Ask An Expert
A recipe for a budget kitchen makeover.
Q We recently bought a 1970s unit in Brisbane. The kitchen cupboards are two-pack polyurethane in a cream/beige colour and in excellent condition. The benchtop and splashback, however, are really daggy – dark green swirly laminate and gumleaf feature tiles, respectively.
The walls are white, the floors are polished concrete. What can we do to update it?
Suzanne Owen, Kangaroo Point, Queensland
A Consider replacing the benchtop with something classic – Laminex’s Square form product gives the look of a stone slab with the practical benefits of a laminate. More contemporary cabinet/drawer hardware and a modern light fitting will work wonders, too. Use tile paint to make the splashback the same colour as the walls; this will help it blend in with the cabinetry. Finally, a feature floor tile or runner will bring a point of interest. # Send decor dilemmas (with name and address) to H&G Advice, GPO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028, or email H&G@bauermedia.com.au.
‘I love The Rocks in Sydney, where our gallery is, and I’ve been fortunate to travel to many parts of Australia. I was particularly stunned by the Bungle Bungles and the Great Barrier Reef.’
H&G has captured residential design, decoration and gardening trends since 1948. Do you have a favourite era, in terms of housing and/or sensibility?
Being born in 1940, I have a love of simple country houses of that mid-’40s period. The house I spent my boyhood in was a square box with a couple of windows in the front, a simple door and a verandah. A tin roof and pressed metal ceilings. It had a tank out the back for water and a grapevine down the side. I walked to school; I think that’s my favourite time of all.
You’ve taken on darker subjects in recent years, however your body of work might be described as sunshine on canvas – a vibrant and positive affirmation of Australian life and landscape. Do you feel as lighthearted about
Australia today?
At 77 you can be lighthearted, euphoric and occasionally profoundly distressed. That comes with age. But anyone lucky enough to live in Australia is already extremely fortunate. There’s no reason Australia and its people shouldn’t continue to shine as one of the great countries of the world.
What have we got right? Where have we missed the mark?
The things that we’ve got right are allowing and welcoming people from lots of different countries and societies. Their influence on the country and design in general has been profound. In Australia we have the great benefit of learning not only from ourselves, but also everyone else in the world. We missed the mark by not becoming a republic and not having our own flag.
Was there a period when Australia was really excelling creatively?
The ’60s I think was a strong period, and also the ’80s, when we embraced a higher degree of national pride. Things like winning the America’s Cup, setting up World Series Cricket, the [Brisbane] World Expo and Australian movies of that time.
Which Australian artists do you admire?
Sidney Nolan, Fred Williams and any number of artists who’ve shown a real dedication to their work over time. It only takes about 50 years to have some understanding of whether you’re any good.
What delights you about living in Australia today?
I am most fortunate to live beside Sydney Harbour, so to wake up to rainbow lorikeets, seagulls and magpies, and to walk on the beach and swim before breakfast, is pretty hard to beat.
Your Great Barrier Reef works are legendary. How do you feel about its chance of survival?
The threat is serious and immediate, and anything that anyone can do to help in the preservation of what is one of the greatest jewels of the world is important.
How does it feel to have a new generation embracing your art?
I am thrilled that younger people enjoy what I do. Art is always half a conversation and the more people that enter into viewing and enjoying art, the better.
What is on your to-do list for 2018?
Three or four very important exhibitions and a trip to Iceland.
What excites you about the future?
At 77, I’m excited to be only halfway through my life.