Australian House & Garden September 2021

“ALL of this issue’s homeowners have ensured their DREAM HOUSE is as personal as their SIGNATURE.” As we go to print on this issue of Australian House & Garden, Sydney is grappling with a prolonged lockdown and the wonderful H&G team and I are corresponding remotely, remarking on how fortunate we are to take refuge in this edition’s pages of stylish homes designed specifically for their owners’ lifestyles. Vaccine supply uncertainty, thousands protesting, lots of physical and emotional turmoil... We really are lucky to have this glorious respite in which to lose ourselves! Home is undoubtedly the focus at the moment, and it’s not size, newness or design that’s important. The important thing is finding solace, warmth and comfort in a place, whether on your own, with your partner, children, family, roommates…

HAPPY RETURNS I am currently locked in a hotel room, completing two weeks mandatory quarantine. I’m so glad I decided to include H&G in my supermarket delivery. I have spent hours poring over the pages, but it was Breath of Fresh Air (July), a Handelsmann+Khaw project, that really resonated. Like the owners, I too am an expat returning to Australia after living in Hong Kong (for 34 years!). We are very much looking forward to our retirement years in Byron Bay. I’m not going to lie – hotel quarantine is difficult, especially the lack of fresh air. So thank you, H&G – the magazine, and this article in particular, delivered exactly what I was craving. Sally Croagh, South Golden Beach, NSW THAT HOLIDAY FEELING We have just completed a full renovation of our beach house…

An inviting Perth home found fans galore on Facebook, Instagrammers loved a shapely heritage-meets-modern garden, and a serene blue entryway hit the mark on Pinterest. Facebook facebook.com/ australianhouseandgarden Highlights from each issue plus links to tours of our favourite homes. Instagram @houseandgarden View the most inspirational images of the month from H&G headquarters and out and about. Pinterest pinterest.com.au/ houseandgardenau Picture-perfect images from our pages and sensational products to covet.…

“WE WANTED TO CELEBRATE THE HOME’S BEAUTIFUL TIMBER PANELLING AND SIGNATURE SIBBEL DESIGN FEATURES.” Fleur Sibbel, owner Fleur Sibbel, co-owner and managing director of furniture company Zuster, first saw this house late one night when she was scrolling through real estate listings online. Curious, she made an appointment for a viewing which confirmed her suspicions: the 1970s house was originally built by her father, Meyer, part of a family of builders who migrated to Australia from Holland after World War II. Sibbel Builders was renowned for its high level of workmanship and forward-thinking ideas, such as siting homes with a northerly aspect, installing concrete slabs with hydronic heating and limiting excavation in order to preserve sites as much as possible. Indeed, Heritage Victoria acknowledged the company as being ahead of its time…

FIRST ADULT HOME? An architect-designed home on a steep block in Melbourne’s outer east. It was was featured in the first edition of Inside Out magazine. BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? The Ice Hotel in Sweden (5). We love the snow and I’ve always had a dream to experience the Northern Lights. DREAM RESTAURANT TABLE? Somewhere fancy in Paris with Coco Chanel, Carla Zampatti (3), Steve Jobs, Karl Lagerfield and Marcel Wanders. FAVOURITE DOWNTIME PURSUIT? Gardening. I love the process of planning, planting and watching the garden develop and grow. I also enjoy getting my hands dirty and looking back to see the results. FAVOURITE ARTISTS? Del Kathryn Barton (10), Matthew Johnson (2) and Dale Frank. WHICH DESIGNERS INSPIRE YOU? My sister Wilhelmina (1, right) who is the creative director of Zuster. I’m lucky enough to work with…

The entertainer A whole host of goodies to cater for your favourite epicurean. The sporty type You’re sure to hit the mark with one of these fitness bits. The jetsetter There’ll be holiday vibes all round – even if it’s a staycation this year. The outdoorsman Elements to enhance enjoyment of alfresco areas. The style aficionado For the man who likes the finer things in life. The virtuoso Elegant accoutrements for work, rest and play. The gadget guy Even the sleekest geek will be impressed by this smart selection. Styling by Kate Nixon. Photograph by Kristina Soljo (main image).…