I love how the home has fun elements scattered throughout, in the form of bright sunny pops of colour or embossed brickwork space-invaders. How could you not be happy in this house?

For more information on the Florence St project visit Klopper & Davis Architects.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Brick,Concrete,Interiors,Kitchen,Local,Perth,White,Colour

{Complementary materiality of off-white render, stone, timber and zinc cladding}



{How beautiful is that pergola?!}



{Classic but contemporary frontage in Nedlands}



{Crossing linear elements continue with steel balustrade and stone stairs}



{Visual and physical connection between outside and in}



{I love a clean monochrome kitchen. It gives a great base to personalise with homely touches later}



{Simple palette and colour scheme continue through into wet areas}



{Overlapping linear elements give aesthetic cohesion}



{That ceiling is amazing! I would not have enjoyed drawing up those details, but what a result!}



{A touch of warmth to the monochromatic palette, with timber floor insert}



{Sculptural Frangipani trees create organic silhouettes against the linear}



{Ceiling and pergola structures linking the pavilion and courtyard spaces}



{Visually striking linear elements, that would be amazing to take in from the pool, day or night}

I feel the need to point out that while passive solar design principles have been applied with siting, material selection and active tech, the 6 star energy rating achieved is the NCC (National Construction Code) minimum, since this rating system goes up to 10 stars. Just keep this in mind, when designing or building your next home - time spent aiming for a higher rating early on will save you time and money later on.

Regardless of this small point, this house is a beautiful example of contemporary residential architecture and looks like it would be a joy to live in.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Bathroom,Black,Interiors,Kitchen,Landscape,Local,Monochrome,Perth,White

{A Cutipol Mezzo cutlery set}



{An Elise Raspanti Art Series Kip & Co beanbag!}



{Blue Heaven LED Neon artwork (or any of their ice creams) by Electric Confetti}



{Sierra weave Armadillo & Co rug in Pumice has been on my list since I felt it at a trade fair a few years ago. Sooo soft and luxurious!}



{Love this Sketch Inc for Lucie Kaas Thief Wall Hook by Urbaani, available at Top3. Becky Kemp's Kokeshi Dolls are also fantastic - check out her insta @sketchinc to see some of her amazing work}



{The impressively multi-functional Woodieful chair/table/storage/bucket from new start-up Woodieful in Slovenia. I love adaptable 'slashie' furniture! It is available through their Kickstarter campaign here, although you better hurry - only 9 days to go. And yes, they do ship to Australia!}



{These Dita stools from Grazia & Co, seen here in the stunning Port Phillip Bay penthouse apartment by We Are Huntly. Photo by Brooke Holm}



{A matte black Anthracite finish Smeg fridge, because why not}

What are you lusting after?

xo Romona

Tags: Art,Australian Design,Black,Cutlery,Designer,Appliances,Furniture,Timber,Homewares,Rugs,Beanbags,Stools,Interiors

{Cor-ten Marimekko-inspired cut screens to the front facade allowing privacy to this open-planned home. Image by Heather Robbins of Red Images Fine Photography via House Nerd (an awesome Perth blog you should also check out!)}



{Brick herringbone floors throughout internal spaces allow seamless blending to exterior zones. Image by Angelita Bonetti}



{That stunningly detailed monochrome kitchen! Image by Red Images}



{Creative use of typically common materials adds interest and worth beyond the actual costs}



{Love that monochrome, tetrus-like joinery patterning. Working closely with cabinet makers and joiners resulting in stunning outcomes}



{Massive front door with handle made from a piece of old bridge timber. Image by Red Images}



{That monochrome Marimekko fabric! Image by Red Images}



{Open facade and spaces blurs the line between inside and out. Image by Bo Wong}



{Landscaped roof terrace with screens from reclaimed roofing timbers}



{Deciduous grape-vine pergolas for summer shade allowing winter sun penetration}



{Roof terrace at a later date, with succulents and vines now fully established and so lush. Image by Red Images}



{Trailing concrete steps through lush succulents. Image by Red Images}



{Blurring the divide between outside and in. Image by Red Images}

It must be amazing to live in such an open and flowing home, although I must admit that my severely-mosquito-attracting skin does shudder just a little. Might just have to plant a little extra Lavender, Spearmint and Lemongrass around.

Hope you enjoyed!


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Designer,Fabrics,Garden,Interiors,Kitchen,Landscape,Local,Perth,Reclaimed,Monochrome

Tags: Christmas

{To the street, Lake House takes the form of a timber box elevated on the bold box of rammed-concrete. LVL fins provided added privacy as well as character}



{Structural rammed concrete walls are left revealed as a raw, textural backdrop for kitchen and living spaces. Ply wrapped cabinetry adds warmth and the appearance of integrated furniture}



{The compact living space extends into the adjacent north-facing courtyard for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Loving all those honest materials and textures! Artwork: Shirley Purdie, Nnideudia, 1994}



{Colour-filled perforations in the plywood screens act as both an artwork and visual privacy, sun-shading and temperature control}



{Sunlight passing through the plywood screens, which feature a pattern created by artist Pamela Gaunt, casts vibrant patterns across the concrete floors and white walls. Screens are CNC routed with pebble-shaped penetrations filled with coloured acrylic}



{Instead of wasting valuable site space with driveways and garage, circulation spaces are edged with lush native and subtropical planting}



{Lake House documentation by Jonathan Lake Architects. Image source}

For more information on this project, visit Jonathan Lake Architects. Images by Robert Frith.

xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Concrete,Interiors,Perth,Timber,Local,Plywood

{Loving those brick steps taking their time meandering up to the new level}



{Open-wide. Come inside}



{Who doesn't want a naked room like this, kept simple with a burgundy Persian and two chatting Eames birds}



{Open to reveal the internal glow}



{Closed to weather, allowing privacy and comfort as required}












{Filtered light and screened privacy without feeling boxed in}



{Open room with custom in-built joinery for storage and seating}



{Exploded axonometric of addition}

All images are from Philip Stejskal Architecture with Photography by Bo Wong.

Share your thoughts? Can you picture living in a space like this?

xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Brick,Interiors,Perth,Addition,Timber,Local

{The dark roof form helps blend the house into the bush landscape}



{Contrasting smooth cool concrete floors and natural grey block walls with warm continuous blackbutt plywood Armourpanel surfaces by Big River}



{Dark picture frame windows are recessed to create deep plywood window seats for soaking up the surrounds}



{Bedroom with Armourpanel plywood storage doubling as deep window seat}



{Open kitchen kept simple with concrete and dark timbers}



{Space furniture in this living space retains the view as the hero}



{Opening to the bush beyond}



{Insitu concrete step doubles as seat and storage}



{Custom plywood joinery doubles as seating and storage, minimising need for additional furniture}



{Smooth concrete floors flow to outdoor spaces}



{Robust form to lower terrain}

Images courtesy of Kerstin Thompson Architects and photographed by Trevor Mein.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Bedroom,Brick,Concrete,Interiors,Kitchen,Landscape,Timber,Plywood

{The stunning triangular form juts out with supercool artwork below at street level by Robert Jenkins (@theblackmountains). So recognisable to me now that we have a wall of his around the corner in Bassendean, and you may have seen me go a little insta-happy over}



{This was one of the first images that made me fall for the place. Of course those who know me, know my tendency towards black, white and grey, but it also has all my other loves - big white kitchen, contrasting black frames, deep polished concrete flooring, minimal timber accents, big snuggly Jardan grey wool couch, indoor potted sculptural Dracaena, statement linear ceiling lighting, even the furry throw - my god Simone, you can do no wrong in my eyes! In fact, if I plonked my gorgeous tan fur-baby on that rug, the picture would be complete}



{Brutal black kitchen island wrapped in electric-veined Nero Marquita marble adds drama to the monochromatic space}



{Just a beautiful kitchen in blocked monochrome, and I love that massive projected north-facing window, done in one-way glass boxed out in steel for privacy}



{Extending the black-framed picture window to the heavens with a waterfall skylight}



{Sharp-edged deck space making the most of a difficult site and adding a bit of drama to Vincent Street}



{Clean gallery feel to the downstairs office softened by multiple but complementary textures and material finishes, like the burnished concrete floor, blackened LVL stair treads and black steel}



{Simple but inspiring void spaces and linear movement}



{Clean and minimal bathroom in continuous matt charcoal tile with clever hidden storage. Love the concrete bathroom floor, but I'm unable to convince my husband that I won't snap my other leg if we have that}



{You know it's good when even the dunny makes you go Oooo}



{Detail of the cool mural work at Vincent street level by Robert Jenkins}



{Image by Dion Photography}



{Image by Dion Photography}

All images are from Robeson Architects (big thanks Simone) and Dion Photography. If my house turns out even half as nice, I'll be wanting some shots done by those guys. Simply brilliant!

Doesn't it make you proud to have some lovely architecture in Perth (and Australia)? What are your thoughts on this place?

I'm hoping to showcase a bunch of other local talented architects and their projects soon, so feel free to let me know if there are any that stand out to you.

Hope you enjoyed!


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Australian Design,Bathroom,Black,Concrete,Grey,Indoor Plants,Interiors,Kitchen,Local,Marble,Perth,Stairs,White

{Barton Marble Rectangular Board by Country Road}



{Square porcelain chopping block by Slab and Slub}



{Slate cheese board by West Elm}



{Cheese Paddle No. 9 by Sands Made in Melbourne}



{Olive Wood Rustic Cutting Board at West Elm}



{Colour Platter by Karimoku New Standard available at Stylecraft}



{Barton Long Board in Oak by Country Road}



{Cheesy Boards Hello - I love their burnt pun-tacular boards from their etsy store}



{Monaco Cheesy Cheese Slate board by Boska at Peter’s of Kensington}



{Coorabel chopping board by Eco Chopping Boards in Byron Bay from local Camphor Laurel timber} 



{Kitchen Board No. 1 by Sands Made}



{Even considering just getting this smooth flat porcelain serving plate in the Life range from Target - only 10 bucks!}

PS. here are my Goa range Cutipols

What do you think?

xo Romona

Tags: Homewares,Ceramics,Timber,Marble,Stoneware,Cutlery,Decorating,Designer,Kitchenware,Products,Products-n-pics

{Constellation Lights 'Southern Cross' by Anaesthetic in beautiful polished brass}



{Constellation Lights by Anaesthetic in luxurious polished brass}



{Bezel pendant lights by Anaesthetic with its spun aluminium powder-coated top with piano-inspired polished brass 'bezel'}



{Bezel pendant light by Anaesthetic with its spun aluminium top powder-coated white with piano-inspired polished aluminium 'bezel'}



{Bala pendant light by Anaesthetic in black}



{Bala pendant light by Anaesthetic in precision machined polished brass}



{Hide pendant lights by Anaesthetic with individually cut leather shades}



{Mariner stools by Anaesthetic made from American White Oak with navy or white braided rope foot rests sourced from sailing yachts, hence the name}



{Jack concrete bluetooth speaker}



{Totem stackable stools from recyclable LPDE}

Anaesthetic will be exhibiting at the Sydney Indesign event from August 13-15, so get along to soak up some of the talent. Wish I could be there!

xo Romona

Tags: Australian Design,Design,Designer,Energy Efficient,Furniture,Homewares,Lighting,Products,Products-n-pics

Window dressings that put you in control

{Chambers Street Residence in South Yarra, Melbourne by MIM Design}

Soft furnishings that exude style and bring added comfort

Bring the outside in

As well as improving the appearance of your home, plants may help to boost your health. According to research conducted by Professor Margaret Burchett and Dr Fraser Torpy from the University of Technology Sydney, indoor greenery can remove pollutants, cleanse stale air and reduce symptoms such as sore eyes and headaches. The scientists also suggest that plants can help to minimise feelings of stress and fatigue. The best thing is, you don’t have to splash much cash to get your hands on these home accessories and, as long as you care for them properly, they’ll give you many years of enjoyment.


I hope you all enjoyed these few tips from our contributor Gail Newland. I personally love seeing plants of all sizes inside. Thanks Gail!
Do you have any tips of your own to share?

xo Romona

Tags: Curtains,Interiors,Bathroom,Lounge,Indoor Plants

{Graham Atkins-Hughes' family home in London, styled by wife Jo Atkins-Hughes. Graham also photographs a lot of Abigail Ahern projects, and I can definitely see a similar taste and influence there. Image from Milk Magazine}



{From the same home as above, this dark panelled lounge exudes a moody confidence. 'Photographed by Graham Atkins-Hughes and styled by Jo Atkins-Hughes}



{Not quite as dark, but still strong, this scheme by Texture Design for Godfrey Hirst flooring campaign shows beautiful combinations of dark block colours and textures}



{This circa-1880s home in Armadale, Melbourne features dark walls with black panelling, taking this extravagant character home to a new level}



{Styling for the 2015 Dulux Colour Forecast 'Wildland' colours. Loving that deep sea blue wall}



{Dark, moody interiors by the ever-impressive queen of dark interiors Abigail Ahern}



{Dark bedroom in shades of grey. Photo by Romain Ricard}



{Dark walls with black window frames allow the natural light and view to green foliage beyond to shine, not to mention the beautiful Lindsey Adelman pendant}

What do you think about dark interiors, especially in the Australian setting?
Would you or have you used dark interiors in your home?


xo Romona

Tags: Black,Blue,Colour,Dark,Decorating,Interiors,Lounge,Velvet,Styling

Establish your Design Reasoning

Start with the Kitchen Triangle

Aesthetics

If the Kitchen Triangle is a symbol of an efficient kitchen, your surfaces, cabinetry and appliances will represent the style. Try to maintain streamlined surfaces, cabinets should reach the ceiling or run flush with a bulkhead. This limits wasted space which impairs your design with inefficiency, as well as preventing a recess for catching dust. Consider integrating appliances within the design through the use of integrated front panels. This technique can blend a dishwasher into the overall style of your kitchen seamlessly.

Lighting and Colour

I hope you found these kitchen design tips useful. Let me know what you think

xo Romona

* All images from The Kitchen Place.





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Tags: Kitchen,Interiors,Tips,Design,Decorating

{This dining room is composed of the perfect balance of bright white, raw concrete and moody black accents. Although these Serge Mouille lamps seem to be everywhere at the moment, you can't deny that they have a massive impact with their insectoid arms reaching into the space as few other lighting forms can}



{Modern luxe with heritage charm in the bathroom. Marble with burnished brass, shadowed iron and bright white}



{In love with this black-edged panel diving wall - the perfect simple, graphic bedhead. Not to mention that black AJ table lamp, always on the top of my bedside/office table lamp wish-list!}



{Dark and moody ensuite, a perfect retreat}



{Gilded patina underfoot and overhead pick up warm elements in the artwork, acting as a respite from other cool spaces in the home}



{I love the beautiful blank canvas of monochromatic materials and textures, allowing a stunning collection of artwork to stand out, with classic modern furniture and lighting}

Images by Sharrin Rees.


xo Romona

Tags: Architecture,Art,Australian Design,Awards,Bathroom,Bedroom,Decorating,Interiors,Lighting,Sydney