Inside Out March 2022

What is the meaning of life? I’ve always thought that the answer could very well be: The Kitchen. Because what else is there? This is the place where small things can take on big meanings, where you gather your favourite people together to cook and eat and prep and store and show off your new plates and make jugs of basil and rosemary look great next to a stacked bowl of lemons. I love being in the kitchen, and I love everything about planning kitchen renovations. Just the feeling of imagining yourself in that finished project where everything is just right – the tiles, the benchtops, the double oven, the two dishwashers, the wine fridge, the precision task lighting. Just the simple things (just kidding)! But it’s true that the options…

magic mirror If you haven’t yet heard of New York-based Bower Studios, it’s time to get acquainted. With a design philosophy of ‘elegance through simplicity, with a dash of magic’, the studio has become known for its unique range of furniture, including the beguiling Melt Mirrors. In the range, which is exclusive to Living Edge, there are four enchanting forms that drape gracefully over wall-mounted wooden dowels. The Melt I Mirror in Clear Glass and Walnut ($3450, shown) is our favourite. livingedge.com.au…

What is the meaning of life? I’ve always thought that the answer could very well be: The Kitchen. Because what else is there? This is the place where small things can take on big meanings, where you gather your favourite people together to cook and eat and prep and store and show off your new plates and make jugs of basil and rosemary look great next to a stacked bowl of lemons. I love being in the kitchen, and I love everything about planning kitchen renovations. Just the feeling of imagining yourself in that finished project where everything is just right – the tiles, the benchtops, the double oven, the two dishwashers, the wine fridge, the precision task lighting. Just the simple things (just kidding)! But it’s true that the…

Husband-and-wife teamMichelle Gilmore and Nicolas Chamberlain are spreading the love with their first venue, tucked away in an Avalon laneway and named Leonardo’s, after their baby boy. It’s a warm and inviting nod to traditional European delicatessens, featuring a wall of wine and a long and handsome tiled counter bar to bring the patrons closer to all the kitchen and bar action. “We’ve always loved a local,” says Michelle. “This is a place to meet old and new friends, where people gather and feel at home. For us, it’s about good conservation, simple produce and lovely music. We gathered memories we’ve made around the world and smooshed them together into an Avalon-shaped offering.” She and Nicolas brought in local design help from Office Elias and RG Building Services to get the vibe…

Linen tablecloth in Almond, $159 for medium, Montauk Style. ON TABLE (from left) French 75 spritzed cocktail, $10 for 170ml, The Everleigh Bottling Co. Iittala ‘Alvar Aalto Collection’ oak tray, $159, David Jones. Beig colander in White/Beige, $39.95, Hōmu Design. Marc Newson by Noritake stainless-steel fork, $85 for 16-piece set, Victoria’s Basement. Alessi ‘Plisse’ thermoplastic resin electric kettle in Grey, $269, Designstuff. Bnto ceramic bowl in White, $30, Hōmu Design. Lind Dna ‘Curve’ placemat in Nupo Light Blue, $39, Top3 By Design. Charger plate in Citrus, $105, Mud Australia. Skagerak ‘Edge’ terracotta sugar bowl, $78, Top3 By Design. Smeg ‘50s Retro Style’ two-slice toaster in White, $219, Harvey Norman. ON WALL Eggshell acrylic interior paint in Newport Blue, $135 per 4L, Porter’s Paints. OPPOSITE Linen tablecloth, as before. ON TABLE…