DECORATE, BUILD & RENOVATE

Renovate

LIGHTING
FOR EVERY
STYLE AND
BUDGET

YOUR KITCHEN
RIGHT NOW

HOW TO CREATE YOUR

FOREVER
Vol. 26
21 No.
No.63AUS
AUS$11.
$14.995*5*
NZ $14.50 (Both incl. GST)

SELECT THE PERFECT RUG FOR YOUR SPACE

Australia’s Premier Design & Build
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Creating inspirational spaces
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Editor April Ossington
Deputy Editor Louise Smithers
Contributors Lauren Clarke, Carrol Baker
Art Director Sarah Bryant
Advertising Sales Managers
Advertising Enquiries & Bookings
NSW
Advertising Team Leader
Anthea Hamilton
M: 0414 319 271
E: ahamilton@umco.com.au
Business Development Partnerships Manager
David Strong
M: 0411 424 072
E: dstrong@umco.com.au
Vic, SA, Tas, Qld
Advertising Manager
Natalie Grosso M: 0420 477 422
E: ngrosso@umco.com.au
Vic
Kitchens, Bathrooms & Heating Specialist
John Oliver P: (03) 9694 6430 M: 0417 316 820
E: joliver@umco.com.au
Advertising Production Brendan Alder
Editorial Enquiries
homedesign@umco.com.au
Circulation Enquiries
Sydney head oƯce 02 9805 0399

Chairman/CEO Prema Perera
Publisher Janice Williams
Chief Financial OƯcer Vicky Mahadeva
Associate Publisher Emma Perera
Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart
Home Design Vol. 26 No. 3 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6-8 ByƬeld Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: 02 9805 0399, Fax: 02 9805 0714. Melbourne oƯce, Level 1,
150{Albert Street, South Melbourne Vic 3205 Phone: 03 9694 6444, Fax: 03 9699 7890. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers, timesprinters.com. Distributed by Gordon and Gotch, Sydney.
Distributed in Singapore and Malaysia by CARKIT (FE) Pte Ltd, Singapore, Phone: 65 62821 960.
This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any
process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers believe all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing.
They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this eƪect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were,
after investigation, and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may change them in some cases. It is not possible for the
publishers to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and the Australian Consumer Law. The responsibility
must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy,
the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
*Recommended retail price.
ISSN 1327-3930 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXXIV
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Please pass on or recycle this magazine.

26

home design

34

72
86

CONTENTS
VOL. 26 NO. 3
REGULARS

48

26
30

Credits
Editor’s Letter

UP FRONT
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
4
48
4
52
5

Design Society
News from the design world
Style Source
What’s trending now
Moodboard
Interior inspiration
Out & About
Keep your Ƭnger on the pulse
5 of the Best
Dining tables
What’s Hot
Rugs
In ProƬle
James Whitta and Residence Studio
Luxe to Less
Lighting
Renovation of the Year Awards
Check out more Ƭnalists

SPECIAL FEATURE
S
58
5

Forever Homes
Home design for keeps

FEATURES
F

130 Creative Space
1
Artists, galleries & online spaces
144 Decorating for autumn and winter
1
Style for the cooler weather

28

home design

42
contents

36

58
100

112
HOUSES &
APARTMENTS
72

Kilburn
Seaside dreams
86 One.Seven.Five
Modern coastal barn
100 House on the Heath
Garden views
112 Gladesville
Paradise found

KITCHENS &
BATHROOMS

164 Feature: Kitchen Reno
172 Exquisite Edwardian
Makeover
178 Functionality
and Elegance Combined
180 Swann Strong
182 Mid-Century
Meets Modern

OUTDOOR LIVING
186 Coastal Resort

home design

29

e d i t o r ’s l e t t e r

ANTI - CLOCKWISE
FROM{LEFT
Image courtesy of Breathe Architecture.
breathe.com.au
Image courtesy of Her Hands.
her-hands.com.au
Image courtesy of Chazelles Fireplaces.
chazellesƬreplaces.com.au

ON THE COVER
Design by Kin Architects.
Photography by Christopher
Frederick Jones

DECORATE, BUILD & RENOVATE

Renovate

LIGHTING
FOR EVERY
STYLE AND
BUDGET

YOUR KITCHEN
RIGHT NOW

HOW TO CREATE YOUR

FOREVER

HOME
Vol. 26
21 No.
No.63AUS
AUS$11.
$14.995*5*
NZ $14.50 (Both incl. GST)

SELECT THE PERFECT RUG FOR YOUR SPACE

ed’s LETTER

T

his issue, our focus is on liveability.
After all, it’s not only about looks
when it comes to creating the
ideal home.
It’s important to create a house that will
grow with you as your family and needs
change, so we take a look at how to create
a fully functional forever home. Of course,
this includes supporting you as you age (also
known as “ageing in place”) so we cover
elevators and easy accessibility.
A kitchen reno is at the top of the list of
most home renovations. The kitchen is not
only the heart of the home, it’s one of the
most used areas and has a big impact on the
property’s resale value. To that end, we get

into the nitty gritty of kitchen renovations
this issue.
It’s autumn and as we draw closer to winter,
it’s time to think about how we can make
the aesthetic of our homes suitable for the
cosy weather. Naturally, we feature the latest
Ƭreplaces and heating options. So why not
cosy up on the couch with this exciting new
issue of Home Design? Enjoy.
April Ossington
Editor

FOLLOW US
facebook.com/homedesignmagazine

April

@homedesignmagazine_au
homedesign@umco.com.au

SUBSCRIBE NOW Subscribe to Home Design or renew your subscription at universalshop.com.au.
Home Design is also available on iPad through the Zinio app. For access by PC, visit zinio.com/au

30

home design

d a n i s h

r e d

Introducing BM1837 by Bernstorffsminde

Brú dining table designed by Welling/Ludvik, BM1 chair designed by Børge Mogensen

www.danishred.com.au
Danish Modern and Vintage Furniture
Showroom located at | 1214 High Street | Armadale | VIC | 3143
03 9822 8869 | Opening hours – Monday to Saturday 10-5

w h a t ’s n e w

THE SPA COLLECTION BY CORK IMPORTS
Renowned for its wide range of cork Ʈoor and wall tiles in the New Generation
cork range, Cork Imports also oƪers the luxurious Spa Collection. Available by
special order, each item in the collection is designed and produced in Portugal
for each order and as such minimum production and shipping times apply. From
bathtubs (the cork bathtub retails for $15,450) to basins and vanities, the Spa
Collection will elevate any bathroom and ensure ultimate relaxation. Contact
Cork Imports at sales@corkimports.com.au to enquire about the Spa Collection.

TWO TREES HAMMOCKS

Perfect for whiling away long warm afternooons, a hammock
immediately conjures thoughts of sun, sea, sand and snoozing. Beyond
summer, hammocks are versatile enough to be used all year round and
are perfect for rest and relaxation. Anything that can reduce stress in our
lives is beneƬcial, and scheduling even Ƭve minutes of rest and relaxation
into your daily routine can have positive eƪects. “The natural swaying
motion of the hammock can help you to relax and unwind from the
rigours of a rough day, which leads to reduced stress levels,” says Graham
Honeyman, category manager at Two Trees. “Studies have revealed
that the gentle rocking motion of a hammock not only helps you to fall
asleep faster, but also helps you to have a much deeper sleep.” Two Trees’
range of stylish and versatile hammocks is made with 100 per cent virgin
cotton to enable you to relax, nourish and reset in luxury. The full range
of Two Trees Hammocks is available at Bunnings Warehouse. For further
information visit twotreeshammocks.com.au

society

Our pick of the latest and greatest
Edited by Louise Smithers
FOLLOW US
facebook.com/homedesignmagazine
@homedesignmagazine_au

SONOS X SONANCE
CEILING SPEAKERS

Extending the highly successful Sonos
Architectural line of passive speakers,
the 8-inch In-Ceiling speaker provides
installers and customers with a new size
option that sits discreetly within the
ceiling and delivers powerful, balanced
and crystal clear sound. Designed and
tuned in collaboration with Sonance,
the 8-inch speaker features a custombuilt, enlarged woofer as well as highexcursion motor for a smooth midrange,
stunning deep bass down to 32Hz and
a greater listening area.
sonos.com/en-au/home

32

home design

TRIM, TAUT AND TERRIFIC:
ULTRA PREMIUM TRIMPLUS
Haymes Paint has revolutionised trim painting with the
launch of Ultra Premium Trimplus, a water-based paint that
rivals the best oil-based options on the market. The Ƭrst
Australian-made product of its kind, Ultra Premium Trimplus
delivers a high-gloss sheen that matches the hardness
and superior durability of oil-based options for interior and
exterior trims, windows, doors, skirtings and cupboards. The
water-based product with oil-modiƬed acrylic properties is
more eco-friendly than traditional oil-based trim enamels. Its
innovative formula also ensures a Ʈawless Ƭnish faster, with
easy application and great coverage, a speedy two-hour recoat
time, no yellowing of surfaces over time, and a simple wash-up
under water after painting. haymespaint.com.au

Protecting your family
from in-home pollutants
has never been easier

Complete air purification wherever you go
Panasonic air conditioners feature nanoe™X air purification technology,
and can be controlled using the Panasonic comfort cloud app, wherever
you go, even while you’re away from home.
For more information visit
try.panasonic-air.com.au

INHIBITS 5
TYPES OF
POLLUTANTS
Bacteria
& Viruses

Mould

Allergens

Pollen

Hazardous
Substances

*The nanoe™X mode can be run independently from cooling or heating mode, and
needs to be on for the 24 hour air purification to function. The effect of nanoeTMX
varies depending on model selected.

Kreuz glass and wood
chain pendant light,
$177. schots.com.au

Kartell Bourgie
table lamp, $820.
spacefurniture.com.au

Fenster collection, POA.
designbythem.com

Kartell Taj table
lamp, $1035.
spacefurniture.com.au

TRANSPARENT
TREASURES
Embrace a “glass is half full” mentality
with these gloriously glazed pieces

Octopus oil burner,
$189. maisonbalzac.com

Edited by Louise Smithers

Colour cabinet by
Muller Van Severen, large,
$4660. hayshop.com.au

Kartell Ero|S| swivel
chair, $1455.
spacefurniture.com.au

Dotted glass bowl, $19.95.
gigiandtom.com.au.

34

home design

Koami vase, POA.
elmeliving.com

Miguel recycled glass
vase, from $39.95.
pillowtalk.com.au

Crave salad servers
(set of two), $32.74.
hubschfurniture.com

style source

ArƮex Vela screen, $8135.
spacefurniture.com.au

Orray 6 glass pendants,
set of six, $199.
beaconlighting.com.au

Gamba De Vero
handmade tumblers,
$198 for a set of six.
casaecucina.com.au

Usher peach vase,
$43.99. linenhouse.com
Tea For One teapot,
lilac hammered glass, $68.
t2tea.com/en/au

Blend Sala 350mL
glass plunger, $39.95.
maxwellandwilliams.com.au

Boden Arlo bowl,
$195. globewest.com.au

Shimmer side table
by Patricia Urquiola
for Glas Italia, $3900.
spacefurniture.com.au

Mushroom glass vase,
$14.95. gigiandtom.com.au

Veneziano carafe, $145.
casaecucina.com.au

Goti Di Murano
tumbler, $135.
casaecucina.com.au

KoƬ coƪee table, $1240.
hayshop.com.au

home design

35

Image courtesy of Tribe Home.
Featuring the Roam Crocodile rug.
tribehome.com.au

1

ROUND
THE TWIST

2

3

Edited by Louise Smithers

Undulating edges, curves and
squiggles — right angles take a
back seat as Ǽowing lines Ǽourish
h
and rounded corners capture a
contemporary vibe

4

5

36

home design

moodboard

7

8

6

1/ Tait pistachio rug, $3517.
tribehome.com.au
2/ Peach Glaze paint, $60.16–
$306.53 (Wattyl I.D Advanced
low-sheen indoor paint).
wattyl.com.au
3/ AmalƬ Squiggle vessel, POA.
isalbi.com.au/brands/amalƬ
4/ Berber boucle stool,
$179.95. gigiandtom.com.au
5/ Tufty Time 15 sofa,
designed by Patricia Urquiola
for B&B Italia, $18,230.
spacefurniture.com.au
6/ Stereo rug by Julie
Richoz for Trame, POA.
themoderntraditionalists.com
7/ Eleanor occasional chair,
$1940. globewest.com.au
8/ Ivy coƪee table, POA.
graziaandco.com.au
9/ Kennedy Beckett threeseater sofa, $4840.
globewest.com.au
10/ Store-All cutlery
drainer/holder, $44.90.
designstuƪ.com.au
11/ Strut bar stool, $550.
fentonandfenton.com.au
12/ If I ran a circus, there would
be a blue bird by Amy Kim,
acrylic on canvas, $2650.
artloversaustralia.com.au
13/ Pebble table lamp, POA.
isalbi.com.au/brands/amalƬ
14/ Hourglass stump, $390.
fentonandfenton.com.au
15/ Harira helix sculpture,
$115. globewest.com.au
16/ AmalƬ Wavy bowl with
marble eƪect, POA. isalbi.com.
au/brands/amalƬ
17/ Wiggle side chair,
designed by Frank Gehry for
Vitra, $2245. livingedge.com.au

9

12
10

13

11

17
14

15

16

home design

37

out & about
DBT SHOW+TELL, SYDNEY
DesignByThem, an Australian company run by designers who
are dedicated to creating and producing unique products for
design professionals and enthusiasts, brought its popular
Show + Tell event to Sydney. Previewing new prototypes,
colourways and ideas, the event allowed clients to view the
company’s latest works and give honest feedback. Held in the
business’s Alexandria showroom, the exhibition also featured
a special custom colour-coated installation and a plethora of
Australian-designed pieces. designbythem.com

OUT & ABOUT

Let’s see what’s happening in the design world
Edited by Louise Smithers

TASMAN GALLERY,
BYRON BAY
A former storage shed located in the
Byron Bay Arts and Industry Estate has
been reimagined by Benn + Penna
as a workplace inside a gallery. “We
transformed the former industrial
building into a hybrid workspace and
gallery, embracing the zeitgeist of
the post-COVID era,” says Andrew
Benn, director of Benn + Penna. “The
diƪerent scales and atmospheres
within the one box — from dramatic
double-height voids to intimate
corners — reƮect this new way of
living.” Diƪuse light, gentle acoustics
and intimate scaled spaces make
Tasman Gallery an evocative place
to work, while a sculptural staircase
sweeps up sight lines across the
various work zones. bennandpenna.
com/work/tasman-gallery

38

home design

KIP&CO X CAMPLIFY CARAVAN
Hit the road with the gorgeous Kip&Co x Camplify
caravan, aƪectionately known as Lenni. As one of
Camplify’s highest-rated caravans in the Newcastle
region, Lenni’s Kip&Co makeover provides travellers
with the type of camping experience you simply won’t
Ƭnd anywhere else. Featuring a curated selection of
Kip&Co’s bedding, kitchenware and picnic essentials,
Lenni is a modern, stylish and fully equipped caravan
perfect for both seasoned travellers and Ƭrst-time
adventurers. A perfect home away from home, Lenni
comes stocked with a gourmet mini bar, coƪee, tea and
all the essentials to make a special meal while you’re
away. Contact Camplify, Australia’s leading RV rental
platform, to book Lenni for yourself. camplify.com.au

NOVOTEL SYDNEY
CITY CENTRE
Novotel Sydney City Centre
completed an immense $20
million refurbishment at the end
of last year, marking a new era
in design and sustainability. The
recently transformed 283-room
hotel located on York Street is the
Ƭrst Australian Novotel hotel to
present an innovative room from
Novotel’s designers in Paris called
“Hypothesis”, which centres around
the ethos of creating a hotel with
less waste — environmental, of
course, but also decreasing wasted
space and time. This innovative
design philosophy creates rooms
and public spaces that move with
guests, championing a new style of
hospitality that ensures optimum
stay experiences. There is an echo
of nature within the interior design
concept, curated by Australian design
studio Dezign, seamlessly Ʈowing
through the new environment.
novotelsydneycitycentre.com.au

home design

39

FIVE OF THE BEST
DINING TABLES
These dining tables are a feast for the eyes and
make every meal an occasion to remember
Edited by Louise Smithers

1

2/ MAILE
Enhance your dining experience with the stunning Maile table. Carefully
handcrafted from Suar timber, this table showcases an exquisite organic
top with gracefully curved edges. The Suar timber undergoes a traditional
Shou Sugi Ban treatment, with an expertly charred surface to enhance its
durability and weather resistance. As a result, Maile boasts a breathtaking
dark hue and a textured Ƭnish, resulting in an aura of sophistication even
more delectable than the meals it is destined host. The sturdy construction
and meticulous craftsmanship ensure its longevity, allowing you to enjoy
countless memorable moments around this exceptional piece of furniture.
Whether you’re throwing an indoor dinner party or organising a cosy
outdoor get-together on a covered patio, this versatile table eƪortlessly
adapts to your entertaining needs. RRP $5900. Photography/styling by
Louise Roche for Villa Styling. hermosaliving.com.au
2

1/ PORTO
Pretty as a picture, Porto is constructed with an oak veneer frame and ceramic
tiles for a cool and contemporary mix of materials and textures. Solid slab
legs support the expansive rectangular top, giving this timeless dining table
a distinctive look. Handcrafted using artisanal techniques, each Porto dining
table is as unique as the people lucky enough to enjoy a meal around its
sublime form. RRP $4610. Photography by Dave Kulesza. Styling by Ruth
Welsby. globewest.com.au

40

home design

dining tables

4

style source

4/ CONFETTI
With its classic pill-shaped top and double pedestal base, the Confetti dining
table balances reƬned forms with bold textures as it celebrates the beauty and
individuality of 100 per cent recycled plastic. Designed by Sarah Gibson and
Nicholas Karlovasitis for GibsonKarlo, the table’s recycled plastic base holds a
compact laminate table top in place. “We have always been fascinated by the
application of reused or recycled materials,” says Sarah. “These materials are
often hidden, but we feel they should be celebrated not only because they are
sustainable, but because they can be beautiful and create conversation.”
RRP $4232 (2400mmx1200mm). Photography by Pete Daly. designbythem.com

3

3/ SUNDOWNER
Make any outdoor space sing with the super-sleek Sundowner dining
table. Constructed in all-weather aluminium and powder-coated
in a super-fresh palette, Sundowner is available in two sizes. The
180cm table comfortably seats six to eight people, while the 220cm
accommodates up to 10 diners. Enjoy garden breakfasts, long lazy
lunches, relaxed alfresco dinners, or watch the sun go down as you
gather around the aptly named Sundowner. RRP $1800.
Photography by Eve Wilson. fentonandfenton.com.au

5

5/ HERITAGE
The Heritage extension
dining table takes the classic
extension table design to
a new level. Incorporating
King Living’s exclusive softtouch extension technology,
the table eƪortlessly
transforms from a six-seater
to a 10-seater. The design
features a generous 1m
extension leaf, and the table
ends oƪer synchronised
movement, providing
unparalleled ease in adjusting
the table size. The King Living
Design Studio emphasises
the unique operation of the
table, thanks to the extension
technology developed
in-house. Designed for
customers to use for
generations, the table’s steel
frame extends through the
tabletop to the legs, ensuring
maximum strength and
longevity. American walnut,
RRP $11,650. kingliving.com.au

home design

41

RUGS
Roll out the red carpet for a sumptuous collection of show-stopping rugs.
Soft underfoot and hard to resist, these plush pieces will add style and
comfort to your home
Edited by Louise Smithers

2

1

1/ OVERLAY BY DANIELAH MARTINEZ
Driven by colour and craftsmanship, Overlay balances block shapes with textured
layers in a modern collection of geometric rugs. The collection is carefully handtufted in India with 100 per cent New Zealand wool which is hypoallergenic and
hydrophobic. Densely tufted, the rugs are soft, durable and easy to maintain. Each
rug is hand-crafted in small runs to ensure quality and reduce wastage.”This design
is inspired by the textures and colours created by overlaying sheets of transparent
material, then working to achieve this eƪect through the careful blending of colour,
which I Ƭnd the most intriguing and emotive skill to master in rug design,” says
designer Danielah Martinez. “The focus on colour for this collection is intentionally
bold and arranged by a comparatively minimalist set of ‘components’ that Ʈow
across a series of geometric shapes.” Photography by Pete Daly. designbythem.com

2/ INTO EACH OTHER BY MADDALENA CASADEI
The Into Each Other collection of rugs creates a dense, thick
and intriguing interaction between two colours, symbolising
the creative power of cross-cultural exchange. Hand-knotted in
Morocco, the natural wool rugs are lush and eye-catching and
designed by Maddalena Casadei for Trame Paris. Trame Paris is
exclusively represented in Australia by The Modern Traditionalists.
themoderntraditionalists.com

3

3/ BILLY BY HALI RUGS & SMACSTUDIO
Hali Rugs and award-winning interior designer
SMACStudio have launched an exclusive
collaboration of designer rugs called Icons. Inspired
by the Art Deco movement and featuring decadent
shades, the Icons range captures the beauty of
custom-made designer rugs at an attainable price.
With its playful design, Billy is arguably the most
unforgettable member of Icons. Available in green
and burgundy, Billy is made from top-grade pure New
Zealand wool featuring blends of bamboo silk and
Tencel, giving each piece beautiful light-reƮective
qualities. hali.com.au

42

home design

4

4/ RABARI FOR NANIMARQUINA
Joyful, irreverent and unique, the Rabari collection is created with 100
per cent New Zealand wool, made in India with hand-knotted and handwoven Sumak techniques. Comprising four diƪerent rugs, the Rabari
collection oƪers exceptional beauty through the outstanding design by
Doshi Levien, a reƬned combination of patterns with a unique graphic
sensuality. “We decided to create a series of rugs that evoke the sensual
and shiny world of Indian tribal folk embroidery,” designer Doshi Levien
explains. “We wanted our collection for Nanimarquina to reference the
unƬnished embroideries (like studies of diƪerent techniques in progress)
as they gradually emerge over time.” cultdesign.com.au

w h a t ’s h o t

5/ VK-1 BY VIBEKE KLINT
Steeped in history and
made from 100 per cent
New Zealand wool, the
VK-1 rug was designed by
Vibeke Klint for the Danish
National Bank. Conceived
more than four decades
ago, the minimalist rug
looks just as spectacular
in a modern home
as it does in the Arne
Jacobsen-designed
Danish National Bank.
Boasting high lanolin
content, the reversible
rug is naturally resistant
to dirt. VK-1 has recently
been set into production
by Nordicmodern in close
collaboration with the Klint family as part
of a collection of selected original Vibeke
Klint designs. Available in four diƪerent
colour combinations and three standard
sizes, it can also be customised in speciƬc
sizes. danishred.com.au
5

6/ PICNIC LIME CHENILLE RUG
Introducing Double, Australia’s Ƭrst machine-washable rugs. Each rug comes
apart in two layers — a non-slip base for grip and stability, and a removable top
layer that you can throw in the wash over and over again. Designed to stand out
and inspired by abstract paintings, Picnic features a visual array of overlapping
geometry to communicate creativity and artistry. The low-pile chenille textured
Picnic rug comes in a range of colourful palettes, from high-contrast pinks to
more subdued earthy tones. double.online
6
7

7/ HYCRAFT BY GODFREY HIRST
Customising high-quality carpet into perfectly sized rugs is a great way to
layer your Ʈooring and add a Ƭnal design touch to your living spaces. With
its unique blend of style, comfort, cosiness and functionality, Hycraft by
Godfrey Hirst has a stunning range of wool carpets that make beautiful
rugs. Wool carpet is a natural insulator, helping to keep your home warm
in winter and cool in summer. Because of wool’s natural inbuilt crimp, air
is retained in millions of tiny pockets which provide an insulating eƪect,
creating a comfortable environment. Great for allergy and asthma suƪerers,
wool carpet is also hypoallergenic and the Ƭbre deters the growth of dust
mites. As a natural resource, wool Ƭbre is biodegradable, so it will naturally
decompose. To Ƭnd your favourite carpet for your rug, you can order free
samples via the Godfrey Hirst website at godfreyhirst.com

home design

43

JAMES WHITTA
Meet the man making beautiful Australiandesigned furniture at down-to-earth prices
Words Louise Smithers

E

veryone loves a koala.
Quintessentially Australian and
deserving of protection, both the
marsupial and the furniture brand
who borrowed its moniker are
worthy of our praise and a place in our homes.
The rise of fast furniture in the past decade
has seen an abundance of poorly made and
abysmally performing products enter the
market, leading to issues with design and quality
standards, and contributing signiƬcant wastage
throughout the supply chain. This means Aussies
are paying more for products that will end up in
landƬll due to their lightning-quick lifespan.
Led by James Whitta, Koala’s VP of product
design, the company’s Sydney-based creative
team make thoughtfully designed products with
eƯciency, meaning customers don’t have to
sell an arm and a leg to aƪord quality furniture.
Steadfast focus on sustainability and functionality
underpins every piece James and his team work
on. From Koala’s award-winning mattress range

44

home design

to its Good Design award-winning bed bases,
their commitment to customers and to the planet
is admirable.
In an ironic turn of events, Koala’s head of design
is actually a New Zealander. In his Ƭnal year studying
architecture at Victoria University of Wellington,
James won a trip to Milan’s Furniture Fair, Salone
del Mobile, after entering a sustainable furniture
design competition. “When I was there I was so
inspired by the astounding quality, beauty and
manufacturing capabilities that I returned with the
persistent feeling that I wanted to be a part of this,
that I had something to oƪer to the world,” James
shares. “With a friend, we decided to set out to build
a furniture brand in New Zealand, launching a living
room seating range and a bedroom storage range
as well as doing commissioned works for museums,
galleries and private clients.”
Following this venture, the road to Koala was
paved with stints in fashion, Ƭrst with designer
Alexandra Owen, then across the ditch to
Country Road where he worked in the marketing

team before moving on to Trenery. James’s next
port of call was Sweden, where he was employed
at IKEA’s head oƯce and exposed to the most
advanced furniture manufacturing and R&D
capabilities in the world.
Nowadays, Koala has his heart and Australia
has his residence, and we are all the better for
it. “My time away from the antipodes made me
acutely aware of how special Australia is,” James
says. “So at Koala we celebrate what makes
Australia unique, drawing from our laid-back
lifestyle, land, people, art and homes. We want
the world to experience the sunny and easygoing nature of Australian products, materials
and way of life.”
James’s design style captures both a modernist
aesthetic and a warm ambience. “I am conscious
that everything we create has an impact on those
who chose to live with our designs and I want that
to be as positive as possible,” he says. “That’s why
Koala products are designed to make you smile
and feel connected.”

in profile

One piece he is particularly proud of is the
Beauty sofa bed. “The brief called for a sofa
bed that could take pride of place in the living
room,” James explains. “It needed to be extremely
comfortable to sit on without compromising sleep
(after all, Koala is famous for being experts in
sleep). I am proud to say, it is the most comfortable
and aesthetically pleasing sofa bed to date.”
As with all Koala furniture, Beauty is made with
sustainability in mind. Indeed, Koala holds itself to
the highest global standards for ethical sourcing,
material traceability, choice and usage. Conscious
of the second-life opportunities of its materials
(old Koala mattresses become carpet underlay) as
well as the end-of-life options for products, the
brand has opened Koala Second Home, where
it resells returned and damaged goods. The end
goal is a circular business model where everything
Koala sells is repairable and resellable.
Bringing joy to people’s daily lives through
design, James’s work with Koala provides Australians
with aƪordable premium-designed furniture.
“Being a designer is a real privilege as we get to
solve customer needs,” he concludes. “There’s a lot
of purpose and reward in making people’s lives that
bit easier and more enjoyable.” HD
home design

45

RESIDENCE
STUDIO

Introducing Tara Dehbozorgi
and Laure Bebbington:
the creative minds behind
Residence Studio, a highly
bespoke premium interior
design business servicing
clientele across Australia
Words Louise Smithers

F

rom interior decoration and
furnishings to full-service
interior design services in both
residential and commercial
spaces, Residence Studio enjoys
a reputation underpinned by high attention to
detail and the ability to translate client vision
into reality.
Born in 2021, Residence Studio is the
creative baby of interior designers Tara
Dehbozorgi and Laure Bebbington. After
working together for four years, the pair
identified a gap in the market, one they
would soon fill with interiors that blur the

46

home design

boundary between luxury and curated
interiors. “Our love of high-end furniture and
luxurious interior spaces led us to starting
our business with the view to fill a gap in the
Brisbane market,” says Laure.
Unlike their cohesive design outcomes,
Tara and Laure are like chalk and cheese
(Tara describes herself as “extroverted,
quirky and brave”, while Laure is an “everevolving creative introvert”). Despite this, or
perhaps because of it, the two women work
incredibly well together, their differences
complementing each other beautifully.
During its inception, social media and

word-of-mouth were the company’s biggest
advocates and gained them clientele. “We
started oƪ doing some smaller high-end
projects as that’s how we had positioned the
business from the beginning. Now we work
on some of Queensland’s largest high-end
projects, which was always where we saw
the business heading,” Tara explains. “We
found there was a big niche in the market for
high-end designers in Brisbane who created
bespoke interiors, so we wanted to really utilise
this to our advantage as it meant we were
able to create something new and unique
in Queensland.”

in profile

TARA DEHBOZORGI

Inquisitive and intrepid, Tara Dehbozorgi worked
as a senior residential interior designer on largescale interior design and furnishing projects
prior to establishing Residence Studio. “When
I travelled overseas, design played such a big
role in the history and culture of the countries I
visited,” Tara shares. “I realised then that Brisbane
was lacking the design Ʈair that other cities and
countries had, so I wanted to bring that opulence
to Brisbane and push the boundaries of design.”
Nothing sparks more joy in Tara than making
people fall in love with their homes. “One of my
favourite projects to work on was called Maleny,”
she recalls. “It was something completely
diƪerent to what we are used to, which is usually
contemporary high-end interiors. Instead, this
was a contemporary take on a country home.
I loved that by doing a cosmetic renovation, it
meant we had to consider the already existing
elements of the design and rather than take
away from these, we had to make sure we
complemented this with our own design Ʈair
while paying homage to the original architecture.
It was also an honour to work on a Stuart Rattle
home and add a Residence Studio touch to it. I
think a lot of people liked this design because
it was warm and relatable and it’s a style they
hadn’t seen us design before. It was a great way
to show our versatility.”
In terms of her own personal style preferences,
Tara is partial to a contemporary-luxe aesthetic.
“However, the more I design, the more I adapt to
various styles,” she adds. “I love anything from
chic coastal and rustic Puglian style to more
minimalist interior aesthetics. I would say the
common thread between all my designs is ‘highend’, no matter what the look and feel is.”

LAURE BEBBINGTON

Raised in a family who celebrated creativity, Laure
Bebbington was always destined to work in the
design industry. Her varied resume includes stints
working as a technical documenter for Poliform,
an interior designer for architectural Ƭrm Jackson
Teece Architecture, and a project manager for
Euromarble (a natural stone company). Laure’s
last role prior to starting Residence Studio was
working for Coco Republic as a senior interior
designer. This is also where she crossed paths
with Tara. “Tara and I worked together for four
years, and we are always the Ƭrst ones to point
out how opposite we are. However, we work
well together and complement each other’s
diƪerences which, for creative people, is key,”

Laure explains. “Our love of high-end furniture
and luxurious interior spaces led us to starting
our business. Because of our vast experience
working across diƪerent sectors in a multitude
of diƪerent styles, we really can customise a
bespoke outcome for the client.”
With a personal design style that is quite
minimal, contemporary and blended, Laure
loves the use of vintage furniture paired with
contemporary pieces and textured fabrics, warm
timbers and patinaed metals. She is quick to point
out that as a business, locking themselves into one
certain look is not what Residence Studio is about.
“We love exploring and pushing the boundary with
our projects, but always make sure the outcome is
high-end and luxurious,” she says.

Sustainability is a hallmark of all Residence
Studio projects. Indeed, Tara and Laure
always endeavour to use local suppliers who
manufacture in Australia. While this does tend to
come at a higher price tag, most clients recognise
the beneƬts of investing in heirloom pieces that
will last the test of time, and be handed down to
future generations, rather than Ƭlling their homes
with cheap, mass-produced furniture that will
end up in landƬll.
With more than 25 years of combined
experience, Tara and Laure are a formidable
team reimagining luxury for residential and
commercial spaces. To enlist their services, or
view their portfolio, visit the website today. HD
residencestudio.com.au

home design

47

UNDER
$12,000
LUXURY
LOOKS

DK Ceiling four-pendant,
designed by Henrik Tengler
for Konsthantverk, from
$4865. danishred.com.au

Visio pendant by Masiero,
$5249. mondoluce.com

Calais chandelier, $6890.
montauklightingco.com

Occhio Mito sospeso, POA.
kodalighting.com
Strikha small pendant,
$4400. tigmitrading.com

LET THERE BE LIGHT
The transformative power of artiǻcial lighting cannot be
overstated. Capable of turning a drab and gloomy room into
an illuminating sanctuary, lighting is crucial to any successful
interior design. From aǺordable to more opulent options,
we’ve given the following selection the green light
Edited by Louise Smithers
A-N-D Column pendant,
POA. kodalighting.com

Bonbon shade, large,
$2040. hayshop.com.au
Vibia Palma wall light, POA.
kodalighting.com

Occhio Mito largo Ʈoor lamp,
approximately $12,000.
kodalighting.com

Soniah big Ʈoor lamp,
$9200.
tigmitrading.com

A-N-D Pebble chandelier, POA.
kodalighting.com

48

home design

Neo Ʈoor lamp
by Nemo, $1607.
mondoluce.com

UNDER
$2000

TR5 pendant
designed by Tom Rossau,
from $1167. danishred.com.au
Float table lamp by Axo Light, $775.
mondoluce.com

luxe to less lighting

MID-TIER
MAGIC

Hampton wall light, $790.
montauklightingco.com
Diamante Pendanti
by Vistosi, $874 (small).
mondoluce.com

Massiv pendant,
designed by
Henrik Tengler for
Konsthantverk, $727.
danishred.com.au

Strada Ʈush mount, $1990.
montauklightingco.com
Scalloped pendant, $580–$750.
her-hands.com.au
RBW hoist pendant,
from $1200.
kodalighting.com

Brady Ʈoor lamp, $590.
fentonandfenton.com.au

Cordea Exterior pendant by Masiero,
from $1460. mondoluce.com

home design

49

luxe to less lighting

Mag portable, rechargeable
LED wall/ceiling light bundle
by Studio Italia, $305.
mondoluce.com

Lines 60-degrees starter
kit (nine lines) $349.99.
nanoleaf.me/en-AU

UNDER
$500
STYLE THAT
WON’T BREAK
THE BANK

Grand Designs Spotlight
Ʈoor lamp, $499.
ozdesignfurniture.com.au
Attica 1 table
lamp, $149.
beaconlighting.com.au

Caspian
p 1 LED wall light, $249.
beaconlighting.com.au
beacon

Tivoli Ʈoor lamp, $279.
ozdesignfurniture.com.au

Grand Designs Cailen iron and marble
ble
arc Ʈoor lamp, $479. livingstyles.com.au
m.au
Paros 1 table lamp
in brass, $329.
beaconlighting.com.au

Apex clip lamp, $156 each.
hayshop.com.au

Pontu Ʈoor lamp,
$229.95.
jameslane.com.au

Sanso EvOne 3-in-1 ceiling-mounted air puriƬer, ioniser and
multi-functional light, $495. beaconlighting.com.au

50

home design

Nanoleaf skylight starter kit (three pack), $469.99.
nanoleaf.me/en-AU

We shed light on good design.

Light featured

Vibia Flamingo Mini
Design by Antoni Arola

KODA Lighting
Australian Distributor of Authentic Designer Lighting, Decorative, and Architectural Products
Showrooms in Sydney & Melbourne |

kodalighting.com.au

|

info@kodalighting.com.au

AWA R D S 2 0 2 4

OUTSTANDING
ENTRANTS

W

e called on our readers to enter their renovation “before and
after” photos for a chance to win this prestigious award and
huge exposure in the magazine and across its online and
social media platforms. We looked at outstanding home transformations,
both big and small, interior and exterior, kitchen, bathroom and the whole
home. The Ƭnalists wowed us with the striking improvements that can be
made with home renovations.

Proudly sponsored by

52

home design

roty awards

Before

Before

After

S OUT H
T ERRACE
R ESI DEN CE
“We love this renovation as it has completely transformed
a traditional Victorian terrace house through the creation of
new spaces with subtle design details, where each space has
distinct character and individuality while still achieving a
sense of cohesiveness throughout” — homeowners,
Anthony Chan
Architecture Chan Architecture
Interior designer Sanders and King

home design

53

APARTME NT
RENOVATIO N
“We love our renovation because it transformed our dark apartment
into a light-filled haven. By knocking down a wall and relocating the
kitchen, we gained access to more natural light. Our light-coloured
Embelton flooring helps bounce light around the space. This wasn’t
a simple change but it made the apartment incredibly liveable. We’d
do it again in a second!” — homeowner, Jo-Roxy

Before

Designer TightKnit Building Design
Builder In-Depth Projects

After

Before

54

home design

roty awards

Before

After

Before

WILS ON
RENOVAT ION

“This reno was a labour of love, we transformed a home that hadn’t had
any love since it was built in the early 1960s, it’s now a modern, bright
and functional home. We bought a house that many would have knocked
down and we restored the charm of the property where we could, and
thoughtfully added modern touches with amazing results. The house
was dark and small, with shag carpets, purple and yellow walls. We
painted throughout, added new flooring, kitchen and bathroom. We
also transformed the exterior of the property and the yard.
“We completed the majority of the renovations ourselves under
our building licence through Surfside Homes. We used some amazing
suppliers, including Kawana Flooring, Art Bathrooms, National Tiles and
Beacon Lighting.” — Brett and Erin McManus

home design

55

AWA R D S 2 0 2 4

VOT E N OW F O R YO U R C H A N C E TO W I N A

$2000 ARTWORK
VOUCHER
FROM

M A N Y U N G G A L L E RY G R O U P

At Home Design magazine, we love nothing more than rewarding
exciting renovation projects from around Australia.
That’s why every year we run the Home Design Renovation of the Year Awards!
This year a reader will win a $2000 Artwork Voucher from the
Manyung Gallery Group to spend on their choice of original art.

PRIZE
VA LU E D AT

H OW I T WO RK S
1.

Visit www.therenovationoftheyear.com.au

2.

Vote on your favourite renovation

3.

Go in the draw to win a $2000 artwork
voucher from Manyung Gallery Group

$2,000

Finalists will be selected by Home Design
editor April Ossington and these projects
will be featured in future editions to inspire
others. Our readership community will
vote for the People’s Choice Prize.

Prou dly spon sore d by

For your chance to win, vote for your favourite renovation at:

t h e re n ova t i o n o f t h eye a r. c o m . a u
Jump online to see our full terms & conditions.

special feature forever homes

home design

58

When building your dream home,
it pays to design beautiful liveable
spaces with longevity in mind
Words Carrol Baker

SP EC I A L FEATURE

NOW AND
FOREVER

Halo House by Breathe Architecture.
Photography by Diana Snape. breathe.com.au

home design

59

special feature forever homes

T

hese days we are living longer,
and living well, with more of us
embracing exercise and healthy
eating habits. With a growing
population of older Australians,
more in-home services to support healthy
ageing are available, meaning we can live at
home for longer.
Some say Ƭnding your forever home is all
about beginning with the end in mind —
how you envision living comfortably in your
home in your twilight years. With rising
building material costs, coupled with the stress
and expense of relocating as your family’s
needs change, it’s a smart move to design
a home that will go the distance.

A LIVEABLE HOME
When designing your forever home, it’s
important to look at how it services your
family’s needs both now and into the future.
A liveable home is all about comfort and
design, but it’s also about forward thinking
and planning.
It’s basically asking yourself the question,
how might the needs of my family, and the
use of spaces change over time? This means
where possible, building some elements of
Ʈexibility into the design, so it can potentially
meet future needs. For example, will it be
accessible for an ageing or disabled occupant?
According to Your Home, Australia’s Guide
to Environmentally Sustainable Homes, a
liveable home follows the design guidelines
set out by Liveable Housing Australia
livablehousingaustralia.org.au/, a notfor-proƬt between government and other
stakeholders to lead the development of
accessible and safer homes. An adaptable
home is a liveable home that also meets
Australian Standard AS4299-1995 Adaptable
Housing, which means it can be easily adapted
to become accessible for wheelchair users
should the need arise.
Amy Smith from Breathe Architecture says
an adaptable home really is more than just
a house. “It is a living, breathing space that
evolves with changing needs,” she notes.
“At Breathe, we design open Ʈoor plans and
multifunctional spaces that allow for spaces
to be reconƬgured over time.”

Toowong by Kin Architects.
Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones.
kinarchitects.com.au

DESIGNING FOR LONGEVITY
Spaces that will accommodate changing
needs are adaptable. Lisa Alward, principal
interior designer from Bella Vie Interiors,

60

home design

Edgars Creek House by Breathe Architecture.
Photography by Tom Ross. breathe.com.au

says longevity can mean embracing an openplan layout that can be easily reconfigured
as needs change. “This flexibility allows for
areas to be repurposed, such as a dining
room becoming a home office,” she says.
Lisa adds that designing a forever home
means incorporating universal design
principles becomes even more important.
“Features such as wider doorways and hallways,
with minimal level changes, and ample natural
light,” she says. “These elements ensure
comfort for all ages and abilities, making your
home timeless and accessible.”
Another important factor is quality
materials, investing in durable materials
and timeless Ƭnishes. “High-quality materials
may have a higher upfront cost,” she
cautions, “but they endure and maintain
their appeal over time, reducing the need
for frequent updates.”

DESIGNING KITCHENS
AND BATHROOMS
Kitchens and bathrooms are arguably the most
expensive rooms in a home. Correct design and
placement will allow the spaces to serve you
well into the future, and also accommodate
for ageing parents or those with a disability.
Marjorie Dixon from Kin Architects says
large open-plan bathrooms are a winner —
“especially those with ample natural light that
enables a beautiful, light-Ƭlled bathroom plus
space to manoeuvre a wheelchair or walker in
the future,” she says.
Showers and bathtubs with a seat are not
only practical if you have young children, but
also accommodate the elderly. Marjorie says a
seat allows occupants to sit in the shower, or
sit and edge into the bath rather than stepping
in. “These features, combined with reinforced
bathroom walls for grab rails or additional

towel rails, allow bathrooms to easily change to
accommodate diƪerent needs down the track,”
she adds.
In the kitchen, no-slip Ʈoors, removing
any sharp edges, and upgrading storage for
easy access can all help as we age. Marjorie
says the right kitchen design can go a long
way to making things more comfortable in
the future. “In the kitchen we like to ensure
there is adequate circulation space, wallmounted ovens for ease of use, good-quality
task lighting and handles on drawers and
cupboards,” she shares.

SHAPESHIFTER SPACES
With built-in design Ʈexibility, rooms can be
repurposed, serve a dual function, or expand
and contract as needs change. Lisa says
adaptable room design is all about creating
versatile spaces. “Screens or doors that fold

Halo House by Breathe Architecture.
Photography by Diana Snape. breathe.com.au

home design

61

62

home design

special feature forever homes

Cavell Street by Kin Architects.
Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones.
kinarchitects.com.au

Toowong by Kin Architects.
Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones.
kinarchitects.com.au

back to completely open up a room are great
for entertaining, or they can be sectioned oƪ
for privacy,” she explains. “The key is ensuring
they blend seamlessly with the overall design.”
Flexible living spaces are important if a
home is to accommodate diƪerent family
demographics, ages and abilities, even
from when children are very young. Amy
says doubling up the program so that the
building footprint doesn’t need to incorporate
a standalone room for each function is a
sound principle. “We will often design a space
for a client with small children that oƪers
sightlines into a living space from a kitchen
or study area, that can then be closed oƪ with
sliding doors or screened for privacy when
the children grow up and no longer need
supervision,” she points out.
Multi-functional internal spaces do indeed
oƪer a viable solution for a homeowner’s
changing needs. Lisa suggests building in
design Ʈexibility with rooms that serve dual
purposes. “This could be a home oƯce that
doubles as a guest room, for example. Also
consider built-in Murphy beds or convertible
furniture for this purpose.”
She adds that you can take design
adaptability one step further by acquiring
modular furniture. “Incorporate pieces
that can be reconƬgured or moved easily,”
she says. “This adaptability is essential for
shapeshifting rooms.” Modular sofas that are

easily reconƬgured, side tables that become
dining tables, Ʈoating fold-out desks —
there’s a plethora of adaptable furniture items
you can acquire.

BUILDINGS TO LAST
FOR GENERATIONS
Constructing with longevity in mind is key.
Your home can endure for many years if it’s
well designed with quality materials and
craftsmanship. Amy says this underpins their
design ethos. “At Breathe we always think
deeply about how our buildings will be used
long term and design them to last 100 years
or more,” she says. It’s thinking about the life
of the building beyond the original residents.
“This ensures our projects can suit the
needs of future generations,” she continues.
“An example of this is that in our apartment
buildings we don’t put in bathtubs because
they create inherited accessibility issues for
people with limited mobility. Instead, we have
rooftop bathhouses that can be shared by
people with young children.”

AGEING IN PLACE
It can be confronting to acknowledge that
one day we won’t be as agile as our younger
selves. As we get older, our senses such as
vision, hearing, and our dexterity can also
be reduced, and there can be age-related
changes in cognitive abilities and memory.

home design

63

special feature forever homes
Cavell Street by Kin Architects.
Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones.
kinarchitects.com.au

Edgars Creek House by Breathe Architecture.
Photography by Tom Ross. breathe.com.au

64

home design

Designing your home so you can navigate potential
mobility and safety issues as a result of ageing
means you can stay at home for longer.
When designing and building a new home,
it certainly pays dividends to factor in some key
design aspects that will pave the way for you and
those you love to comfortably age in place. Marjorie
says 1m-wide doorways that cost more upfront, but
allow access for walkers/wheelchair in the future
if required, are a good idea. “It can also be helpful
to consider space around beds and wardrobes to
accommodate walking aids,” she notes.
Another important consideration is a step-free
entry, which can make entering and exiting the
home easier. If you do have a double-storey home,
negotiating the stairs can be an issue, but with the
right design, Marjorie says it can make using the
staircase easier. “We try to design stairs to be in a
straight run with a handrail on both sides for ease of
use,” she notes.
There are also aids to help you get from one Ʈoor
to another. A stairlift is a great tool to help older
Australians maintain their independence at home.
A sturdy chair Ƭtted to the side can be operated
manually or by remote control to move up and down
the rails. An elevator to access diƪerent Ʈoors is
another means to negotiate diƪerent levels in your
home. This can be Ƭtted externally or internally if
space permits.
If you are designing for the future, Marjorie
suggests planning the design of your home
so one bedroom, bathroom and potential
kitchenette are on ground level. “If occupants can
no longer manage stairs, they can relocate,” she
notes, “or it offers flexibility to have a live-in carer
or rental income down the track.” HD

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By: Shaw Photography

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03 5368 1999

MODERN
YET TIMELESS

From drab to fab, this renovated home enjoys old-school charm
without compromising on contemporary comfort

D

isplaying undeniable mastery, the
team from Smith & Sons Toowoomba
East has completed a comprehensive
renovation of a mid-1960s home,
Ʈawlessly merging modernity with timeless
charm. The makeover project converted the
kitchen, living and dining areas, master bedroom,
and included the addition of an ensuite.
Involved in the design phase, the team tailored a
streamlined renovation experience that aligned
perfectly with the client’s wants, utilising their
unique Design-Plan-Construct process.
The home, which had begun to show signs
of age and wear, underwent a stunning revival.
Stepping through the sturdy blue front door, you
will be met by bespoke Flourish Vintage navyblue textured Ʈoor tiles, providing a sneak peek

66

home design

of what is to come around the corner. Strategic
placement of new windows and doors not only
enhanced energy eƯciency, but also added to
the visual appeal of the interior. The core of the
home, once draped in outdated features, found
new life through an entirely revamped kitchen
and living space. Preserving and reƬnishing the
original hardwood Ʈoors pays respect to the
home’s history while accommodating modern
layout adjustments that enable seamless
Ʈow throughout.
The repositioned kitchen enjoys a sense of
airiness that has refreshed the entire space. Fitted
with crisp white cabinetry and complemented
by chrome Ƭxtures, the polished concrete
countertops and Penny tile feature splashback
inject modern Ʈair into the space. Extending

this fresh, modern feel to the master bedroom,
a Velux roof window was added to let in the
morning light, while honouring the home’s era
with VJ panel walls painted in a stylish grey/
beige. Extending this aesthetic into the ensuite,
the same panel walls were incorporated,
complementing several textured tiles such as
the kit-kat feature shower wall and niche. A
noteworthy upgrade was a top-tier smart toilet
eƪortlessly blending functionality and innovation.
With the design and construction of this
residence, the Smith & Sons Toowoomba East
team has showcased its expertise in transforming
older homes. It beautifully demonstrates the art
of restoring a space and harmoniously blends
modern touches while honouring the home’s
original era. HD smithandsons.com.au

sponsored project

67

home design

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home design

Collection is made from quality materials and
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70

home design

KILBURN
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SEASIDE
DREAMS

A coastal-themed refresh has transformed
this holiday house into a vacation haven
Words Lauren Clarke Photography Armelle Habib

72

home design

houses & apartments kilburn

73

home design

houses & apartments kilburn

“The refit renovation
represents the
possibility of creating
a new relationship
with a space just by
working with the
natural light”
— Kate Walker

A

holiday home should oƪer a
sense of tranquillity. It should
be a place to relax and unwind,
where you can forget about the
troubles of your day-to-day life.
This Mornington Peninsula abode didn’t quite
meet those objectives. “The property had been
enjoyed for some years, providing a muchloved holiday retreat for the Melbourne-based
family,” says Kate Walker, founder and director
of the KWD design studio. “But the dwelling was
unrenovated and distinctly brown, and was a
very dated holiday home (stretching back to the
early 2000s).”
Of course, the family could have chosen to sell,
but the couple and their two teenage children

74

home design

houses & apartments kilburn grove

A lack of natural light was remedied
with strategic window placement

home design

75

76

home design

THE STUNNING
FIREPLACE WITH
DETAILED STONEWORK

houses & apartments kilburn

we love

home design

77

houses & apartments kilburn
loved the location and relished the time they
spent together there. That’s when they turned to
designer Kate and enjoyed a suite of considered
and clever ideas to turn their home around. “They
needed to change the interior layout so there was
adequate space for each member of the family and
for entertaining,” Kate says. “They also wanted the
interior and exterior to be light and bright, and to
make the grounds more user-friendly.”
This began with a complete reimagining of the
interior layout. “It was a full gut and renovation
of the holiday home,” Kate says. “The interior
was reconƬgured for reverse living. Downstairs
there are now two bedrooms, a family bathroom,
a study and a rumpus room. Upstairs there is a
master bedroom with an ensuite, a powder room,
a laundry, a kitchen and a dining/living area.”
With such extensive works on the menu,
Ƭnances had to be carefully considered. “To keep
the renovation costs within budget, the changes to
the interior were very much cosmetic,” Kate says.
“We didn’t expand the existing Ʈoor plan or make
the property any larger. Instead, we maintained
the plumbing and electrical layout and cleverly
adapted the space to make the interior more
functional as a family holiday home.”
Despite these limitations, the renovation has
resulted in a completely diƪerent aesthetic. “The
design dilemma to overcome was the dark-brown

78

home design

Windows, natural materials and clever
colour choice have transformed this
dark home into a place of relaxation

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ed’s fave
THE COASTAL
AESTHETIC

80

home design

houses & apartments kilburn

Space was maximised in the bathroom by combining
the bath and shower in the same wet area

feel, the lack of natural light, and the way the
interior space planning operated,” Kate says. One
of the ways this challenge was overcome involved
the repositioning of the external staircase which
opened up the downstairs area, allowing natural
light to Ʈood in. “This created a new sense of entry
with the staircase, welcoming guests upstairs to
enjoy the beautiful outdoor terrace,” Kate says.
Inside, the light and bright theme continues.
“The colour palette throughout the interior
reƮects the contemporary coastal aesthetic,”
Kate shares. “The spectrum of greyish-blue hues
with pale timbers and crisp-white walls ensures
each space is light, breezy and open, with indoor/
outdoor connectivity.”
Textured materials play a further part in creating
this elegant aesthetic. Raw timbers and V-groove
joinery set the coastal tone. In the kitchen, the
gently undulating shades of the tiles on the
rangehood are reminiscent of the shells on the
seashore. A striking light-coloured stone Ƭreplace
stretches to the ceiling, emphasising the height
of the room while paying homage to the rocks
scattered across the peninsula’s many beaches.
Soft sheer curtains dance in the breeze, tempting
the viewer to step outside, and are complemented
by the pendant over the dining table.
One of the many highlights of the home’s
interior is without doubt the sophisticated

home design

81

houses & apartments kilburn

The joinery throughout
the home maximises
storage and space, with
most of it custom made

joinery. “Joinery installation day was a very
memorable day,” Kaye says. “We designed
custom joinery for most rooms in the house, so
installation day was a major undertaking. The
result was incredible because every element
not only looked beautiful and married in with
the contemporary coastal aesthetic, but the
functionality was fundamental to the success
of the renovation.”
Outside, the home enjoyed further
improvements. “One of the very special aspects
of this property renovation was the full garden
redesign by Plume Studios, who activated areas
of the garden that hadn’t been utilised before,”
Kate says. Aged limestone featured in this exterior
update, a Ƭtting choice for a coastal setting.
Overall, this holiday home feels completely
diƪerent to its prior incarnation. “We established
a connection between the upstairs and
downstairs areas of the house to bring in the
light, airy, breezy feel we knew the home could
oƪer,” Kate says. “The result is in stark contrast
to the heavy-set, dark-brown feeling that
used to emanate throughout the property.
Downstairs felt very bunker-like because it was
blocked oƪ from the outdoor space, but now
it is very connected to the upstairs and feels
fresh and open, Ʈooded with natural light.” HD
katewalkerdesign.com.au

82

home design

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WEATHERTEX 2024
SUSTAINABLE
DESIGN TRENDS
Discover the latest trends and innovations
shaping the sustainable design landscape

I

n the dynamic world of design and
architecture, the pursuit of sustainability
has become more than just a trend; it’s a
responsibility. Weathertex, a pioneer in ecofriendly building materials, invites you to explore
the forefront of sustainable design through
its inspiring publication, the Weathertex 2024
Sustainable Design Trends Magazine.
Dive into the pages of this publication and
discover a wealth of insights that seamlessly blend
aesthetics and environmental consciousness.
This cutting-edge magazine showcases the
latest trends, innovations and inspirations that
are shaping the sustainable design landscape. It
delves into various aspects of sustainable design,
oƪering in-depth articles on green architecture,
renewable energy integration and resource-

84

home design

eƯcient construction techniques. From residential
spaces to commercial developments, each page is
a testament to the beauty that arises when design
and sustainability join forces.
At the heart of this magazine lies the
commitment of Weathertex to sustainable
practices. Known for its dedication to environmental
responsibility, Weathertex has been a driving force
in the creation of sustainable building materials
for more than three decades. Weathertex oƪers a
range of sustainable timber cladding products that
not only elevate the visual appeal of structures, but
also contribute to a healthier planet. Manufactured
using 100 per cent natural Australian hardwood,
Weathertex products have no added silica, glues,
resins or formaldehydes and are sourced from
responsibly managed forests.

The Weathertex Sustainable Design
Trends Magazine is more than just a publication;
it’s an invitation to join the sustainable
design movement. Whether you’re an
architect, designer or an enthusiast, this
magazine oƪers a roadmap to creating
spaces that are both visually striking and
environmentally responsible.
As we navigate the challenges of the 21st
century, Weathertex leads the way in showcasing
how style and sustainability can coexist
harmoniously. Grab your copy of the Weathertex
Sustainable Design Trends Magazine today and
embark on a journey towards a greener, more
beautiful tomorrow. Scan the QR code to view
the 2024 magazine online or order a FREE
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home design

houses & apartments one seven five

home design

86

This barn-style home on the
Mornington Peninsula whispers
tranquillity from every corner
Words Lauren Clarke Photography Armelle Habib

houses & apartments one seven five

WHISPERED
TRANQUILLITY

home design

87

houses & apartments one seven five

The Ƭreplace is a textural delight
thanks to detailed brickwork

T
“A curated palette of soft neutrals
allowed texture to be the hero.
The result is a haven of relaxation,
where every element harmonises
to create a cocooning ambience,
embracing those who enter with
a whispered tranquillity”
— Annie Caine
88

home design

his dwelling on the Mornington
Peninsula is located on approximately
six acres, with a tangle of rolling tea
trees and abundant vines blanketing
a gently undulating landscape. In the
1970s, the land was developed to accommodate
a vineyard, small house and commercial shed, yet
in more recent years the property became home
to a yoga and wellness retreat. Perhaps it’s that
sense of calm that the new owners channelled
when designing this vacation home that has
created the tranquillity which exists in each of
the rooms.
It all began with a brief from the clients, a
couple with adult children. The interior designer
and barrister sought a modern coastal barn
aesthetic, with the home designed primarily
to suit holiday use. “In future years, it will be a
retirement retreat,” says Annie Caine, interior
designer and one of the two homeowners.
The build was to take place from the ground
up. The home was designed to comfortably
accommodate six, yet needed to still feel cosy
enough when only two were present. This was
created thanks to clever design. “The home has
three bedrooms, two living spaces and a separate
dining area, linked by the kitchen to a living
room,” Annie says. “The house was designed in
pavilions, which means everyone has their own
space.” These pavilions were designed in line
with the barn-style architecture often found

Design allowances were made to
bring the outdoors in as much as
possible, utilising large windows
that showcase the garden

home design

89

houses & apartments one seven five

The brief for the build was
‘modern coastal barn’

in New Zealand. “The brief included a design
that accommodated modern living but with a
farmhouse-inspired aesthetic. The key language
was ‘modern coastal barn’,” Annie reveals. “Once
this was established, it was easy to create an
exterior and interior aesthetic that Ƭt the brief. We
loved the old holiday homes on the Mornington
Peninsula that included the board/batten
detail on the external facade. We designed a
modern interpretation of that look.” The kitchen
rangehood also gives a nod to this design style
with painted battens.
The result is a perfect pairing of cool relaxation
and cosy retreat. Capitalising on the striking vista
was a must, so design allowances were made
to bring the outdoors in as much as possible.
“The outlook to the vegetation was a priority,
so oversized sliding panels were included in the
design to enable some of the external ‘walls’ to
slide aside,” Annie shares. “It means that we can
be inside but enjoy an outdoor feel.”
Large windows celebrate the building’s
relationship with nature while welcoming in
natural light. This light falls gently on an interior
palette of soft neutrals, which envelop the space
in an atmosphere of calm serenity. “Creamy
whites and muted tones create an understated
elegance,” Annie says. “A curated palette of
soft neutrals allowed texture to be the hero.

90

home design

The coastal aesthetic is celebrated
with textured rugs and timber, and
a sense of serenity is found in
features such as this
oversized pendant

92

home design

houses & apartments one seven five

Simplicity reigns
supreme in the kitchen

The result is a haven of relaxation, where every
element harmonises to create a cocooning
ambience, embracing those who enter with
a whispered tranquillity.”
In the living space, a soaring ceiling climbs to
a pitch in a nod to traditional farmsteads. The
Ƭreplace is a textural delight — a happy accident
thanks to a timely site visit by the clients. “As this
project was designed as a holiday retreat, and
constructed during COVID-19 restrictions, site
visits were limited,” Annie recalls. “One of the
few days we were fortunate enough to be on site
was when the bricklayer completed the chimney.
We had planned to clad the chimney breast with
timber lining boards, however, once we met with

home design

93

The building’s exterior colour was
largely dictated by its location

94

home design

houses & apartments one seven five
A bath with a view makes
relaxation all too easy

home design

95

houses & apartments one seven five
Romantic sheer curtains and gentle
sandy tones create an aura of
peace in the bedroom

him and saw how proud of his work he was, we
wanted to honour his craftsmanship and leave
the exposed brick and paint it.” This feature
has helped make the living room the couple’s
favourite room in the house. “It always makes us
smile,” Annie says. Custom joinery throughout
ensures there’s a place for everything and
elevates the home.
Yet the build was not without its challenges. “One
major obstacle to be overcome was designing to
meet the BAL-29 code,” Annie says. This meant the
external surfaces, such as the cladding, windows
and rooƬng material, all needed to be Ƭre-retardant.
“The site is also surrounded by vegetation and is
located in the Green Wedge Zone of the Mornington
Peninsula Shire.” This meant there were signiƬcant
restrictions when it came to colour selection, with
the main choices being dark to ensure the home
blended into the natural landscape.
Yet the Ƭnished project is undeniably worth any
eƪort to achieve it. The Ƭnal touch? A sprawling
garden completing the idyllic scene, inviting
residents and guests to savour the tranquillity
of rural living in this quintessential Mornington
Peninsula haven. HD rodhannahandassociates.com.au

96

home design

SALES + INSTALLATION + SERVICE
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process runs smoothly. Our Weber BBQ team have won multiple awards for our Weber Store.

Showroom: Hoppers Crossing & Taylors Lakes Phone: 03 9748 2828 Website: www.victorianfireplaces.com.au

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Fb

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Renowned for crafting some of the Ƭnest
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Eureka is a third-generation family business with
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Part of the AF Gason family, Eureka embraces AF
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Designed to meet the highest standards
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98

home design

Eureka wood heaters are made locally in
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to modern slimline and dual-door options,
Eureka’s expansive range of heaters comes in a
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99

home design

houses & apartments

house on the heath

home design

100

GARDEN
VIEWS
Inviting natural light into this home with a north-facing
garden required clever architectural planning
Words Lauren Clarke Photography Matt Clayton Photography

home design

101

houses & apartments

The older-style home now enjoys an
abundance of natural light thanks to
the window-Ƭlled extension

house on the heath

P
b

icture this: you’ve found your dream
home abroad in the United Kingdom.
It’s the perfect size for your family of
four, with six bedrooms, two dining
rooms and even a basement gym. It’s
in a good location but there’s just one problem:
the garden faces north, limiting the amount of
natural light the home enjoys. Thankfully for
Katherine and James, the property owners, there
was an easy solution — to contact Steve Cox of
Cox Architects, who had worked with them on
a previous remodel back in 2016.
“It was great to be asked to design for the
clients again,” Steve says, adding that they
worked with the same builder, Elson Property
Services London, together then, too. Steve was
able to completely transform this detached
Edwardian home in South London’s conservation
area while still being sympathetic to the original
building’s design. It’s a marriage of contemporary
style with all the signature elements of the classic
period, resulting in a renovation that the owners
simply adore.
This was no minor undertaking, especially as
the project began with signiƬcant challenges.
“The house purchase and the early design
work all took place in 2021, at the heart of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, with proper

102

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Skylights overhead drench the
dining room in natural light

home design

103

houses & apartments
house on the heath
precautions (and the obligatory Zoom calls!), both
were completed without any signiƬcant problems
or delay,” Steve recalls.
Once proper planning was completed, the build
began. The renovation consisted of a remodel of
the existing 70sqm living/dining/kitchen area on
the ground Ʈoor at the rear of the property. “They
(the homeowners) decided that the right design
could help maximise sunlight, daylight and views
out to the garden,” Steve says, emphasising
the clients’ desire for natural light — a lot of
natural light. “The best way to get this was with
large skylights, and these were heavy. Specialist
lifting equipment was therefore required to haul
each one over the top of the house before being
carefully lowered into position.”
These large skylights have transformed the
back of the home, completely blurring the line
between indoor and outdoor living. And, when
the family wishes to go outside, movement
between both spaces is seamless. “The multiple
divisions of the sliding glass doors make them
easy to operate and create a rhythm across the
opening,” Steve says.
This connection to nature was further
emphasised with the choice of light-toned
natural materials throughout, including the
ribbed timber splashback and cabinetry detail

104

home design

“Keeping a lot of the
original structure and
upgrading the roof
insulation helped to
reduce the carbon
footprint of this project”
— Steve Cox

home design

105

houses & apartments

we love

house on the heath

THE WAY THIS HOME
BLURS THE LINES
BETWEN ITS INTERIOR
AND EXTERIOR, MAKING
THE GARDEN AN
EXTENSION OF THE
HOME ITSELF

106

home design

home design

107

Skylights during the day
and a generous lighting
plan at night ensure
that the homeowners
enjoy illumination
whenever they desire

ed’s fave
THE CLASSIC
OVERSIZED TILES
ON THE FLOOR IN
THE EXTENSION,
EMPHASISING
THE LIGHT AND
ADDING A TOUCH OF
CONTEMPORARY TO
THIS CLASSIC HOME
in the kitchen. Large-format tiles on the Ʈoor
mimic the gently undulating white clouds above,
as if reƮected through the skylights. Finally, a
generous lighting plan ensures this home truly
is aglow no matter the time of day.
One signiƬcant challenge Steve faced
involved working with some of the existing
building’s features. “Budget dictated a facelift
of the existing structure rather than a rebuild,
so the design inspiration was to create a sort
of architectural stage-set behind which a lot
of the original building still sits,” Steve says. In
addition to this, the house had previously been
refurbished to a high speciƬcation and some key
elements needed to be retained. “These included
underƮoor heating, air conditioning and digital
lighting systems,” Steve continues. “The builders
had to carefully work around these elements and
integrate them with the new spaces.”
Pairing old and new elements can be a
challenge, yet the two sections of this home
were linked almost seamlessly. This is evident
particularly in the brickwork in the contemporary
and classic sections. “Recessed pointing (visible
on the external brickwork) was a popular choice
for UK architects of the ’60s and ’70s,” Steve says.
“It’s easy to do and can look more contemporary
than other techniques.” This can be seen in
the images of the project taken from the back
garden. “The brick type was then chosen to
complement the original red brick details of the
existing building,” Steve adds. “The brick columns
are not structural but are supposed to give the
impression of a solid support for the long beam
above the sliding doors.”
Sustainability was also considered in the
build. “Keeping a lot of the original structure and
upgrading the roof insulation helped to reduce the
carbon footprint of this project,” Steve points out.
Overall, the result is a home that welcomes
the light, blurs the lines between indoor and
outdoor living, and is a design triumph. “Trust
and understanding between client, architect
and builder — all three have worked successfully
together, making it a successful collaboration,”
Steve says. We couldn’t agree more. HD
coxarchitects.co.uk

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houses & apartments house on the heath

The bricks used in the extension
were chosen to mimic the home’s
existing brickwork

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109

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Australia requires either an openable window
(that takes up a minimum of 10 per cent of the
bathroom’s Ʈoor space) or an exhaust fan.
THE SOLUTION: FANCO HYBRID

OPTIMAL
VENTILATION
From damp and musty to fresh and dry,
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b

icture this: you’ve just arrived home
after a long day at work, where you’ve
been dreaming about hopping into a
hot shower where you’ll unwind and
wash the stress of the day away. However, upon
stepping out, you notice condensation clinging to
the mirror, moisture lingering in the air, and a faint
musty odour. What’s missing? Proper ventilation.
Despite the signiƬcant beneƬts of bathroom
ventilation — namely the ability to maintain
indoor air quality and boost overall health —
it is all too often overlooked.

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THE PROBLEM: POOR VENTILATION

Poor bathroom ventilation does more than just
fog up your vanity mirror. It also creates the
perfect breeding ground for mould, mildew and
microorganisms to grow and thrive, which can
cause respiratory illnesses and allergies.
Hot showers, bubbly baths and even
appliances (such as hair dryers) increase the
amount of moisture in the air. Lingering moisture
can damage bathroom Ƭxtures, paint, doors and
trims, as well as contribute to structural issues
over time. Because of this, the Building Code of

Inadequate ventilation in a bathroom can
result in a build-up of warm, moisture-laden
air. A bathroom fan is designed to provide “air
changes” by extracting this moisture at a suitable
rate to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
The quiet, yet robust Fanco Hybrid exhaust fan
is powered with a high-quality European motor
that has a capacity of 482 cubic metres per hour,
with a low-noise output, making it an ideal choice
for bathrooms big or small. The fan has the ability
to work well against pressure, meaning it can be
installed with longer lengths of ducting compared
to other ceiling exhaust fans. It has been named
Hybrid for good reason: it oƪers the performance
of an inline fan while enjoying the convenience and
elegance of an easy-to-install, ceiling-mounted fan.
Hybrid has the ability to provide high output
in terms of airƮow, with a very low noise output,
so it is the perfect choice if you are looking for
high extraction rates and high performance with
minimal associated noise. In fact, the noise level
of this fan sits at a low 36 decibels, as compared
to 42–45 decibels from other ceiling exhaust fans
with similar extraction rates.
Hybrid’s modern fascia is sleek, with a
beautiful, easy-to-clean matt Ƭnish. Ideal for
modern bathrooms, the fan comes with a lead
and plug, making installation a breeze, especially
when retro-Ƭtting in a renovated bathroom.
Choose from white or black, round or square.
Also new in 2024 is the CCT LED light fascia,
combining the functionality of an extraction fan
with a capable, energy-eƯcient LED light. The
fan includes a built-in draught stopper, which
means the system will be closed when the unit
is not in operation, preventing any unwanted
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Transform your environment with an extremely
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houses & apartments gladesville

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houses & apartments gladesville

PARADISE
FOUND

This home was transformed from a basic series of
boxes into a tranquil island beauty. And the best
part? It was all done on a minimal budget
Words Lauren Clarke Photography Maree Homer

home design

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houses & apartments gladesville

The brief for this home
was “island vibe with
an eclectic twist”

W

hen it comes to building
and renovating in 2024,
one key word dictates
a lot of homeowners’
decisions: budget. With the
cost of living on the rise, many people have to
be especially savvy when it comes to spending
money. Yet an investment in your home is one of
the best you can make — and you don’t have to
break the bank to transform a staid space into
something beautiful.
This dwelling in Sydney’s Gladesville was built
in the ’90s. Minimalist in style and architectural
detail, it featured clean lines but no real sense
of personality. Enter interior designer Adam
Scougall, who was employed by the homeowners
to allow them to achieve better use of their home.
“The family were ‘living’ in each space but
there was no cohesion in furnishings,” Adam
says, adding that the dwelling operated as a place
that was “purely functional” instead of a home
that felt like a haven. And of course, like many
families today, these homeowners had Ƭnancial
limitations. “The home needed character within

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ed’s fave
THE BOLD BLUE
FEATURE TILES

home design

115

houses & apartments gladesville

home design

116

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117

houses & apartments gladesville
a relatively small budget,” Adam says. Working with
an experienced interior designer meant they could
achieve a lot without having to spend a fortune.
Adam began his work by ascertaining the clients’
vision for the space. “They wanted an eclectic refresh
of their home and were drawn to lots of colour and
patterns, but were unsure how to introduce this into
the home,” Adam says. “They had recently purchased
some new furniture items but had no real plan and
were very underwhelmed by the ambience of the
home. They needed my assistance.”
When it came to a look and feel, the homeowners
had a clear idea of what they wanted. “The clients’
two teenage boys were born in the Philippines and
the owners wanted a reƮection on an island vibe
with an eclectic twist.” And so the work began. The
redesign incorporated the living room, lounge area,
kitchen, dining, master bedroom and two teenage
boys’ bedrooms, as well as the spare bedroom and
garage space. With so many areas to address and
Ƭnancial constraint to work within, Adam focused
Ƭrst on the walls and Ʈoors.
“The easiest way to bring in detail while being
mindful of the client’s investment amount is to
use paint,” Adam says. “I created an expansive
feel to the main living areas with a large striping
detail with three colours from Dulux paints. I also
created painted square details in the kitchen/dining
room for art to sit within the square expanse.” This

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Above Furnishings and artworks
give this bedroom an edgy vibe

“They wanted an eclectic
refresh of their home
and were drawn to lots
of colour and patterns,
but were unsure how to
introduce this into the
home” — Adam Scougall

home design

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houses & apartments gladesville

we love
THE CONTRAST OF
DARK AND LIGHT

emphasised the artwork and added a sense of drama
without overwhelming the space.
The artwork in the dining area is perfectly toned
to suit the room. Not only that, but it captures the
relaxed island aesthetic the clients longed for with
shades of blue and a celebration of citrus fruit. “I was
commissioned to paint the vibrant still life of oranges
in a Mediterranean bowl for the kitchen/dining area,”
Adam says. “I regularly paint speciƬc works for my
interior clients as I know what will work beautifully,
and I like to create something bespoke at the same
time.” The result is a stunning piece of custom art
that was literally made for the space.
Of course, not every piece of art in the home has
to be bespoke. “If you are creative and resourceful,
you can make signiƬcant changes with a lower
budget,” Adam continues. “I used lots of IKEA frames
and created some of the art for the boys’ rooms in
Canva. I literally created the art to the size I needed
for the frame and printed it oƪ at OƯceworks. It
turned out great!”
Another space that enjoyed a dramatic
transformation was the garage — Adam’s favourite
room in the home. “The garage is my favourite as it
was previously an area that held stuƪ that no one
in the home knew what to do with,” Adam shares. “I
created a dual space with an organisation system for
a gaming teenager, as well as a sofa bed and chillout area for the family and guests.”
The dark grey of the IKEA kitchen Adam installed
was colour-matched for a graphic strip detail, which
was then paired with plain white. This allowed Adam
to create three zones within the garage, each deƬned
by the dark-grey and white striping. “I took it from the
Ʈoor, up the walls and over the ceiling, which had
a dramatic eƪect,” Adam says.
Overall, by using clever design and savvy
techniques, this home now looks like the relaxed
island home the owners wanted. Paradise = found.
HD adamscougall.com

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houses & apartments gladesville

Here a sculpture
centrepiece
adds interest

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121

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A MASTERPIECE
OF DANISH
DESIGN
Cast your eye over the spectacular
Morsø range available at Castworks

M

orsø leads the Ƭeld in the design
and manufacture of wood-burning
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and expertise are unrivalled. Morsø products
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with precision, the stylish and functional Morsø
8843 boasts an array of features. The integrated
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room. The attention to detail is truly spellbinding,
as even the smallest features are designed to
captivate and inspire.

For something more traditional, it’s hard to
go past the Morsø 1410. This charming piece
with its classic, rustic design will transport you
to the tranquillity of a country cottage, while
seamlessly blending into the vibrant ambience
of city living. Crafted with unwavering strength,
this stove is built to endure with its robust castiron construction. Despite its modest size, it
possesses the power to seduce with alluring views
of the dancing Ʈames, courtesy of its generously
proportioned viewing window.
If you are mostly after something to keep you
cosy and warm, the Morsø 6148 is the perfect
option. With its clean lines, concealed hinges
and exceptional functionality, the Morsø 6148
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convenience. The Morsø 6148 is a testament
to the perfect harmony achieved when form,
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together. Its design exudes a sense of serenity
and balance, creating a tranquil ambience in
any living space.
An important element of Morsø’s design
philosophy is the creation of continuity
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product will always be created with its own
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ANOTHER MASTERPIECE OF DANISH DESIGN
AT MORSØ WE BELIEVE IN MAKING YOU FEEL AT HOME
Morsø leads the field in the design and manufacture of wood burning products, combining legendary
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products seamlessly combine form and function to create superbly crafted and exceptionally
efficient cast iron fireplaces. Handcrafted on the island of Mors located in Denmark they manufacture
a range of traditional and modern wood burning fireplaces. Not only are these products functional,
practical and made to the highest standards, they also have Danish elegance in spades.

03 9588 1169 | 12 Fiveways Boulevard Keysborough, VIC 3173 | castworks.com.au
www.facebook.com.au/castworksaustralia | twitter.com/CastworksPtyLtd | www.instagram.com/castworks_

kitchens & bathrooms

INSPIRING INTERIORS
Transforming essence into form, Princi Design
is beautifying the world one interior design at a time

P

rinci Design is renowned for shaping
intentional spaces, where essence is
skillfully moulded into form, elevating
both aesthetics and wellbeing.
Princi oƪers a comprehensive service that
encompasses every stage of the design process,
from initial consultation to design development
and implementation. A collaborative approach
means clients are involved every step of the
way, allowing for reƬnements to be made before
construction begins.
With the option to specify non-toxic
materials, Princi adopts a holistic approach to
design, creating spaces that are not separate
from humans or the environment, but those
that are created with both in mind. “What
we build, builds us” is a mantra the company

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believes in. The key is to provide everyone
with the support to live a healthier life in the
place they call home. In this sense, Princi crafts
interior environments that not only look good,
but are also good for us. “When your built
environment supports your nervous system,
you have a rhythmic baseline as a foundation
called home,” a representative from Princi
Design explains. “Creating harmony for one’s
internal state organically ripples throughout
your built environment. The use of natural,
healthy materials contributes to a clearer, more
grounding and nurturing space, encompassing
an overall Ʈuid ecosystem.”
If you’re interested in a ‘Ʈuid ecosystem’ of your
own, contact Princi Design today. New clients are
always welcome. HD princidesign.com

sponsored project

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THE FRONIUS
LEGACY
Built on 75 years of innovation,
this third-generation family business
boasts a passion for new renewable
energy technologies, intensive research
and revolutionary solutions

S
b

Above: Günter Fronius, founder of Fronius
Right: Fronius Wattpilot 2.0

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ynonymous with solar power, Fronius
is a phenomenal family business: a
success story dating back to a humble
one-man operation in 1945. Threequarters of a century later, the business has
gone from a regional specialist repair shop into
a player on the global stage, cementing itself
as an integral part of the industrial landscape.
From electricity to heating, electric mobility
and energy storage, Fronius is a formidable
force within the solar sector. But let’s go back
to the beginning.
Founded by electrical engineer Günter Fronius,
who made a living as a repair and maintenance
man, Fronius was born in the Austrian town of
Pettenbach after Günter had a lightning-bolt
moment and created a device for recharging car
batteries, allowing them to be used for longer. At
the time, charging car batteries was practically
unheard of. Undeterred, Günter developed
simple battery chargers using the resources at
his disposal. Building on this same technology,
he expanded his product range in 1950 to
include welding transformers. Over the following
decades, Fronius grew steadily into a respected
medium-sized company.

sponsored product

Clockwise from top: Fronius International; Fronius Symo
GEN24 Plus hybrid inverter; Elisabeth EngelbrechtsmüllerStrauß; Brigitte Strauß and Klaus Fronius

In 1980, Günter Fronius handed control of
the company to his children, Brigitte Strauß and
Klaus Fronius. The siblings pursued a strategy of
growth, with numerous subsidiaries established
around the world. At the beginning of the 1990s,
the two CEOs start to place additional emphasis
on the pioneering topic of solar energy. Written
oƪ by some at the time as nothing more than a
pipe dream, this sector has since established itself
as an important branch of the business. Indeed,
the three pillars of the business are ‘Solar Energy’,
‘Perfect Welding’ and ‘Perfect Charging’.
In 2012, the baton was passed to the next
generation: Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß.
As the granddaughter of the company’s founder,
she has continued to set a course for growth
and remains true to the business’s commitment
to innovation, quality and service. This means
that Fronius is constantly researching cuttingedge technologies from which new ideas can be
derived. Fronius’ mission, which unites more than
8000 professionals in more than 30 countries
around the world, is clear: to research and control

electricity as the fuel of the future. Fronius uses its
products to convert solar energy into alternating
current, supply battery-powered intralogistics
vehicles with new energy, and use electricity from
the outlet for revolutionary welding processes.
While the basic concept has remained the
same, countless opportunities for change have
presented themselves over the years. Fronius is
no longer “just” a manufacturer, but has instead
long been recognised as a high-tech enterprise.
All Fronius products (such as the GEN24 inverter,
Ohmpilot and Wattpilot) are based on highly
complex software solutions, data management
systems and apps for user-friendly solutions.
“Sustainable action is at the heart of everything
we do at Fronius. This has been the case since the
very beginning of the company’s history,” says
Elisabeth, CEO of Fronius International GmbH.
“The impetus to extend the short service life
of car batteries through more eƯcient use of
available energy came about roughly 75 years
ago. Today we are placing more focus than ever
on environmentally friendly solutions.”

A passion for new technologies, intensive
research and revolutionary solutions has shaped
the Fronius brand since 1945. As a technology
leader, Fronius develops and implements
innovative methods to monitor and control
energy for welding technology, photovoltaics and
battery charging. Believing that “the power of the
sun is for everyone”, Fronuis’ Solar Energy and
Perfect Charging products endeavour to provide
a reliable and comprehensive supply of energy,
24 hours a day.
Fronius has 37 subsidiaries on Ƭve continents
(including Australia), yet it is still the same ownermanaged company it has always been, combining
the values of a family business with the visions of
a global company.
Whether charging your electric car with
Fronius Wattpilot, heating your water with Fronius
Ohmpilot or generating solar power from the PV
system with high-tech inverters, Fronius oƪers
Australians all the tools they need to achieve
greater self-suƯciency and energy security. HD
fronius.com.au

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127

THE NEXT GENERATION
OF COOL
Blades of glory: an upgraded fan favourite

B
b

ig Ass Fans Australia is bringing in the
next generation of cool with its latest
product, Haiku Gen 4. This ceiling fan
contains the same iconic design and
unrivalled functionality of the Haiku, now with
an enhanced lighting system, designed to give
you refreshing breezes in a beautiful package of
style, eƯciency and durability.
Available in Ƭve Ƭnishes, the new Haiku
utilises natural materials with sleek bamboo and
aircraft-grade aluminium designs, backed by
either a Ƭve-year warranty for indoor models or
three-year warranty for outdoor models, so you
can love your Haiku for years to come.
Managing director of Big Ass Australia,
Shaun Brehaut, speaks to consumers’ need to

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have greater control over their comfort. “This
fan favourite has been upgraded with Haiku
owners’ most requested features, including
an even brighter temperature-shifting
LED downlight and more advanced control
options,” he says.
Whether you seek a warm, cosy ambience or
a lively, energising workspace, the new Haiku
ceiling fan puts the customer in complete
control. Haiku’s optional LED up or downlights
oƪer a range of colour temperatures and several
colour options, allowing you to Ƭne tune your
lighting to match your comfort preferences.
Available in 1.5m- and 2.1m-diameter
options with an energy-efficient DC motor,
the new Haiku accommodates sloped or high

ceilings with downrods for ceilings 2.7m to
4m tall. For low, flat ceilings between 2.4m to
3.4m, Haiku’s Low-Profile Mount is your go-to.
With more than two decades of innovation,
Big Ass Fans has helped homeowners around
the world experience reliable, whisper-quiet
airƮow. The company’s energy-eƯcient
residential fans not only require less power to
operate, they also make people feel up to six
degrees cooler in the summer and eƪectively
circulate heated air in the winter.
Pricing starts at $1750 for a Haiku
Generation 4. Contact Big Ass Fans on
1300 277 244 and experience how much
better life feels underneath the reimagined
Haiku. HD bigassfans.com/au

sponsored product

129

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Following You to the Ocean Floor,
by Rebecca Koerting

ART SCA P E
Add the ultimate personal touch to
your interiors with unique works of art
Edited by Carrol Baker

130

home design

Discover Art You’ll Love

WENDY PETERS
‘CORAL CHARM’, OIL ON CANVAS, 95 X 101CM

ARTLOVERSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
P 1800 278 568 | E help@artloversaustralia.com.au

ONLINE | MELBOURNE GALLERY

Visit Wendy Peters’ Shop

CREATIVE
SELECTION
Artists in the round

1

MIN-WOO BANG
2/ Born in Seoul, Australian
landscape painter Min-Woo
attended the South Korean
National Art School before
immigrating to NSW, studying at
TAFE and then the Sydney College
of the Arts, where he graduated
with honours in 1999. ReƮecting
Ƭnely tuned technical skills as well
as an in-depth cerebral exploration,
Min-Woo’s hauntingly beatiƬc
compositions are reminiscent of
both Eastern and Western painterly
aesthetics. Utilising a delicately
balanced palette, the artist
poetically renders the surface of
his canvas to much critical acclaim.
manyunggallery.com.au

My Golden Fish, gold pigment and
mixed media, 152cm x 122cm

YOSI MESSIAH

1/ Born in Israel, Yosi Messiah
moved to Sydney in 1987.
He immediately fell in love with
it and decided that’s where he
wanted to live. Yosi started making
jewellery and selling it in markets
around Sydney and eventually
opened a successful jewellery shop.
He always found art very
intriguing, so in 1996 he decided
to become a painter. To achieve
this, he went to study art with the
renowned painter Charlie Shead
and followed this by studying
life drawing at the Julian Ashton
Art School in Sydney. He’s had
numerous solo exhibitions with
various galleries in Sydney,
Melbourne and on the Gold
Coast, as well as overseas.
yosimessiah.com
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home design

Ebony and Ecru, oil, 78cm x 103cm

Colossal II, oil on linen, 152 x 152cm

2

3

Those Bright Happy Days, oil, and acrylic
on Ƭne Belgian linen, 120cm x 90cm

ROBBI NEAL
4/ Robbi’s studio is in the garden; Ʈowers
and plants thrive there she says, despite her
neglect. It’s a special place where the children
laugh and play, the Ʈowers sing, and friends
drink tea or gin and eat cheese and yarn.
Painting has always equalled life for Robbi and
if she doesn’t do it, she says it feels like her soul
shrivels.{She had many years of not being able to
paint and yearned for it each day. Robbi’s paintings
are a carefully constructed rambling journey of
line and colour. In Those Bright Happy Days, from
the You make Your Own Happiness Collection, Robbi
remembers when the Ʈowers shone like coloured
lights in our hearts. Those days make her smile.
artloversaustralia.com.au/artist/robbie-neal/

ELLIE SUTTON
3/ This contemporary abstract artist
is based in the NSW Blue Mountains.
Her career as an artist started
unexpectedly after she was struck
down with a debilitating and lifechanging chronic illness. She says her
illness, while incredibly challenging,
was a gift, proof of the duality of life
as without it, she never would have
found her true calling. Ellie’s work is
characterised by lines that come alive
with movement; they serve as a visual
representation of the Ʈuidity of life
and our shared human experience.
Ellie recently won both the 2023
Bluethumb Art Prize Abstract
Category and the Overall Award for
her artwork Serpents Coil.
bluethumb.com.au/ellie-sutton

4

CLAIRE FIRLEY
6/ This artist is making waves in the creative world. As a second-generation
talent, Claire artfully blends classic mediums, including photography, with
cutting-edge digital artistry. She specialises in crafting unique limited-edition
Ƭne artworks that exude timeless elegance and ignite boundless imagination.
Claire’s artistic journey began surrounded by her father’s artistic legacy,
but she has carved her own path into the digital realm, seamlessly merging
traditional techniques with modern tools. Her work has been exhibited in
numerous prestigious international locations and was recently curated by Art
Lovers Australia and Saatchi Arts. Claire engages in collaborative endeavours,
empowering clients to co-create and manifest deeply personal, one-of-akind artworks tailored for their reƬned spaces. claireƬrley.com

7

creative selection

5/ James is fascinated with Australia’s
eastern seaboard and its iconic architectural
beauty. This springs from his teenage years
living in Sydney’s north, where he was an
avid surfer, and later extensively travelled
the east coast in rock and roll bands. The
Art Deco bathing pavilions, surf clubs and
ocean baths of Australia’s east coast have
been a constant motif and preoccupation
in his work.
He aims to not only capture something
about the Australian experience of
“landscape” — how we impose ourselves
upon it, how we exist in it — but to also
explore how our intense antipodean light
illuminates and dominates that whole
experience. Above all, his art is a celebration
of our unique Australian landscape and his
response to it. jameswillebrant.com

artscape

5

JAMES WILLEBRANT

Almost the Edge of the Ocean,
acrylic on canvas, 111cm x 111cm

A Sense of Space,
oil, 61cm x 61cm

Coral Symphony, digital

6

LUCINDA LEVEILLE
7/ Not many of us enter the world with clearly deƬned goals
and aspirations. From day one, Lucinda Leveille wanted to be an
artist. Her unabashed passion for representing her world through
art found her attending the National Art School at the early
age of 15. As a young adult, destructive criticism from a gallery
shattered her conƬdence and following this, she refused to pick
up a brush for more than a decade. But like many artists, her
desire and hunger to create couldn’t be suppressed forever. The
Queensland-based artist’s work is truly captivating. Her resilience
and ability to capture dramatic clouds and solitary moments
using vibrant colours indicate a profound talent, connection,
and love for her world. bluethumb.com.au/lucinda-leveille

home design

133

REBECCA KOERTING
Colour me happy should be this artist’s mantra
as her artwork is both inspired and uplifting
Words Carrol Baker

W

ith a passion to create,
and as an art director of a
lifestyle and home interiors
magazine, Rebecca’s early
career was in graphic design
and interiors. “This accentuated my love of
colour, how colour made me feel and how it can
be used in rooms to evoke diƪerent emotions,”
she enthuses.
Swapping magazine deadlines for a newfound
freedom to explore the creation of her own art
has been a life-changing decision for Rebecca.
This successful mum of three launched her art
business in 2021 listing work online, showcasing
her work at galleries and art fairs, and building her
brand on Instagram.

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With her girls now in school, she has more
time to indulge her artistic pursuits. Rebecca
enjoys working with acrylics and oil pastels,
creating large-format canvases, sometimes
stretching to Ƭll two canvases in a diptych. Her
striking bold abstract works are becoming highly
sought after as she continues to build a strong
following as an abstract artist.
Rebecca says the connection between her
creations and the emotions they evoke in others is
what fuels her passion. “Seeing the way my clients
feel when they fall in love with one of my paintings
is worth every second of the hard work,” she notes.
Her most popular pieces are large abstracts, her
Chasing Daydreams collection. “Each diptych tells a
unique story, inviting the audience to explore the

colours as they come to life and form a narrative
in their mind,” she reveals.
Rebecca says her signature brushstrokes
create a deeply immersive experience for
abstract lovers. “It’s the dynamic energy and the
endless possibilities within these large abstract
works that make them stand out and connect
with people,” she muses.
She is inspired by nature and oceans,
particularly the many layers and intricacies
that exist within their depths. “My abstract
artworks capture the energy and form of the
hidden Australian coral reefs,” she enthuses.
“The organic and free-Ʈowing shapes and
colour combinations work together to build a
captivating abstraction of an immersed world.”

artscape
artist profile

Living Life Diptych

Stormy Seas Bring Me To You

As an artist, Rebecca wants to continue to grow
her following, to build her brand across Australia
and beyond our shores.
Rebecca’s deeply personal philosophy on
both art and life entwine the two. “To me, art
is a reƮection of life, an exploration of human
experiences, emotions and perspectives,” she
says. Rebecca’s artworks are available at Art
Lovers Australia. HD artloversaustralia.com.au

Hot Summer

home design

135

With You VII, InSitu

STACEY
MRMACOVSKI

With a heartfelt desire to paint coursing through her veins, this artist quit her
day job a decade ago and now her work is showcased all over the world
Words Carrol Baker

S

tacey comes from an artistic family;
both her father and nan were artists.
One of her earliest memories was
climbing up to the top shelf in the
cupboard to get into her father’s oil
paint, then crawling back and painting her cot.
“I drove my parents wild with new designs on my
walls and furniture,” she says.
From an early age, Stacey’s nan encouraged
her to explore her love of art. “She trained me
in oil paints and water colour from the age of
six, and by the time I was a teenager, I was a
conƬdent painter,” explains Stacey. But as for
many of us, life got in the way of her artistic
dreams. After her son was born, Stacey entered
a painting of him in an art show. “I wanted to
know I could look back and say I tried,” she says.

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It was accepted and from then on, commissions
started trickling in. A year later, she quit her job
and became a full-time artist. “I never thought it
would be possible, but I think if your heart truly
wants something, it will Ƭnd a way,” she reƮects.
Stacey says at first it was a struggle to
develop a following. During this early stage
of her career, Manyung Gallery saw her work.
“They offered me my first group show and our
relationship has gone from strength to strength
to this day,” she enthuses.
Her art sits Ʈuidly between expressionism
and impressionism. Her preferred medium is
oil. “I absolutely love working with it as I think
it provides a rawness and honesty like no other
medium,” she explains.
In homewares and furniture, Stacey loves

pieces with soul, or something with a story.
She bought an older home with her husband
and instead of tossing out the old, she chose to
embrace it. “I kept many of the original Ƭxtures —
aged brass and heritage green trimmings which
I adore,” she says. “My favourite furniture piece
at home is a mid-century chair my husband and
I found at The Big Green Shed in Hamilton years
ago. We were laughing trying to get it on the roof
rack and it brings back happy memories, so it
holds a special place in my heart.”
In her work Stacey loves capturing her
inspiration and sharing it with others. “Painting
fuels something in me I can’t describe and
when someone creates a connection to the
work, I always Ƭnd it magical,” she says. HD
manyunggallery.com.au

artscape
artist profile
Always Felt Like Home

With You III, InSitu
Between Places To Be VII

home design

137

artscape
artist profile
Awash, InSitu

PETRA MEIKLE
DE VLAS

Describing her artwork as a fusion between interior
design and subconscious creation, this well-known
artist creates works that continue to enchant

Words Carrol Baker

W

hat do a spray bottle,
hairdryer, blow torch,
and a pair of hands have
in common? These are
just some of the tools
of trade belonging to renowned artist Petra
Meikle de Vlas to create her work. This talented
artist embraces her love of learning about art,
working with mixed media, acrylic and resin.
Petra says creating art is a desire she was
born with. “For as long as I can remember
there has always been an artist within,” she
says. “From a very young age I always thought
to chase the dream, to turn my passion into
a career.”
This self-taught artist has had her work
featured on The Block and across other media

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platforms. She’s well known and respected in
the industry, but is quick to point out that her
journey has not been easy. “Through years of
hard work, experimentation, perseverance and
a truck-load of failures, I have evolved{into
where I am today,” she muses.
Petra learned about business through her
parents’ gallery-cafe and says as a young adult,
she travelled for many years, absorbing culture
and natural environments. Petra returned to
the hospitality industry on her arrival home to
Australia in her late 20s. It wasn’t until years
later that she began carving out her niche in
the art world as a serious artist. “When my
children started school, I decided the timing
was right to pursue my art career on
a professional level,” she shares.

Petra’s eƪervescent work can both soothe and
excite. She describes her art as colours of Ʈowing
ocean-like formations that evoke peacefulness,
tranquillity and calm. “The expansiveness of
the ocean demonstrates that we are part of
something very unique and special, with limitless
possibilities{and hope,” she enthuses. Among
her favourite works are Coastal Symphony, with
its deep and vibrant blues, and also Shoreline
Whispers. “This has a feeling of shallow shore
water tranquillity,” she says.
This artist describes herself as tenacious,
social and inspired. She lives and breathes her
work — it brings her joy and contentment. “It
gets me out of bed very early every morning. Art
represents the beauty of life — it’s my purpose
in life,” she says. HD artloversaustralia.com.au

artscape
artist profile

Ocean Wash

Waters Edge

Shoreline Whispers

home design

139

NO RENOVATION IS COMPLETE

Art, creatively transforming spaces

UNTIL THE ART IS UP
BEFORE ARTWORK

Important artwork
considerations:
• Adopt a carefully considered lighting
approach to achieve optimal focus on
each wall you plan to display paintings.
Consider using recessed, tiltable gimblestyle lights, track lights or well sited
downlights…there are countless options
available.
• What artwork, paintings or sculptures
will complement your reno?
AFTER ARTWORK

• Consider re-using some of your old,
long-held favourite art pieces, perhaps
updating and contemporising them with
a reframe.
• Create interest with a ‘feature wall’
painted in a special highlight colour. This
works particularly well when dealing with
a larger painting or wall hanging and
provides a great way to make a strong
visual statement as visitors come in your
front door or gather near the family area.
• Check out a local art gallery to glean
inspiration on style, tone and subject that
will enhance your reno, room by room.

AFTER ARTWORK

• Galleries like Manyung Gallery will
superimpose images of paintings you
think might work for your selected walls...
just send an image to them and you will
be surprised with the result and enjoy the
process.
• On starting the planning process,
ensure you set aside a portion of the
budget for artwork. Many renos run over
budget, and the last 5% set aside for
artwork gets lost, resulting in a Ƃnal result
that is bland – deƂned by empty walls
and underdone impact zones.
• Adding art is simply ‘putting the icing
on your Reno cake!

www.manyunggallery.com.au
david@manyunggallery.com.au | 0412 770 055

F EAT URES
144
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home design

Made by Pen Sway Lamp In Situ

AUTUMN AND WINTER DECORATING

25

YEARS

AUSTRALIA’S MOST
CELEBRATED FIREPLACES

10 YEARS WARRANTY

Add a touch of elegant French flavour to your home this winter

Single, double and triple sided models available.
Chazelles Fireplaces feature the unique dual opening door system for lateral and vertical door openings.
Enjoy the warmth and glow of an open fire by sliding the glass door up and out of view or slide the glass
door down and the unit will revert immediately to the efficiency and safety of a slow combustion wood fire.
Call or visit our website to find the dealer nearest you:
Head Office & Showroom: Unit 11, 595 Princes Highway, Tempe NSW 2044 Tel: 02 9550 6290

www.chazellesfireplaces.com.au

144

home design

feature decorating for autumn & winter

A TOUCH OF FROST
If Jack Frost is nipping at your toes, it’s
time to turn up the heat. With the latest in
cosy winter décor and heating options,
you’ll be as warm as toast
Words Carrol Baker

Image courtesy of Chazelles Fireplaces.
chazellesƬreplaces.com.au

home design

145

Image courtesy of Sculpt Fireplaces.
sculptƬreplaces.com.au

Image courtesy of Danish Red.
danishred.com.au

W

inter in most of Australia
is a far cry from that
experienced in the northern
hemisphere. We don’t
share those mind-numbing plummeting
temperatures and snow falls, but the days
and evenings can be chilly. As temperatures
start to fall and the days grow shorter, there
is lots you can do to not only stay snug, but
to also create a cosy ambience in your home.
WINTER WARMERS
With a wide range of contemporary heating
options on oƪer, we’ve come a long way
from basic electric and gas heaters and
smoke-Ƭlled Ƭreplaces. Wood burners
oƪer time-honoured ambience, they burn
cleaner and greener, and are a deƬnite crowd
pleaser when temperatures fall. Modern
wood burners are designed by engineers
and craftspeople to oƪer an eƯcient and
eƪective way to warm spaces and people.
Love the ambience of a wood burner but
prefer gas? Many gas Ƭreplaces emulate the
look of burning logs. Some have other special
eƪects and they’re all powered by gas. Gas is
low maintenance, safe for kids and pets, and
can be installed in any room in the house.

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home design

You can also turn up the heat with your
split-system air conditioner. Some models
have Wi-Fi connectivity and air puriƬcation
technology. With an air conditioner you
can keep your cool in summer and stay
snug in winter.
LET’S TALK HEATING, VENTILATION
AND AIR CONDITIONING ( HVAC )
SYSTEMS
The term HVAC describes a universal and
complete home comfort system that ticks
all the boxes, as it not only heats your home,
it cools it too and it can improve indoor air
quality. Leigh Risbey from Unico says HVAC
systems regulate indoor temperatures by
re-circulating the air in the occupied space.
“It then passes over a heat exchanger for
the desired heating or cooling eƪect,”
he explains. Air movement often leads
to draughts or uneven temperature
distribution, emphasising the importance
of choosing the appropriate system.
“The emergence of Small Duct High Velocity
(SDHV) modular centrally ducted systems
addresses installation barriers, ensuring even
heat distribution, noise-free operation, air
Ƭltration and sanitisation to improve indoor air

feature decorating for autumn & winter

chazellesƬreplaces.com.au

Image courtesy of The Unico System.
unicosystem.com

home design

147

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home design

quality, all with seamless integration into the
environment’s decor,” adds Leigh.
“When looking at HVAC options, consider
your speciƬc needs and preferences to
optimise comfort and performance in your
environment,” he concludes.
COOL AND COSY
Get ready for winter by adding colour,
texture and warmth to your living spaces.
If you want to introduce some winter
heat, Julie Godfrey from Mont Claire
Interiors says now is a good time to start.
“As the days grow shorter and the leaves
start dropping to the ground, it’s time to
introduce some warm hygge vibes to your
home,” she suggests.
Before you rush out and purchase a
stack of new décor, take heed. Sometimes
all that’s needed is a simple tweak here and
there. Julie says small, thoughtful touches
can make a big visual impact. “Simple
changes such as replacing lightweight
bright-coloured summer cushions
with those that are heavier, textured
and oversized instantly adds cosiness,
especially if you choose materials such
as velvet, wool or faux fur.”
Our senses play a huge part in how
we perceive our interior spaces. Visually,
winter tones and textures evoke feelings of
warmth. Julie says choosing candles with
aromas that remind you of winter works
wonders for your senses. “Replacing light
scents such as vanilla, citrus or summer
breeze with scents such as cinnamon,
spiced pear or oud instantly transports you
to that snuggle spot,” she shares.
As for what’s new in colours and textures
as we head into the cooler months of 2024,
Julie says we’re set to embrace the warmth
of earthy colours and a nature-inspired
palette. “We’ve been catching up on lost
time over the past year, with travel now
being an option since COVID stopped us in
our tracks. We can now bring the colours
of our travels with us as a souvenir of our
ability to explore the world,” she explains.
“We’re mixing and matching shades and
tones to create depth and personality.
Colours such as olive greens, terracotta
pinks, sky blues and soft apricots forge
through to tell our individual stories.”
To introduce a warm winter vibe, Julie
has three top tips: “Introduce rich, warm
colours such as deep reds, earthy browns
or forest greens and consider adding
accent pillows, throws or rugs in these
tones to create a cosy ambience.”
As the days begin to shorten, you’ll Ƭnd
you are turning on lights earlier in the day

home design

feature decorating for autumn & winter

sculptƬreplaces.com.au

149

feature decorating for autumn & winter

danishred.com.au

danishred.com.au

to add a cosy feel. Julie says using soft lighting
is an ideal way to create a warm and inviting
atmosphere. “Use table lamps, Ʈoor lamps or
string lights to provide ambient lighting, and most
certainly have at least one candle Ʈickering in the
background,” she suggests.
Snuggle into winter with warm winter layers
and swap out your bedlinen for warmer sheets
and quilt covers. Layer rugs with warmer winter
tones and add dried Ʈowers and leaves with
autumn colours.
THE WARMTH OF FINE FURNITURE THE
DANISH WAY
With time-honoured quality furniture there are
some simple ways to inject cosiness into your
decor. Drawing on classic European culture,
Danish furniture oƪers warmth, quality and
craftsmanship. Janine Vasta from Danish Red
says Danish homes often contain a collection of
furniture and decor built up over generations.
“Beautiful furniture that can be used to display
the family’s favourite things — books, heirlooms,
photos, mementos of all sorts, as well as provide
practical storage and even space for working
from home is getting attention,” she explains.

150

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Image courtesy of French Bedroom.
frenchbedroom.co.uk

Wood | Gas | Electric | Custom Fireplaces

Lopi
Ph. 1800 064 234
Visit lopi.com.au

British Fires
Ph. 1800 271 040
Visit EULWLVKųUHVFRPDX

Image courtesy of Made by Pen.
madebypen.com

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home design

“It’s a perfect way to bring instant warmth and
character to a room. Display furniture can also
be restyled to suit the mood and the seasons.”
Janine says Danish homes also highlight how
good lighting can lift the mood and create
calm and sanctuary, especially in winter. “Table
lamps, Ʈoor lamps and pendant lamps used to
zone and sculpt spaces create pockets of light
and a warm welcome,” she notes.
ART TO WARM YOUR HEART
As the weather cools, you can swap out some
light and bright artwork for warmer winter hues.
While appreciation of a particular piece of art is
always a personal experience, David WemyssSmith from Manyung Gallery Group says art
can impact on the visual. “Creating the right
mood for a home is very much inƮuenced by the

Image courtesy of Wattyl.
wattyl.com.au

artworks selected to complement the tone of
spaces,” he comments.
Art can create a delightful and inspired
aesthetic to your home — and plenty of
warmth to keep you snug. When you are
selecting artworks, there are decisions to be
made regarding the size of the works. Do you
choose one large piece or several smaller ones?
David says there can never be a deƬnitive
answer to this dilemma.
“The lateral and vertical space available
is a key determinant, as well as visual
impediments in the zone,” he notes. These
can include things such as large televisions,
switches and keypads. David adds that diptych
(two) and triptych (three) part paintings or
works from a series installed closely can be
very eƪective. “But so can a singular large one.

Personal choice will always prevail,” he notes.
If you have a favourite hero piece of art,
that’s another story. David says its placement
should be where you, your family and visitors
will have maximum exposure to it. “Some of
your reverence for that piece might rub oƪ,”
he enthuses.
If it’s an “impact piece”, however, David
suggests that could be placed on a wall
near the front door or foyer area, or near the
family room and kitchen where family and
visitors tend to congregate. “The usual third
spot is the master bedroom, often used for
particularly personal artworks,” he says.
With a combination of art, furniture,
accessories, lighting and layering, you can
create beautiful winter spaces that are warm
and inviting. HD

feature decorating for autumn & winter

unicosystem.com

wattyl.com.au

home design

153

RADIANT HEAT
A better way to heat your home

Herschel is changing the way we heat our homes

H
b

erschel Infrared heats your home the
same way the sun heats the earth. It
uses far infrared (FIR) energy to warm
up the fabric of the building and all the
things inside it, including you. This turns the very
surfaces of your home into part of your radiant
heating solution, delivering a consistently warm
and comfortable environment.
Unlike convection heat, which warms the air
and moves it around the house, radiant heat
travels through the air and is absorbed by objects
and the room materials itself. Once the objects
and room have been heated enough, they radiate
the heat and your whole room becomes part of
the heating system.
Heating the air using convection methods
is an ineƯcient solution because air cannot
hold much heat. This is why a cool draught can
lower the temperature of your room quickly, or

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why warmth evaporates almost immediately
when you switch oƪ the heater or heat pump.
Convection requires that warm air continually
be created to maintain a given temperature so
it consumes more energy.
To heat the entire volume of air, convection
requires continual heating in order to maintain
ideal conditions, which consumes more energy
than radiant alternatives. Plus, as convection heat
rises, most of the energy you are creating sits over
your head where you can’t feel it. The heat that
does reach you gets chilled by your windows or
absorbed into the cold surfaces of the room. This
does not create an ideal environment for heating
a person. If you’ve ever been in a room with a
convection heater on and the air seems warm
but your feet are cold, this is why.
Radiant heat, on the other hand, is ideal for
heating people as we are radiant ourselves.

We absorb radiant heat
into our bodies far better
than when hot air is blown
around us. Once the
environment has reached
our selected temperature,
it is surprisingly easy to
maintain a comfortable, warm
environment without losing
heat unnecessarily or being
forced to run your heater
continually. Have you ever sat
in front of a Ƭre and marvelled
at the way it heats you all the
way through? This feeling is
radiant heat at work. Herschel
far infrared heaters achieve
this result with consistency,
accuracy and minimal eƪort

sponsored product
from you, making it the best electric heating
solution available.
When installed and operated correctly,
Herschel Infrared heaters can be more cost
eƪective over a 24-hour period than a heat
pump. Once your home is up to temperature,
it radiates that heat back out slowly. Used in
conjunction with a thermostat, the heaters
will heat the environment, then switch oƪ and
let your home radiate that warmth back, only
coming back on to recharge it again.
Home heating is estimated at being as much
as 40 per cent of the peak load to the power
network, occurring in the evenings when we all
get home from work and turn our heaters on.
With Herschel Infrared, this load gets spread
evenly throughout the day, warming your home
during daylight hours and releasing that warmth
into the night.
As well as the multitude of functional and
cost-saving features, Herschel heaters also look
great. A discreet slimline panel can be mounted
to the ceiling or wall. Available in a range of styles,
from white metal to black or white glass and
even mirrors, there is a Herschel heater for every
home. For high ceilings, Herschel oƪers a hanging
pendant version, while an outdoor heater allows
you to enjoy the feeling of the sun on the patio
long after it has set.
To experience the Herschel diƪerence for
yourself, contact the team for an obligation-free
quote. If you are building or renovating, they
can work oƪ your plans and have a nationwide
network of trained resellers and installers who
can deliver the beautifully warm home you
desire, without all the hot air. HD
herschel-infrared.com.au

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155

sponsored product

INTRODUCING
THE UNICO SYSTEM

S

Superior HVAC technology now available in Australia

mall-duct, high-velocity (SDHV) central
heating and cooling, enjoyed in the United
States and Europe for decades, has Ƭnally
arrived in Australia. The Unico System,
the world’s leading manufacturer of this innovative
approach to indoor comfort, is making inroads
with HVAC distributors, technicians and discerning
Aussie homeowners.
As the name indicates, SDHV systems use
much smaller ducts, greatly simplifying the
installation process for centralised heating and
cooling. The small size and Ʈexibility of the supply
ducts allows them to weave through wall cavities
and Ʈoor joists, which would be impossible for
a standard-sized system. With this simpliƬed
installation, there’s no need to build out big bulky
soƯts to hide large traditional ductwork.

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Air is conditioned by compact, modular airhandling equipment. Cold or hot air can be
achieved with either refrigerant or water coils.
Lastly, rather than rectangular registers, the
conditioned air is delivered through small round
(50mm inside diameter) or slotted (178mm x
12.7mm) outlets that come in various colours,
metal Ƭnishes and timber species. Outlets can
be installed in Ʈoors, walls or ceilings, and can be
painted, stained or wallpapered to blend into the
rooms’ decor.
While the innovative nature of The Unico
System’s design makes it quick and easy for
technicians to install, it also oƪers several
beneƬts to homeowners, including:
x Better comfort with draught-free, even
temperatures from Ʈoor to ceiling

x Quiet operation — equal to a human whisper
x More humidity removal in cooling
mode, meaning occupants can feel just as
comfortable at higher thermostat settings
x Less than 10 per cent thermal transference of
conditioned air and virtually 0 per cent duct
leakage, resulting in energy savings versus
conventional systems
x Better aesthetics, with no need for expensive
bulwark and soƯt buildouts.
Homeowners and HVAC technicians interested
in learning more about The Unico System are
encouraged to visit the Unico website, or contact
the Australian representative Leigh Risbey for
more information and design assistance on
0409 364 856 or via email at leigh@unicosystem.
com. HD unicosystem.com

Photography by Xxxx

WINDOW SHOPPING

Create a forever home that adapts to your changing needs and
allows you to age in place with Paarhammer windows

T

his time of year brings beautiful autumn
colours to the garden, and the cooler
air means we are starting to spend
more time indoors. We crave warmth,
maybe an open fire and a good book to relax
with. The ultimate surrounding is a home you are
comfortable in, possibly even your forever home.
What constitutes a “forever home”? For many,
it is a family home where memories are made,
where one stays for a long time — a house
where children are raised and where you can

158

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later spend your retirement. A forever home can
handle any changes life throws at it. Important
considerations include location and Ʈexibility
to ensure the home can adapt to your changing
requirements. It should also provide an emotional
attachment, a sense of belonging and comfort.
Decisions for a forever home are made with
longevity in mind. Often, owners want to stay in
the neighbourhood and renovate by increasing
or changing spaces, and to bring the home up to
date using high-quality and timeless Ƭnishes.

Whether building a new forever home or
renovating the one you already live in, there are
a number of crucial considerations. High on
this list is natural light and energy eƯciency.
It is important your home maintains an even
temperature and is free from draughts. To
achieve this, windows and doors are the perfect
starting point.
High-performance Paarhammer double- or
triple-glazed windows eliminate draughts as they
seal incredibly well. They also save up to 80 per

sponsored product

Image courtesy of Casey Brown Architecture

cent on energy costs for heating and cooling. And
with Ƭve custom-made ranges available, they suit
any style of building, modern or heritage, or even
homes in high bushƬre areas.
“We moved to Australia in 1990 and wanted
to build our forever house,” says business
development manager Edith Paarhammer.
“We could not Ƭnd windows we grew up with
in Austria, so we started making them.” Since
then, Paarhammer has grown from strength to
strength, manufacturing in regional Victoria
and delivering its products Australia-wide.
Paarhammer windows and doors have become
an integral part of countless forever homes and
many award-winning projects, as well as being
featured in Grand Designs Australia.
Edith and her family’s forever home has
changed over the years to incorporate a growing
family and changes in lifestyle. Paarhammer’s
penchant for innovation has been incorporated
and tested in their own home. Examples include
certiƬed Passive House timber-framed windows
to ensure the highest level of energy eƯciency.
Thanks to the draught-proof nature of these
Passive House windows, they provide an even
room temperature with no large Ʈuctuations
between day and night, or between the seasons.
For low-maintenance windows and doors, you
can’t go past Paarhammer’s composite Wood-Alu
products, which feature the warmth and energy
eƯciency of timber on the inside and aluminium
on the outside. Glass has also come a long way in
recent years. Double or triple glazing with low-E
is used to attain superior energy eƯciency and
comfort, while special glazing for extra sound
protection is also available.
A comfortable house is conducive to
restfulness and encourages serenity, wellbeing
and physical ease. Providing such a position of
contentment and security is what a forever home
is all about and Paarhammer windows can make
it happen. HD paarhammer.com.au

home design

159

TAKE THE FLOOR
Understanding the hype surrounding hybrid Ǽooring

A

s the fastest growing Ʈooring category
in Australia, there are now a variety
of options available to those savvy
Australian homeowners who are
choosing hybrid Ʈooring for their home. Flooring
Online oƪers Ƭve distinct hybrid ranges to meet
the functional, stylistic and budgeting needs of
any new home or renovation.
Flooring Online’s Hybrid ranges are all 100
per cent waterproof and highly scratch resistant,
meaning there’s no need to sweat over the paws,
spills or any of life’s little mishaps. However, with
so many options available it helps to understand
a little bit about these incredible Ʈooring ranges,
and which one suits your needs.

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AQUA-TUF

ATLANTIS WIDEBOARD PLUS

Flooring Online’s Aqua-Tuf hybrid flooring
range is the culmination of functionality
and beauty in flooring. Both waterproof and
highly scratch resistant, these boards were
designed with the busy Australian household
in mind. Featuring a timber-textured, extra
matte finished, protective face layer, AquaTuf is available in a range of contemporary
timber decors that mimic the natural grains
and patterns of European oak and Australian
native timber species. The result is the most
realistic timber-look board on the market. And
with a pre-attached underlay and 2G Drop Lock
locking system, DIY installation is a breeze.

Flooring Online is thrilled to introduce the latest
addition to the Hybrid range, the 7mm Atlantis
Wideboard Plus. This innovative hybrid product
features a groundbreaking ABA structure, featuring
a Stone Polymer Composite core sandwiched
between two layers of PVC vinyl. This design delivers
the most stable hybrid board yet, oƪering enhanced
underfoot comfort, durability and dent resistance.
The Ƭrst of its kind in Australia, the ABA
construction process involves strategically
balancing layers of vinyl above and below the SPC
core. This results in superior dimensional stability
and performance, while also providing the soft
feel characteristic of PVC vinyl Ʈooring.

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These boards are perfect for those seeking an
additional element of luxury in their home. As
Flooring Online’s widest hybrid board to date,
these Ʈoors create an expansive aesthetic in the
home for an extra touch of opulence.
Atlantis is also available in a 6.5mm Wideboard
format as well as Flooring Online’s standard
5.5mm Atlantis, perfect for keeping within your
budget while maintaining unwavering resilience
in your Ʈooring.
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Ʈooring in a bold and luxurious pattern with
Flooring Online’s Hybrid Herringbone. This
Ʈoor is perfect for those who want a distinctive
look in their home without compromising on
performance. The herringbone pattern continues
to grow in popularity around Australia as
homeowners are drawn to its unique aesthetic.
Eƪective in hallways and entranceways,
herringbone Ʈooring creates a striking initial
impression of your residence, guiding visitors
through the space with its distinctive pattern.
With so many great hybrid Ʈooring options
available it can be hard to get your head around
where to start. Remember to order your three
free samples from Flooring Online to start your
Ʈooring journey. HD Ʈooringonline.com.au

home design

161

K I TC HENS & BATHROOMS

Remnant House by Moloney Architects.
Photography by Ben Hoskins.
moloneyarchitects.com.au

164
178
180
182

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FEATURE: KITCHEN RENO
FUNCTIONALITY & ELEGANCE COMBINED
SWANN STRONG
MID-CENTURY MEETS MODERN

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DESIGN
INNOVATION
If the thought of renovating your
kitchen is making your heart race
for all the wrong reasons,
take a deep breath and relax
Words Carrol Baker

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home design

feature kitchen renovations
Image courtesy of Caƪe Latte.
caƪelattehome.com

home design

165

feature kitchen renovaitons

Image courtesy of Smith & Sons Geelong.
smithandsons.com.au

Ib

t’s no secret that renovating your
kitchen, or any room in the house for
that matter, can be a challenge. We’d all
like a seamless process from beginning
to end to minimise the stress. While this
isn’t always possible, by arming yourself with
knowledge, getting the right team onboard,
and doing a little reconnaissance yourself, it
will be a smoother ride.

SOURCING THE RIGHT KITCHEN
DESIGNER AND BUILDER

Image courtesy of Her Hands.
her-hands.com.au

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home design

When you meet onsite with your kitchen
designer, they’ll measure up the area, look
at the overall space, and discuss some of the
best layouts to maximise Ʈow and storage.
They will also ask you about your lifestyle. Do
you anticipate entertaining in and around the
kitchen? Will the kids be using the kitchen
island bench to do their homework? They’ll
assess your lifestyle needs and factor that into
the design.
Then you’ll need to decide on a theme or
look that reƮects your style and the rest of
your home.

YOUR KITCHEN’S LIFESPAN
Renovating your kitchen is usually one of the
costliest rooms to renovate per square metre
as there are many components and materials
that make up the sum of all its parts. So what
is the lifespan of a kitchen? Glenn Adam,
operations manager at Smith and Sons, says
it can vary depending on several factors,
including the quality of materials used, the
level of maintenance, and changes in design
trends. “On average, a well-maintained
kitchen can last anywhere from 15 to 25
years,” he says.
Glenn points out that the kitchen is indeed
one of the most common areas of renovation.
“A modern kitchen makes all the diƪerence
to the overall impression of a property and a
newly renovated kitchen can add signiƬcant
value to the home,” he notes.

IDEAS AND INNOVATION
For a kitchen designer to deliver a project that
meets your needs, doing some groundwork
yourself is crucial. Steven Hedger, director
of Hedger Constructions, says it really is

Remnant House by Moloney Architects.
Photography by Ben Hoskins.
moloneyarchitects.com.au

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167

feature kitchen renovations
Old Healesville Road by Hedger
Constructions. Photography by
Paul West Photography.
hedgerconstructions.com.au

Remnant House by Moloney Architects.
Photography by Ben Hoskins.
moloneyarchitects.com.au

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Image courtesy of
Smith & Sons Castle Hill.
smithandsons.com.au

important to do your homework. “Preparation
is key to achieving the outcome you require
from your kitchen renovation,” he says. “The
homeowner should have a selection of images
of what they like, including design aspects they
would like incorporated and colour schemes
that suit their existing home.”
A good kitchen designer will ask the right
questions to help navigate you through the
process. However, what they don’t know is
how your current kitchen has fallen short of
your needs. Is the bench space insufficient
for food prep? Is there inadequate natural
light coming into the kitchen? Are storage
options too limited? Steven says evaluating
what doesn’t work in the current space
ensures the renovated area will address these
functionality concerns. “You may also have
ideas on material type for surfaces such
as splashbacks and benchtops,” he adds.
“Bringing all these ideas to the meeting helps
clarify the project vision.”

Steven says the Ƭrst onsite inspection
entails determining the best kitchen layout
to suit the homeowner and what they would
like to achieve. “We discuss how they utilise
their current space and how they want to
improve it from a functional, aesthetic and Ʈow
perspective,” he explains.
Once you’ve had a meeting, your kitchen
designer will compile your ideas and suggestions
and then you’ll be supplied with a rough price
guide. Once you accept this, the cabinet maker
will draw up the design.

FACTOR IN FUNCTIONALITY
While you might envision a stunning kitchen with
handsome benches and splashback, innovative
handles, and a mix of lighting to showcase the
space, a picture-perfect kitchen is far more than
just good looks. Functionality is key.
Steven says your kitchen needs to be userfriendly and functional, Ƭlled with practical
aspects. “Many clients’ lives revolve around

the kitchen area as a preparation zone and
dining spot, so creating a versatile space is
a wise decision,” he says. “Open benchtops
free of sinks and ovens help achieve Ʈexible
use of space, leaving it open for study, eating,
entertaining or simply preparation.”
Appliances that are used often should be
positioned so they are easily accessible, but that
doesn’t mean they need to take up valuable
bench space. “You may have blenders and
toasters that would be best stored behind a
cupboard or roller door,” he suggests. “Assessing
your appliance needs also allows identiƬcation
of power point positioning and lighting to be
considered early in the design stage to optimise
the outcome.”
There also needs to be a space close to
ovens and microwaves where you can place
hot dishes, bins need to be in close proximity to
food prep areas, and of course there should be
adequate counter-top space to slice, dice and
prepare meals.

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feature kitchen renovaitons

BUDGET KITCHEN RENOVATION

Image courtesy of
Smith & Sons Ballarat.
smithandsons.com.au

Image courtesy of
Smith & Sons Ballarat.
smithandsons.com.au

With a brand-new kitchen costing upwards from
around $25,000, it’s a considerable expense.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to a full kitchen
renovation, there are a few tips on how you can
add value in the short-term. Glenn suggests
giving your kitchen a facelift to add value to
your home. “It’s cost-eƪective, quick and easy if
you DIY, there’s minimal disruption, and you’ve
created a fast aesthetic improvement.”
Laminate or tile painting is relatively
inexpensive and can add a fresh new look.
Adding some Ʈoating shelving with a few potted
plants, some customised storage, a new light
Ƭtting to replace a dated one, and some stylish
bar stools can all improve the look and feel of
your kitchen space.
For a budget kitchen reno, Glenn suggests
replacing the benchtops, handles and the
cupboard doors with a new colour laminate to
give your kitchen a fresh look without breaking
the bank. He also suggests updating the sink
and tapware. “A tiled or glass splashback
can quickly uplift the look, plus it’s relatively
inexpensive,” he notes.
There are some sound reasons to do a budget
reno, but equally, if your kitchen is in need of
a big overhaul, there are good reasons why
you should keep saving until you can aƪord a
complete reno. Glenn says if there are structural
or functional issues with a kitchen such as
outdated plumbing, or there’s an ineƯcient
layout, small updates may only provide a
temporary cosmetic improvement. “While
small updates can enhance aesthetics, a full
renovation may add more value to your home
in the long run,” he advises.

NEW INNOVATIONS

Image courtesy of Meir.
meir.com.au

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Cutting-edge design is helping to create
beautiful kitchen and dining spaces in openplan living areas that can really steal the
show. Glenn says kitchen design is continually
evolving, with innovations aimed at enhancing
both functionality and aesthetics. “It may not
be that new, but my favourite is definitely the
butler’s pantry with the fridge hidden away,”
he says.
Glenn adds there are some other great new
smart innovations to consider, such as cooktops
with integrated rangehoods, smart refrigerators
with touchscreens, and ovens with Wi-Fi
connectivity and voice-activated assistants for
hands-free control.
But that’s not all. LED strip-lights for undercabinets, shelving and kickboards are also
taking things up a notch. “These can also spruik
adjustable colour temperatures for customisable
ambience,” he says.
Glenn adds that other innovations include
matt-finish cabinets, appliances, and fixtures to

Anglesea House by Hedger Constructions.
Photography by Paul West Photography.
hedgerconstructions.com.au

reduce reflections and fingerprints. Touchless
faucets, voice-activated controls, and faucets
with built-in water filtration systems are all
cutting-edge additions to modern kitchens.

Image courtesy of Satara.
satara.com.au

DON’T FORGET ABOUT …
Sometimes it’s the seemingly little things
with a kitchen renovation that can improve
functionality and aesthetics: Making sure there’s
adequate cupboard space for brooms and
dustpans so they aren’t tucked beside the fridge.
Hidden power points that keep phones and
chargers oƪ the bench. A pull-out bin system to
help teach kids about recycling, and which holds
you accountable, too.
You’ve probably put a lot of consideration into
task lighting but in a beautiful kitchen, lighting
that has aesthetic appeal is also important.
Make sure you have planned for suƯcient
cupboard lighting so you can see what’s inside.
Factor in a drawer or place oƪ the kitchen bench
that is for miscellaneous items such as spare
keys and batteries. HD

home design

171

EXQUISITE
EDWARDIAN
MAKEOVER
Showcasing a harmonious balance of style,
functionality and environmental responsibility,
this Ascot Vale renovation is deserving of
recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship
and thoughtful design approach
Photography Alecky Photography

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B

etter Building & Construction has
done it again with this expertly
restored Edwardian home. Within
the old Edwardian bones of the
home stood an outdated timber kitchen and
bathrooms to match. Desperate for a modern
makeover, the owners were keen to retain the
charm and character of the original dwelling.
They also emphasised the importance of
creating functional spaces for their family
and their beloved dog.
FulƬlling its clients’ wishes saw Better
Building & Construction renovate the kitchen,
butler’s pantry, laundry, ensuite, main
bathroom, powder room, outdoor pergola
and decking area.
In designing this project, one of the primary
considerations was to preserve the inherent
charm of the Edwardian architecture while
infusing modern functionality. This meant
delicately balancing traditional elements

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kitchens & bathrooms
with contemporary conveniences. A major
obstacle was optimising space in a manner that
respected the original layout while meeting the
clients’ desire for a more open and spacious
feel. Strategic layout adjustments and clever
storage solutions were the answer, ensuring
every centimetre of space was utilised eƯciently
without compromising the home’s character.
Inspiration for the design stemmed from a
deep appreciation for the timeless elegance
of Edwardian architecture coupled with
a passion for modern living. The home’s
original features, such as the ornate detailing
and generous proportions, informed the
direction of the renovation. This, coupled
with the incorporation of contemporary
design principles that emphasise clean lines,
minimalism and functionality, resulted in a
harmonious fusion of old and new, where
classic elements are seamlessly integrated with
modern amenities to create a space that feels
both timeless and fresh.
The selection of colours and materials was
meticulously curated to evoke a sense of
modern elegance and functionality tailored

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kitchens & bathrooms

to the clients’ lifestyle. The introduction of a
new kitchen cafe-style window serves not only
as a practical feature for seamless indooroutdoor living, but also as a focal point that
invites natural light into the space, creating
an airy and inviting atmosphere. The choice of
Smartstone Amani Glassico polished refined
grey benchtops, extending seamlessly from
the kitchen to the pergola area under the cafe
window, adds a touch of sophistication and
continuity, tying the indoor and outdoor
spaces together effortlessly.
The combination of high-end Miele
appliances and a Liebherr integrated fridge
and freezer ensures superior functionality
and exudes a sense of luxury and refinement.
Schock sinks and Franke matt-black tapware
add a contemporary edge while maintaining
a cohesive colour palette. By strategically
positioning large windows and sliding doors
in and around the kitchen area, the design
blurs the boundaries between inside and out,
allowing light to flood the space and providing
uninterrupted views of the backyard. This
successfully enhances the sense of space and

encourages a connection with nature, making
the kitchen feel like the heart of the home
where family and friends can gather.
For the doors, the selection of a 570 door
in stone blue complements the overall colour
scheme, adding a subtle pop of colour and
visual interest. Plain doors for the pantry and
laundry in blue stone further enhance the
united design language, creating a sense of
harmony throughout the home.
In the bathrooms, Brodware Manhattan
wall-set tapware, Kohler Mica square basins
and Brodware City Plus shower fixtures provide
a sense of sophistication and luxury. Clientsupplied tiles allow for personalisation and
customisation, while a custom wall mirror adds
a unique and stylish touch. The combination of
these carefully selected colours and materials
creates a space that is aesthetically pleasing,
functional and perfectly tailored to the
homeowners’ needs, contributing to a sense
of wellbeing within the home.
In terms of environmental considerations,
this project prioritised sustainability and energy
efficiency. The incorporation of double-glazed

windows throughout the home improves
insulation and reduces energy consumption.
Additionally, Smartstone Amani Glassico
polished benchtops and client-supplied tiles
promotes sustainability by using durable
materials that require minimal maintenance
and have a longer lifespan. Furthermore, the
choice of matt-black tapware and Franke
fixtures reflects a commitment to water
conservation. These environmentally
friendly design elements contribute to
a more sustainable and eco-conscious
living environment.
This project stands out for its seamless
blend of modern luxury with timeless
elegance, tailored to the clients’ lifestyle and
environmental considerations. Moreover, the
innovative design features, such as the new
cafe-style window connecting indoor and
outdoor spaces, demonstrate a keen attention
to functionality and aesthetics. The project’s
emphasis on sustainability, evidenced by the
use of double-glazed windows and durable
materials, further distinguishes it as a model
of eco-conscious design. HD justbetter.com.au

home design

177

FUNCTIONALITY
& ELEGANCE COMBINED
Dripping in luxury, this bathroom is a multi-faceted marvel

I

ntroducing the ULTRASPACE Bathroom
Project by prominent designer Mark Gacesa,
a masterpiece showcasing the exquisite
beauty and functionality of Austaron’s
Staron Solid Surfaces. This innovative
bathroom design combines cutting-edge
elements to create a space that exudes luxury
and sophistication.
One of the standout features of the
ULTRASPACE Bathroom Project is the faceted
vanity top, a striking centrepiece that captivates
the eye with its unique shape and pristine
Ƭnish. Paired with an integrated custom Staron
basin vessel and smart waste system, this vanity
embodies elegance and practicality.

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Photography Ky Luu
The storage platform, adorned with concealed
Staron drawers, adds a touch of seamless
perfection to the bathroom. Its sleek design
seamlessly blends with the overall aesthetic while
providing ample space for storing bathroom
essentials, keeping the area tidy and organised.
To create a hotel-inspired ambience, Mark
incorporated Pietra limestone and white Bisazza
mosaic tiles in the lower main bathroom of the Art
House. The custom vanity top, crafted from Staron
Quasar White, features a mesmerising design
with a folding front apron and a rectangular shape
waste system reminiscent of origami art.
The double-ended bath, nestled within a
Staron Pebble Chocolate platform, further

accentuates the bathroom’s elegance. The
platform harmonises effortlessly with the Pietra
limestone floor and walls, creating a cohesive
and visually stunning environment. The bath’s
placement creates the illusion of floating above
the ground, enhanced by the mirror that wraps
around under the vanity and conceals drawers
for a sleek and seamless look.
Mark’s ULTRASPACE Bathroom Project
exempliƬes the perfect blend of functionality,
artistry and modernity. With Austaron’s Staron
Solid Surfaces, this bathroom project sets a new
standard for luxurious and breathtaking design
in the realm of kitchens and bathrooms. HD
austaronsurfaces.com

kitchens & bathrooms

we love

THE PIETRA
LIMESTONE
FLOOR AND
WALL TILES

home design

179

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kitchens & bathrooms

we love

THE BASKETWEAVE TILED
SPLASHBACK

MID-CENTURY
MEETS MODERN
Small space, big impact
Photography Nick Doolan

T

he light, bright and cheerful kitchen
you see here is worlds away from the
home’s original room, which was dark
and did not have space for a pantry,
dishwasher or fridge.
Although the unit is only 65sqm, the
homeowners felt small living could be good
living and this could be achieved through
thoughtful design. They strongly believed having
a functional enjoyable kitchen should be the right
of all apartment dwellers. The team at Robinson
Architecture took this to heart. They worked their

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magic to bring to life this beauty of a compact
kitchen, all the while adhering to a tight budget.
The bench layout you see here is the original.
However, it now has added storage. The pantry
and European laundry are concealed behind
routed blue doors that wrap around and become
the living room wall. An internal wall was
relocated to make this work. However, this was
very tight so allowances had to be precise. The
shade of blue was chosen to match the building’s
front door, paying homage to the property’s midcentury heritage.

The gently varied palette of stone, olivecoloured cabinetry, plywood edging and
blackbutt Ʈooring was selected to add richness
and depth, oƪset by the basket-weave tiled
splashback. The Super White Dolomite benchtop
is strategically only used for one section, with
the rest of the benches in the more economical
Formica. The tight budget was met as only a half
slab of Dolomite had to be purchased.
The end result is a bright, contemporary
kitchen that truly packs a punch. HD
robinsonarchitecture.net

home design

183

FIND A DESIGNER
NEAR YOU AT

kbdi.org.au

PLANNING A

NEW KITCHEN?

A NEW KITCHEN IS
A BIG INVESTMENT,
AND YOUR NEW
SPACE SHOULD BE
AS PRACTICAL AS
IT IS PRETTY.
A kitchen design professional will
help you make the best decisions
from the beginning, saving you
time and heartache in the long run.
They’ll consider:
Positioning: what are the rooms
adjoining the kitchen? From
which direction will the kitchen be
entered and exited?
Access and safety: will access to
an under bench oven be tricky?
Will overhead cupboards be
within reach?
Cooking styles: are most meals
prepared on the stovetop, baked
in the oven or reheated in the
microwave or steam oven?
Storage requirements: is shopping
done in bulk? Will a new fridge
be required now, or should it be
allowed for in the future?
Budget: will the kitchen
investment be in line with the
value of the home?
KBDi Members are committed
to their profession, and know all
the right questions to ask to get
you the kitchen of your dreams.
Learn more about our nation-wide
membership at kbdi.org.au.

Kitchen designed by KBDi
Australian Certified
Designer of the Year 2023
Rina Cohen CKD Au
RCI Designs

OU TD OOR LIVING
186
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COASTAL RETREAT

ed’s fave

THE FAMILY FIRE PIT

COASTAL RETREAT
Both front and rear gardens have been thoughtfully
designed to forge a close connection to nature and frame
the Hamptons-style home to perfection
Words Karen Booth Photography Patrick Redmond

D
b

esigned by Matt McMahon of McMahon
Earth Solutions to complement a
Hamptons-style home set in an idyllic
spot in the Noosa Valley, this garden
draws heavily on its coastal location to oƪer the
young family something very special.
While the front garden is a mix of formal
elements, in keeping with the traditional
architecture of the home, and rustic features; the
rear garden is a more relaxed aƪair that feels like
an extension of the wider natural environment.
In the front garden, a formal stepping stone path
leads from the driveway, across the manicured
lawn to the front door of the house. The garden
beds reƮect the formal angularity of the path but
are softened by the planting and the use of rustic
Corten steel edging.
The grand retaining wall that snakes its way
along the front boundary was built using blonde

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outdoor living coastal retreat

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outdoor living coastal retreat

granite boulders, giving the acreage property
that quintessential country feel. To enhance
the garden’s connection to its wider natural
surrounds and oƪer greater privacy from the
street, generous planting beds were integrated
into the design of the wall, which the McMahon
Earth Solutions team then Ƭlled with plants of
varying heights.
At the homeowners’ request, Matt says
the front-garden planting style is a little bit
“Hamptons”, seen in the use of traditional exotic
plants such as Teddy Bear magnolias and Murraya
‘Min-a-Min’, a dwarf mock orange, and a lot
“subtropical classics”. In the rear garden, the
emphasis is on water-wise and subtropical plants.
The planting palette is integral to Matt’s design
and features a selection of natives — Australian
tree ferns, native gardenia, hoop pines, and
Macrozamia moorei, a tall-growing cycad —
complemented by climate-appropriate exotics,
such as Japanese sago palm, Carissa ‘Desert Star’
and Dioon spinulosum, a very striking cycad that’s
native to Mexico.
“In the rear garden, the design is very much
about family life and enjoying the outdoors.
There are level, grassed areas where the children
can play, an enticing pool, and a Ƭre pit area
where the family can relax and feel totally
connected to nature,” says Matt. “To add to the
charm, the Ƭre pit is a repurposed Corten steel
mining crusher around which we built a semicircular seat of warm-toned blonde granite.”
This project garnered two honours in the
2023 Landscape Queensland Construction
Excellence Awards. Firstly, it won the Contractor
Design and Construct over $175,000
category, with the awards’ judges saying: “The
workmanship of this project is of an extremely
high standard. The landscape has been expertly
built to enhance the recreational use of the
expansive rural block. The meticulous levels,
surface treatments, and attention to detail
shine throughout. The eclectic materials used
are perfectly suited to a project of this scale.
The carefully selected plants thrive, drawn from
an interesting palette. This landscape redeƬnes
rural living with its exceptional quality and
innovative design.”
The second award, Best Residential Feature,
was for the Ƭre pit area. Again, the judges were
fulsome in their praise: ”This project distinguishes
itself through its exceptional use of varied
elements and recycled materials expertly crafted
for maximum impact. A recycled Corten steel
mining crusher serves as a creatively designed
Ƭre pit, while the Ƭre pit’s seating, beautifully
fashioned from blonde granite, carries the
project’s theme throughout. Overlooking
this inviting space is a creatively repurposed
recycled civil bridge piling, now a feature planter
housing the grand Macrozamia moorei. Skilful
lighting enhances the Corten planter, weaving a
captivating twilight setting for relaxation.” HD
mcmahonearth.com

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home design

“In the rear garden, the design is very much about family life and enjoying
the outdoors. There are level, grassed areas where the children can play, an
enticing pool, and a fire pit area where the family can relax and feel totally
connected to nature” — Matt McMahon
home design

189

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Great ideas and inspiring solutions

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01: HEDGER CONSTRUCTIONS MBAV AWARD
NOMINATIONS
Hedger Constructions is proud to be nominated
for the Master Builders Association of Victoria
(MBAV) Excellence in Housing Awards 2024. In
the Best Sustainable Home category, Hedger
Constructions is nominated for delivering
Australia’s Ƭrst straw bale home to achieve
Passivhaus Premium Level CertiƬcation — the
highest level of Passivhaus CertiƬcation available.
This unique oƪ-grid Passivhaus, built using
bio-based materials, generates more renewable
energy than it uses. With more than 30 MBAV
awards to date, including multiple Regional
Builder of the Year wins, Hedger Constructions
is regarded as one of Victoria’s leading custom
home builders. Winners of the 2024 MBAV awards
will be announced at a presentation evening in
October. hedgerconstructions.com.au

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02: WIFI EXCELLENCE WITH ORBI
When it comes to elite WiFi performance across
your entire home, Orbi WiFi 7 is in a class of its
own. The Orbi 970 Series unlocks the extraordinary
power of WiFi 7, with 2.4 times faster speed than
WiFi 6. Leveraging more than 25 years of Netgear
engineering innovation and exclusive patented
technology, the Orbi 970 brings an elegant,
new design and high-performance antennas for
exceptional 360-degree WiFi coverage across
every corner of your home, no matter the layout.
Now you can experience the very best of next-gen
4K/8K streaming and video conferencing, AR/VR
entertainment, and ultra-responsive online gaming
throughout your home. With one year of Netgear
Armor included, you’ll have peace of mind knowing
that your family and home are protected with an
automatic shield of security across your connected
devices. Unleash unimaginable possibilities with
the most powerful Orbi yet and experience WiFi 7,
perfected. netgear.com/au
03: NATURAL WONDER: ROOT CONSOLE TABLE
Capable of suiting any interior style, from coastal
to contemporary, the Root console table is a
quintessential natural addition to any home. Bring
the outdoors in with this stunning centrepiece for
your living space. Make it your own by pairing it
with an artwork, lamp and decor of your choosing.
Made in Indonesia, the solid teak wood root
structure and glass tabletop make the Root console

table an instant statement piece. Also available as
a gorgeous coƪee table, the Root collection oƪers
a unique design that will turn your interior into an
enviable space. ozdesignfurniture.com.au
04: ICON ALERT: HOUSE OF FINN JUHL
PANEL SYSTEM
Designed by Finn Juhl in 1953, this ingenious wallmounted panel and shelving system is as functional
and aesthetically appealing now as it was 60 years
ago. The Ʈexible system allows for cupboards and
shelves to be moved around independently with
limitless combinations of timber, colours and
textiles. Transforming walls from blank spaces into
integrated components of the overall design of
a room, the Panel System is available in Australia
from Danish Red. danishred.com.au
05: FUSS-FREE EASI-FIT BLINDS
The groundbreaking Easi-Fit collection of
“no-drill” blinds from Tuiss is a game-changer
for DIY enthusiasts. The innovative Twist2Fit
and Click2Fit systems have been designed to
revolutionise installation. They are ideal for those
who don’t want to use a drill, or perhaps live in
rental properties. Tuiss has crafted a tool-free
headrail system that Ƭts your recess window
Ʈawlessly and makes your life a whole lot easier.
Stylish, practical and suited for any recess space,
these hassle-free blinds are a time-saving gem in
any modern home makeover project. Tuiss: Blinds
online, made simple. blindsonline.com.au

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06: ALFRESCO COOKING WITH CROSSRAY
Introducing the new Crossray Extreme Electric
BBQ, a culinary game-changer that combines
innovation, versatility and style. Boasting
unparalleled high-intensity electric infra-redelement technology, this grill delivers a sizzling
cooking experience that surpasses gas barbecues.
Unlock a world of grilling possibilities with the
optional rotisserie kit, a function exclusive to
the Crossray Extreme Electric BBQ. Perfect for all
types of cooking — grilling, roasting, low and slow
— this barbecue is fully portable. With a tabletop
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as standard, the Extreme is also available in a
trolley or outdoor kitchen conƬguration. Embrace
a sustainable lifestyle without compromising on
taste or performance with the Crossray Electric
BBQ. crossray.com.au
07: EFFICIENT HEATING
The Panasonic CO2 Heat Pump is up to five
times more efficient than gas or traditional
electric heating and can quickly and safely heat
water up to 80°C, making it suitable for both
residential and commercial use. The refrigerant
it uses has a low global warming potential

(GWP). The heat pump uses a heat exchanger
to collect heat from the air outside to use as
energy for the refrigerant, and transfers energy
from the hot refrigerant into water to produce
hot water. Designed to be installed externally,
this Panasonic product has an industry-leading
Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 6.1. This
means that for every unit of electrical energy
used, 6.1 units of heating energy is produced,
resulting in reduced CO2 emissions compared
to conventional water heating via electricity or
natural gas. panasonic.com/au
08: SOAK IN STOKED STAINLESS STEEL
Constructed using stainless steel and cedar,
the Ƭrst Stoked tub was designed to be simple,
comfortable and robust. Since then, not much has
changed. All Stoked products are designed in —
and inspired by — WÜnaka, a beautiful mountain
town in the south of New Zealand renowned for its
restorative properties and adventurous activities.
Welded and assembled by hand by the talented
Stoked team in one of its local manufacturing
hubs, luxurious and long-lasting Stoked tubs and
pools are equipped with enviable anti-bacterial
properties, are easy to clean, and look incredible
wherever they are placed. As well as being more
hygienic, the steel and cedar combination makes
Stoked products much more robust than plastic,
which has a tendency to warp over time and
has a much shorter warranty period. Soak in a
Stoked and experience the diƪerence for yourself.
stokedstainless.com.au
09: TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVERTINE
Discover endless possibilities and elevate your
project with Amber’s exquisite range of travertine
pavers, cobblestones, crazy pavers and cladding.
Characterised by raw beauty and unrivalled quality,
travertine emerges as a standout choice for your
next project with Amber and is available in multiple
colours and sizes. Visit the website to explore
Amber’s complete range and transform your vision
into reality. 1300 139 868. ambertiles.com.au
10: SWANN SECURITY
Swann has been keeping Aussie homes safe for
more than 35 years with its complete ecosystem
of security products, from wireless devices to
wired camera systems. As leaders in security,
Swann oƪers solutions that work straight out of
the box with no monthly fees and, unlike other
brands, all customer data is stored in Australia.
Swann’s new MaxRanger4K Solar Security
System has the longest range, strongest and
most reliable wireless signal on the market.
With 4K resolution, ‘always charged’ built in
solar panels, True Detect+ AI heat, in addition
to motion, people and vehicle sensing, the
MaxRanger4K is a security game changer.
swann.com
11: JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE
Featuring an ingenious opening mechanism that
enables elevation, extension and expansion, the
More and More Italian coƪee-to-dining table is the
ultimate in versatility. From a small coƪee table

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to a dining table, a standing workbench or a bar
to stand around for drinks with friends, More and
More can do it all. You could even use it to secure
extra bench space in the kitchen. When extended to
its full size (with its two built-in extension panels), it
becomes the perfect dining table for dinner parties,
capable of accommodating between eight to 10
people. foldoutfurniture.com.au/moreandmore
12: FREEDOM KITCHENS 2020 BLACK FRAMES
Blending form and function, Freedom Kitchens’
2020 Black Frames are a stylish addition to any

kitchen and pantry. Available within door frames
in a variety of insert designs such as Broadline
Glass, Patina Mesh and Perforated Metal, they
will suit many kitchen styles from classic, coastal,
farmhouse and modern. Eƪortlessly versatile, you
can also use the frames for chic open shelving.
Consider running shelves along a back wall to create
balance and symmetry within your room, or add
to the end of an island bench, arranging a mixture
of cookbooks, plants, candles and ceramics for an
eye-catching feature. freedomkitchens.com.au
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index

INDEX
Amber
Art Lovers Australia
Austaron Surfaces
Big Ass Fans
Castworks
Chateau Architects + Builders
Chazelles
Cotswold
Danish Red
Dollar Curtains + Blinds
Eureka
Flooring Online by Embelton

194

home design

79
131
163
14
123
IBC
143
6
31
16
22
24

Fold Out Furniture
Freedom Kitchens
Fronius
Hedger Constructions
Jane Thompson Art
KBDi
Koda Lighting
Lopi
LuxaƮex
Manyung Gallery
Mr Trampoline
Netgear
Oz Design
Paarhammer
Panasonic
Porta

83
71
20
10
49
184
51
151
27
140
77
6
OBC
65
33
IFC

Princi Design
Rainbow Shade
Rinnai
Sculpt Fireplaces
Smith & Sons
Softub
Storybook Designer Homes
Swann
ThermoƬlm
The Woodworkers Company
Tuiss Blinds Online
Unico
Universal Fans
Victorian Fireplaces & BBQs
Weathertex

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IBC
139
69
4
201
170
181
8
18
91
157
111
97
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