Category: Architecture

The Best of Houzz 2023: Australia’s most popular home designs

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 27, 2023
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The annual Best of Houzz award winners are in for another year recognising the platform’s most talented renovation and design professionals. Voted for by the Houzz community, the annual people’s choice award highlights the designers with the most popular designs and highest ratings. It recognises just 3% of the more than 3 million home professionals and interior and architectural photographers on the Houzz platform.

LNX Constructions. Photo: Anthony Richardson — Urban Creative Studio’s open plan living and kitchen design was recognised in the awards. Photo: Anthony Richardson

“We are thrilled to highlight the incredibly talented and customer-driven pros from the Houzz community through the Best of Houzz awards. The Best of Houzz awards provide a distinctive mark of credibility for homeowners looking for pros on Houzz. We congratulate all the winners for everything they’ve accomplished in 2022 and look forward to seeing their work and positive reviews in the year ahead,” says Andrew Small, managing director for industry solutions for Houzz.

This home office by Denardi — This beautiful concealed home office by Demardi was another winner in the awards.

The Best of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories – Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honour those whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community while the Customer Service ones are based on several factors including a professional’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews for projects completed in 2022. Photography badges are awarded to architecture and interior design photographers whose images were the most popular on the platform.

From a modern exterior with layers of mixed materials and finishes by Lindon Homes to a contemporary bathroom with a double walk-in shower by Build Theory, there is plenty of design inspo to be gleaned from the winners list.

Design Build by Theory — Build Theory’s popular bathroom design

Also recognised was FURNISHD’s bright living space (featuring earthy tones and contrasting textures), a clever home office by Demardi and an outdoor terrace with fireplace and seating area by Swell Homes.

FURNISHD’s very inviting living space. Photo: Dylan James Photography

Urban Creative Studio’s open-plan kitchen and dining area was also acknowledged, as well as a spacious and light-filled laundry room by Tennille Joy Interiors and a modern staircase with a cute nook for the family dog by Rebecca Naughtin Architect.

Rebecca Naughtin Architect's stair design was recognised. Photography: Tatjana Plitt — Rebecca Naughtin Architect’s stair design was recognised too. Photography: Tatjana Plitt

Winners have been announced globally and they can now display a ‘Best of Houzz 2023’ badge on their profiles which helps homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals on Houzz locally and around the world. Houzz Pro members can also add the ‘Best of Houzz’ standout tag to their profile, which will appear in their directory listing and improve credibility too.

Swell Homes. Photography: DMax — Swell Homes’ lovely outdoor terrace with fireplace. Photography: DMax

Laundry by Tennille Joy Interiors. Photo: Rachel Winston Photography

Check out all the winners

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Tags architecture, best of houzz, design, houzz, interior design, interiors

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2023 outdoor trends: Mediterranean is the new Hamptons

Post author By Cindy Paskalina Kweesar
Post date February 24, 2023
No Comments on 2023 outdoor trends: Mediterranean is the new Hamptons

The classic white-washed Hamptons style has long been Aussies’ go-to when building a dream house. This year, however, creative director and founder of Landart, Matt Leacy, predicts that the soft coastal aesthetic of the Mediterranean style will soon overtake it.

“One design influence that’s here to stay is Mediterranean – I would say it is the new Hamptons. While a Mediterranean influence is not new as such, it does continue to grow in popularity globally – and it’s very well suited to the Australian climate and way of life,” Matt said.

“The key is to draw inspiration from the style and to then ensure this marries well with the interiors of properties as well as existing external architecture. The design aesthetic has to work as a whole.”

What does the Mediterranean influence look like in 2023?

Materials

Matt says to think of natural materials like timber and stone, offset by soft white renders and large sweeping curves around pools and garden beds. Aussies will be keen on a more bespoke, custom-built approach to space with hardwood furniture and linen fabrics. It also incorporates oversized planters, warm mood lighting, multipurpose seating, edible gardens, recycled materials, art pieces/sculptures and cabanas.

“Natural materials like recycled timber, tea tree sticks, overhead shade structures, floorboards and natural stone all layered with a bit of interest and texture like crazy paving, cobbles and random shape walling that is beautifully offset by soft white renders are what we will see more of this year,” said Matt.

Colour

Colour-wise, the trend leans towards natural, earthy colours, the blues and greens – including strong emerald green. A white-based palette will also become a popular choice that works well as a base to layer natural products such as stone and timber.

Rooftop gardens

Rooftop gardens remain very popular in outdoor spaces. Done right, they’re a beautiful design feature in a garden and such a smart use of space that also has practicalities in terms of water capture and insulation for homes.

Watering will also be back on the agenda in 2023 after what was a very wet year. La Nina is set to end around the end of February – and Australia is already experiencing a drier start to the year. “All the hand watering habits need to start re-emerging – as we’re finding gardens are drying out very quickly even at the moment when we are still getting some good rainfall. Alternatively, Aussies may opt for some amazing new technology to help keep gardens hydrated when the skies will no longer do it for them. The technology looks at the forecast and automatically irrigates the garden when it is predicted as a non-rainy day. The system can be controlled from a phone – making garden care a much simpler experience.”

Pools

Pools also remain popular, with recent reports revealing they add significant value to properties*. “Pools and outdoor kitchens are quintessentially Australian and two key elements of outdoor spaces that are not so much trend-driven but a prerequisite for most of our design briefs,” said Matt.

The popularity of the plunge pool will be one of the biggest trends in pools in 2023. Along with curves. “We’ll still be seeing more traditional rectangular shapes, and they will always have a place in our landscapes as the shape of the pool is driven by the look and feel that suits the property and the client.”

When looking at trends for inspiration, homeowners can be influenced, but should not be entirely led by, fashion. “No design style or colour choice should be adopted just because it’s on-trend. It’s important to consider how the look of the moment works within a space and not just blindly follow trends.

“Trends inevitably date. If you can, bringing in a landscape designer to help maximise space, place all the important elements and work on a design style and plants that will thrive in your environment, is a fantastic investment,” Matt says.

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Tags 2023 home decoration trends, 2023 home design trends, Australia home design trends, Australia interior design trends, hampton style, mediterranean home decor, Mediterranean interior design, Mediterranean style house, rooftop garden design

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Home renovation features unique kitchen for family of foodies

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 23, 2023
No Comments on Home renovation features unique kitchen for family of foodies

Located in the inner north Melbourne suburb of Brunswick East, this double-fronted weatherboard house is home to a family of four who engaged Dan Gayfer Design to renovate it in a stylish yet understated way.

“The design brief was predominantly concerned with curating an arrangement of spaces and elements that reflected a distinct family lifestyle. As opposed to packing as much as possible into the space available, importance was placed upon facilitating the congregation of family and friends,” says Dan.

The design focuses on this coming together of people in a comfortable and interactive manner, encouraging both verbal interaction and activities between one another such as games, drawing and cooking. And interestingly, reflecting the idea that big doesn’t always mean better, the family decided against adding a second-story addition. “Refreshingly, the owners were not concerned about spaces that were not relevant to their day-to-day lifestyle such as a TV room, home office, WIR or ensuite; another level simply wasn’t required nor warranted,” says Dan.

A key challenge of the project for Dan, and his colleagues, was ensuring that the renovation wasn’t ‘over-designed’ as the family desired a functional yet simple solution. And although requiring significant refurbishment, the existing front four rooms of the home were retained whilst a fifth room (a bathroom) was also left in its original location. The remaining structure of the building was then removed leaving significant area to play with. “In like situations, one is often inclined to pack everything they can into such a generous area – including a second storey. In response, the addition is single-storied and modest in size with a distinct sloping roof and generous verandah area at the rear; this humble structure embodies the characteristics of mid-century Australian bungalows,” says Dan.

Central to the design is the kitchen which is genuinely multi-purpose and acts as a family room, living room and dining counter. It’s a space where family and friends can gather at any time of the day, even outside mealtimes, but the design also reflects the habits of the home’s occupants who are bona fide foodies. “That this family’s lifestyle is so kitchen-centric is no surprise, they are passionate cooks who are happy to cook every meal of the day if time permits,” says Dan.

The kitchen cabinetry was finished in cost-effective laminate – a mix of Laminex ‘Raw Birchply’ and ‘French Cream’ which are integral in giving the home that soft Scandinavian inspired feel. “The faux timber colour, ‘Raw Birchply’, is realistic and is difficult to distinguish from real timber veneer. As such, it could somewhat be viewed as a bargain considering the cost of real timber veneer,” says Dan. In contrast, given their enthusiasm for cooking, the home’s owners splurged on the kitchen’s appliances; a commercial grade rangehood, commercial sized fridge/freezer and heavy-duty double sink with drainer round out the mix.

The kitchen island is an interesting design that promotes conversation – it’s more of a communal table and features a ceramic tile surface, steel edging and custom steel legs. “We are particularly pleased with the outcome for the kitchen, pantry and communal table. The kitchen design reflects not only how the family prepare, cook and serve food but also its tendency to gather and interact during these times.”

Photography: Dean Bradley

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Wabi Sabi Byron home is full of treasures and perfectly imperfect

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 9, 2023
No Comments on Wabi Sabi Byron home is full of treasures and perfectly imperfect

Sikata House, one of three properties designed by The Designory team, sits within a quarter acre corner site in Byron Bay’s coveted golden grid, mirroring the sandy warm tones of the surrounding beaches, clifftops and bushlands.

Exuding all the hallmarks of the global travel experience, the home is an exploration of the concept of wabi sabi, the elusive beauty of imperfection, aptly showcased through the use of stunning handcrafted materials, vintage furniture pieces, and treasures sourced from all over the world.

Set over two storeys, Sikata House comprises four expansive bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, and lushly landscaped outdoor entertaining areas, designed for multiple families or larger groups to reconnect and unwind.

Entering the front gate, a sense of “home” is evoked as the first room you see is the rumpus, which is the main living area. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open up to the outdoor areas and pool, providing easy access to indoor, outdoor relaxation. Sheer curtains frame the windows, providing the space with an ethereal quality. “For the rumpus room, I wanted to be able to draw the curtains out of the way during the day or leave them floating in the breeze when the doors are open. The floor-to-ceiling S wave sheer curtain on a curved, motorised track works beautifully, as it allows the curtains to wrap back into the room and opens the space fully to the landscape,” says Melissa Bonney, company director and lead designer at The Designory.

With rest and rejuvenation the main focus for the house, the master bedroom, complete with a master ensuite and private balcony, comprises of a king size four-poster teak bed, set against the natural fibres of the S wave blockout curtain, which complements the neutral aesthetics of the house. “As a busy mum and business owner who doesn’t usually get much sleep, the blockout material is a godsend,” says Melissa.

“Having the option to select custom fabrics for each room allowed us to get creative, matching and complementing textures and tones throughout. For the remaining three bedrooms we’ve chosen blockout roller blinds to create the perfect ambiance for a restful sleep, regardless if it’s day or night.”

The light-filled home designed specifically for entertaining, also boasts a number of open plan zones and breakout spaces, as well as a perfectly oriented, north-facing alfresco area. The addition of a Luxaflex motorised awning helps keep the sun and heat at bay and maximises the living space while providing a continuous indoor-outdoor transition. With the addition of a heated designer plunge pool alongside an outdoor fire pit, and a BBQ space, the outdoor area can be enjoyed all year round.

Sikata House evokes the rawness of the Australian coastal palette through its carefully curated design elements, creating an ephemeral feeling of beauty that pervades the home and stays with you long after you leave.

Luxaflex window furnishings feature throughout the house, blending perfectly with design elements that depict the Australian coastal palette, through the use of natural materials and textures.

Tags Byron Bay home, melissa bonney, the designory, wabi sabi, wabi sabi home

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80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 26, 2023
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Located on the dunes at Blairgowrie in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Camillo House is one of the most unusual and beautiful holiday homes we’ve seen. “The home is more than unique, luxury accommodation. Created with sensory pleasure in mind and an incredible attention to detail, it is a backdrop to live fully,” says the home’s founder Clare Hillier who explains that the home was borne from the depths of Melbourne’s arduous COVID lockdowns.

“The world felt smaller than it ever had in 2020 and I started dreaming of creating a true escape – in every sense of the word,” says Clare who spent hours online each day looking for the perfect property before stumbling upon this home. “I remember saying out loud ‘this is it’!” says Clare who inspected the home the day after finding it, promptly purchased it and then spent a summer camping in the house getting to know it better before commencing the renovation.

After much contemplation, two years of hard work ensued with Clare determined to create a home that remained true to its faded 1980’s beauty, while having an identity all of its own. “Our vision for Camillo was that it would be more than luxury accommodation. Rather than playing a supporting role in our guests’ holiday tale, we wanted to create an experience in and of itself,” says Clare.

In collaboration with Blair Smith Architecture, the home’s layout was reconfigured to make the most of the ocean views while every room and surface was updated. “Pine lining boards running across the walls and ceiling combined with a rabbit-warren floor plan made the space feel like a Swedish sauna,” says Clare of the original abode.

Many details were updated – the original exposed mission brown bricks were bagged and a ply ceiling was introduced (a quieter alternative to the hectic orange pine boards) and all of the windows were replaced. The original slate floor was resurfaced to remove the 1980’s high gloss and the material formed the inspiration for the home’s entire colour scheme. “With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette,” says Clare.

AFTER bedroom — AFTER A custom travertine and spotted gum bedhead features in one of the bedrooms

“We have decorated the home almost entirely with vintage furniture that we sourced from near and far and pieces we designed and made ourselves,” says Clare who also selected all the home’s materials and interior fixtures and fittings. Incredibly, while Clare has always had an interest in interiors she isn’t formally trained!

The kitchen features statement ‘Cosmopolitan’ quartzite which is repeated in the master ensuite shower shelf. Travertine and venetian plaster feature in the second bathroom and Verde Green marble tiles feature in the third bathroom – salvaged from Facebook Marketplace. “They were a steal from a lady who was renovating her bathroom and throwing them out,” says Clare.

AFTER ensuite — AFTER The third bedroom and bathroom

“As an antidote to the grind of modern life, we designed spaces and selected materials with sensory pleasure in mind and a devotion to attention to detail. There is something that is more playful about creating a space for people to escape to than when you are designing a home for everyday living,” says Clare.

Master bedroom — AFTER master bedroom and ensuite

Just 50 barefoot steps from the beach, the home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, four living spaces, a cook’s kitchen, four decks and an outdoor bath. The bespoke designer space also enjoys stunning ocean views while showcasing 25 original artworks from Australian and international artists.

The view — AFTER one of the home’s four decks

“Totally at one with the landscape, Camillo is a hideaway that celebrates the raw beauty of our part of the world. Whether it’s a secluded bath outdoors, watching thunderstorms roll in over the dunes while lying in bed or nightcaps and card games around the firepit, Camillo frames the rituals of time away towards a deep connection with nature and each other.”

Photography: Kate Shanasy

Book your stay

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New exterior cladding product perfect for the Scandi-barn look

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 10, 2023
No Comments on New exterior cladding product perfect for the Scandi-barn look

With its combination of weatherboards and clean lines, the Scandinavian Barn remains a popular aesthetic because it marries contemporary and traditional design so beautifully. Typified by steep, pitched rooves (a necessity to stop snow gathering throughout Scandinavian winters), countless homes have been designed in this style of late and lovers of the aesthetic will be pleased to hear about a new exterior cladding product that is perfectly suited.

Ideal for this style of home, James Hardie Oblique Cladding is a fibre cement shiplap board product that adds clean lines and geometric precision to house exteriors and is ideal for renovations and new builds alike. Pre-primed, the cladding is non-combustible and comes ready to paint with your colour of choice; it’s also resistant to rot and moisture damage.

The fibre cement shiplap board product has oblique (slanting) groove edging and is available with 175mm and 275mm groove spacing options. This feature creates a highlight next to a square groove shadow and the result is a sophisticated look that gives exterior walls excellent depth. The product is available in two board widths (200mm and 300mm) which offers multiple installation options; you can do a simple repeat, alternating rhythm or staggered look.

Showcasing a simple repetition of 300mm wide boards with a light colour scheme, ‘Scout’ by Selah Homes achieves a modern take on a classic Scandi-barn silhouette with distinctive grooves. The home features two distinct Scandi-barn styled buildings that sit adjacent to each other and the single and double storey buildings link internally through a short connecting hallway.

Another home that has been clad in the product is ‘Twin Peaks’ which combines 200mm and 300mm width boards that have been painted with Resene’s Element which is a gorgeous dark hue.

“The staggered installation provides the point of difference, moving away from the traditional alternating narrow and wide vertical groove look,” says the home’s owner Lucinda Laing of the product that was combined with recycled brick for a stylish end result.

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New Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 22, 2022
No Comments on New Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands

Located less than two hours from Sydney, in the NSW Southern Highlands, Burrawang House is the latest luxury holiday home to hit the market and just in time for the festive season. Set on a parcel of land that is just over one acre in size, this Insta-worthy spot is giving us serious Cape Cod vibes and is the perfect rural retreat for design lovers.

“The beauty of Burrawang House is that it was built in 2022, but it brings in so many elements which make it feel like it’s been here forever, people feel instantly at home,” says Gabrielle Brewer, co-owner of the architecturally designed weatherboard home that sleeps 14 people making it ideal for large groups of family or friends.

The huge entertainers’ kitchen features a three-metre-long island bench, double Bertazzoni oven and cantilevered window which opens to the outside living room that has a recycled brick wood fireplace.

The large open plan living space features a towering cathedral roof design, oak floorboards, large oak dining table, and light streaming in through windows on all sides. There’s also an 18^th Century Belgian mantle fireplace and huge L-shaped Jardan sofa in the lounge room.

The outdoor area is a highlight of the retreat with the nine-metre pool and eight-person spa an amazing spot to relax under the shade of the sun loungers on the sprawling pool deck.

“There are pergolas with recycled wood recovered from the Sydney Fish Markets, beautiful art collected over decades, antique furniture, bespoke joinery, lighting from the Montauk Company, Kate Spade, Paul Smith and Louis Poulsen and beautiful Armadillo rugs,” says Gabrielle.

The home sleeps 14 people and boasts five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms; the bedrooms include four king-sized bedrooms and a bunk room with six king single beds (all the bedrooms come with luxe linen). The house also has a games room, snooker and pool table, dart board and outside ping pong table to amuse guests.

And if you can prise yourself away from the property for just a few moments, there are national parks and forests right on the doorstep and the gorgeous Fitzroy Falls is just ten minutes away.

A renowned cool-climate wine region there are also 15 cellar doors in the area, antique shops, golf courses, open gardens, art galleries and excellent cafes and restaurants including the highly regarded Burrawang Village Hotel pub and Burrawang Village General Store Café. Established in 1865, the quaint picture-postcard village is a fabulous rural getaway.

Burrawang House is priced at $5,790 for two nights, for up to 14 people.

Book your stay

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Art and colour star in cottage reno inspired by Kit Kemp

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 13, 2022
No Comments on Art and colour star in cottage reno inspired by Kit Kemp

Shortlisted in the House & Garden Top 50 rooms award in the “Best Use of Art” category, this art-filled heritage cottage is nestled in Sydney’s Neutral Bay. Inspired by the owner’s passion for Kit Kemp, the home has been renovated and extended and features plenty of fabulous art (obviously!) and playful pops of pink throughout.

“The client’s bravery and love for Kit Kemp inspired a lot of the design – her love for art also helped. The use of bright and bold colours and patterns has made this one of the most colourful projects I’ve worked on,” says architect Brooke Aitken who extended the home at the rear to provide a more spacious and user-friendly kitchen and dining while creating a connection to the rear garden.

Heritage listed, the original part of the semi-detached home remains the same. “The extension is at the rear and not visible from the street which gave us a little more leeway,” says Brooke who explains that one of the key renovation challenges was gaining approval for the works.

Providing visual relief from the rest of the colour-soaked home, the home’s kitchen is a clean, neutral space. Carrara marble bench tops are paired with white satin rhombus shaped tiles from Surface Studio. “There was already so much colour and texture in play. The white in the kitchen provided a clean base and ensures the spaces are bright which is much needed as the front of the house is lacking in a lot of natural light,” says Brooke.

The adjacent dining room was reimagined as a conduit between the existing garden and main house, set two steps below kitchen level with large steel doors flowing to the fresh entertaining deck. Art-filled, the dining nook is one of the home’s most gorgeous spaces.

The bathroom is another tranquil, neutral zone that complements the kitchen. “The bathroom design brief was for a simple, clean room flooded with light, so the colour and tone, finishes and detailing were all designed to work around this starting point,” says Brooke.

Brooke repurposed many of the owner’s existing items using paint and reupholstery to give them new life. “We spray painted the TV unit green and we reupholstered the dining chairs, living room occasional chairs and living room sofa which were all the client’s own,” says Brooke. One such item was the occasional chair that lives in the lounge room – covered in $4,000 worth of fabric, it was the biggest splurge of the project. “Our client works long hours, so we wanted to create a beautiful home that she can enjoy in her downtime.”

The reupholstered occasional chair and freshly painted green TV unit

Photography: Prue Ruscoe

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Mirvac’s new stylish and sustainable display home in Melbourne

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 7, 2022
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The Fabric — Mirvac's Future Ready Display Home

With sustainability a leading social issue, the pursuit of more environmentally building practices continues apace and can be seen in property developer Mirvac’s new ‘Future Ready Display Home’ in Melbourne’s Altona North. Nestled inside the developer’s $350 million community The Fabric, the display home explores how small choices in the home can have big impacts on the planet.

Partnering with 16 Australian brands, Mirvac engaged interior designers Without Studio to curate and style the display home. Visitors to the home can learn more about sustainable furniture, appliances, cleaning, bedding and more with Mirvac’s sustainability collaborators that include Jardan, Koala, Harvey Norman, Smeg, The Plant Society and more.

“Our partnerships with this amazing group of Australia’s most innovative sustainable consumer brands will allow us to collectively connect with and educate our community on how sustainable products can positively impact their daily lives,” says Mirvac’s general manager of Residential Victoria, Elysa Anderson.

Like all homes at The Fabric, the 7-star NatHERS rated Future Ready Display Home is designed to use 27% less energy annually to heat and cool compared to a standard 6-star rated home. With the additional inclusions of energy efficient, fully electric appliances and rooftop solar panels, the home is estimated to deliver substantial savings to customers on energy bills with the opportunity to choose renewable grid power and have a fossil fuel free home.

“Mirvac is at the forefront of driving change in housing sustainability initiatives, and we understand that home efficiency is more important than ever to homeowners. The Future Ready Display Home is part of our long-term goal to improve our residents’ lifestyle by reducing their energy bills and environmental impact,” says Elysa.

Currently over 60 residents across 30 homes live at The Fabric and, upon completion, the development will be home to around 1500 residents across town homes and mid-rise apartments. The development has a strong focus on creating green, landscaped public and private garden spaces set within an urban village. The newly opened 4,000 square metre Patchwork Park is a highlight and features a spiral slide, climbing structures, musical elements, herb garden, barbecues and picnic shelters for everyone to enjoy.

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Sophisticated Melbourne home an ode to its owners’ Italian roots

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 6, 2022
No Comments on Sophisticated Melbourne home an ode to its owners’ Italian roots

While people often argue that dark houses feel small, Melbourne’s Splinter Society would beg to differ. “We use dark colours as a way of focussing attention and framing things. With light colours, everything is washed out and in your face. With dark colours you have more control over what is highlighted – it’s all about creating theatre, intimacy and atmosphere,” says director Chris Stanley. He adds that playing with natural and artificial light is key to the aesthetic which is demonstrated beautifully in this Brunswick East renovation and extension.

Lounge — A skylight floods the moody lounge room with light. A joinery unit separates it from the kitchen.

Home to a family of five, this small but perfectly formed abode sits on a narrow 4.5-metre-wide block inside a classic single fronted Victorian terrace. Affectionately named Villa Italia in reference to the owners’ Italian heritage, the designers attempted to distill classic Italian qualities into the home. “Our clients are classically Italian in every way. They love simple beautiful things, food, they are very hospitable, and the house is always immaculately clean and well presented,” says Chris.

“The house is very well put together and it’s designed to host people despite being on the smaller side. Australians don’t cope with living in such squishy spaces because we’re not used to it, but Europeans are much better at it. I’ve found that people can be very fulfilled in small spaces,” says Chris who explains that the family decided to sacrifice extra space to stay in the inner city.

A carefully curated open plan space, the kitchen, dining and lounge areas are all designed to serve multiple functions – various seating and dining configurations have been composed to accommodate gatherings with the owners’ large Italian family. For instance, the banquette in the dining area doubles as soft seating for the living area.

“The family eat around the kitchen bench every night – it’s the centrepiece of the home and the ‘dining’ area is used when friends come over. The kids sit at the bar and the adults at the dining table when entertaining,” says Chris.

Kitchen and lounge. Adding another layer of texture, the ceiling features limewash paint applied with a horsehair brush.

The sophisticated materials palette references the patina of an archetypal Italian village with layered fresco finishes on the walls, bespoke upholstery, textured stonework and parquet timber flooring. Moments of colour are incorporated through the interiors also with with emerald, aquamarine and lapis shades taking centre stage.

“Drawing on the clients’ heritage, the redesign is guided by qualities often associated with Italian brands: fine craftsmanship, sophistication, elegance, and a touch of luxury.”

The front of the home — Then front of the home

Photography: Sharyn Cairns

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Download digital house plans & schedules from The Designory

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 24, 2022
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After 10 busy years building and running a multi-disciplinary design studio, working on over 400 client projects and amassing an Instagram following in excess of 260k, The Designory director Melissa Bonney was a little burnt out and looking for a career pivot.

“We’ve done so many beautiful client projects but I felt like it was time for a reinvention. We get constant questions through our website and Instagram and we’re inspiring and teaching people at the same time. We’ve become more of an education platform in a way,” says Melissa, who has just launched The Designory’s Digital Resources to cater to this demand.

Created to demystify the world of design and teach you everything that Melissa and her talented team know, the offering gives you access to all the tools, tips and professional know-how to help you create your dream interiors. You can affordably shop the brand’s in-house documentation including architectural plans, detailed designs, schedules and even smaller details like specific tiles or furniture items. “Good design should be for everyone and not just for those that can afford the big dollars. I’m so excited about these products,” says Melissa who explains that the digital downloads vary in price from $15 for a single item to $2,500 for a full set of architectural plans.

Comprised of easy-to-read, downloadable PDFs that can be purchased individually or as a bundle (room by room and house by house), from concept to construction, you can now recreate The Designory look for a fraction of the cost and without the decision fatigue.

“As a design firm, when we’re doing these projects we’ve got these massive schedules that sit behind them. It’s everything down to tile layout, grout colour and the mechanism in the drawer runners,” says Melissa. A super smooth process, the schedules contain fully clickable links that allow you to click through and make purchases.

Users can choose elements from individual projects (there’s three now with nine available soon) or buy a complete set of plans. “The plans are so detailed that you can literally print them and hand them straight to your builder, trades or consultants,” says Melissa.

The Samudra is one of the house designs you can purchase from — The Samudra is one of three house designs you can purchase from

And while you can purchase all the details from a specific house, you can also come up with an entirely bespoke design solution. “The idea is that you can mix and match houses to come up with something unique. You can copy it entirely or be inspired and take elements from a couple of houses,” says Melissa.

Sikata house — Melissa would charge 15k minimum to design a kitchen but the plans for this one can be downloaded for $850.

“Of course, we’ll continue to be your go-to design bible for all things building, interiors, architecture and design, but we’re pulling back the curtain and we couldn’t be more excited!”

Check out The Designory Digital Resources

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A modern interpretation of the Arts & Craft movement in London

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 11, 2022
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Inspired by the classic Arts & Crafts style homes in the surrounding neighbourhood, this unique North London home is full of drama from the street. It features a triple height entrance hall and six-metre-tall angular windows that provide a theatrical connection between inside and out. Designed by Robert Hirschfield Architects, the home is a modern interpretation of the classic Arts & Craft style and accordingly features vertical hanging tiles, roofs with low eaves, dormer windows, gable roofs and part-rendered elevations.

The front door sits within a recessed entrance porch and is wrapped in the same dark linear brick as the front elevation. The sloping nature of the site also inspired the decision to split the home into half-stories, connected by a helical staircase and series of bridge links.

“One of the biggest challenges of the project was rationalising the significant change in level from the street to the rear garden. A key design decision made early on was to partially excavate the front section of the site, so that the entrance point was lowered to alleviate the access problems created by the existing steep driveway. This also allowed the building itself to be stepped in section, responding to the topography of the site without increasing the height of the roof-line,” says architect Robert Hirschfield.

The large central staircase allows for vertical circulation through the building (linking the front and back levels at various landings), and the bridges offer different views through the home. Contrasting materials provide further visual interest.

The interior palette utilises a mix of whites, greys and softer tones, with textures chosen to contrast with the external roughness of dark brick against white render. Brighter tones are found in some areas in the form of colourful light fittings and paint colours in the entrance, powder room and master ensuite.

The newly configured property provides the family with an arrangement suited to open plan living, while still offering key spaces that can be closed off for privacy. “The house has been described by the client as being a comfortable, luxury family home while accomplishing the brief in an elegant, mature and intelligent way.”

Photography: Philip Vile

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Apartment transformed with luxury finishes and space saving ideas

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 10, 2022
2 Comments on Apartment transformed with luxury finishes and space saving ideas

Located in Carlton, just north of the Melbourne CBD, this circa 1902 apartment was once home to a trio of university students before it underwent a gorgeous makeover courtesy of The Stylesmiths. “The owner had lent the apartment to their son and his uni mates and needless to say, the transformation from uni lodge to angelic home has been tremendous!” says The Stylesmiths interior designer Kristen Dahl-Feathers who worked on the project with fellow designer Carlie Ng.

“When we were first engaged, we weren’t sure if the owners wanted to renovate it and rent it out or move into it as a retirement pad. But we are thrilled that they fell in love with the design and decided to go ahead and live in it themselves,” says Kristen.

With a design brief that focussed on contemporary classic design, with a pared back palette, The Stylesmiths team set about making the compact home feel open and airy. Downstairs, in the communal area, the kitchen is highly detailed yet simple and classic with panelled joinery and curved marble benchtops set on top of a custom designed fluted base.

Already part of the apartment, the mezzanine was made larger to create room for a library and its adjacent spiral staircase was replaced with a beautiful new timber design with concealed laundry below. “After a few proposals we landed on a built-in library with bookshelves and a large desk up on the mezzanine,” says Kristen.

Notable products feature throughout including Artedomus marble, Cromwell lighting fixtures, the Bell table from The Woodroom, Armadillo & Co rugs and Mokum fabrics. Bathroom and kitchen hardware was sourced from Perrin and Rowe, The English Tapware Company and Brodware.

A standout feature of the home, large bay windows draw the eye in three of the rooms. In the main bedroom, soft roman blinds bring attention to a custom window seat, the living room features a custom tan leather banquette that forms seating for the dining table, and the second bedroom uses the alcove to house an antique desk. “The unique alcoves really make the project special, and each has been given individual purpose, successfully maximising every inch of the available space,” says Kristen.

Overall, the designers were thrilled with the end result. “We loved the aesthetic. The way the stone, fabrics, furniture and colours came together and are bathed in so much natural light makes the home feel at one with its environment.”

Photography: Nicole England

For more on The Stylesmiths

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Tags interior design, interiors, melbourne, real reno, reno addict, renovate, renovating, renovation, The Stylesmiths

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Brisbane new build inspired by Scandinavia and the Mediterranean

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 9, 2022
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Despite its relatively diminutive proportions (it sits on 405 square metres of land and has a 10 metre frontage), this Scandinavian inspired Brisbane home sits proud on the street. “Even though our house is only eight metres wide it looks quite grand because we don’t have a garage attached to the side,” says the home’s owner and interior designer Christal Fysentzou.

Designed in collaboration with Koda Design, Christal managed the interiors while her husband Chris Fysentzou was across the build – all under the banner of their company Zou Build.

“We wanted to create a different form of Queenslander as we are in an area with a traditional character overlay. We really like Scandinavian design and there are lots of gables in Queenslanders too,” says Christal. Gable aside, the balcony and balustrade details are two more obvious nods to the classic Queenslander design vernacular.

Inside, the interior looks to the Mediterranean for inspiration with lots of organic tones and finishes including a rendered, textured finish that features on the downstairs living room wall, kitchen island bench and rangehood. The kitchen also features Stone Ambassadors engineered stone in ‘Ottoman Grey’ and plenty of curves. “The kitchen curves work to soften the space and give it that Mediterranean feel,” says Christal.

Grey limewashed American Oak timber floors work to further soften the spaces. “We tried to make the house light and bright and kept the interior neutral and fresh,” says Christal. 16 internal skylights were key to realising that dream and ensure that neighbouring properties will never be able to build out the home’s light.

A clever design feature, that really works to maximise the block, there is a multi-purpose space that sits under the house. The area can fit four cars but also acts as an extension of the backyard and pool. “It’s a great place for the kids to play,” says Christal of the outdoor area that gets a lot of use by the couple’s two daughters Andrea and Sophia.

Child's room — The girls’ rooms feature loft beds so that they can entertain their friends without encroaching on the communal areas

A statement spiral staircase connects the home’s alfresco area with the pool and outdoor fireplace and nearby Astroturf was a low-maintenance option. “We love that we can entertain all year round in our garden – the pool in summer and fireplace in winter. We have such great weather in Queensland and it’s important to emphasise that in our houses,” says Christal.

Photographer: Louise Roche from Villa Styling

Zou Build has created a mini-series on the making of the home

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Architect’s Brisbane home unique take on traditional Queenslander

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 9, 2022
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Inspired by the features of a typical Queenslander, this family home flips the tradition. While most Queenslander homes are weatherboard with battens underneath, this Brisbane abode sports the complete opposite. “The house has battens on the upper level to protect the home from the sun and provide extra privacy, whilst the weatherboard lower level now sits on a darker base below,” says architect and owner Tim Stewart.

Home to Tim, his wife Sarah and their four children, the original single storey home was built around five years ago and expanded recently when the family outgrew it. “We added this renovation to gain much needed space. From the outside, the external screen acts to tie the old and new together by presenting a new façade to both,” says Tim of the home that sits on just 400 square metres.

From the outset, the renovation had a fairly simple design brief that included plenty of space for everyone, a robust set of materials and a laidback feel. Tongue and groove flooring, wall and ceiling cladding, burnished concrete floors and a terrazzo kitchen island bench are all highlights of the home. “The materials give the home a warm but casual family feel,” says Tim.

Lovely furniture features throughout include one of the Tim’s favourite items – a dining table designed by South Australia’s Timberwolf Design. “It’s beautiful quality, Australian made and was brilliant value.”

The living room connects seamlessly with the backyard courtesy of stacked glass doors while crazy paving, landscaping and a lap pool complete the scene. “The biggest splurge was the custom steel fabricated pool fence which was much more expensive than glass but it’s so much more elegant and functional,” says Tim.

The home is adjacent to a bike path and the public edges of the park and bike path influenced the layout of the home. “The living, dining and kitchen area is a gathering space that can interact with neighbours and the community. As a completed entity, the home gives beyond the family and out to the surrounding neighbourhood.”

Photographer: Christopher Frederick Jones

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Sydney Open: Unlock the harbour city’s most significant buildings

Post author By Hugo Alley
Post date November 2, 2022
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A building to feature in Sydney Open 2022 *** Local Caption *** Original FileName : 43-30 - St James Church - The Children's Chapel in the crypt, beneath St James' Church, showing the 1929 murals by the Turramurra painters. - Chris Shain (Images for Business) - Image 1.jpg

Sydney Open, the city’s premier and much-loved open building weekend, returns this weekend on 5 and 6 November. Sydney Open 2022 unlocks the doors to more than 50 of the city’s important historic and architecturally inspiring buildings and spaces, many usually off limits to the public. The Sydney Open is the perfect way to rediscover the beauty and little known history of the city.

Distinct activities are held on each day of the weekend.

Roslyn Sharp House, interior, Sydney Open 2022 (c) Roslyn Sharp

Saturday 5 November, focus tours

The Focus Tours reveal some of the secrets and stories of Sydney’s best loved and most intriguing spaces. Held in smaller groups and led by expert guides, they offer a more personalised behind-the-scenes experience.

Explore Parramatta

Be one of the first to discover the spectacular new PHIVE building, a bold architectural statement redefining civic space in the heart of Parramatta, and learn about the history of the Female Factory, Female Orphan School and Our Lady of Mercy College.

First nations

Come and learn about the local Aboriginal history and culture of the Gadigal people on the Giba-Nura tour of The Rocks and explore the Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative Heritage Campus, Australia’s oldest independent Indigenous education provider.

Domestic bliss

Be inspired by a guided tour of Woodlands, the 19th-century house where Ethel Turner penned Seven little Australians, and take a rare glimpse inside Wirian, the home of the late artist Martin Sharp. Visit Lindesay in Darling Point for a rare chance to see the stunning Gothic Revival mansion by night, and marvel at the award-winning Cremorne Point Apartment on the other side of the harbour.

Maritime stories

Go behind the scenes of the Barangaroo Boat conservation project, which is conserving the oldest known colonial-built vessel in Australia, and venture to below-deck areas (never before seen by the public) of the Daring Class destroyer HMAS Vampire II at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Sunday 6 November, city pass

The City Pass unlocks more than 25 buildings to visit at your own pace. Explore some of the newest and most innovative buildings in the CBD, including the new Quay Quarter Tower, an impressive example of adaptive reuse, and the Poly Centre in Circular Quay. Architects and experts will lead free drop-in talks and tours as part of your City Pass.

The Great Synagogue Sydney (c) James Horan for Sydney Living Museums

Heritage gems

Visit the Official Residence and Office of the Governor of NSW,Government House, and the impressive early-20th-century Registrar General’s Building. The World UNESCO Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks is right next door, and across Hyde Park is the Anzac Memorial, one of Sydney’s most significant public monuments. Don’t miss out on seeing the beautiful series of early Australian stained glass panels at St John’s Church, home of the Genesian Theatre Company.

Returning favourites

Admire the stunning Beaux-Arts façade of 50 Martin Place, once the city’s most expensive building, then venture inside to see the award-winning modern workspace and striking steel-framed glass dome offering unique views of the city. Visit the ever popular Sydney Masonic Centre, the head quarters of the Freemasons and an icon of Brutalist architecture, and the majestic and stately Great Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in Sydney. Tour the historic rooms of Sydney Trades Hall, the office and meeting place for NSW trade unionists from 1888.

Whether you are interested in architecture, photography, learning more about our city or spending a great day with friends, there’s plenty to enjoy and discover at the Sydney Open 2022.

Full program and tickets here

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Mouldings add character and secret door in stunning apartment

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 25, 2022
3 Comments on Mouldings add character and secret door in stunning apartment

When Phillip Alphonse purchased this apartment inside a circa 1910 building in Sydney’s McMahons Point, it hadn’t been renovated in over 40 years save for a cheap bathroom makeover. The home had layout issues, three different floor surfaces, exposed pipes and electrical wiring and an unusable kitchen. But Phillip could see the potential in its beautiful 3.2 metre coffered and ornate ceilings and gorgeous harbour views.

“The apartment is surrounded by gum trees so it felt like somewhat of a treehouse which I liked. I knew I had stumbled on a really special space that was just crying out for attention,” says Phillip who set about renovating the apartment with his mother Vanessa Alphonse, an interior designer.

Lounge dining — BEFORE lounge and dining

Formerly a corporate lawyer, Phillip has made a COVID-inspired pivot to build an interior design career with his mother – the duo have set up AlphaMade, a design and build company focussed on luxury dwellings in Sydney and surrounds.

“Along with many people around Australia and the world, the COVID lockdown gave me some time to reflect on my life path at that point in time and made me confront the fact that the law wasn’t necessarily my true calling,” says Phillip who has always been fascinated by architecture and design. And while on the lookout for his first creative outlet, he thinks the apartment entered his life at just the right time.

“Mum and I have always shared a love for architecture and design and much of my tastes have been influenced by her. It only made sense after I purchased this rundown apartment that we would set out to renovate it together,” says Phillip.

The duo decided they wanted to turn the abode into a grand European inspired apartment with a contemporary Australian touch. The surrounding water and gum trees informed some of the design decisions including the use of timber and shades of green and blue. “The grandeur was infused into the home with mouldings, elaborate light fittings, chevron floors, ceiling roses and marble. Overall, I think we really hit the brief as the home is modern whilst retaining character and a quintessentially Australian feel.”

And while a lot of money was spent on new timber floors, custom joinery and marble, Phillip feels that it’s the apartment’s Intrim mouldings that provided the greatest bang for buck. “The mouldings easily get the most compliments and, in my opinion, made the most impactful difference,” says Phillip. The effect of the new mouldings can be most keenly felt in the living room where full wall mouldings complement the existing coffered ceiling.

Mouldings were also integral in creating a secret door through which the apartment’s study is accessed. “The living room contains the entrance to the study and being able to conceal the study door also helped make the living room feel like the destination space, rather than an awkward walk-through room,” says Phillip.

“The mouldings were the most inexpensive and time-efficient feature to purchase and install. They really gave the space the much-needed character that was lacking when I purchased the property.”

For more on AlphaMade | For more on Intrim Mouldings

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Ramshackle inner-Sydney terrace brought back to life after reno

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 20, 2022
No Comments on Ramshackle inner-Sydney terrace brought back to life after reno

Like you, we are obsessed with before and afters and today’s is quite the beauty. Located in Sydney’s inner-city Darlinghurst, this glorious terrace home was in a dilapidated state when its former owners sought DA approval and began an extensive renovation that, due to a change in circumstances, they couldn’t complete. Seeing an opportunity, the next-door neighbours swooped in and finished the home’s transformation.

“The current owners recognised the potential of the house and wanted to help finish what their neighbour had started. With development approval already in place, this meant they could commence work almost straight away. Living next door also meant they could stay close to the renovation and ensure it came together,” says BresicWhitney real estate agent Darren Pearce, who is managing the current sale of the home.

On the wider side for a terrace, the home has house-style proportions with two living spaces on the ground floor, as well as a substantial kitchen that flows into a private entertainer’s courtyard. Upstairs, the home features the clever use of skylights and large bespoke bedroom windows to maximise light while the home’s luxe materials palette includes travertine, Blackbutt timber flooring and natural stone.

“Their vision from the start was for a home that would stand out in both form and function. While they wanted wow factor, they were adamant to do it subtly through design details and quality materials. I genuinely think it’s one of the best Sydney terrace renovations we’ve seen in a while,” says Darren.

Interestingly, when the home was previously on the market, partially renovated, it didn’t deter potential buyers. Essentially a construction site, Darren took one group or individual through at a time and couldn’t access every part of the home through the sales period. But despite its half-finished status there were plenty of developers, investors and families all looking for an inner-city pad that they could personalise without doing the groundwork and building that a brand-new home requires.

“The biggest hurdle at times is helping inspire buyers who may be financially able but are lacking the passion and vision for such a large project. This emotional investment and desire to bring a home back to life is important,” says Darren who explains that the current owners, being familiar with the home before they bought it, were invested in helping finish what had been started.

BEFORE front entrance — BEFORE front elevation

“We continue to find that these types of homes, especially terraces, have strong appeal because they provide the opportunity for reinvention, transformation, and personalisation. This is a trend that’s only grown stronger since the pandemic too, as we now have a deeper appreciation for what ‘home’ means and living somewhere that we truly love and connect with.”