Inside Out December 2020

Through a cold, confusing, cruel winter and global shifts that still aren’t settled, the light at the end of the tunnel was always going to be December. And now here we are! Things remain shaky, but they are shaping up, and so in this issue we are taking a beat to celebrate home, family, the renovations you’ve finished this year – and the ones you may be planning to start in 2021. Everyone is telling us that the number of people signing up for home renovations is going through the roof, so you may as well join in. For some seriously practical inspiration on how to create your own private backyard oasis and make the most of your space – big or small – see our backyard special on page 90.…

Through a cold, confusing, cruel winter and global shifts that still aren’t settled, the light at the end of the tunnel was always going to be December. And now here we are! Things remain shaky, but they are shaping up, and so in this issue we are taking a beat to celebrate home, family, the renovations you’ve finished this year – and the ones you may be planning to start in 2021. Everyone is telling us that the number of people signing up for home renovations is going through the roof, so you may as well join in. For some seriously practical inspiration on how to create your own private backyard oasis and make the most of your space – big or small – see our backyard special on page…

Each year, Jess Brown, also known as The Plant Stylist, creates a knockout wreath for her friend Alanna Smit’s front door. Interior designer Alanna is also a fellow resident and co-founder of Cove Creatives, the studio space Jess and others share on Sydney’s northern beaches. Having developed “a bit of a cult following on Instagram”, Jess says each abundant, verdurous Christmas arrangement takes its cues from the owner’s preferred palette. “This year, Alanna painted her door white so I went with something dark and moody to contrast.” Sprawling fan palms, preserved hydrangea and amaranthus, succulents and native ferns take this year’s creation to lush new heights.…

After a stint working overseas and a summer spent soul-searching, Jess Brown decided to enrol in a floral design course to test the waters. Work experience soon turned into a part-time job, which led to a full-time love of everything botanical, and from there the bulb of entrepreneurial pursuit blossomed into her current business, The Plant Stylist. Here, Jess shares her top tips for keeping our flowers happy and creating breathtaking blooms for this year’s festive season. What do you love about creating floral arrangements? I love being the last piece of the puzzle. Whether it’s an event, home styling or editorial floristry, I am usually the last person to create the magic that ties the whole story together. Is there any difference in how you approach an event installation as opposed…

STEP-UP MADE IN THE SHADE The new-season edit from Living Edge is a delicious selection of outdoor pieces from its impressive designer canon — bistro tables from Vitra, classic shell chairs by Eames and wire chairs from Herman Miller — all excellent foundations for an elevated outdoor experience. LIVINGEDGE.COM.AU KOALA CHRISTMAS local talent Well-known travel photographer Kara Rosenlund’s adventures around Australia have turned up on her range of souvenir tea towels, featuring baby kangaroos, glorious beach scenes, country shacks and – our favourite – a koala in a gumtree. All are $68. KARAROSENLUND.COM NOT YOUR REGULAR ROUND-UP JUST A FEW OF THE LOVELY AND UNUSUAL THINGS WE’VE DISCOVERED THIS MONTH… FRONT RUNNER GARDENERS ON THE GO The Plant Runner co-founders Duncan and Dominic are on a mission to keep your plants prosperous and pretty. THEPLANTRUNNER.COM HOME STRATEGY clean & green We’re all for safe, affordable…

For years I clumsily lugged around an inherited (well-used) bagged vacuum. The old gal, despite taking chunks out of walls when I took corners at high speed, was a loyal one and never let me down. Fast forward to many years later, after a few run-ins with some less-than-impressive stick vacuums, and I was ready to give up on the more mobile solutions for good. Enter Miele’s first cordless vacuum, the Triflex HX1 Runner. I was sceptical at first; after all, I have been known to be sucked in by flashy marketing and promises of convenience (only to be let down six months in), but this cordless vacuum cleaner just feels different. The sturdy machine boasts a 3-in-1 function to allow for ultimate reach everywhere from the crevices of your…