Australian House & Garden May 2022

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“Bathrooms and powder rooms seem to be a new focus for the LOOSENING of design rules.” We have been playing it safe for the last couple of years – wearing our masks, keeping our distance, sanitising… And just when it seemed like there would be a break in the pandemic proceedings, more daunting global events appear on the horizon. It feels like the right time for a whimsical, playful cover that effortlessly elevates us! It’s a big jolt of joy for mind, body and soul. We couldn’t resist this gorgeous pink extravaganza for the cover of our May issue. The powder room designed by Kate Walker Design is so uplifting – those herons are flying high, and just being in that room could take your day’s mood barometer up a notch or…

Australian House & Garden kept me from giving up on our dream of purchasing a home. Like many other optimistic first-time buyers entering the housing market mid-pandemic, the journey was a roller-coaster. Five times we were outbid. Many tears were shed and as I was pregnant as well, I was ready to give up. In April last year, we viewed a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom tropical oasis – along with 25 other prospective buyers. This time it was our lucky day, and we successfully became homeowners that afternooon! We moved into our home in May and four days later, I gave birth to a beautiful little boy. My message to anyone reading this letter who may be in a similar situation is this: don’t give up. It will be worth the wait.…

Perhaps not surprisingly, global influences permeate the Mornington Peninsula getaway of Stephen Mendel, co-founder of furniture company Globe West, and his wife, Tanya. When he first saw the five-bedroom house in 2018, it evoked happy memories of his childhood. “Warm and welcoming, it was reminiscent of traditional farmhouses in South Africa’s Western Cape, where I grew up,” he says of their solid masonry, pitched roofs and architectural detailing. And a more recent stay at the bohemian Bairro Alto Hotel in Lisbon became the inspiration for the subsequent renovation. “The warmth, relaxed vibe and quirky design all made a lasting impression on us,” says Stephen. Adding to that, his company’s globally inspired furniture (hence its name) is peppered throughout. So it’s little wonder the couple, their two adult daughters, Gaby and Asha,…

FIRST HOME? A weatherboard California bungalow with a lean-to kitchen, renovated to create an open-plan family home. FAVOURITE DESTINATION? Our last trip was sailing around the Greek Islands. Being able to experience the beauty of the smaller islands like Milos and Serifos is hard to beat. But Italy is a close second… the food, the culture and the Milan Furniture Fair, especially the Brera design district, keep me going back. FAVOURITE COLOUR? I’ve always gravitated towards shades of green, especially khaki and moss. They feel warm, calming and remind me of nature. FAVOURITE FURNITURE DESIGNER? Patricia Urquiola (her Lilo armchair, 3). She’s incredibly versatile and has designed for countless iconic brands across so many product segments. FAVOURITE GLOBE WEST ITEM? The Classique dining table (5) holds a special place in my heart – it…

Renovating a bathroom is no small feat, with lots to consider, including finishes, fixtures, plumbing, electricals and layout. And as one of the busiest rooms in the home, it pays to get it right. Here, bathroom design experts reveal how. PLAN WISELY Planning is key to a successful bathroom or powder room renovation. “You need to consider everything from plumbing and waterproofing to electricals and tiling,” says Maria Roussos, principal at interior design firm Schemes&Spaces and designer of the bathroom at right. “Start by determining the most important elements for you and the space. When will the bathroom be used, and by how many people? This will help you work out storage and lighting requirements.” Factor in safety and accessibility too. A bath is preferable for children; a bench seat in the…