INSIDE STORY

ANNETTE & RYAN'S HOME

WHO LIVES HERE?

Annette, a speech therapist; her husband Ryan, CEO of a software company; their children Rosie, four, and Eddie, one; and Queenie

the Himalayan Persian cat.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT OR ITEM? Ryan: “In front of the real wood fireplace. I love the sound and smell when tending a fire.” Annette: “We never planned to spend so much on the chandelier above the dining table, but now we’re glad we did. ”

ANY TIPS FOR A CHILD-FRIENDLY HOME?

Annette: “Have separate areas for separate activities. Rosie mostly plays in the rumpus room and draws in the craft nook. That way, all the toys

and crayons stay in one place.”

WHAT IS YOUR TOP RENOVATION TIP? Ryan: “Before signing off on plans, visualise yourself in the space. We physically walked through, opening imaginary doors – and in the process realised some opened in instead of out!” 5

1. A Ralph Lauren ‘Roark’ medium chandelier in Aged Iron from The Montauk Lighting Co. hangs above the dining table. 2. Annette, Ryan, Rosie and Eddie snuggle together in the living area. 3. The sitting room features a fireplace clad in ‘Blue Steel’ stone from Stonehaus and an ironbark shelf from The Big Red Shed. 4. A ‘Verde’ lamp from Bloomingdales adds a splash of green to the dining room. 5. Petite ‘Huguenot Lake’ wall lights from LightCo are perfect for the main ensuite. Frameless mirror from Tantra Imports. 6. A Bianca Lorenne ‘Arco’ cushion in Prussian Blue stars in the main bedroom. 7. Rosie waters pansies on the patio, which is covered in Sandwave Granite pavers from The Pool Tile Company.