HGDECORATING
60 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
<it extends the liveable space in a home with a
fairly modest footprint.Key materialsAlong with timber, stone tiles feature
strongly in this home, running from the front gate
totherearcourtyard.Whensourcingtherighttile
forthemainlivingandentertainingspaces,theneed
to have one tile of the same size and type, with an
indoorandoutdoor slip-rated finish, shrank our
searchtoamanageablesamplesize.
We opted for a natural stone and were fortunate
to find a beautiful limestone that worked with all of
our constraints. It had a small amount of variation in
it to boot, ensuring everyday scuffs are less visible.
Runningthesametilefromindoorstooutdoorareas
creates seamless flow and integrates both spaces.Textural elementsThe house is layered with
textureinsideandout.Theexterioriscladin
western red cedar, the same material used for
windowsandthelivingroomceiling.Curtainsin
texturedfabricssuchaslinenandotheropenweaves
create a lovely natural palette and help to play up
the indoor-outdoor tenets of the home, as do wall
finishes like grasscloth wallpaper.
Livinganddiningspacesfeaturependantlights
–aformofvisualtexture–thelivingroomfittings
reminiscent of shark’s eggs, the dining tying in with
the stone outside and the woven rug below.
Artplaysabigrole,withwallsactingasgallery
spaces for significant paintings. Books, lamps and
indoor plants complete a beautiful home. #DOUBLE DUTY
Versatility is vital whendecorating. Furniture that is
robust enough to be used outdoors whenrequiredand
coordinates withyour interior scheme ensures youget the
most bang for your buck. Try these chairs on for size.Mimosa Waiheke Deluxe steel and synthetic wicker
half-egg chairwith polyester cushions, $248, Bunnings;
(03) 8831 9777 or http://www.bunnings.com.au.Tidalpowder-coated stainless-steelloungerwith
nylon socks by Trent Jansen, $1140, Tait; (03) 9419 7484
or madebytait.com.au.Jibepowder-coated aluminiumoutdoor lounge chairwith
nylon straps and Sunbrella fabricupholstery, $1169, Blu Dot;
http://www.bludot.com.au.Homespaceby Darren Palmer ($39.99,
MurdochBooks)isavailable in bookstores
nationally and online.Images fromHomespaceby Darren Palmer (Murdoch Books). Photograph by Felix Forest.