The Design Journal- December 2022 Issue

DESIGN JOURNAL

T R OI NWelcometotheDecember2022 issueofTheDesignJournal,your monthlydoseofinteriordesign insight,newsandinspiration Aswereflectontheyearthathas been,wedivedeepintoallthings Australiainthisissue Wedelve intotheinspirationbehinda definingnewbookonAustralian cuisine,setintherenovated kitchenofaWilliamstownhome

Wealsolookcloselyatwhatit modernAustralianhomeshave cometobe,includingfeaturesthat setusapartonaglobalscale.We thengetpracticaltohelpyou entertainatyourbestthisholiday season,withourguidetooutdoor entertaining Enjoyreading,haveaveryMerry Christmas,andseeyou intheNewYear!

MelissaLunardonandteam

A HOME SET FOR CHEF GENIUS

A defining new book o Cuisine by chef Liam R shelves, and amongst a yp design industry pauses to reflect on the inspiration that helped this book come to be The part-history, part-cookbook was inspired, prepared and photographed in a kitchen designed by Melissa Lunardon Interior Design, exemplifying the true impact and reach of interior design The stunning kitchen renovation not only facilitated the preparation of the amazing dishes prepared by Liam (who is, incidentally, one of Australia’s premier chefs), but provided a backdrop for photography of the dishes to truly bring the beauty of Australian cuisine to life It’s the perfect example of how good design can lead to more than just aesthetics; it can truly inspire and change lives for the better.

The kitchen concept was built around Liam's love for cooking and the unique Australian culture, featuring solid timber spotted gum. A statement blue Esse stove complements SMEG appliances and a butler’s pantry, but what we love most is how this Victorian beauty exemplifies sympathetic design to period homes in the most aesthetic of ways, while providing a perfect backdrop for culinary genius What a truly wonderful example of design meeting food , history, culture, art and business in modern Australia.

The defining new book on Australian Cuisine by chef Liam Randall, titled 'Australian Cuisine, Begin,' was inspired by a Melissa Lunardon kitchen design

'Australian Cuisine, Begin'

The defining book on Australian Cuisine by chef Liam Randall Part history and part cookbook, it weaves 61 authentic, easy-tofollow food and beverage recipes through seven timelines, from the beginnings of the world’s oldest culture through to the modern day. The book takes you on an enriching journey that will sate your curiosity, warm your heart and fill your belly in a uniquely Australian way

ABOUTTHECHEFAND AUTHOR,LIAMRANDALL

LiamRandall,founderofthe AustralianCuisineproject,was bornandraisedinMelbourne,the greatfoodiecityofAustraliaA ChefandHorticulturalistby trade,likemostofusLiamgrew upbelievingAustraliahasno nationalcuisineConsequently, Liamfeelshemissedoutonthe incredibleculturalidentitythat cuisinesbringtomanyother nationalitiesHedecidedhe wantedtodosomethingaboutit!

Inspired by a newly renovated kitchen in his parents Victorianstyle home in Williamstown, Victoria, Liam became inspired to discuss, research, invent, cook and eat his way to creating and celebrating our own national cuisine. With his first book, now available online and in book stores, Liam hopes the next generation of Australians can enjoy cooking, eating and being Australian like he has learned to

In the history of Australian cuisine, turtles are a great delicacy, and are prepared and eaten by Indigenous Australians for special celebrations. The turtle’s insides are removed and replaced with hot stones before the animal is placed in a ground oven – still in its shell and on its back – and cooked for four hours.

The shell then becomes a large bowl for serving. Any unlaid eggs found inside the turtle are cooked and eaten, while laid eggs were cooked separately in the ashes.

AUSSIE MODERN HOME

Australia has managed to create an original and instantly recognisable bright, instagrammable and mellow lifestyle over the past decade Our love of summer and the outdoors means we take a more relaxed, casual approach to design with houses that are easy to live in Australia’s location in the distant Pacific is often cited as the cause for its design success. There is a liberation from being closer to the east than the northern hemisphere, plus our beautiful continent is unhindered by centuries-old design traditions.

Interior design in Australia is more about living than about designing, summoning natural and luxurious all at once, and at Melissa Lunardon Interior Design, we are incredibly proud to be a part of it

AUSTRALIAN STYLE

Our houses reflect Australia’s beautiful climate, love for wide-open spaces, and an unshakable belief that our lives should be connected to the landscape We have such an incredible outdoor lifestyle so it makes sense that our culture likes to design houses and gardens in a way that is chic and effortless.

The uncomplicated, undemanding yet beautiful designs fit easily into our busy lives, thoughtfully made using the best natural materials, like comfortable sofas, wicker seating, stone or timber floors and big rugs

We are fundamentally relaxed and unpretentious folk, but we want to surround ourselves with quality and authenticity. This ethos is reflected in contemporary Australian architecture and interiors

THE AUSSIE WAY

MODERN DESIGN FEATURES

Perfumed air

Australiaisfamousforitsnativeplantssuch aseucalyptusaswellastheoilsmadefrom them.Nativeflowersandfaunaarealsoan importantcomponentofmanygardensin thecountrytoo,wheretheyfilltheairwith theirintoxicatingscentatnight.

Cooling

water

Many Australian gardens are not complete without a pond, fountain or pool to make the most of our outdoor experience.

Added awnings

Itistypicaltohaveashadedterraceto protectusfromthesun.Wehavealotof windshere,andifyouareprotectedfrom thesun,thewindwillcoolyoudownand makeitcomfortabletospendtimeoutdoors inthehottestmonths.Sailsinearthyor whitetonesarealsoacommonsightonthe roofterracesofAustralianhomes,where theyprovideprotectionfromtheharshsun andalsocreateabeautifulambience, especiallyabovelowdaybedsscatteredwith cushions.Awnings,canopies,andpergolas constructedofnaturalmaterialssuchas woodorbambooarepopularweatherresistantchoicesforAussies.

THE AUSSIE WAY (CONTINUED)

Fire lit

Aussieslovefirepitsatnighttomakeguests gatherandlinger.Forlargerspaces,afew firescancreatemaximumimpactwhen combinedwithstrategicallyplacedlanterns. Usethemtolightapathanddefineareasor toilluminatecosynooks.

Softened edges

Comfortableseatingareasthatencouragelong, relaxingdaysandeveningsoutdoorsarealmost anartforminAustraliaandspeakvolumes aboutthecasual,culturalimportanceof relaxedhostingandatmosphericentertaining.

Natural texture

Naturalsurfacessuchaswood,stoneandmetal arekeyinhotclimateslikeAustraliawhere theycreatetactilebackdropsacrossfloors, wallsandothersurfaces.

Love for colour & nature

Australianinteriorsareincreasinglyopento theoutdoorstoconnectwithnature Forginga strongsenseofplaceisfundamentalto Australians’happiness,healthandwellbeing Thisalsoleadsustoplaywithcolour.Under theintenseAustraliansun,richcolourscan holdtheirown.

THE AUSSIE REALITY

Australians tend to be realistic about the way they live; there’s no point in making everyone ’ s life miserable by choosing cream silk in a house full of children and dogs Australian style is about opting for humble materials like hemp, rattan, cane and jute which can have a huge impact on a space without feeling trendy or overdone Our gardens have spaces to relax, cook, eat, swim and entertain outdoors. When it comes to easy living, Aussies focus on simple pleasures that bring joy to daily life and know that the chicest thing of all is to be true to themselves.

A U S T R A L I A

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

SERVING GUESTS OUTDOORS WITH EASE AND STYLE

Creature comfort Outdoor kitchen Furniture

Whether you’re all about lowkey weekday dinners outdoors with your family, or dinner parties on the weekend with friends, having a great outdoor space to use and love all year round is a great addition to your home. By making clever design choices, you can create an outdoor entertaining area that is beautiful, intimate, sparks interest and encourages easy engagement between guests. In true Melissa Lunardon style, we of course always want to be comfortable for you, your family and friends each season.

A great way to minimise moving from the kitchen to the outdoor area while entertaining is to have some of your cooking amenities outside An outdoor kitchen will ofteninclude a barbeque grill, sink, prep area and a hidden bar fridge, perhaps even a built-in pizza oven Having all or even just some of these outside means you can still be chef while enjoying the company of your family and friends, plus snacks and drinks will never be far away while relaxing outdoors by yourself on a warm afternoon.

When selecting furniture for outdoor spaces, be sure to pick pieces comfortable enough for an afternoon of relaxing, but durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions. Wicker, poly wicker and outdoor timbers are popular choices that easily can be made comfortable and inviting with plush soft furnishings. Also consider options for more guests on larger occasions, like dinner parties or events In addition to traditional chairs and tables, you could consider built-in benches and stools in a bar area.

Lighting

Lighting can greatly impact the mood of your Christmas party or summer gathering. When you’re entertaining into the evening, votives and lanterns will create a pleasant ambience Consider adding lights further out within your garden as well, so even at night you can still fully enjoy your surroundings We love to light up steps, pathways, garden features and even garden beds.

Furnishings

Incorporating inside touches in your outdoor space are what makes them comfortable Soft furnishings, like throws, cushions and rugs, make a space feel inviting and warm. Changing up the textiles is also an easy way to update an outdoor space each season. More permanent fixtures like mirrors also work beautifully outdoors Try to add a mix of materials and textiles to make your space immediately more interesting. Concrete, natural wood, woven materials, and metals can all be meshed outdoors to great effect

Focal point

Creating an outdoor entertaining area is like designing an outdoor room, so you should still create areas of interest and a focal point to anchor the space. Whether you're completely redesigning your yard or just giving it a bit of an update, pick something that you want to be the focal point and go from there. Examples include an outdoor fireplace, a water feature or simply an oversized chair Build pieces around that accent and support where you want the eye to focus, which will help draw your guests from inside to out

– MELISSA LUNARDON

BUILDING & RENOVATING IN 2023

TIME TO PLAN

New home building and renovation booms will keep Australia's already stretched home builders busy in the coming year, according to Home Industry Association Economist Tom Devitt Speaking to news media, Mr Devitt said, "detached house approvals continue to be elevated compared to pre-COVID levels New work entering the pipeline will keep builders busy throughout 2023." This means, that, if you do intend on making home improvements in 2023 or 2024, you need to begin planning now!

Click here to book a free Design Consultation call with the Melissa Lunardon team today, and we'll help get you on your way

THE DESIGN JOURNAL

MELISSALUNARDON.COM

Melissa Lunardon Interior Design is driven by a deep passion for design and style The team work closely with clients to articulate a unique vision and a stylish point of view where personality, art, form and function co-exist