Displaying posts from June, 2024

A contemporary new build in a quaint Victorian town, the house required a garden that would both suit the house and settle in in to its country setting. Set on a 1/4 acre block, the brief was to make the small garden appear larger and more secluded than it was. The result was achieved through the use of a number of techniques to trick the eye. A winding path through a tall perennial border that runs the length of the house gives the block instant depth, as well as privacy from the road. Raised mounds throughout the border add height and interest. A small opening in the border towards the kitchen creates a secluded spot to entertain or sit around a fire. To the rear of the house, a veggie patch ensures a productive food garden, while an outdoor bath hidden from view provides a delightful sanctuary to relax and take it all in. Drawing on inspiration from meadows, the garden bursts with colour and life throughout Spring and Summer. In Autumn it transitions to a more dusty colour scheme, that then gives way to the winter structure of frost-covered grasses and seed heads.
I could not love this meadow-inspired style of landscaping more. Designed by Tim Pilgrim.

Built in the first half of the 17th Century it was likely commissioned by a rich merchant… The interior has many unique architectural features extending to some 6,400 sq ft and has been the subject of a roof-to-cellar award winning program of restoration, creating a home of authentic, historical character complemented with 21st Century modern comforts. It has 5 reception rooms, 5 bedroom suites, a guest cottage, courtyard buildings and a pool. Anglo-Dutch parterre gardens have golden sand pathways leading through symmetrical lawns and avenues of buxus topiary designs against a backdrop of handsome evergreen oaks and other ornamental trees.
This West Sussex stunner would require some saving up to purchase (£3,750,000 eeekkkk) but WOW this is a majestic home that needs no work (except maybe a bit in the kitchen). For sale via Jackson-Stops.

It’s like I say week in week out. If you have to drag yourself into work on a weekend it helps if it’s somewhere stylish. Figma by Becky Carter.

“Conceptually the house is a protective structure planted on the rock, part cave, part tree house, which wraps around a north facing central courtyard. Situated along the ridge line of Castlecrag in Cammeraygal Country, the greatest challenge of this steeply sloping site was how to harness northern light and create private outdoor areas that enjoyed this aspect whilst opening to the 180 degree city and harbour views. Sectionally, the house extends the sense of the natural ground line, reaching to Middle Harbour and ocean beyond. This sets up a bilateral relationship between the smaller scaled, more intimate moments in the native garden, while on the other, generously opening up to the sky and the horizon.”

An almost brutalist concrete bunker softened by warm timber accents. Light filters in through timber slates while walls of glass embrace the view. Castlecrag Courtyard by Downie North.

Photography by Clinton Weaver.

“The Gold Coast is to Australia what Miami is to America – a mecca of coastal glamour and this apartment meets the brief. Gone are the tropes of shell artwork on the walls and wabi-sabi décor. Instead, this holidaymaker on Broadbeach, Queensland looks to Miami Vice-meets-Gold Coast to define a playful retreat packed full of colour and party. Set within an Ian Moore designed tower built in the early 2000s, the apartment had previously undergone a series of clunky renovations with excessive built-ins. We stripped the double-height apartment back to its good bones and renovated the kitchen, bathrooms and lighting. We injected an expansive 80s pastel palette of lobster pink and baby blue throughout and celebrated crisp lines and dramatic verticality.”

The lower level features play areas, divided living and dining spaces, and a grand entry with a double-height void and staircase. Upstairs, the white and grey palette contrasts with vibrant accents and contemporary artwork, creating a stylish, cohesive design. Gold Coast Apartment by SJB.

Photography by Alicia Taylor.