We’re kicking off our year in review by revisiting some of the standout Australian homes showcased on est in 2019.
Australian design is in the global spotlight, and we couldn’t be prouder. From the increased attention on our homegrown talent to the abundance of emergent and established studios focussing on a local approach, it seems the world has truly embraced an Australian design aesthetic in 2019.
It’s extremely satisfying to see the sheer amount and quality of local design reach new highs over the past year. From the city to the coast, historic and brand-new, petite or spoilt for space, these homes reflect the best-loved Australian Homes featured on est this year.
Tribute House by Luigi Rosselli Architects and Alwill Interiors
A true meeting of minds, the Tribute House was conceptualised and collaboratively brought to life by architects Luigi Rosselli and Studio Schelp, interior design studio Alwill Interiors and landscape designer William Dangar.
With the designers working in harmony to create a home unlike its Bellevue Hill neighbours, the Tribute House pays respect to its midcentury foundations in an effortlessly modern aesthetic. Luigi Rosselli’s signature curves are of course a standout feature, though Alwill’s deft, elegant touch is evident throughout the interior spaces.
Against the clean, creamy backdrop of the home, splashes of deep teal, concrete, rust and burgundy textures each get a moment to shine, while Dangar’s greenery is beautifully integrated throughout the spaces of the home.
Truly unlike anything else we’ve seen this year, the Tribute House captures a confident moment in Australian contemporary design, provided by some of our most talented local design figures.
Magnolia House by Arent&Pyke
One of Australia’s most-beloved contemporary design studios add another notch on their belt with this family home in Sydney. Originally engaged to redesign the rear of the home, Arent&Pyke soon found themselves undertaking updates to the entryway and eventually entire spatial layout of the home. The result is a stylish yet approachable family abode, filled with the colour and character we’ve come to expect from Juilette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke.
The bold hues on-show throughout the home are tempered in the textural details, from the sisal carpet and timber panelling of the staircase to the muted greys and charcoals used throughout. There’s style, but always tempered by the liveability of the space. And who could forget that custom staircase, a one-off creation that breathes new life into the home’s entryway. From first to final impression, Arent&Pyke don’t miss a design beat.
Bondi Junction Home by Alexander & CO.
We’ve made no secret of our privilege to peer inside designer’s homes here at est, and the home of Alexander & CO director Jeremy Bull and his family is a firm recent favourite. Upholding the distinctive style and low-key elegance the Sydney firm is known for, this Bondi Junction family home balances form and functionality with ease.
Originally purchased by Bull and his wife Tess Glasson as a dilapidated semi-original Victorian terrace, the home had been extended up and out over a series of renovation ‘chapters’ in previous years. Each alteration and addition represents the introduction of a new child and the growing family’s needs, and the finished product brims with personality. This home is a great reminder we don’t always need to make the move to reimagine a home; sometimes the opportunity to evolve is right in front of you.
Portsea Beach House by Studio Esteta
Studio Esteta’s clifftop home has landed a spot among our most memorable homes in 2019, for combining all of the hallmarks of an inviting holiday home with considered modernist winks. There was no denying this six-bedroom home’s exclusive location, just a hop, skip and a jump from Portsea Pier and privy to Port Phillip Bay views. With location on its side, Studio Esteta were asked to maximise this coastal aspect while paying tribute to the understated character of the home.
Reminiscent of the Modernist era, Studio Esteta welcomed an iconic mix of mid-century design pieces – with appearances from an original Semi Pendant on both levels of the home. Enhancing the authentic mid-century threads and liveability throughout, Studio Esteta’s Portsea Home is a winning waterfront home for young and old.
Chloe House by Templeton Architecture
Shaped around a Jacaranda tree, this contemporary extension and renovation of an established family home by Templeton Architecture is a minimalist’s delight. With a brief to improve the functional family living space while respecting both the home’s Federation features and mature garden setting, the Melbourne studio have introduced more light and space throughout the while, without compromising its foundation.
Replacing the original home’s dark and disconnected spaces with more thoughtful, family-oriented public and private areas, Templeton Architecture introduced materials like classic timber flooring and joinery and grey stone. The consistency of these elements both inside and outside the home creates a calming, assured atmosphere, perfectly encapsulating and complementing the Jacaranda tree at the heart of the home.
