Studio Highlights: May, 2024
Although the winter season is fast approaching, a time when the property market typically slows down, my work remains as busy as ever.
This past month has been particularly notable with several standouts.
My column for Design Digest covered an edit for Melbourne Design Week 2024, which is especially meaningful this year as it marks my first year as a resident of Melbourne. I’m looking forward to attending some of the events in the coming weeks to admire the latest works by many Australian designers I admire.
Another highlight was seeing our apartment’s feature in The Design Files, republished in Domain’s lift-out magazine. Having written about other people’s beautiful homes for this publication for many years, seeing our own home grace its pages felt deeply sentimental.
~ Featured In ~
It still feels surreal that our little apartment was not only featured on The Design Files but also named their ‘Home of the Month’ in April. The excitement continues with the story now republished in Domain’s lift-out magazine.
“Pauline and Kieran have made their apartment their own with some cosmetic alterations including painting the walls, replacing vinyl flooring with retro green carpet, removing dated light fittings, installing floor-to-ceiling sheer linen curtains, and adding a double-sided joinery unit as a new room divider.
Except for the new joinery, these DIY updates were completed by Pauline and Kieran in just 10 days.”
~ 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.
5 Crago Lane, Bowral
‘Highdown’ is a fairytale-like example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Designed by Randolph Nott, its ornate fretwork on the exterior hints at the meticulous detail found within. “This home, meticulously restored, blends the elegance of its historical roots with modern comforts,” the agent notes. “Its thoughtful layout provides multiple access points to the magical garden, including a delightful wraparound verandah with French door access.”
28 Bertram Street, Mortlake
Drawing inspiration from the upscale Linnaeus Farm Berry hotel, this exquisite residence uniquely combines warehouse aesthetics with classic luxury. “The expansive kitchen is a true highlight, featuring stunning imported natural stones, set against herringbone timber detailing, off-form concrete, and exposed steel beams,” the agent notes. “It’s a property full of surprises; just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s always more.”
23 Truman Avenue, Cromer
Awash with natural light streaming through expansive skylights, this family home beautifully marries mid-century architecture with modern extensions. “Our renovation focused on creating a beautiful and family-focused space, from the multiple living areas to the built-in children’s desk,” says the seller, Erin Whitbread. “It’s a joy to relax under the pergola, surrounded by our secluded, lush tropical gardens, watching the kids swim in the pool.”
285 Glebe Road, Merewether
‘Merewether House’ is one of Newcastle’s most stunning and iconic homes, flaunting a dazzling street appeal minutes from the beach and harbour. “Its Federation style shines through soaring and detailed plaster ceilings, leadlight windows, and cast iron fireplaces,” describes the seller, Jeanne Walls. “Mealtimes in the conservatory-turret creates magical moments, with its breathtaking panoramic views.”
~ Favourite Edit ~
For my Design Digest column with Domain this month, my favourite edit spotlighted the latest works of some Australian designers participating in Melbourne Design Week 2024.
As participants in Melbourne Design Week 2024, we explore the works of these talented designers, highlighting their unique contributions to Australian design.
ZACHARY FRANKEL Shop: Emitting a warm, inviting glow, Zachary Frankel’s Crinkle Lamp is handcrafted with a sculpted timber surface in various colours. See: ‘Forward Focus’, curated by Frankel and centred on collaboration and sustainability, is held at the Tait Melbourne Showroom.
JORDAN FLEMING Shop: Reflecting abstractly from afar, the Looking At Me Looking At You Mirror by Jordan Fleming, crafted from chrome aluminium and sculpted plaster, reveals an intimate portrait as you draw near. See: Fleming is a participant of ‘Desire x Design’ at the Useful Objects gallery.
DEAN NORTON Shop: Containa by Dean Norton features a table-within-a-table design, featuring a frosted clear glass vessel encasing a solid, turned wood core. See: Norton’s innovative work will be displayed among Australia’s leading designers at ‘MATTERS’ in the historic Villa Alba Museum.
TOM FEREDAY Shop: Tom Fereday’s Port lighting highlights the refractive traits of cast crystal glass, capturing attention with its contrasting textures and radiant glow. See: Showcased by Oigall Projects, ‘Aver’ exemplifies Fereday’s expertise in merging natural materials with modern design.
~ Copywriting Highlights ~
This month, several clients requested copywriting services for property descriptions, among them Ray White Prestige, who is overseeing the marketing for these two breathtaking homes.
13 Emerald Avenue, Sapphire Beach
The home’s three-story design radiates style and sophistication. Entering via the first floor leads to the open-plan central hub, featuring an L-shaped kitchen with an island bench, a spacious dining area, and an inviting living space with a wood-burning fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors maximise ocean views, opening to a large deck, ideal for alfresco dining and sunbed lounging.
15c Gilwinga Drive, Bayview
Welcome to ‘Amaroo’, a premier estate spanning over five acres of private, elevated land, offering panoramic views of the Pittwater’s southern reaches. One of the most extensive and exclusive homes on the Northern Beaches, this jewel enjoys a northerly aspect, basking in sun from the first rays of sunrise to the final hues of twilight.
~ Location Spotlight ~
In my Living In column for Domain, I have the opportunity to explore and write about some of Australia's most beloved places. A recent highlight was covering the wonderful seaside suburb of Mount Eliza, Victoria.
