Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2016 i Belle

» In association with Coco Republic, Australia’s leading furniture and design brand, Belle is delighted to announce the 2016 INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS. » Celebrating and rewarding excellence in Australian interior design and decoration by individuals, partnerships and design practices at residential, hospitality and commercial levels, these prestigious awards are committed to supporting the creativity and innovation of the interior-design industry. FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND ENTRY FORMS PLEASE EMAIL BELLEAWARDS@BAUER-MEDIA.COM.AU 2016 CATEGORIES » BEST RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR » BEST RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR – READERS’ CHOICE » BEST RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN DESIGN » BEST RESIDENTIAL BATHROOM DESIGN » BEST HOSPITALITY INTERIOR » BEST COMMERCIAL INTERIOR » BELLE/COCO REPUBLIC INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR PREVIOUS WINNERS INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR » Greg Natale 2011 & 2014 » Iain Halliday 2012 » Hecker Guthrie 2013 »…

[ All the gloss ] POLISHED TO PERFECTION Playing with reflections of light and colour, the ‘Pli’ table is like a precious stone. classicon.com [ Take a seat] PADDED SELL Traditional forms of seating inspired Fabrica and Airbnb’s ‘Housewarming’ collection of furniture. fabrica.it 2_A FEAST OF DS Designers and collectors in the UAE are now connected to international markets, thanks to Paris-born Dubai-based Cyril Zammit (above), who launched Design Days Dubai in 2011. A rich cultural heritage of craftsmanship has positioned Dubai as a new creative capital where East meets West. Held in March every year, Design Days Dubai is the world’s fastest growing collectable design fair, with 2015’s event featuring Australia’s Broached Commissions with the ‘Birdsmouth Table’ (pictured below) by Adam Goodrum who joined a stellar roster of 40-plus…

WHEN A FASCINATION for early industrial fabrication processes used to create objects underpins your thinking, it must be tough to bear the moniker ‘poster boy of British craft’, as Simon Hasan has been called. He shrugs offthe tag, his practice self-described as ‘design archaeology’ fuses ancient craft with industrial design, elevating his leather furniture, lighting and installations into objects of desire. His extensive research and experimentation has put cuir bouilli, a medieval armour-making technique, back on the map, with leather his signature material. “My starting point is to head to the nearest library to look for the oldest book I can find,” he quips, “the older the better!” He cites Chaucer’s 14th-century The Canterbury Tales as an example, with references to the pre-industrial process where leather is boiled at high…

WHAT HAS INFORMED YOUR INTERIORS STYLE? HOW HAS IT EVOLVED? Our interiors style has largely been influenced by the people we’ve met through our work. We pick up ideas from the projects we shoot and write about and there are a number of people who have become good friends, like the artist Nancy Lorenz and the textile designer Dominique Kieffer. So, we love to include their work in our apartments. Our style has certainly evolved. The very first flat we created together some 12 years ago was dominated by Scandinavian mid-century furniture and darker woods. Now, we favour a much lighter look and love 20th-century American design. DOES YOUR HOME DOUBLE AS A WORK SPACE? Yes, often computers are turning even at night, uploading images. As we both travel a…

GUEST DESIGN EXPERT Cameron Kimber (pictured with interior design editor, Lucy McCabe) gives us the lowdown on the ottoman and why the multi-functional piece is the ultimate complement to every living room. “Not only is it useful as a footstool for reclining, an ottoman can act as a coffee table, layered with stacks of books and objects. I favour upholstered ottomans to introduce fabric into the scheme, softening a room for a more casual look,” he says. 1_LOVELY LEGS This custom-made ottoman, POA, is defined by its shapely timber cone legs. custommadebytrh.com.au 2_FRINGE FESTIVAL The curvy ‘Trefoil’ ottoman, POA, is covered in Lelièvre velvet. aaronupholstery.com.au 3_A STITCH IN TIME Colefax & Fowler’s ottoman, POA, features gros-point needlework. martyncook.com 4_GOLDEN OLDIE KnollStudio’s ‘Barcelona’ stool (c1929) with cowhide sling, $3090, continues to…

For her 50th birthday, Craig Gillespie surprised his wife Christine with a choice – a vintage watch, or a stuffed ostrich. “Olaf (the big bird that hangs out in their living room) won in the end,” says Christine. “I see taxidermy as a celebration of beauty. I love the juxtaposition of these gorgeous fabulous creatures in an urban environment. I’m especially fond of birds.” The fact that Damien Hirst recently bought an entire collection of specimens made by Sinke & Van Tongeren (the same people who made Olaf) and displayed it in London is a testament to taxidermy’s place in the art world. Proof of this couple’s good eye too. Christine and Craig met at art school in New York. She’s a US East Coast girl and he’s from Australia.…

THE LIVING ROOM HOVERS IN THE TREE CANOPY. “IT’S LIKE LIVING IN A TREEHOUSE,” SAYS THE OWNER. Perched on the shores of Sydney’s Middle Harbour, this home leads an intriguing double life. On a sandstone promontory scored with two ancient Port Jackson figs, it soaks up water vistas on three sides through soaring walls of glass punctuated by sculptural panels of western red cedar. From the water, it presents an open and spectacular public persona. But the home also has an alluring, private side – TKD Architects has sprinkled it with zen hideaways that allow the owners to shed the pressures of their high-powered jobs. A professional couple with two now-teenage children, they bought the property in 2001. While the location was tantalising, the same couldn’t be said for the…

When asked about the design brief for the garden of this historic Sydney residence, landscape designer Peter Fudge says he had none. “The clients trusted me, and allowed me to do what I thought was best for the site,” he says. This freedom has supported the creation of a grand garden – structured and architectural, yet soft and inviting – accompanying a beautifully restored family home on the North Shore. The designer had a relatively blank slate to work with. The front garden had few plants worth keeping, except for a large jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) and a coastal banksia (Banksia integrifolia) near the front door. These trees lend the young garden – it’s just four years old – a sense of age and gravity. Entering the property from the street,…

Everybody is familiar with the clichéd image of Havana: showgirls shimmering across the stage at the Tropicana cabaret; cigar-chomping tourists whizzing around in 1950s Chevrolet convertibles; endless mojitos at bars where Hemingway drank. For those seeking nostalgia, these experiences are still easily found, but with the ongoing political thaw with the US, there is a renewed sense of energy in the city, led by a younger generation. A vibrant art and design scene is emerging, and new restaurants, bars and hotels are popping up weekly. Now is the time to visit Havana. ART A fascinating insight into Havana is through its dynamic contemporary art scene. Here the studio visit still dominates and is often the only way to see what’s new. Studios often double as spaces where work can be…

DESIGNER GREG NATALE “Situated in a remarkable heritage-listed property, this new kitchen had to meet the needs of a young family yet find context within a gothic revival framework. Key considerations included maximising natural light, addressing the human scale in such a vaulted space and striking a pleasing balance of contemporary and traditional design gestures without foregoing modern appliances and amenities.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The joinery is so precise but the attention to detail was worth the hard work.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design GREG NATALE DESIGN Joinery Custom two-pack polyurethane in Dulux ‘Lexicon’ quarter strength. Splashback Honed Carrara marble from Surface Gallery. Benchtops Main benchtop: ‘Pure White’ stone from Caesarstone. Island benchtop: honed Carrara marble from Surface Gallery. Sink…

DESIGNER SCOTT WESTON “Passionate enthusiasts of mid-century modern design, the owners wanted to open up the ground floor of their terrace to create an open-plan kitchen between existing dining and living rooms. We sought to create a distinct kitchen zone as a focal point to the larger space that referenced their design preferences without mimicking a 1950s kitchen, and introduced a considered mix of humble materials and creative storage.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The ceiling and overhead cupboards are luxury items. The timber bulkhead defines the kitchen zone and introduces material warmth.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design SCOTT WESTON ARCHITECTURE DESIGN Joinery Vantage Joinery. Overhead cupboards Cleaf ‘Matrix’ laminate in Noce Daniela. Island cupboards Laminex Lamiwood ‘Pewter 329’ in Natural Finish…

DESIGNER GREG NATALE “This spacious ensuite sits adjacent to the master bedroom within a heritage-listed, gothic revival home in eastern Sydney. We wanted to update the bathrooms to offer the convenience and luxury we expect of contemporary wet areas without forgoing any of the original character of the home. This required a very neutral approach to the colour scheme and beautiful, hand-selected finishes. Careful consideration of planning to reduce complications in plumbing and making use of existing natural light were also very important.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “Using the Apaiser stone bath with the option of no base really accentuated the contrast between its beautiful curves and the angles and hardness of the marble used throughout the rest of the space.” […

DESIGNER ANNIE BENJAMIN “The brief was for a fresh, sophisticated bathroom that could easily accommodate both the owners on busy mornings. A skylight at the rear brings beautiful light into a potentially dark space. The honed Carrara marble floor, benchtops and bath surround are classically luxurious and calm. Glass mosaic wall tiles bring soft colour and a pretty accent. Individual mirrors over the twin basins conceal deep shaving cabinets, which project into the roof cavity.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The bath surround was originally designed to be tiled, given the budget restrictions. Ultimately, the change to marble slab was the key in achieving a more sophisticated tone to the room.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design ANNIE BENJAMIN Joinery Vanity in Satin…

DESIGNER BROOKE AITKEN “The brief for this bathroom was to infuse an art deco quality into the space. The house was reconfigured to allow for a master ensuite to have views over the harbour and in doing so we were able to build new walls to suit. The curve in the shower wall, which continued into the joinery, was an extension of the art deco curve motif of the house. Materials were chosen for their high quality. Although we were unable to fit a bath into this bathroom, the space created was light and seamless for what was a fairly constrained size.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The main luxury was the use of curved cut stone that wrapped a dado rail around…

To see more emerging trends visit www.reece.com.au/trends Classic styling just got decadent. Sophisticated yet tranquil, bring Neo Classic to life with pure forms, clean lines and geometric silhouettes. Matching textiles and little luxuries add a touch of warm and opulence. Elegant simplicity Play offthe classical airiness of neutral tones, with eye-catching accents of metallics and marble.…

A ABC Carpet & Home abchome.com Abey abey.com.au Abode Living (03) 9811 7800; abodeliving.com Academy Tiles academytiles.com.au ACV Studio acvstudio.com Advance Solid Surface (02) 9584 0111; advancesolid.com.au Aero Designs (02) 9380 8856; aerodesigns.com.au Agence de Parfum (02) 8002 4488; agencedeparfum.com.au Analu (02) 8354 0662; analu.com.au Angelucci 20th Century angelucci.net.au Anibou (02) 9319 0655; anibou.com.au Apaiser apaiser.com Argent Australia 1300 364 748; argentaust.com.au Armadillo & Co (02) 9698 4043; armadillo-co.com Artedomus (02) 9557 5060; artedomus.com Arthur G arthurg.com.au Art Month Sydney (02) 9331 9255; artmonthsydney.com.au Ascraft (02) 9360 2311; ascraft.com.au Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; astrawalker.com.au Atco Interiors (03) 9310 5810 Audemars Piguet audemarspiguet.com Axolotl (02) 9666 1207; axolotl.com.au B Bang & Olufsen bang-olufsen.com Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; beckerminty.com Behruz (03) 9824 8156; behruzstudio.com Belle Property belleproperty.com Bemboka bemboka.com Bestway…

JENI PORTER In this issue, Jeni wrote about a Sicilian-Australian’s apartment in Sicily (p122). Typical of Palermo, a city of secrets, this home is at the top of rickety stairs in a rundown building. The apartment is a soaring space with two huge windows with a view over a church that is 500 years old. There are so many beautiful details it’s hard to know where to look first but it’s also a really liveable home. Who are some enduring creative influences? Mark Rothko for a sense of wonder, Le Corbusier for a philosophy of living, Lydia Davis for her power and precision, Jørn Utzon for working on the edge of the possible, Michelangelo Antonioni for cinematic magic, and John Steinbeck for epic gut-wrenching stories. Where’s home? Copenhagen – a…

SYDNEY MINING THE SEED The 20th Biennale of Sydney, titled ‘The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed’, assembles works by more than 80 international artists across seven sites – each conceived as ‘embassies of thought’ by artistic director Dr Stephanie Rosenthal – including Cockatoo Island, AGNSW and, for the first time, Redfern’s Mortuary Station, now cast as the ‘Embassy of Transition’. Drawing upon the macabre heritage of the defunct Gothic Revival-style terminal, built in 1869 for the transportation of coffins and still redolent with the morbid decadence of Victorian mourning, UK artist Marco Chiandetti (right) has devised an installation that ponders displacement and the politics of migration. Named from a passage by Edgar Allen Poe, The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy…

THE ARTIST WHO HAS BEEN AN ENDURING INFLUENCE? Monet [5], his use of light and shade is mesmerising. CONTEMPORARY ART THAT YOU MOST ADMIRE? I have a work by Damien Hirst [6] at home that I love and find inspiring: it’s a red love heart with butterflies. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? I have quite a collection of crystals [1] including about 20 large rose quartz, a giant clear quartz that is so big I can’t get my arms around it and several amethyst caves. I also have several pieces from Kelly Wearstler [4] that feature precious and semiprecious gemstones. FASHION MUST-HAVES? A cashmere scarf [13], masculine coat, high-waisted jeans, white cotton t-shirts, ballet flats [12], vintage maxidresses and a great pair of white classic sneakers. FRAGRANCE OF CHOICE? I use…

Style on the line – sun - dried and CRISP BED LINEN in FLUORO SHADES and perky patterns make an artful backdrop against a blue sky just made for DREAMING.…

SYDNEY HEY HEY, IT’S HAY Sydney’s Surry Hills welcomes Danish homewares brand Hay, whose playful designs, such as ‘Slit’ table and ‘Paper’ fan (right) are housed in an apartmentlike setting. hay.dk PARIS SAVOIR FLAIR On a mission to preserve French craft and design heritage, Fort Royal has opened a new Parisian gallery that exhibits artisanal creations by exceptional glassmakers, metalworkers and marquetry specialists. fort-royal.com NEW YORK RUG ADDICTION Vibrant handmade rug designs line the walls and floors (left) of The Rug Company’s new Uptown showroom, providing a showcase of endless inspiring design possibilities. therugcompany.com SEATTLE LIGHT FANTASTIC Decorator Carrie Hayden’s Seattle outpost, Hayden Collective, features a glamorous collection of furniture, lighting, art and accessories (below) by the likes of Aerin Lauder and Kelly Wearstler (Aerin ‘Sommerard Triple-Arm’ floor lamp, right).…

GUTSY AND ROBUST, THE HEAVY AGGREGATE FLOORS WERE ACTUALLY A “REALLY GOOD MISTAKE”. Resale was not top of mind for the owners of this new build in Victoria’s Williamstown, which resulted in their embracing bold choices in the design. Architect John Wardle referred the clients to Fiona Lynch who entirely re-imagined the internal architecture and interior design. “We love colour and texture and were prepared to do something different compared to the ‘safe’ option that most people tend to go for,” says the client, who gave Fiona the thumbs up for a “fun and playful” lilac bathroom for their children. As for the head-to-toe green powder room that is entirely devoid of tiles? “We love it. It gives guests something to talk about!” Fiona says the foundation materials of concrete,…

French decorator Jean-Louis Deniot’s projects are often imbued with a sense of grandeur. In Delhi, he designed a house that resembles a mini Versailles. In New York, he worked on a duplex in Chelsea with sweeping views of the city and ceilings that stretch to 6.5 metres in height. Such magnificence has led one of his collaborators to nickname him “Doctor Palace”. The moniker is particularly fitting for one of his latest commissions – a 500-square-metre Parisian pied-à-terre for a Middle Eastern princess. “She’s in her mid-twenties and has quite a funky way of dressing,” says Jean-Louis. “She’s very much got her finger on the pulse.” The apartment is on the first floor of a rather stately late 19th-century building on one of the French capital’s most select avenues, and…

Not many restaurants can command a wait time of two hours every night of the week, but such is the clout of powerhouse restaurateur Chris Lucas whose latest venue, Hawker Hall in Melbourne’s Chapel Street, does just that. Like his other restaurants – the oriental BBQ pit Kong, pizzeria Baby and cult Asian cool hangout Chin Chin – it has all the hallmarks of a Lucas Group operation: energy and atmosphere with an extra helping of sass. Inspired by the vibrant street-food culture of South-East Asia, authentic flavours like ginger, galangal, lemongrass, coriander and coconut feature prominently across the generous 60-dish sharing menu. Fresh noodles, crazy stir-fries, potent curries, soft dumplings and lots of spice echo the rich joy of eating in big, buzzing Malaysian Singaporean dining halls. “I have…

GERMANY CROWN JEWEL Saarlouis’s first upscale hotel, La Maison (left), boasts herringbone floors, bespoke furnishings and a gem-coloured palette. The hotel’s philosophy of indulgence reflects the German-French town’s namesake King Louis XIV. designhotels.com SRAEL BRUT BEAUTY An Israeli philanthropist and art lover has reclaimed a 1960s Brutalist masterpiece in Zichron Ya’akov on the Mediterranean, turning it into opulent Elma Arts Complex Luxury Hotel (above). designhotels.com A SHORT STAY with RICHARD UNSWORTH {Landscaper&entrepreneur} Favourite travel experience? Last year I went up the world’s highest motorable pass in the Himalayas on a Royal Enfield. Essential travel accessories? Bose bluetooth speakers and a good pair of eyeshades. Favourite hotel? El Fenn in Marrakech, it’s traditional but also a bit rock‘n’roll. Favourite design piece collected abroad? Ottoman Empire brass candlesticks. How do your travels…

OWNER BIRGIT RAABE “This kitchen design allows for amazing flexibility in using the space – for example, the benches can be rolled away or stacked one on top of the other. The birch benchtop table can also be lowered for traditional dinner seating for large numbers. The materials Simon chose are just perfect – the brass is warm with a beautiful patina and the stainless steel is safe from our wandering parrots, Mimi and Ralph, who ate our last kitchen!” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design SIMON HANSON, BUREAU SRH Joinery Competitive Joinery. Drawers/cupboards Black melamine clad with bead-blasted stainless steel and brass and Blum hinges. Benchtop Birch timber benchtop with adjustable stainless-steel frame and legs with Dulux castors. Tapware Abey ‘Swivel Spout C’ in chrome by Winning Appliances. Dishwasher…

DESIGNER FIONA LYNCH “In the children’s bathroom we used an unexpected palette of saturated-mauve painted oak veneer and grey-glazed porcelain tiles.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The layout of this bathroom is generous and luxurious with ample space for the two kids who share it!” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design FIONA LYNCH Joinery American Oak timber joinery by Atco Interiors in Dulux 30 per cent two-pack lacquer finish in Luxury. Vanity/splashback ‘Maximus’ porcelain tile in Taxos from Artedomus. Wall finish Dinaone ‘Inax’ glazed tile in White Grey from Artedomus. Basin Duravit ‘Starck 3’ undermount in White ceramic from Mary Noall. Tapware ‘Pan’ basin mixer in Chrome from Mary Noall. Mirror Silver mirror from David Glass. Flooring Quebac ‘Storm’ tiles from Perini Tiles.…

DESIGNERS BELINDA CHIPPINDALE AND ANNA DOUGLASS “Exposed to the dramatic coastline with floor-to-ceiling glass, this ensuite called for a sense of intimacy and enclosure. In keeping with the surroundings, the palette is simple and natural, and the mosaic wall adds a touch of glamour. The room is flooded with light so we were able to clad the walls and floors in the same rich natural stone. The pendant lights also add a textural layer and an organic form. What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The wall mosaic tiles by Di Lorenzo inject glamour and luxury into the otherwise natural and neutral palate.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design HARE + KLEIN Joinery Timber veneer by Style Kitchens. Vanity Calacatta marble from Granite & Marble…

DESIGNER MEGAN BURNS “We wanted simplicity in the design. In the bathroom we used large scale slabs of marble on the floor and wrapping up the wall, which is directly in front as you walk into the space. The symmetry of the shower area and the dramatic curve of the showerheads were very important and really give that ‘wow’ factor. We used Corian in Glacier White for the walls in the wet areas, and refrained from any tile or messy detailing. Simplicity was key.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “We did a double shower and double basin. The whole scale and design of the house was for a couple so we wanted to reiterate that with the layout of the bathroom.” [ FACT…

THE ANNUAL JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL celebrated 30 years in January with plenty of equestrian-loving stars on hand. Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women Zara Phillips, her husband former England rugby captain Mike Tindall, and Magic Millions co-owners Gerry Harvey and Katie Page-Harvey entertained a glamorous posse of guests including Gai Waterhouse, Anthony Minichiello and Terry Biviano. Jeep continued its road trip to more horsey adventures – this time at the Jeep Portsea Polo 2016 where Australia’s busiest woman, foreign minister Julie Bishop, took rare time out to mingle with the chilled-out polo crowd who enjoyed the refreshing Peroni tipples. Heidi Klum got up close and personal with guests Australia-wide when she launched her Intimates collection. Design lovers congregated at the first Sydney flagship store for Danish design juggernaut Hay.…

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STUDIO? It‘s a converted bedroom in our 1915 apartment so it has generous proportions, high ceilings and traditional detailing. An extensive magazine library, original wooden floorboards, and lots of clothing and shoes. WHAT APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT THE SPACE? The great proportions with room for my collection of fashion magazines, storage and clothing racks. It has a calm feel with good natural light that is not too strong. It has two entrances, too, one from the hall and one from the living room, so it’s versatile. WHAT ARE YOUR DESK ESSENTIALS? Laptop, mobile, permanent marker, notebook, latest issues of fashion magazines, and Martin Margiela snow globe for stress relief. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR WORK SPACE? The collection of fashion magazines is a big feature…

WHEN I MENTION THE WORK of Melbourne-based architect Kerstin Thompson to a photographer who has shot the award-winning House at Hanging Rock for a US magazine, she becomes quite poetic. “Kerstin’s work doesn’t hit you all at once,” she says. “But gradually you appreciate the deep thought and the subtlety of the design decisions within the spaces.” Moreover, of all the houses she has photographed she says that this is the one, unequivocally, that she would like to live in. The appeal to a photographer is partly through the play of modulated light that Kerstin’s tightly knit palette of materials evokes. In this instance it’s the use of pre-cast concrete panel walls, blackbutt joinery and her signature black ceiling in form ply, married with concrete floors and sections of black…

Set on the border of suburbia but with all the joys of vibrant inner-city living right at hand, this house celebrates the best of both worlds, according to its architect Rob Mills. When the owners, a successful couple in their 60s, decided to reward themselves by building a new house, the architect accompanied them every step of the way, from searching for the right land to planning, building and decorating this grand residence that he describes as “having a fantastic balance of suburban-style space and light with all the advantages of living in the centre of town”. The owners had already worked with Rob on a house designed by Wayne Gillespie, one of Victoria’s best-known residential architects who amassed a fine legacy in his 30-year career. “A building should be…

Mariella Ienna’s Palermo apartment is like a vertical village inserted into the thick, tufa stone walls of a former Dominican monastery built more than 500 years ago. A three-storey steel-and-glass tower with a soaring void and open stairs sits under ancient wooden beams. While her architect, Walter Angelico, imagined a stark, contemporary interior, Mariella wanted it atmospheric and in context with Palermo’s rich architectural heritage. Key to this are handrails of vintage painted steel on the glass-floored walkways upstairs. “He wanted to use glass but it was really important for me that the railings are reminiscent of the balconies you see when you walk around Palermo,” says Mariella. Ornate wrought-iron balconies are a defining feature of the city’s famed baroque palaces and echoed in the buildings that followed. Mariella found…

“This is our swan. It was once an ugly duckling, but look at it now.” This is our swan. It was once an ugly duckling, but look at it now,” says the owner of this house on Sydney’s lower North Shore, referring to the sinuous white staircase that glides, like a swan’s neck, up through the three levels, the fluted wall behind suggesting its feathers. The owner’s favourite feature, it is the introduction to and the backbone of the home, but it could equally be a metaphor for its storybook transformation. Thanks to architect Iain Halliday of BKH, a dowdy, earthbound house has taken flight. Taking the skeleton of a 1990s home in the neoclassical Tuscan style, he has imbued it with coastal light and air, while also giving it…

A QUICK BITE with STEPHEN SECKOLD { Head chef, Salaryman } Favourite food experience? L’Arpège, Paris. Chef Alain Passard can do things to vegetables that nobody else can. Tipple of choice? Gin. Sydney has gone crazy with gin pop-up bars of late and I couldn’t be happier. Creative influences? The chefs I meet and the food I eat when I travel. I feel more creative around creative people. New trends in dining interiors? I think dining interiors are becoming more simplified. Recent favourite projects? My new venture Salaryman – we focus on ramen and are constantly learning. What are you excited for in 2016? Continuing to grow Salaryman! salaryman.com.au SYDNEY NOODLE HOUSE A STRIKING WALL OF MELTED PLASTIC AND A SUBWAY AESTHETIC DRAW DINERS IN, WHILE THIS NEW RAMEN BAR’S…

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

DESIGNER ANNIE BENJAMIN “The existing panelling informed the joinery style, with custom timber door pulls adding soft modernity. The long narrow space required subtle detail on the back wall. The custom rangehood canopy and glossy white tiles and white plaster wall reflect light and add texture to a fairly dark space. Rounded ends on the island bench add a sculptural element. We stained the existing boards dark to create a seamless look to suit the style of house.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The full-height cupboards that were meticulously hand-painted with many coats to achieve a soft, bespoke look.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design ANNIE BENJAMIN Joinery Painted in Dulux ‘Antique White USA’ half strength semi-gloss. Full-height cupboards hand-painted by Perfect Outcome…

DESIGNERS BELINDA CHIPPINDALE AND ANNA DOUGLASS “The kitchen is the functional and cultural heart of this home. Four growing children and regular entertaining of family and friends called for a highly efficient layout. Aesthetically, the kitchen is pivotal in defining the home’s design language with its natural finishes and clean composition. A generous polished concrete island bench is the cornerstone, accommodating six stools facing each other for casual meals, conversation and daily interaction.” What luxury item did you choose for this kitchen regardless of budget? “The concrete benchtop has a unique patina, injecting warmth and honesty into the palette of finishes.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design HARE + KLEIN Joinery Overhead cabinets and island bench in Eveneer ‘Evenromano’ by Style Kitchens. Splashback Calacatta marble from Granite and Marble Works.…

DESIGNER FIONA LYNCH “Walls are lined in oak panelling for a different approach in this ensuite. Stone and oak are the main materials with a freestanding black steel frame to the vanity.” What luxury item did you choose regardless of budget? “Oak panelling is our luxury element.” [ FACT FILE ] Interior design FIONA LYNCH Joinery American Oak timber joinery and black steel framing by Atco Interiors. Joinery in Dulux 30 per cent two-pack lacquer finish in Natural White. Vanity Maximus ‘Taxos’ porcelain benchtop from Artedomus. Splashback ‘Grain K Soul’ composite stone from Stone Italiana. Bath Kaldewei ‘Centro Duo Oval’ steel and enamel bath from Mary Noall. Basin Duravit ‘Starck 3’ undermount basin in White ceramic from Mary Noall. Tapware ‘Pan’ basin mixer in Chrome from Mary Noall. Mirror Silver…

DESIGNERS PATRICK KENNEDY AND RACHEL NOLAN “Light in the bathroom comes from a south-facing glass block wall diffusing a soft glow across the space. A black mosaic floor is grounding and all walls are finely textured by a neutral white tile in a subtle pattern. Twin pivoting oculus windows penetrate the glass block and provide edited views and fresh air – both necessities in a beautiful bathroom. The design includes the elements that make a bathroom enjoyable and luxurious to use – good even light, fresh air, crisp clean surfaces and plenty of space.” What luxury item did you choose for this bathroom regardless of budget? “The La Rochere glass block wall diffuses a soft glow across the space and is a nod to Pierre Chareau’s Maison de Verre.” […