Innholdsfortegnelse for 2310 i Australian House & Garden Specials

Across Australia, our national obsession, a love of renovation and interior design knows no bounds. Our design language has become increasingly sophisticated over the past decade – in magazines, on television, on social media and at retail level. We all have perpetual mood boards, inspiration journals and giant pinboards with our favourite pieces stored for future projects. I have a file called ‘What I will buy if a whole lot of money drops out of the sky’, so I don’t forget where to source the lovely things I have spied while looking at the beautiful work that comes across my desk daily. In this wish-list file is everything from collectible pieces by artists I admire to rare, honed stone and a freestanding bath I covet, plus tapware in bespoke finishes,…

Injecting some bold personality into the main bathroom of their renovated home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches was high on the wishlist for this family that includes two teenage sons. Their formerly ‘humble’ coastal cottage on a sloping block was transformed by architect Matthew Power of SketchArc, with interiors by sisters-in-law Leah and Fliss Pitman of Bone Made. While the owners wanted colour and character for the bathroom, they also requested a sophisticated, high-end feel, so all the material selections are premium – from microcement walls to limestone floors and brass fixtures. Custom cabinetry with a shaker profile, a reeded glass shower screen and an oval mirror keep the scheme light and fresh. Bone Made, bonemade.com.au; SketchArc, sketcharc.com.au How did you decide on the materials palette? We tossed up some potential…

Created as part of the extension in a restored homestead on the Mornington Peninsula, this new primary ensuite reflects the guiding principles of Melbourne studio Mim Design. “We approach a bathroom or ensuite as a space for daily rituals, calm and ablutions,” says interior design associate Lisa Ransom. “This means concealing some amenities and highlighting others that are conducive to our clients’ needs.” The project proved challenging given Covid delays, but a group effort between builder and designer made the owners’ wishes a reality. “Warwick Constructions were a guiding light during these unprecedented times,” says Lisa. “Their dedication to the project never wavered. With face-to-face site visits scarcely allowed, communication and trust became the backbone to the project.” While it’s a mid-sized room, the ensuite feels larger thanks to its…

Interior designer Jessica Gombault from Alexandra Kidd Interior Design makes a sound point: if there is one room where you can have a little fun and try something different, it’s the powder room. For this pint-sized space, part of a full-home renovation in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Jessica went for a soft and moody vibe. “Beautiful, honest materials were key,” she says of the marble, brass and handmade tiles chosen to age gracefully. “There are no fancy fittings and every inclusion is fit for purpose and designed to last.” Alexandra Kidd Interior Design, alexandrakidd.com How did you arrive at the materials palette? The owner wanted something earthy yet sophisticated with a bit of glitz. The colour palette is a very Australian palette, inspired by a gorgeous gum tree sitting at the…

Layer contemporary fixtures and fittings with fresh colour and textures. Mix practical with luxe to elevate a hard-working space.…

With two growing teenagers, the owners of this Federation home in Sydney decided it was time for a family bathroom upgrade. “Although they loved the home’s Federation details, they did not want a period bathroom recreation. They wanted it to feel fresh and modern, and to include a separate shower and bathtub,” says interior designer Brett Mickan. Taking cues from the existing, original stained-glass windows and the owners’ contemporary art collection, Brett specified soft blue and green for the cabinetry and tiling in the L-shaped space – all in materials that require minimal upkeep. Details such as modern porcelain floor tiles laid to mimic a traditional tessellated floor and a bullnose vanity top that picks up on the shape of the window sill reference the home’s history without sacrificing the…

For the master ensuite in this renovated family home in Sydney, the owners wanted a wet area that was crisp, fresh and well-lit. When it came to the brief, functionality was the primary focus and interior designer Linda Habak of Linda Habak Design pulled it off without a hitch. The seamless process resulted in an L-shaped floor plan that allows the shower to have its own alcove while leaving enough space for a freestanding bathtub. The material selection focused on functional yet beautiful finishes, and the cool grey tiles have been warmed up with timber veneer, white Kit Kat tiles and a light, durable Cherry Pie benchtop. The position of the shower recess wasn’t an intentional design choice. “It came about because of the roofline,” says Linda. “By setting in…

A busy family requires a hardworking laundry – and the owners of this 1950s-built red-brick home in Sydney’s north knew what they wanted from the get-go. “They envisioned a contemporary farmhouse look in keeping with the rest of the interior and the home’s original quirks and charm,” says interior designer Marie Daaboul. “With two young children, the layout and design needed to accommodate the family’s lifestyle now and in the future.” Generous built-in storage and a deep farmhouse sink provide everyday functionality, while brushed-nickel tapware and layers of soft grey and white give it a warm, sophisticated feel. MXM Design Studio, mxmdesign.studio What was the brief for this space? A functional laundry tailored to the family’s needs, with lots of storage. Were there any challenges along the way? The 5m…

Every element of this laundry is embedded with Greg Natale’s design influence. Melding warm timbers, bright mint, fresh white and luxury marble with gold accents, the playful palette is unexpected yet feels like a natural fit. “The owners really wanted the space to transcend the purely utilitarian with interesting joinery details, including the ceiling-mounted brass hanging rails and inset/cut-out timber shelves,” says Greg. “Because the home is a new build, we were able to allocate room so it would feel spacious and appealing to work in.” Greg Natale, gregnatale.com What was the brief for this space? The laundry needed to be high-functioning to meet the daily requirements of family life, with expansive banks of cabinetry to keep surfaces clear and everything neat and organised. Colour was introduced to soften the…

Converting a single-car garage into an ensuite bathroom and walk-in robe for the main bedroom was an inspired decision by interior designer Graham Simmonds of Sydney studio Gray & Co. The house in Moss Vale in the NSW Southern Highlands was a mock Spanish-style ranch dating from the 1980s owned by Graham and his partner, and was renovated with the intention of leasing it as a luxury getaway. The goal was to create a timeless bathroom that was warm and inviting. “I wanted to keep it neutral and focus on texture to create interest,” says Graham. Classic choices include a Carrara marble-topped vanity and brass fittings. Intrim feature wall panelling behind the vanity provides a contrast with the tiled walls and gives the room a unique feel. Gray & Co,…

The owners of this coastal weatherboard home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches have been renovating in stages, beginning with a new Hamptons-style kitchen designed by Sally Rhys-Jones some eight years ago. More recently, she returned to convert an outdoor patio space into a roomy laundry, which is split into two: a wet area with sink and appliances on one side, and a utility zone with full-height cupboards, a folding bench and hanging rail on the other. “When space allows, which it did here, I like to do under-bench appliances for maximum bench area and lots of storage,” says Sally. “I love that it has all the elements you could need in a laundry from a practical perspective.” Aesthetically, brass handles and knobs break up the white joinery, while natural stone floors…

A grand old Victorian mansion on Sydney’s North Shore received a stylish renovation in a British Colonial style, with the central laundry and mudroom a comforting hive of activity and functionality. Previously a small office, the rejigged space enjoys direct access from the driveway, allowing the family of five who live here to drop their bags and shuck off their shoes before entering the house. It’s also linked to the kitchen, and houses multiple appliances so they can stay on top of washing in between meal prep. “As the family’s primary entry point, we wanted it to exude immediate warmth and character, a welcome-home hug so to speak,” says Erica Georgis, design director at Home By Belle. “We introduced warm, wooden tones and soft greys and greens to the otherwise…

A place of quiet retreat for a Sydney couple, this main ensuite – designed by Three Birds Renovations – is the ideal place for the busy mums to decompress. Located in a small cottage, the sharp angles of the architecture are softened by the addition of repeated curves in the recessed storage, mirrored cabinet, shower screen and a nib wall that creates privacy for the toilet. Neutral-toned subway tiles are laid vertically on the walls to draw the eye upwards and increase the sense of space, and in a herringbone pattern on the floor for contrast. Colour is introduced via pink grout, tying in with the main bedroom’s palette, and a feature chestnut vanity. Completing the ensuite’s oasis-feel is a sunny skylight, washing the bathroom in natural light and creating…

With all but one of their four children having flown the nest, the owners of this Sydney home were ready to indulge themselves by upgrading their ensuite. But with downsizing on the horizon, they didn’t want to overcapitalise or narrow its appeal. Additional storage and a more spacious shower were top of the wish list, with the aesthetics entrusted to interior designer Lynne Bradley. “Beyond ‘classic’ and ‘easy-care’, I pretty much had free rein, which was great,” she says. The colour and materials – including Dekton for the benchtops, brass and Lucite cabinet hardware, and limestone-look floor tiles – were chosen to tie in with the decor in the rest of the house. “We love the result,” says the owner. “It’s well-considered and feels much more generous. It’s just beautiful.”…

A Neisha Crosland wallpaper that the owner had seen in a magazine some years ago was the starting point for the design of this powder room tucked under the stairs in a grand 1910 two-storey semi on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Shannon Shlom and Dominique Brammah of Duet, who were engaged for a “top-to-toe cosmetic refresh” of the home for the family of five, managed to find just enough rolls of the wallpaper as it was about to be discontinued. The paper backgrounds a jewel of a space, petite but bursting with personality, in keeping with the designers’ ethos of being bold and adding contemporary nods and eclectic combinations to period homes. Duet, weareduet.com.au What was the brief for this space? The owners wanted a powder room that would delight.…

The bathroom “channels the character of a grand Milanese palazzo with its mix of steely sophistication and whimsical flourish”. Greg Natale Forming part of four wellness rooms including a sauna, steam room and powder room, this newly built bathroom was inspired by the classical forms of Italian architecture — but with a modern twist. Located in Brisbane, the spaces are on the lower level of the home, adjacent to the casual living and games area, which spills out onto a riverfront pool and patio. Masterminded by designer Greg Natale, the bathroom “channels the character of a grand Milanese palazzo with its mix of steely sophistication and whimsical flourish,” he says. The owners – who have a deep connection to Italy, as founders of the Florentine art school Fondazione Arte…

At first glance, this laundry is beautifully spacious, fresh and functional. But take a second look and you will see that the room’s designers, Three Birds Renovations, have delivered a space that has truly exceeded the owner’s dreams, thanks to thoughtful practical design touches. The raised appliances are a particular favourite. “Having the washing machine and dryer up off the floor is a game-changer,” says the owner. “It’s so much easier to transfer laundry between them.” In addition to the elevated washers and dryers, there’s ample bench space for folding and sorting, plus pull-out hampers concealed in the cabinetry. Three Birds Renovations, threebirdsrenovations.com What was the brief for this space? A laundry that was as beautiful as it was functional. How did you decide on the colour and materials palette?…

Get the hotel look at home with glam fittings and luxe accessories. An indulgent bathroom experience is all in the details.…

With three primary school-age sons, the owners of this Edwardian home in inner-city Melbourne had a relaxing haven in mind for their new master ensuite. “They wanted it to be neutral and timeless, yet interesting and layered – and a bath was top of their wish list,” says interior architect Cassandra Walker. She created the spa-like feel and functionality the owners were after by offsetting the cool grey palette with layers of beautiful textures that speak to the original architecture – a delightful fusion of old and new. Cassandra Walker Design, cassandra walkerdesign.com; Clancy Constructions, clancyconstructions.com.au What was the brief for this space? The owners wanted a beautiful and timeless sanctuary where they could escape the busyness of life with three young children. They also wanted enough space for both…

In a complete reconfiguration, this master ensuite in Sydney’s North Shore exudes glamour, offering a sanctuary for its almost empty-nester owners. It was interior designer Lynne Bradley who carefully rezoned the bathroom to enjoy an easy flow, from the vanity to the bath and shower. A generous shower seat anchors the space and enhances the overall feeling of relaxation, while ample storage and luxurious gold fixtures round out the design. “Layering quality materials and fixtures allows for an elevated ambience,” says Lynne. Lynne Bradley Interiors, lynnebradleyinteriors.com.au What was the brief for this space? As this was the ensuite to the master bedroom, the owners wanted a luxurious, glamorous and hotel-style bathroom with all the trimmings. It needed to work for two of them being in there at the same time,…

A glamorous ensuite bathroom with lashings of marble and bespoke finishes ticks all the boxes for the owners of this luxurious property on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Interior designer Bianca Fraser of The Unlisted Collective was engaged to modernise, expand and reconfigure the layout of the house and to make the most of the spectacular harbour views. A keen proponent of symmetry, Bianca carved up the bathroom space to include a freestanding bath, generous shower and vanity with dual basins along with a make-up table. High ceilings give the space an extra hit of luxury. The Unlisted Collective, theunlistedcollective.com What was the brief for this space? The owners expressed a preference for natural stone and tonal finishes. They also wanted double basins and a make-up table. How did you arrive…

The owners of this heritage home in Sydney’s inner west love all things French, so when it came to renovating the powder room, interior designer Greg Natale decided this was a perfect match. The room’s generous proportions and high ceilings gave Greg an “opportunity to be bolder and more expressive with decorative elements”. The dramatic Chinoiserie-style wallpaper is the room’s focal point and the botanical light fittings and pink curtains take their cues from it. A freestanding marble vanity “reads as a beautiful piece of furniture, standing apart from the room’s original mouldings in a way that invites a pleasing juxtaposition between old and new,” says Greg. It pairs beautifully with vintage stools, an ornate mirror and tessellated marble floor tiles. Greg Natale, gregnatale.com Were there any challenges in this…

The reimagining of this powder room by designers Arent&Pyke was part of a larger renovation to a historic sandstone home in Sydney’s north. Tucked under a staircase yet conveniently located adjacent to the formal living and bar area, the powder room was ideally positioned but was lacklustre and unloved. At just 1.77m x 1.12m, it was small and poky, but by increasing the ceiling height and pushing the vanity depth into the existing niche, the structure felt more open and spacious. The overall concept was for a “classic space with a contemporary edge”, says Sarah-Jane Pyke, director and design principal at Arent&Pyke. The design scheme began with mosaic flooring, which then built up to a stone skirting, timber wall panelling and a stone bullnose running horizontally at the top. Vertical…

Despite a laundry being a functional room often associated with piles of washing and domestic chores, interior designer Katie Sargent always tries to design a “happy” place. As this laundry in a renovated Californian bungalow in a Melbourne bayside suburb connects directly with the kitchen, it was important that the design language of the two rooms be the same. The layout was already serviceable so it was not altered and only new joinery and fittings were needed. “I always ask what items will be stored in the laundry – pets, shoes, vacuum cleaner, linen – and then design concealed shelving and drawer configurations accordingly,” says Katie. Katie Sargent Design, katiesargentdesign.com What was the brief for this space? The owners wanted a functional space with character, not just utilitarian. They also…

Elevate a classic palette with a clever mix of fixtures, fittings and accessories. Black accents add depth and modernity to a mostly white bathroom.…

A family was looking to upgrade their laundry, so this space needed to maximise on functionality. “I personally love the washer and dryer to be separated by the laundry sink, so you can take your wet washing out of the machine, put it in the sink to sort, then either hang items in the drying cupboard or pop them in the dryer,” says interior designer Kate Walker. Beauty was top of mind, too. “If you choose carefully, the finishes will last for the lifetime of your laundry,” says Kate, who went all in with a brilliant blue palette and premium materials. KWD, katewalkerdesign.com.au What was the brief for this space? A lakehouse-inspired laundry design suitable for a young family. Were there any challenges along the way? None. We work closely…

Adjoining the children’s study and flowing out to the pool area, this hard-working mudroom in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is packed with storage solutions tailored to a busy family. “One of the most underrated rooms in a home, which is often forgotten during the design phase, is the mudroom,” says its designer Kate Walker of KWD. “Provided there’s space, we always try and design a family home with one of these functional rooms.” For this space, she specified warm engineered Italian oak floorboards, which flow through to the neighbouring kids’ bedrooms and casual living space. An upholstered bench seat offers a spot to perch, while the surrounding white joinery is fresh and befitting of the beachy locale, encompassing high cupboards, drawers and wall hooks. “It’s the perfect drop zone for school…

It’s hard to imagine that this gorgeous bathroom was once a kitchen/dining room. Designer Lynne Bradley was tasked with redefining the space, which originally included a fireplace, to create a much-needed second bathroom in this circa 1890 home in Sydney’s Inner West. “We had the idea of converting the fireplace into tall cabinetry so that the entire structure didn’t have to be demolished, but this turned out to be more challenging than we thought,” says Lynne. “Once the space was demolished, we had to install lots of new piers sub floor to take the load of the large bathtub.” Lynne Bradley Interiors, lynnebradleyinteriors.com.au; SGD Builders, sgdbuilders.com.au What was the brief for this bathroom? My brief was to create a second bathroom that would be used by two girls. I was…

“The play of light is a thing of beauty in this bathroom, and shadows from the gum trees dance across the glossy walls.” Suzanne Gorman Located in Northern NSW, this lovely cottage is home to a couple with four primary school-age children, so having a dedicated bathroom for the little ones was paramount. Positioning a beautiful green bath below the window with space to breathe, and making it the focal point of the room, was an important consideration for designer Suzanne Gorman of Sydney-based Studio Gorman. “Space is a lovely luxury in a bathroom. Otherwise we kept this bathroom simple in terms of not overfilling the space. We focused on beautiful materials,” she says. Studio Gorman, studiogorman.com What was the brief for this space? Our brief was to include…

In this new family home by the beach, the ensuite is the only room that doesn’t have an ocean view. Designer Greg Natale embraced the challenge of creating a cohesive scheme that would seamlessly reflect the home’s design language overall. “We eschewed coastal cliches,” says Greg of the fixtures and fittings. “Instead, we found more subtle connections to the natural surroundings through a colour and materials palette that felt at one with the oceanic outlook.” Grey chevron tiles and glossy plaster bring a sense of fluidity to the walls, while large-scale marble floors nod to the water, and brass tapware, joinery pulls and sconces amp up the luxe look. “They’re materials that possess an organic, elemental quality in keeping with the setting, but treated in a way that feels crisp,…

Complete with rosy hues and chevron details, this multipurpose space in Sydney’s Inner West celebrates the original home’s grand Victorian heritage. For this laundry and mudroom in one, interior designer Greg Natale specified cement ‘Piazza’ floor tiles and brass accents in keeping with the rest of the home’s beautiful materiality. “Because this is a transitional space connecting the outdoors to the kitchen, keeping things light, fresh and in keeping with the white exterior made sense,” says Greg. “But we also warmed things up by borrowing from parts of the kitchen and the living room’s rosy colour palette.” Greg Natale, gregnatale.com What was the brief for this space? This is a functional space to service a busy family, but it’s also one they frequent daily as it doubles as the passageway…

When Melbourne designer Kate Walker was tasked with the whole-home renovation of this Mount Martha property belonging to a family of four, she didn’t have to look far for inspiration. With the beach and Port Phillip Bay within close proximity, she chose coastal shades of blue to feature throughout the home, using them to great effect in this main bathroom. A classic vanity with a shaker profile is painted a striking dark grey-blue – Porter’s Paints Mariner – while two tiles from Kate’s KWD & Co range continue the colour theme, laid in contrasting patterns to lend texture and interest to the space. Carrara marble and brass accents break up the blue. “Being creative and innovative with stunning hard finishes adds a sense of wonder and drama to this bathroom,…

“Beachy, yet not classically coastal” was the brief given to designer Greg Natale for the renovation of this Sydney apartment. “The location overlooking Bondi Beach informed the light, watery, seafoam-tinged palette of marble, terrazzo and fluted glass,” Greg shares. The walls are expressed in softly curved edges, echoing the rolling waves. “This helped create a sense of fluidity and natural sense of flow,” he adds. There’s a practical purpose, too. “The curvilinear features guide the eye and soften the corners in ways that make the small bathroom feel lighter and more generously proportioned.” The bathroom’s terrazzo and mint-gelato palette was inspired by the neighbourhood’s Art Deco-style architecture, while the “jet-set” splashes of brass hardware are a nod to the building’s 1970s provenance. “The penny tiles and reeded glass are paired…

This dynamic ensuite demonstrates the softer side of this southern Sydney home’s personality. Located within a concrete-heavy Brutalist-style property, interior designer Greg Natale opted to introduce a lovely pastel blue-green for a feature wall and cloud-like Carrara marble, complemented by richly veined Nero Marquina marble. “We were aiming for something quite layered to contrast with the robust architecture,” says Greg. “The soft colours and graphic pattern prevent the bathroom from feeling cold.” Although the footprint of the ensuite is relatively compact, thoughtful linework – slat tiles on the walls, fluted glass on the shower screen, striking vertical wall lights and floor tiles laid in an overscale herringbone pattern – visually enhances the size of the room. Greg Natale, gregnatale.com What was the brief for this space? This bathroom takes its…

Interior designer Lynne Bradley had a clear pathway in mind for this rejigged laundry on Sydney’s North Shore. “Given we spend so much time in our laundries, I try to create highly functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces,” she says. Every design aspect was considered, with the needs of the owners – a pair of empty-nesters – front of mind. “The ergonomics of how you work within the space are critical,” says Lynne, who allocated ample room for sorting, folding and hanging, included powerpoints inside cupboards to charge vacuum or robot cleaners and fitted a concealed slot for an ironing board and iron. Lynne Bradley Interiors, lynnebradley interiors.com.au; SGD Builders, sgdbuilders.com.au; Kastell Kitchens, kastell.com.au What was the brief for this space? To create a beautiful and highly functional laundry. How did…

Functionality and wow factor can be a tricky combination to pull off, but interior designer Renae Barrass of RBID has delivered expertly on the brief for the main bathroom of this circa 1910 weatherboard home in Melbourne. Part of a broader renovation of the whole property, the ground-floor bathroom serves both as the owners’ ensuite and a guest powder room; teenage daughters share a bathroom upstairs. Renae has made the bath the hero of the space, setting it under the window so it is flooded with natural light and backed by a tactile wall of grey patterned tiles. Renae Barrass Interior Design (RBID), rbid.com.au What was the brief for this space? The owners asked us to redesign the existing traditional-style bathroom into a more luxurious room featuring a freestanding bath.…

As the only bathroom in a post-war weatherboard home in Victoria, this newly designed space needed to work hard for a busy family of four. Interior designer Renae Barrass merged the original poky bathroom and separate toilet into one larger space, also absorbing a small section of hallway. “Even then, the completed bathroom was only 2.65m x 3m,” she shares. With two young children in the family, Renae incorporated a corner bathtub as well as a separate shower, with a double vanity, triple shaving cabinet and clever wall niches for storage. “We used large-format floor tiles on the floor and ran them up the lower section of the walls to make the space feel bigger,” says Renae. “Larger tiles are also easier to maintain due to having less grout. We…

The concept for this renovated home by Three Birds Renovations was ‘Modern Mallorca’ – a scheme inspired by the authentic style of the Spanish island combined with luxe finishes tailored to modern life. It came at the request of the homeowners, who asked the Three Birds team for an all-over Mediterranean feel. This was interpreted with stone cladding, a predominantly white palette, and arch motifs. This petite powder room keeps the island ambience going via textural materials: terracotta floor tiles, rustic iron tapware, an irregular mirror and beautifully rendered walls. Tucked behind a sweeping staircase, the room’s doorway was reduced and a sliding door installed so as not to detract from the grand landing. “It’s as cute as a button!” says Lana Taylor, co-founder of Three Birds Renovations. Three Birds…

A love of the colour teal was the starting point for the ensuite in this renovated home in inner-city Melbourne. Designer Frances Cosway of White Pebble Interiors chose this shade for the vanity and set it front and centre in the room to the great delight of the homeowner. “This is a bathroom designed just for them,” she says. As there is a bath in the family bathroom, there was no need to include another here, allowing for a luxuriously large shower at one end of the room. The punchy teal vanity is complemented by a backdrop of cool grey tones that comply with the owners’ request for a sophisticated, gender-neutral space. The textured wall tiles lend a slightly industrial aesthetic and provide the point of difference they were seeking.…

Designer Lynne Bradley reworked the floor plan in this circa 1890 home in Sydney’s Inner West, creating a new main bathroom and transforming the existing bathroom into an ensuite for the homeowners. In the new ensuite, cherry-red tiles made way for a lighter aesthetic, with touches of brass adding glamour to the space. A bath was removed to allow for a large floating vanity with generous storage. The Labyrinth floor tiles from Di Lorenzo, combined with the Carrara marble tile skirting, bring pattern and interest. “I wanted to bring in some colour, pattern and youthful energy,” says Lynne of the home. Lynne Bradley Interiors, lynnebradleyinteriors.com.au What do the owners love about the space? We gave Lynne full creative licence to think differently and are immensely pleased with the outcome. BATHROOM…

This primary ensuite has a neutral colour palette that’s made intriguing by mixing textures. The wall panelling, shaker joinery and herringbone floor pattern ensure white and grey look anything but ordinary. Gold touches in the tapware, lighting and shower hinges transform it into a room for luxuriating in. “While tapware is a functional element that’s used multiple times a day, it can also be beautiful and timeless,” says interior designer Kate Walker. KWD, katewalkerdesign.com.au; Cahill Building Group, cahillbg.com.au What was the brief for this space? It was a new build intended for sale, and we were asked to design a striking space that’s hard-wearing and easy to clean and maintain. How did you decide on the colour and materials palette? We were given a blank canvas when it came to…

Tying tradition to modern practicalities, this renovation works the historic palette of the original Federation home into a stylish laundry on Sydney’s North Shore. Dedicated to down-to-earth design, Sally Rhys-Jones of RHYS / JONES Interior Architecture was enlisted to overhaul the family of four’s plain laundry, making it light-filled and functional. “I like to put the sink under the window as a starting point, with the washing machine and dryer beside it,” says Sally. “We then used the full wall opposite for both full height storage and a drying area with washing baskets underneath.” Joinery in soft grey-green – Dulux Spanish Olive – connects the new laundry to the original home with elegant subtlety. An under-bench washer and dryer creates optimal bench space, with the floor-to-ceiling linen cabinets offering storage…

After extensive renovations to no avail, this family of five enlisted designer Greg Natale to completely rework their home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. It was important that the home’s mudroom behaved as a refreshing circuit breaker between the indoors and outdoors, so crisp white joinery was used throughout. A splash of colour was then added via navy cushions from Greg’s eponymous range. The mudroom also features nods to the home’s Edwardian heritage. “New mouldings and wall panels instil a sense of history that had been lost over the years,” says Greg. Greg Natale, gregnatale.com What was the brief for this space? This project was about returning the classic character that had been lost through previous renovations – not necessarily replicating the past, but bringing a sense of history and…

After raising four children (with only one left at home), the owners of this home wanted a guest bathroom that could accommodate their growing extended family. They enlisted interior designer Lynne Bradley, who had designed their kitchen, to incorporate the same regal navy and bold brass palette into their bathroom. “For these rooms, I always consider the ease of use, storage and lighting as key elements,” says Lynne. “It’s also important to select products and materials that are fit for purpose and easy to maintain.” Adding material interest to the space, Spoti wall sconces from Articolo juxtapose the classic palette. “The colour is everything and pairs beautifully with the accent wall lights and mirror,” says Lynne. Blending comfort and style, the final space radiates sophistication and ensures that all feel…

Part of a “boys’ own” zone including bedrooms, bathroom and loft play space, this bathroom had to evolve along with the two young boys who occupy it. The tricky part? Balancing boyish charm with timeless style. The designers at Three Birds Renovations are mums themselves, so understood that practicality was the priority. Storage, including a mirrored shaving cabinet, is streamlined, with large-format wall and floor tiles, a pedestal basin and a urinal with sensor flush for easy cleaning. The walk-in shower, lined with kit-kat mosaic tiles in Antique Green, also functions as a feature wall, delivering contrasting colour, texture and depth. Carrara marble-look tiles and brass tapware tie everything together. Three Birds Renovations, threebirdsrenovations.com What was the brief for this space? It’s a shared bathroom for two young boys. We…

Greg Natale says designing the interiors of this four-storey family home in Sydney’s north, overlooking the harbour, came with a dream brief. “The clients gave us a lot of freedom to re-plan the inside and take our time slowly building up the layers,” he says. “When it came to this bathroom’s configuration, we were fortunate to have almost carte blanche.” The clients had asked for vintage elements that would feel interesting and original, while also reflecting their fondness for Art Deco and 1970s design aesthetics. While sourcing these vintage items in Europe, Greg was inspired by the use of marble in Italian rationalist architecture. The rose- and burgundy-toned marble in this powder room adds a layer of opulence, which contrasts with the bold geometric patterns on the floor and the…

Add luxe touches to create a feeling of opulence. Include sumptuous textures and accessories for that day-spa experience.…

Tranquil and sophisticated, the calming colours of this bathroom pay homage to the home’s Federation heritage while presenting it in a modern light. Working with a long and narrow footprint, interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones was tasked with redesigning the family bathroom into a practical and light-filled space for the owners’ school-aged children. “My clients are usually quite conservative, but were very happy for me to suggest colours that would work well and likely stretch their vision for the space,” says Sally of the resulting muted-blue feature wall. By grouping the shower and bath together, Sally adopted a ‘wet room’ layout to optimise space, allowing ample room for storage. “Sally met the brief perfectly, with light flooding the entire room,” says the owner. “The blue tiles and the way they reflect…

For the transformation of this powder room in Sydney’s inner west, interior designer Jenny Matek of Studio Jenka had the rare yet welcome luxury of having excess space to work with. So much so, there was enough room to include a bath. “It was such a bonus that we had so much space to play with,” she says. The generosity was such that there were zones to fill, which she did by relocating the entry point and adding feature nib walls, including behind the vanity and behind the bath. “There’s so much height in the room that it helped break up the space,” says Jenny, who collaborated closely with builder Adam Baker of Baker Developments on this whole-home renovation. With limited natural light, Jenny used large mirrors over the vanity…