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Belle April/May 2013

By Jacqui Greig •

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Belle April May 2013

At the risk of being hammered by interior aficionados, I have to admit this is the first time I have read Belle magazine. Gasp. But put down your pitchforks, because I’ve been converted. If their deliciously decadent front cover didn’t do it (which, let’s admit, it did), then the quality editorial inside would have tipped me over. Why, I hear you ask, is this the first time I’ve read Belle? It was the Vogue effect; I don’t buy Vogue because it’s too inaccessible (concepts and price tags). And I mistakenly believed I would feel the same way about Belle… I’ve never been so happy to be proved wrong!

Highlights

  1. The styling by Steve Cordony on the ‘Spy Trends’ pages. I’ve never been inclined to visit India, however the exquisite detail of these pages is making me reconsider.
  2. The ‘Hot Shots’ feature on young Australian design talent. Particularly loved the comment by Henry Wilson of Henry Wilson Studio that “we might have a different design landscape in Australia if the cut-off for industrial design was replaced with an interview and portfolio.” The fashion sense of the blokes profiled in this feature was incredible (yellow socks!), and was followed up by the Right Now Man page of suave men’s products.

Belle Steve Cordony

What I loved

  1. As a previous magazine editor (of a niche magazine), I always wondered how many people actually read my Editor’s Letter; it’s the first page I flip to when reading a new mag. I’m loving Neale Whitaker on The Block, and as shown with his Editor’s Letter, he has an elegant writing style to match his aesthetic sensibilities.
  2. Hospitality design group AvroKO make me want to visit New York again solely to tour the establishments they have left their mark on. As writer Mitchell Oakley Smith says: “(they have) radically reimagined New York’s dining scene from the architecture and interiors down to the menus.” 
  3. The smart conversion of a pub into a family home in inner city Melbourne. Inspired by crisp, organic Scandinavian design, this is a genius conversion by interior designers Hecker Guthrie. I’m lusting after the AndTradition ‘raft’ barstools used in the kitchen. 

Belle powder rooms

Things I’m coveting

  1. After reading the piece by Jean Wright on Parisian designer Andrée Putman, I’m desperate to get my hands on a copy of the book Putman Style by Stephane Gerschel. When Andrée’s imitable style was commented on, she explained it was the same as placing objects in an interior, and was quoted as saying: “the secret thread that assembles it is you – that’s what makes it individual.”
  2. The Bathroom Trends page ‘Power Rooms’ had six standout powder rooms that are all worthy of a Pinterest pin.
  3. Osborne & Little Penguin Library Wallpaper: this was actually an ad in the magazine, but resonated with me. Over 12 months ago I purchased a box of 100 Penguin book cover postcards and have been pondering what to do with them. I suggested creating three big squares of them on the wall and my husband was not impressed – until I showed him the ad for this wallpaper, and now that he can visualize it I think I can swing him around! 

Belle Penguin wallpaper

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March 9, 2013

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We're so in love with this reno by @jdzdesigns_ 😍😍😍

It's a remodel of a previously dark and pokey extension to a Victorian Gothic home. It's now an open plan dream, and the transition from old to new is beautifully done with impressive black steel doors.

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for the full story and tour.

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📸 @lawrencefurzey
Swipe for before ▶️▶️▶️ This kitchen Swipe for before ▶️▶️▶️ 

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What do you think?

Read all about it on the blog now via link in bio/stories.

#smallkitchenideas #kitchentile #potfiller #featuretiles #hamptonskitchen #pulloutpantry
A Melbourne husband and wife duo have launched the A Melbourne husband and wife duo have launched the world's first fully customisable cot, offering countless options to personalise your baby's space and change it as the mood takes you!

@bold_baby_co cots are made from sustainably sourced European beechwood, and are finally available after four years of meticulous design and safety testing.

Tag a pregnant friend who'd love these!

Read more on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.

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This small backyard makeover is NEXT LEVEL. @jone This small backyard makeover is NEXT LEVEL.

@jonesandco_ founder Jennifer Jones wanted an Italian vibe for her North Bondi semi and wow did @landart_home_garden_beyond deliver her vision. And then some!

Comment 'Positano' for the link to read all about it, including the antique terracotta Italian roof tiles around the curved pool, firepit, olive and lemon trees and lavender!🪻 Chef's kiss👌🏼

Size is NOT everything!

#smallpool #smallpools #smallbackyard #firepitdesign #smallgardenideas #crazypaving
Swipe for the rear of this gorgeous Woollahra home Swipe for the rear of this gorgeous Woollahra home. Heaven!

It's a finalist in the Houses Awards 2025. Head to the blog via link in bio/stories to see more of the shortlist. There's some absolute BEAUTIES.

Project by @tobiaspartners 📸 @justinalexanderphoto

#housesawards #housesawards2025 #woollahravillage #woollahra #woollahrahomes #australianarchitecture #australianarchitect
Edit: the winner is Kathy Petersen of VIC. To cel Edit: the winner is Kathy Petersen of VIC.

To celebrate @sataraliving's beautiful and biggest ever new collection we're giving away a $500 voucher! Comment 'satara' for the link to the easy entry form and more info on this everyday luxury range!

This giveaway is in no way associated with or endorsed by Meta.

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I always LOVE a new IKEA STOCKHOLM (widely known a I always LOVE a new IKEA STOCKHOLM (widely known as the IKEA best of) collection and 2025 is in Australian stores NOW.

I'm getting that floor lamp at a minimum.

Karin Gustavsson, creative leader for STOCKHOLM, IKEA Sweden, said: “The purpose of the STOCKHOLM collections has always been to prove that high quality doesn’t need to come at an intimidating cost. We have worked to create a no-compromise kind of collection where every piece tells a story."

Check it out on the blog now via link in bio and stories.

Don't hang around as these pieces always sell out fast.

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Building new isn't the only way to get a climate f Building new isn't the only way to get a climate friendly home. CSIRO research indicates that over half of the houses Australians will live in by 2050 already exist today. And those homes — from our 1950s weatherboards to mid-century gems — offer one of the most exciting opportunities to slash emissions, cut energy bills, and reimagine home design for a low-carbon future.

Welcome to the rise of retrofit culture: a movement that’s proving you don’t need to knock down to level up.

We're having this discussion on the blog today and sharing examples of two older homes given new, more sustainable, leases on life.

Head over via link in bio and stories.

Love to know your view on knockdown rebuild vs. Renovating older homes and what you have done and why in the comments!

@reneworgau

#sustainablehousing #sustainablehome #sustainablelivingaustralia #climatefriendlyhome #passivhaus #passivhausdesign
Swipe for the before! You won't believe it! This Swipe for the before! You won't believe it!

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Lucy's a bit of a Marketplace pro and she even found the Samsung Frame TV on there 😯

Tell us about your best marketplace finds in the comments?

All the details of how she did this including paint colour on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.

#upcyclefurniture #upcyledfurniture #upcycledsideboard #marketplacefinds
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About Jacqui Greig

By no means a design aficionado, Jacqui loves combining her enthusiasm for interiors with a passion for writing.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rebecca Beaumont says

    March 12, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    The wallpaper is brilliant – you could even frame your favorite bookcover postcards!
    I think I’ve just stolen my own idea!
    Love Belle magazine!

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      March 12, 2013 at 9:38 pm

      Hi Rebecca. I have done that! Put the book cover postcards in a frame. They look awesome.

  2. Jean Wright (Belle) says

    July 25, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Hi Jen, Just noticed your comments re my piece on Andree Putman in Belle . Andree was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Those of us who knew her well still miss her so very much. When Suzanne Trocme was in Sydney last week she reminded me that Andree was the link that bought many of us together. And we all keep in touch.
    Love Interiors Addict,
    Jean

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      July 25, 2013 at 1:22 pm

      Hi Jean, thanks for your comment. That post was actually by a previous intern of mine, Jacqui! Thanks too for your kind comments about the blog, I am a big fan of your work too of course! Meant to say hi at Hardold Park the other night. Will introduce myself next time! Jen

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