Table of contents for October 2016 in Inside Out

There’s a lot of talk about how kitchens and bathrooms need to be functional (not to mention relaxing, and classic, and bold, and on trend), but what does that actually mean? Well, a lot of things to different people obviously! So it’s important to know your ‘must haves’ at the beginning of the planning process and stay focused. For those planning for a growing family, our feature on page 139 will help you get the most from your kitchen space and maybe even give you the scoop on a few clever solutions you never knew you needed. If you already have the framework of what you need but are looking for that final missing puzzle piece, take a look at the ‘rockstar’ elements featured on page 142. But beware, these…

Renowned Finnish design studio Iittala and architecturally aware fashion creative Issey Miyake have come together to create an elegant collection of textiles, ceramics and glassware.These cushion covers have struck a chord with us – the beauty of origami-like folds creating geometric and tactile forms is something we’re definitely keen on.…

Wayd Munro is the builder on our renovation specialists Panel (for more on the Panel, turn to page 132). This month, he uncovers the facts on pre-renovation soil testing. Q Do I need to have my soil tested before I start renovating? Fliss, via email This depends on what was on the land before you owned it. Councils keep information on prior use of land and, in NSW, a section 149 certificate provides information about the zoning of the property, state and local planning controls and other property affectations. This includes whether the land is listed as contaminated, and may need remediation and/or testing before developing. Generally, this will only be required if the land had an industrial use previously, such as a former service station with fuel tanks in…

THE ORIGINAL Kettle by Sori Yanagi The form: A 2.5-litre stainless-steel kettle. What makes it special: One of the most well-known Japanese product designers of the 20th century, Sori Yanagi started his career after studying architecture and art by acting as Charlotte Perriand’s interpreter and chaperone while she lived in Japan from 1940–42. His career spanned over six decades and, in this time, he designed objects ranging from his famous ‘Butterfly’ stool to everyday domestic objects including salad bowls, cutlery and cooking utensils, along with cars and motorcycles. One of his most recognisable objects is the kettle he designed in 1953. With a wide, flat bottom for rapid boiling and sweeping lines that create a timeless piece, the kettle is neither traditional nor modern. Due to the subtle curved form,…

For this bedroom decorating story, stylist Megan Morton came to us with something a little different. Through The School, her Sydney headquarters where Megan shares her passion for design with styling classes and workshops, students could enrol into a Style Prac & Publish’ workshop and have the chance to work on this very feature. The styling assistants on this shoot? A roll call of the students who took part! “Monochromatic tones are the safest way to deal with a tight budget” MEGAN MORTON, STYLIST 1 MORE DASH THAN CASH The problem: A big style vision that doesn t fit your tight budget The solution: “Money is cheap – it s style that’s invaluable,” says Megan. “A limited budget doesn’t have to stand in the way of a beautiful bedroom Take…

Yes! You’ve finished your build, and you’re showing it off to all your friends, but what sets it apart? What do you have that the Joneses don’t? Not that it’s a competition, but it is nice to have a nose in front. Before you hand over the final cheque to the builder, here’s a pick of the must-haves to make your place special. Though some of these may be blinkin’ obvious, they’re often overlooked in the chaos of a reno. shadowline detail Let’s start up top. Be it colonial or the classic 90mm arc, cornices lack spark. Turn to the versatile ‘P50’ shadowline instead. It can also be used on your skirting boards, and recessing the edges gives a modern look. Be sure to use a plain-profile skirting board and…

  “The muted colour palette and materials create a relaxed feel that brings a sense of calm for us when we walk through the door” ARIANA LA TESSA, OWNER “When you’re poring over plans for months, it’s hard to conceptualise the space. The feeling of the house now is better than we could’ve imagined” ARIANA LA TESSA, OWNER “Our style veers mostly towards the monochrome. We try to create interest through texture rather than colour” ARIANA LA TESSA, OWNER cheat sheet Who lives here: Ariana La Tessa, her husband Esteban, a photographer; their daughter Florencia, 19 months, and Luca the cocker spaniel. Style of home: A Federation-era semi-detached cottage, which was stripped back to its bones and rebuilt into a family home with four bedrooms – one…

the bath Take it easy at the end of the day in a family-friendly bath that features a gently sloping end. ‘Vivas 1675’ anti-slip bath, $437 Caroma, caroma.com.au. the outlet Simple and elegant, this outlet will bring a contemporary edge to your bathroom. ‘Metro’ hob bath/spa outlet, $204, Caroma, caroma.com.au. the basin The modern square form of this basin will suit a practical zone. ‘Liano Nexus’ inset basin, $431, Caroma, caroma.com.au. WIN * a Caroma bathroom reno prize, valued at $7500! To celebrate Caroma’s 75th birthday, you could win a bathroom design consultation with celebrity interior designer James Treble and a plumbing consultation with the Face of Caroma 2016, plumber Andrew Murphy, plus $3000 worth of Caroma products > to enter Take a photo of your pre-reno bathroom that…

the rail shower This refined, slim-line design brings everyday practicality. ‘Pin’ multifunction rail shower, $186, Caroma, caroma.com.au. the shelf Keep soap, shampoo, lotions and candles in check and on show. ‘Urbane’ shelf, $207, Caroma, caroma.com.au. the shower The distinctive black finish of this shower makes a bold statement. ‘Liano Nexus’ overhead rain showerhead, $349, and ceiling shower arm and flange, $142, Caroma, caroma.com.au. the towel ring Having an eye for detail will take your bathroom to next level style. ‘Liano Nexus’ hand towel ring, $114, Caroma, caroma.com.au. the bath No luxe wet-zone retreat is complete without a show stopping bath. Aura 1600’ freestanding bath, $1983, Caroma, caroma com.au. COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS: ENTRIES OPEN ON 29/09/16 AT 9:00AM AES ST T AND CLOSE ON 30/10/16 AT 11:59PM AEST. NSW RESIDENTS…

the story so far After looking for about six months, Chris and Kate found this three-bedroom, ground-floor apartment in July last year. They fell in love with the harbourside location, the high ceilings, the private street-level access and the wraparound outdoor space. “It had been passed in at auction and the agent called me on the Monday,” says Chris. “We inspected it, made an offer and had a deal before the week was out.” The family moved in during September last year and have been living a half-unpacked life while they work out what they need to do next. The living room is always dark, the flooring is inconsistent and the kitchen needs an upgrade. What’s stopping them? Nothing – they’re raring to go! Chris and Kate were keen to…

Hidden kitchens While it’s not new to have integrated fridges, it’s fast becoming commonplace. “We’re taking the ‘hide it all away’ philosophy one step further,” says Darren. “We’re spending a lot more on hiding our appliances, with butler’s pantries becoming the norm.” Better under-bench storage We all know how hard it can be to adequately use the overhead cupboards, so all the organisation is happening under-bench now. “We’re seeing thinner drawer inserts and stronger and deeper drawers,” says Darren. “A lot of appliance companies are also designing drawers so appliances come to you, saving you bending or digging around at the back of the cupboard to find things.” Muted colour palettes Bold primary colours are out and fresh white looks are in, along with neutral tones. “People want natural colours.…

1. NATURAL HAVEN Striking textured slate covers the floor and walls of this ensuite, fulfilling the brief for a moody and distinctly adult retreat – probably an understandable request for a couple with four kids. Architect Nathanael Preston of Preston Lane (prestonlane.com.au) didn’t forget creature comforts, with heat coming from a powder coated hydronic panel heater and natural light flooding through a custom skylight above the shower. Sleek chrome fittings complement the organic stone tiles, while timber cabinetry adds warmth. STYLE ESSENTIALS A refined, organic feeling is easy with the right material mix: rich slate surfaces, sleek steel and streamlined accessories complete the look 2. CLEAN & WHITE When designing the only bathroom in a Sydney home, Megan Burns and Christopher Glanville of CM Studio (cm-studio.com.au) knew they needed to…

the table details Embrace the spirit of the new season with these blooming beauties from Bonnie And Neil’s latest range. Grazia & Co upholstered bench, $1350; tablecloths, from $215 each; and napkins, $125/set of 6. Visit bonnieandneil.com.au. the investment Every cook knows that a faithful pot is a must. Hand cast in France, this matte-black enamel cast-iron casserole ticks all the boxes: it’s oven safe, suitable to use on all cooktops including induction, and is made from 30 per cent recycled materials. The Crane ‘C1’ cast-iron casserole is $369 from Vincent Design Supply, vincentdesign.com.au. the juicer Modern retro style meets the latest technology with Smeg’s ‘SJFO1’ slow juicer. Whether it’s fruit, vegies or even nuts, this machine extracts juice or nut and soy milk without losing the all-important nutrients. And…

Is your home office a nightmare? Can you even see your desk? Have you ever been annoyed with yourself for getting dinged with a late fee because you misplaced that bill or forgot about it? If any of this sounds familiar, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. In fact, a messy workspace is one of the most common problems I’m asked about! Most people end up making organisation way too complicated and that leads to trouble. ‘Good enough’ will usually do, so with that in mind, read on to see how you can bring order into your space. 1/ Grab a big box (or two or three) for paperwork This may be a bit controversial – but I believe in it! Take all of that unsorted paperwork that’s…

   Bring a sense of wonder to the table with tiered stands and whimsical decorations sausage rolls MAKES 36 PREPARATION TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 30 minutes 400g sausage mince 300g chicken mince 1 onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 medium carrot, grated 1 medium zucchini, grated 65g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs 3 tbsp chopped parsley ½ tsp ground nutmeg Salt & freshly ground pepper 2 eggs 3 sheets frozen puff pastry, semi-thawed 10g (1 tbsp) sesame seeds Tomato sauce, to serve 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Combine the minces, onion, garlic, carrot, zucchini, breadcrumbs, parsley and nutmeg in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Lightly whisk 1 egg. Mix into mince mixture. Divide into 6 equal portions. 2.…

BILLI Tap into innovative design with the new Billi ‘Aqua Genius’, which can instantaneously pour boiling, chilled, still or sparkling filtered water. Small, dynamic and available in a range of colours and finishes, this tap can be seamlessly retrofitted into your existing kitchen. Billi offers a versatile collection of taps for home and commercial use – and if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you can specify a custom colour and finish to suit your decor. For more information, visit billi.com.au INNER SPACE If you’re looking for a unique hand-crafted accent for your kitchen or dining area, Inner Space Furniture has the perfect addition. Each ‘Organic Perch’ stool has a unique carved dish seat made from salvaged teak and features all the material’s original knots, holes and irregularities.…

a-b Advanced Windows & Doors advancedwindows.com.au. Africanologie africanologie.com.au. Alaturca Collections alaturcacollections.com.au. Anmoder anmoder.com. Anna Spiro Textiles annaspirotextiles.com.au. Armadillo&Co armadillo-co.com. Artedomus artedomus.com. Artek artek.fi. Atkins Photo Lab atkins.com.au. Australian Plastic Fabricators ausplasfab.com.au. Bastille And Sons bastilleandsons.com.au. Beachwood beachwood.com.au. Beautiful Spaces Inside & Out beautiful-spaces.com.au. Bendo bendo.com.au. Bespoke Tile & Stone By Earp Bros bespoketileandstone.com. Billy Bellara billy bellara.com.au. Billy Loves Audrey billyloves audrey.com. Boho&Co @bohoandco. murwillumbah on Instagram. Bonnie And Neil bonnieandneil.com.au. Bramwell’s bramwells.com.au. Brodware brodware.com.au. Bunnings bunnings.com.au. c-d Cafe Culture + Insitu cafecultureinsitu.com.au. Carl Hansen & Søn carlhansen.com. Cassina cassina.com/en. Castle castleand things.com.au. Citta Design cittadesign.com. Classic Ceramics classicceramics.com.au. ClothFabric clothfabric.com. Copper & Cross copperand cross.com.au. Cotton On cottonon.com. Cult cultdesign.com.au. Cultiver cultiver.com. Curious Grace curiousgrace.com.au. Cutek cutek.com.au. Designers Guild designers guild.com. Designstuff designstuff.com.au. Dulux dulux.com.au. e-f eBay ebay.com.au. 8footwalls…

1 MODERN LINES   why it works: Marble meets powder-coated metal with this simple yet refined duo e15 AC11 Stop’ bookends, from $130 each, Living Edge, livingedge.com.au. Ferm Living ‘Punctual’ shelving unit, $1495, Designstuff, designstuff.com.au. 2 NATURAL FINISH   why it works: Both of these distinctive pieces showcase organic beauty Agate bookend, $39, West Elm, westelm.com.au. Ercol ‘Originals’ room divider, $5475, Temperature Design, temperaturedesign.com.au. 3 BURST OF COLOUR   why it works: A sunny outlook from this bright combo makes it perfect for an open-plan family living zone or entry hall ‘Slim’ bookends, US$16 each, Good Thing, super goodthing.com. ‘The Pegboard’ shelving unit by Tomek Archer, from $1455, Nomi, nomi.com.au.…

Whether it’s the aged patina of metal or the mottled surface of a vase, the finish and texture of a crafted item can reveal layers of tone, which adds character to a modern look. This selection of neutral shades is elevated by a hint of burnished copper. For more of our favourite trends at insideout.com.au/products/trends .…

“Create a feminine room without the frou-frou fuss of a typical ‘girly’ space”JESSICA HANSON, STYLE EDITOR 1 For an en pointe take on a stuffed teddy bear, this cute black beauty makes a soft addition to your daughter’s room. ‘Delilah’ swan toy, $150, Lulu Lucky, lululucky.com. 2 This clever multipurpose bench is a bedside table, seat, stretching platform for after ballet lessons and even a handy storage spot. The ‘B’ bench, €345, Rafa Kids, rafa-kids.com. 3 Muted pearlescent wallpaper adds a hint of shimmer without overwhelming the space. The twists and folds in the pattern offer a sense of movement, perfect for a dancer! ‘Folded’ wallpaper, US$175/roll, Flat Vernacular, flatvernacular.com. THE STORAGE Tuck away those hairpins, jewellery and trinkets in a simple box. Keep pretty items on display and hide…

A mix of artful colour and vibrant motifs won the day ‘Carpe Diem’ by Larissa Wong What does your rug represent? It has elements of a fish, waves and vines. My aim was to create a design with impact, that would captivate people as soon as they walked into a room. What did you learn from the process? I learned that a rug is not just a rug! Its a very personal choice, and choosing a rug takes almost as much time as designing one. It was also interesting to learn the intricacies involved in bringing a design from concept to production. I’m so thrilled to see my rug come to life, and to be able to have it in my own home. A dynamic pattern meets bold tones with…

AUSTRALIAN-MADE HAMMAR 3-SEATER SOFA IN WARWICK KEY LARGO FABRIC, $2,799; ENYA COFFEE TABLE, $1,099. Aura Luxury velvet cushion in Indigo, $59.95; Lark fur cushion in Silver, $64.95; concrete vase, medium, $74.95; Foundry Tobacco & Vanilla 18oz candle, $64.99; Robert Gordon lattice basket, $189.95 for a set of three; Casablanca rug in White (155x225cm), $699. Create your ideal sofa with Domayne ®  – just select the shape, size and fabric. AUSTRALIAN-MADE LIAM 2.5-SEATER SOFA WITH CHAISE IN WARWICK VEGAS FABRIC, $2,599; FLIP SIDE TABLE, SMALL, $629. Kew cushion in Silver, $39.95; Knox cushion in Silver, $59.95; Picasso rug in Beige (160x230cm), $599. AUSTRALIAN-MADE SCANDI 2.5-SEATER SOFA IN ZEPEL ETERNAL FABRIC, $2,499; ENYA 2-DOOR, 5-DRAWER BUFFET, $2,399. Ghost lamp table, $399, and coffee table, $799; Mauritz pendant light in Black, $179.95;…

the towel rail The sleek silhouette of this towel rail makes it ideal for an ensuite. ‘Urbane’ single towel rail, $130, Caroma, caroma.com.au. the outlet Choose a bright chrome finish to add polish to a contemporary bathroom. ‘Liano Nexus’ angled wall basin/bath outlet, $133, Caroma, caroma.com.au. the toilet The compact curved form is a neat fit in a modern wet zone. ‘Liano’ wall faced Invisi Series II’ Suite toilet suite, $1414, Caroma, caroma com.au. the showerhead Complement soft grey tones with a sparkling chrome shower. ‘Invigra’ overhead showerhead, $130, Caroma, caroma.com.au. the bath A standalone bath is the perfect opportunity to make a bold style statement, and this one is certain to turn heads. ‘Liano 1525’ freestanding bath, $1818, Caroma caroma.com.au COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS: ENTRIES OPEN ON 29/09/16 AT…

    cheat sheet Who lives here: Architect George Fortey; his wife Lisa, a sales director; their children, Amelia, 8, and Henry, 6; and 10-year-old red border collie Moscow. Style of home: A newly built modern townhouse with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The renovation work took 11 months to complete. The budget for both houses was $950k and came in just under at $936k. Anyone looking to create a family home might not immediately consider building just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Anywhere else, however, was never an option for architect George Fortey and, in 2011, he and wife Lisa found just the place.“We bought a run-down, double-fronted Victorian house and lived here for four years, he says. It was always our intention to subdivide, build two townhouses, live in one…

the Panel’s advice Andrew Benn Architect and director, Benn + Penna Architecture, bennandpenna.com The kitchen’s location is easily the best space in the home. It’s light and gets the sun, whereas the living area is so dark you need the lights on all the time. It would make sense to move the kitchen into the darker part of the apartment, then install floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors to open up to the yard. With a small space, you need to highlight the outer perimeter to draw the eye out there. Sorting out the flooring will also bring in the light. If the floors were sanded back I think Chris and Kate would be amazed how blonde the wood is, or it might be better to lay a new bleached wood floor…

We know it’s a cliché , but the kitchen is the heart of any family home. It’s where many families tend to spend a large part of their time at home and also where they spend most of their money. As such, the planning stage is key; as well as looking great, the kitchen needs to be comfortable, efficient, easy to clean and able to cope with the general chaos that is part and parcel of family life. Get the design right and your kitchen will grow with your family and save you from having to update for all the life stages to come. THINGS TO CONSIDER Simona Castagna of Minosa Design (minosadesign.com) takes us through the three key issues of a kitchen update: 1 the floorplan The modern kitchen…

COLOUR CODE Balance crisp whites and metallics with Ferm Living’s range of touchable textiles, including cosy towels and ‘Colour Block’ baskets. Go to designstuff.com.au for more TRUE BLUE The luxe textured weave and faded denim tone of these waffle towels adds softness to a space usually reserved for polished hard surfaces. They’re $179 (as part of a set) from Aura By Tracie Ellis; visit aurahome.com.au. tidy tricks The key to a sleek bathing zone is storage! Keep items handy in these cute hideaways. 1. Woud ‘Gem’ organiser, from $99, Floc, flocstore.com.au. 2. Linen toothpaste cover, from $23/75ml, The Design Cover By F&A Creations, thedesigncover.com. 3. ‘Super Narrow’ steel shelf, $329.95, NakNak, naknakdesign.com. shape up Channel geometric style with Mutina ‘Rombini’ porcelain tiles. The range combines 3D triangular tiles, large squares…

The deal: In our Brooklyn brownstone, there’s definitely no room for a butler’s pantry! My kitchen and dining space is intimate and welcoming, and also includes a makeshift photography corner, my props cupboard and a desk where I write. I love that this is all jumbled in together. The pros: A butler’s pantry would make a kitchen more orderly. It’s a dedicated space to keep pantry items, prep food, and dirty dishes. The cons: It requires space that many homes don’t have. From a philosophical point of view, I don’t believe in separation of cooking, eating, and tidying – these should be shared tasks amongst all diners! The verdict: Definitely nay! I love open kitchen and dining spaces where people can muck in and cook, eat and clean together. It’s…

Sun’s out and it’s time to give the old terry-cloth number the flick. Treat yourself to either one of these hand-printed waffle-weave cotton towels from Sage And Clare.The ‘Tilda’ towel features an intricate crochet-like pattern while the ‘Cottesloe’ gives the classic stripe a colour overhaul with navy on a soft coral-pink base.And we love the fringing detail – team IO will be carrying these in our beach bags!…

southern-style crispy chicken salad with buttermilk dressing SERVES 4 2 baby cos lettuces, leaves separated 2 baby fennel bulbs, thinly sliced and fronds reserved 2 Lebanese cucumbers, cut into matchsticks 1 Granny Smith (green) apple, thinly sliced 200g blue cheese, sliced 1 x quantity buttermilk fried chicken, sliced Buttermilk dressing ½ cup (125ml) buttermilk ¼ cup (70g) natural Greek-style (thick) yoghurt ½ tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar ½ tsp finely grated lemon rind Sea salt and cracked black pepper 1. To make the buttermilk dressing, place the buttermilk, yoghurt, mustard, vinegar, lemon rind, salt and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk to combine 2. Arrange the lettuce, fennel, fennel fronds, cucumber, apple, cheese and chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing to serve. buttermilk…

My husband and I finally said goodbye to inner-city studio living and bought a huge house in the suburbs. We have no idea what to do with all the space. Will we ever get used to this way of life? Emily, address withheld. Emily, I like you. I do.There’s a refreshing girlishness to your font choice, and your stamp is the native flora and fauna varietal I privately prefer. It’s because I like you that I must begin with a word of caution. Complaining about having too much space is like complaining about being too pretty or too rich, of finding your husband too attractive, or of whizzing up the career ladder so quickly, you’re left with a glut of obsolete business cards. People - normal people - will struggle…

CHECK US OUT here’s what you’ll find this month at our online home Everything you need to know about the BIGGEST ONLINE SHOPPING NIGHT October 26, 2016 head to our products section our top picks of the best homewares on sale Best of The Block Don’t miss Shannon’s no-holds-barred wrap-up of the room reveals how to bag a bargain online stay connected...…

How did The Sisters come about? Naomi: I was 21 and Esther was 18 when we were given the opportunity to buy the little flower shop south of Sydney that I had been working at for six years. We put our heart into growing the business and getting some of our crazy ideas out there! Eventually, we outgrew the space and after working in retail for eight years, I was keen to take our ideas big scale and to take not-so-typical weddings and floral jobs, hence The Sisters was born. What is a day in the life of a florist like? Naomi: The days start at 4am markets then usually home for a hot shower to defrost our freezing fingers. We then drop off all the flowers for our little…

Now that The Block is back , teasing us with stupid amounts of money and even more stupid timeframes, I thought it might be a good time to share some of the craziness I went through as part of The Block: Glasshouse . People don’t ask questions as much as they used to (ah, fickle fame) but when they do, they’re always the same. Here are my FAQs. WAS IT THAT HARD? In a word? Yes. I went into it just like most of you – watching at home, not really believing all that I saw. I was convinced there was a team of tradies waiting off camera to step in once filming was finished, leaving the contestants to their phones and the catering. Let me be clear: there is…

“Even though feng shui is vociferously anti-clutter, every room should contain some representation of the natural elements” Like quiche, rag-rolling and Madonna’s sex book , feng shui was a fixture of every avant-garde home in the nineties. But, unlike Madonna’s sex book, the ancient Chinese art of furniture arranging in line with energy flow, deserves a fresh look. Obstacles to domestic tranquility have never been so varied or numerous as they are for today’s homeowners. From tangled phone chargers and old laptops to the Isabel Marant sneaker wedges and Frasier DVDs pretending to be an eBay pile, it’s never been harder to create a tranquil hotel-spa-like haven of good vibes in a two-bed townhouse. But according to the basic precepts of feng shui, the state of your home environment not…

An eye for detail can elevate the feel and look of a space. Our cover story, a family home in Sydney, is the perfect example of this. In the living area, a curved concrete plinth acts as a divider between the open-plan kitchen and living space, with a fireplace at the junction.All the AV equipment is hidden away in custom joinery so instead of the TV being the focus, a trailing sculptural piece by Tracey Deep takes centrestage instead.Turn the page for more of this elegant home.…

cheat sheet Who lives here: Sarah McLeish, who is starting out in holistic medicine after years of corporate work; her partner, Scott Nicholas, owner of Bike Matters in Torquay; children, Harry, 18; Honey, 15; and Olive, 5; and Barney the spoodle. Style of home: A coastal, open-plan four-bedroom house with a high Green Star rating in Torquay, Victoria. Sarah and Scott designed the home in eight months and it took 10 months to build. The budget for building the home was $600k. 1 “I would rather give a second life to an old piece than buy new,” says owner Sarah, who is passionate about vintage wares. Her dining chairs, for instance, were op-shop finds that she had re-covered in Mokum ‘Ficus’ fabric and the Danish sideboard came from The Mill…

     “We wanted to rely on texture in the materials rather than overload the interior with elaborate detail” GEORGE FORTEY, OWNER 5 GREAT FINDS 1 ‘Minimal’ round mirror, $349, Freedom, freedom.com.au. 2 ‘Brooks’ dining table, $1399, Oz Design Furniture, ozdesignfurniture.com.au. 3 Muuto ‘Soft Grid’ cushion, $150, Living Edge, livingedge.com.au. 4 ‘Alby’ ottoman, $1924, Jardan, as before. 5 ‘Wilfred’ sofa, $8707, Jardan, jardan.com.au. star performer Fitting family life into a compact space is made easier with bespoke storage Exclusive Cabinets made the seamless joinery throughout the homes.…

There’s one room in the home that’s evolved beyond our wildest dreams: the kitchen. Once hidden away, the kitchen of today is the centre of action in many homes – and an ever-evolving hub we can tweak with clever design. In fact, a well-planned renovation of your cooking zone will take into account everything from your lifestyle to your collection of gadgets. “The trend to go open-plan started 20 years ago,” says Darren Genner from Minosa Design (minosadesign.com), “but kitchens are morphing even more. We’re connecting these spaces with our living, dining and entertainment areas, making it a much more user-friendly zone overall.” no more kitchen work triangle Once upon a time, the ‘kitchen triangle’ – where the cooktop, sink and fridge were no greater than seven metres apart –…

The pros: The classic 100mm x 200mm white subway tile is a cost-effective tile to buy and lay, plus it can be super customisable simply by changing layout patterns and grout colour. Choosing the right tone and glazing finish, such as smooth or antique, allows the tile to look at home in both heritage and modern bathrooms. The cons: Subway tiles have been on trend for a while now so it can sometimes feel like they’re reaching saturation point in the market. On a practical level, small-format tiles mean more grout to clean. You can alleviate this by asking your tiler to use the thinnest possible grout width to suit the tile or by selecting a darker grout colour to disguise any stains or marks. The verdict: Yay! When it…

Transform your bathroom into a wellness retreat where you can relax, rejuvenate and put the long day behind you. Recreate that day spa feel with smooth, organic shapes and beautiful stone surfaces. Reconnect with nature by bringing hints of the outdoors into the bathroom. To see more emerging trends visit www.reece.com.au/trends Serenity can be revitalising. Peaceful yet invigorating, create your day spa look with a clean, fresh, spacious environment. Add a large window for streaming sunlight, offset your natural finishes with a touch of vibrant greenery. Create a tranquil retreat. Combine original stone finishes with blonde timber tones and a muted natural palette. Sink into a world of bliss. A beautiful bath is the ultimate spot to relax and unwind.…

Step back in time, if you will, to 1930s Australia.The glamour of the cruise liner has reached fever pitch and the spirit of these elegant ships is reflected in the development of a unique architectural design. Named after the cruise ship company, the P&O style translates a ship’s facade into the form of a building – think curved facades, flat roofs, porthole-shaped windows, and sometimes a chimney as a nautical nod to the liner’s funnel.The gardens of these majestic abodes are inspired by Hollywood with pools, palm trees and grand terraces falling from the house down to the water’s edge. Clifton Gardens on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is the perfect spot for such grand flamboyance, facing north with glorious views overlooking Chowder Bay towards the Heads. The owners of this…