Australian_House_&_Garden_2017_01

(Axel Boer) #1
SHARING NEWS IDEAS
show & tell

commuNIty H G


AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 191


THE BOOK NOOK


Written by a clinical psychologist,
Dr Richard Chambers, The Art of
Mindful Origami extends the
concept of art-therapy colouring to
the Japanese art of paper-folding,
promoting peace of mind and
well-being through creative
projects. $19.99, Exisle Publishing.

French interior designer Sarah
Lavoine is your guide to living like
a stylish Frenchwoman. In Chez
Moi, she guides the reader
through the essentials, from
organising your wardrobe to
decorating a home in authentically
chic Parisian style. $35, Abrams.

Isabelle Bruno and Christine
Baillet’s Reinventing Ikea serves up
a selection of inspiring DIY
projects, from simple to
advanced, each transforming
budget designs from the Swedish
chain store into functional, and
unique new pieces. $35, Abrams.

LOVING THY NEIGHBOURS:
TALES OF LOVELY LOCALS
✚ “Each summer, we have a street party in the park across from our
house. One neighbour, a WWII veteran, brings a parachute, which
is strung up between trees for shade. Everyone brings food and
drink to share, and we chat with the neighbours and hear all the
gossip. Someone brings a slippery slide and a hose is run across
the street to it, so the kids can slide down the hill. After that, the
egg-and-spoon and sack races begin. It’s a fun day that we all
look forward to.” Melissa Heath, creative director
✚ “Our beautiful neighbours are always passing on pre-loved toys
and clothes for my preschooler, Henry. The other day he told me
that Marina, one of the neighbourhood mums, had given him
a ‘pinot’. What?! Turned out it was a piano, a sweet little retro
keyboard. That made me laugh.” Kate Nixon, interiors/houses editor
✚ “This year, I installed a street library outside our house. It’s been
lovely to have people stopping and checking out the books.
Whenever I bump into anyone outside my house, they tell me what
a great idea the library is. I love to foster sharing, particularly of
books. Other neighbours organise a street Christmas party in the
adjacent park every year. It’s a lovely way for everyone to catch
up and celebrate.” Sarah Pickette, features editor

Artist
we love
Freya Powell
originally studied
fashion design at Nottingham Trent
University in England. An obsession with
everything floral, however, led her to the
world of canvas and acrylic paints, and
she eventually turned her design-conscious
eye to the botanical realm. Freya’s work
is characterised by strong silhouettes,
pared-back aesthetics and rich palettes.
View her paintings and prints at http://www.
artpharmacy.com.au/freya-powell.

Share your tales of fabulous
neighbours! Email us at
[email protected].

Produced by Laura Barry. Photograph by John Paul Urizar/bauersyndication.com.au (party).

Free download pdf