Located on the Mornington Peninsula, this 1980’s rough diamond got the makeover treatment recently, courtesy of interior designer Tara Daniels of Seahaven Interiors. Nestled on a large bush block, 10 minutes from the ocean, the revamp highlights the home’s natural elements and features gorgeous pops of on-trend pink and green.
BEFORE loungeAFTER lounge. The artwork is from Kimmy Hogan and chandeliers are from Beacon Lighting.
“About a year ago out clients asked us to transform their newly purchased 1980’s shack to a cosy coastal retreat. It was a pleasure to create the perfect holiday home for their extended family,” says Tara Daniels of the four-bedroom, two-bathroom, single-storey home.
BEFORE loungeAFTER lounge
The home was in need of a lot of love; much of it was rotting but there were a couple of original features that had a lot of potential. While both needed painting, the timber wall panels, were one highlight together with the cathedral ceilings which have arguably become the highlight of the home.
BEFORE diningAFTER dining
“The cathedral ceiling and beams are spectacular. One side of the house had the cathedral ceiling while the other was lower which felt quite claustrophobic,” says Tara who elected to paint the lower side and all the beams white (Taubmans ‘Miss Universe’), instantly opening up the space. “It focused attention on the gorgeous ceiling,” says Tara.
AFTER bedroomAFTER bedroom. All of the home’s Abode Living bed linen was handmade in Melbourne.
“The timber wall paneling was already there and it’s a real show-stopper,” says Tara who painted it in Taubmans ‘Flint Smoke,’ a lovely soft green that echoes the bush landscape outside. Green features in the home’s kitchen too; a unique choice, it was one of the first that the clients made.
BEFORE kitchenAFTER kitchen
“The colour that we chose for the kitchen cupboard was pointed out in our first consult. It jumped out at the clients as it’s very natural, earthy and reminds them of the bushland that surrounds the home,” says Tara of the cupboard fronts which are Laminex ‘Possum.’
AFTER kitchenAFTER kitchen
A monumental transformation, Tara is understandably very proud of the entire project. “I loved transforming it to a warm, cosy and welcoming holiday home. The flooring, paint and window furnishings have given the space a new life.”
An IT career seems an unlikely beginning for an interior stylist but it’s the story of Melbourne’s Aisha Chaudhry. Like many women, the career change was initiated by a maternity leave stint, when Aisha decided to leave the IT world behind and study a Certificate IV of Interior Design & Decoration at RMIT.
“I spent three years completing the course part time while raising kids,” says Aisha, who also used the time to assist family members with renovation advice, build two different homes for her family’s property portfolio and work in a design capacity on a series off-the-plan townhouses. Busy much?
Styling: Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors | Stylist assist: Jessica Retallack, Justine Lanigan and Sophie Barratt | Photography: Armelle Habib
But it’s one thing to complete a course and quite another to actually find work in the uber-competitive interior styling field. Which is where Aisha’s relationship with Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors proved integral.
“Everywhere I looked employers wanted experience, and no one was interested in hiring a fresh graduate. So, I started attending different events to network and see if I could volunteer my time somewhere to gain experience.” She attended a couple of Julia’s styling masterclasses before asking if she could assist on a shoot.
“Julia was kind enough to offer me the opportunity but after assisting her on my first shoot, I was not sure if I was going to get another opportunity. I learnt a lot on the day and saw how much effort goes into creating one shot and seeing the final images just blew my mind.” Aisha was instantly hooked.
Aisha Chaudhry
“The hardest part for me was to put myself out there and trust in my abilities,” says Aisha whose courage has since reaped reward after reward. Not only has she gone onto assist Julia myriad times, but she’s also had the honour of styling her own shoots too. “Aisha has become my most loyal and trusted style assist over the years and is now so accomplished I trust her with entire campaigns, and this is a first for me,” says mentor Julia.
Aisha’s Pakistani background was certainly an easy fit for the colourful Greenhouse Interiors aesthetic. She moved from Pakistan to Melbourne with her family in 1995. “Coming from a heritage that is full of colour, I am naturally attracted towards colour and pattern. I still go back to my home country and always come back inspired. In our traditional clothes we use a lot of colour and pattern which is the main influence for me.”
Styling: Aisha Chaudhry, Jessica Retallack, Justine Lanigan and Sophie Barratt for Greenhouse Interiors | Photography: Armelle Habib
“The range is called Heartland because it was shot in, and inspired by, our favourite stomping grounds; St Kilda and the Bellarine Peninsula. It’s about finding the beauty in our everyday lives; whether it’s our unruly jungle gardens, our wild tribe of kiddies, the colours in our neighbourhoods, or just the Australian sensibility,” says Kip & Co’s Hayley Pannekoecke of the Aussie brand’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection, which launches today.
The range was photographed in a gorgeous St Kilda apartment
As usual, there’s a kaleidoscope of colour, but there’s a few standout shades for the cooler months – luminous green, fuchsia pink, plum and marmalade in particular.
The ‘Peony’ quilt
The large ottomans have returned and there’s lots of great new cushion styles including the floral inspired ‘Petal’ which we predict will be a total winner.
“We’re basically floral fanatics, so any way to bring more flowers into the range is welcome! As with all of the range, the Petal cushion came from one of our design sessions, spent around Hayley’s kitchen table in Barwon Heads, bouncing ideas back and forth until, voila!” says co-founder Kate Heppell.
The new ‘Petal’ and ‘Heart’ velvet cushions
Print lovers will be satisfied with everything from animal (zebra and snake) to reimagined florals (think paisleys, and a jungle scene) featuring in the range. “There’s a few signature prints that we are really excited about, particularly Colombo which is so lush and inviting we cannot wait to snag it for ourselves. I’m also loving some of the new vintage inspired fabrics, including corduroy and chenille – retro heaven,” says Hayley.
The ‘Colombo’ print table cloth is styled with the ‘Zebra’ print napkinThe brand’s popular large ottomans are back
The baby and kids’ line-up is brimming with the usual fun also – there’s vintage ships, 70’s florals and 80’s sci-fi spaceships. “The pieces are inspired by all the things that make our hearts go boom; bedtime stories with our kids, jungle advnetures in the back yard, pinky swears, and the colour of life,” says Hayley.
Various kids’ prints
And in great news, Kip & Co has implemented some new sustainability practices including reusable fabric packaging (ideal for travel bags, lunch bags and nappy bags) and the entire range is now shipping in biodegradable corn starch bags too.
The peachy ‘Trailblazer’ comforter is rather divine. It’s seen her with a tassel throw in ‘Amazon.’
“Our cotton off-cuts in India are upcycled by an amazing charity to make products for their local community in need. There’s lots more to come soon, and we really hope everyone gets behind us, and importantly, asks other brands to do the same.”
Based on a similar concept in Paris, III Rooms Sydney has just launched, offering serviced apartment accommodation with a super stylish twist. Fittingly located in the Paris end of Potts Point (in a heritage listed building on the corner of Macleay Street and Challis Avenue), the three European style apartments have been decked out by three renowned Australian design houses – Cult Design, MCM House and Jardan. It’s the perfect city stay for design lovers, and that’s before you consider the fabulous restaurants, wine bars and boutiques nearby.
This apartment was styled by Cult Design
Inspired by the iconic 3 Rooms Paris (self-contained accommodation curated by fashion designer Azzedine Alaia), the apartments recreate the ‘unique and perfectly imperfect detail’ of apartment living in Paris, Milan or Venice. Each apartment has gorgeous period details including sash windows and high ceilings as well as an abundance of natural light.
This tranquil bedroom is found inside the Jardan designed apartment
All three have been filled with a stylish curation of furniture, styling pieces and original artwork. And the best part is that everything inside the apartments is available for purchase – it’s the perfect way to try before you buy!
This gorgeous lounge room is filled with Jardan wares
The first apartment is by Cult Design and features a tight edit of the brand’s classic collections. Local furniture and design brands combine with international pieces for a luxe, livable and sophisticated feel.
Cult Design created this stunning bedroom. How’s that moody paint?
The apartment’s elegant light-drenched living and dining rooms are brimming with Danish design, while the sunroom is bursting with colour. All of the rooms feature artworks by M Contemporary.
The kitchen inside the Cult Design apartment
The MCM House designed apartment highlights the building’s gorgeous heritage details with a subdued, calming and homely palette. There’s a reclaimed timber dining table with a photograph by Sam Davidson above, reflecting Potts Point’s unique brand of eclecticism.
MCM House’s apartment features interesting artwork including Sam Davidson’s ‘Burnout’ above the dining room table
In the third apartment, Jardan showcases its gorgeous handmade wares. The spaces are calm, uncluttered and designed to mimic a stylish family home.
This Jardan styled apartment
The apartments start at $700 per night and are managed by Contemporary Hotels.
After a decade where cool paint tones reigned supreme, warm neutrals are back on-trend if the latest from Dulux is anything to go by. The work of stylist Bree Leach, a bland white child’s room was imbued with gorgeous warmth courtesy of Dulux ‘Pancake Mix,’ a biscuity, putty-like clay tone that completely transforms the space.
Part of the paint brand’s ‘Grounded’ palette (one of four trend palettes identified in the 2020 Dulux Colour Forecast ‘Essence’), the palette combines warm biscuit tones derived from nature with touches of muted coral, mauve and gold for a contemporary edge. Who would have thought that such warm tones could look so modern?
BEFOREAFTER: The ‘Grounded’ palette is versatile enough to work in a girl or boy’s room
“We’ve seen a much more tonal palette coming through this year. The bold colour contrasts of previous years have made way for subtle layering of natural hues. Depth is added through texture and materiality,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager.
While the original room was fairly monochrome, it did have great features for Bree to work with including a high ceiling, solid timber floor, French doors, plenty of natural light and a striking brick fireplace. The colour palette was less than optimal however; all-white, it was fairly uninviting which is not exactly the vibe that you want in a child’s room!
BEFOREAFTER. That pretty lavender paint colour offsets the warmth in the room, keeping the look rather modern.
“I wanted to add warmth and personality to the space so that its little occupant would enjoy spending time here. I aimed to highlight the room’s best features, detract from the less appealing ones, and spend next to nothing,” says Bree who kept the budget in check by retaining key furniture pieces such as the room’s toddler bed (with timber detailing), and the curvy armchair and ottoman.
AFTER: Don’t add too much clutter to a child’s room, particularly if it’s small, as you want to give them space to relax and play.
“When you’re choosing a palette, it’s best to start with one main colour, which you can use across large expanses, such as walls, then a supporting hue and one or two accents,” says Bree.
The room’s existing warm white (Dulux Wash&Wear in Natural White) was retained for the fireplace and ceiling but Bree chose a soft clay (Dulux Wash&Wear in Pancake Mix) for the walls as a feature, to tie in with the warmth of the timber floor and the detailing on the bed. A muted lavender (Dulux Wash&Wear in Hint of Lavender) was chosen for the new door on the fireplace opening, and Bree added touches of coral in the bedding.
“We made the bed the hero of the room by piling it high with comfy pillows and using bedlinen in shades of grey and coral. An inexpensive rug adds softness underfoot – its round shape echoes the curves in the furniture. To accentuate the fabulous fireplace, we kept it white to subtly contrast with the walls.”
A Floral Army arrangement made from preserved flowers
Devoted readers of the site will know that we love a bit of trend-spotting around here and our latest find has got us rather excited indeed. From my Insta feed through to my real-life florist visits, it seems we are in the grip of a dried flower resurgence. Who would have thought?
A vast improvement in quality has seen the old-fashioned aesthetic replaced with a stylish new one that has sustainability and affordability going for it too. But unlike traditional techniques, the latest method preserves the colour and look of the original blooms. How fabulous!
This arrangement, made by Floral Army, was created using preserved flowers
“People will remember naturally dried native Australian flowers and foliage – they would often all end up the same brown colour. We now have access to bleached and preserved product which is dyed vibrant colours or bleached to beautiful creams and whites,” says florist Alicia Zorn, of Perth’s Floral Army, who has noticed an increase in requests for the product which is usually referred to as ‘preserved’ or ‘dehydrated.’
My own preserved floral arrangement means I can indulge my love of hydrangea all year round. Don’t you adore that Lovestar vase?
And as with many floral trends, we may have weddings to credit for the resurgence – a cursory search on Pinterest reveals a plethora of inspiration. “A big trend for wedding flowers at the moment is a tonal and textured look with neutral colours and not much foliage. The bleached and preserved flowers are a beautiful addition to fresh blooms, sometimes as a replacement for green foliage to keep the look crisp and clean,” says Alicia who sources most of her preserved material from Japan.
Created for an event, this Floral Army arrangement combined a mix of fresh, preserved and dried flowers. Image: Assembly Yard
Another obvious benefit of the preserved floral is that it lasts up to 12 months (provided it’s kept dry and out of the sun), meaning it gives serious bang for buck. And in some circles, the product is regarded as a more sustainable option than fresh flowers though whether it is remains unclear.
“Dried flowers are certainly a sustainable option and it’s nice that people like to keep their flowers for longer by drying them. But when it comes to the preserved product, we aren’t sure of the chemicals used, or the complete process however,” says Alicia.
Unlike dried flowers, preserved flowers maintain their colour and shape
For those wanting to attempt a bit of DIY at-home floral drying, Alicia says that Australian native blooms are ideal. “Native flowers like banksia, Australian daisy and Silver Dollar eucalyptus dry almost identical to how they look fresh. Alternatively, the South African king protea is super popular at the moment and they also dry a beautiful blush colour,” says Alicia.
Dried native blooms
“The best way to dry them is to watch them open fully in a vase of water then hang them upside down in a dry area away from the sun for 2-4 weeks until they are completely dry. You can then make a new arrangement in a beloved vase or keep them hanging as a wall piece.”
This nursery caught our eye this week courtesy of its moody vibe and interesting mix of old and new finds. The creation of stylist Penny Hyams (of The Studio Melbourne), who worked with children’s interior store Hello Little Birdie, gender neutrality and sustainability were key to the brief. “We specialise in incorporating vintage pieces in our shoots as we believe they add personality to a room, and stop them looking too generic,” says Penny.
Sitting atop the wardrobe, that Castle & Things ‘Love’ print is perfection!
Arguably the hero of the room, the cot was a Gumtree find, purchased from someone who had had it in their family for over 100 years. Used by three generations of the one family, the cot presented an ideal upcycling opportunity for Penny who repainted it and purchased a new mattress to go with it. “It was white when we bought it but there were many chips and you could see the history through them. There were several layers of different coloured paint beneath,” says Penny.
The cot bedding and cushions were sourced from Castle & Things and H&M Home
The room’s upcycled wardrobe was purchased on eBay for just $10 before Penny painted it dark grey with a matte black interior – it was originally white. “It has lots of little drawers and racks for displaying treasures. We loved that we could layer things on top of it as well,” says Penny.
Amazingly, the room’s big-ticket items (the cot, wardrobe and old tin case), cost a total of just $160! “We mixed expensive bedding with very affordable items and think this could be an easy project to inspire others,” says Penny.
This room could easily transition to an older child’s room simply by swapping out the cot for a bed
Old meets new aesthetic preferences aside, Penny and her team are passionate about sustainability and its principles underpin their whole ethos. “It’s hugely important to us! We have recently made our studio plastic-free and are working hard toward being carbon neutral in the not too distant future. There are so many vintage design gems out there waiting to be found and we now have quite a good collection of them.”
The ‘Safari’ tufted rug is from Ferm Living
Photography: Sandy Rogulic for The Studio Melbourne | Styling: Penny Hyams and Mel Spurling
Whether you are renovating a home because it’s new, or you want to increase your comfort and enjoyment, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the most relevant interior trends and styles. According to a recent study, 1 in 6 Australians have home renovations on their wish list but are unable to currently afford home improvements.
Ex Blockheads, HPM ambassadors and home renovation experts, Josh and Jenna Densten, share their top four interior design tips for 2020, designed to make renovating your home simple and cost efficient.
Josh and Jenna Densten in their new North Melbourne home
“We love the finished result of our home. The intricate details, small finishings and simple gadgets we have carefully selected help make our home practical yet adaptable. To make our house feel like a home, we source each item carefully to ensure it marries with our overall aesthetic for a calming yet homely feeling, that is perfect for our growing family,” says Jenna Densten.
Consider colour Studies show that colours can affect our mood. Therefore, when renovating it’s important to select colour schemes that evoke complementary emotions to the space you are trying to create. In 2020, we can expect to see more houses utilising warm and earthy tones, like clay, to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
If you’re worried about making permanent changes with colour, start small by adding pops of colour using kitchen appliances, light switches and cover plates, and art work.
Colour is the hero in Josh and Jenna’s gorgeous children’s room
Mix metals and materials
For novice renovators or home builders, mixing metals can seem like a big ‘no go’. However, by following some simple rules it can transform a boring all white space into an interior gold mine. Balance warm and cool metals by using one as the dominant feature and the other as an accent. This typically works well in bathrooms, kitchens and for ceiling spaces.
Brass & copper: Seen on the right, the HPM Excel VIVO Coverplates range is available in a range of easy to change colours to suit your personal taste.
Shape and size This year curved and cylindrical shapes will evolve as these free form shapes become increasingly popular. Simultaneously, modern finishes and clean lines add luxury appeal. Pendant lights, often referred to as the ‘jewellery of lights,’ are a simple home feature that can tap into these design aspects to either highlight the size of a room, or create an intimate, ambient mood.
This gorgeous pendant light works a treat in Josh and Jenna’s lounge room
Less is more As open floor plans continue to be the trend for new homes, it’s important to make your space functional and practical. To save space in your home office or kitchen pantry and to keep them tidy, simple gadgets like the HPM wireless charging pad can charge your phone, laptop and wireless earbuds without the hassle of cords.
In this instalment of our Ask The Stylist series with Alex Carter of Harlow + Willow, a reader writes in with a pendant light dilemma. Should she install one over her dining table, or not?
Stylist Alex Carter
Reader question: Do I need a pendant light over our dining table? We had one, which was removed after it was damaged. We have uplights and a lamp in the same room. Should I replace it?
Answer: As to whether you really need a pendant over a dining table, there are so many things that can impact this decision. I’ll go through a few general considerations to think about below.
Size of the dining area The size of the dining space and the dining table will greatly affect the decision as to whether to have a pendant light. I’m assuming in this case it’s a decent size (given there was a previous pendant), but did it feel comfortable or did it dominate when using the table?
I wouldn’t suggest a pendant light for anything smaller than a six seat table personally, unless it’s going to be quite small or hung high, but that defeats the purpose.
Is the spaced defined? A really nice way to design and style your home is to create zones for specific areas; this can be done in any home, even if it’s open plan. Areas can be defined by artwork, rugs or lights. If you have an open plan living and dining area, a pendant light can help to make the dining space feel like a discrete space, and create a focal point.
Photography: Stephanie Rooney | Styling: Harlow + Willow and Ali
Style of pendant Should you decide to go ahead, the style of the pendant is the next big decision! Keeping in mind the house and the rest of the decor, you could choose to go with a simple yet striking glass pendant, such as a long line design or an architectural light. Alternatively, you could go for a softer and more textural style and opt for either a fabric or paper pendant.
Also, taking into account what else is surrounding the dining table, if there is a large and dominating artwork or bold wallpaper, you may decide to opt for a more simple and transparent light. If the room is quite simple, make the pendant the feature!
Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors and Harlow + Willow
Consider the surrounding lighting An important consideration is what other lighting exists in the space; is the pendant required to light the dining table or is it for decorative purposes only? This will also impact the style of pendant that you go for, and the spread of light you need (the amazing team at Lights Lights Lights talk a lot about this on their Instagram account, so head over there if you’re not sure about this). I would advise separate controls too, so that you can have just the pendant switched on for a moody effect!
Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Harlow + Willow and Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors
I don’t know about you but sometimes it can feel as if we’re drowning in a sea of monochrome when it comes to the latest interior trends. Which is why it’s lovely when a project goes against the grain like this Sydney home revamp. The work of Marylou Sobel Interior Design (MSID), this Mediterranean style family home in Vaucluse got an overhaul recently, with particular emphasis on creating comfortable, inviting entertaining spaces.
The renovated terrace has a gorgeous new outdoor kitchen. We love the pink, green and those Jatana Interiors patterned tiles!
“The interiors were tired and dull looking. Our clients’ brief was to modernise the interiors and outdoor spaces of their family home with comfort and functionality in mind, while staying true to the original Mediterranean features,” says interior architect Stephanie Nadel of MSID.
TerraceGorgeous textiles really enhance the outdoor space
The redesign focussed on the living, dining and outdoors with a neutral material palette that is the perfect foil for the owners’ bold artwork collection. “The finishes are natural, raw and layered which adds sophistication and calm to a busy family home. We introduced colour in the soft furnishings and accent pieces,” says Stephanie.
Lounge
Bespoke joinery was a key component of the renovation and included a new fireplace, concealed storage and large open shelves to house the owners’ sculpture collection. “It was imperative for us to create a comfortable and ‘no fuss’ atmosphere,” says Stephanie.
Lounge
The entertaining areas were another focal point; the terrace, rather than being an entirely separate space, now connects coherently with the indoors. “The terrace lacked functionality and appeal and it’s now the ultimate space to entertain and spend time as a family,” says Stephanie. The terrace renovation included the addition of a new outdoor kitchen, BBQ and outdoor fridge. The existing pizza oven was renovated too.
Dining
And with a variety of fresh new entertaining spaces to use, the home’s owner is thrilled. “We’re really happy with the cohesive flow from inside to outside, and also the use of colour, texture and materials. The outcome far exceeded the clients’ expectations.”
In this next instalment of our Ask The Stylist series with Alex Carter of Harlow + Willow, a reader writes in unsure how to style a long hallway.
Our expert, stylist Alex Carter
Reader question: We have a townhouse and the hallway has a huge plain wall on one side with rooms on the other. It’s like a bowling alley. What can l do?
Answer: Long hallways can feel a bit daunting but are also an awesome opportunity to add some extra features to your home and to show people what you’re all about as soon as they walk in the door!
As this reader has said, it’s only one side of the hall that has a large blank wall. This can sometimes be intimidating, but below I am going to suggest what can be done to make it a fun and interesting part of the home.
Gallery style hanging art One option is to create a gallery style wall of art. This can be done with original paintings or prints; they can be by the same artist, pieces with similar colours, or you can go totally rogue and put up anything you love! There are no rules to this; the only condition that will determine the success or not, is commitment. For example, with the hanging style, if you go with a symmetrical and streamlined look this needs to be measured out and executed correctly. Similarly, if you decide to go for a more casual and mismatched look, make sure that none of the paintings match or line up. Commitment to any form of styling is the most important aspect – own your decision with pride!
Create a seating nook Depending on space and the width of the hallway, another idea is to create a small nook with a bench seat. If this can be near the entry point of the house, it could be used by people when they enter the house to sit down and take off their shoes. There are very slimline benches available, such as the below HK Living Retro Webbing Bench, that make a statement without being too space consuming. Pop a piece of statement art above, and a cushion or any other accessories that will practically suit the space, and you have a winning feature!
The console Another option is to put in an awesome console! Once again, there are plenty of slimline and space saving options so it doesn’t have to be a large cumbersome piece of furniture blocking the walkway. Consoles are great for displaying small interesting objects, such as ceramics, vases with florals, plants or even a pin board to house all your important messages and reminders. This can be your central spot for all of those pieces that seem to mysteriously go missing when you’re in a rush – wallets, keys and anything else you need to grab on your way out!
Home to a young family, this renovation, in the northern suburbs of Sydney, piqued our interest this week – we love the way that interior designer Joanne Yeomans of Issy & H Creative has celebrated the character of the original 1912 home, rather than simply starting afresh. Ornate ceilings, stained glass windows and other Art Deco features pair seamlessly with an array of new furniture and styling pieces.
BEFORE sitting roomAFTER sitting room. What a transformation!
“The family wanted to blend their special antique pieces with modern pieces and styling to make the house feel fresh and modern and not stuffy as it did before,” says Joanne, who upgraded the home’s formal dining room and adjoining sitting room, which is used regularly to entertain a large extended family.
AFTER sitting room
First up, Joanne nixed the beige carpet and matching walls, replacing them with rich chocolate timber floors and soft grey paint (Dulux Dieskau half strength if you’re interested). Crisp new white ceilings and Harlequin wallpaper, sourced locally from Domestic Textiles, further complement the sitting room scene.
AFTER A west elm side table complements a Miss Amara rug and Freedom sofa
An eye-catching choice, the existing fireplace was revamped with a crisp marble chevron tile from Kaizen Tiles. “This made a massive difference to the sitting room space, completely lifting it,” says Joanne who sourced new mustard velvet armchairs from Adairs for the space too. “I love their shape and colour; they are my new favourite furniture piece,” says Joanne who combined them with a variety of other new pieces including a Freedom navy lounge, west elm coffee tables and a Miss Amara rug. “While we purchased lots of new things, we retained lots of existing antique pieces in both spaces too,” says Joanne.
New wallpaper and tiling freshened the fire place
A variety of upcycling projects feature throughout the renovation too; the dining chairs some of the more notable. They were repaired and reupholstered in a bird-print Warwick fabric that complements the kookaburras that feature in the nearby stained-glass windows. “Sarkis at SA Upholstery is a great local upholsterer who put lots of love into the restoration,” says Joanne.
BEFORE diningAFTER dining. A west elm black and brass pendant light provides a modern twist on the traditional
A mix of old and new artworks combine for an interesting mix; the large bright piece above a marble console is a new one by Kate Mayes while the Campari print above the bar cart was the client’s own that was reframed. “The husband collects old vintage publications so was keen to bring something authentic into the space,” says Joanne.
Contemporary art choices, such as this one by Kate Mayes, has made a huge impact on the space
As for the end result, Joanne is incredibly pleased with the way that she managed to retain and respect as many original features while imbuing the space with modern touches, luxury and glamour.
“I love how both spaces are adjoining but completely different in mood – the dining room is very elegant, bright and airy while the sitting room is dark and moodier with luxurious wallpapered walls, navy and mustard tones and a more ‘cocktail’ feel. The husband, a music lover, adores the sitting room whilst the wife loves the dining room!”
The following is an extract from Inspired by Nature: Creating a Personal & Natural Interior, the new book by the renowned stylist Hans Blomquist.
The next time you are going to take a photograph for Instagram, or just for yourself, zoom out a little and look at the bigger picture of a part of your home. You will soon see that you have many larger vignettes that, without you realising it, have become everyday still lifes. It is easy to think of still lifes as just being collections of small items on a table or another surface, but they can also be on a larger scale and include pieces of furniture. Visiting the houses featured in this book, as well as some of the locations I have styled for photoshoots for work, I have often been amazed by how many large-scale vignettes people have in their homes.
Collections on display
I photographed a home in Portland, Oregon, for this book, and the whole interior consisted of such pleasing and carefully considered large-scale still lifes that I had to photograph them all.
I love everything about this vignette–the collections of old alarm clocks and vintage signs, the desk and the wooden and metal stool, all sitting so beautifully against the wood-panelled wall, which had been freshened up with a new coat of white paint but otherwise left in its original state.
Beauty all around
A place you use every day becomes a vignette when viewed through a camera. This desk area has unintentionally become a beautiful still life, almost as well composed as a painting. A pair
of vintage leather and wooden chairs positioned in front of an old wooden storage unit topped with a collection of vintage items form an eye-catching arrangement.
Everything goes
When creating a still life, you can choose a handful of related objects or random items that have nothing in common, you can stick to a colour palette or use similar materials. There is no right or wrong.
Above is an example of unrelated items brought together to create a still life on a bedroom dresser/hutch. Opposite, on a simple wall shelf, a collection of small green glass bottles sits very well with vintage paintbrushes and books, creating a display that is uncomplicated but eye-catching.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hans Blomquist is an art director and stylist who is highly sought after by many prestigious brands. Hans started out working for IKEA in Sweden and ended up art directing their catalogue. His clients include Harrods, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, H&M and IKEA. Hans lives in Paris and is also the author of The Natural Home.
Located just 2.5 hours’ drive south of Sydney, the just launched Mandala Beach House is nestled on the northern shores of Jervis Bay, in the coastal village of Callala Bay. Situated across the road from the ocean, the home accommodates up to 12 guests making it a fabulous spot for a family or group getaway. And for interior lovers, it’s got design cred too courtesy of its luxe coastal spaces that were created by interior stylist Jessi Eve.
Lounge room
“Influenced by natural elements, I pulled together a palette of sandy neutrals and grey stone tones paired with soft sky pastels and ocean blues. The textures and materials are connected to nature with natural cotton, linen, rattan, and timber featuring,” says Jessi when explaining the feel throughout the home.
Kitchen
Jessi’s fresh palette is complemented by timber, raw texture and lots of natural light that is captured via skylights and myriad clerestory windows. Overall, the home has an inviting, lived-in feel.
“Holiday homes, in general, are moving more towards a beautiful homely feel rather than sterile and purely practical accommodation. The most popular places nowadays are Instagram-worthy with lots of visual interest at every corner, both in the design and styling. For me, Mandala Beach House nails that,” says Jessi.
Dining
Inside the home there’s a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, multiple hangout zones, and five bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms (the games room can double as a sixth bedroom if required). The home’s master bedroom has a luxe, deep-set bath with views over the bay too.
Bedroom
The alfresco spaces are rather covetable also. There’s a furnished balcony with ocean views, an outdoor bar and barbeque, a saltwater pool and grassed area for the kids to run. And while on the topic of kids, the home is very family-friendly and comes equipped with baby gates, a high-chair and travel cot too.
In this next instalment of our Ask The Stylist series, with Alex Carter of Harlow + Willow, a reader writes in with a lounge room conundrum.
Our expert, stylist Alex Carter
Reader question: I have this unusually shaped, smallish living room and have for years configured the contents a variety of ways, but it still doesn’t sit comfortably. I want to replace the sofa soon and I’m at a loss as to what type to buy so that it fits in the room – I was thinking modular. What do you think? I have also considered v-groove panelling or wallpaper but what other items do I need to get the space to work?
The reader’s room in question
Answer: My advice would be to play with the pieces in the space and to add some more dimension to the room, emphasising the amazing aspects, such as the large window.
Alex’s concept for the space
Denise mentioned that she was wanting to replace her sofa but wasn’t sure what style to go with and was thinking modular. Because of the shape of this room I would recommend sticking with the standard 2.5 – 3 seater sofa like this beautiful neutral grey sofa from Lounge Lovers. The legs of this sofa help to give it height, and mean it won’t be too visually bulky at the end of the room.
Rather than having a chaise, replacing the armchair with a day bed style chair like the below, and put it further back into the bay window. This will create a larger seating option, open out the space and provide a beautiful little reading nook.
Adding a colourful patterned rug is also a great way to add more interest to the room, and create another dimension to the room which will also help to accentuate the home’s beautiful jarrah floorboards. Positioning this horizontally will also emphasise the width of the room, rather than the length. The selected coffee table has a timeless white marble top and dark wooden legs to tie in the console on the left hand side of the room.
In terms of the VJ panelling, this would be a fantastic addition along the entire wall that has the bay window. It will also draw the eye to this portion of the room and out the window, making it feel even bigger!
Last, but certainly not least, is the artwork. Placing a statement piece of art above the sofa will create another focal point and a sense of personality. I have selected the ‘Plant Room’ print by Bibi Ana + Co but it could be any painting, print or even a sentimental photograph. Something that shows a little bit about the people who live in the home and tells a story!
I hope this helps and I’d love to see how it goes, if anyone else has a tricky space or furniture selection please send it through and I would love to help where I can!
A charitable project created for a Melbourne foster family, the latest norsuHOME renovation story is a real Christmas heart warmer. “We called this one ‘Project Seven’ because the family was expanding from five to seven members with the introduction of two permanent foster children,” says norsuHOME co-founder Kristy Sadlier.
The renovation included the addition of a new stand-alone room, or ‘tiny house’ at the back of the property, built by Soulspace Studios
The family’s first foster child, a boy, was put into the family’s care straight from birth, while his sister came along a bit later. “Suddenly his biological sister, aged eight, also needed a new safe home to live in, and being the generous people that they are, the family decided that they would provide a home for both children and therefore grow their family to seven; literally overnight!” says norsuHOME co-founder Nat Wheeler.
Growme Melbourne donated one of their gorgeous Moodyboards
And with three biological teenage boys already living under the roof, the rapid family expansion presented an urgent and pressing need to update the home’s kitchen (it was struggling with the mounting demands), while adding an extra bedroom and bathroom too.
The extra room/tiny home came in the form of a SoulSpace Studios’ standalone room – the first supplier to donate. “Having met the husband and wife duo Razz and Bec from Soulspace Studios earlier this year at the Tiny House Festival, Nat immediately contacted them to see if they’d partner on the project. To her joy, Soulspace jumped on board, generously donating their building services and expertise, and the fun began!” says Kristy.
After securing SoulSpace Studios, the norsuHOME team approached more of their contacts to donate time and materials to the project with donations including kitchen cabinetry from Zesta Kitchens, tiles from Perini Tiles, stone benchtops from CDK stone benchtops, flooring from Scandinavia Floors, Meir tapware, Dulux paint, Bowens timber, Nood.Co basins and Easycraft panelling to name a few.
“We’ve never experienced generosity on this level before. To see so many of our contacts instantly jump at the opportunity was truly humbling and shows that our beautiful community shares the same desire to help. This project perfectly demonstrated the impact that can be made when partnering collectively, and trust me, it has been huge for this family!” says Nat.
The tiny home houses the eldest of the biological sons – a practical decision that was made due to his age. “It made perfect sense for the eldest son to move into the home because he was able to get the privacy an 18-year-old needs. He was previously sharing the upstairs living quarters with the two foster children,” says Kristy who, with her team, enjoyed creating a Nordic inspired cabin for her young male client.
The Easycraft panels were painted in Dulux Monument Grey and Vivid White
The space has a masculine palette of charcoal, dusty blue, vivid white and tan. It also has an airy pitched roof, rustic oak wide board flooring, wall panels and natural linen drapery. The team also installed a built-in storage bench seat to create a separate lounge zone while the nearby bathroom combines speckled tiles with matte black tapware.
Bathroom mirror is from Thermogroup, basin from Nood Co, tapware from Meir Australia; tiles from Perini; towel from Aura Home; vanity is a repurposed Ethnicraft bedside table available at Norsu Interiors.Shower tiles from Perini; tap ware and shower head from Meir
The renovation also included a complete overhaul of the home’s kitchen which included the addition of extra storage, workable cooking space and a giant island bench. “Did we mention this family also runs a family daycare business from home as well?!?” says Kristy who designed the space to be able to feed 12 people from the space daily.
Kitchen cabinetry by Zesta Kitchens, handles by Lo & Co, tiles by Perini, bench top by CDK stone
There’s Hamptons-style white cabinetry, blush fish-scale mosaic tiles, matte black tapware and stone benchtops. The design also included an update to the adjacent dining area – built-in banquette seating making the space much more functional.
Tap ware and sink from Meir
“There’s something so special about combining our passion for design with making a difference to those who need it most. When we first started this little business several years ago, Kristy and I never imagined we would be able to impact the lives of others in such a large capacity. This project has been a dream come true for our entire norsu team, and we are itching to do it all again soon, so watch this space very closely!” says Nat.
Dining. Built-in seating makes the space much more functional.
Photography: Kate Collingwood | Styling: Nat Wheeler and Lauren Bartlett-Bragg for Norsu Interiors
Our bathrooms play a vital role in our daily lives; they help invigorate us in the morning, and wind us down in the evening. This space should never be neglected and has so much more potential than just functioning as a practical place. What’s more, through small changes, it can be transformed into a refuge of relaxation and recuperation that doesn’t have to result in extortionate bills.
In 2018, the average cost of a major bathroom renovation in Australia was $17, 522, however this cost is due to varying factors and can fluctuate depending on your circumstances and needs. While a renovated bathroom can add nearly $20,000 to the value of your home, a few cosmetic changes and DIY jobs are really all it takes to get the luxe bathroom you’ve been dreaming of. Today, Methven’s group head of design and innovation, Andy Grigor, explains how.
Update your shower and tapware
Showers and tapware can define the theme of your bathroom. Combined with functionality, choosing a shower and tapware that looks stunning will transform your bathroom into a room you can’t wait to use.
Firstly, gather options together, take your time and do your research. Create a mood board or a scrapbook of design ideas and products. Then go and find those (or similar) products on display so you can feel the quality and get a sense of how the product feels as you use it.
“By simply replacing your tapware and shower you will transform the feeling of your bathroom. Remove the old and replace with matte black, for instance, for a modern look,” says Andy.
Methven’s Aio shower twin system in matte black
A lick of paint never hurt anyone If the budget is tight, there are some very simple aesthetic changes you can make to immediately upgrade your bathroom. Painting your tiles may sound strange but it is a very cost effective and simple way to completely and quickly refresh your bathroom. There are many tile paints available if you like to DIY, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
“Opt for light colours such as tonal aqua to make the room feel bright or more spacious offering a serene and refreshing ambience, or select a deep colour such as emerald green for a dramatic and modern finish that encourages nurture and regeneration,” says Andy.
This bathroom was overhauled for just $2000 by The Painted Hive and tile paint was key
Replace your vanity
Removing your old vanity and replacing it with a new one will instantly make your bathroom feel like it’s had a full renovation. A wall mounted floating vanity will also open up the feel of a small bathroom space by adding more floor area.
However, if your budget doesn’t allow for a purchase of a new vanity, then look for ways to repurpose your old one or even an existing piece of furniture. Keep in mind the size of the area and the plumbing needs.
Jen’s new bathroom features an Ingrain Designs wall-hung vanity that gives the room a fabulous sense of space. Pic by Jacqui Turk.
Sometimes the simplest tasks are the most rewarding
“You can renew your bathroom and give a sense of a complete upgrade, just by re-grouting your tiles. If your tiles are still in good condition, they may simply need to be re-grouted in order to make them seem brand new again and brighten your bathroom, as discolouration can show the bathroom’s age,” says Andy.
Add a spa-like touch Decluttering your bathroom and adding storage where possible is key. Once you have a fresh canvas, adding little accessories, a few baskets for towels, fancy soaps and decorative accents is a great way to add your personal touch. Incorporate plants and create your own indoor oasis, which will all contribute to the overall look of your ‘home spa’.
Here Methven tapware is nicely accessorised for a spa-like feel
The stylish Byron Bay boutique hotel The Atlantic got the west elm via Jason Grant treatment recently when its communal spaces, and one of its best-loved rooms, was beautifully refreshed – just in time for the holiday season.
Dining
The new look palette includes tan leather, navy, white, earthy timbers and pops of colour that combine for a relaxed yet sophisticated coastal vibe that feels distinctly Australian. We love!
Lounge
“Showing the versatility of west elm, collaborating with The Atlantic gave us the opportunity to – figuratively speaking – get our feet in the sand, indulge in the creative and demonstrate our beach cred. The space we created with Jason, a mix of materials and palette-play, is the ultimate in chill – showing that west elm is comfortably at home in Byron Bay,” says Angus Whyte, VP Australia merchandising for west elm.
Kitchen
Jason Grant’s relationship with The Atlantic goes way back – it was his preferred place to stay in the coastal town before making the move there permanently from Sydney.
“We’re super excited to have created these spaces with west elm and Jason Grant. It was a lot of fun. There’s no other guest that understands The Atlantic aesthetic like Jason Grant and we just know our guests are going to love it,” says Kimberly Amos, owner of The Atlantic Byron Bay.
DeckJason Grant with Kimberly Amos, the owner of The Atlantic
The spaces use existing pieces alongside updates from the west elm collection bringing a bit of Brooklyn cool into what is a thoroughly Byron Bay aesthetic.
The new look bungalow. We love that beach roo pic!The beautifully styled west elm bungalow desk area
The west elm Bungalow, at The Atlantic Byron Bay, is available to book now. Prices start from $350 per night.
