Editor’s Letter
#BELLEMAGAZINE
Here at Belle, we are obsessed with all properties, great and small, so we love having the opportunity to showcase the best interiors, from grander spaces to those that are more chic and petite. And it’s fabulous to be able to include some names that may not have been featured in Belle before (p85). The challenges of smaller sites and difficult spaces and what can be achieved with some lateral thinking are always a joy to behold. I am particularly interested in these as I own a skinny terrace that needs a complete rear rework and I often dream about dropping an excavator on site via chopper!
The professionals who really do know how to achieve these results are usually the unsung heroes of projects, particularly when all of the interest is focused on the interiors and the beautifully decorated end result. Our new awards will showcase the talented boutique builders who are creating dream homes across Australia. The Belle Luxury Home Building Awards are seeking entries from luxury home builders in association with the project architect and homeowner. With the support of Brickworks and Tongue n Groove, these awards will focus on the quality of exterior and interior finishes in new builds and alterations and additions. We are looking forward to shining the spotlight on some of these unpublished master craftsmen (p57).
It was great to see so many of you at this year’s Denfair in Melbourne. I think the quality of the exhibitors and the stands is outstanding and a tribute to Thibaud CauCecile and his team’s strict curation. We enjoyed a very entertaining lunch at the luxurious Janus et Cie exhibit with special guest speakers Paul Hecker, Hamish Guthrie and Myles Broad, covering an eclectic range of topics, followed by a great design catchup over drinks courtesy of the team at Brickworks.
We are also once again on the lookout for Australia’s top industrial designers for Alessi (p65). Last year’s winner, Rene Linssen designed the curvaceous ‘Pearla’ oyster shucker and we are looking for another talent to add to the Alessi design files over the coming months.
Chic Nomad, Sibella Court takes us on a journey with her to LA – we hope you have been enjoying these regular style jaunts as much as we have – stylists are always inquisitive bowerbirds and Sibella’s travels unearth the most must-visit boutiques, bars and places to stay (p186).
And if you’re not a subscriber to Belle make sure you don’t miss an issue – this month’s subscription offer is a winner for the houseproud entertainer ( p136-137), subscribe and receive these elegant Laguiole knives as a gift.
We trust you enjoy the inspirational interiors on the following pages and hope they spur on your smart space or grand home plans.