Tag: autumn

Categories
Recipes

Foodie Friday: Vegan persimmon cheesecake

This mouthwatering dessert recipe was provided by persimmon grower Kate Guthrey and Persimmons Australia. They’re in season now and packed with vitamin A and C, perfect for warding off colds during these cooler months. 

Vegan Persimmon Cheesecake

While some may be disappointed to see temperatures dip, the bright side is that it's officially Australian persimmon season! With its vibrant orange colour and honey-like taste, this deliciously sweet fruit will bring a little brightness to the table this autumn.

Filling

  • 450 grams raw cashews
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cup very ripe persimmon flesh (Original or Sweet)
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ⅔ cup coconut oil

Base

  • 310 grams gluten free gingernut biscuits
  • 4 tbsp vegan butter (melted)
  • 2 tbsp 30g coconut oil (melted)

Topping

  • 1 very ripe and soft Original persimmon (pureed)
  • 1-2 firm and crunchy Sweet persimmons (sliced)
  1. Add cashews to a medium bowl and cover with water by a few centimetres. Cover and allow to soak in the refrigerator overnight. Once soaked, remove cashews from the fridge then rinse and drain.

  2. Make the base.

    Grease and line the base and sides of a 23cm springform pan. Place the gingernut biscuits in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely crushed. Add the butter and coconut oil and process until well combined. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and use a spoon to press the mixture firmly over the base. Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.

  3. Make the filling.

    Add all filling ingredients to a food processor or large blender. Blitz for 2-3 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Pour over the prepared gingernut base and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours to set.

  4. When you're ready to eat the cheesecake, take it out of the freezer and remove from the springform tin. Allow the cheesecake to thaw for 45 minutes to 1 hour before serving. Pour over the persimmon puree and garnish with slices of firm Sweet persimmon.

Once thawed, the cheesecake should be stored in the refrigerator until serving.

Dessert
cheesecake, dairy free, gluten free, passionfruit, persimmon, vegan

Foodie Friday: Kanzi Apple Pie Cinnamon Scrolls with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

This wonderful recipe was created by Panaceas Pantry for Kanzi Apples.

Foodie Friday: Layered walnut cake with raspberries & vanilla cream cheese

This recipe was provided to us by Villeroy & Boch.
Categories
Expert Tips

Ward off the blues and make your winter home feel happy

By Alexandra Gapineau

With the loss of daylight saving comes my bad mood. I am not a winter person, I wish I were but I am not.

Every year, I promise myself and my family that I will be different and that I will be embracing it but after a few weeks, it always seems to be getting the better of me. The way I have managed to make the most of is to semi-hibernate, watch an awful lot of Netflix and cook an awful lot of warm satisfying dishes.

I tend to spend a lot more time at home during these months, my desk is strategically placed next to the heater and the window so I get natural light as well as direct warmth.

After a few weeks though, as the days as well as the mood get gloomy , there are ways to brighten up your house and improve your well being in winter. Let me share my winter tips:

1 Have an autumn “spring clean”.
It always works a treat for me, it’s like sport but indoors. I even put some tracksuit pants to do it, I go through every room, every cupboard, bookshelf, drawer and basket.
Nothing too drastic, just taking a few things away, the broken things, the dirty things, the things that really should go. It is amazing in a very short time how much you can improve and lighten up the look of your place. You will feel pleased with yourself, guaranteed.

2 Add a touch of colour.
Anywhere, anything. You can of course go out and buy a new blanket, or new pillow cases, but even a pretty colourful and happy summer photo can do the trick. My work space has some faux flowers to my left and a beautiful blown up photo of my boys on the beach to my right. The next best thing to summer for me.

3 Open the windows and let some light and fresh air in.
I mean every window, it doesn’t have to be for too long but it will absolutely clean the stale air and make any food and winter smell disappear for a little while, then burn your favourite candle, somehow, it always seems to smell better after an airing.

4 Get a plant.
There are super trendy right now and for good reasons. They are gorgeous, clean the air and bring the outdoor indoor. A plant always seem to finish a room to me, it give some depth and add a dimension to a space, maybe the green effect. Not sure, but it works.

5 Sit down, relax, look out the window, read a book, do something that is good for your soul.
This won’t brighten up your house but it will definitely improve your mood and your well being, it will brighten you up. And that is what we too often forget to do. Winter can be a time to reflect a bit, recharge and be ready do it all again in spring.

— Alexandra is the owner of The Roaming Atelier, an interior decorating company that focuses on using the beautiful, sentimental pieces you already have, to make your home as unique as your family.

Read her tips on mixing vintage and new furniture

Check out her beautiful kids’ bedrooms

Categories
Homewares

Terracotta trend 2018: warming up for autumn interiors

Never have Autumn homewares borrowed so literally from the season. Terracotta, clay, burnt orange, cinnamon, ochre and russet – these colours are ubiquitous of late and they’re a lovely antidote to the ever-present cooler toned interior trends.

Kip & Co cinnamon velvet tassel cushion cover: The fringing really sets this bohemian velvet number off. $89.

Kip & Co velvet cushion with fringing

Zakkia terracotta dot vase: Whether displaying flowers or storing kitchen essentials, the dot texture is what makes this terracotta piece super modern. $29.

Zakkia terracotta vase

Urban Road ‘Ochre’ print: This design was inspired by crystals – a strong trend at the minute. Starting from $180.

Urban Road print

Fosani Lighting replica 24cm Xavier Lust pleat box pendant light: Designed to replicate a pleat in a cloth this smart design is made from underglazed red clay. $139.Terracotta pendant light

Lightly floor cushion in rust: Ideal for lazing around on cool Autumn days, this cushion is also available in turmeric, olive and grey colour ways too. $145.

Lightly floor cushion in rust

H & G Designs ‘Hoop’ modular serving bowl in paprika: Perfect for chips and dip. $44.95.H & G Design bowl

I Love Linen ‘Desert Rose’ French linen sheet set: Woven from 100 per cent French flax linen, these statement sheets have a luxurious, lived in vibe. $395 (queen).

I Love Linen Desert Rose bed linen

Kmart terracotta pot with saucer: A modern take on a classic, the white trim and straight sides bring it into the now. $5.
Kmart terracotta pot

Check out the latest autumn inspired paint shades

Categories
RENO ADDICT Styling

5 ways to prepare your home for Autumn and Winter

10 ways to prepare your home for Autumn

We all know how important it is to prepare our homes for the summer months, especially if we live in areas prone to bush fire, but what about as the weather cools down? We might not think much about it but even in the temperate climate in most of Australia, there are still ways we should be preparing for the cooler months, especially if we want to minimise heating costs and stay cosy and warm all winter long.

prepare your home for Autumn and WinterImage source: Heatmaster

5 ways to prepare your home for Autumn and Winter

1. Assess your heating – There’s a good chance you haven’t used your heater, be it electric, gas, reverse cycle or wood fired since last winter meaning that it’s in need of a full inspection and possibly a service. Manufacturers typically recommend that gas appliances be serviced every one to two years with Elgas recommending that a ‘tune up’ just before heating season is ideal, while air conditioners should have their filters checked a couple of times a year, more if using very regularly. Wood burning fires should be checked each season and serviced every one to two years to ensure that parts remain intact and the flue stays clean and clear. Even your basic electric heater should be closely inspected to make sure that all parts and connections are clean and in working oder.

2. Consider your windows – Been meaning to install curtains or blinds in parts of the house? Now is the time to do it. Up to 40% of the heat generated by your chosen heating system will escape out of uncovered windows and doors meaning an increase in heating costs. Ensuring that your windows are covered by well fitted blinds or curtains helps keep the heat in meaning you’ll need to use your heater less.

3. Check your gutters – While it’s important to keep your gutters clear in summer, it’s just as crucial in winter, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy rain and flooding. Autumn usually brings plenty of leaf falls that can quickly clog up a gutter, leading to issue during a heavy downpour. While the weather is still good, give your gutters a good clean out or pay someone else to do it so you’re ready to roll during the wetter months.

4. Insulate now – Insulating your home can cut your heating costs by up to 30% making it a sound, long term investment. If your home isn’t already insulated, now is the time to start looking into it. Even if you currently have insulation in place, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s still in place, especially if you’ve experienced bad weather which can blow insulation batts around making them less effective.

5. Snuggle up – The cooler months are the perfect time to switch up your interiors and embrace all things plush and warm. Adding snuggly throws to your couch, softening up your colour scheme with more autumnal shades and sorting out your lighting to ensure a warm ambience are all quick and easy ways to help your home feel more warm and inviting as the temperature drops. You can check out 4 of our favourite easy ways to add warmth here.

Categories
Recipes

Foodie Friday: Roasted Pork Chops with grapes

Golden and jewel tones define autumn cooking, evoking the turning leaves on the trees and the seasonal bounty available at the farmers’ markets. Williams-Sonoma has taken this inspiration and turned it into a delicious weeknight dinner which can be cooked on a single baking tray, such as its nonstick, commercial-grade Goldtouch pan.

Beautifully caramelised pork chops (bone left in for added flavour) are perfectly complemented by the bursting sweetness of grapes and the intense fragrance of rosemary. Grapes are wonderful right now and seedless red grapes are ideal here. If you’ve never tried roasting grapes in a savoury context, then this simple recipe will be a revelation.

Serve it with a simple salad of bitter green leaves and some crusty baguette for an easy, bistro-inspired dinner that takes no time at all. While the oven is preheating you can bring your chops to room temperature – it’ll be just enough time to whip up a salad, set the table and open that bottle of pinot.

Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in pork chops, each about 375g and 2cm thick
  • 4½ Tbsp (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 6 cups seedless red grapes on the stems (about 875 g)
  • 1/3 cup fresh rosemary leaves

Method

Position a rack in the upper third of an oven and preheat to 240°C. Meanwhile, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Rub the chops with half the olive oil and the garlic, and season well with salt and pepper. In a bowl, toss together the grapes, the remaining olive oil and the rosemary, and season with salt and pepper.

Place the chops on a nonstick baking tray and roast for 5 minutes. Remove the baking tray from the oven, turn the chops over, and place the grape mixture on the chops, dividing it evenly. Continue roasting until the chops are done to your liking and the grapes are starting to burst, about 12 minutes more. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve the chops and grapes drizzled with the pan juices.

–For more new-season cooking inspiration, head to williams-sonoma.com.au.

Categories
Bedrooms

Cuddle up to the cooler months with Forty Winks

Sleep in style and embrace the change of season with the latest Forty Winks Autumn/Winter bed range.

Accent luxe

Highlights include Geo, a tasteful Solid Victorian Ash and veneer blend featuring built-in shelving, and Accent Luxe, a beautifully upholstered bed frame with an elegantly curved bedhead highlighting subtle stitch detail. The later also offers the practicality of discreet storage, with the option of a front two-drawer base or gas lift function.

Geo

Other styles include Yarra, an African Oak hardwood blanket box suite, Cubist, a versatile design featuring reversible bedhead and interchangeable bedside tables, and Austin, a retro-inspired suite showcasing the unique natural grain features of Mango Hardwood Timber.

Seasons

Forty Winks offer plenty of options for the littlies as well – Flinders features metal accents and rough sawn pine to create a stylish and playful kids zone. Seasons gives you a playful choice of white, aqua, orange and royal blue details on the bed head, bedside tables and tallboy, and Quinn is crafted from Solid Victorian Ash with its own stamp detail on the bed head, creating an edgy, urban appeal. Last but not least, Lexicon is the ultimate in practicality – a bed head with embedded shelving unit, built-in LED light, sensor switch, and foot-end draw mean that kids will have no trouble keeping their rooms neat and tidy.

For more information.

Categories
Expert Tips Furniture Homewares Styling

8 homewares trends for autumn/winter 2016

By Chris Tourgelis

As we move away from summer, it’s not just the weather that changes but our interiors too. Gone are the bright and warm homewares and in their place are bold metallics, dark shades and rich textures. Below OPUS’s Chris Tourgelis shares his eight top trends for the impending seasons.

1. MetallicsmetallicsStill very strong and now getting a little darker in tone (moving away from bright copper). Dark gunmetal metallics and black metallic seem to be happening right now and copper is getting dirtier and darker in tone.

2. Rich organics

The whole marble aesthetic is not going away for now. Customers love raw marble mixed with very raw and rough timber homeware accessories. Some of our best-selling new items combine these two elements perfectly (like paddle cutting boards made of marble and timber).

3. Glass is not just glass

glass

When you’re talking about homewares you simply can’t ignore glassware and vases. This season the look is more organic and less polished, almost a little industrial. This goes back in with the rich organics trend mentioned above. In some cases glassware is also being combined with those dirty metallics in applications like ornate jars.

4. Colours

colours

Dusty pink, navy, emerald green and metallics are very strong right now. These tones are evident right across the homewares industry, from accent pieces to furniture and right throughout soft furnishings.

5. Rich textiles

Lots of velvet, organic looking (imperfect) rich woollen rugs and cushions and lots of Moroccan-inspired pieces dominated this year’s trade shows.

6. Natural furniture

natural

Marble tables combined with rough timber is a very popular look. Rattan furniture is still very ‘in’ and the trend here is thick cut bamboo (lightly stained) with lots of lovely geometric forms.

7. Kids stuff

Educational toys that are also environmentally friendly steal the show. Parents are now looking for durable and less disposable toys that are also ‘green’ and are a bit more upmarket.

8. Green kitchen

Gadgets are still big but there is a big shift towards healthy eating and more natural ways of living. One of the big hits of last year was the vegetable ‘spiraliser’ which makes vegetable pasta. Customers are also really into healthy ways to store food and beautiful ways to hold household waste (Joseph and Joseph are leading the way in this category). We now sell waste bins that are just under $500. There was simply no call for this sort of thing three or five years ago!

All the products pictured are available at OPUS. 

— Chris Tourgelis is the managing director and gift guru at OPUS, Australia’s longest running gift and homeware store in Sydney’s Paddington. 

Categories
Dining Furniture Homewares

Get excited about staying in with OZ Design’s new collections!

Sponsored by OZ Design Furniture

Even if you prefer sunnier weather, if there’s one really good thing about winter drawing in, it’s the chance to layer up and get cosy at home, changing your look for the new season. As if interiors addicts need a reason to change their décor though?!

The Coco 3-Seater
The Coco 3.5-Seater

OZ Design Furniture have some beautiful new furniture in store this week to take winter interiors to the next level! As our thoughts turn to hibernation weather, our homes become our favourite place to stay in and have friends over. OZ Design Furniture have created their new collections for living and dining spaces inspired by the latest interior trends so whether you’re curling up and reading a good book or entertaining, home is the most inviting place to be. As usual, the brand has its four key looks to choose from: abode, global, coastal and arthouse.

This season, OZ Abode showcases how to create a relaxed feel which is also sophisticated and functional. It’s all about warmth and layered texture. Muddied hues of on-trend blush and deep blues create the perfect backdrop to allow the layering of multiple finishes and colours. Moody pastels are showcased through matt accessorising, thick weaved cushions and a hint of a luxe with velvet touches (my favourite!). Metallic and marble accents (these trends aren’t going anywhere any time soon!) and floral and abstract patterns in textiles, keep the look fresh and playful.

The ever popular OZ Global collection reflects cultural inspiration from around the world, where the combination of soft brown leathers, raw timbers and tribal colours is key. The sleek lines and soft tan leather of the Boulevard sofa combined with the rustic finishes of the new Penfold range are reflective of this look. Natural hides thrown over surfaces heighten the warmth and depth, and slimline silhouettes are given volume with throws, graphic cushions and a hint of leather. Gold and copper accent homewares and botanicals add to the raw, earthy and organic vibe.

PENFOLD COFFEE AND SIDE
Penfold coffee and side tables in clear lacquer and Boulevard sofa

Don’t expect any cliches from the OZ Coast collection! This is the beach vibe reinvented! With natural textures and whitewash timbers still being at the heart of every coastal setting, this season OZ Design Furniture show a different take by styling neutral tones with hues of grey, complemented by muted pastels. The use of basket weaves, linen and thick knit wool throws creates a sense of warmth. Another distinct look comes from the use of rustic brown timbers with muted greens and over-scaled botanicals to create a tropical room setting. We love the light and bright Darby dining setting (pictured below).

DARBY DINING SETTING
Darby dining table, chairs, bench and buffet in white/chocolate and Darby bookcase in white

OZ Arthouse is an eclectic blend of mid-century style with a contemporary edge. This season, the collection is about the balance of sleek lines and light timbers, complemented with accents of monochrome and pastel to create a modern and refined room. Check out the new Violet dining setting, Marilyn buffet and Porto desk. The Scandi influence is very obvious, and works perfectly with geometric, faceted, copper and organic finishes in accessories.

TATLER SOFA, SARI COFFE, BOOKCASE RAGE
Tatler 2.5-seater in wave fabric, Sari coffee table and bookcase in clear lacquer, Scout rectangle ottoman in Alix fabric.

VIOLET DINING
The Violet dining setting

Find out more and/or shop online

Categories
Furniture Homewares

New season, new savings, at OZ Design Furniture

Decker sofa and Porto shelf unit

Sponsored by OZ Design

Another new season and another amazingly diverse collection from OZ Design, covering all the latest trends and a myriad of tastes. That old cliché ‘something for everyone’ really does ring true here. There are new styles across their four OZ collections: Abode, Arthouse, Global and Coastal. Sofas are adorned with rich textured fabrics from neutrals, to moody grey tones to rich standout greens, while timber pieces are two-tone in rustic and whitewash finishes. Whatever your style this winter, they have it covered!

Interiors Addict Banners

The Global collection embraces texture, organic natural fibres, handweaves and multi two-tone timbers. The Archer entertainment unit and coffee table boast sleek angular lines, mixing Tasmanian blackwood with a clean white finish. They look great with the slimline Enzo sofa, with its narrow arms and low depth for plush comfort.

Enzo sofa and Archer entertainment unit and coffee table
Enzo sofa and Archer entertainment unit and coffee table

Ocean chair
Ocean chair

For those who favour the relaxed and classic beachy look which will always have its place in Australia, the Coastal collection combines chalky watercolour prints and luscious botanicals with rustic whitewash timbers and rattan. The Middleton buffet in whitewash will automatically create a relaxed coastal look in your home.

The Middleton buffet
The Middleton buffet

If you like more obvious colour in your interiors, the Arthouse collection has a bit of a nordic look, combining both neutral and bright tones with metal highlights. The Decker sofa is low to the ground with a high back support and tapered legs. The Kortina desk will make a statement in your study or office in sleek light timber, with interesting legs.

Decker sofa and Porto shelf unit
Decker sofa and Porto shelf unit

Kortina desk, Jarvis dining chair and Sydney bookcase
Kortina desk, Jarvis dining chair and Sydney bookcase

With New Season New Savings of up to 50% off storewide, there has never been a better time to create a home you love with OZ Design Furniture. Offer must end Monday 23 March 2015. Visit ozdesignfurniture.com.au for store locations.

Categories
Homewares Styling

Meet Sibella Court, Megan Morton and more at West Elm event this Saturday

Meet interiors heavyweights Sibella Court, Megan Morton, Robyn Holt, Cameron Kimber and Marco Meneguzzi and learn their secrets to seasonal styling and entertaining at a free event in Bondi Junction this Saturday 29 March. 

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Megan Morton

You can ask your favourite expert stylemakers for their secrets to creating the perfect Easter table or seasonal vignette! The top Australian designers and stylists will use their unique flair to transform a corner of Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Williams-Sonoma and West Elm.

11am to 11.30am: Sibella Court styles West Elm

12pm to 12.30pm: Cameron Kimber styles Williams-Sonoma

1.30pm to 2pm: Marco Meneguzzi styles Pottery Barn

3pm to 3.30pm: Megan Morton styles Pottery Barn Kids

Each session will be hosted by the wonderful Robyn Holt.

Enjoy light refreshments and Easter-themed treats in store and view the Easter and new-season Autumn collections. All four stores are next to each other in The Exchange Building, Bondi Junction.

Book your free ticket online.

Categories
Homewares

West Elm, Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma launch their Autumn-Easter collections

Last week, I visited the West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Williams-Sonoma stores in Bondi to preview their impressive Autumn-Easter Collections.

I haven’t done much for Easter since I was a young child, when egg hunts and chocolate food comas were the activities of the day. Yet after seeing these Easter collections, I’m pretty keen for an Easter tea party (adults can do them too, right?) and if you have a child with a birthday coming up, please make this their party theme!

 

The collections aren’t just full of Easter goodies; West Elm in particular has some beautiful Autumn pieces ready to brighten up your home in preparation for the impending winter season. Timber furniture, chunky knit throws, wool rugs and plush cushions are very much a theme and one must not forget my all time favourite West Elm piece, the rose gold cutlery set. So good.

 

All items can be purchased online (West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Williams Sonoma) or in store at 466-72, Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.

Categories
Styling

VIDEO: Jason Grant styles Freedom’s Autumn/Winter range

It’s all very well seeing a new season’s range in a shop or online but it’s much better to see stylist Jason Grant work his magic with the products on video!

I’m all about that Mixed Metals look, as I posted last week. But those vessels (yes, it’s just a posh word for vases) are pretty awesome too. Which is your favourite?

Shop online.

Categories
Homewares

Copper favourites from the new Freedom range

The Knap queen bed in copper plated, $899

Last week I attended the über stylish launch of the Freedom Autumn/Winter 2014 collection at Bite Club in Woollahra and was seriously impressed. Check out this slideshow of my favourite copper pieces. It seems to be a big trend this season. I love its warm, somehow earthy quality and have been a fan since being given a copper Tom Dixon bowl and champagne bucket for wedding presents. I’m also getting into rose gold jewellery. Passing trend? Perhaps. But I like it!

All these items are available to buy now. My absolute favourite is the Knap bed and it’s limited edition so don’t hang around. My money’s on that and the Tre lamp being the fastest to sell out! Some of the items are being offered at a lower, introductory price until 15 March too.

Shop Freedom’s new Mixed Metals look online.

Categories
Furniture Homewares

Freedom’s new furniture & homewares for winter

I know it’s hard to think of winter JUST yet (the weather’s still pretty nice after all) but what might cheer you up are the gorgeous new things released by Freedom this week.

Here’s a first look at their new collection. Which pieces do you like best? I’m mad about all things copper so those table lamps have me really excited! No surprises that the popular Brooklyn sofa (below) is going nowhere.

And there’s my old favourite Spaghetti side table (below) in a new black version.

Shop Freedom online.

See more Winter Looks, brought to you by Freedom.

Categories
Homewares

Jen’s tips for changing up your interiors for autumn/winter

Cosy throws from Freedom's latest range

Did you know we only have a few days left of summer? Sad, I know, but there’s always a silver lining. I don’t know about you but I love a bit of a seasonal decorating change-up in my home. Any excuse to buy and play around with new accessories, I say! It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Here are my top tips.

Cosy throws from Freedom's latest range
Cosy throws from Freedom’s latest range

1. Change your cushions. You might want to swap out your brights and neons for something a bit more warm or muted. And think about textures too: now’s the time to experiment with knitted and velvet cushions for the colder months. Gorgeous!

Continue reading “Jen’s tips for changing up your interiors for autumn/winter”