Blue-heeler cross Mundi stands guard outside the home-brew shed – another example of Ian’s handiwork.
A hallway linking the living area to the children’s bedroom features a dramatic abstract painting, Yellow Orchard, by Richard Allen. Doorframes in Dulux Duck Egg Blue. In the bedroom are Sepia Ink Palm and Balancing Boys, both by Richard Allen.
The living room, which borrows cool blue views through panes of glass, features a coffee table in elm veneer from Urban Rhythm and sofa from Plush.
Sumptuous touches in the living room create a sense of luxury. Sofas covered in Brochier Radium Millaraies Blu, cushions in Colony Vivaldi Mordore, Colony Rondo Bleu Chiaro and Brochier Bucintoro. Curtains in Le Manache Mastic. French chairs in Colony La Perouse, all from Boyac. Oriental rug from Robyn Cosgrove Rugs. Chandelier and large cobalt blue ceramic lamp from Brook Street Trading. Antique table lamps from Ros Palmer Antiques.
Self-sewn pink Dianthus and varieties of Lavenders spill over into bricks formed into deep circular beds. Ruta graveolens Jackman’s Blue or common Rue is in the background.
The living area features chairs upholstered in beige linen and a sofa upholstered in pale blue linen. Linen from Ashco. Cushions in fabric from Westbury Textiles. Sisal carpet from Coco Republic.
16. “Layered and warm with a modern edge was the look my clients wanted,” says interior designer David Hicks, referring to the living area of this Melbourne penthouse. Located on a beautiful boulevard, the home was to be formal and luxurious, but relaxed. An expanse of Supertuft carpet sits within a generous open-plan space and defines the living zone. David designed an eye-catching coffee table, made from Calacutta viola marble, to take centre stage. Alongside it is a velvet-upholstered Louis XV canopy chair and Knoll Platner chairs. A painting called Woman and Child by Vicki Varvaressos watches over the space. “The clients love art and have a collection of blue-chip Australian and European paintings,” says David. “Working with people who have such passion and knowledge was a very pleasing process.” David Hicks, South Yarra, Victoria; (03) 9826 3955 or www.davidhicks.com.au.
18. In a home built in the 1960s, architect Russell Casper, of Grodski Architects, has reconfigured the indoor spaces within the footprint of the original structure. The dividing wall between the dining area and kitchen was removed, opening it up to the overall living space. “Each area retains its own definition, not only by the placement of walls but by the use of ceiling heights and clerestory windows,” says Russell. Bifold doors open the dining area up to an outdoor entertaining courtyard, and organic glass bowls offset a striking Richard Hutton-designed Moooi pendant light.” The success of the house lies in its openness and the natural light it enjoys,” says Russell. Paintings are by Robert Doble (blue circles), Craig Easton (at end of table), Reggie Hoosan (orange) and Adam Nudelman (above sofa in family area).Grodski Architects, St Kilda, Victoria; (03) 9525 2655 or www.grodskiarchitects.com.
Exclusive offerSubscribe this month and you'll receive 15 issues for the price of 12!