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Gardens

142 New Romantic Creating a vast garden in Sydney’s north enticed landscape designer Myles Baldwin – rill and all.

150 Expressive Nature Expect the unexpected at this characterful Melbourne garden.

157 All Bright Now The time is right to say hello to hellebores.

Bathrooms & laundries

159 20+ pages of fabulous fittings and design ideas for the hardest-working rooms in the house.

For our readers 8

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On our cover There are beautifully framed views from every angle at this light, liveable family home among the gum trees in Sydney’s north-west. Photograph

by Maree Homer.

See page 116 for more.

Photograph by Anson Smart.

96 Light Fantastic It took 15 years, but the owners of this Sydney property finally have their dream home.

106 Work Of Art Talented creatives transform a heritage house into a striking home-meets-gallery.

116 Heart-Melting Moments On the edge of Sydney, every window in this new-build frames a bush outlook.

132 Future Vision A forward-thinking renovation has ensured a pair of empty-nesters can stay in their beloved home for the long haul.

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EDITOR’S LETTER H G

Photograph by Kristina Soljo. Hair and make-up by Samantha Powell.

Artworks: vintage (left) and We need to move together I by Kerrie Oliver (right).

U

“The BATHROOM would have to be UP THERE as the key room to GET RIGHT when planning your IDEAL ABODE.”

nless you have been wandering around in a completely Zen state (which I envy) with no access to newspapers, magazines or digi devices you will know that property and renovating are hot hot hot! The team at H&G absolutely loves reading homeowners’ stories and discussing trends and insights.

We have inspiration galore on the following pages as this month’s homeowners reveal the challenges of their journeys. And they’re as varied as building a fivestar resort-style dream home on acreage to renovating a spatially challenged semi in Bondi to refreshing a forever home that will take the owners through the twilight years in style.

The bathroom would have to be up there as the key room to get right when planning your ideal abode. I love a fabulous bathroom and so far the favourite one I’ve ever owned – remember I am a serial renovator – was the one my friend architect Lara Calder designed for me, in a terrace on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Lara has designed a few renovations for me – one flash, one medium and one on the back of an envelope, on the run. This was the back of an envelope version on a strict budget. Yet, it is my number one to date. I was pretty stressed when I lived in this house as I was flying solo with a busy job, a son at high school and an international student living with us to keep things afloat. That bathroom, in the inimitable words of ’80s band, The Cult, sold me sanctuary! French doors, painted Dulux Domino from Bunnings, opened up to a walk-in shower on the left, Pietra grey tumbled limestone cobblestones on the floor and subway tiles on the walls. A Kaldewei bathtub from Reece looked out to the bush, birds and possums. The Caroma wallhung basin had plenty of space for make-up, candles, and the odd glass of wine.

An Ikea wall-hung cabinet housed beauty paraphernalia and my Hawthorn Hill heated towel rail sat proudly on the wall. Although relatively thrifty, it was classic, beautiful and indulgent and I spent many hours in there – reading, worrying, bathing, getting ready for glamorous and not so glamorous events. If you are in the throes of creating your own bathing nirvana, take a look at our bathroom and laundry special (page 159) for both fashionable and evergreen inspiration.

Achieving your own paradise is what it is all about and that is what our featured garden owners John and Chaylee have done on Sydney’s Upper North Shore. They live in a beautiful Federation home and their piece de resistance is the garden on over 3000 square metres. The couple engaged landscape design star Myles Baldwin to create their own Garden of Eden retaining substantial historic trees and adding new attractions like a rill and seriously chic plantings (page 142).

Enjoy the issue – we hope it helps you to plan, build, bathe, garden, repeat!

Tanya Buchanan, Editor in-Chief TOP PICKS

Tanya’s top five

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Herbert wall-mounted basin (available in 14 colours), from $1280, Nood Co; noodco.com.au.

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Tunisian basketweave wall/floor tile, POA, Aeria Country Floors; aeria.com.au.

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Carriere Freres diffuser, $109, Libertine Parfumerie; libertineparfumerie. com.au.

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Recycled-polyester puffer tote, $99.95, Country Road; countryroad.com.au.

COLLECT

What was it that made your eyes flicker artwork by Leah Fraser, POA, Arthouse Gallery; arthousegallery.com.au.

EDITORIAL Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan Acting creative director Shayne Burton Deputy editor Elizabeth Wilson Interiors editor Kate Nixon Chief copy editor Sarah Pickette Senior content/production editor Tamarah Pienaar Homes group coordinator Lyla Levy-Jordan ART & ST YLE Designer/stylist Sophie Wilson Prepress specialist Matus Kundrat CONTRIBUTORS

Linda Alam, Sevak Babakhani, Laura Barry, Tanika Blair, Karin Bochnik, Lucia Braham, Jackie Brown, Jackie Brygel, Sharyn Cairns, Darren Christison, Claire Delmar, Elise Elliott, Martina Gemmola, Kristina Harrison, Janice Hogg, Maree Homer, Tammy Huynh, Dylan James, Tess Kelly, Georgia Madden, Madeleine McFarlane, Tim O’Connor, Chris Pearson, Samantha Powell, Matilda Ringrose, Rix Ryan Photography, Prue Ruscoe, Beck Simon, Kristina Soljo, Fiona Susanto, Saffron Sylvester, The Palm Co, Lillie Thompson, Pablo Veiga, Chris Warnes, Nicholas Watt ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Group category manager Rhyl Heavener (02) 8114 9420 Advertising production manager Kate Orsborn (02) 9282 8364 Brand executive Mikayla Skarzynski (02) 9282 8142 Victoria, SA & WA sales director Jaclyn Clements (03) 9823 6341 Director of sales, NSW Karen Holmes (02) 9282 8733 Victoria head of direct sales Will Jamison (03) 9823 6301 Queensland head of sales Judy Taylor (07) 3101 6636 General manager – production services Ian McHutchison Production controller Sally Jefferys Advertising production controller Dominic Roy (02) 9282 8691 Senior event manager Cate Gazal (02) 8226 9342 M A R K E T I N G & C I R C U L AT I O N Marketing director Louise Cankett Circulation manager Robert McIntosh Subscriptions campaign manager Jesvin Vincent Brand manager Sarah Webster Marketing enquiries homes@aremedia.com.au A R E M E D IA C O R P O R AT E Chief executive officer Jane Huxley Finance director David Loeffler Executive general manager – publishing & digital operations Sarah-Belle Murphy Group publisher – homes Shane Sutton Director of sales Andrew Cook Customer director Sally Eagle Business manager Georgina Bromfield Syndications syndication@aremedia.com.au New Zealand enquiries +61 2 9282 8505 SUBSCRIPTION SALES & ENQUIRIES

Magshop GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia Phone 136 116 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm AEST) Web magshop.com.au All other Australian House & Garden enquiries: (02) 9282 8456

Published by Are Media Pty Ltd (ABN 053 273 546), 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. The trademark AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN is the property of Are Media Pty Ltd and is used under licence. © 2021.

All rights reserved. Printed by Ovato, 31-37 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW 2170. National distribution by Gordon and Gotch Australia Pty Ltd. 1300 650 666. ISSN 0004-931X. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Are Media does not accept responsibility for damage to or loss of freelance material submitted for publication. Allow several weeks for acceptance or return. For enquiries regarding subscriptions, call 136 116 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm AEST, email magshop@ magshop.com.au or mail letters to: Australian House & Garden, Reply Paid 3508, Sydney, NSW 2001 or subscribe online at magshop.com.au/hg. Subscription rate*: Australia $79.99 (one year, 12 issues); NZ A$120 (one year, 12 issues); other countries A$180 (one year, 12 issues). All overseas subscriptions sent air speed. * Recommended price, Australian House & Garden.

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Design Your World

H G LETTERS

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YOUR H&G

BEST OF THE BEST

SEEDS OF INSPIR ATION

I wonder if there was an increase in pedestrian accidents during April – if so, I would attribute it to H&G’s Top 50 Rooms showcase. I could not stop flicking the pages as I left the newsagent!

The fabulous selection of styles made for truly addictive reading and led to passionate discussions with colleagues and family members, as everyone was eager to nominate their favourite. The standout for me was Thomas Hamel’s bar/living area with the hypnotic Eagles photo. I could quite happily retreat to that teal 1970s haven and pop ‘Hotel California’ on the turntable!

Nicoleta Sica, Mullaloo, WA

I recently received a subscription to Australian House & Garden as a gift from my darling husband and I was filled with excitement when the first issue arrived. As an avid gardener, I loved reading about the garden project by Jane Jones (‘Outside In’, April). I am now filled with knowledge and motivation to overhaul my own garden. Thank you for such a beautiful magazine that nurtures my dreams.

Fiona Wilkins, Kings Langley, NSW

FA MILY VA LU E

My sister is purchasing her first property soon so I surprised her with a subscription to H&G – she has had a really busy year but always makes time for family. I know she will get fabulous decorating ideas and is a wonderful gardener so will love all the garden suggestions too.

Sarah Attwood, Coffs Harbour, NSW

FOREV ER FRIE N DS

I am so pleased that I save every issue of H&G. From renovating to gardening, I can always find all the advice I need.

There’s plenty of inspiration for my current guest bathroom renovation project and Tammy Huynh’s top 5 perennials for autumn (‘Autumn Glory’, April), recommending Japanese windflowers, solved my problem of what to plant in a certain spot. Thank you H&G for your ideas and fabulous magazine.

Felicity Rooney, Sale, Victoria

W RIT E IN TO W IN The author of each letter published receives $50. Our favourite also wins a prize. This month, Mrs Hayes receives a Signature Lite Onyx Black Swiss Army knife, valued at $169, courtesy of Victorinox; victorinox.com. Email your letter to H&G@aremedia.com.au or post to Your H&G, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028. Please include your full name and address.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

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The posts that made your month An inner-Sydney warehouse conversion found fans on Facebook, Instagrammers loved the sunny outlook of a stylish patio and a dreamy indoor-outdoor area hit the spot on Pinterest.

Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to tours of our favourite homes.

Instagram @houseandgarden View the most inspirational images of the month from H&G headquarters and out and about.

Pinterest pinterest.com.au/ houseandgardenau Picture-perfect images from our pages and sensational products to covet.

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

I absolutely loved the Upcycling Chic feature (May). In a world of so much waste, we need to continue encouraging each other to see existing possessions in a new light.

Learning how to fix, reuse and reinvent things is important to our future and wellbeing. There is nothing better than items that have a life and a story to tell of how they came about and were transformed. You can also show your own personality and character by upcycling. I love it!

Mrs Hayes, Lilli Pilli, NSW

H G at home with

Vive la

EVOLUTION

When a landscape designer and his family decided to put down permanent roots, it was the perfect time to plant a spectacular garden.

STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y LI N G Claire Delmar | P H OTOG RA PH Y Anson Smart

Landscape designer Anthony Wyer softened the front of his home with cascading plants including buxus, gardenia, cactus-like Euphorbia ingens and Pennisetum ‘Nafray’. Seaside daisies spill onto the drive; Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ climbs over the garage. Exterior painted Dulux Beige Royal Quarter.

OPPOSITE A pair of kentia palms (Howea forsteriana) channel a tropical vibe. The screening hedge is lilly pilly (Waterhousea floribunda); Lomandra tanika is planted along the edge of the pavers. Emu ‘Re-Trouve’ outdoor setting, Ke-zu. Limestone tiles, Onsite Supply+Design.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G at home with

ydney landscape designer Anthony Wyer and his wife Rebecca recognise potential when they see it. When they bought this property in Sydney’s easternsuburbsalmostsixyears ago,itwasn’texactlytheirdream home. But with constant fine-tuning, this design-savvy duo has produced a home and garden that reflects their style and perfectly fits the needs of their family – Hugo, 12, Darcy, 10, Hazel, six, and Connie, five.

On their own admission, buying the home wasn’t exactly a well-researched purchase.

In fact, they “came across it by mistake”, says Anthony. At the time, they were living on the Northern Beaches and had only casually contemplated the idea of moving. But the idea quickly took hold: they saw this house for sale on a Saturday, looked at it on the Sunday and bought it on the Monday.

The 20-year-old, two-storey house had been passed in at auction and was calling out for an update. Perched high on a large corner block, it was decorated in the manner of a Europeanvilla,with brown exteriorwalls and now-dated French provincial-style interiors.

Significantly for this garden-focused >

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

“We both love to cook and this back living area is where everyone congregates. We wanted a hard-working kitchen that would look organised, tidy and beautiful,” says Rebecca Wyer. Splashback and benchtops in Arabescato marble, Granite & Marble Works. “The marble was a masterstroke by our friend, interior designer Marco Meneguzzi,” says Anthony. Custom kitchen stools, Chunk! Design. Vase on benchtop, 1stDibs. Terracotta vessels, Space. Terracotta planter, Robert Plumb. Custom marble-topped dining table. Maja D armchairs from Space covered in custom linen covers, Tamsin Johnson. OPPOSITE Huge pots filled with bird of paradise (Strelitzia parvifolia) and Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ greet visitors at the front door. Artwork by Tomislav Nikolic. Door and surrounds painted Porter’s Paints Bayleaf. “We went through so many colours before we found just the right muted green,” says Anthony.

pair, the home lacked an indoor-outdoor connection and the greenery was minimal, consisting only of lawn and hedging.

They approached the renovation in stages, as time and budget allowed, keeping an open mind as to whether the house was to be their long-term address. Phase one focused on remodelling the kitchen and bathrooms, and enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow. For guidance, Anthony and Rebecca called on a couple of very qualified friends including interior designer Marco Meneguzzi, who helped with joinery design and finishes. Out went the dark timber joinery to be replaced with a white kitchen and marble benchtops.

A large servery window was also installed, connecting the kitchen to the outdoor dining space. Forfinertouches,theyturnedto friend and interior designer Tamsin Johnson, who added colour, texture and antique pieces. The focus was on balancing designer chic with functionality.“Ourapproachisallaboutgood design that can be lived in thoroughly,” says Rebecca. “We’re practical people.”

The second phase of renovations signalled the couple’s resolve to put down roots – in more ways than one. “We decided this was >

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Rest easy with the ultimate in Australian-made and designed furniture and mattresses in your home. From mattresses to pillows crafted using quality materials, you’re guaranteed year-round support and comfort.

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ABOVE Sealy Posturepedic® Exquisite™ Hammond Medium Queen Mattress $2699; Harrison Queen Bed (featured in ‘Natural’ stain) $1799; Luxe 2-Drawer Bedside Table $499; Sealy Memory Rest Traditional Pillow $279ea; Loxton Cushion $59.95, European Pillowcase $69.95ea and Runner $199.95 in Navy. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

“HAVING OUTDOOR SPACES THAT WORK ALL YEAR-ROUND IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO US, AND THE FIREPLACE IS CENTRAL TO THAT.” Rebecca Wyer

at home with H G

The pergola is hugged by greenery.

Running along the wall is variegated oleander underplanted with aspidistra.

Large pots from Garden Life, planted with blue cactus (Pilocereus azureus) and Delosperma cooperi. Outdoor dining table, Parterre. Roda ‘Harp 749’ dining chairs, Pure Interiors. Antico Luce Cotto terracotta tiles (on benchtop), Eco Outdoor. Bamboo shading, House of Bamboo. OPPOSITE “The kids toast a lot of marshmallows here!” says Rebecca. Antico Luco Cotto terracotta pavers, Eco Outdoor. Custom coffee table. Royal Botanica armchair (left), Parterre. Rattan chairs, Conley & Co. Glass carafe and cup, Maison Balzac.

Wooden bowl, Sands Made. Aerin side table, Palmer & Penn. >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

HAND-MADE TO ORDER A fifthgeneration family business, A.H. Beard has been in Australian bedrooms for more than 121 years. With local manufacturing and premium design at their core, the A.H. Beard brand has been keeping the art of mattress-making alive in Australia.

When you choose an A.H. Beard mattress, not only are you investing in a good night’s sleep but you’re also supporting their 400-strong team of employees across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart.

Available in a range of sizes, the King Koil Bellagio II Firm Ensemble pictured here offers luxurious Natural Fibre blend quilting featuring Cashmere, to help naturally regulate temperature. Gel-Infused Latex, Memory Foam and Micro-Comfort coils provide pressure relieving comfort, while King Koil’s Reflex Platinum support system responds to each person’s unique size and shape to deliver the individual level of support they need.

The King Koil mattress comes with a 10 year guarantee.

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online | mobile | in store

at home with H G

Rebecca and Anthony with their children (from left) Hugo, Hazel, Connie and Darcy in the cave-like cabana carved from a sandstone boulder. Inside, the walls are rendered smooth and there is a custom daybed plus heated flooring for luxurious lounging. Vintage coffee table, The Vault Sydney. Travertine side table, Curated Spaces. French bistro table with marble top, 1stDibs. Antico Luce Cotto terracotta floor tiles, Eco Outdoor. The built-in planter contains a fiddle-leaf fig. Feature plants in the roof garden include Camellia sasanqua, Agave americana, Brugmansia ‘Feingold’, prostrate rosemary and European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis). >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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AT HOME WITH H G

Hugo, Hazel and Connie contemplate their moves. The feature wall is Bombala stone cladding from Gather Co, topped with cascading rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’). LEFT The doorway to the children’s playroom is framed by Bougainvillea ‘Scarlet O’Hara’. Further above are pygmy date palms (Phoenix roebelenii) and more rosemary.

where we wanted to stay, so we needed to make the home truly reflect us – and especially, make the garden representative of Anthony’s work,” says Rebecca.

The garden renovation has been years in the making. From the moment they moved in, Anthony had been dreaming up and drafting landscape concepts. At the front, where the 130-square-metre garden sits high above street level, the priority was to soften the home’s facade and bring greenery to the fore.

In response, he created a Hanging Gardens of Babylon-style design of layered, draped and cascading plantings against a backdrop of freshly-painted white walls.

“It’s a Mediterranean-style garden,” says Anthony. “The original design of the house lent itself to that kind of theme.”

It’s a masterclass in textural contrasts: clipped buxus balls and gardenias intermingle with bold succulents such as cactus-like Euphorbia ingens and snake plant (Sansevieria). And feathery native

grass Pennisetum ‘Nafray’ is combined with draped seaside daisies (Erigeron karvinskianus ‘Profusion’), prostrate rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostrate’) and bougainvillea.

In a major coup, Anthony also installed mature trees at the front – kentia palms and a 30-year-old olive tree – which were craned into place. Their arrival had an instant effect, their canopies reaching above the height of the home, screening an upper bedroom from the street.

Anthony obtained council approval to extend the planting onto the verge, which he has filled with a riot of natives and exotics. The finished result completely changes the home’s street presence. “The house used to look square and imposing,” says Rebecca. “But now, all the plants have helped to ground it and soften it.”

But perhaps the biggest transformation has occurred in the 230-square-metre rear garden where an entire corner – 25 square metres – was taken up by a sandstone

boulder. Anthony had pondered for years how to best convert this area into more useable space and came up with the idea of digging into the stone to create a grotto with a rooftop garden. It was a huge undertaking, involving major excavation work and engineering to ensure the structure was strong enough to hold soil and a garden on top. The resulting glamorous cave-style cabana is 6.3 metres long, 1.5 metres deep and can accommodate 10 lounging inside. North-facing, it has a custom integrated daybed, soft terracotta tile flooring and under-floor heating. Not surprisingly, it has become a magnet for visitors to the home. “The cabana is beautiful to look at from the house and a lovely destination point in the garden,” says Anthony. “People walk outside, see the cave and naturally congregate in there.”

An equally compelling gathering place is the hand-built circular outdoor fireplace, located a few steps from the back door, surrounded by lounge chairs. “We’re > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G AT HOME WITH very much a family that likes to be outdoors,” says Rebecca. “Having outdoor spaces that work all year-round is really important to us.”

Having plenty of entertaining spaces is important to this family too. “Rebecca and I each have four siblings so family gatherings are pretty big. It’s quite common for us to have 30 to 40 people over for lunch,” says Anthony. “We love that – we live for it – and the garden is designed to entertain that kind of number.

We’ve created different zones to accommodate and engage people.”

The existing pergola was revitalised with fresh stain for the decking and bamboo lining to camouflage the clear

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

perspex roof. Anthony also resurfaced the existing pool, installing new decking around it and a stone feature wall along one length. New plantings extend all the way around the property’s boundaries, including a thick mass of Heliconia ‘Rio Night’, along with rows of oleanders and rosemary. The lawn is velvety Zoysia ‘Sir Grange’. The overall effect is of a lush, inviting, enveloping mini universe.

“The garden has transformed the feeling and atmosphere of the whole house,” says Anthony. “It has added colour and movement – and the birds love it as much as we do! It really has breathed new life into the home.” > Wyer&Co; www.wyerandco.com.au.

Rebecca steps out of the formal living room straight onto this private lawn and sunny paved courtyard. Emu ‘Re-Trouve’ outdoor dining furniture by Patricia Urquiola, Ke-zu. Heaven chairs and side table by JeanMarie Massaud, Eco Outdoor.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

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1 2

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LIFE & ST YLE

10

Anthony shares some firsts and favourite things.

5

FIRST ADULT HOME? A small, beautiful terrace in Sydney’s Paddington.

9

It had a surprisingly generous garden for me to work with.

BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? Australia! We are currently planning a trip along the Gibb River Road in WA (10) that I am very excited about.

MOST MEMORABLE MEAL? I inadvertently ate chicken heart when visiting Iguaçu Falls [on the Brazil-Argentina border] many years ago.

Not an experience I’m likely to forget!

DREAM CAR? I’d love to restore a 1980s Ford F100 (4).

FAVOURITE DOWNTIME PURSUIT? Surfing (7) or hiking.

I LOVE A VASEFUL OF… Tulips. Bright orange, always.

MY GARDEN WOULDN’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT... Oleanders. They are tough, vibrant and flower all through summer. I’m also obsessed with Brugmansia, also known as angel’s trumpet (5). The soft orange flush amazes me every time.

ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS WHO INSPIRE YOU? Brazilian landscape architect Luiz Carlos Orsini. I admire his combination of plant species.

Also Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27 (3).

FAVOURITE FASHION LABELS? My fashion tastes are simple.

Great jeans, James Perse tees, and P.Johnson knits (1).

FAVOURITE SCENT? Santa Maria Novella Acqua di Sicilia (6) for day and Creed Aventus (2) for night.

DESIGNER PIECES YOU COVET? A Ligne Roset ‘Togo’ sofa (8).

Soft, colourful and comfortable – perfect for family movie night.

I’d love an Annie Morris Bronze Stack sculpture (9) too.

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT... My Breville Oracle coffee machine (11).

A lockdown purchase that keeps on giving. #

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

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Redux home architecture by Marcio Kogan & Samanta Cafardo, interiors by Diana Radomysler/Studio MK27 (3).

Bronze Stack 7 sculpture by Annie Morris (9). Photography by Fernando Guerra (3), Alamy (4, 7), Getty Images (5, 10).

4

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Styling by Kate Nixon. Photograph by Kristina Soljo.

SOAK UP THESE IDEAS FOR DREAMY BATHROOM SUITES

D e c or at i ng

1960s French travertine console (used as vanity), $19,360, Tamsin Johnson.

C.1900 English turners chair, $1250, The Vault Sydney. Rhodia Tulip belly basket, $59, Inartisan. ON VANITY From left Turkish marble basin, $1530, Orient House. Perrin & Rowe ‘Athenian’ tap set, $1294, The English Tapware Company. Aura Home Waffle cotton hand towel, $24.95, Casa by Studio Kate.

Decor Walther ‘Century’ soap dispenser in Gold Matt, $325, Becker Minty.

Pre-Columbian terracotta bowl and vase, POA, The Vault Sydney. White Delphinium from Mandalay Flowers. ON WALL From left Plantation shutter, from $112, Tuiss Blinds Online. Thomas O’Brien ‘Edie’ bronze wall light, $825, Bloomingdales Lighting. 1950s Italian wall mirror, $3080, Tamsin Johnson. Rabbit Line Drawing No.2 artwork by Nick Bryan-Brown, $685 (framed), Casa by Studio Kate. Wall painted Stone Paint Coarse in Rubble, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. For similar chevron flooring, try Royal Oak Floors.

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Ask an expert

BOYS ’ OW N

Produced by Elizabeth Wilson. Photograph by Maree Homer.

You can have some fun when designing children’s rooms, but make them spaces they can grow into, advises the trio from three Birds Renovations.

A curved, cave-like shower recess in blue-green finger tiles was the answer for this ensuite for two young brothers designed by Three Birds Renovations.

“It has a masculine and minimalist feel,” says Three Birds’ creative director, Bonnie Hindmarsh. “It’s a timeless design that works equally well for all ages.” Coogee antique green Kit Kat mosaic tiles, TileCloud.

Tapware, showerhead, pedestal basin, mirror, all Reece. For the whole house, see page 116.

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OPE N SE A S ON Freestanding elements create a luxe impression.

If necessary, borrow space for the bath by opting for a walk-in shower.

Stylist’s assistants Viera Tomasikova, Kate Lincoln, Nick Bryan-Brown & Jelena Alavanja.

ABOVE Clockwise from top left Fontia sandstone soap

dispenser, $29.95, Freedom. Rei Blanc glass mosaic tiles in Slate (light grey), $38.50/318x322mm sheet, Skheme.

New Slate recycled-glass mosaic tiles, POA, Onsite Supply+Design. Decor Walther gold-plated toothbrush, $27.50, Becker Minty. Handmade glazed brick, POA, Onsite Supply+Design. Santa Maria Novella ‘Iris’ toothpaste, $27, Casa by Studio Kate. Oxford Lever shower set in PVD Brass (includes lever taps), $429, Early Settler. Joseph Giles ‘Jesse II’ leather drawer pull, $190, Frank Allart ‘Domed’ brass drawer knob, $149.40, and ‘Crown’ brass cupboard knob, $270, all The English Tapware Company. Flared ceramic dish, $99, Casa by Studio Kate. Ogee tile, POA, Onsite Supply+Design. Santa Maria Novella ‘Melograno’ soap, $25, Casa by Studio Kate. Huba wooden canister, $19, Inartisan. Gareth Ashton brass toilet roll holder, $100, Abey. Mariner’s Cleat drawer pull, $38, The Society Inc. Chevron tiles in Khaki/Natural, $236.40/m², Skheme.

Hanging ficus from Mandalay Flowers. Malina terracotta tiles, POA, Gather Co. Tiling by Mustafa Tiler. LEFT From left Vessel entwined #2 artwork by Jo Young, $2500, Wagner Contemporary. Antique Chinese screen, $1625, Orient House. Tondo freestanding bath spout, $1015, and Elli II freestanding bath, $1745, both Parisi. Morgan & Finch bamboo bath caddy, $49.95, Bed Bath N’Table. Antique Indonesian dingklik bench, $480, Orient House. Devon cotton hand towel, $12.95, Bed Bath N’Table. Soap and flared dish, as before. Swedish ivy from Mandalay Flowers.

Vino accent table, $2620, Casa by Studio Kate. Metalframed double doors (used as room divider), POA, Casa by Studio Kate. Tondo shower arm, $190, and showerhead, $390, Envy II wall mixers, $435 each, and Tondo hand shower, $240, all Parisi. Antique Laotian rain drum, $850, Orient House. Wall painted Stone Paint Coarse in Rubble, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. Terracotta tiles as before. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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I N T HE ZON ES Use contrasting colours to delineate areas for different uses. Keep them connected with matching hardware or a unifying shape.

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ABOVE Clockwise from top left Clam dish, $165, Casa by Studio Kate. Joseph Thurloe cabinet handle, $280, The English Tapware Company.

Fleet cane-wrapped drawer pull, $48, The Society Inc. Mantidy cotton and leather wash bag and manicure set, $425, Becker Minty. Armac Martin ‘Aberdovey’ cup pull in Antique Silver, $103, and Frank Allart ‘Fifth Avenue’ door lever in Rosette, $507.60/pair, both The English Tapware Company.

Talma ceramic stash container, $75, Casa by Studio Kate. Nostalgia shower/wall mixer in Black, $658.50, Phoenix Tapware. Whale sculpture by Keiko Matsui, $59, and Santa Maria Novella ‘Olio d’Oliva’ soap, $33, both Casa by Studio Kate. Gloss brass robe hook, $62.50, Phoenix Tapware.

Soap, as before. Plat-Eau Pietra d’Avola limestone, bamboo and brass soap dish, $770/3-piece caddy set, Boffi Studio Sydney. Maple leaves, Mandalay Flowers. Zellij brick tiles in Musk Gloss (60x240mm), $120.90/m², Skheme (background). OPPOSITE, IN SHOWER Perrin & Rowe ‘Example 2C’ shower set, $1984 (includes lever tap), The English Tapware Company. Zellij brick tiles in Musk Gloss (60x240mm), $120.90/m², Skheme. Rattan stool, $340, Orient House. IN TOILET ZONE From top Wall painted Stone Paint Coarse in Rubble, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. C. 1900 Repousse mirror, $650, The Vault Sydney. Keepsake chain, $142, The Society Inc. Vanilla lampshade, $140, Orient House. Pre-Columbian terracotta vessels, POA, The Vault Sydney. Tondo push panel in Brushed Brass PVD, $220.45, and Linfa rimless toilet, $775, both Parisi. Tulum toilet roll holder, $63, Casa by Studio Kate. Tyabb basket, $49.95, Provincial Home Living. Chios brushed-limestone tiles, $169/m², Teranova. Tiling by Mustafa Tiler. >

ABOVE X stool with velvet upholstery, $950, The Vault Sydney. ON STOOL Scoop tile in Pale Putty (20x145mm), $142.90/m², Zellij tile in Mint

Gloss (100x100mm), $142.90/m², and Casablanca tile in Honey Gloss (132x132mm), $106.60/m², all Skheme. Pop-up bath waste in Brushed Brass PVD, $98, Parisi. Indian marble bowl, $160, Orient House. ON FLOOR From left Stone concave tile in Laurel (320x900mm), $328.90/piece, Skheme. Eucalyptus ‘Baby Blue’ foliage from Mandalay Flowers in Asmara stone tumbler, $29, Inartisan. Z tile, POA, and Diamond tile, POA, both Onsite Supply+Design. Elvire Progressive bath/shower mixer with diverter, $798, Caroma. 1970s Italian dish, $175, Becker Minty. Cairo Carrara and Peacock marble mosaic tiles, $329/m², Teranova. OPPOSITE Antique Chinese table (used as vanity), $2730, Orient House. ON VANITY From left Zinc baluster lamps, $1920/pair, The Vault Sydney. Mini horse sculpture by Athena Jahantigh, $325, Becker Minty. ON WALL Mirror with distressed glass, $1400, Casa by Studio Kate. Grasscloth wallpaper in Aura, $480/10m roll, Porter’s Paints. Cementi wall tiles in Sage, $210/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles.

Perrin & Rowe ‘Contemporary’ basin set, $956, The English Tapware Company. Tiling by Mustafa Tiler. All other items as before. >

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“THE HOUSE HAD TO WORK AS WELL WHEN FILLED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS IT DID FOR EVERYDAY FAMILY LIVING.” Leigh Boswell, interior designer

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mesmerising medley of colour and texture unfolds beyond the threshold of this lightfilled home in Brisbane’s leafy southern suburbs. For owners Christalla and Chris, it’s this sumptuous fusion of tactile materialsandmoodyhuesthatimbuestheir recentlybuilthomewithcharacterandsoul.

While the couple run their own business in an unrelated industry, Christalla says she has long harboured a passion for interiors. It’s no surprise, then, that the mother of three takes every opportunity to indulge that passion.

In May 2018, Christalla and Chris snapped up the 810-square-metre rectangular allotment. Located less than 6 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, the north-facing block’sexistingproperty–acharacterlesspostwarresidence – was completely rundown and had very few redeeming features. “We loved the fact that the block was elevated and located in a quiet street,” says Christalla. “But our intention from the outset was to knock down and rebuild.

There was no thought of renovating that house.”

Although the family’s previous renovation project had only recently been completed, Christalla says she had no qualms about embarking just a few months later on the next chapter in their home journey. “I really enjoy every aspect of the design and build process,” says Christalla. “I’m on site every day and love being involved from the ground up – to the extent that it’s almost bittersweet for me on move-in day, as I know the project has come to an end.”

Christalla,whohasalwaysfoundinspirationintraditional yet contemporary North American-style houses, had a succinct brief for a luxurious but low-fuss home with a strong connection to the outdoors. For this project, she and ChrisengagedBrisbaneinteriordesignfirmHighgateHouse to help bring their vision into being, along with building designers Synergy Building Design, construction company Trademarkhomes and joiners Wyer+Craw.

This is the couple’s second collaboration with Highgate House and for director Leigh Boswell, there was joy in the reunion. “It’s quite a journey from concept plans through to the final decorating touches, so you get to know the homeowners well,” she says. “We were really excited to hear that only a few months after completing the first project > KITCHEN Morris Lantern pendant lights, The Montauk Lighting Co. Joinery by Wyer+Craw. Island and rangehood casing painted Resene Gravel; other joinery painted Resene Truffle. Benchtops in black granite (surrounding stove and sink) and Carrara marble.

Custom counter stools, Highgate House. Marble splashback tiles (behind rangehood), mirrored subway tiles (below glass cabinet), sink and tapware, all Elite Bathware & Tiles. Wolf cooktop and oven, available from Winning Appliances. Vintage Tallin wall tiles (in butler’s pantry), Classic Ceramics.

H G decorating PE R S ON A L I T Y PLUS Repurpose furniture and unusual accessories into statement fittings.

Ensure all the elements are well sealed and waterproofed to make them last.

Cartenza bamboo console (used as vanity), $1295, Coco Republic. 1950s French rattan mermaid chair, $6160, Tamsin Johnson. Karl oak towel rail, $299.95, Provincial Home Living. ON VANITY From left Peperomia in acid-finished footed bowl, $95, Mandalay Flowers. Antique Gilded Arrows table lamp, $980, The Vault Sydney. Vintage Indian stone pot, $240, Orient House. Perrin & Rowe ‘Deco Collection’ single-lever basin mixer, $1294, and Armac Martin ‘Arbar’ appliance pull (used as towel rail), $411, both The English Tapware Company. Aura Home ‘Paros’ cotton hand towel, $24.95, Sydney Design Agency.

ON WALL Petite gilt mirror, $45, The Vault Sydney. Shield wall hook, $30, The Society Inc. Casa handmade tiles in Agate (100x100mm), POA, Onsite Supply+Design. Wall painted Stone Paint Coarse in Mineral, $131/4L, Porter’s Paints. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Rest easy with the ultimate in Australian-made and designed furniture and mattresses in your home. From mattresses to pillows crafted using quality materials, you’re guaranteed year-round support and comfort.

EVERY SEALY mattress is handcrafted right here in Australia using the finest materials and latest innovation.

The Sealy Posturepedic® mattress comes with a 10 year guarantee.

*

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

ABOVE Sealy Posturepedic® Exquisite™ Hammond Medium Queen Mattress $2699; Harrison Queen Bed (featured in ‘Natural’ stain) $1799; Luxe 2-Drawer Bedside Table $499; Sealy Memory Rest Traditional Pillow $279ea; Loxton Cushion $59.95, European Pillowcase $69.95ea and Runner $199.95 in Navy. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

ENTRY The front door swings open to reveal a spectacular view of Sydney’s Pittwater. Ebonised reeded console and plaster table lamp by Alexa Hampton, both Natasha Levak Interior Design. Theodore Alexander ‘Nob Hill’ stool, Laura Kincade. Audrey rug, The Rug Establishment. LIVING Opposite Artworks passed down through the homeowners’ family are gilt-framed to catch the eye. Carrara marble coffee table, Natasha Levak Interior Design. The Italian pedestal lamp is a vintage find. Dominica rug in Oatmeal, The Rug Establishment.

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OPTIONS OPEN What started as a quick decorating job grew into a full-scale overhaul that saw this Sydney home embrace the potential of its lovely location.

STO RY Sarah Pickette | P HOTOG R A P H Y Sevak Babakhani

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H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

ON A SLEEPMAKER® MATTRESS, you can sleep soundly in the knowledge that you are helping support local businesses for years to come – just as surely as they are supporting your perfect night’s sleep. As one of the few mattress-makers in Australia to manufacture their own springs and foam right here at home, they’ve remained passionate over the decades about taking the finest materials our country has to offer, and turning them into the best night’s sleep for all Australians.

Available from single to super king, the SleepMaker® Arizona Deluxe boasts Natural Silk Fibres and an Ultra Fresh treatment for breathability and hypoallergenic protection, perfect for those with asthma or allergies.

Graphene and Fusion Gel combined with Climatex® Quilt and Memory Foam also deliver sumptuous cushioning for superior balance and pressure relief.

The SleepMaker® mattress comes with a 10 year warranty.

*

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

ABOVE SleepMaker® Arizona Deluxe Firm Queen Mattress $2299; Emmett Queen Bed $1499; Beautyrest Celsius Gel Infused Pillow – Classic Mid $249ea; L’Avenue Summer Cushion $29.95 and Throw $49.95 in Rust; Chicago 1-Drawer Bedside Table in White $649ea; Portsea 701 Medium Rug (160cm x 230cm) in Buff $529; Baloo Pendant 46cm $435. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

HAND-MADE TO ORDER A fifthgeneration family business, A.H. Beard has been in Australian bedrooms for more than 121 years. With local manufacturing and premium design at their core, the A.H. Beard brand has been keeping the art of mattress-making alive in Australia.

When you choose an A.H. Beard mattress, not only are you investing in a good night’s sleep but you’re also supporting their 400-strong team of employees across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart.

Available in a range of sizes, the King Koil Bellagio II Firm Ensemble pictured here offers luxurious Natural Fibre blend quilting featuring Cashmere, to help naturally regulate temperature. Gel-Infused Latex, Memory Foam and Micro-Comfort coils provide pressure relieving comfort, while King Koil’s Reflex Platinum support system responds to each person’s unique size and shape to deliver the individual level of support they need.

The King Koil mattress comes with a 10 year guarantee.

*

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

BELOW King Koil Platinum Posture Bellagio II Firm Queen Ensemble $3699; Pure Linen Queen Quilt Cover Set in Olive $199; Pure Linen Pair of European Pillow Cases in Linen $59.95; Savannah Cushion $29ea; Boho 2-Drawer Bedside Table $499ea; Dakota Natural Ceramic Lamp $129ea, Java Large Rug (180cm x 270cm) in Natural $449. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

H A R V E Y N O R M A N M A T T R E S S E S

JUST PERFECT The luxurious Body Balance Memory Foam mattress is designed to provide the perfect balance between comfort and support, as well as excellent pressure relief.

The premium-quality Body Balance Memory Foam cradles the curves of your body while evenly distributing bodyweight for a more comfortable sleep. Individual contouring results in minimal partner disturbance and a more restful sleep through the night.

On the outside, the Cool-To-Touch fabric provides an instant cooling effect on the skin to assist in falling asleep more quickly.

The Body Balance mattress also features adaptive temperature-regulating technology, which helps keep you cool and dry for optimal sleeping comfort. Body Balance is proudly designed and made in Australia by A.H. Beard.

The Body Balance mattress comes with a 15 year warranty.

*

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

BELOW Body Balance Lotus 30cm Plush Queen Mattress $3899; Designer Series Memory Foam Medium Pillow $149ea; Westbury Queen quilt cover set $169; L’Avenue Summer Cushion in Charcoal $29.95ea; Adamson Queen Bed (featured in ‘Aged Smoke’ stain) $2399; Adamson Bedside Table $1199ea; Visconti Large Rug (200cm x 285cm) in Camel $849. *Accessories are not made in Australia.

DINING This page and opposite top William Yeoward dining table, dining

chairs, and custom mirror, all Natasha Levak Interior Design. Bidjar rug in Emanate, The Rug Establishment. Wall lights, Laura Kincade. E.F. Chapman table lamps. HALLWAY Opposite bottom Antique console, Natasha Levak Interior Design. Living room joinery (in foreground) by Pasa Joinery.

THIS IS THE LIFE

The owners of this three-storey home can now revel in its beautiful connection to the estuary.

“Their house is so much lighter, brighter and more open,” says interior designer Natasha Levak. “They love the way the floor plan has been modified to create rooms that have a sense of calmness and refinement.”

One of the post-renovation outcomes the family appreciates most is its two separate living areas.

“Everyone enjoys the fact that they can have their own space.”

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Treasure S EEK ER

Beautiful things are always on Lynda gardener’s radar, so it’s fitting that her car is an absolute gem, writes motoring expert, Elise Elliott.

P H OTOG R A P H Y Tim O’Connor

Lynda and her beloved 1965 Mercedes-Benz Pagoda.

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“I have always loved decorating and putting things together, making sure it all looks beautiful.”

Lynda Gardener

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L

ynda Gardener is a beguiling beauty.

Whentheinteriorstylist,hotelierand collector swings open the massive white door of her inner-Melbourne warehouse conversion, she’s wearing a beautifulbutterymaxiskirtfromMorrison pairedwithaneffortlesslyyetexpertlytied white shirt – a look only true fashionistas can master. This outfit is teamed with an assortment of vintage jewels including a fetching 1940s cocktail ring. But the crowning glory is her hair, a magnificent manepiledontopofherheadandcascading down one shoulder. Elegant and timeless, she could have stepped straight from the pages of a Hans Christian Andersen tale.

There is something fairytale-esque about Lynda’s home too. Once upon a time this enchanting property was a rundown and ramshackle former mattress factory.

In 2005, Lynda used her magic wand and a great deal of elbow grease to transform the warehouse. She undertook significant structural work yet kept the space very

open and simple. However, it’s Lynda’s signaturestylingandfurniturethatmakes it such a success: a monochromatic palette with autumnal, earthy and natural tones. Collected vintage pieces artfully combine with new. Indeed, every room is a cornucopia of fascinating finds.

Whilethewarehouseisverymuchhome, Lynda also owns a series of short-stay boutiqueaccommodationinFitzroyNorth and St Kilda, as well as Trentham and Daylesford in regional Victoria.

The most divine discovery of all is Lynda’s blue 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda. This model caused a stir when it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963. Nearly 60 years later the Pagoda remains a breathtaking, elegant and distinctive ride. This model comes with both hard and soft tops. Melbourne’s variable weather dictates that today is a hardtop day, but this does nothing to dampen the spirits when driving such an automotive icon. >

TOP LEFT Vintage furnishings and abundant plants combine to create a tranquil reading corner. TOP RIGHT Abstract head sculpture, House of Orange. Ceramic incense ball, Elvis Robertson Ceramics. Maine & Crawford ‘Virgo’ vase, Temple & Webster. The pheasant sculpture is an antique.

ABOVE RIGHT The Pagoda is a joy to drive, especially on the open road. OPPOSITE French doors sourced from a salvage yard lead from Lynda’s bedroom to a new rooftop garden. The mannequin and chairs are antiques.

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

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ompromises are par for the course when you’re buying a home – it’s just a matter of which ones you’re willing to make. For Anna and Andy, who moved to Australia from New Zealand in 2001 with their now-adult children Bex and Josh, the lureofliving10minutes’walkfromBondiBeach, close to schools and right around the corner from family was enough to make them look past the less-thanstellar looks and layout of their 1930s semi. “We definitely did not buy the house for its architecture,” says Anna. “The first floor was hideous, basically just a box to contain the bedrooms.

And, being south-facing, the house was dark and freezing in winter and as hot as a sauna in summer. But we loved the area and were delighted just to find something affordable.”

Poor design and inadequate insulation weren’t the only challenges. “Damp in the main bedroom made our clothes go mouldy and there was no storage,” says Anna. “The kids had large bedrooms, but they had to contend with a spiral staircase and a minute, cupboard-size bathroom where your knees would knock against the wall when you sat on the toilet.”

Anna says the family grew accustomed to the home’s foibles, but by 2016, enough was enough and they set renovation plans in motion. “We weren’t after high architecture, just a functional home crafted from simple, honest materials and plenty of light,” says Anna. Both she and Andy love to cook and entertain, hosting gatherings most weekends, so the priorities were an indooroutdoor living area that could accommodate a “decent” number of people yet still felt intimate when only the couple were at home.

“We also needed separate spaces that we could retreat to for work and a guestroom for visiting family,” she adds.

When they saw the stunning transformation of a friend’s semi a few doors down, a project by architect Andy Harding of Stanic Harding, they knew they’d found the right person for the task.

Andy was happy to help, but made it clear from the outset that creatingtheirdreamhomewouldbeabigger–andmoreexpensive – job than they envisaged. “The original house was falling apart, lacked light and the bedroom and bathroom extension, done by a previous owner, could best be described as a handyman job,” he says. “Anna and Andy effectively wanted a whole new house and the architecture had to do so much more to make the space liveable. As plans evolved, they realised they needed to rethink their initial budget to attain the home they wanted.”

Construction got underway in March 2019. The existing structure was gutted, leaving only the front facade, main bedroom and side walls intact. The home was then rebuilt over two levels: the main bedroom and open-plan kitchen/living/dining area on thegroundfloor,withthreebedroomsandextrabathroomupstairs.

“To bring more light into the interior, we cut a great big hole in the middle of the house,” says Andy. The ‘hole’ is now occupied by an open staircase with partition-style balustrade, slatted walkway on the first floor and a series of skylights above. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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THE LAYOUT Ground floor

Garage

Dining

Bed Bath

Living Entry

Kitchen

Courtyard

First floor

Bed

Bed

Bath Bed

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Curate by Lynda Gardener and Ali Heath with photography by Marnie Hawson ($55, Hachette Australia), on sale June 8.

and something new opening every week.

IliketogoforwalksorpicnicinEdinburgh Gardens. The architecture in the area is magnificent.Lotsofmyfriendslivenearby too. It’s all I could ever wish for.

What are the interior highlights of your home? The vintage bathtub in the middle of my bedroom is a standout. I enjoy the light,open-planspace.Allthelushgreenery creates a restful oasis in the middle of an inner-city lifestyle. I have a wonderful rooftopgardenthatoverlooksthealleyways in my neighbourhood, which I love. The lower courtyard is incredibly private. In fact, all the properties have had green thumbhelpfrommygardener,TimPilgrim.

What are your favourite pieces? My great-grandmother’s portrait, which has been handed down through the family, is very special to me. I also adore my Mid-Century leather dining chairs that sit around a very old trestle table filled with antique busts – I have collected quite a few! Other favourites include my collection of oil paintings of men from the 18th and 19th century.

Where do you source your fabulous furnishings? Everywhere and anywhere!

Local markets, second-hand stores... All over the around the world, back when we could travel. Of course, I also appreciate new and local finds, companies and individual creators.

Tell me about your work… I have always loved decorating and putting things together,makingsureitalllooksbeautiful.

I started setting up concept stores around Australia for Levi Strauss, purchasing props to feature in the company’s stores.

I also had a store called Empire in Albert Park for 24 years and now, aside from interior decorating for select clients, I have five boutique accommodations I run and own. I am also about to launch my interiors book, Curate, which is a guide to decorating a home using a neutral palette, natural ingredients and a mix of vintage and modern pieces.

Tell me about your other properties and how this space differs? All my properties are different, but carry my signature vintage-meets-new style.

The Estate Trentham, for example, is a lovely 1902 house with wraparound verandahs that look out over the gardens surrounding the property. It has harvest, teaandberrygardens,aswellasan orchard and a Mediterranean garden.

TheWhiteHouseDaylesford,bycontrast, is a stunning 1850s miner’s cottage.

It’s unusual as it’s built in brick – most of this type of property in the area were weatherboard.It’smoodieranddarkerthan my other properties with interiors and wallpaperbyDeborahBowness.Thelibrary and fireplace make it cosy for guests.

My newest place, Room+Board Daylesford, is a contemporary barn with its own glasshouse and features a naturalisticgardenthatextendsfromfront to back. It’s one bedroom and open-plan with high vaulted ceilings. Everything is white coupled with loads of plants and greenery – reminiscent of an upscale potting shed or conservatory. > For expert motoring advice, go to WhichCar.com.au. @EliseElliott_Media; @Lynda.Gardener

ABOVE The all-original dash and dials are part of the Pagoda’s charm. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT Antique oil paintings are “an obsession” for Lynda – the works hung above her bed are just a small sample of her collection. Antique bed. Bedlinen, Major-Minor. OPPOSITE, TOP RIGHT Smith armchair, Barnaby Lane. Antique paintings. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM LEFT Vintage bath and artworks. For similar tapware, try The English Tapware Company. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM RIGHT An ex-architect’s desk is as useful as ever. The light fitting is a vintage Ikea Maskros light.

H G GREAT HOUSE, GREAT CAR THE KNOWLEDGE VINTAGE STAR Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: 230SL Pagoda Year: 1965 Engine: 2.3L, 6 cylinder, 4-speed manual transmission MODERN CLASSIC Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SL400 Roadster Year: 2020 Engine: 3.0L V6, bi-turbo, 9-speed automatic transmission

Lynda’s whimsical rooftop garden.

The Boston ivy covers every wall.

INSET Lynda and Elise with the head-turning teal Pagoda. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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THIS IS NOW.

DSOPWN0850_AHG

INTRODUCING SOREN THE BEST DRESSED TABLE

H G upcycle chic

About a

GRA ND DESIGN A dramatic entry can be achieved with a couple of key purchases and some fortuitous finds.

C

SHOPPING LIST Antique mirror, $1200, Lydie du Bray Antique French urns, $65 each, and vintage console, $95, all Your Display Gallery. Vintage rug, $140, Mitchell Road Antique & Design Centre. Secateurs, $149 from Shokunin Store. Agaves, from $25 each, jade plant, from $10, Japanese buxus, from $17.50, Dulux Metalshield Epoxy Enamel Gloss spray paint, $12.40, and Gumption multipurpose cleaning paste, $7.25, all Bunnings.

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Styling by Sophie Wilson. Photograph by Kristina Soljo. For Where to Buy, see page 190.

reate a warm welcome out of an awkward space with a fabulous anchor piece like this vintage French mirror. The recatangular concrete pot – an essential in 1970s home gardens – was salvaged from a friend’s backyard prior to a home knockdown. The console with marble top, purchased at your Display Gallery, was cleaned and refreshed with with Gumption and the base spray-painted a black gloss.

The rug was found at Mitchell Road Antique & Design centre. The oversize wicker basket, French chair and watering can were all roadside finds. Buxus, jade plant and agaves – all from Bunnings. #

Your Style.

Our Tile.

Planum profile in Ghost White With an expansive range of designer styles, timeless colour choices and distinctive finishes – elevate your everyday with La Escandella roof tiles from Bristile Roofing.

OUR WARRANTIES

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A BRAND OF

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Produced by Sophie Wilson. Photograph by William Meppem (3). Currency conversion correct at time of writing.

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CHEQU ER BOA R D Lift your game with graphic pieces for a winning look that’s outside the square.

1 Modern Afghan Moroccan-style wool rug (325x437cm), $18,476.30, 1stDibs. 2 Black & White tiled tray, $92, Dovetailed & Doublestitched.

3 Sibella Court x Teranova ‘Shipley’ Nero Marquina and Carrara marble mosaic tiles, $289/m², Teranova. 4 Neutral Plaid remnant-fabric cushion, $120, Gray & Co. 5 Courtly Check enamel tea kettle by Mackenzie-Childs, $379, Amara. 6 Melrose 3-seater sofa with fabric upholstery in Quay Golden, about $17,949.50, Kelly Wearstler. 7 Crystal-moon checked cotton mules by Midnight 00, $980, MatchesFashion. 8 Mini Two-handle Title handbag in Vintage Check, $2590, Burberry. 9 Ralph Lauren ‘Hudson Plaid’ crystal decanter, $430, Palmer & Penn. 10 Vintage Stellie Boujad runner

and vintage Colonatto table by Mario Bellini, both Tigmi Trading. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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ITS OWN STORY, SO SPACES ARE SLIGHTLY SEGREGATED.”

Louisa Shield, owner

CASUAL LIVING Above Noosa modular sofa, Romain rug and Hexy accent tables, all Freedom. Kijani wicker armchairs, St Barts. Fulani

coffee table, Uniqwa Collections. Sinatra side table, Clo Studios. Limited-edition prints by Brittany Ferns. Byron sheer curtains, Luxaflex Window Fashions. Vantage decorative doors, AWS. BAR/HALLWAY Bar moulding, Intrim Mouldings. Table lamp, McMullin & Co. Bust, House of Orange. Shelf, The Society Inc. Timber bench, Provincial Home Living. Baskets on bench, Oz Design Furniture. Vintage Chinese basket (under bench), Few & Far. Artworks by Jai Vasicek (above bench) and Vynka Hallam (kitchen). FIREPLACE Opposite top Double-sided fireplace wall clad in Axon cladding, James Hardie. Fireplace, Lopi. TV, LG. DINING ZONE Custom dining table, The Wood Room. Porto Tanduk dining chairs and Munich swivel tub chairs, Oz Design Furniture. Daybed cushions from Florence Broadhurst Fabrics. White vase on table, McMullin & Co. Camilla rug, Miss Amara. Shutters, Luxaflex Window Fashions. >

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Ask an expert

BOYS ’ OW N

Produced by Elizabeth Wilson. Photograph by Maree Homer.

You can have some fun when designing children’s rooms, but make them spaces they can grow into, advises the trio from three Birds Renovations.

A curved, cave-like shower recess in blue-green finger tiles was the answer for this ensuite for two young brothers designed by Three Birds Renovations.

“It has a masculine and minimalist feel,” says Three Birds’ creative director, Bonnie Hindmarsh. “It’s a timeless design that works equally well for all ages.” Coogee antique green Kit Kat mosaic tiles, TileCloud.

Tapware, showerhead, pedestal basin, mirror, all Reece. For the whole house, see page 116.

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hen Three Birds Renovations designed this shared double bedroom/ensuite for two lucky brothers aged five and eight, they took a forward-thinking approach. “We didn’t want it to be too ‘kiddie’, but still wanted it to feel fun,” says Bonnie. That’s where colour comes in. “We used colour – in this case, Dulux Blue Metal – in unexpected places, such as on the ceiling and for the skirting. Most people think of painting a feature wall, but if the ceiling is high enough, paint it instead. It’s quirky but works really well.” The upholstered bedhead runs the length of the room, connecting the beds. “You can’t go wrong with a striped fabric, and using a thick stripe here ensures the bold ceiling doesn’t dominate.” A rug delineates the # sleeping zone from play areas.

TIMELESS A child’s bathroom needs to

be designed for when they’re young adults too, says Bonnie. “They grow so quickly and a bathroom isn’t an easy space to update with a lick of paint and new artwork. The layout, fixtures and fittings need to be able to hold their own in five to 10 years’ time.”

BE BOLD Think colour and shapes. The finger tiles here are bold and masculine.

The pedestal basin and floor-mounted tap gives the room an architectural feel.

STORAGE Always factor in extra. Here, we used a mirror with shaving cabinet – thinking ahead! – with a built-in ledge for additional storage space.

Alape Round freestanding washstand, $2190; Sussex ‘Scala’ floor-mounted mixer tap, $4250; Issy oval mirror with shaving cabinet, $1770, all Reece.

A boys’ life...

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1 Seagrass baskets, $110/set of 2, Living By Design; livingbydesign.net.au. 2 Milli Pure 500mm vertical shower arm, $389, and Mizu Drift overhead shower, $344, both Reece; reece.com.au. 3 Bjorn wall mirror with brass frame, $397, Life Interiors; lifeinteriors.com.au. 4 Mosaic Collection ‘Bar Ocean’ tiles (296x307mm sheet), $170/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles; dilorenzo.com.au. 5 Limnos rattan wall lamp, $120, Few & Far; fewandfar.com.au.

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Photography by Jacqui Turk (this page and opposite bottom, left and right) and Maree Homer (opposite top).

Bathroom rules...

SLEEP & PLAY Dark skirting boards

are practical as well as visually strong.

Cane furniture is fun and robust while artworks add character.

Fresh ideas & easy updates New artwork makes a huge difference. It’s a great way to add personality and an effective way to make the room age-appropriate. ● Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. A feature wall or ceiling creates instant impact. ● Replacing a rug can transform a room. The transition from a colourful ‘kiddie’ rug to a plain, plush, natural weave or circular rug will make a grown-up statement. ● The best and easiest way to update a child’s room is with new bedlinen, cushions and throws. ●

CREATE YOUR FOREVER HOME TODAY Winning Appliances helps you live your best life at home. We have the technologies that will elevate your entertaining to a level in which your culinary dreams come true. Discover state-of-the-art kitchen appliances across our range of world leading brands. Be inspired and experience unrivalled service, as our dedicated team caters to your specifc needs.

Photograph by Rix Ryan Photography.

STUNNING HOMES FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE

Hou se s

A spectacular site and bold design vision helped the owners of this Brisbane property create a welcoming and elegant family home from the ground up. Turn the page to take a tour...

Dressed to IMPR E S S Spacious and super stylish, this Brisbane home embraces an atmospheric mix of dramatic tones and earthy finishes.

STO RY Jackie Brygel | PH OTO G R A PH Y Rix Ryan Photography

houses H G LIVING E.F. Chapman ‘Classic Ring’

one-tier chandelier, The Montauk Lighting Co. Artworks, grassweave wallpaper, sofas and armchairs, all Highgate House. Antique coffee table and side table. Joinery by Wyer+Craw.

The fire surround feature stone is New York marble. Rug, Dash & Albert.

Windows supplied by builder, Trademarkhomes (throughout).

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“I REALLY ENJOY EVERY ASPECT OF THE DESIGN AND BUILD PROCESS.” Christalla, homeowner

ENTRY Mirror and table lamps, all Highgate House. The console table was imported from the US. The chequerboard flooring is made from polished Carrara and Nero Marquina marble. LIVING/DINING Opposite The coffered ceiling, painted Resene Alabaster with recesses in Resene Gravel, is a

unifying element in the highly patterned, highly textural open-plan space. Pendant lights, all The Montauk Lighting Co. Dining chairs, sofas, cushions, table lamps and artworks, all Highgate House. The dining table is part of Chris and Christalla’s existing collection. Sisal rug. The timber flooring is walnut, laid in a herringbone pattern and stained an oak colour.

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“THE HOUSE HAD TO WORK AS WELL WHEN FILLED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS IT DID FOR EVERYDAY FAMILY LIVING.” Leigh Boswell, interior designer

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mesmerising medley of colour and texture unfolds beyond the threshold of this lightfilled home in Brisbane’s leafy southern suburbs. For owners Christalla and Chris, it’s this sumptuous fusion of tactile materialsandmoodyhuesthatimbuestheir recentlybuilthomewithcharacterandsoul.

While the couple run their own business in an unrelated industry, Christalla says she has long harboured a passion for interiors. It’s no surprise, then, that the mother of three takes every opportunity to indulge that passion.

In May 2018, Christalla and Chris snapped up the 810-square-metre rectangular allotment. Located less than 6 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, the north-facing block’sexistingproperty–acharacterlesspostwarresidence – was completely rundown and had very few redeeming features. “We loved the fact that the block was elevated and located in a quiet street,” says Christalla. “But our intention from the outset was to knock down and rebuild.

There was no thought of renovating that house.”

Although the family’s previous renovation project had only recently been completed, Christalla says she had no qualms about embarking just a few months later on the next chapter in their home journey. “I really enjoy every aspect of the design and build process,” says Christalla. “I’m on site every day and love being involved from the ground up – to the extent that it’s almost bittersweet for me on move-in day, as I know the project has come to an end.”

Christalla,whohasalwaysfoundinspirationintraditional yet contemporary North American-style houses, had a succinct brief for a luxurious but low-fuss home with a strong connection to the outdoors. For this project, she and ChrisengagedBrisbaneinteriordesignfirmHighgateHouse to help bring their vision into being, along with building designers Synergy Building Design, construction company Trademarkhomes and joiners Wyer+Craw.

This is the couple’s second collaboration with Highgate House and for director Leigh Boswell, there was joy in the reunion. “It’s quite a journey from concept plans through to the final decorating touches, so you get to know the homeowners well,” she says. “We were really excited to hear that only a few months after completing the first project > KITCHEN Morris Lantern pendant lights, The Montauk Lighting Co. Joinery by Wyer+Craw. Island and rangehood casing painted Resene Gravel; other joinery painted Resene Truffle. Benchtops in black granite (surrounding stove and sink) and Carrara marble.

Custom counter stools, Highgate House. Marble splashback tiles (behind rangehood), mirrored subway tiles (below glass cabinet), sink and tapware, all Elite Bathware & Tiles. Wolf cooktop and oven, available from Winning Appliances. Vintage Tallin wall tiles (in butler’s pantry), Classic Ceramics.

project, Christalla and Chris had purchased a new block and we would be creating another beautiful, yet quite different, home with them again.”

Certainly, there’s plenty to both intrigue and please the eye in this meticulously designed and decorated home.

Consistent sprinklings of varying shades of green make welcome appearances inside and out – from the deep olive-grey joinery in the kitchen to the pool room’s vivid emerald-velvet barstools. Then there are the elegant arched windows that frame views of the verdant garden. Not to mention that intriguing coffered ceiling and the stylish but relaxed furnishings that create a sense of intimacy and comfort in every room...

The two-level home’s layout has been designed to maximise its functionality. “Christalla and Chris entertain frequently, so the house had to work as well when filled with family and friends as it did for everyday living,” says Leigh. On the ground level, the core living and entertaining spaces open to an alfresco zone complete with fireplace and outdoor kitchen, beyond which beckons a shimmering pool and cabana.

Upstairs is the family’s private domain. There are lovely bedrooms for the children, but Chris and Christalla’s expansive retreat is something to behold: bird’s-eye views of the Brisbane CBD, a glamorous ensuite and simply spectacular dressing room.

“Christalla had a lot of her own ideas when we started workingwithheronthishome,includingthearchedwindows and the interior stone detailing,” says Leigh. “Together we built on those ideas, and Darren from Wyer+Craw also played a key role in the design. It was very much a team effort, with Chris and Christalla involved every step of the way. We fed on one another’s ideas to bring that vision into reality.”

The finished product has delighted all involved. Infused with a distinct sense of space and serenity, this is a relaxed home at its core, one that provides a happy base for the family and their regular stream of guests. “It’s just a really warm and welcoming place to be,” says Leigh. > Highgate House, Hendra, Queensland; (07) 3256 0860 or highgatehouse.com.au. Synergy Building Design, Wilston, Queensland; (07) 3613 0030 or synergybd.com.au.

Trademarkhomes, Brisbane, Queensland; 0409 262 986.

POOL ROOM Top Barstools, Highgate House. Joinery by Wyer+Craw. Tequila marble benchtop. Alabama floor tiles, Classic Ceramics. POWDER ROOM Vanity, wall tiles (white) and floor tiles, all Elite Bathware & Tiles. Sconce lights, The Montauk Lighting Co. Wallpaper, mirror and lampshades, all Highgate House. FAMILY ROOM Opposite Etoile chandelier, The Montauk Lighting Co. Elle coffee table, Globe West. Artworks, cushions and table lamp, all Highgate House. The sofas are part of Chris and Christalla’s existing collection.

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Leigh Boswell, interior designer

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

“IT’S JUST A REALLY WARM AND WELCOMING PLACE TO BE.”

houses H G MAIN ENSUITE Victoria+Albert ‘Worcester’ bath, Elite

Bathware & Tiles. Tapware, The English Tapware Company.

Vanity and mirrored cabinets, Wyer+Craw. Carrara marble benchtop. Vivian double sconce, The Montauk Lighting Co. Lyon marble floor tiles, Tilescope. DRESSING ROOM Joinery

by Wyer+Craw. Chandelier, The Montauk Lighting Co. MAIN BEDROOM Phillip Jeffries wallpaper, The Textile Company. Bedhead, bedlinen, bedside tables, table lamps, and cushions, all Highgate House. >

THE PALET TE Resene Gravel (kitchen island, rangehood, pool room joinery)

Resene Quarter Truffle (main walls, throughout)

Resene Alabaster (dressing room and trims, throughout)

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THIS IS THE LIFE

Brisbane’s subtropical climate allows its residents to make the most of the sunny outdoors throughout the seasons. And Christalla and Chris, who share the home with their three children aged between five and 13, are no exception.

“We spend most of our time in the alfresco area,” says Christalla. “It’s fully enclosed and is such a lovely spot to spend time year-round. In summer, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the cooling breeze; in winter, the outdoor fireplace keeps us cosy.”

ALFRESCO ENTERTAINING Pendant light,

The Montauk Lighting Co. Platinum travertine paving. Splashback tiles, Classic Ceramics.

Chris and Christalla have owned the dining table for many years. Ceiling fan, My Fan. Sofa, armchairs, coffee table, dining chairs, and outdoor rug, all Highgate House. The home’s exterior is painted Wattyl First Snow.

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THE SOURCE

Tailored furnishings and elegant shapes are key in an interior that honours the classic.

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1 Dance When You’re Broken Open wall art, $3080, Boyd Blue. 2 Cire Trudon candle in Abd El Kader, from $129, Libertine Parfumerie. 3 House of Hackney ‘Gaia’ cushion in Ecru, $275, Domo.

4 Sleek Contemporary double-shade chandelier, $2191, Lighting Collective. 5 Sophia Loren barstool in Roche Dark Green, $1215, James Said. 6 Acacia wool-jute rug in Fawn (2x3m), $2155, Armadillo.

7 Ryan mangowood cake stand with dome, $145, LivingStyles. 8 Wolf M Series ICBSO30PMSPH pyrolytic oven, $11,995, Winning Appliances.

9 Florence bedhead, $2230/queen size, Coco Republic. 10 1940s ceramic and gilt table lamp by Waylande Gregory, $1451.65, 1stDibs. 11 Globe West ‘Elle’ coffee table, $1950, Life Interiors.

For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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ENTRY The front door swings open to reveal a spectacular view of Sydney’s Pittwater. Ebonised reeded console and plaster table lamp by Alexa Hampton, both Natasha Levak Interior Design. Theodore Alexander ‘Nob Hill’ stool, Laura Kincade. Audrey rug, The Rug Establishment. LIVING Opposite Artworks passed down through the homeowners’ family are gilt-framed to catch the eye. Carrara marble coffee table, Natasha Levak Interior Design. The Italian pedestal lamp is a vintage find. Dominica rug in Oatmeal, The Rug Establishment.

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OPTIONS OPEN What started as a quick decorating job grew into a full-scale overhaul that saw this Sydney home embrace the potential of its lovely location.

STO RY Sarah Pickette | P HOTOG R A P H Y Sevak Babakhani

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ome renovations start out small and then rapidly grow exponentially in scope – and that was the case with this home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Interior designer Natasha Levak was initially brought in by the homeowners to help select furnishings for the family room.

Simple, she thought. But then they happened to mention that the position of their kitchen bothered them, because it was tucked away at the side of the house.

It didn’t really make the most of the incredible views to Pittwater – in fact, quite a lot of the house was not reaching its potential, Natasha soon realised.

So what began as a straightforward fitout that would have taken Natasha a couple of weeks to complete turned into a comprehensive remodelling of the interior and exterior that would be carried out over a few years. “The house was built in the 1990s, in a mock Federation style,” she says. “Structurally, it was in great

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condition, so I was able to focus on reworking the layout and lifting the material finishes inside and out. Its look was updated without the owners needing to alter the building envelope.”

Inside, the three-level house was essentially gutted while the family of four movedinwithgrandparentswholiveclose by. “It became a top-to-toe project,” says Natasha, who reworked the floor plan to open up rooms so they could better access the views. What had been a fairly heavy timber staircasewas removed and remade with a visually light steel balustrade; verandahsweresquaredoffandawet-edge pool put in; dated green and red stainedglass panes and ornate cornices were replaced. “To a degree, we had to keep the interiors in line with the classic nature of the architecture,” she says. “But there was plentyofscopetocontemporisethehouse.”

One of the homeowners had acquired some antique pieces from her father that had huge sentimental value to her.

“Meanwhile, her husband had more

contemporary tastes. It was my job to strike the right balance between their two favoured styles.” You can see Natasha’s design resolution in the wide Americanoak boards she chose over parquetry for the floors, and in the monochrome furniture and fittings that are crisp, but not overly dominant.

Open the front door and the home’s spectacular position by the water is immediately evident. “It wasn’t always this way,” says Natasha. “The entrance was a poky 800mm-wide door and the head height of stairs sat a lot lower. So I reconfigured the layout of the staircase treads and the risers to allow for a higher and wider underpass beneath the stairs, which means you get that view instantly.”

The hall opens out into the newly repositioned kitchen, at left, and a dining area to the right. “Both these rooms now feel open and fresh, and they’re connected to the landscape.” The kitchen has been kept understated so as not to detract from the beauty beyond the windows, with >

DINING This page and opposite top William Yeoward dining table, dining

chairs, and custom mirror, all Natasha Levak Interior Design. Bidjar rug in Emanate, The Rug Establishment. Wall lights, Laura Kincade. E.F. Chapman table lamps. HALLWAY Opposite bottom Antique console, Natasha Levak Interior Design. Living room joinery (in foreground) by Pasa Joinery.

THIS IS THE LIFE

The owners of this three-storey home can now revel in its beautiful connection to the estuary.

“Their house is so much lighter, brighter and more open,” says interior designer Natasha Levak. “They love the way the floor plan has been modified to create rooms that have a sense of calmness and refinement.”

One of the post-renovation outcomes the family appreciates most is its two separate living areas.

“Everyone enjoys the fact that they can have their own space.”

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marble making an appearance alongside custom-designed pewter display shelves.

In the dining room, a vibrant Persian rug proves the perfect accompaniment to a large and intricately detailed table that was custom-made for this house. A family room is situated behind the dining zone and features a comfortable L-shaped sofa, where the family tends to congregate. The living room is located behind the kitchen and has become something of a retreat.

On the first floor, there are four bedrooms. One daughter has a soft-pink and black themed room, while her sister optedforagreyandwhitescheme.Natasha remodelled the main bedroom so it now incorporates a walk-in wardrobe before the ensuite and allows the bed to face out to the view. The main bathroom was expanded to accommodate a generous bath and a double shower. “There’s an openness to the house that was missing previously,” says Natasha. “A location like this deserves an equally lovely house.” > Natasha Levak Interior Design, Paddington, NSW; natashalevak.com.

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H G houses FAMILY Below left and below right Custom sofa, coffee table and cushion, all Natasha Levak Interior Design. Jacquie armchair and ottoman, Arthur G. Canaletto tray (on coffee table), Laura Kincade. Turkish vase (on bench), Manyara Home. La campagna (top) and Thinking artworks

by Simoni Piccioni, Frances Keevil Gallery. MAIN BATHROOM Bottom left and bottom right Custom American-oak vanity with Corian top.

Brodware ‘Manhattan’ tapware in Platino Matt finish, Cass Brothers. Justina bath, Stonebaths. Urban Portland floor tiles and Eternity Statuario White large-format wall tiles, both Teranova. Wall light, dresser, armchair and table lamp, all Natasha Levak Interior Design. Vintage artwork.

THE PALET TE Murobond Paint Just White (interior, throughout)

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Porter’s Paints Aniseed

Porter’s Paints Spice Temple

2 1 Egyptian jute rug in Thyme (240x300cm), $4200, Armadillo. 2 Sage Moments artwork by Jacob Lincoln, $4165 (framed), Boyd Blue. 3 Urbane II acrylic freestanding bath, $2378, Caroma. 4 Vivid Slimline gooseneck mixer, $209, Phoenix Tapware.

5 Lewis wall mirror, $229, Domayne. 6 Bowie table lamp, $595, Coco Republic. 7 Draper 2-seater sofa, $1999, Lounge Lovers. 8 Morgan & Finch ‘Flinders’ cushion in Paprika, $69.95, Bed Bath N’ Table.

9 Collection Maison de Campagne cushion in Ice Blue, $135, Domo. 10 Ipanema sideboard, $1895, Life Interiors. 11 BD Barcelona Design ‘Gardenias No.4’ terracotta vase by Jaime Hayon, $585, Living Edge.

12 Noble Souls ‘Abode’ stool, $775, Coco Republic.

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For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

Produced by Saffron Sylvester (this page). Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

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Muted tones meet unfussy shapes to create a look that will stand the test of time.

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THE BRIEF White was always going to be

right for this newly constructed Sydney bathroom, designed by The Stables in collaboration with Lux Building. “This Hamptons-style family home is located right by the beach and designed to take advantage of Sydney’s beautiful climate and outdoor attractions,” says Catherine Heraghty, founder and creative director of The Stables. “It’s the main bathroom, intended for use by the children of the house.”

THE DESIGN APPROACH With a view to handling the needs of a big, busy family, the bathroom includes a clawfoot bath, double vanity and generous, sectionedoff shower enclosure. “The builders and I felt that glass shower blades had been done a thousand times over,” says Catherine, “and we agreed that a tiled nib wall had more presence and offered a sense of luxury. It’s like a room within a room.” The palette is built upon a combination of warm whites and greys, realised to perfection in the handmade tiles from Di Lorenzo Tiles. “Each has a slightly different colour and their uneven surface brings movement, depth and light to the room.” VJ panelling to dado height is a lovely classic touch.

“It’s also an economical option, because panelling is more affordable than tiling.”

THE RESULT “The bathroom feels like it hugs you,” says Catherine. “It’s warm and inviting. That’s down to the texture and use of warm whites. It’s a great melding of classic Hamptons and contemporary Australian coastal style.” >

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

The Stables; thestables.com.au.

Lux Building; luxbuilding.com.au.

T HE DETA IL S Fez handmade subway tiles in White, $125/m², and Chateau floor tiles in Blanc, $80/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles.

Vanity with Talostone benchtop in Arctic White, about $5500 and mirrors, $1100 each, custom made

by Uneek Interior Solutions for The Stables.

A51.06.S basin spouts, $244 each, and A50.48.PL mixers, $606 each, in Brushed Nickel, Astra Walker.

Tribute above-counter basins, $456 each, Caroma.

Bathrooms

All is calm The scale is larger than life, but the moody natural palette delivers a serenity worth soaking in.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

T E X T BY Janice Hogg | PHOTOGRA PH Y Pablo Veiga

LIVING/DINING/COURTYARD

Landscaping by Peta Gilliland Landscape Design. Tio outdoor chairs, HG Furniture Solutions. Custom dining table, Eclipse Handcrafted Furniture. Shift floor lamp, Artisan Furniture Australia. Painting by Lily Liata. KITCHEN Opposite top Bespoke joinery, designed by Stanic Harding and built by Bondi Kitchens & Joinery, was the key to maximising functionality in this compact space. A pantry and appliance cabinet are tucked into space under the stairs; a Panasonic microwave fits into a niche in the island. The Fisher & Paykel fridge is an integrated model for a cleaner look in the open-plan space. STAIRWELL Opposite bottom A tallowwood ‘bridge’ on the first floor funnels light downstairs.

American oak flooring and stairs.

THE PALET TE Dulux Natural White (interior, throughout)

Dulux Deep Walnut (exterior render)

Dulux Mole Grey (eaves)

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

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ompromises are par for the course when you’re buying a home – it’s just a matter of which ones you’re willing to make. For Anna and Andy, who moved to Australia from New Zealand in 2001 with their now-adult children Bex and Josh, the lureofliving10minutes’walkfromBondiBeach, close to schools and right around the corner from family was enough to make them look past the less-thanstellar looks and layout of their 1930s semi. “We definitely did not buy the house for its architecture,” says Anna. “The first floor was hideous, basically just a box to contain the bedrooms.

And, being south-facing, the house was dark and freezing in winter and as hot as a sauna in summer. But we loved the area and were delighted just to find something affordable.”

Poor design and inadequate insulation weren’t the only challenges. “Damp in the main bedroom made our clothes go mouldy and there was no storage,” says Anna. “The kids had large bedrooms, but they had to contend with a spiral staircase and a minute, cupboard-size bathroom where your knees would knock against the wall when you sat on the toilet.”

Anna says the family grew accustomed to the home’s foibles, but by 2016, enough was enough and they set renovation plans in motion. “We weren’t after high architecture, just a functional home crafted from simple, honest materials and plenty of light,” says Anna. Both she and Andy love to cook and entertain, hosting gatherings most weekends, so the priorities were an indooroutdoor living area that could accommodate a “decent” number of people yet still felt intimate when only the couple were at home.

“We also needed separate spaces that we could retreat to for work and a guestroom for visiting family,” she adds.

When they saw the stunning transformation of a friend’s semi a few doors down, a project by architect Andy Harding of Stanic Harding, they knew they’d found the right person for the task.

Andy was happy to help, but made it clear from the outset that creatingtheirdreamhomewouldbeabigger–andmoreexpensive – job than they envisaged. “The original house was falling apart, lacked light and the bedroom and bathroom extension, done by a previous owner, could best be described as a handyman job,” he says. “Anna and Andy effectively wanted a whole new house and the architecture had to do so much more to make the space liveable. As plans evolved, they realised they needed to rethink their initial budget to attain the home they wanted.”

Construction got underway in March 2019. The existing structure was gutted, leaving only the front facade, main bedroom and side walls intact. The home was then rebuilt over two levels: the main bedroom and open-plan kitchen/living/dining area on thegroundfloor,withthreebedroomsandextrabathroomupstairs.

“To bring more light into the interior, we cut a great big hole in the middle of the house,” says Andy. The ‘hole’ is now occupied by an open staircase with partition-style balustrade, slatted walkway on the first floor and a series of skylights above. > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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THE LAYOUT Ground floor

Garage

Dining

Bed Bath

Living Entry

Kitchen

Courtyard

First floor

Bed

Bed

Bath Bed

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Anna says the Real Flame ‘Element 1200’ gas heater is powerful enough to heat the whole home in winter. All joinery designed by Stanic Harding and built by Bondi Kitchens & Joinery. Kitchen tapware, Vola. Fritz Hansen ‘Series 7’ dining chairs, Cult Design. Shift floor lamp, Artisan Furniture Australia.

Knoll armchairs and Saarinen coffee table, all Dedece.

Eames side tables, Living Edge. Husk rug, Armadillo.

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“As well as funnelling light through to the ground floor, the open elements help create a sense of connection,” says Andy Harding.

The materials palette of timber, Carrara marble and stainless steel strikes the perfect balance between refined and utilitarian.

The open-plan kitchen/living/dining area defies its compact dimensions thanks to clever spatial planning. The footprint of the kitchenjutsintothegarden,withthesinkandsurroundingbenches cantilevered over a side passage. “Borrowing space from the side passage allowed us to have a more generous island and to give the living and dining areas the proportions they needed to feel open and comfortable,” says Andy. A new gas fireplace in the sitting zone warms the whole house in winter, while wide-opening sliding doors and generous windows mean the home can be opened up in summer to catch the breeze.

“I love that I can see nature from almost every room,” says Anna.

“It’s such a calming and wonderfully flexible home – intimate, yet easily transformed into a stunning entertaining space.” > Stanic Harding, Surry Hills, NSW; (02) 9167 7916 or stanicharding.com.au. Hammond Building, Forestville, NSW; (02) 9453 1412 or hammondbuilding.com.au.

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MAIN BEDROOM Since their bedroom is

located on the ground floor, Anna and Andy can effectively use the whole level as a self-contained apartment when it’s just the two of them at home. Idaho beside table, Papaya. Caravaggio Read wall light, Cult Design. Bremworth ‘Levante’ carpet in Glazed Grey, Premier Carpets. BRIDGE AND LANDING Skylights, Velux. Wall lights, The Lighting Guild. ENSUITE Duravit ‘Scola’ basin. Vola mixer tap. Custom mirror cabinet. White Pearl mosaic tiles (niche), Better Tiles. White wall tiles, Onsite Supply+Design. Otto Bianco floor tiles, Di Lorenzo Tiles. Custom windows, Central Coast Shopfronts.

H G HOUSES STREET FRONTAGE New steps ease

the journey to the front door on the sloping block. Exterior venetians from Urban Range keep the home cool in summer. The rendered walls, formerly a drab beige, were repainted Dulux Deep Walnut.

THIS IS THE LIFE

Location is everything for these active homeowners.

“Andy has been a member of the local surf club for many years and goes to the beach at 5.30am most days for a walk or swim,” says Anna. “We frequently walk along the coastal path from Bondi to Bronte, stopping for a swim on our return. In the evening, we love doing laps of the promenade and enjoying something from one of the wonderful cafes, restaurants and bars.”

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1 Fisher & Paykel 60cm multifunction oven, $899, Harvey Norman. 2 Bayside Sereno Gloss mosaic tiles, $54.95/m², National Tiles. 3 Eames stool, $1890, Living Edge. 4 Andes wool rug (2x3m), $1945, Armadillo. 5 Bella 3-seater sofa, from $6990, Fanuli. 6 Vintage industrial spotlight, $1544.20, 1stDibs. 7 Milli Pure basin

mixer with textured handle, $743.20, Reece.

8 Alizeh vase, $140, Coco Republic. 9 Rafael dresser, POA, Fanuli. 10 Knoll ‘Tulip’ table by Eero Saarinen with marble top (244cm diameter), $17,150, Dedece. 11 Vienna armchair, $1175, Domo. 12 Lola bottle vase, $79, Domayne.

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Choose covetable pieces with clean lines that sit lightly with streamlined architectural detailing.

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Produced by Kristina Harrison.

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WOR K OF A RT This versatile Melbourne home readily switches from a grand gallery for the owner’s paintings and sculptures to an inviting sanctuary for family life.

STO RY Chris Pearson | P H OTO G R A P H Y Sharyn Cairns

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Bathrooms

TUB LOVE

Well rounded

Soft lines will always serve you well in a bathroom. Recognising this, the Issy range from Reece heartily embraces organic shapes. Shown right is the Issy ‘Halo’ 1000mm mirrored shaving cabinet in American oak, $2200, and below is the Issy ‘Blossom II’ 1100mm vanity with Carrara marble top, $4050. reece.com.au

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PETITE PICK Base 1560mm acrylic freestanding bath, $1059, Reece; reece.com.au.

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CIRCLE WORKS

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CLASSIC STYLE

Orbit 1300mm stonecomposite bath, $6995, Rogerseller; rogerseller.com.au.

DA B HA ND

Mirrorside illumination doesn’t come much lovelier than the Day ceramic wall lights from We Ponder. Priced from $520, each of these Australian-made lights is formed by hand, then dipped in a low-sheen eggshell glaze and kiln fired twice to ensure a robust finished product. weponder.com.au

Emerald 1750mm marblecomposite bath, $7250, Apaiser; apaiser.com.

Produced by Sarah Pickette.

Finishing touch

The range of durable finishes Brodware offers for its Australian-made fixtures has grown to over 40. Shown above is the striking bevelled-edge Halo X wall set in Roma Bronze PVD, $1229. brodware.com.au

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SMALL JOYS Silkstone Monz 1540mm freestanding bath, $4290, Faucet Strommen; faucetstrommen.com.au.

STAND TALL Perfect for a powder room, the new Venice pedestal basin (above, $1976) from Omvivo is beautifully sleek and slim. Plumbing is concealed in the pedestal base but accessible via a clever removable rear panel. omvivo.com > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G houses ith its mammoth columns, crisp concrete floors a n d a s o a r i ng ceiling, this innerMelbourne home hasbecomeagrand impromptu gallery for its artist owner Kylie Thomas, whose bold paintings and sculptures surprise at every turn.

The eclectic house offers her endless inspiration too. Sitting in her translucent new extension, with its floor-to-ceiling glass framed by a concrete colonnade and overlooking a grassy meadow, she can savour the shifting seasons and ever-changing light, ideal for someone who, as well as being adept with both paintbrush and chisel, is a country girl at heart.

Paradoxically, these grand spaces switch with chameleon ease into a relaxed family home for her, husband Tim Collier and their children Orlando, 15, and Ankha, 11. When Kylie and Tim bought the property in 2015, theywerewooedbythegenerousbackgarden and the elegant Federation home, with its ornate timber detailing, bay windows and wraparound verandah. “I love older houses.

They are so romantic,” she says. But a >

THIS IS THE LIFE

With both studio and in-house gallery space, this is the ideal working-fromhome setup for painter and sculptor Kylie. But, above all, it is also a welcoming family home. Each member can retreat to discrete spaces at the front of the house for me-time, then mingle once again in the rear section. The home also suits Tim and Kylie’s love of entertaining – cleverly, the custom inside and outdoor tables are the same size, so they can be joined when company calls.

“ THIS HOME COULD H AV E F E LT S TA R K , B U T T H E T I M B E R , C U R TA I N S AND RUGS BRING A L OT O F WA R M T H .”

K YLIE THOMAS, OWNER

LIVING This page and opposite Alix

sofa, designed by Marcus BalscheitBalmain, and Sphinx artsilk-wool rug, both from Surround. Inax ‘Sairin’ wall tiles, Artedomus.

De Sede DS-266 recliner armchair, HC28 ‘Bold’ side table (above), Wittmann ‘Grain Cut’ side table (right), all Domo. Off-form concrete columns and steel wall treatments, all custom. Curtains by Lynch’s Window Fashions. Serendipity sculpture by Kylie Thomas. Garden

by Plume Studio, constructed by Form Landscapes.

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H G houses

less-than-romantic 1990s open-plan addition suffered from poor flow and no zoning – a no-no in a family home – and sat at an awkward 45-degree angle to the rest of the house. The front and back failed to neatly marry old and new, and the red timbers used throughout looked dated.

The couple presented architect Chris Stanley of Splinter Society with a triplefaceted brief. “Tim and Kylie love concrete and its monumentality, but any addition had to be sympathetic to the elegance and flamboyant details of the heritage home at the front,” he says. “They also wanted a coastal feel with its weathered, driftwood tones to add softness to the concrete.” In short, it had to marry old and new and dramatically contrasting styles, while blending grandeur with the warmth of a familyhome.Italsohadtoblendseamlessly with the sprawling backyard.

First,Chrisaddressedthat1990saddition, replacing it with an extension featuring a row of windows punctuated by a colonnade that frames the pool. The concrete columns

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strikingly echo the timber uprights of the Federation verandah. “That visual link createsacommonalitybetweenheritageand modern,” says Chris. “The colonnade runs right through the new areas and mitigates the sunlight pouring through, and suggests themonumentalityofconcretewithoutbeing overpowering.” The colonnade is infilled with banquettes – perfect for savouring thosegardenviews.Litwithspotlights,they double as display spaces for Kylie’s art.

Chris created a new entry on the south side, which marks the spot where old meets new, while forming two distinct zones attuned to family living. Private spaces occupy the original section, where the former living room has been sliced into two to create bedrooms for Ankha and Orlando, complete with their own ensuites. While the new extension is open-plan, it’s now properly zoned, with the columns acting as nib walls to ensure the family can do their own thing yet remain connected.

Light-toned concrete prevents the material from overpowering, achieving >

Living Dining Barbecue

Study

Bath Entry

Kitchen

Bath Bed Bath

Bed

Entry

Bed

Retreat

Studio

Pool

Laundry

THE LAYOUT

Office

Bed

KITCHEN/DINING Bento dining table

by Marcus Balscheit-Balmain, Anton dining chairs, Haly mirror, Napols rug, and Stella barstools, all Surround.

Inax ‘Sairin’ wall tiles, Artedomus.

Vintage Butterfly chair, Miguel Meirelles Antiques. Pulpo Lake bowl, Domo. Hat pendant light (above dining table) by South Drawn.

Nordlux Artist pendants (above kitchen island), Lights Lights Lights.

Zuka ceiling lights, Studio Italia.

Linsol Giacomo mixer tap, ACS Designer Bathrooms. Zip ‘Elite BA HydroTap’, Reece. Benchtop in Steel Grey granite from Apex Stone.

H G houses

“ YO U M I G H T T H I N K CONCRETE WOULD BE H A R D O N T H E TO E S B U T I T F E E L S A M A Z I N G LY S O F T.” KYLIE

the washed look the owners wanted. That, too, is reflected in the limed timber floors throughout the original section, with their coastal, driftwood feel.

“This home could have felt stark, but the timber, curtains and rugs bring a lot of warmth,” says Kylie. “There’s plenty of colour in the front part of the house for freshness too.” Judicious use of colour extends to the furnishings, which Kylie selected with the help of interior designer Danielle Balscheit.

Unsurprisingly for a gathering place, the kitchen is where diverse elements come neatly together. The colonnade and concrete are teamed with metal-framed windows, a scalloped metal finish on the bench and a soaring raked ceiling, which, aided by a skylight, bounces light around the room. And then there’s the uplifting meadow beyond, which fosters a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. “I love the kitchen and dining areas,” says Kylie. “They have a feeling of space and height, and the way the light plays off the rendered walls is amazing. It is like being in the country and experiencing the changing seasons.”

In the cooler months, the sun-soaked living zone feels even cosier thanks to its fireplace and massive sofa, which is big enough for the whole family.

Recalling her childhood, Kylie walks barefoot throughout the year. And the concreterevealsa fewsurprises ofitsown.

“You might think it would be hard on the toes but it feels amazingly soft,” she says.

“It keeps its cool in summer but, being heated, it’s absolutely divine in winter.” > Splinter Society, Fitzroy, Victoria; (03) 9419 4189 or splintersociety.com.au.

THE PALET TE

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Resene Bokara Grey (exterior)

Resene Double Gravel (kitchen)

Wattyl Point Byron (main bedroom feature)

MAIN BEDROOM Sophia

four-poster bed with velvet headboard, House Of Orange.

Paris-au-Mois-D’Aout pendant light, Hub Furniture. HC28 ‘Bold’ side table and Wittmann ‘Vuelta 72’ armchair, both Domo. Linen curtains by Lynch’s Window Fashions. Engineered-timber flooring, Made by Storey. MAIN ENSUITE Right and opposite

Phoenix ‘Vivid’ twin-rail shower, ‘Vivid Slimline’ tapware and Hydrotherm ‘H4’ heated towel rail, all Reece. Renoir stone bath, Natural Stone Bath Worx. Kiln basins, Robert Gordon Australia.

Custom vanity in spotted gum and Evenex Limewash Elm veneer. White Wood marble benchtop and floor tiles, all Pavers Plus. Inax ‘Yohen’ border tiles, Artedomus.

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H G HOUSES ALFRESCO ENTERTAINING Bento table,

Surround. Ines ‘Luna’ outdoor pendant light, Gineico Lighting. Oliveri ‘Essente’ mixer tap, Reece. Ziegler & Brown ‘Grand Turbo 6’ barbecue, E&S. Lysaght ‘Dominion’ cladding in Monument. Unseen Hum artwork (in living room) and Ode Thy Sticks sculpture (in garden) both by Kylie Thomas.

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1 Anita pendant light by Mario Barbaglia, POA,

Mondoluce. 2 Tait wall art, $799, Freedom.

3 Realm modular sofa, from $3955/section, Coco Republic. 4 Calibre Furniture side table, $320, House of Isabella. 5 Fisher & Paykel 91-bottle wine cabinet, $14,999, Harvey Norman. 6 Electrolux EHG955BD

90cm gas cooktop, $2149, Winning Appliances.

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7 Elisabeth table lamp by Carlo Colombo for Penta, $5090, Fanuli. 8 Betel vase, $39.95, Freedom. 9 Hem

‘Puffy’ lounge chair by Faye Toogood, $5489, District.

10 Byron vases, from $64 each, Domayne. 11 Arbre Blanc Ecailles sculpture by Julie Bergeron, 1stDibs.

For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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Curate a collection of sculptural pieces for elevated appeal in gallery-like spaces.

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Produced by Saffron Sylvester.

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Heart-melting moments Built on Sydney’s north-west outskirts, this luxe resort-style home is anchored by the Australian bush.

STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | ST Y L I N G Three Birds Renovations | P HOTO GRA PHY Maree Homer & Chris Warnes

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“THIS IS A FAMILY HOME THAT SHOWCASES ACREAGE LIVING WITH A SOPHISTICATED, STYLISH EDGE.” Bonnie Hindmarsh, Three Birds Renovations

FRONT PATIO Stairs lead down from the driveway to the

front door where a whole glamorous world awaits.

Chequerboard terrazzo-look Paddington tiles in white and peach, TileCloud. Armchairs, coffee table, occasional table and planters, all Freedom. Exterior cladding, James Hardie.FOYER Entry doors and arched windows, Trend Windows & Doors. Porto Pablo dining table, Oz Design Furniture. Delfina pendant light, Enlightened Living. Reef bowl, Freedom. Pompeii bowl, Provincial Home Living.

Byron sheer curtains, Luxaflex Window Fashions.

hen Sydney homeowners Louisa Shield andherhusband began building their house duringlockdown lastyear,they hadanunderstandable urge to make it a sanctuary with a holiday-athomevibe.Asitturnsout,theextraordinary residence they have just completed on acreage on the city’s outskirts doesn’t merely conjure a holiday mood. It’s their owndreamy,everything-they’d-ever-wishedfor, five-star luxury resort.

The move to the city’s outer north-west isareturntofamiliarterritoryforLouisa’s husband, who grew up in the area and always dreamed of raising his own family here. For Louisa, who has lived on the NorthernBeachesallherlife,swappingthe beach for the bush has been a huge but

happy shift. Plus, as a designer for homemakeover specialists Three Birds Renovations,sheisnowlivingmuchcloser toworkheadquarters,which saves her from the cross-city commute.

The couple bought the 2.1-hectare bush block in 2018 with desires to nurture an outdoorsy, nature-connected lifestyle for themselves and their two sons, Spencer, eight, and Dasher, five. From the moment they saw the site, they envisioned how they wanted to position the home on the site in order to maximise the bushland views. Louisa also had a very clear idea of the layout: “I’ve always loved the idea of single-level living and here we had the space to make it happen – the house is literally sprawled across the width of the property.” She says. “I wanted wide, generous hallways with one wing for bedrooms, and one wing for the living spaces.” Installing a pool close to the >

Produced by Elizabeth Wilson.

“I have always loved the way plants make a picture that forms a garden.”

When I was a child, I was encouraged to play outside, which is where my love of the outdoors developed. I have always loved plants and the way they make a picture that forms a garden. I think I am both creative and practical, so following this career pathway wasn’t a difficult transition.

My work days vary a lot, but always start early – often in the dark. After kissing my daughters [Camille, 11, and Sabine, eight] goodbye, my schedule might include client meetings, sourcing plants, product procurement, or time in the office for planning layouts or meeting with my teams. The days can be long, full-on and challenging, but also rewarding when the job is done and the clients are happy.

I’m really passionate about horticulture and landscape design. Watching our gardens grow and seeing homeowners develop a relationship with their gardens is really special. I enjoy the challenge of interpreting the architecture of a building and merging it with the landscape, so there is a connection between the indoors and the external environment.

I’m never quite sure if I have my work-life balance right. But I keep trying!

Yoga helps. Let’s call it a work in progress.

What’s on my reading list? The Planthunter: Truth, Beauty, Chaos and Plants

by Georgina Reid. It’s an exploration of the way people around the world find truth, beauty, purpose and connection through the act of gardening.

The biggest challenge of my career was having the conviction that I could do this for myself. Believing in my own success.

I feel a sense of achievement at the completion of every job. It’s a wonderful feeling to visualise and sense a garden, then design and nurture it to its full potential. Achievement in a larger sense isn’t a day to day feeling, it’s just something that hits you every now and then.

A trip to Japan connected all the dots for me. While I was there, I discovered the country’s very modern yet ancient history – the architecture, the gardens, the culture – but it was the philosophical connection to the landscape that I particularly found important. Japanese gardens combine aesthetics with ethics, and beauty with philosophy. Lifestyle and design choices are connected with nature, which in turn benefit health and wellbeing. I wanted to apply this ideal in my work, as well as in my own home.

I find inspiration in all sorts of everyday things. The Australian landscape and its colours. Architecture. Good design. Travel. I am a bit of a minimalist – I much prefer simplicity and clean lines. I’m attracted to rawness in both materials and design. The creatives I most admire can speak the unique language between architecture and landscaped areas.

My all-time favourite piece of furniture would have to be the BKF Butterfly Chair, designed in 1938. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, perhaps because of its organic form, and it’s so comfortable – I love the way the sitter and chair become one. But from a practical point of view, it has a versatility that allows it to be enjoyed both indoors and out.

Choosing a favourite plant is more difficult – I have so many! It would be unfair to choose just one. My go-to plants are proven performers and often the foundation of a great plant palette. At the moment, Kalanchoe ‘Silver Spoons’, narrow-leaf fig (Ficus longifolia), Zanzibar gem and Aloe Big Red are top of the list.

Time is the greatest luxury of all. Having the option to choose how I spend my # time, and with whom. There’s no joy like presence in the moment.

Garden Society; gardensociety.com.au.

LYNDALL’S FAVOURITE THINGS From top The Planthunter: Truth,

Beauty, Chaos and Plants book

by Georgina Reid. Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). BKF Butterfly Chair. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, Japan. OPPOSITE Lyndall and a garden she designed in Sydney’s east.

“I LIKE OPEN-PLAN LIVING, BUT I ALSO WANTED EACH ROOM TO TELL

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ITS OWN STORY, SO SPACES ARE SLIGHTLY SEGREGATED.”

Louisa Shield, owner

CASUAL LIVING Above Noosa modular sofa, Romain rug and Hexy accent tables, all Freedom. Kijani wicker armchairs, St Barts. Fulani

coffee table, Uniqwa Collections. Sinatra side table, Clo Studios. Limited-edition prints by Brittany Ferns. Byron sheer curtains, Luxaflex Window Fashions. Vantage decorative doors, AWS. BAR/HALLWAY Bar moulding, Intrim Mouldings. Table lamp, McMullin & Co. Bust, House of Orange. Shelf, The Society Inc. Timber bench, Provincial Home Living. Baskets on bench, Oz Design Furniture. Vintage Chinese basket (under bench), Few & Far. Artworks by Jai Vasicek (above bench) and Vynka Hallam (kitchen). FIREPLACE Opposite top Double-sided fireplace wall clad in Axon cladding, James Hardie. Fireplace, Lopi. TV, LG. DINING ZONE Custom dining table, The Wood Room. Porto Tanduk dining chairs and Munich swivel tub chairs, Oz Design Furniture. Daybed cushions from Florence Broadhurst Fabrics. White vase on table, McMullin & Co. Camilla rug, Miss Amara. Shutters, Luxaflex Window Fashions. >

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house – visible from the front door – was central to her plan. “My idea was that you’d open the front door and the first sight would be the blue water fringed by trees.

I really wanted to celebrate the Australian landscape because it’s magical and brings such peacefulness.”

To help map out the layout and finesse the interiors, Louisa turned to her mentors at Three Birds Renovations, working closely with long-time friend and ‘Birds’ co-founder, Bonnie Hindmarsh. “We collaborate on a daily basis at work so this was a great project to work on together,” says Bonnie. “Lou knew what she wanted and I was there to oversee the whole process and bounce ideas around.”

Together, they formulated the home’s configuration, all centred around Louisa’s pool-meets-bush vision. The front door opens into a Great Gatsby-esque entry/foyer with a high raked ceiling and chequerboard floor in cream and blush terrazzo-look tiles. This leads to a formal white-on-white living room featuring a grand arched window that perfectly frames the pool and bush views.

Visitors definitely know they have arrived – somewhere special – standing in this space.

From here, the home branches into the two wings. To the left are the entertaining spaces – casual living, formal dining and kitchen – plus powder room, laundry and mudroom.

Tothe right isthe mainbedroomwith walk-in wardrobe and glamorous ensuite, the boys’ largesharedroom,aguestroomandanoffice.

Capitalising on the abundant roof cavity >

houses H G KITCHEN Lora pendant light, Enlightened Living. The island fascia and benchtops are Calacatta Luxe engineered stone from Talostone. Joinery by

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Carrera by Design. Sussex ‘Scala’ mixer tap in Tumbled Brass, Reece. Flexi Bridge induction cooktop, Electrolux. Arlo dining chairs, Oz Design Furniture. Coconuts painting by Vynka Hallam. Vantage doors and bifold servery windows, all AWS. Bart vessel (on floor, left), McMullin & Co. Pompeii pitcher (on floor, right), Provincial Home Living. BUTLER’S PANTRY Moisture-resistant Axon cladding from James Hardie is used for the splashback. Posh Canterbury hob kitchen set, Reece. Dish rack, The Society Inc. Tea towel, Crave Wares. Window, Trend Windows & Doors.

THE PALET TE

Dulux Lexicon (interior, throughout)

Dulux Blue Metal (boys’room skirting)

Dulux Stone Master (laundry)

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H G houses MAIN ENSUITE Cayman Island chandelier, Gypset Cargo. Custom

wall mirrors, Salt x Steel. Seta armchair and Cushla side table, both Brosa. Annangrove Star and Cross mosaic tiles (vanity wall) and Byron travertine-look wall and floor tiles, all TileCloud. Venice basins, Posh Canterbury tap sets and robe hooks, Laufen ‘Val’ freestanding bath and Sussex ‘Scala’ bath filler, all Reece. Custom vanity, Carrera

by Design. Talostone Imperial Danby benchtop.

THIS IS THE LIFE

While the house oozes the sophistication of a luxury hotel, Louisa insists it is a family home where her two young boys can be themselves. she’s unfazed by them (or the dog) rumbling on the white sofas – if they get grubby she can just throw the slip covers in the wash. “There’s a lovely balance at play,” says Bonnie hindmarsh from Three Birds Renovations. “everything has a luxe feel to it but it also feels relaxed and inviting. It’s not precious, it’s built for a family.”

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space,theycreatedaloft/familyroomabove the boys’ bedroom and another above the garage. A few steps from the main home is a pool house containing two guestrooms and a bar/kitchenette.

The whole property is geared to entertaining, but rather than creating one vast open-plan gathering space, Louisa opted for separate-but-connected areas.

“Although I like open-plan living, I wanted each room to tell its own story,” says Louisa, “For instance, the kitchen is related to the living room and people can spill into each area, but they’re segregated spaces.”

This delineation occurs in subtle ways.

The kitchen flooring, for example, is the same as that in the adjoining rooms (largeformat engineered-oak boards) but laid in a herringbone pattern. “We had the space

to do it and it makes a feature of the kitchen,” says Bonnie.

The centrepiece of the kitchen is a twolevel, multifunctional island. “Lou wanted the island to be a casual dining space so she had a section of the bench lowered to table height to accommodate dining chairs rather than stools,” says Bonnie. “It makes the whole kitchen feel so comfortable.” The taller section of the island includes an induction cooktop to allow Louisa to cook without having her back to guests.

The entire island is wrapped in Calacatta Luxe, a marble-look engineered stone by Talostone. “She wanted the timelessless of a white kitchen and a marble-like stone that wasn’t too overpowering. The stone we’ve chosen is perfect because it has a soft vein in it,” says Bonnie. “To bring warmth >

“I WANTED EVERY SPACE TO FEEL COMFY AND APPROACHABLE. MAIN BEDROOM Above Retreat bed, Chloe drawers and Sunbury ottomans, all Oz Design Furniture. Bedlinen, Cultiver. Samos wall lights, The Montauk Lighting Co. Jenga console, Lounge Lovers. Kiaan rug, Provincial Home Living. DRESSING ROOM This page bottom, left and

right Custom artwork by Fibrous Design. Custom bench seat cushion, The Foam Booth. Side table, House of Orange. Louvre doors, Parkwood Doors. Joinery, Carrera by Design. Benchtops in Talostone Imperial Danby. BOYS’ LOFT Opposite top Bermuda rattan chairs,

Arthur modular sofa in Forest Slate, Rita coffee table and seagrass stool, all Oz Design Furniture. Artwork by Libby Watkins. Long Beach corner sofa in Ivory, Lounge Lovers. Beanbag chair, Onyx & Smoke. Florence Broadhurst ‘Waterfall Garden’ wallpaper, Materialised.

Shaka rug, Miss Amara. BOYS’ BEDROOM Artwork by Kerrie Jeffs. Custom beds, Create Estate. Tide wall light, Beacon Lighting. Iceland bedside tables, Satara. Capri lounge chair, Provincial Home Living. Beni Ourain rug, Benisouk. Axon cladding, James Hardie. >

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NOTHING’S TOO PRECIOUS. EVERY ROOM INVITES YOU IN.”

Louisa

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Bed

Mudroom Dressing

Office

Dining

Bath

Bed

Entry

Laundry

Casual Formal living living Bed

Kitchen

Sitting

Kitchenette

Living

Garage

Bath

Bath

Bath

Bed

Wardrobe Bath

THE LAYOUT

Pool

POOL AREA Jardin umbrellas, Basil Bangs. Cannes sunloungers and Atra side tables, all Freedom. Leslung drinks cooler, Uniqwa Collections. Pool

by Concept Pools. Broome travertine-look pavers, TileCloud. Pool fence, Australian Frameless Glass Installations. POOL HOUSE Softness art print

by Francesca Owen. Sutton coffee table and Martini rattan sofa, both Oz Design Furniture. Hampton dining table and Bahama folding chairs, all La Maison. Portsea wall light and Tahitian ceiling fan, both Beacon Lighting.

Linea Cladding, James Hardie. BACKYARD Concrete steppers, Turtle Nursery. Palm hooks, Pineapple Traders. Milli Pure shower and taps, Reece.

houses H G into the room, we added the rattan dining chairs, a feature pendant light and goldcoloured tapware.”

The whole house is designed with statement pieces and “special moments” – as Louisa calls them – in mind. And some rooms, such as the main ensuite, take ‘special’ to another level. “It’s my favourite room in the whole house!” says Bonnie.

Measuring 6x4 metres, it has a raked ceiling, two arched windows, a round bath in the centre of the room, more of that lovely brass tapware, a sculptural decorative pendant light and gorgeous tilesinmutedearthytones.It’stotallyluxe and spectacular, but it’s also entirely

practical. In fact, Louisa has a bath here everyweekend,soakinguptheviews while she enjoys a soak herself.

Thecolourschemethroughoutthehome reflects the white-on-white palette that has become Three Birds Renovations’ signature style, but Louisa has inserted recurring natural tones and materials to add a sense of warmth and rawness. There are some deliberate incursions of colour, too, such the dark blue skirting boards in the boys’ room; warm coffee colours in a guestroom,andacalmingstudywithwalls painted in a soft powdery green.

The recurring theme throughout is that every room is sun-drenched and interacts

with the outdoors. “The house is designed so every window frames an outlook, with feature gum trees seen from just about every window,” says Bonnie.

Louisa and her husband finished the build last November, and spent the entire summer enjoying their tropical resortstyle pool on the bush fringes. They feel like they’re on holidays, even when they’re at home – and they love being greeted by those views every morning. “We’re extremely proud of all of it and we enjoy eachspace.Ittickseveryboxforourfamily and we wouldn’t change a thing.” > See the full reveal of Louisa’s home at threebirdsrenovations.com.

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POOL HOUSE The Three Birds Renovations

dynamos (from left) Lana Taylor, Erin Cayless and Bonnie Hindmarsh. As well as this bar/ kitchenette, the pool house also includes two bedrooms, a bathroom and daybed (below right). Artwork by Francesca Owen. Sofas and coffee table, Oz Design Furniture. Orissa rug, Freedom. Dunne pendant light (above daybed), Beacon Lighting. Annangrove tiles (on servery) and Broome pavers, TileCloud.

Malawi Tub bar chairs, Uniqwa Collections.

Ice bucket, Sunday Society.

“THIS POOL HOUSE IS THE ULTIMATE IN STYLISH ENTERTAINING.” Bonnie Hindmarsh, Three Birds Renovations

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Tactile, neutral pieces enhance poolside glam and create a feeling of laidback luxe.

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1 Vivid Slimline floor-mounted bath filler, $2418.35, Phoenix Tapware. 2 Benaco

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encaustic tile in Beige (200x200mm), $95/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles. 3 Bodhi oversized armchair, $2849, Oz Design Furniture. 4 Ginger ceiling lamp, $150, Domo. 5 Frank armchair, $899, McMullin & Co. 6 Jardin garden umbrella, $659, Basil Bangs. 7 St Moritz Chic book by Dora Lardelli, $152, and Athens Riviera book by Stephanie Artarit, $152, Amara. 8 Crawford dining table by Tom Fereday, from $4390, Living Edge. 10 Nest jute rug in Natural (2x3m), $1450, Armadillo. 11 Maya indoor/outdoor bookcase, $599, Lounge Lovers. 11 Wyatt stool, $425, Coco Republic. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

Future

V ISION A forward-thinking renovation has delivered a home that’s just right in the present too.

STORY Jackie Brygel | PH OTO GR AP H Y Lillie Thompson

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KITCHEN/DINING Esmeralda quartzite from Signorino, one of the owners’ favourite elements, is used for the benchtops, splashback and as panelling in the bespoke bar unit. Cabinet handles and knobs, all Linear Standard. Archier ‘Highline’ pendant lights, Est Lighting.

Diiva barstools, Grazia & Co. Happy Hour painting by Antonia Mrljak from James Makin Gallery. The Gubi ‘Beetle’ dining chairs from In Good Company feature custom upholstery. Antique bench seat. European-oak flooring, Tongue N Groove Flooring (throughout).

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ore often than not, the renovation of a house is undertaken principally to meet the current needs of its residents. Not so, however, in the case of Vicki and Nick. To these grandparents of six, the future was foremost in their minds when they approached Melbourne interior design practice Studio Tate and builders LNX Constructions in 2019. Nick and Vicki’s vision was clear: futureproof the residence so it would become a forever home in the truest sense. “We decided we needed to update the entire house for the years ahead,” says Vicki. “We wanted to ensure we can stay here for the rest of our lives.”

It’s not the first time Vicki and Nick – who live here with their French bulldogs Inky and Billy – have renovated the home. “We boughtthepropertyin 2006andhavemadeafewsmallimprovements along the way,” says Vicki. “But the house was starting to look a bit tired overall. We began with the idea of adding a butler’s pantry, and it soon turned into a full-scale renovation.”

Completed in November last year, the considered redesign has put every centimetre of the single-level house and its 500-square-metre corner block to optimal use. As well as gaining a butler’s pantry, the laundry increased in size to make room for additional fridges and linen storage. The main ensuite was expanded and reconfigured to accommodate a roomy walk-in shower (with built-in bench seat in case mobility becomes an issue). A plethora of smart storage solutions in many of the rooms also enhance liveability.

To Vicki, the home’s glorious wraparound courtyard garden has long brought her joy. “It’s “ W E WA N T E D TO C R E AT E A G E M . T H E G O R G E O U S J E W E L C O L O U R S U S E D I N T H E K I TC H E N R U N T H R O U G H T H E F U R N I S H I N G S TO O . one of the main reasons I’ve I T ’ S A P R E T T Y FA B U L O U S PA L E T T E ! ” A L E X H O P K I N S , I N T E R I O R A R C H I T E C T always loved living here,” she says. Studio Tate’s design director Alex Hopkins and associate designer Liz Ride delighted in the fact that the house presented as a “country cottage nestled in an urban setting”. “The house is embraced on three sides by the garden, which Vicki has loved and nurtured for a long time,” says Alex. “From our perspective, it was very important that we captured that as part of the story of the interior.”

For this reason, every opportunity was taken to connect the home to its magical backdrop. Picture window-style sliding doors flood the home with natural light, revealing a sea of flowering plants >

THIS IS THE LIFE

Over a one-year period, Vicki and Nick’s house was dramatically reborn, with LNX Constructions charged with the building works. “Although it’s only Nick and Vicki who live here, this is still very much a family home,” says Alex. “The finishes are wonderfully durable, and many of the rooms also have dual purposes, making them very versatile.” Vicki concurs: “It’s such a joy to be here. It’s a very practical house for us – and will continue to be so.”

KITCHEN Esmeralda quartzite, Signorino. Qasair ‘Lismore’ rangehood and Miele cooktop, both E&S. Diiva barstools, Grazia & Co. Archier ‘Highline’ pendant lights, Est Lighting. BUTLER’S PANTRY Opposite top Sussex ‘Scala’ mixer tap and AFA ‘Cubeline’ undermount sink, both Reece.

Esmeralda quartzite, Signorino. DINING Custom-upholstered Gubi ‘Beetle’ dining chairs from In Good Company. The dining table is part of Vicki and Nick’s existing collection. Flower arrangement, Flowers Vasette. Glass and mirrors by Viridian (throughout).

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SITTING Antique chandelier. ND83 armchair by Nanna Ditzel, Great Dane. &Tradition ‘Mezcla JH20’

coffee table and Nau ‘Fat Tulip’ sofa, both Cult Design. Rubn Lighting ‘James’ floor lamp, Fred International. Rug, Artoz Rugs. MAIN ENSUITE Armano wall tiles in Sage, Academy Tiles+Surfaces.

Compact 02 wall lights, Douglas & Bec. Sussex ‘Scala 25’ tapware, Reece. Calacatta Antica benchtop, Signorino. Lounge cabinet handles, Linear Standard. MAIN BEDROOM The armchair and footstool were reupholstered in Pierre Frey ‘A La Table Du Roi’ fabric by Recoll Upholstery. Alvar Aalto ‘Bell’wall lights, Anibou. Cloud bedside tables, Zuster. Bedlinen, Bedouin Societe. Transpire carpet, Bremworth.

THE LAYOUT

Family

Dining

Laundry

Bath

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Bath Bed

Living

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Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

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and trees, including bougainvillea, silver birch, ruby lace gleditsia and robinia, even a bubbling water feature. “Vicki and Nick use the courtyard as a third living space,” says Liz. Inside, both the decorating and materials palette were inspired by the hues in the garden. The kitchen’s striking Esmeralda quartzite, used on the benchtops, splashback and in the rear of the bespoke bar cabinet, is a favourite element. Its tones are echoed in the surrounding joinery and again in the wall tiles selected for the bathrooms. “I have always loved green, so once we saw the Esmeralda quartzite, that was it – decision made!” says Vicki. “We wanted to create a gem,” adds Alex. “The gorgeous jewel colours used in the kitchenrunthroughthefurnishingstoo.It’saprettyfabulouspalette!”

“The layering of colour, texture and detail has resulted in a home that feels fresh, but still warm and inviting,” says Liz. “The house andgardennowreflectandenhanceeachother.Thehappiestsurprise was the willingness of Vicki and Nick to go along for the journey and also the genuine friendship we have built.”

Also true is that this is a home that works for all ages. There’s the hardy oak chevron flooring that has replaced the “forever-coveredin-footprints” black and white chequerboard tiles. The oversize kitchen island is a contemporary take on the ‘country kitchen table’ and has become a popular spot to perch for all, including the youngest members of the family. Fortunately, the quartzite is virtually impenetrable, so messy hands and spills are no big deal. Then there’s that elegant green and gold bar...

To Vicki and Nick, the outcome is everything they had hoped for – and then some.“When we walk in the door, we still can’t quite believe this is our house,” says Vicki with a smile. “We’re not going anywhere.” >

THE PALET TE Dulux Spanish Olive (open-plan area walls)

Dulux Wimbledon (kitchen joinery)

Dulux Grey Pebble (main bedroom, study)

Studio Tate, Richmond, Victoria; (03) 9428 5090 or studiotate.com.au.

LNX Constructions, Bell Park, Victoria; (03) 5272 1680 or lnxconstructions.com.au.

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“ T H I S I S S T I L L V E RY M U C H A FA M I LY H O M E .” A L E X H O P K I N S

LIVING Above Fogia ‘Bollo’ armchairs, Fred International.

Nestle coffee table, Zuster.

Garden rug by Amir Aligorgi, Behruz Studio. SITTING ROOM Above right Existing fireplace with whitewashed oak fire surround.

Calacatta Antica mantel, Signorino. Antique bench. The artworks are vintage finds.

STUDY Right Flax ‘Kelvin’ table lamp, Euroluce. Arper ‘Catifa Up’ chair, Stylecraft. Graf cabinet knobs, Linear Standard. Cocktail artwork by Billie Justice Thomson, from Modern Times.

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1 Still Life With Silver Tray & Fruit artwork by G Hammond (20x25cm),

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$245, Vintage Art Emporium. 2 Flexform ‘Campiello’ 3-seater sofa, $15,395, Fanuli. 3 Pulpo ‘Stellar Grape’ floor lamp by Sebastian Herkner, $9150, Domo. 4 Nala wool rug in Natural & Slate (2x3m), $2415, Armadillo. 5 KitchenAid ‘Classic’ stand mixer, $849, Winning Appliances.

6 Herringbone European oak flooring, from $110/m², Royal Oak Floors.

7 Half Cut Champagne coupes by Lee Broom, $165 each, Space.

8 Wittmann ‘Miles’ side table by Sebastian Herkner, from $5950, Domo.

9 Circa bath mixer with hand shower in Living Polished Brass, $2067.10, Sussex Taps. 10 Tillary wall sconce, $295, Coco Republic. 11 Charles velvet dining chair, $269/pair, Luxo Living. For Where to Buy, see page 190. #

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Embrace gem tones, natural stone and texture to create a glamorous and timeless feel.

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Reliable home Wi-Fi has never been more important, which is why we include the Telstra Smart Modem on all home internet plans for new customers who stay connected for 24 months. It’s backed up by Australia’s best 4G network, so if the connection to your home stops, we’ll have you back online in minutes.

Head to your local Telstra store where we have the right people committed to helping you connect to the right home internet plan.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Mobile backup is available to premises in 4G coverage areas. Check coverage at telstra.com/coverage. Your mobile backup connection is capped at 25 Mbps for downloads and 2 Mbps for uploads.

Actual speeds may be lower due to local conditions and content accessed.

Photograph by Sue Stubbs.

P L A N T- F O C U S E D S PA C E S T H A T I N V I T E A N D D E L I G H T

G a rden s

The journey through this Sydney garden begins at the street frontage, with a beautifully layered verge garden of Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum), clipped Teucrium fruticans and Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’. A 100-year-old Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) presides over the front garden.

Turn the page for the full tour...

NEW R OM A N T IC Given a new lease of life, this garden is now a wondrous place where old meets new, romance coexists with organic principles... and a rill makes for complete happiness.

STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P HOTOG R A P H Y Sue Stubbs

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Meandering under mature camellia trees, this rill was especially requested by the homeowners when they enlisted landscape designer Myles Baldwin to revitalise their garden. Made from brick, the rill glides through massed Liriope muscari ‘Isabella’ and ornamental ginger (Alpinia nutans), sending the sound of trickling water through the whole garden. OPPOSITE The combination of Miscanthus ‘Sarabande’ and clipped shrubs such as purple-toned Loropetalum ‘China Pink’ and honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) creates a wonderful contrast of texture and tone.

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“I like mixing the shrubs with the whimsical perennials – it makes for a beautiful, fun garden,” says Myles. This curvaceous bed in the rear garden contains germander (Teucrium fruticans), Miscanthus ‘Sarabande’, catmint (Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’), and viburnum (Viburnum suspensum).

The pool fence is softened with perennials growing around and through it: “As long as the plant material is crushable, you can grow plants within the climbable zone,” Myles says in reference to pool fence codes. Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) climbs the pergola posts.

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here are more than a few fairytale-like elements in the story of this garden. And like all the best tales, this one involves the fulfilment of several long-held wishes.

For years, owners John and Chaylee had driven past the property, located on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, and felt in awe of the huge block, its Federation home barely visible amid rambling garden. “I longed to have a garden of that scale,” Chaylee says. “So, when it came up for sale in 2014, even thoughweweren’tlookingtomove,wejusthadtomakeithappen.”

It was the first time the property had changed hands in 60 years, and the stone-and-brick residence, built circa 1917, was surroundedbytoweringmaturetreesandluxuriantundergrowth.

“It was a little bit like Sleeping Beauty’s castle,” says Chaylee.

“The camellias were so tall and thick you couldn’t see into the garden from the street. The potential was huge but we didn’t want to rush into making any changes other than removing dead trees and old stumps. We had a vision but it was all about finding a landscape designer who could realise it.”

They found their horticultural hero when Chaylee heard landscape designer Myles Baldwin speak at a Royal Botanic

Gardens Sydney lecture series. “He showed images of his work and I knew he was the one,” says Chaylee, who admired Myles’ use of curves, cloud forms and massed, textural plantings. When thecouplemetwithMyles,theyoutlinedtheirdesirefor“agarden with flowing, organic lines and flowers in white, blue and purple tones to attract the bees.” Central to the brief was John’s desire to install a rill – a long-held ambition inspired by the famed Shute House garden in the UK. “I loved the idea of a rill for its beauty, but also for the sound it brings to a garden and the opportunity for water plants,” he says.

For Myles, the chance to design a garden for a heritage home on a 3700-square-metre site was appealing enough, but the opportunity to design a rill was the clincher. “A rill is a very romanticthingtorequest,andanexcitingelementtodesign,”says Myles, who saw the brief as a call for “an old-world garden with perennials and flowering plants to suit the charm of the home.”

All existing trees – liquidambars, Japanese maples, Magnolia grandiflora and a century-old Himalayan cedar – were retained.

“They set the shape of the garden,” says Myles. In the shady microclimate created by the trees he planted shrubberies > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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Feature plants _______ TREES Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) SHRUBS & PERENNIALS Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) Germander (Teucrium fruticans) Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) Oyster plant (Acanthus mollis) Viburnum sp.

Salvia sp.

Agastache ‘Sweet Lili’ GRASSES Miscanthus ‘Sarabande’ & ‘Sinensis’ Liriope ‘Isabella’

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The lower pond sits under mature camellia trees in a pocket of the front garden. It’s fringed by Liriope ‘Isabella’ and blue mist flower (Bartlettina sordida); yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) grows in the water. Stone steppers add to the old-world romance of the setting. OPPOSITE Clockwise from top left Sandstone steps leading to the rear garden are flanked by deep, textured garden beds combining wispy perennials and clipped shrubs. Salvia ‘Santa Barbara’. The sweeping front driveway was designed to provide “a sense of circuit and journey, like a country garden”, says Myles. An ivy-covered wall and outdoor shower. >

The front garden is a perfect melding of old and new.

A mature liquidambar tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) presides over the shady lawn while a newly planted perennial border stretches along the driveway. “I love the way the Miscanthus moves in the breeze, bees dip in and out of the salvia and the catmint scents the air,” says Chaylee. OPPOSITE TOP The boutique roost for John and Chaylee’s chickens. OPPOSITE BOTTOM Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) with Dichondra repens growing between the stone steppers.

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“We were so lucky to find this parcel of land and have made the most of every part of it. We regard ourselves as the custodians of a special place – and are proud to have played a role in its life story.”

John, owner

featuring masses of viburnum, hydrangeas, blue mist flower (Bartlettina sordida), hellebores, oyster plant (Acanthus mollis) and ornamentalginger(Alpinianutans).Everythingisdesignedinsinuous lines and undulating swathes. Along one side of the new curved driveway, there’s a perennial border in burgundy, purple and blue tones, including salvias, agastache, Eupatorim maculatum, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), catmint (Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’) and smokebush. Intermingled with these are Miscanthus ‘Sarabande’, clipped clusters of germanders and honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), thesculptedformsactingasacounterpointtothewhimsicalperennials.

Theall-importantrillislocatedinaslopingfrontpocketofthegarden, shadedbycamelliasandJapanesemaples.Mylesdesigneditasagently snaking watercourse that echoes the contours of the driveway, with a small pond at the top and a larger pond at the bottom. Rainwater fed, the rill is made from hand-cut recycled bricks laid at angles to create ripplingeffectsonthewater.“Eachtimetherilldropsdown,thebricks are configured so the water makes different sloshing sounds,” says Myles. For John, it’s music to the ears: “We absolutely love the result”.

Thick swathes of textural plantings continue at the rear of the property, where one of Myles’ tasks was to come up with a plantfriendly design for the pool fence. He installed a black steel fence with no top bar, and planted salvias and soft perennials to grow through it, softening the effect of the barrier. Part of the brief for the rear garden was to design a “vegetable garden to be proud of” and Myles has created a walled area measuring 15x8 metres containing fruit trees and raised beds brimming with culinary herbs and salad vegetables. This is John’s domain and “happy place”. There’s also a glamorous chicken coop, home for a clutch of free-range chooks overseenbyChaylee.Inkeepingwiththecouple’sfocusonsustainability and organic principles, they have a total of 110,000 litres of rainwater storage on site, they produce their own compost and mulch, and treat plant pests with soapy water or oil.

Chaylee and John are hands-on in the garden and adore their multifaceted wonderland, with its mix of romantic woodlands, wild perennial borders, edibles, soundscapes and inviting pockets to explore. “We were so lucky to find a parcel of land of this size and we havemadethemostofeverypartofit,”saysJohn.“Weregardourselves as the current custodians of a special place – and we’re proud to have played a part in its life and history.” Their seven year garden journey has been entirely worthwhile, says Chaylee. “From inside the house, you have to look hard to see any other homes through all the trees,” she says. “It gives such a feeling of peace.” # Myles Baldwin Design, Redfern, NSW; mylesbaldwin.com.

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E X PR E S S I V E N A T U R E By using traditional plants in unexpected ways and mixing manicured with wild elements, a Melbourne designer has produced a character-rich garden .

STO RY Elizabeth Wilson | P H OTO GR A P H Y Martina Gemmola

Landscape architect Bethany Williamson came up with a novel approach to bring life and personality into this front garden: she swapped lawn for white pebbles and sculpted undulating mounds of evergreen buxus which sit like dramatic islands of greenery amid the white. Offsetting the solid-looking mounds she planted slender-trunked silver birch trees (Betula pendula) and a bed of purple-flowering perennials, ensuring the garden is one of balance and contrast. White pebbles from Rock&Stone Outdoor Living.

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ome people might be surprised to hear a garden described as having “great personality”. That’s the way landscape architect Bethany Williamson sums up this garden she designed in Melbourne – and it’s easy to see why.

Bethany knew something special and unexpected was required for this garden from the moment she inspected the site. The heritage cottage had just been renovated with a super-sleek extension at the rear by Neil Architecture, and the homeowners enlisted her to create a front garden to match. She felt it was logical to take her cues from the home’s old-embraces-new narrative. “The garden needed to be in harmony with the home’s traditional facade but it also needed to hint at the very contemporary extension at the back,” she says. “It couldn’t be a traditional garden.”

With no car access needing to be factored into the 15x12-metre layout, “it was to be designed purely as a space for visitors to enter”, says Bethany, who was given total creative freedom by the homeowners.

“They wanted it to look good, be low maintenance and plant focused.” >

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ABOVE The cottage verandah is edged in Chinese star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), forming an outline around the white pebbles. THIS IMAGE Deep violet flowers of Agastache ‘Blue Boa’ mingle with blue Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’. LEFT Flowerhead of oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). OPPOSITE A picket fence provides screening from the street; a row of Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) will grow tall for further privacy.

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With this open brief, Bethany focused on creating a lovely, atmospheric environment to make the homeowners smile. When it came to plant selections, her approach was to think about species that would traditionally be used to complement a heritage home – and then give them a contemporary twist.

The masterstroke of the design is her inventive use of Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica). she has taken what is a traditional hedging plant and turned it into a sculptural medium, clipping the plants into big undulating forms. “We’ve used a familiar plant and a familiar approach – clipping it into shapes – but we’ve given it more personality,” says Bethany. “Buxus spheres would have looked too busy in this garden. These bigger forms feel like they’re in scale. They add beautiful curves and sit comfortably in the rectangular space.”

To achieve the effect, Bethany selected different-sized buxus specimens and planted them close together. “This produced an instant shape and allowed them to take on the appearance of a single form rather than growing separately,” she says. early on, Bethany and the homeowners decided to move away from a traditional layout of a front path flanked by lawn. “We wanted to dispense with lawn, for environmental and maintenance reasons,” says Bethany. “The owners didn’t want to be constantly mowing and keeping weeds down.” They decided that paving would look too stark and green groundcovers would camouflage the sculptural buxus forms.

“Using white pebbles was the perfect way to highlight the green of the mounded buxus,” says Bethany. “The pebbles also add a lovely texture, as well as a sense of movement and sound.”

Unlike a traditional, formal front layout, this garden is joyously assymetrical. On one side of the central pathway is a row of silver birch trees (Betula pendula), positioned to add soft canopy foliage. Behind them is a snake-shaped buxus mound next to which is a bed of flowering perennials, designed to add “something wild to offset the manicured elements”. There is a mix of three perennials here – Agastache ‘Blue Boa’, Salvia ‘Mystic spires’ and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – and a hybrid rugosa rose, Rosa ‘rugspin’.

On the other side of the path are two separate buxus mounds and a jacarandra underplanted with a pretty pocket of oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). a row of ficus (Ficus microcarpa hillii ‘Flash’), which will eventually be a pleached hedge, grows along the boundary.

This garden makes a statement, sitting singularly in its leafy suburban street, catching the eyes of passersby. “My favourite element? It would have to be the shaping of the buxus. Without it, the space would look very different,” says Bethany. “as soon as you walk in the front gate, there’s a sense of calm – and it just feels right,” says Bethany. # Bethany Williamson Landscape Architecture, Melbourne, Victoria; bethanywilliamson.com.au.

TOP Shimmering silver birch trees add vertical elements. LEFT The

jacaranda is encircled by oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia).

Inside the front fence a hedge of Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) and a lower layer of Pittosporum ‘Miss Muffet’ provide screening.

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Cosy up this winter with Choices Flooring Find inspiration with the latest trends in carpet, timber, laminate, luxury vinyl, rigid/hybrid, rugs and window furnishings to transform your home this winter.

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All bright now

If you need a little ray of sunshine to see you through the cooler, darker days of winter, say hello to hellebores, writes Tammy Huynh.

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ellebores are the stars of a winter garden. Their pendulous blooms, in a gorgeous palette of colours and patterns, appear from winter and extend well into spring, bringing life to shady areas of the garden. These undemanding plants are commonly known as Lenten or winter roses, but actually belong to the buttercup family. Be wary of growing them if you have inquisitive children or pets as all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.

Photograph by Ngoc Minh Ngo.

KNOW YOUR HELLEBORES

Hellebores fall into two categories: acaulescent (without stems) and caulescent (with stems). The most popular acaulescent form are the hybrids (Helleborus x hybridus). growing to 45 centimetres tall, these clumping evergreen perennials bear large, cup-shaped blooms in an exquisite assortment of colours, from near black to pure white, and everything in between. Flowers may be single or double and are often speckled, marbled or veined.

The most common caulescent forms include H. argutifolius and H. foetidus. The flowers are smaller than the hybrids, but numerous. H. argutifolius, the Corsican hellebore, grows up to 1 metre tall and wide.

Its flowers are lime-green and clustered above the serrated, leathery leaves. ‘Pacific Frost’ has beautifully

variegated foliage and blooms and typically grows up to 60 centimetres. This species is incredibly tough, but good drainage is a must.

While similar in appearance, H. foetidus is remarkably different. It’s also known as the stinking hellebore as the foliage gives off a pungent scent when crushed. The dark, deeply divided leaves give rise to bell-shaped, pale-green blooms with red-purple margins. It readily self-seeds, so give it room to spread or remove the seed pods before they drop.

WHAT THEY LIKE

Hellebores are cool-climate plants, native to parts of europe. They like cold winters and don't tolerate humidity, so will not fare well in subtropical or tropical climates. Plant them in dappled shade, where they will receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight in winter, but are shaded in summer. The soil should be moist, well-drained and rich in organic matter. remove spent flowers of caulescent hellebores in spring, especially if you don’t want them to self-sow.

Tidy up foliage and blooms of acaulescent forms in spring. In autumn, severely prune any old growth to the ground and feed with an organic fertiliser. add a handful of dolomite lime to boost calcium and magnesium for overall plant health. #

Here’s cheer...

Every cool-climate garden will benefit from the addition of hellebores. Here are some ways to enjoy them in your garden: ● Mass-plant them around the base of deciduous trees – use the same colour for impact or plant in drifts of harmonious hues. ● Fill large pots or urns with single plantings of the same variety or for a dramatic display, pair with similar bold foliage plants, like Bergenia and euphorbias. ● Introduce a woodland theme by planting pockets of hellebores with daffodils, snowdrops (Galanthus) and Leucojum. ● Turn up the cool-season charm by planting hellebores among magnolias, camellias, and cyclamens.

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B E A U T I F U L L Y D E S I G N E D S PA C E S T O E L E VA T E D A I L Y R I T UA L S

Bathrooms & Laundries

Photograph by Jacqui Turk.

Gold-finish tapware and glamorous shell sconces add touches of luxe to this lovely guest bathroom by Three Birds Renovations. For all the details and much more bathroom inspiration turn the page...

Imagined by Three Birds Renovations.

Realised with us.

Three Birds Renovations always nail their vision — and the Australian Staycation is no different. Together, we create the ultimate bathroom experience every time.

Discover the projects Three Birds Renovations have realised with Reece. reece.com.au/threebirdsprojects

Bathrooms

Water feeling

Calming tones and a touch of glam hit the perfect note for this pool-side guest bathroom.

T E X T BY Elizabeth Wilson | P HOTOG R AP HY Maree Homer

THE BRIEF A relaxed holiday vibe was the desired goal for homeowner

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

T HE DETA IL S Newport square tiles in Sky Blue, $103/m², and Annangrove tumbled Carrara-look floor tiles, $90/m², all TileCloud.

Kado ‘Neue All Door’ 1200mm wall-hung vanity in Cherry Pie, $2240, Kado ‘Lussi’ above-counter basin, $574, Kado ‘Era’ bath tap set in Brass Gold, $639, and shower set, $1408, all Reece.

Dunne 1 antique brass and shell wall light, $299, Beacon Lighting.

Empire wall mirror, St Barts.

Soap holder, The Society Inc. Axon V-groove cladding, James Hardie.

Louisa Shield when she designed this guest bathroom. “I wanted to have a little bit of fun in this space because it’s near the pool and contributes to creating a summery, holiday experience for visiting family and friends,” she says.

THE DESIGN APPROACH Louisa, a designer with Three Birds Renovations, worked with her mentor and Three Birds co-founder Bonnie Hindmarsh to produce the desired result. Colour was key to evoking the mood: Louisa and Bonnie chose blue-green wall tiles, marble-look floor tiles and white V-groove panelling to create a coastal feel. Layout-wise, this bathroom follows the Three Birds approach: “We always aim to make the guest bathroom a special experience,” says Bonnie. “We make sure a vanity or tiled feature wall is the first thing you see, and that the toilet is hidden behind the door.” Lighting is important too. “Aim for soft lighting – it’s an opportunity to use a pretty pendant or wall light,” says Bonnie.

Louisa chose a sconce with shell details for this pool-side parlour.

THE RESULT “It’s hard to go wrong with this colour palette,” says Bonnie. “The blue-green tiles are muted and calming while the gold-finish tapware and trims, such as the edging on the mirror and niche, add glamour. The overall effect is balanced and harmonious.” > Three Birds Renovations; threebirdsrenovations.com.

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Bathrooms

Shape shifter Going big has paid huge dividends in this space-efficient Melbourne bathroom.

TEX T BY Sarah Pickette | ST Y L I N G Beck Simon P H OTO GR AP H Y Tess Kelly

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For Where to Buy, see page 190.

THE BRIEF This Melbourne bathroom sits in one of two adjoining postwar semis

that were updated by interior designer Mairead Murphy of Kinn Studio. She certainly had her work cut out for her: the original bathroom was small, poorly planned and included a toilet that was visible from the front door! Without shifting its location within the home’s overall layout, Mairead set about improving both the privacy and functionality of the family bathroom.

THE DESIGN APPROACH The scope of work on this bathroom included expanding the footprint so there was space to include a separate shower, built-in storage and a new window and door. “Although the houses were built in the late 1940s, they were finished with many 1920s architectural details,” says Mairead. “We took inspiration from these details and the austerity of the era, which placed a lot of value on efficient layouts.” Her approach was to keep things ‘light’, with a bath on feet, a basin that floats on the mirror and shelves that provide an alternative to vanity storage. Initially, a smaller mirror was specified. “I was sketching ideas and I thought ‘this space needs something special so why not super-size the mirror?’” Both the mirror and basin are offset in the space, rather than sitting centrally. “This creates a more playful and dynamic geometry against the square tile grid,” says Mairead.

THE RESULT “I love the way all the elements in this corner of the bathroom work together,” she says. “There are layers of simple geometric shapes – in the tiles, mirror and shelves – which are countered by the softer, more organic shapes of the hanging plants and the blown-glass pendant light. I also really like how the reflection of the tile grid recedes into the shower alcove in the mirror.” >

T HE DETA IL S Catalano ‘Projections 75’ wall-mounted basin with towel rail, $895, Rogerseller.

Baroque double-ended rolltop clawfoot bath, from $2550, Cast Iron Baths.

Custom-made mirror with American oak shelving, about $1500, Kinn Studio.

Prismatic UK gloss-white wall tiles, from $36.95/m², Johnson Tiles.

1500mm hard-wired chrome heated towel rail, POA, Hydrotherm.

Hexagon 23mm mosaic floor tiles, $60/m², De Fazio Tiles & Stone.

La Paz American oak side table, from $440, Tide Design.

For similar wall-mounted mixer taps and spout, try Rogerseller.

Kinn Studio; kinn.studio.

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(03) 5450 4236 faucetstrommen.com.au

Bathrooms

Light touch There’s a beautiful simplicity to this newly expanded Sydney bathroom.

T E X T BY Sarah Pickette | P H OTO GR A P H Y Prue Ruscoe

THE BRIEF The owners of this home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore

requested that architect Brooke Aitken and her colleague Vivian Ma create a larger bathroom in the process of extending their heritage home. “They were after a minimal and bright room that would be flooded with light,” says Brooke, “so the colour, finishes and detailing were all designed with this in mind.”

THE DESIGN APPROACH Significant spatial remodelling saw the existing bathroom expanded by 1.2 square metres and a Europeanstyle laundry tucked into the bathroom joinery. “The lack of an external window prompted the installation of a generous skylight, which became the foundation for the rest of the bathroom design.”

A generous amount of storage has been built into this space, in the form of a large shaving cabinet and a sleek grey handle-free vanity that provides a touch of warmth while picking up on the grain in the marble-tiled floor. Gold fixtures imbue this bathroom with a lovely luxuriousness.

THE RESULT “I love the sense of light and space, and its simplicity,” says the owner. “It’s a beautiful, peaceful space.” > Brooke Aitken Design; brookeaitkendesign.com.au.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

T HE DETA IL S Marmi Blanco large-format wall tiles, from $109/m², Earp Bros.

Carrara chevron mosaic tiles, $242/m², Surface Gallery.

Carrara Extra feature strip and niche, $495/m², SNB Stone.

Custom vanity finished in two-pack polyurethane Dulux Grey Pail with Corian Glacier White top, from about $5000, made by DSK Kitchens & Furniture for Brooke Aitken Design.

Brodware ‘City Plus’ showerhead, $739, ‘City Stik’ mixer taps, $607 each, hand shower, $485, towel rails, $647 each and basin mixer set, $1006, all in Brushed Europlate finish, Candana.

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Bathrooms

White hot Cleverly selected materials star in this family-friendly Sydney bathroom.

T E X T BY Sarah Pickette | P H OTO G R A P HY The Palm Co

THE BRIEF White was always going to be

right for this newly constructed Sydney bathroom, designed by The Stables in collaboration with Lux Building. “This Hamptons-style family home is located right by the beach and designed to take advantage of Sydney’s beautiful climate and outdoor attractions,” says Catherine Heraghty, founder and creative director of The Stables. “It’s the main bathroom, intended for use by the children of the house.”

THE DESIGN APPROACH With a view to handling the needs of a big, busy family, the bathroom includes a clawfoot bath, double vanity and generous, sectionedoff shower enclosure. “The builders and I felt that glass shower blades had been done a thousand times over,” says Catherine, “and we agreed that a tiled nib wall had more presence and offered a sense of luxury. It’s like a room within a room.” The palette is built upon a combination of warm whites and greys, realised to perfection in the handmade tiles from Di Lorenzo Tiles. “Each has a slightly different colour and their uneven surface brings movement, depth and light to the room.” VJ panelling to dado height is a lovely classic touch.

“It’s also an economical option, because panelling is more affordable than tiling.”

THE RESULT “The bathroom feels like it hugs you,” says Catherine. “It’s warm and inviting. That’s down to the texture and use of warm whites. It’s a great melding of classic Hamptons and contemporary Australian coastal style.” >

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

The Stables; thestables.com.au.

Lux Building; luxbuilding.com.au.

T HE DETA IL S Fez handmade subway tiles in White, $125/m², and Chateau floor tiles in Blanc, $80/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles.

Vanity with Talostone benchtop in Arctic White, about $5500 and mirrors, $1100 each, custom made

by Uneek Interior Solutions for The Stables.

A51.06.S basin spouts, $244 each, and A50.48.PL mixers, $606 each, in Brushed Nickel, Astra Walker.

Tribute above-counter basins, $456 each, Caroma.

Bathrooms

All is calm The scale is larger than life, but the moody natural palette delivers a serenity worth soaking in.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

T E X T BY Janice Hogg | PHOTOGRA PH Y Pablo Veiga

THE BRIEF Give it the air of an exclusive hotel, requested the well-travelled owner for

this main ensuite refurbishment. Part of a stunning, end-to-end renovation of his waterfront home on Sydney’s Pittwater, designed and project managed by interior designer Ioanna Lennox, the ensuite was to be “moody and masculine, but feel inviting and warm”, says Ioanna.

THE DESIGN APPROACH “The footprint of the new main ensuite is that of the former ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, so it naturally feels expansive,” says Ioanna. “This was a quintessential aspect of the design, because spacious environments evoke a feeling of luxury.” The designer took full advantage of the upscaled dimensions to install a generous Claybrook bath and had Zuster custom-make a monumental, 2.2-metre vanity with detailing and marble handles to match the bedroom’s bedside tables.

“The feeling of ease and ‘no effort required’ was carried on from the main bedroom” – thus the oversized walk-in shower can be accessed from two sides. The space is more than up to hotel standard, with its ceiling speakers that channel music throughout, sculptural towel rails on the walls and the large, automated Velux skylight that opens to the sky, all crowned with beautiful Pittwater views that can be enjoyed while immersed in the tub.

THE RESULT “I knew we had hit the jackpot when I saw the limestone-style wall panels go in,” says Ioanna. “I stood in the middle of the room – with all the rubble around and not a fixture installed – and thought ‘wow’. The bathroom was already ethereally peaceful and calming.” The owner agrees, adding that the space is “sexy, chic and luxurious. Everyone who sees it agrees it’s just jaw-dropping.” >

T HE DETA IL S Maximum concrete-look porcelain floor tiles in Mercury, POA, and Artetech ‘Pietra Imperiale’ limestone-look porcelain wall panels, POA, all Artedomus.

Issy ‘Halo III’ American oak vanity unit by Zuster, customised with Corian benchtop and marble handles, from $4400, Reece.

Issy ‘Z1’ mirrors, from $1780 each, Reece.

Ross Gardam ‘Silhouette’ sconce lights, $616 each, Stylecraft.

Claybrook ‘Ellipse’ freestanding bath, $6995, Rogerseller.

City Plus exposed twin shower in Aged Iron PVD finish, $2160, and Halo wall-mounted basin taps in Aged Iron PVD finish, $884 each, all Brodware.

Ioanna Lennox Interiors; ioannalennox.com.

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Bathrooms

Make a splash Graphic tiling and a gorgeous vanity have brought freshness to this family bathroom.

T E XT BY Sarah Pickette | P HOTO G R A PH Y Fiona Susanto

THE BRIEF It was all about the tub for

the owners of this family bathroom in Sydney. “We were asked to include the largest bath we possibly could,” says interior designer Nicholas Kaiko. “The model we chose is 1800mm long and the addition of glass screens creates a kind of wet zone for the owners’ young daughter. She can splash away happily without her parents worrying about water all over the floor.”

THE DESIGN APPROACH This bathroom has been completely remodelled, with space borrowed from an adjoining powder room to make it larger. The graphic black and white glass mosaic tiles are part of a broader material story, says Nicholas. “They reference the black

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and white furnishings in other rooms.”

Architectural elements appearing in the house are also echoed here. “The round mirror and the soft lines of the furniture-style vanity and custom lights reflect the arches and curves that appear through the house.” To complete the look, matt-black fixtures from Phoenix Tapware pop against the simplicity of white wall tiles.

THE RESULT “The strong, linear tiling is balanced out by the curvilinear pieces,” says Nicholas. The result is a familyfriendly bathroom that’s striking and timeless. “There’s plenty of space for bath toys and bubbles too.” > Kaiko Design Interiors; kaikodesign.com.au

Custom-designed black and white strip mosaic tiles, about $250/m², Surface Studio.

Newbury 1800mm inset bath, $1000, Caroma.

Custom-designed vanity in Laminex Puregrain, about $2400, steel-framed mirror, about $500, and powdercoated-steel wall lights, $1500/pair, Kaiko Design Interiors.

Verotti ‘Felino’ above-counter basin in Matt Black, $569, Harvey Norman.

Ultra White large-format wall tiles, about $20/m², Johnson Tiles.

Geneva Series low-iron glass doors and door fittings, about $3500, custom-made by CR Laurence.

Vivid Slimline basin and bath mixers, double shower and shower mixers, about $1000 total, Phoenix Tapware.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

T HE DETA IL S

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Bathrooms

A bold palette and smart design inclusions make this family bathroom as fabulous as it is functional.

T EX T BY Laura Barry | ST Y L I N G Jackie Brown | P H OTO GR A PHY Maree Homer

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For Where to Buy, see page 190.

Colour code

T HE DETA IL S Ardesia wall/floor tiles in Black, $108.90/m², Surface Gallery.

Kit Kat wall tiles in Vintage Green, $159.50/m², Teranova.

Silhouette wall lights, $550 each, Ross Gardam.

Barcelona 1700mm bath in Black & White, from $7500, Victoria+Albert.

Halo wall basin set in Nero special finish, $660, Brodware.

Bel wall mirror, $1335, Jardan.

Custom vanity with Silestone benchtop in Pearl Jasmine, $5500, Studio Trio.

Side table with marble top, $1000, Design Nation.

THE BRIEF Robust materials were on the ‘must include’ list for this family bathroom

in Sydney – as was a good-looking bathtub. “The finishes had to be hard-wearing and super practical because four young boys use this bathroom,” says interior designer Lauren Mahoney, founder of Studio Trio.

THE DESIGN APPROACH Lauren chose to champion the owners’ favourite colour – deep teal – in a feature tile, with moody greys and graphic black added for balance.

“The wall tiles bring texture to, and draw you into, the space. I like that they aren’t ‘perfect’,” she says. The all-important bath, with its black exterior and white interior, anchors the room without detracting from the beautiful wall tiles. Lauren opted for large-format floor tiles for two reasons: their size means the floor doesn’t visually compete with the tiled wall, and less grout makes for easier cleaning. A customdesigned floating vanity ensures daily bathroom essentials are hidden from sight, while the beautiful Ross Gardam ‘Silhouette’ wall lights punctuate the space perfectly. Matt black tapware from Brodware provides a finishing flourish.

THE RESULT “The feel of the finished bathroom is quite edgy and moody,” says Lauren of the handsome space. “The boys love the bathroom as much as their parents! It’s those teal tiles that really make the room.” > Studio Trio; studiotrio.com.au

Marble and polished nickel are the perfect fit for a new ensuite that sits within the extension to a grand old home.

T E X T BY Sarah Pickette | P HOTOG R A P H Y Sevak Babakhani

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

Bathrooms

Classic beauty

THE BRIEF This ensuite graces the extension of a beautiful

heritage home on Sydney’s North Shore. “The owners love marble and wanted the space to be white and bright,” says interior designer Natasha Levak. “It had to feel contemporary but also honour the grandeur of the home.”

THE DESIGN APPROACH With tall ceilings and a generous floor area, this ensuite has the space to be divided into different zones. “The custom-designed vanity is the first thing the owners see when they walk in,” says Natasha, “so we took great care to ensure it looks like a piece of furniture and introduces a lovely sense of symmetry.” A marble-clad shower enclosure has been sectioned off and a toilet tucked away for privacy. The bathing zone stars a shapely freestanding bath, which sits under the window so it enjoys an abundance of natural light.

Wall panelling echoes wainscoting elsewhere in the house and the basketweave floor tiles are a great choice. “They’re a traditional style of tile but by forgoing the usual border tiles, they feel more contemporary,” says Natasha. Classic tapware and polished-nickel handles and ferrules provide the perfect finishing touch.

THE RESULT The owners are extremely pleased with Natasha’s use of marble in this space, particularly for the hotel feel it creates. “They find their new ensuite airy, light and calming,” she says. “It’s a beautiful addition to their home.” > Natasha Levak Interior Design; natashalevak.com.

T HE DETA IL S Custom vanity finished in two-pack polyurethane Murobond Paint Just White with custom polished-nickel ferrules and Armac Martin ‘Belgrave’ polished-nickel knobs and pulls.

Basketweave Carrara marble floor tiles with Thassos dot, $249/m², Teranova.

Neu England wall basin sets, $795 each and bath filler, $2543, all in Polished Nickel PVD finish, Brodware.

Victoria+Albert ‘Amiata’ freestanding bath, $5490, Cass Brothers.

Thomas O’Brien crystal and polished-nickel wall lights, about $900 each, sourced from the US.

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Bathrooms

CLEAN sweep Symmetry and elegance shine in this bathroom.

T EX T BY Sarah Pickette | P HOTOG R A P H Y Tanika Blair

THE BRIEF The owners of this Gold Coast bathroom sought

“a minimal, symmetrical, open and spacious layout,” says Monique Cherwin, the interior designer who dreamed up this serene shower zone for 4D Renovations. “They wanted to keep it subdued and instead incorporate a touch of colour in the shower fittings.”

THE DESIGN APPROACH Shifting the existing adjoining laundry allowed Monique to snaffle more space for this family bathroom. “We had initially discussed keeping a bath in the space, but after a few design iterations we decided to do away with the bath and instead go with a double shower, creating a strong, symmetrical look in the process,” she says.

A shower seat then became essential, as a spot for the kids to play with their toys. The skylight is another vital inclusion, given there are no windows in this bathroom. “It floods the room with sunshine so perfectly,” says Monique. The tiles in the shower enclosure are the same colour and composition as the floor tiles, just smaller in scale and laid in a chevron pattern for character and visual movement.

THE RESULT “The owners tell me their bathroom has been transformed into a space that’s even lovelier than they could have imagined,” says Monique. “It’s beautifully refined and easy to maintain.” >

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

4D Renovations; 4drenovations.com.au.

T HE DETA IL S Abaco ‘White Chevron’ 75x300mm wall tiles, $150.50/m², and ‘Shale Sand’ 600x1200mm floor tiles, $93.20/m², Three Balls Red. Milli Pure twin rail-shower sets in Gunmetal (special finish), $1995 each, Reece.

Custom-made skylight, about $2500, Velux.

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Bathrooms

In the frame Glorious doors and an abundance of natural light combine to create a great ensuite.

T E X T BY Sarah Pickette | P HOTOG R A P H Y Chris Warnes

THE BRIEF Make it industrial,

contemporary and luxe in feel: that was the brief the owners of this ensuite put to building and interior designer Iris Lev of IL Design. The spacious master suite was created as part of a broader renovation of a California bungalow on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

THE DESIGN APPROACH “This ensuite is located on the attic level of the house, so maximising the capture of natural light was important,” says Iris. Getting the layout right also required careful spatial planning. “We had to factor in the sloping ceiling and devise a way for the bath to be visible from the bedroom yet have the rest of the bathroom fixtures tucked away and private.” The position of the skylight ensures the bath’s status as the ensuite’s star feature. Steel-framed glass doors create neat views of the tub while allowing light to flow through to the bedroom. Grey tiles have been laid in a herringbone pattern on the floor and a larger-format version of the same tile continues up the wall. “This is so the space feels bigger than it is and the eye is drawn to the tiles instead of the sloping ceiling.”

THE RESULT “The main bathroom is now the owners’ favourite room in the house,” says Iris. “It’s a spot where they can unwind in a warm bath after a hard day’s work, just watching the clouds drift by.” >

T HE DETA IL S Brighton porcelain wall and floor tiles, $110/m², Academy Tiles.

Custom-fabricated steel-framed doors, about $4000, Custom Glass.

Custom vanity in Laminex Black Nuance with Dulux Brushed Bronze metallic edge, about $3800, IL Design.

For similar bath, try Parisi.

For similar floor-mounted bath filler, try Phoenix Tapware.

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For Where to Buy, see page 190.

IL Design; ildesign.com.au.

B AT H R O O M U PDA T E S If you’re building, renovating or just want a fresher look, these fine fixtures and accessories fit the bill nicely.

DRY BU YS

Material world

Harnessing the significant power of texture is a simple – and often affordable – way to update a bathroom. You could start small with these stoneware accessories from Robert Gordon Australia. Pieces are sold individually, starting from $29.95 each. robertgordonaustralia.com

With their hand-knotted fringing and coastal tones, Paros bath towels from Aura Home evoke the relaxed beauty of the Greek Islands. Better yet, they’re made with sustainably sourced cotton, so you can dry in style and tread lightly on the planet. Shown here are the towels in Caramel (left) and Jade, which are $49.95 each. aurahome.com.au

LESS IS MORE Efficiency matters when it comes to showers.

Step forward Methven’s ‘Kiri Low Flow’ range, which uses just 5.5 litres per minute, compared to the conventional 9 litres. The wall shower, shown left, is available in Chrome for $261. methven.com.au

Colour on tap

Take a look at the fun and fabulous Rockwell fittings from The English Tapware Company; they come in delicious colours such as Willow Green, Bonbon Lilac and Sherbet Yellow (shown). englishtapware.com.au

GOOD, CLEAN, FUN Time to give your cleaning arsenal an overhaul? Resparkle’s range is completely waste-free – buy the silicone-wrapped bottles (above, from $23 each) once, then refill as required with concentrated powdered natural soaps and detergents. Add water and you’re good to go. resparkle.com.au

Bathrooms

TUB LOVE

Well rounded

Soft lines will always serve you well in a bathroom. Recognising this, the Issy range from Reece heartily embraces organic shapes. Shown right is the Issy ‘Halo’ 1000mm mirrored shaving cabinet in American oak, $2200, and below is the Issy ‘Blossom II’ 1100mm vanity with Carrara marble top, $4050. reece.com.au

1

PETITE PICK Base 1560mm acrylic freestanding bath, $1059, Reece; reece.com.au.

2

CIRCLE WORKS

3

CLASSIC STYLE

Orbit 1300mm stonecomposite bath, $6995, Rogerseller; rogerseller.com.au.

DA B HA ND

Mirrorside illumination doesn’t come much lovelier than the Day ceramic wall lights from We Ponder. Priced from $520, each of these Australian-made lights is formed by hand, then dipped in a low-sheen eggshell glaze and kiln fired twice to ensure a robust finished product. weponder.com.au

Emerald 1750mm marblecomposite bath, $7250, Apaiser; apaiser.com.

Produced by Sarah Pickette.

Finishing touch

The range of durable finishes Brodware offers for its Australian-made fixtures has grown to over 40. Shown above is the striking bevelled-edge Halo X wall set in Roma Bronze PVD, $1229. brodware.com.au

4

SMALL JOYS Silkstone Monz 1540mm freestanding bath, $4290, Faucet Strommen; faucetstrommen.com.au.

STAND TALL Perfect for a powder room, the new Venice pedestal basin (above, $1976) from Omvivo is beautifully sleek and slim. Plumbing is concealed in the pedestal base but accessible via a clever removable rear panel. omvivo.com > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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Laundries

Neutral territory Soothing shades of taupe and ivory sit pretty alongside elevated basics in this ergonomically designed laundry in Sydney.

T E X T BY Laura Barry | P H OTOG R A P HY Maree Homer

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T

hanks to the luxury of space, catering to the functional needs of this Sydney laundry could be achieved without compromising on its aesthetics.

Three Birds Renovations’ co-founder Bonnie Hindmarsh and homeowner Louisa Shield, a designer with the company, chose to wall-mount the appliances, thereby eliminating the need for bending to load the machines.

This also created space for a sorting bench and loads of storage in the process.

“A laundry is one of those rooms that needs to be incredibly practical and functional, but we never give up on the dream of making it look and feel wonderful,” says Bonnie. “Having the appliances up off the floor is a game-changer,” says Louisa. “When clothes come out of the dryer, they get put straight onto the bench and can be folded and sorted straight away.”

What makes this room such a success is the warmth created by the floor tiles, which are the clear hero of the room. Indeed, the cross-shaped tiles in a beautiful palette of taupe and biscuit are an unexpected visual element within the otherwise restrained space. The Shaker-style cabinetry is topped with Talostone Calacatta Gold, a stone-composite product with a marble-look finish. The warm-brown veining effortlessly ties in with the hues in the flooring. Shutters, V-groove panelling and a woven pendant light bring texture to this generous laundry, while touches of brass deliver the desired sense of luxury. “It has become one of my favourite rooms in the house,” says Louisa. >

Three Birds Renovations; threebirdsrenovations.com.

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

T HE DETA IL S Axon wall cladding, 133mm profile, POA, James Hardie.

Polished 50mm engineered stone benchtop surface in Calacatta Gold, $469/m², Talostone.

Cabinetry in Dulux Stone Master, installed by Carrera by Design.

Electrolux SensorWash 10kg frontloader washing machine, $1199, and Electrolux Ultimate Care 9kg heatpump dryer, $1599, Harvey Norman.

Polysatin plantation shutters, POA, Luxaflex Window Fashions.

Annangrove Mixed Cross tiles in Stone/Tan/Natural, $320/m², TileCloud.

Hamimi Design ‘Joosh’ pendant light, $626, Clo Studios.

Posh ‘Canterbury’ gooseneck sink mixer in Brass Gold, $545, and Franke ‘Impact’ granite double-bowl sink in Polar White, $1180, Reece.

Two utility rooms have been transformed into one spacious and storage-filled Melbourne laundry.

T E X T BY Laura Barry | ST Y LI N G Karin Bochnik P H OTO GR A P H Y Dylan James

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

Laundries

Neat tricks

T HE DETA IL S

T

he owners of this Melbourne home wanted a supremely functional laundry to accommodate the washing needs of their family of four. Bench space and storage were the priorities, but they also wanted a room with clean, timeless style. Both were duly delivered – without breaking the bank – by Kaboodle Kitchen.

Located in a home built in 1919, the owners wanted to convert the existing laundry and an adjacent storeroom into one generous and more user-friendly space. The dividing wall was removed and the interior modernised in a Scandi style, with white cabinetry, grey tiling, chrome tapware and timber accents.

The fuss-free design features J-pull joinery and finger-pull wall cabinets to ensure a sleek and seamless finish. “Positioning the appliances at the far end of the room has allowed for a solid run of both under-bench and wall-mounted cabinets, which not only looks great but maximises the useable storage,” says Briony Mikrou, marketing and communications manager at Kaboodle Kitchen. Open shelving, made from a laminate that cleverly mimics timber, adds to the storage options and brings a touch of warmth to the minimalist scheme. The benchtop is also laminate, which is robust, easy to clean and more affordable than a natural stone product. Concrete-look tiles on the floor and splashback complete the room’s contemporary overhaul. >

Premium laminate benchtop (cut to form shelving) in Hazelnut, stonelook laminate benchtop in Tapioca, and cabinets in Coconut Milk, all from Kaboodle Kitchen.

Wash&Wear +PLUS Kitchen & Bathroom paint in Manorburn, $100/4L, Dulux.

Cement-look porcelain floor and splashback tiles; for similar, try Concreto Fumo Natural tiles, $44.95/m², National Tiles.

Chrome gooseneck sink mixer; for similar try the Franke TA7181CH Professional Flex mixer, $1048, Appliances Online.

Inset sink; for similar try the Blanco Silgranit single-bowl sink in Anthracite, $1339, Harvey Norman.

Kaboodle Kitchen; 1800 666 078 or kaboodle.com.au.

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Laundries

Small wins A tiny footprint is no barrier to laundry loveliness when clever design strategies are employed.

STORY Sarah Pickette STYL I NG Kate Nixon PH OTGRA PHY Kristina Soljo

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

S

ydney interior designer Anna-Carin McNamara, pictured opposite, calls her home “the unfinished house” – because there are always little tweaks and upgrades to be made. Her 2x1.2metre laundry is the latest space to receive a refresh. “My goal here was to achieve maximum bench area and minimum space waste,” she says.

Good planning is the key to a great laundry, says Anna-Carin, and in this room she’s worked hard to ensure it has ample light and airflow, a clever clothes chute, underfloor heating, plentiful storage and hanging space, and powerpoints in the most useful spots.

The wall tiles are a light taupe and the joinery is Laminex Surf in a matt

finish. “I also opted for a light taupe on the open shelving; it gives a lovely warmth without dulling the light.”

She used plumber’s PVC pipe to create a laundry chute and painted it the same colour as the ceiling. “It’s added a nice, organic shape and the clothes land straight in the sink,” she says.

Anna-Carin opted for Electrolux appliances: “I have two washer/dryers rather than separate machines. This allows two loads to run concurrently, which is useful since each member of the family has an allocated day to do their own washing. I like knowing the dryer doesn’t guzzle power.” >

T HE DETA IL S EWW7524ADWA 7.5kg/4.5kg washer/dryers, $1449 each, Electrolux.

Benchtop in Laminex Surf in Absolute Matt and open shelves in Laminex Paperbark, about $5000, by Fisher Fitouts for Anna-Carin Design Studio.

Aren Bianco raw-sawn 700x700mm limestone floor tiles, $190/m², and Wyldefel ‘Santorini’ 25x25mm mosaic wall tiles, $85/m², Onsite Supply+Design.

Anna-Carin Design Studio; annacarindesign.com.au.

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PRODUCED BY STORY

BRAND PROMOTION

Laundries

The right tone Colour comes to the fore in this bright and hard-working Sydney laundry.

T EX T BY Sarah Pickette | ST Y L I N G Madeline McFarlane | PHOTOGR A PHY Chris Warnes

S

et in a beachside Sydney home where the emphasis is on good light and understated natural materials, this laundry provided interior designer Lara Ette with an opportunity to do things a little differently. “Because it can be closed off, the owner felt brave enough to use a colour,” she says. “It was still important, though, to ensure the laundry maintained a connection to other areas of the home.” The soft-blue colour may not appear elsewhere, but the Shaker-style cupboards reference joinery in the main bedroom and family room, and the laundry’s Super White Dolomite benchtop echoes the stone in the kitchen.

The room measures about 3x2.5 metres and incorporates plenty of storage for clothes hanging, clean linen and bulky cleaning tools. “It’s located close to the front door and doubles as a bathroom for the ground floor,” says Lara, who took over from interior designer Karen Akers, who’d begun preliminary planning for the house. “We included a large mirror for the family and guests to be able to check their appearance as they leave the house. Its positioning takes advantage of the beautiful light that floods in through the shutters.” #

For Where to Buy, see page 190.

T HE DETA IL S Elysian sink mixer in White, $229.90, ABI Interiors.

Custom joinery Kitchen Complex for Lara Ette Design+Decoration.

Cabinets finished in Dulux Blue Balm. Super White Dolomite benchtop from Marable.

Walls and window frames painted Casper White, $79.90/4L, Dulux.

Artwork by Melanie Waugh.

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W H E R E T O BU Y

Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. # 1stDibs 1stdibs.com A Abey 1800 809 143; abey.com.au ABI Interiors (07) 5520 2775; abiinteriors.com.au Academy Tiles+Surfaces (02) 9436 3566; academytiles.com.au ACS Designer Bathrooms (02) 9386 9809; acsbathrooms.com.au Amara amara.com/au Anibou (02) 9319 0655; anibou.com.au Apex Stone (03) 9360 0133; www.apexstone.com.au Appliances Online 1300 000 500; www.appliancesonline.com.au Armac Martin, available from Castella 1300 717 120; castella.com.au Armadillo (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Artedomus (02) 9557 5060; artedomus.com Arthur G (03) 9543 4633; arthurg.com.au Artisan Furniture Australia (03) 5224 1444; artisanfurnitureaustralia.com.au Artoz Rugs+Carpets (03) 9431 1345; www.artozrugs.com.au Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Australian Frameless Glass Installations afgi.com.au AWS 1300 026 189; awsaustralia.com.au B Basil Bangs (02) 9938 4759; basilbangs.com Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266; beaconlighting.com.au Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com Bed Bath N’ Table (03) 8595 5444; bedbathntable.com.au Bedouin Societe (03) 9646 3752; www.bedouinsociete.com Behruz Studio (03) 9824 8156; behruzstudio.com Benisouk benisouk.com Better Tiles (02) 9361 4388; bettertiles.com.au Bloomingdales Lighting (02) 8345 6888; bloomingdales.com.au Boffi Studio Sydney (02) 8730 7300; boffistudio.com.au Bondi Kitchens & Joinery (02) 9516 0606; bondikitchens.com.au Boyd Blue (02) 8338 8113; boydblue.com Bremworth 1800 251 172; bremworth.com.au

Brodware (02) 9421 8200; brodware.com.au Brosa 1300 027 672; brosa.com.au Bunnings (03) 8831 9777; bunnings.com.au Burberry au.burberry.com C Cadrys (02) 9328 6144; cadrys.com.au Candana (02) 9389 8631; candana.com.au Caroma 131 416; caroma.com.au Carrera by Design (02) 9725 5110; carrerabydesign.com.au Casa by Studio Kate studiokate.com.au Cass Brothers (02) 9569 5555; cassbrothers.com.au Cast Iron Baths 1800 111 566; castironbaths.com CDK Stone (03) 8552 6000; cdkstone.com.au Central Coast Shopfronts (02) 4329 1999; centralcoastshopfronts.com.au Chunk! Design @chunkdesign Classic Ceramics (02) 9560 6555; classicceramics.com.au Clo Studios (07) 5455 3310; clostudios.com.au Coco Republic 1300 000 220; cocorepublic.com.au Concept Pools (07) 5493 4666; conceptpools.com.au Conley & Co (02) 8065 9411 Corian 1800 267 426; corian.com.au CR Laurence (02) 9851 3444; www.crlaurence.com.au Crave Wares (02) 9328 6429; www.cravewares.com.au Create Estate (07) 5438 8670; createestate.com.au Cult Design 1300 768 626; cultdesign.com.au Cultiver cultiver.com Custom Glass customglass.com.au D Dash & Albert wintonhouse.com.au De Fazio Tiles & Stone (03) 9387 2300; defazio.com.au Dedece (02) 9360 2722; dedece.com.au Design Nation (02) 9699 8577; designnation.com.au Di Lorenzo Tiles dilorenzo.com.au District (08) 9388 1855; district.com.au Domayne domayne.com.au Domo (03) 9277 8888; domo.com.au Douglas & Bec (03) 9419 1146; douglasandbec.com

Dovetailed & Doublestitched (02) 9554 7133; dovetaileddoublestitched.com.au DSK Kitchens & Furniture (02) 9316 8300; www.dsk.net.au Dulux 132 525; dulux.com.au Duravit (02) 8070 1889; www.duravit.com.au E E&S (03) 9034 9503; eands.com.au Early Settler earlysettler.com.au Earp Bros (02) 4925 4550; earp.com.au Eclipse Handcrafted Furniture (02) 9310 2506; eclipsefurniture.com.au Eco Outdoor 1300 131 413; ecooutdoor.com.au Electrolux electrolux.com.au Elite Bathware & Tiles (07) 3391 1399; elitebathware.com.au Enlightened Living (02) 9318 0833; enlightened-living.com.au Est Lighting (02) 9194 3422; estlighting.com.au Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; euroluce.com.au Evenex 1300 133 481; eltongroup.com F Falcon, available from Andico 1800 685 899; andico.com.au Fanuli (02) 9908 2660; fanuli.com.au Few & Far (02) 4441 8244; fewandfar.com.au Fibrous Design fibrousdesign.com.au Fisher & Paykel 1300 650 590; fisherpaykel.com.au Fisher Fitouts (02) 9966 8711; fisherfitouts.com.au Florence Broadhurst Fabrics florencebroadhurstfabrics.com Flowers Vasette (03) 9419 4988; flowersvasette.com.au Form Landscapes 0414 593 353; formlandscapes.com.au Frances Keevil Gallery @franceskeevilgallery Francesca Owen francescaowen.com Fred International (02) 9310 3263; fredinternational.com.au Freedom 1300 135 588; freedom.com.au G Gather Co 1800 428 437; gatherco.com.au Gineico Lighting (02) 9690 1522; www.gineicointeriors.com Granite & Marble Works (02) 9519 9900; granitemarbleworks.com.au Gray & Co grayandco.com.au Grazia & Co (03) 9555 5760; graziaandco.com.au

Great Dane (03) 9417 5599; greatdanefurniture.com Greenhouse Interiors greenhouseinteriors.com.au Gypset Cargo 0412 547 662; gypsetcargo.com H Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; harveynorman.com.au HG Furniture Solutions (02) 9693 2288; hgfs.com.au Highgate House shop.highgatehouse.com.au House of Bamboo 1300 665 703; houseofbamboo.com.au House of Isabella houseofisabella.com.au House of Orange (03) 9500 9991; houseoforange.com.au Hub Furniture (03) 9652 1222; hubfurniture.com.au Hurford Wholesale hurfordwholesale.com.au Hydrotherm (03) 9464 4622; www.hydrotherm.com.au I In Good Company ingoodcompany.com.au Inartisan 0411 944 234; inartisan.com Intrim Mouldings 1800 622 081; intrimmouldings.com.au J James Hardie jameshardie.com.au James Makin Gallery jamesmakingallery.com James Said jamessaid.com.au Janus et Cie janusetcie.com Jardan (03) 8581 4988; jardan.com.au Johnson Tiles johnsontiles.com.au K Kaboodle Kitchen kaboodle.com.au Kelly Wearstler kellywearstler.com Kerrie Jeffs kerriejeffs.com Ke-zu (02) 9669 1788; kezu.com.au Kitchen Complex (02) 9534 4495; kitchencomplex.com.au Kylie Thomas @kyliethomasartandthings L La Maison (02) 9698 8860; lamaison.net.au Laminex 132 136; laminex.com.au Laura Kincade (02) 9667 4415; laurakincade.com LG 1300 542 273; lg.com.au Libertine Parfumerie (03) 9661 1258; www.libertineparfumerie.com.au Life Interiors lifeinteriors.com.au Lighting Collective (02) 6685 5744; lightingcollective.com.au Lights Lights Lights (03) 9372 8541; lightslightslights.com.au

StockiStS H G

Linear Standard linearstandard.com.au Living Edge 1300 132 154; livingedge.com.au LivingStyles 1300 687 651; livingstyles.com.au Lopi 1800 064 234; www.lopi.com.au Lounge Lovers 1300 738 088; loungelovers.com.au Luxaflex Window Fashions 135 892; luxaflex.com.au Lydie du Bray Antiques (02) 4872 2844; lydiedubrayantiques.com.au Lynch’s Window Fashions lynchswindowfashions.com.au Lysaght lysaght.com M Made by Storey (03) 9486 3958; madebystorey.co Mandalay Flowers (02) 9362 5000; mandalayflowers.com.au Manyara Home (02) 9997 4462; manyarahome.com.au Marable (02) 9666 7772; marable.com.au MatchesFashion matchesfashion.com/au Materialised (02) 8558 3500; materialised.com.au McMullin & Co mcmullinandco.com Miele 1300 464 353; shop.miele.com.au Miguel Meirelles Antiques (03) 9822 6886; www.meirelles.com.au Miss Amara missamara.com.au Mitchell Road Antique & Design Centre www.mitchellroad.com.au Mojay Pots (02) 9618 1817; motyaj.com Mondoluce (02) 9690 2667; mondoluce.com Murobond Paint 1800 199 299; murobond.com.au Mustafa Tiler 0468 312 229 N National Tiles 1300 733 000; www.nationaltiles.com.au Natural Stone Bath Worx (02) 8544 0114; naturalstonebathworx.com.au O Oliveri (08) 8348 6444; oliveri.com.au

Onsite Supply+Design (02) 9360 3666; onsitesd.com.au Onyx & Smoke onyxandsmoke.com.au Orient House (02) 9660 3895; orienthouse.com.au Oz Design Furniture 1300 721 942; ozdesignfurniture.com.au P Palmer & Penn (02) 9328 4800; www.palmerandpenn.com.au Panasonic 132 600; www.panasonic.com.au Papaya (02) 9386 9980; papaya.com.au Parisi parisi.com.au Parkwood Doors 1800 681 586; parkwooddoors.com.au Parterre (02) 9363 5874; parterre.com.au Pasa Joinery (02) 9648 4316; pasajoinery.com.au Pavers Plus (03) 9870 0900; paversplus.com.au Peta Gilliland Landscape Design 0425 245 633; gillilandlandscapes.com.au Phoenix Tapware (03) 9780 4200; phoenixtapware.com.au Pineapple Traders pineappletraders.com.au Plume Studio (03) 7018 3240; plumestudio.com.au Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; porterspaints.com Premier Carpets (02) 9310 4455; premiercarpets.com.au Provincial Home Living 1300 732 258; provincialhomeliving.com.au Pure Interiors pureinteriors.com.au R Real Flame (03) 8706 2000; realflame.com.au Recoll Upholstery (03) 9568 7088; recollupholstery.com.au Reece 1800 032 566; reece.com.au Resene 1800 738 383; resene.com.au Robert Gordon Australia (03) 5941 3144; robertgordonaustralia.com Robert Plumb (02) 9316 9066; robertplumb.com.au

Rogerseller 1300 559 759; rogerseller.com.au Ross Gardam (03) 9329 4145; rossgardam.com.au S Salt x Steel saltandsteeldesigns.com Sands Made sandsmade.com Satara (03) 9587 4469; satara.com.au Shokunin Store shokuninstore.com Signorino (03) 9427 9100; signorino.com.au Silestone cosentino.com Skheme (02) 8755 2300; www.skheme.com SNB Stone (02) 9793 2001; snb-stone.com South Drawn southdrawn.com.au Space (02) 8339 7588; spacefurniture.com.au St Barts 1300 139 619; st-barts.com.au Stonebaths 1800 462 946; stonebaths.com.au Studio Italia (03) 9690 4155; www.studioitalia.com.au Stylecraft (02) 9355 0000; stylecraft.com.au Sunday Society sundaysociety.com.au Surface Gallery (02) 9566 2002; surfacegallery.com.au Surface Studio (02) 9181 1249; www.surfacestudio.com.au Surround surround.com.au Sydney Design Agency (02) 9700 7090; julielewisagency.net T Talostone (02) 9698 6666; talostone.com.au Tamsin Johnson tamsinjohnson.com Teranova (02) 9386 0063; teranova.com.au The English Tapware Company 1300 016 181; englishtapware.com.au The Foam Booth thefoambooth.com.au The Lighting Guild (02) 9098 8999; thelightingguild.org The Montauk Lighting Co montauklightingco.com The Rug Establishment (07) 5450 6230; therugest.com The Society Inc thesocietyinc.com.au

The Textile Company 1300 852 994; textilecompany.com.au The Vault Sydney thevaultsydney.com The Wood Room (02) 9970 8480; thewoodroom.com.au Three Balls Red (07) 5527 5247; threeballsred.com.au Tide Design (03) 8555 3405; tidedesign.com.au Tigmi Trading 0418 602 231; tigmitrading.com TileCloud (02) 9557 6785; tilecloud.com.au Tilescope (07) 3371 5777; www.tilescope.com.au Tongue N Groove Flooring (02) 9699 1131; tngflooring.com.au Trend Windows & Doors 137 456; www.trendwindows.com.au Tuiss Blinds Online 1300 761 179; blindsonline.com.au Turtle Nursery turtlenursery.com.au U Uneek Interior Solutions @uneekinteriorsolutions Uniqwa Collections (07) 5596 0884; uniqwafurniture.com.au Urban Home Republic 1300 783 005; www.urbanhomerepublic.com.au V Velux 1300 859 856; velux.com.au Vintage Art Emporium vintageartemporium.com Viridian 1800 810 403; viridianglass.com Vola (03) 9070 4988; en.vola.com Vynka Hallam vynkahallam.com W Wagner Contemporary (02) 9360 6069; wagnercontemporary.com.au Wattyl 132 101; wattyl.com.au Winning Appliances 1300 050 050; winningappliances.com.au Woodcut (02) 9319 6050; woodcut.com.au Wyer+Craw (07) 3856 2400; wyercraw.com.au Y Your Display Gallery yourdisplaygallery.com.au Z Zuster (03) 9852 8410; zuster.com.au

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Uniquely crafted, Caesarstone® Calacutta Maximus ™ embraces the popularity of prominent veining, turning surfaces into graphic works of art. From $800-$1200/m² (supply only). caesarstone.com.au

Featuring brass burners with a central wok and flame-fail sensor, the 120cm ILVE Majestic Freestanding Cooker at Harvey Norman is compatible with natural gas and LPG. $23,999. harveynorman.com.au

CocoRepublic presents its new Winter 2021 Collection, which explores a balance of monochrome and minimalist shapes. There are over 150 new additions to the range. Take a look at cocorepublic.com.au

H&G ESSENTIALS The sculpted and circular ‘Henge’ cast-stone basin, $690 from FaucetStrommen, features a smooth satin finish, beautifully balanced proportions and fine European quality. faucetstrommen.com.au

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

Combining the beauty of terracotta with contemporary ceramic technology, San Selmo SK1Ns (from $149/m²) from Brickworks is a great product for creating distinctive façades and rooflines. brickworks.com.au

The Dua desk chair, $2990, by Fanuliis a comfortable design for any contemporary home-office setting. This new Italian-made chair would be a great choice for anyone working from home. fanuli.com.au

The Manyara Home Tom Dixon ‘Primavera’ coffee and side tables ($3600 and $1450) are future classics that pair well with Kelly Wearstler’s ‘Graffito’ cushions and Tom’s ‘Cloud’ vessels. manyarahome.com.au

The steel-frame shelving range at Kaboodleis a modern storage solution that doubles as a design feature. It can be used alone or in conjunction with cabinetry and is available in powdercoated black. kaboodle.com.au

The striking Ennea dining table rests on a base composed of three identical ‘rectangular’ triangles made from solid timber. It’s customisable and exclusive to Domo. domo.com.au

The Lexi MKII collection, from $198, builds on the linear profile of the Lexi collection from Phoenix Tapware. The outlet of the new tap is slender and its long pin handle sits vertically. phoenixtapware.com.au

Wynstan’s Crimsafe® Ultimate Doors are seven times stronger than the impact level required by Australian Standards. Proudly Australian made, there is no better choice to protect your home. wynstan.com.au

Visit our Sydney showroom to see a broad selection from Visual Comfort displayed in vignettes showcasing furniture and accessories from all of our American and European luxury brands, all available for immediate delivery.

Your destination for unique homewares, furniture, gifts & fresh flowers.

VISUAL COMFORT LIGHTING FINE ART HANDCRAFTED LIGHTING CHRISTOPHER GUY HICKORY CHAIR CENTURY

by Anwyn Howarth

85 Yarra St, Geelong 03 5221 9585 www.townhouse-living.com.au

THEODORE ALEXANDER MAITLAND SMITH JULIAN CHICHESTER & MR BROWN HOME ROBERTO GIOVANNINI MIRROR IMAGE

80 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria • 02 9667 4415 E: sales@laurakincade.com • Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

www.laurakincade.com

The Montauk Lighting Co. brings Australia distinctive, quality feature lighting, created by acclaimed international designers including Kelly Wearstler, Ralph Lauren Home and AERIN through Visual Comfort, Haberdashery and Tigermoth Lighting.

Let us help you make a statement in light. montauklightingco.com 08 9380 6239 Interiors by KWD Photo by Armelle Habib

THE

MO NTAUK LIGHT I NG C O.

T O A D V E R T I S E 02 9282 8273

I

REBECCA .WHITE@AREMEDIA.COM.AU

H G DESIGN DIRECTORY

introduced Visual Comfort Lighting to Australia in 2005 and for 16 years is still proud to offer this amazing brand for those seeking high quality designer lighting.

H G THE CREATIVE TYPE

Lyndall Keating Horticulturist, garden designer and head of Sydney design company Garden Society shares her creative insights and highlights.

P H OTO G R A P H Y Kristina Soljo

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Produced by Elizabeth Wilson.

“I have always loved the way plants make a picture that forms a garden.”

When I was a child, I was encouraged to play outside, which is where my love of the outdoors developed. I have always loved plants and the way they make a picture that forms a garden. I think I am both creative and practical, so following this career pathway wasn’t a difficult transition.

My work days vary a lot, but always start early – often in the dark. After kissing my daughters [Camille, 11, and Sabine, eight] goodbye, my schedule might include client meetings, sourcing plants, product procurement, or time in the office for planning layouts or meeting with my teams. The days can be long, full-on and challenging, but also rewarding when the job is done and the clients are happy.

I’m really passionate about horticulture and landscape design. Watching our gardens grow and seeing homeowners develop a relationship with their gardens is really special. I enjoy the challenge of interpreting the architecture of a building and merging it with the landscape, so there is a connection between the indoors and the external environment.

I’m never quite sure if I have my work-life balance right. But I keep trying!

Yoga helps. Let’s call it a work in progress.

What’s on my reading list? The Planthunter: Truth, Beauty, Chaos and Plants

by Georgina Reid. It’s an exploration of the way people around the world find truth, beauty, purpose and connection through the act of gardening.

The biggest challenge of my career was having the conviction that I could do this for myself. Believing in my own success.

I feel a sense of achievement at the completion of every job. It’s a wonderful feeling to visualise and sense a garden, then design and nurture it to its full potential. Achievement in a larger sense isn’t a day to day feeling, it’s just something that hits you every now and then.

A trip to Japan connected all the dots for me. While I was there, I discovered the country’s very modern yet ancient history – the architecture, the gardens, the culture – but it was the philosophical connection to the landscape that I particularly found important. Japanese gardens combine aesthetics with ethics, and beauty with philosophy. Lifestyle and design choices are connected with nature, which in turn benefit health and wellbeing. I wanted to apply this ideal in my work, as well as in my own home.

I find inspiration in all sorts of everyday things. The Australian landscape and its colours. Architecture. Good design. Travel. I am a bit of a minimalist – I much prefer simplicity and clean lines. I’m attracted to rawness in both materials and design. The creatives I most admire can speak the unique language between architecture and landscaped areas.

My all-time favourite piece of furniture would have to be the BKF Butterfly Chair, designed in 1938. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, perhaps because of its organic form, and it’s so comfortable – I love the way the sitter and chair become one. But from a practical point of view, it has a versatility that allows it to be enjoyed both indoors and out.

Choosing a favourite plant is more difficult – I have so many! It would be unfair to choose just one. My go-to plants are proven performers and often the foundation of a great plant palette. At the moment, Kalanchoe ‘Silver Spoons’, narrow-leaf fig (Ficus longifolia), Zanzibar gem and Aloe Big Red are top of the list.

Time is the greatest luxury of all. Having the option to choose how I spend my # time, and with whom. There’s no joy like presence in the moment.

Garden Society; gardensociety.com.au.

LYNDALL’S FAVOURITE THINGS From top The Planthunter: Truth,

Beauty, Chaos and Plants book

by Georgina Reid. Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). BKF Butterfly Chair. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, Japan. OPPOSITE Lyndall and a garden she designed in Sydney’s east.