Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue #18 2024 i Best Homes

This contemporary abode ensconced on leafy acreage seamlessly blends with its bushland surrounds and offers a warm welcome through a custom-designed entrance gate which hints at the many unique architectural elements to be discovered within the home. After making your way down the meandering driveway, the first thing you spy is a large turning circle that envelops a feature tree, setting the scene for the remarkable residence that awaits. The facade of the home is streamlined in its design and cleverly uses linear cladding to visually elongate the exterior and emphasise the home’s impressive size. The external walls are finished in a warm-white colour that creates a light, bright feel with natural stone and timber cladding used to soften some of the facade’s more clinical components. A tall blade wall…

Set on a peaceful bushland-embraced five-acre block in Maryknoll, nestled in the heart of rural southeast Victoria, this property was purchased when the home was partially constructed, with Nick Bishop of Elite Building Services deciding it would make the ideal base and serve as a means of showcasing the company’s design and building expertise. “When we bought it, the home was almost at lock-up stage with the slab, frame, roof and bricks up,” explains Nick. “We changed some of the basic structure, including some internal walls, and completely changed the fittings and fixtures, style and character of the home. Our goal was to produce an exceptionally high quality of home, showcase our complete range of products and skills, and create a family home, so it certainly has been a labour…

One of the main attractions of a kit home is the ability to be an owner-builder, saving you money and giving you the satisfaction of being able to stand back at the end and say with pride “I built that”. For the fledgling owner-builder, it can all seem a bit daunting to begin with, but with the guidance and support of a highly experienced company such as Imagine Kit Homes, the result can be everything you dreamed of, and more. As so many people do today, the owner of this waterfront property searched the web looking for a kit home company that offered a diverse range of designs, the ability to customise those designs, a rock-solid reputation, and excellent customer support. Imagine Kit Homes ticked all the boxes for him…

The vision for the design of this chic Brisbane property was to create a family home that not only looked good but was liveable and practical, too. Taking a ‘less is more’ approach, Bayview One, a contemporary new-build, is highlighted by sleek finishes, modern materials, clean lines, and a neutral, light palette. The former abode of leading design duo Darren James and Elissa Greer, the founders of award-winning Darren James Interiors, it boasts an alfresco area that flows beautifully from the home’s interior kitchen and living area. Providing plenty of privacy around the pool, and with pockets of greenery and landscaping, this outdoor entertaining space is very enticing. It also combines materials from the front facade, namely blackbutt timber and white-painted brick, tying the look to the overall aesthetics of…

While the outline of the pre-existing two-storey abode was retained, thanks to Chrofi’s inspired design and PCM Projects’ meticulous build, the home that now stands on this site in Collaroy, a sought-after Sydney coastal suburb, bears no resemblance to its predecessor. The demolition stage and structural rebuild did present some difficulties, however. This was due, in large part, to the requirement that 20 per cent of the structural elements be retained as part of the building approval. This meant erecting a temporary steel structure throughout the home to keep it standing, which had major impacts on programming. Rain also hampered progress for lengthy periods, affecting the off-form concrete works. As a consequence, a temporary roof was required to protect the formply from damage during the all-important pre-pour stages. The newly-crafted…

This single-storey Federation-style house, nestled in Sydney’s inner suburbs, presented the owners with an all-too-common conundrum. They loved the character of the existing home but it simply wasn’t big enough; nor was it designed to cater for 21st-century living. Working to a design by Mark Szczerbicki Design Studio, Corvus Primesite embarked on a major alterations and addition project that has provided the family with the light and bright, lifestyle-enhancing home they envisioned. The home’s front facade was retained and renovated, as was the front sitting room and two bedrooms, and a generous rear extension built. This accommodates a new master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, a guest bedroom/studio, and a spacious open-plan living area. Additionally, this newly-built section boasts a skillion roof as well as 5m-high raked ceilings and…

Having lived in the Federation-style house for several years, the family of four were in no doubt they wanted this to be their forever home, but some significant changes needed to be made if it was to meet their vision for the future. KPL Building & Remedial Works was tasked with carrying out a substantial restoration and alterations program, which saw the house stripped back to its bare bones. The challenge was to maintain the charm of the original home while creating spaces that met today’s lifestyle needs and reflected the owners’ personal style. To remain true to the original character, all the old bricks were reused, restored, and either repointed or tuckpointed. The existing stained glass windows were preserved, and the beautiful old leadlight windows, along with the timber…

This Millers Point site was originally part of a row of buildings that were constructed in 1870. During the mid-1980s, the site was redeveloped with the Victorian terraces at 56, 58 and 60 Bettington Street retained and incorporated into the new development. This was known as 62 Bettington Street, Millers Point and was comprised of four ground-level apartments. A later stage of the development involved the construction of two more apartments, each below ground with street-level windows. Jasta Constructions was engaged to demolish, excavate and rebuild the site while ensuring the heritage buildings were fully protected. The building, designed by Dot Architecture, was primarily constructed out of Bondek, concrete slabs, and core-filled blockwork walls. The top floor was built using structural steel and light steel framing, with Sydney sandstone installed…

A sloping block can be a challenge, which is why you need a home design that has been specifically created to work with the contours of the land and optimise the available space. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom Kaydon 255 Sloped Block design from Stroud Homes is just such a home and the perfect solution for sloping sites. Not only is it adaptable and affordable, its designed to accommodate the way the modern family wants to live. The airy open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas are centrally located on the upper level, forming the hub of the home. The living area opens to a covered alfresco space, providing the kind of relaxed indoor-outdoor living young and growing families now demand. The master bedroom, with a generous ensuite and walk-in robe, is positioned…

Nestled within Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley, the Yarra Valley Project, built by Vigor Homes, is a testament to sustainable living through architectural innovation. Born from a vision of off-grid luxury, this stunning estate integrates itself with the surrounding natural environment by offering a truly immersive sustainable living experience, and it does so without compromise on architectural vision, or the comforts of modern living. The home, designed by JAM Architects, is a masterpiece of sustainable design. Thick rammed-earth walls provide exceptional insulation, while contributing to the home’s earthy aesthetic. Recycled timber, salvaged from trees that once graced the property, finds new life throughout the structure, lending a unique character to each space. The interior flows with a sense of tranquillity thanks to the careful selection of natural materials. Sliding doors seamlessly…

The word transformation is often used far too liberally, but in this instance, it’s absolutely spot on. The previous kitchen — all-white save for a dark-grey splashback — was stark and devoid of personality. The typical 2000s bathroom, a tableau of white-tiled walls, brown floor tiles and a dark-brown vanity, was in similar need of a major refresh, and an injection of individuality. The original and dated galley-style kitchen was redesigned by Rosemount Kitchens as an L-shape with an island. Revising the footprint enhanced functionality and enabled the introduction of more storage, which includes a wall of joinery that houses a large pantry, an oven tower, an integrated fridge and behind-doors storage for small appliances. The new layout also made possible the inclusion of a dedicated coffee station area —…

The formal garden is always very much in favour. Defined by its sense of symmetry and respect for form and balance, the formal garden is a place of elegance and calm. A formal-style garden, moreover, transcends fleeting trends, ensuring the design never dates nor looks out of place, leading to longevity. Of course you don’t have to fully replicate a traditional formal garden to be able to enjoy the beauty and sense of serenity this classical design style brings. Just adapt the elements that suit your individual space, being sure to remain true to the underlying principles of symmetry and balance, which is precisely what A Total Concept has done here. “The outdoor spaces for this formal project were designed in a simplistic formal style that complements the beautiful heritage…

Conjuring a truly authentic sense of place, this award-winning garden, designed by Tim McBurney of Liminal Landscape Design, captures the laidback feel of the lush hinterland location while capitalising on the coastal views. “The brief was to create more usable spaces with a natural, informal aesthetic,” says Tim. “During my first visit it was clear that the gently undulating site, with views onto farmland and out to the ocean, would offer great possibilities.” When the owners of the property, dubbed Carramar, met with Tim, they had quite a long wish list that included more level areas, new garden beds, a fire pit zone with seating, and a tree-encircled meditation deck. Some requests were substantial, such as a large lap pool to be sensitively designed and perfectly placed; others of smaller…

Offering a unique and fully immersive experience, Australian Idyll, an award-winning garden featured at the 2024 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, was inspired by Tasmania’s High Country, where boardwalks wind through vast grasslands, forests of scraggly ash-grey trees, and dense clumps of spongey vegetation. “The High Country is one of those rare places that feels both wild and untouched while remaining easily accessible to everyone, and we wanted to recreate it in the form of a luxe eco-retreat,” explains Nadia Cole, Director of Platylobium Landscape Design. “There has never been a stronger pull to Australia’s rural and natural native landscapes; what we see as an emerging social construct of an ‘Australian Idyll’. Increasingly, people are gravitating towards nature and this garden was an opportunity to emulate the serene and…

The latest luxury air solution by Big Ass Fans has arrived on Australian shores. Designed for total coastal comfort, and engineered to endure the elements, Haiku® Coastal is an investment that will spin for years to come. Investing in products you can truly trust is important. Backed by a three-year warranty, the Haiku® Coastal is purpose-built for coastal conditions and is one of the only fans on the market to offer salt-exposure coverage. This makes the fans perfect for coastal escapes and beach holiday homes, but they are an equally valuable addition to any Australian home. Tested to the max, the Haiku® Coastal withstood 500 hours in a chamber that replicates extreme salt environments. Not only that, Big Ass Fans created its own hurricane-force wind testing of Category 5 winds.…

Heating your outdoor living space isn’t just about keeping the family warm in winter. For many, looks and ambience are as important as functionality, maintenance and running costs. To set the right mood while adding a sculptural element to your garden, fire pits are ideal. Unique Fire Pits, established more than a decade ago, specialises in wood-burning fire pits that are made from either highly durable cast iron or stainless steel. The fire pits are fabricated in Sydney and are available in a variety of designs and sizes, offering maximum flexibility. Of unique design, the fire pits are as much a work of art as a source of heat. “Even when the fire pit is not in use, it can still function as a sculptural piece in the yard,” says…

The Mesa, with its impressive street presence, flowing lines, neutral tones, and rich textures, is named after a prestigious neighbourhood in that most renowned of Californian resort towns — Palm Springs. A combination of Spanish revival architecture and innovative modern design elements, The Mesa conjures a captivating ambiance and is what Nick and Carly O’Shea, owners of OSB Property, call a “destination of imagination”. This luxury “life ready” new home is from the Boutique Lifestyle Collection and was constructed by OSB’s multiple-award-winning building company, O’Shea & Sons Builders. Set on a spacious 615sqm block in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Tarragindi, The Mesa is a 450sqm, five-bedroom family home with a wonderfully warm, natural feel and a raft of lifestyle-enhancing features. A key focus was biophilic design. This is an approach…

Boasting a modern classic facade and an interior designed for luxurious yet casual living, this simply exquisite display home from award-winning Buildcraft Constructions perfectly showcases the custom builder’s design and construction expertise and eye for detail. Located in Bella Vista, a bourgeoning community north-west of Sydney, the two-storey, four-bedroom display home was designed with both comfortable family living and easy entertaining in mind. “The front portion of the house is designed for entertaining guests and features a luxurious area for socialising or relaxing. The front foyer also makes a wonderful first impression. As visitors step over the threshold, their eyes are drawn to the large, light-filled entry void and the statement wrought-iron staircase,” says John Ugarkovic, Director, Buildcraft Constructions. “The family area of the house features a large kitchen with…

Happily nestled within a prestigious Sydney suburb, 2 Myee Avenue, Strathfield is a desirable address that exudes sophistication and modern luxury. Combining spacious living areas with cutting-edge design, this home — the work of Made By Alas — represents the pinnacle of contemporary family living. The design of 2 Myee Avenue is a seamless fusion of contemporary aesthetics and timeless elegance. The home’s exterior creatively combines clean lines, modern materials, and thoughtful detailing to create a first impression that is compelling and inviting. By using natural stone, timber accents, and large glass elements, Made By Alas has ensured a harmonious connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. From the moment you step through the front door, it’s clear this home was designed with family in mind. The spacious…

Reaching right to the water’s edge in the prestigious enclave of Hunters Hill, north-west of Sydney, this magnificent European-inspired home offers sweeping views of boat-lined waters and the iconic Harbour Bridge. Built with attention to detail, it embodies absolute luxury, enduring elegance, and state-of-the-art technology. Thanks to the collaboration of talented professionals, including Align Construction and Architectural Lighting Design, this home showcases seamless integration of expertise and vision. But it didn’t start that way. What began as a small-scale renovation soon became a full-scale rebuild, retaining only the original concrete structure. The result? A dream home designed for modern living, effortless entertaining, and peace of mind, all supported by an advanced smart home system installed by Len Wallis Audio. LIGHTING MEETS LUXURY Bringing a home of this scale to life…

Having returned to Australia after living overseas for several years, the idea of renovating their tired beachside house to create the perfect family home filled the owners with a sense of great anticipation. The mission was to transform the single-storey brick house into a three-level home with open living spaces and a connection to the outdoors. Designed by Square Design and Scott Lester Architecture, and built by To The Mil, the home now features a mid-level entrance that leads from the street to a double-height foyer. This features a timber ceiling and Shou Sugi Ban (charred timber) wall cladding, blending the inside and out. Guests are then greeted by a bespoke sculptural staircase, built on-site by To The Mil’s expert team of carpenters and renderers, while double-storey glazed walls flood…

Modifying the north-facing home to capture beach views from as many rooms as possible, while working within the existing footprint, was an essential component of the brief. So, too, was enhancing privacy on the neighbour-encircled battleaxe block. Also on the must-include list was a home office from which the owners could run their businesses, a double-garage with space to house stock for their e-commerce enterprise, a guest bedroom, a gymnasium, and a pool with a spa. Moreover, they wanted a secondary dwelling for use as either a future living space for their adult children or accommodation for visiting family. This dwelling was to have an entrance that would not encroach on the privacy of the main residence and it had to be finished to the same high specifications as the…

Perched majestically atop Rose Bay’s hillside, 29 Chamberlain stands as a singular masterpiece of luxury living. Impeccably crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exclusive single residence boasts unparalleled interior finishes, cutting-edge lifestyle solutions, and breathtaking panoramic vistas spanning Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Blue Label Construction (BLC) proudly undertook the construction of this elegant Eaton Molina Architect-designed home, which fits perfectly into the Chamberlain Avenue streetscape. 29 Chamberlain, a four-storey abode, capitalises fully on its stunning views and the natural contours of the landscape. Given its elevated position above Chamberlain Avenue, the site necessitated extensive excavation to achieve street-level access in the garage and a basement level before reaching the ground. Every facet of this exemplary residence has been painstakingly planned, offering not only luxurious lifestyle-enhancing amenities but…

Eden Brae Homes’ new Savoy design was cleverly crafted to meet the need for a modern and spacious open-plan, narrow-block home. The Savoy 29’s well-conceived floorplan surpasses that brief, creating an interior that captivates with its abundance of space and natural light. The layout’s interesting yet wholly practical placement of rooms inspired the interior design theme of Modern Minimalist. The considered selection of finishes complements this, allowing each design feature to shine. The dining room, centrally located below a massive void, connects seamlessly to the upper-level rooms, allowing natural light to flow through. The open-plan dining, living and kitchen space feels expansive, despite the home’s narrow width of less than 8.45m. The Savoy features a well-appointed kitchen with ample bench space, two 600mm wall ovens, and a cleverly tucked-away fridge…

In a truly spectacular transformation by Kitchens U Build Traralgon, carried out in collaboration with designer Shenaz Asraf from Impreshens, an outdated kitchen has undergone a major makeover that can only be described as simply stunning. The original kitchen, adorned with glossy white cabinets and laminate benchtops, was in dire need of a modern facelift and a much more functional and flexible design. The vision for this project was to infuse a sense of modernity and serenity with a touch of beachside charm to create a relaxed ambience. The team at Kitchens U Build Traralgon expertly executed this brief, using a neutral colour palette that engenders a coastal vibe that is both relaxing and inviting. The porcelain benchtops, which seamlessly transition into a boxed end and a waterfall end on…

While we very often see Zen and relaxation-inspired bathroom designs, there is an equal desire for spaces that spark energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead. Here, the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) shares four fabulous bathrooms with bold palettes and delightful design features that meet the brief for lively spaces. Let’s begin with the alluring bathroom, shown at the top left of this page. A creative-industry client wanted a colourful and bold statement bathroom, and Melbourne’s Carmel Wylie (GIA Renovations) made the winning play. In Carmel’s vivacious design, a dynamic checkerboard sets the scene, while fluted marble mosaics and pixel green gloss wall tiles add an extra pop. Rich jewel-toned blue and green tiles command centre stage in the beautiful bathroom, pictured top right, designed by Sydney’s Lyndel…

The clients’ vision for Mount View, an 80-acre rural allotment in the Gold Coast Hinterland, was nothing short of spectacular. They aspired to craft a legacy home that harmonised traditional and contemporary architectural elements, inspired by the beauty of Queenstown, New Zealand. They also dreamed of a property that would seamlessly integrate with the picture-perfect surrounding Australian landscape. To achieve this, they looked to landscape designer Jez Clark, founder of Clark + Granger. “At the heart of this project was the desire to embrace outdoor living. For the clients, the garden areas were as important as the interiors, serving as natural extensions of their living spaces,” says Jez. “The owners’ passion for entertaining and cooking was a pivotal factor in the design process, thus the architectural plan incorporated a large…

This Moroccan-style courtyard in Queensland’s Sanctuary Cove offers the homeowner an alluring outdoor living and entertaining space that is as exotic as it is comfortable. “The client had travelled to Morocco, loved it and wanted to recreate the experience. She sought something warm, cosy and colourful with an array of textures to stimulate the senses, so we created an upmarket, modern Moroccan courtyard with some Mediterranean influences and a touch of elegance,” explains Noel Brown, Director, Bioscapes Gold Coast. Every element in the courtyard was carefully considered, beginning with the custom-built seating. “The pentagonal form of the seating makes this the perfect space in which to gather, whether chatting and relaxing with friends or entertaining,” says Noel. “The open side of the built-in seating faces the house, making the space…

Having made the transition from a weed- and rock-strewn backyard to an enticing home resort, this project shows how a holistic plan and a dedicated team of professionals can completely transform a landscape. Every part of the project was carefully considered to develop a sense of continuity between the house and landscape, such as the use of bricks and stone for the pool area and cabana, ensuring these elements complemented the exterior of the knockdown-rebuild house. The open cabana is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serenity of the pool. It provides a space where the homeowners can unwind with a drink in the evening or escape the sunshine during the heat of the day. A WC and shower have been built into the cabana so pool users…

Planning a night garden requires skill and artistry. You need to get the balance of light and dark just right, consider how each garden element should be lit, the transition between spaces, and the various viewing points. Then there are the practicalities, from the positioning of cables to the selection of light fittings. A well-conceived lighting plan enhances the value of a property and increases the enjoyment you derive from your outdoor spaces, which is why you need a lighting specialist to ensure the best possible result — and with Pekka Uusi-Hakimo, founder of Nitetime Designs, you couldn’t be in a safer pair of hands. “No matter what effect you want to produce or ambience you want to create, you need to consider all your garden lighting requirements in tandem.…

For those seeking a diverse collection of distinctive, decorative laser-cut screens, fire pits, decor and more, Urban Design Systems (UDS) is the undeniable leader in the field. These creative concepts are suited to exterior and interior use and UDS can work directly with homeowners, designers or architects. UDS is passionate about good design and durability, and offers a selection of robust materials and finishes. This means you can inject some colour into your space with painted aluminium, enjoy the visual warmth of timber-grained Weathertex, or savour the rustic elegance of weathered steel. As a breathtaking wall feature, or an alluring alternative to conventional fencing, UDS laser-cut screening is ideal. Screening can also be used to hide service areas, garden sheds, or act as a stylish privacy solution. Moreover, laser-cut screening…

Optimising your outdoor living space is one of the very best investments a homeowner can make. To help you maximise the return on your investment, here are two upgrades that are simple to install and will add meaningful value to your deck. The first is to extend your deck life with protective flashing tape. Today’s high-performance deck boards are warrantied to last for decades, but the deck’s foundation could begin decaying within the first 10 years. This is because most substructures are built with timber, which is susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements. When timber joists and bearers are exposed, water can seep into screw holes and sit on the surface, leading to mould growth, rot and rust. Additionally, the natural expansion and contraction of timber can cause joinery…

Claiming one of the most pristine stretches of coastline along Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, St Andrews Beach is a favoured getaway destination for those wanting a break from living the fast-paced Melbourne life. Not surprisingly, it was the location of choice when a couple from the city decided to build a holiday home they could enjoy along with their children and grandchildren. While the location — close to the beach and embraced by bushland — provided the perfect setting to build a family retreat, it also posed more than a few challenges. Proximity to the ocean meant salt-laden high winds and bad weather throughout the winter. During the hotter, drier months there was a risk of bushfire. Adroitly dealing with these obstacles, while delivering a design that met the family’s aesthetic…

Defining modern style, The Marley display home features a carefully considered palette of colours and materials, starting with the white, clean-lined front facade. Adding to the street appeal is the rendered blockwork fencing with breeze block detailing that offers privacy to the pool terrace and main outdoor living space that sit at the front of the home. The sophisticated alfresco living area, with its limestone-look porcelain tiles and striking travertine stone feature wall, is the perfect place to entertain or simply enjoy the view of the pool. The addition of a modern outdoor kitchen and a cleverly concealed outdoor shower only serves to enhance the luxury living experience. From this stunning space, the interior of the home is accessed via recessed sill cavity stacker doors. Light, airy and boasting a…

Located on Sydney’s North Shore, this former ugly duckling was lacking in style but it had obvious structural integrity. Concrete and double-brick abounded, and its unusual curves attracted the new owners, as did the large north-facing level site and views across to Manly. Given the site’s existing side setbacks, current planning laws meant it wasn’t possible to replicate the original three-storey structure in a new build — this gave David Campbell Building (DCB) the perfect opportunity to reuse, recycle, and repurpose. A total refurbishment was planned along with additional garaging, new north-facing verandahs, and a new upper-floor master ensuite. A modern masterpiece featuring curved concrete, steel, stonework, masonry, glazing, handrails, joinery and doors throughout, the modern design reflects the homeowners’ love of fluid, evocative geometry. The skills required by DCB…

Not just a source of winter warmth, a fireplace creates a cosy ambience, enhances the overall aesthetic of your home, and adds immeasurable value. Offering a style to suit any design theme, Dragon Wholesaling is the exclusive distributor of three premium-quality fireplace brands — Lopi, DaVinci by Lopi, and British Fires. The Lopi range includes freestanding and inbuilt wood-burning stoves, freestanding gas fireplaces, premium traditional and linear inbuilt gas fireplaces, and the ProBuilder series. Lopi gas fireplaces provide high heat outputs, have direct-vent, natural-draft flue technology that allows the fireplace to operate with the fans off, and tall, realistic flames. With long overnight burn times of up to 12 hours, Lopi wood-burning stoves are crafted with high-quality steel and are built to last a lifetime. The DaVinci by Lopi range…

Molong is a remarkable concrete and masonry residence sitting in an elevated position in the Sydney coastal enclave of Curl Curl. The brief was to build a two-storey abode with a laid-back resort feel that would capture the northerly sun to the rear and the captivating city views to the south. Just as importantly, it had to be able to cope with the punishing coastal environment. Bau Group, winner of Master Builder of the Year in the 2024 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards, was engaged to build this CM Studio-designed home in which public and private spaces are skilfully separated. The home is carved into three levels. On the top level sits the master retreat and two secondary bedrooms, each with an ensuite. The middle level accommodates the living…

This isn’t merely a home. Rather, it’s a well-orchestrated symphony of modern architectural design and period style. Designed by Luigi Rosselli and built by Pimas Gale, this was a project on a grand scale. A painstakingly restored historical home, perched in an elevated position and offering breathtaking harbour views, it scooped three categories — House Alterations & Additions $8 Million–$9 Million, Lap Pools, and Spas — in the 2024 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards. Starting from below-street level, there is an opulent wellness centre bathed in natural light. It features a lap pool and archways reminiscent of Roman triumphal arches. The judges were enthralled, stating: “As judges, we sometimes encounter projects that defy simple description. This private pool, located 10m below a grand Sydney home, featured rugged sandstone, mirrored…

The discerning homeowners, with a passion for contemporary design, envisioned a residence that would reflect their personalities and push the boundaries of modern architecture. Their active involvement and thoughtful insights throughout the design process were pivotal in shaping the unique narrative of this project. The homeowners’ journey began with a series of in-depth consultations during which they shared their vision for a home that seamlessly blended modern trends with a touch of uniqueness. This desire for a fresh design challenged the Cunningham Custom Homes’ team to explore innovative concepts while staying true to the owners’ aesthetic preferences. An emphasis on open spaces, natural light, and a connection with the outdoors became guiding principles. Cunningham Custom Homes accommodated these preferences, developing a floorplan that surpassed expectations. The culmination of the homeowners’…

This high-end residence located in the heart of Centennial Park, Sydney’s most sought-after inner-city location, is the epitome of sophisticated living. Every detail of this home designed by Weir Phillips Architects and constructed by Reform Projects, has been meticulously crafted to enable the owners to enjoy a truly luxurious and relaxed modern, indoor-outdoor lifestyle while paying homage to the numerous period-style homes that line Lang Road. Inside, the home is bathed in natural light and prioritises open-plan living, which is precisely what modern families want. The streetscape, however, presents a much more traditional mien, from the sandstone fence and lychgate to the extensive use of brick in the facade, and the inclusion of a turret at the front of the house. A property that embodies elegance, the interior spaces are…

Driven by design, the contemporary Gallery MKII at HomeWorld Leppington is where luxury meets artistry. As you step into the foyer/living area, you’re enticed into the heart of the home — the breathtaking family area. Here, a magnificent gallery void opens the entire space, inviting in abundant natural light. There are surprises around every corner of this luxurious masterpiece. The gourmet kitchen, complemented by a walk-in butler’s pantry, invites you to create memorable meals while the expansive family area, seamlessly connected to the covered alfresco space, fosters year-round indoor outdoor entertaining. Or, if you’re a film buff, you can transform your evenings into a cinematic experience in the dedicated media room. For maximum flexibility, you can also use the front room, with its walk-in robe and ample storage, as a…

Faced with a compact 47sqm block in a built-up inner-Melbourne suburb, making the most of every centimetre of space, and maximising the inflow of light, were top priorities. A lot had to be accomplished in a small space and to achieve this, the owners looked to Willoworks, having worked with the company in the past. In view of the tight parameters, the build methodology needed careful consideration, so the first step was a thorough assessment of the site prior to purchase. As a result, Willoworks recommended precast concrete construction, which would save time and minimise disruption to the neighbouring properties. This three-level precast structure, designed by Plico Design Studio, was erected on-site in just a day and a half thanks to millimetre-precision in the design, site set-out, and fabrication of…

The aim was to brighten and modernise the heart of their beautiful dwellling, so the owners approached Rochet Kitchens to carry out the renovation. They were keen to remove walls to alter the existing footprint, update their old high-backed benchtop with an expansive island bench, and completely overhaul their existing laundry space. The team got to work to open up the once closed-in kitchen. They removed some walls to allow for a freestanding island bench as well as a cavity slider door to the refurbished laundry. For a fresh look, the new kitchen and laundry feature Ballarat-profiled doors and panels with a pencil edge, painted in Dulux Snowy Mountain. Stone benchtops with matching splashbacks in Quantum Quartz Michelangelo also appear in both rooms. Elegant accents are placed throughout in the…

Today our bathrooms are our refuge and the shower is an important part of creating that sense of sanctuary. For many, the daily shower isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about self-care, too. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right shower range — one that delivers the relaxing experience you desire and perfectly complements your bathroom’s design. If you’re in the process of designing a new bathroom or renovating an existing one, the new Brushed Brass Lavish range by Greens Tapware should be on the top of your list of premium fixtures to check out. Now available across Australia and New Zealand, the Lavish range has been beautifully designed with both elegance and functionality in mind. It features a full-brass, high-flow handset which offers quality you can feel,…

A beautiful house set on a sloping block surrounded by neglected and overgrown shrubs was what greeted Sean Dowling, Bayon Gardens’ Creative Director, when he first visited this now stunning property in the coastal suburb of Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula. The terrain was undeniably tricky but Sean was quick to recognise the possibilities. “For me, rather than being a hindrance or obstacle, a sloping block provides an opportunity for creative landscaping and design,” he says. “To make the most of the sloping site, we proposed excavating down to level as much of the rear yard as possible, while creating different heights to engage the eye and draw people through the garden. This optimised the usable space, enabling the incorporation of a lap pool which also serves to retain…

The brief for this striking Mornington Peninsula project was to design an adult family entertainer’s backyard with all the trimmings. “Central to this was the need for a pool and spa, a covered alfresco area, a fireplace, a fire pit and a pizza oven. Level lawn areas were a must as were lush coastal gardens,” explains Steve Taylor, COS Design’s Creative Director. While the brief was clear, the project wasn’t without its challenges. “The block sloped, the space was tight and awkwardly shaped, and the home’s main internal living area is upstairs so the new garden really needed to pop and create a strong invitation to those on the upper floor to come and make use of the space.” At the front, the house boasts a large tower built of…

If you’re seeking designer style without the designer price tag, Lume Outdoor Living offers an array of unique products. From exclusive statement pieces to designer furniture you can mix and match, you have all you need to create a look of luxury. Whether it’s a patio or poolside you need to furnish, Lume’s furniture range is extensive and includes lounges, dining tables and chairs, daybeds, and sun lounges. There are umbrellas to help you keep your cool and give your outdoor entertaining space a finishing flourish. There’s also wall art, garden decor, lanterns, table runners, artificial plants, scatter cushions, and a large selection of outdoor rugs and mats. “With our comprehensive range it is easy to transform your outdoor living space into a bespoke retreat or entertaining hub,” says Nicole…

If you’re in search of a versatile cooking option for your backyard or deck, Morsø has the perfect solution. But what should you choose? The Morsø Forno outdoor woodfired oven? The stylish Grill ’17, which functions as an outdoor kitchen, or perhaps a Hergom fire pit and grill? Let’s start with the multifunctional Morsø Forno oven. This fine example of Scandinavian design is made from solid cast iron and will immediately form the centrepiece of your outdoor entertaining area. The only limit is your imagination when conjuring up new and delicious dishes in the Morsø Forno. You can use it to prepare pretty much anything, from crisp pizzas and succulent hot-smoked salmon to truly exquisite desserts. Optional accessories allow you to easily transform your woodfired oven into a smoker, to…

A beautiful, long-span Shaderunner® Classic Retractable Sail was recently installed by Shaderunner® Australia over the stunning pool area of this modern home in the leafy suburb of Adelaide Hills. Offering easy manual operation, the large extension sail provides all the shade the family needs. Not only that, a protective cover over the top of the fabric helps prevent leaves and debris from entering the fabric when it is stacked. The owner of this abode requested a fully-retractable, easy-to-operate shading solution to better maximise the family’s use of the home’s 6.5m by 14m rear extension and pool — the Shaderunner® Retractable Shade System proved the perfect solution. The Shaderunner® Retractable Shade System, a popular choice for outdoor areas and pools right around Australia, is constructed using only the most durable marine-grade…

With stunning new landscaped grounds to keep looking spick and span, Sarah Waller, owner-architect of this award-winning property, looked to the Husqvarna team to install two Husqvarna Automowers®. In 2023, Sarah built her dream home in Doonan, Queensland. Spread across multiple acres, this architectural gem is described as showcasing “clean lines, total transparency and minimal detail … reflecting the houses of the 1950s Modern Movement … and resulting in a chic, modern and flowing family home”. With such care taken to produce the build, Sarah was adamant that the outdoors would serve as an appropriate canvas for this modern marvel. Working in concert with landscape designer Adam Biddle of Instyle Habitats, the Doonan property was soon transformed into a tropical oasis that serenely reigns over the natural valley in which…