Good things come to those who wait, as Sara and Darren, owners of this four-bedroom home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, discovered. After 3 years overseas, the couple approached interior designer Alanna Smit @alannasmitdesigns to update the two-storey home. “I was searching for someone whose style would suit the house perfectly,” says Sara and Alanna fit the bill! “The house lends itself to classic plantation style," says Alanna, "With sisal rugs, V-groove panelling, cane furniture and greenery.” At the link in bio, take a tour of this now swoon-worthy home. Photography: @jacqui_turk Styling: @alannasmitdesigns Words: Chris Pearson #plantationstyle #1920sbungalow #vaultedceilings #stainedglass #tealtiles #kitchenisland #dreamhome
Are you taking proper care of your dishwasher? Even the occasional deep clean and an exploration of energy-saving programs will save time and money in the long run. At the link in our bio read our expert tips to find out how to get the most out of your dishwasher, keep it running efficiently and how to avoid costly service callouts. Cover photo: @johndownsphotography Words: Nicola Conville #dishwasher #homehacks #savewater #savemoneylivebetter #kitchenhacks
Once a homage to Federation revival style, homeowners Trudi and Rob decided to update their 1990s family home – and bring it into this century, from the roof down. Trudi says that the house, while perhaps a little outdated, was essentially well designed internally and externally, so they decided to keep the floorplan, but just refresh everything, starting from the roof, with classic Hamptons style in mind. Photography: @chriswarnes Words: @dianamooremethod #hamptonsexterior #newroof #homeexterior #tileroof #makeover #hamptonsstyle #1990shomereno #familyhome
When building or renovating your home, how much have you considered the inclusion of custom cabinetry in the mix? The Shaker-style cabinetry in this home extends beyond the kitchen, to feature in the laundry and ensuite, quietly linking spaces and lending a Hamptons look throughout. More than aesthetics, adding a bench seat and coat hooks helps the laundry double as a mud room, with space for storing outdoor gear and shoes. Take a closer look at the detail of this beautiful home at the link in our bio. Photography: @simonwhitbreadphoto Styling: @corina_koch_stylist Build: @strittdesignandconstruction Architecture: Andrew Barnyak Words: Jane Parbury #newbuild #hamptonshome #weatherboardhome #cottage #coastalstyle #hamptonsstyle #familyhome #dreamhome
Juggling the work life balance is one of the hardest things working parents have to negotiate and it’s important everyone in the home pitches in to do their share. Teaching kids to contribute to daily jobs is an important part of their education and even the smallest tasks can make a world of difference to your own day. Tap the link in our bio to find a list of 33 jobs your kids can help with – depending on their age. Cover image photo: @brigidarnottphotography Words: @dianamooremethod
It's hard to believe our stunning cover home this month was once a tired 1950s cottage - a far cry from the graceful, family home that now stands in its place. Annabel and Thomas could see the potential of the block though. “It was flat, with a north-facing backyard that backed onto a reserve, and you could walk to the village,” says Annabel. “It had palm trees lining the side which I really loved... and I thought ‘Wow, this is just amazing!’ Take a look inside at the link in our bio. Photography: @simonwhitbreadphoto Styling: @corina_koch_stylist Build: @strittdesignandconstruction Architecture: Andrew Barnyak Landscaping: @alicenichols_landscapedesign Words: Jane Parbury #newbuild #hamptonshome #weatherboardhome #cottage #coastalstyle #hamptonsstyle #familyhome #dreamhome
Did somebody say "pool cabana?" Providing year-round enjoyment, this outdoor sanctuary in East Fremantle, WA met the brief for a “fuss-free, lush and low-maintenance” landscape to include a plunge pool, a heated cabana, a cosy firepit area and L-shaped pond. The family is thrilled with their new outdoor space: “We work hard so love to just chill on the weekends and this is the perfect place to do it,” says homeowner Emily. Did we mention the granny flat?! See if you can spot it at the link in bio. Photography: @jody_darcy Words: @suewheeler #landscapegarden #australiannativeflowers #australianflora #nativeplants #grannyflat #outdoorentertaining #swimmingpool #australianhomes
For many people, coffee isn’t just a morning drink, it’s a ritual, a necessity, a pleasure and a love language. That’s why shopping for an at-home machine is such a serious business– and often confusing when you discover the sheer amount of choice on offer. At the link in bio is all the information you need– from beans to machines and everything in between– to make the perfect cup. Photographer: @johndownsphotography Words: @brittanysmith_writing #coffeemachine #coffeeaddict #homecoffeemachine #buyersguide #kitchenessentials #coffee #makeminealatte
Looking to give your bathroom a style boost without the scary associated costs? We spoke to the experts on how to get your bathroom looking its best while avoiding a cash splash. At the link in bio, they share 10 simple decorative ways you can lift the style quota of your bathroom without a whole renovation. Photographer: Louise Roche @villastyling Words: Jane Parbury #bathroomrenovation #smallbathroom #vanityideas #affordablerenovation #cosmeticbathroomupdate #bathroomideas #bathroomhacks
Classical features meet earthy materials in this renovated heritage home. Built in the 1880s, it’s one of the oldest structures in this inner-Melbourne suburb so all renovation work had to be sensitive and smart. @emedesign_melbourne focused on sustainability, enhancing the old-world charm while creating a design that’s fit for the future. Entire profile in @homebeautiful February issue Words by @brittanysmith_writing Styling @bellebrightproject Photography @marniehawson
Stocked with crepe myrtles, hydrangeas, viburnum and jasmine, and with mini agapanthus lining the pathway, the lush garden of this Hamptons style new build on Sydney’s Northern Beaches forms a stunning welcome “It’s absolutely gorgeous, we have so many comments from people walking past about how much they love it,” says homeowner Annabel. At the link in bio explore beyond the powder blue front door, into a home flooded with light and timeless style. Photographer: @simonwhitbreadphoto Styling: @corina_koch_stylist Words: Jane Parbury Build & Interiors: @strittdesignandconstruction Landscaping: @alicenichols_landscapedesign
It’s always a juggle to balance beauty with practicality – especially when it comes to creating the perfect outdoor space for a young family. However, this garden, located in Concord, in Sydney’s inner west, manages the challenge with aplomb, delivering a new and elegant poolside area to a newly renovated family home. Tap the link in bio to learn how owners Frank and Anna worked to create a classic entertaining space using a subdued colour palette of green and white. Photographer: @simonwhitbreadphoto Words: @lynnetestoni Design: @gardensociety #landscapedesign #swimmingpoolideas #australiangardens #landscapedesigner #cabana #outdoorescape #homeoasis