Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2023 i Belle

EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Tanya Buchanan Creative director Shayne Burton Managing editor Matilda Ringrose Senior copy editor Janice Hogg Chief copy editor, Homes Peter Griffiths Art director, Homes Marissa Foye Junior designer, Homes Saffron Sylvester Art production Matus Kundrat Stylist, Homes Sophie Wilson Contributing editors Steve Cordony (Style director-at-large), Karen McCartney (Architecture), David Meagher (Luxe Files) Judy Pascoe (Library), Carli Philips (Melbourne), Harry Roberts (Art), Jean Wright (Design) EDITORIAL OFFICE GPO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 Tel (02) 9282 8456, email: belle@aremedia.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Justin Alexander, Mike Baker, Paul Barbera, Tom Blachford, Peter Clarke, Nicole England, Sean Fennessy, Tom Ferguson, Felix Forest, Stephanie Hope, Timothy Kaye, Alana Landsberry, Tim O’Connor, Maria Papantoniou, Chris Pearson, Tom Ross, Prue Ruscoe, Cricket Saleh, Anson Smart, Kristina Soljo, Derek Swalwell, Rhiannon Taylor, Nikki To, Steven Woodburn, Dave…

WHAT WERE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR SPACE AND WHAT INITIALLY APPEALED ABOUT THE SITE? Our first showroom was in the back streets of a warehouse in Collingwood with an open floor plan, white walls and filled with natural light. When we ran out of space, we were thrilled to find a shop for lease on Gertrude Street. It was in bad repair and we knew we had work to do. That was the most fun and exciting part for us! We had been working with David Flack from Flack Studio on several projects and loved his work. David had dropped off concept plans within a week and left a handwritten note: “I was meant to be Italian in another life! Let’s make something sing beyond fabulousness!” WHAT WAS THE DESIGN…

IN 1975, CHANNEL NINE and its fellow local TV stations made the historic move to colour. And it was this exciting moment that interiors maestro Steve Cordony sought to replicate when styling this display residence on the sixth floor of the Overture building. As well as utilising his favoured dusty, muted hues inspired by nature, Steve injected high-chroma shades synonymous with the television test pattern that would be broadcast during off-air programming times. “I’ve used a mix of colour, materiality and texture, which is something I do in every space that I work with,” he says of the residence. “There are timber, marble, handmade ceramics, velvet and bouclé on cushions, linen on sofas, rattan and shiny metallics, all layered to create a sense of drama and impact.” The sense of…

For discerning collectors of contemporary Australian art, a French-inspired chateau was not an obvious choice of home, yet the sophisticated gardens, expansive block and opportunity to create a unique aesthetic proved too strong a lure. On settlement in early 2021, the owners (a couple embarking on a new chapter as empty nesters) consulted interior designer Meryl Hare of Hare + Klein, who had worked on their previous family home. The chateau, built in 1920 by an avowed Francophile, retains its original structure replete with architectural hallmarks: elegant facade, imperial staircase and porte-cochère. With six bedrooms, five bathrooms, an office, study, multiple living and dining areas, media room, bar and billiards room, as well as hidden gardens and a pool, there is ample room for visiting children, extended family and friends.…

Simple lines and perfect proportions, enriched by precious materials, fine finishes and elegant textiles” sums up the Armani/Casa philosophy, and it also neatly encapsulates this handsome four-bedroom home in Melbourne’s south-east. The owner drew her inspiration from the furnishings house with a fashion pedigree, and the tailored result, by interior designer David Hicks, fits her like a glamorous gown. Fortunately, she had decades to discover the perfect cut. She and her husband built the two-storey, clinker-brick home back in 1980 for their then-growing family. “We eventually had four children and our home was always a hub of activity,” says the owner. During that time they renovated twice, first to extend their dining room, then to add an indoor pool and family room. But, as empty-nesters, the couple’s needs changed. “Our…

Dating back to the 1990s, this residence in Sydney’s Vaucluse was built by a local architect inspired by the Italianate style. By the time the principal of Sydney-based Smac Studio, interior designer Shona McElroy, started work on the renovations the property was in desperate need of an overhaul, and yet the value and sentiment of the original design concept still shone through. “He built it as a family home for himself after a trip to Tuscany and even though it’s hard to believe now, when we first saw it, everything was a limewashed terracotta colour. It still had such grandeur though, with columns and a striking entrance. I wanted to preserve some of that spirit but bring it into the 21st century,” explains Shona, who met the architect during the…

Our annual awards season is always a treat, and the avalanche of incredible entries is imaginative and inspiring. There is so much fabulous interior design work underway in Australia – the calibre, the creativity, the charisma – wow, wow, wow! Apart from the beauty and skill, it shows how important and influential our interior design business is. And we are grateful and artistically energised to be part of the creative circle that includes architects, interior designers, artists, artisans, trades, retailers and many others. For just a small sample of these leading tastemakers’ work, look at all the finalists from p29. And to vote in our Belle Fanuli Interior Design Awards Readers’ Choice competition, go to homestolove.com.au/readerschoice2023. In further exciting talent recognition news, Belle is delighted to participate in the National…

HAVING GARNE RED a record number of submissions this year, the National Emerging Art Prize (NEAP) is now gearing up for its annual exhibition at Michael Reid Art Bar, where works curated by a panel of leading artists, collectors, tastemakers and art world luminaries will be on view and available to acquire from November 1 to 13. Sponsored by Morgans Financial and supported by Belle magazine, NEAP is a national platform to identify, promote, celebrate and support the most promising unrepresented visual and ceramic artists in Australia – not only with a suite of significant cash prizes but by providing a pathway to a longterm art career, mentoring and gallery representation. By culminating with the NEAP opening reception and public exhibition, this unique program also presents an exciting opportunity for…

How the bricks-and-mortar experience is outshining online. PHYSICAL RETAIL IS DEAD. At the very least, it’s in its death throes. That’s what the technology evangelists will tell you, anyway. No one wants to go into stores anymore, they say. The metaverse and AI will forever change how we live and shop. Consumers have all the world’s stores at their fingertips, so why would they want to leave home? There might be a kernel of truth to some of this – although life in the metaverse seems as likely as human life on Mars – but no one appears to have told the world’s luxury retailers this as they continue to open ultra-glamorous physical stores. I like online shopping as much as the next person. It saves time and means I…

WHAT WAS THE BRIEF FOR THIS SPACE? Kingsmede’s desire was for us to create an environment that was relaxing, intellectually and visually stimulating, but above all, a place its team members would look forward to working in. Additionally, the space was to be an environment in which its guests would be immersed in the uniquely boutique scale and vision of this private property investment company, which provides high-quality corporate working environments and industrial spaces throughout Australia. HOW DID YOU DELIVER ON THIS BRIEF? Concepts of what constitutes a contemporary ‘workspace’ have evolved and there are many potential interpretations. We tailored this workspace to blend the ambience and spatial forms of a fine art gallery, elegant hotel foyer and creative workspace, all at a somewhat ‘elevated’ level (and that’s not just…

1 Asea ‘Polyvalent’ wall/table/ceiling lamp by Johan Petter Johansson, approx. $5960, from 1stDibs. 2 Tom Ford ‘Oud Wood’ EDP, $410/50ml, from Mecca. 3 ‘CM592 Imperfect’ polished mirror wall sculpture, $3800, from The Visuals Gallery. 4 Prada Spring/Summer 2024. 5 ‘Saint-Honore’ silk tie in Bleu Caban, $340, from Hermès. 6 ‘Inverloch’ slim-fit jacket, $499, and trousers, $249, from M.J. Bale. 7 ‘Cape Cod’ watch in Étoupe, $5010, from Hermès. 8 Giovanna Azzarello for Riva 1920 ‘Navarra’ desk, $12,990, from Fanuli. 9 Tom Ford ‘Martin’ burnished leather loafers in Brown, approx. $2803, from Mr Porter. 10 ‘Ulysse’ mini notebook cover in Noir, $335, from Hermès. 11 Adolfo Dominguez black vegan-leather briefcase with two handles, $449, from Hardtofind. 12 Breath 2022 artwork by Paige Northwood, $4600/152x122cm, from Jerico Contemporary. 13 ‘The Man…

When David Flack was approached to design this house in Princes Hill his firm, Flack Studio, was a fledgling business with just a handful of projects to its name. That was in early 2016. One of those projects, however, was an apartment development for a property developer who just happens to be the owner of this house. The owner was determined, he says, that when the time came to renovate the rundown art deco duplex he’d recently purchased it would be David who would design it. “This was a very early commission for us,” says David. “I was really excited about it and thought it would be built really quickly but here we are in 2023 and it’s just finished.” Covid delays, heritage issues and building costs made the project…

The owners of this three-level riverside apartment in Brisbane had lived there for 10 years before deciding to take the plunge and renovate. In the highly sought-after suburb of New Farm, the apartment enjoys expansive views of the Brisbane River and CBD, and there is plenty of space for their two children and dog as well as for entertaining. But the apartment had a very slick, masculine feel with its glossy black marble floors and the family wanted something warmer and more approachable. Having worked with interior designer Samantha Leigh, principal of Samantha Leigh Interiors, on a commercial project, they engaged her in 2020 for a complete reimagining of their home. With luxury inclusions such as a private pool and gardens, a gym and a separate entrance the apartment is…

This Barwon Heads hideaway embodies breezy beachside living and lingering family get-togethers for Hello Sunshine CEO Sarah Harden. Based in LA, the high-flying media executive moves in a star-studded firmament, but when the expat returns home she kicks off her shoes as she walks in the door. This warm, textural retreat, which readily welcomes down-under sunshine, is worlds away from her glamorous Californian lifestyle, but all the more special for that. With extended family literally over the back fence and up the road, these light and lofty spaces enable Sarah and husband Dave, with their three teenagers, to return to their roots and feel grounded. “I grew up in Barwon Heads, with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We all spent our summers here, so it has always been home,” says…

“OUR HOSPITALITY P ROJECTS often act as a sort of gateway to residential and commercial work,” says Kirsten Stanisich, founding partner with Jonathan Richards of Sydney design and architecture practice Richards Stanisich. “The success or failure of a hospitality project is very immediate,” she adds. “People instinctively need to feel good in a space and so these interiors teach really great design lessons that inform other project types.” The award-winning Woollahra Hotel is a case in point. Its art deco heritage is celebrated rather than masked, but it has been updated with variegated Formafantasma volcanic tiles from Mount Etna that have perfectly muted ochre brown tones alongside crafted terrazzo and polished timber. The contemporary palette captures the essence of welcome and warmth while maintaining an ambiguity that begs the question…

IN FITTING TRIBUTE TO what was once the location of Australia’s first television network, the new NINE by Mirvac residential community pays homage to the glory days of the medium on the Sydney north shore site where the Channel Nine studios once stood. The 442 luxury apartments and generous outdoor spaces encourage a sense of community and a connection to nature, with designers Greg Natale and Belle’s Steve Cordony invited to showcase their magic while referencing key moments in TV history, from the days of monochromic black and white to the vibrancy of life in full colour. Mirvac’s general manager of residential development NSW Toby Long says, “This is an incredibly exciting time for residents now counting down the days until they move into their new homes. Many are moving…

1 Vintage 1970s pendant chandelier, approx. $3404, from 1stDibs. 2 Danish designer wall light in Brass and Pine, approx. $2999, from 1stDibs. 3 Oribe Hair Care ‘Signature’ shampoo, $76/250ml, from Rogue Beauty. 4 Lola James Harper ‘The Bomboneria’ room spray, $85, from Libertine Parfumerie. 5 Untitled artwork by Kanya Tjapangati, $10,000/153x122cm, from Michael Reid. 6 ‘Simulation Sculpture 6’ artwork by Morgan Stokes, $1600, from Curatorial+Co. 7 Prada Fall Ready-to-Wear 2023. 8 Foaming cleanser, $49, from Mx Skincare. 9 ‘Atom’ side table by Namit Khanna, approx. $3157, from 1stDibs. 10 1940s sheepskin love seat sofa, approx. $11,821, from 1stDibs. 11 Amouage Perfumes ‘Amber Sogara’ fragrance, $759/12ml, from Libertine Parfumerie. 12 ‘Stretch’ mesh and leather pumps in Nero, $1830, from Bottega Veneta. 13 Charlotte Tilbury ‘Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow’ bronzer, $84,…

The sweeping facade, moulded in brick and concrete, gives the first clue that this home is outside the box – in more ways than one. Sinuous curves and alluring angles beckon visitors through the gate, so little wonder its aptly named architects, Inarc, have dubbed it the Gathering Place. The owners, who welcome a steady flow of friends and family past the generous front door, would easily agree. But the property wasn’t always so inviting. Drawn by the leafy area with its thriving sense of community, the couple signed on the dotted line in 2011, when a humble bungalow underutilised the site in Melbourne’s south-east. “The 1920s two-storey, rendered-brick house had undergone many changes over the years, but the interiors were still dark, lacked natural light and couldn’t cater for…

HOW WAS YOUR SHOWROOM FOUNDED? We founded it with a sustainable and affordable ethos, while only selling wares of the highest quality. Most things are vintage and one of a kind. It’s constantly evolving. We restock every week, so it never feels boring. WHAT WAS THE CONCEPT FOR THE SPACE? [We wanted it to feel] like walking into your dream apartment. WHAT APPEALED ABOUT THE SITE? The George is a famous building in the heart of St Kilda. It’s a heritage space that saw the birth of Melbourne’s punk scene – Nick Cave played here in the 80s [when the ballroom was called The Crystal Ballroom]. It aligns with our ethos of ugly/beautiful and irreverence. WHAT DID THE ALTERATIONS ENTAIL? The space was a gorgeous white shell with original heritage…