Whether you’re on the hunt for Australia’s best wine list, a small organic wine bar for skin-contact wine, or a beautiful space to savour a delicate Pinot Noir, these venues from around Australia, recognised in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards for 2025, are delivering wines that impress. Now in its 32nd year, the awards recognise and celebrate the most outstanding wine lists from across the country, that delight from the pop of the cork to the last sip.

From Melbourne and Sydney to Hobart and Perth, these are the standout venues with the best wine lists in Australia where oenophiles and enthusiasts alike should raise a glass.

Venues with the best wine in Australia

Henschke, Eden Valley

Winner: Best Australian winery in World’s 50 Best list

The Henschke Eden Valley Vineyard, located in the Mount Lofty Ranges in the central Eden Valley, has been recognised by World’s 50 Best Wineries as the highest ranking winery in Australia. Famous wines from this vineyard include Julius Riesling, Louis Semillon, The Wheelwright Shiraz, and Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Cellar Door experience, located in the Eden Valley, is described as one of the Barossa’s most unique wine tasting experiences.

World’s 50 Best Wineries

Circl, Melbourne

Winner: Australia’s Wine List of the Year, Best Wine List Victoria & others

Melbourne newcomer Circl is crowned Australia’s Wine List of the Year for 2025, plus receiving eight more gongs in other categories. The venue classifies itself as a ‘wine-led restaurant’ offering over 150 wines by the glass to pair with its seasonal, Scandinavian-inspired food menu. “So often, the great wines of the world seem almost mythical. They’re things that drinkers dream about, but so rarely get to experience. Yet the astonishing list from Circl resets what is accessible,” says Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards Senior Judge Andrew Graham. 

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

Bennelong, Sydney

Winner: Best Wine List New South Wales

Located in the Sydney Opera House with one of the most iconic restaurant views in the country, fine dining restaurant Bennelong is where Australian produce and fine wine take the spotlight. Taking home the award for Best Wine List NSW for 2025, the judges applauded the balanced selection that celebrated the very best that the country has to offer.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

Fico, Hobart

Winner: Best Wine List Tasmania

Fico is one of the most well-loved dining experiences in Hobart. Its menu celebrates Tasmania’s local produce and the owner’s Italian and Australian roots, but it was the wine list, honouring European and Tasmanian-focused varieties, that received all the accolades.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

Agnes, Brisbane

Winner: Best Wine List Queensland

Agnes is a renowned and beloved wood-fire restaurant in Brisbane, where meals are cooked over open fire and smoke – no electricity, and no gas. But importantly, it boasts an extensive wine collection featuring rare gems and a focus on discovering new Australian producers, one that was awarded the Best Wine List in Queensland.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

Gibney, Perth

Winner: Best Wine List Western Australia, Australia’s Best Listing of Western Australian Wines

Gibney is an elegant beachside brasserie with a menu that enjoys the best of Western Australia’s local produce and a wine list that pays homage to those who have elevated globally famed wine regions. “Our aim is to act as a conduit for those stories and the wines that have moved us, shaped our journey and changed our preconceptions of the vast vinous landscape we inhabit.” says Nina Throsby, Gibney Group Sommelier.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra

Winner: Best Wine List ACT, Australia’s Best Listing of ACT Wines

In the beating heart of Canberra you’ll find Capitol Bar & Grill serving up prime cut steaks with with finesse and wood-fired theatrics. The multi-award winning restaurant has a wine list that is worth travelling for, that was awarded best in the state.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale

Winner: Best Wine List South Australia, Australia’s Best Listing of a Single Region’s Wines

“Unapologetically eclectic”, the McLaren Vale-based restaurant serving Australian cuisine with a regional seasonal menu describes itself as an edible story of chef and co-owner Karena Armstrong’s culinary journey and her ever persistent need to learn more, eat more and cook more. Known for their local produce and a wine list that honours exceptional local and international drops, its no surprise this wine country regular took home the state gong.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

Where’s Nick, Sydney

Winner: Australia’s Best Wine Bar List, Australia’s Best Aperitif List

Where’s Nick is a wine bar in Sydney that focuses on sustainable, organic and biodynamic products made with minimal intervention. Taking home the award for Best Wine Bar List, they say their purpose is to encourage people to think about what they are drinking and where it comes from.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

Besk, Perth

Winner: Australia’s Best Pub Restaurant Wine List, Australia’s Best Beer List

Besk, showcasing boutique, primarily West Australian producers, is a place where “everyone is welcome and the beer is always cold”. Located in a spacious warehouse in the heart of Perth, they serve a rotating selection of wine and spirits and some of the best beer in the world. It seems the judges agreed, recognising them for not only their wine list, but their beer selection too.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards

Winners: Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2025

Thirsty? We don’t blame you. Here is the full list of winners from Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2025.

Australia’s Wine List of the Year, Judy Hirst Award

Circl, Xavier Vigier

State/Territory winners:

Best Wine List ACT Capitol Bar & Grill 

Best Wine List New South Wales Bennelong 

Best Wine List Queensland Agnes 

Best Wine List South Australia The Salopian Inn 

Best Wine List Tasmania Fico 

Best Wine List Victoria Circl 

Best Wine List Western Australia Gibney 

Category Winners:

Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List – City Circl 

Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List – Country Settlers Tavern 

Australia’s Best Club Restaurant Wine List Junction Moama 

Australia’s Best Hotel Restaurant Wine List Woodcut 

Australia’s Best Pub Restaurant Wine List Besk 

Australia’s Best Wine Bar List – Where’s Nick: The Fiona MacDonald Award

Australia’s Best New Wine List – Maison Bâtard The Tony Hitchin Award 

Australia’s Best Wine List (Max 50 Wines) Apéritif & Co.

Australia’s Best Wine List (Max 100 Wines) Rizla 

Australia’s Best Wine List (Max 200 Wines) A Prayer for the Wild at Heart

Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass Circl 

Australia’s Best Food & Wine Matching List Restaurant Botanic

Australia’s Best Champagne List Circl 

Australia’s Best Sparkling Wine List Circl 

Australia’s Best Listing of Australian Wines Jonah’s 

Australia’s Best Listing of ACT Wines Capitol Bar & Grill

Australia’s Best Listing of New South Wales Wines The Blue Door

Australia’s Best Listing of Queensland Wines Blackbird

Australia’s Best Listing of South Australian Wines Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant

Australia’s Best Listing of Tasmanian Wines The Agrarian Kitchen

Australia’s Best Listing of Victorian Wines Circl 

Australia’s Best Listing of Western Australian Wines Gibney 

Australia’s Best Listing of Organic & Biodynamic Australian Wines O Bar & Dining

Australia’s Best Listing of Museum & Rare Wines Society 

Australia’s Best Listing of a Single Region’s Wines The Salopian Inn

Australia’s Best Non-Alcoholic List Restaurant Botanic

Australia’s Best Aperitif List Where’s Nick

Australia’s Best Digestif List Society 

Australia’s Best Japanese Sake List Sake at the Rocks

Australia’s Best Beer List Besk 

Australia’s Best Cocktail List Paper Daisy

Australia’s Best Listing of French Wines Society 

Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines Olympus

Australia’s Best Listing of Italian Wines Il Lido 

Australia’s Best Listing of New Zealand Wines Woodcut

Australia’s Best Listing of USA Wines Cru Bar & Cellar

Best Wine List – Sommeliers Choice Circl – Xavier Vigier 

Best Wine List – Australia’s Choice (Consumer) The Dry Dock 

The post Australia’s best winery (officially) & the best venues for an unforgettable glass of wine appeared first on Homes To Love.

With the recent announcement of the prodigious theme being Costume Art – the inherent relationship between clothing and the body – we thought it was time to take a look back at the archives and get nostalgic over some of the most memorable Met Gala themes.

1999 – Rock Style

Rock Style was a Costume Institute exhibition created in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, on view from late 1999 to early 2000. The exhibition traced the influence of more than 40 rock ’N’ roll performers on fashion from the 1950s onward, presenting memorabilia drawn from institutional archives and the private collections of musicians themselves. Figures such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Bruce Springsteen, Grace Jones, Madonna and Björk buoyed the ongoing dialogue between rock music and style.

2004 – Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century

Drawing on the world of Choderlos de Laclos’s Dangerous Liaisons, the 2025 annual gala explored an era in which romantic intrigue – seduction, manipulation, strategic affairs – shaped the patterns of elite society. The accompanying exhibit traced how instruction, seduction and social manoeuvring defined the period, following characters such as Cécile and Valmon as they navigated a courtly landscape where intimacy functioned as currency and competition.

2006 – Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion

The 2006 concept aligned with AngloMania – an exhibit that traced the rise of Anglomania in Europe during the eighteenth century. The theme examined how English culture – from the class system and pageantry to sport, eccentricity, the country garden and the figure of the gentleman – shaped European and American imagination. Drawing on references from Samuel Richardson’s novels to the paintings of George Stubbs and William Hogarth, the exhibition explored how “Englishness” emerged as a construct fashioned through external fascination and the narratives the English cultivated themselves.

2008 – Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy

The 2008 Met Gala turned its attention to the influence of the superhero, tracing how both costume and superhuman attributes – speed, strength and agility – filtered into streetwear and high fashion. With the ancillary exhibit examining the ways pop-cultural archetypes can influence silhouettes, materials and the broader visual of contemporary style. Additionally, taking a closer look at how radical couture, avant-garde sportswear and state-of-the-art military garments – as seen through the lens of the superhero – can be metaphors for sex, power and politics.

2016 – Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology

Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology was the 2016 concept that saw the evolving relationship between handmade craft and machine-led production. The accompanying Costume Institute exhibition showcased more than 100 pieces of haute couture and ready-to-wear, tracing how technology reshapes fashion’s traditional boundaries. On the red carpet, Claire Danes appeared in a gown illuminated by integrated lighting, while Emma Watson wore a five-piece Calvin Klein Collection look crafted from recycled plastic bottles.

2018 – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

The 2018 Met Gala theme, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, unfolded as one of the most ambitious Costume Institute exhibitions, bringing together hundreds of religious objects, including dozens of rarely seen artifacts loaned directly from the Vatican. On the red carpet, guests embraced the night’s ecclesiastical brief with theatrical precision, marking the year as one of the gala’s most visually arresting interpretations.

2021 – About Time: Fashion and Duration

Inspired by the red, white and blue silk sash from Prabal Gurung’s 10th-anniversary collection, the 2021 Met Gala theme titled In America: A Lexicon of Fashion focused on contemporary American design. The accompanying exhibit coalesced more than 100 works from designers spanning Marc Jacobs to La Réunion, forming a survey of modern American craftmanship. The evening’s interpretation of the official dress code, American Independence, grounded the night within the broader conversation surrounding American fashion identity.

2025 – Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy

The Met Gala theme for 2025 centred on the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, organised by head curator Andrew Bolton with guest curator Monica Miller, proffer of Africana Studies at Barnard College and Columbia University. Miller, whose 2009 tome Salves to Fashion examined Black dandyism and diasporic identity, helped shape an exhibition that pays homage to the late André Leon Talley. Guests catalysed he theme in looks that dissected the finer points of tailoring – a fitting gesture for a Costume Institute exhibition notable as the first since 2003 to focus exclusively on menswear.

2024 – Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion

2023 – Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty

2022 – In America: An Anthology of Fashion

2020 – About Time: Fashion and Duration

2019 – Camp: Notes on Fashion

2017 – Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between

2015 – China: Through the Looking Glass

2014 – Charles James: Beyond Fashion

2013 – Punk: Chaos to Couture

2012 – Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations

2011 – Alexander McQueen: Untamed Beauty

2010 – American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity

2009 – The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion

2007 – Poiret: King of Fashion

2005 – The House of Chanel

2003 – Goddess: The Classical Mode

2002: No theme

2001 – Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years

2000: No theme

1998 – Cubism and Fashion

1997 – Gianni Versace

1996 – Christian Dior

1995 – Haute Couture

What is the 2026 Met Gala theme?

The Met Gala 2026 theme is Costume Art, which aligns with the Costume Institute’s exhibition of the same name. The theme examines fashion as a form of art, highlighting the relationship between clothing, the body and cultural expression.

Does Met Gala have a theme every year?

Yes. The Met Gala has a yearly theme that determines the event’s dress code and décor, and aligns with the accompanying exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each year’s concept reflects the Costume Institute’s major exhibition, providing a cohesive framework for the gala.

What is the purpose of Met Gala?

The Met Gala is held each year to raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the museum’s only self-funded department. It also serves to open the institute’s annual fashion exhibition.

The post An exhaustive exploration of every Met Gala theme in its sartorial history  appeared first on Homes To Love.

Tell us about your style

I find it difficult to be concise when it comes to my approach, partly because I react differently to different spaces – sometimes shifting my emphasis in doing so. Perhaps an overarching characteristic of my work is ‘freshness’, whether that’s in the sense of play, colour or lightness. In many instances, my use of antiques and vintage pieces plays a large role in the depth of personality I give a space. I am concerned with a place being alive and full of interplay.

What appealed to you about this site?

Originally, this building housed my husband’s office [Patrick Johnson owns and operates tailored fashion label P Johnson] and my antiques showroom below. He outgrew the site and moving here was an obvious choice for me as I love a well-lit loft! What was the original concept for the studio? I wanted to capitalise on the airy and open feeling here, so I turned to shiplap walls and ceilings and sisal carpet, which I feel are apt not only as a representation of my style but for the studio’s setting – they form a blank canvas I can sit beautiful desks, chairs and tables on with poise. I wanted to emit the Australian spirit of optimism, but with some formality and polish.

What are your favourite pieces?

The striped 1980s cabinet we call ‘the chicken coop’ looks great here. I love the octagonal travertine table for meetings, and use a Modernist glass table as my desk – it works well and adds a great sharpness to the space. I also adore the metal wall sculptures near the kitchenette because they add a cool edge to the timbers in the space, and the intrigue of the family grouping of ebony-framed mirrors above the stairwell. They make a strange little story and bounce a lot of light around.

Can you walk us through your art choices?

I have an Art Deco diptych that has been everywhere with me and seems to have found the perfect home here. There’s a self-portrait of Barry Humphries, which is naturally close to my heart as he was my godfather. Strangely, the slag-glass shard on my desk has followed me around like a friendly old dog – it’s a bit lumpy but we love it.

How does the studio mirror the philosophy of your practice?

I believe the studio is a great distillation of my work. I love the contrasts of formality, natural light and cool restraint. There is my trademark freshness along with my love of powerful, artful objects and furniture, and the strange tension between them.

How does the studio itself shape the way you work?

I cannot work if I am not comfortable and surrounded by beauty – it’s my energy source. This space is as calm or energetic as I need it to be; it has tranquillity and dynamism at the same time. I love having my team with me, comfortable and nested in an environment that’s inspiring.

The Design Team

Tamsin Johnson: tamsinjohnson.com

The post A light-filled Paddington loft where Tamsin Johnson distils her singular style appeared first on Homes To Love.

Lucinda Kimpton, a Melbourne-based interior designer, was charged with revamping the house, which had been bought from a family who had farmed in the area for more than 50 years. She describes it as “a beautiful blend of rural charm and convenience, with a timeless character and rich sense of Australian history.”

In late 2022, two couples and long-time friends, Janice and Colin McKenna and Gill Herrmann and Alan Grieve, decided to buy the property – ‘Tullynagee’ – as a business venture. Their vision was for the homestead, clocktower and surrounding buildings and gardens to become a prestigious function and accommodation centre, managed by both Janice and Gill. However, before the makeover was complete, it was decided that the property would instead be used as a permanent residence for Gill and Alan.

Lucinda says the shift in purpose had little impact on the design direction, with only a few minor adjustments required. “Initially, the design process was focused on working strictly within the existing footprint, as requested by the clients. However, it quickly became clear that the house would benefit immensely from a new casual living and dining space, and we proposed the addition of what is now referred to as the sunroom. The clients wholeheartedly embraced the new room and it has become the most loved and frequently used space.”

With its substantial footprint, the home sprawls across one level and includes three bedrooms with ensuites, a formal dining room and classic sitting/drawing room, a generous kitchen and a conservatory in addition to the sunroom “that offers a seamless balance between functionality and comfort, tailored specifically to the clients’ lifestyle”.

“The layout is thoughtfully considered,” Lucinda continues, “blending traditional proportions with a welcoming contemporary atmosphere. There is a lovely rhythm to the home, with each room transitioning naturally into the next and supporting everyday living as well as times of celebration.”

To craft this personal sanctuary, she worked with Ng Feathers Interiors, which provided architectural support to completely reconfigure the entire house. “It was a comprehensive and deeply considered process, with every element curated to create a home that is practical and full of personality.”

From the outset, Lucinda had a wealth of ideas to unleash on the property. “I always carry a mental bank of favourites – artists, fabrics, colours – and when the right project and client come along, everything aligns. This was definitely one of those projects.”

Immediate choices were the Leila Jeffreys bird prints lining the hall and the Araceli Adams plates in the glass-fronted kitchen cabinets. “I’ve followed both of those remarkable Australian artists for some time, not only for the beauty of their work but for their shared commitment to wildlife preservation. Their art became an emotional and visual anchor for the design.”

In the sitting/drawing room, a much-loved Colefax and Fowler fabric was called into play for the voluptuous curtains, which then begged to be partnered with a soft duck-egg blue on the walls. “It offers a calm and elegant contrast with the energy of the more vibrant spaces.”

Inspiration for the dining room came from an historic property, Claydon House in Buckinghamshire, England, which Lucinda had visited more than a decade earlier. “I was captivated by its radiant yellow walls and imagined the spirited gatherings they must have hosted,” she explains. “That feeling of vibrancy led to the use of golden chartreuse grasscloth wallpaper – a bold and joyful choice that made the space feel alive and celebratory.”

The designer feels gratified that the brave selection works so well, complemented by the Currey & Company chandelier and curtains in a Le Manach fabric. “It’s a space that truly sings,” she says.

For the main bedroom, Lucinda, who is a long-time admirer of English designer Veere Grenney, took cues from his contemporary-classic style. Framing the bay window with a canopy bed brought a country view – “something really special to wake up to”.

Lucinda wished to honour the heritage and character of the home and so retained as many original features as possible, including the timber floors, archways and stained-glass windows. “Those features give the home a sense of timeless charm and authenticity, grounding the new design in its rich history.”

Offering a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, it’s “elegant without being formal and comfortable without compromising on sophistication.”

The owners say they are delighted that the home still feels true to its heritage after the renovation, reflected not just in the house but also in the retained 100-year-old cypress and eucalypt trees on the property. “We feel the sense of the pioneering farmers who came before us and are grateful to be the custodians of a beautiful rural homestead that can be enjoyed by future generations.”

The Design Team

Kimpton Interiors: kimptoninteriors.com.au

Ng Feathers Interiors: ngfeathers.com

Fox Building Group: foxbuildinggroup.com.au

The post Lucinda Kimpton ushers in a new chapter for this historic country home appeared first on Homes To Love.

Dinner Parties Are Making a Comeback

Originating in 2021, founder Sophie McIntyre harkened to the need for human-centric experiences and conceived Club Sup as a modern supper club designed to connect people in the wake of lockdowns. “[Club Sup] started in 2021 after I had spent some of my early 20s feeling a bit lonely and lost after a big breakup. I had moved into a share house and met the people in my life that completely changed the way I thought about myself and the future,” says Sophie. “It gave me so much confidence, love and light and I wanted everyone to have a way to access that.” From there, what was designed as a prodigious passion project grew in scale, with Club Sup now hosting transcontinental events – in London and Australia.

However, the growth hasn’t solely scaled continents but the meaning behind the gatherings. “I think eating or sharing a meal is one of the most human things we do across so many walks of life and cultures,” adds Sophie. “Nearly everyone feels good when they’re eating so yes it was always going to be a meal – although as we have grown we have expanded into to new events like lunches, book swaps or crafts.” Hosting more than 150 events spanning Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – and buoyed by the 1,500-plus guests who have been brought together – it’s unsurprising that Club Sup has caught the eye of revered brands such as Ganni, The Ordinary and Penfolds.

“We’re seeing that all Gen Z want is to get offline and live real experiences as they’ve lived so much of their lives online. Club Sup will always be there for people to come together and connect,” adds Sophie.

How to Host a Dinner Party

Hosting a modern dinner party today is as much about atmosphere as it is about food. When thinking about how to host a dinner party, start with the intention rather than the menu.

Begin with an arrival – a cocktail, perhaps, or a small plate that encourages guests to linger. Lighting should be low and flattering, with candlelight or shaded lamps creating softness. Choose music that sits just behind the conversation, and scents that complement rather than compete with the meal.

Conversation, not presentation, remains the true measure of a good host. Encourage flow rather than perfection – serve dishes that can be shared, poured and passed. A simple roast chicken with a generous side or a bowl of pasta finished at the table is as impressive as any tasting menu. In 2025, dinner party trends lean toward sustainability and sentiment. Guests value provenance – seasonal produce, hand-thrown ceramics, linen napkins that have lived a little.

“[At Club Sup] we curate the right feeling for people to be safe and comfortable to connect and the rest is up to everyone else. Because every event is different with a different list of people and you have to allow for that – you have to allow for everyone’s lives and experiences to shape the event,” says Sophie. “So the structure is the brand I have built and the spontaneity is the people that join us.”

The simplest advice? Curate. Create an evening that feels designed yet effortless – one that moves at the pace of good conversation and leaves guests reluctant to leave.

Dinner Party Essentials

01

Latiano Ceramic Wine Cooler

$220, Alex and Trahanas

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02

Caviar Set, Horn and Mother of Pearl

$528, Gohar World

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03

Lily of the Valley Printed Linen Tablecloth

$530, Moda Domus

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04

Temple Cake Stand

$380, Dinosaur Designs

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05

La Vinaigrette Set

$249, Maison Balzac

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06

Swan Stainless Steel Lemon Squeezer

$48, Gohar World

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07

Les Fruits Olive Coasters

$30, Bed Threads

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The post The revival of the dinner party – and how to host a night worth remembering appeared first on Homes To Love.

“I wanted a Parisian look,” affirms the owner, “with high ceilings and detailing but with a modern take.” The home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is a new build with seven bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms constructed in the Georgian style. Spread over three levels on a large block of land with a pool and two-car garage, it is home to a family that includes four young children and two live-in nannies, as well as providing accommodation for grandparents who visit from overseas. “Most of the time, the house is occupied by a large family group of 10 people,” says Carla.

The couple had purchased the dated house in 2019, always intending to demolish it and build anew. However, Covid and delays with planning approvals meant that the work didn’t begin until 2022. Though the brief to the designer was initially for a traditional-style house, gradually the concept took on a more contemporary slant. While he leaned towards the enduring elegance of traditional architecture and the timeless charm of clawfoot baths and crystal chandeliers, she gravitated towards a more experimental and playful aesthetic. “The result is a stunning fusion of classic forms and youthful modern elements, creating an intriguing home that beautifully tells both their stories,” says Carla.

On a north-facing block, the property is blessed with wonderful natural light, amplified by Carla incorporating light whites and soft pastel shades, flowing sheer curtains and well-planned furniture layouts. “It’s a soft glamour that melts together, slowly introducing the elements rather than them being in your face,” she says. “It’s a little traditional, but not in an old way – it feels like a young family lives here.”

That’s not to say there are no bold features. In the basement powder room, the ‘Safari Vibe’ wallpaper by Emile & Chen makes a strong statement backdropping the agate-stone vanity and unusual pond basin from Rocky Mountain Hardware, while the brass archway heralding the family room is a detail that the owner – and all her friends – especially love. “It’s a real talking point,” she says, “and even the feng-shui expert was impressed! It’s a great example of a traditional element with modern detailing, one of many such pairings in the house.”

However, the owner’s favourite space is the formal sitting room, where a sense of quiet luxury prevails, care of beautiful fabrics by the likes of Rubelli, Kravet and Calvin Klein, wall and ceiling panelling and sophisticated muted shades. Carla remarks, “It’s a mix of American-style traditional elements and proportions overlaid with a French femininity and softness.”

The room features an array of international accoutrements, such as the hand-carved marble mantelpiece sourced from Lamberty in London, paired with a firescreen embellished with ginkgo leaves by Texas-based Claire Crowe. Its swivel armchairs are from Dmitriy & Co in the US while the coffee table is from Tom Faulkner in London. R&Y Augousti in Paris supplied the shagreen and brass side tables and mirror, and the chandelier hails from US retailer Horchow. “We love to gather here with friends and have a glass of wine before dinner in front of the fireplace,” says the owner. “Even the kids like to come in and play.”

The children also play in the expansive rumpus room and each has a bedroom that’s been lovingly detailed, taking into consideration their personality and interests. Carla says she was able to use colour in these rooms to contrast with the muted tones in the rest of the house, specifying four-poster beds and custom canopies in zesty colours and patterns for the girls, with Tappeti rugs and Visual Comfort & Co lamps in all four of the rooms. “The children love their bedrooms,” says the owner, “so much so that when we go away they become quite homesick for them.”

Every space in the house is in constant use. The library does double duty as a formal dining room and home office. Furnished with a long custom table featuring power outlets hidden in the centre panel and a computer workstation concealed in a custom inlaid straw marquetry cabinet, it is also where the children do their homework or sit and read books. And for special dining occasions, the butler’s pantry that opens directly into the room is perfect for serving guests.

“I really love the house as a whole,” says the enraptured client. “It’s a great balance between traditional and modern, and so cohesive throughout. Carla’s aesthetic fits very well with mine, so she was absolutely the right designer for us.”

The Design Team

Carla Barton: carlabarton.com.au

The post This glamourous family residence was conceived as an ode to a high-end fashion store appeared first on Homes To Love.

Taking inspiration from the allotment, the vegetable styling trend answers a craving for realism and offers an immediacy that manufactured objects can’t. Fresh produce can soften the rigidity of a set and give it the lived-in quality that contemporary styling leans towards. The romanticism of using fresh produce is a nod to the idea that the everyday can be visually compelling. Additionally, its rise coincides with a shift away from the predictability of florals or foliage. In a digital age defined by polish, we are drawn to imperfection – and seemingly, vegetables.

Part of its momentum comes from a broader shift in how we respond to images. After years of hyper-curated visuals, there is a growing desire for something that feels unvarnished. Vegetables meet that mood: their shapes are never identical, their colours fluctuate with the season and their flaws read as character rather than fault.

The stylists, designers and creators leading the trend

Recently, Jacquemus launched the “Le Valérie” handbag with an immersive activation that alchemised the Paris and New York stores into markets, where the latest bag launch was displayed against crates of seasonal produce – oranges, lemons, onions – and immaculately folded attire and accessories. The activation could be seen from the storefront, where a white scalloped awning added to the organic styling ideas. This is not the first time we have seen seasonal produce styled by the masters of marketing. Earlier this year, the Jacquemus team launched a new collection of emblems and accessories, and advertised it by having children dress up as said charms in the spirit of Halloween. Or, when the French brand tapped White Lotus actor Jon Gries for a campaign that saw the actor reclining on a banana-yellow car and driving around a cart full of bananas.

Moreover, Revered stylist Steve Cordony recently took to the trend, hosting a masterclass for homewares brand Castlery in Brisbane and Sydney, where he demonstrated natural tabletop styling for this festive season using the latest range from the beloved brand. Asparagus was arranged in vases, while cabbage, papaya, mushrooms and shallots could be found in abundance.

Arguably the original adopter of the vegetable styling trend was none other than Loewe. And it didn’t stop at using the garden for styling props, but extended to translating those frivolous shapes into couture and scents for candles and home sprays. For example, the FW22 collection saw models slouched over oversized fake pumpkins and nursing inflated apples, with staging designed by Anthea Hamilton. Led under the tutelage of Jonathan Anderson, we wonder if we will be seeing the same appetite for the allotment at Dior, now the beloved creative director has jumped ship?

Get the look

On the the hand, brands such as Nonna Grocer and Maison Balzac have built their look around fruit and vegetables, rather than solely confining them to styling props. The Nonna Grocer candles take the shape of realistic avocados and oranges, while the objects from Maison Balzac are studded with ornaments inspired by food, such as plump green olives.

01

Tomato Candle

$45, Nonna Grocer

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02

LOEWE Passionfruit Mini Leather Pouch

$1,018, Vestiaire Collective

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03

Chilli Gobelets

$149, Maison Balzac

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The post What the new wave of vegetable-led styling says about our appetite for imperfection appeared first on Homes To Love.

For Fiona Spence and Morris Lyda, buying the house was a matter of timing. “It was on the market for years – it waited for us,” says Fiona. When they arrived, they felt an energy beyond the visual. “Magic,” she calls it. “And magic is really hard to find.”

Recognising potential is one thing; embracing a vision – and funding it – is quite another. An ally came in the form of architect Rob Brown, design principal at Casey Brown Architecture. “I’d visited the house 15 years earlier,” he recalls. “Even then, it felt like some medieval ruin: powerful and poetic.” When Fiona approached him through his wife, Caroline Casey, a strong creative connection formed. “He was the right architect for the house,” says Fiona. “Not just for me.”

The shared challenge was to restore, reimagine and reinhabit the house without diluting its essence. “We didn’t want to impose,” says Rob. “Our aim was to understand what the house wanted.”

That process took eight years of slow, deliberate decision-making. “We started fast,” says Fiona, “but the house had other ideas and in the end we had to listen.” Many choices were made onsite, measuring tape in hand, sightlines assessed from the bed position, ideas trialled, shifted and refined.

Access posed an immediate obstacle as the steep, vegetated site defied traditional logistics. The solutions were genius: a private cable-car system sourced from Seattle, and a rock-and-roll-style flying fox designed by Morris using rigging techniques honed through years in global stage production. These bespoke systems allowed materials, trades – and even stone slabs – to arrive with precision and minimal environmental disruption.

Restoration was equal parts architectural and archaeological. The original bow truss roof was re-engineered, stone walls repointed, and windows finally installed where once only imagined. The new additions (bedroom, bathroom and study) don’t mimic but rather extend the language of the original. “We weren’t replicating,” Rob explains. “We were adding a chapter in a conversation with what already existed.”

That conversation unfolds through materiality. Stone meets terrazzo, hand-waxed copper glows beside timber, blackened ceilings frame shafts of sculpted light.

“There’s an idea of leaning into unpredictability,” Fiona notes. “There are moments when the house still surprises.” Nowhere is this more apparent than in the way the house melds with the land. Instead of resisting the rock shelves, the design absorbs them. A boulder punctuates the powder room; another becomes part of the study wall. In the new wing, glass slices into the rockface with elegant precision. Fiona was involved at every stage, down to the smallest details. “Those vintage bronze door handles kickstarted the whole aesthetic,” she points out.

The creative relationship between Fiona, Morris and Rob was intense – collaborative, sometimes combative, but always productive. “Three very opinionated people,” says Fiona. “But the result is more than any one of us could have envisioned.”

There’s a natural theatricality to the house: the sweeping terrace that frames both Pittwater and the Pacific, the cantilevered bedroom that captures the sunrise, the arrival via cable car which allows a slow perspective on the house and sense of intimacy with the landscape in which it sits. But it’s theatre grounded in experience, shaped by sensitivity to light, air, views and the natural contours of the site.

Most remarkable is how the new work evokes the original without being beholden to it. “It had to feel like it could always have been there,” says Rob. “A variation, not a replica.”

This is architecture not only of site, but of time – the years it took for the house to be rediscovered and reimagined. Each room evokes the rhythm of the original, with black timber ceilings, stone walls and a floor plan that moves with the land’s natural fall.

The interiors, which won the John Verge Award for Interior Architecture at the 2025 NSW Architecture Awards, are shaped by Fiona’s longstanding collection of art, furniture, ceramics and textiles, many from her own brand, Innate. The layered richness of materials is in tune with the building and the land, tying it all together.

“This place is more than a house,” Fiona reflects. “It’s a kind of living history – a story we have joined, not written from scratch.”

The Design Team

Innate Collection: innatecollection.com

Casey Brown Architecture: caseybrown.com

The post Restoring a dramatic Sydney home while preserving its essence appeared first on Homes To Love.

At the centre of the project, founders James Maroun of TheEND and Charlotte Hicks of ESSE Studios advocate for fastidious practices that celebrate enduring design and the importance of tactile materials. The collaboration presents an environment where materials and processes coexist – a setting that reflects both brands’ belief in design as a form of self-expression. “Our interior environment is an extension of who we are, just as what we wear reflects how we live,” says Maroun.

Objects of Intention explores the intersection between interior design and fashion. Both fields are converging, and this collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to craftsmanship, longevity and considered design. Within the space, TheEND’s handcrafted objects, carved using traditional techniques, sit beside ESSE Studios’ seasonless eveningwear.

The post Paddington gets a new playground for furniture and fashion lovers appeared first on Homes To Love.

The best Christmas stockings 2025

01

Heirloom Christmas Santa Sack

from $79.95 at Bespoke Letterpress

Adorned with illustrations by Maja Lindberg, the Heirloom Christmas Santa Sack crafted from premium linen is perfect for placing at the foot of a bed or under the Christmas tree. Finished with a red velvet ribbon, this heirloom-quality Santa sack is designed to be part of your festive memories for years to come, whether you’re starting a tradition or continuing a cherished one.

Sizes: 50cm width x 77cm length.

Materials: 100% Flax Linen

Key features:

• Eco-Friendly Materials
• Easy to wash
• Artist Collaboration

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02

Patchwork Bow Christmas Stocking

from $76.60 at Damson Madder

Crafted from 100% organic cotton and surplus fabric, this chic, contemporary iteration of the Christmas classic adopts a patchwork pattern and is adorned with a hanging loop, making it as functional as it is stylish.

Sizes: 20cm width x 45cm height (top to heel) x 30cm (heel to toe)

Materials: 100% organic cotton

Key features:

• Made using surplus fabric
• Easy to wash
• Ready to hang

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03

Christmas Santa Sack

from $80 at Philé

Made from 100% wool, handmade by Fair Trade operatives in Nepal, this Christmas Santa sack is durable and designed to last for years. Available in three colours, each Santa sack is individually hand made, and, even though artisans make every effort to create only the best, natural blemishes and imperfections are what make each piece unique. So bring a little charm to your holiday traditions with this Christmas classic, as it is the perfect way to keep gifts organised under the tree, adorned with a Tassel Drawstring Close to keep everything tidy.

Sizes: 40 cm width x Size: 60cm length

Colours: Green

Materials: Wool

Key features:

• Made from 100% wool, handmade by Fair Trade operatives in Nepal
• Available in multiple colours
• Durable

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04

Personalised Holiday Hellebore Stocking

from $84 at Shirley Bredal

Hand-embroidered with holiday motifs, the Holiday Hellebore Stocking is fastidiously knitted and hand-embroidered. Available in three alternative colourways, this intricate Christmas Stocking can be personalised by artisans – and if you want to have a longer name embroidered, it can be embroidered vertically. 

Sizes: 17cm width x 55cm length

Materials: Merino wool 

Key features:

• Hand knitted
• Cruelty free
• Available to personalise

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05

Christmas Stocking

from $69.95 at Country Road

This Country Road Christmas Stocking is available in three differing colour variations – myrtle stripe, fairy tale stripe and natural stripe. The traditional silhouette is a timeless silhouette that can be used for years of festivities, and can also be personalised!

Sizes: 25cm width x 40cm length

Materials:100% Cotton

Key features:

• Can be personalised
• Ready to hang
• Linen-cotton blend

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06

Red Boucle Santa Sack

from $69 at KIP & CO

This Red Boucle Santa Sack is a true Kip&Co Christmas classic. The traditional style Santa sack is made from a recycled polyester boucle in red with fluffy white trim and gold rope drawstring tie. Packaged in a 100% biodegradable cornstarch bag, the product is proudly carbon neutral.

Sizes: 50 cm width x 77 cm length

Materials: Recycled polyester boucle with golden rope drawstring

Key features:

• Sustainable option
• Traditional design
• Generous size

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07

Bow Velvet Christmas Stocking

from $29.99 at Temple & Webster

The Bow Velvet Christmas Stocking adopt a monochromatic palette and is adorned with an oversized bow. With a loop for easy hanging, this Christmas stocking makes a great addition for filling with presents or for Christmas décor.

Sizes: 28cm width x 45cm length

Materials: 100% polyester velvet

Key features:

• Easy to hang
• Embraces the ephemeral bow trend
• Monochromatic colour palette

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What is the difference between a Christmas stocking and Santa sack?

While they serve the same purpose, the distinction lies in scale and intent. A Christmas stocking is smaller, traditionally hung and designed for small gifts. A Santa sack, by contrast, is larger – used to hold bigger presents or a collection of smaller ones, usually placed beside the tree rather than over the mantel.

Do you wrap presents in Christmas stockings?

It comes down to personal preference. There are merits to both approaches: wrapping each item can build anticipation and add to the sense of occasion, while leaving them unwrapped lets the stocking act as the wrapping itself, keeping the ritual effortless.

Related article:

• The most stylish Christmas decorations for a curated home
• 7 luxurious Christmas crackers with gifts you’ll want to keep
• 8 unique Christmas wreaths you won’t see on everyone’s front door
  

The post The most stylish Christmas stockings to elevate your mantel appeared first on Homes To Love.

The best luxury Christmas decorations 2025

01

Large Bow

from $335 at Rose Van-Eyk

Best for: the trend setter

This hand-crafted bow is crafted from cotton sateen, offering a sheen and subtle texture to any surface or space this festive season. Designed for versatility, it can be styled as a decorative accent on a mantelpiece, a statement on a table setting, grazing table or to top your Christmas tree.

Sizes: 60×120cm

Colours: Multiple colours and patterns

Materials: Cotton sateen

Key features:

• Made to order
• Versatile
• Available in multiple colour and patterns

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02

Lit Wooden Christmas Mantel Villages

from $559 at Balsam Hill

Best for: counting down the days

Brighten up your decorating with this Victorian-era advent calendar. With its built-in lights and natural palette, this miniature Christmas village brings a glow to mantels, windows or tabletops.

Sizes: Measures 105 cm long x 9 cm wide x 19 cm high

Materials: Crafted from linden plywood

Key features:

• Features amber LED lights
• Handmade
• Easy to assemble

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03

Velvet Bow Clips

from $14.99 at Bed Bath ‘N Table

Best for: modern or traditional styling

These velvet bow clips add a dash of texture to your Christmas tree or table setting. Their plush finish suit both modern and traditional styling, and are a beautiful way to add feminine beauty to your festive décor.

Sizes: 15x12cm

Colours: Sage

Materials: Nylon

Key features:

• Available in a set of 6
• Suit modern and traditional styling

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04

Neutral Decorative Paper Tabletop Trees

from $54 at West Elm

Best for: the entertainer

The Neutral Decorative Paper Tabletop Trees are a modern take on the traditional tabletop tree. Handmade and easy to assemble, they’re simple to store and ideal for entertainers, families, or anyone seeking a subtle festive touch without going all out.

Sizes: 30 cm, 51 cm

Colours: Ivory

Materials: Paper

Key features:

• Hand cut and folded by skilled Indian artists
• Simple to assemble
• A modern take on traditional tabletop trees

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05

Gold Star Bells

from $55 at Luxe & Beau

Best for: a timeless addition

This set of decorative gold Christmas bells, featuring star cut-outs, adds a touch of tradition to your styling. Tie a ribbon through the top to create the perfect decorations for a magical Christmas tree.

Sizes: Diameter 13cm

Colours: Gold, Red, Silver

Key features:

• Set of 4
• Easy to clean
• A classic Christmas ornament

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06

Capiz Ornament Collection

from $129 at Balsam Hill

Best for: a winter wonderland

Accentuate your tree with capiz shell ornaments, that add a pearlescent glow to your Christmas decorating. Sold in a set of 6, the Capiz Ornament Collection is available in a snowflake, star and angel silhouette.

Sizes: Each measures 15 cm–20 cm in diameter x 15 cm–20 cm high

Colours: Gold

Materials: Capiz shell

Key features:

• Each ornament piece comes with a 8 cm long nylon thread for hanging
• Handcrafted from natural capiz shells and metal
• Each piece is unique with slight variations

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07

David Jones Nutcracker

from $209.95 at David Jones

Best for: Santa’s Workshop

This nutcracked, although multicoloured, adopts a monochromatic palette of cream, gold and charcoal. The perfect addition to your entry or accompanying the Christmas tree, the Nutcracker is a whimsical, yet classic design.

Sizes: 91cm

Colours: Multicoloured

Materials: Wood

Key features:

• A timeless design
• Available in different colourways

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When to put up Christmas decor?

While there is no set rule for when to begin, many households mark the start of the festive season by putting up decorations on December 1. December is, of course, a month steeped in celebration – carols playing wherever you go, Christmas trees and lights lining the streets. Some, however, prefer to begin even earlier, bringing out their décor in November.

What is trending this year for Christmas decor?

While bows were a defining holiday décor trend last year, the style shows no signs of slowing – if anything, it’s enjoying a resurgence. Central to the “Ralph Lauren Christmas” look that has likely graced your socials, the style embraces the rules of traditional festive décor: think tartan, neatly wrapped gifts and an elegant avoidance of tinsel, with red velvet bows punctuating mantles, staircases, garlands and trees.

Related article:

• 8 unique Christmas wreaths you won’t see on everyone’s front door
• 7 luxurious Christmas crackers with gifts you’ll want to keep

The post The most stylish Christmas decorations for a curated home appeared first on Homes To Love.

Best Byron Bay accommodation 2025

01

Este

Sleeps: 2-16 people

Inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater, Este can be hired as two separate residences – North and South – or as the entire estate. Overlooking Wategos Beach and the Byron hinterland, this beachfront accommodation sleeps up to 16 guests across multiple living zones. Expansive entertaining areas, private pools, and landscaped gardens provide the ideal setting for family gatherings, group escapes or milestone celebrations.

Reasons to stay:

• Complimentary airport pick-up
• In-house massage and treatment offerings
• Personalised itinerary planning
• Uninterrupted beach views from every bedroom

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02

Raes Guesthouses

Sleeps: 2-20 people

Opened in November 2024, the new Raes guesthouses are just moments from the hotel and offer the same unmatched luxury you would expect from the brand. With 10 new, beautifully appointed rooms in what was previously Victoria’s on Wategos, the guesthouses feature an exclusive private dining space, spectacular indoor common areas with log fires, and three gorgeous pools.

Reasons to stay:

• Luxury private spaces with like-minded guests
• Beautiful interiors designed by Tamsin Johnson
• Private dining options with access to Raes dining room and cellar bar

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03

Sun Ranch

Sleeps: 2-34 people

Byron Bay accommodation doesn’t get much better than Sun Ranch. Sitting on a huge 55 acres, this newly-designed Byron Bay hotel is dripping with a blend of 70s and Californian ranch style, and hopes to ignite the passion of foodies, music lovers, wellness gurus and creatives alike. The accommodation options range from the Sun Ranch barns and Rambler Pool rooms, all the way up to the Private Suite. You can also grab a Pool Club day pass if you’re just swinging through.

Reasons to stay:

• 70s Cali-style ranch vibes
• Book a private room or rent the whole place out
• Ideal for couples, families, groups or corporate events
• Pool, sauna, yoga and loads more amenities
• In-room and private dining options

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04

Hotel Marvell

Sleeps: 2+ people

Perfectly located just 5 minutes from the beach and flanked by some of the best cafes and restaurants in town, Hotel Marvell was deigned with natural materials, comprises 24 rooms – which include 16 hotel rooms, 6 suites, and 2 two-bedroom suites – a rooftop pool and bar, with panoramic views of the town and water.

Reasons to stay:

• Perfect location in the centre of town
• Palm Springs aesthetic
• Lush gardens and rooftop pool

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05

28 Degrees

Sleeps: 2-14 people

Intimate, private and perfect for a couples getaway; despite being in the heart of Byron Bay, 28 Degrees feels worlds away. The purpose of the space is to provide a locale to reconnect, slow down and reset, and to aid you in doing so, you will be treated to luxe linen, afternoons spent by your private plunge pool, in-room massages, champagne on demand and time spent lazing under the property’s lush palms.

With a rating of 9.4/10 on Booking.com, previous guests of 28 degrees can’t rate it highly enough. “This is such a beautiful, thoughtfully curated place to stay. One of the comfiest beds I’d ever slept in. Lovely breakfast and staff. Would have happily stayed longer,” said Amy.

Reasons to stay:

• Adults-only retreat
• Private plunge pool in select rooms
• Sustainable experience
• TV-free space to help you digitally detox

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06

The Bower

Sleeps: 2-31 people

If you’re looking for Byron Bay accommodation that’s both luxe and relaxed, try The Bower. Established in mid-2017, this boutique Byron Bay hotel has since expanded its offerings to include 14 suites, a holiday house, a barn-style abode, a pair of studios and a cottage, as well as one of the most Instagram-worthy swimming pools we’ve ever seen. The Bower boasts hundreds of rave reviews and has a 9.3/10 rating on Booking.com.

Reasons to stay:

• On-site spa and magnesium pool
• Treats and hampers
• Multiple unique accommodation options for couples, families and groups
• Complimentary bikes and yoga essentials

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07

Crystalbrook Byron

Sleeps: 2+ people

Set within 45 acres of subtropical rainforest, Crystalbrook Byron is a true nature escape complete with all the creature comforts you could need. Each of the 92 suites offers treetop views and spa-like bathrooms, while the on-site day spa ensures you can indulge in a full pamper day. The resort also boasts a swimming pool with bar, a fitness centre, daily yoga and a rainforest restaurant that uses fresh, local produce.

Crystalbrook Byron has an average 4.5-star Google rating; guests consistently praise the service, beautiful surrounds and clean, comfortable rooms.

Reasons to stay:

• Luxurious day spa
• Swimming pool with bar
• Rainforest surrounds
• Rainforest restaurant

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08

Blackbird

Sleeps: 2+ people

High up in the hinterlands of Byron Bay sit the industrial concrete pavilions of Blackbird. True to Byron’s general aura, Blackbird presents a place to decompress and appreciate life’s simplicities from a base of considered luxury, decode the night sky with ‘Star Gazing’ manuals, get a better glimpse of the native birds with binoculars, and use the comprehensive guide to explore the nearby trails. You can also get a discounted room with fewer services by booking Blackbird via Airbnb.

Reasons to stay:

• A unique, luxury nature experience
• Massages, tours and transport available
• Private chefs available for dinner

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09

Raes on Wategos

Sleeps: 2+ people

If luxury and refined Byron Bay accommodation is more your thing, Raes on Wategos is the place to be. A 2016 refurbishment, with interiors designed by Tamsin Johnson, has reimagined the local institution as a sophisticated sanctuary complete with furniture clad in custom linen upholstery and rooms that feel as if you’re staying at a rich friend’s holiday house. Spend afternoons at the cellar door with oysters and prosecco, and don’t miss a night of fine dining at the in-house restaurant – it’s worth it!

Reasons to stay:

• Incredible service and amenities
• Fine dining restaurant
• In-house spa with Rationale skincare
• Perfect location on Wategos Beach

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10

Halcyon House, Cabarita

Sleeps: 2+ people

Although this one may be a half-hour drive north of Byron Bay, the accommodation at Halcyon House – designed by Anna Spiro – is too good to pass up. But beware, you’ll never want to leave! Stroll down to the beach if you wish, but you can also chill out by the pool, enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments or head into the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant, which won Gourmet Traveller‘s award for Best Hotel Breakfast. It also enjoys a 9.6/10 rating on Booking.com, with particular mention of the “stunning interiors” and “friendly staff”. We lurrrve.

Reasons to stay:

• Unique rooms designed by Anna Spiro
• On-site hatted restaurant and luxe day spa
• Direct beach access to one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches

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What is the best time of year to go to Byron Bay?

As always, the best time to visit anywhere depends on your preference. If you’re searching for a beach holiday with plenty of sun, sand and surf, the summer months (December-February) will be the perfect time – but be prepared for bigger crowds and higher prices. For those who prefer coastal walks, weekend markets and cosy nights in – and don’t mind the cool sea breeze – winter (June-August) is the off-season and will still have everything you’re looking for. If you’re looking to dodge the crowds, Autumn (March-May) is a more quiet time to visit, but Spring (September-November) offers the balance of warmer weather and smaller crowds with the added bonus of coinciding with the whale watching season.

Is it worth staying in Byron Bay?

Byron Bay is a beautiful region and one of Australia’s most famous beach towns – for good reason! It has a plethora of luxurious and unique accommodation options, stunning beaches, parks and coastal walks, boutique shopping, renowned dining destinations, and wellness centres on nearly every corner, but that’s not to say the surrounding regions should be forgotten. Bangalow (Byron’s slightly more under-the-radar sibling), Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby, Ballina, Yamba and Lennox Heads are just a few of the nearby must-visit spots. From laid-back vibes to beautiful beaches, Byron’s surrounding areas have plenty to offer.

How many days in Byron Bay is enough?

Byron Bay is only small, but there’s surprises around every corner. To get the fully zen, Byron experience, you’ll want to do as the locals do and take it slow. There’s no such thing as rushing in Byron. Aim for at least three days if you’re pressed for time, but ideally five days are needed to fully appreciate the slower pace of life. If you have a car and can visit the surrounding areas like Bangalow and Mullumbimby, you’ll want to stay an additional few days.

Can you get around Byron Bay without a car?

Yes, you can easily get around Byron Bay without a car! The town centre is small, compact, and incredibly walkable. For longer visits you might look into bike-riding as a means of transportation, considering popular spots like The Farm are only a 20 minute ride away. There are also plenty of shuttle buses and local buses, and, of course, taxis and Ubers are readily available.

The post The best Byron Bay accommodation options for your next beach holiday appeared first on Homes To Love.

Drawing from the classic vernacular typical of the area, the three-level, five-bedroom home seems tailormade for the location – north-facing and overlooking the Yarra River, a rare and prized commodity in Melbourne. But when the owners discovered the waterfront block in 2016, the existing house was adrift.

“We found the property after a long search,” says the owner. “With its frontage and glorious northern aspect, it was the kind of place where the sun lingers and trees frame the view. It felt grounded and full of possibility.” However, she says the hapless house, having witnessed many additions and subtractions over the years, “felt bitty and the rooms didn’t speak to one another”. And it gave scant regard to those river views and the northern aspect.

Rather than add another layer, in 2018 the owners started afresh, hiring Adelaide Bragg of Adelaide Bragg Interiors and architect Russell Casper of CAD on a multi-year journey from tentative sketches to the final buttons and trims. Their mission? “We wanted the new design to feel timeless, grounded and not read as a new build, but rather as a home with an enduring sense of place.”

Generous proportions, light and flow were catchwords in the brief. “We wanted a home that felt effortless, practical, welcoming and connected to family life. The brief was about creating spaces that flowed seamlessly, balancing communal areas with moments of retreat – with relaxed spaces for everyday living balanced by more elevated zones for entertaining.” And, as the owner is a keen cook and baker, a kitchen that works for one cook or more while also accommodating visitors was a must.

“They wanted interiors that gathered the northern light and framed the tree-line, with materials that age gracefully and a palette that feels grounded and calm,” Adelaide explains. From the owners’ amassed Insta and Pinterest images, recurring themes emerged: “natural fibres, timber, soft colours, tailored detailing and craftsmanship”.

Adelaide and Russell opened the home to the north and choreographed long sightlines to the tranquil vista beyond. To the left of the entry and its dramatic staircase are a study, an office and a powder room; to the right are a formal living and dining space. Beyond that, an informal open plan abuts a loggia along the rear, with the kitchen anchoring the space and a scullery and mud room tucked behind it. In the basement below sit a second loggia leading to the garden, an indoor cinema and a gym. Five bedrooms, three with ensuites (the main has two), occupy the top level.

While allowing lashings of light, the generous glazing, together with the loggias and terracing at the rear, ensures the garden (designed by Paul Bangay) effectively becomes another room of the house.

That connection is fostered by the interior materials and palette. Exquisite attention to detail and craftsmanship prevail. “Subtle wall panelling brings rhythm and proportion,” says Adelaide, adding that the cornicing, stone fireplaces, mouldings and pelmets are also true to the Neo-Georgian vernacular. In English country-house style, a secret door off the formal dining room leads discreetly to the kitchen.

Limed French-oak chevron floors were chosen for their warmth and classic overtones; limestone in the kitchens and bathrooms (honed and lightly veined) delivers understated luxury and durability. Wallpapers create a cossetting feeling to the more intimate spaces. Brass door hardware was designed to patinate with use, and natural fabrics, such as linen, wool and cotton, were chosen for their “hand feel and fall” as much as for colour. Texture, according to Adelaide, “does the heavy lifting”, with open-weave linens, wool bouclé, grasscloth and hand-finished timber. Patterns are delicate and underplayed.

Similarly, the subtle palette draws its inspiration from what lies beyond the multi-paned sash windows and French doors. “Sun-washed and grounded, it ranges from warm whites and bone through to oat and caramel, lifted by soft eucalyptus and duck-egg tones, with deeper inky accents for balance,” she says.

By contrast, the furniture and fittings, such as the custom sofas, a dining table large enough for family and friends and a mighty pendant in the entry foyer, are not understated – their generous scale lends them a sense of gravitas, tailored to the rooms’ lavish proportions and lofty ceilings.

“Adelaide knew when to nudge us towards bolder choices and has an uncanny talent for pulling everything together so it feels cohesive,” says the owner, who relishes the expansiveness of the new-found indoor-outdoor connection but also the finer points. “We love the small, considered details – the finely crafted buttons, delicate trims and subtle bindings – that quietly elevate each space.”

“What I love about this house is the way the outdoor vistas are quietly echoed within the interiors through the materials and palette,” says Adelaide. “There’s a seamlessness between inside and out. But most of all, the home feels cohesive and unforced, as if it simply grew here.”

The Design Team

Adelaide Bragg Interiors: adelaidebragg.com

Casper Architecture & Design: casperarchitecture.com

The post This Neo-Georgian Melbourne home proudly owns its spectacular site appeared first on Homes To Love.

From a weekender down the road, the owners had long eyed up the property, which sits on a sand dune 20 metres above the beach and was at the time occupied by a ho-hum project home. In 2016, it came on the market and, after signing on the dotted line, they asked Jorge to build them their forever home. Having holidayed locally for some years, they had no illusions about what the exposed location could throw at them. “We knew the movements of the sun and where the prevailing winds came from. The harsh winds and salt-laden air can annihilate building materials,” says the owner.

That knowledge informed the brief for a new two-storey, three-bedroom house on the eastern oceanfront and a separate two-bedroom cottage across a courtyard on the western side. “It had to blend into the headland, so you can’t see it from the beach, with timber, off-form concrete, sandstone and copper (on the roof),” says the owner. “We wanted an indoor/outdoor feel with the downstairs fully open with sliders to the outside, but with separate spaces, such as a study for me and a media room for my wife. And the back, looking to the hinterland, would offer shelter and sunsets.”

A courtyard that offers protection from summer northeasterlies and access to winter sun was another must-have. It also had to hunker down and harmonise with the dune by having a modest profile and exploring natural materials. That sand dune, with the ever-present threat of erosion in the area, would call for a unique design solution. “As the site was perilously close to the waves and sitting on only sand, the idea of a wharf came to mind,” says Jorge. “Wharves straddle both solid land and the sea. From this, I developed a modern interpretation with wharf posts expressed both internally and externally.”

Those handsome posts would also be structurally beneficial, mitigating the threat of erosion. Jorge placed the house close to the sea by utilising the existing slab. Behind that, the 15-metre posts were burrowed five-storeys-deep into the sand. Also like a wharf, the house features a central circulation spine, with spaces left and right, on a journey to the ocean. “Having been to Japan, I was very impressed with their timber structures and capacity to last many centuries,” says Jorge. “That timeless aesthetic is linked to their ancient traditions.”

In Jorge’s case, his hand-crafted structure became the decoration, expressed literally in nuts and bolts. “The whole building is almost intuited as a piece of joinery,” he adds. He had the laminated Victorian ash posts and beams custom-made, along with the stainless-steel bolts that fasten handsome black steel straps around the base of the posts. Jorge also thinned down the rafters with black steel plates, resulting in a super-chic and svelte wharf aesthetic. Instead of plasterboard, he used a light beech plywood veneer and raw cementitious wall panelling to add depth and texture while referencing traditional Japanese building styles.

A floating stair, together with battens expressed in screens and sliding walls, creates an airy lightness and warmth throughout.

As well as blending beautifully with the seaside setting, the robust, raw materials withstand the harsh seaside conditions and some even thrive in them. The Victorian ash posts and blackbutt windows require infrequent oiling, the Shou Sugi Ban charred timber cladding (Japanese, of course) will last decades without attention, and the copper roofing will be immune to the salty air as it patinas attractively.

Similarly, the Accoya engineered-timber ceiling battens were chosen for their durability, in a light colour that takes its cues from the beach. The wide French oak flooring with a distressed finish “reflects the ruggedness and feeling of walking on sand,” says Jorge. “The natural materials and colour palette let the sea and sand dune do the talking. I love how the house looks like it was always there and will get better with time.”

“It’s a piece of livable art. Every aspect is beautiful, with exquisite finishes,” says the owner. “The oak flooring is great for walking on barefoot yet not tippy-toey because it doesn’t need to be nurtured. This isn’t a resort, just a comfortable beachside home.”

The Design Team

Jorge Hrdina: jorgehrdina.com

The post Japanese-inspired design turns this beach house into a Zen retreat appeared first on Homes To Love.

The bespoke tailor and interior designer duo purchased the property in 2020 for $10.05 million, investing half a decade in its transformation. Positioned on Eastbourne Road, the five-bedroom mansion sits on a thousand-square-metre parcel with a 30-metre frontage and uninterrupted views across Double Bay and Seven Shillings Beach.

Inside the Darling Point mansion

Reconfigured by Tamsin Johnson Interiors, the house coalesced its original architectural details –  high ornate ceilings, arched windows and timber panelling – with subtle modernisation and Tamsin Johnson’s signature whimsy. Calacatta marble surfaces, Italian tumbled floors and bespoke joinery run throughout, complemented by French alabaster pendants and Murano glass sconces referencing the home’s Art Deco origins.

The ground floor includes formal living spaces with fireplaces, a library, sunroom and dining room, each opening to terraces and manicured gardens designed by Wyer & Co. While the idyllic kitchen centres on a marble island, with Perrin & Rowe fittings, European appliances and cabinetry detailed with the brand’s signature “croissant” handles.

Upstairs, three bedrooms include a principal suite with a Hollywood-style dressing room and marble-lined ensuite overlooking the harbour. Additionally, the lower level features a wellness area with sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool, alongside a separate gym or guest suite.

Throughout, the renovation prioritises proportion, texture and natural light permeation. The addition of internal access from a double garage and the creation of an entirely new third level reflect a practical approach to modern living.

Kendall Lodge is being sold via expressions of interest through TRG’s Gavin Rubinstein and Marion Badenoch, following a series of high-profile Darling Point and Bellevue Hill sales in the $20 to $30 million range. The Johnsons have since purchased a 1970s harbourfront property in Watsons Bay for $28.4 million – their next design undertaking.

The post Tamsin and Patrick Johnson list their restored Darling Point Art Deco mansion appeared first on Homes To Love.

Call it a skate ramp, a ski slope or even a surfer’s delight – the roof of Avalon’s famous ‘Wave House’ defies traditional construction with its fluid form. The house has been much buzzed about since the late 1980s when it was built, the dramatic design elevating it to icon status.

“All the Northern Beaches locals know it,” says Morgan Reid of Alexandra Kidd Interior Design (AK.ID), who had driven past many times and was lucky enough to be the lead designer on its recent renovation, alongside design principal Alexandra Kidd. “When I told people I was working on it, everyone said, ‘Oh, that house!’

The owners recognised the building’s design significance from the outset and wanted to honour its legacy while converting it into a home that was sophisticated but not out of reach. Given its age and unusual shape, the renovation process wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were waterproofing issues and the windows had to be replaced due to their age and long-term exposure to the elements. A heavy maritime theme lent the house to lots of beach-shack blue, sandstone and window portholes, which needed to be reconsidered, though Morgan was conscious of not expunging its character.

“The architecture makes a big statement and it was important to keep the integrity of the building intact,” she says. “We didn’t want to come in and change everything, but at the same time it was a bit overwhelming. So, rather than compete with it, we adopted a simple materials palette that hinted back to the nautical narrative but in a quieter way. Our philosophy was refinement over reinvention.”

This involved gently pulling apart and recrafting the interiors to “echo the coastal setting”. New elements included creamy microcement walls and stone slabs, fresh oat colours for the furniture, and grasscloth wallpaper and jute rugs. The result is a home with “warmth, resilience and longevity”, says Morgan.

The seaside palette weaves through the house, and has been especially amped up in the powder room with blue-grey tones: a slab of Fusion quartzite with a smudged, painterly effect; walls in Bauwerk Colour ‘Fjord’; and a shelf basin from Nood Co. “We knew when to intervene and when to let the form breathe,” says Morgan of finding the right balance.

“Even the structural challenges were resolved with care so the house’s poetic rhythm was never disrupted. Every adjustment was intentional and each element considered to support the next chapter of family life without disrupting the home’s soul.”

A central fireplace hub and joinery unit is at the heart of the ground floor, with the kitchen, dining and living areas tucked into their own respective corners. From the communal area, there’s a panorama out to the water, which glitters all the way to Avalon Beach and its headland. Accessed by a spiral staircase unfurling to the garden, the whale-watching platform provides regular sightings at migration time.

Inside, daylight seeps through a wall of glass bricks, illuminating the staircase reaching down to the lower ground floor. At night, brass-domed sconces light the way to a renovated bedroom and main bedroom wing, the latter with white Calacatta Vagli Oro marble in the ensuite. Alexandra’s team worked alongside building designer Peter Downes to demolish the pool along the side of the house and replace it with a bedroom and ensuite, extending the house in order to satisfy the owners’ needs.

While the rest of the house is exposed to light from its sweeping sheets of glass, the open mezzanine is the cosy counterpoint. Solid timber battens form the underside of the hull-like ceiling, which has been patched and stained, cultivating a warm, moody atmosphere. Known as the reading room, it’s decked out with a Ligne Roset ‘Prado’ settee and chairs by Douglas Snelling and from Tacchini.

“The end result is a living sculpture: immersive, grounded and emotionally resonant,” says Morgan. “We’ve created a place where the architecture becomes art and design elevates the everyday, a timeless retreat where the line between structure and setting dissolves into a calm, expressive whole.”

The Design Team

Alexandra Kidd Interior Design: alexandrakidd.com

Bradstreet Building: bradstreet.com

Peter Downes: peterdownes.com

The post Reawakening a timeless coastal sanctuary appeared first on Homes To Love.

That’s just what she did with A Room of My Own, her work for the Mecca x NGV Women in Design Commission, currently on display at the NGV. Functioning as both a dressing table and a kind of shrine, it’s a cabinet in wood, lacquer and glass that opens to reveal a mirror on one side, and Doshi’s own abstract paintings of women who’ve inspired her on the other. “It was a commission very focused on women and the voices of women, so I wanted to create something very personal,” Doshi explains. “I saw it as an opportunity to be maximum me. And I wanted to tell a story rooted in my memories of all the women in my life, and the rituals I grew up with.”

Those women include her mother’s friends and relatives, who gathered every afternoon to talk about their lives and support each other; her aunt Maya, who not only ran a textile workshop that supplied houses including Issey Miyake and Hermès, but also founded two NGOs supporting women, all while working as a chartered accountant; Nina, an architect friend who supported Doshi during a stay in hospital; Zeenat Aman, a convention-defying 1970s Bollywood actress; and finally, a self-portrait. “It’s a first for me that my paintings are part of a collection – I’m hugely honoured,” says Doshi, whose daily drawing practice serves as meditation, as visual research and as a problem-solving process. “It’s a pivotal moment for me as a person, this commission. I feel emboldened and I feel fearless.”

Despite the confidence the commission has given her, Doshi is careful to credit others. “My partner, Jonathan, was very much part of the cabinet’s development,” she says. “He was a collaborator, especially when it came to resolving the aesthetic and technical details.” The pair mixed the coloured lacquers in their colour library, while the cabinet itself was made in France by Atelier Helbecque. That assistance isn’t always an unmixed blessing, however. “Often I’m written out of books about women and design because I work with a man, so I appreciate this support and encouragement to say, ‘This is my voice and I want to use it.’”

That encouragement also enabled her to lean into beauty for this commission: beauty in the diversity of her inspirations; beauty as an attribute of the object itself; and beauty as one of its functions. “The cabinet is multifaceted, like women,” explains Doshi. “It’s a shrine and it’s a dressing table – to look after your body, and celebrate the ritual of getting ready, is important.” This conflation of beauty with spirituality was a deliberate move on Doshi’s part: “Beauty is highly underrated and dismissed in design because it is considered to be feminine and decorative and superficial, but I think that beauty is an inherent human need.”

Beauty emporium Mecca, whose M-POWER grant program supported this commission, would doubtless agree. And so will delighted gallery-goers, who get to experience not only this exhibition, but also the initiative’s longer-term legacy of supporting women in design.

Nipa Doshi: doshilevien.com

NGV: ngv.vic.gov.au

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Our editors weigh in on a selection of furnishings that have likely crossed your screen, offering their perspectives on which designs endure – and which they believe won’t last the test of time.

Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy

Designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, the Togo challenged what a sofa could be. Its distinctive folds, low-slung form and foam-only construction stood in contrast to the stiffness of traditional seating. What began as an experiment in form and material became one of the most recognisable silhouettes in contemporary design –  and, over time, one of the most imitated.

Saskia Neacsu, Senior Content Producer:

It is hard to argue that this piece is anything but timeless. While it may have been bastardised by an influx of replicas, the original crimped, ground-gunning sofa gained recognition for a reason – its form was inspired by something as simple as a crumpled toothpaste tube.

Its shape has since become a reference point for others, and it is this tendency to replicate rather than innovate that fuels an endless line of copies. The Togo remains timeless because its proliferation reminds us how easily originality can be diluted when imitation takes precedence over distinctiveness.

Danielle Grover, Senior Content Producer:

TIMELESS! It’s been around since the ’70s, yet its iconic, lived-in design still manages to look more effortlessly cool than most modern counterparts.

Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner

Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949 for Carl Hansen & Søn, the Wishbone Chair – also known as the CH24 – is a distillation of Danish design. With its sculptural Y-shaped back and handwoven paper cord seat, Wegner sought to create a chair that was light in appearance yet generous in comfort.

Grace Flynn, Content Producer:

The Wishbone chair; elegant, refined, quintessentially Danish. But, even without ever having sat on one, I just know that they’d be uncomfortable.

In saying that, I’d love to be proven wrong! So, if anyone wishes to send me a Wishbone, please get in touch.  

Saskia Neacsu, Senior Content Producer:

Trendy. I know that may come as a surprise to some, but the 1950s design has been excessively saturated in the furniture market, and while its simple form may suit a particular interior, I wouldn’t say it has dated well.

Camaleonda Sofa by Marrio Bellini for B&B Italia 

Designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970, the Camaleonda Sofa was a modern interpretation of modular living. Its movable cushions, linked by hooks and rings, allowed for an array of configurations. With deep tufts and generous proportions, Bellini’s design set the blueprint for a new kind of personalised furniture – one that could be endlessly reconfigured to suit its owner.

Saskia Neacsu, Senior Content Producer:

While I can appreciate the original, I’ll admit I’ve grown desensitised to it – a casualty of endless duplication. Dupe culture has diluted the Camaleonda’s presence to the point where its form feels algorithmic rather than iconic.

My first instinct was to call it trendy, which, on reflection, feels unfair. The 1970s design set the precedent for modular seating as we know it – a blueprint for many interpretations, iterations and, admittedly, imitations to follow. So while its overexposure may have softened its impact, the foundation it laid remains timeless.

Kate Hassett, Digital Editor:

While it could be argued that Mario Bellini’s iconic Camaleonda sofa is up there with some of the most frequently replicated furniture styles (at least if you’re keeping score with social media influencers), there’s a reason why it retains its covetable status.

Aside from its distinct pillow-like structure and undeniable aesthetic appeal, its modular design also ensures it’s a style that endures rather than ages out. Case in point: This glamorous Sydney home designed around the owner’s Camaleonda sofa!

Dupe culture aside, this classic piece will always hold a special place in the hearts of design lover’s around the world (myself included) whatever your algorithm might have you believe.

Roly-Poly Chair by Faye Toogood

Defined by its rounded, bowl-like seat balanced on four stout legs, the Roly-Poly Chair was designed by Faye Toogood in 2014. Originally conceived as part of Toogood’s Assemblage 4 collection, the piece reflects the designer’s instinct for material experimentation and form.

Danielle Grover, Senior Content Producer:

Timeless! The iconic Roly Poly chair made its debut in 2014, its chubby legs and voluptuous silhouette instantly winning the hearts of designers and interiors lovers alike. While playful trends and dopamine decor may come and go, this sweet, sculptural charmer never fails to steal our hearts.

Kate Hassett, Digital Editor:

Launched in 2014 as part of UK-based designer Faye Toogood’s Assemblage 4 collection, the Roly-Poly chair has cemented itself as a mainstay of modern interiors – and for good reason. Its chubby, trunk-like legs are as recognisable as some of the furniture greats and equally as impactful – and we’re not the only ones who think so. Since it was first brought to market, iterations of the Roly-Poly have been acquired for the permanent collections of museums all over the world, including the National Gallery of Victoria.

What I love about this (in my opinion) classic designer chair, is the joy it brings to any space. Not only is its magnetic silhouette and playful aesthetic impossible to ignore, it’s also an instant conversation starter, which to Faye Toogood’s credit, is precisely the point.

“I imagine Roly-Poly irks some industrial designers. When you do furniture there are certain heights and angles you are supposed to conform to, but I’ve thrown all of that in the bin,” exclaimed Toogood in a post celebrating the chair’s 10-year anniversary. “It questions not just the shape of a chair but how you sit in it and use it. I trust people to find the function. Make it personal. Figure out what works for them.”

There’s no denying the Roly-Poly’s icon status, and so it’ll always receive a timeless take from me.

Palissade Outdoor Furniture by HAY

The Palissade Outdoor Collection by Hay was designed in 2014 and reimagines metal furniture for contemporary outdoor living. Characterised by slender, rounded slats and modular forms, the pieces amalgamates durability with versatility. Their simple, considered proportions make the collection adaptable to a range of environments.

Grace Flynn, Content Producer:

There’s no denying that HAY knows how to do simple and timeless. But does HAY know how to do comfortable? In the case of the Palissade range, I’m not so sure.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the sleek curves of HAY’s most instantly recognisable outdoor furniture collection. The pieces are beautiful. But have you ever tried sitting on of those benches on a warm summer’s day for a long period of time? I have and I wouldn’t recommend it, at least not without a cushion (and pants, not shorts!)

Saskia Neacsu, Senior Content Producer:

I can see this range remaining highly sought after for years to come. The powder-coated steel may not make it the most comfortable, but beauty is pain – and this one’s timeless.

The post Are we mistaking trendy for timeless? appeared first on Homes To Love.

The boutique references 1980s and 1990s Australian rag-trade warehouses, alchemised for contemporary use. In this approach, architectural features – stainless and galvanised steel, concrete, mirror and trapeze lighting – are juxtaposed against original brickwork and exposed timber trusses, that were preserved. Brick tiles on the floor echo the walls, while the rebuilt ceiling – timber boards left to age – and the natural light that filters through restored skylights give the long plan a sense of permeability and volume.

“The space was a great shell. We stripped it back to its rawest form, retaining 6 rear skylights, some timber trusses and the original brick walls. These elements carry so much history and interest – it would have been a shame to remove them,” says Alexandra. “The earthen materials provide a grounding environment that welcomes connection and epitomises permanence.”

The approach yields a tonal palette comprising brick, steel and timber. While mid-century furniture is interspersed with vintage Italian lighting and worn leather, worked in to complement the brand’s aesthetic of minimal and considered forms.

“The contemporary details, set against the rustic foundations of brick and timber, create a dynamic tension that elevates the space,” adds Alexandra. “The space reflects Henne’s values not through excess, but through precision – through the interplay of light and surface, repetition and stillness.” Additional finishes include mirror glass, concrete, canvas and various steels, offering a lightness in contrast to the earthen finishes.

For AP Design House, the project extended their design ethos into a commercial typology. “Our strong foundation in residential interior architecture, along with our inherent ethos to listen to the history of a structure contributed to APDH creating a retail space that feels homely, yet considered. We transformed the space, but we did it in a respectful way,a” shares Alexandra. “We were able to push our natural design ethos in a bolder way with the project being a commercial one. In saying that, I would live in a space like this.”

As with Henne’s earlier stores, the design doesn’t mimic the brand – it interprets it. “The process with our client from start to completion. It was effortless and natural. There is a shared respect and confidence from business to business and that shows in the outcome,” adds Alexandra.

AP Design House: apdesignhouse.com

The Design Team

The post A former Armadale rag-trade warehouse reimagined for modern retail appeared first on Homes To Love.

Garnering a record number of submissions, this year’s awards program introduced an all-new category for emerging photographers, reinforcing NEAP’s promise to spotlight and celebrate the country’s next wave of contemporary art talent.

Curated by an expert panel of leading contemporary artists and cultural luminaries – led by NEAP co-founder Amber Creswell Bell – the finalists’ survey at The Garden Gallery is an essential destination for art lovers, collectors and talent spotters to experience and acquire work by artists on the cusp of breakout success.

NEAP has been a launch pad for numerous artists who are now among the most in-demand names on the Australian contemporary art scene. These include 2024 finalist Sid Pattni, now represented by Michael Reid Sydney + Berlin and shortlisted for this year’s Archibald Prize; 2023 finalist Erin Murphy, who recently impressed audiences at Sydney Contemporary and was a finalist in the 2025 Sir John Sulman Prize; and Kathy Liu, another Michael Reid-represented artist who has emerged as one of the gallery’s most closely watched painters since her breakout showing in NEAP 2023.

The success of these artists and so many other NEAP alumni reflects the unique mission of the program, made possible by founding sponsor Morgans Financial Limited. This year’s finalists are vying for a prize pool valued at more than $40,000, including an acquisitive $20,000 for the Overall Winner of the Morgans Financial Prize for Emerging Painters.

Beyond its generous cash prizes, NEAP offers practical tools for building a sustained and successful art career, including mentorship with Michael Reid Galleries and a solo exhibition. Last year’s winners, painter Xanthe Muston and ceramicist Jeannie Holker, will stage their solo shows at The Garden Gallery from October 10 to 20.

All works shortlisted for the 2025 prize will be available to view and acquire online and at The Garden Gallery (a contemporary art space in the Royal Botanic Gardens) from October 23 to November 7, with winners announced at the official awards event on October 30.

Preview at nationalemergingartprize.com.au

The post The National Emerging Art Prize introduces a new wave of talent appeared first on Homes To Love.

The interiors trend is connotated with an escapist impulse: after years of minimalism and sleek modern interiors, people are drawn to something romantic and human. Châteaucore borrows heavily from French provincial style, shabby chic and the grandeur of historic châteaux – go figure. The trend is characterised by antiquities, floral fabrics, toiles, stripes in subtle form, gilt details, chandeliers, natural finishes like linen and terracotta, and soft neutrals. Overall, the style balances the rustic with the refined.

Soul is what people seek from their environments – and not solely at home. A range of hoteliers have adopted the aesthetic, moving away from the sterile environments that once predominantly took over hotel settings – white linen sheets, charcoal carpet, bathrooms lacquered in white marble with grey veining. The shift toward interiors that feel storied and comfortable is palpable.

How to achieve Châteaucore

Begin with one anchor piece – a piece of furniture or antique with a story to tell, from an heirloom-style wardrobe, vintage mirror or carved sideboard. Like a good outfit, you should start with a statement piece and work around that, otherwise you will brusquely become overwhelmed – especially when you’re trying to achieve such a layered look. Importantly, you need to mix eras. A few vintage pieces complemented by modern furnishings – you need to find the balance – it is important to avoid filling room after room with only antiques.

When setting your foundation, a muted palette of soft tones – avoid sterile whites or slick black, as the stark tones will disrupt the romantic feel. A neutral base will be a good place to start before you begin adding your patterns and texture, but always keep in theme with the palette.

Layer texture and pattern – this is paramount to getting the look. Forget the rules you were told as a child: navy and black do go, and so can patterns if you do it well. You also want to embrace materials with patina and character – worn chairs, chipped paint, faded rugs – rather than chasing new-luxury.

The post Why we are all dreaming about Châteaucore appeared first on Homes To Love.

Recognised across residential and commercial projects and featured on international magazine covers, Kerrie-Ann’s oeuvre is characterised by its ability to blend vintage and modern design – and the addition of a showroom has been a long time coming.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, the showroom is imagined as both a retail destination and a working creative space, where furniture, art and objects are styled in context. The permanent residency follows her recent pop-up in Bondi, which took place in March this year and welcomed many revered creatives and design lovers to the space.

Alongside the curated collection, the studio offers styling and design services for private clients and trade professionals, from residential projects to commercial consulting and procurement.

The Design Team

Kerrie-Ann Jones: kerrieannjones.com

The post Kerrie-Ann Jones’ new showroom is every interior design lover’s dream appeared first on Homes To Love.

Completing the creative quartet are the new owners, Peter and Coco, keen to push the boundaries and embrace what they call “the full Flack experience.” Peter and Coco were living a world away, in an 1860s French provincial-style home in suburban Balmain, when they spied the award-winning CBD apartment in the press. Smitten, the couple approached Adam, asking, “Can you design something like this for us?”

After a year-long search for the perfect project, he did one better and offered them his own three-bedroom penthouse in 2022. With its city panoramas and crisp concrete bones (the result of Adam’s adaptation of a 1937 Art Deco factory producing farm machinery), they didn’t hesitate. “It ticked all the boxes – a house on a rooftop right in the city, with a magnificent garden that’s part of the home, and that amazing view. We’re in our late 60s and the energy of this place took us back to our youth,” says Peter.

That expansive garden, by Dangar Barin Smith, pervaded the indoor spaces, thanks to walls of glass and well-placed windows. The apartment possessed an intriguing interplay of a closed-in hallway opening up to reveal flowing living areas and a sweeping aspect. Such contrasts, combined with a sense of surprise, summed up what the couple desired. Embracing a fresh phase in their lives, they “shed the past and sold everything,” says Peter. Their French provincial furniture and early 20th-century art yielded to mid-century furniture and contemporary art.

The layout, with two bedrooms flanking a hallway leading to an open plan and a bedroom beyond, together with a study on a second level, suited them well. “However, the Modernist interiors were mostly white and rather plain,” says Peter. “We wanted an emphasis on comfort and liveability, but it also had to be provocative and challenging, with beautiful colours and tactile materials. We wanted David to stimulate our imaginations.”

“We were tasked with adding in layers of Peter and Coco’s personalities through the art and furniture,” says David. “The existing aesthetic was strong and intentional. We wanted to overlay new elements that complemented and enhanced it. Peter and Coco wanted natural and calming spaces, but also depth in colour, texture and contrast.” Add to that a little playfulness.

Practical considerations included adding more bench and pantry space to the kitchen (the couple are passionate cooks), a new powder room and walk-ins to the bedrooms, as well as converting the upstairs study to a reading and TV room. One of the bedrooms downstairs became a study, and David also renovated one of the bathrooms.

“We retained as many existing materials – such as the off-form concrete and timber floors – as possible,” he says. “We wanted to tap into their airy and effortless tactility.” To these, he added rich tones, texture and sheen for energy and movement, which are trademarks of his celebrated style.

In remodelling the kitchen, David included a dramatic new island in Rosso Levanto and Arabescato marbles, creating “a monolithic sculpture in two tones with graphic punch,” complemented by an aged-brass and stainless-steel rangehood and cabinetry. Stark plasterboard walls yielded to tactile hand-trowelled Venetian plaster or high-gloss finishes, all in rich colours.

Light plays across the surfaces shift the mood according to the time of day. The palette, with its earthy ochres and burgundies, overlaid with pops of saturated colour, is “moody, natural and not over-the-top showy,” says David.

Most of the pops come from Peter and Coco’s art collection. David had earmarked spaces on the walls as “artwork opportunities,” later filled with boldly coloured pieces jointly curated by designer and clients.

Furnishings, mostly with a mid-century bent, include a vintage B&B Italia ‘Le Bambole’ armchair in the living room, reupholstered in cosseting Mongolian sheepskin and sitting near a Cassina ‘Capitol Complex’ armchair. For drama and ambience, lighting is hard to beat; David has included two sculptural classics – Arredoluce ‘Televisione’ and Flos ‘Fantasma’ floor lamps in the living area, with a cocoon-like ‘Viscontea’ pendant hovering over an ‘Ordinal’ dining table by Michael Anastassiades. One of David’s favourite items is the custom bronze handrail by artist Nell in the hallway. “With its forged eucalyptus leaves and smiley faces, it takes a functional piece and turns it into a moment of beauty.”

A large-scale Tom Polo neon installation spans the length of the wall above, heralding the sense of discovery that lies in the spaces beyond. “I will often sit in different rooms, looking out the windows, and simply contemplate,” says Peter. “The gorgeous colours and rich materials give me a feeling of comfort and peace, but also challenge and excitement. The entire apartment gives me enormous joy.”

The Design Team

Flack Studio: flackstudio.com
SJB: sjb.com

The post Inside the Sydney penthouse where minimalism and maximalism find common ground appeared first on Homes To Love.

Upon entry, soft transitions of light vacillate across textured walls and the polished surfaces of near-black polished plaster columns. The layout is open, with curved partitions providing separation and guiding circulation through the store. Attention to scale and sightlines throughout the space was prioritised.

Each room flows into the next, with detail focused on finish and composition rather than ornament. The arrangement allows merchandise to be displayed within an architectural framework while maintaining openness.

The material palette is restrained – off-white plaster contrasts with ebonised timber and custom-designed mosaic stone tiles, the tones shifting with the natural light. Lighting by Sarah Nedovic incorporates ceramic forms, while custom furniture by Simone Tops (Studio Tops) adds variation to the otherwise minimal surfaces.

Founded in Melbourne in 2017, The New Trend has built its reputation on an edited mix of international and Antipodean designers, among them Coperni, The Attico, Christopher Esber and ESSE Studios. The opening itself drew a mix of leading Australian designers – Charlotte Hicks (ESSE Studios), Olivia Koennecke (Maison Essentiele) and Brooke Testoni (Rylan Studio) – alongside many other revered Queensland creatives.

The post We can’t stop thinking about the unexpected carpet in this new Brisbane flagship appeared first on Homes To Love.

If you’re looking for the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas tablescape, a festive Christmas cracker – with a considered gift – never goes astray. Here are some of our favourite options filled with little luxuries, including skincare, gourmet chocolate and more.

The best luxury Christmas crackers and bonbons for 2025

01

 L’Occitane Christmas crackers (set of 4)

$49, David Jones

Best for: An olfactory delight

Add a dash of French luxury to your Christmas table with this set of four beautifully designed crackers from L’Occitane. Each comes with a travel-sized skincare product from the iconic beauty brand, including the cult-favourite shea shower cream.

Key features:

• Each contains a shower gel and hand cream
• Made in France
• Uses nourishing ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, and verbena extract

Shop now

02

Lindt Lindor assorted bonbon

$16.50, David Jones

Best for: Chocolate lovers

Who doesn’t love Lindt’s Lindor chocolate balls? This chocolate-filled bonbon is sure to delight loved ones at Christmas time, and makes for the perfect post-lunch treat.

Key features:

• Includes Lindt Lindor milk and dark chocolate balls
• Gold packaging with space for personalisation

Shop now

03

Jo Malone London green and blue cracker

$85, David Jones

Best for: Leaving a lasting scent

English fragrance brand Jo Malone is known for sophisticated scents, including the fan-favourite English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne, refreshing Wood Sage & Sea Salt and feminine Peony & Blush Suede, all three of which are included in this pretty Christmas cracker.

Key features:

• Contains three fragrances in miniature: English Pear & Sweet Pea cologne, Wood Sage & Sea Salt hand cream and Peony & Blush Suede body and hand wash
• Chic packaging

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04

Glasshouse Frangrances Kyoto in Bloom Christmas bonbon

$19.95, Myer

Best for: Floral fragrance fans

Blending notes of camellia, lotus, amber and cherry blossom, the popular Kyoto in Bloom fragrance from Australian brand Glasshouse is perfect for fans of floral scents. Inside this aesthetically pleasing Christmas cracker is a mini body lotion and perfume.

Key features:

• Includes a mini Kyoto in Bloom body lotion and eau de parfum
• Festive packaging

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05

Christmas bon bon with chocolate novelties

$29.50, Haigh’s

Best for: The sweet tooth

Perfect for Christmastime, this sweet bonbon from Australian chocolate makers Haigh’s is full of milk chocolate delights, making it the perfect stocking stuffer or post-dinner delight.

Key features:

• Includes chocolate baubles, a solid Santa, and a Christmas milk chocolate bar
• Made using premium cocoa

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06

Holiday: Mini hand cream bon bon – Fresh Pine

$14.95, Ecoya

Best for: A classic Christmas scent

Those who have smelt Ecoya’s Fresh Pine know how quintessentially festive it is. With notes of crisp forest woods and a hint of spice, this bon bon containing a mini hand cream is perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.

Key features:

• Includes mini Fresh Pine hand cream
• Festive green and gold packaging

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07

Hair by Sam McKnight Holiday Cool Girl Cracker

$27 , Mecca

Best for: The haircare hero

Turn up to a festive table with one (or more) of these Cool Girl crackers from Sam McKnight’s cult haircare brand, and you’ll be the gift that keeps on giving. Made for recreating effortless, tousled styles with just a spritz, there’s not much this volumising spray can’t achieve when it comes to styling for the season ahead.

Also available at:

• $24.65 at Cult Beauty

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Related article:

• The Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas trend everyone is talking about
• 7 unique Christmas wreaths you won’t see on everyone’s front door
• 11 artificial Christmas trees that truly look like the real thing

The post 7 luxurious Christmas crackers with gifts you’ll want to keep appeared first on Homes To Love.

And now, Matilda Goad has brought her signature whimsy to London’s Pimlico Road design district with a bricks’n’mortar Ebury Street store that reconsiders how hardware is designed and displayed.

Upon entry, the intricate hardware is showcased on vintage chrome units adorned with pistachio and cherry-coloured knobs, café curtain rods and unique backplates. The magnetic wall is a clever addition for customers to mix and match combinations and find their idyllic pairing.

Since launching, the beloved brand has become synonymous with designs that evoke a Nancy Meyers-esque style– think scalloped lampshades, rattan trays and gingham everything – all imbued with a quintessentially British warmth.

The store signals an exciting new chapter for Goad & Co., anchoring her aesthetic in the Pimlico Road design district alongside Britain’s most respected interiors names.

The post Inside Matilda Goad’s Ebury Street store – the chicest hardware shop in London appeared first on Homes To Love.

For centuries, the wreath has been the season’s quiet ambassador – the first to appear, the last to come down, and in Australia at least, second only to the tree in festive hierarchy.

Whether you lean toward something handmade or prefer a contemporary take on the Christmas favourite, we’ve found a selection of Christmas wreaths that you won’t see on everyone’s front door.

The best Christmas wreaths to buy 2025

01

Mushroom Gingham Linen Bow

from $59 at Piglet in Bed

Best for: Cozy Cottagecore

Deck the halls this holiday season with a Gingham linen bows. Oversized and versatile, they’re perfect for topping your tree, draping above the fireplace or even as a chic alternative to a traditional door wreath.

Sizes: Measure 22in in width and 48in in length

Colours: Mushroom

Key features:

• Light-weight wadding
• An alternative way to add festive cheer to your door
• Crafted from European linen

Available at:

• $59 from Piglet in Bed

Shop now

02

Festive Hydrangea Foliage

from $299 at Balsam Hill

Best for: Something unique

For those looking for a wreath that is perhaps more unique than the traditional seasonal décor, this eclectic wreath of hydrangea foliage will do just that. Its lifelike leaves and blooms create an idyllic, festive accent for mantelpieces, tablescapes or entryways.

Sizes: 61 cm

Colours: Red

Key features:

• Crafted and painted by hand
• For indoor or covered outdoor use
• Unique design

Available at:

• $299 from Balsam Hill

Shop now

03

Red berry Christmas wreath

from $99.95 at David Jones

Best for: Monochromatic

Torn between adopting a traditional or modern Christmas décor, the Red Berry Christmas Wreath is a great option that amalgamates the two themes into one singular colourway.

Sizes: 60cm

Colours: Natural base with red berries

Key features:

• Monochromatic
• Light-weight
• Traditional design

Available at:

• $99.95 from David Jones

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04

Amaranth and Mixed Berry Wreath

from $69.99 at Bed Bath n’ Table

Best for: Whimsical

Adorned with amaranth flowers and mixed berries in soft, festive tones, this botanical wreath will bring a natural touch to your Christmas styling.

Sizes: 60cm

Colours: Forest green wreath and soft pastel tones

Key features:

• Timeless design
• Light-weight
• Affordable price

Available at:

• $69.99 from Bed Bath N’ Table

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05

Luxe White Berry Wreath

from $139.99 at Living by Design

Best for: Winter wonderland

This Luxe White Berry wreath features ivory berries set against a natural base, offering a minimalist aesthetic for the Christmas season – whether hung on your front door, styled on a wall, or used as a centrepiece on your holiday table.

Sizes: 76cm

Colours: Natural base with ivory berries

Key features:

• Minimalistic design
• Wider diameter than standard
• Light-weight
• Made from poly foam

Available at:

• $139.99 from Living by Design

Shop now

06

Metal Botanical Wreath

from $109 at West Elm

Best for: Modern

The Metal Botanical Wreath is a modern interpretation of a Christmas wreath, handmade from iron in a gold finish.

Sizes: 36cm

Colours: Gold

Key features:

• Require zero maintenance
• Handcrafted
• Iron in a Gold finish

Available at:

• $109 from West Elm

Shop now

07

Nutcracker and baubles wreath

from $99.95 at David Jones

Best for: Timeless and traditional

If you are looking for something more traditional, look no further. The Nutcracker and bauble wreath is a fun take on the festive favourite.

Sizes: 60cm

Colours: Forest green wreath, with red and gold baubles

Key features:

• For indoor or covered outdoor use
• Include baubles
• Traditional design with a twist

Available at:

• $99.95 from David Jones

Shop Now

What is the significance of a wreath on the front door?

A wreath on the door signals that guests are welcome and conviviality, and it’s a classic symbol of cheer and generosity. The circular shape of the wreath speaks to cycles, continuity and fresh beginnings, reminding us that the season is as much about renewal as it is about celebration.

How do you hang a Christmas wreath?

There’s no single way to hang a Christmas wreath, but a few methods make life easier (and your door happier). An over-the-door hanger is the simplest fix, while adhesive hooks work just as well inside or out. If you’d rather avoid marks altogether, loop a ribbon from a small hook or tack and let the wreath hang neatly in place.

Related article:

• 5 floral Christmas wreaths to try your hand at
• How to make a succulent wreath

The post 7 unique Christmas wreaths you won’t see on everyone’s front door appeared first on Homes To Love.

Luxury kitchen trends in 2025

Hidden meaning

Marylou Sobel Interior Design

The success of this penthouse kitchen by Marylou Sobel Interior Design lies in all the details that you can’t see. Smart storage solutions ensure easy access to daily kitchen essentials without interrupting the sleek aesthetic, all appliances and electrical outlets are seamlessly incorporated within the joinery and a concealed butler’s pantry serves as a space for the owner to indulge her passion for baking. The vein-cut ‘Classico’ Travertine island, visible from the living room, serves as a statement piece, with generous storage built into its base and bar-height seating. Alongside it, a dining table features a custom brass frame, with a statement brass pendant above and brass knobs and handles tying it all together. “We transformed what was a very basic, uninviting and predictable kitchen into an atmosphere of calm and serenity,” says Marylou. “Chairs wrap around the island and table to facilitate a more social ambience when dining within this space.”

Get the look:

Turner Hastings Pull Out Sink Mixer
Winnings, $1499

shop now

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AEG 60cm Built-In Single Steam Oven
National Product Review, $6499

shop now

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Vincent Chair Walnut
Castlery, $658

shop now

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Medium Liquid Vase
Dinosaur Designs, $395

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Casual intimacy

YSG Studio

This retro-inspired kitchen by Sydney’s YSG Studio navigates the needs of two very different cooks – one messy, the other ‘a neat freak’ – with the introduction of an L-shaped counter configuration and scullery behind. A fixed slatted timber screen conceals any mess while ensuring conversational connections between the two zones. In the centre, a circular island topped with pearlescent marble and fitted with a chrome footrest acts as a casual leaning post for drinks, playing to the owners’ love of ’70s design. “Our clients, a sociable couple with two young kids, wanted their home to function intimately, yet morph into eclectic breakout zones that sparked conversations when entertaining,” says YSG co-director Yasmine Ghoniem. “We sourced vintage sconces and pendants to provide soft illumination and retro furnishings to enhance the home with an off-kilter elegance.” Key inclusions are the Murano glass chandelier above the island, a sconce by London designer Lewis Kemmenoe in the scullery, watermelon striped blinds by Petre’s Curtains & Blinds and bespoke ‘squiggle’ timber handles and chrome cupboard pulls entwined in soft brown leather.

Get the look:

Ziggy Marble Cutting Board
Trit House, $90

shop now

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Temple Cake Stand
Dinosaur Designs, $380

shop now

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Elliot Small Serving Bowl
Country Road, $59.95

shop now

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Iittala Alto Vase
David Jones, $829

shop now

Afternoon delight

Smac Studio

As an attentive host and keen entertainer, the owner of this high-rise apartment in Sydney had some specific requests when she engaged the Smac Studio team to tackle its renovation: all work needed to be complete by New Year’s Eve so she could host a big party, and the kitchen island was to be “strong enough to dance on”. At seven metres long, the island features a sturdy, sculptural microcement base and a 100-millimetrethick Calacatta Cremo benchtop. “It commands the space without feeling bulky, and acts as a gathering place where lots of people can sit or stand sharing food and drinks,” says lead designer Shona McElroy. Inspired by the home’s views of Sydney Harbour, Lavender Bay and Wendy Whiteley’s public garden – as well as the soft, romantic afternoon light that precedes the stunning sunsets – Shona opted for a neutral colour palette with rose touches. Custom stools are upholstered with burgundy fabric, while the Qasair rangehood is wrapped in a custom bronze cladding. Above the island, a Murano glass chandelier brings “a little dash of colour, a subtle surprise in the overall neutral palette”, says Shona. European oak floors provide a layer of warmth from below. “Shona and I were very much on the same wavelength; we have the same design aesthetic,” says the owner. “The colours are just beautiful, especially in the sunset.”

Get the look:

Mirella 6 Light Capiz Chandelier

Early Settler, $899

shop now

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Short Night & Day Glasses
Our Place, $95

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Poppi Scallop Nut Bowl Pearl
Early Settler, $35

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Liebherr Vinidor 80 Bottle Wine Cabinet
National Product Review, $8,729.10

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Home comforts

B.E. Architecture

B.E. Architecture Director Andrew Piva drew on his family’s Italian heritage for the design of his Melbourne home. At its heart, the kitchen celebrates the preparation and enjoyment of shared meals, with a large bench where friends and family can gather at mealtimes. Tying in with the rest of the home, oak panelling features in the joinery and wall cladding, giving the space the feel of a furnished room rather than a conventional kitchen. Andrew purposely avoided the use of complicated details and stuck to a restrained materials palette – including grey limestone benchtops and sawn travertine flooring – evoking comfort and solidity within the space and creating a sense of permanence and timelessness. “This simplicity results in a warm, inviting environment reminiscent of an Italian pensione in rural Italy,” says Andrew. “The space is not just functional but emotional, designed to capture the essence of Italian hospitality and the joy of shared meals.”

Get the look:

Cookware Duo Espresso
Our Place, $425

shop now

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AEG 9000 Series Combi Microwave Oven
National Product Review, $3869

shop now

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Pebble Grinder
Trit House, $158

shop now

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Milton Taupe Stoneware Dinnerset
David Jones, $159.95

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Peachy keen

Studio Johnston

In the transformation of this Sydney apartment, owner and architect Stefania Reynolds of Studio Johnston devised some clever spatial interventions to create a more open environment for her family of four. The galley kitchen was closed off at one end and the adjoining dining room converted into a separate home office, while a column in the kitchen was removed to open up the living and dining area. “Deleting that column unlocked the project and allowed us to organise the main space into seamless, overlapping zones, like a Venn diagram of how we actually occupy the home,” says Stefania. “The open-plan layout fosters more quality time spent with family, promoting a feeling of togetherness.” The rich palette was inspired by Stefania’s Greek heritage and includes joinery in light apricot and a red Tiberio marble for the benchtops and splashback. “They’re the colours of my Corfu childhood,” Stefania shares. “Peach was the colour of my bedroom and the family house had a lot of terracotta, textured walls and brass details. For me, nostalgia, warmth and a sense of belonging are beautiful things to bring into daily life.” The kitchen island is now a central hub of activity and the dynamic space stimulates creativity and boosts wellbeing for all.

Get the look:

Malone Terracotta Dining Chair
Adairs, $499.99

shop now

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Maison Balzac Gaspard Vase
David Jones, $249

shop now

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AEG 60cm Integrated dishwasher
National Product Review, $1709

shop now

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Two Arm Wall Sconce
Observatory Lighting, $669

shop now

The post The defining kitchen trends of 2025: refined finishes, rich textures and livable spaces appeared first on Homes To Love.

Having lived around the world – most recently in Paris  – the Melbourne-born designer fell in love with the quaint weatherboard Queenslander, its subtropical surrounds and views of the lake.

While the delights of Noosa are widely recognised, the attractions of some of its surrounding are less well known. Boreen Point on the Lake Cootharaba shores is just such a spot but early adopters such as Lucy and her family are keenly aware of its peaceful charm.

With five bedrooms – three in the main house and two in an adjoining guest cottage – Lucy saw the potential as a home for herself, partner Joffrey Cauchy and their children, Malon and Lala. As well as a welcoming getaway for friends and relations. Lucy asked one of her oldest friends, interior designer Tamsin Johnson to cast her eye over the property.

“I was enamoured with it instantly,” says Tamsin. “So much potential and exactly right for Lucy and her family […] The property has a real charm to it.”

“You feel as if you are suspended in the canopy of its lush garden, with water views,” Lucy notes. The location is similar but more serene than living by the beach which has a different, more intense energy.

Wishing to maintain the beguiling spirit of the house, the facade and many of the features were retained including the floors and some joinery details although “there was an awful lot of restoration required with the timber”, says Tamsin.

The friends worked together on the project for two years with both agreeing “not to overstep each other and to work with the natural design of the place”. Tamsin explains, “It was so befitting of its environment that the challenge really was to exercise restraint.”

However as it was to be a contemporary family home, durable, liveable and suitable for kids, plus able to support Lucy’s creative endeavours, some adjustments were necessary. “For a Queenslander it was a little poky so we made some additions to expand it a little,” says Tamsin.

New verandahs were added as well as an inside-outside bar with an awning that really opens up the living space and kitchen, a boon as Joffrey and Lucy love to cook and entertain. Outside, a pool and pool house lend an extra dimension to alfresco living.

Cross ventilation and light penetration into the centre of the home were improved by adding French doors while the whitewashed walls help to bounce light around and add a sense of expansiveness to the interior.

With the house offering subtle Mediterranean vibes – “more specifically Balearics meets Queensland” – Tamsin says the neutral tones, natural materials and fresh, earthy palette still speak of the Sunshine Coast. “There’s a distinct organic feeling which really is Lucy,” she adds.

The mood throughout is one of freshness and warmth. Lucy wanted to work with nature and so outside the weatherboards are painted a pea green that looks light and fresh with white balustrades, shutters and trims and blends with the garden foliage.

Inside, a palette of earthen sunset colours, textures and motifs extends to the furniture such as the pink Carlo Scarpa ‘Argo’ table, vintage cane and coarsely hewn timber pieces, rope trims and terrazzo tiling, all set against soft white-painted timber surfaces.

“There’s a lot of wood and rope, with a little stainless steel to add some cut, and playful coloured terrazzo that resonates with the quirky carpentry details,” explains Tamsin. “The house has a gorgeous levity and happiness about it as a result.”

Certainly it’s a house that inveigles – lazy cane lounges loll on verandahs inviting afternoon siestas in the breeze, or at sunset a cocktail beckons from the bar. It’s no surprise that Lucy describes her home as “the perfect place where you can hear yourself think”, adding “it’s a very soft space, a gentle existence. It’s a place for minimal clothes and maximum comfort. It’s a great luxury to feel as though you are ‘away’, yet at home at the same time. There is privacy, comfort and nature all intertwined.”

Tamsin Johnson: tamsinjohnson.com;

Lucy Folk: lucyfolk.com

The Design Team

The post Lucy Folk’s romantic weatherboard Queenslander offers a subtle Mediterranean vibe appeared first on Homes To Love.

The Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas décor has recently gone viral, gaining traction on platforms such as TikTok. Molly Moorkamp, a former Ralph Lauren designer, joined the conversation, sharing her rules on the trend. “It’s not abundant; it’s simple,” shares Molly. “Ella Fitzgerald humming in the background, pigs in a blanket in the oven and a cocktail waiting for you on a freshly polished silver tray. Warm. Simple. Inviting.”

A complete guide to Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas rules:

1. No bright green garlands

Avoid using bright green garlands; instead opt for a palette of richer tones – think hunter green or British racing green – rather than shades that give the impression of undesirable faux greenery. ‘Dense garland, preferably live – nothing smells more like a proper Christmas than real Fraser fir,’ says Molly.

2. Strict plaid guidelines

Always include plaid, but keep it consistent. Mixing different tartans in the same room disrupts the cohesive Ralph Lauren look – stick to one pattern, whether it’s a classic Christmas check or Black Watch plaid.

3. Uniform gift wrapping

Ensure every gift under the tree is wrapped in consistent paper with matching ribbons. ‘One tartan or plaid wrapping paper, used en masse, and the same crisp red grosgrain or velvet ribbon around every present,’ suggests Molly. Gift bags are strictly off-limits – if they must be used, hide them discreetly behind the tree.

4. No holiday signage

Avoid using printed holiday signage like “Merry Christmas” or “Ho ho ho” on walls or decorations – it disrupts the classic feel of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic.

5. Stick to classic colours

Keep to a timeless palette – think forest green, mahogany, cranberry red, navy and burnished gold – for a look that feels considered. Eschew glitter and tinsel in favour of tactile materials like wool, leather, velvet and brass. After all, The RL aesthetic is about consistency.

The post The Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas trend everyone is talking about appeared first on Homes To Love.