HIGH-RISE BEAUTY
A MOODY NEW YORK GENTLEMEN’S CLUB VIBE WAS CHANNELLED WHEN THE HOUSE RULES TEAMS TACKLED THE NSW HOME OF LAITH AND GEORGE
Creating a masculine space that didn’t just end up being a stereotype was the challenge that faced the House Rules teams in renovating Laith and George’s NSW home. Right from the start, best friends George and Laith captured viewers’ hearts and funny bones with their larrikin ways and sense of style, with judge Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen describing the pair as “urban, funky, aspiring James Bondlike figures”. And the renovated property that they returned to was all sophisticated cool. Working within the rules – including ones requesting heritage colours and craftsmanship – the teams showcased a rich collection of dark timbers and luxurious surfaces and finishes, and opened up the home for large family gatherings.
GENTLEMEN’S CLUB
With a House Rule that included “Give us a VIP lounge fit for distinguished gentlemen… like us”, Tasmanian twins Kimmy and Rhi created a snug, yet sophisticated, space for Laith and George (opposite). “This VIP lounge was outstanding,” says judge Kyly Clarke. “They know how to work with texture and play with colour and contrast.” The cabinetry lights enhanced the mood and Wynstan Veri Shades provided a clean backdrop, while custom-made cabinetry by Silva Wardrobe Co using Polytec Char Oak board with a Smartstone benchtop echoed a New York vibe. The ‘Elite’ rug in Black from Deco Rugs adds the finishing touch to this look.
PLUSH MATERIALS
With a leather banquette opposite the rich velvet ‘Grenache’ dining chairs from Koala Living, this space, designed by contestants Kayne and Aimee, takes family mealtimes to a whole new level. “This dining room is almost a restaurant,” says Laurence. “It’s so crazy, and suits these guys with their enormous extended families.” The ‘Portofino’ table from Koala Living gives gravitas, while the ‘Sunset Hilltops’ art from Art Lovers Australia gives a colour connection. >
“THE DAPPLED WALLPAPER ON THE CEILING ADDS TEXTURE TO THE SPACE AND MAKES A REALLY GREAT STATEMENT” ~ KYLY CLARKE, JUDGE
DOUBLE-DUTY WALLS
The guest bedroom (left), renovated by Kayne and Aimee, includes a custom-made feature wall that doubles up as a bedhead. Painted in a rich dark green, it was balanced by the softer shade of Taubmans Mistral Breeze for the other walls. Bedlinen by Canningvale in beautiful terracotta shades adds a real sense of luxury.
LUXE AND LAYERED
The renovation of the main bedroom (opposite) by Tanya and Dave led to one of the most fabulous moments in House Rules history, according to judge Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen: “Laith said the worst thing anyone could ever do was paint his bedroom black. And what did he do when he walked into his black bedroom? Totally fell in love with it.” Aksel brass pendant lights from Beacon Lighting provide task lighting over the custom-made bedside niches (below), which were also lit with subtle LED strip lighting for ambiance. ‘Dappled Leaf’ wallpaper on the ceiling from Annandale Wallpapers added a sophisticated new dimension to the room. >
“I LOVE THESE BACKLIT OVAL MIRRORS EVERYONE HAS BEEN USING. THEY’RE REALLY QUITE SOPHISTICATED” ~ KYLY CLARKE, JUDGE
DRAMATIC EFFECT
Plumbers Kayne and Aimee were playing to their strengths in designing the main bathroom in the NSW home (left) and it won accolades from all the judges. HB renovation expert and judge Saul Myers explains the dark textured tile was a real winner for the pair. Judge Kyly Clarke says she expects a lot from the plumbers, and feels they always have delivered. “I think the texture of the black geometric feature wall tile (the ‘Malmo’ hexagon tile in Black Satin from Beaumont Tiles) was really cool and the shape of the basins set the tone for the look of the bathroom.”
A CLASSIC TAKE
In contrast to the rest of the home, the muted classical, and almost cloud-like, shades of the ensuite bathroom created by Lenore and Bradley impressed Kyly (below). “This house had lots of deep tones to make it feel like a sophisticated gentleman’s club, however, I think we needed some white space and I really liked finding it here,” she says. “It was a tranquil space; and a space where you could go and feel a little more relaxed.”