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.
Tranby
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.
Woodlands Killara
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.
St James Children’s Chapel, Sydney Open 2022 (c) Chris Shain
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.
From tens of thousands of entries from around the world, 100 aspiring designers, architects, and DIYers from 23 countries have been chosen to bring their crazy ideas to life and share in the US$10million OMG! Fund from Airbnb. And four of them are in Australia!
Sitemap for bubble on top of a mountain
The winning ideas stood out for their unique and inspiring design, sustainable consideration, and novel ways of offering immersive guest experiences. Recipients will each receive up to US$100,000 to make their fantastical creations possible.
Four Australians have won a share in the ‘OMG Fund’ and over the course of the next 10 months, will design, construct and outfit their dreams to be guest-ready by next summer. And here they are…
Eco-Igloo by Catherine W
The Eco-Igloo dome home will be built using 6,000 handmade aircrete bricks. Made up of four large domes which blend seamlessly into nature, the property is perfect for Aussie climates and it is a game changer to help more people achieve beautiful and affordable builds.
Sketch of Eco-Igloo
Luxury bubble on top of a mountain by Timothy H
Inspired by a sky full of stars and the power of reconnecting with nature, a stay in this luxury bubble will make you feel like you are floating on top of the world. Located a stone’s throw from the world-famous Wilsons Promontory National Park in Gippsland, Victoria, the bubble is also eco-friendly and sustainable, with the deck made out of recycled timber, and equipped with energy-saving appliances, low-flush toilets and low-flow showers using tank water.
Model of luxury bubble on top of a mountain
“My inspiration came after sleeping under the stars in a small tent when I was in France last year,” said Timothy. “The idea was to create an out of the ordinary, yet unique and accessible experience for guests. The result is a transparent bubble high up on a mountain top with 360-degree views of the night sky, fields and oceans below.”
Kangaroom floating pod by Matt D
“We want to provide guests with a unique Aussie experience, to deliver a genuine connection to the landscape, and at the same time, inspire sustainable living and make eco-tourism mainstream,” said Matt from Melbourne on his Kangaroom floating pod idea.
Model of Kangaroom
Utilising almost 80% glass to seamlessly connect guests with their natural surroundings, Kangaroom will be designed using modular pods to create a floating Airbnb stay situated on a kangaroo playground in Daylesford, Victoria. The property hosts an abundance of wildlife and will act as a ‘reverse zoo’ where guests reside in a comfortable and luxurious space, while being close to nature. The multi-level structure will levitate over panoramic views of the kangaroo habitat, leaving guests transformed with a new appreciation for the environment and empowered to make changes in their own lives for a sustainable future.
Ultimate Airbnb on plane at an airfield by Mary C
After saving two Boeing 737 aircrafts from being scrapped, OMG! Fund recipient Mary dismantled and transported them to York, WA. Guests will be able to stay in one of these aircrafts at an airfield, while the other will be used as a tour experience. The aircraft will come with two en suites and can accommodate up to six guests.
Concept of Ultimate Airbnb on Plane at an Airfield
Guests may find these unique homes available as part of Airbnb’s OMG! category in summer 2023.
“I want painting to be revelatory, to be insightful and hopeful, and to show me who I am and where I am. And I love for it to connect me to others who also find meaning or beauty in what I make,” says Perth artist Jordy Hewitt who has built a formidable reputation since her art career began just over a decade ago.
Jordy Hewitt with pieces from her latest series Chorus
Raised in Perth, Jordy pursued careers in both photography and music before shifting her artistic focus to drawing and painting. Not one to procrastinate, she began exhibiting her work before commencing formal study. “Maybe because I was a little bit older, and looking to have children soon, I started exhibiting before I went to university and continued showing throughout the degree because I wanted to get started out in the world with it,” says Jordy who graduated with a Fine Art degree from Curtin University in 2014.
It’s an approach that has paid off as just over a decade into her career, her work is held in private collections the world over; everywhere from Hong Kong to Norway, London, New Zealand, Italy, Japan and the UK.
Jordy’s work is hung across the globe. Photography: Jack Lovel
But when it comes to describing her work, Jordy is reluctant. “I dislike describing it! What do I say that doesn’t sound crass or like a cliché, and that doesn’t instantly take the magic out of it? Painting is the language painters speak,” says Jordy who, when asked what her work is like, typically holds up her Instagram profile as a visual short cut. She draws inspiration from a broader interest in magic and the unfolding of life, psychology, symbols, patterns, archetypes, self-work and evolution.
Photography: Dion Robeson
A creative from childhood, Jordy draws parallels between her early singing and photography pursuits. “I think it’s interesting how photography is about instinct and confidence to get the shot in the moment and my process of painting is also about that concentrated and directed expression of energy. There’s nowhere to hide – you must give everything of yourself to it, otherwise it’s no good,” says Jordy.
Photography: Toby Scott
Chorus is her latest series and it’s a bolder, more extroverted departure from her previous work – something she attributes to heading back into work in a full-time capacity after five years of raising small children. “For viewers I think because I don’t dictate meaning specifically in the interpretation of my work, it’s hopefully a sensual or emotional experience. However you react to, or encounter my paintings, is interesting and valid.”
Last night’s Block reveal recap comes from our friends at The Block Shop.
The biggest challenge ever faced on any Block and the one week Scotty had been warning his Treechange teams about from the start, landscape week was every bit as tough as they’d feared… but the results were amazing! From multi-function sports centres, to tiny home retreats, vineyards, zip-lines, kitchen gardens and pools galore, the imaginations ran wild as the contestants went all out to make the best use of their huge ten-acre properties.
Tom and Sarah-Jane (first place) 30 points (29 + 1 gnome)
From the tear-drop entrance drive with just a few of Tom and Sarah-Jane’s Plantrunner mature trees, past the Colourbond and James Hardie weatherboard exteriors to the water feature marking the transition from old house to new build and beyond, this was an exterior that wowed the judges. Especially when they made it to the back where the living room’s huge windows faced out to a pool, kids playground, artfully-placed old farm equipment, firepit, and more. How much more? What about a par three driving range into the property’s back corner? A basketball court? BBQ area? Chicken run? Pony pen? A dam-side tiny house? “Mind blowing,” summed up Darren, “completely bananas!”
With one of the most elaborate landscaping plans of the season, House 5 boasted topiary and plants and a Pentablock retaining wall in front, a huge grassed flat area to the east, screened water tanks and an outdoor kitchen with rammed earth walls behind and a babbling brook leading to huge rock-edged lagoon all looking out onto the mountain views. “High end and luxe!” Scotty said, but the showstopper for all the judges was the multi-function sports space featuring a sauna, built-in trampoline, pool, putting green – with separate driving range – and combined basketball, tennis court, all under lights. “It all feels just right,” Neale said, and nobody was arguing!
From the colour choices for exterior walls to the complementing Colourbond and stonework to reflect the lodge interior there was a lot for the judges to love as they arrived at House 2. And a lot more as they walked past the courtyard-style arrival area to see the landscape proper. “Talk about a game changer!” Neale said when he spotted House two’s vineyard, not just a beautiful addition, but a passive income for years to come. That sat at the end of a beautiful outdoor entertainment area with Outdure deck with a pool at the end, an arbour leading pathways to the nearby creek, a zipline, swings, quiet zones and more.
From the white on white front face to the dark grey James Hardie cladding to the largest deck ever seen on The Block on the home’s downhill side to take in views of the Macedon Ranges, this is a home, the judges agree, that is perfectly placed to make the most of the outdoors. And what an outdoor area there is to take in. Terraced gardens with bricks steps, a woodfired spa, ice plunge bath, pizza oven, beehives, a private tiny house halfway to the road and more, this is a home, Darren said, that will look good on the brochure.
Sitting proud on its hill with a view over all their neighbours, House 3’s cantilevered deck hovered above a pool perfectly located to take in the Macedon Ranges, next toa sweeping driveway that showcases the home and leads to the game-changer kitchen garden. Not quite as finished as its neighbours, House 3 still told a story of luxury and space and a promise of what was to come. As unfinished as it is, Scotty said, the extra build cost will need to be reflected in House three’s reserve, but with the bones already there and a plan in place, this will be, Neale says, where “the lifestyle dream comes alive”.
Amidst all the focus on Christmas food and decor it can be easy to overlook the power of scent in setting a festive tone. We’ve done the work and rounded up our favourite Christmas scents based on good looks and fabulous smells.
Ecoya Christmas: Strawberry Spritz Madison Candle: Created by Australian candle Ecoya, this limited edition scent has a very summery feel. It combines spritzy pink grapefruit, pineapple, strawberry, passionfruit, guava and malt. $46.95.
Diptyque limited edition Neige candle: Inspired by snow, this candle’s stylish midnight blue wax is scented with white musk and heliotrope. Its glass vessel is adorned with white, gold and silver stars that glow in the dark. A golden metal lid protects the wax. $66.
Arty Bub Christmas tree candle: Available in green, red and white, we love this candle’s elegant shape. Decidedly Aussie, these candles are scented with an Australian Christmas bush scent. $34.99 each.
Trudon Felice Christmas 2022 Classic Candle: While this candle smells gorgeous (think citrus, Christmas spice and fruity notes), it’s the gorgeous vessel that caught our eye. The pretty glass jar is emblazoned with a shining star, champagne bottle, sparkling ring and musical notes too. $159.
Peppermint Grove Australia Christmas Pine Large Soy Candle: Housed in a lovely faceted green glass jar, this candle combines spearmint and bergamot with eucalyptus, sage, caramel, pine, rosemary vanilla, patchouli and more. It’s quite the festive mix! $44.95.
Oh It’s Perfect Snowflake Glass Vessel Candle: This one features a sweet and fresh aroma of flowers, coconut and caramel. We love its octagon shape, coloured glass and retro-inspired label. $65.95.
Circa Pine & Snow Gum candle: Another Aussie take on Christmas, this candle features the unmistakable scent of fir balsam, pine resin and tangy red fruits mingled with a sprig of minty Australian eucalyptus. $46.95.
Christmas entertaining: How to create a stylish tabletop
Earlier this year we reported on the ‘tablescape’ trend which saw table decorating elevated to a fine art. And if…
How to prep now to get your kitchen ready for Christmas entertaining!
Sponsored by Glem Gas With summer and seasonal entertaining just around the corner (hooray for having visitors to our homes…
With the arrival of Spring, many Australians are descending on their favourite stores to spruce up their castle.
This year, why not focus on not just appearances, but also functionality and get the best of both worlds! This brings us to exploring the smart home.
Smart home devices, particularly security devices, are a great way to make your home a more comfortable place to live, work and play. From connected sprinklers, air conditioners, dishwashers, cameras and doorbells — we now live in a world where everything can be managed through a single pane of glass on your phone. How’s that for convenience?
One of our favourite smart home devices is the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, which helps you keep an eye out on who’s at your door. The doorbell provides an 180-degree field of view, with high definition resolution, so that you can capture the full picture of a friend (or foe) in clear detail.
The best part is, it’s all available through your phone, meaning you don’t have to be home to respond to the call at your door. All you have to do is use the doorbell’s two-way audio function to have a chat and instruct the delivery driver to drop your parcel where you want it.
Adding to the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell’s smart features is Arlo Secure, an optional subscription service that allows you to access a range of extra perks including object detection. This helps you decipher whether you’re getting your newest package of homewares delivered to your door, or whether it’s the neighbour’s cat strolling past. And for those that need to refresh their memory, Arlo Secure provides 30 days of cloud video recording history too.
We’ve partnered with Arlo Technologies Australia to give away one Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, worth $299.00! For your chance of winning simply complete the below form by the end of Monday 7 November 2022.
The fifth office space for Melbourne co-working brand CreativeCubes.Co, this unique co-working space was designed by Corso Interior Architecture and is set over 3,500sqm in downtown Collingwood. Director Joey Corso recently picked up a design award in the 2022 Melbourne Design Awards and is fast becoming an expert in the office design sphere.
“For this site, we have focussed more on a refined luxury whereas the other buildings are more honest, fun and loud,” says Joey.
Reflecting the push for more residential-inspired office interiors designed to make workers feel at home, the space is imbued with warmth and is comprised of a variety of layered, interesting spaces. “We want members to feel like they are not in a sterile workplace, so we used warm lighting, handpicked furniture, signage and artworks to really bring it all together. We ensured that no matter where you are in the building, that something special can be seen,” says Joey.
The office has four levels that are interconnected via central stairs while full height windows ensure views and plenty of natural light on all sides of the building. The ground floor is filled with meeting rooms, an events space, concierge and café; all designed to encourage social interaction and networking. “There’s a real balance between work and play designed to make people enjoy coming to work,” says Joey.
Flamingo pink chairs add colour in the open-plan collaboration space while graphic black and white floor tiles feature in the kitchen and bathrooms. The meeting rooms combine wall panelling and wallpaper.
Like the wall panelling, the furniture (provided by Baseline) was chosen to be comfy and practical; all the desks are electronic meaning you can choose to sit or stand while working. “Overall, the space strikes the perfect balance between a comfortable homely office and a corporate setting.”
This week’s delicious desert is from Winning Appliances’ culinary expert Reece Hignell. “This beautifully rich baked cheesecake with a hint of nutmeg is light, smooth and so decadent – and vegan too.”
Vegan dark chocolate, nutmeg & Oreo cheesecake with rich chocolate ganache
1 packet (133g Oreo Original biscuits)
40 g margarine (melted)
600 g vegan cream cheese (at room temperature)
200 g vegan dark chocolate (melted ½ cup (110g) caster sugar)
¹⁄ ³ cup (80ml coconut cream Fresh berries, to serve)
Preheat oven on top and bottom heat set to 160°C with low steam. Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm round springform pan with baking paper.
To make the base, place biscuits in a food processor bowl and pulse just until fine crumbs are formed. Add margarine and process until just combined. Press firmly and evenly into the base of the prepared cake pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
For the filling, place cream cheese into a stand mixer bowl; beat on a low speed until smooth; gradually add chocolate. Add caster and brown sugar, sifted cornflour, cocoa powder and nutmeg and vanilla; mix until smooth. Pour over the biscuit base and smooth the surface.
Place cheesecake on a universal tray on level 1 and bake for 55 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool for 30 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator to cool completely, about 2 hours.
To make the ganache, place chocolate and coconut cream into a heatproof bowl; heat in the microwave oven on 600W for 1 minute; stir, then continue to heat, stirring every 15 seconds, until the chocolate is fully melted. Set aside to cool and thicken slightly.
To assemble, remove cheesecake from the pan and place onto a serving plate; spread with chocolate ganache. Serve with berries. Recipe notes Vegan cream cheese is quite soft and smooth, so it doesn’t need much beating to make it smooth. It’s available in most local supermarkets. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can substitute cinnamon for nutmeg and add grated orange rind for a lovely jaffa flavour.
Caesarstone have unveiled their first ever porcelain collection. Leveraging their 35-year legacy of craftsmanship and innovation – they introduced the first quartz surface in 1987 – they’re now attempting to master the porcelain surface for both interior and exterior use.
Caesarstone Porcelain Striata used in a project by Studio Minosa
The three pillars of this new advanced technology comprise a fortified frame (providing an extremely hard surface that is exceptionally resistant to scratches, pressure and rupture), a high heat structure, that will withstand extremely high temperatures (hot objects can be placed directly on it), and great design in the striking colour schemes, bolder veins, palpable textures, and magnified patterns.
Caesarstone Porcelain Beige Ciment and Sleet used in a design by Studio Minosa.
The company’s design team, together with Li Edelkoort, one of the world’s leading trend forecasters, have created the Light Collection and designs range from a virtual pure white (Whitena) through warm white stone effects to dramatically striated stones (Archetti and Striata), plus a polished concrete finish (Concrita).
Each slab is produced from natural materials, such as clay, feldspar, quartz and natural oxides. The slabs, with a 12mm profile, provide a far greater opportunity for creativity than many other surfaces. Their 1600 x 3200m size means larger, sweeping expanses of joint-free surfaces can be achieved.
Caesarstone Porcelain in Striata
In keeping with Caesarstone’s environmental sustainability commitment, porcelain carries the Greenguard, HPD (Health Product Declaration), LBC (Living Building Challenge) Red List Compliance, CE (European Conformity) and Kosher certificates of approval.
Caesarstone Porcelain can be used both inside and outside the home – its surface is resistant to UV rays as well as chemicals, food spills (like red wine and beetroot) and extreme heat.
Caesarstone Porcelain Beige Ciment and Sleet. Design by Studio Minosa.
There’s a deluxe range for $800 per sqm, supernatural range from $1,050 per sqm and the supernatural ultra range from $1,200 per sqm.
We’ve profiled interior designer Dylan Farrell before so when we heard he was selling his beautiful Sydney home we couldn’t wait to take a peek inside. Located on Paddington’s salubrious Hargrave Lane, the 19thcentury character home playfully mixes gothic archways with gelato hues and an impressive collection of furniture and artwork. The colourful abode is a complete and utter delight.
Lounge room
Originally built in the 1890s, the home was later renovated and expanded from its original cottage size into a larger family home. The renovation involved reclaiming architectural elements from a nearby church which now comprise some of the home’s most interesting details.
Lounge roomKitchen, dining & entry
Since Dylan and his wife Nicolette purchased the home four years ago they have made many improvements including turning a pre-existing second floor study into a private master suite with a balcony that overlooks the neighbourhood. The changes incorporated high-end tiles, carpets and accent hues.
“We played with bold yet tasteful colours to challenge what would be the typical Paddington playbook, but while still honouring the history of the building,” says Dylan.
The home has such lovely use of colour and art
And unlike many older homes, this one is filled with light, primarily due to its north-facing yard which allows light to stream into the rear. It’s the light and the home’s privacy that Dylan and Nicolette love the most about it.
Master bedroomBathroom
“The ample skylights at both the front and upper level allow for a summery feel year-round. It is rare to have a walled front entry and rear yard in Paddington, especially while on such a quiet laneway. We can leave the doors and windows open without generally worrying. It truly feels like an oasis.”
The courtyard features a beautiful wooden arch sourced from a nearby church
Bursting with character, Darlinghurst’s The Strand Hotelhas completed the final phase of its multi-level restoration. The 99-year-old pub with the new rooftop bar and 17-bedroom hotel is now open. Creating a boutique refuge in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, The Strand offers sophistication with a mix of well curated French style.
The project was overseen by George Gorrow, co-founder of cult denim brand Ksubi, with principal architect Tom de Plater of Public Hospitality and Public Design Studio as creative director.
A contemporary blend of Parisian elegance and bohemian spirit, The Strand Rooftop is an idyllic open escape for both hotel guests and locals alike to soak up the afternoon sun underneath the kaleidoscope awning or watch the city at dusk, lit up with the glow of festoon lights. The rooftop offers a playful and vibrant mix of colourful textures, warm timber and lush verdant landscaping that encloses the intimate space.
“We’ve designed the rooftop to provide an unexpected and charming escape amongst the anonymity of William Street, with a deliberate strong contrast to the aesthetic experienced through the brooding texture and materials of the hotel rooms and bistro below” says Tom.
The bar serves its signature drinks, the French Ginger Mule and Thyme & Basil Daiquiri, alongside a menu of light dishes such as tuna tartare and fried shallot with sesame crackers, corn and gruyere croquettes, fried chicken with pickles and hot sauce and the Rooftop toastie with leg ham, mustard and pickles.
The rooftop will also host a series of live entertainment and weekly DJs each Friday and Saturday from 6pm to midnight and 4pm to 10pm on Sundays.
Describing The Strand Hotel as a drink, George wants the hotel to feel like a dirty martini; classic, with a twist. “The Strand has been designed with the intimacy and personal service of a boutique hotel, creating a community hub of likeminded people, that makes you want to return again and again. My purpose is for the character of the hotel to grow and continue to build over time, just as if you were building your own home.”
The Strand’s 17 boutique hotel rooms with refined, contemporary interiors feature crisp white linens, rattan bedheads, deep green finishings and contrasting dark floorboards. With five different guest rooms to choose from, starting at $199 a night for a king single through to $359 for a deluxe queen, each calm oasis is filled with considered essentials that will keep guests both pampered and plugged-in.
As guests enter from the bustling William Street, they will be welcomed through to a charismatic hotel house of Parisan sensibility where grit meets glamour and dark black surfaces paint a masculine edge to contrast the refined furnishings and warm cream textures of the walls, showcasing the history and character of the building.
The bistro
The architectural design has been born off the history of the site with a winding staircase taking guests up to a two-story labyrinth of winding halls, where George has hand selected Australian photographers such as Simon Lekius, Denniela Rache, Chris Searl and Domonic Rawl to adorn the walls.
Meanwhile on the ground floor, The Strand Bistro is bolstered by a playful sense of mischief, drawing cues from turn-of-the-century Paris, with a modern laidback interpretation of French cuisine. Spoons of beluga caviar sit proudly alongside humble steak frites and duck leg pie served with grilled broccolini, mash and gravy and baguettes with cultured butter. Culinary director Nick Mahlook has designed the Bistro menu to hero seasonal Australian produce while the extensive drinks list boasts an impressive line-up of French and Australian wines, aperitifs, cocktails and beers and a 49 strong whisky list.
The Strand | 99 William Street Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Designer creates showstopping duplex with New York hotel vibes
Today’s stunning home, Mirror Image, showcases young interior designer Shona McElroy’s natural inclination towards modern design with an old-world European…
Real reno: Perth heritage cottage gets luxe hotel vibe
Nestled in the historic Perth suburb of East Fremantle, this heritage-listed workers’ cottage was transformed into a modern family home…
While interior designer and stylist Melissa Rettore’s Melbourne home is only six years old, boredom had set in. “The home is relatively new but all the colours that were in six years ago are no longer trending and I just felt like changing things up!” She overhauled both the powder room and laundry recently for just under $500! And when you consider that both rooms were completed over one week, during her daughter’s three hour daily nap times, the end result is all the more impressive!
BEFORE powder room
AFTER powder room
Melissa teaches interior decoration at Design School, and it was while researching topics for her students that she came up with the idea. “I was teaching about what was trending and DIY is certainly going off. I’d seen reels with people turning furniture into terrazzo pieces and that’s where the inspiration came from,” she says.
Melissa started by painting the tiles with Dulux Renovation paint
Starting in the powder room, Melissa used ‘Nutmilk’ paint in half strength from the Dulux Renovation range to paint over the charcoal floor tiles before adding $10 Kmart Decor and Furniture Paint Chips and a sealer.
Part of Kmart’s new DIY range, Melissa warns that Dulux doesn’t recommend combining the paint chips with their product; mainly because they haven’t tried and tested the process. “That said, all the people I follow on Instagram had tested the combination over many months in showers and wet areas and it had held up. I’ve also tried to scrape the tiles and, so far, they seem very durable,” says Melissa.
$10 Dulux Decor and Furniture Paint chips gave the freshly painted powder room floor a terrazzo look
Melissa used the same paint on the cupboard fronts and spray painted the cupboard handles with $5 black spray paint. She then added a Target mirror and decorative wall sconce that was inspired by the the viral Kmart wall planter hack. She repeated the paint and paint chip process that she carried out on the floor tiles, hung the wall sconce on the wall and added a remote control Puck light inside, sourced from Bunnings. “It was so great not having to get an electrician involved to create that light,” says Melissa.
Melissa’s DIY wall sconce
It was while waiting for the paint to dry in the powder room that Melissa decided to overhaul the laundry too. She repeated the process in there and added a retro door sourced for $100 from Facebook Marketplace and hung by her carpenter husband.
BEFORE laundry
AFTER laundry
Melissa is especially happy with herself for having completed the makeovers without needing a tradie. “It’s so hard to get a tradie now and they are so expensive. I love that I didn’t have to pay for new tiles or a tiler to lay them, but I’ve ended up with a whole new look!”
During every season of The Block, Kitchen Week is always one of the most exciting parts of the show. A lot rides on creating a great kitchen space. Along with the living room, the kitchen is really the centre of the home – a hub where we spend time entertaining, with family and cooking.
To help Aussies with their next kitchen reno, no matter what their style is, design expert and group design manager at Winnings Appliances Kate McGlone, speaks about the overall design of each house’s kitchen, plus her top three tips to get the look.
Ryan and Rachael Kitchen
House 1: Tom and Sarah Jane (modern industrial farmhouse)
“Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen showcases a traditional farmhouse look with an industrial influence. They have achieved a timeless look with the shaker style doors, an admired design feature in farmhouse kitchens. Their introduction ofindustrial copper pendant lights and a modern benchtop profile complement the shaker doors, combining traditional and contemporary design elements,” explains Kate.
“They have added interest through layered styling which is a low cost, low commitment and high impact way to add personality to a kitchen. They’ve worked to create a liveable kitchen that can change from a family friendly kitchen to an entertainer’s haven really effortlessly.”
Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen
Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen
Get the look
Copper accents add an industrial, yet glamorous aesthetic that subtly elevate the farmhouse trend: consider tieing in accents like Tom and Sarah Jane have with pendant lights and larger appliances like their Fhiaba copper fridge and knobs on their deep grey Ilve Majestic double oven
A farmhouse style sink adds a nod to the country that will fit in many homes and has the added benefits of space for cooking and cleaning. Abey’s ceramic single bowl sink lends itself perfectly to the farmhouse trend but will also fit in with a number of styles.
Create a liveable kitchen that is perfect for a big family or hosting multiple guests by opting for ultra-functional pieces, such as a Zip tap, providing boiled, chilled and sparkling water on demand
House 2: Ryan and Rachel (contemporary)
“Rachel and Ryan’s kitchen features a contemporary, refined, yet timeless look, which has been achieved through a clean material pallete. The introduction of shadow lines throughout the cabinetry adds interest. The brushed stainless accent door hardware is the hero of this kitchen, contrasting elegantly against their matte joinery, adding a subtle yet impactful stainless accent to this clean kitchen design.”
Ryan and Rachel’s kitchen
Get the look
For a contemporary space with Scandinavian nods, use blonde or warm wood accents in benches, shelving and beams; keep cabinetry light and bright; and pair with timeless yet impactful black and graphite appliances like in a statement Ilve oven and Vintec wine fridge
“Although there aren’t too many nods to country, Sharon and Ankur’s modern kitchen has a considered look as they share subtle ties between their door hardware and their appliances. Their kitchen consists of Smeg’s Dolce Stil Novo range, which features minimalist styling in black eclipse glass and refined copper, creating a timeless, elegant aesthetic. Copper was then brought into the door hardware and the pendants creating one cohesive look. Their hero island bench stands out in the middle making it a perfect entertainer’s kitchen.”
Sharon and Ankur’s kitchen
Get the look
Tie in copper and black for a modern aesthetic with a slightly industrial edge. Copper joinery on cabinets are harmonious with a sink ‘moment’ like Oliveri’s single bowl sink in copper. Offset shine with dark, modern and minimalist black tapware like from Zip and a Dolce Stil Novo cooktop in black
If you fancy yourself as somewhat of a sommelier like Sharon and Ankur’s imagined buyers, consider a forward-thinking sommelier drawer to house all your wine goods
Create functionality and added timelessness by opting for classic black appliances and ensure consistency in your appliances throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry. Like Sharon and Ankur, think of harmonious appliances from one range like they have with black Dolce Stil Novo appliances
House 4: Dylan and Jenny (modern farmhouse)
“Dylan and Jenny’s kitchen showcases a true farmhouse aesthetic with a neutral colour palette with elements of popular sage green. They have used fluted glass on their overhead cabinets with a brass mesh interface on the island bench, creating beautiful texture through their materiality. Their attention to detail and careful material selection has elevated the overall finish, creating an opulent modern farmhouse aesthetic that would appeal to many buyers”.
Dylan and Jenny’s kitchen
Get the look
Sage green is an ongoing trend of people’s hearts. If you love Dylan and Jenny’s sage green kitchen, consider warming up grey-ish, muted sage with warm brushed gold accents in your cabinetry and sink and tapware, like Dylan and Jenny have done with the Zip Hydrotap.
For a home cook or a lover of entertaining, consider doubling the size of your oven cooking space with a dual oven like Dylan and Jenny’s classic black Smeg Portofino dual fuel oven and stove. Christmas lunches and dinner parties will become a breeze.
For easy entertaining, opt for a wine cabinet like this Vintec for a sleek way to store your favourite wines – an impressive way to showcase and serve wine at any party
House 5: Oz and Omar (integrated, industrial chic)
“Oz and Omar’s kitchen is an entertainer’s dream with a minimalist yet bold and timeless look. They have taken inspiration from metropolitan Melbourne and have created an industrial yet sophisticated space. Their integrated appliances allow for a seamless finish and were fundamental to achieving this sleek showpiece kitchen, fitting in perfectly with modern Australian lives. While moody and dark, their kitchen has clear nods to European design trends, which are bold, black, industrial and highly integrated.”
Oz and Omar’s kitchen
Get the look
Add clean lines for an industrial aesthetic by utilising integrated appliances that feel hidden, yet are very easily accessible. Oz and Omar did this with the likes of a V-ZUG integrated dishwasher, touch displays on ovens and matching V-ZUG appliances
For the perfect entertainer’s dream, The Galley’s Ideal Workstation sink adds a commercial-level feel with space and functionality that makes prep work and cleaning a joy
If you’re a fan of Oz and Omar’s moody, industrial kitchen, ensure you have ample natural light to offset the dark aesthetic and soften with textured stools and wooden features
“This ol’ gal with her timber benchtops, exposed canopy rangehood, above bench microwave hood and glass fronted overheads was due for a facelift. She’d been the backbone of the family for many years, however it was now time for her to take a starring role again,” says interior designer Silvia Roldan, who recently transformed this kitchen for her clients without changing the layout.
Before
After
“Our client’s brief was simple: retain the layout, location of all appliances and the gloss white 2Pac joinery. Everything else was open game!”
With an elegant combination of colours and textures, Silvia set about transforming the kitchen. With natural stone benchtops, organic Moroccan tiles and antique brass finishes on the tapware and joinery handles, it was instantly updated.
“Materiality is paramount for us, so selecting the right stone for the benchtops meant the new design would have longevity and a timeless character,” said Silvia, owner of Studio Esar.
Before
After
The glass fronted overhead cupboards were given an overhaul with more contemporary 2Pac doors and the grey on grey of the overheads and natural stone benchtop in New Grey Tundra created a tonal harmony. The open wine rack underneath the island bench was concealed behind new door panels.
“To signify the end of the kitchen, we removed the hood where the microwave was housed (and relocated it to inside the pantry) and replaced this with new overhead joinery consisting of a cupboard and open shelves. This not only opened up the area but created a quaint end to the rear bench and allowed our client to display some of her collected ceramics,” said Silvia.
Before
After
“Each space we create is highly tailored and rather than following trends, our studio is led by emotion and mood as we understand the power an interior can evoke. We pride ourselves on having an eye for detail and with this precision, we create textural and colourful spaces that are contemporary and classic,” said Silvia.
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.
BEFORE lounge and dining
AFTER 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.
BEFORE bedroom
AFTER bedroom
“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.
BEFORE bathroom
AFTER bathroom
“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.”
BEFORE lounge
AFTER lounge
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 study is concealed by a secret door
BEFORE study
AFTER study
“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.”
There are so many ways to give your home and lifestyle a glow up with gas, that it’s really worth considering some of these things at the start of the renovation or new home build. If you’re in QLD, NSW or VIC, gas can give you the chef’s choice for cooking, a roaring open fire, instant hot showers, cheaper energy bills and more, all while being better for the planet than grid electricity**. What’s not to like?!
The impressive Ilve Majestic upright gas cooktop in Tom and Sarah-Jane’s winning Block kitchen this year
Appliances
If this season’s Block kitchens are anything to go by, a gas cooktop is still the ultimate choice, with every one of the five duos on the popular reno show choosing a range style oven with gas cooktop. So, while induction is an option, it seems a gas cooktop is still the go for the luxury kitchen, especially in a more traditional home. Those range ovens are such a good-looking statement too, right?!
Alternatively, if you going for an ultra modern look in your new kitchen, the latest natural gas cooktop styles come with sleek black glass tops, for a super easy clean up, like the below from Fisher & Paykel.
And even if you go for a more modern, built-in, wall oven, all gas ovens heat up quicker than their electric counterparts and being more of a humid heat, manufacturers claim they’ll deliver better baked goods and the perfect crackling (but of course you can take all the credit yourself!).
Australia is on a journey to a renewable energy future, but coal is still being used for a significant amount of electricity generation on the east coast of Australia. Over the past 12 months, 67% of Victoria’s, 74% of NSW’s and and a whopping 78% of Queensland’s electricity grid was powered by coal-generated electricity***.
Even during the transition to renewable gas, in states such as Victoria, natural gas is still 48% cheaper* with 78% less CO2 emissions than coal-fired electricity**.
Don’t forget outdoor cooking too, which is something we Aussies are big on due to our (usually) great weather! The emphasis on indoor/outdoor flow is such a priority for new builds and renovations these days, that investing in an undercover, built-in outdoor kitchen or even just a BBQ connected to an unlimited gas supply (no more pesky bottles, thanks!) has become the norm. With the right setup, you’ll probably find yourself using it as much, if not more than, the indoor kitchen! I love the idea of keeping the mess outside too.
The Real Dads of Melbourne’s cute and compact barbecue area at their holiday house. Image via Mint/Sally Goodall
Heating and cooling
Even in the warmer months when it’s not being used, a fireplace can be a beautiful feature of your living room. And it goes without saying a gas version is cleaner (no soot to clean up or messy logs!), quicker, easier and usually cheaper to run than a coal or wood fire. And it’s no less cosy either. With heating and cooling accounting for up to 40% of your power bill, choosing an option like natural gas can make a big long-term difference.
The combination of built-in cabinetry, gas fire, navy panelling and wall-mounted television packs punch in the above project by Sarah Yarrow Interiors.
It’s not just fireplaces though. Of course natural gas can power your ducted air con, hydronic heating and space heaters too. Ducted is a super efficient way to heat, providing the opportunity to only heat certain zones, and it’s almost instant to kick in. For the warmer months, you can pair ducted heating with evaporative or refrigerated air conditioning systems for a cooler and more energy efficient solution.
A perhaps less known and newer option, hydronic heating doesn’t use fans, making it quiet and safe for the elderly and asthmatics, due to the reduction of dust movement. Hydronic gas systems can be underfloor systems that circulate heated water through a series of pipes or wall mounted radiators. Finally, space-saving and cheap to run, space heaters are a great way to heat just one room for example. They can even fit into existing fireplaces. They’ll keep you toasty warm despite the lack of visible flame.
Who doesn’t love a long, hot shower?
Reliable hot showers are a big deal for many people! Who wants a less than optimum experience to start and end their day, right?!
The GROHE Rainshower Smart Control system via Reece Bathrooms
If you’re connected to a natural gas continuous flow system, your hot shower will never run out. The dream! Natural gas hot water systems are an efficient way to heat water. Generally, they come in two sizes. ‘Storage’ is ideal for larger homes, while a ‘standard’ system is perfect for the average-sized home.
There are various types of gas hot water systems too. Continuous flow is pretty self explanatory! These systems are small wall-mounted units that heat up the water as you use it, rather than pre-heating it as a storage tank does. Then there’s the storage systems already mentioned above, which involve storing pre-heated water in insulated tanks (which can be very handy during power outages!). While not as efficient as continuous flow, they can still achieve a six-star energy rating. And then there’s the option of a solar gas-boosted system. This makes the most of solar energy and saves it in the tank while heating the water. You’ll also enjoy the added benefit of the gas booster, which will only kick in when solar heat isn’t enough. This system could save you both energy and money on your hot water bill if your electricity comes from the grid.
As you can see there’s lot to think about and a multitude of benefits and savings attached to choosing a natural gas connection for your home.
Did you know we have enough natural gas resources for over 80x of our current annual household needs. Source: AEMO 2021/2022 Reserves and resources Gas statement of opportunities
Gas can help us get to 100% renewable energy. Renewable hydrogen gas can be used like natural gas and is already being trialled in Australian homes. Source: Aust Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy
Renewable Electricity is great, but it only accounts for 29.4% of Victoria’s network electricity. That’s why Natural gas is still the lowest carbon network energy … by far. Source: Victorian Renewable Energy Target 2020/2021 Progress report
Gas networks can be decarbonised using renewable hydrogen. A majority of AGN’s networks can carry 100% renewable hydrogen today. Source: Australian Gas Networks, Access Arrangement 2022
–Australian Gas Networks (AGN) owns and operates gas transmission and distribution pipelines across Australia, delivering gas to over 1.3 million homes and businesses in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales. AGN receives a portion of the natural gas invoice from your energy retailer, which covers the costs of transporting natural gas to your street and home.
*Source: Based on Origin Energy charges for a KwH of natural gas compared to electricity
**Source: Based on Aust Dept for Energy emissions factors Aug 2021 and AEMO Electricity Generation Data year to Aug 2022.
This week’s reveals took us inside the couples’ sheds with most couples turning these into either a second living or work from home space. Or both! Guest judges this week, standing in for Shaynna and Neale, were former Block contestants and winners, fan favourites Alisa and Lysandra.
If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that homes need a space to get away from the living areas to concentrate on work if needed or just escape for quiet reflection. And this week’s working from home spaces, – plus one with a twist – showed that lesson has been well learned. From functional offices to separate work precincts and a wine lounge with a view to die for, the Blockheads made the most of the ample space they had to deliver just what their high-end homes needed, with the judges stunned by the variety of solutions they saw.
Tom and Sarah Jane (first place) 26 points
Built around a walk-in Vintec wine cellar, house one’s television room built into the Stratco garage space is the perfect getaway, the judges agreed, ideal for teenagers or anyone wanting a break from the rest of the home. The twins weren’t sure they liked the black wine fridge sticking out like sort of a sore thumb, and Darren didn’t feel it was defined as a wine-drinking area. But they had a lot of good things to say about the finishes.
Past the powder room and upstairs however was where their addition really shone. The only home with a second level thanks to early engineering planning, this is a complete office that could easily be converted to a guest apartment, with eight eye-level Velux skylights, two separate work stations and kitchenette. A potential office? Definitely, the judges agreed, a nanny (or granny) flat? Why not! Either way, all agreed it’s a definite value add to the home. I have to agree it was pretty damn gorgeous!
Alisa said it was like they’d created a whole new apartment in a shed in a week and hats off to them for thinking outside the square. Darren said the view from the skylights was insane. And Alisa went one further saying the space was enough for them to win The Block. Darren agreed it could tip them over the edge.
If a home has a winery, Rachel and Ryan thought, why not add a wine room to enjoy the end results? Down the landing steps into a cosy space featuring a full-wall Grafico mural and spectacular view over the vines to Mount Macedon beyond, this is a separate entertaining space perfect for showcasing the micro-winery the house boasts. With a benchtop area for preparing the drinks, huge couch in front of a wide television and a woodfired stove to give country ambiance, this space is less about work and more for play, the judges agreed… but is that enough? A work space would have added value, the judges agreed and adding a desk in here may not work.
Lysandra said it had wow factor and was very welcoming. Darren noted it looked nice but it didn’t have a sink in the bench top. Lysandra didn’t love the “harsh” fire hearth either. And while she would normally hate the pendant she loved it in the context of the room. Darren really liked the timber. “design wise and styling wise and selling a dream it does everything it’s intended to do,” Darren said.
Alisa thought the room was good at selling the dream of a country lifestyle as a place to drink with friends. They all agreed it was well designed and well executed.
A textbook example of a room that was just too much for this mammoth Block challenge, Omar and Oz’s huge home office space was nowhere near ready, the victim of build problems way out of the boys’ hands. What was theirs however, still left the judges underwhelmed, with artwork choices too big for the space, a desk way too big for just one person but too small for two and a nautical feel that’s out of place in a country setting. Once it’s finished, the judges hoped, the room could be a showcase for living and working out of the city, with more than enough scope to do both.
Darren made sure to tell the twins it wasn’t the boys’ fault. Though the twins pointed out the questionable artwork was not The Block’s fault!
In a year when home cinemas had been downplayed, Dylan and Jenny’s 98-inch monster television took the judges’ breath away and helped give the new space a double use – as an office or screening room. The lack of fireplace lost points from Alisa and Lysandra, as did the “dead space” in the room’s centre, something that could be remedied with the addition of a dining table perhaps, or a larger version of the bar area. Once again the Caesarstone desktop felt cold to the judges, but a few styling touches – and a repair to a cracked ceiling – could have pushed them higher up the scores.
Alisa liked that they combined the living area and home office together but it wasn’t really making her feel anything and was nice but a little undercooked. Darren said the bar area didn’t really make sense and they could have made more of it. Darren said the TV wasn’t enough to sell it. The twins agreed a lot of finishes were great despite the ceiling crack!
Darren said it was good but probably wouldn’t be shown on the marketing brochure. Alisa said it was a big effort for one week.
After watching the judging, even Jenny agreed the room was undercooked!
As a work from home space, Darren said when he took in House 3’s shed addition, “this is a killer”. But the layout left him wondering. With a television in a corner as opposed to on one of the two available walls, a huge Caesarstone desk (which they first thought was a kitchen!) dominating and a cocktails area to one side, the orientation seemed confused, they felt, and didn’t make the best use of the fireplace at the other end.
Alisa said the concrete Caesarstone was too cold a surface and very unusual for a desktop. Darren wasn’t a fan either. And there were no powerpoints to be seen near the mammoth desk either! “An epic fail.”
Lysandra thought the fireplace was stunning but in the wrong spot. It made the room really inflexible too and it should have been in the other corner.
The extraordinary Greg Natale has released his third book The Layered Interior. The following is an extract from the book.
The language of interior design has many layers. We talk a lot about furniture and accessories—the sofas we sit on, the cushions we sink into, the ornaments we choose to inject our personal style. But so much of a house’s character comes from the interior architecture—the floors under our feet, the walls that surround us, the hallways we traverse, the portals and doors we walk through. These different framing elements and the intriguing spaces in between have much to say, and their materiality can define the narrative of a house.
When you step through the oversized bronze doors of this remarkable contemporary villa in the harborside Sydney suburb of Mosman, you experience a moment that encapsulates the essence of the design in more ways than one. First, there are the floor tiles. Outside the doors, large slabs of marble in shades of burgundy, pink, and ivory are laid in a classical Palladiana mosaic style. Inside, the combination of marble tiles shifts to a geometric pattern of burgundy, pink, green, and ivory. Those four colors set the scene for the palette of the four-story, five-bedroom house, and marble plays a significant role throughout as one of its most expressive materials.
But there is more at play in this vignette.The pattern of the interior tiles reveals an art deco influence, which continues in the triangular fluting on the timber walls. Then there is the brutalist style of the glass mirror hanging on one wall. And lastly there are those statement doors with their large bronze and glass panels, inspired by Italian rationalism.
These three styles were my main influences for the design of this grand house. How they came to work together was a response to the structure of the building itself, the owners’ brief, and my European sojourns.
Travel is always a doorway to fresh inspiration, and prior to this project I was fortunate to have enjoyed several trips to Italy and France. One of the most significant experiences for me was visiting Milan’s Villa Necchi Campiglio, built in the 1930s at the height of the Italian rationalist movement. I fell in love with its blend of pared-back classicism and modernity, and the beauty of its marble and granite floors and portals, timber-paneled walls, and metal doors.
Those features came to mind when I began the interior design of this house, which centered on merging the classical and the contemporary. The building may have been modern but still had elements like a pitched roof and eaves, and rather than a minimalist style the owners wanted some traditional attributes like cornices and a design full of warm tones. He had a fondness for art deco, she liked late ’70s furniture, and both requested blond oak floors. My travels inParis led me to incorporate the chevron pattern of the floorboards that appear in some bedrooms and living areas.
But it was the introduction of marble and granite that unifies the design of this house. Modern builds can be blank canvases and all-white spaces can overwhelm, especially in large rooms. To me, the unique colors and patterns of stone not only help to break up those spaces and add detail and warmth, but they also bring their own sense of history. In a“forever” house like this, for the couple and their two older children who come to stay on and off, the marble and granite in the floors, walls, portals, and furniture create a new design history, layering the classical over the modern. The fact that there are twenty-eight different types of stone in this house makes that history more interesting.
With the view of the sparkling harbor beyond, the huge open-plan living, sitting, and dining area owes its sense of grandeur to the granite that defines the spaces. In generous strips that run along the floorboards and up the walls, in substantial beams that wrap around white lacquered ceilings, its gray, ivory, and black veins provide a beautifully decorative frame. Within that, the palette is made up of neutrals, gold and white in shapely pieces that range from the curve of a cream wool sofa to the solidity of a brass brutalist chair. Artworks at each end of the space echo the lines of the granite and create their own dialogue with the furniture in the room, which is a mix of vintage, contemporary, and custom designs.
In the adjacent kitchen, under a pink Murano pendant light, late ’70s touches appear in the metal stripes of the island cabinetry and the pantry with its square timber paneling, a finish that features on cabinetry in the house. These brutalist elements take their cue from a courtyard at the center of the house, surrounded by bronze-framed glass windows and spanning two floors. To amplify the silhouette of a Japanese maple tree in the courtyard, I designed a sculpture on the wall behind, using fluted travertine panels overlaid with a form in green marble that suggests the tree’s shadow. The delicate old tree and the bold new sculpture make a powerful pairing.
A spiral staircase continues the neutral palette with its ivory marble steps and fluted timber walls, while the pink accents that appear upstairs begin here, in a stunning quartz pendant light. On the first floor, the bedrooms, ensuites, and study zones are arrayed around the courtyard, linked by timber fluting on the ceiling. The master bedroom and ensuite, situated above the living area and enjoying that same incredible view, are serene spaces that are rich in materiality yet still restrained in style. In the bedroom, beige leather-paneled walls offer a luxurious setting, with marble featuring in the bedhead, bedside tables, skirting, and trim.
Pink tones appear in the furnishings, lights, and art deco–inspired rug, while the pinky gray lines of Greek marble in the ensuite create a striking display. The influence of Italy returns in the gray terrazzo floor—lined, Villa Necchi–style, with strips of marble—and in the sculptural ’70s look of the custom bath, which was inspired by street furniture I saw in southern Italy. Again, classical and contemporary combine to great effect.
The rich burgundy and green of the marble entrance tiles play their part on the lower floors. In the family room near the front door, burgundy marble walls melt into a stucco ceiling to create a moody space that is intensified by black-stained floors, a black sofa and light, and a vintage brass console. Burgundy continues on the floor below in a series of rooms that form their own apartment within the house. Here, across the same Palladiana tiles of the entrance, the rich red hue appears in a velvet sofa and a marble bar, even extending to a marble barbecue on the terrace outside.The scheme is lightened by vast white coffered ceilings, a feature that I integrated throughout the house to increase the sense of height and drama.
Green marble makes its mark on the next floor down, in a different arrangement of Palladiana tiles but also in the portals of a mesmerizing tunnel that leads from the house’s other entrance to the garage. That lush mossy green was inspired by the couple’s Aston Martin cars and, accompanied by timber-fluted walls, brings another sophisticated layer to the design.
A final glimpse of the house through its rear door sees another defining moment. The same bronze and glass used for the front entrance open onto that lovely green marble of the floor and walls, while a set of stairs lead up to the pool. The stairs are paved in Roman bricks, a favorite of modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which I saw in his famous Robie House in Chicago. Another trip, another inspiration, but still with a little Italy at its heart, drawing classicism and modernism together with love.
The Layered Interior (published by Rizzoli) is available now. Photography by Anson Smart.
