Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol.18 No.6 i Home Design

The best interiors are those that blend style and materials and pay homage to the edict of form follows function — without seeming too utilitarian What makes a house a home? Is it the bricks and mortar (or mud bricks and straw bale)? Is it the location you live in and the amenities close by? Is it being close to your family and friends, or is it the personal treasures you’ve collected during your lifetime, offering a sense of who you are? I think it’s probably all of these things combined that define the word ‘home’. When designing, renovating or furnishing a house, the importance you place on all of the elements that make up your home should not be overlooked. Whether you are taking pieces from your previous residence,…

For some, design is not a career but a way of life. And this is exactly the case for three young designers who enjoyed varied backgrounds before coming together to create their budding interiors firm in 2014. After completing university, Jade Nottage, Cushla McFadden and Chloe Matters all dipped their feet in the design pond, working at local interior design and architecture firms in conjunction with jetting off to London, New York and Miami to witness the fruition of high-end residential and commercial projects. In a fierce industry, it’s essential for a design firm to wear multiple hats and offer clients myriad skills, hence the genius of TomMarkHenry. “We formed our trio to merge a diverse range of disciplines that cover interior design, architecture, planning, sustainability, project management and property…

When you think about Las Vegas, a few things spring to mind — lights, glamour, luxury, and of course, the general consensus that everything is larger than life. For two hospitality architects living and working in Sin City, it was only natural that hotels including the Hard Rock Café, the MGM and Mandalay Bay would influence the design of their dream home. And where else would you have not one, but two bowling alleys in your own house? For John Klai and Jonathan Sparer, the design process of their unique desert-dweller took a lengthy 10 years. “When it came to choosing the right architect, we knew we’d found the perfect collaborator in Eric Strain of assemblageSTUDIO,” says Jonathan. “We were about 11 months into the design of a different property,…

ed’s fave THE ELEVATED FREESTANDING KITCHEN ISLAND THAT OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SOME QUALITY ME-TIME OVER BREAKFAST The Northern Beaches of Sydney embody much of the postcard Australian lifestyle, from the salty air and sprawling beaches to the laidback culture and positive vibes that encase the waterside suburbs. A refurbishment of a ’70s property, this home was in dire need of an update courtesy of Sydney interior architecture and design firm, Mr. Waller. For an active family of four, creating a home that complemented the natural surroundings was key, along with opening up the space, updating the kitchen and bathrooms and ridding the residence of the “rabbit warren” of rooms. The home consisted of four bedrooms and three bathrooms, but there was limited daylight in the central area. This was…

For many, Melbourne’s notorious ‘four seasons in one day’ weather is something they just can’t commit to. But then there’s the lure of top restaurants, promenades of designer shops and, of course, perfect cups of coffee. So what’s the solution? A holiday home that offers a getaway when you want it. For a retired couple, it was high time to revamp their Southbank apartment that had been lying virtually untouched for three years. The property owners called on Aaron Wong from Alexander Pollock Interiors and presented a brief that revolved around creating a bright and vibrant space which was nothing like the couple’s Ralph Laurendecorated Brisbane abode. “My first contact was with the husband,” says Aaron. “When I met with him, he said that he wanted a modern and colourful…

Everyone loves a modern kitchen, and why wouldn’t you? The seamless look of flush handles, minimal detailing and clean lines are all too enticing in a world full of excess. Furthermore, the style can easily adopt trends in materials, appliances and colours, making it inherently practical. So how do you make yours stand out from the rest? A back-lit orange Marblo feature might do it, or what about a sliding timber veneer door to effortlessly conceal the scullery? Asked to design a modern kitchen with a difference, Katia Slogrove from Germancraft Cabinets has undoubtedly risen to the challenge. While the clients chose to splash out on Arctic Blue granite for the island bench, it was Katia who saw the orange Marblo as a means of incorporating the clients’ favourite colour.…

It’s always nice having a new build and a fresh start without any of the ghosts of old plumbing and framework. Kitchen Design Studio got to start with a blank slate, but there were still a few restrictions to consider — the most significant being the limited space available in which to realise the clients’ dreams. The brief was to create a highly functional kitchen to serve the clients’ love of cooking and to cater for large group entertaining within a relatively small area. Blending the function with a look and feel that softened the impact of the kitchen as it related to the surrounding décor of the open-plan home was an additional challenge. Starting with the upper cabinetry, highly reflective Albedor Classic White Gloss doors and panels complement the…

Home entertainment has always been a large part of the Australian lifestyle and for many, movies, TV shows and video games have played a large role in family home entertainment. Dedicated home theatres have been around for decades, but the leaps and bounds in wireless, networking and audio-visual technology means home cinemas are able to perform like never before. Streaming movies from online sources or from digital libraries connected to the home network means huge catalogues of cinematic moments can be accessed for a relatively small price, and for many enthusiasts the dream of a private home theatre is becoming easier to realise. AVOLUTION + ARTCOUSTIC In collaboration with Artcoustic, a leader in loudspeaker manufacture, Avolution has produced a perfect example of a premium home cinema. Utilising an acoustically transparent…

1 OUTNUMBERED Copper is the metal du jour in the lighting world, which you may have noticed. The new Copper Magik Drop from About Space is case in point that often the simple things are the most effective. So if you’re after a stylish and rustic alternative to your average bulb on a cord aff air, look no further. aboutspace.net.au 2 DANISH BY DESIGN If you like the timeless feel of original Danish design, you’ll love the new range of Haslev dining furniture, exclusive to Danish Red. Contoured edges and a gentle splay to the leg make Haslev Symphony tables perfect for every style of room. Best of all, Haslev tables grow with you from a neat four-seater to a table up to four metres long. They are made in…

Two decades ago, mother and son Mandy and David Heimann noticed a void in the retail market. They saw the need for an interesting blend of objects, textiles, art, collectables, homewares and furniture to be offered under one roof. This was their vision for Orson & Blake, a store committed to providing a unique atmosphere and shopping environment for homeowners. Professionally, they made a dynamic duo, with Mandy’s experience in marketing and publicity and David’s in fashion, retail and fine arts. The idea was to develop a lifestyle retail brand that would blend their interests in art, travel, contemporary design, global textiles, artisanal items, craft and objects of ethnicity. Initially, the range featured homewares, but the addition of several Sydney showrooms saw the product mix evolve to offer more furniture.…

It may be difficult to believe this hypermodern three-bedroom house was once part of a derelict factory. Located in the global design hub of Milan, Italy, it’s only natural this space is all things stylish, unique and on-trend — the ideal combination for a family of five who appreciate the value of a good concept. Created by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti of Buratti Architetti, it’s a home that draws on its industrial roots and blends them with a healthy dose of modernism. The purposes of the loft are separated between two levels. Located on the ground floor is the master bedroom with ensuite and the living area with an open-plan kitchen that conveniently leads to the dining room. Concrete floors are a brave choice of flooring here, with grey threatening…

we love THE FREESTANDING CAESARSTONE BENCHTOP, WHICH IS A LUXE MUST-HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO KITCHENS Located in Thurgoona, New South Wales, a new residence boasts all the qualities a family looks for when searching for their dream home. Constructed by Ben Ryan and his team from David Reid Homes Albury, this property is spacious, encourages fluidity and ticks all the boxes when it comes to quality finishes. With open-plan living high on the agenda for many home-seekers, the project was created with this critical concept in mind. “The project showcases our potential and maximises the client’s experience when entering the residence,” says builder and owner of David Reid Homes Albury, Ben Ryan. “Our homes are not just bricks and mortar — they support a family and their way of…

The Palm Springs aesthetic is one that never seems to stray too far from the design scene — and why would it? When one thinks of the ‘ideal home’, per se, most seek a design that is effortlessly light, captures the freshness of the outdoors and is clutter-free, hence the perseverance of this classic trend with rock-solid foundations. For author and screenwriter Kelly Oxford, her husband James and three kids Salinger, Henry and Bea, classic with a creative twist is best. The residence is located in Studio City, the LA neighbourhood known to house the rich and famous — including Twitter-famed Canadian Kelly. Having recently moved from Calgary, The New York Times best-selling author sought help from interior designer Orlando Soria from Homepolish LA to add some much-needed personality to…

How long have you lived in Queensland? I have lived in Queensland on and off all my life. I was born in Brisbane and spent my early childhood on the Sunshine Coast. I went to boarding school in Brisbane for high school and then university at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. I then worked as a commercial designer for Peddle Thorp [PTW Architects] and worked on the Sunshine Coast for my family’s interior design business, Gacesa Interiors. I later lived and designed in Sydney, Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, where I began my own company 11 years ago. Why do you like living in the Sunshine State? It has a lovely relaxed lifestyle while still being close to Brisbane, which is a beautiful progressive city. We also…

we love THE WOODEN FLOORS THAT GROUND THE WHITE WALLS AND SURFACES A heritage-listed, simple ’50s kitchen featured a single run and a long chest of drawers as a makeshift island benchtop before Designer Kitchens got to it. With clients who requested a family-size, modern kitchen with minimal detailing, Designer Kitchens produced an end result that exceeded expectations. As modest as it looks, the new kitchen didn’t come from nothing and there were many things to consider during the design. Not only was the house heritage listed, but the kitchen renovations needed to be in proportion to the size and value of the property as a whole. The under-lit floating shelf across the window, the pantry with pull-out internal drawers and the LED lowenergy lighting make this kitchen aesthetically pleasing…

All is not as it seems in this dashingly streamlined kitchen. Homeowners Tim and Alison Frost meticulously planned their small open-plan kitchen to fulfil a double life as a family and entertaining space. Massive pivot pocket doors slide open to reveal a cooking zone, complete with a top-of-the-range cooktop, rangehood and sink. Continuing the streamlined look, the sink is moulded from the same white material as the bench and the tap is white and discreet. When the doors are closed, the undeniable sense of ‘wow’ comes from an ensemble of finishes. The sweeping pattern of the Macarena veneer panels and cabinets is a striking focal point in an otherwise simple yet contemporary colour palette. V-ZUG double ovens are camouflaged within the veneer, their symmetrical mirror glass doors reflecting light off…

Irene Falcone, founder of toxin-free e-tailer Nourished Life, believes you can turn any bathroom into a wellness sanctuary by making just a few changes. A great place to start is by replacing harsh cleaning products like bleach and ammonia-based cleaners with safer alternatives. Irene suggests the toxic fumes from conventional cleaning products can cause a range of short- and long-term health issues, and if gloves are not used, chemicals can burn and irritate the skin. “Look for plant- and essential-oil-based cleaning products that kill germs naturally without the fumes. We love the Australian-made brand Abode,” she says. To create a more serene environment, Irene suggests keeping cleaning products out of sight as well. The next step is cleaning out your beauty cabinet and selecting a natural body moisturiser, soap, shampoo,…

Transformed from the lounge of a 1920s Federation home, this sophisticated bathroom layers a luxurious palette of materials over stylish fittings to create a palatial feel. The modern curves of the freestanding bath and Axa basins immediately make for a grand-style statement. Small Penny Round wall tiles glisten in the light, offering a feeling of luxury, while the floor tiles add a sense of warmth and depth. To heighten the degree of intimacy and privacy, a spacious walk-in shower and toilet are housed in a separate alcove. Frameless glass adds to the clean, contemporary look, while letting in plenty of natural light. The floor-to-ceiling Hydrotherm Milan towel rail was a must-have for the owners, giving them plenty of warm towels to choose from after a long soak. Design Brad and…

A rural township in Victoria, Toolangi is Aboriginal for ‘tall trees’, and this serene part of the state is aptly full of them. Home to just 289 people, it’s easy to understand the attraction of living in a place where the natural environment is king. For Keith Hughson and his partner Andrew Neilson, the lure of building a home in a peaceful neck of the woods trumps city living, pure and simple. When building your dream home, time is something most are not afforded, with decisions being made without so much as a second thought — but this wasn’t the case for Keith and Andrew. “Prior to purchasing our property, we had been looking for the right parcel of land for a couple of years,” says Keith. “This gave us…

AEG GOURMET COLLECTION LAUNCH WITH MARK BEST @ PYRMONT, SYDNEY DIANE BERGERON STYLING WORKSHOP @ ARTHUR G, SURRY HILLS UE MEGABOOM 2 LAUNCH @ WYLIE’S BATHS, COOGEE TAUBMANS TRANSFORMATIONS, SYDNEY SMEG 30 YEARS OF CLASSIC @ ALEXANDRIA…

Michael Grassi, Henry Gresson and Tomek Archer are NOMI. Founded in 2013, the Sydney start-up harnesses your inner designer online and delivers your vision to your doorstep. Offering a solution to those design dilemmas that plague us all, NOMI has put an end to agonising over furniture that’s an unsightly colour, strange size or just plain wrong, offering a range of designer base models that can be altered to perfectly fit your space. Supplying designer furniture that’s a happy medium between inferior-quality pieces and those that are in the thousands, the NOMI trio has produced a clever line that appeals to those who appreciate good design at a fair price. “Our vision is to make designer furniture affordable and accessible,” says creative director, Tomek. “The Pala chair is proving very…

TAIT — SYDNEY Back open for business, Tait’s Redfern showroom has recently undergone a brilliant refurbishment in time for summer. The expansive space capitalises on every inch, with clearly divided product sections displaying a broad range of outdoor furniture and accessories. A fresh colour palette and clever use of lighting was non-negotiable according to DesignOffice, the Collingwood-based architecture and interior design firm responsible for the refurbishment. In order to fashion an effective layout, the team spent days in the old space studying browsing patterns and customer flow. The resulting divisions were intentionally created this way. “It’s like a series of vignettes that guide you through the store,” says DesignOffice co-director, Mark Simpson. madebytait.com.au BATHROOMS INTERNATIONAL BY THG — LONDON Following THG’s acquisition of Bathrooms International, the London showroom has been…

If you’ve ventured into the city of Sydney recently, you may have noticed two towers dripping with green foliage breathing fresh air onto Broadway. Designed by famed French architect, Jean Nouvel, and Sydney-based PTW Architects, the result is a unique residential offering providing a nature-filled oasis from the hustle and bustle on the streets below — especially if you’re in a penthouse. Consisting of two levels spanning 177 square metres, the Sky penthouse is located on the top floor in the north-east corner of the east tower. Belonging to an elite collection of premium penthouses and sub-penthouses occupying the top five levels, E3205 features three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living and dining area. The interior was orchestrated by Koichi Takada, who focused on creating a minimal design revolving…

COLOUR POP Brighten up your life with accents of colour full of depth NEUTRAL 101 Sometimes, simple is best…

Found at a bend in the Noosa River in tropical South-East Queensland, a vacant block of land has been transformed into a cutting-edge home. Paul Clout designed and built this magnificent dwelling covering approximately 750m2. The two-storey residence stretches over two blocks of land with numerous formal and informal living spaces including five bedrooms with their own ensuites and terraces, a quaint and private self-contained guest house and a spacious three-car garage. This house pushes architectural boundaries with its stunning appearance, spectacular design and smart planning. “The owners had worked with us before,” explains Jared Clout of Paul Clout Design, “so they gave us a lot of free reign with the actual layout, but obviously briefed us on their desired amount of rooms and other features, etc.” The idea was…

From the effective use of space to the innovative island bench, this kitchen design is simple and elegant. The client’s brief was to transform what was once a typical closed kitchen into an open, inviting space where at least two people could dine comfortably. Further client considerations included fully ducted air conditioning, integrated lighting solutions and a splash of colour. This brief has been produced with flair and smart design elements. The project is open plan, comfortably allowing for cooking, dining and entertaining. A sliding door to the outdoor area has been included, maintaining a relationship between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The layout of the kitchen also creates plenty of space for multiple people cooking and washing, with the cooktop isolated from the sink. With the use of gloss,…

No longer simply a space for ablutions, the bathroom has become a place to relax, recharge and contribute, not only to your physical appearance but your mental health as well. A big part of creating a wellness room is making a soothing space to escape to, but with increasing concerns about environmental chemicals, the focus has shifted to reducing the toxic burden on our bodies and homes. Part of this is the use of natural cleaning and body products and improving bathing water.…

Nothing beats the relaxing effect of a sauna on a tired and aching body, and an increasing number of people are incorporating them into their own bathrooms. Besides the sauna’s relaxing effect, it is known to deliver an array of therapeutic benefits as well. It is thought to reduce cellulite by stimulating blood and lymph circulation. Toxins are expelled through sweating, which helps detox and purify the whole body. It is also thought to help cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. As saunas utilise dry heat, the absence of moisture enables you to tolerate higher temperatures safely. Moisture-rich air prevents your sweat from evaporating and cooling down your body. Conversely, a Hammam or steam bath uses steam to fight stress and tension. The wet heat of the Hammam dilates your pores,…

This classic Birkenhead bathroom uses marble-look tiles to stunning effect, creating a modern and spacious bathroom without compromising the unique features of the villa. Tapware with a black matt finish and timber accents adds a contemporary feel and breaks up the light tones and tiling. The bold tile replicates the natural look of Calacatta marble, with superb attention to detail, variation and subtlety in the design. Using the same tile on the walls and floors gives the room an open feel, maximising the space. The circular mirror is given a unique and luxurious look with LED lights, adding a splash of brightness within the space. The large amount of natural light from the corner windows highlights the beauty of the tiles and is the perfect finish to this simple and…

“WE HAD A WONDERFUL ARCHITECT AND GREAT BUILDERS. THEY ABSOLUTELY GOT WHAT WE WERE TRYING TO ACHIEVE” – TAI SCHAFFLER Based in South-East Queensland in the beautiful valley of Tallebudgera, Tai Schaffler operates her international homewares brand, Bandhini, in a setting that could only be described as idyllic. Tai’s passion for good design that is ethically and ecologically responsible can be attributed to decades of travel and living in countries where a healthy environment dictates wellbeing. When Tai and Andrew Zdanowicz — her equally talented designer partner — first came across their hinterland property, a certain tree caught Tai’s eye. Fondly named Ralph, this beautiful 240-year-old western red cedar ironically survived due to asymmetry. Historically, the stunning native cedar trees were decimated on Australia’s East Coast in the 1800s by…

HOME DESIGN & EUSSEN LIVING STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION The Home Design & Eussen Living Student Design Awards 2015 focused on the ethical, economic and sustainable elements of a community-based design project. It involved designing an integrated indoor–outdoor space for a Western Sydney farm project run by Cana Communities, a charity helping to repurpose the lives of people who have suffered less-fortunate circumstances and alienated conditions. The competition was judged by Home Design and Grand Designs Australia’s Editor-in-Chief, Kate St James, FDIA, as well as John Eussen from Eussen Living. The winning entry secured a mentoring program with one of Australia’s leading interior designers, Thomas Bucich, worth $2000. WINNER Jacinta Ceola — Billy Blue College of Design, Brisbane My design for the new Cana Communities space was inspired by a sense…