Tag: architecture

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

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 27, 2023
No Comments on The Best of Houzz 2023: Australia’s most popular home designs

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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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

For more on Dan Gayfer Design

Minimalist makeover gives dark Melbourne terrace a light new look

Another project by the talented Melbourne architect Bonnie Mills, this Richmond home was renovated recently with a clean, minimalist design…

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Tags architecture, design, designers, homewares, interior design, interiors, interviews, melbourne, renovating, renovation

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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
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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.

For more

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Tags architecture, cladding, design, james hardie, renovating, renovation

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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

For more on Brooke Aitken Design

Worker’s cottage dramatically transformed by architect couple

We’ve featured the work of Melbourne’s Splinter Society before and today’s home has many of the same details that we’ve…

Renovated cottage has unique lookout to take in coastal views

Originally a two-room 1920s workers’ cottage in the Perth coastal suburb of North Fremantle, this home has been substantially expanded…

Tags architecture, design, heritage home, interior design, interiors, real reno, reno addict, renovating, renovation, sydney

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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

For more on Robert Hirschfield Architects

Tall and skinny London terrace given award winning new design

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Tags architecture, house tour, interior design, interiors, london

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Brisbane new build inspired by Scandinavia and the Mediterranean

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 9, 2022
No Comments on Brisbane new build inspired by Scandinavia and the Mediterranean

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

Architect’s Brisbane home unique take on traditional Queenslander

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Once home to Thomas Mathewson, a pioneering Brisbane photographer, councillor and historian, this beautiful abode has been given a new…

Tags architecture, design, interior design, interiors, interiors addict, interviews

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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

For more on Tim Stewart Architects

This renovated Queenslander is giving us all the feels

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Anna Spiro opens beautiful new Brisbane interiors store

Interior designer Anna Spiro has just opened her much anticipated Spiro Store in New Farm, Brisbane. Housed in a beautiful…

Tags architecture, design, family home, real home

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

Post author By Hugo Alley
Post date November 2, 2022
No Comments on Sydney Open: Unlock the harbour city’s most significant buildings

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

A sneak peak of the stunning new penthouse atop St Kilda heritage building

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Tags architecture, heritage, historic, sydney, tours

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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.”

This home goes to auction on Saturday 12 November, 12.45pm and has a $2.4 million price guide.

For more

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Tags architecture, before and after, bresicwhitney, design, interior design, interiors, renovating, renovation, sydney, Sydney terrace, terrace

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Australia’s best designed Airbnb was once a US barn

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 18, 2022
No Comments on Australia’s best designed Airbnb was once a US barn

The annual Airbnb Host Awards have just been announced, shining a light on Australia’s top holiday home hosts. Several fabulous properties have been spotlighted but there are two that really piqued our interest – the ‘Best Designed Stay’ and ‘Best Unique Stay’ are giving us serious wanderlust.

“I was blown away by the finalists included in this year’s Airbnb’s Host Awards and the task of choosing a winner was incredibly difficult. It is clear these hosts put a lot of love and effort into their listings, and it certainly pays off,” says Airbnb Superhost Merrydith Callegari who sits on Airbnb’s global host advisory board.

The ‘Best Designed Stay’ was awarded to Coombs Hill Barn which is in the Victorian town of Merrijig. A 160-year-old barn from America, the home’s owners got the idea while travelling in the US where they found an old barn, had it dismantled and shipped to Australia where it was re-erected and restored on their family property in Victoria’s High Country. The process took three years and the gorgeous home takes cosy to another level with its beautiful rustic vibes and colour palette inspired by the surrounding landscape.

“Coombs Hill Barn is the most stunning barn conversion I have ever seen! Katherine and Wade designed the interior themselves and were influenced by the colours of the old timber beams of the barn itself. They describe the aesthetic as a perfect combination of traditional, rustic and industrial but I just call it perfect,” says Merrydith.

The ‘Best Designed Stay’ award was taken out by The Winged House in Tasmania’s Table Cape region. Designed by renowned Australian artist and architect Richard Goodwin, from the outside, the unique abode stretches over a cliff and looks like a bird or plane about to take off. But the real spoils are found inside where guests can enjoy a 180-degree perspective of the ocean, eagles above and the occasional seal.

“I think the location of this listing and its design as well as the attention to detail of the hosts makes this a very worthy winner. Guests have said that the photos don’t do it justice, and the experience of staying in this unique home is worth any sacrifice you have to make to experience this place. I have it on my bucket list now!” says Merrydith.

This year’s winning hosts were selected based on extensive Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews and with oversight from a panel of experienced judges.

Check out the full list of finalists in the 2022 Airbnb Host Award

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Statement brick ‘lacework’ features in Melbourne new build

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 6, 2022
No Comments on Statement brick ‘lacework’ features in Melbourne new build

Located in Melbourne’s Mount Waverley, this expansive 600 square metre home was designed by architect Michael Ong, of MODO. Tasked with creating a ‘visually dynamic’ house to accommodate its owners (a retired couple and their two young-adult children) as well as family and friends who often visit from overseas, the abode boasts a variety of communal and private spaces. Overall, the unique, multi-generational home is tranquil yet striking.

The exterior is divided into two halves; the bottom half consists of ivory-coloured concrete block, while the second storey is clad in thermally modified timber. The desire was to make the home feel as if it was grounded and embedded into the earth and had a sense of ‘mass’ and ‘weight.’ “From the street, the homeowner wanted something that was a bit dynamic and had a point of difference,” says Michael.

“We naturally investigated concrete bricks and blocks and moved away from the grey and darker tones, as we wanted a house that felt welcoming and homely. The light-coloured ivory architectural brick, from Adbri Masonry, worked wonderfully to give us a smooth yet subtly textured finish, which paired beautifully with the timber cladding and the landscape design,” says Michael.

Downstairs, the home features two linear wings – one containing the guest zone and the other for the kids with its sweeping curved glass corridor link. The second floor houses the bedrooms, kitchen, living, dining, pool, sauna and gym.

An abundance of timber interior details give the spaces an intimate feel – there’s wood walls, wooden cabinets, timber ceilings and floors as well as dark details on the fireplaces and bookshelves. The overall effect is one of restrained minimalism.

The lower floor features a gorgeous private courtyard which creates a focal point for the home. “I wanted the house to feel like it’s connected with the courtyard as the central area, so you always know where you are,” says Michael of the space that features a series of silver birch trees and a curved, insitu concrete bench. The floor above provides shade. “I like to let the building work in a way that actually provides a cover for the outdoor space instead of having to add a cover such as an awning,” says Michael.

To offset the heaviness of the home’s extensive use of brick, lace-like brickwork features throughout. “The architects did a lot of work with the bricklayer and the engineer to get the concrete brick lacework to curve. The result of the lace detailing allows more light in and draws the eye to the sculptural element within the build,” says Michael.

Lace brickwork is also used downstairs as a screen, in a smaller pebbled courtyard, accessed via the guest bedroom – the design lets light in while adding a beautiful visual element too.

Photography: Derek Swalwell

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New Sydney duplex houses two sisters and their families

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 13, 2022
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With housing affordability a major issue for most Australians, many people are choosing to downsize or think outside the box when it comes to their living arrangements. Located in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, and designed and built by Futureflip, today’s story is a lovely example of the latter.

With sky-high property prices in Sydney, sisters Alexandra and Gemma began exploring the idea of duplex living with both having families of their own to house. Not only did joining forces increase their buying power but they both realised that a duplex living arrangement was an opportunity to create family memories together while living side by side.

Following council refusal of a design by an alternative designer, the sisters approached Futureflip with a brief to create two four-bedroom family homes with a contemporary box-modern façade and pools on either side. Armed with a relatively modest budget, the sisters were able to create their forever homes with all the modern conveniences as well as high ceilings and oversized windows to ensure they were light-filled too.

“The block was challenging to maximise the land to its full potential. We had a tight build size of 374 square metres with a significant downward slope that faced into the western sun. The incline presented us with both design and engineering challenges as we had to consider the driveway grade and building height restrictions,” says Futureflip director Neil Hipwell who considered elevating the duplex but abandoned that idea due to cost and a potential reduction in privacy.

Three types of James Hardie external cladding were used on the outside of the homes (Fine Texture Cladding, Linea weatherboards and Axon cladding) and uniform paint was used to create cohesion.

“Clients like Alexandra and Gemma are a perfect example of how communities and families can stay together; they are encouraging designers to think outside the box and consider architectural solutions that can make this happen. If the last few years has taught us anything, spending time with family is invaluable and, in this case, a sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.”

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An architect’s Melbourne apartment reno & expert advice

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 7, 2022
2 Comments on An architect’s Melbourne apartment reno & expert advice

Nestled inside a mid-century Melbourne apartment block, this home was given a sensitive restoration recently with architect Bonnie Mills at the helm. Home to Bonnie, her partner Ashley Raggett, toddler Sonny Raggett and the family dog Teddy, the home combines natural stone, terrazzo and walnut timber in a nod to the apartment’s heritage.

“The whole aesthetic is a link back to the mid-century origins of the apartment – certainly the walnut timber, terrazzo and the square tiles in the kitchen,” says Bonnie, who has furnished the home with a mix of modern and vintage furniture finds as well as mid-century inspired lighting.

Completed over a two-year period, (while Bonnie was pregnant and nursing a newborn no less!) the process started in the bathroom where there was originally a freestanding washing machine sitting beside the vanity. Conveniently, Bonnie’s partner Ashley is a plumber (The Peoples’ Plumber) and thus was able to undertake this work himself. “Ashley did all the plumbing work and we now have a European laundry inside the bathroom space,” says Bonnie of the bathroom that features square tiles from Artedomus as well as terrazzo sourced from Signorino. A highlight of the home, a skylight completes the sanctuary-like space.

“We were priced into an apartment and don’t have a garden, so we wanted to bring the outside in in any way possible and to make it feel as house-like as possible. The skylight creates a space for solitary bliss. I like to look up at the stars and have that quiet space in the home,” says Bonnie.

The kitchen renovation began after the bathroom was finished, with the removal of a wall requiring engineering and building permits. “It was worth it though as the old kitchen was completely cut off and there was a lot of disconnect between the spaces,” says Bonnie. Zellige-style tiles from Tiento Tiles as well as natural stone from Signorino are paired with walnut timber accents in the kitchen. “The stone is Venato Forte and it reminds me of the dappled light and reflection on the wall that we get through the kitchen window,” says Bonnie.

Nearby, the dining room features corner bench seating which is full to the brim with Sonny’s toys. “The bench seating was one of the best buys as it helps to conceal all of his things,” says Bonnie. It’s also a lovely, light-filled spot to enjoy breakfast in the mornings.

Bonnie’s top tips for renovating

If you can help it, don’t live in the home while renovating. “In hindsight I should have waited for everything to be done before moving in. There are efficiencies in doing it all at once rather than calling trades back several times,” says Bonnie.
Find good quality trades. “When we went cheap, we paid twice as you end up getting people back to fix things if they aren’t done properly the first time,” says Bonnie.
Spend as much time as possible in the planning phase so that you have fewer decisions to make on site.
Try to renovate to a building’s context or architecture rather than to what you have seen online. “Design to the context. This creates something timeless with purpose rather than just following trends,” says Bonnie who warns against getting stuck in a Pinterest loop during the design phase.
When it comes to materials, think about sustainability and the lifespan of a product. “Products like natural stone and terrazzo are often overlooked due to cost. But a lot of the time they are a more efficient choice in the long run. For example, if you chip or burn natural stone you can sand it back and reseal it, so it’s got a much longer life expectancy,” says Bonnie.

Photography: Elise Scott: Styling: Studio George

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Stylish downsizer: Statement brick and timber star in new build

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 1, 2022
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Located in New South Wales’ Warners Bay, this mid-century inspired home has proven the perfect downsizer for a couple who were looking for a low-maintenance alternative to their former large family home. Designed by architect Daniel Bush of SD Architects, the home was awarded the HIA-CSR Custom Built Home award for the Hunter Region of NSW in 2021 and was a finalist in the national category for 2022.

“The house is set in a fairly typical subdivision, and they wanted to differentiate themselves from the homes around them,” says Daniel Bush, lead architect at SD Architects, who worked on the home that features a variety of contemporary materials and finishes both inside and out.

With a view to complementing the streetscape, the home’s owners chose an interesting recycled-look brick exterior. Inspired by the industrial aesthetic of New York’s Tribeca neighbourhood, the PGH Manhattan range of bricks are paired with vertical and angled timber and black cladding and draw the eye from the street.

Inside, the mixed materials palette continues with feature bricks in the living area offset by warm timber accents and white Gyprock Plus plasterboard walls. The open plan living area includes a cleverly designed kitchen that fits seamlessly into the light-filled lower floor living space; it connects to both the indoor and outdoor dining areas and swimming pool.

And while not a large home, the bedrooms are generously proportioned – the upstairs adults’ retreat is a case in point with its open ensuite and secret walk-in robe. The home has two more bedrooms, both designed for the owners’ adult children for when they come to stay.

Photography: Jacobs Photography

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1970’s Melbourne home transformed to take in the landscape

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date August 25, 2022
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Today’s before and after is a bit of a wild one. The original 1970s era home was so overgrown that we can’t even show you how it used to look from the street! “Someone was living in the home when we bought it, but I didn’t think it was very liveable,” says the home’s architect and developer Taeler Jordan of FTLO Design who is also part of the DevelopHer collective. “The concept was to retain as much of the existing structure as possible, the new home plunging itself into the existing 1970’s structure,” says Taeler.

Located on a bushy 1100 square metre block in the Melbourne suburb of Research, the original home, rather incredibly, had no connection to the landscape. “Subsequently, a lot of the home’s new design was centred around framing the home’s bush views,” says Taeler who chose a muted colour palette and black picture frame windows to draw the eyes outside from every room. “The windows were very intentionally designed and are a massive element of the home,” says Taeler.

And while originally planning to maintain as much of the home as possible, Taeler and her building team had to change tack during the first week of construction. “We were planning on keeping a lot of the brickwork but when we started work on the home a lot of the walls fell over,” says Taeler who cleaned said bricks and used them to build the home’s new garage.

Design revisions aside, Taeler ended up retaining the home’s walls and roof structure but completely gutted the home internally – she turned a dingy three-bedroom, one-bathroom home into a four-bedroom, two-bathroom light-filled abode. “The existing roofline remains, as do the original raked ceilings in each room,” says Taeler.

Custom designed, handmade timber details feature throughout from the home’s sleek bathroom joinery to its kitchen shelving and custom island bench. The kitchen features a natural stone kitchen benchtop paired with Tasmanian oak and a Beacon Lighting pendant light. “The intent was to create a very subtle nod to the Alister Knox homes that the area is best known for,” says Taeler.

The topography of the site also presented its own challenges. The original home was accessed through the front door and had no connection to the surrounding landscape at all – hard to believe given Australia’s collective obsession with bringing the outdoors in.

The living, dining and kitchen area were dropped to connect the spaces to the backyard – tiered decking and an above-ground pool further minimise the effects of the slope. “The house explores the seamless transition between the inside and out. The living opens out to an outdoor dining space where, sitting up in the tree tops, it overlooks the lush garden below.”

Photography: Spacecraft

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An architect’s wabi-sabi inspired home in inner-city Melbourne

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date August 10, 2022
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Titled ‘Wabi Sabi House’ (after the Japanese aesthetic that celebrates the beauty of nature’s imperfections), this Melbourne home combines Japanese and mid-century modern architecture for a sanctuary-like feel. Located close to Melbourne’s Hawthorn, the stunning abode is adjacent to a leafy park, overlooks the Yarra River and is brimming with rich layers of materiality.

Planned over a five-year period, architect Stuart Holmes and his wife have created a tranquil home that melds seamlessly with its natural surrounds. “There is a limited palette of materials which has been used according to a reasonably strict set of design rules. The cohesiveness this has created can be immediately experienced without having to be understood,” says Stuart.

Stuart worked with Finnes Building Group to complete the project which is set across three levels and replaces the remaining half of a 1930s duplex. The expansive home is comprised of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, a study, laundry and, in homage to Holmes’ love of Finland and its traditions, the residence also includes a plunge pool and sauna.

The exterior features a textural material palette that includes natural grey concrete breeze blocks and ‘shou sugi ban’ charred timber cladding. Both materials complement the home’s custom-made internal cement features and Big River Group spotted gum timber flooring and wall panels.

“The visually cool and patinaed exterior contrasts with the warmth of the spotted gum inside. This is a deliberate wabi-sabi reference to the shedding bark of nearby river red gum trees, which is rough and weathered outside and rich and warm inside,” says Stuart.

The internal timber walls and joinery add warmth to the home while being a standout feature of the residence – not only do they complement the grey exterior elements and cement interior features, but the natural colours of the timber connect visually with the changing colours of the surrounding landscape outside.

Photography: Derek Swalwell

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European vibes: California bungalow reno embraces natural light

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 28, 2022
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Home to a young couple, who have just returned from the UK with a baby on the way, this gorgeous newly renovated home has a decidedly European feel despite its Melbourne locale. A refined renovation of an existing Californian Bungalow, the home’s original architectural details have been preserved with the new light-filled extension makes it ideal for a growing family.

“The couple were previously living in the UK and wanted to return to their antipodean roots, embrace the natural light they had missed in London, and make it the heart of the home,” says the couple’s friend and interior designer Ryan Fernandes who worked alongside architect Angela Prince on the Bentleigh home that was built by Construct Melbourne.

The original home’s labyrinth-style layout was replaced with one with much greater functionality. And while the couple favoured clean lines, they were after a relaxed, classic feel with a twist – a palette of blues, greys and whites feature alongside pops of red. Blackbutt timber floors and polished nickel fixtures complement the home’s traditional-style entrance and ornate heritage ceiling while the interior styling includes Danish design pieces alongside antique fabrics.

A standout space, the kitchen features handmade Moroccan tiling and white shaker-style joinery paired with a black range cooker. Nearby, a built-in custom bar works to merge the kitchen and living spaces – it gets plenty of use after dark.

The kitchen has a concealed bar — The kitchen has a cleverly concealed bar

One of the loveliest aspects of the home, pops of green that can be seen from several of the rooms. The living area looks onto a wall of greenery enjoyed alongside a homely gas log fireplace and sophisticated wall sconces. Nearby, the bathroom features rich blue tiles as well a freestanding Victorian claw foot bath – a timeless design that makes the space.

Overall, the final design successfully preserves the home’s lovely historical features while feeling thoroughly modern throughout. And it’s all the more impressive when you consider the home is nestled amid apartment buildings and flats.

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Photography: Elise Scott

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A daring picket-fence inspired extension in Melbourne

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 26, 2022
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When it comes to renovating heritage homes the ‘black box’ addition has become an almost ubiquitous feature of the urban landscape which is why this white beauty caught our eye this week. The work of Austin Maynard Architects, the home is in Melbourne’s Northcote and has been dubbed ‘Picket House’ in homage to the fence that surrounds it and the design that clads it.

Located on the top of a hill, Picket House was originally a run-down Edwardian timber home with a wonky 1970’s era lean-to at the back. The old part of the house has been re-roofed and internally upgraded and now houses three bedrooms, a study and a bathroom.

The new addition has living, dining and kitchen spaces in an open-play layout as well as a pantry, powder room and laundry. “The living area is double height to maximise light and volume. The house has been converted into a delightful family home filled with warmth, volume and light,” says Andrew Maynard of Austin Maynard Architects.

Home to professional chefs Zoe and Merez, and their two young children, the new abode is fabulously family friendly. The first floor has a multi-functional open space (currently used as a playroom) with a walkway out to an external deck. “Initially the owners had one specific renovation goal – they wanted a deck at the back of their house,” says Andrew who explains that the unsalvageable 70’s lean-to was cleared to make space for the extension.

“In the 1980s white picket fences enjoyed a revival as new urbanist developers sought to entice potential residents with a sense of safety and security. You can see through a picket fence, you can have a conversation through it, unlike a brick wall, a picket fence allows for friendly, neighbourly interaction,” says Andrew. And as the design progressed, the picket fence motif became the external cladding too.

The staircase connects the home's many levels — The staircase connects the home’s many levels

Upper deck — The top floor houses an open plan space currently used as a playroom

And in contrast to the extension’s all-white exterior, the interior of the new abode is fabulously colourful and combines a variety of pieces that the owners had collected over the years – furniture, art and old Danish light fittings add to the stylish milieu.

“The owners of Picket House have great taste and were wonderfully bold in their choices of colours and finishes. Within the new addition a rich palette of materials and textures including brass detailing, mirror, terrazzo, a timber ceiling, polished concrete, deep navy cabinetry and wall finish create warmth, personality and character to the ground floor living space.”