Choosing plaster details today at Hopkins Plaster.
Surrounded by beautiful white chalky plaster, I was inspired by the subtle elegance of the interior details. A lot of the original cornices and panels that Hopkins keep in stock, to be able to replace or recreate a stunning detail from an original building, are truly breathtaking
While my choices today were conservative and appropriate for one of my current projects, I would love the chance to work with some of their large dramatic styles.
Last week I began discussions on a new project... a fabric collection.
Working with a local textile importer, I am developing a range of beautiful linens, cottons and silks.
Samples have been ordered, deadlines have been set, the work now begins. I am very excited.
A kitchen that I designed last year is being installed this week.
Not wanting to leave anything to chance, I insist on regularly checking every detail before installation. I was thrilled to see this latest kitchen coming together, looking as it should just prior to painting and trims. The proportions of the range hood fit beautifully within the scale of the room and all details, from the layout to the cabinet profiles, are perfect!
I will sleep well tonight.
Today, as I begin writing my second book, I discover that my first book, "Country Style & Design" is being spotted around the world. Here we see it at the stunning "Round Barn Potting Company" in Andover, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Another current project is well underway, with plaster now in and rooms taking shape.
This is always an exciting stage for me, as everything starts coming together, cabinetry, tiling, paint and other fittings. Deliveries are being coordinated and orders confirmed. its all about timing. Working with builders, tilers, cabinetmakers and painters. Making sure that everything is ready, every question answered, every decision made.
We are all on the same page and things can continue to progress.
I have always had a love of original white tiles. Aged, cracked, time warn. It began as a boy, when my parents began restoring out country home, we regularly visited Melbournes grand old properties.
Among them were the houses of the National Trust... and Como in South Yarra was one of my favorites. While it had been modernised in the 20's and 30's, it had retained a lot of its stately Victorian grandeur, its bathrooms for example.
I remember the sight of the enormous hand basins, perfectly chipped and stained, sitting against original white tiled walls and floors. Beautiful, solid, substantial tile work, installed to last, and showing just the right amount of age. I loved it. I think these moments also formed my aversion to colour. The white tiles on their own were enough, teamed with handsome original steel tap ware, perfection!
The Hawthorn house seen in my previous posts is coming together nicely.
Here we see the kitchen taking shape, after months of anticipation. It's classic clean lines and pure colour scheme in shades of white have created a striking contemporary look, with enough traditional style to blend with the original house.
I'm very pleased with how its coming together.
This weekend we continued to landscape the grounds of our new project on our Sassafras property.
A sweeping set of of garden steps was created with reclaimed railway sleepers which blend perfectly with the surroundings. Closer to the deck a more structured staircase was built to create a connection between the garden and the house.
It's begging to take shape and I'm looking forward to this work continuing.
Next week we will begin to plant...
The entrance is taking shape!
Out of what was once a jungle of overgrown garden, a driveway is formed and landscaping begins. The building, erected last year is being painted and trimmed. Its beginning to take shape... slowly but surely!
I love revisiting favourite projects.
So luckily for me, a beautiful property that I worked on some years ago is in need of some final touches.
I met the owners when the house was at its inception and worked with them closely through its planning and design stages. Throughout the build I designed many interior elements; from the overall interior style, to the colour pallet and details including the kitchen, hardware and all hard finishes.
Five years on the house is still in immaculate condition and revisiting it, I'm proud to say, it still looks as fresh as it did when the build was complete. Clearly, it has timeless style.
The kitchen, seen here, is now complete with some stunning furniture that I designed alongside the owners. We sourced the leather and bronze studs and had the chairs made. The dining table is also bespoke and made of walnut.
I'm now addressing the entire house, sourcing furniture, art and accessories to complete the home.
