Hundreds of thousands follow stylish Australian stylist Steve Cordony on Instagram, drooling over his picture perfect country property Rosedale Farm (I’ll admit I’m one of them and I’ve also been lucky enough to visit in person). And now, after years of hard work and renovation by Steve and partner Michael Booth, it can finally be a reality to stay there, as it lists on Airbnb. And it’ll only cost you $25 a night. Say what?!
Steve Cordony in one of Rosedale’s farm stays
Design lovers will have the chance to enjoy the ultimate Easter holiday in style, with an exclusive Airbnb stay at the idyllic estate in Orange, NSW. Steve is inviting residents of Australia to his historic Rosedale Farm property for a four-night stay from Thursday 6 April to Monday 10 April, for just $25 AUD* per night as part of a special promotion.
Dating back to 1877, Rosedale Farm is a restored estate located just seven kilometres from Orange in the central tablelands of New South Wales. A country stay to be remembered, Rosedale Farm’s main homestead features six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a formal dining room, lounge, library and kitchen. The homestead and two farm stays are positioned amongst the estate’s lavish, lushly landscaped gardens.
Every guest room has been individually designed by Steve in his signature contemporary European style, layered with an Italian farmhouse sensibility, creating a uniquely luxurious accommodation in the heart of the countryside.
As one of Australia’s leading interior and lifestyle stylists, Steve is passionate about design as a means of bringing people together to create memories with loved ones. His renovation journey of Rosedale Farm amassed a significant following, with many Aussies inspired by the impeccable attention to detail, subtle nods to the property’s heritage, and mix of both contemporary and antique furnishings.
“I created Rosedale Farm with the goal of turning this incredible historic property into a one-of-a-kind destination for guests to connect and create memories in. I love the unique and personalised experiences Airbnb hosts offer their guests, whether it be fresh flowers throughout the home or a bottle of champagne to kick off the celebrations, and Rosedale Farm is filled with special touches. I am thrilled to partner with Airbnb on hosting an unforgettable four-night stay this Easter.”
Over the past two years, many Australians found comfort in exploring their own backyards and discovering the natural beauty found across Australia. Regional bookings now make up almost 30% of nights booked on Airbnb in Australia, and when comparing the second quarter of 2022 with the pre-pandemic second quarter of 2019, regional bookings are up about 60% in Australia.
With Orange a must-visit NSW destination, this Easter season is the perfect time to explore the region and the many attractions that make it so special including the wine and produce on offer and support local hosts while injecting much needed tourism dollars to help support small businesses and local economies.
Inside one of the farm stays at Rosedale Farm
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s country manager for Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are excited to partner with Steve to create something truly special at Rosedale Farm and highlight the benefits of rural tourism.”
The unforgettable Steve Cordony four-night Easter country getaway is open for bookings on 27 February at 9am AEDT from airbnb.com.au/stevecordony and can be booked on a first come first serve basis. Set a reminder now!
The two Rosedale farm stays will be available to book ongoing from airbnb.com.au/stevecordony from 27 February, 2023. We anticipate it will cost a lot more than $25 a night!
*Exclusive of fees including booking and service fees.
If you’re not following Steve Cordony’s gorgeous personal account and that of his Rosedale Farm property you’d best get amongst it! A veritable treasure trove of inspiration, Steve manages to make things look glamorous but welcoming at the same time. And it’s for this reason that we caught up with him to find out how to elevate our festive season tabletop styling this season.
Steve’s tabletop styling is always elegant
Festive but stylish One of the central challenges when creating a Christmas theme for your home is how to make it work with the existing aesthetic, but Steve has a trick. “The easiest way to do this is to play with one hero colour that is derived from your interior, and add a metallic accent. Whether that’s gold, chrome or rose gold, the pop of high polish automatically makes it feel like Christmas, and adds glamour to any tablescape,” says Steve.
Get resourceful With the cost of Christmas already pretty sky-high, using what you already own is a great way to save a few dollars and this is especially true when it comes to flowers. “Styling with what you have in the garden is the best way to make your styling feel authentic and creative. Using what surrounds you, adds to the drama of outdoor entertaining, which then becomes an extension of your landscape,” says Steve.
Steve has used eggplants on this tabletop to great effect. We love the splash of aubergine!
Outdoors vs indoor Christmas tabletops The Australian climate means that we often spend the summer holidays, and festive period, outdoors but just how should you differentiate your indoor and outdoor tabletops?
“For outdoor styling I like to be a little more informal and add more textures and softer styling. A loose folded napkin, having no tablecloth, and more whimsical loose ‘garden’ florals always feel tailored yet informal for outdoors,” says Steve.
By contrast, Steve likes to take a more formal approach to indoor dining with layering, formal dinnerware, en masse florals, candles and tailored linen on his Christmas tabletop.
Steve’s Christmas Day tabletop look This year Steve will be in Sydney for both Christmas lunch and dinner but he will be bringing inspiration from his rural property in Orange, Rosedale Farm. “I am styling the table with fresh green herbs, garden flowers and fruit and vegetables, as I think it’s so important to use elements that can be re-used post event, whether that means planting the herbs in the garden, or using the edible elements for the next occasion,” says Steve. He will finish the look with beeswax candles, natural linen napery and hand written place cards for a personal touch.
Renowned interior stylist Steve Cordony says Australians had to pivot very quickly this year to create a workspace at home but one that may not have been their ideal setup. But he explains that with simple changes, the ultimate home office can be created to help set you up for success in the New Year.
“Making a conducive and productive environment is the result of a combination of styling, careful arrangement of your office materials and enhanced convenience,” he says.
Space planning
Turn your guest room into the perfect home office by utilising sofa beds and furniture items that double as office and bedroom storage.
Break out and recharge
Simply put, don’t eat at your desk. Take a break from your home office and recharge your batteries by enjoying a quick walk around the block or even having your morning coffee on your balcony or in your garden. Similar to going to the kitchen or break-out room in your office, you need to schedule those short breaks away from your desk. Create a calming coffee nook for a double espresso cappuccino moment to inspire you to take a quick break throughout your day.
Sensory stimulation and personal touches
Intangible elements are just as important to the overall feel and mood of a home office space. Not only does playing soft background music or lighting a scented candle create a calming space, it also stimulates focus in the home office. Styling your workspace with personal objects, plants and photographs promotes productivity within the workplace. That way you can even transform the plainest room into an inspiring environment.
Office with a view
Bring the outdoors in by situating your desk and ergonomic office chair close to a natural light source or window with a view. Natural light is best for working during the day, and task lighting or warm tone overhead lighting for the evening.
Make it work for you
Now that we are spending more time at home, we need to be conscious of those things that will make life easier and help us achieve better work-life balance. Adding services into our home routines such as subscription programs can allow for a hassle-free, more convenient day.
Steve is an ambassador for Nespresso, whose Coffee Subscription can be tailored to your coffee drinking habits as well as being cost efficient for the whole household, whether it’s just one coffee or up to four coffees per day. It features free delivery for every order of 50 capsules or more, 10% extra credit added to your Nespresso account, as well as the ability to cancel any time, to make working from home that little bit simpler.
Time has flown since our minibreak to Orange, somewhere Damian and I had wanted to visit for years. Everyone we told either said they had been meaning to go too, or that they’d already been and loved it! We’d hyped it up in our heads so much, I was a little worried it wouldn’t live up to our preconceived ideas but oh my goodness it did, and more! We already can’t wait to go back!
Alfred on Keppel in Bathurst
It’s almost a four-hour drive from our side of Sydney, so we decided to stop en route and have a night in Bathurst, which was just under three hours. It was a good call because not only did we stay in the most gorgeous rental home, but it turns out Bathurst has loads to offer for young kids, and when your five-year-old is racing car obsessed, the chance to drive around Mount Panomara (in a decidedly underpowered family SUV) multiple times, is not one to pass up. He still talks about it now. Often!
Mount Panorama, Bathurst
One of the greatest days of Seb’s life so far!
Alfred on Keppel is a beautifully restored and stylishly furnished heritage terrace house in the heart of town. We had a really comfortable stay here with special mention to the balcony off one of the bedrooms and the gorgeous backyard (although it was a little too chilly to use it!).
Alfred on Keppel’s beautiful back yard
The next day we had great takeout coffee (definitely as good as any in Sydney!) at a cool shipping container conversion right over the road called Doppio Espresso which obviously has a loyal customer base of locals. The service was super friendly. It’s part of the Tremain’s Mill complex. We also took a stroll around the town which is really lovely and full of heritage buildings (did I mention how much I love old buildings?!).
Doppio Espresso
We had plenty to eat in Bathurst too, at the famous Annie’s ice cream parlour (I cannot tell you how inappropriately cold it was for ice cream!) and pizza at Church BarTremain’s Mill
We visited the new train museum with its excellent Kid’s Central space (one of the largest permanent Brio sets in the world no less), which is great for old (sorry Damian) and young train buffs alike. So while we were being stereotypically male, we had to add dinosaurs to our race cars and trains, and we paid a visit to the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. Mummy would have liked to have spent a bit more time in the gem section because oh my WORD, I have never seen such incredible and also HUGE gemstones and crystals. Again, we’re talking world class collections. In Bathurst. Who knew?!
We packed a lot in to our Bathurst 24 hours but it was time to finally visit Orange. And it snowed. The boys’ first snow. We couldn’t have organised it better!
First stop was the Byng Street Hotel, which I was really excited about. It has quite the reputation in design circles and there’s nothing I love more than a truly unique and design-led boutique hotel. And it was just as amazing as I hoped. What Kristen and Thomas Nock have done here is so impressive. It opened a year ago following an epic modern (yet very sympathetically and cleverly done in my option) extension behind it.
Byng Street is without doubt one of (if not the) premier streets in Orange and the houses will make you want to sell up and move there immediately. Gorgeous! We drove up and down a few times (it was freezing) before parking at the hotel.
The Beech Tree Suite
Inside, the 4.5-star hotel is quirky and colourful, full of great art and beautiful, comfortable furniture. Our suite (The Beech Tree Suite) was heaven! And the lucky boys shared a comfy sofa bed in the lounge area which was a couple of steps down from the main bedroom.
Guest lounge
These pictures speak for themselves but what also stands out is the friendly and excellent service and the little touches, like coming back to your room to find there’s been a turn down service each afternoon, and there’s looseleaf tea and mini sweet treats waiting for you. And the breakfasts! There’s no buffet here, but a choice of lovely a la carte options cooked to order. And you’re welcome to start with their famous granola while you wait for it to be cooked. With my favourite stewed rhubarb!
On the subject of beautiful interiors and art, high on my hit list for visiting Orange were its homewares shops, not least Jumbled which is part of The Sonic (the old Masonic Hall building).
I’ve blogged about this wonderful space and know it by its reputation and Instagram feed, but in real life it was even better! Part homewares store, part cafe, part fashion store, part art gallery, Just wow! If this store was in Sydney you’d say it was one of the very best, so to find it in a regional town, it just feels a bit magical! Luckily us Sydneysiders can shop online from it whenever we like!
There are plenty of shopping gems in Orange. My other favourite was the gorgeous The White Place (yes, I’d like to move in please!) and Hawkes General Store is another cute little spot, with coffee!
The White Place
We had a couple of lovely, family-friendly early dinners while in Orange, at The Ophir Hotel and Avido Ristorante. Orange has many more ‘fancy’ restaurants but they’re not really suited to travelling with a two and five-year-old when you have to have a 5.30pm sitting!
Avido with its fire was great on a cold cold night!
When in Orange, another must is to try the local wine, and we headed to Heifer Station for this (via great coffee from Groundstone). It was cold and rainy but we cosied up inside the cellar door and tried amazing wine and cheese. Sadly it was too muddy to venture to the mini petting zoo on the grounds which the boys would have loved. Got to admire somewhere that caters to the wine-loving parents!
Sampling divine wine by an open fire at Heifer Station
We couldn’t go to Orange without visiting our friend Steve Cordony, the renowned Sydney interior stylist who has made the town his second home with partner Michael. They’ve been beautifully restoring Rosedale Farm (following their account on Instagram is such a lovely escape!) and it was so wonderful to see it in real life!
Image: Stevecordony.com
They have plans to open a luxury farm stay there soon. Yet another reason to return! This weekend, Steve’s opening the doors to lucky styling enthusiasts for the first time as he hosts two sold out one-day masterclasses.
Image: Stevecordony.com
There are a few gorgeous smaller country towns a stone’s throw from Orange and many venture to Millthorpe but we decided to explore the lesser known Carcoar, mainly because I wanted to visit the gorgeous Tomolly homewares store and meet its delightful owner, stylist Belinda Sattherthwaite. Neither disappointed! And Belinda’s opening a holiday rental soon so we may have to return to check that out!
Tomolly in Carcoar
The town itself is like a timewarp. In a really good way. We absolutely loved it and we left planning when we could come back and open a cafe or buy a holiday cottage too! Girl’s gotta dream…
All in all, our trip to Central NSW was refreshing, beautiful and full of things to do. It was wonderful to see snow although the cold did make it a little restrictive with the kids (one memorable time we rugged up and drove to Orange Botanic Gardens so the kids could check out the playground, parked, got out of the car then promptly got straight back in again when the icy wind hit our faces!). We will definitely go back again in warmer weather because we’d love to have been out of the car more. Would I recommend Orange? In a heartbeat. If you, like me, like wine, homewares shopping and beautiful countryside, why wouldn’t you?!
LINKS
Other places we didn’t get to but were highly recommended:
I often assume everyone else is following the same Instagram GOLD that I am, but I’ve realised that’s not always the case. I don’t want you to miss out, so I’m going to start sharing five of my faves each month. I hope you love them, and find them as inspiring and enjoyable as I do!
Abigail Ahern is a fellow Pom and an interior designer with a really brave, authentic, interesting style. She makes no apologies for following her own rules, and I absolutely love her regular Instagram TVs where she talks through what she has done in certain rooms in her amazing London home, giving great tips and showing you how you can make your own interiors more exciting, in a really easy to follow and inspiring way. I also love the fact that her super cute dogs often jump into shot too, with hilarious results.
She’ll teach you how to be brave with darker paint colours (including the ceiling!), that you can fit more lamps than you thought possible into one room and it’ll look amazing, and how it’s all about adding drama and friction. I love it! While my aesthetic and hers aren’t obviously similar, I love everything she does and I take a lot of tips from her videos and implement them at home.
If you love what you see, Abigail runs an online styling masterclass which you could easily jump into, even from all the way over here in Australia! Speaking of which, Abigail loves Oz, and was due back here for Decor + Design until it was sadly postponed. Hopefully we will see her on our shores again soon!
Steve Cordony is one of Australia’s most talented stylists and my love of his work (and him, because he also happens to be a delightful and genuine person) is nothing new, but lately his Instagram Stories are some of my favourites. The poor guy (that’s sarcasm) is in lockdown at the ridiculously beautiful farm he has been renovating with partner Mike in Orange and he has been sharing styling tips, his favourite things and glimpses of his home and ever-growing menagerie!
As a bonus suggestion, you’d better follow his Rosedale Farm account too. Steve’s recently announced October styling masterclasses at the farm sold out super quickly, but stay tuned as I hear he may announced new dates soon!
Bondi Kitchens is a relatively new follow for me, but I have to say, I’ve not seen so many gorgeous kitchens in one feed for a long time! Everything they do seems to be so modern and fresh, but at the same time quite classic.
ZouBuild This husband and wife team’s feed is before & after gold, and you all know how much I love a good before & after. The Brisbane pair transform some of the most ordinary houses into spectacular homes through clever renovation and extension. Chris and Christal’s (I know, cute!) projects are always popular when we feature them on the blog.
Tiny Homes Australia I’ll level with you: I don’t think I could ever live in a tiny house (maybe if I ditched the husband and kids, but can’t see that happening any time soon!) but I love seeing how other people do it. The whole concept fascinates me and this account is great for inspiration and a nosey inside people’s little homes!
I hope you’ve discovered at least one new must-follow among these! I’d love to know who your favourites are too?
We love finding new accounts to follow on Instagram, for inspiration and even just enjoyment and fun! Each month, Jen shares her favourite from right here in Australia and across the globe.
Lindsay Emery is a ceramicist in North Carolina with the mission to make mealtimes beautiful! Her feed is full of stunning handmade pieces and there’s plenty of my favourite colour combo: navy, deep pink and gold. Swoon! Good news is, she ships worldwide! I don’t think I can resist much longer… I mean, can you have too many gilded bowls?! She also designs a commerically produced range for Anthropologie and Nordstrom.
You probably know Australian interior and events stylist extraordinaire Steve Cordony BUT did you know he and his partner Michael are renovating the most stunning farmhouse in Orange , NSW? Recently featured in Harpers Bazaar, this place is serious interior-inspo. I mean, they have peacocks, ostriches and Shire horses, come on?! I can’t get enough of this feed and it makes me want to move to the country, stat! It’s photoshoot heaven and I’ve no doubt it will be the location for many of them in the coming years! You can tell just how much passion and hard work has been poured into this place.
Two Lovely Gays are a couple, Jordan and Russell, who also work together in their interior design studio of the same name. The former actors love period features and playful colour and I find their feed provides a kind of aesthetic Australia just doesn’t really do!
A new account by the owners of much photographed holiday accommodation Soul of Gerringong on the NSW South Coast, Soul Home is about achieving that holiday feeling in your own home, or indeed holiday accommodation. There’s generous advice, tips and product suggestions from owner and interior designer Simone Mathews. Want a quick fix, buy-the-whole-look type solution? Check out the photos of her popup accommodation Soul Cottage (we recently stayed and it’s perfection!) on the website, where there are links to almost everything featured. If anyone knows about creating #holidayhousegoals, it’s her!
The Travelling Bar is Sydney’s hottest mobile bar, a cute baby blue vintage caravan serving cocktails at weddings, parties and corporate events across NSW. It’s run by mother-daughter duo Meredith and Lydia (who also happens to be our amazing nanny!). They also do grazing tables and have a pop up (non-caravan) bar too.
Currently in its fifth year, the annual Feast Watson Re-Love Project is upon us again and this year sees a talented line-up of design folk upcycling for charity. Steve Cordony, Sarah Ellison, Natalie Turnbull and norsu Interiors’ Nat Wheeler and Kristy Sadlier have all reimagined existing furniture and homewares that are set to be auctioned for charity at the end of October.
Steve Cordony’s upcycled wares
Steve Cordony Featuring lots of gorgeous turned wood, stylist Steve Cordony’s upcycled pieces bring plenty of drama to this year’s line-up. There’s a bold black dining table (that was upcycled with a black stain) and an array of complementary accessories – the proceeds of which will raise money for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.
BEFORE Steve Cordony
AFTER Steve Cordony with his upcycled pieces
Sarah Ellison A solid timber sideboard, a classic wooden bowl, two wicker chairs and a hollow cube-shaped side table with glass top all received the makeover treatment from stylist and designer Sarah Ellison for this year’s project. Sarah’s nominated charity is Livin’– a charity that aims to destigmatise mental health issues and increase awareness of suicide prevention.
BEORE Sarah Ellison
AFTER Sarah Ellison
AFTER Sarah Ellison’s upcycled glass cube table
Sarah Ellison
Natalie Turnbull A solid timber desk and coffee table were given a statement green stripe when stylist and art director Nat was put to task on her Re-Love Project upcycling project. They complement her upcycled accessories too and all proceeds will go to Challenge, a charity focussed on supporting kids with cancer – a cause dear to Natalie’s heart.
BEFORE Nat Turnbull
AFTER Nat Turnbull
AFTER Nat Turnbull
norsu Interiors Employing their signature Scandinavian meets pastel style, the ladies from online homewares store norsu Interiors have worked their magic on a number of pieces for the project including a stool they transformed into a table by reupholstering it and shortening its legs. Proceeds from the sale of their pieces will raise money for brain cancer research, with money going to Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer.
norsu Interiors’ Nat Wheeler and Kristy Sadlier with their Feast Watson pieces
BEFORE chair
AFTER chair
BEFORE stool
AFTER the legs have been shortened to make a table
They say moving house is one of life’s most stressful events… up there with the death of a loved one and divorce. But, it doesn’t have to be. With thorough preparation and planning moving can be relatively easy, even cathartic, there’s something so liberating about starting anew! So to take out the guesswork we asked our favourite design gurus to share their top tips for moving house.
Stylist and author Jason Grant: Make a schedule
When it comes to moving break down tasks and make a schedule: a month before, a week before and a day before. Keep to task and book movers based on recommendations. Great removalists are everything! Also moving house is the perfect to time edit what you have – don’t move stuff that you don’t need.
Jason Grant
Interior and event stylist Steve Cordony: Spring clean
I just moved house two week ago and used it as an opportunity to spring clean. Packing every single thing you own gives you the chance to edit and cleanse – from your objects and accessories to your bed linen and wardrobe. If you get stuck on items make two piles: keep and maybe. Once you have finished, go through the maybe pile and you will have a clearer idea of what can go.
Steve Cordony
Stylist and hotelier Lynda Gardener: Have your new home in tip top shape
I think making sure your new space at the other end is in perfect readiness for your arrival is so important. Have it painted, perfectly clean and ready to go. That way you can un-pack your boxes with excitement and anticipation of decorating your new space.
Lynda Gardener
Interiors Addict founder Jen Bishop: Check out mobile self storage options
Super Easy Storage are a flexible mobile self storage company. It’s the new way to store your things. You no longer need to drive to a storage facility and rent an expensive storage unit; they can complete the process from start to finish. Their storage specialists help assess exactly the right amount of space you need, bringing the storage unit to your house or business, packing and stacking your module in order to maximise every square inch. They come to you, load you up, then store everything away, a one-stop solution! Or you can choose to fill your storage unit yourself and store it secure and dry on your own premises until you’re ready to move. Also great for storing things temporarily while you’re having renos done! Keep reading to find out how you can win a $500 Super Easy Storage voucher!
Jen Bishop
Incy Interiors founder Kristy Withers: Pack ‘like’ products together
Moving house is my most hated thing on earth, probably because I have done it so many times! Make sure when packing that you are packing all ‘like’ products together. There is nothing worse than getting to the other end and finding some things for the kitchen, others for the bathroom and random things for a bedroom all in the one box, it just adds to the pain!
Kristy Withers
Interior designer and presenter James Treble: Label, label, label
Clearly label all boxes with a black Artline pen, especially the fragile ones. That may sound straight forward but so many people don’t do it, or they write in really small print! I go big and bold, as that way, you can easily put things in the right place room by room, and nothing gets broken by your poor removalists!
James Treble
Artist Kerrie Hess: Hire professionals
Invest in professional packers. Even if it’s just for the kitchen and bathrooms. Having all of your plates, glasses and cutlery packed professionally will save so much time and protect your breakables. I would also have art professionally packed; consider using an art transporter if your art is valuable and the move is local.
Kerrie Hess
Stylist and designer Juliet Love: Cull your belongings
Don’t pack everything into boxes thinking you will organise them at the other end. It’s much easier if you clear out cupboards with a mission to let go of as much as possible. Be ruthless, use large bags or boxes plus clear labels to help you sort through everything then and there. The beauty of tackling your move in this way is that you’ll be left with a fresh canvas to decorate your new home, with only your best pieces making the cut.
Juliet Love
Three Birds Renovations director Lana Taylor: Get the gear
Use the right packaging materials. In my opinion boxes from Bunnings won’t cut it. You need proper moving boxes and zip up bags (like the ones you get from Storage King) of all different shapes and sizes. Proper packing tape is also crucial. A roll from Woolies will come unstuck before you can say: “Noooooo!”
Lana Taylor
Interior designer Greg Natale: Invest in packers
When it comes to moving I thoroughly recommend paying someone to pack for you. Also make sure you label your boxes and use moving as an opportunity to de-clutter!
Greg Natale
For more information on Super Easy Storage visit their website.
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WIN A $500 SUPER EASY STORAGE VOUCHER FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE
We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win a $500 voucher to spend with Super Easy Storage and make their next move or reno that much easier! To enter and to read full terms and conditions, go here. Competition closes 13 May 2018.
Given it’s so easy to purchase with the click of a button, and life is busy for most, you’ve got to work quite hard to get people to leave the comfort of their homes these days. But in welcome news for lovers of bricks and mortar shopping, the tough retail climate is forcing brands to innovate and the latest such attempt is a collaboration between The Daily Edited (TDE.) and interior stylist Steve Cordony who has created a luxe ‘apartment’ at its Sydney flagship store.
Steve Cordony at the desk inside the apartment
Full of Steve’s most coveted items, the collaboration is designed to showcase the latest interior trends while highlighting new season collections from TDE. “We engaged Steve to launch the series as his aesthetic fits with the TDE. brand. I wanted him to create a new masculine feel for the store and give our customers a new shopping experience,” says TDE. co-founder Alyce Tran.
The front of the store, styled by Steve
“The apartment is designed exactly as that – an apartment with a bathroom, office, bedroom and living spaces. I was asked to style a new look for the store and showcase some of my favourites brands and products,” says Steve whose edit includes a gorgeous selection of homewares including candles, bedding, cushions, glassware, vases, lamps and so much more.
The bed features gorgeous linen from Cultiver
“I wanted to create a sense of theatre within the TDE. apartment. My objective was to overlay the existing dusty pink and grey colour palette in store with new autumn colours and give the store a masculine edge with bold texture and patterns to showcase some of my favourite products. The colour concept was shades of green, burgundy and black with metallic gold accents, being one of my favourite finishes,” says Steve.
The bathroom
The masculine feel has certainly been cultivated with deep greens and burgundy set against large, lush foliage – the bold shopfront greenery is particularly effective. The iconic Atollo lamp is a highlight (we featured it recently) as well as gorgeous Tom Dixon trays, Dinosaur Designs and Becker Minty wares and a Kerry Armstrong artwork.
Kerry Armstrong artwork
A fan of the brand, Steve owns many items including personalised desk accessories, iPhone covers and bags. “I love how innovative the brand is. Apart from the great products which are so chic with such a huge, diverse range of options, Alyce and the team continue to think of new ways to monogram, new colours and designs and brilliant collaborations with designers (I especially love the Dion Lee collection) and likeminded taste makers,” says Steve.
Bedside details
Steve’s edit is on display for the month of April and all the pieces within it are available online.
For those who fear pattern, bold tiles can seem like too much of a commitment. After all, we’re talking about permanent patterns on your floors or walls, if not forever, for a good few years! But if you do manage to experiment beyond wooden floors or plain ceramic tiles you could be pleasantly surprised. Just ask Steve Cordony, leading Australian interior stylist and the designer behind Labyrinth, a new range of monochromatic marble, mosaic tiles. We think they’re absolutely stunning!
Steve – Labyrinth Gravity in Carrara + Nero Marquinia
“I recommend using tiles on either the floor or wall rather than both if you’re a little hesitant to play with bold patterns,” says Steve. “The colour palette of this collection is grey, black and white so they are so easy to pare back with plain ceramic tiles, marble and even wallpaper and painted walls for powder rooms or laundries.”
Labyrinth Gravity in Carrara + Thassos
Created in collaboration with Di Lorenzo, Labyrinth encompasses five designs, with three available in two colour variations. Inspired by travel and fashion, Steve’s trips abroad have been the basis for the graphic details and lineal patterns. “I am constantly observing shapes and patterns around me,” explains Steve. “Whether I am working on one of my many projects or travelling. Everything from a window grate in India to an iron lantern in South Africa has shaped the collection.”
Labyrinth Oblique in Carrara + Thassos
Alongside bold patterns, texture takes centre stage through three contrasting marbles: Carrara from the Tuscan coast quarried in the high mountains; Thassos, from a Greek island by the same name in the Northern Aegean Sea; and Nero Marquina.
Labyrinth Channel in Carrara + Nero Marquinia
Perfect for floors and walls in bathrooms, laundry areas, powder rooms and kitchen splashbacks, Steve already plans to use three in his own renovation: “I am steering towards Gravity in black and white for the kitchen splashback, Channel for the master bath and Oblique in grey/white for the mud room. It’s like choosing between my (non-existent) children!”
Labyrinth by Steve Cordony is available from all Di Lorenzo showrooms in NSW and national stockists around Australia.
I know I got this one from a Megan Morton workshop some years ago, and it’s simple and obvious when you think about it (but also, it’s only easy when you know how, right?). So, this tip is basically, to try and add a round shape to a room to break up all the right angles. Think about it: sofas, beds and most tables are squares and rectangles. Sometimes a circle is all you need to get a room just right. Think round rugs, round art, a round coffee or dining table. A few years ago, the ‘in’ way to do this was with a juju feather hat. Remember when they were everywhere?! They’re still lovely but not as common now.
Image source: Shannon Fricke
Hang art at eye height
Another one which seems obvious but I see people getting it wrong all the time. I’ve been told this by a multitude of stylists and interior designers and of course, it’s right. Try and ensure the middle of your artwork is at the average eye height. Simple. Of course there are always exceptions with gallery walls and the like.
We all have these lying around and super stylist Steve Cordony says: “When styling accessories, I always love to layer with books to give height to decorative items. Balance, whether it be asymmetrical or symmetrical, is key. Always stand back and look at what it is you’re creating – you will know if it feels right using your ‘design eye’!”
Steve Cordony displays colour-coded books in his former office, shot by Jacqui Turk for Interiors Addict
Rugs: bigger is always better
I can’t attribute this to anyone in particular because EVERY interior designer and stylist worth their salt will tell you to buy the biggest rug you can afford! It’s always better to have your furniture ON the rug, not AROUND the rug!
Styling by Julia Green & photography by Cricket Saleh for Prudence Caroline
Shop without buying anything and from within your own home
Melissa Penfold says: “Keep your eye in shape by window shopping. It’s free, keeps you up to date and inspired, and you’ll pick up stacks of great ideas that you will be able to imitate at home.” Don’t have time to window shop? Hit up Pinterest and your favourite design blogs.
Of course, every stylist and designer has their own favourite way to make a bed, but Block judge Darren Palmer says: “Transform your bed simply by styling the linen with some complementary or contrasting coloured sheets, an appropriately sized bed cover, two decorative cushions and two Euro cushions added to your everyday sleeping pillows.”
Image: Darren Palmer styles for King Living
Leave the colour scheme until last
This one I learned from the master, interior designer Greg Natale, when helping him write his book, The Tailored Interior. So often we start with the idea “I’m going to do X room blue and white” or “that bedroom’s going to be neutral” but this is actually one of the last decisions Greg makes when bringing a room together. Try and think about the other elements of the room first, before the colour scheme, and you may find it works better for you.
I already knew this but had forgotten until recently when Briar Stanley from Sunday Collector was at our place styling a shoot for Pottery Barn. Try and give furniture room to breathe rather than automatically shoving it right up against the walls around the edge of a room. We have a huge living room so it was silly to have our sectional sofa right up against the back wall. Once Briar suggested moving it into the room a few feet, it looked so much better (thanks Briar!)! If you have space to do this, you could also have a sofa/console table behind yours, which is another great styling opportunity. Even if you don’t have a big living room, you may find that if you consider that the sofa doesn’t have to be against a wall, there are other surprising options for your furniture layout. Sofas in the middle of a space can also break up open plan areas really well.
Image Source: Kate La Vie
Look to your wardrobe for inspiration
This one’s from Shaynna Blaze of Selling Houses Australia and The Block, who warns not to get too caught up in trends when it comes to colour. “Look at your wardrobe and your accessories for inspiration, and determine what colours you’re most drawn to. This will help you settle on a colour scheme that suits you, and this is the hardest part! The fun bit is finding ways to bring this scheme into your home, whether it’s a bold feature wall or smaller accents of your favourite colour in furniture and accessories, complemented by a wall colour in a lighter shade of that colour.” (As some who has a 75% navy wardrobe, I find this works for my home too! Jen).
When you have kids, sometimes you have to just let it go!
One of our favourite stylists, Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors, says: “I would love to tell you I live in a pristinely well styled home but I would be lying! There is crap everywhere! I just let it go these days. Life is too short and I would rather hang out with my kids in my mess than clean it all up and waste the chance to see them. They are precious, precious people. Just messy ones.”
Well, that last one sure makes me feel better. Phew!
Call it what you will (a sideboard, buffet or credenza!) but this particular furniture item is a personal favourite for Jen and I, mostly because it makes a fabulous hero piece and also doubles as a perfect spot on which to place a perfectly curated styled vignette (which as an interior stylist in my other life, thrills me to no end!). Ahem, as far as I see it, coupled with its ability to provide both form and function (they make excellent storage), what is not to love about the humble sideboard?
It’s a sentiment shared by interior stylist Steve Cordony who favours them for their strong visual impact. “Sideboards are a great way to showcase accessories and objet. They give solidity to a space and allow you to play with artwork, lamps and sculpture,” says Steve who loves sideboards with rounded edges. “I love ones that reference the mid-century but in a contemporary way. One of my all-time favourite sideboards is Parq Life by Lee Broom as it’s the perfect mix between traditional and contemporary.”
Lee Broom’s Parq Life sideboard is available to order in Australia through Cafe Culture + Insitu
And when looking to purchase one, it’s essential that you carefully consider its proportions and how they’ll work in your room. “Look at the proportion of the space you have to work with and the balance between other furniture in the room. Getting the length and depth right is crucial,” says Steve.
Zuster Halo buffet: It’s the brass feet, vertical panelling and large statement marble handles that together make this a sideboard from heaven. Priced starting from $8,750, this really is an investment piece destined for heirloom status.
West Elm wood tiled buffet: Perfect for a beachy interior, it’s the whitewashed textural quality that makes this sideboard unique. $1,699.
Winter interiors are all about texture and layering, says interior stylist Steve Cordony. “By using trays or books to elevate and showcase accessories, or different fabrics, you can create layers and texture within a monochromatic space so it has depth and dimension, and doesn’t feel flat or too safe.”
We love that pop of Yves Klein Blue!
Masculine and luxurious, Steve’s latest collaboration with King Living is a great example of this layering and texture at play. We love the pop of Yves Klein Blue, the monochrome abstract painting and the way all the elements come together to create a cohesive, super-stylish whole.
“When designing a space, I always want to create an element of glamour but more importantly a space that feels layered and has soul. By incorporating textural elements and interesting quirky pieces against a monochrome base, it allows the space to have many different elements that come together to create one beautifully styled and layered room,” says Steve.
The undoubted star of the show, King Living’s Neo Sofa, makes us want to curl up with a good book or possibly sip a martini – or even do both! “I love the generous proportions of the sofa, and the fact that you can reconfigure the chaise to suit you. This allows you to move things around and change your space without having to change the sofa itself,” says Steve of the flexible, timeless piece. “The design has traditional elements, which make it an instant classic, but is contemporary too.”
A big fan of candles and books, Steve believes they’re the finishing touch to any room. “I love creating a space that has beautiful accessories and furnishings but creating a sensory experience within a space using scented candles is key. Books give your space a soul and are the perfect styling tool to create vignettes and ‘shelfies’!”
As for wider interior trends this winter, Steve believes dusty pink, duck egg blue and shades of green are the colours to watch. He’s also a proponent of metallic accents – choose accessories in brass, copper and gold and pair them with chunky wool and linen knits, raw timber and marble for a textural wonderland and cosy winter escape.
This year’s Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards were dominated by the outstanding projects of designer Fiona Lynch, who topped off the night by being the first woman to win the top prize of Designer of the Year. She also took out the top award for Best Residential Interior for the Balwyn Residence (pictured) and Best Bathroom Design for the Hargreaves Residence.
At last night’s 2016 Awards, Australia’s interior design community came together to celebrate and identify the very best in Australian design talent. One of Australia’s most prestigious design accolades, the Awards acknowledge excellence in Australian interior design and decoration and set the benchmark for expertise, creativity and vision in what is a highly competitive and progressive industry.
This year, Belle’s style-director-at-large Steve Cordony, transformed Coco Republic’s Alexandria showroom, evoking a modern geometric theme with hits of ultramarine blue to the delight over 250 industry and media guests. This year’s judging panel included publisher and design expert, Karen McCartney, Coco Republic executive directors, Anthony Spon Smith and Jeremy Byrne, Dinosaur Designs creative director, Louise Olsen, Timothy Oulton, founder and director of Timothy Oulton, Belle editor Tanya Buchanan and Steve Cordony.
Tanya said: “Congratulations to all of the designers and firms who entered this year’s awards, which had the most entries ever with more than 300 projects submitted for judging. The calibre of entries was incredible and the judges really noticed a dynamic aesthetic and sense of innovation running through the body of work. It was great to see some of Australia’s best design talent Fiona Lynch, Whiting Architects, Arent & Pyke and Woods Bagot, recognised for their outstanding work. So many design schemes take years to plan and execute so I know how they must feel to win an award for one of these projects which are always challenging but ultimately rewarding.”
Fiona receives return flights for two to Paris to visit Maison & Objet in September courtesy of Cathay Pacific, a $5,000 Parisi voucher, a $1,000 Coco Republic voucher and of course a one-year subscription to Belle. All the award winners are profiled in Belle’s June/July 2016 issue, on sale on Monday 16 May.
The full list of winners
Best Residential Interior Fiona Lynch, Balwyn Residence
Best Commercial Interior Woods Bagot, Paramount by The Office Space (see it here)
Best Hospitality Interior Arent & Pyke, Alex Hotel
Best Residential Kitchen Design Whiting Architects, O’Grady Kitchen
Best Residential Bathroom Design Fiona Lynch, Hargreaves Residence
Belle Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year Fiona Lynch
Best Residential Interior – Readers’ Choice Arent & Pyke, Double Bay House
This year, I’m delighted to be an ambassador for Cancer Council New South Wales’ Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea initiative. Here at Interiors Addict, we’ve teamed up with our friends at BoConcept to host our own event with a definite interiors twist! We’ve brought together our dream trifecta of Block judge and interior designer Darren Palmer, award-winning interior designer Greg Natale and stylist extraordinaire Steve Cordony. We know, it’s good, right?!
For just $50 you can join us, and them, for a morning of design tips, meeting these three members of interiors royalty, delicious sweet treats, tea and coffee, plus you’ll go home with an Interiors Addict Shop gift. A bargain at twice the price and 100% of the ticket price goes to Cancer Council New South Wales. This is a cause very close to my heart as I lost my mum to cancer when I was three.
Sydney’s Supa Centa Moore Park is running a fun and fabulous table styling competition over the next couple of weeks with a $5,000 shopping spree up for grabs, for the talented winner.
Contestants will be allocated just 30 minutes to create their ultimate dinner table setting using a range of wares from Supa Centre Moore Park retailers.
The weekly winners will compete for the grand prize on Saturday 12 March and the overall winner will receive a $5,000 gift card to spend at Supa Centa Moore Park plus a styling session with Vanessa. Everyone who participates will receive a $50 gift card to spend at the centre.
The competition kicked off on Saturday 20 February but there are still two more heats left before the finale – to enter head to the centre’s Facebook page here.
Heavily in-demand as a stylist, you can now get a splash of Steve Cordony’s distinctive style at a fraction of the cost, with the arrival of his limited-edition cushion range. And you heard it here first, so don’t hang around as they’re not mass produced and the boutique collection is sure to sell out fast.
Made from fabrics that Steve has collected on his many exotic travels, the collection features silks and velvets found in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and markets all across India to linens from South Africa and Indonesia, as well as fabric remnants from Steve’s own projects.
“I started off just collecting fabrics for fun and then realised I had way too many,” explains Steve. “I decided the best use would be to make cushions as I love changing up the look of a space with just a switch of the soft furnishings.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”QaFE2UoJpMEyXMJ4DpNruYWFoYxi2vdJ”]With two ranges, there is the cool collection, on sale from today (Friday), and the warm collection which will soon follow. “With these two groupings of colours and patterns you can easily mix and match to create your own look. I also love different, quirky size cushions rather than just the standard square, so the collection features a wide range, including smaller lumber cushions, which are my favourite to layer and play with scale and proportion.”
Made by John Turvey who produced the cushions all by hand, they all beautifully blend contrasting fabrics, with many cushions featuring a different pattern on the front and back.
A long-time aspiration for Steve, this has been a true passion project. “It has been a dream and this little limited edition project was more personal than work. It was fun going through all of my fabrics I have been collecting for five years and reliving memories from my travels.”
Our recent post where bloggers shared a favourite corner of their home was so popular, it got us thinking who else’s homes you’d like to take a peek inside. And surely stylists would be top of the list? We asked seven of our favourites to kindly give us the tour…
Steve Cordony: “With the little time I get to spend at home, this is my favourite spot. The light streams in through windows and I grab and iPad or magazine, curl up in the cushions and shut off. Bliss!”
Lucia Braham: “I think it’s pretty predictable that the favourite corner of anyone’s home would be a place where your favourite pieces accumulate, right? I love this sun drenched spot for the multitude of lovely memories it evokes. The mantle is home to a small collection of my global flea market finds and a self portrait my mother drew in 1974. The chair was a bargain purchase which I restored myself and had re-upholstered in remnants of Belgian linen. The un-fired clay wall hanging is by Sydney artist Angela McNay, and I picked up the Pendleton rug, direct from the Wool Mill in Portland, Oregon, on a recent trip. This spot is a little insight to my travels overseas and I love it for the crazy mix of vintage, contemporary, antique and handmade.”
Jessica Bellef: “Owning a wall of shelves had been a dream of mine for so long, a sign that my stylist/hoarder tendencies are on the extreme end of the spectrum. My custom shelving was designed and built by my fiance’s dad and I, quite soon after my fiance and I bought our house. Running almost four metres across and housing favourite books, records and objects, I love how the shelves fill the space and compliment our 1970s home. And yep, our poor dog Charles Barkley is sporting a very undignified cone on his head in this shot. The little guy had surgery recently and he is now on the mend. The tail wags again.”
Aimee Tarulli: “My favourite corner of my home is my bedroom. It’s my quiet, calm sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of my day to day life! I love the soft layers of Cultiver linen on my bed in pastel shades, it’s so cosy and I get up every morning and just want to jump right back in. I’ve added lots of layers and texture through linen and velvet cushions and my favourite throw from Tribe & Co giving my room a lush, inviting feel. This is the spot I look forward to getting back to after a long busy day!”
Photo by Red Rabbit Photography. Click for details
Adam Powell: “”I’m enamoured by the theatricality of lighting so at night, this little corner comes alive. My newest addition is the lava lamp; time to bring them back I say! It’s hard to miss my obsession with colour, especially against that amazing chalkboard wallpaper.”
Julia Green: “I love my dark walls and how everything seems to pop with colour against them, including this photographic artwork print from Lumiere Art + Co.”
Photography by Annette O’Brien, table and chairs by Huset
Sophie Thé: “My favourite corner is the cockpit of my boat, where I can seat, read and daydream while looking at the world go by.”
