A delicious breakfast bowl packed with nutrition, this sweet potato bowl only takes 15 minutes to make.
200 g sweet potato (approximately half a medium sweet potato)
1 tsp salted butter
1 egg
3 stalks of broccolini
2 handfuls baby spinach
Chilli flakes (to serve)
Peel sweet potatoes and dice into large cubes. Bring a saucepan of water to the boil with a pinch of salt.
Add sweet potato and allow to boil for 10 minutes or until soft and cooked through.
Meanwhile place broccolini in a microwave safe dish with a dash of water. Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute. Add spinach leaves and return to the microwave to steam for a further 1 minute. Drain and season with salt and pepper.
Poach, boil or fry your egg in a pan until cooked to liking.
Drain sweet potato and add butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Place sweet potato into a bowl and top with greens and egg. Sprinkle with chilli flakes.
This Green Breakfast (poached eggs, avocado, spinach, green sauce and toast) is by Naomi Lowry, head chef at Culina et Vinum in Elizabeth Bay, Sydney. Ingredients Salsa Verde: Blend together:…
A sweet tropical take on our favourite Aussie snack.
Cake
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
1 ¼ cup caster sugar
2 tsp vanilla essence
300 ml pure cream
2 cups self-raising flour
1 cup mango (sliced)
Icing
1 cup milk
250 g white chocolate (chopped)
5 cups icing sugar
5-6 cups shredded coconut (toasted)
Place wire rack on shelf 2 and preheat oven to 180° fancforced.
Grease and line a 30cm x 20cm lamington pan.
Combine eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Using a balloon whisk, mix together until well combined and mixture is creamy.
Add the cream and whisk again until thoroughly combined.
Sift the flour over the mixture and fold gently to form a smooth batter. Fold in the mango. Pour the mixture into prepared pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until cake is cooked when tested with a skewer. Allow to cool then cut cake into 24 pieces.
Make the icing by placing the milk and chocolate in a saucepan over a low heat or induction level 3 and cook stirring occasionally until chocolate has melted. Sift the icing sugar into a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Pour in the chocolate mixture and mix until smooth making sure there are no lumps of icing sugar.
Coat the cake pieces in the white chocolate icing then toss in toasted coconut.
The Riviera by Metricon has been crowned as the Display Home of The Year in the 2021 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards, confirming its status as officially the best display home in Australia. Let’s take a look at why!
The Riviera design has now won an incredible nine awards nationally, with its opulence, functionality, and carefully considered detail proving to deliver the ultimate lifestyle home. It has really upped the ante for volume builders and impressed judges across the country.
“The Riviera is really a breakthrough home, setting new standards for volume building design,” says Adrian Popple, the design director of Metricon. “For me to sit down and get creative and design something completely different was exciting. To see it hit the ground and know that families all around Australia are loving it, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
The Riviera is a great example of well-designed, luxurious living that is smartly planned to make the most of an indoor/outdoor lifestyle.
With a ground floor dedicated to entertainment and lifestyle, the expansive open plan kitchen, which includes a butler’s pantry and a wet bar that overlooks the large dining room, is situated at the heart of the home. Beyond the dining room is the extra-large alfresco entertaining space, that is separated by doors that can be completely opened to create a seamless integration between the indoors and the outdoors.
On the first floor there is an extravagant master suite with a private balcony, ensuite and large walk-in-robe; a media room; and three other bedrooms all with their own ensuite and walk-in robes.
This smart design balances an abundance of space and options for the family to entertain large groups, along with allowing spaces for family members to retreat and for private downtime.
Is this the best house in Australia? Houses Awards 2020 announced!
A humble beachside restoration in the Gold Coast suburbs has been awarded the 2020 Australian House of the Year. Chosen by a panel of industry experts, Cantala Avenue House by…
Textured concrete basins, accessories inspired by ancient Greek architecture and Dolce and Gabbana‘s latest SMEG collaboration, this latest bathroom and kitchen looks are an eclectic bunch.
Concrete Nation RAW collection: Comprised of three new textured basins (Cosa, Terra and Milos), in three custom earth-toned colours (clay, oyster and stone), the latest Concrete Nation collection is inspired by the pandemic.
“If this year has taught us anything, it is that we have a strong desire to connect to nature and that our interiors should be serene, layered and warm spaces we can retreat to in a fast-paced digital world. As a result, there really is a renewed appreciation for, and a return to, thoughtful design and craftsmanship. This collection is the antithesis of polished man-made surfaces and cookie-cutter pieces,” says Concrete Nation co-founder Kate Lett. From $890.
The RAW basins are handcrafted to showcase architectural concrete in is raw, natural form.
Greg Natale Hellenica bathroom accessories: Informed by ancient Greek architecture, Greg Natale’s latest bathroom accessories celebrate linearity and geometry with a design that references the concentric square ceiling coffers that adorned the Acropolis. The range includes a gloss white tray, soap pump (brass or silver top) and storage jar. The Hellenica collection complements the designer’s gorgeous Astoria towel range. From $15.
The Hellenica collectionThe Astoria towels
Scarabeo Cross Collection: Available locally at Paco Jaanson, this bathroom basin and washstand collection has a furniture-like feel. The customisable collection features a choice of light or dark wood legs and the ceramic top and inserts are available in nine finishes. A small, matching table and a range of coordinating accessories complete the look.
Reece: The latest Three Birds Renovations project, the Contemporary Cottage features a stylish master bathroom and ensuite kitted out in Reece wares. A standout piece, the Kado Neue Arc mirror shaving cabinet is a rather gorgeous piece that features on-trend curves and plenty of storage too.
These Kit Kat tiles look fabulous with orange grout.
The Kado Lussi thin edge freestanding bath is paired with the Milli Pure floor mounted bath mixer tap
Schots Selina collection: Inspired by the brand’s Calissa collection, the new Selina range of wall hung vanities feature statement-making vertical linear detail. The range comes in solid wood and stone, and is available in both natural oak and dark oak finishes. From $1529.
Samsung French Door fridge: Samsung’s new French Door refrigerator has many features including storage designed to keep food fresher for longer, a beverage are that includes an internal water and ice dispenser (with quick access to drinks for easy entertaining), and anti-bacterial handles for improved hygiene. From $1799.
Smeg Divina Cucina Collection: Another collaboration with iconic Italian designers Dolce and Gabbana, this range was originally launched over four years ago (with 100 Fab28 fridges), but now features a range hood and freestanding cooker too. The opposite of understated, the multi-coloured design features citrus fruits, bright red cherries and golden yellow lemons – a nod to the duo’s beloved Sicily. From $5000.
When Yiwen Ling bought her home recently, she loathed the kitchen’s green tiles, but her budget didn’t stretch to a complete renovation. And after exploring many reno options including spraying…
“We were constantly on the hunt for safe, affordable, toxic-free cleaning products that would not only make our home smell naturally fabulous but would actually work. We felt our sons, and pets, shouldn’t have to hold their breath in order to avoid absorbing chemicals every time we cleaned the family home,” says Jess Bragdon who, with this in mind, co-founded the Australian cleaning product brand Koala Eco.
Koala Eco founders Jess Bragdon and Paul Davidson
Launched in 2017, with the help of her co-founder husband Paul Davidson, the brand now boasts over 800 stockists across multiple countries with a US expansion next on the list. Not bad for a little Aussie start-up!
Made in Australia, Jess worked with a Sydney lab and chemists to formulate and develop the product line-up which encompasses everything from kitchen and floor cleaner to hand sanitiser, vegetable wash, bamboo cleaning brushes and more. Importantly, the range has been independently lab-tested and proven to have the capacity to kill 99.99 per cent of germs, viruses and bacteria which is obviously very important in times like these.
Packaged in 100 percent post-consumer-recycled plastic bottles, the products are free of synthetic fragrance and colouring, allergens and irritants and draw on the medicinal and therapeutic properties of Australian native plants. “Species such as eucalyptus, lemon myrtle and peppermint have natural antiseptic and astringent qualities and have been harvested for millennia by Australia’s Indigenous people,” says Jess.
Essential oils are derived from the bark and leaves of native Australian trees and plants like Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon Scented Iron Bark, Lemon Myrtle, peppermint, lavender and rosemary. “We also use essential oil extracted from the peel of citrus species like grapefruit and mandarin.”
A personal favourite of mine, this product smells amazing!
“For example, Eucalyptus Australiana (which we use in our Stainless Steel + Chrome Cleaner) is a great antiseptic, while Mentha Piperata (Peppermint) is a natural insect repellent which is why we put it in our Glass + Window Cleaner, as well as several other products in our range. To these essential oils we add ingredients like vinegar, sugar-based biodegradable alcohol and bicarbonate soda, plant-derived solubilisers and surfactants, and purified water,” says Jess.
And aside from smelling fabulous, the products look rather gorgeous too which is no doubt due to Jess’ background. She once ran a floral design business with her twin sister Adrienne (in her native US), before meeting her Australian husband in New York City and making the move down under.
“Initially I lived in Perth where I worked at the cultural organisation FORM. I had the privilege of working with many designers, and also collecting some of their work,” says Jess who put her design eye to good use when creating the brand’s beautiful labels.
But in the biggest coup for the brand to date, it’s expanding into the US this year with a Californian office currently in set-up phase. “It’s been an ambition of ours from the beginning and the US business will run on the same principles as the Australian operation, with mail order and in stores too.” Jess will continue to develop new products from the couple’s Sydney base.
“The pandemic this year has made all of us realise good hygiene means so much more than cleanliness; it’s a way of helping to prevent spread of germs. When we clean and care for our homes with products made from natural ingredients, it’s a form of self-care that impacts not only on our physical, but also mental health.”
Jess’ best DIY home cleaning tips
Olive or coconut oil and lemon on an old cloth for polishing wooden furniture is a great natural option, and easily accessible from the pantry.
A few drops of essential oil in the bathroom sink, tub or toilet gives it a fresh aroma – try mandarin or eucalyptus.
Add old citrus peels to vinegar, baking soda and water for a natural cleaner for bench tops that is safe for your family.
While COVID-induced lockdown is slowly easing across the country, the time we’ve all been spending at home has given rise to a greater focus on keeping our living spaces healthy…
Lovers of European-inspired stained wood flooring can now get the look with home-grown Australian hardwood species. The new contemporary stained range from Boral is a first of its kind, featuring local (and certified sustainable) Blackbutt and Spotted Gum timbers.
High quality, and easy to install, the metallon boards are inspired by the aesthetics of precious metals, transforming the earthy beauty of Australian hardwoods into the colours of Copper, Tungsten, Pewter, Cobalt and Titanium.
“Stained engineered floors are extremely popular and when matched with the natural beauty of Australian species, prove to be a versatile and multi-dimensional timber flooring solution that aligns with evolving Australian architecture and design trends,” said Leon Travis, national sales and distribution manager at Boral Timber.
Using the click-lock installation system, the hard-wearing Blackbutt and Spotted Gum boards are pre-finished for minimal fuss and mess. The boards can be sanded back for a more natural finish or re-stained.
Prices start at $114.38 per m2 (not including installation). Click here for more info.
Australian homewares brand Linen House have curated an exciting mix of prints, colours and textiles to have your bedroom looking — and feeling — warm this winter! As if we need a reason to change up our bedrooms (with the bed being the hero), the colder weather certainly sounds plausible. It’s only right and practical to warm things up for winter, right?! The hardest part will be which to pick from the diverse and striking range Linen House have come up with for this season.
“The Winter 2016 collection was fashioned to mark a return to all things retro in a fun, modern way. The range embraces the dark palette that we’ve naturally come to expect of winter, but constantly surprises with pops of vibrancy in both colour and fabric composition,” says head of design, Sue Morris.
Several key trends on our radar can be found in the new collections, including faux fur, velvet, cord and mustard yellow.
True to their reputation for providing a diverse range of designs for all ages and tastes, choose from versatile neutrals, soft pastels, deep blues, standout mustard and wintery shades of wine. You’ll also find the ever popular blush, classic emerald, several shades of grey, teal, wine, black, citron and gold. There’s no one size fits all here!
Patterns range from retro tartans and checks to Navajo prints and contemporary geometrics. Or if you love plain linen, like me, preferring to add interest with your cushions and throws, you’re covered too!
And because what your linen feels like is just as important as what it looks like, especially when it’s chilly, you can choose from, or mix, tone-washed cotton, premium cotton corduroy, shearling trims, decadent cotton velvet and brushed cotton flannelette.
Bedding aside, there are polished copper, marble and ceramic bathroom accessories, patterned and plain bath towels, quilted velvet (we can’t get enough!) and linen cushions, shaggy faux fur throws (we love the blush pink version) and cushions, cotton knit blankets and handmade spun jute rugs.
https://youtu.be/diAGFly5Bj4
Linen House is an Australian-owned family business founded in Melbourne in 1993.
Available at leading retailers and department stores nationally and online.
MELBOURNE WAREHOUSE SALE
If you are lucky enough to be in Melbourne, Linen House are also having a big warehouse sale this weekend. With up to 80% off discontinued stock from Linen House, Aura Home, Alex Perry, Hiccups for Kids and more!
For most of us, the thought of designing or renovating a new home can be extremely daunting. But relax. The good news is there are lots more good stories than bad and it doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience.
Billabong Houses by Julian Rutt Lumen Studio
Archicentre, the building design, inspection and advice service of The Australian Institute of Architects is a great place to start and offers useful advice and design packages for anyone building, renovating or restoring their home.
Whether you’re planning to renovate, build your dream home, buy an investment property, or undertake a dual occupancy development or townhouse, Archicentre’s fixed price, introductory Design Services are a great online tool.
Billabong Houses by Julian Rutt Lumen Studio
No matter how big or small the project, the site will help you balance what’s possible against what’s desired, establish the project budget, offer advice to secure development approvals, help with your selection of builders, look at any issues with quality control and construction, assist with the design and more.
McSteen Tan Architects. Photo credit: Yvonne Qumi
Archicentre literally offers a direct line to a qualified architect, so you know you are getting independent and professional advice before you sign on the dotted line. In many cases you can also arrange to meet the architect onsite who can offer on the spot design potential and advise with quick turn around solutions.
This amazingly cost-effective service can help you to better understand your options, add value to your existing or new home and help you avoid over capitalising your project. A qualified architect will consider your lifestyle, budgetary concerns, sustainable design options, whether to renovate up, out or both and development alternatives including setting realistic project time lines.
Billabong Houses by Julian Rutt Lumen Studio
As part of this package you will also receive a report that summarises the discussion and includes floor plans, sketches and cost indications so that you can assess the feasibility of your ideas before committing time, energy and money.
Melburnians listen up! Archicentre are offering an informative and casual renovation workshop where you can gain valuable knowledge about the renovation process including financial advice. The workshop includes one-on-one time with experienced architects, so bring your renovation plans or photos of your house and receive free advice on your renovation project.
If you’re anything like me, you love beautifully scented personal hygiene products, but cringe when you flip them over only to find Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulphate staring back at you amongst the rest of the dreadfully long list of dubious ingredients.
Luckily for us, Australian made and owned Bondi Wash is different. And they’ve released a new hand sanitiser (Jen’s tried it and it’s now a staple in Sebastian’s nursery for between nappy changes!) and signature scent just in time for the warmer seasons.
Available in Tasmanian Pepper & Lavender, Sydney Peppermint & Rosemary, and Lemon Tea Tree & Mandarin, the antibacterial hand spray kills 99.9% of germs and contains only a smidgen of alcohol. It’s not a gel (gel sanitisers can be pretty sticky and gross) and has a unique spray function, which means it can also be used on hard surfaces.
The limited edition Fragonia & Sandalwood is an antibacterial bush oil with delicate floral notes, blended with oils such as ginger and patchouli for a calming, natural scent. It comes in a hand wash, mist spray and 100g mini soap bar.
These products not only smell great, but they’re also plant-based, non-toxic, biodegradable, free from nasty ingredients, and even come in décor-worthy bottles. Bondi Wash, you’re spoiling us.
Other products include a body wash, mist spray, bench spray and there’s even a range for dogs. Check them out online.
I’d put money on NONE of you being as big of a bath fan as me, but I’m sure there are some other lovers of a long soak out there, especially in this weather. To celebrate their new bath range, our friends at Anise Skincare are giving two lucky readers the chance to win a pack worth $159 containing bath milk, bath salts and bath foam.
I’ve tried Anise products myself and they’re gorgeous, as well as looking great in the bathroom with their minimalist amber glass packaging. My favourite is the Cardamom and Vanilla Bath Mill. Add a couple of spoons of the powder to your bath to make it smell just like a chai latte! Yum!
Produced in Australia from the finest, pure ingredients and botanical essences, Anise Botanical Skincare contains no artificial fragrances, parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals, pesticide or herbicide residues, synthetic preservatives, fillers or whiteners. Designed for a modern Australian lifestyle, they aim for their products to be as beautiful in your home as they are on your skin.
To enter, complete the form below by 5pm Sydney time on Friday 24 July 2015.
Copper, foil typography, letterpress, fun with words; they’re all things I LOVE, so I’m a fan of these new limited edition prints from stationery brand Inky Co. and we have a set of four to give away to one lucky reader.
Inky Co. is an Australian stationery and gift wrapping online store, established in 2011 by three graphic designers (mum and daughter) Chloe and Carolyn, and Sarah. Inky Co. operate in a colourful creative space in Melbourne, where their sketch pads are currently open to pages of reindeers and snowflakes as they are in full Christmas preparation mode!
All papers and prints are designed and manufactured in Australia using 100% green energy and environmentally friendly materials. These new prints are foiled on a 1961 Heidelberg Windmill Platen letterpress using beautiful gold and copper foil. Each print is lovingly presented in a clear sleeve with cardboard backing and hand numbered. While designed to be unique and fun, they also keep practicality in mind, so they fit a standard frame size and will suit a wide range of interiors.
There’s a limited run of 50 of each design, making them a great starter piece to a collection.
The Inky Co team are passionate about interiors and hope to continue to expand upon this collection with new typographic prints and art already in the works.
WIN
To be in with a chance of winning one of each of the four limited edition prints, complete the form below by 6pm Sydney time on Friday 26 June 2015.
Last month, Shelley Boyd, founding director of leading Australian interiors wholesaler Boyd Blue, ventured to North India for her annual 10-day trip with employees Georgia Anderson and Elizabeth Hemlin. They visited the artisans and factories producing the handcrafted exclusive collections for Shelley’s own Boyd brand and to source customised hand-knotted rugs and product for Boyd’s 2016 catalogue. They also managed to squeeze in a trip to the majestic Amber Fort and a celebration with their local friends at the exquisite Bar Palladio.
In Shelley’s own words:
“The buying trips to India are always deeply inspiring and moving and I am, and have been for many years, passionately in love with the place. It is such a wonderful and diverse destination, filled with colour, magic and greatly talented craftsman. Whilst exhilarating, it can also be a frightening and physically demanding experience. The days are long with vast distances travelled on pretty horrible roads with drivers who have a different interpretation of “safe” to those of us in the western world. Couple this with sometimes uncomfortable conditions and the chance of a tummy upset and you can see why the journey is always what you would call up and down.
That said, the spirit of the Indian people and their constant optimism in the face of adversity certainly puts things into perspective.
Our trip this time was primarily to source traditional rug makers for Boyd’s new hand-knotted range, to view prototypes for some very special product for our 2016 catalogue, and to catch up with our key artisans, some of whom we have been working with for close to a decade.
As part of this process, we based ourselves in Jaipur and visited a handicrafts trade fair to help source new handmade product for our collections. This involved hours of trawling through stands, looking at product and talking to craftsmen. Some of what we saw was exquisite and some was what I would describe as less than inspiring! As part of this visit I have been able to hand pick unique and globally themed pieces for our clients, which will be available in our 2016 catalogue. We are very excited about what we found; gorgeous new hurricanes in glass, leather and rope, nautical accessories and fabulous timber and glass pendants.
While staying in Jaipur, we visited my all time favourite entertainment spot, Bar Palladio, with our dear Indian friends. The interior decor here reflects serious style and the attention to detail is breathtaking. The finely hand painted murals and enormous hand carved marble bar sit alongside an absolutely beautiful garden setting, and it was the perfect place to say thank you to our valued Indian suppliers. Catching up with the artisans we have worked with for so many years in Jaipur and continuing to nurture these relationships really makes my heart sing as we have worked long and hard to find the best India has to offer and are so grateful for these connections. On a previous trip, I had the privilege of sharing a fine meal with one of my longest standing suppliers in the private dining room of the Amber Fort. I was pretty thrilled to learn the last guest to entertained in this private room before me was Richard Gere!
A key highlight of this journey was the discovery of a wonderful group of craftsman in Bhadohi, a small rug-making village two hours out of Varanasi. The rugs are of superior quality and their makers use ancient techniques. We were so moved watching them cycle past us on their push bikes towing wagons filled with absolutely beautiful rugs. The Boyd Blue team and I are really excited to bring these rugs to Australia exclusively for our clients and are also really excited about what will be on offer through our 2016 catalogue.
All items will be available through interior designers and as one off retail purchases from our showrooms throughout Australia for Interiors Addict readers. We look forward to sharing this trip and others with you via Interiors Addict and our Facebook and Instagram.”
If you’d like the opportunity to buy from Boyd Blue’s latest collection, usually reserved for trade and wholesale customers only, please call your closest showroom and mention Interiors Addict:
A stylish Country Roadcafé near the beach, where you can also shop. Sounds like an interiors addict’s dream, right?! Now if only I lived in Victoria…
Iconic Aussie brand Country Road are redefining traditional retail with the launch of their new full lifestyle concept in Sorrento, VIC, at the historic post office building in the main street.
Combining a café, retail space and surrounding gardens, the new store celebrates the heritage of the local landmark. Mixing old with new, the light and pared back palette of the interior is a refreshing backdrop to compliment the Woman, Man, Child and Home collections.
“Our Sorrento store has been designed to feel as though you have stepped into a family home. Each room has its own character and with the addition of a café and gardens, we have created a real life expression of Country Road,” says managing director, Sophie Holt.
Large, metal-framed windows allow natural light to fill the store where the Country Road Woman and Man collections make a statement amidst exposed timber beams, textured brickwork and a polished concrete floor. The spirit of Country Road Child comes to life with pieces displayed on timber tables and bench seats akin to a classic schoolroom. As you walk through Country Road Home, the space organically flows into the café and onto the terrace, connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The café at Country Road Sorrento will be known as Post 3943 and is a collaboration with local organic café The Sisters. Surrounding gardens include a vegetable patch which will supply home-grown herbs and fresh produce to the café daily.
Country Road Sorrento is located at 10-16 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento, VIC. Open daily, 10am to 4pm.
If ever a country’s lifestyle demanded a quick-dry towel, it was Australia’s, and premium home and lifestyle brand Sheridan have come to the rescue!
There’ll be no more damp and soggy thanks to its brand new Quick Dry Luxury Towel, featuring exclusive Nanospun technology. What’s that when it’s at home? It’s the latest innovation in towel craftmanship, developed following an extensive period of development and testing. And don’t worry, it doesn’t mean sacrificing a quality look and feel for something wafer thin either.
I think I’d better buy some because my husband is always telling me off for not hanging towels up properly so they don’t dry. I know, role reversal or what?!
This new technology spins extremely fine cotton yarns, allowing for a higher density weave with an incredibly lightweight feel. The result is a highly absorbent and exceptionally quick drying, lightweight towel with a luxuriously soft and plush feel, crafted for long lasting luxury.
“As the global market leader for towel innovation, we are proud to reveal our Quick Dry Luxury Towel Collection, incorporating the latest in technology and innovation. Saving time and energy, this towel is perfect for an active Australian lifestyle, and ideal for the whole family,” says Paul Gould, group general manager, Sheridan.
The collection is available in eight hues: Indigo, Graphite, Barley, Alpine, Silver, Orchid, White and Slate, and features a face washer, hand towel, queen towel, king towel and bath mat (that’s one bathroom item that could really benefit from drying quicker), ranging in price from $17.95-to-$84.95.
What’s more, the Quick Dry Luxury Towel is available for Sheridan’s Personalisation Service. Embroider names, nicknames or initials for just $15 in addition to product price. I love me a monogram!
I’m among kindred spirits here so I feel safe to admit I pick products on the basis of what the packaging looks like. I know you’re not all quite this anal, but I know some of you are; admit it!
Here’s how it works in my bathroom: the shower is glass on two sides. Only good-looking, neutral-coloured products get to live on the glass shelves inside in direct sight of my eyes as I walk into the room. The rest (the more colourful things I buy on account of their actual effectiveness and quality despite them not being matchy-matchy), are on a corner of the shower floor out of view. I know, I’m TERRIBLE! I have issues.) I just hate garish packaging!
Of course, the ideal are toiletries which combine effectiveness, quality and good looks, but I can’t afford everything Aesop, can I?! So I’m loving this new, independent Aussie brand, Anise Botanical Skincare. I also love their no-nonsense, whopping great 1-litre pump-action glass bottles of multi-purpose (shower gel, bath bubbles or hand soap — you choose) wash and cream. And the smell! Even my husband remarked how nice it was, and he just doesn’t notice these things, especially not without prompting! They smell like star anise but without being too strong.
Now, onto the natural credentials, which are important too. My Pommy skin has always been sensitive and I have eczema, so I’m fussy what I put on it. these products are all 100% cruelty free and contain active botanicals. Most are packaged in pharmaceutical-grade amber glass, as many formulations contain a high concentration of active botanical extracts and pure essential oils, and this improves their stability. Glass is also easier and more efficient to recycle. They do not contain parabens, sulphates, nitrates, petro-chemicals, palm oil, bleaches or whiteners, fillers or thinners, synthetic perfumes, synthetics additives, artificial colours or flavours.
The brand was founded by passion over 15 years ago, drawing on Madonna Goot’s Scandinavian roots with its simple, clean lines and minimalist values. “At Anise Botanical Skincare we include only what is needed – and nothing that isn’t,” she says. “Produced in Australia from the finest, pure ingredients and botanical essences, it’s a simple philosophy that is mirrored in our functional glass bottles and matte white labels. Designed for a modern Australian lifestyle, I want my products to be as beautiful in your home as they are on your skin.”
I think she has succeeded. These products aren’t cheap; neither are they expensive, in my opinion, for what they contain (or more importantly, don’t!).
Sydney small business Minosa Design have topped off the year with yet another award to add to their collection; this time for best international project at the UK’s Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards 2014.
They won with their Dover Heights kitchen and bathroom project by Darren Genner and Simona Castagna.
The judges said: “It ticked all the boxes for creativity and bold design. These spaces created by the team at Minosa are incredibly bold and challenge what we feel is normal, the integration of space makes them worthy recipients of this prestige award.”
“We are every excited and amazed to have our work acknowledged outside of Australia,” Darren says. “This was a unique project created for very special clients. Both Simona and I are extremely appreciative of this award and to the clients for following through with Minosa’s creative.”
The awards are run by UK trade magazine Designer Kitchen & Bathroom. Held at the exclusive Thames riverside pop-up events venue Supernova in London’s Embankment Gardens, this year’s event was hosted by British television and radio presenter Georgie Thompson and attended by 400 of the UK kitchen and bathroom industry’s senior figures.
(Inside) magazine has announced the winners of its 2014 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). The 12th annual awards were celebrated in style at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on Friday.
The winners are as follows:
Overall Winner: Kennedy Nolan – St Kilda West House
The judges called this a superb design incorporating Asian architectural themes within a contemporary vernacular. Taking inspiration from the client’s desire for a home that would be expressive, without being formulaic or symbolic, Kennedy Nolan’s design responds with a sensibility that is never literal. The project was also recognised as the winner of the Residential Single category.
Photo by Derek Swalwell
Derek Swalwell
Designer of the Year: Woods Bagot
The judges said Woods Bagot’s contribution of exemplar projects over the past year saw them take home the Designer of the Year title. Presenting work across hospitality, commercial and public space, their exceptional calibre of work is celebrated for its unique and elegant response.
Royal Randwick. Photo by Shannon McGrath
Gold Medal: Chris Connell
The judges said Chris Connell, one of the country’s most highly regarded design figures, took home this year’s most prestigious award, the IDEA Gold Medal, presented to practitioners who have made an enduring contribution to Australian design over the course of their career.
Editors’ Medal: Greg Natale
Greg Natale was named the inaugural winner of the Editors’ Medal. The judges said a designer of extraordinary talent, Natale is both an exemplar and prolific contributor to the Australian interior design milieu. Compounding his work as an interior designer and architect with his firm Greg Natale Design, Natale has also designed a range of rugs, carpets, wallpapers, and furniture this year, while launching his first book, The Tailored Interior, earlier this month.
East Brisbane House. Photo by Anson Smart
Emerging Designer: C+M Studio
The highly regarded Emerging Designer award was this year awarded to C + M Studio, for their inaugural project Manly Penthouse. Their design saw a curved interior room inserted within a modernist shell with the skill and resolution of a mature practice.
Sustainability: Breathe Architects – The Commons
Emerging practice Breathe Architecture received IDEA’s Sustainability award for The Commons, a triple bottom line development that is, uniquely, replicable. Comprising a series of small, but delightful architectural moments, the whole is so much more than the sum of its parts. The project and Breathe Architecture were also recognised as winner of the Residential Multi category.
Event
Winner: NGV + Mathery – Pastello – Draw Act
Highly Commended: Fold Theory – City of Trees
Highly Commended: Justin Architecture – Fallow: Between Abandonment and Rebirth
Hospitality
Winner: DesignOffice – A. Baker
Highly Commended: Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects – Norton Street Cinema
Highly Commended: Elenberg Fraser – Adrian Zumbo Patisserie
Highly Commended: Studio Equator – Whites Dispensary
Workplace Over 1000sqm
Winner: Architectus and Ingenhoven Architects – Sydney Commonwealth Parliament Offices
Highly Commended: CO-AP – Camperdown Childcare
Highly Commended: Intermain – WWF Australia
Workplace Under 1000sqm
Winner: Melbourne Design Studios – Birkenstock Australia HQ
Highly Commended: Alexander &Co. – Calida HQ
Now in their 12th year, (Inside) magazine’s annual Interior Design Excellence Awards IDEA are nationally recognised as the country’s premier independent design awards program. Close to 500 entries were received this year. The 2014 judges were Miriam Fanning from Mim Design; Fiona Dunin from FMD Architects; Trent Jansen; Grant Amon, from Grant Amon Architects; Jon Goulder; Mark Simpson from DesignOffice and the Jury chairs, Inside Magazine’s editors Jan Henderson and Gillian Serisier
If somone in your life loves a sparkling home as much as I do, there are some gorgeous options out there for Christmas gifts, which will be appreciated much more than a vacuum cleaner or a mop, I’m telling you! Even better, these brands are all Aussie (okay, one Kiwi sneaked in!) and the gifts are all under $80.
![LH-Willow-Emerald-QCS-H3-LR[4]](https://staging.theinteriorsaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LH-Willow-Emerald-QCS-H3-LR4-640x853.jpg)
![LH-Tanner-Desert-Sand-QCS-H3-LR[6]](https://staging.theinteriorsaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LH-Tanner-Desert-Sand-QCS-H3-LR6-640x853.jpg)
![LH-Aspen-Magnet-QCS-H1-LR[3]](https://staging.theinteriorsaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LH-Aspen-Magnet-QCS-H1-LR3-640x853.jpg)
![LH-AW16-Willow-Pineapple-Lifestyle-T2-LR[6]](https://staging.theinteriorsaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LH-AW16-Willow-Pineapple-Lifestyle-T2-LR6-640x480.jpg)
![LH-Lark-ALL-THRW-H1-LR[5]](https://staging.theinteriorsaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LH-Lark-ALL-THRW-H1-LR5-640x853.jpg)
