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CONTENTS

O CTO B E R

2021

27 I N T E R I O R

DESIGN AWA R D S 202 1 Readers’ choice.

38

ART What’s speaking to us from the galleries’ latest showings.

40

ARCHITECTURE Polly Harbison is a groundbreaking architect.

45

F O C U S Myriad mirrors that are subtle

design statements in their own right.

51

C R E AT I V E H O M E Famed photographer

Robyn Lea steps into the frame.

57

PUTTING ON THE RITZ

82

FINE FINISHES AND GLAMOROUS DETAILING ENHANCE AN ICONIC SANDSTONE BEAUTY WITHIN COOEE OF SYDNEY HARBOUR.

ST Y L E E T I Q U E T T E Melissa Penfold’s

ode to the art of letter writing.

58

C R E AT I VE H O M E Tour François Motte’s free-spirited Left Bank home.

62 63 64 66

WOM A N After-dark glamour to shine in.

M A N Master class in black tie.

71 72 82 96

LUX E F I L E S What influences and

104

inspires NGV chief Ewan McEoin?

151

K I TC H E N & B AT H RO O M S P EC I A L

From Meryl Hare to Tamsin Johnson, the makers of these kitchens and bathrooms serve equal parts functionality and flair.

178

SY D N EY The fortunes of this 1870s house, which revels in harbour M E L B O U R N E Banned from “tame monochromes and humdrum

finishes” Bayley Ward went all out with greens, pinks, reds and blues.

shows off their fabulous Sydney premises.

68

SY D N EY Hugh-Jones Mackintosh delivered an enlightening update of the once-dark interiors of this North Shore home.

views, are on the rise after a lavish renovation by Thomas Hamel.

L I B R A RY Browse the design stacks.

C R E AT I VE SPACE JRF’s Georgia Danos

HOM ES

M E L B O U R N E Landscape garden maestro Jack Merlo realises his

dream of a monumental home with the garden to match.

116

M E L B O U R N E Crisp Scandinavian-inspired interiors accompany

modern amenities to bring this Middle Park home right up to speed.

126

M E L B O U R N E Interior architect Charis James tests some brave materials, bringing a European sensibility to her South Yarra home.

136

M E L B O U R N E Packing this double-fronted Victorian terrace with striking metallics, rich velvets and statement lighting, Chelsea Hing infuses the expansive interiors with personality.

144

GAR DE N Secret Gardens revives a plum Pearl Beach property.

S P EC I A L

REGULARS

I SS U E

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20

Masthead and Privacy Notice

23 25 194

Editor’s Letter

A VERDANT BE ACHSIDE GARDEN

InBox The Office ...

Antonia Mrljak.

A reflection of you FOCUS ON MIRRORS

AUDACIOUS INTERIORS FROM THOM AS HA MEL TO TA MSIN JOHNSON

OUR COVER Photography Prue Ruscoe.

18

62

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Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ACN 053 273 546) part of the Are Media Group, 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, tel (02) 9282 8000, fax (02) 9267 8037. The trademark Belle is the property of Are Media Limited and is used under licence. © 2021. All rights reserved. Prepress by SBM Premedia. Printed by Ovato Warwick Farm, 8 Priddle St, Warwick Farm NSW 2170. ISSN 0310-1452.

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EDITOR’S LET TER

Anniversary special-edition t-shirt. au.maxmara.com Rose Byrne in Physical.

Arceau ‘Toucan de Paradis’ watch. hermes.com/au

Flexform ‘Mate’ woven cowhide magazine caddy/ side table, POA.

P O RT R A I T K R I ST I N A SO L J O

fanuli.com.au

G

round control to Major Tom: how long are we going to be in this holding pattern for?

The one thing we can count on at the moment is that we can’t count on anything. Plans are made and moved, travel is a rollercoaster of bookings followed by cancellations and paperwork to get refunds sorted, weddings and, ever so sadly, funerals are via Zoom and lots of businesses and individuals are struggling with uncertainty and the feeling of deja vu day after day. Never was Groundhog Day so relevant. Want to learn ice sculpture?

Now’s the time. On my eclectic list of diversions when not reading homes magazines: Gabor Maté’s work on trauma, Sharon Stone The Beauty of Living Twice, yoga with Adriene and Benji, Sontag: Her Life, The New York Times popcast Britney Spears Takes on Her Conservatorship, Ms Represented on the ABC, Dirty Money and The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties on Netflix, the gorgeous and supertalented Vera Cruz on Spotify plus the Olympics, and Physical with the totally phenomenal Rose Byrne. It’s a pretty loony list but it somewhat fills the gap. I know my fellow Belle readers are adventurous social bons vivants with a penchant for travel and adventure and an eye for eclectic objets d’art and design. You like visiting exhibitions, concerts, dining and enjoying a tipple or two. But for now you’re pretty much locked down so let’s look at the upside – we live in a beautiful country with a fabulous climate that’s the envy of the world, and many of us are lucky enough to have our own space where we can create, decorate, cook and garden. This is where the Belle inspiration comes in – while we can’t go anywhere we can take you on a fabulous staycation. We visit Paris vicariously and absorb the fabulously Frenchy chic interiors that events whiz François Motte has created, p58. Just like being teleported! Back at home, houses that showcase their owners’ true individualism and their quest for the bespoke are evident in the incredible renovation of a grand old terrace at The Rocks in Sydney by Thomas Hamel and his designer Becky Jager, p82.

Our cover house by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh, p72, pops with colour which is just what we need – optimism and vibrant jolts to keep us bubbling along. Design motivation awaits in our Kitchen & Bathroom feature, p151, and we all know full-scale renovations often start with these control centres. I am betting there will be a lot more redesigns in 2022 after our enforced homestays. There is nothing same, same about these winning rooms featuring designers we love from Tamsin Johnson to Yasmine Ghoniem. We admire the exciting material combinations and appreciate the artisanal flair in their work. Take care and enjoy your own homespun pursuits over the coming weeks!

Tanya Buchanan, Editor-in-chief Follow us

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INBOX

1 GABRIELLE ‘COCO’ CHANEL certainly tailored her own bespoke path through life.

She regularly defied societal conventions throughout her 87 years ensuring her enduring independence, both financial and personal, through hard work, boundless creativity, some questionable collaborations and most memorably with her elegant and restrained fashion designs that liberated many of her contemporaries around the world. A risk-taker, she gave a hefty share of her Chanel No.5 fragrance business to the Wertheimer brothers who, in turn, grew it into rivers of gold globally. And she spent a good part of WWII holed up at the Ritz in Paris with her German lover – still, her enduring legacy is her incredible couture.

And Australians are going to be able to take a stylish stroll through many of Coco Chanel’s elegant creations when the NGV is the first to debut a specially curated exhibition outside of France later this year. ‘Fashion Manifesto’, December 5 to April 25, 2022. ngv.vic.gov.au

2

2 EASY ELEGANCE Designer Daniel Boddam references contemporary and Modernist influences and fuses them with an undeniably Australian aesthetic in his Coast collection.

The ‘Booham’ chair can be ordered in a range of oak and American walnut finishes with bespoke upholstery. danielboddam.com

1

Lady powers Embrace feminine fortes and choose savvy investments that channel daily chic.

P HOTO G R A P H Y S H A RY N C A I R N S ( A R M A DI L LO )

5

Edited by TANYA BUCHANAN

5 LOVE IS THE RUG A feeling of visual and sensorial calm wafts through this space featuring one of Armadillo’s new handmade ‘slow’ designs. The company’s Certified B Corp accreditation and commitment to an inclusive and sustainable economy enhances the mood. armadillo.com.au

4

3

3 IT’S JONES – GR ACE JONES One of the glitterati for decades and, the life of the party this image of the incomparable Grace Jones is just one of many that Australia’s own glitterati of the paparazzi took in his four decades of shooting the absolutely fabulous. Celebrity snapper Robert Rosen’s candid shots of subjects as varied as Yves Saint Laurent and Lady Sonia McMahon will make you long for the pre-Insta era! ‘Robert Rosen: Glitterati’, Powerhouse Museum, August 6 to April 4, 2022. maas.museum/event/ robert-rosen-glitterati/

4 MASS SEDUCTION Costume National’s gorgeous, happy bottle bursting with promise and hope grabbed us immediately.

‘Supergloss’, a super-sensual spritz, is just what we all need now – opulent red fruits fuse with delicate notes of lily of the valley and orange blossom for a rapturous result. libertineparfumerie.com.au

25

AW A R D S Photography SE AN FENNESSY

An artful alchemy of furniture, finishes and artistic elements places these 10 projects at the top of their class.

The Finalists

VOT E N OW TO W I N Select your favourite Residential Interior for the chance to receive a Flexform ‘Joyce’ armchair from Fanuli, valued at $4060. Visit homestolove.com.au/ readerschoice2021

S P O N S O R E D BY

AWA R D S

Interior Design

OTTAWA HOUSE Fiona Lynch Photography SEAN FENNESSY

ELSTERNWICK HOUSE Kennedy Nolan Architects

Photography DEREK SWALWELL

28

GARDEN HOUSE Arent&Pyke and Polly Harbison Design Photography ANSON SMART

PARC HOUSE Alwill Interiors

Photography PRUE RUSCOE

ROCKS REVIVAL Thomas Hamel & Associates

Photography ANSON SMART

PALAIS PENTHOUSE SJB

Photography SHANNON MC GRATH

Interior Design

AWA R D S

Photography ANSON SMART

BRISBANE HOUSE Greg Natale

BUDGE OVER DOVER YSG Studio

Photography PRUE RUSCOE

31

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Photography PRUE RUSCOE

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RIGHT N OW

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A suite of poppy pieces joins JRF’s timeless bentwood furniture at its luminous new space in Sydney.

FRESH CHAIR With its leafy aspect and abundance of light, JRF’s wholesale showroom in Waterloo, Sydney, is a brilliant canvas for the brand’s colourful collection, including the Miniforms ‘Barry’ table by Alain Gilles in lacquered Red Marsala metal, attended by ‘Mariolina’ seats by E-ggs. See Chair Woman, p66.

37

RIGHT NOW

Architecture

C A N B E R R A

SUPER MODELS The absurdities of gender performance are laid bare by British artist Sarah Lucas with her comically contorted take on the reclining nude.

A continuation of her ‘Bunny’ series begun in 1997 – in which recumbent dolls with limp, splayed limbs of stuffed hosiery gave a darkly surreal satire of sexual objectification – recent sculptures such as the Converse-clad Peeping Thomasina (left) are promoted to plinths in a tangled display of hyperbolic hauteur. The fleshy figures star in the artist’s first Australian survey, part of the National Gallery’s Know My Name program. Until April 18. knowmyname.nga.gov.au

Counter argument Artists breaking down barriers.

M E L B O U R N E

A D E L A I D E

H E A L C O U N T RY !

From the tip of Cape York to the heart of the APY Lands and beyond, this year’s Tarnanthi festival spans the continent in bringing together a diverse assembly of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists – including Gija artist Tracey Ramsay, whose Blowfly Ngarranggarni is shown (left) – highlighting their connections to Country through a major exhibition at AGSA, as well as close to 30 shows across the state and the annual Tarnanthi Art Fair. October 15-January 30. agsa.sa.gov.au

S Y D N E Y

PROTEST MUSIC With their thrilling interplay of strokes, splashes and raw scrapes of paint, Aida Tomescu’s compositions are played on a vast scale at high volume. Work such as Silent Spring (right) radiate an electrifying energy unconstrained by melody, which gallerist Andrew Jensen likens to the artistic insurgency of punk poet Patti Smith. Until September. jensengallery.com

U N D E R C O N S T RU C T I O N Esther Stewart’s abstractions (above) suggest the palimpsest of our built environment, sampling and splicing fragments of building facades, blueprints, interiors, textiles, awnings and ceramic tile advertisements from the 1970 and 80s.

Through this accumulative process – akin to the layering of history and ideas that occurs in architectural spaces over time – the artist constructs landscapes that are fictive yet familiar. Until September 18. stationgallery.com.au

A L L I M AG E S CO U RT E S Y O F T H E A RT I ST S A N D G A L L E R I E S

Edited by HARRY ROBERTS

Art

RIGHT NOW

M E L B O U R N E

EGGING ON ‘Shifting Forces’ rallies four artists who share an interest in natural and supernatural planes, melding manmade and organic materials to evoke otherworldly ecologies. Curator Sean McDowell – whose egg cartons (left) have the elemental heft of archaeological treasure – is joined by Julien ComerKleine, Nina Rose Prendergast and Gabrielle Skye Nehrybecki. September 3-25. cavesgallery.com

M E L B O U R N E

A TOWN LIKE ALICE The recipient of the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship in 2020, Charlie Ingemar Harding’s intimate scenes from life move freely between figurative and abstract, past and future, to evoke a mood of spontaneity and quietude. ‘Amongst the heat of the races’ is a solo exhibition that includes paintings such as Tickets (above) that hark back to a trip to the Alice Springs camel races.

From September 16. thisisnofantasy.com

M E L B O U R N E

T E X T M E S S AG E S With an interest in architecture, interior and graphic design, Rose Nolan transforms the physical spaces inhabited by her work through its use of language, with utilitarian materials and a distinctive red-and-white palette speaking volumes in installations such as SO FAR SO GOOD (pictured). For ‘Parlour Games’ the artist shifts her focus from the gallery wall to the floor with a monumental piece involving carpet and mirrored panels. September 11-October 16. annaschwartzgallery.com

M E L B O U R N E

FANTASTIC FLORA A cross-pollination of art, botanical science and machine-learning technology, Caroline Rothwell’s ‘Infinite Herbarium’ invites viewers to scan a pair of plant specimens using an app, which then filters the plants’ visual characteristics through data sets and historical archives to seed imagined hybrid species in real time. Digitally rendering the constant flux of living systems, these ‘plant morphs’ (below) are shown in a six-channel video with soundscape by Theodore Wohng.

September 4–October 2. tolarnogalleries.com P E RT H

BORDERLINES The second of two joint exhibitions from brothers Abdul-Rahman Abdullah and Abdul Abdullah, ‘Peripheries’ aligns the artists’ distinct approaches to cultural marginality in a conversation that explores shifting perceptions of the peripheral at a time of hard borders, isolation and restrictions wrought by the pandemic. In depicting one of the world’s oldest domesticated animals, Abdul-Rahman’s Same time tomorrow (above) – based on his own pet goat, Trevor – suggests safety and contentment in lieu of freedom. Until September 11. moorecontemporary.com N E W

S O U T H

WA L E S

I N F U L L B LO O M The first regional gallery in the NSW Southern Highlands, Ngununggula takes its name from the Gundungurra word for ‘belonging’ and opens with a new series by Tamara Dean titled ‘High Jinks in Hydrangeas’ in which figures writhe, tumble, dance and frolic through dreamlike profusions of flowers (left) – an apt inauguration for the site’s artistic blossoming.

From September 25. ngununggula.com

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RIGHT NOW

Architecture

Polly Harbison at the Balmoral House, her award-winning 2015 project designed with Clinton Murray Architects.

AT FIRST SITE Polly Harbison is setting standards by following her instincts and adopting a grounded approach to projects.

Portrait BRET T BOARDMAN Edited by K AREN McCARTNE Y

This page, clockwise from top left

P H OTO G R A P H Y B R E T T B O A R DM A N ( B A L M O R A L HO U S E , C A ST L EC R AG HO U S E , K A NG A RO O I S L A N D, P E A R L B E AC H H O U S E ) , A N SO N S M A RT ( L I N DF I E L D HO U S E )

Fireproof materials were used in the award-winning Pearl Beach House to reinvent the typology.

The home’s elevated entry connects to the bush and the sky.

A current project is this house on remote Kangaroo Island. Concrete pavilions at Balmoral House. The bush outlook guided Castlecrag House, Polly’s 2020 project. Inside the Lindfield House, a colourful collaboration with Arent&Pyke.

T H E T R AJ ECTO RY of any successful architect’s career can be marked by pivotal moments: first major renovation, the approved design for a standalone house, a project published by a respected magazine and a first significant award.

One such award that carries great prestige and the combined weight of its rollcall of previous winners – from Harry Seidler and Glenn Murcutt to Peter Stutchbury and Durbach Block Jaggers – is the Australian Institute of Architects’ Wilkinson Award (NSW Chapter). Established in 1961, it is presented annually for a residential project – and, as there are surprisingly few women in the award’s 60-year history, this year’s winner, Polly Harbison, breaks new ground as the first practice led by a sole female director.

There is, however, nothing self-congratulatory in her attitude.

“Awards are so subjective,” says Polly. “There were incredibly beautiful projects in the running, and while I am delighted to win, I am aware that there are many and varied factors in that decision.”

The winning project, Pearl Beach House on the NSW Central Coast, responds to the code for bushfire-prone areas in a way that reinvents the traditional typology of an Australian timber beach house. “Personally, I love timber pavilions in the bush but unfortunately we just can’t build like that anymore,” says Polly.

“Rather than taking the old typology and wrapping it in new materials, we needed to do better and think about intrinsically resolving this relationship between building and environment.”

The jury who visited, arriving late in the day, had time to experience the atmosphere of the house and appreciate that the use of flameproof materials, such as masonry and concrete, was balanced with the textures and colours of judiciously chosen ceramic tiles and timbers that link to the bush site.

For Polly, the site was everything. Her clients had approached her many years ago after admiring the Balmoral House, a much lauded and widely publicised Tadao Ando-style off-form concrete

house, designed in conjunction with her longstanding mentor, architect Clinton Murray. “They didn’t have the funds to match their ambition at the time, but after they explored other options we reignited the conversation about what was possible,” she says.

Pearl Beach, a hamlet at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, is tucked in behind cliffs and the site was bushy and enclosed in the canopy – to the point of claustrophobia, as Polly recalls. “The position of the house is about chasing the sun,” she says. “For me it was instinctive. I sat on a rock and knew that, with bush on three sides, orientating to the sky and the sun was the way to go.”

It is a house with framed views and a plan that cleverly merges inside and out, with circulation spaces and showers located externally (they didn’t need to be flameproofed) and a judicious use of the “eye-wateringly expensive” glass rated for Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Flame Zone. Working to a budget required dexterity with materials, and Polly’s relationship with the builders, Paterson, came to the fore, with impromptu leftover concrete pourings that added richness to the final outcome. “What floats my boat is being on site making stuff and sharing ideas,” she says.

Polly seems to have a facility for collaborative relationships and has learnt to trust those she works alongside, be it builders, landscape or interior designers. Another recent project, the Lindfield House, where she worked with Juliette and Sarah-Jane of interior design practice Arent&Pyke, is a case in point. “This project is a contemporary addition to a Federation house for my sister – a doctor and artist – and her husband, whose garden is on the Palace of Versailles scale in terms of colour and texture,” says Polly. “I am a minimalist, so by bringing in Sarah-Jane and Juliette we found the perfect balance.” A chequerboard marble floor sourced from Italy became a defining feature, arches were introduced and a circular window was created as architect and interior designers bounced ideas off one another. “We had so much fun and, although initially challenging for me, I embraced all the ease, confidence and excitement they brought,” she says.

As for the future, Polly Harbison Design has enviable projects on the go. “In the practice I work with two graduate architects – Bridget Webb and Jincheng Jiang – whose skills are second to none,” says Polly. With projects underway in Kangaroo Island, Mollymook in NSW and the Byron Bay hinterland, she is defining her oeuvre. “If I had to articulate my architectural fantasy, it is the design of the billionaire’s shack – incredible landscapes married with a barefoot luxury,” she says. “The small house is my go-to genre over a mega-mansion any day.” pollyharbison.com.au

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Architecture

M E L B O U R N E

LASTING LEGACY A FITTING WINNER OF THE ENDURING ARCHITECTURE AWARD AT THE AIA VICTORIAN AWARDS IS THE FORMER OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM (LEFT) IN MELBOURNE’S YARRA PARK. BUILT FOR THE 1956 OLYMPICS THE YOUNG GROUP OF ARCHITECTS – KEVIN BORLAND, PETER MCINTYRE, JOHN AND PHYLLIS MURPHY, WITH ENGINEER BILL IRWIN – USED POST-TENSIONED STEEL FRAME CONSTRUCTION IN A REVOLUTIONARY STRUCTURE THAT BECAME A SYMBOL OF MODERNISM.

B E R RY

DISTILLED LIVING Continuing architect Rob Brown’s Permanent Camping concept, built by master craftsman Jeffrey Broadfield 12 years ago in Mudgee, the PC2 version (above) with its tiny copper towers is sited in a paddock at Berry, NSW, with ocean views. A 3x3 metre floorplan internally, the space expands to external platforms as walls lift with manual winches. The ironbark interior, designed by Caroline Casey, ensures that the compact nature of the project is matched by design integrity. caseybrown.com.au

NEW NATURAL In collaboration with Jörg Stamm and Atelier One, groundbreaking practice Ibuku has designed The Arc at Green School, Denpasar, the campus’s gymnasium, wellness and community space. With bamboo arches spanning 19 metres, the Arc’s minimal tensioned structure seems to defy logic. Heralding a new era of organic, lightweight building, the 14-metre intersecting arches display a complex sculptural beauty. ibuku.com RO Q U E B RU N E - C A P- M A RT I N

D E N PA S A R

H AT S O F F SY D N E Y

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The Hat Factory in Sydney’s Newtown has a colourful past, according to architects Welsh + Major, who have turned this former squat, printers and ‘social centre’ into a pair of residences (left and right). Careful to balance the raw with the refined, the architects note, “As vessels for knowledge they retain memories of the past ... [and] deliver compact, flexible urban living into the future.” It won the Hugh and Eva Buhrich Award for Alterations + Additions Awards at the 2021 AIA (NSW Chapter). welshmajor.com

P HOTO G R A P H Y A N T H O N Y B A S H E E R ( T H E H AT FACTO RY ) , M A N U E L B O U G OT ( E -1 027 HO U S E ) , A N DR E W LO I T E RTO N ( P C 2), TO M M A SO R I VA ( I B U KU ) , SW I M M I NG STA DI U M CO U RT E SY P E T E R M C I N T Y R E

FRENCH OPEN For years one of the world’s most iconic buildings, E-1027 (above) Ω Eileen Gray’s holiday house on the French Riviera Ω was allowed to fall into chronic disrepair. Now, under the auspices of Cap Moderne – founded in 2014 – the 1929 two-storey residence has undergone six years of extensive restoration and is complete and open for pre-booked tours. Original furniture and fittings had been sold off and so careful reproductions were made, including her famous ‘Bibendum’ armchair and ‘1027’ table. capmoderne.com

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on reflection

Curvy, rectangular, circular

or square, each of these

ST Y L I ST ’ S A S S I S STA N T J ACO B OLS E N

Photography EDWARD URRUTIA Styling LUCY MONTGOMERY

looking glasses has an enchanting story to reveal.

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N O T O N LY D E C O R AT I V E O B J E C T S , M I R R O R S S E RV E T O O P E N A P O R TA L O F L I G H T A N D S PAC E W I T H I N A R O O M .

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Previous page, clockwise from bottom left C1970 octagonal ivory lacquer and black inset mirror by Jean-Claude Mahey, $2250, from The Vault Sydney. Italian brass and blue glass mirror, $13,500, from Conley & Co. French bamboo-framed mirror (c1930), $1800, from Tamsin Johnson. ‘Le Sirenuse’ plaster floor mirror, $3000, from Lucy Montgomery Collection.

‘Farlen’ bronze metal mirror, $995, from Coco Republic. These pages, from left ‘Brooke’ white mirror, $2200, from Greg Natale. Rachel Donath ‘Arte’ metal and glass mirror, $990, from Inventory by Rachel. C1950 Italian Fontana Arte round coloured glass mirror, $5600, from Tamsin Johnson. GTV ‘Eyeshine Big’ white lacquered mirror, $1150, from Space.

‘Alexia’ mirror, $790, from Merci Maison. C1800 small Directoire period giltwood mirror, $1650, from The Vault Sydney.

Italian Murano glass mirror, $8500, from Conley & Co. ‘Lighthouse’ rope mirror, $495, from The Society Inc. SP01 ‘Michelle’ black lacquer and Bianco Carrara marble mirror, POA, from Space.

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This page, from left Italian Murano glass mirror, $9900, from Conley & Co. 19th-century Italian carved mirror, $8400, from Parterre. Fritz Hansen ‘Oval’ mirror, $1560, from Cult. Arflex ‘Ciclope’ mirror in Bordeaux by Claesson Koivisto Rune, $2425, from Space. Scarlet Splendour ‘Wings’ mirror by Matteo Cibic, POA, from Studio ALM. ‘Clover’ square mirror, $525, from Coco Republic.

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Creative Home

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Robyn Lea has photographed interiors all over the world, bringing back pieces laden with memories to fill her own Melbourne home.

Words CARLI PHILIP S Photography ROBYN LE A

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This page Robyn Lea photographed by her daughter, Issy, in front of Cole & Son ‘Bahia’ wallpaper by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, sourced from Radford by interior designer Penelope Scott. The photograph of Marta Ferri was taken by Robyn in Milan and framed by S & J Framing.

The cabinet was a gift. Lamp from Miguel Meirelles Antiques. Antique chair from Leonard Joel refinished with pink paint and upholstered by Penelope Scott Interiors.

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This page Above a sideboard from The Family Love Tree, artworks by Robyn Lea, John Benn, David Rankin, Robyn’s son Freddie Hunt, a framed Mirka Mora tile (bottom left) and a print (top left) from the estate of Georgia O’Keeffe. Armchairs and ottomans from Early Settler.

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HERE DO YOU LIVE? I live in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale with my husband Tim, our children Issy and Freddie, and our adorable but naughty Beaglier puppy Magnolia.

WHAT INITIALLY APPE ALED TO YOU ABOUT THE

The Victorian architecture had appeal, as did the location, which is close to shops, cafes and public transport. We bought it from a family who had raised their children here – it had a wonderful, warm feeling. I knew the home was perfect when I stood under the majestic Magnolia grandiflora tree in the backyard. We did a complete renovation, extending the living areas, and landscaping, while preserving the original trees.

HOUSE? DID YOU MAKE ANY CHANGES?

WHAT INFORMED THE SELECTION OF FURNITURE, ART AND FINISHES?

Finding eclectic pieces has been a very organic process. After five years in New York, we returned to Australia in 2016 without much furniture and have since gathered a real mix – ornate gilt chairs from Tim’s great-grandmother, sofas and bucket chairs from Early Settler, vintage art-storage drawers, bedside tables from House Of Orange. I accumulated many artworks while working on my books.

Each represents a special memory, like a beautiful work on paper

by Charles Pollock (the eldest of the five Pollock brothers) given to me by his daughter Francesca. I have a series of screen-prints from French artist Nathalie Lété and several paintings by American artist Rebecca Rebouché, both of whom I photographed for my book Bohemian Living. Recently, I printed and framed an image of Italian fashion designer Marta Ferri, which I took in a hidden Milanese courtyard. I’m also obsessed with wallpaper. I printed one of my photographs from Schloss Hollenegg castle in Austria on adhesive vinyl wallpaper and stuck it to the work table in my office.

This page, from top In the living room, a painting by John Benn is surrounded by Zoffany ‘Romey’s Garden’ wallpaper from Domestic Textile. Velvet sofas from Early Settler. In the master bedroom, bedhead from The Family Love Tree. Table lamp and Christian Lacroix wallpaper both from Gaudions. The bed linen is printed with one of Robyn’s photographs from her book, A Room Of Her Own. The tablecloth in the study is printed with another photograph.

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Creative Home

This page, clockwise from bottom left A vignette in the Florence home of painter Fiona Corsini from Robyn’s book, A Room Of Her Own. In the entry to Robyn’s home, a signed limited-edition print

by French artist Nathalie Léte is framed in an antique fire screen inherited by Robyn’s husband from his grandmother. Victorian detailing on Robyn’s verandah echoes her home’s romantic spirit. Also featured in her book is the French chateau of artist Claire Basler, who painted her walls with ethereal nature studies.

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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE INTERIOR? A mix of colours, patterns and designs. It’s continually evolving and often feels like a big, chaotic mess, with props accumulating in the sitting room, the dog trying to eat the furniture, schoolbags, and racks of washing in the spare room.

WHAT INSPIRE S YOUR INTERIORS ST YLE? The homes in [her current book] A Room Of Her Own, especially fashion designer JJ Martin’s apartment in Milan [on the cover], which is drenched in colour and pattern, and the mix of ancient and contemporary at design curator Alice Stori Liechtenstein’s Austrian castle. Many of the interiors I have been fortunate enough to photograph provide endless inspiration, such as Barnaba Fornasetti’s home in Milan, Joshua and Jo Yeldham’s place in Sydney, Francesco and Alba Clemente’s home in New York and Georgia O’Keeffe’s home in New Mexico. My greatest creative influence was artist John Benn, and his late wife, writer and performer Sara Benn. I spent time at their Ballarat home growing up, where John painted murals on the walls and screen-printed patterns on the wooden floors. Every room had the scent of rose petals, John’s cigars and Sara’s cooking. Every surface was covered in fabrics that Sara collected, and she kept her Liberty print offcuts for me and my sisters to make things.

IS YOUR HOME A SANC TUARY OR D OE S IT D OUBLE A S A WORKSPACE?

Both. However, I have joined a co-working space in South Yarra so plan to spend more time there, to delineate between home and work life. In saying that, I enjoy weaving my creative world with family life, and Tim and the children take an active interest in my projects.

WHAT INSPIRE S YOU AT THE MOMENT? Zoffany fabrics from Domestic Textile, Ginori ‘Oriente’ porcelain, Maureen Williams glassware, David Ray ceramics from Fletcher Arts, ArtClub by Heidi Middleton, The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 19th-century French panelled screens from Graham Geddes, everything at Manon Bis, Susi Leeton architecture, Maison ARTC, floral artist Steven Maccora’s Le Salon Aux Fleurs – and my female friends who reach their personal, creative and work goals with courage, honesty and passion.

IF YOU DIDN’T LIVE IN MELBOURNE, WHERE WOULD YOU LIVE? I lived in Milan for three years – first when I was 18, then two years during my 20s. Once that period was over, I didn’t feel a need to spend more time in Italy, but that changed due to the people and places I visited for A Room Of Her Own, which exposed me to more of the rich culture.

If I could choose anywhere, it is Reschio, a rural property in Umbria.

WHAT’S NE XT ON THE HORIZON? I’m currently working on a cookbook with Italian-based British chef Amber Guinness, to be published by Thames & Hudson, and a number of other books. I’ve gone back to directing TV commercials, which I did 15 years ago. I’m also trying new things like printing my photographs on fabric, playing with collage and painting. A Room Of Her Own: Inside The Homes And Lives Of Creative Women, Thames & Hudson, $65, thamesandhudson.com.au

mckimm - Sussex St project Photography - Timothy Kaye Artist - Kerry Armstrong

MELBOURNE · SYDNEY

Style Etiquette

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Stamping ground Melissa Penfold delivers a missive on writing a keepable letter.

P HOTO G R A P H Y K R I ST I N A SO L J O ( P O RT R A I T ) , F E L I X FO R E ST ( ST E V E CO R D O N Y HO M E ) , D AV E W H E E L E R ( P H O E B E N ICO L HO M E )

9 LETTERS are becoming special these days, so they need to be written in the right tone, on the right paper and sent at the right time. A single page – two at most – is ideal, and conveys the right personal touch without imposing on the recipient’s time and eyesight.

G E T TH E S TATI O N ERY R I G HT Something appropriate for the occasion and circumstances. Good paper can be cheaper than greeting cards. Rather than expensive one-offs, buy a box of decent stuff from a specialist.

W H EN TO W R ITE A LE T TER Friendly reminders, best wishes, greetings, good lucks, condolences, get wells, congratulations, changes of address, welcome homes – there’s always a reason to write. All thank-you notes, invitations, love letters and birthday greetings should be sent by post. So should juicier letters you want people to keep, laugh at, cherish or even burn. Make sure yours is everything a letter should be – heartfelt, interesting, thoughtful and well-constructed.

K E E P I T S I M P L E Good writing is simple and clear.

Sentences are short (up to 20 words) and broken up with even shorter ones. Really. It adds interest and variety. Big sentences are scary. So are long paragraphs.

G E T T H E M I N Make your first sentence a winner.

Funny, inviting and conversational, as if your reader is curling up on a sofa with you.

B E WIT T Y, N OT WINDY Express your ideas in as few words as possible. ‘We hope’, not ‘It is hoped to be’.

Be personal rather than ‘Dear All’ and a litany of the triumphs and travails of everyone.

IT’S N OT A LL A B O U T YO U Forget me-me-me letters whose sole reference to the recipient is in the first two words (‘Dear Jane’). Express interest in their lives and refer to them throughout – for example, ‘I’ve got 20 people coming for dinner, I wish I could cook like you.’

H OW TO W R ITE A TH A N K-YO U LE T TER This neglected piece of correspondence, when done right, makes the biggest impact. If you’ve received a present, fire off a thank you enthusing about its thoughtfulness.

Something like, ‘Darling Sophie, It was so kind to give me such a perfect vase. I keep running out into the garden to find bunches to pop into it. It makes even my amateur arrangements look special. I can’t thank you enough. All my love …’ Write the way you speak, as if you were chatting to them. Write from the heart.

THE RU LE S O N S TATI O NERY These haven’t changed in the last few centuries – quality, restraint and simplicity.

Anything stiff – parchment or card and deckle-edged – suits all occasions. Colours ? Anything pink or green to oyster or ivory works. Weight and feel is vital.

Watermarks are a formal touch. Letterhead makes you look establishment – emboss is better than printed. Keep it simple, just name, address and email.

Your envelopes should match the paper and be lined.

Never frank an envelope. A stamp is so much nicer.

N O RO UND RO BINS

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1 Baccarat ‘Louxor’ pencil holder, $450, palmerandpenn.com.au 2 ‘Burgundy Border’ paper set (20 sheets, 10 envelopes), $75, papier.com.au 3 Carl Auböck brass letter opener, $337, matchesfashion.com 4 Ben Soleimani ‘Northwood’ desk, $6402, 1stdibs.com 5 ‘Tema e Variazioni n.364’ wall clock, approx. $623, fornasetti.com 6 ‘Palazzo’ crystal bookends, $280, gregnatale.com 7 Sydney home by Phoebe Nicol. 8 Ralph Lauren ‘Brennan’ blotter, $1160, letter rack, $345, catchall, $245, and pencil cup, $185, palmerandpenn.com.au 9 Gubi ‘5321’ table lamp, $889, cultdesign.com.au 10 Waterman ‘Carène’ ballpoint pen, $210, penandink.com.au 11 Blank writing pad, $155, hermes.com 12 Sydney home of Steve Cordony.

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FRENCH LESSONS A visit to François Motte’s converted historic home in the heart of Paris is an adventure that is chaotic and colourful yet still superbly functional.

This page The dining room easily holds 10 and features a wall of USM bookshelves. A large unsigned painting hangs to the left of the table, which is ringed by vintage floral chairs and a Louis XIII upholstered armchair on an antique Algerian rug. Family silverware mixes with asparagus plates, glassware and Romanian linen all bought at flea markets. Church torchères on a 19th-century sacristy console beneath a pair of antique mirrors. Framed drawings by Madeleine DeMille.

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Photography GAËLLE LE BOULIC AUT

This page, clockwise from top left Looking

C

OULD YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU CAME TO RESIDE IN YOUR

HOME? Fifteen years ago, I accidentally visited this place – near Montmartre, a district of Paris I have always loved – and immediately saw the potential. It was a near-abandoned ground floor of a tiny mansion where a craftsman still worked and lived. With its high-ceilinged car shed, brick stable, attic for storing fodder accessed by a ladder and concierge’s lodge, it was an inspiring witness to a vanished Paris. There was also a small courtyard where I could make a garden – and find peace in the heart of the city.

WHAT DID THE ALTERATIONS ENTAIL? The place was not inhabited for years.

It took two days to clear everything out, followed by a few months of construction. From my first visit, the new layout was obvious. I wanted a large kitchen through which to enter the house – somewhere to cook, of course, but also have meals in the evening for two. I wanted a large, fairly theatrical dining room where I could entertain friends, and the car shed was perfect for its size. I wanted to make the stable into an intimate space, a library and reading room, and I wanted a tiny cocoon under the roof above as my bedroom. Of course, we had to create a bathroom, which I did in the same vein as the old stable, and I added a living room.

from the green and pink salon to the former stables – now a reading room – African timber headrests are displayed on the window sill to the left, above a mirror and a timber chair of mysterious origins.

On the other side, a collection of small plaster casting heads sit above an erotic drawing in the style of Auguste Rodin and a ceramic vase and vinegar pot on church stools used as tables. The kitchen walls are painted in Farrow & Ball ‘Chinese Blue’. The 1950s timber and metal table is dressed with objects from various trips abroad – a Vietnamese tablecloth, Japanese tenugui used as napkins, Chinese metal plates, Portuguese glassware, Greek ceramic bowls from Sifnos – and flanked by Alsatian chairs. Blue glass vase from Rena and Jean-Louis Dumas collection. Roses from Stéphane Chapelle. Mismatched tableware bought at flea markets. Creative events impresario François Motte.

WHAT INFORMED THE SELECTION OF FURNITURE, ART, FITTINGS AND FINISHES?

When I moved in, I only had a few things. Mostly books, a few drawings, but very little furniture. I started to buy objects by association of colours or shapes from a first piece that had found its place in one of the rooms.

I bought from Drouot, the great Parisian auction house, at flea markets or in second-hand shops, and when travelling. I like old textiles, rugs and ceramics. There are a lot of designs on the walls because I once lived with an illustrator who introduced me to this art. I collect green jugs, beach pebbles, old teapots and other absurd things. My only concessions to modernity are my cooking stove and the USM furniture, the extreme functionality of which I appreciate. There is also the purity of the lines and touches of bright colours such as the two green nightstands in the bedroom and this beautiful bookcase/credenza in the kitchen that houses part of my collection of cookbooks and antique plates.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE INTERIORS? Motley. Each room has its own vibe but they work well together. I like the idea of having reception rooms and private rooms coexist. I also like to be overwhelmed by a multitude of soul-bearing objects and stories. If I could only keep a few objects they would be the box with the unique books by Emmanuel Pierre, a gouache by Jean-Philippe Delhomme, a precious drawing by Denis Polge, a Polaroid by Thomas Dhellemmes, my collection of rabbits in raku and in ceramic by Marina Le Gall (a gift from my partner), and a colourful landscape by my friend Madeleine DeMille.

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This page, from top In the salon painted in Ressource ‘Rose Poudré’ and ‘Pea Green’, a large artwork by Chloé Poizat hangs beside a cluster of works by Léopold Survage, Jean-Philippe Delhomme and an unknown artist above a vintage sofa in leather and Pierre Frey velvet with cushions in Caravane linen and Chinese silk. Metal table with pink ceramic jug from Maison Close in Bellême, Japanese raku rabbits and lamp from The Conran Shop. On the USM coffee table, ceramic dishes by Carlotta, flat champagne bottles, teapots and vases. Kilim bought in Antwerp.

Portuguese tiles clad the bathroom floors with Winckelsman porcelain stoneware for the walls. Basin from Hudson Reed, mirror bought at Drouot, vintage wall sconce and vintage bathtub bought on eBay with shower curtain from Caravane. Anonymous folk-art drawing. Ceramic hand and necklaces displayed on church stool. Rug from Caravane. The sun-filled courtyard.

HOW DO THE SPACES REFLECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITIES? Each has a real functionality. I hate impersonal kitchens where you feel as if no one ever cooks or eats there. My kitchen is a place of life, inspiration ... and cooking. The dining room is theatrical and convivial, with its long, nottoo-wide table that easily sits 10 and its tall USM bookshelf. At night, the room is lit by candles reflected in the mirrors. With vintage dishes and simple cooking this sets the mood. I like to read in the living room or daydream in the bathroom, with its large, deep antique bathtub.

I love flowery English interiors and Gustavian sobriety, Tangier houses with motley interiors and the purest brutalism, golden Spanish churches and the dark light of Russian izba. I like it when houses tell stories.

IS YOUR HOME A SANCTUARY OR DOES IT DOUBLE AS A WORK SPACE? For almost 10 years, I lived in this house, gradually filling it with objects. It was both a place for parties and large tables – we celebrated birthdays, Bastille Day, the arrival of spring – as well as a very private place in view of its layout and that it seems out of place in the city. The library is a wonderful, cosy cocoon in winter for reading while drinking a glass of wine, and the bathtub is a place of reflection to find answers to many questions. I then moved to the Left Bank with my partner but could not bring myself to sell this house. For us it has become like a country home, where we leave on Friday evening and return on Sunday. We receive friends there, sunbathe in the summer courtyard, garden a little and are out of town without leaving the city! And since the start of Covid, this house has become a place for work. I have my office here and host clients or friends for lunch in a relaxed atmosphere far from stress.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT LIVING IN YOUR HOME? The calm. It is located in a particularly busy street in the heart of Paris and yet it is far from the city noise. I like to live surrounded by books, drawings and objects I have chosen or have been given to me which bring many memories.

I like the fact that this house allows, through its layout and its different atmospheres, the most perfect privacy as well as the greatest friendliness.

IS THERE A PERIOD OR STYLE THAT APPEALS TO YOU? I am eclectic in my tastes and curious about everything. When it comes to furniture, my taste is for the second half of the 20th century. Then I like to add older touches.

IF YOU DIDN’T LIVE HERE, WHERE ELSE WOULD YOU LIVE? In Paris, of course, or London. But with Covid, city life has become heavy and I long for the countryside. We are buying a house in the Gers [region] in southwest France. This new project is in a former convent and close to nature.

WHICH OTHER ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS ARE INSPIRING YOU? Pierre Yovanovitch for his sense of purity. India Mahdavi’s colourful universe.

For ceramics, Anne Jochum’s vegetal poetry, the precious strangeness of Sophy MacKeith, Paola Paronetto and Fenella Elms. In drawing and illustration, Sacha Floch Poliakoff, Marie-Victoire de Bascher, Alexandre Benjamin Navet (who customised the Ruinart bottle), Cécile Huang and Matthieu Cossé, for his impressive fresco for Hermès. Also, Victor Cadene, Séverin Millet, Michaël Cailloux, Gianpaolo Pagni, Jordane Saget, Cecilia Carlstedt, Emma Larsson and Gill Button.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? Making the new house in Gers a great place for us and our friends, as well as it being a professional adventure. After having organised, as an artistic director, big parties within some of the most renowned Parisian caterers for more than 20 years, I am now figuring out how to create memorable moments for new customers. It is an exciting opportunity to tell and stage great stories, which is what I love above all else.

This page The low-ceilinged bedroom includes artworks by Pierre Collin, Jean-Philippe Delhomme, Emmanuel Pierre, Bernard Buffet, Cyril Cabry, Denis Polge, William Steig and André Derain which are exhibited in salon style. Breakfast tray from Kaymet London. Bed linen from Merci Paris and an alpaca blanket bought in Santiago beside a USM side table with La Redoute lamp.

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Material whirl High-visibility glamour for occasions when the spotlight shines on you.

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1 Armani Privé Fall 21. 2 Dundas laced-front sequined and beaded mini dress, approx. $8048, from Matchesfashion.com. 3 Gold series ‘W160 BP’ baby grand piano, $12,995, from Wertheim. 4 Barovier & Toso ‘Monumental’ chandelier, POA, from Nicholas & Alistair. 5 Dolce & Gabbana asymmetric boxy-fit silk blazer, $3900, from Farfetch. 6 Bvlgari Heritage Collection 1991 necklace, formerly in the collection of Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, in gold with amethysts, citrines, pink tourmalines, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, POA, from Bvlgari. 7 Dolce & Gabbana tailored silk mini shorts, $950, from Matchesfashion. com. 8 Versace renaissance-print silk-twill scarf, $581, from Matchesfashion.com. 9 Chanel 1980s gripoix earrings, approx. $3194, from 1stdibs. 10 Kartell big battery table lamp, $515, from Space. 11 Rosantica mini ‘Holli Chevron’ bag, $1865, from Farfetch. 12 Amina Muaddi ‘Gilda’ sandals in Dalmatian print, $1848, from Farfetch. 13 Paco Rabanne double-wrap chain necklace, $817, from Farfetch. 14 Versace barocco-print fringed silk-twill cushion, $411, from Matchesfashion.com. 15 ‘Ballam’ brass and marble side table by Ayush Kasliwal, $299, from CB2.

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Kim Cattrall and Tom Hanks in The Bonfi re of the Vanities (1990).

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Trading up Capture hearts and minds as the winner in the best-dressed stakes.

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P H OTO G R A P H Y A L A M Y ( F I L M ST I L L ) , G E T T Y ( N E W S PA P E R ).

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1 Etro Home tiger-print valet tray, $265, from Farfetch. 2 ‘Sentry Chrono’ watch in Gold and Blue Sunray, $480, from Nixon. 3 French ‘Loop’ lounge chair, POA, from Nicholas & Alistair. 4 Polo Ralph Lauren ball cap, $79, from Myer. 5 Bottega Veneta half-rim aviator metal glasses, $530, from Matchesfashion. com. 6 John Lobb ‘Knighton’ suede slippers, $810, from Matchesfashion.com. 7 Balenciaga Fall 21 Couture. 8 Saint Laurent velvet bow tie, $250, from Matchesfashion.com. 9 Chanel gold logo cufflinks, approx. $832, from 1stdibs. 10 Fabrizio Smania sideboard in high-gloss lacquer finish with brass edging, POA, from Nicholas & Alistair. 11 Amouage ‘Boundless’ EDP, $459/100ml, from Libertine Parfumerie. 12 Pair of 19th-century French flambeaux with putti empire gilt bronze candelabra, approx. $24,740, from 1stdibs. 13 Mbeat 2-in-1 USB turntable/cassette recorder, $98, from Harvey Norman. 14 Versace ‘Greca’ lanyard phone case, $540, from Farfetch. 15 Sébline patchwork cotton-poplin shirt, $456, from Matchesfashion.com.

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RIGHT NOW

Library

THE MONOCLE BOOK OF HOMES

BY DESIGN A dazzling array of interior projects light up the pages of this tome, imbuing it with elegance and high style.

From a Florentine villa by Dimorestudio to Greg Natale’s Sydney apartment and including international clubs, restaurants, shops and hotels in stellar cities, the world’s best contemporary interior designers are celebrated. Think glamour, innovation, excitement, colour and panache, this is a who’s who of design to savour. Phaidon editors, Phaidon, $100

High wattage Virtuoso designs in the spotlight.

LA fashion designer turned interiors guru Jenni Kayne is an influencer and tastemaker par excellence. Her design ethos leans towards the natural and organic, and this book features her own home as well as others by the beach, in the city, the desert or the mountains that display a similar warm, earthy and artisan approach. Preferencing texture over colour, the details and personal vignettes in these homes will delight and inspire. Jenni Kayne, Rizzoli, $90

LIFE’S A BEACH Relaxed, simple design characterises the typical beachhouse, but the properties featured here are anything but typical. From Montauk in the US and Goa in India to Australian east coast gems by designers Tamsin Johnson and Pamela Makin, each house is an idiosyncratic response to the location, environment and aesthetic of its owners, the common thread being proximity to rolling waves, windswept sands and a laidback lifestyle. Sarah Trounce, Kacie McGeary, Laura Box, Gestalten, $95

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Edited by JUDY PASCOE

SPACES FOR LIVING This is the first book of Sydney-based interior designer Tamsin Johnson, whose recherché flair is highly sought after. Her facility in combining pieces of disparate provenance and eras into a harmonious whole is her calling card.

Whimsy and surprise infuse her schemes, which are unfailingly fresh and exciting while being resolutely sophisticated.

Bold gestures, fabulous finds and a touch of theatre are all in abundant supply on these dynamic pages. Tamsin Johnson, Rizzoli, $110

LIVE NOW Extended periods of time spent at home during the past year have had their upside, not the least of which has been a reassessment of our surroundings. Lauded US interior designer Victoria Hagan had just such a rethink, resulting in the conception of this book that affirms the importance of home in the chicest possible way. A creative handbook, it illustrates the virtues of simplicity, serenity and refinement in residences from Manhattan to Sonoma.

Victoria Hagan, Rizzoli, $110

BY D E S I G N F I R ST S P R E A D : K E L LY W E A R ST L E R , LOS A N G E L E S , C A L I FO R N I A , U S A ( PAG E S 2 92 - 2 93 ) , S ECON D S P R E A D : R P M I L L E R , N E W Y O R K C I T Y, N E W Y O R K A N D A S P E N , CO LO R A D O, U S A ; M E X I CO C I T Y, M E X I CO ( PAG E S 2 92 - 293) .

L I F E ’ S A B E AC H : P RO J ECT BY E T N A A RC H I T ECT, P HOTO G R A P H E D BY N ICO L E F R A N Z E N

PACIFIC NATURAL AT HOME

If you’re looking to make the most of your home, this book provides a cornucopia of ideas. Sweeping across 20 remarkable abodes from Berlin to Brisbane it includes interviews with architects and owners, and advice on everything from furniture to plants. Whether a hideaway in a forest or a sky-high city pad, each project tells a compelling story of life well lived within its walls.

Tyler Brûlé, Nolan Giles, Andrew Tuck, Thames & Hudson, $100

CHAIR woman Holding fast to the company’s enduring ethos, creative and brand director Georgia Danos helms JRF, inspiring the design of its new Sydney showroom.

Photography AL ANA L ANDSBERRY

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Creative Space

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OW WAS JRF FOUNDED? The JRF brand (formerly James Richardson Furniture) was set up in 1956 in a handshake deal between our founder, my grandfather David Mandie AM OBE, and the then owner of TON, the oldest Michael Thonet factory in existence, to import the original bentwood chairs to Australia for the first time. Today, we are their longest standing clients worldwide. The trust, authenticity and honesty of that handshake deal is something that inspires us every day. Built on the same values, JRF never compromises on quality or relationships, and goes above and beyond to ensure our clients are happy and expectations exceeded.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR ENDURING CREATIVE INFLUENCES? The inimitable Patricia Urquiola is my ultimate creative influence. Her interiors, carpets and furniture are so special. Kelly Wearstler is another wonder woman whose work I adore. When I was studying architecture at university, Glenn Murcutt was also a great inspiration.

IS THERE A COMMON ELEMENT THAT RUNS THROUGH YOUR WORK? We have a service-led approach, putting clients first and ensuring we help them meet their brief. Each team member has vast product knowledge, and an understanding of design and craftsmanship.

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WHAT WERE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR SYDNEY SHOWROOM?

Waterloo has emerged as a creative hub. With Tongue n Groove flooring, Koda Lighting and other leading interiors companies close by we are in good company. We are only a stone’s throw away from Alexandria, with its array of interiors and design showrooms.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SPACE? The space was exceptionally bare bones, as you imagine a classic Waterloo warehouse would be, but its abundant natural light drew us to it. The afternoon sun dapples the main space, illuminating the showroom in a spectacular lambency. We asked interior designers Hecker Guthrie to create a wholesale showroom that felt like a welcoming retail space and as a perfect backdrop for our beautiful products. It was to accommodate our office space, too, so it had to be functional. It has the feel of a collaborative, creative space: bright, relaxed and welcoming.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES? TON’s enduring pieces such as the ‘Armchair 30’ by Michael Thonet and ‘Hoffmann 811’

by Josef Hoffman hold a special place in my heart. The contemporary star of the show has to be the Miniforms ‘Soda’ table. Shaped by three glassmakers, the craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal of this blown-glass piece is unparalleled. I’m also loving their gorgeous sculptural ‘Ozz’ lamp that doubles as a side table.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT WORKING IN THE SPACE? When you’re upstairs, it feels as if it could be somewhere much more tropical.

The tree-top views with rainbow lorikeets flitting around is so special, and rare to find in such an urban environment. Working at the Manerba ‘Apollo’ desk never gets old, and I particularly love the cork dividers! Above all, reuniting with my wonderful team, who are such a constant support and source of inspiration for me.

TELL US ABOUT SOME RECENT PROJECTS THAT YOU ENJOYED WORKING ON? Our partnership with Ross Didier has been so rewarding. We have just put his range into Adam D’Sylva’s new Boca Gelateria which is amazing. Working with Acme & Co. on Gimlet restaurant and bar at Cavendish House was also wonderful, and being a part of a new Melbourne hospitality institution in the reinvigoration of the city post 2020 has been such an honour.

WHAT OTHER PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? There’s a lot in the pipeline for JRF this year. We are poised to launch a really exciting collaboration with one of Australia’s key female furniture designers. We are also in the midst of a huge hospitality project that is immense in scale and in culinary reputation, and I am working on a personal design project that has been massively fulfilling and is serving as a huge source of inspiration. jrf.com.au

This page, clockwise from top The light-filled JRF wholesale showroom serves as a beautiful foil to the extensive collections of high-end furniture. ‘Gunzel’ bar table and stools by rD by Ross Didier. A selection of Miniforms chairs and stools. Pedrali ‘Tribeca’ outdoor chairs and stools. ‘Colony’ cane coffee table by Skrivo Design.

Miniforms ‘Claretta’ chairs surround a ‘Barry’ table by Alain Gilles with Palladio Moro marble top. Opposite page JRF’s Georgia Danos sits on a Manerba ‘Undecided’ armchair with two Miniforms ‘Soda’ glass side tables, ‘Chap’ side table in Palladio Moro marble and ‘Ozz’ floor lamp.

Luxe Files

New wave Whether embarking on intrepid forays in nature or exalting designers with the daring to change our world, Ewan McEoin – the NGV’s senior curator of contemporary art, design and architecture – likes things “the wilder the better”.

This page Ewan McEoin inside Botanical pavilion, 2020, by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and Australian artist Geoff Nees at the NGV Triennial 2020.

Lee Ufan’s Dialogue can be seen behind.

P HOTO G R A P H Y R H I A N NO N TAY LO R ( E WA N M C EO I N P O RT R A I T ), S H A RY N C A I R N S ( G I M L E T R E STAU R A N T ) , A L A M Y ( ST U D I O A A LTO, H E LS I N K I ) .

B I O R EG I O N A L R I N G S 1– 1 2, 2 021 BY K Y O KO H A S H I M OTO A N D G U Y K EU L E M A N S F RO M ‘ S A M P L I NG T H E F U T U R E ’ AT T H E NGV

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THE ARTIST WHO HAS BEEN AN ENDURING INFLUENCE? Alvar Aalto [1+2]. As a young architecture journalist, I had the opportunity to travel to Finland on a tour of Aalto’s seminal projects, including his lakeside summer house and studio he shared with his wife and collaborator Aino Marsio-Aalto. Aalto’s unique interpretation of modernism, which was humanist while remaining in dialogue with nature, offered a set of values that made sense to me. I recall being fascinated by his capacity to shift in scale – from vase to chair, house to hospital.

That trip began an ongoing conversation for me about design being rooted in place, respectful of the local, a balancing act between technology and craft.

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WHO YOU ADMIRE? I believe situations with emotional intensity are what defines memory and shapes us as individuals. I admire artists, designers and architects who maintain an expanded view of the interconnections and entanglement of life. They can create opportunities for people to step outside themselves – to transcend the everyday and momentarily grasp something bigger than us all. I have admiration for those who orient their practice towards the audience, inviting people into a shared experience.

WHAT DREW YOU TO A CAREER IN DESIGN? My parents are designers so I grew up in a place where design was valued. I studied environmental science and have always been fascinated by systems and ecologies. I also love writing. These led me to a job at an architecture magazine. Design and architecture appealed as a sector that is creative [and] capable of improving the world.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? I have a soft spot for minimalist camping gear, but at home I’m not much of a collector perhaps due to the fact that I spend my working life growing and overseeing the collections at the NGV. We collect actively and ambitiously. It’s a unique opportunity, but also a responsibility, knowing works we collect today will tell the stories of our time into the future.

BOOKS – WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW? On the odd occasion I read fiction I gravitate to magical realism. Being Irish I would encourage anyone to have a read of Flann O’Brien [3]. Most of the time I am trawling current affairs.

MUSIC – WHAT IS ON ROTATION IN THE OFFICE AND AT HOME? Agnes Obel, Ben Frost, Armand Amar, Nils Frahm, Max Richter, Ketil Bjørnstad, Ólafur Arnalds, Ryuichi Sakamoto [4]. I also trawl Spotify and love the adjacencies it affords.

FAVOURITE FLOWERS? Ones that are still living, especially Australian alpine and heathland flowers such as banksias [8]. On a trip to Cape Conran on a misty summer morning I discovered banksias laden with nectar. I collected quite a bit with my sons, we drank it – a beautiful reminder of the vitality of the bush.

BEST DOWNTIME (IF YOU EVER HAVE ANY) PURSUIT? I like to be in nature – the wilder the better. Long trail runs, ocean swimming and kayaking. I live close to Birrarung/Yarra River. Many say [it] isn’t swimmable due to pollution and runoff. Through an exhibition I curated I got talking to people [calling] for a swimmable Yarra. They had water quality readings which looked OK. Years later and after no ill side-effects I’ve come to love swimming there. I swam all through winter with my sons. Locals thought we were mad. But then I noticed other people started too. My theory is that if enough people swim, together we will shift thinking and clean the river. It is my little protest movement.

RESTAURANT OF CHOICE? The last lovely dinner with friends was at Gimlet [5].

A favourite with family is Horn Please. For brunch I visit Cibi.

FILMS THAT HAVE INSPIRED YOU? Penguin Bloom [6]. Both my sons, Griffin and Essi, acted in the film. Griffin spent quite a bit of time away filming in NSW. Seeing him follow his passion and succeed in an open casting call was brilliant.

TRAVEL – FAVOURITE REGULAR HAUNT AND WHERE IS ON YOUR MUST-SEE LIST? I’ve been attending the Venice Architecture Biennale for a while. I love the city, the lack of cars, the walkability and pace. I used to live in Japan. I would love to delve deep over a summer of walking. I’d like to spend more time in China.

PROJECTS YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO? ‘Sampling the Future’ [7], an exhibition of speculative design. The Rigg Design Prize, focused on advertising and visual communications. The NGV Architecture Commission [9], a large pink pond and landscape reminiscent of Australia’s inland lakes. We will host Melbourne Design Week in March 2022 and, in 2023, the second instalment of Melbourne Now and the third NGV Triennial. But the most exciting [and] ambitious is the competition for the NGV Contemporary building, a huge gallery in a revitalised Arts Precinct. Backed by the Victorian government, this is one of the most important cultural developments in Australia today. ngv.vic.gov.au

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HOMES Sumptuous materials within plus spectacular settings without adds up to a winning formula in every one of these breathtaking Australian residences.

MIRROR FINISH In the formal sitting and dining room of this Victorian terrace home by Chelsea Hing, Knoll ‘Platner’ armchairs in velvet from De De Ce border a Glas Italia ‘Massi Tavoli Bassi’ low table from Space. Pink object from Modern Times. See Finishing Touch, p136.

Photography RHIANNON TAYLOR

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This page The outdoor terrace received as much design attention as the interior spaces. Paola Lenti ‘Afra’ armchairs and ‘Zoe’ outdoor rug, both from De De Ce. B&B Italia ‘Ayana’ coffee table from Space. Built-in seating with custom upholstery by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh. Inside, India Mahdavi ‘Bishop’ stool from Studio ALM. Opposite page Artwork, Without trees and plants around my home I believe my soul would shrivel, by Nicola Moss from Arthouse Gallery. Ringvide ‘Weave’ credenza from Criteria. India Mahdavi ‘Don Giovanni’ lamp and vase, both from Studio ALM. Sculpture by Kristiina Engelin from Curatorial+Co.

Sydney

HOME

LIGHT SWITCH

Words JUDY PA SCOE Photography PRUE RUSCOE Styling OLGA LEWIS

Dialling up the interior colour palette from dark to light introduced a lively, contemporary ambience to this family home in Sydney.

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aced with an overwhelming amount of dark timber joinery and chocolate-hued floors, the new owners of this house on Sydney’s lower North Shore called on interior design studio Hugh-Jones Mackintosh to lighten and brighten the interior for their young family.

The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home plus study had only been built a few years earlier, but the heaviness of its interior fit-out did not match the sunny position or the tranquil views of Sydney Harbour from the upstairs rooms.

Before they purchased the house, the family had moved around interstate for several years and, having grown tired of renting and living in different locations, were keen to put down roots. While they loved the location of the property and the size of the flat block, the house was not exactly their dream home.

“The owners approached us to work some interior design magic,” says founding principal Justine Hugh-Jones. Adds principal Katrina Mackintosh: “The house was unimaginative and bland, and the layout was predictable.” It wasn’t hard for the duo to see how they could elevate the mood and “weave a new look into an existing house”.

The downstairs living areas immediately benefited from a wash of Dulux ‘Snowy Mountains Half’ and the floors were sanded to a natural oak shade, which provided a luminous and neutral backdrop. The joinery was painted and remodelled to blend into the interior. However, Justine says they didn’t want to “just do a white house. In lightening it up, you have to be clever with warmth,” she says.

All new furniture was selected for the home and the designers had carte blanche from their “very trusting clients”. The chosen colour palette features coastal shades without being beachy, says Katrina, and pops of mustard, blush and terracotta throughout lend depth. Texture and an eclectic combination of shapely furniture add interest and sophistication.

“We made considered choices with the furniture,” says Katrina. “The ‘Bell’ round dining table by The Wood Room, for instance, was a better choice than a rectangular one, as it opens up the space and lets people move freely around it.” »

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Sydney

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This page The dining area has a ‘Bell’ table from The Wood Room and De La Espada ‘Elliot’ chairs from Criteria under an Apparatus ‘Trapeze 7’ pendant light, also from Criteria. Bowl on table from Space.

Cappellini ‘Hi-Pad’ stools from Cult. Artwork by Meg Walters from Michael Reid Sydney. On the bench, India Mahdavi ‘Bicephale’ fruit tray in Yellow from Studio ALM, vase from Ondene and white antique vase from Greene & Greene. Opposite page, clockwise from top left In the living area, &Tradition ‘Little Petra’ armchairs from Cult. In the bookcase, ceramics and vases by Katarina Wells and Iggyandloulou, and rattan ginger jar from Orient House. Custom sofa and coffee table by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh.

On coffee table, Aerin vase from Palmer & Penn. Pink sculpture by Anya Pesce from .M Contemporary.

India Mahdavi ‘Big Flower’ cushion from Studio ALM. Pink cushions from Tigger Hall Design. Baxter ‘Bruxelles’ armchairs from Criteria with &Tradition ‘Lato’ side table from Cult. Artwork by Nicola Moss from Arthouse Gallery. The dining area overlooks the outdoor terrace. ‘Bell’ table from The Wood Room.

De La Espada ‘Elliot’ chairs and Apparatus ‘Trapeze 7’ pendant light, both from Criteria.

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This page, clockwise from top left The new wine room is a favourite of the owners and the designers. Custom bar table by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh with ‘Iva’ stools from Grazia&Co. Michaël Verheyden ‘Kando’ vase from Ondene.

Artwork, Pride of Madeira (Echium candican) in Spring 2017,

by Tamara Dean from Michael Reid Sydney. Custom curved leather banquette seat by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh. Cushions from Tigger Hall Design. Gubi ‘Sejour’ armchairs from Criteria.

Blind by Simple Studio. An artwork by Meg Walters from Michael Reid Sydney is displayed above the custom leather banquette seat. Opposite page B&B Italia ‘Eracle’ console from Space. Murano vase from Conley & Co. Brown ceramic bowl from Rudi Rocket. Moser vase from Conley & Co. ‘Surface’ sconce from Studio Henry Wilson. Artwork by Ken Knight from Wentworth Galleries. The steel-framed glass doors enclose the new wine room.

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Sydney

« While the furniture needed to be family friendly, the owners embraced high-end investment pieces by designers such as India Mahdavi and Paola Lenti, and the selections are eclectic and punchy. From the living room’s custom-designed sofa in Maharam ‘Pebble Wool’, the &Tradition ‘Little Petra’ armchairs with tactile sheepskin upholstery, the Baxter ‘Bruxelles’ leather armchairs and the sculptural ‘Bishop’ stool by India Mahdavi to the master bedroom’s custom undulating bedhead, De La Espada gloss lacquer tallboy and velvet ‘Petit Swoon’ chair, there is a sense of youthful vitality at every turn.

One of the home’s main attractions is the new wine room crafted out of an existing kids’ playroom. Adding steel-framed glass doors to link it to the living room, while maintaining separation, ensured it delivered “interest and an idea of temptation”, says Justine. A large room with comfortable built-in leather banquette seating, wine storage and a bar area, it is a favourite of both the designers and the owners, who say, “It has turned an area of the house with low natural light into the perfect room.”

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Outside, the level block ticks all the boxes for the young family and the house nestles into its established landscaping, with the designers facilitating an easy connection between indoors and out.

“It needed to look dynamic, rather than just coming off the living room,” says Justine, so the terrace is furnished with a Paola Lenti setting in muted blues and greens that echoes the colours in the surrounding garden and pool as well as the palette inside. “The clients loved the sculptural shape of those chairs and realised that an outside room is just as important to get right as an inside one.”

In the upstairs bedrooms, light and sun dance around the walls painted in gelato hues. The master bedroom’s scalloped bedhead in teal strikes a soft, romantic note while accents of mustard add energy and tonal balance.

The designers were also charged with helping the clients in their art selection, and a judicious mix of graphic artworks by such respected names as Nicola Moss and Meg Walters complements the contemporary and polished ambience of the home. # hughjonesmackintosh.com

This page In the study, a vintage Jakob Rudowski easy chair. ‘Chub’ Carrara and oak coffee table from Sarah Ellison. Custom upholstery and cushions by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh. Custom rug by The Green Room. Vintage dish from Rudi Rocket. Cactus vases from Hay. Artwork by Kate Ballis from Arthouse Gallery. Opposite page, from left A large Apparatus ‘Arrow’ pendant light in aged brass from Criteria hangs above a Cassina ‘Ventaglio’ oak desk and ‘LC7’ swivel chair, both from Mobilia. B&B Italia ‘Husk’ two-seater sofa from Space beneath the window. Custom rug by The Green Room. In the shelves, Future Rumination artwork by Andy Harwood from Studio Gallery.

India Mahdavi ‘Zoom’ vase from Studio ALM and Guaxs vases from Conley & Co.

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Sydney

The bedhead strikes a soft, romantic note while accents of mustard add energy and tonal balance.

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These pages Blue hues create a serene mood in the master bedroom. Custom bed, bedhead and ottoman by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh. ‘Petit Swoon’ chair from Great Dane. On bedside table, Aerin sculpture from Palmer & Penn and vase by Katarina Wells from Curatorial+Co. India Mahdavi ‘Bonbon’ round cushion in Yellow from Studio ALM. Society Limonta throw from Ondene. Bed linen from Hale Mercantile Co. Curtains by Simple Studio. Artwork by Clara Adolphs from Chalk Horse.

SPEED READ » Design studio Hugh-Jones Mackintosh was charged with lightening and brightening the dark, heavy interiors of a family home on Sydney’s lower North Shore. » A wash of Dulux ‘Snowy Mountains’ on the walls and floorboards sanded back to a natural oak set the scene for the fresh new look. » Not wishing to do ‘a white house’, the design duo introduced warmth with a palette of coastal colours pepped up with accents of mustard, terracotta and blush. » Texture and shapely furniture deliver interest and sophistication, from the sheepskin-upholstered armchairs in the living room to the scalloped bedhead in the master suite. » The standout feature is the new wine room, which the designers crafted out of the former kids’ playroom. It now functions as a sophisticated adults’ retreat.

This page The 1879 home is in a row of heritage-listed terraces and enjoys intimate views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Opposite page The facade and the cast-iron balustrading have been painstakingly restored.

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Sydney

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Putting on THE RITZ

Words JUDY PA SCOE Photography ANSON SMART

The rich historical character of this inner Sydney terrace has been overlaid with glamorous contemporary detailing to create a home that is at once significant and luxurious.

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This page The dining area on the lower ground floor has an Alexander Lamont ‘Folly’ wall sconce in bronze and gold leaf from Milgate above a ‘Bahati’ chair from Boyd Blue, which is upholstered in Camengo ‘Guyane’ from The Textile Company. Hollandlac paint finish in custom Peacock Blue. The stair runner is Langhorne Carpet Company ‘Zebra Loop’ in Black/White from Premier Carpets. Opposite page Cleopatra, 2019 by Petrina Hicks from Michael Reid Sydney makes a statement on the original sandstone wall, which has been refurbished. Mirror from Conley & Co hangs above a custom ‘Dolphin’ commode in lacewood veneer from Dessin Fournir, Los Angeles. ‘Twister’ table base in brass from Scala Luxury, LA, with a custom rift oak top by Thomas Hamel & Associates. Kelly Wearstler ‘Elliott’ dining chairs with a burnished brass finish and upholstered in Décor de Paris ‘Bargello’ in Black Aqua. Handpainted ‘Metal Leaf’ ceiling finish in White Fire

by David Bonk, San Francisco. Flooring is Thala sandstone in a herringbone pattern from Worldstone. Clients’ own vases.

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HOME

Sydney This page and opposite, bottom right The kitchen was relocated several times but now occupies the perfect position in the new extension leading to the garden. Custom cabinetry by Thomas Hamel & Associates in Dulux ‘Domino’ by Joinery Group with Pietra Cardosa stone benchtop and Calacatta Oro marble island benchtop from Worldstone. Splashback in Mosaïque Surface ‘Moscow Petite’ in polished Carrara Oro and brass from The Fine Line, Chicago. Perrin & Rowe tapware from The English Tapware Company. Custom ‘CHP’ light fitting from The Urban Electric Company. Custom bar stools in old iron and antique brass from Paul Ferrante, LA, upholstered in Holly Hunt ‘Jet Set’ leather in Barbados. Opposite page, top left The loggia is furnished with ‘Amalfi’ lounge chairs from Janus et Cie with cushions in Perennials ‘Diamonds are Forever’ from Tigger Hall Design. ‘Jean’ marble side table and ‘Nobbu’ black ash and brass console, both from Regency Distribution. Armadillo ‘Dune’ rug. Linea ‘La Traviata’ wall lights from LightCo. Artwork, Awakening #4 – Yellow Tails, by Joseph McGlennon from Michael Reid Sydney. Top right The casual seating area in the kitchen has a custom banquette by Thomas Hamel & Associates, upholstered in DeLany and Long ‘Poseidon’ with custom cushions in Rose Cumming ‘Banana Leaves’ in Gold from Fournir Collections. Nettie Darr table base from Avrett, US, with a custom top in glazed lavastone from Pyrolave. Custom light fittings in distressed brass from Besselink & Jones, London. Artwork, Untitled #71 by Brett Weir from Michael Reid Sydney.

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ecognising a unique opportunity to buy and renovate a significant heritage-listed terrace in Sydney’s inner city led to a long, taxing, but ultimately rewarding experience for these owners. The couple had fallen in love with the row of terraces, originally built around 1879 to house the crew members of the prison ships that docked in Sydney Harbour. They realised it was a “generational opportunity” and a “one-off experience” that they would not find elsewhere.

The terraces had been built to enclose the first home on the site which had been a c1830 Georgian mansion owned by a prominent merchant. Extensions on either side and an extra floor across the top of the row created the profile that still exists today.

Before the couple purchased the property it had been used as public housing for several decades. Unsurprisingly it was in poor condition, though its proximity to the harbour and intimate views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House were entrancing.

However, what the couple hoped would be a straightforward renovation project turned out to be a major undertaking lasting four years. There was extensive rising damp and black mould, floorboards were rotting, and heritage features needing repair.

The challenge was to restore the former glory of the home and preserve the craftsmanship of the decorative Victorian Italianate motifs while creating a contemporary, luxurious residence.

Though there were heritage restrictions, a fire in the 1990s had destroyed some parts of the house affording the freedom to redesign rooms, add new features and, most importantly, install a glass lift to service the four levels. »

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« Once the extensive structural and restoration work was completed by a team of specialist builders the home was ready to welcome the owners’ lavish decorating desires. Originally from the UK they wanted to create a glamorous, grand, historically rich home, “Mayfair by the harbour”, as they described it.

With an introduction from friends, the couple approached Thomas Hamel & Associates to assist with their aspirations. “It was fortuitous timing,” says Thomas, “as our creative director Becky Yager had just relocated from the US, bringing with her a wealth of international exposure to complement their global vision – they were the perfect match.”

The layout of the house offered a variety of configurations but they settled on the top floor for a guest suite, the next level as the master bedroom and ensuite, a formal living room and study at street level, and a kitchen, casual living and dining on the lower floor leading to the garden at the back.

While the house is rich in historical detail it is also lavished with decorative design in wallpapers, rugs, art, lighting and furniture.

The dining room walls, for instance, are finished in a turquoise lacquer offsetting an original sandstone feature wall and gold-leaf detailing on the ceiling. In fact, all the ceilings throughout have been treated to a specialist paint finish, gold leaf or wallpaper to add an extra layer of interest. “The clients were thrilled that there was an additional surface to create further magic,” says Becky. “There’s not a plain surface in sight.”

With a fondness for colour and pattern, the clients urged Becky on and there is an array of opulent appointments including bespoke gold and marble mosaic tiles imported from Chicago, a custom Italian farmhouse sink from Florence, a zebra-patterned stair runner and fabrics from international design houses. The clients already had some items that they wished to incorporate including a bespoke Oriental rug, an antique desk and a large-scale painting of the Dalai Lama. The artwork was reframed in bronze which pops against the black polished plaster stucco walls of the study.

The gold-accented wall sconces by Alexander Lamont in the dining room, the framed ‘Coco Coromandel’ panels by »

This page, from top The guest suite on the top floor enjoys a bird’s eye view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Louis XIV armchair from The Vault Sydney. Cushion in Dedar ‘Twist Again’ in Pétrole with trim in ‘Oberon’ twisted cord by Samuel & Sons from South Pacific Fabrics. Clients’ side table. Custom curtains by Thomas Hamel & Associates in de Le Cuona ‘Florence’ in Haze from Boyac with an ‘RTC Boulette’ fringe in Twilight by Samuel & Sons from South Pacific Fabrics. Custom joinery by Bober. The guest bathroom has a custom mirror and vanity by Thomas Hamel & Associates in black lacquer with a Carrara stone top from Worldstone.

Hudson Valley ‘Ellery’ wall light from LightCo. Devon&Devon ‘Admiral Lux’ bath and Brodware ‘Classique’ tapware from Candana. ‘Ming’ mosaic floor tiles from The Fine Line, Chicago, and Carrara marble brick bond wall tiles from Worldstone below a stucco polished-plaster finished in pale mint. Artwork, Guthega by Catherine Nelson from Michael Reid Sydney. Opposite page Custom bedhead

by Thomas Hamel & Associates in Schumacher ‘Brighton Pavilion’ in Multi from Orient House and a custom valance in Thomas Lavin ‘Leo’ in Coral, with rolled cushion in Classic Cloth ‘Basque’ in Rose from Schrader & Brass. ‘Sohag’ medallion rug from Miss Amara. ‘Acanthus’ bedside lamps from Domus Textiles with shades in Namay Samay ‘Zeimoto’ in Frangipani from Paralume. Barbara Barry ‘Simple Scallop’ pendant light from Laura Kincade.

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This page In the salon on the lower ground floor, a custom sofa by Thomas Hamel & Associates in Jim Thompson ‘Pebble’ in Boysenberry from Milgate and custom channel-tufted armchairs in Misia ‘Reflet de Narcisse’ in Bleu Paon from The Textile Company. Lumbar cushion in Lalie Design ‘Rubiscube’ from Tigger Hall Design and square cushion in Dedar ‘Tiger Mountain’ in Graphite. Custom coffee table by Thomas Hamel & Associates and side table in polished kudu horn with embossed leather top from Ngala Trading Co, New York. Custom Tibetan rug from Behruz Studio. On the Groundworks ‘Heavy Raffia’ wallpaper in Sage from Elliott Clarke hang Zanellato/Bortotto, André Fu, Raw Edges and Patricia Urquiola prints from Louis Vuitton, Untitled #11 – Where the Sidewalk Ends by Juli Balla from Becker Minty, and Sydney at Your Feet, January 1957, from Sydney Views, all framed by Acme Framing. Opposite page The owner says the zebra-patterned carpet linking the four levels is “totally unexpected and never fails to put a smile on my guests’ faces when I greet them”. Langhorne Carpet Company ‘Zebra Loop’ in Black/White from Premier Carpets.

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« de Gournay in the master bedroom suite and the bespoke hot pink and gold Behruz rug in the formal sitting room are reflective of the clients’ personalities, and combine to fashion a balanced and sophisticated interior.

For Becky, the triumph is the kitchen. “After various stages of planning this area and relocating it multiple times I think the end result has encapsulated the clients’ desire for global glam. And I love that we used an existing storage closet and transformed it into a sneaky wine cellar!”

With a spectacular glass ceiling admitting abundant natural light and copper cladding outside, the kitchen is undeniably a showpiece.

Thomas adds, “The glass ceiling and metal-framed doors highlight the existing exposed brickwork, adding contemporary detailing while acknowledging the original fabric of the building.”

The owners are delighted with their richly layered home. “It’s ritzy, fun, opulent, luxurious,” they say. “And we love the modernday liveability of the lower ground floor with the seamless connection between lounge, dining, kitchen, outdoor living and garden. We’ve added value and been respectful.” # thomashamel.com This page, clockwise from top left In the study, a custom armchair by Thomas Hamel & Associates in Brook Trout ‘Delphinium’ from Janus et Cie with cushion in Dedar ‘Tiger Silk’ in Miami Green from South Pacific Fabrics. Side table from Conley & Co. Custom zebra-print rug from Premier Carpets. Curtain in Hemptech ‘Rossano’ in Tempest from Mokum. The formal lounge is anchored by a bespoke rug the clients already owned. Custom sofa by Thomas Hamel & Associates in cotton velvet in Onyx from Rose Uniacke, London, and a ‘Loire’ bullion fringe by Samuel & Sons from South Pacific Fabrics. Coffee table from Conley & Co. DWC wallpaper from Fameed Khalique, London. The powder room has ‘Swirls’ wallpaper in Green Black from Robert Crowder & Co, California. Silver onyx basin surround from Worldstone with ‘Normandy Drop’ hammered copper sink from Waterworks, LA, and Cruciform antique brass tapware from Compass Stone, London. Custom mirror from Acme Framing. Opposite page The study with existing desk and chair. Vintage sputnik light from Conley & Co. Custom zebra-print rug from Premier Carpets. Custom ottoman by Thomas Hamel & Associates in Jim Thompson ‘Angkor’ in Blue Lagoon from Milgate. Clients’ own Dalai Lama artwork. Walls in black polished-plaster stucco by Di Emme Creative Solutions and Volantes Decorating Service.

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SPEED READ » When a heritage-listed terrace in Sydney’s inner city came on the market, this couple jumped at the chance to buy a unique property that was steeped in local history. » The challenge lay in the 1879 property being in poor condition and needing a complete structural makeover before the owners’ vision for a glamorous, contemporary, historically rich home could be realised. » Interior designers Thomas Hamel and Becky Yager were charged with delivering “the best of the best” for the interiors, in line with the couple’s flamboyant decorating style and their wish for lashings of global glamour. » On top of the home’s decorative and restored historic features the designers layered opulent rugs and wallpapers, gold-leaf ceilings, imported light fittings and arresting art to create a showstopping home in an iconic location.

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These pages, clockwise from top left The master bedroom suite has a custom wardrobe with joinery in aniline-dyed Tasmanian oak and framed panels wallpapered in Tapetex ‘Saray Silk’, with knobs from Joseph Giles, London. Custom bedhead by Thomas Hamel & Associates in Romo ‘Delano Thistle’ from Marco Fabrics with cushions in Weitzner ‘Adelaide’ in Thistle from South Pacific Fabrics.

Custom ‘Coco Coromandel’ wall panels by de Gournay. Décor De Paris ‘Luna Sheer’ curtains in Buttercream from Jerry Pair, LA. Vaughan ‘Beningbrough’ brass lantern from Domus Textiles. Mirror from Conley & Co. The glamorous master bathroom has mosaic ‘Nadja’ floor tiles in Calacatta Oro and brass from The Fine Line, Chicago, and a Calacatta Oro slab from Worldstone. ‘Elwick’ bath from Victoria + Albert with Brodware ‘Classique’ tapware from Candana. ‘Beatrice’ hanging lantern from Hector Finch, London. Custom roman blind by Thomas Hamel & Associates in Décor de Paris ‘Luna Sheer’ in Buttercream. Custom vanity by Thomas Hamel & Associates in anilinedyed timber with a Calacatta Viola top. Custom brass light fittings above vanity from Galerie des Lampes, Paris.

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FU N A N G A M ES D

Melbourne

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Words C ARLI PHILIP S Photography SHARYN CAIRNS Styling ROWENA MO ORE

With its joyful palette and brave use of forest green, this home is ground zero for good times.

This page “Sometimes things were difficult to visualise but we really trusted [interior designer] Jacinda,” says owner Nicola. In the entry, a decorative screen made from Perspex runs across two floors to form a balustrade on both – it references Art Deco motifs and includes drawers at the base. Oak floorboards in Nueve from Tongue n Groove. The inset timber circle echoes the curved, round silhouettes throughout, while a scalloped timber dowel column references the ribbed timber on the kitchen island bench. Opposite page Landscaping by Amanda Oliver Gardens complements Accoya textured sawn-timber cladding from Britton Timbers stained with Resene ‘Woodsman’ stain in Evergreen.

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onstop colour and a “place where 15 people can come and eat pizza” is what Nicola Caras and Nadav Baker wanted for their Melbourne home – a place where friends could come and “chill” and their kids could have pillow fights in the sunken living room.

While the playful brief reflected their love of colour, high-end materials and attention to detail were just as important. Nicola, a puzzle maker who commissions imagery from artists featuring illustrations of Prince Harry and Jay-Z, told architects and interior designers Bayley Ward to push the boundaries.

“We said, ‘Grey isn’t a colour’, and went from there,” says Nicola. “We told Bayley Ward not to be scared. The two-pack in the kitchen is peacock green, the powder room has dusty pink marble and the kids’ bathroom has red tapware and a navy Corian vanity. We kept telling them to keep going. Whenever we found a cool product, we just tried to use it somewhere.”

The only thing Nicola and Nadav, who used to own a gallery, feared was tame monochromes and humdrum finishes. The thrill of having gutsy clients wasn’t lost on interior designer Jacinda Jones, who worked alongside project architect Olena McCallum.

“Most clients say they love colour but when it actually comes down to the wire then they dilute it,” says Jacinda. “I’m very used to reining it in, but whenever I suggested something remotely muted to them they said it was too boring and to switch it out!”

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The superior brick construction and the couple’s objection to anything overly modern ultimately resulted in a full gut and rear extension rather than a knock-down.

Jacinda made delicate tweaks to the “very subtle Deco flavour” of the facade by adding curved edges on the portico and front steps.

The front door was replaced with ribbed glass and a steel-framed geometric motif. “It creates a stronger sense of arrival, a little more drama,” says Jacinda. A 1940s relic, the facade has a composed and conservative poker face – but inside, the entry is a show-stopper, with an oversized scalloped timber dowel and Perspex inset screen that aligns with the stairs and runs across both levels. Once enclosed, the staircase is now a “welcoming statement that glows”, says Jacinda.

The design concept involved removing all the harsh internal walls and rounding corners where possible. The desired effect was for a footprint with an easy, comfortable flow, with the exception being a dedicated craft room where Nicola and her daughter “don’t mind a bit of pasting, gluing and sticking”, she says. “It’s a place where [we] can work surrounded by the chaos of cereal boxes, polystyrene, pompoms and glitter.”

Tucked away at the front of the house, the original kitchen was replaced by a powder room and small network of utilities and service areas, including a butler’s pantry and laundry. Opposite, running down the northern side of the house, is the shared area with a sitting nook wrapped in heavy salmon drapes. »

This page The dining room was originally two disparate rooms and the doors were removed to create one open space. Custom dining table with ‘Soft Chairs’ by Daniel Emma. Rug from The Rug Collection. ‘Paperclip’ pendant light by Anna Charlesworth. In the background, Being Made Backwards In Time artwork by Joanna Mortreux from Obscura Gallery. Ligne Roset ‘Togo’ footstool from Domo. Curtains in ‘Venice’ velvet in Colour 48 from The Textile Company. Opposite page, from left On the staircase, Bolon ‘Graphic’ carpet in Herringbone. In the sitting room, Ligne Roset ‘Togo’ fireside chair and footstool with ‘Oxydation’ low table and ‘Jelly Fish’ vases on mantel, all from Domo. The lamp was gifted to Nicola by her business partner. Artwork on left wall by Barbara Kitallides.

Photograph on right wall by Andrew Babarczy.

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This page, clockwise from top left The original front steps and portico were redesigned with curved edges to echo the arch of the new steel front door.

“The building felt so modest, so forlorn,” says interior designer Jacinda Jones. “We gave it a sense of pride.” Inside, a drinks cabinet has joinery doors wallpapered in Nuvtex ‘Cane’ in Sienna from The Textile Company. Polished Forest Green marble from Peraway Marble dominates the kitchen, with Appiani ‘Anthologhia’ splashback tiles from Classic Ceramics. Joinery handles from Index + Co. ‘Radice’ stools by Mattiazzi from District. ‘Cherry’ pendant light by Petite Friture x Daniel Emma. ‘Paper Bag’ vase on island from Domo. Artwork by J.M Bleicher. Orange bowl by Tantri Mustika. Opposite page, from top The new brick wall separating the dining and sunken living area is Bowral dry-pressed bricks in Sentimental Silver from Austral Bricks. Sofa upholstered in ‘Venice’ velvet in Colour 29 from The Textile Company. Carpet in Forest 884 by Fyber. Coffee table from Bali with Georg Jensen ‘Alfredo’ bowl. Artwork by Daniel O’Toole. On the brick wall, Ligne Roset ‘Chantal’ table lamp from Domo. Sunny views are taken in on a window seat upholstered in Fabricut ‘Parotta’ fabric from The Textile Company. Artworks by Nico Brons (left) and Anna Hoyle.

« Double doors in this space were knocked out to make way for an open-plan dining area. A buffet at the foot of the dining table abuts an exposed brick dwarf wall marking the junction between the old and the new, where the living pit, adjacent kitchen and brick-lined outdoor patio are now located.

In addition to the Art Deco elements there are nods to the 1970s, with the forest green wraparound living room and velvet banquette, rattan-look weave wallpaper on the corner drinks cabinet and an oversized lampshade. Dotted throughout are paintings and photographs accumulated over time. “Nothing is super-duper fancy,” says Nicola. “Most of it is by up-and-coming artists, some of whom are friends. We’re always stalking galleries on Instagram.”

On the kitchen bench is a lenticular of Golda Meir, salvaged from Nadav’s parents’ hard rubbish. “It’s one of my favourite pieces.

When we put it in the house, all his siblings suddenly wanted it!”

Upstairs, a master bedroom was converted into a kids’ bedroom and, opposite, two bedrooms side-by-side were separated, with a bathroom inserted in between. The footprint was compact so that a new rear master bedroom, walk-in robe and ensuite was added, running the width of the first floor.

In the robe they went the whole hog, with apricot joinery and digitally printed Miami-themed wallpaper in mint, rose and lemon. For the ensuite, Nicola was set on a pink Karaman slab from Signorino, which was carved into a 3D trapezoidal-shaped vanity accompanied by a modern version of a hinged Deco dresser set against fluted glass. “It was difficult to finalise finishes for this space and the master robe because we were selecting things that were so unique that they were getting discontinued,” says Jacinda.

“It was a labour of love up here, a real smorgasbord of colour.” # bayleyward.com; amandaolivergardens.com.au; omnicon.com.au

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Melbourne This page Cole & Son ‘Icons’ wallpaper in Miami lines the entry to the master bedroom’s walk-in robe.

‘Whenever’ carpet in Tonight from SuperTuft. Curtains in Kvadrat ‘Zulu 2’ fabric. Opposite page, clockwise from top A pink Karaman marble slab from Signorino highlights the ensuite, with a Fienza ‘Nero’ freestanding stone bath and Astra Walker ‘Icon’ tapware, both from Benton’s. Narrow wall tiles from Academy Tiles. Ceramic vase by Tantri Mustika. Vertically laid brick on the rear facade links back to the separating wall in the dining and sunken living areas. The vanity mirror hinges on either side like an old Art Deco dresser and is suspended from the ceiling. It needed to be designed so that it could sit in front of the window while allowing light to penetrate.

SPEED READ » A 1940s relic, this home has been reinvigorated by architects and interior designers Bayley Ward who were briefed to steer clear of harsh contemporary lines and embrace colour. » The entryway is marked by a dramatic Art Deco-inspired Perspex screen with steel-framed geometric shapes that form a balustrade running across both floors. » Internal walls were knocked out to make space for an open-plan footprint. » Formerly at the front of the house, the kitchen was pushed out to the rear, with a new ribbed timber island bench echoing the fluted glass front door.

» The velvet-lined sunken living room was a “big expense but non-negotiable”, says interior designer Jacinda Jones. » The clients embraced colour, especially in wet areas with dusty pink marble, navy Corian and green stone. » Boycotting safe neutrals, the upstairs ensuite features a curved tiled wall with a rose marble vanity and modern iteration of a hinged Art Deco dresser. » “I didn’t want the house to be too grown-up, too ‘good taste’,” says Jacinda. “It needed to reflect the creative personalities of the clients and celebrate their rejection of everything having to match.”

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BLACK MAGIC Minimalist and monumental, every space in this seismic home was designed to have a green outdoor aspect.

Words C ARLI PHILIPS Photography SHANNON M C GR ATH Styling & art curation SWEE LIM

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These pages, from left The front door runs the full width of the entry and is made from an oak shiplap timber with a charcoal stain. The facade features off-form concrete and Vetropieno glass blocks from Glass Block Constructions. The formal living room is adjacent to the formal dining room at the front of the house off the gallery. Minotti ‘Leslie’ armchair sourced in London. Elementary Abacus standing sculpture by Marta Figueiredo. In the background can be seen two Minotti Freeman ‘Tailor’ sofas with a ‘Ritter’ coffee table and ‘Dibbets’ rug, all sourced from Minotti in London and available locally through De De Ce.

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Melbourne

eyond the imposing facade of this home in an exclusive Melbourne suburb lies a moody monolith of epic proportions. Dramatic from the moment of entry with a full-width 2.85-metre pivoting front door that reaches nearly 3.5 metres high, it’s a house rich with deep, dark accents: black Japan-stained American oak, charred timber, honed granite and Nero Marquina slabs. The monochrome palette is a trademark for architects ADDARC, which designed the home for Jack Merlo, who runs a landscape architecture business, his husband Ricardo and their young twins. The couple approached ADDARC directors Tamara Dunkley and Rohan Appel with somewhat of a strategic brief: to design a property suited to their current lifestyle but also one planned with foresight for the possibility of on-selling later.

“The brief placed emphasis on a strong synergy between architecture, interior and landscape with a functional demand for spaces suitable for large formal gatherings yet still appropriate for more intimate and relaxed family time,” says Tamara. For now, the couple wanted a home they could enjoy with their children and extended family visiting from overseas. For the future, they wanted it to have broad market appeal. They only had one major architectural directive – street presence.

“The property is at the end of a cul-de-sac and the neighbouring houses are very mixed. Part of our vision was about making sure it was legible and identifiable within the streetscape,” says Rohan. For passers-by, glass bricks make for an intriguing smokescreen. “As a material they are translucent enough to provide just the right amount of privacy. From the road, all you can see is a silhouette of what’s happening behind. There’s an ephemeral quality and at night, when it’s illuminated, it projects a soft glow.” »

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This page In the study, a Dale Frank artwork and a tall sculpture by Peter Cole rest on the console. ‘Hamilton Islands’ corner sofa, ‘Bresson’ coffee table and ‘Dibbets’ rug, all Minotti. On the coffee table, Elephante sculpture by Ben Sheers from Otomys. Red and black Henge ‘H’ vase from Home Italia. In a corner of the adjoining dining area, Table Mountain artwork by Richard Stringer from Fletcher Arts. Opposite page, from top Wall-to-ceiling shelving in the study holds favourite books and treasured objects. ‘Hamilton Islands’ corner sofa, ‘Leslie’ bergère armchair, ‘Leslie’ ottoman, ‘Bresson’ coffee table, ‘Leslie’ dining little armchairs, ‘Dibbets’ rug, all Minotti sourced in London. Throw on sofa is from Home Italia. On coffee table, Salvation no. 4 sculpture by Guan Wei from Arc One Gallery, Gold Bee by Richard Stringer from Fletcher Arts and a marble trapezoid sculpture by Kelly Wearstler. Flos ‘Taccia’ lamp on console. The Queen is Dead by Richard Stringer from Fletcher Arts.

Next to Halo standing artwork by Richard Stringer from Fletcher Arts (at the rear) the custom desk holds a Nahoor ‘Aireen’ brushed-brass table lamp and Radial sculpture by Ben Sheers from Otomys. Arper ‘Catifa Sensit’ chair from Stylecraft. Jack positioned huge planters and spilling foliage so that every window in the house would enjoy a glimpse of greenery.

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These pages, clockwise from left Swathes of snowy Statuario marble from Signorino clad the kitchen island, benchtop and splashback, contrasting with the band of dark-stained joinery in American oak veneer. On the island, vessel by Simone Karras from Pépite, brass salt and pepper mills, and ‘Salone’ tray by Kelly Wearstler. On the rear benchtop, Changeling sculpture by Mark Howson from Fletcher Arts and Tom Dixon pestle and mortar. In the formal living room, Minotti ‘Leslie’ armchair, Elementary Abacus standing sculpture by Marta Figueiredo and painting by George Raftopoulos. Oak parquetry flooring in charcoal stain from Le Parqueteur. In the formal dining area, Minotti ‘Creed’ chairs surround a custom table topped in Arabescato Grigio marble from Signorino. Venicem ‘Mondrian’ pendant light in brass and Murano glass. Peacocks arrangement by Victoria Whitelaw. View to outdoors from the gallery with a white sculpture on a plinth by Bruce Armstrong. Custom chandelier of pendant lights by Vibia. The floor is a black granite slab from Signorino. Sculpture outside by Guan Wei.

« The effect of shadow play was core to the design concept outside with the obfuscation of the glass bricks, and inside with the dance of light and shade from the celestial-like Vibia pendants positioned in a constellation spanning the double-height entrance gallery. It’s what Rohan refers to as the “axial heart of the house” with the formal dining and living on the right, and the library, kitchen, family room, meals and practical amenities to the left.

Seating for 24 in the formal entertaining zone with concealed bar called for grand gestures and ultra-luxe materiality, such as the custom stone table framed by velvet Minotti ‘Creed’ dining chairs and a contemporary Venicem ‘Mondrian’ glass chandelier. Art consultant Swee Lim of Swee Design was enlisted to curate the art, sculpture and objects. “The unique nature of the artworks against the scale of the architecture sets this project apart,” says ADDARC. The vast proportions continue into the south wing where there are shared spaces for everyday living. At the very rear, the home unfolds onto an alfresco pavilion with a green-carpeted lawn and lap pool. With the outdoors matching the house for size, it was primed for the landscaping scheme that included seasonal flora, clipped topiary and trees varying in scale. “The contemporary

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architecture with large expanses of glass provides a blurred line between inside and out, with the garden forming a backdrop to every room,” says Jack. Even in the basement, a cascading wall of ivy is visible from above, contrasting with the black marble and dark materiality. Throughout, Jack made way for intimate moments of foliage: an eastern ornamental garden with planting adjacent to the entrance, an oversized cylindrical planter with a Japanese maple and linear stepping stones. “The landscape was carefully considered to complement the clean lines of the architecture while providing a degree of lushness and layering.”

The upstairs floor is divided into four bedrooms – all with walkin wardrobes and ensuites – on one side of the hall, and a generous master suite opposite. Lined with upholstered leather walls and a stone fireplace, it’s accessorised with Nahoor lamps and Minotti furniture. The brief requested separate but side-by-side robes, each leading to bathrooms with granite floors and views to inset elevated planters. Solid-glass bricks replace conventional glazing, creating a “translucent veil upon which to glimpse the tranquil passing of the day, imbuing a surreal lustre and humility to the surrounds,” says Tamara. # addarc.com.au; jackmerlo.com; sweedesign.com.au

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These pages, from left Dramatic book-matched Nero Marquina slabs define the fireplace in the master bedroom, with a shelf over the Minotti ‘Tatlin Soft’ bed in the same marble set into a wall upholstered in quilted leather. Throw from Poliform. ‘Freeman’ bench, ‘Luggage’ armchair, ‘Catlin’ coffee table and Joy ‘Jut Out’ side table, all Minotti sourced in London. Nahoor ‘Mahari’ brushed-brass floor lamp and bedside lamps. ‘Surface’ mirror sculpture by Elliat Rich from Sophie Gannon Gallery. Chess set on table by Peter Cole from Fletcher Arts. One of Jack and Ricardo’s requirements was for side-by-side but completely separate walk-in robes and bathrooms, each of which features charcoal-stained oak parquetry underfoot and a view to exterior elevated planters with clumping bamboo.

Minotti ‘Self’ stool and dark joinery in the walk-in wardrobe. The window in the master ensuite offers views out to greenery. Astra Walker ‘Icon’ tapware.

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This page The family room at the rear of the house features ‘Yang’ sofa and ottoman, ‘Winston’ armchair, ‘Calder’ and ‘Ritter’ coffee tables and ‘Dibbets’ rug, all Minotti sourced in London. ‘Equatore’ floor lamp by FontanaArte. Ascensi artwork by Richard Blackwell from Flinders Lane Gallery near the door. On hearth, Passage 7 sculpture by Morgan Shimeld from Otomys. On coffee table, sculptures by Peter Cole and Queen Bee by Richard Stringer, both from Fletcher Arts. Opposite page View from the swimming pool into rear family living. Atelier Vierkant pots from Cosh Living.

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“ T H E R E ’ S A N E P H E M E R A L Q UA L I T Y A N D AT N I G H T, W H E N I T ’ S I L LU M I N AT E D, I T P R O J E C T S A S O F T G L O W.”

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SPEED READ » The brief for this property, located at the end of a cul-de-sac, called for architects ADDARC to design and build a residence that would have a strong, architecturally identifiable presence within the streetscape. » Featuring on the facade, glass bricks were chosen for their ephemeral quality, obscuring movement to create soft silhouettes. » A full-width pivoting front door opens into the gallery with a series of dramatic Vibia pendant lights. » Inside, the proportions are immense with a moody palette. » The formal living and dining rooms connect on the northern wing, opening directly onto the manicured lawn. » The southern wing is reserved for everyday use. » From every room of the house there is either an actual or visual connection to nature.

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P O O L I M AG E BY T I MOT H Y K AY E

These pages, from left Jack designed a steel arbour of timber battens with vines for the exterior. Looking into the family living area off which sits an outdoor setting of Roda ‘Spinnaker’ extendable table and ‘Harp’ armchairs. The garden and swimming pool match the proportions of the house.

HIDDEN in plain SIGHT

Words C ARLI PHILIP S Photography SHARYN CAIRNS

This Melbourne home has been given a fresh new identity with smart spatial design and cleverly concealed spaces that present as design features.

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These pages, from left A Scandinavian ambience infuses the living room where the Jetmaster fireplace is set in a panel of ‘Santiago-11’ bricks in Light from Creative Bricks. On the left of the built-in shelf, which stashes firewood, are vessels by Danish ceramicist Kristina Dam from In Good Company and a flower sculpture by denHolm. To the right on the hearth are a small artwork by George Raftopoulos and a larger work by David Band. Arflex ‘Marenco’ sofa from Space. Nikari ‘December’ chair and ‘April’ coffee tables by Alfredo Häberli, all from K5. ‘Popper’ pendant lamp from Lab De Stu. ‘Salsa Jamaica’ rug from Halcyon Lake. The doublefronted facade of the Edwardian house in Melbourne’s Middle Park is typical of homes in the area.

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n leafy Middle Park, a neighbourhood where period homes are often limited by narrow boundary-to-boundary blocks, space is at a premium. While this double-fronted Edwardian was no different, its new owners saw great potential and were moved by its charm.

Untouched for 30 years, the dated interiors lacked functional amenities and called for a complete overhaul to bring them up to speed with modern living. With a long-term view to a full-scale renovation, the owners initially undertook some quick, minor updates: painting, heating, new bathrooms and carpet. For future ideas and inspiration, they visited open for inspections in the area.

“We came to realise that the ones we liked best were houses by the Whitings. They had lovely light angles, great use of space, neutral palettes and beautiful design features.”

They engaged interior designer Carole Whiting and architect and interior designer Steven Whiting who drew up concept plans that included knocking out the laundry shed in the garden, adding a new rear, and another three bedrooms. It was important that the front four original rooms with their deep skirtings largely remained intact. “There were strict town-planning requirements and, combined with the owners’ wish list and what they wanted spatially, it was quite a lot for what we had available to work with in terms of land size,” says Carole.

An unexpected move to Sydney for the family meant that things were put on hold for four years until they returned to Melbourne in 2019. Aside from some minor adjustments, the »

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This page “Things are hidden in plain sight. You would never know but there’s a laundry tucked underneath the stair landing,” says Carole of the concealed laundry adjoining the kitchen below the stairs. The island benchtop is lined in white Dekton by Cosentino with joinery made by Larkin Construction in larch panels. Sculpture by Beatrix Rowe.

Hay chopping board. The flooring is Eterno ‘Grande’ European oak boards in Neuve from Tongue n Groove. Opposite page, from top In the living room, the bench seat was upholstered in Mokum ‘Infinite’ fabrics in Ash and Granite from James Dunlop Textiles.

A fireplace hearth constructed from sandy-coloured bricks anchors the room with a black steel shelf that was designed to hold firewood below and to display objects and artworks above. The original features in the hallway, which leads to the rear living and meals area, have been left untouched as per the owners’ brief.

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This page The cantilevered bench seat in the meals area overlooks the new above-ground limestone pool set in leafy landscaping by Acre.

Steven oriented the seat to give the option of facing either outwards to the garden or inwards, where the Carrara marble and stained oak dining table by Lowe Furniture sits with AgapeCasa ‘Tre 3’ chairs from Artedomus. Ceramics by Brickett Davda from Manon bis. ‘Bolle 06’ frosted pendant light by Giopato & Coombes from District. Opposite page Bi-fold doors open up directly into the rear garden. With a protruding black steel surround, the upper window is screened in perforated aluminium for privacy.

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These pages Pure white, blond and dark elements create a tasteful blend in the kitchen where the joinery is made from larch panels. The island benchtop is lined in white Dekton by Cosentino. Hay chopping board. Zanat bench seat at rear. The rear benchtop is lined in black Dekton by Cosentino. Appliances by Fisher & Paykel are also coordinated in black for a smooth, seamless appearance. Sculpture by Beatrix Rowe. Fiandre porcelain floor tiles from Artedomus.

Gervasoni ‘InOut’ stool from Anibou. Matt-black ‘Nero Ingo’ surface from Arvic Laminates on cabinetry. Franke ‘Kubus’ sink from Winning Appliances. Astra Walker ‘Icon’ mixer from Mary Noall.

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« plans had already been approved and construction was ready to go. In the interim years, however, Carole and Steven had moved on from working as one practice. “We loved each of their work so much and wanted to finish the project with both of their components intact,” says the client. “We didn’t want to replace either of them so I spoke to both Carole and Steven who agreed to take it forward together, but on a separate basis. Despite this initial agreement, however, they started liaising together during the build which was really great as their styles complement one another’s so well. We worked with each of them to finish and hired a project manager to oversee [everything]. It was a very smooth build.”

Carole credits Steven’s skilled spatial planning as central to the success of the footprint. “Practical spaces have been hidden in plain sight,” she says, referencing the washing machine and dryer tucked under the staircase landing with an adjoining cupboard concealing an unsuspected white trough. “It’s in the line of sight from the living room but you would never know it’s a laundry,” she says. Also barely visible is a pantry passage behind the kitchen island. “It’s hidden before your very eyes.”

The clients didn’t provide a concise stylistic brief as they were already familiar with Carole’s work and loved her design sensibility. “We did a mood board early on and they said ‘We love what you do, just do your thing’,” recalls Carole. The result is a monochrome palette formatted with slimline furniture that, together with the use of Scandinavian-style timber larch panels, is crisp and clean. Dekton benchtops were chosen for their robust high performance, the jet-black surface seamlessly integrating with the dark cooktop and tapware.

A converted master bedroom to the right of the entry links to a new ensuite via full-height hinged doors on either side of »

« the fireplace. Inside, what appears as a panelled cupboard lined in vertical slats disguises a walk-in wardrobe. The rear extension includes a new open-plan meals and lounge area with the kitchen positioned a step below. “With the island at bench height and the meals area at table height it works out so that everyone ends up being at the same eye level,” says Carole.

A dining setting with Agapecasa ‘Tre 3’ chairs and a round Lowe Furniture table are positioned around an in-built window seat with bi-fold doors that overlook an above-ground granite pool.

Stairs lead from the kitchen to the first-floor kids domain with three bedrooms of comparable size, shared bathroom and nifty rumpus room nudged within the eaves. “When the client first came to see us, she went quiet midway through and left the meeting without saying anything. We weren’t sure what to make of it but she called us later to say that she was so moved by what we had presented for her home that she was speechless. Even now, I get the occasional Friday night text from her to say how much she loves the house.” # carolewhiting.com; whitingarchitects.com SPEED READ » After concept design and planning by Whiting Architects, the renovation of this home in Middle Park was put on pause as the owners moved interstate. » When they returned in 2019 Carole and Steven of Whiting Architects were no longer working as one practice. » The project went ahead as they worked side by side but independently. » Steven’s clever spatial planning meant that the clients wish list of amenities could be incorporated, cleverly disguised behind design features. » “Our brief to Steven was that we loved light and angles and wanted to keep the four large original front rooms generally intact,” say the owners. » An upstairs level was added to accommodate three kids with a shared bathroom and rumpus. » “We didn’t give Carole a brief as I knew pretty much that we were on the same page with regards to the colour palette and we absolutely love her style.”

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This page, clockwise from top Walls finished in Venetian plaster soften the light in the master bedroom. Doors on either side of the fireplace lead to the master ensuite. De La Espada ‘Companions’ bed by Ilse Crawford, bed linen

by Bemboka and Vitra wooden bedside table, all from In Good Company. Moda ‘Teresa’ bath from ACS Designer Bathrooms. Navi ‘Ledge’ basin from United Products.

Fantini ‘Fukasawa’ taps from Rogerseller. Volker Haug ‘Anton’ mini cast-ceramic sconce. L’Ala wall hooks from Pittella. Wakei ‘Gashu’ wall tiles from Artedomus.

The tiles on the vanity and floor are Inax ‘Fiandr’ tiles in Urban White from Artedomus. Opposite page Vitra wooden bedside table from In Good Company.

Dandelions artwork by Harry Holland. Owners’ handblown glass pendant lights.

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These pages The ornate fireplace in the master bedroom contrasts with modern steel-framed doors in this Parisian-style home in South Yarra that pairs classicism with minimalism. Fitted with reeded glass that diffuses light, the doors feature throughout the house but heavy linen drapes have been added for privacy in the bedrooms. The master bedroom walls have been painted in a rich chocolate with an aged, patina finish. On top of the fireplace is an extralarge ‘Rock’ vase by Dinosaur Designs. A mirror (originally bought from Meizai) sits behind the De Sede ‘DS-266’ recliner chair by Stefan Heiliger from Domo.

On view beyond the double doors is an artwork by Ashleigh Holmes.

Words C ARLI PHILIP S Photography SHARYN CAIRNS

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H IST ORY

L ES SON Informed by a European sensibility, this historic home’s voluminous classic proportions are anchored by contemporary minimalist furniture.

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These pages The joinery throughout the house has L-shaped handles that curve at the end, echoing the hallway arches. The handles run both vertically and horizontally to form a detailed line. To the left is the door to the pantry; the door to the right is to the hallway. The idea was to create a symmetrical aspect from the living room vantage point.

The joinery manufactured by Sawdust Timber Furniture is finished in Dulux ‘Natural White’ two pack. Concordia marble benchtop and splashback from Artedomus. Induction cooktop and double under-bench oven from Miele. Franke ‘Basis’ basin in Fragranite onyx. ‘Halo’ basin mixer set from Brodware. ‘Transit bar’ stools by m.a.d. furniture design. Articolo ‘Scandal’ pendant light in brass metal and mesh inlay. ‘Baleno’ timber dining table from Coco Republic. ‘Husk’ leather chair by Zuster. ‘Crown’ dish in Cream by Dinosaur Designs. Artwork by Ashleigh Holmes.

“The Concordia marble is quite busy… but there’s a beautiful rust colour going through it and I knew it was going to set the kitchen alive.”

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Melbourne or interior architect Charis James, this was intended to be the sixth house she flipped with her husband. Yet four years later, the couple still find themselves bunkering down here, a result of both Covid delays and their affection for the property they so lovingly restored. They inspected the single-fronted, single-storey South Yarra house reluctantly as Charis had her heart set on something double-fronted spread over two levels. “Initially, it was more or less a case of just looking because the price and position were good,” she says.

“But I wasn’t anticipating such wide hallways and amazing high ceilings. I think I had such an emotional response because it wasn’t what I had been expecting. The block was wide so the rooms were especially large which was a big selling point too.”

Resurrecting the cornices, skirtings and ornate fireplaces alongside fixtures and fittings informed Charis’s concept for a Parisian-style home that paired classicism with minimalism. “To me, that’s the perfect balance. When the ceilings are so high, it’s important to get proportional, modern furniture,” says Charis, who anchored the vast historic rooms with simple contemporary pieces, a look inspired by her design idol, Joseph Dirand.

“I adopted a European sensibility because that’s what the house gave me. Normally, with a lounge room, I would do big sliding doors that lead outside, but this time I felt very strongly about using French doors that open into a tiled courtyard, not dissimilar to the sensation of walking into a beautiful piazza.” »

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This page, from top The Ashleigh Holmes artwork in the living area inspired the muted palette for the home. Estiva by Hemptech drapes in Cloud Cream from James Dunlop Textiles. Wittmann ‘Miles’ swivel lounge chair and Ligne Roset ‘Oxydation’ occasional and low tables, all from Domo. Ferm Living vase from In Good Company. ‘Carre Noir et Blanche’ rug by Reuber Henning from Halcyon Lake. In the courtyard beyond are outdoor chairs from King with a table from GlobeWest. Opposite page In the living area, there’s room to relax on the B&B Italia ‘Tufty Time’ sofa by Patricia Urquiola from Space. HC28 Cosmo ‘Illusion’ double-shadow floor lamp in champagne titanium from Domo.

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Melbourne

« “The house had been partially renovated about 15 years earlier and they had done a reasonable job with an addition in that it hadn’t compromised the backyard. While it was structurally sound there were other things I think they should have done at that stage. The floorboards angled into the middle of the house and a lot of features had been covered up then piecemealed back together,” says Charis.

However, the key elements were in good condition: it was solid brick, there were no major cracks in the walls, and the electrics had been updated. “We did have to do a lot of re-stumping and there was a small amount of damp but that’s fairly normal for a home this old. There was a heritage overlay which meant there were limited things we could do in that respect, but I think ultimately that’s a good thing – you know that the street will maintain its character and that nobody can build units next door.”

The starting point for the interiors palette was an abstract painting by Australian artist Ashleigh Holmes. Positioned in the living space, its earthy, coffee tones formed the basis for the muted theme and shifting wall colours, from a dark-grey limestone paint in the guestroom to rendered concrete walls in the master ensuite and rich chocolate in the master bedroom with an aged, patina finish. »

These pages In the guest bedroom, the atmospheric wall colour is ‘Wolf’ by Bauwerk, while the steel windows were manufactured by Architectural Steel. A print purchased by Charis hangs above the B&B Italia ‘Tufty Time’ bed by Patricia Urquiola from Space. Bed linen and throw from Hale Mercantile. ‘Viola’ bedside table from Just Adele and ‘Troll’ vase by Menu from In Good Company.

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Melbourne SPEED READ » With its vast volumes and classic features, interior architect Charis James and her husband could see the potential of this 120-year-old house immediately, buying it with the intention of flipping it. » While it needed re-stumping, work had been done 15 years earlier and it was in fairly good shape for its age. » However, decorative elements such as the plastering and architraves needed to be re-done. » Charis complemented the traditional accents with minimalist furniture and contemporary joinery. » The muted palette was derived from the Ashleigh Holmes artwork in the living area » The concept was to create a home in the spirit of a Parisian apartment. » The arched, steelframed reeded glass doors are consistent throughout, creating a subtle diffused light. » In the master bedroom, heavy drapes were added for more privacy. » As Charis was designing for herself, the home provided an opportunity to push the boundaries with elements that may not have got across the line with a client.

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« All the rooms run opposite the party wall. Following the guestroom is the master bedroom where a new ensuite was created in place of the existing dining. A third bedroom assumed the position of the former lounge, and at the end of the hallway the old addition was gutted and extended, making space for a new kitchen and living area with a fireplace. Looking back from here, the effect is one of geometric symmetry with twin steel-framed arched doors at the transition point between the corridor and the open-plan rear, and at the entrance to the pantry and laundry. Made from reeded glass that diffuses light, they feature throughout the house with heavy linen drapes on the bedroom doors for added privacy.

As this was a personal project, Charis used the house as a testing ground for things she’d wanted to try, such as the Concordia marble benchtop and splashback. “It’s a very busy slab and the kitchen is really small so it likely would have been hard for a client to visualise but there’s such a beautiful rust colour going through it that it was a no-brainer for me.” She says the round-edged cabinetry with L-shaped handles that run both vertically and horizontally would likely have also been “something hard to get past a client”.

The curved edges, echoed on the island bench, circular timber table and even the quilted sofa creates an environment where you “can easily wander through”, says Charis. # grossiconstructions.com.au; akidesign.co This page, clockwise from top left Reflected in the mirror, original Bally posters from Sam’s Vintage Posters make a statement in the hallway. A glimpse into the walk-in robe with its custom cabinetry by Sawdust Timber Furniture. In the master ensuite, the rendered concrete walls were finished in Dusk by Alternative Surfaces. A ‘Fizi’ single ball sconce from Articolo sits between two ‘Michael’ custom mirrors from AKI. The Elba marble benchtop from Artedomus is teamed with cabinetry by Sawdust Timber Furniture and Agape wall-mounted taps in burnished bronze from Artedomus. ‘Bold Pearl’ vase by Dinosaur Designs.

Opposite page The master bedroom features an Articolo ‘Starburst’ pendant light. B&B Italia ‘Tufty Time’ bed by Patricia Urquiola from Space. Bed linen and throw from Hale Mercantile. Print by unknown artist.

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FINISHING

touch

A beautifully restored but bare-bones home rounds out its newfound identity with a decorative flourish.

Words C ARLI PHILIP S Photography RHIANNON TAYLOR

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This page “We wanted to give the house some spirit and individuality,” says interior designer Chelsea Hing. In this corner of the informal living area, that is achieved with a B&B Italia ‘Up Series 2000’ armchair and ottoman by Gaetano Pesce from Space and a Flos ‘Captain Flint’ floor light from Euroluce. Resin foot statue on coffee table from House Of Orange. ‘Boheme’ rug in Charcoal from Colorscope. In the formal sitting and dining room, Knoll ‘Platner’ armchairs in velvet from De De Ce border a Glas Italia ‘Massi Tavoli Bassi’ low table by Claudio Silvestrin from Space. Flos ‘Overlap Suspension 2’ pendant light by Michael Anastassiades from Euroluce. Pink object from Modern Times. Opposite page The entry’s decor star is a Flos ‘Taraxacum 88’ pendant light from Euroluce. ‘Reeno’ bench seats from Grazia&Co. MCM House ‘Clements’ mirror. Flos ‘Snoopy’ table lamp from Euroluce. Vitra ‘Nuage’ vase from Space.

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This page “Every room should have something phenomenal in it,” says Chelsea. Leila Jeffreys’ photographic print, ‘Dexter’ White-bellied sea eagle, fits the bill in the formal dining where it is placed on an equally striking Edra ‘Scrigno’ cabinet from Space. Flos ‘IC Lights T1’ table lamp from Euroluce. An artwork by Simo Novakovic is reflected in the Glas Italia ‘Marlene’ mirror from Space. Bust from House Of Orange. On the dining table, Kartell ‘Abbracciaio’ candleholder from Space and Tom Dixon ‘Bash’ tray from Living Edge. Opposite page Upstairs, in the adults’ TV room, Knoll ‘Womb’ armchairs and Minotti ‘Still’ side table, all from De De Ce. Maxalto ‘Imprimatur’ sofa by Antonio Citterio from Space.

Molteni&C ‘45°/Tavolino’ coffee table by Ron Gilad from Hub. ‘Joy’ ottoman from Jardan. Flos ‘Noctambule’ floor lamp next to the fireplace and ‘Arrangements’ pendant light, both from Euroluce. Glas Italia ‘Kooh-I-Noor Specchi’ mirror and Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH ‘Allegory’ desk by GamFratesi, both from Space. ‘Distressed Geometrics’ rug from Colorscope. Tom Dixon ‘Spin’ candelabra on coffee table.

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tatuesque and spacious, this double-fronted Victorian terrace was so empty by the time the home owners enlisted interior designer Chelsea Hing that she says her clients were practically “camping out”.

The home had been thoroughly and sensitively renovated by architect Stephen Akehurst, but the owners held off on furnishing until they had lived there for about a year. It became apparent that while they had a few solid but safe pieces, these weren’t plentiful enough for a house this size. Beautiful but bare, it was devoid of the personality that furniture, accessories and art offer.

“It’s a cracker of a house, but I don’t think they realised how much it takes to pull together something this big,” says Chelsea. “They had the basics so they could move in, but it wasn’t much more than a camping store. They had a house but it wasn’t a home.”

Chelsea packed it with personality, elevating the interiors with decorative details and even a small refurbishment in places. “The entire home lacked life and vitality, which became our brief to correct,” she says. The conceptual approach involved “celebrating the grandeur of the period while breaking down its formality for modern living and entertaining”. »

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These pages “Once the pendants went in, it was so clear how transformative they were in a house of this size – such gestures did all the heavy lifting,” says Chelsea, referring to the Vistosi ‘Peggy 9’ pendant light from Mondo Luce in the informal dining area at the rear. ‘Contour’ dining table from Zuster with ‘No.811 Hoffmann’ armchairs from Thonet. Fiam ‘Rialto’ glass console from Fanuli. Kartell ‘Mr Impossible’ desk chair and gold ‘Gnome’ stool, both from Space. Flos ‘Captain Flint’ floor light from Euroluce. Walking In My Shoes artwork by Daniel Anderson above desk. Candleholder on dining table by Anna Varendorff. In the foreground, a Walter Knoll ‘Living Landscape’ sofa from Living Edge with cushions from Jardan zones the adjoining informal living area.

B&B Italia ‘Alanda’ coffee table by Paolo Piva from Space. Hay ‘Slit’ side table beside sofa from Cult. ‘Boheme’ rug in Charcoal from Colorscope.

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Sydney Melbourne

SPEED READ » The owners of this classic double-fronted Victorian terrace dating back to 1877 enlisted Melbourne architect Stephen Akehurst for a full renovation. » They lived in the house for a year with the bare minimum before calling on designer Chelsea Hing to assist with a fit-out encompassing art, lighting and furnishings. » Chelsea flipped the traditional rooms at the front of the house, pushing the sitting room forward so it could better flow into the shared rear living room. » “The conceptual approach was to celebrate the grandeur of the period but to break down its formality for modern living and entertaining,” says Chelsea. » The front rooms were painted Dulux ‘Endless Dusk’ to delineate them from the rest of the house and create an inviting after-dark mood. » Dramatic pendant lights were used in every room as anchor points for the large proportions.

This page A pair of Cassina ‘Lady’ armchairs flank the master bedroom’s fireplace joined by a pair of Visual Comfort ‘Liaison Statement’ sconces by Kelly Wearstler. Minotti ‘Still’ side table from De De Ce. ClassiCon ‘Tube’ floor light by Eileen Gray from Anibou. Opposite page, from top Also in the master bedroom, a Maxalto ‘Alcova’ canopy bed by Antonio Citterio from Space is a modern interpretation of a classic piece. ‘Savannah’ rug from Armadillo.

Cultiver bed linen. Flos ‘Bibliotheque Nationale’ floor lamp. Looking from the front door down the hallway, a large artwork by Sidney Teodoruk titled Alone In America leads to stairs lined in a ‘Flaxman Stone’ stair runner by Roger Oates from Milgate.

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« Practically, this involved flipping the front two rooms, pushing the sitting room from the front of the house further down so it could link up to the living room. Steel-framed glass doors connect the two spaces for an easy transition but also close shut to create a contained, private adults’ retreat.

Striking metallics and bold expressions pack a punch, while bordeaux-hued velvet ‘Platner’ chairs make a glamorous statement under the ‘Overlap Suspension 2’, a diffused cocoon-wrapped pendant light with interlocking rings by Flos. To delineate these formal rooms, Chelsea painted them in Dulux ‘Endless Dusk’, which exudes a “night-time mood”.

In contrast, the open-plan rear living, dining and kitchen provided an opportunity to create a more contemporary, everyday environment for the family of five to share together.

Informed by a monochrome palette, it’s approachable and comfortable, combining “old favourites with new classics, the mid-century and the iconic”, says Chelsea, referencing Thonet’s ‘Hoffmann’ chairs, B&B Italia’s 1980s re-edition ‘Alanda’ coffee table and Kartell’s ‘Mr Impossible’ desk chair.

“It’s uplifting and bright,” she adds of the generous modern space that’s occupied by a massive Vistosi ‘Peggy’ nine-arm pendant light in blown glass hanging over the dining table.

Statement lighting is ever present, used tactically to aid with volume and scale but also for decorative and dramatic impact. “Lighting was a big focus,” says Chelsea. “We treated pendants like sculptures as they allow the eye to dance around the room. Because of the grand proportions, the lighting was completely transformative.”

On the ground level, two kids’ bedrooms are divided by a shared ensuite and sit across the hall from the front formal rooms. All under 10 years old with developing personalities, the children briefed Chelsea themselves, which resulted in three different-coloured bedrooms – blue, green and lilac.

Upstairs, off the second landing, the L-shaped master suite already had a four-poster bed, awkwardly positioned facing across from the fireplace. While not part of the original brief, things here were reshuffled so it now sits between long vertical windows flanked by elegant drapes.

Above the fireplace are two dominating candelabra-style sconces by Kelly Wearstler and a “monstrous cream rug that gives the space a sense of luxury and serenity”.

On the second landing at the rear, a ballroom-sized area was converted into an adults’ den and an adjacent study became a guest bedroom. Both are kitted out in a marvellous mix of pieces under the watchful eye of a necklace-like Michael Anastassiades modular pendant.

While the rooms brim with layers, the budget was fairly conservative for a house this substantial, which meant choosing wisely. “We had clear parameters and had to be super-strict,” says Chelsea. “It was tight. The aim was to make it look like a million bucks despite not having that to spend – styling the project in a relaxed but still softly formal way to bring it all together.” # chelseahing.com.au; stephenakehurst.com

JUNGLE fe v e r

While nearly half a hectare, this exuberant garden blends grandeur with tranquillity and a surprising intimacy at every turn.

These pages In the upper rear garden, spiral ginger (Costus barbatus) adds a splash of bold colour in beds shared with lacy tree ferns (Cyathea cooperi), beneath bangalow palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) and cabbage tree palms (Livistona australis). Burgundy-leaved cordylines (Cordyline fruticosa ‘Rubra’) add extra colour.

GARDEN

Words CHRIS PE ARSON Photography NICHOL A S WAT T

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This page In the rear garden, the pool by Landart with interior in Westox cement render features Alpine dry stone wall cladding and pavers in Duro limestone, both from Eco Outdoor. Surrounding the pool are European fan palms (Chamaerops humilis) and Bismarck palms (Bismarckia nobilis), while Heliconia ‘Hot Rio Nights’ and frangipani (Plumeria sp.) bring bold colour when in flower. Opposite page, from left The patio overlooking the lawn at the front of house with crazy paving from Eco Outdoor. Daybed and cane armchairs made to order by Beachwood. Areca palms (Dypsis lutescens) deliver a tropical vibe. At the rear, ‘Tali’ dining table and ‘Kotti’ chairs from Eco Outdoor.

Frangipanis (Plumeria sp) are underplanted with tractor seat plant (Ligularia reniformis).

“The owners wanted ... an Hawaii vibe like Fantasy Island where you might expect Tattoo to pounce out of the bushes.” hen shaping this lush hideaway on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, landscape designers Secret Gardens truly lived up to their name.

Just shy of half a hectare, the tropical sanctuary reveals itself on a grand scale, with sweeping lawns providing a vast stage for towering palms and eucalypts. Yet it’s also surprisingly intimate and cosseting, the effect nurtured by discrete – and discreet – garden nooks enclosed by drifts of luxuriant greenery.

The creator of this “curated jungle”, principal Matt Cantwell has forged a fertile partnership with nature, enjoying the luxury of time as he has watched the private paradise flourish from awkward adolescence to beautiful adulthood since he first entered the gate 16 years ago. Then it was plain and unprepossessing, with perhaps the most glaring design fault being a grove of cane palms and cabbage trees separating the house and pool from the sprawling backyard beyond. In the front was lawn overload, the garden fully open with little privacy from neighbours and the street. And the plantings were “too small and insignificant” in relation to ancient eucalypts that dominated the site, says Matt.

“The owners wanted a tropical garden like a mini-Botanic Gardens with sweeping lawns and massed plantings of tropicals and perennials blurring the boundary fences to make the whole site very private,” he says. “It was to have an Hawaii vibe, like Fantasy Island, where you might expect Tattoo to pounce out of the bushes.” While characters in that 1970s TV classic were often disappointed, the owners’ dreams came true here.

In this, Matt was helped by the garden’s natural assets, including its topography and climate. Nestled in a valley, the site “has an amazing microclimate that holds its humidity making tropical plants especially easy to grow”.

The first stage was to pull out the palm grove and a retaining wall behind the pool. He then edited out poor performers front

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and back, including the temperamental species of lawn, while retaining carefully edited palms, such as the bangalow palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) and Mexican fan palms (Washingtonia robusta), and eucalypts to provide instant maturity and depth. He then installed islands of greenery enclosed by fastgrowing perimeter plants to create a sense of cosy inclusion belying the property’s size.

Small, fussy plants were replaced by larger foliage varieties or mass plantings for maximum impact. “The scale of gestures required was a bit daunting,” confesses Matt. “There was no room for fussiness or anything too busy. Instead of three square metres of one plant, you would require 15 square metres and a simple backdrop for punch. I didn’t need many different plant varieties for impact, but I struggled to get the scale right. The garden swallowed up plants.”

At the front, he planted more palms to echo the back garden, as well as riberry lilly pilly (Syzygium luehmannii), not just for its colour, but also to provide dense screening on the boundary.

Meanwhile, beside the front patio, he planted frangipanis for that quintessential tropical look – being deciduous they would allow light through the house over winter and shading in summer – underplanted with tractor seat plant (Ligularia reniformis) for a dense layering, together with judiciously applied bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) with its large, bold leaves. “It’s a very robust plant that we only use when we have space without surrounding structure, as it can be quite destructive,” cautions Matt. Alcantareas (giant bromeliads) and kentia palms also feature heavily.

Beside the guest accommodation in the back garden, pokerlike spiral ginger (Costus barbatus) makes a bold statement, with its distinctive bold red flowers and towering stems, underplanted with dwarf tree fern (Blechnum gibbum ‘Silver Lady’) which is “durable and a good filler for big gardens”. Meanwhile, tall lacy

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tree ferns (Cyathea cooperi) are dotted across the site, “great for the way they play with light, as sun passes through”.

Arguably, the biggest investments plant-wise were dragon trees (Dracaena cochinchinensis), their spiky fronds lending a striking sculptural quality against the softer foliage plants. As well, lowmaintenance and hardy Sir Walter buffalo grass replaces its ho-hum predecessor. “Because of the density in the rear garden, we needed lots of grass at the front,” says Matt. While expansive lawns might be frowned upon in most Australian gardens, the site’s microclimate ensures plenty of rainwater and, with the lawn at the bottom of a sloping site, gravity aids its irrigation.

Once in the ground, these plants didn’t hold back. “The downside of a tropical garden is they grow at such a rate,” he says.

“It’s like taming the beast – we are constantly diminishing the volume to avoid overcrowding, keeping the plants in check, by pruning and thinning.” Two maintenance teams visit the property every fortnight.

Hardscaping is kept to a minimum, with perhaps the most striking feature being the original concrete dual-strip driveway, which Matt retained, but, with the carport at the front of the property, this is rarely used. “For simplicity, we minimised structure,” he says, “adding stonework and a paved terrace at the front for detail.” Meanwhile, the kidney-shaped pool was replaced with what you see here.

Mr Roarke and Tattoo would both feel at home in Matt’s – and nature’s – handiwork. “I joked to the owners that this is the sort of garden where you need a golf cart,” he says. “It seems to go on forever. Older and grander, it has a life of its own. It’s as if you’ve entered a curated jungle on a jaw-dropping scale. This is one of the few projects where I have had the chance to plant at such volume. I love sitting on the verandah looking at what we have achieved.” secretgardens.com.au

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This page In the rear garden between the back of the house and the pool zone, ‘Malawi’ cane chairs and daybed made to order from Beachwood. Luca Natural Stone Crazy Paving from Eco Outdoor sits under a frangipani (Plumeria acutifolia). Opposite page, clockwise from top left Looking up to the pool area behind the house is a wall in Alpine dry stone cladding from Eco Outdoor. Key plants include cabbage tree palms (Livistona australis), European fan palms (Chamaerops humilis), smaller pandanus (Pandanus pedunculatus) and Carissa ‘Desert Star’ evergreen shrubs. In the upper rear garden, Syngonium ‘White Butterfly’ crawls up a bangalow palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana). At the very front of the front garden, a Corten steel sculpture by Max Irvine sits on grass beneath a riberry lilly pilly (Syzygium luehmannii) and empress tree (Paulownia sp.), underplanted with Pink Perfection ginger (Alpinia henryi).

Seeing is Believing.

The POCO range by Gareth Ashton is inspired by the enduring pin-lever design, this elegant tapware delivers a new shape featuring a minimalistic handle and thin cylinder. A simply beautiful range that will enhance any room with its graceful forms.

SELECTION GALLERIES 335 Ferrars St, Albert Park, VIC Ph: 03 8696 4000 1E Danks St, Waterloo, NSW Ph: 02 8572 8500 94 Petrie Tce, Brisbane, QLD Ph: 07 3369 4777 12 Sundercombe St, Osborne Park, WA Ph: 08 9208 4500

KITCHENS bathrooms & 1

A RC H I T EC T/ I N T E R I O R

Photography PRUE RUSCOE Styling SOPHIE WILSON

D E S I G N E R

Pohio Adams Architects & Interiors

DIAL D FOR DRAMA [ Bellevue Hill ] Builder Kinn Construction. Joinery Eveneer ‘Xilo’ prefinished panels from Elton Group by Sydney Joinery. Benchtop/island bench/splashback Arabescato Vagli from CDK Stone. Wall finish Waxed Venetian plaster from Rockcote. Flooring Tongue n Groove ‘Hekke’ boards from Precision Flooring.

Sink Franke ‘Bolero Box 210-50’ undermount from Winning Appliances. Tapware KWC ‘Ono’ pull-out from Winning Appliances. Oven Lacanche ‘Saulieu Classic’ four-burner hob with 1 x 5K burner in Anthracite from Malcolm St James. Rangehood Lacanche rangehood from Malcolm St James.

Refrigerator/freezer Integrated fridge/freezer from Sub-Zero. ‘Cool Drawer’ from Fisher & Paykel.

Lighting Apparatus ‘Lantern 2’ from Criteria. Furniture Mater stools from Cult.

SET AMID a spectacular steel and glass pavilion this elegant kitchen is for serious entertainers. “The design plays on the 1940s vernacular of the building, referencing period characteristics with new and exciting scale,” says Bianca Pohio. “The commanding island, impressive Lacanche cooker and sculptural rangehood take precedence as objects in the space, dialling up the drama. Wrapped in gleaming Venetian plaster and trimmed in aged brass, the range is framed by floor-to-ceiling nibs. Food and beverage storage is housed in a four-metre-long spine of blue-grey joinery that divides kitchen and dining. There’s an integrated refrigerator and walk-in cool room, along with a step-in prep area for the children, where a Fisher & Paykel ‘Cool Drawer’, toaster and other appliances smooth meal and snack preparation. A scullery behind the open-plan kitchen contains an icemaker, freezer and sink for prep when entertaining.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The Apparatus ‘Lantern 2’ pendant light from Criteria, a glamorous flourish that underlines the symmetry, scale and materiality of the kitchen.” pohioadams.com

Photography LISA COHEN Styling TESS NEWMAN-MORRIS

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Coote&Co

VILLAGE GREEN [ Mt Macedon ]

kitchens BATHROOMS CHARLOT TE CO OTE designed this kitchen at the heart of her own family home “to be a place where our little girls could eat their breakfast or do their homework, and where my husband Geordie and I could enjoy cooking as a family and entertaining friends. The luscious mountain surrounds and English country sensibilities informed the overall aesthetic, in particular the green of the joinery. I wanted to allow as much light to flood the space as possible, installing a beautiful new bay window. Other key elements are the large open fireplace, essential for the winter months and plenty of workspace and storage.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “I chose beautiful Italian marble with a slight green vein for all the benchtops plus tapware and hardware by Perrin & Rowe and Armac Martin from The English Tapware Company.

Also, the Lacanche ‘Sully Classic’ seven-burner oven.” Charlotte’s book, The New Classicist, will be published in April 2022. cooteandco.com.au

Builder Mt Gisborne Homes. Joinery Custom cabinetry by Connors Kitchens by Design finished in Resene ‘Cabbage Pont’ semi-gloss with Perrin & Rowe cabinet pull handles in nickel and Armac Martin ‘Jefferson’ bar handles in nickel, both from The English Tapware Company.

Benchtop/island bench Honed Pentelikon Italian marble from The Marble House. Splashback Japanese ‘Motto’ gloss brick tiles in White from Tiento. Wall finish Resene ‘Bianca’ quarter flat. Flooring Tumbled ‘Arbon’ limestone modular tiles from Eco Outdoor. Sink ‘Acquello’ fireclay sink in White from The English Tapware Company. Tapware Perrin & Rowe ‘Ionian’ two-hole bench-mounted mixer with porcelain levers in nickel from The English Tapware Company. Oven/cooktop Lacanche ‘Sully Classic’ in Ivory enamel and nickel from Manorhouse Sinks & Range Cookers. Rangehood Sirius from E&S. Refrigerator/ freezer Sub-Zero integrated combination refrigerator/freezer from E&S. Dishwasher Integrated dishwasher from Miele.

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Lighting Hand-blown glass bell pendant lights from Miguel Meirelles Antiques.

‘Grignano’ two-arm wall light in waxed rust finish from Richard Taylor Designs.

Furniture C1800 antique Welsh oak dresser from The Drill Hall Emporium finished in Porter’s Paints ‘Hailstorm’ chalk emulsion. ‘Hoffmann’ bar stool in Dark Oak from Thonet. Dining table designed by Charlotte’s father, John Coote, for his home in Ireland. Antique French Louis XV-style oak dining chairs from Peninsula Antiques e Moderno. Loose covers in Coote&Co ‘Castle Leslie’ Irish linen in Oatmeal made by CW Howell Upholstery. Accessories Astier de Villatte flatware.

18th-century artwork by Robert Healy, Grey Stallion Held By a Trainer.

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Luigi Rosselli Architects I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N E R

Décor JMH

TABLE MANNERS [ Paddington ]

Builder Technoform Constructions. Joinery Cabinetry by Gelosa in Maximum Statuario porcelain 6mm panels from Artedomus and Porter’s Paints ‘Provence Blue’ in custom poly finish. Benchtop/island bench Maximum Statuario 12mm porcelain panels from Artedomus. Splashback ‘Fez’ handmade mixed matt and gloss Moroccan ceramic tiles in Graphite from Di Lorenzo. Wall finish ‘New Paradise’ square 100x100mm handmade ceramic tiles in Ash by Jason Grant from Di Lorenzo. Flooring Lands Edge terrazzo with brass expansion joints and Mapei grout in Moon White from Fibonacci Stone. Sink Custom double sink in brushed stainless steel by Décor JMH. Tapware Custom Vola ‘KV1-500T’ deck-mounted double swivel and hand shower spray in brushed stainless steel from Bathroom X. Ovens Miele Art Series pyrolytic 60cm oven and steam combi 45cm oven in Graphite Grey from Winning Appliances. Cooktop Wolf 122mm sealed-burner range top in brushed stainless steel from Sub-Zero Wolf. Rangehood Qasair ‘Lismore’ with custom hood in blackened brass and hand-finished metal work by Gelosa. Refrigerator/freezer Sub-Zero ‘778L’ built-in French-door fridge with internal dispenser and Sub-Zero 102-bottle integrated wine-storage cabinet in stainless steel from Sub-Zero Wolf. Dishwasher Miele ‘XL’ in stainless steel from Miele. Lighting Over kitchen island, reclaimed c1960s industrial pendant lights from Olde Good Things. Over dining table, CTO Lighting ‘Ivy’ horizontal pendant light in bronze, satin brass and opal glass from Spence & Lyda. Furniture Thonet Sebastian Herkner ‘118H’ counter stool in Black with wicker seat from Anibou. Accessories Ceramics on dining table in charred glazes by Tina Psarianos from Michael Reid Clay.

kitchens BATHROOMS Photography PRUE RUSCOE Styling MEGAN MORTON

W I T H D E C A D E S I N H O S P I TA L I T Y D E S I G N , Julie Manfredi Hughes references this kitchen as a factory in the centre of the home. “Originally poky and closed off, the renovation creates a space with purpose – an open-plan kitchen in which to prepare, cook and entertain. For this Victorian terrace, I was inspired by old Shaker-style English kitchens to create a unique space using contemporary materials, innovative appliances and a rich layering of custom joinery, porcelain panels, stainless steel, blackened brass, tiles and glass. Feature points include the larder and butler’s pantry at the end of the galley. Over the stovetop, the grand rangehood of blackened brass mirrors the warm tones of the home. A nod to my commercial kitchen experience are the tiles by Jason Grant for Di Lorenzo. Fibonacci Italian terrazzo tiles line the floors and steel doors frame the space. Reclaimed 1960s auto-factory pendants provide light to the island.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The Wolf 122cm sealed-burner range top with infrared grill and griddle which was integrated into a custom stainless-steel prep bench.” decorjmh.com

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Builder IBW Constructions. Joinery Cabinetry by Bondi Kitchens in Eveneer ‘Ravenna’ timber veneer from Elton Group and custom polyurethane in Dulux ‘China White’ half with ‘Kintore’ door pulls in Matt Black from Lo & Co. Benchtop/island bench Honed Faustina marble from Artedomus. Splashback Zellige glazed terracotta square tile in Chalk from Eco Outdoor. Wall finish Dulux ‘China White’ half and ‘Vivid White’ on trims and ceilings. Flooring American oak in Natural in herringbone pattern. Sink Franke ‘Bolero Box’ in stainless steel from Winning Appliances. Tapware Sussex ‘Scala’ pull-out mixer in polished chrome from Reece.

Oven/cooktop Ilve 120cm ‘Majestic’ freestanding six-burner with teppanyaki plate in Matt Black from Winning Appliances. Rangehood Qasair 120cm ‘Executive’ under-cupboard rangehood from Winning Appliances. Refrigerator/freezer Integrated Sub-Zero ‘ICBBI48SIDO’ from Winning Appliances. Lighting ‘Miira 1’ pendant lights by Sofie Refer in Rock Grey and Optic Clear from Great Dane. Furniture Square bar stools in Dark Oak from Thonet. Accessories Remember the Dawn, Hope of the New Day artwork by Ingrid Daniell from Curatorial+Co.

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Suzanne Green

FOREIGN AFFAIR [ Vaucluse ] Photography TOM FERGUSON Styling KAREN DUNN

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STAYING FAITHFUL TO this home’s origins found interior designer Suzanne Green creating a story around its Spanish Mission past. “Many of this home’s original features had been removed in previous renovations so our design intention for the project generally was to reintroduce 1930s detailing. We wanted the material palette to speak to this Spanish Mission heritage.

Thus the detailed almost decorative finishes palette of oak herringbone flooring, stormy Faustina dark grey, ochre and peach marble, just off black ‘Ravenna’ timber-veneer cabinetry, glazed terracotta zellige tiles and mini reed glazing to pantry doors added detail and movement. The curved form to the island in combination with bronze metal accents and the ribbed joinery were also a nod to the Deco-style detailing of the house’s original looks. This design was also a space-planning challenge. The previous kitchen was a small U-shaped space and inadequate to accommodate the new owner’s needs and appliances. We replanned the area to open it up, increase its size, functionality and connection to the casual living area, and install a large, generous island, a walk-in pantry, and room for a Sub-Zero fridge and Ilve oven.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “Gorgeous Faustina marble for benchtops and curved detailing to the joinery cabinetry.” 0414 470 532

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Tamsin Johnson

METAL PICTURE [ Kingsville ]

Builder RoomFour. Joinery Cabinetry by RoomFour in Porter’s Paints ‘Haloumi’ with custom ‘Potato’ knobs by Tamsin Johnson.

Island bench Custom stainless steel. Splashback/rear bench/rangehood cladding Honed Elba marble from G-Lux. Flooring ‘Delft’ chevron flooring from Plank installed by Wooden FM. Sink Custom stainless steel. Tapware ‘Industrica’ kitchen set from Brodware.

Oven Smeg ‘Classic Aesthetic’ pyrolytic built-in oven from Winning Appliances. Cooktop Smeg Hob ‘Linea’ stovetop from Winning Appliances. Lighting ‘Axis’ surface-mount can lights from Unios. Furniture Vintage 1960s upholstered bar stools. Accessories Artwork by Gian Manik. Vase and sculpture from Tamsin Johnson. Japanese artisanal cheese board from Mr Kitly.

Photography SHARYN CAIRNS Styling BEK SHEPPARD Production CARLI PHILIPS

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W I T H A N I S L A N D B E N C H wrapped in robust, slimline steel against a backdrop of grey marble graced with soft, cloud-like whisps, this confidently minimal kitchen is animated by its sophisticated materials and their interplay of lightness and heft. It’s a balance echoed throughout this “Victorian home meets bachelor pad” by interior designer Tamsin Johnson.

“The kitchen is layered with rigorous but minimal finishes and simple planes. The space itself is clean and essential, just like the furnishing elements featured throughout the rest of the home. The resulting atmosphere is one of absolute balance, permeated by a feeling of leisure and relaxation. The herringbone parquetry floors and joinery finish provide warmth against the harder materials of the stainless-steel wrapped island and honed marble splashback. All these elements create an overall feeling of luxurious simplicity.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “ The k itchen, while designed as a very functional space, has the beauty of custom stainless-steel joinery, honed marble and handmade door hardware. The custom finishes were the necessary extravagances in the space.” tamsinjohnson.com

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CAFE AU L AIT hues are a delicious accompaniment to the contemporary look of this space. “The client’s brief for this penthouse apartment of ‘light, airy and textured’ has been expanded to emphasise light with dark insertions of depth,” says interior designer Meryl Hare. “Our client loves to cook and entertain, often delighting us with delicious cheesecake at meetings! The kitchen was designed to her very specific requirements and as well as being functional and practical it needs to be a lovely aesthetic as it’s part of the living and dining area. We approached the design with those parameters in mind – combining the practicality of stainless steel for benchtops with handmade mosaics, beautiful marble and rich timber veneer. On occasions when our clients are entertaining with caterers, the discreet curtain that pulls back into a hidden cavity is employed.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The Wolf induction cooktop plus Pitt built-in burner gas hobs – the best of both worlds.” hareklein.com.au; philipabramarchitects.com.au

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Philip Abram Architects I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N E R

Hare + Klein

COFFEE BREAK [ Woollahra ]

Photography SHANNON MC GRATH

Builder Buildline Construction. Joinery Cabinetry by ITF in Eveneer Prefinished in Fango Groove with detail in Anthracite Oak, both from Elton Group, and polyurethane in Dulux ‘Natural White’. Benchtop/island bench Honed Calcatta Vagil marble from Worldstone, stained solid oak and stainless steel. Splashback Honed Calcatta Vagil marble from Worldstone and Vetro glass mosaic tiles in Moka from Di Lorenzo. Flooring Honed Grigio Cenere natural stone from Artedomus.

Sink Franke ‘Kubus’ undermount sink in stainless steel from Winning Appliances. Tapware ‘City Stik’ pull-out spray in aged iron from Brodware. Oven/cooktop Wolf induction cooktop from Sub-Zero Wolf and Pitt built-in burner gas hobs. Rangehood Qasair ‘Lismore’ 100L2T from Winning Appliances. Refrigerator/freezer Integrated Sub-Zero ‘ICBBI-36UID’ from Winning Appliances. Dishwasher Integrated Miele ‘G6160SCVI’ from Winning Appliances. Lighting Rakumba ‘Highline’ pendant light in Patina from Design Nation. Over dining table, Secto Design ‘Octo’ pendant light from Fanuli. Furniture Maxalto ‘Recipio’ oak dining table from Space. Kristalia ‘1085’ oak dining chairs in Natural from Fanuli. ‘Kuskoa’ stools in Black from Cosh Living. Accessories Objects on shelves from Ondene and HK Edit.

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Builder Stevens Waters Building. Joinery Cabinetry in American oak with rounded corners and finish by Hawthorn Furniture Polishers. Shelves in terrazzo from Signorino. Benchtop Custom bench in stainless steel. Island bench in terrazzo from Signorino. Splashback/wall finish Glazed Moroccan tiles in Rust from Tiles of Ezra. Flooring Tiles from Bisanna. Tapware Tap from Astra Walker. Oven Smeg oven built into custom stainless-steel unit. Cooktop Pitt gas cooktop from Winning Appliances. Lighting Custom kitchen wall lights clad in glazed Moroccan tiles in Rust from Tiles of Ezra. Vintage French acrylic and timber pendant light above the island bench. Vintage Venini ‘Tronchi’ chandeliers above the dining table. Inga Sempé floor lamp from Shapiro. Furniture 1980s bar stools by Antonio Sibau from Smith Street Bazaar. Vintage Thonet bentwood dining chairs and mid-century Danish-style table from Leonard Joel. ‘Groovy’ armchair by Pierre Paulin from Leonard Joel re-covered by Upholstery Direct. Accessories On shelf, brown Murano glass from eBay, ‘Naked’ clay vase with eggshell glaze by Kerryn Levy from Modern Times, vintage lamp from Tamsin Johnson and vases from Puglia. Beside the oven, Jicon ‘Chrysanthemum’ dish from Mr Kitly and Frama hand soap from Designstuff. On bench, ‘Wiggle’ vase by Bzippy & Co from Jardan.

Photography SHARYN CAIRNS Styling BEK SHEPPARD Production CARLI PHILIPS

THE OWNERS of this significant mid-century home worked closely with Heritage Victoria to preserve its modernist bona fides, enlisting interior designer Tamsin Johnson to reimagine the kitchen and bathrooms that had been altered in the late 1980s. A brave and expressive materials palette now invites textural nuance and tonal vibrancy, capturing the optimistic energy of the Modernist era while supporting the functional requirements of family living today. “The ‘Lind House’ is an iconic mid-century Melbourne gem, built in 1956 and designed by well-known architect Anatol Kagan. The original floor plan of the kitchen has been retained, but a fresh, modern feel has been added through finishes, fixtures and furniture to transform it into a contemporary family space. A raw yet robust palette of pale wood and stainless steel against a background of rust tiles and soft-grey terrazzo creates a kitchen that is historical yet high energy.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The finishes. We used Moroccan glazed tiles and integrated them into the shelving and splashback. Because they are imperfect, the effect has a beautiful movement that plays out in various shades of rust with different depths of colour. We also spared no expense with the custom-wrapped stainless steel and poured-terrazzo cantilevered benchtop.” tamsinjohnson.com

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Tamsin Johnson

MODERN LIFE [ Caulfield North ]

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kitchens bathrooms & Photography SHANNON MCGRATH

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Studiofour

HERBACEOUS BORDER [ South Yarra ]

THE APPROACH to this kitchen design by the studiofour team, led by directors Annabelle Berryman and Sarah Henry, “was to strengthen the original vision of the existing house, designed by Wayne Gillespie in 1972. Our philosophy was to increase spatial connections and functions to suit contemporary living, while preserving and strengthening its heritage. Relocating the kitchen to the heart of the home was key to the success of this project. The colour palette took its cue from the strength and monumentality of Gillespie’s architectural intent, enabling a deeper relationship between the exterior into the interior. Most importantly, our design response focused on carrying the materiality of the existing splayed exterior walls inside to inform the interiors and define the kitchen. A core methodology of our studio is always to explore and promote connections and interactions with nature. The minimal colour palette of the interiors and our focus on refined detailing allowed the landscaping to become a vibrant addition to the interior, creating an awareness of the seasons, both on a macro and micro level, enabling a mindfulness – key to our wellbeing.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The kitchen was designed as a fluid space to enable unobstructed sightlines into the front and rear courtyard gardens. As such it was imperative to studiofour that a drop-down or wall-mounted rangehood be avoided. The Qasair model we selected has been tried and tested by our office over the last 12 years, and as seen here can be recessed into the ceiling cavity providing minimal visual impact to the interior volume.” studiofour.net.au

Builder Uwood Projects. Joinery Cabinetry by H&F Custom Joinery in Dulux ‘Silkwort’ two-pack finish. Benchtop On rear benchtop, Stone Italiana reconstituted stone in Cement Grey Grain.

Island bench and integrated table in American oak finished in Fiddes Hardwax oil. Splashback Powdercoated steel colour-matched to Dulux ‘Silkwort’. Wall/ceiling finish Dulux ‘Silkwort’. Flooring French oak in Cloud from Woodcut. Sink ‘Norrsjön’ undermount sink in stainless steel from Ikea.

Tapware Astra Walker ‘Icon’ hob set in brushed platinum. Oven V-Zug Combi steam oven in Black Glass. Cooktop V-Zug induction cooktop. Rangehood Qasair ‘Thermidoor’ ceiling cavity-mounted rangehood. Refrigerator/freezer Siemens ‘IQ700’ integrated fridge/freezer. Dishwasher V-Zug ‘Adora SL’ integrated dishwasher. Lighting Orbis spotlight and surface-mounted track powdercoated to match ceiling from Masson for Light. Furniture Carl Hansen & Søn ‘CH20 Elbow’ chairs by Hans J. Wegner from Cult. Custom dining table, herb planter and kitchen island. Accessories Porcelain by Takuhiro Shinomoto from Hub. Metal tray from Hay. Malle W. Trousseau chopping board.

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Photography SHANNON M C GRATH

Builder Masterplan Builders. Joinery Cabinetry by Mel Temple in Dulux ‘Snowy Mountain’ satin finish with Pittella hardware in Antique Brass. Benchtop/island bench Honed Lorde White marble from CDK Stone. Splashback 150x75 subway tiles in Matt Cotton from Schots Home Emporium. Wall finish Dulux ‘Snowy Mountain’ stain. Flooring Oak parquetry in hand-painted finish from Le Parqueteur.

Tapware Perrin & Rowe ‘Provence’ bridge tap in Pewter from The English Tapware Company. Cooker La Cornue ‘Chateau 150’ in stainless steel from La Cornue. Lighting Custom domed pendant lights in Bronze by Justin Bishop Interior Design. Furniture Custom bentwood cross back chairs hand painted to specification by Justin Bishop Interior Design.

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David Liddiard & Associates I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N E R

Justin Bishop Interior Design

FRENCH KISS [ Canterbury ]

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THE SHINING STAR of this French-influenced kitchen by architect David Liddiard and interior designer Justin Bishop is the gleaming silver y La Cornue cooker perched under a graceful curving joinery feature. “Our brief was to design an entertainer’s kitchen around a La Cornue ‘Chateau 150’ range in stainless steel,” explains David. “Once the overall space was designed, this distinctive piece of functional art informed the finer details, such as moulding design, joinery detailing, skirting, thickness and height of benchtops, and colour selections, all chosen with a view to complement the cooker. Balancing out the strong, rectangular lines of the La Cornue are a subtle arch incorporated into the overhead rangehood and arched windows, so as not to overwhelm the overall aesthetic. Finished with a simple, classic white-tiled splashback and beautiful timber f loorboards, this kitchen promotes a feeling of restrained opulence.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The La Cornue ‘Chateau 150’ range in stainless steel.” davidliddiard.com.au; justinbishop.com.au; lacornue.com.au

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Handmade culinary architecture.

Designed and created for you in France, since 1908. www.laco rnue.com.au www.eands.com.au

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Builder Bower Construction & Design. Joinery Cabinetry by Gap Joinery in American oak veneer. Benchtop/island bench/splashback Honed Turco Argento limestone from CDK Stone. Wall finish Dulux ‘White Duck’ quarter. Flooring Woodcut prefinished engineered boards in natural European oak from Voss.

Sink Custom stone sink by Ideal Stone in honed Turco Argento limestone from CDK Stone. Tapware Brodware ‘City Stik’ hob-mounted mixer in bronze.

Oven Miele ‘H 2661 B’ oven in black and stainless steel. Cooktop/rangehood Miele induction cooktop with downdraft ventilation. Refrigerator/freezer Fisher & Paykel integrated French-door fridge 900mm ‘RS90A1’. Dishwasher Integrated ‘G 4980 Vi Jubilee’ dishwasher from Miele. Lighting Unios ‘Kobe’ track lighting from H.I.Lighting. Flos ‘265’ wall lamp from Euroluce. Furniture Moooi ‘Container’ table from Space. Billiani ‘Load’ chair from Estilo.

Accessories Artwork from The Poster Club. Plates from Meg Michell Ceramics and Eheid Ceramics. Jug from Mud Australia. Linen from Hale Mercantile.

Photography CAROLINE CAMERON

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Williams Burton Leopardi

RICH SEAM [ North Adelaide ] A S E A M LE S S PA I R I N G O F CR E A M Y M A R B LE and pale timbers defines the sleek lines of this kitchen devised by WBL director Sophia Leopardi who has created a place where beauty and simplicity reign without loss of functionality. “Starting with a narrative of a ‘reapportioning of space’ and working within the existing footprint, we slotted the kitchen down from its existing location to connect with the garden and northfacing aspect. Dovetailed with the new dining space, the island has been designed to screen and separate the ‘working kitchen’ – detailed with furniture-like precision, integrating a deeply carved stone sink to hide mess. The concept of concealment and removal from the standard kitchen layout is also exemplified in the floating bench with downdraft exhaust where a low-level window invites the garden visually into the space. The volume of the kitchen is drastically and functionally re-imagined, with an all-encompassing garden experience. Marble and timber bring a warmth to spaces that could double as an art gallery but still feel accessible as a home.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget?

“The downdraft exhaust and custom integrated sink.” designbywbl.com.au

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Amp up the vibe in your kitchen with these dynamic finds.

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1 Fiandre ‘Maximum’ porcelain panel in Royal Platinum, POA, from Artedomus. 2 Lithos Design ‘Opus Piano’ polished marble tiles in Piano Aloe, POA, from Artedomus. 3 Zero Progresiv smooth sink mixer with pull out in antique brass, $1505, from Faucet Strommen. 4 ‘Eon S0’ pendant light in brass and crackle glass, $804, from ADesignStudio. 5 Nostalgie Series ‘PD10SDNE3’ oven in custom colour, approx. $13,499, from Ilve. 6 Herman Miller ‘Spot’ stool, $2735, from Living Edge. 7 Magis ‘Vitrail’ oval mirror, $880, from De De Ce. 8 Tom Dixon ‘Elements Earth’ candle, $350, from Living Edge. 9 Olivine x Dulux ‘Rowntree’ finish, $113.19/square metre, from Laminex. 10 Mrs. Alice six-piece wood and stainless-steel cutlery set, $195, from Matchesfashion.com. 11 Multi-colour napkins, $49.95/set of four, from In the Roundhouse. 12 Table lamp, POA, from Coco Republic. 13 ‘CornuFé 110’ oven in Matte Black with polished brass, from $20,575, from La Cornue. 14 ‘Amara’ dining chair, from $755, from King. 15 Campbell-Rey yellow and pink coupe, $310/pair, from Lucy Montgomery Collection. 16 Large ceramic scalloped salad bowl in green from Puglia, $340, from Alex and Trahanas. 17 Avesta blind fabric in Chalk, $428/standard blind, from Luxaflex. 18 Campbell-Rey blue and green tumbler, $310/pair, from Lucy Montgomery Collection.

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TAPPING IN 11

Let your imagination flow with this expressive bathing gear.

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1 Davines ‘Pasta & Love’ shaving gel, $44.95, from Luxe Concept Salon. 2 Tekla organic cotton towels, $162/set of three, from Matchesfashion.com. 3 ‘Twig’ freestanding towel holder, POA, from Boffi. 4 Agape handwash washbasin in concrete by Benedini Associati, POA, from Artedomus. 5 Progresiv smooth wall bath mixer set in Chrome, $625, from Faucet Strommen. 6 ‘Rosewood’ short vase, $115, from Coco Republic. 7 1950s Italian wall mirror attributed to La Farnesiana, POA, from Nicholas & Alistair. 8 Ligne Roset ‘Wo’ vase, $175, from Domo. 9 Super Collection door hardware by Bankston Architectural in collaboration with Sans-Arc Studio, POA, from Bankston. 10 Salvatori ‘Balnea’ countertop basin in Crema d’Orcia stone, POA, and modular drawer in Crema d’Orcia stone, POA, from Boffi. 11 Norwegian Rose stone, POA, from Artedomus. 12 ‘Ecological Compound Limited Edition 2021’ serum, $315/125ml, from Sisley Paris. 13 ‘Le Diffuseur’ diffuser, $299/350ml, from Trudon. 14 ‘HV1’ tap in Colour 40, from $879, from Vola. 15 Tom Dixon ‘Rock’ candle holder, $470/large, from Living Edge. 16 Magis ‘Vitrail’ mirrors, from $800, from De De Ce. 17 S1 ‘Twig’ coat hanger, POA, from Boffi.

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Builder Promena Projects. Stonemason Mediterranean Marble. Wall finish Existing sandstone wall revealed. Tadelakt plaster in a custom bone shade and custom peach French-wash ceiling painted by Creative Finish Sydney. Flooring 100 x 100 tumbled ‘Bottocino’ and ‘Biancone’ tiles combined in a striped pattern from Bisanna. Vanity Custom vanity by YSG in honed Pietra Verde natural stone from Euro Marble. Mirror Custom mirror cabinet by YSG in stained timber frame made by joiner Jonathan West. Basin Duravit ‘D Code’ undermount washbasin in White from Villa Di Milano. Basin tapware Astra Walker ‘Icon’ wall set spout and mixer in Brown Bronze from Astra Walker. Bath The Water Monopoly ‘Rockwell’ bath from The English Tapware Company. Bath tapware ‘Icon’ floor-mounted bath mixer in Brown Bronze from Astra Walker. Towel rail Futagami towel hanger in brass from The DEA Store. Lighting ‘FlatWhite Opal’ wall lights from ADesign Studio. Accessories Feature stone soap ledge affixed to wall beside bath repurposed from an existing fireplace in cream with golden spider veins. ‘Compass’ shower hook in brass from Studio Henry Wilson. Silk slip hanging on shower hook is client’s own. Shigaraki vase in rustic ceramic glaze used as soap dish from The DEA Store.

Photography PRUE RUSCOE Styling FELICITY NG

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D E S I G N E R

YSG Studio

PEACHY SCENE [ Rozelle ]

PRE SERVING ITS HISTORICAL E SSENCE as a late 19th-century corner shop, the three-storey Rozelle sandstone dwelling was transformed into a family sanctuary

by Yasmine Ghoniem of YSG. “The master bedroom transitioned to a generous bathroom nestled between the young adult sisters’ sleeping quarters with doors adjoining their spaces. Removing existing plasterboard walls and joinery revealed the beautiful original sandstone walls plus a vaulted ceiling which we painted a dreamy peach tone (previously concealed behind a low plaster ceiling). The diagonal bands of the alternating rose-tinted limestone tiles grant the illusion of sunlight streaming through the window. The vanity mirror faces the window, bouncing light around. An angled porcelain tub floating on orbs adds a modern twist, while a floor-mounted brass tap and custom floating marble soap shelf with rusty spider veins (repurposed from an original fireplace downstairs) add an aged patina. Anchoring the room, slate-like Pietra Verde stone articulates the vanity and splashback plus the raised edge of the generous shower chamber behind it.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The Water Monopoly ‘Rockwell’ bath from The English Tapware Company – it’s the off-centre centrepiece. No matter how busy your day is, you’d always find time for a soak in this, ideally mid-morning on weekends when the sun filters in.” ysg.studio

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Builder Boom Build. Joinery Captive Cabinetmaking. Wall finish Moroccan Zellige tiles in Off White from Barefoot Living. Flooring 600 x 600 porcelain tiles in ‘BFL5081’ from Barefoot Living. Vanity/mirror Designed by RJIA and made by Captive Cabinetmaking. Benchtops/ bench seat Liberty Grey marble from SNB Stone made and installed by Central Coast Granite. Basin American Standard ‘Heron’ undercounter from Reece. Basin tapware Brodware ‘City Stik’ in brushed chrome from Candana. Bath Moda ‘Chloe’ matt-white bath from ACS Designer Bathrooms. Bath tapware Brodware ‘City Stik’ floor-mounted bath mixer in brushed chrome from Candana. Showerhead/tapware Brodware ‘City Plus’ exposed shower set in brushed chrome from Candana. Toilet Duravit ‘Sensowash’ from Candana. Towel rail Hydrotherm ‘TR2’ in brushed chrome from Candana. Lighting ‘Duomo Stem’ wall light in Brass from Nightworks Studio. Accessories Andrée Jardin ‘Tradition’ face cleansing brush and sea sponge, Frama ‘Apothecary’ body wash and oil, and Solitude ‘Nurture’ bath minerals from Oliver Thom. ‘Juno’ towel in White from Jardan.

Photography ESS CREATIVE Styling SAMANTHA TORRISI

SWATHE S OF MIST Y LIBERT Y- GREY MARBLE encase this generous space by interior designer Sally Rhys-Jones, who was briefed to hero the array of breathtaking coastal surroundings to be enjoyed. “This ensuite is a particularly large space with expansive views over Palm Beach. It really gave us scope to create a luxurious, spa-like bathroom with different zones, as well as a bathing space that had multiple opportunities to enjoy the view, be it from the bath, shower or bench seat.” What luxury items did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “Stone – we created a bench seat taking in the view in the wet area and clad it in slabs of marble. There is also a Japanese-style toilet – the Duravit ‘Sensowash’.” sallyrhysjones.com

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Rhys Jones Interior Architecture

SOFTLY SPOKEN [ Palm Beach ]

SEEING THAT THIS POWDER ROOM would be used by both family and guests when the owners were entertaining, interior designer Charlotte Coote aimed to “make it stand out and be a bit of fun”. “It doesn’t get a lot of natural light so I decided to keep it dark,” she says. “I also decided to do fewer materials and finishes but repeat them over and over for visual effect. We painted the timberwork below the dado a high-gloss dark blue and repeated this on the ceiling. The lineal Schumacher wallpaper designed by Veere Grenney adds a playful element and lightness, which I then repeated in the fabric for the roman blind and the lampshades. The vintage Georgian wall lights and Irish mirror add an element of sophistication and sparkle.” What luxury items did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The vintage silver Georgian shell wall sconces sourced from an antiques dealer in New York, the nickel tapware

by Perrin & Rowe from The English Tapware Company, the custom vanity created from a Coote&Co ‘Lismore’ console and the Irish Georgian mirror handmade in London using Italian crystals.” cooteandco.com.au

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Coote&Co

CRYSTAL RADIANCE [ Mt Macedon ]

Photography LISA COHEN Styling TESS NEWMAN-MORRIS

Builder/joiner Mt Gisborne Homes. Wall finish Resene ‘Navigate’ high gloss paint and Schumacher ‘Kiosk’ wallpaper in Peacock Blue from Grant Dorman.

Flooring ‘Arbon’ modular tiles in tumbled limestone from Eco Outdoor. Vanity ‘Lismore’ console in White from Coote&Co. Stone benchtop in honed Tango White Italian marble from The Marble House. Mirror Antiqued Irish Georgian mirror in blue and clear Italian crystals. Basin Victoria + Albert ‘Pembroke’ in White from The English Tapware Company. Basin tapware Perrin & Rowe three-hole basin set with low spout in nickel and porcelain levers from The English Tapware Company.

Toilet Perrin & Rowe ‘Edwardian’ toilet in White from The English Tapware Company. Lighting Vintage Georgian shell sconces in polished silver.

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Photography SHARYN CAIRNS Styling BEK SHEPPARD Production CARLI PHILIPS

Builder Stevens Waters Building. Flooring Chequerboard tiles from Ceramica Vogue.

Vanity/basin Custom basin in pink marble stone from Signorino. Mirror Custom brass-framed mirror. Tapware ‘Olde English’ tapware with cross handles from Astra Walker. Toilet ‘Rockwell’ toilet in Green from The English Tapware Company. Lighting Vintage Venetian glass and brass wall lights. Accessories Small stool from HK Living. ‘Juno’ hand towel from Jardan.

Jicon ‘Chrysanthemum’ dish from Mr Kitly.

Frama hand soap from Designstuff.

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Tamsin Johnson

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED [ Caulfield North ]

A PERFECT PAIRING of elegance and exuberance characterises this bathroom design by Tamsin Johnson, lending artistic panache to what is often a home’s most prosaic space. Tamsin’s selection of fixtures and surfaces in playful and unexpected shades, as well as her curator’s instinct for a striking accessory, imbue the room with a bespoke sensibilit y – befitting the landmark Modernist residence it sits within. “This fresh, fun yet elegant bathroom is comfortable, natural and unexpected. Rosa pink marble feat ured in the custom T-shaped vanit y and matching bath-top detail is the hero, enhanced by the contrasting chequerboard floor tiles and surprisingly bold mint-green toilet which injects an Art Deco air. Each element is a statement, yet nothing is overpowering which suits its purpose as a uniquely playful family bathroom.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The vanity mirrors are flanked by vintage Italian sconces. Bathroom lighting is often integrated or simply functional but we wanted to make a statement by using something that was also decorative. Because we didn’t want anything that was innocuous or off the shelf, the lights were a splurge. In the family bathroom, the Venetian glass and brass sconces feature cut-out polka dots in the spirit of play.” tamsinjohnson.com

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Builder BAU Group Construction. Wall finish/flooring Sandblasted Aren Gris limestone from Onsite. Vanity/basin Custom made by Saltwater Joinery in sandblasted Aren Gris limestone from Onsite. Mirror/medicine cabinet Custom made by Saltwater Joinery with anodised aluminium frame in satin charcoal-grey finish. Basin tapware Vola ‘121AP’ mixer in brushed chrome from Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Bath Victoria + Albert ‘Vetralla’ bath in matt white from Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Bath tapware Vola tapware in brushed chrome from Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Showerhead/tapware Vola ‘080D’ double-head shower in brushed chrome from Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Toilet Villeroy + Boch ‘Subway 2.0’ wall-faced pan with soft close seat in White from Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Towel rail Avenir ‘Cubo’ heated towel rail in brushed stainless steel from Sydney Tap and Bathroomware. Lighting Flos ‘Mini Glo-Ball’ wall lights from Euroluce. Accessories Society Limonta ‘Lipe’ hand towel in White from Ondene.

5 A RC H I T EC T

Kyra Thomas Architects

SILVER FOX [ Queens Park ]

WITH A DE SIGN centred on the essence of space, balance, proportion and light quality, Kyra Thomas created a bathroom that is minimal, elegant and refined.

“The contemporary home sits within the walls of an old warehouse and as a result the bathroom is inbound. The central point for the layout is the large skylight that runs the full width of the room, which allows light to flood in and ground the space. The bathroom has a singular material palette and classic fixtures. The use of sandblasted Italian grey limestone to clad the walls and floor creates a monolithic and minimal look that is beautiful, calm and textured. Constructing the custom vanity and basin out of the limestone extends the material and is crucial in the commitment to the design philosophy for the space. The Vola tapware in brushed chrome complements the colour tone of the hardwearing stone, with both being practical choices to serve a young family’s needs. The design is restrained without the distraction of multiple colours and surface finishes.” What luxury items did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The Vola tapware, custom stone vanity and single stone slab instead of tiles for the shower floor.” kyrathomas.com

Photography ANSON SMART

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SERENE AND SMOKY greys create elegant cohesion in this home by Tamsin Johnson where Victorian gravitas meets contemporary cool. The mood is perfectly encapsulated by the main bathroom, which proves that a pared-back scheme can still conjure sumptuousness and a sense of history.

Luxurious plaster, lashings of stone and rocky Palladiana flooring reminiscent of ancient cobblestone streets are harmonised by their muted silvery tones and offset by an optically charged artwork. “The bathrooms have a simple grayscale elegance taking on a minimalist approach. With the tones being generally monochromatic, they foster depth without overpowering the spaces all the while keeping a sense of unique luxury through accents of both antique and custom light fixtures and vanity mirrors.”

What luxury items did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The ‘York’ freestanding bath by Victoria + Albert and the tumbled marble floor tiles. The Jonny Niesche artwork injects a vibrancy that counteracts the subtlety of the palette. The neutral colour shades of the interior form the perfect backdrop.” tamsinjohnson.com

Photography SHARYN CAIRNS Styling BEK SHEPPARD Production CARLI PHILIPS

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Tamsin Johnson

GOING GREY [ Kingsville ]

Builder RoomFour. Wall finish Marmorino Venetian plaster wall finish. Flooring Custom Palladiana floor tiles by Don Mcqualter. Vanity Custom vanity in honed Elba marble from G-Lux. Mirror 1950s bamboo mirror from Tamsin Johnson. Basin tapware ‘Industrica’ basin set from Brodware. Bath Victoria + Albert ‘York’ bath from The English Tapware Company. Bath tapware ‘Industrica’ bath mixer with handshower from Brodware. Lighting ‘Cone’ wall light in White from Atelier Areti.

Accessories Artwork by Jonny Niesche from STATION gallery. Rattan stool from Market Import. Pedestal from Edward Clark Antiques.

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Luigi Rosselli Architects I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N E R

Décor JMH

OFF PISTE [ Paddington ] Photography PRUE RUSCOE Styling MEGAN MORTON

TO CRE ATE THIS MA STER BATHROOM Julie Manfredi Hughes undertook a major renovation, making way for a reinterpretation of the home’s Victorian design. “Originally this was an aging black-and-white Art Deco space. Keeping its integrity was essential and we cleverly referenced the original monochrome design in our update. However, we moved right away from traditional elements with the introduction of contemporary features such as handmade subway tiles that were sempered to create rhythm in the room and offer an anchor for the design. The ‘Evolve’ bath is a luxury touchpoint, placed under the window and bathed in the natural light filtered through the custom linen blind. We have considered both form and function in this room, with thoughtful elements such as a custom double two-drawer vanity with Bianco Gioia marble bench and shelf.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The ‘Evolve 1780’ bath from British heritage company Claybrook in Marbleform Dover White with the outer in custom taupe.” decorjmh.com

Builder Technoform Constructions. Wall finish Handmade Italian ceramic Bianco Gloss subway tiles in Smoke from Di Lorenzo with Mapei grout in Silver Grey. Flooring ‘XXS-Zelige’ porcelain mosaic in Matt Black from Di Lorenzo with Mapei grout in London Grey. Vanity Custom double two-drawer vanity with bench and shelf in Bianco Gioia marble designed by Décor JMH and made by Gelosa, finished in Porter’s Paints ‘Grey Fox’ with Buster + Punch pulls. Mirror Custom by Décor JMH with integrated Agape 4x4 mirrored cabinets from Artedomus and matt-black powder-coated frame. Basin Ceramica Catalano ‘Zero+ 60’ bench-mount in Bianco Gloss from Rogerseller. Basin tapware ‘Eccentric’ wall-mounted basin outlet and ‘Progressive’ polished-chrome mixer from Rogerseller. Bath Claybrook ‘Evolve 1780’ in Marbleform Dover White and Taupe. Bath tapware ‘Logic’ floor-mounted bath outlet with polished-chrome ‘Progressive’ mixer from Rogerseller. Showerhead/tapware ‘Eccentric 260’ shower rose and wall-mounted hand shower on rail with polished-chrome ‘Progressive’ mixers from Rogerseller. Toilet Ceramica Catalano ‘Zero 55’ floor-mounted toilet from Rogerseller. Towel rail ‘Eccentric’ polished-chrome towel rail from Rogerseller. Lighting Flos ‘Easy Kap 150’ downlights and ‘Mini Glo-Balls’ on mirror from Euroluce. Accessories Organic cotton bath towels in Khaki Stripe from In Bed. Custom floating soap stand for wash basin in bronzed brass by Décor JMH. Handkerchief blind in Ivory linen from No Chintz.

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THE OFFICE

TELL US A B O U T YO U R S T U D I O? It is in the old Coote and Jorgensen Engineering warehouse in Sydney. Original windows and high ceilings bring in amazing natural light.

I feel fortunate to create here. W H AT A PPE A LED A B O U T IT ?

The large factory-style windows came as a surprise when I inspected – they were boarded up and, once revealed, filled the studio with gorgeous warmth. I knew it would cradle my process. The area is divided so we can all work independently yet feed off each other’s creative energy. W H AT A R E YO U R WO R K E S S EN T I A L S? Mineral water, coffee and food to keep me going. Headphones let me dive into my own little world.

My most worn-out brushes create interesting marks and move differently on a canvas. W H AT I S U N I Q U E A B O U T T H E SPACE? It houses a number of full-time artists. In an industry that is difficult to navigate, it is lovely to have found a group to share a space with. Remnants of the past peek through – the giant engine hidden in the ceiling and the terrazzo floor that has been painted over. DE SCRIBE A T YPI C AL WO RK DAY? I look back over the previous day’s work. Pre-planning over coffee sets me up before I jump into painting, at which point I put on headphones. I become engrossed in the project and hours evaporate. Then it’s time to return home. D O YO U USE THE SPACE TO ENTERTAIN? I often invite clients to look at work and have a chat. Being able to engage them in the space where it all happens allows me to share in the process. A N O B J EC T YO U WO U LD B U Y N OW? Can I ask for a swing? I am not sure how I would attach it – the ceilings are so high. I F

YO U R S T U D I O W ER E A N Y WH ER E EL S E, W H ER E WO U LD THAT B E? In the middle of a busy city like New York. I am an energetic person. YO U R EN D U R I N G I N FLU EN CE S? Hilma af Klint. I was in awe of ‘The Secret Paintings’ at the Art Gallery of NSW and her story. Action/Abstraction is a book I have on loan from a friend. House of Gucci and Stravinsky’s Lunch. Louise Bourgeois for her ability to work between mediums and express herself with tenacity. Yayoi Kusama for installations enveloping a universe of her own creation.

HOW HAS YOUR WORK E VOLVED? On a personal quest, I went to art school. Not to become a full-time artist – I had no expectations about my work or the possibility for it to sustain me. I had the privilege for it to be an expressive, experimental period. My work has become bolder, more confident. The joy of the new and anticipation of the unknown is thrilling.

WHAT AR E YO U WO R KIN G O N? A blue series called ‘Vice and Virtue’ about the journey of discovery, engaging with the materials I work with and the obstacles and breakthroughs that have led me to this place. ‘On This Island’ pays respect to the experiences of migrant communities. Abstract marks represent and embody the labouring and sacrifice of my parents. History and identity is articulated through emotion and abstraction. W H AT PROJ EC T S D O YO U LO O K FO RWA R D TO? A performance piece with my gallery in Melbourne, James Makin, in their new space designed by architect Tristan Wong of SJB. Based on ‘On This Island’, it is an endurance piece in which I paint live for five days. antoniamrljakart.com

Photography MAREE HOMER Styling MARIA PAPANTONIOU

Antonia Mrljak

Making her mark A light-filled loft cradles this artist’s expression.

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