Australian House & Garden - April 2016_

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN / 27

< unrecognisable. “We kept the layout

and the french doors,” says Nicki. “But we

completely renovated the bathrooms and

opened up the kitchen by converting the

old laundry into a scullery, where we wash

pretty much everything. We added new

joinery, appliances and fittings, as well as

a new island bench. We also laid 20mm-

thick American-oak f loorboards.

“One of the house’s issues was noise, so

we put a lot of thought into wall insulation

and soundproofing using cavity and solid-

core doors. It was well worth the effort

because we’d spent two years whispering

so Eva wouldn’t wake up!” says Nicki.

The decor was, of course, her domain,

though she collaborated with Chris on big

changes; for example the decision to

replace the roof tiles with Colorbond and

covering the brick exterior with board

and batten cladding. “It isn’t a look

commonly seen in Australia,” says Nicki,

“but it’s popular in New Zealand and the

US. It gives a farmhouse feel and totally

changed the home’s facade.” Inside, the

home is what Nicki describes as ‘modern

farmhouse’, an aesthetic that ref lects the

couple’s childhoods spent constantly

moving between city and country. “We

don’t like things too modern or traditional

and love country/farmhouse touches that

are appropriate here. I like people to relax

and I pretty much slipcover everything

so I know I can wash it!”

What Nicki enjoyed most about the

project was experimenting with new

products and ideas. “It was different to

working with clients because I wasn’t

afraid of things not working out,” she says.

And the result? “Though it was hard

juggling the demands of a baby, growing

a business and renovating a home, moving

here has been a such a positive lifestyle

shift. We haven’t looked back.” >

Cottonwood Interiors, Bowral, NSW;

http://www.cottonwoodinteriors.com.

ABOVE LEFT / Wall lights from Laura
Kincade f lank the mirror in the ensuite.
As in the main bathroom, Carrara marble
was used on the f loor, vanity and
bath surround.
ABOVE RIGHT / Nicki ordered the
upholstered bedhead from Horgans. Throw,
Pottery Barn. Navy cushions, Coco Republic.
OPPOSITE / Bailey guards the entry to
the garden room/study, where Nicki and
Chris occasionally work. Cushions, Studio
McGee. Rug, Dash & Albert Rug Company.
FOR WHERE TO BUY, SEE PAGE 194.