This superlative showcase of classical styles, lavish proportions and the finest finishes delivers the ultimate in contemporary family luxury living.

Tall rendered walls protect the grand approach and formal front gardens of this monumental four-level home in one of Toorak’s premier streets. Englehart’s signature heart motif appears in wrought iron detailing at the front gate and makes further appearances inside.

From the recessed entrance, grand timber doors open to a magnificent reception hall with opulent marble floors, a sweeping curved staircase, 3.3-metre-high ceilings and a magnificent domed leadlight skylight that captures the eye and draws it up.

Grand framed openings lead to adjoining formal lounge and dining rooms. Tall elegant windows invite natural light through the expansive formal living and dining rooms. A white marble fireplace is a focal point for the living area and the adjoining swimming pool draws the eye through the windows. As throughout the house, pelmets are integrated within the ceiling design.

Beyond the main staircase, private entries lead to a study on one side while on the other side, there is a high-speed lift that provides access to all levels and discrete stairs to the basement. With a private bathroom entrance and a walk-in robe, the ground-floor study can easily become a guest bedroom suite.

The final pair of leadlight doors open to an informal family zone spanning the rear of the home. The luxurious marble floor flows through the entire zone while feature ceiling recesses and bulkheads define dining, living and kitchen zones. A set of bi-fold doors link indoor and outdoor living spaces, and lead to a 15.7-metre-long pool.

The expansive family dining area looks onto the pool, loggia, pool house and landscaped garden surrounds through expansive windows on three sides. When privacy is needed, automatic interior blinds and curtains can quickly enclose the space via an app.

Calacatta marble wraps the substantial kitchen island and finishes kitchen benchtops and splashbacks. Bespoke white Emporite joinery integrates high-end Miele appliances, integrated Liebherr fridge and freezer and a Vintec wine fridge. The adjoining scullery features a second suite of Miele appliances and abundant preparation and storage space.

On the first level, expansive bedrooms, each with ensuites and dressing rooms, continue the luxurious theme. A centrally located living room provides a quiet retreat for the family.

On the top floor, a spacious main suite stretches across the entire width of the house — this includes a sitting area, concealed shoe storage, dual walk-in robes and a deluxe ensuite. An exquisite full-height marble wall behind the freestanding bath conceals the toilet and shower, and faces the vanities opposite. To the rear of the main suite, a large retreat with adjoining library opens to a balcony terrace with views across the canopy of trees.

Leisure is emphasised throughout the home. In the basement there’s a tiered theatre for eight with a full bar, a gym with rubberised flooring, a powder room and shower. The basement also includes a five-car garage, wine cellar and plant room. Large light wells draw natural light through to the basement.

Appointed to the highest standards, this home has double glazing, solar powered water heating and pool heating, inverter air-conditioning, a security system with CCTV and video intercom, audio-visual home and wireless network systems, a ducted vacuum system, and automatic gates. No convenience or comfort has been overlooked.

For more information, 
Englehart Homes

The post Classical styles, lavish proportions and the finest finishes all in one home appeared first on Completehome.

When they came across this five-acre plot of relatively flat land in the outer-Brisbane suburb of Samford — a plot that offered sensational mountain views — the young family that now call this property home recognised its incredible potential. They immediately purchased the land and then set about working with designer Kevin Hincksman of Garth Chapman Queenslanders to create their dream home — a modern-classic Queenslander.

Explains Stephen Havas, Director of Garth Chapman Queenslanders, “We took the owners’ brief and enhanced it to design a finely detailed, beautifully finished home that is sophisticated yet perfect for the needs of a family of four. Unlike many modern homes, this charming Queenslander doesn’t rely on furnishings to imbue it with a sense of style — the beauty comes from the details of the home itself.”

With its relaxed, Hamptons-influenced styling, the kitchen is the heart of the chic home. The all-white colour scheme is fresh and inviting and the design is extremely functional — from the large walk-in butler’s-style pantry to the window servery that connects with the rear entertaining verandah and overlooks the family-sized swimming pool.

The wide verandahs that wrap around the residence provide an important link to all the interior rooms they adjoin. This is especially true of the light and airy main living area which is centred between the front and rear verandahs. “The seamless way in which the exterior and interior living spaces are interconnected, making it possible to use the spaces in most weather conditions, is an important design feature and one that is integrated into all homes designed and built by Garth Chapman,” says Stephen.

Just as importantly, the all-embracing verandahs, in conjunction with the well-ventilated roof, make the home more comfortable and eco-friendly. “By shading homes from the summer sun and constantly ventilating roof spaces, it means our homes are significantly cooler and more energy-efficient,” explains Stephen. Then there is the aesthetic appeal of the homes. “The construction techniques we use are part of the unique Garth Chapman look. Building in the old-school way preserves the authentic appearance of the homes,” he adds.

The quality of the interior spaces is second-to-none. The main living area features a beautiful inbuilt fireplace with a television above and built-in cabinetry on either side. The flooring throughout the living areas and hallways is of select-grade Roasted Peat timber, which is complemented by white-painted timber joinery that gives the country home a very appealing casual coastal feel.

The large main bedroom is a parents’ retreat. Separated from the other bedrooms, it boasts a stunning ensuite with timber-framed mirrors, a large walk-in shower and stone benchtops. For the children, there is a dedicated playroom with a built-in seat/toy box.

A pool and pool house were built to the rear of the home so the family can enjoy resort-style outdoor living all-year-round. The pool house boasts a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom, laundry and living space, making it perfect for entertaining or housing visiting relatives and friends. This home is definitely a dream come true.

For more information, 

Garth Chapman Queenslanders

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One of the benefits of working with a custom builder is that you get the exact house you want, and there’s no such rule if one chooses to incorporate modern and classic designs into one home. Having bought land in Bella Vista, in Sydney’s North West, the owners set about finding a company they could trust to design and build a home that would meet their very particular needs.

One of the first steps they took was to visit Young Homes’ display home, The Platinum. They were impressed by the design, which is decidedly modern, the attention to detail and the high level of finish. Although they loved the home’s contemporary interior, they envisaged a classic exterior for their own home, which for Young Homes was not a problem. In fact, it was an opportunity to help the family get their dream design and experience the best of both worlds.

Using The Platinum as a starting point, the design process began. The initial discussion revolved around the size of home the family wanted, after which they sat down with the designer to discuss in great detail what they needed from the inside of the home as well as the outdoor spaces. Armed with this information and having assessed the site, Young Homes designed an abode to meet the owners’ precise vision — namely, a home with a modern interior that boasts a few classic touches and an exterior facade that is of traditional classic style.

The individually tailored floor plan provides for four bedrooms on the first floor and a guest bedroom on the ground floor. Making for a more comfortable experience when people come to stay, the guest bedroom is next to a powder room, enabling it to function like an ensuite.

As the family likes nothing more than to entertain, there is a generous alfresco with an outdoor kitchen. This supplements the large indoor kitchen that is beautifully designed and equipped with premium-quality Miele appliances. An entertainer’s dream, the kitchen has two integrated fridge freezers, one with an ice maker.

Great care was taken with the selection of materials. Of special note is the first-floor solid spotted gum timber flooring and the spotted gum staircase with matching balustrade capping which links the levels. The texture of wood is carried through to the ground level, where the flooring is a mix of solid timber and large tiles.

The rooms at the front of the residence are wonderfully light and airy, which is due to the ingenious way the Young Homes’ designer dealt with the slope of the site. The block falls from the rear to the street so the ground floor was designed to follow the land, which meant having 2750mm ceilings at the rear and 3260mm high ceilings in the front section of the home.

Thanks to Young Homes’ expert guidance, the happy homeowners have a breathtaking family abode that makes optimum use of the site and offers them just the right blend of modern and classic styling.

For more information

Young Homes

The post The Best Of Both: Modern and Classic Styles To Complete Your Home appeared first on Completehome.

The four-bedroom Bowral 48 is a home of timeless appeal. Inspiration drives from Hampton homes with a contemporary country twist, this single-level acreage abode brings traditional design into the 21st century to provide a home that is ideal for entertaining and the laid-back Australian lifestyle.

“Just as well suited to a growing family as it is to an older couple looking for a home to retire in, the Bowral 48 features expansive spaces for living and entertaining, including a home theatre, a children’s activity area, a sitting room/den and an attic that doubles as a multi-purpose area,” says Nicholas Boliantis, Senior Architect and Designer, Clarendon Homes.

“Beautifully orientated with views out to the rear garden, the centrally-located kitchen is nestled next to a casual living room with a raked ceiling and a dining space, both of which are open-plan and of generous size. These spaces flow out to an outdoor living area defined by a full-width verandah.”

The kitchen is a design delight with its recessed ceiling, splashback of white basketweave tiles, black highlight pendants and dark joinery. Fusing classic Hamptons and modern country styles, the kitchen also features an island bench topped in Quantum Quartz Calacutta and Shaker-style Polytec Oberon profile panelled cabinet doors. The spacious butler’s pantry is the kitchen’s special secret ingredient, adding storage and preparation space, and for the sommelier in the family, there is an adjoining wine cellar.

“The entry foyer sets the tone,” says Nicholas. “Wall sconces create subtle lighting and there are thoughtfully zoned areas to each side of the hallway with coffered ceilings and V-Joint panelling. The chair rail that starts in the foyer also flows throughout the home, creating a classic Hamptons backdrop.

“This stylistic approach is especially evident in the living room which boasts a luxurious travertine-clad fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a large pendant light of traditional design and the traditional chair rail panelling.”

The opulent master suite is located in the home’s left wing. It features an impressive ensuite and large walk-in robe/dressing room. The luxe ensuite has a freestanding bath, floor-to-ceiling polished porcelain tiles, a double-bowl vanity and matching mirrors, on-trend black tapware and accessories, and a separate toilet.

One of the secondary bedrooms is located at the front of the home and has its own ensuite, making it ideal for guests. The other two bedrooms are located to the rear of the home on either side of the children’s activity area. “Offering families maximum flexibility, there is a roomy attic which is accessed via a Hamptons-style staircase with classic black treads, white risers and a turned timber hand rail,” adds Nicholas. “The attic brings another dimension to the home and is a versatile space that could be used as a studio, guest bedroom or an extra living area.”

The attic also features dormer windows which bring in natural light while adding to the character and street appeal of the Hamptons facade. Says Nicholas, “For the exterior we used a traditional palette of soft-grey and white as well as low-maintenance James Hardie Linea cladding to replicate the classic Hamptons weatherboard look.” From outside to in, this country-style Hamptons home is defined by simple, refined lines and an extremely warm and sophisticated colour palette. The result is a home with a timeless look, a relaxed feel and an ideal layout for daily living.

For more information 

Clarendon Homes 

The post Hampton-Inspired Homes appeared first on Completehome.

The owners requested the finished project adopt a tone of understated grace – in particular adopting a look that would not dominate the adjoining rooms. Therefore, a balance of minimalism, with subtle romantic detailing to inject character and flair was carefully designed. Clean, geometrically balanced lines in the horizontal and vertical blocks of drawers and cabinetry are personalised with Shaker-style panelling and antique-look finger-pull handles. The brilliant white colour scheme, a quintessential approach to minimalist style, is given decorative appeal with the Victorian-style gutter cornices and ornate ceiling plaster panel, complimented by the richly stained timber flooring and cane high chairs. The island is the focal point of the design, large enough to truly replace a dining table, while still providing optimum functionality as both storage and prep area.

The post Understated opulence: a classic refined kitchen appeared first on Completehome.

“Open, spacious and packed with gorgeous modern details, this kitchen by Garsden & Clarke creates a marvellous effect, clearly the central hub of this Queensland home. Boasting a neutral colour palette with bold splashes of colour, this kitchen project easily meshes modern lines and classic design principles.

The space in the kitchen has been used to remarkable effect, easily fitting the whole family and some guests as well, while hidden storage and a large butler’s pantry ensures plenty of room to stock up and prepare.

Featuring industrial-inspired accessories, contemporary LED downlights and all the latest appliances, this kitchen is packed with both style and substance – and sure to stay current for many years to come!”

Designer: Kimberly Whitehead

For more information

Garsden & Clarke Kitchens & Interiors

Originally in Kitchen Yearbook, Volume 20

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Homes Designed To Be As Unique As You

Each of the beautiful homes that form the Signature by Metricon collection have been created to suit the individual requirements of the discerning home buyer. If you are looking for a home that truly represents your achievements in life and that make a statement about who you are, then you can’t go past the range of stunning homes from Signature by Metricon. These homes provide unparalleled style and luxury and have been created to be as Unique as You.

The Somerset: The Finest Home In The Street

The Somerset is one of the recent additions to the Signature by Metricon collection. This double-storey home is a Georgian inspired design that provides its residents with the perfect blend of sophistication, modern and light-filled design. The floorplan of this grand and appealing home provides the home owner with an array of living spaces that are designed for contemporary family living. With the option to choose either four or five bedrooms, the Somerset is absolutely perfect for large families as well as for intergenerational living.

The Somerset from Signature by Metricon has been designed to make an impact. Metricon’s Design Director Adrian Popple says that, “what makes the Somerset different from other homes on the market is the level of thought and innovation put into the design of the home. Like every Metricon home, every inch has been carefully considered to ensure that the design maximises space and functionality. But the key difference is how this design not only considers functionality, but also timeless and classic design to ensure the right aesthetic and luxury is on offer throughout the entire home.”

The luxurious finishing touches can be seen throughout the entire floorplan from the grand entrance area through to the integrated living area which features the kitchen, living and dining rooms. Several of the floorplans available also provide the option to include a stunning outdoor room to really make the most of this truly inspiring design.

The downstairs living spaces makes this home perfect for entertainment. The designer kitchen area commands attention – and with its carefully considered layout and standout butler’s pantry – there is no doubt it has been designed with the utmost functionality in mind. The spacious and opulent master bedroom found upstairs is another reminder of the luxurious touches of the Somerset with its large ensuite bathroom and walk-in-robe.

Love Where You Live, But Not Your Home?

The various home designs from Signature by Metricon are also ideal candidates for knockdown and rebuild solutions. If you have always loved the area that you live in but also find that your current home no longer suits your family then it might be worthwhile considering a Knockdown New Build. Metricon are experts in the knockdown rebuild process and can assist with providing information on just how easy and affordable it is to demolish your existing home and build the home of your dreams on your existing block. A Knockdown New Build with Metricon provides you with all the advantages of a brand new contemporary home, just the way you want it, right where you want it.

Create Your Ideal Home With Studio M

As with each and every home design from Signature by Metricon, the Somerset can be personalised to create a home that truly represents your life’s achievements. Metricon’s industry leading selection centre Studio M allows you to choose from a wide selection of luxurious fixtures and fittings as well as select from a variety of different colour schemes to truly make your brand new Signature by Metricon home the very finest home in the street.

Step Up To Signature By Metricon

The classic timeless appeal of the Somerset home design means that it will continue to inspire and delight its home owners for years to come. This is also true of all the other stunning homes from Signature by Metricon, including the French-inspired and classical design of the Bordeaux, the award-winning Chicago as well as the genuinely beautiful Bayville which takes its cue from the fresh stylish appeal of the world-famous Hamptons area of the United States.

The great home designs from Signature by Metricon will suit the most discerning home owner who want a new home without any compromises. Signature by Metricon homes are designed to make an impact and to represent the highest pinnacle of achievement. If you are ready to reward yourself and your family with the ultimate in contemporary living then it’s time to explore the Signature by Metricon collection on the Metricon website.

For more information

Metricon

The post A modern home with a classic design appeared first on Completehome.

“While compact, this kitchen exudes classic French appeal. As owners of a bed and breakfast in Provence, the clients wanted to replicate this same French feel in their Australian kitchen. Their checklist included more bench space, an abundance of storage for food and kitchen utensils, and plenty of natural light.

Part of this was achieved by removing a wall between the kitchen and dining areas, opening up the space to let light in. The hand-painted cabinetry, the mantle, marble bench, traditional Gessi tap and ornate handles work together to create a French provincial aesthetic in a modern context. Most notably, the
white trim on the angled Shaker profiling gives the cabinetry a traditional French feel, while also providing depth and interest against the grey.

The four pendants highlight the grand ceiling height while adding a modern touch and practical task lighting. This kitchen features an abundance of storage either side of the generous U-shaped bench, including a wine fridge positioned for dining and entertaining. The sleek stainless-steel appliances reflect the traditional grey of the cabinetry, and timber tones provide a hint of rustic French charm.”

Designer: Barb Pettigrew for The Kitchen Place

For more information

thekitchenplace.com.au
31-33 Church Street,
Hawthorn Vic
(03) 9853 3552

Originally in Kitchens&Bathrooms Quarterly, Vol. 22, No. 4

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Award-winning builders at Jade Swimming Pools have once again managed to create something striking out of a difficult space. Designed to take advantage of the neglected side yard of the owner’s property that sloped away from the house, the end product is testament to Jade Swimming Pools’ excellence in high-quality clean design.

The new pool is now a focal point for personal use and an entertainment hub for family and guests. Natural stone materials in modern lines complement the contemporary build of the house. The unpolished travertine coping meets up with the slate mosaic retaining walls provided by Stone Exteriors, drawing out sandstone colours that bridge the divide between the house and the garden below.

The placement of the pool takes advantage of the yard space as well as the view from the house and alfresco area. Glass fencing permits a visual sweep of the yard, letting the backyard feel spacious and inviting despite its many levels.

The pool’s classic lines merge the best of design and family needs. The in-floor spa seems to disappear within the water, reducing visual clutter over the surface, yet it shimmers like a gem. Tiled in the same blue mosaic that borders the edges of the pool, it provides subtle separation while allowing the pool to stand out against the travertine tile to become the area’s visual centrepiece.

Steps along the edge of the pool are invisible from the direction the house, but perfectly situated for children to step safely into and out of the water. Their proximity to the spa also provides the ideal place for parents to sit and chat between spa and pool, and easily slide between one and the other if they so choose. In combination with an outdoor shower and surrounding garden beds, this is a design that will work for the family and garden now and into the future.

Originally from Poolside Showcase, Volume 24

The post Small pool: The hard yard appeared first on Completehome.

“Assorted surfaces and earthy tones create an inviting, contemporary kitchen area which works in both function and form. The desire for lustrous finishes has been indulged with reflective polyurethane surfaces and Quantum Quartz benchtops.

Married with a glass splashback, this brings plenty of light into the room, creating a heightened sense of space. Soft, warm tones bring a casual touch to the classic open design and textures are artfully put together.

Timber-grain panelling is applied vertically on the island and back wall shelving to enhance the natural ambience and bring visual interest to the immense space. The island draws the dividing line between the living and cooking areas.

Designed for entertaining, there is enough room for family and friends to gather along its expanse, which is equally perfect for preparing meals thanks to the easy-clean surfaces. When it comes to storage, no space is wasted.

Thoughtful touches include integrated appliances, full-length cabinets and a back wall full of drawers. The result is a kitchen that strikes a natural balance for today’s modern family.”

Designer: Alison Attard for Attard’s Kitchen & Cabinetry

For more information

Attard’s Kitchen & Cabinetry 1/7 Bonz Pl, Seven Hills NSW

Phone 02 9838 8608

Website www.attards.com.au

Originally titled “Only Natural” from Kitchen Yearbook magazine, Volume 18

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