Taking out top honours in the ‘Best Residential Interior,’ ‘Best Residential Design’ and ‘Best Residential Bathroom Design’ (joint winner) categories, Smart Design Studio’s ‘Indigo Slam’ made quite the splash at the recent 2017 Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards night.
Smart Design Studio’s ‘Indigo Slam’ project
The Sydney home, created as a gallery space for one of Australia’s foremost art collectors is, rather fittingly, equal parts sculpture and private residence.
Smart Design Studio’s ‘Indigo Slam’ project
Currently in its seventh year, the awards are hosted by Belle magazine and the premium furniture and homewares purveyor Coco Republic. This year saw 270 submissions battle it out across nine categories including residential, commercial and hospitality divisions.
The Rado Emerging Design Star award recipient Yasmine Ghoniem’s (Amber Road) ‘Deco House’ project
“Congratulations to all our winners and entrants. Year on year, the awards showcase the innovative thinking that shapes the Australian interior design industry and this year was just exceptional. It is always a privilege to see the outstanding work of the brightest talents in our field,” said Tanya Buchanan, the editor of Belle magazine.
‘Interior Designer of the Year’ SJB’s ‘Redfern Terrace’ project
The ‘Interior Designer of the Year’ award was taken out by the interior design directors of SJB, Jonathan Richards and Kirsten Stanisich.
B.E. Architecture’s ‘Hamden Road Residence’ won the ‘Best Residential Bathroom Design’ category together with Smart Design Studio for their ‘Indigo Slam’ project
While it’s often said that a kitchen has the power to sell a home, the new Toorak development The Springfield has taken that idea and built an entire block of apartments around it, recognising its pull for potential buyers.
One of The Springfield’s fabulous kitchens
“The kitchen is one of the first places that people inspect and need to know functions well. It is very like the idea of the fireplace in a home as it’s the place where people come together. There is warmth and there is a magic about it that draws people back. Some of the fondest memories we have are of our mother’s favourite recipe and the chats that occur around the island bench. When all this comes together with a strong aesthetic and a high degree of functionality people find it easier to make the decision to buy,” says the project’s architect Tisha Lee of K2LD Architects.
Tisha cites our collective obsession with food as a key driving factor in the kitchen renaissance too. “In recent times, we have seen a large media focus on the art of cooking and bringing restaurant style menus into the home. Several of our own key restaurants in Melbourne (Movida, Grossi, Chin Chin) have published books and television programmes such as Masterchef make it seem trendy and accessible to the average person to be able to engage with and enjoy the art of entertaining around the kitchen,” says Tisha.
But it’s not just our love of cooking, it’s the way we now live that truly puts the kitchen at the centre of the home. “The open plan nature of living has also influenced this change as well. Now the kitchen is a key part of the entertaining area and as such, the kitchen needs to not only be beautiful and inviting, but also highly functional and practical,” says Tisha.
Joinery details
The Springfield kitchens certainly deliver on the aesthetic front which isn’t surprising given they were designed in collaboration with the high-end Italian furniture manufacturer Molteni & C Dada. Featuring honey-coloured timber, concealed finger pulls, a lavish five-metre-long marble bench top and Gaggenau appliances, they also boast full-scale Butler’s pantries. But these details don’t come cheap as some of the kitchens in the development are valued at nearly half a million dollars!
The Springfield boasts expansive, luxurious bathrooms too
“I love the attention to detail and how the practical is also made attractive. For example, the sink is complete with options for cutting, draining and sorting. It is so large that roasting pans and pots fit in with ease and never need to be left just sitting on the bench. I also like the provision for simple items such as spice holders, cling wrap containers and cutlery trays which take our ordinary objects and make them look beautiful on display. The warmth of the timber veneer is also something to celebrate making the joinery itself sit like a like crafted piece of furniture within the space. And of course, I love the exceptionally long marble island bench (five metres) where you can cook and entertain people at the same time and feel like your own Masterchef!” says Tisha.
Whether it’s concrete, copper, stainless steel, gold or a subtle shimmer effect that you’re after, you’ll love the new range from Dulux. The paint brand’s Design Effects Collection allows you to decorate with luxe texture and is ideal for DIY enthusiasts.
Dulux Metallic Effect in Stellar Glow (fireplace), Dulux Wash&Wear in Bamboo Shoot (wall), Dulux Wash&Wear in Natural White (skirting)
“There are so many ways you can create a design statement with Dulux Design Effects. From the simplest idea such as painting pots for indoors plants or a block texture behind your favourite artwork to painting an entire space,” says Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr.
Dulux Stainless Steel Effect and Dulux Metallic Effect in Prestige
“Painting patterns on a wall with a Design Effect in combination with Dulux Wash&Wear interior paint adds a bit of fun to a room. You can even make a design statement by painting your favourite timber side table, lamp base, old vases or ceramic items,” says Andrea.
Dulux Copper Effect and Copper Patina (cabinetry), Dulux Concrete Effect in Pale Elements (wall)
It’s the ability to create bespoke paint looks that impresses – you can do this by experimenting with application techniques. You can test different brushes, dry rollers or muslin by dragging the paint in random or overlapping patterns giving endless finishes.
Dulux Metal Shimmer in Star Masquerade
The Dulux Concrete Effect comes in two shades and is perfect for a modern, industrial effect while the Dulux Stainless Steel Effect gives a slick, stylish steel vibe. Dulux Copper Effect looks wonderfully lustrous on its own or you can add an aged copper green patination with the Dulux Copper Patina Effect. The Dulux Gold Effect can be tinted to create rose or bronze gold while the Dulux Metal Shimmer Effect adds a subtle shine and is available in five colours.
Dulux Gold Effect in Vintage Gold and Bronze Essence with Dulux Wash&Wear in Stepney
Photography: Mike Baker | Styling: Bree Leech & Heather Nette King
It was a mostly negative response from NSW’s Troy and Bec when their western Sydney home was unveiled last week. In most cases they didn’t feel that their design directive (ultra-modern with ‘V8’ styling) had been properly adhered to.
The home also ended with the lowest score in the competition so far – Sean and Ella received just two points despite topping the judges’ leaderboard for the same rooms. South Australia’s Kate and Harry had a rough ride too – they landed at the bottom of the ladder after their Kim Kardashian-themed bonus room was deemed a failure. And it wasn’t long before the two lowest scoring teams accused Troy and Bec of “strategic and unfair scoring.” Controversy!
Entry
Entry Setting the colour scheme for the home, Kate and Harry’s blue painted entry was mostly well received by the couple. They loved the glass art work but thought the paint job was unimpressive.
Kitchen
Kitchen Andrew and Jono’s kitchen was a hit – the couple loved it and thought its V8 inspired knives “hit the nail on the head.”
Ensuite
Ensuite While a standout space for me, Sean and Ella’s ensuite was declared a “dead set shocker” by the couple who were adamant that they didn’t want any black in the room. “This is definitely not someone who is designing for us, they are designing for themselves,” said Bec. However, Troy thought the two showers were a brilliant idea.
Ensuite
Dining room Troy and Bec loved Aaron and Daniella’s dining room despite thinking that the table was too small, and they also hated the ‘tyre’ chair. “We won’t be keeping that,” they said.
Dining room
Bonus room Kate and Harry’s bonus room (Hayley’s bedroom) generated quite the debate. While Hayley loved her Kim Kardashian inspired room, Bec wasn’t impressed with the Kim Kardashian book on the bedside table (with naked selfies of Kim inside). Ultimately though, Kate was skeptical of the couple’s verdict. “The judges love our room, Hayley loves our room, yet Troy and Bec fail the room. If that’s not strategy, then I don’t know what is. And at the end of the day it sounds like Hayley’s opinion wasn’t that important,” said Bec.
Bonus room
Laundry The couple loved Aaron and Daniella’s white and teal laundry. “The laundry alone is on its way to being a 10! They’ve got this bang on target,” said Troy.
Laundry
Master bedroom The coloured feature wall in Andrew and Jono’s master bedroom was deemed “risky” and the couple didn’t feel it hit the house rule. “I was hoping we were going to get a handmade bed with massive big telegraph poles as posts. It’s more feminine and not fit for a king and queen. Plus, they’re only roller blinds, which are definitely not fit for a king and queen,” said Troy.
Master bedroom
Lounge room Fiona and Nicole’s lounge room received a mixed response – while the couple loved the wallpaper featuring the Sydney Harbour Bridge, they were disappointed there wasn’t enough seating. “This table is beautiful, but there is not enough seating. The key thing we said to them was about our family movie night every week,” said Troy who noted the curtains were too long, the TV was blocking the windows and that the ceiling was painted yellow. “Who in the hell would paint a colour on a ceiling? I’m going to say that’s stupidity,” said Troy.
While her design career spans TV set design, commercial fit outs and residential projects, Infinite Design director Michelle Macarounas spent the first part of her working life immersed in marketing and communications and living in Europe, America and Australia before taking the design plunge.
Redfern apartment project
“With a long-term passion and consistent study of design in Paris and Sydney, I eventually decided to move my skill set across to design and worked initially in TV set design and commercial fit outs. In 2002, I decided to open my own design company and started out freelancing across Sydney and the US,” says Michelle who now finds herself at the helm of a busy boutique design practice based in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Houseboat project
“From starting out, there has been consistent growth in residential and commercial projects that has taken me from being a design consultant to the studio we opened five years ago,” says Michelle who has built her business based on referrals. “We are now a team of six and have a gorgeously located studio amongst the art galleries in Paddington. We focus on high-end residential, commercial and retail projects and I would credit hard work, determination and a sense of humour to our success – knowing when to laugh is so important,” says Michelle.
Michelle’s lounge room in Coogee
Some of her most memorable projects include a recent houseboat. “It was certainly a beautiful experience and learning curve!” says Michelle of the gorgeous floating home. “But truly, there are so many fun components to each project and what I love the most is the experience of delivering something special to my client,” says Michelle who lives in the beachside Sydney suburb of Coogee. “My home has a contemporary, modern feeling with flashes of art deco seaside design. It’s my family’s little retreat,” says Michelle.
Inside the houseboat project – amazing!
As for the future, Michelle has visions of expansion. “Doing what you love brings so much joy and satisfaction. In terms of the studio, I would love to grow the team as we have so many amazing projects in construction and lots more exciting ones to come,” says Michelle.
The shortlist for the 2017 Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards was announced recently and it’s teeming with amazing work from Australia’s best and brightest interior architects and designers.
Arent&Pyke’s ‘Barcom Terrace’ project
In its seventh year, the awards recognise design achievement across several categories and today we bring you the competition’s residential bathroom finalists. Marble, brass and black abound in what can only be described as an extraordinarily sophisticated bunch of bathing spaces.
Arent&Pyke’s ‘Barcom Terrace’ project
We’re big fans of Arent&Pyke and it’s no wonder they were shortlisted for their ‘Barcom Terrace’ project. Not only does the bathroom meld seamlessly with the understated grandeur of the 1800’s heritage listed property that houses it, but the luxurious materials made us gasp.
Arent&Pyke’s ‘Barcom Terrace’ project
“Rich in materiality, with painted walls, timber floors, tiles and a freestanding sculptural bath, the deliberately strong and masculine language of steel framing is balanced by the romance of floor to ceiling curtains in soft white linen, while a large black timber door visually ties this suite to the whole,” says Arent&Pyke.
B.E. Architecture’s ‘Hamden Road Residence’
The bathroom at B.E. Architecture’s ‘Hamden Road Residence’ uses granite to spectacular effect and we were particularly taken with its adjacent outdoor shower. “The curved bath and basins were custom designed to be engineered into solid pieces of stone. The baths and basins are textured by hand on the outside face and honed internally. The inspiration for these came from a baptismal font in Rome,” says B.E Architecture.
The outdoor shower at B.E. Architecture’s ‘Hamden Road Residence’
Handelsmann + Khaw’s ‘Hunters Hill bathroom’ features a neutral palette of natural materials that create a unique yet timeless design that has a rustic, high-end farmhouse vibe.
Handelsmann + Khaw’s ‘Hunter’s Hill bathroom’
“A balance of rough and smooth textures creates a union of formality and sensuality, light and shade. In the bathroom, we created an open plan with the bathtub beneath the window as the focal point, centred on the glazed steel framed doors joining the master bedroom. The shower and WC are concealed within freestanding stone clad enclosures, their separation from the ceiling emphasises the pitched form that gives the bathroom a quality of openness that goes beyond conventional ideas.”
Handelsmann + Khaw’s ‘Hunter’s Hill bathroom’
Finalist Smart Design Studio’s ‘Indigo Slam’ bathroom, aside from its standout bespoke bath tub, boasts eco-credentials too. “The project aspires to an exemplary level of environmentally sustainable design with natural lighting, cross-ventilation, rainwater harvesting and adherence to passive solar design principles reducing the energy and water load of the building. Geothermal heating and cooling have also been incorporated into the design and solar hot water and photovoltaic cells populate the roof,” they say.
Smart Design Studio’s ‘Indigo Slam’ bathroom
By contrast, AP Design House’s ‘Vernon Apartment’ is a study in minimalist white but the curved lines soften the monochrome effect.
AP Design House’s ‘Vernon Apartment’
The winners will be announced in Sydney on Thursday May 25, 2017.
From photography to illustration, painting and graphic design, Melbourne’s Blackbird Art Co. has an output that is as diverse as it is original and with prices starting at $160, it’s affordable too. “There is a huge amount of wall art in the market now so we are wanting our artwork to speak from the heart rather than being entirely dictated by the latest fads and trends,” says one half of the Melbourne design duo Daniela Esposito who works alongside her friend Dionne Chambers in the business.
‘Black Jelly’ print
“Dionne and I are both strongly drawn to textures, so are wanting more of an organic feel to the work. We don’t really look too much at what others are doing, that way we try and maintain an originality to our pieces. I think our artwork probably sits closer to fine art, but is made for a home, not a gallery,” says Daniela.
‘Coral Seas’ print
The other point of difference for Blackbird Art Co. is that all their pieces are statement size. “We create our artworks at a larger scale which makes them more of a statement piece,” says Daniela who enjoys painting by hand. “When it comes to hand-painted pieces we love the soft and translucent look of watercolour and inks and we also love the opaquer look of acrylics,” says Daniela.
‘Warm and Fuzzy’ print
Daniela met her business partner Dionne Chambers when they were both working in publishing. They bonded over their shared love of the artists Brett Whiteley and Jean-Michel Basquiat and became the best of friends thereafter. “We both, coincidentally, studied art, design and illustration at the same college but only met years later when we were working at a publishing house. Between us we’ve worked in design studios, printing houses and the publishing industry. So, collectively we have quite a wide range of skills and experience,” says Daniela.
‘Black Diamond’ print
And with all the artworks created in-house, the girls often draw on their publishing days which gave them a good grounding in the business. “Between us our skill set is multi-faceted as we learned things the old-school way, back when finished art (pre-press) involved chemicals and bromide machines and typesetting often involved using Letraset (sheets of sticker type). This was all pre-computers, when everything was done by hand and if you made a mistake you had to start the process all over again, and then Adobe programs came along and rocked everyone’s world, but now unfortunately, all those traditional skills have slowly, and sadly, been lost,” says Daniela.
‘Ocean Treasure’ and ‘Urban Blush’ prints
“So, I guess what we are trying to say is that our skills are limitless. We’ve tried our hand at most techniques and can apply these skills across the board using both new and more traditional methods,” says Daniela whose preferred medium is black ink. “Black Ink is probably one of our favourites because it has the organic feel we love and being monochrome, has that classic, timeless look,” says Daniela.
Quite the contrast to the warm colours celebrated in summer, Dulux released their 2017 winter colour trend this week and it’s full of cool, moody hues (there’s plenty of blues and greys) combined with Copper and Concrete Effect paints. “These colours are very diverse and can be used in most interior spaces. Being predominantly neutral, they are extremely accessible, from the lightest variation, Dulux Winter Terrace, a soft greige, right through to the darkest hue, Dulux Ahoy, which is an alluring deep blue,” says Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr.
Walls in Dulux Winter Terrace. Upcycled table in Dulux Concrete Effect and Dulux Copper Effect
And there’s no need to be turned off by the darker hues, as not only do they look great when paired with lighter neutrals, but they also make great accent shades if you’re cautious about diving right in. “The dark blues in this palette such as Dulux Ahoy contrast beautifully against a concrete surface – whether this be an entire wall, a fireplace or an upcycled piece of furniture. It’s important to remember that these paint colours can be used on a lesser scale too as even the smallest changes can transform a room,” says Andrea.
Paint colours: Dulux Panda Pod, Tirau Double and Ahoy
Given the colour palette is rather understated it makes sense that Dulux thought to add copper into the mix – the contrast lends a luxe air. “Incorporating textured surfaces such as Copper Effect adds further dimension and creates focal points in a predominantly minimalist colour space. This touch of copper is ideal for highlighting architectural details and can also be applied to home accessories,” says Andrea.
Paint colours: Dulux Panda Pod, Tirau Double and Ahoy
Personally, I’m interested in the Concrete Effect paint (perfect for industrial styling) and can imagine many a DIY project with that one. For this, Dulux creative consultant and stylist Bree Leech has a handy tip. “Concrete and Copper Effect can be used on furniture details as well as walls to create unique bespoke pieces. Just make sure that if you are upcycling furniture such as a table that you add a glass top to safeguard the paint,” says Bree.
Paint colours: Dulux Reckless Grey, Tirau Double and Five Fingers Peninsula
Photography: Lisa Cohen | Styling: Bree Leech and Heather Nette King
Given the significant cost of a new kitchen, whether you’re renovating or in the process of building, it’s an important space to get right. And with Jen’s recent move, it’s something she is currently pondering which got us thinking – how do you create a timeless kitchen that is still unique?
Timber While we admit that it’s on-trend at the minute, timber is a timeless material that never goes out of style and it’s a fabulous way of injecting some warmth into what can often be a clinical space. “Introducing a balanced element of timber into the kitchen will help to connect it to the whole home, keying in with other timber elements often found in windows, floors and furniture,” says the director of Cantilever Interiors, Travis Dean.
Island benchtop Increasingly considered highly valuable real estate within the home, the kitchen island benchtop serves myriad functions in modern, open-plan homes. From a space to read or prepare food, complete homework or even eat a meal, the kitchen island is a true multi-tasker. “The island benchtop has become an increasingly valuable element of a kitchen’s design, with the cooktop and sink positioned to the perimeter walls instead. This relieves the island benchtop to accommodate the variety of activities that takes place in an open plan kitchen these days,” says Travis.
Integrated appliances “It is becoming increasingly popular to integrate appliances and workstations into the design of a kitchen to create a sense of flow and cohesion. It’s important to ensure that appliances such as fridges and microwaves don’t dominate the aesthetic of your kitchen and make your kitchen look cluttered and busy,” says Travis. Be wary of aftermarket ‘integration kits’ though, as while they are a cheaper alternative they can cost you in the long run. “When selecting appliances remember to choose ones that are specifically designed for integration – aftermarket options don’t last as long and put stress on the joinery hinges and may damage your kitchen,” says Travis.
Go green In what is no surprise to us, given our penchant for indoor plants, Travis is a big fan of greenery in the kitchen. “Beautiful floral arrangements, large leafy greens and plants will bring life to your kitchen space and is a great way to bring the outdoors inside and add an organic touch to your kitchen,” says Travis.
This kitchen is brimming with greenery and we love it!
Open display shelves Something of a Cantilever Interiors hallmark, we’re big fans of open display shelves too as they really allow your personality to shine in what can be a bland, utilitarian space. “Shadow boxes, open display shelves, are a simple design element that allow you to express your own personal style. They can also add a touch of warmth and contrast to a kitchen through placement of interchangeable potted herbs, utensils, ornaments, crockery or cookbooks for a pop of colour,” says Travis.
Open shelving – the perfect place to let your personality shine
Light and airflow Light and airflow obviously never go out of favour and making sure your kitchen ticks these two boxes will ensure its longevity. “Light and airflow are design elements that increase the liveability of a kitchen. If your kitchen shares a perimeter wall of your home, it’s a good idea to take advantage of this position and try to incorporate windows into your design. Louvre windows increase airflow, and can be incorporated into window splashback designs to great effect,” says Travis.
The perimeter wall glass window really opens up this kitchen
What’s inside counts “Sometimes the wow factor with a kitchen comes when you open the cupboard door! Integrated hardware options increase the functionality of cabinetry by pulling shelving toward you, so your things don’t get lost in the back of a cupboard, or providing storage solutions for specific functions, like storing cleaning products and equipment,” says Travis. In addition, a user-friendly, considered kitchen will never date.
The splashback Given it’s such prominent part of a kitchen’s design, it pays to really consider your kitchen splashback choice. From concrete encaustic tiles to classic subways or stone, there are plenty of options that won’t look tired in two years’ time. “Splashbacks are an integral part of a kitchen design and due to their volume and visibility, can really shift the overall impact. There are a huge variety of options for splashbacks including tiles, glass, and stone and they are a great way to introduce colour and texture,” says Travis.
Colour “If you are keen to introduce colour into your kitchen cabinetry, we recommend doing so in blocks of colour. Similar to the balance found when combining a timber veneer block with a white cabinetry block, 2-pack paint finishes (which can match most interior paint colours) work well with timber veneer when in a block-grouping of cabinetry. Alternately, painting the walls of your kitchen a colour you love will capture the mood of the space you are trying to create, and can be easily changed in years to come,” says Travis.
Colour-blocked cabinetry is a great way of making your kitchen truly unique
Photography: Martina Gemmola | Styling: Ruth Welsby
Born in Bosnia and raised in Croatia, Seada Linardi migrated to Australia when she was eight years old and is now one of the rising stars of Melbourne’s architectural scene. “I always wanted to be a designer and I honestly believe it was in my blood. I know it’s a cliché but there wasn’t ever any doubt as to what I would become,” says Seada who is currently building a house with her husband (and fellow architect) Jesse Linardi in the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood.
Seada Linardi
Established in 2015, Seada views SLAB as an all-encompassing design studio. “The practice is a ‘studio’ where likeminded individuals work and collaborate. We don’t just specialise in architecture – we do everything. I’m even hoping to get a fashion designer on board! So, I don’t want SLAB to just be an architectural practice – for me SLAB is a creative studio which is open to any possibility,” says Seada.
One of Seada’s most recent projects (designed in collaboration with her husband Jesse) is a warehouse conversion in Collingwood called ‘The Workshop’ which is comprised of 11 stylish lofts. The industrial spaces, developed by Oz Property Group, span four levels and feature exposed concrete ceilings and floors plus perforated metal detailing.
‘The Workshop’ development
“At the moment, I am loving the interior direction SLAB is heading and would love to take on more interior work as I think it’s more personal and you get to interact with the client on a deeper level. So, in terms of career for me, it’s about establishing a creative team who really want to produce great work. I want to be a designer who can take on anything!”
A bathroom at ‘The Workshop’ – I love that copper tapware!
As for design inspiration, Seada draws it from all over the place. “As a designer, I think you have to have a bit of a crazy mind and a lot of storage in there! Inspiration is everywhere for me – sometimes I think my mind is like Pinterest!”
Channel Seven’s House Rules returns to screens this Sunday with two new judges – Australian architect and builder Drew Heath and flamboyant British interior design star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. I caught up with Laurence recently and he proved quite the entertaining interview subject. And while he won’t be everybody’s cup of earl grey, I cannot wait to watch him on the show!
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
“My style is very flamboyant and full-fat. I believe in expressing oneself as forcefully as you possibly can and I feel very strongly that it’s crazy that people don’t feel they can truly let their hair down at home. Besides, why would I inhabit a mealy-mouthed beige space as I’m not a mealy-mouthed beige kind of person,” says Laurence. Favouring a Baroque design aesthetic and personal style that is anything but subtle (you could say more is more), Laurence is sure to ruffle many of the contestants’ feathers which should make for entertaining viewing.
And while he speaks with a rarefied English accent, the designer is surprisingly egalitarian in his design approach – something that he wants to impress upon the contestants and the Australian public. “I feel very strongly in the 21st century that there’s no such thing as good or bad taste – it’s something posh people came up with so that they could show up and put everybody else down. It also fails to incorporate any sense of individuality and the more we break the rules, the more we express ourselves,” says Laurence who rails against what he terms ‘ghastly good taste.’ “It can be bought off the shelf by the bourgeoisie,” says Laurence.
“We’re all given this monumental boon to own a little bit of the planet, to have somewhere to live. A shrine to come back to after the world’s worst day – somewhere that protects you from the big scary world outside and that keeps Trumpageddon at the end of your garden path! You should love your walls, you should be licking them, having an affair with your home just so it knows how much you appreciate it!” says Laurence.
As for how Australia is likely to take the brash Brit, there has been quite a bit of debate about this during the making of the show. “Yes, I know I am rather over-dressed for Australia but it’s not my fault, it’s Australia’s fault. When I come out fighting, swirling my cane, twirling my moustache, getting cross with people and sprouting sparks from my nostrils it’s because I have a huge passion for what I’m doing. I have a huge passion for what the contestants are doing and I have an overwhelming desire to make them better at what they’re doing. There’s a life-changing amount of money in this so they’ve got to be as good as they possibly can,” says Laurence.
“Unfortunately, I have never, ever cared about what people think about me. I was born with this ridiculous disability which is that I do not give a shit what people think of me. I will never be that bloke on the telly that’s all smiley, orange faced and wants to be your best friend. I will only ever tell it as it is. That might be I love it to death or I hate it so much that I want to napalm it in the morning. That kind of honesty is always slightly at odds in Asia but it fits perfectly in Australia,” says Laurence.
House Rules 2017 commences on Channel Seven this Sunday April 30 and I cannot wait.
Nestled among the McMansions and mock Georgian townhouses of the Melbourne suburb of Kew, Charles House is strikingly different, not only in aesthetics but functionality too. Designed to service a family for at least the next 25 years, this highly original new build is intended to accommodate the ever-changing needs of its inhabitants and eventually house grandparents too.
“They wanted a home that could adapt to their young children’s needs as they grew into adulthood, and a place where they could comfortably accommodate grandparents in the near future. They asked for a practical, low maintenance house and garden, filled with light and water features and blurred distinctions between the indoors and outdoors,” says the architect responsible for the project, Andrew Maynard of Austin Maynard architects.
The multi-use, adaptable ground-floor space
The ground floor layout offers fabulous flexibility and features a music/living room plus a student den or granny flat/apartment complete with its own bathroom and wheelchair-friendly garden access. “This is a truly adaptable space that can either extend the family’s living areas, or be closed off to be its own independent zone. For now, this space is for the family to share music, to read and to rest but in a few years, it will become a home to grandparents,” says Andrew.
Kitchen and dining room
Upstairs, all the rooms can be opened up or isolated depending on requirements. “Upstairs, the kid’s bedrooms open up to each other, onto hallways and the living area, as well as the study. As the children grow and change, their spaces can adapt to suit their level of engagement with their home and their family,” says Andrew. The parent’s retreat is separated entirely, accessible via a bridge.
Children’s bedrooms
From the outside, the most striking design feature is the use of slate cladding – a council building covenant demanded that any new home built on the site had to be clad in the material (perhaps as a nod to the older homes in the area that feature slate roofs). “The beauty, skill and detail usually lost to the sky up on the roof, can be appreciated close up,” says Andrew who engaged seasoned craftsman to clad the home’s exterior and some interior surfaces too. “They were excited by the challenges of applying their craft to vertical walls, rather than just the roof. Each of the patterns used on the various facades are patterns recommended by the contractors, from their years of experience working with slate,” says Andrew.
BathroomLounge room
And, given the state of the economy, it’s highly possible that we will see more of this type of dwelling — something that isn’t lost on Andrew. “Multi-generational housing is a double-edged sword. It is wonderful in many ways – a diverse family home is often a healthy family home. However, multi-generational homes also reflect the nature of our economy and the dire consequences of housing un-affordability,” says Andrew.
We’ve featured a couple of fabulous hospitality interiors of late (like this one and this one) but that’s because there have been some true standouts, and our latest pick is no exception. Located in inner-city Melbourne, Middletown Café takes its cues from Kate Middleton and the chic space combines navy, blonde wood, brass and contrast checkerboard grey terrazzo flooring for a look that is as sleek and manicured as the Duchess herself.
Clean neutrals combine with navy for a regal effect
“Rather than interpreting just Kate as an individual, our design is the personification of the ‘modern muse’ and pays homage to Kate’s journey from the English countryside to British high society,” says Alex Hopkins, principal interior designer with Studio Tate, the firm responsible for the design.
I love how the brass pops against the navy blue paint
“The key design decisions were all inspired by some part of her life, whether it be a pattern derived from the cladding of her local countryside pub or the signature blue paint colour that is akin to Kate’s iconic navy coat,” says Alex.
While royal blue is the dominant colour, there are splashes of pastel pink, white and brass which all complement the café’s signature checkerboard floor. “We thought it would be great to select a contemporary floor finish laid in a traditional format and a terrazzo tile lends itself to this application,” says Alex of the floor that was supplied by Fibonacci Stone.
“Like the contrasting checkerboard style, our terrazzo is also timeless, hard-wearing and easy to maintain, making it a great selection for hospitality projects. I think we will see more and more of this trend making its way into designers’ hospitality projects in the near future,” says the managing director of Fibonacci Stone, Michael Karakolis.
The checkerboard terrazzo tiles are a design highlight
Currently in its 14th year, the Australian Interior Design Awards continue to unearth our most talented designers and this year is no exception. With a record 525 entries, including entries for the first time from all Australian states and territories, the judges were quick to note the originality on display this year.
Shortlisted: Arent&Pyke’s Pyrmont apartment
“Separate to the prevalence of some currently popular material and colour choices, we saw numerous projects showing clearly defined concepts that were directly responsive to the project briefs. The judges collectively appreciated these projects that achieved a sense of originality and demonstrated attention to the needs of the client ahead of trend driven solutions,” says residential judge Nick Travers from Techne.
Shortlisted: Belmont House by Kennedy Nolan
And while it’s typical of residential clients to follow trends, it’s heartening to hear that many are making braver design decisions. “Generally, we feel there is bolder design expression occurring which is more confident and less conservative in nature,” says Nick who also noticed an attention to detail not seen hitherto. “There was lots of refined detailing and a diversity in joinery design with a great sense of craft and workmanship,” says Nick of the 100 shortlisted designs.
Shortlisted: Peninsula by Hare + Klein
“From our own project experience, we can also appreciate that investment by Australians in residential design is higher than ever which is affording designers a great deal of freedom in material choices, levels of detailing and bespoke solutions,” says Nick in what is no doubt music to many a designer’s ears!
Shortlisted: Arent&Pyke’s Pyrmont apartment
Another strong trend to emerge was the importance placed on the integration of the outside with the inside of residential spaces. “We noticed the integration of landscape design and creating stronger connections between interior and exterior spaces of dwellings is higher on the agenda,” says Nick.
Shortlisted: Six Brockville Rd by Neometro and MA Architects
The shortlist categories include retail design, hospitality design, workplace design, public design, installation design, residential design and residential decoration, sustainability advancement and emerging interior design practice. There is also a Best of State Award and the Premier Award for Australian Interior Design. The final awards will be handed out in Melbourne on Friday June 9.
Belmont House by Kennedy Nolan
“Not only did we have a record number of entries but they showed a real depth in quality. It was evident in the best projects that real collaboration had occurred inthe team dynamics between designers, consultants, contractors, craftspeople and the client.”
Shortlisted: Collins House by Tribe Studio Architects
Photography: Tom Ferguson, Derek Swalwell, Nicholas Watt & Katherine Lu
One half of the design duo Kate & Kate, Kate Pascoe Squires opened her lounge room to us recently for a glimpse at her gorgeous coffee table — a brass and marble number that was imported from France. “I fell in love with the incredible brass Greek key motif, which pops against the veiny blush marble on my coffee table top. It would be a shame to hide such beauty, so I tend to keep it pretty clutter-free,” says Kate of the metre-round, mid-century table that also sports traditional black painted timber legs.
Kate Pascoe Squires
“The Greek key motif is heaven – it has various blemishes within the brass that are battle scars from its previous life. This table was imported from France and I’m certain it will stay with us for many years to come,” says Kate.
As for what you’d typically find on top, Kate is married to media personality Tony Squires so it’s understandable that newspapers are a permanent fixture. “For the most part, you will find a consistent stack of newspapers, my current read, a laptop and a fresh bunch of seasonal flowers. Oh and my sculptural Jessica Hans vase, handmade and painted in Philadelphia,” says Kate who doesn’t re-style her coffee table that often. “Apart from whatever blooms are on offer that week it doesn’t change much except for the newspapers that are on daily rotation.”
With two children, Kate’s coffee table is also a multi-tasking piece – a consideration when she styles it. “The coffee table is often at the heart of a living room, so it needs to offer both style and function. I do like some space on a coffee table for, you know, a cup of coffee! It’s lovely when kids can gather around a coffee table to do arts and crafts or your friends with some rosé – but equally, it’s also lovely to have a few special pieces on the table to really make it a centrepiece.”
As for styling tips, Kate believes simplicity is key. “Don’t go too crazy on the styling front. You want the table to be able to handle the movement of everyday life – a stray newspaper, a new novel, the ever-present laptop – don’t fuss too much about it. Keep it natural, with a few key pieces that tell a story,” says Kate.
When Melbourne artist Madeline Stamer converted her roof space into an attic recently, her eldest daughter moved upstairs making way for a room makeover for her youngest child, Ada. “Since the move, Ada has gained more space which has enabled her to have more freedom and be more active. She’s able to stretch out, dance, roll around, spread out her toys and have ownership of the space which can be challenging when sharing with a sibling,” says Madeleine.
The room features an original cast iron bed frame (a nod to the home’s late Victorian/Edwardian style) plus plenty of period elements including a ceiling rose, floorboards and skirting boards.
“We’ve freshened up the space with contemporary lighting, textiles and quirky elements,” says Madeleine though the space features plenty of older items too. “I love the old pieces of furniture that we’ve salvaged over time that add character and a sense of nostalgia,” says Madeleine.
Unsurprisingly, for the home of an artist, there’s plenty of colour on display and the room acts as a gallery space for Ada’s constant stream of artwork. “The room is never static and evolves constantly with the arrival of new school projects and art work that Ada’s made. As an artist and art educator I totally embrace the importance of celebrating the children’s artistic endeavours. Of course, there’s always a limit to how much you can accommodate so we often rotate old art that the kids have made and replace with new work,” says Madeleine.
“Ada adores her room but every now and then she admits that she misses sharing with her older sister. They’re in close proximity though via the pull-down ladder that leads up to Wilhelmina’s attic room. They often chat to each other at night and the cat wanders in and out visiting them both. It brings us so much joy to watch her jumping off her bed onto the floor and rolling around doing general happy kid stuff,” says Madeleine.
And when it comes to a child’s bedroom, Madeleine believes there are a few essential items. “A warm snuggly bed with favourite toys, good storage, a book nook, plants, personal drawings and artwork and a little work table or enough floor space to stretch out is usually perfect,” says Madeleine.
The southern Sydney suburb of Kareela has been graced with a stunning new hospitality outlet in the form of Moss Bros, a luxe dessert bar that combines the aesthetic of an Art Deco European patisserie with Asian and Australian influences to fabulous effect.
The patterned tiled floor combined with gold, marble and emerald is utter perfection.
Bathed in the colour of the moment, Pantone Greenery, the emerald and sage interior was inspired by the highly verdant Moss Bross signature dessert which is available at the chef’s fellow business, KOI Dessert Bar.
I love the tufted green velvet banquette seating!
“The signature dessert features pistachio mousse, caramel gel, white chocolate matcha dulce cremeaux, pistachio sponge, matcha moss, apple blossom jelly, nitro lime and yoghurt and green apple,” says Rachel Herzberg, executive business director of Collectivus, the design firm responsible for the project.
The desserts look too pretty to eat.
“I love that the interiors and in-store experience were influenced by the colourful, creative product on offer. If you have seen the amazing deserts on offer at Moss, you will understand the inspiration behind the venue,” says Rachel of the outlet that is the second for Moss Bros – the first is in the Sydney CBD.
There is something so luxe about emerald green
Combining green with brass, velvet and timber, the new Moss Bross has certainly raised the hospitality bar for the suburbs and it’s a direct response to the ubiquitous monochrome interiors. “The colour palette was designed to stand apart from the current industry trends of monochrome and concrete venues. The luxury elements such as brass and marble details, feature tiles, velvet banquette seating, detailed lighting and warm timber furniture set the expectations for visitors for the experience they will have in the space,” says Rachel.
Interior stylist Megan Morton releases her fourth book this week – a compendium of gorgeous homes titled ‘It’s beautiful here* – Homes That Make Your Heart Skip a Beat.’ From a modest rental in suburban Adelaide to a chateau in France and the New York apartment of author Hanya Yanagihara, the book’s subjects are a diverse lot which makes it an appealing read.
“I was humbled by the quote ‘some people buy beautiful houses, others make them’ and this book is about the people who make them!” says Megan of her motley crew of subjects, her favourites being mother daughter duo of Caroline and Virginia Gibbs. “We visited both the delicious homes of the mother and daughter decor duo, proving that the hospitality hostess gene is the best asset any house can have,” says Megan.
On the hospitality front, the book contains practical tips too. There’s advice on hosting, living with children, how to hang a gallery wall like a pro, balancing home and work, maximalism, how to live with books, colour tips and the final chapter that has the curious title ‘How to stay sane and outsmart cockroaches.’ You’ll also find interviews with the homeowners.
As a big fan of Yanagihara (I’m still haunted by ‘A Little Life’ – anyone else?), it was lovely to get a glimpse inside her New York apartment. Her impressive bookshelf spans the width of the room and holds over 12,000 tomes organised in alphabetical order! “She is my favourite writer. Her house was a total privilege to shoot but I was really there just to see her bookshelves!” says Megan.
Hanya Yanagihara’s impressive book shelf and bedroom
“All the homes are done with total heart and you can detect it,” says Megan. Personally, I love getting inside the homes of ‘real’ people and if you’re an interiors voyeur like me, you’re bound to love it too.
