JASPER

CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN STYLE

Come home to luxury. Experience a statement

of uncompromising comfort designed for
flexible living.

AUSTRALIA AUCKLAND KUALA LUMPUR LONDON SINGAPORE SHANGHAI VANCOUVER I kingliving.com

I
Calming shades.
Suggestive of morning mists,
cool horizons and tranquil
mountain eucalypts, Bluegum®
is a mid-tone grey that brings
calmness and serenity to an
exterior palette.

Inspired by Australia’s natural

landscapes, COLORBOND®
steel has the durability to
perform in some of Australia’s
harshest conditions.

Discover COLORBOND® steel’s

new and refreshed palette @
colorbond.com/colours

Made
e by
yAAu
ustra
aliia

Th
T he CO
COL
OLLORBRBO OND® st steel colou
olo
ouur swwatch sho sho
ownwn has been n re
rep
epproduc ced
ed tto
o rre
epres
pr sent
ent
actu
acctuual pr
pro
ro
odu
duct
ct colo
olou
ou urs as a ac
ccurate
cura
ur tte
elyy ass poss
poss
os iibble.
e. How
Hooweve
weve
ever,
r, we recomm
co
omm
m en nd
d che
ch
heec
cking
k g
kin
yo
yoour
ur cho osen
sen
e coolo
lo
ouurr again
gain
a st an ac actu ual
a
al sa
ample e of thhe product
rodu
od ct befoefo
ore p
purc chhaasin
sing
ga ass
va
v aryying
ing liigh
ght
gh
g t condit
d tio
io
onnss an
nd lim
nd imiita
ita
ations
o of of tthe
e prin
rintin
tin
ing p prooce
cess may aff
affe
ffec
ect ccolo
ourr
tone
to ess. COLOR
OLORBOND
OLO BON
BOND
ON ®, BlueBlueeSSccoope
op
pe,
e,, the
the BlueSco
eScopepe b brra
ra
and
nd
nd ma
mark and
and ® cocolo
olo
olo
ouur nammeses a
are
arre
e
rre
eg
egi
giste
ster
stereed trad
trad
de mmar
ma arrks
ks of
of BlueSc
eSco op
op pe
e St
Ste
te
ee l L
eel Limitte
ed. © 202
2022 2 Bl
Blu
BlueS
ueSScop
ope e Sttee
e
eel Limite
it d
AB BN
N 1166 000 011 058. All All ri
rigghts res
resse
ser
erved d.
 DECEMBER

COVER STORIES
18 O Christmas tree Our favourite designers
decorate for the holidays
36 Set the table Beautiful style ideas
70 Let it glow Elegant festive candles
138 The ultimate kitchen guide Cookware + fridges
158 Season’s eatings Magical dinners & lovely long
lunches to wow your guests

124
NATURAL BEAUTY
BEAUTIFUL STYLE 92
16
18
In the know What’s hot in design inspiration and in stores
Home for Christmas Six designers share their secrets for
COUNTRY
decorating the tree, and their home, just in time for the holidays ESCAPE
36 Christmas tablescapes Put your best fork forward with elegant
table settings for your festive feast
46 Creative collection Hope & Co ceramicists Sarah Hope and
Georgie Morrison share their bespoke Christmas decorations

BEAUTIFUL SHOPPING
60 The HB edit: Christmas gift guide Perfect presents for everyone
70 Sweetness and light Fragrant and flickering candles
72 Beauty: Scents of occasion Feel complete with a signature scent
74 Books: Turning the page Non-fiction to suit every interest

BEAUTIFUL HOMES
80 The perfect presence Sun-drenched, airy rooms and an idyllic
coastal location make this family home an entertainer’s dream
92 A country Christmas A charming farmhouse in the wool capital
of Australia is the backdrop for rustic, yet modern, style in spades
102 Light fantastic For this family, creating a forever home
from scratch meant all their dreams came true
112 A sea change Heading to the seaside was just the tonic this
South African family needed to reconnect and refresh

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS
124 Pick of the bunch The farmer behind White Cottage Flower Farm
shares her tips for bringing Christmas cheer to your backyard
132 Unearthed The latest in garden buys and expert advice

BEAUTIFUL DESIGN
138 Turning up the heat Transform your kitchen in time for the 158
summer entertaining season and beyond with our handbook
on cookware, bakeware and knives
FESTIVE
146 Keep your cool Our buyer’s guide to fridges for all budgets FEAST
18
HOME FOR
CHRISTMAS

BEAUTIFUL FOOD
158 A beautiful Christmas menu The ultimate collection of festive
dishes, from the traditional roast to a panettone trifle
168 Lunch by the sea The chefs at Sydney’s Bathers’ Pavilion
share their favourite crowd-pleasing recipes
178 Celebrate! Kitchen essentials and holiday treats

REGULAR FEATURES
10 Staff Who we are, where to find us and our Privacy Notice
11 Ed’s letter Editor-in-chief Elle on her favourite time of year
186 Unsung icons: The Christmas Day Olympics Comedian
David Smiedt on Australia’s unique, yet treasured, traditions
 A DV E RT I S E M E N T

Top flooring picks from Oak & Orange

From left: Karndean Looselay Originals Tile
in Utah; Jute Flatweave Patchwork Rug;
Sucasa Carpet in Mist; andersens.com.au

FLOOR PLAN
FOUNDERS OF OAK & ORANGE DIVULGE EVERYTHING
THEY KNOW ABOUT FLOORING – AND WHERE TO FIND IT
Channelling years of experience, the interiors it is, making it a perfect choice for a family
experts behind Oak & Orange share their home. There are so many colour choices
thoughts on how to make a house feel like with real authentic-looking timber styles,”
home. Both wives to builders, Heather and says Heather. “What makes it stand out over
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSENS
Sarah really knows the ins and outs of a home timber or hybrid flooring for us is the way that Beginning a new design chapter can
build from start to finish. “We have been it is laid – the planks are loose laid or glued be overwhelming – it can be difficult
friends for over 17 years now. Eleven years straight down and do not interlock, which to know where to start and who
ago, our builder husbands started their own means it is so simple and easy to replace to trust. Andersens wealth of
knowledge, and over 60 years
home building company. Since then, together just one single piece if it ever happens to experience, provides you with the
with our husbands, we have designed and get damaged.” problem-solving attitude to optimise
built over 20 homes in the past 10 years,” When it comes to flooring non-negotiables,
the results you desire. If it’s a single
says Heather. room spruce-up or a full-scale
Heather and Sarah emphasise the importance renovation, the team at Andersens
The Oak & Orange duo delight in designing of colour and maintenance. “Since flooring can help determine what styles and
homes for the modern family. “We love takes up a large percentage of the surface products will work best to suit your
space and your needs.
letting others in on our hot tips and believe space in a room, getting the colour right
gorgeous family homes should be low will have a great impact on the overall SCAN TO READ OUR
maintenance and easy to clean, leaving you outcome of your design. We are all for DIGITAL MAGAZINE
ON FLOORS, WINDOW
more time to spend with your loved ones,” low-maintenance flooring so with a little bit COVERINGS AND MORE
says Heather. With family-friendly design in of research and some helpful advice from
mind, Heather and Sarah lean towards vinyl Andersens it’s possible to have the colour
planks as their top pick from Andersens. you want and a low-maintenance floor that
“We love how durable and hardwearing suits your family’s needs,” says Sarah.
 ELEGANCE
Available through Interior Designers,
Decorators and selected stockists
Call us on 07 3806 5370
www.xavierfurniture.com.au
 BEAUTIFUL FABRIC
OF THE MONTH
Lewis & Wood ‘Papyrus’
linen-viscose fabric in
Malachite, Elliott Clarke.

EDITOR’S
LETTER
Home for Christmas
To me, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. Time
with loved ones, festive feasting, decorating, presents and just taking a
break! I always wonder what other people get up to during the holidays
– how do they celebrate, what do they cook, how do they decorate?
So, this issue, we visited six incredibly stylish women to discover just
that on page 18. From Anna Spiro’s stunning sustainably decorated
tree to Adelaide Bragg’s divine table setting, each look is a visual
delight. And the decorating and hosting advice they share is gold.
Speaking of table settings, one of my favourite things to do is
create a festive tablescape. Depending on the time of day we’re eating,
I might go dark and atmospheric with twinkling votive candles, or I’ll
do a table that’s fresh and light with gleaming silverware. Always red
accents, though. I can’t go past a red-berry decoration. From page 36
you’ll discover a range of beautifully layered styles for every occasion.
Are you formal or casual? Classic or colourful? Even if you don’t
decorate your whole home for Christmas, a fabulously decorated table
will set the scene, be a talking point and make your guests feel special.
On to the menu. There’s an age-old debate in Australia: traditional
roast or seafood extravaganza? Flip to page 157 and you’ll see we’ve
catered for both. Perhaps you might prepare one for Christmas Eve
dinner and the other for Christmas Day lunch? Or perhaps Boxing
Day… so you have a day’s grace in between! I’m excited to try the salt
and vinegar roast potatoes. Such a simple twist on a classic dish.
With decor and menus sorted, presents are next on the list, and
we’ve curated the ultimate gift guide for you to shop from on page 60.
Personalised presents for your nearest and dearest are the must-buys,
but it’s also useful to have a couple of emergency gifts on hand for COVER LOOK
hosts or unexpected guests. Bring on the candle – page 70 features RED, WHITE AND GREEN
PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT) ALANA LANDSBERRY

our pick of Yuletide scents from pine to sugar plum. Might be worth DECORATIONS WITH A
buying one for yourself, too. Merry Christmas, with love from team HB. HINT OF BLUE, PLUS THE
WARM WHITE GLOW OF
FAIRY LIGHTS, MAKES FOR
A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS
SCHEME THAT’S BOTH
CLASSIC AND MODERN.
ELLE LOVELOCK, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Photography: Martina Gemmola
Get in touch with me on Instagram @ellelovelock Styling: Amy Spargo
 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elle Lovelock
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katrina Yaxley
DEPUTY EDITOR Victoria Kingsbury

ART DIRECTORS Paloma Garay, Alice Ierace

IMAGE RETOUCHER Matus Kundrat

F E AT U R E S & C O N T E N T
CHIEF COPY EDITOR Peter Griffiths
FEATURES EDITOR Brittany Smith
SENIOR COPY EDITORS Kate Barber, Annette Farnsworth
SENIOR FEATURES WRITER Andrea Tomaz
FEATURES WRITER Amy Northcott
HOMES GROUP EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR Anna Campbell
EMAIL HOMEBEAUTIFUL@AREMEDIA.COM.AU

PRODUCTION PLANNER Sally Jefferys

ADVERTISING CONTROLLER Dominic Roy
PRODUCTION EDITOR Tamarah Pienaar

COMMERCIAL BRAND MANAGER Michelle O’Hanlon

BRAND EXECUTIVE Julia Maher
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Kate Orsborn
NSW, VIC AND SA DIRECTOR OF SALES Karen Holmes
VIC, SA AND WA HEAD OF DIRECT SALES Will Jamison
QUEENSLAND HEAD OF SALES Judy Taylor
HEAD OF CREATIVE Clare Catt (02) 8116 9341
NEW ZEALAND ENQUIRIES +61 2 9282 8505
ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES ADVERTISING@AREMEDIA.COM.AU

MARKETING DIRECTOR Louise Cankett (02) 9282 8730

CIRCULATION AND INSIGHTS MANAGER Nicole Pearson
DATA AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Joshua Blanshard
SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Jana Williams (02) 9282 8223
SUBSCRIPTIONS CAMPAIGN MANAGER Jesvin Vincent (02) 9282 8696
RESEARCH DIRECTOR Natalie Bettini (02) 8268 8442
SENIOR RESEARCH & INSIGHTS ANALYST Ania Falenciak (02) 9282 8817
ALL MARKETING ENQUIRIES HOMES@AREMEDIA.COM.AU

EMAIL SYNDICATION@AREMEDIA.COM.AU

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jane Huxley

FINANCE DIRECTOR Marena Paul
GROUP PUBLISHER, HOMES Shane Sutton
DIRECTOR OF SALES Andrew Cook
CUSTOMER DIRECTOR Sally Eagle
HEAD OF COMMERCIAL CREATIVE &
CONTENT Simon Smith
BUSINESS MANAGER Georgina Bromfield

GET IN TOUCH
LETTERS TO: Home Beautiful, Reply Paid 5252, Sydney, NSW 2000. EMAIL: homebeautiful@aremedia.com.au
Printed by IVE, 1/83 Derby Street, Silverwater NSW 2128. Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ACN 053 273 546),
54-58 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, (02) 9282 8000. The trade mark Home Beautiful is the property of Are Media Limited
and is used under licence. Distributed by Are Direct, 31-35 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW 2170, (02) 9972 8800. *Recommended price,
Home Beautiful. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Are Media Pty
Limited does not accept responsibility for damage to, or loss of, freelance material submitted for publication. Allow several weeks for
acceptance or return. © 2022 Are Media Pty Limited. All rights reserved. ISSN 0004-928X

SUBSCRIPTION SALES AND INQUIRIES

visit www.magshop.com.au email delivery@magshop.com.au
call 13 61 16, 8am-6pm (AEST) Monday-Friday post Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW 2000
Home Beautiful is published by Are Media Pty Limited

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing
connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

PRIVACY NOTICE
This issue of Home Beautiful is published by Are Media Pty Limited (Are Media).
Are Media may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested
products or services and to keep you informed of other Are Media publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is
located at www.aremedia.com.au/privacy/. It also sets out how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge a complaint.
Are Media may disclose your personal information offshore to its owners, joint venture partners, service providers and agents located
throughout the world, including in New Zealand, USA, the Philippines and the European Union. In addition, this issue may contain Reader
Offers, being offers, competitions or surveys. Reader Offers may require you to provide personal information to enter or to take part.
Personal information collected for Reader Offers may be disclosed by us to service providers assisting Are Media in the conduct of the
Reader Offer and to other organisations providing special prizes or offers that are part of the Reader Offer. An opt-out choice is provided
with a Reader Offer. Unless you exercise that opt-out choice, personal information collected for Reader Offers may also be disclosed by us
to other organisations for use by them to inform you about other products, services or events or to give to other organisations that may
use this information for this purpose. If you require further information, please contact Are Media’s Privacy Officer either by email at
privacyofficer@aremedia.com.au or mail at Privacy Officer Are Media Pty Limited, 54 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
A U S T R A L I A N O W N E D & O P E R AT E D
 Dulux
Kimberley
Sea

Dulux
Pure Blue
Half

Dulux is a registered trade mark of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Explore the Dulux Colour Forecast for colour and design trends.
Visit dulux.com.au/colourforecast
 BEAUTIFUL
PHOTOGRAPHY PHILLIP CASTLETON STYLING CORINA KOCH

Set up a simple vignette

with on-trend pieces.
Shown here are the
‘Dawes’ console, $1299;
‘Batley’ vase, $279;
‘Abstract Expression III’
framed artwork, $299;
‘Concrete’ lamp, $349; and
‘Luna’ footstool, $249; all
from Oz Design Furniture.
To shop the range, visit
ozdesignfurniture.com.au.

SHOP | DISCOVER | DECORATE | STYLE | EXPLORE

 ’TIS THE SEASON
EMBRACE A FUN POP OF
COLOUR ON THE TABLE AND
ABOVE THE FIREPLACE THIS
SILLY SEASON WITH KIP & CO’S
‘CHRISTMAS BERRY’ LINEN
TABLECLOTH, $159/270CM X
140CM, ‘CHRISTMAS BERRY’
LINEN NAPKINS, $79/PACK OF 6,
AND ‘CHRISTMAS HARLEQUIN’
AND ‘CHRISTMAS PARTY’ VELVET
STOCKINGS, $59 EACH.
KIPANDCO.COM.AU.

Decorative
touches
EPHEMERAL DESIGNS HAS
RELEASED A NEW RANGE OF
CHARMING HAND-EMBROIDERED WHAT’S HOT
ORNAMENTS. CHOOSE FROM
THE ‘CHRISTMAS TREE’
ORNAMENT, $26, ‘NOEL’
ORNAMENT, $24, OR OPT FOR A
FRESH PICKS
PERSONALISED DECORATION,
OUR ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST DESIGN
$28, WITH YOUR OWN TEXT. NEWS, SHOPPING & DECORATING
EPHEMERALDESIGNS.COM.AU. Edited by ANDREA TOMAZ & AMY NORTHCOTT

FANCY A FESTIVE MARKET JAUNT IN VICTORIA’S YARRA VALLEY? VISIT YARRA GLEN
TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKET ON DECEMBER 10, 3PM–8PM. CRAFTMARKETS.COM.AU.

TOP 3 WREATHS
GREET YOUR GUESTS WITH HOLIDAY CHEER, BY HANGING
ONE OF THESE CHRISTMAS WREATHS ON YOUR FRONT DOOR
SHOP WATCH:
Collette
Dinnigan
PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE, BOTTOM LEFT) BARTOLOMEO CELESTINO
(OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP RIGHT & BOTTOM RIGHT) JACQUI TURK
HEADING TO THE NSW
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS?
MAKE SURE YOU PAY
A VISIT TO AUSTRALIAN
DESIGNER COLLETTE
DINNIGAN’S NEW
HOMEWARES STORE IN
THE HERITAGE-LISTED
OLD MITTAGONG POST
OFFICE. BROWSE A
RANGE OF ARTISANAL
HOMEWARES, INCLUDING
CERAMICS AND CANDLE
COLLECTIONS, ALONG
WITH A SELECTION OF From left: ‘Jolly Raspberry’ wreath, $39.95/30cm, Provincial Home Living.
CURATED ANTIQUES. VISIT ‘Green Faux Native Christmas’ wreath, $129/30cm, Temple & Webster.
COLLETTEDINNIGAN.COM. ‘Champagne Gold Berry and Bauble’ wreath, $99.99/50cm, David Jones.
 Beautiful STYLE

5 minutes with... CAROLYN DORRIAN

Carolyn Dorrian in her
gallery-like store in Sydney’s
FRESHEN UP
Double Bay and (below) an
Organic hues like these don’t get any lovelier.
array of colourful and wavy
For a simple yet impactful bathroom update,
plates from Mrs Tablescape.
try Annie Sloan Wall Paint in Canvas (on walls),
$100.43/2.5L, Chalk Paint in Olive (on bath),
from $12.46/120ml and ‘Ticking’ fabric in Olive HB TALKS TO THE FOUNDER OF MRS TABLESCAPE,
(curtains), $62.67/metre; anniesloan.com. CAROLYN DORRIAN, ABOUT THE JOY OF SETTING AN
EXCEPTIONAL TABLE – AND EXACTLY HOW TO DO IT

Carolyn, what first drew you into the magical world of artisanal
ceramics, napery and creative tablescaping as a career?
“Tableware has always been part of my life! My mother Deborah
used to get us to paint her ceramic platters, tea kettles and plates.
During Covid, I experimented with cloth, embroidery, candles and
plates. I made plates for myself and then turned it into a business.
I want to create magic in other peoples’ homes.”
What tableware style trends are you noticing at the moment?
“I’m seeing more colour, even pairing table settings with wines
and spritzes. I’m loving the concept of ‘same same, but different’
– unique but similar plates arranged symmetrically. Events
professionals and designers are moving in this direction. Table
settings change with seasons, and this summer people are being
more creative with unusual-shaped ceramics and candles.”
What are your tips for creating the ultimate Christmas table?
“I’m obsessed with wavy chalices as elevated platters for cherries or
prawns. Foliage and candles are key, but don’t go too high. My table
will feature deep greens and I will write guests’ names on cherries.”
See more of Carolyn’s range by various artists at mrstablescape.com.

DOUBLE HAPPINESS
WHY BUY BONBONS WHEN YOU
CAN HAVE A BLAST CREATING
YOUR OWN? TRY DOUBLE-SIDED
‘SUMMER PICNIC/CRAB & SQUID’
GIFT WRAP, $29.95/PACK OF 6,
AND SILK RIBBON IN ALMOND
AND COPPER, $25.95/3M, FROM
BESPOKE LETTERPRESS.
BESPOKEPRESS.COM.AU.
HOME BEAUTIFUL 17
Beautiful STYLE

HOME FOR
CHRISTMAS
WE ASKED SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS AND DECORATORS HOW THEY
SPRUCE UP THEIR HOMES FOR CHRISTMAS TO HELP YOU DECK THE HALLS IN STYLE
Words VICTORIA KINGSBURY & BRITTANY SMITH

Amy Spargo marries traditional

festive motifs on the Williams-
Sonoma plate (opposite) with
fresh, coastal colours and plenty
of fun with candy cane baubles
and adorable Santa sacks.
 T
here’s something exciting about dusting off the Christmas decorations each year. The way a few
simple stringed lights twinkle in the darkness, refracting off glittery baubles, is absolutely
PHOTOGRAPHY MARTINA GEMMOLA

magical. And nothing beats the thrill of setting the table with your finest dinnerware. Here at
Home Beautiful, we absolutely love Christmas so it should come as no surprise that our favourite
tastemakers do, too. They were gracious enough to invite us (and you) into their homes, to share their
approaches to festive decor. On the following pages, you’ll find six very different looks, from traditional
colours to swathes of blue and even handmade ornaments. As vast as the styles are, they all have one thing
in common: that deeply personal touch. After all, that’s what the holidays are all about. It’s a time to
embrace the unique quirks of your family and simply celebrate being together, in style. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 19
 AMY SPARGO
The Maine House Interiors designer keeps it traditional
A Christmas tradition in your house four years ago. I’ll add a few pieces
is… “The beginning of the Christmas to the collection each year. I love
season starts with us going to the the Williams-Sonoma traditional
Christmas tree farm and choosing and Christmas dinnerware. Recently,
felling our own tree. Our girls love I added a set of Irish linen napkins to
it, it’s always such a fun day out. my collection, each embroidered with
We then take the tree home and a motif of the 12 days of Christmas.”
decorate it as a family.” Your signature gift-wrap style?
What is your favourite tree
“Lots of beautiful ribbons.”
decoration (we all have one!)? “My
children’s first Christmas bauble with Your go-to host gift is? “French
their names hand-painted on them.” Champagne and a hand-picked bunch
of hydrangeas from our garden.”
Formal or no fuss? “A little bit of
What’s your best advice for a stress-
both! Christmas Eve is always a casual
free Christmas day? “Prepare!
affair and I like to have a formal
I always set the table the day prior,

PHOTOGRAPHY MARTINA GEMMOLA ARTWORK STEVEN HEYEN

Christmas lunch if we are hosting
and we plan our meal so we are ready
at home, which we do most years.
well before our guests arrive. We also
I set the table with our Christmas
have learnt to have a few canapés ready
dinnerware and my husband cooks
for guests as soon as they walk in, it
a traditional Christmas roast.”
takes the pressure off having the main
What’s on the menu? “Ask my meal ready if some guests are running
husband! Just kidding, we plan late. Most importantly, a happy and
the menu together, a traditional fare relaxed host is the key to a successful
with all the Christmas delights.” Christmas event.”
Your best Christmas dinnerware is … For Christmas, there’s no place
“I have been collecting my pieces ever I’d rather be than… “At home with
since we completed our renovation my family.”
 Beautiful STYLE
Amy’s wreath and nutcrackers
(opposite) have been part of her
personal collection for many
years, providing a classic look.
Amy’s three girls each have a “MY DECORATING
personalised Santa sack. >
STYLE IS traditional IN
A CLASSIC PALETTE OF
green, red and gold” AMY

HOME BEAUTIFUL 21
 ADELAIDE BRAGG
Interior designer Adelaide creates texture and warmth
Christmas Eve or Christmas Your signature gift-wrap style?
morning? “Christmas morning “A mixture of patterned floral
with my husband, teenage paper and brown kraft paper tied
children and the dogs.” up with wonderful ribbon.”
Formal or no fuss? “We do have What’s your decorating style?
a formal sit-down dinner with all “A traditional real tree with a variety
the trimmings but we try very of textures for the decorations and
hard to make sure it is as easy a colour palette of plum, wicker and
as possible. We often host our gold, and lots of children’s treasures
extended family, with grandparents, collected over the years.”
cousins and family friends.” What is your favourite tree
What’s your best advice for a stress- decoration (we all have one!)?
free Christmas day? “Plan, plan and “My little feathered birds given
plan. Choose simple not complicated to me by my aunt. Every year, we

PHOTOGRAPHY MARTINA GEMMOLA STYLING TESS NEMAN-MORRIS

food. Prepare as much as you can buy a new decoration for each child
beforehand and get everyone to so they have a collection of their
pitch in and help from setting own for when they leave home.”
the table, to cleaning up.” What’s on your Christmas playlist?
What’s on the menu? “Baked ham and “Carols and more carols.”
turkey, lots of vegies and, of course, Favourite Christmas candle or
puddings – Christmas pudding, fragrance? “Diptyque candle
pavlova and berries, trifle. with the Figuier fragrance.”
A very traditional Christmas.” For Christmas, there’s no place
Favourite tipple to serve I’d rather be than… “Sitting on
(or drink)? “Champagne.” the veranda of our home in Scone
Your best Christmas dinnerware is… watching the cows in the paddock
“My set of Astier plates.” and the kids on their bikes.”
 Beautiful STYLE

“MY IDEA OF A GREAT CHRISTMAS IS friends and family

gathered together WITH WONDERFUL FOOD” ADELAIDE

Large velvet bows, from Amara,

in deep plum tones add a rich,
luxurious element, paired with
golds and neutrals. The tree is
from Spruced Christmas Trees. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 23
 ANNA SPIRO
Handmade and sustainable
is designer Anna’s approach
to decorating this year
Formal or no fuss? “No fuss.”
What’s on the menu? “Usually
fresh seafood, glazed ham and
roast chicken with salads.”
Your best Christmas dinnerware is…
“It depends if we’re having Christmas
at the beach or in the city. This year,
we are having Christmas at our
home in Melbourne with the table
set on our veranda using our
green-and-yellow splatter plates
I bought in Italy.”
Top of your gift wish list…
“I’d love the new book What a
Beautiful World by Isabelle d’Ornano,
co-founder of Sisley Paris.”
Your go-to host gift is…
“Flowers – always.”
Your signature gift-wrap style?
“I like to recycle old wallpaper that
we often have leftover from shop
displays and installs for gift wrapping.”
What’s on your Christmas playlist?
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like
Christmas and The Christmas Song
by Lauren Daigle.”
What’s your decorating style?
“Colourful, playful,
energetic, maximalist.”
What is your favourite tree
decoration (we all have one!)?
“The decorations my children made
me when they were younger.”
Favourite Christmas candle
or fragrance? “Carrière Frères Xmas
Candle – Laos Benzoin & Siberian
Fir from Le Salon Aux Fleurs –
my favourite perfume, candle and
flower store in Melbourne.” ARTWORK (ANTIQUES, LEFT) ARTISTS UNKNOWN

Favourite tipple to serve (or drink)…

“A Christmas punch is always fun.”
PHOTOGRAPHY MARTINA GEMMOLA

What’s your best advice for a stress-

free Christmas day? “Keep it simple
and don’t overcomplicate it all.”
For Christmas, there’s no place
I’d rather be than… “With my family
either at Stradbroke Island
or in Melbourne.”

24 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 Beautiful STYLE

Anna repurposed leftover fabric

and wallpaper to make striking
rosette decorations for her tree
in her Melbourne home. Want
this look for your tree? You can
buy them at Spiro Store. >
 Beautiful STYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY MARTINA GEMMOLA

26 HOME BEAUTIFUL
The tree decorations perfectly
complement the decor in this
room, with a Belem Lett artwork,
titled ‘Move Me’, taking centre
stage above the fireplace.

“Our christmas tradition IS TO GET a gingerbread

house THAT WE ALL DEMOLISH AND DEVOUR
OVER THE FEW DAYS OF CHRISTMAS” ANNA
 Beautiful STYLE
The chic dark green tree from
Chas Clarkson comes fully
decorated with fairy lighting.
Giant gold baubles, also Chas
Clarkson, instantly add cheer.

“WE USUALLY
STICK TO green
and gold
decorations AND
DON’T GO
OVERBOARD”
MELISSA

28 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 MELISSA
PENFOLD
Style doyenne Melissa keeps
things simple and elegant
Christmas Eve or Christmas
morning? “Christmas morning. It’s
the most wonderful time of the year
for my family. Like any big family
occasion it is formed of traditions,
many of which are inherited.”
Formal or no fuss? “No fuss. We go
for a relaxed atmosphere and don’t
try too hard. Simplicity and
informality are much more stylish.”
What’s on the menu? “It’s turkey
and ham all the way. We always
buy our puddings, which are better
than anything we could possibly
make. Keep it simple, but make
it look beautiful because what
is Christmas but a dinner party
turned all the way up!”
What’s your decorating style? “Half
the fun of Christmas is the tree.
It makes everything look festive.
We love our strapping, skinny,
two-metre cone tree from Chas
Clarkson that comes fully assembled
and decorated with white sparkly
lights. Remember to choose lights
that cast a warm light – interiors
are as much about ‘feel’ as ‘looks’.”
What’s your best advice for a stress-
free Christmas day? “Think ahead –
get as much planned up front.
To make sure you get the most bang
for your holiday buck, focus your
decorative efforts in the common
rooms that get the most traffic.”
Your go-to host gift is… “The classic
rule is to show up with something in
hand. This year, I’ll be giving a copy
of my book, Living Well By Design,
to help friends and loved ones
live better and appreciate their
PHOTOGRAPHY ALANA LANDSBERRY

home in a whole new way.”

For Christmas, there’s no place
I’d rather be than… “At home with
my family. I can’t imagine celebrating
any other way. The luxury of hosting
Christmas at home is also having
the freedom to set your table and
focus on decor in advance.” >
 NATALEE BOWEN
It’s a Hamptons Christmas for the Indah Island designer
A Christmas tradition in your house Favourite Christmas candle or
is… “Creating a magnificent Balsam fragrance? “I love the Palm Beach
Hill tree, turning on the lights Collection Jasmine & Lime fragrance.”
at dusk and enjoying the ambient What’s on your Christmas playlist?
music of Christmas carols with “No-one can beat Michael Bublé’s
our loved ones.” Christmas album, and I start blasting
What is your favourite tree this on Christmas Eve, however,
decoration (we all have one!)? “Every the traditional beats of Bing Crosby
year, we place the star on the top of and the golden, traditional carols
the tree. We all have to be there to see are always played over lunch.”
this and then the lights are turned What’s your best advice for a stress-
on – it is a family event my girls love!” free Christmas day? “Prepare,
What’s your decorating style? “My prepare, prepare. Pre-make what you
Hamptons-style Great Room is filled can beforehand, so you can all enjoy
with abundant layers, from wreaths the day. After the festivities, we all lay
on the front door to lush garlands on around the pool. Dishes can wait,
the fireplace mantle and an oversized go and relax and enjoy the company!”
Christmas tree! I love the large trees Formal or no fuss? “We do both, no
from Balsam Hill because they fuss in the morning then formal
look so incredibly lifelike and at lunch – everyone gets dressed up
they are absolutely stunning to enjoy the day and feast ahead!”
when lit up in lights!” My idea of a great Christmas is…
Your signature gift-wrap style? “I do “I love Christmas as it is the one time
like to coordinate the paper with the of year that we take off a few days
tree decor, it makes me happy to see it to just be together and enjoy
all come together and look beautiful. everyone’s company … to love, cherish
I start to twitch when I see a red or and be with the most important
an uncoordinated wrap under there.” people in your world.”

PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D’ARCY

Reaching just over three and

a half metres tall, Natalee’s
Balsam Hill tree makes a grand
statement, clad in Swing Gifts
decorations which suit the
classic Hamptons palette. >

30 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 Beautiful STYLE

“I LOVE CHRISTMAS
MORNING! OUR family
tradition IS TO HAVE
EVERYONE UP EARLY
TO OPEN ALL THEIR
fabulous gifts” NATALEE
Beautiful STYLE

“MY GO-TO host gift IS

SOMETHING homemade” LISA

For Lisa’s first Christmas in

England, she wanted to embrace
the traditional wintry aesthetic,
adorning the tree with Käthe
Wohlfahrt decorations.
 LISA BURDUS
Australian designer Lisa is
embracing new traditions at
her home in the Cotswolds
Christmas Eve or Christmas
morning? “Christmas Eve is super-
special for our family, a traditional
evening meal with my adult children
and close friends followed by music
and Secret Santa. Christmas morning
is very casual with presents and
a simple breakfast as everyone gets
ready to head off to various lunches.”
Formal or no fuss? “I lean towards
formal – Christmas Eve is
a wonderful opportunity to
set the table and dress up.”
A Christmas tradition in your house
is… “To make sure my adult children
and I somehow all get together. With
family on both sides of the world
it’s tricky but I live in hope one day
we can all be at the table together.”
Your best Christmas dinnerware
is…“A dinner set I found while
in France that happened to be
monogrammed with my initials. A
75-piece set that I had to ship home!”
What’s your decorating style?
“Layered, textured and colourful with
a twist of tradition thrown in.”
Your signature gift-wrap style?
“Red paper with velvet ribbon.”
What is your favourite tree
decoration (we all have one!)?
“Beautiful velvet ribbon tied
into a bow with the names of
special people attached.”
Favourite Christmas candle or
fragrance? “I like the Kindling
candle from Daylesford Organic.
It’s woody and smells like Christmas.”
Your go-to host gift is… “Something
homemade from my kitchen –
everyone is getting fig jam or
my homemade sloe gin.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BOZ GAGOVSKI

What’s your best advice for a stress-

free Christmas day? “Prepare ahead
as much as possible and don’t sweat
the small stuff – it’s about the people.”
My idea of a great Christmas is…
“Good food, great music
and lots of laughter.” >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 33
 Beautiful STYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BOZ GAGOVSKI

Antiques are the hero of this

dining room, with brass
candlesticks from Station Mill
decorating the table while
antique art adorns the walls.

34 HOME BEAUTIFUL
Find your exterior house style with us
Let our expert colour team show you how to create your dream home.
Book your free colour consultation today.

Terracotta Cladding

Roof Tiles

Glass Bricks

Bricks

Stone

STYLED BY LEARN MORE AT

Steve Cordony brickworks.com.au/housestyles

 Beautiful STYLE

The invitations have been sent, the acceptances received, the

menu is locked in… all that’s left is to decorate the table. Let us
inspire you with eight tablescapes to do the big day justice
Styling KAYLA GEX Photography WILL HORNER

Opposite: ‘Bernyce’ printed cotton flax table throw in Indigo (used as a tablecloth), $124, Pottery Barn. On table, from left: Glass pom egranate
ornament, $24.95, The Lost + Found Department. ‘Jarron Etnico’ glass vase, $29, Domayne. Glass candlestick holders, $75 each, and ‘Rope’
beeswax taper candles in Sage, $50/set of 2, Love After Love. Danish paper tree hanging ornament, $12.95, The Lost + Found Department. Vase
(holding flowers), for similar try Pan Pottery ‘Carved’ jug in Ash, $165, Koskela. ‘Scout’ tumble and resin knife and fork in Cream (part of a set),
$74.95/4-piece set, Few & Far. ‘Akora’ round placemat in Tea, $49/38cm, and ‘Otto’ linen and cotton napkin in Graphite, $62/set of 4, Casa by
Kate Nixon. ‘Dynasty’ hand-painted ceramic plates, $99/26cm and $74.95/21cm, Alfresco Emporium. ‘Pulp Off-Cuts’ paper kit (used to wrap box),
$8.95, Pulp Creative Paper. For similar ribbon around present, try Satin ribbon in Gold, $9.50/3m, Lincraft. Vintage etched glass water goblet,
$26, Williams-Sonoma. ‘Jaipur’ etched glass carafe and tumbler set, $59.95, Few & Far. Linen tablecloth in Sage (used as background),
$145/240cm x 150cm, Cultiver. Flowers throughout, Kiko Design. >

36 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 Beautiful STYLE

Above: Linen tablecloth in Sage, $145/240cm x 150cm, Cultiver. On table, clockwise from top right: Rattan recessed charger placemat in Sage Grey,
$19.95/32cm, Alfresco Emporium. ‘Twinkle’ embossed glass baubles in White, $9.95 each, Provincial Home Living. Malcolm Greenwood terracotta
cup in White Glaze, $35, Koskela. ‘Entree’ crystal water glass, $64.95/set of 4, Villeroy & Boch. Hazel Gardiner ‘Flower’ paper crackers, $49/pack of
6, Mink & Me. ‘Briggs’ stainless steel cutlery set in Champagne Sati, $69/5-piece set, West Elm. Rattan square placemat in Sage Grey, $34.95/32cm,
Alfresco Emporium. ‘Sofia’ traditional Spanish hand-painted clay dinner and side plate, $256/set, Mrs Tablescape. European flax linen table
napkin in Cedar Stripe, $50/set of 4, Cultiver. ‘Pulp Off-Cuts’ paper kit (used to wrap box), $8.95, Pulp Creative Paper. Timna Taylor porcelain plate
in Green, $149, The DEA Store. Stoneware bird decorations, $48/set of 4, Marley & Lockyer. ‘Pulp Off-Cuts’ paper kit, as before. Velvet ribbon
(around present), $3/metre, The Lost + Found Department. Vase, for similar try Pan Pottery ‘Carved’ jug in Ash, $165, Koskela.

38 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 Above: French gingham linen tablecloth in Mangue, $280/240cm x 170cm, Spiro Store. On table, clockwise from top right: ‘Veloce’ crystal Riesling
(BOTH PAGES) KIKO DESIGN

wine glass, $110/set of 2, Riedel. Beech wood pepper mill, $75, Le Creuset. Lagos del Mundo old-fashioned blown glass tumbler in White Edge, $120/
VASES HOLDING FLOWERS

set of 4, Koskela. HMS Beagle embroidered linen napkin in Flannel Flowers, $55, and Futagami brass cutlery, $284/set of 3, The DEA Store. Embroidered
and beaded flowers placemat in Natural, $34.95, Alfresco Emporium. Stoneware dinner plate in Nectar, $38/27cm, and side plate, $30/22cm, Le Creuset.
‘Fruit Basket’ ceramic side plate, $45, Spiro Store. ‘Pulp Off-Cuts’ paper kit (used to wrap box), $8.95, Pulp Creative Paper. Velvet ribbon, $3/metre,
The Lost + Found Department. Malcolm Greenwood stoneware side plate in Terracotta and White Glaze, $45/19.5cm, Koskela. For a similar
handwoven basket, try ‘Gowke’ ilala palm handwoven basket, $35, Pan After. Glass pomegranate ornament, $24.95, and Danish paper tree hanging
ornament, $12.95, The Lost + Found Department. For a similar rattan tumbler, try Rattan sleeve glass tumbler, $10/pack of 4, Target. >
Above: For a similar tablecloth, try the ‘Ladoga’ tablecloth in Optical White, $660, Linen Things. On table, clockwise from top right: ‘Luce’ soy wax
VASES HOLDING FLOWERS
(THIS PAGE) KIKO DESIGN

blend candles, $29.95/short, $39.95/medium, Alokaia. Vera Wang ‘Duchesse’ crystal goblet, $199/set of 2, Wedgwood. ‘Laudon’ crystal tumbler, $120,
Riedel. ‘Carron’ glazed black terracotta sauce bowl in Milky White finish, $259, Maison et Jardin. ‘Montauk’ stainless steel cutlery set, $419/24-piece
set, Villeroy & Boch. ‘Kastehelmi’ pressed glass plate in Clear, $129/31cm, Iittala. Jasper Conran ‘Pin Stripe’ fine bone china platinum band place
setting, $349/5-piece set, Wedgwood. ‘Urano’ wide hemstitch linen napkin in White, $90/set of 4, Casa by Kate Nixon. Antiqued silver ridged glass
onion bauble, $4.95, David Jones. Silk ribbon, $3.95/metre, The Lost + Found Department. ‘Raami’ glass bowl in Clear, $44.95, Iittala. Dinosaur
Designs mother-of-pearl dish in Chalk Swirl, $70, Comunete Store. ‘Ruffle’ glass candlestick holder, $17.50, Few & Far. For a similar candle, try Ikea.
Above: ‘Cleo’ polyester fabric in Fern (used as a tablecloth), $88/metre, Warwick Fabrics. On table, clockwise from top left: ‘Toy’s Delight’ premium
porcelain breakfast plate in Green, $49.95/24cm, Villeroy & Boch. ‘Bretagne’ ceramic sugar pot (with lid) in Green, $12.95, Provincial Home Living.
Greek salt grinder with handle in Copper, $105/large, The DEA Store. ‘Collins’ stoneware vase (holding flowers), $198/23cm, Planet. ‘Cabbage Leaf’
ceramic bowl, $16.95/medium, The Lost + Found Department. Timna Taylor porcelain bowl in Pink and Lilac, $149, The DEA Store. ‘Laudon’ crystal
tumbler in Light Green, $120, Riedel. ‘Fabel’ metal leaves and glass bead garland, $29.95/180cm, Papaya. ‘Ridge’ nickel cutlery set in Black,
$64.95/4-piece set, Few & Far. ‘Malibu’ handwoven seagrass charge plate in Black, $49/33cm, Pottery Barn. ‘Clavel’ Spanish ceramic dinner plate
in Aubergine, $75, and salad plate, $70, Hutch Table Accessories. European flax linen napkin in Dusk, $50/set of 4, Cultiver. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 41
 Above: ‘Ticking Stripe’ cotton fabric (used as a tablecloth), $9/metre, Spotlight. On table, clockwise from top left: ‘Pulp Off-Cuts’ paper kits (used to wrap
boxes), $8.95 each, Pulp Creative Paper. Traditional Christmas velvet polyester ribbon in Red (around white present), $6/3m, Spotlight. ‘Maddie’ striped ribbon
in Saffron (around red present), $12.95/10m, Provincial Home Living. Glass candlestick holder, $75, and ‘Everyday’ beeswax taper candle in Natural, $30/set of 2,
Love After Love. Bergs Potter ‘Helena’ clay pot in Rosa (includes saucer), $52.95, The Lost + Found Department. Miranda Berrow bespoke bowl in Lilac/Red Dash,
$340, Love After Love. ‘Holly’ paper Christmas crackers (in bowl), $49/pack of 6, Mink & Me. ‘Olive Branch’ stoneware oil cruet, $70, Le Creuset. ‘Antique
Lattice’ ceramic dish (holding pretzels), $155, Spiro Store. For a similar napkin, try Napkins in White, $2.25/pack of 2, Kmart. Vintage etched wine glass in
Clear, $30, Williams-Sonoma. ‘Mademoiselle’ stainless steel cutlery, $379/24-piece set, Villeroy & Boch. Crearte ‘Gota’ placemat in Red, $39/38cm, Hutch
Table Accessories. ‘Manoir’ premium porcelain dinner plate, $59.95/26cm, Villeroy & Boch. Stoneware pasta bowl in Cerise, $32/22cm, Le Creuset. ‘Portugal
Stripe’ plain akane cotton napkin in Red, $34.95/set of 2, The Lost + Found Department. Patterned ceramic star, $30/set of 2, Marley & Lockyer. Peruvian
clay dip bowl, $45, The DEA Store. ‘Toy’s Delight’ porcelain bowl (holding olives), $49.95/small, Villeroy & Boch. ‘Jaipur’ etched glass carafe and tumbler set
(tumbler holding herbs), $59.95, Few & Far. Stoneware gravy jug in Cerise, $60, Le Creuset. ‘Post Box’ chrome-plated brass grinder, $199, The DEA Store.
 Beautiful STYLE

Above: ‘Celebration Tartan’ georgette polyester fabric in Red (used as a tablecloth), $20/metre, Spotlight. On table, clockwise from top right:
‘Eternal Palace’ porcelain dinner plate in Gold (part of a set), $405/12-piece set, Noritake. Acorn Christmas decoration, $8.95/large, and Danish
paper tree hanging ornaments, $12.95 each, The Lost + Found Department. R&D Collection ‘Highclere’ stemmed crystal balloon glass, $199/set
of 2, and ‘Highclere’ stemless crystal balloon glass, $199/set of 2, Royal Doulton. ‘Pulp Off-Cuts’ paper kit (used to wrap box), $8.95, Pulp Creative
Paper. Vintage French ribbon (on present), $14.95, The Lost + Found Department. Ralph Lauren Home ‘Wentworth’ stainless steel cutlery set
in Gold, $275/5-piece set, Palmer & Penn. Antique stainless steel charger plate in Brass, $72/36cm, Williams-Sonoma. ‘Charlotta’ porcelain
dinner plate in Gold (part of a set, on charger plate), $405/12-piece set, Noritake. Vera Wang ‘Jardin’ rim fine bone china soup plate, $129/22cm,
Wedgwood. ‘Stewart’ plaid cotton napkin, $59/set of 4, Pottery Barn. Ralph Lauren Home ‘Wyatt’ leather napkin ring in Green, $275/set of 4,
and ‘Ralph’s’ bone china canape plate, $195/set of 4, Palmer & Penn. Acorn Christmas decoration, $6.95/small, The Lost + Found Department.
Stainless steel salt and pepper shaker set in Marble and Brass finish, $59, West Elm. ‘Heritage Heirloom Tartan’ bone china dinner plate
in Red/White (part of a set), $139.95/12-piece set, Myer. >
HOME BEAUTIFUL 43
 Above: ‘Paisley’ oatmeal linen fabric in Petal (used as a tablecloth), $206.25/metre, Walter G. On table, clockwise from top right: Glass decorations,
$9.95 each, The Lost + Found Department. ‘Raami’ glass tealight candle in Salmon Pink, $74.95, Iittala. ‘Nachtmann Noblesse’ crystal champagne
glass, $120/set of 4, Riedel. ‘Raami’ glass bowl in Salmon Pink, $44.95, Iittala. ‘Oxford’ stainless steel cutlery, $129.95/24-piece set, Provincial
Home Living. Round ceramic platter in Antique, $179/35cm, Maison et Jardin. ‘Emma’ ceramic dinner plate in True White, $19/28cm, Pottery
Barn. ‘Whimsical Pear’ dinner plate, $80/20.5cm, Ivy + Piper. ‘Ryde’ scalloped European flax linen napkin in Persimmon, $79/set of 4, Mink & Me.
Miranda Berrow bespoke bowl in Double Dash/Blue, $360, Love After Love. Holly Sanders ‘Sacred Country’ paper and foam baubles, $17.95/set of 6,
Mink & Me. ‘Luxe Glittered Grid’ baubles in Pink, $19.99/set of 4, Myer. IVV ‘Todo Modo’ glass tumbler in Blue, $155/set of 6, Noritake.

44 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 Above: ‘Anarkali’ floral block-printed cotton tablecloth in Blue, $79/220cm x 150cm, Hutch Table Accessories. On table, clockwise from top left: Glass
candlestick holders, $75 each, and ‘Everyday’ beeswax taper candles in Blue Slate, $30/set of 2, Love After Love. ‘Opéra’ crystal white wine goblet, $94.95/
set of 4, Villeroy & Boch. Iris Street Vintage metal salt and pepper shakers in Silver, $28/pair, Etsy. For a similar teal-and-white plate, try Gien Ceramics
petite plate in Monogrammed, $29.95, The Lost + Found Department. Italian cutlery set in Ivory, $69/5-piece set, Maison et Jardin. Natural rattan
recessed placemat in Brown, $19.95/32cm, and‘ ‘Dynasty’ hand-painted ceramic plates, $99/26cm and $74.95/21cm, Alfresco Emporium. ‘Eclectic’ mixed
cotton napkin in Amalfi Coast, $235/set of 6, Ivy + Piper. Preserved boxwood mini wreath, $29, Hutch Table Accessories. For a similar metallic-look snack
bowl, try ‘Antique’ brass snack bowl in Silver finish, $59, Pottery Barn. Acorn ornaments in Dark Green, $7.95 each, The Lost + Found Department.
 Beautiful STYLE

CREATIVE COLLECTION

AS CHRISTMAS NEARS, CREATIVE MUM-AND-DAUGHTER DUO

SARAH AND GEORGIE MAKE BESPOKE CERAMIC DECORATIONS
Story ANDREA TOMAZ Photography GEORGIE MORRISON

46 HOME BEAUTIFUL
THIS PAGE, TOP LEFT: Creating Christmas decorations
by hand is an absolute joy for Sarah (opposite, left) and
Georgie. Here, Sarah demonstrates her skills in the studio.
TOP RIGHT: A Hope & Co-styled Christmas tree
is pure elegance. BOTTOM RIGHT & LEFT: Handmade
ceramic plates and baubles truly set the scene.

At a glance
Who: Sarah Hope and Georgie
Morrison, founders of homewares
and decor company Hope & Co.
What they do: Sarah is a ceramic
artist, landscape painter and author.
Georgie is a ceramic artist, writer,
journalist and photographer.
Where: Hamilton, Vic.
Why they do it: “We just love to work
creatively together and always juggle
lots of projects,” says Sarah.
Visit: hopeandco.com.au;
@_hopeandco_;
@australiancountryhouse. >
 Beautiful STYLE

ight now in Hamilton, country Victoria, a lot of handmade

R Christmas decorations are being created. Sarah Hope and

her daughter Georgie Morrison from Hope & Co are in
action. The kiln is fired up and it’s “all systems go”.
So, what goes into such a bespoke production? Well, first, there’s
sketching designs, then there’s cutting and feeding clay through the
slab roller, followed by more detailed cutting. Next, the clay is dried
for a week, fired, glazed and fired again. Finally, a few sweet touches
are added and it’s time to send the pieces off, off and away.
“Making these decorations is special,” says Georgie. “They’re
keepsakes that grandparents can give grandkids. They’re part of a story
and will be put up on the tree, year after year, and be treasured.”
Obviously, the lead-up to Christmas is busy for almost everyone, but
Sarah and Georgie really are juggling a lot of balls (or baubles) at once.
For example, Sarah is a ceramic artist, landscape painter and an author.
Meanwhile, Georgie is a ceramic artist, writer, journalist, illustrator and
photographer. They also create YouTube clips explaining their artistic
techniques. In addition to all this family creativity, Georgie’s sister Skye
is also on the Hope & Co scene. She makes charming bird portraits.
Given all this general family ‘busy-ness’, one might assume that Sarah
and Georgie’s own Christmas prepping might be lagging, or on the
backburner. Well, no, it’s not. All their Christmas plans are locked in.
This year, it will be a country Christmas spent at home. Extended
family will visit from Melbourne and the UK. If the weather gets cold
(which it often does in Hamilton, even in December) a fire will be lit.
Some time will be spent relaxing under the elm tree, then lunch with
all the trimmings (plus pudding) will be served inside.
And what about decorating? Do they have their tablescape finalised?
“I’m going for a mixed metals theme,” says Sarah straightaway. “Brass
and silver together. It looks beautiful and it’s easy to mix them. There’ll
be a white tablecloth and elements of navy and green. The decorative
pieces I’ll layer will be a mixture of old and new. But I won’t be using
absolutely everything. I start with something as my main focal point,
then I work backwards from there to style the rest [see it on page 97].”
At this point, Georgie chimes in to explain that Sarah is (and always
will be) the head Christmas stylist at home. “When we were growing
up, Mum would actually set up two trees,” she says. “One was the kids’
tree and one was hers to decorate. And now, whenever she sets the table
for Christmas, we just leave her to it. She has it all worked out.”
TOP LEFT: It’s all about meaningful details. Sarah carefully adds blue
touches to a bauble, just so. BOTTOM LEFT: A sweet little Christmas
star, fashioned with great care and hung up in style. OPPOSITE: Sarah
says Georgie has had a long-held, natural habit of simply rolling clay
offcuts into rather lovely decorative balls.

48 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 “WE REALLY LOVE
CHRISTMAS and
it’s going to be a big
family get-together in
the COUNTRY” GEORGIE
Breville the Barista Express™ B A R I S TA Q U A L I T Y
Impress Coffee Machine, From your morning espresso to an afternoon ristretto,
BES876BTR4IAN1, $949. the compact Breville the Barista Express™ Impress Coffee
Machine delivers user-friendly precision, grinding your
beans perfectly then transferring them directly into the
portafilter whilst delivering the perfect dose and assisted
tamp with less mess and fuss. Electronic PID temperature
control offers increased temperature stability, and Breville’s
unique Impress™ Puck system ensures a perfect water-to-
pressure ratio for café-quality coffee, every time.

T I P : If you’re serious
about your coffee, a
manual machine lets you
create rich, flavoursome
coffee exactly the way you
HARVEYNORMAN.COM. AU like it. Skip the line at the
online / mobile / instore café and espresso yourself!
 B E L O W Integrated
with intelligent dosing
technology, which
automatically calculates
the dose based on the
last grind to prepare
itself for the coffee-
making process.

F A R B E L O W You’re in
control with the assisted
tamping handle that
ensures a café-quality
coffee at home.

Cappuccino Cheesecake
with Raspberry Coulis / Find
the recipe at hn.com.au/recipes

HARVEY NORMAN PRESENTS

PERFECT

Express your coffee style at home or in the

office with the latest in barista-quality coffee
machines with an impressive range of features.
 F A R L E F T Featuring
a product recognising
grinder to make quick
work of grinding different
kinds of beans to the right
fineness level.

L E F T Short or long,
hot or cold? Choose
your favourite coffee
with 32 specialty recipes
to choose from.

FROM HOT
CHOCOLATE TO ICED
COFFEE, THE JURA Z10
AUTOMATIC COFFEE
MACHINE LETS
YOU EXPERIMENT
WITH HOT AND COLD
DRINKS TO TAKE YOU
THROUGH THE DAY.
ESPRESSO MARTINI
ANYONE?
A U TO M AT I C S T Y L E
Behind the sleek styling and easy touch
interface of the Jura Z10 Automatic Coffee
Machine lies a responsive system designed
to create custom hot and cold brew coffees
to order. Featuring 10 programmable
coffee strength levels and 10 milk foam
temperature levels, you can choose
between hot and cold extraction processes
for your coffee, your way. Jura’s clever
bean recognition system senses and grinds
beans to perfection to create balanced and
flavoursome results every time.

Chocolate Almond Tart with

Coffee Meringue / Find the
recipe at hn.com.au/recipes
Jura Z10 Automatic
Coffee Machine,
Z10ALUWHITE, $3999.

T I P : For a truly authentic

tiramisu or an after-dinner
affogato, an automatic
coffee machine is the
HARVEYNORMAN.COM. AU ultimate in-house barista
online / mobile / instore when you’re entertaining.
De’Longhi Eletta
Explore Coffee
Machine,
ECAM45055G, $2099.

T I P : Ideal for
busy households, an
automated machine
saves you time and
effort by grinding,
brewing, pouring,
and even heating and
frothing milk at the HARVEYNORMAN.COM. AU
touch of a button. online / mobile / instore
TAKE THE FUSS
OUT OF YOUR
COFFEE WITH
AUTOMATED
OPTIONS AT YOUR
FINGERTIPS. QUICK
AND EASY IS THE
ORDER OF THE DAY.

EXPLORE MORE
Your favourite coffee is at your fingertips
with the De’Longhi Eletta Explore Coffee
Machine. The touch panel interface makes
exploring your options a breeze. With
up to 42 one-touch recipes and the new
LatteCrema Hot and Cool milk feature
you can create both hot and iced coffees,
personalised in strength and quantity, at
the touch of a button. For coffee lovers
on the move, the new To-Go function
matches standard travel-size mugs and
cups with tailored recipes for when you
want to take your coffee with you.

Cherry Mocha Eclairs / Find the

recipe at hn.com.au/recipes

F A R L E F T This stylish
automatic machine
features a generous
2L water tank and easily
refillable bean storage for
busy households.

L E F T User-friendly
touch functionality lets
you control strength,
temperature and grind
for every style of coffee
from luscious lattes to
rich ristrettos.
R I G H T Automatic milk
frothing and adjustable
milk texture and
temperature settings
will take your lattes
and cappuccinos to
the next level.

F A R R I G H T Short on
time? With three-second
heat-up, the stylish and
compact Nespresso
Creatista has your
morning coffee sorted.

IF YOU’RE PARTICULAR ABOUT

YOUR COFFEE YOU’LL LOVE
THE NESPRESSO CREATISTA
BY BREVILLE’S 11 MILK
TEMPERATURE SETTINGS AND
EIGHT MILK TEXTURE OPTIONS.
C R E AT I V E P O S S I B I L I T I E S
The Nespresso Creatista Pro Coffee
Machine by Breville offers coffee
aficionados the quality and convenience
of Nespresso capsules with customisable
manual features for the best of both
worlds. Create your masterpiece with
eight coffee recipes. Its automatic
steam wand and milk frother allow you
to choose from 11 milk temperatures
and eight milk textures, via the intuitive
touch screen panel. The dual Thermojet
heating system helps extract the perfect
temperature-controlled dose of coffee
while simultaneously texturising milk to
create latte art like a pro.

Raspberry, Coffee and Salted Caramel

Ice-cream Biscuits / Find the recipe at
hn.com.au/recipes
 Nespresso Creatista
T I P : Capsule Pro Coffee Machine
machines deliver by Breville,
premium coffee BNE900BSS, $1199.
at the touch of a
button, with the
latest generation
offering capsule
convenience
together with
manual machine
styling and
functionality.

S H O P O N L I N E W I T H YO U R LO C A L S TO R E H N .CO M . AU O R C A L L 1 3 0 0 4 6 4 2 7 8
Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Advertised prices are valid at NSW stores only.
Prices may vary between states due to additional freight costs. Promotion ends 04/12/2022.
NEW LUXURY
CANDLES

MADE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS, SOY & COCONUT WAX

White Lily & Bamboo Wood Sage & Sea Salt
A refreshing balance of lily flowers with Countryside sage delicately combined with
the earthy notes of bamboo. the freshness of a coastal sea salt breeze.

Available to buy at com.au including free postage

 BEAUTIFUL
PHOTOGRAPHY PHILLIP CASTLETON STYLING CORINA KOCH

Deck the halls and trim

the tree with the most
wonderful baubles from
the new Home Beautiful
range. Available in store
and online at MyHouse THE GIFT
and HOUSE – Bed & GUIDE
Bath, from $11.99 each. page 60
Visit myhouse.com.au
and house.com.au.

DECORATING IDEAS AND STYLISH BUYS TO INSPIRE YOUR INTERIORS

GIFT GUIDE
We’ve gathered some of our
favourite pressies to give to
your nearest and dearest
during the festive season
Compiled by ALICE IERACE
 Beautiful SHOPPING

3
2
1 4

8
9

10

12
11

14
15

16
17

1. ‘Argonaute’ plaster mirror, $1795, Tigmi Trading. 2. Aerin ‘Benit’ wall washer sconce, $759, The Montauk Lighting Co. 3. ‘Bloom’ bauble in White/
Clear, $14.99, Adairs. 4. Champagne & Red Raspberries hand & body cream, $25.95/500ml, Peppermint Grove Australia. 5. ‘Apolline’ ceramic platter,
$172, Carron. 6. Izoa ‘Isla’ earrings with freshwater pearls, $59, Hardtofind. 7. Elegance Optic collection ‘Big Red’ crystal glasses, $179/set of 2,
Waterford. 8. ‘Lismore Arcus’ 2-piece crystal statement vase, $899, Waterford. 9. ‘Bart’ terracotta vessel in White, $349, McMullin & Co.
10. Parisian pillowcases in Noir, $125/set of 2, L&M Home. 11. Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain candle, $320/600g, Mecca. 12. ‘Sovereign’ urn
in White, $239.95, Provincial Home Living. 13. ‘Bateman’ cake stand, $69.95, Country Road. 14. ‘Anika’ sandstone photo frame in Natural,
$24.99/22cm x 17cm, Living by Design. 15. Lamps/Stix Series ‘Ruby’ candle holder, $95, Rubble Workshop. 16. Christmas tree candle in Snow White,
$34.99, Arty Bub. 17. Murano glass tumblers in Bianco, $150/set of 2, Stevie Michaels. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 61
 2
4 5
1

6
10

9
8

13

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY (#5 & #6) WILL HORNER ‘SOFT HORIZON’ ARTWORK BY KRISTEN DANIELS (#10)
12

11 15

USED WITH PERMISSION OF FENTON & FENTON AND THE ARTIST

16 17

1. ‘Clover’ soy wax candle in Seagreen, $280/1000g, Jardan. 2. Rectangular linen tablecloth in Stripe Green, $265/medium, Bonnie and Neil.
3. FlamingoEstate Garden Essentials hand soap, $66/500ml, Mecca. 4. Resin Mother of Pearl bowl in Leaf, $450/Large, Dinosaur Designs. 5. Bamboo
sheet set in Light Olive, $220/queen, Bamboo Haus. 6. Benefit Cosmetics limited-edition Christmas Glam Greetings cosmetics set, $89, Sephora.
7. ‘Eliza’ stoneware oil pourer in Evergreen, $39.95, Country Road. 8. Pool ring in Emerald Stripe, $39.99, Sunny Life. 9. Kitchen towel in Pienet Elokuun
Varjot pattern, $31, Marimekko. 10. ‘Soft Horizon’ artwork by Kristen Daniels, $7000/140cm x 124.5cm (framed), Fenton & Fenton. 11. Travel speaker
in Checkerboard, $39.99, Sunny Life. 12. ‘Haskin’ crossbody bag in Treehouse, $449, Oroton. 13. Quality Products Direct indoor watering can in Green,
$60.50, Hardtofind. 14. Baina ‘Beppu’ bath mat in Sage/Chalk, $90, Lee Mathews. 15. ‘Valesta’ urn in Green, $149, Domayne. 16. Bordallo Pinheiro
‘Cabbage’ earthenware bowls in Green, $74/set of 2, Matchesfashion. 17. Fish platter in Pistachio, $160, Mud Australia.
 Beautiful SHOPPING

1
2
3 4

6 5

14
10

12

11 13

16
15
17

1. ‘Chinoiserie B’ glass bauble in Multi Stem, $10, Domayne. 2. ‘Wave’ coupé glasses in Blue, $119/set of 2, Fazeek. 3. ‘Mist’ towel, $110, Købn. 4. Field
Day stoneware ‘Early Hours’ jug, $79.95/large, Robert Gordon. 5. Stories Of Italy ‘Nougat’ bucket vase in Blue, $580, Jardan. 6. ‘Aalto’ vase in
Ultramarine Blue, $419, Iittala. 7. KitchenAid stand mixer in Blue Velvet, $799, KitchenAid. 8. Towelling beach bag in Pacific, $189, Sunday Supply Co.
9. ‘Sicilia’ dinner plate in Periwinkle, $110, Cabana. 10. Carry on in Sky, $325, July. 11. Smeg ’50s Style blender in Pastel Blue, $329, Harvey Norman.
12. Side table in Speckle Blue, $395, Bonnie and Neil. 13. ‘Ankara’ linen cushion in Riviera, $157/50cm x 50cm, Walter G. 14. ‘Enzo’ travel card set
in Hydrangea Blue, $400, Aerin. 15. ‘Quinn’ cotton throw in Bluebell, $180/queen, Jardan. 16. Shampoo and conditioner in White Tea and
Argan Oil (including tray), $89, Al.ive. 17. Skateboard in Ice, $139, Penny Skateboards. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 63
 2
1

5
3 4
7
6

9
8

10

11

12
13

14

16
17
15

1. Premium beach umbrella in Nudie, $319, Basil Bangs. 2. Christmas bauble, $119/set of 6, Maison Balzac. 3. ‘Sienna’ tablecloth in Blush
(napkin not included), $130/medium, L&M Home. 4. Habitual Beauty Hydrating Sleep Mask, $95/50ml. 5. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist,
$53/100ml. 6. ‘Byron’ cooler bag in Pink Salt, $99.95/medium, Country Road. 7. Ceramic reusable bottle in Blushed, $49.95/595ml, Frank Green.
8. ‘Leaf’ vase in Blush, $149, Domayne. 9. ‘Celia’ coupé glasses in Sugar Pink, $49.95/set of 2, Country Road. 10. Bento tray in Strawberry Delight,
$19, Kip & Co. 11. ‘Thicky’ rug in Pink Frosting/Lime, $249, Peek Neek. 12. Sling chair in Lauren’s Pink Stripe, $249, Business & Pleasure Co.
13. ‘Spice’ candle (left), $60, and midi candle, $30, both in Pastel Pink, both XRJ Celebrations. 14. Octaevo ‘Sicilia’ ceramic bowl in Lilac,
$110, Jardan. 15. ‘Monochroms 03’ acetate sunglasses in Pastel Pink, $580, Celine. 16. Until ‘Raawii Strøm’ bowl in Coral Blush, $250/large,
Hardtofind. 17. Nintendo Switch Lite handheld console in Coral, $329, Harvey Norman.
 Beautiful SHOPPING
1
2
4 5

10
9
8
11

12

13

15

14
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY (12) WILL HORNER

16
17

1. Backpack in Go Bananas, $69, Kip & Co. 2. ‘Petit Four’ dinner napkins in Natural/Yellow, $99/set of 2, Maison Balzac. 3. Nordic Fusion ‘Inka’ vase in
Vanilla, $294.95/large, Hardtofind. 4. ‘Capri Da Paolina’ dinner plate, $129/set of 4, No. 22. 5. ‘Hazel’ shirt, $189, and ‘Maya’ short, $149, both in Lemon,
both The Bali Taylor. 6. Rollerskates in Mimosa Yellow, $159, Impala Skate. 7. Cushion in Yellow Stripe, $200/60cm x 60cm, Bonnie and Neil. 8. T-Brush
brush set, $137, Trinny London. 9. ‘Earth’ vase in Mustard, $120/medium, Bonnie and Neil. 10. Dried orange, from $19.95, Mary Valley Food Co. 11. Orris
‘Le Nomade’ soap, $35, Aestas. 12. ‘Do Not Disturb’ eye mask in Mustard, $30, Bamboo Haus. 13. Boucle adult slippers in Peaches and Pineapples,
$39, Kip & Co. 14. ‘Wonderlust Waterlily’ teapot, $349.99, Wedgwood. 15. Lamps/Stix Series 1 ‘Betty’ lamp in Butter Yellow, $750, Rubble Workshop.
16. ‘Pompom’ wine glasses in Miel/Pink, $129/set of 2, Maison Balzac. 17. ‘Striped Lofty’ cotton throw in Clay, $149, Seed Heritage. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 65
 4
1
3
2

7 13
9

14

10

12

15

17 19

18

1. ‘Carter’ acrylic bowl in Brushed Gold, $220/large, Greg Natale. 2. Keegan ‘Botanical’ earrings, $69, Hardtofind 3. ‘Fairmont’ bar cart in Gold,
$499, Alfresco Emporium. 4. ‘Sophia’ coupé glasses, $225/set of 2, Aerin. 5. ‘Bash’ tray, $680, Living Edge. 6. European pillowsham in Golden Elm,
$85/73cm x 73cm, Greg Natale. 7. Bark-a-Boo candy cane, $12.05, Petstock. 8. ‘Herrietta’ bowl in Dark Peach, $99/medium, Domayne. 9. ‘Allette’
candle holder, $325/extra large, Aerin. 10. Leif limited-edition Buddha Wood hand wash, $99/1.5L. 11. Eun Ceramics curved vase in Stone White/Gold,
$330, Black Blaze. 12. Metal envelope holder in Brass, $175, Coco Republic. 13. ‘Dante’ brass and steel cheese knife and fork, $49.95/set of 2, Papaya.
14. Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long in Bright Nickel/Rich Copper, $899, Harvey Norman. 15. Beosound Level portable WiFi speaker
in Gold Tone, $3150, Bang & Olufsen. 16. ‘Wave’ brass candle tray, $89, Black Blaze. 17. Brass tree candle holders, $249/small, $349/medium, and
$499/large, Alfresco Emporium. 18. ‘Conroy’ bowls, $99.95/set of 3, Country Road. 19. Freixenet Christmas Bon Bon, $13, Dan Murphy’s.
 Beautiful SHOPPING

3
1 2

6
4

9
10
11

13

12

17

14 16 18
15

1. Burgon & Ball x National Trust secateurs, $55, Botanex. 2. Blanket in Kuiskaus pattern, $269, Marimekko. 3. ‘Walk in the Park’ London Plane and
Beech raised bowl, $625, In Bed. 4. ‘Lucie’ vase in Capri, $320, Marloe Marloe. 5. ‘Against the Grain’ Elm and Acacia wood serving board, $193.95,
Robert Gordon. 6. Addition Studio ‘Synergy’ oil burner in Travertine, $199, Design Stuff. 7. Cup and lid in Natural, $20, Huskee. 8. Rattan ‘Mushroom’
basket in Natural, $79.90, Olli Ella. 9. Resin ‘Rock’ jug in Light Horn, $280/large, Dinosaur Designs. 10. Ann Vincent Studio ‘Piu’ candles in (from left)
Sand, Brown and Off White, $100/set of 3, Coastal Living. 11. ‘Frank’ teak and rattan armchair in Brown, $929, McMullin & Co. 12. ‘Ourea’ raffia table
lamp, $225, Indigo Love Collectors. 13. ‘Paradiso’ cushion, $145/65cm x 45cm, L&M Home. 14. Home Beautiful ‘Bangalow’ wooden lanterns in Brown,
$199.99/small, and $239.99/large, My House and House stores. 15. ‘Twinkle’ embossed bauble in White, $9.95, Provincial Home Living. 16. ‘Haskin’
texture tote, $599/large, Oroton. 17. Alias Mae ‘Suki’ slippers in Toffee, $199, Hommey. 18. Jute mat, $90, Aktivaal. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 67
 Beautiful SHOPPING

1 2

3
4
5

7
8

10
11
12

13 16
14
15
1. ‘Catalina’ floor lamp in Black, $409, Domayne. 2. Scalloped edge napkin and placemat in Black, $180/set of 4, In The Roundhouse. 3. ‘9 Peak’ watch
in All Black, $999, Suunto. 4. Alessi ‘Plisse’ kettle in Black, $280, Kitchen Warehouse. 5. ‘Panama’ aluminium candlestick in Black, $79.95,
Provincial Home Living. 6. ‘Brompton’ leather tote in Black, $249, Antler. 7. ‘Terra’ sparkling water maker starter pack, $119, Sodastream. 8. Linen
robe in Kohl, $150, In Bed. 9. Breville ‘The Oracle’ espresso machine in Matte Black, $3199, Harvey Norman. 10. Ayu Souk Scented Oil with roller
ball applicator, $60/15ml. 11. Special Release Barrel aged gin, $105/500ml, Taylor & Smith. 12. ‘Hendrix’ vase in Latte, $75, L&M Home. 13. ‘Malmo’
outdoor lounge chair in black fabric, $2495, Coco Republic. 14. Acqua di Parma Signatures of the Sun Osmanthus candle, $139/200g, David Jones.
15. Amber Glass whisky tumblers in Dark, $79.95/set of 2, Malt + Brew. 16. ‘The Snap’ swimsuit in Black, $165, Andie.

68 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 Beautiful SHOPPING

CHRISTMAS CANDLES

Sweetness and light

MAKE A LITTLE MAGIC WITH A FESTIVE BACKDROP OF DELICATELY
SCENTED, FLICKERING CANDLES IN GORGEOUS, DECORATIVE VESSELS
Styling CORINA KOCH Photography ALANA LANDSBERRY

70 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 From left: Ecoya limited-edition Fresh Pine Madison candle, $46.95/400g, Myer. Vanilla Frosting Teardrop Trio candles, $24.95/100g, Moss St
Fragrances. Gabriel Gourmand Chimney Fire candle, $159/270g, Trudon. Limited-edition Night Before Christmas Dancing Sugar Plums candle,
$22.95/60g, Glasshouse Fragrances. Diptyque Neige candle, $116/190g, Mecca. Champagne & Red Raspberries candle, $44.95/370g, Peppermint Grove
Australia. White Moss & Snowdrop home candle, $78/200g, Jo Malone London. Starry Night candle, $39.95/320g, Moss St Fragrances. Carrière Frères
Siberian Pine & Smoked Wood candle, $99/185g, Libertine Parfumerie. Celebrate candle, $149/1.2kg, Apsley and Company. Limited-edition Pine
& Snow Gum candle, $46.95/350g, Circa. Antique glass mirror in Black, $830, Florabelle Living. Norway Spruce Foliage garland, $499, Balsam Hill.
 Beautiful SHOPPING

3
In bloom
EXPECT BAS E
NOT ES OF
AUSTRALIAN
SA NDA LWOOD,
WIT H TOP N OT ES

1 OF ITA L IA N
BERGAMOT.

6
Ground it
ENJ OY EA RTH LY
DELI G H T S W I T H
DEEP N OT ES O F
J UN I PER WOO D,

5 A N G E L IC A S E E D
A ND I R I S .

Swingin’ 60s
I N SP I RED BY THE
S UM M E R O F LOVE ,
THI S SC E N T I S A
N OS TALG I C AND

4 F RE E S E NSATI ON.

7 8
Winter
wonderland
AS FRESH AND
VIBRANT AS
FO R EST M O SS
EMERGING
THROUGH
T H E S NOW.

10

9
BEAUTY

Scents of occasion
IGNITE THE SENSES WITH THESE FRESH AND FABULOUS FRAGRANCES
Styling CORINA KOCH Photography ALANA LANDSBERRY

1. Byredo De Los Santos eau de parfum, $240/50ml, Mecca. 2. Serge Lutens Matin Lutens Parole d’Eau eau de parfum $213/100ml, David Jones. 3. Aerin
Rose de Grasse Joyful Bloom eau de parfum, $336/50ml, David Jones. 4. Diptyque Fleur de Peau eau de parfum $273/75ml, Mecca. 5. Guerlain Aqua
Allegoria Nerolia Vetiver eau de toilette, $164/75ml, Sephora. 6. Vyrao Magnetic 70 eau de parfum , $267/50ml, Mecca. 7. Matiere Premiere French Flower
eau de parfum, $349/100ml, Libertine Parfumerie. 8. White Moss & Snowdrop cologne, $162/100ml, Jo Malone London. 9. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine
eau de parfum, $169/50ml, Myer. 10. Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 eau de parfum, $298/70ml, Mecca. ‘Preston’ glass vase in Forest Green (shown on side),
$89.95/large, ‘Preston’ porcelain vase in Eucalyptus, $89.95/large, and ‘Preston’ glass vase in Eucalyptus, $69.95/medium, all Country Road.

72 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 A CHRISTMAS ESSENTIAL
R E G E N E R AT E LOV E D H A N D S
WITH OUR UNIQUE
COLLECTION OF LUXURIOUS,
NOURISHING CRÈMES

A U S T R A L I A N O W N E D, D E S I G N E D & M A D E
V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E F O R A F U L L L I S T O F S I G N AT U R E S TO R E S . F O R N AT I O N A L S TO C K I S T S 08 8383 07 15.

M A I N E B E AC H .C O M . A U | M A I N E B E AC H O F F I C I A L
Beautiful SHOPPING

BOOKS

Turning the page

DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF NON-FICTION WITH THESE INSPIRATIONAL READS
Styling CORINA KOCH Photography ALANA LANDSBERRY
 5

1. ‘Halliday Wine Companion 2023’ by James Halliday, $39.99, Hardie Grant. 2. ‘Arent & Pyke: Interiors Beyond the Primary Palette’ by Juliette Arent
& Sarah-Jane Pyke, $80, Thames & Hudson. 3. ‘Neeson Murcutt Neille: Setting Architecture’ by Anna Johnson & Richard Black, $59.99, Thames
& Hudson. 4. ‘The Food Saver’s A-Z’ by Alex Elliott-Howery & Jaimee Edwards, $49.99, Murdoch Books. 5. ‘What’s for Dessert’ by Claire Saffitz, $55,
Murdoch Books. 6. ‘Super Bloom: A field guide to flowers for every gardener’ by Jac Semmler, Thames & Hudson. 7. ‘Dream Gardens’ by Michael McCoy,
$70, Hardie Grant. 8. ‘The Real Food Companion’ by Matthew Evans, $65, Murdoch Books. 9. ‘Pools From Above’ by Brad Walls, $59.99, Thames & Hudson.

HOME BEAUTIFUL 75
 T R E AT A L O V E D O N E T O A

Yes, I would like to subscribe to Home Beautiful

P AY M E N T O P T I O N S ( A u s t r a l i a n r a t e s )
I wish to subscribe for

… 1 year print from (12 issues) $69.99 SAVE 35% (HOBCD_12_6999_A)

*automatic renewal

… 1 year print only (12 issues) $74.99 SAVE 30% (HOBA_12_7499)

*once off payment
SUBSCRIPTION
… I already subscribe. Please extend my subscription with the offer selected above.
For overseas rates, visit magshop.com.au/XMAS4

MY D E TA I L S
this Christmas
Name AND YOU COULD WIN UP TO

$250,000!
Address
Postcode
Telephone ( )
Email

G I F T R E C I P I E N T D E TA I L S
Name
Address

Postcode Telephone ( )
Email

P AY M E N T D E T A I L S
Cheque/money order for $________ is enclosed payable to Magshop
or charge my … Visa … MasterCard … Amex

ŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶŶ
Cardholder’s name (please print)

Cardholder’s signature

Expiry date /
PLEASE PHOTOCOPY THIS ORDER FORM FOR ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

HURRY! OFFER ENDS 31 JANUARY, 2023

SUBSCRIBING IS EASY
136 116 and quote M22XHOB, Monday to Friday
THE
8am–6pm AEST. Overseas dial +61 2 8667 5100

f e ct
magshop.com.au/XMAS4
Send original or copy of this coupon
(no stamp required) to:
per T M A S
H R IS
Magshop Reply Paid 5252 C
Sydney, NSW, 2000 GIFT
Entry open to Australian and New Zealand residents 18+ only. Retain tax invoice for purchase. Maximum of one (1) entry permitted
per qualifying transaction/tax invoice/order ID number. Limit three (3) entries permitted per person each day. Starts 25/10/22 at 12:01
am AEDT & ends 31/01/23 at 11:59 pm AEDT. Major Draw will be conducted at S222, 117 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW, 2101 at
12noon AEDT on 06/02/23. The first eligible entrant with a valid entry drawn in the Major Draw will win the opportunity to play the
Game for the chance to win $250,000. Travel to/from game provided to winner and guest (valued at up to AUD$2,500) if game is not
played virtually. Game consists of 20 envelopes, 2 with a winning symbol: if 2 x winning symbol envelopes selected win $250,000; if 1
x winning symbol and 1 x non-winning symbol envelope is selected win $10,000; and if 2 x non-winning symbol envelopes selected
win $5,000. Prize awarded in winner’s currency of residence (either AUD or NZD). Winner published at Magshop.com.au/Competition
on 10/02/23. Are Media Pty Limited ABN 18 053 273 546, 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. See Magshop.com.au/WIN250K for
Terms and Conditions. ACT Permit No. TP 22/01412, NSW Authority No TP/00018 and SA Permit No. T22/1141
By including your email address, Home Beautiful will keep you informed of offers and updates from our publisher, Are Media Pty
Limited, and specially selected partners.Please tick if you’d prefer to not receive offers and updates from ̆ Are Media Pty Limited
̆ Our specially selected partners. Our Privacy Policy can be found at aremedia.com.au/privacy and includes important information
about our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information (including the provision of targeted advertising based on your
online activities). It explains that if you do not provide us with information we have requested from you, we may not be able to provide
you with the goods and services you require. It also explains how you can access or seek correction of your personal information, how
C H E C K O U T M A G S H O P.C O M . A U
you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will deal with a complaint of that nature. *Rates may
be subject to autorenewal, after the initial term the subscription will auto renew unless cancelled. Cancel at any time. F O R M O R E G R E AT G I F T I D E A S
 SUBSCRIBE
FOR YOUR CHANCE
TO WIN UP TO

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS:
• 12 ISSUES of Home Beautiful for $69.99
via automatic renewal
• SAVE 35% off the retail price
• FREE DELIVERY of the magazines to your home each month
• The gift that gives all year round

MAGSHOP.COM.AU/XMAS4 OR
CALL 136 116 & QUOTE M22XHOB
 BEAUTIFUL
PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON WHITBREAD

THE
PERFECT
PRESENCE
page 80

THE STORIES, STYLE AND LOVE THAT MAKE A HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Beautiful HOMES

The perfect
PRESENCE
AN IDYLLIC SUN-DRENCHED CHRISTMAS IS REFLECTED IN THE
COASTAL LOCATION AND COLOUR PALETTE OF THIS SYDNEY HOME
Story BRITTANY SMITH Styling NONCI NYONI Photography SIMON WHITBREAD

PAINT COLOURS MAY VARY ON APPLICATION

80 HOME BEAUTIFUL
WARM WELCOME The rich hue of the Dulux Copycat door (opposite
and below), decorated with Balsam Hill’s ‘Mixed Evergreen’ wreath, hint
at the summery palette to come. Neutrals, with a splash of cool tones
in shades of blues and greens, set the nautical scene in this family home,
situated just a few minutes from Sydney’s Freshwater Beach. Owners
Helena and Oliver are eagerly awaiting the festive season, when they’ll
be able to make use of their prime location to experience the Australian
white sand Christmas dream. Colorbond steel roofing, gutters and fascia
in Windspray (below) protect against the coastal elements. Outdoor tiles
from Tiles by Kate add a Mediterranean flair to the front entrance. >
Beautiful HOMES

he joy that comes with being surrounded

by family and friends is all Helena wants
for Christmas. And after years spent renting
in smaller apartments unsuited to
entertaining, then travelling to see loved
ones last year, it will be Helena’s first time
hosting the festivities in her own home,
with her husband Oliver and their children
Harry and Elsa. Completed in March 2021,
the Sydney home has everything the family wanted, situated a few
minutes’ drive from the beach with tall ceilings and an airy, tranquil
atmosphere befitting of the sheer serendipity that led to its creation.
“There was a house I used to drive past that I just loved,” explains
Helena. “When we bought this property, we were looking for a builder
and, completely by chance, I saw an image of the same home I liked
on social media. Stritt Design and Construction were credited so I got
in touch. They had a pretty jam-packed schedule but an opening came
up that fitted our time frame. We were so fortunate.”
The block itself was a decent size and, despite inspecting it in the
middle of winter, Helena was thrilled to discover it was bathed in
north-eastern sun. With the help of Janette and Alex from Stritt, they
designed their ideal abode while renting out the old red brick residence
that was originally on the block. In December 2019, they knocked the
structure down and started building, finally moving into the finished
home in March 2021. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two
living spaces, an alfresco dining area and a pool, the home is perfectly
suited to Helena’s growing family and ambitions of entertaining.
The interiors are at once elegant and refined yet relaxed and
comfortable, with plenty of communal areas to encourage shared
experiences and family time. Helena wanted to elevate the interiors
with a classic and timeless design but she also wanted to avoid feeling
like she had to walk on eggshells in her own home due to precious
finishes and materials. The result combines durability and style for
a home that feels effortlessly beautiful and serene, just like the coast
that inspired it. The abundant sunshine is maximised with crisp white
walls and stacker doors which lead to a wraparound balcony.
Tall ceilings are both stylish and practical – they contribute to the
sense of airiness that helps to bridge the divide between the interior
and exterior zones but they were also a necessity. “We are a tall family,”
says Helena. “The ceiling height for the main living area is just over
three metres. Everything is in proportion with that higher level.”
With the dream home complete, Helena can’t wait to host her
brother and his family for Christmas this year. “I just envisage us being
relaxed here and celebrating each other’s company,” she says.
“Hopefully, the weather holds up because we’ve got the pool and our
proximity to the beach, which is part of the quintessential Australian
Christmas. We’ve finally got a place for people to gather and all I want
to do is continue on the holiday traditions that I enjoyed as a child,
so my kids can look back on their own Christmases as fondly as I do.”
LIVING ROOM West Elm stockings are hung on the mantelpiece with care and although the fireplace, by Stone Age Masonry, won’t be needed for
any practical purpose this summer, its position in the living room adds a traditional touch during the holidays. Nicole Fearfield’s Some Splendid
Moments artwork, available at Sibu Gallery, complements the blue and green tones in the Balsam Hill tree. Marble coffee tables, from Globe West,
add to the array of natural materials in the space, bridging the indoor and outdoor zones. Helena was cautious of monotony and that shows in the
different tones of MCM House’s ‘Hampton’ sofa in Stone and ‘Joe’ armchairs in Navy, which create visual interest with their distinctions. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 83
 Beautiful HOMES
KITCHEN Herringbone floors in Argento, from Tongue & Groove, are a classic touch but it’s not just the flooring that oozes with elegance.
The ‘Paddington’ pendants, from Emac & Lawton, draw the eye upwards, highlighting the tall ceilings as well as the skylight, which allows even
more sunshine into the already abundantly bright space. Customs paints, created by interior designer Janette, were utilised throughout the
home, both setting the nautical palette and also creating a point of difference throughout the various rooms. Shaker-style joinery, French still life
with fruits artwork from Vintage Art Emporium and pewter fixtures from The English Tapware Company all allude to a sense of grandeur.

84 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 WE LOVE...
pops of colour
Helena was excited to
embrace colour but she was
wary of becoming beholden
to a single tone. To create
cohesion while showcasing
a relaxed coastal palette,
slightly different hues are used
in each room. For a custom
colour scheme, various
hardware and paint retailers
can colour match a sample,
such as fabric, or help you
create your own colour. Visit
dulux.com.au, resene.com.au
and bunnings.com.au. >
 DINING TABLE (above) Mince tarts, delicately dusted with icing sugar, and pavlova topped with juicy berries, are a feast for the eyes and the
stomach. DINING ROOM (opposite) This dining area is one of Helena’s favourite spots in the home, not just because of the greenery vistas and
striking Ralph Lauren chandelier from The Montauk Lighting Co, but because of the connection the space creates. “One of the things I love about
the house, that we didn’t have for a long time living in rentals, was the ability to sit down to a meal at the dinner table,” says Helena. “I love having
the family around the table.” The ‘No. 18’ and ‘No. B9’ chairs from Thonet add organic curves while the two styles create subtle asymmetry. >

86 HOME BEAUTIFUL
Beautiful HOMES
 FLOOR PLAN

GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR

FAMILY

VERANDAH BED

BED
BED
ENTRY
P’DR LIVING
DINING

MAIN BED
GARAGE

L’DRY

POOL BED
BATH

WIR ENS
P’TRY KITCHEN
ILLUSTRATION KENZIEDESIGN.COM

MAIN BEDROOM (above, left) It’s not just the colour palette that can make or break a coastal theme – it’s also the little embellishments. The nickel
pineapple leaf lamp, available online from Hamptons Home, adds a touch of the tropics to the bedroom. MCM House’s ‘Joe’ high bedhead in
a deep grey grounds the space while Anna Curnuck’s Insouciance artwork, available through Sibu Gallery, introduces warm tones. CHILDREN’S
BATHROOM (above, right) The kids’ bathroom is brighter than initially intended but suits a childlike wonder. Luxurious and durable, the Caroma
urbane freestanding bath completes the tableau. ENSUITE (opposite) Carrara basketweave mosaic tiles from Stone Bathware are the perfect
neutral flooring option. The ‘Hulton’ sconce from The Montauk Lighting Co and ‘Neu England’ tapware, from Brodware, enhance the elegance. >

88 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 Beautiful HOMES

“AS I’VE GOTTEN OLDER I’VE embraced

colour. THE KIDS’ BATHROOM IS
BRIGHT AND MORE SUITED TO
a younger taste WHILE OUR ENSUITE
HAS MORE GREEN TONES” HELENA
 Beautiful HOMES
ALFRESCO (below) Maximising outdoor areas to create a more relaxed and open Source book
style of living was of the utmost importance for Helena. The LM Home Interiors Construction and
outdoor table, decorated with white dahlias from Provincial Home Living, provides interior design: Stritt Design
plentiful room for summer entertaining. Vandoros gift wrapping hints at joyful & Construction, 0416 194 568,
surprises still to come. With the north-east facing aspect, the backyard and alfresco stritt.com.au.
areas are stunningly sun-drenched. But this space took a lot of planning to get right. Joinery: The Kitchen
“This tree had to be kept because of council and we had to design the whole house Maker, (02) 9905 5028,
around the tree,” laughs Helena. “So we made it a central part of the garden.” The tree thekitchenmaker.com.au .
is a focal point surrounded by lush greenery that enhances the home’s connection Landscape: Scapes & Stone,
to the natural world. Far from her days spent in cramped apartments, Helena and @scapesandstone.
her family are able to stretch out, and enjoy their time together, rain hail or shine.

90 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 COASTAL CLASSIC

1 2 3

INSIDE STORY
Helena & Oliver’s home
Who lives here?
Helena, who works in finance, along
with her husband Oliver, their son Harry,
six, and their daughter Elsa, four.
What’s on your Christmas menu?
Helena: “A little bit of everything to suit
everyone’s different tastes. We try for
a mix of old and new. Barbecued seafood,
ham, trifle, plum pudding and pavlova.”
What’s your festive decorating style?
“I err towards more traditional styles like
wreaths, baubles and garlands. It’s all
about the kids and making it fun for them.”
How do you spend the summer?
“We like to socialise with friends. We split
our time between home and the beach.”
Any building lessons learnt?
“Design wasn’t our forte but our builder,
Alex, was meticulous. Stritt made the
process enjoyable instead of stressful.”
4 5
6 7
1. The ‘Starry Night’ ornament set from
Balsam Hill brings a festive take on the
nautical scheme to the Christmas tree.
2. ‘Coronet’ lanterns from Provincial
Home Living light the way down the
steps to the backyard and stunning pool.
3. Show off yuletide classics with
Malmaison’s ‘Franco’ rustic cake stand.
4. Living room joinery holds ceramic
vases from Pigott’s Store and ‘Macau’
ginger jars from Provincial Home Living.
5. Kinokuniya books and Carlotta + Gee
bedlinen make a pretty tableau.
6. The barbecue and Country Road
tea towel are ideal for summer cooking.
7. Balsam Hill decorations in a Saardé
resin bowl perfect the coffee table. Blue
Vandoros gift wrapping complements.
 Beautiful HOMES

A country
Christmas
PATIENCE AND A KNACK FOR SEEING THE BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING
HAS HELPED FILL THIS FAMILY FARMHOUSE WITH CHARM
Story & photography GEORGINA MORRISON

Nestled in Australia’s wool capital, the Western District of

Victoria, Sarah and Peter’s farm, ‘Coroona’, has been a labour of love for the couple, who bought it
back in 2016 and have since restored much of the bluestone homestead. “We’d been living in
Queensland and decided to return to Victoria,” says Sarah. “The farm came up online and Pete said
to me, ‘I think this is the one for us.’ I was going to be overseas at the time of the auction, so we
wrote a personal letter to the vendors about how much we wanted the property. We realised it was
unconventional, but the home had been much loved and it was an emotional sale; we wanted them
to know we would care for and love it like they had.”
The earliest part of the house was built in the 1840s, with further additions in the 1870s, early
1900s and 1950s. And in the six years since Sarah and Peter bought the property, the house has
undergone more extensive renovations. “This has been an additional challenge as we’re a working
farm, and I also have a creative business [see Hope & Co on page 46] – so we’re very time poor,”
explains Sarah. “It’s taken us all that time to get to a point where we’re living in the house the way
we want to and, as is often the case with old houses, there’s always so much to do.” It was also difficult
to make changes during the pandemic. “Living in a regional area, trades are notoriously hard to get.
As it was, we waited 12 months for a builder for our snug and kitchen renovations,” says Sarah. But
there can be advantages in delays. “You have to live in a house and wait for it to speak to you.
Sometimes the best solutions would come to us in a lightbulb moment two years down the track.”
As an artist and interior decorator, Sarah describes her style as “classic English meets Australian
country”. “I love a bit of rustic-modern. I draw inspiration from a number of different influences –
from French and English houses, and I love a lot of American designers too,” she adds.
Sarah’s Instagram account (@australiancountryhouse) began with Coroona, documenting their
journey with the property and life on the land, and has now evolved more broadly into a celebration
of Australian country homes and all their influences. “I grew up with a single mother, and often
money was tight,” explains Sarah. “Mum was a super-talented interior decorator with beautiful taste.
Her adage was, ‘If you can’t afford charm, you create it.’ Good design should be accessible, and the
key is looking for beauty and opportunity to repurpose everywhere.”
The couple have raised a blended family of six (now adult) children, so Coroona is as much a place
for their large family as well. “Even though we’re virtually empty nesters, we were still renovating
for a crowd with six children! And we’ve found, with their partners, extended family, and friends,
we have always needed a large house,” says Sarah. “One of our favourite times of the year is Christmas,
because people love Christmas in the country – especially family members from the city.”
Sarah says her family has a fairly traditional Christmas. “I focus on the tree, with loads of
coordinated presents underneath, and the table. The rest of the house is filled with fresh flowers and
foliage from the garden, and we place festoon and fairy lights everywhere,” she shares. Family recipes
are also an annual speciality, with contributions from each generation. “Absolute musts are my
mother’s star shortbreads, my husband’s glazed ham and my father’s plum pudding,” says Sarah.

92 HOME BEAUTIFUL
TIME OF TOGETHERNESS At Coroona, Christmases are spent in
and out of the house, with a long lunch involving great food, drink
and laughter. “The best thing about Christmas in the country is the
space,” says homeowner Sarah. “It’s the ability to go out and sit
underneath the verandah with a gin in the afternoon sun, or lounge
under leafy trees, or a game of cricket on the lawn, or the relaxed evening
walk. It’s being able to enjoy your food and drink, and not go anywhere
– everything is here. We love the lifestyle, and it’s the one time of the
year we truly get to share it.” Here, the bluestone facade has been
embellished with rustic festive trimmings from Byaduk General Store. >
 Beautiful HOMES

“AN open fire HERE

DURING WINTER IS
unparalleled – YOU DON’T
NEED A JUMPER!” SARAH
FORMAL SITTING ROOM (left & below right) “This space was
previously the original shepherd’s hut. It’s now the formal sitting
room,” says Sarah. With bonfire-esque logs stacked in the
fireplace, this room is the embodiment of Sarah’s marriage of
styles. Gallery walls are a staple, with the walls boasting what she
refers to as her ‘Wall of History’ − full of family photos, historical
documents and artefacts collected over the generations. The Lyre
bird feathers in the frame beside the fireplace (left) were sourced
from Baimbridge Antiques in Hamilton. The fallow deer’s
head was sourced from a private collector locally, for Pete’s 50th
birthday, as he’s had a lifelong interest in taxidermy. The pheasant
on the mantle was purchased from Vintage 216 in Ballarat.
OUTSIDE Sarah enjoys a tipple on the verandah with two of
her dogs Piper and Nifty (below left). FORMAL DINING ROOM
A glimpse of the Christmas table down the hall to the formal
dining room (opposite). “This year we have friends coming from
the UK, and one of the requests has been Brussels sprouts and
chestnuts – so we have to work them into the menu!” The painting
above the fireplace in the dining room is by Sarah. “It’s called
‘View to Mount Anakie’ and I painted it for my husband Pete.
It depicts the back of the old family farm near Geelong.” >

94 HOME BEAUTIFUL
ALL OTHER ARTWORKS ARTISTS UNKNOWN
 Beautiful HOMES

KITCHEN “The colour of the cabinets was a close match of the

Farrow & Ball paint colour called Railings, which I found and fell
in love with in the UK,” says Sarah, who had the cabinets sprayed
in Resene Shark. The butler’s sink, tapware and pendant lights
are all from Schots Home Emporium. Adding character are
handmade Spanish subway tiles from National Tiles, handle pulls
from The Society inc. and brass knobs sourced from India. “We
chose a quartz stone bench for durability, being in the country,
and they’re beautifully complemented by our stools from
Provincial Home Living.” FORMAL DINING ROOM In the main
dining space, the bluestone walls on one side (bottom left) are
a lovely contrast to the more refined walls on the other side of the
room (opposite). For a similar colour, try Porter’s Paint Western
White. “I’ve done little to change this room, and we inherited the
raw silk curtains and pelmets,” says Sarah. “The dining chairs are
covered in a dark navy velvet, and both the table and chairs were
handed down to us by Pete’s parents. The chandeliers were
inherited with the house – how lucky were we?” The table is set
for feasting with a Coalport Wedgwood ‘Countryware’ dinner set,
gifted to Sarah as a wedding present more than 30 years ago.
Ceramic birds and green leaf candelabras, from the Byaduk
General Store, add a wonderful whimsical feel, while the table
napkins from Provincial Home Living and Stanley Silver cutlery
are special finishing touches, as are the individual decorations on
each place setting (below right). The little white flowers in the
baubles are Neopolitan garlic, also known as Guernsey Star-of-
Bethlehem, and the ceramic decorations are by Hope & Co.

ANTIQUE LITHOGRAPH (OPPOSITE) JOHN GOULD

PAINT COLOURS MAY VARY ON APPLICATION

96 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 WE LOVE...
velvet ribbon
The green velvet ribbon tied
around Sarah’s bonbons add
a luxurious personal touch
that elevate even the simplest
design. The same goes for
Christmas presents. You
can buy velvet ribbon from
any haberdashery or floristry
supplier. Try Koch & Co
for something similar to
Sarah’s ribbon. Visit koch.
com.au for ribbon and
gift-wrapping ideas. >
 Beautiful HOMES

FLOOR PLAN
ENS

WIR

DECK

ILLUSTRATION KENZIEDESIGN.COM ALL OTHER ARTWORKS ARTISTS UNKNOWN

MAIN BED
KITCHEN

L’DRY
BATH

DINING LIVING
SITTING

BED BED
BED BED
ENTRY

OFFICE
PAINT COLOURS MAY VARY ON APPLICATION

BALCONY
VERANDAH

MASTER BEDROOM (above & opposite) “This is a lovely room to bookend the day; I love waking up to the sounds of the birds in this room, and
it’s beautiful with the sun streaming through the window in the early evening,” says Sarah. “We inherited the floral fabric curtains in our bedroom,
which I have kept.” The rattan pendants are by Provincial Home Living, and the bedside lamp was a charity shop find. “I loved the shape [of the
lamp], so I just painted it in Porter’s Paints Yacht Race and added a new lampshade,” says Sarah. The linen duvet is by Linen House and the artwork
above the bed, ‘Winds of Change’, is by Sarah, available from Hope & Co. >

98 HOME BEAUTIFUL
 Beautiful HOMES

OUTDOORS Welcoming guests to the home is this charming

scene on the verandah. Sarah picked up the chairs on Facebook
Marketplace. “These were ugly varnished chairs that I painted
with Dulux Linseed. The cushions are from Provincial Home
Living and the herringbone throw on the table is one I lugged
home from Lisbon, Portugal, earlier in the year – I could have
bought the whole shop!” The tree sits in a copper pot bought
from Sarah’s friend who owns local business Limewash Vintage.

100 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 FESTIVE FARMHOUSE

1 2 3

INSIDE STORY
Sarah’s home
Who lives here?
Sarah, an author and creative director of
Hope & Co and Australian Country House,
her husband Peter, a farmer, and youngest
son Toby, 18, with regular visits from adult
children James, Chloe, Georgie, Eliza
and Skye, plus a menagerie of pets.
What’s your favourite room?
Sarah: “The Snug – it’s a beautiful room
to be in. The windows on both sides mean
it’s light-filled, yet super-cosy at night
with the open fire during winter.”
Your favourite piece in the home?
“Our inherited formal dining table,
because it’s so beautiful – and with
added leaves it seats 18 people.”
Any decorating lessons learnt?
“Be prepared to see the beauty in found
objects. Don’t always be seduced by
the dollar sign as perceived value.”
4 5
6 7
1. The sofa in the snug room once
belonged to Sarah’s grandmother and
mother before her. “Linen loose covers
were commissioned by Mum, and you can
just throw them in the washing machine.”
2. Festive & Frivolous Christmas gin
from Mrs Baker’s Still House.
PAINT COLOURS MAY VARY ON APPLICATION

3. The link room serves as an informal

ALL OTHER ARTWORKS ARTIST UNKNOWN

dining room. The artwork on the chest

of drawers was painted by Sarah.
4. A Christmas wreath from Byaduk
General Store at the front entrance.
5. Sarah describes her Christmas
decorating style as “colour-focused, simple
and traditional, with rustic elements”.
6. A white and green dream for the
Christmas table setting.
7. The antique-filled formal sitting room.
 LIGHT FANTASTIC
A BUILDING FAMILY BIDED THEIR TIME TO CREATE THEIR ULTIMATE
HOME FROM SCRATCH, WITH EVERYTHING THEY’D EVER WANTED
Story & styling KYLIE JACKES Photography LOUISE ROCHE
 Beautiful HOMES

SUNNY DISPOSITION For Brisbane couple Christal and Chris, and their
daughters Andrea and Sophia (pictured, with Teddi the Maltese shih tzu),
every corner of their new home imbues the quintessential Queensland
sun-drenched indoor/outdoor feel, with vast doors, windows and skylights
welcoming the outside in. “We designed the home so it had a relaxing
modern vibe, centred around lifestyle – so weekends are spent enjoying it
rather than maintaining it,” says Christal (opposite, with Andrea). A
custom-built brick outdoor fireplace means a lovely ambience in the
backyard and contributes to the Mediterranean feel. Easy-care gardens
designed by Elizabeth Weyer and faux turf from Urban Turf Solutions,
dotted with ‘Roy’ stools from Trit House, add up to a shady haven. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 103

 Beautiful HOMES

hen building is your business, the With Greek heritage and a shared appreciation for Scandi
possibilities when creating a home minimalism, the couple melded their influences, opting for a sleek
for your family can seem endless. interpretation of a gable facade that ticked the council requirements.
This was the scenario for Brisbane Inside, organic tones, textures and subtle curves were used in abundance
couple Christal and Chris of Zou to evoke a modern Mediterranean vibe, drenched in natural light. “We
Build, who snapped up a postwar see a lot of beautiful homes, being in the building industry, but we
three-bedroom home not far from wanted our own home to feel fresh and a bit different,” says Christal.
Brisbane’s CBD six years ago. Beyond the overall shape and textural characteristics, their priorities
“It was just a tiny dot on the small 405-square-metre block and had included creating a light, airy feel – achieved with 15 Velux skylights
belonged to a hoarder, so the inside was in quite a state,” says Christal. throughout – incorporating abundant storage and ensuring the layout
“It definitely wasn’t a house we fell in love with, but it was a good buy, allowed space for the family to come together and be apart. “With the
so we fixed it up a bit and rented it while we decided what to do.” girls going into their teen years, it was important they had spaces that
Chris, a professional builder, had completed three major whole-house felt like their own,” says Christal. “That’s why we created the loft-style
renovations for their family, which includes daughters Andrea, 13, and beds, which allow their bedrooms to function as a study and lounge
Sophia, 10. That prompted the couple to consider reworking the home’s space where they can hang out when friends come over.”
existing bones and embark on renovation number four. Yet, given the The couple were on site daily during the build, with Chris across the
challenges of the pint-sized, sloping site and myriad council-enforced tools and project management, and Christal leading material selection
character overlays, they decided knocking down and starting from and sourcing new furniture. “I love picking all the elements and seeking
scratch would provide the opportunity to design and build a home out products you don’t see every day,” she says. “I just went with my
that would embody their functional and aesthetic desires. gut instinct and it was so rewarding seeing it all come together.”
“Unlike other projects where we’d renovated to sell, this was going Having moved in earlier this year, the family are excited to enjoy
to be our long-term home, so we really took our time and made sure their first Christmas here. “It was a long time in the making but we’re
we thought of everything,” says Christal of the two-year design process glad we took our time,” says Christal. “It’s our favourite house that we’ve
working with local studio Koda Design. done, because it’s true to our style and suits our family. It’s just right.”

104 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 UPPER LIVING AREA (right and opposite) A wall of sliding Stegbar
glass doors and clerestory windows showcase the sky and the roof’s
architectural pitch. For additional natural light, the ceiling is studded
with four Velux skylights, while Stegbar louvres bookend the walls.
“It’s so easy to modulate the natural light and privacy with automated
louvre blinds and semi-sheer curtains across the doors,” explains
Christal (below, with Chris and the girls) of the Luxaflex window
furnishings. A generous Freedom rug grounds a Lounge Lovers sofa
and chairs, as well as a matching Globe West coffee table and side
table. The artwork is Where the Light Touches by Jen Sievers.
DECK (below right) Surrounding greenery creates a lovely outlook
from the deck. Rather than timber, ‘Glamrock Crema’ tiles from Edge
Tile & Stone were chosen as the foundation, with walls clad in Weathertex
‘Weathergroove Fusion’ panels painted Dulux Natural White. A mix of
furniture from Early Settler including a reclaimed teak dining table
teamed with ‘Inigo’ chairs brings warmth to a modern look. Below the
outdoor prep bench, topped in elegant Ottoman Grey quartz from
Stone Ambassador, a Vintec wine fridge keeps drinks in easy reach. >
ACTUAL PAINT COLOUR MAY VARY ON APPLICATION
CUSHIONS (BOTH PAGES) BONNIE AND NEIL
 Beautiful HOMES

“WE GOT everything WE

WANTED, SO THERE’S no
regrets AND NO MOMENTS
OF ‘I WISH I DID THIS
OR WENT WITH THAT’ ”
CHRISTAL

FLOOR PLAN

GROUND FLOOR KITCHEN

PANTRY

AMERICAN OAK FLOORING (SEEN THROUGHOUT) AWESOME TIMBER FLOORS

ENTRY

BED DECK
LIVING

DINING
BATH

L’DRY

P’DR

FIRST FLOOR
ILLUSTRATION KENZIEDESIGN.COM

BED
WIR
LIVING
BED BED

MAIN BED
DINING

BATH ENS
P’DR

106 HOME BEAUTIFUL

KITCHEN (below and opposite, right) The brief here was a space which was light, bright, minimalist and,
WE LOVE...
most importantly, functional. The fridge and dishwasher are integrated behind cabinetry in Vicenza Oak
sensual curves
and Premium White laminate from Egger. “We customised all the internals using the Hettich ‘AvanTech Recurring features are the
You’ drawer system and Hettich ‘Easys’ systems on the drawers and fridge,” says Christal. More Ottoman sculptural curves cleverly
Gray quartz runs across the back bench and up to the ceiling, while the stunning curved island is topped in incorporated in every space
White Truffle quartz, also from Stone Ambassador. DINING (opposite, left) Positioned alongside stacking – from bedheads, vanity
mirrors, furniture and lighting
Stegbar doors which open to the deck, the dining zone blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor
to the custom rangehood and
spaces. Luxaflex curtains screen the doors to diffuse the light. Christal had the dining table custom made
kitchen island bench finished
through Pop Plus and paired it with ‘Rita Horn’ rattan chairs and ‘Tammi’ rattan pendant lights, both from
in Rockcote ‘Cerano’ render by
Uniqwa Collections. Jai Vasicek’s artwork Thyme injects a subtle hint of colour.
Bespoke Finishes, who did the
rendering throughout. “Within
the minimalist scheme, the
curved shapes and arches
form a cohesive link and act
to soften solid materials like
concrete,” says Christal.
Visit bespokefinishes.co. >
Beautiful HOMES

MAIN BATHROOM (left) Andrea and Sophia love the deep Fienza bath,
which sits within a wet area below a skylight illuminating a wall of
‘White Flute’ ceramic tiles from Edge Tile & Stone. ‘Majorca’ tiles, also
from Edge Tile & Stone, run floor to ceiling, ensuring the main focus
is the bath and bespoke vanity – which is layered with a Firtina stone
benchtop from Stone Ambassador, cabinet fronts in Egger Cashmere
Grey, basins from ABI Interiors and sleek brushed nickel Meir tapware.
ENSUITE (below left) A hint of peachy pink in the ribbed Meganite
Hazel Cream vanity fronts punctuates a soft grey scheme. For a luxe feel,
the walls and floors are enveloped in ‘Newstone Bianco’ tiles from Edge
Tile & Stone, which flow into the shower zone. Custom mirrors by Zou
Build define twin basins from ABI Interiors, paired with a Meganite solid
surface benchtop. SOPHIA’S BEDROOM (below right) This tween zone
has the lot, from a custom loft bed dressed in linen from Pillow Talk and
Sunday Society to a built-in desk with Pillow Talk ottomans, open
shelves and a hanging chair from OMG I Would Like. For added impact,
the backdrop pops with floral wallpaper from Graphico. “As the girls
appreciate their own space more, we wanted to give them rooms they
loved to hang out in and which had multiple uses,” says Christal.

TOWELS (THIS PAGE, BOTTOM LEFT) AURA HOME OCCASIONAL CHAIR (OPPOSITE) FREEDOM
MAIN BEDROOM With its generous proportions, luxurious pieces and treetop views, Chris and Christal’s bedroom truly feels like the idyllic retreat
they wanted to create. “Whenever I plan furnishings, I’ll start with the artwork, which in here was the inspiration for the colour palette,” says Christal
of the floral work titled Boho Muse by Adele Naidoo, which hangs above a Create Estate bed layered with Adairs linen and a striped cushion from
Weave Home. Side tables from Trit House are an ideal way to display vessels, below Delessi ‘Orb Opal’ wall lights from JD Lighting. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 109

 Beautiful HOMES

Source book
Interior design: Koda Design, (07) 3397 3003, kodadesign.com.
Builder: Zou Build, 0415 546 839, zoubuild.com.au.
Landscaping: Elizabeth Weyer Outdoor Design, elizabethweyer.com.au.
Pool: Get Wet Pool Installs, 0417 491 062, getwetpoolinstalls.com.au.

POOL “‘Take me to Greece’ was the inspiration for the pool area,”
explains Christal, of a secluded zone with white walls, a custom curved
concrete daybed topped with upholstery by SquareFox and Weave Home
cushions, and an expanse of ‘Glamrock Crema’ tiles from Edge Tile &
Stone that resemble crazy paving. For keen swimmers Andrea and
Sophia, this is the spot to cool off in summer.

110 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 FRESH OUTLOOK

1 2 3

INSIDE STORY
Christal & Chris’ home
Who lives here?
Christal, Zou Build interior and design
consultant; her husband Chris, director of
Zou Build; their daughters, Andrea, 13, and
Sophia, 10, and Teddi the Maltese shih tzu.
What was your best building decision?
Christal: “As we are on a small lot with just
a 10-metre frontage, we excavated and
located the garage in the home’s undercroft.
It gave us more space internally and has
given our facade a point of difference.”
Your favourite spot in the house?
“I love the upstairs living space with all
the natural light and high ceilings, and
we equally love our outdoor spaces.”
What was your biggest splurge?
“There wasn’t one big splurge but lots
of little splurges. If there was something
that we liked and wanted, we just
committed to it – within reason!”
4 5

1. A Middle of Nowhere artwork titled 6 7

‘Desert Dawn’ was selected for the guest
bedroom, with a Globe West bedhead.
CUSTOM COFFEE TABLES (#5) POP PLUS RUG (#5) RUGS FOR GOOD

2. The exterior has Scandi overtones,

BEDLINEN (#1) ADAIRS THROW AND TABLE LAMP (#1) FREEDOM

with a pitched gable roofline, light-toned

Knotwood in Norwegian Beech and
Cooma stone from Edge Tile & Stone.
3. In the upstairs living, ceramics fill a
Globe West buffet. Artwork by Jen Sievers.
4. A Stegbar dresser and mirror in the
walk-in robe, with Polytec Aston White
joinery and a stool from Pillow Talk.
5. Kimmy Hogan’s artwork ‘Vessels 1’
dominates the downstairs living, with a Trit
House sofa and Bonnie and Neil cushions.
6. In the laundry, ‘Edge Arch Taj’ Calacatta
mosaics from Edge Tile & Stone.
7. Kitchen stools from Uniqwa Collections
pick up the warmth of the flooring.
 SWAPPING ONE SIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S CAPE COAST FOR ANOTHER, THIS
FOODIE COUPLE HAS GAINED MORE THAN PROXIMITY TO THE WATER’S EDGE
Story MILA CREWE-BROWN Styling NATALIE BORUVKA Photography KARL ROGERS

112 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Beautiful HOMES
STORY COURTESY OF
GAP INTERIORS

BACK TO THE BEACH “We viewed the home on a beautiful day and the white facade against the blue sky and green fynbos [the shrub
land native to the region] was stunning,” says homeowner Liz of the three-level, Cape Cod-style home she and husband Frikkie share
with their teenagers Amè, 17, and Erik, 14, (opposite, heading for a surf) on South Africa’s beautiful west coast. >
 Beautiful HOMES

ot minutes, but beachfront but couldn’t live in one myself.

seconds. That’s I wanted ours to be really cosy and a little
the measure of fun,” Liz notes.
L i z a nd her While their home follows the universally
family’s voyage breezy beachside aesthetic, it steers clear of
from house to anything twee. A crisp canvas of white,
beach – a journey taken on foot, along warmed with sisal and oak flooring, is a relaxed base for their
a short, decked path that divides fynbos- assortment of rattan and wood pieces. Deep armchairs and generous
covered dunes. Not only do she and husband Frikkie claim this coffee tables await – even the rugs have a nonchalance about them,
privilege from home, but from work, too, since home life and work layered informally with print over plain. A cast of playful wallpapers
happen in the same place. by the likes of South Africa’s Robin Sprong Wallpaper’s Franco Moz
Theirs is one of many successful tales of life-changing moves having and Soil & Co are a cure for anything too serious.
surfaced since lockdown. For Liz and Frikkie, exchanging urban Cape As you enter from the street level into the open-plan kitchen and
living for their beloved weekend retreat of a seaside village on South living area, a 180-degree oceanscape meets you on arrival. “There are
Africa’s west coast was an antidote for their high-stress lives in food days where we catch scores of dolphins on the waves, and whales, too,”
retail and the toll of persistent security concerns. she notes. Upstairs, the main suite claims the whole top floor with
Frequently spied on walks over the weekends they’d spend at a view that peers out over the beach and into the vast blue.
a nearby rental, it was pure luck that the “charming little house” on If there was any doubt as to where the money shot was, their simple
the beachfront became available. Encompassing a neat 180 square and stylish four-poster bed and chaise longue are positioned sea-facing
metres and split over three floors with private beach access – here, in its honour. “The other day I sat on the chaise and watched the most
sweeping ocean views are guaranteed. Inside, it was ravaged by incredible storm come in over the ocean; at one point I saw a rainbow
its former life as an event venue but transforming it for the rigours and then the rain falling onto the sea – all from under a blanket on
of everyday living was a process that Liz refers to as “therapy”. my chair,” she recalls.
The project came at a time when she needed distracting from Being closer to nature, watching the shifting day and what Liz
a particularly straining career period and also offered a way for her to calls the “moods of the ocean” is a tonic for the couple. Workdays are
connect (virtually) with her mother in London over the project details. sealed with a walk along the beach, their troupe of dogs in tow. Frikkie
Overall, the couple repurposed the lower ground floor into a private spends his downtime tinkering with his gin and whiskey distillery
bedroom wing with its own entrance for Amè and Erik, their two and weekends are for cooking – sometimes all day. The scene often
teenagers, redid the kitchen and bathrooms and geared the home unfolds with a band of friends and a menu that includes an Italian
for a future of entertaining friends and family who would come for feast, a beach barbecue or a mussel pot on the rocks with the crashing
weekends. “I’ve always loved the modern properties that line the waves as nature’s playlist.
LIVING AREA The bright and airy open-plan living area (opposite) is a favourite spot to watch sports with family and friends. Stored under the coffee
table when not in use, leather poufs provide extra seating as does a Bamileke side table. For similar poufs, try the Moroccan square poufs from Rustic,
White & Wood. Cleverly, the TV recedes into a wall painted a custom shade based on Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore. “The house was a blank canvas
with white walls, ceilings and floors. We opted to retain a neutral colour palette adding interest with lots of textures,” say Liz (pictured above). >

114 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 “WE WANTED AN
open-plan SPACE TO
SPEND TIME
TOGETHER as a
family AND HAVE
FRIENDS OVER” LIZ
DINING ROOM In the 12-metre living area, the family played with
two or three layouts before settling on one where the dining area
(below) takes up most of the length because says Liz, “we needed
a long table to accommodate the many guests we regularly host
on weekends. And when it’s just the four of us, we keep it cosy at
the kitchen counter”. For similar dining furniture, try Oz Design
Furniture. KITCHEN (opposite) The dilapidated kitchen was
transformed by respraying the cupboard doors in navy and installing
wooden benchtops and open shelves. As passionate cooks, the couple’s
biggest investment in the space was a Smeg cooker. For similar bar
stools available locally, try Temple & Webster. >
 Beautiful HOMES
ILLUSTRATION KENZIEDESIGN.COM ARTWORK ‘VINTAGE OCTOPUS 7’ PRINT PEZULA INTERIORS

FLOOR PLAN

LOWER GROUND FLOOR GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR

WC
P’DR WIR
BATH

BED
ENTRY
LIVING

DEN MAIN BED

DECK

STAIR
BATH
BED
DINING ENS
KITCHEN

HOME BEAUTIFUL 117

 Beautiful HOMES

“EVERY DAY OFFERS a different

MOOD DEPENDING ON THE
palette of colours OUTSIDE.
SOMETIMES IT’S VERY
HARD TO GET OUT of bed” LIZ

DEN Amè and Erik’s den on the lower ground floor gets crowded on the
weekends and the sofa often doubles as a bed for visiting friends. For
a similar one, try the ‘Stratten Slope Arm’ extra large sofa from Coco
Republic. The print depicting a dhow was sourced from South African store
Weylandts. BEDROOM Erik’s bedroom wall presented the ideal canvas for
the playful ‘Palm Delft Monkeys’ wallpaper from Robin Sprong Wallpaper.
Try the EcuaFina alpaca throw in Orange from Wolf & Badger for a similar
throw. MAIN BEDROOM “It’s such an inspiring space to wake up in,” says
Liz of the main bedroom and open-plan bathroom (opposite). Bought on
a trip to London, the bed linen is from Piglet in Bed. The wall hanging
made from foraged cuttlefish bone is from South Africa’s Weskus Crafts. >

118 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 WE LOVE...
four posters
A four-poster timber bed
makes a timeless statement.
Opt for clean, uncluttered
lines and this style of bed can
work even in smaller spaces.
“We needed something
structural given the height
of the room in the centre –
the lines of the bed frame
the sea view,” says Liz.
Visit cocorepublic.com.au,
abideinteriors.com.au,
and fortywinks.com.au. >
 Beautiful HOMES

MAIN BEDROOM With sweeping views of the ocean, the main bedroom and open-plan
Source book bathroom occupy the entire top floor. For a similar chandelier, try Emac & Lawton’s
Interior decorating: Liz van Niekerk ‘Bangalow’ chandelier from House of Isabella. The wooden console, discovered at a market
Wallpaper: Robin Sprong Wallpaper, years ago, works perfectly behind the bed. For a similar one, try the ‘Albany’ antique console
robinsprong.com. table from Provincial Home Living. For similar curtains, try Luxaflex Window Fashions.

120 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 BEACH BEAUTY

1 2 3

INSIDE STORY
Liz & Frikkie’s home
Who lives here?
Liz and Frikkie, food retail managers,
teenagers, Amè, 17, and Erik, 14, and
their four dogs Ruby, Lily, Olly and Alvin.
What’s your decorating style?
Liz: “Classic, fun, timeless.”
Favourite features?
“The fireplace, and our bedroom –
everything about it, especially
having a bath at sunset.”
Any future renovating plans?
“We’re building a pool and braai
[barbecue] area with a pizza oven.”
Life in your new home…
“We love being immersed by the
expansive ocean views … our lifestyle
is much simpler on the coast and
we don’t take the little things for
granted like a beautiful sunset.”
4 5

6 7

1. The coffee table is an ever-changing

canvas of books and items from travels.
2. For similar pendant lights, try the
Lucca and Luna ‘Amalfi’ rattan lace
pendant lights from Temple & Webster.
3. Frikkie (pictured) in front of a drinks
trolley well stocked with a selection of
gin, including Salty Dog, his own brand.
4. A handwoven basket is used for
laundry in the main bathroom.
5. Liz opted for lightweight linen
curtains in the living area.
6. The tropical fish themed wallpaper
in the guest bathroom is by Soil & Co
from Robin Sprong Wallpaper.
7. For a similar sun lounger, try
the ‘Mississippi’ from Domayne.
Making your
spaces smarter
It starts with smart device
installation by the O-Team

Optus O-Team

O-Team Installation services currently available in

select Sydney and Melbourne metro locations only.
 BEAUTIFUL
PHOTOGRAPHY MANDY REID

PICK OF
THE BUNCH
page 124

IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR STYLISH OUTDOOR LIVING

 Beautiful GARDENS

PICK OF
THE BUNCH
A FLOWER FARMER IN RURAL NSW SHARES THE SECRETS
BEHIND HER BOUNTIFUL GARDEN, PLUS TIPS FOR CREATING
WREATHS AND BOUQUETS TO SUIT ANY FESTIVE TABLEAU
Story BRITTANY SMITH Photography MANDY REID & ANNABELLE HICKSON

ehind a small country gate, past a fragrant trellis of climbing roses is White Cottage Flower Farm

B in Tenterfield, NSW. Shocks of colour paint a pretty picture across the 400-square-metre property,
with luscious greens, delicate pinks and regal blues offering vistas reminiscent of quaint English
gardens. But it’s the farm’s enviable position in the Australian bush, 850 metres above sea level,
that really helps the plants thrive. The climate makes the most of Australia’s sun-kissed aspect, while still
allowing wintry conditions, including occasional snowfall, much to the delight of owners Mandy and Hamish
Reid. They’ve held the reins of the farm for 25 years, since the land was bare, save for a cottage and shed.
“We bought stained glass windows and did it all up in an English style,” says Mandy. “We added extra
rooms, for a workshop and propagating. My biggest passion is flowers. I wanted to sell them to women getting
married in the country.” And with that romantic goal in mind, White Cottage Flower Farm blossomed.
Opened to the public three years ago, Mandy and Hamish see it as much more than a shop – it’s a destination,
where they can share knowledge with budding green thumbs, hosting lessons in floristry and photography
while also selling antiques that Mandy has collected. While they’ve branched out into multiple disciplines,
ultimately, they aim to give visitors a taste of the country medicine they hold so dear.
“It’s just a joy to be around so many flowers,” says Mandy with a laugh. “If you’re stressed out in any way,
the best thing to do is garden. I’ve had two knee replacements and I still do it.”
And now she has borne the fruit of her hard work, in the form of hundreds upon hundreds of roses, peonies,
foxgloves, cosmos, hedges and dahlias, all blooming in time for summer. If there’s a method to the madness,
Mandy doesn’t know about it, insisting she follows her instincts to determine what will look nice. But Hamish
is a bit more measured, often using his tape to rule out where each new seed should go. After 34 years of
marriage, the pair still strike the perfect balance to create a rambling, yet subtly curated garden. Here, Mandy
generously shares some of her knowledge and offers advice on how to decorate with flowers this Christmas.

124 HOME BEAUTIFUL

Mandy, pictured with two of her
three miniature schnauzers, Fig
and Pippin, stands at the entrance
to her delightful cottage and shop.
Terracotta pots and wreaths of
roses and peonies surround her. >
 “FLOWERS MAKE
PEOPLE feel good
AND SO I THINK ANY
PLANT, IN any colour,
IS PERFECT FOR
CHRISTMAS”
MANDY
 Beautiful GARDENS

A PERFECT PEAR
Try incorporating fruit into your floral d ons. Mandy
is particularly fond of pears as, depending on the type and level
of ripeness, they can complement plants with a range of tones,
from red to green and even peach. Opposite, she pairs them
with Elizabeth magnolias while, above, they sit beside snow
bush. Antique breadboards, vases and bowls complete the look.
And remember, “Always use just one, three or five objects”, says
Mandy. Odd numbers increase visual interest and movement. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 127

 Beautiful GARDENS
“You must appreciate
FLOWERS AND ANTIQUES
FOR WHAT THEY ARE:
works of art. THEY TELL
US HOW WE GOT HERE”
MANDY

HOT AND COLD

You can use floral arrangements to
complement the tones of your decor
but try to introduce contrast, too.
Here, the warm tones of the common
sunshine conebush fit in with the
Depression-era timber cupboard and
yellow antique ware bowls. “In the
opposite corner, I put an old French
oil painting,” explains Mandy, who
placed a blue-and-white towel on the
table to balance the introduction of
cooler hues. “I added that blue and
then I carried it somewhere else.”

128 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 COMING FULL CIRCLE
Wreaths are a staple of festive
decorations and they’re incredibly easy
to make. Mandy uses foliage like ivy for
the base. “It’s just a matter of holding
one end, making a big loop and then
weaving the rest around that first big
loop,” says Mandy. Here, she used wattle
but also likes wisteria. She recommends
looping quite a lot so the wreath is nice
and thick, secure with a zip tie or twine,
then it’s ready to add the flowers. >
 Beautiful GARDENS

KEEPING IT SIMPLE
When it comes to decorating for a meal, understated style is
often best. “The whole idea is to communicate around the table,”
says Mandy. “I often use low, trailing branches and fruit on the
dining table, then a massive bunch of flowers off to the side.”
Here, lilacs add a burst of purple and green. But don’t forget
negative space. “I’m flower greedy so I’d love to stick them all in
there but it never looks good unless you’ve got negative space.”
Mandy recommends leaving one-quarter of the setting empty.

130 HOME BEAUTIFUL

The front of the cottage,
which also serves as Mandy’s
antique and floral shop. The
garden is bursting with sweet
peas, peonies, roses, dahlias,
cosmos, nigella and foxgloves.

White Cottage Flower Farm and antiques shop

is open weekends and weekdays by appointment.
Visit white-cottage.ecwid.com for details. To see
more of Mandy’s beautiful floral vignettes, follow
her on Instagram @whitecottage_flowerfarm_
 Beautiful GARDENS

LATEST IN:

UNEARTHED
WE DIG UP THE BEST BACKYARD
BUYS AND DESIGN IDEAS
Edited by AMY NORTHCOTT

5 MINS WITH
MICHAEL McCOY
HB TALKS WITH THE GARDEN
DESIGNER ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK
BASED ON THE HIT ABC SERIES
Drinks, please
DON’T LET YOUR GUESTS What inspired your book?
GO THIRSTY WITH THE “There were so many great ideas
‘CARLO’ BAR TROLLEY, and principles of design that never
$1695, PART OF DOMO’S made it into a half-hour episode
SIKA DESIGN EXTERIOR of the show. So the book is like
RANGE. TOP IT UP WITH a rich extras reel.”

PHOTOGRAPHY (GARDEN AND BOOK COVER) SIMON GRIFFITHS (PORTRAIT) KELLY GARDINER
YOUR FAVOURITE TIPPLES, Any tips for summer gardening?
READY FOR THE SILLY “Go to town with pots planted with
SEASON. DOMO.COM.AU. voluminous, explosive colour. It’s
incredible how quiet and humble
a garden can get away with being
MILESTONE MOMENT if there are a few really fabulously
Bowral Bricks has been part of the Australian urban flamboyant pots dotted around.”
landscape for 100 years this year. To celebrate, What’s your advice for anyone
Brickworks has launched the Bowral Highlands series planning a garden at home?
(pictured). Rich in colour variances and textures, the “Gardens succeed or fail based
range uses clay sourced from the Southern Highlands primarily on how they shape and
region. Choose from eight shades, from $2155/per manipulate space. The deepest
1000 bricks; brickworks.com.au. gut reaction will always be how
you feel welcomed, embraced
and surrounded by your garden.
Gardens are places to ‘be in’,
NATURAL TOUCH more than places to ‘look at’!”
BRING THE AUSTRALIAN FLORA TO YOUR Dream Gardens by Michael
TABLE WITH THE ‘BANKSIA’ TABLECLOTH McCoy, $70, Hardie Grant.
FROM MADRAS LINK, $79.95/145cm x
230cm AND $129.95/145cm x 350cm.
SEE THE FULL TABLEWARE RANGE
AT MADRASLINKONLINE.COM.AU.

SETTLE IN FOR A POST-LUNCH KIP IN THE NEW FANTAIL

OUTDOOR ARMCHAIR, $1199 (RIGHT), FROM DOMAYNE.COM.AU.

132 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Promotion

It’s the little things...

MAKE YOUR LOVED ONES SMILE THIS CHRISTMAS - We’ve done the
hard work for you and compiled a list of gift ideas guaranteed to put a
smile on your loved one’s dial. Plus, simultaneously support small business
with a huge range of unique, boutique products.

Personalised Guitar Pick

Sterling Silver Bracelet, $109.

Oasis Necklace, $99.

Botanical Earrings, Gold And Pearl

$69 Earrings, $80.

Personalised Sterling
Silver Guitar Pick, $45.
Personalised Initial Disc Art Deco Star Stud Earrings, $125.
Necklace, from $88.

A L L T H AT

GLITTERS
"RIDGETTE(ARDTOlND
Wildflower Gold Ring,
Marketing Manager
$37.90.

UNIQUE &

small
Personalised Coordinate Cufflinks, THOUGHTFUL
SUPPORT from $181.
GIFTS - There’s nothing
better than the feeling of
best absolutely nailing a gift
and seeing your loved
seller one genuinely smile (no
fake smiles or “oh...
Gaeb Amethyst Earrings, $38.
thank you...” to see
here!)

My top tip for gifting

jewellery is to always
look at the type of metal
and styles that your
loved one already wears.
Try to match your gift to
Velasquez Bracelet, $95. that. Don’t buy gold if
Florence Gold Turquoise you’ve only ever seen
Cuff Bracelet, $59. them wear silver!
SCAN TO SHOP
 Promotion
Mini Mizzie Teething Toy, $25.95.
MERRY

CUTE-MAS
Personalised Name Crayons Personalised Christmas
(Up To 9 Letters), $29.95. Stocking, $25.95.

best
seller

Crochet Baby Rattle,

$31.95.
Personalised Christmas
Decoration, $29.99.

N’T FORGE
DO T
YO
U

R
FU
R- ABIE
B
S!

Forest Green & Brass Dog

Collar, $49.95.

The Wiggles Look Learn Grow

Book Box Set, $29.99.

SUPPORTING SMALL
BUSINESS THIS
CHRISTMAS - Supporting
small has never been Adventure Sunsuit Swimwear, $68.90.
easier. You can shop from
our huge range of gorgeous
keepsakes, personalised
gifts and toys for team
your little one. pick
We’ve even got
something for
the fur-babies Personalised Twin Pet Bowl, $99.95.
in your life!

,UCINDA(ARDTOlND
eCommerce Coordinator
Bead Jewellery Making Kit, $36.95.

Kids Sunglasses, $69.95.

SCAN TO SHOP
 Promotion
Hydrating Shampoo, $79. ‘Chill Foodie’ Medium Picnic Set For Two People, $311.65.
Goal Digger Planner Classic 2023, $56.95.

Terrazzo Cosmetic Bag, $32.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Fine Bone China Tea Candle, $69.95.
Cup, $38.95.
GIFT IDEAS

HO HO HOMES Reusable Glass Cup, $37.95.

Personalised Solid Oak Watch

Box, from $209.

Personalised Leather Keyring, $39.

Botanical Beauty Hamper, $99.

95.
ket, $129.
Blan
vue Throw
Belle

$77.
Bath Mat,
‘Nice Butt’

Christmas Candle Bundle, $189.95.

SCAN TO SHOP
 Promotion

BE MERRY
best
seller
SIP SIP
H O O R AY Reusable Wine Sippy Cup, $54.99.

Personalised Coaster
Set, $39.99.

SAY CHEERS! - We’ve got

gifts for the wine lovers,
gin connoisseurs and
Finger Lime whisky fans. There is
Gin, $150. something for everyone.

Or, treat yourself and

Gin Baubles (Set Of 6), $89.
Salted Caramel Peanut celebrate this holiday
Brittle, $22.50. season with a
delicious Finger
Lime Gin &
Tonic and
some nibbles.

%RI(ARDTOlND'ENERAL
Manager

Personalised Ruby Wine Glass Set, $148.

THE GIFT
T H AT K E E P S Fegg Unbreakable Silicone Tumblers, $37.95.

ON GIVING...
Shop a huge range of magazine
subscriptions at hardtofind.com.au.

The perfect gift that’s delivered to their

doorstep all year round.

1st World Problems

- The Card Game,
$30.
SCAN TO SHOP
 BEAUTIFUL
PHOTOGRAPHY PLAIN ENGLISH

Collecting the right

cookware, bakeware
and knives makes TURNING UP
all the difference THE HEAT
when it comes
to setting up your
page 138
dream kitchen.

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | EXPERT ADVICE | RENOVATE | CREATE

 Cookware handbook

PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE) PLAIN ENGLISH (OPPOSITE) BRIGID ARNOTT STYLING (OPPOSITE) ANNA DELPRAT
TURNING
up the HEAT
WHETHER YOU’RE A SEASONED PRO OR NERVOUS NOVICE, YOU’RE ONLY
AS GOOD AS YOUR TOOLS. GET YOUR KITCHEN READY WITH HB’S GUIDE
Words LYNNE TESTONI

hen it comes to cooking, there’s no recipe for success quite like

W
Opposite page, from left: ‘Escoffier’
thoughtfully collected cookware. If kitchens are the heart of the induction copper sauté pan, $499/ 28cm,
home, then setting one up is the ultimate step in creating your Chasseur. Ottinetti brass sauté pan,
$125/small, The DEA Store. ‘Unlimited
dream abode. Experts agree that when it comes to choosing Premium’ non-stick induction frypan,
cookware, bakeware and knives, it’s important to buy the best quality you can afford. $159.95/24cm, Tefal. ‘Dahlström Tools’
That doesn’t mean breaking the bank – quality, not quantity, should be your motto.  oven pan, $419/ 36cm, Iittala. Casserole
Susie Loudon, owner of specialist Sydney cookware shop, The Bay Tree, says good dish in Cream, $279/24cm, Smeg.
quality cookware should last you a lifetime. “It’s a false economy to skimp on one Signature Collection cast iron saucepan
in Meringue, $410/16cm, Le Creuset.
bit and have to come back in three or four years’ time and buy something else,” says ‘Coppernox’ frypan, $199/26cm, Scanpan.
Susie, adding that the best products don’t necessarily cost a fortune. “Just because ‘Escoffier’ induction copper saucepan
it’s the best quality doesn’t mean it’s the highest price.” with helper handle, $429/3L, Chasseur.

138 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Beautiful DESIGN

HOT POTS 
Looking to upgrade your pots and pans? Here’s our cheat sheet

Choosing the right material 

Chef, author and TV personality Jason Roberts thinks non-stick cookware
is the way to go but recommends choosing a brand that is tried and true – he’s
an ambassador for the Tefal brand. “A lot of light aluminium pans with thin
coatings end up in landfill,” he says. “Choose a brand with a reputable name,
that looks after its customers and is conscious of the planet.” The ultimate
material for saucepans is copper, but it’s expensive and generally won’t work
on induction stoves. “Copper is the best conductor of heat,” explains Susie.
“However, it is high maintenance.” Brands are starting to create stainless-steel
options that recreate that top-quality heat conduction, while also enjoying
the benefits of a more low-maintenance and less expensive product. >
 Beautiful DESIGN

The right base Instead of focusing on how easy a material HB’S TOP
for your cooktop is to clean, consider how easy it is to cook POTS & PANS
When choosing cookware, it’s good to start with. In other words, don’t just buy non-
with your stovetop – whether it’s gas, stick for the sake of it. “You should be
electric or induction – particularly because buying a non-stick pan because it’s going
not all cookware works on induction stoves. to be the best for the job that you’ve
“If it’s suitable for induction, it goes on all given it,” explains Susie. “Other than that,
stove types as well,” says Susie. “So, if you you’d use stainless-steel all the time.” 
are planning to move to induction in the                 
future, I would always start with something Essential pots and pans
that will go on induction now.” Induction For a well-rounded collection, Susie
cooktops require cookware with a ferrous- believes two saucepans (a smaller one for ‘Reserve’ cookware set
based (iron) bottom. To check if your pans sauces, a larger one for vegetables), plus in Black, $699.95/10-piece
are suitable for induction stoves, see if a stock pot should suit most families. She set, GreenPan.
a magnet sticks to the base – if it does, they also recommends looking at ovenproof
will work on an induction stovetop. Susie saucepans, so it’s easy to start roasting your
recommends starting with a heavy-based ham or turkey on the stovetop then finish in
pan as, “the heavier the base, the more the oven, if that’s what your recipe calls for.
efficient it is because it grabs all the heat
and distributes it evenly. You’ll use a lot The benefits of a stockpot 
less power and you’ll have a lot more Thomas loves his large stockpot and adds
control over your cooking”. that it’s essential for home kitchens.  TechnIQ ‘Windsor’ saucepan
“Get the biggest one that you can because and lid, $481.95, Scanpan.
Embrace minimalism   I think it’s a really great piece of equipment
There is a dazzling array of cookware to have in terms of making soups and
available at specialist shops and department stocks. I would probably recommend buying
stores, which can be confusing even for it from a commercial cookware shop because
confident chefs. However, executive chef at you’ll pay a lot less and you’ll get a great
Sydney’s prestigious Aria restaurant, quality pot. That’s where I bought my
Thomas Gorringe, says most home kitchens stockpot from for home. It’s a great way Copper saucepan,
don’t really need a lot of pots and pans.  to save a little bit of money and also get $83.95/9cm, The Bay Tree.
“Some home cooks tend to have cluttered a superior quality product.” Plus, you can
kitchens and a lot of equipment, but not use the pot to create an incredible ingredient
necessarily the right pieces of equipment,” that also reduces waste – homemade
he says. “I try and keep things pretty stock. “You can use all of your vegetable
minimal, and I think commercial kitchens trimmings to make beautiful vegetable
are the same. Space is quite confined. You broths along with chicken bones or any ‘The Old Dutch’ dutch oven,
really want to only have the best kind of meat trim left over. It’s always great to just $480, Ironclad Co.
products and they should be multipurpose.”  bang them in a pot and get it going.
   You will reduce the amount of waste and
Non-stick vs get the benefit of having amazing stock.”
stainless steel
When it comes to pots and pans, start with How to care for
the cookware that suits your lifestyle instead your cookware 
of buying a standard saucepan set. When it comes down to it, it’s all about ‘Unlimited’ non-stick induction
“What are you cooking?” Susie asks. “Are respect. “Treat your cookware like you want wok, $169.95/28cm, Tefal.
you going to cook a steak? Are you it to last forever,” says Jason. “Harsh
vegetarian? If you are cooking a lot of eggs scrubbing and improper use of temperature
and fish, you should go for a non-stick pan. can ruin any cookware.” So do your research
However, non-stick inhibits browning, so to avoid abrasive materials – that means
for steak you should use a stainless-base no steel-wool sponges while cleaning and Classica cast-iron skillet in Blue,
pan rather than a non-stick.” no metal utensils while cooking.   $65/25cm, The Bay Tree.

140 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 “I try to keep my equipment pretty minimal.
You really want to only have the best kind of
products and they should be multipurpose, too”
THOMAS GORRINGE, ARIA EXECUTIVE CHEF

Finding a wok that works for you 

Cook, author and TV personality Marion Grasby knows Asian cooking and uses a wok
for almost all of her recipes. She’s currently developing her own wok range and
PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE) PLAIN ENGLISH

conducting tests on different materials and styles to find the right choice. “If you have
an induction or electric stovetop, go with a flat-bottom wok because you want that
contact with the heat,” she suggests. For gas, a more traditional round shape will work
best. Carbon steel is her material of choice as it gives an even spread of heat. The next
decision is whether you choose a seasoned or non-stick wok. “Seasoned will give you
the best flavour but it depends on how much you use your wok,” says Marion.
“A seasoned wok requires you to keep it nicely oiled every time you use it or it
will rust. If you’re someone who only uses a wok every six months, you probably
want to choose non-stick purely because your wok will rust otherwise.” >
 Beautiful DESIGN

ON THE RISE  HB’S TOP

Baking is easier if you have the right tools. Here are our suggestions BAKING PANS
for the best pans, trays and sheets to help you hit that sweet spot 

Start with basic pans Choosing the

Whether you are baking cakes, pies or right material 
bread, there are so many fun (and practical) Anneka says with bakeware “you get what
pans, tins and accessories available that you pay for”. “Buy the best quality you can
the choice can be overwhelming. Anneka afford, but also be really mindful that the
Manning, cookbook author and founder ones you can buy from the supermarket for
of BakeClub, teaches baking to beginners $12 will generally last you a long time, if
and often advises novices on what to buy you look after them as well,” she says. She Mondo round cake tins, from
when they are starting out. She suggests also points out that cake tins with heavier $11/10cm each, The Bay Tree.
collecting a few basics and building gauges (denser materials) and dark finishes
a collection from there. Cake pan sizes will absorb and transfer heat more
vary a bit, so it’s good to start with some efficiently, so you’ll get a darker and slightly
standard sizes because it can be tricky thicker crust on the cakes and breads.
to adapt recipes, especially for beginners.  Susie says the heavier the cake pan is, the
   more heat that it will collect and the more
The essentials  efficient it will be, making them ideal
No matter the shape of your pan, there for slow-cooking cakes. On the opposite end
are a few measurements that work with of the time spectrum, she’s seeing a large
most recipes. “I would always start with swing to silicone because it saves time. ‘Tårtbak’ flower-shaped, non-stick
a 20cm round pan and a 20cm square pan – “There’s no butter or oil needed,” she says. baking tin, $7/180ml, Ikea.
both with deep sides, because you can “The product just goes straight in the pan
always cook a shallow cake in a deep pan, and then straight in the oven. But it doesn’t
but you can’t do the opposite,” Anneka says. work for everything; you would never cook
For slice pans, Anneka suggests a sponge in silicone.” Instead, silicone
16cm x 26cm while 10cm x 20cm is especially popular as baking sheets,
is preferable for loaf pans. She says these for cooking biscuits and slices. “They are
two options, plus a 20cm springform pan, really easy with no oiling, and very easy
a muffin tin and a few baking trays, to look after,” she says.
“will usually get you baking anything,   
at a basic level”. Culinary expert at The importance of Daily Bake bundt pan
Winning Appliances, Bettina Jenkins, a cake cooler  $37.50/25cm, The Bay Tree.

PHOTOGRAPHY (OPPOSITE) BRIGID ARNOTT STYLING (OPPOSITE) ANNA DELPRAT

agrees a 20cm cake pan is ideal because A tip from Bettina is to buy a cake cooler,
it suits most recipes. “I find that 20cm pan which is a metal rack to allow cakes to cool
recipes can also make 12 muffins, so before icing or serving, “because you need to
I always recommend at least one muffin be able to turn your cake out.” Ultimately,
or cupcake tin, with a third-of-a-cup these coolers work better in pairs. “If you
capacity, so if you don’t want to do your can afford two, definitely buy two because Slice tray in Bottle, $150,
Mud Australia.
cake you can make 12 cupcakes instead.” you can turn one cake out and then turn it
Flexibility is what it’s all about! back on to another cooler so it’s top side up.” 

Opposite, clockwise from top right: Bundt non-stick tin, $37.50/25cm, The Bay Tree. KitchenAid
5KSM7581AFP ‘Pro Line’ bowl-lift stand mixer in Frosted Pearl, $1299, Winning Appliances.
Guery rectangular flan tin, $74.50, The Bay Tree. Guery flan tin, $36.75, The Bay Tree. Mixing
bowl in Milk, $180/large, Mud Australia. ‘Viena’ cake stand, $59.95, The Bay Tree. Pie dish in
Milk, $150, Mud Australia. Flan dish in Milk, $150, Mud Australia. Mixing bowl with pouring lip
in White, $175, The Bay Tree. Swirl non-stick mould, $34.95/21cm, The Bay Tree. Stainless-steel
balloon whisk, $70, Le Creuset. Beechwood mixing spoon, $9.25, The Bay Tree. Beech rolling pin,
$14.50, The Essential Ingredient. ‘Craft’ spatula spoon in Meringue, $25/large, Le Creuset. Utensil Mondo square cake tins, from
vase in Ash, $115, Mud Australia. Sabre Paris ‘Bistrot’ teak tarte server, $59.50, The Bay Tree. $8.95/10cm each, The Bay Tree.

142 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 The benefits of a stand mixer 
If you bake a lot of cakes, it’s also worth investing in a stand mixer – you can make
cakes with a hand-held appliance, but a stand mixer makes the process simpler and
more foolproof. Plus, the options available now look fashionable on your benchtop.

What are universal pans?

Bettina says you can also use the pans and racks that come with most ovens, known
as universal pans, as baking trays for biscuits and slices. “People often don’t consider
using those trays. The beauty of them is that they slide into the oven and fit perfectly.
With most fan-forced ovens, you can cook three levels of biscuits if you want to.” >
 HB’S TOP KNIVES CUTTING EDGE 
Every good cook knows the value of a quality knife

The benefits of The importance

craftsmanship  of balance 
Good kitchen knives are a source of pride Bettina thinks the key to choosing knives is
and excitement for keen cooks. Thomas finding ones that are well balanced. “What
says he thinks most chefs are probably I mean by balanced is you pick the knife up
‘Hashira’ 5-piece knife block set
in walnut, $779, Global. a little bit too obsessed with knives and have and you see what it feels like in your hands,”
quite large collections. “I know I definitely she explains. “I don’t like using a heavy
do,” he adds, laughing. “I tend to lean knife; I want something that’s comfortable
towards Japanese knives. I love that in my hand. Look for a knife that’s really
tradition and the craftsmanship and all well balanced, to allow you to easily use it.” 
the care they put into making the knives.
Jamie Oliver stainless-steel ‘The
And I think they’re just a joy to use. Caring for your knives 
Essential 2pc Set’, $149.95, Tefal.
They make cooking fun. And for me, Quality knives should be handwashed, not
using knives all day at work, you want put in the dishwasher as this removes the
something that’s going to make you smile protective coating and dulls the blade. They
and make you happy.” So there you have should also be sharpened regularly – not
it – find a knife that sparks joy and just for efficiency but safety, too. “Once your
you can’t go wrong. knives get blunt, they’re actually more
dangerous than the sharp knives because
Essential knife types you are using a lot more force to cut things,”
Stick to the basics, Thomas suggests. explains Thomas. “So, you’re more likely to
“In terms of a home set-up, I think you need slip and cut yourself.” He sharpens his
probably six or seven knives as a good basic knives at home with a whetstone but he says
place to start, including a 28cm carving it’s a skill that takes time to master.
Scanpan ‘18187’ 8-piece knife block knife, a 24cm chef’s knife, a 15cm utility But there are plenty of other options,
set, $499, Appliances Online. knife, two paring knives (one serrated and according to Roger. “Use a ceramic ‘pull-
one with a regular blade), plus one bread through’ knife sharpener to regularly keep
knife and a honing steel.” Roger Seamark, your blade edges sharp and either use

*ALL INTERNATIONAL PRICES ARE BASED ON CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES AT THE TIME OF PRINTING
marketing and communications manager a whetstone once or twice a year or have
at Sheldon & Hammond, which distributes them professionally sharpened,” he suggests. 
Custom-made carbon filleting Victorinox, says the varying shapes and
knife, $600, Hendrik Max.
How to store your knives

PHOTOGRAPHY (OPPOSITE) BRIGID ARNOTT STYLING (OPPOSITE) ANNA DELPRAT

sizes can be very confusing for beginners.
“Remember these basics about blades: Roger recommends storing them in a knife
a straight edge is for smooth, clean cuts; roll, wooden block or magnetic strip instead
a fluted edge stops food from sticking of allowing them to sit in a drawer. Your
to the blade; a wavy edge is for cutting chopping surface should also be considered.
through crusts and tough skin; and “Softer surfaces such as wood or plastic
a flexible blade is best suited to filleting cause less wear and tear compared to harsher
and deboning,” he explains.  surfaces such as marble and glass.”

Jamie Oliver stainless-steel Opposite page: 1. Chef’s knife with olive wood handle, $250/15cm, Le Creuset. 2. German oak
santoku knife, oval chopping board, $23.50, The Essential Ingredient. 3. ‘Crafter’ serrated utility knife,
$109.95/16.5cm, Tefal. $399/14cm, Wüsthof. 4. ‘Classic’ Oriental cooks knife, $159/10cm, Global. 5. Paring knife no. 112
in Natural, $10.66*, Opinel. 6. Les Forgés 1890 paring knife, $94*, Opinel. 7. Acacia wood tray, $60,
Le Creuset. 8. ‘Grand Maître’ chef’s knife, $429/20cm, Victorinox. 9. Kitchen knife, $650, 1803.
10. Fillet Parallèle no. 121 knife, $44*, Opinel. 11. ‘Classic’ chef’s knife, $99.95/20cm, Scanpan.
12. Wooden chopping board for mezzaluna blade, $39.95, The Essential Ingredient. 13. Paring
‘Swiss Modern’ bread and pastry knife, $350, 1803. 14. Pallarès boxwood santoku knife, $385, The DEA Store. 15. Paring knife,
knife, $169/22cm, Victorinox. $108.50/9cm, The Bay Tree. 16. Wüsthof ‘Crafter’ bread knife, $459/23cm, Myer.

144 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Beautiful DESIGN

2
7

9
4

5 8

11

12

13

14
10

15

16
 Beautiful DESIGN

Buyer’s guide

KEEP YOUR COOL

LOOKING FOR A NEW FRIDGE? CHECK OUT HB’S GUIDE
TO THE BRANDS, MODELS AND FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
Words KATE BARBER

The retro-style Smeg ’50s

fridge in this kitchen by
Highland Kitchens has
got vintage looks with
up-to-the-minute features.

146 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 TOP MOUNT 
For those on a budget or who like a traditional look
A top mount fridge is the most common one on the market, with the freezer
at the top and the fridge at the bottom. For that reason, it is more affordable
than other types. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t have style. There are
plenty of great models these days with bells and whistles, but if you’d rather
spend your reno money on something else, top mounts are a great option.

Mitsubishi Electric Samsung top mount Westinghouse top mount

top mount fridge frost-free fridge frost-free left hinge fridge
MR-458ER-ST-A, $1899, SR624LSTC, $1449, WTB5400SC-L, $1749,
Winning Appliances Winning Appliances Winning Appliances
Looks: This slimline Looks: With a minimalist Looks: The stainless-
fridge in stainless-steel flat-door design and steel exterior is pared
has a clean aesthetic stainless-steel exterior, back with handles that
that allows it to fade this is the ideal addition are almost invisible.
into the background. to a modern kitchen. Features: The shelving
It also comes in white Features: The freezer can be adjusted to suit
and shiny black. section can be converted your needs, which is
Features: Multi airflow into a fridge, which is handy when you have
technology efficiently handy if you’ve just lots of extra bottles
cools food throughout, done a big shop or are of bubbly. The crisper
even in hard-to-cool having a large gathering has a seal for humidity
places such as filled door during the festive season. control, but you can
pockets. The fridge and It also has a reversible also adjust the humidity
freezer have different door so can buy a model depending on the food.
alarms that go off if the that works in your space. Why we like it: There’s
doors are left open for Why we like it: It uses a lockable compartment
more than a minute. an independent cooling where you can store
PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT STYLING LISA HILTON

Why we like it: The system for the fridge your medications.
tempered glass shelves and freezer, which helps Dimensions: H1725mm x
are easy to clean and to keep food fresh. W796mm x D723mm
can withstand up to Dimensions: H1722mm x Capacity: 503L
100kg. You can also W836mm x D810mm Energy rating: 4 stars >
change the depth of the Capacity: 599L
shelves, so if you need Energy rating: 4 stars
to store something tall,
you can push the shelf in
above to create room.
Dimensions: H1645mm x
W751mm x D795mm
Capacity: 458L
Energy rating: 4.5 stars
 BOTTOM MOUNT
For those who want to access fridge items more easily
A bottom mount fridge has the freezer at the bottom. The advantage
of this is the fridge section – the one you use the most – is at eye level and
you don’t have to bend down. There is also another difference – with some
models the freezer pulls out like a drawer, which makes it easier to see
where items are. These are quite common now, but you will pay a bit extra.

“THE flexibility
OF THE SHELVING
INSIDE YOUR UNIT
IS IMPORTANT
TO ENSURE YOU
HAVE AN ample
amount of space”
BRUCE CRANSTON,
WINNING APPLIANCES

Bespoke modular bottom Hisense bottom mount Gaggenau 400 Series

mount fridge SRLX4100N, fridge HRBM418D, integrated bottom
from $3099, Samsung $1999, Harvey Norman mount fridge
EXPERT TIPS Looks: It’s the pick and Looks: This has RB492504, $19,999,
Winning Appliances
Bruce Cranston, product mix of fridges, with seven a flat-door design and
expert at Winning Appliances, colours and two finishes the handle is recessed Looks: This integrated
shares his top tips and advice. to combine. We love for a simple style. fridge will sit flush
the combo of Cotta White Features: Invertor with the bench, creating
Look at the size of the fridge
Metal and Clean Pink technology maintains a streamlined look.
you are purchasing. If you
Glass (pictured above). the ideal temperature Features: Just one
have a large household,
Features: It has the and means a quieter push of the door and
a 500L+ unit is recommended.
ability to integrate two or fridge. It also has it magically opens
Think about what you cook, – you can also do it
more models. You can an ice-maker, which
what you typically store in your the old-fashioned way.
also switch areas of the supplies ice on demand.
fridge and if you like to entertain. Inside, you’ll find two
fridge into a freezer. The door has a reversible
Take into account which way Plus, a jug within the door hinge, which gives cooling drawers. One
your fridge door will open, as unit automatically fills you more flexibility. sits close to 0°C and
cabinetry and walls can stop the with water. There are Why we like it: This you can manually
doors from properly opening. also a couple of clever is the highest energy adjust the temperature.
Consider units with higher functions – Triple Cooling rated fridge in Australia The other cooling
energy efficiency ratings to help and Metal Cooling. and it’s very affordable, drawer allows you to
you save money and the planet. Triple Cooling controls so it’s kind to your hip adjust the humidity.
the temperature and pocket up front and Why we like it: While
Installing your unit correctly
humidity and prevents in the long run. It’s also the price tag is on the
will help to ensure that it is
odours from mixing, good for the environment. costly side, Gaggenau
functioning to its full potential.
while the Metal Cooling Dimensions: H1720mm x is a luxury brand
The approximate lifespan of plate helps to keep W704mm x D694mm that is known for its
a fridge can be 10 years+. If you’re air cooler for longer. Capacity: 417L well-made products.
moving or renovating, it may be Why we like it: The Energy rating: 7 stars Dimensions: H2125mm x
a good time to buy a new unit. ability to match your W908mm x D608mm
Cleaning a fridge is important for fridge to your decor. Capacity: 555L
its longevity, so consider looking Dimensions: H1853xmm Energy rating: 5 stars >
at units that have easy-to-clean x W595mm x D669mm
surfaces and removable shelving. Capacity: 339L
Energy rating: 3 stars

148 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Beautiful DESIGN
This Fisher & Paykel
fridge fits like a glove
in this space designed
by Farnan Findlay
Architects, which
pairs fresh white with
the softness of timber.
PHOTOGRAPHY MAREE HOMER PHOTOGRAPHY
 FRENCH DOOR
For entertainers and those with a love of luxury
French door fridges open outwards with the fridge on top and the freezer
at the bottom. They are available in three- or four-door models. One of the
advantages of this ridge is the wide shelves, which allow plenty of room for
platters – perfect for entertainers. One downside is that they’re not easy to
retrofit into an existing kitchen because they’re wider than the standard size.

Electrolux UltimateTaste Fisher & Paykel recessed Samsung Family Hub

900 French door fridge handle quad door fridge French door smart fridge
with ice & water dispenser with ice & water dispenser SRF9700BFH, $6149,
EQE6870BA, $4199, RF605QZUVB1, $4699, Harvey Norman
Harvey Norman Harvey Norman Looks: It has a flat-door
Looks: A dark and Looks: The matte design with sleek lines
handsome stainless-steel black glass doors get that are accentuated
door makes this a slick a big tick for glamour. by recessed handles.
member of the kitchen. Features: With four Features: At 810L, this is
Features: A convertible compartments, there’s perfect for larger families
compartment can be more temperature or those who entertain
set at five different flexibility in zones. often. It also has smart
temperature settings, The bottom right-hand features. Tap twice or
from -23°C to 7°C so you section can be switched swipe down to quickly
can store food and drinks to soft freeze, chill or see what’s inside or check
at the ideal temperature fridge mode, depending via an app. The fridge
from cheeses to ice- on your needs. can also suggest meal
cream. You can Meanwhile, the bottom plans based on the
also store meat and left-hand freezer section food you enjoy most
fish at -2°C without has an entire bin for and you can add items
freezing, meaning you ice, and during a big to your shopping list
won’t have to defrost get-together you can hands-free while you’re
them. The crisper has up production. Then, busy cooking. The
an automatic humidity when everyone goes shopping list can
control so your fruit and home you can turn it then be accessed when
veg stays fresher longer. off and store your you’re at the shops.
Why we like it: The leftovers there. Why we like it: It’s
external water and ice Why we like it: Recessed not only super-clever,
dispenser means you handles and a micro but the water jug refills
don’t let out cool air water dispenser gives every time you return In this kitchen, designed
when you access it. it a streamlined look. it to the fridge. by Sally Wilkins Studio,
Dimensions: H1782mm x Dimensions: H1790mm x Dimensions: H1825mm x the French door fridge is
W913mm x D749mm W905mm x D688mm W912mm x D861mm in the butler’s pantry but
Capacity: 609L Capacity: 538L Capacity: 810L is still easy to access.
Energy rating: 3.5 stars Energy rating: 3.5 stars Energy rating: 3 stars

150 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Beautiful DESIGN

SIDE-BY-SIDE
For those who want a freezer that is easy to see at a glance
A side-by-side fridge is a fridge and freezer beside each other in the unit, with
the fridge on the right and the freezer on the left. These are great for people
who like things organised neatly in a freezer, but there is less space for larger
items. However, they usually need less room for opening doors so it would
suit a galley kitchen. The majority also have a water dispenser in the door.

LG InstaView Door-in-Door Liebherr side-by-side Sub-Zero built-in

side-by-side fridge with fridge SBSEF7242, $ 8265, side-by-side fridge
ice and water dispenser Winning Appliances ICBB148SSTH, $28,995,
GS-V635MBLC, $3099, Looks: The simple Winning Appliances
Harvey Norman Looks: Vertical handles
handles are
Looks: The sleek matte pleasing to the eye. stretching the length of
black colour works Features: Not only the front doors sets this
with dark kitchens and is there a warning signal apart. Having said that,
has a moody feel to it. to let you know when the it can also be customised.
Features: By knocking door is open, there’s also Features: An air
twice on the top right- a temperature alarm and purification system
hand section you can a malfunction warning means less spoilage
see what’s inside the signal. An electric touch and odour while a
fridge without opening control panel means its water-filtration system
the door and letting cool functions are easy to use. reduces contaminants
air out. The door-in-door Why we like it: The and chlorine taste. The
feature means there are stainless-steel exterior crisper and deli drawers
two doors in the top reduces the visibility of achieve top freshness due
section of the fridge. This fingerprints, so there’s to their low temperature
means you can access less need for cleaning. and high humidity zones.
PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE HUNFALVAY STYLING LISA BURDEN

frequently used items, Dimensions: H1852mm x There is also a magnetic

such as milk, without W1210 x D630mm door seal, which locks
opening the whole door. Capacity: 709L in the cold air.
There is also a filtration Energy rating: 3.5 stars Why we like it: The best
system, which lowers thing about Sub-Zero
fridge odours. fridges is flexibility.
Why we like it: The Extra accessories mean
Craft Ice Maker that you can customise them
makes large, round ice even more. They’re also
balls means you can tested to last 20 years.
entertain like a pro. Dimensions: H2134mm x
Dimensions: H1790mm x W1219mm x D610mm
W913mm x D735mm Capacity: 800L
Capacity: 635L Energy rating:
Energy rating: 3 stars 4.5 stars >
Beautiful DESIGN

The wine fridge takes

pride of place in this
thought-out space
by Gloss Interiors.
 SPECIALITY
For wine connoisseurs – or those who’ d like to be
The typical type that fall into this category are wine fridges. The units are
made to keep your wines at the perfect temperature for cellaring and also to
reduce vibration and protect them from the light. You can easily hide these
away from the kitchen if you don’t have the space. We’re now also seeing “A WELL-
dedicated fridges for storing cheese, cured meats and even kimchi.
ORGANISED
FRIDGE WILL
HELP YOU get
the most OUT OF
YOUR FRIDGE’S
performance
AND WEEKLY
GROCERY SHOP”
SHANNON TWEEDIE, LG

EXPERT TIPS
Shannon Tweedie, marketing
manager of Home Appliances
Kimchi fridge 8 bottle mini wine fridge Vintec 170 bottle at LG, shares her advice
GK-B405PL, $3199, LG GW-V08BT, $499, LG wine storage cabinet Measure the height and width
Looks: With one door Looks: A compact V190SG2EBK, $5249, of the front door, back door,
Winning Appliances archways and even the stairwell
and two drawers beneath, design for those with
this is a scene-stealer a small collection Looks: Wooden shelves to ensure you can get the fridge
and it has a stainless or limited space. and borderless black into your kitchen without a hitch.
steel exterior to boot. Features: The dual glass have ‘wow’ factor. Leave adequate ventilation
Features: The name glass helps to reduce Features: This versatile space around and behind your
says it all, really – this UV light and heat wine cabinet can be fridge. If you store a bunch of stuff
fridge is great for entering. It uses set as a single zone on the top and sides of your fridge,
fermenting foods such a thermoelectric for cellaring reds and your fridge will work harder to get
as kimchi. But you can semiconductor cooling whites or a multi-temp rid of the hot air, creating a large
also use it to store more method, which has (ranging from dent in your energy bills.
everyday foods; better no vibration. The -6°C to 22°C) to keep
Getting your fridge plumbed
yet, each compartment temperature range different styles at the
is simpler than you may think
can have preset is from 8°C to 16°C. perfect drinking
and is a great way to make it
temperature settings There’s also an external temperature – so you can
easy to drink more water, as you
for different foods, temperature display. have some bottles ready
always have refreshing ice and
such as meat, fish and Why we like it: It’s for entertaining while the
water on hand for easy refills.
vegies. An external others are at cellaring
PHOTOGRAPHY KATE BOWMAN STYLING RACHEL LEPPINUS

perfect for entertaining

display allows you outside and is easy temperatures. Always wanted a big French door
to turn on an air filter to place anywhere Why we like it: The fridge but have had issues with
to minimise odours within the home. anti-UV glass and space in the past? Think again.
and the fridge can Dimensions: H497mm x external compressor There are now plenty of slim
be controlled through W282mm x D534mm protect your wine. Plus, French door fridges on the market
the LG ThinQ app. Capacity: 8 bottles you become a lifetime designed to fit smaller kitchens.
Why we like it: You don’t member of the Vintec If you have condensation on
come across a fridge for Club, which gives you the outside of your fridge that’s
fermenting foods every access to tastings, a sign you need to get the seals
day of the week. advice and VIP pricing. replaced. Leaky door seals let
Dimensions:H1802mm x Dimensions: H1860mm the cold air escape, making
W666mm x D737mm x W595mm x D600mm the unit work harder to stay cool,
Capacity: 405L Capacity: 170 bottles reducing energy efficiency. >
Energy rating: 3 stars

HOME BEAUTIFUL 153

 PIGEON PAIRS
For those with flexibility at the top of their wishlist
A pigeon pair has nothing to do with birds. It’s when two thin units – a freezer
and a fridge – are separate but go together, so they provide a lot of flexibility.
As well as putting them next to each other for a standard side-by-side look,
you can put them in two different areas of your kitchen or put the freezer in
the pantry so it’s hidden away. Plus, if you have limited space in your kitchen,
the freezer can go in the laundry to free up valuable cabinet and bench space.

Miele integrated freezer Miele integrated fridge Liebherr upright Liebherr Comfort
FNS37402I, $4299, KS37472ID, $4499, frost-free freezer upright fridge
Winning Appliances Winning Appliances SGNEF3036, $4132.50, SKEF4260, $4123.50,
Winning Appliances Winning Appliances
Looks: The integrated Looks: This is also
model is hidden behind behind cabinetry and Looks: Pairs with the Looks: A slimline handle
your own cabinetry and within there are three Liebherr Comfort upright makes it a great addition
is made to pair with the crisper sections. fridge (right). These look to a pared-back space.
Miele integrated fridge Features: The DynaCool good together or apart. Features: A SuperCool
KS37472ID (right). feature makes the Features: A SuperFrost function lowers the
Features: The freezer temperature the same function freezes food fridge temperature to
compartment can throughout, which means quickly and the freezer 2°C for 12 hours – if you
be increased and you you don’t have to think has a range from -26°C turn it on before you go
can choose whether you about where to store to -40°C. Eight pullout grocery shopping, you
want rapid or gentle items; traditionally, drawers provide plenty can cool your fresh food
freezing food. The door fridges are warmer in of space and allow you faster when you unpack.
is also soft closing. the top section and to sort your food into It also includes a bottle
Why we like it: It can cooler at the bottom. The multiple categories. The rack, which means drinks
be controlled through adjustable glass shelf drawers also have a don’t need to be stored
the Miele app. lighting means you can feature, which maintains in the door or be rolling
Dimensions: H1770mm x move it so items don’t sit the temperature even around on a shelf. The
W559mm x D554mm in front of it and dim the when the door is open. SmartSteel exterior also
Capacity: 248L light within. A Miele app Why we like it: The makes for easy cleaning.
Energy rating: 3 stars will also let you know if pullout drawers mean Why we like it: Shelves
there are any faults. you can separate that are spill-proof can
Why we like it: The door leftovers from frozen be easily moved to fit
shelves can be cleaned in vegies and uncooked in different items.
the dishwasher – brilliant. meats from sweet items. Dimensions: H1852mm x
Dimensions: H1770mm x Dimensions: H1852mm x W600mm x D630mm
W559mm x D544mm W600mm x Dx630mm Capacity: 391L
Capacity: 344L Capacity: 261L Energy rating:
Energy rating: 1.5 stars Energy rating: 3.5 stars 2.5 stars
 Beautiful DESIGN

An integrated fridge
and freezer in this
coastal-style kitchen
means the clean white
cabinetry is seamless.
PHOTOGRAPHY LOUISE ROCHE STYLING KYLIE JACKES

HOME BEAUTIFUL 155

 On sale now
Available to purchase where all good books are sold
and at aremediabooks.com.au
 BEAUTIFUL
PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN PAUL URIZAR

A TASTE OF
TRADITION
page 157

EASY AND DELICIOUS FOOD TO SHARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

 Beautiful FOOD

MAKE MERRY WITH AN INDULGENT FEAST OF GOOSE, PORK AND

THE CRISPIEST OF POTATOES WITH A TASTY FLAVOUR TWIST
Recipes & styling MICHELE CRANSTON Photography JOHN PAUL URIZAR Food preparation DIXIE ELLIOTT

158 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 BELOW: Striped linen tablecloth, $24.99, H&M Home.
Muse ‘Ashra’ linen table runner in Berry Red, $15.95,
Pillow Talk. On table, clockwise from top left: Habitat
‘Bebe’ tealight candleholder, $7.95, Pillow Talk. Salt &
Pepper ‘Arcata’ platter, $49.95, Myer. All other items,
stylist’s own. OPPOSITE: ‘Upplaga’ plates, $7 each,
Ikea. Muse ‘Ashra’ linen napkin in Berry Red, $3.95,
Pillow Talk. Steel dipping bowl, $49.95, Mud Australia.
The Home Collective ‘Pail’ large glass vase, $31.95,
Temple & Webster. All other items, stylist’s own. >
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS BALSAM HILL

SALT & VINEGAR

ROAST POTATOES
See recipe page 161
 “THE citrus bite OF THE ORANGE
AND THE SLIGHT BITTERNESS OF
THE RADICCHIO IN THIS SALAD IS
THE perfect accompaniment TO THE
RICHNESS OF THE ROAST GOOSE”

STEAMED GREEN
BEANS & RADICCHIO
SALAD WITH WALNUT
& ORANGE DRESSING

CANDLE FOR SIMILAR TRY HAUS OF HIGGS

 Beautiful FOOD

SALT & VINEGAR ROAST POTATOES STEAMED GREEN BEANS & RADICCHIO SALAD
Serves 6 (See page 159) WITH WALNUT & ORANGE DRESSING
Serves 6
1 cup (250ml) malt vinegar ¼ cup goose fat
1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp sea-salt flakes 400g green beans, trimmed Walnut & orange dressing
1½kg roasting potatoes, peeled Handful of rosemary sprigs and blanched 1 orange
and cut into chunks 1 radicchio 2 tsp honey
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1. Preheat oven to 200°C. 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
2. Put the vinegar, salt and potatoes into a large saucepan and cover 4 tbsp walnut oil
with 4 cups (1L) water. Bring to the boil and cook for 20 minutes,
or until potatoes are just tender. Drain into a colander and toss 1. To make the walnut and orange dressing, finely grate the zest
to slightly roughen the edges. of the orange into a small bowl. Add honey, vinegar, walnuts
3. Put the goose fat into a large baking dish and heat in the oven. and walnut oil. Stir to combine.
4. Carefully transfer the drained potatoes to the baking tray with the 2. With a sharp knife, remove the pith from the orange and then
hot fat and toss around to coat the potatoes. Sprinkle with the sea finely slice into thin rounds. Set aside.
salt and rosemary sprigs. Roast in the oven for 40 minutes, turning 3. Arrange the green beans and radicchio leaves on a serving platter.
occasionally, or until golden brown. Top with the orange slices and then drizzle with the dressing.

OPPOSITE: Striped linen tablecloth, $24.99, H&M Home. On table,

from left: Habitat ‘Bebe’ tealight candleholder, $7.95 , Pillow Talk.
‘Arcata’ platter, $49.95, Myer. ‘Soho’ steel knife and fork in
Champagne Gold (part of a set), $49.95/16-piece set, Freedom. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 161

 Beautiful FOOD
THIS PAGE: Striped linen tablecloth, $24.99, H&M Home.
Muse ‘Ashra’ linen napkin in Berry Red, $3.95, Pillow Talk.
All other items, stylist’s own. OPPOSITE: ‘Soho’ steel spoon
in Champagne Gold (part of a set), $49.95/16-piece set,
Freedom. All other items, stylist’s own. >

162 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 ROAST GOOSE
WITH CHESTNUT &
LEMON STUFFING
See recipe page 164
 Beautiful FOOD

ROAST GOOSE WITH ROAST LOIN OF PORK WITH WILD RICE,

CHESTNUT & LEMON STUFFING FIG, PISTACHIO & PARSLEY SALAD
Serves 6-8 (See page 163) Serves 6-8

4kg whole goose 210g roasted chestnuts (see Tip) 1.8-2kg loin of pork (see Tip) ½ cup (60g) slivered pistachios
1 lemon, halved 1 large green apple, peeled and 2 tbsp oil 2 cups roughly chopped flatleaf
2 green apples, roughly chopped cut into 2cm chunks 2 tbsp sea salt flakes parsley leaves
1 small garlic head, halved 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest 1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp sea salt flakes 1 cup (250ml) chicken stock Wild rice, fig, pistachio 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1½ cups fresh breadcrumbs & parsley salad Salt and freshly ground black
Stuffing Sea salt and freshly ground ¾ cup (150g) wild rice pepper, for seasoning
40g butter black pepper, for seasoning 6 dried figs, stem removed
1 tsp lemon thyme leaves Steamed broccolini and and finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced watercress, to serve
1 leek, trimmed and finely chopped 1. Preheat oven to 240°C.
2. Bring pork to room temperature and score the rind with a very
1. Preheat oven to 200°C and bring goose to room temperature. sharp blade or knife. Rub rind well with oil and salt, massaging
Place a small rack into the base of a larger roasting tin. well into the scored areas. Place loin on a rack in a deep roasting
2. Using a needle, gently prick the skin of the goose all over and pan and cook in pre-heated oven for 40 minutes.
then trim off any extra fat. Rub the halves of the lemon over the 3. Meanwhile, to make the wild rice, fig, pistachio & parsley
skin and then pop them into the cavity with the apple and garlic salad, bring 3 cups (750ml) salted water to the boil and add the
halves. Rub sea salt flakes over the skin. wild rice. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes. Drain and
3. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 180°C and transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, season with
cook for a further 1½ hours. Remove from oven and drain off any salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss to combine.
of the fat at the bottom of the roasting pan. This can be used Spread over the base of a platter.
for cooking the potatoes (page 161). 4. Reduce oven temperature to 200°C and cook pork for a further
4. Meanwhile, to make the stuffing, put the butter, thyme leaves, 60 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
garlic and leek into a frying pan and cook until leek is soft and Serve on the bed of salad.
golden. Add the chestnuts, apple, lemon zest and stock, and cook for
10 minutes, or until apples are tender and liquid has reduced a little. TIP: Leave the pork loin uncovered in the fridge overnight. This will
Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. allow the skin to dry out and help the rind to form lovely crackling.
Transfer to a small baking dish and top with the breadcrumbs.
5. Put goose and stuffing into the oven. Cook for a further 20 minutes,
or until stuffing is golden and goose has a burnished skin.
6. Serve the goose with stuffing and watercress sprigs.
OPPOSITE: Striped linen tablecloth, $24.99, H&M Home. ‘Upplaga’
plates, $7 each, and serving platter, $20, Ikea. ‘Soho’ steel cutlery set
TIP: Pre-prepared chestnuts can be bought from specialty food
in Champagne Gold, $49.95/16-piece set, Freedom. ‘Vinterfint’ tea
shops and delis. Make sure to ask for roasted chestnuts and not towel in Red, $6/set of 2, Ikea. Eames replica chair, $199/set of 4,
the sweetened chestnut paste. Temple & Webster. All other items, stylist’s own. >
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS BALSAM HILL

164 HOME BEAUTIFUL

ROAST LOIN OF PORK
WITH WILD RICE,
FIG, PISTACHIO &
PARSLEY SALAD
 PANETTONE TRIFLE WITH GRILLED
5. Heat an oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
PEACHES & SUGARED ALMONDS
6. In a small bowl, lightly whisk together the extra egg white
Serves 8
and sugar, then fold through the almonds. Spread evenly over
4 eggs, separated 6 ripe peaches, quartered a baking tray and bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until light
500g mascarpone 1 egg white, extra golden. Cool then break into pieces.
½ cup (120g) caster sugar 2 tbsp sugar 7. To serve, top the trifle with raspberries and sugared almond
2 tsp vanilla bean paste 100g (1 cup) slivered almonds crisps, and dust with icing sugar.
½ cup (125ml) strong Earl Grey tea 1 punnet raspberries, to serve
50ml Cointreau Icing sugar, to serve TIP: Much of the trifle preparation can be done the day before.
500g panettone The mascarpone mixture and roasted peaches can be stored in the
refrigerator, while the almond crisps can be made ahead and stored
1. In a bowl, fold together the egg yolks, mascarpone, caster sugar in an airtight container until ready to use.
and vanilla bean paste. In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg
whites until soft peaks form then fold the whites through the
mascarpone mixture. Refrigerate until ready to use.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS BALSAM HILL

2. Combine the tea and Cointreau in a small bowl. Tear the

ABOVE: Muse ‘Ashra’ linen table runner in Berry Red, $15.95,
panettone into chunks and place on a tray. Spoon over the tea Pillow Talk. Striped linen tablecloth, $24.99, H&M Home. On table,
and liqueur mix. clockwise from bottom left: ‘Soho’ steel cutlery set in Champagne
3. Heat a grill to high and grill the peaches for 20 minutes, or until Gold, $49.95/16-piece set, Freedom. Habitat ‘Bebe’ tealight
soft and a little burnt on the edges. The cooking time will depend candleholders, $7.95 each, Pillow Talk. ‘Upplaga’ plate, $7, Ikea.
Muse ‘Ashra’ linen napkin in Berry Red, $3.95, Pillow Talk. All other
on the ripeness of the fruit. Set aside to cool.
items, stylist’s own. OPPOSITE: ‘Salut’ trifle dish, $49.95, Salt &
4. To make the trifle (see Tip), layer the panettone, mascarpone and Pepper. ‘Fleurette’ dessert glasses, $9.95 each, Provincial Home
peaches in a trifle bowl. Cover and refrigerate for several hours. Living. All other items, stylist’s own.

166 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Beautiful FOOD

“THIS TRIFLE
PULLS TOGETHER
MANY OF OUR
favourite Christmas
flavours IN ONE
EASY DESSERT
THAT WILL STILL
WOW YOUR
GUESTS”

PANETTONE TRIFLE
WITH GRILLED PEACHES
& SUGARED ALMONDS
 Beautiful FOOD

168 HOME BEAUTIFUL

LUNCH BY THE SEA
IN CELEBRATION OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, THE CHEFS AT SYDNEY’S
BATHERS’ PAVILION HAVE CREATED AN ELEGANT SEAFOOD MENU
Recipes CAMERON JOHNSTON & SHRUTI PUNJA
Styling MICHELE CRANSTON Photography JOHN PAUL URIZAR
 STRAWBERRY SERENADE

Large wine glass 200ml Mediterranean

45ml Poor Toms Strawberry gin Fever-Tree tonic water
1 whole strawberry, sliced Edible flowers, optional
2 raspberries Fresh mint

1. Fill glass with ice and add gin, strawberry slices and raspberries.
2. Fill with tonic water and place flowers and mint on top.

BOTANIST GREENHOUSE

Large wine glass 3 thin cucumber slices

Strawberry serenade
Botanist greenhouse
45ml The Botanist gin 1 rosemary sprig
Riesling cured salmon 200ml Mediterranean Fever-Tree Fresh mint
with radish & fennel

Roast whole coral trout

tonic water Juniper berries
Red oak lettuce, orange
& jamon salad
1. Fill glass with ice and add gin.
Roast potatoes with chestnuts
Broccolini with anchovies,
2. Fill with tonic water and add cucumber, then place rosemary,
preserved lemon & hazelnuts
mint and juniper berries on top.
Passionfruit, mango & coconut cake

RIESLING CURED SALMON

WITH RADISH & FENNEL
Serves 8–12

1kg fillet of salmon or ocean trout, 2 tbsp fennel seeds, crushed

skin on 1 tbsp white peppercorns, crushed
500g rock salt Sea salt and freshly ground black
375ml riesling pepper, to taste
125ml extra-virgin olive oil 24 baby radishes, trimmed, halved
4 French shallots, finely chopped 2 fennel bulbs, shaved
Handful of chopped mixed herbs, Fresh dill and pink finger lime,
such as parsley, rosemary or dill to garnish
STRAWBERRY
SERENADE 1. Trim the fish well so you have a smooth fillet. Remove any small
pin bones using tweezers (you could ask your fishmonger to do this).
Put the fish, skin-side down, on a large tray. Spread the rock salt over
the flesh, then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 8 hours.
2. Wipe off the salt using paper towels and dry the fish, discarding
the salt and residual liquid. Clean the tray and place the salmon,
skin-side down, back on it.
3. Put the riesling, oil, shallots, herbs and spices in a bowl and stir
well to combine. Spoon the marinade over the fish, turning to coat
both sides, and refrigerate for a further 24 hours.
4. Remove the fish from the tray, straining the marinade into
a separate bowl and season with sea salt and freshly ground
black pepper. Wipe the excess marinade off the salmon,
BOTANIST
GREENHOUSE
discarding the herbs, and pat dry with paper towels. Wrap in
plastic wrap until ready to use.
5. When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to thinly slice strips
of the fish, starting with the tail end.
6. Place 3–4 slices on each plate and drizzle with a little marinade.
7. Garnish with radish pieces, shaved fennel, fresh dill and pink
finger lime caviar (fruit removed from pith).
 Beautiful FOOD

THIS IS AN elegant, RIESLING CURED SALMON

crowd-pleasing WITH RADISH & FENNEL

STARTER THAT IS
PREPARED AHEAD,
ALLOWING FOR
A stress-free AND
enjoyable LUNCH

THIS PAGE: Jasper Conran ‘Chinoiserie’

plate in White, $99.95, Wedgwood.
‘Liselle’ ribbon in Navy (around present),
$9.95/10m, and ‘Porter Willow’ round
paper coaster in Blue & White (beneath
glass), $2.95, both Provincial Home
Living. OPPOSITE TOP: Jasper Conran
‘Chinoiserie’ plate in Green, $99.95,
Wedgwood. All other items, stylist’s own.
PREVIOUS PAGES, FROM LEFT: Riedel
‘O Wine Tumbler Riesling’ glasses,
$54.95/set of 2, Myer. Omtänksam glass
vase (holding flowers), $17, Ikea. ‘Nautica’
gift tag in Indigo & White, $1, Provincial
Home Living. Habitat ‘Macrame’ cushion
in Navy, $49.95/45cm x 45cm, Pillow Talk.
Flowers, Jodie McGregor Flowers. All
other items, stylist’s own. >

HOME BEAUTIFUL 171

Beautiful FOOD

ROAST WHOLE CORAL TROUT RED OAK LETTUCE, ORANGE & JAMON SALAD
Serves 8–12 (See page 175) Serves 8–12

1 whole coral trout, scaled and 100g desert lime 3 red oak lettuce Sea salt and freshly ground black
cleaned 100g karkalla (also known 2 tbsp grain mustard pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for drizzling as beach banana) 2 tbsp sherry vinegar 150g jamon, sliced (or prosciutto)
250g salted butter 100g warrigal greens (also known 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 oranges, segmented
1 French shallot, finely chopped as native spinach) 100ml olive oil
100g sugar
1. Pick and wash the lettuce leaves.
1. Wipe the coral trout clean with a piece of paper towel. Transfer 2. Combine mustard, vinegar and lemon juice. Use a whisk to
to a platter and leave uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. emulsify the olive oil in a gradual stream and season with sea salt
This will help the skin to crisp when roasting. and freshly ground black pepper.
2. The next day, preheat oven to 220°C. 3. Arrange the red oak leaves with the jamon slices and orange
3. Remove the coral trout from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife segments on a salad plate or in a salad bowl.
to score each side of the trout in a cross-hatch pattern. Transfer 4. Dress just before serving.
the coral trout to a roasting pan and drizzle with a little olive oil.
4. Cook the coral trout in the oven for 45 minutes.
5. Cut the butter into quarters and place in a deep saucepan. Cook ROAST POTATOES WITH CHESTNUTS
on medium-high heat, stirring intermittently. Keep stirring as the Serves 8–12 (See page 174)
butter solids start to brown and foam. When the butter solids have
turned golden brown, gently tip into a second saucepan to stop the 12 chestnuts Sea salt and freshly ground black
cooking process and allow to cool. Add the chopped French shallot. 12 medium potatoes, peeled pepper, to taste
6. Combine the sugar with 100ml of water in a saucepan. Bring and quartered 50g butter, chopped
to the boil and add the desert limes. Reduce the heat to a gentle 100ml olive oil 3 sprigs rosemary
simmer and cook the limes for 30–40 minutes. Allow to cool.
7. Bring a small saucepan of water to the boil. Use a noodle 1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
basket to blanch the karkalla and the warrigal greens separately 2. Use a sharp paring knife to make an incision in the outer skin of
for 10 seconds each. the chestnuts. Roast on a baking tray in preheated oven for 10
8. Carefully transfer the roasted coral trout to a serving platter. minutes. Peel the chestnuts when they are cool enough to handle,
Warm the brown butter and spoon liberally over the fish. Garnish but still quite warm. Chop roughly into halves or quarters.
with desert limes and the native greens. 3. Combine the potatoes and olive oil in a roasting pan. Season
with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and roast in the
oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Add the butter,
chestnuts and rosemary for a further 10 minutes of roasting.
Transfer to a serving bowl.

BROCCOLINI WITH ANCHOVIES,

PRESERVED LEMON & HAZELNUTS
Serves 8–12 (See page 175)

4 bunches broccolini 1 preserved lemon, flesh removed

50ml extra-virgin olive oil and finely sliced
Sea salt and freshly ground 100g hazelnuts, roasted and
black pepper, to taste chopped
20 white anchovies

1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.

2. Cook the broccolini in the boiling water for 90 seconds. Remove
OPPOSITE: Habitat ‘Sahara’ jute placemat in Natural, $9.95, and dress with extra-virgin olive oil. Season with sea salt and freshly
Pillow Talk. Jasper Conran ‘Strata’ serving platter in White, $169,
Peter’s of Kensington. Reidel ‘O Wine Tumbler Riesling’ glasses, ground black pepper.
as before. Habitat ‘Noah’ hand-woven bowl, $29.95/35cm, Pillow 3. Place the broccolini in a serving bowl. Dress with the white
Talk. All other items stylist’s own. anchovies, preserved lemon and roasted hazelnuts. >
 RED OAK LETTUCE,
ORANGE & JAMON SALAD

HOME BEAUTIFUL 173

Beautiful FOOD
BELOW, FROM LEFT: Habitat ‘Noah’ hand-woven bowl,
$29.95/35cm, Pillow Talk. All other items stylist’s own.
OPPOSITE: Jasper Conran ‘Chinoiserie’ plate in Green, as
before. ‘Upplaga’ serving plate in White, $20, Ikea. Denim
placemat, $12.95, Freedom. Jasper Conran ‘Chinoiserie’
plate in White, as before. All other items stylist’s own. >

ROAST POTATOES
WITH CHESTNUTS
See recipe page 172
 WHOLE ROAST
CORAL TROUT
See recipe page 172

BROCCOLINI WITH
ANCHOVIES, PRESERVED
LEMON & HAZELNUTS
See recipe page 172

HOME BEAUTIFUL 175

 Beautiful FOOD

PASSIONFRUIT, MANGO & COCONUT CAKE Add the bloomed gelatine and pass the mixture through a sieve into
Serves 8–12 a medium bowl. Add the butter and use a stick blender to combine.
Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
Coconut dacquoise 75g sugar 9. To make the white chocolate mousse, bloom the gelatine powder
250g icing sugar 2 eggs with 40g of water in a small bowl and set aside.
245g desiccated coconut 110g butter 10. In a separate bowl or in a stand mixer, whisk thickened cream
80g almond meal until it forms soft peaks. Set aside.
340g egg whites (a large egg White chocolate mousse 11. Break up white chocolate and add to large bowl, set aside. In a
contains about 30g egg white) 8g gelatine powder large saucepan, gently bring milk and vanilla bean to the boil and
110g caster sugar 500g thickened cream stir in the gelatine until combined. Remove from heat and slowly
500g white chocolate pour into the bowl of white chocolate, stirring until all the
Fruit gel 250g milk chocolate has melted. Once the milk and chocolate mixture is
125g passionfruit juice 1 vanilla bean slightly cool, fold in the lightly whipped thickened cream, cover
125g mango puree and chill in fridge.
50g sugar To decorate 12. To assemble the cake, you first need to build the inner part of
½ tsp pectin Neutral glaze (see note) the cake. Start by using a 16cm cake ring (you can get these from
Juice of ½ lemon Desiccated coconut cookware stores or a chef supplies store) to cut out three round
2 mangoes, diced layers of the cooled coconut dacquoise. Clean your cake ring, then
Passionfruit cremeux 1 passionfruit grease and line it with baking paper.
2g gelatine powder 1 pomegranate 13. Line a large tray with baking paper and place the lined 16cm cake
110ml passionfruit juice 4 pink finger limes ring in the centre. Now add 1 of the round layers of dacquoise into
1 tbsp lemon juice Micro herbs, optional the base of the ring. Pour a layer of the fruit gel over the top (reserve
some for decorating), followed by the diced mango. Place the second
1. To make the coconut dacquoise, preheat oven to 180°C and layer of coconut dacquoise on top, followed by the cooled passionfruit
line a tray with a non-stick silicone baking mat (or baking paper cremeux (reserve some for decorating) and smooth with a small
if you don’t have a silicone mat). offset spatula. Add the last layer of coconut dacquoise and carefully
2. In a large bowl, sift the icing sugar and combine with the place the layered cake in freezer for at least two hours, or until frozen.
desiccated coconut. 14. Meanwhile, line a 22cm cake ring with plastic wrap or baking
3. In a separate, clean bowl whisk the egg whites and caster sugar paper and place on a large tray lined with baking paper. Take the
until a stiff meringue forms. Carefully fold all of the dry ingredients layered cake out of the freezer and gently remove the 16cm cake
into the meringue until just combined. Spread the mixture evenly ring and baking paper. Place the frozen cake in the centre of the
on the lined tray with a spatula and bake in oven for 12–15 minutes, 22cm cake ring. Pour in the white chocolate mousse, covering all
then set aside and leave to cool. sides and the top. Smooth the top using a small offset spatula.
4. Meanwhile, to make the fruit gel, in a medium saucepan, warm Place cake in freezer for about 1 hour.
the passionfruit juice and mango puree together. 15. Unmould the cake and brush with neutral glaze (see note). Cover
5. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and pectin. Slowly add the the cake with desiccated coconut and carefully move it onto a plate.
sugar mixture into the warm puree and whisk well to avoid lumps, 16. Decorate cake by alternately piping reserved passionfruit
and until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil and stir in lemon cremeux and gel on top, using a simple round tip and small piping
juice, then take off the heat, cover with plastic wrap and leave to cool. bag. Place diced mango in the spaces between and spoon on
6. To make the passionfruit cremeux, bloom gelatine powder by passionfruit pulp and pomegranate. Remove finger lime fruit
combining gelatine powder with 2g water in a small bowl. (caviar) from pith and add to cake. Micro herbs are optional. If you’re
7. In a saucepan, heat passionfruit juice, lemon juice and sugar until a confident baker, you could add a tempered white chocolate ring to
the sugar has dissolved. decorate, like this one. However, it looks just as impressive without.
8. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl and add the warm juice while NOTE: Neutral glaze can be bought from cake decorating supplies
continuing to whisk. When combined, pour mixture back into the stores. If you can’t find it, you could use a simple syrup, which is
saucepan and heat until mixture thickens, stirring the whole time. equal parts sugar and water dissolved in a pan and left to cool.

Happy holidays:
Celebrate the festive season at the iconic Bathers’ Pavilion
OPPOSITE: Royal Doulton ‘ED Ellen DeGeneres’ platter in
Cobalt Blue Chevron, $129, Mega Boutique. Denim placemat,
with Christmas Day breakfast and lunch, and New Year’s
as before. Jasper Conran ‘Chinoiserie’ plate in Green, as before. Eve dinner with C hampagne on arrival and entertainment
Omtänksam glass vase, as before. All other items, stylist’s own. all night. Visit batherspavilion.com.au

176 HOME BEAUTIFUL

PASSIONFRUIT, MANGO
& COCONUT CAKE
 NEWS

CELEBRATE!
FESTIVE FINDS AND KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
TO DELIGHT GUESTS AND HOSTS ALIKE
Edited by VICTORIA KINGSBURY

SUGAR & SPICE

The much-loved, limited-edition Christmas pudding
from Lake House Daylesford, created by culinary
director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM, can be ordered to enjoy
at your own festivities, or request a signature gift wrap
and send it to someone special. Get in quick, as they
sell out fast; $49.50, lakehouse.com.au.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE AND RAISE A GLASS WITH A FINE BOTTLE OF

BOLLINGER LA GRANDE ANNÉE 2014, $249.99, KENT STREET CELLARS.

ADVENT CALENDARS
WHY SHOULD KIDS GET ALL THE FUN? GROWN-UPS CAN COUNT DOWN
TO CHRISSY TOO, WITH OUR PICK OF DELECTABLE ADVENT CALENDARS

PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE, TOP) MARTINA GEMMOLA

THOUGHTFUL FIZZ
Looking for a present to impress? Send
an elegant gift box or hamper including From left: White Possum Australian Gin advent calendar, $279, Hardtofind.
carefully curated, boutique Champagne Fabric advent calendar, from $75, Your Wild Books. Walker’s Shortbread advent
and French Lehmann glassware. Head calendar, $34.95/288g, David Jones. 2022 Mixed Spirits advent calendar, $329,
to sallyhillman.com.au. Liquor Loot. Spice advent calendar 2022, $95, Geẅurzhaus.
 Beautiful FOOD

MERRY WHISKMAS
Award-winning Lark ‘The Christmas
Cask’ whisky is back for 2022, and with
festive flavours like gingerbread,
red wine, mince pies and plum pudding,
it’s sure to be a hit. The Christmas
Cask, $250/500ml; larkdistillery.com.

OH, SNAP!
PRETTY UP YOUR TABLE WITH
DECORATIVE BONBONS TO DELIGHT
YOUR GUESTS. GORGEOUS LEAF
DETAILS AND GOLD EMBELLISHMENTS
MAKE THESE TWO DESIGNS STAND
OUT. MERI MERI SCALLOP EDGES
HOLLY CRACKERS, $59.95/SET OF 6,
DAVID JONES (RIGHT), AND BOTANICAL
CHRISTMAS BON BONS, $59.99, ADAIRS.

SPIRITED AWAY
You can still feel a sense of
occasion with your favourite
cocktails, minus the units (and
hangover). Drummerboy makes
delicious non-alcoholic spirits
such as London Dry, Italian
Rosso, American Dark and
Mexican Agave. Check out the
CHILLED OUT full range at drummerboy.com.
FANCY A TIPPLE AT THE PERFECT
TEMPERATURE? GRAND CRU
WINE FRIDGES PROVIDE QUALITY
CONTROL AND SLEEK DESIGN.
THE ALPINE WHITE AND TIMBER
FRIDGE, (ABOVE, $3,699) FITS 166
BOTTLES AND IS SUITABLE FOR RED
AND WHITE VARIETIES. WIN WIN!
GRANDCRUWINEFRIDGES.COM.AU.

WELL HANDLED
IF YOU ENJOY CREATING IN THE KITCHEN, YOU’LL KNOW
IT’S ALL ABOUT HAVING THE RIGHT TOOLS, AND THAT SO
OFTEN COMES DOWN TO HOW THEY FEEL TO USE. NORDERN
WOOD HANDLE KNIVES HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO BECOME
CHERISHED ITEMS, MADE OF BEAUTIFUL NATURAL
MATERIALS THAT ARE A JOY TO WIELD. FISKARS.COM.AU.

Novel-tea gift
SPICE UP A TEA LOVER’S DAY WITH
A BEAUTIFUL MONISTA TEA CO’S
CHRISTMAS GIFT BOX, WHICH INCLUDES
SPICED CHRISTMAS TEA AND VERY
ENGLISH BREAKFAST TEA, ALONG WITH
A STICK INFUSER FOR USE IN A CUP, MUG
OR TEAPOT. PRICED AT $69.95,
MONISTATEA.COM.AU.

HOME BEAUTIFUL 179

 SHOP IN STORE
WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH? WE’VE GONE SHOPPING FOR YOU
TO DISCOVER THE LATEST PRODUCTS TO HIT THE SHELVES

TOP ROW: HARVEY NORMAN The Fisher & Paykel 476L Integrated French Door Fridge’s ActiveSmart microprocessor adapts to your daily
habits, adjusting temperature, airflow and humidity to keep food fresher for longer and save energy. harveynorman.com.au ARTMOB
Warraburnburn are ghost spirits of Arnhem Land. Beautifully depicted in carved wooden sculptures by the artists of Maningrida, they are
available now. RRP $400-$1850. artmob.com.au HARVEY NORMAN The Nespresso Creatista Pro Coffee Machine by Breville offers coffee
aficionados the quality and convenience of Nespresso capsules with customisable manual features. Its automatic steam wand and milk
frother allow you to choose from 11 milk temperatures and eight milk textures. harveynorman.com.au SECOND ROW: MONTAUK LIGHTING
CO The Phoebe Stacked Table Lamp by Kelly Wearstler is a powerful and dramatic statement piece for any interior space. The elegance
of the antique finish is eye-catching and unique. $1309. montauklightingco.com SALLY HILLMAN These luxurious champagne gifts and
hampers are filled with boutique grower champagnes and artisanal Lehmann glassware designed in France. RRP $178. sallyhillman.com.
au XAVIER FURNITURE Adventure calls with the British Colonial range, which mixes rattan with mahogany timber, and pairs beautifully
with the design aesthetic of our homes. xavierfurniture.com.au BOTTOM ROW: GRO URBAN OASIS “What plant, for what room?” is the
question we get daily instore. We have a plant for every space and are here to inspire and guide you. gro-urbanoasis.com.au ANDERSENS
Timbre is an affordable yet durable flooring option that pairs the distinctive quality and character of real timber with a 5Gi locking system
for ease of installation. andersens.com.au NATIONAL PRODUCT REVIEW Samsung’s The Frame TV elegantly blends in, adding style to
your entertainment. Watch all your favourite content and display beautiful works of art when you’re not. nationalproductreview.com.au
subscribe to our
DIGITAL L EDITION
FROM
OM JUST $2.92 PER
R ISSUE* A
ACCE
CESS
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE!

SAVE
UP TO

51%

EASY WAYS TO ORDER

magshop.com.au/hbdigi
136 116 and uote M224HBW
d quo

Terms and conditions: Offer valid until 31/01/2023. If you do not want your information provided to any organisation not associated with this promotion, please indicate this clearly when you subscribe.
For full terms and conditions, visit Magshop.com.au/ HBDIGI and for Are Media Ltd’s Privacy Policy, visit aremedia.com.au/privacy. Apple, the Apple logo and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered
in the U.S. and other countries. Subscription automatically renews unless cancelled.
 ART STORE

AM 20483/22
Karen Napaljarri Barnes
Karen Barnes (Emu) 2022
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 46cm
To advertise email thomas.upstone@aremedia.com.au

RBED
BA
R

S
C
EATIO

N
Wedding + Anniversary + Birthday + Home Decor

The Montauk Lighting Co.

brings Australia distinctive, antuanelle.art
quality feature lighting, CRYSTALART.COM.AU
created by acclaimed 50% off selected items in November BARBED CREATIONS 0422 041 641
international designers
including Ralph Lauren
Home, Kelly Wearstler and
AERIN through Visual
Comfort, Haberdashery,
Tigermoth Lighting and
Authentage. Let us help you
make a statement in light.

montauklightingco.com
08 9380 6239
Interiors by McMillan Design
Photo by ess.creative

THE
M ON TAU K
L IGH T IN G
C O.
 ST YLE STORE

0409 997 795

info@clementinesleepwear.com.au

clementinesleepwear.com.au

To advertise email thomas.upstone@aremedia.com.au

 ST YLE STORE

Sleepwear • 100% Cotton

Swings for all ages

Australian made since 1993
0414 551 895
damaskbedlinencollection.com www.swingz.com.au

AUSTRALIAN
MADE MERINO
SLEEPWEAR

SUSTAINABLE
FASHION

sleepymerino.com.au @sleepymerino

"2)'(4%.@9/52@'!2$%.
To advertise email thomas.upstone@aremedia.com.au

ǁŚĞĞůŝĞďŝŶƐƚŝĐŬĞƌƐ
Sit back, relax..your
wood is summer
ready with
Feed-N-Wax
Our curated collections of farmhouse
WZKh>zD/Et
and country inspired homewares will
ŽǀĞƌϭϬϬĚŝĨĨĞƌĞŶƚĚĞƐŝŐŶƐƚŽĐŚŽŽƐĞĨƌŽŵ warm your heart and home.
ǁǁǁ͘ŐƌŽǀĞǁĞƐůĞLJ͘ĐŽŵ evelynandowl.com.au

ORDER ONLINE OR FIND A STOCKIST

NEAR YOU www.howardproducts.com.au
 ST YLE STORE

WWW.UNITED-INTERIORS.COM.AU

Shop
online or
visit our
showroom
1/10 Harvest Court
Southport QLD 4215
(07)5532 9178

To advertise email thomas.upstone@aremedia.com.au

INTERNAL DRAWERS INSIDE YOUR EXISTING CUPBOARDS

• Easy Access • Maximise Storage

• Custom Made on Site

Visit us at www.inadrawer.com.au
or call us for a quote on 1300 INA DRAWER (1300 462 372)
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
 Unsung icons

THE CHRISTMAS DAY OLYMPICS

COMEDIAN DAVID SMIEDT TAKES AN IRREVERENT, BUT APPRECIATIVE,
LOOK AT THE CLASSIC THINGS THAT DEFINE YOU-BEAUT AUSSIE LIFE
Illustration MATT COSGROVE

very family has its own Christmas rituals, unique as neighbouring homes were recruited as fielders, all aching to show off/

E fingerprints, but with way more tinsel. Let’s take movies

as an example. For some, the sheer violence of Die Hard
ushers in the season of goodwill while others willingly wade
through the treacle of Love Actually. Add alcohol, time and resentment
and there may well be the annual dredging up of mysteries such as
try their own freshly minted gear, as yet unsullied by the grass stains
of diving catches or leg glances to fine leg/cousin Gary.
One of the following things could then be guaranteed. Worst-case
scenario involved an errant Kookaburra shattering a window, thus
triggering a frantic search for an emergency glazier whose fee could
whatever really happened to Nanna Doris’ diamond bracelet. invariably send a family to Bali for a week with flights included.
Another ritual observed by many is a game called gift psychic. With If you were more a ‘how’s this’ than ‘howzat’ family, a favourite
iron-clad strictures in place regarding just when presents could be Christmas Day ritual was getting some clicks on that shiny Malvern
opened, there were no rules against trying to guess what was in the Star/skateboard/rollerblade set. Begrudgingly wearing safety pads and
shiny packages. Surf and boogie boards were always a dead giveaway, helmets you were assured you’d grow into, the streets you’d previously
but the smaller the gift, the more cryptic the exercise became. This trudged along were now adrenaline-spiking racecourses filled with
resulted in gentle shaking, meticulous weighing of hidden items in chicanes, dangerous gradients and the unpredictable hazards of other
upturned palms and even the gentle tracing of the silhouettes lingering kids in the hood who were just as desperate to impress on wheels they
beneath the taped-shut wrapping. also hadn’t learned to control yet.
Clearly, this happens around the globe, but we maintain the exercise
may have had a fevered urgency in Australia for purely geographical “It was often the first time kids got to see
reasons. Unlike northern hemisphere nations that got the storybook
white Christmas, we were in the first month of summer, which meant
a grown-up get properly huffy … and
we could go from unwrapping to wielding in 10 seconds and five steps that was a gift that never got old”
to the garden. And for generations who didn’t grow up when tech was
the be-all and end-all, these gifts were generally designed to get us out The mark of a successful mission from Santa was not only continued
of the house and into the sunshine as quickly as possible. use throughout the school hols and beyond but on the day in question.
This process was hastened by the fact that a harried parent who had If you were still using it as the sun dipped and you could barely make
completed the shopping with minutes to spare frequently forgot that out the road/ball/homemade ramp, the item in question could be
a fair chunk of said gifts would require batteries. Cue a child’s emotional legitimately considered a winner. Double winner if the game was
roller-coaster that went from jubilation to devastation and a frantic, yet shifted to be closer to a streetlight as leftovers were reheated.
fruitless, search for AAAs elsewhere in the house. Distraction was Almost as fun was the emergence of Uncle Barry – bloated on trifle,
needed stat and gifts without circuitry were pressed into service. turkey, VB and past glories – who took it upon himself to show the
Cricket gear was popular and given that Australia was always in the young’uns how the game should really be played. Shown up by someone
midst of a home test series over the festive season, even the smallest a generation younger as he failed to master a new skill instantaneously,
gardens or nature strips had stumps being hammered into baked earth it was often the first time kids got to see a grown-up get properly huffy
while mini Boonies, Warnies and Ellyse Perrys took guard. Kids from and leave in a sulk. And that was a gift that never got old.

186 HOME BEAUTIFUL

 Lose yourself in your
favourite magazine

magshop.com.au #magazinelover