Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue#19.6 2016 i Home Design

The key to success is identifying a gap in the market and filling it — and that’s just what Tracey Kennedy and Jennifer Brown did when they established The Vignette Room in 2015. Located in a terrace house in Paddington, Sydney, the pair traded their desk jobs to pursue a passion for interior design. After realising a truly cohesive homewares experience was absent from the market, Jennifer decided to fix the problem. “During that time, we found [Sydney] lacked a truly immersive shopping experience; a place to go for inspiration and a one-stop shop for anything from bookcases to furnishings,” she says. Initially, securing the perfect location required a lot of patience and determination. “It took us close to 12 months to find the right space and about eight weeks…

Located in the West End of Paris, this apartment is home to none other than the founder of Alexandra Public Relations, Alexandra Poster Bennaim. A reflection of her roots and knack for all things stylish, the end result combines the best of both worlds — notably the Anglo-Franco ethos found in both her personal and professional lives. Creating a family home for her two sons, the apartment offered a blank canvas for Alexandra to bring her vision to life. “I wanted my home to reflect my personality,” she says. “I wanted it to be a warm, inviting space that was bright, uplifting and full of my favourite design pieces.” Comprising three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining/study area and a kitchen, the interior is bursting with colour, texture…

Emma and Troy approached Garth Chapman Queenslanders (GCQ) with a dream to build a Hamptons-inspired Queenslander on their moderately 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, senior designer at GCQ, worked closely with Emma and Troy to establish a design that would fit their brief, budget, site and other topographical variables. The result is a split-level home with a bold Hamptons façade that subtly follows the contours of the land. This minimised the need for cutting and filling the land and the expensive retaining walls required on a standard slab. By expanding on previous works by GCQ, along with considerable research, the designer was able to model the…

Georgie Malyon has always been enamoured with flowers and art. Despite not having attended art or floristry school, the New Zealander was motivated enough to carry out her own projects and explorations in floral art. Taking on her first project in 2011, Georgie created a series of large-scale mandalas made from a combination of hand-painted plaster skulls and fresh flowers set against painted backdrops. Going on to create two arrangements for New Zealand jewellers Zoe & Morgan, the self-taught artist wove pieces of jewellery with skulls and flowers. “I try to highlight the beauty that flowers bring and combine them with unexpected and thoughtprovoking elements,” she says. Describing her artistic style as eclectic, all Georgie’s pieces are well thought out. “I throw the images together nonchalantly, but my thoughts are…

we love THE BACKLIT NEW YORK MARBLE BARBACK — A DRAMATIC FINISH AGAINST THE MINIMALIST DESIGN This kitchen renovation was part of a massive-scale home redesign that included an outdoor kitchen, cellar and fireplace. It has transformed from an outdated early-’90s kitchen with little storage to a space that’s twice the size with more than 20 drawers. The owners requested a modern minimalist design and included the feature backlit New York marble for its dramatic vein structure and monochromatic colour. The island is beautifully impactful against the understated kitchen and contrasts with the muted colour palette and streamlined finishes. Due to the extensive redesign of the house, the space and layout could be adapted to the new structure and the result is a much bigger kitchen with a practical…

As this was the guest bathroom, the clients wanted something special that not everyone else had. Creating a sophisticated wallpaper-like look, subtle damask-patterned tiles on the bathroom’s feature walls complement the large-format floor and wall tiles. A skylight bathes the space in natural light and works with the downlights to ensure the bathroom’s dark colour palette doesn’t make the space feel gloomy. A frameless glass shower screen prevents the room from feeling closed in, while the simple, minimalist shower system design is perfectly suited to the contemporary style of this bathroom. justbetter.com.au we love THE TEXTURED WALL TILES THAT LOOK LIKE WALLPAPER…

Handsome and lush, with cleverly integrated edible plantings, this mostly evergreen garden has a sense of serenity that sets it apart from other suburban gardens. The visionary behind this amazing outdoor space, which is just 16 months old, is Lisa Ellis of Lisa Ellis Gardens. Lisa set out to design a garden that would complement the recently renovated residence (in reality, two 1960s-era flats combined to create one stunning home). In doing so, she considered both the practical and aesthetic implications. On the practical side, the goal was to create separate areas in the garden — one more shaded than the other — so the area could be enjoyed at different times of the day and during different seasons. “We also brought the garden closer to the house, putting plants…

A remarkable sight greets you on the rolling, fynbos-covered sand dunes of Keurboomstrand, north of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa. Designed by Lesley Carstens and Silvio Rech, the pristine white building has been likened to a space station or ship. “It looks as if it has been eroded like a piece of whalebone on the beach,” says Lesley. But Silvio suggests that from certain angles, you might discern the forms or motion of two swimming whales. “It has the feeling of an organic object or being,” he adds. The building is something of a contradiction: it stops people in their tracks yet is remarkably unobtrusive and sensitive to its surroundings. Dubbed K Cottage (although, at three storeys high, it’s substantially bigger than a cottage), it is the holiday home of…

“THE EXTERNAL CONTEMPORARY APPEARANCE HAS A MIX OF COMPLEMENTARY, COHESIVE MATERIALS AND COLOURS THAT ARE BOTH STRIKING AND APPEALING” – GREG HENDY Designing a home for a broad audience is no easy task. So when architect Greg Hendy and Millbrook Homes designed the 58 Series display home, they simply imagined themselves living in their latest project. So what’s the end result? A spacious home with a distinct and alluring style. The impact of the structure is immediate, with the facade resembling a cubic sculpture that’s architectural in style. “I love the home’s street presence and articulation,” says Greg. “The external contemporary appearance has a mix of complementary, cohesive materials and colours that are both striking and appealing.” Inside the house, Millbrook Homes’ desire to create a residence that emulates…

We often hear about homeowners and kitchen designers who want their kitchen to reflect the rich history of the house, but what about those who set their sights firmly on the future? Katia Slogrove recently worked with such clients when she designed a kitchen that would be more at home in MoMA than an Edwardian terrace. The focal point of the space is undeniably the island bench. Presented with an open floor plan, the homeowners wanted something that resembled a piece of furniture rather than a traditional bench. The custom chrome leg brings a futuristic feel to the kitchen, and its influence is reflected in the chrome highlights utilised throughout. The oversized chrome tap also echoes this aesthetic, with its sleek, curved design reminiscent of contemporary art. However, chrome is…

Lighting is an interior designer’s secret weapon. It is possibly the most important element of any interior scheme. Lighting can be the sculptural visual hero of a room or a subtle invisible illumination that quietly creates ambience and mood. So how do you choose the right lighting for your space? Lighting stores are filled with dramatic  sculptural light fittings that instantly capture our attention. Lighting can be suspended from the ceiling or placed in the corner, fixed to a wall or flush into a gyprock ceiling. However, there are many other ways to play with light. A professional interior designer or qualified lighting consultant can help you manipulate the placement of your light sources to maximise the desired effects.  NATURAL AND MAN-MADE LIGHTING Light can be produced by humans or…

Building a house from scratch is an opportunity to create a residence that’s completely yours. For a young family of four living in the Sydney suburb of Burraneer, the end goal was to produce an enduring home that was truly unique. With innovation comes challenges, and the initial brief revolved around designing two separate spaces within a lofted room. “The clients envisioned this home as something that transcended domestic style and was more of an international piece,” says designer Arthur Baskin. “Originally, we were asked to design a kitchen and a dining room, and the clients wanted our designs to encapsulate what they were trying to achieve for the rest of the home. The brief was to build something that was highly refined and practical.” we love THE COMBINED KITCHEN…

a little bit of everything Why choose one theme when mixing materials looks so good? Create a tactile space by layering textures and materials like this room styled by Purdy Developments. “Contrasting materials can create texture and colour, which add character to your bathroom,” says Jonathan Carter from Victoria + Albert. “Organic materials such as stone, concrete and timber are becoming increasingly popular.” serene spaces The bathroom should be a haven, a place to rejuvenate and relax before you take on the world in the morning. Take some inspiration from day spas and wellness rooms to make your bathroom a space where you can truly unwind. “When it comes to designing a day-spa-inspired bathroom, you can’t go past installing a freestanding bath,” says Jonathan. “Apart from the sculpturally beautiful aesthetics…

1 THE GREAT OUTDOORS At The Outdoor Furniture Specialists, you’ll discover a wide range of stylish and durable lifestyle furniture that is truly designed for outdoor living. Manufactured from a variety of materials including rich timbers, handwoven all-weather wicker and rustfree aluminium, the company’s exclusive furniture ranges will go the distance in style. tofs.com.au 2 OFF THE WALL Australian artist Olga Carolan has joined the team at Wall Art Prints to showcase her new range of abstract art. Taking cues from nature, Olga’s Dahlia’s Love the Sun canvas is Australian-made using premium materials. Artworks are delivered stretched and ready to hang, and the company offers free shipping anywhere in Australia. wallartprints.com.au 3 DEER ME! Rapid Effects has been designing and creating deer antler fittings and features for more than five…

IKEA SUSTAINABILITY STUDIO — SYDNEY With the message of sustainability front and centre in the realm of design, many Australians are finding it difficult to boost their eco credentials without a helping hand from the experts. To show us how easy it is, IKEA Australia has created a Sustainability Studio in Sydney’s Central Park to celebrate the launch of the company’s People & Planet Positive report, which proves just how easy it is to be kinder to the environment. ikea.com.au POLIFORM — SYDNEY Celebrating in style, Poliform has opened its new-look showroom located in Sydney’s Alexandria. Attended by architects, designers and the media, guests of the launch enjoyed an elegant evening that showcased all things Italian, from Campari cocktails and antipasti to chauffeured arrivals in Alfa Romeos. poliform.com.au ARTICOLO +…

“As a designer, the highest form of approval is, of course, the one of our clients, who were delighted and quite emotional when we took them to see their new flat for the first time” – Almas Shamsee It’s not often you get the opportunity to go inside a heritage-listed building, let alone make a part of it your home. Located just 200 metres from London’s Tower Bridge, this Thames riverside three-bedroom flat is situated in Butlers Wharf, a historic warehouse conversion with exposed brick and characteristic iron windows. The homeowners approached Maisha Design to transform their flat into an elegant and comfortable space they could proudly call home. Although the location already provided the perfect backdrop, the low ceilings and original interior plan of the apartment made it…

Creating harmony between the front and back of the home, the two spaces share a common thread that’s all about style and fluidity There’s something about homes built in another era. From the sturdy workmanship to the heritage elements, capturing a residence’s style is the golden ticket to creating a timeless masterpiece. For a family of six living on Sydney’s North Shore, it was time to update their 1935 property, focusing on old-world sophistication with a contemporary twist. The brief for interior designer Andrew Waller of Mr Waller Design revolved around creating an interior that reflected the homeowners’ style and love of all things antique. Originally a four-bedroom home, additions were made to the front of the residence, with the rear property containing a number of separate, smaller rooms. To…

creative selection Galleries, artists and online spaces to inspire 1 PRUDENCE CAROLINE Prudence Caroline was born and raised in Jan Juc, Victoria. Although her passion for painting canvases is undeniable, during the day, you’ll find her painting faces instead. She describes her painting style as “scruffy and haphazard”, an expression of self. Prudence insists she’s not good with words, and that’s where her art comes in. “My artworks are abstract creations, influenced by an eclectic mix of street art, textiles, midcentury architecture, flora and fauna, sunshine and four-legged friends,” she says. The artist believes that some of the most beautiful works of art focus on the everyday. This is evident in each unique piece she creates. Image courtesy Apache Rose Store. apacherosestore.com 2 KATE BRISCOE Inspired by the ancient and…

we love THE BALANCED DESIGN OF THE EASY-TO-OPEN BI-FOLD CABINET DOORS Successfully combining subtle contemporary design elements with high-specification materials, this renovation is the perfect example of understated luxury. As the kitchen is the dominant design element of the property’s living space, it was important the aesthetics were proportional, contemporary and luxurious while achieving effective functionality and storage placement. The clients’ brief was to design a sophisticated kitchen and study nook that would complement the architectural details as well as create an open-plan layout that connects to the outdoors. Dulux Natural White cabinetry provides a diffused warm glow to the light-filled area, while the splashback window is magnificently amplified by the mirror adjacent, maximising surrounding garden views. Handleless finger-pull drawers are set flush against the Dekton benchtops and bi-fold overheads…

We expect a great deal from our outdoor spaces. Not only do they need to look good, they need to be just as enjoyable to use on a chilly winter’s night as they are on a hot summer’s day. In this alfresco retreat, designed by Chris Weiss, director of Formation Landscapes, we see the ultimate year-round outdoor living space. Every effort was made to maximise the family’s trans-seasonal entertaining opportunities. It was also important that the space complement the architectural style of the house and provide places where adults and children alike could gather and play outside. The overall feel is one of laidback luxury. The look? Chris describes that as “rustic chic”. While the end result may radiate an aura of relaxation and effortless elegance, creating the family’s dream…

Spaces that cater to leisure activities have always been important parts of the modern home, but the way we go about designing and thinking about these spaces and how they integrate into our homes has changed. In the early 20th century, finding a comfortable seat in the living room and reading a book or listening to the radio was the epitome of home entertainment. Technological advances throughout the past 15 years have radically altered the ways in which we integrate new technology into our homes. Australian households are one of the quickest adopters of new technology, and this has allowed our small population to be an important market for companies bringing cutting-edge home entertainment services to our shores. These services have dramatically influenced how we access different forms of media…