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YOUR STYLE
Be inspired by our new spring collection. From rich
textures to warm hues, discover enduring style for
your home this season.

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Country Calling

Cover stories

16 Country Calling At home
with former magazine editor
Deborah Thomas.
59 The Cordony Kitchen’s
Hearty Recipes
66 Little Black Book: Rugs
Where to shop.
89 Design Stars The Beauty of Brick.
111 100+ pages of stunning rural
houses and gardens.

Styling by Kylie Forbes. Photograph by Martina Gemmola.

Decorating & design

44 Megan Morton’s Rural Idyll
Take a peek inside the renowned
stylist’s 120-year-old homestead.
55 Art Harvest A selection of vintage
pieces with a Mediterranean flavour.
66 Little Black Book Melissa Penfold
and Isabella Walker-Smith share
the insider scoop on rug suppliers.
74 9 by Design Stylist Sophie Wilson’s
line-up of classic, country-style lights.
89 The Brick is Back Practical and
showstopping brick house designs.
194 The Creative Type Art dealer and
entrepreneur Michael Reid OAM.

Entertaining

59 Country Kitchen Mouth-watering
vegetarian meals by The Cordony
Kitchen, from fennel and miso soup
to pecan and brown sugar pie.

Instagram

Houses

16 Treasure Trove The NSW Southern
Highlands home of CEO and
former editor Deborah Thomas is
a masterclass in the art of collecting.
112 Into the Wild A Kangaroo Valley
weekender takes its cues from a
storybook and local flora and fauna.
124 Country Comforts Empty-nesters
embrace semi-rural living.
134 Free Rein Former stables get a new
life as a contemporary getaway.
144 Rural Retreat A charming mix of art,
textiles and wallpaper add an inviting
warmth to this Victorian property.
158 Serene Oasis A family entertainer on
acreage near Bells Beach, in Victoria,
receives a stunning renovation.

170 Après Ski A soothing palette and
warm redesign welcome chalet
guests after a day on the slopes.

Gardens

172 Master Peace Stroll through the
green grounds of the Michael Reid
Murrurundi, NSW, gallery and store.
188 Gardens of the World Mike Booth
shares inspiration from the gardens
he encountered on recent travels.
190 Winter Wandering Practical and
pretty finds for your backyard.

Facebook

For our readers

6 Subscribe to H&G and save.
14 Privacy Notice

Pinterest

H^G social

A colourful heritage home captured hearts
on Instagram. Andy Lee and Bec Harding’s
renovation journey got plenty of attention
on Facebook, while a Mediterranean
aesthetic on Pinterest proved a winner.
Facebook facebook.com/
australianhouseandgarden
Highlights from each issue plus links
to tours of our favourite homes.
On our cover
Scruffles the Maltese
Shih Tzu on the steps of
of the NSW Southern
Highlands home of
Deborah Thomas.
Styling by Olga Lewis.
Photograph by Prue
Ruscoe. See page 16.

Instagram @houseandgarden
View the most inspirational
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headquarters and out and about.
Pinterest pinterest.com.au/
houseandgardenau
Picture-perfect images from our pages
and sensational products to covet.

Styling by Kylie Forbes. Photograph by Martina Gemmola.

Our posts that made your month.

EDITOR’S
TOP PICKS

1

2

Photograph by Esteban La Tessa. Tanya wears Ralph Lauren suit. Hair and make-up by Michelle Cox.

I love our cover this month for many reasons. First, the

colours are fabulous and not a predictable choice for an Australian country house. Second, it is
the home of publishing doyenne Deborah Thomas, who worked in our building for many years
and was for a long time the editor-in-chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly and mentor to
many aspiring media stars. I love that Deborah invited us into the country retreat she shares
with her husband, Vitek, and our cover star, Scruffles, and that her good friend and former editorin-chief of Vogue, Kirstie Clements, wrote the story. It’s an editor’s special! Deborah’s furniture,
art and glass collection is impressive, amassed over a lifetime of adventures and put together
so unpretentiously. It reinforces what we love at House & Garden – beautiful pieces with a back
story are a joy to live with and create a home with soul. This is our annual country issue and what
we get excited about is that everyone has a different idea of what life beyond city limits looks
like. The reality is far removed from the outback cliches and tropes that infuse our national
dialogue. Super stylist Megan Morton’s serene rural retreat is near Byron Bay, and you can shop
her style from page 44. Art aficionado, gallerist and entrepreneur Michael Reid OAM’s base is in
NSW’s Murrurundi, complete with gallery and garden for visitors to enjoy, page 181. We speak
to Michael about his career and inspiration on page 194. I am not sure about you, but when I
think about country food, I tend to think of meat, so we tasked our fabulous food editor, Amanda
Cordony, with creating some hearty and totally delicious country-style vegetarian dishes, page
59. Big decorating purchases like a rug, for example, tend to come with lots of questions, and
when investing in such a critical piece we want to ensure we have the essential information at
hand. Luckily, from page 66, we have our Little Black Book experts Melissa Penfold and Isabella
Walker-Smith doing the research for us. Bricks are back as the building material of choice – they
have fabulous insulating properties, are cost-effective to maintain and are a sustainable choice.
See our innovative selection of architecturally designed homes built in bricks from Brickworks
from page 89. We hope you enjoy exploring our country options!

Tanya Buchanan, Editor-in-Chief

3

4

5
WISH LIST
1 Great Australian Homes
Volume 2 (2024) book by
Australian House & Garden,
$39.99, Are Media Books.
2 ‘Saint-Raphaël’ and ‘Istanbul’
moisturisers, $39/each,
Saardé. 3 ‘Icon Stripe’ suitcase,
from $349, Antler. 4 Sweet and
Sour artwork by Jim Moody,
$800, Michael Reid
Murrurundi. 5 ‘Halle’ knee
boots, $949, R.M.Williams.

EDITORIAL
Editor in chief Tanya Buchanan
Creative director (acting) Marissa Foye
Deputy editor Karen Spresser
Chief copy editor Peter Griffiths
Senior copy editors Bethan Lacoba, Debbie Duncan

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ART & ST YLE
Art director Andrea Healy
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CONTRIBUTORS

Victoria Baker, Tom Blachford, Mike Booth, Kirstie Clements, Amanda Cordony, Steve Cordony,
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Martina Gemmola, Armelle Habib, Alana Landsberry, Olga Lewis, Rhiannon Lidbury, Andy Macpherson,
Hanna Marton, Shannon McGrath, Megan Morton, Jack Mounsey, Heather Nette King, Judy Pascoe,
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The Palm Co, Pablo Veiga, Isabella Walker-Smith, Liz Walsh, Ruth Welsby, Sue Wheeler,
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Unique vintage finds and an extensive art collection make the Highlands getaway
of charity CEO and former magazine publisher Deborah Thomas a cherished one.
STO RY Kirstie Clements | ST Y LI N G Olga Lewis | P HOTOG R A P HY Prue Ruscoe

Autumn is possibly the most beautiful time in the Southern Highlands, NSW, as the trees unveil a palette of
rich gold, red and rust in contrast to the pines and other evergreens. Behind the fence is a traditional Japanese
garden, home to mature mini maple trees and a cascading water feature and pond.

at home with H G

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

17

DEBORAH THOMAS

Hair and make-up by Michelle Cox.

“I like to collect unusual, handmade objects. It’s much
more special to utilise something hand-hewn in everyday
life as opposed to buying something new.”

at home with H G
BALCONY The white vintage Wedgwood vase was a gift
from Deborah’s friend, Pussy, an eccentric antique collector
in Melbourne. 1970s glass vase. Blue jug by Colin Heaney.
Tablecloth, Koustrup & Co. EXTERIOR “I love this house
– it was built by an artist… he installed French windows from
an antique store,” says Deborah, pictured. Walls painted
Dulux Golden Glow. Chair, Raffan Kelaher & Thomas.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

19

at home with H G

hen Deborah Thomas, CEO/
managing director of Camp
Quality, and former editor of The
Australian Women’s Weekly and
her husband, Vitek Czernuszyn,
decided to buy a home in NSW’s
Southern Highlands, the primary motivation was not
an escape into solitude. “I liked the house because it
was purposefully built as a bed and breakfast,” Deborah
says of the extensive four-bedroom home, Stonnington,
which also has a separate two-bedroom cottage on the
same property. “I love entertaining and having friends
and family to stay, so having six bedrooms, each with
their own bathroom was just perfect!”
The exterior of the house speaks to the Highlands
style, with its Provençal chic yellow exterior and pale
green shutters, but the interior is surprisingly modern
eclectic, a reflection of the couple’s love of art, and in
particular, art glass. “I like to collect unusual handmade
objects; I started collecting in my early twenties,” says
Deborah. “If you need a bowl, why not get a beautiful
one that was made by an artist?” she asks, pointing out
a blue glass bowl by Peter Crisp. “It’s much more special
to utilise something hand-hewn in everyday life as
opposed to buying something new and ‘perfect’.”
The house sprawls over many levels, indoors and out,
including a split-level dining-living, a downstairs
reading/media room, eat-in kitchen, and two terraces
perfect for alfresco dining. Art is displayed on every
viable surface, with an emphasis on prominent
Australian artists, many of whom are personal
friends, such as photographer Bill Henson and artists
Louise Hearman, Janet Laurence and Adrienne Gaha.
“I love that for the first time in my life I can actually
have pretty much everything I own out on display,” says
Deborah. “Because I’ve lived in so many apartments,
most of our things were always in storage.”
>
EXTERIOR Vitek and Deborah at home with Scruffles, the Maltese
Shih Tzu. DINING The small artwork, top left, was a gift from the
artist, Janet Laurence, to Vitek for his 70th birthday. Artworks,
clockwise from top right: an early work by Gareth Sansom; a 1960s
artwork by Leonard French; Anne Hall portrait. Robyn Cosgrove
rug, Lawsons. A vase from Heart of Glass Berrima at Dirty Janes
Bowral is filled with maple tree cuttings. HALLWAY Opposite
Lithograph by David Larwill. An assortment of Italian, Australian
and Swedish glass art is displayed on an Art Deco Swedish console
from Virtanen Antiques. Blue bowl by glass artist Peter Crisp.
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

21

H G at home with

BALCONY TABLE Wedgwood vase, and 1970s bullicante

glass vase, both vintage. ‘The Game’ crockery set circa
1940 by Royal Worcester/Palissy Pottery. The Carlton
Ware plate with persimmons and the maroon shell dish
were both passed down by Deborah’s mother. Floral
linen tablecloth, Koustrup & Co.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

23

LIVING Minotti ‘Seymour’ sofa, Home Furniture on Consignment. Cushions,

Suzie Anderson Home. Robyn Cosgrove rug, Lawsons. Opposite, top Royal Beauty
artwork by Dan Pearce, Clarendon Fine Art. Mid-century G-Plan desk. ‘Raggiera’
chair, Fornasetti. Vintage lamp. DINING Vintage dining table circa 1950 by
Paul Kafka. Victorian chairs and Spanish lamp from Deborah’s sister. Artwork
above lamp by Daniel Boyd. 1970s phantom painted shield from New Guinea.
Umbrella photograph by Andrew Bell. Antique Indonesian puppets.

at home with H G

Deborah points out that the decor is an accumulation
of treasured pieces amassed over time. “Nearly
everything in this house is secondhand. It might be a
porcelain cup I inherited from my mother, a Mid-century
antique, like the Swedish sideboard, or something that
was bought on eBay that I’ve had restored. Even the
carpets were bought at auction. I like that most of it
is preloved.” Deborah’s design aesthetic goes by the
theory that if a piece is specially chosen, it can be put
together with another specially chosen item, even
though they may be from contrasting eras. “You could
say that they fight, but for me, they just all go together
because they’re part of my life. Because I think that
each piece is, in its own way, beautiful.”
Vitek runs a vintage art glass business, Heart of Glass
Berrima (located online and at Dirty Janes Bowral), and
as a trader, he is constantly scouring the auction sites,
so there is an array of savvy vintage finds throughout
the house, including many of his best glass pieces that
didn’t quite make their way to his store. “Things are
either picked up at markets or we will find a piece >

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

25

during an overseas trip. I like things that are handmade,”
says Deborah. “And I will often buy an artwork at a
friend’s exhibition. I love it when something is made
by someone I know. I could most definitely do a home
tour and tell you of each of the artworks the story that
was behind them!”
Deborah says she had no real intention of buying a
secondary home in the Southern Highlands, but when
she went to inspect an old stone cottage on a whim, she
discovered Stonnington was for sale in the same street.
“The reason I love this house is because it was built
by an artist. It’s not perfect, everything is a bit askew.
It’s a new and very solid build but, for example, he
installed old French windows from an antique store.
A feeling of the past has been incorporated into the >
KITCHEN Above, left Walls painted Dulux Lamb’s Ears Half.
Artwork by Georgina Beier. Chairs, Thonet. The French table
was a gift. Above, right Black and white vase by friend Rosemijn
Metzner. Paintings on mantel by Tony Clark and Ken Johnson.
BEDROOM Left Artwork by Adrienne Gaha. LIVING Left and
opposite Circa 1800s ancestral portraits bought in Hong Kong.
Paul Kafka chair and cabinet found on eBay and restored
by Brett Webb at Astique Design Consultancy. The cabinet
displays a collection of goblets by Colin Heaney. The yellow
vase by Mark Douglas was a gift, as was the black and white
vase. Other vases, Heart of Glass Berrima at Dirty Janes Bowral.

26 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

at home with H G

“Nearly everything in this house is secondhand.
It might be a porcelain cup I inherited from my mother
or a Mid-century antique Swedish sideboard.”
DEBORAH THOMAS

house, in the doors and the floors. It feels like an
artist or a human has made it as opposed to some sort
of slick construction.”
Deborah was ready to entertain the moment she had
unpacked her own cherished pieces sent down from
Sydney. “I love having all this space to have friends stay,”
she says. On weekends the house is full, with guests
served a pre-dinner drink by the fireplace and dining
either on the outdoor terrace under the wisteria, at the
formal dining table or in the cosy kitchen. Deborah has
a newfound appreciation of gardening and the beauty
of the ever-changing seasons. “There’s a wonderful mix
of people in the Highlands, and lots of artists,” she says,
happily. If only she had more wall space.
>
campquality.org.au. heartofglassberrima.com.

28 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

at home with H G

BATHROOM Looking through the doorway from the main
bedroom to the bathroom, equipped with a Japanese bath,
that flows through to a Tuscan-inspired courtyard.
BEDROOM Walls painted Dulux Vanilla Ice Quarter. Artwork
by Sonia Cugini. Bedhead, Hill Furnishings. Victorian-style
lamp, Heart of Glass Berrima at Dirty Janes Bowral. Handmade
Amish quilt bought from an Amish farm in Pennsylvania.

H G at home with

LIFE & ST YLE
A few of charity CEO and former publisher Deborah Thomas’ favourite things…

2
3
1

5
FIRST HOME A two-bedroom apartment in Elizabeth Bay designed
by architect Harry Seidler. I loved the ’60s interiors and harbour views.
BOOKS ON MY BEDSIDE Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville
and Wifedom by Anna Funder (1). I also listen to Audible when I’m
driving. I love non-fiction and biographies, so I am currently listening
to The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan
Haidt, Doppelganger by Naomi Klein, The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
(1) and Heather Mitchell’s Everything and Nothing.
I’M INSPIRED BY THE WORK OF… 20th-century female artists.
A lot of my (art) collection is by women who have been perhaps lost in
time or didn’t receive the accolades of their male counterparts, such as
Anne Hall. I love Adrienne Gaha, Janet Laurence, Elisabeth Cummings
(7), Clarice Beckett, Louise Herman, Toni Warburton, Sarah de Teliga,
Georgina Beier, Joy Hester and Grace Cossington Smith.
FAVOURITE FRAGRANCE L’Eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake (3).
I always go back to it. It’s fresh, light and non-intrusive.
I LOVE TO COOK… roast dinners. They’re easy, they can be cooked
in one dish, (basically fail-proof), so you can spend time with friends and
family rather than in the kitchen. I like the aroma while they are cooking.
I LOVE A VASE FULL OF… white orchids (6) or roses.

30 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

6
7
NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION Egypt, with my husband (2).

I’ve always been fascinated by ancient civilisations.

FAVOURITE MOVIE The Tenant by Roman Polanski (1976). I first

saw it when I was about 20, and I love the contrast, light and shade.
It really captured Paris in the ’70s. I’m drawn to psychological horror,
dark films like Don’t Look Now by Nicolas Roeg (1973), which is set in
Venice. I like unexpected, twisted, edge-of-your-seat films.
FAVOURITE ITEM TO WEAR I have a Paspaley pearl that was
made into a big gold ring by Ivana Perkins. I absolutely love pearls. (4)
DREAM CAR I’m not crazy about cars, but I guess something like
a Toyota Prius Hybrid (5), seems sensible.
FAVOURITE ARTISTS/DESIGNERS Piero Fornasetti, Gio Ponti,
Paul Kafka, Murano hand-blown art glass, especially by Venini ,
Mark Douglas from Melbourne, Peter Crisp in NSW.
PERFECT WEEKEND At home, with a house full of friends
and family. We’d have a big dinner party on Saturday night, with
people coming and going all weekend, exploring all that the NSW
Southern Highlands has to offer.
ON MY WISHLIST I’d like to spend more time rediscovering some of
the things I loved when I was younger, such as painting and writing. #

Photograph by Getty Images (2). Under the Trees artwork by Elisabeth Cummings,
King Street Gallery on William (7).

4

“I LOVE WHEN
AUDIOBOOKS
ARE READ BY THE
AUTHOR. IT’S
LIKE THEY ARE
TALKING TO ME.”

Mykonos, Greece

Florence, Italy

Ålesund, Norway

HARVEY NORMAN CONTEMPORARY EDIT

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TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME ALL YEAR ROUND.

BRADY 4-SEATER SOFA IN ‘DAPPER’ OCHRE FABRIC $2999; BRADY FABRIC OTTOMAN IN ‘DAPPER’ OCHRE FABRIC $1199; ELORA 5-PIECE 115CM ROUND DINING
SETT ING $1799; ELORA 100.1CM COFFEE TABLE $559; ELORA 59CM LAMP TABLE $299; SUMMER LINEN CUSHION IN IVORY (45 X 45CM) $49.95; PIPED VELVET
CUSHION IN TOBACCO (45 X 45CM) $49; PORTENO WHITE THROW $49; MOON TRIBAL IVORY RUG LARGE (200 X 290CM) $799.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

BRADY

contemporary
patterns
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION WITH THE STELLA DINING TABLE, FEATURING
A MODERN DESIGN WITH A TRAVERTINE INSERT. THIS COLLECTION
CELEBRATES BEAUTIFUL DETAILING AND QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP.
STYLE WITH BOLD PATTERNS AND TEXTURES SUCH AS A GEOMETRIC
PATTERNED OR SHAGGY RUG.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

ABOVE: STELLA 220CM RECTANGULAR DINING TABLE $2499;
STELLA DINING CHAIR IN BEIGE FABRIC $399EA; CLAIRE 160CM
OVAL HALL TABLE $1499; ZULU TABLE LAMP (27 X 27 X 61CM) $199;
URBAN GRID BLACK RUG LARGE (200 X 290CM) $599.
LEFT: CLAIRE 220CM 4-DOOR BUFFET $2599; BLOOM BRANCHES
REVERSIBLE LINEN CUSHION (45 X 45CM) $49; SUMMER LINEN
CUSHION IN ASH GREEN (45 X 45CM) $49.95; HAMILTON WALL MIRROR
(80 X 120CM) $549; PANDA TAUPE RUG MEDIUM (160 X 230CM) $499.

Give your bedroom a feeling of luxury with
the new Australian-made Como collection,
accentuated by stone tops and gol handles.
Choose your fabric and timber stain colour to
suit your décor, and keep your manchester
tucked neatly away in the storage drawers.

COMO 2-DRAWER EXTENDED QUEEN BED $3199; COMO 2-DRAWER BEDSIDE TABLE WITH STONE TOP $1299EA; COMO 4-DRAWER TALLBOY WITH STONE TOP $2699;
CHINTA OATMEAL QUEEN QUILT COVER $129; MONTE CHUNKY NATURAL/FOREST THROW (125 X 150CM) $59; ATMOSPHERE CUSHION (43 X 43CM) $39; KAS KENTO CUSHION
(50 X 50CM) $39, KAS FENTO CUSHION (50 X 50CM) $39; LAILA POT WHITE SMALL $39; AMARU GILT JAR SMALL GOLD $119; VIVICA LAMP BLACK (38 X 38 X 54CM) $189;
MANHATTAN TOWER VASE CHARCOAL (19 X 40CM) $109; NERIDAH GLASS VASE SMALL BROWN $39; COCOON AZTEC IVORY RUG EXTRA LARGE (240 X 340CM) $1299.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

COMO

relaxed
comfort
RECLINE IN STYLE WITH THE TYRONE THREE-SEATER SOFA, FEATURING
TWO POWERED RECLINING ACTIONS AND POWERED HEADRESTS.
GALVANISED STEEL PROVIDES A ROBUST FRAME, WHILE A ‘NO SAG’
SEATING FOUNDATION MAINTAINS QUALITY OVER TIME TO STAY
RESILIENT AND COMFORTABLE.
STYLE WITH A MODERN TEXTURE SUCH AS THE STELLA COFFEE TABLE
AND BUFFET FEATURING OAK TIMBER AND SOLID TRAVERTINE TOPS
FOR A STYLISH, SLEEK LOOK.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

ABOVE: TYRONE 3-SEATER POWERED RECLINER SOFA IN ‘VILLA’ STEEL LEATHER $3999; TYRONE 2-SEATER POWERED RECLINER SOFA IN ‘VILLA’ STEEL LEATHER $3499;
STELLA 130CM 2-DRAWER COFFEE TABLE $1799; STELLA 180CM 3-DRAWER HALL TABLE $2199; PIPED VELVET CUSHION IN TOBACCO (45 X 45CM) $49;
PORTIA TABLE LAMP (33 X 33 X 65CM) $299; PIPED VELVET CUSHION IN OYSTER (45 X 45CM) $49; ESSENZA MOTTLED CREAM GREY RUG LARGE (200 X 300CM) $1599.
LEFT: TYRONE 2-SEATER POWERED RECLINER SOFA IN ‘VILLA’ STEEL LEATHER $3499; STELLA 180CM 3-DOOR BUFFET $2799; BERGEN TABLE LAMP (30 X 30 X 50CM) $199;
ESSENZA MOTTLED CREAM GREY RUG LARGE (200 X 300CM) $1599.

Entertain in style with
the Lucianne dining table.
Supported by a tapered
grained ash-veneer base and
a stunning ceramic top,
this piece will make every
meal a highlight.

LUCIANNE 230CM RECTANGULAR DINING TABLE $2199; LUCIANNE DINING CHAIR IN TAN PU $379EA;
LUCIANNE 150CM SOFA TABLE $1099; URBAN KALEIDO GREY RUG LARGE (200 X 290CM) $599.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

layered
textures
MADE IN AUSTRALIA FROM ROBUST BLACKBUTT TIMBER WITH A HAND RUBBED
STAIN FINISH, THIS MODERN BEDROOM SUITE INCLUDING AMPLE STORAGE
WITH FOUR DRAWERS CAN BE CUSTOMISED WITH YOUR CHOICE OF TIMBER
STAIN AND FABRIC.
STYLE WITH A MIX OF TEXTURES SUCH AS LINEN AND VELVET TO CREATE AN
OPULENT, BOLD SPACE. MIRROR THE COLOUR PALETTE IN YOUR CHOICE OF
ART PRINTS TO CREATE A COHESIVE LOOK.

SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE
HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278
Each Harvey Norman® store is operated by an independent franchisee. Furniture prices are
valid in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane metropolitan areas only. Prices in country areas will be
higher due to additional freight charges. Lounges are upholstered in promotional leathers and
fabrics. Other options may be available at additional cost. Promotion ends 31/08/2024.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

online | mobile | in store

Australian
Made
SERENITY

ABOVE: SERENITY 4-DRAWER QUEEN BED $3499; SERENITY 2-DRAWER BEDSIDE TABLE $899EA; KAS COCO QUILT COVER SET $149; KELDA QUEEN QUILT COVER IN
FOREST $129; SEAMLESS CUBE LAMP 53CM TAUPE $199; MAGIC FLUTE WHITE VASE (22 X 40CM) $109; CALLIE THROW (130 X 210CM) $99; KAS HORTEN NATURAL
CUSHION (40 X 60CM) $39; SEASHELL PLANTER (26 X 15 X 16CM) $39; WALL046 ARC WALL ART $249; MOON GEO BEIGE RUG LARGE (200 X 290CM) $799.
LEFT: SERENITY 5-DRAWER TALLBOY $1999; OLIVER LAMP WHITE $219; JUNO GLASS VASE SMALL OLIVE $39; ERSKINE BREAKFAST CUSHION (50 X 30CM) $29;
VELVET CUSHION SAGE (45 X 45CM) $29; JAMES SHAG 5092/OT5-H RUG MEDIUM (160 X 230CM) $399.

Megan Morton’s

RUR AL IDYLL
The stylist and author reveals the secrets to her decorating journey with
Mimosa Moon, her home in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
PH OTOG R A P HY The Palm Co

Styling (main images) by Megan Morton. Florals by Donna Stain. Calligraphy by Lesley Workman.

INSIDER ADVICE AND ELEGANT INTERIOR FINDS

decorating H G

IN THE GARDEN “Our newest
member in the stables is Joan
(named after Joan Didion,
my favourite writer). She is
affectionate and wry,” says
Megan Morton, pictured
in the front garden of
Mimosa Moon. Shop the
look on the following pages.

Can you tell us a little about Mimosa Moon?
Our home is located in the beautiful Northern
Rivers (paradise!) on a large property that
includes a small rainforest, creek boundary and
360-degree scenic vistas. The 120-year-old
homestead is on a raised slope and well
positioned to appreciate the landscape. The
property was built by one of the area’s original
founding families and consisted of a large plot
of farmland that was divided a long time ago,
and now compromises several neighbouring
properties. Initially a small four-room cottage
with wraparound verandah, over the past
half-century it has been extended – allowing for
generous living and entertaining areas – without
compromising its charm. Mimosa Moon is
named after the native mimosa trees, which
grace its landscape, and the moon, which is ever
present in the clear night skies. My styling and
travel business, The School, offers curated
six-day trips to Paris, Japan, India and Byron Bay,
so it was an easy decision to buy the property
– given the ease of travel from here. I could see
the potential not only for a comfortable family
home, but a showcase for the varied passions
that my husband, Giles, and I share, as well as
ample room for our equestrienne daughter
Bea’s ever-growing stable. The School’s Byron
program rests largely on the shoulders of
Mimosa Moon and all the amazing neighbours,
the incredible Bundjalung country and the
artistry of the region.
What was your starting point with the interiors?
I often refer to my job as ‘house whispering’
as I like to let the building speak to me and tell me
how it should be designed. When we first moved
here I waited a long time to settle in before
planning the changes that have eventuated in a
very functional and efficient, but well-utilised,
space. I wanted the family to come and stay, to
see how the existing house worked and then I
worked out what could be improved. I made
minimal changes to the kitchen and dining area,
only moving some utilities to the outer edges of
the room to take advantage of more preparation
and entertaining space, which allowed full access
to the exterior views. The new kitchen island – an
old cedar workbench found in Hobart – is perfect
for assembling meals and is a natural hang for
family and guests. Off the kitchen-dining we have
what we call KK (Kosy Korner) inspired by my
in-laws intimate ‘dining for two’ space. Here we
have laptop dinners and watch TV. Bedrooms
remained where they were, one of which
transitions as my office, library and guestroom.
All open onto the verandah and enjoy delicious
views of the property. We added some clever
storage to the generous laundry to house pool
toys, outdoor essentials as well as excess styling
props. A lot of the time with big open plans the
opportunity is to close them down rather than

play on the openness, which is what we did,
especially in a place like this where space is
not an issue.
Colour palette for the interiors? I don’t like
to say we started with neutrals as that seems
like an outdated reference in these times, but
I definitely considered a colour scheme that
would highlight our collected treasures,
artworks and beloved comfort pieces. Grey,
cream, charcoal and ebony are the base for
the main living areas – with highlights of orange,
ochre, tobacco, biscuit and ocean. Bedrooms
are ebony, cream and sky – highlighted with
terracotta, rust, seafoam and navy. The pantry
is a deep green to reflect some of the incredible
flora on the land. It is a house, and a colour
scheme, that asks you to look and go outwards
rather than inwards. The awning and window
dressings also work to do this.
What is the garden at Mimosa Moon like?
Self-sufficient! We are in a naturally high
rainfall area, so the garden pretty much looks
after itself. Lots of natives to encourage wildlife,
with classic perennials peppered through for
colour and texture. Magnolia grandiflora,
pencil pines, Japanese maples, as well as a lot
of herbaceous edibles. Camellias, roses and
gardenias provide fragrance and, of course,
the property’s namesake, the striking mimosa
trees. The property itself is 150 acres with an
incredible natural water source, so everything
grows beautifully. The saying around here is,
‘lots of things grow, but many mouths to feed’
in relation to the abundant animal life. It is a
unique part of the world because it is both
pastoral and tropical.
How did you decide on the window coverings?
The window coverings had to add something
to the property without taking away any of the
vistas. Beautiful practicality. I chose classics
in good textures and highlight colours to add
depth and comfort to bedrooms. Semi-sheers
for the dining room to diffuse the morning
light without losing any of its splendour and
floor-to-ceiling drapes for the lounge room that
have made it feel so much bigger and grander.
As much of our lives are outdoors, I chose
old-style classic Australian fixed awnings above
the dining room windows to protect the herb
gardens on the back deck, and motorised blinds
that have transformed the carport into an
outdoor bar, lounge and entertaining area.
These were fabricated in green and beige
stripes reminiscent of old caravan annexes to
give the nostalgic feeling of family holidays.
A simple pair of white canvas awnings shelter
the perfect afternoon spot and can be lowered
>
for dusk cocktails as the sun sets.

Megan Morton: @theschoolinstagram,
meganmorton.com.
Luxaflex: luxaflex.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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“Simple white
awnings shelter the
PERFECT
AFTERNOON
spot.”

1

VERANDAH ‘System 2000’ awning in White, Luxaflex. “The wraparound verandah is the perfect spot for dining, drinks, quiet contemplation, and at parties
– the dance floor.” 1 ‘Malmo’ coffee table, $1999, OZ Design. 2 ‘Portobello’ basket, $105, Pepperwhites. 3 Heritage ‘Audrey’ cushion in Sage, $59.95, Myer.
4 ‘Alain Antique’ lantern, $149.95, Provincial Home Living. 5 Cisco and the Sun ‘Dulang’ tray in Moss Green, $76/large, CLO Studios. 6 ‘Kasa 1’ light wall
sconce, $109, Beacon Lighting. 7 ‘Antique’ square bucket in Natural, $139.95, Provincial Home Living. 8 ‘Surrey’ cushion cover in Sand + White Check,
$54.99, Living By Design. 9 ‘Anthea’ terracotta vase, $259, Domayne. 10 ‘Atlas’ wall light in Bronze, $229, Beacon Lighting. 11 Antique butcher’s block side
table, $950, The Vault Sydney. 12 ‘Petite Blooms’ wall art, $570 (140x100cm), Pepperwhites. 13 ‘Malta’ verandah chair, $599, Provincial Home Living.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Production by Sophie Wilson. Main photographs by The Palm Co.

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decorating H G
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“Floor-to-ceiling
drapes make the
room feel so
MUCH
GRANDER.”

12

LIVING Curtain in ‘Abre’ fabric in Froth, Luxaflex. Artwork by Graziela Guardino. Ottoman, Poltrona Frau. Vintage Hermès chair and Saarinen tulip table.
1 ‘Louise’ console table, $2985, Highgate House. 2 ‘Blossom’ ginger jar in Green and White, $259.95, Provincial Home Living. 3 Mid-century bamboo
tray, $420, Love After Love. 4 ‘Earth’ teapot, $39.95, Robert Gordon. 5 Willow Cottage cushion cover in Blue and White, $39.95, Alfresco Emporium.
6 ‘Benton’ desk lamp in Natural Brass with saddle leather shade, $2290, The Montauk Lighting Co. 7 ‘Alice’ scallop pendant light in Natural, $199, Ivory
& Deene. 8 ‘Madison’ leather ottoman in Caramel, $699, Castlery. 9 ‘Pelike’ urn in Bayleaf, $299.95, Provincial Home Living. 10 ‘Normandy’ pillar side
table in Honey Teak, $970, GlobeWest. 11 ‘Trace’ throw in Charcoal, $299, Waverley Mills. 12 ‘Sansha’ buffet in Dove Grey, $790, Early Settler. >

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“We call this KOSY
KORNER. It’s
perfect for tea,
RESTING and
reading.”

14

KOSY KORNER Curtains in ‘Abre’ fabric in Froth, Luxaflex. Vintage sofa found at auction, re-upholstered in heavy tobacco linen with natural bullion tassel by
Land. Horse sculpture from Jackanory Jones. Custom taffeta cushion by Megan Morton. Side table, King Living. 1 ‘Chantilly’ linen cushion, $79.95, Alfresco
Emporium. 2 ‘Chantilly’ cotton cushion, $84.95, Alfresco Emporium. 3 Vintage French tureen, $350, Dusty Luxe. 4 Scallop raffia hanging shade, $259/
small, Alfresco Emporium. 5 Miz Casa & Co French basket bag, $79, Hardtofind. 6 ‘Plymouth’ floor lamp in Antique Silver, $1499, Pepperwhites. 7 ‘Briar’
jug in Saltbush, $79.95, Robert Gordon. 8 Adelaide dinner plate set in Birch, $119.95/four, Robert Gordon. 9 ‘Maya’ throw in Moss, $285, Coco Republic.
10 Timothy Oulton ‘Charlie’ dining chair in Safari Nutmeg, $1975, Coco Republic. 11 Early Days artwork by Lauren Jones, $1100, CLO Studios. 12 ‘Dinis’
side table, $149, Early Settler. 13 Australian House & Garden ‘Nirimba’ vase in Green, $24.95, Myer. 14 ‘Magni’ coffee table, $599, Early Settler.

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“Semi-sheers
diffuse morning
light without
losing its
SPLENDOUR.”
DINING Sheer curtain in ‘Abre’ fabric in Froth, Luxaflex. Artwork on wall by Tan Arlidge. Large vase found during a trip to Puglia with The School, “where
ceramics hauls are a constant!”. White sculpture from Kenya Paterson. 1 ‘Ralph’ dining chair, $1295, Highgate House. 2 ‘Fig Border Multi’ tablecloth,
$265, Bonnie and Neil. 3 ‘Sovereign’ urn, $239.95, Provincial Home Living. 4 ‘Moonbeam’ wall sconce, $229, Few & Far. 5 ‘Blaire’ aak dining table,
$6595, Highgate House. 6 E.F. Chapman ‘Darlana’ lantern, $1190/medium, The Montauk Lighting Co. 7 Vintage tofu pot with handles, $185,
Pepperwhites. 8 French scalloped mirror, $530, Pepperwhites. 9 Australian House & Garden ‘Sandy Cape’ cushion in Shrub, $69.95, Myer.
10 Australian House & Garden ‘Esperance’ pitcher in Cream, $39.95, Myer. 11 Small square silver tray with beading, $39, Pepperwhites.
12 Ralph Lauren Home ‘Garner’ floor lamp, $2690, The Montauk Lighting Co. 13 Buhera basket, $599/large, Provincial Home Living. >
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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“GREEN and
BEIGE stripes give
the nostalgic
feeling of family
holidays.”

11

BACK DECK ‘Evo’ awning in Dickson ‘Orchestra Goldies’ fabric in Hardelot Green, Luxaflex. Custom sunlounger made based on those found at the Suján
Rajmahal Palace in Jaipur. 1 ‘Arbor’ side chair in Whitecap, POA, Janus et Cie. 2 ‘Theo’ leather ottoman, $299, Early Settler. 3 ‘Bistro’ stool in White,
$249.95, Provincial Home Living. 4 ‘Freya’ bowl, $119, Coco Unika. 5 Australian House & Garden ‘Norwood’ knitted cushion in Moonbeam, $69.95,
Myer. 6 Australian House & Garden ‘Sealers Cove’ rattan picnic basket in Natural, $199.95, Myer. 7 ‘Azimuth Cross’ ottoman in White Vermouth, POA,
Janus et Cie. 8 ‘Montauk’ round cushion in Moss, $64.95, OZ Design. 9 Vintage French ceramic jug from Provence, $220, and 10 Vintage French oak
stool handmade in the French Alps, $320, both Dusty Luxe. 11 ‘Normandy’ planter in Lead, $699, Provincial Home Living.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

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“I considered a
colour scheme that
HIGHLIGHTS
collected
treasures.”

13

TEA SETTING Vintage upcycled table with marble top. Vintage Hermès tea set. Espresso cup and saucer, Marie Daâge. 1 ‘Finn’ stool in Antique Tan, $340,
Coco Unika. 2 French wine carafe from the French Alps, $110, Dusty Luxe. 3 ‘Garden to Table’ egg crate, $34.95, Robert Gordon. 4 Antique French
bistro table from Paris, $850, Dusty Luxe. 5 Australian House & Garden ‘Esperance’ 12-piece dinner set in Cream, $149.95, Myer. 6 Maxwell & Williams
‘Cashmere Regent’ mug, $35.80/four, Myer. 7 ‘Etna’ rattan pendant, $1328, Dunlin. 8 ‘Stanford’ buffet, $2495, Pepperwhites. 9 Antique French
copper saucepan from the French Alps, $220, Dusty Luxe. 10 Maxwell & Williams ‘Basics’ cake stand, $49.95, Myer. 11 Organic-shaped terracotta pot,
$3640, The Vault Sydney. 12 Australian House & Garden ‘Esperance’ baker, $49.95, Myer. 13 ‘Tilbury’ skinny bench, $385, Pepperwhites. >

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ENTER FOR
YOUR CHANCE
TO WIN 70%* OFF
LUXAFLEX
PRODUCTS

4

HOW TO ENTER tell us in 25

3

2
1

“Beautiful
textures and
colours add
DEPTH and
COMFORT.”

11

words or less which Luxaflex®
window coverings innovation you
would love in your home and
why. there are three vouchers to
be won. enter at www.luxaflex.
com.au/promotions/70-yearsof-luxaflex. T&Cs apply.
Entries close August 6, 2024.
*this discount only applies to
the purchase of window
coverings up to a maximum rrP
value of $7000 inclusive of gSt.
the discount does not apply to
any purchase of more than
$7000 rrP inclusive of gSt.
excludes installation and
motorisation. Winners will be
notified and will receive a
voucher to redeem at their local
authorised Luxaflex dealer.

BEDROOM Curtains in Maddox – Spearmint, Luxaflex. Artwork by Rachel Castles. Vintage Sebel outdoor chair with custom green-striped cover,
Land. 1 ‘Hulton’ sconce, $840, The Montauk Lighting Co. 2 Willow ‘Leaf’ cushion cover, $54.95, Alfresco Emporium. 3 Seagrass stool, $445,
Highgate House. 4 ‘Amherst’ chest in Antique White, $1150, Pepperwhites. 5 Heritage ‘Dorset’ terracotta vessel in Black, $59.95, Myer. 6 Antique
French 19th-century Louis XV-style mirror from Provence, $2400, Dusty Luxe. 7 Walter G ‘Hanami’ quilt, $380, Pepperwhites. 8 100% linen
pillowslip in Grey and White Stripe, $105/two, In Bed. 9 Australian House & Garden ‘Highbrook’ tray, $59.95, Myer. 10 Antique French wicker
armchair from Provence, $620, Dusty Luxe. 11 ‘Bronte’ tartan throw in Silver, $229.95, Pepperwhites. #

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

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decorating H G
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A delicious selection of vintage art with a distinctly Mediterranean flavour.
PR O D U C T IO N Tanya Buchanan | ST Y LI N G Olga Lewis | P HOTOG R A P HY Kristina Šoljo

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

decorating H G

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1 ‘Piatto Acciughe’ wall plate,
$260, di Lunedì. 2 Vintage French
painting, $850, Dusty Luxe. 3 Early

20th-century French oil painting,
Dusty Luxe. 4 Apollo artwork, $995,
Mercer & Lewis. 5 Vintage French
painting of mountain village, $650,
Dusty Luxe. 6 and 7 Antique French
oil paintings of still-life flowers in gilt
frames, $750 each, both Dusty Luxe.
8 Maroon & White Pot on Red by
Stacey Rees, $500, staceyrees.
com.au. 9 Vintage French painting,
$650, Dusty Luxe. From left ‘Greek
Plate’ wallpaper in Aubergine/Linen,
Nine Muses Textiles. Vintage French
carved armchairs with rush seats,
$850/each, 20th-century sideboard,
$1800, Antique French ‘Faisselle’
pots, $650/seven, yellow glazed
bowl, $150/two, plates with pink
roses, $25 each, yellow jug, $250,
and glazed ‘Le Gaulois’ coq
pitcher, $150, all Dusty Luxe.
Small vintage amphora vase,
$380, East Wing Studio. Vintage
zinc bucket, $65, Dirty Janes Bowral.
Young cumquats, Bess Paddington.
Fine Aubusson revival rug
(366x274cm), $15,900, Cadrys.

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9

Nine Muses Textiles ‘Greek Plate’
wallpaper in Aubergine/Linen,
Tigger Hall Design. Italian coiled
rattan hanging pendant light, $950,
The Vault Sydney. Paul’s Dinner
artwork by Allie Webb, $2800,
Olsen Gallery. Vintage French
carved armchair with rush seat,
$850, Dusty Luxe. Vintage fruit
tapestry cushion, $320, and Italian
Mid-century bamboo drinks trolley,
$1380, both East Wing Studio.
Vintage zinc bucket, $65,
Dirty Janes. Fine Aubusson revival
rug (366x274cm), $15,900,
Cadrys. On bar cart Antique French
‘Welcome’ jug, $160, Vintage
French yellow glazed bowls,
$150/two, Vintage French
earthenware pitcher, $220, and
Antique French ‘Faisselle’ pots,
$650/seven, all Dusty Luxe. White
roses, Bess Paddington. #

Scan the QR code to
learn more about ASKO

Styling by Steve Cordony and Olga Lewis. Photograph by Jeremy Simons. Calligraphy by Lesley Workman.

W I N T E R WA R M E R S T H E W H O L E FA M I L Y W I L L E N J O Y

Electrolux induction
cooktop, available from
Winning Appliances.

Sadidsfsdds
Fennel & miso soup with
crispy shallot oil.

Gnocchi with butter
beans & herbs.

OPPOSITE

Electrolux induction
cooktop, available from
Winning Appliances.

entertaining H G

Flavourful and warming dishes from The Cordony Kitchen
with seasonal vegetables as the stars of the show.
REC I P ES Amanda Cordony | ST Y L IN G Steve Cordony and Olga Lewis | P HOTOG R A P HY Jeremy Simons

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

61

H G entertaining

Mac & cheese bake
with sundried tomatoes
& ricotta.

Turn to warming dishes that CELEBRATE vegetables on
chilly winter days for a dose of comfort and FLAVOUR.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Pecan & brown sugar pie
with vanilla bean cream.

H G entertaining

FENNEL & MISO SOUP WITH
CRISPY SHALLOT OIL
Prep time: 15 minutes + cooling.
Cooking time: 35 minutes.
Serves: 4-6.

100g salted butter
3 tablespoons (60ml) olive oil
2 large fennel bulbs, halved, finely sliced,
fronds reserved
2 medium brown onions, halved, finely
sliced
3 (300g) carrots, peeled, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled, whole
1 teaspoon sea salt, extra to taste
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 ½ tablespoons white miso paste
1L filtered water
1L full-cream milk
2 shallots, finely sliced
1 Place butter, 1 tablespoon of the oil, fennel,
onion, carrot, garlic, and salt and pepper into
a large saucepan. Cover and cook on low heat
for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until
vegetables have slightly softened.
2 Stir through miso paste, water and milk. Bring
to a light simmer and cook, uncovered, on low
heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3 remove from heat and allow to cool for
15 minutes. Use a stick blender to blend soup.
4 Heat remaining oil in a saucepan over
medium heat, add shallots and cook for
1 minute, until crisp. remove from heat.
5 Serve soup in bowls with a generous drizzle
of crispy shallot oil. garnish with fennel fronds.

MAC & CHEESE BAKE
WITH SUNDRIED
TOMATOES & RICOTTA

Prep time: 15 minutes + cooling.
Cooking time: 15 minutes.
Serves: 4-6.

1 cup (150g) sundried tomatoes
½ cup (125g) ricotta
500g macaroni, dried pasta

64 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

50g unsalted butter
⅓ cup (40g) plain flour
500ml full-cream milk
300g shredded mozzarella
100g shredded tasty cheese
⅓ cup (35g) grated parmesan
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Extra virgin olive oil, to serve
1 Place sundried tomatoes in a food
processor and process for 1 minute or until
a coarse paste forms. add ricotta and pulse
until combined. Set aside.
2 in a medium saucepan, melt butter until a
nutty fragrance develops. add flour and whisk
for 1 minute on low heat. gradually add milk,
whisking thoroughly into butter and flour
mixture, until a smooth white sauce forms.
3 Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to
the boil. add pasta and cook until al dente,
draining 2 minutes before the cooking time
specified in packet instructions. reserve
1 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta.
4 add pasta water to white sauce and stir to
combine. add half of the mozzarella and all of
the tasty cheese, parmesan and nutmeg. Stir
to combine and season. remove from heat.
5 add pasta to white sauce, gently stir
through, then pour into a 28cm round baking
dish. allow to cool for 5 minutes. turn the
grill on high.
6 Dollop and, using the back of a spoon,
spread sundried tomato and ricotta mixture
over mac and cheese.
7 Sprinkle over remaining mozzarella, then
place dish under grill for 3-5 minutes until
cheese has melted and top is golden brown.
Season and drizzle over extra virgin olive oil.

GNOCCHI WITH BUTTER
BEANS & HERBS

Prep time: 20 minutes.
Cooking time: 25 minutes. Serves: 4-6.

2 cans (800g) butter beans, drained, rinsed
600ml vegetable stock
2 tablespoons (40ml) olive oil

1 leek, pale part sliced into 6cm-long batons
500g store-bought gnocchi
150ml pouring cream
5g finely chopped fresh tarragon
5g finely chopped fresh sage
⅓ cup toasted pine nuts, 5g finely chopped
fresh parsley, and lemon wedges, to serve
1 Place 1 can of butter beans and 100ml
of the vegetable stock into a blender and
season. Blend into a puree and set aside.
2 Place oil and leek in a large frying pan on
medium heat and season well. Saute for
5 minutes, then add remaining can of butter
beans, gnocchi, remaining vegetable stock,
and cream and simmer for 15 minutes.
3 Add the bean puree and simmer for
a further 2 minutes.
4 Remove from heat. Stir through tarragon
and sage. Season, sprinkle over pine nuts and
parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

PECAN & BROWN SUGAR PIE
WITH VANILLA BEAN CREAM
Prep time: 30 minutes + resting.
Cooking time: 30 minutes.
Serves: 4-6.

2 cups plain flour (250g), extra for dusting
100g butter
3 eggs, room temperature
½ cup golden syrup
1 tablespoon sea salt
½ cup (100g) brown sugar, firmly packed
4 tablespoons (60g) salted butter, melted
280g pecans
Cooking oil spray
300ml pouring cream
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1 To make the pastry, place flour, butter, and
a pinch of salt into a food processor and
process for 20 seconds, until mixture
resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2 With the food processor running, add 20ml
of cold water and blend for about 2 minutes,
until the pastry almost comes together.

3 Place pastry onto a clean, lightly floured
bench and roll into a log. Wrap in greaseproof
paper and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4 Place eggs in a large bowl. Lightly whisk
eggs, then add golden syrup, sea salt, brown
sugar and melted butter. Roughly chop
180g of the pecans and add to the mixture.
Mix and set aside.
5 Grease a 30cm round pie dish with
cooking oil spray. Place pastry between two
sheets of baking paper and, without
stretching the pastry, roll out to a
35cmx3mm-thick circle.
6 Remove top sheet of paper and place pie
dish upside down on the pastry. Using one
hand to keep pastry and paper together, gently
flip over pie dish to invert pastry. Remove
paper and gently press sides of pastry into pie
dish. Use your thumb and index finger to
pinch the edge of the pastry. Place in the
freezer for 30 minutes to set pastry.
7 Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200ºC
(180ºC fan). Remove pie dish from freezer.
8 Cover pastry base with baking paper.
Weigh down paper with beads or rice. Bake
for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and
remove beads and paper.
9 Spoon pecan mixture into pie dish.
Top outer edge of pie with a row of whole
pecans (about 25-30). Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
10 To make vanilla bean cream, whip cream
and vanilla bean paste for 2-3 minutes or
until soft peaks form.
11 Serve pecan pie warm and accompany
with vanilla bean cream. #

M E L I S SA P E N FO L D & I SA B E L L A WA L K E R-S M I T H

RUGS
IN THE THIRD OF OUR SERIES OF LIT TLE BL ACK BOOKS,
C R E AT I V E S T Y L E E X P E R T S M E L I S S A P E N F O L D A N D
I S A B E L L A WA L K E R- S M I T H TA K E U S R U G S H O P P I N G .

TABLE TALK Photographed at
the beautifully renovated home
of designer Ann-Maree Kerry.
Architecture by Hancock
Architects. Furniture throughout,

Restoration Hardware. Oscar the
dog sits on ‘Mackeral Skye’ rug,
Shibori in collaboration with
Designer Rugs.

Styling assistants: Nonci Nyoni and Sophie Calder.
Hair and make-up by Michelle Cox using Dermalogica, YSL Beauty & Sachajuan.

PH OTOG R A P HY Edward Urrutia

decorating H G

ne of the most searched items on the Homes to Love website is ‘rugs’.
Your living room isn’t complete without one. there’s a dazzling range out
there, but finding the right one can be like trying to solve a puzzle. Moroccan,
navajo or tibetan? Flatweave or plush silk? antique or new? Square or round? For
decades, antique Persians, hand-knotted from silk and often taking years to produce,
were the gold standard of floorcoverings. then the market was flooded with fakes,
tastes shifted, and high-quality rug production was no longer sustainable. Blame our
increasingly casual culture. there has, in fact, been a 40-year move toward less formal
carpets. Wool is the new silk. established imperfections are the ideal standard. there is
no rule that says you have to limit yourself to one rug in a room. try using different rugs
in large rooms to define areas. Still can’t decide? then layer them. these are a few of
our favourite rug options in different price ranges – many are stylish enough to plan
your whole house around. Melissa + Isabella.
CASTLERY

Founded in Singapore by new York
banker declan ee, castlery is a direct-toconsumer business, delivering stylish,
modern, quality pieces for the home at
accessible prices. its new showroom at
Sydney’s Moore Park Supa centa is an
essential stop for a well-thought-out
buzzy range of modern durable rugs. Find
contemporary updates of Mid-century to
Moroccan-trellis styles, loosely inspired
by handwoven vintage Berber rugs in
a natural palette. castlery’s focus is on
quality construction, materials that last at
an accessible price point, and durability
for everyday use. castlery.com/au
IKEA

check out its rug department for
budget-friendly, versatile rugs that work
well with just about any style, colour
scheme, or setting. We’re still not tired of
‘Stockholm’, one of the best inexpensive
large wool flatweaves that is surprisingly
soft. it comes in four patterns, and the
black and white striped version is still the
most popular with influencers. You can’t
go past the design in corals or red for a
child’s bedroom, guest room or study that
is otherwise quite neutral. ‘Silkeborg’
patchwork rugs, made using parts of
recoloured vintage turkish carpets,
come in all shapes and sizes with flowers,
stripes, mosaics, multicolours. another

option is ‘Hovslund’, an easy-to-clean,
neutral Moroccan trellis-pattern rug in
nylon that forms a great backdrop to most
styles, and is easier to wipe clean and less
prone to staining than some low-pile rugs.

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ikea.com.au

DOMAYNE

offers a huge range of affordable rugs
if you’re not looking to break the bank.
‘roderick’ is a soft, neutral style with
a plush texture that is simple enough
to suit any space.

4

domayne.com.au

HARVEY NORMAN

For rugs that offer good looks and
value for money, look no further than
‘Hanna’, ‘gabi’, ‘contempo’ and ‘Moon’
with their neutral geometric patterns.
Made from polypropylene, they are
as sturdy as they come.

5

harveynorman.com.au

MISS AMARA

a bargain hunter’s paradise, the
Miss amara brand produces fashionconscious, wallet-friendly rugs in all kinds
of styles: distressed, traditional, tribal,
geometric, floral, abstract, shags, patterns
and Berbers. available in five sizes, six
shapes, and 17 colour ranges, meaning
the scope for updating our interiors is
endless. they react quickly to new >

1 ‘Mira’ wool area rug, $549
(244x153cm), Castlery. 2 ‘Stockholm
2017’ flatwoven rug, $549
(350x250cm), IKEA. 3 ‘Moon’ tribal
rug in Rust, $499 (230x160cm),
Harvey Norman. 4 ‘Roderick’ rug in
Beige, $1449 (330x230cm),
Domayne. 5 ‘Hazrin’ washable rug in
Beige and Rust Brown dot pattern,
$199 (180x120cm), Miss Amara.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

67

“Starting a room with a rug helps you set the tone for
a room and allows you to see how it will evolve.”
trends as well as offering a styling service
and no-questions-asked return policy. If
you’re after a more budget-friendly rug
but don’t want to compromise on style,
this is a great option. missamara.com.au
PAMPA

The Byron Bay-based brand specialises
in shag styles and flatweaves designed
locally and handmade from pure wool by
weavers in Argentina. Each creation is
made using natural dye pigments from
plants, flowers, vegetables, even insects,
to achieve a raw, natural palette, and is
signed by the individual weaver. They
are also slightly less likely to make your
interior look as if it’s been ‘done’ by an
interior designer. Multicolour stripes,
zig-zags and from tight to wonky. Prices
from $890 to $7190. pampa.com.au
TEMPLE & WEBSTER

The online interiors marketplace, with
more than 180,000 products to choose
from. From runners to sheepskin,
pet-friendly options and riffs on popular
Moroccan-style diamond-patterned
shaggy Berber rugs in a neutral palette,
which remain one of the design world’s
biggest trends. There is a good Bohemian
range for Navajo styles in softer colours,
like the ones Ralph Lauren made popular.
You can plonk large sizes on the floor,
mid-size ones on top of beds, and smaller
ones over bannisters and chairs. You’re
sure to find the perfect rug for your space.
Materials range from wool, jute, cotton,
and synthetics. templeandwebster.com.au
ARMADILLO

Perhaps one of the most popular designer
rug brands in Australia, Armadillo’s
minimalist, timeless, and thoughtful
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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

designs, are perfect if you are looking for
something earthy and calming. The focus
is on sustainable natural materials, such
as jute, wool, and silk (even linen), with
hardwearing construction. The type of
rugs people want in rooms where comfort
and warmth are paramount that would
work well near a bed or in a living room
where children can snuggle down and
play. This is a certified B Corp company,
which means your purchase goes a long
way and proves sustainability is as
important to Armadillo as creativity and
craft. Check the New Icons range, which
rejects fleeting trends in favour of
enduring design. Designed for relaxation
and entertaining, the intuitive pieces are
thoughtful, liveable and made to last
a lifetime. armadillo-co.com

with high-profile tastemakers such as
Athena Calderone and Colin King, what
makes each Beni Berber unique is that
you get a sense of the artisan’s personality
in each design. It’s meant to capture the
unique spirit of a handcrafted textile,
something acquired perhaps, in an
adventurous trip to an open-air market.
But it’s also designed to be discreet
enough to blend in with the furniture and
take the punishment of kids and pets.
These rugs are made of 100% wool in
a wide variety of styles and pile heights.
Beni Rugs products are washed and dried
up to five times to help create a super
soft, luxe texture and finish. True
statement-making designs. It’s hard
to choose a favourite. From $790 to
$8760. benirugs.com

BEHRUZ STUDIO

THE GREEN ROOM

A designer favourite. You’ll find quality
designs that feel both subtle and stately,
with textural moments that stand out.
Thomas Hamel is a long-time client.
Behruz’s bespoke service allows you to
collaborate with a team of skilled artisans
to create a spectacular piece tailored to
your own vision. behruzstudio.com

The rugs here are proof that rugs can
double as art pieces. Sophisticated,
abstract and elegant designs by famed
names like Kelly Wearstler so you know
they’re going to be of the highest quality.
Also designs by Alexander McQueen,
Liberty, Paul Smith, Diane Von
Furstenberg, Ken Fulk, and Michael Chan.
You’ll see them in some of the hippest
bars, restaurants and interiors here and
overseas. Even pieces from UK’s famed
The Rug Company, which uses natural,
renewable materials throughout its
collections. It also holds the Butterfly
Mark from Positive Luxury – an indication
of its commitment to creating a better
planet for all. The Rug Company’s
handwoven pure New Zealand wool
(a material chosen for its softness and
durability), takes the irregularity of nature
and transforms it into one-of-a-kind
pieces. Its latest collection forgoes dyes,

BENI RUGS

True statement-making Berber designs.
All Beni rugs are handmade from the soft
wool of sheep grazed in the high Atlas
Mountains of Morocco, with quality
pieces ranging from traditional and
modern authentic shaggy, diamondpatterns to totally customisable one-offs.
Each design comes in 12 sizes, and each
rug takes about 10 weeks from order
to delivery. Popularised by design
publications such as Domino and Elle
Decor, and known for their collaborations

decorating H G

instead taking its colour palette from
the warm tans, dusky creams and dark
charcoals that naturally occur in the
sheep’s fleeces. the brand is a member
of goodWeave, a non-profit organisation
dedicated to ending child labour in the
textile industry. extraordinary stuff.

HIGH REGARD Photographed
at the beautifully renovated home
of designer Ann-Maree Kerry.
Architecture by Hancock
Architects. ‘Byron Bay’ rug,

Shibori in collaboration with
Designer Rugs.

thegreenroom.com.au

CADRYS

one of our favourites. Silk pieces,
tribal weaves, vintage, antiques and
contemporary collections with global
names like Jan Kath, as well as custom
designed, tufted and hand-knotted styles.
Since 1952, the venerable thirdgeneration family business has sold the
most beautiful handwoven rugs to almost
every prominent Sydney and Melbourne
family. repeat clients include Merivale,
Michael Love, Marco Meneguzzi, Phoebe
nicol, cameron Kimber, Matters + Made,
and more. artisan-made, offering quality
as well as a high-end production process
for its vast and varied collection. the
dyes used for rugs come from untreated
tibetan and nepalese botanicals, with
vibrant indigos and earthy neutrals
handwoven into designs using an
ancient tibetan knotting technique.
cadrys.com.au

CULT

the place to shop cutting-edge Spanish
rugmaker nani Marquina’s designs that >

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4

5

1 ‘Trellis’ rug in Natural & White, $900 (240x170cm), Armadillo. 2 ‘Panthera Albus’ Tibetan rug, POA, Behruz.
3 Customisable rug in Natural Wool, $662, Beni. 4 ‘Afghan Fine Shahi’ rug, $33,700 (417x299cm), Cadrys.
5 Julian ‘Avant’ rug in Graphite shaped by Kelly Wearstler, $11,653 (183x122cm), The Green Room.

double as upholstery, bedheads and
wall art. Used at the United Nations in
Geneva, Facebook in Dublin, and loved
by celebrities such as singer Shakira. The
brand is renowned for unusual shapes,
brash colours and elaborate patterns with
250 designs, spread over 38 collections.
Seek out Marquina’s own creations, such
as the ‘Topissimo’, which uses textural,
multicoloured polka dots —as well as
Do-Lo-Rez by Ron Arad, the Londonbased Israeli, which turns a jagged,
multi-edged grid into a sprawling piece
of floor art. And French brothers Ronan
& Erwan Bouroullec created Losanges,
an octagonal-shaped collection featuring
a dense array of colourful diamonds.
Prices start at about $200 for a small
‘Kala’ carpet based on a design from

India. Proceeds from the sale of the
collection go to fund a school in India,
where most of the label’s rugs
are made. cultdesign.com.au
DESIGNER RUGS

Yosi Tal is a rug icon. For three decades
his company has designed rugs for
Qantas, Google, Microsoft, Lendlease,
Westpac, Coca-Cola, Parliament House,
the Australian embassies worldwide and
teamed with award-winning designers
such as Hare + Klein, Greg Natale,
Catherine Martin and Dinosaur Designs
to produce hand-knotted rug collections
that are out of this world. The showroom
is renowned for having the largest, most
complete collection of contemporary
handknots in the country. Yosi is quite

convincing about hand-knots. “Handknots are labour; they are art. The look
is clean, contemporary and organic, yet
adds instant warmth and character to any
space. Hand knots are the crème de la
crème of rugs,” says Yosi. They will
instantly transform your room, unify your
look, and increase your sense of space.
Made using natural yarns of wool, silk,
hemp and bamboo, such rugs are
typically measured by knots per
centimetre. A higher knot count means
a higher quality rug, and it also allows
for more intricate design using finer
yarns. We’re crushing on hot new
releases: Shibori, using ancient
Japanese-dyeing techniques, as well
as rugs in unconventional shapes by
Bernabeifreeman. And apparently,

VIEW FROM THE TOP
Photographed at the beautifully
renovated home of designer
Ann-Maree Kerry. Architecture
by Hancock Architects.

‘Entomology’ rug, Shibori in
collaboration with Designer Rugs.

decorating H G

dinosaur designs’ newest collection
sold out almost overnight. go for quality,
value, something unusual (in stock, no
waiting). designerrugs.com.au
I&B PERRYMAN
ORIENTAL CARPETS

robert Kim, late decorator for the King
and other notables, would go nuts here.
it’s the only one of its kind in the southern
hemisphere, selling large Persian and
turkish antique 6x4m carpets with a certain
understated opulence loved by the old
guard. You’ll find a huge range of rugs from
central asia as well as bessarabian kilims
from Bulgaria, black round floral kilims from
Mordovia, and oushak turkish carpets that
create a great base for a room and are easy
to work with. rugs from donegal in ireland,
and new tibetan rugs handwoven to order.
also in stock, or custom-made, are oversize
and decorative carpets, and runners in silk
or wool in shades of chocolate, burnt
orange and indigo. Spanish rugs and
affordable afghan kilims, 3.5x2.5m, $1500.
“our products are luxurious and have a
strong sense of craftsman,” says owner
ian Perryman. cameron Kimber, darryl
gordon, chrissie Jeffery, Studio McQualter
are long-time clients. Kimber comes for
kilims to cut up and use to cover ottomans.
expert cleaning and restoration service, too.
antique rugs, contemporary carpets,
vintage kilims. perrymancarpets.com

1

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JARDAN

there’s a huge range of textural tone-ontone and geometric patterns here. the
juicy colour palette certainly doesn’t hurt
either. the rugs riff on everything from
the art deco era to Bohemian styles and
are made using the finest new Zealand
wool. constructed in a soft khaki hue,
‘June’ rug is functional and hardy
enough for an everyday space but also
sophisticated enough to impress guests.
jardan.com.au

JENNY JONES RUGS

if you want to floor everyone with
something fabulous, head to this Perth
institution. Since the 1980s, designers
have flocked to the rug studio for its
gorgeous range of rugs, that are
renowned for their colour combos,
and quality. jennyjonesrugs.com
THE RUG ESTABLISHMENT

no synthetics, here. contemporary
handmade rugs using natural yarns only,
many of them in stock. each design is
meticulously crafted by skilled artisans
in india, Pakistan and the Middle east.
choose from 300 one-off creations in
the capsule collection plus 20 ranges in
varying colour options. Soft plush piles,
in the moody, dappled colours of nature,
their tightly woven flatweave base,
contrasted by thick, raised-pile yarn and

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lots of texture. each rug is woven by the
brand’s skilled artisans, who have spent
decades honing their craft and who
deploy various techniques to create these
textural masterpieces. therugest.com
HALCYON LAKE

in business since 1984, the contemporary
handmade rugs are used by big name
architects and designers with patterns
referencing everything from art deco to
north african motifs to bold, dynamic
designs and plain textured pieces. Plenty
of modern riffs on almost every painting
movement from dadism to Surrealism
and de Stijl. also, a beautiful artisanal
collection called atlas, where every rug
is a one-off creation, reminiscent of
traditional Moroccan berbers. Made
using hand-dyed wools with a thick pile
that allows for colour variation and a
deeper, richer palette. halcyonlake.com
HALI RUGS

embrace the natural world and discover
a dazzling array of modern thick pile wool
and textured rugs, tribals, traditionals,
turkish as well as ultra-contemporary
carpets that showcase raw textures,
organic materials and free-flowing motifs
using ancient techniques passed down
through many generations of artisans
with the finest yarns in muted tones. the
fourth-generation family company has >

5

1 Nanimarquina Tres Dhurrie rug in Ochre, $4040 (240x170cm), Cult. 2 ‘June’ rug in Pale Khaki, $7000 (350x250cm),
Jardan. 3 Hare + Klein ‘Etched’ rug, $8490 (300x240cm), Designer Rugs. 4 ‘Turkish Tulu’ rug, $6600 (384x277cm),
Perryman Carpets. 5 ‘Sherpa’ rug, $4900 (270x180cm), Jenny Jones.
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

71

H G decorating

Don’t want to have what
everyone else has?

Robyn Cosgrove is rewriting the script
on what custom rugs mean in Australia
to launch Spring 2024. It’s a more
advanced custom system – one-on-one
with Robyn, who built one of the most
trusted handwoven rug brands in the
country over the past 45 years used
by the biggest names in design and
architecture. Cosgrove will meet
designers, decorators and architects
in her Alex Tzannes-designed atelier
where you feel like you’ve been
transported to Europe. The specialised
Cosgrove experience makes for an extra
special rug. Eclectic, contemporary,
romantic, Cosgrove’s legendary rugs
represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship
and are unsurpassed for quality and
attention to detail. People went wild at
her ‘Farewell’ retail sale in December
2023, with 90 per cent of stock (about
500 rugs) selling in three days, One
designer apparently bought 25 rugs.
Very few people bought a single rug.
Exciting stuff. robyncosgrove.com

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showrooms nationwide with something
for every space. SJB, Hecker guthrie,
arent & Pyke, Kate nixon, Studio
doherty, carr, the Stylesmiths,
Simone Haag, McKimm and Viktoria &
Woods are repeat clients, so you know
you’re in good hands. hali.com.au

4

INVALUABLE AUCTIONS

5
1 ‘Atlas’ Moroccan rug, $7250

(270x185cm), Halcyon Lake.

2 ‘Spencer’ rug in Multi, POA, Hali.
3 ‘Fritz’ handloomed rug in Ivory,

$1353 (300x200cm), Tribe Home.

4 ‘Last Dance Beni M’Rirt’ rug, $8600,
Tigmi Trading. 5 ‘Terrain Stripe’ rug,

$499 (244x152cm), West Elm.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Prices at auction tend to be far lower than
at retail. and thanks to sites like invaluable.
com and Liveauctioneers, which aggregate
the listings of auction houses in a format
similar to eBay, the process of acquiring
great, collectible rug designs has been
democratised, making middleman sites,
such as 1stdibs, less necessary. the
downside of buying at auction is that you
can’t return. auctions are also a great
hunting ground for flatweave wool rugs
from Sweden, in most sizes, that have
developed a sizeable following of buyers
at auction. invaluable.com

NATURAL FLOORCOVERING
CENTRE

For the price of a decent blazer you can
get a lifetime of pleasure from the
easy-to-clean, hard-wearing, latex-backed
sisal, seagrass or rush rugs here. Sourced
from china, Belgium and elsewhere, its
range of weaves, patterns and colours
hold furniture so well. it’s isabella’s
choice. the first thing isabella did when
she set up her first family home a couple
of years ago was get the company on
speed dial, and buy a couple of huge
made-to-measure rugs in oriental rush
for her living room and study, and a
slightly more luxe Belgian rug for her main
bedroom. “the rugs added instant depth
to the rooms, created a great backdrop,
and were just amazingly good value. i
grew up with natural Floorcovering sisal
underfoot so it just felt like the most
obvious choice. they hold furniture so
well and when you get the flooring right,
everything else will come together,”
says isabella. naturalfloor.com.au
INTERNATIONAL
FLOORCOVERINGS

its sisal rugs grace some of Sydney and
Melbourne’s best interiors. Used by
big-name designers like adelaide Bragg,
thomas Hamel, Marco Meneguzzi,
Michael Love, cameron Kimber,
iain Halliday, Lynda Kerry, and
anna Spiro. You won’t go wrong with
the ‘tuscan’, ‘european tortoiseshell’
or ‘greta’ sisal. interfloors.com.au
TRIBE HOME

add geometric design to your living room
with the bold handwoven Moroccan rugs
made using pure wool. Works with master
weavers from around the world to create a
kaleidoscopic of geometrics that look great
with wicker furniture and books strewn all
over the place. try them in the bedroom,
living room, dining room, entry, in wool,
jute, bamboo/silk blends, pure silk or
viscose in popular sizes as well as round,

“Wine stains removed, curling edges straightened out,
worn areas made less obvious, and other tragedies like
pet accidents and badly placed plants made good.”

and runners. Mostly natural, ivory, grey,
charcoal, green, blue, red, yellow, brown
and orange, blush and multi. More than
130 rug designs: $920 to $14,000. One of
the first rug companies in Australia to join
the TRAKS program, our first rug recycling
program, created by Textile Recyclers
Australia, to transform unwanted rugs
into yarns that can be used to create
new furnishings and keep them from
becoming landfill. tribehome.com.au
TIGMI TRADING

Secret Rug Repairs

Don’t throw out your carpet just
because it’s stained; if it’s not
threadbare, there’s life in it yet. Don’t
use spot-cleaners, detergents or
shampoos on stains and never rub.
Consult the experts as soon as possible.
We’ll get in trouble for revealing this
one. Adam Daines, trained in England
more than 30 years ago, and is where
top-notch dealers such as Robyn
Cosgrove Rugs, Cadrys, I & B Perryman
and the former Nomadic Rug Traders
get rugs cleaned for outstanding
results. Rug Works by Adam Daines
restores and rescues antique rugs
and carpets of all kinds in all states of
disrepair. Wine stains removed, curling
edges straightened out, worn areas
made less obvious, and other tragedies
such as pet accidents and badly placed
plants made good. All hand-done the
traditional way. His methods are a
deep, dark secret. He can remove
notoriously difficult stains and make
any rug look right again. A serious find.

Tantalising rugs to brighten up a floor,
a room, or your life. The Byron Bay
company is strong on the unusual, with
a well-thought-out range of one-of-a-kind
vintage treasures to big, bold, graphic
contemporary designs, that are great
conversation starters. They’re a really
good way of decorating. The founder,
Danielle McEwan, has a great eye,
scouring the world for her modern,
traditional, Moroccan and Turkish styles.
There are eight collections, with each
piece crafted almost entirely by hand –
and a focus on edgy natural shades of
bianco, latte, tan, ochre, verde, aubergine,
and espresso. The imperfections
underscore the age-old techniques of
each piece. tigmitrading.com

from Art Deco to North African motifs,
still look beautiful underneath sofas
and chairs from every era. They are also
slightly less likely to make your apartment
look as if it’s been ‘done’ by an
interior designer. westelm.com.au

WEST ELM

MICHAEL TRAPP

Modern abstracts, Moroccan looks,
Persian styles, shags and solid rugs. Its
offerings don’t have the same tapestry-like
effect as the higher-end places, but the
designs, in patterns referencing everything

Leather and reed straw tuareg mats have
gone from the mosques of Mauritius
(where worshippers use them as prayer
mats) to Manhattan hotspots such as
Ace Hotel. Naomi Watts has one in her

@rugworksbyadamdaines

dining room. Christian Louboutin has one
is his holiday house. These carpets give a
room a masculine edge. Some of the best
examples sell for around $1800.
michaeltrapp.com

NAZAR

Collectors make regular raids. James and
George Nazar who are third- and fourthgeneration rug dealers focus on areas such
as Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan. So much
choice you might spend more than you
planned. nazarruggalleries.com.au
FREEDOM

An oasis of affordable rugs for all tastes:
chunky knit, distressed, flatweaves, jute,
geometrics, abstract, contemporary,
traditional, florals, shags, tribal and
washable. Seek out brands such as
Marimekko, Morris & Co, Rug Culture,
Sanderson, Studio Rugs, Wedgwood,
Laura Ashley, Florence Broadhurst, its
own brand and much more. Four sizes as
well as runners, round and oval shapes.
Fifteen colourways to choose from.
freedom.com.au #

next month

STONE,
TILES &
TAPWARE

H G DECORATING

9 by design

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 ‘Siena’ wall bracket in Bronze, $229, Beacon Lighting; beaconlighting.com.au. 2 ‘Norwest’ large wall bracket in Aged Nickel, $299, Beacon Lighting;
beaconlighting.com.au. 3 ‘Southampton’ pendant light in Antique Black, $399, Beacon Lighting; beaconlighting.com.au. 4 Thomas O’Brien ‘Reed’
single sconce, $690, The Montauk Lighting Co; montauklightingco.com. 5 Ralph Lauren Home ‘Garner’ table lamp in Natural Brass and Saddle Leather,
$1590, The Montauk Lighting Co; montauklightingco.com. 6 ‘Ascot’ wall bracket in Black, $189, Beacon Lighting; beaconlighting.com.au. 7 ‘Bentley’

small table lamp in Black/Off White, $249, Beacon Lighting; beaconlighting.com.au. 8 Hayes medium pendant light in Black with Natural Rattan, $449,
Beacon Lighting; beaconlighting.com.au. 9 Christina Tran ‘Harmonie’ swing-arm table lamp, $792, Bloomingdales Lighting; bloomingdales.com.au. #

74 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Produced by Sophie Wilson.

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HARVEY NORMAN PRESENTS

Unleash the power of innovation in your
laundry room and enjoy a seamless,
stress-free washing experience.

*Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH Samsung washing machine model (using a Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry with no detergent,
at 40°C, wash rate of 50 revolutions per minute (RPM), motor operation rate of 82% and a spin RPM of 1200). The 98% amount was calculated by filtering drain water which passed through the
Less Microfiber™ Filter through a 50µm stainless steel filter, and comparing it against drain water from a wash cycle without the filter installed. Actual results may vary, depending on the wash
cycle, type of detergent and laundry materials.

Bespoke laundry
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Harness the power of AI in the laundry room with
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drying performance while being gentle on clothes.
Both units boast incredible capacity, able to take a
king-size comforter or a huge load of clothes without
compromising on cleaning performance. And when
you need to keep your floors clean, the Bespoke Jet
Plus Elite Stick Vacuum captures dust and hair on
multiple types of surfaces courtesy of 210W suction,
nine Jet Cyclones and 27 air inlets.

Microfiber™ Solution
Help capture the release of plastic microfibers from
your laundry loads. The Samsung Less Microfiber
Filter can help capture up to 98 per cent of
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SAMSUNG 18KG BESPOKE AI GR ANDE SMART FRONT LOAD
WASHING MACHINE WITH AI WASH AND AUTO DISPENSE, WELS
4 STAR S, 185L / WASH ON ENERGY SAVING 40° PROGR AMME,
WF18B9600K V, $2299; SAMSUNG 10KG BESPOKE AI GR ANDE
HYBRID HEAT PUMP DRYER WITH AI DRY, DV10B9750CV, $2499;
SAMSUNG BESPOKE JET PLUS ELITE STICK VACUUM, VS20B95993N,
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Energy rating data comes from
www.energyrating.gov.au. More
information on Energy Rating
Comparisons available at
www.energyrating.gov.au.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

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Laundry, quick smart
Witness the next generation of laundry with LG's largecapacity washing machine, featuring a slim depth, sleek
design and intelligent clothing care. AI-driven cleaning senses
load weight and fabric type, while TurboClean360 means
normal clothes can be washed in 39 minutes. All this, and you
can remotely start and monitor your wash progress, so your
load is ready to dry when you are. Meanwhile LG's Cord Zero
A9 Ultra Handstick takes care of your floors with multiple
motorised attachments to suit different situations.

4.5

WASHING
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LG 14KG FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINE WITH STEAM+ AND TURBO CLEAN™,
WELS 4 STAR S, 14 4L / WASH ON COT TON INTENSIVE 40° PROGR AMME,
W XLS-1014G, $1499; LG CORD ZERO A9 ULTR A HANDSTICK VACUUM WITH
ALL-IN-ONE TOWER – IRON GREY, A9X-ULTR A , $1599.

One-stop shop
Treat your clothes to the very
best with the all-in-one LG 17kg
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LG WASHTOWER™ 17KG FRONT
LOAD WASHER / 10KG DRYER
COMBO IN BL ACK STEEL ,
WELS 4 STAR S, 174L / WASH ON
COT TON INTENSIVE TURBO
CLEAN 40° PROGR AMME,
W W T-1710B, $4999.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

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4

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*App must be downloaded. Subscription
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Technological precision
Make the most of each load with Miele, featuring innovative PowerWash
technology that ensures fast, efficient results, and automatic detergent
dispensing so you'll always use the exact amount each load requires
and no more. The 9kg Heat Pump Dryer works quietly thanks to the
SilenceDrum, and offers a choice of two favourite scents through the
FragranceDos system that leaves every load smelling delightfully fresh.

MIELE 9KG FRONT LOAD WASHING
MACHINE, WELS 4. 5 STAR S,
76L / WASH ON COT TONS 40°
PROGR AMME, W W1860, $3199;
MIELE 9KG HEAT PUMP DRYER ,
T WH780WP, $3199.

4.5

10

WASHING
MACHINE

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3D revolution
Featuring the latest PowerCare Premix detergent system, the 10kg 8000 Series Front Load
Washer is designed to care for your clothes with hygiene options, innovative CareDrum and
PreciseWash to automatically adapt energy usage based on the weight of the laundry load.
The matching 9kg dryer uses 3D-Scan technology to measure humidity and moisture,
automatically adjusting settings to deliver precise, even drying. For both, the AEG Connected
app* allows for smart, easy care through your connected device with the innovative SyncDry
feature, the app will recommend the ideal drying cycle based on the load that has just been
washed. The Woolmark Blue certification ensures each woollen item is dried in the gentlest way.

AEG 10KG 8000 SERIES FRONT LOAD WASHING
MACHINE, WELS 4. 5 STAR S, 86L / WASH ON COT TONS
ECO 40° PROGR AMME, LF8516O8O, $2349; AEG
9KG 8000 SERIES 3DSCAN HEAT PUMP DRYER ,
T859M6OBC, $2699.

*App must be downloaded. Subscription
charges may apply. Internet connection
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Peaceful performance
Enjoy a tranquil washing experience with ASKO's
innovative Quattro Construction™, featuring four shock
absorbers to minimise the drum vibrations of the Logic
Front Load Washing Machine, for quiet loads. Boasting
Steam Refresh and Allergy programs, plus a hygienic
Steel Seal™ door, ASKO washing machines are the only
brand with Sensitive Choice approval. Pair this machine
with the matching Logic Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
with Butterfly Drying™ and a Soft Drum™
solution for an energy-saving, gentle care
of your clothes.

ASKO 8KG LOGIC FRONT LOAD
WASHING MACHINE, WELS 5
STAR S, 56L / WASH ON NORMAL 40°
PROGR AMME, W4086PTAU, $2599;
ASKO 8KG LOGIC HEAT PUMP DRYER ,
T408HDTAU, $2799.

5

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Good sport
Play sport without fear of
permanent damage to your
clothes, knowing your Bosch Series
6 Washing Machine uses AntiStain
technology to reliably remove four
common stains. Reload function
means you can add forgotten items
to the front loader after you've
begun your cycle. The Bosch Heat
Pump Tumble Dryer optimises
settings for small loads, such as
sporting gear, and the self-cleaning
condenser removes fluff to
maintain optimal energy efficiency.
Stack your laundry machines
safely with a Bosch Stacking Kit,
which aligns the tumble dryer
atop your washing machine for
maximum stability.

BOSCH 9KG FRONT LOAD WASHING
MACHINE, WELS 4. 5 STAR S, 78L / WASH
ON COT TONS ECO 60° PROGR AMME,
WGG24 49R AU, $1599; BOSCH 8KG HEAT
PUMP DRYER WITH INVERTER CONTROL
IN BL ACK, WQG235DR AU, $2199, BOSCH
STACKING KIT, W TZ2741C, $99.

5

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Complete fabric care
Your wardrobe is an investment that deserves specialised care. Love
your laundry with Fisher & Paykel’s luxury fabric care solutions –
conveniently and intelligently looking after those delicates, durables
and everything in between. Enjoy ready-to-wear convenience with a
Steam Care Front Load Washer which refreshes, revives and restores
garments without detergent or a full wash cycle, bringing exceptional
levels of fabric care to each load. Create the perfect pair with a beautifully
matching and energy-efficient Heat Pump Condensing Dryer, which uses
lower temperatures and auto-sensing that detects moisture levels to
prevent under- or over-drying.

FISHER & PAYKEL 10KG FRONT LOAD WASHING
MACHINE WITH STEAM CARE, WELS 4. 5 STAR S, 86L /
WASH ON COT TONS MANUAL ECO 40° PROGR AMME,
WH1060SG1, $1599; FISHER & PAYKEL 9KG HEAT PUMP
DRYER IN GR APHITE, DH9060PG2, $1999.

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Ultimate all-in-one
Simplify your laundry routine
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streamlined unit kills 99.99 per cent
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to keep your fabrics hygienic. You
can also quickly freshen up your
clothes with the dryer's Steam
Deodorise and Refresh functions
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great. When you match washer
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dryer drum during the last 15
minutes of washing, removing the
need for separate programming.
*Independently tested to eliminate greater
than 99.99% of Staphylococcus aureus and
Escherichia coli using the Durable cycle + UV
Sanitise wash option.

L AUNDRY CENTRE, 12KG WASHER + 9KG HEAT PUMP
DRYER , WELS 4. 5 STAR S, 103L / WASH ON COT TONS
40° PROGR AMME, HLC1290CTB1, $3799.

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU

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&
INNOVATIVE TOUCHSCREEN
TECHNOLOGY PUTS YOU IN FULL
CONTROL OF EVERY LOAD OF
WASHING AND DRYING

At a touch
Boasting the only touchscreen display
on the market, the Hisense 12kg Series 9
Front Load Washer lets you set, control
and check in on every wash cycle at a
glance. Select your favourite cycles and
design your own washing program menu
to suit your laundry needs, and use the AI
Wash setting to weigh loads, check soiling
level and sense materials. Storing up to
a month's supply of detergent, Smart
Dosing automatically adjusts based on
your load and water conditions. The large
capacity Hisense 10kg Series 9 Heat Pump
Dryer continues to bring the innovation
with an easy-to-use LED display control
panel, Anti-Crease function for reduced
ironing time and Heat Pump technology
for energy efficiency.

HISENSE 12KG FRONT LOAD
WASHING MACHINE, WELS
4 STAR S, 123L / WASH ON
COT TON 40° PROGR AMME,
HWFS1214PB, $1399; HISENSE
10KG SERIES 9 HEAT PUMP
DRYER , HDFS10HPB, $1699.

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Energy rating data comes from
www.energyrating.gov.au. More information
on Energy Rating Comparisons available at
www.energyrating.gov.au.

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HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278
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Draw 417 closes 8pm (AEST) 31 July 2024 | Drawn 10am (AEST)
7 August 2024 | T&Cs apply

ASK AN EXPERT H G

A timeless and sustainable architectural staple, the humble brick proves itself
as practical and showstopping in this selection of innovative house designs.
ST Y L IN G Liz Walsh | P HOTOG R A P HY Sean Fennessy

KITCHEN Tasmanian oak timber battens. ‘Onyx’ wall
light, and ‘Kobe’ surface-mounted spotlight, both Unios.
Still life flowers in a vase artwork by Nell Frankcombe.
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

89

Sweet SIMPLICITY
A small historic home with a monolithic addition
becomes the private retreat of the owner’s dreams.
STORY Bethan Lacoba | ST Y L IN G Liz Walsh | PH OTOG R A P HY Sean Fennessy

grounded sanctuary
was what owner
Harriet requested
when she approached
Liz Walsh and the
team at So.
Architecture. The historian/archivist
had maintained her single-storey, 1830s
Georgian cottage in Launceston,
Tasmania beautifully. Yet it lacked
privacy and a sense of space.
“Harriet wanted an extension to her
cottage that felt like a retreat – private
and protected from the overlooking
two-storey neighbouring houses,” says
Liz. A thoughtful collaboration ensued
over six years between owner and
architects. Brick was a natural choice to
fit the brief. “It connects beautifully
back to the Kanamaluka/Launceston
context,” says Liz. The design of the
addition to the house focused on
introducing height and “an element of
surprise”. The result: a simple
rectangular design with two glazed
openings. An earthy, “deliberately
reduced” palette allows the addition to
sit gently on the eye and achieve that
brief for a sanctuary.
Liz sings the praises of the brick as
not only a visually pleasing choice,
but a cost- and planet-conscious one:
“We love that bricks don’t require an
applied finish; this not only reduces
construction and labour costs, it is
in many cases much better for the
environment and indoor air quality.”
So. Architecture: so-architecture.com.au.
Anstie Construction: anstieconstructions.
com.au. Aldanmark: aldanmark.com.au.

“Bricks are timeless, beautiful, practical and sustainable.”
BRETT WARD, BRICKWORKS’ GENERAL MANAGER OF MARKETING

ASK AN EXPERT H G

DESIGN NOTES

BRICKS Austral Bricks
‘Access’ in Ash, and ‘Yarra’
in Richmond, both
Brickworks Building
Products.
FLOORS Austral Bricks
‘Yarra’ in Richmond,
Brickworks Building Products.
FEATURE MATERIALS

Tasmanian oak timber
battens.
LIGHTING ‘Onyx’ wall
light, and ‘Kobe’ spotlight,
both Unios. ‘Semi’ pendant
light, Gubi.

EXTERIOR Austral Bricks ‘Access’ in Ash, and ‘Yarra’ in Richmond,
both Brickworks Building Products. ‘Onyx’ wall light, Unios.
DINING ‘Semi’ pendant lights, Gubi. TNT painting by Josey Kidd-Crowe.
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

91

DRAMATIC finish
Freshwater yabbies, scallops and an Art Deco hospital all served as inspiration
for the curved gradient brickwork on this Moonee Ponds home.
STO RY Alexandra English | ST Y LI N G Ruth Welsby | P HOTOG R A P HY Martina Gemmola

DESIGN NOTES

BRICKS Bowral Bricks
‘Bowral 76’ in Gertrudis
Brown, Bowral Brown,
Hereford Bronze,
and Limousine Gold,
Brickworks Building
Products.

ASK AN EXPERT H G

ources of inspiration aren’t always immediately obvious. In fact, the
more subtle the reference, the more satisfying they are to uncover.
Take this home. The artful brickwork is part of the interior design
and architecture firm WOWOWA’s Borromini Series, through which
designers explore complex geometry through brick. Freshwater
yabbies likely weren’t the first things to come to mind – if they did at
all – yet the gradient on their shells influenced the mood board for the four-brick
fade that runs up the facade from dark brown through to tan and cream. Sydney’s
St Vincent’s Hospital was also a point of reference, given its Art Deco gradient
and the fact that the owner is a medical professional. Continuing with the
water-creatures-as-inspiration theme (this project is called The Ponds, after all),
the “dancing scallop” edges that skim the top of building “invert and scoop,
creating a scarpa-like moment”, says project lead Zoe Diacolabrianos. “The
clients encouraged us to be bold and creative,” she explains, adding that the
firm’s role was as a “surgeon performing open-heart surgery, removing the
scar tissue of the home’s past to create a family home that celebrated the
playful ornament of the original 1930s-era” structure.
WOWOWA: wowowa.com.au. Never Stop Group: neverstop.com.au.
Vivid Design: vividdesign.com.au.

EXTERIOR Bowral Bricks ‘Bowral 76’ in Gertrudis Brown, Bowral Brown, Hereford Bronze,
and Limousine Gold, Brickworks Building Products.
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

93

BEYOND the pale
The artful use of off-white brick lifts this garden-centred home, which nods
to Mid-century design while addressing the changing needs of the family.
STO RY Alexandra English | P HOTOG R A P HY Tom Ross

94 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

ASK AN EXPERT H G
EXTERIOR Bowral Bricks ‘Bowral 76’ in Chillingham White,

Brickworks Building Products. ‘Dioscuri’ wall lights, Artemide.
‘Butterfly’ chairs with canvas cover in Olive, Angelucci.

H G ASK AN EXPERT

DESIGN NOTES

BRICKS Bowral Bricks
‘Bowral 76’ in Chillingham
White, Brickworks
Building Products.
FLOORS Custom
burnished concrete floor.

FEATURE MATERIALS

Forest quartzite,
Peraway Marble.
LIGHTING ‘Dioscuri’ wall
lights, Artemide. Vintage
pendant lights, Radar.

LIVING/DINING Coco Flip ‘Sequence 01’
table in Paperbark and ‘Honey’ table lamp,
both Cult. ‘Noon’ coffee table, Ross Gardam.
Vintage pendant lights, Radar. KITCHEN
Benchtop in Forest quartzite, Peraway Marble.

ptly named Garden
House, this family
home in Victoria
reflects the owners’
passion for gardening
while providing “a
sense of lightness and stillness that
will settle them into their retiring
years,” says Stephanie Kitingan, project
architect at Placement. While the green
fascia ties the structure into its
environment, it’s the warm white brick
that “settles it into the landscape,” says
Stephanie. “Tonally, the cream and
white hues lend a lightness.”
Inside, the creamy brick continues
throughout. Instead of fading into the
background, its pale tone provides
contrast to spotted-gum windows,
doors and joinery, and the multi-toned,
timber-clad ceiling. As well as serving
an aesthetic purpose, the use of brick
here was also a sustainable choice.
“Directed to the sun, the double-glazed
windows, double brick and concrete
floor add to the home’s thermal
capacity, absorbing and storing heat
energy,” says Stephanie. Keen-eyed
architecture buffs may detect a hint of
Harry Seidler or Richard Neutra at play.
“There’s a Mid-century quality to the
design,” says Stephanie, “but one that’s
suited to its coastal environment and
contemporary family owners.”
Placement: placement.net.au.
Nest Architects: nestarchitects.com.au.
Kane Worthy Construction: kaneworthy.
com.au. AKAS: akas.com.au.

“Bricks bring design
flexibility to the table.”
BRETT WARD

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

97

H G ASK AN EXPERT

EXTERIOR Austral Bricks ‘La Paloma’ in Miro,

Brickworks Building Products. Timber
cladding stain in Cutek Colourtone Black Ash.

EFFORTLESS charm
With a discrete street frontage, this home fulfils the brief to keep
its visual impact on the lush surrounds to a minimum.
STO RY Rhiannon Lidbury | ST Y LI N G Ruth Welsby | P HOTOG R A P HY Tom Blachford

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H G ASK AN EXPERT

DESIGN NOTES
BRICKS Austral Bricks

‘La Paloma’ in Miro,
Brickworks Building
Products.
FLOORS Blackbutt
hardwood floorboards
and polished concrete.

FEATURE MATERIALS

Charred Victorian
ash timber.

LIGHTING Unios,

Lights & Tracks.

“Brickworks is innovating with new collections featuring
unique sizes and textures, reigniting inspiration for
brick both indoors and outdoors.”
BRETT WARD

ocated amid leafy streets lined with traditional brick houses,
Ha Ha Haus is one that stands out from the crowd. Opting for
a natural material palette, architects Figr chose Austral Bricks
‘La Paloma’ bricks in a light, modern shade to avoid taking away
from the lush surroundings. “We were conscious of not using
any rendered, cement or metal finishes externally as this could
feel foreign to the streetscape,” says Michael Artmenko, a director at Figr.
“Our goal was always to give something back to the street and enhance it.”
Relying on the raw material paid off in a big way. The contrasting palette of
white bricks with charred shiplap timber reflects natural light and creates the
illusion of enhanced space in the home. The bricks allow moments of visual
interest in the interiors, seen as the material divulges from the traditional
horizontal laying pattern to one more vertical, creating unique zones within
the open living, kitchen and dining areas. “We wanted to explore the brick not
only as familiar material but something that could also curate the spaces by
enhancing their spatial quality, permeating between inside and out, creating
an effortless transition between landscape and built form.”
Figr: figr.com.au. Mud Office: mudoffice.com.au.

DINING ‘Crevasse’ table, and ‘Fable’ oak chairs, both Didier.
KITCHEN ‘Fable’ oak high bar stools, Didier.

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STATEMENT piece
For a holiday home that embodies the coastal beauty of Bermagui,
NSW, minimalist bricks were the natural choice, inside and out.
STO RY Rhiannon Lidbury | ST Y L I N G Winter Architecture | P HOTOG R A P HY Jack Mounsey

DESIGN NOTES
BRICKS GB Masonry

‘Smooth’ in Porcelain,
Brickworks Building Products.
FLOORS Timber
flooring, Mafi.
FEATURE MATERIALS

Timber cladding,
Woodform Architectural.

BEDROOMS Pianca ‘Isotta’ armchair in white, Collective. Custom beds
and bedside tables, Raw Sunshine Coast. LIVING Cor ‘Jalis’ sofa, Collective.
OUTDOORS ‘Stripe’ bar stools, and ‘Linear’ sunloungers, both Tait.

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LIVING ‘Ergofocus’ suspended wood fireplace, Oblica. Cor ‘Jalis’ sofa,
Collective. DINING ‘Møller 77’ chair with Natural cord seat and lacquered
oak frame by Niels Otto Møller, and ‘Johansen’ table in lacquered oak by
Mads K Johansen, both Great Dane. OUTDOOR ‘Stripe’ bar stools, Tait.

ASK AN EXPERT H G

n the cliff tops of
Bermagui in NSW
lies a home that
elegantly showcases
raw materiality.
Designed to sit
flawlessly within its beachside
location, the exterior and interior of
this treasured family holiday house are
lined with GB Masonry ‘Smooth’ bricks
in a creamy porcelain hue. “Materials
selected for Bermagui House tell
an evocatively nuanced story,” says
Jean Graham, director of Winter
Architecture. “Interiors feature a
carefully curated palette of white
surfaces, soft sand, timbers and robust
brickwork – a minimalist iteration of
rockpools, beaches and cliffs nearby.”
Protective and highly durable, the
low-maintenance brick was chosen to
weather gracefully with age and patina.
Inside, the reverse brick veneer creates
thermal mass that accommodates for
cold and windy winters, while keeping
the home cool in summer. Additionally,
all acoustic disruptions are mitigated,
with outside sounds softened to
foster a quiet retreat. “Raw and tactile
materiality, contemplative spaces and
purposeful transitions ground the
home, which can be traversed entirely
barefoot,” says Jean. “It’s a calming
counterpoint to its harsh coastal
environs, and a restorative base
for family getaways.”
Winter Architecture: winterarchitecture.
com.au. Kelly Royle Landscape
Architecture: kellyroylela.com.au.

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HOLIDAY at home
Missing the Indonesian villa they enjoyed on a recent holiday,
the owners decided to recreate their own retreat at home.
STO RY Alexandra English | P HOTOG R A P HY Andy Macpherson

ASK AN EXPERT H G
EXTERIOR Bowral Bricks ‘St Pauls’ in Cream, Brickworks
Building Products. KITCHEN Benchtops in Palazzo honed
quartzite, SNB Stone. DINING Custom oak table, Naked
Timber Designs. ‘Rice Paper’ shades, Hay. LIVING ‘Cove’

seamed modular sofa in Barley, GlobeWest.

DESIGN NOTES
BRICKS Bowral Bricks

‘St Pauls’ in Cream,
Brickworks Building
Products.

FEATURE MATERIALS

Kitchen benchtops in Palazzo
honed quartzite, SNB Stone.
Rosewood timber,
Timberware.
LIGHTING ‘Dioscuri’
wall lights, Artemide.
‘Rice Paper’ shades, Hay.

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H G ASK AN EXPERT

he decision to
transform their home
into a retreat came after
the owners returned
from a holiday in
Indonesia. “They’d had
a private pool and an indoor-outdoor
experience they really enjoyed, which
was a high priority in their new home,”
explains David Gockel of Gockel
Architects. “They were very openminded about what needed to be
included in the house and were not
wed to designing a home that
conformed to social norms.”
As such, David and his team were
able to create a site-specific home
with “a strong connection between
the inside and out, an abundance of
natural light and ventilation, and a
preference for self-finishing and
natural materials” such as brick.
“The brick element is what ties the
house together,” says David. “The
warm hues of the brickwork pairs
beautifully with the rosewood timber
doors and windows, internal
burnished concrete floor and
external travertine crazy paving.”
ENTRY Rosewood timber,
Timberware. ‘Dioscuri’
wall lights, Artemide.

Gockel Architects: gockel.com.au. Candour
Builders: candourbuilders.com.au. LARC:
larc.la. Westera Partners: westerapartners.
com.au. Brickworks: brickworks.com.au.

“Bricks are low maintenance, which is good for the
environment and good for finances.”
BRETT WARD

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

H&G ESSENTIALS
Create a beautiful lifestyle and home with these must-have products.

Made in Italy, the Bun bed from Fanuli offers an air
of inviting simplicity and informal elegance that adds
character to the bedroom, the most personal room
in the home. The seam stitching around the linencovered headboard reveals a sharp eye for detail
and provides an opportunity for colour picking with
other pieces in the room. Visit fanuli.com.au

Unique in structure the Pila buffet from Oz Design
brings a touch of elegance into your home. Using
a captivating slat design, the body is made of
solid American Oak timber for a natural look,
while the top features beautiful Italian Travertine.
It’s a gorgeous storage solution for your home.
Go to ozdesign.com.au to view the range.

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essential capsule pieces you can wear every day.
Visit www.zebrano.com.au to be inspired today.

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Don’t miss this opportunity to make your dream
home a reality. Visit rslartunion.com.au

Integrated to sit perfectly within your kitchen
cabinetry, the Monolith range from Liebherr is for
those who can appreciate the very best – and who
refuse to compromise. Why should you, when
you can have it all? It’s the perfect combination
of impressive design and food preservation
technology. Discover more at liebherr.com.au

Smeg’s Area Induction cooktop comes in
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Styling by Claire Delmar. Photograph by Pablo Veiga. Calligraphy by Lesley Workman.

C O U N T R Y I N T E R I O R S T H A T W E L C O M E A N D WA R M

The old is made new again in this rambling weekender,
with interior designer Anna-Carin McNamara breathing
fresh life into vintage pieces. Armchair and footrest in
Josef Frank ‘Aralia’ linen, Svenskt Tenn. Vintage chair,
Artek. Side table, Serax. Vintage lamp, 506070. Nau
coffee table, Cult. Rug, Kasthall. Artwork on mantel by
Kat Shapiro Wood, Chalk Horse. Turn the page for more.

H G houses
EXTERIOR In this quintessentially Australian
homestead, two bedroom pavilions are
connected by a central kitchen, living, family
room, laundry and mudroom. No matter
where you are in the house, the views of
the valley and mountains are breathtaking.

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Three words inspired the rework of this Kangaroo Valley, NSW,
home among the gum trees: embracing, vibrant and Animalia.
STO RY Hanna Marton | ST Y LI N G Claire Delmar | P HOTOG R A P HY Pablo Veiga

LIVING Walls painted Dulux Natural White.

A softness is created in this welcoming space
with S-fold curtains by Fybre and the Utopia
Goods ‘Firewheel Earth Furnishings’ floral linen
on the Wills Bisgrove ‘St Pierre’ sofas.
Vintage reupholstered armchairs, Bo Butik.
Nonn ‘Journal’ coffee table, District.
‘Alconasser’ vase, Alex and Trahanas.
Zafferano ‘Poldina’ floor lamp, LightCo.
Heather Rosenman Ceramics two-toned
vessel on coffee table, De La Espada side
table, both Spence & Lyda. Vintage rug.

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houses H G

he treasured children’s
picture book Animalia
by famed Australian
author Graeme Base,
illustrates all manner
of unruly wildlife doing
fantastical things. A kookaburra and
kangaroo pose as mobsters kidnapping
a koala, lazy lions wreak havoc in a
library, and hairy hogs ride horses like
medieval soldiers. In this homestead on
80 hectares in NSW’s ethereal Kangaroo
Valley, it’s as though the pages of the
picture book have come alive. Whimsical
flora and fauna-inspired fabrics, furniture
and bold colours have all been deftly
curated by Anna-Carin McNamara of

design studio Anna.Carin, to reflect the
rolling acres of wilderness outside. “The
clients are big lovers of animals,” she
says. “We wanted animals everywhere,
in the patterns, the colours and the art.
They also love strong colours.”
When Anna and Rickard, a couple
originally from Sweden with three grown
children, purchased the property as
a weekender in winter 2022, it was
structurally sound and came fully
furnished. Having known fellow Swede
Anna-Carin personally and professionally
for decades — she worked on their Sydney
home about 20 years ago — they initially
engaged her, this time, to simply select
new bedlinen for the house’s five

bedrooms. The project snowballed from
there. “They stayed at the house for a few
weekends and realised the furniture was
so uncomfortable!” says Anna-Carin. “It
was all very ‘faux farm chic’, as well.”
Intent on sustainability and “not being
too frivolous”, Anna and Rickard gave
Anna-Carin carte blanche to refresh the
interiors, repurpose existing furniture
and scour secondhand suppliers, such as
Two Design Lovers, Curated Spaces and
Facebook Marketplace. Over eight months,
Anna-Carin painstakingly sourced,
restored and reupholstered the perfect
pieces as though she were decorating her
own home rather than working off a
predetermined mood board.
>

FAMILY ROOM Above Flexform sofa and ottomans, all Fanuli. Armchair and footrest in Josef Frank ‘Aralia’ linen, Svenskt Tenn. Vintage chair, Artek. Nau coffee

table, Cult. Vintage ‘Bumling’ lamp, 506070. Rug, Kasthall. Serax ball vase and stool, and Heather Rosenman Ceramics vessel, all Spence & Lyda. On shelf
Sculpture, Becker Minty. Vessels, connie and vi. DINING Below Inherited lamps from Anna’s father. Table, The Wood Room. Chairs, Lincoln Brooks, with seat
pads by Fybre in Utopia Goods fabric. On table Vase, Era Edit. Lemon vase, Parterre. Glass bowl, Becker Minty. HALLWAY Opposite Credenza, Australian
Design & Co. Vessel by Katarina Wells, Curatorial+Co. Amber bowl, connie and vi. Reverse lamp, Finnish Design Shop. Diane von Furstenberg rug, The Green Room.

houses H G

THIS IS
THE LIFE

“We’ve always had
a soft spot for Kangaroo
Valley – it’s low-key,
unmanicured, beautiful
and wild, with a great
community,” says Anna.
Anna and Rickard’s adult
children visit often,
sometimes with friends,
and sunset drinks around
the firepit are a highlight.
“As is sitting on the
verandah, off the kitchen,
to watch wombats in the
evening. or listening to the
lyrebirds in the morning.”

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H G houses

LIVING There are wood-burning fireplaces in all three of the home’s living spaces, as well as the main bedroom. The Molmic ottomans were
reupholstered in Camengo ‘Noosa’ fabric, The Textile Company. Vintage armchairs, Bo Butik. Nonn ‘Journal’ coffee table, District. Swedese
‘Savoa’ side table, Fred International. TERRACE A chiminea makes this blissful outdoor space the perfect spot to gather year-round for
conversation and connection with family and friends. Tribù ‘Pure’ armchair and ‘Dunes’ side table, both Cosh Living. Bottle, Auer Ceramic Design.

“It had to be a more fluid, organic process,”
she explains. The joinery and curtains
were updated as well.
At the start of every project, Anna-Carin
draws three words from her clients to
inform the aesthetic. In this case, they
were ‘embracing’, ‘vibrant’ and, yep,
‘Animalia’. “It should feel like a big warm
hug when you come in,” she says. Rich
colours and patterns, inspired by the
world outside and the seasons, bring
the ‘vibrant’. “The colour palette was
picked from the property’s vegetable
garden and environment,” explains
Anna-Carin. “When we first visited, there
were lemons and limes, all the greens
and the eucalyptus. But every time
we visited, the colours in the garden

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

changed. Suddenly, there were blueberries
and strawberries.” Animalia is worked
“into the patterns, the colours and in the
art,” she continues.
“We used quite a lot of Utopia Goods
fabrics, which are Australian-made and
designed, with wattle, eucalyptus, and
other beloved Australian flora.” A quilt
made from Utopia Goods ‘Tree of Life’
linen is adorned with possums, magpies,
platypuses and other Australian fauna,
while a round rug featuring leopards
enhances the hallway.
The owners’ Scandinavian heritage
isn’t overlooked. In the family room, a
resplendent Svenskt Tenn armchair and
footrest in ‘Aralia’ linen by Josef Frank
came all the way from Sweden. “That

was one of the few things that we actually
bought new,” says Anna-Carin.
A preloved Artek occasional chair,
designed in Finland, adds a pop of
marigold to the space. The lanterns
hanging over the dining table were
passed down from Anna’s late father,
Anders. “Every time they light the
candles, I hope they think of him and
what he contributed to their life,” says
Anna-Carin. “We consciously included
a few heirlooms in the home.”
Kinship is everything to the owners,
who open their home up to family and
friends often. “They’re very generous
in that respect,” adds Anna-Carin. >
Anna.Carin: annacarindesign.com.au.
Werkstatt Joinery: werkstatt-joinery.com.

“The colour palette was picked
from the big vegetable garden.
There were lemons and limes,
eucalyptus, then later berries.”
ANNA-CARIN McNAMARA, DESIGNER

THE PALETTE
Dulux Natural White

Dulux Green Alabaster

Dulux Black

“I can imagine lying in the bed, opening the curtains
and looking out over the valley. It’s a beautiful room.”
ANNA-CARIN McNAMARA

houses H G
MAIN BEDROOM Vintage Swedish bedside lamps, Curated Spaces. Bed, Hästens.

Custom bedside table by Anna.Carin Design and Werkstatt Joinery. Rug, Cadrys.
Pyrus artwork by Peter Hoffer (on wall), Dominick Mersch Gallery. On mantel:
Untitled (Leave the roots on, let them dangle… and the dirt) by Kat Shapiro Wood,
Chalk Horse Art Gallery. Studio Dokola pouring jug, Craft. Linen cushion, Polite
Society. Linen fitted sheet, Cultiver. Society Limonta sheet, Ondene. On bedside
table: Studio Dokola wide base cup, Craft. Petal amber bowl, connie and vi.

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GUEST BEDROOM Bedhead, Bedsahead. Bedside
table restored by John Gubbings. Gubi lamp, Cult.
Quilt in Utopia Goods ‘Tree of Life’ linen. Rug,
Armadillo. BATHROOM Existing bath. Artwork by
Kat Shapiro Wood. Tetsuya Ozawa beakers and bowl,
The DEA Store. Serax stool, Winning Appliances.

Be
d

Ba

th

Be

d

Ba

ing

Liv

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THE LAYOUT

ing

Din

Fam

hen

ily

Pantry
Bath

Laundry

Store

Kitc

Bed

Mudroom
Bed
Bed
Garage

Study

Bath

Living

houses H G

1

THE SOURCE
Bold splashes of teal and terracotta teamed with unique
patterns give a vibrant lift to a welcoming home.

3

2

4

6
5

Produced by Andrea Healy.

7

10
8

9

1 ‘Tramuntana’ ceramic fruit bowl stand, $360, Alex and Trahanas. 2 De La Espada ‘Alpha’ side table, from $4700, Criteria.
3 ‘Domus Blush’ rug by Kelly Behun, $8841.10, The Green Room. 4 Untitled (Lustre) artwork by Kat Shapiro Wood, POA, Chalk Horse.
5 Serax ‘EDU’ vase in Water Green, $459, Winning Appliances. 6 ‘Camille’ rattan bistro chair, $355, LivingStyles. 7 ‘Marlow’ armless
two-seater sofa in Performance Ginger boucle, $1699, Castlery. 8 Foscarini ‘Twiggy’ floor lamp, $3120, Space. 9 ‘Firewheel Garden’
cushion cover, $149, Utopia Goods Textiles. 10 House Editions moon jar in White Velvet, $360, NGV Design Store. #

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H G houses

LIVING Joinery in Porter’s Paints Toy Soldier with concrete benchtop. Artwork

by Chalom, Sibu Gallery. Fireplace, Escea. ‘Keely’ sofa in Zepel Fabrics ‘Casual’
in Flint, Fanuli. Coffee table, Living Styles. Cushions, Città and L&M Home.
Rug, Armadillo. White bowl, Papaya. Vase and catchall, both McMullin & co.
Flowers, Wild Forager. OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Joinery in Dulux Natural
White. Table, Woodbury. ‘Barwon’ chairs, Eco Outdoor. Floor in Corso
limestone tiles, Surface Gallery. Ziegler & Brown barbecue, Barbeques Galore.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

An inspired renovation has given this family
home and its lucky owners a new lease on life.
STO RY Chris Pearson | ST Y LI N G Jamee Deaves
PH OTOG R A P HY Simon Whitbread

H G houses
THIS IS
THE LIFE

Deanna and John work
from home. “When not
working, I love to cook
and gather fresh produce
from the garden. When
I am in the kitchen, I have
all the space in the world,”
she says. The revamp has
enriched their routine.
“John and I never had
a cup of coffee outside
before,” says Deanna.
“Now we love sitting at
that outdoor table, just
the two of us. It’s part of
our daily routine.”

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Outdoor dining
table, Woodbury. ‘Barwon’ dining chairs, and
‘Nomah’ armchair, all Eco Outdoor. Floor in
Corso limestone tiles, Surface Gallery. Vases,
Papaya. Cushions, Ivy Lane. BAR DETAIL
Joinery in Porter’s Paints Toy Soldier, and
floating shelves in American oak veneer,
Homestyle Kitchens. Benchtop and splashback
in Calacatta Crema, Smartstone. Zip
‘HydroTap G5 BHA Celsius Arc’ tap in Brushed
Gold, Winning Appliances. ‘Kairos’ glasses,
Saardé. Artwork by Kate Cox, Sibu Gallery.

THE LAYOUT

Alfresco

Living

Bed

Study

Kitchen

Living

Rumpus
Garage

Bed

Bath

Bed

Bath

Laundry

Bath

Pantry

Dining
Bed

Bed

fter an inspired makeover, a much-loved
family home in Sydney’s North West offers
its owners, Deanna and John, a fresh
perspective in more ways than one. The
lure of the country originally drew them
to this two-hectare property in 2009.
Semi-rural and surrounded by market gardens, its sweeping
lawns offered a sprawling playground for their two daughters
to enjoy riding their bikes in wide open spaces. “And the
house had high ceilings and lots of light and space. There
was lots to love,” says Deanna.
Fast-forward to 2022 and both of their children had flown
the nest. Then the couple became aware of the neoclassical
home’s shortcomings, long ignored in the hubbub of family
life. Not only were the kitchen and bathrooms tired and dated
but the house included oddities that limited the duo’s
appreciation of the manicured garden, tennis court and pool.
Most pointedly, views were marred by a freestanding solid
masonry fireplace plonked in the centre of the sitting area,
while openings to the garden were ungenerous and the
kitchen, cut off from the action, was undercooked for a fivebedroom home and for keen foodie Deanna.
The couple found interior designer Anna McMillan of
McMillan Design. “With its heavy window treatments and
tiled floors, the house was oppressive and lacked soul and
a connection to the landscape,” says Anna. “The brief was >
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

127

KITCHEN/DINING Joinery in Dulux Natural White (white), American oak veneer (timber), and

Porter’s Paints Toy Soldier (blue), Homestyle Kitchens. Benchtop and splashback in Calacatta
Crema, Smartstone. Thomas O’Brien ‘Goodman’ hanging lamps over island, and a ‘Piaf Grande’
chandelier hangs over the dining table, all Bloomingdales Lighting. ‘Icon’ kitchen mixer in Urban
Brass, Astra Walker. Samsung fridge, Harvey Norman. ‘Maki’ bar stools, MCM House. ‘Sanchez’
dining table and ‘Balmoral’ dining chairs, all Swish Furniture & Homewares. Artwork on kitchen
shelf by Holly Terry. Artwork to the right by Lucy Mim. Vases from Ivy Lane and McMullin & co.

houses H G

THE PALETTE
Dulux Natural White
(walls and outdoor joinery)
Porter’s Paints Toy Soldier
(joinery)
Polytec Boston Oak
(bathroom joinery)

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H G houses

“The brief was
modern farmhouse,
combining classic
and contemporary.”
ANNA McMILLAN, INTERIOR DESIGNER

GUEST BATHROOM ADP vanity in Boston Oak Woodmatt with Caesarstone
Organic White benchtop, ADP basin, and Kado cabinet, all Reece. Spanish tiles
in Mist Gloss, and ‘Grange’ floor tiles, all Surface Gallery. Wall lights, LightCo.
Mixer and towel rails, all Astra Walker. BATHROOM Opposite Vanity in Polytec
Boston Oak, Homestyle Kitchens. Benchtop in Calacatta Crema, Smartstone.
Stool, Mark Tuckey. Tiles, Surface Gallery. Hardware, Lo & Co. Lights, LightCo.
Basin and tapware, all Astra Walker. Cabinet and bath, both Reece. BEDROOM
Artwork by Kate Cox. Cushions and vase, Ivy Lane. Throws, L&M Home.

for a modern farmhouse look, not too country, combining
the classic and contemporary, relaxed and comfortable,
but also luxe and elegant. It had to be warm and inviting,
able to entertain friends and family.” And, perhaps most
importantly, the couple wanted it to provide a welcome
home for whenever their adult children – and their
significant others – may want to return.
“I wanted something down to earth, without razzamatazz,”
adds Deanna. “And space to draw the family back for
dinners, using the outside area for entertaining and
extended family to gather.”
As well as refreshing the bathrooms, Anna, with building
designer Fyffe Design, remodelled and extended the open
plan, replacing it with a generous kitchen looking towards
a dining area, complete with bar and coffee station in a
wall of joinery, a butler’s pantry in the footprint of the old
kitchen and a living area beyond – with the fireplace against
the wall. That space, in turn, abuts a covered outdoor area,
with seating for up to 10, directly beside the pool and
connecting it to the house. The open-plan extends at a
45-degree angle to the front wing housing the bedrooms,
which was left largely untouched, with the kitchen forming
the hub and the pivot between the two.
Modern farmhouse references include a living room
pitched ceiling, with VJ-cladding and exposed beam, >
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

131

BUTLER’S PANTRY Joinery in Dulux Natural White, Homestyle

Kitchens. Shelf in Polytec Boston Oak. Benchtop in Organic White,
Caesarstone. Tiles in Clay, Surface Gallery. Mixer, Astra Walker.
Franke sink, Reece. Breville coffee machine, Bing Lee. Tea towel,
Country Road. Jar, client’s own. ENSUITE Tiles, Surface Gallery.
Tapware, Astra Walker. Towel, Saardé. LAUNDRY Joinery and
brass rail, all Homestyle Kitchens. Miele washer and dryer,
Winning Appliances. Artwork by Holly Terry. Vases, Black Blaze.

continuing to the alfresco area ensure visual cohesion.
“The living area now has a sense of proportion and it’s light
and fresh,” says Anna. Shaker joinery in the kitchen provides
a modern profile with a nod to the past.
Faced with lashings of space, Anna played with scale – the
kitchen island is four metres long, while the living-room
sofa is just shy of that. Similarly, light fittings are oversized.
And furniture, such as the sofa, dining table and outdoor
table, is robust and sturdy, and suitably chunky.
An earthy, neutral palette reflects the modern farmhouse
look, with slate-blue accents on the bar joinery and the
fireplace. Aged-bronze and brass fittings team with oak
timbers, wicker and linens, with matt finishes and nothing
shiny. Zellige tiles lend luxury and flair to the bathrooms.
“With its massive bench and large pendants, the kitchen
is the hero of the house,” says Anna. “A once-throwaway
space has become the hub of the home where the host feels
part of the action.”
“I love the flow and being able to see my friends outside
when I’m in the kitchen,” adds Deanna. “And sitting at the
bench and watching the sun rise through the trees, which
I couldn’t because of the fireplace before. The renovation
has given us a new appreciation for where we live.”
McMillan Design: mcmillandesign.com.au.
Fyffe Design: fyffedesign.com.au.

houses H G

1

THE SOURCE
Look to natural surrounds for inspiration as you select
the textures and hues for a serene interior aesthetic.

4

2

5

3

6
7

Produced by Andrea Healy.

8
9
10
1 ‘Orchard’ cushion cover, $119, Città. 2 ‘Elysian’ commercial pull-out kitchen mixer in Brushed Brass, $549.90, ABI Interiors.
3 ‘Chickpea’ bath sheet collection in Terracotta/Stone, from $45/hand towel, Saardé. 4 ‘Reflextion’ arch colour-change LED mirror
in Brass, $649, Beacon Lighting. 5 The Garden Affair artwork by Holly Terry, POA, Wentworth Galleries. 6 ‘Carly’ bar stool, $649,
Domayne. 7 ‘Henley’ T-bar pulls in Acid Washed Brass, $39.95 each, Hepburn Hardware. 8 Nova’ dining chair, $599, Early Settler.
9 ‘Lucas’ three-seater sofa in Performance White Quartz Bouclé, $1999, Castlery. 10 Ivory vase, $229, Husk. #

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133

Respect for the past and a thoughtful redesign see former farm
stables in country Victoria transformed into the ultimate entertainer.
STO RY Sue Wheeler | ST Y L IN G Kylie Forbes | P HOTOG R A P HY Martina Gemmola

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

houses H G
LIVING Joinery in American oak veneer, Cantilever. Artwork by Caoife Power. ‘Vista’

sofa, ‘Cove’ coffee table, ‘Nash’ side table, ‘Maggie’ chair, ‘Dari’ rug, and ‘Nelly’
table light, all Jardan. Cushions, Libeco. Axo Light ‘Orchid’ floor lamp, Mondoluce.
Raku vase by Simone Karras, Pépite. Bisonhome glassware, Make Designed Objects.
EXTERIOR Built using locally sourced stone by local artisans, the exterior hints at the
horse-rearing history, celebrating the textures and palette of the rural surrounds.

H G houses
t’s not often the previous occupants of a house are
horses, but just three months before they were finished,
these beautiful living spaces contained horse stalls
and a parading ring for stallions. The farm buildingturned-residence sits on acreage at a broodmare farm
in a Victorian country town dating back to the 1800s.
The original stud farm was designed by an American architect
and built by local artisans from locally sourced stone.
The current owner, who lives primarily overseas and returns
for a few months every year, bought the property in 2021 and
decided to convert the building into a retreat. “The owner
comes back to recharge and loves entertaining here. It’s a
place to get together with family and friends and do the things
they love,” explains Merinda Garrett, the interior designer
enlisted to manage the project from conception to completion.

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“Creating these living areas was stage one of the overall
project and the owner was keen to have them ready for
Christmas,” adds Merinda, who had just three months, during
Covid, to finish them. The open living spaces include a
kitchen-dining-living area that leads to a ‘bar’ and a bigger
TV room. The remit also included an adjacent golf simulation
room, a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen/entertaining
area overlooking the awe-inspiring Strathbogie Ranges.
Once cleared and painted Dulux Natural White, the building
and its soaring, six-metre raked ceiling were a blank canvas.
“Given the height and space, it needed a human response and
scale – you don’t want to feel like you are in an art gallery,” says
Merinda. “I wanted to create intimate zones that felt nestled
within the space. To help, I used low-level lighting to emphasise
human scale and chose designs that could be flexible.”
>

THIS IS
THE LIFE

The outdoor kitchen,
much-loved coffee nook
and a purpose-built bar
has the owner’s love for
entertaining well and
truly covered. The joinery
conceals the appliances
in a seamless yet
functional design. “We
tailored the joinery to
create plenty of storage,
including four integrated
wine fridges and a
Liebherr fridge for extra
food,” says Travis Dean,
co-director of Cantilever.

BAR Joinery in American oak veneer, and benchtop and splashback in Elba honed marble, both Cantilever. Nemo wall lamp,

Mondoluce. Zip ‘HydroTap Arc’ tap, Winning Appliances. ‘Cleo’ armchair and ottoman, ‘Nash’ side table, and ‘Bam Bam’ rug
in Sand, all Jardan. Cushions, Libeco. DINING Pendant lights, Porcelain Bear. ‘Otway’ table, Cosh Living. ‘Maggie’ chairs, and
outdoor setting, all Jardan. Sideboard, Cantilever. Tall vase by Mali Taylor, and speckled vase by Simone Karras, both Pépite.

THE PALETTE
Dulux Natural White
(interior walls)
Dulux Duratec Timberland
(bar shelving)

Dulux Domino

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houses H G

“We positioned the island
and sink to capture and
connect with the view
through the windows.”
MERINDA GARRETT, INTERIOR DESIGNER

“We had to create the function of the space through the
joinery as there wasn’t anything there,” explains Merinda. She
chose Cantilever’s ‘EDIT’ kitchen system in American oak
veneer. An integrated Bora cooktop extractor system, drawing
heat down instead of up, proved to be a smart choice (given the
vaulted ceiling), as did hiding the TVs in the customised joinery.
“The owner loves sport and has three TVs close to each other so
that he doesn’t miss a beat. Aesthetically that was challenging,
so two are hidden and pop up at the click of a button.”
The interiors now feel liveable and “not too polished”, says
Merinda. “The owner wants to relax when he’s here, so it’s
important the interiors are warm and accessible, but also high
functioning with a refined, high-end finish.” Grounded in the
honesty of the materials, they reflect both the stone exterior of
the building and the earthy colours and textures of the
landscape. And while the overall look is pared back, rugs and
paintings add a decorative touch. The warmth of the timber and
the joinery’s rounded profile bring softness to the expansive
concrete floors, which are polished but not ‘perfect’. “Moving
the plumbing and removing a drain in the horse stalls meant
we had to re-level the concrete,” says Merinda. “But we didn’t try
to hide it as it’s part of the beauty and the story of the building.”
The materials, fixtures and furniture were predominantly
manufactured locally. “The interiors have a quintessentially
Australian vibe,” says Merinda. “While they are refined, they are
still informed by an agrarian vernacular and have a humility
about them.” The previous occupants may have left the building,
but they haven’t been forgotten.
>
Merinda Garrett: merindagarrett.com.
Cantilever: cantileverinteriors.com.

KITCHEN Walls painted Dulux Natural White. Joinery in the ‘EDIT’ kitchen
system in American oak veneer in Natural (including sideboard with a
hidden TV that ascends from the top), and benchtop in Austral Dream
dolomite, all Cantilever. ‘Alaska’ bar stool, Life Interiors. ‘Nelly’ table lamp
in Rust (by window), Jardan. Zip ‘HydroTap Arc’ tap, Winning Appliances.
Complete link artwork by Caoife Power. Ceramics by Emily Ellis, Mali Taylor
and Ella Bendrups, all Pépite. Various homewares, Robert Gordon.

BAR This page Joinery in American oak veneer, and benchtop and splashback in Elba honed marble, all Cantilever. Bar shelf powdercoated

Dulux Duratec Timberland. Integrated wine fridges, EuroCave. Integrated dishwasher, Asko. Pedestal vase by Emily Ellis, Pépite. Styling items,
Make Designed Objects, Pépite and Robert Gordon. OUTDOOR KITCHEN Opposite Custom outdoor kitchen in wrapped stainless steel
with integrated fridge and barbecue, Cantilever. Outdoor setting, Cosh Living. Raku vase by Simone Karras. Glassware, Bisonhome.

houses H G

“The stainless steel
outdoor kitchen is best
suited to the sometimes
harsh conditions.”
MERINDA GARRETT

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141

POOL AREA ‘Henry’ outdoor
armchairs in Sand, Jardan.

houses H G

1

THE SOURCE
Whether in an urban or rural home, a relaxed modern
Australian look works with its clean-lined, calming appeal.

3

5

4

2

6
7
8

10

Produced by Andrea Healy.

9

1 Muuto ‘Fine’ suspension lamp in Grey, $905, Living Edge. 2 Axo Light ‘Orchid’ floor lamp in Sand, $3115, Mondoluce.
3 Feelings Of Mist artwork by Morgana Celeste, $1200, morganaceleste.com. 4 ‘Dari’ rug in Camel (400x300cm), $8200, Jardan.
5 Maxwell & Williams ‘Glamour’ stacked decanter in Iridescent, $49.95/three-piece set, Myer. 6 ‘Burleigh’ buffet, $2399,
Freedom. 7 ‘Alby’ Australian wool cushion in Periwinkle, $106, L&M Home. 8 Ceramic raku vessel by Simone Karras, $320, Pépite.
9 ‘Cara’ dining chair, from $1195, Coco Republic. 10 Arflex ‘Low Land’ sofa in Sand, from $10,765, Space. #

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H G houses
EXTERIOR The new entrance creates a more
welcoming and stylish sense of arrival. The exterior
is painted Dulux Stone River with trim in Dulux
Natural White. ‘Brady’ wall lanterns, Custom
Lighting. Buxus and cloud trees, Conifer Gardens
Nursery. Garden designed by Noni Young Garden
Design and Helen Melville of Evolving Gardens.

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RURAL RETREAT
A Colonial-look 1970s property on the Mornington Peninsula in
Victoria is gently renovated with an English-country aesthetic in mind.
STO RY Judy Pascoe | ST Y L IN G Heather Nette King | P HOTOG R A P HY Armelle Habib

THIS IS
THE LIFE

Margaret and David
are delighted with their
revamped weekender and
the ease of entertaining
visiting family and friends.
But they say, “there is still
lots to do in the future”.
Plans for the property
include expanding
and developing the
garden and renovating
the old cottage located
in an outer paddock.
For David, a keen golfer,
a dream project is
to add a putting green.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

houses H G

ictoria’s Mornington Peninsula is a popular
playground for locals and visitors, offering
a wealth of activities from surfing and golfing
to winery tours and fine dining. Couple
Margaret and David had owned land in the
area for some years, intending to build a
weekender there but when they came across this established
circa 1973 house on a large block their plans changed.
The appeal of the single-storey, Colonial-style property was
undeniable with its pool, tennis court and separate cottage.
Views over nearby vineyards and easy access to great restaurants,
shops and golf courses were an added bonus, as well as the
proximity to Merricks Trail, a walking or riding track that
meanders through an attractive bush reserve linking to wineries
and eateries at either end.
Margaret and David and their Corgi, Bertie, spent nine years
in the house before deciding to renovate. As Margaret works

for Melbourne interior design practice Bloom, she naturally
turned to director Terri Shannon and senior interior designer
Nina Rowlands for their expertise, and designer Belinda Tuck
who assisted with fabric and furniture selections.
“The house was a bit cold and draughty, and Margaret and
David wanted it to feel warmer and more colourful as well as
relaxing,” says Terri. “The brief also included a new front entrance
and an improved view from the living areas that necessitated
the removal of a large supporting structure in the dining room.
They also wanted to add a pitched roof, which would continue
over the rebuilt deck to create an outdoor ‘room’,” adds Nina.
The notoriously wet winter climate in the area made the
removal and construction of a new roof rather tricky, but once
that was achieved and the structural work was completed
attention turned to decorating. “Margaret and David favoured
an English country aesthetic,” says Terri, and the colours used
throughout reflect their love of green, taupe and pink.
>

KITCHEN Walls painted Dulux Natural White. Custom two-pac joinery by Bloom Interior Design painted Dulux Fossil Grey made by Werribee Joinery
and Cabinet Works. Perrin & Rowe tapware in polished chrome, and butler’s sink, The English Tapware Company. Splashback in Carrara marble
subway tiles, Byzantine Design. Zimbabwe Black granite benchtop, G-Lux. Neff appliances, E&S Trading. Astier de Villatte plates, Lily Pond. Rug,
Najaf Rugs. Chippendale ottoman, Wills Bisgrove, upholstered in Schumacher ‘Nevado’ in Desert, Grant Dorman. STUDY Walls painted Dulux Deep
Walnut. The owner Margaret with Bertie the dog. Rug, Najaf Rugs. Bees by Richard Stringer, Fletcher Arts. ENTRY Chairs, Miguel Meirelles Antiques,
upholstered in Elliott Clarke Mulberry ‘Fantasia’ fabric. Cricket table, Greg Stirling Furniture. Aerin ‘Gaios’ lamp in Pharaoh White, Bloomingdales
Lighting. Artwork by Sophie MacKinnon, Red Hill House. Mod Collection Travertine Reale floor tiles, Byzantine Design.

H G houses

KITCHEN Joinery by Bloom Interior Design painted Dulux Fossil Grey made by Werribee Joinery and Cabinet
Works. Perrin & Rowe tapware, and butler’s sink, The English Tapware Company. Splashback in Carrara marble
subway tiles, Byzantine Design. Zimbabwe Black granite benchtop, G-Lux. Neff appliances, E&S Trading.
Bentwood bar stools, Thonet, with custom seat pads in Elliott Clarke ‘Rocco’ fabric in Light Tan. Coffee machine,
Rancilio. Cake stand, French Country Collections. Rug, Najaf Rugs. DINING Vintage table from one of the original
Manly ferries. Custom seat pads in Elliott Clarke ‘Vallan’ fabric in Sage. Custom cushions in Fabricut ‘Gordaldo’
in Flax, The Textile Company. ‘Ajmer’ rug in Sangria, Hali. Winnie chandelier, Custom Lighting. Vintage bar cart,
Diane Bergeron. Artwork by Claire Stening. Billecart-Salmon print by Billie Justice Thomson, Modern Times.

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H G houses
LIVING Sofa upholstered in Elliott Clarke Alhambra ‘Jacob 06’ fabric. Throw, Hermès. Custom ottomans by
Bloom Interior Design made by Wills Bisgrove in Mokum ‘Eternal’ in Linen, James Dunlop Textiles, with fringing by
Inge Holst, Elliott Clarke. Custom coffee table, Chatsworth Fine Furniture. Chobi rug, Silk Road. ‘Corso’ sideboard,
Canvas+Sasson. Custom chair in Elliott Clarke Lewis & Wood ‘Deer Park’ fabric, Bloom Interior Design. Cushion
and lamp, Bloom Interior Design Archive Collection. Stool, Asian Tide. Artwork by Patricia Wood, Philips Auctions.
Custom curtains in James Dunlop Textiles Mokum ‘Eternal’ fabric, Bloom Interior Design. DINING ‘Winnie’ chandelier,
Custom Lighting. Artwork by Claire Stening. Tray, cups, jug and pot, Bloom Interior Design Archive Collection.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

“They wanted the home to feel warmer,
more colourful, as well as relaxing, and they
favoured an English country aesthetic.”
TERRI SHANNON, INTERIOR DESIGNER

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

houses H G

The expanded entrance with its new travertine
flooring leads in to the generously sized open-plan
living and dining area, which has been refreshed with
new picture windows to provide spectacular district
views as well as allowing an abundance of light into
the home. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study,
kitchen and laundry round out the floorplan.
In keeping with the desire to create a feeling of warmth
in the home, older pieces and those with an interesting
provenance were incorporated into the furniture scheme.
This includes a dining table that was salvaged from an
original Manly ferry, and some of the couple’s existing
chairs and a sofa that were reupholstered to fit in with
the updated aesthetic. Margaret’s fondness for stripes
and patterns is evident throughout in cushions, rugs
and upholstered benches.
While a fresh neutral – Dulux Natural White – was
chosen for most of the interior, a deep charcoal shade
for the V-groove panelling and joinery in the study and
taupe for the kitchen and laundry joinery promote a
sense of warmth. “The dark shade in the study really
makes the new picture window pop, highlighting the
beautiful aspect and greenery outside,” says Nina.
In the main bedroom there are allusions to country
style in the Lewis & Wood wallpaper that features a
delicate trailing leaf pattern in green, and the rustic
aesthetic is further enhanced by the checkerboard
tumbled tiles on all the bathroom floors.
The rebuilt deck with its soaring roof is the perfect
spot for alfresco lunches on sunny days when guests can
enjoy the tranquillity of the country lifestyle. Margaret
and David couldn’t be happier. “We love the warmth and
comfort that everyone can enjoy. Bloom understood our
brief completely and made our vision come to life. We
can’t wait to spend more time here when we retire.” >
Bloom: bloominteriordesign.com.au.
Luke Shannon: info@lukebuilt.au.
Noni Young Garden Design: noniyoung.com.au
Evolving Gardens: evolvinggardens.com.

OUTDOOR DINING Vintage table, Jeff’s Shed (now closed).
Verdun chairs, Early Settler, with cushions in fabric by Lucy
Montgomery. Tablecloth, Heirloom Tableware. Addison Ross
placemats, Rose Street Trading Co. Plates, bowls and napkins,
Casa e Cucina. Cutlery, Hutch Table Accessories. ‘Gluggle’ jug,
The Essential Ingredient. Glassware, Country Road. Outdoor
pots, Bunnings. ENTRY Artwork by Debbie Mackenzie, Red Hill
House. Chippendale ottoman, Wills Bisgrove, upholstered in
Grant Dorman Schumacher ‘Nevado’ fabric. Rug, Najaf Rugs.
Mod Collection Travertine Reale floor tiles, Byzantine Design.

H G houses
HALLWAY Artworks by Susannah Bond. Cushion in Suzanne Tucker Home ‘Amara’, Tigger Hall Design.
Bedside table, Abode Living. BATHROOM Opposite, top left, bottom right Joinery and mirrors, Werribee

THE PALETTE
Dulux Stone River
(exterior render)
Dulux Deep Walnut
(study walls and joinery)
Dulux Fossil Grey
(kitchen joinery)

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

Joinery and Cabinet Works. Carrara marble benchtop, G-Lux. Wall tiles, Byzantine Design. Floor tiles,
Surface Gallery. Bath, Reece. Aerin wall light, Bloomingdales Lighting. BEDROOM Top right, bottom left
Lewis & Wood ‘Beech’ wallpaper in Document Green, Elliott Clarke. Bedcover in Schumacher fabric,
Grant Dorman. Bedside table and lamp, Bloomingdales Lighting. Chair, Chatsworth Fine Furniture. Joinery
by Werribee Joinery and Cabinet Works with fabric insets in Tigger Hall Design Nile & York ‘Track’ fabric.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

155

STUDY Chairs, Freedom, with custom cushions in James Dunlop
Textiles Casamance ‘Matsu Lin’ fabric. Table, Greg Stirling
Furniture. Kelly Wearstler table lamp, Bloomingdales Lighting.
Vase, French Country Collections. Artwork by Erin Chaplin,
Otomys. Rug, The Rug Collection. French oak flooring, Woodcut.

houses H G

1

THE SOURCE
Bring warm country style to your interiors with classic and
vintage-look pieces in timbers, woven textures and prints.

3

5
4

2

6

Produced by Andrea Healy.

8

7

10
9

1 ‘Jasminum’ plate, $176, John Derian. 2 Sabre Paris bamboo salad set, $110, Emporean. 3 ‘Maurice’ glass cabinet
in Drifted Matt Black, $3895, Coco Republic. 4 ‘Taylor Sky’ cushion, $47, Domayne. 5 Thomas O’Brien ‘Piaf Grande’
chandelier, $2290, The Montauk Lighting Co. 6 ‘Crafted’ table lamp, $369, Few & Far. 7 ‘Avalon’ throw blanket in
Écru/Camel $2755, Hermès. 8 ‘Mississippi’ outdoor dining chair, $799, Domayne. 9 ‘Bayview’ rattan tray in Brown,
$84.95, French Knot. 10 ‘Barndo’ reclaimed dining table, $1099, Early Settler. #
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

157

Celebrating the stunning coastal and native
bush setting it is located in, this home in Victoria
is a welcoming hub for family and friends.
STORY Victoria Baker | PH OTO G R APH Y Shannon McGrath

houses H G

OUTDOOR A better connection to the

outdoors allows for calm contemplation of the
garden designed by Rupert Baynes-Williams of
Florian Wild. Houe loungers, SLH Furniture.
LIVING Artwork by Giles Alexander. A Nikari
‘December’ lounge chair and timber shelves
add natural warmth to the deep blue tone
(Porter’s Paints Black Blue) in the living room.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

159

H G houses
OUTDOOR “The house sits well in the landscape,

with entrances from the north and south side, which is
great for ease of circulation, especially when the house
is full,” says Geraldine. DINING Original Tasmanian
Myrtle floorboards were uncovered during the renovation
and restored. Vintage rug. Table, owner’s existing.
Chairs, Feelgood Designs. A rice paper &Tradition
Formakami JH5 light shade casts a gentle glow.

THIS IS
THE LIFE

“The house makes us
feel supremely relaxed,”
says one of the owners.
“From the colour
palette, and looking
out at the native
garden designed by
Rupert Baynes-Williams
from Florian Wild, to
the constantly changing
filtered light from the
tall ironbarks reflecting
off the nearby lake,
the house provides
a wonderful nest for
us to escape to.”

ake a modest Mid-century home, located
on eight hectares of land accessed from an
unsealed road in the bush close to Bells
Beach on Victoria’s Surf Coast. Combine
this with a generous and sociable
Melbourne-based couple, their adult kids,
extended family and lots of friends. Mix in award-winning
interior designer Geraldine Maher of Maher Design. Renovate
over two stages and… enjoy at leisure. Geraldine describes
the owners as “passionate art collectors and generous
entertainers”, and their brief was driven by the home’s
location. “We wanted to capitalise on the coastal and native
bush setting,” says the owner. “I asked Geraldine for ‘casual
luxury’ – a place that would wrap its arms around us.”

The floorplan needed to work harder to accommodate
guests and be a welcome spot for gatherings, and Geraldine
was tasked with achieving this within the existing footprint.
“If a house is structurally sound and you can make things
work, it’s a simpler and less complicated process than
extending it,” she explains. “You can also save six months
on planning processes.”
The renovation unfolded in two stages. The first,
undertaken by builder Steve Marshall (now retired),
involved work on the living spaces and bedrooms, and a
new kitchen.
There were some serendipitous discoveries – in particular
beautiful Tasmanian Myrtle floorboards hidden under
tired carpet and vinyl flooring. The rich tones of the >
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

161

THE PALETTE
Porter’s Paints Black Blue
(laundry joinery)
Porter’s Paints Grey Fox
(walls)
Porter’s Paints Hamptons Blue
(kitchen joinery)

houses H G
KITCHEN/LIVING Kitchen joinery in Porter’s Paints Hamptons
Blue. Island benchtop in solid recycled spotted gum timber.
Custom stone cocktail table built around an existing structural
steel post, powdercoated Interpon Deep Ocean. Artworks
(left of fireplace) by Adam Lee and Noel McKenna, and
(above fireplace), unknown artist. Ceramic sculpture on shelf
by Alexandra Standen. Artwork on benchtop by Simône Serle.

“Natural materials were selected for their
warmth, tactility, authenticity and durability.”
GERALDINE MAHER, INTERIOR DESIGNER

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H G houses

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

KITCHEN The splashback and island bench
are clad in ‘Inax Yohen Border’ wall tiles from
Artedomus. Joinery painted Porter’s Paints
Hamptons Blue. Artwork by Simône Serle.
LAUNDRY In the new laundry, a handmade
terracotta pendant light by Takeawei
hangs above a stone benchtop. Artwork by
Lynn Savery. Timber ‘Dropit’ wall hooks,
Normann Copenhagen.

“The blue-green hues within the palette are a natural
extension of the coastal bush setting.”
GERALDINE MAHER

H G houses

timber, once rejuvenated, created the perfect base for the
rest of the materials palette, which Geraldine describes
as “very much informed and inspired by the coastal rural
location. Natural materials were selected for their warmth,
tactility, authenticity and durability.”
Of course, no build is without an unexpected discovery
or two. While opening up the kitchen to the living space by
demolishing a wall, a structural steel post was found inside
said wall. While not a complete surprise, it threw up a
challenge for Geraldine when the owners asked her to
incorporate it into the design. In a happy example of making
lemonade from lemons, she created a round cocktail table
surrounding the column. Showing true commitment to the

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

cocktail cause, the builder even propped up the beam above
the column so the circular stone piece could be sleeved over
the top of the post and remain in one piece, with no joins.
The experiment was a great success: “People gravitate
towards that spot – it is a real focal point for gathering,”
says Geraldine.
The open plan kitchen, living and dining area is also
a favourite of the owners.
“It’s a large space that makes our hearts sing when we
arrive,” says one of the owners. “[Geraldine’s] use of colour
and materials combines concrete with spotted gum and
American oak to bring an organic layered look to the space
which integrates with the bush setting.”
>

MAIN BEDROOM Walls painted in Porter’s Paints Hamptons

Blue. “I do love the main bedroom,” says Geraldine. “The walls,
furnishings and robes are moody blue tones and the dark sisal
floor is soft and textured underfoot – it’s very tranquil.” Artworks
by Mary Tonkin (left) and (above bed) by Clare Milledge.

STUDY/WALK-IN ROBE Curtains in
Warwick Fabrics ‘Linesta’ linen in Fog.
ENSUITE ‘Inax Yohen Border’ wall
tiles in white with Ultracolour Plus
grout in Caramel, Artedomus.
Caroma ‘Tribute’ wall-hung basin and
‘Classic 1500’ island bath, and Mizu
‘Stream’ basin mixer, both Reece. ‘Dial
Hanger’ wall hooks, DesignByThem.
Terrazzo floor tiles, Signorino.

The home’s character is enhanced by the artful mix of
vintage and new furniture. Geraldine points out that the
two chairs by the fire belonged to one of the owner’s
parents. Geraldine also happily sourced handmade pieces
from both international and local sources, including a
console table from Luke Rogers in Geelong and terracotta
lampshades from Takeawei Studio in Torquay.
The second stage, built by DBS Homes, involved
redesigning the space taken up by an oversized bathroom
(complete with 1980s-style corner spa bath) and laundry.
“By reconfiguring the internal spaces, I was able to add an
extra bathroom, mudroom, separate toilet and study area,”
says Geraldine. “These new spaces are very compact, but

they work and they feel generous.” These smaller rooms
include lighter toned finishes, to maximise light, but
the rest of the home includes gorgeous deep-toned colours.
“The predominantly blue-green hues within the colour
palette are a natural extension of the coastal bush setting
and create a connection to and a celebration of the
surrounding environment,” says Geraldine.
That connection to place, through colour, texture,
and local craftsmanship, proves to be a recipe for
stunning success.
>
Maher Design: maherdesign.studio.
DBS Homes: dbshomes.com.au. This home is available
to rent through soulfullivingrealestate.com.au.

houses H G

1

THE SOURCE
Warm timber tones and neutrals give interiors an
inviting feel and make a house feel like a home.

3
2

5
4

8
7
Produced by Andrea Healy.

6

10
9

1 Formakami ‘JH4’ pendant light, $355, &Tradition. 2 Artek ‘Rocket’ bar stool, POA, Anibou. 3 Persian ‘Shiraz’ rug, $5280
(261x172cm), Cadrys. 4 Houe ‘Molo’ sunlounger in Bamboo/Black, $1595, RJ Living. 5 Ferm Living ‘Cairn’ centrepiece in Dark
Brown, $579, Designstuff. 6 Nikari ‘December’ lounge chair, POA, K5. 7 Ecru Mist artwork by Simône Serle, POA, simoneserle.com.
8 Normann Copenhagen ‘Dropit Hanger’ wall hooks, $66/two, RoyalDesign.com. 9 Libeco ‘Nairobi’ linen towels, $440/six,
Abask. 10 Mercator ‘Farrow’ table lamp in Teal, $90.58, Bunnings. #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

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H G houSeS
EXTERIOR Opposite Windows painted Dulux Monument, Dynamic
Windows. Colorbond standing-seam cladding painted Monument Matt.
MUDROOM This page James Hardie ‘Groove Lining’ VJ fibre cement
wall panelling painted Porter’s Paints Olive Grove. Limestone floor
tiles, Tiles of Ezra. Brush coir mat and ‘Rhino’ indoor/outdoor herringbone
runner, Natural Floorcovering Centres. Ski racks, Hotham Ski Tuning.

THIS IS
THE LIFE

While this chalet is not
huge, it comfortably
accommodates up to 12
people, thanks to bunk
beds and a trundle bed.
The living area is equally
versatile. “The banquette
beside the kitchen is not
only a dining space,
it’s where people just
gather to read, write, play
a board game or share a
well-earned drink after
a day out,” says Sally. And
the soft custom sofa can
fit up to five at a squeeze.

APRÈS SKI
A chalet in the Victorian Alps is generously primed for entertaining
family and friends – or simply relaxing after a day on the slopes.
STO RY Chris Pearson | ST Y L IN G Katie Sargent | P HOTOG R A P HY Martina Gemmola

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

171

ow it’s a cosy retreat, but for the owners
of this ski chalet in rural Victoria five
hours’ drive from Melbourne, creating
this haven in the snow was rather less
calming. With a narrow window for
building – it’s banned during the ski
season – and the Melbourne-based tradies having to be
housed nearby, its mountaintop seclusion was initially a
negative rather than a plus. But the alluring results, by
interior designer Katie Sargent of Katie Sargent Design,
belie those tricky beginnings.
“The team worked incredibly hard to bring this project to
life,” says the owner, who stays here with her husband and
16-year-old daughter. “Ironically, as the last removal van
drove away, the first snowdrift came across the mountain.”
When the couple bought the three-storey getaway in a row
of six in 2020, they were attracted by the spectacular alpine
views, savoured from living areas on the top level. The 1990s
weekender, however, was past its prime. “But it had potential,”
says the owner. “While quite contained, the living and dining
spaces flowed and, together with the four bedrooms, could
eventually accommodate up to 12. The chalet just needed to
be stripped back to bare bones.” And surprisingly small
windows undersold those sweeping views.

172 |

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

First, Design 21 Architecture addressed the exterior by
enlarging those openings while replacing the weatherboards
with Colorbond cladding. Then Katie tackled the interiors.
“The owners wanted to feel comfortable in summer and
winter, so it had to be cosy but not oppressively,” she says.
“The North American lake house was my inspiration, organic
with dark timbers and earthy colours, and textures that run
into each other, with nothing shiny.”
The biggest structural changes were the removal of a pantry
beside the kitchen to open up the living area, and combining
a WC with a bathroom on the middle/entry level, making four
generous bathrooms all up. This level houses three of the
four bedrooms, while the main shares the top level with
the living areas. The basement houses a double garage and
utilities. As well as larger windows and the bigger bathroom,
other design tricks make the compact chalet seem more
spacious, such as an open balustrade replacing a half wall
that separated the stairway from the living. And the pitched
V-groove ceilings were painted white to lend a sense of height.
“We had to create a feeling of space where there wasn’t
much,” says Katie, “so it’s not overcrowded with too many
items of furniture.” Zoning and custom furniture ensure a
versatile living area, with a sofa accommodating up to five,
mammoth armchairs, ottomans doubling as seating and a >

Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.

H G houses

HALLWAY Opposite left ‘ EasyVJ’ wall panelling painted
Porter’s Paints Watermark Half, Easycraft. ‘Eos’ wall light
in Midnight, Studio Enti. Artwork by David Moore.
LIVING Opposite right and this page Vintage sled, Eclectic
Boogaloo. Lamp, The Friday Store. Custom coffee table,
Christopher Blank Furniture and Kate Bowman Ceramics.
Custom ‘Tulu’ rug, Halcyon Lake. Ceramic sculpture by
Mali Taylor, Pépite. Custom armchair in Westbury Textiles
‘Turin Stonewash’ fabric in Jasper, Wills Furniture. Side
table, Chair Boi. ‘Mira’ throw, Cultiver. Tunisian ‘Cote
Couler’ wall mosaics, Earp Bros.

THE PALETTE
Porter’s Paints Olive Grove
(bedroom & mudroom cladding)
Porter’s Paints Half Watermark
(living walls)
Porter’s Paints River Stone
(balustrade)

H G houses

LIVING Top Cheminees Philippe ‘Radiante’ 700 3V wood heater, Wignells. Vintage artwork. White sculpture by Stephanie Phillips, and brown
sculpture by Mali Taylor, both Pépite. American walnut drawers, KPL Interiors. DINING Bottom ‘Akari 75A’ pendant light, In Good Company.
Bench, Marigold Interiors. Side table, Family Founded. Custom oak dining table, Christopher Blank Furniture. Currents sculpture by Bastard
Ceramics, Pépite. Hoffmann dining chairs, Huset Furniture. Custom bench seat, Harbro Furniture. Eztier Nieve Punto splashback tiles, Tiles of Ezra.
KITCHEN Opposite Vintage cuckoo clock, owners’ existing. Joinery in solid American walnut, KPL Interiors. Benchtop in ‘Maximum’ onyx in Bright
Onyx, Artedomus. Blind in James Dunlop ‘Designs of the Time’ fabric, Life By Shades. Coffee machine, De’Longhi. Yokato mixer. Brodware.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

THE LAYOUT

Bath

Garage

Bath

Dining

Bed

Basement

Ground floor

First floor

Living

Bed

Laundry

Kitchen
Bed

Landing

Bed
Bath

Dry
room

“The North American lake house was my inspiration:
dark timbers, earthy colours and textures.”

KATIE SARGENT, DESIGNER

broad bench seat behind a dining table with a central
pedestal. “The crafted coffee table is the hero of the
living area, with its walnut inlaid with ceramic tiles,”
says Katie. “It’s all very communal and, with the owners’
two dogs and a cat, everyone has free rein. Everything
needed to be durable while also homely and welcoming.”
V-groove boards and custom joinery carry the cosy
theme into the bedrooms. “We used saturated hues, an
intense blue in the main suite and green in others, which
gives each bedroom and bathroom its own personality,”
she says. “One of our favourite aspects is our small, yet
beautifully designed, main bedroom,” says the owner.
“It felt so poky before, but Katie let us embrace that. We
wake to spectacular sunrises, which set the tone for the
day.” She adds, “And we love our living zone – the custom
lounge chairs glue you to the view. We’ve lost many guests
in those after a long day out on the slopes!”
>
Katie Sargent Design: katiesargentdesign.com.
Design 21Architecture: design21.com.au.
Critique Building & Construction: critiquebc.com.au.

MUDROOM Joinery in solid American oak, KPL Interiors.
GUEST BEDROOM ‘ EasyVJ’ wall panelling, Easycraft,

and two-pac joinery, KPL Interiors, both in Porter’s Paints
Newport Blue. ‘Charlton’ wall light in Antique Brass,
Laura Kincade. Telegraph stool, Five Mile Radius. ‘Mira’
bed cover, Cultiver. ‘Scribbles’ carpet in Fresco, Prestige
Carpets. ‘Joe’ queen bed in Brushed Linen Mist, MCM House.

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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

houses H G

Clockwise from top left MAIN BEDROOM Walls painted Porter’s Paints Moorehen. Bedside table, The Friday Store, with stone base, Apex Stone.
Spheres sculpture by Kirsten Perry. Bedcover and towel, both Cultiver. MAIN BATHROOM Vintage mirror. Walls in James Hardie ‘Groove Lining’ VJ
wall panelling painted Porter’s Paints Moorehen. ‘Clay 400’ basin, Robert Gordon Interiors, Taj Mahal benchtop, Apex Stone, and joinery, KPL Interiors.
Yokato tapware, Brodware. Loose knit 3D-printed ceramic sculpture by Alterfact, Pépite. GUEST BEDROOM Walls in ‘EasyVJ’ wall panelling, Easycraft,
painted Porter’s Paints Olive Grove. Bedside table, Ocean + Stone. Bed linen, ‘Mira’ lumbar cushion and cushion, all Cultiver. FAMILY BATHROOM
‘Thin Avocado Bejmat’ Zellige wall tiles, Tiles of Ezra. Yokato tapware, Brodware. Lighthouse Rope mirror, The Society Inc. Stool, Ocean + Stone. ‘Kiln
515’ basin, Robert Gordon Interiors. Benchtop in Maximum onyx in Bright Onyx, Artedomus. Joinery, KPL Interiors. Limestone floor tiles, Tiles of Ezra.

houses H G

1

THE SOURCE
Handmade ceramics, crafted timber pieces and
soft textiles for chalet chic with a contemporary twist.

2

3

4
7

5

8

Produced by Bethan Lacoba.

6

9

10

1 Hay rice paper pendant light shade, $97/medium, Cult. 2 Audo Copenhagen ‘The Tired Man’ lounge chair, $16,445, Trit House.
3 ‘Yokato’ tapware wall set in Roma Bronze, POA, Brodware. 4 ‘Clay 340’ ceramic basin in Rivergum, $725, Robert Gordon.
5 ‘Hexacorallia’ table lamp in Sandstone, $910, Milly Dent. 6 ‘Chromatic’ rug in Ocean, $1165/m2, Halcyon Lake. 7 Middle of Nowhere
‘Artemis’ oval mirror in Black, $629, Life Interiors. 8 ‘Simone’ vase, $38, Few & Far. 9 ‘Mira’ linen bedcover in Enzo, $380, Cultiver.
10 ‘Mona Vale’ coffee table set, from $3605, Handkrafted. #

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

179

MAKING AUSTRALIAN HOMES BEAUTIFUL

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Photograph by Pip Farquharson. Calligraphy by Lesley Workman.

O U T D O O R S PA C E S T H A T I N V I T E A N D D E L I G H T

Drawing visitors to an art gallery, concept store and
eatery in Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter, NSW, a
rhyolite path meanders between dense masses of oyster
plant (Acanthus mollis) to the left, and thriving winter
roses (Helleborus) and foxgloves (Digitalis), to the right.

Gallery owner Michael Reid has created his own living
paradise, a rambling garden he keenly shares with fellow
art lovers who visit the Murrurundi, NSW, gallery location.
STO RY Chris Pearson | P HOTOG R A P HY Pip Farquharson

gardens H G

Masses of lush oyster plants (Acanthus mollis) provide groundcover leading up to the Michael Reid Murrurundi sandstone concept store, the
accompanying courtyard and corrugated iron-clad art gallery beyond. A lemon tree sits in a metal coal washer, a remnant from the
NSW Hunter Valley’s mining past, while clipped Japanese box (Buxus microphylla) adorn the two large concrete pots beside the concept store.
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

183

H G gardens
Sculptures by unknown artist found in a junk
sale sit beneath golden elms (Ulmus glabra
‘Lutescens’) on a wall made from sandstone,
leftover from the 1841 building that now houses
the concept store. Opposite Bunty the Border
Collie emerges from an opening in the Leighton
Green hedge (Cupressocyparis leylandii ‘Leighton
Green’), leading to Michael and Nellie’s home.

“THE PURPOSE OF THIS CREATIVE
SPACE IS TO ENTICE OUR AUDIENCE
TO SLOW DOWN, ENJOY THE
GARDEN, EAT AND DRINK WELL.”
Michael Reid, owner

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

185

H G gardens

a llery owner Michael Reid has presented fireplace encloses it on a third side. From this central space
his own living artwork, crafted in shades of that is overflowing with hollyhocks (Malva alcea), visitors walk
green with drifts of colour, in this lush garden between the gallery and the fireplace to the new front garden.
at Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter, NSW.
“This arose from an heroic 160-year-old river red gum
But it’s not simply for show – this hard- collapsing during the drought and taking all with it,” says
working garden really rolls up its sleeves.
Michael. “When it came crashing down, it opened this space to
“I understand, to my bones, how the English word for paradise the summer sun.” Tackling this expanse with the help of garden
derives from the Persian word for a walled garden,” says Michael. designer Gay Stanton, he created an open space with a nine“A garden is an earthly delight, an Eden.” As that implies, it’s metre-long concrete water trough in front of three interlocking,
largely left to its own fertile devices, with nothing too manicured. nine-metre-long gabion walls, “resulting in a more formal garden
“My horticultural go-to word is ‘drowsy’. Not informal or than I usually prefer”, he says, but he’s smitten with the results.
unkempt, but also not overly clipped or ruthlessly symmetrical,”
Like the stone concept store and new gallery, this garden
he says. “I lean toward a soft, well-watered, relaxed garden. One boasts a steel pergola planted with white wisteria and ornamental
that slowly wakes with a walk-through reveal.”
grapes. “Pergolas offer shade while making striking hanging
Here he has established a gallery, concept store and eatery, gardens,” says Michael.
all interwoven with an inspirational garden. “The purpose of
Around 80 Manchurian pear trees (Pyrus ussuriensis) and
this creative space is to entice our audience to slow down, enjoy 20 lipstick maples (Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’), many housed
in handsome coal pots salvaged from
the garden, eat and drink well, and view
Hunter Valley mines, provide colour and
and acquire significant art,” he says. “The
summer shade around the property, but
garden is both an aesthetic and
“I LEAN TOWARD
(being deciduous) allow the winter sun
commercial drawcard. Within beauty,
A SOFT, RELAXED
in. Meanwhile, 50 hardy peppercorn trees
one can absorb what’s on offer.”
And the garden, luxuriating within two
GARDEN; ONE THAT can survive the severest droughts.
Hedging such as Pittosporum tobira
and a half hectares, reflects that
SLOWLY WAKES…”
‘Miss Muffett’ separates some of the
emphasis. “I did not want a cottage-style
spaces, but nothing is too “topiary-ed”.
garden, but rather a parkland experience,”
Michael Reid, owner
These are underplanted with drifts of
he says. “These are industrial, working
Japanese windflowers, hollyhocks, irises
gardens, with lemon and lime orchards
and a massive veggie garden. It’s a gentle park-like garden, with and hellebores, while white climbing jasmine commandeers
fences. Every January, Michael spends on bulbs, such as daffodils
a sense of space and oxygen, and not over-filled.”
When Michael and his wife, Nellie Dawes, acquired this and snowdrops, for winter colour.
While these parts of the garden draw in art and plant lovers,
property in 2002, they found the garden “wildly overgrown”.
Michael first removed 80 truckloads of privet and other Michael finds the greatest enjoyment in his impressive veggie
introduced species, letting the sun shine in. An 1841 sandstone garden, in three raised plots enclosed by recycled railway
building, once a cell block, became a concept store and art sleepers. He grows kale, lettuce, rocket, tomatoes, basil and
gallery. Then seven years ago, he built a separate gallery in “industrial quantities” of garlic, interspersed with hyacinths
to stop possums from eating the bounty.
suitably rural corrugated iron.
And he has discovered another pleasure, riding the motorised
Visitors enter along a rhyolite gravel path, which meanders
through beds of massed oyster plant (Acanthus mollis), winter mower while listening to his favourite music. But, needless to
roses (helleborus) and may bush (Spiraea). The path takes you say, like the rest of the garden largely left to its own devices,
#
to the art gallery, which faces the concept store across a gravelled those lawns are never “over-mowed”.
courtyard. Creating a “wow moment”, a cantilevered sculptural Michael Reid Murrurundi: michaelreidmurrurundi.com.au.

OPPOSITE Top left The welcoming sign with golden elms (Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’) above, with an unruly spread of blue periwinkle (Vinca major)
growing beneath. Top right Drifts of Dutch iris (Iris x hollandica) provide seasonal colour. Michael spends up to $3000 each January on various bulbs,
such as daffodils (Narcissus) and snowdrops (Galanthus), which he plants for flowering in winter, spring and summer. Bottom right Creeping rosemary
in the hard-working herb garden with its built-up planters. Bottom left Anatolian hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) grown from seeds imported from Turkey.

PLANT LIST
CLIMBER
Jasmine
(Jasminum polyanthum)
FLOWERING PLANTS
Dutch iris
(Iris x hollandica)
Foxglove
(Digitalis purpurea)
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Winter rose (Helleborus)
Oyster plant
(Acanthus mollis)
TREES
Golden elm
(Ulmus glabra
‘Lutescens’)
Lipstick maple (Acer
rubrum ‘October Glory’)
Leighton Green cypress
(Cupressocyparis
leylandii
‘Leighton Green’)
Manchurian pear
(Pyrus ussuriensis)

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

187

Up close and personal with the most
memorable gardens in Morocco and Spain.
STORY Mike Booth

GARdEnS H G

Photography by Jeremy Simons (portrait) and Getty Images.

The tranquil Jardin Majorelle in
Marrakech, Morocco, once
owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
OPPOSITE A stone fountain
in the Jardines del Alcázar de los
Reyes Cristianos, Córdoba, Spain.

p until 12 years ago we lived in an apartment
in Sydney with a balcony and three pot plants.
I certainly didn’t see myself as a gardener. It
wasn’t until I started to fill my balcony with bonsai trees
and other plants, and then finally deciding to buy a farm,
that my passion grew in leaps and bounds.
I would feverishly read lots of gardening books and
magazines and see many references to great gardens in
the UK, such as Highgrove Gardens, Kew Royal Botanic
Gardens and Hidcote, and marvel at their beauty.
But it wasn’t until I had our garden at the farm, which
had lovely bones, that the real journey started, and the
realisation that there was a big gap between a pretty
picture and making it relevant and possible for my garden.
I had never thought about the soil, water, climate or
planting styles with texture, colour and layering.
It was at that time that a landscape designer who
assisted us with our garden suggested that I start to visit
local gardens to help understand what grows best in my
area (cold climate gardening).
So I set about visiting as many ‘open gardens’ as I could
far and wide. To begin with I focused primarily on the
classic English-style garden, but as time passed I turned
my attention to gardens in similar climates, as they featured
the plants and trees that were doing well in our garden.
I found the whole experience so valuable, I now spend
a big chunk of my holidays visiting gardens. While reading,
scrolling social media and the internet are fantastic,
nothing can compare to sitting in a garden and seeing how
all the elements interact and complement each other.
I am fortunate to have just returned from Morocco and
Spain, which both have similar temperatures, rainfall and
plants to many regions in Australia. Most of the gardens
I visited were blessed with having been created a very long
time ago and so they embodied that special beauty that
comes with age. These old gardens also reinforced the
importance of having moving water in a garden. Here are
a few I visited on my travels.

“NOTHING CAN
COMPARE TO
SITTING IN A
GARDEN AND
SEEING HOW ALL
THE ELEMENTS
INTERACT.”
Mike Booth

MOROCCO
● Jardin Majorelle Designed
by French artist Jacques
Majorelle, this tranquil
garden in Marrakech features
exotic plants and vibrant
blue structures.
● La Mamounia Set on
17 acres and voted one of the
best hotel gardens in the
world, this really is a Garden
of Eden. The 18th-century
gardens were a gift to Prince
Moulay Mamoun from his
father. The lush gardens
provide plenty of shade
with an abundance of palm
trees, orange trees, and
ancient olive trees.
SPAIN
● Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Originally built in the late
Middle Ages, although they
were remodelled in the 16th
century, during the
Renaissance. This Alcázar
was declared a World
Heritage Site in 1987. Over
time it has been enriched with
exotic plants from all corners

of the globe, with more than
170 species on its six hectares.
● Jardines del Alcázar de los
Reyes Cristianos, Córdoba
Spread over three levels,
which all complement each
other, this garden is a mix of
graphic lines, topiary hedges
and water features, and was
my favourite on this trip.
● Generalife, Granada The
name means ‘Gardens of the
Architect’ in Arabic. Originally
built to serve as the summer
residence of the sultans of the
Alhambra, it is one of the most
visited places in Spain. If you
only visit one garden in Spain
this is the place, and make a
day of it because there is so
much to see your day will pass
in the blink of an eye.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

189

Coal pots salvaged from nearby
Hunter Valley mines have been
repurposed in the intentionally
wild, sun-dappled garden
grounds of the Michael Reid
Murrurundi gallery in NSW.

GARDENS H G

WINTER WANDERING
Transform your backyard into a peaceful place of quiet
contemplation with this selection of pretty pieces.

4

1

Produced by Tanya Buchanan and Andrea Healy. Garden photograph by Pip Farquharson.

2

3

5

9

7

6

8
1 ‘Butterfly’ door knocker, $89, Bonnie and Neil. 2 ‘Kuboo’ basket with handles, $120, Orient House. 3 Eva Solo ‘FireGlobe’ fire pit,
$1200, Hardtofind. 4 Life On The Land artwork by Brooke Dalton, $1300, Michael Reid Murrurundi. 5 ‘Firenze 1221’ scented candle
in Pot Pourri, $149, Santa Maria Novella. 6 Signature iron outdoor armchair, $1559, Harolds. 7 ‘Portland’ jacket, $399, R.M.Williams.
8 Bose ‘Sound Link Micro’ bluetooth speaker in White Smoke, $179.95, Myer. 9 Pink floral outdoor cushion, $285, and outdoor

navy stripe cushion, $165, both Highgate House.

#

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN |

191

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Michael Reid OAM
The renowned art dealer and entrepreneur, who runs a
congregation of creative businesses across the globe, shares the
moments and muses that have shaped his extensive career.
PHOTOG R A P HY Kristina Šoljo

THE CREATIVE TYPE H G

“I find profound joy in my garden coming together…
For me, a garden is a functional earthly delight.”

I distinctly remember sitting in the incredibly
fashionable, early 1970s, burnt-orange
and chocolate-brown breakfast nook in
Wagga Wagga, NSW. I must have been eight or
nine years old, and we had a white box-framed
Albert Namatjira print in the kitchen, next to
the metallic sunburst wall clock. I looked at
that print every morning. I liked the colours
within the riverbed, gum tree scene; they were
bold and exotic. I’ve been a colourist all my life.
I live in Murrurundi, in the Upper Hunter
of NSW. My average day begins with my
three-year-old Border Collie, Bunty, at the foot
of our bed waiting for the sun to rise. Then it’s
playtime until we leave my wife, Nellie, in
peace. I shower and walk across to the gallery,
shop, and cafe for my first coffee of the day. (A
blessed life is one with your own commercial
espresso machine.) I answer emails, then, with
Bunty by my side, I feed the goldfish that
inhabit in my nine-metre-long concrete garden
trough. My colleague and business partner,
Toby Meagher, calls and the day is off and
racing. As an art dealer with five galleries and
two online art sales platforms across two
hemispheres, other than my morning ritual,
every day is dramatically different.
My office is in an old hayloft above the
concept store and cafe. I put on music
downstairs so I hear an enjoyable sound but
one that doesn't overpower my concentration.
Currently, I am listening to Burt Bacharach.
The biggest challenge in my career, I’d say,
is survival. I am old. I have a Seniors Card.
I have, over many decades, lived through and
observed all manner of crises. I was working
with Christie’s in London on Black Monday
in 1987. Panic does not begin to describe the
pandemonium. Stock market crashes, a
Japanese asset price bubble, mad cow disease,
tech wrecks, Y2K, a savings and loans crisis,
September 11, the GFC, the European
Sovereign Debt Crisis, and any number of
pandemics – I have worked through and kept
my business alive through it all. I cannot say it
has been lacking in challenges. But here we are.
My newly formed board of directors is an
achievement I’m proud of. No other art gallery
or commercially creative business in Australia
has a professional, independent board of
directors. The board is international in its
make-up and all the directors are highly skilled,
experienced business leaders. It is a pleasure
to discuss my growing business and the
day-to-day issues with wise heads.

I do not believe in nor seek a work-life balance.
As I age, I want to work harder. I most certainly
work differently compared to when I was 50,
but I work seven days a week and hate the days
off between Christmas and New Year when all
my galleries are closed. I am work. On my
tombstone, my deeply engraved epitaph will
read: “Michael Reid… he got shit done.”
Attention to detail and I are not close friends.
We are socially polite, but I never get too deep
into discussion with that beast.
Gardening keeps me occupied without overtly
engaging with people, and that is generally best
for everyone. I like to tinker and think. I would
love to own a Bobcat. To be frank, I am not so
much of a gardener as a designer. I will point
out the weeds, I do not pull them out. I find
profound joy in my garden coming together –
its purpose, the plants used to this end, their
health and growth. The season. The light. The
rain. A garden is a functional earthly delight.
I enjoy the company of excellence, in any field
of endeavour. I really spark in the presence of
anyone who is the best.
For true luxury, I adore 6-star hotels…
The Goring Hotel in London, Hotel Kämp
in Helsinki, The Carlyle in New York City.
I love private clubs across the world that have
accommodation – the Cavalry & Guards Club
in London and Jonathan Club in Los Angeles.
Call me old-fashioned, but my idea of the
great outdoors and a good trek is to scale
the heights of a perfectly curated minibar
at a fabulous establishment.
A recent stopover in Helsinki inspired me.
The National Museum of Finland is solid, and
overall, the city has aspects of the grand, but
modestly so. I would go again in a heartbeat.
In terms of future goals, I intend to open an
art gallery in the USA; to open an art gallery in
Brisbane; to import Finnish street wear apparel
for my concept store. I want to start an art
auction house, build a restaurant at
Murrurundi, undertake a commercial-grade
EV charging station here, and I want to develop
my real-estate arm, Michael Reid LAND.
As my dad, Gordon, once said to me when
I was but a little tacker: “Michael, you do not
want much, but when you do it is big.”
I really like my cafe at Murrurundi. The coffee
machine is plumbed in to rainwater. All the
food is homemade, and I get to choose the
menu each Sunday night. That is tremendous
fun. I am greatly enjoying winter soups. #
Michael Reid: michaelreid.com.au.

MICHAEL’S FAVOURITE THINGS

The Weather of The Heart artwork
by Lucy Vader, $5500, and
Le Creuset mug, $30, both
Michael Reid Murrurundi. Burgon
& Ball trowel, $29.95, Botanex.
The National Museum of Finland.
OPPOSITE Wukili 714-22 (left)
and Wukili 1610-21 (right)
by Djurrayun Murrinyina;
Buyku 8795-21 (centre) by
Djirrirra Wununmurra Yukuwa,
and paintings by Kathryn Cowen,
all Michael Reid Galleries.

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