Studio Highlights: June, 2024
After spending much of June on the sun-kissed shores of Greece, I’m entering the latter half of the year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
This month’s highlight was seeing several properties I featured in my What To See This Weekend column, selected for the cover of Domain’s magazine for three of the four weeks in June.
Another was writing about Newcastle in my Out of Town column for Domain. As my hometown, Newcastle holds a special place in my heart, making it both nostalgic and fulfilling to showcase its charm. Collaborating with Rosemarie Milsom, the founding director of the Newcastle Writers Festival, added a special layer to the story.
Lastly, crafting an edit for my Design Digest column covering Milan Design Week 2024 was a true joy. Attending this event in person is a dream—hopefully, one that will come true soon!
~ On The Cover ~
This month, several standout properties from my What To See This Weekend column for Domain made it to the cover. These included 106 Alcorn Street in Suffolk Park, a contemporary coastal haven; 35 Bayview Avenue in Earlwood, locally known as “the spaceship house”; and 22 Farrants Road in Farrants Hill, a stunning architectural gem amidst lush rainforest gardens.
“The interiors are captivating with soaring cathedral ceilings, timber pillars, and an exquisite gourmet kitchen with Taj Mahal quartzite countertops,” the agent remarks.
“Described by its owners as a ‘magical wonderland,’ the garden is visited by ethereal fireflies in winter and butterflies in spring.”
— Excerpt of 22 Farrants Road, Farrants Hill
~ Featured Properties ~
Here are some of my favourite listings I featured in my What To See This Weekend and Coast & Country columns for Domain, highlighting standout properties throughout Sydney and regional NSW.
106 Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park
One glance at this oasis of calm, designed by Davis Architects, reveals why it was featured in Vogue. “The home reflects Byron’s coastal aesthetic, featuring a neutral palette of natural stone and timber, enhanced by lofty three-metre ceilings,” the agent details. “Noteworthy spaces include a contemporary kitchen with American Oak veneer cabinets and travertine benchtops, plus an inviting terrace and pool.”
8 Paradise Avenue, Avalon Beach
Exuding relaxed vibes, this classic coastal beach house beautifully complements its deep waterfront setting, appealing to water enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of luxury. “Water views grace every room, and first-class boating facilities complement the large decks, making it an entertainer’s dream,” notes the agent. “The owners cherish picnics by the boathouse, overlooking the jetty at sunset as boats drift by.”
35 Bayview Avenue, Earlwood
This iconic landmark, nicknamed ‘The Spaceship House,’ is as unique as it is cherished, coming to market for the first time in 40 years. “The vendors were captivated by its distinctive circular architecture when they moved in, finding it both futuristic and timeless,” the agent explains. “The expansive terrace has served as a sanctuary, a perfect spot for watching countless sunsets and city lights twinkling like stars on the horizon.”
101 Stanmore Road, Stanmore
Revived by a comprehensive architectural redesign, this Victorian home now stands utterly unique. “A new northern wing pavilion, which includes the kitchen, family room, and dining area, transforms into a breezeway integrated with the garden when the glass doors are folded away,” the agent explains. “The vendors, both accomplished architects, have custom-created and designed all the furniture themselves.”
~ Favourite Edit ~
In my Design Digest column for Domain, my favourite edit spotlighted standout pieces from Milan Design Week 2024. I was particularly captivated by Draga & Aurel’s new ‘Tinted Hues’ project, having a soft spot for translucent furniture.
A ticket to Italy is not required to admire the extraordinary designs showcased at this year’s recent Milan Design Week—the pinnacle event on the global design calendar.
TINTED HUES Draga & Aurel showcased their exclusive ‘Tinted Hues’ project for Nilufar Gallery. Witty, hypnotic, and reflective, this captivating collection features the Glaze table, Dewdrops coffee table, and Puffed pouffe, exploring light and colour through materials like epoxy resin and lucite.
HABITUS LIGHTING Italian decorative lighting design company Foscarini unveiled ‘Habitus’, exploring the fusion of light with exquisite Indian crafts. This innovative series delves into fine tailoring and embroidery, utilising sequins and strips of laser-cut PET to create a unique aesthetic.
TORSI CERAMICS Introducing a new collection of ceramics crafted by Objects of Common Interest for Italian ceramic manufacturer Bitossi, ‘TORSI’ reimagines the garden planter from a common vessel to a pivotal design feature, available in various sizes and bold colours.
HYDRO CIRCAL 100R Shapes by Hydro introduced ‘Hydro CIRCAL 100R’, the world’s first industrial-scale aluminium, produced solely from recycled post-consumer scrap. Seven renowned designers crafted a collection of impeccable objects and furniture using this revolutionary aluminium.
~ Copywriting Highlights ~
Cutcliffe Properties tasked me with creating the copy for ‘Burnside’, a grand country estate situated at 915 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Hills, in the picturesque Hawkesbury region. Recognising its editorial potential, I pitched this property for my Coast & Country column, consequently getting a run in the June 22 issue of Domain’s magazine.
915 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Hills
Beautifully manicured gardens and lush lawns set the stage outdoors, adorned with recycled sandstone walls and historic trees, while a superb entertaining gazebo serves as a highlight. Grazing paddocks and a large dam for irrigation sprawl on the property, all set against a majestic mountain backdrop, creating a truly enchanting rural haven.
8/9-11 Ascot Road, Bowral
The villa features an easy-flowing layout with an inviting open-plan living area. High 9ft ceilings, detailed cornicing, ducted heating, cooling, and ceiling fans create an elegant and comfortable space, while beautiful French doors open to a sun-filled courtyard, ideal for alfresco dining or a quiet morning coffee.
~ Location Spotlight ~
In my Out Of Town column for Domain, I had the pleasure of writing about Newcastle—Australia’s second-oldest city, but more significantly, my beloved hometown.
