Categories
Architecture Design

New Hunter Valley display homes reflect regional popularity

Sponsored by Metricon Homes

There’s no denying that regional areas have seen a boost in popularity since the emergence of COVID-19. Coupled with the housing affordability crisis in the capital cities, the interest in regional Australia has never been greater; and that is particularly so for the burgeoning Hunter region of NSW. 

Phoenix 40
Metricon’s Phoenix 40 display home

“We have seen, particularly in the last few months, that location is something customers are now looking at very differently. With many organisations looking to embrace working from home beyond COVID-19 restrictions, a home in a regional community is now being viewed more favourably – particularly if you are only commuting a few days per week as opposed to the full five days, or can work entirely from home,” says Metricon Homes NSW general manager Patrick Eather who unveiled two new display homes in Chisholm, Maitland recently.

The Phoenix 40 is a Hamptons-inspired design while the Qualia 33 has a more contemporary feel. Both complement the beauty of the Hunter and are available with flexible floor plans and finishes. 

Qualia 33 display home
The Qualia 33 display home

“We are experiencing significant interest in regional NSW from Sydneysiders who are realising the cost of housing is much more affordable relative to what you pay in Sydney. Affordability is one thing, but the great lifestyle of the Hunter is also a drawcard. Families are attracted to the wider, open spaces, and the access to amenities,” says Patrick.

A single storey design, the Qualia 33 is a fabulous family home – it boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, three living spaces and an on-trend outdoor room, bringing the outside in. A highlight of the home, the master suite has a fabulous retreat feel; located at the rear of the home it has an open courtyard positioned between the sleeping zone and ensuite.

The Qualia 33's open plan kitchen, dining, lounge and outdoor room
The Qualia 33’s open plan kitchen, dining, lounge and outdoor room
Qualia 33 kitchen
Qualia 33 kitchen

The Qualia 33 also has three separate living areas including a central media room (clever!), open plan family and dining space and children’s play area.

Qualia 33 living room
Qualia 33 living room

A larger design, the Phoenix 40 runs over two levels and its clever floorplan makes it adaptable to blocks as narrow as 14.5 metres. Its Hamptons inspired façade carries through to the inside of the home where shaker style cabinetry combines with a large upright cooker and feature island bench in the home’s kitchen.

Phoenix 40 kitchen
The Phoenix 40 kitchen

The ground floor acts as the family and entertainment hub with a formal sitting room, open plan family, dining and kitchen that opens out onto a lovely outdoor room.

A Hamptons style timber staircase leads to the second story of the home where you’ll find three bedrooms, a study nook, shared bathroom, separate toilet and master bedroom.

The Phoenix 40 master bedroom
The Phoenix 40 master bedroom

The master suite spans the width of the building and includes a large double-sided walk-in robe, spacious ensuite and private parents’ retreat. This area also has direct access to a large balcony that overlooks the pool below.

Phoenix 40 pool and outdoor room
The Phoenix 40 pool and outdoor room

“At Metricon, we pride ourselves on creating homes for people to love where they live. We achieve this time and time again by offering flexible floorplans and plenty of choices. With multiple floorplan options, numerous facades and many features to choose from, we expect the Qualia 33 and the Phoenix 40 will become a favourite with Maitland residents,” says Patrick.

The Qualia 33 and the Phoenix 40 are available for viewing at 38 Settlers Blvd, Chisholm, every day from 10am-to-5pm. 

For more

Win with Waterford Crystal

To celebrate the opening of the display homes at Waterford in Chisholm, Designer by Metricon has partnered with Waterford Crystal for an exclusive giveaway for New South Wales residents. 

Inspired by the past and enriching the present, Waterford Crystal is unmistakably of its time. Known for its rich heritage and fine craftsmanship, Waterford Crystal are the pioneers in creating the finest crystal drinkware since the 18th Century.

For the chance to win almost $1000 worth of Waterford Crystal wine glasses and champagne flutes.

Categories
Dining

Add colourful character to your next glass of bubbly

What do you get when you mix luxurious crystal with vibrant, attention-grabbing colour? Lismore Pops, an exciting new collection of barware from Waterford Crystal.

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The bespoke packaging is eye-catching and electric, with a special over-sleeve featuring the themed colours. The Lismore pattern has been the number one selling crystal stemware pattern for over 60 years.

7017 011 Aqua DOF PairThe sleek silhouettes are available in cobalt, purple, emerald pink, aqua, orange and classical clear, and retail for $299 a pair (or $199 for the clear beauties). The stylish crystal champagne bucket is $399.

Categories
Homewares

Top 7 Father’s Day gifts

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching — it’s on Sunday September 6 for those not in the know (don’t worry I had to Google it too!) — we thought we’d put together a gift guide that has something for all tastes and all budgets. So this year, give Dad something a bit more interesting than socks and undies!

PosterCandy from PosterCandy: With just $15 and a few clicks of your mouse, you can create a stunning personalised poster using your own photos from Instagram, Facebook or your smartphone and computer. Every poster is finished on gallery grade Kodak paper following a traditional photographic process, meaning the quality is superb (I have a poster myself, so I can attest they’re great!).

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The Salt&Pepper FROMAGE 28cm Round Board from House: There’s truly nothing quite like a glorious cheese platter, and what better way to display it then on an Acacia wood board that pays homage to the true cheese-connoisseurs: the French?! At only $19.95, it will add rustic charm to a contemporary space.

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GPO UK Attaché Case Turntable – Vinyl Record Player from Rockit Record Players: Stylish, lightweight and available in a range of colours (vintage brown, pillar box red, sky blue, black and pastel green) this $199 record player makes it easy to play vinyl. Made of wood and bound in leatherette, it features a built-in stereo so you can tune in without needing a speaker system.GPO_UK_Attaché_Case_Turntable_–_Vinyl_Record_Player_–_Green_21Mad Men Draper DOF Tumbler Pair from Waterford Crystal: Steeped in ’60s style and luxury, the Mad Men Draper DOF Tumbler Pair is neither subtle nor inconspicuous — thanks to its crystal with superior cutwork detailing and bands of rich 18 carat gold. At $249 it is perfect for indulging in a decadent night-cap!

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BUSINESS MAN from Man Mail: The ultimate kit for every type of business man, this gift box sorts out Dad’s desk, snack attacks and life. Boom! At $170, it includes a signed copy of Unleash Your Alpha by Mike Campbell, a travel essential pack by Murchison Hume, a porcelain mug and tub by Seletti and some yummy snacks from Pana Chocolate.

Business+Man-Man+Mail

Inissia & Aeroccino3 Breville from Nespresso: Add some colour to Dad’s daily grind with the Nespresso Breville Inissia in ruby red, tropical green or white. Catering to all coffee needs, the Inissia features two programmable cup sizes, a 25 second heat up time and an Aeroccino3 milk frother with ceramic coating for milk based coffees. Compact and lightweight it is ideal for any interior space – from the benchtop to Dad’s home office, and is currently available at the special price of $189.

Screen Shot 2015-08-14 at 5.32.07 pmJump Start Kit from Uniden: It may not be the most stylish, but it gets a huge tick for practicality. The Uniden Jump Start Kit provides drivers with a one-stop-shop for all car troubles, recharging a flat car battery and adjusting the tyre pressure without the need of third-party roadside assistance. The compact, self-sufficient kit also has the ability to charge mobile devices, inflate sporting equipment and includes an LED flashlight. It retails for $199.95.

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We hope you found this list useful. Let us know what you’d add. 

Categories
Art Designers Homewares Interviews

Florist to the stars Jeff Leatham on his lavish projects

As the artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and the go-to florist to the stars, Jeff Leatham has come a long way from the boy who used to lock himself in his room so he didn’t have to mow the lawn!

Jeff Leatham Fleurology_Lifestyle 1

Falling head over heels for flowers in 1995, Jeff is often referred to as a contemporary artist, creating works of art, rather than simple floral displays. “I do see myself as an artist in the way I approach my designs and creations. I think you can create striking, living sculptures with flowers. They’re not static, they move and respond to light and other elements. And like art, floristry can evoke emotions, trigger memories and speak to the viewer.”

Tina Turner's wedding
Tina Turner’s wedding

Tina Turner's wedding
Tina Turner’s wedding

Counting the likes of Cher, Tina Turner, Oprah and Kylie Minogue as his clients, he has a wealth of projects under his belt. So the challenge comes to name his most luxurious job: “One of the most lavish events would have to be Tina Turners’ wedding to her partner Erwin Bach in 2013. I wanted to create special areas throughout the gardens. So we had a huge red rose wall — homage to Tina’s red lips — that took 34 hours to install. We had to work overnight because there was a heat wave in Zürich at the time and we didn’t want the roses to wilt. It was magical.”

Jeff Leatham Fleurology Kylie_Lifestyle 3

Jeff has also created some truly unique displays at the extravagant Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. As the artistic director he is in charge of all the floral and sculptural arrangements, the most jaw-dropping being their annual Christmas display, where he designed red-mirrored polar bear sculptures, which he affectionately refers to as his “babies.”

Red Polar Bears Image
Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris’ Christmas display

Working to design and create sculptures has also led to Jeff’s latest collaboration, Fleurology by Jeff Leatham. Designed exclusively for Waterford Crystal, it comprises of three capsule collections of fine crystal vases and rose bowls. Inspired by Jeff’s provocative combination of shapes, angles and geometric precision, the pieces reimagine traditional floral arrangements. “I love to work and collaborate with high-end, luxe brands that understand and respect the design process and producing timeless pieces. Waterford Crystal embodies all of these things and together we’ve produced a sculptural and bold collection. I personally think that great floral design starts with the vase.”

Fleurology
Fleurology by Jeff Leatham

Waterford Fleurology by Jeff Leatham is available online or in-store at Myer, David Jones and selected independents.

Categories
Homewares

Mad Men themed barware from Waterford Crystal

For those who love Mad Men, you can now make like Don, Peggy, Joan or Roger with the Waterford Mad Men Edition; a collection of barware that would fit perfectly into the tumultuous era of the late 1960s where the story concludes.

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To pay homage to the show that is critically acclaimed for historical authenticity, Waterford have paid close attention to period details, adding three new additions to their already popular collection.

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Like the era it celebrates, new Mad Men Holloway (named after Joan Holloway) is neither subtle nor inconspicuous. The classic shape of Holloway is strikingly accented with wide bands and detailed geometric patterning of rich matte gold. It is available in the tumbler pair (above) and high ball pair (below), at $299.00 a set.

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A subsequent release, later this month, is the Waterford Mad Men Olsen ashtray (named after Peggy Olsen), which gives a nod to decadent 60s culture and retails for $299.00.

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Waterford Mad Men Edition is available online or in selected Myer, David Jones and upmarket independents.