2023 - A fresh start!

Well, it’s been a colourful start to the year!

After a great Christmas, a road trip began. Travel this year was westward, towards Adelaide, along the coast, flying into Princetown via Helicopter over theTwelveApostles - amazing! From the Coorong we headed north, up and over the Spencer Gulf, to Port Lincoln. We saw beautiful coastline, beaches and seaside towns. As usual, I photographed everything along the way, as I embraced the history, the architecture (original limestone buildings) and the remote wilderness. I even managed a swim with the sea lions off the S.A. coast! An experience I will never forget!

On the return trip, totally unplanned, we hit a roadblock as I suffered a minor heart attack on the Murray River. I was flown by air ambulance from Swan Hill to Melbourne, where I underwent surgery at the Epworth hospital. I’m truly grateful for the amazing medics, and the treatment I received. We indeed live in a lucky country, and I’m am one very lucky guy!

Back home now, after the years bumpy start, I’m trying to reflect on my work/life balance. Last year was indeed intense, with MANY projects on the go, each with their own individual requirements and challenges. I love my work, however this year I may need to consider some moderation.

It’s clearly time to re-evaluate, reassess, and begin 2023 with a fresh start!

Twelve Apostles, Vic, December 2022

‘The Obelisk’ Robe, S.A. December 2022

‘Karratha House’ Robe, S.A. December 2022

Tungkillo, S.A. January 2023

Eucalyptus, Port Augusta, S.A. 2023

Oysters, Coffin Bay, S.A. January 2023

‘Homestead’ Mildura, Vic. January 2023

Perlubie Beach, South Australia January 2023

HEART, HEALTH, AIR, AMBULANCE.

One moment Im standing on the banks of the Murray River, the next I’m being flown by air ambulance to Melbourne.
An insanely busy year, and some self neglect, lead to a minor heart attack. My cardiac history caught up with me, again. Have now had surgery, and a new stent placed in a blocked artery.
So grateful to the team at @ambulancevic , the staff at @epworth_ hospital, my amazing cardiologist, and of course mr @guyreeves1 for everything he does!
Time now to recover, re-evaluate, and renew!

The Birch & Bloom

I have recently discovered the amazing timber mosaics of @thebirchandbloom - and I am in love!

Made from locally sourced and reclaimed barn wood in Texas!!

Can’t wait to work a piece into a project!

AVENUE OF DESIGN

For the first time in 2022, Decor + Design hosted the Avenue of Design, 14 – 17 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Curated by Tigger Hall and Lucinda Kimpton, the feature was situated on the concourse near the entrance to the exhibition, showcasing the work of eleven eminent Australian interior designers in a series of beautiful vignettes.

A Celebration of Australian Creativity

The Avenue of Design was inspired by the wildly successful inaugural Como by Design event in 2018, which was the brainchild of well-known interior designer Tigger Hall. The magnificent Como House in Melbourne was ‘reimagined’ by high-profile Melbourne interior designers, each decorating a space of the historic property.

With a return to live events this year, the Avenue of Design at Decor + Design was be a unique celebration of creativity and a platform to showcase the extraordinary talent in the local Australian design community.

Designers that took part in 2022 include Melissa Balzan Design, Tigger Hall Design, Kimpton Interiors, Justin Bishop, JAM Interiors, Camilla Molders Design, Collette Dinnigan, Julian Ronchi and Maine House Interiors.

HILTON MELBOURNE LQS

Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street Breathes New Life Into Melbourne’s Historic Equity Chambers Building by international hotel owner and developer M&L Hospitality designed by leading Australian architecture studio Bates Smart.

Built in 1931, Melbourne’s Equity Chambers was renowned for its architectural style and Italian Romanesque and Gothic detailing. In its reimagining as Hilton Melbourne LQS, the building’s old world-charm has been respected and original features restored, whilst seamlessly connecting a modern six-level extension with a 16-level tower to the historic site.

Within its historic walls, the old and new have been cleverly combined, with sandstone, European Oak and bronze materials, creating a traditional yet modern palette against the backdrop of grand high ceilings, marble stone finishes and upholstery in hues of navy, taupe and royal blue.

I had the pleasure of staying there recently for a long weekend. A wonderful experience topped of by breakfasts at Luci, the in house restaurant, and drinks at The Douglas Club, a classic bar with a dramatically moody atmosphere!

Below are my images from the stay.

Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is located at 18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

PRODUCT REVIEW 07

PLAID!

For me, plaid oozes style, character and charm! I love it in moderation or in full force! It’s one of the most widespread, recognisable and ubiquitous designs in the world, coming in almost every colour and design under the sun. Plaid has meant a lot of different things to many different people during the thousands of years that people have been using this iconic fabric.

Technically, plaid isn’t the pattern’s proper name. That honor goes to the word “tartan,” which was first used to describe the individual colors and patterns used to decorate the clothes of different Scottish clans. While they often came in the same colors, “plaids” were actually heavy traveling cloaks worn to ward off the bitter cold of the Scottish winters. Plaid only replaced tartan once the patterns became popular with British and American textile manufacturers who would recreate fabrics that looked like tartans, but without centuries of symbolic meaning embedded in their clothing.

“If you lived in a remote land, you would buy your woven cloth from the same weaver,” says Scottish Tartans Authority’s Brian Wilton. “And the weaver would not be reproducing a choice of patterns, but a standard pattern using the colors available to him, many of which were vegetable dyes.” Over time, these local patterns became synonymous with the regional clans scattered throughout Scotland.

During the 18th century, tartan was co-opted from Scottish family symbol to military uniform under James Francis Edward Stuart’s 1714 rebellion against the English monarchy. At the time, a pattern now known as “Black Watch Plaid” became associated with the Royal Highland Regiment, a Scottish military force that remained the pride of the United Kingdom’s army until it was disbanded in 2003.

In recent years, however, plaid has had such a strong resurgence that in some places you would be hard-pressed to look around without seeing it used. From fashion (From classic Burberry to the tartans of Vivienne Westwood) and to interiors (in upholstery, drapery and even carpet by the likes of Ralph Lauren Home) plaid plays makes a wonderful statement. In my opinion, whatever the color and context, plaid is a pattern that may never go out of style.

Currently, I am hand designing my own range of plaids! It’s proving to be extremely satisfying. Cant wait to share the results very soon!

Travelling home

Once again, I find myself on my last days of the summer holidays.

And once again, I find myself sad to see them end, but excited for the year ahead. I'm revitalised, renewed, refreshed.

Below are some images from my travels. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do. I love the colours, the textures and the mood!

Inspiration is the key to creativity! I look forward to sharing my creative endeavours with you this year!

THE BEEKMAN HOTEL

Reminiscing about travel this week, and remembering my stay at the glorious Beekman Hotel NYC, a few years ago.

“Built in 1881 as one of New York’s first skyscrapers, then serving as an office block for decades, The Beekman was abandoned for over 15 years before its multi-million-dollar renovation by British architect Martin Brudnizki, the man behind Soho House and the renovated Royal Academy of Art.

Though still relatively new on the city’s hotel scene, the hotel has rapidly gained a reputation as one of New York's most stunning – and rightly so. The central spine of the hotel is the atrium, a nine-storey riot of wrought-iron balustrades under a glass roof. On the ground floor, underneath the atrium, the atmospheric Bar Room is straight out of an Agatha Christie set, all plump sofas, fringed table lamps, green leather-topped bar stools and a long glass case stuffed with conversation-starting curios.”

The Beekman Hotel

123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038, United States.

00 1 212 233 2300

thebeekman.com

HEAD TURNERS

Interviewed recently by KylieJacks of Australian Home Beautiful magazine, I discussed the importance of a hero feature when designing a show stopping kitchen.

Kylie writes: ”Want some WOW factor in the kitchen? Follow our expert guide to choosing the hero fixtures and finishes to set your zone apart…

COVETABLE COOKER 

If your cooker is bound to get a lot of use and claim a central position, it deserves hero status says Justin Bishop of Justin Bishop Interior Design. Large ovens suit avid cooks, keen entertainers and big kitchens. “Set the cooker centre stage and consider framing it with thoughtfully designed joinery in-keeping with the style of the oven,” recommends Justin. “Look at the visual elements of your preferred cooker - whether it’s enamel or stainless steel, will dictate the finish of other appliances in the space. Also take cues from the oven handles or bars to select cohesive finishes across hardware, taps and lighting which will create balance within the space.”

Trending Now

“For enduring appeal and functionality I love the AGA eR7 150 in classic white. It’s a timeless choice with character, that works with many period styles, finishes and accessories” Justin Bishop - designer 

SIGNATURE SINK 

Everything including the kitchen sink, has the potential to be a focal point. Teamed with statement tapware, a sink can deliver exceptional functionality and style, whether you want to create drama with bold black, add luxe sheen with brushed brass, or convey classic charm with an exposed ceramic butler style. For impact and accessibility Justin Bishop recommends placing it in a prominent position. “I love a feature sink on a beautiful big island, or where possible on the same axis as the cooker for visual strength.” If the design calls for two sinks, team the hero, with a smaller version in the same style for a cohesive look.  

Trending Now

“The Acquello double fireclay sink from the English Tapware Company is one of the largest most impressive sinks on the market. It’s simple design allows you to expose the front for a classic look, or mount it fully enclosed to suit a contemporary setting” - Justin Bishop, designer

HIA CSR BUILDING AWARDS

I am very proud to have worked as the interior designer on TWO major properties in the HIA CSR Building Awards this year. Between both projects the builders took out the following awards.
Sheridan Building
- Home of the year
- Custom home over 3 million
- Kitchen of the year
- New kitchen over $100k
- New bathroom over $30k
- Victorian laundry
Woodridge Homes
- Winners outdoor projects
- Finalist, Custom home
- Finalist, New kitchen
The awards are a testament to the meticulous and professional work from both builders and their teams. Its wonderful to work in conjunction with these industry leaders. With architecture by Christopher Doyle Architects, it’s clearly a recipe for success!

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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FROM MY DESK 06

STYLING WITH BLACK

Winter in Australia is drawing to a close. We will soon see the colours of Spring and feel the warmth of the sun, and all it brings!

Before we embrace this welcome change, I am still holding on to the last moments of Winter. (It's secretly one of my favourite seasons) A recent evening in Sassafras saw snow falling in abundance. It was truly magical! Winter suits my classic 'gentleman's' style perfectly. It's a timeless indoors aesthetic, be it a traditional dining room with an open fire, or a well-loved home office with vintage books and leather furniture. Dark moody winter style, to me, is perfection!

A feature of this style is the colour black. We see it in soft furnishings and hard finishes. Black timber panelling, black velvet curtains, black marble floors or a painted black accent wall can bring classic, traditional elegance to a room. Especially when used for contrast in an otherwise monochromatic scheme.

Classic black can add character and drama to a space, and this month I am embracing it. 

Classic details in my home office, Sassafras. August 2020