Indice dei contenuti per July 2016 in Inside Out

When it comes to shelving, I think you’re either out and proud, or not quite ready for that. And that’s fine. We’re all about equality here at Inside Out . I, for one, am the kind of person who keeps their toaster and kettle neatly packed away in the cupboard, a completely clean and clear benchtop being the ultimate goal (I often stash the dishrack, too). No-one needs to see the inner workings of my life unless, of course, it’s the beautiful bits and bobs I display proudly in my dining area. And that’s where some people come unstuck. The way you display your precious items is quite personal, and readers often ask us where they should start. So, this month, we issued some of our favourite stylists a challenge:…

PAINT COLOUR MAY VARY ON APPLICATION…

Linen throw in Polar Grey DESIGNER: Alistair Birrell of Mr Draper What does a creative do when faced with the prospect of burnout? Chief linen crafter Alistair joined the Australian Defence Force. “I did just over four years in the Air Force, travelling all over the place before starting Mr Draper in 2014,” says Alistair. “You sometimes need a complete reset in order to gain perspective and appreciate the little things in life.” Now Alistair sources linen from Merchant & Mills in the UK to create pieces, from handkerchiefs to teatowels and throws. Some may see his time in the armed forces as a stark contrast to his current role, but the past always manages to inform the present. “I have a utilitarian focus – a hangover from my time…

How did Utopia Goods come about? Sophie: It’s a long story associated with our mutual love of Australian native flowers, the experience with our design agency [Deuce Design], years of conversations with Bruce and a history of research and writing on Australian heritage projects. Utopia Goods is an accumulation of combined knowledge from working within the design industry, building from a desire to create a long-lasting textile brand that celebrates Australian flora and fauna. Bruce: I’ve been in the design industry for 25 years and designed textiles over my entire career. I studied Fine Art at the Victorian College of the Arts and have painted since I was a kid. I had a fashion label in the ’80s and worked as design director at Mambo for five years, combined with…

The words ‘budget’ and ‘renovation’ sit together about as comfortably as ‘sobriety’ and ‘the weekend . While budgeting can be a trying topic, it’s a necessary evil for any renovation. Although it would be nice for The Block’s Scotty Cam to pop in and hand you $200k for your dream renovation, most people work hard to save money and need to spend it wisely. So what should you splash out on and when can you tighten the purse strings? That’s a tough one. It’s all about balance: if you spend here, you need to save there. Let s look at the bones of a home. If you took off the roof, turned the house upside down and shook out all the furnishings, the cushions and the 800 candles, what s…

the Panel’s advice Andrew Benn Architect and director, Benn + Penna Architecture, bennandpenna.com On a block of 580 square metres, this house doesn’t lack space overall; it’s just badly designed. If they extended out the back, Paul and Bonnie could add a master suite above the extension with a bedroom, bathroom and office, and cantilever off it to provide shade over the garden. The children could have the front rooms as their bedrooms, and the existing kitchen and living areas could be knocked into a large, open family room. If they don’t alter the roofline, council should be sympathetic and there’s a chance they could get the work done under a Complying Development instead of a full DA. This is a charming character home and instinct tells me it’s worth…

1. Check the builder’s licence and insurances. 2. Make sure it’s an industry contract. “The HIA and Master Builders Association both have contract templates.” 3. Home warranty insurance is a must. “Any job over $20k requires it, and a project can’t be broken down into sections to avoid it.” 4. Find a Consumer Building Guide. “The builder should give you a copy with the contract but it’s also available on the NSW Fair Trading website.” 5. Seek legal advice. “If you’re entering a $200k contract, running it past your solicitor is absolutely worth it to ensure the builder isn’t pulling the wool over your eyes.”…

YAY OR NAY? … matching bedside tables Pip Vassett, director of In Bed, weighs in The deal: I’m not one for matchy-matchy anything. My dinner plates are purposely different shapes and sizes, and it’d be a complete miracle (and accident) if my bag ever matched my shoes. The pros: I completely understand the appeal of matching bedsides – there’s the perfect symmetry, making one less decision when designing a bedroom, and you could even take advantage of possible two-for-one offers. The cons: Mixing up bedsides is a great way to add character and create a unique space. I love placing a standard side table with a cute stool, or even a stack of books. Mismatched bedsides also means you can really mix up the styling options – place different lamps…

SMEG Just when you thought your kitchen appliances couldn’t get any smarter, Smeg introduces its new Multi Food Grinder – a genius attachment for your Smeg Stand Mixer that gives you complete control over all your ingredients. With three stainless-steel discs for fine, medium and coarse settings, this attachment can grind meat and vegetables, create sauces, mince garlic or grate cheese. Meal preparation doesn’t get any fresher than this. For more information, visit smeg50style.com.au PROVINCIAL HOME LIVING Form meets function with the ‘Hotham’ dining table, the ultimate in modern, elegant versatility. Crafted from reclaimed natural oak, the table is supported by iron legs and cross bars in an aged white finish – giving it a chic, industrial edge – and set on ultra-convenient castors so you can position it wherever…

1 GRAPHIC TOUCH why it works: The chair’s bold tone and frame contrasts with the cushion’s geometric pattern BD Barcelona Design ‘Gardenias’ indoor armchair , $5960, Living Edge, livingedge.com.au. ‘Grecian Tile’ cushion , $120, Rouse Phillips, rousephillips.com. 2 GENTLEMEN’S DEN why it works: A modern retro seat meets a cushion with a simple motif for refined appeal ‘Field’ lounge chair , $2499, Blu Dot, bludot.com.au. ‘Dash’ reversible cushion cover , $74.90, Citta Design, cittadesign.com. 3 PRETTY IN PINK why it works: Soft blush and cosy texture tie these two distinctive pieces together ‘Izmir’ vintage cushion cover , $130, Cultiver, cultiver.com. Cassina ‘721 Antropus’ armchair , from $6354, Cult, cultdesign.com.au.…

Q When renovating, how can I compromise with my partner so we’re both happy with the end result? @augieandaddie, via Instagram This is a typical scenario where a couple approach us to design their home, both with their own ideas, so a significant part of our service is listening to them to create a unified design proposal. The first and most important tip is discuss, discuss and discuss again! Sometimes disagreements arise early in the process but resolve themselves after ongoing discussions. Sometimes you’ll have to compromise but most of the time we achieve the basic needs of both partners. Often this takes a little bit of lateral thinking, which is where an architect’s skills are particularly useful. You also have to think very generally about your needs, because…

“Enhance the sporty vibe with a sleek black-and-white colour palette”VANESSA COLYER TAY, STYLIST 1 Incorporating a wire basket and a leather strap, this clever wall storage solution keeps bats and racquets off the floor and on show for all to see. It’s a great space-saver, too. Custom leather strap, POA, H And G Designs. Wire wall basket, $49.95, The Woodsfolk. 2 Once they’re off the field, your child will need a place to reflect on the match. This bench is easy to shift around if extra space is required. ‘Twist’ bench, $1709, Sounds Like Home. 3 Add a dash of block colour with a simple but bold rug to stretch out on. Choose a dark shade to mask any grubby stains. This rug’s geometric shape is right on trend.…

In this age of open-plan living, it’s easy to forget that sometimes a space needs a sense of intimacy. This is where a dividing unit comes into play. The graphic version here zones off the entry from the living area. Not only does it allow space for displays, it maintains that much-desired open feel. Win win! Turn to page 64 for more of this home.…

cheat sheet Who lives here: Couple Ari and Terhi Kuokka, who run a restaurant together, and their daughters Iina and Unna. Style of house: An old farmhouse in the Finnish countryside. Ari and Terhi s restaurant is an old cowshed next to the main family home, and the couple have plans to turn it into a bed and breakfast in the future. 1 green scene Owners Ari and Terhi Kuokka (pictured left, in their restaurant) bought this old farmhouse in the Finnish countryside the same day they first saw it. They then set about furnishing it with a focus on salvaged furniture. The table was bought at auction, and the mismatched chairs found at flea markets. The cabinet was an attic find, and the couple chose green glass for the…

1 WHEN DO YOU NEED A CONTRACT? Check the threshold with the regulator in your state or territory. “In NSW, you need a contract for any renovation job that will cost more than $5000,” says David Humphrey, HIA senior executive director of business, compliance and contracting, Workplace Services (hia.com.au). “If it’s a $500 handyman job, you may not need a written contract, but we recommend that both owners and builders get one for larger jobs,” he explains. “If you don’t have a contract, you’re relying on your relationship with the tradesperson or builder and, if something goes wrong or there’s a misunderstanding as to the scope of works, you’ve nothing to fall back on.” A contract puts everything you’ve agreed on in writing, states the terms and conditions, what’s compliant,…

1 re-use rubble Salvaging bricks or old timber beams from your demolition and re-using them is a great way to keep the history of the house intact. However, be careful about wanting to re-lay old bricks in a new part of the house, warns Bernadette Janson, founder and head renovator at The School Of Renovating. “If you have deemed the bricks to be worth saving, you’ll need to clean the old mortar off them, so they can be re-laid. You can do this yourself, otherwise hire a labourer and a brick cleaner from an equipment hire company.” Don’t have the time, energy or cash to do this? “Old bricks can also be used to build outdoor seating areas, firepits, edging or paving.” If you have large timber beams…

yay or nay? … having an eat-in diner/breakfast bench. Sarah Trotter, director of Hearth Studio, weighs in The deal: Most of my projects involve an island bench, as it’s a very practical place to gather, as well as a place for great additional storage capacity. The pros: A breakfast bench allows for free movement if it isn’t attached to a wall and avoids the problem of feeling hemmed in with corner cupboards and U-shaped kitchens. They allow everyone to chat, cook and also plate up food with ease. The cons: Breakfast bars can add costs if they require power and water, as you have to add services in your slab or under your floor. The verdict: It’s a yay! Having an island helps with keeping the kitchen compact. Adding an…

Colour is often the easiest way to express your personality, and it can also be the most fun! We’d love to see your colourful style in your home – start sharing and tagging your shots to enter. how to enter Share a pic of a colourful display, using both the hashtag #sharemystylecolour and the tag @insideoutmag on Instagram or Twitter You could win a clever new storage-packed ‘Cupertino’ desk from BoConcept, valued at $1799 enter via COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS: ENTRIES OPEN AT 00.01 AEDT ON 23/06/16 AND CLOSE AT 23:59 AEST ON 27/07/16. OPEN TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS AGED 18 YEARS AND OVER ONLY. ONE WINNER WILL BE DETERMINED AT 14:00 AEST ON 01/08/16 AT NEWSLIFEMEDIA PTY LTD, LEVEL 1, 2 HOLT STREET, SURRY HILLS, NSW 2010. WINNER WILL BE…

Whether you want colour, privacy or to disguise a wall, it’s easy to see a plant, think ‘that looks nice’ and pop to the shops to buy one. While all plants have a place in this world, you may not want these particular ones in your garden. Here’s the lowdown. IVY It’s tempting to consider ivy if you have an ugly wall to cover – but choose wisely. English ivy (Hedera helix) is very destructive – it’s considered a ‘noxious weed’ in many parts of the world, but its friendlier cousins can be hard to work with, too. “Boston Ivy [Parthenocissus tricuspidata] is great for fences as it establishes quickly and has nowhere to go,” says landscape architect and horticulturalist Ben Scott (benscott.com.au). “It just needs a light trim after…

my top 3 tastebud pleasers Za’atar This herb mix is a staple in much of the Middle East. Sprinkle it on salads, sandwiches and cheese, make it into a paste with oil or use it to marinate meat, poultry, seafood and vegies. Preserved lemons These little lemons are packed in salt or brine and preserved to jelly-like perfection. They give marinades, stews, salads, sandwiches and wraps an instant perk-up. Pickled chillies So convenient! Use in salads, sandwiches, dips, marinades, pastas, rice, noodles, stir-fries and sauces, or serve with meat, poultry, fish, vegetables or grilled haloumi. “Trusting your own instinct – knowing what you can and can’t live without in a dish – is the secret to becoming a more confident cook” turmeric & spice-marinated cauliflower with rich tomato…

Put on a floor show at your place with the Melbourne emporium’s luxe hand-knotted rug collection.The new range of New Zealand merino wool and Bengali silk carpets has been designed and developed by Mr Fenton himself, Josh Markey, just in time to warm your home from the toes up this winter. Expect bold designs and vibrant tones for that dramatic finishing touch to a living space or bedroom. ‘Fractural’ carpet, $9348/2.8m x 3.6m, fentonandfenton.com.au.…

Sentimental curiosities and collectibles take pride of place in this calming curated display. A hint of nostalgia and neutral grey blues blend with bold colour-block style to keep the look current, with pinks and mauves adding a blushing warmth. ‘Wash&Wear 101 Barrier Technology’ low sheen acrylic paint in Vivid White, $71 90/4L, Dulux, dulux com.au. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Kara Sea, $60.90/4L, British Paints, britishpaints.com.au. ‘Interior Expressions’ low sheen acrylic paint in Bassinet, $38.95/1L, Haymes Paint, haymes paints.com.au. ‘Interior Expressions’ low sheen acrylic paint in Nostalgia Rose, $38.95/1L, Haymes Paint, as before. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Pink Orbit, $60.90/4L, British Paints, as before. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Silver Treasure, $56.90/4L, British Paints, as before. ‘Eggshell’ acrylic paint in…

THE ORIGINAL Cassina ‘Superleggera’ chair by Gio Ponti The form: A fine modern interpretation of the ‘Chiavari’ chair, which was originally designed in the early 19th century. It weighs just 1.7 kilograms with an ash frame. What makes it special: Editing was perhaps Gio Ponti’s greatest ability. As an editor of Italy’s architecture and design magazine, Domus , for more than 40 years, he had an uncanny ability to see how products and interiors could be reinterpreted or modernised through sensitive decorative tweaks or the simplification of details. The ‘Superleggera’ chair is testament to this skill as applied to furniture design. Seeing the possibilities in re-interpreting the ‘Chiavari’ chair (the design of which was initially based on a Louis XV chair), Ponti changed the leg profile to a fine triangular…

CHEAT SHEET Who lives here: Founder of 360 Marketing Communications, Rachael Barker; her husband Todd Montgomery, a trader; and their daughters Isobel, 5, and Edith, 1 Style of house: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom Victorian-era house with a modern extension. The renovation took eight months to complete The house’s update cost around $400k When embarking on a renovation, it helps to have a friend you can call on for advice and support. If they have a great eye for colour and design – and judgment you trust implicitly – all the better. For Rachael (pictured above with her daughters Isobel and Edith) and Todd, owners of this three-bedroom home, that someone was Terri Shannon.As the founder of Bloom Interior Design & Decoration,Terri understands her clients’ needs; and after almost 20 years of…

“YELLOW HOUSE HAS ITS OWN VIBE, SO I STUCK WITH ANYTHING ’60S AND ’70S” STEPHANIE BURGESS, HOMEOWNER   “I REALLY HAD TO GET MY HEAD AROUND DECORATING WITH COLOUR”STEPHANIE BURGESS, HOMEOWNER CHEAT SHEET Who lives here: Artist Stephanie Burgess, 52; her husband Warwick, 53, who works in multimedia; and their miniature dachshund, Babu Style of home: A two-bedroom apartment inside a converted 1890s Victorian terrace. The biggest expense was fitting new partition doors to make a second bedroom at around $10k The custom-made box beds – a queen and double with a single trundle in the guest room – cost $5000. Stephanie and Warwick replaced all the lighting and added extra pendant lights throughout at a cost of $3000. The moment artist Stephanie Burgess realised that there was…

the story so far Paul and Bonnie bought this grand but knackered old lady three years ago with the intention of renovating and extending. Initially captivated by the 1927 Californian bungalow style and beautiful moulded ceilings, the home’s problems mean they’re becoming immune to its charm. Prior to Paul and Bonnie moving in, it had been rented out for 20 years and the only ‘improvements’ made during that time were aluminium windows, ’70s fireplaces and boxed-in rear and front verandahs. After doing a few small jobs in the home, they decided it wasn’t worth spending any more money while staring down the barrel of a major renovation. Then the couple noticed new construction going on in the surrounding streets – should they just knock down and start over? Although they…

“In terms of fees there are three main options, which can all apply to different parts of the process: percentage based on the cost of construction, hourly rates and lump sum (which can only be used when the scope can be defined). The contract can also list what is included, so the fee might allow for, say, five site visits with extra visits charged at hourly rates. Meetings with council or neighbours may be specifically itemised. The contract should also be clear about who is selecting, buying and storing the appliances for the project. Renovating is a complex exercise, so owners need to read the whole contract with this in mind and have the architect explain anything they don’t understand.”…

1 FAMILY ZONE A mini version of the main part of the house, incorporating a bedroom, bathroom and the home’s laundry Owner: Matt Wakelin managed this studio refurbishment at his family’s home. They realised it needed work after staying in it while renovating. Style of project: A solid brick structure sitting on the boundary of the property with a peaked roof mirroring that of the main house. Interstate grandparents were the impetus for this family to refurbish their garden studio but the space has since hosted many visiting friends and even became the short-term home for a niece who was studying at university. A washing machine and dryer were installed in what was previously a kitchenette and this became the home’s laundry. All the surfaces in the studio were refurbished…

The living area is one of my favourite spaces to organise. It’s amazing how much of a difference you can make, how much space you can open up and how much tidier it can be For most people, the problem starts in the entertainment area (the television, the audio system), so that’s where we’ll begin. If wires seem to be growing out from the back of your TV and are threatening to take over your living space, today’s the day to get that mess cleaned up and into shape! 1/ Kit up with the right tools. Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure you have most of these things on hand. First, grab some twist ties – find them at Bunnings and arts and craft stores – I prefer black as it’s…

Despite your best intentions, wind and heat can destroy even the most well-planned garden. If your space isn’t protected from the elements (or if your watering schedule can be, say, a little inconsistent), a mix of potted succulents and tough shrubs can give you year-round greenery, without the fuss.There’s plenty of variety on offer – in this case, the diversity contrasts with the timber furniture and decking. For more of this clever rooftop garden, turn the page.…

For an easy crowd-pleaser, you can’t go past these little berry-filled treats Blueberry lattice pies blueberry lattice pies SERVES 6 PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes (plus 1 hour 30 minutes resting time) COOKING TIME 40 minutes 350g (21/3 cups) plain flourPinch of salt3½ tbsp caster sugar225g unsalted butter, chilled, chopped80ml (1/3 cup) iced water625g blueberries (see note)1 tbsp cornflour1 tsp finely grated lemon rind1½ tbsp raw sugarCream, ice-cream or custard, to serve 1. Place flour, salt and 2 tablespoons of caster sugar in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add water and process until mixture just starts to come together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until just smooth. Wrap two-thirds of the pastry in plastic wrap, and wrap remaining pastry in another piece…

a Abode Living 1800 022 633, abodeliving.com. Adele Bates Design (03) 9686 0852, adelebates.com.au. After Online afteronline.com.au. Alana Wilson alanawilson.com. Ali McNabney-Stevens alimcnabneystevens.com. Arte arte-international.com. Artemide (08) 8362 3029, artemide.com.au. Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100, astrawalker.com.au. b Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999, becker minty.com. Bespoke Tile & Stone (03) 9429 9588, bespoketileandstone.com. Bishop Decorative Finishes (03) 9525 1225, bishop decor.com.au. Blacklist (02) 9526 5250, blackliststore.com.au. BoConcept (02) 9437 0066, boconcept.com.au. Bunnings Warehouse (03) 8831 9777, bunnings.com.au. c Caesarstone 1300 119 119, caesarstone.com.au. Caroma 131 416, caroma.com.au. Clandestine Design Group 0419 469 617, clandestinedesigngroup.com. Clickon Furniture clickonfurniture.com.au. Cloth & Co (02) 9929 2295. Cosh Living (03) 9281 1999, coshliving.com.au. Criteria (03) 9421 2636, criteriacollection.com.au. Cult 1300 768 626, cultdesign.com.au. Curious Grace (03) 9687 6878, curiousgrace.com.au. d Daniel Emma daniel-emma.com. Design Twins…

My friends have those all-in-one kitchen appliances that make every imaginable dish at the press of a button. Now they’re trying to get me in on it. Although I like the idea of quick dinners, are they ‘cheating’? April, Queens Park, NSW There are only two kinds of people in this life,April, and they’ll show themselves up in the kitchen.Those who take the low road, and those for whom the highest bit of the high road could always be that tiny bit higher. It will come as a surprise to no-one that I fall in the latter camp, bringing a consistent A-game to every area of the culinary arts. If a recipe tells me to finely chop an onion, I won’t stop until it’s been mezzaluna-ed to its molecular level.A…