Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2015 i Australian Home Beautiful

Autumn, winter, summer or spring, the new season is always a refreshing time. There’s invariably something to look forward to; a moment or an atmosphere that belongs in one season alone. For me, the beginning of winter is a time when I yearn for thick soups, crusty bread, warm socks and hot chocolate. When the weather starts to make this feel right, winter immediately becomes the most romantic season of the year. One of my favourite winter weekend indulgences is to set up dinner outside with gorgeous chunky-knit blankets, lots of candles and a crackling fire pit. My girls love to don their beanies, gloves and scarves, and my husband will spend all day slow cooking something absolutely mouth-watering. This seems to be a common hankering within the HB team.…

FROM THE AGE of 11, Rachel James would come home from school to help in her family’s antiques business. Surrounded by fascinating curios and artefacts belonging to years gone by, she developed a love of all things old and interesting, and became increasingly intrigued by the printing equipment sourced by her mother, Sue, and two older sisters, Donna and Tammy. “We had a few old printing blocks and I absolutely loved them,” recalls Rachel, now 21. “All the lovely typefaces, the layers of old ink staining the blocks different colours, the smooth feel of the wood.” When a tabletop hand press arrived in the shop, Rachel’s future as a letterpress printer was sealed. “I’d spend hours tucked away in the office, printing things to sell!” she remembers. Fortuitously, Sue, Donna…

luxe linen Made in Europe and created from flax sourced in France and Belgium that’s been individually dyed, this super-soft and durable Hale Mercantile Co deluxe bedding sets the scene for a dream-filled slumber.…

“This upholstered leather dresser won’t sit quietly in the corner – it demands to be noticed ” ~ Rachel Peters, HB stylist…

BARGAIN BUYS MID-RANGE SPLASH OUT…

Gendy and Hugh had to don their rose-coloured glasses to see the potential in a historic sandstone cottage located an hour northwest of Sydney. The home announced itself as a renovator’s delight upon arrival: rather than being met by a real estate agent, the couple was attacked by the elderly owner’s resident goose. “We couldn’t get out of the car!” recalls Gendy with a laugh. The house itself was hardly more welcoming. “It barely had a kitchen or bathroom and nothing was working properly,” she says. But Gendy and Hugh, parents to James, nine, and ten-year-old twins Sam and Tom, were both brought up in “big, old farmhouses” and saw romance in the rundown cottage. “It definitely had some charm about it; the lovely sandstone and the verandah,” says Gendy,…

Homeowner and interior designer Irene couldn’t resist the challenge of renovating this once dilapidated dwelling, drawing on the villa’s history. In the kitchen and dining areas old floor joists were painted with hydrated lime mixed with white oxide and then wire-brushed to use as roof beams. The handsome dining table was custom crafted, while the dining chairs feature loose covers made from linen that Irene picked up at a local fabric store. An antique black-iron light fitting adds a rustic note, as do vintage-style pendants (get the look with Mica Lighting ‘Studio’ pendants) and industrial bar stools (try Rustix Furniture for similar). KITCHEN Irene worked with Tony Parker, from New Zealand handmade cabinetry and furniture company Tree Essence, to design the space around one of her most prized possessions –…

allergy-specific cleaners A new suite of vacuums includes accessories and technologies designed to clean deeply and tackle problem areas that harbour dust and allergens, as well as HEPA filtration (a process which forces air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles) – the gold standard for allergy sufferers. THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY MAKES FOR A MORE efficient AND EFFECTIVE CLEAN hvaancudu-smtisck Lightweight and cordless, the latest stick vacuums boast better suction, superior filtration and increased manoeuvrability. Most convert into a handheld device – ideal for smaller surfaces and spot cleaning – and have improved battery life and short charging times. robot devices Cordless and compact, robotic vacuums use a combination of sensors and internal software to map out a room’s dimensions and reach every spot. They can be pre-programmed to…

BUYING ANY LARGE kitchen appliance is a considerable investment and one you’ll live with for a long time – so it’s important to choose wisely. Start the process by whittling down your options: consider your lifestyle and family size, the kitchen’s dimensions and layout, as well as your budget. As a guide, Liam Murphy of Kitchens By Design recommends allocating between 30 and 40 per cent of your overall kitchen spend to appliances. Here, we dish up the latest developments and tips from the experts. OVENS size The most common single oven width is 600mm (although 700mm-900mm models are also widely available). But not all are created equal; the size of the oven cavity varies so check the litre capacity before you buy, and measure the internal space against your…

MUSHROOM LASAGNE Serves 6 60g butter, extra for greasing 1⁄3 cup plain flour 2 cups milk 300ml light cooking cream Salt and cracked black pepper ½ cup grated cheddar or tasty cheese 1¼ cups grated parmesan 1⁄3 cup olive oil 200g Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced 500g button mushrooms, sliced 350g Portobello mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 cup white wine 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp finely chopped oregano 2 tsp chopped thyme leaves 4-5 fresh lasagne sheets 1. cups grated mozzarella cheese 1. Heat butter in a medium saucepan over a medium heat until sizzling. Add flour. Cook, whisking, for 2 minutes. Remove pan from the heat. Gradually add milk, whisking between additions until smooth before adding more. Return pan to a medium heat and whisk in…

Defined by gentle curves and sweeping contours that effortlessly, the organic styling trend takes its inspiration directly from nature. The elimination of sharp lines and edges offer an escape from the constructed world. Curved pans and sculpted baths. Shapes so gentle they invite a human touch. Beautifully simple forms sooth and relax the mind. This look is warm, welcoming and wonderful. To see more emerging trends visit www.reece.com.au/trends Soft, gentle curves inspired by nature. Create a space to unfurl and unwind.…

It’s the best of the bathroom minimised. The perfect powder room focuses on style and sophistication with t the clever use of compact fittings and fixtures. It’s all about creating the illusion of space. You want to create the right interplay of function, performance and design, balanced with stunning decorative touches. To see more emerging trends visit www.reece.com.au/trends Creating the illusion of space. The best of the bathroom minimised.…

4 BATHROOM MAKEOVER palette Shades of grey were traded for splashes of blue in the revamp of Tanja and Adam’s bathroom. “We absolutely love the colour of the vanity – it brings out the tones in the floor tiles,” says Tanja of the bespoke floating joinery, powdercoated in Dulux Moncur, and Mutina ‘Tex’ tiles from Academy Tiles. A simple ‘Scoop’ pendant from Lights Lights Lights keeps the spotlight on these star features. fittings The eye-catching vanity boasts a semi-recessed basin – try Rogerseller for similar – with a sleek mirrored shaving cabinet providing additional storage above. The basin taps and showerhead are both by Fantini Mare from Rogerseller. Designer Petrina Turner incorporated two niches into the shower to house soaps and shampoos. WHO LIVES HERE? Tanja, who works in financial…

fittings Once a bedroom, Breanna and Dane’s new bathroom is a vision of timeless design. The custom mirrored cabinets and Shaker-style floating vanity in Dulux White on White, both by Creative Cabinet Making, add to the room’s light and bright feel. The vanity was fitted with an Ideal Standard ‘Tonic Vessel’ basin and Scala extended mixer, both from Reece. Classic contemporary designs abound, from the Mizu shower arm, Posh ‘Domaine’ showerhead and Phoenix ‘Gen Y’ mixer, all from Reece, to the Villeroy & Boch ‘O Novo’ toilet suite. WHO LIVES HERE? Breanna, a lawyer; her husband Dane, a project manager; and their one-year-old daughter, Paige. ORIGINAL ROOM: A bedroom in a semi-detached Federation home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. TIME FRAME: Nine months (the bathroom was part of a bigger renovation).…

10 BATHROOM MAKEOVER vanity Imogene thought her original bathroom was so hideous that when friends came to dinner, she actually taped the light switch so it couldn’t be turned on, and illuminated the room with candles to hide the worst of it! With her husband Jim, she has transformed it into this country-chic haven. The couple inherited the solid wood washstand, but weren’t happy with its red-brown finish. Several coats of Dulux White on White solved the colour issue, while a sink found in a Beaumont Tiles sale and a Mondella ‘Maestro’ mixer from Bunnings replaced the original plastic basin. WHO LIVES HERE? Imogene, HB’s creative director, her husband Jim; and their children, Will, 12, and Chloe, four. ORIGINAL ROOM: A tired, terracotta-tiled shower room in a heritage-style cottage in…

RUG ‘Diamond Braid’ wool rug in Natural Grey, $1499/3.5m x 2.5m, The Rug Collection. Cassie, 31, and Matt, 30, requested a retro revival TAS House Rules 1. Give us a modern take on a 1960s vibe. 2. Make the bathroom a conversation starter. 3. Deck out our guest bedroom in a nautical theme. 4. Bring a surfie feel to the study. 5. Keep it sophisticated. Living & dining rooms Even before their House Rules renovation, Cassie and Matt loved the amount of natural light in their home, and when the walls came down between the living and dining rooms, the light was amplified. Steve and Tiana of Team NSW capitalised on this open feel by giving the ‘Morris’ sofa from Harvey Norman and Retro Jan ‘Helga’ coffee table a place…

Ben, 32, and Danielle, 31, wanted their home to match its beautiful location QLD House Rules 1. Style our house preppy eclectic. 2. Deliver us a mix of old and new one-off pieces. 3. Make our entry quiet but showy. 4. Retain a hint of ‘ski chalet’ in the living room. 5. Give us a dressing room to die for. Living room A smash hit with both the judges and the homeowners, the lounge room, designed by Cassie and Matt from Team Tasmania, is a lesson in classic elegance. In fashion, the preppy look is characterised by chinos and Polo Ralph Lauren, but in interiors it’s all about clean detailing – the timber-clad fireplace hearth, painted in Valspar Even Keel, is ideal. This near-perfect room references the pulled-together style of…

A A Few Good Women afewgoodwomen.com. Abey (03) 9747 7777, abey.com.au. ABL Tile & Bathroom Centre (02) 9623 0499, abltilecentre.com.au. About Space aboutspace. net.au. Academy Tiles academytiles.com.au. Accent Blinds 131 913, accentblinds.com.au. Ace Stone + Tiles (07) 5493 3344, acestone.com.au. Adairs 1300 783 005, adairs.com.au. AH Beard 1300 654 000, ahbeard.com.au. Ajar (03) 9417 0015, ajar.com.au. Alchemy Produx alchemyprodux.com. Alex Bowen Carpet Court (02) 9663 4085, carpetcourt.com.au. Allan Davis Furniture Maker 0427 975 947. Amalfi (03) 9474 1300, amalfihomewares.com.au. Anaesthetic Design anaestheticdesign.com. Anami Textiles +64 (09) 307 1593, anami.co.nz. Annandale Wallpapers (02) 9519 4139, anwallpapers.com.au. Antiques Warehouse (03) 6231 1453, antiqueswarehousehobart.com. Apollo Blinds apolloblinds.com.au. Armadillo & Co (02) 9698 4043, armadillo-co.com. Art Of Kitchens 1300 843 683, artofkitchens.com.au. Artedomus (02) 9557 5060, artedomus.com. Art Shed artshedonline.com.au. Asko 1300 002 756,…

WITH THE POSSIBLE exception of Tasmania, Australia isn’t a nation that necessitates the use of electric blankets. But somehow it merely has to dip into single centigrade figures for us to scurry towards those down jackets and cashmere scarves bought on European holidays. Put a minus sign in front of that number and weather can become the lead story on the evening news. That said, the old electric blanket was always more about comfort than compulsion. Simply put, they were a technological revolution. Back in the day, if you wanted to add a touch of artificial heat to your bed, there were three basic options, the first of which has no place in a family publication such as this. The most archaic was the enclosed copper or brass pan on…

winning letter My husband and I emigrated from Canada just over a year and a half ago with two suitcases and four duffle bags – that’s it! It was quite a change of lifestyle for a couple of 40-somethings. We are now preparing to purchase our first home in Australia. Your magazine is a wonderful source of inspiration and will be a great resource when we furnish and decorate our new home. We are so excited to begin this next chapter in beautiful Australia! Janis Nicklas, Beaudesert, Qld This month’s prize… is a Hansgrohe ‘Croma Select’ overhead shower, priced from $350. Visit hansgrohe.com.au or call 1800 001 901 for more details “I’m on a husband-imposed excessive magazine consumption ban, but I could not resist the June HB cover! Can’t wait…

Thanks to years of experience in the interiors industry, Karen McCartney’s little black book is brimming with designers to check out and stores to see. Criteria This is a newish outfit bringing in contemporary designs from the United States and Europe. They’ve set up a big warehouse space and it feels very curated. Find designer pieces [such as the Nina Tolstrup sofa above], but not the designer pieces you see everywhere. They’re seeking out new overseas brands and presenting them to an Australian audience Visit: 66 Gwynne Street, Cremorne, Victoria., (03) 9421 2636. Open: Mon-Thur, 10am-5pm; Fri and Sat, by appointment only. Bookmark: criteriacollection.com.au. MUROBOND Karen: “While Murobond is essentially a paint company, Rowena Judd [of Murobond] also curates little markets and sales at the front of the shop [right],…

“This pretty cot says ‘sweet dreams’!” ~ Heidi Albertiri, HB senior stylist BUY IT NOW Use the free viewa app to scan this page and shop our top style finds.…

Homeowner Julianne (pictured opposite) revived vintage pieces and roadside finds to transform her 1950s fibro worker’s cottage into a mid-century marvel. “I do think about where these pieces might have been before or whose homes they may have been in,” she explains. Here on the jarrah verandah, mustard cushions from Freedom lend a cheerful pop of colour against dramatic black wire chairs, found at a vintage store in Fremantle. A classic Kartell table works seamlessly with the rustic-meets-retro theme. Sitting on the step of a weathered jarrah deck overlooking a garden shaded by a canopy of citrus, olive and peppermint trees, retro-enthusiast Julianne treasures her own slice of sundappled heaven. In this beguiling Perth coastal setting, the ardent collector of mid-century ceramics and homewares has become hooked on the sound…

Shannon and Kate diligently researched all the finishes, fixtures and colours for their new family home, seeking inspiration in magazines and online. In the living room, they turned to neutral hues and relaxed, earthy textures: a white leather sofa – King Living has beautiful options – topped with Bonnie And Neil cushions, along with a timber coffee table and side table from One World in Noosa. Kate picked up the artwork in Ubud, Bali. DINING AREA The undeniable focal point in the dining area is the soaring back wall, where Rockcote ‘Smooth Sanding Patch’ acrylic render acts as a backdrop for a striking David Bromley artwork. “We’d had our eye on the piece for quite some time and eventually decided it was an investment that would truly offset the entire…

WINDOWS ARE ONE of the most important design features of a home, delivering both natural light and a connection with the outdoors. In the colder months, they’re also key to keeping your home cosy, with cracks, gaps and single-pane glass accounting for up to 40 per cent of heat loss. “Windows are like holes in your home,” explains Jenny Brown of Luxaflex Window Fashions. “Heat passes through the glass to equalise the inside and outside temperature.” With energy costs going ever northward, it pays to choose glass, frames and window treatments that not only look good but also offer the best insulation. “THE MORE CURTAIN layers, THE BETTER THE INSULATION” ~ REVONA GRICE, ACCENT BLINDS all a-glaze North-facing windows are ideal for maximising passive heat in winter. Double- or triple-glazing…

A GOOD NIGHT’S sleep is important to your health, so when the weather turns wintry, make sure your bedroom is the relaxing sanctuary it should be. Your bed is the key factor here, with your choice of mattress and quilt ensuring your nights remain restful. Add a luscious and inviting mix of fabrics and finishes and you will create an intimate space that will be difficult to resist. bed basics Crisp linen and layers of plush throws, blankets and cushions will make your bedroom an instant drawcard, but it’s the hardware of your bed that will play an essential role in getting the sleep you need. Mattresses such as ‘Flex Gel’ from AH Beard are designed with fabrics that breathe and adapt to changes in body temperature, while electric blankets…

shared table This month, skip the traditional dinner party and gather the clan for a relaxed affair. Scatter the table with cheese boards, seasonal produce and crusty bread, and raise a glass to easy entertaining.…

shower High on homeowners Anna and Mark’s bathroom wishlist was a fresh and light aesthetic. Now, frosted frameless glass from Clearly Frameless demarcates the shower recess and creates privacy – without detracting from the room’s open feel. Hydrotherm ‘Milan’ heated towel rails from Reece are conveniently fitted within easy reach. bath The freestanding Kado ‘Arc’ bath with Ram ‘Yeva’ mixer, both from Reece, is a major drawcard. “The previous design of the bathroom failed to best utilise the space,” says Anna. “Repositioning the bath from the back wall to under the window worked perfectly.” The vinyl wallpaper, Elitis Kandy ‘Tears From Paradise’ from Seneca Textiles, enhances the bathroom’s sunny demeanour. 2 BATHROOM MAKEOVER vanity The curved custom timber veneer vanity, topped with Essastone in Torrone and Kado ‘Arc’ undermount basins,…

shower Homeowners Kristi and Brad’s glamorous bathroom is the result of careful planning. The walk-in shower and Porcher ‘Cygnet’ toilet from Reece are partially concealed for privacy, and the area is clad in Carrara marble tiles from Teranova. To ensure the shower space was wide enough, the couple – who designed the space with the help of Reece Bathrooms – invited friends around when the formwork went up to pretend they were showering. “We wanted to check we’d have enough elbow room!” Brad says. The shower screens and mirror are from Dungan Glass. vanity The custom floating vanity is coated in hard-wearing 2-pac Dulux White on White, accompanied by a thick slab of Carrara marble. Twin ‘Axa’ basins from Reece are teamed with chrome ‘Olde English’ taps with porcelain handles…

materials Sarah and Jacob’s renovated bathroom owes much of its appeal to fabulous yet practical finishes. The floating apron-fronted vanity, devised by interior designer Amber Ma, is made from Carrara marble with Polytec laminate drawers. “We specified a laser finish, so there aren’t any lines where the panels meet,” explains designer Fiona Austin. “It looks like 2-pac but is harder wearing.” Large Strata porcelain floor tiles from Ital Ceramics were chosen to tie in with an existing ensuite in the home. Fiona and Amber used the same tiles to clad a shelf running the length of the room. WHO LIVES HERE? Sarah, a lawyer; her husband, Jacob, general manager of a restaurant chain; and their children Jamison, three, and Isabella, one. ORIGINAL ROOM: The main bathroom in the family’s inner-Melbourne,…

bath Curved shapes in the form of a sculptural pendant (find similar at Coco Flip), and touches of timber in a ladder and stool, both from HK Living, combine to create a soft, elegant look in Karen and Jeff’s family bathroom. The Rogerseller ‘Amelie’ bath, with its asymmetrical lines and tapered stainless-steel legs, is a modern interpretation of the classic claw-foot tub. Posh ‘Bristol Lever’ tapware from Reece completes the look. 8 BATHROOM MAKEOVER WHO LIVES HERE? Karen, Jeff and their three children, Flynn, seven, Mikey, four, and Pip, two. ORIGINAL ROOM: The family bathroom in an Edwardian home in Melbourne. It was tatty, mouldy and unventilated, with lime-green taps providing the only hit of colour. TIME FRAME: Six weeks. WHY THE MAKEOVER? A water leak created an excuse for…

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.…

Steve, 47, and his daughter Tiana, 26, dreamed of reviving their family home NSW House Rules 1. Style our house like an awardwinning display home. 2. Dazzle us with leather and concrete. 3. Add shiny bling to the master bedroom. 4. Give us black, white and red all over. 5. Go over the top in the boys’ bedrooms. Kitchen Red gloss subway tiles from Beaumont Tiles form a striking splashback that sets the tone for this modern abode. White gloss wall tiles and a Caesarstone benchtop in Nougat contrast with high-shine black cabinetry for a look that wows. Despite the sleek finish, the renovation wasn’t all smooth sailing for South Australia’s Ryan and Marlee, who looked after the zone and experienced a comedy of errors throughout the week. Not enough…

WA – HOUSE REVEALED ! See all the stunning shots from Team Western Australia’s spectacular home reveal the moment it’s unveiled on Channel Seven’s House Rules. Jump straight on to the House Rules app powered by Home Beautiful to get the lowdown on Karina and Brian’s home’s amazing transformation and shop the best products from all the House Rules homes.…

touch base An alluring texture mix is key to creating winter-worthy interiors. Nestle into soft shaggy cushions paired with warm moody lighting and a tempting rug; all here to entice you to spend a lazy afternoon curled up on the couch. On sofa, from left: ‘Shaggy’ cushion, $59.95, ‘Apex’ cushion in Gold, $54.95, both Linen House. ‘Deer’ cushion, $199.95, Ugg Australia. Vittoria ‘Iris’ sofa in Stone, $3165, Globe West. Santa & Cole ‘Cesta’ lamp, $880, Ajar. On coffee table, from left: Oggetti bowl, $475.20/small, Lup candle holder in Black, $54, both Cult. Terrarium, $95, Contents ID. Book, stylist’s own. ‘Barista’ latte cup in Black, $6.95, Domayne. Heerenhuis ‘Nimbus II’ coffee table, $1880, Spence & Lyda. ‘Montezuma’ rug in Grey, $4020/270cm x 180cm, Hali Rugs. Stockists, page 262…

“Blue hues rule on my wishlist this month” ~ Rachel Peters, HB stylist BUY IT NOW Use the free viewa app to scan this page and shop our top style finds.…

BARGAIN BUYS MID-RANGE SPLASH OUT…

KITCHEN The concrete bench base gives the kitchen a raw, industrial aesthetic, warmed by countertops in African mahogany and vintage treasures such as the butcher’s scales. Open shelves display an eclectic collection of beloved crockery. “IT WAS A VERY liberating EXPERIENCE, BEING MY OWN client FOR A CHANGE” ~ EMMANUELLE CONCRETE STAIN Get the look with Concrete Wash in Charcoal, $51.90/1L, Porter’s Paints. There’s something Parisian about the spirit of this 1920s cottage: that very specific combination of laissez-faire ease and studied sophistication that is so uniquely French. It all makes perfect sense when you discover the provenance and backstory of its owners, interior architect Emmanuelle and her husband, architect and landscape designer Patrice – both French ex-pats living in Cape Town, South Africa. Charm reigns in this period home,…

On stool: ‘Abstract’ mug, $29.95, Domayne. Wooden platter, stylist’s own. Book, Oscar & Friends. ‘Carry On’ stool, $1224.30, Cult. On chair, from left: Long wool rug in Natural, $129.95, Ugg Australia. ‘Shaggy’ cushion, $59.95, Linen House. Hand-knitted cotton blanket, $225, Stone. Hans Wegner ‘J16’ rocking chair, $3150, Great Dane. On window: Curtains in ‘Tunisia’ fabric, from $277/m, Mokum. On floor: ‘Fes’ wool shag rug in Ivory/Slate, $599/152 x 224cm, West Elm. Stockists, page 262 warm embrace Chilly days make us all the more excited about spending time inside our homes. Turn up the heat with our winter warming essentials, from crackling fires and clever window treatments to cosy carpets and bedding so snuggly you’ll never want to leave!…

IF THERE’S EVER a season when soft flooring will shoot to the top of your wish list, it’s winter. As the temperature plummets, unless your home has under-floor heating, hard floors can let in cold draughts and account for serious heat loss. Beat the chill with a heavenly carpet or rug, which provide plenty of insulation, can reduce ambient noise by up to 55 per cent and offer emotional warmth, too. woven wonders Wool-rich carpets should also be top of mind when winter-proofing, as wool has the ability to regulate inside temperatures. “Put simply, it breathes,” explains Cavalier Bremworth’s Desiree Keown. “Wool carpet absorbs moisture when the indoor air is damp and releases it when the air is dry. It can absorb up to a third of its weight in…

FRENCH ONION SOUP Serves 6 50g butter 2 tbsp olive oil 800g brown onions, thinly sliced Pinch sugar ¾ cup white wine 1.5L good-quality beef or chicken stock, hot Bouquet garni (see tip) Salt and cracked black pepper ½ sourdough loaf, cut into 1cm slices Olive oil cooking spray 1 clove garlic, peeled, halved 200g grated gruyère or good-quality cheddar Thyme sprigs, to garnish 1. Heat butter and oil in a stockpot over a medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until beginning to soften. Cover with lid, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 20 minutes or until soft. Remove lid, stir in sugar and cook for a further 15 minutes or until onions reach a rich, caramelised consistency without burning. 2. Add…

bath Original sash windows, refreshed with high-gloss Resene paint in Black, frame the greenery outside homeowner Colleen’s gorgeous new bathing haven. Positioned below the window is a Villeroy & Boch ‘La Belle’ freestanding bath, which Colleen admits was a splurge. Charcoal ‘Bluestone’ porcelain tiles from Di Lorenzo ground the space. “I love the tiles,” says Colleen. “They give the room definition and dimension.” An elegant ‘Shu’ wooden stool from The Design Hunter lends natural beauty. WHO LIVES HERE? Colleen, a management consultant. ORIGINAL ROOM: Three terracotta-tiled rooms forming part of a terraced home, ripe for renovation, in Sydney’s inner west. TIME FRAME: About 10 weeks. WHY THE MAKEOVER? “The original space was a disaster,” recalls Colleen. “There was a bath, shower and basin in one room, which you couldn’t even…

A trend that’s taking off right now, Fine Lines is defined by beautifully delicate design expressed through revolutionary c craftsmanship. Impossibly thin yet incredibly strong. It delivers a seamless aesthetic underpinned by precise engineering. It’s all about the rejection of ornamentation, bulk and fuss. This look is innovative, honest and pure. To see more emerging trends visit www.reece.com.au/trends Expression through cutting edge design. Innovative. Honest. Pure.…

Bold and dramatic, Black & White is one trend that never goes out of fashion. Driven by innovative new materials and finishes, Black & White is all about visual theatre. Contrast high gloss finishes with muted blacks or brilliant whites. Accent with chrome. Even add a striking centrepiece like a black freestanding bath. This combination makes a statement and leaves an impression. To see more emerging trends visit www.reece.com.au/trends Make a statement and leave an impression. Bold, dramatic and all about visual theatre.…

bath When planning her new bathroom, homeowner Carlye considered a freestanding bath, but is pleased she opted for a built-in design instead. “I love that I can place candles and products along the ledges,” she says. The ‘Comfort’ 1600 bath from Rogerseller is teamed with a Ram ‘Luka’ square bath mixer from Reece, and is separated from the functional parts of the room. “The bath is well positioned for the views and I also love the fact that I can’t see the toilet from the tub,” adds Carlye. WHO LIVES HERE? Carlye, a student nurse; her husband Trevor, a doctor; and their children Ivy, five, and Bridget, three. ORIGINAL ROOM: A bedroom in a 1940s Queenslander, located in Brisbane’s inner west. TIME FRAME: Eight weeks. WHY THE MAKEOVER? “The house…

materials Designer Darren Genner turned to earthy finishes to transform Leanne and Marcus’s stark bathroom into something special. Timber-look ‘Plank’ tiles in White Natural Matt from Living Tiles work well with the timber cladding in Oak from New Age Veneers on the vanity, and ‘Elba’ marble in White (from Minosa) on the bath and recess. The Corian basin from Minosa appears to float through the glass shower screen… or does it? “If the vanity stopped short of the glass it would have had a stumpy feeling, so we continued the basin to meet the glass and then made a little piece on the other side,” explains Darren. “It’s purely visual, to make it feel bigger.” WHO LIVES HERE? Leanne and Marcus, both professionals. ORIGINAL ROOM: The main bathroom in a…

Ryan, 29, and Marlee, 26, wanted a cheerful and inviting home SA House Rules 1. Make our house upbeat sleek. 2. Hit us with a bam! in every room. 3. Serve up happiness and sunshine in our kitchen. 4. Create a man cave with a Big Day Out feel. 5. Give our bedrooms cheeky attitude. Kitchen Ryan and Marlee’s kitchen is both upbeat and sleek thanks to a transformation by Team Tasmania, Cassie and Matt. The renovators chose Profile ‘Whitehaven’ cabinetry from Masters to match the Caesarstone benchtop in Pure White. Keen to enliven the space, they refinished the base cabinets with 2-pac in Dulux Happy and had the Pickawall ‘Chevron’ wallpaper behind the splashback matched to the same yellow paint colour. The green-tinged Stegbar toughened glass changed the tint…