The humble caravan is staging a major comeback. Have you ever gone down the rabbit hole that is the hashtag #vanlife? There’s currently 2.2 million Instagram posts tagged! And #vanlife is not just an aesthetic or even a mentality, it’s come to encapsulate a movement; a one-word, enviable lifestyle that is free of the traditional nine-to-five. Now, thanks to social media, many want to jump in a caravan and drive into the unknown!
So it comes as little surprise that self-confessed caravan geeks and Block alumni, Michael and Carlene Duffy, jumped at the opportunity to renovate a vintage Viscount van. The finished product, Vonnie the Van, sleeps two adults and two kids, making it perfect for overnight visits from friends, owners looking to up their Stayz revenue and of course, those wanting to hit the wide, open road and explore the country.
Taking inspiration from the stunning coastal bushland around their family home in Queensland’s Tallebudgera, Michael and Carlene chose a colour palette of varying shades of green, offset by brass and gold fixtures. Wanting to create a soft, relaxed, natural vibe; they opted for White Knight’s Sussex (a muted green) paired with Crisp White as the two hero colours. Vonnie has ended up a fresh, calm, Palm Springs-inspired version of her retro roots, with just a touch of glam!
Before the reno
Vintage vans can be picked up quite cheaply, but most are in dire need of renovation, refurbishment and modernisation, which is where Michael and Carlene came to the rescue. “Vonnie the Van had good bones but needed a lot of work,” explains Michael. “The metal exterior was on the verge of rusting, the interior laminate cupboards and kitchen-tops were straight out of the 60s and the old girl badly needed some new furniture.”
Before… Agh!
Applying all their home renovation skills to Vonnie’s makeover, they upcyled old furniture using acrylic enamel spray paint; modernised the benches and cupboards with laminate paint and brought her exterior and chassis back to life with White Knight’s Rust Guard.
With the right products, some TLC and hard yakka, Vonnie is now ready to cruise the coastline for many more years to come.
The go-to designer for tiny tots and kids at heart, Sack Me! have added more beautiful (and ridiculously comfortable) bedding and accessories to their overflowing range.
The new prints and and products include an expansion of last year’s festive range, just in time for Christmas. “We sold so well last year we decided to bring back our best selling patterns and introduce some new ones,” explains Sack Me! designer Li-Ann Scott. “We didn’t want to introduce overly ‘Christmas-y’ prints as we encourage our customers to re-use the swag sacks post Christmas. They are perfect for storing toys! We also have Christmas stockings perfect for little stocking fillers.”
On the less festive side of things, Sack Me! have introduced a new toddler size slumber sack, following countless requests for a mini version for daycare, as well as an expanded range of floor cushions, playmats and beanbags.
Available in many prints, the favourite has to be the new Dunkin Dragon, which comes in all bedding sizes (from cot to king), play mats and slumber sacks. “I love this print,” says Li-Ann. “A world where dragons eat donuts and live happily ever after, what can be better than that? Plus the versatility of the navy stripe reverse print, which you can mix and match for boys and even for girls, is magic!”
Inspired by mythical animals, the print encourages children to pursue their imagination in the kingdom of unicorns and dragons. “It’s such a magical place to escape to,” explains Li-Ann. “A place where you can just let your imaginations run wild!”
Inspired by her three-month artist residency in Arita, the birthplace of porcelain in Japan, ceramicist Milly Dent has created the Sora and Dango Gem ranges. A fusion of her unique, contemporary style and the ancient techniques learnt at Kouraku Gama – a kiln with a 150 year history – it is a new aesthetic for the acclaimed Sydney designer.
Milly at work
Hand-crafted to reflect both Japanese and Western styles of dining, the Sora Collection is focused on simple, traditional Japanese design considerations. “The Japanese have an incredible sense of purposefulness and thoughtfulness, which they instil in everything they do,” explains Milly. “Considering simple details like how the hand would hold a piece or how liquid would flow through it, was my way of paying homage to this idea while remaining true to my own style.”
Ame Flute
The stemless Ame Flute is an example of this. A striking blue porcelain alternative to a traditional glass flute, it can be used as a champagne glass, a vase or a sake cup. Sold in sets of three and five, it is an ode to Japanese superstitions surrounding the unlucky nature of the number four.
Mould GraveyardDango Gems
The second range, Dango Gems is based on Milly’s signature geometrical Gem Cups, crafted using fine Arita porcelain. Each of the four colour ways is in a limited edition run of ten, all numbered for exclusivity. Milly developed the range by mixing air pressure with sand, resulting in the exterior glaze being slowly worn away to create a soft, textural surface. The earthy tones are inspired by Hanami Dango, a Japanese rice treat that is served during the Hanami Cherry Blossom season.
Slipcasting with mouldsKumo Cup
Supported by the Australian Council for the Arts, Milly’s temporary home saw her expand her knowledge of porcelain, through research and making, as well as learn traditional ways of production within the factory. The opportunity also gave way to a change in style, inspired by her new surrounds. “Arita is part of the leafy green Kyushu island. Here there is a sense of timelessness and beauty, with the village surrounded by mountains and forests, with clear streams weaving between traditional houses and ceramic factories. I really wanted to capture that sense of space, form and clarity in my new work.”
We all have those friends we text from time to time saying: “We must catch up!” But of course, we never do. I feel like that’s been us of late so sincere apologies, we’ve been swamped. The good news is there’s a lot to catch up on and I’m on my third coffee and ready to overshare. Let’s go.
Building a two-storey house is no cakewalk. It’s not as easy as whacking on a second level and wham bam, thank you mam. Oh no. There’s scaffold to build and trusses to move, roofs to attach and money to lose. (Dr Seuss, who invited you?!).
After shelling out a small fortune for staging equipment, it was time to settle on our biggest decision to date – the exterior colour scheme. I’d been extremely decisive up to this point but everyone has a catalyst for change and this was mine. I cannot tell you how many hours I spent driving around the neighbourhood gawking at houses. An elderly gentleman actually asked if I was checking him out and I awkwardly said: “Yes, indeed I was,” because I didn’t know what else to say. Truth be told, he had a lovely abode and I ended up pinching the colour scheme for Little Willow.
Exterior inspiration. Credit: The Block, New Zealand
Whilst most heritage homes boast galvanised iron roofs, we had our hearts set on something more intense. There were the traditional offerings of course, but they were all a bit blue or brown and we couldn’t embrace them. Enter Basalt, a perfect mid-grey reminiscent of lead. Our first instinct was to lock in matching gutters but our roof plumber called us ‘boring’ so we buckled and went with contrasting Monument. Opting for the two-tone effect was a risky move but my nickname as a child was ‘Drama Llama’ and as they say, if the name fits…
Basalt and Monument Roof
Choosing the right white can be an absolute mine-field. The first question you need to ask is: “Am I a warm or cool kinda person?” We’re obviously very cool and prefer whites with brilliant undertones. They elicit a sense of calm and are widely appealing, thus perfect for Little Willow. We tested a million paint samples before deciding on Crisp White by Taubmans. It’s the perfect stark-but-not-too-clinical shade and sets a lovely tone for the property. Pro tip: Only swatch on materials you are not actually using. I went to town on a sheet of plasterboard that ended up being redundant because the samples would forever shine through.
Sash helping weatherboard
Little Willow was built from the top down to allow for full scaffold and a safer worksite for our crew. Once the upper roof was secure, it was time to attach the weatherboards. I know people go mad for brick homes but they’ve never been my thing and seeing Little Willow clad in the good stuff made my heart soar. The painters did a stellar job and for the first time in a long while, she beamed again. It was like she’d spent an afternoon at Sephora sampling Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation. She was literally flawless.
The top storey
Of course, things aren’t always as they seem and it’s what’s on the inside that counts. With the top level watertight, it was time to draft the electrical plan. Can you sense the excitement in my voice? No, no you can’t because there literally isn’t any. Lighting is so not my jam and I’d been avoiding it like the plague. As it transpires, it’s the stuff Sash’s dreams are made of so I handballed it quick sticks and got back to Younger. She spent hours marking out a legend with six different highlighters and proudly presented it to our electrician. Sash often says her biggest achievement was winning the Under 11 70m hurdles at Camberwell Little Athletics, but this almost pipped it. She opted for a mix of pendants, wall sconces, downlights, and lanterns but left me to supervise come rough in. That was an interesting day but I’ll spare you the details. Let’s just say I’m now an expert at laying under-floor heating because we all learn from our mistakes, don’t we?!
After what felt like eons, we were finally ready for plaster. Anyone who’s ever built or renovated a home will tell you this is by far the best bit. For the first time we could see the interior take shape and make sense of the space. In a nod to the home’s heritage, we reinstated the original gutter cornices. It really is next level and adds to the luxe vibe throughout. Sash left me to my own devices when selecting the ceiling roses for the formal rooms and immediately regretted her decision. She thinks they’re too elaborate but in my world there is no such thing so, next!
Cornice and ceiling rose
Whilst we were busy bickering, our trades made the great escape and started tiling the upstairs bathroom. Selecting tiles has never been my strong suit but I’m going to toot my own horn and say I absolutely nailed this choice. The marble rhomboid from Beaumont Tiles is the perfect focal point, balanced by soft grey on the floor and white matte on the walls. Our rule of thumb is to use contrasting grout on feature tiles and matching on all others, so we opted for white on the rhomboid as it really makes them pop. Given we’re all about consistency, we’ll be incorporating marble into all wet areas, albeit in different shapes. It’s worked a treat for us in the past so stay tuned for all the inspo.
Tiled bathroom
Now the majority of the building work is complete, it’s time for the fun stuff! In the next instalment we’ll reveal our kitchen and laundry design, courtesy of our dear friends at Freedom Kitchens. They’ve helped us create three stunning spaces in the past and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve come up with this time. They’re real show-stoppers so get ready to pin all the things.
With a background in fashion and textiles, it was only when Freya Powell signed up for a painting course, with the intention of improving her print-making skills, that she realised she wanted to take it further.
“I’d never thought about painting until a couple of years ago; I’d do a bit of drawing to create a print, but always preferred being hands on with fabric. But when I started painting I fell in love with the immediacy and the challenge of it. It also makes you notice so much detail in your subject, things that you would never have seen if you hadn’t been staring at it for hours!”
Leaving the world of fashion, she began painting full-time. Having grown up in country England, Freya was drawn to the blooming cottage garden, secret dells and wide open skies; so naturally flowers became her muses. “It’s a bit of a cliché but there really is so much beauty in flowers,” says Freya. “When you study them up close you realise how much detail there is and such complexity to the structures. Also, if you’re a flower lover then having a painting of them is a way to make them last forever in your own home.”
With a realistic style, Freya keeps the backgrounds of her paintings bare, putting the sole emphasis on the flowers themselves. Her artistic practice begins with the search for fresh blooms, which she photographs before putting paint to canvas. “Depending on the type of flower it’s good to focus on certain things. For example, when I’ve painted really blooming flowers like peonies or David Austin Roses I’ve just painted the blooms themselves because they’re so amazing, but if there’s a really graceful movement to the stems like with poppies and irises then I try to incorporate that.”
A lover of nature, Freya now calls Sydney’s east home – swapping countryside walks for beach walks – spending her time working on commissions: “It’s lovely to know that a client will have a piece of your work as a part of their life.” Freya also hopes to work on a more personal project: “I’d like to try and fit in a bit of time for some experimenting with a couple of ideas. I really don’t think I could ever get bored with flowers, but that’s not to say I’d never do something different!”
If you could have any super power what would it be? To fly? Be invisible? How about see through walls? Well turns out the latter may be possible, with new reno tool, WalabotDIY, giving users Superman-vision to see up to ten centimetres into drywall, cement and other materials.
For a special introductory price of $165 (it’s usually $220) WalabotDIY prevents you from making needless mistakes, letting you know the location of studs, pipes, wires and even rodents. Agh!
Compatible with all Android smartphones 5.0 and higher (unfortunately iPhone users miss out), it connects to the back of the phone and can be used to scan the wall. Images of objects hidden behind the wall are then projected on the smartphone’s screen. WalabotDIY also helps users know precisely how deep to cut or how far to drill to avoid damaging pipes, wires and hidden objects.
Additional features include Pan Mode, which allows users to scan an entire wall and combine everything detected into a single image; three sensing modes; and the ability to seamlessly snap photos for use in offline analysis.
To order WalabotDIY or learn more, visit their website.
How’s this for an Aussie success story?! Three prominent Australian designers have won big at the global Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest in San Diego, California. With only 10 global winners, Australians took home 30% of the awards… Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
The Farm. Photography by Michael Nicholson
For over 20 years, American luxury appliance brands Sub-Zero and Wolf have honoured designers who incorporate their products, while pushing the boundaries of kitchen design. This year more than 1,500 entries were received from 24 countries representing three design styles – traditional, transitional and contemporary.
The three Australian designers to take home top gongs were Miriam Fanning of Mim Design, Tony Chenchow and Stephanie Little of Chenchow Little Architects and Fergus Scott of Fergus Scott Architects. Let’s take a closer look…
DFR Residence by Mim Design | 1st Place Global Winner: Transitional Kitchen
DRF Residence. Photography by Sharyn Cairns
This timeless and modern kitchen effortlessly retains its Edwardian interior architecture. Featuring milky undertones with marble benchtops, they are complemented by white oiled oak floors and royal blue cushions.
DRF Residence. Photography by Sharyn Cairns
Appliances used in kitchen:
Wolf products: contemporary m series oven, contemporary m series steam oven, integrated warming drawer and contemporary induction cooktop.
Sub-Zero products: fully integrated fridge with two freezer drawers.
Darling Point Apartment by Chenchow Little Architects | First-Time Entry Winner
Darling Point Apartment. Photography by Peter Bennetts
This kitchen fit-out sought to capture and embrace the geometry of the original 1970s apartment , giving it renewed life and accentuating the panoramic views.
Darling Point Apartment. Photography by Peter Bennetts
Appliances used in kitchen:
Wolf products: cooktop, microwave, oven and warming drawer.
Sub-Zero products: fridge/freezer, wine fridge and under bench fridge.
The Farm by Fergus Scott Architects | 1st Place Global Winner: Contemporary Kitchen
The Farm. Photography by Michael Nicholson
This massive modern, coastal retreat is located on a spectacular windswept headland on the south-east coast of Australia. The architecture is responsive to the climate and integrated with the landscape.
The Farm. Photography by Michael Nicholson
Appliances used in kitchen:
Wolf products: 60″ dual fuel range – six burners, infrared charbroiled and infrared griddle.
Sub-Zero products: 42″ built-in side-by-side refrigerator/freezer with dispenser.
This summer, interiors will be eclectic and tropical, think vibrant colours paired with crisp white walls. I love this look, it’s totally 80s glamour!
Identified by Dulux as one of their summer colour trends for 2018, the Escapade palette features a medley of playful, tropical colours, such as pale mint and soft pink. Guaranteed to stimulate the senses and add a sense of energy and fun to any neutral space, it’s about creating that holiday feeling all year round.
If you’re hesitant to branch out into colour, fear not! Even small doses of these exuberant shades can have a huge impact. You can create fun, eye-catching accents in unexpected places, such as doors, the inside edge of a wall or door frame, along a staircase or in a storage nook. Go one step further and complete the look by painting one or two smaller pieces of furniture in the same striking hue.
Colour in the home is nothing to be afraid of. Rather, introducing new colour schemes can invigorate a space – making you more positive and productive. And the beautiful thing about paint is if you decide you don’t like it, you can simply paint over it!
Finish the look with Dulux’s summer styling tips by Dulux colour trends contributor Pip Brett.
1. Declutter your interiors so that furniture and accessories have plenty of room to breathe.
2. Seek out retro furniture with organic shapes and simple lines.
3. Add in plenty of luxe textures – think soft furnishings and accessories in sumptuous velvet, silk and sheepskin.
4. Introduce bright artworks that pick up on the season’s bold, tropical hues.
5. Touches of gold will add a glam feel.
6. Don’t forget greenery – indoor palms and ferns will bring a botanical-inspired interior to life and help you create a happier, healthier home.
Diary buying… my favourite time of year! I love my smartphone more than the next person, but there’s something about putting pen to paper I just can’t get pass. Plans just seem more exciting, more important when there in a beautiful, hard cover book. So let’s get shopping!
Blushing Confetti 2018 Green Floral Hard Cover Agenda ($39): Covering 14 months (Dec 17 – Jan 19), this diary will keep all your affairs in order; the bespoke floral detailing and rose gold foil are just a bonus! With a weekly page layout it won’t take up too much handbag space either.
Blushing Confetti 2018 Green Floral Hard Cover Agenda ($39)
Filofax The Original Organiser Patent in Nude ($159.95): Certainly the most exxy on the list, this diary combines old-school cool with uber organsiation. With an iconic design that harks back to the original 1921 Filofax look, it is crafted from thick leather and features a hidden spiral, a range of pockets and pen loops. Keep it forever, simply add paper or diary refills as you need. Available in three colours and two sizes.
Filofax The Original Organiser Patent in Nude ($159.95). Pic by Renae Smith (click for details)
One X OneTeaspoon for Blacklist 2018 Planner ($59.95): With a chambray fabric cover, gold foil stamped typography and an internal spiral, this diary is the brainchild of two of the country’s best design houses. It features a monthly overview, a weekly page layout, quote pages, side tabs, a back pocket, plus notes and contacts pages.
One X OneTeaspoon for Blacklist 2018 Planner ($59.95)
Typo 2018 A6 Weekly Buffalo Diary ($12.99): The ideal budget option, this A6 diary is black and white on the inside with a colourful cover. Featuring a weekly page layout, it comes in various styles and patterns.
Typo 2018 A6 Weekly Buffalo Diary ($12.99)
Amelia Lane 2018 Compact Daily Planner Navy Palm ($49.95): Beautiful and practical, this diary has a ‘whole of life’ concept – helping organise your big picture goals, health and finances, as well as your schedule and to-do lists. With a page for each day it is available in a variety of sizes and styles.
Amelia Lane 2018 Compact Daily Planner Navy Palm ($49.95)
kikki.K 2018 A5 Linen Weekly Diary: Sweet ($34.95): This pretty and functional diary features a hard cover wrapped in teal linen cloth, gold foil detailing and cream paper. Spanning from Dec 17 – Dec 18, it has a yearly, monthly and weekly view, as well as unique illustrations, a back pocket, sticker sheet, notes page and perforated to do lists and shopping lists.
Frank Stationery 2018 Diary | Daily Planner Black from Little Paper Lane ($34.95): Available in a range of colours from black to blush, this day per page diary includes a soft to the touch cover and a thick elastic to keep the pages together. It also features a yearly and monthly view, goal setting pages, reflections pages, words of wisdom and pockets for keepsakes and memories.
Frank Stationery 2018 Diary | Daily Planner Black from Little Paper Lane ($34.95)
Emma Kate Co. 2018 Planner in Blush ($59): This write your own adventure diary won’t force out daily goals nor squeeze your world into half-hourly increments. Rather it’s minimal and spacious with a weekly page layout and no time slots. Features include dot grid pages, for sketching, note taking or bullet journalling, three ribbon dividers and an expandable pocket. Available in three styles.
Emma Kate Co. 2018 Planner in Blush ($59)
Kate Spade 2017-2018 17-Month Agenda Diary – The Life from Milligram ($64.95): A chic and stylish way to work through the next year (this diary spans from Aug 17 – Dec 18), it has a hard printed, concealed spiral cover and weekly page layout. It includes laminated month tabs, a gold foil sticker sheet, pages for notes and holidays, plus two plastic pockets. It is available in two sizes.
Kate Spade 2017-2018 17-Month Agenda Diary – The Life from Milligram ($64.95)
MiGOALS 2018 Soft Cover Diary in Navy ($29.95): Specifically designed to help you identify and meet your goals, this diary is peppered with messages to inspire, goal worksheets, review sections and weekly habit trackers to make positive changes. Featuring a weekly page layout, it is available as a hard cover and in a range of colours.
MiGOALS 2018 Soft Cover Diary in Navy ($29.95)
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you would add!
Storage and more storage. Photo credit 306/417 Bourke Street, Surry Hills represented by Belle Property
As the weather gets warmer it’s time to highlight the best renovations that will see you attract interest and win over buyers. Keep in mind that as we head into summer, people think about spending more time outdoors and that some of the things you can get away with in winter, become essential to fix when the market heats up.
Light it up
You can make a dim room look cosy in winter but as the days get longer, getting in enough light becomes crucial to nailing a sale. If a room can be improved by introducing more light—whether that’s enlarging a window, removing a wall, or adding a skylight—do it.
Also consider where shadows fall at different times of day. You may already have an instinct about what time might best represent your property: do you have bright mornings or stunning sunsets? Schedule an inspection at the optimum time.
Light and bright. Photo Credit: 1/102 Albion Street, Surry Hills represented by Belle Property
Some rooms need light more than others, so if you’re on a budget focus on bringing light into spaces where people gather during the day, like the kitchen, dining and lounge rooms. Bedrooms look nice with natural light but because they are used mostly at night it’s not nearly as important.
Show some space
You might get away with relabelling a poky property as ‘intimate’ in colder, less competitive seasons, but in spring you need to lift your game and open up the space. Older style properties are often made up of many rooms, which makes the property come across as poky. Combining a couple of these spaces to make it open plan will definitely improve what buyers see. Space is something buyers look for subconsciously, so if you can increase the feeling of roominess, that will help your place sell.
Storage and more storage. Photo credit: 306/417 Bourke Street, Surry Hills represented by Belle Property
Also consider if there is enough storage. If your renovation can add storage without cutting into the floor space —think high and low— then that will make the property more attractive. And if you haven’t done your spring cleaning, do it before you show your property, as clutter is a big turn off. Better yet, move out and let a property stylist bring in furniture that fits proportionately and shows the space at its best.
Private property
A sense of privacy is another element that’s largely subconscious but makes a huge difference to how comfortable buyers feel in a place. It helps if you can’t see the neighbours and vice versa, but if you can, make sure your reno addresses this. Consider screens or awnings that don’t block the light, or fittings like frosted windows or glass bricks that let in light but reduce visibility.
This also goes for backyards, especially if you have a terrace that opens up to a back area such as an entertaining deck or a garden. Use hedges and other natural elements like bamboo screens, wood fences or living walls to disrupt the line of vision but maintain that outdoorsy feel.
Urban oasis. Photo credit: 164B Bourke Street, Darlinghurst represented by Belle Property
Sellers often think buyers are primarily influenced by size and location, but these factors only serve basic needs. What will make a difference is how the property feels and that intangible feeling is based on light, space and privacy. Ensure your renovation improves those three things and you’re set for a competitive selling season.
For eight years, Sarah Ellison was the design savvy-mind behind Real Living magazine, curating the trends and influencing the way we design and decorate our homes. As the style editor, she scoured vintage markets, visited the crème de la crème of furniture showrooms and spoke to international designers at the top of their game. So it’s unsurprising that during that time an idea began to form: to create her own interiors brand.
“Through my work I discovered that there was a gap in the market for cool, original design that didn’t have a hefty price tag attached to it,” explains Sarah. “I love being a stylist but wanted an outlet to make all the things I dreamed up!”
Sarah
Launching today, her debut collection, The New Wave, features furniture and home accessories inspired by her native Bondi Beach. Modern and relaxed, it is a curated selection of must-have pieces for a liveable yet unique space. “It’s my version of urban, coastal cool,” says Sarah. “The inspiration was my city lifestyle by the beach with a hint of 1970s.”
Featuring key pieces for the dining and living room, as well as home accessories including sculptural ceramics, the Jay coffee table is her personal favourite. “The top is chunky white terrazzo and the base is a thick-legged, powder-coated steel. He’s contemporary, cool and original.” With a diverse range of materials, the collection also includes 100% washable linen, travertine, marble, brass and natural leather.
Having already started designing her next collection, Sarah is also keeping busy as a freelance interior stylist. They say working at the glossy mags is a tough slog (and not as glamorous as it seems!), but it’s fair to say Sarah’s never worked harder. And we absolutely love what she has to show for it.
Malls definitely have their benefits; in a couple of hours you can get your hands on everything you need (more like want), but it’s fair to say the experience can get a little… samey. So where to shop when you want to find something that little bit different? Sydneysiders, I may have the answer.
Based in Sydney’s St Peters, Precinct 75 is a vibrant creative precinct comprising of 12 character buildings dating back to the early 1900s. With old-school charm, Precinct 75 is home to 70 businesses — from furniture showrooms to a micro-brewery, urban winery and florist.
To celebrate this diverse hub and get you prepped early for Christmas, Precinct 75 will be hosting a Summer Design Pop Up over the weekend of November 11 and 12 from 10am-to-5pm. The premium shopping festival will host both current design tenants (including Uashmama, The Society Inc, Design Twins, Inartisan, Watertiger, Quercus & Co and so many more) plus a raft of guest homewares and fashion brands including Pony Rider, MJG by Mr Jason Grant, Bailey Nelson, Major Minor, Bondi Wash, Addition Studio and Byron Bay Hanging Chairs. Excited yet?!
“The Summer Design Pop Up will play host to an incredible selection of hand-picked independent designers,” explains the director of Precinct 75 Paul Apostoles. “This is part of a collective movement taking place in Australia right now, where likeminded brands want to band together to create an offering much bigger than any one name. It’s exciting and retail like we have not often experienced in this country.”
The festival-style event, which launched last year, will offer a range of delicious food options (Vietnamese street food by Rice Pantry, coffee by Sample Roasters, Oysters and wine by Urban Winery and sweet treats by Buttercream Bakery), entertainment for the minis and live music… not to mention book signings with stylist Mr Jason Grant and indoor plant advice from The Plant Society.
Make a day of it – bring the family and the pets… all are welcome at this free event!
A firm believer in investing in quality products that will be cherished forever, interior and product designer Lorena Gaxiola bought her original Zanotta coffee table over 10 years ago. “Despite its age it continues to look impeccable,” explains Lorena. “I love the size, height and Carrara marble top. It is both durable and sleek, my daughter loves to use it as a mini stage!”
Lorena
A place to display her travel treasures, it’s home to an ever-growing collection of design books, healing crystals, a one of a kind sculpture made with Mexican clay and relics that hark back to a transformative experience. “I have a collection of Egyptian memorabilia which inspires me daily,” says Lorena. “I once had a life regression experience that placed me back in the ancient Egyptian era, so the pieces refer to that.” For those unsure, past life regression is a hypnosis technique that help you recover what practitioners believe are memories of past lives or incarnations!
With an opinion that more is less, Lorena isn’t afraid of – as she puts it – ‘overwhelming’ her table. “I love having a lot of objects on my table. I like having items that are stackable like books to add scale, with contrasting organic shapes to add a sense of whimsy.”
Treating her coffee table like a bookshelf, she doesn’t often change the contents: “I might add flowers or crystals but generally I just pile more books onto it.” More than anything the coffee table acts as a place of expression and individuality, which is Lorena’s big tip when styling yours at home. “It doesn’t need to follow any specific rule or decor. It can be a standalone eclectic piece or a very understated piece perfect to display funky objects.”
Geoffrey Carran and Rowena Martinich. Photo Credit: Lovekit Photography
Both well-known artists in their own right – Rowena Martinich for her abstract expressionism and Geoffrey Carran for his more representational style – it was a natural progression for the husband and wife team to also become partners in work.
Geoffrey Carran and Rowena Martinich. Photo Credit: Lovekit Photography
Launching Martinich&Carran, their energetic and colourful artworks have now leapt off the canvas and onto a selection of limited edition affordable prints and homewares. Featuring the signature vibrancy that is so celebrated in their paintings and large-scale public art, the homewares make their work more accessible to a wider audience.
Wild Rose Print by Rowena Martinich
“Our mutual attraction to colour serves as a thread that ties our two distinct styles together,” explains Rowena. “We both thrive on scale and impact, and the way it can transform a space. This extends to exploring how our two practices translate into different products. It’s a fun extension – creating a range of textiles or objects that combine our work into something new.”
Coasters and Boxes by Rowena Martinich
Their online store features a selection of limited edition prints, alongside velvet-backed Belgian linen quilts, 100% cotton pillowcases, double-sided cushions, 100% silk scarves and hand painted indoor pots and woven baskets – all based on the designs of their original artworks. Asked to pick a favourite, for Geoffrey, it’s the hand-painted pots and woven baskets: “Each one is unique and a collectable artwork in itself. They really pop and every time I look at them I see something new.”
Cockatiel by Geoffrey Carran
Outside of the collaboration the Melbourne duo are busy, primarily painting murals, which bring to life building facades, retail shopfronts, commercial interiors and community spaces. They’re also continuously developing their skills, with Rowena starting to paint on the floor rather than her studio wall: “This way I am able to use larger brushes – like brooms and mops – to push large pools of paint around on the canvas. I get to walk amongst the paintings and use my whole body in the painting of giant brushstrokes.”
Geoffrey Carran at work
While their styles differ dramatically, their work shares a vibrancy of movement and colour that often blurs the line between art and design; ideal for unique, limited edition homewares.
Asbestos could be lurking in any home built or renovated before 1987. Back in the day, us Aussies were among the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials in the world. Nowadays asbestos remains in one in every three homes! So while impatient people like myself may want to knock down walls and think later, in this occasion preparation is key. So before you start hammering, tick off the below checklist and be safe this National Asbestos Awareness Month.
1. If you’re not sure if asbestos is in your home, have it inspected by a licensed asbestos removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor.
2. If asbestos is disturbed during renovations or maintenance your health and the health of your family could be at risk.
3. DIY is not recommended where asbestos is present.
4. Dealing with asbestos is important and serious, but it’s not overwhelming – it is manageable!
5. Products made from asbestos cement include: fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated); water, drainage and flue pipes; roofing shingles; guttering; and floor and wall coverings. It could be anywhere!
6. If you find asbestos in your home don’t cut it, drill it, drop it, sand it, saw it, scrape it, scrub it, dismantle it, tip it, water blast it or demolish it! And whatever you do… don’t dump it.
7. If left undisturbed in a good, stable condition, asbestos-containing materials are unlikely to release dangerous fibres and pose a health risk. Generally you don’t need to remove the asbestos. Paint it and leave it alone, but remember to check it occasionally for any signs of wear and tear.
8. There are legal requirements regarding asbestos management, its removal and disposal.
9. While some may want to remove small amounts of asbestos themselves, the safest way to manage its removal is to hire a licensed asbestos removalist. They are equipped to protect you and your family from the dangers of asbestos dust and fibres.
10. Where asbestos fibres are friable (loose and not bonded into building materials), only licensed friable asbestos removalists are allowed to remove it.
11. Professional removal of asbestos is affordable. You can’t afford not to use a professional!
12. If you must work with material that may contain asbestos, protect yourself by following the legal and safety requirements to minimise the release of dust or small particles.
13. There are a number of safety precautions you will need to take such as wearing specific protective clothing, the correct mask or breathing apparatus and ensuring you dispose of it legally.
14. Never use power tools on asbestos materials as they will make asbestos fibres airborne. Such tools are electric drills, angle grinders, circular saws and electric sanders. Also never use high pressure water blasters or compressed air.
15. Don’t play renovation roulette. Think smart and think safe because it’s not worth the risk!
Australia’s national Asbestos Awareness Month campaign is a world-leading awareness and education campaign in the prevention of asbestos-related diseases. For more information.
They were favourites from the start and The Block’s Josh and Elyse certainly delivered; winning series 13 of The Block and taking home over half a million dollars! With an effortless style, their look was neutral but warm; think greys, blacks, whites, light brown leathers and natural fibres. Below are our top picks from their winning home.
New Hampshire Daybed Fabric Loose Cover Sofa by Freedom Australia: I love a good daybed. They basically allow you to lounge around all day without feeling guilty. You’re not in bed after all! The New Hampshire daybed is sure to become a fast favourite, with its plush cushions and soft linen upholstery. The couch has a loose cover that is removable, making it easy to clean. On sale for $999.
New Hampshire Daybed Fabric Loose Cover Sofa by Freedom Australia
Zoe 1 Framed Artwork by Matthew Thomas: Featuring a striking range of colours and textures, the Zoe 1 is a great way to add character and interest to your home. A hand painted reproduction of an artwork originally by Sarah Brooke, each painting is entirely painted by hand. It is presented in a floating white frame and is on sale for $599.99.
Zoe 1 Framed Artwork by Matthew Thomas
Resin Servers by Rachel Bainbridge Art: Designed and handmade in Melbourne, these resin servers are inspired by the pristine rainforests, rolling hills and lush greenery of the Gippsland region in country Victoria. Available in emerald green and sterling silver the servers are lightweight and smooth to the touch. Available in sets of two for $49.99.
Resin Servers by Rachel Bainbridge Art
Alpine Diamond Rug by Dash & Albert: I love big rugs. The bigger the better I say! And at 2.43 x 3.04m this rug is large! Hand knotted from 100% wool yarn, each rug is finished with a cotton canvas backing, attached with latex. Crafted by skilled artisans in India and China, they are perfect for high-traffic areas due to their durable construction. $3,500.
Alpine Diamond Rug by Dash & Albert
Alice Limited Edition Unframed Print by Flowers For Kate: A garden rose in the most perfect state of decay, this photographic print is available in three sizes, each signed and numbered by Kate. Made to order with only 50 on offer, prices start from $999.
Alice Limited Edition Unframed Print by Flowers For Kate
Steel Dining Table by Steel Window Design: This beautiful custom made blackened steel dining table is available in a range of sizes. Handmade in Melbourne, I love the quirky tabletop made from two layers of steel.
Steel Dining Table by Steel Window Design
Bone Geometric Inlay White Bedside by Fenton & Fenton: Crafted with charm and unique character this large wooden bedside table features a classic geometric pattern. Made up of camel bone and dyed resin, it features a slim top drawer and accompanying cupboard for ample bedside storage. A must in my opinion! It retails for $1,250.
Bone Geometric Inlay White Bedside by Fenton & Fenton
Elwyn Velvet Cushion by Sly Australia: Part of the Reverie collection, Elwyn is plush, soft and luxurious. Featuring an exposed brass zip detail on one side, this velvet cushion will add instant luxe to any space. Available in cobalt, sage, forest and feather for $69.95.
Once home to a series of shoe manufacturers, soon-to-be-built apartment complex Pace of Abbotsford beautifully and authentically blends old with new.
Paying homage to Abbotsford’s distinctive manufacturing past, the residences will be anchored by the retained art deco facade of the iconic Saint Crispin House (a factory from years gone by). Carefully preserved, the building will be reinvented with one, two and three-bedroom apartments, multi-level townhouses and three-level residences.
Once inside, residents will have a choice between a light or dark interior colour scheme. Modern yet timeless interiors will evoke a light and airy ambiance with timber flooring, high ceilings, double-glazed windows and streamlined kitchens finishing off the look.
Crowning the building will be the rooftop garden with spectacular 360-degree views of the CBD, a 20m infinity pool, gym, lounge and dining area. Two large setbacks on lower levels will offer additional outdoor communal areas, as well as a residents-only library.
A collaboration by Pace Development Group with architects SJB, construction is due to start any time now, with the final project to be completed by mid-2019.
Styling your home can get expensive, especially when you’re eyeing off a candle that’s triple digits and a lamp just shy of $1000 (and that’s on sale!). Here at Interiors Addict we believe some items are worthy of spending that extra bit of cash, but that doesn’t mean you can’t transform your home for less… and when we say less we don’t mean cheap knock-offs, but beautiful, original and affordable pieces by local and emerging designers. Below are our favourite homewares to revamp your home for under $100.
Country Road’s Aila Round Platter: I’m an absolute sucker for a pop of pastel colour when it comes to homewares! Crafted in stoneware with a glazed glossy interior, this platter in quartz (baby pink) is perfect for mixing and matching and playing with colour and form. Designed for everyday serving it retails for $44.95.
Country Road’s Aila Round Platter
Wall Style’s Les Fleur #2: Soft in colour yet dramatic in appearance, this contemporary photographic image of a chrysanthemum makes a striking impact in any interior. Professionally printed with the finest quality inks on heavyweight archival paper, the small print (40cm x 40cm) retails for $89.95.
Wall Style’s Les Fleur #2
Design Twins’ Stripe Pot: Concrete homewares are having a major moment and the Design Twins have a lot to do with that! Their lightweight pot range is all the rage and for $90 you can get your hands on an extra small (28cm x 27cm) stripe pot. Black and white with a metallic twist, it is the ideal way to add some life and greenery to your home.
Design Twin’s Stripe Pot
Amigos de Hoy’s Splash Mat Round: Digitally printed onto low pile soft chenille, the rugs are non slip, washable and non allergenic. The perfect small area mat, they are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, indoors and out. Available in a variety of textured-looking patterns for $79, my personal fave has to be the Quill design.
Amigos de Hoy’s Splash Mat Round
West Elm’s Monte Mirrors: On special for $99.95 the plated brass mirrors bring shine and style to any room. Available in three shapes, pair them together or mix and match with other art for an instant gallery wall.
West Elm’s Monte Mirrors
White Moose’s Sleeping Frenchie: Not allowed a pet? Then this may be the next best thing. This French Bulldog is the model companion, it doesn’t even require walks! Available in black and gold for $79, it was featured on The Block so you know it’s on trend.
White Moose’s Sleeping Frenchie
Hunting For George’s Lola Clock: Currently half price at $89.50 (win!), this stylish and handmade bamboo clock is perfect for a Scandi-inspired home. Beautiful and minimalist in colour it comes in pastel lilac and yellow.
Hunting For George’s Lola Clock
Beacon Lighting’s Raika 1 Light Table Lamp: I’ve been eyeing off this lamp for years and it’s finally below the $100 mark… just. Now for $99 (that’s a saving of $150!) you can get your hands on this beautiful piece designed by The Block’s Josh and Jenna. Made from a combination of cork, amber glass and woven cloth it gives off a natural, industrial look.
