Today’s recipe is by Kathryn Bamford from The Wholefoods Refillery. This beautiful salad is so easy to make; with no cooking required, just whip it up the day before serving for quick and easy entertaining! Get 20% off your first order of ingredients with the code JEN20.
The best broccoli salad
The perfect crunchy and refreshing salad next time you're asked to bring a plate!
3 raw broccoli (stalks and florets, chopped)
1.5 cups sunflower seeds
1.5 cups dried cranberries
1 small red onion (finely chopped)
1 cup Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (grated (optional))
DRESSING
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbs apple cider vinegar
2 tbs French wholegrain mustard
2 tbs honey
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp pink Himalayan fine salt
1/4 tsp pepper
In a large mixing bowl, add all your salad ingredients and set aside.
In a liquid measuring jug, add all of the dressing ingredients and whisk well until combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until the broccoli is lightly coated in the dressing. Let marinate for about 20 mins – overnight before serving.
Serve and enjoy!
Make the night before to save you time on the day.
Leftovers keep well for three days refrigerated.
Don’t be fooled! The broccoli doesn’t need to be cooked; once it’s soaked in the dressing, it’s good to go!
Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Modern Australian
Australian summer, broccoli, easy dinner, easy lunch, fresh, salad, sides
A few weeks into term and parents’ lunchbox enthusiasm may be waning! Give these delicious and nutritious donuts a try, and your kids will beg for more! This week’s recipe comes from Mavella Superfoods.
Healthy banana & quinoa baked doughnuts
Treat your kids with this fun and wholesome doughnut recipe!
3 ripe bananas
1/2 cup dry quinoa
1 cup of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup organic or brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 eggs
1 tbsp Mavella Superfoods Brain Boost
1/2 cup walnuts, raisins, chocolate chips mix
Rinse the quinoa in water thoroughly. In a pan, or rice cooker, add the quinoa and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and cook until the water is completely absorbed.
Preheat the oven to 180c and grease the doughnut mould.
In a food processor, blend the oats until powdered.
Mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the eggs, coconut oil and sugar. Mix well.
Add the flour, baking powder and Mavella Superfoods Brain Boost to the mixture.
Fold in the cooked quinoa, chopped nuts, raisins and chocolate chips.
Fill the doughnut mould and bake for 20 – 25 minutes.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before taking them out to a wire rack, then cool completely before serving.
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Sustainability has shaped recent consumer trends, and house renovation is no exception. An impressive 95% of respondents in a 2023 Houzz study chose to embrace sustainable features when revamping their kitchen, the room which remains the most expensive when renovating. That said, their reasons were more about saving money than saving the earth.
Clearly Renovations
Compared to other areas in the house, homeowners often create major changes to the kitchen, with median spending on renovations increasing steadily since 2019 ($15,000) to $20,000 in 2021.
“Homeowners are gravitating towards sustainable choices during kitchen renovations, and it is interesting to see the intersection of economic solutions and environmental concerns. The most frequent reason behind choosing sustainable options is long-run cost effectiveness, with environmental-friendliness as a secondary consideration,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist.
NOTO Architects
The survey of more than 450 respondents found that popular choices include LED bulbs (71%), energy-efficient appliances (63%), and water-efficient fixtures (49%). More than two in five homeowners also opt for a timeless design as a sustainable choice during renovations (45%).
While the alleged health dangers of engineered stone are well reported in the press at the moment, the study also reveals that engineered quartz is still the most popular benchtop material (36%) followed by laminate and granite.
Chris Snook
Additional insights from the 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study:
Contemporary leads the way: Contemporary is the top style choice for renovated kitchens in 2023, followed closely by modern.
Popular pantries: 53% of kitchen updaters are installing pantry cabinets, and 27% making space for a walk-in pantry.
Classic colours: white is the most popular colour for walls, cabinets, benchtops and splashbacks.
Electronic upgrades: Renovating homeowners incorporate technology into their kitchen appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone/tablet controls, and colour touchscreen displays.
Kitchen usage is varied: As well as cooking, homeowners also bake, eat, entertain, socialise and work in the kitchen.
Chris Snook
The 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study is a report of homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a kitchen renovation. The online survey was fielded to Houzz Australia users in November-to-December 2022. Spend data is taken from the Houzz & Home Survey, sent to registered users of Houzz Australia and fielded March-to-April 2022.
There’s no denying that COVID has had a very significant impact on the way we live and what we expect from our homes. We’ve reported a lot on the increasing importance of the backyard post-lockdown, and a pool is the icing on cake for many Australians. But with reduced block sizes our backyards are shrinking, which explains the increased popularity of the plunge pool.
This plunge pool is nestled inside a small backyard in Sydney’s Woolooware
“There’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic was tough for everyone, and because Australians love the great outdoors, it was not surprising that many families wanted to transform their homes to feel like a holiday all year long,” says Blue Haven Pools and Spas CEO Remonda Martinez who has seen a massive increase in enquiries since the pandemic – particularly for plunge pools.
Plunge pool vs traditional Just because a plunge pool is smaller than its full-size counterpart doesn’t mean it isn’t as versatile or luxurious. “You can use a plunge pool to dip in and relax after a long day or add swim jets if you want to do laps but don’t have room in your yard,” says Remonda.
A plunge pool can also serve as a focal point or fabulous backyard feature with the money you save on size (they are cheaper than larger, traditional pools) freeing up funds to allocate to decorative touches. “Smaller pools are more affordable to dress up with finer finishes like fully tiled interiors, heating and in-floor cleaning systems,” says Remonda.
This courtyard 6m x 3m plunge pool, in Sydney’s Bondi Junction, is fully tiled with with gas heating, travertine surrounds and blue mode lighting.
Is a small pool worth it? While plunge pools are more affordable than traditional pools they are still very much a luxury item which makes many people, understandably, question whether a small pool is worth the investment. “They are definitely worth it! Since a small pool costs less to landscape with less fencing, paving and surrounding costs, you can spend more on the pool and make it an incredible feature piece,” says Remonda.
Popular for sloping blocks, the glass window panel is a fabulous example of how a small pool can be elevated, through smart design, to become a true garden feature. And when you consider the way a pool looks when the sun sets (think dazzling pool lights, and moving water), a plunge pool really does have the power to create an incredible night vibe.
This 6m x 4m plunge pool, in Sydney’s Cronulla, includes a tiled spa
Is a smaller pool easier to maintain? Smaller pools are generally easier to maintain when compared to larger pools. However, it’s important to note that the ease of maintenance also depends on factors such as the type of pool, its materials, and the location. “It’s also worth noting that smaller pools are also cheaper and faster to heat. There’s nothing better than a cool pool all summer and a hot spa for winter and, with a plunge pool, it’s totally possible!”
This 3.4m x 3.7m plunge pool makes for a cosy backyard retreat
What size backyard do you need? With plunge pools starting at just 4 metres wide, it goes without saying that they will work in even the smallest backyard. To give you an idea as to whether a plunge pool will work in your backyard you need to allow for at least a metre from the yard’s boundaries to the edge of the pool’s water. You also need to allow for around a 1.5 metre distance from any dwelling or structures.
“An underground easement or sewer line may also restrict the pool size but the beauty of a custom-designed concrete pool is that it can cater for all types of restrictions effortlessly,” says Remonda.
This 4m x 3m fully tiled plunge pool, in Sydney’s Caringbah, features a handrail and was designed for an older couple and their physiotherapy needs.
How much does a plunge pool cost? Adding a swimming pool to the backyard is a construction process so pricing is site specific but Remonda explains that a designer concrete plunge pool starts from around $35,000 on a standard block. If your backyard has restricted access, sandy or loose soil conditions, a sloping block, retaining walls or you are building over or adjacent to a sewer line, the pool will cost more.
“My suggestion is always to assess the site costs first and then see how much is left in the budget to spend on the finishes such as fully tiled luxe interiors, mineral water, spa seats, mini jets, heating and lighting.”
The annual Best of Houzz award winners are in for another year recognising the platform’s most talented renovation and design professionals. Voted for by the Houzz community, the annual people’s choice award highlights the designers with the most popular designs and highest ratings. It recognises just 3% of the more than 3 million home professionals and interior and architectural photographers on the Houzz platform.
Urban Creative Studio’s open plan living and kitchen design was recognised in the awards. Photo: Anthony Richardson
“We are thrilled to highlight the incredibly talented and customer-driven pros from the Houzz community through the Best of Houzz awards. The Best of Houzz awards provide a distinctive mark of credibility for homeowners looking for pros on Houzz. We congratulate all the winners for everything they’ve accomplished in 2022 and look forward to seeing their work and positive reviews in the year ahead,” says Andrew Small, managing director for industry solutions for Houzz.
This beautiful concealed home office by Demardi was another winner in the awards.
The Best of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories – Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honour those whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community while the Customer Service ones are based on several factors including a professional’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews for projects completed in 2022. Photography badges are awarded to architecture and interior design photographers whose images were the most popular on the platform.
From a modern exterior with layers of mixed materials and finishes by Lindon Homes to a contemporary bathroom with a double walk-in shower by Build Theory, there is plenty of design inspo to be gleaned from the winners list.
The exterior of this abode, by Lindon Homes was recognised in the awards.
Build Theory’s popular bathroom design
Also recognised was FURNISHD’s bright living space (featuring earthy tones and contrasting textures), a clever home office by Demardi and an outdoor terrace with fireplace and seating area by Swell Homes.
FURNISHD’s very inviting living space. Photo: Dylan James Photography
Urban Creative Studio’s open-plan kitchen and dining area was also acknowledged, as well as a spacious and light-filled laundry room by Tennille Joy Interiors and a modern staircase with a cute nook for the family dog by Rebecca Naughtin Architect.
Rebecca Naughtin Architect’s stair design was recognised too. Photography: Tatjana Plitt
Winners have been announced globally and they can now display a ‘Best of Houzz 2023’ badge on their profiles which helps homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals on Houzz locally and around the world. Houzz Pro members can also add the ‘Best of Houzz’ standout tag to their profile, which will appear in their directory listing and improve credibility too.
Swell Homes’ lovely outdoor terrace with fireplace. Photography: DMax
Laundry by Tennille Joy Interiors. Photo: Rachel Winston Photography
The classic white-washed Hamptons style has long been Aussies’ go-to when building a dream house. This year, however, creative director and founder of Landart, Matt Leacy, predicts that the soft coastal aesthetic of the Mediterranean style will soon overtake it.
“One design influence that’s here to stay is Mediterranean – I would say it is the new Hamptons. While a Mediterranean influence is not new as such, it does continue to grow in popularity globally – and it’s very well suited to the Australian climate and way of life,” Matt said.
“The key is to draw inspiration from the style and to then ensure this marries well with the interiors of properties as well as existing external architecture. The design aesthetic has to work as a whole.”
What does the Mediterranean influence look like in 2023?
Materials
Matt says to think of natural materials like timber and stone, offset by soft white renders and large sweeping curves around pools and garden beds. Aussies will be keen on a more bespoke, custom-built approach to space with hardwood furniture and linen fabrics. It also incorporates oversized planters, warm mood lighting, multipurpose seating, edible gardens, recycled materials, art pieces/sculptures and cabanas.
“Natural materials like recycled timber, tea tree sticks, overhead shade structures, floorboards and natural stone all layered with a bit of interest and texture like crazy paving, cobbles and random shape walling that is beautifully offset by soft white renders are what we will see more of this year,” said Matt.
Colour
Colour-wise, the trend leans towards natural, earthy colours, the blues and greens – including strong emerald green. A white-based palette will also become a popular choice that works well as a base to layer natural products such as stone and timber.
Rooftop gardens
Rooftop gardens remain very popular in outdoor spaces. Done right, they’re a beautiful design feature in a garden and such a smart use of space that also has practicalities in terms of water capture and insulation for homes.
Watering will also be back on the agenda in 2023 after what was a very wet year. La Nina is set to end around the end of February – and Australia is already experiencing a drier start to the year. “All the hand watering habits need to start re-emerging – as we’re finding gardens are drying out very quickly even at the moment when we are still getting some good rainfall. Alternatively, Aussies may opt for some amazing new technology to help keep gardens hydrated when the skies will no longer do it for them. The technology looks at the forecast and automatically irrigates the garden when it is predicted as a non-rainy day. The system can be controlled from a phone – making garden care a much simpler experience.”
Pools
Pools also remain popular, with recent reports revealing they add significant value to properties*. “Pools and outdoor kitchens are quintessentially Australian and two key elements of outdoor spaces that are not so much trend-driven but a prerequisite for most of our design briefs,” said Matt.
The popularity of the plunge pool will be one of the biggest trends in pools in 2023. Along with curves. “We’ll still be seeing more traditional rectangular shapes, and they will always have a place in our landscapes as the shape of the pool is driven by the look and feel that suits the property and the client.”
When looking at trends for inspiration, homeowners can be influenced, but should not be entirely led by, fashion. “No design style or colour choice should be adopted just because it’s on-trend. It’s important to consider how the look of the moment works within a space and not just blindly follow trends.
“Trends inevitably date. If you can, bringing in a landscape designer to help maximise space, place all the important elements and work on a design style and plants that will thrive in your environment, is a fantastic investment,” Matt says.
Freedom today held a grand opening of their new Hobart store with an official ribbon cutting by CEO Blaine Callard, together with head of retail Stuart Cole. The 1842 sqm location will showcase Freedom’s furniture and homewares collection with a focus on Australian design and style.
For the duration of the grand opening weekend (today until Sunday 26 February), customers can enjoy an exclusive discount of 25% off when they join MyFreedom* and free coffee by local brewer Wilfred Coffee.
Free totes for the first 200 shoppers!
Limited edition Freedom totes, designed by Hobart-based illustrator Sam Lyne, are on offer for the first 200 shoppers**, plus there’s events and workshops led by local businesses and creatives, celebrating Tasmania’s unique style and aesthetic.
Michelle Crawford, author/stylist/photographer, will host a tablescaping workshop in store on Saturday (25 February) at 2pm. Learn firsthand from the entertaining goddess how to set the table for Instagram-worthy goodness. $20 per person including freshly baked cake!
Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, Freedom opted for a flower garland so they could reuse it in the store, created by Rebecca Williams of Farm Gate Flowers Tasmania. On Sunday 5 March, Rebecca is also hosting an interactive workshop in the new store, so customers can learn the art of flower arranging, and then take them home. $30 per person including flowers and a Freedom vase.
Bookings for both workshops are essential and places are limited.
With autumn around the corner, Linen House’s new Winter Sun collection is all about hibernation staples and getting cosy in style.
“This season’s collection embodies a winter utopia with gorgeous earthy tones, made to use not only for the colder months but all year round. A celebration of the desire to hibernate in staples that not only keep you warm but look and feel good is key!” said Emily Treganowan, head of design.
“Colours that are bold yet soft, materials that are warm but textured, and designs that stand out really do create both a homey but fashionable mood for your home this autumn and winter season.”
Retaining the brand’s iconic designs and fabrics from previous seasons, the collection boasts stunning palettes across numerous fabrics: lustrous and fluffy, knitted and ribbed, or quilted in velvet. Choose from cotton corduroy and cotton chenilles, as well as their best-selling pure linen.
Meanwhile, yarn-dyed cotton, textured cotton slubs, and cotton sateens are still omnipresent, all adorned by stripes and classic or abstract patterns with florals and geometric patterns.
Located in the inner north Melbourne suburb of Brunswick East, this double-fronted weatherboard house is home to a family of four who engaged Dan Gayfer Design to renovate it in a stylish yet understated way.
“The design brief was predominantly concerned with curating an arrangement of spaces and elements that reflected a distinct family lifestyle. As opposed to packing as much as possible into the space available, importance was placed upon facilitating the congregation of family and friends,” says Dan.
Kitchen and dining
The design focuses on this coming together of people in a comfortable and interactive manner, encouraging both verbal interaction and activities between one another such as games, drawing and cooking. And interestingly, reflecting the idea that big doesn’t always mean better, the family decided against adding a second-story addition. “Refreshingly, the owners were not concerned about spaces that were not relevant to their day-to-day lifestyle such as a TV room, home office, WIR or ensuite; another level simply wasn’t required nor warranted,” says Dan.
Bathroom
A key challenge of the project for Dan, and his colleagues, was ensuring that the renovation wasn’t ‘over-designed’ as the family desired a functional yet simple solution. And although requiring significant refurbishment, the existing front four rooms of the home were retained whilst a fifth room (a bathroom) was also left in its original location. The remaining structure of the building was then removed leaving significant area to play with. “In like situations, one is often inclined to pack everything they can into such a generous area – including a second storey. In response, the addition is single-storied and modest in size with a distinct sloping roof and generous verandah area at the rear; this humble structure embodies the characteristics of mid-century Australian bungalows,” says Dan.
Dining
Central to the design is the kitchen which is genuinely multi-purpose and acts as a family room, living room and dining counter. It’s a space where family and friends can gather at any time of the day, even outside mealtimes, but the design also reflects the habits of the home’s occupants who are bona fide foodies. “That this family’s lifestyle is so kitchen-centric is no surprise, they are passionate cooks who are happy to cook every meal of the day if time permits,” says Dan.
Kitchen
The kitchen cabinetry was finished in cost-effective laminate – a mix of Laminex ‘Raw Birchply’ and ‘French Cream’ which are integral in giving the home that soft Scandinavian inspired feel. “The faux timber colour, ‘Raw Birchply’, is realistic and is difficult to distinguish from real timber veneer. As such, it could somewhat be viewed as a bargain considering the cost of real timber veneer,” says Dan. In contrast, given their enthusiasm for cooking, the home’s owners splurged on the kitchen’s appliances; a commercial grade rangehood, commercial sized fridge/freezer and heavy-duty double sink with drainer round out the mix.
Kitchen
The kitchen island is an interesting design that promotes conversation – it’s more of a communal table and features a ceramic tile surface, steel edging and custom steel legs. “We are particularly pleased with the outcome for the kitchen, pantry and communal table. The kitchen design reflects not only how the family prepare, cook and serve food but also its tendency to gather and interact during these times.”
Television personality and design aficionado Neale Whitaker, has had a hotel room named after him as part of a styling collaboration. The project came about “by accident” after several years of being allocated to the same room at Melbourne’s Laneways by Ovolo, leading to it being known unofficially as his personal suite.
“It became a bit of a standing joke,” Neale says of his connection to the room, formerly known as 303.
Even this artwork, by Flynn Cowan, features Neale’s face!
“The reason I love this room is because of its corner position, which has amazing windows looking to the most gorgeous tree and old stuccoed wall outside, leading through to views of the rooftops and towers of the CBD,” Neale said.
Working alongside Australian interior design studio Luchetti Krelle, Neale incorporated some of his favourite pieces into the 80s Memphis-inspired Neale Whitaker Suite. “I sourced a whole load of styling items and a few knick-knacks to put into the room, artwork as well, fitting with Luchetti Krelle’s design narrative.”
Sculptural lamp by Sarah Nedovic Gaunt
Guests who reserve the suite can expect to stay amongst a collection of original art, limited edition objects and soft furnishings – each hand selected by Neale – as well as a 100-song Spotify playlist of his favourite tracks. “These are all the things that are incredibly important to me,” Neale says, adding that he wanted to showcase a cross section of Australian artists when curating the room. “There are three big ticket items: a large painting by artist Nunzio Miano, a Sarah Nedovic Gaunt lamp and a portrait by Flynn Cowan.”
Nunzio Miano painting
Nunzio Miano is a Melbourne-based artist whose flamboyant and generous use of colour brings high-octane energy to the scheme. The lamp by Sarah Nedovic Gaunt was the last of the highly sought-after ‘Lady’ collection, similar to a piece which Neale has in his own home. The artwork featuring an illustration of Neale himself, created by former Ovolo staffer Flynn Cowan, leans into Warhol-like themes, using repetition and colour-blocking to bring the room to life.
After a 25-year career as a retail buyer for David Jones and TK Maxx, Sydney’s Abbie Evans thought the time was right for a career pivot – she was ready to leave corporate life behind and work for herself on a business/passion project. “Home is where my heart has always been, but I felt there was a gap in the market. We’re all about dressing your home with those fabulous final touches,” says Abbie who launched the homewares brand Gigi&Tom at the end of 2021.
Gigi&Tom’s pumpkin chair has been a top seller on the site
Promising to bring your space to life with ‘unique home fashion without the designer price tag,’ the Gigi&Tom collection is comprised of an affordable array of fun pieces that are not essentially functional but more the cherry on the top. “I approach the home as I would a great outfit. At the core you have beautiful timeless basics but you freshen that up each season with trend-driven accessories and that’s where we come in,” says Abbie.
The Hellenistic range has been a huge hit with customers
Their target customer is often in their first home (rented or purchased), has a keen eye for fashion but doesn’t know how to bring that sense of style into their home. “Our customer is very aesthetically driven. We launched online because our customer lives on Instagram. Our customers have a really strong sense of their own aesthetic and style but often need help translating that at home,” says Abbie who has designed the range around four key trends making it easy for customers to create their own cohesive interior looks.
The brand’s Maximalist look
The current categories are Maximalist, Miami Deco, Biophilic and So Cal and you can purchase via category or trend which makes pulling the looks together seamless. Maximalist is all about embracing excess and features lots of jewel tones, layers and luxe textures as well as show stopping furniture while Miami Deco is described as ‘Art Deco with a gelato twist’ and combines beachy chic with retro glam and features a lot of pastel colour pops and bold shapes.
The Miami Deco look
Biophilic features organic shapes and is very nature inspired whereas So Cal is inspired by Southern Californian cool which is much more laidback, effortless and eclectic with lots of muted colours and woven textures.
The Biophilic look
With overflowing Pinterest boards, Abbie is constantly researching the latest in interior trends and she also attends major trade fairs like Maison & Objet for inspiration too. The design process starts with an array of mood boards that are created by Abbie and then handed over to her purchasing team who work with manufacturers to design and source products in relatively limited runs. “We don’t buy huge numbers of things because our customers want to be unique and they want things that are different to what their friends have,” says Abbie.
The So Cal look
In no surprise to us, the brand has captured colour lovers in a major way.
And with prices starting from just $10, the range is very accessible. “We think everyone should be able to have beautiful things without having to pay a designer price.”
And who are Gigi and Tom anyway? Her fur babies, of course!
For your chance to win every GIGI&TOM product in the below picture, from the art to the chair to the cushions, side table, candlesticks, bowl and vases (worth almost $900!), complete the form below.
When British ex-pat Keeley Menz purchased her home an hour south of Perth last year, she loved everything about it except for the kitchen. “It is a beautiful home, but the original kitchen just wasn’t my style as it was too dark and brown. My first instinct was to paint the walls but I felt that if I lifted the kitchen it would make the whole space feel brighter and lighter.”
She set about transforming the space with chalk paint, stick-on stone tiles and new handles. Incredibly, the circa-2008 kitchen has been transformed into a breezy, coastal-inspired space and the whole makeover only set Keeley back $500!
BEFORE
AFTER
Having just spent over $10,000 on moving to Western Australia from the eastern states, Keeley was looking for a cost-effective solution to update the kitchen cupboards, when she came upon Frenchic Paint. “I’ve done a lot of DIY and makeovers in my time, and I’ve painted a kitchen before, but this product was amazing. It didn’t drip at all, and the paint’s self-levelling aspect really works,” says Keeley who, incredibly, worked on the kitchen during the day (with her two-year-old son running around) and at night when light conditions weren’t the best.
BEFORE
AFTER
“Obviously, it would have been better to have done all the painting under natural light, but it wasn’t always possible. I remember being amazed when I woke in the morning because I was sure I’d have to go over the cupboards again but there were no drips or streaks,” says Keeley, who cleaned and lightly sanded the cupboard fronts before applying around three coats of Frenchic’s Dazzle Me. “I did a lot of coats because the cupboards were so dark and I wanted to make sure they were completely white. I’d describe the finish as matte and easy to keep clean,” says Keeley.
AFTER
Paint aside, Keeley used self-adhesive, heat-resistant, waterproof stone tiles from Tic Tac Tiles to update the kitchen’s functional yet dated glass splash back. The real stone tiles have adhesive backing and are easy to install on any clean surface.
The kitchen was put through its paces recently when Keeley’s family arrived from the UK for a long holiday over Christmas; with a full house for six weeks, Keeley says the kitchen withstood the onslaught. “I had my mum, dad, sister, husband and then three toddlers smashing into the cupboards with their toys, but the wear and tear was fine!”
Chalk and mineral paint Frenchic was founded in the UK in 2014, fast gaining a loyal fanbase and a Facebook group of more than half a million DIYers sharing their projects. It has been available in Australia since 2021, through independent stockists and online.
Hundreds of thousands follow stylish Australian stylist Steve Cordony on Instagram, drooling over his picture perfect country property Rosedale Farm (I’ll admit I’m one of them and I’ve also been lucky enough to visit in person). And now, after years of hard work and renovation by Steve and partner Michael Booth, it can finally be a reality to stay there, as it lists on Airbnb. And it’ll only cost you $25 a night. Say what?!
Steve Cordony in one of Rosedale’s farm stays
Design lovers will have the chance to enjoy the ultimate Easter holiday in style, with an exclusive Airbnb stay at the idyllic estate in Orange, NSW. Steve is inviting residents of Australia to his historic Rosedale Farm property for a four-night stay from Thursday 6 April to Monday 10 April, for just $25 AUD* per night as part of a special promotion.
Dating back to 1877, Rosedale Farm is a restored estate located just seven kilometres from Orange in the central tablelands of New South Wales. A country stay to be remembered, Rosedale Farm’s main homestead features six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a formal dining room, lounge, library and kitchen. The homestead and two farm stays are positioned amongst the estate’s lavish, lushly landscaped gardens.
Every guest room has been individually designed by Steve in his signature contemporary European style, layered with an Italian farmhouse sensibility, creating a uniquely luxurious accommodation in the heart of the countryside.
As one of Australia’s leading interior and lifestyle stylists, Steve is passionate about design as a means of bringing people together to create memories with loved ones. His renovation journey of Rosedale Farm amassed a significant following, with many Aussies inspired by the impeccable attention to detail, subtle nods to the property’s heritage, and mix of both contemporary and antique furnishings.
“I created Rosedale Farm with the goal of turning this incredible historic property into a one-of-a-kind destination for guests to connect and create memories in. I love the unique and personalised experiences Airbnb hosts offer their guests, whether it be fresh flowers throughout the home or a bottle of champagne to kick off the celebrations, and Rosedale Farm is filled with special touches. I am thrilled to partner with Airbnb on hosting an unforgettable four-night stay this Easter.”
Over the past two years, many Australians found comfort in exploring their own backyards and discovering the natural beauty found across Australia. Regional bookings now make up almost 30% of nights booked on Airbnb in Australia, and when comparing the second quarter of 2022 with the pre-pandemic second quarter of 2019, regional bookings are up about 60% in Australia.
With Orange a must-visit NSW destination, this Easter season is the perfect time to explore the region and the many attractions that make it so special including the wine and produce on offer and support local hosts while injecting much needed tourism dollars to help support small businesses and local economies.
Inside one of the farm stays at Rosedale Farm
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s country manager for Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are excited to partner with Steve to create something truly special at Rosedale Farm and highlight the benefits of rural tourism.”
The unforgettable Steve Cordony four-night Easter country getaway is open for bookings on 27 February at 9am AEDT from airbnb.com.au/stevecordony and can be booked on a first come first serve basis. Set a reminder now!
The two Rosedale farm stays will be available to book ongoing from airbnb.com.au/stevecordony from 27 February, 2023. We anticipate it will cost a lot more than $25 a night!
*Exclusive of fees including booking and service fees.
Summer means most homeowners will be using their backyards more at the moment. To add more value to your home, you may want to create an outdoor paved area, and you may be surprised how DIY-friendly a project it is!
Four-time Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) gold medallist and TV personality Jason Hodges, explains the many options in laying patterns and shares his top tips for creating the ultimate paved outdoor area for your home.
Jason suggests to first look at your backyard and make an assessment of the lay of the land. An important consideration when creating a backyard is the addition of colour and texture, as it sets the scene for the entire area. “Consider which paving colour will best compliment your existing space by matching them with roof tiles, guttering, bricks or render,” he advises.
Many homeowners choose pavers as they’re easy to install and make great DIY projects. Pavers allow you to get creative with different patterns producing unique focus points for your backyard without breaking the bank. “For variety, style and impact for your home, the flexibility that pavers provide is hard to beat. With any one paver, you can create four to six different paving pattern styles allowing you to find the right match for your home,” explains Jason.
How to pick your paving pattern
The most important element for those looking to DIY their own paving project is that some areas and paving patterns require half pavers to fill gaps, and this involves cutting. “Some paving patterns will require cuts via the use of a brick saw which can be hired from a local hire shop. While the hiring is easy, the operation of the saw requires caution and all of the required safety gear, so take your time or better still, engage the help of a tradesman,” says Jason.
Hot tip: If you are using pavers that will need to be cut, Jason suggests running a border around all of the pavers so that you don’t end up with little pavers on the edge.
1.Stretcher bond
Stretcher bond is the most common paving pattern as it’s super DIY friendly, requires minimal cutting, and leaves little wastage. A traditional pattern that replicates the classic look of brickwork, stretcher bond can also easily hide imperfections in the laying pattern.
2.Stack bond
Stack bond is an excellent choice when paving feature sections such as entertaining areas and patios, where the finished product sets the atmosphere of the space. Stack bond is a great paving pattern choice for large format pavers and can make smaller layouts appear bigger – a great design hack. This pattern is simple to install; however, it can become fiddly as you must lay each paver down by one corner, making sure that all four corners align for a straight stack look.
3.Herringbone
The herringbone pattern is a savvy design choice and is on the rise of making a stylish comeback. To achieve this look, take a smaller-sized paver and interlock the pavers on a 90-degree or 45-degree angle. Herringbone is an eye-catching pattern that will make a great first impression on any space.
4. Basket weave
The basket weave pattern is a design that adds character and dimension while complementing the existing brick surfaces of your home. When picking a paver to style a basket weave, take a close look at the aggregates (exposed coloured stones in your current brickwork), and choose a paver that is complimentary to the aggregate colours. To create a basket weave pattern, simply lay two rectangular pavers the same way each time, swapping in the direction of every “set” of two pavers, and repeat.
5.Mixing colours
Mixing paver colours is a hot new trend. Pavers of different colours and sizes create a modern paved look and also have the bonus ability to hide stains as the colour varies throughout the pattern, making it a fantastic choice for families.
Watch Jason show you how it’s done!
Jason Hodges is an ambassador for Adbri, one of Australia’s pioneering construction materials and industrial mineral manufacturing companies.
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The beautiful rich swirls of sweet dark chocolate, buttery layers of biscoff spread and crunchy almonds are the perfect delicious treat to enjoy with those you love this Valentine’s weekend!
Third cup slivered almonds (toasted, plus 1 tbsp extra)
50 gm additional dark chocolate (melted )
To make the dough, pour milk into a jug; add yeast and a pinch of the sugar; mix well and set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy.
Place flour, remaining sugar, salt and cinnamon in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix on low speed to combine; add yeast mixture, eggs and vanilla and mix on medium low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium, then add butter in 5 stages mixing well after each addition. Mix for 10 minutes or until smooth, elastic and the dough comes from the sides of the bowl. Transfer dough to a lightly greased mixing bowl.
Preheat the steam oven to ‘steam function’, set at 30°C. Transfer dough to the oven and prove for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Knock back dough and shape into a rectangle; cover with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.
To make the filling, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and cream; bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar completely dissolves.
Place chocolate, biscoff spread, butter and vanilla in a large bowl and pour over cream, mix until smooth; cool completely, then refrigerate for 10 minutes or until thick.
Grease and line a 22cm loaf pan with baking paper.
Remove dough from the refrigerator and place on a 60cm long piece of baking paper. Using a rolling pin, roll dough into a 20cm x 40cm rectangle. Spread with the filling to the edge of the dough except for one of the long sides, leaving 3cm of dough with no filling. This will help to enclose the filling; scatter with almonds.
Starting with the long side, roll into a tight roll using the baking paper to assist then twist the ends of the baking paper like a bon bon. Transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes – this will make the filling firm and easier to work with.
Slice the dough in half lengthwise to expose the filling. Twist the halves together as if you were braiding them. Place into the prepared pan. Place in the steam oven set at 40°C for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan forced, with 30% steam. Place babka in the oven and bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly.
Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with extra almonds.
Filling can be made in advance and kept in the fridge, ensuring you take it out 1 hour before using.
A great way to see if your bread is ready is to knock on the bottom of the bread – if it sounds hollow it is ready to go!
The Miele combi steam oven offers flexibility for best baking and roasting results: combine humidity and dry heat as you wish. To ensure the best results, you can adjust both the temperature (30°C to 225°C) and moisture content (0% to 100%) in combination mode. This ensures the food is cooked just the way you like it.
Using a mixture of high temperature and steam is perfect for bread baking! This gives you a golden crust and moist middle.
Fact: there’s a fine line between the point where your swanky bachelor pad becomes a full-blown man cave. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and nailing stylish interiors takes time too. The key is not rushing into it, keeping an eye out for cool pieces, observing how rooms look throughout the seasons (and thus different levels of light), and above all, not being afraid to move furniture around and try different arrangements until you land on a configuration and design that works for your specific needs.
According to Shaye Ford, interior designer at Miss Amara, when it comes to striking a balance between a masculine home that combines great style with a smart and snazzy space, these are the design elements every guy should know about to elevate his domicile.
The colour palette
If you’re looking to go all-out with this modern bachelor pad, then you might want to veer away from the bright side of the spectrum. A dark colour palette often characterises a more masculine space. Black, grey and white are obvious neutral options, but you could also go for rich, bold colours for a dramatic effect. Navy blue, deep violet, and even chocolate brown are safe choices. For accent colours, try warm metallics like copper and bronze. Whether you’re opting for one colour and combining it with lighter and darker tonal shades or using saturated colours with accents of white for high contrast, it’s worth keeping a singular palette in mind for the subsequent accessorising and furniture.
Clean lines
Modern spaces typically incorporate geometric elements, and the best way to do this is to stick to clean lines to maintain a sophisticated aesthetic. If you want to step into something more exciting though, opt for interesting geometric patterns for your furniture, rugs, and wallpaper.
Play with texture
Although keeping it sleek is the best way to approach a bachelor pad, don’t be afraid to add exciting touches via different textures within the same colour palette of your choice. Just remember that less is more, so be careful not to over-design. Bear in mind that very masculine designs can sometimes feel stark and clinical, so balance this by introducing warmth with plenty of texture, wood and layered lighting to add interest.
Understanding symmetry
Symmetry in interior design is a vital component in a masculine space. Use this approach to create balance and a feeling of tranquillity – perfect for enhancing space in a small living room. The best way to use symmetry in a room is by having an architectural feature as a starting – or centre – point, whether a pair of identical windows or even a living room sofa. However, you can create symmetry in a non-symmetrical space with a pattern, an area rug or simply a living room accent wall.
Define the floor plan
Another handy approach to designing a room is to first consider the floor plan. With the bird’s eye view of the room in mind, it’s easier to consider the importance of statement pieces and how they will fit together. A common mistake in many homes is overcrowding. We’re not necessarily saying all interior plans should be based around minimalism, but if you’ve got a few key pieces of furniture waiting for a room, it’s worth planning the space so that items can be moved around whenever a refresh is required whilst leaving enough room for potential new additions once you’ve had the opportunity to live in the space.
Statement pieces
An area where you’ve got to be careful but is also a crucial part of expressing yourself, investing in a few statement pieces will bring your space to life. Whether it’s a mirror, an ornate table, a home bar trolley, a chair or a dramatic rug, just ensure it doesn’t jar against the room’s colour palette and fits the space.
The COVID effect has been felt across all quarters of the home and the outdoors haven’t remained immune (pardon the pun!). In news that will surprise nobody, given the lockdowns that many endured, Australians are currently all about creating sanctuary-style homes that they never want to leave, and an improved backyard is an important piece of the puzzle.
“There has been a huge explosion in landscape design since COVID and the value of the backyard has shot up. People now see it as an extension of the house and the outdoor kitchen is becoming more important with people wanting to entertain at home much more,” says landscape designer, and Mint Design director, Darin Bradbury.
Mint Design’s Williamstown project. Photo by Daniel Corden
And while the outdoor BBQ, bar fridge and sink setup isn’t new, outdoor kitchen design is becoming much more sophisticated as people seek the same finishes outside that they have inside their homes. “People really see the outdoor kitchen as an extension of the house and there has been a real push to outdoor entertaining. People want a great kitchen and pool and everything at their fingertips,” says Darin.
Image: Kastell Kitchens
A Mint design project. Photo by Daniel Corden.
“The standard outdoor kitchen benchtop size is 2.4 metres long and it will typically house a BBQ, bar fridge and sink. I always try to encourage a sink so that you can wash your hands after handling meat,” says Darin who says who recommends space either side of the sink for platters and the like. The designer has also seen an explosion in interest in different cooking options with smokers, chargrill BBQs and pizza ovens currently the most requested items.
Darin favours surface mounted minimalist barbecue designs like this one used in the Real Dads of Melbourne’s holiday home. Photo by Sally Goodall.
“You used to have to buy a DIY pizza oven kit that had to be built into the benchtop but now there are plenty of great pre-fab options that sit atop the bench. They are smaller and don’t take up as much space and most of them have a gas starter so the days of sitting around waiting hours for your pizza oven to heat up are over,” says Darin. The latest pizza oven designs allow you to pre-heat with gas and then add wood.
Gas is still the main energy source for outdoor kitchens with the open flame a must for keen barbecuers. “Plumbed in gas and gas bottles are the standard for outdoor BBQs as there’s nothing that heats as fast and is as hot as gas when you’re outdoors in the elements,” says Darin.
Mint Design’s Barwon Heads project
When it comes to cost, many people are shocked to discover that an outdoor kitchen will set them back at least $15,000 but it’s largely due to the materials required. Outdoor kitchen materials have to be able to handle variations in temperature and sunlight and said finishes don’t come cheaply. “If your kitchen is fully exposed you need outdoor grade materials but if it’s under a pergola you will have more leeway with materials,” says Darin.
When it comes to the bench top, Darin says that Dekton surfaces as well as natural stone or concrete are great options. “A ceramic material, Dekton is very pricey, but you can get a stone-look and it’s very durable and easy to clean. Concrete is a great option, but it must be sealed and resealed over time,” says Darin.
Keilor East project. Photo by Daniel Corden.
Cabinetry materials are another challenge as you need good durability there too; Darin recommends Tricoya MDF which is a laminated timber that doesn’t shrink or swell. “You can paint that material in any colour that you like,” says Darrin. Cement sheeting is still a popular product for cupboard doors but, alternatively, Polytech has a lot of great outdoor cabinetry finishes which give a timber or stone look. “Again though, that product is expensive. If you want a slick, seamless outdoor kitchen the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can spend.”
As TV interior designer James Treble shared with us recently, the majority of his clients prefer cooking on gas. Thinking about gas at the early stages of a build or reno, and making the most of your gas connection, if you plan to have one, is paramount, he says.
“People need to think about if they’re cooking al fresco and having a gas point there too for their outdoor kitchen or built-in barbecue. You might also want a powerpoint there in case you need it for an ignitor, or perhaps an outdoor fridge, and even plumbing for a single sink.”
Can’t afford that outdoor kitchen right now? Allow for the plumbing, gas and powerpoints now at the build stage, so it’s an easier job later when you can.
Installing an outdoor natural gas BBQ? You may be eligible for a rebate!
Australian Gas Networks have rebates available for customers on their networks who are installing or purchasing new outdoor gas appliances. You can get more information here: Rebates | Australian Gas Networks
