Fresh ideasArchitect Angus Munro’s trademark use of narrow doorways and corridors leading through to expansive spaces is reminiscent of Japanese architecture. “They create a wonderful sense of drama and allow you to appreciate the larger areas,” he says. Equally striking is the mosaic-tiled studio floor, which resembles a creek running across the rainforest and subtly changes appearance as sunlight plays across it.

The beguiling Brisbane home of an interior stylist pushes the envelope by embracing Japanese design ideas in a distinctly Australian setting.

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INTO THE FOLD

STUDIO this page and opposite Although modest in size, owner Vanessa Cribb’s workspace has monumental character, from its lofty ceiling to the exposed zigzag frame and mosaic floor. The door knocker (opposite), features a hand-carved beaver and is a legacy of the Canadian previous owners. At the rear, a barn-style door leads to a small deck and the garden. Frosta stool, Ikea. Butterfly chair, Cuero Design. Tiller chairs, Didier. Floor tiles in custom colourway, The Pool Tile Company. For Where to Buy, see page 206.

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This is the lifeThe wonderful thing about this home is its collection of purpose-specific pockets, which allow family members to enjoy time together or apart, doing their own thing, says Vanessa. “Whether it’s creating in the studio, gaming in the living room, doing homework in the home office with a parent nearby, or tinkering in the workshop, there’s a special space for everything.”

The sight of a verdant rainforest gully on the 2000m2 block they were inspecting was enough to convince Vanessa and Peter Cribb to buy this 1980s split-level home in Brisbane’s inner north. Confident that the dated finishes and awkward layout could be overcome, they snapped up

the four-bedroom property in 2008 for themselves and their children Richard, now 15, Ben, 13, and Emma, nine.

After engaging architect Angus Munro of Marc & Co, they began the first stage of renovations in 2010. By May the following year, an existing family room on the northern side had been transformed into a galley kitchen and dining area, flowing out to an extended deck, sunny lawn, pool and barbecue area. The ground level was pushed out to the west to accommodate the generous kitchen and shield the interiors from harsh sun.

The second stage, begun in 2014, had a special imperative for Vanessa, an interior stylist with her own practice, Indigo Jungle. “We wanted to relocate the main bedroom to the north side, and I needed a creative hub for my weaving, sewing and styling practice, so we engaged Angus again to help tie it all together,” she says.

Angus and his colleague Katie Hawgood responded to the brief by creating the ultimate parents’ retreat on the main level, well apart from the children’s rooms upstairs. It’s a sizeable space with bench seat and rainforest views, a palatial ensuite and boutique-inspired walk-in wardrobe. An adjoining home office was also created, and the former main bedroom and ensuite became the >

DINING White-gloss finishes balance rich timber surfaces in the shared spaces. Custom dining table and bench seat, Blok Furniture. Replica Panton chairs, Matt Blatt. Designer buy: Topan VP6 pendant lights, from $525/each, Great Dane. KITCHEN Hidden features here include ceiling speakers and LED lights around the kickboards of the island bench. Highland gas cooktop. Tea towel, Ottily & Lewis. For Where to Buy, see page 206.

The clever wall opening allows easy communication between people in the kitchen/dining room and those in the living

area on the next level.

within range

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THE LAYOUT

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MAIN BEDROOM above and right “With the large windows, we feel very close to the garden,” says Vanessa of this blissfully private space. Bedlinen, Adairs. Curtains in organic hemp fabric in Ardoise from Couleur Chanvre. Stool, Adore Homewares. Greenery and grey vase, Divine Flowers. Ottoman, Bisque Interiors. Photo block, M2Matiz. Framed artwork by Ken Burt (above). Fibre art (on hook, right), Coastal Artisan.ENSUITE Elements in this well-composed space range from honed bluestone and distressed metal to textural ceramics and living greenery. Bath, Dado Australia. Hanging basket, The Minimalist. Arc wall tiles, Artedomus. Floor tiles, Slate & Stone.Designer buy: A69.08.V5 Icon floor-mounted bath filler in Aged Brass, $2571, Astra Walker. For Where to Buy, see page 206. >

Colorbond Monument

exterior

THE PALETTE

Dulux White on White

interior, throughout

Taubmans Starry Night

Blue

‘ In each project we try something new, something we have invented ourselves.’ Angus Munro, architect

Try this accent

Bed

Studio

Pool

Office

Wardrobe

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

Deck

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Bed

Bath

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Dining/kitchen

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BathFamily

Entrance deck

< guest wing. A portion of the large rear deck was reclaimed as indoor space for the children’s play/informal living room. “The reconfiguration means we have gained a guestroom, enjoy far better orientation and utilisation of space, and now have a wonderful parents’ retreat,” says Vanessa.

Clever touches add to the experience and enjoyment of the home, including an opening in the kitchen/dining room wall that visually connects to the living room on the higher split level. “Angus said this would allow parents to call the kids from upstairs to the table for lamb chops,” says Vanessa, laughing. Another deft inclusion is what she calls the ‘family control centre’, a concealed storage bench and whiteboard in the laundry where the parents outline the week’s activities and the children can stow their school and sports gear.

For Vanessa, the most exciting part of the project was the creation of her studio, a freestanding 3x8m structure in the subtropical garden. “It’s a very spiritual sanctuary,” she says. “I enjoy the psychological and physical transition from domestic life to work as I meander through the garden.”

Understandably, she and the rest of the family are thrilled with the vision Marc & Co carved out and brought to life. “Together we have created an oasis in our own little forest.” #Marc & Co, West End, Queensland; (07) 3844 0880 or www.marcandco.com.au. Indigo Jungle, Ashgrove, Queensland; indigojungle.com.au.

GARDEN Vanessa traverses a walkway of custom-made concrete pavers with Rio, a golden labrador withdrawn from the Seeing Eye Dogs Australia program for being too ‘flighty’ but now in her element as a much-loved pet.POOL The expansive front yard is a buzzing social space complete with pool, barbecue area, lawn and sheltered deck. Landscaping by Stephen Clegg Design.REAR DECK Adjustable Japanese-inspired shutters block harsh western sun and allow the family to make full use of this airy space. Vintage pew with custom back cushion in fabric from Walter G. Rug, Temple & Webster. Smart buy: Dark Rider round printed cushion, $89, Pony Rider. For Where To Buy, see page 206.

FEATURE PLANTS

FRONT YARDAlexandra palms (Archontophoenix

alexandrae)Liriope ‘Evergreen Giant’

Zoysia grass

BACKYARDLomandra ‘Tropic Cascade’

Wild iris (Dietes)

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