Inhoudsopgave van February 2020 - Inside Out

The idea of home is a pretty emotional concept for all of us. On the one hand, it’s just bricks, steel and concrete, but it’s also the place where we live and love and cook, and draw our friends and loved ones to us. Right now the bushfires in various parts of Australia are challenging our idea of home... with lives lost, thousands of homes have been wiped out and, at the time of going to print, this dreadful situation is still not resolved. As we’ve put the February issue together, the whole Inside Out team has been acutely aware of the fires and how so many people have suddenly and traumatically become homeless. As we’re all about homes, renovation and decoration, we hope to make the process of rebuilding…

Having a large plot of land allows you to spread out, which is how it’s played out for the owners of this incredible contemporary home in rural Victoria. While interior designer Jessica Bettenay specified art for many of the walls, she wanted this gallery space (in what will eventually be the lift area) to “have something more interesting than another square or rectangle on the wall”. She chose three much rounder pieces: a plane-defying rug, moulded chair and oversized antique urn.…

+ Make sure you always use fittings from reputable companies that are WaterMark certified. Next, you will need to check the WELS rating of the product, which will be prominently displayed near the product at the store or on the box. The higher the star rating, the less water you will use. This is where things get tricky, as efficient showers will use 8—9 litres per minute and this will provide the best trade-off between water conservation and an immersive experience. Showers are the hardest to get right because they need to be invigorating at the start of a day and relaxing at the end of the day while still being water efficient every day. + When choosing fittings, be clear about the design of the whole bathroom. Most bathroom…

A spiring interior designer Ben Schluter and his partner Lyndall spent six months preparing to renovate the house they owned – then, at the last minute, their next-door neighbour intervened. “Our renovation was going to block her city view, so she offered to buy the house as it was,” Ben explains. “We couldn’t say no to her.” By this stage, Ben was “beyond eager” to sink his teeth into a major renovation project, so he and Lyndall began scouring Brisbane for another fixer-upper that could become their forever home. Soon they found the ideal property: a dilapidated 1910 worker’s cottage on an uncharacteristically quiet one-way street in the bustling suburb of Paddington. “The house itself was rundown and painted a questionable shade of pink,” says Ben, “but what really struck…

This eastern Sydney apartment needed to be the owner’s sanctuary. When she bought the unrenovated two-bedroom property a few years ago, she wanted it to really feel like home and so, under the guidance of interior designers Theresa Chan and Janice Yin of boutique firm Studio Quarters, the interiors were updated to a look befitting the Art Deco character of the original space. Now it feels grown up and comfortable but also welcoming to those with sandy feet from a nearby beach. At approximately 65 square metres internally, space was at a premium, so Theresa designed most of the areas to be flexible and multi-functional. She arranged for the timber floors to be refinished and planned custom joinery throughout to ensure the home’s functionality well into the future. The bathroom…

+ “When buying a bed, it’s important to consider how you use your bedroom and the bed. We often ask customers if they have their kids in the bed in the morning — or night. Do you read or watch TV in bed? How you use the bed when you’re awake is probably the most important factor, as this may determine the height and material of the headboard. An upholstered bedhead is ideal for comfort and support while sitting up, and soft edges mean kids won’t bump their heads when jumping around. + Size is the other major consideration. It’s always best to go for the largest bed you can fit, to minimise partner disturbance and provide a better night’s sleep. The height of the headboard is also important; an…

Who lives here Wanda Szychowska, an interior designer at The Same Design; her husband Rhys Jones, director of hospitality-consultancy business The Same Group; and their children: Oskar, 13, Zigi, 12, and Nina, seven. Style of home A four-bedroom 1960s house with an eclectic mix of styles that’s been transformed into a light, bright and sophisticated retreat for a large family. After taking possession of the house in January 2016, a six-week ‘soft refurb’ saw Wanda and Rhys spraypaint the kitchen, sand the floors and paint the internal walls. More renovations took place in 2016 and 2019. Total cost of the work they did was $400,000 (including landscaping).…

“We spraypainted the beige kitchen cupboards white as soon as we moved in. We justified this because it gave us the ability to breathe through the remaining parts of the renovations, so it was money well spent on visual mental health!” + More advice “The other thing I’d tell people to be wary of while renovating is purchasing cheap fixtures and fittings. Buying quality items the first time will save you in the long run. In the kitchen, for example, I researched appliance brands that not only looked good but performed better than their competitors. Tapware was another area where paying a little more for quality was important. Generally, you get what you pay for and, as a rule of thumb, I never compromise on high-use and -touch items.”…

As kids, we probably all saw The Jetsons and fantasised about our lives in the not-too-distant future – where robots did the housework, your spaceship turned into a briefcase, and gadgets littered your home so all you had to do was put your feet up and occasionally deal with a difficult teen. Of course, it hasn’t quite worked out that way in real life. Robots are mostly confined to factory assembly lines and, at the time of printing, we are yet to create a commuter spaceship. But the tech-enabled home has definitely arrived, and you can now program everything from your washing machine to your security system. You can organise to turn on your coffee machine in time for breakfast, and turn off your iron (via a smart plug) from…

tub jug Designed by French studio Atelier BL119, the shape and angular handle of Muuto’s ‘Tub’ jug provide an industrial and modern twist to the conventional vessel. It can be used as a carafe, a watering can — even a distinctive vase. Shown in Pale Blue, it’s also available in Dark Green and Sand. $150; luumodesign.com splash out INAX’s rich history started in the 1920s, when US architect Frank Lloyd Wright used one of their terracotta tiles in his design for Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel. Today, the Japanese company’s collections of artisanal ceramic tiles and mosaics come in a huge variety of colours and textures that are perfect for splashbacks. POA; artedomus.com WATER FORMS These gorgeous jewel-like Fink ‘Tidal Pool’ bowls in Aqua from Top3 By Design are water-formed to create unique…

An overexposure to artificial environments is called Nature Deficit Disorder, a modern malady that meditation guru Gary Gorrow hopes to combat at SOMA, his new retreat in the Byron Bay hinterland. The property’s geodesic meditation dome was inspired by the work of visionary architect Buckminster Fuller. “I wanted to create a sacred place where people could practice meditation and yoga in the midst of the natural world,” says Gary. Think of it as advanced ‘forest bathing’. somabyron.com.au…

tiles Georgia Ezra Director of Melbourne-based interior design practice Studio Ezra and artisan tile purveyor Tiles of Ezra, Georgia is a treasure hunter at heart. She takes her inspiration from a range of exotic cultures and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of modern design. She believes in crafting spaces that enliven the senses and mood, leading to better spiritual health. Her wise words appear on pages 38 and 125. bricks & pavers Jai Sanderson At Inside Out, we love bricks and were delighted when Jai came on board. She is the general manager of marketing for PGH Bricks & Pavers at CSR Ltd. Offering real style and integrity, PGH Bricks & Pavers has a wide variety of products in myriad colours, shapes, textures and sizes to help people create…

1 FOCAL POINTS why it works Pale wood and light gold work a treat and the desk’s circular pull is a perfect match for the translucent light globe. Charlie Tasmanian oak desk, $1450, Lilly & Lolly. Model 375 Medium table lamp, $1295, Great Dane. 2 BABY STEPS why it works The stacked drawers give a vertical nod to the lamp and pink strengthens the link. Roxanne 3-drawer desk with rubberwood legs in Pink and White, $499, Harvey Norman. Rectangle FORM lamp in Pink, $129, Milligram. 3 AQUA SPLASH why it works This desk happily shares its cool factor with the iconic lamp — for less than $700. Hipster melamine desk with oak finish in Aqua, $449, Snooze. Foscarini ‘Binic’ polycarbonate table lamp in Green Aqua, $240, Space.…

1 Symfonisk Wi-Fi bookshelf speaker, $149, Ikea Perfect mounted on a wall as a bedside table or bookshelf, this speaker also provides rich sound quality. 2 Riggad LED work lamp, $99, Ikea Charge two devices at once with this clever lamp and charger combo. 3 BeoSound Shape speaker, from $8200 for a six-tile configuration, Bang & Olufsen This bespoke wall-mounted speaker system doubles as art and adds a luxe touch to your walls with its exclusive Kvadrat fabrics. 4 LEDlux ‘Poppy’ wireless charging lamp, $64.95, Beacon Lighting A handy table light that also charges your Qi-compatible device when you place it on the lamp. 5 Samsung 65-inch ‘The Frame’ 4K UHD QLED Smart TV, $3799 with Brown bezel frame, Harvey Norman The ultimate home-tech inclusion for style-conscious TV watchers. Artwork…

Business space: Obus When fashion designer Kylie Zerbst decided her clothing label, Obus, needed a new look for its Melbourne office, she turned to her friend, Rhys Duggan, the national visual lead at West Elm Australia. “Kylie and the Obus team wanted a workspace that reflected the fun and originality of their brand,” says Rhys. “It also needed to be really flexible for a variety of activities, such as meetings, clothing fittings and staff events.” Rhys began by selecting playful shades from Haymes Paint – pale pink Woodrose and the more commanding red Comanche Dust – and chose seating that could be easily moved around. “We took West Elm’s ‘Modern Stacking’ stools and had an upholsterer re-cover them in Obus prints,” he says. “It was a fun way to stamp…

Start with a minimalist table and layer an eclectic mix of joyful pieces to create a perfect lunch moment…

“We have the best sunrises and the best sunsets – nearly every night – it’s gorgeous”DOROTHY SPAIN, HOMEOWNER Sometimes a house is epic in all ways and there is no other way to describe it. From the concept to the build, the challenges, and the scale of the finished building, that is the essence of this spectacular house in the rock-studded landscape of regional Victoria, at the base of the Strathbogie Ranges. Conceived – and largely built – by Eddie Spain and his wife Dorothy (Dot), the 650-square-metre house rises above the surrounding landscape yet manages to sit within it comfortably, reflecting the land’s textures and rich, raw colour palette. Designed by architect Robert Harwood, with interior design and project management by Resident Avenue (RA) creative director Jessica Bettenay, the…

+ Wood-look vinyl is a great alternative to timber, giving you the satisfaction of wood while lasting the test of time. It’s also affordable, giving you a luxe look for a lot less than the cost of timber. + Vinyl has come a long way since it first made an impact on homes in the 1930s. The latest evolution features versatile designs that are water- and stain-resistant and incredibly durable. + Vinyl doesn’t get cold in winter and generally provides a softer surface than timber or tile. That means it’s always comfortable underfoot.  + Designed with a clear wear layer, which acts as a surface barrier, vinyl protects your floor from stains and spills. As it’s almost impervious to water penetration, vinyl flooring is a great option for wet areas…

From initial concept to completion, the project took 16 months. The owner lived there during the renovation, except for when the floors were being limewashed and the apartment painted. 2017 April — August Overall concept design, bathroom design and documentation; approvals and quotations obtained 2018 September — April Bathroom renovation site work March — August Design, documentation and installation of custom joinery, re-finishing of existing timber flooring, painting, electrical work, selection and installation of all window coverings, furniture and accessories.…

“I love being in the kitchen and wouldn’t change a thing about it, says interior designer Wanda Syzchowska, who lived with her family in this Sydney home for a number of years while renovating it. “The cabinetry took eight colour samples to get right as I wanted a soft, muted, pale green that didn’t overwhelm the space and tied in with the brass handles, kickboards, and stone benchtops.” Turn the page to see more.…

+ Parents’ retreat “We wanted to turn the bedroom on the first floor, which opens to a terrace, into a parents’ suite with a large bathroom,” says Wanda. + Privacy “I don’t like looking at the neighbours or the neighbours looking at us. That was really important to avoid.” + Show-stopping kitchen “It’s not only the heart of the home, but the place where we entertain friends and family.” + Simplified flooring “We had a bit of everything on the floor, from bricks and parquetry (which hadn’t been installed correctly) to vinyl in the kitchen and pine floorboards in the bedrooms.”…

+ Ensuite floor “I’ve used herringbone in most of my projects as I love its pattern and the way it feels underfoot,” says Wanda. “I created the herringbone tiled floor in the ensuite from Italian marble offcuts.” + Upstairs balcony “It was originally going to be open with a pergola and a fabric awning, but we decided to change the design and have a fixed glass roof so it was properly protected from the elements. I love it up there. It’s so nice to be elevated.” + Exterior “To modernise it, we rendered and redid the cladding, and painted the house in a British Paints neutral called Grey Fibre, which has made such a difference. Pairing it with Dulux Natural White has created a classic, modern palette that will stand…

To date, solar panels have been installed on more than two million Australian roofs. While photovoltaic panels can be expensive to install, they will save you a lot of money over the years; if you intend staying in your home for some time, they are definitely worth considering. Gone are the days when you were only able to use solar energy on sunny days. Bradford Energy has a bundle package that includes Tesla battery packs, which can store solar energy to be used later that evening, during peak demand or on subsequent days. Your excess energy can also be sold back to the grid.…

A WOMAN’S WORLD When Canadian artist and ceramicist Rachel Saunders does a homewares collection, expect the unexpected. Her handmade, wheel-thrown Woman stoneware vase in Matisse Blue is inspired by French artist Henri Matisse’s 1950s Blue Nudes series of lithographs. The 17cm vase is just tall enough to turn heads without causing a distraction… well, maybe a little one! $300; bedthreads.com.au autumn rose Linen is a dream to sleep on — cool in warm weather and vice versa. This makes it perfect for the approaching autumn, when the mercury can really fluctuate. In Bed’s bedlinen also offers colours such as vibrant Rosewood, which can be mixed and matched with other shades in the range. Duvet cover, $295 for queen, and fitted sheet, $195 for queen; inbedstore.com ABSTRACT THINKING Rectangular and round…

mushroom Ned Ned noodles SERVES 4 PREP 20 mins COOKING 15 mins Could it be that the Sichuan dish Dan Dan Noodles is named after bushranger Ned Kelly’s less-famous brother, who died at the siege of Glenrowan? After all, the gang had spent plenty of time along Woolshed Valley with the Chinese miners, smoking opium and generally playing up. So, isn’t it likely that they’d name a hard-hitting, heavyweight vegan version of this dish after Ned, who won the unofficial heavyweight championship of Victoria in a 20-round bareknuckle boxing fight with Isaiah ‘Wild’ Wright at Beechworth in August 1874? If, somehow, they didn’t, then I am sure they would approve and I feel justified in reimagining history. 1 tbsp peanut oil 400g portobello mushrooms, finely chopped 2 spring onions, white…

Australian designer and stylist Sarah Ellison says “the world feels fragile right now”, which is why she’s created her SOL collection of furniture with warmth, safety and permanence in mind. SOL is a reference to the sun in Roman mythology and this stunning new range – Sarah’s third – combines exaggerated, sculptural forms in sensual and textual materials. Pictured here are the Muse Modular sofa in luxe Caramel Velvet, Huggy chair in Faux Shearling, Tide coffee table in Limestone and Royère lamp. sarahellison.com.au…

THE ORIGINAL Servomuto side table by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta The form A circular side table with a central steel stem available in two different heights, with laminate tops in two diameters and a choice of colours. What makes it special Yet another whimsical product from Italian design maestros Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the Servomuto (meaning ‘dumbwaiter’ in Italian) side table is part of the Servi collection designed for Zanotta from 1961 through to 1974 for a variety of uses in the hospitality industry. The first two objects – an ashtray stand and umbrella stand – were designed by the brothers for a beer hall and restaurant they had designed together. After the death of Pier Giacomo in 1968, Achille continued to design extra pieces for the collection. These…

1 Megan Morton Stylist and The Studio owner “What I know about colour is that it’s an ‘access all areas’ design value. Anyone can have a go. From wild, abandoned gestures to finely nuanced tone-on-tone schemes, colour can make a room feel alive, relaxed, passive, comforting or just plain magnificent. And the challenge of using (rather than abusing) it sits within this range. How does one room reign supreme in a cacophony of shades while another can look like a first-year visual merch project? It’s like cooking, where every ingredient helps to make that end-flavour outcome unique. Every colour does for the eyes what those ingredients do for the taste. But the real masterstroke is something people don’t usually talk about – that sticky question of what colours, and what…

This is now a sun-dappled home that lives and breathes its stunning location, including the freshly landscaped garden that appears to wrap around its walls The irresistible pull of potential was palpable as soon as architect and interior specialist Kerry Fyfe spied this early Modernist home on Sydney’s lower north shore two decades ago. It was destined to become a long-standing and personal passion. With inspiration aplenty, Kerry wasted no time putting pen to paper. “The design began before we even bought the house,” she says, “on a serviette at a cafe!” On a triangular plot of land overlooking a nature reserve and river, there was always much to love about the tiny house, its light-bathed rooms and expansive vistas. “I’d always been passionate about early Modernist architecture and the…

“The beauty of integrating appliances is the design freedom it affords architects and designers. It allows appliances to be hidden or showcased, making for more considered spaces and for chosen appliances to become the focal point of the kitchen. In smaller spaces or those with an open-living plan, this integration provides the opportunity to have more or larger appliances without them overwhelming the kitchen or adjacent living area.”…

Uprooting from a busy urban lifestyle for a country existence can take a while to get used to, but for Belgian ceramicist Delphine Bekaert it took just 24 hours. “Moving has been a big change, but I got used to it after one day. Though I live in the middle of nowhere, I never feel lonely or scared,” she says of the renovated 1930s farmhouse where she lives with her young daughter, Lucy. “You can feel much lonelier in a big city.” Delphine had been looking for the perfect place for three years when a friend told her about this property in Serranova, a village in the Puglian region of southern Italy. After a decade living in major cities – Brussels, London, Paris and Rome – and running a gallery…

+ Take your cue from existing highlights “Art Deco architectural features such as the arched window in the dining room gave us inspiration for the curves in the bathroom marble and joinery,” says Theresa. This is a case of simple detailing creating a more special result because of the connection and consideration. + Dip your toe in Choosing colour doesn’t need to be daunting, says Theresa. “Playing with tints and softer tones can be just as effective as a bold colour.” Test in big patches, because looking into a small sample spot can give a false idea of how dark or light a colour will be in the space. + Choose wisely The homewares market is saturated with options, but Theresa suggests waiting until you find things you love. “We…

When Wanda Syzchowska and her husband Rhys Jones moved to Sydney after five years in Auckland, she was keen to get her hands on a fixer-upper. The couple had relocated to New Zealand in 2006 for Rhys’s job as general manager for a hotel chain. With their son Oskar then only a baby, Wanda decided to swap her career in airline marketing for interior design. “I’ve always loved great design,” she says, “especially in the hotel sector, which I had been fortunate enough to experience because we had both travelled so much for work.” Wanda did a course at the Interior Design Institute and put her newly acquired skills to good use by renovating two properties in Auckland. She was keen to continue when Rhys’s job took them back to…

“Your bedroom should be a relaxing haven, so creating a soft, intimate feel is a great idea. If you are loving the look of curtains, then let me tell you about this new product that blends the softness and style of curtains with the functionality of blinds = win win! Veri Shades are the best thing since sliced bread or Smartphones or chocolate or whatever. Their elegant folds create that warmth and texture you’re after and, with a turn of a wand, you can easily adjust the light and privacy levels. You can even walk through them when open or closed, which means seamless indoor-outdoor living.”…

“Architects tend to have connections with trusted builders, so if you snag one, chances are you can also reel in a couple of trades” He’s out there somewhere, most likely with a worn leather tool belt snugly wrapped around his bronzed rig, sweating it up in the summer sun… well, that’s the dream anyway, right? As it turns out, a good chunk of tradies are covered in dust, too busy to lodge honest tax returns and apt to charge like a wounded bull. Their bills are way too high, they rarely show up on time and offer more ‘plumber’s crack’ than you thought physically possible. Architects and designers are often unrealistic, opting for aesthetics over function, and also have the tendency to make a decent dollar from your build. So…

Q I’m living in a rental with a small balcony but at the moment it’s just dead space. What are some quick, budget-friendly ways I can update the area and make it more inviting? Steph, via Instagram Creating a potted garden is a wonderful way to make the space feel more inviting, and you can have loads of fun chopping and changing your pots and plants from season to season. If you’re a renter, check out the pots in Northcote Pottery’s Urbanlite range. They’re stylish and lightweight, so you can move them around easily and take them with you from house to house. They also come in pot ‘families’, such as the Arlo wicker range (right), which can be grouped together. Balconies can be tough areas to grow plants, so…

Before they renovated, the owners of this Sydney garden had a few issues to tackle, mainly centred around their old and leaking pool. Landscape designer Hugh Burnett came to the rescue with a new design that’s been raised up to capture views. It now rocks a luxe tropical look any self-respecting resort would be happy with, care of light limestone pavers and water-cooling aqua mosaic tiles by Ezarri. Anyone for a dip? Turn the page to see more.…

Not just for dishing out homemade pizza, a wood-fired oven can transform an outdoor space into an entertainer’s dream. If you’re looking to up your dinner party game or simply expand your outdoor living, this gourmet addition will give your home those prized Mediterranean vibes. Here’s what you need to know before you build: 1 size It’s okay to get fired up about installing your pizza oven, but think about how you will use it. The amount of food you plan to cook will determine the size you need. If it will only be used sparingly, or for two people, a small oven – say, 60–80cm in diameter – will do. For a family of four to six, a medium-size oven will cook two to three standard pizzas at a…

sustainable design Wild Coast Tented Lodge location Yala National Park The philosophy of luxury hotel group Resplendent Ceylon is to start with an extraordinary location and build from there. Wild Coast Tented Lodge does that, fitting organically into its surroundings. The other two properties in the group are Ceylon Tea Trails, a series of bungalows set high in the tea plantations, and Cape Weligama, a luxury surf resort on the southern coast. Wild Coast is a raw experience that’s completely refined. It’s an unfenced glamping resort on semi-protected wetlands bumping up against Yala National Park, where wildlife roam among the tents and cranky elephants have been known to rampage down the unsealed roads terrorising jeeps. It’s wild but in a five-star way, says Malik Fernando, Resplendent Ceylon’s founder and managing…