TOPPICKS
Tanya’stopfiveAUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 17
EDITOR’S LETTER H G
Hair & makeup by Sam Powell. Photograph by Kristina Soljo.
I
have renovated nine kitchens over the last 20–something years. One was a full-blown, fabulous
renovation with an architect friend designing the whole house. Others ranged from tweaks to extreme
gutting. From having a dream kitchen (a little too early in life’s proceedings) then doing a few myself
on tighter budgets, I know that planning is paramount. The last kitchen I revamped was compromised
by my lack of funds at the end. It had excellent appliances but the space was formerly an ’80s spa
bathroom – not ‘forever kitchen’ proportions. In a smaller room you realise how fond your guests are of getting
up close when they have a wine in hand and you’re cooking for them! Plan, and don’t waste your kitchen and
bathroom budgets on other things... Turn to page 140 for tips from a chic design by Kate Walker, then see a
budget-friendly kitchen in a simple palette with lots of storage by interior designer Mikayla Rose. We also
visit the glam kitchen that’s the hub of singing sensation Guy Sebastian’s home, designed by Freedom Kitchens.
Once you have your cucina curated, head to page 173 for some bathroom inspiration. My must-haves? 1. A bath
with surround for a candle, cup of tea or flute of Champagne and a copy of H&G. 2. A heated towel rail – whatever
the season, you never want to be wrapping yourself in a sad damp towel. 3. Storage, of course: go into the wall
void if you can, because you can never have too much space for product. 4. Great lighting: it is tricky to apply lots
of things in the dark. 5. A magnifying mirror!
There’s plenty more inspiration for both house and garden on the following pages. Whether you’re reading
this at the kitchen bench or soaking in the bath, enjoy!In a smaller room
you REALISE how
fond your guests
are of getting up
CLOSE when they
have a wine in their
hand and you’re
COOKING for them.
COLLECT
Tchai artwork by
Dick Watkins (2018);
scottliveseygalleries.com.TOUCH
Fehu wool rug by Anna-Carin
Design (2.4x 3m), $2880;
designerrugs.com.au.DISPLAY
Jones bar cart in Gold,
$229, Domayne;
domayne.com.au.DINE
Gourmet Traveller gift
cards; gourmettraveller
giftcard.com.au.SLEEP
Diane Bergeron for
Arthur G ‘Kate’ bed,
POA; arthurg.com.au.Tanya Buchanan, editor in chief