Innholdsfortegnelse for #7 i Best Homes

This beautiful home was designed and built for the original owners as a dream home. It was for when they returned to Mount Martha to enjoy their retirement after living overseas for many years. Sadly, due to illness, this was never to be. “This was very sad for us all at Graeme Alexander Homes as the clients put so much of themselves into this project,” says Graeme Alexander, who built the home. “However, we are all but caretakers for beautiful homes and it was sold on to the current owners who immediately loved the pleasant view and the home’s design lines.” Originally, the current owners asked Graeme Alexander Homes to adjust the house to suit their needs. “I suggested they live with the home for a while as there was…

For this home, ACG Building took out the coveted 2016 HIA NSW Home of the Year, HIA NSW Custom Built Home Over $5 Million, and the HIA NSW Custom Built Home of the Year at the 2016 HIA-CSR NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. A landmark in Yowie Bay, the masterpiece property is a celebration of life and family and every aspect has been dealt with meticulously to the last millimetre. Construction included demolition of the existing property, footing and structural construction, a wet-edge pool, frameless glass panels, internal feature walls and hand-selected timber flooring. There is magnificent use of quality timber throughout. The main entry includes two large panels, which are perfectly parallel, reaching into the skies above. The waterfront property is superb in its presentation and decor,…

“We were looking for a builder who would take the time to sit with us and understand exactly what we wanted,” say these homeowners, a married couple who were looking for a custom design and a builder who specialised in this to get the right finished product. “We found New Home Shop in Caroline Springs through a referral and found the company’s consultants to be flexible when it came to our needs — nothing was impossible. “They provided us with inspiring input, and then introduced us to Doug, the actual builder, who was sensational. Doug not only provided his own valuable contribution, but also created a realistic expectation for us — not the fairytale scenario most expect when building their first home. This dose of realism allowed us to deal…

These NSW Central Coast clients — working parents with two young children — chose Broadworth to design and construct a threebedroom, modest-sized home with just enough space for their young family. Architecturally, they wanted the home to reflect the local/ coastal materiality of weatherboards/ lightweight cladding, while having a contemporary form and roofline. They had renovated a home and lived in it, but their second residence was a project home that left them disappointed with the process and surprise costs throughout the build. They had previously built using in-situ construction methods, but decided to utilise the modular system for their third house — their first modular home build — to benefit from the reduced construction time and a predictable budget. The clients had just sold their existing home and needed…

With a fresh, breezy appeal, the customised Woolamai by Swenrick Constructions is a testament to sophisticated design that truly speaks for itself. Featuring a blend of textures to the external cladding including Hoobler Stone and corrugated Colorbond steel, the house facade has a unique sense of character that catches the eye. Modern living and natural ambience is captured by the open-plan design that blends the main living areas including the kitchen, dining and living room. The generosity of extra highlight windows to these areas allows plenty of natural light and provides the occupants with views of the surrounding landscape. A stunning wood fireplace and hearth with Hoobler Stone feature chimney sits as the focal point of the space for a homely feel. The contemporary kitchen is a cook’s delight, featuring…

If you ask anyone with a pool and young children what their number-one concern is, it’ll most likely be supervision, says Ruard Gerritsen from Nobby Kitchens. So when it came to renovating this property, the company chose to relocate the kitchen, opening up the new area to all facets of the home, both inside and out, so that a direct line of vision to the pool could be established. “The design not only provides a great view for those facing the fabulous food-prep area but, thanks to the mirrored splashback and oven fronts, even those with their backs to the action can still keep an eye out while cooking,” explains Ruard. “Of course, the sleek Shaker stylings coupled with rich organic materials such as marble and oak have created such…

This was an older residence that was previously altered by the owner/builder who resided there. The home had some faults, the unlevelled walls being one of the most prominent, but that was amended during this renovation, and part of the verandah/ outside area was closed up to create a highly functional butler’s pantry, which includes ample storage and workspace, as well as numerous appliances. “The island benchtopcum- breakfast bar adds an extra level of functionality to this kitchen,” explains Garrett Hebden for Better Bathrooms & Kitchens. “It allows the homeowners to enjoy family breakfasts and long lunches bathed in the natural light that floods into the space through large window above the sink. The window is bookended beautifully by Shakerstyle storage cabinets — just some of the many plentiful storage…

The COLOURpyne® collection of pre-finished, low-pressure laminated melamine boards is designed to suit any design style. It is available in a sophisticated range of modern colours, wood grains, abstract prints and finishes. The use of embossed natural woodgrain designs creates surfaces that look and feel like natural timber, and the scratch- and moisture-resistant material is highly durable, making it a dream choice for every home. COLOURpyne is a cost-effective option that allows for a contemporarylooking and elegant spectrum of colours and prints. It is also available in glossy, smooth and shiny finishes that still demonstrate an authentic, natural aesthetic. Manufactured in Australia by Australia’s largest producer of particle board, COLOURpyne is Ecospecifier Global GreenTag Certified, which means it’s good for the environment. With an emphasis on authenticity in design, the…

European retailer of outdoor furniture and trampolines, Alice’s Garden, has arrived in Australia and has launched its outdoor furniture and trampolines range here. The eCommerce shop provides quality European-designed outdoor furniture at affordable prices including outdoor lounges, gazebos, umbrellas, sun loungers, dining sets and trampolines. The Alice’s Garden collection has been inspired to magnify feel-good outdoor moments with friends and family. Harmony is also at the core of the collection, with each outdoor lounge working as a stand-alone piece or able to be combined with other elements. Alice’s Garden offers full ergonomic features and most of the products are lightweight, made of aluminium and PE rattan. With fabrics in woven grey, stone white or taupe, the colours are modern and fit well in all outdoor and indoor environments. Not only…

A mix of modern, Mediterranean and tropical design elements work in harmony to give the owner of this terraced garden in Sydney the ideal space for relaxing and entertaining. The garden was built by Reflective Gardens, under the guiding hand of company owner, Matt Beckett and foreman Nathan Tasker. “The brief was to upgrade the rear garden so that it had a more coherent design and provided a higher level of amenity and functionality,” says Matt. “An improved and extended entertaining area was a must, as was finding places where the owner could display some of his favourite garden ornaments so that they were visible from inside the house.” Working to a design devised by Clouston Associates, Reflective Gardens set about making the extensive changes, which included building a broad…

Anyone who has kids will know that adding a pool to the backyard will keep children happy and entertained for years, so it’s definitely money well spent. For this busy professional couple with two children aged four and six, entertaining was the main purpose of their pool, and they also needed a place to relax and watch their kids swim. The homeowners wanted their pool to capture the northerly sun, with a sunshade to the side. The pool measures 7.5m x 4m, with extended coping width and a timber deck. “A pool has to fit in with the backyard and offer a good indoor/outdoor connection,” says Brian Formosa of Design Pools, who built this project in Sydney. “Here, there’s good useable space in and out of the pool.” Due to…

The owner’s brief for this project was fairly simple: to transform the existing dated pool and surrounding area into a new, modern space that complemented the house renovation. The family wanted to enjoy their outdoor area for many more years to come, and Artesian Pools was called in to assist with this dream. Located on a sloped block in the suburb of Maroubra, NSW, the house sits on one level with the pool and outdoor area on the levels below. This split-level arrangement means the pool can be viewed from within the home. Lots of natural materials tying it in with the stone and timber finish have been used to modernise the outdoor space. The pool also includes environmental features such as solar heating, Waterco self-leveller and SwimFresh sanitisation. Perhaps…

On a stunning property on the tranquil Sydney foreshore, this pool seamlessly blends with the home’s natural surroundings. Its timeless design represents the expertise of Pride Pools’ signature range. In conjunction with building project manager Doug Ditchfield, Pride Pools was able to present a classic and luxurious pool that blends effortlessly with the grandeur of the house. Each element was chosen with meticulous care to embody a natural flow to suit the remarkable location. Unique luminous blue tiles by Bisazza, laid by Pride Pools’ own tilers, cover the entirety of the pool and spa. Warm-white underwater LED lights by Aqua-Quip were installed to cast a radiant glow over the water, creating a magical ambience for those swimming at night. Gas heating by Astral Viron keeps the water at the most…

Many people try to stand out from their neighbours, friends and competitors. This was one of the main driving factors for Craig Absolum, managing director of Crave Stainless Designs when starting his business 15 years ago. Craig wanted to produce quality stainlesssteel products that would not only impress his customers, but also be a talking point. Crave Designs has certainly achieved that. Crave Stainless Designs’ products have become highly sought-after with landscaping companies, builders, renovators, and even large corporate clients wanting one or more of Craig’s designs. What appeals to those looking for something different in the water feature space is Crave Stainless Designs’ ability and desire to work to any measurement. From the start, Craig understood that one size does not fit all, which has been the key that…

When constructing a beautiful new pool or renovating an existing one, how do you keep your glass pool fencing looking good? The glass pool fencing used around this stunning infinity pool has been treated with EnduroShield, so maintaining its sparkling appearance is easy. EnduroShield keeps glass looking good for longer between cleans, and significantly reduces upkeep. All that’s needed is a wipe with a microfibre cloth and a mild detergent, saving you time and money on cleaning and maintenance. The EnduroShield treatment also protects glass against staining and etching from contaminants such as sea salt, pool chemicals, dirt and grime. Untreated glass is porous and absorbs contaminants leading to deterioration, etching and discolouration, making cleaning more and more difficult and leading to costly glass maintenance. Protect your glass with EnduroShield…

Are you sick of cleaning your pool? Don’t waste precious leisure hours doing maintenance work when Waterco’s Q360 in-floor pool-cleaning system can do it for you. It automatically cleans most of the pool, even while you swim. Debris is automatically swept into the main drain and sent to the leaf trapper. Virtually invisible, the Q360 system is fully automatic and can handle high debris levels, so there is no need for an additional cleaner with hoses and cords that tangle. The Q360 also circulates water through the pool, resulting in less algae growth and better heat and chemical dissipation, with increased operating efficiencies and reduced chemical and heating costs. Though in-floor pool cleaning systems have been around for years, the Q360 has fewer moving parts and a valve design that…

Gremmo Homes’ latest display house began with a simple concept. “Our objective was to create a contemporary design with a relaxed feel,” says Richard Gremmo. “There are finishes and inclusions that you wouldn’t usually find in a display home. We have more than 20 years of experience as a custom home builder, and we are well aware of the design concepts and inclusions that are both popular and also functional. We have worked hard to create an adaptable layout that can be easily adjusted to accommodate unique circumstances, such as narrow-width lots and sloping sites.” The home has a substantial street presence, accentuated by two advanced native Brachychiton ‘Bottle’ trees. Welcoming wide-formed stairs provide a subtle transition from the footpath to the entry of the home, framed by a double-storey…

Bellmarch Homes is known for its luxury project homes. Its newest, situated in Kellyville, is a departure from pricier — and at times unreachable — custom designs. This is good news for first-home buyers who may have missed out because of smaller budgets. “We wanted to showcase ‘custom build’ features at an a ordable ‘project home’ price,” says Mark Cairney, sales and marketing manager at Bellmarch Homes. Through smart design, the company optimised the use of space in a house that only spans 46sqm. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms — not to mention the powder room — are spread over the two storeys. A suspended custom staircase joins the two levels, its glass-paned railing and 3m-high ceilings adding to the open style of the house. Outside, a roofless verandah skirts around…

The stunning new display home from Rawson Homes wants for nothing. “There is no compromise when it comes to style or space with the Elyse design,” explains Levi Naas, Head of Innovation. “Generous proportions and beautifully designed spaces make this home the perfect choice for many families.” The display home is particularly versatile, offering a number of customisable floorplans that allow new homeowners to create a house that works uniquely for each family member, their stage in life and living arrangements. “With a range of versatile floorplans, this design would suit all families,” explains Levi. “Customisable elements include the option to add an extra bedroom for larger families or those living with several generations under one roof.” The Elyse comes complete with functional, yet sophisticated elements. Upon entry to the…

Casual living can also be urbane and cultured — this is where Hamptons style shines. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-storey home is simple and sophisticated with exceptional attention to detail. Every aspect of the abode has been crafted with the end user in mind — a discerning buyer who enjoys comfort, classic good looks and character. There is also a little French provincial style in the mix — seen in aspects such as the use of curved wrought iron and the home’s earthy tones. In the kitchen, white Shaker-style cabinetry, silver curved handles, marble benchtop, glass inserts and feature lighting reflect the Hamptons style. Tucked behind this space is a butler’s pantry. In the bathroom, the freestanding curved bath, dual basins and floating cabinetry create a clean, fresh and uncluttered look.…

Despite the grumblings of those who say we’re losing ourselves to gizmos and gadgets, many Australians have gotten over the techno-shock of the early 2000s. Today, Aussies are some of the quickest embracers of new technologies worldwide, and many feel it has had a positive impact overall. When used and designed well, technology allows us to simplify or enhance our lifestyles and, purists aside, many homeowners have found a wide range of uses for it. Although smart home systems and home automation have been around for decades, they have only recently become more mainstream, in part due to tech companies including Amazon and Microsoft wanting a bigger market share of the Internet of Things, or IoT. There are many installers and businesses in Australia that cater to the high-end, professional,…

Swenrick Constructions is proud of its range of granny flats, dependent persons’ units and cottages. Swenrick’s granny flats are quaint, comfortable and well-appointed residences that contain the latest features and appliances. They are perfect for a retirement villa, backyard cottage or teenage retreat. Prices start from lock-up at $27,275. Swenrick has built more than 4000 projects throughout Victoria. The company’s policy of design flexibility means clients can tailor plans to suit their own preferences, needs and budget. more info? Swenrick Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd 03 8761 6610, 0447 462 844 swenrick.com.au…

“This new sleek and modern design features extensive bench space, a sprawling breakfast bar and seating to accommodate the owner’s big family. An openplan layout now incorporates the kitchen into the hub of the home, while its simple elegance complements the surrounding decor. Key to the design is the minimalist aesthetic with chic accents, such as the glass splashback, for character and colour. The design of this large kitchen space provides a sense of balance and harmony in a hectic family home.” Designer Keith Brown for Abbey Kitchen Designs Benchtop 50mm Laminex Freestyle solid surface in Ice Doors/panels White full-gloss polyurethane Splashback Glass Handles Kethy chrome and handle-free on wall cupboards Internal hardware Blum soft-close TANDEMBOX drawers, detergent rack and twin tidy bin Flooring Brushbox solid timber Lighting Undermount downlights…

An expansive island dominates this kitchen space, designed by Fred Tabet for Wonderful Kitchens, while American oak timber slices through the opulent granite benchtop to form a breakfast bar where family and friends can gather. “Timber panelling on the kitchen ceiling, in the living area and within the outdoor kitchen echoes the natural aesthetic and links the different spaces,” explains Fred. “Rich, black-painted glass forms the front of the cabinetry, juxtaposing the organic grain of the timber to dramatic effect. To the eye, the kitchen’s design is deceptively simple with clean lines accentuated by a monotone colour palette, however storage is cleverly hidden throughout the space. There’s even a pantry and laundry room with an extra sink and fridge.” This kitchen has been beautifully crafted to create a connection throughout…

Baumatic Appliances has always been synonymous with style, performance and reliability. Baumatic puts thought and passion into the finer details to enhance the beauty of the most elaborate kitchen designs. The appliances are crafted with the aid of stateof- the-art technology to achieve premium quality and ease of operation. The company has had a proud history in more than 40 countries worldwide, for more than 24 years. Baumatic appliances are distributed by Home Appliances, one of the largest distributors of cooking appliances in Australia. The company consistently works with many major appliance retailers and commercial businesses in Australia. Home Appliances has a dedicated commercial sales and administration team that controls the process from proposal through to order and project delivery. Baumatic’s mission is not only to offer you a quality…

Trading for more than 14 years, Bestlink provides premium kitchen and bathroom products and appliances for a range of design requirements, budgets and applications. Part of the INNOVA range, the new ASCENT range includes the ASCENT 450mm easy-height, back-to-wall toilet suite which features a R&T Universal water inlet valve, and heavy-duty soft-close seat, the ASCENT black/chrome finish basin mixer and shower mixer, and the ASCENT pure stone fine basin range. With the top-quality design and finish, ASCENT range is a perfect addition for any new or renovated bathroom. Bestlink works with numerous respected retail partners and is well known for its top-quality after-sales service program. The company’s national service agency network includes more than 500 technicians located in both metro and regional areas. more info? Bestlink International 03 9465 4386…

When considering the design and construction of a pool, it is important to pay close attention to the way in which the pool will complement the existing house. For this project, the pool was built at the same time as the home, all designed to fit perfectly together, like assembling the pieces of a puzzle. Allowing for seamless, integrated construction, the pool sits at the back of the house. “There was a need for a sense of scale,” says Steve Rae of Malibu Pools & Spas. “This was a large house on a large property, so the pool really needed to be quite sizeable to match.” As a result, the pool can be viewed from a number of rooms within the residence. The team at Malibu Pools & Spas had…

Gardens with a compelling classical undertone are always popular. There is something timeless about them and they have a restrained elegance that ensures they transcend passing fads and changing trends. This garden in Seaforth, north of Sydney, is a melodious mix of classic and contemporary notes that strike a pitch-perfect chord, thanks to the expertise of designer Matt Leacy, founder of Landart Landscapes + Pools. “The homeowners’ brief was to create a functional, free-flowing space for the family and their friends,” explains Matt. “Places to play, swim and entertain were a necessity. In terms of the design, it has a lot of classic elements with a simple, refined palette of materials and plants. There are definitely contemporary elements as well, though.” Creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, the home’s bifold doors…

With its lush planting and multiple entertaining areas, this garden on Sydney’s North Shore is now a place of refuge. Working with a sloping site, Urban Escape had the opportunity to not only design an aesthetically pleasing garden, but also a space that was extremely usable and versatile. The homeowners’ brief was for a relaxed outdoor retreat that would be functional but easy-care, where the clients could enjoy good times with family and friends. “Spaces to play, swim, chill and entertain were necessities, so we set about creating a multifunctional outdoor area that included a swimming pool, multiple entertaining areas and a free-flowing lawn. In the process, we also resolved the previously awkward level changes and turned the garden into a family sanctuary,” explains designer Nick McCarthy of Urban Escape…

Urban Design Systems (UDS) creates its own unique range of decorative laser-cut concepts including lasercut screening designs, sculptures and other garden elements. UDS laser-cut concepts can be applied in many forms for both commercial and residential applications and the company works in consultation with architects, designers and developers or direct with residential clients. UDS is passionate about good design and is driven to create designs and products that can add intrinsic value to a project. It offers a selection of robust materials and finishes to create the look you want for your project, so add colour to your space with painted aluminium, enjoy the visual warmth and texture of timber-grained Weathertex, or appreciate the earthy and rustic elegance of weathered steel. SCREENING AND FENCING Laser-cut screening offers a creative alternative…

Over the years, Sikkens has been the preferred choice of architects, builders, painters and DIY-ers seeking a superior finish. Its specially developed formulas provide the answer to the demand for a transparent, highquality coating that will enhance the natural attractiveness of timber and provide the optimum level of protection in all situations. For decks, cladding, fences, outdoor furniture, windows and doors, choose from the Sikkens exterior wood care range, which is designed to provide unrivalled looks, durability and performance on all types of exterior timber. Inside the home, the Sikkens interior range maximises the beauty of doors, window frames, flooring, as well as wall and ceiling cladding with formulas that resist fading and are non-yellowing. As exposure to outdoor sunlight, indoor heating and cooling systems, not to mention knocks and…

OUTDOOR LIVING If you’re looking to add extra living space to your home, markilux has the solution. The company’s awnings are ideal for entertaining and enjoying the outdoors, while effectively protecting you and your family and friends from the sun. Made from exclusive fabrics, each awning offers a sun protection factor of 50+. When entertaining at night, take advantage of markilux innovations, including awnings fitted with ambient strip lighting or LED spotlights and radiant integrated heating. DESIGN AND DURABILITY Designed to complement the interior and exterior of your home, markilux folding-arm and conservatory awnings can be used on their own or combined with existing structures to create extra living space for your deck, courtyard or conservatory. The range of more than 35 awning systems, 285-plus fabric colours and patterns, remote…

The rear garden of this urban home conceals a delightful secret that is as innovative as it is sustainable. As you step from the house onto the deck, instead of being greeted by an expanse of lawn, you are welcomed by a thriving, semi-arid landscape of rock, decomposed granite, native plants and, as a centrepiece, a “city billabong”. “The subtle sounds of the wetland, the gentle ripples across the water’s surface, the schools of native fish and the bathing birds are gentle reminders of days spent near a river or creek,” says Mitch Davis of Waterscapes Australia, the company that designed and installed this impressive water garden. “Time becomes unimportant and you soon forget that you are actually in a bustling inner- Melbourne suburb.” Waterscapes Australia was brought in prior…

Our newest four-bedroom, two-storey display home effectively demonstrates how luxury living can be achieved in a home designed to suit today’s smaller block sizes. With more than 393sqm of living space, it sits comfortably on a 12.5m x 30m site. Internally, we enhanced the feeling of space by incorporating clear sight lines from the entry to the light-filled living areas at the rear. A void above the entry and hallway paired with the use of high-quality porcelain floor tiles adds to the feeling of light and space, overcoming the dark tunnel effect so often a problem in terrace-style homes. We added an open-tread timber and glass staircase to enhance the sense of style and space. A sizeable study located near the front door could easily be used as a home…

Homeowners John and Mary purchased an original 1950s twobedroom home — the first full-brick home built in the street — in Blakehurst, a beautiful waterside suburb in Sydney’s south. With four young children, they were keen to embrace the site’s potential and its magnificent elevated position with a new home that would cater for their family’s needs and space requirements. “The clients are in their late 30s with four kids and were after a modern home for their young family,” explains Nick Vlouhos, builder/ owner of NJK Property Group. NJK and architect Alec Pappas faced a sloping block and height restrictions. “To overcome the height restrictions we had to design a flat concrete roof that was heavily insulated to reduce heat absorption,” says Nick. “To control the heat, we lined…

Len Wallis Audio was given the opportunity to manage the audio-visual installation of this unique Sydney residence in Hunters Hill as part of extensive renovations carried out by the owner. With a flair for design, function and quality, Alberto Vangi, senior custom sales consultant at Len Wallis Audio, took on the challenging project of turning dreams into functional reality. This residence exudes a special presence. Main entry is via a bespoke bronze front door that might look at home in an ancient Aztec temple. Once inside, you find yourself mesmerised by the gallery-style entry hall which utilises Niles high-resolution ceiling speakers. Continuing on from the remarkable entrance into the main living area, the space was to cater for both high-quality hi-fiplayback and an immersive surround-sound experience for movie viewing. At…

Emma and Troy approached us with a dream to build a Hamptons-inspired Queenslander on their moderately steep sloping site at The Gap in Brisbane. The internal design needed to accommodate their young family and a very busy lifestyle, both now and in the future. Kevin Hincksman, the senior designer at Garth Chapman Queenslanders, worked closely with Emma and Troy to establish a design that would fit their brief, the budget, the site and other topographical variables. The result is a split-level home with a bold Hamptons facade that subtly follows the contours of the land. This minimised the need for cutting and filling the land, and the expensive retaining walls that would have been necessary if a standard slab was laid. Expanding on previous works by GCQ, along with considerable…

The process of individual design does not depend only on the floorplan and external shape of the house. Rather, it is the total desired impression inside and out. Storybook Designer Homes is committed to producing beautiful residences. These projects are stateof- the-art, high-character design solutions at extremely competitive prices. Clients have the option of choosing traditional, classic, beach or modern styles and regardless of the building site — level, sloping or narrow — Storybook will create something special. Pictured are a few of the 2000 individual designs Storybook Designer Homes has created recently for its ownerbuilder clients. The process of individual design does not depend only on the floorplan and external shape of the house. Rather, it is the total desired impression inside and out. Storybook Designer Homes started out…

In this new home in an Ascot Vale development, Magic Kitchens was asked to work its ‘magic’ and design and install the joinery in not just one room, but the kitchen, five bathrooms, rumpus, living area, laundry and alfresco. This mammoth project wasn’t your run-of-the-mill job; the Melbourne residence was designed by developer Paulmarc’s Developments for a large family to enjoy and entertain friends. “The client’s brief was for all the joinery to be classic, sophisticated and in keeping with the home’s Hamptons design that’s prevalent in the area,” explains joinery designer Patrick Raschella of Magic Kitchens. “Magic was responsible for so much joinery that it was important we kept a common theme flowing throughout the home. The objective was for a clean, fresh look and therefore we featured white…

Awards season is without doubt the favourite time of the year for the staff at the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi). When entries to the annual Designer Awards program close, the team take great delight in devouring the stunning images that land in their inbox and tipping the trends they see from Australia’s finest designers. They were particularly taken with the black and white bathrooms that featured among the finalists in 2017. KBDI DESIGNER AWARDS 2017: FINALIST SMALL BATHROOMS WA An elegant and stylish black-painted vanity is the highlight of this bathroom, designed by Maggie Milligan of WA. Stunning Fleur de Lys patterned tiles adorn the floor and add interest and detail to this black and white scheme, while glossy white wall tiles bounce light around a long and…

VAPORE Exclusively from ILVE, Vapore is the world’s first built-in rangehood created to solve the issues that induction cooktops face when paired with traditional hoods. When a rangehood is installed over an induction cooktop, condensation and water droplets on the cooking surface have been inevitable — until now. When cooking, hot fumes and steam rise, they then come into contact with the cold surface of the rangehood, releasing moisture into the air, which then turns into water droplets. This excess water falls onto the surface below and onto the food being cooked. Although we can’t escape the laws of physics, ILVE’s new Vapore offers the perfect solution to condensation with its innovative demister, sparing cooking and cooktops from excess water and condensation. The Vapore’s intelligent design also solves the problem…

Hardware & General first opened as a corner hardware store in 1960, and has now expanded along Winbourne Road, Harbord Road and Pittwater Road into 20 specialist sales centres in Brookvale. The company’s newly renovated and redesigned bathroom showroom and adjoining tap showroom have an incredibly impressive depth of choice in brands and products in varying price ranges, meaning products can be compared and contrasted before being locked in. What stands out the most when entering the bathroom showroom are the inspirational concept spaces, which reflect a number of design styles to help you visualise your renovation and find the perfect products for it. Many members of the Hardware & General showroom team have worked for the company for more than a decade, meaning they are industry specialists. Their product…

Matte black hardware has enjoyed a sharp surge in popularity and is now at the forefront of interior design trends. For those looking for a little luxury in the kitchen or bathroom, or just that special something that sets a room apart from the rest, black is the new must-have. Prestige offers a variety of knobs and handle designs in matte black. The simple, stylish Bridge D handle pictured here adds a clean, modern finish to the kitchen. Available in two lengths, it features a sleek matte black finish, which highlights contemporary design at its best. Statement knobs and handles can clearly make an impact to kitchen and bathroom design. With so many stylish products available, cabinet knobs and handles are now primed to make a bold statement. Prestige’s extensive…

For a family that loves to entertain and enjoy the outdoors, this modern outdoor room with a tropical flavour is the ideal retreat. “The homeowners wanted an area that the family could enjoy throughout the year,” says Nathan Boutros, managing director of Iconic Design & Landscaping. Designed and constructed by Iconic Design & Landscaping on a flat, grassed area, the space offers an abundance of spectacular inclusions such as the rectangular pool, hanging fireplace, pizza oven, bar fridge, barbecue/outdoor kitchen and speakers placed throughout the garden. The centrepiece, however, is the pool’s water feature with flames that glow from behind. Frameless glass fencing ensures the view can be appreciated from any angle. ”There was one aspect we had to get around when designing the project,” says Nathan when discussing the…

If you’re looking for innovative, creative garden design ideas, the annual Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is the place to go. At the 2017 show, held earlier this year, this garden, Back to Babylon, was an indisputable star, winning both a Silver Show Garden Award and the coveted Mark Bence Construction Award. Inspired by the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the garden showed how in an age of increasingly urbanised environments, we can transform our gardens into places of sanctuary. Contact with plants and a green outlook are important for our wellbeing and Back to Babylon exemplified how you can take even the smallest space and turn it into a relaxing and verdant haven. In this instance, the key to success was integrating plants into the vertical and horizontal…

Joining the terraced homes, iconic coastline and grandiose tree-lined boulevards of Albert Park is a circular garden that will bring peace to your soul and food to your plate. The entertainer’s garden was designed with harmony in mind. Delineated circles, subtle plant choices and carefully selected colour and texture were all considered when designing the garden. Tight deadlines and prickly plants punctuated the project. The multi-awardwinning team from Ross Goodman Design is responsible for this Zen setting. Specialising in small courtyard gardens and modern Japanese landscaping, the team had their work cut out for them. “The whole construction had to be completed within an efficient timeline because there is a rented loft available to guests, which is advertised on Stayz,” says Ross. “The client has a passion for succulents that…

Designed by Jade Pools in conjunction with the owners, this pool emerges like a tropical oasis out of the bush. The featured pool takes full advantage of the sloping backyard, with a raised spa spilling into the pool and a spillway over the pool flowing into a catch tank, acting as a natural waterfall. The pool was built into the slope, appearing to be elevated from the ground. Dark timber decking lines the perimeter of the pool and provides enough space for entertaining as well as relaxing. A small cabana is located at the rear, next to the raised spa, adding a touch of luxury. Built by Jade Swimming Pools, this sleek and modern design features a Polaris 280 pool cleaner, Thermo solar heating panels and a Davey CC28 sand…

For an outdoor living space you can use year-round, you need the experts from Outrigger Awnings & Sails. Outrigger specialises in the creation of high-quality custom-designed shade and rainproof fabric structures for all domestic and commercial applications. Designs include retracting, batten and cantilevered awnings, awnings for carports and pergolas, as well as shade sails and outdoor blinds. Designed for strength and longevity, Outrigger’s impressive awnings are the ideal choice when you want year-round coverage in a high-wind area. Outrigger retracting awnings can withstand winds up to 100km/h while the company’s fixed awnings are rated for winds up to 140km/h. All awnings are custom designed and engineered by company owner Andrew Perry and fabricated in the Outrigger factory in Sydney, so you can be assured each product will be specifically tailored…

Rock-filled gabions are quickly becoming a must-have in many residential gardens. They’re being used to build retaining and garden walls and they are being incorporated into myriad design elements, ranging from seating and water features to planters and fire pits. Often, they’re teamed with garden beds mulched with pebbles or gravel-topped paths, ensuring a coordinated look and giving the garden an appealing natural feel. A company with an enviable reputation as a specialist supplier of feature rock and river pebbles, Mawsons has branched into the gabion market, providing 60/100mm pebble and 150mm spall feature stone for use inside gabions. Mawsons can also supply the metal baskets (gabions) in a range of sizes, including 300mm x 300mm x 1000mm and 500mm x 500mm x 1000mm. Mawsons owns a variety of quarries,…

If you want to get the maximum use out of your alfresco living area, you need an effective form of climate control — and to get the best solution for your specific requirements, you need specialist advice. Shadeform specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of modern highquality shade sails, blinds and retractable sails and awnings. For the ultimate in versatility, Shadeform has perfected its hugely popular Shaderunner® retractable shade system. Drawing on its owner’s background in sail making for the yachting industry, Shadeform created a sturdy and stylish system with an attractive nautical appearance. The Shaderunner utilises Ronstan ball-bearing sailing pulleys, is supported by stainless-steel wires for strength and longevity and its design ensures maximum flexibility. The Shaderunner is relevant to all styles of property, from the most contemporary…