Real Living Jan/Feb 2011 Issue 62

Real Living Jan/Feb 2011 Issue 62

Okay, this issue review has been a long time coming. Initially I wasn't overly impressed with the issue but I must admit my opinion of it has somewhat improved since my initial flick through the magazine. Still, it's probably one of my least favourite issues of late.

The first home I am featuring from this issue belongs to stylist Tara Sloggett & is yet another cottage which seems to be Real Living's favourite type of abode recently. Although a beach house of traditional looking facade, it's anything but traditional once you venture inside. A mix of modern & vintage items, along with the occasional quirky piece, sit within a white canvas full of light. A beachy yet neutral aesthetic dominates which allows for a degree of versatility to mix things up easily without major redecorating required.

The next home belongs to city dwellers Julia & Andre Stadler & their two children, Max & Gabriella. Julia & Andre hoped to find & create an oasis within a bustling city. The home definitely has a tropical holiday house vibe that is enhanced by its' north facing aspect. Originally bought 10 years ago as a three-bedroom, one bathroom home with a dingy flat downstairs, the home has been extensively renovated, reconfigured & partially extended to open up the house for a light, airy feeling of space. The addition of a pool & decking has also added to the relaxed holiday atmosphere of the home.

The final home I am featuring from the magazine belongs to Jennifer Carpenter. Jennifer's home is a 1930s cottage which is only 93 sq m, but therein lies its' charm.  It is small & cozy, but of manageable size for its' sole occupant. A gorgeous home that has been decorated with help from Jennifer's friend from her student years, interior designer Ariel Ashe. Citrus colours punctuate the white interior bringing a liveliness to a home filled with an eclectic mix of vintage & contemporary items for a retro modern style.

I love the brass accents throughout the home & the mix of textures, from the Venetian plastered walls in the living room to the flokati, leather, hide & rattan items. Also coveting the outdoor tulip chair in the last pic.

Sandy K

[above images impatiently scanned by Sandy K a long, long time ago but only posted after a severe bout of procrastination]

Magazine Sneaky Peek - Real Living January/February 2011 Issue 62

Real Living January/February 2011 - cover

OK, trying to get back on track for my Magazine Sneaky Peeks, but not quite there yet. Here's the beautiful & bright cover of Real Living's Summer Issue which hit news stands today. Will post my favourite pics from the issue soon. The next issue isn't out ti the end of February as this is a double month issue.

Sandy K

[above image impatiently scanned by Sandy K - amazed that I remembered how to scan, crop, save & upload!]

Magazine Sneaky Peek - Real Living Dec 2010 Issue 60

Real Living Dec 2010 - cover

Holy Moly! I just checked my mailbox & what do I find? Yet another magazine that requires my immediate attention. I'm so far behind with my reading. This means, a marathon session tonight with round ups to come very soon.

Sandy K

[above image impatiently scanned by Sandy K]

Real Living Nov 2010 Issue 59

Real Living Nov 2010 Issue 59

The November issue of Real Living is probably one of the best issues of the magazine of late. I found it full of houses that grabbed my interest. The first being the house featured on the cover. This beautiful home belongs to Louise & Graeme Bell & their two children Jasper & Anoushka. As most of you will know, Louise writes the highly successful blog Table Tonic & runs the equally successful online homewares store also by the name of Table Tonic.

Check out the gorgeous Zoom pendant light hanging over the dining table

The book shelf wall in the kitchen is a wonderful way to keep those cook books at the ready. The Phillipe Starck 'Ghost' stools are functional yet inconspicuous.

The last pic I have included of Louise's home is that of her son Jasper's room. It's light, bright & colourful. Perfect for a young man of 6 years of age. Also, being a huge Doctor Who fan, I just had to include this picture.

I've always loved Osborne & Little's Maharani design from the Sariskar collection, but only ever seen pictures of the darker or more neutral colourways. I quite like the colourway shown below for it's punchy brightness.

The beetle wallpaper from Porter's Paints on the wall below is fabulous.

The next home I have chosen to feature, belongs to interior designer Nadia Sakey & her husband Dave & daughters Hope & Molly. It's a 1930s cottage in Auckland, New Zealand.

See the stripe detail at the top of the living room wall? Great way to introduce some colour to a room & to draw the eye up.

The Kartell 'Easy' pendant lights in the kitchen add a bursts of colour that ties the open plan space together. Phillipe Starck 'Ghost' stools also feature in this kitchen.

The following beachside home belongs to photographer Dewey Hicks & his wife Stephanie & their two young children. The magnificent artwork in the living room is 'Stir' by Monique Prieto.

The natural materials used bring a sense of the outdoors inside. The dining room display wall & its' collectibles are envy inducing.

The bright hit of colour found in the kids bathroom makes bathing a happy event.

The next home belongs to actress Jane Hall of the soap Neighbours. This 1880s weatherboard cottage is located in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Love the rug from Loom in the living room.

The bright yellow bar stools in the kitchen are by Mark Tuckey. They sit nicely alongside a mid-century Parker dining table & chairs that have been reupholstered in hot pink velvet.

Check out the gorgeous blue lamp sitting atop the timber storage boxes from Mark Tuckey. The artwork on the wall is Jane's favourite piece & is entitled 'The Mother & Daughter With Big Bow' by Rebecca Cool.

Another gorgeous lamp can be found in Jane's bedroom. I do like the wall paper also, but unfortunately no reference was made to it in the article.

The final home belongs to Alison & Roger Feletto & their young family. It's a four bedroom home situated in Sydney's eastern suburbs. It is the first solo project of Stacey Kouros of Stacey Kouros Design. Stacey & the clients went with a "mod-Chinoiserie theme". The below pics are from a much larger feature. The living area features a rug from the Greg Natale Range at Designer Rugs.

A close-up of 3 year old Sophia's bedroom wall.

The master bedroom connects to the study. The eye catching emerald green used in both areas creates a lovely flow & harmony.

Real Living November 2010 issue is on sale now.

Sandy K

[all above images scanned & collaged by Sandy K]

Magazine Sneaky Peek - Real Living Nov 2010 Issue 59

Real  Living Nov 2010 - cover

Sandy K

[above image impatiently scanned by Sandy K]