Table of contents for August 2016 in Inside Out

Since I’m someone with a fairly white home, this issue was always going to be a favourite of mine. I just love the bright clean feel of a blank canvas, and the way you can layer it in so many different ways. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the very real ways Australians live with white. It doesn’t have to be off limits to families or those who like a bit of clutter. In fact, some whites, depending on which you choose, can hide a multitude of sins. My painted floor is ‘rustic’ at best. My cats have created a chicane from the bedroom to the back room, with claw scratches carving a steady path around the corners, but I like them almost as much as I…

1. Thin Lines print, $79 (unframed), The Minimalist, theminimalist.com.au. 2. ‘Memphis’ bench seat, $730, Paul Wells, paulwells.com.au. 3. ‘Mint’ cushion cover, $79, Marimekko, marimekko.com.au. 4. Lee Broom ‘Optical’ pendant light, $1520, Cafe Culture + Insitu, cafecultureinsitu.com.au. 5. ‘Tilted Stripe’ European pillowcase, $49.95, Aura By Tracie Ellis, aurahome.com.au. 6. Moroso ‘Pipe’ chair by Sebastian Herkner, $11,165, Hub Furniture, hubfurniture.com.au. 7. Kähler Design ‘Omaggio’ vase, $150, Pappa Sven, pappasven.com.au. 8. ‘Nathalie’ pencils, $5 each, Hay, hayshop.com.au. 9. ‘The Tango’ bath sheet, $99, Kate & Kate, kateand kate.com.au. 10. All The Way To Paris ‘Braid Sand’ quilt, $620, Hay, as before.…

Lisa Koehler is the interior decorator on our renovation specialists Panel (turn to page 112 for more from the Panel). This month, she shares tips on styling an L-shaped lounge room. Q I have a large, awkward L-shaped lounge room and I always find it hard to style and design how it should be laid out. Any tips for this kind of room shape would be really appreciated. @amiz11, via Instagram The key to planning an L-shaped lounge room is to zone the space into different functions – for example, a lounge area with a TV or for entertaining large groups and the second zone could be more intimate seating for smaller gatherings or as a home office. The zones then need to be visually defined either through positioning…

THE ORIGINAL Artek ‘109c’ coat rack by Alvar Aalto The form: A storage rack made from solid birch with four black painted metal hooks. What makes it special: The ‘109c’ was first released in 1936 as part of a range of accessory furniture products designed for the newly formed Artek furniture company that included several shelves, a room divider and an umbrella stand. It is the epitome of simple, modern design; nothing is superfluous but the overall look is extremely poetic, which fitted with Aalto’s theory that “we should work for simple, good, undecorated things, but things which are in harmony with the human being and organically suited to the little man in the street”. Like his earlier designs, the ‘Stool 60’ and the ‘Paimio’ chair, the ‘109c’ shelf and…

homegrown hero CHEF’S PRODUCE CHOICE: CHISWICK-GROWN BEETROOT “The rush is addictive,” says Laura Baratto, head chef at Chiswick at the Gallery, located in the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney. “It’s all about meeting deadlines head on.” Laura thrives in the kitchen. Having started her career in the kitchen at ARIA Sydney, she also worked at Chiswick Woollahra when it opened in 2012 and moved over to be the head chef at Chiswick at the Gallery when it opened in 2014. “I love getting creative with produce. I look at a raw ingredient, like beetroot, and think of ways I can use it to put personality on a plate,” says Laura. Fresh produce is at the heart of the menu at Chiswick at the Gallery. In fact, Chiswick has its…

We’re big on individual style and we’re all for breaking rules, but there are some things that just aren’t right. No matter what style you love, the basics of proportion and balance don’t change, and getting these wrong means even the most expensively decorated room won’t work. The dirty little secret of styling a space that’s effortlessly beautiful is that it takes a little effort. Without being bossy, we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to keep you on the straight and narrow – style-wise at least. 1 scary symmetry If you think this isn’t possible, you’re the very person we’re talking to. A space that is completely ordered and symmetrical can feel a little, well, rigid. So instead of feeling bound by convention, loosen things up. Work with…

CHEAT SHEET Who lives here: Bernie and Mark Kelsey, both pastors; their daughter, Sasha White, and her husband, Nathan White, owners and designers of furniture and homewares business, Mr & Mrs White; and their daughters, Selah, 4; and Oak, 20 months. Bernie and Mark live upstairs while Sasha and Nathan live with their girls in the self-contained downstairs floor. Style of home: A ’50s beach shack turned into a contemporary family home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. From the first phase to completion, the renovation took around 18-20 months.        “From the start, we had an advantage working with family. ‘Client meetings’ were held over dinners” AMEE ALLSOP, ARCHITECT SASHA & NATHAN Family is one of the strongest threads in the life of Bernie and Mark Kelsey. It has informed how…

Your dining table is many things: yes, it’s a place for dinner and family gatherings, but it’s also somewhere to do homework and jigsaw puzzles, a centrepiece for your home and can even make a half decent investment. If your table is well crafted and strong, it will outlive you by a long way so it’s not something you want to buy on a whim. Here are the essentials to consider before you send the dinner party invitations. 1 SHAPE A rectangular dining table wins the popularity contest, coveted for its classic form and proven functionality. Most dining areas are rectangular, too, so there’s a pleasing symmetry about it. “Think about how you like to entertain,” says our Panel interior decorator, Lisa Koehler. “You can easily reach across a rectangular…

Storage closets can be scary. I can’t tell you the number of homes I’ve seen where the linen cupboard is so full, I marvel at the strength of the door latches. If the fear of copping a door to the face when you pass the linen press is real, today’s the day we’re going to do something about it! Getting a linen cupboard organised is one of the easiest, fastest and most rewarding jobs you can tackle. It shouldn’t take more than an hour to bring a little zen into your life. 1/ Start sorting. Grab as many laundry baskets as you can find. If you don’t have at least three, pick up anything like a box or a bin that you can use. Five is ideal. 2/ Divide into…

the investment piece Italian craftsmanship meets modern classic style with SP01’s launch collection. Any keen entertainer worth their salt would happily host a party with ‘Thomas’ chairs (from $1075 each) and a generous ‘Holland’ table (from $6365) The range is available at spacefurniture.com au the tile Love the Scandi look? Bring a graphic edge to a splashback with these pale timber-look and luxe carrara marble ‘Geometric Trio Timber Carrara’ mosaic tiles, $296.90/sqm, from Skheme, skheme.com the essentials Citta Design’s ‘Talo’ stoneware collection brings an understated appeal to the table with rounded edges and a smooth feel. Available in five colourways, the range is priced from $14.90 for a dip bowl to $99.90 for a serving platter. Visit cittadesign.com for more details. the detail MadeMeasure has door handle production down to…

1. Think practicality and versatility. We all want beautiful surroundings but being able to use and enjoy your limited space is crucial. My rule of thumb? Don’t do too much! Take the time to determine exactly what you want from your plot and then pick your feature elements. 2. Hard surfaces will set both the style and practical foundation of your garden. I love the authentic look of antique terracotta tiles – they bring instant character to any space. The tiles we offer have been salvaged from decrepit roofs across Europe and repurposed. 3. Choose pots to match the style and scale of your space. Ensure that all of your pots are in keeping with the rest of your design choices, such as materials and paint finishes. My favourites are…

Our hunt for new talent is back! Along with TheHome.com.au, we’ve hand-picked seven stylists – plus one wildcard! – to style a faux cover. Now, they’ll go in the running to work with us and TheHome.com.au’s digital magazine. Which one will you vote for? our wildcard entry! vote via our Facebook page! Don’t delay, cast your vote now! To see your favourite stylist win, visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/Inside.Out. magazine.au and click the ‘Search For A Stylist’ tab to vote, or visit searchforastylist.com.au by August 25, 2016.…

in full bloom A classic pendant light receives a colourful update One look at this cluster of lights and it’s hard not to break into a smile.The iconic ‘Flowerpot pendant lamps were created by legendary designer,Verner Panton in 1968, and now, nearly 50 years later, these beauties have undergone a revamp.The lamp’s timeless and vivid retro appeal is further enhanced with five new colours: Deep Red, Mustard, Black Blue, Beige Red and Dark Green. Now, it’s simply a question of which vibrant tone to pick. &tradition ‘Flowerpot VP1’ pendant lights by Verner Panton, $495 each, Great Dane, greatdanefurniture.com.…

1 MODERN COOL   why it works: The lamp’s slim profile contrasts with the generous curves of the lounge Karakter ‘Steel Lab’ floor light, $1250, Spence & Lyda, spenceandlyda.com.au. ‘Pucker’ sofa by Adam Goodrum, from $5722, Cult, cultdesign.com.au. 2 CLASSIC SCANDI   why it works: These pieces celebrate angular and graphic forms for a striking combo Örsjö Belysning ‘Lean’ floor light, $1950, Great Dane, greatdanefurniture.com. Swedese Accent’ sofa, $7645, Fred International, (02) 9310 3263. 3 SOFT & FEMININE   why it works: The sofa’s gentle colour and the lamp’s diffused glow combine for a softly-does-it approach Ligne Roset ‘Ruche’ sofa, from $10,025, Domo, domo.com.au. ‘Mayu’ floor light, $1650, Coco Flip, cocoflip.com.au.…

Peeling back layers of vintage wallpaper reveals the visual history of a space and some inspired new colour combinations. Use soft pinks and greys for a subtle effect or go bold with a vibrant aqua or navy. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in River Watch, $61.60/4L, British Paints, britishpaints.com.au. ‘Interior Expressions’ low sheen acrylic paint in Sangria, $38.95/1L, Haymes, haymespaint.com.au. ‘Wash&Wear low sheen interior paint in Dusky Taupe, $45.90/4L, Dulux, dulux.com.au. ‘Lumbersider’ waterborne low sheen paint in Sentimental, $44.33/1L, Resene, resene.com.au ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Diamond White, $56.90/4L, British Paints as before. ‘Eggshell’ acrylic paint in Amulet $44.22/1L, Porter's Paints, porterspaints.com ‘Eggshell’ acrylic paint in Isis, $44.22/1L, Porter’s Paints, as before. Find more of our favourite trends at insideout.com.au/products/trends .…

Stephen, have you always been drawn to bright colours? I actually used to work quite a lot with just black ink and lead pencil. When I moved to using wood-block printing, I found collaging brightly coloured papers underneath really made an impact. I began to layer up hand-cut sections of printed matter – magazines, record covers, photographs or screen-printed vintage packaging – and print onto this. The colours popped against the black-printed plate. I guess that was the start of my journey into brighter-coloured pieces. Are your paintings’ colour palettes reflected in your personal and interior style? I’m not sure they are! I wish I had the guts to dress more brightly though. I’m definitely adding more colour into my wardrobe, so maybe the paintings are rubbing off on me.…

You and your fellow monochrome mavens love contrast, drama, controversy and risk – and if that’s intimidating, well, so what? are you… black and white? There’s no human on earth who doesn’t look better photographed in black and white, so it makes sense to extend that to the rest of your life And while on face value that might be considered old-school – romantic, even – we know better. We see you, young lady, and you re far more Walter White than Snow White You and your fellow monochrome mavens love contrast, drama, controversy, risk – and if that's intimidating, well, so what? Plus, it goes with your look, which includes an entire shoe-robe of Valentino Rockstuds and an architectural haircut that requires bonsai-level attention every three and-a-half…

Having the TV as the focus of a living space is a decorating faux pas, although it’s a tricky feature to avoid. One solution? If you have the space, create two living zones. In this coastal home, the area closest to the balcony allows the ocean views to take centrestage, while the sitting zone next to it is an entertainment hub, perfect for movie nights. Similar furniture items mean the areas can easily be combined for larger gatherings. For more of this family home, turn to page 76.…

the story so far Purchased two years ago, Mike and Tracey’s home is a rare, glittering gem on the north coast of New South Wales; the Lennox Head home backs right onto the beach. “It has a simple charm and it seemed like a perfect place to bring up three boys. Half the problem, though, is the kids running around the house,” says keen surfer Mike, with a nod to the spiral staircase that dominates the living room. “But we like the existing house and its beachy feel.” what the real estate agent says... “Nearby Byron Bay is full of hustle and bustle but Lennox Head is a laid-back seaside village and that’s the way we like it. We have access to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and Gold Coast…

“From adding an ensuite right up to building a new house, most states and territories have ‘fast track’ approval mechanisms" what exactly is a DA? A Development Application (DA) is a formal request to build or develop your property in a local area. The application is made up of (lots of) forms and documents that show how your project adheres to local, state and federal building requirements. It includes site plans, architectural plans, independent reports and a statement from you about whether you’ve ever made political contributions to your local council. In some states, the approval process is different – for example, in Victoria you need to apply for a building permit and sometimes you’ll even need a planning permit as well. do I really need approval? Generally, house construction,…

dark side Forget flashy – these sleek black fixtures bring refined polish. 1. & 2. Hansgrohe ‘Raindance Select S120’ rail shower , $503, and ‘Metris S’ wall mixer with diverter , $566, Rogerseller, rogerseller.com au. 3. iB Rubinetterie ‘Marmo’ wall hooks , $219 each, Paco Jaanson pacojaanson.com.au. 4. ‘Eden Nero’ robe hook , $26, Highgrove Bathrooms, highgrovebathrooms.com.au. softer approach Luxe spa style gets a sustainable and ethical update in the form of the handwoven and certified organic cotton range from Loom Towels. The limited-edition ‘Iris’ bath mat ($75) is our favourite. Visit loomtowels.com. out of the blue A pop of baby blue from this ‘Duo Ball’ domed wall sconce will soften your space with a gentle glow. It starts at $1300 from Articolo; visit articoloarchitecturallighting.com.au. SOAP STARS Petite French fancies…

The deal: I have three ASKO ‘Domino’ cooktops: a two-burner gas cooktop, a wok burner and an induction option. I used to be a gas purist but since I started using induction, I’m a convert. The pros: Induction is fast and gives you a lot of control. It’s great for boiling pasta or simmering stocks and stews. An induction cooktop is also easy to clean. One of the best features on my ASKO cooktop is a bridge function that links induction elements together, so large pots or long grills are heated evenly without hot spots. The cons: Induction isn’t great for wok cooking or sautéing, where you want to keep tossing the pan, as that cuts off the heat. It also doesn’t work with all pots, which can be a…

Boring, beige, barely used. That was the verdict on this compact courtyard, before landscape architect Nathan Burkett arrived to work his small-space magic. We unpack the big ideas and the nitty-gritty details that transformed one family’s pocket-sized outdoor space. 1 focus on function This inner-Melbourne courtyard was used only as a transitional zone between the house and garage. With space at a premium, the homeowners wanted more. Nathan’s brief was to create an outdoor room that could act as an extension of the living area for the couple and their children. The restricted size means every square metre matters. “Because it was such a small space, it was critical that we kept the constructed elements to the edges so there was an open and useable area,” says Nathan. This drove…

AGHA GIFT FAIRS Just as there are must-have fashion pieces – a standout coat, a luxe-looking handbag and the perfect pair of jeans – it’s the same with homewares. The Essential line of vases, from Have You Met Miss Jones, comes in a range of sizes and shapes to suit everything from a posy to proteas, making it simple to arrange flowers beautifully. See the range at the trade-only AGHA Gift Fairs’ Home & Giving exhibition, August 6–10. Visit homeandgiving.com BLOOMS PAINTING METHOD If you’ve had no luck searching for an artwork that looks as though it has been painted specifically for your space, it could be time to pick up the brushes and start creating your own. Artist and tutor Jacqueline Coates believes that with her seven-step Blooms Painting…

1. BLACK BEANS A staple in Mexican food: very filling with a ‘meaty’ flavour. 2. EL YUCATECO CHILE HABANERO HOT SAUCE A spicy all-rounder, great for cocktails and seafood. 3. BIRD'S EYE CHILLIES These can pack a punch, so take care. 4. EL YUCATECO JALAPEÑO HOT SAUCE Milder than the red and packed with flavour. 5. JALAPEÑO CHILLIES Low heat with a capsicum flavour. 6. TABASCO RED SAUCE The classic hot chilli sauce adds a peppery punch. 7. TABASCO GREEN SAUCE Full of jalapeño flavour, it’s milder than the red version. 8. HABANERO CHILLIES Intensely hot! They can take over a dish, so use sparingly. 9. DRIED CHIPOTLE CHILLIES Meat lovers will enjoy the intensely rich, smoky flavour. 10. ANCHO CHILLIES Varying from mild to medium heat, they taste sweet…

a-c ACS Designer Bathrooms 1300 898 889, acsbathrooms.com.au. Adlard Joinery (02) 9521 2622, adlardjoinery.com.au. Angelucci 20th Century (03) 9415 8001, angelucci.net.au. Annette Kelsey 0412 418 918, annettekelsey.com. Beäns + Jäzz (02) 9332 1810, beansandjazz.com.au. Ben-Tovim Design (03) 9016 3322, b-td.com. Bespoke Tile & Stone By Earp Bros bespoketile andstone.com. Blu Dot (02) 9313 5400, bludot.com.au. BoConcept (02) 9437 0066, boconcept.com/en-au. Bonnie And Neil (03) 9384 2234, bonnieandneil.com.au. Byron Bay Hanging Chairs byronbay hangingchairs.com.au. Caesarstone 1300 119 119, caesarstone.com.au. Caroma 131 416, caroma.com.au. Castle 0410 705 253, castleandthings.com.au. Cavalier Bremworth 1800 251 172, cavbrem.com.au. Citta Design cittadesign.com. Clickon Furniture (03) 9417 1183, clickonfurniture.com.au. Coco Republic 1300 000 220, cocorepublic.com.au. Cultiver (02) 9438 1588, cultiver.com. d-j Design Mode International (02) 9998 8200, designmode.com.au. Designstuff (03) 9592 2960, designstuff.com.au. Dulux dulux.com.au. Eco Outdoor…

WINNING PIN! Childhood was revisited on Pinterest this month; our followers loved the cubbyhouse from a garden project by the team at Outdoor Establishments. In fact, it’s been our most popular pin for the last two months – scoring 225k+ impressions in the past 30 days alone! The 10 design lessons from a chic bathroom renovation topped our Twitter feed this month – over 1300 clicks highlight the importance of getting this room right. reader spotlight We love this little vignette put together by @sesandjen – the graphic mix of the blooms and monochromatic detail won us over. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us using the hashtag #insideoutmag! most double tapped Backyard #goals were made plain on Instagram, with everyone adding this deck area from our July issue…

1. Anne Black ‘Grow’ hanging vase in Coral Pink, $38, Elevate Design, elevate design.com.au. 2. e15 ‘Rete’ blanket in Grey, $1195, Living Edge, livingedge.com.au. 3. Foscarini ‘Binic’ table lamp in Pink, $265, Space Furniture, spacefurniture.com.au. 4. Normann Copenhagen ‘Illusion’ teatowel in Pink, $25, BYMR, bymr.com.au. 5. Leather rosette, $119, Lauren Smallfield Creates, laurensmallfieldcreates.bigcartel.com. 6. Stelton ‘EM77’ vacuum jug in Granite, $139.95, Design Mode International, designmode.com.au. 7. ‘Coco’ ottoman, from $615, Anaca Studio, anacastudio.com.au. 8. Hem ‘Landmarks’ bowl in Light Grey, $80, District, district.com.au. 9. Normann Copenhagen ‘Kabino’ drawers in Grey, $2655, BYMR, as before. 10. Artifort ‘Khodi Feiz’ armchair in Pink, $3457, Ke-Zu, kezu.com.au. 11. AYTM ‘Coria’ leather cushion in Dark Grey, $235, Urban Couture Design + Homewares, urbancouture.com.au. 12. ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paints in Rhino Grey…

‘Module’ organiser DESIGNER: Nicholas Fuller Third-generation designer/maker, Nicholas Fuller, almost had no choice in his path. “From a young age, I was exposed to a workshop environment and realised the importance of well-designed, highly crafted objects,” says Nicholas. The Adelaide-based craftsman started his trade at 17, weaving in study and practice before settling in a studio space and working under his own name. His organiser fits within a broader ‘Module’ collection of tables, with all the pieces drawing inspiration from small-space living. To create his piece, Nicholas adopts production methods that take advantage of standardised elements: “The timber components are manufactured in-house, and the steel parts have been drawn up and are made via laser cutters and automated CNC machines.” A “highly crafted” approach indeed. $1590, nicholasfullercom.au. ‘Airer 2’ hanging…

“Let nature inspire the room’s finishing touches and fun accessories”JESSICA HANSON, STYLE EDITOR 1 Every kid needs a hidey-hole to call their own – a place to keep treasures and share secrets with friends. This classic tent is a no-brainer. ‘Wonder’ tent, $339, Such Great Heights, suchgreatheights.com.au. 2 Don’t be afraid of pattern when choosing curtain fabric. A simple design, such as these trees, makes a real statement while being a more subtle choice than patterned wallpaper. ‘Gran’ linen-cotton fabric, €38/metre, Fine Little Day, finelittleday.com. 3 Head out into the garden with your nature lover to collect flowers. These daisies look pretty sitting in a Plexiglass and timber frame. Moebe frame, $109, Designstuff, designstuff.com.au. THE DETAIL Pop this handy cutlery roll into a backpack when your little adventurer heads out…

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says ‘kit home’ is a mass production line of brick veneer single-storey homes flooding the suburbs, with no opportunity for any individuality or creativity in design, and definitely no focus on environmental impact. The good news is that times have changed and there are some great new companies popping up all over the country. You can now build a home using an architect-designed modular system made from modern materials designed with eco credentials in mind. time for change Considering that a large proportion of waste in landfill comes from the construction industry, we need to try a more sustainable approach to the way we design and build, and also to the way our homes function. When you think of the progress…

cheat sheet Who lives here: Nicki Smoli, a project marketing consultant; her husband, Neil, who runs a property investment company; their daughter, Meika, 8; son, Eden, 6; and a newborn due soon. Style of home: A modern coastal four-bedroom house near Bondi Beach. The substantial renovation took 18 months to complete The extensive work cost about $1 2 million Sitting in the dining area of Nicki Smoli’s home – sunlight softly filtering through sheer curtains in the living room – it’s hard to imagine two kids bouncing around.Almost every feature, from the floorboards to the sofas, is a shade of white.“Even though it’s white, there’s nothing that can’t be bleached,” she says, pointing out the slipcovers on chairs and sofas.“Plus, we’re not at all precious.” Of course it helps that…

Working from home can mean shuffling paperwork in a dedicated office or spreading out on the kitchen table. But for freelance food and lifestyle photographer Katrín Björk, it means turning over most of her space to the task. She spends her days cooking, then styling, propping and photographing dishes both for her blog, Modernwifestyle.com, and her freelance jobs. The apartment is a compact but well-proportioned, light-filled space in Copenhagen, where Katrín and her husband Jens have lived for nine years.“During the day our living room is a photo studio and playroom for our two-year-old son, Normann,” says Katrín. “Sometimes, he ‘helps’ and I need to have extra patience and accept that a chubby little hand may make its way into the frame.” While she loves creating all kinds of recipes,…

the Panel’s advice Andrew Benn Architect and director, Benn + Penna Architecture, bennandpenna.com My goal would be to create specific zones in the house and introduce symmetry. Tracey says she hates that she can’t hear the kids at night so I would make upstairs for sleeping and the ground floor would be a living space, to keep the family unified. To achieve this, I would move all the bedrooms upstairs by building an extension then connect the master bedroom with a bridge that overlooked the living spaces below. Then I’d add bathrooms upstairs and give Tracey and Mike an ensuite – it’s surprising there’s not one already! They have to build in some flexibility; one day soon the boys will be teenagers and they’re going to want privacy. Two sets…

Leaving the wall behind your bed bare is like leaving all your art unframed and your shelves empty. It could work, in a minimalist world, but it’s more likely to look unresolved, unfinished and a little unloved, which is not a good look for your most personal space. If you’ve been living with a headless bed, it’s time to wake up and consider your options. how it works If you have a bed base and mattress – also known as an ensemble – you’re a prime candidate for a bedhead. Depending on the style you choose, a bedhead can be attached to the wall or the bed, or can even sit on the floor with the weight of the bed holding it in place. “Most people attach the bedhead to…

The trends: “Three big things were texture, metals and bespoke, handmade items.” We loved: “Nature’s palette is strong in the form of warm timber, marble and metal. Wire-brushed timber provided real depth and light marble was very popular. Metals were soft in coppers and brushed steels. Personally, the highlight was the bespoke products: there was a feeling from Antonio Lupi and others that the origin of products is becoming more important, as is the fact the piece has been made for you rather than mass-produced.” We didn’t love: “Coloured taps and baths in general. I just don’t think we’re ready for pink and yellow baths yet.” Visit minosadesign.com .…

in the hot seat You and your guests will be sitting pretty on Tribù’s waterproof ‘Nomad’ poufs, from $1722 each. Find them at Cosh Living; visit coshliving.com.au. WHITE OUT Poolside lounging takes a refined turn with the Backyard ‘Pop’ outdoor furniture collection, available at Citta Design. The two-seater sofa is $2900; visit cittadesign.com for more info. SHINE BRIGHT The copper glow of the ‘Shipyard’ outdoor light is a winner in our eyes. It’s $948 from Dunlin, dunlin.com.au. new modern Space To Create has burst onto the scene with its pared-back pieces, including these ‘Racquet easy chairs, from $499 each, and Sphere coffee table, $1420. Visit spacetocreate.co for details. training wheels Let your child’s first bike be a chic one with the Little Tokyobike. With six tones to choose from, they…

BAJA FISH TACOS SERVES 4 PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 10 minutes Pinch of caster sugar 60ml (¼ cup) fresh lime juice 2½ tbsp olive oil ¼ white cabbage, cored, finely shredded 1 carrot, peeled, finely shredded 4 radishes, ends trimmed, thinly sliced ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves 1 tsp Mexican chilli powder 500g white fish fillets, cut into 2-3cm strips 90g (1/3 cup) reduced-fat sour cream 8 flour tortillas 1 large ripe avocado, halved, stone removed, peeled, mashed Lime wedges, to serve 1. Combine the sugar, 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large bowl. Add the cabbage, carrot, radish and coriander and toss until well combined. 2. Sprinkle the chilli powder over fish Heat remaining oil in a large frying pan over…

millet porridge, cardamom, cacao & coconut SERVES 4 PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes COOKING TIME 5 minutes 250g (2 cups) millet flakes, rinsed ¼ tsp ground cardamom 2 tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp natural vanilla extract 2–4 tbsp brown sugar or honey 2 tsp cacao powder 500ml (2 cups) coconut milk or oat milk 60g (1 cup) toasted coconut flakes 80g (2/3 cup) chopped toasted hazelnuts 2 tbsp cacao nibs 1. Put the millet flakes, cardamom, coconut oil, vanilla extract, sugar and cacao powder in a saucepan together with 1 litre (4 cups) of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until all the liquid is absorbed. 2. Divide the porridge between bowls, pour over the milk and top with the coconut flakes, hazelnuts and…

Our landlord has just told us he’s selling the apartment we’ve been renting for less than six months, and apparently we have to agree to a “reasonable” number of open homes. He would like eight, all on Saturday mornings! Is that really reasonable, or even legal? Caro, Redfern, NSW Apart from the thick ankles that run on the maternal side of my family, I would say that what you’ve just described is the greatest injustice ever visited upon innocents. Imagine a massive crowd of strangers traipsing through your home on a Saturday morning, slopping their takeaway lattes, judging your towels and FaceTiming their partners in the pantry area, while you spend the best bit of your weekend hiding in the car! The very thought of it makes me more feel…