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TEXTURAL HEALING: Decorating is the best therapy!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY


This year it’s lunch at home
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I NSI DE STORY
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The Dentons range includes pillows
can help increase 3
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For more styles and stockist information visit dentons.com.au or call 1300 7455697
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Exquisite Australian homes

MAY Cover stories


27 Happy Mother’s Day This year
it’s lunch at home.
41 Textural Healing Decorating
is the best therapy!
105 House Honours 66+ pages
of superior interiors.
165 Gardening Is Still On! Chic,
petite and green – five small
gardens to inspire.

Decorating & design


27 White Magic More light and a lick
of paint worked wonders for this
gorgeously renovated Sydney home.
55 Come Together Our tips for making
disparate pieces work.
56 Great Entertainer Dark tones do
their thing in this Melbourne kitchen.
96 Twist On Traditional An eye for
outstanding design has served
Sarah Mackenzie-Wood well.
102 Life In Style Meet Natalie Culina, the
global head of brand for King Living.

Mother’s Day Special


41 Motherhood Statements Meet
some clever, creative mums who
have passed on their decorating
prowess to the next generation.
89 Truly Gifted All the objects your
mother could desire.
Photography by Caitlin Mills.
Shopping 124 Euro Chic French flair shines 174 Let It Shine A unifying garden.
58 The Finish Line It’s the last elements through in this family-friendly home. 178 Taking The Plunge Planning pays off.
you add that bring a home to life. 130 Grand Entrance A glam apartment. 180 Little Stars Embrace dwarf fruit trees.
60 Smart Shopper Select the best sofa. 140 Modern Mastery Clever material 181 Clippings Garden news and to-dos.
64 On Trend Scalloping. selections add elegance.
66 On Trend Florals. 148 Lightness Of Being Smart thinking Living
68 Buyer’s Guide To Floor Cleaners delivered a fresh new look. 183 The Green House Cut food waste.
73 9 By Design Laundry hampers. 156 Perfectly Formed Family friendliness 185 The Good Life Sustainability and
74 9 By Design Door hardware. was front of mind for these owners. creativity thrive in this former factory.
76 Flooring A fresh approach.
192 Where To Buy Stockists’ details. Gardens Community
166 Emerald Jewel Romantic plantings 182 Subscription Offer Subscribe
Houses reign in this small Sydney garden. for your chance to win.
106 Totally Charming This Sydney 170 Rooms With A View These Perth 24 Your H&G Readers’ letters.
heritage home holds some secrets. courtyards are used very cleverly. 193 Privacy Notice
116 Good Luxe A townhouse update. 172 Outside Inside Smart Sydney design. 194 The Creative Type Brooke Najjar.

On our cover
The scene is set for a
Mother’s Day lunch in
the NSW Southern
Highlands. Turn to
page 43 for more.
Photograph by
Kristina Soljo.
FURNITURE & HOMEWARES | INTERIOR DESIGN | PROPERTY STYLING | DESIGN SCHOOL
WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.COM.AU
EDITOR’S LETTER H G

M
y 21-year-old son asked me what other things had I seen in my
life that were like the current Covid-19 crisis. Of course I replied
that we’ve never seen anything on a global scale like this. There
has been absolutely nothing to compare our current situation
to in my lifetime.
It started me thinking about how blessed my generation, especially living in
Australia, has been – no world wars, no conscription and none of the attendant hardship
previous generations suffered. Yes, there have been some financial meltdowns. We
had a recession in the ’90s and the GFC, but in real terms, we have had it pretty easy.
With this in mind, many of us probably aren’t financially or mentally prepared for
a lengthy hiatus in our otherwise reasonably ordered and pampered lives – no dining
out, no exotic foreign travels, no gym visits, no in-salon beauty treatments! And so
we are all freaking out about the prospect of imposed isolation. This definitely makes
those oft-quoted words ‘first world problems’ totally appropriate.
We are being forced to think of home and family much much more than we usually
would. I spent the entire weekend at home except for a quick trip to
Bunnings where there were police guards on the stairs! With my helpers
“Virtual YOGA is pretty (two girls aged 10 and five – go girl power), we made two batches of friands,
pasta from scratch, carbonara sauce, bircher muesli, guacamole and
good, provided you get your various salads and accompaniments. We harvested worm castings and
laptop – AND YOURSELF – worm juice from two beautifully converted wheelie bins and planted a
rosemary hedge. Full of house pride and self-congratulations I started
in the right position.” thinking about my grandparents, who did these things every day! They
always cooked, gardened and had compost and recycling bins. For lots of
gardening inspiration see our small gardens special starting on page 165.
On the flipside, we always talk about technology being a double-edged sword but
what a boon to be able to look online and see how to do whatever tricky little project
Photograph by Kristina Soljo. Hair & make-up by Samantha Powell. Artwork by Joshua Yeldham.

you have on your list. Lots of our wonderful suppliers and homewares stores featured
throughout the magazine have a great online offering. And virtual yoga is pretty good
provided you get your laptop and yourself in the right position!
This is also our Mother’s Day issue, and many of us aren’t in a position to be with
our mothers and/or children at the moment, so it’s lovely to peruse the gorgeous
images of some of our fabulous creative friends photographed with their mothers.
Here they talk about inspiration and their favourite things – see page 42. Yes, it’s
shamelessly indulgent, but we all need to keep aspiration – and retail – alive, particularly
at the moment! We trust you find lots to love on the following pages and myriad ideas
to keep you busy while you are working on your home or from your home.
Flowers from Poho Flowers. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

Tanya Buchanan, Editor in chief


TOP PICKS
Tanya’s
y top five

COVET RELAX INDULGE ENJOY DECORATE


One Of A Kind silk Maland bench with Double Serum CVA 7440 VitroLine Maurice oak two-drawer
and wool rug, POA, leather seat, $549, anti-ageing concentrate, built-in coffee machine, writing desk, $1995,
Robyn Cosgrove. Living By Design. $149/50ml, Clarins. $5699, Miele. Coco Republic.
EDITORIAL
Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan
Creative director Antonietta Panuccio
Deputy editor Elizabeth Wilson
Interiors editor Kate Nixon
Senior features editor Sarah Pickette
Content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar
Homes group coordinator Matilda Ringrose

recycle
ART & STYLE
Art director Shayne Burton
Junior designer Sophie Wilson
Image retoucher/designer Matus Kundrat

CONTRIBUTORS
Nick Bowers, Lucia Braham, Steve Cordony, Sibella Court, Stephen Crafti,
Elise Elliott, Kerrie-Anne Jones, Alexandra Gordon, Nic Gossage, Marnie
Hawson, Georgia Madden, Olga Lewis, Caitlin Mills, Judy Pascoe, Chris
Pearson, Samantha Powell, Ashley Pratt, Prue Ruscoe, Isamu Sawa,
Bek Sheppard, Anson Smart, Kristina Soljo, Kelly Tapp, Petrina Tinslay,
Mikkel Vang, Nicholas Watt, Simon Whitbread, Helen Young
ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION
Homes commercial manager Rhonda Maunder (02) 9282 8687
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

create
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

BAUER MEDIA CORPORATE


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At elho we use recycled plastic to Syndications syndication@bauer-media.com.au
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Published by Bauer Media Pty Limited (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark
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H G LETTERS
H&G social
Your H&G The posts that made your month.

As I sit here writing this letter, Australia is in the


midst of the Covid-19 epidemic. I also happen to
be sitting in bed, on the morning of my 35th birthday.
My little girls (two and four years old) just excitedly
delivered me a cup of tea, and the April issue of
Australian House & Garden. What a pleasure. I realise Facebook
that while the time spent at home may not be
convenient for many, it does give us time to stop and Instagram

appreciate what matters most in life. Family, love


and the simple things that bring us joy. Thank you
for making my birthday morning special.
Karina Jolly, Hope Island, Queensland

Ray of sunshine and opened my April issue. So cheers,


While my bland 1980s brick-veneer from a safe distance, for the welcome and
home is a far cry from the beautiful homes timely distraction.
featured in the pages of Australian House Marnie Smith, Rutherglen, Victoria Pinterest
& Garden, it is my safe place and my
sanctuary in this unprecedented and Welcome at home
uncertain period. I have declared our Feeling anxious, stressed and frightened –
home in lockdown for the safety of our like most people – my husband, our cat
young baby and the greater good of and I are staying home as much as possible.
the wider community. So it was lovely to open the letterbox
After an anxious week, I was delighted and find my copy of April’s Australian
to receive the latest issue of H&G – part House & Garden. I smiled when I saw the
of my annual subscription – in the letterbox words ‘Honey, we’re home!’ on the cover.
on the day of my 30th birthday! In our I spent a lovely afternoon in our sunroom, A cosy alfresco entertaining area invited
house, it’s referred to as the ‘gift that keeps enjoying a pot of tea and reading my likes on Facebook, Instagrammers went
on giving’, which my darling husband favourite magazine. Thanks so much wild for compact-garden ideas, while
continues to renew every year. H&G, the wonderful issue was welcome Pinners found the material mix of this
crisp kitchen on point.
After putting Henry down for a nap, respite from what is happening in our
I’ve elected to ignore the pile of laundry world and it also gave me lots of ideas
and the dishes – there will be plenty of for the transformations we want to
time for that. I’ve made a cuppa, slathered make to our townhouse. Facebook facebook.com/
on some of my favourite hand cream Deborah Bowden, Rosebud, Victoria australianhouseandgarden
Highlights from each issue plus links
to our favourite home tours.
Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Instagram @houseandgarden
WRITE IN TO WIN View the most inspirational images
The author of each letter published receives of the month from H&G headquarters
$50. Our favourite also wins a prize. and out and about.
This month, Karina Jolly of Hope Island, Queensland, receives
8L of Wash & Wear paint and an exclusive limited-edition Pinterest pinterest.com.au/
colouring book by renowned children’s author and illustrator, houseandgardenau
Kylie Howarth. Valued at $160, this little package is perfect forr Picture-perfect images from our pages
bringing a little brightness into your life; www.dulux.com.au. and sensational products to covet.
Email your letter to H&G@bauer-media.com.au or post to
Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include For weekly news and inspiration,
your full name and address. subscribe to our free e-newsletter at
newsletter.houseandgardenmag.com.au.
‘#15’ h a n d k n o t t e d i n t u r k e y w i t h v i n t a g e w o o l . a c e l e b r a t i o n o f n e w i d e a s
f r o m t h e r o by n c o s g r o v e ‘o n e o f a k i n d’ c o l l e c t i o n.

16 8 q u e e n s t r e e t w o o l l a h r a n s w 2 0 2 5 t 61 2 9 3 2 8 7 6 9 2 r o b y n c o s g r o v e . c o m
Handcrafted
with passion.
Original designs and handmade sustainable
furniture by Sika Design. Inspired by nature
and different cultures around the world.

Featured: Sika Design Margret Explore the DOMO collection at one of our seven showrooms:
Dining Chair in Natural and the Sandringham, Hawthorn, Paddington, Willoughby, North Adelaide,
Lucas Dining Table in Teak. Brisbane & Gold Coast. Or online at domo.com.au
Follow us at @domoaustralia
To her, with love
Photograph by Prue Ruscoe.

T O C E L E B R A T E M O T H E R ’ S D A Y, W E T A L K T O S O M E FA B U L O U S
C R E A T I V E S A N D T H E I R FA M I L I E S .
at home with H G

Deb Coffey and her daughter


Madeleine, 25, in the now
light and airy living area. The
Manyara Luxe sofa is
upholstered in a bespoke
Catherine Martin velvet from
Mokum. Marble coffee table,
Katarina Wells vase, Tom
Dixon ‘Fat’ Chair and Flos
‘Atollo’ lamp, all from
Manyara Home. RIGHT A
fountain was replaced by
Turkish pots that are home to
thriving fiddleleaf figs.

White
MAGIC
a dated 1990s home didn’t daunt this Sydney
design expert, who saw its beauty shine through.
STORY Judy Pascoe | ST Y LIN G Steve Cordony
PH OTOGR A PHY Prue Ruscoe

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 29


S
erial renovators Deb and Ross Coffey’s purchase of
a dated 1990s house close to Sydney’s Balmoral
Beach had their friends seriously worried about
the amount of work that needed to be done. “I’ll
never forget the expressions of terror on some of
our friends’ faces when we moved in,” says Deb. The
solid-brick house was built in 1998 and possessed all
the finishes typical of the era: yellow-toned parquetry
floors, terracotta tiles and Dulux Hog Bristle – that ’90s
darling – on every wall. “It was so ugly that everyone else
had turned away,” says Deb.
However,Ross,aphotographer,andDeb,whoownsluxury
homewares store Manyara Home, looked at it with
professional eyes. “Spread over three levels, it had exactly
the kind of floor plan we like: living areas downstairs,
bedrooms and office upstairs along with ensuites, balconies
and the added bonus of harbour glimpses,” says Deb. “It
was in a fabulous location – walking distance to >
at home with H G

“ S P R E A D OV E R T H R E E L E V E L S , I T H A D T H E
KIND OF FLOOR PLAN WE LIKE: LIVING
A R E A S D O W N S TA I R S , B E D R O O M S A N D
O F F I C E U P S TA I R S A L O N G W I T H E N S U I T E S ,
BALCONIES, AND THE ADDED BONUS OF
H A R B O U R G L I M P S E S .” D E B C O F F E Y, O W N E R

ABOVE AND OPPOSITE The Calacatta marble island bench,


the star of the kitchen, appears to float thanks to a mirrored fascia.
Deb and Ross kitted the space out with a Wolf oven, AEG induction
cooktop and Miele integrated fridge, all from Winning Appliances.
Kartell ‘Ghost’ bar stools and Le Corbusier ‘LC1’ hide armchairs
from Space. The house is painted Dulux Vivid White throughout.
RIGHT Martine Emdur’s Girl in a Pink Bikini adds beauty and
movement to this space. The Kelly Wearstler white bowl on the
coffee table is from Becker Minty.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 31


Curtains in a sheer fabric from Unique Fabrics create a gentleness in the dining
area. Maxalto ‘Febo’ dining armchairs with linen-silk upholstery, from Space,
surround a black oak table from Manyara Home. The Holly Ryan sculpture
(this page) is also from Manyara Home; the gold-leaf mirror is a vintage piece.
OPPOSITE TOP Behind the Scenes No 8, a painting by Maria Villa, hangs above
a bar cart from Globe West. OPPOSITE BOTTOM A Graham Shearer Eau print
is positioned above vintage Murano vases from Conley & Co. Calacatta Porada
console from Poliform and Tom Dixon bowl from Manyara Home.

32 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


at home with H G

Balmoral Beach, where we love to paddleboard, and minutes


to my store and office.” In addition, because the work was all
cosmetic, there was no need for a DA, which makes the
renovation process so much easier and faster.
The first task was to paint all the walls Dulux Vivid White
so the couple could get a better feel for the house. This created
a cleaner palette and reflected more light. “We always wait a
few months before we start renovations, but bad colours and
surfaces are hard to live with if you are visual people,” says
Deb. Once work began, they changed every room and surface.
While the couple usually opt for large-format floor tiles and
rugs in their living areas, Ross’ suggestion of oak floorboards
won out. “I’m converted now; they are so much softer
underfoot,” says Deb.
Glamour was injected into the formal living room by way
of a soaring mantelpiece in black desert rose marble. The
stone had to be craned in over the balcony and luckily fitted
exactly to the millimetre. “Once it was installed the room
needed black walls so we chose Dulux Monument. It’s a sexy
roomwiththefiregoinginwinter.” B&B Italia sofas in charcoal
velvet suit the room perfectly.
One of the biggest changes to the house was the kitchen,
which had been shoved into one corner of the room and was
barely workable. Now part of an open-plan space, it boasts
masses of cupboard space and a ‘floating’ Calacatta marble
bench. Sliding doors lead to the outdoor living area and pool.
Here, the couple wanted to create a relaxed vibe. Terracotta
paving was replaced by pale-grey ceramic tiles that resemble
limestone but are more robust. Fountains and ponds that
ringedthespacewereremovedandalargeTurkishpotplanted
with lush fiddleleaf figs added. The built-in barbecue was
repurposed as an outdoor fireplace.
The last area to be tackled was the exterior, which was also
painted white – this time Dulux Whisper White. In keeping
with the neighbours’ homes, a sandstone fence was installed
with sandstone facing on the garage and front entrance.
With so many changes, new furniture and accessories were
called for as “the spaces just didn’t work with what we already
had”.Nowthehouseis filled with Deb’s favouritepieces –some
new and others she has had forever, including a collection of
African statues and artworks by Martine Emdur and
Charmaine Pwerle. “It’s good to have a balance of materials
and objects for depth,” she says. “I follow the same philosophy
at home as I do when buying stock for the store. It’s all about
modern luxe with tribal soul, and the more eclectic the better.”
One of the things she plans to add to the mix is a marble
coffee table – Australian made using Australian marble. “We
have fantastic local artisans and it would be great to start
locally manufacturing as much as we can.” >
Manyara Home; (02) 9969 0137 or manyarahome.com.au.
H G at home with

34 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Charmaine Pwerle’s Awelye acrylic on canvas is a perfect complement to the formal
living room’s striking fireplace, custom-made in black desert rose marble from
Harmony Stone. B&B Italia ‘Ray’ sofa and Patricia Urquiola ‘Husk’ chairs, all Space.
Green marble cocktail table, Dedece. Coffee table, The Country Trader. Abrash rug,
Cadrys. Water Skiing in Venice Canals archival print bought in Venice. >

“ O N C E T H E S TO N E WA S I N S TA L L E D, T H E
R O O M N E E D E D B L AC K WA L L S . T H I S I S M Y
FAVO U R I T E R O O M I N T H E H O U S E BY FA R .
IT ’S A SEXY ROOM WITH THE FIRE GOING IN
W I N T E R A N D L OT S O F L O W L A M P S A N D
F L I C K E R I N G C A N D L E S .” D E B C O F F E Y
H G at home with

36 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


“A B A L A N C E O F M AT E R I A L S A N D O B J E C T S
C R E AT E S D E P T H . T H E M O R E E C L E C T I C ,
T H E B E T T E R .” D E B C O F F E Y

The kitchen and open-plan living area flow seamlessly out to a covered outdoor dining area. Pulp stackable outdoor chairs, Fanuli.
OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left Black and white art photography is dotted throughout the home. The guest powder room includes
a Kelly Hoppen ‘Origami’ pedestal basin. Tapware, Reece. Oak bedside, Horgans. Foscarini ‘Bud’ lamp, Space. Barcelona chair,
Dedece. In the main ensuite, an African basket and Thai buddha – both from Orient House – deliver texture and interest. Basin, tapware
and mirrors, all Reece. Photograph by Bob Nelson. For Where to Buy, see page 192. >
H G AT HOME WITH

LIFE & ST YLE 2


Deb Coffey, owner of Manyara Home,
shares some first and favourite things.
FIRST ADULT HOME? When I was 27 we bought a
duplex and converted it into a six-bedroom home.
Crazy idea – it was just Ross and I and our black cat,
Kato. It was across the road from the beach and
harbour pool. It had high, ornate ceilings, an imposing
staircase and a great view. Very grown up!
BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? I’d love to explore a few
more Italian and Greek Islands (2) to experience the
seafood (1) and crystal-clear, shark-free waters.
BEST MEAL EVER? Spatchcock at the
Adler Hitta restaurant in Switzerland while
A

Photography from Bauer Media (1), Alamy (2, 3), Net-A-Porter (5) & Space (6).
on a family ski holiday.
DREAM CAR? A black Aston Martin.
I’D CROSS THE WORLD TO SEE
Lenny Kravitz’s townhouse in Paris. A
personal tour from the man himself
would be the icing on the cake.
FA
AVOURITE FLOWERS? Pale pink peonies 3
10 in their full-bloom splendour (10).
FAVO OURITE ARTISTS? Jackson Pollock,
Pabloo Picasso (3) and Michael Goldberg.
FAVOURIT TE FASHION LABELS? Stella McCartney,
Aleexander McQueen and Chloé (5). 4
9
FAVOURITE SCENTS? Chanel No 22 (8) and
Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle. I am very much
8 drawn to powerful scents.
ALL TIME FAVOURITE FILMS? The 1954 Hitchcock
K E L LY W E A R ST L E R I S A classic Rear Window, The Shawshank Redemption, Love FEMININE AND
DESIGN HERO OF MINE. Actually (it’s just so sweet!) and Bridesmaids … hysterical. A LWAYS F U L L O F
WHICH INTERIOR DESIGNERS INSPIRE YOU? G R AC E , C H LO É
Patricia Urquiola (9) and Kelly Wearstler (7) – they are N E V E R P U TS A
7
both prolific geniuses who are constantly creating F O OT W R O N G .
future classics. Dimore Studio in Milan is amazing, too.
ONE DESIGNER HOMEWARE PRODUCT I COVET IS
a four-metre Italian Edra sofa (5). It has divine curves
and is unbelievably comfortable to sit on. 5
I AM PLANNING TO PURCHASE a full shearling rug
(4) from Cadrys in the palest grey for the main living
area of my next house. It’s one of the softest and most
decadent interior pieces you could buy. #

38 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


N
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL H G

Motherhood statements
As Mother’s Day approaches, we asked
some of our favourite creatives to share
their thoughts on their mums and
motherhood. Here, in association with
Clarins, we reveal some of the secrets
of these inspiring and dynamic pairs.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Style guides
Journalist and DESIGN aficionado
Melissa Penfold and stylist daughter
Isabella SPEAK the same language. 1
YOU WORK TOGETHER ON WWW. MELISSAPENFOLD.COM.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOVE OF INTERIORS AND HOW YOU 8
ENDED UP WORKING TOGETHER?
Melissa: I commenced my career at 20 with a work-experience
stint at Australian House & Garden. I’ve been writing and raving
about decorating, design, entertaining and gardens ever since!
Isabella and I are close and share a great love of beauty, so it felt
like a natural progression for her to come on board my business.
It’s been the best decision imaginable. Isabella: It was always our
dream to work together. I have a background in fashion, but I left
that industry four years ago to join Mum’s business. I have been
2
like a sponge since the cradle so I have an inherent understanding
of the interiors world. Mum’s the ultimate encyclopaedia for all
things interior and style. I’ve learned so much.
DO YOU INFLUENCE EACH OTHER’S STYLE DECISIONS?
M: We have similar style ideas and both like effortlessly elegant 3
spaces. In fashion Isabella tells me when a dress is wrong, or
I’ve gone overboard with my tan (or make-up). I: Mum totally
influences me. I still wear her clothes from the ’90s! She’s the only
7 4
person I seek advice from for interiors and fashion.
DO YOU FIND WORKING TOGETHER EASY? M: It’s a recipe
that works. I’m free to immerse myself in the creative side and
build relationships while Isabella is the true business-builder. She is
one of the best I’ve worked with. I: Mum is the best boss I’ve ever
had. She’s a hard taskmaster and doesn’t mind pulling the boss
card at 7pm on a Sunday! She is constantly ‘on’. But we know how
to differentiate between mother and daughter and employer and
employee. I run everything behind the scenes from admin to the
5
website to client relationships and styling.
IS IT FUN WORKING COLLABORATIVELY ON STORY IDEAS?
M: A LOT of fun. We constantly bounce ideas together. No story
runs without Isabella’s approval. She reads everything to make
sure it strikes the right note. I: We send each other ideas around
the clock via DMs, emails, voice notes, and texts. The creative
well never runs dry.
ISABELLA, WHAT’S THE GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE
YOUR MOTHER HAS GIVEN YOU? Show simple kindness and
consideration to everyone. It really means having good manners,
being easy in your own skin and making everyone else easy in
theirs. Oh, and a little bit of glamour never goes astray! 6
YOUR PLANS FOR MOTHER’S DAY? M: A leisurely day with
my beloved family, and a fireside lunch at our country home
in the NSW Southern Highlands. I: Mum’s birthday falls at
the same time, so it’s always a big celebration.
MELISSA, CAN YOU REVEAL YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN?
My mother taught me from a young age to invest in a skincare
regimen. My all-time favourite product is Clarins Double Serum; it
delivers a beautiful glow and works on top or under foundation. >

MELISSA AND ISABELLA’S MOTHER’S DAY GIFT EDIT 1 Cabbage ceramic dinner plate, $72, Pigott’s Store. 2 Le Creuset ‘Signature’ cast-iron
3.2L shallow casserole, $699, Kitchen Warehouse. 3 Jo Malone London ‘Myrrh & Tonka’ cologne intense, $270, Mecca Cosmetica. 4 Aviator
sunglasses, $550, Bottega Veneta. 5 Panthère de Cartier 18-carat gold watch, POA, Cartier. 6 Zimabwean Buhera basket, $335, Orient House.
7 Double Serum anti-ageing serum, $149/50ml, Clarins. 8 Draw the Line silk scarf in Blush, $99, Frankie Peach.
mother’s day special H G
“Home is where the heart is and a
beautiful home boosts your
happiness and confidence,” says
style guru Melissa Penfold, here
with daughter Isabella in the living
room of Melissa’s home in the
NSW Southern Highlands. More
scenes from her home opposite.
Photography Kristina Soljo
Styling Kate Nixon
Hair & make-up Kelly Tapp

“Foliage is the cheapest and chicest decor accessory around. Books are central to any room –
use them like works of art.” Melissa Penfold

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 43


H G mother’s day special
Greg Natale and his mother Michelina
in the Sydney family home where
Greg grew up. The artwork,
“an homage to Matisse”, was painted
by Greg at art school.
Photography Kristina Soljo
Styling Kate Nixon
Hair & make-up Kelly Tapp

“I designed one of my marble


decorator pieces based on a ceramic
sculpture I made for Mum when
I was a kid.” Greg Natale

44 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Patterns of life
The creative journey of Sydney INTERIOR
and homewares designer Greg Natale began
at HOME with his mum Michelina.
GREG, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND
HOW YOUR MOTHER INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER CHOICE.
Greg: Mum always acknowledged my flair for creativity. She
didn’t fully understand what an interior designer was or what 1
they did, so she tried to steer me into art teaching; she saw that as
a creative pursuit that also had a viable career. Michelina: Greg
was always redecorating our house when he was young. In the
school holidays he would be at home repainting, and he once
tried to sell this sofa (pictured) in the Trading Post when he
was 15. He didn’t get away with that!
DO YOU INFLUENCE EACH OTHER’S STYLE DECISIONS?
G: I was being dressed in brands from a young age. My mother,
being a dyed-in-the-wool Italian, took her clothing and her
2
fashion seriously. It was always a topic in our house growing up.
Between my mother and my sister [Filomena Natale, a fashion
designer in Sydney’s Paddington], there were fashion magazines 3
everywhere. M: Greg’s father and I redesigned our house 10 years
ago. I noticed the modern way Greg was designing at that time
and I wanted the house to be lighter and brighter and more
contemporary. He influences me in that way, I suppose.
WHAT DOES A REGULAR DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
G: There really is no regular day at Greg Natale Design – I can be
overseas, interstate, in the store, on a construction site, visiting
clients, or visiting one of our factory partners. It’s a varied and full
dance card that keeps me on the move. M: I attend a church
group a few days a week – we go on outings together. I enjoy
tending my garden and I cook for all my children and eight
grandchildren. Greg is my favourite son and visits me every week.
[NOTE: Greg is the only son!]
YOUR FAVOURITE DECORATIVE PIECES FOR THE HOME? 4
M: I love some of Greg’s new designs, especially the big marble
[Niemeyer] bowls. I have a few of them in different sizes and
colours in my home. G: Thanks Mum! I actually designed one
of my marble decorator pieces based on a ceramic sculpture
I designed for Mum when I was a kid. And my 1984 bookends 5
are inspired by a gift I made for Mum back in the day. I’d say
that’s a full circle.
GREG, WHAT’S THE GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOUR
MOTHER HAS GIVEN YOU? “Pazienza! Deve avere pazienza! ”
Photograph from Getty Images (orchid).

[“Patience! You need to have patience!”]. Mum still tells me that...


I’m working on it.
YOUR PLANS FOR MOTHER’S DAY? G: We plan to have 6
lunch together, with my four sisters, and give Mum a break
from the kitchen. We’re also going to spoil her with a nice gift
– but I won’t give that away.
Greg Natale Design; gregnataledesign.com. >
8 7
GREG AND MICHELINA’S MOTHER’S DAY GIFT EDIT 1 Leopard Print wool lavallière scarf, $345, Saint Laurent. 2 Katia Superfine 18-carat white
gold and diamond ring, $4700, Alinka Fine Jewellery. 3 Luisa Beccaria Gradient glass tumblers, $239/pair, MatchesFashion. 4 Fallingwater giclée
print, $649, Greg Natale Design. 5 Cymbidum orchid. 6 Prometheus IV quartz, marble and brass table lamp, $7950, Christopher Boots. 7 iPhone 11
Pro smartphone, from $1749, Apple. 8 Beauty Flash Balm face cream, $65/50ml, Clarins.
Dynamic duo 1
Mother and daughter interior
designers Robbie and Phoebe Nicol
ARE cut from the same cloth.
DO YOU INFLUENCE EACH OTHER’S STYLE DECISIONS?
Robbie: Yes, particularly in fashion. I love Phoebe’s fresh, new
approach to design and am inspired by the work she is doing. 2
Phoebe: Absolutely – there is so much cross-pollination between
our interior styles and wardrobe. Mum thinks that I’m the hot new
thing and she’s old news but she doesn’t realise how much she
continues to influence and inspire me.
3 4
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK TOGETHER? R: I’m semi-retired
from my business and look after a few core clients. These days,
I mostly work alongside Phoebe assisting in the rapid growth of
her business. P: We treat it like any working relationship, and we’re
both hard workers. We approach interiors from a different angle.
Mum is more traditional and while I’m influenced by tradition,
I like to add my own contemporary twist. Most importantly we
challenge each other to bring out the best in our respective works.
WHAT DOES A REGULAR DAY AT THE OFFICE LOOK LIKE? 5
R: I like to start with meditation and some form of exercise – a
walk around [Sydney’s] Centennial Park or Pilates. P: The day
always starts with coffee then Pilates. After that, I usually have
an on-site meeting. I either station myself from our office or
at The Vault Sydney, depending on the day.
PHOEBE, WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOUR MUM HAS GIVEN
YOU? Make sure to look after your team and your tradespeople.
In our industry trade relationships are so important. 6
DREAM PROJECTS YOU’D LIKE TO WORK ON? P: Most of my
business is residential, but I recently completed a hair salon in
Bondi and I enjoyed working on a commercial project of that
scale. I can see myself doing more of that. I love the creative
freedom and design risks that can come with commercial projects.
WHAT DOES 2020 HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU? R: I had planned
to walk Phoebe down the aisle, then celebrate turning 70 with
friends. Of course, these plans have been up-ended and I now
focus on the positive things I am lucky enough to have in my life.
P: 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. I’m thankful
for the business opportunities that I do have and now it feels even
more important to make those opportunities count.
YOUR PLANS FOR MOTHER’S DAY? R: Undoubtedly a small
home gathering as Phoebe’s fiance Jeremy [Jeremy Bowker, with
whom Phoebe co-owns antique store The Vault Sydney] is such
a beautiful cook. P: I have no doubt Jeremy will cook comething
7
extravagant. We love entertaining at home and we are a very
tight family unit.
Phoebe Nicol Interior Architect; phoebenicol.com.
The Vault Sydney; thevaultsydney.com >
8
ROBBIE AND PHOEBE’S MOTHER’S DAY GIFT EDIT 1 Pillar Calacatta Viola marble table lamp, $6180, Studio Henry Wilson. 2 Wonderland
metal wall sculpture by Dylan Farrell. 5 Aurelien polyester scrunchie, about $35.80, Atelier Des Femmes. 4 Comme des Garçons ‘Amazingreen’
eau de parfum, $142, Mecca Cosmetica. 6 Evita gold-plated bracelet, $240, Christie Nicolaides. 6 Murano glass vase, $2400, The Vault Sydney.
7 ZZ-03-022 bamboo silk rug (240x180cm), $1910, Zouzou Rugs. 8 AirPods Pro headphones, $399, Apple.
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL H G
Radiating effortless style, Robbie and Phoebe Nicol
look perfectly at home in Robbie’s inner-city Sydney
pad. Artwork by Sidney Nolan (opposite bottom).
Photography Prue Ruscoe
Styling Kate Nixon
Hair & make-up Kelly Tapp

“I’m a traditionalist when it comes to flowers. I love to give a big bunch


of tulips or any one type of flower en masse.” Phoebe Nicol

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 47


H G mother’s day special

Family ties
H^G ’s INTERIORS editor, Kate Nixon, is also the principal of
her own interior design studio. Her mum, Margaret Boucher,
co-owns a bespoke FURNITURE company.

“I love an accessory!” says Kate


(right) wth her mum Margaret,
and two-year-old daughter
Agnes: three generations bonded
by a love of good design. Artwork
by Matilda Michell (opposite).
“I’m always striving to capture that
Photography Prue Ruscoe
Styling Kate Nixon intangible ‘new spirit/old soul’ feeling you
Hair & make-up Samantha Powell find in the very best of interiors.” Kate Nixon
2
1

KATE, TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND,


AND YOUR CAREER IN INTERIOR DESIGN AND STYLING.
I have been styling food and interiors for Australia House & Garden
magazine for 16 years. In 2006, while on my first overseas holiday
in Italy, I discovered [Italian fabric house] Busatti, establishing the
3
Australian flagship store in 2007. That business has evolved into
Studio Kate, an award-winning interior design firm. Our concept
store, CASA by Studio Kate, is opening in Sydney within weeks.
WHAT’S THE GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOUR MOTHER
HAS GIVEN YOU? There are so many – my mother is a very wise
woman, as was her mother before her! Mum is the youngest of 16
children. They grew up on a small dairy farm in rural Queensland
with no electricity or running water. I think of my grandmother
every time I put the washing machine on or think of complaining
about this very blessed life that we live. One of my favourites:
“A woman of integrity expects to be believed and when she is not,
she allows time to prove her right.” 4
DO YOU INFLUENCE EACH OTHER’S STYLE DECISIONS?
Margaret: I love clothes shopping with Kate – she has the ability
to find the gem in among crowded racks. One of my goals is
to have Kate design a complete interior for our dream home.
Kate: My mum has a small but infinitely elegant wardrobe.
I borrow her clothes, shoes and jewellery all the time. Growing
5
up in Mum and Dad’s small business, surrounded by furniture,
timber and chisels, I absorbed a passion for materials, design
and interiors and an eye for detail.
WHAT DOES A REGULAR DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
K: Juggling a young family, a business and a pilot husband
6
means I have no routine to my days but I find joy in the variety.
I split my time between the H&G office, client meetings, shoots,
sourcing, site visits, industry events and time in the office for
designing, preparing presentations and planning.
YOUR FAVOURITE DECORATIVE PIECES FOR THE HOME?
M: My all-time favourite is our Busatti linen sheets, we take
them with us everywhere – even on the plane in our carry-on
luggage. K: I love an accessory! I believe decorative pieces – trays,
boxes, baskets, books, sculptures, art – are those final touches
that make a house a home. I hunt for them everywhere I go,
contemporary or antique, bought or found.
WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING FOR MOTHER’S DAY?
M: Enjoying special time with our four children, their partners,
and our 10 grandchildren – as much as we are able to.
K: Spending time with family, cherishing these precious
7
milestones and moments as our babes grow.
KATE, CAN YOU REVEAL YOUR SKINCARE REGIMEN?
Skincare isn’t just about the face. I always have a hand cream in
my bag and the car so that my hands are soft and hydrated at all
times. A favourite is Clarins’ hand and nail treatment cream. 8
Studio Kate; studiokate.com.au.
Boucher & Co; boucherandco.com >

KATE AND MARGARET’S MOTHER’S DAY GIFT EDIT 1 Bird watching bumlebee artwork by Dean Bowen, $2500, Arthouse Gallery. 2 Tank Solo
18-carat gold watch, $6850, Cartier. 3 Basket leather tote, $3720, Bottega Veneta. 4 Hand & Nail Treatment cream, $44/100ml, and Blue Orchid
Face Treatment oil, $57/30ml, both Clarins. 5 Santa Maria Novella ‘Ginestra’ eau de cologne, $193/100ml, Libertine Parfumerie. 6 Sailor’s Farewell
fine bone china platter, $349, and serving bowl, $269, Kit Kemp for Wedgwood. 7 Navy velour beauty case, $103, Libertine Parfumerie. 8 Le
Connoisseur’ copper saucepan, $1199/5-piece set, Baccarat Australia.
Love & light
Homewares store owner Deb Coffey 1
TAUGHT daughter Madeleine to
pursue what she LOVES.
DEB, TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOVE OF INTERIORS AND HOW
IT INFLUENCED MADELEINE My years in publishing and as an
editor [Deb is a former editor of Elle magazine] were all about
design – and I truly believe constantly working with colour,
balance and pacing in magazines was the best training for
2
interiors. My husband Ross and I were always renovating our
homes and I’ve always been obsessed with design and real estate
so it was a big part of Madeleine’s conditioned learning. She
worked in our store, Manyara Home, and assisted on styling jobs
while she studied interior architecture at the University of NSW. 4
She’s now working full-time for the fab firm Akin Atelier and
I miss her. Not only because I adore her but because she has
such a great eye. Styling comes naturally to her.
MADELEINE, WHAT IS THE GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE
YOUR MOTHER HAS GIVEN YOU? “If you love what you do,
you’ll never really work a day in your life”. It’s a cliche but the 5
sentiment has always resonated with me. The way Mum
approaches each working day with passion is something I’ve
always admired. I’m also inspired by the fact she never became 3 6
stagnant: in a creative career, it’s important to be inspired and 7
to be open to new elements that can better your work.
DO YOU INFLUENCE EACH OTHER’S STYLE DECISIONS?
Deb: Definitely. When we shop for clothes together, she vetoes
a lot of pieces and vice versa. But in terms of interiors, we often
share the same level of excitement about unusual and quirky
pieces. Madeleine: Mum has amazing fashion staples both
old and new that I love to pinch from time to time. My clothes
are a tad baggy and quirky for her liking but I love opening
her up to new ideas.
DID YOU ENJOY WORKING TOGETHER? D: Yes! It made
my day to see her gorgeous face first thing in the morning. 8
We enjoy bouncing ideas off each other and always get
excited about the same fabrics and objects. Discovering
new design pieces together is a real thrill. M: Ditto.
YOUR FAVOURITE DECORATIVE PIECES FOR THE HOME?
D: Items with soul, such as a pair of vintage Murano vases,
a fabulous sculpture or artefact, art you really love or has
sentimental attachment, and masses of coffee table books.
M: Astier De Villatte incense, a big stack of books, art, a mix
of vintage and new items. A Studio Giancarlo Valle ‘Smile’
armchair and vintage Murano glass wall lights.
WHAT DOES 2020 HAVE IN STORE, POST-CORONAVIRUS?
D: I think we will come out of it with a totally different attitude to
life. Hopefully more soulful – kinder to the environment and others.
PLANS FOR MOTHER’S DAY? D: Hopefully having a seafood
lunch together at home with our whole family.
DEB, CAN YOU REVEAL YOUR SKINCARE TIPS? Make time
for self-care every week. Beauty and health go hand in hand.
Clarins has always been my go-to for beauty on the go.
9
Manyara Home; www.manyarahome.com.au #

DEB AND MADELEINE’S MOTHER’S DAY GIFT EDIT 1 Tom Dixon ‘Tank’ blown-glass decanter, $250, and low-ball glasses, $125/pair, Top3 by
Design. 2 Art Deco crystal and bronze sconces, $6575.20/pair, 1stdibs. 3 Eau Dynamisante eau de toilette, $68/100ml, and Tonic body oil, $72/100ml,
both Clarins. 4 Pierre Yovanovitch Interior Architecture book by Pierre Yovanovitch, $85.95, Booktopia. 5 Santa Maria Novella rosewater spray, $48,
Libertine Parfumerie. 6 1kg Dumbell 18-carat gold and diamond ring, $1250, Lucy Folk. 7 Nasomatto ‘Blamage’ parfum extrait, $264, Saison.
8 Vintage Rolex 14-carat gold watch, $6832, 1stdibs. 9 Katarina Wells mini vase, $320, Manyara Home. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
mother’s day special H G

Deb and Madeleine, pictured in


Deb’s home on Sydney’s North
Shore, both love interiors packed
with character. The striking
“In a creative career, it’s important to be open to new Awelye artwork behind them is by
elements that can better your work.” Madeleine Coffey Charmaine Pwerle.
Photography Prue Ruscoe
Styling Steve Cordony
Hair & make-up Kelly Tapp

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 51


Happy Mother’s Day

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DECORATING H G

Fresh ideas & easy updates


✚ Combine objects with strong colour, form or texture to create
Ask an expert a vignette. Add books and accent pieces in a similar palette.
✚ Use overscale and massed foliage as a statement centrepiece.
COME Try sculptural branches, leaves or flowers.
✚ Look for interesting catch-alls – small trays or dishes – that can
hold keys, coins, pins, pencils or teaspoons.
TOGETHER ✚ Complementary statement lighting – sconces, pendants,
lamps – adds warmth and helps define an overall aesthetic.
Well-chosen details draw disparate pieces
into a harmonious whole, writes Kate Nixon.

Pendant light, Conley &


Co. Curtains and dining
chairs in Busatti fabrics,
Studio Kate. Rug, Robyn
Cosgrove. Foliage,
Mandalay Flowers.

Give favoured but forgotten objects new life


as the focus of a tabletop vignette.
Room design and styling by Kate Nixon; www.studiokate.com.au. Photography by Maree Homer.

Finishing touches
TOP LEFT Vases, Conley & Co. TOP RIGHT Custom chair and
curtain in Busatti fabrics, Studio Kate. Console, Coco Republic.

T
Artwork, Maison et Jardin. Sconce, Emac & Lawton. ABOVE
he art of decorating is a delicate balance of proportion, scale, From left Eggshell Acrylic paint in Nettle, $130/4L, Porter’s
palette and pace – an intangible tension between old and new, Paints. Forager stoneware tray, $69, Domayne. #5 Chinese
ginger jar, $235, Orient House. Travertine rose bowl, $844,
polish and patina, the familiar and the unexpected. Before you
For Where to Buy, see page 192.

Greg Natale. Oulu table lamp, $189, Horgans.


begin, gather images you are drawn to and look for common themes:
colour combinations or patterns, a style of art, lighting or furniture. OR TRY THESE…
Decorating is ultimately about creating an environment you love and Horgans Affordable range of interesting accessories and
want to spend time in. Where possible, pieces should have meaning lighting. Becker Minty Beautiful range of decorator pieces.
or a story, whether old or new. Balance, too, is key – high-street buys Domo Luxe contemporary and classic homewares. Conley &
Co Special vintage finds and gorgeous glassware. Maison et
can sit beside an investment item and elevate a room. # Jardin French antiques and one-off items. LuMu Interiors
Send decor questions (with name and address) to H&G Advice, PO Box Tribal and monochrome accessories, art and planters.
4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 or email H&G@bauer-media.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 55


H G RENOVATE & DECORATE
The island bench serves as a food preparation
area; storage and seating make the most of
every centimetre of space. The rear benches
house the sink and appliances. “We love the
functionality and layout,” says the owner.

Great entertainer
A palette of cocooning dark tones and a layout designed for socialising has
transformed a once-tiny space into the beating heart of this Melbourne home.

56 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


W
hen the owners of this Melbourne
investment property renovated
its kitchen, they wanted to create
a space that they themselves would
love to live in.
As it was, the L-shaped kitchen was dated and too
squeezy. The plan was to reorganise the space into a
highly functioning, contemporary social hub. The couple
enlisted Freedom Kitchens to make it happen. “They
wanted the kitchen to be the welcoming heart of the
home and matched the rest of the updated property,”
says Susan Hasler, spokesperson for Freedom Kitchens.
The layout was completely reconfigured to create
a larger L-shaped kitchen, roughly 4.8x2.6m, with
the generous island bench as the hero. Measuring
2.7mx90cm, the island includes seating, built-in storage,
a food-prep zone and open shelving. The overall layout
Text by Elizabeth Wilson. Vintage Spirale poster by Bernard Villemont.

maximises useable space and enables good flow between


work zones. Generous storage is integral to the design.
“A combination of cupboards and drawers accommodate
everything you can think of,” says Susan. “Large bifold
cabinets above the bench are perfect for small appliances.”
The owners were clear that white wasn’t right for this
kitchen. The designers took a moodier approach with a
warm-toned palette that combines the dark and
handsome Charcoal Riven cabinetry with the lighter-
toned Jericho Nuance, both from Freedom Kitchens’
Impressions range of melamine doors. Caesarstone Airy
Concrete benchtops, handpainted Italian splashback
tiles, black metal open shelving and a statement artwork
add to sophistication of the room.
“Ultimately, this is anything but a typical investment
property kitchen,” says Susan. “Everything has been
“We love the large bifold cupboards – they’re the carefully considered to create a luxurious, inviting and
perfect place for storing small appliances.” functional space that the homeowners love being in.”
Homeowner www.freedomkitchens.com.au #
Smart shopper
THE FIN ISH LIN E
The little details you add to your home can potentially impart the
most character and make it feel complete, writes Sarah Pickette.

T he littlest things can sometimes


have the biggest impact on a
room. Sure, the overall design
needs to be right and statement pieces
in place, but often it’s the flourishes
but it’s just one of many options at
your fingertips. “Good-quality handles
instantly add a point of difference to
any room,” says Simone Pittella,
managing director of Pittella. “You
overlooked, but the right style can
transform any living space and
complete a room,” says Troy Green,
general manager of marketing for
CSR Lightweight Systems. As a general
that make a space feel special. That’s might, for example, put a classic-style rule, the higher the ceilings, the
the power of the finishing touch. door handle in a clean-lined interior. larger and more detailed your cornices
Those late-in-the-process decisions Simply changing the finishes selection can be. In contemporary rooms, you
create mood, add texture and warmth, to a contemporary colour or style can might prefer a simple cornice with a
or simply boost the functionality or have a dramatic effect on the space.” sleek profile (take a look at Gyprock’s
personality of a space. If you think The simple act of putting in new Alto or Tempo styles). “In the end,
your rooms could benefit from some cabinetry pulls or handles can prove it’s a matter of personal taste,” says
finishing touches, here are a few a very cost-effective way to update Green, “but the right cornices have
to consider: the look of a room. the power to pull everything in a room
together.” Likewise, thoughtfully
HANDLES & PULLS CORNICES & MOULDINGS chosen mouldings, skirting boards
Leather door handles and cabinet pulls They’re an inexpensive and humble and architraves can deliver a beautiful
are a hot kitchen trend: they add texture building product, but cornices can finishing element, adding character
to joinery or furniture and feel great to play a huge role in how polished a and architectural detail to bring a
use. Leather might be having a moment, space looks. “Cornices tend to be space to life.

Beautiful finishes bring this


Sydney kitchen, designed by
Sonja Kritzler Design, to life.
She specified a Brodware
City Stik mixer in Brushed
Europlate and teamed it
with Buster+Punch handles
from Living Edge.

Photograph by Chris Warnes (this page).

58 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


SHOPPING H G

WINDOW TREATMENTS LIGHTS


“A room can look and feel very different While you do need to plan the lighting
once the window treatments are in design at the beginning of the build
place,” says Amelia Taylor, head of or renovation process, selecting a
product and communications for statement light is sometimes a decision
Wynstan. Blinds are a wonderful way that’s made nearer to completion.
to add colour, texture or pattern. “No A striking pendant light can be the
matter the style of home or budget, ultimate focal point in a room and,
there’s a perfect window treatment indeed, its making. To pick the best
for everyone. Installing new blinds light for a space, consider scale, its
is a simple process: a company ability to complement the room’s
representative comes to your home, decor and its capacity to cast adequate
measures the windows and then installs light. “Many pendants don’t actually YOURS ALONE
Sometimes the custom route is
the finished product. All you need do is produce a lot of light,” says Adele Locke, the best way to finish a room.
choose a style you love.” director of Mint Lighting. “You need But if you thought bespoke
to keep that in mind when buying in wouldn’t be affordable, think
TAPS order to ensure you’ll have enough light again. Domayne now offers
a customisation service that
“Tapware and bathroom accessories in a room overall to be able to see what allows you to choose the
have the potential to finish a bathroom you’re doing.” size, upholstery fabric, timber
or kitchen – they can act as the ‘glue’ stain and other features
that unites a particular trend, theme or ART across a range of furniture
and bed products. That
design,” says Daniela Santilli, bathroom Have an expanse of wall that’s looking means you can, for example,
marketing leader for Reece. “You might, too bare? Seize the opportunity to create that dream bed by
for example, opt for a classic-style fill it with art. More than any other customising bedhead height,
showerhead in a period home or a element in your home, this finishing bedhead wing size, fabric and
tall, sleek basin mixer in a gunmetal touch – possibly the most powerful of embellishments. Alternatively,
build the ideal dining setting
finish if you’re seeking a contemporary them all – needs to be purchased from by choosing a table-and-chair
look.” The configuration, shape, colour the heart. “Buy a work of art not only combination you love.
and even texture of tapware can because it makes financial sense to www.domayne.com.au
change how a room is lived in and do so, but because you love it,” says
experienced. “Whether it’s a bold, Sydney artist Lara Scolari. “It should
contrasting design or one that unites fit with your personality and your
a room’s style, tapware really can home, because that’s where it’s going
transform the look of the space,” she to spend many years.” #
says. Using the same tapware finish
or style in the kitchen, bathrooms
and laundry is one way to ensure the “ TA P S C A N AC T A S T H E ‘ G LU E ’ T H AT U N I T E S A PA R T I C U L A R
whole house feels cohesive. T R E N D , T H E M E O R D E S I G N .” DA N I E L A S A N T I L L I , R E E C E

Last but not least

FROM LEFT Otto ‘Maralina’ door handle in Satin Brass, from $290/set (trade price), Pittella; pittella.com.au; Cirrus sink mixer, $217, Caroma;
caroma.com.au. Timothy Oulton ‘Cross Glass’ chandelier, $5795, Coco Republic; cocorepublic.com.au. Ginger Haired Frida with Monkey and
Parrots limited-edition print by Efren Isaza, $1099, Lumas; au.lumas.com. Libera sink mixer in Copper Satin, $1495, Parisi; parisi.com.au.
Smart shopper
S O FA S
Comfort is king when it comes to sofas. Georgia Madden
reveals the top tips for buying the best seat in the house.
shopping H G

A new sofa is a major investment. It’s important to


choose wisely since it’s something you’ll likely live
with for years. “For many families, a sofa is more
than just a piece of furniture. It’s a place to come together,
relax, watch movies and unwind at the end of the day,” says
Melissa Bonney, director of design firm The Designory.
A great sofa comes down to three things: comfort, quality,
and the correct proportions for your stature, says Giulianna
del Popolo, interior designer at GDP Interior Design. “It’s
important to test a sofa out in-store and determine what
you like whether that’s firm fill, a sprung base, or a feather
and fibre mix in the cushions.”
Payparticularattentiontotheframe,saysDavidHardwick,
globalheadofproductatKingLiving.“Thisiswhatmaintains
a sofa’s structure and shape over a long period. King’s
engineered-steel frames provide good support in the seat
and back for outstanding comfort.” Good hardwood frames
score highly too, as they are sturdy, durable and long-lasting.
An easy way to check the quality of a timber frame is to lift
the sofa up to feel its weight. Generally, quality hardwood
construction is heavier than engineered timber or plywood.
Sofas with softer-timber frames are often more affordable,
but are likely to warp or buckle after a few years.
Sinuous curves and sink-in comfort are two of the biggest
trends for 2020, says Fabio Fanuli, director at Fanuli. “We’re

“Top trends for 2020? Rounded, organic shapes, soft-touch velvets and oversize, low-slung sofas that put
a premium on the lounging experience.” Fabio Fanuli, director, Fanuli

seeing rounded, organic shapes, soft-touch velvets and


oversize,low-slungsofasthat put a premium on the lounging
experience,” he says.
Texture continues to be tops in 2020: heavily textured
linens, raw leathers and thick cottons in muted, natural >
SOFA CARE
Wendy Davey, principal at Cranberry Design, reveals how to
keep your sofa looking and performing its best.
Fabric-covered sofas
✚ Rotate cushions regularly to ensure they keep their shape.
✚ Each week, brush with a stiff brush, then vacuum.
FROM TOP CRE Bottega modular sofa with solid timber frame and ✚ Blot any spills quickly. Check manufacturer’s instructions to
linen upholstery, from $3895, Coco Republic. Ava 3-seater sofa with learn which detergents and cleaning fluids are safe to use.
pine frame and fabric upholstery, from $1699, Harvey Norman. Leather-covered sofas
Herman Miller ‘ColourForm’ 3-seater chaise sofa with timber frame ✚ Dust weekly using a soft cloth. Blot spills with paper towel ASAP.
and Maharam wool-blend upholstery in Pare Wink, $16,720, Living ✚ Keep out of direct sunlight. Apply leather polish and
Edge. OPPOSITE Zaza 3-seater sofa with engineered-steel frame conditioner a few times a year to remove ingrained dirt and
and Lucca synthetic-blend upholstery in Sago, $9377, King Living. nourish leather (check manufacturer’s instructions first).

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 61


H G shopping

tones. Expect to see plenty of sumptuous, overstuffed sofas


with wide arms and generous cushions too.
On the flipside, smart, space-savvy designs are proving
popular,especiallyforthoseinsmallerhomes.Thinkmodular
sofas that can be reconfigured to different room shapes,
all-in-one styles with built-in USB chargers, side tables or
concealed storage. Sofas from brands such as Koala can be
assembled and disassembled without tools in a matter of
minutes (a boon if you move house frequently or have to
navigate the sofa around tricky corners).
A good-quality sofa can cost from $2000 up to $20,000
or more. If it’s chosen well and taken care of, it may last you
up to 20 years, so invest in a premium piece.
To choose the sofa style, consider not just your living room
set-up, but your lifestyle, adds Bonney. “Think about the
size of the room and how you move around it. Do you want
the sofa to be the feature of the room or to blend in? Who
will be using it, and how durable does it need to be? Also
consider maintenance – natural fabrics need occasional dry
cleaning and leather needs conditioning, whereas synthetic
fabrics are easier to care for but perhaps don’t look or feel
as great,” she says.
Sofas with soft curves and enveloping backs are great for
chilling out, while clean, low-profile styles in luxurious
materials, such as leather, have a more sophisticated feel,
says Jane Novembre, marketing director at Domo. A classic,
fuss-free style offers longevity as it can easily be updated
with new throws or cushions. If you have children or pets,
look for removable, washable covers. Regardless of who is

“Consider the size of the room and how you move around it. Do you want it to be a feature or to blend in?
Who will be using it and how durable does it need to be?” Melissa Bonney, interior designer, The Designory

using it, applying a fabric protectant (such as Scotchgard)


is always a good idea.
And don’t forget to measure up before you buy. “Mark out
the dimensions on the floor with masking tape. As a guide,
allow at least 90cm of circulation space around the piece.
Makesurenotonlythatthesofafitsbutthatitiscomfortable
to move around, factoring in any other elements such as
TRENDS TO WATCH side tables, coffee tables and rugs,” says Bonney. Then sit
Here are three sofa looks you can expect to see coming our way
from Europe this year, according to Jane Novembre, marketing back and enjoy the best seat in the house. #
director at Domo:
✚ Curves Cocooning, curvaceous sofa styles that inspire
For Where to Buy, see page 192.

conversation are coming through. Comfort is key, with an CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Tufty ’15 modular sofa with steel frame
emphasis on soft, rounded lines, high and supportive backs and cotton-viscose upholstery, $19,500, Space. Fistral 3-seater sofa
and low armrests. with timber frame and polyester-nylon upholstery, $1099, Freedom.
✚ Statement sofas Think bold, on-trend colours, geometric lines Wittmann Vuelta 4-seater sofa with timber and metal frame, from
and fun textures. These styles are great for adding personality $12,625, Domo. Lloyd 2-seater sofa with plywood and timber frame
and playfulness into your living room. and linen upholstery, $3299, Provincial Home Living. OPPOSITE
✚ Multipurpose Sofas that include a chaise longue or convert Clockwise from top Shore 4-seater sofa with hardwood frame and
into a sofa bed are hot property. Some styles also offer linen upholstery, $8890, Fanuli. Sofala 2-seater sofa with plywood
shelving, storage or built-in side tables, making them practical frame and cotton-blend upholstery, $7470, Cult. Olafur modular
options for homes where space is limited. sofa with walnut frame and velvet upholstery, $5995, Max Sparrow

62 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


“Sofas with soft curves and enveloping backs are great for chilling out; low-profile
styles with luxurious upholstery have a more sophisticated feel.” Jane Novembre, Domo
H G DECORATING
2
1

3 4

On trend
S C A L L OP

12
6

Produced by Ashley Pratt. Currency conversions correct at time of writing.


9

11

10 8

Inspired by traditional trims, these elegant wares will give your home the edge.
1 Frame Denim ‘Scallop Button Down’ cotton shirt, $449, Order of Style; www.orderofstyle.com. 2 Simple Scallop Chandelier silk light shade, $2410,
The Montauk Lighting Co; www.montauklightingco.com. 3 Royere stoneware vase, $379, Sarah Ellison; sarahellison.com.au. 4 Jacqueline mirror,
$399, Temple & Webster; www.templeandwebster.com.au. 5 Ridge corrugated-metal side table with timber top, from $544, Beeline Design;
www.beelinefurnituredesign.com.au. 6 Juliette Italian linen napkin in Grey, about $91.65/four, Rebecca Udall; rebeccaudall.com. 7 West Coast
tiles (150x150mm), $189/m², Sarah Ellison x Teranova; sarahellison.com.au. 8 Oly ‘Jackson’ hardwood buffet, $7395, Coco Republic; cocorepublic.
com.au. 9 Signature Scalloped ramie light shade, about $366.10, Matilda Goad; matildagoad.com. 10 Aerin scalloped ceramic nesting dishes with
gold trim, $487, MatchesFashion; www.matchesfashion.com. 11 Norma Junior rattan armchair, $224.25, Oz Design Furniture; ozdesignfurniture.
com.au. 12 Milly ottoman with velevet cover, $449, Circlehome; circlehome.com.au. #

64 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


H G DECORATING
2
1 3
4

On trend
F L OR A L S
5
14
13

6
12 14

8
11
9 7
10
Pretty as a picture, these pieces will bring a little romance into your home.
Produced by Ashley Pratt.

1 Wishes limited-edition art print by Jiwoon Park, $1099 (framed), Lumas Gallery. 2 Vihkiruusu cotton-linen kitchen towel, $24, Marimekko. 3 Ralph
Lauren ‘Garden Vine’ earthenware teapot, $300, Palmer & Penn. 4 Native Meadow plywood tray, $129, Utopia Goods. 5 Olivier Desforges
‘Merveille’ cotton pillowcase, $74, Amara. 6 Cloudy Spring porcelain vase, $139, Angus & Celeste. 7 Cherry Blossom ottoman with linen-blend
cover, $129, Madras Link. 8 Preen by Thornton Regazzi satin quilt with feather fill (143x213cm), $867, MatchesFashion. 9 Dolce & Gabbana ‘Floral’
crystal and enamel earrings, $2750, MatchesFashion. 10 Gucci ‘Herbarium’ porcelain coffee cup and saucer set, $415, MatchesFashion. 11 Aerin
eau de parfum travel sprays, $30 each, Sephora. 12 Kooka Gum cotton tablecloth, $265, Bonnie and Neil. 13 Lola Bird ceramic table lamp with
linen shade, $179, Temple & Webster. 14 Cole & Son ‘Talavera’ wallpaper, $329/roll, Radford. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #

66 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Make yourself
at home.
That’s freedom.
SAWN
queen bed
+ Detailed joinery & hand
applied satin fnishes
+ Made from reclaimed
Solid Pine timber

Exceptional craft with country charm. Made from reclaimed solid Pine timber,
the Sawn bedroom range showcases carpentry passed down generations with
beautiful joinery and hand applied stain fnishes. Natural variations and knots
in the timber make each piece unique. Bed available in the King and Queen.

Shop in-store or online at freedom.com.au


Buyer’s guide
F L O OR
CLE A NERS
For spotless floors in a flash, pick
up one of these smart vacuums,
steam cleaners and powered
mops, writes Georgia Madden.

Photograph by Brett Stevens/bauersyndication.com.au.


shopping H G

H ave you ever spent ages pushing a


heavy, wheezy vacuum across the
floor only to find there’s still dust in
the corner? Happily, those days are long
gone. Today’s devices are designed to clean
for those with a larger home who need a
longer run time and a deep clean.”
But it’s robotic vacuums that score top
marks for convenience. “Robotic vacuums
havecomealongwayinashorttime.They’re
BUY SMART
Gary Brown, senior brand
manager for home appliances at
Harvey Norman, offers these tips
for finding the right cleaner:
✚ Storage This can impact the
more efficiently with less effort. They’re more powerful, the mapping tech is type and size of cleaner you
lighter, more powerful and easier to significantly better, and many actually can accommodate.
✚ Stairs A lightweight,
manoeuvre than ever; some models even vacuum rather than simply sweep,” says cordless vacuum may be
clean while you’re doing other, more GaryBrown,seniorbrandmanagerforhome easier to manouevre than
enjoyable, things. appliances at Harvey Norman. They’re a corded model.
“Vacuum cleaners have evolved from smarter too: “Some models can be set to ✚ Thick carpet Consider a
model with a turbo head
large, bulky appliances to lightweight all- work via a mobile app, so you will always that gets deep into carpet.
rounders that can handle pretty much any come home to a clean floor,” he says. “Many ✚ Pets Choose a model designed
cleaning job around the home,” says Brad intuitively adapt to different floor surfaces; to pick up pet hair embedded
Reed, senior marketing manager for home other models automatically charge and in carpets.
appliances at LG Electronics Australia. empty themselves,” adds Trajkovski. Select ✚ Multiple floor types Do you
want an all-in-one model
Cordlessstickvacuumsnowpackenough models, such as iRobot’s Braava, feature a or a different type of cleaner
punch to clean a small home or apartment. mop for hard floors too. A quality robotic for each?
“Look for a rechargeable model with long vacuum costs between $900 and $1500; ✚ Bagged or bagless? If you
runtimeandstrongsuction,”advisesJessica premium models such as the iRobot i7 sell have allergies, you may
prefer a bagged model that
Deuscher,seniorbrandandcommunications for around $1800, says Brown. allows you to seal and dispose
manager at Bosch Home Appliances. If you have large expanses of tiles or of dust without coming into
Two notable new stick models include timber flooring to clean, a new-generation contact with it.
Dyson’s V11, which ‘reads’ the floor type and power mop or steam-powered floor cleaner

“ T H E R I G H T VAC U U M W I L L D E E P C L E A N T H E C A R P E T A N D C A N
C U T C L E A N I N G T I M E BY H A L F.” E L K E K E E L E Y, U R B A N Y O U

adjusts motor speed to maximise its can get them sparkling – all without the use
60-minute run time (an LCD panel tells you of chemical nasties. “The moist heat
STEAM CLEAN
exactly how long you have left); and LG’s A9 eliminates bacteria and can lift stubborn Cleaning hard floors with steam
Ultimate,whichcomeswithtworechargeable marks,” says Brown. Just be sure to check can be kinder to the environment
batteries for 80 minutes’ run time, and can the water-tank capacity is big enough to than a traditional mop and
vacuum and mop floors simultaneously. suit your floor size, he advises. bucket – it’s quicker to clean
and dry, and can kill 99.99%
Expect to pay between $499 and $1199 for When choosing a floor cleaner, it’s worth of common household bacteria
a cordless vacuum. buying the best you can afford. “The right without the use of chemicals.
Versatility is a top trend too. There are vacuum can cut cleaning time by half,” says Kärcher steam cleaners, for
models with motorised brush heads to Elke Keeley, co-founder of cleaning firm example, can be used on tile,
handle even the most stubborn pet hair, UrbanYou.“Aqualityvacuumwillhavemore stone, PVC, sealed laminate and
varnished parquet floors (but not
vacuums that convert from a stick model powerful suction, so you can get all the dust oiled or waxed). “These cleaners
to a handheld – perfect for small spills and and dirt from deep in the carpet.” can be used to remove mould
awkward spots such as inside the car or the Don’t judge a floor cleaner by wattage from cracks and hard-to-reach
tops of shelves. Other vacuums include alone, advises Brown. “The efficiency of the places, won’t aggravate allergy
or respiratory issues, and are
attachments for cleaning curtains and vacuum’scleaningheadisabetterindicator child- and pet-friendly,” says Jo
mattresses, and models with HEPA filters of its power and cleaning efficiency than Clark, marketing manager at
to trap airborne allergens. the wattage. Plus, it’s a good idea to test- Kärcher. Choose a model with
Meanwhile, traditional barrel vacuums drive any model you’re considering in-store a built-in boiler to produce
high-pressure steam, fast heat-up
have lost none of their appeal, says Nick toassessforpower,manoeuvrability,weight time, and continuous steam and
Trajkovski, floorcare buyer at The Good and comfort.” Achieving pristine floors has a large enough water tank to suit
Guys. “Barrel vacuums are a great option never been so easy. > your floor size, she says.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 69


Cordless Barrel
vacuums V11 OUTSIZE, $1299 vacuums COMPLETE C3 COMFORT
With a 25% bigger cleaning head TOTAL CARE, $1,049
and 150% larger bin than the Powerful and easy to maneouvre
previous V11 and a 120-minute thanks to rubberised wheels,
run time, this stick vacuum is swivel castors and a flexible hose
ideal for large homes. It ‘reads’ connector. Also features an
the floor type and automatically efficient HEPA filtration system
adjusts the suction power to suit. to filter 99.95% of dust – ideal
Dyson; www.dyson.com.au. for allergy sufferers.
Miele; www.shop.miele.com.au.

ELECTROLUX PURE F9 2000W BAGLESS


ANIMAL ALLERGY, $578 VACUUM, $47
Powerful filtration, washable Clean floors are a breeze with
filters and a motorised nozzle this affordable, multi-cyclonic
efficiently remove dust, pet model, which traps and
dander and airborne particles. separates dust and debris
Automatically adjusts suction efficiently. It has a 2.5-litre dust
and airflow to the floor; LEDs capacity, a heavy-duty floor head
help you see under furniture. and a 5-metre long cord.
Harvey Norman; www. Kmart; www.kmart.com.au.
harveynorman.com.au.

2620F ICON CORDLESS PURE D9 ANIMAL


VACUUM CLEANER, $549 An easy-to-operate corded
This two-in-one model converts model with extra-large, smooth-
into a hand or high-reach running wheels and a ball-bearing
vacuum, and its low-profile nozzle. HEPA13 filters capture
design makes it easy to reach 99.95% of dust and allergens,
under sofas and beds. It has and a built-in screen shows you
50 minutes’ run time and a suction level and when to change
tangle-free motorised brush roll. the filters and bag.
Bissell; www.bissellshop.com.au. Electrolux; www.electrolux.com.au.

BCH6ZOOAU ATHLET VAX VX72 POWER 7 PET,


ZOO’O, $599 $249
A lightweight, cordless model A well-priced model aimed at
with motorised brush roll that’s pet owners with cyclonic
ideal for picking up pet hair technology, HEPA filters to
and turbo mode for extra-deep extract potential irritants and pet
cleaning. Powerful Lithium-ion odours, a turbo attachment to
batteries provide long run pick up stubborn pet hair, and a
times and quick charging. large 4-litre dust capacity.
Bosch Home Appliances; 1300 369 Appliances Online; 1300 000 500
744 or www.bosch-home.com.au. or www.appliancesonline.com.au.
shopping H G

Robotic Steam ^
SCOUT RX2 HOME VISION, carpet 1300W STEAM MOP, $49
$1699 cleaners This affordable corded steam
This intelligent robotic model mop is sure to come in handy
automatically adjusts power to in a busy household. it has a
suit different floor types. You 180-degree swivel head so it
can turn it on remotely and get can get into tight spaces and
live imagery streamed to your under furniture, a 450ml
mobile. 120-minute run time. water-tank capacity and up
Miele; www.shop.miele.com.au. to 30 minutes’ run time.
Kmart; www.kmart.com.au.

LG R9 MASTER, $1899 2240F SPINWAVE CORDLESS


Thanks to an onboard camera ELECTRIC MOP, $419
and laser sensor, this Ai-enabled powerful (and washable) spin
model analyses the objects and pads on this cordless model
layouts in your home so it can glide across hard floors to clean
learn to navigate around them tough, sticky messes. An
for more efficient cleaning. on-demand spray lets you
Automatically recharges and can control the amount of water and
be operated via smartphone. cleaning solution released.
Harvey Norman; www. Bissell; www.bissellshop.com.au.
harveynorman.com.au.

SR20M7070WS POWERBOT KÄRCHER PROFESSIONAL


X40, $999 CARPET VACUUM CLEANER,
A well-priced robotic vacuum $1095
with a slim profile that fits easily get carpets and rugs back to their
underneath furniture. it has a best by deep-cleaning with this
special sensor to map the room commercial-quality cleaner. it has
and automatically detects narrow a stretch hose and a telescopic
spaces for better cleaning. May tube to clean, and an extra-long
be operated via smartphone. 12-metre cord.
Samsung; www.samsung.com/au. Bunnings; www.bunnings.com.au.

BRAAVA JET M6 VX24S VAX STEAM FRESH


ROBO MOP, $1149 COMBI STEAM CLEANER $249
This wifi-connected model Refresh carpets and get hard
sweeps and mops hard floors. floors squeaky clean with this
Use the dry sweep mode to handy machine. it automatically
pick up dirt, dust and pet hair mixes steam and detergent inside
or wet mop mode to remove the mop to kill 99.9% of bacteria
kitchen grease and other sticky without the use of chemicals. The
messes – all of which you can triangular head makes it easy to
activate by voice command. clean corners.
iRobot; 1300 727 421 or The Good Guys; www.thegoodguys.
www.irobot.com.au. com.au. #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 71


BRAND PROMOTION

Instant ambience
Light up your space and create instant,
stylish ambience at the flick of a switch

LIGHT TOUCH
ringing in new lighting can be a fast and affordable way

B to transform your living space. From eye-catching


pendants to contemporary floor lamps with creative
shades that let you express your inner interior-design
urges, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create the
perfect ambience in your home – and in no time at all. So, whether
you’re a renter in need of a short-term solution that’s simple to
install and remove or a homeowner looking to achieve a more
CHOOSE WISELY
After a bold light that’s a feature in
its own right? Try a pendant. Want to
create a cosy atmosphere? Consider
positioning a floor lamp next to a sofa
or armchair. There’s a wealth of great
lighting options for every room.

USE AN ELECTRICIAN
You may need to call in a specialist
permanent room transformation, take a fresh look at the current professional to install your new light.
lighting set-up in your home to see what you could improve. Always hire a licensed electrician to
complete any hardwiring required
It might just be the cost-effective style fix you’ve been searching for. or your style upgrade.

ASK FOR ADVICE


IN ANY ROOM, LIGHTING CAN BE A FOCAL POINT, If you’re unsure where to start, or
SET THE MOOD, AND PLAY A BIG ROLE IN HOW just need a little inspiration, don’t
hesitate to ask in-store for tips,
PRODUCED BY STORY

WE EXPERIENCE COLOURS AND TEXTURES. guidance and ideas.

LIGHTING Above Home Design ‘Pavi’ table lamp, $47, Home Design ‘Lumi’ table lamp, $69,
Home Design ‘Romanza’ floor lamp, $99, Home Design ‘Bussi’ concrete pendant, $68.30.
Some products are not available in certain Bunnings Warehouse stores, but may be ordered. Accessories not sold at Bunnings.
SHOPPING H G

9 by design
L AU N D R Y H A M P E R S

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9
Produced by Sophie Wilson.

1 Home Republic ‘Masai’ palm leaf laundry basket (44x54cm), $100, Adairs; www.adairs.com.au. 2 Ferm Living ‘Herman’ cotton canvas laundry
basket with metal frame (50x65cm), $230, Finnish Design Shop; www.finnishdesignshop.com.au. 3 Nueva seagrass laundry basket (42x70cm),
$129, Freedom; www.freedom.com.au. 4 Cesa seagrass storage basket (46x56cm), $99.95, Country Road; www.countryroad.com.au. 5 Positano
washable-paper and cotton laundry basket (32x45cm), $119, Uashmama; www.uashmama.com.au. 6 Whitewashed bamboo laundry basket
(46x51cm), $159, Inartisan; www.inartisan.com.7 Klunka polyester laundry bag (36x60cm), $10, Ikea; www.ikea.com/au. 8 Emi seagrass laundry
basket (42x62cm), $219.95/two, Zanui; www.zanui.com.au. 9 Bella woven laundry basket (40x50cm), $460, Flamingo Road;
www.flamingordhomewares.com.au. #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 73


H G SHOPPING

9 by design
D O O R H A R D WA R E

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9
Produced by Sophie Wilson.

1 Roma brass lever handle, POA, Parisi; parisi.com.au. 2 0858P Windsor brass lever handle, $106, Early Settler; www.earlysettler.com.au.
3 Chubba metal lever handle, POA, Mother of Pearl & Sons Trading; motherofpearl.com. 4 Sydney brass handle, $34.95, Hepburn Hardware;
hepburnhardware.com. 5 Welcome Home marble and American oak double door handle, $750/set, Zuster; zuster.com.au. 6 Bankston 0360 Como
brass door lever, $118.40, Keeler Hardware; www.keelerhardware.com.au. 7 Kamen Kali steel lever handle, $152.25, Designer Doorware;
www.designerdoorware.com.au. 8 B.Wood steel and walnut door pull, POA, Spark & Burnish; sparkandburnish.com.au. 9 Stacked leather
entry handle, $460, MadeMeasure; www.mademeasure.com.au. #

74 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


H G shopping

F L O O R I N G : a fresh approach
The more common flooring options may be well known to you, but there are
also some new and innovative materials you might not have considered.

Text by Sarah Pickette. Photography by Nic Gossage.


Textured tiles can be used indoors and out with no friendliness. Sisal might have captured
Technology has opened up a whole discernible difference in how they feel the bulk of the limelight but there are
world of possibilities for floor tiles – the underfoot. Another interesting tile other lesser-known options you can
latest porcelain tiles not only look like innovation to watch comes from Earp explore for your floor. Among them are
natural stone, they feel like it too. “Our Bros: its Spanish-made Onix Ecostone seagrass and coir, which a supplier such
new Omnistone tiles have a reactive mosaic tiles are made from 98 per cent as International Floorcoverings can lay
glaze that can echo the patterning in recycled glass. wall to wall. Seagrass used in flooring is
the tile, so they feel like the stone grown in paddy-like fields that are
they’re replicating,” says Ryan Roberts, Sisal and beyond flooded by seawater; the fibres are
strategic designer for Beaumont Tiles. Natural floor coverings are beautiful biodegradable and create a carpet that
Also new to Beaumont is its range of to live with. Sisal is probably the most is a good sound absorber. Coir is made
Homestone floor tiles that offer such familiar to homeowners; it’s loved for from coconut-husk fibres, is very hardy
sophisticated slip-resistance that they its durability and environmental and looks great woven into ribbed and

76 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


herringbone patterns. You could also right through the home – even in
consider abaca, a fibre from a tree bathrooms. A hybrid floor will
related to the banana palm, for a large withstand heavy foot traffic (of both the
area rug. Abaca rugs come in a range of human and pet kind), won’t stain and
beautiful weaves that make the most needs very little maintenance beyond
of this sturdy, sustainable fibre. the usual mop, sweep or vacuum.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Hybrids: best of both Engineered timber CORK
The look of timber can be achieved with With a slice of solid timber on top and a Today’s cork flooring looks
quite a few products, from porcelain core of multiple layers of plywood, a little different to the cork of
yesteryear: there’s now a
tiles to vinyl. But one of the newest and engineered-timber floors are strong, better range of colours,
best options on the market for a timber versatile and more affordable than solid patterning and tile sizes on
appearance (without the solid-timber timber. The offerings on the market offer (shown above is
price tag) is hybrid, or rigid, flooring. are always expanding, with suppliers ReadyCork from Premium
“Today’s hybrids give you the look and offering extra-wide boards, chevron Floors in Rustic Olive).
Designers are also embracing
feel of timber,” says Jason Verstak, and parquetry styles and a growing the sustainable nature of this
group manager of marketing for selection of timbers. Among these new flooring material. Made from
Choices Flooring, “but where they differ options is Intrinsic Black from Royal the bark of the cork oak, it
is that they’re more stable and able to Oak Floors. “In the past, black floors can be harvested without
harming the tree and is
sustain temperature changes without were created using a stain that didn’t biodegradable, readily
any of the expansion and contraction penetrate all the way through the breaking down at the end of
you’d get with timber.” Hybrids combine timber but just sat on the surface,” says its usefulness. Because it’s
the best qualities of laminate and Anne Plumb, director and general comprised of millions of
microscopic air-filled
luxury vinyl to deliver a floor that’s manager of Royal Oak Floors. “Intrinsic chambers cork has a
tough, waterproof and able to be used Black is black the whole way through > cushioned feel, which makes
it a good choice for kitchens
– where you’re spending a lot
of time on your feet.
The newest natural flooring is
made from fibres that are stain-
resistant and supremely
family friendly.
shopping H G
1 Stain-resistant sisal,
Natural Floorcovering
Centres; naturalfloor.
com.au. 2 Zimina
1 jute, International
Floorcoverings;
interfloors.com.au.
3 Haven ‘Zambri’
PET carpet, Choices
Flooring; choices.com.
au. 4 Tretford goat-hair
carpet in Double
Cream; tretford.com.
5 Homestone tile in
Pearl, Beaumont Tiles;
beaumont-tile.com.au.

The flooring you choose can make a huge difference to how your
3 home looks and functions. It’s a long-term investment, so it pays
to investigate all your material options before you commit.

the product, so the colour doesn’t just They also have the added benefits of
sit on the surface. It creates a truly being super-soft underfoot, highly
unique, very black floor.” It’s available durable and stain resistant.”
as large boards and in a herringbone
or chevron pattern. “Because it has a Next-gen rugs
soft-looking finish, it adds an element “Bamboo silk is one of the hottest
of texture to the floor.” trends in rug fibres,” says Bob Cadry,
Photography by Kristina Soljo (this page) & Prue Ruscoe (opposite).

4 Upcycled carpet
managing director of Cadrys. “Bamboo
silk gives rugs a glossy sheen and is
Carpet brings unbeatable comfort very soft to the touch, giving you the
to your floors and the material look of pure-silk flooring at a much
selections span from goats’ hair, wool more affordable price point.”
and wool-blends through to nylon and To make bamboo silk, a form of
polypropylene. One of the more viscose is extracted from bamboo-stalk
interesting players in the carpet fibres, creating a material that’s
materials market is polyethylene significantly hardier than pure silk.
terephthalate (PET). “It’s a type of “Interestingly, bamboo silk can be
polyester fibre used in carpets that’s blended or piled with Tibetan wool,
5 made from PET chips, which are formed
from recycled plastic bottles and
where intermittent rows of weaving are
alternated with wool to give a more
containers, making it a great eco- textured, resilient rug style.” The reason
friendly option,” says Verstak. “PET this material has surged in popularity
carpets come in the neutral tones recently is its renewability, with some
homeowners love and in a variety species of bamboo plant growing a
of appealing twist and loop styles. staggering 23 metres a year. #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 79


H A R V E Y

Once
N O R M A N

upon a
P R E S E N T S

d re a m
LOOKING FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP IN 2020?
THERE’S NO BETTER INVESTMENT THAN AN AUSTRALIAN
MADE QUALIT Y MATTRESS AND BED BASE. SWEET DREAMS…

Current Sealy Posturepedic® Exquisite™


Vienna Medium Queen Mattress $2599;
Stratton 2-Drawer Queen Base $2499;
Stratton 1-Drawer Bedside Table $849;
Sealy Memory Rest Pillows $279ea; Bennett
Queen Quilt Cover Set in Ivory $189.
* Mattress, bed base and bedside table made in Australia.
Sealy Posturepedic ®
Why Buy Sealy? Exquisite ™ Vienna Key Features

From first stitch to final detail, The Sealy Posturepedic® Each made-to-order Sealy
Sealy’s craftsmanship is first Exquisite™ Vienna delivers Posturepedic® Exquisite™
class. After decades of testing, unparalleled feel and quality, mattress boasts Responsive
research and development, using only the finest Australian- Technology via ReST® Coils
Sealy’s Australian Made sourced, hand-selected materials. which give you three stages of
mattresses give you optimum Its precise balance of comfort personalised support. A Liquid
comfort using the best possible and support offers you deep, Gel layer within the mattress
combination of materials and restorative sleep thanks to Sealy’s provides pressure relief and
structural design – resulting in a Responsive Technology, Liquid durability, while the Reinforced
sleep experience unlike any other. Gel layer and Reinforced Edge. Edge uses UniCased® XT to keep
the perimeter of the mattress
firm and stable.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
online | mobile | in store
Why buy Beautyrest Black ® ?

The Beautyrest Black® is more than a bed, it’s an escape.


Featuring a unique high-density foam structure with a firm
feel for extra support and luxurious comfort, all Beautyrest
mattresses are adjustable-base compatible and treated
with Ultra Fresh® anti-microbial treatments to keep them
fresh, hygienic and odour-free. Advanced full Triple Helix
Coil technology helps to deliver the perfect night's sleep
time and time again.

Current Beautyrest Black® Georgia Plush Queen Ensemble


$3999; Beautyrest Black Gel Memory Foam Pillows $349ea;
Fjord 50402/070 Large Rug $949; Valentina Bedroom Chair
in Pink $549; Ripples Comforter (220 x 220cm) in Sage $249.
Right SleepMaker® Arizona Deluxe Firm Queen Mattress
$1999; Evandale Base Queen Size in Oak $649; JH Habicus
HB03 Silver Medium Rug $999; Aria Cushion in Blush, Grey,
or Cream $34.95ea.

*
c l o u d l i ke
sof tness
Why buy SleepMaker ® ? Key Features

Proudly Australian Made, The SleepMaker® Arizona Deluxe


SleepMaker® has a strong bed and Firm mattress (above) features
mattress heritage that dates all the a premium 5-Zone Micro Coil,
way back to the 1930s. Using only creating ultimate support due to
the highest-quality materials to its higher density build. This is
ensure total comfort and support, combined with Fusion Gel and
SleepMaker® has been at the Graphene, a proven comfort layer
forefront of the evolution of sleep with pressure-relieving properties,
science and technology over the plus temperature-regulating
decades through multiple world-first KulKote® to maintain an optimal
innovations. SleepMaker’s reputation body temperature. Arizona Deluxe
for superior craftsmanship means mattresses are also treated with
that when you buy a SleepMaker®, Ultra Fresh® to help protect against
you can rest easy in the knowledge allergy and asthma triggers.
that it was built with lasting quality.

* Ensemble and Bed Base made in Australia. HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU


online | mobile | in store
f l o a t a wa y
with me

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
online | mobile | in store
Why buy King Koil Indulge in
by A.H.Beard ? luxurious comfort Key Features

Recommended by the experts at Premium body support and The beauty of the King Koil
the International Chiropractors luxury go hand in hand in each Platinum Posture collection lies in
Association, every King Koil by King Koil mattress. You may sleep the unique Reflex Platinum support
A.H. Beard mattress is the product better for longer with materials system. Designed to match each
of 120 years of innovation in the designed to enhance your sleep sleeper’s unique size and shape, it
sleep industry. Made by hand including Talalay Latex (selected guarantees both sleeping partners
and renowned for their cutting- models) for pressure relieving will enjoy tailored support without
edge technology that provides comfort, eco-friendly foams disturbing the other. The collection
unsurpassed support while and hypo allergenic materials also features Micro Comfort Coils
minimising partner disturbance. (materials vary across products). for additional pressure relief and
Gel Infused Memory Foam to
conform to each body shape.

Current King Koil Platinum Posture


Bellagio II Medium Queen Mattress
$2999; Kier 4 Drawer Queen Storage
Bed in Soft Grey $1499; Normandy
1000TC Queen Sheet Set by Private
Collection $299; Loxton Gold or
Silver Cushion $59.95ea; Marcella
White Cushion $34.95.

* Mattress made in Australia.


*
Current Body Balance Prasada 22cm Plush Queen Mattress $2699;
A.H. Beard Invigorate Adjustable Queen Base $1999; The Luxury
Bedding Company Deluxe Sustans/Wool Blend Pillows $59.95ea;
Argyle Throw in Fawn $94.95.
* A.H. Beard Invigorate Adjustable Queen Base not made in Australia.

Why buy Benefits of the


Body Balance? Key Features adjustable base

Body Balance mattresses are The A.H. Beard Invigorate Pairing a Body Balance mattress
made from innovative Memory Adjustable Queen Base (pictured) with an A.H. Beard adjustable base
Foam that individually conforms lets you relax in comfort with a lets you create your very own sleep
to your body shape no matter full range of positions and also sanctuary. Read, watch television,
what your sleeping position. This includes a massage function. The meditate, or catch up on emails –
doesn’t just provide a more restful adjustable base has a multitude an A.H. Beard adjustable bed base
sleep for you, it also means you of functions to help you relax allows you to do it all in comfort
won’t disturb your partner when including a wireless remote with and style. Elevating your head with
you shift positions throughout the flashlight, Bluetooth connectivity an adjustable base may also help to
night. Each mattress’s Cool-To- and adjustable head and foot reduce snoring and ease symptoms
Touch fabric provides an instant positions. If you get up in the of acid reflux. Elevating your legs
cooling effect to help you fall night, underbed lighting helps may help increase circulation and
asleep more quickly. Sleep better you find your way back. The relieve pressure on the back.
knowing your mattress is also mattress features Body Balance
Right Body Balance Lotus 30cm Firm
Australian Made. Memory Foam to minimise
Queen Ensemble $4199; The Luxury
partner disturbance. Bedding Company Activate Memory
Foam Pillows $169ea; The Luxury
Bedding Company 50/50 White Goose
Down Queen Quilt $429; Argyle Cushion
in Fawn or Charcoal $69.95ea; Tibet
TB18-02 Large Rug $749.

SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE


HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278
Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees.
Advertised prices are valid at NSW stores only. Prices may vary between HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
states due to additional freight costs. Promotion ends 14/06/20. online | mobile | in store
sleeping
soundly
Gi f t ide a s
Styling by Sophie Wilson. Photograph by Nic Gossage. Flower arrangement from Poho Flowers.

FOREGROUND From left Timothy Oulton ‘Wild’ timber armchair with sheepskin seat, $7195,Coco Republic. Double Bucket
leather handbag in Military Green, $249.95, The Daily Edited. Jute house slippers, $24, Dunlin. Aerin footed bowl, $295,
Becker Minty. Swan brass vase, $135, Dinosaur Designs. Yves side table with agate top, $3995, and Tsar Stripe marble
bookends, $65/pair, both Coco Republic. Sophie Davies Interiors ‘The Twister’ plaster table lamp, $1400, Manyara Home.
BACKGROUND Wall painted Interno Lime Wash in Stonecutter’s Grey, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. Flocca linen
tablecloth, $349, Hale Mercantile Co. Atelier 2+ ‘Cane Partition’ screen, $3480, Trit House.

LIT TLE THINGS THAT MAKE MUM’S LIFE L OVELIER


T RU LY GIF T ED
Show Mum how much she means to you
with one of these precious objects.
ST Y L IN G Sophie Wilson | P HOTO GR APHY Nic Gossage | F LOW E R S Poho Flowers
mother’s day special H G

Presents with a personal touch – a favourite fragrance, a special piece of jewellery,


or a little something for ‘me time’ – are the greatest gifts of all.
FROM LEFT Lingue Particulier waffle linen hand towel, $41, Oliver Thom. Humble Matter stoneware vessel, $1350, Curatorial+Co. BDK Parfums
Stylist’s assistant Nonci Nyoni.

Tubéreuse Impériale eau de parfum, $329, Trudon II eau de parfum, $299, Helmut Lang eau de cologne, $289, and L’Artisan Parfumeur Couleur Vanille
eau de parfum, $210, all Libertine Parfumerie. Addition Studio brass oil burner, $159, Designstuff. Vintage Brutalist pendant by Lee Bernard, $375,
Becker Minty. Cire Trudon ‘Spiritus Sancti’ room spray, $299, Libertine Parfumerie. Vintage double sphere ring, $145, Becker Minty. Volcanic resin soap
dish, $65, Dinosaur Designs. Zone Denmark ‘Singles’ metal tray, $99, Designstuff. ON WALL Jungle wallpaper in Grey, $72/m, These Walls. Inax
‘Terrarossa’ tiles, POA, Artedomus. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left Monogrammed linen pyjamas, $159, Jasmine and Will. Flores quilt in Sage
(234x224cm), $345, Walter G. Mia linen cushion, $79, McMullin & Co. Aerin embossed-shagreen tray, $650, Becker Minty. Vintage Lace ceramic
platter, $159, Kim Wallace Ceramics. Beige Wave bone china side plate, $80/four, In the Round House. Zoya brass cheese knife, $59/3-piece set, and
Ebb Tide ceramic teaspoon, $11, both Kim Wallace Ceramics. A5 notebook, $59.95, The Daily Edited. Vintage gold snake bracelet, $115, Becker
Minty. Stoneware teacup, $55, Kim Wallace Ceramics. Wild Strawberry bone china saucer, $89.95 (includes matching teacup), Wedgwood. Lord
Howe Island hand and nail crème, $12.95, Maine Beach. Meiro cotton quilt in Mushroom (235x185cm), $297, Walter G. >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 91


Luxe pieces that bring Mum joy every day of the year? That’s cause for celebration.
ON TABLE Clockwise from top Stoneware teacup in White/Sand, $55, Kim Wallace Ceramics. White Fluted porcelain teacup, $79.95 (includes saucer),
Royal Copenhagen. Wild Strawberry bone china teacup, $89.95 (includes saucer), Wedgwood. Collection bone china mug, $100/set of 4, In the Round
House. Vienna ceramic soup bowl, $12.95, French Knot. Brutti e Buoni biscuits, $13.50/100g, Simon Johnson. Vienna side plate, $12.95, both French
Knot. Alessi ‘Plisse’ electric kettle, $249, and Ferm Living ‘Ripple’ blown-glass wineglass, $81/pair, both Designstuff. Linen apron, $38, In Bed. Zoya brass
cheese knife, $59/3-piece set, Kim Wallace Ceramics. Ferm Living ‘Fein’ brass spoon, $19, Designstuff. Bon Appétit ceramic 25cm plate, $29, In the
Round House. Zone Denmark brass herb scissors, $24, Designstuff. Green and White Chinoiserie ceramic 25cm plate, $29, In the Round House. Ferm
Living ‘Fein’ brass measuring spoons, $149/set, Designstuff. ON WALLS Bar Bianco mosaic tiles, $170/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles. Clay Textile laminate, from
$86.70/m², Laminex. OPPOSITE ON TABLE From left Vera Wang ‘Bande’ crystalline toasting flute, $119/pair, Wedgwood. Ferm Living ‘Ripple’
blown-glass Champagne saucers, $79/pair, Designstuff. Artist Face bone china 25cm plate, $29, In the Round House. Earlswood crystalline wineglasses,
$299/six, Royal Doulton. Kastehelmi glass cake stand, $139, Iittala. Fferone Glassware ‘Margot’ glass coupes, $425/pair, and Spaghetti brass object,
$385, both Becker Minty. Paper Bag glass vase, $50, Domo. Pebble stoneware dish, $10, small plate, $20, and side plate, $32, Kim Wallace Ceramics.
Bloomingville stoneware vase, $47, Trit House. FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES Clockwise from bottom left Cuba teak bench with leather seat, $499,
Lounge Lovers; for similar, try Maland leather bench, $549, Living by Design. Small leather tote, $199.95, The Daily Edited. Mars pendant light, $127,
About Space. Cuba teak dining chairs with leather seat, $279 each, Lounge Lovers. Limitless artwork by Lily Cummins, $800, Curatorial+Co. >
mother’s day special H G

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 93


MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL H G

FROM BOTTOM LEFT Barebones trowel with walnut handle, $54.10, Hardtofind. Ferm Living ‘Orb’ 2L metal watering can, $169, Designstuff.
Devil’s ivy, $20, in antique brass squat planter, $385; and Zanzibar gem, $100, in medium planter, $375; Syngonium, $15, in small planter, $165,
all Garden Life. Tony brass side table, $1795, Coco Republic. Olive tree, $295, in Moderno Furore planter, $375, Garden Life. Trailing amaranthus
from Poho Flowers in bleached-timber pot, $59.95, French Knot. Vivero polished-brass watering can, $199, Becker Minty. Niagra bench with
faux-leather seat, $289, Lounge Lovers. Hydrangeas, Poho Flowers. Theodora terracotta vessel, $169, McMullin & Co. ON WALL My Curves Are
Not Crazy canvas art print, $450, Greenhouse Interiors. Jungle wallpaper in Grey, $72/m, These Walls. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 95


Twist on T R A DI T I O N A L
Classic meets contemporary is a way of life for Sarah Mackenzie-Wood,
writes motoring expert and WhichCar presenter, Elise Elliott.
PH OTOG R A P HY Kristina Soljo

96 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


great house, great car H G
Coffee table, RG Imports. Ottoman, Made and Felt. Chandelier, Cotton Love
Home. Floor lamps, Horgans. Rug, International Floorcoverings.
H G great house, great car
LEFT Sarah with her gorgeous
Mercedes AMG E400 and
equally gorgeous home.
OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT
Chandelier, Horgans. Dining
table, De Kercoet. CH24
Wishbone chairs, available
from Cult. Vase, French
Country Collections.
OPPOSITE, TOP RIGHT
Sarah in her pretty living
room. OPPOSITE BOTTOM
Artwork (left) is a framed
David Bromley quilt. Artwork
(above fireplace) by Luella.
Armchairs, Craft Enterprises.
Mirrors, Horgans.

Dad was obsessed with Jaguars – he drove


a gorgeous E-Type. He would drag me and
mytwosisterstomotorshowsanddiscuss
in great detail all the cars that were there.
He also insisted we knew how to drive
a manual car.

Tell us about the history of this house.


I fell in love with the beautiful staircase
the second the real-estate agent showed
us the home eight years ago. There’s
another house in the area with the exact
same staircase – also designed by John
Suttor, who was known for his Georgian-
style architecture with shutters and bay
windows. We have harbour glimpses from
the main bedroom balcony. Such a treat!

S arah Mackenzie-Wood knows how to


make an entrance. To be fair, making
an entrance is easy when your home
features a stunning spiral staircase, a
signature of the home’s designer,
Academy in England, it’s little wonder she
has such a deft touch with interiors...
Sarah’s eye for style is also evident in
her choice of cars: a sporty 2015 Porsche
Cayenne SUV and a 2016 Mercedes AMG
Have you done much to the house?
Goodness, yes! When we bought the place,
the exterior was painted a mustard colour.
Inside, there were fluorescent yellow
acclaimed architect John Suttor. E400, a high-performance – and rare – enamel and brass fittings everywhere.
Wearing a diaphanous blush-coloured station wagon. I prefer calm neutrals, so I painted the
skirt,Sarah breezesthroughhergorgeous wallsgreystraightaway. It’s accented with
traditional-with-a-twist home in Sydney’s Have you always appreciated pink throughout the home.
east like a fairy. She decorated the home, handsome design?
which she shares with her husband Yes, and I can thank both my parents What are your go-to pieces
and two children, herself, using a palette for it. When I was about 10, I would spend when decorating?
of muted greys and soft pinks. Having hours reading Mum’sArchitectural Digest I am obsessed with cushions – can you
studied design at the National Design and other homes magazines. Meanwhile, tell? They are the easiest way to bring >
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 99
H G great house, great car

colour into a room and they’re quick and


inexpensive to update.
Art is another way to introduce colour
and interest, and it doesn’t have to be
expensive. I have several David Bromley
quilts framed as artworks. The quilts cost
about$990,asopposedtomanythousands
for paintings, yet bring an equal amount
of energy and joy to a room. I also like
using wallpaper – I adore the Pear Tree
design by Andrew Martin in our bedroom.

What do you like about your cars?


I remember sitting at the bus stop after
school in the late 1980s and this elegant
couple drove past in a Mercedes station
wagon. I thought ‘I’m going to buy that
car when I grow up!’ I’m now on my fourth
station wagon. I like them because
they are a bit different. Everyone is
obsessed with SUVs but I prefer being a
bit lower to the ground when driving. The
E400 is a powerful vehicle with twin
turbos – a little wasted on me as I am a
cautious driver! THE
I drive the Porsche for roadtrips. It’s KNOWLEDGE
perfect for the five-hour journey to
Thredbo from Sydney. > SPORTY
Make: Porsche
Model: Cayenne SUV
Tips for inner-city driving? Year: 2015
Whatevervehicleyouhave,drivecarefully. Engine: 3L turbocharged
I have neither a scratch nor dent on either diesel 8-speed
auto
one of my cars. Price: $116,600

Is there another car on your wish list?


A Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake. It’s > ALL-ROUNDER
Make: Mercedes-Benz
shapely,sportyandsexy. Most importantly, Model: AMG E400
it’s not an SUV! # CLOCKWISE FROM TOP A large picture window Year: 2016
frames the view and floods the landing with natural Engine: 3L turbocharged
@EliseElliott_Media @WhichCar light. The north-facing balcony off the living/dining petrol AWD
area is a sun trap in cooler months. Sarah (left) and 7-speed auto
WhichCar airs Channel 10, Sundays.
Elise with Sarah’s beloved Merc. The main bedroom Value: From $76,040
For all your motoring advice, head features Andrew Martin ‘Pear Tree’ wallpaper from
to WhichCar.com.au Wallpaper Direct. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

100 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


LIFE IN ST Y LE
For King Living’s Natalie Culina, there’s pride aplenty in
championing the company’s uniquely Australian aesthetic.

Global head of brand, Natalie Culina, in the foyer of King Living’s Sydney
headquarters. She’s sitting on an Oliver tub chair and to the right is a Venus
side table. OPPOSITE From left Manufacturing is front and centre at King
Living HQ. Natalie with the library of patterns for every item King has
produced since the late 1970s. A colourful collection of upholstery cottons.
design H G

A s soon as Natalie Culina, King


Living’s global head of brand,
walks into the company’s Sydney
with iconic Australian brands,” she says. One of the benefits of King Living
“There are some direct parallels between designingandmanufacturinginAustralia
the companies.” The Australian aesthetic is that it enables the company to control
head office, her reason for being there is that’s quintessential to both brands has every step of the process, from initial
immediately evident. “The building is been particularly beneficial for King concepts through to sales and delivery to
designed with the manufacturing hub Living, which now has 16 showrooms repair and reupholstering.
in the centre,” she says. “It’s specifically across Australia, two in Malaysia and one “Sustainability is fundamental to what
arranged this way so we all remember in New Zealand, China, Singapore and, we do,” says Natalie. “From the beginning,
what we’re here for: the product. It most recently, Canada. Opened in July our founder David King has held the view
makes for a very collaborative 2019, the Canadian showroom is proving that designer furniture should stand the
environment – everything is kept very to be a prudent expansion: “King evokes test of time. Part of our design ethos is
real when you can see the furniture the Australian spirit – relaxed, confident, that every single piece of furniture has
being brought to life in front of you.” authentic. Our furniture translates well removable covers. We want our furniture
An average workday might to live through generations;
include checking in with the it can be covered when you
visual merchandising team,
“King Living’s Sydney head office is designed with the move or your life changes, it
perusing new upholstery
manufacturing hub in the centre so we all remember
can be refreshed. That’s what
what we’re here for: the product. It makes for a very
options, working with retail sets us apart.”
collaborative environment.”
and product managers on King Living is known for its
preparing for new furniture designer collaborations – with
releases,orcastingtalentforphotoshoots. in North America; for the buying public the likes of Charles Wilson and Tom
Natalie’s colleagues range from designers there, comfort is king and we design and Fereday – and we can expect to see more
and logistics experts to some of the make the most comfortable furniture.” of these kinds of partnerships, says
nation’sbestmachinists.“Therearepeople As a guardian of the King Living brand, Natalie. “Working with the design
Photography by Kristina Soljo.

who have been with the company for 30 Natalie’s role sees her work across all community is really important to our
years,” she says. “Our staff also includes aspects of the business to ensure there’s brand. The reason these alignments are
tailors with clothing backgrounds who a consistency of brand communication in so powerful is because the designers we
now tailor furniture for us.” every market. “It’s my job to ensure that work with introduce a new thinking and
Natalie’s own background in fashion brand strategy is overlayed across the energy that encourages innovation. It’s a
has served her well too. “I worked for customer’s entire experience, and that all joint learning process that benefits
Country Road for eight years before touchpoints remain true to the DNA everyone involved.” #
moving to King Living, so I’m very familiar of the brand.” King Living; kingliving.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 103


THANKS MUM!
LE T YO U R M U M K N OW YO U LOVE H ER TH IS
M OTH ER ’ S DAY WITH O U R TASMAN IAN
L AVEN D ER R AN G E .

HAN D - PIC K ED O RGAN IC TAS MAN IAN L AVEN D ER


TO R EL A X AN D C ALM , B RIG HTEN ED WITH CRISP
R EFR E S H I N G TO P N OTE S O F G R APEFRU IT,
ITALIAN LEM O N AN D CY PR E SS , O N A WAR M
S PICY BAS E O F PATC H O U LI AN D C ASSIS .

A M O DER N CL ASSIC .
Hou se s
Considered use of colour
and pattern is the hallmark
of this Sydney family home.
Ay Illuminate pendant
lights, Spence & Lyda.
Sofa, MCM House.
Armchair and side tables,
Orient House. Cushions
and blinds, No Chintz.
Walls painted Porter’s
Paints Mist. To see more,
turn the page.
Photograph by Prue Ruscoe. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

D E C O R A T E D W I T H P E R S O N A L I T Y A N D PA N A C H E
H G houses

ENTRANCE This page and opposite


Grand arches at the portico signal the
elegance of the home within. The
soft-terracotta exterior colour is
Porter’s Paints Ferento. Shutters
and window frames painted Dulux
Blende Blue. For similar awnings,
try Wynstan. Landscape design by
Peter Fudge Gardens.

106 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Totally
C H A R MI NG
The 1920s architecture of this Sydney home is undeniably
appealing, but what lies beyond the heritage facade
is a tale of the unexpected...
STO RY & ST Y L I N G Alexandra Gordon | P H OTO G R A P HY Prue Ruscoe
FOYER This page Zoffany
‘Eleanor’ wallpaper. Vases
and 1920s chandelier, Conley
& Co. Rug from Robyn
Cosgrove. Mirror and table,
both part of the owners’
existing collection. Original
hardwood flooring
(throughout). LIVING
Vintage Murano glass
chandelier and lamp, both
Conley & Co. Original
fireplace. Vintage linen
curtains, No Chintz. All other
pieces from The Country
Trader and No Chintz.
Custom steel-framed doors.
Rug, Robyn Cosgrove.
FORMAL DINING Opposite
bottom, left and right
Sideboard and lamp, both
Conley & Co. Casa Mia
‘Melody’ dining chairs
covered in Lampas fabric from
Redelman Fabrics. Dining
table, The Country Trader.
Artwork by Dale Frank.

E
ven before its radical transformation, this gracious 1920s home
couldn’t have been more different to what its owners, Kate
and Neil McDonald, had become used to. The couple and their
children Isabella, 21, Joe, 19, Toby, 17, and seven-year-old Henry,
live between Sydney and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, the family
home is a mid-century low-rise apartment. This heritage-listed property,
in a leafy suburb on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, includes five bedrooms,
a large garden and pool. “It’s the complete opposite of our apartment
in Hong Kong,” says Kate. “We were attracted to the home’s size and
its charming character.”
The home’s appeal is immediately apparent: a grand portico at the
entrance gives way to light-filled, high-ceilinged rooms and an elegant
outdoor entertaining area at the rear. But this building is more than just
aprettyface.“Thehouseisbeautifullybuilt,”saysKate.“Thecraftsmanship
throughout is just superb.” The meandering layout is largely original to
the era in which it was built, albeit with rooms put to more contemporary
uses. Stepping through the front door, a lovely foyer leads to a large study/
media room, living room and formal dining room. Beyond is the >

108 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


houses H G
H G HOUSES
The palette

Porter’s Paints
Ferento
(exterior)

kitchen, spacious family/playroom and a conservatory with access to the


adjoining alfresco entertaining area. Upstairs, there are five bedrooms, Porter’s Paints
Chintz Grey
a family bathroom and a vast teen retreat. (main bedroom)
Thanks to that wonderful craftsmanship, the only structural change
Kate and Neil made was the addition of an ensuite to the main bedroom.
The decor was another story, however. Slightly overwhelmed by the
scale of the required cosmetic revamp, the McDonalds engaged textile Porter’s Paints
Blue Pewter
designer and interior decorator Chrissie Jeffrey of No Chintz to help. (media room)
Beginning with the walls, Kate and Chrissie selected a pale terracotta
colour for the exterior, a nod to the home’s Mediterranean-influenced
architecture. Inside, walls are painted soft pink or muted blue, or covered
in glorious patterned wallpaper in the same tones.
Furniture and soft furnishings were next on the to-do list. “Kate’s
brief was ‘elegant eclectic’,” says Chrissie. “The scheme had to incorporate
both modern furniture and antiques, as well as contemporary art.”
Chrissie used her textiles nous to achieve this brief. Exquisitely detailed
window treatments, unexpected upholstery and custom-made cushions
combine to create a lovely layered interior that complements both the
varied furniture and the architecture.
Next, the McDonalds turned their attention to the garden. Respected
landscape designer Peter Fudge reorganised the outdoor areas into a
series of relaxation zones. In the front garden, there’s a beautifully
landscaped pool area, a cosy conversation spot with firepit, and wide
sandstone paths lined with layered greenery. Out the back, a paved terrace
was dressed up with a new pergola, outdoor kitchen and comfortable
seating. “It’s a fantastic spot to connect with the family,” says Kate.
While the home is undeniably beautiful, Kate says it’s still a work in
progress. She intends to expand the already impressive collection of

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.


art on display, sourcing works locally with the help of art consultant
Fiona McIntosh and from fairs in Hong Kong. But in the meantime,
the family is content to soak the surroundings in. “We love the look
and feel of every room,” says Kate. “It’s just a wonderful family home.” >
No Chintz, Sydney and Thirroul, NSW; www.nochintz.com. Peter
Fudge Gardens, Bowral, NSW; www.peterfudgegardens.com.au.

MEDIA ROOM Sofa, Hub Furniture. Side table and coffee table, both Anibou.
Blinds and cushions, No Chintz. Vintage table lamp. Karrington suspension light,
Arteriors. Armchair covered in Harlequin ‘Strato’fabric from Domestic Textile
Corporation. Rug, Perryman Carpets. Artworks by Matthew Johnson (left),
Karen Black (right, top) and Marisa Purcell (right, bottom).
“I don’t like predictable, clichéd interiors.”
Kate McDonald, owner

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 111


“We liked the way the original layout flowed
so saw no need to change it.” Kate
GUESTROOM Right Bedside
and console, Xavier Furniture.
Bedhead, soft furnishings,
Magnolia wallpaper and
lamp, all No Chintz. Sisal
flooring, International
Floorcoverings. GUEST
BATHROOM Etoile basin,
Candana. Wall and floor
tiles, all Teranova.
STAIRWELL Design Heure
‘Cargo’ chandelier, available
from Boyac. Walls painted
Porter’s Paints Mist.
CONSERVATORY Ay
‘Illuminate’ pendant light,
Spence & Lyda. Custom
blinds, No Chintz. Existing
floor tiles. MAIN BEDROOM
Opposite top and bottom
left Bedside table, Conley
& Co. Bedhead in Redelman
Fabrics ‘Yesteryear’. Curtains
in Mokum ‘Petit Trianon’,
No Chintz. Accent chair
covered in Designers Guild
‘Velvet Dreams’ fabric. Lamp,
Bloomingdales Lighting.
Carpet, Max Lawson.
Artwork by Robert Malherbe.

The layout
GROUND FLOOR
Study/
media
Bed
Bed
Foyer Living Bath
Teen retreat

Dining Bath
Entry

LOWER GROUND Bed


Bath
Bed
Family Bed

Garage
Kitchen FIRST FLOOR
Conservatory

Alfresco
entertaining
Laundry

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 113


ENTRY PORTICO Mirror, Boyd Blue. Console,
owners’ own. For similar chairs, try Naturally Cane.
Cushions, No Chintz. FRONT GARDEN Opposite
Firepit, Robert Plumb. Landscape design by Peter
Fudge Gardens. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
HOUSES H G

THIS IS THE LIFE


Breakfast in the conservatory is always a great start
to the McDonalds’ day. Later, they reconnect for
dinner – often in the pergola to enjoy a barbecue
or homemade pizza straight from the pizza oven.
Action revolves around the pool in summer; in
winter, the family enjoys reading or watching TV
in front of the fireplace in the study/media room.
The formal living room is a great place to enjoy a
glass of wine with friends too. #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 115


G O OD LU X E
A glam facelift ensured this 1860s Melbourne
townhouse has a fabulous future.
STO RY Stephen Crafti | ST Y LI N G Bek Sheppard
PH OTO G R A P H Y Caitlin Mills
houses H G

GUESTROOM Pare floor lamp, Douglas & Bec. George Nelson Bubble light, In
Good Company. Prestige Carpets ‘Oakford Elegance’ carpet in Rumney, Don
Currie Carpets. Artwork by Rick Everingham. STAIRWELL Grand Parterre
Collection ‘Wild Safari’ runner, Don Currie Carpets. Original floor tiles.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 117


H G HOUSES

M
elbourne’s inner city is well known for its heritage
architecture; this house, built in 1864 by eminent
architect Joseph Reed for a local vicar, is one of the
fine Victorian-era examples. After the vicar moved
on, Sir Benjamin Benjamin (a lord mayor of
Melbourne) moved in, extending the home to accommodate his
wife and their 16 children. The mansion was subdivided into 13
flats in the 1930s, then converted into four townhouses in 1981.
The largest of these is owned by emptynesters Cathy and Geoff.
At 350m2, the three-bedroom townhouse offered plenty of
living space. But the home wasn’t in very good shape when the
couple bought it in 2016. “The house wasn’t just tired, it was
exhausted,” says Cathy. “The last full renovation was in 1981. It
had been poorly executed, even for that time, and looked and
felt really old-fashioned. The owners previous to us had renovated
the kitchen but it was badly configured and not at all to our
taste.” She and Geoff sent an SOS to architect/builder Llewellyn
Pritchard of Conscious Homes and interior designer Rebecca
Jansma of Space Grace & Style. >

KITCHEN The oak island bench was wire-brushed and


handpainted to match Porter’s Paints Silt. Surrounding joinery in
Navlam Sandblasted Smoked Ash veneer. Brass door hardware,
Designer Doorware. Anaesthetic Design ‘Constellation’ pendant
light, Design Nation. Wall-side benchtop in Caesarstone Snow;
splashback and island benchtop in Calacatta Tucci marble from
Apex Stone. Joinery by Scotts Country Look Kitchens
(throughout). Gessi ‘Emporio’ tapware, Reece. V-Zug ovens and
cooktop. Dita stool, Grazia & Co. Waxed-oak flooring.

118 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


The palette

Dulux Natural
White (interior,
throughout)

Porter’s Paints
Silt (kitchen
island)

Dulux
Black Satin
(conservatory
window frames)
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.
H G houses

KITCHEN Rangehood THIS IS THE LIFE


powdercoated in Dulux Given the property’s inner-city location, this
New Electro Medium home enjoys remarkably green views thanks to
Bronze. Calacatta marble formal gardens at the front and rear of the house
splashback and island (the latter shared with neighbours). “We used
benchtop, Apex Stone. to live on a main street where we would spend
CONSERVATORY LINK considerable time cleaning grit and dust off
Steel-framed windows everything,” says Cathy. “here, we are more
powdercoated Dulux protected and the white walls will remain
Black Satin. pristine white with far less cleaning.”
Since the home’s overall structure was sound, Llewellyn
andRebeccafocusedonimprovingtheuseofspace.TheU-shaped
kitchenwaslargeenough,buthadthreedifferentceilingheights.
A series of arches separating it from the adjacent breakfast area
interrupted the flow. Rebecca rearranged the layout into an
L-shape, with an island bench for additional workspace, and
evened out the ceiling. The new design is sleek and moody,
pairing Calacatta marble with rich chocolate-toned joinery. The
pantry and all appliances are integrated into the cabinetry.
The kitchen wasn’t the only problem on the ground floor. The
bathroom and study (now TV room) were only accessible via
the formal living room. To resolve this issue, Llewellyn designed
aglassconservatory-styleadditiontocreate an enclosed passage
between the kitchen and front rooms.
Also on the ground floor, a patchwork of tiles, battered
floorboards, odd carpets and cork was replaced with solid oak
throughout.Theonlyexceptionisintheentryhall,whereoriginal
tessellated tiles were retained. A striking leopard-print carpet is
a feature on the stairs leading to the first floor. “The carpet is a
bit of fun,” says Rebecca. “It’s both elegant and unexpected, and
plays on the geometry of the tiles.”
The most significant structural changes occurred on the first
floor. “The existing main bedroom suite included an ensuite,
an office and a walk-in wardrobe with virtually no hanging
space,” says Rebecca. “The upstairs bathroom was huge and
inefficient,so thathadtobe addressedtoo.”Inthemainbedroom
suite, she flipped the layout: a more practical walk-in wardrobe
is located in what was once the ensuite; a generous new ensuite
replaced the existing wardrobe and office. The family bathroom
was divided and replanned to create a separate powder room and
an ensuite for the guestroom. An additional shower room was The layout
installed in the gym. GROUND FLOOR
The revitalised first floor – including the main bedroom suite,
guestroom, study, powder room and gym – now has a fresh, airy FIRST FLOOR
aesthetic. There are lashings of white, clean-lined furniture and
delightful pops of colour in the form of garden views. Laundry Gym
“I think what I love most about the place now is the sense of
calm and tranquillity you experience, irrespective of which room Kitchen Bed
Family Bath
you are in,” says Cathy. “Nothing screams for attention but there
is plenty of visual interest.” For Rebecca, the timelessness of
the interior appeals most. “It responds to Cathy and Geoff’s Courtyard Bed
everyday needs, but can expand to accommodate visiting
Dining
children and grandchildren – some of whom live overseas or Bath Wardrobe
interstate – as required,” she says. “We love that it’s not at all Bed
precious,” adds Cathy. “It’s just a lovely home.” > Entry TV/
study
Conscious Homes, Eltham, Victoria; www.conscioushomes. Bath
com.au. Space Grace & Style, Melbourne; 0419 105 121 or Living
www.spacegracestyle.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 121


MAIN BEDROOM Left and bottom left Original fireplace. Artwork by Sam
Golding. Ercol ‘Quaker’ chair, Temperature Design. Bath, Reece. Walk-in
wardrobe joinery in Navlam Sandblasted Oak. Custom hanging rails. GUEST
BATHROOM Below Silver travertine penny round mosaics, Byzantine Design.
Caesarstone Snow benchtop. Icon tapware in Aged Brass, Astra Walker. Alape
‘Unisono’ basin, Reece. Dioscuri wall light, Artemide. Cabinet in Navlam
Sandblasted Oak veneer. MAIN ENSUITE Bottom right and opposite Pietra marble
fan tiles, Byzantine Design. Calacatta Satin Oro porcelain wall tiles, Signorino.
Zuster ‘Issy Z1 Ballerina’ mirrors, and Alape ‘Unisono’ basins, all Reece. Calacatta
Tucci marble benchtop, Apex Stone. Vanity in Navlam Sandblasted Oak veneer.
Metropolis tapware, Astra Walker. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #
houses H G

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 123


H G houses

Euro CHIC
A French-influenced and family-
friendly style update has given
this sydney home great looks
and even better liveability.
STO RY Chris Pearson | ST Y L I N G Olga Lewis
P HOTO GR A P H Y Lucia Braham

124 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


LIVING Custom sofas by Jemma Brender. Cushions, custom and Walter G. Abrash silk rug in Mist, Cadrys.
Beach photos taken by a friend. Argento European oak herringbone flooring, Precision Flooring. Side table,
Orient House. Rubn Lighting ‘James’ floor lamp, Fred International. Guaxs grey vase, Conley & Co. White
bowl, Planet. Eternal Leap Dark sculpture by Yanni Souvatzoglou from Art2Muse Gallery.
DINING This page and opposite Florence dining table, MCM House. Pendant light, The General Trading Company. Atollo lamp, Euroluce. Bowl, Mud
Australia. Artwork by Catherine Hickson, Art2Muse Gallery. Joinery designed by Jemma Brender, made by Trademark Joinery. LIVING Custom sofas
by Jemma Brender. Sculpture by Yanni Souvatzoglou, Art2Muse Gallery. Abrash rug, Cadrys. Side table, Orient House. Floor lamp, Fred
International. STAIRWELL Roly Poly Chair, Hub Furniture. Argento herringbone flooring, Precision Flooring. KITCHEN Benchtop in Carrara marble
from Granite & Marble Works. Pendant lights, Ruby Star Traders. White vase, Orient House. Timber bowl, Ondene.
T
houses H G
his elegant five-bedroom home in
Sydney’s east proves good design
and a young family can mingle
beautifully. Its owners may have a
toddler and a newborn, but that
doesn’t mean style was shown the door.
The home’s interior designer, Jemma
Brender, had recently welcomed her own new
arrival when a friend asked her to revamp
their home. But what started out as a modest
tweak “grew and grew”, says Jemma, who
masterminded the renovation in conjunction
with architectural firm Palace Studio.
Whentheownersboughtthehousein2016,
they were smitten by its harbour views and
classic architecture. “We loved the charm of
the facade and the overall style, with its
Spanish overtones,” she says. “We also loved
the grand staircase in the entry. We wanted
ittobethecentrepiece forthehouse.”Awood-
fired pizza oven on the terrace sealed the deal
for the sociable owners.
On the other side of the ledger, the home
had seen better days and its layout was >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 127


H G HOUSES

THIS IS THE LIFE


Now the floor plan has been flipped, the hub of
the home is firmly the north-facing kitchen/living
area. There’s plenty of room for the children to
play and for frequent guests to mingle. “My
favourite features are the pool area and the
kitchen, and still that pizza oven that I first fell
in love with, especially now with its refreshed
look,” says the owner. “I love the natural light
that floods the house too.”

128 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


The palette

Dulux
Lexicon Quarter
(interior,
throughout)

Dulux Domino
(exterior
shutters)

Carrara marble
(kitchen bench)

FACADE The exterior of the home is painted a custom colour. Shutters in Dulux Domino. MAIN ENSUITE Opposite, top left and bottom right Carrara
marble wall tiles, flooring and vanity benchtop, all Granite & Marble Works. Bath, Candana. Brodware’ City Stik’ tapware in Brushed Platinum.
Custom joinery by Jemma Brender and Trademark Joinery. Vase, Space. Towel, Saardé. Stool, Inartisan. LANDING Armchair, Fred International. Rug,
Cadrys. Marble footed bowl, Jardan. Amphora, Water Tiger. Japanese ceramic bowl, Planet. White vase, LuMu Interiors. Cycladic statue, Mercer &
Lewis. MAIN BEDROOM Custom bedhead and joinery. Throw and bedlinen, Ondene. Cushions, Maison et Jardin. Sconce, Bloomingdales Lighting.
Sculpture by Kristiina Haataja, Fred International. Vase, Conley & Co. Galet carpet in Pumice, Cavalier Bremworth. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

ill-suited to family living. “It was really seating for 10, is located where the main and clean, unfussy lines. “Liaigre’s tone-
dated – a peachy coloured exterior and all living zone used to be – a logical step since on-tone style works well with traditional
reddish timber inside,” says Jemma. The it’s more likely to be used after sunset. A homes while also giving them a modern
separate kitchen, living and dining rooms bedroom and family room on the south sensibility,” says Jemma. “The owner of
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

felt disconnected. Located on the south side remained as they were. this home wanted to keep furnishings and
side of the home, these communal areas The first floor comprises a massive main finishes neutral. The palette here speaks
were surprisingly dark and divorced from bedroom with his-and-hers walk-ins and to the surroundings.”
the view. The main bedroom, too, was ensuites, another bedroom, a nursery There’s nothing precious about this
oriented away from the harbour vistas. and a library on the landing. The basement home – the brief specified relaxed yet
The owners wanted the floor plan level includes a fifth bedroom and robust furnishings that would withstand
flipped in order to take advantage of additional family room, now connected to the rough and tumble of family living.
the lovely northern aspect, says Jemma. the garden via slimline sliders. Forgiving materials include linens, outdoor
An airy open-plan layout with easy indoor- Jemma skilfully combined old and new fabrics used inside and oak joinery, all in
outdoor connection was important, as was elements to achieve the brief. “Original earthy, stain-camouflaging tones.
retaining the home’s heritage character. architectural details were retained or Little wonder then that the result is
“It had to be a bit traditional to suit the replicated, then paired with sleek joinery,” totally harmonious, offering a calming
exterior of the house, but with a fresh and she says. “Although very modern in style, backdrop for family living. “I love Jemma’s
contemporary feel overall,” says the owner. the joinery looks as if it belongs there.” aesthetic and sense of style. It’s a great mix
On the ground floor, a bedroom in the Inspiration for the interiors came from of contemporary and traditional, which we
northern corner has been repurposed as design doyen Christian Liaigre, a French thought perfectly suited the house and our
the kitchen. That former bedroom’s ensuite interior designer Jemma and the owner personal style,” says the owner. #
and walk-in gave way to casual dining and both admire. He favours natural hues, Jemma Brender Interior Design, Bondi
living areas. The formal dining room, with layering of textures, attention to detail Beach, NSW; jemmabrender.com.au.
GR A N D
E N T R A NC E

Thanks to a glamorous update, this


Sydney apartment is now in tune with
its stunning harbourside setting.
STORY Chris Pearson | ST Y L I N G Marco Meneguzzi
P HOTO G R A PH Y Felix Forest
houses H G
ENTRY HALL Cast-iron planter, Parterre. Vases, lamps, aged mirror, table and
chest, all part of the owners’ exisiting collection. Mocha engineered-timber flooring,
Woodcut (throughout). Steel-framed doors with Viridian intruder-guard glass,
Leggio & Coco. Walls in Venetian Polished Plaster and Dulux Beige Royal Half.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 131


T
he owners of this three-bedroom apartment were in a New York state of mind LIVING This page and opposite top Sofas
when they presented interior designer Marco Meneguzzi with a brief for and nesting tables, all Boyd Blue. Custom
their new home. With its elegant, tailored interiors, the refurbished three- ottoman, Atelier Upholstery. Side tables,
Ondene. Table lamps, Laura Kincade.
bedroom apartment – located in a sought-after pocket in Sydney’s east – could Custom rug, Whitecliffe Imports. Louis
well be soaking up views of Central Park instead of Sydney Harbour. XIII-style armchair, The Vault Sydney.
Those prized water views were precisely what attracted them to the property in 2017. Artworks by Anthony Lister (left) and John
“We had been looking for an apartment for a while and we liked the size and bones of Perceval. DINING/KITCHEN Dining table
this one-level space,” says the owner. “We loved its brightness and the way the living and chairs, all Boyd Blue. Chandelier,
Lydie Du Bray Antiques. Bowl, Conley &
and dining areas and kitchen faced the outside world.” Co. Splashback and benchtop in Fiori Di
But the apartment, built in the early Noughties and occupying the entire bottom Bosco marble, Better Tiles. Joinery in
floor of a duplex, was boxy and bland, says Marco. With its lack of architectural Eveneer Midnight veneer, Elton Group.
detailing, it was largely devoid of personality too. On the upside, it was an excellent Artwork by Robert Dickerson. PIANO
Louis XIII-style armchairs, The Vault
blank canvas for renovation. “We wanted a Park Avenue feel,” says the owner. “It > Sydney. Artwork by Adam Cullen.
houses H G

“ W E WA N T E D A PA R K AV E N U E F E E L . I T H A D TO B E L U X E A N D G L A M O R O U S ,
I N D I V I D UA L , Y E T C O M F O RTA B L E A N D I N V I T I N G .” O W N E R

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 133


KITCHEN/MEALS Baxter
dining table, Collins dining
chairs with Lee Jofa ‘Zebra
Threads’ upholstery, and
Collins leather barstools,
all Boyd Blue. Bowl, Conley &
Co. Custom rug, Whitecliffe
Imports. Visual Comfort
‘Longacre’ floor lamp,
Laura Kincade. Artwork
by John Olsen.
houses H G

“ I T ’ S S U C H A G R E AT P L AC E F O R D R I N K S A N D C A S UA L
E N T E RTA I N I N G .” M A R C O M E N E G U Z Z I , I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 135


H G HOUSES

had to be luxe and glamorous, individual, yet comfortable and inviting.” Marco adds
that they wanted the home to be “open plan, airy and layered”.
So trusted was the relationship between him and the owners, a professional couple
with grown-up children from previous relationships, that they gave him a free hand.
“They let me do what I thought best,” says Marco. “They were looking for something
quite plain, with colour and texture layered on top of that for interest.”
First, he and the project architects, Architects Ink, gutted the whole apartment.
While the layout remained essentially unchanged, they forged a connection between
the living spaces by knocking out a wall between the informal dining and kitchen,
and enclosed a balcony to create a formal dining zone within the open-plan area.
There’s now seamless flow from inside to a garden terrace along the front of the
apartment via generous glazed doors. Previously sunken lawn, the terrace makes the
most of those cherished views. “It’s such a great space for drinks and casual entertaining,”
says Marco. “You now walk directly out from the living area, with no steps.”
The designers also repurposed a long, narrow fourth bedroom into a home cinema,
complete with a domed ceiling festooned with ‘stars’ (twinkling LEDs) to set the mood.
Stepping through the front door, visitors enter a luxe mirrored hallway. To the left
are a laundry and gym, while directly ahead are two bedrooms, each with an ensuite.
To the right of the entry sits the expansive open-plan area, with the living room –
complete with grand piano – abutting both formal and informal dining areas. To the
left of the sitting area is the kitchen, now fully open to the informal dining area. On
the other side of the sitting area, behind the fireplace and the wall of joinery sits a
generous main bedroom with ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and glorious harbour views.
The foyer sets the tone for the whole home. Steel-framed glass doors, mirrored walls,
parquet flooring, marble finishes, moody lighting and ornate cornicing deliver instant
glamour and elegance. “The foyer gives a lovely sense of arrival,” says Marco.
Attention to detail and sophisticated finishes have elevated this once ho-hum
apartment into an entertainer’s best asset. Architects Ink and Marco put in aluminium
sliders with double-glazed french doors, while sophisticated parquetry replaces carpet
and tiling throughout the living area. The herringbone flooring is complemented by
an entire wall of ebony joinery, with smart mesh doors to give a classic feel and prevent
it overpowering the room. Moulded ceilings, with concealed cove lighting for after-five
glamour, help demarcate zones within the now expansive open-plan space.
While the overall palette is neutral, Marco included dashes of colour through artworks
and the bold pièce de résistance: a pair of armchairs covered in orange velvet. The chairs
complement a sapphire-blue ottoman and rugs, and “help bring all the elements together”,
he says. Meanwhile, two chandeliers above the formal dining table lend gravitas.
Adding to that sense of opulence, are layers of texture: slubby linens on the sofas,
raffia wallpapers in the bedrooms and cinema, velvet curtains and upholstery, silk TERRACE Gloster ‘Chill Unit’
lounger and cushions in Seagull,
carpets, satin bedheads and marble in the kitchen and bathrooms. Meanwhile, that Cosh Living. Ceramic drum
wall of ebony joinery anchors the entire living area. stool, Orient House.
So pleased is the owner with this stylish result that she and Marco are already
planning their next project together, a large house just north of Sydney. This apartment
will remain their city pied-à-terre, literally French for ‘foot on the ground’. With its
solidity and timeless decor, that description could not be more appropriate. >
Marco Meneguzzi Design, Darling Point, NSW; (02) 9327 1228 or marcomeneguzzi.com.
Architects Ink, Double Bay, NSW; (02) 9363 0977 or www.architectsink.com.

136 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


The layout
Alfresco entertaining

Outdoor Dining
dining
Bed
Meals

Bath
Living
Kitchen
Wardrobe
Bath Entry

Pool Bed
Laundry
Bed
Bath Bath Home cinema
The palette
MAIN BEDROOM This page and opposite top Custom armchair, Atelier Upholstery. Edel
Carpets ‘Tamino’ carpet in Deer, Whitecliffe Imports. Curtain in Westbury Textiles Titanium
Dulux Beige Velvet. Joinery in Eveneer Saltwood veneer, Elton Group. Custom bed. Bedding in Domus
Royal Half Textiles satin custom-made by Interiors Soft Furnishings. Day bed, Boyd Blue. POWDER
(interior, ROOM Opposite, bottom right Grasscloth wallcovering, Rossetti Fabrics. Sconce and mirror,
throughout) both Laura Kincade. Pedestal basin, Candana. MAIN ENSUITE Opposite, bottom left and
centre Antique bronze door hardware and fluted glass shower, Axolotl. Sconces, Laura
Kincade. Calacatta marble slabs (on walls), Better Tiles. Bath, Candana.
For Where to Buy, see page 192. #
Porter’s Paints
Sydney
Harbour

Porter’s Paints
Starflower
HOUSES H G

THIS IS THE LIFE


“The beauty of apartment living is that you use all
the areas daily,” says the owner. “We have the
choice of dining inside or alfresco, catching up on
emails in the living room, or watching a movie in
the cinema room.” The cinema is the owners’
favourite space. “It’s a great room to cosy up in –
it’s a hideaway from the living areas. That said, we
also love to entertain. Dinner for 16 is not unusual,
so the open-plan area is perfect for us.”

“ T H E O W N E R S WA N T E D S O M E T H I N G Q U I T E P L A I N A N D PA R E D B AC K , W I T H C O L O U R
A N D T E X T U R A L E L E M E N T S L AY E R E D O N TO P O F T H AT.” M A R C O M E N E G U Z Z I
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 139


H G houses

Modern
M A S T E RY
Colonial us style meets Mid-Century refinement at this
sydney home. Plus, it beautifully caters for every
occasion – from a quiet night in to a party for plenty.
STORY Elizabeth Wilson | ST YLI N G Cameron Kimber & Robyn Holt |
P H OTO G R A PH Y Petrina Tinslay

140 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


ENTRANCE Designed to
evoke classic US homes, this
new build features traditional
architectural details such as a
cupola and a bullseye window
above the front door. It is set
back from the busy street and
faces onto a large forecourt.
“This way, the house is both
shielded from traffic noise and
welcomes you in,” says
architect Katie Molnar.
Exterior painted Dulux Grey
Pebble Quarter with Dulux
Whisper White trims.
The front door is a restrained
gloss black.
B
uildinganewhomerequiresaspecialtypeofalchemy.
A crucial ingredient is trust, and all successful
projects rely on a mutual understanding between
the homeowners, architects, interior designers and
trades. Recognising this, the savvy owners of this
Sydney property recruited a group of trusted collaborators
to help them achieve their dream home.
With only one of their grown-up children still living under
their roof, they wanted a new home with a manageable
footprintandlessgarden.Butaspeoplewholovetoentertain,
they still needed enough room to accommodate a steady
flow of friends and family. Their aim was to achieve a design
that was spacious, refined and understated.
Thecouplewaswellacquaintedwiththearchitects,Molnar
Freeman, having collaborated with the firm on a range of
commercial enterprises. They also loved the work of interior
designer Cameron Kimber, who devised a scheme for their
previous home. So when it came to creating a look and feel
for their new home, they could think of no better solution
than to bring these parties together.
The designers were enlisted simultaneously to ensure
both the exterior and interior schemes could be shaped
cohesively. This proved a fateful decision. Originally, the
plan was for a rendered-brick house, but Cameron suggested
a weatherboard treatment instead, taking inspiration from
colonial US architecture. “A weatherboard house – if it’s a
large home – feels lighter on the block. It looks really smart
and, in this case, it was a departure from every other house
in the neighbourhood,” says Cameron. “Some of the great
houses in the US, Sweden and the UK are weatherboard.”
Director of Molnar Freeman, Katie Molnar, loved the
change of materiality. “The weatherboards were an excellent
idea of Cameron’s and it helped us to realise the intent of
the project, in terms of adding texture and downplaying the
grandiose,” says Katie. “The construction method is reverse
veneer, so the building is still very solid. The final result is
a combination of the two [brick and weatherboard], with
solid rendered corners and weatherboard infill.” It achieves
the balance the owners were seeking – a dignified-looking
home that still has a friendly face.
Inside, the ground floor contains a slick entertainer’s
kitchen connected to an open-plan dining/living area and
a covered outdoor terrace. Upstairs, there are three >

ENTRANCE & STAIRWAY Antique mirror and console. Lamps,


Laura Kincade. Bernadi Bronze chandelier, James Said. Artwork
by Gloria Petyarre. LIVING Sofas, armchairs and ottoman all
Cameron Kimber Design. Abaca fibre rug, International
Floorcoverings. KITCHEN Decrotiva tiles, Onsite Supply+Design.
Patton pendant lights, Arteriors. Full-length joinery in Wenge
veneer, Briggs Veneers. Benchtops in stainless steel (wall side) and
concrete (island). Ilve stove, V-Zug steam oven. Liebherr fridge.
houses H G

“I arrange rooms for conversation and comfort, with plenty of different sorts of chairs.” Cameron Kimber

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 143


H G houses

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.


THIS IS THE LIFE
spanning three levels, this house offers its owners
a multitide of formal and informal entertaining
areas. “There are some lovely outdoor living
spaces, allowing them to entertain on a large scale
or more intimately,” says Cameron. Downstairs,
a large terrace opens onto a private rear garden
served by a kitchenette, which is decorated like
an upmarket bar. “Perfect for parties and casual
soirees,” he adds.

LIVING Resident pooch Luka, a pomeranian, lounges on an ottoman in glazed linen custom-
made for Cameron Kimber Design. Centred around the fireplace and opening onto the terrace,
the room is a medley of rich fabrics and warm tones. Sofas and Gainsborough armchair, Cameron
Kimber Design. Drum stools, Orient House. Abaca rug, International Floorcoverings. The custom
fire surround has been treated to give it an aged patina and the timber-veneer cladding painted
with a rusticated finish. The multi-paned windows are unadorned to let the greenery in.
The palette

Dulux
Antarctic Lake
(entrance/
stairwell)

Dulux
Stowe White
(kitchen/family
room)

Porter’s Paints
Jeep
(living room)

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 145


MAIN BEDROOM Suzanne Tucker
‘Corsica’ fabric in Sand (walls and
curtain), Tigger Hall Design. Ottoman
covered in Phillip Jeffries ‘African Raffia’
from The Textile Company. Vintage
artwork. Chest of drawers, The Vault
Sydney. OUTDOOR TERRACE Venetian
sofa from Brown Jordan. Table, Parterre.
Roma cane chairs, Gaudions.
KITCHENETTE Concrete tiles, Onsite
Supply+Design. Orient Bay stools, La
Maison. For Where to Buy, see page 192.

The layout

bedrooms plus a large study, and two outdoor terraces.


Garage GROUND FLOOR Terrace Afourth bedroomislocatedinaself-containedlower-ground
level that also contains a kitchenette and family room. “This
FIRST FLOOR is a multi-generational house that’s very well set-up for
Mudroom

Bed
entertaining, thanks to its combination of formal and
Kitchen Wardrobe informal spaces,” says Katie.
Entry
Bath Fortheinteriors,Cameron’smissionwastostrikeamodern
Bath

Wardrobe
Dining yet classic note. “The owners’ previous home had a very
classic look. Here, they wanted a more contemporary feel,
Bath
Laundry

Study
Living Bed but still be able to include lots of the furniture they already
Formal living owned,” he says. “We used their existing antiques and
Terrace
paintings, but we re-covered every upholstered piece and
Terrace refreshed every lamp. We used pale, natural matting instead
Bath

Bed Study/
living of rugs, and simplified the curtains using plain linens, or
left some windows unadorned. We also chose contemporary
light fittings and designed the fireplaces to look really
streamlined and Mid-Century.”
LOWER GROUND
The overall ambience is airy and elegant. “When they walk
Gym throughthedoor,theownershavetheirpersonalthingsaround
Bath
them so they feel instantly at home and relaxed, whether it’s
Family
just them or they’re having a drinks party for 60.” #
Cameron Kimber Design, Woollahra, NSW; (02) 9388 0144
Bath/
laundry or cameronkimber.com. Molnar Freeman, Woolloomooloo,
Bed
NSW; (02) 9327 1926 or molnarfreeman.com.
Kitchenette

Terrace
houses H G

“With its sofa, round table and cane chairs, the covered terrace feels like an actual room.” Cameron Kimber

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 147


houses H G

LIGHTNESS OF BEING
With their children now grown, the owners of this
sydney home decided it was high time to ready
their abode for a new life phase.
STO RY Judy Pascoe | ST Y L IN G Kerrie-Anne Jones | P H OTO GR A PHY Prue Ruscoe

FRONT VERANDAH The builder, Andy Bishop of Arthouse Projects, repurposed


an old cane lounger into a romantic swing seat. Original tiles. STREET
ENTRANCE Landscaping by Formed Gardens. House painted Dulux Beige
Antiquity. Fence painted Porter’s Paints Breakwater. Plant pots, Garden Life.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 149


The palette
ENTRY Shine grasscloth wallpaper in Ecru (inset panels), Porter’s Paints. Sisal runner,
International Floorcoverings. Table, Coco Republic. Apparatus Studio ‘Cloud 37’ pendant light,
Criteria Collection. Kelly Wearstler ‘Tracery’ rug, The Rug Company. STUDY Opposite, top left and
bottom Joinery painted Dulux Harpoon. Calacatta Viola marble benchtop, Artedomus. Kelly
Dulux Harpoon Wearstler wall sconce, Becker Minty. Diane von Furstenberg ‘Python Glory’ rug, The Rug
(living room) Company. Antique desk. Desk chair, Fred International. Curvy sculpture by Sophie Nolan. Painting
by Sharon Candy, Art2Muse Gallery. Custom roman blind in Mokum ‘Eternal’ linen. ENTRY/
LIVING Cassina ‘Utrecht’ armchairs, Space. Adam Hunter ‘Smoke’ rug, The Rug Company. .

Dulux Beige
Antiquity C H U N KY S I S A L , S E AG R A S S WA L L PA P E R A N D
(exterior) A N G U L A R F U R N I T U R E G I V E T H E H E R I TAG E
F E AT U R E S A F R E S H , M O D E R N F E E L .

Porter’s Paints
Breakwater
(front fence)
houses H G

A
fter 21 years in this Sydney home, owners Kim
and Gregg felt it was beginning to look a little
tired. There was no question of abandoning the
much-loved abode. Although three of the couple’s
four adult children had moved out, the home’s
spaciousness and leafy North Shore location were perfect;
a makeover was deemed appropriate.
Kim had admired the work of interior design firm Studio
Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Gorman in a magazine and began following its principal,


Suzanne Gorman, on Instagram. “It was as simple as that
– I liked her work,” she says. Initially, Kim and Gregg’s brief
was to redo the main bedroom, but it quickly escalated to
include most of the circa-1907 two-storey house.
The main bedroom suite, which occupies a prime position
at the front of the first floor, was serviceable but not
spectacular. “There was an unused bedroom alongside the
main suite, which we could convert into a walk-in wardrobe,”
says Suzanne. “Then we could use the whole of the space
formerly split between ensuite and wardrobe for a luxurious
main bathroom.”
But that’s not all. Repositioning the bed in the centre of
the room with a half-height joinery wall behind created
space for a study nook, provided privacy for the bathroom,
and focused attention on the home’s harbour view. The
generous walk-in wardrobe is punctuated by a turquoise
ottoman, a hint of the bold strokes of colour and layers of
texture employed throughout. Seagrass wallpaper, >
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 151
shuttered windows and fresh paint contemporise the Throughout the home, original tallowwood floors were
room which, true to its heritage, features panelled walls re-stained a chocolate hue, and walls and stair balustrade
and ceilings and colourful leadlight windows. The painted in ecru or lined with seagrass wallpaper. “When
highlight in the space is the Pinch ‘Anders’ light fitting, I open my bedroom door in the morning it’s so beautiful
which draws a lot of interest from passersby. “It can be seeing all that white with the dark accents,” says Kim.
seen from the street and everyone loves it!” says Kim. What was the formal dining room has been repurposed
The next room to be tackled was son Nic’s bedroom. intoamusicroomforNic,aprofessionalmusician.There’s
Suzanne incorporated part of a corridor into the space plenty of equipment, but the room never feels cluttered
to accommodate a bank of storage and a built-in desk. thanks to lofty ceilings that increase the sense of space.
Two additional bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate “There have been many rehearsals and even a recording
sitting room – perfect for their visiting grandson, session in here,” says Kim. “But I just love that every part
18-month-old Freddie – occupy the remainder of the top of the house is still used. We didn’t need a formal dining
floor. All were refreshed with new paint and accessories. room anymore as we eat in the kitchen or outdoors.
If we need it, there’s another dining table in the living interior designer Jodie Gillman, for the choice of vibrant
room we can use.” Dulux Harpoon on the joinery. Kim says it really makes
While the heritage aspects of the house are still evident the room.
inthelivingroom,Suzanneandherteamgaveitadistinctly The final fillip in the upgrade was the garden, which
contemporary edge with chunky sisal carpet, seagrass had been a bit neglected. Luke Baldwin of Formed Gardens
wallpaper and angular furniture. “We weren’t asked to be judiciously trimmed, thinned and replanted, adding lush
‘sensible’,” says Suzanne, “but we were sensible and new magnolia trees that are visible from inside, jasmine
reupholstered pieces where we could and repainted a lot creeper on the pool fence where pines once stood, and
of existing joinery.” Boston ivy along the boundary. Box hedge by the pool
Luckily Kim isn’t afraid of colour: emerald green tiles fence was cut back to open up the back garden.
are used to dazzling effect in the powder room, while a “It’s been a beautiful family home,” says Kim. “And it’s
mustard sofa in the study is a lovely counterpoint to the even lovelier now.” >
deep blue joinery. Suzanne gives credit to her colleague, Studio Gorman, Artarmon, NSW; studiogorman.com.

LIVING Cassina ‘Utrecht’ armchairs, Space. Coffee


table, Grazia & Co. Existing sofa. Font dining chairs, Fred
International. Original leadlight windows. Sisal flooring,
International Floorcoverings. Adam Hunter ‘Smoke’ rug,
The Rug Company. Sculpture on table by Sophie Nolan.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 153


THIS IS THE LIFE
Shaded by a large liquidambar, the expansive flat
lawn abutting the pool and the outdoor living area
is one of the family’s favourite parts of the home.
“We moved here from Melbourne when the
children were quite small,” says Kim. “We didn’t
think we’d be able to get the same amount of
space in Sydney, but the garden has hosted many
cricket and soccer games. Our ‘kids’ still like to
play here, even though they are adults!”. #

KITCHEN Duke the labrador


waits expectantly for a treat.
Black granite benchtops.
Existing tapware and pendant
lights. Kitchen stool, Curious
Grace. Kelly Behun ‘Domus
Grey’ rug, The Rug Company.
GARDEN Owner Kim and her
grandson Freddie enjoy the
garden. For Where to Buy,
see page 192.
houses H G

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 155


Perfectly formed
In this compact Melbourne apartment, a family-focused
makeover delivered on practicality and style.
STO RY Chris Pearson | ST Y L I N G Penny Del Castillo | P HOTOGR AP HY Isamu Sawa

156 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


houses H G

KITCHEN Ligne Roset ‘Stump’ marble occasional table, Domo. Sovereign rug in
Quartz, The Rug Establishment. Ash marble on splashback and benchtop, CDK
Stone. Chambord Louis sink, Abey. Classics kitchen mixer, Brodware. Joinery by
Unique Interior Services. HT114 cabinet handles, Kethy. Brass trays, Satara.
Pitcher, Georg Jensen. Rusticone flooring, Veneto Group (throughout).
H G houses

T
he owners of this Melbourne apartment had a
grand plan when they bought it in 2017 – in more
ways than one. Proud grandparents, the country-
dwellersenvisageditasacitypadtoaccommodate
their three grandchildren, now aged between four
and eight. They also wanted to restore the home, located in
a majestic heritage building, to its former splendour.

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.


The building, an 1890s Italianate hotel, had been
subdivided into apartments about 25 years before. “It
reminded us of our time in London,” says the owner. “They
don’t make them like this anymore.”
But the apartment’s bland, cookie-cutter fitout was out
of step with the building. And, unlike the building’s spacious
common areas, the 80m2 floor plan felt squeezy.
Despite that, the apartment had plenty of pluses,
says interior designer Penny Del Castillo of In Design
International.“Ithad3.6m-highceilings,stunningold-school
windows and easy access to a generous courtyard. The
ownerswantedthehometolooklikeitbelongedinaheritage
building, but be finished in a contemporary way.”
The home also had to be child-friendly. “Everything
revolved around the grandchildren,” says Penny. “It had to
be open plan, with enough floor space for the kids to play.”
It also needed to be low-maintenance, wipe-clean, and able
to stand the rough and tumble of active youngsters. >

158 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


The palette

Dulux
Whisper White
(throughout)

Ash marble
(kitchen
splashback and
benchtop)

Osborne & Little


‘Monchique’
wallpaper (main
bedroom)

LIVING This page and opposite top


Sofas, Great Dane. Coffee table, Globe
West. Triple Oracle suspension light,
Christopher Boots. Fire surround,
Schots Home Emporium. Scope 500
Bioethanol fireplace, EcoSmart Fire.
Table lamp, Design Nation. Roman
blind in Mokum ‘Magnolia’.
COURTYARD Floor lamp, Obodo.
Lantern, sofas, coffee table and side
tables, all Satara. Umbrella, Shelta
Australia. Original bluestone paving.
The layout
DINING Dining table, One World Collection. Dining chairs, James
Bed Richardson. Leather on chairs and banquette, Camo Leathers. Brass
trays, Satara. BATHROOM Bath, Schots Home Emporium.
Bath

Tapware, Brodware. Drawthatout artwork by Julio Brenes. Tiles,


Bed Playroom
Perini. MAIN BEDROOM Opposite, top right and bottom Pendant
light, ECC Lighting+Furniture. Table lamp, Bloomingdales Lighting.
Sheer curtain in Camengo Emoi fabric from The Textile Company.
Osborne & Little ‘Monchique’ wallpaper. Bed by Studio Del Castillo.
Living Jewel cabinet, Zuster. Studio del Castillo ottoman in Catherine
Dining

ATTIC Martin for Mokum Powder Blue fabric. Lunar mirror, Grazia & Co.
Courtyard

Entry
Kitchen

GROUND FLOOR
HOUSES H G

THIS IS THE LIFE


They might live in the country, but this
‘weekender’ is used regularly by the owners and
their extended family, including their adult
children and grandchildren. “We love sharing it
and never feel squished, even with everyone
here,” says the owner. Thanks to the in-line
kitchen and dining banquette, internal space is
maximised while the fully furnished courtyard,
a room in itself, provides a second living area.

Penny began by rejigging the layout. The front door now


opens directly into the open-plan living area, with the kitchen
along one wall to the right. A dining area with banquette is
located to the left of the entrance. Laundry appliances were
shifted to create a European-style laundry in the kitchen,
freeing up both bedroom and bathroom space. The generous
courtyard – more than half the size of the apartment – was
furnished to create another living space, including all-
weather umbrellas for both shelter and privacy. Meanwhile,
attic storage was converted into a playroom accessed by
remote-controlled drop-down stairs. Little wonder the
children call it their ‘secret room’...
Decorative elements such as wainscoting, cornices and
ceiling mouldings were added for character. Together with
the wide-gauge French oak flooring, marble in the bathroom
and brushed tapware, the sumptuous, timeless interior
looks as though it had always been so.
By allowing the architectural elements do most of the
talking, Penny was able to avoid decorative clutter. >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 161


CHILDREN’S ROOM This page and opposite top Pythagoras M03
wallpaper, Unique Fabrics. Artworks from Dots by Donna. Bedlinen,
Abode Living. Bespoke cushions in Mokum ‘Cappadocia’ by Studio
Del Castillo. Table lamp, Bloomingdales Lighting. Pearl bedside
table, Zuster. Peggie Panels peg board, Shop for Shops. Baskets,
Ikea and Adairs Kids. BATHROOM Ovo basin, Studio Bagno.
Michelangelo basin mixer, Brodware. Towels, Sheridan. Fizi wall
sconce, Articolo Lighting. For Where to Buy, see page 192.
houses H G

The magnolia-print roman blind on the living room window


is a de facto artwork, she says. Its brocade trim, however, is
evidence of Penny’s attention to detail. “The apartment is
opulent and layered, with handcrafted elements and lots of
detail.It’smaximalistratherthanminimalist,”sheconcedes.
As a counterpoint to the decorative features, Penny kept
the palette natural to make the space feel more open. “Ït
gives the decor longevity,” she says. Similarly, the furniture
has clean, contemporary profiles to offset the architectural
detailing, as do the smart light fittings. A king-size bed in
themainbedroomplayswithscaleand, paradoxically, makes
the room appear larger than it is.
Accordingly, the once ‘plain Jane’ apartment now punches
way above its weight, both in practicality and elegance.
While the owner adores the living areas and their focus on
family time, the bathroom is her favourite space – because
with its freestanding bath, beautiful wall of feature tiles
and separate shower it belies the modest area it occupies.
“I love the feeling of space and how Penny took our
interpretation of what this apartment should be, and made
it even better,” she says. “There’s everything you would see
in a big space neatly tucked into a small space.” And all
thanks to a shared grand vision. #
In Design International, Abbotsford, Victoria;
(03) 9421 2611 or www.indesigninternational.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 163


G a rden s
Wonder worlds
By their very nature, gardens are life-affirming places
buzzing with growth, energy and productivity. Even
small spaces have a huge capacity to provide home
gardeners with beauty, interest, scent and wonder.
In the following pages, we focus on small gardens
and ask the experts to reveal their latest petite
projects. All the inspiration you need to add some
sparkle to your own little patch of paradise.
Photograph by Nick Bowers.

TURN YOUR SMALL GARDEN INTO A LITTLE JEWEL


P R O D U C E D & T E X T BY Elizabeth Wilson
E M E R A L D jewel
A perfect balance of soft romantic plantings
and sleek sophistication have transformed this
garden into a never-want-to-leave-it space.

166 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Small gardens FOCUS
Photography by Nick Bowers.

From the luscious planting to the


bluestone stepping stones and
wall of herringbone terracotta
tiles, this gem of a garden is filled
with visual and tactile delights.
Small gardens FOCUS

A gorgeous feature wall of elongated


terracotta tiles in a herringbone pattern
is just one of the unexpected, eye-
pleasing elements in this beautiful, textured
garden. It’s a detail that wouldn’t look out of
place in a chic interior space – and that is
exactly the point of this garden design.
Having renovated their home four years
earlier, the owners of this Sydney property
were excited to revamp their rear garden and
outdoor entertaining areas, which together
form an L-shape. With their kitchen and dining
areas opening directly onto the garden, their
priority was to create an inviting and beautiful
space. “They wanted to bring these outdoor
areas up to the level of their home, with a
relaxed but structured feel to match the
interiors,” says landscape designer and director
of Pepo Botanic Design, Nicola Cameron
(pictured). The clients, parents of two young
daughters, also wanted to install a pool.
Extending off the existing deck is a 3x10m
rectangular lawn, which Nicola softened with
deep, curvacious garden beds containing
layers of flowering and textural plants. In
keeping with the owner’s wishes, the plant
KEEP IT INTERESTING mix has a cottage feel
Nicola’s tips for small gardens The 2.5x4.5m pool is neatly tucked into the
✚ Use walls and other vertical planes for planting and/or colour and texture. smaller length of the L, within existing
This can give depth and interest.
✚ Layer planting and mix foliage types, but make sure the species you choose do masonry boundary walls. The hardscaping
not overcrowd the space. around the pool – Belgium blue limestone
✚ If the space is north-facing and enclosed, it may get very hot and still. Plant pavers and polished concrete poured in situ
trees or design open pergolas to create shade but also let the heat escape. – has all the polish and sophistication of
✚ Don’t be afraid to create outdoor rooms or to block the view into a different
zone of the garden. This creates intrigue and draws you through the space. interior joinery. A row of snow pear (Pyrus
nivalis) forms a green wall down one side of
the pool, with a bed of liriope on the other.
The boundary walls provided ready-made
privacy screens for the pool and gave Nicola
theinspirationforthefeaturewallofreclaimed
terracotta tiles. “The terracotta tiles were
chosen to complement the neighbour’s brick
wall which is covered in Boston ivy,” says
Nicola.“Thetwomaterialshappilysittogether.”
At the cooler, northern end of the pool, on
the raised concrete platform, Nicola has
created a seating area. “Comfortable seating
attheendofthepooldrawsyouintothespace.”
www.pepo.com.au >
TOP Silvery Strobilanthes gossypinus, flowering Acanthus mollis, balls of Japanese box, Plectranthus argentatus and a mature camellia all feature
in the textured garden beds encircling the lawn. ABOVE Pretty mauve-flowering lamb’s ear (Stachys lanata ‘Moonlight Velvet’) and Nepeta gracilis
echo the hues of the blue limestone in the pool area. Three espaliered snow pears (Pyrus nivalis) provide a tall green screen along the pool.

168 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


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R O O M S with a view
This Perth garden is designed to create perfectly framed green
outlooks that can be enjoyed from every corner of the home.

T he genius of this newly constructed


Perth home is that it’s built around
a series of courtyards, including a
central, U-shaped one that wraps around
the main living areas. Thanks to this
thoughtful design, the interior is flooded
withnaturallightand every window offers
a view to outside.
It also means that these outdoor spaces
playanintegralroleinthelifeofthehome.
Recognising this, the homeowners
engaged husband and wife landscape-
design duo, Neil and Jenny Delmage of
Naturescape Creative (pictured). “Our aim
was to bring the garden into the house
through every window,” says Jenny.
Around the perimeter of the central
courtyard, Neil and Jenny designed long
built-in planter boxes that are filled with
New Zealand rock lily (Arthropodium
cirratum ‘Matapouri Bay’), a soft strappy-
leafed plant with sprays of white flowers
in spring. “The Arthropodium have
graceful foliage that softens the space,”
says Neil. Evergreen magnolia trees
(Magnolia ‘Bubbles’) add height without
blocking views from inside the house.
To echo the modern architecture, Neil
and Jenny devised a series of vertical
steel frames designed to be covered by
Chinese star jasmine (Trachelospermum
jasminoides), a plant also chosen for its
headyfragrance.Ageniebottle-shapedurn
isplantedwithabroad-leafedCliviaminiata
and cascading Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’.
TohelptheplantscopewithPerth’soften
scorching summers, Jenny and Neil “ T H E D E S I G N B R I N G S L AY E R S O F G R E E N G A R D E N I N TO
installed a retractable blind system. “This T H E H O U S E , DAY A N D N I G H T.” N E I L D E L M A G E
type of garden is so important in today’s
compact, inner-city housing,” says Neil. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A potted sedum in the central courtyard. An aerial view of the
textural front courtyard. A water feature collects rainwater from the roof. Prostrate rosemary spills
“It’s easy-care and provides a soothing over a wall. OPPOSITE TOP The central courtyard is fringed by Arthropodium and Magnolia
green place to relax in.” ‘Bubbles’ while Chinese star jasmine climbs bespoke frames. OPPOSITE BOTTOM Lomandra
naturescapecreative.com.au > ‘Tanika’, kangaroo paw and white-flowering Convolvulus cneorum in the front courtyard.

170 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Small gardens FOCUS
OASIS OF CALM
✚ Foliage texture, leaf shapes, flowers and fragrance all play an important
role in the overall look and feel of this space.
✚ All the plants here are low maintenance – requiring a light fertilise seasonally
and low watering – and there is no hedging required.
✚ The Chinese star jasmine will be trimmed to keep it hugging the bespoke
frame, creating a sculptural element in the garden. “The fragrance of the
jasmine floods the courtyard and drifts into the house in spring,” says Jenny.
✚ Jenny and Neil finished the boundary wall with a specialised grey render to
create a soft velvety effect, a lovely backdrop to the textured greenery.
Photography by Marnie Hawson.
OU T SIDE inside
A lush courtyard filled with emerald-green plants enlivens
the living space of this Sydney property.
Small gardens FOCUS
E nhancing the indoor-outdoor
connection is a mantra of modern
home design. It was certainly a priority
for the owners of this Sydney property
when they renovated their 1980s home.
The whole house, inside and out, was tired,
and this courtyard, which extends off a
downstairs living area, especially, screamed
out for change.
As soon as the internal renovations
wrapped up, the owners enlisted ABOVE Upgrading the courtyard
horticulturist Lyndall Keating of Garden has elevated the look and feel of
Society (pictured) to breathe new life into the interiors. LEFT Architectural
plantings include palms and
this 4.5x10m space. “It called for a complete bromeliads. Hot Mesh lounger
change of planting,” says Lyndall. “We and footstool, Blu Dot. BELOW
resisted putting in more climbing plants, Elephant ears provide a contrast
which closes in the walls. Instead, we opted to the strappier plants.
OPPOSITE The arched mirror
for fresh white walls with layers of verdant reflects the light and visually
foliage.” Rather than hide the existing opens up the space. The water
structural columns, Lyndall incorporated feature fills the space with
them, echoing the rounded forms with the soothing sounds.
addition of a custom-made arched mirror.
Photograph by Simon Whitbread. Plants supplied by Exotic Nurseries.

The southerly orientation of the space


required careful plant selection. “The plants
needed to be able to cope with minimal
sunlight, moist conditions and limited soil
depth,” Lyndall says. Altogether, she used
seven different lush-leafed species with
contrasting foliage types. A water feature
was added for its visual appeal and soothing
sounds. Existing sandstone pavers were
regrouted and cleaned to restore the natural
beauty of the stone, and the walls painted
Dulux Half White Exchange.
Lyndall says she designed the garden
LUSH LAYERS
The key plants used here are:
always mindful of how it would be viewed ✚ Cordyline glauca
from inside the home. “There is now a ✚ Kidney weed (Dichondra repens)
strong connection between indoors and ✚ Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa)
✚ Australian fan palm (Licuala ramsayi)
out,” she says. “The courtyard is essentially ✚ Elephant ears (Alocasia macrorrhiza)
an extension of the living area.” ✚ Blechnum ‘Silver Lady’
www.gardensociety.com.au > ✚ Giant bromeliad (Alcantarea imperialis ‘Rubra’)

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 173


L E T I T shine
A beautiful garden can be the quiet achiever
that helps to unify a multifaceted home.

O ld neatly dovetails with new at


this Sydney property, thanks to a
sympathetic modern addition to
the original 1890s-era home. But the
garden, too, plays an important role in
architectandbuilderthroughouttheproject
– and the house and garden reached
completion at the same time.
The owners’ brief to Matt was twofold:
they wanted a low-maintenance garden
blending the two architectural eras. and a design that reflected the home’s
As soon as they launched into architectural narrative. “They wanted a
renovations,thehomeownersrealisedthey style of garden that would be kind to the
wanted the garden to sing in tune with the history of the home, but that would also
home. They engaged Secret Gardens early recognisethemodernaddition,”saysMatt.
on in the process to devise a garden for the The front and side gardens were tiny
front, western side entrance and the rear. spacesthatrequiredcarefulsolutions.Out
Secret Gardens’ managing director, Matt thefront,wherethefacademeetsthestreet,
Cantwell (pictured) worked closely with the Matt designed a 5m long, 60cm wide >

Photography by Nicholas Watt.

174 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Small gardens FOCUS
The front garden (this page and opposite) is simple and
restrained, reflecting the architecture of the heritage
facade, and consists of a row of Kalanchoe ‘Silver Spoons’
in front of a row of coniferous Cephalotaxus harringtonia.
Growing on the verge is a lilly pilly, Syzygium luehmannii.
brick ‘planter’, filling it with Kalanchoe
‘Silver Spoons’ layered in front of a row of
Cephalotaxus harringtonia. The effect is
restrained and linear, in keeping with
thearchitecture.“Thesetwoplantvarieties
fitted the brief – both modern and classic,”
says Matt.
The side garden, measuring 3m wide
and 9m long, is located on the western
side of the house so receives a lot of
afternoon sun. “The plants needed to be “ THE BRIEF CALLED
tough here,” says Matt. They include a F O R A C O M B I N AT I O N
groundcoverofDichondrarepens,hedging OF CLASSIC AND
of Rhaphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’ and MODERN ELEMENTS.
Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ climbing L E S S WA S A LWAY S
the walls. G O I N G TO B E M O R E
‘Simple’wasthekeywordinthebrieffor I N T H I S G A R D E N .”
M AT T C A N T W E L L
the 200m2 rear garden, where a new pool
is offset with generous green space. “The
clients wanted a large lawn area, not just
for children to play on but to enable the
architecture to shine,” says Matt. It’s an
open, north-facing space, with a mature
eucalypt casting dappled light over it for
much of the day. Matt chose King’s Pride
soft-leaf buffalo grass for the lawn. “It’s
durable, hard-wearing and sun and shade
tolerant,” he says. The lawn is framed with
a hedge of bay (Laurus nobilis ‘Miles
Choice’). Alongside the pool he planted a
row of Philodendron ‘Xanadu’.
Matt chose Madagascan jasmine
(Stephanotisfloribunda)tobringgreenery
to the outdoor dining area. The jasmine is
trained to climb a series of stainless-steel
wires, creating a beautiful evergreen
curtain around the dining table. TOP AND ABOVE LEFT Hardy plants were needed for the side garden; these include Rhaphiolepis
“The layout of the house is simple and ‘Oriental Pearl’, Dichondra repens and bougainvillea. A walking iris (Neomarica gracilis) is planted in a
clean, no clutter, no unnecessary details,” tall ridged pot from Secret Gardens’ new brand, Hibernate Outdoors. ABOVE Fan-leafed palm
(Livistona chinensis). Pot, Hibernate Outdoors. OPPOSITE TOP “We used Madagascan jasmine to
saysMatt.Andhehasperfectly echoed that create a filtered screen,”says Matt. “It’s so lovely when the sun passes through the foliage and the scent
sentiment in the garden. is heavenly.” OPPOSITE, BOTTOM LEFT A potted dragon tree (Dracaena draco) adds poolside
www.secretgardens.com.au > drama. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM RIGHT The simple garden design allows the architecture to shine.

176 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


Small gardens FOCUS
GRAND PLAN
A small outdoor space requires big ideas. “People tend to think small and
add too much detail, rather than keeping it simple,” says Matt Cantwell from
Secret Gardens. Here, Matt shares his key tips for compact gardens:
✚ Think big: rather than lots of bits and pieces of greenery, choose a singular,
super-advanced tree that will not outgrow the space.
✚ Declutter: it’s easy to collect pots but in a small space it can look untidy. One
large pot can look far better. The less clutter, the more impact.
✚ Don’t be afraid to pave the area with a large format tile or paver. It will
make it easier on the eye and make the space feel larger.
✚ Make sure your outdoor furniture complements and doesn’t repeat the indoor
furniture. There’s no point having two dining tables adjacent to each other.
TA K I NG the plunge
Good things come in small packages,
especially when those parcels are cleverly
designed, as in this Sydney garden.

Photography by Anson Smart.


Small gardens FOCUS
W hen they renovated, the owners
of this inner-city terrace in
Sydney were keen to make the
most of every centimetre, inside and out.
They had big plans, especially, for their
petite 5.5x8.8m sloping rear garden.
Their brief to landscape designer Sophie
Greive at Think Outside Gardens was for
a multi-use space incorporating off-street CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE
parking, an entertaining zone, a play area When the plunge pool cover is
for children, a plunge pool and bin storage. closed, it becomes an extension
of the deck. A Magnolia ‘Teddy
To accommodate all this, and to resolve Bear’, underplanted with
the issue of the sloping site, Sophie tricolour star jasmine, and a silver
(pictured) divided the garden into two levels. jade (Crassula ‘Bluebird’) are
The top level is a 3x5.5m deck/entertaining among the potted plants. A
replanted kentia palm.
space that sits flush with the interior floor OPPOSITE The aerial view of this
and features a built-in barbecue and dining action-packed little garden.
setting that comfortably seats the family.
A 2.3x1.8m plunge pool extends from the
deck. It’s positioned to one side to allow for
parking on the other. Ingeniously, the pool
has a lockable timber cover that slides
under the deck. “No pool fencing was
required, and it creates extra decking when
the pool’s not in use,” says Sophie.
The lower level is a 5.5x5.8m synthetic
lawn. “We needed a hard-wearing surface
and this was the best option,” Sophie says.
“Lawn wasn’t durable enough and a hard
surface wasn’t soft enough for kids’ play.”
Sophie planted a row of slender weavers
bamboo (Bambusa textilis var. Gracilis) to
form a screen along the western side
SPACE ODYSSEY
✚ “Every available space has been maximised,” says
boundary. Two existing kentia palms were Sophie. Using a cluster of pots rather than planting
replanted (one in the ground, the other in everything in-ground makes the space more flexible as
a pot) to form a canopy layer. A cluster of the pots can be moved if needed.
✚ Slender weavers bamboo is a clumping bamboo so it won’t spread
potted plants successfully hides the bins. and provides maximum screening height with a minimal footprint.
“The pool and barbecue are in constant ✚ Synthetic grass is a great option for small shaded spaces, on rooftops, for
use, and the whole space works as an car parking areas and spaces too tricky to mow.
extension of the home,” says Sophie. ✚ Sandstone inserts in the grass are designed for the wheels of the car.
thinkoutsidegardens.com.au #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 179


Little stars
Want to grow your own fruit but don’t have the space
for an orchard? Helen Young has the solution.

D warf fruit trees bear full-sized fruit on


pint-sized trees, so even small gardens
and balconies can accommodate at
least one. Compact trees are also easy to
manage – you don’t need a ladder for pruning
compost, manures and rock dust. To sandy
soils add a wetting agent such as Saturaid or
Eco-hydrate; add gypsum to clay soils. Plant
trees on a raised mound to improve drainage.
Pots or tubs should be at least 40cm in
or harvesting, and you can readily cover them diameter (preferably more) and filled with
with netting to protect the crop against fruit best-quality potting mix.
fly, birds and possums. Fruit trees need regular watering in summer
and during flowering and fruiting. A layer of
WHAT TO GROW mulch under the canopy helps keep moisture
Selecting the right fruit tree is critical. The in and weeds out. Fertilise regularly, using
main groups are citrus, stone fruit (peaches, organic-based products that also enhance soil
nectarines, plums, cherries and apricots) and

Adam Robinson Design ‘Moderno ARD Gavitello’ pot collection, available from Garden Life (pictured this page).
microbes. Annual pruning is needed to
pome fruit (apples, pears and quinces). maximise fruit production, minimise disease
Avocadoes, mangoes, mulberries and problems and maintain size; techniques and
pomegranates are also available. timing vary according to variety. Unfortunately,
Climate is the main consideration. Many you can also expect a range of pests and
stone and pome fruits have a ‘chilling diseases, so research these for your varieties.
requirement’; that is, the total number of Always choose organic products. #
hours needed below 7˚C each year to set

Text by Elizabeth Wilson (Clippings). Currency conversion correct at time of writing.


fruit. Chilling requirements vary – apples, for
example, have low-, medium- or high-chill
varieties, which need between 300-1200
chilling hours. Citrus and other subtropical
fruits do not have a chilling requirement. Where to buy
Some fruit trees need a pollinating partner Specialists and online retailers sell bare-root
in order to set fruit. Apples, plums, cherries fruit trees in winter for delivery by post or courier.
✚ PlantNet The Backyard Beauties range
and pears mostly need to cross-pollinate with includes ‘Pinkabelle’ and ‘Leprechaun’
another variety that flowers at the same time. apples, pears, plums, apricots, plumcot
Suitable cross-pollinators should be listed on and peacharine. plantnet.com.au
the label. Nectarines, peaches and apricots ✚ Fleming’s Nursery Ballerina range of
columnar apples, Trixzie miniature
are largely self-fertile but often produce better apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries
crops if they have a pollinating partner. Citrus and pears. www.flemings.com.au
never need one. ✚ Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery A vast array
of subtropical fruit – citrus, mango,
GROWING TIPS avocado, mulberry. daleysfruit.com.au
✚ Heritage Fruit Trees Heirloom plums,
For successful fruit growing, it’s important to cherries, apricots, apples, nectarines,
get the basics right. You need a sunny spot, peaches. www.heritagefruittrees.com.au
good soil and a commitment to looking after ✚ Yalca Fruit Trees Cider apples, quince,
the trees throughout the year. Choose the crabapples, persimmons, medlars,
mulberries. www.yalcafruittrees.com.au
sunniest spot you can – at least six hours daily ✚ Woodbridge Fruit Trees Apples,
is best – and with shelter from strong, cold or pears, apricots, peaches, nectarines.
salty winds. Improve soil by mixing in www.woodbridgefruittrees.com.au

180 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


GARDENS H G

C L I PPI NG S These beautiful Rib pots by Capi Europe


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 . feature an etched pattern inspired by reeds
gently moving in the breeze. Made in the
Netherlands from lightweight polyethylene
and wood fibres, they have an insulating
layer that protects the root system from heat
and frost, helping your plants thrive. From
$75, Bunnings. www.capi-europe.com

GL A MOU R BA R BIE
Give dinner guests a
gourmet experience
with the Traeger Pro
Series 575 pellet grill
(135x104cm). It has a
temperature range of
65˚C to 232˚C, and
can hold up to 24
burgers. $1499.95.
traeger.com.au

Space mission
Give indoor plants
a lift with the Rocket
planter. Made in
Melbourne from
Tasmanian blackwood,
fibreglass and brass, it
gives interiors a great
Latest garden book releasess Mid-Century vibe too.

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The green house


WA S T E N O T
The savings really are significant when you cut down
on household food waste, writes Sarah Pickette.

H ow much food do you waste? You might think it’s not much, but the
average Australian household throws away between $1000 and $4000
worth of food annually. “There are huge savings to be made just by
looking in your fridge and using up what you already have,” says Ronni
Kahn, CEO and founder of food-rescue charity OzHarvest.
3 OF A KIND
SMART FOOD SAVERS

Minimising food waste is also the single most powerful way we can take
direct action against climate change, she says. “To put it in context, eight
per cent of greenhouse gases heating the planet are caused by food waste.”
Attitudes have changed markedly in recent years, adds Kahn. Education
campaigns, shows such as ABC TV’s War on Waste and consumer pressure
on major supermarkets have all had an impact. But there’s still a long way
to go. “The Federal Government’s National Food Waste Baseline report Fruit and vegetables don’t keep well in
states that 7.3 million tonnes of food is wasted in Australia every year. plastic. The Swag’s cotton food bags can
There’s so much work to be done if we are to achieve our national target of extend the life of your fresh produce by up to
three weeks. $79.95/4-piece starter pack;
halving food waste by 2030.” www.theswag.com.au.
Strides are being made, though. OzHarvest’s national food-rescue partner
Woolworths is working towards a goal of zero food waste going to landfill.
“We currently rescue nutritious food from more than 400 Woolworths
stores nationally and that number is growing all the time,” says Kahn.
“Change is happening – increasing numbers of supermarkets stock ‘wonky’

“ THERE ARE HUGE SAVINGS TO BE MADE JUST BY LOOKING IN


YOUR FRIDGE AND USING UP WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE.”
Ronni Kahn, CEO and founder, OzHarvest

fruit and vegetables, for example – but more consumers need to get behind The Prepara Herb Savor Pod 2.0 can help
these sorts of initiatives.” herbs (and vegies) last up to three times
Confusion around food labelling is another problem, adds Kahn. “This longer. A well of water in the bottom works
leads to perfectly edible food being thrown away. It would be great to see a to keep them healthy. $79.95/three, Everten;
www.everten.com.au.
major review in this area, but in the meantime I’d urge people to do the sniff
test, the way our grandparents did. We also need to stop overproducing
bread; it’s staggering how much fresh bread gets thrown away every day.”
EducationanddigitalinnovationarewhereKahnseespromise.OzHarvest
released its Food App in 2019, linking people in need with businesses that
have excess food in areas the OzHarvest vans don’t reach. And the charity’s
education program for primary school kids, called FEAST (Food Education
and Sustainability Training), will be rolled out later this year or next.
“Children are the future change-makers and they are extremely passionate
about protecting the planet. We hope that by firing their imagination to A small cartridge you simply place in the
vegetable crisper of your fridge, KeepFresh
create recipes from food that would otherwise be wasted, they learn both absorbs ethylene and will keep fruit and
the value of food and the importance of not wasting it.” # vegetables fresh up to six weeks longer.
For more information and how to get involved, go to ozharvest.org. Starter pack $17; keepfresh.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 183


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Marx, owners of the warm
and whimsical property
known as Butterland.
Living
Stylist Sibella Court (left)
with Greg Hatton and Katie
Photograph by Mikkel Vang.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT


T HRepurposing
E Gthis O O D L I F
1904 butter factory has been
E
a labour of love for its creative owners.
PRO DUC ED BY Sibella Court | P H OTOG R A P HY Mikkel Vang
LIVING H G
KITCHEN design notes
> AMBIENCE
There’s plenty of country comfort in this former industrial space. Floods of natural
light give the room a calm, relaxed feel; owner Katie Marx’s floral arrangements
bring the otherwise simply decorated surroundings to life.

> FEATURES
All-white walls make an ideal canvas for Katie’s sculptural flower arrangements.
The timber joinery and concrete benchtops are a nod to the building’s heritage.

> STAND-OUT PIECES


The centrepiece of the space is the charming but unassuming vintage Kelvinator
fridge. Tasmanian oak cabinetry is teamed with concrete benchtops made by
owner Greg Hatton with a little help from the couple’s friends. The oven, a white
Marc Newson for Smeg appliance, is the family’s concession to modern luxury.

Retaining the home’s industrial feel was important to owners Greg Hatton and Katie Marx, so they used a combination
of Tasmanian oak and concrete in the kitchen. OPPOSITE Original signage is part of Butterland’s heritage charm.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 187


Recipe adapted from RecipeTin Eats. Photogaph by Louise Lister/bauersyndication.com.au.
B
utterland, located in the little town of Newstead, being used in this way. Rather than modernising, Greg
Victoria, has a very distinctive personality. These and Katie embraced the structure’s history. This does
days, it’s the inviting home of florist Katie Marx, mean there’s a quirkiness to the floor plan, including
herfurnituremaker/builderpartner,GregHatton, some 13 staircases. Naturally for a factory, hard surfaces
and their daughters Hazel and Minnie. But hints abound, but there’s nothing cold about it. Indeed, there’s
of the property’s butter-factory heritage abound too. something of The Good Life about it, with a homey sense
Out the front, under original signage, there’s a chair of creativity and productivity throughout.
made from weathered tree branches. Beside the chair, Katie’s work paraphernalia – buckets, rigging devices,
there is always something foraged – found objects or vases – and remnants of a recent floral-design workshop
seasonalfoliage–perfectly,albeitseeminglyhaphazardly, are strewn around the living spaces in a rather artful
placed. The rustic vignette piques interest, adding to the way.Inthekitchen,there’s animpressionofa busyfamily
excitement of discovering what lies within. at work: foraged morels drying on the bench, a found
As well as a family home, Butterland accommodates piece of honeycomb, vases overflowing with flowers
both Greg and Katie’s workplaces – a workshop for Greg, leftoverfromanevent,oatsleftoverfromarollingsession.
props cupboards for Katie – and an event space. There’s There’s a distinct open-door feel at Butterland. You’re
a beautiful sense of layering within the building. Built never quite sure where anyone is, but you feel their
in the 1800s as a timber structure, it was reinforced with presence as if they have just stepped out of the room. >
concrete in 1910 – one of the earliest examples of concrete www.butterland.com.au or @butterland_

ABOVE LEFT The stylishly industrial kitchen at Butterland includes a ‘found’ stove and a white Marc Newson for Smeg oven. ABOVE RIGHT Katie’s
kiwi & passionfruit pavlova is a family favourite for special occasions. OPPOSITE Florist Katie prepares flowers for an upcoming event.

188 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN


living H G

KIWI & PASSIONFRUIT PAVLOVA 1 Using fridge-cold eggs, separate yolks and Place remaining mixture on top and use a
Prep: 10 mins. Cooking: 1 hr 30 mins whites into a clean, dry jug or bowl. Set silicone spatula to coax into a 4-5cm high
+ overnight cooling. Serves: 10-12. aside to bring to room temperature. Preheat dome; flatten top slightly.
140-160ml eggwhites (about 4-5 eggs) oven to 170˚C (150˚C fan). 4 Reduce oven temperature to 120˚C
1 cup (220g) caster sugar 2 Place eggwhites in a clean, dry mixing bowl. (100˚C fan). Bake in oven 11/2 hours, then
1 tbsp cornflour, sifted Using a stand mixer or handheld beater, beat turn oven off and allow pavlova to cool
1 tsp white vinegar to soft peaks. Add sugar 1 tablespoon at completely overnight. Do not open oven
Topping a time, beating as you go. Once all sugar is door during cooking.
11/2 cups(375ml) thickened cream added, beat eggwhite mixture a further 5 Transfer meringue to serving platter. Place
1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar 3 minutes or until sugar has dissolved and cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and beat
1 tsp vanilla extract or essence mixture is thick and glossy. Add cornflour to soft peaks. Just before serving, spread
2 fresh passionfruit, halved and vinegar and beat a further 5 seconds cream mixture thickly on top, then top with
4 kiwi fruit, peeled, sliced at low speed to incorporate. passionfruit pulp and sliced fruit.
1-2 bananas, peeled, sliced (optional) 3 Draw a 20cm circle on a piece of baking
paper; place on a baking tray. Spoon half TIP Substitute kiwi, banana and passionfruit
eggwhite mixture into circle and round off. with seasonal stone fruit or berries, if you like.
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT Rosie,
the family’s Jack Russell-fox terrier
cross, trails after Katie. Cashew the
Lohmann brown hen is part of a
happy menagerie. The dining zone
in Butterland’s event space. The
table, made by Greg, is paired with
vintage bentwood chairs. Keystone
beeswax bowl and Twisties
candlesticks from Raconteur. A
pair of majestic 400-year-old
red river gums on the property.
Katie and fellow creative Sibella
Court share a joke.
living H G

Q & A: K AT IE M A R X
B U T T E R L A N D ’ S B E AU T I F U L LY R E N OVAT E D K I TC H E N I S T H E H E A RT A N D S O U L O F T H E H O M E .

How has Butterland evolved? What single feature of the kitchen THINGS to do
Butterland is very old and very unique did you deliberate over the most?
for a home. We lived here for a few years, > EXPLORE Walk along the
There was a fair bit of debate over whether shortish but scenic Loddon River
in a different part of the building, prior we should have drawers or shelves.
to renovating. By doing so, we had time to track to the Cairn Curran Weir.
really think about how we could best make Are you a serious cook or an When the water level is high
the various spaces in the home work for us. enough, it cascades down a series
Greg pondered, planned, designed and occasional entertainer? of rock ledges. Marvel at the
constructed everything. He had a wonderful Greg and I are both quite enthusiastic cooks. magnificent redgums along the
He loves making roast pork (served the
way of marrying the new building work
traditional German way with noodles and trail – you might even spot a
without taking away from the original roosting owl or two. next pop
features of the factory. sauerkraut); I take the reins when we’re hosting
a crowd – big plates of salad and lots of baking. into the Antares Iron Art Garden,
Roger McKindley’s amazing
What were you trying to achieve Who do you usually cook for? outdoor sculpture gallery. it
with the materials you chose? Usually for my family but our visitors always features wonderful artworks
The aim was to blend the features of the go home well fed. made from found objects. it’s
original butter factory – which we loved regularly open for tours and
– with the elements we needed for a What’s your favourite dish to make festivals, but visitors are free to
comfortable family home. The trick was
for an audience?
roam around the garden and
making sure that the property didn’t look enjoy the works at their leisure.
over-renovated or that anything seemed It has to be kiwi pavlova. [See recipe previous
page.] I try to limit making it to birthdays Do take the time to go for a
out of place. We felt it was important to country drive. newstead itself
combine different materials, and should (usually mine) and special occasions – it’s best
enjoyed as a treat. is pretty, and there are lots
include concrete – the original walls are of scenic towns within an hour
concrete made with local river gravel. or so of newstead – Maldon,
In the kitchen, the shape of the bench What are your favourite tools and
ingredients when cooking?
Castlemaine, guildford,
replicates the one that was in the factory’s Daylesford, Talbot, Clunes
laboratory so fits into the space really well. Our kitchen is very simple – not too many
The timber cabinetry brings warmth and fancy gadgets here! My favourite utensil and Maryborough.
texture to the space. It’s great for dampening is the retro mini spatula that our daughter > EAT The Blackbird Newstead
sound too. Minnie chose for a present. It’s perfect for (www.blackbirdnewstead.com)
Sunday pancakes. on lyons Street is one of our
Where do you and your family favourite brunch spots. it has a
spend the most time? Do you have a go-to providore? lovely atmosphere and the
We usually drive over to Castlemaine, about fabulous food is all made from
The open-plan kitchen and living area is 15 minutes away, because the greengrocers
definitely the hub of our home. It’s where locally sourced produce.Dig at
there are amazing. There’s plenty of locally Newstead (digcafe.com.au),
we like to congregate as a family and it’s grown fruit and vegetables on offer, as well
always a hive of activity. also on lyons Street, is great for
as the best fruit buns. breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What are the kitchen’s essential A little further afield is Bella
Do you have a kitchen soundtrack? Fresca Pizzeria (bellafresca.
design elements in terms of I generally prefer silence, but if I listen to com.au) on Barker Street in
practicality, style and your anything, it’s our local radio station, Maine FM. Castlemaine. Possibly the best
family’s enjoyment of the space? wood-fired pizza this side of italy.
The kitchen is very open, very much a Tipple of choice? Castlemaine Railway Hotel
communal area. The huge concrete Champagne goes with everything, doesn’t it? (www.railwayhotelcastlemaine.
bench in the kitchen looks fabulous, feels com.au) is located in an 1800s
great to use and is so versatile. The girls Best memory of the kitchen? pub on gingell Street. it offers
can sit on one side and do their homework Probably seeing the space come together. a seasonal gastro-pub menu
while I’m cooking on the opposite. When Making the concrete benches was a team effort and an array of craft beer.
we’re entertaining, there’s plenty of room for – Greg and our old neighbour, Charlie. Another
multiple cooks without getting in each friend, Greenie, worked the tools. It’s turned out
Children welcome.
other’s way (or spilling glasses of wine!). beautifully. I couldn’t have asked for more. #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 191


W H E R E T O BU Y
Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers.
# 1stdibs 1stdibs.com Brodware (02) 9421 8200; Designers Guild, available Grazia & Co (03) 9589 4398;
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Abode Living 1800 022 633; Brown Jordan www.brownjordan.com radfordfurnishings.com Great Dane (03) 9417 5599;
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Alinka Fine Jewellery C Cadrys (02) 9328 6144; dinosaurdesigns.com.au H Hale Mercantile Co
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Amara au.amara.com Caesarstone 1300 119 119; Domo (03) 9277 8888; domo.com.au Hardtofind hardtofind.com.au
Angus & Celeste (03) 9752 4004; caesarstone.com.au Don Currie Carpets (03) 9510 1888; Harmony Stone Gallery
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Arteriors www.arteriorshome.com casa-mia.com.au (02) 9380 7922; ecc.com.au Ilve 1300 694 583; ilve.com.au
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Better Tiles (02) 9361 4388; Criteria Collection 1800 000 496; www.jasmineandwill.com
bettertiles.com.au criteriacollection.com.au frenchcountrycollections.com.au K Kaboodle Kitchen
Bloomingdales Lighting Cult 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au French Knot (02) 9146 4720; www.kaboodle.com.au
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BlueScope Steel 1800 022 999; Curious Grace (03) 9687 6878; G Garden Life (02) 9517 3633; Kim Wallace Ceramics
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Boyd Blue (07) 5527 0899; Design Nation (02) 9699 8577; globewest.com.au kitchenwarehouse.com.au
boydblue.com designnation.com.au Granite & Marble Works L La Maison (02) 9698 8860;
Briggs Veneers (02) 9732 7888; Designer Doorware (03) 9300 8888; (02) 9519 9900; lamaison.net.au
www.briggs.com.au designerdoorware.com.au granitemarbleworks.com.au Laminex 132 136; laminex.com.au

At Choices Flooring we know that good interior decorating...


stockists H G

Laura Kincade (02) 9667 4415; No Chintz (02) 9386 4800; Royal Doulton 1300 852 022; The General Trading Company
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lumuinteriors.com P Palmer & Penn (02) 9328 4800; Scotts Country Look Kitchens Traeger Grills traegargrills.com.au
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Mecca Cosmetica 1800 007 844; Redelman (02) 8344 6600; www.studiokate.com.au woodcut.com.au
mecca.com.au www.redelman.com T Temperature Design (03) 9419 1447; Wynstan 1300 667 679;
Mercer & Lewis mercerandlewis.com Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au temperaturedesign.com.au www.wynstan.com.au
Miele 1300 464 353; RG Imports @rgimportsaustralia Temple & Webster X Xavier Furniture (07) 3806 5370;
www.shop.miele.com.au Robyn Cosgrove (02) 9328 7692; templeandwebster.com.au xavierfurniture.com.au
Mokum mokumtextiles.com robyncosgrove.com Teranova (02) 9386 0063; Z Zoffany, available from
Mud Australia (02) 9569 8181; Rossetti Fabrics teranova.com.au Domestic Textile Corporation
mudaustralia.com www.rossettifabrics.com The Country Trader (02) 9698 4661; www.domestictextile.com.au
Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au Royal Copenhagen www.thecountrytrader.com.au Zouzou Rugs www.zouzourugs.com
N Navlam newageveneers.com.au www.royalcopenhagen.com The Daily Edited thedailyedited.com Zuster (03) 9427 7188; zuster.com.au

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starts from the floor up.


choicesflooring.com.au
H G THE CREATIVE TYPE

Modern Abstracts artwork, BROOKE’S FAVOURITE


Bark chandelier, Atelier sofa, THINGS From top
Nobu coffee table, Cosmo St James dining chair with
side table, Ramsey animal vegan-leather upholstery,
bust and Pietro rug, all $445, Coco Republic. 2.55
Coco Republic. calfskin handbag, POA,
Chanel. The Maker: Beyond
Decorating, Crafting a
Unique Space book by
Tamara Maynes, $49.
Bauer bar cabinet by
Bobby Berk, $1995,
Max Sparrow.

Hair and makeup by Samantha Powell.


B R O O K E N A J JA R
Coco Republic’s award-winning interior stylist shares the highlights on her creative journey.

I’ve always had a passion for to allocate dedicated time for both Belle and Real Living magazines on the
creating beautiful interiors, but work and family activities – time go. One book I adore is The Maker:
it was building and decorating management is essential! Beyond Decorating, Crafting a Unique
my own house that sparked the I find styling other people’s houses Space by Tamara Maynes. It’s fabulous.
thought that I might be able to endlessly fascinating. The different To me, true luxury is about quality
Kristina Soljo.

turn that passion into a career. aesthetics of these homes, including and comfort. Custom-made,
S

My professional design journey the demographic of the owners, beautifully detailed pieces.
began after the youngest of my really drives my creativity. When I’m not working, I love going
four children was born. In 2015, I’m also inspired by the work of to cafes, especially L’Americano
Photographh bby K

I enrolled in a Styling Essentials Australian interior designers Espresso Bar [in Sydney’s Alexandria]
101 course at the Coco Republic Darren Palmer and Jodie Cooper. – great food and quality coffee.
Design School and was offered The Coco Republic showroom is Traditional Lebanese cuisine is
a job with the property styling amazing too. I could spend hours another family favourite.
team shortly after graduation. In 2020, my goal is to stay healthy and
Ph

in the textile swatch library!


It was a dream come true. Magazines and design books are happy, and to keep on styling! #
Having good work/life balance essential tools for stylists. I always Coco Republic Property Styling;
is important to me. I make sure have Australian House & Garden, and 1300 000 220 or cocorepublic.com.au.
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Draw closes 8pm AEST 13 May 2020
Drawn 10am AEST 20 May 2020 rslartunion.com.au/PalmBeach | 1300 885 202
© 2020 RSL Art Union | RSL Art Union No. 375 (AU375L) QLD Licence No. 29819, ACT Permit No. R20/00001.2, VIC Permit No. 10787/19, NSW Permit No. GOCAU/2255, SA Permit No. M13804. Prize
value: $6007823. Public draw at ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006. Some items shown in pictures are for display purposes only. Any rental estimates provided are for
informational purposes only. Winners notifed by registered mail. Results published in The Courier Mail and The Australian on 22/05/20. Terms and Conditions apply.

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