Author: Olivia Shead

When she's not writing for Interiors Addict, Olivia is now a TV and radio news producer. She's a journalism graduate of UTS Sydney.

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Kids Rooms

A baby girl’s nursery inspired by a dandelion art print

When former Interiors Addict journalist Lauren Ellis stumbled upon a watercolour print of Tillie – an adorable mouse with flower crown, wings and a dandelion double her size – she knew she had to have it for her future daughter’s nursery. Having grown up on acreage in northern NSW, some of Lauren’s fondest memories included collecting dandelions — just like Tillie — and blowing the seeds to make a wish. So it seemed only natural to replicate some of that childhood charm in her new home.

Positioning it above the cot, from there everything fell into place, with the colour scheme of dusty pink, magenta, grey and mustard all being inspired by the Sailah Lane print. Yet to meet baby number two (she’s due in February), Lauren designed the room with growth in mind. What a forward-planner!

“Having already designed a boy’s room for my 2-year-old son Harvey, I was excited to create a feminine space for my baby girl. Two walls feature tiny dot decals from The Lovely Wall Co, which can easily be changed to create a whole new look without the need for paint. And instead of a change table, I opted for a classic chest of drawers with a removable rubber change mat from Leander.”

Inspired by Pinterest and Instagram, some of Lauren’s favourite pieces came from trawling the web. “I love supporting small businesses found on Instagram and I am head over heels for the origami balls from Titt-tei that hang inside her canopy. Their creator – Olga Kovgar from Norway – sent me the most beautiful handwritten note with the parcel saying she does a little‘happy dance with each order, so they feel really special.”

Her other favourite piece is the embroidered letter M (her daughter’s first initial but shhhh, the name is a secret!) handmade by Lauren herself: “It’s the first time I’ve tried cross-stich and it took two full days to finish! It’s far from perfect but that’s exactly what I love about it. I hope it becomes an heirloom she treasures.”

When it comes to decorating a nursery, Lauren recommends buying items that make you smile, shopping small where possible — “It gives the room a more personal feel” — and picking a colour scheme and sticking to it! And her biggest no no? Impulse buying! “I could have filled her room three times over with beautiful purchases found on Etsy and Instagram.”

More kids bedrooms we love

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Designers

Be transported to the Mediterranean in Merivale’s latest venue

I’ve visited the new iteration of The Newport in Sydney’s Northern Beaches quite a few times. It’s one of those spaces that completely turns the definition of pub on its head. Think pops of pink, cactus gardens, a vintage gymnasium and plenty of marble. It’s out of the box, but not over the top… a fine line to tread.

While the iconic venue re-opened under their ownership in March 2016, that was only phase one. Now stage two has officially launched, with the opening of the highly anticipated bar and brasserie, Bert’s on the first floor. Taking cues from the grand hotel dining rooms of the 1930s, the vibe is relaxed, with a quintessential Northern Beaches air. Designed by Merivale’s design team of owner Justin Hemmes, his sister Bettina Hemmes, Akin Creative’s Kelvin Ho and stylist Amanda Talbot, the brasserie’s name had close family ties, with Bert being Bettina’s nickname at school.

Serving a Mediterranean menu, the kitchen features charcoal ovens and basque grills, while the chefs cook from an impressive centre kitchen. “We wanted to create that sense of relaxed indulgence you experience on a coastal European holiday,” says Executive Chef Jordan Toft. “To capture the feeling when you decide to order the fresh lobster or relax into the afternoon with champagne and oysters. It is very special, yet completely fuss-free.”

Alongside the food is a 750-strong wine list, focusing on classic Australian and European wines, emerging and quirky labels and an impressive selection of rosé. Guests have the option of enjoying it at the restaurant or at Bert’s elegant yet informal bar; a destination in its own right inspired by American country clubs.

Merivale will also open its neighbouring Northern Beaches pub, The Collaroy in late summer. Stay tuned!

Find out more | Venues we love

 

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Designers Styling

How to decorate a beach house without the clichés

We all know that clichéd beach house look. Think jars overflowing with seashells, starfish paperweights, driftwood furniture in every room and of course blue, blue and more blue. But, thankfully, nautical style doesn’t have to be the default setting for a seaside home!

Styled by Katie Sargent of Katie Sargent Design, this particular beach house, tucked above St Andrews beach in Victoria, stays clear of any coastal or Hamptons cliches. Full of one-off furniture mixed in with pieces from the local high street, its stunning interiors go hand in hand with its dramatic outlook onto the Bass Strait.

So as the mind behind such a beautiful retreat, we had to ask Katie what her top tips are for coastal decorating without the cliché. Below she shares all, so you too can get the look at home.

  • Identify the pieces you love that you already own. A mirror, an inherited sideboard, a favourite piece of art. It doesn’t matter how daggy you think it is, it will work. It might not be the feature of your, but it will work somewhere. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed by the pieces you love.

  • White and blue is perennially beautiful, however there are so many colour and texture options. White on white divine, just make sure there are multiple textures. Don’t be afraid of colour. Start small and build in confidence.

  • Don’t be matchy, matchy. Don’t match your curtains and cushions and throws. Mix it up and don’t be afraid of pattern clashes. Just have a look at the work of interior designers Kit Kemp, Kelly Wearstler and Anna Spiro. They are bold and although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, you cannot deny their interiors are bursting with interest and character.

  • Don’t match armchairs and sofas. Mix it up and don’t be afraid to put different styles of furniture together. If you have two sofas, have two different styles of sofa. Or if they are the same sofa, upholster them in different fabrics.

  • Embrace the chaos – there will be sand, shells, towels, buckets and spades. These items can be stored in baskets around the house and add character.

  • Don’t limit yourself to seascape artwork. Just because you’re near the beach doesn’t mean you need to fill your home with artwork depicting boats, sand, fish and the sea! Mix it up.

  • Pops of black furniture in a beach house actually looks quite stunning. A black coffee table, or table lamp, or art frame. Same goes for tan or chocolate.

More on Katie | Expert design tips

Categories
Art Designers Interviews

Large scale geometric art for the floor, wall and ceiling

Attachables

For Claudia Damichi, pursuing something other than art was never an option. As a young girl she would spend hours immersed in paintings and drawings… and in many ways that hasn’t changed, except for the fact that her hobby is now her full-time job!

Claudia

With her practice encompassing several different mediums, from paintings on canvas and walls to a new series of adhesive prints, all of Claudia’s work is interested in colour, pattern and geometry. “I draw on a wide range of influences from Sonia Delaunay’s fabric designs through to the optical installations of Sol LeWitt,” explains Claudia. “I am essentially focused on the effects of colour and pattern and how they charge a space, be it real or imagined.”

Claudia’s art has been exhibited in galleries across the country and abroad, as well as on the walls of city laneways and celebrity homes. Borne out of an interest in architecture and the built environment, her Artwalls – as she names them – are large scale, colour filled, site specific murals. “I respond and create an original work that is specific to the space and environment,” says Claudia. “These works push art beyond the boundaries of a picture frame and propose the idea that every surface or wall is a blank canvas.”

Two Attachables

However Claudia’s most unique work – in our opinion – are her Attachables: adhesive fine art prints that can be attached to any flat surface. The initial design is entitled Round About, with two more launching next year. “These are created with the idea that art can go anywhere – wall, floor or ceiling! They work as an individual art pieces, but also have the potential to be applied in multiples.”

Shop online | Artists we love

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Designers RENO ADDICT

A yoga and meditation studio so nice, you’ll want to move in!

Gyms and fitness studios are rapidly changing. Gone are the days of dated colour schemes and broken machines. Now, they’re places that promise to revitalise the body and the mind.

W1LL Studio in Sydney’s Surry Hills, is a new yoga and meditation studio that delivers such an experience. Once home to Urban Yoga, the team behind the studio were keen for a rebrand and a redesign. So, with the help of white walls, wall to ceiling linen sheers and an impressive concrete wallpaper by White Mica, the space was transformed.

Designed by Studio 1 Interiors, their brief was to create an open, relaxed reception and lounge area where visitors could have some down time before and after class; a space where they could really feel at home. “I went big on comfort,” says Laura Downie, the founder of Studio 1 Interiors. “Three large armchairs from Uniqwa Furniture steal the show, and once you find yourself sitting in one you’ll find it very difficult to get up! They’re a meditation in their own right!”

Set in a huge light-filled space, the studio’s colour scheme is black and white, with accents of army green and copper. Various seating spaces are softened with the addition of subtle timber tones paired with soft velvet cushions and throws. And of course, no project is complete without greenery, and in this case, lots of it.

“This has absolutely been one of my favourite Studio 1 Interiors projects to date,” explains Laura. “The studio reports that their members and guests all want to move in, so I am deeming that a success!”

Classes are set to music, and there’s a huge screen projecting videos of vivid landscapes, wild animals, sunsets and glittering beaches. And if you’re not in Sydney, they’ve also launched an online yoga and meditation platform.

W1LL is a yoga and meditation studio with a difference. The 1 in W1LL stands for one human. So, every time you practice or purchase a product you are helping a human in need through The Human Kind Project – a non-profit foundation that funds projects in Africa and India.

Try W1LL now | For more on Studio 1 Interiors 

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Bathrooms Designers Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Stylist Steve Cordony releases marble mosaic tile collection

For those who fear pattern, bold tiles can seem like too much of a commitment. After all, we’re talking about permanent patterns on your floors or walls, if not forever, for a good few years! But if you do manage to experiment beyond wooden floors or plain ceramic tiles you could be pleasantly surprised. Just ask Steve Cordony, leading Australian interior stylist and the designer behind Labyrinth, a new range of monochromatic marble, mosaic tiles. We think they’re absolutely stunning!

Steve – Labyrinth Gravity in Carrara + Nero Marquinia

“I recommend using tiles on either the floor or wall rather than both if you’re a little hesitant to play with bold patterns,” says Steve. “The colour palette of this collection is grey, black and white so they are so easy to pare back with plain ceramic tiles, marble and even wallpaper and painted walls for powder rooms or laundries.”

Labyrinth Gravity in Carrara + Thassos

Created in collaboration with Di Lorenzo, Labyrinth encompasses five designs, with three available in two colour variations. Inspired by travel and fashion, Steve’s trips abroad have been the basis for the graphic details and lineal patterns. “I am constantly observing shapes and patterns around me,” explains Steve. “Whether I am working on one of my many projects or travelling. Everything from a window grate in India to an iron lantern in South Africa has shaped the collection.”

Labyrinth Oblique in Carrara + Thassos

Alongside bold patterns, texture takes centre stage through three contrasting marbles: Carrara from the Tuscan coast quarried in the high mountains; Thassos, from a Greek island by the same name in the Northern Aegean Sea; and Nero Marquina.

Labyrinth Channel in Carrara + Nero Marquinia

Perfect for floors and walls in bathrooms, laundry areas, powder rooms and kitchen splashbacks, Steve already plans to use three in his own renovation: “I am steering towards Gravity in black and white for the kitchen splashback, Channel for the master bath and Oblique in grey/white for the mud room. It’s like choosing between my (non-existent) children!”

Labyrinth by Steve Cordony is available from all Di Lorenzo showrooms in NSW and national stockists around Australia.

For more | Designers we love

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Expert Tips

Wattyl release their colour trend palettes for 2018

The slow down

Wattyl have released their colour trends forecast for 2018. Having monitored and analysed the global trends – looking at living behaviour and design styles – Wattyl have translated them into four colour palettes. Findings point to an increased focus on the home being considered a refuge, a place to retreat from the fast pace of everyday life… FOMO (fear of missing out) has been replaced by JOMO (joy of missing out)! So what colour palettes did these trends amount to? Let’s take a look.

Nowstalgia: A desire to return to a time when life was simple and optimism ruled. The look echoes the mid-century modern design of Palm Springs with a hint of luxe! Colours include Midnight Seas, Silver Shadow, Gold Mine, Fifi and Space Odyssey.

Nowstalgia
Nowstalgia

Grounded: This reflects our desire to gain meaning and purpose in our lives, and regain a connection to the environment. Botanical and mineral palettes set the scene; for example Grey Ember, Sashimi, Fossilised, Bobby Brown and Calcium.

Grounded
Grounded

Mood monitor: Reconnecting with ourselves, taking time to reset and strengthening our bodies and minds are all key focuses in this palette. Colour and light stimulate our dormant senses and we can breathe. Be relaxed with the colours of Coastal Views, Posh Pink, Alta Sierra and Imperium.

Mood monitor
Mood monitor

The slow down: We are searching for ways of slowing down in a bid to manage our connected and busy lives. We want to spend more time at home, the fear of missing out is no more! Colours are soft and quiet; think Baby Seal, Subtle Hint, Pilbara Sand and Sheer Granite.

The slow down
The slow down

The 2018 colour palettes are available in Wattyl’s premium paint range, in a range of styles.

For more | Paint inspo

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Expert Tips

The top home trends to try in 2018, according to Pinterest

Credit: ru.pinterest.com via Pinterest

The results are in, and there’s a lot to look forward to in 2018! Wallpapered ceilings, giant knitting and finger tattoos are just a few of the emerging trends people on Pinterest are excited about. The Pinterest 100 has it all—100 trend predictions across Pinterest’s top categories backed by global data.

People use Pinterest to plan their lives, so rather than taking a look back at the year, Pinterest gives us a look forward, at what pinners are searching for and saving to do in the future. Every category in the fourth annual Pinterest 100 is full of surprises and must-tries, but of course there’s one category in particular we are interested in: the home!

Decorating a home is personal and evolves over time. The notion that design is never done couldn’t be more true; it’s what keeps pinners coming back. With over 14 billion ideas, home continues to grow with a 75% increase in pins year on year. From full renos to stylish accents, here’s what trends are set to be big in 2018.

Resort-inspired style: Spa-inspired bathrooms and rattan furniture bring the vacay vibes home.

Credit: decocrush via Pinterest

The magic of metallics: Metals mesh with any colour palette, but to really amp up a space, mix different finishes together.

Credit: ru.pinterest.com via Pinterest

Hello, terrazzo: The forgotten flooring of the ’70s is brightening up ceilings, entryways and everything in between.

Credit: Fall For DIY via Pinterest

The fifth wall: A statement ceiling can transform a room from the top down with bold paint, striking wallpaper or intricate texture.

Credit: vintageindustrialstyle.com via Pinterest

Beautiful to the bone: Bone inlaid tiles take an ordinary piece from meh to marvellous with maximalism drama and geometric designs.

Credit: Cityscape Bliss via Pinterest

Wood wins: Wall tiles and flooring in a herringbone pattern are versatile and add dimension to make any space more modern.

Credit: copperline.co via Pinterest

Statement doors: A colorful, painted front door or friendly message on a mat is the new way to welcome guests.

Credit: A Lady in London via Pinterest

Patterned plants: Houseplants, like the popular prayer plant, go beyond green, with vibrant, patterned foliage and flashes of colour.

Credit: minoo via Pinterest

Wall art is big: Bye bye blank space! Large posters, works of art and photography prints are blowing up.

Credit: Murals Wallpaper via Pinterest

Sage advice: Soften up a space with sage, the new neutral.

Credit: rooms-decoration.com via Pinterest

Start pinning now | 2018 trends

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Designers Homewares

Pantone’s Ultra Violet: it’s not ALL bad. Honest.

Pantone has named Ultra Violet the colour of the year for 2018. It was something I must admit got me a little nervous… after all, purple is a very polarising colour. But Ultra Violet is different, it’s complex, magical and portrays the mysteries of the cosmos. That sounds a bit over the top, but it actually does look like the night sky! So if you’re hesitant about using the shade in your home, don’t be! We have put together a selection of homewares that encapsulate lavender to deep purple and everything in between.

Bonnie and Neil’s Winter Geometric Purple 50cm Cushion: This 100% linen cushion is hand screen printed with a geometric design in purple and finished with purple piping. Vibrant and fun, it retails for $145.

Bonnie and Neil’s Winter Geometric Purple 50cm Cushion (front left)

Kip & Co Sky Blue Pink Melange Tassel Throw: This woven textured cotton throw features a beautiful blend of colours and gorgeous over-sized contrasting tassels. Made from 100% cotton it retails for $269.

Kip & Co Sky Blue Pink Melange Tassel Throw

Takeawei Bud Vase Purple Cobalt: Handmade with love in Torquay, Victoria, each high fired ceramic vase is uniquely one of a kind. Available in varying heights, they are suitable for holding small buds, leaves and other foraged pieces. $29.

Takeawei Bud Vase Purple Cobalt

Amigos de Hoy Totem Rug Lavender: This vintage-inspired totem rug is woven by hand and features a mixed base of cotton and lurex; plus tonal cotton fringed ends. Boho at its best, the super pretty lavender colour is a knockout. $449.

Amigos de Hoy Totem Rug Lavender

Urban Road Triumphal Framed Art Print: Soft and stunning, this abstract piece features textured paint strokes in a muted colour palette with pops of purple. Giclee printed using archival inks on paper, there will be no fading over time. Available in multiple sizes and a variety of frames. Prices start from $180.

Urban Road Triumphal Framed Art Print

Country Road Tapas Bowls Set of 4: Hand-glazed to give a beautiful, glossy finish, the bowl is a stylish addition to your everyday dining. Perfect as a cereal or noodle bowl, it comes in a unique dusty purple shade. $54.95.

Country Road Tapas Bowls Set of 4 (back left)

Sage and Clare Juliet Paisley Quilted Cushion Lilac: This luxurious, quilted velvet cushion is adorned with hand embroidered retro paisley motifs and defined with a contrast tassle trim. Totally seventies cool! On sale, it is available for the bargain price of $59.

Sage and Clare Juliet Paisley Quilted Cushion Lilac

We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you would add.

Categories
Designers Expert Tips Interviews

Our 10 favourite interviews of 2017

Carla

One of the best things about writing for Interiors Addict is being able to learn about amazingly creative people. From artists to designers and everything in between, these individuals have a lot of insights, ideas and inspiration to share. Below are some of our favourite interviews, so get ready to bookmark! 

Therese Moussa, The Grounds’ head stylist: Immaculately detailed, the gorgeous Grounds eateries make you feel like you’ve entered an enchanting wonderland, far, far away from Sydney. We spoke to the head stylist, Therese Moussa, about just how much work goes into transforming these bespoke spaces.

The Grounds

Sarah Ellison, stylist and furniture designer: For eight years, Sarah Ellison was the design savvy-mind behind Real Living magazine, but now she has gone solo… creating her own interiors brand. With a style that is modern and relaxed, Sarah gave us the lowdown on her new furniture and homewares.

Sarah

Lucky Price, The Block’s casting director: A self-confessed ‘old hag’ when it comes to The Block, Lucky Price has been working as a casting director on the hit reality show since 2010. So if you fancy being on our TV screens, it comes as no surprise that Lucky is the man with the tips!

Lucky

Jemma Bell, Canvas+Sasson’s resident designer: Canvas+Sasson began as a lot of small businesses do, from home, with the juggle of kids, family and boxes and boxes of cushions. Ten years on, one of the designers behind Canvas+Sasson spilled the secrets, on how the label has flourished over time.

Canvas+Sasson

Tracie Ellis, AURA Home’s founder: We’ve long loved AURA Home so we thought it was about time we learnt about the woman behind the brand, Tracie Ellis. With a background in fashion and design, in 2000 she created her own line. And as they say, the rest is history!

Tracie

Carla Coulson, photographer: While it was Carla Coulson’s stunning art prints which first caught our attention, it was her back story we knew we had to share. At 35, Carla took a plunge, moving to Italy to study photography. If you want to take a leap of faith – but need a little push – this is a must read!

Carla

Cleo Ganis, Leaf & Co’s co-founder: A family affair, Leaf & Co is run by a mother and her two daughters. Working primarily with ceramics, the pieces are handmade using Australian sourced clay, natural minerals and oxides. If you need to do some Christmas shopping, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Cleo and her family

Natalee Bowen, Indah Island’s founder: Jen’s been Hamptons obsessed since she visited earlier this year, but turns out, she may not have had to travel half way around the world… with interior designer Natalee Bowen beautifully portraying Hamptons decor right here in Australia. The photos are a must see!

Indah Island designed home

Christopher Broome, artist: It’s always exciting to discover an artist at the beginning of their career, and Christopher Broome has a particularly interesting story; giving up his job as an electrician to follow his passion: art. This interview will give you all the good feels.

Christopher

Catherine Heraghty, The Stables’ founder: No doubt many of you are familiar with the modern, coastal aesthetic of interior styling company The Stables… they’re well-loved on Instagram that’s for sure! We find out more about the lady behind the feed; plus her story provides plenty of inspiration for any budding designers.

Catherine

We hope you liked this list.

Categories
House Tours Interviews

House tour: The classic Aussie beach house reimagined

When you hear the word renovation, you probably think knocking down a couple of walls and updating the kitchen. But for this holiday home, a renovation meant gutting the whole property, keeping only the ground floor slab and the two front walls! “The brief from the client was to build a new house on the existing footprint of the old house,” explains acclaimed designer David Hicks. “The main concern was to maximise the glazing towards the views and reorganise the layout and accommodation.”

Situated on the Mornington Peninsula’s Portsea, bringing the outside in was key for this holiday home. A modern beachside design, the house has a relaxed feel, with beautiful sandy tones mimicking the beach below. “We used a contrast between rough stone and honed stone along with distressed timber veneer and satin lacquer,” says David. “It’s all about texture and tactility.”

Pushing the limits of structure, the upper floor is a standout, with the internal spaces separated from the outside only by frameless glass. “The design is seamless and effortless, yet so complex to detail and construct. I love the simplicity that we managed to achieve. This kind of architecture really interests me and I feel it fits into the landscape beautifully.”

The top floor also contains the pool, a show stopping cantilevered glass oasis that is sure to be the envy of neighbours. “Incorporating a pool above a downstairs bedroom was no mean feat! In fact, the engineering of the entire project was a challenge, as we wanted the upper floor to have limited bulk obstructing the views.”

The end result certainly achieves this, modern and streamlined, it is both relaxed and sophisticated, bringing new significance to the classic beach house.

For more on David | Homes we love

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Designers Homewares

9 beautiful Aussie tablecloths to liven up your home

Bonnie and Neil Kooka Waratah Rose Gold Tablecloth

Confession: I don’t own a tablecloth. In fact, prior to writing this article, I thought of tablecloths as the festive monstrosity that came out during family Christmas! But turns out, sometime in the last few years, they become cool, very cool! From abstract artworks to beautiful linens (and everything in between), tablecloths have become a unique way to express your personality and liven up your tabletop. 

Martinich&Carran Paradise Island Tablecloth: Bringing to life the art of Melbourne based artist Rowena Martinich, this summery tablecloth is full of turquoise, frothy whites, apricot and pink. Printed on Belgian linen, it retails for $290.

Martinich&Carran Paradise Island Tablecloth

4 Leaf Clover Ficifolia Corymbia Tablecloth: The perfect way to add a uniquely Australian touch to your table, this tablecloth celebrates the beauty of our native flora and fauna. Designed and made in the NSW Southern Highlands from 50% linen and 50% cotton, it retails for $230.

4 Leaf Clover Ficifolia Corymbia Tablecloth

Aqua Door Designs Black Ink Splatter Tablecloth: The Brisbane brand is dedicated to creating unique and colourful homewares the traditional way – by hand. This tablecloth features black ink spatters, screen printed on off-white linen. Coming in two sizes, prices start from $159.

Aqua Door Designs Black Ink Splatter Tablecloth

Linen House Nimes Olive Tablecloth: Stone-washed and ever-so-soft, this pure linen tablecloth is perfect for casual or formal settings and will soften beautifully over time. Available in three sizes and a range of colours, prices start from $99.95.

Linen House Nimes Olive Tablecloth

Alabaster Trader Indian Summer Tablecloth: This tablecloth has been hand block printed in India with a delicate floral paisley design. It strikes the right balance between neutral and interesting and is made from 100% Indian cotton. $79.

Alabaster Trader Indian Summer Tablecloth

Bonnie and Neil Kooka Waratah Rose Gold Tablecloth: Known for their botanical motifs, bright patterns and tributes to Australiana culture, every product is produced by hand in their studio in Melbourne. Made from 100% oat linen tablecloth, this tablecloth features a kookaburra and waratah design in rose and gold. Available in two sizes, prices start from $230.

Bonnie and Neil Kooka Waratah Rose Gold Tablecloth

Dandi Eucalyptus Tablecloth in Mood Indigo: Inspired by the beautiful round leaves of the Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, this tablecloth is printed in Sydney on 100% cotton. It is available in a white and snow colour variation, plus three sizes. $89.95.

Dandi Eucalyptus Tablecloth in Mood Indigo

AURA Home Vintage Stripe Tablecloth: As timeless as it is chic, this charcoal tablecloth is luxuriously tactile and woven from the highest quality linen (60%) and cotton (40%). Available in three colour ways, it retails for $149.

AURA Home Vintage Stripe Tablecloth

Basil Bangs Geometric Powder Tablecloth by Sarah Ellison: The Sydney label has married the superior Teflon technology with their beautiful outdoor canvas to create a tablecloth that looks and feels like a fabric, but with all-star stain resistance! This print has been designed exclusively for Basil Bangs by stylist Sarah Ellison and features a textural watercolour wash background. $179.

Basil Bangs Geometric Powder Tablecloth by Sarah Ellison

We hope you liked the list. Let us know what you would add!

Categories
Designers House Tours

Our 10 favourite real homes of 2017

It’s officially December so we’re allowed to start curating the best of the year, right?! This year, we have been lucky enough to sticky beak inside some of the most gorgeous homes. From a houseboat afloat Sydney Harbour to a US$16 million Hamptons home; we’ve certainly not been disappointed! So I’ve undertaken the tricky task of putting together our top 10 favourite real homes of 2017. Enjoy!

Elwood, Melbourne: It may be a rental, but that hasn’t stopped Lucy Glade-Wright (the co-founder of Hunting For George) from turning the apartment into a home. With Art Deco features and show-stopping arch windows, the palette is monochromatic with a touch of blue.

Mosman, Sydney: This two-storey houseboat, afloat on Sydney Harbour, has picture-perfect surrounds and a beautifully restored and redesigned interior. With clean lines and a soft, pared-back palette; it’s the holiday retreat we all want!

Bondi, Sydney: As one of the judges on The Block we had high hopes for Darren Palmer’s home. Stylish and smart, it’s full of technology and gadgets.

Northbridge, Sydney: This modern Mediterranean-style villa has been transformed by our favourite renovators, Three Birds Renovations. With large windows, glass doors, high ceilings and white walls, it’s a light, fresh and welcoming home.

Ballarat, Victoria: This quirky design takes the ubiquitous pitched-roof country house form and splits it in half; with one pavilion housing an arrangement of bedrooms and bathrooms and the other a large, open living space. Raw and minimalist, it brings the beautiful bush setting indoors.

Darling Point, Sydney: An avid collector, the home of interior designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley is as much a gallery space as it is a private residence. Filled with a vast collection of art and books, the home references classic French apartments and old Hollywood set design.

Hamptons, USA: Yours for a little over US$16 million, this beautiful home is a great example of a modern Hamptons look, using a much more black and white palette instead of the traditional blue and white.

Malvern, Melbourne: Combining Mediterranean influences with 1970s and mid-century design, this experimental home works so well. With Tasmanian oak veneer paneling, beautiful handmade clay tiles and bespoke rattan joinery, the interiors are rich in texture.

Manly, Sydney: Timber takes centre stage in this cleverly designed home. Sitting on a subdivided plot that’s just 7.2 metres wide, the home manages to fill light, airy and full of space.

London, England: This renovated Victorian terrace is perfect for entertaining. Light-filled (a must with that dreary weather!), the kitchen and living space beautifully flow into the garden. A perfect example of indoor/outdoor living.

We hope you liked this list! For more house tours.

Categories
Bathrooms

4 real bathrooms to inspire your home design

There’s nothing better than being inspired by real bathrooms. I’m talking spaces that are beautiful but most importantly practical, that are used every day and not just knocked up for a photoshoot. These bathrooms work! And are perfect for kickstarting your design plans if you need a push in the right direction. Check out four fabulous examples below.

Complete indulgence: Teneriffe, QLD

Often we feel the need to book into a day spa to truly pamper ourselves, when in fact achieving spa style luxury at home can be as easy as selecting a few quality pieces. This bathroom is the perfect example of embracing the finer things in life, with its stunning freestanding bath turning routine into ritual. The speckled greys and stone hues of the marble tiles brings a moody, soothing feel, while touches of timber add a rich warmth.

Design: Purdy Developments | Build: Tonic Projects

Textual takeover: Ivanhoe, Vic

This oasis of modern tranquillity has a strong design aesthetic. Pale grey tiles fit inside a largely monochrome colour palate to give off a cool atmosphere. Benchtops and cabinets draped in greys and timber work in unison to give off a sleek and polished feel. Artistic features are abundant in this contemporary bathroom, which successfully fuses sharp edges with delicate accessories.

Design: Pioneering Bathroom Designs | Build: Den Interior Designs

Dark vs. light: Austinmer, NSW

Taking a tonal exploration to the extreme, these two tiled-up bathrooms create big impact with bold shades, sleek profiles and simple, purposeful design. The main bathroom employs a restrained colour palette that keeps the room feeling spacious and bright. A generous vanity stretches the length of the room, in warm timber that introduces a natural element to the space. Concealed behind connecting doorways are the washroom and toilet spaces, cohesive in their monochrome colour schemes.

Over in the ensuite and it’s all about drama with moody colours and edgy fittings; seen in the bold charcoal hexagonal tiling and matte black tapware, hooks and rails. The dark tones are brought to life with a warm timber bench top, a feature piece that is the centre point of the bathroom. A crisp white ceramic basin pops against the charcoal and wooden tones, and is a modern addition with its thin edge design.

Build: Icon Projects

Reece products were used throughout the designs. For more information.

Bathroom inspo

Categories
Designers Homewares

Our favourite handmade Aussie ceramics

Carla Dinnage

I’ve done a lot of homewares roundups in my time, but very few have been this tricky. There are just too many amazing ceramicists out there! This list could have been endless but here are some of my absolute favourites, all lovingly handmade right here in Australia. 

Kaz: Mornington Peninsula artist Karen Morton is the maker behind Kaz. Creating both functional and non-functional pieces, her ceramics feature unexpected symbols, broad brushstrokes and wallpaper patterns.

Kaz

Takeawei: Fun, functional and hand-crafted, the pieces bring together a mix of organic shapes and textures with bright colours and a sense of humour. Each ware is designed to be used and is handmade in Torquay, Victoria.

Takeawei

Bridget Bodenham: Specialising in ceramic tableware, utensils, jewellery, planter pots and flower vases; the tones and textures of Bridget’s wares pay homage to her bush setting in country Victoria.

Bridget Bodenham

Leaf & Co: Inspired by nature from the curves of a wave to the lines of a landscape, all the ceramics give a nod to the environment. Working out of Mount Glorious (an hour from Brisbane), Leaf & Co is a family affair, designed by a mother and her two daughters.

Leaf & Co

Carla Dinnage: Offering a wide range of beautifully coloured ceramic bowls and wall hangings, each piece is individually handmade and hand designed in Melbourne. The wares features strong influences from Mexico, the Middle East and Europe.

Carla Dinnage

Vanessa Bean: Full of personality, owner Vanessa Holle turns everyday functional objects into figurative sculptures, with sweet hand painted faces. Made in Sydney, the pieces feature vibrant colours and decorative drawings.

Vanessa Bean

Daisy Cooper Ceramics: Handcrafted in Melbourne using traditional methods of pinching and coiling clay, the wares are natural and ergonomically shaped. Growing up in Scotland, Daisy is inspired by the wilderness, seen through her forms and colours.

Daisy Cooper Ceramics

Sophie Moran: With an aim to create minimal, handmade vessels that return significance and meaning to household objects, each piece can be used and enjoyed on a daily basis. Made in Melbourne from both porcelain and stoneware, the designs merge traditional and modern techniques.

Sophie Moran

La petite fabrique de Brunswick: Originally from France, but now living in Melbourne’s Brunswick, owner Lucille Sciallano specialises in slip cast ceramics. Producing bowls, cups, teapots and more, she creates patterns and drawings by using pigments to colour the porcelain.

La petite fabrique de Brunswick

We hope you liked the list! Let us know what you would add.

Categories
Bathrooms RENO ADDICT Styling

The 4 biggest bathrooms questions answered

Whether big or small, bathroom projects can come with a lot of questions. So Reece – together with some of our favourites from The Block – have tackled the four biggest bathroom questions and giving us all the answers.

1. What’s the best way to plan a project?

Everyone is different, and the way we work is too. What is easy for you may be hard for someone else, and that’s okay. Bathroom renovations are the same, so play to your strengths. Whether you’re an experienced renovator looking for a smooth process, or someone new to the game in need of a helping hand, a personalised plan will help you get the most out of your project. Check out Reece’s Bathroom Creator Quiz to help determine your strengths and the My Project Planner to start planning like a pro.

2. How can I get the latest look for the best value?

5 star luxury doesn’t have to mean a 5 star budget. By splurging on the important areas and saving in others, you can achieve any look, in any home, on any budget. Don’t compromise on the quality of products you touch and feel daily, like tapware. But save on areas like tiling and accessories for an achievable, affordable result. Block contestants Julia and Sasha recommend saving on tiling by not tiling every wall; while judge Shaynna Blaze says not to spend too much on floor tiles and instead save the impact for the walls.

3. How can I add luxury to my bathroom?

Your bathroom is a personal sanctuary; a place for escape, relaxation and rejuvenation. Create a destination of delight with strong surfaces and elegant, organic shapes. A space where you love to start and finish your day. For true luxury, treat yourself to the absolute best in materials, technology and function. Shaynna suggests embracing extravagance with black tapware and textured tiles: “Bevelled edges reflect light beautifully.” And to get the luxury look for less Blockheads Alisa & Lysandra recommend choosing a hero product and building around it.

4. How do I choose the right colour for my bathroom?

Colour is an extension of your personality. Colours have meaning and can change the way you feel, so choose the colours that speak to you. Some bathroom trends will have colours that work better than others; Scandinavian themed bathrooms are generally washed with a muted or pastel scheme, while contemporary bathrooms gives you the license to lean toward something bolder.

For more information | Bathroom inspo

Categories
Designers

Thought Gold Class was good? Check out the new Palace Cinema!

Staying well clear of patterned carpets, flashing lights and gimmicky design, Palace Central Cinema in Sydney’s Chippendale is like nothing you’ve seen before. A cinema for adults, it has 10 primary screens and three premium auditoriums, complimented by multiple bars and lounges: the Champagne Bar, Platinum Lounge and Beer Hall.

“We conceived each of the three bars as separate hospitality entities,” explains Damien Mulvihill of DesignOffice, the company that designed the project. “Each has its own brand, look and feel, material palette and food and beverage offering. This allows them to appeal to various customers and provide a mix of experiences.”

All beautifully designed, the Champagne Bar is an expansive linear room with glazing on two sides overlooking the park below. Tinted lighting tubes line the windows, while raw concrete columns and exposed pipes contrast with layers of rich and tactile materials; think burnt oak flooring, marble, bronze mirror, saturated navy carpets and soft gold aluminium.

Over in the Platinum Lounge, which is for those viewing films on the premium screens, customers can delight in an experience that parallels a first class airline lounge. A custom brass sculpture, mounted on a raw concrete wall, takes centre stage; alongside a luxe material palette of sheer curtains, polished plaster, deep pile carpet and accents of greenery.

Situated between these two lounges is the Beer Hall. Arched ceiling vaults provide a reference point to the traditional beer hall, while concrete columns, muted pink wall tiles and stainless steel counters bring the space into the now.

But it’s not just the watering holes that are styled to the nines, the cinemas themselves are fitted with innovative interiors, from the ergonomic leather chairs hand-built in Barcelona to the large windows with sweeping city views. “I’m not aware of any cinema in the world with daylight inside the auditoriums,” says Damien. “The theatre of the curtains closing over the windows as the trailers come up is super special. And Palace are planning late night ‘City Lights’ screening with the curtains open.”

Presenting the very best new release films, plus Palace’s iconic collection of international film festivals, you may visit for the movie, but you’re sure to stay for so much more!

Palace Central Cinemas is located on Level 3, Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale. For more information.

 

 

Categories
Designers Furniture Homewares

One of our favourite brands, AURA Home, opens a retail store

For years Tracie Ellis would drive by a little corner store with its cascading ivy wall in Melbourne’s inner east, and dream of it one day being hers. And a week ago it became reality; with Tracie opening the bricks and mortar version of her very successful homewares brand, AURA Home.

Having established the label in 2000 and launched the online store nine years later, for Tracie, opening a retail space was an opportunity to take a step back and interact with the local community. “There’s no doubt there is a huge customer base that loves the convenience of shopping online, but there are also a lot of people who like to touch and feel our products. Our new store is a place to meet our loyal and new customers and inspire them to create beautiful spaces in their homes.”

With that idea in mind, Tracie decided to move away from the traditional shop layout, instead designing – with the help of interior designer Amanda Lynn – a space focused on the core areas of the home. “We have a living room area, to showcase our cushions and throws; a dining area, featuring our ceramics and linen; a beautiful bedroom space for our sheets and quilt covers; and a bathroom area draped with our beautiful towels.”

As well as AURA Home products, the store has incorporated furniture and homewares many may recognise from the brand’s beautiful photography. These include statement pieces from MRD furniture and HK Living, limited edition Isamu Sawa prints, no.27 fragrance house candles and much more. “We have worked with some very special people from some of our favourite brands to produce a curated range of products,” says Tracie. “We wanted to make sure we had something for everyone – the only problem is I keep buying things for myself every time I am in the store!”

Tracie

Situated in the suburb of Malvern, the high street is known as one of the go-to places to shop for furniture and homewares. “We would like to help build on that and create a place Melbournians can shop for all things home,” explains Tracie. “Malvern is beautiful and we already feel like we are part of the local community.”

Visit the AURA Home Concept Store at 1371 Malvern Rd, Malvern, Melbourne. And if you’re in the area next Thursday 7 December, make sure you check out the store, as they’ll be open until 9pm with champagne flowing!

For more information | Brands we love