Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2015 i Australian Home Beautiful

I’m very proud of myself this month: I have managed to find, purchase and take delivery of my mum’s Mother’s Day gift – weeks before the actual day. It’s not only a rare moment of feeling super-organised, there is also a sense of relief; this year, I’ve managed to do my mum a bit of justice by making her gift a priority, rather than agonising over what to get her, and hence leaving it to the very last minute. Mother’s Day gifts are so hard, aren’t they? How can you possibly buy one single gift that says everything you need it to say? It’s not just about saying ‘I love you’, or even about a thank you – having a mum who truly loves you, who constantly inspires you, is…

“Soak up the serenity that these dreamy pieces deliver” ~ Rachel Peters, HB stylist BUY IT NOW Use the free viewa app to scan this page and shop our top style finds.…

“Pretty in pink, this set will delight the tea-loving mum” ~Rachel Peters, HB stylist BUY IT NOW Use the free viewa app to scan this page and shop our top style finds.…

She’s a talented homewares designer with a penchant for all things bright and beautiful. He’s a builder with an eye for structural detail. So it’s little wonder that the “first real home” of Perth couple Natalie and Ben is a seamless study in laid-back style and functionality. Surely such a harmonious result is proof its two creators were completely in sync for every aspect of their new build? Well, perhaps not everyone… “Actually, we both had strong opinions about what we wanted,” says Natalie with a laugh. “Ben loves technology and tends to like the shinier and the newer, whereas I’m more into using natural materials and incorporating things with soul and history.” Just as well, then, that Natalie, owner and founder of popular online homewares retailer Bowerhouse, and Ben,…

touch wood It’s hard to believe that this style-savvy space was once an eyesore, swathed in red paint and tired laminate. By knocking down a wall and rethinking the material mix, the owners created this timber triumph. CABINETRY Homeowners Rachael and Michael were keen to give their ever-bustling kitchen a chic, streamlined look. Cue handle-free cupboards and drawers with recessed finger-pulls. “This is a cleaner look,” explains Andrew Wilson, the couple’s architect and Michael’s brother. In line with the sleek aesthetic, two Asko pyrolytic ovens were built into the cabinetry. LIGHTING A long custom-made pendant by Lights & Tracks illuminates the timber island bench. “The ceilings are quite low and a row of chunky sculptural pendants would have crammed the space,” says Andrew. “This one seems to extend the ceiling…

We have seen a real emergence of open space as an important bathroom trend in recent years. Open free-flowing expanses replace walls, seamlessly integrating the bathroom with other zones in the home – from bedrooms to outdoor gardens. In these connected spaces, fixtures become sculptures, creating visual interest and excitement. Expansive windows and corridors bathe each beautiful element in natural light, enhancing the sense of freedom and luxury. To see more emerging trends visit www.reece.com.au/trends Give yourself room to spread out. Stunning sculptural centrepieces.…

trend to try: INDUSTRIAL CHIC The current buzz for all things industrial began in the commercial world, so it’s no surprise that the newest take on the look – a fusion of utilitarian style and warmth – also comes from your local cafe or salon. “The key is contrast,” says designer and Channel 7 House Rules judge Joe Snell, designer of Anthony Nader’s Raw hair salon in Sydney (right). To get a ‘New York chic’ look, Joe exposed the building’s brickwork, cement ceiling and copper pipework, and added retro-look furniture and statement accessories, including a cluster of blue pendant lights with Edison globes. “I enjoy introducing rich pastels and green vegetation to add layer, dimension and surprise,” he says. Authenticity is also vital. Architect Matt Rawlins of Figureground – whose…

secret garden Finding a quiet spot in the heart of a big city isn’t easy, but even a corner of greenery works wonders for the soul. Dress it up with a bistro-style setting and accessories, and you have a sanctuary, as this Perth garden proves. “We’re so lucky to have our little shady spots” ~ Rosie BEHIND A STORYBOOK-PRETTY white picket fence in one of Perth’s loveliest precincts, within walking distance of the CBD and the Swan River, a glorious green oasis beckons. Sprinkled with a seasonal show of vividly coloured plants, lush deciduous trees and sun-dappled hideaways, it is a very special sanctuary – one that is making a name for itself in its neighbourhood. “People walking past comment that there’s always something flowering,” says owner Rosie. “It’s a…

Embrace the elements Don’t hibernate indoors as the weather turns – add warmth to your outdoor space with a hard-wearing rug from Armadillo & Co’s ‘Indoor Outdoor’ collection. Cosy underfoot, the multipurpose rugs are made of recycled PET fibre, available in three nature-inspired designs – including ‘Safari’ (above) – and can withstand wet areas and direct sunlight. Prices start from $365; visit armadillo-co.com. HOME HARVEST Thumbs at the ready – green or not! The Little Veggie Patch Co will soon have you creating your own edible garden. Get your crop started with the Winter Seed Pack, $15 (left), which includes heirloom kale, cauliflower, leek and cabbage seeds. Visit littleveggiepatchco.com.au, where you’ll also find helpful hints and a monthly ‘What To Plant’ guide. WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT? Stack your wood in…

winning letter My husband and I moved into our new home last September. This was nothing different for us as we have bought, renovated and sold properties throughout our marriage. Since our recent move, my husband has been very ill. Our lives have changed and my head won’t work as before. After reading Wendy’s editor’s letter [April 2015], I gave a big sigh of relief. I don’t need to change all the beautiful things that we’ve collected over the years; I just need to find the confidence I’ve lost. As Wendy wrote, it’s better to create a home that reflects the things you love, all pulled together under one roof. I have bathrooms and a kitchen to renovate – but they can wait. To have my wonderful husband well and…

COSY CRUMPLED LINENS AND hand-dyed WOOL ARE A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND SOFT TO THE TOUCH MIX MIDNIGHT BLUES WITH earthy HUES FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT AND MINIMUM FUSS GREET cooler DAYS WITH FRAGRANT TEA LEAVES AND A DELIGHTFUL HANDMADE POT WELL-CRAFTED PIECES IN HONEST MATERIALS WILL BE CHERISHED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME ADORN YOUR TABLE WITH hand-thrown CERAMICS, EACH PIECE UNIQUE – THE BEAUTY LIES IN THEIR IMPERFECTIONS DISPLAYED CREATIVELY, SEEMINGLY ORDINARY OBJECTS – A GLASS JAR, TIMBER CRATE OR FOUND BRANCH – BECOME EXTRAORDINARY DON’T HOLD BACK ON THE COMFORT FACTOR – MAKE YOUR BED A RESTFUL ESCAPE FROM THE DAY’S STRESSES EVOKE A SENSE OF NOSTALGIA BY RETURNING TO THE ART OF LETTER WRITING ONE-OF-A-KIND FINDS WITH A TOUCH OF intrigue ARE SURE TO FIRE YOUR IMAGINATION…

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KITCHEN Originally a verandah, the kitchen was built on a budget of about $5000. The key to this sharp bottom line was Julian’s clever sourcing; he scoured Ebay and Gumtree to find barely used second-hand appliances, and installed cabinetry and a butler’s sink from Ikea. Home renovation is not for the faint-hearted, and homeowner Julian wasn’t particularly looking to undertake a rescue mission when he stumbled upon a disintegrating weatherboard in the NSW Blue Mountains. True, he was on the lookout for a heritage weatherboard to call his own, but this century-old cottage was, at first glance, a very unpromising prospect. In fact it was so unpromising that Julian’s mum Vivien, who lives locally and was helping with the search, initially refused to get out of the car. “I said,…

STEP INSIDE Any immaculately presented bathroom and you’re sure to be delighted by one thing – well-planned storage. Everything has a place, from spare towels to toilet rolls – and the space’s common uses, whether applying make-up, blow-drying hair or supervising children in the bath, will dictate the room’s design. Bring blissful order to your own zone with a few key furniture pieces or fittings – and our expert advice. “VANITIES WITH SHELVES INTRODUCE visual INTEREST” ~ GORDON EVANS, TRADELINK vanities fair Smart bathroom storage starts with a suitable vanity. A custom-made design will have the perfect proportions and finish, although off-the-shelf options have come a long way aesthetically and cater to all budgets and styles. Designers often favour wall-mounted vanities because they give the illusion of more space, and…

pretty please There’s no better occasion than Mother’s Day to play with a pastel palette and feminine details. Here, seasonal blooms, a lace-trimmed tablecloth and vintage china set an utterly elegant scene. ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE Serves 8-10 3 eggs 1¼ cups caster sugar ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil ½ cup milk ½ cup orange juice 2 cups plain flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp bi-carbonate of soda 3 tsp finely grated orange zest Icing 1. cups icing sugar mixture 2 tbsp milk 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Invert the base of a 22cm springform pan. Grease and line base and side with baking paper. Put eggs and sugar in the small bowl of an electric mixer and beat until pale and creamy. 2. Gradually drizzle in oil,…

“The blackboard fills in space at the side and the kids love it!” ~ Louisa THE OUTDOOR SPACE is often the last area to be considered when a home is renovated. Not so at Rob and Louisa’s gorgeous home in Sydney’s east – every aspect of this small, north-facing plot was carefully considered alongside the overhaul of their house, resulting in a space that feels entirely like an extension of the indoor living area. “We wanted a tropical garden that looked fabulous, that the kids could run riot in, and in which we could entertain small or large groups of people,” says Louisa, mum to Monty, eight, and Kingsley, six. “Of course, as an Australian male, Rob also had to have a fully functioning barbecue area, and this was high…

AS THE CLICHÉ goes, “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like” – and we Aussies certainly understand what’s worth popping in a frame on the wall. Few could argue with the enduring magnificence of, say, Monet’s Haystacks. Sure, as some hilarious person will inevitably point out, it’s a little out of focus, but it speaks in pink, burnished tones of aesthetic sophistication. For something with more of a local, impressionist flavour, you could always opt for a Heidelberg grad like McCubbin or Streeton. Similarly timeless are the more abstract offerings of Boyd and the mythology-drenched Papunya Tula dot works from the deserts of Central Australia. But before we give ourselves a round of congratulatory applause and a chardy toast, it’s time for a rummage through…

artisan allure This month, we’re celebrating quality craftsmanship and salvaged style. Turn to timeworn timber, vintage jars and welltravelled books to create a look that has the maker’s mark. For product details, see page 44. NESTLED WITHIN THE creative hub of Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne is a place where heart and craft collide: the Cone 11 pottery studio. Established by ceramic artists Ilona Topolcsanyi and Colin Hopkins six years ago, the space plays host to the varying aspects of their business, from beginners’ pottery classes to a retail outlet for their lighting and vessel ranges. “When we applied for the studio, we wrote up a long, magical list of all the things we wanted to do with the space,” recalls Colin. “We thought it was a bit far-fetched at the…

French navy One of Australia’s leading food stylists, Marie-Hélène Clauzon has a talent for making the ordinary beautiful. Her evocative indigotinged ceramics pay tribute to her French origins and invite you to plate up in style.…

“This ceramic oil burner looks like a piece of modern sculpture” ~ Julia Nadin, HB deputy art director BUY IT NOW Use the free viewa app to scan this page and shop our top style finds.…

BARGAIN BUYS MID-RANGE SPLASH OUT…

DINING ROOM Two-year-old Juliette is right at home in the dining area, a relaxed space that harks back to an original Queenslander. Sourcing vintage catalogue drawers is a fitting pursuit for a committed collector like Kim. “There are lots of little drawers that keep bits and pieces tucked away for when you need them,” she explains. This cabinet hails from a Bondi school’s science lab Two Fornasetti plates hanging on the wall mark the start of a new collection. “There will be more!” says Kim with a smile. LIVING ROOM With a mix of tribal-toned textiles (all from Three Two One), well-travelled wares including a tower of vintage hat boxes, and practical slip-covered Ikea sofas, the living room is an easy and child-friendly space. If creativity is imagining the unexpected,…

Creative people are seldom single-disciplinary creatures; their artistry often spills into all areas of their lives. Fashion boutique owner Yolanda proves this theory in her South African home – an intriguing amalgamation of cultures and eras – that she shares with her children, Daniel, 19, and Camille, 16. It comes as no surprise that this lover of fashion is adept at dressing a room, but beyond her eye for style, Yolanda’s skill is in the way she marries divergent global influences in her home. Yolanda’s passion for travel goes hand in hand with her love of beautiful things, as she uses her globetrotting expeditions to source clothing and jewellery for her store. In her home, she has drawn on her travel experience to create a breathtaking space with an other-worldly…

EVERY HOUSE HAS A unique DNA that prescribes the look, feel and functionality required of the kitchen. If you’re lucky, you can get close with a ready-made design, but a custom kitchen will be tailored to your exacting needs. Yes, it will cost a little more, but the outlay can be worth it. “Bespoke solutions are highly creative, innovative and personal,” says interior designer Dominique Hunter of Hunter & Richards. “They work specifically for your way of living and aesthetically suit your family’s character.” With that in mind, here are our top 10 reasons to go bespoke. 1 PERSONAL TOUCHES With a bespoke kitchen, you can cater for virtually any activity. If you love cooking, a mixture of benchtop surfaces works, such as wood for chopping and marble for pastries.…

Who lives here? Megan, a child health nurse; Shayne, an oil rig manager; their two daughters, Ilana (pictured right), 17, and Piper, 13; and dog, Roxy. Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Original property: A 1960s holiday shack. Time frame: Eighteen months. Why this house? The family lived only two streets away and loved the area, but had outgrown their home. They looked for an empty block on which to build a bigger home from scratch, “however, we fell for this house,” recalls Megan. “It had good bones, had only belonged to the one family and was in good condition.” Why the reno? The beach shack was only 13 metres x 8 metres – and at that stage the couple had four children living at home (their sons, Marcus, 25, and Wesley,…

CHEESE FONDUE Serves 6 1 cup dry white wine 3 tsp lemon juice 1 garlic clove, halved 250g gruyère, coarsely grated 150g vintage cheddar, coarsely grated 3 tsp cornflour Lemon thyme leaves, optional Fresh bread,to serve Dutch rainbow carrots and radishes, to serve 1. Put wine, lemon juice and garlic in a saucepan and place over a medium heat until just coming to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low. Remove garlic and discard. 2. Combine gruyère and cheddar with cornflour. Add a quarter of a cup of the cheese mixture to wine in saucepan. Stir in a figure eight motion with a wooden spoon until melted (this helps cheese melt evenly). 3. Add another batch of cheese mixture and stir until melted. Fondue may have a speckled appearance. Whisk until…

INSPIRING FINISHES Expect some unexpectedly brilliant finishes with Laminex. Get the polished look you’ve been dreaming of with Laminex Silk Finish, a superior gloss finish suitable for cupboard doors, drawers and vertical panels. The range provides stylish colour options perfect for creating lustrous and inspiring interiors. CREATE WITH CHOICE Looking for advice on building or renovating? COLORBOND® steel’s Create is a great place to start. Designed to help guide you through the creative process of building your home with 22 COLORBOND® steel colour choices to inspire your creativity. Order a copy from colorbond.com by calling 1800 732 704 today. BEAUTIFUL SKIN, NATURALLY Natio’s new Natural Solutions For Dry Skin Problems feature targeted remedies for stressed winter skin and are rich in botanical oils and soothing plant extracts to nourish and…

A-B Adairs 1300 783 005, adairs.com.au. Aldi 132 534, aldi.com.au. Alun Rhys Jones 0418 232 714, alunrhysjones.com. Amalfi (03) 9474 1300, amalfihomewares.com.au. Amara 1800 021 109, au.amara.com. Amber Tiles 1300 139 868, ambertiles.com.au. Angelucci (03) 9415 8001, (03) 9029 6149, angelucci.net.au. Argent Australia 1300 364 748, argentaust.com.au. Artedomus (02) 9557 5060, (03) 9428 9898, (08) 9226 0288, (07) 3366 6878, artedomus.com. Asko 1300 002 756, asko.com.au. Avalon Hotel avalonbeverlyhills.com. Aveda 1800 061 326, aveda.com.au. Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266, beaconlighting.com.au. Beaumont Tiles (08) 8292 4444, beaumont-tiles.com.au. Bed Bath N’ Table (03) 8888 8100, bedbathntable.com.au. Bedouin Societe (03) 9646 3752, bedouinsociete.com. Bethania Kitchens (07) 3200 9282, bethaniakitchens.com.au. Bo Concept (02) 9437 0066, boconcept.com.au. Bonnie And Neil (03) 9384 2234, bonnieandneil.com.au. Bowerhouse 0422 071 119, bowerhouse.com.au. Brendan Cody at Splinter Workshop (02)…