Tag: coogee

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Is Shutters the most beautiful restaurant in Sydney?

Dining room
Dining room

Drawing inspiration from its fabulous seaside locale, Shutters bar and restaurant overlooks Sydney’s iconic Coogee beach from inside the strip’s Crowne Plaza hotel. Named after the series of large shutters that take centre stage, the luxe interior pays homage to the ocean with its natural materials palette and sea foam green, turquoise and coral colour pops.

Dining room
Dining room

“The desaturated hues of the vast interior are evocative of ocean surf and they look almost botanical. The palette appears faded in time with its blush hues, marble, soft celadon green textured fabrics, custom terrazzo in putty tones and stucco rendered walls in cream on white,” says interior designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley who sourced many different stones and marbles to support the aquatic colour palette.

Designing a space that worked during the day and night was no mean feat – nor was creating something luxurious, comfortable and respectful of the glorious view. “The functional needs of the space, and the way it evolves from day to night, created some interesting design challenges. We also needed to be mindful of designing an interior that worked within the existing hotel space and melded with the foyer,” says Alex of AZB Creative.

Shutters
The lobby bar features beautiful organic inspired curves

With multiple entry points, the designer created three different spaces that function separately and as a whole. The lobby bar is annexed to the foyer and this space features a hand-crafted concrete rendered bar that looks as if it’s constructed from timber. “On top of this, we laid incredible honed terrazzo. This space also includes an area behind glass that we deemed the charcuterie room, where visible chefs can prepare sumptuous feasts for guests,” says Alex.

Lobby bar

The main dining room and large open kitchen were designed to house guests in one space and its features include a detailed central dining banquette, with lush greenery in the centre. Custom rattan dining chairs, buffed leather and celadon green marble tables round out the high-end look. 

Banquette seating
We love this custom semi-circular table and banquette. What a hue!

The third space is the shuttered patio that opens up to the Coogee Beach foreshore – a six-metre-high glassed atrium is wrapped in a floating Moorish-inspired star cut screen in the dining area. “I wanted to create a dappling effect on the patrons as I thought it would be completely fabulous to have dappled stars in their eyes as they dine. I love this detail as it’s really special.”

The Terrace
The terrace

When it comes to the final flourishes, handmade pottery, barnacle-inspired ceramics and ethically sourced coral dot the room alongside pastel artworks by Australian artist Daimon Downey. “We always collaborate with artists, makers, and small run artisanal factories to create an interior narrative that has soul,” says Alex.

Shutters

Shutters has won and been shortlisted for a slew of awards in the past year. It won Gold at the Sydney Design Awards 2020 as well as Gold for Best Upscale hotel in Australia at the HM2020 awards. It received an honourable mention in the 2020 International Design Awards and was shortlisted at the 2020 International Restaurant and Bar Awards in London. It’s also a shortlisted finalist for Best Hotel & Best Restaurant at the Eat Drink Design Awards 2020 and was shortlisted for the Best Hospitality Interior at the IDEA Awards.

Well deserved, we say!

 Photography: Chris Court

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Australia’s best restaurant design 2020: Nostalgia takes centre stage

At a time when the hospitality industry is really hurting, due to lockdown measures and the general economic downturn, this year’s Eat Drink Design Awards finalist announcements do feel bittersweet.…

Real reno: Joinery stars in richly layered Coogee abode

Designed by Sydney interior designers Space Control, this Coogee abode was given a major face lift recently and the result combines mid-century elements with Deco flair in what is now a…
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Design House Tours Interviews Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Skinny Sydney terrace reno a triumph of understated design

Coogee terrace renovation

While we love a good trend, sometimes there’s something so visually soothing about a series of classic elements coming together in an understated way. The work of Bondi Kitchens, this recent heritage terrace renovation in Sydney’s Coogee is a case in point. Natural marble, smoked mirror and moody timbers make for a series of casually elegant spaces, the likes of which are classic without being dull.

Coogee terrace renovation

“It’s the subtle elegance of the home that we love the most. The simple yet refined selection of materials marry to make something quite beautiful, without the snobbery. There is nothing complicated about the spaces, that I think makes you feel instantly relaxed and welcomed,” says Charlotte Riggs, brand director of Bondi Kitchens who was responsible for the renovation.

Home to a young professional couple and their pooch, the small two-level home was originally built in 1910 and consisted of 1.5 bedrooms and one bathroom. “It was a tiny heritage terrace house and while liveable it wasn’t necessarily functional in its state. There was room for improvement, and also investment for the young owners,” says Charlotte. The extensive overhaul resulted in a much larger home that boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an extension that includes a larger living and kitchen area.

Kitchen
Kitchen

A central hub, the kitchen sits in the middle of the house and is accessed from a traditional terrace entrance hallway. “For the kitchen, the main consideration was the use of classic and understated, tasteful finishes with subtle elegant European-esque accents. The owners were very clear in not having a trend-driven, showy kitchen but rather something that just relaxed into the room – a natural beauty,” says Charlotte of the hardworking space that is easy to use.

Kitchen
Large overhead cupboards encourage height while providing a large amount of storage

Alongside the kitchen, there’s additional pantry and cupboard storage as well as a dining area opposite that features a custom upholstered floating banquette seat. “This banquette’s curves add softness and texture to a very sharp-lined kitchen. The clients allowed us full creative license with this design, and it’s a beautiful statement piece that complements the kitchen with its laid-back charm.”

The banquette was upholstered in Warwick Fabrics ‘Kumi Vapour’ jacquard
The dining room banquette seat was upholstered in Warwick Fabrics ‘Kumi Vapour’ jacquard

Upstairs, the renovation continued in the master bedroom which features a pair of unusual, mirrored wardrobes with recessed handles. “Very heavy, they were challenging but rewarding to make. The mood that smoked grey (compared to standard silver) mirror creates is like no other. The mirror also bounces light and makes the bedrooms feel super luxe, and larger than life!” says Charlotte.

Bedroom
Bedroom
Custom smoke mirrored wardrobes are a feature in the master bedroom
Custom smoke mirrored wardrobes are a feature in the master bedroom

The wardrobes are another example of the way in which the renovation maximised space within the home’s diminutive footprint. A small and narrow block, the Bondi Kitchens team worked hard to make layout changes that were highly functional while imbuing the home with a sense of openness. 

“Overall, creating long and slim proportions and using neutral, yet interesting materials allows the home to feel open, flowy and also bounce light.”

Bathroom
Bathroom

Photography: Jacqui Turk

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Meet Jen at Brisbane’s Reno + Design Show in March!

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Coogee Bay Hotel revamps rooms with stylish new look

Designed by ID Studios and built by INFIGO, the 23 newly renovated Bay and Beach Rooms at Coogee Bay Hotel boast a bright and modern beachside aesthetic and for those celebrating a special occasion, it’s well worth securing one of the four brand new Sunrise Suites which overlook the beach.

The newly designed rooms will pay homage to the hotel’s rich history. Guests will be taken back to the hotel’s rock ‘n’ roll roots with large scale photographs of music legends performing at SELINA’S (its live music venue) and signed copies of internationally acclaimed music photographer Tony Mott’s Alphabet A- Z Rock ‘n’ Roll available in-room and for purchase.

Complementing the refurbed rooms is an upgraded foyer. The second phase of Coogee Bay Hotel’s $6 million hotel upgrade project will be the refurbishment of 51 Boutique Rooms, which are scheduled for completion in mid 2020. Guests can feel right at home in these oversized modern-classic rooms, complete with kitchenette, extensive storage and private balcony.

“We are excited to be investing in a new and innovative hotel offering, welcoming guests while reinvigorating Coogee as a destination for leisure and corporate travellers. Renovating the hotel both physically and with upgraded in-room offerings, we plan on delivering extraordinary guest experiences each and every time and are looking forward to re-introducing ourselves to new and existing guests,” said Kun Rahadian, General Manager Accommodation & Sales.

Complementing the upgraded rooms will be a new in-room dining menu, innovative in-house technology such as a smart phone concierge and free hi-speed WiFi. All of this, plus guests enjoy access to the famous hotel’s Brasserie, conferencing and events centre and live entertainment daily.

Coinciding with the official Hotel launch in mid-2020 will be the introduction of a brand new guest loyalty program and a new website offering exciting incentives for guests to book directly with the hotel.

For more information

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Design Interviews Real Renos

Real reno: Joinery stars in richly layered Coogee abode

Bondi Kitchens
The stunning parent's retreat

Designed by Sydney interior designers Space Control, this Coogee abode was given a major face lift recently and the result combines mid-century elements with Deco flair in what is now a sophisticated family home. “The client brief was to bring this Coogee beach house to its maximum potential as it was in desperate need of a complete makeover. We also needed to introduce a sense of a playful contemporary style to the interiors that related to the clients’ beach lifestyle,” says Space Control director Cressida Kennedy.

Kitchen
Kitchen

Kitchen
Calacatta Statuario marble is featured throughout the project

“We wanted to create a house that had a strong design direction but was still a livable family home – not too perfect. One where the kids could come directly from the beach and feel relaxed to use the features and furniture of the house. The solid American walnut timber joinery is combined with a minimalist white colour palette that contributes to the laid back coastal atmosphere created within the home,” says Cressida.

Bathroom
The bathroom features so many sumptuous textural layers

Combining brass, marble and feature American walnut, there’s no denying the high-end bespoke joinery (created by Bondi Kitchens) is a standout feature of the renovation. The full fit out joinery package included a stunning kitchen detailed with v-groove polar white curved island and back bench, along with American walnut veneer full height cabinets, detailed with a solid walnut trim. “The house is richly layered with numerous bespoke interior elements that add fun, joy and intrigue, whilst the design creates a new visual language for the family home,” says Cressida.

Bondi Kitchens
The stunning parent’s retreat

And as for her favourite space, it’s the knockout first floor parent’s retreat. “I like the open planning living that is focused around the marble fireplace along with the feature American walnut timber and brass bar for entertaining. The house has amazing natural light and this space captures it beautifully,” says Cressida.

Upstairs bar
The upstairs bar is a fabulous entertaining space

Photography: Drew Wheeler

For more on Space Control | For more on Bondi Kitchens

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Designers House Tours RENO ADDICT

Real home: A Miami-inspired Art Deco home in Sydney’s Coogee

It was love at first sight for Michelle Macarounas when she laid eyes on the dilapidated Art Deco building which would soon become her home. Yes it was tired, but who could resist the curved bay windows and views of Sydney’s Coogee Bay?

Buying the home, she renovated it in 2005, but you’d never guess; it remains contemporary, current and adaptable. A designer herself and somewhat of a nomad — she spent her twenties living in Geneva, Paris, London and Sydney — the style of the home combines the luxury and eclectic elegance of Europe with the relaxed and casual ease of Australia.

Key to the renovation was reconfiguring the interior to create spacious living areas and bedrooms that took full advantage of the ocean views. No more cramped, dimly lit rooms! A central spine from the rear to the front of the property separates the bedroom and living areas and provides the home with the structural integrity required for open-plan living.

The design perfectly balances Art Deco references with a contemporary aesthetic. Art Deco was all about creating furniture and spaces that celebrated luxurious materials and polished surfaces and the Coogee Residence follows suit. The home features Indian limestone-tiled bathrooms, vivid white gloss joinery with Calcutta marble, Wenge timber floors finished in Black Japan and a wall of golden hexagonal tiles that reflect the ocean view.

Designed by Michelle and her team at Infinite Design Studio, the Miami-inspired Art Deco home is colourful, eclectic, vibrant and elegant.

Photography by Prue Ruscoe

More on Michelle | Beautiful homes to ogle at

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Interiors Addict

Vases and glasses from recycled beer bottles

Tumblers made from beer and wine bottles

With a background in graphic design and a passionate eco sensibility, Pete Dobson has launched his own label of recycled glassware. He collects wine and beer bottles from bars and restaurants in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and hand cuts and polishes them to produce glasses, tumblers, carafes, and vases.

Tumblers made from beer and wine bottles
Tumblers made from beer and wine bottles

The eco-friendly aspect of his business is important to Pete, who can be found on a weekend scouring local bars, restaurants and cafes in Coogee for bottles. “I think there are more than adequate amounts of new products on the market,” he explains. “I love the idea of owning something with a story – reusing something that has already had one lifetime.”

Continue reading “Vases and glasses from recycled beer bottles”