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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Recipes

Foodie Friday: Maple balsamic pork chops

Here’s something stickily delicious for the barbecue! The team at Williams Sonoma share their pork chop recipe which is sure to become a summer favourite.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in pork loin chops, each about 280g and 2cm thick
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbs. Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp. chipotle chile powder
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbs. chopped fresh rosemary
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Method

1. Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Should take about 10 minutes. Stir in the chile powder, garlic, rosemary and 1 tsp. salt. Pour about 1/3 of the mixture into a separate bowl and set aside for finishing the pork chops.

3. Pat the pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Brush the 2/3 balsamic vinegar mixture on both sides of the pork chops.

4. Preheat and oil a barbecue or grill pan. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for four minutes on each side, or according to your desired doneness. If cooking in a pan, you may need to do this in two batches.

5. Transfer the cooked pork chops to a platter, cover and keep warm. Transfer the second batch to the platter and rest for five minutes.

6. Divide the pork chops among four plates, drizzle with the remaining 1/3 balsamic vinegar mixture, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

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Designers Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

The top 5 exterior trends for 2018

Shelter Island

About to take on a renovation or just revamp your outdoor space? Well put down that paintbrush and read this. The team at Nexus Designs have shared their predictions on what’s in store for 2018 and there’s a few surprises. Two words… red bricks!

Texture

Increased awareness of texture is coming to the forefront. This is being expressed in two key ways, contrasting textures and self-patterned textures. Contrasts between gloss levels of the same material are highly effective. This trend has been increasing in the interiors sphere and is now extending to the exterior.

Self-patterned textures are being seen with the increased popularity of bricks, particularly in the new, more elongated shapes that are now available. This textural trend brings a level of craftsmanship to exteriors which is a welcome relief to acres of render.

Embrace textural contrast by using COLORBOND steel Matt for the roof and standard COLORBOND steel for the gutters and trims.

Red bricks

They’re back! But they will be used in a more considered way. Red brick has been used beautifully in heritage buildings and not-so beautifully in generic suburbia where it was a default choice. Now this classic, ancient building material (the Romans used it exceptionally well) is coming back and bringing with it a warm, premium finish. It’s not being used for whole houses but rather to enhance the building’s form, alongside other curated materials in a very contemporary way.

Natural finishes

With the resurgence of interest in mid-century Modernist houses, we are flagging an interest in a more authentic, natural approach to building materials. Referencing the way ground-breaking firms of that era (like Merchant Builders in Victoria and Pettit & Sevitt in NSW) used materials honestly, timber is being finished with a clear, natural or lightly stained coat rather than being disguised by heavy paint.

Photography by James Geer | Architecture by Sally Draper | Interiors by Nexus Designs

Neutrals

The appeal of neutral colours – greys, beiges, off-whites – is not going away, but it is becoming more sophisticated. The neutrality is being subtly enhanced by the use of different materials within one colour palette ie silvery grey concrete, mid grey bricks and dark grey roofing, which links back to the texture trend.

Photography by Mark Roper | Architecture by Inarc Architects | Interiors by Nexus Designs

Upgraded landscape elements

We are seeing new attention being paid to the peripheral elements of the house including garage doors, fences, sheds and water tanks, and how they work with the house and the streetscape. The trend is for these to be integrated into the overall exterior scheme, rather than being less important afterthoughts. Their impact on the landscaping is being recognised and being used to greater advantage.

For more on Nexus Designs | Our favourite outdoor furniture

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Designers Homewares The Block

Classic with a twist: Shaynna Blaze’s new tableware range

A couple of months ago we brought you the first collection of homewares by Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe. Today we can bring you the next instalment… and it’s only got better!

Featuring a curated collection of tableware, from cutlery and stoneware to vases and cheese boards, the wares are functional works of art. Versatility is key with textures of oak, marble, fine china and glass, plus tones of brass, copper, whites, blues and greys.

“Chinaware, cutlery, glass and platters all play a significant role in the gathering spaces of the home,” says Shaynna. “Whether you’re using these pieces for a dinner party for 12 – or curling up to breakfast in bed for one – I wanted to create a range that works perfectly whatever the occasion.”

The philosophy behind the tableware is classic with a twist – pieces that work in either a casual or formal environment, and can dress your table up or down. “When styling a dining area, the table is at the heart of things,” explains Shaynna. “I see table tops as a moving piece of artwork.”

With an extensive range it’s hard to pick a favourite but for Shaynna it’s the white and copper cutlery: “It’s very different, so eating with them makes each bite an experience and elevates it from the routine!”

Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe is available now in more than 50 Harris Scarfe stores across Australia, and will be avaliable online from today (Wednesday 25 October).

Shop online | Get your Block fix

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Designers Furniture Homewares

Say hej! IKEA and HAY join forces with new collection

There’s nothing better than when two of your favourite brands join forces, especially when the prices are in the double digits! Renowned Danish design company HAY  have joined forces with IKEA, bringing their high end designer products to Australia at an affordable price.

Each piece in the new IKEA YPPERLIG collection is a celebration of the basics; where products are clever yet understated, all with a timeless quality that ages beautifully.

The collection has a classic Scandinavian feel with light colours, high quality and clean design. While Scandinavian design has always reflected the traditional values of functionality, humbleness and simplicity, this collection moulds the traditional with the contemporary, featuring multifunctional and space-saving home furnishing pieces.

YPPERLIG consists of larger items such as sofas and coffee tables all the way to smaller accessories like candle holders, textiles, containers and mirrors. The collection even includes a makeover of the iconic IKEA FRAKTA bag, transformed in different colours and weaving patterns.

Shop online | IKEA hacks

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Designers House Tours RENO ADDICT

Two-storey houseboat on the harbour gets a stylish makeover

It’s a big call – especially in this job – but I think this has to be my favourite home I’ve seen all year. An idyllic property afloat Sydney Harbour, its picture-perfect surrounds are matched by a beautifully restored and redesigned interior, with clean lines and a soft, pared-back palette.

Designed by Infinite Design Studio, the two-storey houseboat moored in Pearl Bay, Mosman, is the holiday retreat we all want. On the first floor is an open living and kitchen area with deck, as well as a double bedroom and ensuite. Upstairs is the master suite, with a large bathroom, reading area and entertaining deck. Light, ventilation and openness take centre stage, fostering a sense of spaciousness and connection with the stunning surrounds.

Infinite Design Studio transformed the interior and exterior living spaces with materials that reference the natural environment. “I am a big believer in spending time on site to immerse myself in the location and to understand how best to integrate the qualities of the surroundings into the design,” says principal Michelle Macarounas. “This property sits in such a fabulous location that we created an extremely pared-back palette so as not to compete with the views and environment.”

Inside, French oak flooring, cream-coloured travertine tiles, contemporary joinery and custom-made furniture are a lighter counterpart to the darker weatherboard exterior. Views of the harbour are captured through timber-framed windows, while circular mirrors throughout the home reference portholes and enhance the natural light and openness.

The houseboat was originally constructed from parts of a barge built in the 1800s, which transported produce across Middle Harbour before construction of the Spit Bridge in the 1950s. To preserve this history, Infinite Design Studio restored the heritage features, including the timber windowframes and benchtops that date back to the original barge.

A unique and exceptional home, the design pays respect to the vessel’s history, takes advantage of its privileged location and provides contemporary luxury living on one of the world’s most dazzling waterways.

For more on Infinite Design Studio | House tours

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Designers House Tours Interviews

The sustainable home built in a Sydney flood zone

Sharon and Malcolm Auld may have bought land in their dream location – backing onto Manly Lagoon in Sydney’s Northern Beaches – but every rose has its thorn and in the case of the Aulds, well they had a very prickly problem… their block was a prevailing flood zone! So, what to do? Call in the experts!

Enlisting the help of builders Lawson and Lovell and architect Matt Elkan, they started digging. Deep! “The foundation is on loose sand and required 70 screw piles to be driven approximately 17 meters underground to reach stable foundation,” explains builder Phil Lovell. “It was much deeper than expected!” A tough job, but crisis averted.

With a brief to design a contemporary, sustainable home featuring timber and glass, it was important the home felt connected to the immediate environment. “We wanted the home to feel part of the local wetland environment and maximise the outlook onto the lagoon,” says owner Sharon. “We also wanted to maximise the benefits of sunlight and the prevailing north east winds through the use of louvres and breezeways.”

Other sustainable features (which saw it take home the HIA Greensmart 2017 Sustainable Home Award at the weekend) include two 2000-litre rainwater tanks, used for the laundry and irrigation; solar panels on the roof to supply power; as well as minimal air conditioning and heating throughout.

Designed over two levels, the home brings the outdoors in with open and integrated spaces. This is especially apparent on the ground floor, which features the kitchen, living and dining, home office, laundry, guest bedroom and covered back deck. “The downstairs space is my favourite,” explains Sharon. “I love the way the living space can be expanded to include the outdoors, just by using the sliding glass doors. It means we can cater for different occasions and weather.”

Upstairs there is a large sitting room and three generous bedrooms. The main bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in robe; while the children’s rooms and the master are separated via an internal deck that allows light from the windows above to filter through the home.

The end result is a beautiful family home that promises to last the distance. “The house is contemporary, sustainable and allows for easy entertaining and living,” explains Sharon. “It is also designed for our teenagers to live independently in their bedrooms as young adults, as we expect them to live in the home for quite a while. Given the costs of living in Sydney!”

More on Lawson and Lovell Building Services | Other house tours

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Architecture Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Get the monochrome look with the Morada brick range

Bricks… not the most interesting topic of conversation! But when it comes to renovating, they can absolutely transform your home. For those seeking an architectural edge and something that little bit different, the Morada range from PGH Bricks & Pavers is worth considering.

Coming in four contemporary shades: Ceniza, a timeless stone hue; Gris, an on-trend charcoal grey; Nero, a dramatic black and Blanco, a crisp white, they come in a refined matte finish with a porcelain-like texture.

Made in Spain from ultra-fine clay, the monochromatic shades provide the perfect neutral base for contemporary home facades, kitchen splashbacks or feature walls. Use one shade alone or mix and match to create two and three-tone schemes.

The bricks are available in three sizes: Linear, Splits and Standard, allowing for versatility in the way they are laid.

For more information | How to use bricks creatively

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Blonde as a blank canvas: Corinthian Doors’ new collection

While the old idiom ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ is good in principal, let’s face it we all do it! So when renovating it’s important your exterior looks flawless and that starts with the front door.

Corinthian Doors has just launched its Blonde Oak collection, which perfectly fits in with the on trend look of blonde timber and soft colour palettes. Crafted from sustainable timber with an American White Oak veneer, the collection is available in a range of designs and sizes, including wide stile pivot doors.

A seamless blend of modern design sensibilities and traditional joinery, the detailing is quite simple, so it doesn’t overpower the architectural features of a home. The key is the material itself, which is a very light American White Oak that can be stained, painted, or even left in its natural state with a light oil. The durability and consistency ensures a wonderful canvas for many finishes and colours, making it the perfect material for a variety of different homes.

Ideal for a grand entrance or other external applications such as backdoors or side entrance doors, the collection also includes vertical and horizontal panel designs, as well as clear and opaque glass options – depending on the chosen design.

For more information.

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Expert Tips Furniture

From Melbourne to Normandy: The family that bought a chateau

Jane Webster

Jane Webster has long had a love affair with France. From owning La Gare in Melbourne, a tiny but bustling French restaurant, to taking annual pilgrimages to Paris, husband and four children in tow, the country was always her unofficial home.

Jane Webster

So it came as no surprise that during those trips an idea began to form… to buy a chateau and relocate to the other side of the world. In 2004, that dream became reality, when Jane purchased Chateau Bosgouet in Normandy. 

Two books and a thriving business later, Jane spends her days running The French Table – a week long stay at Chateau Bosgouet, where guests enjoy beautiful food and wine and visits to the surrounding countryside, markets and coastal villages. The business has now expanded beyond Normandy to other parts of France, to include all the wine regions: Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Jane has just released her third book, French House Chic, with Thames & Hudson, which draws on the other side of her life; her fine sense of style and decoration. Initially honed by her father’s antique business in Melbourne, it didn’t take long for Jane to become a regular at auction houses. Once she moved to Normandy, she would scour the local markets, brocantes and vide-greniers for unique pieces, something she continues to do to this day. 

Jane’s various trips around France have taken her to some magnificent homes – often never open to the public. Her visits to those houses grand and small have become the basis of French House Chic, giving readers a rare glimpse into the most private of French residences: from supremely elegant Parisian apartments to lavishly upholstered sitting rooms in French country estates. From le salon to la salle de bain and every room in between.

Offering practical insight, French House Chic is Jane’s personal story of cultivating an eye for style and bringing it to life in the home – a style that can be emulated with just some simple guidance. It is a book that will make you want to rearrange your copper saucepans, reupholster your sofa, and even book a one-way flight to Paris!

French House Chic by Jane Webster, with photography by Robyn Lea and published by Thames & Hudson, is out now for $59.99.

Buy online (on sale) | French homewares we love

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Bathrooms Furniture Homewares

The latest bathroom wares we are loving!

Brodware inFinium PVD Tapware

With another bathroom renovation in Jen’s sights, it’s safe to say Interiors Addict has gone a little bathroom mad! Every day it seems something new is popping up, from metallic tapware to space-saving solutions and outdoor showers. Below are the latest products we’re loving. 

Brodware inFinium PVD Tapware: Made from an advanced hard coating technique, inFinium PVD, unlike typical powder coated, painted or plated tapware is highly resistant to scratching, tarnishing, abrasion, corrosion and discolouration. Coming in 13 coloured finishes, they are available in brushed, polished and rumbled textures. Available from Candana.

Brodware inFinium PVD Tapware

Sussex’s Monsoon Shower Range: Inspired by nature, the Monsoon shower range captures the spirit of summer. Designed for use both indoors and out, it looks equally in place on a beach house deck as in a sophisticated city bathroom. With options for vertical, horizontal or column shower installation, Monsoon is crafted from the very toughest brushed stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and guaranteed to last for years to come.

Sussex’s Monsoon Shower Range

Kohler’s Ove Wall Mount Toilet: A huge space-saver this wall mount toilet with concealed in-wall cistern offers complete comfort and convenience, protruding just 540mm from the wall (instead of the usual 600mm), it also has a soft close seat and lid.

Meir’s Tiger Bronze Tapware: You know Meir for their sleek black tapware but soon you’ll know them for a lot more! Having recently introduced a range of limited-edition colour ways, our favourite Tiger Bronze is warm, inviting and just that little bit different. Utilising the natural charm of bronze and copper, Tiger Bronze adds unique character through a brushed black undercoating and a clear lacquer finish. Jen just installed the mixer in her new (gold) kitchen sink and she’s loving it!

Meir’s Tiger Bronze Tapware

More bathroom inspo.

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Designers Furniture Homewares

The Sydney design fair that’s open to the public

DESIGN-MADE. at SUNSTUDIOS

Sydney’s first independently run design festival is landing in town on Friday 27 October. And the best part? It’s open to everyone – public and trade alike – and it’s free to attend! Over three days and two sites DESIGN-MADE. will present designs from around Australia and beyond, for both the indoors and out.

DESIGN-MADE. at SUNSTUDIOS

So what can you expect if you attend? Exhibitions, new product launches, curated installations, dining and drinking, demonstrations, workshops and talks. Curated by founders Anne-Maree Sargeant and Kobe Johns, DESIGN-MADE. will showcase a broad spectrum of products and brands, ranging from affordable through to gallery level, collectables, bespoke and one-off pieces.

Spoon making workshop with Carol Russell

Highlights include spoon making workshops with Brisbane-based woodworker and artisan Carol Russell; daily demonstrations by Melbourne-based designer and architect Colin Hopkins on porcelain throwing; and a range of educational installations on replica furniture and the importance of authentic design.

26 Original Fakes Installation

DESIGN-MADE. is based out of SUNSTUDIOS, a former 1930’s woolshed in Alexandria and the FISHER & PAYKEL Experience Centre (just a five minute walk away) from Friday 27 October to Sunday 29 October.

Pre-register for free entry here | Get your design fix

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House Tours

Inside a raw and minimalist home in country Victoria

I once met a woman who spent every Saturday morning going to open houses. The thing was, she wasn’t looking to buy… she was just nosey! And while I haven’t gone as far, I too love a sticky beak (probably why I’m so suited to this job) and I can’t help but ogle at the Two Halves House in Ballarat, Victoria.

Taking the ubiquitous pitched-roof country house form and splitting it in half, the Two Halves House sets up a close relationship with its bush setting. The two halves of the house are offset from one another, improving its access to northern light. The upper pavilion houses an arrangement of bedrooms and bathrooms, and forms the more private part of the building, while the lower pavilion is the more public side of the house with a large, open living space, and views to the south.

The landscape is invited into the interior from all sides, as the split form sees the home nestle into the site and create eye-level connections to the outdoors. The material palette is minimal and raw from the outside, but warm and refined on the inside. Naturally fire-resistant Blackbutt is used for the exterior cladding and windows, while light-toned birch ply is used to line the interior walls and ceilings; a raked ceiling and skylight encourage you to look up as well as out.

If you find yourself in Ballarat on Saturday 28 October you too can be like that woman (with no judgement!) as the Two Halves House opens its doors to the public. Part of the inaugural Open House Ballarat Weekend, running 10am-to-4pm on both Saturday 28 October and Sunday 29 October, some 20 architecturally significant buildings will be open to the public.

A spin-off of the popular Melbourne variety, the free event is a chance to challenge your opinions on architecture, build your knowledge about Ballarat’s history and arm yourself with information about future developments that will impact the city.

For more on Open House Ballarat | House tours

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Expert Tips Homewares

Tinder for homewares: Shopping made easy with new app

A bit like Tinder for homewares, new app Home Addict allows you to effortlessly search for beautifully designed items for your abode. With a Tinder-esque style interface the app is designed to learn what you like and don’t like, so that it can serve you up the items that you’re looking for. Just swipe right!


But that’s not all, using virtual reality, your phone’s camera allows you to see what the item would look like in your own home placed among your furnishings. If you like what you see you can buy it straight from the app or save it to buy later.

“Buying homewares can be a fraught process,” explains co-founder Kura Perkins (one half of homewares brand Art Hide). “Especially when purchasing big ticket or expensive items and you don’t know how they will actually look in your own home. With advances in augmented reality and mobile technology we can change that.”


Best of all it’s a guilt-free shopping experience, with 10% of revenue from Home Addict going straight to organisations that actively address homelessness in the founders’ home state, WA. Shelter WA estimates over 9,600 people experience homelessness every night in WA and another 7,000 are living in insecure housing, one step away from homelessness.

“Business has a role to play as an integrated pillar into the community,” says co-founder Saschelle Blake. “The beauty of this business model is the 10% comes straight from revenue not profits, which means retailers don’t lose margin and it doesn’t cost the consumer.” So, get shopping!

The app is not yet available on Android. Despite the name, Home Addict is not affiliated with Interiors Addict.

Download the app (Apple only) | Other great home apps

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Designers Furniture Outdoor & Exteriors

Our favourite outdoor furniture (for all budgets)

Capri Malibu Sunbed from GlobeWest

With summer fast approaching, now is the time to get your outdoor area in tiptop shape. Distinctive furniture can help transform your backyard into an inviting space, perfect for alfresco entertaining or relaxing — book and cocktail in hand. From natural timbers and tones through to retro-inspired styles and sleek coastal settings, there is something for every home and every budget.

ÄPPLARÖ Table, Two Benches from IKEA: Versatility is front and centre, with the table featuring drop-leaves that can be folded and removed to quickly adjust to your needs — plus a hole in the middle to keep your parasol in place. For added durability, the wood has been pre-treated with several layers of semi-transparent wood stain. Available in multiple configurations (chairs and/or benches) and both brown and white, prices start at $427.

ÄPPLARÖ Table from IKEA

Trace Coffee Table from Tait: Coming in either circular or rectangular form and in two heights, prices start from $2,560. As the name suggests, an aluminium frame (available in four powder coat finishes) traces the outline of the table that can be selected in sustainable slatted timber or elegant marbled porcelain. Striking as a standalone piece, the coffee tables also work flawlessly when paired or nested.

Trace Coffee Table from Tait

Grille Outdoors Counter Stool from gohome: Inspired by a much-loved Australian pastime – the iconic barbecue, the stool features an open mesh seat, reminiscent of a barbecue grill. Priced at $430, it comes in four anti-corrosion, powder coated colours, sure to provide protection even in the harshest environments. An optional UV resistant and waterproof seat pad is available with a magnetic fixing system.

Grille Outdoors Counter Stool from gohome. Photography: Lucas Peng. Styling: Jessica Hanson.

Marina Corner Sofa from Early Settler: Made from highly durable, powder coated aluminum, the sofa — at $1,999 — promises to last the distance. Resort living at home, the matt white finish, weather resistant cushions and adjustable feet stoppers come together to create a practical, chic outdoor solution, perfect for entertaining and relaxing.

Marina Corner Sofa from Early Settler

All Plastic Chair from Living Edge: Reminiscent of the simple, classic wooden chairs that have been familiar in Europe for many decades, the All Plastic Chair brings the design into the 21st century. Resistant to sunlight and water, it is robust and durable enough for an outdoor setting. Designed by Vitra, it is available in seven colours and is on sale for $399 when you use the code ‘OUTDOOR’.

All Plastic Chair from Living Edge

‘Original’ Fire Pit from Fire-Away: Made in Australia from 5mm laser cut mild steel, the sculptural fire pit comes in both flat pack and welded configurations. And don’t worry it’s not tricky to assemble, simply slot together three identical pieces of steel – no welds or bolts needed! The striking design draws air from underneath, to create a fire that is hotter with less smoke. Prices start at $629.

‘Original’ Fire Pit from Fire-Away

Mimosa Waiheke Daybed with Canopy from Bunnings: Spend your lazy Sunday afternoons relaxing on this daybed with retractable roof canopy. Featuring an aluminium frame with a resin wicker weave, the comfortable padded seat is complemented by four throw pillows. When you are ready to store it away the included cover will ensure it is protected from the elements. It retails for $794.95.

Mimosa Waiheke Daybed with Canopy from Bunnings

Franklin Indoor/Outdoor Dining Chair from Coco Republic: This hand woven chair is a contemporary play on the traditional African Malawi chair, with a hint of Hamptons luxury. The outdoor poly weave is tough enough to be fully exposed and used in any weather. Best yet, it’s on sale for $415.

Franklin Indoor/Outdoor Dining Chair from Coco Republic

On-the-move Side Table from Clickon Furniture: With its lightweight frame and removable table tray, the side table is designed for portability, letting you easily carry drinks and snacks to and from the kitchen. Designed by Cane-Line, it is ideal for the avid entertainer and will give your space a truly unique sense of style. Available in midnight blue for $576.

On-the-move Side Table from Clickon Furniture

Capri Malibu Sunbed from GlobeWest: One could be forgiven for thinking they were lounging poolside at a luxury resort on this sunbed! It features weather-hardy recycled teak plus natural coloured sunbrella cushions with quick dry foam, designed specially for outdoor use. It’s indulgent… as is the price, retailing for $2,875.

Capri Malibu Sunbed from GlobeWest

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

More home inspo

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Designers Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT The Block

Shaynna Blaze’s tips for transforming your outdoor living room

Taubmans exterior in Mojo by Kyal & Kara_preview

As summer approaches, outdoor living is back on the agenda. So who better to speak to than Block judge, Taubmans brand ambassador and all round design guru Shaynna Blaze?! The right use of paint and colour, paired with the perfect furniture and accessories can create an entirely new outdoor space, effectively adding an extra room to your house. But how to pick the right colour? Below Shaynna unpacks four different colour palettes to suit a multitude of tastes, decorating themes and architectural styles.

Shaynna Blaze

White Heat

Taubmans Snowbank and January Dawn sit perfectly together in this beautiful white palette, creating a modern classic look with soft timber and natural accents. The contrast between the trims and walls is very subtle, giving the exterior a simple, textural feel that focuses on the setting rather than the architectural features. However, this is a palette in danger of becoming clinical if not styled right, so make use of your surrounds with large trees for a canopy, potted plants and natural timbers.

Taubmans exterior in Snowbank and January Dawn

Flaming Hot

Taubmans Stormy Shadow on the decking with Akimbo on the walls, set up a base that heroes the ‘cube’ feature in Black Flame, Taubmans 2018 Colour of the Year. The palette has strong contrasts that highlight the features of the architecture. The white showcases the doors and balcony with almost a traditional touch, allowing the Black Flame to add a contemporary focal point. When you have such strong contrasts just be careful to keep your features minimal so as not to overpower the overall look. This style is right on trend — modern minimalist is the new Hamptons!

Taubmans exterior in Akimbo, deck in Stormy Shadow and ‘cube’ in Black Flame

Fade to Grey

There are layers of grey but still so much romance in this colour scheme. This house has multiple lines and angles so having a grey tonal palette softens the impact, as long as you stick to greys that are close together tonally. For instance, don’t mix a blue grey with a green grey as this will highlight features rather than soften them. A perfect palette of greys would be Taubmans Grey Castle, Cable Ash and Grey Haze, with trims in Alpine Snow.

Taubmans outdoor living room by Corella Construction

Fifty Shades Darker

Kyal and Kara have here created a dramatic, inviting space that you want to explore. This house is all about the windows and the combination of charcoal and white highlight this feature. To pull off the look, pick one hero feature and stick with it, but don’t overdo it! Their wall is in Taubmans Mojo, but also try Viking Grey or Black Fox with trims in Snow Drop.

Taubmans exterior in Mojo by Kyal and Kara

For more information | Painting tips

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Designers Homewares

3D printed vases + concrete plant stands: IVY MUSE’s new range

Indoor plants have been having a moment for quite some time and the obsession doesn’t look to be slowing down. Gone are the days of daggy terracotta pots from your local hardware store, now pots and stands are as beautiful at the plants they home.

Status Quo collection

Proof of this comes in the latest collection of botanical wares from Melbourne-based studio IVY MUSE. Their seventh collection, Status Quo, features locally designed and made products in simple forms and an earthy colour palette.

Stem

A first for the label, the collection sees the release of Stem, a 3D printed vase. Made from clear glass and featuring a 3D printed ceramic top produced in collaboration with Alterfact Studio in Brunswick, Stem is ideal for propagating plants such as Devil’s Ivy, Monstera​ ​and​ ​is​ ​even​ ​suitable​ ​for​ ​flowers.

Braided Hanger

Status Quo also includes a handwoven leather and ceramic plant hanger named Braided Hanger, the result of a collaboration with Melbourne-based leather craftswoman ​Kym Lightfoot. Braided Hanger is available with three handmade ceramic pot​ ​colours,​ ​Emerald,​ ​Ivory​ ​and​ Cloud​ ​and​ ​two​ ​length​ ​drops.

IVY MUSE commissioned renowned Victorian potter ​Robert Gordon ​to produce the exclusive range of handmade pots to complement the Status Quo ​range. Slip-cast from ceramic, each pot has been combined with unique glazes and is available in one size.

Elevate Arc
Elevate

But that’s not all! Status Quo introduces four brand new plant stands, signalling a move into two new mediums: tubular steel and concrete. The Elevate series is made from powder-coated steel, each is available in Matt Black and Matt White and in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Elevate Arc. Each Elevate stand arrives with the choice of two concrete tabletops in Coal or Nude colourways, made in collaboration with ​Nood Co (ex Blockheads Matt and Kim).

Photography: Annette O’Brien | Styling: Alana Langan

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Categories
Designers Expert Tips Styling

9 tips for creating the ultimate apartment interior

You can sometimes feel limited when you live in an apartment, but while you may compromise on space, you don’t have to compromise on style! 1788 Residences Double Bay is a new apartment complex that certainly doesn’t. Featuring 31 luxury apartments over five levels — above a ground-floor retail space — they were designed by Bates Smart. The team behind the luxury units share their top tips for creating the ultimate apartment.

Lighting: Atmospheric LED lighting, custom glass and metal feature pendants, as well as wall lights in unexpected places like vanities and corridors, brighten rooms and open the space.

Coffee table: Having a statement coffee table in the living room will bring the entire space together. Don’t leave the table empty; place coffee table books, trinkets or even a statement gold statue on it, as seen in 1788 Residences.

Scents: Candles create a welcoming environment. Place a few in the living room and on your bedside table. For the ultimate indulgence, cluster candles. It even works with soaps and fragrances. Place your favourites on a golden tray and put it in your bathroom.


Flowers: Having fresh flowers in your apartment will not only add beauty but also boost your mood and improve productivity. Experiment with different kinds of flowers, but stick to the one colour palette.

Fixtures and finishes: True luxury is not merely about things that you see but the way things feel. It’s about the weight of the door, the perfect function of the hinges and the inside of the cupboard that is as beautiful as the outside. With fixtures and finishes, try to prioritise quality.

Styled corners and vignettes: Create beautiful vignettes without cluttering the room. Place a lamp, leather chair and marble table with a candle in the corner of your bedroom – perfect for reading before bed.

Walk-in wardrobe: Play with height in your walk-in wardrobe with designer boxers. Utilise the boxes to create levels and dimensions.

Colour palette: Keep the colours throughout the apartment consistent. The colour of your furniture should complement the fixtures and finishes.

Texture: Use different textures throughout the apartment to ensure the room is cosy and welcoming, rather than cold and sterile. For great visual contrast add a rug in your bedroom and a couple of cushions on the sofa.

Categories
Styling

Haymes Paint’s new range of imperfect, textured finishes

Matt Polish

Launching today, the Artisan collection by Haymes Paint brings together a unique range of hand-crafted, imperfect, textured finishes; designed to transform a space, both inside and out. Divided into three core product ranges: Surface, Metallics and Textures, each has its own colour palette and application techniques. The extensive range of finishes, textures and colours ensures you won’t be short of options!

Surface – Gravity

The first range, Surface, offers an extremely versatile finish. With just one product, it can be applied in four ways: Bloom, Brushed, Gravity and Industrial, it also comes in 18 custom colours. Talk about versatility! The subtle qualities of the product bring out the beauty in the finish, giving your walls a contemporary yet timeless feel and adding a sense of movement and tactility.

Metallics – Matte Polish

The Metallics range was inspired by the Haymes team’s recent trip to Milan. A favourite of colour and concept manager Wendy Rennie, she says it stands out from its competition: “In the past, I have found the metallic finishes in paint to be too glossy and a bit tacky but this range provides a level of sophistication that takes metallics to a new level. My absolute favourite product is the Matte Polish, which we describe as understated silken metallic. It reminds me of the Venetian plaster look and in the Pink Drift colour it is exquisite.” Alongside Matte Polish, the collection encompasses Metal Trace, Real Iron, Real Copper and Patina, each offering gritty, high-end qualities and an ultra-premium finish.

Textures – Mortar
Textures – Sand

Last is the Textures range that pushes the boundaries in both residential and commercial settings. Each of the textured finishes: Rendercoat, Mortar, Soft Chalk and Sand, are available in their own colour ranges and have been carefully considered in the context of where they will achieve the best results, inside or out.

Metallics – Patina

While some of the finishes and techniques seem a bit daunting from the photos — I can’t be the only one who looked at the Surface range and thought ‘Agh!’ — Haymes promise it’s not that hard. “The finishes have been developed with the end consumer in mind, ensuring each effect is easily achieved,” says Wendy. “To support consumers we have uploaded instructional videos to our website. We also offer trained Haymes painters for those who prefer to remain hands off.”

For more information | Paint inspo