix of materials, like this dramatic black timber, throughout. Pin on, we say.
Advertising Sales and Strategy COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR, LIFESTYLE Milena Hopkins GROUP SOLUTIONS MANAGER, HOMES Rebecca Sherrard COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS MANAGER Emily Jorgensen QLD COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, LIFESTYLE Rose Wegner (07) 3666 6903 ASIA ADVERTISING Kim Kenchington, MediaWorks Asia (852) 2886 1106 CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING Rebecca White 1300 139 305 ADVERTISING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Richard McAuliffe ADVERTISING CREATIVE MANAGER Eva Chown ADVERTISING SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Bev Douglas, Amanda Anderson ADVERTISING COPY EDITORS Annette Farnsworth, Brooke Lewis ADVERTISING CREATIVE PRODUCERS Jenny Hayes, Yasmin Shima
Production NATIONAL PRINT SERVICES MANAGER Mark Moes PRODUCTION MANAGER Leanne George (02) 8045 4921 ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Gina Jiang (02) 8045 4923
Publishing MARKETING DIRECTOR Diana Kay EDITED BY GIANNI BORRELLI. PHOTOGRAPHY: (PINTEREST & INSTAGRAM) CHRIS WARNES, (READER INSTAGRAM) @MADEBYMOWIE. STYLING: (PINTEREST & INSTAGRAM). DESIGN: (PINTEREST & INSTAGRAM) MCK ARCHITECTS, MCKARCHITECTS.COM
ACTING MARKETING MANAGER Melissa Morphet BRAND MANAGER Kimberley Grace EVENTS MANAGER Danielle Isenberg MARKETING EXECUTIVE Rachel Christian PRODUCT MANAGER – DIGITAL EDITIONS Danielle Stevenson NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER Mark McTaggart SUBSCRIPTION ACQUISITION MANAGER Grant Durie (02) 8045 4699 SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Crystal Ewins
NewsLifeMedia CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Nicole Sheffield PRESTIGE AND LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR Nick Smith GENERAL MANAGER, RETAIL & CIRCULATION Brett Willis DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Sharyn Whitten SENIOR COMMERCIAL MANAGER Josh Meisner
For digital versions and back issues, see Zinio au.zinio.com For Apple users, download now from News in the App Store For Android users, download now from Google Play For Barnes & Noble customers, download now from the Nook Newsstand
reader spotlight Scandi flourishes with a pop of colour – @madebymowie’s dining area style is right on trend. Show us how you do style using #sharemystyle and @insideoutmag.
Inside Out Level 1, 2 Holt St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Mailing address Locked Bag 5030, Alexandria NSW 2015 Phone (02) 8045 4850 Subscriptions 1300 656 933 or subs@magsonline.com.au Email insideout@newsltd.com.au Website insideout.com.au
Inside Out is published by NewsLifeMedia Pty Ltd (ACN 088 923 906), Level 1, 2 Holt St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. ISSN 1443-6043. NewsLifeMedia Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corp Australia (ACN 007 871 178). Copyright 2017, NewsLifeMedia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Pre-press by News PreMedia. Printed by PMP Limited. Paper fibre is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. Distributed by Gordon & Gotch, Unit 2, Bldg 2B, MFive Industry Park, 1 Moorebank Ave, Moorebank, NSW 2170. Tel: (02) 8706 1704. Images and manuscripts sent to Inside Out magazine are at owner’s risk, and neither Inside Out nor its agents accept any liability for loss or damage. Information and prices are correct to the best of our knowledge at time of print.
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things we love
# twl
THINGS WE LOVE
spring fling PALETTE
The new season brings delicate flowers and every shade of green. Use these beautiful tones to freshen up and brighten your home
‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Dark Velvet, $62.50/4L, British Paints, britishpaints.com.au. ‘Eggshell Acrylic’ paint in Castaway, $97.65/4L, Porter’s Paints, porterspaints.com.
‘Ensure’ interior paint in Burnt Maroon, $82.70/4L, Taubmans, taubmans.com.au
‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Swinging Pink, $62.50/4L, British Paints, as before.
For a list of some of our favourite blogs, visit our Pinterest page at pinterest.com/insideoutpins. 22 / Inside Out
PHOTOGRAPHY: SAM McADAM-COOPER. STYLING: MATT PAGE. FLORAL STYLING: CAITLIN MELLING. PAINT COLOUR MAY VARY ON APPLICATION
COMPILED BY MICHELLE CLARK
Art + TV come together Available at
THINGS WE LOVE
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COLOUR TREND
peony & camel Pastel-perfect pink is balanced by the elegance of light tan 10
STYLING NATALIE JOHNSON
1. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paints in Unbaked Clay (top) and Paperback, $62.50/4L, British Paints, britishpaints.com.au. 2. ‘Brittamaj’ cushion cover, $79, Marimekko, marimekko.com. 3. ‘Oku’ container, $79.90, Città, cittadesign.com. 4. Gärsnäs ‘Hedwig’ chair, $6145, SeehoSu, seehosu. com.au. 5. ‘Talo’ mug in Dusk, $25.90, Città, cittadesign.com.
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huntingforgeorge.com. 7. ‘Cindy’ pouch in Caramel Brown, $59.95, Country Road, countryroad.com.au. 8. Nonn ‘Phantom’ sofa, POA, District, district.com.au. 9. ‘Yuka’ slides in Tan, $169, St.Agni, st-agni.com. 10. Muuto ‘Nerd’ chair in Rose, $670, Living Edge, livingedge com.au. 11. ‘Terrazzo Dimple’ tray in Rose, $89 Zakkia, zakk au. 7
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THINGS WE LOVE
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linear
No blurred lines here! Refined silhouettes are turning heads STYLING NATALIE JOHNSON
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1. ‘Piper’ bar stool with armrests, $515, DesignByThem, designbythem.com. 2. ‘Linear Grid’ side table, $440, Città, cittadesign.com. 3. Lambert & Fils ‘Beaubien’ suspension light, $1720, Living Edge, livingedge.com.au. 4. Menu ‘Wire Base’ plant holder, $109.95, Design Mode International, designmode.com.au. 5. Mattiazzi ‘Uncino Version C’ dining chair, $1585, District, district.com.au. 6. ‘Lup’ candle holder, $54, Hay, hayshop.com.au. 7. Maison Sarah Lavoine ‘Daria’ cushion, $240, Bastille & Sons, bastilleandsons.com.au. 8. Menu ‘Norm’ ‘Wire’ bowl, $99.95, Design Mode International, as before. 9. ‘Chameleon’ plant stand, from $140, Ivy Muse, ivymuse.com.au. 10. Kevin Reilly ‘Pattern’ floor lamp, $7720, Hub Furniture, hubfurniture.com.au.
9 26 / Inside Out
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Provence INTRODUCING
BATH ROO M FU R N IT U R E COLLECTION
B AT H R O O M D E S I G N C E N T R E • ALEX ANDRIA - 8 4 O’RIORDAN ST. 02 8339 7103 • AUBURN - 103-123 PARR AMAT TA RD. 02 8748 4367 VISIT OUR WEBSITE - W W W.DOMAYNE.COM. AU Domayne ® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Accessories shown are not included.
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A brushed brass finish on this Billi water unit dispenser brings a luxe element to match the sink and the kitchen’s industrial look.
1 TRADITIONAL
PERFECT PAIRS
tap & sink
editor’s fave
STYLING JONO FLEMING
2 IN THE BLACK
28 / Inside Out
BIT OF BLING
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PHOTOGRAPHY: (MAIN) LAUREN BAMFORD. ‘B-5000 SPARKLING’ INSTANT FILTERED BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER UNIT WITH XL DISPENSER IN BRUSHED BRASS, $5154, BILLI, BILLI.COM.AU.
Some pieces belong together. Take your kitchen to the next level with one of these statement duos
THINGS WE LOVE
3 OF A KIND
botanical cushions These local stars showcase native beauty and conscious design EDITED BY LOUISA BATHGATE
Ink & Spindle ‘Kookaburra Bracken’ cushion
DESIGNER: Grace Garrett Based in Sydney’s Camperdown, Sparkk Studio is a family-owned business dedicated to innovative and sustainable design. With a range of designers on their books, they have plenty of talent to choose from. One such designer, Grace Garrett, has been working in the design industry for her entire career. “My experience spans graphic design, fashion and, for the better part of a decade, interiors and textiles,” says Grace, who is based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Her ‘A Sunburnt Country’ collection is a nod to both indigenous tribal markings and desert landscapes, incorporating motifs of native flora and fauna. “After living overseas, I felt compelled to create a contemporary range of native-inspired designs,” she says. “I love that it’s Australian-made and designed, too.” Sparkk’s dedication to environmentally conscious production means that each piece is made to order, reducing waste and ensuring a smaller footprint. Coupled with the use of the latest printing technology, the result is a durable, quality piece of design, custom-made to the user’s specifications. From $110, sparkkshop.com.au.
30 / Inside Out
Native Swinson ‘Big Shady Tree’ cushion DESIGNER: Kate Swinson Using just a biro to create her intricate designs, Kate Swinson’s work allows for incredible detail. “The drawings are then placed onto a mesh screen and hand screen-printed with organic inks onto 100 per-cent natural-fibre fabric,” says Kate. She places value on the significance of locally produced and hand-printed goods. “The touch of the maker is part of the product, so you get a uniqueness that you don’t find in mass-produced items,” she says. The ‘Big Shady Tree’ design is drawn from a gum tree at her friends’ farm, spotted during the height of summer. “The sheep were grouped under the shadows of the trees to get some relief from the heat,” she says. “We did the same, picnicking under the shade of the tree while the children played in the branches.” With only a year under the brand’s belt, expect to see big things. “I come from a fine art and homewares background,” says Kate. “But I needed to expand out of my studio. I love being part of a group of designers who are rethinking Australian design, using our native greenery in a contemporary way, ensuring those designs can sit anywhere in the world.” $148, nativeswinson.com.au.
PHOTOGRAPHY: (GRACE GARRETT PORTRAIT) TIM ROBINSON, (INK & SPINDLE PORTRAIT & CUSHION) AMORFO, (NATIVE SWINSON PORTRAIT & CUSHION) JUSTINE KERRIGAN
Sparkk ‘Waratah Grande’ cushion
DESIGNERS: Lara Cameron & Caitlin Klooger Inspired by a love of native flora and fauna, Lara and Caitlin have been hand-printing fabric for nine years from their studio in Kensington, Melbourne. Lara’s background in graphic design saw her crave a hands-on approach to production, while Caitlin has previously worked in interior design and landscape architecture. “All our cushions are made from our hand-printed fabric,” says Lara. “We source sustainable, low-impact base cloths and print our designs with water-based, solvent-free inks.” This reversible cushion features two designs – the kookaburra was inspired by a pair of “raucous fellows” that visited Caitlin during a weekend away, while Lara took her cue for the bracken from a bushwalk in the Otway Ranges in Victoria. Their 10-metre printing table means each length requires two hands on deck for printing, says Lara. “Our screens are taller than we are!” $112, inkandspindle.com.
THINGS WE LOVE
ask an expert Each issue, we’ll find stylish solutions to all your decorating and design dilemmas from those in the know
Q
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Q value when done well, as it’s seen as a premium material that is low maintenance,” says Bernadette Janson, founder of The School Of Renovating (theschoolofrenovating.com). “There are two main types: engineered or laminated. Engineered is a premium product with a real timber veneer; laminated is more economical and the quality has become very good. Go for a long board product with the largest width possible. One of the biggest advantages of floating floors is that they are pre-finished, so there’s no inconvenience of sanding and sealing.”
Can you suggest some stylish options for laundry storage? My laundry is full of ugly plastic baskets and bottles. Bianca, via email “A line-up of jars works well to display washing powder, fabric softener and stain remover,” says stylist Sam van Kan of Città (cittadesign.com). “You could use a few in different sizes or all the same in a tidy row. Having a designated reusable container to house these laundry essentials means that you’re able to buy refills, which are often cheaper. Win win! For items that can’t be transferred into other vessels, you can hide these in a basket or a crate pretty enough to sit proud on your bench or on a shelf. Wooden crates are strong enough to hold heavy bottles, and it’s easy to slide multiple crates next to each other to make the most of the space you have. Not all baskets and vessels need to be the same either! Pick a few finishes and try to keep one element constant for cohesion. If space is limited, using floating shelves is an easy way to display the things that you use regularly or as a place to put a few personal items to help the space feel more like a part of your home.”
32 / Inside Out
Q
Can I paint my polyurethane kitchen cupboards? How would I go about this? Crystal, via Facebook “You can change the colour of your kitchen cupboards by resurfacing them,” says Anthony Schmidt, technical specialist from Resurfacing Australia (resurfacingaustralia. com.au). “Resurfacing is the professional process of spraying a specialty polyurethane coating. Once the surfaces have been repaired and prepared, you can select any colour in a high gloss, satin or matte finish. Your cupboards will look new, without being replaced. Kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, as well as bathroom wall tiles and fittings, can also be resurfaced. A DIY approach can lead to problems: most sealers will bleed through, standard paint won’t adhere and the surface won’t be seamless.”
Send us your questions via Facebook or Instagram, or email insideout@newsltd.com.au.
EDITED BY VICTORIA BAKER. VERDURA GHOST GUM BAMBOO FLOORING (IN DINING AREA), SE TIMBER, SETIMBER.COM.AU, FLINTSTONE II COATING IN WHITE SANDS, RESURFACING AUSTRALIA, RESURFACINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU. PHOTOGRAPHY: (PORTRAIT) NIGEL LOUGH, (LAUNDRY) BROOKE HOLM. STYLING: (LAUNDRY) MARSHA GOLEMAC. INTERIOR DESIGN: (LAUNDRY) BY BRUNO, BYBRUNO.COM.AU
Where is most of the cost in a bathroom renovation – the labour, the materials, or something else? I’m trying to work out how best to save money. Belinda, via email “Everything can add up in a bathroom. It’s one of the most expensive rooms to renovate as it involves so many trades: Wayd Munro is the builder on a builder, electrician, plumber, tiler and our renovation painter at a minimum. It’s also quite specialists Panel labour-intensive for the size of the room. (for more on the Panel, turn to Keeping the plumbing in the same place page 100). Here, and minimising electrical changes should he explains why save some money. Fixtures and fittings are bathroom updates can be costly. a good way to save money, too; there are some good-quality products on the market that don’t cost a bomb. The type of tiling also changes the cost substantially; a simple 300mm x 600mm wall tile is much cheaper to buy and lay than a fancy glass mosaic.”
DESIGN REBELS WELCOME. FEATURED ITEMS: Memphis Leather 3 Seater Sofa $2995 | Sahara Goat Fur Ottoman $395 | United Strangers Outlaw Side Table $395 | United Strangers Uncommon Classics Armchair $1495 | Ferntree Framed Print By Jeremiah Locke $270 | Sunset Palms Paradise Framed Print $485 | Ray Table Lamp $179 | United Strangers Walker Washable Paper Bag $125 | Cowhide Rug Brindle $695 | Accessories from $8 | Cushions from $25 SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE | GOLD COAST | ADELAIDE | CANBERRA
WWW.MATTBLATT.COM.AU
THINGS WE LOVE
From rooftop spaces (top left & right) to cleverly designed backyards (below), landscape designer Adam Robinson (inset) has created bright and layered outdoor zones. In his Sydney studio, (bottom) Adam plans gardens that follow his philosophy of celebrating the outdoors while also considering style that enhances life at home, whether it’s with a wall of bamboo or potted plants.
construction trade and worked on the tools for a few years. I then moved into landscape design and after about three years, I was keen to learn more so I studied interior design. How does your styling eye inform your garden design work? I truly believe it’s just as important to have a good design, as it is to finish it off with good styling. I put a lot of time and attention into the styling of all of our gardens. Nailing the two is my secret recipe to a successful outdoor space! What’s important to you about the gardens you create? I like my gardens to have a timeless feel, to constantly evolve and take new directions with age. I don’t want them to look set within a certain time period or fit a certain trend; they are living, changing things. I look at gardens I designed almost 10 years ago and I still love them. You work with both large and smaller outdoor spaces – which is more challenging? Definitely the smaller spaces. Every inch needs to be carefully considered. In a large garden there is ample room to fit what is required within the brief. With small spaces, I need to come up with clever ideas for built-ins or elements that have multiple uses. I celebrate a small space and enjoy the challenge. How much impact can an outdoor space have on your quality of life? If you have an outdoor space, it really doesn’t matter how big or small it is, you’re one of the lucky ones. Being outdoors is therapy after a busy day and allows us to ground ourselves, connect, recharge, play and relish the simple pleasures of life. As Australians it’s part of our DNA to enjoy our backyard, whether this be a large garden or balcony. Is garden design trend-led, and if so, what are you seeing come through? Not as much as interiors but yes, garden design is trend-led. We’re obsessed with texture at the moment and we’re moving away from mass-manufactured pots and towards artisanal hand-thrown clay pots and handcrafted pieces. Popular planting palettes right now are more relaxed with fine and wispy plant textures. Think less rigidity and architectural planting, and more movement and rustle. What would be a dream project for you? My own beach house! I’m still busy manifesting this one, but the idea of creating my very own gnarly, coastal garden with an interesting mix of endemic and exotic plants would be a dream project. I can’t wait! For info, visit adamrobinsondesign.com.au.
PHOTOGRAPHY: (TRIO OF POTTED SUCCULENTS) SAM McADAM-COOPER, (ALL OTHER IMAGES) NATALIE HUNFALVAY
DESIGN PROFILE
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Urban Danis Order your 201
Billund Folding Dining Table from $1379
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Aarhus Dining Chair from $739
THE ORIGINAL
THE UP-AND-COMER
M77’ ask
al jug in a pout and um release l? Launched o the iconic obsen, Erik become an in 1977, the with just a hint that pushes Magnussen was educated as a ceramist and began designing tea and coffee sets for Danish porcelain manufacturer, Bing & Grøndahl. He had already received the prestigious Lunning Prize for his work when he was invited by Stelton to design the vacuum flask – it immediately won the Danish Society of Industrial Design ID Award in 1977 and went on to be awarded the Danish Design Prize in 2007. The design is produced in ABS plastic with the body being one colour, and the lid and release button for the glass vacuum insert in black. The unique feature of the flask is its rocker stopper, which automatically opens when the vessel is tilted to pour. The glass vacuum interior can be removed for simpler washing and can also be replaced if the jug is dropped and the vacuum breaks. Easy to handle, the jug is ideal for serving cool summer drinks or for keeping coffee hot, a common use in Denmark. Expect to pay: From $140 in a variety of colours or in metallic finishes from $240. Buy at: Top3 By Design, top3.com.au.
Alvar Aalto Collection
Looking like nothing else, the Aalto Collection laid the foundation for timeless design in 1936. Ever since it has become an icon of Finnish design and one of the world’s most famous glass vases. Simple yet rebellious, it’s the shape that moves.
iittala.com.au
BEST BUYS
we love
THINGS WE LOVE
BEST BUYS
everyday trays Breakfast in bed is given a modern twist with these pretty platforms STYLING JESSICA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY SAM McADAM-COOPER
we love Clockwise from top left: Wooden tray in Black, $75, Weylandts Australia, weylandts. com.au. ‘Terrazzo Dimple’ tray in Snow, $89, Zakkia, zakkia.com.au. ‘Tree Rings’ birch veneer tray, $79, Zakkia, as before. Fog Linen Work ‘Cutlery’ kid’s tray, $45, Mr Kitly, mrkitly.com.au. ‘Onyx’ powdercoated steel & birch ply insert tray, $119.95, Sly Australia, onthesly.com.au. ‘Luna’ stained oak tray, $120, Safari Living, safariliving.com. ‘White Rim’ lacquer tray in Slate, $69, West Elm, westelm.com.au. ‘Trays Rond’ metal tray in Grey, from $40, Fenton&fenton, fentonandfenton.com.au. Woud ‘Racket’ oak tray, from $139, and ‘Loop’ oak tray with metal handle, from $89, Floc, flocstore. com.au. Round teacup & saucer, $75, Mud Australia, mudaustralia.com. ‘Modern Play’ felt food, from $4.20 each, Made By Claire Louise, madebyclairelouise.etsy.com. Baxter alarm clock, $49, Oh Clocks, ohclocks.com.au. Herdmar ‘Malmo’ cutlery, $530/24-piece set, RM Hall, rmhall.com.au. Flat sheets in Denim and Little Boy Blue, $189/king, Society Of Wanderers, societyofwanderers.com.
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With Trend’s extensive range of window and door designs and material options you’ll have no trouble bringing your creative vision to life perfectly. Because nothing is more important than your home being a reflection of your personality and the lifestyle you choose to live. See more at trendwindows.com.au
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ISCD’s annual c with Designer R three very diffe
rugs by desig ISCD/DESIGNER RUGS winner
ARTEK ‘606’ SIDE TABLE, ANIBOU, ANIBOU.COM.AU. FOLIA ‘BOLLO’ ARMCHAIR, FRED INTERNATIONAL, FREDINTERNATIONAL.COM.AU
‘ROCK POOL’ BY LINDA CUNNINGHAM
incorporates shades of ocean blue, and neutral tones “so that the rug would be able to fit into a variety of interiors.” The assignment taught Linda something about the process of design. “There were obstacles along the way; those moments when as a designer you know you haven’t got the right result, so you go back to an earlier stage and go on from there,” she says. And what’s next? More study at ISCD is on the agenda, plus developing ceramics for her business, Pebuku. “I’m always looking for opportunities to incorporate good design into beautiful products,” says Linda. WORDS VICTORIA BAKER STYLING NATALIE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY SAM McADAM-COOPER
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AN ORGANIC DESIGN INSPIRED BY JAPANESE SIMPLICITY ‘OCEAN’ BY KATHLEEN ANEX
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“A statement piece in a modern home, surrounded by minimalist furniture in white, black or light timber tones.” This is how aspiring interior designer Kathleen sees her rug, now that it’s been translated from a small hand-painted artwork. “The design felt way more striking when I saw it at a bigger scale, which is actually a good thing,“ she says. Her original painting, with its carefully planned and placed lines, was not without difficulty: “My hand was incredibly shaky while I was painting the design onto paper, and I dropped my paintbrush on the page right at the end. Luckily I could hide the mark without having to redo the whole thing!” she says. Deliberately choosing a high contrast mix of blue-black and white, she experimented with different palettes before coming back to the original. “It just seemed to work better with what the design represents, which is ocean waves. While doing my research, I fell in love with Japanese wave motifs and they heavily influenced my design,” she says.
“It’s always exciting to work with up-and-coming designers – they have such a fresh approach. These rugs truly reflect the current market and trends” YOSI TAL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DESIGNER RUGS
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“I love architecture and symmetry, and wanted to create something that reflects that,” says Lisa. She was inspired by the work of one of her favourite interior designers, Greg Natale; and since finishing her interior design and decoration course at ISCD she has landed a dream job at his practice. “My favourite part of the design process was trying out different colour combinations with my pattern,” she says, “and the hardest part was making the final decision on which combination to use.” Her rug, with its strong colour story incorporating her favourite blue, features an interlocking design that is enhanced by a carved surface, which defines and emphasises its dimensionality. “I learnt a lot about the way pattern can change through differences in the height and cut of the fibres.” Asked where she pictures her rug, she references an older home. “I see it in a light-flooded Victorian terrace with dark timber floors, beautifully detailed ceilings and super stylish furniture.” Visit designerrugs.com.au. For more info on the interior design courses on offer at ISCD, visit iscd.edu.au.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: (LISA DINGELMAIER PORTRAIT) RUSSELL HORTON
A HANDSOME FLOORCOVERING WITH BOLD TILE-LIKE FORMS ‘VITRIS’ BY LISA DINGELMAIER
The Block: Glasshouse co-winner and interior architect, Shannon Vos. voscreative. com.au
suite dreams We’re well and truly in the thick of The Block now. Shannon takes us on a tour of the master retreats, and reveals the good, the bad and the ugly
JASON & SARAH A big fat ZERO/30
After a less than impressive effort for their reveal, Jason and Sarah turned in their room a week late, much to the judges’ disappointment. Having that extra week has meant that they have the perfect layout for their master suite – there are three distinct zones and each has loads of space. The colour palette is fresh and full of character – the blue, grey and mustard all sit in harmony. The concrete-look pendant lights are a nice contrast and at perfect bedside height – finally, someone with a good lighting plan! The bed is inviting, and the comfy seating opposite really makes the space feel like a parents’ retreat. Natural light floods the ensuite and the star is the black herringbone floor tiling. That’s where the love stops though with an unfinished walk-in (no mirror, eek!), no TV (a room this big should have one hidden away) and undressed windows. It is problematic furnishing triangular windows especially when they’re this big, so Jason and Sarah have left it all open, killing any notion of privacy in an otherwise gorgeous master retreat. HOUSE
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PHOTOGRAPHY: (THE BLOCK MASTER SUITES) LAUREN BAMFORD, (SHANNON VOS PORTRAIT) MATT JOHNSON. STYLING: (THE BLOCK MASTER SUITES) JONO FLEMING. STYLING ASSISTANTS: (THE BLOCK MASTER SUITES) CASSIE SMITH & ILSA MELCHIORI. FLORALS, FLOWERS VASETTE, FLOWERSVASETTE.COM.AU
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aster suites are the crème de la crème of any spectacular home. While bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, a great master bedroom will pull at a buyer’s heartstrings and whisper softly ‘Imagine yourself in this space at the end of the day’. And you do – it’s the very last straw of an ‘emotional buy’, and while we’re all told to buy smart, it’s human nature to picture yourself locked away from the world (and the kids). These rooms are no different: all have an oasis-like feel with huge amounts of kid-free space, and while some are a bit more effective than others in creating that perfect retreat, whoever buys one of these homes can be sure they’re buying that little slice of luxury we all dream of.
THINGS WE LOVE
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HANNAH & CLINT 25/30
The reno rookies have put it all on HOUSE the line in this reveal with daring choices and bold design elements. The floral wallpaper seems like a step too far and the silver velvet upholstered bedhead feels a bit too blingy. You can see what Hannah and Clint were trying to do, but they’ve just missed the mark. The bed is gorgeously made with the white, pink and grey tones all matching each other. The pink seats and that huge round mirror create a gorgeous setting that’s delicate and feminine, and the walk-around wardrobe is absolutely massive – with functional island storage, it seems like another room altogether. The bathroom is great, though not overly impressive, with a contemporary feel and sleek finishes. A nib shelf runs across the entire room giving the ensuite a modern feel, but the tech showerhead seems a step too far as the shower is a place where I’d want to be disconnected from technology. The vanity and mirrors are visually impressive but Hannah and Clint could’ve done more in this room to harness a better score. The blinds, I’m sorry, are a bit of a poor choice and really hit a ‘nanna’ vibe, giving this room too much of a mature mood.
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Powe coupl HOUSE and G have choic layout, finishes and fixtures, whic as strong contenders for the win master retreat. The inclusion of a leading to the bedroom made th feel very exclusive and almost an world away from the rest of the h Inside, the palette is a beautiful b earthy pink, grey and mushroom, giving the space an organic and soft feel. The Steve Cross artwork is feminine and a strong choice, and there’s a tonne of storage and plenty of room. The hidden TV looks great, but functionality may trip the feature up as it’s all manually operated. Their walk-aroundwardrobe-cum-bedhead looks ample and serene, but seems a bit too cramped pushed right up against the far wall. The ensuite is laid out perfectly with natural tones and striking fittings for a polished look. The window’s reveal, which runs into a nib shelf, is a beautiful feature and adds real value to the room. Luxurious black and white fittings lend a contemporary feel and are a perfect accompaniment to a great master bedroom.
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“The ensuite is laid out perfectly with natural tones and striking fittings for a polished look”
THINGS WE LOVE
“Timber is wonderful, warm and organic but too many different types and tones can make a space feel disjointed and awkward. It’s OK to have a variety of timbers through your space – you just have to make sure the undertones match up”
Wombat and Sticks went with a pared-back approach, shining a light on timber tones and a simple ensuite layout.
WOMBAT & STICKS 24.5/30
The boys certainly love their timber HOUSE (c’mon, we all do!) and plenty was used in their ‘more of a blokey’ take on a master suite, though it was a little too much for the judges. Timber is wonderful, warm and organic but too many different types and tones can make a space feel disjointed and awkward. It’s OK to have a variety of timbers through your space – you just have to make sure the undertones match up. The ensuite is simple but cohesive with a neutral palette and black fittings to top it off. The black beam that holds the showerheads is a statement element but maybe timber wasn’t the best choice in a wet area. The bedroom is pared back but inviting, and while it could have a few more layers in the textures and finishes, it’s a strong room for the boys but not quite the winning combo.
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THINGS WE LOVE
winning room JOSH & ELYSE 28.5/30
Josh and Elyse went open plan HOUSE and got rid of the entry door wall from the stairway to the bedroom and any privacy that came along with it, but what a great move. Opening up the entry made their master suite seem 10 times bigger than what it already is. The soft-pink palette of the bed setting almost borders on a ‘nanna’ vibe, but the strong lines in the ceiling and bulkheads certainly ground the space. The daybed/reading nook is a great inclusion, as are the two super oversized seats, but they feel a bit awkward in orientation as they’re too focused on the TV and the out-of-place industrial rendered wall. The walk-around wardrobe is luxurious and more than ample, but while the bedroom is good, the ensuite is the star. The choices throughout are spot on and how can you not love that green herringbone feature wall. Accented with gunmetal grey fittings, the balance of the green and pale pink and architectural detail, this surely wins it for the picture-perfect couple from Melbourne.
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For your exclusive tour of The Block with our editor-in-chief Claire, Shannon and our style editor Jono, visit our YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/insideoutaus.
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rescue dog meets statement style COMBINE COLLECTED PIECES WITH VINTAGE FLAIR TO COMPLEMENT THE MISH-MASH OF A MIXED-BREED PUP
THINGS WE LOVE
weimaraners meet grandeur A SOPHISTICATED PAIR OF WEIMARANERS CALLS FOR NEOCLASSICAL STYLE TO SUIT THEIR ELEGANT STATURE AND STANDOUT SILVER COAT
COCO & KARL THE PUGS (opposite): Antique armchair, $2200, The Vault Sydney, thevaultsydney.com. Cushion, $199, Cotton Love, cottonlove.com.au. Birdcage, POA, and baluster vase, $160, Orient House, orienthouse.net.au. Through The Square Window #22 perspex artwork by Kate Banazi, $950, Curatorial+Co., curatorialandco.com. Chinese lion figures, $690/pair, Orient House, as before. Glass vase, $330, Contents International Design, contentsid.com.
OLLIE & OTIS THE WEIMARANERS: Mixed media on paper artwork by Monique Lovering, $2750 (framed), Graphis, graphis.net.au. ‘Carlo’ dining chair, $485, Contents International Design, contentsid.com. ‘Right Round Cafe’ dining table, $2499, Blu Dot, bludot. com.au. Giltwood corbel, $850/pair, The Vault Sydney, thevaultsydney. com.Shungite merkaba sculpture, $445, Becker Minty, beckerminty.com.au. Brass desk organiser, $445, Contents International Design, as before. Marble pedestal, $550, The Vault Sydney, as before. Ollie and Otis wear Boco Australia collars, boco.com.au.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: DEREK SWALWELL. STYLING: RACHEL VIGOR
inside
BOWL & BOX (THIS PAGE); AND TRAY & SPECKLE JAR, ALL ZAKKIA, ZAKKIA.COM.AU. RUG, ARMADILLO & CO, ARMADILLO-CO.COM. KIP&CO THROW, LIFE INTERIORS, LIFEINTERIORS.COM.AU. CUSHION, PAMPA, PAMPA.COM.AU
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he kitchen is often the busy heart of the home, and for stationery designer Brooke and her builder husband Adrian, this is simply fact. When the couple were designing their long-dreamed-of home in Sydney’s Caringbah South, all the details were carefully considered, especially for the kitchen. From the open-plan layout to storage, finishes, fixtures and access to natural light, their attention to detail in the planning stage was the key to getting the space right. When Brooke and Adrian purchased the home in 2007, it was a quaint ’50s cottage. They knew that they would have to upgrade the house to accommodate a family but “we loved the block as it was big and leafy,” says Brooke. The plan was to move into Brooke’s parents’ house for two years while renting out the cottage in order to save funds for the renovation. Two years turned into four-and-a half years, during which time their family grew with the arrival of daughter Willow in April 2013. “Our kids loved living with their grandparents, and we enjoyed our time there, too,” says Brooke. “It allowed us to save money in a way we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to, and we had live-in babysitters as well!” While living with Brooke’s parents, the couple were able to take their time planning their renovation, working with Stubbs Design Tribe Architects. “While practicality was our focus, we also wanted a home that was airy, spacious and light-filled,” says Brooke.
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Colour + Design). Her new-found knowledge helped guide her decorative choices. “The course has helped me to evolve my style and be a bit braver with my choices!” says Brooke. “I now have more of an appreciation for unique pieces, colours and textures.” Brooke decorated her family home in a fusion of modernAustralian-meets-Scandinavian styles. She used a minimalist Scandi feel and colour palette, pairing the approach with Australian-made furniture, homewares and art. “I’m someone who loves scouring through books and magazines for inspiration,” she says. “I’ve introduced a few eclectic and sentimental pieces to the living spaces and I am constantly moving things around and bringing in greenery in the form of indoor plants and cuttings from the garden.” In the hallway, the two photographic bird artworks by Leila Jeffrey are a sentimental nod to Adrian’s upbringing. “We fell in love with them as soon as we saw them, as they exuded so much personality,” says Brooke. “Adrian actually grew up on a zoo that his parents owned. The zoo was home to native animals and birds, so the Corella birds felt nostalgic. The birds also continue the loose, casual Australian lifestyle feel that we have tried to achieve in the home.” This personal nod is the icing on the cake to a welcoming home tailor-made for this growing family. Visit piccolostudiostore.com.au, groverconstructions.com.au and stubbsdesigntribe.com.au.
TALL VASE, ZAKKIA, ZAKKIA.COM.AU. THROWS, LIFE INTERIORS, LIFEINTERIORS.COM.AU
Adrian took inspiration from a few house projects he had worked on through his construction business and incorporated these ideas into his own home design. One such idea was the black steel staircase with a white steel-rod screen, combined with oak timber stair treads. “It’s Adrian’s favourite feature of the house,” says Brooke. “The staircase is the first thing that catches your eye when you come through the front door, and we love it.” The kitchen was the integral area to design and execute successfully, as all of the downstairs living spaces are connected to it. The couple opted for an extra-long bench of four metres so they had plenty of room for cooking preparation and also an eat-in area to share family meals. Storage was also a priority to help keep the home clutter-free. “We wanted to maximise our storage space so we had the cabinetry built all the way to the ceiling,” says Brooke. “We added built-in oak timber boxes as a feature; they’re a great way to display items that you don’t need to reach every day.” The window splashback in the kitchen also serves a dual purpose. “We wanted to incorporate a splashback window into the design to give the feel of the outside being brought in,” says Brooke. “I also wanted to be able to see the kids playing outside in the yard while I’m busy in the kitchen.” During the completion stage of the renovation, Brooke started studying design and styling at ISCD (International School Of
MORGAN’S ROOM (this page) An Oeuf ‘Sparrow’ bed with matching bedside form the foundations for Morgan’s bedroom. A zig-zag motif transforms a plain wall and Fictional Objects sheets bring pattern. And a boy’s room isn’t complete without a few superheroes. WILLOW’S ROOM (opposite) Willow gets a feature wall of her own, decked in ‘Scallop Dots’ wallpaper from These Walls. The bed and wall-hung storage are both from local company, Plyroom. The bed is decked in vivid Castle bedlinen and topped off by a plush pompom blanket from Kip&Co.
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5 GREAT FINDS
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Kip&Co ‘Deserted’ tassel throw, $269, Life Interiors, lifeinteriors.com.au.
MODERN SCANDI Light timber and bright tones combine with clean and sophisticated lines
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‘The Big Log’ coffee table, $4950, Mark Tuckey, marktuckey. com.au.
Billi instant boiling, chilled & sparkling unit in Matte Black, $3699, Winning Appliances, winning appliances.com.au.
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‘Shag Diamond’ cushion in Blush, $145, Langdon Ltd, langdonltd.com.au.
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Muuto ‘Nerd’ bar stool, $775, Living Edge, livingedge.com.au.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON. TOWELS, CITTÀ, CITTADESIGN.COM. CANDLE, THE MINIMALIST, THEMINIMALIST.COM.AU. CONCRETE BOX (OPPOSITE, ON SIDE TABLE), ZAKKIA, ZAKKIA.COM.AU
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or photographer Derek Swalwell and food stylist
Georgia Young, coming off second best in a bidding war at auction proved to be the win of a lifetime. “The man who owned the house next door saw we had missed out and approached us to say he was thinking about selling,” says Derek. “He asked whether we wanted to come and have a look at his place, so we did – and ended up buying it. At a much better price, too!” Despite the property being a huge uninhabited mess, with a lawnmower in the bathroom and fishing gear in the shower, it was structurally solid. With the help of Georgia’s dad, a retired carpenter, the couple did a cosmetic refresh that involved installing a flat-pack kitchen, painting, stripping the carpet and taming the garden. A prolific architectural photographer, Derek met and befriended the principals of Kennedy Nolan, Patrick Kennedy and Rachel Nolan, 15 years ago when he first started shooting their work. Engaging the pair was a no-brainer. “Their work is quite kid-friendly and robust,” says Derek. They made a financial agreement to draw up the plans in exchange for Derek photographing their designs. Builder Marcus Hamilton of Mark Projects was brought on independently and Derek was on site almost every day. “It’s rare that we don’t do a full service,” says Rachel of the renovation, which she documented but didn’t contract out or run on-site. “I don’t do what we did for Georgia and Derek for many people. We have a close relationship with them though, and designed it so it could be managed and delivered without us there. We weren’t going to be running it so the building had to be a tough little thing to come out the other end intact.” In addition to maximising space, Derek and Georgia wanted big windows, a modern kitchen, a lot of white brick and better zoning. The existing front door was screened off and a new entry established at the side so it was no longer necessary to walk past the bedrooms to access the living areas. A sliding door was installed to separate the living space from the private area where the bedrooms are, and plans for a third bedroom were shelved in favour of a study. Conscious of not disrupting the existing roofline, Rachel designed a split level so that the new extension sat lower than the ground-floor living area. Lined in warm cedar, the soaring kitchen ceiling adds drama but also welcomes in sunlight. While the kitchen and dining area has a Scandi look, the carpeted living zone channels a modernist-style rumpus room with its cosy olive-green carpet. Rachel says she kept her “economical, rational hat on, careful to make things effective and affordable.” This meant avoiding difficult junctions that would have been expensive, and leaving Georgia and Derek to make decisions on details like the tapware. The bathroom was reconfigured a few times because of its awkward size, but the result is a generous space lined in blue tiles lit up by a new skylight. From the fun oversized hole in the brickwork at the entry to the cupboard handles, circles are a Kennedy Nolan signature and are used throughout the home. Together with the pitched roof, they add to the geometric interplay of the house says Rachel. “We’ve worked within the constraints to ensure every part of the site has been used and it’s now transformed into a better version of itself.” For more on Derek’s and Georgia’s work, visit derekswalwell.com and georgiayoung.com.au. For details on Kennedy Nolan and Mark Projects, visit kennedynolan.com.au and markprojects.com.au.
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Our brief was modernist with 1980s style. Our architects’ work is quite kid-friendly and robust DEREK SWALWELL, OWNER
ON. (ON LIVING AREA WALL, CLOCKWISE CHAIR), ALL HOUSE OF ORANGE, OOD FLOWERS, ELWOODFLOWERS. MAY VARY ON APPLICATION
INSIDE homes
key kitchen details
THE BENCHTOP Quantum Quartz ‘Reflections’ engineered stone, from
THE TAP Try ‘KV1’ tap in Yellow 08, $1406.90, Vola, en.vola.com.
THE CABINET COLOUR Try ‘Wash&Wear’ interior paint in Golden Marguerite, $91.40/4L, Dulux, 132 525.
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We went with plantation shutters as we liked the look for the facade DEREK SWALWELL, OWNER
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CUSHION & OTTOMAN (OPPOSITE), HOUSE OF ORANGE, HOUSEOFORANGE.COM.AU. TOWEL (THIS PAGE), COTTON ON, COTTONON.COM.
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FEEL-GOOD COLOUR The use of tones in this home brings character and creates a welcoming vibe while the variety of textures adds interest
5 GREAT FINDS
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N. PAINT COLOUR MAY VARY ON APPLICATION. ARTWORK: (BOTTOM) FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH BY DEREK SWALWELL
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Moving from their Melbourne home to put down new roots in coastal northern NSW has inspired this creative couple’s bohemian retreat WORDS & STYLING CLAIR WAYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY TANIKA BLAIR
ARTWORK: (THIS PAGE) NEW JOURNEY BY ROSETTA SANTUCCI. OPPOSITE: CUSHIONS, BONNIE AND NEIL, BONNIEANDNEIL.COM.AU
art & soul
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Who lives here: South Australian artists Rosetta and John Santucci; their sons, Oliver, 16; and Marcello, 14; plus Banjo the labradoodle and Hendrix the cat. Style of home: Located just outside Byron Bay, the house has a partwarehouse, part-Mediterranean feel. After completing an initial coat of paint and new floor, the family waited three years before undertaking a six-month kitchen and bathroom renovation.
oving to the lush northern NSW
coastline with their two sons had been a dream for Melbournebased artists Rosetta and John Santucci for years. Each time they visited Rosetta’s sister in Lennox Head, they felt more and more at home. The family loved their life in cosmopolitan Melbourne, but they were growing out of their tiny Footscray cottage. They drew up plans to extend, but the whole exercise proved too costly. Then the idea of moving to NSW started to feel more tangible. “It was a big decision, but I knew there was an amazing Steiner school in Byron Bay, plus John had health issues and couldn’t continue film work,” says Rosetta. “The stars were aligning to make this move happen, and it did!” Finding a home in the area that ticked all the boxes wasn’t an easy task, but once Rosetta spotted ‘the one’, she used all her powers of persuasion to make her wish come true. Rosetta, how did you know this house was ‘the one’? It was out of our price range and I had to look past the horrible decor, but I felt compelled to see it. I loved it and, as the cliché goes, it had great bones and loads of potential – it had high ceilings, a mezzanine level and warehouse feel. After a few days I put in a cheeky offer and, after some negotiation, it was ours. What was the first job you tackled when you moved in? Actually it was just before we moved in - we had the flooring replaced. Originally the living and kitchen floors were covered in horrible
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Get the sleek industrial look of this hard-working family kitchen with raw surfaces and clever water filtration
THE BENCHTOP Engineered stone in Carbon Matte, $385/sqm, WK-Quantum Quartz, wk.com.au.
THE FLOORS Harper & Sandilands ‘Architect Collection’ flooring in French Grey, $93.50/sqm, Royal Oak Floors, royal oakfloors.com.au.
THE APPLIANCE ‘B-3000’ instant chilled filtered water system, $1999, Billi, billi.com.au.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON. OVEN, SMEG, SMEG.COM.AU. RANGEHOOD, BELLING, BELLING.COM.AU. ARTWORK: (THIS PAGE) SOLITUDE (ABOVE SIDEBOARD) BY ROSETTA SANTUCCI. THE FAMILY BY JOHN SANTUCCI. (OPPOSITE) SHOOTING STAR BY JOHN SANTUCCI
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“I t nd to buy for lov on impuls - but som how it all s ms to fall into plac ” ROSETTA SANTUCCI, HOMEOWNER
ARTWORK: (THIS PAGE) A FINE BALANCE (BESIDE WINDOW) BY JOHN SANTUCCI. PEGGY’S HILL TRACK (ABOVE WINDOW) BY ROSETTA SANTUCCI
painted cork tiles, plus there was old carpet in the bedrooms and living area, so new flooring was a must. I chose ‘French Grey’ boards from Royal Oak Floors because they complement the overall feel of the house and create a moody look with the structural beams and staircase, which were already stained in a Black Japan finish. How did the kitchen take shape? I’d been dreaming of a new kitchen and bathroom ever since we moved in, but as it didn’t happen for three years, I had plenty of time to think. My ideas changed a little over time, so I’m glad we waited. As we’d already chosen dark flooring, I wanted to continue that moody feel. I fell in love with darker cabinetry, but I didn’t want the whole kitchen to be dark, so I opted for contrasting light timber cabinets on one wall for balance. Then I had to choose the tiles. How did you decide on the Moorish-style tiles? Choosing the encaustic ‘Blue Metro’ tiles from Jatana Interiors was the most enjoyable part of the renovation. I wanted a modern pattern with a slightly bohemian twist. As the wall of tiles is so dramatic, the rest of the scheme is simple. I echoed the feel in the two bathrooms, but opted for more feminine floor tiles with flower motifs to contrast with the masculine concrete-look wall tiles and black tapware. What’s your favourite part of the house? The kitchen and dining room is the soul of the house, where we can reconnect, chat about our day and eat together. Our house in Melbourne was a tiny cottage, so this feels big. Having teenagers, there’s enough room to spread out and escape from each other, if we feel the need. To see more of Rosetta’s work, visit rosettasantucci.com. John’s work can be found at johnsantucci.com.au.
5 GREAT FINDS
BOHEMIAN STYLE Embrace the casual, artistic appeal of this home with curvy cane furniture, greenery and retro picks
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ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: NATALIE JOHNSON. PAINT COLOUR MAY VARY ON APPLICATION. ARTWORK: (OPPOSITE) TO THE WEST PAINTING BY MARCELLO AND JOHN SANTUCCI. ACROSS THE RIDGES PAINTING (ABOVE LEAF) BY ROSS LAURIE, (THIS PAGE) STILL LIFE PAINTING BY JOHN SANTUCCI. MARIMEKKO LIGHT SHADE, SEDONIA, SEDONIA.COM.AU
“
monochrome
moment
An interior stylist and her architect partner combine their talents to create a layered family home in Stockholm featuring a smart monochromatic palette WORDS PIA ULIN & VICTORIA BAKER STYLING LOTTA AGATON PHOTOGRAPHY PIA ULIN
LIVING AREA A refined black-andwhite scheme is expertly softened with a mix of textures by stylist and owner Lotta Agaton. Nature plays a part, too, with rustic timber stools and greenery providing fresh appeal and interest.
Inside Out / 91
INSIDE overseas inspiration
T
rue collaboration between a home’s
owner and its designer almost always leads to great results, so when the owners of this Stockholm apartment - one of Sweden’s leading stylists and her architect partner – are also the designers, all the signs point to a successful renovation. When Lotta Agaton and Fredrik Wallner first saw the 200-square-metre apartment, it was the high ceilings and period details they were drawn to. “It was an old apartment with a traditional floorplan,” says Lotta. Now, she says, her home has a “more practical floorplan that fits a family of six, with five bedrooms and a big open space for living and eating.” A total rethink of the floorplan was necessary to accommodate busy family life, with Fredrik moving the kitchen, refurbishing all the bathrooms and designing separate bedrooms for all four of the couple’s then teenage children. “We entertain a lot, plus all the children have friends over, so most of the time the apartment is
92 / Inside Out
full of people and life,” says Lotta. The generous living and dining areas are divided by a wide opening, and both benefit from an abundance of natural light from traditional tall windows across the front of the apartment, with a calming view of lush treetops outside. Double doors lead from the dining room to the all-white kitchen, which is finished simply with plain white cabinetry and a wall of white tiles. When it comes to the interiors, Lotta’s years of styling experience have refined her taste, although she doesn’t like to be pigeonholed. “My style is modern and monochromatic,” she says. “I don’t have a favourite style; rather, I like well-designed furniture in good materials that age beautifully.” She favours natural materials such as timber, leather and stone, which also work as a neutral base for her work. “I use the apartment as a location for my Instagram and blog images,” she says. “I treat it as a work in progress where I can try different things.” Throughout the elegant home, the walls are white and the scheme monochromatic, with a charcoal rug and low-slung B&B Italia sofa in the living space teamed with two vintage
Børge Mogensen ‘Spanish’ chairs in leather. Comforting touches add a layer of warmth with squashy Moroccan ottomans and rustic timber stools dotted around, as well as beautifully realised vignettes sitting on windowsills, side tables and atop cabinets. These styling moments are also used to great effect by Lotta, to break up a library wall of open shelving in the living area, adding artful pockets of character. “Rearranging things in my home is my favourite waste of time, but I think that the decoration is what makes a home personal,” she says. The crisp dark timber dining table is matched with timeless Le Corbusier Thonet wicker seats and illuminated by a large paper lantern, forming a clever contrast of light and dark, hard and soft. “My furniture is a mix of things collected through work, life and over many different homes,” says Lotta. Her annual trip to the south of France yields vintage treasures, which she effortlessly blends with designer pieces and punctuates with vibrant greenery courtesy of sculptural potted plants. But above all, she stays true to her heritage. “The Scandinavian style has always been my own,” she says. “It’s light, fresh and practical.” Lotta and Fredrik have now sold their family apartment and moved onto a new project. Check out Lotta’s work at lottaagaton.se or follow her on Instagram at @lottaagaton.
“
INSIDE overseas inspiration
“My furniture is a mix of things collected through work, life and over many different homes”
LOTTA AGATON, OWNER
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BATHROOM (right) Simple square wall tiles and a wall-hung sink and tap combination give this wet zone a streamlined look. A marble tray keeps daily essentials in order. MASTER BEDROOM (left & opposite) The monochromatic scheme is continued in this tranquil space. A variety of cushions and layered linens creates a cosy bed while a chest of drawers sets the stage for a signature Lotta vignette. Wall hooks on one wall create a blank canvas for hanging displays.
5 GREAT FINDS
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Inside Out / 99
“
the problem
the family
table won’t fit in our house” This family loves entertaining at home but their country dwelling doesn’t fit the bill. Enter our Panel and their space-smart tips WORDS FIONA JOY PHOTOGRAPHY NIGEL LOUGH
the story so far
YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS BEFORE STARTING ANY RENOVATION WORK
Sandra and Anthony moved into this rural home in Mittagong, NSW, two years ago with their two teenage daughters, plus their two dogs, a cat, four horses, seven sheep, and an abundance of chooks. The house is set on 42 acres, 4km down a dirt road. “We feel as if we’re in the country but really we’re only 7km from town,” says Sandra. No-one is quite sure when the dwelling was built but consensus is that the home was built in the early ’70s with various additions made between then and now. Initial plans to demolish and rebuild were shelved when Sandra and Anthony slowly fell in love with the “old girl who wants to be modernised but retain her country vibe”. But the couple’s main reason to renovate is that they are keen entertainers and at the moment their much-loved 4.5m teak dining table is located in the alfresco dining area at the front of the house. “It would be lovely to open up the living space and have room for a big dinner party again!” says Sandra. What’s stopping them? Sandra and Anthony have made cosmetic changes, painting the walls and transforming the outside areas. But indecision means things have ground to a halt. “Our house just needs a little more love,” says Sandra.
the budget
undecided
THE MISHMASH OF STYLES
NO WINDOW COVERINGS
what the real estate agent says... THE LACK OF A CLEAR ENTRANCE
“What a spot this is. The setting is just beautiful. It’s close to town but feels as if it’s a million miles away. The house sits on 40-odd acres, which so many buyers are looking for; many properties around here are 100-plus Kate McCullagh acres and that’s just too big if you aren’t planning to run Di Jones Real Estate cattle or farm. The primary market is young families and those buying a weekender with a view to moving here full time in a few years’ time. People are looking for somewhere they can work partly from home, that’s not too far to travel up to Sydney a couple of days a week. That’s easy here because it’s a bit closer to the freeway than other parts of the Southern Highlands. Mittagong used to be seen as the poor cousin to Bowral but prices here have rocketed in the last two years. Anthony and Sandra paid just over $1 million two years ago and with the changes they’ve made – and the strong market – they could probably sell it for $1.7 million today. With a full renovation, they’d be looking at excess of $2 million.”
the realtor
Inside Out / 101
the solution
entertaining footprint”
the Panel’s advice Andrew Benn Architect and director, Benn + Penna Architecture, bennandpenna.com At the moment, the huge dining table is in the outside living area because it’s the only area big enough to house it. Seeing as Sandra and Anthony entertain all year round, that’s not a permanent solution. The solution is to extend the current living area out over the existing verandah to create one giant living, dining and entertaining space – it would benefit from the wonderful outlook and contrast nicely with the more rambling, intimate rooms throughout the rest of the house. The front door would need to be moved and incorporated to the side of the filled-in verandah, which would actually free up space for the work Sandra and Anthony are planning to do in the kitchen.
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Wayd Munro Builder, Focusbuild, focusbuild.com.au
Lisa Koehler ISCD educator, stylist and interior decorator
There are things we can do to turn the outdoor entertaining area into more of a year-round space. Currently, there are flyscreens on the window so I’d suggest adding perspex in winter, which would keep in the heat and keep out the rain. If we’re moving inside, the flooring of the new living space is something to think about. The room as it is is built on a concrete slab – you can take a piece of that and get the composition matched so the old and new areas work as one before you polish it up. The ceiling in this space isn’t that high, and the bigger a room gets, the lower the height starts to feel, so I’d suggest adding a large skylight over the new dining area with automatic blockout blinds to counter hot summer days.
Sandra says that when they first moved in, the house had been empty for more than a year and this huge living area was like a dungeon, with weeds growing on the floor and animal poo scattered throughout. She’s done an amazing job of turning it into a livable space! Once the concrete is polished, it’ll be a beautiful contrast to the parquetry in the older section of the house. Rugs can be used to soften the hard lines and to break up what will be some serious square footage into user-friendly zones. It’s a room that can be styled according to the season: in summer, it’s all about the view and in winter the focus turns inwards to the fireplace. If you don’t want one large rug, go with a collection of rugs and layer them as a set to create a more casual look.
PHOTOGRAPHY: (PORTRAIT) NIGEL LOUGH, (LIVING AREA) MARTINA GEMMOLA, (BEDROOM) MINDI COOKE, STYLING: (PORTRAIT) ALICIA SCIBERRAS, (LIVING AREA) RUTH WELSBY, (BEDROOM) ALEXANDRA MACMILLAN. DESIGN: (LIVING AREA) MAXA DESIGN, MAXADESIGN.COM.AU. INTERIOR DESIGN: (BEDROOM) ALEXANDRA MACMILLAN INTERIOR DESIGN, ALEXANDRAMACMILLAN.COM. BAYLISS ‘NORDIC’ RUG IN SEASHELL, FROM $1035, AND ‘COAST’ RUG IN DUNES, FROM $713, CLICKON FURNITURE, CLICKONFURNITURE.COM.AU
the panel
INSIDE renovation
& the rest... looking out
up high
“There are currently no window dressings in the bedroom,” says Lisa. “And that’s understandable when you see how incredible the view is – you really wouldn’t want to cover it up. But this room is up in the roof and it gets cold in winter and hot in summer, so some sort of covering would help. If you build a pelmet out a bit at the top, you can hide motorised blinds from view when they aren’t in use. Make sure the blinds have the reverse roll to the window as the closer they are to the glass, the better the insulation. To minimise the visual attention of the curtain fabric, select a fabric that is similar to the wall colour; for Sandra, a light linen tone would fade into the wall space and will also add softness and frame the view. Also, to make sure the view isn’t obstructed, I’d ensure the curtain rod was long enough for the back of the fabric to clear the window when the curtains are open.”
“In the kitchen, Anthony and Sandra have already pulled out the low ceiling to reveal the raked ceiling behind it, which looks great,” says Andrew. “A vaulted ceiling makes a space bigger and it creates a kind of optical illusion so visually the benefits are even greater than the pure air footage. Exposing the roof layers, rafters and battens really suits the rustic style of the house. I’d suggest doing likewise in the adjoining living space and painting it all white to extend the effect. When designed properly, raked ceilings can also provide a venting area for unwanted hot air, which will cool things down in summer. One downside that comes with any high ceiling though is that changing a light bulb becomes a challenge. But I think that’s a small price to pay for a stunning effect.”
brick by brick “Anthony says they have huge piles of old bricks on the property that he’s planning to use to build a fire pit,” says Wayd. “There’s quite a market for reclaimed bricks so if he doesn’t use all of them, someone will pay good money for them. The couple has been told that some of the bricks used to build the house are convict bricks and you can see evidence of that in the bedroom wall. Some are rough-hewn sandstone but the ones that are easy to spot are those that have the special mark of the brickmaker on, them like these ones (pictured above). Arrows, hearts and diamonds are common patterns; sometimes the year of production, too.”
are you going home to a bathroom you love? reece.com.au/bathrooms
kitchen & bathroom
$$$$
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DREAM IT.
Putting on hold their dreams of making over the super colourful interiors throughout – think orange and red walls – the couple made the wet areas and wardrobe their first priority. “We felt that with such a large ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, we could do a lot better with it and that it could feel more luxurious,” says Linda. To ensure the word luxury didn’t translate to “just another hotel bathroom”, Lena relied on the warmth of timber, with terrazzo-like floor tiles for interest. The space is suitably streamlined. “Linda and Sam both wanted clean lines and for everything to have its space,” says Lena. The bathroom is carved up into ‘his and hers’ sections, with everyday items within reach behind mirror-fronted shaving cabinets. “Our stuff isn’t all bunched up together and we can arrange it so it suits us best,” says Linda. “It’s really efficient for a quick pack-and-go.”
“The wardrobe mirror is round like the bath and vanity basin. This creates a sense of rhythm and repetition” LENA BRUNO, INTERIOR DESIGNER
GREY SKIES HOME ‘MINIMALIST’ VASES, SIMPLE FORM, SIMPLEFORM.COM.AU. VANITY IN VENTECH BLACKBUTT CABINETS, MTRCABINETS.COM. TAPWARE, MIXERS AND SHOWER RAIL, ALL REECE, REECE.COM.AU. PLANT AN
A
fter a busy week jetting in and out of airports, hotels and meetings with suitcases in tow, Melbourne couple Linda and Sam relish heading home for the weekend. Working in finance, both balance hectic schedules. Their house has to be more than just a place to recharge – it needs to be a zone where everything works effortlessly and efficiently to keep their busy lives in motion. While the inner Melbourne house they bought in late 2014 was blessed with light and space, where each room linked to a landscaped garden, some spots simply didn’t function well. “The bathrooms were the really practical parts of the house that we were struggling with,” says Linda. “We loved the space but we felt like it hadn’t been used very efficiently in the fit-out.” Interior designer Lena Bruno of By Bruno got to work on problem solving, redesigning the ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, as well as daughter Sophie’s bathroom, which doubles as the laundry. “The way Lena designed the ensuite with twin sinks and storage is great,” says Linda. “We’re not tripping over each other as we’re trying to get ready at the same time. We both have our own side of the wardrobe and our own space where we can put a suitcase, fill it, and hang things up at night to put on in the morning at 5am. It was really that combination of making it more functional and luxurious.”
SOPHIE’S BATHROOM
Used by teenager Sophie, it was important that this bathroom felt just as luxe as Linda and Sam’s. Once a laundry with a shower, it’s now a chic bathroom that works double time as a laundry. The old double-slider exterior door was replaced with a single hinged door reclaimed from the ensuite. This freed up space for a Silestone benchtop from Multiform Stone that fits appliances discreetly below. A sink on the other side of the shower provides an extra soaking spot for more heavy-duty needs.
THE MOODBOAR ‘Terrazzo Celeste’ porcelain tiles, $55/ sqm, De Fazio Tiles & Stone, defazio.com.au.
Mizu ‘Drift’ twin shower rail, $930, Reece, reece.com.au.
Sussex ‘Scala’ mixer, $552.99, Reece, as before.
INSIDE renovation
DESIGN IT.
“Rather than look to the house for inspiration, I looked for the personal things within the home, which Linda and Sam had selected,” says Lena. A love of art and beautiful timber furniture were the perfect cues, she says. “I wanted to give them their brief and add functionality but also incorporate an artistic approach that could speak to them personally.” This thoughtful approach is expressed through the choice of timber and blue terrazzo-like floor tiles, both visually appealing while keeping to a sanctuary vibe. “I looked at the blue because blue and yellow, which I saw as the blackbutt vanity, are opposites on the colour wheel. I thought the complementary colour scheme would really work,” says Lena. The wardrobe takes on a moodier, boutique feel. “In that U shape, every part of that U is functional,” says Lena. Shoes are stored all around the bottom, with drawers on top that provide a perching point while you put them on. One side of the wardrobe is for Sam and one is for Linda, tailored to their lifestyles. “I measured their suitcases to create the openings and allow for seamless use,” says Lena. “The ledge also fits a suitcase, so if you’re packing the night before, it’s easy. Then we put the hooks there so you can hang up what you’re wearing on the plane the next day,” says Linda.
ENSUITE
VANITY
Double sinks and individualised storage allow for easy access and flow around the vanity, made by MTR Designer Cabinets, essential for mornings on the fly. Each mirror-fronted cabinet has been kitted out with power points so toothbrushes and shavers are handy but out of sight. Timber provides warmth and the luxe sanctuary vibe Lena was hoping to create.
WARDROBE
The U-shape design features a ledge that doubles as a seat and suitcase spot. “It’s so efficient when we’re getting ready or packing and unpacking,” says Linda. All the fittings are white – “no chrome allowed”, says Lena. A row of DesignByThem ‘Dial’ hooks were added, with the wall opened up and studs inserted to ensure a strong, lasting result. Lena designed a mirror to match the bathroom’s oval elements and cater to Sam’s height.
“
s learnt
ed to be flexible. As the ss was underway, we had ak things slightly. Lena was at responding quickly with ns as it was happening”
DOWEL JONES ‘SIMON SAYS’ STOOL; MUUTO ‘ELEVATED’ VASE AND OTHER DECORATIVE I VENTECH BLACKBUTT TIMBER VENEER, VENTECH.COM.AU. CABINETRY BY MTR DESIGNE RAIL, ALL REECE, REECE.COM.AU. WALK-IN ROBE CABINETRY IN DECORATIVE DESIGNER P
EOWNER
DO IT.
The building stage ran to its expected time and delivered a great result, but there’s no sugar-coating the facts here – the floor was “a nightmare” according to both Linda and Lena. To ensure a smooth lay from concrete floor to tiled bathroom, the floor needed to be ground down. “The actual reinforcement steel was almost right to the top of the concrete floor,” says Lena. “We actually broke four machines trying to grind it down.” It wasn’t just aesthetics driving the need to grind the floor: there was no fall in the open wet area and water had been pooling and flowing into the bedroom space. The team needed to create a 10mm fall and added a bit more depth to allow for the 8mm tile. “We now have a shower and the water all goes down the drain, not anywhere else. It sounds simple but it was complicated to achieve,” says Linda. Living with a portable bathroom for 10 weeks while the mess unfolded wasn’t ideal, but “worth it,” she says. Lena doesn’t mince words. “That floor was almost the death of us,” she says. “But funnily enough, it actually made the project. I’m so glad we put in all that work.” Find out more about Lena’s work at bybruno.com.au.
the best bits + “‘His and hers’ vanity cabinets. We find them really useful to keep our key things tucked away – shaving gear, toothbrushes, make-up. We have drawers as well but it’s just really convenient for the things that we’re using every day,” says Linda. + “Tailored wardrobe storage makes life on the go super easy. We both love having the space to hang things and put our suitcases down. I used to have my shoes in boxes and it would take ages to find the ones I wanted. Now I can see all my shoes!” + “The terrazzo-look tiles are the hero,” says Lena. “The blue aggregate is within the porcelain, not printed on it, and that makes all the difference.”
Ugh. Overslept again. Had to get an Uber to work and get breakfast, lunch and all my coffees takeaway.
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kitchen & bathroom
“I DIDN’T WANT TO COMPROMISE ON HOW IT LOOKED; IT HAD TO BE BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND PRACTICAL” HELLEN PAPPAS, INTERIOR DESIGNER
the empty-nester owners of this Sydney apartment were desperate for a radical change. As one of them is in a wheelchair, addressing their functional needs was obviously key, but the couple had clear ideas on how they wanted their new kitchen to look, too. Interior designer Hellen Pappas of H Interior Design was brought in to bring the couple’s vision of a “light, bright, practical and airy room” to reality. “They also wanted more storage and circulation space around the kitchen and to open it up to the rest of the apartment as it was very enclosed before,” says Hellen.
during As knocking down the structural wall between the kitchen and dining room wasn’t an option in the high-rise block, Hellen suggested taking down part of the wall to install a glass screen with an ornate bronze inlay from Axolotl. This feature would allow more natural light into the kitchen. “The space is only 500mm wide so you couldn’t use it as a doorway but the screen offers glimpses into the dining room from the kitchen and vice versa,” says Hellen.
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The Siemens induction cooktop and two Neff ovens with fully retracting doors were then relocated to the back wall. Here, the benchtop was made 100mm lower than the adjacent one to accommodate the client’s wheelchair. The Franke sink was kept in the same spot, minimising plumbing changes, although the KWC mixer tap was placed on the side for easier access. Storage was provided with accessible drawers underneath the benchtop and floor-to-ceiling cupboards at the other end, which, as well as housing the fridge, toaster and microwave, hide clutter and add to the sleek feel of the new space. “It’s very minimal but the client didn’t want anything on display,” says Hellen. “I had to persuade her to include the three little shelves in the corner as I thought it was important to break up the run of cabinets.” To overcome the old kitchen’s poky size, Hellen reclaimed some space from the balcony, a move which had prior DA approval and allowed her to incorporate a meals table into the design. “Usually, it’s quite difficult to do this in a high-rise block but there had been some other apartments in the building that had already done it,” says Hellen. “It created much needed circulation space.” As ‘light and bright’ was a key component of the design brief, Hellen chose two-pack polyurethane-finished joinery in Dulux
CLEAN LINES Custom cabinetry ensures a neat look and perfect fit for the integrated rangehood and ovens.
.
1
WHITE OUT Cabinetry in Dulux Natural White mirrors the home’s palette with marble a luxe touch.
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2 3 4
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1. Cooktop and ovens 2. Sink 3. Dishwasher 4. Fridge 5 & 6. Pantry and appliance cupboard 7. Dining zone 8. Glass screen
KEYS TO SUCCESS To match the simple yet sophisticated feel of this kitchen, the essential ingredients are both sleek and practical Arabescato marble, $528/sqm, Granite & Marble Works, granitemarbleworks. com.au.
Siemens ‘IQ300’ induction cooktop, $1999, Winning Appliances, winningappliances.com.au. Engineered quartz in Super White 13 Grain, $330/sqm, Stone Italiana, stoneitaliana.com.au.
KWC ‘Eve’ pull out sink mixer, $1349, Cass Brothers, cassbrothers.com.au.
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‘Slide & Hide Variosteam’ pyrolytic oven, $3899, Harvey Norman, harveynorman.com.au.
I N D E TA I L
WORK ZONE
with
HOME STYLE Always up for a challenge, we decided to make over our small studio kitchen to take it from dull-office grey to star-bright white STYLING JONO FLEMING PHOTOGRAPHY NIGEL LOUGH
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SAMANTHA TOTTY STUDIO COLLAGE COMPOSITION NO. 1 PRINT, LIFE INTERIORS, LIFEINTERIORS.COM.AU (ON TOP SHELF). ‘LACK’ SHELVES; ‘SENIOR’ CASSEROLE POT WITH LID (OPPOSITE); ‘365+’ TEATOWEL; ‘SODERUP’ RUG, ALL IKEA, IKEA.COM.AU
INSIDE renova
kitchen & bathroom
INSIDE renovation
during Starting with the studio team, we worked out the essential elements the kitchen needed to be functional (a new Hisense fridge, oven, cooktop and integrated dishwasher, streamlined bench space, new surfaces), then also how we could make it feel a bit more special. Two solid consultations with the IKEA team – one in store and then one on site – was all it took to get things happening as they offer a start-to-finish service including consultation and installation. We chose the ‘Metod’ range for its flexibility, and the design was driven by the fact that the rest of the studio is clean white with a utilitarian look. The basic palette also helped hide the awkward nib walls in the floorplan while the new stone benchtop and floating shelves gave the work zone a more lived-in character. Moving the coffee and tea making area outside the main thoroughfare meant we created two clear zones with different functions, meaning a more efficient layout and less congestion. After locking in the basic floorplan, next up was the joinery format. We wanted to keep the lines clean (with no handles), which is easy to do when you include ‘drawer-in-drawer’ options. With the shift away from below-the-bench cupboards towards deep
118 / Inside Out
‘LACK’ SHELVES; ‘SENIOR’ CASSEROLE POT WITH LID; ‘365+’ TEATOWEL; ‘SODERUP’ RUG, ALL IKEA, IKEA.COM.AU. ELM WOOD ANTIQUE ROUND STOOL (OPPOSITE), CITTÀ, CITTADESIGN.COM
fter ople often assume that a flat-pack kitchen is a fixed-format ion, but that’s not the case. Depending on which system you oose, the format of the cupboards and drawers can be changed, to mention custom panels can be created; for example, a panel ove the fridge, covering the excess space people often have if ir appliances were bought for another area. Don’t forget you also customise the zones around the joinery once you’re done. this case, our style editor Jono Fleming added ‘Lack’ shelves m IKEA. Open display is the perfect way to showcase some of ur more beautiful accessories or bring actual life in with plants. Even in small spaces, it’s important to incorporate ways to show your personal style.Artwork, books and small pieces, such as stool and bench in natural timber, really take this efficient ce out of the work zone and into a community hub. ad into your nearest IKEA store to learn more about the kitchen gn process and services.Visit ikea.com.au for more details.
KEYS TO SUCCESS A timeless white palette, durable surfaces and space-smart appliances, plus a touch of personality, create a welcoming cooking zone ‘Personlig’ stone splashback in Lagoon, $450/sqm, IKEA, ikea.com.au.
‘B-5000’ instant filtered boiling, chilled & sparkling water unit with XL matte black dispenser, $4915, Billi, billi.com.au.
The Adventures Of Janet print, $159 (unframed), Life Interiors, lifeinteriors.com.au.
‘Mirakulös’ forced air oven, $699, IKEA, as before.
kitchen & bathroom
“
instead. “We like using blackbutt because of its Australian tonal qualities,” says Travis. “But the American oak has a broader, international flavour to it, which sat better with the couple who were keen on a pared-back Scandinavian look.” The American oak joinery was teamed with doors in a low-VOC 2-pack polyurethane water-based finish in white and Caesarstone benchtops in Snow, keeping to the simple sophistication of a Scandinavian look. Classic white subway tiles were used for the splashback. “The owners didn’t want them to be a dominant feature,” says Travis. Another modification was the use of finger-pull details for the cupboards instead of the classic ‘K2’ stainless-steel handles, a move considered so successful that this element will now be offered as a standard option of the ‘K2’ range. The usual dark-grey shadowlines were also replaced with white to match the joinery. When it came to the cooking space’s layout, the couple were keen for the zone to ‘sit quietly’ and not dominate the combined kitchen, living and dining space. To that end, a butler’s pantry was an all-important part of the design, hiding a lot of the clutter and kitchen appliances – including a pair of stacked V-Zug ovens – that further helped to create the minimalist look the owners desired in the cooking zone. Although it’s common for renovators to choose more budgetfriendly finishes in the hidden pantry, the couple opted to use the
122 / Inside Out
E AMERICAN OAK VENEER S A KIND OF FURNITURE OK, WHICH HELPS IT SIT LL WITHIN THE LIVING AND ING AREA” TRAVIS DEAN, DESIGNER
same materials, like the American oak veneer, for the open-fronted wall shelving. “This has given both areas a consistency, which has really made the space work,” says Travis. Back in the main kitchen and adding to the uncluttered feel is the integrated Miele fridge and freezer hidden behind a tall white cupboard to the right of the back bench (pictured above). Above the long bank of under-counter drawers is a chunky floating shelf and a V-Zug integrated rangehood while the island bench houses a Franke drop-in sink and Armando Vicario bench-mounted mixer with V-Zug dishwasher underneath. At the front, there are two further storage cupboards, plus space for two stools from Open Room and Cantilever Interiors’ signature open-box bookcase.
after The clients were very happy with their gorgeous new space. “It was very smooth sailing,” says Travis. “People who spend time and money on the design and employ a good builder who does quality work deserve to get a good result and they generally do.” For him, the standout feature of the design is the floating timber shelf at the back. “Increasingly, when it comes to kitchen design, we are space-hungry, particularly for the functional necessities, so to have a shelf that is essentially for display is a luxurious detail.” For more details on Cantilever Interiors, visit cantileverinteriors.com.The builder was Nathan Forrester of CBD Contracting, cbdcontracting.com.au.
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“THE CLIENTS WERE VERY KEEN ON HAVING A LOT OF OPEN SHELVING BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T WANT BULKY JOINERY ON THE WALL” TRAVIS DEAN, DESIGNER
1. Butler’s pantry 2. Ovens 3. Cooktop 4. Dishwasher 5. Fridge/freezer 5 1
3 2
4
KEYS TO SUCCESS The chic elements give this kitchen a refined minimalist edge to match the sleek cabinetry and concrete floor Engineered quartz surface in Snow, $500/sqm (including installation), Caesarstone, caesarstone.com.au.
‘About A Stool’ stool, $504, Hay, hayshop.com.au. Armando Vicario ‘Tink-D’ kitchen mixer with pullout, from $751, Abey, abey.com.au.
‘BCSEPZ60 Combair SEP’ oven, $4199, V-Zug, vzug.com.au.
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trial by
colour T It’s a style showdown as we speak to the experts about the pros and cons of having vivid touches in the bathroom WORDS VIRGINIA JEN
here’s nothing quite as divisive in the style and design world as colour. In the left corner are those who believe there actually are 50 shades of grey and would prefer to try all 50 before committing to colour. In the right corner are those who can’t live without colour and the mood it creates. Neutrals reign supreme in the wet zone, but is there a colour-by-number approach to consider? We talk to those in the know in the case of whether brilliant or subtle tones should have a place in the bathroom – cue Law & Order’s ‘dun dun’.
background check
The first piece of evidence to present is acknowledging the practical needs of a bathroom, but also its capacity to be a relaxing sanctuary. Whether you use a wet room at the start or end of the day, and no matter what your style is, a bathing space should be functional, efficient and calming. Add colour to the mix and that’s when things get interesting. “Bathrooms can be very immersive spaces where you unwind, and colour can really enhance this,” say Panel architect Andrew Benn of Benn + Penna Architecture (bennandpenna.com).
the case for
Colour presents an opportunity to showcase your personal style in a practical space in a variety of ways. “We’ve used everything from render, stone Jeremy Bull of slabs, brass sheeting and mosaics in a range of Alexander&Co is all for featuring colours,” says architect and interior designer colour in different Jeremy Bull of Alexander&Co (alexanderand.co). bathroom surfaces. Deciding how and where to use colour is important. Panel interior decorator Lisa Koehler prefers a feature shade on the floor – “it’s often a smaller area and not as visually demanding as the walls” while Andrew suggests another alternative: “the ceiling; it’s a surface above your eye line so it’ll never be too disruptive.”
kitchen & bathroom
“It’s worth consid ring handglaz d til options, which hav natural variations” PHOTOGRAPHY: (LISA & ANDREW PORTRAITS) NIGEL LOUGH, (OPPOSITE) LISA COHEN, (THIS PAGE, LEFT) DEAN BRADLEY, (THIS PAGE, RIGHT) HEIDI LERKENFELDT. STYLING: (OPPOSITE) BREE LEECH & HEATHER NETTE KING FOR DULUX INTERIOR/EXTERIOR BOOKLETS, (THIS PAGE, RIGHT) NATALIA SANCHEZ. DESIGN: (THIS PAGE, LEFT) DAN GAYFER DESIGN, DANGAYFER.COM. WALL IN ‘WASH&WEAR’ INTERIOR PAINT IN DOMINO (OPPOSITE), DULUX, DULUX.COM.AU, TERRACOTTA TILE IN POP SOLID COLOUR PINK MOON MATT FINISH (THIS PAGE, RIGHT), FILE UNDER POP, FILEUNDERPOP.COM
EMILIO FUSCALDO, NEST ARCHITECTS
Architect Stuart Vokes of Vokes & Peters (vokesandpeters.com) has actually done this. “My wife and I painted the bathroom ceiling in pink,” he says. “We then turned this tone down the walls to the door height to create a canopy of warm colour”. The lesson? Limit your use of colour to avoid ‘in your face’ impact. A faithful feature to showcase colour is tiles, but not necessarily in a standard finish. “I love Popham Design’s encaustic tile range as the tones are more subdued and earthy, adding richness and depth without the intensity,” says Lisa. Architect Emilio Fuscaldo of Nest Architects (nestarchitects.com.au) goes even further to declare that “the days of the plain subway tile are done. It’s worth considering hand-glazed options, which have natural variations throughout the tile so that you don’t have just one flat colour.” Andrew advises going with “very matte and subtle finishes as they create a more tactile look.” A major concern about using feature colour in a bathroom is its impact on resale. According to Lisa, this factor shouldn’t be a concern. “The key when selecting finishes for your home is to create a story and make connections between each room,” says Lisa. “So as long as the bathroom fits into the overall scheme, then your choices should be fine.” If you’re keen to explore the spectrum though, this is where paint comes into its own as the ultimate colour tool – it won’t cost you a pretty penny to repaint if you change your mind or want to sell up.
the case against
Transforming your bathroom into a technicolour zone may take away from the relaxing atmosphere you want in a wet room. “Decorative surfaces and colour may not provide a setting conducive to relaxation,” says Stuart. “And it’s hard to go past the purity of
a simple gloss white tile.” Choosing a more pared-back approach in your bathroom’s colour story pays dividends, particularly when it comes to resale. As colour is either a personal choice or Stuart Vokes of driven by trends, altering a tonal bathroom later Vokes & Peters believes in simple, on can be tricky and expensive. “Colour may considered design alienate future buyers and certain shades can in the bathroom. date quickly,” says Jeremy. Despite being a fan of coloured fittings – “playing with these elements pushes the frontiers of design” – Jeremy admits that most of his clients “tend to like more classic pieces such as brushed and satin stainless steel, brass or black.” Emilio is unconvinced though. “I’m not a fan of bringing too much attention to taps and rails,” he says. “They should be somewhat utilitarian – when they’re coloured, the room can look overly designed.”
the verdict
The jury is out on this one. As with most cases implicating colour, the right decision is down to your preferences and how you feel about colour. If you’re a fan, you’ll already identify its potential to bring warmth and character to a space; if you’re a minimalist, you have your own statute of limitations. There are options for those wanting to take a chance on colour – for instance, Stuart suggests choosing coloured glass windows “that will introduce a wash of tone in an otherwise white room”. The key to smart colour use is balance to achieve a timeless tonal look – less is definitely more and you’ll need to have some colour-free surfaces. “Start with one shade you really like and think long and hard before adding another,” says Andrew. Colour can only add interest, so you be the judge.
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kitchen & bathroom
1
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directions ollowing trends can be a risky business; no-one wants their new wet area to look dated before the year’s out, particularly after you’ve spent blood, sweat and tears – and a fair bit of cash – creating it. But with more than 300,000 bathroom installations projected for the coming year, keeping up with international ideas and tracking attitudes to colour and materials is one way to ensure that your plans are current. Daniella Santilli, bathroom business manager at Reece, braved the ISH bathroom fair in Frankfurt, Germany this year – it’s an overwhelming experience, with 260,000 square metres of bathroom inspiration, 2400 exhibitors and more than 200,000 visitors. We asked her to distil a few of the big-picture ideas she found there, and translate them into ideas for local renovators.
F
look & feel Reece’s research identified two trends that are key to the Australian market this year. “The ‘Nordic Minimal’ look represents the continuing move towards clean lines, fine silhouettes, neutral colours and a contemporary aesthetic with Scandinavian-inspired accessories,” says Daniella. For those renovating period homes, or looking to nod to old-world charm, the ‘Traditional’ look “retains some
128 / Inside Out
of the classic features and preserves heritage character while still enjoying a contemporary bathroom,” she adds. Think you’re a ‘Nordic Minimal’ fan? Use a palette of grey and white, with accents in pale timber, blush and warm metallics.
fixtures Basins, baths and even toilets are heading in a more elegant direction, as new materials allow for finer edges. “Designers have pushed the boundaries to achieve impossibly fine edges and architectural lines,” says Daniella, citing Swiss brand Laufen’s innovative SaphirKeramik material, used by designers Konstantin Grcic and Toan Nguyen to create refined designs with previously unachievable straight walls, resulting in simple, delicate yet durable pieces. Think Patricia Urquiola’s ‘Sonar’ collection for Laufen – the range is a beautiful example of the possibilities of SaphirKeramik with the design incorporating rippled edges inspired by sound waves.
finishes While the metallic finishes of recent years are still present, Daniella saw a move towards more matte surfaces. “We are seeing metallics step in a new direction, steering away from
PHOTOGRAPHY: (3.) SEAN FENNESSY. STYLING: (3.) BREE LEECH. (PICTURED IN 3.) RIFCO ‘ACQUA 900’ W/H VANITY FREESTYLE SOLID TOP, MILLI ‘PURE’ WALL HOSTESS SYSTEM IN CHROME
Future-proof your bathroom choices with a look at
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6
the latest ideas and innovations the traditional sheen and favouring a more subtle, brushed effect,” she says. She saw more complex interpretations, too, with surface effects such as dimples and finishes which appear different from multiple perspectives. Think Alape’s ‘Metallic Dark Iron’ basin, which features an enamel coating with an almost metallic look.
smart design Technology is changing the way our homes work, and fast. In the bathroom, this translates to sensor-activated fixtures, and thermostatic shower systems that can be set to your favourite temperature, spray pattern and strength. The humble toilet suite is entering a new era, too, with new rimless designs that mean better water circulation and easier cleaning, and customisable bidet functionality to bring us closer to the European or Japanese experience without the clunky looks. Think the Roca ‘Inspira In Wash’ smart toilet, as seen in The Block’s master suites. For more info on bathroom innovations, visit reece.com.au.
7 1 & 2. The Laufen ‘Val’ bath and basin, both designed by Konstantin Grcic. 3. The Alape ‘Unisono 375’ semi-inset basin is a example of the fine lines in the ‘Nordic Minimal’ trend. 4. Grohe’s ‘Essence’ range features a variety of metallic tones. 5. Alape’s ‘Metallic Dark Iron’ basin. 6. The Laufen ‘Ino’ wall-mounted washbasin by Toan Nguyen is a seamless vanity option. 7. Geberit’s ‘Sigma80’ touchless button in Black utilises sensor technology.
colours. Pink and green are popular and we’re seeing a strong trend for bolder colours including yellow.” Vicki Cooper, Bespoke Tile & Stone (bespoketileandstone.com) “Anything decorative that adds texture is really popular, including tiles with a tumbled effect that makes them look like they’re already worn and weathered. Pink and green marbles are favourites.” Dara Shashoua, Byzantine Design (byzantinedesign.com.au) “We’re loving the range of shapes that are available – especially triangle. We’re starting to see this in mosaics, as well as elongated and irregular hexagons and diamonds. Terrazzo-inspired porcelain tiles are definitely popular right now, too, as are pastel colours such as blush, grey and sky blue.” Tina Di Lorenzo, Di Lorenzo Tiles (dilorenzo.com.au)
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130 / Inside Out
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Wingnut & Co. stoneware canister, $145, Koskela, koskela.com.au.
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‘Hampshire’ oval tray, $89, Freedom, freedom.com.au.
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Fellow ‘Stagg’ kettle, NZ$150, Father Rabbit, fatherrabbit.com.
Linen napkins, $40/set of 4, Hunting For George, huntingforgeorge.com.
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Stelton ‘EM77’ vacuum jug, $139.95, Safari Living, safariliving.com.
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Ferm Livin g ‘Fein’ measurin g spoons, $119, Desi gnstuff, designstu ff.com.au.
‘Rondo’ trays, from $290 eac h, C it t à
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Basic rectangular tray, $135, Marble Basics, marblebasics.com.au.
‘Kastehelmi’ cake stand, $129, Iittala, iittala.com.au.
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‘Host’ cheese & pâté knife set, $39.95, Salt&Pepper, saltandpepper.com.au.
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Basic round coasters, $100/set of 6, Marble Basics, marblebasics.com.au.
.
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TOP PICKS
KITCHEN APPLIANCES We round up the latest
cooking zone must-haves to help with those big decisions PRODUCT SOURCING VICTORIA BAKER
kitchen & bathroom family fridges Look for the latest innovations at the cool end of town
The door-in-door feature is great for constantly snacking kids, and ice and water dispensers keep everyone happy. LG 906L ‘Door-In-Door’ French door refrigerator, $4848, Harvey Norman, harveynorman.com.au.
A black glass finish means this model makes a dramatic statement, while six freezer drawers and adjustable shelves ensure it’s a functional choice. 695L French-door refrigerator in Black, $2999, Hisense, hisense.com.au.
This model will slide into cabinetry for a integrated look. Stainless-steel exterior panels come separately, or match to your kitchen cabinetry. ‘ActiveSmart’ 900mm French door slide-in refrigerator with ice & water, $7498, Fisher & Paykel, fisherpaykel.com.au.
PHOTOGRAPHY: (OPPOSITE) TOM BLACHFORD. STYLING: (OPPOSITE) RUTH WELSBY
cooktops Find a stovetop to suit your kitchen layout and cooking style
Placing your cooktop on an island bench is made easier with a downdraught fan that sits at bench level between dual induction surfaces. ‘CSDA 1010 CombiSet’ induction cooktop with downdraught extractor, $5999, Miele, miele.com.au.
This stainless-steel beauty can be built in to sit flush or semi-flush with your benchtop for a seamless look. ‘Flushline’ 77cm gas cooktop, $1599, Ilve, ilve.com.au.
Compact yet elegant, this gas cooktop features a tempered glass surface and black-on-black appeal. Bosch ‘Series 2’ 60cm four-burner gas cooktop, $1599, Harvey Norman, as before.
Inside Out / 137
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ovens & cookers Whether you’re a chef in the making or a reheating expert, you’ll need a cooking zone that works for you and your family
to e
oven, thing y dinners aining.
Handmade in Italy like all Ilve’s ovens, this wide model offers plenty of flexibility. ‘900 Series Touch Control’ 90cm built-in oven, $3499, Ilve, ilve.com.au.
Ilve’s flagship cooker, the Quadra includes gas burners, induction cooktop and even a teppanyaki plate inspired by the design team’s trip to Australia, as well as two ovens. ‘Quadra Series’ 120cm freestanding cooker, $14,999, Ilve, as before.
The ‘slide & hide’ door function makes this a great option for a small space or where there’s limited manoeuvrability. Neff ‘Slide & Hide’ 60cm pyrolytic oven, $2599, Harvey Norman, harveynorman.com.au.
A wash cycle of less the ability to cont smartphone? Tick an dishwasher, $39
Trying to decide between a steam oven and a microwave? Now you can combine both in one unit. ‘DGM 6800’ steam oven with microwave, $6999, Miele, miele.com.au.
dishwashers It’s your greatest friend in the kitchen, so don’t skimp on functionality or style
PHOTOGRAPHY: (KITCHEN) MARTINA GEMMOLA. PRODUCT: (KITCHEN) OVEN & COOKTOP, GAGGENAU, GAGGENA LIEBHERR, LIEBHERR.COM. RANGEHOOD, QASAIR, CONDARI, CONDARI.COM.AU. FILTERED WATER SYSTEM, BILLI, B
With space for nine place settings, this tall and wide dishwasher fits under your benchtop so it’s easy to access. ‘DishDrawer’ 90cm-wide tall single dishwasher, $2099, Fisher & Paykel, fisherpaykel.com.
Smeg’s Thermoseal technology is designed to give perfect baking results every time. It’s an ideal choice for a family kitchen. ‘Classic Symphony’ 90cm freestanding cooker, $3790, Smeg, smeg.com.au.
ct ne lus the con nce of the slide-out drawer.
This extra-large model fits 14 place settings, and has eight programs, so it’s ready for whatever you throw at it. Asko 86cm XXL built-in dishwasher, $1799, Winning Appliances, winningappliances.com.au.
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TOP PICKS
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statement freestanding baths Laze in luxury with one of these bathing beauties, whether it’s compact or oversized
d ub, ting
PHOTOGRAPHY: (OPPOSITE) PRUE RUSCOE. STYLING: CLAIRE DELMAR. PRODUCT: (OPPOSITE) MODA ‘LUCIA’ BATH, ACS DESIGNER BATHROOMS, ACSBATHROOMS.COM.AU
we
ads.
Small in size but big on style, the black exterior makes real impact. Kado ‘Lux’ petite freestanding bath, $2074, Reece, reece.com.au.
Inspired by a traditional chaise lounge, this luxurious number is a contemporary take on the traditional claw-foot design. ‘Amélie’ freestanding bath, $2795, Rogerseller, rogerseller.com.au.
Looking for Japanese style with a local flavour? Done. Blackbutt box bath, $5750, Wood + Water, woodandwater.com.au.
The look of a freestanding b practicality of a back-to-wall m cleaning easier and means w are an option. ‘Aura 1800’ bac freestanding bath, $2319, C caroma.com.au.
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countertop basins New materials and shapes mean you’re spoiled for choice
Ceramicist Lindsey Wherrett created these basins with Archier – each is handmade with a custom glaze in natural tones. Handmade glazed ceramic basin, from $1500, Archier, archier.com.au.
Made with high-strength concrete and available in a range of tones including soft pink, this basin will add raw appeal. ‘The Box’ sink, $854, Nood Co., noodco.com.au.
It might be the tuxedo of basins, but the price is a lot less dressed up. Cibo ‘Vivid’ countertop basin, $236, Bunnings, bunnings.com.au.
toilet suites Because, well, you can’t really do without it!
n. ust for of minimalist style.
This hotel-inspired design includes a soft-close seat. Roca ‘Meridian’ close coupled back-to-wall suite, $821, Reece, reece.com.au.
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A wall-hung design creates a sense of space in smaller rooms. ‘Liano Invisi II’ wall-hung toilet suite, $1488, Caroma, caroma.com.au.
A slightly square design creates interest. Vitra ‘S-20’ rear inlet toilet suite, $495, Rogerseller, rogerseller.com.au.
Italian for style. The new STILE tapware collection from Gareth Ashton encapsulates the definition of style across five high-end metallic finishes for the bathroom. Made in Italy, STILE is now available in Australia. Visit an Abey Australia Selection Gallery to immerse yourself in the collection.
VICTORIA Selection Gallery 335 Ferrars St Albert Park Ph: 03 8696 4000
N E W S O U T H WA L E S Selection Gallery 1E Danks St Waterloo Ph: 02 8572 8500
QUEENSL AND Selection Gallery 94 Petrie Tce Brisbane Ph: 07 3369 4777
* N E W LY O P E N E D * WESTERN AUSTR ALIA Selection Gallery 12 Sundercombe St Osborne Park Ph: 08 9208 4500
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wall-hung vanities Make your daily routine a little sweeter with a well-designed bathroom unit
tha
ous matic l as all age space!
Australian furniture design studio Zuster had a hand in this sleek six-drawer vanity model, crafted from American oak with a Corian top. Issy ‘Z8 Butterfly 1500’ vanity unit, $5456 (basins not included), Reece, reece.com.au.
Chic and practical, this all-white number is a streamlined choice. Forme ‘Parclane’ 1200mm wall-hung vanity with basin, $666, Bunnings, bunnings.com.au.
Compact and sleek, this unit includes an open shelf for display. Posh ‘Solus’ 900mm open-shelf vanity unit, from $938, Reece, as before.
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This two-drawer model is inspired by natural textures. Forme ‘Cabin’ 800mm vanity in Grey Ash, $759 (tap not included), Harvey Norman, harveynorman.com.au.
This timber beauty is made to order in Melbourne using Western Australian Marri wood. ‘Northcliffe’ four-drawer vanity, $3199 (basin not included), Ingrain Designs, ingraindesigns.com.au.
TREND REPORT
material crush Stone. Steel. Glass. Timber. Material Crush is all about bringing unique materials together in innovative ways to create something fresh, distinct and new. You can be bold and mix different finishes like matte black with marble, timber and stone. It’s all about celebrating materials in contrast.
Unique materials.
Mix & Match. Layer natural materials like marble and oak, and have a bit of fun with black tapware. These unique finishes and materials create exquisite contrast.
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A unique blend of surfaces and finishes offer a feast for the senses.
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01 Kartell by Laufen Mirror Transparent Crystal | 02 Roca Meridian In-Tank Back to Wall Pan WELS 4 Star, 4.5/3, 3.3 av ltr per fl ush | 03 Milli Glance Toilet Roll Holder with Cover Black | 04 Milli Glance Basin Mixer range | 05 Hydrotherm Milan Heated Towel Rail Black | 06 Alape Circa 450 Vessel Basin Matte Black | 07 ISSY Z8 Butterfl y 500mm Wall Hung Vanity Unit | 08 Milli Glance Glass Shelf Black | 09 Kartell by Laufen Stool Flume
Find more bathroom inspiration at reece.com.au/bathrooms/inspiration
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cathartic cleaning
plans for the future Peter shares his approach on how to have a tricky conversation with the folks involving that dreaded D word: downsizing
Peter Walsh, the ‘get your whole life organised guy’, is an Aussie currently based in Los Angeles.
Q
Hi Peter, I love my parents dearly but, as they’re getting older, we kids are beginning to talk about the fact that we may need to consider a smaller place for them. It’s all very uncomfortable but how do I talk to them about downsizing? Fiona, Malvern, Vic Hi Fiona. Actually, I think it’s a pretty admirable thing you’re doing. I’ve seen far too many families have to deal with the difficult task of managing a parent’s possessions while also dealing with the stress of their poor health. The only way around it is to have as much of a plan in place before any actual event happens. Nobody wants to have this kind of chat… it feels like it’s going to be stressful and sad. So, let’s start by acknowledging that this won’t be easy. Given that, here’s what I’ve learned about how to have this kind of talk. First, start this conversation early. By having honest discussions with your parents well in
A
advance of any crisis – health, financial or otherwise – you lay the groundwork for decisions to be made later. Use the opportunity of other family members needing to downsize or other similar stories to gauge your parents’ views on their future and their thoughts on living options once they have an empty nest, and how they would want to deal with a situation involving their health. This is a conversation that you shouldn’t have to have alone. This is something you should discuss with your brothers and sisters (and perhaps their spouses). Get everyone’s thoughts and plan a time for all of you to meet or get on a call to chat directly about this. Tell your parents that you (and maybe your siblings) want to get together for a chat about their plans for how they think the next few years might look. Specifically, you want to chat now while there’s no need for an immediate decision, while everyone’s able to have really meaningful conversation. If possible, find some humour to throw in here. Making this seem like it’s not going to be too dire is a really good thing. How you frame this conversation is very important. I’ve found it’s far more effective to explain that your parents are helping you by having this conversation – not the other way around. No parent wants to cause their child undue stress. So instead of a sentence like “you really can’t be in this house alone any longer” try “I get worried when I think about how you’re doing in this house by yourself”. This takes the onus off your parents and enables a less threatening and perhaps a more productive conversation. Don’t disempower your parents, and be gentle. Make the discussion a collaborative process by talking about the options available, which will help your folks feel more in control of the possible outcome. The recognition that the family home can no longer be maintained is also an admission of declining vitality. It’s important to offer support and encouragement to your parents and their needs.
“
THE
SHORT
If you find that your parents are really not interested in having this talk yet, you may have to let it go for now. Come back to it in a couple of months. See if in that time there’s been some change in their attitudes. Having this chat in an open forum can help spur you and your parents onto some positive life-changing moments. Good luck on this journey.
Peter’s latest book, Let It Go ($39.99, Rodale), is out now. Visit peterwalshdesign.com. 146 / Inside Out
”
ANSWER
PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON BUSCH. GARDEN DESIGN: PETER FUDGE GARDENS, PETERFUDGEGARDENS.COM.AU. IMAGE USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
WORDS PETER WALSH
DREAMING OF A RENO? DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.
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INTO THE GREEN
A low-maintenance high-impact garden oasis
Style goals When your pooch and your home start to match
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THE HOUSE, THE FOOD, THE FUN
insideout.com.au
A local’s guide to this coastal escape
problems solved Ask an expert Your renovation
Step inside The Block with Shannon
salad secrets
out designer eye
A new book takes a closer look at Australian gardens
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: VLADIMIR SITTA. TERRAGRAM, TERRAGRAM.COM.AU. ARCHITECT: LUIGI ROSSELLI, LUIGIROSSELLI.COM
In his 30 years in the industry, garden designer Michael Bates has seen it all. In The New Australian Garden, he details how our interest in interior design has led to a more architectural approach to our gardens. This tapestry of red sandstone garden beds inspired by tectonic plates and featuring blue fescue, cardboard cycads and ponytail palms, is the result of a project by Michael, landscape architect Vladimir Sitta of Terragram and architect Luigi Rosselli.
a weekend in Mollymook
Take a trip to NSW’s South Coast for beachside views, great food and a place to stay that hits all the right notes WORDS FREYA HERRING STYLING EMMALY STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY ANSON SMART
F
ARTWORK: FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT BY AQUABUMPS, AQUABUMPS.COM. OPPOSITE: ‘HENNINGS’ THROW (IN BASKET), SHERIDAN, SHERIDAN.COM.AU. THIS PAGE: (COFFEE TABLE) ‘CERAMICIST’ VASE & GLASS BOX, WEST ELM, WESTELM.COM.AU. ‘DANCING STARFISH’ FIGURE, ELISE CAMERON-SMITH, ELISECAMERON-SMITH.COM.AU. ‘APOTHECARY’ JAR, THE SOCIETY INC., THESOCIETYINC.COM.AU. (DINING TABLE) ‘MONO’ VASE, CITTÀ, CITTADESIGN.COM.AU
ood stylist and author Kirsten Jenkins, who owns this peaceful beach getaway with her partner, shares her style tips on making the most of a coastal location Maximise the views “When we purchased the house, it was incredibly rundown and had nothing to suggest it was a beachside home. We decided that the most important step in transforming it would be to paint the whole place white including ceiling beams, walls and the floorboards, which we white-washed. Suddenly, the whole internal structure seemed to disappear and all you could see was the amazing view; there was a real sense of calm.” Embrace the seaside aesthetic “We wanted to create a modern beach-house feel but with rustic and eclectic detailing. My partner and I were lucky enough to find beautiful old glass floats, Japanese fishing ropes and sinkers on one of our antique/ junk hunting trips to Newcastle. That’s where we also found the large fish hook above the dining table and other pieces like rustic fishing baskets and netting. We’ve tried to give subtle nods to ‘beach house’, but without going kitsch.” Don’t overspend on furnishings “The best decision we made was to be sensible in choosing the furniture; picking suitable pieces on a sensible budget. The dining room table was a flat-pack number from IKEA, the rustic lights are from Freedom and we chose an inexpensive coffee table, too.” Buy for resilience “Not overspending on furniture allowed us to choose something we thought was really important: a super-comfy sofa. We chose a deep MCM House version with washable covers, because they really get smashed. When you’re renting out a holiday pad, it’s really easy to get caught up in what you want rather than what has the potential to get ruined by guests. To soften the floors in each room we chose seagrass rugs because they’re super durable and tough, but also carry that modern beach house-feel through the whole place.” Keep the design consistent “We chose pretty standard wardrobes, and instead of putting on the door handles they came with, we threaded rope through, which was in keeping with the textures and materials we had used in the lounge room.” Get crafty “We had a lot of walls we needed to cover, but we wanted to be creative with what we put there. I love photography, so we collected driftwood, feathers and coral from the beach and I photographed them in really graphic black and white. We popped them in IKEA frames and put them in each of the bedrooms. We also brought a seagrass hula skirt back from a trip to Fiji and mounted that on the wall in the lounge room – it’s now one of my favourite walls. Making the decorations like this meant we got exactly what we wanted at an inexpensive cost.” Check out Kirsten’s work at kirstenjenkins.com.au.
PHOTOGRAPHY: (FOOD PHOTO ON BOARD) BEN DEARNLEY. THIS PAGE: (KITCHEN) ‘APOTHECARY’ JAR AND WIRE BASKET, THE SOCIETY INC., THESOCIETYINC.COM.AU. CHOPPING BLOCK & TEATOWELS, CITTÀ, CITTADESIGN.COM. MARBLE AND WOOD CHOPPING BOARD, WEST ELM, WESTELM.COM.AU. (LIVING AREA) HANGING TILE PIECES, AHOY TRADER, AHOYTRADER.COM. MIRROR, THE SOCIETY INC., THESOCIETYINC.COM.AU
be to paint the whole place white including
“We decided that the most important step in transforming it would
ceiling beams, walls and the floorboards, which we white-washed” KIRSTEN JENKINS, HOMEOWNER
Kirsten’s top 3 beach house must-haves A well-equipped kitchen “The kitchen doesn’t need to be fancy, but you definitely need all the equipment so people can cook a really great dinner and stay in, especially in winter, or make a great breakfast to enjoy with the view. I couldn’t stand it when we used to stay at holiday places and there were no trays, serving bowls or adequate knives.” Great beds & pillows “The bed needs to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud – but not too good, otherwise you won’t get up for a surf first thing in the morning!” A deck “I think an outside area or deck is such a must-have. When you’re salty, sandy and sun-kissed, there’s nothing like sitting outside and enjoying the summer afternoon.”
THIS PAGE: (ENTRY) ‘KARADENIZ’ TOWEL, ATOLYIA, ATOLYIA.COM. (MASTER BEDROOM) BEDSIDE LIGHTS, IKEA, IKEA.COM.AU. (KIDS’ ROOM) BEDSIDE LIGHT, FREEDOM, FREEDOM. COM.AU. ARTWORK: FRAMED PALM TREE PICTURE BY PETER HICKEY (ON BEDSIDE TABLE), PETERHICKEY.NET
ENTRY (top left) A wall of hats is a practical and decorative choice by the door. MASTER BEDROOM (centre) Sheridan cushions and a Pony Rider throw create an inviting sleeping zone beside a Città side table. GUEST BEDROOM (opposite) A pair of twin beds dressed in IKEA bedlinen, Bemboka throws and Pony Rider cushions are accompanied by whale figures by Elise Cameron-Smith.
“We’ve tried to give subtle nods to ‘beach house’, but without going kitsch” KIRSTEN JENKINS, HOMEOWNER
Inside Out / 157
book your holiday Soak up the sun in this stunning home for your next weekend away! To book, go to airbnb.com.au/ rooms/12973417.
EAT & DRINK
ENJOY
2 1
3
by the sea
Head to the beach and take it easy this weekend with a picnic-perfect menu of fresh local seafood grilled over a barbecue, teamed with bold and hearty sides RECIPES & FOOD STYLING KIRSTEN JENKINS STYLING EMMALY STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY ANSON SMART
WHITE FISH BRANDADE WITH PICKLED ASIAN VEGETABLES
COCONUT, GREEN CHILLI & CORIANDER PRAWNS
on a crisp spring day, a beach picnic is a weekend highlight – don’t forget to pack throws, enamelware and a delish drink or two
Inside Out / 163
when it comes to seafood, go local and fresh. Pairing your ďŹ sh with aromatic avours and a zesty dressing is a guaranteed way to warm you and your palate up
BARBECUED SNAPPER WITH TAMARIND & CHILLI DRESSING
BARBECUED POTATOES WITH TUMERIC, CORIANDER & LEMONGRASS BUTTER
country charm
Darren Robertson and Mark LaBrooy have returned with a new book that celebrates fresh produce inspired by their restaurant, The Farm
UT entertaining
Darren’s secrets to a great salad A great salad can be the hero of a meal and, if you follow a few rules, it’s actually quite simple to make a cracking version. Basically, it’s all about balancing flavour and texture, so here are a couple of pointers to get you started. + counterbalance ingredients One of my top tips for matching a salad with another dish is to use ingredients that counterbalance each other. For example, sweet and succulent lamb ribs are perfect with bitter leaves, such as radicchio or witlof, to cut through the richness. And soft slow-braised pork belly goes nicely with a crunchy shaved cabbage number. + texture Try adding raw vegetables for flavour and crunch, such as cabbage, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower, radish, carrot, snow peas, onion, zucchini, squash or brussels sprouts. I also love incorporating rice, pulses, grains, nuts and seeds for added nutrition, texture and flavour. + seasonal produce is king Get your hands on whatever produce looks amazing and work around that. If asparagus is in season, make that the star and pair it perhaps with a little parsley, mint, lemon and feta – simple and delicious. + add fruit Use the sweetness of fruit to bring colour, life and a different element to savoury salads. Some of my foolproof combinations are finely sliced fennel with orange; roasted parsnip and shaved pear; watermelon, tomato and radish; and roasted pumpkin and pomegranate. + get creative with the dressing Instead of the old faithful white wine or balsamic vinegar, try using apple cider vinegar or another acid, such as lemon, lime or grapefruit juice, or yoghurt, whey or even kombucha with your oil of choice. + herbs We go through so much parsley, coriander, mint and basil at The Ducks, so even if these are the only thing you ever grow on your verandah, the pay-off is big! Be sure to use up the stalks, too, by adding them to stocks and pastes.
This is an edited extract of The Blue Ducks In The Country by Darren Robertson and Mark LaBrooy, with photography by William Meppem ($39.99, Plum), available nationally.
Inside Out / 169
OUT gardens
A sloped coastal garden, complete with sandy soil, is made lush and layered with the help of an artful mix of natives and succulents
on another
WORDS LOUISE McDAID PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT
level
Inside Out / 171
W
ithin cooee of the beach on the central coast of New South Wales, this texturally layered garden evokes plenty of happy childhood memories for Leonie Grimshaw. It was the family’s holiday place as Leonie grew up. Now, it’s Leonie and her partner John Holland’s home, where they’ve built their idyllic coastal abode and garden. Layers of memories are woven into this garden, with Leonie paying homage to her mother for inspiring her love of gardening. When Leonie conceived this project, her mother encouraged her to hire a landscape designer to create what she had imagined. “I am so glad she did,” says Leonie. “It was always going to be a gardener’s garden,” says designer James Headland of Pangkarra. While keeping suitable existing blackbutt and angophora trees, James, assisted by Andrew Noble of Cornerstone Horticulture Landscaping & Design, worked with the gently sloping and sandy site to create different functional areas. James’s proposed ‘garden rooms’ were the solution - all loosely connected for relaxation rather than formality. Thrilled with the results – “I really love being in my garden, so the layout was important” – one of Leonie’s favourite ‘rooms’ is the kitchen garden. Carving into the slope and retained by a stacked gabion wall, it’s a flat area with level access to the deck and indoors. “It’s so easy to pick fresh lettuce, herbs and other greens to use straightaway,” says Leonie. Raised planters are convenient and, just as importantly, hold the enriched soil needed for vegie growing instead of the naturally occurring sand. A rusty outdoor fire drum with an iron cooking plate at one end, picked up from the roadside, is such a hit when friends or family visit that there’ll never be a sleek gas barbecue. A hardwood deck connects the house and kitchen garden. It’s large enough for alfresco dining, with a lower multipurpose area paved in local sandstone flagging. Across the flagstones lies the outdoor shower, the path to the front of the house and the beach. The custom outdoor shower emerges near the house from the end of the beautifully curved gabion wall that winds through the garden. Follow it along the gently rising steps to the patch of lawn - large enough for kids and friends to pitch a tent. A favoured relaxation spot across the lawn is a handcrafted bench with a steel frame inlaid with remnant blackbutt timber. It provides a viewpoint across the length of the garden and beyond the house to the front. Coupled with pieces from the original cottage, such as a lampshade repurposed as the garden light, the bench accentuates the context of this garden, and its layered links with the past.
“It’s so easy to pick fresh lettuce, herbs and other greens to use straightaway” LEONIE GRIMSHAW, HOMEOWNER
OUT gardens
The outdoor shower (opposite, top) is a handy spot to rinse off after a swim at the nearby beach. Sustainably grown eucalyptus timber fencing from Touch Wood Trading is a natural choice. Leonie chose not to have many pots to reduce watering. The plentiful garden beds are packed with thriving herbs and vegies, including parsley, basil and chives (this page). The fire pit is in a sheltered spot near the house, perfect for chilly nights.
An ‘Old Man’ banksia sits among a collection of Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’ bushes. Original gum trees are an imposing presence as you wander deeper into the garden, contrasting with the spikes of Yucca recurvata underneath. Low steps trace a gentle sloping path up into the grassy patch. The timber deck gives way to sandstone pavers, offering a rich array of organic textures.
174 / Inside Out
OUT gardens
“I really love being in my garden, so the layout was important” LEONIE GRIMSHAW, HOMEOWNER
OUT gardens
“It was always going to be a gardener’s garden” JAMES HEADLAND, LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
James created a diverse planting scheme to build on the layering. Chosen to suit the coastal location and sandy soil, natives meet exotics for a lush look that fits in with the natural surroundings. Planted in groups for impact, tropical-foliage ginger and cardamom are mixed with finer wispy grasses, chunky succulents and small-leaf flowering shrubs. Bold shapes of Gymea lily and Alocasia create eye-catching features. The result is a year-round tapestry of textures and colour from ground to tree canopy in an easy-care garden. “I had to have a magnolia, which my mum loved, and a lemon tree,” says Leonie, who likes the more unusual additions, such as sculptural kalanchoes and the handsome leopard tree. The mixture of plants, coupled with the garden’s curves and angles, makes it visually playful. James has used an array of materials for the paving and walls to create an interconnected look. The balance lies in the earthy tones of the sandstone, pebbles, rusted steel, recycled bricks and hardwood timber creating a sense of cohesion. This palette echoes the trunks of the nearby trees that resided here before this garden began. Leonie and John are extremely happy with the result and believe that Leonie’s mother - and that little girl on holiday years ago - would be just as pleased. Find out more about James’s work at pangkarra.com.au. Get in touch with the contractor Andrew Noble on 0401 873 767.
The vegie patch (top left & right) is a family favourite for adding colour and flavour to meals. Out the front, a washed concrete driveway is a minimalist choice. The driveway (above) is bordered by a spray of silver Kalanchoe hildebrandtii and grassy plumes of Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Nafray’ beside Crinum pedunculatum swamp lily. A Grevillea ‘Moonlight’ tree softens the wall, creeping up to the balcony.
the details...
Yucca (Yucca recurvata) The strappy shape and smooth texture of these leaves make this a superb feature. This robust succulent plant thrives on very little TLC.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus ‘Blue Lagoon’) This easy-to-grow herb is both
Powder-puff tree (Calliandra haematocephala) The colourful flowers
culinary and decorative with its aromatic leaves and masses of pretty blue flowers.
of this evergreen shrub or small tree are attractive to birds, bees and butterflies.
Silver spoons (Kalanchoe hildebrandtii) Silvery leaves are the
Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepis indica) Small glossy dark-green leaves
star element of this small shrub, which is ideal as a low water-use groundcover.
show off the white flowers on this neat shrub used beside the deck.
the surfaces
the plants
Get the look with a vibrant selection of plants and hard-wearing surfaces
Felt bush (Kalanchoe beharensis) The velvet-soft olive-green leaves of this succulent grow in sculptural shapes to create a statuesque garden plant.
This stepped gravel surface adds loads of texture and colour to an outdoor space.
Gabion walls Cages of galvanised steel wire by Maccaferri with polymeric coating for corrosion protection are filled with 100mm-150mm sandstone ballast.
Timber box steps The stairs and the deck are constructed with spotted gum, an Australian hardwood that is naturally durable and strong.
Pebble steps These wide steps are topped with 5mm-7mm Somersby pebble gravel in mixed tones, held in place by 10mm mild steel risers in a rusted finish.
Inside Out / 177
MODERN WEAVE Globewest’s new ‘Granada’ collection gives woven outdoor furniture an edge in an on-trend olive green tone. Easy chair, $775; ‘Evie’ cushion, $90; and side table, $360, globewest.com.au.
natural instincts Pamper your pooch with a Cloud7Berlin dog mat/blanket, made of recycled hemp, organic cotton, wool and cashmere. From $132 each at Lavish Tails, lavishtails.com.au.
upcoming exhibition
GARDEN NEWS
outdoor escape Soak up the sunshine with style buys and ideas to update your alfresco zone EDITED BY NATALIE JOHNSON & VIRGINIA JEN
IN THE FOLD
impressive ‘BBQ’ outdoor rangehood, from Ilve. It’s $3999; visit ilve.com.au for details.
STAGE BEAUTY It’s time to shine! Give a favourite plant its moment in the spotlight with the mid-century-inspired ‘Lune’ planter, $79, from marblebasics.com.au.
TOP 3 TIPS
produce to grow in a small space with Mat Pember, author and founder of the Little Veggie Patch Co
Lettuce With a shallow root structure and easy-going nature, lettuce doesn’t mind growing in close quarters, particularly amongst its salad friends. To maximise yield, pick leaf by leaf, taking from the outer mature leaves and working your way in. Make sure to water first thing in the morning; most pests are active at night. Herbs Presenting great value and perfectly suited to pots, herbs have almost monopolised the small space veggie patch awards. Much like with lettuce, harvesting stimulates subsequent growth. When growing herbs in pots ensure you use good-quality organic potting mix and to water well. Most herbs (with the exception of mint) will love the sunniest space you can afford them. Nasturtium Completely edible and delicious (from its flowers to leaves, stem and pods), a vertical climber (and cascader), all-round great companion (attracting pollinators for other vegetables and predatory insects to limit pests) and shallow-rooted plant, you’d have to harbour the irrational dislike of usefulness to not grow this plant. Mat’s latest book, with Dillon Seitchik-Reardon, Grow. Food. Anywhere., ($45, Hardie Grant Books) is out now. Visit littleveggiepatchco.com.au.
or inspiring outdoor living ideas, visit insideout.com.au/renovations/outdoors-pool. 178 / Inside
ADDRESS BOOK
stockists Here are all the numbers and websites you need to get shopping! Don’t be misled by suppliers listing Sydney or Melbourne phone numbers – they are often head offices or distributors who can find a retailer in your area a-c Turn to page 62 for more of this relaxed family home.
Aeria Country Floors (02) 9975 7883, aeria.com.au. Ahoy Trader (02) 6680 7764, ahoytrader.com. Apache Rose apache rosestore.com. Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100, astrawalker.com.au. Axolotl (02) 9666 1207, axolotl.com.au. B&B Italia bebitalia.com. BedNest 1300 637 135, bednest.com.au. Bemboka (02) 9360 1224, bemboka.com. Binova binova.it. Caesarstone 1300 119 119,
com. Mark Tuckey (02) 9997 4222, marktuckey.com.au. MCM House mcmhouse. com. MDF Italia mdfitalia.com. Meir 1800 012 122, meir.com.au. MTR Designer Cabinets (03) 9308 8811, mtrcabinets.com. Multiform Stone (03) 9357 7721, multiformstone.com.au. Muuto muuto.com.
n-r
Neff 1300 087 033, neff.com.au. Niche Interiors (03) 9687 7797, nicheinteriors.com.au. Nick Scali nickscali.com.au. Normann Copenhagen normann-copenhagen.com. Oeuf oeufnyc.com. Pierre + Charlotte 0488 404 401, pierreandcharlotte.com. Plyroom 1300 709 399, plyroom.com.au. Pony Rider (02) 8911 3518, ponyrider.com.au. Reece reece. com.au. Royal Oak Floors (03) 9826 3611, royaloakfloors.com.au.
j-m
James Hardie 131 103, jameshardie.com.au. Jardan (03) 8581 4999, jardan.com.au. Jatana Interiors jatanainteriors.com.au. Kip&Co kipandco.com.au. KWC kwcswiss. com.au. Laminex 132 136, laminex.com.au. Langdon Ltd 0402 266 836, langdonltd. com.au. Leila Jeffreys leilajeffreys.com. Luke Furniture (03) 9999 8930, luke.com.au. Maccaferri Gabions (02) 8825 6300, maccaferri.com.au. MadeMeasure 0431 489 504, mademeasure.com. Magis magisdesign.
s-z
Sheridan 1800 223 376, sheridan.com.au. Siemens siemens.com/au/en/home.html. Squeak Design 0433 418 367, squeakdesign. com. Steve Cross stevecross-artist.com. Stone Italiana (02) 9723 1033, stoneitaliana. com.au. Surface Gallery (02) 9566 2002, surfacegallery.com.au. Taubmans 131 686, taubmans.com.au. The Family Love Tree (03) 9533 7648, thefamilylovetree.com.au. These Walls thesewalls.com.au. Thonet 1800 800 777, thonet.com.au. Tigmi Trading 0418 602 231, tigmitrading.com. Tom Dixon tomdixon. net. Touch Wood Trading 0424 324 168, touchwoodtrading.com.au. Tribe & Co Living tribeandcoliving.com. Williams-Sonoma 1800 231 380, williams-sonoma.com.au. WK-Quantum Quartz WK Stone wk.com.au.
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180 / Inside Out
PHOTOGRAPHY: (LEFT) MAREE HOMER. STYLING: (LEFT) KERRIE-ANN JONES
com.au. Elise Cameron-Smith elisecameronsmith.com.au. Fictional Objects fictional objects.com. Franke franke.com.au. Freedom 1300 135 588, freedom.com.au. Hisense 1800 447 367, hisense.com.au. HK Living (03) 9428 2400, hkliving.com.au. House Of Orange (03) 9500 9991, houseoforange.com.au. IKEA ikea.com.au.
extras
BOCONCEPT If there’s one thing that Scandinavians do even better than crime dramas, it’s instilling furniture with a beautiful aesthetic and easy practicality. The new ‘Billund’ table from BoConcept fits these Danish design conventions perfectly with its elegant form and flip-top function. The table can be folded and pushed against a wall for two-person dining or opened out for four people. It sits perfectly with ‘Aarhus’ dining chairs by renowned designer Henrik Pedersen. Visit
IITTALA Add a twist of elegant European style to your nightcap with the classic Aarne glassware collection, available at Iittala. First released in the early 1950s by Finnish artist and glass designer Göran Hongell, the series includes hand-blown cordial, champagne, whisky, beer and cocktail glasses, and remains a marker of exquisite taste today. Aarne is a cornerstone in Iittala’s collection of iconic glass objects and a toast to timeless design. Bottoms up! Visit
KAZARI Mizusashi are lidded containers, traditionally used to store hot water during delicately choreographed Japanese tea ceremonies. In 21st-century Australia, the sky is the limit with these beautiful, functional vessels. Store sugar, spare change, bathroom supplies or anything you need to stash away out of sight. Kazari’s range of vintage mizusashi are one-of-a-kind pieces to be treasured for years to come. To bring a touch of Tokyo into your home, visit kazari.com.au
SMEG Poised, polished and perfect for modern homes, the ‘Linear’ collection is a chic celebration of the first element of design – the line. Balancing effortlessness, simplicity and minimalism, Linear makes an aesthetic statement and also features intuitive menus and Thermoseal technology, making it as easy to use as it is on the eye. To view the entire collection, including ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, warming drawers and integrated coffee machines, visit smeg.com.au
VERA WANG WEDGWOOD Inspired by the painting technique of expressionist artist Mark Rothko, renowned fashion designer Vera Wang is bringing gallery-worthy art to the dining table. Her Degradée dinnerware collection for Wedgwood features sweeping soft gradients handpainted on fine bone china, blending contemporary aesthetics with time-honoured form. Choose from a range of plates, mugs, bowls, servingware, beverage sets and more. For more information, visit
ILVE
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INSPIRING HOMES WITH HEART
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THE FOOD,
Your renovation problems solved
PHOTOGRAPHY: GRACE CASSIO. STYLING: JASON GRANT
Darren Robertson’s Step inside The salad secrets Block with Shannon
DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.
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Q&A
Our Agony Aunt Meg Mason dishes out somewhat questionable style and decorating advice to would-be DIY renovators
I live in a fairly urban area, but I’ve heard it’s OK to keep chickens. I’d love to try it, but what’s your opinion on the pros and cons? Tony, via email
the mud off my Hunters and come inside with an apron-full of fresh eggs supplied by my own roosting pair, Yoko and Katsu. So there, I’ve outed myself as a lover of the city chook but you’re wise to consider the arguments for and against hen husbandry, since they are legion. When you say ‘fairly urban’, Tony, I wish you’d indulged me with more detail.Are we talking urban as in a neat bungalow on grass plot, but quite near an arterial road and a big-box Officeworks Or urban as in a metre-wide terrace house with a handkerchief courtyard, backing onto the central rail terminus and permanently shaded by a humming cell phone tower? I’ll assume the latter, because if you’ve got any grass at all, you’d have gone ahead already and ordered a flat-pack coop and sourced a pai of year-old silkies from a reputable breeder with free shipping. In truly gritty settings, my foremost concern is that having any sort of livestock outside and more particularly their feedbox, is liable to attract… I can’t say it… other kinds of livestock. Oh Lord, you know – the truly free-range variety. All right, fine, I’m talking about rats. And you won’t feel nearly as smug bypassing the egg section of the supermarket, side-eyeing the sorry customers paying $8 for a dozen cage, if you’re going home to your very own biblical plague. You’ll need to be more rigorous with your wire fencing than your average penitentiary to make sure there’s no coming or going. There are cats, foxes and the neighbour’s kids to keep out as well. Also know that most councils will ticket you for keeping a rooster in a high-density neighbourhood since apparently, city dwellers would rather wake up to their iPhone’s Marimba than a lusty cockerel. There will also be regular mucking out to do, although bagging up all that rich, organic manure and on-selling it to the balcony gardeners in your area can offset some of the cost of keeping hens, as long as no-one filches your honesty box. Of course, you’re looking at free omelettes in perpetuity, but aside from the material benefits to brunch, chickens are just so lovely to
sit and watch with a cup of tea. Their pecking, brooding and clucking, their puffing-up of feathers and absolutely idiotic way of walking is a balm to the urban soul. So I’d say give it a go, Tony. It’s possible to rent chickens and a basic coop, so you can try your hand as the smallest-possible-scale poultry farmer with no cash down. If it all turns foul, I’ve attached a recipe for an absolutely fool-proof cassoulet.Talk about eating local. I’m now an interior designer and my friends are asking for free advice, which I’d be happy to give, except it always seems to be at dinner parties etc, when I’m off-duty. How can I decline without offending them? Cassie, Fairy Meadow, NSW
By reminding them that had you recently become qualified as a dentist, they wouldn’t ask you for a quick set of crowns, or an obstetrician, a freebie caesar before everyone else arrives. A polite no and the latest issue of this very mag in your hands flung in their direction ought to do it.
revive the… electric frypan A forgotten objet ripe for resurgence It’s hard to imagine a culinary scenario in which all four elements were in service at once, necessitating the use of an electric frypan. But the ’70s were a thrilling time in food. And still, there’s nothing so exciting as trying to clean schnitzel fat out of an integral socket with wet hands.
Stay tuned for more of Meg’s invaluable renovating tips in our next issue. 186 / Inside Out
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