Table of contents for May 2016 in Inside Out

Recently, as part of one of our regular ‘houses’ meetings, where as a team we sift through piles of lovely homes to feature in the magazine, it occured to me that I spend a disproportionate amount of my days looking at pans. And, by that, I don’t mean the ‘pots and pans’ variety. I mean toilet pans. Wow, the glamour! No really, we know how important the ‘wet room’ is in your home, and that means that as we’re selecting beautiful spaces, we look at each room very carefully. Being a functional space where millimetres matter, when it comes to towel rails, opening doors and the basic floorplan, sometimes people forget that this crucial room needs some love, too. I know when I was doing my last bathroom renovation, I…

“A dramatic berry tone brings glamour and adds depth to a look”ALICIA SCIBERRAS, ACTING STYLE EDITOR 1. ‘4 Seasons’ low sheen exterior paint in Indian Red, $61.90/4L, British Paints, britishpaints.com.au. 2. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Merlot Valley, $60.90/4L, British Paints, as before. 3. Mobles114 ‘Tube’ armchair, $816.20, Ke-Zu, kezu.com.au. 4. Maxalto ‘Loto’ ottoman, $2790, Space Furniture, spacefurniture.com.au. 5. ‘Ådum’ rug, $79, IKEA, ikea.com/au. 6. ‘Beam’ coat rack, $215, Hay, hayshop.com.au. 7. ‘Glaze’ bowl, $115, BoConcept, boconcept.com.au. 8. ‘Flocca’ linen pillowcase, $69, Hale Mercantile Co., halemercantileco.com. 9. Hartô ‘Desire’ side table, $416, Clickon Furniture, clickonfurniture.com.au. 10. Hay ‘About A Lounge’ sofa, $5419, Cult, cultdesign.com.au. 11. & 12. ‘Cord’ keyring, $43, and hangers, $46/set of 3, Hay, as before. 13. &Tradition ‘Cloud’ foot stool, $2950, Great Dane, greatdanefurniture.com.au.…

Bonnie And Neil DESIGNERS: Bonnie Ashley and Neil Downie The work produced in Bonnie And Neil’s Melbourne studio is fun and vibrant, but that’s not the only reason it’s hard to ignore. The screen-printed teatowels showcase a look that is distinctly their own. “Our pieces are inspired by nature, vintage textile designs and our shared love of colour,” says Bonnie. “Some of our popular designs feature native flora and birdlife, so we find ourselves turning to the Australian landscape for new ideas.” The couple’s respective backgrounds lie in creative pursuits, such as set construction, floristry and fine art, so it’s no surprise to learn they mix their own inks. “Our surroundings have an influence on our use of colour: the diversity of the Australian landscape – from rainforest to desert,…

Could you detail your work? I make animals in sculpture using cotton paper that I paint and tear, then sew together to create a form and life. My work is portraiture in a way: I’m looking to capture a shared spirit and connection between animal and human consciousness. How does the process start for you? I start by looking at hundreds of images of the creature I’m about to make. I immerse myself in angles, postures and gestures, so I feel like I really know the creature. If the animals are close at hand I seek them out in life, otherwise it’s looking at images on Google. I made a window full of ravens for Hermès and spent a long time sitting in my car, watching ravens dip into a…

“The look of a candle or diffuser is just as important as the scent” JOSEPH GARDNER, STYLIST…

Creating a focal point in a space can be tricky: where should it be, and can I commit? In this instance, scale is your strongest ally. Oversizing the right object or design element can give a room that extra lift, enhancing its place as a hero choice and, when displayed alongside complementary pieces, will bring the whole look together. There’s something about the addition of one noticeably giant element that makes the rest of the space feel restful. But before we go dousing everything in ‘design growth hormone’, let’s see when and where bigger is actually better. why Mr Big? Playing with scale has long been integral to interior design. Often, it’s the oversized element that’s the solid foundation on which the whole room is balanced. Think about it: how…

If you’re serious about relaxation (and we think you are!), then it’s time to consider floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom. Natural sunlight opens up the space, while views of lush greenery can bring a sense of calm, no matter how hectic the rest of the house might be.An internal courtyard, enclosed garden or dense cluster of plants can protect your and your neighbours’ privacy. Make sure you can open and close the windows to let fresh air in and condensation out.To see more bright ideas in this sunny home, turn to page 76.…

cheat sheet Who lives here: Interior designer Lara Meghann, her mechanic fiancé Jacob, and Ralph the cat. Style of house: A fully self-contained extension to a Queenslander set in the hills on the Sunshine Coast. The build took about seven months to complete. The budget for the project was a low $75k. 1 let the sunshine in Homeowner and interior designer Lara soaks up the sun on the deck, which wraps around two sides of the home to make the most of the stunning views over bushland to one side and tropical gardens to the other. A double glass door allows dappled light and fresh air to filter into the home and the timber flooring seamlessly connects outside to in. To complement the lush green surroundings, natural influences make their…

the story so far Karèn and Justin bought the third-floor 1969 yellow-brick apartment in the Sydney beachside suburb of Maroubra last year. The views are to die for: from the kitchen and son Connor’s bedroom, you can see the Malabar Headland National Park and Maroubra Bay; from the north-west facing windows off the living area and master bedroom, you can enjoy a full panorama from the city to Botany Bay. Unfortunately, once the couple dragged their eyes from the view, they realised the apartment – although bathed in sunlight – was cramped, dated and depressing. This is most evident in the kitchen, which, with its narrow benchtops, low-hung overhead cupboards and slate tile flooring is uninviting and, at just two metres wide, simply too small. “We like to invest a…

THE NEW CLASSIC Modern comfort meets timeless style: this combination of old and new influences stays true to the heritage charm of the house the brief Architect Tom Ferguson (tfad.com.au) was tasked with designing a bathroom for a professional couple as part of an extension to a heritage terrace in inner-city Sydney. The must-haves in the new bathroom? A freestanding bath, and a way to make the most of the city outlook. the layout “The bath and window position drove the layout,” says Tom. On one side of the room is a glass-framed open shower, while on the other side, mirrored storage cabinets flank a basin, with a second window above allowing for a contemplative view while brushing teeth. “It’s such a great room in terms of light, space and…

Is your vanity overloaded with a variety of beauty products, lotions, mascaras, lippy and other magic potions? If you’re like most people, many of these came into your home making big promises then generally, after a few weeks of applying a tube of the latest and greatest, your hopes of becoming the next Angelina Jolie start to fade. Frankly, we’ve all been there. It may be painful to come to that realisation about some of these products, but it’s better to just face reality, turf the non-performers and move on. 1/ Sort into three groups. Take everything out and sort it into three piles: a) Stuff you use just about every day; b) Stuff you use occasionally but yeah, maybe not so much any more; and c) Stuff that makes…

If your yard is predominantly paved, introducing a variety of groundcovers may be the key to adding both interesting form and texture.This beachside garden uses a combination of flowing dichondra in the garden bed and pigface around the pavers to soften the clean lines. Build a rich garden tapestry with creeping plants at the border extending up into taller bushes, shrubs and trees around the fenceline, creating layers of interest. For more of this abundant garden, turn the page.…

TEAM YOUR CROWD-PLEASING FINGER FOOD WITH COMFY CUSHIONS AND TEXTURED THROWS FOR CURLING UP IN FRONT OF THE BIG SCREEN CHEESY POPCORN SERVES 4 PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 5 minutes 80g (½ cup) popping corn 30g (½ cup) finely grated cheddar 1. Place the popping corn in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and use a fork to pierce. Microwave on high for 4 minutes or until the popcorn has popped. Transfer the popcorn to a heatproof bowl and discard any unpopped kernels. 2. Add the cheddar and toss until well combined. Divide among serving bowls and serve immediately. CARAMEL POPCORN MAKES 14 cups PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes ¼ cup vegetable oil ½ cup popping corn Caramel 125g butter, chopped ¾ cup…

I am one of those people who “gets” art. How do I justify the four-digit price tag to my less artsy family and friends who stare vacantly and ask “what’s it supposed to be of”? Tadhg, via email What a coincidence that I’d pick up your message while standing in line for the new Dutch Masters exhibition at my local National Gallery.Well, not so much in line as near line, because today I’ve only popped in to stock up on thank-you notes and beaten-silver jewellery from the gift shop. Generally speaking, I can’t do Flemish realism before mid-morning even though, like you, I just “get” art. Not everyone does, of course. Not your friends and family, not the people in charge of dressing the corridors of reasonably priced airport hotels,…

1. ‘Metro’ table lamp, $99, Freedom, freedom.com.au. 2. Reindeer hide, $350, Nathan + Jac, nathanjac.com.au. 3. Hartô ‘Plumes’ cushion, $149, Hunting For George, huntingforgeorge.com. 4. ‘Goldie’ leather cushion, $110, Nathan + Jac, as before. 5. ‘Jasper’ sofa in KingCord, $8925, King Living, kingliving.com. 6. ‘Sierra Weave’ rug in Pumice, $1080/1.7m x 2.4m, Armadillo&Co, armadillo-co.com. 7. Aura #5 feathered cross by Jai Vasicek, $550, Fenton&Fenton, fentonandfenton.com.au. 8. Paradise print, $249.95 (framed), Blacklist, blackliststore.com.au. 9. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Heavy Metal, $60.90/4L, British Paints, britishpaints.com.au. 10. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Love Note, $56.90/4L, British Paints, as before. 11. Harper & Sandilands ‘Architect Collection’ floorboards in Danish White, $93.50/sqm, Royal Oak Floors, royaloakfloors.com.au.…

There was much Twitter love for the cast of #SellingHousesAustralia’s 3 golden rules for selling your home. Clearly lots of folks are chasing that SOLD sign. reader spotlight @lucystevenscreative had herself a little crafternoon and whipped up the marbled ring dish from our April issue. She’s done such a great job with the @abeautifulmess project. most double tapped Our Instagram friends dreamed of toasting marshmallows in this ultimate outdoor entertaining area – who can blame you? IN YOUR NEWS FEED The mighty fence towered over our Facebook traffic this month, with many friends checking out our buyer’s guide to fencing – it was liked by 1.6k+ people! WINNING PIN! Pinterest pals were crushing on the moody hues of Dulux’s 2015 spring colour forecast. Looking at this colour palette, everyone’s bracing…

1. Edra ‘Cipria’ ecological fur sofa by Fernando and Humberto Campana, $25,580, Space Furniture, spacefurniture.com.au. 2. ‘Bubble’ fur keyring, $149, Furla, (02) 9231 0695. 3. Vita ‘Eos’ goose feather and paper light, from $175, Top3 By Design, top3.com.au. 4. Baxter ‘Nepal’ Mongolian sheepskin armchair by Paola Navone, from $4345, Criteria, criteriacollection.com.au. 5. Bloomingville Mongolian lamb fur cushion, $225, Clickon Furniture, clickonfurniture.com.au. 6. Thing Industries ‘Hairy Thing’ acrylic fur ottoman, $230, Douglas And Bec, douglasandbec.com. 7. Low-shed soft microfibre rug, $185/115cm x 165cm, Temple & Webster, templeandwebster.com.au. 8. PP Møbler ‘Flag Halyard’ chair with sheepskin by Hans Wegner, $18,278, Cult, cultdesign.com.au. 9. ‘Blossom’ synthetic earrings, $80/pair, Poms, pomspoms.com.au. 10. Merino sheepskin throw, $178, Jardan, jardan.com.au.…

While decorating is fun, choosing the right sofa, finding the perfect dining table, and picking out homewares can be tricky and time consuming. If you’ve come up with your moodboard and decided on a colour palette but now aren’t sure how to put all your ideas into action, it could be time to turn to the experts. The staff at leading retailer OZ Design Furniture have been providing interiors inspiration and practical help for more than 35 years. Just take in a sketch of the room (ensure you have noted all the relevant measurements) and have your moodboard in mind when you visit OZ Design Furniture and that way it’ll be easy to narrow down your choices from the options in store. The brand has a wide range of new-season…

Channel the subtle beauty and rustic charm of wildflowers in your home with these rich colours. A single accent or a feature wall brings new life to your space, or try combining a lighter shade with a darker tone for added depth. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Primal Instinct, $56.90/4L, British Paints, britishpaints.com.au. ‘Endure’ interior low sheen paint in Green Tiara, $83.95/4L, Taubmans, taubmans.com.au. ‘Endure’ interior low sheen paint in Ruby Rose, $83.95/4L, Taubmans, as before. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Fuchsia Bloom, $60.90/4L, British Paints, as before. ‘Wash&Wear 101 Barrier Technology’ low sheen acrylic paint in Blue Regal, $85.90/4L, Dulux, dulux.com.au. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Geranium Stem, $56.90/4L, British Paints, as before. ‘Wash&Wear 101 Barrier Technology’ low sheen acrylic…

Top rack, from left: ‘Monochrome Wave’ certified organic cotton bath towel, $190, Loom Towels, loomtowels.com. Zuzunaga ‘Route’ cotton towel, $485/assorted set of 10, Meïzai, meizai.com.au. Lower rack, from left: ‘Citadel’ velour cotton bath towel, $44.90, Citta Design, cittadesign.com. ‘Tango’ terry/velour cotton bath sheet, $99, Kate & Kate, kateandkate.com.au. ‘Tiiliskivi’ terry cotton bath towel, $72, Marimekko, marimekko.com. ‘Mentelle’ cotton bath towel, $59.95, Sheridan, sheridan.com.au. Aura By Tracie Ellis ‘Stripes’ cotton bath towel, $49.95, Domayne, domayneonline.com.au. On ring: Missoni Home ‘Keith’ cotton bath towel, $95, Spence & Lyda, spenceandlyda.com.au. Racks and ring, stylist’s own. Racks and ring in ‘Interior Expressions’ low sheen interior paint in Colleen’s Cote, $38.95/1L, Haymes Paint, haymespaint.com.au.…

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY Receive a bonus *  Kenwood Food Processor Attachment, valued at $169, with the purchase of any Kenwood Chef Sense Colour Collection mixer featured here. Available until 15/05/16. THE KENWOOD CHEF SENSE COMES WITH FIVE HANDY TOOLS SO YOU CAN WHIP, KNEAD, CREAM, FOLD OR COMBINE HEAVY MIXTURES – ALL WITH ONE APPLIANCE A MODERN CLASSIC Adaptable, easy to use and pretty enough to leave out on display, Kenwood Chef Sense Colour Collection mixers are set to become a benchtop fixture in kitchens everywhere. They come with five bowl tools – a dough hook, K-beater, whisk, creaming tool and folding tool – to cover all your baking needs. For everything else, a range of more than 20 attachments – including multiple pasta rollers, shapers and cutters –…

“THE RAKED CEILING MADE SUCH A DIFFERENCE TO THE SMALL LIVING SPACE. RAISING THE CEILING ADDED A SENSE OF GRANDEUR” TOP 3 HIGHLIGHTS 1 The East team’s raked ceiling in Peter and Michelle’s Yarraville home. This made such a difference to the small living space. Raising the ceiling added a sense of grandeur. I also think the oval dining table in here was gorgeous, too. 2 The East team’s exposed brick wall in the corridor of Maddi and Dave’s Fitzroy North home. It was a lovely feature in keeping with the period of the home and also added so much drama to the outcome of the renovation. 3 The West team’s front facade of Sarah and Gabriel’s Footscray home. What a difference for the couple to come…

CHEAT SHEET Who lives here: Peter Jaman, builder and owner of the family business, Hudson Developments; his wife, Helen, a former stylist who runs online shop, Ayech; son, Hudson, 16; and dogs Geoffrey and Byron. Style of home: A multi-level updated ’70s home in suburban Melbourne. Peter has done all the work so there have been no labour charges; $180k covers the cost of materials. Having long contemplated a sea change to Byron Bay, New South Wales, can-do couple Peter and Helen Jaman (pictured, bottom), who run Hudson Developments, a building and property development company, did the next best thing.They transformed a ’70s house in suburban Melbourne into a resort-style retreat. “We were on holidays in Byron and were sitting on the beach thinking, how can life be simpler?” says…

There are 15 or so blocks along Broome Street identical to this one and each houses anywhere between six and 18 units. I’ve sold in excess of 30 so far and I’ve seen all sorts of different renovations. They’re extremely popular with young families who love the beachy feel and want to stay in the Eastern Suburbs but are finding themselves priced out of neighbouring Randwick and Coogee. There are great primary schools within walking distance; it’s five minutes to the beach; and the transport links to the city are second to none. Buyers are looking for two or three bedrooms, parking and a balcony with a view – that’s the clincher. Here, there is a sense of open space and it’s a peaceful location. Karèn and Justin have bought…

There's a reason why bathrooms on home renovation shows often deliver the most wow factor -a good reno can transform a damp, dated box into something beautiful and functional. TI-at said, the process invoves so many trades and know-how that its also one of the toughest renovations of all. 'Bathrooms can serve up a lot of hidden costs;' says Paul Naylor, CCO of the NSW Master Plumbers Assocation. "As soon as you touch it, the unforeseen becomes an issue" Rebecca Senyard. Queensland-based plumber and blogger at ThePlumbette.com.au, agrees that problems easily pop up once trades are on site. "Termites can be uncovered from a leaking shower pipe, or your house might not comply with current plumbing standards and needs fixing, so having a 20 per cent buffer in your budget…

yay or nay? …having a waterfall bench. Interior designer Matt Woods weighs in The deal: My first “interior design” job was working for a joinery manufacturer and if there’s one thing I learnt at that gig, it’s that waterfall benchtops are one of the most prevalent features in kitchen design land. The pros: In smaller kitchens, finishing with a benchtop return to the floor keeps the materials and detail complexity to a minimum, avoiding a complicated aesthetic. Even in larger spaces, waterfall returns can be as effective on something like an island bench, as this detail clearly delineates the boundaries of the kitchen. The verdict: Yay and nay! For me, a one-size-fits-all approach should never be adopted. Try something with a bit more punch. Add a more deliberate complexity to…

a-c Ahoy Trader (02) 6680 7764, ahoytrader.com. Astra Walker astrawalker.com.au. Auhaus (03) 5254 3335, auhaus-arch.com. Blacklist (02) 9526 5250, blackliststore.com.au. Chazelles Fireplaces (02) 9550 6290, chazelles.com.au. Citta Design (02) 9360 7904, cittadesign.com. Curious Grace (03) 9481 3488, curious grace.com.au. d-k e15 e15.com. Freedom freedom.com.au. G-Lux (03) 9429 4589, g-lux.com.au. GlobeWest (03) 9518 1600, globewest.com.au. Grazia & Co. (03) 9589 4398, graziaandco.com.au. Great Dane (03) 9417 5599, greatdane furniture.com. Hope & May (02) 6680 9862, hopeandmay.com. IKEA ikea.com/au. King Living (02) 9516 5466, kingliving.com.au. Kirsten Jackson 0425 713 560, kirstenjackson.bigcartel.com. l-n Luke Furniture (03) 9999 8930, luke.com.au. Major Minor Sydney 0409 686 252, majorminorsydney.com. Mario Gerth Fotografie mario-gerth.de. Meïzai (03) 9279 2888, meizai.com.au. Mondo Deluxe stores.ebay.com.au/mondo-deluxe-store. Noni Drew 0466 539 872, nonidrew.com. o-z Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664, porters paints.com. Reece…

knockout kitchen cabinetry Make a statement with eye-catching storage in your cooking zone. expert advice BATHROOM DESIGN Our Panel architect Andrew Benn reveals his top designer secrets for a family-friendly bathroom. renovation tips MONEY SMARTS Learn how to plan and assess your renovation costs to avoid a budget blowout from those in the know. product guides DECLUTTER YOUR HOME Turn chaos into calm with our collection of clever ideas on how to organise every space.…

take the floor Renowned Dutch rug company Danskina has landed in Australia Looking to add a new dimension to your floor? A handcrafted rug from Netherlands-based company Danskina may be the answer.Textile partners Kvadrat Maharam has taken the helm, bringing Danskina’s combination of craftsmanship and innovative yet timeless design to a broader audience.The bold colour and knotted detail of this new wool/cotton rug is incredible.…

1 FUN & BRIGHT  why it works: Candy pink is tempered by a natural tone for a sweet match Wrong For Hay ‘Serve’ table, $394, Hay, hayshop.com.au. Pampa ‘Monte Vibrant #42’ wool rug, $1590/ 180cm x 200cm, Koskela, koskela.com.au. 2 MODERN TRIBAL  why it works: Both pieces contrast in form and texture yet are linked by graphic impact Fred Ganim ‘Round’ coffee table, $6380, Criteria, criteriacollection.com.au. ‘Mudcloth’ rug, $1490/ 170cm x 250cm, Citta Design, (02) 9360 7904. 3 REFINED APPEAL why it works: The silhouette of the coffee table is echoed in the rug’s dots-and-line detail Nanimarquina ‘Rabari 2’ rug, $7400/170cm x 240cm, Mobilia, mobilia.com.au. La Chance ‘Zorro’ coffee table, $2275, Living Edge, 1300 132 154.…

Lisa Koehler is the interior decorator on our renovation specialists Panel (for more on the Panel, turn to page 108). Here, she offers advice on how to give your home a Nordic touch. QI like the look of coir on floors, but it’s a bit too rough for my family. What are some options for styles or products that can offer a similar look? Mia, via email “Sisal, coir and seagrass bring lovely natural textures to homes, but can be a bit scratchy underfoot,” says John Harrison, marketing manager of Godfrey Hirst Australia (godfreyhirst.com). “If you like the natural look with a softer touch, try 100 per cent wool carpet in a loop pile finish – it’s versatile, hard-wearing and textured, with a soft, luxurious feel. Our Hycraft carpets have…

THE ORIGINAL ‘Hang-It-All’ coat rack by Charles and Ray Eames The form: An interconnected metal coat rack in white or black (originally) with 14 brightly coloured timber balls on the end of each rod. What makes it special: A quintessential atomic-age piece of design from the 1950s, the Hang-It-All bridges the gap between furniture item and toy. With the space race in full swing, many design concepts of the time took their stylistic lead from rockets and atoms. The original version of the Hang-It-All was released in 1953 by Tigrett, a toy company from Tennessee. It wasn’t until 1994 that Herman Miller took on the reissue of the design. Beyond the cheerful candy-coloured look, the design is utterly practical, conceived to encourage children to hang up their clothes. The form…

A fresh coat of paint is a great way to update a room, but what happens if choosing a new colour palette turns into a design dilemma? Now, you can be your own interior designer and make those big decisions with a little help from the British Paints Colouriser online tool. Visit the British Paints website, select Colouriser and choose an image from the gallery of rooms, then pick your favourite shade and Colouriser will suggest a colour scheme and show how it looks in a room setting. To make the shopping process super simple, the ‘View Products’ section details the names of the British Paints colours shown in the scheme and the paint finish suited to each area, for example, low sheen, semi gloss or enamel gloss. If you…

“Mix up shades of blue to give this Batcave an energetic and boy-friendly mood”VANESSA COLYER TAY, STYLIST 1 This handy trolley is a great portable storage solution or a fun bedside table. Industrial style meets bold blue to create an uncluttered look, perfect for mess-prone rooms! ‘Jeeves’ trolley, $299, Middle Of Nowhere, middleofnowhere.com.au. 2 Add serious wow factor with this oversized artwork. The mural acts as a focal point, bringing loads of colour and life to the room, along with a classic retro vibe. DC Comics Detective wallpaper, $246.50/1.45m x 2m, Pickawall, pickawall.com.au. 3 When he’s not busy fighting crime, your son will need a cosy place to sleep. This commanding structure frames the room and makes climbing into bed as inviting as donning a hero’s cape. Megan Morton ‘Sleeping’,…

+ Turn your stairwell into a light well by positioning a skylight above, and use open treads, delicately detailed balustrades and pale walls to allow light to bounce down through the different levels. + Update a traditional staircase by modifying the balustrade – this can change the look and feel of the whole staircase without the expense of an entire replacement. Often old balustrades don’t meet the requirements of modern building codes, so this can be a safety improvement, too. + Adapt your stair design according to who uses the stairs, and how. For example, stairs to an attic can be steeper than a frequently used stairway between two living areas. + Think about ergonomics – it’s important to make sure head height and balustrade height are comfortable. These are…

PURE AND SIMPLE The innovative bin emptying mechanism drives out collected dust and debris with the push of the button, so there’s no need to get your hands dirty. As an added bonus, the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball’s bin capacity is 33 per cent larger than that of the previous generation of Dyson Cinetic barrel vacuums, which means even less work for you. SMOOTH MOVES Engineered to have a single stable resting point and low centre of gravity, the vacuums can right themselves if they fall over. The use of the ball instead of wheels means they can also turn on the spot and roll smoothly around furniture and other obstacles. CARBON FIBRE TURBINE HEAD Stiff nylon bristles help remove dirt from carpet, soft carbon fibre filaments remove dust from…

cheat sheet Who lives here: Milliner Carla Murley, 39; her husband Troy, 41, a manager at an insurance company; daughter Ruby, 8; son Oscar, 6; and Great Dane, Lola. Style of house: A renovated 1960s mid-century brick and weatherboard house in Beaumaris, Victoria. The project took about five months to complete. The couple budgeted around $300k for the renovation. bright idea A sliding barn door is a dramatic way to separate spaces while adding texture to blank walls. Builder Mark crafted the cedar door to Troy’s specifications. When milliner Carla Murley first spotted her home, it was in need of a little attention.“The previous owner had lived here for years and everything was in its original state,” explains Carla of her family’s Beaumaris, Victoria abode.“The carpets, curtains and furnishings hadn’t…

the Panel’s advice Andrew Benn Architect and director, Benn + Penna Architecture, bennandpenna.com The kitchen is typical of its era, when things were just starting to creep towards open-plan living. To open it up further, I’d suggest taking out the wall to the laundry behind it and the wall that forms the hallway, which is a waste of space and not especially nice. This would make the kitchen a part of the living space – pretty standard in modern apartments – and open up the amazing view so you can see it as soon as you walk in. Or you could take the wall down to chest height to create a bar area. You could then make the benchtops wider and extend the cabinetry out further into the living space…

Finding that sweet spot between pure functionality and a soothing spa-like ambience is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to bahtoroms. But there’s actually a really simple science behind making your space work harder and look better: smart storage. Here are the best ideas for rising to the stash-away challenge with style so you can get back to bathing beautifully. VANITIES The go-to storage solution for all bathrooms is a vanity. It centres the space visually and can be your number-one ally in keeping the chaos of your daily rituals at bay. Making the right choice requires some reflection on your routines “Do you do make-up in the space? Do you do your hair? Do you keep towels in the space?” asks Darren Genner of award-winning bathroom and…

YAY OR NAY … having a bed frame Rachel Castle, managing director of Castle, weighs in The deal No-one loves bedtime more than me – I could sleep a full eight hours on the side of the M1, uninterrupted. Having said that, I’m a sucker for a nice bed, too. It might be because I could never afford a nice one as a uni student that I’ve always kept my mattress on the floor. I have a gorgeous bedhead and frame from Mark Tuckey, but kept skinning my shins, so took away the base and kept the bedhead. The pros A bedhead is a great shelf. Mine holds artworks, books, plants, cards, magazines and my phone. I hide all the man wires that my husband thinks can be put on…

“This is such a colourful dish, and the flavours don’t disappoint. With a bowl of steaming hot rice, it’s a great mid-week dinner, especially with chilli jam. For a vegie version, swap the chicken for tofu” my four go-to condiments Chilli jam My chilli jam is very addictive. I pair it with burritos and corn fritters; it also goes brilliantly with Thai and Chinese dishes. Mint pesto My friend and fellow cook, Dominique, taught me this pesto recipe many moons ago. Whenever I cook lamb now, I always serve the mint pesto alongside. Mayonnaise Homemade mayo always tastes so much better than any commercially prepared version. If you make up a decent amount, it will last for months in the fridge. When you’ve made up your batch of mayo, you…

MATT BLATT Having dinner on the couch in front of the TV every night is an easy habit to slip into, but if you want to change this, it could be time to give your dining area a mini makeover. Take the guesswork out of choosing the right table and chairs by opting for the ‘Newport’ dining package from Matt Blatt. The acacia timber-veneer table and six elegant dining chairs – in either natural or charcoal-coloured upholstery – are ideal for inner-city or apartment living. Visit mattblatt.com.au ZEBRANO If you need to give your wardrobe an update now a new season is almost upon us, online brand Zebrano features designer labels from both here and overseas. Established in the ’90s by Jenny Smith, Zebrano delivers pieces – from everyday essentials…