LIFE & ST YLE
Bianca Martin shares some firsts and favourite things...
“WE ARE DRAWN TO ART THAT HAS SOME CONNECTION AND ISN’T JUST BASED ON AESTHETICS.”
FIRST ADULT HOME? It was a smash repair shop in Sydney’s Newtown that we converted into an amazing warehouse home (8). It was our first big project and the perfect party house. We still miss it. BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION? New York (4) has been top of the wishlist for many years. And finally, after many failed attempts, we are visiting there as a family this Christmas.
DREAM RESTAURANT TABLE? My favourite foodie memories are all of low-key places we’ve visited on our travels. Lunch around a bougainvillea-dappled table on (Greek island) Naxos is up there. DREAM CAR? A 1965 convertible Ford Mustang (7), preferably in silver blue. Powerful and pretty.
NUMBER-ONE DOWNTIME PURSUIT? A good, long walk with our dog Jango – I can exercise and check out the new architecture in the neighbourhood. For more adrenaline, we all love skiing. FAVOURITE ARTISTS? We have works by Emma Gale, Giorgia
Bel (2) and Leonie Barton, who I know as she lives locally. We are drawn to art that has some connection and isn’t just based on aesthetics. DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS WHO INSPIRE YOU?
Can I say my husband?! I love his pure and pragmatic approach to design. Locally, John Wardle Architects and, internationally, Studio Ashby. I wish I was that brave with colour and pattern.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? I’ve just finished
Here Goes Nothing by Steve Toltz. Such a spot-on social commentary. FAVOURITE FASHION LABELS? Honestly, I would rather spend my money on ceramics! I’m either in gym clothes or jeans. This season I’ve been teaming them with shirts from my friend’s label, Marie Louise de Monterey. The detail and fabrics are so lovely.
FAVOURITE SCENT? Freshly ground coffee! I haven’t worn fragrance in years.
FAVOURITE VASE FILLER? I’m drawn to natives and more sculptural florals – the exception is the dahlia. It was our wedding flower and we had hundreds of them in the most divine coral colour. FAVOURITE MOVIE? Stand By Me will always remind me of my mum, who is no longer with us. I recently watched it again with my son. I’d forgotten how sweet and poignant it is.
I’M COVETING… The Primetime easy chair by Tom Stepp for
Make Nordic (5). The perfect book-reading armchair.
NEXT MAJOR HOME PURCHASE? Definitely more art – we have a lot of walls that need filling. I’ve got my eye on a ceramic chain wall sculpture from Emerson Ceramics (6) and Mel Lumb vessels (3).
I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT... Our La Pavoni coffee machine (1). We’re onto our third model because it gets such a workout.