Drawn to its 280-degree ocean and treetop panoramas, the vivacious couple secured the 70s fixer-upper in 2019 for $1.7 million. It’s been their biggest renovation project since starring on The Block in 2019 and again 2021, when they took home almost $745,000 in prize money as that season’s exuberant winners.

The auction result of this glamorous three-storey, five-bedroom beachside retreat may surpass the recent sale of a nearby Newport home that fetched $3.93 million. The median price for a 5-bedroom house in Newport is $3.3 mil, according to Domain.

“This home has been a true labour of love,” the couple told Homes To Love. “We poured our hearts into reimagining every space, creating a home that is both beautiful and functional — a place to relax, entertain, soak up the incredible ocean views… and to call home.”

Mitch and Mark’s home: the details

Since it’s a fully curated turnkey property, replete with furniture and décor, the lucky buyer can simply move in with their clothes and possibly a CoolCabana for those heady beach days.

The street level comprises open-plan living, kitchen and dining that expands onto a dreamy wraparound deck and barbecue zone, plus a spacious butler’s pantry with a cellar. Between the marble-topped dining table and island bench, Mitch and Mark can easily cook for a dozen people.    

“It’s all been designed around this sweeping view of the ocean, and the outdoor terrace,” Mark said on Instagram. “We spend a lot of time entertaining out here.”

The middle floor features three bedrooms, a laundry and a rock-walled workshop and storeroom. Upping the ante is a main bedroom suite with a glamorous walk-in robe featuring a marble-clad island and a palatial ensuite bathroom sporting a double shower and freestanding bath fit for royalty.    

For buyers keen on multigenerational living or Airbnb-ing their property, there’s a self-contained guest apartment with a kitchen, living room, fireplace, bathroom, deck and even a laundry.

Every level enjoys twinkling ocean views, while a sprawling terraced garden by Landscapes by Linton unfurls below the house — doubling as a shortcut to the beach. Determined to bed down the landscaping early so they could enjoy the fruits of their labour, Mitch and Mark helped the gardeners plant and manicure the lush backyard. Mitch even transplanted cuttings from his father’s garden.

We can’t wait to see TV’s most glamorous grandads pop the champagne once again.  

The post Mitch and Mark from The Block are selling their glamorous home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The radio host shared before-and-after pics on Instagram and an insight into why the high-profile couple were listing the house after living here for such a short time. “[Our] careers have aligned this year, both working in breakfast radio, which allows us time to sink our teeth into something we really love doing,” she said. “No, we are not getting a divorce, but we did get the renovation bug and can’t shake it.”

Nestled in a coveted cul-de-sac, the five-bedroom stunner has undergone a top-to-toe transformation, blending contemporary elegance with classic charm. Think warm timber floors, gold accents and a crisp white kitchen with shaker-style cabinetry – a designer’s dream. The three beautifully updated bathrooms only add to the home’s refined appeal.

Step outside, and the magic continues. With Springwood Conservation Park as its natural backdrop, the alfresco spaces are made for entertaining – wraparound verandahs, a sparkling pool with a pool house, two barbecue zones, a pizza oven, and even a sandstone fire pit. It’s the ultimate retreat, where everyday living feels like a getaway.

Offers between $2.7 and $2.9 million were welcomed with the selling price listed as $2,875,000. Die-hard Broncos fans take note: the trove of team memorabilia was strictly off-limits. And that well-loved pool table? It’s moving with them – just as it did from their last home.

Speaking of which, it’s been less than two years since the Parkers sold their previous Brisbane property – a stunning Provincial-meets-rustic masterpiece – for just under $3 million.

Now, they’re ready to crash tackle their next dream project, and word is, they won’t be moving far.

We’ll admit to being somewhat envious of the lucky buyer who will soon kick back in this dream home. Check out the full listing for all the details.

The post Footy legend Corey Parker’s home sells for almost $3M after just two years appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What they did find, however, was a charming but dated 1930s Californian bungalow on Sydney’s North Shore, which beckoned with potential. Close to the couple’s grandchildren and public transport, and large enough to host loved ones, the low-maintenance, single-storey abode ticked every box on their wishlist, except one: it was crying out for a revamp. Aesthetics aside, there was asbestos to remove, an old slab to replace and damp issues to fix, so after admiring Krista’s work, Christine and Greg engaged her to unveil the bungalow’s potential.

Who lives here?

Christine and Greg, who downsized from the couple’s larger family home nearby.

Where is it? The single-storey 1930s California bungalow is on Sydney’s North Shore.
How long did the renovation take? Design work began in October 2022, a DA was submitted to council in February 2023 and approval was granted in July 2023. Building started one month later, finishing in June 2024.
The dream? To improve flow, infuse the home with style and storage, and cater to hosting.
The brief? The interiors received a top-to-toe revamp, a new deck was added to the exterior, and the carport and studio were fully renovated.
Must-haves? A single-storey home so they can age happily in place, with large indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, a garage, and a low-maintenance design they can lock up and leave when travelling.
On the wishlist? “The self-contained, detached studio was a real bonus, which certainly had not been included on our wishlist!” says Christine.
Why is this your dream home? “We are well-settled and extremely happy in our new home and now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else,” shares Christine.

Kitchen

“The kitchen wasn’t in terrible shape, but it was dated and in need of fixing up,” shares Krista of the existing cooking space. In its place is now a stone-clad marvel, where Calacatta Viola marble in Monet from Franchi Umberto Marmi Australia reigns supreme.

“Originally, there were hardwood floors, but we had a lot of moisture under the house, so our builders had to get in there and deal with some of those issues to make the home nice and dry,” explains Krista. She replaced the old floorboards with elegant ‘De Marque Oak’ in Chevron Cannes from Preference Floors.

Butler’s pantry

Dining

Alfresco

Having an entertainer’s home was a must for Christine and Greg, who had long coveted a sheltered alfresco living zone. “Despite having a beautiful, sprawling home before, they’ve never had an undercover area where they could entertain outside,” says Krista. “They wanted the Australian dream. Now, they can open the big steel doors, pull the long dining tables together and host everyone outside, even if it’s raining.”

To bring their vision to life, she proposed a covered, spacious deck that now wraps around the home, flows directly off the indoor living area and is styled just as beautifully with alfresco furniture and decor. “They go out every morning and have a coffee in their new outdoor area at the back,” says Krista. “They love starting their day like that, it puts smiles on their faces.”

Renovation lessons learnt

Despite most of the changes being internal, Christine and Greg needed to lodge a Development Application (DA) with council to alter their home’s exterior envelope. This gave them greater creative freedom than if they’d worked within the stringent rules of a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), which governs internal building works. However, they lost six precious months waiting for DA approval. “If you can stay within your building envelope with whatever renovation you want to do, that’s great, as you can get a CDC through council fast,” explains Krista.

While the wait was anticipated, what caught everyone off guard was the soaring price of materials in the wake of Covid. In just 10 short months between starting the design and the build, Christine and Greg needed to increase their budget to achieve the dream.

Bathrooms

Best renovation advice

Every renovation, without exception, involves compromises. “I always ask my clients in the very beginning, ‘When that time comes for us, would you rather compromise on budget or aesthetic?’” says Krista. “Nine times out of 10, they say budget. I’ve never seen anybody wish they hadn’t chosen the nicer option.” She also says it’s vital to be upfront with your designer or architect about which rooms or features you value and which are lower priorities.

Krista suggests adding 30 per cent to every quote, from your joists to your joinery. “Give yourself a buffer, then ask for that amount when you go to the bank,” she says. “It’s better having extra money there now, even if you are paying a bit of interest on it, than needing to request it later, as delays can cost you a lot more in the long run. And if you don’t need it, you’ve only paid a small amount for peace of mind and to keep your project on track.”

Working with a reputable builder is key, though Krista cautions clients that the golden days of fixed-price contracts are numbered. “If you do have one though, chances are they’ve built that buffer in already. So you may be paying a little bit more upfront, but you’ll have that extra peace of mind,” she explains.

Laundry

Bedrooms

Living

Krista specified timeless wall mouldings to infuse the interiors with the look Christine and Greg love. “They really wanted to honour the classic details that were already there, which California bungalows have, but modernise it as well,” she explains. “Not only did we keep the ceiling mouldings, but we enhanced them by adding wall mouldings.” For similar moulding profiles, try ‘IN23’ timber inlay moulds from Intrim.

To echo the elevated interior finishes, Christine and Greg bought a digital artwork by Still Moving Art at Etsy to display on their Samsung ‘The Frame’ TV, which is neatly bordered by classic wall mouldings in the living area. The space is lit by a sconce from Etsy and a Jake Arnold ‘Ellery’ floor lamp that Krista shipped from Crate & Barrel. An Eco Smart fireplace built into the joinery unit cosies up the room.

Hallway

Interior design Krista Collard Interiors, kristacollarddesigns.com
Joinery Furnisa, furnisa.com.au
Builder Ducker Constructions, @duckerconstructions

Source Book

The post A Californian bungalow is revamped and futureproofed for downsizers on Sydney’s lower north shore appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Sitting on 1,030 sqm of absolute beachfront at 291 Golden Four Drive, the property is a world away from the old beach shacks that once stood on the site when Mick bought it for $3.25 million in 2011. By 2014, he had built the current home – a stunning modern retreat that seamlessly blends relaxed coastal living with practical design. Then, in 2022, it underwent a major makeover at the hands of Three Birds Renovations, the powerhouse design trio known for their dreamy, light-filled transformations.

Bonnie Hindmarsh, Lana Taylor and Erin Cayless were given “full creative control – and their trust”, according to Lana, who reflected on the project with House & Garden. The result? A serene, stylish sanctuary designed to make the most of its spectacular beachfront position, with breezy open-plan living spaces, natural textures, and soft, sandy hues that echo the surrounding coastline.

The property itself is spread over three levels, offering seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a self-contained guesthouse – perfect for visitors or extended family. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted ocean views, multiple entertaining spaces and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, ‘Rolling Seas’ is the epitome of laid-back luxury.

Mick and Breeana, who share two young children – Xander who was born in 2020 and Lyla in 2024 – have loved their time in the home but are now looking ahead to the next chapter.

Listed with Kollosche agent Troy Dowker, the property is set to go under the hammer at 11 am on April 24. With its prime location, meticulous design and Three Birds magic, ‘Rolling Seas’ is sure to turn heads – just like its famous owner has done for years in the surf.

To stay up to date with the sale of Mick Fanning’s holiday house, see the real estate listing.

The post Surfer Mick Fanning’s Three Birds-renovated beach house is up for grabs appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While little fans may know Meg best for her soft, sing-song voice in the classroom, she’s also an ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter. And this home has played a starring role in her own creative journey – it’s where she penned two films and two albums.

But a new chapter is calling. The couple is making a permanent move to the Gold Coast for work opportunities. “Brisbane will always be my home,” Meg shared in a press release. “My family is here. But I’m looking forward to spending more time on the Gold Coast among our film community.”

That means parting ways with their charming Art Deco treasure. The two-bedroom, top-floor apartment offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Brisbane River and the iconic Story Bridge.

Built in 1936, it’s rich in history, boasting high ornate ceilings, patterned cornices, timber floors and classic casement windows.

The real-estate listing for 6/87 Moray Street calls it an “opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of Brisbane’s architectural legacy”. But for Bluey fans, it might just be a chance to own a slice of the magic. Either way, this apartment is a rare find.

Anyone who watched the special Bluey episode where the Heeler family nearly sold their iconic Queenslander knows it was an emotional ride. No doubt Meg will take comfort in her alter ego Calypso’s wise words: “Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”

For more details on Bluey voice actor Meg Washington’s home, visit the real estate listing.

The post This Bluey character is saying goodbye to her charming Art Deco home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“The size of the home was what we were looking for, but we felt the interiors needed a refresh,” says Leah. “However, when looking to renovate previous homes, we discovered interior design was not either of our strengths.” To usher in the warm ambience that they love in a layered modern house, the couple tasked interior designer Lily Cumberland with its transformation, which then unfolded over several years and staged phases.

Who lives here?

Leah, Trent and the couple’s three-year-old Toy Poodle, Lottie.
What was your approach to furnishings?
Leah: “Moving from a small apartment, we didn’t have enough furniture to fill the space, so we had to start afresh to achieve the consistency in look and feel that we wanted throughout the house.”
Favourite weekend rituals?
“We enjoy having friends over on the weekends. A lot of them love heading downstairs to select a wine from the new wine storage area! When not entertaining, we like reading and soaking up the sun on our daybed.”
Any flow-on effects from the redesign?
“The level of finishes means that it takes a fancy hotel room a lot more to impress!”

The modern house renovation

Starting at the ground floor, moving to the first level then finishing with the under-house zone and studio, Lily gutted and reimagined the entire interior from 2018 to 2024. “The main goal was clear: we needed to shift the space from feeling like a cold, commercial office building to something that was warm, welcoming, and truly felt like home,” she says. And just like that, the warm modern house makeover began.

Out went the generic square-tiled flooring as well as the heavy stainless steel balustrade (“it didn’t exactly make the space feel warm or inviting,” says Lily). And in came a chorus of natural materials, organic shapes and colour. “Trent and Leah were open to incorporating pink tones throughout – something I was absolutely thrilled about since it’s one of my favourite colours,” she says. Finally, Lily demolished walls for better flow in the kitchen, relocated the laundry, carved out new breakout rooms and storage spaces, and even redesigned the main ensuite to frame iconic views of the Anzac Bridge.

“We’ve always admired homes that have thoughtfully mixed textures and colours, and wanted to achieve that here”

Leah

To Leah and Trent’s delight, they can now entertain, work from home and relax in style, both indoors and out. However, the best part is that for the first time since they picked up the keys, their house finally feels like home.

Foyer

Nestled between the new gym, garage and cellar is the lower-ground foyer, where both a Coco Republic console and sconces add drama to the ‘Scarpa’ floor tiles from Surface Gallery.

Dining area

A Tappeti ‘Faded Neon’ rug in Fog grounds Coco Republic chairs as well as a Zuster ‘Stella’ table in Coal Oak in the dining area. Lily also decorated the soaring atrium with an original artwork by Charmaine Pwerle.

Living room

“We wanted a blend of modern and classic,” says Leah. A custom Tappeti rug and Coco Republic coffee table strike a colourful chord in the living area beside Arthur G ‘Mondo’ sofas and a ‘Lunar’ armchair. The James Said ‘Astro’ bookshelf and Timothy Oulton ‘Light Wheel’ pendants add an edgy twist to the room, which bathes in filtered light from Mokum ‘Kensho’ sheers in Oyster.

Studio

Monochrome appears throughout the scheme of this modern house. “Trent and Leah had some truly striking, bold art pieces,” says Lily. Works from Coco Republic hang in the studio, and tie in with the couple’s old vintage sofa plus its new counterpart and marble coffee table, both Coco Republic. The rug is Tappeti.

Studio ensuite

All bathrooms in this modern house were redesigned, even the ensuite in the studio. Here, Coco Republic lighting, Carrara marble wall mosaics from Surface Gallery, an ‘Issy’ shaving cabinet from Reece and Parisi basin complete the look.

Kitchen

Smartstone benchtops, Eveneer cabinetry from Elton Group and Coco Republic bar stools were all essential ingredients in the kitchen scheme for Lily.

Butler’s pantry

Hidden off the kitchen is the butler’s pantry, which has upper joinery in Resene Foggy Grey as well as lower V-groove cupboards in Resene Alabaster.

Main bedroom

One of Lily’s favourite features is the run of Mokum ‘Handloom’ curtains in Silk that river through the main bedroom. “There was a bit of hesitation from Trent and Leah about this choice, but I’m so glad they trusted me,” she shares, “the curtains bring an incredible texture.” The 1.8-metre Arteriors mirror from Boyd Blue is another standout. “It wasn’t just a challenge to get it into the space, it was a whole ordeal to hang! But it completely transformed the room, balancing the asymmetrical pitch of the vaulted ceiling, and it reflects the city skyline views from both sides of the bedroom.” Lamps from Boyd Blue team with a tactile area rug from Tappeti to warm up the space.

Walk-in robe

It wouldn’t be a modern house without a spacious walk-in robe. Mokum ‘Handloom’ curtains in Silk lend an ethereal element to the couple’s walk-in robe.

Ensuite

Metallic accents in the Brodware ‘City Plus’ tapware in Roma Bronze and sculptural pendants from Coco Republic both introduce an air of opulence to Leah and Trent’s ensuite. Joinery in warm-toned Polytec Ravine in Natural Oak harmonises beautifully, while the Apaiser ‘Sapphire’ bath and ‘Sentosa’ basin, both from Candana, act as subtle palette cleansers. “One of the standout features was the Viola marble in the bathrooms – that really took the space to the next level and brings an element of luxury,” says Lily. “The stunning veining and rich red tones make a bold statement and instantly elevate the entire room. It’s one of those materials that feels timeless and adds such depth and character.”

We love… balanced budgets

“We splurged on marble in the various bathrooms as well as certain joinery, lighting fixtures and luxury curtains for the primary bedroom,” shares Leah. “Lily helped us find a mix of affordable tiling in certain areas to offset the cost of the marble.” Viola marble slabs from Surface Gallery star in the vanity and ledge in the couple’s ensuite, while larger, more budget-friendly ‘Aspect’ tiles in White and Carrara ‘Stack’ mosaics clad the remaining space in style.

Alfresco

“We are able to work from home a lot more comfortably than we were used to, which gives us a lot more flexibility in how we manage work and life,” says Leah. “We also enjoy the main floor and outside terraces, which allows for easy entertaining from the butler’s pantry to the kitchen, through to our outside terrace.” Sited above the redesigned studio, the outdoor terrace is bedecked with comfortable alfresco finds from Globe West as well as Coco Republic. Beyond the lush border of greenery and charming rooftop views glints the Sydney skyline, which glows golden at sunset.

Interior design: Lily Cumberland Interior Design, lilycumberland.com.

Builder: Fulcrum Building, fulcrumbuilding.com.au.

Source book

The post A modern house with heart and soul in Sydney’s Inner West appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“Ryan had found 20 acres that he insisted we drive by to take a look, even though it was way out of our price range,” recalls Danielle of their property search. “I humoured him and while we were making our way back to the ring road, we drove through this area. It was beautiful. I said to Ryan, ‘Why not here?’. We finally knew where we wanted to be.”

Who lives here?

Danielle, an IT consultant, Ryan, a chemical plant technician, his daughters Bonnie, 16, twins Charlotte and Rose, 14, and the couple’s kids Sully, seven, and Edie, five.

Which areas get the most use? Danielle: “The sitting room is where you’ll find Ryan playing the piano or bass guitar with the fire going. The girls love spending time in there lying by the fire on cold evenings, and Sully and Charlotte often play chess there. The kitchen/dining/living area is always alive with activity – it’s never still.”
Favourite room? “My bedroom is like a luxury hotel; I feel spoilt being able to go to sleep in such a beautiful room.
Best building tip? “Don’t underestimate the length of time it can take to plan and get approval. We naively thought we’d be in our new home in mid-2022 and we eventually moved in during mid-2023.”

A search for suitable houses came to naught, so the couple turned their sights to the sole parcel of land in the area for sale– a steeply sloped site that Danielle says “scared off” other buyers with its gradient. Undeterred, they forged ahead in late 2020 and enlisted architect Gary McFarlane and builder McInnes Homes to design and build their dream home.

Initially, Danielle seized the opportunity of working with a blank canvas to channel the style she loved – a handsome, not-quite-Hamptons aesthetic. However, when faced with the sheer scale of selections, let alone layering different fabrics and finishes, the allure soon wore off.

“Trying to pick every single fixture and fitting ourselves was not only going to be extremely time consuming, but also daunting and risky,” she says. “I felt we were either going to end up with a completely white home, because it was safe, or that I would make some bad choices. I needed help!”

The help in question arrived with the experienced eye of interior designer Katherine Lillie, who immediately understood the “masculine Hamptons” aesthetic Danielle envisaged. “The images I sent Katherine as inspiration were mostly navy or green and brass,” she says. “I recall saying in my initial email, ‘Some of it may seem a bit out there’.”

The palette was set in the kitchen after Danielle spotted the colour that now cloaks the cabinetry and the quartzite slab that graces the benchtops. “When I saw it, I didn’t look at another piece,” she says. “As we walked past this piece, it jumped out at me and I was immediately in love with it. I had to have it!”

Hinting at Hamptons style, wainscoting and wall panelling followed, which Katherine dressed in moody blues, a forest of greens and splashes of pattern, to the delight of the family who moved into their new sanctuary in mid-2023. “We love everything about our finished home, the result has been better than we ever expected,” shares Danielle.

Kitchen

Starting with the kitchen, we chose a dark colour palette that exudes sophistication and has an edge of vibrant, moody atmosphere,” says Katherine. “The cabinetry paint colour, Porter’s Paints French Slate, influenced our selection of fabrics, unique tiles and fittings for the rest of the house.” The palette is reflected in stormy Copacabana quartzite benchtops from Gladstones Granite & Marble and underscored by engineered oak floors in Silky Grey from Victorian Designer Floors.

“We spend much of our time in the kitchen and laundry, so made key design decisions to support us in being able to multitask,” says Danielle. “We wanted to ensure we could cook dinner and get the washing done at the same time.” To facilitate this, the kitchen and laundry are linked via the butler’s pantry, which is tucked behind the kitchen splashback and decorated with an Alison Percy artwork that peeps out from the entrance.

Katherine chose ‘Meca’ tiles in Snow from Perini to keep the splashback neutral. On the island, a Perrin & Rowe ‘Phoenician’ mixer from The English Tapware Company echoes the brass Kelly Wearstler pendants above, sourced from The Montauk Lighting Co. The Roman blinds from The Awning and Blind Co are in Nettex ‘Soho’ fabric in Smoke.

Living room

The colours in the kitchen flow into the formal living room (this page & opposite), where a Coco Republic sofa and occasional chairs are resplendent around a cluster of Globe West coffee tables. The cushions from Canvas + Sasson pick up hues in the artwork from Cafe Lighting & Living. “Our goal was to create a timeless residence suitable for a large family, characterised by a masculine, dark and moody atmosphere,” says Katherine of the palette.

“We wanted the home to have a classic and timeless feel, but also contemporary at the same time.”

Danielle, homeowner.

Bedrooms

Thibaut ‘Lewis’ fabric in Charcoal and Bluestone stars on the couple’s bedhead, joined by cushions covered in a Katherine Lillie Interiors textile and Warwick ‘Plush’ fabrics in Vine and Navy. Cafe Lighting & Living ‘Candace’ stools offer a perch at the foot of the bed, while a woollen ‘Magic’ rug in Storm from The Rug Collection is warm underfoot on chilly Melbourne mornings.

“Edie loves her bedroom, she calls it her princess room,” says Danielle of her daughter’s sweet space. Thibaut ‘Chatelain’ wallpaper in Pink unites the colours in the bespoke bedhead, upholstered in Métaphores ‘Atlas’ in Opale, and the wainscoting in Porter’s Paints Pretty in Pink. The bedlinen and lamp base are from Canvas + Sasson and the framed ‘Pink Sweet Pea’ print is from Narissa Perks.

“When it came to the children’s bedrooms, we embraced a more playful and individualised approach,” says Katherine, who wanted each room to “set a scene and a story”.

Bathrooms

A good blend makes sure things don’t feel too stuffy and formal,” says Danielle of the balance between classic and contemporary styles in the main ensuite. The space is warmed by brass Hepburn Hardware handles, Perrin & Rowe tapware and sconces from The Montauk Lighting Co. For cohesion with the kitchen, the vanity is Copacabana quartzite.

WE LOVE…mingling motifs

Mixed motifs abound in the main ensuite, with elongated ‘Long Oct’ Carrara marble floor tiles from Perini and walls veiled in the touchme texture of herringbone marble mosaics (for similar, try ‘Castro White’ tiles from National Tiles). By keeping the tones similar yet varying the tile patterns, Katherine infused the bathroom with tactile interest. For details, visit nationaltiles.com.au and perini.com.au.

“Danielle’s aim was to infuse the home with depth and character…it led us to experiment with patterns and go all out on the finishes.”

Katherine, interior designer.

Mudroom and laundry

The family’s five children have ample storage in the mudroom. Painted in Dulux Sapphire Stone and fitted with joinery in Polytec Oxford, the banquette adds a plush touch with Thibaut ‘Cornelia’ fabric in Navy.

“We focused on practical things like having spaces for school bags, a drying cupboard in the laundry and built-in laundry baskets,” says Danielle of the busy washing zone. Surrounded by plenty of concealed joinery in Polytec Polar White, the Fisher & Paykel washer and dryer from Harvey Norman withstand the constant use with ease and a long benchtop ensures there’s plenty of room to tackle the folding.

Interior design Katherine Lillie Interiors, katherinelillieinteriors.com.au
Architect Gary McFarlane & Associates Architects, 0408 396 011
Builder McInnes Homes, mcinneshomes.com.au

Source Book

The post A bold blue new build becomes home to a blended family of seven appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Soaring windows, doors and skylights infuse a natural glow, while beautiful joinery ensures the essentials of family life are catered for, but cleverly concealed where possible. “It ticks a lot of boxes,” muses Ashley. “We definitely want to stay here a while.”

The dream journey

Who? Ashley, design and interior consultant; husband Chad who owns Submerge Plumbing & Gas and their children, Asta, 6, and Maya, 3.
Where? Mediterranean inspired, new build set across four levels in inner city Brisbane.
Time frame? Design took approximately six months, the build 12 months and the project was completed November 2024.
The dream? “To create a family home with personalised luxurious touches where every day felt like a holiday,” says Ashley.
Approach? A knock down rebuild which made the most of the 620sqm block and city views.
Must-haves? A statement kitchen, a resort-style pool area, bold styling pieces with hints of colour and city views.
Wishlist? Central indoor outdoor entertaining and living area, an abundance of natural stone, original art and unique light fittings.
Why is this your dream home? “It has a holiday feel, with everything we need and want,” says Ashley

Best advice

“Over the years, I have created a personalised budgeting spreadsheet in Excel that I consistently use which helps me stay organised and on track throughout the entire construction process,” says Ashley. The couple also know where they’ll splurge and where they can save. “We’ve found considerable investment should be directed toward the kitchen and bathrooms. These spaces are central to the home’s functionality and comfort. High-quality fixtures and fittings in these areas not only enhance the overall finish but can also contribute to the property’s value,” says Ashley.

Landscaping is an area they can save. “During the build Chad was hands-on wherever possible, building garden beds, retaining walls, constructing fencing, laying turf and painting,” says Ashley. Engaging a qualified builder, experienced in the type of build you’re embarking on is also essential. “You need to have confidence your builder has the expertise and a network of trades who can achieve the level of finish and architectural details you’re after,” says Ashley, “so look at their past work, ask the questions and ensure you have good communication from the start,” says Ashley.

Realising the dream

“The quality of natural light in a home makes a huge difference to how it feels, so it was really important to capture as much of it as possible and enhance the sense of connectivity to the outdoors,” explains Ashley. This was achieved with custom three-metre-high glass doors, soaring arched windows, a vast double front door and Velux skylights that infuse the home with a natural warm glow.

It was also important to create an outdoor haven. Living in Queensland’s tropical climate, Ashley has found their favourite place to spend time is outside, in the pool and alfresco area. “We live outside, particularly in summer, so the design centred on ensuring the kitchen and living zones overlooked the pool and flowed seamlessly to the alfresco area,” she says. “It feels like you’re on holiday when you eat outside around the pool and can jump in to cool off whenever you want.”

Lessons learnt

Experienced in new builds, Ashley and Chad have accumulated a wealth of knowledge with each step of the building and design process. “One of the biggest things we’ve learnt is patience in the process and the importance of devoting time to the planning,” says Ashley.

“Creating a home that functions well takes time, and working out as many of the details ahead of the build can save headaches down the track. It’s really beneficial in the planning stage to get renders of key spaces like the kitchen, ensuite and outdoor area to ensure it works functionally and aesthetically.”

Kitchen

Beautifully simple with sweeping curves and cloud-like lighting, the kitchen provides wow-factor. The centrepiece is the White Onyx stone island. “It has always been my dream to splurge on stone to create unique, custom-designed vanities and a show-stopping kitchen island,” says Ashley, who designed the sculptural onyx slabs with scalloped edging and went in search of the perfect stone. “We couldn’t find what we were after locally so sourced the White and Wooden Onyx and custom stonemason detailing overseas and had it sent in a container, which arrived six weeks before install.”

“Creatively, I was able to do a lot of things I’d always wanted to. It was a dream to custom-design the onyx surfaces, which give the kitchen and bathrooms a unique look.”

Ashley, homeowner.

The same White Onyx that is on the island in the kitchen runs up the back wall. Gentle curves abound, from the shape of the joinery to the carefully selected ‘Caroline Double’ pendants from About Space Lighting, to the stool from Bohteak. In keeping with the warm tones throughout the house, Brushed Copper tapware from ABI Interiors was chosen for all the wet areas.

“With a new build there’s often ample room for creativity when incorporating unique features into the home”

Ashley, homeowner.

A dry bar complete with a Vintec wine fridge, adds a sense of luxury. Shelves within the nook also provide a place for display. Natural tones inspired the scheme with Dulux Natural White on the walls, joinery in Polytec Boston Oak, and oak flooring, from Awesome Timber Floors.

Dining

When dining inside, the family take a seat in Bohteak chairs and gather around a table from Life Interiors. Ashley designed the ruffle pendant and chose the ‘Pare’ artwork by Bec Talbot to complement the home’s tones.

Living

Decadently spacious, there’s plenty of room for the family to relax on a Future Classics Furniture curved sofa which wraps around a striking marble coffee table from Bova Gallery, which anchors a Miss Amara rug. A ‘Luna’ floor lamp from Byron Hanging Chairs adds to the home’s sculptural, gallery-like appeal. Side table from Vorsen.

Bedroom

A panel in Polytec Boston Oak in the main bedroom frames the bedhead from RJ Living. Another custom addition are the onyx bedside tables. The palette evokes a warm glow, from the bedlinen and cushions from Pillow Talk and Weave Home and RJ Living ottoman, to the walls where a Coco Flip ‘Pinch’ wall sconce and an artwork, ‘Down to Earth’ by Emily Wood from Gioia Wall Art, pair perfectly.

Bathrooms

Floor-to-ceiling tiles from Amber Tiles envelop the ensuite, with the eyes drawn to the feature custom Polytec Boston Oak vanity topped in Wooden Onyx bordered with hand-scalloped edging. Rachel Donath mirrors accent the wall, punctuated with Brushed Brass tapware from ABI Interiors. A bath from Caroma sits alongside a tactile wall adorned in zellige tiles from Amber Tiles.

A vanity in Taj Mahal quartzite makes a statement below an RJ Living mirror that sits on wall tiles from Amber Tiles.

Laundry

“The laundry design was intentionally kept simple and elegant to create a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment,” explains Ashley. “The laundry chute was non-negotiable and a must-have in all multi level homes. We also felt full-height cabinets opposite the bench were important to maximise storage,” she adds.

The dreamy palette includes custom Polytec Boston Oak joinery, a Caesarstone Marbannova benchtop, complemented with travertine finger tiles from Amber Tiles and an ABI Interiors Brushed Brass tap.

“Be confident in your selections and don’t let someone tell you it can’t be done. Often with a little perseverance there will be a way.”

Ashley, home owner.

Outdoors

We wanted to create a warm and sun-filled home for our young family and called the house Solara which means ‘Of the Sun’,” says Ashley. For an added resort-style feel, tiles spell out Solara at the base of the pool bordered by a tropical garden bed. The pool side chairs are from Zaneti, with a matching custom umbrella by Original Parasol Co.

“I love the elevated outlook over the beautiful pool and gardens and connection between the indoor and outdoor living zones,” reflects Ashley. Opting for a green scheme, an Early Settler outdoor dining setting runs alongside the outdoor kitchen, while the outdoor living area is furnished with sofas from MCM House and a P & R Styling coffee table. An artwork titled ‘Frutti Di Mare & Aperol Spritz’ by Ekaterina Zagorska, from Gioia Wall Art, completes the scene.

Design & interior consultant Sage & Cove Interiors, 0422 832 171, @sage.and.cove
Drafting ReziCad, (07) 3363 8188, rezicad.com. Builder CHS Building, 0417 629 396, @chsbuilding
Joinery KVW Cabinets, 0422 744 788, kvwcabinets.com.au

Hanging garden, CCL Cacti @ccl_cacti

Source book

The post A dazzling Mediterranean-inspired new build in Brisbane appeared first on Home Beautiful.

After six months on the market, Todd McKenney’s home at 66 Livingstone Avenue sold. It had a price guide of $5 million.

News flash

It was Todd McKenney’s great mate Sonia Kruger who “dragged” the Australian entertainer to the northern suburbs of Sydney. The pair were working on the morning radio shift at Mix 106.5, searching real estate sites while songs played, when Sonia suddenly “swung her computer around and said, ‘Toddy, look!’” he recalls. “We finished the show and drove to the front verge and literally looked over the fence. Sonia just said: ‘You’ve found your house.’ I’d bought it in my mind before I even went inside.”

At the time, Todd was looking for extra space. With this sprawling 1918 heritage home, on around 2200 square metres of land with a glorious garden, he certainly got it. “I’ve never even had a garden and look what I have now,” he told Home Beautiful when we visited, pointing out different species of plants and trees that are more than a century old.

Step inside the delightfully warm home with grand proportions and it’s obvious Todd’s got a natural talent for interior decorating. Each space sings with personal style and a great story or three. In one spot there’s a chair bought at a charity auction he MC’d, while here there’s a piece picked up outside a Chinese restaurant in inner-city Newtown, and over there are some fantastic old theatre signs the entertainer managed to nab from a theatre mechanist in exchange for a bottle of vodka and a six-pack.

A dramatic artwork by Tim Maguire serves as a striking centrepiece in the living area, which is all about low-maintenance style. “This isn’t precious, this is lived in,” says Todd. “I had lovely rugs here, but the dogs came and peed on them straight away, so now I have carpet offcuts,” he says with a smile.

Over the years, Todd has spent many Sunday mornings with the papers or belting out a show tune on the home’s grounds. With a private lap pool spanning the width of the house and a sunny side garden, Todd’s outdoor oasis is an endless source of inspiration – and hedging fun. “Jason Hodges from Better Homes and Gardens taught me how to hedge, and his brother Keith is now my gardener,” Todd told Home Beautiful during our tour of the place.

The perfectly manicured garden is full of surprises. “I lived here for two years not knowing what the garden did, as I was always on tour,” he explains. “I came home from the Gold Coast, turned the corner and my garden was in full bloom. I rang up Mum and said, ‘You should see what the garden does!’”

After enjoying the home to its fullest, Todd has decided to make the move to Melbourne, where his daughter Charlotte, lives to support her during her last year of high school.

The home has been listed for sale through Paul and Ben Langsam at Raine & Horne Double Bay. Expressions of interest are open until September 26.

The post Todd McKenney’s hedge-lined estate finally sells after six months on the market appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who lives here?

Lindar, partnerships manager and her adult children, university students Mackenzie, Stafford and Sienna.
Favourite spot in the house?
“My bedroom, it’s a beautiful calm oasis from the goings-on of family life when I need some ‘me’ time, plus the curtains Leigh recommended are a stunning centrepiece.”
Best source of interior inspiration?
“Home Beautiful, of course, Houzz and Highgate House’s body of work.”
Lessons learnt renovating?
“Trust your instincts. Be bold expressing your personality in the choices you make and have faith in your interior designer. They weave their magic and make your dreams come true.”

While the house needed some TLC, Lindar was taken by its incredible location on a quarter acre block, overlooking the Brisbane River and city skyline and saw her role as a custodian as she set about reinstating its heritage charm.

“When I began master planning the renovation I grew to be fascinated by the story behind the house,” she says. “I spent a lot of time at the state library researching its past and discovered Rockfield was originally built for a coal merchant Captain Daniel McGregor, his wife and six children, and records show the first post delivered to the address was in 1892.”

Having changed owners numerous times in the century prior to Lindar’s custodianship, the house had undergone various interior iterations, yet even shrouded in ’70s mission brown, orange lino and laminate, beautiful original features such as VJ walls, timber fretwork breezeways and intricately crafted architraves still shone and captured her imagination.

Lindar’s vision, plotted and executed over several years, involved an extensive renovation, which celebrated the home’s heritage within a more modern, open-plan layout. Ideas were pooled from three architects to create the harmonious blend of classic and contemporary design which encompassed altering the floor plan, extending the wraparound verandah to make the most of sweeping views and building in the undercroft to create extra bedrooms, bathroom, living space, laundry, garage and grand staircase.

Original features were reproduced on the new lower level with turn-of-the-century inspired ceiling roses, classic cornicing and digitised timber cutout breezeway panels added above doors. “Woodworkers duplicated all the original trims and doors in cedar throughout, which were painted white to emphasise the city views and enhance the natural light throughout,” says Lindar.

The result is a blended upper and lower level, which makes it feel like the home is entirely original. As a long-time admirer of interior designer Leigh Boswell of Highgate House, Lindar enlisted her expertise to create a look that transcended eras.

“I love Leigh’s eye for all things classically beautiful and she had wonderful ideas, which at times pushed me out of my comfort zone, in a good way,” shares Lindar of the enduring palette layered with timber, marble, custom upholstery, stately lighting and glorious shades of green, which enhance the connection to outdoor spaces.

Reflecting on the three decades she’s lived in the house, the last two with her adult children Mackenzie, Stafford and Sienna, a favourite place to gather is the deck, which has hosted many celebrations and provided an idyllic spot to take in the city sights and sounds.

“From the deck, we always enjoy the annual Riverfire event and New Year’s fireworks displays and being directly opposite the Riverstage in the City Botanic Gardens we benefit from free concert music,” says Lindar.

Recently closing her chapter in the home’s history to downsize, Lindar reflects her gut instinct all those years ago was right. “I’ve loved living here as a custodian and I’m proud to have left my mark on Rockfield and the Brisbane landscape.”

Entryway

A reception area was created on the new lower level, with materials such as Thibaut ‘Bankun Raffia’ wallpaper matched to the upper level. Apart from antique pieces, Lindar chose all the furnishings with interior designer Leigh Boswell, such as the timber table topped with a ‘Vicenza’ lamp and marble ruffle edge fluted bowl from Highgate House. The ‘Stanford’ chandelier was sourced from Zest Lighting and has custom shades by Highgate House.

Kitchen

Lindar’s brief to kitchen design and construction company Wyer + Craw was for solid timber cabinetry in the kitchen. “With all aspects of the house I thought about longevity and the ability to simply repaint quality timber cabinets, if I ever wanted to change the colour down the track, really appealed,” she says.

VJ walls in Resene Truffle frame the zone, while a decorative custom blind in Duralee fabric injects pattern alongside Fornasetti plates. She opted for a mix of benchtop materials: black granite adorns outer benches, while the island is topped in Arabescato Corchia marble from Project Stone.

Living

There are several living areas, yet perhaps the most well used is the space adjacent to the kitchen. Highgate House sofas were chosen for their timeless appeal, as was the Hooker Furniture vintage ‘West’ X-base coffee table, from Globe Imports paired with a Rug Concepts rug. Cushions from Highgate House.

We love…timber cladding

There’s something incredibly warm and welcoming about VJ walls, which add extra depth and character to a space. As lead paint was discovered on some existing VJ walls during the renovation, the most cost-effective solution was to copy the original profile and sheet over it, with the classic look recreated and used extensively throughout the interior. For similar, try Easy VJ, easycraft.com.au.

Bedrooms

In this space, Thibaut ‘Patani’ wallpaper in Charcoal sets the scene for a custom bedhead from Highgate House. An Emac & Lawton ‘Prescot’ chandelier and posters by John Ireland round out the room. Doubling as a study for the university student, a ‘Campaign’ desk from Xavier Furniture is positioned to take in garden views, with an armchair from Highgate House in the corner.

“The house has a sense of quality and history that I love as well as style from the late Victorian era.”

Lindar, homeowner.

Connected to the verandah via French doors, teamed with original soaring ceilings, the main bedroom is a tranquil retreat. Highgate House cushions feature on the bed while a timeless Highgate House lamp and bedside table echo the Greek Key pattern in the Thibaut ‘Maze’ wallpaper.

“I loved adding colour in places, especially green, which is beautiful and calming.”

Lindar, homeowner.

Bathrooms

Walls adorned in Thibaut ‘Nemour’ wallpaper in Green create an enchanting backdrop in the bathroom, with decorative features such as the Brodware ‘Classique’ console from Elite Bathware & Tiles. Carrara floor tiles add to the classic feel, as do ‘Molly’ bamboo wall sconces in Nickel (for similar, try Cromwell) with custom shades from Highgate House. A Cromwell Artisan Chest, sourced through Highgate House, is on the back wall.

Laundry

The laundry continues the classic grey and white palette with custom cabinetry in Dulux Vivid White, complemented with a Caesarstone benchtop. On the floor, Platinum Silver Travertine from Stone & Tile Studio adds a wonderful textural element.

Gazebo

A ‘Snyder’ outdoor sofa set by B_seated layered with cushions from Provincial Home Living creates a comfortable retreat in the gazebo to enjoy glorious garden views.

Interior designer Highgate House, highgatehouse.com.
Architects Bruce Buchanan (retired); Kon Panagopoulos, KP Architects, kparchitects.com.au; Graeme Spender, Davis Sommerville Architects, 0411 451 369.
Landscape design Steven Clegg Design, stevencleggdesign.com.au.
Exterior tiling Stellar Tiling Group, @stellartiling
Kitchen joinery Wyer + Craw, wyercraw.com.au.

SOURCE BOOK

The post A stately 1890s Brisbane home that carefully balances history with liveability appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A seasoned renovator, Bec and her AFL legend husband, Chris Judd, snapped up the block in Main Ridge, near Arthurs Seat, around a decade ago. But it’s only now, after years of planning and a full-scale transformation, that the couple is ready to part ways with their coastal retreat. Purchased for $1.2 million in 2016, the revamped property is now expected to fetch between $2.9 and $3 million.

In December 2024, Bec unveiled the stunning “country ranch” on social media with interiors by her own design studio, RJ Home. “Arthurs Seat is complete. A huge thank you to my epic team and partners for pushing so hard to get this done in record time,” she said at the time. And what a transformation it is.

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat is a far cry from the modest, uninspiring brick home that once stood in its place. The kitchen alone is a showstopper, with Bec calling it “the kitchen of my dreams”. But her signature modern aesthetic is evident throughout, from the stylish interiors to the carefully curated finishes.

Outside, the landscaping is just as jaw-dropping. Working alongside Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture and The Melbourne Builder, Bec has ensured the property’s natural beauty takes centre stage. A sprawling alfresco entertaining area and a circular plunge pool complete the picture, creating a luxurious yet relaxed escape.

The buzz around the sale is already in full swing, with Marshall White Stonnington director Ben Vieth leading the campaign. Teasing the listing, he described it as one to watch. “I have one of the most special listings coming soon,” he said.

The agent also highlighted the home’s enviable location, nestled among some of the country’s best beaches and wineries. “It’s literally a compound which you turn up to on the weekend and it has everything,” he enthused. “You’ve got landscaped gardens, pool, pavilion, you’ve got a lake, you’ve got a dam. [It’s] completely private, there is no house in sight.”

With Bec’s track record for nailing high-end finishes and the hype already swirling, it won’t be long before this beauty finds a new owner. Stay tuned.

The post Bec Judd is already selling her Arthurs Seat home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The glamorous family seemed set on a fresh start, but plans have taken a twist – their home listing has mysteriously vanished after more than three months on the market.

In November 2024, Sam and Snezana Wood listed their stunning Melbourne home with a hefty price guide of $6.35–$6.65 million. The listing, handled by The Block judge and real estate agent Marty Fox, came with bold claims – Fox suggested a comparable property in Melbourne’s elite Armadale or Albert Park could command a jaw-dropping $15 million.

Given a dazzling glow-up for the campaign, the home’s striking architecture and lifestyle appeal took centre stage. But after more than three months on the market, the listing has quietly vanished – pulled without a sale. Whether it reappears or fades into off-market mystery remains to be seen. Watch this space.

News flash

Inside Bachelor stars Sam and Snezana’s Elsternwick property

No strangers to the spotlight, Sam and Snezana first met and fell in love under the watchful gaze of millions of Australians on the reality TV show The Bachelor back in 2015. A beautiful relationship blossomed before the eyes of adoring fans and the couple, along with Snezana’s daughter, Eve, have gone on to share a life and family together, marrying at the end of 2018 and having three more daughters together.

It’s no surprise then, that the home Sam and Snezana first settled into was fast outgrown by their growing brood and the couple began to turn their attention to the search for a larger home.

After hunting for over a year, the ideal property emerged on a north-facing corner block in the inner Melbourne suburb of Elsternwick, to suit their family, business interests and busy lifestyle. Sam and Snezana enlisted the help of architectural firm Castley McCrimmon to realise the potential of the property – a pretty Victorian-era house with soaring ceilings and original architectural features.

We had a chat with the man himself about the essential ingredients it took to make this “quintessentially Melbourne” house a home for their family of six.

Who lives here? Sam, a father of four and fitness trainer; Snezana, a scientist and mother of four; their daughters Eve, 18, Willow, 6, Charlie, 4 and Harper, one; plus Hendrix, the chocolate labrador.

What is your decorating style? Sam: “Both Snez and I love old Victorian style and Heritage homes. We love having the creativity to add contemporary modifications via the floor plans and layout, however, always keeping in mind to maintain the soul and the history of the home.”

Any renovating lessons learnt? “We renovated in the middle of COVID-19 which was very challenging as you were only able to have five people on site. So I guess the biggest lesson is to always be patient!”

Anything you would do differently? “Have another bedroom. With Snez’s family in Perth and mine in Tassie, we definitely would love more space to have them stay.” 

What do you love about this home that you didn’t have in your last house? “That it’s ours. We were renting before we had this place and it’s definitely a home made by us, for us, and that’s what is so special about it.”

Is this your forever home? “I definitely think our goal was to make this a forever home, and I don’t think we have outgrown it – we could comfortably live here for the next thirty years, however as the kids get bigger I’d love them to have a slightly bigger backyard and guest bedroom. I think the fact we also love renovating gives us that extra motivation to see what we can do for our next home.”

Favourite detail? “The combo of three things: dark parquetry flooring, high ceilings and arches, and steel frame windows. Combined together they really make it special.”

What are you most proud of? “From a house perspective: It was our first time renovating and we are super proud to be living in a home that we have created together (of course with the extremely talented help of our architect and builder).”

From a home perspective: “That we have created a beautiful home for our girls and that was the main objective from the start.”

Snez’s tips for finding the right selfie spot in your home: “It’s all about the lighting whether that’s in the bathroom or wardrobe. It’s also important to find the right spot in your home for the perfect ‘golden hour’. It’s crazy how well you know your home and when it injects the best light.”

Walk-in wardrobe must-haves: “Snez and I would always love more space. I love clothes (not as much as her!) but I definitely feel she would like some more wardrobe hanging space for her clothes.”

Your favourite room in this house? “It would have to be Harper’s room. It’s the front room of the home and was initially designed to be a guest bedroom until we had her. It has lovely natural sun and high ceilings. I think I also just love it because it’s her little room.” 

Kids’ room must-haves: “Beautiful wallpaper, curtains, and bookshelves. Also be sure to ask your kids what they want so when they see their room, it feels like their dream bedroom has been brought to reality. It’s really special seeing their little reactions.”

Your best buy? “I’ll tell you what wasn’t the best buy! The second living space was initially meant to be a pool table and bar room in which I deluded myself into thinking we spend a lot of time with adults. Of course, after twelve months of living it was completely converted into a kids’ playroom with toys and mini couches. So the pool table was definitely not the best buy as much as we miss it.”

Favourite possessions? “I love my home gym and study alcove upstairs. It is my little sanctuary. Snez loves big light features and did a wonderful job designing the kids’ bedrooms from the beautiful wallpaper to the classic furniture which is an area she is super proud of.”

How do you spend the weekends? “Kids sport, more sport and more sport! We also love going down to Mt Martha which is our weekend escape. It’s crazy how quickly the weekends fly by.”

What do you love about the home’s connection to nature/neighbourhood/children? “We have a beautiful park across the road. You open the door and see beautiful greenery directly opposite. We are also close to transport, cafes, and lots of other young families living in the neighbourhood. It feels quintessentially Melbourne.”

The post Sam and Snezana Wood’s Elsternwick listing has mysteriously vanished from the market appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It was a speedy turnaround for the listing and the home was sold by February 21, 2025 – before the planned February 22 auction. It had a price guide of $3.4 million but was scooped up for $3.85 million.

Charlie has given some clues about the design duo’s next property, revealing they’ve “started a brand new renovation project which we’re so excited about and will be sharing more of soon!”

It sounds like we’re getting another renovation to follow along with on Instagram—and if it’s anything like the couple’s previous projects, we’ve got plenty to look forward to.

The couple previously lived at a seaside home in eastern Sydney and a gorgeous country home in on the New South Wales central coast.

For now, let’s take a look through their Maroubra home…

See inside Charlie Albone and Juliet Love’s Maroubra home

Charlie and Juliet expertly transformed a tired red-brick beach cottage into this classic coastal weatherboard home. The romantic second floor balcony and home’s cool coastal blue shade is a charming sight from the street, which is located just walking distance from the iconic Maroubra Beach and Mahon ocean pool.

The interior is just as dreamy, with Juliet’s eye for luxury materials and bespoke joinery evident in the coastal style kitchen.

The kitchen, which connects to a sunny living area and alfresco space, is fitted with an integrated fridge and dishwasher, as well as a gas stovetop. The Nicolazzi brass tapware and marble tile splashback add coastal charm to the beautiful space.

The sunny living area enjoys floor to ceiling windows and a garden outlook, as well as built-in cabinetry and shelving.

An airy dining space with plantation shutters and double doors is sure to become the setting for family meals and dinner parties with friends.

Along with more plantation shutters and wood floors, a serene shade of blue has been selected for the walls of a number of the bedrooms.

The back garden is where Charlie’ talents shine, with the space being awarded Sydney’s Best Residential Project Under 200m2 in 2024.

Fitted with a resort-style pool with a heat pump and low-tox magnesium filter, there’s also a relaxing poolside cabana with an imported scalloped marble wall to make the most of summer afternoons.

The post Charlie Albone and Juliet Love sell their idyllic $3.8m Maroubra home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Liam’s family home, which was renovated on the debut season of Dream Home on Channel 7, is now for sale. The announcement was made in a video shared on social media by real estate agent Ben Hyrapietian from Image Property on February 19, 2025. In the reel, Liam and partner Shennyn shared the reason for putting their Deception Bay property on the market. “We’ve absolutely loved living in this home but we’re really excited to be doing a renovation project together,” Shennyn said. Head to the real estate listing for all the details.

News flash

Here’s a look inside and some thoughts from Dream Home judges Lana Taylor, Rosie Morley and Simon Cohen…

“It’s just so coastal and fresh,” said Simon of the new facade by Hannah and Jonny. “Stone and timber is the perfect combination.” There’s even a swing for Liam’s daughter Remi to play on.

Working with a generous entrance proved a challenge for Jacinta and Jordan, who didn’t seem to know what to do with it. “It looks messy and cluttered,” said Rosie of the styling in the arch. She also wished they’d built something larger in the centre of the space.

The kitchen was an ambitious room to attempt, but Hannah and Jonny made it look effortless. “It’s got a great feel, everything about it,” said Rosie.
The warmth of the benchtop and splashback went down well.

The butler’s pantry by Hannah and Jonny continued the feeling in the kitchen. “It’s simple, stylish and warm – certainly a space I want to hang out in.”

The dining room by Brad and Mel benefitted from the natural light flooding in from above, but the compliments stopped there.

“It’s a lot of timber,” said Lana. “I would love to see a rug under this table to help soften it.” The judges also thought the artwork wasn’t right.

While the living room by Jacinta and Jordan had pros such as the colour palette and arch, it wasn’t all positive.

“It feels cramped for a family living room,” said Simon. “It only caters for three people watching TV.”

The main bedroom by Jacinta and Jordan failed to excite the judges. “It’s just a little bit bland for me,” said Lana.

The walk-in robe by Jacinta and Jordan roused emotions, but not the good sort. “That’s absolutely criminal,” said Rosie of the fake rattan that was applied like contact on school books.

Brad and Mel impressed the judges with the layout and restraint of their ensuite design. “I would happily have this bathroom in my house,” said Simon.

The guest bedroom by Hannah and Jonny underwhelmed with its minimalistic style. The rug was placed in a position where it made the door difficult to open, which also didn’t go down well.

Liam’s daughter got a pink wonderland nursery by Brad and Mel. “I think Remi’s going to love it,” said Rosie.

The main bathroom was Brad and Mel’s territory, and while Lana thought it was fabulous, the other judges weren’t so impressed.

“The planning is not great,” said Rosie of the layout, which had the shower positioned open towards the bathroom entry.

Redeeming themselves after the living room flop, Jacinta and Jordan’s laundry made a good impression with its practical layout (including a clothes steamer appliance) and arch detail.

With Liam working as a carpenter, the “tradie’s bathroom” was designed as a place for him to wash off when he first gets in the door. “Tradie bathrooms need to be A++ these days,” said Simon.

As one of the teams in the top three, the brothers landscaped Liam’s backyard. It included a new pool, entertaining area and fire pit.

Rhys and Liam took out the winning $100k, with Lara and Peter coming second and Taeler and Elle third.

In case you missed any episodes, you can catch up on 7plus or browse all of the Dream Home reveals.

More Dream Home stories

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This Dream Home team’s renovated home is now worth a whopping $2.8m

Who are the winners of Dream Home Australia 2024?

Hannah and Jonny’s upgraded Dream Home is now worth $1.9 million

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The post Love Dream Home? Tradie brother Liam’s Queenslander is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who lives here?

Ann and her husband Tim, who are both lawyers, with their children Wesley, 12, and Meredith, nine.
Favourite space? Ann: “I actually really like the outside. I appreciate the form of the house from the outside, its materials. As far as the inside goes, from the kitchen you can look to the east and see the treetops. I really like that.”
Weekend ritual? Both: “Chaos.” Tim: “That’s just this stage of life.”
How would you describe your style? Tim: “Simple but elegant tones and materials. We like using items that have quite a natural feel and reflect the natural beauty that surrounds the house. Ann: “Beautiful but not flashy.

This ability to blend into the environment was of the utmost importance to the couple. “I have a desire to try and tread lightly on the earth,” shares Ann. “If we’re going to design a home and put such an imprint on the ground, then we need to do it wisely.”

The property had previously housed a 1970s build in a state of disrepair, complete with asbestos. Instead of renovating, the pair decided to work with architect Ben Callery to create a new build aligned with their values. The brief called for an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. Ethically sourced materials made with durability were also key, as was a focus on a more timeless approach to style.

The land itself was a logistical concern. The property had a steep slope, which would make the use of concrete slabs costly. Instead, Ben elevated the L-shaped home on a lightweight structure with joists, stumps and bearers. Local materials, such as silvertop ash cladding, create a conversation with the land that continues in the interiors. The project finished in 2021 and while work has just started on the garden, the family love the home. “I notice each day that it’s beautiful,” says Ann. “I appreciate the colour of the tapware, the tiles and how that echoes the outside.”

Kitchen

A simple palette of white, green and timber creates a serene scene in the open-plan kitchen and dining area. As the family don’t often entertain, they wanted a large, open-plan space to suit multiple functions rather than a formal dining room.

“I can be making dinner while the kids do their homework at the kitchen bench,” explains Ann. Blackbutt veneer cabinetry by Luna Joinery provides overhead storage and open shelving. The timber tones are reflected in the flooring, which was reclaimed from another house. For cohesion, the same Artedomus tiles that feature in the living room decorate the island sides.

We love…handpainted tiles

The kitchen splashback is a standout feature. Inax ‘Yuki Border’ tiles in White from Artedomus perfectly complement the Dulux Natural White of the walls and ceilings throughout the home. But these tiles are special for another reason.

“They’re a delightful hand-painted Japanese tile, which I think are classic enough to look good forever,” says Ann. Ben agrees, saying, “It adds an international flavour that works in our local environment”. For more information, visit Artedomus.

Touches of black and white create contrast in the kitchen. Timber lining boards comprise the ceiling, finished in Dulux Natural White, which was also used on the blackbutt veneer underbench joinery. This finish pairs well with the ‘Pegasi’ curved sink mixer in Matte Black from Faucet Strommen.

Living

“The fireplace gives a real heart of the home feel,” says Ben of the Nectre N60 with naked black sides. Green Inax ‘Arcaico Border ARC3’ tiles from Artedomus protect the wall, while blackbutt shelves provide space for the family’s books.

“It’s essentially the room of requirement,” says Ann of the secondary living zone, and Tim agrees. “On any given day it can be used for a whole range of things,” he says. The space has Ann’ s drafting desk for her garden designer studies. It is also filled with items used for hobbies, such as Ann’s sewing supplies and Tim’s piano. There’s even a built-in window seat for the children to curl up on and read a book.

“The wood reflects the gum tress surrounding the house, so the inside has a conversation with the outside.”

Tim, homeowner

Bedroom

In the main bedroom, ‘Enna’ wall lights in Matte Black from Ecc are placed on either side of the bed, in the Silvertop Ash-dressed board and batten bedhead from Radial Timber. Layers of neutral tones with splashes of blue decorate the bed.

Bathroom

Warming accents of brass add a luxe feel to the palette. ‘Bella’ round mirrors from Life Interiors create a circular motif repeated by the vessel basins in Moss from New Form Concreting. Hardware in Raw Brushed Brass from Faucet Strommen’s ‘Pegasi’ range complements the Antique Brass of the ‘Pebble 1’ wall sconces from Beacon Lighting. Inax ‘Arcaico Border’ tiles in Green from Artedomus grace the walls.

Many of the materials in the ensuite were used in the main bathroom, including blackbutt cabinetry from Luna Joinery and the ‘Pegasi’ slide shower in Raw Brushed Brass from Faucet Strommen.

However, white takes centrestage with the Artedomus ‘Fiandre’ tiles in Urban White and the Kado ‘Lussi’ bath from Reece.

Deck

A sliding door from Rylock Windows & Doors leads to the side deck, where Ann sometimes enjoys a cup of coffee.

The deck draws you out among the treetops and Ann loves tending to her plants there. While this area faces the street, it was cleverly designed to ensure privacy. “You’re sitting there in the sun with a breeze passing through the slats,” shares Ben. “You feel you’re in nature but overcoming the constraint of having the street there.”

Interior design: Ben Callery Architects, bencallery.com.au
Builder: Truewood Constructions, truewood.com.au
Joinery: Luna Joinery, lunajoinery.com.au

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The post A nature-inspired home on the outskirts of Melbourne appeared first on Home Beautiful.

This home has now hit the market. “It was love at first sight for me and this house, and it can be for you too,” declared interior designer Amy Spargo of Maine House Interiors in a heartfelt Instagram post on February 15, 2025. If you swooned over this beautifully renovated home – belonging to her sister Clementine’s family – in the pages of Home Beautiful, you’ll be thrilled to know it’s now for sale. Listed with Danckert Real Estate with a price guide of $2.6-$2.8 million, this rare gem in picturesque Mount Martha is sure to be snapped up quickly. Watch this space!

News flash

When Clementine and Matt viewed this beachside property in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula in early 2022, they loved its location and leafy outlook but had trouble looking past the tired state of the home. The bedroom count of five suited their growing brood (which now includes Florence, six, Ralph, three, and Harry, 12 months), but “I just couldn’t see its potential,” says Clementine. Cue Clementine’s sister, the interior designer Amy Spargo of Maine House Interiors. “I saw really good bones and the parts of the house that could be fixed relatively inexpensively while still making a huge difference,” says the designer. With faith in Amy’s skill, Clementine and Matt bought the property when they were eight months’ pregnant with their third child, Harry. The renovation started a week before he was born and continued six months into Clementine’s maternity leave. “I was on the phone with the electrician the morning of giving birth!” she laughs.

Who lives here? Clementine, who works in philanthropy, and Matt, in marketing and communications at a university; their children, Florence, six, Ralph, three, and Harry, one.
How did it feel to work with your sister? Clementine: “I think I probably tested our sisterhood a few times by texting her at 11 at night with new ideas! But it brought us closer, and I really enjoyed the process.”
What did you learn during the reno? “Things like investing in really good window coverings makes such a big difference.”
What is your home design philosophy? “You don’t need to have an enormous house or the best pieces. It’s about creating something that makes you feel happy and taking pride in your own spaces.”

A series of small but strategic updates designed by Amy and carried out by Nathan Potts of NRP Constructions transformed the two-storey home. A fresh, sparkling palette of white paint and oak flooring has replaced the dowdy aubergine carpet, laminate flooring, and passé feature walls.

“Welcoming, warm and full of colour” was Clementine and Matt’s brief to Amy, derived from Clementine’s love of English interior design. “Clementine loves fabrics, so we put money into that and tried to save elsewhere,” Amy explains. They balanced out the investment in hero textiles and custom upholstery with budget-friendly furniture purchases and the stylish revamp of old pieces. The sisters trawled Facebook Marketplace and auctions and set about refinishing or reupholstering their finds.

“It helped keep the cost down and also reduces waste, which is really important to us,” says Clementine. As well, dollars were saved in the areas that often swallow renovation budgets whole. “The original kitchen was great other than the purple splashback,” says Amy, who selected gloss white Zellige tiles and added oak floating shelves. “We kept the sink which was a cost-saving decision, but I knew it would disappear with the beauty we added around it.”

Savvy design decisions like these impressed Clementine, who reports she has developed a whole new appreciation for Amy’s profession. “Our home makes us feel incredibly happy, calm and comfortable because it reflects who we are. I’m very lucky to have such a talented sister because I could not have done it alone.”

Kitchen and dining room

“I had a really clear idea of what I wanted but had no idea how to put it together,” says Clementine. Combining a simple table from Provincial Home Living, a bold rug from Cadrys, and vintage bamboo chairs refinished in gloss red paint and striped fabric found on Etsy, Amy has curated a joyful spot for family meal times. On the wall, a print series by the English artist Polly Fern is framed in faux-gold bamboo frames. Savings were made in the kitchen by retaining the cabinetry, sink and benchtops and adding gloss white Zellige tiles from National Tiles. The floating shelves are European oak, as is the flooring throughout the home, also sourced from National Tiles.

Summer living room

Soaked in daylight, the living area by the dining space features an Arthur G sofa covered in Ralph Lauren fabric and a duo of artworks by Eddy Varekamp that Clementine and Matt picked up while travelling in Amsterdam. An artwork by Vitor Dos Santos hangs above a Provincial Home Living side table and a vintage lamp teamed with a bespoke shade by Maine House Interiors.

Winter living room

“I think that the English style wraps around you, which is what Clem likes,” says Amy. A yellow check cushion by Brunschwig & Fils sits on an armchair by Provincial Home Living, and an oriental rug from Cadrys and a Moroccan side table sourced by Maine House Interiors add a bohemian twist. The artwork on the left is by Rachael McCully, the vintage print of a swan was sourced by Amy, and looking through to the front entry, we see a rural-themed print from The Winsome Collection. “If you love an artwork, you should be able to place it anywhere in your home,” says Clementine.

Refurbishing secondhand furniture is a sure way to inject uniqueness into your spaces. The ottoman in the winter living room is a Facebook Marketplace find, reupholstered in Lisa Fine fabric. “We tried to recycle as many pieces as possible and not buy new,” says Clementine. Visit facebook.com/marketplace.

Harry’s bedroom

Porter’s Paints Rattan provides a soothing backdrop for the cot and nursing chair from Pottery Barn Kids and curtains by Abundant Home. Layers are added to the nursery with a jungle-themed rug from Ruggable, vintage cane shelves, and a framed illustration found in a book from Paris, gifted from Amy to Clementine.

Florence’s bedroom

“Florence’s bed was my bed when I was a little girl, so it’s special to have that in our house,” says Clementine. The rug, wall light and chair are vintage, and they sit alongside an Ikea desk, a lamp from Cromwell, bedside drawers from Jacadi Paris and an artwork gifted to Clementine by a previous employer. Try Dulux Bunny Soft Quarter for a similar wall colour.

Main bedroom

The sisters share a love of fabulous fabrics and patterns. The blue Ottoline fabric that Amy had made into cushions for Clementine and Matt’s bed is a favourite of Clementine’s. The vintage lamp features a custom Colefax and Fowler shade, and a Brunschwig & Fils ‘Les Touches’ shade brings softness to the wall lights that illuminate the vintage artwork. 

Main bathroom

The existing benchtop is teamed with a vanity from Early Settler finished in Porter’s Paints Hailstorm. The blind is in an Ottoline fabric and was made by Abundant Home. The vintage chair was sourced by Maine House Interiors.

Backyard

Four coats of Dulux White Cloak quarter strength covered the home’s original raw dark timber cladding on the exterior. “It was amazing to see how painting it white really lifted it out of the ground and gave it presence on the block,” says Amy. The landscaping is an ongoing project by Matt, who redesigned the back stairwell that leads to the lagoon-like pool. “The pool was existing, and it’s fabulous – you don’t see crazy paving pools anymore. It sits within the environment really well,” says Amy, who added green planters from Julian Ronchi Garden Design & Nursery and a deckchair from Cotswold Furniture.

SOURCE BOOK
Design: Maine House Interiors, mainehouseinteriors.com.
Builder: Nathan Potts, NRP Constructions.

The post Seaside sophistication: This breathtaking Mount Martha home is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

In late 2024, Darren and Olivier’s stunning home was listed for sale with an auction price guide of $8,500,000. This was dropped by $1 million from the initial price guide of $9,500,000. After several months, the home was taken off the market. Now in 2025, the home is back on the market and going to auction on the 8th March. We’re thrilled to be along for the ride and watch as this stylish couple ponder their next move. Stay up to date with the sale status here.

News flash

Who lives here?

Interior designer Darren Palmer and his husband, Olivier Duvillard, share the home with their teenage son and two dogs, Frankie and Razzie.
What style is your home? Darren: “It’s intentionally minimalistic with a lot of sandy pink tones.”
Biggest benefit of renovating? “We’ve got a lot more space now and it’s a lot more usable.”
Your favourite design choice? “The double-sided fireplace is impressive. It’s in our winter living room, with the study on the other side.”
Did you reuse any elements? “We saved the perfectly stable granny flat on the property from going to landfill and transported it to Hyams Beach to turn it into a holiday home.”

The home was a two-storey building when they moved in – a 1930s California bungalow downstairs with a 2010 addition upstairs. The walls were a “dirty cream colour,” so that was the first thing that had to go. “I hired a spray rig, bought a ton of paint and painted everything white,” he says.

When Darren’s ambassador duties for an appliance brand required him for a photo shoot in his own house, he did a speedy renovation to get it ready. “I did the kitchen, laundry and dining room in two-and-a-half weeks. It was like a real-life [episode of] The Block,” he recalls. He hosted his 40th birthday party there shortly after, with fellow judges Neale Whitaker and Shaynna Blaze on the guest list, so the pressure was on to make the place presentable. “They came in an hour after I’d unpacked boxes!” he recalls.

The high-profile interior designer says his home might have been meeting others’ expectations, but it still didn’t feel right for him. “So in 2018, I started again!” A good 18 months was spent “ticking details over” in his mind, then on paper, before he worked with architect John Deuchrass for the final plans. In 2022, construction company Taste Living began the rebuild.

It’s been upsized from two storeys to three, with a more open-plan design. One of Darren’s favourite spaces is the new “very sexy” kitchen. “I ended up making it probably a metre wider, so we got a much bigger island bench,” he explains. Made from CDK Stone’s Monreale marble with soft pinks and sandy tones, it’s the hero of the space and complements the impressive joinery, which features grooved Kinsman ‘Avalon’ doors in Coastal Oak Woodmatt. “It’s got this lovely coastal feeling to it,” shares Darren.

The home epitomises a Bondi oasis, with four bedrooms plus a study, two lounge areas, a Plungie pool and multiple alfresco zones. Yet just as Darren has finished the transformation, the family has decided it’s time to move on. “This is actually the longest-term house I’ve had in my entire life, except for when I was a child,” says Darren of their home of nine years. “Our teenage son’s lived here most of his life. It’s definitely been a family home.”

While it’s in Darren’s nature to already have his sights set on the next renovation, he also has his hands full with the latest season of Channel Nine’s The Block television series and multiple business ventures, from art and rug ranges to home fragrances and tapware. “To be honest with you, the next project would happily be about a year away from now,” he says with a laugh.

Living area

The walls are painted in warm Dulux Whisper White. On the Monreale marble ledge from CDK Stone is Bush Medicine Leaves by Gloria Petyarre. Nearby is an oceanic work, Rhythm and Blues, by Neil Frazer. On the lounge are Few & Far ‘Noah’ cushions in Burro and Adairs ‘Rosedale’ cushions in Rust.

Dining area

Velux skylights over the staircase let in natural light. Three ‘Orb’ pendants from Lighting Collective in the dining space hang over an En Gold ‘Paradis’ dining table in Fossil Stone, with Design By Them ‘Bobby’ chairs in Ash Solid. The ensemble sits on a Darren Palmer ‘Earth Natural’ rug.

Kitchen

To design the luxurious joinery in the kitchen, Darren worked with Kinsman, selecting ‘Avalon’ doors in Coastal Oak Woodmatt and pairing them with Matt White Knurled Bar handles. These marry well with the Carpet Court ‘Hickory Elegance’ flooring in Beverly Hills. CDK Stone’s Monreale marble makes a show-stopping kitchen island, with Design By Them ‘Bobby’ stools in Ash Solid.

Beacon Lighting’s MFL By Masson ‘Gypsum’ downlights light the island, which houses a Meir ‘Round Paddle Piccola’ kitchen mixer. The benchtop and splashback are Caesarstone ‘Mineral’ in Adamina, with ‘Rome’ wall sconces from Temple & Webster.

Winter living room

This cosy ‘winter’ living room features a Few & Far ‘Bonnie’ chair in Green and MCM House ‘Tonk’ stool in Aged White. The En Gold ‘Paradis’ coffee table in Fossil Stone chimes with a Darren Palmer ‘Zen White’ rug.

Study

The desk in the home office is designed with Kinsman ‘Avalon’ profiles in Coastal Oak Woodmatt. It’s teamed with a Casa Blanco ‘Nobu’ dining chair in Natural Oak Tan Leather.

Main bedroom

For a grand effect in the bedroom, Darren positioned two Lounge Lovers ‘Serenity’ ribbed king bedheads in Cream side by side. They’re a magnificent match for the Wallpaper Direct ‘Fabric Effect’ in Beige on the wall, which has a tactile quality. Demonstrating a clever design hack, a Loughlin Furniture ‘Alura’ full-length mirror in American Oak Light has been mounted horizontally above the bed.

The bed is dressed with Carlotta + Gee’s linen duvet set in Chocolate, which is a delicious contrast to the sandy shades of the Carpet Court ‘Bali’ sheer curtains in Flax. Few & Far ‘Agnes’ table lamps in White stand on RJ Living ‘Peggy’ bedside tables in Oak. A Darren Palmer ‘Travertine Brown’ rug adds textural elegance. ‘Bird of Paradise’ by Joshua Yeldham hangs on the wall, echoing the rusty pink tones seen throughout the home.

“I’ve used sandy pink and beige tones throughout our home, with statement artworks”

Darren Palmer

Ensuite

The vanity in the couple’s ensuite is crafted from CDK Stone Monreale marble. On the wall are Earp Bros square unglazed tiles in Off White Matt, lit by Estilo Living ‘Bartel’ wall lights in White with White Base. A pair of Loughlin Furniture ‘Alura’ mirror cabinets fit neatly above the sinks with Meir x Darren Palmer Lustre Bronze tapware.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, Porter’s Paints Interno Lime Wash in Cinnamon Sugar creates a chic finish. The ‘Zach’ bed frame in Off-White (with In Bed linen), is joined by a ‘Sorrento’ bedside table, both from Lifely, with a Rachel Donath lamp.

“We retained the original ceiling and used a lime wash paint on the walls for a cocooning effect”

Darren Palmer

Alfresco area

The home’s previous poky doors that led out to the patio were replaced with Architectural Window Systems ComfortEDGE Sliding Doors. “They’re floor-to-ceiling with no sills, no frames, nothing visible. You can open them completely without any impediments,” says Darren. “They let all this gorgeous light in and you can look out into the bamboo and palm trees.” In a video on Darren’s Instagram, he shows just how seamless the door design is. They’re a great idea if you’re looking to double your living space.

A significant consideration in the home’s redesign was how to maximise the outside areas. “We have four outdoor spaces now,” explains Darren. “There’s one poolside, a terrace above that, our backyard with a lawn and then another outdoor space outside our son’s bedroom.” Adjacent to the home’s main living area is the terraced alfresco space, which encourages indoor-outdoor living.

An Early Settler ‘Ripple’ curved outdoor dining table in White creates a casual and comfortable place for sharing a meal or enjoying a morning coffee. For more relaxed lounging, the Temple & Webster ‘Venice’ outdoor lounge set and Few & Far ‘Clifton’ coffee table in Red Alicante is just right, grounded by a Darren Palmer ‘Sandridge Ripple’ rug.

Pool

“The biggest surprise is probably the pool area,” shares Darren. “We put the pool in the front yard, which is kind of a strange thing to do really, but it made a lot of sense because we’ve ended up with this pretty massive poolside entertaining area that was unusable dead space before.” Prestige Fencing aluminium tubular fencing in Surfmist runs alongside the Plungie ‘Arena’ 3.5-metre pool in Kona Coast. An Original Parasol Co ‘The Fitzroy’ umbrella offers additional shade during dips, while a TH Brown lounge and foot stool provides a spot to unwind. The Few & Far ‘Odin’ coffee table in Elm Wood functions as a handy bench seat.

Architect: Deuchrass Architects, deuchrassarchitects.com.au.
Builder: Taste Living, tasteliving.com.au.
Interior designer: Darren Palmer, darrenpalmer.com.
Stonemason: Macarthur Marble & Granite using CDK Stone, macarthurmarbleandgranite.com
Landscaping: Ladybug Landscapes, @ladybuglandscapesaustralia.

SOURCE BOOK

The post Darren Palmer’s renovated Bondi home goes to auction again in March appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A Rapunzel tower in Queensland

The magical La Tour Tzani is truly fit for a princess. Nestled in a valley in Ocean View, the home is inspired by French Chateaus and the current owner’s childhood living near Normandy’s Martello towers . Complete with a Rapunzel-like tower and sweet Juliet balcony, the home also contains tapestries sourced directly from the historical Mont Saint-Michel in France. Plus with 10 acres of land and and paddocks for horses, this place is made for living out your fairytale fantasy.

see the full listing

A historic Georgian country house in Tasmania

Built in 1834, this English-style manor house is like something out of a Jane Austen novel. With a history of being a traveller’s rest between Launceston and Hobart, the property comes with an original stone stable complex, 8438m² of sprawling English gardens and beautifully preserved character features, including French doors, built-in fireplaces and a dream country style kitchen.

see the full listing

A private island in Tasmania

Those dreaming of running away from society will find their perfect escape on this private island in Tasmania. Located in the Freycinet Peninsula, the island is located 800 metres away from the main shore, boasting spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range. Currently used as a five-star guest accommodation, the property is complete with a solar hot water system, off-grid solar power and accommodation for up to ten people. However, those wanting to experience island life alone can do so—alongside the island’s resident penguin colony.

see the full listing

A converted church in Victoria

Even if you’re not usually a fan of converted churches, this light and airy property bears almost no resemblance to its former place of worship. Set on the edge of the Warburton Rail Trail, this country home comes with a wood-burning fireplace, free-standing bathtub and plenty of character.

see the full listing

A Tuscan-style vineyard in New South Wales

With 20 acres of grazing pastures and a small vineyard, this Tuscan-style rendered brick homestead, known as ‘Yarrangower,’ would be a dream for anyone wanting a lifestyle change. The property’s hardware has all been imported from France while the the property’s tiles were handmade in Portugal. Climbing roses, French shutters and wooden beams all add to the Italian charm.

see the full listing

The post 5 unique properties for sale around Australia appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Now that the Beaujolins are looking to downsize, the home can be bought for $19 million Swiss francs (around $33 million AUD). You can see the full listing on Knight Frank.

See inside Audrey Hepburn’s former home in Switzerland

Audrey Hepburn’s former Swiss villa is set within 40-acres of land with views to the surrounding mountains.

The home still retains plenty of character features, including checkerboard flooring and pretty French doors.

The oversized living room features sage wainscoting and built-in bookcases.

Another living space features even more built-in bookcases and tiled floors.

The remodelled kitchen sits behind an interior window panel, opening up into a large family space.

The blue cabinetry, large kitchen island and views to the garden give the room plenty of charm.

The bedrooms are just as majestic with built-in fireplaces, wood floors and French windows.

Original wooden beams feature throughout the property and add character to the rooms.

An attic area offers opportunity for a home office, guest bedroom or artist studio

The views to the garden are particularly breathtaking.

The property also comes with a heated 50-metre swimming pool.

The post The Swiss villa once belonging to Audrey Hepburn is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“The poky, casual living area wasn’t functional and didn’t suit our busy, informal household flow at key times – before and after school and work,” says Chelsea, who runs a not-for-profit organisation and craved a welcoming family home.

“We have a big extended family and often host many people, so I wanted that to work easily. I also like everything to have a place to be stored – and in inner-city houses storage is an issue – so thoughtful, considered storage design was important.”

Who lives here?

Chelsea, Michael, their daughters Matilda, 11, and Annabelle, eight, plus Pippa the Labradoodle.
Your favourite feature? Chelsea: “The big Greek-style dining table, which I squeeze 20 people around for our big family lunches, is awesome and creates an easyto- use space that brings joy.
Is this your forever home? “I want to say it is… My husband would definitely say it is!”

Chelsea and Michael had engaged interior designer Melissa Balzan to revamp their previous home and loved the outcome, so they swiftly organised a consultation with her to discuss what they hoped were modest changes. “The initial meeting with Chelsea was to help with the decoration of the house to make it comfortable and functional for her and her family,” recalls Melissa.

However, as old homes often do, the terrace had its own agenda. Crooked, wayward walls and uncooperative, slanting floors made major jobs of the minor alterations the couple proposed. One issue snowballed into another and, as their dream of completing a more substantial future renovation stubbornly refused to wane, they decided to bite the bullet and enlarge the scope of work.

“Needless to say, the ‘small’ renovation happened very quickly and grew to be slightly larger than expected,” recalls Melissa, who untangled the puzzled floor plan and added storage and style in equal measure. “In the end, new flooring was laid, walls were demolished, a bath was removed, joinery was installed and spaces were created that function well and will hopefully see Chelsea and Michael through the next few years with ease.”

The couple tasked Melissa with creating interiors that were “not showy,” says Chelsea, who wanted an artistic scheme that balanced pretty aesthetics with a practical design suited to family life. “I like things to feel bright, happy and welcoming with an understated ease,” she says. “I love art and whimsical design and wanted the spaces to provide an ‘experience’ with interesting pieces.”

The newer rooms at the rear are now defined in rich navy, while the older front rooms bask in earthy pinks, browns and greens – a palette Chelsea plucked from hues in Jai Vasicek prints she found at Fenton & Fenton, which hang in the formal dining room. “We have a lot of pink in this house – I am not sure how much input my husband got with that decision!” shares Chelsea.

Classic yet contemporary, the finished abode radiates a cosiness that ensures the entire family feels comfortable and at home. “Our little one loves the animal decals on her walls and her reading nook. There is also great storage for all her little trinkets and favourite treasures,” says Chelsea. “And my tween loves her tweeny wallpaper and comfy reading swivel chair, which seems to be regularly tested for speed, Formula One style!”

Kitchen

Polytec cabinetry in Adriatic spruces up the kitchen, which bathes in natural light courtesy of the existing greenhouse-style glazing.

On the benchtop, the pear vase is from Kimpton & Co and the bowls are from Horgans.

A slim banquette, crafted by MBD Joinery and covered in Walter G fabric, stars in the casual meals area. Custom cushions in Inge Holst textiles chime with the colours in the wall plates, most of which hail from Heirloom Tableware. ‘Tangerine’ dining chairs from District Furniture surround the Carrara marble table (for similar, try the ‘Kelsey’ dining table from Castlery). An Anna Charlesworth pendant illuminates the dining nook.

Living

It’s light, bright and has great airflow,” says Chelsea of the informal living area. Grounded by a ‘Bijou’ rug from The Rug Collection, the coffee table and sofa are Globe West finds, while the armchair is from Arthur G.

The couple reused their existing custom sofas, upholstered in Mokum ‘Ficus’, in the main living zone. “When we have guests, the more formal areas are ready to go and it makes life a lot easier,” says Chelsea. The bespoke cushions in pretty Colefax and Fowler fabrics echo the hues of the artworks.

The original marble fireplace stands proud below a verdant artwork by Rachael Little, commissioned through Forman Art & Framing, and a smaller painting by Katie Wyatt.

Karndean Flooring from Allfloors underscores the interiors and is warmed by sisal carpet from Floorspace, which Melissa layered with a Cadrys rug for extra comfort.

Dining

Lyrical Jai Vasicek prints from Fenton & Fenton inspired the palette of earth-drawn pinks in the formal dining room. The parquet-style timber dining table from Oak Road is the hero of the space and pairs perfectly with dining chairs from Xavier Furniture and twin timber storage chests from Wisteria. The stately space is finished with an opulent Cafe Lighting & Living chandelier, which was specified by Melissa.

The pinks in the dining and living areas were inspired by Jai Vasicek prints Chelsea found at Fenton & Fenton.

Bedrooms

The palette of desert pinks flows into Chelsea and Michael’s first-floor bedroom, where the bespoke bedhead and cushions, covered in Colefax and Fowler fabric and crafted by MBD Joinery, take centre stage. Neutral bedlinen from Aura Home tempers the sweet scheme, while an artwork by Alexandra Plim from The Moree Gallery is the cherry on top.

“The home has some lovely bones with its high ceilings and well-appointed front rooms both downstairs and upstairs,” shares Melissa. “As the ceilings are so high, we needed statement light fittings that once again reflected that it was a home belonging to a young family.”

For a similar pendant, try Early Settler’s ‘Mirella Capiz’ chandelier; for a similar mirror, try Middle of Nowhere’s ‘Bjorn’ oval mirror.

Brass accents add a hint of opulence to the couple’s room with ‘Le Forge’ bedsides from Boyd Blue and ‘Ivory Lacquered’ boxes from Cromwell.

Melissa kept the existing carpet in Annabelle’s bedroom and freshened up the space with a lick of Dulux Natural White paint. The swivel function on the Brosa armchair is regularly put through its paces, while the sage colour complements the curtains and bespoke bedhead from Xavier Furniture (for similar, try Andrew Martin ‘Picket’ fabric in Leaf).

Annabelle’s Pottery Barn ‘Penny’ desk and Provincial Home Living bedside are finished with a custom lamp and shade that are pretty in pink (for similar, try Bragg & Co).

Bathrooms

Schumacher ‘Tiah Cove’ wallpaper in Sage Leaf adorns the powder room and is picked up in the green Polytec vanity in Topiary. For a tactile touch, Melissa introduced Hepburn Hardware ‘Rope Pulls’ and a cane mirror (for similar, try ‘Orbit’ mirror from Republic Home).

Interior design: Melissa Balzan Design, melissabalzandesign.com

Builder: Pete Stewart Projects, petestewartprojects.com.au

Source book

The post This inner-city Victorian terrace is pretty in pink appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“Michael did the bathroom, so yes it hasn’t changed that much,” PPD Real Estate’s Zach Carter told realestate.com.au.

Hutchence owned the property for a decade before selling it $285,500 in 1995—the year English television presenter Paula Yates gave birth to his daughter, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily.

Since then, the property has exchanged hands a number of times, most recently belonging to investor Emily Joseph, who bought the cottage for $1.72 million in 2019. Joseph has been renting out of the property for $1100 per

See inside Michael Hutchence’s former Paddington cottage

This wide-fronted terrace is cleverly built around a central courtyard, encouraging natural light to flood the home. The bright living area retains a period fireplace and views out to the courtyard.

Separated from the main living area, the functional kitchen offers dine-in possibilities and a good amount of storage.

The large main bedroom is connected to the sunny front veranda by a set of French doors.

While a second bedroom also offers courtyard access.

The bathroom enjoys an outdoor aspect.

An idyllic internal courtyard makes indoor-outdoor living seamless.

See the full real estate listing on realestate.com.au.

The post Michael Hutchence’s former Paddington cottage is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The floor plan of the five-bedroom abode was enlarged to include an open-plan kitchen and living room, with a butler’s pantry and wine cellar. “The wine cellar was my husband’s idea. He’s always had an interest in good wines,” shares Jill. “The entire project was based around a big cellar we could sit in and entertain up to eight guests.”

As the house is set on a sand dune, digging out the cellar turned into a three-month expedition. Once the walls were reinforced, it could be imbued with old-world charm, including stonework and space for more than 1500 bottles. “Designing this space was no small task,” says Lysandra. “We had to consider how to maintain the optimal temperature for the wine and accommodate the extensive collection.”

Exposed beams, natural stone benchtops and gold glimmers combine for a home that’s comfortable and commanding. “We’re thrilled that our investment in this project has not only created a beautiful space for our family to share but also increased our home’s value substantially,” says Jill.

Who lives here?

Jill, a nurse, her husband Craig, a criminal defence lawyer, and their Groodle, Billie.

Biggest lesson learnt? Jill: “That things don’t always go to plan. We learnt to compromise and be flexible when it came to issues of the build.”
Any ideas Alisa and Lysandra had that you’re happy you went with? “Introducing VJ panelling on the walls and ceiling in the living room, as well as installing black curtain rods, when I thought they might be too much.”
Favourite piece of furniture? “The imported American occasional chairs [in the living room] that came out from the States and took eight months to get here. They’re stylish and comfortable and have the most intricate timber detail that I adore.”

Living room

“Despite the expansive extension, the home retains a cosiness and warmth that makes it truly inviting,” says Lysandra Fraser, director of Alisa & Lysandra Interiors alongside her sister and co-director Alisa Ayres. The ceiling beams were stained to match the Nature’s Oak flooring in Denali. Over the living space hangs a ‘Darlana’ chandelier from Visual Comfort & Co. Mokum ‘O’Keeffe’ fabric curtains in Sand cover arched windows. An Indah Island ‘Brunhild’ console in Oak stands behind the lounge.

“I love the thoughtful detail in the fireplace mantel to hide our sound system and wires.”

Jill, homeowner

The Escea gas fireplace is framed by Polar Ice marble from CDK Stone with a timber mantel and Bodega Freeform stone wall cladding from Eco Outdoor. The banquette cushions are covered with Zepel fabric in Fawn and lit by ‘Dean’ picture lights in Natural Brass from The Montauk Lighting Co. Two ‘Lincoln’ chairs from Boyd Blue face a pair of ‘Plantation’ coffee tables in Antique Brown from Dianna-Lynn Decor and a Natuzzi lounge.

We love… a big island

With a large extended family, the island had to be made to suit. “The kitchen bench is 4.2 metres in length, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy,” says Jill. “We spend the majority of our time in the kitchen and family room, whether we’re sitting reading a book in the sunshine or prepping for a dinner party.”

Kitchen

The large kitchen features Polar Ice marble from CDK Stone on the benchtops and splashback. Hanging in the centre are ‘Darlana’ lanterns in Gilded Iron from The Montauk Lighting Co. These tie in with the Perrin & Rowe pot filler and sink mixer with white porcelain lever taps from The English Tapware Company. A row of Black Mango ‘Manor Oak’ counter stools surround the island.

Butler’s pantry

To the side of the kitchen is the butler’s pantry, with EasyCraft ‘EasyRegency’ 150 wall panelling paired with Polytec ‘Notaio’ Walnut shelves. The stool was pre-existing and artwork is an op-shop find. A Zip HydroTap offers instant cold, sparkling and hot water.

Dining

A pair of pendants from The Montauk Lighting Co adorn the dining space, where the couple’s table is surrounded by Black Mango ‘Manor Oak’ dining chairs on a rug from Alisa and Lysandra’s collection.

Wine cellar

The custom glass gas-strut door in the floor leads down to the wine cellar, paved with ‘San Selmo’ Classico Limewash bricks from Austral Bricks. The cellar wall features Bodega Freeform stone wall cladding from Eco Outdoor, alongside a Koala Living ‘Belfast’ bar table, illuminated by a row of Lighting Collective ‘Country Style’ pendants in Black. Wine storage was built by Portsch Classic Furniture.

“The wine cellar is such a standout element and we were determined to get it just right.”

Lysandra, designer

Laundry/mudroom

Designed for cleaning clothes and kicking off shoes, the laundry-meets-mudroom also contains a dog washing station in the corner with a portrait of the couple’s pooch. Beaumont Tiles ‘Atmosphere’ tiles run along the wall and splashback. Cabinetry colour is Dulux Narrow Neck, fitted with Mayfair Collection Touch Handles in Brushed Brass and a ‘Maddox’ hanging rail in Brass from Savage Design.

“Alisa and Lysandra encouraged us to feature lighting to create the right ambience in each area.”

Jill, homeowner

Powder room

Located off the laundry is the powder room, styled with body products by Alisa and Lysandra’s brand, Al.ive. A ‘Bjorn’ arch mirror from Middle of Nowhere and ‘Calais’ wall lights in Brass from About Space Lighting are set on ‘Swedish Tree’ wallpaper by Colefax and Fowler, above a Roca ‘Inspira’ round basin and Milli ‘Pure’ tap and handles from Reece.

Alfresco area

“The expansive outdoor entertaining area is complete with an outdoor kitchen and a pool – an entertainer’s dream!” says Lysandra. The backyard was redesigned, working with the existing pool, and executed by LCS Landscapes. The space is tiled with Marshet Limestone in Light Nougat from Tumbled. Bench seating was built by the project’s builder, Bellevue Building Concepts. “I cannot stress enough the importance of finding the right builder,” says homeowner Jill. “His work and commitment to the project, along with Alisa and Lysandra, made this project a pleasure.”

The undercover space features the couple’s outdoor table that’s large enough to host big gatherings, alongside a fully-equipped kitchen. The area also features a built-in Escea outdoor fireplace kitchen from the EK Series for an alfresco cooking experience that’s communal, while also keeping the area cosy in the cooler months.

Design: Alisa & Lysandra Interiors, alisaandlysandra.com.au.
Building design: MF Building Design, mfbuildingdesign.com.
Builder: Bellevue Building Concepts, bellevueconcepts.com.au.
Joinery: Portsch Classic Furniture, @portschcf.
Electrical: Glenelg Electrical, glenelgelectrical.com.au.
Landscaping: LCS Landscapes, lcslandscapes.com.au.

Source Book

The post A farmhouse-style home by Alisa and Lysandra celebrates warm textures appeared first on Home Beautiful.

On Instagram, she fondly described the home as a “very special treehouse” where her youngest took first steps, her eldest two tackled the HSC, and the family enjoyed “magical mornings and glorious sunsets”. But now, with two of her children leaving the nest, she and husband Hayden Guppy are ready to turn the page and seek their next chapter.

The couple purchased the 1950-built property in 2019 for $2.02 million, instantly falling in love with its charm. “I think we were about three steps in when one of us whispered to the other, ‘This is our house,’” Justine shared with Domain. Despite its spaciousness, the home radiates the nostalgic warmth of a “grand beach shack from another time”.

Full of character, the home features leadlight windows, French doors and a garden staircase that winds up to the heart of the house, giving it a magical, floating-in-the-trees vibe. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most sought-after coastal properties on the market.

With interiors that reflect Justine’s eye for style and a history tied to an interior designer, the home is effortlessly chic. It’s a fitting follow-up to Justine’s Avalon “beach shack”, which gained attention on Dream Gardens for its breathtaking landscaping transformation.

Nestled opposite the tranquil shores of Dark Gully beach, this serene sanctuary is bathed in salty breezes and dappled light. It will come as no surprise if this slice of paradise isn’t on the market for long.

For more details, see the listing for Justine Cullen’s Palm Beach home.

The post This magazine editor’s ‘magical’ Palm Beach pad is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Designed by Sydney-Based architecture firm, Walter Barda Design, the new build is certainly no beach cottage, with the plans revealing what looks like a sprawling five-storey beachside mansion. Further images revealed a nautical-style black and white exterior with plenty of tropical foliage to provide privacy.

One of the more unique aspects of the new build is that it seems to be split across two distinct interconnecting properties. The first section of the home is positioned on the road level, towering over the neighbouring properties before descending into the second part of the home further down the hillside.

Before making the move to the South Coast, Hutton lived in a stylish Hamptons inspired beach house in Bronte. She sold the home in 2021 for $9.85 million, after deciding that she wanted a lifestyle change.

“Covid, in many respects, has done a lot of things to a lot of people in terms of the way they think they want to live,” she said. “I don’t have to live in Sydney to work so I’m just wanting to get out of the madness…I’m just ready for a different energy,” Deborah told to Wentworth Courier in 2021.

You can see the home’s full listing on realestate.com.au.

Inside Deborah Hutton’s former Bronte home

We might not know what the inside of Hutton’s new South Coast home will look like but if her former property in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. Before Hutton decided to sell lovely Bronte beach pad, Home Beautiful caught up with the media personality to talk about her interior design style and renovation tips and tricks. You can read the full interview below.

What was your brief for this home renovation?

“My brief was a timeless, classic house that looked like it been here for some time, so in 30 years it still feels beautiful.”

And what was your style starting point?

“The Hamptons was the original inspiration. And then it was sort of coastal – it was a bit Palm Beach. But I look at the home now and I think it has a Colonial influence, a little of St Barts.”

Have you renovated a home before?

“No, I renovated a bathroom – that’s it! As in, I just retiled something. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

What was the best thing about the building process?

“It was fast, efficient and fabulous! The builders worked six days [a week] and I moved to a rental home next door, so I project managed from right next door.”

How did you find the process of choosing fixtures and finishes?

“Ah look, I enjoyed some if it. I loved [some of] it, I should say! But I found some of it really tedious. There were so many details to consider and it was a bit challenging at times.”

Did you have any must-haves before you started renovating?

“Oh, absolutely! The first must-have was the ceiling detail [in the upper level living room, dining room and kitchen]. I also wanted weatherboard – to me, that is Hamptons, that says beach style.”

You have such beautiful artworks throughout your home – can you tell us a bit about your collection?

“I’ve been collecting for years. I was a bit paranoid when I was moving into this house that I wouldn’t be able to hang all that much – but, funnily enough, I managed to find plenty of wall space. There were only two pieces that didn’t really work and I’ve gifted them away.”

The post Deborah Hutton reveals incredible plans for ocean-front new build on the South Coast of NSW appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“We tried to really honour the era of the home and the type of home it was,” Courtney told Domain. “Everything from tapware to door knobs to lighting … is really traditional in style. We just tried to make it look like it’s always been like that.”

Now, with the family ready for their next chapter, this lovingly transformed home is up for grabs. Expressions of interest are open with Dodds Real Estate until February 12, with a price guide of $2.8 million. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of Byron Bay living – with a touch of vintage charm and maybe even Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky as neighbours – this is your chance.

A look back at where it all began…

If you followed lifestyle blogger Courtney Adamo on Instagram in 2015, you’ll know that it was the year her life changed. It was the year that the Adamo family sold their London home and packed up their lives to travel the world for a year, homeschooling their five kids as they journeyed through the United States, Peru, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka and Italy.

It was on this trip that the Adamos first visited Byron Bay in northern New South Wales. It’s a coveted area where plenty of famous Aussie personalities reside, including Shelley Craft who has a home inspired by Tuscan villas.

Courtney and her family fell for the area’s laidback lifestyle: surfing in the morning, hot coffee on the walk home, cooking family dinners in the evening under a syrupy Byron sunset. At the end of their sabbatical, the family of seven decided to leave London behind and put down permanent roots in Australia.

They chose Bangalow, a town just outside of Byron, famous for its bustling farmer’s market, and had been living there for some months before Courtney and her husband Michael spotted the house they now call home.

“I came to see it out of curiosity, with zero expectations,” she recalls. “When I walked into the house, I felt immediately at home. Having lived in London for 12 years, always in old Victorian homes, I felt right at home in this old house with its creaky floors and old windows, tall ceilings, and rickety old doorknobs. I felt like I was being hugged.”

Some pretty serious renovations were in order: the Adamos remodelled the house, moving the kitchen to the rear of the home so it would overlook the garden, and added a laundry room, second bathroom and one extra bedroom.

In terms of decoration, Adamo went for simple, open and inviting, hanging the family’s treasured pieces of art from their travels on every wall and letting in as much light as possible through big, open windows.

The result is an airy and relaxed family home, full of life and love. A place where kids can cook in the kitchen with their father, or grab a surfboard and head out to the beach. It’s also where Courtney works, sitting at her little desk overlooking the garden and crafting e-courses on motherhood and pregnancy, or sharing snapshots of the family’s life on Instagram.

“I wanted to create a home that felt unique to our family, with mementos from our travels, favourite art on the walls, favourite books on display, most-loved toys in baskets, plants in pots,” she explains. “It gives me so much pleasure creating a place that feels like home to our family.”

This is an edited extract from The Makers by Bed Threads, published by Hardie Grant Books.

The post Courtney Adamo’s family home in Bangalow is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The online attention brought more than 500 people to the auction with the successful buyer purchasing the property for $3.75 million. However, after just one month of living there, the buyer sold the property to the Hewitts, who snapped it up for $4.305 million in 2021.

The couple decided to move on from their Palm Springs-style oasis in October 2024, when it was listed for $5.1 million. According to Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agent Carol Carter, who led the property’s sale, there was plenty of interest in the luxury home.

“We have had a massive number of inquiries from interstate, a lot out of Sydney and Melbourne, and there has been quite a lot of local interest,” she told realestate.com.au.

By January 2025, the property has officially secured a buyer, selling for $200,000 under the listing price at $4.9 million, according to realestate.com.au.

See inside Bec and Lleyton Hewitt’s breezy Burleigh Heads home

Located on Deodar Drive, just 400 metres from the beach on the Gold Coast, the property’s beachside location is one of the home’s biggest drawcards, but according to the property’s real estate agent, Carol Carter, the Hewitts simply didn’t have the time to make the most of it.

With dramatic cavity glass stacker doors and bi-folds, the home’s effortless indoor-outdoor living design makes the most of the location’s sunny weather and is ideal for both everyday family living and entertaining.

At the heart of the home, a modern kitchen seamlessly connects to the outdoors. With three ovens, stone benchtops, an integrated fridge and freezer, butler’s pantry, two wine fridges and a wine cellar, it’s the perfect entertaining space.

The open-plan living and dining also open onto the garden and cosy flued fireplace for the few colder months of the year.

There are also three bedrooms with ensuites, including the main bedroom with built-in seating and a dressing room, as well as a ground floor bedroom, office and powder room.

While the interior’s Santorini Clay stone feature walls and American Oak timber floors are certainly part of the home’s architectural attraction, there’s no competing with the property’s outdoor space with it’s glass-framed pool and glamorous sunken fireplace.

You can see the full listing on realestate.com.au

The post The sale price of Lleyton and Bec Hewitt’s viral Burleigh Heads beach pad, revealed appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who stays here?

Medical professionals Bec and David holiday here with their children.
Favourite features? Bec: “There were so many amazing surprises: the dining table and banquette, the kitchen servery window and, of course, the stunning bedheads.”
Any renovation revelations? “I wasn’t sure about replacing the wardrobes with open joinery, but Sarah was spot on. It’s so much more practical for a holiday stay.”
Best unsung design hero? “The lovely Lo & Co door handles. They’re not super expensive, are heavy, and good quality, which really elevates the overall look of the interiors.

The couple handed the project to Tim and Sarah Yarrow of Yarrow Build and Sarah Yarrow Interiors, who had upgraded their Sydney home. “Sarah and I both love nature, authenticity and Australian fabrics so I gave her the freedom, within budget, to make the home ‘different’ and connect it to the landscape.”

Downstairs, a new bathroom, spacious lounge and a family-sized bedroom turned the ‘make-do’ area into a retreat, while the upstairs bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas were completely reimagined. The game-changer was replacing a wall and TV with enormous new windows looking out to unobstructed views.

“There was such a disconnect with the outside,” says Sarah, who also rotated the layout to take in the vista. The living areas were squeezy, so maximising space was key. A built-in banquette and dining table now fit snugly at the back of the lounge, while a new kitchen island and servery window add extra places to perch, inside and out. “We love cooking when we’re here, so it was important to have a great kitchen and lots of places to eat, chat and relax,” says Bec.

The decor was about “pushing the boundaries of what a beach house could be by utilising colour and patterns,” says Sarah, who used greens, blues, rusty hues and “left of centre” fabrics inspired by the ocean and leafy locale. Stunning bedheads, contrasting wainscoting and “all slightly different” brass lights champion a bespoke look in the bedrooms.

Other upholstered pieces and bathroom tiles join the pattern party, while the white kitchen adds fresh contrast. After five months, the “big reveal” moved Bec to tears. “We hadn’t seen anything before this day and it was more beautiful than I could ever have imagined,” she says. “Sarah put so much thought into the design that it feels more like our home at the beach than a beach house.

Kitchen

When they’re not walking, swimming or paddle boarding, the couple relish a cook-up in the now-sociable kitchen, where Inartisan stools welcome guests at the new servery window and Dekton Cosentino bench.

“The open shelves were part of the aesthetic, but I also wanted guests to be able to grab a bowl or glass without opening every cupboard to find them.”

“There’s a lot of colour elsewhere in the house, so the kitchen was about restraint.”

Sarah, interior designer.

Living

Thanks to new glazing and a reorientated layout, the lounge enjoys bushland views from its chic medley of seats. Against a backdrop of Dulux Natural White, a Camerich ‘Lazytime Plus’ sofa joins Naturally Cane ‘Pretzel’ chairs with cushions in Utopia Goods ‘Youngiana’ fabric. The slim Bedsahead ottoman upholstered in Warwick ‘Islington’ ties in with the window seat covered in Warwick ‘Eames’ fabric.

Bedrooms

Sheet Society bedlinen and custom blinds soften one of the guest bedrooms.

We love…bespoke bedheads

A signature feature of the home, the fabric bedheads bring each bedroom to life, making them feel more customised. “Paint colours differentiate interiors, but bespoke upholstery and unique fabrics take it to another level and ensure nobody else has that room,” shares Sarah, who opted for this sweet scalloped Bedsahead ‘Waves’ bedhead in Echo Echo Textiles ‘Printemps’ for one of the guest bedrooms. “The shape of the bedhead feels a little more interesting and traditional,” she says.

“I’m comfortable with not matching everything and being a bit eclectic.”

Bec, homeowner.

In Bec and David’s bedroom, the Bedsahead ‘Isla’ bedhead in Maresca Textiles ‘Chintz’ contrasts with wainscoting in Porter’s Paints Dark Newport Blue. Sarah chose Ralph Lauren Home wall lights from Lighting Affairs, bedside tables from T&C Furniture and a cushion from Few & Far.

Bathrooms

Using inexpensive tiles to dramatic effect in the main bathroom, Sarah enveloped three quarters of the walls in a dark, moody hue with ‘Manual’ tiles in Militare Verde. “It’s an affordable way to create impact,” explains the designer, who used the same tiles in White above. A Marquis ‘Pier’ vanity in oak offers warmth and softness, enhanced by the curved basin and bath, both from Shire Bathware. Faucet Strommen ‘Cascade’ tapware brings that hint of tradition.

Decorative ‘Hamptons’ floor tiles and their dusky blue sidekick, ‘Coco’, both Tile Bazaar, add pattern to the main ensuite. The remaining walls are clothed in regular tiles for the practical purpose of “inexpensively covering the walls”.

Alfresco

Inartisan timber stools invite family and guests to chat at the breezy new servery window, which connects the kitchen with the sheltered deck area. Bec and David repurposed their existing outdoor table and dining chairs from Early Settler.

Interior design: Sarah Yarrow Interiors, sarahyarrowinteriors.com.au
Builder: Yarrow Build, yarrowbuild.com.au
Stay: This home is available for holiday rentals and sleeps up to 14 people. To book, visit whereweescape.com.au

SOURCE BOOK

The post A classic coastal weatherboard becomes a grown up beach house appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who lives here?

Elissa, an artist and graphic designer, her husband Robert, who owns a management consulting firm, their sons Arlo, seven, and Beau, six, plus Buska the Labradoodle, aged 15.

What’s your design philosophy?
Elissa: “I love minimal and bold solutions with textures and patterns providing visual interest; Scandinavian design for its clean lines and simplicity; and the philosophy of Wabi Sabi, as things that aren’t perfect can be beautiful in their character. Rob freely admits he doesn’t have an eye for design, but has a honed ability to think about functionality. This created the perfect combo for us.”

Favourite weekend rituals?
At home, we enjoy going mountain biking and entertaining family and friends. We often spend time at the family farm, just outside Canberra, where the boys love riding motorbikes with their dad, and making pottery or painting with me.”

Design is in her DNA, so the creative process was collaborative, with architect Paul Tilse and his firm’s interior designer, Vanessa Hawes, at the helm of creating the modern barn house – a homage to the humble Australian shed. Elissa’s father, an engineer, influenced the palette with his love of “robust and raw materials,” which shines through in the concrete.

A conversation with her mother and the couple’s builder resulted in the fun peek-a-boo porthole windows at the facade. And her brother, Justin Northrop, an architect and director of Technē studio, conjured up some curves when the couple asked him to cast his eye over their plans. “He came back with some hand-drawn scribbles over our elevations and suggesting some bold, sculptural shapes,” recalls Elissa.

“He said, ‘It’s a huge black barn, it can handle being messed with’. We enjoyed adding in these extra surprises – you can take the process too seriously and it’s nice to have things that put a smile on your face.”

Some of the most striking interior elements are the finishes. “Elissa had a vision for the colour palette that she wanted throughout the house; it was initially black, white and gold, which is present in the home,
but we evolved this together to add elements of warm grey and pale timber,” says Vanessa.

But most important was the durability and comfort factor; after all, this is a family home. “We didn’t want any part of the house and materials to be precious, so everyone would feel at home and be relaxed,” says Elissa, who now enjoys exactly that.

Kitchen

“A monochrome colour scheme and lack of adornment sparked our imagination, as we were interested in the materials that could be used,” says Elissa. The brass Axolotl finish in the kitchen joins cabinetry in Dulux Colorbond Monument, polished concrete flooring and curved benchtops by Mitchell Bink Concrete Design. Paul Tilse Architects + Interiors designed both inside and out, with styling by Tilly Roberts.

A slim ‘Highline’ pendant in Satin Waxed Brass by Archier illuminates the social island bench. The wall of integrated Fisher & Paykel ovens makes entertaining loved ones a breeze, as does the butler’s pantry, which is hidden to one side of the kitchen.

Dining

A Beeline Design ‘Ridge Oval’ dining table in Black continues the colour scheme, while Mattiazzi ‘Leva’ chairs from Miko Designs are a light contrast.

Living

Glosswood timber lining boards in Satin Driftwood in the soaring living area draw the gaze to vistas at either end of the room. “Rob was attracted by the views, which include iconic Canberra landmarks – Parliament House and Black Mountain – but more importantly, the expansive views to the Brindabella Mountains, which offer up spectacular sunsets,” says Elissa of her husband’s first impression and favourite feature.

WE LOVE…bold sightlines

“The living room is my personal favourite, with the high timber-lined raked ceiling and triangular highlight windows,” shares architect Paul Tilse of the space he loves most, framed with AWS ‘Thermal Heart’ glazing. “Glass doors open onto a terrace with views to the Brindabellas one way, and with floor-to-ceiling glazing on the north-east looking towards the pool and garden on the other side.”

Bedroom

“It really felt like a dream project from start to finish.”

Elissa.

Bathroom

In Elissa and Robert’s ensuite, large floor and wall tiles team with smaller mosaics in the shower, both from Tile Republic. Heated Astra Walker towel rails ward off the chilly Canberra winters near a vintage stool from Watertiger.

“Our love of Australian design and products had us referencing the humble shed in its simple form and durable materials.”

Elissa

“I took a brush and some [Dulux Colorbond] Monument paint and let the lines wind their way all over the boys’ toilet,” shares Elissa. “I enjoyed adding a sense of play but didn’t want it to look too young, so kept it dark grey to match the rest of the home’s colour scheme.”

Outdoors

Paul and Vanessa zoned the outdoor areas to include a pool, fire pit, terraces and playfully framed gardens. “The overarching vision for the landscape was ‘Canberra coastal’, creating lots of zones of interest for family to explore different spaces, either together or alone when desired,” says Vanessa.

Interior design & architecture: Paul Tilse Architects + Interiors, paultilsearchitects.com.au
Joinery: Created Bespoke Joinery, createdjoinery.com.au
Builder: Brother Projects, brotherprojects.com.au
Landscaping: Restyle Landscapes, restylelandscapes.com.au

SOURCE BOOK

The post A vacant block is turned into this family’s dream modern barn house appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who stays here?

They agreed on one thing: the building meant far too much to their family to fall into further disrepair. “It’s the original farmhouse and we wanted it to live on and be handed down to our kids,” she adds. Budgets were tight, so they opted to do the lion’s share of the renovation themselves, with the goal of tidying things up and making the home liveable again. But the more Georgina worked on the cottage alongside her family – husband Cameron, brother Brad, her mum Tracy and Uncle Dave, a builder – the more she fell under its spell. “I really didn’t want it to be just a white cottage,” she says. “I wanted it to stand out and be unique.”

Undaunted by the sheer labour involved in laying flooring, replacing walls and installing a kitchen thrifted from a house in nearby Bangalow, Georgina soon hit a roadblock when decisions had to be made concerning paint colours, furniture selection and infusing the cottage with personality. Having worked on a previous project with interior design studio Cedar & Suede, Georgina called on its founder Carlene Duffy for help. “The whole way she had my complete trust,” says Georgina, who didn’t bat an eyelid when Carlene suggested a brazen palette of lime green, burgundy and dusty blues accentuated by flashes of red.

Stripping the home back to its studs and making it whole again was a full-circle moment for Georgina, whose kids now enjoy a childhood like hers. “Hopefully it’ll last another hundred years,” she says

Kitchen

Georgina loves the kitchen cabinets painted in Porter’s Paints Dark Newport Blue and splashback tiled in ‘Rosa’ travertine herringbone mosaics from Burleigh Tiles . However, her favourite feature is the ‘Henley’ double fluted farmhouse sink from ABI Interiors. “None of the original cabinet doors fit that sink, so we bought similar doors from Ikea, cut them in half and glued them back together,” says Georgina. “It was so much work, but I kept saying, ‘I really want this sink’.

“The second-hand kitchen was one of the first things we bought before we even started renovating.”

Georgina, homeowner.

A corner dining booth feels inviting and maximises the space available. The ‘Newport’ round pedestal table from Abide Interiors is the hero of the home’s dining zone, while chairs thrifted on Facebook Marketplace are painted in Resene Raging Bull. “Georgina almost didn’t paint the chairs,” recalls Carlene. “I said, ‘Well, you have to paint the chairs,’ and when she did she said, ‘I’m so glad you made me paint them’.”

Living

Throughout the cottage, Facebook Marketplace finds mingle with upcycled Ikea pieces. An Ikea ‘Ektorp’ sofa in the living area is reupholstered in bold ‘Amboli Indigo’ fabric from Warwick. The armchair and ottoman are also from Ikea, and are covered in ‘Brixham Indigo’ and ‘Mojave Russett’ respectively, which are both also from Warwick. A ‘Barcelona’ pendant light from Gypset Cargo ties the whole look together.

Bedrooms

Painted in Porter’s Paints Back Country, the couple’s bedroom, known as ‘the mustard room’, showcases a vintage chest of drawers and a ‘Biscayne’ rattan bedhead in Tobacco from Naturally Cane. A ‘Kantha’ coverlet from Temple & Webster tops the linen-dressed bed (for similar, try I Love Linen).

With walls painted in Resene Mocha, the ‘rust bedroom’ is perhaps the cosiest room in the house. Curtains with classic blue stripes are contrasted with a vintage Kantha cotton floral bedspread from Etsy and bedding in marine blue from I Love Linen. An ‘Austin’ wall light from Emac & Lawton illuminates the rattan bedside table (for similar, try the ‘President’ rattan bedside table from Naturally Cane).

“They wanted to celebrate the house, and I interpreted that as ‘let’s go nuts with colour.”

Carlene, designer

The only time the cottage’s colour palette came into question was when Georgina began painting the bunk room in Resene Gingko, which appeared almost neon before the blinds were installed. Two coats of Resene Tangaroa high gloss turned a simple ‘Dante’ pine bunk bed from Luxo Living into a hero feature, while glass panes in a vintage wardrobe were replaced with fabric curtaining in ‘Amboli Indigo’ from Warwick.

Bathroom

Penny round tiles contrast with ‘Artisan Roma Piazza’ matte floor tiles, both from Burleigh Tiles, while a Roman shade in ‘Salford in Abyss’ from Warwick highlights the salvaged timber windows in the bathroom. VJ panels in Resene Double Fossil are a backdrop for thrifted art and a cane vanity mirror.

Laundry/mudroom

Vintage baskets are a pretty and practical way to add interest to the laundry walls, painted in Resene Peanut.

The rear hall serves as a compact mudroom, with patterned flooring from Burleigh Tiles leading from the threshold into the laundry. ‘Hövolm’ peg board rails from Ikea create additional hanging and storage space.

Interior design: Cedar & Suede, cedarandsuede.com.au.

Builder: David Green.

Stay: This home is available for short-term rental accommodation on Airbnb as Keltara.

SOURCE BOOK

The post A colourful renovation restores a century-old farm cottage to its former glory appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who lives here?

Georgie, a GP, her husband Ben, an anaesthetist, their twin daughters Edie and Chloe, 15, younger daughter Hattie, 10, and Walter the much-loved Mini Groodle.
Favourite place to enjoy a cuppa? Georgie: “The back deck, looking out to the garden and green surrounds. It’s not only our garden, but all the trees in the neighbourhood that add the colour and texture out the back. It’s enclosed, so we can sit out there even when it’s raining. Or in front of the fireplace during colder months.”
Anything you would do differently? “I joke that we should have installed intercoms in the girls’ rooms because sometimes when we’re cooking and they’re in their rooms, we have to make a ‘Google announcement’ on their speakers to tell them dinner is ready!”

The flat block, the couple hoped, would also make a build relatively straightforward. Georgie and her anaesthetist husband Ben, parents to 15-year-old twins Edie and Chloe, and younger daughter Hattie, 10, had lived in the original house on this property for a couple of years and had clear ideas on what they wanted from the new build.

“The aim was to create a house with our three daughters in mind,” says Georgie, “plus Hamptons style, white weatherboards, and with a modern edge.” The couple were also keen to steer away from the traditional all white coastal interior in favour of a more striking look, with black cabinetry and accents throughout.

When searching online for a builder who would be in tune with their desired aesthetic, Ben found Alex and Janette Stritt of Stritt Design & Construction. “We had a great rapport with Janette and Alex,” recalls Georgie. “It was always really easy working with them.”

The finished design outlined a two-storey, five bedroom family home with an exterior inspired by the original Cape Cod-style home on the property. Inside, the building and design duo delivered the wished-for monochrome scheme, along with clever touches that keep the look from feeling too stark, such as architectural detailing, warming accents of brass and timber, and a stunning reclaimed sandstone fireplace that draws the eye in the open-plan living room.

At the opposite end of the living space is a generous kitchen with a large cooking zone, expansive island and butler’s pantry, which creates an ideal entertainers’ area. “Having three children – and Ben loves cooking, too – we spend a lot of time in the kitchen making lunches and dinners and having friends over,” says Georgie. “It’s a lovely space to be in.”

Another favourite spot is the adjacent outdoor living area, accessed via stacking doors that can be pushed right back to enhance the relaxed, indoor-outdoor flow. This north-facing zone, in turn, opens up to the pretty garden, lawn and re-imagined pool. In the backyard, a guest house is a home away from home for Ben’s parents when they visit from South Australia. The build was underway when the couple decided on this addition, and they love the feature.

“The idea was that Ben’s parents could enjoy this separate space,” says Georgie. “It’s worked really well, and we also thought it might be somewhere the kids could utilise. We had initial reservations about breaking up the symmetry of the backyard, however, Janette convinced us that it would be a feature in itself, and she was right!

The family love the result. “The flow of the house is really nice,” says Georgie. “When you arrive at the front door, you can see all the way through to the pool in the backyard. The high ceilings and light throughout create a sense of space and airiness. The house feels like it was made for our family, which is very special.”

Kitchen

Both Georgie and Ben love to cook, so they chose two Fisher & Paykel electric ovens from Winning Appliances, one with an induction cooktop and the other with gas, for the ultimate culinary versatility. “Double ovens are a great alternative to one large cooker,” says Janette. “Two 90-centimetre ovens side by side work with the large proportions of the kitchen, too. We designed and custom-made one large plaster hood to carry across both ovens, which adds to the impression that it’s one extra-large cooker.”

Living

“It has a lovely, warm atmosphere. It feels very cosy.”

Georgie, homeowner.

With both shelving and walls painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter blending quietly together, the fireplace becomes the star of the comfortable living zone. Built by Scapes & Stone, it makes use of salvaged sandstone and a reclaimed marine pier for the timber mantel. This beautiful feature, a signature element of Stritt Design & Construction, was a must-have for Georgie.

“It creates a unique warmth and character, and provides a lovely focal point that your eyes are drawn to when entering the hub of the house,” she says. “It is also a nod to the old house, which had a lot of sandstone in its foundations.” The shelves display blue and white pieces from Orient House and ‘Eden’ baskets from French Knot. Oak floorboards in Smoked Brown from Flooring Zone run the length of the open-plan room

Bedroom

In the couple’s first-floor bedroom, Bremworth ‘Samurai’ carpet in Kawa warms the toes on cool mornings. Walls are in Dulux Lexicon Quarter, with custom sheers by Nuevue. The Hudson Furniture ‘Marseille’ rattan bedhead teams with the ‘Chateau’ linen bedcover from In The Sac, and the armchair was a lovely find at an Adelaide antiques store.

Bathroom

“Having those darker joinery pieces, the wallpaper and that deeper element gave a bit more of an urban edge to the project.”

Janette, interior designer

WE LOVE…a statement powder room

The powder room is clad in dramatic ‘Trees’ wallpaper in Deep Petrol by UK illustrator Katie Scott, sourced from Ferm Living.

“Janette encouraged me to go a little bit out my comfort zone in the powder room,” shares Georgie. “It’s a small space, so you can do a lot of exciting things from a style point of view. We thought the black and white wallpaper along with the gold accents felt dark and moody, and different to the rest of the house.”

Laundry

“Even though we love admiring other houses, I think this one really does feel like it’s made for us.”

Georgie, homeowner.

Each family member has their own dedicated space in the neat segue between the laundry and garage, where the Stritts carved out a mudroom.

“We wanted a mudroom coming in from the garage, so the girls could put their school bags there on their way in – although this doesn’t always happen!” says Georgie with a laugh. In a style departure from the rest of the home, the room is a soft, earthy grey – Porter’s Paints Dusty Mule – with ‘Iron Hare’ coat hooks from Yester Home UK providing hanging space. The palette was chosen specifically for the zone.

“The lighter muted hue creates interest and helps differentiate the area from the laundry,” says Janette

Alfresco

The sandstone block half-wall introduces texture to the outdoor zone , which features a BeefEater ‘Signature ProLine’ barbecue, an under-cupboard Whispair extractor and a comfy Lavita Outdoor furniture suite with cushions from Walter G.

Interior design & building: Stritt Design & Construction, stritt.com.au.

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