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Articles by Sarah Pickette
Steve Cordony Sells His Chic Country Estate, Rosedale Farm For Record Price
When the right place comes along, you’ll know: that was the nugget of advice just about everyone gave to interiors stylist Steve Cordony when he was searching for a country home. Three years of looking hadn’t yet turned up ‘the one’ – but then a friend sent Steve and his partner Michael Booth a clipping about a property called Rosedale Farm near Orange, NSW, which had just hit the market. “We thought we might as well take a look and within three weeks it was ours,” says Steve.
35 hallway ideas that will make you rethink this forgotten part of the house
The best hallways do more than connect one room to the next. They build anticipation and establish a home’s character long before you’ve reached the sitting room or kitchen. Their often narrow proportions and practical function can make them tricky spaces to decorate, but with the right balance of colour, lighting and detail, they can be every bit as expressive as the rooms they lead to.
How To Reduce Your Energy Costs At Home
Electricity and gas make up a big slice of the household budget. In fact, according to consumer group Choice, energy costs for the average Australian household have risen so significantly in the past decade that it’s become the primary cost-of-living concern. So it pays – or more to the point, saves – to use energy wisely. There are some very simple ways to save money on energy bills, and there are even more savings if you dig a bit deeper.
Best kitchen sink mixer taps for the heart of your home
Scrub those pans, rinse the vegies, grab a drink, clean your hands. The kitchen sink mixer is your home’s most-used tap by a long shot, so when you’re building or renovating it pays to pick a model that will stand up to being turned on and off many times a day for the life of your kitchen. “Look for a tap that offers great functionality and comes from a reputable brand,” says Franco Parisi, chief operating officer of Parisi.
A Guide To House Awnings And Blinds
When summer really sets in, Australian homes cry out for outdoor awnings and blinds and yet so many don’t have them. Interestingly, Europeans tend to saturate their facades with outdoor awnings and louvres. Given that our summers can be much harsher, we could all take a leaf from the Europeans’ book and use outdoor awnings and blinds to efficiently cool and protect our homes, while giving the an instant facelift.
Best kitchen sink mixer taps for the heart of your home
Scrub those pans, rinse the vegies, grab a drink, clean your hands. The kitchen sink mixer is your home's most-used tap by a long shot, so when you're building or renovating it pays to pick a model that will stand up to being turned on and off many times a day for the life of your kitchen. "Look for a tap that offers great functionality and comes from a reputable brand," says Franco Parisi, chief operating officer of Parisi.
Best kitchen sink mixer taps for the heart of your home
Scrub those pans, rinse the vegies, grab a drink, clean your hands. The kitchen sink mixer is your home’s most-used tap by a long shot, so when you’re building or renovating it pays to pick a model that will stand up to being turned on and off many times a day for the life of your kitchen. “Look for a tap that offers great functionality and comes from a reputable brand,” says Franco Parisi, chief operating officer of Parisi.
Outdoor Awnings: A Guide To House Awnings And Blinds
When summer really sets in, Australian homes cry out for outdoor awnings and blinds and yet so many don't have them. Interestingly, Europeans tend to saturate their facades with outdoor awnings and louvres. Given that our summers can be much harsher, we could all take a leaf from the Europeans' book and use outdoor awnings and blinds to efficiently cool and protect our homes, while giving the an instant facelift.
A Californian 1940s Cape Cod-style home with Australian sensibility
Talented friends have made their mark so beautifully on this home, says Meredith. "Brooke knows our lifestyle and our family so well that there was tacit understanding of the kind of spaces we were seeking." And the process of designing a home together proved to be nothing short of a magical experience, she adds: "Brooke and I can very easily agree or we simply agree to disagree. It works both ways. Mostly, though, we just know what each other likes.
An original 1910 Federation home updated for modern living
A Federation house in need of a little love proved irresistible for one Sydney family, who took the time to transform it into a home where old and new sit together beautifully. Jan 20, 2022 1:29am A house with a history attracts a certain kind of buyer – someone who can see beyond the hard work and heritage constraints to reimagine it as their home. "We felt a real sense of duty to it," says Tracy, of the 1910 house she and her husband Dean bought on Sydney's Northern Beaches in 2013.
A minimal coastal renovation on Victoria's Surf Coast
Softly does it in this meticulously renovated beach house on Victoria’s Surf Coast. Gentle tones and thoughtfully selected materials combine to create welcoming spaces where relaxation reigns. Dec 20, 2021 10:03pm Sandy feet and wet towels are not much of a bother to the owners of this holiday home on Victoria's Surf Coast.
Hideout cabins: secluded Southern Highlands accommodation
Serene and sheltered, these beautifully designed cabins in the NSW Southern Highlands offer the ultimate getaway-from-it-all. Nov 25, 2021 4:05am Everything is quiet and still as dusk's glow begins to filter through the sky in a peaceful corner of Moss Vale, in the NSW Southern Highlands. The fire pit crackles to life and horses snuffle nearby as the sun sinks behind trees – evening at Hideout Cabins offers a tranquillity that's hard to top.
A 1900s stone cottage refreshed with a contemporary extension
When homeowners Belinda and Peter first came across this Adelaide home they weren't entirely convinced it was the one for them. Built in the 1900s, the house had an interesting history and occupied a lovely corner block, but they could see it needed a renovation and a contemporary extension. So before they bought, the pair asked architect David Burton of Williams Burton Leopardi to take a quick look to see what he made of the property.
Expert home organisation tips
An organised home takes effort but clever systems make the job a whole lot easier. Set them up thoughtfully and a well-oiled household is within your reach. Aug 09, 2021 6:00am There is no 'one size fits all' approach to setting up and maintaining an organised home. But one thing all organised homes have in common is this: they save time and prevent stress. We asked the experts for their tips on how they create a place for everything – and have everything in its place.
A classic Queenslander home with a modern twist
Perched on the crest of a hill, this new home in inner Brisbane enjoys two street frontages. It was designed for an emptynester couple whose brief to architects Vokes and Peters was that the home not only respond to its rather idyllic site, but that its spaces be tailored to accommodate their extensive art collection. An Eames lounger from Inner Space is positioned near a rocking horse for the owners' grandchildren. Pom Pom rug, Jardan. The wall cladding and floorboards are made from blackbutt.
Unisex nurseries: how to create an inspiring and playful children's room
Decorating a nursery or kids' rooms can be a thankless task. When all your careful styling and delicate designs are hit by a tornado child and torn to shreds within days it can be tempting to close the door and try and forget about that room. But we believe there is a way to create a perfectly enchanting baby room that will be beloved and hardy enough to house your child. Plus, a few tricks and tweaks will allow it to grow with any child and family.
Innovative building: 5 new building materials to know in 2021
Lighter, stronger, sleeker... these new technologies are changing the way homes are built, look and perform. Feb 14, 2021 1:00pm The way Australian homes are designed has changed greatly in recent decades, and so has the way they're built. Today's new house is just as likely to be made from lightweight construction materials as it is from brick veneer. Spans of glass now reach higher and wider than ever before, and the thermal performance of building materials has taken on new importance.
A modern family home in Sydney's east influenced by Japanese design
Taking its style cues from Japan, this Sydney home has evolved and grown with its owners. Jan 13, 2021 11:57pm The owners of this house in Sydney's east are very open to change, a trait reflected in the fact they've been renovating, expanding and tweaking their home on and off for the past 11 years.
Inside stylist Steve Cordony's chic country home in Orange
It’s a passion project on an epic scale: a property near Orange, NSW, is being transformed into an exquisite home and garden that works beautifully for its owners. Dec 02, 2020 1:27am When the right place comes along, you'll know: that was the nugget of advice just about everyone gave to interiors stylist Steve Cordony when he was searching for a country home.
Inside stylist Steve Cordony's chic country home
It’s a passion project on an epic scale: a property near Orange, NSW, is being transformed into an exquisite home and garden that works beautifully for its owners. Dec 02, 2020 1:27am When the right place comes along, you'll know: that was the nugget of advice just about everyone gave to interiors stylist Steve Cordony when he was searching for a country home.
Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Award winners 2020
Celebrating the outstanding winners of this year’s Interior Design Awards. Nov 18, 2020 9:49pm The winners of this year's Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards represent a suitably inspiring culmination of the program's first 10 years, exhibiting the confidence, sophistication and verve of an industry that continues to go from strength to strength.
A rundown terrace renovation in Sydney’s inner west
Renovation projects come in all shapes and sizes. This one, in Sydney's inner west, was completed in four stages over almost a decade. "It wasn't ideal," says homeowner and interior designer Annie Bowen, "but it was the best way for us to be able to afford what we set out to do." Interior designer and homeowner Annie Bowen looks out from the living room balcony. Pictured opposite is Annie's son Billy, 10, with the family's groodle, Biscuit.
Real vs artificial Christmas trees: which is better for the environment
Christmas wouldn't be the same without a tree in all its finery, but how does your choice of tree impact the environment? Oct 20, 2020 1:00pm While the focus may be on the presents during Christmas, the kind of tree they sit under can have lasting effects. Photo: Maree Homer / bauersyndication.com.au Decorating the Christmas tree is one of this season's most beloved traditions.
A relaxed beachside garden in Sydney with native plantings
Simple materials and thoughtful plant choices create a relaxed beauty that runs right through this beachside garden in Sydney. Oct 07, 2020 3:40am The process of transforming a bare corner block into this relaxed, beachy garden had special significance for landscape designer Michael Cooke. The homeowner, architect Matthew Woodward, had bought the property on Sydney's northern beaches and it was his first home. "I've known Matthew for a very long time," says Michael.
A low-maintenance yet stylish townhouse in Sydney
Thanks to a very personal interior refresh, this Sydney townhouse is now a superbly stylish, easy-living home. Oct 02, 2020 2:00am The owners of this townhouse in Sydney's north derive a great amount of glee from the responses of visitors to their new home. "They love that it doesn't look like it belongs to a couple who are approaching their 80s," says Janice Yim, who fitted out the home with fellow Studio Quarters interior designer Theresa Chan.
Bathroom renovation expert advice: 8 answers to renovation FAQs
Planning a bathroom renovation? 8 experts answer the most commonly asked questions. Sep 30, 2020 11:00pm Freestanding baths require extra cleaning but they make a bathroom look larger so it might be worth the effort. Photo: Nicole England. 1. Cleaning the bathroom is my least favourite chore. How can I keep it to the absolute minimum? Large-format tiles mean fewer grout lines and less scrubbing. And floating vanities are easy to clean around.
A luxuriously rejuvenated 1860s apartment in Sydney
Befitting its location in a repurposed 1860s manor, this character-filled Sydney apartment is the perfect blend of liveable and luxe. Sep 24, 2020 5:13am T ime and place matter a great deal to Sydney interior designer Juanita Baldwin, who found herself irresistibly drawn to this apartment in an 1860s harbourside manor. Its potential to become a richly layered, story-filled home for her family was immediately obvious. Chandeliers from The Bronte Tram. Curtains, The Art of Windows.
Open-plan living: Tips for overcoming the obstacles
If there’s one layout style Australians have embraced with open arms, it’s open-plan. Here's how to make it work. Sep 17, 2020 1:20am Photo: Derek Swalwell / bauersyndication.com.au Open-plan layouts are a good fit for the Australian lifestyle: they're relaxed and informal, they draw in our beautiful natural light and they foster the indoor-outdoor connection we hold so dear. Yet open-plan living isn't always easy: the challenges extend from too much noise to too little wall space.
7 inviting outdoor room ideas
Warmer days invite us to step outside, so take inspiration from these beautiful spaces. Aug 20, 2020 3:00am Today, the distinction between indoors and out can be a little blurry. That's a good thing, says interior designer Ann King, because it means we're giving our outdoor living areas the attention to detail they deserve. "If it's designed well, you gain an extra living space that's comfortable, inviting and flexible," she adds.
MAKEOVER | This old dairy shed is now an idyllic holiday home
House Tour The owners honoured the utilitarian nature of the original outbuilding when transforming it into a comfortable two-bedroom weekend escape 26 July 2020 - 00:02 By Sarah Pickette Some pieces of land are simply magnetic, emanating a pull that's impossible to resist. That seems to be the case with this 14ha block of land at Main Ridge on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula in Australia.
A beach house on the NSW Central Coast receives a fresh update
This freshly updated beach house addresses and caresses the curves of the NSW Central Coast. Jul 17, 2020 1:57am A giant hug: that's what the owners of this beach house on the NSW Central Coast wanted it to feel like. "When you have a demanding, stressful job, it makes sense that you would seek out a place that acts as an antidote, a place where you can unwind," says Lynne Bradley, the Sydney interior designer in charge of delivering this hug-made-tangible for a family of six.
Stately mansion interior makeover
Refurbishing this grand Sydney home has provided its lucky new residents with the backdrop for a glamorous lifestyle. Jul 02, 2020 2:02am Comfortable, elegant, luxurious: this Sydney property has been completely transformed by design firm Coco Republic. From the rugs on the floor to the sink-into-me sofas and beautiful finishes, every detail has been carefully considered. It's classic in style, warm in feel and supremely homely – and that's important, because soon it will be a home to many.
15 Expert Bathroom Renovation Tips Original
Ways to create a beautiful and practical space. Jun 30, 2020 1:00am Want to bring your dream bathroom to life but are unsure where to begin? We asked the experts for their advice on how best to approach a bathroom renovation. 1. Write down a list of what you don't like in a bathroom "I find this is a really effective way to arrive at what you do want in your bathroom. Then write another two lists: your must-haves and your desires.
An interior designer's renovated white weatherboard home
Not everyone gets a second bite of the cherry when it comes to renovating, but Terri Shannon did: she's had the good fortune to have renovated her bayside Melbourne home twice now, with the most recent project seeing an open-plan extension added. The house's fretwork might look original but it was installed by owner/interior designer Terri, pictured, and her husband Luke. A decorative urn creates a focal point
in the garden, where rosemary, Portuguese laurel and hydrangeas thrive.
A clever refresh has given this grand home a sophisticated touch
When they decided it was time for an update, the owners of this Sydney home knew exactly the right interior designer for the job. Jun 01, 2020 4:48am For an interior designer, there's possibly no greater compliment than to be asked back by clients because they're so satisfied with your work. That's the situation Lynne Bradley found herself in with this home in Sydney's leafy north. "I first did some work on this house about four years ago," she says.
7 alternative flooring trends to consider for 2020/2021
The more common flooring options may be well known to you, but there are also some new and innovative materials you might not have considered. May 28, 2020 3:33am The flooring you choose can make a huge difference to how your home looks and functions. It's a long-term investment, so it pays to investigate all your material options before you commit. Below, we look at 7 alternative options for the home.
Power-saving tips that will also save you money
Take the sting out of gas and electricity bills with these simple power-saving tips. May 12, 2020 12:20am Drying laundry on a clothesline once a week instead of in a dryer could save you about $70 annually. Photo: Getty Images Electricity and gas make up a big slice of the household budget, so it pays – or more to the point, saves – to use energy wisely. There are some very simple ways to save money on energy bills, and there are even more savings if you dig a bit deeper.
A Federation home renovation that perfectly balances the old and new
The old Federation home had seen better days. But as Tony drove by it, winding his way along the tree-lined street in one of Sydney's loveliest harbourside suburbs, he stopped to take a look. "From that point, he couldn't get it out of his mind," says Kim, his wife. "Even with its verandah half falling off, the house had a real pull to it." Jetmaster fireplace. Custom-made joinery by Bespoke Creations. B&B Italia 'Bend' sofa, Space. Normann Copenhagen 'Era' lounge chair.
How To Make Old Homes Sustainable
You don't need to start from scratch to have a more efficient home. Find out how you can boost your home's environmental credentials with some smart retrofits. Feb 09, 2020 11:00pm Old and existing homes can boost their environmental credentials with the right modifications. Photo: Sharyn Cairns / bauersyndication.com.au Building regulations require today's new homes to be more eco-friendly than ever before.
A heritage home receives an out-of-the-box renovation
The renovation project was incredibly complex, but perseverance has reaped beautiful rewards for the owners of this home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Jan 21, 2020 2:36am There's no such thing as the too-hard basket for Jo Gillies, director of Archisoul Architects. If there was, this renovation on Sydney's Northern Beaches would surely be in it.
How To Start Composting
Keep your soil happy with your very own compost garden Jan 20, 2020 1:00pm There benefits of composting are endless! You can improve the structure, water retention and drainage of the soil in your garden, as well as increasing the retention of nutrients, resulting in happy and healthy plants. Here's how to get started. The best bit? Once you're all set up, your compost system will mostly look after itself.
An updated 1920s beach retreat fit for family living
A relaxed, beachy beauty runs right through this freshly extended home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Jan 12, 2020 10:06pm Before they'd even stepped through the front door, Suzy and Nick O'Rourke knew this home they'd come to inspect was the one. But because it was the first property they viewed, they weren't completely confident about acting on their gut feeling. "We thought 'surely it can't be that easy?'" says Suzy.
A bright weatherboard weekender dressed up for the festive season
With a holiday home to share, there’s a beachy Christmas on the horizon. Dec 02, 2019 11:39pm Raucous kookaburras and noisy rainbow lorikeets herald the arrival of Christmas at this holiday house on Sydney's Northern Beaches. As the birds greet the dawn, three little girls – Astrid, seven, Elsa, five, and one-year-old Clara – will likely be climbing out of bed and waking their parents, Anthony and Emma Spon-Smith, bursting with excitement at what the day ahead holds.
A calming bathroom with blue joinery and white mosaic tiles
A new layout has transformed this Sydney bathroom into a peaceful haven. Sep 19, 2019 3:11am Problems with the floor plan prompted the owners of this Sydney home to overhaul their ensuite. They asked the team at Minosa to design a smart, serene ensuite that made better use of the existing space. "The light in the room was great but there was a daggy bay window and the spatial planning needed a rethink," says Darren Genner, co-founder of Minosa.
home repair checklist
Let's get started on all those jobs you've been putting off. Apr 16, 2019 3:03am Some home repairs seem more daunting than others. And when you're not sure where to start, it's easy to sit on your hands. Sarah Pickette calls in the experts to help you shift those big jobs out of the too-hard basket. Roof issues can strike fear in the hearts of homeowners because they seem so… big.
7 designer dining rooms to inspire
These dining rooms can handle a quick bite on a weeknight or pull-out-all-the-stops dinner party with aplomb. Nov 14, 2017 12:09am A great dining room should be comfortable enough for long meals, adaptable enough to handle any occasion and robust enough to withstand years of use. And in the era of open-plan living, when not everyone can dedicate a whole room to dining, a delineated zone in your living space will do the trick nicely – a rug and pendant light can work wonders in this regard.
Tips for rebuilding an eco-friendly home
Building designer Peter Earnshaw was extremely well placed to redesign this eastern-Melbourne home: he lived in it for almost three years. "When the owners bought it, they asked me to assess its renovation potential," he says. "My wife and I had sold our home and were looking for somewhere to rent, so we took the opportunity to move in." It quickly became apparent to Peter that, as charming as the 1956 home was, this project was more rebuild than renovation.
The Garage Sale Trail 2018: everything you need to know
With spring clear-outs happening across the nation, a question inevitably arises: what to do with the perfectly good stuff you no longer want? "The answer is to host a garage sale," says Darryl Nichols, co-founder of the Garage Sale Trail. This year's Garage Sale Trail takes place on the weekend of October 20-21 and an estimated 400,000 Australians are expected to take part, either as sellers or potential buyers. The reasons to sign up are pretty compelling, says Nichols.
Three Birds' fresh blue and white bathroom renovation
"From the beginning I had a curved ceiling in mind; I loved the idea of a subway vibe," says Bonnie Hindmarsh, co-founder and creative director of Three Birds Renovations and designer and owner of this Sydney bathroom. Shared by two of her four sons, the space had to be playful yet still fit in with the muted tones used throughout the rest of the home.
6 of the latest bathroom flooring options
The days of tiles being the default option for bathroom flooring have well and truly come to an end. That's because there's an endless array of flooring options on the market that are not only aesthetically appealing, but durable, waterproof and more affordable too! Timber-look floors are currently on-trend, as homeowners move away from the minimalist style of white-on-white bathrooms, to the charming and warm look of natural wood finishes.
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