Referred to as a 6-star retreat and a “statement in hotel-inspired living” I was expecting big things when I peeked inside Landence Group’s first Australian project, The Evermore.
Situated in Melbourne, straddling the boundaries of Southbank and South Melbourne, the apartments have a price-point that’s sure to get fellow Sydneysiders excited! With 199 apartments now on the market, prices start at $399,000 for a one-bedroom, $635,000 for a two-bedroom and $1.26 million for a three-bedroom.
The standout has to be the entire floor of leisure rooms envisioned by internationally acclaimed architects, Hayball. There’s the 14.5 metre open-air pool with sun lounges and lush hanging gardens, plus a state of the art gym. For the less active, a Gold Class style cinema awaits, as well as lavish private dining rooms surrounded by elegantly crafted furniture. And last but not least are the lush tropical gardens interspersed throughout the space.
Into the apartments and the luxury continues. The kitchens feature natural stone, timber and copious storage, with the latest in Miele appliances. The bathrooms are ample with brass tapware, while timber floors grace the living areas and warm, woollen carpets feature in the bedrooms.
On site display suites are open every day from noon to 4pm or by appointment.
10 years ago, in their final semester of university, Sarah Gibson and Nick Karlovasitis began brainstorming an idea for a business. Studying industrial design they were surrounded by young furniture designers chasing representation from companies overseas. It was a tough slog! So they decided to create DesignByThem, a brand that promoted Australian design and provided a viable platform for designers.
Sarah and Nick
Designing furniture themselves and collaborating with a stellar cohort of Australian designers; as the brand have grown in size, so too have their products. “Initially we designed mainly smaller accessories – maybe because we were designing out of an apartment and couldn’t fit anything else,” explains Sarah. “But slowly, as we kept moving to bigger and bigger spaces our products have become bigger too. The Cabin range is sure proof of that!”
Cabin BoothCabin Armchair and Ottoman
Working from home for the business’ first few months, storage was at a premium, with the garage stocked full of prototypes. Time was spent designing and raising awareness, so that DesignByThem could reach their goal of supporting fellow designers. “The scale of our collection is really what we’ve focused on over the years,” says Sarah. “Development started slowly and sped up as we surrounded ourselves with a great network of talented designers, manufacturers and staff.”
Bow Chair
With some 70 designs in their collection, featuring the work of Aussie talents like Stefan Lie, Trent Jansen, Tommy Cehak and many more, DesignByThem creates products that are consistent and true to their design ethos. “Rather than seeking to stand out we seek to be a brand with longevity,” explains Sarah. “Hopefully with products that are original and timeless, although this is a very hard thing to do. We plan to be around for a long time, and hope our considered approach is respected in the long term too.”
Baker Table and Butter Stools
Their broad range makes it’s hard to pick a favourite, but for Sarah, it’s the Butter Stool and Cabin Lounge: “For its playfulness, comfort and flexibility.” While for Nick, it’s the Piper Chair and the TomTom Letterbox (which Jen has and adores!): “I love the way people love this product, it’s endearing to see people’s reactions to it. This was also our first collaboration, with designer Tommy Cehak, who came up with the concept of people wanting to represent their style at the front gate.”
TomTom LetterboxPiper Bar Stool
Now gaining traction overseas, particularly in the US, DesignByThem has some exciting prospects for the next 10 years and beyond. “We’ve seen the business move gradually to the overseas market so we’re excited to see where this takes us,” says Sarah. “We’ve also got some exciting new collections and collaborations happening early next year and plan on continuing the current momentum of designs and ideas.”
In Australia we are lucky enough to have amazing homegrown designers, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the work of our neighbours overseas. Below are our favourite cult international brands and all the information on where you can get your hands on them.
Designers Guild: Established in 1970 by Tricia Guild, the iconic British brand designs and wholesales furnishing fabrics, wallcoverings, upholstery and bed and bath collections. Known for its brilliant use of colour, pattern and texture, Aussies can purchase Designers Guild homewares through its recently launched online store.
Designers Guild
Missoni Home: The famous Italian fashion house Missoni took its extraordinary textiles into the home in 1983. Featuring an explosion of colour, pattern and luxurious texture, the Missoni Home collection embraces every part of life from bedding and towels to rugs, upholstery and furniture. Available in Australia through Spence and Lyda.
Missoni Home
Pottery Barn: Built on the idea that home furnishings should be exceptional in comfort, quality, style and value, the US brand has quickly become an Aussie favourite. Originally founded in 1948, it features exclusive products, many designed by in-house artists and crafted in the USA. Pottery Barn has stores across Australia and an online shop.
Pottery Barn
Cath Kidston: As the home of modern vintage, the British brand has the same mission today as when it began in 1993: to make cheerful, practical products that bring a smile to customers’ faces. Designing everything from fashion and handbags to home furnishings and wallpaper, Cath Kidston is known for its signature prints with a hint of nostalgia. Available in Australia through Piper and Ross.
Cath Kidston
Jonathan Adler: Creating luxe furniture and homewares that are seriously designed, but don’t take themselves too seriously, Jonathan Adler began in 1993. With a look that is all about modern American glamour, the US brand has surprisingly humble beginning; with Jonathan (the man not the brand!) launching the business to pursue his first love: pottery. Available in Australia through Coco Republic.
Jonathan Adler
Marimekko: The Finnish design house is celebrated worldwide for its original prints and colours. Founded in 1951, Marimekko is said to be one of the world’s first real lifestyle brands combining fashion and home decoration into one unique point of view. It has stores in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as an online shop.
Marimekko
Ferm Living: The Danish design house has become a household name in the world of furniture and homewares thanks to its passion for design, craftsmanship and aesthetics. Each product, whether it is a plant pot, stationery tray, pillow or chair, represents a contemporary and functional approach to Scandinavian design with a hint of mid-century charm. Available in Australia through Designstuff online.
With a successful home renovation behind them, Courtney and Marcus Leslie set themselves a mammoth task: to transform a run down 70s shack on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, into a Scandinavian-inspired boutique hideaway. The biggest challenge? Doing it in just 12 weeks! But somehow they pulled it off.
After: backyard
Completing most of the project on their own – luckily Marcus is an electrican – they flipped the house on its head, creating a brand new floor plan. “To ensure we kept within our very tight budget we kept the roofline the same and didn’t touch anything structural, but we changed everything else,” explains Courtney. “We’ve gone from a two bedroom, one bathroom shack into a three bedroom, two bathroom home.”
After: kitchenBefore: kitchen
Once disjointed, with an uneven floor height and “confusing” floor plan, the holiday retreat is now modern, luxurious and filled with natural light. Creating a new entrance, hallway, main bathroom with laundry and three bedrooms (the master with ensuite and private decked terrace), all rooms now lead to the new open plan living space. Featuring a kitchen, dining and lounge room, which opens onto a huge, sun drenched deck, it’s definitely a highlight of the residence.
After: livingAfter: backyard
“My absolute favourite part of the home has to be the new open plan living space with beautiful French doors that open onto a spacious deck,” says Courtney. “I also really love the ceilings, as we added v-groove panelling between the existing beams, which gives the space so much more character.”
After: exteriorBefore: exterior
Currently listed on Airbnb and being enjoyed by many holidaymakers, it was a renovation that almost didn’t happen, thanks to limited time and limited resources. “Trying to complete the project in such a short timeframe was definitely a challenge,” explains Courtney. “This was made even more difficult by the fact we were only able to work on the house part time. Having two young children to look after and running an electrical business left very little time to renovate, however, somehow we managed to completely transform the house – all within 12 weeks – and we couldn’t be happier with the end result.”
While we may not want to admit it, Americans do Christmas very well; from the ornate lights – inspired by Home Alone – to the the eggnog and Christmas cheer. It’s all OTT and it’s all wonderful! So if you want to get in the festive sprit this season, get out that credit card and start shopping at these US-born brands.
Pottery Barn: Meet all of your Christmas needs with decorations from Pottery Barn. From stockings and ornaments to dinnerware and throw pillows, you are sure to find designs that will add joy to your home. They also cover every theme from coastal cheer – think beach backdrops and rich blues – to enchanting woodlands – with faux fur and glamorous greenery.
Pottery Barn Kids: Sure, we may live in Australia but that doesn’t mean you can’t transform your home into a winter wonderland! Promising to set your kids’ minds alive with wonder, you can choose from the classical to the whimsical and everything in between. Also the stockings are just too cute!
West Elm: Just what any on-trend home needs this season, West Elm’s offering is full of non-traditional ornaments and metallic accents. Offering Christmas decorations with that little bit of spunk, their collection is both both wallet friendly and oh so cute.
Williams-Sonoma: Get your Christmas table in tip-top shape with the help of Williams-Sonoma. After all, holidays are all about family, friends and food! From dinnerware and glassware to festive sweets and accompanying drinks, Williams-Sonoma provides all the fun stuff!
It was only last month that we brought you a list of the latest bathroom wares we were loving and already do we have so many more to add, including a pink bath! I know it sounds outrageous, but my oh my it is gorgeous. So we’ve decided to start a monthly wrap… introducing our November list.
Boyd Alternatives Rodney Bath: This show stopping concrete bath demands attention! Coming in a colour called millennial pink, it is chic and on trend. Designed with greater depth for full body immersion, the bath features clever detailing and a wider brim, to keep the water at optimal temperature. Costing a pretty penny, $7,800 to be exact, it is available from Candana.
Boyd Alternatives Rodney Bath
Kohler Terrace Storage Column: Designed in France by the Jacob Delafon team, this unit showcases modernity in an utterly timeless fashion. Offering vertical storage, some of which is accessible without opening the door, the soft close door can be right opening or left opening. At $2,799, it has a lacquered finish cabinet, three natural oak shelves and a glass partition.
Kohler Terrace Storage Column
Beaumont Tiles Nordic Vanity: Raising the bar for minimalistic bathroom fit outs, the vanity is enveloped in premium exterior-grade birch wood. Both beautifully unique and practical, it resists abrasions and commonly used chemicals, as well as being weather and moisture proof. Coming in a range of sizes, it features a single bowl and push to open draws. The Nordic 1200 WH Vanity (pictured) retails for $2,100.
Beaumont Tiles’ Nordic Vanity
Stegbar Nanoclean Shower Screen: A shower screen that cuts cleaning time by up to 90 percent. Yes please! With a coating that bonds with glass and forms an invisible protective barrier, it is able to minimise dirt and grime build up. To keep clean, simply give it a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth once a week. Upgrading your shower screen to Nanoclean glass costs an additional $150-to-$250.
Stegbar’s Nanoclean Shower Screen
Pressalit Sway D2 Black Toilet Seat: It’s often overlooked when it comes to style and design, yet with this toilet seat, the ‘throne’ takes centre stage! Made with durable materials and quality stainless steel hinges, the Danish design also has a soft close lid. $352.
Pressalit Sway D2 Black Toilet Seat
Kohler Torsion Shower Door: The recipient of two of the most prestigious international design awards, this shower door provides a sleek, streamlined solution. With anodised aluminium frames and 8mm toughened safety glass, it features hidden door mechanisms for easy cleaning and ultra-sleek lines. The shower door comes in four designs: InSwing, Hinged, Sliding and Alcove. Prices start from $1,190.
You know how there’s those kids labels – be it fashion, homewares or furniture – where you just need to have it all, except you’re an adult and alas, nothing will fit! Well Incy Interiors is that label for me. Except now… they do stuff for adults. Win!
Their latest offering, Mod Collection, is supposedly for kids, but there are some products you could definitely steal for yourself. Featuring a desk, change table, side table and a quirky take on a loft bed; the collection has been inspired by modernist trends of the 1950s.
Each of the designs gives a nod to Hollywood glamour, with curved silhouettes and sophisticated hardware. The collection is made from New Zealand pine and aluminium, which is power coated in navy, white or chrome plated rose gold. Divine!
The New York loft style bed is ideal for maximising space in any kids bedroom. Inspired by the bunkbeds of yore, the design provides functional sleeping zones, additional height and a grand sense of openness. You can also complete the look with the Mod side table, which features two pullout drawers.
Also available is the Mod change table, with its slender silhouette, round corners and tapered legs; creating a soft, timeless look. Versatility is key with the change table converting into a dresser when needed. Team this with the Mod desk, which features two pullout drawers on a stainless steel frame. Both pieces can be used to decorate a children’s room (or an adult’s study!).
I’ll admit I rolled my eyes when I heard Harris Park was dubbed the Surry Hills of the west. That’s a super trendy inner city suburb for those unfamiliar with Sydney. But checking out the display apartment for Charlie Parker, a boutique, residential tower in the leafy suburb of Harris Park, well it’s fair to say the suburb is getting cool!
Inspired by the art-deco era, the visually impactful, curved Charlie Parker building by Coronation Property is the brainchild of award-winning architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt), while on the inside, interior styling is courtesy of Shannon Vos of VOSCREATIVE, the 2014 winner of The Block: Glasshouse.
With furnishings by GlobeWest, Shannon had raw luxury in mind when presented with his design brief, think tribal trends, rustic timbers and plenty of natural textures. “We have endeavoured to highlight the building’s beauty and pay homage to its strengths,” explains Shannon. “We have infused the interiors with subtle notes of playfulness and whimsy throughout, built upon excellent workmanship and the best in planning and design.”
Comprising of 111 apartments, Charlie Parker will span 22 storeys and will include an open-air pool and gym on the terrace level. Charlie Parker – aptly named by the two streets it is positioned on, Charles and Parkes Street — will also incorporate a high-end residents’ lounge, open-air pool, gymnasium, a relaxation area and landscaping by award-winning landscape designer Jamie Durie.
Harris Park is already known for its unique eat street, eclectic bars and cafes, as well as its superb connectivity. Charlie Parker is only minutes from Parramatta and Harris Park train stations, while the new light rail station for Harris Park will be situated directly across the road from the building.
Prices for apartments at Charlie Parker start from $475,000 for a one-bedroom suite, $567,000 for a one-bedroom residence, $785,000 for a two bedroom and $898,000 for three bedrooms, with two four-bedroom penthouses also available, with price on application.
The Charlie Parker display suite is now open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm, located at level 1, 8 Phillip Street, Parramatta.
It’s the Singapore furniture brand that has been synonymous with stylish and affordable designs since 2013, and now Castlery has arrived on Australian shores. With both countries sharing similar lifestyles and home aspirations, Australia was a natural place to expand. “Consumer spending habits and purchasing power is similar in both countries,” explains co-founder Declan Ee. “While we definitely had to adapt to Australian tastes and culture, we didn’t have to completely re-invent our product lines.”
Born out of a frustration of wanting designer furniture but not being able to afford the exxy showroom prices, Declan and his three business partners decided to do something about it. Seeing a gap in the market they began sourcing furniture direct from factories. “We realised that well-made designer furniture was unjustifiably expensive due to the cumulative costs of middlemen, warehouses and shopfronts. So at Castlery we own the entire supply chain, this allows us to cut out all the unnecessary mark-ups and pass on the savings to the consumer.”
With a focus on trend-driven, forward-thinking design, Castlery fits perfectly between mass-market flatpack furniture and pricey luxury brands. From its iconic pendant lights to its extensive range of furniture and accessories, the brand offers something for every taste, with a consistent flow of new releases and furniture customisation.
Declan
While the brand is predominantly online, Castlery’s Australian launch has seen both an online shop and a showroom in Sydney’s Alexandria; a big move for a brand that prides itself on keeping costs low. “Having a showroom comes down to customer experience,” says Declan. “For furniture we quickly realised that customers like to touch the products, to experience what they feel and look like. It helps the customers to better visualise whether it will fit in their homes and ultimately leads to a better customer experience.”
However, for those not in Sydney, Castlery’s online shop is engaging and seamless, with full transparency on delivery times and prices. “Our website ensures customers can do research about what furniture they want, be provided with inspiration, key measurements and choose fabric or leather customisation. This allows them to save time and make decisions without visiting the store.”
Karmin Kenny always loved Indian furniture and homewares, but she just couldn’t make them work in her own home. The wood was just too dark and the bright colours just that little too much, especially living on the coast. Then she had a brainwave: to transform the antiques using an all-white palette.
“I’ve learnt that refinishing everything in a palette of whites, greys and bleached timbers creates a look that is light, modern and calm,” explains Karmin. “The best part is that it works with most interior styles. I’ve decorated three very different homes in the look – a heritage Queenslander, a beach house and a fishing shack. It worked equally well for all.”
Karmin
Finding her aesthetic, Karmin decided to share it with the world, opening lifestyle store Alabaster Trader. With both a retail space in Noosa, Queensland and an online presence, Karmin travels to India and sources every piece herself. “I focus mostly on one-off antiques from Rajasthan and Gujarat and I have every one of them refinished to achieve the Alabaster look. When I see a piece that speaks to me, I visualise what the best finish would be – white, whitewash, grey, bleached or natural.”
The range also includes textiles designed by Karmin and made in a small village in India, using the ancient art of wood block printing. In line with the rest of the collection, the tablecloths, cushions and quilts are available in a palette of soft neutrals hand-printed on natural fibres.
Only opening its doors late last year, Karmin didn’t know how the concept would be received. Turns out, she didn’t have to worry. “I had to rush back to India just five weeks after opening to source more stock! Customers have been really surprised at how different ethnic furniture looks when refinished in a light palette. It’s like magic.”
Pinterest is one of my favourite places to get ideas, and clearly I’m not alone, with more than 3.7 million holiday and event ideas saved in Australia in the last month. 3.7 million! That’s one pinned post for every six people!
Pinterest is the ideal place for getting into the Christmas spirit. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your Christmas table, festive decor or entertaining ideas when family and friends takeover your home, Pinterest has you covered. Check out these trending table ideas to try this season.
Greenery and neutral decor: Traditional decor takes on a modern twist with greenery, neutral accents and wheat centrepieces. Perfect for an Aussie celebrations, focus on native florals and bringing the outdoors in.
Source: buildhousehome.blogspot.com.au via PinterestSource: buildhousehome.blogspot.com.au via Pinterest
Modern blue and white china: Keep up with tradition and choose a classical favorite for your festive celebration. This can be imagined in multiple ways from Chinoiserie chic, a Western style of design that represents fanciful European interpretations of Chinese styles, to the quintessential Aussie Beach Christmas think turquoise, white and navy blue.
Source: bodasyweddings.com via PinterestSource: Decoholic via Pinterest
Do-it-yourself decor: Get the whole family involved with decorating by trying these mantel gift bags. Or spruce up your home before Santa arrives with do-it-yourself decorations like napkin rings and hanging boughs.
Source: Crate and Barrel via PinterestSource: Camille Styles via Pinterest
With more than 2.4 million ideas saved on Pinterest each day in Australia alone, Pinterest is an ideal resource when getting into the festive spirit. It also means you have no excuse not to have a magazine-worthy Christmas table setting! Good luck.
Transforming the outside of your home with the right colour scheme can future-proof your exterior and help you achieve curb appeal for years to come. But choosing the right paint can be tricky, it’s a long-term investment after all. So to eliminate colour guesswork, Dulux have curated three on-trend and foolproof exterior colour schemes which can be easily applied to virtually any architectural style.
Bright Spot
Featuring pops of brighter hues and a selection of easy-to-use neutrals, Bright Spot is especially ideal for popular mid-century architecture. Experiment with hues to achieve a modern take on architectural colour palettes. Use bold hints of colour such as Dulux High Blue or Go Alpha in architectural details such as the front door, pot plants and even letterboxes.
Dulux Natural White, Ticking and Go Alpha
Expert tip: Try a pop of colour on the doors and exterior trim, or pair neutrals such as Natural White and Timeless Grey with bright pots, chairs and exterior accessories.
Dulux Terrace White, Vivid White, High Blue and Surf’n’Dive
Botanical Life
Offering a more traditional colour scheme, Botanical Life achieves a warm and welcoming lush look. Globally inspired, it features spicy colour accents, bohemiam styling and tropical flare as seen in Dulux Cinnamon Sand, Coyote and Jungle Cloak.
Dulux Cinnamon Sand and Tambo Tank
Expert tip: Bring this theme to life with bohemian styling including woven exterior furniture and planters as well as lush tropical greenery.
Dulux Pale Tendril Half, Jungle Cloak, Water Rock and Coyote
Natural Beauty
Inspired by tactile elements, Natural Beauty offers colours which are drawn from nature, focusing on neutrals, warm greys and charcoals. The colour scheme achieves a relaxed look with colours such as Dulux Vintage Beige, Malay Grey and Domino, which can be paired perfectly with materials such as brick, timber and stone.
Dulux Teahouse and Domino
Expert tip: Pair these neutrals with natural textures such as wooden elements and stone accessories and decorations.
Dulux Colorbond Shale Grey and Harold
Achieving the right look and selecting colours can be daunting, so these exterior colour schemes can simplify the process, helping you avoid a costly colour mistake.
When Lucy Glade-Wright showed up at a rental inspection five years ago, the first thing she saw was a queue of eager potential tenants lining out the door. Not swayed, she – and what seemed like the rest of Melbourne – fell in love with the Art Deco apartment and its show-stopping arch windows. She knew she had to have it. And lucky for Lucy, and partner Jonno Rodd, they got it!
Lucy and Jonno
As two of the masterminds behind homewares juggernaut Hunting For George – Lucy is the co-founder and Jonno the marketing manager – it’s no surprise that their Elwood home is beautifully decorated. With a style that is constantly evolving, their look is modern, with the addition of some nostalgic pieces to complement the building’s heritage. “We have taken our time to invest in key pieces around the home as we have not been able to afford to decorate in one big swoop,” explains Lucy. “In terms of decor, I like to switch up my cushions and bedlinen as I’m often taking samples from work to trial.”
While it’s a constant challenge not to bring everything home from the Hunting For George warehouse, the products Lucy designs do make their way into the apartment… for work purposes of course! “I always take the wares I design home so that I can live with them, test them out and get a better understanding of them.”
Having lived in the two-bedroom apartment for five years, it was important from the get-go that it felt like theirs, despite it being a rental. They’ve changed the lighting: “It’s lifted the entire look of our home and really helped to modernise the space,” plus painted the kitchen, both bedrooms and the sunroom.
“Not everyone is willing to invest in a rental but we think it’s important to treat your rental as you would your home,” says Lucy. “Although it’s always important to have respect for the owner by improving aesthetics, rather than completely changing them.”
With a look that is relaxed, practical and cosy; the palette is monochromatic with a touch of blue. Their favourite spaces include the living room, home to their much loved sound system, and their garden, a luxury for apartment living. “We do a lot of barbecuing so we’re often outside cooking up dinner. We mainly use it to grow herbs and Jonno has a pretty mean chilli plant collection and makes chilli sambal every year.”
A self-confessed homebody, Lucy loves nothing more than spending her weekends at home. And if my home looked like that, I would feel the same!
I love a dinner party, but if I’m honest, plans for a stylish spread quickly go out the window; especially when friends are on their way and you haven’t even started cooking. But not this festive season! This summer I’m going to create a feast for the stomach and the eyes… with Shaynna Blaze‘s help that is. Check out her top tips for styling a festive platter and the perfect tabletop.
Shaynna
How to style a festive platter
The more food, the better: A simple block of cheese and some dip and crackers just doesn’t cut it these days. Select a few different types of cheeses and layer with nuts, olives and fresh berries, and use dried fruits to fill all the gaps and cover any empty board space – a sumptuous smorgasBOARD!
Build from a perfect base: Choose a beautiful timber board or marble tray to serve, and pair with cheese knives and serving tools that follow the same aesthetic so it doesn’t overwhelm the food.
Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe Eden 2pc Marble Board, $79.95
Use colour: Juicy strawberries, green grapes and pomegranates not only taste good but visually make your platter an enticing feast
Balance: Start with the biggest items i.e. cheese, dips, bowls of olives etc. and build around this. Play around with different angles and different heights for your meat, cheese and crackers. It gives an extra dimension to the spread!
Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe table setting
Variety is key: A platter should have a variety of textures, colours and tastes. Be mindful of this when selecting your food and don’t be afraid to pile it high with cheese, fruit, meats and pickled vegetables as a mouth-watering assortment of perfection.
Don’t forget the wine: Stemless wine glasses are an alternative to having lots of height on your table, use them on their own or mixed with stemmed glasses to give variation to your table.
How to style the perfect tabletop
1. Invest in a few core pieces like cutlery, wine glasses and hurricane lamps or vases to dress up your celebrations in the lead-up to Christmas.
Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe table setting
2. Adding elegant cutlery to your dining table has the same impact as adding beautiful earrings to a little black dress.
3. When setting the table for dinner parties, keep your centrepiece low so sight lines aren’t obstructed and the conversation can flow.
4. To achieve a formal feel with your dining table setting, stick to a single colour palette for your dinnerware and placemats.
5. Create a casual look that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner by styling simple timber accessories with grey chinaware.
Few jobs are as enviable as Therese Moussa’s: creative developer and head stylist for Sydney’s The Grounds. Even if you’re not from Sydney I’d be surprised if you haven’t heard of this group of beautiful eateries; immaculately detailed, enchanting wonderlands, whose visitors flock from miles away, tripod and camera in tow.
The Grounds of the City
Take the garden bathrooms in The Grounds of Alexandria, a space normally refrained thanks to a lack of budget. Here it’s a different story: “For this space I used a collection of old horse saddles, whips, bridles, stirrups, leads, dried florals and old photos frames of riders and their horses to create a really authentic feel,” explains Therese. “Some of the items in this space were even brought to us and donated to us by our amazing customers.”
The Garden Stables Bathroom at The Grounds of AlexandriaThe Garden Stables Bathroom at The Grounds of Alexandria
Having a lifelong affinity with design, Therese was just 12 years old when she realised she wanted to be an interior designer. “I was always curious going through all of my Dad’s paint colour swatches in his work ute and one day I asked: ‘I want to use all these paint colours, what can I do with them?’ He replied you can be a interior designer or decorator. And that was that!”
From there, she undertook a Bachelor of Design specialising in interiors; but it was her passion for art, styling, creating installations, textiles, pottery and colour theory that got her the dream job at The Grounds. Now she spends her days styling the many spaces of the Alexandria venue – from the cafe to the sprawling garden and hidden laneways, Therese even puts the finishing touch on the food displays. “I style the displays of our pastries and bread in our new Bakery and Patisserie and work closely with The Grounds chefs on the food styling for our social media channels.”
The Florist at The Grounds of AlexandriaCracking the Easter Egg
Highlights would have to be styling on a much larger scale, transforming The Grounds for special events: a magical forest for Mother’s Day and Alice in Wonderland for Easter. “Creating a different installation each year for Easter is one of my favourite projects to work on by far! Each year we dream up new concepts and our ideas get bigger and bigger. It brings us so much joy to see so many people from all ages taking photos of the installations around The Grounds and coming together to crack our giant chocolate Easter Egg.”
Theresa
Therese also helped design the latest venue, The Grounds of the City, alongside The Grounds’ creative director Ramzey Choker and design firm ACME & CO. A dramatic departure from Alexandria, they wanted to create a new experience with a coffee house inspired hub for the city. “This project has been fun working on as it’s just so different,” says Therese. “I worked on the project from the beginning – from conception through to development with styling, uniform, furnishings and also on developing our experiential characters such as the tea lady, shoe shiner and coffee sommelier.”
The Shoe Shiner at The Grounds of the CityThe Shoe Shiner at The Grounds of the City
Every inch of the space is thoughtfully styled from the coffee grinders, sourced from around the world and dating back to the 1920s, to the apothecary jars from France, with customised labels that include the names of the farms and regions where they ethically sourced the beans. But Therese’s favourite feature has to be the library: “The library is made up of all the business books the owner, Ramzey, read to create The Grounds, so all of our secrets are in there! We then had them custom covered in recycled leather offcuts and monogrammed with gold and copper foil by one of our regular local market stallholders.”
The Grounds of the City
With a new styling adventure never far away, Therese will soon bring some festive cheer to The Grounds with their annual Christmas event. And if her track record is anything to go by, it’s going to be magical!
They were the diabolically delicious drawings that inspired a generation, and now, the 1986 book Animalia, is being brought back to life in a colourful collection of kids and baby bedding and accessories.
You could win a signed copy of Animalia and a unicorns and umbrellas pea cushion (pictured top left)
Joining forces with Australian label Kip & Co, Animalia was a childhood favourite for the girls behind the brand. “We were all read Animalia as little tikes and loved getting lost in the magical drawings night after night,” says co-founder Kate Heppell. “It’s a tradition we’ve passed on to our kids and now it is one of their absolute favourites.”
Written and illustrated by Melbourne’s Graeme Base, Animalia is more than just an alphabet book, it’s a fantastical alliterative journey through the animal kingdom. Striking a chord the world over, it reached number five on the New York Times bestseller list and featured in a 40-foot billboard on Sunset Boulevard. “Animalia is a book for everyone,” explains Graeme. “It was never intended for any particular age and I think that’s why it still has such a strong connection with so many.”
Over 30 years later and Graeme‘s zany zig-zagging zesty tale is still well and truly alive, but this time in bedding and homewares! The collection includes kids and baby bedding, cushions. sleepwear, play mats, swaddles and wicked santa sacks. And don’t worry, the prints are just as wild as the book! Think enormous elephants expertly eating easter eggs, great green gorillas growing grapes in a gorgeous glass greenhouse and lazy lions lounging in the local library. Let your imagination run free!
For your chance of winning one of three sets of a signed copy of Animalia and a unicorn cushion, please complete the form below by 5pm AEST next Tuesday 21 November.
Christmas decorating can go one of two ways… elegant or tacky! And sometimes it can be a fine line to tread. Tinsel? No. Tree ornaments? Yes. Colourful lights? Maybe. Well trust me when I say these stockings and sacks will be loved by you and your child, because on this list there’s nothing gaudy in sight!
Sack Me’s Starry Night Swag Sack: This swanky sack can be used year round, for Santa’s loot or to store unwanted mess long after Santa’s gone! With a drawstring closure and decorative pompoms, it is also machine washable. Available in a variety of fun and vibrant patterns for $49.95.
Sack Me’s Starry Night Swag Sack (bottom right)
Country Road’s Orna Stocking: Having just launched their online personalisation service, this stocking can have your little one’s name in a choice of two fonts and a magnitude of colours. Prices start from $29.95.
Country Road’s Orna Stocking (middle and right)
Bed Bath N’ Table’s Santa Sack Do Not Open: This large jute sack in red and white celebrates the timeless charm of a traditional Christmas. Simple and on trend, it will work with any home decor. $29.95.
Bed Bath N’ Table’s Santa Sack Do Not Open
Kip&Co x Animalia Unicorns and Umbrellas Santa Sack: This whimsical sack is inspired by the 1980s children’s book Animalia. Now 30 years later, the magic of Graeme Base’s tale has become a iconic story for inquisitive minds the world over. Featuring unruly unicorns, upending urns and ultramarine umbrellas, this 100% cotton canvas sack has a gold tie and pom poms. $69.
Kip&Co x Animalia Unicorns and Umbrellas Santa Sack
Little Willow Vintage’s Christmas Stocking: This classic, handmade stocking comes in natural linen or a white linen cotton blend. You can make it that little more personal with a hand stitched initial or bow. Prices start from $32.
Christmas Stocking from Little Willow Vintage
Cabin Co Interiors’ Gold Tree Santa Sack: Hand screen printed, this 100% cotton sack features a gold tree and Christmas delivery design on the front and matching tree pattern on the back. For $50 this stocking is glamorous and elegant.
Cabin Co Interiors’ Gold Tree Santa Sack (left)
Pottery Barn Kids’ Luxe Velvet Reindeer Stocking: Soft, sophisticated and now in a deeper red, this stocking is an instant classic. Plus the fluffy sherpa, ruffles and appliqués make for an extra-special design. Personalisation available in store. $39.
Pottery Barn Kids’ Luxe Velvet Reindeer Stocking (far left)
Cotton On Kids’ Personalised Santa Sack: This huge sack is ideal for kids who have been extra nice this year! Available in three patterns (Christmas tree, fairy tree and Scandi Santa) each sack design has foiling and bright neon colours, simply add your child’s name for a personal touch. $24.95.
Cotton On Kids’ Personalised Santa Sacks
The Woodsfolk’s Felt Stocking Red with Multi Edging: Carefully handmade in Nepal, this stocking embodies that traditional Christmas feel. It’s basically a groovy version of Santa’s big red boot! Soft to the touch, it is available in a range of colours for $39.95.
The Woodsfolk’s Felt Stocking Red with Multi Edging (centre)
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you would add!
When watching The Block it’s easy to forget that behind the beautiful designs of the contestants is one man: Sydney architect Julian Brenchley. The show’s architect from day one, Julian sources the houses, designs the exteriors and deals with all the necessary planning permits along the way. In other words all the stressful stuff!
This season, Julian found inspiration in the architecture of Melbourne’s Elsternwick (where the show was set). Very much a traditional brick-and-tile suburb, Julian stayed true to the neighbourhood’s aesthetic, while adding elements of modernity. The result is a showcase of the hottest trends in bricks.
Jason and Sarah’s backyard
In the homes, texture has became the hero, with dark coloured bricks complemented by metal cladding and slimline roof tiles. The look is then carried over to the pavilions (as Julian calls the two-storey additions), which feature a complementary palette of dark coloured face bricks, adding a diversity of textures and finishes.
Josh and Elyse’s backyard
Three of the five Block homes have the same bricks on the exterior walls, the PGH Balmerino Blend, a dry-pressed brick, which creates harmony within the development. The other two homes keep to the same dark tones but differ in texture, adding to the palette’s complexity. Hannah and Clint’s house showcases a blend of Mystique and sandstock brick Greenway, while Sticks and Wombat’s house has a deep dark Pewter brick range, which is a semi-glazed metallic brick.
Jason and Sarah’s backyard
While in a design sense bricks look great, commercially they are also a good choice, thanks to their low maintenance and classic appeal. “That’s been the benefit of face bricks since time immemorial,” says Julian. “You put up a face brick and as long as you are happy with the colour you won’t have to touch it until you demolish it 80, 100, 200 years later. Low maintenance is a big thing nowadays.”
