Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2015 i Australian Home Beautiful

There is absolutely no doubt, that when renovating, the bathroom and kitchen have the power to instill more angst than any other rooms in the home. And it’s clear why – more money is generally spent in these two rooms than any other; more tradespeople are needed here than in other areas in the house; and more decisions need to be made here on finishes, fixtures and furniture than anywhere else. I also think the decisions you make in either the kitchen or the bathroom feel more permanent, and this drives the stress to new heights. The layout of your kitchen, for example, is pretty much set in stone once you’ve settled on it – it’s not a simple matter of moving the lounge to a new spot or the…

CLAY IS SO varied TO WORK WITH AND OFFERS SO MUCH creative SCOPE” ~ SUSAN THE CREATIVE HEART of Susan Simonini’s workspace is an old kitchen table topped with a slab of clay, waiting to be transformed. Nearby, shelves lined with a rainbow of paint pots and glazes sit alongside a desk piled high with orders to dispatch. In an adjoining room, floor-to-ceiling open shelving holds beautiful vessels, bowls and plates in various stages of production – awaiting a dip in a bucket of glaze, hand-painting or firing in the kiln. This maker’s haven is a former garage and spare room, which together form an enviably large studio tucked behind Susan’s family home in a leafy Gold Coast suburb. “Our house by comparison is tiny, so I feel very fortunate…

‘Ribbed Hurricane’ glass vase, $159/33cm x 22cm, Le Forge. ‘Pink’ limited edition photographic print, $769.81* (US$575)/76cm x 61cm, Ashley Woodson Bailey. Designers Guild ‘Chiron’ fabric in Alabaster (on sofa back), $334/m, ‘Shanghai Garden’ fabric in Peony (on sofa seat), $245/m, both Radford Furnishings. For a similar sofa, try the Sloane Avenue Collection ‘Charring’ 2-Seater sofa, $1529, Vavoom Emporium. Lamp stand, stylist’s own. Nina Campbell ‘Magnolia’ fabric (on lampshade), from $235/m, JAB ‘Orchid’ fabric (used as curtain), from $190/m, both Seneca. Fiddle leaf fig, $625/500mm, Garden Life. ‘Swish’ planter, $199.99/large, Flower Power. On sofa, from left: Designers Guild ‘Shanghai Garden’ cushion in Peony, $260, Radford Furnishings. Rachel Castle ‘Swatch’ cushion in Ice Grey, $49, Koskela. ‘Vanda’ cushion in Black, $155, Bonnie and Neil. On side table, from left: Vintage tray &…

STOP 1: Maiike Store With a focus on all things recycled, handmade, soft and squishy, Maiike is the perfect place to begin. The fact that coffee and cake are served is icing on the perfectly plump lamington. Aly Peel opened shop five years ago as a platform for her handmade soft toys and quilts, and every piece on the beautifully styled shelves is made from recycled jumpers. Taking the provenance of the products even further, customers are invited to bring in old items of clothes from family members for Aly and her team to stitch into modern-day heirlooms. If you’re in the mood for something wearable, they also create custom T-shirt patterns for a perfect fit. Must have: Heirloom quilts, from $270/cot, $1300/king; patchwork toys, $85-$135. Open: Mon-Fri 10-5.30pm; Sat…

“Handsome and handy, these boxes can be hung or stacked on the floor” ~ Rachel Peters, HB stylist…

Old and new blend beautifully in the home of Andrew and Rebecca and their three sons, with original features – stained glass and timber floors {opposite, top left} – preserved and complemented by classic features, including a butler’s sink from Belfast Sinks {opposite, bottom left} in the new kitchen. Their brood of boys meant practicality was a top renovation priority. “Because the boys are always out in the backyard playing sports, we had a dead patch of dirt that used to drive us crazy,” says Rebecca, who eventually decided to lay artificial lawn from RenoGrass. “It’s the best decision we ever made.” “I wanted a timeless look for the house. I’m not a fan of ultra-clean, minimal interiors – I wanted it to feel lived-in” ~ Rebecca With its classic…

Subtle touches of blue and faded aqua hint at the harbourside surrounds of Jane and Joe’s home, from the large Charlotte Wilson painting in the living room {opposite} to the mismatched vintage dining chairs {this page} painted in Dulux Sloane. “Joe and I wanted to create a semi-formal dining area within the open space of the kitchen,” says Jane. This clever feat was achieved by hanging a striking chandelier from OneWorld Collection above a recycled timber dining table (dressed in Designer’s Guild ‘Madhuri’ fabric) found at Inside Traders & Co. A large timber arch mirror from Emac & Lawton is another stand-out piece and softens the large expanse of wall. PAINT Wash & Wear 101 Barrier Technology in Natural White, $74.95/4L, Dulux. As they wandered for the first time through…

Who lives here? Carolyn, founder of Shoe Love (shoe-love.com.au) and media HR and recruitment consultancy MAD People; Philip, a general counsel; and their son, Joshua, 6. Location: Sydney’s north shore. Time frame: Nine months. Why this house? Carolyn and Philip loved the area and particularly this street, which is in a heritage zone. They had been living nearby for 10 years, but were looking out for a bigger place. “We’ve always loved Federation homes and this place looked very familiar in style to the semi we were living in,” recalls Carolyn. “Then we came through the back and saw the view. It had such a sense of space and what Philip calls ‘aspect’. We put an offer in straight away!” Why the reno? The lower level had low ceilings and…

1 SIZE UP YOUR SPACE Sometimes it pays to think outside the square. “Under the stairs was actually the perfect depth for the fridge, cooktop, pantry – everything fits neatly,” explains designer Sally Rhys-Jones. “Also, the top of the pantry is essentially just above head height, so nothing will end up getting lost on a shelf you can’t see,” she adds. a part of the overhaul of their Sydney semi, Breanna and Dane had already decided they would relocate the kitchen to the light-filled lower level overlooking the backyard. But they also appreciated that shoe-horning everything on their wishlist into a relatively compact space might require expert help – particularly with Breanna then expecting baby Paige, who is now 14 months. With Dane’s brother, Heath, at work on the whole…

The optimum size of a kitchen island is all about scale and how you want to use the space. Large islands can look great, but it’s important they suit the overall size of the area and adjacent rooms, explains interior stylist Jane Ledger of Spacecrush. “Size and position will also be influenced by dining preferences,” she says. “Think about whether it will be your main eating and entertaining zone, or if it needs to be smaller to accommodate a separate dining table nearby.” Dimensions are also key – “The standard height for a kitchen island is 900mm,” says Felicity Page. “Plan a depth of around 900mm to allow for generous cupboards and drawers on one side, and a comfortable seating overhang of a least 300mm.” Another option is to split…

* MARBLE: “The natural beauty, colour variation and inherent texture of marble brings luxury and effortless sophistication into the kitchen,” says Jane. However, its beauty does come with a considerable price tag. It is also prone to marks and staining, and requires more maintenance than other materials. * ENGINEERED STONE: Products such as Caesarstone, Silestone and Essastone offer a vast range of finishes that emulate the look and feel of stone and marble at a fraction of the cost, explains Jane. “Engineered stone requires less maintenance and provides higher stain-resistance than marble, and the options keep growing,” she says. Recent additions to the Caesarstone range include a concrete effect and a marble look. * TIMBER: “Timber benchtops add warmth and texture to a space – yet to keep up appearances…

the ubiquitous subway tile now comes in myriad colours and finishes. New looks range from matt and mirrored to craquele and oxide explosions, which combine different glazes to create individual character and colour distribution. Even humble grout can lift a scheme (left). “Using contrasting grout accentuates the individual tiles and laying pattern, while coloured grout can add a sense of individuality and fun,” says Lena Zacharek of Urban Edge Ceramics. A brick pattern at half-length intervals has a traditional vibe. For a more modern look, try a stacked basket-weave formation or a herringbone pattern, where the tiles butt together either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Full-wall tiling (below left) is a classically enduring option. 59 off the wall: SUBWAY TILES…

whether as tiles on the walls or floor, or a slab atop a vanity, the natural beauty of marble adds grandeur to a bathroom – here, gorgeous Calacatta marble envelops the space for a luxurious bathing experience. “Yet due to the arduous process involved in procuring marble, it’s inherently expensive,” says Richard Earp of Earp Bros. “It’s also a porous material that absorbs water, so it requires ongoing maintenance and sealing, and often yellows with age,” he adds. To avoid these common issues, another option is to use a high-quality, marble-look tile. “It closely resembles the natural product, yet is resistant to acid etching, doesn’t stain or discolour and has a very low water-absorption rate,” explains Richard.…

having an open wet room instead of a traditional shower is not only on trend, but it’s a great way to implement a hotel-inspired look. “The benefit of an open shower with a simple pane of glass to keep water contained is that space can be used more efficiently and creatively, making a bathroom appear larger,” says Reece’s Daniela Santilli. “With less glass, they’re also often easier to clean.” Without the size restrictions associated with cubicles, there’s a lot more scope to create a double or wider shower, and to use a tiled wall, a fixed mirrored, or coloured panel in lieu of a plain glass screen. However, if you have a slim space and budget, a shower cubicle will squeeze into a tight spot or a corner, where there…

90 vanity stars Size and style are the key considerations when selecting a vanity. “A cabinet can dominate a space, so there needs to be a balance between functional bench space, storage and overall scale,” says Rachael Turner of The Inside Project. Sink selection will also have an impact. “If it’s for a busy family bathroom, think about how much built-in storage you’ll need, whether you’re after a single-sink or double-sink vanity and if an inset or above-the-counter basin is preferable,” advises Reece’s Daniela Santilli. For a cohesive scheme, take colour and textural cues from your overall design; you may want to repeat timber hues from other parts of the house or use the same hues as you did for the kitchen. If the space needs warmth, consider a custom…

98 OPEN UP Look to a room’s strengths when renovating a zone. “In this case, we were lucky enough to have good ceiling height, so we found a way to maximise its impact with the long feature wall panel of ‘Roman Stacked Stone’ [400mm x 200mm bluestone tiles] from Beyond Tiles,” says designer Jasmine McClelland. “This makes the bathroom feel bigger, wider and more open.” 99 DESIGN WINS Wall-mounted tapware is a really clever touch. It frees up hob space over the vanity (below) and is also a useful solution here over the tub. The mix of stones is surprising in its warmth and femininity” ~ JASMINE, DESIGNER melburnians Veronica and Peter had clear ideas about their bathroom’s transformation. “We wanted clean lines with a beautiful bath and a relaxing…

VINTAGE-LOOK CHINA IN florals CREATES A WHIMSICAL SETTING FOR A springtime GATHERING PERFECT pastry PARCELS ARE SWEET COMPANY TO YOUR favourite POT OF TEA FIG & ALMOND PASTRIES VICTORIA SANDWICH APPLE ROSEBUD TARTS THESE delightful BITE-SIZED TREATS MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP AT JUST one A STICKY twist TO AN OLD classic WILL HAVE GUESTS REACHING FOR seconds GLAZED LAVENDER LEMONADE SCONES Makes 26 Softened butter, for greasing 3. cups self-raising flour, plus extra for kneading Pinch of salt 3 tsp culinary lavender, extra for garnish (see tip) 300ml pure cream 1 cup lemonade Lemon curd or jam, to serve Glaze 1 cup icing sugar 1. tbsp water 1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease two 20cm x 30cm lamington tins with butter (a slice tin or a tin with straight…

PROJECT 1 driftwoodplanter “THE TEXTURE OF DRIFTWOOD IS gorgeous AND LOOKS PERFECT ALONG A TABLE” ~ TARA PROJECT 1: DRIFTWOOD PLANTER YOU WILL NEED: • Discarded tree branch • Potting mix suitablefor succulents • Netting, if required • Succulents Branches with small hollowsare ideal as you can tuck littleplants neatly in. Succulentsneed only a light mist ofwater every now and then. METHOD: 1. Add potting mix to hollowsin branch. If your log has a holeall the way through, use a littlenetting to help retain the soil. 2. Arrange succulents in theirpots at varying heights to seehow they will sit in the planter.Have taller types shadowingsmaller, as well as low-coveringones to create interest. Thenplant them directly in the soil. PROJECT 2: LOG SIDE TABLE YOU WILL NEED: • Log • Four…

winning letter I love decorating my home and surrounding myself with beautiful things and ideas. For this, I thank Home Beautiful for, as over the years you have provided me with countless inspirations, as well as where to purchase longed-for items. However, when school holidays arrive, so do my collection of grandchildren, bringing with them lots of gifts for me that have been crafted with love. The house becomes a display for their presents and it just fills with love and laughter. When they go, I welcome back my calmness but there is no doubt that while they are here my beautiful house becomes a beautiful home. Joan Gall, Redland Bay, Qld. This month’s prize… is a ‘TVH 500’ Electric Heater with remote control from Vornado, valued at $349. Visit…

Introducing the mooiPLANK: our exclusive design collaboration with the 2014 Design Unearthed winner Melanie Muddle from HoutenPlank. The mooiPLANK (Dutch for “beautiful board”) is made from sustainably grown Tasmanian Oak and is perfect for serving and sharing food. Handcrafted by Melanie, each PLANK is painted with a non-toxic acrylic paint, and seasoned with mineral oil and beeswax butter. The mooiPLANK is available in a long or square option, or can be bought as a pair. Don’t miss out!…

“This scandi-inspired bunk takes bedtime to new heights” ~ Rachel Peters, HB stylist…

BARGAIN BUYS MID-RANGE SPLASH OUT…

Raw materials are allowed to shine in Kim and her family’s cleverly renovated home, from the weathered ironbark deck {opposite} that stretches along the north-facing side of the rear extension, to the polished concrete flooring, which flows from the open-plan living area out to the courtyard {this page}. “We wanted an outdoor area that was part of the house and truly undercover – we eat out here a lot,” says Kim, whose daughter Emma is pictured. This stunning space is dominated by a wall of silvertop ash, cleverly disguising a double garage. A bird nest-like pendant light from Mance Design takes centrestage over a teak table from Oishi in Sydney, teamed with retro-chic replica US Navy chairs (try Matt Blatt for similar Opening the door to her beachside home in…

The exterior jarrah screens of this stunning Western Australian home provide privacy for homeowners Juliet and Mark, and their two sons. “At first I didn’t think we needed it,” says Juliet, “but the architects insisted. I’m so glad they did because it looks amazing.” The spacious kitchen and dining area {opposite} is highlighted by earthy colours and textures, including a recycled teak island benchtop and a feature wall painted in Dulux Grape Leaf KITCHEN The teak island benchtop, custom-made by Empire Homewares, doubles as a massive chopping board. “We did look at a piece of stone, but because we had stainless steel where the sink and hob are, and bluestone tiles on the floor, we wanted to soften the room with wood,” explains Juliet. The two ovens are identical “and…

THE KEY TO any well-designed room lies in careful planning, and the laundry is no exception. At a minimum, you need a washing machine, a sink and at least a little storage, while folding space, hampers and a hanging rack are welcome additions. Fitting everything you need into an often less-than-mighty space can be a challenge, but our experts are here to help. Step 1 DRAW UP A WISHLIST Forget about budget or space restrictions and simply write down everything you’d love to have in your new laundry – be it a new washer and dryer, plenty of bench space for folding, a double sink, hanging space for shirts, a clothes hamper, ironing station, or a dedicated cabinet for cleaning products. Don’t hold back – this is a dream list!…

With modern homes embracing free-flowing, open-plan living, timber floors have gone beyond the living area and into kitchens to create a vast, cohesive expanse. “Beyond its natural beauty and lovely feel underfoot, timber adds a sense of warmth and texture, which can be a great way to soften the sheen and sharp edges of surrounding kitchen surfaces,” says Emma Bolger of Choices Flooring. Whether you opt for a pale, dark or white-wash look, timber provides a timeless foundation, but it does need care. “Soak up liquid spills as quickly as possible,” explains Emma. “Excessive water can soak into the pores of timber flooring, so it’s best to mop up spillages as they occur with a dry mop.” A regular sweep or vacuum will keep dust and debris at bay, while…

Spacecrush’s Jane Ledger advises to take a moment to consider the location of your sink. “Think about if you want your kitchen sink in the island bench, or if it’s more convenient away from the serving zone and closer to the dishwasher and clearing-up area,” she says. Style options include top-mount, integrated or easy-to-clean undermount. If you wash a lot of big pots, you may prefer a deep double sink to a single. Also consider if you need a drainer or are happy to forego one for a more seamless look. “Stainless steel is the most popular finish – brushed or satin finishes hold up better than polished or mirror finishes, which will show scratches and stains,” says Jane. Other options include a large porcelain or ceramic butler’s sink, which…

60 ROOM WITH A VIEW To draw the eye down this long, narrow bathroom towards the window and its garden views, interior designer Naomi Freier had the Clearwater ‘Formoso’ freestanding bathtub from Reece placed beneath it. She added a statement ‘Norfolk’ ceiling light from Magins and carefully minimised the impact of the shower. “We used a long, tiled drainage grate that almost disappears against the wall and a single glass panel rather than a shower enclosure,” explains Naomi. 61 SPECIAL INTEREST The unique vanity was created by adapting an antique set of drawers, found at Miguel Meirelles Antiques, and pairing it with a Moda ‘Claudine’ stone vessel basin in a matt finish from ACS Designer Bathrooms. For practicality, Naomi had the drawers top-coated in marine oil to make them waterproof.…

68 PORCELAIN: Hard-wearing, water-resistant and affordable, porcelain tiles are available in a variety of finishes from textured through to polished. With advancements in digital printing, they can also mimic the look and feel of timber, stone and concrete. 69 POLISHED CONCRETE: With its industrial vibe, this option provides a single, easy-to-clean surface with no grout lines. “Modern polished concrete with expressed aggregate can create varied looks and effects but is more costly than most tiles,” says Jasmine McClelland of Jasmine McClelland Design. 70 NATURAL STONE: “Beautiful and durable, natural products such as marble add elegance,” advises interior stylist Jane Ledger of Spacecrush. “Cross-cut and vein-cut travertines add warmth and texture, and are becoming more affordable.” However, Lena Zacharek of Urban Edge Ceramics adds, “Marble is easily corroded by acidic substances,…

For Melbourne interior designer Christine Casey and her husband Andrew, transforming their dining room into a luxe ensuite made perfect sense. “The dining room was hardly used, as we have a lovely informal eating area at the other end of the house,” she says. Now, Christine couldn’t be happier with her made-for-pampering new zone. “We’ve never looked back,” she says, “now we wonder why we agonised over the decision.” Contact: Pure Style Interiors, purestyleinteriors.com.au. 77 NEW STUDY To work with the era of her period home, interior designer Christine wanted clean lines and lots of charcoal, white and dark timber tones. “ I selected a veneer finish to keep the details simple and wanted the marble to be the hero,” she says. 78 REFLECTED GLORY Mirrored shaving cabinets offer additional…

the powder room is one area in the house where you can really pack a stylish punch. “As it’s often small, you can afford to invest more in the finishes and be more daring in your choices,” says designer Rachael Turner of The Inside Project. For functionality, opt for a slimline loo and wall-hung basin, to take up minimal space and free up the floor area. To create a focal point, use a large mirror to reflect light around the room and combine with a striking pendant to draw the eye up. An integrated sink – made from materials such as Corian or stone – creates less visual noise, so can be a good choice in a sleek space that’s small on size. Add decorative finishes that introduce subtle colour…

103 FRESH & FILTERED Adequate ventilation is essential in bathrooms to expel steam and humid air before it has the chance to condense into moisture and cause mildew and mould. The best way to properly ventilate your bathroom is with a source of inflowing air, either through a window or vent, combined with an extraction fan. “For a well-ventilated, average-sized bathroom, an exhaust fan should be capable of completely replacing the air in the room between 15-20 times per hour,” says Denise Hammond of Beacon Lighting. “Use this as a guide when selecting fan capacity. And for maximum efficiency, position the fan opposite a window or vent.” heat master The best way to enjoy your bathroom year round is to ensure it is toasty in cooler months. A heated towel…

BURGERS WITH CHEESY ALE SAUCE& ONION FRIES Makes 4 600g beef mince 1 egg 1 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp tomato sauce ½ cup dried breadcrumbsSalt and cracked black pepper 4 brioche or plain burger buns,split, toastedBarbecue sauceBread & butter cucumberpickles (optional) Cheesy ale sauce 30g butter ¼ cup plain flour ¾ cup pale ale ½ cup milk 2 tsp hot English mustard 1 cup grated vintage cheddar Onion fries 2 large onions (500g), peeled 600ml buttermilk 1½ cups plain flour 1 tsp ground sea salt 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1. Place mince, egg, garlic powder, Worcestershire and tomatosauces and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Season. Mix with your hand untilcombined. Shape into 4 patties the same size as your burger buns. Place on a plate. Cover…

Spring is in bloom – it’s time to open the doors and let in the light. Tune in to Mother Nature’s brighter mood by bringing outdoor touches indoors with botanical-inspired colour palettes and fragrant floral arrangements. ‘Croix’ cupboard, $1579, La Maison. ‘Max Tufted’ sofa, $19,553, Cavit & Co. Jonathan Adler ‘Nixon’ cocktail table (used as coffee table) in Marble & Brushed Brass, $2795, Jonathan Adler ‘Hans’ brass side table, $1995, ‘Brentwood’ velvet armchairs, $2475 each, all Coco Republic. ‘Savine’ rug in Indigo, $2800/1.6m x 2.6m, Radford Furnishings. On sofa, from left: ‘Marble’ blue cushion, $130, Kerrie Brown. Missoni ‘Leeka’ cushion, $235, Spence & Lyda. ‘Belles Fleurs’ Strelitzia cushion, $140, Kerrie Brown. Elitis ‘Orphee’ velvet cushion, from $230, Seneca. Missoni ‘Pascal’ throw, $770, Top 3 by Design. ‘Marbled Moons’ cushion, $130,…

“Elio, my upholsterer, has done work for three generations of my family,” says Juliet, above. “He has a great attention to detail,” she adds. “He’s old school – it’s an art for him, a real craft.” Visit: 26 Wellington Street, Waterloo, (02) 9310 3351. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. The Crystal Temple “Crystals not only look beautiful but they bring a nice energy to the room. I wasn’t sure which one to go for, but someone explained to me that if you look at a table full of crystals, whichever one you are drawn to is the one you need. They all have different qualities and healing properties. The one I have is a quartz and it’s supposed to clear negative energy and bring in harmonious energy.” Visit: 50 Spring Street, Bondi…

Breathe new life into your sanctuary with soft colours and alluring textures. Delightful daubs and trims in the corals, mints and oranges of Country Road’s Spring 2015 collection celebrate the seasonal promise ahead On bed, from back: ‘Odin’ standard linen pillowcases, $79.95/pair, ‘Cinne’ cushion in Pale Seafoam, $49.95, Euro linen pillowcase, $59.95, ‘Uden’ cushion in Grey, $79.95, ‘Vendt’ cushion in Multicolour, $69.95, linen quilt cover, $349/queen, ‘Lila’ throw in Grey, $179, ‘Nima’ salad bowl in Blue-Grey, $39.95, ‘Ombre’ mug in Pale Pink, $12.95, all Country Road. On sill: ‘Bode’ clock in Copper, $99.95/large, Country Road.…

“You don’t have to rough it – spoiling yourself a little will add to the fun” ~ Rachel Peters, HB stylist…

BARGAIN BUYS MID-RANGE SPLASH OUT…

Surrounded by glorious greenery and lined with emerald-hued slate, the sparkling pool is enough to make us, well, green with envy {opposite}. “At the end of a hot and busy day, I love having a swim and looking up at the stars,” says Sophie, who with her husband Peter, their children China and Lucian, and pet poodle Noodle Soup, call this Bali oasis home. Overlooking the pool, the outdoor dining room {this page}, which is grounded by a recycled-teak parquet floor with a lava-stone border, has played host to many memorable dinner parties under its soaring ulin wood and sirap-tiled ceiling. Original Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ chairs are teamed with a custom-made brass, recycled teak and steel table that comfortably seats ten. A batik cotton tablecloth, spotted by Sophie at a…

THE LIGHT EFFECT “When building, aim to create loft ceilings and highlight windows wherever possible,” says interior consultant and stylist Keren Rockman of Rock Interiors. “You can never have too much light,” she adds. “Skylights are a great way to maximise daylight in darker spaces.” Velux fixed skylights start from $397; velux.com.au. GET space-savvy WITH STORAGE FIXES SUCH AS SLIM-LINE CONSOLES AND elegant BASKETS KNOCK, KNOCK The statement front door is a hot trend that’s not going to disappear in a hurry. “You don’t have to carry the external door colour into the interior, so this shouldn’t be a barrier for your internal selection,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr of Dulux. “Have fun with it – it’s a great talking point!” Walk around your neighbourhood and note which doors grab your attention.…

FLOOR SHOW Our love affair with grey doesn’t appear to be dissipating. And why would it? It’s the perfect backdrop for myriad interior schemes. Feast Watson has brought five new shades to the floor in its Liming White Floor Finish range, which gives timber floors a colour wash but allows the grain to shine through. $106.59/4L; feastwatson.com.au. SOAP STORY Check out Telegram Open House for a range of gentle cleaning products from Marius Fabre, maker of the iconic Savon de Marseille cube since 1900. Marseilles soap flakes ($34.95/750g) are unscented and contain no phosphates, additives or colours, making them ideal for kids or sensitive-skin types. See telegramopenhouse.com for the full collection. SwannOne is a new system that allows you to control your home’s security through a smartphone. $499; swannone.com/au SOUND…

listen to the experts 10 A NEUTRAL PALETTE is the best option to achieve a seamless, uncluttered look. “When choosing materials, gloss finishes will help bounce light around the room, while glass and mirrored splashbacks will reflect surrounds, creating the illusion of space,” suggests Felicity. 11 “CLEAR BENCHTOPS OF UTENSILS, large appliances and kitchen accoutrements to maximise work surfaces,” advises Sonya Harward of Harward & Brown. “And for a sleek look, swap fussy cabinetry handles in favour of handle-less touch catches,” she adds. 12 SELECT COMPACT APPLIANCES. Slimline fridges, ovens and dish drawers get the job done yet have a smaller footprint, which allows you to maximise cabinetry space. 13 TAKE STORAGE UP TO THE CEILING. Look to either installing cabinetry that you can light from within, or incorporating floating…

39 PALE YET INTERESTING A neat, streamlined look and a restrained palette equals timeless style. Cabinetry by Bluz Kitchens in 2-pac Natural White is complemented by rich touches in the engineered American oak floorboards in Mink Grey from Royal Oak Floors and ‘Egger’ laminate in Hacienda Black by Nikpol. Bright pops of amber come courtesy of lovely glass ‘Gewinn’ pendants from About Space. busy Melbourne mum Keren gave interior designer Audrey Dalal food for thought when she engaged her to plan her kitchen makeover. It wasn’t simply a case of devising a more functional and style-savvy zone – there was also an important spiritual motivation. Keren and her husband Matt are Jewish and required a kosher kitchen for preparing meals in accordance with Jewish dietary rules. Two designated prep and…

PLAN AHEAD: “Available space and budget will determine the design parameters of your bathroom, so have a good idea of what you can achieve and plan accordingly,” says Daniela Santilli of Reece. “Also consider your needs,” she adds. “Is it a bathroom for a family or a couple? Do you need to include a double basin, or will a single one suffice? Write down a list of must-haves from the outset so items can be mapped out.” mEASURE UP: “It may sound simple, but ensuring you double- and triple-check all bathroom measurements can save you a lot of problems down the track,” advises Daniela. “It will avoid costly errors when it comes to installation and selecting the right accessories and fittings.” aLLOW CLEARANCES: “To ensure the bathroom is functional and…

waterproofing large, wet areas such as your bathroom involves applying a waterproof barrier to protect the structure of the house from moisture. The Building Code of Australia sets the minimum standards, including waterproofing the shower floor, bathroom floor, and walls up to 1800mm high, as well as up to at least 150mm high for all other walls. If your bathroom isn’t waterproof, over time water can seep through the walls and floor, causing rising damp, mildew and rot, as well as warping plasterboard and structural timber, which affects the home’s integrity. A range of DIY products are available, but in some states it’s mandatory for a licensed waterproofer to carry out the job – so the best bet is to play it safe and enlist a professional. 72 turn it…

84 TO GET A DESIGNER FEEL, choose compact products designed for small spaces, suggests Daniela Santilli of Reece. “Short-projection toilet suites, mini basins, vanities and smaller baths are space-saving options,” she says. 85 “CONSIDER A SLIDING DOOR that’s hidden within an in-wall cavity,” says Sonya Harward of Harward & Brown interior design. “This will free up valuable space and allow more wall area for shelving or rails.” 86 KEEP THE LAYOUT SIMPLE, advises The Inside Project’s Rachael Turner. “Design elements such as level-entry walk-in showers, wall-hung basins and toilet pans give the illusion of space by keeping the floor area open,” she says. 87 “FOR A SPACIOUS LOOK and feel, opt for a clear or frameless shower screen and introduce more natural light by enlarging windows or adding a skylight,”…

wash zones by a bedroom are increasingly a must-have and clever products that minimise plumbing, such as macerator pumps (try Saniflo), can mean a fully equipped bathroom can be fitted just about anywhere. The secret? When planning, think layout. “Consider where doors and cabinetry open and close, access and circulation,” says interior stylist Jane Ledger of Spacecrush. “Position the toilet out of the line of sight and make the focal point a beautiful vanity or splashback,” she adds. With finishes, start with the tiles, suggests designer Jasmine McClelland, “and use the tones of bedroom flooring to help guide floor-tile choice, so there’s cohesion.” Proportions are also key. “Rather than a double basin, consider large single fixtures, teamed with an oversized mirror,” says Argent Australia’s Damien Cool. “It better suits the…

Embrace the lure of spring afternoons and gather outdoors with our delectable teatime bakes. Here, layered lace and seasonal blooms take tea to greater heights. Wicker chair, seek similar from Out Of The Attic. Nkuku ‘Rustic’ linen cushion in Natural & Red, $60, scarf in Old Rose, $109, both Honeybee Homewares. Antique lace table runner, seek similar from Vintage Linen Store on Etsy. Shelley ‘Dainty’ tea pot, $95, ‘Rosanna’ cake stand in Turquoise, $97.50, both The Bay Tree. Teak bread board, $54, bowl in Baby Pink, $36, both Lime Lifestyle. Silver jug, seek similar from Nancy’s Vintage China on Etsy. White tea cups, seek similar from Maxwell & Williams. Painted bottle crate, $95, vintage bottles, from $15 each, all Seasonal Concepts. All other accessories, stylist’s own.…

Ooh là là! Bonne Maman gets a taste of Australia with the releaseof its Blueberry and Lilly Pilly conserve. $5.99; bonnemaman.com.au BOWLED OVER Marmoset Found, aka friends CherieSlater and Nareen Holloway, scourthe globe in search of irresistiblehandcrafted products. A new additionto their selection is the stunning‘Cloud’ range of ceramics fromVietnam. Safe in the dishwasherand microwave, the pieces includeplates and bowls in a selectionof beautiful hues, with pricesfrom $14 for a small (10cm x9cm) bowl; marmosetfound.com.au. NAKED CAKES($49.99,Murdoch Books))This celebration ofhomemade cakes byauthor Lyndel Milleris all about letting their rustic beauty shine,not hiding them under layers of icing orfancy frosting. The cakes are relativelysimple to bake but they’re still beautiful tobehold. Lyndel dresses her creations withfresh flowers, fruit, and even popcorn. hb book clubOur favouritetitle onthe shelfthis month write on Whoever…

1803 0411 765 662, 1803.com.au. 2nds World (02) 8986 1666,2ndsworld.com.au. A About Space (03) 9417 4635, aboutspace.net.au. ACS DesignerBathrooms 1300 898 889, acsbathrooms.com.au. Adairs 1300783 005, adairs.com.au. AEG 1300 363 664, aegaustralia.com.au.Alfresco Emporium (02) 9919 0601, alfrescoemporium.com.au.Altereco Design 0431 833 015, altereco.net.au. AmbassadorHome: Angove Street Collective (08) 9328 6690, angovestreetcollective.com.au/ambassador-home. Amber Tiles 1300 139868, ambertiles.com.au. Angove Street Collective (08) 93286690, angovestreetcollective.com.au. Angus & Celeste (03) 97524004, angusandceleste.com. Archipelago Living (08) 9288 8100,archipelagoliving.net. Argent Australia 1300 364 748,argentaust.com.au. Armadillo & Co (02) 9698 4043,armadillo-co.com. Art2Muse Gallery 0424 809 849, art2muse.com.au. Ashley Woodson Bailey ashleywoodsonbailey.com.Asko 1300 002 756, asko.com.au. Aura Home 1300 304 269,aurahome.com.au. Aveda 1800 061 326, aveda.com.au. B Baccarat (03) 9863 1133, baccarat.com.au. Back to the Wall+64 21 666 290, backtothewall.co.nz. Beachwood (02) 99187162, beachwood.com.au. Beacon Lighting 1300 232 266,beaconlighting.com.au.…