Categories
Bathrooms Furniture Outdoor & Exteriors

Outdoor baths: 6 of South Australia’s best for your next holiday!

With borders now open to South Australia from all states (excluding Victoria), we’ve rounded up the state’s six best accommodation options with outdoor baths for those thinking about visiting! The incredible views from the baths at these glorious retreats will have you ready to start basking in the natural beauty of the great outdoors.

TinyHome Private Escape

TinyHome Private Escape is situated on an idyllic, organic farm in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. It consists of a sustainable tiny house, built from re-homed materials, and flanked by beautiful, rolling fields containing friendly cows, grazing kangaroos and gorgeous natural wildlife, which can be viewed from its relaxing outdoor bath. It is ideally situated near wineries, micro-breweries, art galleries and nature walks.

Ode to the Orchard

At Ode to the Orchard in the Adelaide Hills, unwind in this rustic and charming cottage, just a short walk from its titular orchard, which guests are encouraged to explore. It contains a traditional wood-fired Aga, which has the additional benefit of keeping the house warm and cosy, and a clawfoot bathtub, perfect for stargazing or enjoying a picturesque sunset.

The Cliff House

The Cliff House, on Kangaroo Island, is a luxurious retreat, overlooking Snelling’s Beach. It has a gorgeous sunken pit with an open fire, and heated cliff-edge jacuzzi. It also has a private helicopter landing area nearby, making this house perfect for weddings or other special events.

One KI

One KI is a stunning Kangaroo Island eco-retreat, with an outdoor bath and shower overlooking the ocean. This lavish getaway includes three-course dinners prepared by a private chef, crafted from fresh and local produce, and includes incredible South Australian wines. It also has private access to the nearby beach, and the surrounding area is filled with amazing wildlife.

Kingsford Homestead

Kingsford Homestead, in the Barossa Valley, is an opulent retreat, marrying sophisticated style and rural charm, as evidenced through the placement of this elegant bath in the picturesque countryside. Originally owned by a 19th Century pastoralist, it may be better known to some readers as the set of McLeod’s Daughters. It can accommodate 14 guests overnight, and up to 300 for on-site events.

Naiko Retreat

The Naiko Retreat, located on the Fleurieu Peninsula and surrounded by conservation parks, is the height of luxurious escapism. It boasts a gorgeous French Invicta fireplace, panoramic views of the coast through its floor-to-ceiling windows, and a free standing bath with stunning views. This retreat is eco-centric and sustainable; the surrounding wildlife further inspires this return to the natural world.

Where’s my suitcase?!

For more on visiting South Australia

Categories
Furniture

TH Brown relaunch coveted Australian Mid Century stools

Sponsored by TH Brown

We often look to Europe for furniture classics and with good reason. But some of the most recognisable and popular Mid Century designs were actually made right here in Australia. And after a 45-year hiatus, TH Brown have resumed production of their beautifully designed furniture, starting with their Danish Bar Stool and Martelle Bar Stool.

The Danish (left) and Martelle Bar Stools

A signature design of the 1960s, the TH Brown Danish Bar Stool became one of the most sought after Mid Century furniture pieces ever to be produced in this country. The originals have become heirlooms and are seen in many magazines, exhibitions and design showrooms around the world, including the South Australian Library.

The Adelaide furniture business was founded by Thomas Howard Brown in 1911. One of Australia’s most important furniture brands, it was known alongside contemporaries such as Parker, Featherston and Fler during the 50s, 60s and 70s. But it was Peter Brown who first introduced that unmistakable look in Australia. However, due to his being so attention-shy, he remains the unsung leader of timeless Australian Mid Century design.

In these days of mass-produced and same-old-same-old furniture, those who value buying well and buying once, will be delighted to get their hands on these new releases of a classic. Imagine the statement they could make at your breakfast bar! Just works of art!

Mid Century (also commonly called Mid Century Modern) style furniture, known for its fuss-free clean lines and smooth curves, is hugely popular in Australia. The beauty of it is its timelessness, meaning it’s easy to incorporate pieces into most decor and colour schemes. And it immediately screams (if quietly!) understated style.

A modern classic

Continuing the family tradition, the Danish Bar stool is once again being produced under the careful eye of third generation heir Simon Brown, and manufactured under licence to Workspace Commercial Furniture (formerly TH Brown Furniture P/L). Simon says: “It goes without saying that we would commence the relaunch of TH Brown’s back catalogue with the most unique and sought after product of all – the Danish Bar Stool. This stool was considered the gold standard of 1960s furniture design. Now, 45 years on, the stool holds its own as a beautiful, quintessentially modern piece.”

Danish bar stools

The Martelle Bar Stool, with its beautifully sculpted fixed seat, angled legs and hand-stitched upholstery, is also being relaunched. Like all great designs, it is as contemporary today as the day it was designed. Hand finished by expert craftsmen, it features a solid timber frame, the finest Italian leather and the highest quality materials.

“Australian furniture has left an indelible mark on lovers of fine design around the globe, along with a rich manufacturing heritage right here in South Australia. My father’s passion for design and quality were legendary, which is why I am so proud to see his designs back in production in the 21st Century,” Simon says.

Attention to detail

In line with the original TH Brown commitment to craftsmanship, each stool comes with a 10-year warranty and is individually numbered with a Certificate of Authenticity. They are hand finished to the same exacting standards of the original craftsmen.

Buy online, from $799 for the Martelle Bar Stool and from $1,129 for the Danish Bar Stool, at www.thbrown.com.au and select stockists.

Categories
Before & Afters Design House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: beautiful reno done on a tight $25,000 budget

Renovating can be hard work, let alone when you add wedding preparations, working full-time and medical school into the mix. But that was exactly what Christie Papageorgiou and her now-husband Matthew, did.

-XmQDD67gymwte4BnEreEMMX0W5DCaic4z02l_OyPIk
Before

mCF_EinJqlBonFZyUBBbDf5CQlVEEzQJUJYl0hZtzj8
After

“This was our first reno and I’m hoping it wont be our last,” says Christie “Although it definitely was full on! At the same time we were planning our wedding, I was working full-time as an interior designer and Matthew had exams.”

G0Tgnkgc3_uk3My_FTkh_arF8YlBrRo0FUdhLEE-SvA
Before

yDDVYyBBnxfFoH3kotwBA-WNputrjXmOqiM5ku5dHDY
After

Taking three months to complete, the couple did most of the work themselves, as a result spending just $25,000. Predominantly a superficial renovation, they gutted the whole home right down to its core, knocked down the kitchen/living room wall and added a small nib wall at the entry.

“Floors, fixtures and wall finishes were all removed, creating a blank canvas. Then we had all new plumbing and electrical work throughout the whole home, as well as a completely new bathroom, kitchen and laundry. The floorplan pretty much stayed the same – though we did swap the dining and lounge areas as the new openings and wall allowed us to do so.”

ntAUoutZGakDaw_C38Dbbqypzf-80jXkb6i_-gVCr_g
Before

f93ISiaoqLlgukIi0DsFlU5FIkB90mOyW3A4ft7lyzI
After

Having had minimal work prior to the renovation, the two-bedroom South Australian property was as Christie called it, “stuck in the 80s!” With brown bathroom tiles accompanied by brown glazing to the shower and an indescribable smell, the couple were still able to look past the home’s failings and sees its potential. “Our initial thoughts were that it was quite a dated home – but it did have a really strong core we could work from. However, we did originally buy the unit as an investment property with no plans to renovate. My husband ideally wanted a larger home – but I couldn’t get past the potential of this small space.”

OfEuzq9QQDe7Zlntrd0kHFO0HSzAnlTcce5ybnu0Q5s
Before

kyfDjxgEr21PGnrd4nDxrhb7hV0IVJsaozrpXKzNHHM
Before

nFInTcg03gEEZB4a0ku1rQL1y3T8gMpirsTljPJ2zlg
After

While the home had had a couple of upgrades prior to them moving in, demolishing became a bit of a headache thanks to three layers of tiling on the kitchen splashback! “Under the kitchen tiles was a thick layer of awesome bright orange patterned vinyl – a reminder of the 80s. On the plus side, I now know how to use a jack hammer!”

dstd2qWuDFrBjLb5OAliz_81t9fFl5sxWnBpOPa89PU
Before

N-0X2J_hiS_dFPM1GCl2WKL57i5tQHToy8ihk3uZlew
After

Alongside the kitchen transformation, Christie marks the biggest change to the home coming as a result of knocking down the kitchen/living room wall and opening up the space. “There was a lack of natural light, hence why we made the decision to create an opening between the kitchen and living space. The feeling of creating something fresh and airy was important to us. We feel our home now has such a peaceful feeling about it, and is definitely a nice place to relax.

fR0uDU4fOfo-anJIxe-HKu4EhStzjHd1lG1knt1Xsw8
Before

After
After

Having lived in the property for three months, since the completion of the renovation in December, the couple have no plans to sell. Though when they do though, they’ll have a tidy profit to collect. “We have an estimate of approximately a $50,000-to-$80,000 increase in value to the home.”

Categories
Homewares

Prints to suit Modernist & Mid Century interiors

Boutique South Australian design studio Cul de Sac have released a new series of prints which reflect their love of Modernism and Mid Century principles of design and colour.

cul de sac 2

Their prints are a nod to the pop art movement as well as Danish and Italian design from the 50s and 60s. The latest series, Graphic, complements 2009’s Over-Size series.

Categories
Art

Adelaide’s hotel and art gallery in one

If there’s a project that brings art and interiors together perfectly, the Minima Art Rooms is it. In the Hotel Minima, North Adelaide, large-scale murals and installations cover the walls of all 46 rooms.

KateGagliardi01

Curated by Matthew Stuckey of Be Friendly, the work of 43 emerging artists from across Adelaide and Australia really is a “moment-in-time snapshot of South Australia’s emerging artist scene.” One of Matt’s biggest projects so far and as far as he knows the biggest of its kind in Australia, the project is unique; it has literally turned a hotel into one huge work of art.

VansTheOmega01

It’s not your standard hotel interior by any means, and far from the minimal look the hotel had previously, so how did the project come about?

Categories
Designers Styling The Block

The Block’s Amity Dry joins Adelaide stylists Cain & Markus

The Block All Stars winner Amity Dry is joining Adelaide stylists Cain & Markus so she can finally give people interiors advice in their own homes.

amity dry cain and marcus

Amity and husband Phil Rankine won the hearts of Australia when they took out first place on Channel 9’s The Block All Stars earlier this year. Amity’s decorating style and eye for design was popular with both the public and the judges and her and Phil won more challenges, rooms and prize money than any other couple on the series. Neale Whitaker praised their Hamptons inspired home and declared that “Phil and Amity are creating the house I want to live in.”