Studio Highlights: September, 2024
As September unfolded, I took to the open road, embarking on a three-week road trip through Tasmania. Beginning with the overnight ferry on the Spirit of Tasmania, our journey meandered through Launceston’s magnetic streets, along the breathtaking East Coast, through Hobart, Bruny Island, and the Tasman Peninsula, before heading inland to the historic town of Oatlands, and concluding in the serene Golden Valley.
Even amidst this adventure, work carried on. I wrote and found inspiration in some remarkable locations: the snug loft of Little Falu, with its windows framing the Australian bush; the dining table of Glassholme, encased in floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking Hobart; and the cosy living room of 101 Oatlands, warmed by a crackling fire.
This month, I had the pleasure of working with a new client, Max&You, a Melbourne-based PR agency representing high-end brands. Having featured many of their clients in my Design Digest column for Domain, it’s exciting to now work with them in a new capacity.
Meanwhile, my regular Domain columns kept me exploring the homes and lifestyles of different corners of Australia. For Behind The Listing, I covered perhaps one of the most extraordinary warehouse conversions I’ve ever seen, a Surry Hills residence with an exclusive transformation and personal art collection that ultimately graced the cover of Domain’s magazine.
If September is any indication, the spring season promises to be both busy and inspiring.
~ Behind The Listing ~
Domain's Behind The Listing column offers a glimpse into the lives of homeowners, uncovering the extraordinary stories behind their properties. This month, I explored the transformation of 464 Bourke Street, Surry Hills—a breathtaking warehouse conversion showcasing an exceptional personal art collection, earning a coveted spot on the cover.
In the eclectic heart of Surry Hills, 464 Bourke Street is a rebellious testament to transformation—once a warehouse, tractor showroom, mechanics garage, and the infamous Sydney Labour Club. With a history as colourful as the neighbourhood itself, this building has worn more hats than a well-travelled bohemian.
Today, it’s home to Andrew Goy and Patrick Teng, a place where history and modern design dance in harmonious defiance.
Andrew’s art collection is woven into the very fabric of the home. Each piece is carefully placed to create a dialogue with its surroundings. At the entrance, Robert Klippel’s bronze sculpture, “Sentinel,” stands watch, setting the tone for the brilliance within.
~ New Client ~
After years of highlighting Max&You’s clients in my Design Digest column for Domain, I’m excited to now collaborate with their team on various copywriting projects. So far, I’ve crafted press releases for Artedomus and written blog posts for Carlisle Homes, and many more exciting projects are on the horizon.
Carlisle Homes: ‘Modern Day Timeless’
Embrace the art of enduring elegance with the Modern Day Timeless theme. This refined aesthetic offers options that seamlessly marry contemporary sophistication with classic charm, allowing you to create a home environment that transcends fleeting trends. By focusing on warm, neutral palettes, elegant wall treatments, and refined materials, this theme evokes a sense of comfort and luxury that stands the test of time.
~ Featured Properties ~
Here are some of my other 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.
23 Barr Street, Balmain
Not your typical warehouse, creativity flourishes in this remarkable 29-metre-fronted residence, with double-height ceilings, striking sawtooth roofline, and vast steel-framed windows. “For over 40 years, it’s been the home, studio, and gallery of renowned artist Sandra Leveson,” says the agent. “Highlights include the mezzanine dining room and a sun-drenched rooftop pool and terrace.”
16 Hovea Drive, Pottsville
Perched high on a ridgeline, where cool sea breezes dance through the air, this architecturally crafted double-storey oasis is a masterwork of coastal-contemporary style. “Connected pavilions, linked by a deck and mezzanine, offer big-sky views and sunny spots year-round,” says the agent. “Expansive windows embrace the abounding leafy landscape, while the premium studio office indulges in serene hinterland views.”
64 Shelley Drive, Byron Bay
A masterpiece of natural textures and bespoke finishes, this coastal abode exudes stunning craftsmanship, from the onyx stone benchtop’s rich tones to the meticulously crafted living room stonework. “Everyone who enters is captivated, often running their hands over the exquisite stone in awe,” notes the agent. “The extensive landscaping is equally a sight to behold, perfectly complementing the elegance within.”
9 Wandeen Road, Avalon Beach
Meticulously crafted to exude European elegance, this entertainer’s home is designed to appear as though it has stood for a century, while offering exclusive modern comfort. “Every fixture and fitting tells a story, sourced from years of exploring markets and antique dealers in France and Italy,” the agent remarks. “The antique sconces, rebuilt chandeliers, and brass shell sinks bring that old world into a new and luxurious light.”
~ Favourite Edit ~
One of my favourite edits in my Design Digest column for Domain spotlighted an often-overlooked aspect of home design—hardware. From hooks to knobs and handles, these subtle yet exquisite details add a polished and refined finishing touch.
From artfully designed knobs to a playful take on the traditional coat hook, these exquisite hardware pieces are like jewellery for your home.
ARCHITECTURAL ARTISTRY Bankston’s latest collaboration with Brooklyn-based design studio Civilian introduces Hemispheres, a 10-piece architectural hardware collection, featuring uniquely designed knobs, levers, pulls, and door stops, all distinguished by bold geometries and striking finishes.
CLAY WITH CLASS Evoking timeless elegance, Robert Gordon’s selection of ceramic wall hooks is crafted from recycled clay. Available in two sizes and finished in exquisite glazes like olive and rose quartz, each hook adds a touch of refined sophistication.
HANDLE WITH CARE Tigmi proudly welcomes EVAANNA's sculptural hardware to its curated collection. Founded by Eva Anna Gulasci, whose background in jewellery design shines through in her exquisite hooks, knobs, and handles, with each piece demanding a closer look.
DOTS OF DELIGHT Infusing a cheerful expression into the traditional coat hook, The Dots by Muuto transforms walls into functional art. Crafted in three sizes and an array of colours, from natural oak to bold burgundy, these rounded wooden hooks offer endless customisation.
~ Copywriting Highlights ~
September presented the wonderful opportunity to create property descriptions for a range of clients. In the picturesque countryside of Burradoo, I had the pleasure of showcasing a sprawling Southern Highlands estate for DiJones - Southern Highlands. Meanwhile, along the Newport coast, I captured the essence of a luxurious treehouse retreat for Ray White Prestige Palm Beach.
4 Songline Place, Burradoo
Opportunities to own a 10-acre estate in Burradoo are exceedingly rare, especially one that exudes the level of luxurious living and equestrian excellence found here. This prestigious property flawlessly marries vast, scenic land with world-class horse facilities and bespoke interiors, creating an elite rural retreat.
127 Prince Alfred Parade Newport
Amidst Newport’s prestigious waterside enclave, a rare treasure emerges—a luxurious treehouse retreat blending tropical tranquillity with architectural brilliance. Extensively rebuilt 13 years ago, the home presents as the entertainer’s paradise seen today while also offering the appeal of a once-in-a-generation family residence.
~ Location Spotlight ~
For my Living In column for Domain, I had the pleasure of writing about the illustrious Hamilton Island. Escaping to the always-sunny Queensland was a delight, albeit only through my writing and imagination.
