Australians are far more selective than we give ourselves credit for. We don’t just slavishly follow the latest overseas design trends and I don’t see this as a bad thing at all.
Ultimately, Australians love a style that will stand the test of time. Sure, this is mainly because we pay twice the amount for the same product than in the USA but we also love a design that speaks true to our lifestyle and personality. We are willing to spend more on design if we can see the value in it .
So, here are some exciting 2020 design eye candy that I feel have legs over the next year and beyond!…..
READ THE REST OF MY ARTICLE IN …..”HOME BEAUTIFUL” magazine
You either love it or hate it — that’s the opinion many hold about a bathroom trend appearing in a growing number of Australian homes on the market.
Real estate agents are seeing more homeowners put it all out in the open with their bathroom’s privacy or lack of. The trend has seen many ensuites on the market have no walls or a glass one to separate it from the main bedroom.
While the idea of seeing your partner on the toilet might be a turn off for some, for others, the perks more than make up for it.
The ensuite at 69 Tara Street, Sylvania, has a glass wall and views of the Georges River.
McGrath Sutherland Shire agent David Greig has one such property on the market at the moment in Sylvania. The bathroom has a glass wall that captures views of the Georges River across the bedroom. In turn, the bedroom can view the spa and the whole bathroom when privacy curtains are raised.
Mr Greig said he didn’t think most couples would mind having a bathroom with a lack of privacy when they can capitalise on stunning views.
“We normally see bathrooms like this where there is a gorgeous view on offer.” he said.
The trend can be traced back to hotels that offer bathrooms with minimal privacy. In Sydney, The Fullerton, Hilton Sydney and The Star Grand Hotel all have suites where the bathroom is integrated into the bedroom.
On the market last year, 147 The Promenade, San Souci, was all in the open.
No. 1 Lachlan Court claimed the Kellyville Ridge suburb record in 2020, despite having an open ensuite.
Interior designer Jane Thomson said the look had been around for a number of years and was popular with people looking to bring the holidays home with them.
Initially for the concept at first, Ms Thomson said she is not a fan of the open ensuite now due to a number of pitfalls about privacy.
“We all need a little mystery in our relationship instead of having it all in the open,” she said.
“This is especially the case when it comes to what we do in the bathroom.”
Ms Thomson, who has appeared on Changing Rooms, said if the idea resonated, she encouraged homeowners to spend a reasonable amount of time and money planning the space.
“You have to really work out how the space will be presented and you’ve got to have a focal point that is beautiful and wow,” she said.
“If you want to have glass windows, make sure you have good ventilation to avoid mould and install curtains so that you can have a private space if need be.”
It is not just luxury homes such as this Sans Souci house with a glass cube bathroom that have opted to do away with privacy. A Surry Hills rental made headlines after the studio raised a few eyebrows due its glass bathroom’s position next to the kitchen.
We tuned in to see how the rooms went down and it was definitely a case of love and hate. But overall, the homeowners were happier than not with their new look homes, created by interior designers Tim Leveson and Jane Thomson.
Tim Leveson, Jane Thomson, Naomi Findlay and Chris Carroll have been tasked with ensuring that colour, bold prints, texture and statement pieces are incorporated into our changing rooms.
Four designers have been announced for the revamped version of Changing Rooms, which premieres 7.30 Wednesday 13 February on Channel 10.
Tim Leveson, Jane Thomson, Naomi Findlay and Chris Carroll are the lucky designers tasked with putting homeowners through a jaw dropping design boot camp whilst ensuring that colour, bold prints, texture and statement pieces are incorporated into their changing rooms.
Each Changing Rooms home transformation will be screened over two big nights with two designers going head to head to finish three rooms in five days. With a budget of $20,000 they will be hoping to change families’ lives forever with colour, style and good design.
Will a pleather kitchen be the ticket to spicing up your life? Is animal print the answer to taking a walk on the wild side? Or is artificial turf the outdoorsy escape you have been looking for? Will courageous and bold design choices pay off big time, or will they fail spectacularly? These are questions that only our designers can answer. Find out more about each of them below.
Tim Leveson (Interior Designer)
Having grown up in the wonderful world of interiors, Interior Designer Tim likes to live on the edge and take risks with his designs. He enjoys creating a vibrant look and experimenting with pops of colour, lots of greenery and spaces that speak to the soul. Tim likes to challenge his client’s views and introduce them to styles they have never considered or felt too intimidated to undertake themselves.
Jane Thomson (Interior Designer / Stylist)
With over 28 years of experience, Interior Designer and Stylist Jane has an individual approach with a pinch of eclectic. Her design and decoration ethos is simple; collaborate and connect. Jane’s style favours bold statement pieces with selective use of colour and her aim is to leave a space feeling elegant and luxe.
Naomi Findlay (Design & Renovation Expert)
Designer Naomi is a ‘Rapid Renovation’ expert and describes her style as earthy and totally liveable. While she takes a very considered approach to design, she enjoys being creative and transforming spaces that allow others to thrive and grow – to hone in on the sentimentality of the family and lifestyle.
Chris Carroll (Interior Designer / Stylist)
Interior Designer and Stylist Chris believes in attainable design. He prides himself on being the “anti-designer, designer” and extolls “skimp meets splurge” – incorporating a few pricey investment pieces combined with affordable luxe pieces that won’t hurt your hip pocket. He has always been obsessed with design and tries to push clients out of their comfort zone.
Changing Rooms premieres at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 February on 10 and WIN Network.
