They say when one door closes another door opens. So after being made redundant from her 9-to-5 corporate job, Renee Tsironis decided to open a much more beautiful door to career as a floral artist. The Melbourne-based creative uses ice as a preservation tool to freeze flowers in time. Renee then photographs each bloom to create custom and limited edition prints.
“I began my career in marketing for some fantastic Australian interior, beauty and food brands, and my passion for design led me to study interior design and styling,” says Renee. “It was during this period of design study that I began experimenting with flowers and the freezing process to create artworks.”
Renee uses various preservation techniques to achieve different results but ultimately no two blocks of ice freeze the same, creating natural diversity throughout her works. “I love seeing the detail in the individual bubbles and being surprised by the result of what wasn’t planned,” she says.
The unique pieces are perfect for dull or tired walls around the home where you’re looking to make a statement or add a touch of drama.
Since launching her brand Fleuressence, Renee has worked with designers on specific commissions and created bespoke artworks for newlyweds using their wedding flowers. Renee also travels extensively in the pursuit of rare and beautiful flowers for her works.
As a partner of Décor & Design 2018, Renee debuted her current work before 12,000 visitors earlier this year. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to showcase my work which explores how flowers act as a symbol of emotional connection to a time and place.”
While property investing is one of Australia’s favourite pastimes, it doesn’t mean it’s always an easy ride. There are ups and down and certainly rewards to reap, but you do have to put in some groundwork and planning to become a successful investor.
While this can seem overwhelming at times – especially for first time investors – the good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. There are professionals whose very job it is to help you along the way. In fact, it is recommended you have a property investment team of sorts – each player with a different role to help you towards investing success.
As the team captain you get to pick the players, but there are the nine experts you should consider including on your team:
Image: Business2Community
Accountant and/or Financial Advisor
A common goal of property investing is financial reward, but you need to use your money wisely. An accountant will help you manage your money and advise on any tax changes you should know about, as well as help you claim everything you’re entitled to. A financial advisor is slightly different and looks at your financial situation more holistically. They can help you determine your financial goals and set a realistic plan to achieve them. Ideally, your accountant and financial advisor may be one in the same, but both of these services are incredibly useful.
Real Estate Agent or Buyer’s Agent
When you’re searching for your first or next investment property, it’s good to have a real estate agent or buyer’s agent you can trust. Their commission should be transparent, they should have a thorough knowledge of the local market, have a deep understanding of your requirements and be proactive in helping you find your ideal investment.
Property Manager
While some investors may be tempted to self-manage their property, there are a lot of risks involved in this approach if you don’t have the knowledge or time to manage this effectively. A good property manager will help you secure quality tenants, be on top of any damage, will save you time, tell you of any requirements and will help take some of the emotion away from the process. As their fees are tax deductible this shouldn’t be looked at as an unnecessary expense.
Mortgage Broker
In the past year, mortgage brokers have been gaining market share in Australia. The 2017 Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) investor confidence survey revealed that 83 per cent of respondents are hoping to finance their next loan via a mortgage broker, up from 71 per cent last year. If you’re looking to purchase a new investment property, it may be worth speaking with a mortgage broker to help you find the best product to suit your situation and your finances.
Conveyancer
There’s a lot of complicated paperwork involved in purchasing a property including the contract of sale, mortgage documents and other paperwork related to the transaction. It’s best to enlist the help of a qualified and reputable conveyancer to do this legal legwork for you. They’ll help decipher any complicated terms and conditions and translate the legal jargon. While you’re not legally obliged to hire a conveyancer, it should help you reach settlement sooner and with a lot less stress.
Quantity Surveyor
Ensure you get a quantity surveyor that specialises in property depreciation to prepare your tax depreciation schedule. A specialist quantity surveyor is worth having on your team as they will ensure you’re claiming everything you are legally entitled to. A specialist will also keep on top of any tax changes so you don’t get on the wrong side of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The ATO recognises quantity surveyors as one of only a few professions which possess the required construction costing skills to calculate the cost of items for the purposes of depreciation.
Building Inspector
It’s essential that you get a building and pest inspection carried out before you buy a property. The last thing you want is to buy a property only to later find it’s actually riddled with termites or structurally unsound. A trusted building inspector will help you determine if you have a quality property on your hands and can save you from forking out thousands on surprise repairs and maintenance after the time of purchase.
A mentor
It’s great to have someone who is an experienced investor who you can turn to for advice and learn from their real life experiences. Investing in property has its ups and downs so it’s nice to have an investor friend on your side to help, even if it’s just to chat about your situation and investing plans.
Yourself
While you don’t need to be an expert to invest in property, it’s important to arm yourself with some basic knowledge of the market to keep on track of how your investment is performing. It will also give you more confidence when dealing with other professionals to ensure you’re not being taken for a ride. There are many resources out there you could use to improve your investing knowledge from books, blogs, magazines and online resources to information nights and investing courses.
–Bradley Beer (B. Con. Mgt, AAIQS, MRICS, AVAA) is the Chief Executive Officer of BMT Tax Depreciation. Please contact 1300 728 726 or visit www.bmtqs.com.au for an Australia-wide service
Celestial light fixtures are one of the biggest design trends at the moment, with Pinterest saves for the starburst design increasing 137% globally since last year, according to the Pinterest Home Report.
They’re a throwback to the ’60s era of mid-century modern glam and evoke serious Mad Men vibes. However, you don’t have to be a mid-century lover to incorporate this trend into your home. The fixtures also work exceptionally well in modern, contemporary and Scandinavian interiors.
Scroll through this edit of Pinterest inspiration to see how a starburst chandelier can steal the show in myriad different spaces.
Fish scale tiles (also known as scallop, mermaid or fan tiles) are one of my favourite tile shapes at the moment. Sophisticated yet still playful, you may have seen this trend popping up in your Instagram and Pinterest feeds.
Whereas typical mermaid trends generally feature pastel and candy colours, the key to avoiding an overly feminine-look is to use tasteful, muted tones or a deep navy and blue colour palette.
Here’s my Pinterest roundup of some of my favourite spaces that have embraced the fish scale effect.
The colour pop
Image Credit: Three Birds RenovationsImage: Pinterest/Inside Out MagazineImage credit: H&M Home (UK)
The white kitchen
Image Credit: Sally Rhys JonesImage: Pinterest/Beta Home
The modern bathroom
Julie and Sasha’s bathroom from The Block 2016. Image Credit: Channel 9 AustraliaImage: Pinterest/Kyle and Kara
The old-world bathroom
Image: Pinterest/Style By Emily HendersonImage Credit: Amy Bartlam for Rosa Beltran Design
What do you think of the fish scale tiling trend? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
The Story of Things is a new online marketplace for unique goods, homewares and accessories made by Australian artists and designers.
It’s the brainchild of photographers Jess Reftel Evans and Martin Evans and interior designer Petrina Turner. The trio met back in 2015 after being introduced by celebrated stylist Megan Morton. Their passion for the Australian design community has naturally led to the launch of The Story of Things, which is at its heart, a celebration of local creatives.
The Story of Things founders Petrina Turner, Jess Reftel Evans and Martin Evans
In 2018, who you buy something from seems to be just as important as what you bought. The rise in ethical shopping has seen more customers turn their backs on big brands and instead seek out furniture and homewares from their local creative community.
The Story of Things has jumped on this wave and aims to connect its customers with its creators. The beautifully designed website contains detailed biographies of the more than 20 artists and designers. Perfect for gift shopping for loved ones (or treating yourself), everything is designed in Australia and ethically made.
Here are some of our favourite homewares but there’s also jewellery, scarves and more:
Limited edition print by Fractured FloraKlein Gem Stool by Tuckbox DesignWall hanging by artist Jac.WeaveHammered mug by State of PermanenceRainbow Object by Capra DesignsShine On wall light by Electric ConfettiBonnie & Neil X Byzantine Design vinyl rug
With shrinking land sizes across the country, it’s no surprise that the majority of backyard design and gardening advice focuses on achieving great style in small spaces. However, thoughtful planning and design is just as important in large backyards where the extra space can be transformed into stunning landscapes that will add value to your home.
The 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey has revealed that 56% of respondents have a large backyard with plenty of room for entertaining and gardening. Yet, large backyards are often under-appreciated or lacking landscaping which results in big, boring spaces.
“With a little research, inspiration and planning, dull backyards can be converted into feature areas for eating, entertaining, relaxing and gardening,” says landscape expert and Adbri Masonry ambassador Jason Hodges.
Gardening and landscaping expert Jason Hodges
Jason’s tips for utilising space in a large backyard
Set the scene
Arguably the most important part of a landscaped garden is the place where you’ll sit back and appreciate it – usually this is the paved courtyard or patio area. The patio will usually come directly off the house and represent the transition point from indoor to outdoor living. While this is practical, large backyards provide the opportunity to get creative!
If the facade of your home needs work and looks dated, consider taking the focus away from the home by having a path off the house, leading to a feature courtyard in the centre of the space. This design draws attention away from the home and shows off the size and depth of your yard.
When it comes to thinking about the surfaces of your patio or courtyard, pavers are a great option for stepping stone paths and the entertaining pavement. “While I love stepping stones separated by pebbles or turf for paths, the foundation pavement should be a solid area which can house your dining and relaxing furniture as well as any shading or barbeque equipment,” explains Jason.
Build a children’s playground
If you have children, a large backyard provides an opportunity to create a space where kids can play safely, so take advantage and start planning your kid friendly yard.
“Try building a cubby house or teepee that can be used in summer as a shaded play area or as a mini campsite in winter,” says Jason. “I also love the idea of placing pavers in a hopscotch pattern and letting grass grow in between. The pavers will act as a pathway for your garden, as well as a fun activity for your children.”
Incorporate an entertaining area
There are countless ways to create an exceptional outdoor room to entertain and spend time with family and friends. Building a dining area with built-in seating helps to give the area structure and utilises available space. You can achieve this using Adbri Masonry’s Versawall blocks, which create vertical retaining and garden walls whilst doubling as bench seating.
“Alfresco areas tend to feature on the front cover shots of real estate listings and signboards – this is because they’re an asset that adds value to a home and where buyers picture themselves enjoying the home with family,” explains Jason. “In larger backyards, these entertaining areas can be multi-functional with cooking equipment, dining settings as well as breakout garden beds or bench seating around a feature fire pit.”
Change levels with a sunken patio
Add depth and dimension to your backyard with a sunken patio that will become a private retreat. Whether your backyard is flat or slightly sloped, you can create a sunken a patio – either DIY or with the help of a professional landscaper. Level changes immediately increase the aesthetic appeal and intimacy of a space. Try introducing steps, garden walls, terraced retaining walls or go the other way and create a sunken patio.
Beat the heat with a swimming pool
A large backyard is a great canvas for a swimming pool and creates an opportunity to value the space around it – whether it’s sunbaking, entertaining or relaxing.
“Avoid dominating the area with a large pool; try taking cue from the Island of Gods, with a Bali-inspired plunge pool that is small and cleverly landscaped. Pave the boundary with Adbri Masonry’s Euro Classic or Euro Stone that will give your pool a sleek finish, whilst providing a safe, slip resistant surface,” suggests Jason.
EziBuy Home has just released their new catalogue which features a whole range of homewares for summer 2018. We’re constantly surprised by the on-trend pieces we find in the EziBuy catalogue and online, and this new season range is no different!
Outdoor Beanbag – $49.99
UV and water resistant, these outdoor beanbags will be a family favourite for relaxing this summer.
Cote Outdoor Cushions – $35.99
I’m always on the hunt for affordable outdoor cushions that I can update every season or so to create a fresh outdoor look. Available in a range of classic designs, the Cote Cushions will add a luxe Hamptons feel to your outdoor space.
Hampton Linen Duvet Cover – from $125
A 100% linen duvet cover for under $200 – a steal!
Hampton Stripe Pillowcases – from $34.99
Pair the Hampton Linen Duvet Cover with these striped linen cushions for a budget-friendly bedroom refresh.
Round Timber Serving Board – from $39.99
An essential for summer entertaining, these affordable acacia timber serving boards are available in a range of shapes and sizes.
Rattan Placemats – $79.99 for a set of four
I love natural, coastal table settings that evoke relaxed entertaining. This set of rattan placemats are perfect for adding texture to your dining table, just in time for summer.
The “Here Comes The Sun” collection is inspired by a lifelong love of colours and design that evokes fun. The new range is loaded with colours and imagery inspired by the Aussie summer, including hand painted swimmers on pots and vases in vibrant hues.
Image: Jones & Co
We love the luxe garden pots that are wheel thrown and bursting with colour and hand painted designs, or the range brand’s bestselling range of vases and vessels with loveable and quirky designs.
Images: Jones & Co
Born originally as “Have you met Miss Jones” in 2006, owner Jennifer Jones works with passion to create distinctive styles for the home and to bring joy to people’s living spaces. The collections are the perfect gift to make that someone special giggle and smile. The entire range is designed in Bondi Beach and then crafted by specialized artisans in SE Asia.
Introducing white to your interior walls creates an immediate ambience of sophistication, freshness and timeless style. However, as any former home renovator knows, the choices of shades of white are endless and to make matters more complicated, often the shade of white selected can appear to look different when painted on the wall itself.
For guidance on nailing the white wall, we chatted to Henley Design’s Colour and Design Consultant Heidi Schwieters on how to select the right shade for your home.
Keep it cool
Cool whites, which are perfect for more contemporary and open plan settings, have a hint of grey, blue, blue-pink, green or even black undertones.
“When neutralising bright light, cool whites can work extremely well in rooms that have big windows and receive a lot of sun coming through,” says Heidi. “Timber and concrete floors are well suited to cool whites and can create the feeling of more energy within the room.”
Consider: Dulux Vivid White TM, Dulux White on White, Dulux Lexicon Quarter and Dulux Lexicon.
Warm whites
With yellow, brown or red undertones, warm whites are used to inject a cosy feel in a room and complement furniture and fixtures which have warmer hues including timbers.
“Warm whites tend to suit more traditional homes and are perfect for smaller rooms with less natural light such as bedrooms,” says Heidi. “Avoid cooler whites in these smaller rooms as it tends to make the room feel a little cold.”
Consider: Dulux Natural White, Dulux Snowy Mountains, Dulux Whisper White and Dulux Grand Piano Quarter.
Getting the lowdown on the undertone
The undertone is the subtle colour appearing through the main mass colour. It can often be quite distinguishable, however in whites, the undertone is often subtle. Sometimes until it is paired with other colours or in certain lighting, it is not apparent.
The undertone is how we separate cool or warm colour tones and is the secret to creating an effective and harmonious colour scheme. Comparing whites with other whites is the easiest way to distinguish undertones.
Test out a patch
Heidi’s top tip for determining your preference of cool white or warm whites is to trial a test patch on a decent part of the wall or to paint a narrowed down selection of chosen paint colours on a piece of board to compare whites. Give it time to dry well before you decide and ensure you have done two good coats. You will find the shade of white appears to change depending on the time of day, the amount of natural light coming in and with surrounding colour such as floors, furniture and accessories.
The expert team at Henley Design can guide you through the array of white hues on offer for your interior walls. Head on over to the Henley Design page for more inspiration and to make an appointment with the Henley Design interior experts.
Taking inspiration from Queenslander and Hamptons architecture, this beautiful home in North Balgowlah on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is a contemporary beach house with serious style.
“My dream house is Queenslander meets Hamptons,” says owner Elizabeth Webb. “I’ve always been drawn to crisp lines, clean white and peaceful blue colour palette, and gorgeous natural materials.”
Working closely with architect Adam Presley from All Australian Architecture and her building company Beaches Building, the home spans across two levels with five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a large kitchen and living area with feature fireplace.
One of the most important items on any renovator’s wishlist is often increasing the amount natural light in their home. According to Elizabeth, the main challenge to achieving an airy interior from a design perspective was that the property’s dimensions were very shallow.
“We wanted to create an expansive space, but had limited land,” she says. “We decided to build vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and use large glass windows and doors to extend the visual sightline and make the space feel much larger.”
On the first floor, French doors feature across the entire back wall of the living room, allowing the adjoining deck and back yard to become an unobstructed continuation of the main living space.
A neutral colour palette and a mix of raw materials throughout the home create a serious Hamptons feel, while the weatherboard exterior fulfils Elizabeth’s wish of paying homage to her childhood Queensland home.
We love the use of bi-fold windows in the kitchen, which are always a popular design choice for entertainers!
Capturing the sea views from the second floor, large double hung windows were installed which offer practical ventilation. To complement the exterior and Hamptons look, colonial-style glazing bars were applied to the windows and doors.
“The windows and doors from Stegbar not only seamlessly merge the indoor and outdoor spaces, but they also enhance the beautiful raw materials and mid-century craftsmanship traditionally used in Hamptons construction,” says Elizabeth.
Love this light-filled family home? Head on over to the Stegbar website for more on their window and door solutions
The face of your home, the façade, is generated by a mix of colours, materials and textures and sets the scene for your interior selections to follow. But nailing the perfect entrance is a hard act to pull off – particularly when you’re building a brand new home. With so many design choices to make, the decision can become quite overwhelming.
To help guide your decision-making process, we chatted to Henley Design colour consultant Cassandra Lynch about her favourite contemporary facades and her tips on how to create a beautiful street presence.
Be on the lookout for your favourite façade features
When you’re driving down a street and you’re looking for an address, you might just miss the finer details of what makes the home beautiful from the outside. To create your ideal facade, it’s important to find the right balance of style and impact.
“Be on the lookout for images online or get inspiration from classic drive-bys and start handpicking the looks you love so you have some insights into your style before you’re making selections,” says Cassandra. “Pay attention to the materials used, bricks, render, timber or steel, and also take into account the texture of the materials, and colours.”
When it comes to colour, less is more
Selecting the perfect colour scheme is often a balancing act, and with facades, the formula can be a matter of less is best according to Cassandra.
“Grey, black, brick and Colorbond cladding are some of the most popular façade inclusions, as well as James Hardie fibre cement sheets, with texture and timber also featuring as highlights,” she adds.
“Monochromatic colour schemes using a combination of dark grey bricks and contrasting white/light grey renders and matt finish Colorbond roof in either Monument or Surfmist and Aluminum black windows are the colour combinations which people are currently loving,” says Cassandra.
“On the opposite end, we also have the neutral colour scheme which is becoming increasingly popular,” says Cassandra. “Consider using much lighter creamier/beige bricks and complementing them with white and grey renders and light natural stained timber accents.”
Cassandra’s top tips in façade selection
Choose a façade to complement the area your house is being built. For example, choose a neutral coastal façade if building near the beach. Utilising cement cladding over natural timbers if you live near the coast is a great idea as the salty sea air will ruin any timber and will be a pain to maintain in the longterm.
Take inspiration from your design style. If you are drawn to more traditional or Victorian style furniture with antique furniture, perhaps go for a more traditional façade with decorative mouldings. If you love modern architecture, straight lines and monochromatic colours, choose a modern façade.
If building in a new estate, always check the developers design guidelines before falling in love with any specific colours or finishes.
The expert team at Henley Design can guide you through the array of exterior choices. Henley also has a handy visualiser tool to help make the selection process easier. Head on over to the Henley Design page for more inspiration and to make an appointment with the Henley Design experts.
Simple yet sophisticated, the spiced keftas combine with fresh greens and a zingy dressing for a play on classic Middle Eastern flavours. This recipe was created by Shane Delia of Melbourne restaurants Maha and Biggie Smalls in partnership with Australian Lamb. It’s an impressive looking dish that’s ideal to cook when you’re having family and friends over for Sunday night dinner.
Serves: 4-6 | Prep: 30 mins | Cooking: 30 mins
Ingredients
Lamb kefta
600g lamb mince
20g cumin powder
10g coriander powder
10g flaked salt
10g chopped parsley
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
Sauce
2 eggplant, chargrilled and peeled
2L lamb or vegetable stock
200g dry chickpeas soaked and cooked
200g pearl couscous blanched
1/2 bunch silverbeet
1/2 bunch cavolo nero (black cabbage) or kale
Lemon juice
Red Aleppo or paprika
30g butter
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander powder
Dressing
30g slivered almonds or roughly chopped almonds
30g pomegranate seeds
5 sprigs parsley leaves, finely sliced
4 sprigs coriander leaves, finely sliced
100ml Olive oil
Lemon juice to taste
Salt to taste
Method
Place all ingredients for the kefta in a medium sized bowl, mix and knead very well for 3-4 minutes. Roll into small balls and rest for at least 20 minutes.
Heat up a medium sized pot and sear lamb kefta until golden brown on all sides, set aside once all are golden.
Place same pot back on the heat, drizzle olive oil and add butter. Sauté chickpeas, couscous, spices and salt.
Put the lamb back in the pan and add the stock, bringing to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the stock has reduced by half.
Add silverbeet, eggplant, cavolo nero and season with salt and lemon juice.
Place into a serving dish and dress over the top with almond and pomegranate dressing.
Tips
The key to this recipe is working the spices into the lamb to get the best flavour. This means getting hands on and massaging it through the meat with your fingers at least 20 minutes before cooking.
Make sure the lamb kefta are browned off evenly all around to create a caramelised lamb flavour throughout the dish.
Instead of the silverbeet or kale, you can use any greens you come across in the supermarket like fresh chard, spinach or cabbage.
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using lentils or dried beans instead of couscous, or swap the couscous for a side of rice.
We all know lighting is not only functional, it’s essential for setting the style and mood of a room, but it’s also one of the hardest and most expensive things to change when renovating.
Melbourne-based engineer and industrial designer Adam Cusick is changing all that with the launch of his new invention Snap Lighting which lets you change an entire light fitting in just five seconds (minus the tools and electrician)!
The system includes recessed sockets and a range of compatible fittings. The sockets need a one-time installation by an electrician or handyman, then fittings simply push in and push out with just one hand. Watch how it works:
The brilliant invention is already attracting high interest from renovators, builders, interior designers, decorators, homeowners and renters. The initial range will include a variety of recessed downlights and pendants, later expanding into flush mount lights, spotlights and more.
Snap Lighting has launched on Kickstarter where you can support the project by pre-purchasing at discounted prices. After the Kickstarter campaign (which ends in two weeks), Snap Lighting will be available in Australia mid-2019 through their online store and retail stockists.
According to recent market research by Beaumont Tiles, choosing fixtures and fittings for your bathroom, cost blowouts and not knowing where to start are amongst the biggest challenges facing Australian renovators. Big ticket projects like bathrooms, can be particularly daunting, and leave renovators opting out of picking up the tools.
The solution? Beaumont’s strategic design team have created a series of bathroom packages that combine quality products and provide renovators with peace of mind. Priced from under $4,000, they’re available in all Beaumont Tiles stores.
“The key to alleviating reno stress is having access to transparent costs and inclusions. That’s what we’ve provided with our bathroom packages,” says Beaumont Tiles strategic designer Vanessa Thompson. “All our packages have been mindfully designed to reflect Australia’s current top 10 trends, and include everything from the cabinetry, tiles and taps, right through to the tub. Our local stores will even help you find the trades to do it!”
With over 16 packages to choose from, she shared some of her favourites and her tips on styling your newly renovated bathroom:
Modern
Clean monochrome lines complemented by tiles configured to create a spatial illusion has been kept front of mind when curating the looks for this package, with options available for both warm and cool lit spaces.
“To complete this look, create playful balance with the inclusion of elements that draw the eye upwards. Always remember to soften a modern bathroom with scented candles, trendy vases, and brushed metal elements,” adds Vanessa.
The modern bathroom package
Classic traditional
This package features a dark tile floor, with lighter wall tiles to draw the eye upwards and out. Further complemented by added texture with a feature wall tile and matching fixtures and cabinetry.
“To finish off this bathroom, add touches of drama with glass, metallic and floral elements,” says Vanessa. “Think owl feather embellishedtowels softened with a gorgeous glass vase with tulip or other classic bloom.”
The classic traditional bathroom package
Scandinavian
This package is all about simplicity and economic use of space that is as beautiful as it is functional – with loads of thoughtful storage.
“In both package options we’ve selected a central focal point, then provided opportunity to add colour and layers. I recommend styling with natural elements such as a timber stool and indoor plants with geometric motifs to add theatre.”
The Scandinavian bathroom package
Coastal
“Coastal styling is all about bringing the outdoors in, to complete this bathroom I would opt for clean furniture in lighter shade neutrals or sea blue,” says Vanessa. “Then use indoor plants, rattan mats and seascape artworks to bring the outdoors in.”
Nothing says “the weekend” like homemade pancakes for breakfast! This easy recipe from Australian Bananas puts a delicious (and healthy) twist on a traditional batch.
Makes: 12 | Prep: 20 mins | Cooking: 25 mins
Ingredients
2 ½ cups plain flour
1 ½ tbs baking powder
¼ cup caster sugar
¼ tsp sea salt flakes, crushed
600ml buttermilk
1 egg, beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract
60g butter, melted plus extra for greasing
4 Cavendish bananas
125g blueberries
Thick greek yoghurt, extra banana slices & honey to serve
Method
Sift the flour and baking powder together into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and salt.
Combine the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract and melted butter in a jug. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined.
Set the batter aside for 5 minutes.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Brush base with extra melted butter.
Grease 3 x 11cm ring moulds with spray oil and place into the pan.
Fill each ring mould with a 1/3 cup of the batter and spread evenly in the moulds.
Press a few blueberries into each pancake then top with a few slices of banana.
Cook pancakes for 4 minutes or until the underside is golden and the top surface forms bubbles. Carefully remove the ring mould.
Turn the pancakes over and cook a further 3-4 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove to a board. Repeat with remaining batter, berries and bananas.
Serve warm topped with yoghurt, banana and a drizzle of honey.
Tips
Buttermilk is low-fat and makes light fluffy pancakes. If you don’t have buttermilk you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice to 250ml (1 cup) full cream milk.
To reheat pancakes, place between baking paper and warm in a sandwich press.
If you don’t have rind moulds, spoon 1/3 cup of batter per pancake into greased frying pan.
These are great packed in a lunch box as a snack, cut pancakes into 4 wedges, sandwich 2 together with a little cream cheese.
In what may be the most whimsical collaboration of Spring 2018, Adairs Kids has joined forces with the talented artist Fleur Harris to create a magical collection for little girls.
Fleur is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative from Melbourne. Educated in Fine Arts and armed with years of experience designing for fashion and lifestyle brands globally, her illustrations for Adairs Kids demonstrate her passion for design and her talent for illustration and painting.
“Inspired by the magic of childhood, adventure, imagination and my love for the natural world, I’ve weaved stunning birds, animals, orals and foliage into these beautiful artworks,” says Fleur. “This timeless collection will spark wonder and delight in the hearts and minds of both little and big people alike.”
The magical collection includes a beautiful printed sheet set and matching bedlinen with a contrasting print made from a soft textured cotton, both available in sizes cot to queen.
There are also two bespoke artworks in equally enchanted prints; dream and wish, and a gorgeously illustrated teepee in a natural coloured material with a vintage-inspired woodland print.
Rattan and cane furniture has been one of the biggest interior trends of 2018 and it’s showing no sign of going anywhere soon! While it’s easy to associate rattan and cane with beach houses and boho apartments, there are plenty of brands reinventing this material into modern designs that feel laid-back yet luxurious.
Whether your home is modern, contemporary or coastal, this round-up has a rattan or cane piece that can be weaved into any interior style.
Perfect for a bohemian or coastal-style nursery, this handmade rattan baby bassinet oozes Parisian vintage style. I happen to know Jen’s ordered one for her new baby!
A luxurious take on the rattan trend, this sleek and smooth timber rattan weave sofa showcases an exquisite level of craftsmanship that’s worthy of the price-tag.
Another Pinterest trend that I’ve been obsessed with of late is the hanging chair. Styled indoors or outdoors, this swaying seat from Byron Bay Hanging Chairs will make quite the focal point!
This beautiful factory-conversion in Alexandria was designed by Laura Downie of Studio 1 Interiors. The design brief was simple; the Collier Family had a newly renovated house but in their words, “it just didn’t quite feel finished”.
“This family’s dilemma is one I come across quite regularly,” says Laura. “Following the renovation of their home, often people don’t quite know how to finish it. Either their previous furniture doesn’t quite seem right in the new space or they’re afraid to buy anything new which won’t go with their new reno and spoil it!”
The result is a modern, functional space that showcases the simplicity and clean lines of Scandinavian design. Yet the soft colour palette and natural finishings (think a mix of timbers, rattan and wool) create a cosy family home with plenty of personality.
Art from Mondocherry and Anya Brock helped inject some colour into the open plan living and dining space. The colour palette of both works influenced the soft furnishing choices and the subtle blue hues which continue throughout the home, creating a wonderful sense of flow.
A huge rattan pendant from Ahoy Trader and the spirit rug from Indigo Love helped zone the dining space and make it cosy in the evening.
The clients wanted their master bedroom to be a real sanctuary. In this room the blue hues continue in an artwork from Penny Farthing Design House in Balmain. Fresh bed linen and side lamps, plus the addition of hanging plants and a large wool rug under the bed help to soften the timber tones of the floor and bedroom furniture.
A beautiful desk space where the lady of the house can write, do her make-up or just take a moment to pause before the day starts was also incorporated into the master bedroom. Laura selected the Ethnicraft Oak PC console from ClickOn Furniture and finished off the look with an oversized round mirror.
“Laura was great. We’d recently renovated our house but just couldn’t get our act together to make it look like a home,” says the client, Elissa Collier. “She helped us turn our space into a beautiful and functional home. She helped us purchase products that worked with our own style and just we love it.”
Hampton Linen Duvet Cover – from $125
Cane Side Table by 
