Inhoudsopgave van October 2019 - Inside Out

When the removalists set down the last box in the kitchen of our new home, I was already scrambling to get my shopping list down on paper. I could see every single thing I needed to do and buy to make this my perfect kitchen. It always amazes me how a change in space can reinvigorate you, so that even the act of buying a new mop can bring great joy (this really happened). A new place always means a little housewarming and, to be honest, my table-setting skills needed some attention. Especially as styling dramatic tabletops for brunches, lunches and cheese feasts have become a thing again. You know the ones – where flowers abound, plates are expertly mismatched, handmade ceramics hold salt flakes and ground pepper, and hand-stitched…

“Seeing the design standards in this selection of extraordinary homes across the country has been hugely inspiring”ELIZA O’HARE, INSIDE OUT EDITOR Stay tuned next month for the big reveal of our first ever Inside Out/Brickworks Home Of The Year Award winners, which will be announced during an intimate dinner at Brickworks Design Studio in Sydney. Showcasing some of Australia’s most beautiful homes, the selection process was tough — with expert consideration by Cameron Bruhn, Head of School and Dean of Architecture at The University of Queensland; Brett Ward, general manager of international marketing at Brickworks; and Inside Out magazine editor Eliza O’Hare. “The thing that makes this award different,” says Eliza, “is that it isn’t just about exacting design and innovation — although we’ve seen a lot of that —…

STYLE TIP Opt for a natural, uncomplicated colour scheme during the day when light is plentiful. Layer similar concentrations of texture with pops of brass and black Mood food When night falls, stick with the Japanese vibe but strengthen the look with black accessories and crisp white flowers. The third colour features on the wall and in a few key objects STYLE TIP Having mostly black tableware means that variations in shape and texture are important. Try to incorporate pale foods and a simple arrangement of fresh white flowers. Just remember, this look doesn’t bowl you over; the interest comes from looking closely at details, such as the fan texture of the large bowl and the mottled marble veining of the cheese plate…

Opening our homes section is an inhouse treat – a basketball/ handball ‘court’ in a 3.3m-high Sydney garage. The brainchild of interior designer Melissa Koch, it’s a large single car space with stencilled epoxy flooring installed by HP Constructions. Husband Jeremy found the Spalding hoop and Melissa had a scoreboard (not shown) customised by El Oso Negro. One thing’s for sure, getting the kids off their screens is no longer a problem.…

“Never use white grout with floor tiles in high-traffic areas”MELISSA KOCH, HOMEOWNER “This is advice I give to all my clients but didn’t take myself! I desperately wanted white grout with our mudroom/laundry floor tiles – like the fresh, clean sample I’d seen – so against our tiler’s advice to go with light grey, I chose white. Those muddy sneakers and soccer boots destroyed the pristine white grout almost immediately and I’m now learning to love the ‘worn-in’ look! I would also say that it’s important to enjoy the process and expect things not to go exactly according to the program – no matter how much you pre-plan! Just as in life, deliveries are delayed or the wrong product accidentally delivered, things break or are discontinued, people get sick and…

Who lives here Liz, a property consultant; her husband Pat, a psychologist; their two children, aged 8 and 10; and Tamaruke puppy Charlie. Style of home A California bungalow with a contemporary two-storey extension that equates to 200 square metres of space in Sydney’s inner west. Liz and Pat bought the four-bedroom house at the end of 2012, eight years after the previous owners added the extension. They landscaped the outdoor areas in 2015 and, two years later, hired Studio Gorman for the cosmetic renovation, which was completed in April 2018. $550,000 (including furniture).…

+ Working with an older home “Some people thought we should have knocked it all down and started afresh, but we respect the past and value older builds,” says Lizzie. + Outdoor space The reconfigured outdoor areas make entertaining a breeze all year round. “In winter, we have a heated spa and a fire-pit area with seating. In summer, we have the front terrace — with views of the water — and a covered area near the barbecue out the back.” + Design details “We appreciate the detail in this design and the careful finishes that took time and patience to complete.” Special mention goes to the sandstone work by landscaper Julien Roy and his team at Landforms.…

FINISHING TOUCHES DOWN TO EARTH Keep the emphasis on tactile fibres and earthy tones. Modern meets rustic and the result is irresistible FINISHING TOUCHES COLOUR ME HAPPY Welcome a little personality into the kitchen with cheery accessories that put a smile on your face *CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING…

Creating modern family spaces in older houses is always a challenge. We want to respect period charm as we add the practicalities, which is tricky when dealing with functional spaces such as the bathroom pictured here. Located in one of Melbourne’s wide, leafy suburban streets, the house is a California bungalow full of 1930s details. The ensuite off the main bedroom was part of a larger renovation by DX Architects in conjunction with builder JMBC. Interior designer Gillianne Griffiths of Studio Griffiths was then brought in to sort the interiors. Her design embraced many of the original elements, including the ornate ceilings, leadlight windows and glass door panels, while contemporising the home to suit the family. The renovation focused on creating a light and whimsical interior with statement touches, such…

Look at any photograph of a 1960s house in Palm Springs and breeze blocks will probably make an appearance. Thought to have been invented by US architect Frank Lloyd Wright, inspired by the designs on Mayan temples, they were traditionally used on exterior walls as a way of stopping people seeing into the big windows of mid-century houses. They were often used as a decorative way of blocking harsh sunlight, and were ubiquitous in Australia. Originally cast from concrete, by the 1970s cheap versions were being produced and the humble ‘textile block’ fell out of favour with style gurus. But breeze blocks are back in a big way, and savvy companies such as Brickworks are at the forefront of the renewed uptake. “Their transcendence through time is an ode to…

Love the idea of opening or closing your blinds or curtains at the touch of a button or from your smart phone? If so, consider automating your window treatments. “One of the reasons why automation has skyrocketed is the quality of lithium rechargeable batteries. That means roller blinds, roman blinds and vision blinds [a twin-layer design that gives more control over light or privacy] can now be motorised affordably,” says Amelia Taylor, head of product and communications at Wynstan. “Trudging around the house opening and closing each blind or awning is enough to make anyone cranky,” adds Amelia. “Our system is called Wynmotion and uses state-of-the-art smart motors to connect to any of our remotes or a smart home system.” Automating window treatments is also a clever way to eliminate…

Athena (pictured above in blue) believes beautiful food and design bring people together and turn little moments into lasting memories. Inside Out finds out more… You’ve created a lovely correlation between interiors and food. Can you tell us about the importance of them working together? “The umbrella of the home is really where I developed my passion and skill set surrounding food and design in my mid-late 20s. I was a young mum who didn’t have a ‘successful’ career at the time and cooking became my artistic expression, my creative outlet. I also began entertaining, luring friends into my homes, which I proudly designed, and it became a way for me to stay connected, giving me a social outlet. For me, food and design have always worked in tandem –…

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Choose furniture that can serve as a storage unit to solve two problems in one go. Shop in the ‘As Is’ sections where you can pick up slightly damaged but cheaper décor pieces for a fraction of the price! Rather than pricey custom joinery, select a readymade bathroom vanity. With the money you save, you can splurge on a statement sink. Consider open shelves over drawers or cupboards with doors. Hit up the local thrift shops where you can find great unique pieces for your home. Maximise your existing furniture and consider re-upholstering furniture with the latest colours and materials.…

What goes where? Hard flooring such as timber, luxury vinyl or laminate is suitable for high traffic areas like your hallway or kitchen. While your living room or bedroom might be more suited to the warmth of carpet. Choose your palette By staying with the same colour palette, changes in your flooring will be more seamless as the eye won’t be interrupted by a change in colour from one space to the next. Mixed flooring is made for open plan If you have one large space that combines your kitchen, living and dining room, you might like to mix your flooring so you can give each zone definition. For example, you could use timber in the kitchen and dining zone and carpet or a rug in your living space. Obey…

A cool fresh white, Lexicon® Quarter is the perfect choice for modern, open plan spaces. Create a vibrant mood that allows you to showcase eclectic artworks and furnishings. The lightest of warm whites, Natural WhiteTM is also one of the most popular. Loved by home renovators and interior designers alike, this versatile white will brighten any space. Contrast your warm white walls with a dark but warm carpet, like entrend - Lavish in colour Victory. Feather Soft is a classic greige and a welcoming light neutral with great light reflectance and is very versatile to use throughout the home. Pair with the soft warm tones of Genero Euro Deluxe, Wattleglen Oak for a light and airy look. Please note: Colours and product samples shown may vary due to the printing…

To WIN $5,000 worth of flooring share your favourite Choices Flooring photo from Instagram with #lovethisfloor and tag either @choicesflooring (AUS) or @choices_flooring_nz (NZ) to go into the draw. Conditions apply, see choicesflooring.com.au/privacy/ or choicesflooring.co.nz/privacy/. Open to AUS and NZ residents 18+. Starts: 4/8/19. Ends: 10am AEDST 31/1/20. Limit 1 (one) entry per person. Draw: 10am AEDST 7/2/20 at Promoter office. Winners published on Choices Flooring's AUS & NZ Instagram pages on 7/2/20. Prize: $5,000 Choices Flooring Voucher (1 for AUS and 1 for NZ). Promoter: Choices Flooring (ABN 63 004 650 668) of 22-24 Manningham Road West, Bulleen VIC 3105. NSW Permit No. LTPS/18/27783 ACT Permit No. TP18/01792…

Based on the evolution of an arc, the Michelle series by London-based Tim Rundle for SP01 are the kind of pieces you’d love to have in your dressing room or boudoir. Shown here are two gold chrome ‘Michelles’ ready for their close-up, but if that kind of luxury escapes you, why not go for the more contemporary natural-ash version in a black frame for your living area? Aside from the range’s singular style, it’s ideal for counterbalancing the rectangles in traditionally shaped rooms. Michelle stool, $835, and chair, $1350, from Space; spacefurniture.com.au…

1 NO CLASH POLICY why it works Easy on the eye, a neutral combo will complement anything you team it with. Havsten easy chair in Beige, $349, Ikea. Dune rug in Ash & Oatmeal, $1010, Armadillo & Co. 2 ROUND WE GO why it works When it comes to aesthetically pleasing shapes you simply can’t go past a circle. Feelgood Designs C317 polyethylene chair, $875, Curious Grace. Round polypropylene outdoor rug, $29, Kmart. 3 ATTRACTIVE OPPOSITES why it works Because black and white will always be right. Butter leather and 80 per cent recycled plastic chair, from $771, Design By Them. Black and white striped recycled polyester outdoor rug, $299, Domayne.…

THE ORIGINAL Lina armchair by Gianfranco Frattini The form An armchair with solid wooden A-frame legs, moulded plywood arms and a generous, ergonomically shaped seat and back cushions. What makes it special Very much encapsulating the style of famous Italian furniture from the 1950s, such as Marco Zanuso’s Lady and Senior chairs, Frattini’s 831, or Lina, armchair brings its own unique features: a thin plywood armrest that also holds the back cushion in place and a very substantial, carefully shaped seat. The chair, originally known purely as model 831, was designed by one of the masters of mid-century Italian design, Gianfranco Frattini, who went on to design the renowned snake-like Boalum lamp for Artemide with Livio Castiglioni. Working as the studio apprentice for Gio Ponti, his architecture teacher at the…

“We’re so happy that we really live in every room of the house. There isn’t a single space that sits empty and is only used on special occasions”MELISSA KOCH, INTERIOR DESIGNER/OWNER Buying a house sight unseen isn’t usually the best strategy, but it’s worked out remarkably well for Melissa and Jeremy Koch. Back in 2008, the couple were three years into a 10-year stint living in New York, where Jeremy had been transferred for work. With plans to eventually return to Sydney, they started scouring Australian real-estate websites for a house. “We wanted to be fairly close to the city and, after so much apartment living in New York, a backyard was a priority for us,” says Melissa. So when they found a 1920s house on a large block on…

“We wanted a laundry and to move a single wall in the kitchen – the project grew from there”SHAILA, HOMEOWNER A baby changes everything, so the saying goes, and Melbourne couple Adam and Shaila would heartily agree after their plans for a minor rejig took a much bigger turn. “We wanted a laundry, and to move a single wall in the kitchen, but the project grew – exploded in fact – after our initial brief to Technē Architecture + Interior Design,” says Shaila. The grand two-storey Victorian home in the city’s inner-north had been home to the professional couple for six years when they met with Technē co-director Nick Travers in 2015. “After coming to us, then learning that their first child was on the way, the project quickly grew…

“Marcus and I can be in this kitchen space 24 hours a day. We love staying up late and working from here”NATALIA ALTEWAI, HOMEOWNER Buzzing with artists, designers and a super relaxed, people-watching vibe, Stockholm’s trendy Södermalm is where fashion designer Natalia Altewai, photographer Marcus Ohlsson and their daughter Kinley call home. The couple met when Marcus was called in to shoot the campaign for one of Natalia’s Altewaisaome collections, and she moved into his apartment some time after that. Transforming the bachelor pad into a family flat meant a joint renovation, with a feminine touch. The apartment was small, so they called in an architect to maximise the internal footprint and brighten the space with more natural light. This involved opening up the kitchen and living zone while still…

With backgrounds in fashion and a sound knowledge of design and aesthetics, the owners of this home in Sydney’s Newtown had a clear vision for their new kitchen. “The clients wanted something that was classic and minimal yet modern, timeless, functional and beautiful,” says Alice Villella of Alice Villella Interior Design (AV-ID). Located in a new extension, the kitchen had to feel united with the adjoining living and alfresco areas while remaining the hero of the space. It had to blend enduring design with a modern sensibility, feel warm yet minimal, and functional yet beautiful. the palette “This is a beautifully balanced space that’s soothing and enjoyable to be in”ALICE VILLELLA, INTERIOR DESIGNER A light, warm selection of whites, mid-tone timbers, navy, greys and a little blush were chosen to…

A recent Housing Industry Association report pegged the average cost of a kitchen renovation at around $30,000. If your style bar is set high (and we know it is), you’ll need to be clever with your design decisions and material choices to bring your project in for as little as that, so we went to the experts for help. BUDGET RANGE $7K-$15K cabinetry New cabinetry is the big ticket item in most jobs. But if you’re happy with the layout of your kitchen and the carcasses are in good condition, you may be able to replace the doors and drawer fronts only. “People bring in their old doors and we remake in the same size, in whatever material and style they like,” says cabinetmaker Thomas Garvey of Mister Ply&Wood (misterplywood.com.au).…

Step away from Pinterest; it’s time for some real talk. Banks are putting the squeeze on lending, and building costs seem to be ever-increasing, so it makes sense to keep a lid on your renovation costs. But that doesn’t mean letting go of your dream tiles or tapware. Instead, think about your budget as a balancing act. If you have your heart set on a particular (and pricy) material or feature, make that the hero of your space and stick to simpler choices elsewhere. Here’s our advice on containing the costs of your project in a few important areas. trades Even though your bathroom is a relatively small space, a lot of trades are required to renovate it. “You’ll need a builder or carpenter, a plumber, electrician, tiler, waterproofer and…

FINISHING TOUCHES GO FOR BOLD Why stick to white? Embrace strong and striking pieces for a bathroom that’s perfectly punchy *CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING FINISHING TOUCHES PRETTY PLEASE A soft spot for pastels? There are plenty of accessory options to shower yourself with *CURRENCY CONVERSION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING…

I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, “The kitchen is the heart of the home and should be treated like the treasured, straight-A child it is.” In this year’s The Block, the kitchens command the ground floor of each three-storey townhouse. Whoever gets to buy these masterpieces is sure to have the latest and greatest in kitchen technology and design. Let’s have a closer look at the line-up... Mitch & Mark House 1 26/30 Plan-flipping, goal-kicking, grandchild-juggling juggernauts Mitch and Mark from Sydney kept it classy in the kitchen and delivered (on time as always) a stylish space with classic nuances and luxurious finishes. It’s not a kitchen of the future by any means, but it is current – perfect for the St Kilda crowd – and…

Texture, warmth, privacy, beauty: window coverings work hard for your home. They might, in fact, be the finishing touch you’ve been looking for. With a wealth of beautiful options to choose from it can sometimes be hard to pick a favourite fabric for your new blinds. That’s where Wynstan makes it easy: select up to five styles you love from a collection of more than 400 quality fabrics and Wynstan will send you samples at no cost. This allows you to view each fabric swatch next to your windows – so you can see how your blinds will look morning, afternoon and night. This is also a great way to see how the fabrics will work with your wall colours, furniture and décor. Once you’ve narrowed down your favourite look,…

BLINDS ONLINE Dress your large windows with ease. Blinds Online’s new S-Fold curtains come complete with a free track, and are available in a huge array of hues and textures. Whether you’re after a dark, light or neutral tone, Blinds Online has the perfect window coverings from $55. Visit blindsonline.com.au NUBRIK Nubrik encapsulates the colours, qualities and lifestyle that Australians admire most. This premium collection of solid pressed bricks is used in prestigious homes and buildings around the country, instantly creating a solid, classic look that refuses to grow old. Visit nubrik.com.au FISHER & PAYKEL Fisher & Paykel’s new 12kg ActiveIntelligence™ Front Loader Washing Machine and 9kg Heat Pump Dryer are designed to match, with complementary wash and dry cycles to deliver complete fabric care. Discover the range online. Visit…

If you’re working with a small space, the selection of flooring is a crucial decision as certain colours and styles may make your space appear even smaller. It is recommended you keep the same flooring throughout your space as this will create an uninterrupted flow and make it feel as if the room is part of a larger zone. When it comes to colour, generally lighter coloured flooring will complement furniture and expand the perceived size of any room. Think cream carpet or whitewashed flooring and avoid busy patterns. If you’re thinking of purchasing hard flooring, opt for wide boards as you will see fewer joins and it will feel less busy. It may be surprising to learn that dark flooring can actually help make your room look bigger. Dark…

Q Which carpet won’t show footprints? A If you are looking for a carpet that won’t show footprints, vacuum marks, or furniture indentations, twist and loop carpets are recommended. Unlike plush carpets (also referred to as cut pile) most twist and loop carpets show less of the velvet appearance. Twist carpets, particularly in a lighter tone, provide a consistent flat surface whilst loop carpets tend to show a textured appearance. Q What flooring best minimises noise? A The best way to combat a noisy household is to choose carpet. Thick pile carpet and a dense underlay is very effective, although we cannot guarantee pure silence! Generally, a carpet that is over 40oz in weight is best in both quality and noise absorption. However, if you have your heart set on…

COVER Copper jug, plates, napkins - West Elm westelm. com.au PAGE 4 Fabric and timber footstool, table lamp, brown leather cushion - Curious Grace curiousgrace. com.au • Green fitted and flat sheets and standard pillowcases, striped king duvet and standard pillowcases, white linen valance - L&M Home lmhome.com.au • Natural linen cushion - Life Interiors lifeinteriors.com.au PAGE 5 Kitchen trolley, glass carafe with rattan cover and glass tumblers, glass tumblers (middle shelf) - House of Orange houseoforange.com. au  • Ceramic baking dish (bottom shelf - front) - Curious Grace curiousgrace.com.au  • Leather dining chairs - Voyager Interiorsvoyagerinteriors. com.au  • Black and glass vase - Designstuff designstuff.com.au PAGE 7 Concrete console - Curious Grace curiousgrace. com.au  • Shell sculpture and wooden sculpture, basket (on floor) - House of Orange…

JUST LANDED outside interests It’s officially spring when a crop of new outdoor releases bursts onto the market. And if you’re keen to do a quick backyard spruce-up, here are a couple of good places you might like to start: Light as a gentle spring breeze, Coco Republic’s ‘Amalfi’ outdoor dining chairs in White are $555 each (Amalfi table, $3495). COCOREPUBLIC.COM.AU Fun, fresh and a feelgood buy, West Elm’s outdoor cushions have inserts made from recycled plastic bottles – 38 in each ($59). WESTELM.COM.AU Keep the party portable with Domayne’s new Hamptons Rattan bar, $549, and ensure the cocktails flow from inside to out. DOMAYNE.COM.AU READ GROWING COLLECTION Be inspired to turn over a new leaf in the garden with these lush new books. Small Garden Design by landscaping luminary…

Why did you decide to make the move from the beaches of the NSW south coast to the desert of the Northern Territory? I was obsessed with the work of the Hermannsburg Potters, so I just went out there: I was like, I have to go, and I ended up staying. It wasn’t a choice, I had to go – my curiosity got the better of me. I felt very ignorant about what happens in our country and I wanted to learn about Indigenous art and how empowering that can be for Indigenous Australians. I went out to learn about that and found so much more. At the moment I live in a small Aboriginal community called Hermannsburg [in the Ljirapinta Ward of MacDonnell Shire] and in Alice Springs on…

SANCTUARY POPS OF WARMING COLOUR EVOKE HINTS OF SUNRISE AND SUNSET AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY An outdoor rug grounds and defines the space, adding stylish comfort to an alfresco experience. CONNECT Feeling social? Turn your private retreat into party central with an extension table for ultimate entertaining. CHILL TRY TIMBER AND CREAM FOR A MODERN COASTAL LOOK THAT CREATES A TIMELESS BREEZY VIBE Neutral, earthy bases can be brought to life with splashes of colour and vibrant, textured accent cushions. UNWIND A muted palette delivers soothing, calming tones while letting your surrounds take centre stage. VISIT DOMAYNE.COM.AU TO BROWSE OUR FULL RANGE OF FURNITURE, BEDDING AND HOMEWARES. Domayne stores are operated by independent franchisees. Advertised prices valid at New South Wales stores only. Prices may vary between states…

Who lives here Melissa Koch, an interior designer; her husband Jeremy Koch, a stockbroker; and eight-year-old twins Harrison and Stella. Style of home A tired 1920s three-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow on Sydney’s lower north shore, which is now a glamorous two-storey home with plenty of bathrooms and a mudroom. After buying the house in 2008, it was rented out until Christmas 2015 when the family returned from overseas. Architect Jeremy Bull was commissioned in July 2016. Plans were approved in June 2017 and construction started the following January. The build took 12 months.…

+ “Leave your services (electricity, gas and water) where they are to reduce your labour costs. This can be quite a significant saving.” + “Modulate your cabinetry design to suit standard sizes. Most kitchen board for carcasses comes in 600mm and 1200mm widths, so stay within this to get the best economies from your materials.” + “Labour is a significant cost, especially on site. A carpenter or builder’s hourly rate may make it more expensive to build a flat-pack kitchen on site than have one made in a factory. Make sure your tiles, appliances and fittings are on site in good time to avoid paying for extra visits from tradies.”…

This divine bathroom is hidden inside a 1960s red-brick home in Sydney’s Balgowlah Heights. The house is set against a backdrop of Norfolk pines, and the family who live here wanted to create a place of calm, functionality and connection to nature. They hired Manly-based interior designer Wanda Szychowska at The Same to create what she describes as a “functional, beautiful space that brings a luxurious experience”. “To break up all the herringbone, we used a tonal gloss finger tile [reflected in the mirrors]”WANDA SZYCHOWSKA, INTERIOR DESIGNER the design Along with a significant focus on natural light, the organic feel of this bathroom is reinforced by the use of soft, understated shapes. “The beautiful stone bath from Kaskade Stone Baths & Basins brings a natural beauty and elegance to the…

QI use cotton bed sheets in spring but recently I’ve seen stylish linen sets. What should I know before I buy linen, and what colours are on trend? Ali, via email One of the simplest ways to refresh your home is with new bedding. What’s so special about linen is that it keeps you cool in summer, warm in winter and adjusts with your body’s temperature. Linen is super soft (the more it’s washed, the more comfortable it gets), durable, absorbent and anti-static, so you can say goodbye to sweaty, sleepless nights. Plus, it looks even better when it’s not ironed — that relaxed yet refined texture will instantly elevate your room. My top Bed Threads colourways are Turmeric and Lavender styled together. It’s a bold colour combination that nods…

From framing a view and boosting privacy to cutting your energy costs – a great window treatment can do it all. It’s also the perfect way to finish off a room. “A fabulous window treatment is just as important an investment as a sofa – it can totally transform a room and bring the overall design scheme together,” says Elise Harper, interior decorator at More Than Curtains. With so many options to choose from – curtains, various types of blinds, and plantation shutters, just to name a few – it’s important to consider your needs. Ask yourself these questions before making any decisions: Are you looking for privacy from neighbours or a busy street? Do you need full light control? Insulation? Acoustic control? Do you have young children and/or pets…

rain shower Outdoor summer living is made of this Designed by Sydney’s Andrew Pearce Landscape Design, this outdoor deck and shower is part of a large entertaining area at a Haberfield home. The large garden is divided into many different zones, differentiated with new timber screens, decks and built-in furniture that complement the brown-brick Arts and Crafts-style Federation home. A lush mix of pleached trees, groundcovers and layered plantings surrounds the poolside shower, which has a luxurious rainforest feel the owners love. See the next page for more. This light and airy garden in Sydney’s inner west rolls up its sleeves and works hard. With not a centimetre wasted, it perfectly responds to the needs of the active young family in residence. But it wasn’t always that way. When the…

Scenografica is the latest range of floors, partitions and facings from Fornace Brioni, a family-led Italian company known for its handmade terracotta tiles. Designed by art director Cristina Celestino, the collection is based on the jigsaw patterns and variegated colours of the Baroque and lends a sense of grandeur to contemporary spaces. Fornace Brioni tiles start from $160 per sq m, Academy Tiles + Surfaces; academytiles.com.au…

1 Visualise a realistic outcome Before you hit the shops for that new couch or dining table, you should spend some time planning and working out what your personal style is. Ensure that you are realistic about the renovation in that it is for your ‘real life’ not your ‘ideal’ one. It is important that you take the time to evaluate the needs of your household then work out the aesthetics from there. You may be coveting that exquisite cream carpet but with young children, the reality is that this colour will only look good for a week (at the most!) Utilising a mood board is one of the best ways to mesh your ideas together and stay focused. We recommend Style Sourcebook - stylesourcebook. com.au, a free product sourcing…

Country Haven For a modern country style keep things warm and light - look to a neutral backdrop with a colour scheme of whites and creams. Nothing says country like chunky wool carpet, such as the aptly named Temuka - Nobby in colour Oat. Complement the golden tones with Plantino Engineered Oak Elemental in design Paris. A rug such as Knight Natural can demarcate space and soften hard flooring areas. Urban Cabin Luxury vinyl flooring continues to be hugely popular for its good looks and versatility. Genero Design Platinum has the added benefit of being asthma friendly. A warm, rich design such as River Gum looks great with a mid-brown carpet like Brease - Nasami in colour Hickory. Brease is the only broadloom carpet accredited by the National Asthma Council…