Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2017 i Belle

THE BELLE TEAM is pleased to continue the series of Luxe living lunches in collaboration with e&s, the exclusive kitchen, bathroom and laundry retailer. Over canapés and a two-course lunch with matching wines, at the new Au79 Cafe, guests will enjoy an informal discussion with leading Australian architect Matt Gibson of Matt Gibson Architecture + Design and acclaimed interior designer Miriam Fanning of Mim Design, hosted by Belle editor Tanya Buchanan. Mim Design created the interior concept for the brand new Au79 in Abbotsford. This is an exclusive opportunity to be inspired by Australia’s leading design minds as they discuss their work and inspiration. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event. Canapés and two courses with matching wines, $120/person.…

y the time you read this we will have knocked over the first two months of 2017 which begs the question have you begun work on your style resolutions? If not, don’t despair as the Belle team has sourced new design pieces and assembled over 40 pages of kitchen and bathrooms, p175, from Australia’s hottest design talents to help get those mood boards going. New York-based ex-pat artist and photographer Martyn Thompson’s textile design is the beguiling result of a contemporary eye taking a fresh look at a craft-based pursuit. We shot Martyn back in Australia with his mesmerising textile designs, including his new Rock Pool collection, p74. Thanks to entrepreneurs such as fashionista Eva Galambos bringing her Parlour X emporium to Sydney’s Paddington, hospitality king Justin Hemmes opening his…

1 Emeco ‘Alfi’ seat, from $1865, from Cult. 2 Herzog & de Meuron ‘Unterlinden’ pendant lamps, POA, from Artemide. 3 ‘Jewel’ shelf, from $7400, from Zuster. 4 Cashmere rug in Sapling/Parchment, POA, from Robyn Cosgrove. 5 Lee Broom ‘Chamber’ pendant lights, POA, from Cafe Culture + Insitu. 6 Sancal ‘Vesper’ table, $3595, from Ke-Zu. 7 Gio dinner set, POA, from Wedgwood. 8 Lema ‘Wing’ lounge chair, POA, from Rogerseller. 9 Vases with stones, POA, from Martín Azúa. 10 Riva 1920 ‘Cornice’ dining table, POA, from Fanuli. 11 Toni Maticevski S17 RTW. 12 Ceramic vessel, POA, from Young Vessels + Objects. 13 ‘Shizuku’ cypress bracket light by Yoshihara, $1899, from Ginkgo Leaf. 14 ‘Pezzato’ hand-knotted rug/carpet, $1045 per sqm, from Tappeti. Clockwise from bottom left Moroso ‘Capitello’ stool, $2090, from Hub.…

Folk tale ] FAMILY STONE The first of a yearlong collaboration with quartz surface maker Caesarstone, Spanish designer Jaime Hayon’s ‘Stone Age Folk’ is a quirky sevenpiece installation. caesarstone. com.au 1_UP AND GLOW Cupped vintage opaline shades with brass or glass bases starred in Roberta Molteni’s showing of prototype lamps at a Paris gallery. robertamolteni.com 2_COUNT ON IT Jeff Goodman’s jewel-toned handblown glass screen ‘Devil’s Abacus’ is able to be adjusted to create multiple patterns. jeffgoodmanstudio.com 3_PRETTY IN PEACH A two-tone velvety top submerged in a soft-tinted glass base makes a luxe pairing on the ‘Waterline’ chair, a collaboration by Bower and Studio Proba. bowernyc.com 4_REFLECTIVE POWER Stone bases stand strong to anchor the ‘PairOfMirrors’ vertical floor mirrors by NirMeiriStudio so they can be swivelled to reflect the desired angles.…

WHAT HAS INFORMED AND INSPIRED YOUR INTERIORS STYLE? HAS THIS EVOLVED OVER TIME? In terms of information, I travel a huge amount and with something of a photographic memory, I take mental snapshots of every place I visit. They stay in my head like a catalogue so that I can retrieve the information when I need it. I’ll admit, my memory isn’t quite what it used to be, but it’s still strong. In terms of style, it is constantly evolving. It is versatile. I am a big believer in design to suit the environment. Same with fashion. So the desire to create spaces that will last and that I will love more with time is paramount to me because I prefer less change as time goes on. IS YOUR HOME…

GUEST DESIGN EXPERT Brett Mickan (pictured with Belle interior design editor Lucy McCabe) says he considers a rug as a design entity, just as if it was an artwork. “One that clashes or introduces contrasting pattern or texture can give a room energy and create an important visual focus to a space, especially in an open-plan layout. A rug that links the furniture in the seating area within an open plan can give the illusion of an intimate sitting room. As rugs are visually below eye level, you can use them to add a large amount of colour and pattern without overwhelming a space. I like my interiors to tell a story and love the inbuilt history of vintage rugs or rugs that have the depth, texture and colour variation…

MILAN RUG UP Prestigious carpet brand Golran’s first flagship (left) shows its creations (above) with contemporary pieces by the likes of Inga Sempé, Raw Edges and Dimore Studio. golran.com SYDNEY FABLED LABEL Known for its luxuriously tailored suits and shirts, Australian lifestyle brand Farage called on famed interior designer Greg Natale to design its new flagship store in an iconic heritage building in Sydney’s CBD (below). farage.com.au MELBOURNE IN THE BAG UPHOLDING THE RESPECT FOR FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP, RARE RAW MATERIALS AND RESEARCH AND INNOVATION, CÉLINE’S ELEGANT NEW STORE AT CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE (FAR RIGHT) FEATURES A REDUCED PALETTE OF PRECIOUS MATERIALS AND THOUGHTFUL DETAILING THAT ENCOURAGE DISCOVERY OF THE BRAND’S PRODUCTS (RIGHT). CELINE.COM CANBERRA LIFESTYLE HUB Leading kitchen and laundry specialist Winning Appliances’ Kingston flagship features a setting where customers…

Grand and glamorous, the massive marble coffee table in this six-bedroom mansion in Melbourne’s southeast required 10 men to manoeuvre it into the panelled living room. Custom-made, it defines the room and could be a metaphor for the house – everything is on a lavish scale, yet it’s conceived and crafted to the smallest detail. When the owners, a couple with one daughter, bought the late 1920s, Georgian-style home in 2014, it had been renovated over the years, but it needed a refresh, for which they hired interior designer David Hicks. “The bones were there,” David says. “It’s a beautiful old house with large rooms, so not much space planning was required, except in the bathrooms and kitchen, which had not been upgraded. The clients wanted it to be homely,…

Everything started in Paris for Nikki McCullagh, an Australian from Sydney, who arrived in the French capital when she was only 18. A work experience stint at Ralph Lauren was quickly followed up by other opportunities to fuel her passion for art, architecture, decor and design. Something similar had happened many years before to Peggy Guggenheim, when as a young girl she arrived from New York to the Ville Lumière and then fell into the artistic milieu that stimulated all her adventures as an art collector. Later, Peggy chose Venice as her home. More recently Nikki, too, has fallen in love with the city, finding a magnificent apartment right in front of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, where Peggy used to live and that now houses her fabled collection. Only the…

Proudly occupying a prominent corner spot on a leafy street in the northern Sydney suburb of Killara is a striking pink house with a wonderfully exuberant garden. This is no normal suburban garden, but an abundant and luxurious mash-up of traditional planting and textural tropicals, designed by Richard Unsworth and Nicholas Vale of Garden Life. “The owners wanted a very feminine, flowery and seasonal garden,” Richard says. The brief, combined with the recent revamp by interior designer Brendan Wong, meant that Richard and Nick could go to town with plant combinations – creating a luxurious yet flowery space that complements and enhances the interior of the home. “It’s a real maximalist garden,” Richard says. “We’ve combined gardenesque elements like oversized urns with variegated furcraea (Furcraea foetida ‘Mediopicta’) and mass plantings…

A QUICK BITE with DARREN TAYLOR { Director/executive chef Darren Taylor Catering} Favourite food experience? In 1980 when Berowra Waters Inn set the bar for Australian restaurants. Also visiting Maison Troisgros in France to relive memories of working there. Tipple of choice? William Downie wines from the Yarra Valley. Enduring in. uences? Tony Bilson, Pierre and Michel Troisgros and Armando Percuoco. Favourite interiors? Bar 228 in Paris, and Hubert and 10 William in Sydney. Looking forward to in 2017? A global food village on Cockatoo Island for 1200 guests and a Southern Highlands country wedding in a big farm shed. facebook.com/ darrentaylorcatering IKEBANA AT HOME PLANET’S VIBRANT VINTAGE JAPANESE VASES BELOW CELEBRATE INDIVIDUALITY AND MAKE THE PERFECT VESSEL TO DABBLE IN FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS. PLANETFURNITURE. COM.AU SYDNEY KITCHEN CONNECTION Fred’s takes…

ALEXANDER & CO. AP DESIGN HOUSE ARENT & PYKE BRETT MICKAN INTERIOR DESIGN CAROLE WHITING INTERIORS DOHERTY DESIGN STUDIO HECKER GUTHRIE KATIE UTHER DESIGN MADELEINE BLANCHFIELD ARCHITECTS MARINA WONG MATT GIBSON ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN SARAH HEALY DESIGN SJB INTERIORS STUDIO GORMAN…

DESIGNER K ATIE UTHER “We went for a traditional quality with a contemporary, uncluttered feel. Glass-fronted timber cabinets with bronze handles are reminiscent of kitchen armoires of old. To balance this, the cooktop area and island were pared back with a contrasting veneer and natural stone. A galley-style butler’s pantry was installed, giving extra bench space and storage.” What luxury items did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The owners were relocating from the US and wanted to install the Wolf oven and Sub-Zero fridge they were accustomed to. They look great and integrate well with the design. The stone was a luxury choice and was a standout compared to other slabs.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design KATIE UTHER DESIGN Architecture CORBEN ARCHITECTS Builder Elouera Constructions. Joinery…

DESIGNERS SAR AH HEALY AND BEN HARRIS “The kitchen was designed to include all the modern conveniences of a family home with an aesthetic that was timeless and material-rich, and with classic features appropriate to the era of the home. Functionality and utilisation of space were critical to the design, with integrated appliances and walk-in storage housed underneath the staircase.” What luxury items did you choose regardless of budget? “For Sarah it was the Perrin & Rowe tap with spray rinse – it’s equally as functional as it is beautiful. For Ben it was the pendants by one of his favourite lighting designers, Ross Gardam.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design SARAH HEALY DESIGN Builder Ben Harris. Joinery Matt two-Pack in Dulux ‘Oolong’ by Hartnett Cabinets. Benchtop/island bench/splashback Milan Collection…

[ FACT FILE ] Interior design ARENT & PYKE Architecture CSA ARCHITECTS Builder Donrose building. Joinery/vanity Custombuilt vanity with suspended stone apron and undermount basins. Black stained oak shelf below with articulated dowel supports. Wall Handmade hexagonal tiles in White Gloss from Academy Tiles. Bath Existing. Basin Villeroy & Boch ‘Loop & Friends’ undercounter round 440mm basin from Candana. Tapware Brodware ‘City Plus’ wall set in Nero from Candana. Showerhead Brodware ‘City Plus’ shower set in Nero from Candana. Towel rail Custom made. Lighting Rubn Lighting ‘Vox’ pendant lights from Fred International. Flooring Fibonacci Stone terrazzo tiles in Storm with honed finish from Onsite. Accessories Folding stool from Douglas & Bec. For stockists see Address Book. DESIGNERS JULIETTE ARENT, SAR AH-JANE PYKE AND DOMINIQUE BRAMMAH “This master ensuite bathroom embraces…

DESIGNER MARINA WONG “The old bathroom in this space was part of an ensuite. We wanted to make it accessible to all three of our kids so we closed it off from the bedroom and created an entry from the hall. I wanted a Hamptons feel. My design was inspired by the US Pottery Barn website and I asked my builder to help realise my vision.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The wall sconces. They were imported from the US by Laura Kincade and rewired to Australian standards, which added to the price. I tried to find something locally but, once I saw them, nothing could really compare.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design MARINA WONG Builder Cadence & Co. Joinery Shakerstyle vanity…

[ FACT FILE ] Interior design SJB INTERIORS Builder Raw Build. Joinery Vanity with ‘Ravenna’ veneer by Eveneer with honed ‘Arabescato Corchia’ slab from Apex Stone. Wall finish Inax ‘Nuance’ wall tile from Artedomus. Flooring Nuances porcelain tile in Super White from Artedomus. Bath Kaldewei ‘Saniform Plus’ from Mary Noall with honed ‘Arabescato Corchia’ slab surround from Apex Stone. Basin Parisi ‘PMP140’ undercounter basin from Mary Noall. Tapware ‘Pinch’ sets in Graphite from Rogerseller. Showerhead Astra Walker flush ceiling rose from Mary Noall. Mirror ‘Decor’ mirror in Silver by Viridian Glass. Lighting Tal ceiling lights from Light Project. Orsjo ‘Lean’ floor lamp from Great Dane. For stockists see Address Book. DESIGNERS LEO TERR ANDO AND KRISTEN SUTTON “Combining two apartments into one provides both space and inspiration for this generously…

‘CONCH’ BOWL DAVID KNOTT “The ‘Conch’ wire bowl takes its inspiration from the shell of the conchiglie pasta.” ‘BERRETTO’ BOT TLE OPENER AND CAP TOM FEREDAY “The intention of the ‘Berretto’ design is to bring elegance back to modern beverages.” ‘PEAR L A’ OYSTER SHUCKER RENÉ LINSSEN “Inspired by the quest to make the oyster knife more beautiful and functional.” ‘FLO’ COCKTAIL JIGGER JASON O’NEILL “I aimed to design an elegant interpretation of the jigger, a common drinks measure.” ‘SWIRL’ MUDDLER ALEXANDRA TYQUIN “The idea was to create a simple yet beautiful and sophisticated muddling tool.”…

1 DRIVEN TO ABSTRACTION Australia’s leading female abstract artists, including Normana Wight, will be celebrated in an exhibition at Geelong Gallery. Until May 7. geelonggallery.org.au 2 FOLK ART Lucy Folk has opened her first Sydney flagship, PLAYA, in Hall Street, Bondi with interiors by Tamsin Johnson. Lucy’s pieces and labels including Lisa Marie Fernandez will feature. lucyfolk.com 3 SOUND IDEA Enjoy your on-the-go music more with the new wireless Beoplay ‘H4’ headphones. More than stylish ear candy, they deliver powerful authentic sound. beostore.com.au 4 ‘WITHIN YOU WITHOUT YOU’ is a series of whimsical paintings by Sydney artist Leah Fraser who has conjured a cast of otherworldly characters. March 2-18. arthousegallery.com 5 ANIMAL SCENTS A tribute to the English spirit – Penhaligon’s Portraits collection is an olfactory tale based on the…

1 House of Hackney ‘Midnight Garden’ wallpaper, POA, from Radford Furnishings. 2 Hervé Langlais ‘Diversion’ mirror in Pink, POA, from Galerie Negropontes. 3 Vintage Royal Haeger vase, $695, from Becker Minty. 4 ‘Off the Moon’ side table, POA, from Maison Dada. 5 Gaze artwork by Mairi Timoney, $800, from Curatorial+Co. 6 Kelly Wearstler ‘Laurel’ lounge chair, POA, from Becker Minty. 7 Fendi S17 RTW. 8 Kelly Wearstler ‘Caselli’ sculpture, $3250, from Becker Minty. 9 Kelly Wearstler ‘Pop’ commode, $34,750, from Becker Minty. 10 Escarpin slingbacks, $1200, from Dior. 11 ‘Rose Sélavy’ vanity desk, POA, from Maison Dada. 12 Artifort ‘Bras’ sofa, from $7875, from Ke-Zu. 13 Cakebread ‘Sunflower’ cushion, $340, from Fenton&Fenton. 14 Collecta ‘Terrazzo’ tables, POA, from Alberto Bellamoli. 15 Oly ‘Tyrol’ armoire, $4995, from Coco Republic.…

SYDNEY NATIONAL ANTHEM Sydney’s three major art institutions have joined forces to present ‘The National: New Australian Art 2017’, a sprawling exhibition of new and commissioned work by nine emerging, mid-career and established artists from across six states and territories. Offering a vibrant cross-section of contemporary creative practice today, the line-up spans painting, video, sculpture, installation, drawing and performance, with work by Taloi Havini, Tiger Yaltangki and Alex Martinis Roe showing at AGNSW; Erin Coates, Karen Mills and Ronnie van Hout at the MCA; and Archie Moore, Richard Lewer and Justene Williams (right) at Carriageworks. Justene’s installations immerse the viewer in a phantasmagoria of film, sculpture and sound. Dressed in elaborate costumes that recall early 20th century avant-garde theatre – albeit wrought with found materials that invoke the kitsch vernacular…

ARTIST WHO HAS BEEN AN ENDURING INFLUENCE? Lucio Fontana [8]. The first time I saw his work in the Tom Ford store in New York I was obsessed with its grand simplicity. CONTEMPORARY ART THAT YOU MOST ADMIRE? Anish Kapoor, Yayoi Kusama and Michael Zavros. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? Scented candles: Cire Trudon [4], Jo Malone, Lumira, Byredo, Diptyque, Astier de Villatte, Mad et Len, DayNa Decker. FASHION MUST-HAVES? A pair of Saint Laurent ‘SL01’s, (I go through two pairs a year), a tailored Patrick Johnson [16] suit and a James Perse T-shirt. Oh, and a Louis Vuitton Keepall ‘55’ [6]. FAVOURITE WATCH? Vintage Rolex Double Red ‘Sea-Dweller’ [2]. FRAGRANCE OF CHOICE? Tom Ford Private Blend ‘Oud Wood’ [15]. BOOKS – WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW – FICTION AND ART/DESIGN?…

1 ‘Drapeaux Au Vent’ printed towel, $800, from Hermès. 2 Borsalino Panama straw hat, $373, from Matches Fashion. 3 1950s brass and coloured pendant light, $4400, from Modern Times. 4 Saint Laurent wool and cashmere-blend sweater, approx. $691.71, from Mr Porter. 5 ‘Épice Marine’ EDT, $335/100ml, from Hermès. 6 Max Pittion ‘Bigsby’ D-frame sunglasses, approx. $522, from Mr Porter. 7 1969 Artemide ‘Dalu’ lamp, $440, from Modern Times. 8 Givenchy F17 Menswear. 9 Loewe ‘T’ leather and denim tote bag, approx. $4431, from Mr Porter. 10 AMI leather loafers, $410, from Matches Fashion. 11 Seamaster ‘Planet Ocean’ watch, $7250, from Omega. 12 Artifort ‘Ribbon’ chair by Pierre Paulin, $10,326, from Ke-Zu. 13 Balenciaga flared trousers, approx. $399, from Mr Porter. 14 Artek ‘Kiki’ sofa, $3810, from Anibou. For stockists see…

DOMAYNE Visit domayne.com.au to browse our full range of furniture, bedding and homewares. lasting WICKER SYNTHETIC WICKER WILL LAST THE TEST OF TIME WITH IT’S DURABILITY. CREATE SPACES THAT BLUR THE LINE BETWEEN IN SIDE AND OUT TO RELAX IN ALL YEAR ROUND. style tip PAIR IT BACK PAIRING BACK IS OFTEN THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL RELAXING SPACES. REMOVE ITEMS THAT DON’T HAVE A PURPOSE AND LET THE WICKER DO THE TALKING. FRONT COVER FURNITURE MISSISSIPPI 2-SEATER SOFA, $1299 (W131*H82*D85); 2-SEATER BENCH, $699 (W120*H44*D34). FRONT COVER HOMEWARES MELAMINE BOWL SMALL WHITE, $9.95; TUMBLER WHITE, $5.95. CORA JUTE CUSHION, $44.95. LEFT FURNITURE ALMIRA 4-PIECE OUTDOOR MODULAR LOUNGE, $3999 (W333*H69*D232). ALMIRA OUTDOOR COFFEE TABLE, $699 (W142*H45*D72). LEFT HOMEWARES MELAMINE SERVING PLATTER WHITE, $24.95. CONCRETE VASE TALL, $74.95; MEDIUM, $69.95. RIVIERA PLAIN CUSHION…

Flecked terrazzo. Laminex. Alessi’s ‘9093’ kettle. Glass bricks. Bold geometries. It’s as divisive as it is definable, but the 1980s was the clear reference point for the renovation of this Melbourne home. Designed by architects Cocks Carmichael in 1982, it’s one of the few residential projects the largely commercial firm undertook, and before its recent refurbishment the house was industrial and cold with grey walls and lots of stainless steel. Tasked with the renovation, designer Mardi Doherty admits that it “wouldn’t have necessarily appealed to everyone”. A lone wolf in a street full of Edwardians and Tudors, it’s an unusual house for the area but the owners could see its potential, and having worked with Mardi before knew that she would be able to inject colour and adjust the floorplan…

The Great Hall at the Sydney University campus in Camperdown is one hallowed place with an imperial, slightly ominous ambience. It’s the kind of room you would expect to see Henry Winter from Donna Tartt’s The Secret History walking through or Professor Severus Snape peering from around an archway. It’s a perfect venue, then, for the second Sydney Patrón Secret Dining Society gathering – an event held globally where the aim is to create an exclusive gastronomical experience for a select number of guests in a unique location by collaborating with acclaimed chefs and mixologists. Clayton Wells, the celebrated chef from Automata, one of the new wave of Sydney smart-casual dining sensations, created a seasonal menu including an entree of lightly cured kingfish with crème fraîche, yuzu kosho, fermented peach,…

Sleep THE JANE was once the American Seaman’s Friend Society Sailors’ Home and continues to offer rooms at affordable rates. Its rooms and cabins (fitted out like a boat) are small but eating out for every meal is the norm in NYC. The ballroom turns into a party after dark and the rooftop bar has spectacular views. Perfect for those with more dash than cash. thejanenyc.com THE MARLTON HOTEL Built in 1900, with a new incarnation that opened as a “baby grand hotel” in 2013. It has beautiful jewel-box rooms that are more residential than hospitality, just the thing for modern-day Holly Golightlys. The lobby is detailed to perfection, with dining and lounging options that are worth a try whether you’re a guest or not. marltonhotel.com THE LUDLOW If you…

A SHORT STAY with SARAH-JANE PYKE { Interior designer Arent & Pyke } Best travel experience? I love being in the sea – the deeper and bluer, the better. Favourite hotel? Ett Hem, Stockholm. Favourite design piece collected abroad? I found a beautiful industrial 1940s metal lampshade from the Clignancourt flea markets in Paris. I had to carry it in my hand luggage through Milan, London then home. It raised quite a few eyebrows at the airport! How does travel influence your work? I love being immersed in a new place and totally disconnecting from being at home. I think that freedom translates into creative energy in my work. What’s your ultimate destination for 2017? Next stop: Mexico! Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are high on the list. arentpyke.com…

DESIGNERS MATT GIBSON, ERICA TSUDA, MARTYN WEAVER, CAROLI N ARNDT, A LICE CHOW AND SOPHI E BARKER “This kitchen was designed with a rigorously limited palette of materials and is in part intended to reflect the other more textured materials within the home. The minimalist neutral palette is functional and elegant – and not competing with the theatre of the kitchen event – while maintaining an honesty, timelessness and freshness in materials.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The concealed built-in pantry and wine storage form part of a continuous 16-metre length of fully integrated joinery in this project, allowing for large amount of storage while retaining a minimal aesthetic.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design MATT GIBSON ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN Builder Lowther Builders.…

DESIGNER MARINA WONG “My favourite item in the kitchen is the Ilve ‘Nostalgie’ cooker. It’s the perfect blend between country aesthetic and modern function. I wanted appliances that would complement the classic style of the space and this oven works beautifully in a Hamptons-style kitchen. My other favourite item is the Perrin & Rowe spray rinse.” What luxury item did you choose regardless of budget? “The pot filler, which was about $1500. While I admit that I got this purely for aesthetic reasons I do use it from time to time, but not enough to justify spending that much money on it. It creates a focal point centred along the splashback and complements the Hamptons style and adds a point of difference. The Perrin & Rowe bench-mounted soap dispenser was…

[ FACT FILE ] Interior design CAROLE WHITING INTERIORS Builder Latrobe Building Services. Joinery Oak panels from Admonter Australia with custom whitewash finish by KooWee Cabinets. Benchtop Maximum porcelain from Artedomus. Splashback ’MTTA002’ Moroccan handmade tiles from Tiento Tiles. Sink Franke ‘Kubus KBG 110-34’ in Fragranite Polar White from Mary Noall. Tapware Astra Walker ‘Icon’ mixer in White from Mary Noall. Oven Fisher & Paykel ‘OB60SL9DEX1’. Cooktop Fisher & Paykel ‘CG604DNGGB1’. Rangehood Fisher & Paykel ‘HP60IDCHX2’. Lighting Bocci ‘38.3’ pendant from Hub. Furniture Custom round table and dining chairs from Nomi. Skagerak ‘Georg’ bench in Oak from Nest. For stockists see Address Book.…

DESIGNER SUZANNE GORMAN “The powder room was one of four bathrooms we redesigned in this established family home on Sydney’s upper north shore. As the powder room can be seen almost immediately on entering from the marble foyer, it was designed to be beautiful enough to always be on view and set the tone for the home’s overall understated luxury. Our approach was to hide all functional aspects of the bathroom (shower, WC, linen press) so that the glamorous vanity became the focus. By rearranging the floor plan to achieve this, the large space, now divided into zones, enhances a feeling of being cocooned by luxury. The bathroom was to be utterly luxurious in an understated and subtle way so we specified the best materials and layered these textures, while…

DESIGNERS JEREMY BULL AND ANNA TREFELY “The existing space was a former galley kitchen, which was converted into an ensuite and robe. The brief from the owner was for a bedroom and bathroom that were intimate and had a distinct earthiness. They were clear that the rooms should be dark and nocturnal and that there was no need to follow convention. Our approach then was to use the same dark grey concrete finish to all surfaces (except the ceiling) and allow the remaining fixtures to be rough, raw and uncomplicated.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design & architecture ALEXANDER & CO. Builder Tall Poppy Building Solutions. Vanity Custom-made steel frame with honed Nero Marquina stone top from Marble & Ceramic Corp. Splashback/wall finish/flooring Acrylic render with Marrakesh plaster and black…

JANUS ET CIE ALFRESCO LUNCH Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Darling Point EXCLUSIVE OUTDOOR FURNITURE PURVEYORS Janus et Cie hosted a glam lunch featuring star interior designer Greg Natale and landscape expert Myles Baldwin in conversation with Belle editor Tanya Buchanan. The bold and beautiful were out in force at the Alfa Romeo Portsea Polo. Guests at the Peroni enclosure sported a mix of coastal cool and preppy polish. Van Cleef & Arpels celebrated its new Melbourne boutique with an elegant dinner. Maserati unveiled its ‘Quattroporte’ to luxury Italian motoring marque enthusiasts at a buzzy lunch at Banksii, an exciting addition to Barangaroo’s dining scene. Stella Artois marked one of tennis’s flagship events, the Kooyong Classic, with an exclusive lunch in a private Toorak residence, hosted by special guest paralympian…

ANDREW VUKOSAV In this issue, Andrew photographed the Pencil & Pixel advertising agency (p56). What was your impression of the office? Walking in from the hustle-bustle of the city, the light-filled space has a calm about it that creates an environment where genius can happen. From a design point of view I really liked the considered smattering of symmetry in the space. Your enduring creative influences? Richard Avedon, Guy Bourdin, Norman Parkinson, Helmut Newton, Sølve Sundsbø, Erwin Blumenfeld, Irving Penn, Nick Knight, Cecil Beaton. Where do you call home, and what do you love about it? Melbourne, the most liveable city in the world, closely followed by St Kilda. Favourite local haunts? Cicciolina restaurant and bar, Di Stasio Cafe, Roxborough, Mr. Wolf, Uncle, Mopho Canteen, Harpers Kitchen, Mahjong, Lee Ho…

Clockwise from left Ginkgo trees composition, $99, from Ginkgo Leaf. Shallow circle bowls, $95 each, from Young Vessels + Objects. ClassiCon ‘Ulisse’ daybed, $12,700, from Anibou. &tradition ‘JH3’ pendant light, $425, from Great Dane. Asplund ‘Tati’ coat rack, $3750, from Great Dane. Background painted in Porter’s Paints ‘Grey Goose’. For stockists see Address Book. Clockwise from bottom left B&B Italia ‘Do-Maru’ chair, $5310, from Space. Ligne Roset ‘La Bibliotheque Fil’ shelves, $6575, from Domo. Hay ‘Pion’ lamp, $408, from Cult. In shelves KHWürtz ceramics, from $88, from Ondene. ‘Serendipity Moon Jar’ vessel by Keiko Matsui, $2500, from Small Spaces. MDF Italia ‘K’ side table, $850, from Hub. Fogia ‘Rise’ sofa, POA, from Fred International. Background in Porter’s Paints ‘Grey Goose’.…

[X-rated] SEE-THROUGH VISION At its debut at Maison & Objet in Paris, the ‘X-Ray’ daybed joins a sofa, armchair and poufs in Alain Gilles’ collection for La Chance. Like the sofa, the daybed plays on its graphical detail with the opposition between the larger, more solid elements of the piece balancing with the lightweight aspect of its metal and timber base. lachance.fr. PHOTO BY PATRICIA SCHWOERER…

I FELL IN LOVE with a Casey Brown house once and seriously contemplated a move outside the scope of my financial capability, but it wasn’t until this interview that my instinctive, emotional response to the house made rational sense. “Our understanding of architecture is embedded in history,” says Rob Brown, co-founder of Casey Brown Architecture with Caroline Casey. “We like to reveal layers so that people have a subconscious familiarity with the materials, form or shape. On one hand we are resolutely about the present, but our work resonates with the past and that gives people a sense of recognition.” Brown’s experience of the history of architecture – and the trades that contribute to it – is very much first-hand. In his early 20s he left Sydney, where he’d completed…

MIDNIGHT MODERN Melbourne photographer Tom Blachford’s beautiful obsession with the modernist homes of Palm Springs has yielded this stunning new volume of work shot over three years using only the light of the full moon. Blachford’s moody images reveal the homes – as dramatic as many of their original inhabitants, the stars and powerbrokers of the day – and their surreal gardens as if in their heyday of the late 50s and early 60s, many matched with the gleaming winged autos of the era. Tom Blachford, powerHouse Books, $86. ROOFTOPS: ISLANDS IN THE SKY The ultimate in high style, rooftop terraces, bars, pools and private gardens offer respite from the density of urban living at ground level. From green oases in Manhattan and Copenhagen by such luminaries as Jean Nouvel…

1 Fendi pleated knit striped skirt, $1595, from Parlour X. 2 ‘Petal’ varnished brass earrings in Poppy, approx. $625, from Céline. 3 Vitra ‘Panton’ chair, $475, from Space. 4 ‘China Doll’ gel eyeliner, $39, from Napoleon Perdis. 5 Tom Ford ‘Soleil’ Eye and Cheek palette in Cool, $230, from David Jones. 6 &tradition ‘FlowerPot VP1’ pendant in Mustard, $495, from Great Dane. 7 Cappellini ‘Homage to Mondrian’ cabinet, $25,030, from Cult. 8 1960s Italian floor lamp, $3252, from 1stdibs. 9 Miu Miu ‘L’Eau Bleue’ EDP, $130/50ml, from David Jones. 10 Olympia Le-Tan ‘Normal’ appliquéd cotton-faille book clutch, $2124, from Net-A-Porter. 11 ‘Oracle’ sandals, $1275, from Hermès. 12 Emilio Pucci striped scarf, $387, from Farfetch. 13 Dion Lee Spring 2017 RTW. 14 ‘Blue’ serum, $155, from Chanel. For stockists see Address…

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR EARLY CREATIVE INFLUENCES? From a young age I watched many foreign films and often the interiors in the movies would have more impact than the message itself. COULD YOU TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE LAUNCHING MCM HOUSE? The first store that I opened featured a collection of decorative items from the 1950s to the present day. This was the foundation of the MCM collection. HOW DID MCM COME ABOUT – WHAT WAS YOUR PHILOSOPHY WHEN YOU OPENED AND HOW HAS THE COLLECTION EVOLVED? Classic contemporary design will always be at the heart of MCM. DESCRIBE THE MCM LOOK IN A FEW WORDS. Again, clean classic and contemporary styling is the key to adding character but also creating an energetic living space. WHAT…

Keld Mikkelsen, founder of Danish fashion label Day Birger et Mikkelsen and his partner in life and business, Marianne Brandi, creative director of their joint interiors and lifestyle venture Day Home, had a chance encounter six years ago with a 300-year-old mansion by the shores of Lake Como that changed their lives forever. This may sound a little dramatic, but then so is this Italian property. “We were invited to a party in one of the villa’s apartments,” Keld recalls. “Although in a spectacular location the old house had been completely divided up about 40 years back into several individual apartments. But the position was perfect.” The rolling lakeside gardens and Swiss and Italian Alps soaring into the sky just beyond cast their spell and certainly made a lasting impression…

This serene home is named ‘Amaroo’, which translates to ‘a beautiful place’ in the local Indigenous language. Overlooking the park and harbour in Sydney’s Watsons Bay, it is fitting. The owners, Nancy and Wayne, run their business from home, and the previous design reflected this commercial function. It was “designed as a box; totally incompatible with humans”, says architect Brian Hess of Hess Hoen. The brief was threefold – to make it more “homey”, to bring in more natural light, and to take advantage of the views. The latter was addressed by the addition of a third storey for a sunroom and rooftop terrace. Once the extension was approved by council, the second-floor interior was gutted and roof removed before the new level was added in. “I was really scared…

In 1976 a man named Milton Glaser made an unremarkable sketch on an envelope in the back seat of a New York cab. So, it may be surprising to learn that the doodle, I NY, is now valued at the price of a small Picasso and its custodian is MoMA – except that it sowed the seeds for the most famous, lucrative and imitated truism the world has ever seen. While our romance with the city is eternal, there’s now lots more to love with these new additions to the hotel scene. 11 HOWARD AND LE COUCOU The Danes have done it again. Designed by Space Copenhagen, 11 Howard isn’t Scandi-inspired, it just is. It would be remiss, however, to write the hotel off as entirely Danish modern, considering its…

1. Kartell By Laufen Disc Basin Mixer 2. Kartell By Laufen Freestanding Basin 900 3. Kartell By Laufen Column Bath Mixer With Handshower 4. LAUFEN Palomba Collection Solid Surface Freestanding Bath 5. Kado Petite 1500 Freestanding Bath, Black White 6. Milli Axon Wall Basin Mixer Set, Rose Gold/Black 7. ISSY Z8 Butterfly 1500 6 Drawer Wall Hung Vanity Unit 8. ISSY Z1 Ballerina 325 x 800 Oval Mirror 9. AXA H10 Oval Counter Basin…

DESIGNERS PAUL HECKER AND HAMISH GUTHRIE “Making the kitchen the centre of the home was the key focus for this space. The kitchen and dining area needed to offer a generous space for large family gatherings and ample storage for the crockery and cutlery the owners had collected over time. For Hecker Guthrie, the kitchen became about respecting the architecture, but also highlighting the contemporary style of the owners. Although one owner works in fashion and has a well-honed sense of colour and style, when it came to the kitchen she came with few preconceived ideas. Rather than a scrapbook of Pinterest kitchens, she simply showed the team images of things she liked – art and objects and colours.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design HECKER GUTHRIE Builder Scott Burchell…

DESIGNER MADELEINE BLANCHFIELD “The kitchen is in a large art deco house we renovated extensively. An open-plan design wasn’t appropriate, so we created a separate eat-in kitchen that was large and casual, with a fireplace and dining table. We demolished several walls to make a clean, simple space then lined the walls with oak to strengthen the notion of the kitchen being a whole and separate room. Favourite items are the Liebherr fully integrated fridge and freezer with custom oak door panels and handles. They enable the focus of the room to be on the space rather than the appliances.” What luxury item did you choose regardless of budget? “The Jetmaster fireplace is an unusual luxury for a kitchen. The house has great views, but not from the kitchen. The…

[ FACT FILE ] Interior design AP DESIGN HOUSE Builder JCM Building Solutions. Vanity/basin/ wall niches/joinery Custom designed by AP Design House in freeform concrete by Pop Concrete with timber veneer doors in Porter’s Paints Lime Wash and timber dowel handles. Wall finish/flooring Materia Project honed ceramic tiles in White from Ace Stone & Tiles. Bath Apaiser ‘Sublime 1500’ in Glacier from Rogerseller. Tapware Gessi ‘Goccia’ basin mixer with 125mm spout in White from Domayne Bathrooms. Showerhead Gessi ‘Goccia’ ceiling mounted showerhead in White from Domayne Bathrooms. Towel rail Gessi ‘Goccia’ in custom Matt White finish from Domayne Bathrooms. Lighting Flos Soft- Architecture ‘Juncos’ recessed downlights from Euroluce. Accessories Souda ‘Kreten’ side table by Isaac Friedman-Heiman from Criteria. Organic hand and bath towels in White from Cloth & Co. For…

[ FACT FILE ] Interior design KATIE UTHER DESIGN Architecture CORBEN ARCHITECTS Builder Elouera Constructions. Joinery Tubular steel-frame vanity with wall cabinets and drawers in George Fethers & Co ‘Ghost Gum’ timber veneer by Space Joinery. Benchtop/splashback Honed ‘Breccia Nera’ marble from Artedomus. Flooring/wall finish Honed Carrara wall tile and floor trim with herringbone honed Carrara-tile floor insert, both from Onsite. Bath Kaldewei ‘Classic Duo Oval’ from Candana. Basin Studio Bagno ‘Sotto’ from Candana. Tapware Brodware ‘City Stik’ wall set with mixer and floor-mounted bath mixer in nickel from Candana. Towel rail Avenir ‘Solo TRH1’ from Candana. Lighting Astro ‘Padova’ from ECC Lighting + Furniture. For stockists see Address Book. DESIGNER KATIE UTHER “The concept for the main ensuite was elegant and classic. The vanity was designed as a piece…

DESIGNERS MARDI DOHERTY AND MICHELLE EVANS “Our approach was to create a light-filled bathroom with reflective surfaces to increase the feeling of space. A window was introduced at a high level to capture the northern light, while the two-tone ceramic tiles bounce light around the room in different ways. The wall light we used is not typically used in bathrooms but we liked its shapely form and subtle glow.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The floor-to-ceiling wall tiles, because of their overall impact on the space and the way in which they interact to play with light and shade. Those qualities made them a considered choice and essential expense.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design DOHERTY DESIGN STUDIO Builder Professional Residential. Joinery/vanity Timber-veneer…

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ENDURING CREATIVE INFLUENCES? I studied cinema before industrial design and Stanley Kubrick is a major icon. His beautiful mises en scène construct an emotional architecture. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK SPACE? Calm, dark walls (Porter’s Paints ‘Thoroughbred’) and charcoal carpet paired with bright fenestration balances the need for nature and openness, housing a space where thinking can happen without distraction. Simple timber venetians allow natural light to be easily controlled. There are plants, velvet couches for discussions, a raised platform to meditate upon, a library and objects of beauty. WHAT INITIALLY APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT THE SPACE? Its aspect and scale, northern sun and elevated street position were a cocktail of unexpected elements. WHAT ARE YOUR DESK ESSENTIALS? Phone chargers, air plants, notepad, good fibre-tipped pen, sharp…