Country Home Ideas

Learning from experience

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:21:31 +0000

1. Although the Greigs built their home recently, the style is traditional and it looks well established.

2. The classic country kitchen is the hub of any home.

3. The perfect vantage point for socialising with the chef!

4. The light and airy lounge room offers comfort and relaxation.

5. Joanne’s pretty candelabra is a garage-sale treasure, which she moves around the house for effect.

6. Olivia loves pink in her bedroom.

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Life's tapestry

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:17:39 +0000

1. An elliptical staircase in the entry winds around a German Ibach grand piano.

2. A centre island bench was removed during the renovation to create a more traditional rectangular kitchen.

3. The owner’s pampered rescue dog Max rests on a rug covering a brush box timber floor.

4. A comfortable sofa by the fireplace creates a relaxed, social atmosphere and a link between the working kitchen and the informal dining area.

5. The terrace, which runs the length of the house, provides protection from direct sun and is an ideal outdoor retreat.

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Sunny through the seasons: Part 2

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:13:18 +0000

1. The sunroom’s 4.5m bi-fold doors are designed to open out onto the rolling lawns.

2. Antique-style chairs and other furnishings are dotted throughout the sunroom.

3. The unusual shuttered roof and slats on some of the windows create a unique light when the sun slants into the room.

4. The new kitchen was installed by Nouvelle Kitchens, and features a French provincial style.

5. Pale couches complement the neutral browns and creams of the lounge room.

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Wishlist

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:17:52 +0000

1. Planning a summer picnic? This Luxury picnic set for four is sure to come in handy. Featuring four wine glasses, a bottle opener, salt and pepper shakers, four ceramic plates, and four knives, forks and spoons, the wicker basket has fixed storage for every item and comes complete with adjustable straps and carry handle. It’s $145 at Nest Emporium.

Nest Emporium www.nestemporium.com.au

2. Perfect for summer days, this stylish Muuñ bag has been handmade using traditional artisan methods and weaving patterns using organic dyes. It’s in-store now at Manon bis, priced from $185.

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Budget buys

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:14:24 +0000

1. The Essential Collection of Real Safe Candles is perfect for outdoor entertaining, whether it’s an evening soiree or simple barbecue. Made using real wax, the candles’ LED bulbs are hidden well below the edge for a realistic flickering glow that can be operated with an infrared remote control. Available in a range of sizes, colours and fragrances (pictured is Orange Blossom), they are priced from $14.95 to $49.95 and also come in boxed gift sets of three for $69.95.

Real Safe Candles www.realsafecandles.com.au

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In Focus: The art of abundance

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:09:31 +0000

1. This sweet Sway hanging basket is perfect for displaying fresh fruits and it’s just $29.95 at Freedom.

Freedom 1300 135 588 or www.freedom.com.au

2. You’ll always be able to find what you’re looking for with this set of three cute blackboard boxes from Amalfi. Made from wood with handles in the ends, they have a blackboard side that you can use to write what’s inside, $79.95.

Amalfi (03) 9474 1300 or www.albi.com.au

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In Focus: An Entertainer's Dream

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:05:19 +0000

1. Bring a touch of Italian sophistication to your kitchen with De’Longhi’s new Brillante kettle. Featuring a generous capacity of 1.7 litres, detachable 360˚ swivel base for cord-free convenience, and removable lid, it retails from $119 and is available in black (pictured) and white.

De’Longhi 1800 126 659 or www.delonghi.com.au/new/brilliante/

2. Elegant candleholders add a warm glow to benchtops – we like this glass and silver cylinder hurricane lamp, $129 at Laura Ashley.

Laura Ashley www.laura-ashley.com.au

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In Focus: A labour of love

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:58:39 +0000

1. A beautiful kitchen calls for luxurious table linen, such as the stylish Modern Classic collection of napkins and tablecloths. Available in natural, optical white and yarn dyed, this hem-stitched pure linen napery is designed and made by Pure Linen.

Pure Linen (08) 6399 0036 or www.purelinen.com.au

2. Allison found her Versailles-style crystal chandelier in France, but you can get her look with this elegant Taupe Curvy Chandelier, $1598 from OneWorld Collection.

OneWorld Collection (02) 4340 0122 or www.oneworldcollection.com.au

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Make it personal: Home Comforts

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:53:53 +0000

1. Turn your favourite fruits into an attractive display with this stylish Bell Glass Dome, $49.95 at Freedom.

Freedom 1300 135 588 or www.freedom.com.au

2. Attract native birds to your garden with this quaint Oxford Dovecote Birdhouse from The Porch. Featuring a cute terraced roof and three entry points, each with a platform for the birds to land, it’s $199.

The Porch 0408 707 866 or www.theporch.com.au

3. A bench seat provides a lovely place to enjoy quiet time in the garden. This Umbria park bench is $599 at Freedom.

Freedom 1300 135 588 or www.freedom.com.au

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Make it personal: Sunny through the seasons

Kieran Oakley — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:49:35 +0000

1. A cosy leather armchair offers a comfortable place to relax with a book and cup of tea. This Denbigh wing chair is available at Laura Ashley.

Laura Ashley www.laura-ashley.com.au

2. The couple restored an old black cabinet themselves by staining and painting it white, but you can save yourself the work with this Bramley dresser, $3495 from Laura Ashley.

Laura Ashley www.laura-ashley.com.au

3. Kerry found her antique-style dining chairs in Dural, but you can create a similar feel with this oak dining chair, $343 from OneWorld Collection.

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