Local Heroes: Lake House by Jonathan Lake Architects
{To the street, Lake House takes the form of a timber box elevated on the bold box of rammed-concrete. LVL fins provided added privacy as well as character}
{Structural rammed concrete walls are left revealed as a raw, textural backdrop for kitchen and living spaces. Ply wrapped cabinetry adds warmth and the appearance of integrated furniture} 
{The compact living space extends into the adjacent north-facing courtyard for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Loving all those honest materials and textures! Artwork: Shirley Purdie, Nnideudia, 1994}
{Colour-filled perforations in the plywood screens act as both an artwork and visual privacy, sun-shading and temperature control}
{Sunlight passing through the plywood screens, which feature a pattern created by artist Pamela Gaunt, casts vibrant patterns across the concrete floors and white walls. Screens are CNC routed with pebble-shaped penetrations filled with coloured acrylic}
{Instead of wasting valuable site space with driveways and garage, circulation spaces are edged with lush native and subtropical planting}
{Lake House documentation by Jonathan Lake Architects. Image source}
For more information on this project, visit Jonathan Lake Architects. Images by Robert Frith.
xo Romona
Local Heroes: Bellevue Terrace by Philip Stejskal Architecture
{Loving those brick steps taking their time meandering up to the new level}
{Open-wide. Come inside}
{Who doesn't want a naked room like this, kept simple with a burgundy Persian and two chatting Eames birds}
{Open to reveal the internal glow}
{Closed to weather, allowing privacy and comfort as required}
{Filtered light and screened privacy without feeling boxed in}
{Open room with custom in-built joinery for storage and seating}
{Exploded axonometric of addition}
All images are from Philip Stejskal Architecture with Photography by Bo Wong.
Share your thoughts? Can you picture living in a space like this?
xo Romona
Modern House at Big Hill
House at Big Hill by Kerstin Thompson Architects, near Victoria's Great Ocean Road, is characterised by a strong, triangular form and a restrained, honest material palette. Semi-recessed into the site, the home opens up to take advantage of the surrounding coastal and bush views. I love the simplicity of the smooth natural grey concrete block walls and concrete floor, with the subtle warmth of the plywood accents for storage and partitions. The black ceilings allow them to disappear and push the viewer through the walled space to the spectacular views beyond. Although definitely robust in form, this form creates intimate spaces where light and shadow, cool and warm, smooth and textured complement rather than compete.
{The dark roof form helps blend the house into the bush landscape}
{Contrasting smooth cool concrete floors and natural grey block walls with warm continuous blackbutt plywood Armourpanel surfaces by Big River} 
{Dark picture frame windows are recessed to create deep plywood window seats for soaking up the surrounds}
{Bedroom with Armourpanel plywood storage doubling as deep window seat}
{Open kitchen kept simple with concrete and dark timbers}
{Space furniture in this living space retains the view as the hero}
{Opening to the bush beyond}
{Insitu concrete step doubles as seat and storage}
{Custom plywood joinery doubles as seating and storage, minimising need for additional furniture}
{Smooth concrete floors flow to outdoor spaces}
{Robust form to lower terrain}
Images courtesy of Kerstin Thompson Architects and photographed by Trevor Mein.
xo Romona
Local Heroes: Triangle House by Robeson Architects
But I digress, this isn't a lecture on residential sustainability, rather the exploration of something beautiful born out of perceived limitations. Triangle House on a tight 180m2 triangular block in Mt Lawley, Perth showcases the ingenuity of Robeson Architects and to me is one example of Perth architecture at an international standard. What better way to start this series than with a project that initially grabbed me on Pinterest, but really had me hooked when I found out it was not only Australian, but super-local (Mt Lawley!) and a fellow female architect. Enjoy!
{The stunning triangular form juts out with supercool artwork below at street level by Robert Jenkins (@theblackmountains). So recognisable to me now that we have a wall of his around the corner in Bassendean, and you may have seen me go a little insta-happy over}
{This was one of the first images that made me fall for the place. Of course those who know me, know my tendency towards black, white and grey, but it also has all my other loves - big white kitchen, contrasting black frames, deep polished concrete flooring, minimal timber accents, big snuggly Jardan grey wool couch, indoor potted sculptural Dracaena, statement linear ceiling lighting, even the furry throw - my god Simone, you can do no wrong in my eyes! In fact, if I plonked my gorgeous tan fur-baby on that rug, the picture would be complete}
{Brutal black kitchen island wrapped in electric-veined Nero Marquita marble adds drama to the monochromatic space}
{Just a beautiful kitchen in blocked monochrome, and I love that massive projected north-facing window, done in one-way glass boxed out in steel for privacy}
{Extending the black-framed picture window to the heavens with a waterfall skylight}
{Sharp-edged deck space making the most of a difficult site and adding a bit of drama to Vincent Street}
{Clean gallery feel to the downstairs office softened by multiple but complementary textures and material finishes, like the burnished concrete floor, blackened LVL stair treads and black steel}
{Simple but inspiring void spaces and linear movement}
{Clean and minimal bathroom in continuous matt charcoal tile with clever hidden storage. Love the concrete bathroom floor, but I'm unable to convince my husband that I won't snap my other leg if we have that} 
{You know it's good when even the dunny makes you go Oooo}
{Detail of the cool mural work at Vincent street level by Robert Jenkins}
{Image by Dion Photography}
{Image by Dion Photography}
All images are from Robeson Architects (big thanks Simone) and Dion Photography. If my house turns out even half as nice, I'll be wanting some shots done by those guys. Simply brilliant!
Doesn't it make you proud to have some lovely architecture in Perth (and Australia)? What are your thoughts on this place?
I'm hoping to showcase a bunch of other local talented architects and their projects soon, so feel free to let me know if there are any that stand out to you.
Hope you enjoyed!
xo Romona
Finding the Perfect Cheese Board
Anyway, to hopefully help me in this (first-world problems) decision making, I thought I’d share a few I’ve found and hope that someone comments and sways my mind in the right direction. Here goes...
{Barton Marble Rectangular Board by Country Road}
{Square porcelain chopping block by Slab and Slub}
{Slate cheese board by West Elm}
{Cheese Paddle No. 9 by Sands Made in Melbourne}
{Olive Wood Rustic Cutting Board at West Elm}
{Colour Platter by Karimoku New Standard available at Stylecraft}
{Barton Long Board in Oak by Country Road}
{Cheesy Boards Hello - I love their burnt pun-tacular boards from their etsy store}
{Monaco Cheesy Cheese Slate board by Boska at Peter’s of Kensington} 
{Coorabel chopping board by Eco Chopping Boards in Byron Bay from local Camphor Laurel timber} 
{Kitchen Board No. 1 by Sands Made}
{Even considering just getting this smooth flat porcelain serving plate in the Life range from Target - only 10 bucks!}
PS. here are my Goa range Cutipols 
What do you think?
xo Romona
Spotlight on Australian Designers | Anaesthetic
So once again, my spotlight shines brightly on a successful lighting design company. The talented duo of Ben and Kiri Wahrlich (actually Kiwi's but that has never stopped us claiming people before), can't be labelled 'emerging' talent any more - they are definitely design fixtures (pardon the pun) with their beautiful range of lighting, furniture and homewares products as Anaesthetic. My own home (currently in planning stage - I dropped the plans off this morning and now am holding my breath for limited council changes) sported several of their lighting products in different stages of concept, from the kitchen to the entry to the dining room. I've shown both their Hide leather pendants and Kasa concrete homewares work here before, here and here back in 2013 & 2014. My current faves however are their Constellation pendants - I'd love to have the Southern Cross above my head as I enter home or sit down to dinner in a darkened room.
I could go on about their design and engineering credentials, their accolades and their awards, but I think their products are best to soak up visually. Hopefully the photos suffice, for now.
{Constellation Lights 'Southern Cross' by Anaesthetic in beautiful polished brass}
{Constellation Lights by Anaesthetic in luxurious polished brass}
{Bezel pendant lights by Anaesthetic with its spun aluminium powder-coated top with piano-inspired polished brass 'bezel'}
{Bezel pendant light by Anaesthetic with its spun aluminium top powder-coated white with piano-inspired polished aluminium 'bezel'}
{Bala pendant light by Anaesthetic in black}
{Bala pendant light by Anaesthetic in precision machined polished brass}
{Hide pendant lights by Anaesthetic with individually cut leather shades}
{Mariner stools by Anaesthetic made from American White Oak with navy or white braided rope foot rests sourced from sailing yachts, hence the name}
{Jack concrete bluetooth speaker}
{Totem stackable stools from recyclable LPDE}
Anaesthetic will be exhibiting at the Sydney Indesign event from August 13-15, so get along to soak up some of the talent. Wish I could be there!
xo Romona
Interior Design Solutions that will Enhance your Life
It’s all too easy to get stuck in a design rut when it comes to your home. However, with a little creative thinking, it’s possible to revamp your property. The following simple but effective design tips could help you to improve your house and they might even enhance your life.
Window dressings that put you in control
If you assume window dressings are just there to look pretty and give you some added privacy, think again. By choosing these home accessories carefully, you can bring added comfort to your rooms. For example, it’s now possible to purchase stylish and highly practical blockout blinds and curtains. Available from window dressing specialists like Curtainworld, these accessories give you complete control over light levels in your home. Whether you want total darkness to help you sink into peaceful slumber or you’re keen to create the movie-theatre experience in your lounge, these blinds and curtains can help.
{Chambers Street Residence in South Yarra, Melbourne by MIM Design}
Soft furnishings that exude style and bring added comfort
Another quick and easy way to refresh the look and feel of your property is to add some new soft furnishings. While a simple rug and a few cushions may not seem much when you consider them on their own, when you adorn your rooms with an array of lavish new accessories, they can have a transformative impact. Thick pile rugs for your floors, soft throws for your seats and a scattering of stylish cushions on your couch and bed can really bring your rooms to life.
{I'd love to cosy up in this place right now! Appartement Lyon 5 By Maison HAND in Elle Decoration. Photo by Romain Ricard}
Bring the outside in
Another simple and satisfying way to enhance your home is to bring the outside in. Most people have at least a scattering of small pot plants in their properties, but why not take this a step further and introduce big, bold plants that make a real style statement? From the Zanzibar gem to the golden cane palm and Madagascar dragon tree, there’s certainly no shortage of options to choose from. This greenery can be used to liven up otherwise bare corners, soften stark walls and generally add a jungle look to your rooms.
{Jazmina's beautiful Melbourne bathroom featured in The Room Illuminated}
As well as improving the appearance of your home, plants may help to boost your health. According to research conducted by Professor Margaret Burchett and Dr Fraser Torpy from the University of Technology Sydney, indoor greenery can remove pollutants, cleanse stale air and reduce symptoms such as sore eyes and headaches. The scientists also suggest that plants can help to minimise feelings of stress and fatigue. The best thing is, you don’t have to splash much cash to get your hands on these home accessories and, as long as you care for them properly, they’ll give you many years of enjoyment.
I hope you all enjoyed these few tips from our contributor Gail Newland. I personally love seeing plants of all sizes inside. Thanks Gail!
Do you have any tips of your own to share?
xo Romona
The Dark Side
Here are a few interiors that are exploring and expressing their dark side.
{Graham Atkins-Hughes' family home in London, styled by wife Jo Atkins-Hughes. Graham also photographs a lot of Abigail Ahern projects, and I can definitely see a similar taste and influence there. Image from Milk Magazine}
{From the same home as above, this dark panelled lounge exudes a moody confidence. 'Photographed by Graham Atkins-Hughes and styled by Jo Atkins-Hughes}
{Not quite as dark, but still strong, this scheme by Texture Design for Godfrey Hirst flooring campaign shows beautiful combinations of dark block colours and textures}
{This circa-1880s home in Armadale, Melbourne features dark walls with black panelling, taking this extravagant character home to a new level}
{Styling for the 2015 Dulux Colour Forecast 'Wildland' colours. Loving that deep sea blue wall}
{Dark, moody interiors by the ever-impressive queen of dark interiors Abigail Ahern}
{Dark bedroom in shades of grey. Photo by Romain Ricard}
{Dark walls with black window frames allow the natural light and view to green foliage beyond to shine, not to mention the beautiful Lindsey Adelman pendant}
What do you think about dark interiors, especially in the Australian setting?
Would you or have you used dark interiors in your home?
xo Romona
Good Kitchen Design: How to make the most of your space
Your kitchen should be designed to work in sync with your lifestyle, yet too often it is the opposite way around. As home design continues to revolutionise itself the modern kitchen is a world away from its past incarnations. Previously seen as a room of preparation and storage, the modern kitchen is open, inviting and acts as the epicentre of the home, truly the heart of the modern family unit. This rise in status has resulted in an increased desire for a kitchen that reflects upon the household, effective and efficient. Check out these newest kitchen design rules to mould your own classic, modern kitchen.
Establish your Design Reasoning
The first and most important design rule is to decide what motivation you have for your kitchen. This can be divided into three broad categories; Functionality - If your kitchen has inadequate bench, storage or stove space you may be inclined to re-design. Style - If you're looking to update your kitchen with modern cabinetry, appliances or colour schemes. Value - If you're looking to add additional value to your home for re-sale value. Without establishing your design motivation you'll end up with a scattered and poorly functional kitchen.
Start with the Kitchen Triangle
The Kitchen Triangle, or 'work triangle' as defined by the National Kitchen and Bath association, is an imaginary line drawn between the three vital work stations of your kitchen. The sink, oven top and fridge. You should be able to easily transition to each centre without the space being cluttered or too far apart (not more than three metres between each point).
Aesthetics
If the Kitchen Triangle is a symbol of an efficient kitchen, your surfaces, cabinetry and appliances will represent the style. Try to maintain streamlined surfaces, cabinets should reach the ceiling or run flush with a bulkhead. This limits wasted space which impairs your design with inefficiency, as well as preventing a recess for catching dust. Consider integrating appliances within the design through the use of integrated front panels. This technique can blend a dishwasher into the overall style of your kitchen seamlessly.
Lighting and Colour
Lighting and colour are also key components of strong kitchen design. Be aware that colours may dictate mood in certain homes. Neutral palates are thought to create calm while using bright, bold colours on splashbacks can create a more direct aesthetic. When it comes to lighting, consider using energy efficient LED’s or compact fluorescents in work spaces. Adding dimming switches or floor lights can also be used to create mood and atmosphere at your discretion.
Designing your ultimate kitchen, a room which is both effective and efficient while retaining a warmth, joy and connection, is a massive undertaking. As the centre of your families health and wellbeing there are a range of factors from design, to mathematical and aesthetic, which will dictate your finished product. Consider the needs of your family and your home and with these hints and tips you’ve taken the first step towards your perfect, designer kitchen.
I hope you found these kitchen design tips useful. Let me know what you think
xo Romona
* All images from The Kitchen Place.
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Australian Interior Design Awards 2015 - Residential Award
{This dining room is composed of the perfect balance of bright white, raw concrete and moody black accents. Although these Serge Mouille lamps seem to be everywhere at the moment, you can't deny that they have a massive impact with their insectoid arms reaching into the space as few other lighting forms can}
{Modern luxe with heritage charm in the bathroom. Marble with burnished brass, shadowed iron and bright white}
{In love with this black-edged panel diving wall - the perfect simple, graphic bedhead. Not to mention that black AJ table lamp, always on the top of my bedside/office table lamp wish-list!}
{Dark and moody ensuite, a perfect retreat}
{Gilded patina underfoot and overhead pick up warm elements in the artwork, acting as a respite from other cool spaces in the home}
{I love the beautiful blank canvas of monochromatic materials and textures, allowing a stunning collection of artwork to stand out, with classic modern furniture and lighting}
Images by Sharrin Rees.
xo Romona
Put A Cork In It
{Clork by Puik Art in collaboration with Ilias Ernst. Simple forms combined with the natural material gives the ‘Clork’ a great look and feel. Its left corner stable in the present, while the circular right side allows time to roll by, Clork comes in natural coloured cork or graphic black}
{The Smed bar stool by Great Dane Furniture and OX DENMARQ, showcases simple design with simple materials. The Smed Bar Stool consists of a blacksmith crafted, powder coated steel frame with cork seat in either fresh mint, brass or white}
{Muuto's sexy little Corky carafe checks me out every time I walk in to a store stocking Muuto. “The shape of the Corky carafe is inspired by the archetypical bottle. It is a straightforward combination of glass and cork that functions equally well as a wine carafe, a water jug or even a milk bottle. Corky has a simple and familiar form but with a characteristic and oversized detail. The Corky drinking glasses are small and light companions for the Corky carafe. With a low-key and light expression, they are suited for both everyday use and special occasions with friends and family.” says creator Andreas Engesvik. Available at Living Edge}
{Cork Family stools/side tables, Vitra by Jasper Morrison available from Space Furniture are a quirky addition to your home or office interior. Nothing like a giant pushpin in the corner}
{Tembo is a stool made of stacked pieces of wood, metal, and cork by La Chance and Note Design Studio, available from Living Edge. This ‘modern totem’ has a playful and bulky aspect recalling children’s toys and African tomtoms (Tembo means elephant foot in Swahili)}
{Corker pendant lights by Max Harper, are inspired by the iconic cork hats that, for better or worse, are linked to Australiana. Corker playfully mocks this cultural iconography in a modern design context. Australian designed and made, each piece is hand turned by local craftsmen in Sydney from agglomerated cork. Cork is a hardy yet renewable, bio-degradable and recyclable resource, designed for disassembly, ensuring parts end up reclaimed, recycled or disposed of appropriately}
Realising that this post has ended up a lot more Scandi than Aussie (except for the last one), but they just do so many great things. All available here in Australia though, so enjoy enjoy.
xo Romona
The Dining Room Dilemma
I'm not a ridiculous spender. In fact I am quite fiscally tight. But when it comes to my home, I want quality. That doesn't have to cost the earth - I can happily sit on sturdy well-made chairs from a past era road-side collection that have been buffed back into shape. I just don't want to give in to the fast and frequent flashes of 'Vintage replicas' all over my screens and junk mail pages.
Currently we have four of my favourite white Eames Eiffel based DSRs. You know the ones that you probably see everywhere, as that filthy filthy word 'REPLICAS'. Yuck! If I am to accept crap, it at least has to be original crap! Don't mass produce someone elses hard work and (previously) inimitable creativity and flog them off at $39 a pop. It just shits me.
I'll admit to owning two *shudder* replicas at one stage. I had my four beauties from Living Edge and on moving from an apartment to a house, and bringing two kids into the world, needed at least two more chairs. I succumbed. But boy did they grate on me. Every time I walked past the room those ugly shiny plastic things glared at me. Sure, no one else could tell the difference - apparently - but I could. And I had given in to the mass marketing of these cheap charlatans riding on the coat-tails of others.
So when I could stand them no longer, when I'd had enough of moving them to the most unused corner of the room, when I had scrubbed at dried Weetbix (that seemed to wipe easily from the others) one time too many, I made the decision. Those puppies went straight onto gumtree. The respondents came fast and eager - even though I assured them that they were… *ewww* replicas. I got the same price I had paid for them originally back in my hands, along with my now relieved conscience.
But now we only have four chairs again.
{Eames® Moulded Plastic Side Chair Eiffel Base (DSR) from Living Edge}
2015 Dulux Colour awards
{The coolest Vietnamese Restaurant in Smith St, Collingwood, Phamily Kitchen by Matthew Van Kooy won the Commercial Interior Public Space and Hospitality Award. I'm loving those tiles and I have those pot plants! Photo by Dan Aulsebrook}
A beginner’s guide to illuminating your home
All too often, lighting is seen as merely an interior design afterthought. However, with a little creative thinking, lights can dramatically enhance the look of homes. If you’re new to property design and you want to make the very most of the illuminations now available, take a look at these simple but effective suggestions.
Maximise natural light
Firstly, bear in mind that it’s not just artificial lights that can help to boost the appeal of your property. Sunlight can also play a major role in this. By allowing solar rays to stream into your rooms, you can give them a more spacious, airy and open feel. With this in mind, it’s important to select suitable window dressings. One great way to ensure you make the most of the natural light on offer is to take advantage of the sunscreen roller blinds available from window furnishing specialists like The Blinds Company. These products filter natural light to keep rooms bright while also reducing heat and glare, and stopping harmful UV rays from entering your home.
{Full height sheer curtains provide light, texture and interest to this bedroom space in Bondi by C+M Studio. Photography by Caroline McCredie}
Supergraph 2015
More than just an art fair Supergraph is a three-day fiesta of graphic art, illustration and design at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne. The fair features leading graphic artists alongside our brightest emerging talent ensuring that there are original and limited edition artworks available for every taste and every budget starting at just $30. And, with creative workshops, artist led masterclasses, family-fun events and an opening night party (that I am so excited to be going to!) Supergraph is where you can be inspired or just enjoy the beautiful creativity of others.
I'm particularly looking forward to attending the 'Felt-tastic' masterclass with a gorgeous friend for a well-deserved stitch-and-bitch sesh. Well, maybe it should be glue-and-boo? Smatter-and-chatter? Cut-and-tut? 
Also hoping I win one of the ballot-allocated sessions with Face-o-mat!
{Masterclass: Felt-tastic with Kitiya Palaskas}
Bricks and Blocks
I have been assessing the Perth mantra of 'brick is best' and am finding that I am actually coming around to the idea. Sure, I'm not really in love with the double-brick and tile hot box that plagues most suburbs of Perth, but channelling a bit of Iwan Iwanoff can never hurt. Here are a few projects that I am in love with at the moment, that showcase bricks and blocks in all their glory.
{Get your geek on with these supercool Space invaders in the Florence St House by Klopper & Davis Architects, in West Perth, Australia}
The Monochrome Kitchen
My obsession at the moment is designing the perfect kitchen for my family - it needs to be robust enough to handle the two boys, clean and simple enough for my ‘minimalist’ husband and eclectic enough to suit my many varies tastes. Easy, right!
I have always loved a black and white kitchen, the bar constantly moving on the proportional scale between the two. A few years ago, I would have been happy with almost all crisp, glossy white, but I have been swinging towards textured black with glossy white accents lately, as it seems so many of you are as well. Here are a few (and by that I mean heaps!) of black and white kitchens to get you inspired.
{Loved this even before I saw it was Greg Natale’s work - should have guess that from the pattern and mouldings but I always end up loving his style}
{Striking Kitchen in 33 Mackenzie Street Tower Melbourne By Elenberg Fraser}