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THE

Transformation to Hamptons LOOK

Axent ™ Trims

IT WAS A SIMPLE BRIEF. THE OWNERS JUST WANTED A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME.

Dulux White On White

Three Birds Renovations took the keys and envisioned a youthful twist on a coastal Hamptons style. Built in the 1970’s in Sydney’s Hills district, the finishes made the home look dark and dated. However, the gabled roof line had potential to become a stunning feature. The triangular brick gables were given a classic look by cladding over them in HardieFlex™ Sheets and vertical lengths of Axent™ Trim in Dulux White on White. Meanwhile, a clean, contemporary look was created below each gable with James Hardie’s Stria™ Cladding in Dulux Grey Pail. The result is a fresh, charming and definitely beautiful home. To enjoy more pictures and videos of this amazing renovation visit www.jameshardie.com.au/house11

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Hey True Blue

FEBRUARY Cover stories

29 Bedside manners Create a sleep sanctuary with expert buys 68 Great house, great car You can have both! 83 Hey true blue 70+ pages of beautiful homes

Decorating & design

20 Fabric Of Life Inside the home of interiors whiz Tigger Hall. 29 Good Nights Elevate the elegance – and comfort – of your bedroom. 39 Sleep Right Quality rest begins with a great room setup. 43 Nature’s Gifts Decorating cues direct from the landscape. 49 Ask An Expert 51 On Trend: Persimmon. 52 On Trend: Island Escape. 68 Driver’s Seat Take a look at this great house and car package.

Styling by Tess Newman-Morris. Photograph by Lisa Cohen.

Shopping

55 Shelf Help Easy ways to transform storage into an eye-catching display. 60 Lunchboxes Take them away. 62 Quilt Covers The loveliest bedlinen in town. 64 Buyer’s Guide Showers. 192 Where To Buy Stockists’ details.


75 Insider Design news and reviews. 79 Design Moment Dualit. 80 Less Is More Living plastic-free.

Houses

84 Home Away From Home A blissfully beachy family abode in Sydney. 94 Grand Central The spectacular makeover of an 1880s terrace. 104 Room To Move A pair of design pros put their skills into action. 116 Harbour Beauty An apartment with a thrilling view and interior to match. 122 Beside The Seaside An interior designer’s own home on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. 132 Quiet Time A little refinement paid off handsomely.

On our cover This beautifully tailored abode is the epitome of coastal cool. Turn to page 122 for more. Styling by Tess NewmanMorris. Photograph by Lisa Cohen.

142 Holiday At Home The gorgeous getaway of a NSW family.

Gardens

151 Hand In Hand An Adelaide garden with something for all seasons. 158 Companion Planting A friendship blossomed along with the garden. 162 Making Scents Perfumed plants. 163 Clippings Garden news and to-dos.

Living

165 Flavours Of The Med A foodie tour of the Venetian Republic. 172 Essential Ingredient Wines that elevate a meal into an occasion. 174 Star Treatment California dreaming. 179 Shelf Confidence Overhaul your pantry and improve your diet overall.

Advice

182 Kids’ Rooms Essentials 186 Scrap Heaps The environmental benefits of composting. 187 Singing The Blues Russian blues. 189 What A Hide Are real-estate agents manipulating the market? 190 I Earn $150K, Why Am I Still Broke?

Community

17 Your H&G Readers’ letters. 192 Bauer Media Privacy Notice 194 The Creative Type Anna Grigson, director of Sabbia Gallery.

Subscription offer 8

Subscribe to H&G this month and you will receive a plant pot from Zakkia, valued at $52!

Styling by Tess Newman-Morris. Photograph by Lisa Cohen.

Insider


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EDITOR’S LETTER H G

“I LOVE deep indigo; it’s a very FLATTERING colour for both people and HOMES.”

I

nternational colour authority Pantone has decreed that Classic Blue is the colour of 2020. It seems like a pretty safe colour prediction, but we know how stunning blue is in an interior, on a car, in an artwork, on china – the list goes on. I love deep indigo and enjoy decorating with it and wearing it. It’s a very flattering colour for people and spaces. Interior designer Amy Spargo, pictured in her dreamy kitchen on our cover, knows her way around the blue hue – turn to page 122 to see more of the beautiful interiors in the home she has created for her growing family on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Blue also abounds in the Stacey Kouros-designed terrace in inner Sydney; the result is both dramatic and glamorous. For more blue notes, turn to page 68, where we introduce our new feature Great House, Great Car. For the last five years I have been a judge of the WhichCar style awards, which means I get to see and drive a lot of interesting cars and that got us thinking about a regular feature in H&G. I really wanted to include some fabulous motoring stories but in a way that would suit the rest of the magazine. I admire stylish cars and houses and I know many of our readers have a passion for both. In each issue, we are going to feature someone who has a great car and an amazing house, just like Jen Eagles, theglamoroussubjectofourdebutstory.Weknow,also,thatmanyofourreadersliveinoraredownsizingtoapartments. For inspiration on that front, see the handsome Carole Whiting-designed waterfront apartment on page 116. If you are looking to plan a very fun, family-friendly trip of a lifetime in 2020, you must read Deborah Grant’s story on LA, Beverly Hills and Palm Springs (page 174) – it made me want to jump on a plane immediately! If more sleep is on the agenda these holidays, take a look at our chic decorating pages dedicated to creating a stylish slumber sanctuary (from page 29). For expert advice on bedding to buy now, see page 39. Just don’t take this fabulous issue of H&G to bed with you – it will definitely keep you awake!

Tanya Buchanan, Editor in chief TOP PICKS

Photograph by Alastair Brooks.

Tanya’s top five

DECORATE

Bidjar rug in Spring, POA, Robyn Cosgrove; robyncosgrove.com.

ARRANGE

SPARKLE

Aalto blown-glass vase, $279, Iittala; www.iittala.com.au.

Merindah Collection earrings, $7250, Jan Logan; janlogan.com.

INDULGE

Elorah silk-cotton robe, $249.95, Sheridan; www.sheridan.com.au.

REFRESH

Black Rose cream mask, $180, Sisley Paris; www.sisley-paris.com.


EDITORIAL Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan Creative director Antonietta Panuccio Deputy editor & travel John McDonald Interiors & houses Kate Nixon Homes group coordinator Matilda Ringrose ART & STYLE Art director Shayne Burton Junior designer Sophie Wilson Image retoucher/designer Matus Kundrat Style editors Sarah Maloney and Ashley Pratt FEATURES & COPY Senior features editors Elizabeth Wilson and Sarah Pickette Content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar CONTRIBUTORS

Domenic Bahmann, Alan Benson, Hans Blomquist, Lisa Cohen, Steve Cordony, Roger Crosthwaite, Elise Elliott, Molly Furzer, Paula Goodyer, Nic Gossage, Deborah Grant, Harvey Grennan, Stephanie Hope, Stewart Horton, Virginia Jen, Annie Kelly, Stacey Kouros, Georgia Madden, Shannon McGrath, Alexander McIntyre, Jack Milenkovic, Tess Newman-Morris, Tim O’Connor, Judy Pascoe, Toni Paterson, Chris Pearson, Willem Rethmeier, Anson Smart, Josie Smith, Gretel Sneath, Kristina Soljo, Sue Stubbs, Nate Vella, Nicholas Watt, Jacqui Way, Carole Whiting, Helen Young, Nino Zoccali, Effie Zahos ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Homes commercial manager Rhonda Maunder (02) 9282 8687 Homes brand manager Kimberly Anderson (02) 9338 6103 Advertising production manager Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 Victoria, SA & WA sales director Jaclyn Clements (03) 9823 6341 Director of sales, NSW Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 Victoria head of direct sales Will Jamison (03) 9823 6301 Queensland head of sales Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 New Zealand enquiries +61 2 9282 8505 General manager – production services Ian McHutchison Production controller Sally Jefferys Advertising production controller Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 Senior event manager Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342 MARKETING & CIRCULATION Marketing director Louise Cankett Senior marketing manager Jillian Hogan Circulation manager Nicole Pearson Subscriptions campaign manager Jesvin Vincent Brand manager Sarah Webster Marketing enquiries homes@bauer-media.com.au

Grill then Chill. Extend your evening hours with Stoke’s collection of outdoor fireplaces. There’s one for every home stokefires.com

BAUER MEDIA CORPORATE Chief executive officer Brendon Hill Chief financial officer Andrew Stedwell Executive general manager – publishing & digital operations Sarah-Belle Murphy Associate publisher Shane Sutton Commercial director Paul Gardiner Acting head retail ^ circulation Andrew Cohn General manager – subscriptions & e-commerce Sean McLintock Business manager Georgina Bromfield Syndications syndication@bauer-media.com.au SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES

Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone 136 116 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm AEDST) Web magshop.com.au All other Australian House & Garden enquiries: (02) 9282 8456 Published by Bauer Media Pty Limited (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN is the property of Bauer Media Pty Ltd and is used under licence. © 2019. All rights reserved. Printed by Ovato, 31-37 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW 2170. National distribution by Gordon and Gotch Australia Pty Ltd. 1300 650 666. ISSN 0004-931X. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Bauer Media Pty Ltd does not accept responsibility for damage to or loss of freelance material submitted for publication. Allow several weeks for acceptance or return. For enquiries regarding subscriptions, call 136 116 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm AEDST, email magshop@magshop.com.au or mail letters to: Australian House & Garden, Reply Paid 3508, Sydney, NSW 2001 or subscribe online at magshop.com.au/ hg. Subscription rate*: Australia $79.99 (one year, 12 issues); NZ A$120 (one year, 12 issues); other countries A$180 (one year, 12 issues). All overseas subscriptions sent air speed. *Recommended price, Australian House & Garden.


LETTERS H G

Your H&G

I always enjoy having a cup of tea and reading H&G when I get a few minutes to myself, escaping the minutiae of daily life with four small children and filing away ideas for our own home. Recently, I was wondering why my two eldest sons (five and seven) had suddenly gone quiet. I found them sitting at the kitchen table reading the lastest magazine and discussing which homes they liked best. They were engrossed for quite some time. Thank you for providing me with time to myself – in more ways than one!

H&G social The posts that made your month.

Facebook

Emily Allen, Deep Bay, Tasmania

Fare to remember Each year, the Christmas issue kick-starts my festive preparations. I always find something new in the recipe section to add to my collection. The White Christmas slice from an issue long ago remains a firm favourite, as does the healthy Christmas cake (2008). The pineapple and rum glazed ham from 2015 is always a hit too. I loved the abundance of colour in December’s featured homes; Ross and Nicole’s house (Old Is New Again) was an absolute joy. Thank you, too, for the timely gift of the beautiful wrapping paper. Happy New Year to the H&G team. Felicity Rooney, Sale, Victoria

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Helping hand I was interested to read December’s health column, Hands Up. I take my gran out into the country every week, where I clear a friend’s paddock of horse manure and put it into bags for the neighbourhood’s gardens. The paddock owner is very grateful for the

help, Gran enjoys the drive, and people are pleased to receive the contribution for their gardens. Achilles Mavros, Sale, Victoria

Instagram

Community spirit Hands Up (December) was a compelling recommendation for volunteering. I have experienced those ‘feelgood’ endorphins and ‘the positive emotions that come from helping others’. I hadn’t realised that it actually has beneficial effects on the body! Professor Nielson, from the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Education, makes an interesting point when he urges parents to nurture the habit of helping in their children. Quite apart from the fact that giving their time in service to others, it builds kindness and resilience in young people – along with work experience that will give them an advantage when they begin their careers. As the saying goes: “There is more happiness in giving, than in receiving”. Diane Davidson, Auckland, NZ

WRITE IN TO WIN

The author of each letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a prize. This month, Emily Allen from Deep Bay, Tasmania, receives an E5 electric knife sharpener, valued at $449, from Work Sharp Culinary; www.worksharpculinary.com. Email your letter to H&G@bauer-media.com.au or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include your full name and address.

Pinterest

Facebookers took a shine to a treechangers’ abode, a lush Melbourne garden stole hearts on Instagram, and a festive weekender on Sydney’s Northern Beaches sparked joy on Pinterest. Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to our favourite home tours. Instagram @houseandgarden View the most inspirational images of the month from H&G HQ and out and about. Pinterest pinterest.com.au/ houseandgardenau Picture-perfect images from our pages and sensational products to covet. For weekly news and inspiration, subscribe to our free e-newsletter at newsletter.houseandgardenmag.com.au.


Fabric of life

Years of travelling, collecting and working in the design industry have given Tigger Hall’s Melbourne home layers of rich, tactile history. STO RY Annie Kelly | ST Y L IN G Shayne Burton & Sophie Wilson | P H OTOGR A PHY Kristina Soljo


at home with H G The upstairs sitting room features a sofa upholstered in a vintage suzani fabric bought in Istanbul. The front cushion is in Tigger’s Nine Muses ‘Quilt’ fabric; the rear cushion is in Maison de Vacances velvet. Pendant light, Visual Comfort & Co. Antique Syrian pot bought in Istanbul. OPPOSITE Tigger Hall seated next to a salon-style display of paintings by her great-grandfathers Bernard Hall and Donald Commons, as well as Julian Ashton, Willy Sheather and Tigger herself.

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at home with H G

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ou would be hard pressed to find a busier person than Tigger Hall. With two fabric showrooms — one in Sydney’s fashionable Paddington; the other in Melbourne’s bustling Prahran East design district — she is constantly travelling between the two cities. Tigger’s schedule also includes frequentscouting tripstothe USandvisits toLondon,where her daughter Georgina manages a high-end art gallery. Tigger’s current home, in Melbourne, is above her shop in a charming 19th-century building she bought in 2012. Within six months she had created a rich, timeless interior that looks as though it was always that way. “I was looking for a family home and a friend kept badgering me to look at this building, which had been on the market for some time,” says Tigger. “When I finally went to look, I was immediately struck by its gorgeous high ceilings.” The previous owner was an antiques dealer and Tigger loved the unrestored atmosphere of the interiors. The studio space at the back of a walled garden was also a significant drawcard. “I quickly realised I could have my showroom downstairs and live very comfortably upstairs.” After working as an interior designer for 20 years, Tigger opened her first showroom in the front room of an East Melbourne terrace. “I met [British decorator and fabric designer] Nina Campbell for dinner in Paris 14 years ago and she blew me away. Nina has been such an incredible inspiration for the international CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE A collection of pottery from Tigger’s travels surround designindustry.Sheisthe one who encouraged a painting by Tigger’s mother on the kitchen shelves. The eat-in corner of the kitchen me to open my shop.” features artwork from Tigger’s cousin Basil Hall, and a bird painting by another cousin Nina introduced Tigger to the work of an in Virginia. The landing doubles as a library. OPPOSITE An armchair upholstered in international assortment of textile designers, Penny Morrison ‘Arabella’ linen with a cushion in Carolina Irving Textiles ‘Almaty’ velvet wonderful designers who weren’t represented in Red/Blue sits in front of the marble fireplace in the sitting room. in Australia at the time. Today, Tigger Hall Design is home to renowneddesigners ranging fromLA’sMartynLawrenceBullardtoLondon-basedAllegra Hicks, along with her own Nine Muses Textiles. Nine Muses Textiles is a result of Tigger’s passion for art and design. “I always wanted to be an artist, and now I paint myownfabrics!”shesays.TheseedsoftheNineMusesbrand were sown on a trip to India several years ago. “I couldn’t get enoughoftheincredibledesign,colour,texture,andhistory,” says Tigger. “I had an insatiable urge to paint and I couldn’t stop. I painted the designs I had seen there literally for four days.” These paintings became the nucleus of the Nine Muses collection of fabrics. A trip to Sweden and the fortuitous discovery of some 18th-century French pattern books also delivered plenty of creative inspiration. Withsomanyyearsofexperienceasaninteriorsspecialist and hundreds of fabulous fabrics at her disposal, > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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decorating her own home was relatively easy. “I wanted to showcase and expand on the character of the living spaces, so I brought in antique architectural elements suchasanoldchurchrailingforthebalcony, 19th-century marble fireplaces and even old tram lights,” she says. Themainlivingareaisagenerousroomwithfive-metre high ceilings. It’s painted crisp white and layered with family furniture, artworks, fabrics and textiles. Two of Tigger’s great-grandfathers were artists – a talent that clearlyrunsinthefamily.Herpaternalgreat-grandfather, painter Bernard Hall, was one of the first directors of the National Gallery of Victoria; Tigger’s home includes several of his artworks. She also has paintings inherited from Donald Common, her other artistic ancestor. Alongside Tigger’s own work, these paintings add to the elegant salon atmosphere of her sitting room. The furniture features a wonderfully eclectic range of fabrics; the star of the show is the sofa, which is upholstered in a bold suzani fabric found in Istanbul. French doors on the small main bedroom give access to a tiny balcony. New mirrors on the wardrobe doors reflect the view and create the illusion of greater space. Tigger’s love of colour is expressed in textiles rather than paint; it’s a great technique for livening up a room. A red striped rug, found in the souks of Marrakech, is a talking point. The bed is dressed in shades of blue – the perfect counterpoint to the rug. The ABOVE The main bedroom features a vintage bamboo chair from Geoffrey Hatty Applied headboard,smartlyupholsteredinablue-grey Arts and embroidery from Tigger’s grandmother and great-grandmother. The bed is dressed linen, is teamed with a deep blue throw and with a Sequana throw and cushions in Nine Muses ‘Dutch Stamp’ linen. BELOW The anassortmentofcushions.Avintagebamboo bathroom curtains are made from Penny Morrison ‘Begum’ linen. Bespoke basin, Kohler. OPPOSITE Tigger in the courtyard with her rescue cocker spaniel Max. The cushions are in chair from local firm Geoffrey Hatty Applied Nine Muses ‘Indianne Zoo’ and ‘Hunting Toile’ linens. For Where to Buy, see page 192. Arts completes the room. Tigger moved the kitchen upstairs, where much of the shelving is used to display colourful pottery brought back from her many trips “I wanted to overseas. There is just enough space for a breakfast table showcase and with views of the neighbouring rooftops. Her eldest expand on the daughter, Beatrice, often joins her here after a late night character of the performing with her band Haiku Hands. living spaces, so I Tigger recently moved her showroom to a different brought in antique Melbourne location and spends a lot of time overseeing architectural her Sydney store. But Melbourne, and Prahran East in elements such particular, has her heart. “I continue to be excited by the as an old church design community here,” she says. “Como By Design [a rail, 19th-century ‘showhouse’ and seminar series featuring prominent fireplaces, even Melbourne interior designers], which I founded in 2018, a tram light.” was so successful that I’m planning another event.” > Tigger Hall

Tigger Hall Design; (03) 9510 2255 or tiggerhalldesign.com.


at home with H G

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H G AT HOME WITH

1

LIFE & ST YLE 1

Tigger shares some firsts and favourite things.

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Dandenongs. It was built by a shipwright and was like an old ship inside, with all the beautiful handmade furniture built in. I had my first baby there too. BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? Rajasthan, India (7). I really want to do a horse ride through there. I just did one through Spain and it was amazing. DREAM RESTAURANT TABLE? Probably Spring (1) in London. Australian interior designer Briony Fitzgerald decorated it for her sister, chef Skye Gyngell. It looks amazing and I love that she did it for her sister. FAVOURITE MEAL? Something really simple. I like entertaining and tend to cook things like quail and beautiful salads. Also anything by Yotam Ottolenghi (6) – I have all of his books. DREAM CAR? Something glamorous but understated. A 1950s Merc convertible (2) would do nicely. I’D CROSS THE WORLD to see my family. I have lots of family in France, England and the US. A LOVE A VASEFUL OF Beautifully scented old-fashioned roses, hand-picked from the garden. Also peonies (3) and gardenias. FAVOURITE SCENT? Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose and Magnolia (4). FAVOURITE MOVIE? Out of Africa. PROFESSIONALLY, I’M MOST PROUD OF

F O R M Y N E X T H O L I DAY, I WA N T TO G O H O R S E R ID IN G T H R O U GH R A J A ST H A N . 6

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

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bringing the design community together through Como by Design (8). WHO INSPIRES YOU IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN?

Martyn Lawrence Bullard. He doesn’t really have an individual style but he makes individual dreams come true. Locally, Adelaide Bragg (5) really inspires me. Her beautiful relaxed interiors are quintessentially Australian and use colour and textiles so beautifully. NEXT PURCHASE I’m looking at buying an old apartment near Sydney Harbour, which will be my next project. #

5

Photography by Paul Massey (2), Getty Images (3 & 7), Lisa Cohen (5), Ben Dearnley/bauersyndication.com.au (6).

FIRST ADULT HOME? An incredible house in the


TV when it’s on. Art when it’s off.

Inspiration has truly come home. Switch it on, and The Frame seamlessly presents your favourite entertainment with superb QLED picture quality. Turn it off, and instantly transform your living space into a personalised art gallery with Art Mode. Choose from over 1000 pieces of art and photography on the Samsung Art Store.* Learn more at Samsung.com/au/theframe *Supplied with 20 artworks. Additional artworks available for purchase orvia subscription. Internet connection required.



Styling by Ashley Pratt. Photograph by Nic Gossage.

DREAMY SCHEMES TO HELP YOU REST EASILY

D e c or at i ng

Stella rattan changing table, $549, Naturally Cane. ON CHANGING TABLE From left Carron ‘Mon Jules’ terracotta vase, $495, Love After Love. Officine Universelle Buly perfume, $223, Mecca Cosmetica. Rattan tissue box, $47, Pigott’s Store. IN STACK From top Scallop Dot cotton pillowcase, $148, Pigott’s Store. Kepos Guava linen fabric and Luxor Saffron linen fabric, both $206.25/m, Walter G. Rossi Light wool-cashmere throw, $375, Busatti. Maison de Vacances stone-washed jacquard throw, $650, Bastille and Sons. Beechwood queen-size cotton bed cover, $299.95, Sheridan. Flores Dusk cotton quilt (234x224cm), $345, Walter G. ON WALL Still Life: Colour Study 11193 painting by Catherine Hickson, $990, Art2Muse Gallery. Wall painted Eggshell Acrylic in White Flag (top), $57/L, and Interno in Starflower, $54/L, both Porter’s Paints.


H G decorating

Good N I G H T S

For a next-level sleep sanctuary, ramp up the comfort with sumptuous fabrics and elegant details. ST Y L I N G Ashley Pratt | PHOTOGR A PHY Nic Gossage


President rattan side table, $549, Naturally Cane. Madras table lamp, $230, Canvas+Sasson. Fleur de Lys glass tumblers, $18 (large) and $16 (small), Love After Love. Peony queen-size bed, $3499, Domayne. A.H. Beard ‘King Koil Ravello’ queen-size mattress, $3799, Domayne (throughout). Saboma acrylic bathtub, $999, and Oxford bath/shower diverter, $749, both Early Settler. Dudley cotton hand towel, $34, and Georgia cotton bath towel, $69, Polite Society. ON BED From left Java Musk linen cushion (left) and Lyon Celadon linen cushion, $147 each, Walter G. Vice Versa linen cushion in Aqua, $160, Bastille and Sons. Chameli Moss linen cushion, $132, Walter G. Amalfi Sky queen-size linen flat sheet, $1340, Polite Society. Vintage queen-size washed-linen coverlet in White, $320, Adairs. Saqqara Guava linen fabric, $206.25/m, Walter G. Braided cashmere throw in Light Blue, $1595, Busatti. ON WALLS From left French oval mirror, $1199, Maison et Jardin. Between the Lines wallpaper in Palma, $84/m, Sparkk. Still Life: Colour Study 11191 painting by Catherine Hickson, $990, Art2Muse Gallery. Sierra Morena linen-cotton fabric in Pink, $550/m, Busatti. Merci Louis metal candlesticks, $99

Stylist’s assistants Paloma Maine, Kerri-Ann Kennedy, Jade Vong. Photographer’s assistant Charlotte Koch.

(medium) and $91 (small), Love After Love. Walls painted Resistance Ultra-Matt in Bluebird, $120/2.5L, and trims painted Resistance Ultra-Matt in Little Boy Blue, $120/2.5L, Graham & Brown. ON FLOOR Lexington wool-hemp-bamboo rug (240x300cm), $7200, Designer Rugs. Cashmere slippers, $190/pair, Busatti. Hampton body lotion, $40, and bubble bath, $40, Plain & Simple Australia. >

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H G decorating


FROM LEFT Willow rattan side table with teak top, $910, Globe West. Objet Aimée ‘Pirouette’ stoneware vase, $150, Bed Threads. Scarlett bronze candlestick table lamp, $500, Bloomingdales Lighting. Giselle queen-size bedhead, from $1570, Heatherly Design. Bedhead upholstery in Nine Muses Textiles ‘Diamond Block’ linen, $265/m, Tigger Hall Design. Oly ‘Diego’ iron bench with fabric upholstery, $4525, Coco Republic. ON BED From rear Grosgrain Silver cotton pillowcases, $332/queen-size sheet set, L&M Home. Cushions in Nine Muses Textiles ‘Animal’ linen in Flax Steel, $265/m, Tigger Hall Design. Hampi Guava linen cushions (30x45cm), $122 each, and Flores Dusk queen-size cotton quilt, $345, all Walter G. ON WALL Between the Lines wallpaper in Palma, $84/m, Sparkk. Natural Curiosities ‘Watermerken’ wall art, from $395 (framed), Coco Republic. ON FLOOR Twill wool rug (2x3m), $1990, Designer Rugs. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left Hampi Guava cushion and Flores Dusk quilt, as before. Mon Ange Cherub terracotta jewellery tray (used as plate), $105, Apolline terracotta platter, $248, Sacre Coeur glass paperweight, $125, and Custom keyring, $115, all Love After Love. Rodin book by François Blanchetière, $25, Bed Threads. Byredo ‘Slow Dance’ eau de parfum, $315, and Officine Universelle Buly scented matches, $25, Mecca Cosmetica. >

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H G decorating


FROM LEFT French timber chair, $1950, Maison et Jardin. Leopard Lovers leopard-print cushion with silk trim, $298, Love After Love. Timber side

table with copper top, $2150, Maison et Jardin. Carron ‘Mon Jules’ terracotta footed salad bowl, $278, Love After Love. Livie Timber Twist floor lamp, $850, Bloomingdales Lighting. Sanganori Blue lampshade, $290, Pigott’s Store. Adeline teak and rattan occasional chair, $1490, Globe West. Khiva Saffron linen cushion, $147, Walter G. ON WALL From left That’s All I Needed To Hear painting by Carissa Karamarko, $650, Saint Cloche. Roses with golden bunny painting by Vanessa Stockard, $1350, Art2Muse Gallery.Wall painted Eggshell Acrylic in White Flag (top), $57/L, and Interno Limewash in Starflower, $54/L, both Porter’s Paints. ON FLOOR Elegance Aqua wool-art silk rug (204x320cm), The Rug Establishment. OPPOSITE Sperone raffia wall lights, $320 each, Bastille and Sons. Custom headboard by Deluxe Upholstery. Bedhead, bolsters and valance in Ian Mankin ‘Ticking 01’ cotton fabric in Sky, POA, Domestic Textile Corporation. Carron ‘Mon Jules’ terracotta footed vase, $495, and Merci Louis 3-ring candleholder, $85, Love After Love. Demilune rattan side table, $479, Naturally Cane. ON BED From rear Millennia Tailored cotton pillowcases, $110 each, Sheridan. Petra Dusk linen cushions, $147 each, Walter G. Millennia queen-size cotton flat sheet, $280.95, Sheridan. Luxor Saffron linen fabric, $206.25/m, Walter G. Sentani Snow wool rug in Red (140x300cm), $8250, The Rug Establishment. >

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H G decorating Barbara Barry ‘French Cuff’ bronze wall lights, $895 each (includes silk shade, not shown), Cromwell. Lampshades in Alcea Terra fabric, $118/m, Sparkk. Timber side table with copper top, $2150, Maison et Jardin. Black cut-glass vase, $82.90, Horgans. Manor queen-size iron bed, $449, Early Settler. ON BED From rear Scallop Dot cotton pillowcases, $148 each, Pigott’s Store. Summerhouse Mellon cotton cushion, $55, Canvas+Sasson. Vintage washed-linen coverlet in White, $320, Adairs. Milla queen-size cotton quilt, $720 (includes two pillowcases), Canvas+Sasson. Cirenaica wool-alpaca-acrylic throw in Salmon, $499, Busatti. Bed end panels in Alcea Terra fabric, $118/m, Sparkk. ON WINDOWSILL Objet Aimée ‘Pirouette’ stoneware vase, $150, Bed Threads. Diptyque candle, $87, Mecca Cosmetica. ON FLOOR Ayana wool-art silk-nettle rug in Rose Gold (305x430cm), $10,800, Cadrys. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #

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style

M A X IM A L IST

wallpaperdirect.com Make your home your own.


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SL E E P R IGH T

Photograph by Pablo Veiga.

there’s no need to feel like you’re losing at the sleep game: set your room up well and the rest should follow, writes Sarah Pickette.

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glance at recent headlines is telling: ‘Insomnia nation: 60 per cent of adults have sleep disorder’ (Sydney Morning Herald); ‘Will science ever give us a better night’s sleep?’ (New York Times); ‘Why we are all losing sleep’ (The Atlantic). Sometimes it feels like getting a good night’s sleep is impossibly tricky to achieve. Meanwhile, study after study illuminates just how important sleep is

– for your brain to detox, for memories to cement, even for gut health. “Sleep is now broadly accepted as the third pillar of health, alongside diet and exercise,” says Dr Moira Junge, health psychologistandspokespersonfortheSleep Health Foundation. “Most of us understand the importance of sleep, even if we don’t always get enough of it ourselves.” Many factors play into how well you sleep (and they’re different for everyone), but >

Comfort reigns supreme in this inviting bedroom by Sydney designer Cameron Kimber. The bed is dressed in L&M Home bedlinen from Ivy Lane Traders. Visual Comfort Ralph Lauren table lamps from Laura Kincade. cameronkimber.com

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PILLOW TALK On a mission to find the perfect pillow? “There’s so much variety in shapes, firmness and materials that you’ll always find a pillow you love,” says Caitlin Fisher, sales and marketing manager of Dentons, which has been manufacturing pillows in Australia for more than 30 years. She says the first thing to think about is how you like to sleep: on your side, back or both? Then consider your build – for pillow height – and how firm your mattress is. “We use Softec, our own foam formulation, for our therapeutic pillows,” says Fisher. “Memory foam is great for those who don’t have health issues but want good support, latex is ideal for allergy sufferers and Memorelle is machine-washable and great for kids.” Fairly new to the market is Ultime, a world-first pillow developed by Dentons that’s co-moulded from Softec and memory foam for maximum comfort.

high on the list is how your home is set up. “As evening draws in and you begin to wind down, it’s good to keep any artificial light low,” she says. “This triggers melatonin production, a hormone produced at night by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.” Opt for dim lamplight rather than bright overhead illumination and, if the budget allows, consider smart lights that can mimic shifting daylight. Technological innovation has delivered a whole raft of new products that claim to be able to help us get more shut-eye. According to Telsyte, Australians bought 1.2 million wrist wearables in the first half of 2019, a 22 per cent increase on the previousyear.Fitbitsandthelikemeasure your sleep patterns – but interpret their readings with caution, advises Dr Junge. “They don’t yet capture sleep readings accurately enough to be diagnostically useful. It’s better to listen to your body.” An alternative point of view, though, is that ‘you can’t manage what you can’t

measure’, as Allyn Beard, director of bed manufacturerA.H.Beardlikestoproclaim. “We make sleep monitors to place on top of your existing or new mattress that can measure your heart rate, respiration and movements, and from that information an algorithm provides you with a ‘sleep score’andsuggestshowyoucouldimprove your sleep quality.” The company’s Sleep My Way mattress also uses technology to allow each sleeper to choose their ideal comfort on each side of the mattress, and adjust it at the touch of a button. Where technology gets problematic is when it’s stimulating and gives off a blue light from its screen. Blue light is the enemy of melatonin production; laptops, tablets, televisions and phones have no place in the bedroom, says Dr Junge. “Keep your bedroom as tech-free as possible to foster good sleep.” Tidiness also matters – because mess equals stress. “A bedroom that’s aesthetically pleasing and uncluttered isn’t going to add to your stresses; this


LEFT My Design queen-size bed, $1599, Snooze. RIGHT 1 Nisha throw in Doeskin, $129.95, Provincial Home Living. 2 LEDlux Meridian LED dimmable table lamp, $149, Beacon Lighting. 3 Menu ‘Norm Tumbler’ alarm clock, $345, Top3 by Design. 4 Serenade storage bed, $6363, King Living. 5 Ligne Roset ‘Desdemone’ queen-size bed, from $8795, Domo. 6 Cannes queen-size bed, from $2795, Coco Republic. OPPOSITE Park Uno bed, $11,330 and Abbinabili bedside table, $1672, Poliform.

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For Where to Buy, see page 192.

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“Adults generally do best with seven to nine hours of sleep, but we now understand it is possible to manage on five or six hours. The key is to not stress too much about lost sleep.” Dr Moira Junge kind of soothing environment can help you get to sleep a little easier,” says Dr Junge. “In the case of kids’ rooms, you don’t want too many interesting things within their view, or reach, when they’re getting to sleep.” Good-quality blinds and curtains (or a combination of both) are a smart investment for the bedroom. “Our bodies react to light levels and melatonin is secreted in darkness. You want darkness no matter what time of day or night you’re trying to sleep.” Light is probably the external factor that’s easiest to control; noise and temperature can be harder. Sleep experts suggest 18°C is the optimal temperature for your bedroom at sleep time. If you don’t have airconditioning in your room, a fan might help – with the added benefit of it delivering white noise, which can also help you sleep. Comfort is, of course, crucial to a good night’s sleep and that’s where the right bed and mattress take on huge importance. “The bed you choose can have either a

positive improvement or negative impact on your quality of sleep, which then has a direct correlation to your overall health,” says Beard. “Your bed is the most-used item in your whole house, so it’s imperative to visit a couple of reputable bedding retailers and to test quite a few beds, together with a partner or spouse if you have one.” He advises that if you’re habitually a side sleeper (and 75-80 per cent of the population is), you should try the bed lying on your side. Dress your bed in natural fibres so you don’t overheat – this is one of the great sleep stealers, says Dr Junge – and look to layering so you can add and remove bedding over the night. If sleep continues to be a problem seek medical advice, but the solution for most is forming healthier sleep habits. “At the end of the day, you know your body best,” says Dr Junge. “You know how you feel when you have or haven’t had a good night’s sleep and there are always steps you can take to work # towards better sleep health.”

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FROM DENMARK. TO THE WORLD.

Carlton sofa by Anders Nørgaard | Los Angeles coffee table and Como bookcase by Morten Georgsen | Demand table lamp by Henrik Pedersen | Lugo cabinet | Beijing rug | View or order your copy of the 2020 catalogue online.

Crows Nest Flagship Store - 575 Pacifc Hwy Tel. (02) 9437 0066 Moore Park - Shop GA03 Moore Park Supa Centa Tel. (02) 9697 2886 www.boconcept.com.au

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Open 7 days


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NAT U R E ’ S GIF TS

Images and text © Ryland, Peters & Small.

organic shapes, raw textures and landscape-inspired colours – there’s more than one way to bring the outside in. interiors whiz Hans Blomquist shows how.

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BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

the two sofas positioned at right angles in this sitting room were made from mattresses found at a local ea market and reupholstered in vintage white linen. the cushion covers are repurposed linen sheets and artists’ canvases. Simple divan/box spring sofas like these are a practical idea in compact homes and can double as guest beds if needed. the pendant light was painted with gesso to match the whitewashed walls and trimmed with tassels.

Choose something drawn from nature as the hero then add other elements that support your focal point in terms of colour, texture and shape.


Design tip Team objects found in the bush or on the beach with candles, fresh flowers or foliage to create a display that delights all the senses.

SHOW AND TELL A display in your home can range from a modest vase full of beautiful owers to an eye-catching arrangement of treasured objects on a small table, stool or bench. It need not be complicated. For a successful vignette, begin with something drawn from nature as the centrepiece then accent with elements that support your focal point in terms of colour, texture and shape. Fennel grows wild in my garden in the south of France and every summer I bring in a large, tall bunch, as I love both its colour and aroma. A simple still-life of sun-bleached wood, dried hydrangeas and vintage shoe moulds (pictured above) creates a summery feeling. You could also tie dried summer grasses to a suspended stick to make a textural wall decoration. Overblown and nearly dried owers in a simple glass tumbler bring a summertime look to a side table. >

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D sign tip Draw colour cues from your surroundings. Nature’s palette is inherently harmonious, making it easy to create a calm, liveable interior.

This is an edited extract of Inspired by Nature by Hans Blomquist ($49.99, Ryland Peters & Small).

THE ATTRACTION OF OPPOSITES I am torn when it comes to summer. Part of me loves the lush greenery of the season and the bright, showy blooms that shine in wild, overgrown gardens. Another part of me loves vast landscapes with endless horizons, where everything is dry and dusty, and punctuated by cacti, sparse trees, scrubby bushes and tumbleweeds. There is also something appealing about the light and the smells in these places. Most summers are hot and dry where I live in the south of France. On my walks along the country lanes around my house, I always find dried flowers and foliage; I bring them home and display them against greyish walls and neutral linen textiles. Beautiful and evocative. #

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Model: 30942-84

AN ORIGINAL PIECE OF ICONIC DESIGN Crafted from solid brass, knurled to a fine pitch and finished in Faucet Strommen’s organic Antique Brass Light, this new basin mixer features sophisticated and minimalist design to create an iconic piece in modern bathrooms. This model is part of a new comprehensive range covering bathroom and kitchen and is available in a raft of beautiful finishes. Designed and built by hand in Australia, this mixer uses a progressive valve for simple turn-only action.

Celebrating 20 years 1999-2019

Ph: (03) 5450 4236 www.faucetstrommen.com.au

Hand built in Australia


DECORATING H G

Fresh ideas & easy updates

Ask an expert

S T OR E & OR DE R

✚ Make use of the backs of wardrobe doors for slimline tie and belt racks, a fold-down ironing board or full-size mirror. ✚ If space allows, a pull-out laundry hamper is life-changing. ✚ A touch of timber or brass elevates simple joinery. ✚ Retrofit lighting to existing wardrobes. ✚ Express personality through hardware, materiality and profile. ✚ Open-rack shoe storage allows air to circulate and keeps mould at bay.

Follow Kate on Instagram @katenixon_busatti. Project designed by Whyte Lilja (main image). Photograph by Talcik & Demovicova.

Beautiful, organised storage can increase household efficiency too, writes Kate Nixon. A wall of built-in joinery is ideal for a walk-through wardrobe.

If nothing else, a Sunday sort-out of storage can be enormously satisfying.

Smart solutions

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othing says luxury like a well-organised wardrobe – a place for everything and everything in its place. Few people have the luxury of a Carrie Bradshaw-size boudoir, but we can take cues from Italian joinery greats Poliform, Boffi and Fanuli for layouts and detailing. Begin with measuring the available area and consider what you want to store. Deep shelves for luggage, compartments for socks, open racks for shoes? Shelves on show or concealed by doors? What materials (inside and out) would best suit your style? Existing units can be easily retrofitted with off-the-rack solutions too. # Send decor questions (with name and address) to H&G Advice, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 or email H&G@bauer-media.com.au.

TOP LEFT Galleria wardrobe storage, POA, Stegbar. TOP RIGHT Jessie ‘Naked’ walk-in wardrobe, from $12,000, Fanuli. ABOVE Clockwise from left Ethan dressing table and stool,

$1099, Brosa. Tati coat rack, $4935, Great Dane. Brooklyn hanging storage, $20, Target. Carrie stackable shoe shelf, $44/two, The Container Store. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

OR TRY THESE…

Stegbar The Galleria Series is completely customisable in layout, finishes and fixtures. Kinsman Wardobes Bespoke Australian-made designs with a seven-year guarantee. Ikea A vast range of mix-and-match storage solutions. Howards Storage World Great for organisers, hangers and racks. Fanuli Modular storage systems in a wide range of finishes.

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Produced by Kate Nixon.

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1 Linen pocket blazer, $299, Country Road. 2 Rovan lacquerware vase, $129, Temple & Webster. 3 Portofino KPF9OR wall-mounted rangehood, $2990, Smeg. 4 Turn On table lamp, $280, Hay. 5 Tann toothbrush, $15, Hay. 6 Bose ‘SoundLink’ micro bluetooth speaker, $145, Harvey Norman. 7 Lixhult powdercoated-steel cabinet, $35, Ikea. 8 Bend Goods ‘Lucy’ powdercoated-iron stacking chair, $649, Ownworld. 9 Namaste melamine trays, $240/set of three, Space. 10 Have You Met Miss Jones ‘Groove’ ceramic plant pot (13cm), $26, Jones & Co. 11 Pascal velvet European pillowcase, $159, Sage x Clare. 12 Pilastro thermoplastic technopolymer stool, $545, Space. 13 Summer Melon recycled-polyester outdoor fabric, $125/m, No Chintz. 14 Have You Met Miss Jones ‘Framework’ ceramic vase in White Arezzo (17cm), $70, Jones & Co. 15 Wall painted I.D. Advanced

in Red Ochre, $71.90/4L, Wattyl. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #

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Homewares to help you get away from it all without leaving the house. 1 Palm iron chandelier, $1199, Alfresco Emporium. 2 Everly abaca pendant light, $4265, Boyd Blue. 3 Barbados wallpaper, about $288/9m roll, Jane Clayton & Company. 4 Kelly Wearstler ‘Miramar’ bronze table lamp, about $1505, Visual Comfort & Co. 5 Seychelles rattan screen, $625, Interiors Online. 6 Rattan planter, $175, Raja Homewares. 7 Sika Design ‘Charlottenborg’ rattan chair, $1645, Domo. 8 Brass bottle opener, $59, Frankie+Coco. 9 Horizon mangowood entertainment unit, $1299, Oz Design Furniture. 10 Have You Met Miss Jones ‘Bermuda Palm’ terracotta plant pot (25cm), $132, Jones & Co. 11 Woodside queen-size canopy bed, $16,400, Boyd Blue. 12 Palm brass candleholder, $69.95, Alfresco Emporium. 13 Pacific bamboo lantern, $99.95, Papaya. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #

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Produced by Kate Nixon. Currency conversions correct at time of writing.

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Styling by Sophie Wilson. Photography Kristina Soljo. Flowers by Poho Flowers.

LIT TLE THINGS THAT MAKE LIFE L OVELIER

Shoppi ng

Merricks ‘Oval Shelf’ iron console with mangowood shelves, $1790, Globe West. TOP SHELF From left Coco wooden bowl, $59.95, Pillow Talk. Rock resin bowl, $180, Dinosaur Designs. MIDDLE SHELF From left Kristina Dam Studio wooden lidded bowl, $269, Designstuff. Aalto blown-glass vase, $249, Iittala. BOTTOM SHELF Pompeii Compote ceramic basket, $199, Provincial Home Living. ON BENCH Linen napkins (in basket), $40/four, In Bed. Seagrass basket, $10, Kmart. Portsea cotton throw, $90, Adairs. ON WALLS From left Paper Bark art print $472 (framed), Urban Road. Orion 2-light brass wall light, $129, Beacon Lighting. Muuto ‘The Dots’ ash wall hooks, $32 each, Designstuff. Interno paint in Salt Wattle (left) and Old Moss, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. ON FLOOR Sahara jute entrance mat (60x100cm), $180, Armadillo & Co.


SHELF HELP

Beautifully arranged shelves turn simple storage into a display.

Calais indoor wall light, $149, About Space. Light oak wall shelves (70cm), $169 each, RJ Living. TOP SHELF Globe red-wine glasses, $99.95/pair, Wedgwood. Poly-cotton hand towels in Crema, Sand and Olive (from top), $34.95 each, Købn. MIDDLE SHELF From left Modern Tribal side plates, $65 each, Dinosaur Designs. Paper Series porcelain entree plates by Hayden Youlley, $40 each, Elph Store. Wingnut & Co stoneware mugs, $40 each, In Bed. Muuto ‘Push’ stoneware coffee maker, $179, Arrival Hall. BOTTOM SHELF From left Linen napkin in Cool Grey, $40/four, In Bed. Gourmet Traveller ‘Signature’ stoneware cake plate, $109, Domayne. Rock resin coasters, $45 each, Dinosaur Designs. Kali stoneware dinner plates in Natural and in Dove, $79.95/four, Aura Home. Wall painted Interno in Oaten, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. OPPOSITE Diamond Clad western-hemlock cladding, $199/m², Cedar Sales. Cladding painted Wattyl Creamy Coffee. Flex Storage oak floating shelves (90x24cm), $34.30 each, Bunnings. Wall painted Interno in Old Moss, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. TOP SHELF From left Lumio table lamp, $320, Jardan. Vivica suarwood low bowl, $109.90, MRD Home. BOTTOM SHELF From left Skipping Stone resin vase, $105, Dinosaur Designs. Faux-leather desk tray in Mist Grey, $92.95, The Daily Edited. Copper tin, $40, Lightly. ON DESK From left Ghost Wares stoneware mug, $45, and teapot, $138, both Elph Store. Bouquet blown-glass vases, $145 (27cm) and $165 (42cm), Jardan. Smith LED table lamp with USB port, $189, Beacon Lighting. FOREGROUND Mimi dining chair, $565, Globe West. Ferm Living ‘Herman’ canvas magazine stand, $155, Arrival Hall. >

Stylist’s assistant Nonci Nyoni.

STY LI N G Sophie Wilson P H OTOG RA PHY Kristina Soljo FLOWER S Poho Flowers


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Use curvy, organic elements to offset the lines created by shelving. Dome recycled-paper pendant lights, $249 each, Greenhouse Interiors. Side Table laminate wall shelves with suede straps, $190 each, H&G Designs.

TOP SHELF Kristina Dam Studio Sphere wooden lidded bowl, $269, Designstuff. Home Republic ‘Wild Animals’ ceramic giraffe ornament, $25, Adairs. BOTTOM SHELF Radial brass clock, $75, DesignByThem. Shell resin vases, $95 each, Dinosaur Designs. ON BENCH From left Pompeii ceramic vase,

$89.95, Provincial Home Living. TDE Mini leather backpack, $139.95, The Daily Edited. Wave ceramic vase by Natalie Rosin, $280, Jardan. Louison Model 1 ceramic vase, $62, Trit House. Salla noughts and crosses set, $40, Papaya. Bobby stools, $515 each, DesignByThem. Wall painted Interno in Salt Wattle, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. OPPOSITE Flexi Storage floating shelves (120x240cm), $41.50 each, Bunnings. TOP SHELF From left Hanging Vine faux plant, $24.95, Pillow Talk. Home Republic ‘Sussex’ ceramic pot, $60, Adairs. Dante etched-brass platters, $59 (small) and $99 (medium), and Monte ceramic pot, $19.95, all Papaya. MIDDLE SHELF From left Viento Double glass bowl, $49.95 (includes base bowl, not shown), Papaya. Menu ‘JWDA’ concrete and brass table lamp, $445, Arrival Hall. Rara Studio stoneware vase with handles, $110, Elph Store. Malmo ceramic bowl, $19.95, Papaya. BOTTOM SHELF From left Moscow glass bottle-stop vase, $54, Domayne. HK Living glass vases, $29 (small) and $49 (medium), RJ Living. Bolia ‘Pillola’ brass box, $45, Arrival Hall. ON WALL Palm Bird Motif 3 print, $265 (unframed), Greenhouse Interiors. Bare Bamboo light shade, $249, MRD Home. Interno paint in Moss (left) and Oaten, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. ON FLOOR From left Cicely seagrass round baskets, $139.95 each, and Cicely tall basket, $49.95, all Papaya. Raw silk throw, $200, In Bed. Braid wool-viscose rug in Chalk (1.82m diameter), Armadillo & Co. Pompeii ceramic bowl, $99.95, Provincial Home Living. Paloma Curve concrete stool, $405, Globe West. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #


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1 Canteen washable-paper lunch bag, $69, Uashmama; www.uashmama.com.au. 2 Fabelab ‘Sleepy Sheep’ cotton lunch bag, $26.95, Leo & Bella; leoandbella.com.au. 3 Nordic Fusion ‘Food’ plastic lunchbox, $36, Hardtofind; www.hardtofind.com.au. 4 Hungry Max stainless-steel lunchbox, $49.95, Cheeki; cheeki.net.au. 5 Ladelle ‘Tempa’ canvas insulated lunchbox bag, $49.95, House; www.house.com.au. 6 Crabby polyester-nylon insulated lunch bag, $34.95, Sunnylife; www.sunnylife.com.au. 7 Personalised Mini Bento plastic lunchbox, $34.95, Stuck On You; www.stuckonyou.com.au. 8 We Might Be Tiny ‘Bear Snackie’ silicone snack box, $35, Designstuff; www.designstuff.com.au. 9 Bamboo-fibre double lunchbox set with silicone band, $20, Target; www.target.com.au. #

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Produced by Sophie Wilson.

L U N C H B OX E S



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QU I LT C OVE R S FROM TOP Queen-size French linen

Produced by Sophie Wilson. Photograph by Nic Gossage.

quilt cover in Olive Stripes, $240, Carlotta+Gee; www.carlottaandgee. com. Queen-size linen quilt cover in Rosewood, $295, In Bed; inbedstore. com. Queen-size linen quilt cover in Blush, $295, Cultiver; cultiver.com. Antwerp queen-size linen quilt cover in White/Charcoal, $279.95, Provincial Home Living; www. provincialhomeliving.com.au. Palais Lux queen-size cotton quilt cover in Mercury, $629.95, Sheridan; www. sheridan.com.au. Cross Pleat queen-size cotton quilt cover, $189 (includes two pillowcases), Freedom; www.freedom.com.au. Hayfolk queen-size linen quilt cover, $319, Sage x Clare; sageandclare.com. Queen-size French linen quilt cover in Natural Thick Stripes, $330, I Love Linen; www.ilovelinen.com.au. Maison Vintage queen-size linen quilt cover, $229, Aura Home; wwww.aurahome.com.au. #

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S H OW E R S

Fittings that combine performance and water-efficiency will help you start the day with a smile, writes Georgia Madden.

Room designed by GIA Bathrooms and Kitchens. Photograph by Martina Gemmola/bauersyndication.com.au.

Buyer’s guide


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oday’s showers are smarter, betterlooking and more powerful than ever – all while offering impressive water efficiency. It’s all about the experience, says Andy Grigor, group head of design and innovation at Methven. No matter what style or size bathroom, there’sashowerforyou.Therearehandheld showers that allow you to wash the kids or dog with ease; streamlined rail showers; twin showers (hand and wall-mounted showers in the one unit); standard overhead models; and thermostatic showers that give you control over spray pattern, water flow and temperature at the touch of a button. Prices vary according to the model, finish and features you choose. “You can pay from $29 to $2900,” says Daniela Santilli, marketing leader at Reece. “Flush-mounted ceiling showers with no visiblearmsorbracketsareidealforcreating a sleek, minimalist look in your bathroom,” says Maria Roussos, interior designer and owner of Schemes & Spaces. “If practicality

evolved to make better use of water, which means we’re able to create an amazing experience at nine litres per minute that feels like 22 litres per minute,” says Grigor. Showerheads that incorporate air technology are the ones to look for, says René London, national sales manager at Bathe. “These draw air into the showerhead and mix it with water to create a fuller and more luxurious shower.” While chrome continues to be a popular finish,it’sfarfromtheonlyoption.“Showers in brushed nickel, aged brass, bronze and gunmetal are all guaranteed to make a statement,”saysRoussos.“We’realsoseeing marbledetailsonmixersthatcancoordinate with feature tiles for real wow factor.” Shape-wise,soft,squareandorganiclines are trending, says Santilli. But looks aren’t the only consideration, says Grigor. “Shape dictates the spray geometrics and water coverage. Round showerheads typically provide even and balanced spray coverage. If you prefer more spray across the back

STYLE FILE

Showers come in various configurations to suit different bathroom and user styles, says Daniela Santilli, marketing leader at Reece. These include: Rail shower The showerhead slides up and down a wallmounted rail, making it ideal for users of different heights. Overhead shower A showerhead on an arm that extends from the ceiling or wall; creates a gentle rain-like experience. Twin shower Combines a hand shower on a rail with an overhead shower. Ceiling-mounted Sits flush to the ceiling, creating a minimalist look. Delivers a drenching shower. All-directional shower Fully adjustable, wall-mounted shower. Hand shower A wall-mounted rail with detachable showerhead. Great for showering kids, washing the dog and cleaning. Thermostatic The unit controls temperature and water flow, with buttons to set your preferences.

“ S H O W E R I N G I S A L L A B O U T T H E E X P E R I E N C E . N E W T E C H N O L O GY M A K E S B E T T E R U S E O F L E S S WAT E R .” A N D Y G R I G O R , M E T H V E N

isapriority,optforanadjustablerailshower – it can be set to different heights, and it’s greatforcleaningtheshowerenclosure.”For flexibility,youcan’tbeatatwinshower,says Christina Karas, operations and marketing coordinator at Harvey Norman Bathroom & Tiles.“They’reourmostpopularstyleasthey giveyouanoverheadrain-showerfeelaswell as a handheld shower for those times when you don’t want to wet your hair.” “Showers in 2020 are all about personalisation and technology,” adds Santilli. “Customisation continues to be a trend, with Australians wanting more control over their showering experience.” Adjustable showerhead controls allow you to choose a gentle rain shower or massage spray, a focused jet to ease tired muscles, or a cascading waterfall effect. Andyounolongerhavetochoosebetween waterefficiencyandapowerful,invigorating shower. “Shower technologies have

and shoulders, it’s worth considering a rectangular model, which has a wider spray pattern.” Bigger isn’t necessarily better: large showerheads spread the spray wider so it feels lighter and more rain-like on the body. Quality varies, so be sure to ask a few questions prior to purchasing. “Find out what the shower’s internals are made from – ceramic and brass are far superior to plastic,” says Nicole Body, product manager at Rogerseller. “Also determine how the product is finished – powdercoat, PVD or electroplate. PVD is great because it won’t scratch or fade. Spray force is another important factor, so ask to see the shower inaction.”Anddon’tforgettheall-important touch test, adds Grigor. “Picking up the product and feeling it in your hands gives an indication of the quality.” Now, the biggest challenge will be managing the queue for a morning shower. >

WATER WISE

Showers are labelled with a WELS star rating to assist in comparing water efficiency. Stars range from zero to three, with more stars equating to better water efficiency. From 2020, the rating will extend to four stars. A two-star shower consumes more than nine litres per minute but less than 12 litres. A three-star style consumes between 7.5 litres and 9 litres per minute. It pays to buy a model with a higher star rating, says Nick Wright, engineering manager at Kohler Australia and New Zealand. “For every litre per minute difference in the average rate of flow of a showerhead, a family of four will save 12 kilolitres (kL) of water and about $35 per year, based on an eight-minute shower per day.” For more information on WELS, go to www.waterrating.gov.au.

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Rail showers

AQUAS X TURBO, $549

A sleek design made from brass and ABS components with a brushed-nickel finish. It offers three spray functions (massage, jet and rain spray) and has an impressive four-star WELS rating (7.5L/min).

Twin showers

ENVY II, $720

This European design is made from polished chrome-plated brass and the handpiece offers three different spray patterns. Both showers have a three-star WELS rating (handpiece 7L/min and showerhead 9L/min).

Bathe; www.bathe.net.au.

Parisi; www.parisi.com.au.

ECCO AQUASOFT+, $430 This 105mm showerhead on a 500mm rail features innovative technology that provides a gentle yet invigorating spray. It has a polished-chrome finish, integrated soap dish and a three-star WELS rating (6L/min).

GARETH ASHTON ‘CURVE’, $710

Caroma; www.caroma.com.au.

With its graceful curves, this twin shower will suit both classic and contemporary bathrooms. It’s made from brass with a chrome finish and has a three-star WELS rating (7.5L/min). The overhead rail shower measures 1180mm. Abey; www.abey.com.au.

PEGASI 30623 SLIDE SHOWER, $420

MIZU DRIFT TWIN WATER RAIL, $1086

Faucet Strommen; www. faucetstrommen.com.au.

Reece; www.reece.com.au.

DORF ILLUSION, $245

SIGNATURE SHOWER SET, $1638

An Australian-made design with a brass body and chrome finish (20 alternative finishes also available), three-function spray showerhead, and a rail that incorporates the water supply. Three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

Add a luxe touch to your bathroom with this brass and ABS set with a brushed-gold finish. The overhead rail measures 1060mm. The handheld shower offers three different spray functions. Three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

This versatile design offers push-button height adjustment, three spray functions and an integrated shelf for soap. The chrome rail measures 632mm. Three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

Manufactured in Australia, this classic design is made from brass with a polished-chrome finish. Features a 150mm shower rose and a three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

Harvey Norman; www. harveynorman.com.au.

Astra Walker; www.astrawalker. com.au.


SHOPPING H G Hand showers

Overheads CAROMA ‘ELVIRE’, $599

MIZU BLOC, $635

Harvey Norman; www. harveynorman.com.au.

Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au.

If you want to make a statement, this pared-back design, made from brass with a gunmetal finish, will do the trick. The handshower measures 200mm and it has a three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

METHVEN ‘AIO AURAJET’, $587

Featuring a unique halo-shaped showerhead, this model is a real eye-catcher. It’s made from eco brass and ABS, and delivers a full-bodied spray and maximum body contact. Three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

For a minimalist look, consider this 250x250mm design that sits flush with the ceiling. It has a rain-spray function to give you an indulgent showering experience. Made from brass with a three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

VILLEROY & BOCH ‘ARCHITECTURA’, $670

This 400mm round showerhead in polished, marine-grade stainless steel delivers broad, powerful water coverage for a satisfying experience. It has a three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

Reece; www.reece.com.au.

Argent; www.argentaust.com.au

CIRCA SHOWER MIXER, $1540.45

An elegant design with a 200mm-long showerhead made from recycled brass with a luxe gold finish. Other colours and finishes, including a ‘living finish’ that patinates over time, are available. Three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

D’LUCCI ‘SENSOR SWITCH’, $178 Luxury for less: this 220x220mm overhead model gives you an indulgent rain-shower experience at a bargain price. It’s made from ABS and stainless steel, has a temperature and shower-time display, and a three-star WELS rating (9L/min).

Sussex Taps; sussextaps.com.au.

Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au.

ORLI HAND SHOWER WITH HYDROSENSE, $352

RAINCAN, $547

This model’s 103x103mm showerhead accelerates water flow tenfold for better coverage and performance in low-pressure environments. It’s made from brass and ABS and has a three-star WELS rating (8L/min). Phoenix Tapware; www. phoenixtapware.com.au.

This sleek, contemporary design measures a generous 250x250mm for a luxurious experience. Featuring a polishedchrome finish, it can be ceiling or wall-mounted. It uses special spray technology to give you a rain-shower feel with minimal water consumption. Three-star WELS rating (9L/min). Kohler; www.kohler.com.au. #

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H G GREAT HOUSE, GREAT CAR

Driver’s S E A T

Motoring expert and WhichCar presenter Elise Elliott visits classic-car lover Jen Eagles in her equally magnificent Melbourne home. P H OTOG R A P HY Tim O’Connor

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The home’s L-shaped pool with striped tiling was designed by Glenn Eagles. Thick hedging creates privacy and a feature mirror adds depth. OPPOSITE Jen Eagles with her pride and joy, a vintage MercedesBenz 280SL in Horizon Blue.


H G GREAT HOUSE, GREAT CAR

LEFT WhichCar presenter Elise Elliot (left) and Jen. LIVING ROOM Opposite,

top left and bottom Mila the golden retriever-cocker spaniel relaxes on a sumptuous rug from Tsar Carpets. Marble cube by David Hicks. Velvet modular sofa, James Said. The kitchen includes an Lacanche cooker in Jen’s favourite hue.

Is there a story behind the purchase of the car? The Mercedes-Benz 280SL has always appealed to me. On my 40th birthday I met Glenn for a drink at the Park Hyatt. A Horizon Blue Pagoda glided up the long driveway and I squealed at my husband: “Oh my God, isn’t that the most gorgeous car! It’s the one I’ve always wanted!” The car stopped, the concierge stepped out and handed me the keys. Glenn said “It’s yours.It’syourbirthday present.” I thought he was joking!

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he first thing that strikes you about Jen Eagles is her eyes; they’re an arresting Tiffany Blue. Fitting, then, that this mum and former model owns a vintage Mercedes-Benz in a matching hue. Jen’s 1970 280SL Pagoda is an automotive icon – all classic lines and head-turning elegance. Jen’s home – which she shares with her property developer husband, Glenn, their two teenage boys and Mila, the family’s beloved golden retriever-cocker spaniel – is likewise a showstopper. The grand house, located in a sought-after suburb in Melbourne,wasdesignedbylocalarchitect Nicholas Day; inside, the timeless interior carries the signature of the couple’s favourite designer, David Hicks.

But as beautiful as the home is, Jen says her favourite room is the spacious garage that houses her prized possession: that marvellous Mercedes. Have you always appreciated handsome cars and houses? My father has alwaysbeen car-mad. As the eldestoffivedaughters,Ididn’thavemuch choice when it came to automotive stuff. Dadtaughtmehowtochangetheoil,water, and even the tyres, which is fortunate because my first car was a 1970 Hillman Hunter that always broke down. Myhouseappreciationdevelopedalittle later, around the time I met my husband (22 years ago!). I was in real estate back then and sold one of Glenn’s properties.

Do you let anyone else drive it? No! When I first received the car 10 years ago it was in good condition but had only been partially restored. I drove it everywhere—tothesupermarket,toschool dropoff.Ilovedittodeath.Nowithasbeen fully restored to concours [exhibition] condition, it’s even more precious. This car has won awards and has actually appreciated in value, which is wonderful. What does the car feel like to drive? It’s so glamorous and romantic. It makes mefeellikeI’minanoldHollywoodmovie, especially when taking it out on country roads.It’slikedrivingacomfortableleather chair – beautiful and smooth to ride in. Do you receive much attention at the traffic lights? Yes! Usually from older people who feel a bit nostalgic about vintage cars. >


“Blue is absolutely my favourite colour. It’s cool, classy and elegant.”

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GLENN’S DEN Soothing views

to the lush garden create a hotel feel. The original railway clock was bought from David Bromley. BATH A Kartell ‘Bloom’ suspension light and Kelly Hoppen bath from Apaiser makes ‘me time’ feel extra special. DINING An antique portrait of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta presides over the feasting in this sumptuous space. OPPOSITE “I don’t let anyone drive my car,” says Jen.


GREAT HOUSE, GREAT CAR H G

For Where to Buy, see page 192.

“It feels like a comfortable leather lounge chair – beautiful and smooth to ride in.” Do you have a favourite drive? Given the 280SL’s value, my favourite drive is simply to Sunday breakfast where I can keep an eye on it. It receives a great deal of attention when it’s parked. People want to sit on it and take photos with it, so I have to be careful.

Who inspires you? For interiors, I adore Bethany James from James Said; the plush-velvet furniture she designs is just divine. My personal inspiration would have to be Cameron Diaz – she is beautiful, stylish and fun, yet a total dag all at the same time.

Is there another car on your wish list? I’d stick with a vintage Mercedes but I would probably go back to an earlier model, perhaps the 190SL. It’s not as nice to drive but it looks a bit sportier.

What are your go-to pieces when decorating? Without a doubt, my favourite object inourhomeisthefloatinglightinstallation in our entrance (right). It’s made from Murano glass by Adam de Guara of Glowing Structures. It reminds me of a waterfall. I also love our rug from Tsar Carpets (previous page), which has followed us from house to house. It is in my favourite colour, blue. It’s cool, classy and elegant, and a real talking point for visitors. #

Does your appreciation for classic design extend to art, furniture and fashion? I am an appreciator of clean lines, natural light and simple styling. I don’t like busy rooms or fussy clothes.

THE KNOWLEDGE > VINTAGE STAR Model: 280SL Pagoda coupe Year: 1970 Engine: 6 cylinder, 2.8L petrol, automatic Price: about $150,000-$200,000 > MODERN CLASSIC Model: SL500 convertible Year: 2019 Engine: V8, 4.7L petrol, 9-speed automatic Price: From $286,342 If you’re in the market for a new car, WhichCar is a one-stop shop for motoring news and expert reviews. WhichCar TV starts January 26 on Network 10. whichcar.com.au

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Architect: Scale Architecture

If you desire style, build it with Austral Bricks.

www.australbricks.com.au


In sider

Meet the makers

Photograph by Kristina Soljo.

S O WAT T S T U D I O

BRIGHT SPARKS

Sophie Bain and Jonathan Biet design and make bespoke furniture in their Marrickville, Sydney, studio. Beginning with a ‘buy once’ ethos, this talented pair use local, reusable, recycled and low-emission materials to produce fabulous pieces that you’ll love now and forever. >

INDUSTRY NEWS + PEOPLE + DESIGNS WE LOVE


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Inspired by desert landscapes, the handwoven Etnico #1181 rug, $1540 (175x221cm), brings an earthy elegance to living spaces. pampa.com.au

< While working at a commercial

furniture company, Sophie witnessed a lot of frustrated interior designers and architects trying to convey their vision to joiners who were not interested in creative designs or unusual materials. This seed of an idea grew into So Watt, which began with handmade and handpainted lighting. “The name came about when Jono’s dad spotted a barbershop in Tonga called So Watt; we thought it was great for a lighting business,” says Sophie. “We wanted to support the creativity of designers by advising on best manufacture techniques and materials to achieve the desired outcome for the budget, something we are able to support with detailed CAD work and an open-door policy for client visits to the workshop.” So Watt’s Rover Team Table was recently awarded a German Design Award for Excellent Product Design – Office Furniture. “Rover is a simple trestle-style desk that allows multiple tech inputs, supporting collaboration in the workplace. It’s our first award and we were so proud to be the only Australian studio in the category.” sowatt.com.au 76 |

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If you’re seeking a special touch for your interior, make a beeline for the new Greg Natale Flagshop Store in Sydney. You’ll find Greg’s signature textiles plus accessories for every room. www.gregnatale.com

Clean lines and natural materials take centrestage in La Maison’s ‘Hampton’ collection. We love this teak dining table, which is available in three sizes. From $1599;; lamaison.net.au.

T E A MI NG TI M BE R W I TH C E RA M I C , TH E UND E R STATE D T E R R A 0 0 C E IL I NG LIGHT BY MA RZ D ESIG N S I S A T E XTU RA L TR I U MP H . $ 8 55; CATA P U LTD E S I GN . N E T. AU.

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Stopping over in Sydney? Relax and refresh at Citadines Connect Sydney Airport. The hotel’s chic interiors are inspired by the golden age of air travel. citadines.com

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Landscape designer Adam Robinson has created a range of indoor/ outdoor pots for Zakkia. Embers bowl planter in Ash, from $70 (20cm). zakkia.com.au


AUS T R A L I A N S T ORY W Y N S TA N S EC U R I T Y D O O R S A N D ST Y L I S H W I N D OW T R E AT M E N TS W E R E J U ST T H E B EG I N N I N G F O R T H I S FA M I LY B U S I N E S S .

Styling by Sarah Maloney (room). Photograph by Will Horner (room). Artwork by Sarah Kalidis.

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ne of this country’s great small-business success stories began in 1968, when Charles Turner acquired a small Sydney firm that sold burglar alarms and safes. Charles saw a gap in this security market: preventing burglars from entering homes in the first place. With the help of his son Bruce, Charles designed and made Australia’s first security door, the BEV. It was a huge success. Next, they added window treatments to the product lineup; these remain top-sellers, along with awnings and shutters. Today, there are 28 Wynstan showrooms across NSW, Victoria and the US, with more than 450 employees and contractors. “Our security doors are very popular there,” says Bruce, now the company’s managing director. All Wynstan products are still produced in Sydney and the firm continues to be a world leader in security doors. And the signature pink livery? Inspired by a fleet of hot-pink cement trucks regularly seen around Sydney, Bruce decided that the vibrant, fun shade would become Wynstan’s hallmark too, supported by the company mascot of a warm, gregarious salesman. Bruce’s children Rebecca, Andrew and Iain are the third generation of Turners to work for Wynstan, which, 51 years after its inception, is still family owned. The trio’s mother, Margaret, sadly passed away from ovarian cancer in 1994; Wynstan has since been a devoted sponsor of Ovarian Cancer Australia, donating more than $100,000 to the cause in 2019. wynstan.com.au # February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; ovariancancer.net.au

Wynstan is a firm believer in supporting Australians and the local economy.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP

Wynstan’s Fairfield showroom in the 1990s. Roller blind in Magnolia fabric. Andrew, Rebecca, Bruce and Iain Turner (from left). Bruce and his wife Bihue. Woodlands Silver Birch fabric for vertical blinds (background).



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Design moment

D UA L I T

Photograph courtesy of Dualit.

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The greatest invention since sliced bread is perhaps the machine that toasts it just so, writes Chris Pearson.

ermany-born Max Gort-Barten was a serial inventor. In the 1940s, he bought a factory in Camberwell, London, to manufacture contraptions that included a cocktail shaker, custard mixer and an equally useful machine that topped and tailed onions. He then devised the Dual Light heater, so named as it deflected heat to two parts of the room at once. The product fizzled, but the name proved so catchy that Gort-Barten shortened it to Dualit and mounted it above his factory door. In 1952, he unveiled a six-slice toaster for the catering industry. In cast aluminium and stainless steel, it boasted a built-in timer but, unlike its rivals, it didn’t pop up the bread when finished, instead keeping it warm until the user manually raised the toast with a lever. Above all, the toaster’s deconstructed design was a triumph of form following function: a plain metal body, complete with exposed screws for easy repairs, sturdy elements and cooling slots for heavy use. But its moment in the morning sun came when the UK government, with an eye on promoting exports, introduced industrial development grants. Keen for a slice of the action, Dualit hired Dale Bevington in the 1980s to reshape the bodies – and he cooked up the loaf shape we know today. With sensuous Art Deco-style curves in gleaming metal and cooling slots and screws in full view, it resembled an

Airstream caravan, its whirring timer adding to its utilitarian charm. Overseas demand, coupled with the trend for commercial appliances in the home, saw sales quadruple virtually overnight. Yuppies snapped up the retro-industrial look and every self-respecting loft conversion had one. It became the toast of the town, synonymous with the company itself. Meanwhile, Dualit launched variations such as the Combi toaster and a sandwich cage, sandwich toasters and a bun option. In 1999, drawing on Space Shuttle technology, it introduced indestructible ProHeat elements. The company has also released a matching Classic kettle, and diversified into coffee machines. The Classic toasters come in two-, three-, four- and six-slot options in myriad colours. Energy-saving settings boost their green credentials, as does their repairability – unlike today’s use-and-dispose toasters, every part can be replaced and they are a breeze to dismantle. With prices for domestic models starting from about $380 and soaring north of $500, the Classic isn’t cheap, but the company

stresses its robust quality, with each worker stamping the legend “Hand built in Great Britain by [insert name here]” on the base. “It’s got a click and a clunk, big buttons, large writing, all those endless little details that personify what we believe a toaster should be,” sums up Max’s grandson, Dualit director Alex Gort-Barten.

WHAT IT MEANS TO US Some two million toil in kitchens around the world, and, as proof of their desirability, the Dualit toaster features prominently on wedding-gift lists. The company produces about 2000 toasters a week, sold in 54 countries. Classic toasters are available in 28 colours but, according to local distributor JR Classic Trends, the polished stainless-steel versions are the most popular “by far”. Meanwhile, Dualit CEO, Max’s son, Leslie, and Leslie’s son Alex have inherited Max’s inventing gene. Leslie says he comes up with his best ideas in the bath. Alex says: “I just like figuring out why and how things work”. #

From the flip-sided toaster patented in 1946 to the sleek four-slice model we know today, Dualit is the champion of the breakfast table.

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Less is more

Few would argue there’s too much plastic in our lives. But how to cut down? Molly Furzer has made a conscious effort to reduce its presence. Here’s what she’s learnt so far.

The Joni jute bag from The Dharma Door, $89, presents a stylish way to go plastic-free. It’s handmade and Fair Trade too. thedharmadoor.com.au

Photograph by Jessie Prince.

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an you detect a change in the air? It maybetheconstantbarrageofbad/ sad news about the environment or thehopegeneratedbyGretaThunbergand her campaigning, but I sense a significant shift in the public mood and a growing willingnessamongAustralians to do more to take climate action. For many, the most accessible and immediate way to take individual action istoaddressthewastegeneratedbysimply going about our daily lives – and plastic, with its petrochemical origins, feels like the obvious place to start. Nearly three yearsago,Ibeganeliminatingthosethings that create unnecessary waste and negatively impact the Earth from my life. For me, that meant saying no to plastic. The first decisions I made were in the kitchen.Istoppedbuyingplasticwrapand freezer bags and found better alternatives – reusable beeswax food wraps and glass containers and jars all work well. Instead of disposable kitchen sponges, I invested in eco-friendly cloths that can be washed and reused multiple times. I also bought a pot scrubber made from hardy coconut fibres that will biodegrade in the compost once it reaches the end of its usefulness. For the bathroom, I order bamboo toilet paperinbulk(sansplasticwrap)fromWho Gives A Crap, a company that partners with


INSIDER H G

non-profits to improve sanitation in developing countries. I began using bamboo toothbrushes too; you simply snap off the head, made from BPA-free plastic bristles, once they’re spent and bin them while composting the bamboo handles. Swapping plastic-wrapped packs of tissues for handkerchiefs was a no-brainer for me. My only difficulty was that I couldn’t find hankies I liked. So I started making my own. This became a personal mission: Hanky Revolution (hankyrevolution.com) is my small business in which my love for trees and a zero-waste lifestyle are creatively expressed, with some tongue-incheek fun to get people using hankies again. And it’s working – my market stall proves to be a conversation starter everywhere I take it. After investing in a worm farm (thereby removing fruit and vegie scraps from the bin), my weekly garbage was looking pretty compact. But I knew I could do more. Soft-plastic packaging – any plastic that can be scrunched – is now deposited in the REDcycle bin at my local supermarket; my weekly garbage now fits in just half a bread bag. REDcycle accepts post-consumer soft plastics and turns them into outdoor furniture. It’s a fantastic service, but it’s better not to accumulate it in the first place. For inspiration, I jumped onto YouTube and watched videos by zero-waste luminary Bea Johnson, who explained that taking cloth bags and containers to a bulk food store can eliminate packaging. I found shopping this way was a little unsettling at first because prices by the kilo don’t always give you a sense of what something costs. My receipt, however, clearly showed the price is similar, if not more competitive, than buying packaged foods. Now I prefer shopping at my local bulk-food store: I can get everything from salt, tea and muesli to laundry and dishwasher powder. When it comes to fresh produce, our supermarkets still seem fixed on the idea of shrinkwrapping or bagging everything unnecessarily. Avoiding plastic is much easier at the local farmer’s market, which

has the freshest fruit and veg, much of it organic or pesticide-free. I use my Onya produce bags, which are made from recycled-plastic water bottles. When I know I’m going to be out and about, I have my KeepCup with me and I take my own bowl and cutlery to the food court. Or I choose to eat in restaurants rather than get takeaway in containers. Perhaps surprisingly, one of the hardest plastic items to avoid has been the drinking straw. It’s astonishing how many times one is automatically put in my drink at cafes and restaurants. Wonderfully, kids such as Molly Steer, an 11-year-old from Cairns, are busily addressing this problem. Her Straw No More campaign has helped more than 1200 schools worldwide to eliminate straws from their canteens. I also joined my nearest Boomerang Bags group (boomerangbags.org), where volunteers use donated fabrics to sew reusable shopping bags. We also have stalls at community events to educate the public on why plastic is harmful to the environment. Our group is particularly active in getting shops to ditch plastic and has had some great success locally. I often remind myself that my individual efforts (as small as they may seem) can and do make a real difference. And as a consumer, my power lies in what I will spend my money on and what I won’t. So I reward the businesses that are doing right by the

EASY WAYS TO DITCH PLASTIC

✚ Bring your own reusable cup. Some cafes even offer discounts for doing so – find participating cafes at responsiblecafes.org. ✚ Use tea leaves instead of tea bags – some tea bags contain plastic. Compost them when you’re done. Rather than using plastic ✚ cutlery, put together your own cutlery set, including a stainless-steel straw and chopsticks, for eating out. Get in the habit of ✚ remembering your reusable produce bags and shopping bags when you go shopping. Make your kitchen’s third ✚ drawer down a zero-waste zone with reusable food wraps, and cloth sandwich bags, bread bags and produce bags.

Step on the path called zero waste and see how you go. A day without plastic is not so different to the way our grandparents and great-grandparents lived. environment and avoid those that are not. As a result I have far less plastic in my life, much less waste to deal with, and a lighter footprint on the earth. It feels good! My parting advice? Step on the path called zero waste and see how you go. A day without plastic is not so different to the way our grandparents and greatgrandparents lived. My grandmother, a woman who always had a hanky tucked in # her sleeve, would be proud.

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RUMBA SHOWER NICHE $79

RUMBA BLACK WATERFALL BATH SPOUT $77.70 RESONANCE WALL TOP ASSEMBLY $73

RUMBA 1700MM FREESTANDING BATH $949

At Mondella, we make creating your new bathroom easier. Plan your project with the help of our online tips, choose your look from our helpful design collections and find out how affordable it can be to transform your bathroom. Visit our website to get started.


Photograph by Sue Stubbs.

INSPIRATION LIVES HERE

Hou se s

Fresh white and luxe yet robust materials combine in this family home, the epitome of coastal style. Turn the page to see more.


EXTERIOR The winding stairs give the family direct access to the beach. ENTRY Homeowner Crystal Redpath with her sons Rafferty and Hugo (seated), and Lady the cocker spaniel. The rug is from Nepal. Timber is a no no in this bushfire zone, so the front door is made from steel by Cityscape Steel. Framed photo of Rio de Janeiro by Crystal’s husband Oliver. Pavers, Barefoot Living.

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Home away from home

A lovingly renovated bush-meets-beach property in sydney captured the hearts of its owners, a well-travelled family of four. STO RY John McDonald | ST Y LI N G Steve Cordony | P H OTOG RA PH Y Sue Stubbs


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ou would never know this divine clifftop dwelling on Sydney’s Northern Beaches was once a quirky red-brick cottage. “It reminded us of a little gingerbread house,” says owner Crystal Redpath, who hails from Canada. Crystal and her husbandOliver,whoisoriginallyfromtheUK,movedtotheareafromPaddington, in the city’s east, in 2011. They thought it would be a temporary shift before relocating to the UK or US. “But you get used to the great lifestyle here and it’s really difficult to leave,” says Crystal. Especially now that the couple have two energetic boys, Hugo, seven, and Rafferty, six. “It’s a safe place for them to go wild,” adds Crystal, laughing. Previous owners had begun transforming the cottage, engaging local architect Ian Sercombe to update the appearance of the exterior; it now has a decidedly Hamptons vibe. Ian also designed a garage with a self-contained studio beneath – it’s perfect accommodation for the couple’s frequent overseas guests. Crystal and Oliver picked up the renovation reins, calling on interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones to really make the house a fabulous family home. According to Crystal, the house was liveable as it was, but they wanted an extension for extra space and a more modern style for the interior. Sally’s contribution – new layouts for the kitchen, bathrooms


houses H G and laundry, plus built-in joinery and all finishes – was quite involved, taking four months to perfect the plan. “The brief was to create a relaxed forever home, with well-resolved spaces using beautiful, interesting materials,” she says. “Crystal already had a lot of fantastic ideas, she just needed my help to refine and execute them.” The building phase took about 12 months from go to whoa, during which time the family lived in Hong Kong andNewYork.“Thedesignevolvedabitduringthebuild,”saysSally.“Crystalhaswonderful taste and would call me if she found something she wanted to use, such as the concrete benchtop in the boys’ bathroom, and we worked it in. The result is fantastic.” The front door opens into a foyer with kitchen/dining area to the right and living room to the left. A separate family room lies beyond the living zone; the laundry is at the end ofthehall.UpstairsareHugoandRafferty’ssharedbedroom,aguestroom,familybathroom and the luxurious main bedroom suite, which includes a generous ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and a balcony with harbour views. The lower-ground floor contains an additional living area, bathroom and a Pilates studio (Crystal is a Pilates instructor by trade) in what was formerly kayak storage. Finally, a new pool and deck were installed – another space for the family to enjoy plus a link between the guest quarters and the main house. >

LIVING Mia sofa and armchairs, The Wood Room.

Striped cushions, Smithmade. Velvet cushions, Manyara Home. Fire-resistant windows, Paarhammer Windows & Doors. Stoneware vessels, Planet. Custom mirror, Artform Collective. Coffee table, Coco Republic. Cadrys rug, MCM House. Artwork from Conley & Co.

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THIS IS THE LIFE

Crystal, Oliver and the boys travel to New York twice a year as Oliver and his brother co-own a recruitment business there. But it’s their beachside beauty in Sydney that they really call home. “The Northern Beaches is blessed with bush and beach in close proximity – everything a family could want,” says Crystal. Now that the renovations are complete, the last piece of the paradise puzzle is firmly in place.

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KITCHEN Right and below left The original

kitchen was rather awkward to use; reorganising the layout has vastly improved its convenience. Ilve appliances. Joinery by Captive Cabinet Making. Original BTC ‘Titan 3’ pendant lights, Dunlin. French-oak flooring, D&D Hardwood Flooring. Wall-side benchtops in Caesarstone Organic White. Island benchtop and splashback in Elba marble from Central Coast Granite. Mixer taps, The English Tapware Company. DINING Below right and

opposite Glass doors between the dining area and verandah retract fully, effectively doubling the living space. Dining table, Coco Republic. Dining chairs and Armadillo & Co rug, all Curious Grace.

Photograph of Sorrento Beach by Stewart Cantor. >


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MAIN BEDROOM Top, bottom left and opposite

The comfortable day bed, an existing feature, was retained. Bamboo sheets from Mulberry Threads. French linen bedding, Home on Darley. Cadrys rug, MCM House. Blinds, Tempo Interiors. Stool, Manyara Home. Wall lights, Nightworks Studio. Outdoor chairs (on balcony), Eco Outdoor. WARDROBE There’s a place for everything in this thoughtfully organised space. Joinery by Captive Cabinet Making. BATHROOM Crystal and Oliver wanted the bathrooms to have a luxury-hotel feel. Zellige natural clay tiles, Barefoot Living. Duomo Piccolo wall sconce, Nightworks Studio. Elba White marble tiles, SNB Stone. Custom trough sink by Concrete Studio. >


The layout

Garage

Studio Pool Entry

Bath

Pilates studio

Living Dining Bed

Bath Bed

Play room

Kitchen Laundry LOWER GROUND FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR

Bath

Wardrobe

Family

Bed

FIRST FLOOR

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“We used every single inch of space on the property.� Crystal, homeowner


The palette

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Dulux Natural White Half (throughout)

French oak (flooring)

HardiePlank Weatherboard (exterior)

BEACH The boys – and indeed the whole family – adore living so close to the water. Crystal used to kayak the boys to preschool. POOL AREA Designed by Formed Gardens, the pool area includes both a built-in sofa and movable seating in the form of outdoor chairs from Freedom. A glass pool fence keeps the kids safe without spoiling the view. For similar fire-resistant weatherboards, try HardiePlank fibre-cement weatherboards. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

Storage was high on the list of priorities, so Sally designed joinery for every room, tucking it into every useable space. As with any build, this project had its share of challenges. Raked ceilings, to tie in with the weatherboards outside, proved complicated to install due to the existing formwork and “quirky” shapes of some of the rooms. The bushland setting was also something of a challenge. “All of the windows and doors had to comply with bushfire ratings, which limited the choice of style and added to the overall cost,” says Sally. The family moved in properly around Easter 2019 and they haven’t looked back. Simply stated, this is a beautiful family home. “The renovation was a labour of love. We couldn’t possibly find anything as lovely elsewhere,” says Crystal. “The project took quite some time to complete but the effort was absolutely worth it.” # Rhys / Jones Interior Architecture, Mona Vale, NSW; 0402 847 255 or sallyrhysjones.com. Ian Sercombe Architect, Pacific Palms, NSW; 0425 233 331 or www.greenarchitect.com.au. Formed Gardens, Brookvale, NSW; (02) 8036 8580 or formedgardens.com.au. McArthur Building, Elanora Heights, NSW; 0412 655 937 or mcarthurbuilding.com.au.

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Grand central

Splendid vision transformed a tired 1880s terrace in Sydney into a glorious, glamorous and comfortable home. STO RY John McDonald | ST Y LI N G Stacey Kouros | P H OTO GR A PHY Anson Smart


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LIVING/DINING Italian

greyhounds Marco (left) and Mia enjoy the home as much as their owners do. Eden 1861 wallpaper mural, Papiers de Paris. Claude sofa from Arthur G upholstered in Instyle ‘Catalina’ leather. Tub chair, Mahogany by Hand, upholstered in Designers Guild ‘Torlonia’. Taylor coffee table, James Said. Chandelier, Chandeliers To Die For. Rock Face rug, Designer Rugs. Yamaha grand piano. For similar mirror, try 1stdibs. Barbera dining table, Catapult Design. Louis XVI dining chairs, Casa Mia.

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I

f walls could talk, this venerable 1880s terrace in Sydney’s inner west would have plenty to say. The story is ever-evolving, gaining layersofinterestasconsecutiveownersaddtoitsfabric.Itscurrent owners, Chris and Matthew, bought the three-storey property in 2010, renting it out until they saved enough to make it their own. “We loved the area and its beautiful old terraces,” says Chris. “We would often discuss how amazing it would be to own one.” While the structure was sound, it was clear the house needed a bit of TLC to restore its Victorian glory. Up until the couple’s purchase, the-then six-bedroom terrace had been used as a boarding house; as a result, the home had three kitchens, two laundries and more than enough bathrooms. The plan was to simplify the layout and replace a poorly planned extension at the rear with a fresher design accommodating the new kitchen, laundry and powder room with space for a courtyard. They engaged architect Daniel Boddam and interior designer Stacey Kouros for the project. Daniel took care of reworking the existing floor plan, the contemporary extension, while Stacey ably managed the interior makeover, from design and detailing to materiality, joinery, to lighting and furnishings.

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The brief was to create a grand, opulent interior, drawing inspiration from the architecture and the couple’s love of palatial Europeaninteriors.Itwasimportanttoalsointroducecontemporary elements throughout to prevent the home feeling like a museum, says Stacey. “Our references included royal palaces – Versailles, Madrid, and the Winter Palace of Prince Eugene in Vienna – as well as music videos by Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga that had plenty of visual drama.” “We had been planning the overall look and feel for our renovation for quite some time and were curious to see how it would unfold,” says Matthew. The front door opens to a hallway, featuring original tessallated tiles and an elegant chandelier, with separate but connected formal living and dining rooms to the left. Beyond is the new kitchen, powder room and a lovely new courtyard. The first floor contains the nursery, family bathroom, library/study and a family room. Prior to renovation, the second floor contained three bedrooms and two bathrooms; today, the whole level is a super-luxurious main bedroom suite, complete with ensuite and generous dressing room. A new rooftop terrace delivers 360° views of the city to the north and south to Botany Bay. >


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ENTRY HALL Stained glass and floor tiles, all original. Biedermeier

console, Cromwell. Marble bust, Becker Minty. Poillerat mirror, Theodore Alexander. EXTERIOR Owners Chris (left) and Matthew with their daughter and Italian greyhound Mia. Front garden designed by Wyer & Co, installed by Venation Landscapes.


DINING Barbera bronze dining table with marble top, Catapult Design. Louis XVI

dining chairs with custom craquele finish, Casa Mia. Niemeyer bowl, Greg Natale. KITCHEN Black cabinetry in Black Tulip veneer with brass inlay. White cabinetry in Tabu ‘Erable’ birdseye maple veneer, Briggs Veneers. Over-bench joinery with antiqued-mirror finish. For similar tapware, try Astra Walker. Benchtops in Nero Marquina marble (island) and Caesarstone Pure White. Hampton chandelier, Visual Comfort & Co. Custom stools Casa Mia. Artworks by Sharon Candy.


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Stacey’s approach was to keep the base palette relatively neutral to allow the ornamentation to shine. Lashings of white create an elegantbackdrop,whichislayeredwithcolourandpatterninfeature wallpaper, rugs/carpet and soft furnishings. Marble is used judiciously – on the benchtops and splashback in the kitchen, for the fire surrounds and on the dining table – which adds to the grandeur. Metallic accents, too, amp up the luxe. Featuring gilded furniture, antiqued mirror and brass inlays, lighting and tapware, every room is sumptuously decorated and detailed. Eachspacehasadifferentlookandfeel,butthedesigniscoherent and flows beautifully from one room to the next. The theatrical wallpapers – an Eden 1861 mural from Papiers de Paris in the living and dining rooms; Mary McDonald ‘Chinoise Palais’ in the family room;andEmersonhandpaintedsilkwallpaperinthemainbedroom – are a highlight. “When our daughter [now 17 months] was a baby, she was transfixed by the bold colours and patterns,” says Chris. Matthew and Chris admit that the wallpapers and custom joinery were something of a splurge, but consider these investments money well spent. “These pieces are crucial to the overall look and

feel – they set the tone of each space,” says Matthew. “We wouldn’t have the house we love without them!” The final stage of the project was refreshing the garden. “One of the things that drew us to the house was the grandness, formality and symmetry of the streetscape. We wanted to further enhance these features with new landscaping,” says Chris. Sought-after landscapearchitectsWyer&Codrewupaplanforthegarden,which wasbeautifullyexecutedbyMarcusTilbrookofVenationLandscapes. “The facade is the hero, but the garden complements it perfectly – exactly what we wanted,” Matthew adds. Renovation complete, the couple says they enjoy every moment in their fabulous abode. “We feel so proud that we have achieved our long-held dream. It’s glamorous yet ultra comfortable, with all the conveniences we could want for our family built in. We always look forward to coming home.” > Stacey Kouros Design, Surry Hills, NSW; 0407 071 061 or staceykourosdesign.com. Daniel Boddam Architecture & Interior Design, Bondi, NSW; (02) 9660 1144 or danielboddam.com.

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The palette Eden 1861 wallpaper mural (living/ dining) Poplar burl veneer (bathroom vanity)

Emerson silk wallpaper (main bedroom)

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FAMILY ROOM This page and opposite Chinois Palais wallpaper

by Mary McDonald, available from Schumacher. Bridget armchairs, Diane Bergeron for Arthur G. Vitya coffee table, Uttermost Australia. Armchairs upholstered in Batou fabric from Clarence House. Custom sofa, Colby Furniture. Custom rug by Stacey Kouros, Designer Rugs. Ponti antiqued-mirror sideboard, James Said. Trophy Shield chairs (flanking cabinet), Mahogany by Hand. Stacked alabaster table lamps, Visual Comfort & Co. Chandelier, Chandelierium. Artwork by Scott Petrie.


H G houses The layout Entry Family

Living

Bed

Dressing Dining

Study Bath

Kitchen

Bath

Courtyard FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

Bath

Laundry

Bed

Garage GROUND FLOOR

MAIN ENSUITE Tapware, all Astra Walker. Gloss white wall tiles and Carrara

marble floor tiles, Di Lorenzo Tiles. Niche lined in Blue Wave marble. Vanity in poplar burl veneer from Briggs Veneers. Carrara marble benchtop. Cheshire bath, Victoria+Albert. MAIN BEDROOM Opposite top left and bottom right Emerson handpainted silk wallpaper, Griffin & Wong. Bed, Bolier. Dresser stool, Cromwell. Pollock mirror, Arteriors. Rug by Stacey Kouros, Designer Rugs. DRESSING ROOM Opposite top right and bottom left Custom joinery in poplar burl veneer. Biggs stool, James Said. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

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THIS IS THE LIFE

Entertaining is a frequent activity at this home. “We might have a sit-down dinner in the dining room with cocktails by the piano or, if the party is larger, spread the festivities out from the formal rooms at the front of the house through the kitchen and into the courtyard at the rear,” says Chris. “Drinks on the roof terrace is a favourite summer activity. There’s nothing better than admiring the view and watching the sunset.” #


ROOM TO MOVE Designing this family-friendly ‘forever home’ in Geelong was a true passion project for its design-savvy owners. STO RY Stephanie Hope | ST Y L IN G SideProject Projects | P H OTO G RA PHY Shannon McGrath


HOUSES H G FAMILY ROOM Many of

the rooms in this home will evolve as the family grows. Milo modular sofa, Alby ottoman and Olba coffee table, Jardan. Metal side table, Globe West. Artwork by Jessie Breakwell. BACKYARD At just over 950m², the property has sufficient space for a pool, an expanse of lawn and landscaping.

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H G HOUSES

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A

s owners of Geelong-based building company Built by Wilson, Matt and Lauren Wilson understand and appreciate the importance of working with like-minded people – especially when it comes to your own home. The couple bought a charming three-bedroom Victorian dwelling on a large block of land in 2016, with plans of extending it to fit their growing brood. And they knew just the man to help them: architect Ben Robertson from Tecture, who they’d worked with on previous builds. “We have collaborated with Ben a few times, so we were familiar with each other’s work ethic and had developed a mutual respect,” says Matt. Ben adds, “Whenyouhaveclientswhoareunderstanddesign,craftsmanship and what makes for quality in fixtures and finishes, the process for us is much simpler and more efficient.” The beauty of designing their own home was that Matt and Lauren could tailor it to their needs, and they sent Ben to the drawing board with a clear brief. Room count topped the list – they needed five to sleep themselves and their four children – sons Teddy, nine, Henry, seven, and Jimmy, five, and daughterVivienne,three.Inaddition,“Wewantedahomethatfeltconnected internally and externally, an alfresco area we could use all year round and touches of colour, playfulness, warmth and texture,” says Lauren. This >

KITCHEN/DINING The kitchen features Eveneer timber-veneer cabinetry, stained to match the engineered-timber floorboards from Made by Storey. The curved island bench is topped with Volakis stone from Signorino. Custom dining table by Joel Elliott Furniture. Bay dining chairs, Jardan. The World is Your Oyster artwork by Jasmine Mansbridge. Prima Familia Totems sculptures by Marta Figueiredo, Figgoscope Curates. Buch stools, Great Dane. Flos pendant light, Euroluce.


being their dream home and all, a gym, pool and guesthouse joined the wish list, making full use of the generous 954m2 sloping block. Of course, no renovation comes without a few hiccups. Due to its age and location, the home had both heritage and flood overlays. Ben and his team suggested using the slope to their advantage. They began by demolishinganoldlean-toattherear,replacingitwitharecessedaddition thatstepsdownwiththeland.In this way, the home gained volume without impacting the street view. The existing layout wasn’t ideal, but nothing a bit of rejigging couldn’t fix. “Like many Victorian homes, the house turned its back on the rear yard with its placement of the service rooms (laundry, bathroom) at the back, and the living and dining rooms at the front,” says Ben. Satisfying heritage requirements, the original house was left intact. It now accommodates the main bedroom suite, guestroom and a study. Alongcorridorlinksthissectionwiththenewrearextensionandbackyard beyond, with two living spaces, dining and kitchen downstairs and three more bedrooms, family room and bathroom upstairs. “When you >

LIVING This page and opposite

bottom right Lauren, Jimmy (left)

and Teddy relax on the custom banquette by Banksia Lounges. Lewis armchairs, Jardan. Atlas rug, Armadillo & Co. Curtains, JVI Window Furnishings. A Real Flame fireplace is surrounded with the same Volakis stone used in the kitchen and bathrooms. Across the Field artwork, Miranda Skoczek. Memphis coffee tables, Jardan. Custom round coffee table made using leftover stone. ALFRESCO Lauren and Matt have achieved their wish of “a home that feels connected internally and externally”. Artworks (inside) by Melanie Macilwain. Trace outdoor setting, Tait. Cushion fabric, Catherine Martin.


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“ W E WA N T E D F I N I S H E S T H AT W E R E H A R D -W E A R I N G A N D E A SY TO M A I N TA I N .” Lauren Wilson, homeowner


The palette

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Dulux Natural White (joinery, doors, walls and trims)

Resene Envy (boys’ bedroom)

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Dulux Surfmist (facade)

DESK NOOK Vivienne sits

on a Dowel Jones ‘Hurdle’ low stool at a built-in desk into the lengthy corridor. BOYS’ BEDROOM Henry (top) and Teddy sprawl on their custom bunks, which are designed to sleep four. Jersey navy bedlinen, Jardan. MAIN BEDROOM Artwork by Anne-Sophie Tschiegg, Greenhouse Interiors. Lincoln bedhead, Heatherly Design. Caravaggio wall light, Cult. Muuto ‘Oslo’ bench, Living Edge. HALLWAY Every inch of space is well used, with storage cupboards lining both sides of the two-tone terrazzo-tiled hallway. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G HOUSES VIVIENNE’S BEDROOM Fritz Hansen armchair, Living

Edge. Rug, Kip & Co. Bedlinen, Castle. Paris Au Mois Daout pendant light, Hub Furniture. Artwork by Jessie Breakwell. STUDY Muuto ‘Fiber’ chair, Living Edge. Nemo wall lamp, Cult. Rug, Goose. Artworks by Ellie Malin (large) and Castle (small). BATHROOMS Opposite, top right and bottom left The bathrooms are divided in two sections, which can be used simultaneously by more than one family member. CityPlus ‘Exposed’ showerheads, Reece. Wall and floor tiles, Signorino. Inax ‘Yohen Border’ kit kat tiles, Artedomus. Ellipsis freestanding bath, ACS Designer Bathrooms. City Stik floor-mounted mixer, Reece. LAUNDRY Pink Kit Kat tiles from Geelong Tiles and Bathware add personality to this utilitarian space. >

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“ TO U C H E S O F C O L O U R A D D WA R M T H , T E X T U R E A N D A S E N S E O F P L AY F U L N E S S .” Lauren


H G HOUSES FACADE “We fell in love with the heritage facade instantly,” says Lauren. New Colorbond roofing in Surfmist was added and the derelict cladding upgraded. Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ trees make a striking feature. GYM AND GUESTHOUSE Elvis the kelpie-border collie cross reclines in front of the pool, with the gym and self-contained guesthouse behind. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

A R E C E S S E D R E A R A D D I T I O N I S A L M O S T I N V I S I B L E W H E N V I E W E D F R O M T H E S T R E E T.

Bath

Study

Bed Wardrobe Bath

FIRST FLOOR Bath Bath

Laundry Pantry

Formal living Living

Bed Family

Dining

Alfresco GROUND FLOOR Pool

GUESTHOUSE Gym

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Garage

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Bed

Bath

Kitchen

Sitting Bath

Tecture, Collingwood, Victoria; (03) 9417 2854 or www.tecture.com.au. Built by Wilson, Geelong, Victoria; 0419 139 324 or builtbywilson.com.

The layout Entry

open the front door and see all the way through to the back, you get a sense of the home’s scale and layering,” says Ben. The interiors were Lauren’s domain. “We wanted a fresh and warm material palette,” she says. “We had some existing furniture in white, tan and timber tones, so wanted to ensure they blended into their new environment.” To that effect, light engineered-timber floorboards were used in the kitchen and living spaces and plush woollen carpets in the bedrooms. Woodgrain laminate joinery features in the wardrobes, study and formal living room, the kitchen benchtops are natural stone and terrazzo floor tiles were chosen for the bathrooms. “Having four children under the age of 10, we wanted to ensure that the finishes were hard-wearing, durable, easy to maintain and safe – no sharpedges,”saysLauren.“Wethereforecreatedasoftcurveintheisland bench, which replicates the subtle curves in the external brick corners.” And while choosing a favourite child might prove difficult for Lauren, she’s happy to nominate her favourite room in the finished home: the alfresco area. “The inclusion of an outdoor fireplace and the walls that enclose it means we have an entertaining space that we can use all year round,” she says. “We introduced several skylights too, which allows natural plenty of light to enter the adjoining living room.” #

Bed


THIS IS THE LIFE

Having designed and built many homes in their time, Lauren and Matt were in the perfect position to create their own “forever home”. Most days, you’ll find them in the kitchen/dining/living area and alfresco space, which has become a family entertaining hub. “There have been times we’ve gone on holiday, come home and felt like our house is more of a resort than the accommodation we’ve just stayed in,” Lauren says.


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DINING Blonde timbers work perfectly in the light and airy apartment. A painting by Neil Tomkins presides over an Agostino & Brown ‘Tambootie’ table, Skeehan Studio ‘Hoshi’ bench and Børge Mogensen ‘J39’ chairs. Muuto ‘Outline’ sofa from Living Edge. LIVING A wire sculpture by Morgan Shimeld shines the living area. ‘String’ shelving unit by Nils Strinning; the lamp and wooden bowl are pieces owners Shane and Fernando have long owned.

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Harbour beauty

Design ideas came in waves when the owners of this Sydney apartment decided to freshen up its interior. STO RY Sarah Pickette | ST Y L I N G Carole Whiting P HOTO GR A P H Y Willem Rethmeier


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W

hen homeowners Shane Currey and Fernando Navarro sat down to write a brief for interior designer Carole Whiting, they didn’t have to look far for inspiration. It was just outside the window: their Sydney apartment has jaw-droppingly beautiful water views. “We wanted to echo the qualities of the harbourbykeepingeverythinglight,relaxedandopen,”saysShane. A designer himself, Shane knew Melbourne-based Carole would be the perfect person to collaborate with. “We were initially drawn to Carole’s interiors for their simplicity — they’re luxurious, though never in a pretentious way. On closer inspection of her work, we also realised she’s incredibly skilled at maximising space.” Harnessing those talents, Carole set to work updating the twobedroom 1960s apartment. “Because this home is situated on the groundfloorofablockofapartments,wewerelimitedinthestructural changeswecouldmake.Itturnedouttobeanicechallenge,”shesays. Withnoopportunitytoshiftthewiringorplumbing,Caroledivided thekitchenintosections:timberjoineryisusedforthelowercabinetry and white for the rest. Limestone surrounds the cooktop, with white Silestone by the sink. “The kitchen is small but it works hard. We even managed to squeeze in a laundry cupboard,” she says. In the living and dining area, everything is naturally directed towards the spectacular vista. Australian design features in this space, with an armchair and bench by Canberra-based industrial designer Tom Skeehan playing a starring role. A mirror behind the armchairensuresthewaterisalways visible, while the TV is concealed in a cabinet to ensure it isn’t. Sea views also shine in the main bedroom, which features a clever hidden door that allows Shane and Fernando to annexe off their bedroomandbathroom when theyhave guests.Wide oak floorboards run through the apartment, always drawing the eye outwards. The main bathroom is where Carole did the most remodelling, removing a wall between the powder room and bathroom to create one much larger space. “It works beautifully now,” says Carole. “I made sure plenty of storage was built in and that there was a good sense of openness. A bathroom needs to feel calm and nurturing.” Gorgeous Mutina tiles in seven shades of grey create a dreamy backdrop for the freestanding bath. The vanity is formed from a shelf topped with a lab sink. Carole’s love for simple, symmetrical design is evident in her placement of the lights, taps and robe hooks. “Our bathroom is amazing,” says Fernando. “The ensuite in our previoushomewasthesizeofabroomcupboard,sowetakeparticular delight in having so much space. The stone benchtop has a fantastic concrete look; it was a great selection by Carole.” This is a home designed to feel light, open and always in thrall to the sea. “We can spend hours on the balcony, just watching the world drift by on the harbour,” says Shane. “The view really is quite extraordinary. I can’t tell you how many photos I’ve taken, trying to capture the amazing light we get on the water at sunrise.” > Carole Whiting Interiors + Design, South Melbourne, Victoria; (03) 9972 8779 or carolewhiting.com.


LIVING/BALCONY There’s no one ‘best seat in the house’– every vantage

point offers gorgeous vistas. Hoshi armchair, Skeehan Studio. Adam Cornish ‘Seam’ outdoor setting, Tait. JETTY Views of a timber jetty add to the ambience. KITCHEN A blend of joinery materials adds interest to the petite kitchen. Carole specified EasyClad V-groove for the upper cabinets, Evenex veneer in Deep Grain Oak for the lower and Dulux Lexicon Quarter under the window. The benchtops are Aren Taupe from Stonetile Ind (left) and Silestone in Blanco.

THIS IS THE LIFE

“We’re truly grateful to live in such a beautiful spot,” says Shane. “Neither of us had lived by the harbour before we bought this apartment so the thrill of its presence hasn’t worn off – and may not ever.” Carole didn’t just meet Shane and Fernando’s brief for a home that is comfortable and informal, she far exceeded their expectations. “Our home feels luxurious yet lived-in, and that’s exactly what we wanted,” he says.

“ W E WA N T E D TO E C H O T H E Q UA L I T I E S O F T H E H A R B O U R BY K E E P I N G E V E RY T H I N G L I G H T, R E L A X E D A N D O P E N .” Shane Currey, owner

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The palette

Dulux Lexicon Quarter (joinery)

Aren Taupe stone (bathroom benchtop)

Oak (flooring)


BATHROOM This image, right and below Mutina ‘Mews’ tiles from

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Urban Edge Ceramics are the star attraction of the main bathroom. Toronto bath, Candana Bathroomware. The Black + Whiting soaps are Carole’s own products. This entire section of the apartment can be closed off for privacy. Yokato shower set, Brodware. A slab of Aren Taupe stone from Stonetile Ind is topped with a Caroma lab sink from Mary Noall. BEDROOM The main bedroom doesn’t miss out on spectacular water views. Blinds by Lovelight and curtains in Allusion fabric in Silver from Zepel Fabrics. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #

“ O U R B AT H R O O M I S A M A Z I N G – W E TA K E R E A L D E L I G H T I N H AV I N G S O M U C H S PAC E . T H E S TO N E B E N C H TO P H A S A FA N TA S T I C C O N C R E T E L O O K ; I T WA S A G R E AT S E L E C T I O N BY C A R O L E .” Fernando Navarro, owner

The layout

Bed

Dining Bath Living Entry Kitchen

Bath

Bed

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BESIDE THE SEASIDE After a thoughtful makeover, this 1930s home on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is as spectacular inside as it is out. STO RY Judy Pascoe | ST Y L IN G Tess Newman-Morris | P HOTOGR AP HY Lisa Cohen


HOUSES H G LIVING Hillary takes in the view. Vintage chairs with seat cushions in Westbury Textiles ‘Cayman’. Cushions in Regalia fabric, Schumacher. Side table, Stuart Membery Home. GARDEN There’s plenty of outdoor space for Hillary (left) and Primrose to play. Hydrangeas in wicker baskets, Julian Ronchi Garden Design & Nursery.

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ome things are just meant to be. That’s how it was for Amy and Joshua Spargo, their daughters, – Hillary, six, Primrose, four, and newborn Daisy – and the house on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula they now call home. Amy and Joshua had been living in Sydney but in 2015 decided it was time to return to Victoria. This circa-1935 house, known as Cliff Lodge, had been in Amy’s family for about five years; its heritage character and generous size made it the perfect choice for a family home. Amy says she always felt connected to thehouse.“ThefirsttimeIwalkedthrough it,Ifeltasenseoffamiliarity.Itwassimilar to homes I had lived in as a child and the style reminded me of my grandmother.” One of the original homes in the area, it hadsmall,darkroomsconnectedbynarrow hallways – typical of the era but not conducive to modern family living. It was, however, blessed with magnificent bay views and many desirable features – handrendered walls, timber windows and >

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Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

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LIVING Louise sofas and Bridget armchairs, all Diane Bergeron for Arthur G.

Lorraine coffee table, Pottery Barn. Vintage table lamps sourced from the US. Vintage faux-bamboo chairs with Scalamandre ‘Hortensia’ upholstery. Sisal rug, Floorspace (throughout). Vintage artworks.

The palette

Porter’s Paints Jodhpur Blue (front door)

Dulux White Cloak Quarter (interior, throughout)

Asian Scenic wallpaper (home office)


The layout Bath GROUND FLOOR

Kitchen

Study

Family

Bed Garage

FIRST FLOOR

“ I WA N T E D TO K E E P T H E C H A R AC T E R O F T H E H O U S E , I N C L U D I N G T H E WAY I T R E V E A L S I T S E L F O N E R O O M AT A T I M E .” Amy Spargo, interior designer

Bed Laundry

Bath

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Bath

Entry

Bath

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Living

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HOME OFFICE Below Asian Scenic

wallpaper, Thibaut. Jim Lawrence wall light with vintage shades. STAIRS Custom runner, Milgate. Vintage buffet sourced in South Africa. KITCHEN This page bottom and opposite Amy is thrilled with her entertainer’s kitchen. Vintage dining chairs from South Africa. Dining table, Pottery Barn. Hampton pendant light, The Montauk Lighting Company. Bar stools, Xavier Furniture. Perrin & Rowe tapware, The English Tapware Company. The desk and chair (upholstered in Schumacher ‘Marguerite’) are antiques.

strapped ceilings – and was begging to be reinvented.“Theexteriorwasbeautifulbut the interior needed better flow,” says Amy. As an interior designer with her own studio, Maine House Interiors, Amy was well equipped to tackle the challenge. It endedupabiggerprojectthananticipated: only five original walls were retained and a100m2extensionadded for a new double garagewithbedroomandbathroomabove. Small bedrooms were enlarged and tiny ensuites reconfigured to make way for a large family bathroom. Clever storage was introduced and a proper main bedroom was created. Amy chose to locate the laundry upstairs close to all the bedrooms and include a drying cupboard – “one of my favourite design decisions”, she says.

A lacklustre entrance prompted Amy to design a beautiful new foyer, as well as a playroom for the children and a home office for herself. New french doors and large picture windows have given the facade a facelift and deliver the Cape Cod feel Amy has long admired. “I wanted to keep the character of the house,includingthewaythehousereveals itselfoneroomatatime,”saysAmy.Alocal artisanreplicatedtherenderonnewwalls, and the staircase was carpeted with a custom runner. Next, she wallpapered roomsingraphicpatternsandboldcolours, with bespoke door handles by Suzie Stanford that feature the fauna found in thearea, and furnished withantiques that speak to the age of the home. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G HOUSES In keeping with a contemporary upgrade, light and openness were high on the wish list. Living in the house for three years prior to the renovation was the key to success, she says. “I knew which rooms we used the most, how the light travelled and how big each space needed to be.” She also wanted the interior design to reference the location. “I believe a house should sit comfortably in its environment.” The views over Port Phillip Bay and Amy’s abiding love of blue were the starting point. “I love working with blue. I think it brings

a sense of calm to a home,” says Amy. “I didn’t want to create a beachhouse look so I kept away from nautical themes.” The result is a more sophisticated take on the coastal aesthetic. “People can’t work out exactly where the new work begins and ends. For me, that is the highest compliment,” says Amy. “My mantra throughout the process was to design and build a ‘new old house’ and I’m so happy that we stayed true to it.” > Maine House Interiors, Mt Martha, Victoria; www.mainehouseinteriors.com.


NURSERY Left Colefax and Fowler ‘Ashling’

wallpaper. Drawers, Pottery Barn. Lamp, Bragg & Co. The artworks were specially commissioned in the US. Antique chair. Ottoman in Brunschwig & Fils ‘Kancou’. MAIN BEDROOM Above and below left The cabinet and chair are antiques. Bedhead and bench in Schumacher ‘Santa Barbara’. Bedside and lamps, Cromwell. Artworks by Konstanty Kucewicz. Faux palm tree bought in the US. GIRLS’ ROOM Below Bedheads in Nya Nordiska ‘Alpha Check’. Drawers, Pigott’s Store. The lamp was Amy’s as a child. Wreaths are from Amy and Joshua’s wedding. HALL Table and stool are vintage finds. Lamp base by Sasha Deshon with shade in a Colefax and Fowler fabric. The Wedgwood plates (on wall) are heirlooms.

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LAUNDRY Carrara marble benchtop. Schumacher ‘Sinhala Sidwell’ wallpaper. ENTRY HALL Drawers,

The Drill Hall Emporium. Vintage faux-bamboo chair. Antique lamp with Chelsea Textiles fabric shade. Hydrangea All Over wallpaper, Emily Ziz Style Studio. LANDSCAPE The home’s magnificent view of Port Phillip Bay. GIRLS’ BATHROOM Brunschwig & Fils ‘Kanchou’ wallpaper. Tapware, The English Tapware Company. FRONT PORCH Amy with baby Daisy, Primrose (left) and Hillary. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

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“PEOPLE CAN’ T WORK OUT WHERE THE N E W W O R K B E G I N S A N D E N D S . F O R M E , T H AT I S T H E H I G H E S T C O M P L I M E N T.” Amy

THIS IS THE LIFE

Enthusiastic entertainers, the Spargos have lunch or dinner guests most weekends so it was important that the kitchen worked well. Joshua’s special request, a navy AGA oven, is the jewel of the kitchen. Friends gather around the island bench to enjoy appetisers before dinner. Afterwards, everyone retires to the living room and its sumptuous armchairs to take in the bay views. #


Quiet time

In Sydney, a clever reworking of the floor plan and deliberately restrained furnishings have achieved a wonderfully peaceful home for its busy owners. STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y LI N G Jack Milenkovic | P HOTOGR AP HY Anson Smart

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houses H G VERANDAH The dining table is positioned under a giant skylight, ensuring this outdoor space – just off the family room – is bathed in light, even in winter. Pedrali ‘Nolita’ dining chairs, Chunky dining table, Willy Guhl ‘Loop’ chair and Chess stool, all Robert Plumb. LIVING A painting by Betty Mbitjana was the starting point for this scheme. Vessels by Katarina Wells, Curatorial+Co. Abrash Solid rug, Cadrys. Pliverre floor lamp, Great Dane. The Tired Man armchair and ottoman, Fred International. Frankie sofa, Fanuli. Mondrian coffee table, Poliform. Hex side tables, Spence & Lyda. Knot ornament, Jardan.


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esigning a house is like hand-sewing a perfectly-fitted dress, says architect Jorge Hrdina. “You want a home that’s tailor-made and really connected to who you are,” he says. And this is the notion he and interior designer Lisa Burdus brought to the remodelling of this home in Sydney’s upper North Shore. As often happens with these things, the renovation evolved after a series of home-maintenance events. First, the oven blew up, then the fridge was on the blink – which led the owners to think about renovating the kitchen. Then they began thinking about all the areas of the home that didn’t feel ‘right’. Which led themtoengageJorge.“It’sapostwarbungalowthathadundergone several makeovers, including an extension in the 1970s,” says Jorge. “It was a voluminous house but the renovations weren’t in sync, so it felt like something of a hybrid.” Because of the

organic nature of these additions there was a fundamental problem with movement through the house. His priority was to improve the flow of the four-bedroom home. All vestiges of the 1970s extension were removed and some internal walls altered to create a formal entry and two connected open-plan spaces – one a kitchen/meals/family area, the other a combined living/dining zone. “The renovation wasn’t about making the house bigger, it was about making it work better,” saysJorge.Akeyfocuswastoensureastrongconnectionbetween the internal living space and the leafy canopy outside.. For furnishings and decoration, the owners turned to interior designer Lisa Burdus, whose work they’d loved on a previous project. Their brief? “They wanted to create the look of an elegant hotel,” says Lisa. “They’d collated images on Pinterest and all the furniture was very ‘Milan’: Italian and contemporary. >

FAMILY Rooms at the rear of the house are designed to enhance integration with the adjacent 4m-deep verandah and garden. Mondrian modular sofa, Space. Abrash Solid rug, Cadrys. Float side table (left), Spence & Lyda. Chess side stool, Robert Plumb. DINING Eileen dining table, B&B Italia.

Grace dining chairs from Poliform, upholstered in Danubio 58 velvet. Il Fanale pendant light, LightCo. Curtains in Studio Collection ‘Sinua’ fabric, Tigger Hall Design. Artwork by Nunzio Miano, Curatorial+Co. Drinks cabinet designed by Jorge Hrdina.


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FAMILY “The interiors are purposely simple, elegant and restrained and the view is

framed like a landscape painting,” says architect Jorge Hrdina. “The sliding doors allow for maximum connectivity between the interiors and the tree canopy outside.” All the beautiful joinery is designed by Jorge and his team, and finished in mid-toned timber veneers to bring warmth to the sleek interiors. Mondrian modular sofa and matching ottoman, Space. Angel floor lamp, Fanuli. Gubi ‘Beetle’ lounge chair in Velluto Green fabric, Cult. Abrash Solid rug, Cadrys. Curtains in Studio Collection ‘Sinua’ fabric, Tigger Hall Design.

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The layout

Bed

Entry Study

Bath

Bath Bed

Living Bath Dining

Bed

Pantry

Bed

Bath

Kitchen

Family

Dressing

THIS IS THE LIFE

To maximise integration with the outdoors, the floor and ceiling planes continue flush inside and out, and the huge sliding doors glide back in two directions, offering open-air living. In the older rooms of the house, Jorge widened the doorways, retaining the architraves, and fitted them with modern sliding partitions. “It gives those rooms the option of intimacy, or fluid access to the open-plan area of the house.� >


The palette

Taubmans Ming Beauty

Bristol Reservoir

Haymes Paint Parasol

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houses H G KITCHEN “We wanted the kitchen to have elegant joinery because it’s on display,” says Jorge. Splashback and benchtop are Liberty Grey dolomite. American oak joinery. BCN kitchen stools, Fanuli. Moooi ‘Container’ dining table, Space. Beetle dining chairs, Cult. Artwork in hall by Theresa Hunt. DINING Artwork by Barbara Weir. LIVING DETAIL Mondrian coffee table, Poliform. Hex side tables, Spence & Lyda. Knot ornament, Jardan.

To achieve this look, less is more – but every decision needs to becarefullyconsidered and all the elements need to be top quality for it to work.” Lisa’s starting point in every room was the owners’ artworks. “They have a large collection of Indigenous art. We decided where to hang each piece, and then used the artworks for colour cues,” says Lisa. The tones are repeated in custom-designed rugs, with further pops of colour in the accessories. Lisa is well known for her use of pattern and colour, but in this instance she held back, allowing the artworks to shine. “I focusedon texture ratherthanpattern,” says Lisa. “Allthe fabrics here – on the sofas, cushions, for curtains and in the bedlinen – are plain, but textured. The owners particularly love velvet, so there’s velvet upholstery in jewel colours that tie in with the art.” The elegant finishes and overall restraint have delivered the sense of quiet elegance the owners desired. “They live a busy life and it’s such a big home with so much activity in it, they wanted everything to be clean lined and clutter-free,” says Lisa. “This makeover was all about creating a home with an abiding sense of peace and stillness.” > Lisa Burdus Design & Decoration, Crows Nest, NSW; 0409 489 225; lisaburdus.com.au. Jorge Hrdina Architects, McMahons Point, NSW; (02) 9929 9490 or jorgehrdina.com.au.


MAIN BEDROOM This image and opposite La Pipe armchair, Fred

International. Side table, Spence & Lyda. Bench, Great Dane. Bedlinen, Ondene. Crown stool, Robert Plumb. Painting by Jasmine Poole + Chris Sewell, Curatorial+Co. BATHROOM Joinery, Pullicino & Son Kitchens & Joinery. Vanity benchtop in Savoy Light marble, Worldstone. Striato Domus travertine wall tiles, Sareen Stone. Candle and toiletries, Black Blaze. STUDY Below left Delcourt side table, Ondene. Desk lamp, Fred International. Beetle chair, Cult. Painting by Theresa Hunt and coloured sculptures by Natalie Rosin, all Curatorial+Co. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #

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Holiday

AT HOME Once an “ugly duckling”, this 1990s home on the NSW Central Coast is now a welcoming family retreat. STO RY John McDonald | ST Y L I N G Stewart Horton | P HOTOG R A P H Y Alexander McIntyre


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FIRST-FLOOR TERRACE Louvres on all sides deliver fresh air, shelter from

the elements and privacy. Verona outdoor sofa, Lincoln Brooks. Livorno Boulder coffee table in White Speckle, Globe West. Cementa floor tiles, Surface Gallery. FACADE Charlie the cavalier King Charles spaniel is on hand to give guests a friendly greeting. The lattice screen is designed to be softened by vines. Norwest wall light, Beacon Lighting.

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The palette KITCHEN “I love the high-quality ovens and cooktops,” says keen cook Kathryn. “The Ilve ovens, in

Dulux Vivid White (interior, throughout)

particular, are wonderful to use.” Charing barstools, Lincoln Brooks. Chippy limestone planter, Den Holm. Perrin & Rowe mixer, The English Tapware Company. Benchtop and splashback in Caesarstone Statuario Maximus. Thermo-laminated joinery in Ultra White, Polytec. Silver Casa honed limestone tiles, SNB Stone. Oak Botany ceiling cladding, Havwoods International. Artwork by Brett Piva.

Dulux Surfmist (exterior)

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Silver Casa limestone (kitchen)

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his home on the Central Coast of NSW is beautifully bright and breezy. But it wasn’t always that way. Recalling its previous incarnation, owner Kathryn Garton says the home was “a bit of an ugly duckling”, albeit with plenty of potential for improvement. It was a bland beigeon-beige weatherboard and masonry structure, but the location – backing onto the beach – was so wonderful that she and her husband Ian couldn’t resist. Today, it’s the perfect coastal getaway for the couple, their daughters Andrea, 16, Georgia, 15, and beloved cavalier King Charles spaniel, Charlie. Kathryn and Ian bought the home in 2014; in 2017, they were ready to renovate and engaged interior designer Stewart Horton of Horton & Co for the project. Stewart had renovated their main residence in Sydney’s west, so the couple had complete faith that Stewart would come up with just the right design and scheme. The project took

almost two years to complete, including receiving the necessary council approvals, but the Gartons say it was definitely worth the wait. Priortorenovating,thehouse,guestquartersandgarage were standalone structures without internal access. The home’s main living area and kitchen were located on the first floor, the latter elevated on a raised level to accommodate the ceiling of the bedroom beneath. The ground floor contained the home’s three bedrooms and a bathroom that could only be accessed from the garden. Entry to the guest quarters was via this bathroom. The awkward layout was a problem, but the family had another, more pressing issue. “When we purchased the property we needed to put a lift in somewhere for our daughter who has mobility difficulties,” says Kathryn. “Because of the awkward plan, the lift ended up in prime real estate – right in front of the main window with the best ocean views.” >


KITCHEN/LIVING/DINING The Hamptons-style joinery above the fireplace conceals a TV. Sofa, armchair (at right) and ottoman, all H&J Furniture. Vintage Louis armchair with footstool in Alhambra Toscana Siena 02 fabric, Chapman Upholstery. Arte dining table and Preston bookshelf, Jardan. Custom leatherupholstered dining chairs, Casa Mia. Visual Comfort & Co ‘Liaison’ chandelier, Laura Kincade. Kelly Wearstler ‘Armato’ table lamp. European Kassala sisal rug, International Floorcoverings. Alza bowl (on dining table), Ferm Living. Aerin ‘Abel’ vase (on coffee table). Artwork by Brian Jones.


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Stewart did a great job of replanning the layout, Kathryn says. The L-shaped home now has four bedrooms (two with ensuite), a family room and a terrace downstairs. Upstairs, there’s an open-plan kitchen/dining/living and, at the rear ofthehouse,adiningterraceoverlookingtheocean.Outside, the 800m2 block was beautifully landscaped by local company TruNorth Landscapes. At the Gartons’ main residence in Sydney, Stewart used darker, bolder colours; Kathryn says they were keen for the beach house to be a bit different. “We wanted something coastalbutnottooobvious.Somethingsoftandcomfortable. Being so close to the sea, there are the inevitable rust and corrosion issues but I guess that’s the price you pay for such an amazing location.” The decorating palette – natural, textural materials teamed with white and pastel-toned furnishings – delivers on that brief. Right now, the home is the family’s go-to destination for weekends and summer holidays, but when Andrea and Georgia finish school, Ian and Kathryn plan to relocate to their beautiful Central Coast abode permanently. “There’s sun, sand and a gorgeous house to live in,” says Kathryn. “What more could you ask for?” > Horton & Co, New Lambton, NSW; (02) 4957 1672 or hortonandco.com.au.

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The layout

Bed

Family

Bed

Kitchen

Dining

Bath

Bath Entry

Bath Laundry

Bed

Guest living Bath Bed

Garage

THIS IS THE LIFE

The beach is an obvious drawcard, but so is the living area, where the family loves spending together time. “It has spectacular ocean views plus a cosy fireplace that sees a lot of use in winter. It’s the best of both worlds,” says Kathryn. “We also love the louvred terrace. There are strong winds around here, being so close to the beach, but this indoor/outdoor room means we can enjoy the outdoors in any weather.”

BATHROOM All of the home’s bathrooms feature the same

glam finishes and fittings. Vanity fronts in Ayous engineeredtimber veneer in Alabaster, Slice Veneers. Brass drawer pulls, Style Finish Design. Silver Casa honed-limestone wall tiles, SNB Stone. Vogue ceramic floor tiles in Tortora, Classic Ceramics. Icon+ tapware and Icon shower fittings and towel rail, all Astra Walker. Aphrodite Deux Fois bust, Degoey Planet. ANDREA’S BEDROOM Victoria headboard in Zepel Langham fabric in Rattan, H&J Furniture. Belgian linen bedlinen and Pillar table lamp, all West Elm. Cushions in Matrix Tape linen-viscose fabric by Schumacher. Sonoma Florida sunlounger and side table, both Globe West. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #

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GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

Living



OPENING AND CLOSING AROUND YOUR LI FE’S MOST IMPORTANT MO MENTS.

All of the things that are most important to you will pass through your front door. That’s why a Parkwood door is built to see you through it all. Our doors are constructed from the most durable, quality materials available, so they’ll stand the test of time for years to come, seeing you through the ins and outs of life’s little moments and your biggest achievements. parkwooddoors.com.au | sales@parkwooddoors.com.au


G a rden s Photograph by Jacqui Way.

Contrasting foliage shapes and textures in the front garden of this Adelaide villa honour the eclecticism of the Victorian era. For more of this garden of delights, see over the page.

T H E T R A N S F O R M A T I V E P O W E R O F P L A N T S A N D O U T D O O R S PA C E S


H G gardens Perfectly composed vignettes and picturesque layerings of foliage can be found throughout the garden. Here, a profusion of multi-headed David Austin ‘Lady of Shalott’ roses pops against the hedge of lilly pilly (Syzygium australe ‘Bush Christmas’). The urn features a clipped ball of Japanese box under-planted with trailing Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’. OPPOSITE Heidi Bowman on the front verandah of her 1901 villa.

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Hand in hand

In Adelaide, a garden for all seasons completes a spectacular home extension designed to connect with the outdoors. STO RY Gretel Sneath | P HOTOG R A P HY Jacqui Way


D

elegating doesn’t come naturally to creative professionals renovating their own homes. But after overseeing the rear extension of her heritage villa in inner-city Adelaide, architect/interior designer Heidi Bowman was happy to hand over to landscape designer Virginia Kennett for the garden revamp. “I’ve always admired Virginia’s work; her planting schemes don’t look too designed and she has a great sense of scale,” says Heidi. She was seeking a garden that would complement the classic architecture of the home, and be an inviting space for the whole family – Heidi, her husband and their three children, Henry, 14, Eloise, 11, and Sebastian, nine. “Heidi’s very creative and has fabulous taste,” says Virginia. “She had lots of ideas and was prepared to get her hands dirty.” The northern boundary of the corner block was the first section they tackled, transforming heavily trampled soil with a row of ornamental pears (Pyrus betulaefolia ‘Southworth Dancer’) and topiary balls of viburnum. The gravel walkway widens into a formal courtyard with olive trees and Japanese box expertly tamed by topiary and hedge specialist Kurt Wilkinson. On the opposite side of the house, the design transitions to a more relaxed zone with a looser planting style. Giant balls of viburnum are interspersed with a richly textured plant palette that includes wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), lavender, evergreen feather grass (Miscanthus transmorrisonensis) and giant tree echiums (Echium pininana). “I really love the seasonal changes you see in blossom and autumn leaves, but I also love the movement of grasses and strappy plants, and a more architectural base underpinning it all,” says Heidi. “Virginia managed to incorporate a lot of things I liked, in a very cohesive way.” Bordering the entertainment area, Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum), wraps it tendrils around cycads and clipped spheres of Pittosporum ‘Miss Muffet’ beneath a crepe myrtle. Crabapples, Italian pencil pines and Heidi’s favourite, Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’, add sculptural elements. “The forest pansy is a great small feature tree,” she says. “It gets smothered in tiny pink blossoms, then the leaves change from burgundy to green then yellow in autumn – it’s interesting year-round.” >

TOP LEFT A crabapple (Malus ioensis ‘Plena’) blossoms along the southern boundary. LEFT A bronze acanthus leaf fountain is a focal point. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left Sweet peas bloom beneath an old cedar tree. Eloise cocooned in a giant swing on the back patio. Heritage irises. Ornamental pear trees underplanted with viburnum balls in the formal side garden: the gravel is Stonyfell 13mm gravel. Heidi picks her favourite David Austin roses, ‘Lady of Shalott’. Pencil pines (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’) and forest pansy tree (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’) are among 50 trees planted to add a sculptural element. Heidi adores these echiums.


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Feature plants _______ Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ Crabapple (Malus sp.) Indian Summer crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia) Ornamental pear (Pyrus betulaefolia ‘Southworth Dancer’) Italian pencil pine (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’) Mock orange (Murraya paniculata) Japanese box (Buxus microphylla ‘Japonica’) Evergreen feather grass (Miscanthus transmorrisonensis) Giant tree echium (Echium pininana) Pittosporum tobira ‘Miss Muffet’ Bird of paradise (Strelitzia)

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Heidi loves to pick the sweet peas (foreground) and display them around the home. In the background, the forest pansy tree is underplanted with silvery wormwood (Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’). The David Austin roses here include ‘The Squire’ and ‘New William Shakespeare’. BELOW LEFT Heidi, Eloise and labrador Bruno sit on the back verandah steps. Custom steel windows were incorporated into the extension for a conservatory feel. BELOW RIGHT The rear extension and pool wall are rendered in Venetian plaster for a soft patina. OPPOSITE A banded bluestone path leads to Heidi’s backyard work studio via a potager bordered with a hedge of mock orange (Murraya paniculata).

“ W E R E A L LY H AV E TO C E L E B R AT E T H E P L A N T S T H AT W O R K I N O U R C L I M AT E – D O N ’ T T H I N K O F T H E M A S P L A I N A N D O R D I N A RY, T H I N K O F T H E M A S T R E A S U R E S .” Virginia Kennett, landscape designer

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A tennis court overgrown with wisteria was replaced with a large central lawn area and rose-bordered bocce court, creating well-utilised space for the children. “Gardens that are overdesigned may look attractive from the house, but don’t necessarily invite people outside to explore; my husband and I really wanted somewhere for the kids to play,” says Heidi. A giant white cedar, which is perfect for tree-climbing, shadesthepoolinsummer.Thebountifulpotagerbeneath is bordered by a heat-loving mock orange (Murraya paniculata) hedge. “We had a 46°C day last summer and it kept growing!” says Heidi. While much of the garden has grown well, the front of the house was lagging, and Heidi put this down to her early experimentation shortly after they moved in over

Christmas 2010. “My previous gardening experience was a small courtyard in Melbourne, and I made rookie errors here like making the beds too narrow, so Virginia helped redesign it,” says Heidi. Among the eclectic mix at the front are David Austin roses (‘Adélaïde d’Orléans’, ‘Lady of Shalott’ and ‘Claire Austin’), buddleia, sea holly (Eryngium), salvias (Salvia ‘Meigan’s Magic’), aloes and Strelitzia. Virginia describes it as a “grab bag” of contrasting foliage shapes and textures. “It’s an exploration of plants that work in our climate and that’s the direction we need to take,” she says. “Find the survivors and put them together in slightly unexpected ways. We really have to celebrate the plants that work – don’t think of them as plain and ordinary, but think of them as the treasures of the garden.” #


“It’s a very plant-y, richly layered garden,” says landscape designer Richard Unsworth of the steeply sloping front garden planted in between sandstone bedrock. The palette is Mediterranean-inspired, with succulents such as silver-toned Cotyledon orbiculata, and Graptopetalum pentandrum ‘Giant Pink Rose’, aloes and agaves mixed with purple-spired Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’, agapanthus and Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’). OPPOSITE A wispy branch of gum tree (Angophora costata) frames the amazing view.


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C O M PA N IO N PL A N T I N G

As this garden took shape, so too a strong friendship grew between the property’s keen-to-learn owner and the landscape designer she entrusted with it. STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P H OTOG R A P HY Nicholas Watt

K

aye Strain loves pottering in her garden, secateurs in hand. “I’m having so much fun,” she says. “I’m so happy I discovered gardening.” She’s serious about her new-found passion, a pursuit inspired by the recent revamp of her garden by Richard Unsworth, director of plant emporium Garden Life. The garden is on a rocky, sloping site at Palm Beach, on the northern-most tip of Sydney’s Northern Beaches peninsula. Perched on a hillside, with views of the Pacific Ocean, the property is south-east facing with poor sandy soils, exposure to southerly winds and a 10-metre incline from the street to the front door. Not ideal conditions for garden-making, but despite that – or thanks to it – Richard has created a textured, thriving wonderland that sits seamlessly in the landscape. Kaye bought the property in 1993, drawn by the water views and the original 1950s-era weatherboard home nestled into the bush.

Early on, she enlisted a local stonemason who terraced the garden, using bush rock from the site. She then engaged designer Annie Wilkes, who filled the terraces with a plumbago, agapanthus, olives and pencil pines. It was a low maintenance, non-gardener’s garden that suited Kaye perfectly at the time, as she was working long hours in a demanding job. Fast-forward to 2017 and Kaye, recently retired, realised she wanted to get her hands into the dirt and engage more with plants. “The garden needed a makeover. It was just time,” she says. She contacted Richard, whom she’d met through a friend of a friend. When Richard arrived, the garden was thick with undergrowth studded with mature conifers. The stonework was completely camouflaged. Richard’s starting point was to edit plants. “Once all the plumbago was removed, the garden opened up and we could >

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see the beautiful stone and the levels.” Kaye didn’t have a solid brief for Richard, but they both felt the site could benefit from flowers and a good variety of plants. “I wanted a Mediterranean look,” says Kaye. “It had to be a garden that could survive the salt air and tolerate low water, because I don’t have an irrigation system.” A key element to be incorporated was an existing Sydney red gum (Angophora costata), a pink-grey trunked tree synonymous with the area. “The Angophora is gold,” says Richard. “With any garden you ask ‘what are the assets that already exist?’. This tree was one of them. From there, you remove the liabilities.” For Richard, that meant removing most of the pine trees and transplanting the agapanthus. He enriched the soil, with goodquality organic fertiliser, and let it rest for a month before replanting. He added some more olive trees for structure as well as their contribution of grey foliage. Further silvery/grey tones were added with swathes of licorice plant (Helichrysum italicum) and succulents including Cotyledon orbiculata. For textural contrast, he combined strong architectural plants – aloes, agaves, Mexican lily (Beschorneria yuccoides) and Mauritius hemp (Furcraea foetida) – with wispy grasses (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’) and 160 |

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flowering plants including salvias, butterfly bush (Gaura) and the transplanted agapanthus. Rosemary was added for fragrance. “As you travel through the garden, you see the contrasts of foliage and height,” says Richard. “There’s movement and rhythm, and a nice balance of order and chaos.” While it’s a largely Mediterranean mix of plants, the garden integrates perfectly with its coastal bush setting. “There are a lot of greys and silvers and tonally those colours blend well with the Australian aesthetic,” says Richard. “Importantly, it’s a garden with subtle seasonal changes. Different plants peak and ebb at different times.” Richard visits Kaye regularly, to have a cup of tea, wander around the garden and give guidance. “I love hanging around Kaye,”he says. “She’s a really positive woman. I love her energy. It’s been lovely to connect with her through the garden and our friendship has grown in tandem with the plants.” Kaye sends Richard photos of what’s flowering, and is hands-on in her beloved patch. “The first thing I do in the mornings is roll up the blinds, and look at the garden,” Kaye says. “It’s getting better and better as the plants mature. It has brought a lot of joy to my life.” # Garden Life, St Peters, NSW. www.gardenlife.com.au.


CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT Strong lines of the Luigi Roselli-designed front facade (built in 2000) has allowed for the use of architectual plants

such as agaves (Agave attenuata and americana), aloes, Mauritius hemp (Furcraea foetida) and Mexican lily (Beschorneria yuccoides). A young Aloe ‘Outback Orange’. Garden owner Kaye Strain with Richard Unsworth: “Kaye is such a positive person and I love her energy,” says Richard. Sunlighttipped tufts of Miscanthus with Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’ and an olive tree. OPPOSITE When in flower, the Aloe ‘Outback Orange’ adds warmth to the garden. “There aren’t too many orange-toned plants I like, but these I love,” says Richard. Behind the aloes, a rosemary bush adds fragrance.


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Making scents Perfumed flowers add a special sensory dimension to the garden. Here are Helen Young’s fragrant summer-flowering favourites. GARDENIA (GARDENIA JASMINOIDES) Most people love gardenias for their heavily perfumed white blooms and glossy foliage. They like warm to subtropical climates and good-quality, acidic soil. Gardenias are a bit high-maintenance, needing ample water and regular feeding, plus a fairly sunny spot to flower prolifically. The best variety for extended flowering (spring to autumn) is ‘Florida’, a neat rounded shrub of about 1m. ‘Radicans’ is a miniature, groundcover form. Large-flowered varieties such as ‘Magnifica’ are taller, more open and flower for a shorter time. FRANGIPANI (PLUMERIA RUBRA VAR. ACUTIFOLIA) Frangipani spreads joy all summer. The small, deciduous trees are ideal to plant close to the house where they soak up the heat from masonry walls; their compact root systems will not do any damage. They give welcome summer shade and allow the winter sun to shine through. As well as the classic white with yellow centre, there are hundreds of different colour forms, ranging from deep red through sunset shades to pure white. Give them full sun, freely draining soil and frost protection and you can grow them in most places, including by the coast and in pots. ARABIAN JASMINE (JASMINUM SAMBAC) Unlike more rampant jasmines, this climber can be grown as a scrambling shrub or trained up a frame, reaching about 2m high. It has glossy leaves and a succession of delicate white flowers that age to pink, but it’s the delectable fragrance that’s the star. The flowers are used in perfumes and oils, as well as to flavour Chinese tea and other foods. They’re edible on their own, with a sweet taste. Arabian jasmine comes from tropical Asia, but grows easily in all

but frost-prone areas, and prefers moist, fertile soil in full or part sun. Look for double-flowered ‘Grand Duke of Tuscany’.

ENGLISH LAVENDER (LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA) There are dozens of lavenders but English lavender is preferred in cosmetics and perfumes for its sweet, floral notes. It’s also favoured for culinary uses as it has less camphor flavour than other varieties. Different cultivars of English lavender offer various heights and flower colours from purples to mauve, even pink. It grows best in Mediterranean and cold climates with alkaline soil, and demands full sun and excellent drainage. It’s drought tolerant, pretty, and loved by bees. L. x intermedia ‘Grosso’ has the strongest scent. BUTTERFLY BUSH (BUDDLEIA) Also called summer lilac, buddleias (pictured) really do attract butterflies. The weight of their honey-scented blooms tends to pull the slight stems downwards, giving the shrubs a gently cascading effect. Colours include white, mauve, crimson, pink and deep purple. Buddleias are fast growing, drought- and salt-tolerant, and suited to most climates, in sunny spots with good drainage. The tallest can reach 4m but newer dwarf varieties grow only 1-1.5m tall. Pruning straight after flowering promotes another flush of blooms. #

SCENTED FOLIAGE

Plants with aromatic foliage add a bonus fragrant element, especially effective when planted next to outdoor living areas where the aroma is released as you brush against them. ✚ Scented-leaf geraniums (Pelargonium). Available in rose, peppermint, lemon, nutmeg and apple. ✚ Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) has fragrant edible leaves and red flowers. ✚ Native mint bush (Prostanthera) ✚ Native wax flower (Philotheca) ✚ Most herbs


Text by Elizabeth Wilson. Garden design by Candeo Design. Photography by Marnie Hawson (this page, main image) & Getty Images (opposite).

Bronzed Aussies

An oversize apple and a birdbath featuring life-sized lorikeets (left) are two of the latest creations by sculptor Will Wilson. Designed and made in Ocean Grove, Victoria, the birdbath (80cm diameter, $6930), and apple (90cm, $7150) are just two of many designs available. www.williewildlife sculptures.com.au

HANG OUT This new Macramé hanging planter by Melbourne design studio Angus & Celeste features an embossed ceramic bowl with a chic macramé support. From $49; angus andceleste.com.

C L I P PI N G S D E S I G N I N S P I R AT I O N F O R G A R D E N S G R E AT A N D S M A L L .

SETTLE IN STYLE

After a day’s gardening, take a seat on the verandah and admire your handiwork. Try a Capri lounge chair, made from rattan with plump cushions. $899, provincialhome living.com.au.

Feed and grow Good news for lovers of indoor greenery: Osmocote has released a new liquid fertiliser that makes it super easy to keep your plant babies healthy and happy. It’s odour-free and full of nutrients. Simply pour into the m measuring cap and intoo your pots. $12, Bunninggs; bunnings.com.aau.

Fruitful lesson

Learn how to care for your fruit trees at a summer pruning workshop hosted by Heritage Fruit Trees in Beaufort, Victoria. Horticulturist Rob Pelletier offers expert advice on pruning apple, pear and stone fruit trees whether espalier, freestanding or trellised. February 1, $75. www.heritagefruittrees.com.au

BEAUTY SPOT Melbourne garden designer Simon Gaythorpe is opening his lush, one-hectare garden in the Dandenongs to the public. Set on a hillside, the garden features meandering paths and glorious herbaceous borders, highlighting Gaythorpe’s philosophy of informal, ‘unfolding’ gardens. February 1-2. For more, visit Open Gardens Victoria at opengardensvictoria.org.au.

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DISCOVER NEW BRANDS SOURCE YOUR NEXT BESTSELLER Reed Gift Fairs Sydney is the biggest gathering of the retail industry all under the one roof at ICC Sydney. Visit to see, touch and feel the latest Home, Fashion, Kids & Family and Gift products for retail. New in 2020 is our co-location with Life Instyle – a trade show experience that defies tradition. Register once for Reed Gift Fairs and get instant access to over 750+ suppliers across both leading events.

ONE BADGE. ONE VENUE. TWO EVENTS. OPENING TIMES Saturday 22 Feb 2020

9am – 6pm

Sunday 23 Feb 2020

9am – 6pm

Monday 24 Feb2020

9am – 6pm

Tuesday 25 Feb 2020

9am – 4pm

REGISTER NOW Trade only.

reedgiftfairs.com.au


Living Styling by Vanessa Austin. Photograph by Alan Benson.

DUBROVNIK ROSE LIQUEUR, RICOTTA & ALMOND CREPES WITH CANDIED ROSE PETALS (see page 171 for recipe)

TA S T Y R E C I P E S , D R E A M D E S T I NAT I O N S + F O O D F O R T H O U G H T


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F L AVO U R S O F T HE MED Chef and restaurateur Nino Zoccali takes your tastebuds on a delicious tour of the venetian Republic, from veneto in italy to the Adriatic coast of Croatia and the greek islands.

Fishing boats are ubiquitous in the Adriatic, delivering countries in the region with a constant supply of fresh seafood.

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Food styling by Vanessa Austin. Food photography by Alan Benson. Location photography by Andrea Butti.

IONIAN ISLAND BRUSCHETTE From cherry tomatoes and fetta to luxurious sea urchin roe, these bruschette are traditionally served with a simple drizzle of olive oil. The herbs (crispy sage or dried oregano) used here add a delightful texture and additional flavour. ITHACAN SEA URCHIN BRUSCHETTE

1 Heat butter in a saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Cook sage leaves until crispy. Remove sage leaves to paper towels. 2 Slice bread into 12x 8mm-thick pieces. Lightly toast on both sides and place on a serving platter. Drizzle with half the olive oil, then top with sea urchin roe. Place two crispy sage leaves on each piece, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and garnish with sea salt. Serve immediately.

Prep: 5 mins. Cooking: 5 mins. Serves 6.

100g salted butter 24 sage leaves ½ small good-quality sourdough baguette 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 12 pieces (100g) fresh sea-urchin roe

RIGANADA Prep: 10 mins. Serves 6.

½ small good-quality sourdough baguette 120ml extra-virgin olive oil 160g sheep’s milk fetta, sliced

400g ripe cherry tomatoes, quartered ¼ red onion, sliced 2 tbsp dried Greek oregano 1 Slice bread into 12x 8mm thick pieces. Lightly toast bread on both sides and place on a serving platter. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then top each piece with fetta, tomatoes and onion; season with sea salt and pepper. To finish, sprinkle generously with oregano and drizzle more olive oil over the top. >


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BRAISED PAG LAMB SHOULDER WITH OLIVE OIL MASH & GRILLED BABY LEEKS Prep: 10 mins. Cooking: 4 hrs 15 mins. Serves 4.

The wonderful Croatian island of Pag, best known for its sheep’s milk cheese, also produces absolutely stunning lamb. in this dish, the tender meat packs a flavourful punch thanks to a hint of acidity from the vinegar and the richness of the plavac mali, a Croatian red wine.

TOP LEFT Braised Pag lamb

shoulder with olive oil mash & grilled baby leeks. TOP RIGHT Italy’s fertile Veneto region. ABOVE Chef and restaurateur Nino Zoccali. OPPOSITE Istrian mixed shellfish buzaru.

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Lamb shoulder 1.2 kg boneless lamb shoulder 2 tbsp olive oil 120g whole french shallots, peeled, trimmed 5 cloves garlic, crushed 1 bottle (750ml) plavac mali, zinfandel or other medium/full-bodied red wine ½ cup (125ml) red-wine vinegar 1 sprig thyme 1 sprig rosemary 2 bay leaves Olive oil mash 800g potatoes, skin on, left whole 200ml olive oil Grilled baby leeks 20 baby leeks 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Season lamb shoulder well with salt and pepper. 2 Heat olive oil in a large, deep flameproof casserole dish over high heat for 2 mins. Add lamb shoulder and brown all over. Remove lamb to a plate; set aside. 3 Using same casserole, reduce heat to low then add shallots and garlic; cook until softened. Return lamb to pot and add enough wine and vinegar to cover. Add all herbs. Cover with a lid then cook in oven for 3½ hrs or until lamb is very tender. 4 Remove lamb to a plate, cover with foil and rest in a warm place. Strain cooking liquid through a sieve into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat and cook until reduced to a sauce consistency; keep warm. 5 Meanwhile, make olive oil mash. Place potatoes in a large, deep saucepan of cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer until cooked through. While still hot, peel the potatoes and purée in a food mill or mouli. Beat in oil and season with salt. Keep warm. 6 To make grilled baby leeks, preheat a grill to high heat. Trim leek roots and brush all over with olive oil; season with salt. Place on grill and cook for 1 min each side. 7 To serve, place lamb and leeks on a platter. Serve sauce and mash on the side. >


The cuisine of the Venetian Republic is a gloriously cosmopolitan mix of influences drawn from all over the Mediterranean.

ISTRIAN MIXED SHELLFISH BUZARU

(see page 171 for recipe)


The Ponte Pietra, a Roman arch bridge, crosses the Adige River in Verona, Italy.

GRILLED WHITE PEACHES WITH WHITE WINE GRANITA & FIOR DI LATTE GELATO Prep: 15 mins + freezing. Cooking: 50 mins. Serves: 4.

During summer, white peaches are abundant throughout the Veneto and Venice (as they are in Australia). They are fantastic with the granita, which showcases durello, an exceptional sparkling wine produced in the hills of Monti Lessini. While any quality sparkling can be used here, durello offers great structure and acidity, with lovely honey and orchard fruit aromas.

Hungry for more? This is an edited extract of Venetian Republic by Nino Zoccali ($49.99, Murdoch Books). Available in bookstores now.

4 ripe white peaches 1 tbsp olive oil White wine granita ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 6 large ripe white peaches ½ cup (125ml) Cavazza Durello or other good-quality sparkling wine Fior di latte gelato 2½ cups (650ml) milk

½ cup (120ml) pure cream ⅔ cup (145g) caster sugar ¼ cup (45g) skim-milk powder 1½ tbsp (35g) dextrose powder 1 To make granita, place sugar and ½ cup (125ml) water in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook until sugar has dissolved and mixture has a syrup consistency. Cut 6 peaches into quarters, remove stones and extract juice using an electric juicer; you will need 3 cups (750ml) juice. Add peach juice and wine to sugar syrup, stirring to combine. Pour granita mixture into a shallow tray and freeze for at least 2 hrs. 2 To make gelato, place milk and cream in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow water to touch base of bowl). Stir constantly until mixture reaches 40°C on a confectionery thermometer. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl, then stir dry ingredients into milk mixture. Heat mixture to 65°C, stirring every 5 mins for 30 mins. Transfer gelato mixture to


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Based on fresh, seasonal produce, cuisine from the Mediterranean region is considered some of the healthiest in the world.

a stainless-steel bowl set over ice until temperature reaches 40°C. Place mixture in freezer and stir every 10 mins until temperature reaches 4°C. Place mixture in an ice-cream maker and churn to -4°C. Place in an air-tight container and freeze until needed (up to 1 month). 3 Preheat grill pan to medium heat. Cut 4 peaches in half and remove stones. lightly brush cut side of peaches with olive oil. Place cut-side down on grill and cook for 4 mins; turn and grill a further 2 mins or until tender. 4 Scrape granita with a fork to form crystals. Place peaches on serving plates and spoon granita on top. Serve with 1 scoop of gelato. Note This recipe makes more granita and gelato than is required for the dish. Store remainder in separate containers in the freezer – enjoy with fresh berries. granita can also be used as a mixer with prosecco. DUBROVNIK ROSE LIQUEUR, RICOTTA & ALMOND CREPES WITH CANDIED ROSE PETALS Prep: 10 mins + overnight drying + resting. Cooking: 10 mins. Serves 4.

Pancakes and crepes are absolutely everywhere in Croatia. less common is the combination of ingredients i’ve used here, but each one is classically Croatian and they’re stunning all together. This is a simple but beautiful treat for all the senses, with the candied rose petals adding a great visual element. Candied rose petals 3 eggwhites 1 cup (20g) organic rose petals ½ cup (110g) caster sugar

Crepe batter 1 cup (150g) plain flour, sifted 1 egg, beaten 1½ cups (375ml) milk 2 tbsp butter Ricotta filling 1 cup (230g) ricotta 1 cup (240g) mascarpone ¼ cup (40g) icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 3 tbsp Dubrovnik rose liqueur or rose water 1 cup (160g) blanched almonds, toasted, chopped 1 To make candied rose petals, lightly whisk eggwhites until frothy. lightly brush on rose petals, then dip in caster sugar. Place petals on a tray lined with baking paper. Set tray aside in a warm, dry place to dry overnight. 2 To make crepes, place flour in a large mixing bowl and make a well in centre. Add egg and a little milk; whisk to a smooth paste, then whisk in remaining milk. Pass through a fine sieve and rest 20 mins. Heat a non-stick frypan or crepe pan over medium heat. Place ½ tsp butter in pan; when melted, add a small ladle of batter, swirling to thinly cover base of pan. Cook for 1 min or until lightly golden, turn and cook a further 1 min. Repeat with remaining batter. 3 To make ricotta filling, place ricotta, mascarpone, icing sugar and rose liqueur in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Fold in half the chopped almonds. 4 To assemble, place 3 tbsp ricotta filling on each crepe and spread evenly. Roll each crepe into a cigar shape. Dust crepes with icing sugar and scatter candied rose petals and remaining chopped almonds over.

ISTRIAN MIXED SHELLFISH BUZARU Prep: 15 mins. Cooking: 20 mins. Serves 4.

Known throughout the Croatian coast as buzaru, the classic version of this dish calls only for scampi, served in a simple but delightful tomato sauce. The recipe is also common in venice and the veneto, but it’s usually accompanied by pasta – primarily spaghetti. 200ml good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 4 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 350g peeled prawns 350g lobster tail, shell on, cut into 4 escalopes 350g whole scampi or langoustines 350g venus clams 1½ cups (375ml) malvasia or other good-quality medium-dry white wine 140g tomato passata 1 tbsp chopped parsley 1 Place 100ml extra-virgin olive oil in a small frypan over medium heat. Heat for 1 min, then add the breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. 2 Heat remaining olive oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add garlic and cook 2 mins, taking care not to brown. Add shellfish and wine; cook until scampi and lobster begin to turn pink. Add passata and cook a further 5 mins or until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper and stir in parsley. 3 To serve, place seafood on a deep platter. Sprinkle with fried breadcrumbs and drizzle with a little extra olive oil. Serve with crusty bread on the side. # AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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ESSEN TI A L I N G R E DI E N T A splash (or more) of wine boosts the flavour of a whole host of dishes from entree to dessert, writes Toni Paterson.


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Styling by Sophie Wilson. Photograph by Nic Gossage.

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ine is an excellent ingredient to cook with. It can add acidity, colour, body, flavour, liquid and richness to a dish. Recipes in vintage French cookbooks reveal that wine and food have combined in many ways over the years. The most common use of wine was for braising meats, where the wine was flavoured with additions such as herbs, spices and onions. It has also been used as the liquid ingredient in batters and doughs, and to coat meat before pan-frying, trapping in moisture and flavour. Perhaps the most famous French dish involving wine is coq au vin, where chicken is cooked in wine and flavoured with butter, bacon, onions, garlic, mushrooms and herbs such as parsley and thyme. Traditionally, the dish was finished off with a splash of eau de vie or armagnac. It is not surprising that the French invented a dish using chickens and wine, both plentiful ingredients. Coq au vin as we know it today is generally made with a light red wine, such as pinot noir. Many recipes call for burgundy, though I don’t consider it necessary (especially when you consider the varietal’s sky-high price!) I make coq au vin with any wine with sweet, gentle fruit. White or red wine may be used; if using red, soft tannins and a pale-colour are essential – a heavy red wine results in the chicken turning purple. Sometimes I make coq au vin with a chardonnay, which gives the dish excellent flavour depth (top tip: increase the quantity of mushrooms for colour). Wine also makes a great base for a sauce, especially after frying meat. While the pan is still warm, deglaze with a splash of wine

then add cream or stock and flavourings such as mustard and herbs. Simple and delicious. I always add a generous amount of wine to a meat ragú, especially when the cut is rich and fatty. The wine adds flavour and acidity and all of the alcohol evaporates during the long cooking process. You can also use wine in marinades, as it can help tenderise meat. However, keep in mind that the wine imparts colour as well as flavour, so it is best to use white wine with white meats, such as chicken, pork and rabbit and red wine for beef, lamb, kangaroo and venison. Just as sweetened vinegar is a useful kitchen ingredient, so is a sweet wine, particularly if you are concerned about the sharpness or acidity of the dish. If you are making a sauce using tart tomatoes, a slightly sweet white wine may be a better choice than a dry wine. For desserts, one of the most luxurious dishes you could ever eat is Champagne jelly, particularly with the inclusion of raspberries. However, it is important to mix a liberal amount of sugar with the Champagne as it can taste a little sour on its own. Another favourite of mine is pears baked in sweet wine. Halve and core pears, pour over some botrytis semillon, dot with cubes of butter and sprinkle with sugar; bake until the pears are just tender. You can also make a finishing syrup using dessert wine and any fragrant spices you like. Of course, one of the best things about cooking with wine is sipping a glass as you go. A glass for the dish, a glass for the cook and the rest for the table is not a bad way to go. #

The best wines for cooking The saying goes that you should never cook with a wine you wouldn’t drink. i don’t strictly abide by this, but it is indeed true that you should never cook with a wine that is horrid or faulty, such as a ‘corked’ wine or one that is vinegary. i regularly cook with leftover wine that has been open for a few days (though not a few weeks!). The aromas and flavours may have dulled, but it is still fine to cook with. Mid-palate sweet-fruit is the key to a good cooking wine. For whites, i generally go for a fruit-driven chardonnay or pinot gris over herbaceous sauvignon blanc. Riesling is a good option to boost the acidity of a dish. if you only have access to young red wine, select a light pinot noir or grenache. Though if you have old red on hand, you can pretty much use anything as the colour lessens and the palate mellows with time.

Try these 2019 JIM BARRY LODGE HILL RIESLING, $25 Perfumed and bright with excellent acid tension. Serve with spaghetti and mussels; add

a little to the pot for the steaming process. 2018 HAY SHED HILL CHARDONNAY, $28 A textured wine with gentle sweet-fruit and refreshing acidity. A mere dash boosts the flavour of sautéed mushrooms; serve on toast for an easy mid-week treat. 2018 YALUMBA BUSH VINE GRENACHE, $28 Pale in colour with soft, ripe strawberry flavours. Good length and fragrance. Add to a veal braise and reserve the rest for the meal. 2018 MOORES HILL PINOT NOIR, $40 Delicious, weighty, bursting with dark cherry fruit. Sizzle some pork steaks and use a splash in the gravy, leaving plenty to savour with dinner. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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STA R T R E AT ME N T approaching a milestone birthday? Head to California and celebrate by making some Hollywood-style memories, writes Deborah Grant.

Hotel Paseo, Palm Springs. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top The bar at La Peer Hotel, the mingling spot for LA creatives. A Louis Vuitton exhibition on Rodeo Drive. Restoration Hardware in West Hollywood, part of a three-square-kilometre walkable ‘city’ comprising the West Hollywood Design District, Santa Monica Boulevard and Sunset Strip. Marc Jacobs’ Beverly Hills store, designed by architect Stephan Jaklitsch.

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Photograph by Laure Joliet (La Peer).

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aking inspiration from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and friends who’d gushed about visiting West Hollywood (WeHo) and Palm Springs, I went with my husband and two teenage sons on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to those three Californian hotspots. The reason? To celebrate turning 50 and to explore the great SoCal (Southern California) design and cuisine I had long admired. And in case you’re wondering, we also squeezed in the amazing new Star Wars attraction at Disneyland so the kids really were alright… Our plane landed in LA at 6am the day before my birthday, and we hit the ground running in the design district of WeHo. First up was a coffee at Zinqué (lezinque.com), followed by a walk through much of the 150,000-square-metre Pacific Design Center (pacificdesigncenter.com) opposite. I couldn’t get enough of the luxury furniture, finishes and fabric stores there, and seeing well-dressed interior designers with their clients in tow. Just as the boys were feeling snoozy, Laura from Architecture Tours LA (architecturetoursla.com) pulled up outside in her comfortable car and drove us to some of the most impressive built structures in the area, I C O U L D N ’ T G E T E N O U G H O F T H E L U X U RY F U R N I T U R E , including a house by my favourite architect, F I N I S H E S A N D FA B R I C S TO R E S AT T H E PAC I F I C D E S I G N C E N T E R . Frank Lloyd Wright. She was a fascinating source of information past and present, and only one of us slept through it. Afterwards, Laura dropped us off at our accommodation, La Peer Hotel (lapeerhotel.com), a design-centric oasis of cool and calm. While I enjoyed a kombucha in the quiet of our beautiful room, the boys made a run for the pool, where they stayed until dinner. That amazing meal was at Pizzana (pizzana.com), a celebrity-owned, Michelin-approved joint serving deliciously reimagined pizzas we were happy to queue for. During our WeHo stay, we also popped into Sur (co-owned by Beverly Hills ‘housewife’ Lisa Vanderpump; surrestaurant. com) and had a Mexican lunch on the patio at Gracias Madre (graciasmadre.co), home of LA’s tastiest plant-based food. Both were less than five minutes’ walk from our lobby, home to another local gem, Viale Dei Romani. Visits to Schindler House (schindlerhouse.org), the first home built in the Modern style, and the hillside Getty Center (getty.edu) were highlights. An early-morning hike we took in Runyon Canyon with outdoor company Bikes and Hikes LA (bikesandhikesla.com) was pretty special too. Our guide, Eric, has comprehensive knowledge of the area, from its natural wonders to its glitzy recent history, and even pointed out the largest US Ikea store, in Burbank, as we crested the hill by the iconic Hollywood sign. He directed us to The Original Farmer’s Market at The Grove (farmersmarketla.com) for lunch before we doubled back to the dreamy furnishings and rooftop of Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com) on Melrose Avenue. That night, we had the grand finale of our WeHo stay at chic >


H G travel Norah restaurant (norahrestaurant.com), where I marked my half century in the arty thomas Schoss-designed space with stunning dishes matched by attentive service. It was absolutely perfect. Second stop of the trip was the suburban dream that is Beverly Hills, where we ramped up the fashion stakes with a window shop on rodeo Drive. later, I popped into the Beverly Wilshire Hotel’s Nail Bar (fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire) for a manicure by esther, who plied me with bubbly and macarons while I watched Pretty Woman, shot at the hotel almost 30 years earlier. Dinner that evening was in The Polo Lounge at the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel (dorchestercollection.com) as well-known la musician David aldo crooned eagles tunes indistinguishable from the originals. We ate like Hollywood royalty in the courtyard at a booth that may well have seated Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s. She was a fan of room 1a, now renovated to a high, contemporary standard but retaining the porch-side bench she was famously photographed on. that night, we retired to our glamorous suite in one of the hotel’s iconic bungalows, dotted throughout the lush tropical grounds and ever-popular with well-heeled overseas tourists, local staycationers, film lovers and fashion photographers. My sons loved their new cabana life by the hotel pool almost as much as the vIP cards they were handed on arrival. Oh, and did I mention the underwater music and pink Marc ange ‘le refuge’ day bed that sent Instagrammers into a frenzy when it was installed two years ago? One afternoon we left the boys to it and headed to the luxuriously Zen world of Tomoko Spa (tomokospa.com) in Beverly Hills for a couple’s massage. this sublime hour of pause is an easy sell for the paparazzi-plagued and it’s not hard to see why – I pretty much floated out of there. among the many 90210 highlights were a digital art experience – it’s a thing – at the Museum of Dream Space (modsla.com) and some actual shopping on Santa Monica’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard. We celebrated my birthday twice more (why not?) with dinners at restaurants frequented by the smart set. Maude (mauderestaurant.com) by australian chef Curtis Stone was a breathtaking chef’s-table experience based on a French wine region. Our ChampagneW E AT E L I K E H O L LY W O O D R OYA LT Y AT A B O OT H T H AT M AY themed degustation took place in an intimate W E L L H AV E S E AT E D M A R I LY N M O N R O E I N T H E 1 9 5 0 S . bistro-style dining room and then upstairs for dessert in a candlelit bar where I halfexpected Curtis himself to be. In complete contrast was the massive, airy rockwell Group-designed Avra (avrabeverlyhills.com), which we experienced the next day. Its magnificent full-wall ice display openly flaunts what may be the best Greek seafood on earth. Some of it is jetted in daily from the Med – much like a few of its diners, I imagine. after six days in la it was time for a desert break, so we followed the tradition of Hollywood stars and headed to the Mid-Century oasis known as Palm Springs. Our destination was Hotel Paseo (hotelpaseo.com) in Palm Desert, one of nine cities 176 |

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Photography from Getty (this page) & Deborah Grant (The Beverly Hills Hotel).

in the region. From there, it’s only steps to the area’s best shopping and a short bike ride to family-friendly Living Desert Zoo & Gardens (livingdesert.org). We also dropped into Moorten Botanical Garden (moortenbotanicalgarden.com), a passion project of more than 3000 rare cacti, and Sunnylands centre (sunnylands.org), the former Annenberg Estate, featuring desert-planted grounds once strolled through by world leaders. Time spent at the hotel was a joy for us – the creators have perfectly captured the art-loving funster market. Design treats include a red convertible parked in the foyer and a gleaming silver caravan near the pool area. The gym has its own striking art piece, a backlit landscape that kept drawing me back to the running machines – just as well because the food in this town is fabulous. We dined at Eight4Nine (eight4nine.com), a glossy eatery with themed rooms, and the swanky Citrus & Palm Restaurant at the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa (miramontresort.com); it was a luxe farm-to-fork experience that blew us away. Two more pleasant surprises were the city’s wonderful modern art hub, Palm Springs Art Museum (psmuseum.org), and a design collective called The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five

(theshopsat1345.com). At the latter, we saw an exciting sample of the Mid-Century wares that flooded the market in the 1990s when people started clearing out their parents’ holiday homes. The Aerial Tram (pstramway.com) was another attractive option, but sadly closed for repairs while we were there; a Martini & Mid-Century Architecture Tour with Kurt Cyr of Palm Springs Mod Squad (psmodsquad.com) took our minds off it. Kurt told us all about the Rat Pack era of the 1960s while we idled in his van, with accompanying insights that were pure California gold. Though I cheated and had a vodka-based Cosmopolitan at the end instead of the classic gin martini my husband enjoyed, it was a fitting way for a Sex and the City girl to ‘come of age’. # For more information, go to www.visitcalifornia.com. Palm Springs is heaven for fans of Mid-Century design, including the Kaufmann Desert house by Richard Neutra; this image was snapped by Slim Aarons in 1970. One of Kurt Cyr’s tours drives by the front. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top The Beverly Hills Hotel. The pool area’s newest addition, a pink day bed by artist Marc Ange. Hotel Paseo’s shiny caravan encourages reflection. A luxurious villa nestled into the garden of the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Deborah Grant travelled to the US courtesy of Visit West Hollywood, Love Beverly Hills and Visit Greater Palm Springs.



living H G T R I C K F O R T R E AT S

Health

S HE L F C ONFIDENC E

“if you’re struggling to gain control over food rather than food controlling you, keeping treats out of the house is a good strategy. But it may not work in the long term if it creates a cycle of deprivation and craving,” says dietitian nicole Senior. “Deciding it’s okay to eat a small treat once or twice a week is a better way. A compromise may be to buy or measure out treats in smaller portions and keep them on the top shelf of the pantry.”

Overhauling your pantry could be the first step towards a better diet, writes Paula Goodyer.

Illustration by Domenic Bahmann.

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our eating behaviour is heavily influenced by the food you’re surrounded by. If your kitchen is stocked with healthy food, that’s what you’ll eat, says dietitian Nicole Senior. Fresh ingredients aside, here are her top picks for a wellprovisioned pantry: Minimally processed foods form the basis of healthy meals. These include wholegrains such as wholemeal pasta and noodles, brown rice, wholegrain couscous and quinoa. Also, lentils, chickpeas and cannellini beans for quick curries and soups, or to add protein to salads. Stock up on canned tuna and salmon, as well as jars of artichoke hearts and capsicum. Healthy oils such as extra-virgin olive, canola and sesame are good. Unsalted nuts, seeds and nut pastes are great for adding protein and healthy fats to salads and grains, and for smart snacking. “Buying nuts “Keep healthy snacks at eye level – and in the shell helps slow your the fruit bowl on the kitchen bench for snacking,” says Senior. Use when the snack monster strikes.” chia, sunflower and pumpkin Nicole Senior, dietitian seeds to add extra texture and nutrients to food. Natural flavour boosters such as herbs (fresh or dried), spices, curry paste, olives, soy sauce

(salt-reduced), fish sauce, rice wine and balsamic vinegar add zing to pantry staples. Prepacked fruit in juice is useful when you’re out of fresh fruit or need a quick dessert. It pays to be wary of processed foods. “The Health Star rating is there to help but isn’t always straightforward,” says Dr Kellie Bilinski, spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia. The system is voluntary, for a start, so not all packaged foods carry these stars. And it applies only to packaged food, not to fresh fruit and vegetables. This can leave some consumers wondering whether a packaged snack bearing three health stars is better than a bag of apples with no stars. “Health Star ratings only compare foods in the same category, such as one cereal with another, not yoghurt versus bread,” says Dr Bilinski. “You need to look at the nutrition information and ingredient list for the presence of additives and preservatives, for instance. “The list can also tell you how truthful a product’s marketing claims are,” she says. “Some containing ‘superfoods’ may have only tiny amounts.” # AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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Adv ic e

Removable decals and murals, such as this Glitter Rainbow design from The Wallsticker Company ($114), are a great option for dressing up a child’s room. For more ideas, turn the page.


K IDS ’ RO OM ESSEN TI A LS Creating a space your little one loves (and will grow with them) is child’s play with some good basics and smart planning, writes Georgia Madden.

Charlie king-single bed, $1850, bedside table, $649, and chest of drawers, $1600, Lilly & Lolly.


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ecorating a child’s room might be an opportunity to have a little fun, but it’s not without its challenges. “Children’s rooms are often small and awkwardly shaped. You may also need to accommodate a sibling as well. Fitting everything in can present some tricky space planning,” says Belinda Nihill, creative director at Nest Design Studio. But it’s well worth the effort. “An inspiring, functional room is a great way to get your child invested in their space,” says Melissa Bonney, director at design firm The Designory. “Bring them on the journey and let them help make some of the design choices. They’ll relish the responsibility and it will ensure their room is a space they’ll love.” Start by getting the foundations right. “Large pieces – furniture and rugs, for example – can be a major investment, so it’s best to purchase well-made styles that can take your child through to their teens,” says Nicole Rosenberg, interior decorator and founder of Liberty Interiors. Low-key colours

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1 Milly ottoman, $449, Circlehome. 2 Dream 1 table lamp, $89.95, Beacon Lighting. 3 Flisat toy storage, $49, Ikea. 4 Laguna writing desk, $1995, Max Sparrow. 5 Castello singl-size bunk beds, $2450, Plyroom. 6 Atrium Barker jute rug (2.2x1.5m), $299, Choices Flooring. 7 CH410 Peter’s children’s table, $830, and matching chair, $710, Cult. 8 Australian House & Garden ‘Tullah’ baskets, $69.95 (46cm) and $39.95 (38cm), Myer.

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“Let children help make some of the design choices to ensure their room is a space they’ll love.” Melissa Bonney and finishes work best, she advises. “Anything that will remain in the room for years should be neutral in tone and timeless in style.” The bed is the centrepiece of any bedroom and it’s worth investing in quality to ensure a sound night’s sleep. “A good, supportive mattress is a must as it’s an investment in your child’s growing body,” says Fiona Tedesco, bedding and manchester general manager at Domayne. “You’ll also want a sturdy bed frame that suits their needs, whether it’s a bunk bed or a style with a trundle for sleepovers or storage.” Good storage is another important investment, as it will encourage your child to keep their room tidy, says Bonney. “Consider freestanding units, baskets or custom-made joinery to keep clutter behind at bay,” she says. Save money on decorative items. “Bedlinen, artworks and beanbags are all great ways to add colour. They’re quick, easy and relatively inexpensive to update too,” says Tedesco. >

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Interior designer Frances Cosway of White Pebble Interiors outlines The key elements of a hard-working homework area: ✚ A good-sized desk (60-80cm deep) with drawers for storage. ✚ An ergonomically designed desk chair with good back support (functionality is more important than looks). ✚ Good task lighting such as a directional wall or desk light. ✚ Access to natural light and ventilation. ✚ A pinboard or magnetic whiteboard for planning notes and vision-board thoughts. ✚ Ideally, position the desk with a view to outside, say under or facing a window. ✚ Consider including a charging station (for daytime use; tech should be removed from kids’ bedrooms at night).

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4 5 Make the most of what you’ve got with these smart storage solutions, says Nicole Rosenberg, interior decorator and founder of Liberty Interiors: ✚ Under-bed storage Built-in drawers in the bed base, a lift-up mattress or under-bed storage boxes make optimum use of space. Ideal for out-of-season clothes and spare bedding. ✚ Built-in banquette An appealing spot to relax plus storage can be built into the base. ✚ Wall hooks Make use of vertical surfaces for bags and hats. ✚ Maximise wardrobe space Shelf/drawer dividers and stackable boxes help keep cupboards tidy.

herringbone, geometric or striped pattern is far less likely to date than, say, a design with characters or animals.” Think outside the box when selecting colours, says Bonney. “Kids’ spaces have moved well beyond pink and blue. ‘New neutrals’ – think green, terracotta, navy and mustard – are gender-neutral and timeless, and allow you to layer in other colours. Add peachy pinks to green for a girlie vibe or combine green and charcoal for a boy’s room.” Careful space planning is key to a successful scheme, particularly if the room is small. “Choose pieces that do double duty, such as a single bed with a trundle or loft bed with space underneath for storage. Bunks are a great space saver in a shared bedroom,” says Nihill. “Make use of vertical space – install adjustable shelves for display or storage. Then make the wardrobe work harder with a combination of hanging, drawer and shelf storage.” Whatever the size of the room, resist the urge to overfill it. “It’s the biggest mistake I see people make,” says Nihill. “Going in with a well-thought out design and knowing what your child needs – and what they don’t – will keep the room # looking beautiful without being overdone.”

1 Lillah children’s table, $499, Freedom. 2 Bloomingville Mini jute rug (120cm diameter), $169.95, Wiggles Piggles. 3 Attic single bed, $413, Zanui. 4 Avery Arch Diamond queen-size bedhead, $750, Aura Home. 4 B&B Italia ‘UP_J’ armchair with ball and chain pouf, $2750, and ‘UP_2’ pod seat, $1235, Space. OPPOSITE North Star

blanket, $69, Curly Hair sheepskin, $195, La Forma ‘Kristie’ chair, $169, all Norsu Interiors. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

Room designed by Norsu Home (opposite). Styling by Beck Simon. Photograph by Lisa Cohen.

“Bedlinen, artworks and beanbags are a great way to add colour. They’re easy to update too.” Fiona Tedesco

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TOP STORAGE

Today’s pint-size finishes and furnishings are quite grown up. “Pieces deisgned for children now incorporate finishes and textures that were previously reserved for adult spaces, but in a unique and creative way – think stunning, graphic wallpaper, joinery with timber or metallic accents, oversized artworks and hanging furniture,” says Bonney. “Scandiinspired timber and rattan furniture pieces give a natural, boho feel to kids’ rooms. Interesting wall lights are another trend,” adds Rosenberg. But if you’re on a budget, colour can make the most impact. “Paint is the cheapest and easiest way to transform a room,” says Rosenberg. Or go for a statement wallpaper. “We recently wallpapered the ceiling of a child’s room. It looks amazing,” says Bonney. Nihill agrees. “I’ll usually wallpaper one feature wall. It keeps the budget down while still having a big impact.” In terms of prints, Rosenberg favours the classics. “A


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H G ADVICE

The green house

S CR A P HE A P S Keep a worm farm or begin composting to reap some impressive environmental rewards, writes Sarah Pickette.

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otato peel and apple cores might seem innocuous, but when they end upinthewrongplace–yourbin–theycanbeharmfultotheenvironment. “Food scraps don’t belong in landfill,” says Peter Rutherford, senior ecologist and sustainable living educator at Sydney’s Kimbriki Eco House andGarden.“Foodwasteburiedwithotherrubbishcausespollution,because it becomes anaerobic. In an anaerobic situation, food scraps create an acid that leaches through the rubbish into the soil and ground water, plus they produce methane. People think putting scraps in the bin is fine because they’re ‘just going back to the earth’, but that’s not the case.” A far better way to deal with your food scraps is to compost them. “Up to about 50 per cent of household waste is food scraps and garden materials that can be composted,” says Rutherford. When food waste is composted above ground, it decomposes aerobically; little methane is produced and you’ll end up with valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. The secret to good composting is fourfold, says Rutherford. “Treat your compost as a living ‘creature’ of worms and healthy microbes; mix in a variety of ingredients, from food to grass and dry leaves; aerate compost regularly with a spiral tool; and keep compost moist at all times.” Once established, you don’t need to be too precious about what goes in your compost, he adds. “The key is to mix it well – every day, if you like.” Don’t worry about a few flies or a bit of mould, just keep mixing.

3 OF A KIND FOOD-SCRAP SAVERS

Made in Australia from recycled materials, the Maze worm farm has two trays and a draining system for the worm ‘tea’. It comes with 1000 worms and a worm blanket. $169, Bunnings; bunnings.com.au.

“ UP TO ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE IS FOOD SCRAPS AND GARDEN MATERIALS THAT CAN BE COMPOSTED.” Peter Rutherford, senior ecologist and sustainable living educator

While you can buy small compost systems (such as Bokashi buckets), you do still need a garden to compost successfully. Those with limited space can feed scraps to worms instead. “A worm farm is designed to deal with food waste; you don’t need garden waste to go with it. One worm farm can generally handle the fruit and vegetable waste of a family of three or four.” Keep your worms in a spot that gets afternoon shade, says Rutherford, and ensure they’re moist and well aerated. “Worms love oxygen – if you have the tap at the bottom of your farm closed, you could end up with too much liquid and they may drown.” Try not to feed your worms too much acidic food, or they might crawl out in protest. “It’s not a prison; there’s nothing keeping them in there. The only reason they stay is because they’ve got food and they’re happy,” Rutherford says. To keep them happy, counteract the acidity with a handful of worm farm conditioner once a week or so. “Whether you compost or go with a worm farm, know that you’re doing # a lot of good for the environment,” says Rutherford. To learn more, visit ecohouseandgarden.com.au

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The Polder 3.8L kitchen-bench composter’s silicone inner bucket has holes for aeration to kickstart the decomposition process before your scraps go in your compost bin. $59.95, Biome; biome.com.au.

Ideal for small spaces, the 140L compost tumbler is made from recycled plastic. Add your food scraps and turn it regularly for a lovely supply of compost within six weeks. $159, Tumbleweed; tumbleweed.com.au.


Pets

SINGING THE BLUES Russian blues are affectionate, social creatures – proof that cats aren’t always aloof, writes Roger Crosthwaite.

Photograph from Alamy.

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here’s one criticism non-cat people always raise with cat lovers: that our feline friends are only along for the free bed and board, unlike dogs, who are totally devoted to their owners. But as with dogs, different breeds of cat show varying degrees of affection, some bonding strongly with just one person in the family, others spreading their affection further afield, and those that play hard to get with everybody. The bottom line is that some cat breeds, like the Russian blue, can be as friendly, affectionate and desirous of human company as any labrador. As well as their lustrous coats and green eyes, Russian blues are noted for their affection towards their human family and their general sociability. Originating in Russia, they made their way from the port of Arkhangelsk to England in the late 19th century, then to the US after World War II. They have been crossbred with other ‘blue’ cats from time to time to boost the breed, and the ‘Russian’ group of cats also includes white and black varieties. But it’s the shimmering appearance of the original breed’s double-layered grey/ blue coat that makes them so distinctly attractive. This shimmer comes from the silver-tipped guard hairs that shine through the plush undercoat. For all its luxurious look and feel, the coat is fairly low-maintenance, requiring just the occasional brush. And there’s good news for allergy sufferers: Russian blues produce less of the protein that triggers cat allergies, resulting in less severe reactions.

For families, Russian blues can really disprove the cats-as-aloof-strangers myth. They not only bond strongly with various humans, they are get along well with other cats and (friendly) household dogs. Even adult Russian blues are playful and explorative, often initiating games with their favourite toys. If raised in a busy household they can become quite sociable indeed, getting to know and interacting with regular visitors. Russian blues raised in quieter circumstances tend to be less life-of-theparty, but even cats who are reserved with strangers tend to bond strongly with their families. They prefer company to being left alone, so be prepared to be your Russian blue’s best friend. They are fine with apartment living, but are very good at climbing and exploring, so watch those delicate ornaments and secure tall cupboards to the wall. Oh, and another thing that Russian blues share with labradors is a tendency to overeat, so be prepared to monitor your new best mate’s dietary intake carefully and constantly. #

3 OF A KIND PET ACCESSORIES

The Barkley & Bella Copenhagen synthetic-wicker day bed, $249, comes with a removable, washable cover. Posh Pets; poshpets.com.au.

Celebrate your cat’s individuality with a distinctive Bond & Co stainless-steel cat bowls and mat set, $30. Petbarn; petbarn.com.au.

BREED ALL ABOUT IT

Russian blues are healthy, long-lived cats, with some living into their 20s. Males grow to be around 6kg; females 4kg. They’re ideal family cats, but due to their affectionate nature, also very good for singletons seeking a furry friend. Kittens from a reputable breeder cost around $600. Find a local through the Russian Cat Council of Australia; russiancat councilofaustraliaincorporated.com.

This stylish Patch & Socks cat scratcher house, $30, will provide hours of feline-friendly amusement. Target; target.com.au.


Arcadia by Max Sparrow offers unparalleled luxury for a modern contemporary home. The collection is defined by clean lines and exquisite attention to detail. maxsparrow.com.au

Discover the latest trends and source new-season products for your retail store or next project at Sydney Gift Fair, February 21-24, industry event dedicated to retail and design. sydneygift.com.au

Crafted from solid brass and finished in Faucet Strommen’s organic Antique Brass Light, this new basin mixer features sophisticated and minimalist design. faucetstrommen.com.au

H&G ESSENTIALS Designing a collection that embodies all the values of elegance has resulted in Gessi’s new Rilievo basin mixer from Abey, available in a range of finishes. $639 to $880. abey.com.au

Create a beautiful lifestyle and home with these must-have products.

The Aga TC3 packs in three cast-iron ovens that their moisture while also providing roasting, baking and simmering functions. Our ‘TC3’ is easily programable with both oven and hot plate heat distribution. RRP $23,198. agaaustralia.com.au.

With the latest colours, designs and textures, the MOOD collection of blinds and shutters from Choices Flooring offers something to suit every interior. choicesflooring.com.au

AH Beard’s smart sleep solutions allow you to monitor your slumber and understand sleep patterns. RestOn Sleep Tracker, $229; Nox Smart Sleep Light, $249. ahbeard.com

Inspired by nature, Capi pots are handmade and available in various shapes and sizes. You’re sure to find the perfect match for your style. $16.98 from Bunnings Warehouse. capi-europe.com

Driven by global design trends, Kaboodle’s latest range features six colours in doors and panels, including matt black, smoked grey, a rich green, deep navy and two concrete looks. kaboodle.com.au

Snuggle up and fall in love with the popular swivel accent Snuggle Sofa from Plush – Think Sofas. It’s the perfect place to cuddle up. From $999 (check for a current promotion). plush.com.au

Lumas brings art out of museums and into your home, all at a fraction of the cost. Find the perfect piece of art for your home. Prices starting at $500. au.lumas.com


ADVICE H G

Property

W H AT A HIDE Truth be told, there’s a whole world of misinformation about property transactions, writes Harvey Grennan.

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as obfuscation become the name of the game in real estate? Once upon a time, if not going to auction, a home would be advertised with a price. Now it’s ‘contact agent’, ‘price guide’, ‘expressions of interest’ and so on … Anything but an actual price! This practice has grown out of heated markets, when sellers and agents do not want to commit to a fixed price because they might get more. It forces buyers to talk to agents just to ascertain whether a property is remotely near their budget. Despite legislation attempting to outlaw the practice of underquoting, ‘price guides’ are typically 10 per cent below what an agent really believes a property is worth – because that’s what they can safely get away with. Some recent sales have been 20-40 per cent above the price guide. Many buyers expecting to pay around the price guide “are being blown out of the water”, says Julie DeBondt-Barker of Melbourne’s Property Home Base. When a home is sold, it’s increasingly common to see ‘price withheld’, despite the fact that sale prices are public

information and a very useful guide for buyers. The government eventually publishes all sale prices, so what is there to hide? Could agents be trying to manipulate the market? Which brings us to ‘auction clearance rates’. At the time of writing, auction clearance rates in NSW were supposedly about 80 per cent. An auction I attended had zero sales out of 14 properties offered but this result was not reported to the publisher of the clearance rate. Are agents manipulating such figures (and prices) by only reporting successful auctions (effectively telling buyers that competition is greater than it actually is)? Governments have not acted on the need for more transparency in the buying process, even when there is a compelling case to do so. The ACT requires sellers to provide building, pest and energy-efficiency reports to potential buyers. But the states have not followed suit, suggesting unscrupulous vendors can ‘game’ the ACT legislation. Closing loopholes and exemptions in the Australian standard for building inspection reports would avoid this.

NSW legislation requires agents to tell buyers if a building, pest or strata inspection has been organised by another buyer (when asked for a contract), and if the reports are available for re-purchase. It is a requirement that is usually ignored. Then there is obfuscation in advertising – admittedly not a new phenomenon. A couple of recent examples: “brilliant location” for a house backing on to the Sydney-Melbourne railway line and “ideal for executive entertaining” for a very basic, entry-level unit. Then there are the perennial “close to transport” – code for smack-bang on a main road – and “master built” for a project home. But my all-time favourite is “vendor says sell”. Really? #

Stretching the friendship Creative license certainly abounds in real-estate listings. One professional copywriter reveals: “I have been told to describe a space beneath stairs as ‘a large cupboard’ and a passageway that happened to have a built-in wardrobes along one wall as the ‘third bedroom’.”

Styling by Studio Gorman. Photograph by Prue Ruscoe.

[ NEXT MONTH ]

Kitchens special ✚ 20 case studies showcasing designs for every style of home (and budget) ✚ Choosing the best finishes and fittings ✚ All the latest and greatest appliances

ON SALE

February 17


I E A R N $1 5 0 K ,

why am I still broke? Emotions can make people do funny things, including over-spend. Awareness of the issues is the first step to a resolution, writes Effie Zahos.

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nhappy with your financial situation but earning a decent income? It’s time to ask yourself some tough questions – not where you are spending but why you are spending. Money is intrinsically linked to our emotions. Most of us probably get this. Given the complexity of why we do what we do, I spoke to Phil Slade, a behavioural economist who’s also a psychologist. His insights were invaluable.

THE PROBLEM WITH EARNING A GREAT INCOME When you’re earning six figures, there’s probably not as much pressure to track your spending. But Phil says the answer may be more about feeling exhausted. “Whether the cause is working in a stressful job or simply not getting enough sleep, people who are tired are more likely to spend money to avoid doing ‘painful’ or effortful things like cleaning, property maintenance or food prep,” says Phil. “We’re even more likely to spend more on alcohol. and entertainment. These relatively small expenses can have a huge impact on savings.” It’s a vicious cycle: you work longer hours to increase income, which then leads to spending more, in turn forcing us to earn even more money. Phil says the reason people fall into this trap is that our actions are on autopilot. “Scientifically, mental exhaustion is explained as bounded rationality or limited cognitive capacity – that is, the brain has a finite amount of thinking energy before it needs to recharge, and once you’ve spent that energy, your decision-making becomes less mindful if you don’t allow yourself to recharge.”

SAVING ON $50K VS $100K Take two people of the same age and stage of life but with different incomes. How is it possible that the lower income earner can save more? A fascinating psychological phenomenon comes into play,” says Phil. “It is a problem of relativity and a struggle with loss aversion. If someone on $50,000 (@ $961.54pw) considers spending $500, the pain of the loss relative to their income is much greater than the loss felt by the person on $100,000 (@ $1924.08pw) who is considering the same purchase. Because a large part of our spending consists of many smaller purchases, the A stressful job or not getting enough sleep can contribute to emotional spending. Even relatively small expenses can have a huge impact on savings. person on $100,000 is likely to spend more because it doesn’t feel so painful when each ‘loss’ seems small relative to their overall income. The person on $50,000, on the other hand, feels greater pain for every purchase, making money less fluid and therefore easier to track and save.”

TRIGGERS AND FIXES If you want to run a marathon, you start training and improve over time. Finances are the same; you can just say “I’m no good with money”. This can come down to triggers. Emotions are the general culprits for setting off triggers but things like easy credit and a simple sale can be too.

While there’s nothing wrong with acting on your emotions, they need to be acted on debt free. If it doesn’t fit within your budget, substitute spending with a low- or no-cost activity to boost your mood/celebrate. “In the long run, giving into things that trigger spending will only make you struggle to budget or lead you into a great deal of debt down the road,” says Phil. “Learn to control your emotions, disempower them; they are not your friends. If we can’t keep our emotions in check, we’re unlikely to be able to keep our spending in check either.” Here are five triggers to watch out for and some solutions to avoid tripping up. Trigger 1: I had a bad day Whatever the cause, stress can definitely trigger spending – it’s a distraction to take away the pain. A similar thing can happen if you have a great day. The attitude of ‘I deserve it!’ often justifies a spending binge. Phil suggests: Trick yourself with multiple accounts and name them according to purpose. This technique limits spending from the account your card is attached to and highlights the consequences of ‘robbing’ one account for another. It also means you are less likely to spend large amounts. It doesn’t seem logical, but having 10 accounts with $1000 rather than a single account with $10,000 makes you feel like you have less overall, and spending $500 of that $1000 (50%) feels like more of a hit than spending $500 from an account with $10,000 in it (5%). It may make financial sense to put all your money in one highinterest account, but it doesn’t always make good human behaviour sense. Trigger 2: Credit and buy now, pay later Credit cards and ‘buy now, pay later’


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services help you justify a purchase. it’s all about instant gratification, and because we’re not parting with cash, the pain is diminished. While buy now, pay later services aren’t credit cards, these digital disrupters are tempting us to shop more because it’s so much easier to buy something when paying $50 a fortnight rather than $200 upfront. i almost bought something this way but decided to wait and save. Funny thing is, i couldn’t justify the spend by the time i had saved enough for it. So what do you do? Spend without guilt but know that buyer’s remorse will kick in when your statements come. Phil suggests: Resist the urge to go into a repayment scheme and create a self-made lay-by system instead. Figure out what the weekly repayments would be and put that amount each week into a separate account until you’ve saved the purchase price (or at least a large portion of it if it’s a big-ticket item). This saves money on interest, tests whether you can afford the repayments, helps you avoid credit traps, and gives you time to think more rationally about the purchase. another thing to do is to prevent impulse buys by building some resistance into the purchase process. For instance, set a rule with your partner (so you can be held accountable) that any credit or debt purchase needs to be discussed with a third-party who isn’t emotionally involved – someone who won’t directly benefit from the purchase. This ‘credit purchase check’ mitigates emotionally reactive actions. Trigger 3: Social media One US study by two business school researchers found that social media really can influence the amount of money you spend, with Pinterest singled out as the platform likely to make you spend the most. Phil suggests: cut up credit cards and disconnect from social media. “Unrealistic social comparisons and easy access to credit are a dangerous mix. Social media can make you feel worthless; if it does so, avoid it completely. When you feel

worthless, you are likely to act in ways to replenish your sense of worth. it’s why some people buy a cream bun after going to the gym or buy countless coffees to escape a depressing office. do yourself a favour and construct your environment in a way that helps you. When it’s a negative environment you can’t escape (such as stress at home), be aware of emotional reactivity and find ways to restore your self-worth that don’t require spending money.” Trigger 4: Sales When we see a sale sign, we focus on the savings rather than the spending. Throw in free shipping, ‘limited offer’ or ‘only one left’ and we jump on it! So what do you do? Buy it, of course! Phil suggests: as the old adage goes, if you can’t walk away from a deal, you won’t get a good deal. Picture yourself walking away from the purchase and see if life goes on. if so, maybe you should let it go. Still want it? Mitigate the effects of ‘anchoring’ – where the original price or RRP immediately precedes a sale price. The higher the number presented, the higher the perceived value, the more people will pay. Price comparisons give you a better idea of the real value. if you do find it cheaper elsewhere, gift it to yourself in a few days. Finding relevant information and delaying gratification reduces FOMO, stops you making impulse buys, and makes you aware of how much you are losing from your account, as opposed to losing out on a great deal. Trigger 5: Keeping up with the Joneses When earning more, we are more likely to gravitate to communities that reflect our income, real or aspirational. Within these communities, there are unspoken norms that influence the type of car you drive, the clubs you belong to, the events you go to, the way you spend your recreational time, how lavishly you entertain, even the expected price of a good cup of coffee. So what do you do? You keep up appearances, spending until you can no longer afford those “necessary” luxuries.

Phil suggests: Share your goals. “We need to learn to be content with who we are and our real socio-economic status. The greater the distance between the selves we present and our ‘real’ selves, the greater the chances we will make poor decisions that compound financial stress. Resist the fear of being judged and revel in the fact that you are getting better, rather than focusing on how much worse off you think you are relative to someone else.

A LAST WORD ON EMOTIONAL SPENDING Phil talks about having a 500kg ape strapped to our backs that we can’t see so often forget is there. The ape represents our instinctive, emotional, reactive responses. You can feel your ape rising up when someone speaks against your loved ones, or you see that piece of chocolate cake in the fridge at the end of a long day at work. “apes tend to not make good financial decisions,” says Phil. “and yet they make nearly all of our financial decisions because money is so strongly linked with our emotions and our sense of self-worth. How much influence did ‘it just felt right/good’ have on your last purchase? That’s why controlling emotional spending is paramount to improving your wealth.” #

Effie Zahos is the author of A Real Girl’s Guide to Money: From Converse to Louboutins ($24.99, Bauer Books). AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. A Aalto Colour 1800 009 600; aaltocolour.com About Space (03) 9417 4635; aboutspace.net.au ACS Designer Bathrooms 1300 201 451; www.acsupplies.com.au Adairs 1300 783 005; adairs.com.au Aerin, available from Amara 1800 021 109; amara.com/au Agostino & Brown agostinoandbrown.com A.H. Beard 1300 654 000; ahbeard.com Alfresco Emporium (02) 9919 0601; alfrescoemporium.com.au Apaiser (03) 9421 5722; apaiser.com.au Armadillo & Co (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Arrival Hall arrivalhall.com.au Art2Muse Gallery art2muse.com.au Artedomus (02) 9557 5060; artedomus.com Arteriors www.arteriorshome.com Artform Collective (02) 9979 9939; artformliving.com.au Arthur G (03) 9543 4633; arthurg.com.au Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Aura Home 1300 304 269; aurahome.com.au B B&B Italia, available from Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Banksia Lounges (03) 5229 2167; banksialounges.com.au Barefoot Living (02) 9976 6324; www.barefootliving.com.au Bastille and Sons bastilleandsons.com.au Bauwerk Colour (08) 9433 3860; bauwerk.com.au Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266; beaconlighting.com.au Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com Bed Threads bedthreads.com.au Black + Whiting, available from Est www.estliving.com Black Blaze www.blackblaze.com.au Bloomingdales Lighting (02) 8345 6888; bloomingdales.com.au Børge Mogenson, available from Great Dane (03) 9417 5599; greatdanefurniture.com Boyd Blue (07) 5527 0899; boydblue.com Bragg & Co braggandco.com.au Briggs Veneers (02) 9732 7888; www.briggs.com.au Bristol 131 686; bristol.com.au British Paints 132 525; britishpaints.com.au Brodware (02) 9421 8200; brodware.com.au Brosa 1300 027 672; brosa.com.au

Brunschwig & Fils, available from Elliott Clarke elliottclarke.com.au Busatti (02) 9363 4318; busatti.com.au C Cabot’s 1800 011 006; cabots.com.au Cadrys (02) 9328 6144; cadrys.com.au Caesarstone 1300 119 119; caesarstone.com.au Candana (02) 9389 8631; candana.com.au Canvas+Sasson (03) 9790 1266; canvasandsasson.com.au Captive Cabinet Making (02) 9905 4468; www.capitivecabinetmaking.com.au Carolina Irving Textiles www.carolinairvingtextiles.com Casa Mia (02) 9773 1144; casa-mia.com.au Castle 0410 705 253; castleandthings.com.au Catapult Design (02) 8001 6646; catapultdesign.net.au Cedar Sales 1800 156 455; www.cedarsales.com.au Central Coast Granite (02) 4324 2930; www.centralcoastgranite.com Chandelierium (02) 9316 9888; www.chandelierium.com.au Chandeliers To Die For (02) 9328 0333; www.chandeliers.net.au Chapman Upholstery (02) 4969 6112; chapmanupholstery.com.au Chelsea Textiles www.chelseatextiles.com Choices Flooring choicesflooring.com.au Circlehome circlehome.com.au Cityscape Steel (02) 8631 4562; cityscapesteel.com.au Clarence House www.clarencehouse.com Classic Ceramics (02) 9560 6555; classicceramics.com.au Coco Republic 1300 000 220; cocorepublic.com.au Colby Furniture (03) 9894 4962; colbyfurniturecompany.com Colefax and Fowler, available from Domus Textiles (02) 9380 6577; www.domustextiles.com.au Colorbond 1800 022 999; colorbond.com Concrete Studio (08) 6226 9670; concrete.studio Conley & Co (02) 8065 9411 Country Road 1800 801 911; countryroad.com.au Covered in Paint (02) 9519 0204; coveredinpaint.com.au Cromwell (03) 9510 5294; cromwellaustralia.com.au Cult 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au Curatorial+Co curatorialandco.com Curious Grace (03) 9687 6878; curiousgrace.com.au

D D&D Hardwood Flooring 1300 600 740; www.ddfloors.com.au David Bromley www.bromleyandco.com David Hicks (03) 9826 3955; www.davidhicks.com Degoey Planet degoeyplanet.com Den Holm den-holm.com DesignByThem (02) 8005 4805; designbythem.com Designer Rugs 1300 802 561; designerrugs.com.au Designers Guild designersguild.net.au Designstuff (03) 9592 2960; designstuff.com.au Di Lorenzo Tiles (02) 8818 2950; dilorenzo.com.au Dinosaur Designs (02) 9698 3500; dinosaurdesigns.com.au Domayne domayne.com.au Domestic Textile Corporation 1800 177 170; domestictextile.com.au Domo (03) 9277 8888; domo.com.au Dowel Jones doweljones.com Dulux 132 525; dulux.com.au Dunlin (02) 9907 4825; dunlinhome.com.au E Early Settler earlysettler.com.au EasyClad www.lysaght.com Eco Outdoor 1300 131 413; ecooutdoor.com.au Ellie Malin www.elliemalin.com Elph Store elphstore.com Emily Ziz Style Studio (02) 9380 4180; emilyziz.com Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; euroluce.com.au Eveneer 1300 133 481; eltongroup.com Evenex 1300 133 481; eltongroup.com F Fanuli (02) 9908 2660; fanuli.com.au Feast Watson 1800 252 502; feastwatson.com.au Ferm Living, available from Finnish Design Shop finnishdesignshop.com Figgoscope Curates www.figgoscope-curates.com Floorspace (03) 9882 2477; www.floorspace.com.au Formed Gardens formedgardens.com.au Frankie+Coco frankieandcoco.com Fred International (02) 9310 3263; fredinternational.com.au Freedom 1300 135 588; freedom.com.au G Geelong Tiles and Bathware (03) 5229 9111; www.geelongtiles andbathware.com Geoffrey Hatty Applied Arts (03) 9428 1973; www.geoffreyhatty.com Globe West 1800 722 366; globewest.com.au Graham & Brown www.grahambrown.com

Great Dane (03) 9417 5599; greatdanefurniture.com Greenhouse Interiors greenhouseinteriors.com.au Griffin & Wong www.griffinandwong.com H H&G Designs handgdesigns.com H&J Furniture (02) 9821 2699; hjfurniture.com.au HardiePlank www.jameshardie.com.au Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; harveynorman.com.au Havwoods 1300 428 966; havwoods.com/au Hay (02) 9358 0855; hayshop.com.au Haymes Paint 1800 033 431; haymespaint.com.au Heatherly Design (03) 5772 2089; heatherlydesign.com.au Home on Darley (02) 9999 6966; www.homeondarley.com.au Horgans (02) 9557 7800; horgans.com.au Howards Storage World 1300 479 479; hsw.com.au Hub Furniture (03) 9652 1222; hubfurniture.com.au I Iittala www.iittala.com.au Ikea (02) 8020 6641; ikea.com.au Ilve 1300 694 583; ilve.com.au In Bed inbedstore.com Inspirations Paint 1300 368 325; inspirationspaint.com.au Instyle (02) 9317 0222; instyle.com.au Interiors Online 1800 855 084; interiorsonline.com.au International Floorcoverings 1800 339 379; interfloors.com.au Ivy Lane Traders (02) 9690 2397; www.ivylane.com.au J James Said (08) 6180 3615; jamessaid.com.au Jane Clayton & Company www.janeclayton.co.uk Jardan (03) 8581 4999; jardan.com.au Jasmine Mansbridge www.jasminemansbridge.com Jessie Breakwell jessiebreakwell.com.au Jim Lawrence www.jim-lawrence.co.uk Joel Elliott Furniture @joel_elliott_furniture Jones & Co (02) 9310 7277; jonesandco.com.au Julian Ronchi Garden Design & Nursery (03) 9530 2035; www.julianronchi.com.au JVI Window Furnishings (03) 5261 3687 K Kartell, available from Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Kelly Wearstler, available from Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com King Living 1300 546 438; kingliving.com.au


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Kinsman Wardrobes (02) 8006 5553; kinsman.com.au Kip & Co kipandco.net.au Kmart 1800 634 251; kmart.com.au Købn kobn.com.au L L&M Home (03) 9419 6800; lmhome.com.au Lacanche www.lacanche.com Laura Kincade (02) 9667 4415; laurakincade.com LightCo 1300 795 548; www.lightco.com.au Lightly (03) 9417 2440; lightly.com.au Lilly & Lolly (02) 9699 7474; lillyandlolly.com.au Lincoln Brooks (02) 4957 6645; lincolnbrooks.com.au Living Edge 1300 132 154; livingedge.com.au Love After Love loveafterlove.com.au Lovelight 1300 763 171; www.lovelight.com.au M Made by Storey (03) 9486 3958; www.madebystorey.co Mahogany by Hand (03) 9555 1210; www.maoganybyhand.com.au Maison et Jardin (02) 9362 8583; www.maisonetjardin.com.au Manyara Home (02) 9997 4462; www.manyarahome.com.au Mary Noall (03) 9690 1327; marynoall.com.au Max Sparrow maxsparrow.com.au MCM House (02) 9698 4511; mcmhouse.com Mecca Cosmetica 1800 007 844; mecca.com.au Milgate (03) 9421 2122; milgate.com.au Miranda Skoczek edwinacorlette.com MRD Home (03) 9331 7533; mrdhome.com.au Mulberry Threads www.mulberrythreadsco.com.au Murobond Paint 1800 199 299; murobond.com.au Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au N Naturally Cane (02) 4948 2829; naturallycane.com.au Nightworks Studio www.nightworksstudio.com Nils Strinning, available from Great Dane (03) 9417 5599; greatdanefurniture.com

Nine Muses (03) 9510 2255; ninemusestextiles.com No Chintz (02) 9386 4800; nochintz.com Norsu Interiors (03) 9886 0457; norsu.com.au Nya Nordiska www.nya.com O Ondene (02) 9362 1734; ondene.com.au Ownworld (02) 9358 1155; ownworld.com.au Oz Design Furniture 1300 721 942; ozdesignfurniture.com.au P Paarhammer Windows & Doors www.paarhammer.com.au Paint Place 1800 008 007; paintplace.com.au Papaya (02) 9386 9980; papaya.com.au Papiers de Paris www.papiersdeparis.com Penny Morrison, available from Otilly & Lewis (07) 5448 1524; www.otillyandlewis.com.au Pigott’s Store (02) 9362 8119; pigottsstore.com.au Pillow Talk 1800 630 690; pillowtalk.com.au Plain & Simple Australia 0421 880 869; plainandsimple.com.au Planet (02) 9211 5959; planetfurniture.com.au Plyroom 1300 709 399; plyroom.com.au Poliform (02) 8339 7570; www.poliformaustralia.com.au Polite Society (02) 9328 2288; www.polite-society.com.au Polytec 1300 300 547; polytec.com.au Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; porterspaints.com Pottery Barn 1800 232 914; potterybarn.com.au Provincial Home Living 1300 732 258; provincialhomeliving.com.au Pullicino & Son Kitchens & Joinery (02) 4721 4360; www.pullicinoandson.com.au R Raja Homewares www.rajahomewares.com Real Flame (03) 8706 2000; realflame.com.au Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au Resene 1800 738 383; resene.com.au

RJ Living 1300 492 098; rjliving.com.au Robert Plumb (02) 9316 9066; robertplumb.com.au S Sage x Clare sageandclare.com Saint Cloche 0434 274 251; saintcloche.com Sareen Stone (02) 9736 1833; www.sareenstone.com.au Scalamandre www.scalamandre.com Scanlan Theodore www.scanlantheodore.com Schumacher fschumacher.com Sheridan 1800 625 516; sheridan.com.au Signorino (03) 9427 9100; signorino.com.au Sikkens 1300 745 536; tenaru.com.au Silestone silestoneoceania.com Skeehan Studio skeehan.com.au Slice Veneers (03) 9776 9666; sliceveneers.com.au Smeg (02) 8667 4888; smeg.com.au Smithmade (02) 9948 6459; smithmade.com.au SNB Stone (02) 9793 2001; snb-stone.com Snooze (03) 9830 4166; snooze.com.au Solver Paints (08) 8368 1200; solverpaints.com.au Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au Sparkk (02) 9313 8759; sparkk.com.au Spence & Lyda (02) 9212 6747; spenceandlyda.com.au Stegbar 1800 681 168; stegbar.com.au Stonetile Ind stonetileind.com.au Stuart Membery Home www.stuartmemberyhome.com Style Finish Design (03) 8574 7999; stylefinishdesign.com.au Sunbrella sunbrella.com Surface Gallery (02) 9566 2002; surfacegallery.com.au T Tait (03) 9419 7484; madebytait.com.au Target 1300 753 567; target.com.au Taubmans 131 686; taubmans.com.au Temple & Webster templeandwebster.com.au Tempo Interiors tempointeriors.com.au The Container Store www.containerstore.com

The Daily Edited thedailyedited.com The Drill Hall Emporium (03) 6261 3651; www.thedrillhall.com.au The English Tapware Company 1300 016 181; englishtapware.com.au The Montauk Lighting Co www.montauklighting.com The Rug Establishment therugest.com The Wood Room (02) 9970 8480; thewoodroom.com.au Theodore Alexander www.theodorealexander.com Thibaut, available from Boyac (03) 9429 5455; www.boyac.com.au Tigger Hall Design (03) 9510 2255; tiggerhall.com Top3 by Design 1300 867 333; top3.com.au Trit House trithouse.com.au Tsar Carpets (02) 9331 4244; www.tsar.com.au U Urban Edge Ceramics (03) 9429 2122; urbanedgeceramics.com.au Urban Road 0408 345 488; www.urbanroad.com.au Uttermost Australia (02) 9526 7460; www.uttermost.com.au V Venation Landscapes 0403 374 322; www.venationlandscapes.com.au Victoria+Albert 1300 737 779; vandabaths.com/aus Visual Comfort & Co, available from Laura Kincade (02) 9667 4415; laurakincade.com W Walter G walter-g.com.au Wattyl 132 101; wattyl.com.au Wedgwood 1300 852 022; wwrd.com.au Westbury Textiles (02) 9380 6644; westburytextiles.com West Elm 1800 239 516; westelm.com.au Wiggles Piggles wigglespiggles.com.au Workshop 85 www.workshop85.com.au WorldStone (02) 9363 3513; www.worldstone.com.au Wyer & Co (02) 9362 3333; www.wyerandco.com.au X Xavier Furniture (07) 3806 5370; xavierfurniture.com.au Z Zanui 1300 668 317; zanui.com.au Zepel Fabrics 1800 651 510; zepelfabrics.com

PRIVACY NOTICE This issue of Australian House & Garden magazine is published by Bauer Media Pty Ltd (Bauer). Bauer may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Bauer publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is located at www.bauer-media. com.au/privacy. It also sets out on how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge a complaint. Bauer may disclose your personal information offshore to its owners, joint venture partners, service providers and agents located throughout the world, including in New Zealand, USA, the Philippines and the European Union. In addition, this issue may contain Reader Offers, being offers, competitions or surveys. Reader Offers may require you to provide personal information to enter or to take part. Personal information collected for Reader Offers may be disclosed by us to service providers assisting Bauer in the conduct of the Reader Offer and to other organisations providing special prizes or offers that are part of the Reader Offer. An opt-out choice is provided with a Reader Offer. Unless you exercise that opt-out choice, personal information collected for Reader Offers may also be disclosed by us to other organisations for use by them to inform you about other products, services or events or to give to other organisations that may use this information for this purpose. If you require further information, please contact Bauer’s Privacy Officer either by email at privacyofficer@bauer-media.com.au or mail at Privacy Officer Bauer Media Pty Ltd, 54 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

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ANNA’S FAVOURITE THINGS From top Thick

white reflective-mesh bangle, $65, Workshop 85. Stripe voile wrap-front dress in Blue, $650, Scanlan Theodore. The Amalfi coast. Porto espradille wedges, $149, Country Road. For Where

A N N A GR IG S ON The director of Sydney’s Sabbia Gallery shares the notable events and influences on her creative journey.

I was studying visual arts at uni when I met a wonderful curator, Campbell Gray, who inspired me to work on exhibitions. That meeting has taken me on a fabulous professional journey, from small exhibitions and public art projects to the Museum of Contemporary Art and Quadrivium galleries [both in Sydney], and finally to opening my own business, Sabbia Gallery, in 2005. At Sabbia Gallery, we focus on glass, ceramics and textiles – mediums that were severely under-represented. The pure talent, skill, inventiveness,

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passion and sincerity of our artists is what makes what we do so special. My family taught me about hard work and the rewards it can bring. I have never had great aspirations to be highly successful, I just wanted to be happy in what I was doing. If you don’t enjoy what you should do, you should look elsewhere. I really enjoy making playlists for the gallery. We go for upbeat music when installing artworks; otherwise, the tunes are more relaxed. Current favourites are London Grammar, Sampha and Lewis Del Mar.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

I don’t think I have a great work/life balance. I do have an amazing husband who has the same work ethic as me and between us, we fill all the gaps on the home front. I wish I was a better reader. I’m mainly a newspaper reader but I do enjoy the odd paperback. I just finished The Unknown Terrorist by Richard Flanagan. True luxury is a week – or weekend – away by the water. Holidaying on a boat on the Med is my dream. # Sabbia Gallery; (02) 9361 6448 or www.sabbiagallery.com.au.

Photography by Anson Smart (portrait) & Getty Images (Amalfi Coast).

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