Tag: interior

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Interviews RENO ADDICT

Our current obsession: Easycraft timber panels

With Jen in full-on renovation mode, she was rather excited to unearth Easycraft timber panels recently and now wants to clad everything and so do I! Inspired by the classic Queensland homes of the early twentieth century, the company was created in 1986 but has since grown to manufacture contemporary panel styles too.

Image: H & G Designs

A fabulous alternative to paint or wallpaper (it also looks fabulous on the ceiling), the timber paneled aesthetic is a current designer favourite and it’s not hard to see why. From Hamptons style abodes to heritage-listed treasures and new builds, these lightweight MDF panels add gorgeous, clean texture to any space.

Image: Reece

“The classic ‘easyvj’ is by far our most popular. It suits traditional homes where renovators want to match older VJ-style paneling and it’s also popular in new homes as a modern, decorative feature on the wall or ceiling,” says Easycraft marketing manager Ben McGill.

The panels look great on the ceiling too. Image: Diverse Design & Construct

“One of our key objectives was to produce something that could provide a great look that anybody regardless of DIY know-how could effectively make use of and install quickly. I think it is a product that is wonderfully easy to implement into the home but also one that you can get a massive amount out of if you do have more experience in DIY and design,” says Ben.

Image: Dulux

The product can be used in wet areas too. “We recommend ‘easyclad’ for use in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries. Made from reconstituted hardwood, it provides a tough and hardy baseboard while offering a range of profile finishes to suit,” says Ben.

One of Ben’s favourite designs (and mine too) is the ‘easyascot.’ “It can transform any space. The unique, formal finish of the profile is especially suited to dining rooms, master bedrooms and entry areas. The ‘easyascot’ is a great weekend project and our ‘easydado’ rails complete the look,” says Ben.

Image: Bec Douros

The product also delivers on a practical level too, which is why it continues to gain popularity among DIY-ers, builders, architects and designers. “They recognise the advantages of a product that can be produced to their specification without the warping, knotting or splits seen in traditional timber planks. The durability of the boards, coupled with their easy installation also cuts down on material and labour costs,” says Ben.

For more.

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Covet my coffee table

Covet My Coffee Table: With Have You Met Miss Jones

Have You Met Miss Jones first came to my attention many years ago when I was working in women’s magazines. I loved their wares from the start – with more than a subtle nod to seventies ceramics, the colour palettes and retro detailing have always been on point. So, it’s with much excitement that we bring you the coffee table styling of the owner, Jennifer Jones.

A mix of books, greenery and plenty of ceramics (of course), Jennifer’s coffee table doesn’t disappoint. “We love books in our family and so there are always piles of books on the coffee table, ranging from design and cookbooks to our daughter’s favourites. As a mad ceramic collector, I also use the coffee table to display my newest acquisitions. These amazing blue pieces are from a weekend I spent in Chiang Mai last month, hand picking items for our recently opened Bondi store,” says Jennifer.

“We love plants too and the recycled rubber pot from Garden Life houses a chalk stick succulent which is toddler friendly and robust! The little fabric bunny is one of a series from a divine shop in Seminyak which sells the cutest baby clothes. Teddie, our daughter, loves them.”

Jennifer Jones in her lounge room

The space is a constantly changing tableau – reflecting Jennifer’s changing tastes. “Being in the homeware industry our house is constantly changing. I can’t help myself when I see a new trend that I love emerge! The coffee table is a great space to draw attention to the things we love most at that time so it tends to change at least every few months,” says Jennifer.

And rather than one coffee table, Jennifer’s lounge room includes two positioned together. “We wanted to have a large table to gather around. We bought it from our fabulous friend David at Orson & Blake. We love it as it houses lots of books underneath and the marble top gives a great sense of style to our living room.”

Jennifer’s daughter Teddie and her favourite things feature on the coffee table

With a toddler in the house (something Jen and I know all about!), the coffee table is not only robust but highly functional too. “I think it needs to be 100 per cent functional and in our house, it needs to be able to take a bit of a battering! We spend a lot of time around the table, usually eating meals sitting on cushions on the floor with Teddie or playing with her musical instruments or drawing. I wanted something neutral as we tend to change the style of our living room every year at least. It needed to work with a multitude of rugs and soft furnishings.”

Gorgeous ceramics abound

As for styling tips, Jennifer is a fan of discreet storage. “A great box or small lidded basket is perfect for hiding remotes and bits and pieces. We have printed polaroid size pics from our family Instagram so a great bowl to display those in is a cute way to have photos at easy reach that isn’t a device,” says Jennifer. She believes books (with an ornament on top) plus something living are essential too.

“Fresh flowers are the ultimate but with a small child, a plant is more stress-free and the health benefits cannot be undervalued. This is usually corralled in a great and generously proportioned tray that can double for snacks on the couch too.”

Shop Jennifer’s designs online | Browse our other coffee tables

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Interiors Addict

Decor + Design and AIFF almost sold out for July

The premier buying and networking event for furniture, homewares, lighting, home décor and artwork, Decor + Design returns to Melbourne in July for its 14th year. Held from 20 to 23 July, the event will run alongside the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) and is set to attract more than 11,000 visitors over its four-day schedule. Interiors Addict is proud to be this year’s media partner.

Decor + Design expert panel

“We are very excited about Decor + Design and AIFF 2017. 2016 was a fantastic year with 10 per cent growth in attendance. 2017’s exhibition has grown by 20 per cent and has already almost sold out, so visitors can expect many high-quality exhibitors showcasing inspiring new products at the event this year,” says Chris May, event director of organisers Informa Australia.

The program includes the popular international seminar series where industry leaders from around the world will discuss the latest developments in their fields. “Decor + Design and AIFF are more than just an exhibition, we look to give our visitors and exhibitors an experience which they can use in their professions every day. We provide tools and resources to broaden horizons and expand networks, to open doors to creatives around the world,” says Chris.

Artists exhibit

Trend enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear about the trend hub – a dedicated area where interactive design-led activity and future design trend information will be available. There will also be daily trend tours.

A great springboard for Australian designers, small studios and artists, Design Laneway & Wall Street (formerly Design: Bazaar) will return for its third year while AIFF loves Homemade will focus on Australian made furniture and joinery designers and makers.

Decor + Design 2016 seminar

Perhaps the highlight on the schedule, the VIVID Design Competition will run again this year. “Known for launching the careers of many Australian design luminaries and nurturing Australia’s emerging design talent, VIVID has already unearthed over 700 designers and with 2017 marking the 14th year of VIVID, our hopes are high for even more innovative and creative designs from around the country,” says VIVID 2017 curator, Daniel Dalla Riva of Latitude Group.

Decor + Design 2017/Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF)

Melbourne Exhibition Centre
1 Convention Centre Place
South Wharf VIC, 3003

Thursday 20 July, 10am – 5pm
Friday 21 July, 10am – 5pm
Saturday 22 July, 10am – 4pm
Sunday 23 July, 10am – 3pm

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House Tours

Real home: Traditional American design meets Chinoiserie

Located on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, this stylish family home combines disparate yet complementary elements and eschews trends for a look that is set to endure. “My personal design aesthetic is classic, traditional and homely, with a focus on great quality pieces,” says the home’s owner Kate Walker. “My style is American traditional with a touch of Chinoiserie. I like to buy pieces that will be as relevant when I’m 80 years old as they are today.  I avoid trends, because I don’t want to have to keep redoing the décor!”

Dining room

With a successful design business, based near her home, it seems Kate was always destined for a career in design – her mother was an interior designer and her father a tile merchant. But her own home’s aesthetic is quite the departure from her professional environment. “The style for the KWD Studio is white, minimalist, clean and pristine, so when I go home I want to feel like I am being wrapped up in comfort with a really friendly environment and gorgeous textiles. I always have fresh flowers everywhere too,” says Kate, who lives with her two children, a puppy and two rabbits.

Kate Walker with her puppy Pierre

While the home has a coastal chic feel, it conjures a Hampton’s vibe and manages to avoid the beachy clichés – a conscious design decision by Kate who designed the home with her sister Amy Spargo of Maine House Interiors.

“It was very important to me that the interior design was traditional but relevant. And because we are so close to the beach I wanted the look to be light and breezy, but not beachy. The style is coastal chic really, in a traditional way,” says Kate.

A work in progress (the wet areas are yet to be completed), Kate has referenced the 1930’s and 1940’s throughout the home – a nod to its provenance. “I like traditional pieces, from Chesterfield lounges to wing back armchairs to an antique kauri pine bed for my son, but I mix these with pieces from IKEA.”

A keen proponent of landscaping, Kate’s garden is spectacular and one of the home’s standout features. “I feel strongly about bringing the outside in, and I always recommend that my clients leave money in their budget for their landscaping design. For me, the house starts at the front fence, not at the front door, and people get a feeling, even from the nature strip, about what they are going to experience when they come into your home. The outdoors is an extension of the indoors,” says Kate.

The lush garden

Another highlight of the home is its gorgeous master bedroom – a vision in blue. “I love my bedroom. It’s painted in a really strong yet calming blue, Blue Oar by Dulux. My bed pays homage to the Asian influences I love with a Chinoiserie pagoda-style bed head and I always have crisp, white bed linen and gorgeous decorator cushions.”

Kate’s bedroom

“My bedroom is where I keep all my personal photos of my children when they were babies, photos of my family, pieces of china I have collected over many, many years and even my grandmother’s last piece of knitting, complete with knitting needles, that she was working on the night before she died. It sits under a cloche. So, my bedroom is really personal,” says Kate who sleeps with her windows and blinds open to take in the morning vista. “From my bedroom, I have a view across the property and see everything that is happening around me. When I wake up, I see the leaves of the jacaranda tree outside. It’s beautiful, just beautiful.”

Photography: Brent Lukey Photography

See more Kate Walker Design

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Designers Interviews

The new Ginger & Smart flagship boutique is a stunner!

Housed inside the Pacific Fair shopping centre on the Gold Coast, the new Ginger & Smart flagship boutique is one of the more striking retail interiors we’ve seen in some time. It also happens to pair soft pink (one of our favourite hues) with petrol blue – a bold match made in interiors heaven!

“We’ve created a space that engages with the Ginger & Smart resort lifestyle and plays with contrasts by mixing traditional elements of masculinity and femininity to find an intersection of magic. It’s a space that is neutral and warm, yet bold and confident, with a generous gesture of deep petrol green to the rear of the space,” says Mark Robinson of Melbourne’s Flack Studio, the interior architecture firm responsible for the fit-out.

Given the Australian designer fashion brand is known for its vibrant use of colour, it’s fitting that the store reflects this. “The best part of the project was working with Alexandra and Genevieve from Ginger & Smart – because they really embraced the design process it was fun for all. I particularly loved their braveness in colour selection – sometimes retail can try and play is safe – but not Ginger & Smart!” says Mark.

Paint colour: Dulux Celtic Rush

With a ‘fresh and contemporary, polished and yet playful’ directive from the fashion design duo, Flack Studio combined a mix of luxurious colours and materials for a super-stylish, high-end result befitting of the brand. “I love the use of colour and the material mix-up – plush carpet, luxe curtains, leathered finished black granite and deep chunky marble that counteracts the softness of the coral terrazzo and black caviar American oak joinery,” says Mark.

The Fibonacci Stone coral terrazzo on the floor is a particular highlight – inspired by the colours of an ocean reef, the terrazzo features a mix of orange and pink pigments with accents of white, grey and shell.

A close-up detail of the gorgeous Fibonacci Stone coral terrazzo that adorns the floor

“There is focus on our styling suites – a luxurious private space where customers and stylists engage. We also wanted the Ginger & Smart boutique to be one clients could navigate through with a sense of discovery – a series of high and low elements that takes the customer on a journey,” says Mark.

Paint colour: Dulux Christobel

Photographs: Toby Scott

For more Flack Studio | Shop Ginger & Smart

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Designers House Tours Interviews

Mid-century and the Mediterranean inspire real Melbourne home

There’s a strong Mediterranean influence infused throughout this serene Melbourne family home befitting its Croatian owners – a fifty-something builder, his wife and two grown-up sons. “They came to me because they do a lot of construction and move from house to house. This time they wanted something really special because they intend to stay in the home for a long time. Ultimately they wanted something unique and experiential,” says the project’s interior architect Georgia Ezra.

The kitchen

Combining Tasmanian oak veneer paneling with beautiful handmade clay tiles and bespoke rattan joinery, the home is rich in texture and brimming with gorgeous details. “The project definitely has Mediterranean influences in there but it draws on the 1970’s and mid-century modern design too,” says Georgia.

Entry tile detail

Featuring custom, Moroccan zellige, colour-glazed clay tiles, the front entrance is a design highlight. “It’s as if there’s a runner or rug inset into the floor,” says Georgia of the pale green and white tiles that were created by her company, Tiles of Ezra. Another notable flooring detail is the gorgeous Australian hardwood timber that is laid in a Chevron pattern throughout the home.

The lounge features timber veneer on the walls for a strong mid-century vibe

Georgia’s unique tiles feature elsewhere too – most notably around the fireplace and kitchen splashback. “At about $1,200 per square metre, the intricate, mosaic tile surrounding the fireplace is a very high-end luxurious design cut by hand,” says Georgia.

Kitchen splashback

The tiles on the splashback and rangehood have a gorgeous, shimmery pearl-like finish created in their manufacture. “They’re made entirely from clay that is glazed and put in the kiln at a high temperature. The variation in tone depends on where they’re placed in the kiln. There is serious variation — some are bluer while others are more pink, white or grey which creates great depth. It’s not considered a defect to have knocks, chips and dimples present on the glaze.”

The kitchen island doubles as a casual dining space

The kitchen island bench is another highlight with the bespoke joinery featuring a combination of timber and stone. “The owners wanted something that was super functional but also acted as a casual dining place. At 720mm high, the timber table is a functional dining height and the family eat there every night on their beautiful Thonet chairs,” says Georgia.

Custom white rattan cupboards feature in the kitchen

A unique feature, the kitchen features a bank of cupboards fronted in white rattan. “We had to take the rolls of rattan, dunk them in water and hold them down before spraying them in two-pack paint,” says Georgia.

Lounge and dining

“I don’t think the photos do it justice. When you walk into the home, the whole area opens up – it’s experiential. It’s one of those homes that you walk through and feel something special. This is one of my favourite jobs ever and the clients love it too,” says Georgia.

Formal lounge

For more of Georgia’s work | Shop Tiles of Ezra

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Designers Expert Tips

Australia’s hottest design trends for 2017

You could blame it on the popularity of home renovation television shows, Instagram or Pinterest but it seems there has never been a bigger focus on interior design. And it’s something Australia’s design heavyweights have noticed too. “It is clear that the impact of design on our lives, both at work and home, is continuing to gain momentum. It seems that the industry is more involved than ever in a vast range of projects from small renovations to large scale public spaces,” says Fiona Lynch, director of Fiona Lynch. It’s exciting times for interior lovers.

The 2016 winner of the Australian Interior Design Award (residential): Fitzroy loft

“Interestingly, one of the greatest influences on design has been the popularity of Instagram. We now have greater access to designers from around the world and can see the latest design exhibitions in real time,” says Fiona, referring to the indelible mark that technology has left on the design scene.

From natural materials to clever use of colour and the bespoke trend, we spoke to this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards’ judges to get their take on what they are expecting from this year’s entrants and the role of design in 2017.

2016 AIDA shortlisted project: East Melbourne residence

Adaptive re-use
The push to revitalise existing properties and celebrate the past shows no sign of abating. “Currently, there is an emphasis on adaptive re-use with many opting to strip back existing buildings to their bare bones and work within the context of the building’s original structure to expose and celebrate its authenticity. This, combined with a focus on enhancing daylight opportunities, the use of natural and highly textured materials, smooth neutral tones and the inclusion of foliage and lush greens, informs the approach we are seeing today,” says Sonda Banney, head of interior design at Architectus.

A great example of adaptive reuse. The 2016 winner of the Australian Interior Design Award (residential): Fitzroy Loft

Natural materials
Related to Sonda’s comments above, 2017 will see natural materials at the forefront of design yet again. “This year, I am expecting to see an increased demand for the handmade, with many seeking out the imperfect beauty of more authentic, natural materials. With a progressive approach, these materials can be reinterpreted in new ways, building on less traditional notions of luxury,” says Sophia Leopardi, director of Williams Burton Leopardi.

2016 AIDA shortlisted project: Deepwater

Colour
While monochrome interiors are still going strong, 2017 will see a return to more enthusiastic use of colour. “This year, I expect to see a lot more colour-blocking come to the fore. I have seen a number of designers keeping colour tonal where all finishes are in the same shades. Opposite to this is a pared back approach to materials where site-specific elements are retained and then juxtaposed against detailed design elements in rich materials,” says Fiona.

2016 AIDA shortlisted project: Bronte House

Personalisation
Eschewing the cookie cutter, generic design approach of the past, there will be a huge emphasis on bespoke design in 2017 too. “Every client is seeking a design solution that reflects and speaks to themselves and their aspirations. With an endless stream of looks and styles presented within all types of media, it is the role of the designer, now more than ever, to elevate and enrich projects with personal, original and progressive ideas,” says Sophia.

2016 AIDA shortlisted project: Bendigo residence

Buying local
It’s something we have written about and there’s no doubt there has been a push to support local makers of late. “In Australia, there is definite growth in the local furniture market, which is great to see, both in terms of design and production. This year I am expecting to see some high-quality pieces being developed for the international market as well as the local one,” says Mark Simpson, director of DesignOffice.

Photography: Felix Forest, Brooke Holm & Marsha Golemac and Justin Alexander

For more on the 2017 Australian Interior Design Awards

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House Tours Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Block’s Bec & George renovate first home with stunning results

Former Block favourites Bec and George Douros, lent their formidable renovation talents to their own property recently and with spectacular results. “This was the first property George and I ever purchased and it has been quite the labour of love for us over the last 12 months,” says Bec Douros of the home located in the inner-western Melbourne suburb of Spotswood.

Front elevation BEFORE
Front elevation AFTER – Wow!

Formerly a two-bedroom, one-bathroom 1950’s abode, the couple redesigned the floor plan, adding an extra bedroom, bathroom and open plan kitchen/living/dining space too. “This was the first renovation we undertook completely on our own with all the works completed by George and his father, Nick. This was also a great advantage to our budget!”

Kitchen BEFORE
Kitchen AFTER

As for the most successful part of the project, Bec is very proud of the chic kitchen. “It really is the heart of this home and such a beautiful design. The Dekton benchtops that run up the wall as a splashback too are stunning!” says Bec.

Master bedroom

“The home’s design is a perfect balance of old meets new. We restored all the original features of the home including the stunning ceiling roses, Tasmanian oak floors and weatherboards which were hidden under the brown face bricks,” says Bec. “The design of the roses is more of a reference to the Art Deco era but we didn’t run with this style throughout the home. In every project we do, we try to do our style, making all the pieces we love work together.”

Bathroom BEFORE

 

Bathroom AFTER
Bathroom AFTER

One of the more dramatic changes that took place was to the front elevation, which is unrecognisable from its past incarnation. “We removed the brown face bricks to find the original weatherboards which we restored. We put in two French doors to open up onto the landscaped front yard as well as the perfect white picket fence,” says Bec.

Bec & George Douros on the porch

Plenty of gorgeous details abound such as the tiles that adorn the porch. “That was George’s baby and he designed the tiled feature and the timber porch. It was also his choice to have a pink front door!” says Bec.

Bedroom BEFORE
Bedroom AFTER – DIY Online Blinds supplied the shutters throughout the home

Photography: Elizabeth Allnut & Steph Brown

For those in the market, this property goes under the hammer next Saturday, 25 March 2017.

For more on Bec Douros

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Designers House Tours Interviews Styling

Real home: This chic Sydney family abode mixes old with new

“Make this house feel like a home,” said the owners of this freestanding Victorian era home in the Sydney suburb of Bronte before it was transformed recently by The Designory. And perusing the end result, I’d say that goal was most definitely achieved! After moving from a cosy, semi-detached residence in Waverley with their two young children, the family found they had plenty of spaces to fill in this much larger home.

The living room features an original Hans Wegner Tripod chair

“Although they had brought many of their personal treasures and collectable items with them they engaged us from the beginning to make their new house feel more like a home. They wanted to incorporate their love of mid-century pieces and their personal treasures with new pared back classic items to create an environment that the whole family could enjoy,” says interior designer Melissa Bonney, who used durable yet beautiful child-friendly materials and finishes throughout the project.

Master bedroom

With a ‘mid-century modern’ brief, Melissa and her team went about decorating the home to give it a lovely, lived-in vibe. “Overall the success of the project was in the eclectic mix that directly relates to our clients’ personalities. Mixing the old with the new and sourcing original pieces that tell a story created an interior that reflects the owners and their way of living,” says Melissa.

Child’s room

Her favourite space, the dining area mixes rattan (so hot right now!) and copper to fabulous effect. “We love the dining area. The simplicity of the modern oak dining table complements the original Hoffman walnut dining chairs perfectly along with the clients’ original artwork and the gorgeous copper pendant lights,” says Melissa.

Dining room

As for her favourite piece of furniture, Melissa can’t go past the original Hans Wegner Tripod chair that resides in the living room. “It’s definitely a team favourite as it’s such a classic and enduring piece that will never go out of style.”

Child’s bedroom

Photography: Tom Ferguson | For more on The Designory

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Kids Rooms Styling

Nursery design 101: The first-timer’s guide

There’s no doubt that one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new baby is designing the little one’s nursery. From safety considerations to matters of style and comfort, there’s plenty to consider which is why we consulted an expert on this one – Pottery Barn Kids Australia’s field visual manager Ebony Quaid. We’ve also included some of our favourite sweet nursery buys!

“All parents can do with a helping hand creating the best bedrooms and play spaces for their children, but for new parents it can be especially overwhelming. Everything is unfamiliar, from cots that convert to changing tables that adapt and even nappy bags and swaddling cloths – these are things you’ve never had to think about buying before,” says Ebony.

Pottery Barn Kids Reese convertible cot, $799

Room prep
From walls to floors and lighting, there are plenty of bare basics to consider before you even set about purchasing any furniture or accessories. “Prep your nursery room before ordering any furniture – this could be as simple as a thorough clean or as extensive as a re-paint and re-carpet or re-polish of the flooring. Be mindful of you and your baby’s health when arranging any painting or polishing work. Also, ensure the room’s electricals are safe and functional and any pendants are well out of reach of the cot and change table,” says Ebony.

Little Louli personalised ‘Sweet Dreams’ cot sheet, $69

Climate control
“Whether you require heating or cooling or both, ensure it’s sorted well in advance of your baby’s arrival. Consider the placement of the cot or bassinet too as it should be well away from windows or any air conditioning vents,” says Ebony.

Sound and light
This is obviously a big one as, aside from feeding, getting a baby to sleep is arguably the primary concern for most new parents. “Help make sleep time as peaceful as possible. Choose window treatments that block out the light and help diffuse outside sounds. Position the cot away from the door too,” says Ebony.

Pottery Barn Kids Kendall extra wide dresser, $1199 and changing table topper, $229

Furniture
When it comes to furniture, new babies don’t actually need that much – if the budget is tight just stick to the essentials. “The key items are a bassinet, cot, change table, storage and seating,” says Ebony.

Incy x Hobbe rocker, $1299

Accessories
“Don’t forget your friends and family will be keen to shower you with gifts – a registry filled with the smaller essentials can be a great way to get everyone involved,” says Ebony who recommends Pottery Barn’s handy registry checklist to get you organised.

Little Rae Elephant Star Jacket print, $30

Shop smart
From a cot that converts to a toddler bed, a changing table with removable topper (that will function as drawers long after you last baby is out of nappies) to a rocking chair that can be moved to another part of the house when feeding time is over, there are lots of savvy ways to deck out your nursery.

“The smartest financial choice you can make when choosing nursery furniture is to go for pieces built to last, rigorously tested for safety, and designed to grow and adapt alongside your baby. It makes sense to choose timeless, gender-neutral furniture that will continue to look great with any future babies too,” says Ebony.

The Timba Trend book shelves, $32 each

 Add your style
“It goes without saying that your nursery aesthetic should reflect or complement the style of your home, your family, and eventually your little one. But don’t feel pressured or rushed – this is the fun part, after all! Even the most neutral, unassuming room and classic, simple furniture can instantly take on a vibrant and colourful personality with the simple additions of a rug, gorgeous bedding, wall art, a mobile, a lamp, an accent cushion, a stroller blanket that doubles as a throw, open shelving for decorative and sentimental objects, and of course some gorgeous toys and plush animals,” says Ebony.

Clocksicle Sailor wall clock, $69
Categories
Designers Interviews

Gorgeous new wellness venue designed by Alex Zabotto-Bentley

It’s not only your insides that will be cleansed after a visit to the chic new Melbourne health and wellness venue Greenfields, but your eyeballs too. Designed by Alex Zabotto-Bentley, of AZB Creative, the tranquil, textured aesthetic is primarily about bringing the outside in but it takes inspiration from chic spaces in Byron Bay, Miami, Barcelona and Buenos Aires too.

“The wonderful owner Simon Digby wanted to create a space that was part Byron Bay and part Miami but incorporated the signature AZB creative. The brief was to translate the very outdated existing venue into an urban resort and this was a mighty challenge, but we are so thrilled with the result,” says Alex of the venue that sits in the gorgeous Albert Park parklands and has lake views too. “It’s your dream vacation house, but it’s big enough for all of your friends too,” says Alex.

A central city oasis

And with relaxation at the forefront, Alex was careful to work with soothing, tranquil hues. “It’s a lifestyle space that can encompass yoga and meditation sessions, music, inspirational talks and long, lazy lunches. 
I felt that it was paramount to use a palette of soft colours. The slubby greys, pumice and mint shades are relaxing and partner perfectly with the verdant, lush plants. The whole effect is warm, human and relaxing – the space has a soul and a sense of history,” says Alex. It’s an effect that is complemented by industrial windows that are framed in a powder coated soft pumice colour. “The powder coater had never done anything of the sort to industrial windows so that was a definite curve ball but the result is amazing! The view of the lake, the rolling terrain of the golf course and the landscape of trees is softened by this putty coloured clean framing of the windows. It’s almost like there are picture frames of every scene,” says Alex.

I’m loving those gorgeous encaustic floor tiles!

The project also provided the perfect opportunity for Alex to showcase his custom encaustic tiles, complete with worn, old world patinas. “I was inspired by recent travels to old-world cities like Barcelona and Buenos Aires, where lifestyle is at the centre of design. I fell in love with the idea of a lofty warehouse combined with large terraced spaces in those cities. I was excited to channel those large old Spanish warehouses and hand design a collection of tiles for Greenfields,” says Alex. The venue’s rustic pots, hand-knotted reed ceilings, rattan pendant shades and recycled timber only adds to the textured, lived-in effect.

“The abundance of greenery was another key element. We planted lush greens in antique ceramic water vessels from Turkey, antique gesso conch shells from Italy and giant terracotta pots by local ceramicists. A mix of small trees and tropical greens help to bring the outside in too,” says Alex.

Texture abounds

The wellness venue offers a pet-friendly holistic eatery (complete with a special ‘clean’ doggy menu!), function venue, yoga and meditation. “I just love the energy we have created in this beautiful space. It’s a space to breathe. I think we get so caught up in the daily grind, that this place, so close to the city centre, is a real retreat. The details were layered to build a warm, tactile environment, which helps people to relax and connect with each other,” says Alex.

Some of the venue’s holistic fare

For more on Greenfields | For more on AZB Creative

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Styling

Jen & Amy’s favourite design blogs from around the globe

When we’re not busy working away on this site dear readers, we love nothing better than to curl up with a cup of tea and trawl our other favourite design blogs. And today we’re feeling rather generous so we’ve decided to share them with you!

Style by Emily Henderson
Out of LA, Emily Henderson is a stylist, author and TV host and her blog celebrates eclectic style on a moderate budget. Featuring magazine-worthy past projects and Emily’s own home renovations, plus ‘find your style’ quizzes and a ‘design mistakes’ section too, this blog is definitely worth visiting.

Image source: Emily Henderson

Apartment Therapy
Launched in 2001, Apartment Therapy is the creation of Brooklyn-based Maxwell Ryan. With a background in interior design, Maxwell’s point of difference is his ability to make a space not only beautiful but organised too. Neat freaks (ahem, that’s both of us!) will love that there is an entire section dedicated to decluttering and cleaning while the blog’s storage tips, DIY projects and home tours are great too (the nursery tours are particularly good). Maxwell has lots of practical advice and you can also search the interiors by colour too!

Image source: Apartment Therapy

Bright Bazaar
As the name would suggest, colour is the hero on this hugely popular blog that features a plethora of cheery content across home, travel and fashion. Started by Brit Will Taylor, a US-based freelance author, creative consultant and lifestyle blogger, Bright Bazaar’s Pinterest feed is also a huge success, boasting a whopping 2.4 million followers!

Image source: Bright Bazaar

The Jungalow
A maximalist’s dream, LA-based interior designer and artist Justina Blakeney’s blog The Jungalow is a haven for lovers of bohemia. From DIY projects to travel and how-to’s (how-to use pattern and colour is a recurring theme), this blog really does pack an inspirational punch. Oh and we mustn’t forget the plants – Justina’s aesthetic is jam-packed with lush flora!

Image source: The Jungalow

Abigail Ahern
Out of the UK, interior designer Abigail Ahern is something of a design wunderkind boasting a London store (regarded as one of the UK’s top design boutiques), a number of published books, retail lines and and a very successful lifestyle blog too. Featuring the designer’s famous faux flowers, signature dark paint range and carefully curated style, this blog is a moody, visual feast.

Image source: Abigail Ahern

Oh Happy Day
More of a party inspiration blog, this site is the work of San Francisco based party and lifestyle blogger Jordan Ferney. As its name would suggest, Oh Happy Day is bright and fun and it’s packed with interior design inspiration, recipes, DIY party projects and free (party) printables too.

Image source: Oh Happy Day

Domino
The Domino blog is an extension of the hugely popular Domino magazine that is much-loved by interior design enthusiasts worldwide. Featuring recipes, home tours and plenty of décor inspiration, this American blog is your one-stop interiors resource plus it has an extensive e-tail offering too.

Image source: Domino

Zilverblauw
Featuring plenty of pink and a very photogenic Burmese cat, Zilverblauw is a Dutch blog that covers interior design, photography and everyday life. Much of the content features pictures of the the author’s highly original and super bright home. It’s always a treat.

Image source: Zilverblauw
Categories
Expert Tips Interviews Styling

How to: Decorate with Pantone’s Greenery

As I discussed recently, when it comes to interiors, Pantone’s 2017 colour of the year Greenery can be a tricky hue to work with. Proving it’s not impossible however is Bethany James-Best of James Said who was kind enough to offer her top five expert tips on incorporating the colour into your home.

The James Said showroom featuring a super stylish Greg Natale green rug

Make a statement
Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and dive right in when it comes to a strong colour trend like this one. “Go bold with this daring colour. Why not introduce a fabulous velvet arm chair in this colour and make it the feature in your space? Or paint a whole wall in it for real impact? Some of the most fabulous interiors feature bold colour and this zesty shade of green may be the pop of colour you have been looking for,” says Bethany.

Think monochrome
“Use bold patterns in black and white and introduce Greenery as a splash of colour. We have a fabulous setting here in our showroom which features a monochromatic palette with a fabulous rug by Greg Natale,” says Bethany. The bold, black and white space is certainly elevated with a pop of vibrant green.

Give it time
As with any bold interior trend, Bethany believes that Greenery takes a little bit of getting used to. “One of our biggest recommendations when using a bold colour such as Greenery, is to give it time. You will probably be startled at first if you haven’t used such a vivid colour before. Let it digest and take some deep breaths once you have introduced it, especially if you have committed to painting your walls or introducing it in a big ticket item, such as a rug or a sofa. Let your mind adjust and get used to the colour – you chose it for a reason after all!” says Bethany.

Indoor plants
While indoor plants have been trending for a while now, Pantone’s celebrated hue gives you even more reason to bring the outside in. “Incorporate real greenery – introduce beautiful planted tropical palms or some loose foliage on your coffee table as this will tone done the vibrancy of the green and give a more natural feel to the space. Green Hydrangeas are a personal favourite of the James Said team,” says Bethany.

Pair it with gold
“For those of you who are a little more adventures and love glamour, pair Greenery with gold. Just like the colours of Australia, green and gold look fabulous together and while this dramatic look isn’t for everyone, we can’t get enough of it. This could be as simple as introducing a splash of green foliage in a gold vase. This look works really well in interiors which feature black also as the contrast is beautiful,” says Bethany.

Shop James Said.

Categories
Designers House Tours Interviews RENO ADDICT

Home makeover: California bungalow an exercise in restraint

Combining original Art Deco features with a previous renovation, this Californian bungalow received the makeover treatment recently, with Melbourne architect Jos Tan at the helm. Charged with making the home feel less cramped and more user friendly, Jos reconfigured the space (adding an ensuite and study) and updated the bathroom and kitchen too. “We managed to get the most out of not doing too much,” says Jos, referencing the project’s budget constraints.

“The existing living areas needed to be opened up and reconnected to the front of the house. The old kitchen was cramped, lacked storage, and felt separated from the adjacent living and dining areas. The existing bathroom was dark and awkward, and needed to be reconfigured too,” says Jos of the home that is located in the Melbourne suburb of West Brunswick.

Conscious of honouring the home’s original Art Deco details (leadlight windows are a feature), Jos was careful not to reference the period directly. “Reproduction or reinterpretation of the old details within the new renovation would have added a confusing layer to the already somewhat complicated cultural history of the house,” says Jos.

“When adding texture, I deliberately used common but classic patterns such as hex mosaics and subway tiles for the very reason that they are reminiscent of an older but somewhat indeterminate era, hence gently stitching the new in with the old. For this particular project, I felt that experimenting with new materials and imposing a fresh aesthetic would have been inappropriate,” says Jos.

“I am very happy with how quietly and comfortably the new sits with the old. It’s often hard to sell the idea of restraint, and I was very fortunate to have clients that understood and trusted me, along with a builder who took pride in the quality of his work. Simplicity needs care to succeed,” says Jos.

Learn more about Jos.

Photography: Tom Ross

Categories
Designers Interviews Kitchens

Head chef central to the design process of new Merivale venue

Located on Oxford Street in Sydney’s Paddington, Fred’s and Charlie Parker’s are the latest offering from the seemingly inexhaustible Merivale team (seriously, do they ever sleep?), and this time, the venue’s head chef was very involved in the design process. And with a beautiful open kitchen the centrepiece of the space, it’s easy to understand why.

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Fred’s dining room and open kitchen

“The head chef isn’t usually involved in the design process but when you’re talking about open kitchens, it’s a good idea to have chef involvement so that design doesn’t over take the function and purpose of a commercial kitchen,” says Danielle Alvarez, whose favourite aspect of the kitchen is its large central wooden bench. “Since the kitchen is in the middle of the room, I had to be a part of the whole process. It was fascinating to work with such talented designers,” says Danielle, who worked on the project with the Merivale design team.

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Fred’s

Located upstairs, Fred’s is the restaurant while Charlie Parker’s is the bar below – the overall design is rather Francophile with old French chateaux a key point of inspiration. “It’s inspired by a French bastide, with rich browns, dusty pinks and petrol blues. Deep, rich old world joinery blend against the grittiness of the old sandstone, bricks and peeling walls,” says Danielle of the spaces that also feature rich dark wood, leather and red veined marble tops. “Many old elements were retained including cosy little rooms and exposed original brick walls so that it doesn’t feel too new,” says Danielle.

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Charlie Parker’s – underground bar

“At Fred’s, we knew we wanted the fire to be the central focus and that good, solid, beautiful materials would be used throughout, nothing too dainty but still fine and attention paid to detail.  I think for the design team this screamed old world chateau but kept light. As for Charlie Parker’s I think it needed a point of distinction and because it is a bit underground it was naturally going to be a bit darker, more hidden, more speakeasy,” says Danielle.

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Charlie Parker’s

As for another unique design feature, Charlie Parker’s has a free-flowing underground stream that runs under it too. “Justin (Hemmes) put a glass plate over a portion of it so you can see it running, especially when it rains outside. It’s near the toilets at Charlie Parker’s which is funny but I love that they tried to highlight something that was actually so problematic during the design process.”

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The open kitchen at Fred’s

Click here for more.

Categories
Designers Interviews

Interview: Interior designer David Hicks on his first book

Internationally renowned Australian interior design maverick David Hicks releases his first book, Intimate, this month – a compendium of his most fabulous designs from the past 15 years. With a unique aesthetic that has been described as ‘new luxury,’ there’s no denying that the designer has a particular talent for mixing antique finds with modern finishes and a particularly elegant look.

David Hicks Rouse St

“I have a passion for mixing materials, styles and cultures, which has created a signature look that is broadly defined as eclectic and opulent, yet is also harmonious and refined,” he says. “I love architecture, interior design and decoration and often combine all three. They operate in synergy and form, or what I call my golden triangle. Weaving together these many strands, I curate highly individual spaces for my clients.”

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“My appreciation for detail and understanding of how materials work together is something I consider a strength, especially when coupled with my vast knowledge of the decorative, antique and vintage periods.”

David Hicks Rouse St

Eschewing trends, the designer prefers to create spaces that are tailored to his clients, and tell individual stories along the way. “Throughout the past 15 years in the industry, there have been a number of trends come and go. I wanted to use Intimate as a platform to showcase how every home that we work with tells a different story, from decadent marble and white, bright interiors to pops of vibrant colour and intricate antiques, no two homes are the same,” says David. A long-time fan of marble, he’ll continue to use it after the latest trend has faded.

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“Obviously we are susceptible to the times and are inspired by our surrounds, but we are less likely to conform to temporary fads or phases. ”

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And with art central to his work, David’s view of its place in interior design is an interesting one — he doesn’t use it as a decorative tool. “Artwork is very important but I don’t believe in art for art’s sake. We like to incorporate pieces that tell a story or have some type of pedigree to them, or sometimes purely because the client has an emotional attachment to them. We don’t use art as a decorative tool and don’t believe it should even necessarily match the interior. Art is a very personal thing and can add a great layer or depth to a space with the colour and texture it adds, or it can be a bold statement that incites conversation and interest,” says David.

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As for his favourite projects, he likens them to children and finds it difficult to choose. “I don’t play favourites. I fall in love with every project we do. Every project has something to love, for instance we are currently building a house on the clifftop in Portsea, complete with a cantilevered rooftop and glass-sided pool. Or there is the large 1920’s home in Toorak we have just refurbished and decorated with pieces from all over the world – each are special in their own unique ways,” says David.

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Photography: Ivan Terestchenko and Shannon McGrath

Intimate is published by Thames & Hudson and will available in all good book stores from later this month.

Categories
Designers Interviews

The Paddington Inn gets a sophisticated, neutral makeover

Sydney’s beloved Paddington Inn was renovated recently and with gorgeous, sophisticated results. And while it can be difficult to create neutral interiors that are memorable, this place most definitely is. It’s very much a tone-on-tone space, but it’s the texture and layers that make it so inviting.

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Dining room: Artwork by Christiane Spangsberg

“The design brief was to reference the Paddington terrace. Everyone romanticises the Paddington terrace and the planning followed the same notion of a heavier traditional front and the modern extension to the back. The colours, materiality, tones and furniture followed this brief,” says Solotel creative director Anna Solomon who designed the interior alongside renowned interior architect George Livissianis of The Apollo, Cho Cho San and The Dolphin interior fame.

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Bar

“But aside from exploring the Paddington terrace in a completely non-domestic way, we took inspiration from modern English pubs and certain Parisian elements,” says Anna of the space that makes beautiful use of light timbers, black, ivory and neutral artworks.

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Dining room

Arguably the most eye-catching part of the newly revamped space, the artwork ‘How Strangers Meet’ is a real feature in the dining room. Created by Danish artist Christiane Spangsberg, the abstract portraits encased in blonde wood box frames make a subtle statement. “I saw her work and instantly fell in love with it and knew it would look perfect in the space,” says Anna.

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Booth

Anna very much enjoyed working on the project, and continues to enjoy it on her regular visits. “I love working with such an incredibly creative bunch of people. George Livissianis is a dynamic and artistic designer. The whole process from start to finish was exciting and seeing it all come together and people eating and drinking in our space is always the best part!” says Anna.

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Check out the venue online.

 

Categories
The Block

The Block week 7 room reveals: Hallway, laundry & powder room

With three areas to cover, this was the biggest reveal of the series so far and it was clearly too much to handle for many of the contestants as ‘unfinished’ would be the best way to describe most of the rooms. It wasn’t surprising to see plenty of tough love from the judges.

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Karlie & Will’s powder room

Karlie and Will  – 27.5

Unsurprisingly, Karlie and Will’s entry took out first place this week. One of the few couples to actually complete their rooms, they really nailed the powder room in particular. From the white geometric tiles to the pendant light with wooden beads, I loved it and so did Shaynna who thought the space “felt so expensive that you’d want to hang out in there all day.”

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Will and Karlie in the hallway

Neale called all three rooms “elegant” and praised their “broad appeal” and he also said they were “sophisticated and on target for potential buyers.”

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Karlie and Will’s laundry

Our pick: Hallway print

Dan & Carleen – 11

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Carleen and Dan in their unfinished hallway

Seven weeks in and with two room wins under their belt, this week was pretty disappointing for Dan and Carleen who (for the second time) failed to deliver completed rooms. The floor height problem was blamed for most of the setbacks but the judges went to town on what was completed. Shaynna called their hallway a “generic, hotel space” while Darren thought that none of it fitted with the sophistication of the apartment’s lounge room. Dan himself called it a “monumental disaster” that saw the couple finish with a score of 11 – the lowest score this season and one of the lowest in the history of the show.

Andy and Ben – 21

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Andy and Ben’s hallway

With very little money left, Andy and Ben were up against it this week and ended up delivering three spaces that Neale described as “horrible, undercooked and not fit for a luxury apartment.”

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Andy and Ben’s laundry

Shaynna called the styling “cheap and nasty” but she and Neale both liked the green cupboard fronts in the laundry. Darren thought the vertical timber detail in the powder room was “weird” and said it made him feel like the room was closing in on him.

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Andy and Ben’s powder room

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Our pick: Round mirror

Julia and Sasha – 16.5

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Julia and Sasha’s hallway

Given how beautiful these spaces were shaping up to be, it’s a shame that Julia and Sasha’s rooms were incomplete. When Darren walked in and declared his disappointment, it was hard not to agree. The girls thought, erroneously, that the hallway walls weren’t parallel and thus created what Darren described as an “imaginary issue.”  In contrast, Shaynna heaped praise on them as she loved the panelling, cornicing and lighting in the hallway.

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Julia and Sasha’s powder room

Shaynna thought the girls’ powder room, a gorgeous combination of marble and brass, was “stunning” and I agreed – I loved the penny round tiles en masse.

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Julia and Sasha’s laundry – I love that print!

Neale said that if the girls had completed their rooms they would have scored really well and had “a good chance of being right up the top of the ladder.” Darren summed it up succinctly when he said “why run a marathon and stop a metre from the finish line?”

Our pick: Laundry print

Kim and Chris – 21.5

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Chris and Kim’s hallway

Kim and Chris abandoned the plush bedroom style of last week and went for something more contemporary and while Shaynna thought the spaces had “good bones” she felt they needed to be completely restyled. She even went so far as to remove an accessory!

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Chris and Kim’s powder room

All of the judges disliked the laundry and powder room – mainly for the cold, concrete tiles that led both spaces to be described as “concrete bunkers.” Darren even went so far as to call the powder room a “jail cell’ while Neale thought it “felt like a public toilet.” Ouch!

Our pick: Hallway prints