THE BLACKWOOD SASSAFRAS

In 2020, Melbournes lockdown saw the temporary closeure of my Bed and Breakfast, The Blackwood Sassafras.

It allowed me the luxury of time to renovate and restyle the interior. New details were added in a neutral pallet and woody tones creating a subtle masculine atmosphere. The interior now sparkles with decorative highlights in cut glass and thoughtfully selected vintage pieces.

The Blackwood has the look of a London or a New York apartment from the Edwardian era, and could pass as being built with the properties nearby original house in 1910. There is perhaps a gentleman who lives there, his top hat and cane are on the coat stand, his books are by the fire and his whiskey is in a cut glass decanter on the elegant sideboard. He is passionate about traditional, hand-tailored style but he enjoys the luxuries of the modern world.

The Blackwood Sassafras is styled on this concept; traditional details combined with state of the art technology, to create an exclusive retreat for your enjoyment.

It is booked out solidly through the festive season, but bookings are open now for January and beyond.

https://www.theblackwoodsassafras.com.au

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PRODUCT REVIEW 04

Natural Marble

An important part of preparing for a renovation or new build is to select the hard finishes that work for you! The type of stone, for flooring, benchtops and/or walls, can be a difficult choice!

I often use a selection of natural stone, in particular, marble in my projects. At first, my clients can be apprehensive, natural marble can be a fearful choice for some. I put forward the pros and cons, and together we made an informed decision.

Carrara, Calacatta, Emperador and Crema Marfil marble - to name a few - like other natural stones, are porous. The lighter varieties (in colour), can show stains and scratches. They also need regular care in order to maintain their beautiful appearance. In addition, cleaning marble and other types of stone must be done properly with a pH-balanced stone cleaner. As a lover of natural products, I believe these drawbacks should be embraced. Imperfections show that a house has been enjoyed, lived in, they tell a story.

Some love the look, but question if the maintenance is worth it. The obvious solution, in this case, is to opt for faux stone porcelain. The options here are endless, (be it from Caesarstone, Stylestone or CDK's neolith range) and the quality is superb thanks to recent advancements in technical manufacturing. Faux stone can be a better choice for some.

The majority of the real deal is quarried in the Italian province of the name of the stone, ie Carrara and Calacatta! Imported in large quantities, Carrara is not overly expensive and is available in a variety of shades, from pure white to bardiglio black. Other marbles, including Calacatta, Statuario or Thasos (from Greece) can be more expensive, especially for the more unusual varieties.

This range of shades allows me to create stunning patterned mosaics or to add bold contrasting borders in a room. The simple white and grey tones of most marbles also mean that it can be a perfect base for colour accents, in fabric, wallpaper or joinery.

For me, nothing beats the look of authentic marble but either way, the look is stunning. Marble is timeless and elegant. It transcends period style and can work effortlessly in a modern or traditional setting.

PRODUCT REVIEW 03

Persian Rugs

A Persian carpet is a hand-knotted silk or silk/wool oriental rug from Iran (formerly known as Persia). They are known for intricate designs that are primarily oriental, floral style in a range of colours, sizes and quality. Persian Kerman rugs are a particular favourite of mine. I love the colour combinations of these rugs! They are often quite subtle, and 'de-saturated' which suits my restrained colour pallet perfectly. Today they are often woven to look antique!

Carpet weaving is an essential part of Persian culture and Iranian art. Within the group of Oriental rugs produced by the countries of the so-called "rug belt", the Persian carpet stands out by the variety and elaborateness of its manifold designs. The indigenous brilliance of local craftspeople has made Persian carpets one of the most sought after works of art in the world. 

A rug design can be described by the way the ornaments are arranged within the pile. One basic design may dominate the entire field, or the surface may be covered by a pattern of repeating figures.

In areas with traditional, time-honoured local designs, such as the Persian nomad tribes, the weaver is able to work from memory, as the specific patterns are part of the family or tribal tradition. This is usually sufficient for less elaborate, mostly rectilinear designs. For more elaborate, especially curvilinear designs, the patterns are carefully drawn to scale in the proper colours on graph paper. The resulting design plan is termed a "cartoon". The weaver weaves a knot for each square on the scale paper, which allows for an accurate rendition of even the most complex designs. Designs have changed little through centuries of weaving.

Carpet weaving still plays a major part in the economy of modern Iran. Modern production is characterized by the revival of traditional dyeing with natural dyes, the reintroduction of traditional tribal patterns, but also by the invention of modern and innovative designs, woven in the centuries-old technique. Hand-woven Persian carpets and rugs have been regarded as objects of high artistic and utilitarian value and prestige since the first time they were mentioned by ancient Greek writers.

There is always a place for Persian rugs in my interior schemes. They blend so well with my design style and add an authentic layer of character and beauty!

PRODUCT REVIEW 02

Handpainted Wallpaper

I have been lucky enough to work with hand-painted wallpapers on various projects over the years. Used in moderation, they can add a luxurious level of design to an interior scheme. 

Chinoiserie wall-coverings are probably my favourite. Designs traditionally painted in Asia, are these days often produced in Europe and North America,  where eastern designs are given a western spin. Scenes of old India, with classic architectural references, are wonderful, as are botanic scenes of China and Japan featuring plants and animals, alongside lush garden ornamentation.

While I prefer muted, monochromatic tones with just a hint of colour, I do appreciate more vibrant designs, with rich use of watercolour and gouache.

'De Gournay', 'Gracie' and 'Griffon & Wong' are traditional suppliers of hand-painted pieces. Their online galleries are well worth a look!

I am currently researching a piece for a residential project. Below are some favourites…

Airstreams

After spending my summer holidays on the NSW coast, soaking up the sun and atmosphere in Byron Bay and the central coast, I was reminded of my journal entry from a few years back; ‘Airstreams’ - and all their cool, sophisticated glory!

In 1931, Airstream began with Wally Byam’s dream: to build a travel trailer that would move like a stream of air, be light enough to be towed by a car and create first-class accommodations anywhere.

When it comes to Airstream trailers, I am totally smitten. I dream of the day that I own one myself. It could be a second home, an office or vehicle for luxury travel. It would be custom designed, new or old with a classic, refurbished interior and a gleaming, metallic shell. The shinier, the better. 

Dreaming of your own polished aluminum quarters? Here are some classic midcentury examples that have been inventively restored and put to use as hotel rooms, guest houses, home offices, and in a few cases travel vehicles.

Above: A 1952 model renovated by a yacht interior designer functions as a hotel room at The Hotel Daniel in Vienna.

Above: One of many restored Airstreams seen on Vintage Seekers via Design Sponge.

Above: Landscape architect Andreas Stavropoulos transformed a 1959 Airstream trailer into a fully functioning office.

Above: The accommodations at Atlantic Byron Bay resort include this fully equipped Airstream imported from America.

Above: In Albany, California, just north of Berkeley, is Flowerland nursery with a trailer coffee shop featured on Gardenista.

Above: Vancouver's Le Marché St. George café and grocery crew often picnic and camp out of their 1969 Airstream Land Yacht.

Above: A 1965 Airstream Safari recast by Area 63 Productions and interior designer Caroline Brandesfor rent on her property in Big Sur, California.

Berluti...

Occasionally a lux product presents itself that we cannot unsee! This football game by Italian shoe company Berluti is seriously stunning; we covet it!

The “Gentlemans Journal”  writes...

“Football is, after all, called the beautiful game. As such, it seems only right that an object paying homage to the sport should itself be a thing of beauty.

Made in celebration of UEFA Euro 2016, which will be held in France, Berluti have released a table football set as part of their ‘Game On’ capsule collection. Made entirely by hand and covered in their signature Venezia leather, it’s a sumptuous affair. With a graphite-grey playing surface, hand polished players and aluminium handles, the table has the look of a treasured antique. Yet it will play well too, having been designed in collaboration with Bonzini, a firm that has been making superior games tables for over 60 years.”. 

Available at Harrods

Bespoke Wallpapers

Recently, we installed some hand made/ hand printed wallpaper in the formal study of a residential project.

Its all about layers, each layer should have a commonality with the next and should play its part in building up a beautiful interior. In the case of this wallpaper we selected an archival design, most suitable for a traditional study. We hand selected a natural cream and a accent colour that perfectly flowed with the colours of other elements in the room. The oak flooring, the curtains (not shown here) and the elegant off white walls.

A third accent colour, handprinted onto the paper, was a fine metallic bronze, highlighting the details of the pattern. This detail matched the antique bronze light fittings and the darker tones of the oak parquet floor. A beautiful connection.

The paper was a collaboration with Maree Wilding, through her company 'Interior Productions' and we feel it was a great success. We look forward to collaborating with her again, on future projects, next year.

The Art of Wonderment

The Art of Wonderment continues the theme of printed interiors - with an absolute gem from the British Pathé filmmakers. This time in Greenford, Middlesex 1968, showcasing more large scale printing techniques. 

The stunning production of hand routed and hand blocked wallpaper printing...