Our recent fixation with Italian do-ups brings us to a recently renovated apartment complex in Mantua. Located within is the raw, yet highly sophisticated Casa RJ. Italian architecture firm Archiplan Studio masterminded the refurbishment of the luxury apartment, calling upon an experimental and highly variable use of unexpected materials — blonde parquetry flooring, dusty exposed brick, nude slatting on the walls, bare ceilings, white plaster walls, Pierre Jeanneret inspired rattan chairs and brushed metallics. The muted colour palette is interrupted only by a few bold furnishings in the opulent living room — a space that embodies the apartments rich and opulent history. Explore the interior below.
Maralunga 40-maxi sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina from Matisse
Maralunga 40-maxi sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina from Matisse
Wireflow 0301 hanging lamp by Arik Levy for Vibia from ECC
Wireflow 0301 hanging lamp by Arik Levy for Vibia from ECC
Seen as more of an embellishment to a room than an essential furnishing, it’s lighting fixtures that get acknowledged last when it comes to curating the ideal interior space. But some brands are making a case for propelling them into the spotlight — take iconic light design studio VeniceM, for example. Hand-made and inherently unique, each individual piece crafted by VeniceM is a work of art in itself, and so it’s no wonder that the local design aficionados Designers’ Collection are championing the brand’s swoon-worthy wares.
The brand, founded by Melissa Lunardi and Massimo Tonetto in 2013, is the definition of adept Italian craftsmanship. The vast array of lighting — which covers everything from table lamps, handmade chandeliers and floor lamps to pendants and sconces — has been created with such meticulous attention to detail that the finished products are always truly one-of-a-kind. The brand specialises in custom work, too, for those that are yearning for something particularly unique.
Spear Chandelier
Take the attention-grabbing Spear Chandelier(shown above), for example. The strict geometry ventures into the abstract with direct and indirect LED lights, commandeering the attention of anyone who is within its vicinity. The Urban Lightline Suspension, shown below, is an example of how VeniceM can just as expertly nail the tradition with a twist, combining organic Italian Murano glass trihedrons with a refined dark brass structure.
Urban Lightline Suspension
VeniceM continues to lead the charge when it comes to experimentation and unique creativity, cementing them as the reigning purveyors of exquisite lighting fixtures that really go the extra mile.
Despite the unrelenting onslaught of technology with tablets and smart phones, we continue to find ourselves yearning for a literary retreat, a place to devour a quality paperback and revel in the warming nostalgia of flicking through a magazine. An intimate home library can be refined and elegant, like the one above, created by Fiona Lynch for a home in Fitzroy, Melbourne, or cosy and informal with a mish-mash of battered and beloved novellas. Just as much a visual feast as the array of eye-catching covers that adorn them, imaginative bookcases can make an interesting focal point. Elevate your home library with these inspired options.
Mass bookshelf by Tom Dixon from ECC and the Wallstreet bookcase by Riva from Matisse
Lloyd bookcase by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia
Nureyev book carousel by Roderick Vos from Linteloo from ECC and the Carlotta bookcase by Antonio Citterio for Flexform from Studio Italia
Best friends Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote do everything together, having founded Sir The Label, a favourite for its feminine dresses, worn by the likes of Olivia Munn, Kate Hudson and Michelle Williams, the dynamic blonde duo also live together near bustling Bondi Beach in Sydney. Taking a break from designing their next collection (you can shop the most recent one at Superette), we asked Coote and Campbell to join forces and share what’s keeping them motivated.
Sir the Label AW20 with Georgia Fowler
Our personal style can be defined as: Relaxed, classic and minimal.
The last thing we bought and loved was: New Levi’s jeans, ready for chunky sweaters and denim all winter.
An unforgettable place we visited was: Ayers Rock, we went in February and stayed at Longitude 131. We had the most amazing and magical experience right here in Australia.
Next place we’d like to go to: South West Australia. We have friends living in Yallingup and would love to explore further. We are focusing on seeing what we can here at home.
An object we would never part with is: A Matcha whisk. It’s an everyday essential!
On our wish list is: A Sarah Ellison console for home at the moment, we are really focusing on our home space this year.
Halston Console by Sarah Ellison
Our favourite app is: At the moment, Nike Run Club. Let’s see how long that lasts.
An indulgence we would never forgo is: Chocolate. Dark chocolate gojis are a favourite at the moment.
If we had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, it would be: Paris. From the vintage markets to amazing boutiques, it is our favourite place in the world to shop.
Our style icons are: Julie Pelipas, Princess Diana, Lauren Hutton. Just to name a few…
The best book we’ve read in the last year is:How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell. It seems timely but turned out being so much more than just the title. We highly recommend it.
We can’t miss an episode of: Normal People, we only started the series two days ago and cannot stop.
In our fridge you’ll always find: Olives, Chilli, Taramasalata, Carrots, Eggs and Chocolate. The essentials.
Our favourite room in our house is: Dining room, it looks out over the ocean and is filled with all our favourite art.
We recently discovered: Painting. We have been getting very creative in quarantine and rekindled our love for painting.
The one artist whose work we would collect is (if price is not an issue): Let’s dream big. Atelier Brancusi.
The last meal out we had that truly impressed us was: We had a long lunch at Bert’s [Paddington, Sydney]. The food, the wine, the sunshine, the people! Cannot wait to go back.
The podcasts we listen to are: The Daily, daily! And anything Goop.
The beauty product we can’t live without is: Our skincare routine, we both visit Solstice Skin here in Bondi regularly and absolutely can’t live without Hayley and her products.
The best gift we ever received was: A surprise trip to Bedarra Island in QLD with our closest friends. They all surprised us at the airport, and we had 3 days on a remote island with no Wi-Fi. Definitely one to remember.
While Carrara marble has long been the stone of choice for its clean palette and versatility, a new breed of colourful slabs is encouraging us to indulge in something a bit more playful.
In the vibrant Bondi beach home by Tobias Partners, pictured above, the desire to avoid any interior design clichés of being ‘by the sea’ led to an unlikely mixture of terrazzo flooring flanked by a red and white stone plinth in the living room. Its clever application lent the space an air of sophistication while maintaining a relaxed, laid-back feel.
North Bondi Residence by Tobias Partners
North Bondi Residence by Tobias Partners
In the bathroom of the same project, candy floss coloured floor-to-ceiling marble walls provide a show-stopping backdrop while rendering the washroom simultaneously bold and feminine.
Art Deco Revival by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects
Art Deco Revival by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects
Art Deco Revival by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects
Art Deco Revival by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects
Graduating out of the powder room to places where a saturated marble can be an unexpected touch, such as the continuous use of jade granite that sees a kitchen island blend into the flooring in De Cotiis Architects’ Marble House, this robust new movement is proving that unusual marble hues really have no bounds.
If, like us, you find yourself craving a snack come 3pm (ok, 11am), you’ll know how hard it is to steer clear of the sweet treats. A few nuts and seeds suddenly turns into some fruit, chips, half a block of chocolate — hell, why stop there, we’ll start the clean eating tomorrow. It’s difficult, to say the least. So, to help those of you who also have no willpower, or would just like a healthy snack alternative, here’s a little frozen dark chocolate banana bite recipe. The trick lies in just having a couple.
Ingredients 1 block of dark chocolate (we love Whittaker’s Fair Trade Dark Ghana) 4 almost ripe bananas
Optional Crushed nuts (such as peanuts) Peanut butter
Method Break up the chocolate block into pieces and melt in the microwave or a bain-marie, being careful not to let it burn. While melting, slice bananas into 2cm thick slices. Remove the chocolate from the heat. Now, you can choose to make mini banana sandwiches with peanut butter (see pic above) or leave as single pieces. Take a toothpick and dip each banana slice into the chocolate (we like to cover ours completely), then, either sprinkle with crushed nuts or just place onto a baking paper-covered tray and pop into the freezer. Once frozen (about an hour) empty into a zip lock bag and return to the freezer. Be a legend and take them to work for your colleagues to enjoy. Or give them to the kids, they’ll be playground royalty that day.
If you arrived at one of interior designer Mim Fanning’s most recent projects blindfolded, when the mask finally slipped you would easily be able to identify your location to the authorities, but with the attention to detail in this brilliant beach house, would you really want to be found?
Perched moments from the rocky beach of Sorrento in Victoria, Fanning focused on subtle ways of referencing the raw elements of the outdoors by taking a minimalist route, where tactile furnishings and textured finishes enliven the restrained backdrop.
The generous living space, expansive dining table and substantial kitchen island, all emerged from Fanning’s long experience creating beach retreats and showcase homes in Australia. Her business Mim Design is celebrating 20 years of operation, with a strong clientele that return for her relaxed and refined approach.
“We are finding our clients also want to focus strongly on the family ‘hub’,” Fanning said in a recent interview. “Creating spaces that keep the family together, whether around a large open fire or centralised dining space; gone are the days where rumpus and theatre rooms have been added. It is all about family time and socialising together in one space.”
The flow between the inside and outdoors is regulated by sliding glazed walls, with the symmetry acknowledging the mid century styles at work throughout the home. With incredible views, inside and out, there’s no need for a blindfold ever again,
At this time of years designer Alice McCall would usually be busy putting together a knockout show for Australian Fashion Week but with the event on hiatus we asked her to reveal her inspirations and influences. A career that started with styling in London rapidly progressed to her launching her own label in Australia in 2004, which veers from sharp-edged street cool to Valley of the Dolls excess. Available at Superette, McCall’s latest collection offer dashes of disco glamour. We shimmied her out from beneath the mirror ball to get these answers.
My personal style can be defined by: My personal style is very eclectic and driven by my emotional mood of the day. Sometimes I will be an eighties power woman, sometimes I will have a Stevie Nicks seventies Woodstock vibe. The art of creative self-expression through dress is something I have always loved and is very important to me in my aesthetic and in my designs. It is the footprint of the brand’s DNA, being very eclectic and quite diverse.
The last thing I bought and loved was: Fantastic Valentino and Balenciaga sunglasses and a pair of Musier Paris Mary Jane platforms, which are very nineties Kate Moss style.
An unforgettable place I visited was: When I was around 16 years old, I visited the centre of Australia to Uluru. I would love to go back there again one day.
Next place I’d like to go to: South America.
An object I would never part with is: First I would say my children but they aren’t objects. It would have to be my crystal collection. They are energetic and spiritual objects.
On my wish list is: I am a big vintage shopper. Vintage pieces are always on my wish list. But at the moment I have my eye on a pair of Paris Texas snake skin boots.
The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: Amazing vintage pieces from Rose Bowl markets [Pasadena, US].
My favourite app is: I hate to state the obvious but it is Instagram. It allows me to directly connect with creatives that I want to collaborate with.
An indulgence I would never forgo is: Freedom, for me it is so important to have that unbounded creative freedom and it is something I never want to let go of.
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: Brooklyn and Manhattan.
My style icon is: It changes regularly, but I’ll forever love Francoise Hardy, Lisa Bonet and Brigitte Bardot.
Francoise Hardy, Lisa Bonet and Brigitte Bardot
The best book I’ve read in the last year is: A book on psychedelics. How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan.
I can’t miss an episode of: I have recently started watching Zoë Kravitz on High Fidelity. It is an easy watch and she is so effortlessly cool.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Sparkling water and fresh veggies.
My favourite room in my house is: My bedroom, it is almost like a Parisian apartment. My bedroom and bathroom are all in one. I have the view of the ocean and it is the perfect place to meditate and unwind, it’s my sanctuary.
The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: Most definitely I rely on my children and my sisters.
The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): Francis Bacon.
Francis Bacon, Three Studies for a Crucifixion, 1962, 78 x 57 inches (198.1 x 144.8 cm) each, Oil with sand on canvas, three panels
I recently discovered: Facebook marketplace, a fantastic place for vintage furniture finds.
My favourite website is: I love Farfetch, we are stocked on it, but they have a really good balance between high end brands and new cutting edge international brands.
The last meal out, I had that truly impressed me was:Pace in LA. It has understated Italian American food.
The best gift I ever received was: My children and black diamonds.
The beauty product I can’t live without is: I love a blush from M.A.C, particularly their Mineralize Blush and the Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation.
The podcasts I listen to are: Russel Brand and anything he recommends, he always has guests on his show that are motivational and esoteric.
The last music I downloaded was: David Bowie, The Man Who Sold The World. I love that Nirvana covered this – it’s equally as good.
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: A child psychologist.
I have a collection of: Crystals and killer designer heels.
Alongside his father Graham and brother Ollie, Andrew Wall has sold many of New Zealand’s most prestigious properties through their family business Wall Real Estate. His unerring eye for design is also applied to his work as an artist. Here, the fan of unbridled creativity and supporter of local talent shares a few of his favourite things.
My personal style can be defined by: Monochromatic simplicity. Black tees, jeans and sneakers primarily.
The last thing I bought and loved was: The Toio lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, from ECC. It’s such a fun idea, taking a headlamp from an American car, supported by a fishing rod stem. Hilarious.
The Toio lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos
An unforgettable place I visited was: DIA Beacon. My idea of paradise.
Next place I’d like to go to: Marfa, Texas.
Donald Judd, 15 untitled works in concrete, 1980-1984. Permanent collection, the Chinati Foundation, Marfa, Texas.
The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: Cashmere from Doran and Doran.
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: The golden triangle of Milano.
The best gift I ever received was: Luke Jacomb glass work.
The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): Glass work from Larry Bell, if I had the space, or Roni Horn. One of her glass ‘tablets’ would be amazing.
Larry Bell, Pacific Red II, 2017
The grooming product I can’t live without is: All Aesop.
The last music I downloaded was: Four Tet.
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: A raconteur.
I have a collection of: New Zealand art of our generation.
Gourmet kitchen gurus Miele have enlisted leading chef Mark Rawlins to man their spectacular steam ovens and advise home cooks on nutritious and delicious meals during these unusual times. Using his experience honed in Michelin star restaurants and local eateries, Rawlins will next week appear live on Miele’s Facebook page, as well as uploading recorded tutorials to up your cooking game. Just look out for the list of ingredients required every Friday and prepare to impress the family with four recipes each week.
In the meantime we have a sneak preview of what’s on offer with a dessert recipe that focuses on tantalising your tastebuds. This steamy Banana Tarte Tatin is almost as pleasurable to say as it is to eat. Follow Rawlins’ lead, get set and go.
Banana Tarte Tatin with Milk Chocolate Sauce Serves 6 – 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Cooking Program: Miele Moisture plus oven, Miele Steamer
Ingredients Tarte Tatin 75g butter 100g brown sugar 750g puff pastry, store bought 6 – 8 bananas, yellow with no brown spots, sliced 2cm thick rounds
Chocolate sauce 200ml cream 100g milk chocolate
To serve Ice cream of choice
Method 1. Add butter and sugar to an 26cm ovenproof frying pan and heat on induction setting 6 until bubbling and then continue cooking for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. With pre-rolled pastry, layer the sheets on top of each other and roll to a size that overlaps the frying pan. Cut to size. Rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.
3. Arrange the bananas in the pan until full.
4. Place pastry over the bananas and tuck down into the base of the pan, make a couple of slits in the middle of the pastry for steam to escape.
5. Place the frying pan in the oven and select Moisture Plus at 180°C on Fan Plus and bake for 30 minutes, releasing a burst of steam immediately, until a deep golden crust has developed.
6. Allow to cool for 5 minutes then place a large plate that covers the frying pan on top and flip over, be careful of any caramel by using a tea towel to protect yourself.
Chocolate sauce 1. Add chocolate and cream to a glass bowl and cover with foil.
2. Steam at 65c for 20 minutes then stir to combine, alternatively heat in 30 second bursts in the microwave until melted. keep warm.
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