Come read our thoughts, what we live and breathe everyday – friends, family, fires and feasts, it doesn’t get much better than this. Not an ordinary blog page, come explore our world and love for sustainable living, art, culture, fireplaces & cooking with us.
What a great journey 2022 has been so far! With a welcomed explosion of home renovation projects and new dwellings being drawn up, the priority to improve open-ended entertaining spaces with an aesthetically pleasing and tranquil backdrop became a priority for many Australians this year.
As Melbourne returned to normal in 2022, how we created our everyday haven, whether it be at work or home was somewhat permanently altered. With superior indoor and outdoor cooking spaces, as well as creating ambiance with fireplace trends, the raging desire to improve lifestyles became more than just a luxury, and rather a necessity this year. Several trends like off-the-grid and sustainable living also created a buzz throughout what a balanced home, work and play environment should truly be.
We made a decision as a family to introduce several new product lines for families this summer, including the Big Green Egg – the ultimate outdoor entertaining marvel. We saw a significant rise in the installation of indoor and outdoor wood fireplaces, electric fires and hydronic heating systems. Also, Falcon Range Cookers, Nectre Ovens and AGA Dual Fuel Cookers were amongst the best-selling cooking products in 2022. Thanks to the never-dying spirit of Australians who love to entertain and those who are always one step ahead when it comes to serving mouth-watering feasts at home.
So thank you to all of our valued customers of both Wignell’s and Cheminees Philippe Australia. We are grateful to our clients and the designers, architects, builders, and installers who have chosen our products and services for their homes and projects this year!
When you’re looking for something truly special, we hope that we will continue to be the place that you think of first.
We’re looking forward to some downtime so that we can relax and reconnect with those we love. See you in 2023!
When it comes to floating fire hearths, and fireplace surrounds, concrete is one of the most popular choices out there. It is non-combustible, durable and brings a sense of style and warmth to any fireplace installation.
Concrete is versatile; you can leave it exposed and cover it with tiles, stone or slate. Plus, it will complement various materials to create a warm and elegant space for you and your family.
No need to worry about stray sparks or embers causing damage to your floor. Just build a custom concrete hearth and incorporate it into your fireplace design.
Whether installing a new fireplace or renovating an existing one, Form Concrete Studios is your one-stop shop for fire hearths, plinths and mantles. They offer custom designs to build and install all types of concrete fire designs, ranging from small floating concrete hearths to large in-situ poured fire hearths, tiles and mantles.
Based in Torquay on the Surfcoast of Victoria, Form Concrete Studios specialises in cast in-situ and precast concrete for all interior and architectural concrete applications. They are designers and manufacturers of fine polished concrete products, handmade with care and integrity. Depending on the fireplace design, they will also recommend one type of concrete over the other.
With years of experience building fire hearths, Form Concrete Studios ensures the design will pass regulations and exceed expectations. They will help you achieve the desired results and see through your fireplace design and installation.
All their concrete products are made with love and care. Products are sealed using a penetrating densifier, different from hybrid polyurethane. It creates a more natural matte finish that compliments the overall look of the fireplace. This minimises the numerous other trades included in building fireplace surrounds.
As a leading supplier and installer of fireplaces, including gas stoves, wood heaters, and everything you need to stay cosy, we believe in creating a safe and sound environment for our clients. So, if you want to add a concrete hearth to your fireplace project, we highly recommend Form Concrete Studios as your trusted concrete artisan.
The effect of a fire in a home is truly heartwarming. It gives the space where the unit is located character, emotion, and a sense of life. A fireplace provides warmth not only physically but also psychologically. When a fire is lit, it makes a house feel like a home.
When I sit in front of a fire, I am mesmerised by the patterns of the flames. Having this in my home makes me no longer feel tense but relaxed, while all the stress from the day goes away. There is an unexplainable sense of gratitude when spending time with family and friends around a fire. A fire provides much cosiness and zen, both of which we all require in our lives.
By Maya Musgrove (age 13)
Wignell’s Granddaughter
Summer is here! This means you will be spending quite a lot of time outdoors while enjoying what surroundings have to offer, right? In an ideal summertime scenario, where relaxation and entertainment go hand in hand, having an outdoor fireplace is a must. It brings the necessary sophistication to the outdoor – just what you would look for on those cold summer nights when the last thing you want to do is go inside.
Chilly summer nights, flickering flames and the aroma of a feast sizzling on the grill – sounds like a perfect outdoor setting? That’s what outdoor fireplaces are all about – your backyard’s new best friend. They are meant to captivate people’s attention, extend your outdoor entertaining hours and give you warm long into the night.
An outdoor fireplace, like the Morso Kamino Outdoor Fireplace, not only creates a warm homely atmosphere, but also helps you create an alfresco setting that enhances the whole entertainment experience.
Whether you are looking for gas fireplaces, high-base fire pits or wood heaters, these are some of the best options available out there to create that ambience for your outdoor entertaining area. These options come in different models depending on where you wish to put them.
Get ready to turn the heat up at your outdoor party and bring all the cosiness of your home outside into your prised alfresco entertaining backyard, garden or terrace.
Imagine waking up in the morning, stepping onto your porch with your coffee and hearing no other human beings. No electricity, internet or any other modern conveniences, just you and the wildlife on your homestead. Well, this is what living off the grid sounds like!
The 2022 season of The Block is more off-grid and sustainable than anything you have experienced on the show before. For starters, the season takes place against the rural backdrop of the Macedon Ranges in Victoria, where contestants have to renovate homesteads relocated from around the country. The show’s executive producer Julian Cress says:
“I personally believe that sustainability is a hugely important subject for all of us to discuss and I know that we’re not leading that conversation. We believe that most Australians are very conscious of sustainability now, so we just wanted to try and showcase some of the real leading-edge technologies that are available within this series.”
Living off-the-grid is unbearably idyllic where your water basin collects rain from the night before, your electricity comes from solar panels and the food is all home-grown. Such a lifestyle requires moving to the woods, building a cabin, drilling a well, installing some solar panels and a lot more. In short, it isn’t as straightforward as it may appear on the TV screen.
To put it simply, living off the grid takes a lot of planning, preparation, hard work and determination. And once you’re there, the living will continue with the care, maintenance and upkeep of the homestead. Let’s make this simple by breaking down the key things you will need for off-the-grid living.
First thing first, you’ll need an appropriate location. It is the foundation of your off-the-grid life and will be usually in a remote area – miles away from any strict building codes and permitting regulations. Land in such locations is often inexpensive, property taxes are low and there will be more acreage for your money.
If you are looking for a multi-sensory heating experience for off-the-grid living, heating with wood fire is one of the most affordable and renewable energy sources available out there. When compared to heating with propane, having a highly efficient wood fireplace can reduce your heating costs, especially if you harvest your own fuel. Feel free to view our wood heater range.
Once you have a piece of land, you will need a safe and reliable shelter to get started. It may be a hut, RV, yurt or cabin in the woods. Make sure the shelter can protect you from predators, home break-ins and extreme weather conditions. To find sustainable heating options for your off-the-grid journey, choose The Wise Life.
For more than 4 decades, the Black family has been investing their time and energy in sustainable products that hold true to their ethos of “Respect for People and the Environment”. As Australia’s #1 manufacturer of slow-combustion heating and cooking, The Wise Life also supplies integrated hydronic heating and solar systems that would save you money and support a sustainable future. View our Wise Living Belvedere 5000 Boiler Unit.
Speaking of meals, getting food isn’t easy when you live off the grid. You have to figure out a way to find nutritious food. Since you won’t have everyday access to grocery stores, you should grow your own food! Also, become skilled at farming, hunting and fishing.
To make sustainable cooking a breeze, consider Rayburn wood stoves. Additionally, the new range of Thermalux wood heaters could be a great addition to your off-the-grid setting. Feel free to view our Thermalux Sterling Series Wood Stoves.
When it comes to survival, hydration is essential. Without it, you’re likely to survive a matter of days. Since you rely on water for several activities like showering, cooking and cleaning, off-grid residents need to find a way to get enough water. You will need a water collection system, hot water system and hydronic system that collect all the rainwater from your roof.
Living off the grid is the next big thing and can be challenging yet rewarding. Here, planning is the key to making a successful transition. So, where does your off-the-grid journey begin? Whether you are looking for outdoor cookers, wood stoves or hydronic systems to make off-grid living come to life, do let us know about your off-the-grid requirements.
Watch the video to know how The Block stars go completely off-grid with their new home:
Once the envy of Australian families for her beautifully organised pantry, Bec Judd has recently revealed the results of her latest home renovation project. She might have not been in the spotlight these days, but Bec is definitely been keeping herself busy.
The WAG turned businesswoman and influencer has been flexing her interior design skills, unveiling the makeover of her Mount Buller holiday home.
In a series of Instagram posts, Bec shared some pics and videos back in May, showing off the main family area of the home, which was completed in just eleven weeks. She posted: “I’ve found my new favourite thing to do.” Her caption was: “The first time I’ve been able to say – interior design by me.”
The 38-year-old is married to former AFL star Chris Judd and her newly renovated home in the popular ski resort village of Mount Buller. It’s her first time with the interior designing thing, though you couldn’t guess that from the first look. This formerly dated space is now a luxurious home, surrounded by picturesque views and filled with plenty of warmth.
The kitchen looks much better compared to the uninspiring area that stood before it. Warm neutral tones give the cooking space a cosy and ambient feel with the addition of swirling lilac and beige marble benches, wool-topped stools, panelled mushroom grey joinery and bronze accents.
The palette is cleverly complemented with bronze taps, handles, steel doors and accessories. Bec wrote on her Instagram post: “I added texture through the use of timber, wool and faux fur. The result: modern alpine vibes but not predictable.”
Bec was clearly conscious about the living space, which her family of six uses as a home-away-from-home. The entire space takes luxe up a notch with several plush layers, including a faux fur cloud chair (Zuster Furniture) and shag rug (Trit House).
Banquette seating around the dining table nicely ties in with the ribbed base of the dining table. Also, the old fireplace has been replaced with a showstopper Lopi fireplace that’s built into cabinetry housing structured ceramics and tonal decor pieces.
The same warm tones are incorporated in the bedroom with the addition of a wooden feature wall, timber bedside and faux fur ottoman. Though Bec is yet to reveal it, her Instagram Stories suggest another room, which is fitted out with two queen-sized bunk beds, making it a perfect family getaway.
Putting the focus on relaxation and togetherness with a brand-new Lopi gas heater in Melbourne, the Mount Buller home creates a cosy vibe to take off wet ski gears after a day on the slopes. This gas insert fireplace looks stunning and offers a sophisticated environment to chill out.
So, what do you think about Bec’s new home renovation, featuring our Lopi fireplace?
A typical B&B (bed-and-breakfast) may conjure up the thoughts of chintzy chairs, lace curtains and some fluffy omelettes that sound like a true Sunday morning. Bassano Red Hill is none of that, except for the omelettes, which they can serve happily.
Sitting atop the mesmerising contours of Red Hill, Bassano is a novel B&B accommodation in Victoria. A world away from the urban chaos of cities, this offering is pretty unique to the surrounding Mornington Peninsula, highlighting the iconic French-made Cheminées Philippe fireplace.
The owners – Scotty and Eliza Bemelen – looked at Tom Robertson Architects to transform their twin buildings into a single luxury private suite and artist studio. The designing part was assigned to the designer and stylist Simone Haag, who says…
“The clients wanted neither to skew super farmhouse nor super modern. And so, they looked to us to create an eclectic, layered interior imbued with warmth.”
Tom Robertson Architects and Simone Haag managed to create a distinct contrast between the inside and the outside, providing a private and intimate retreat in the arms of Red Hill. The native landscaping outside and the warm timbers inside contrast against the industrial aesthetic, which is seen in the cabinetry and the hard-edged concrete bath.
Bassano Red Hill’s interior invokes a sense of relaxation, with the inclusion of a double-sided wood heater. The interior goes into total monochrome supernova, where the main central steel spine nicely outlines the true identity of the interior. With its refined industrial detailing, a facade that riffs on rural, charcoal aesthetic and some vintage pieces, the Red Hill B&D becomes a voguish-meets-vintage accommodation – perfect for your carefree stays and placid days.
With an entryway, kitchen, breakfast nook and lounge on one side and a private bedroom with an ensuite on the other, the luxury suite was divided into two halves. The sunlight enters and bounces through both of these halves in such a way that it infuses the interior, using a strategic contrast of light and dark tones that create a sense of calm.
In a nutshell…
This newly renovated B&B is a distinctly striking bucolic experience, where a farmhouse aesthetic is evident, but you get to notice an amalgamation of Italian fixtures, contemporary pieces and innovative French fireplaces. The final result is something diverse yet cohesive, which nicely elevates the sense of luxury, comfort and detail.
There’s nothing more satisfying and fascinating than seeing your vision becoming a reality. And what if it’s your dream home coming to life? The sheer happiness of building the abode of your dreams isn’t easy to pronounce, but Roseleigh makes it easy!
Delivering beautiful homes and lifestyles since 1982, Roseleigh Homes has been a proud Australian builder for more than three decades now. They have the profound honour of being one of the most recognised custom home builders in the Gippsland region, building around 30 homes every year.
With a track record of excellence, Roseleigh delivers world-class projects that stand out for their unparalleled designs and quality structures. They know how to strike the perfect balance between style, comfort and functionality by using the best construction materials and home products. Let’s take a look at some of their most prominent projects from 2022.
Beautifully designed and constructed to capture the views of the Strzeleckis and utilise the fall of the land, Warragul is a contemporary two-storey home sitting on the sloped site. It features interconnected twin gable roofs, a ground floor studio, three bedrooms, two living areas, an iconic freestanding Cheminées Philippe fireplace and much more.
The home has been thoughtfully designed by Brad Chugg to maximise space and comfort. The main living area creates a dramatic sense of space with the vaulted ceiling, rising to 3.5 metres in height. Plus, the eye-catching facade is accentuated in such a way that it nicely combines contrasting materials like recycled brick paired with vertically laid Colorbond Custom Orb cladding.
Showcasing an innovative home design without compromising on function, the Audrey is best known for its unique façade of James Hardie Linea weatherboards with contrasting smooth concrete rendered finish. The home incorporates a carefully considered floor plan, which heightens the overall comfort, style and convenience.
For instance, the master bedroom features a soaring vaulted ceiling, walk-in wardrobe and oversized arched window. Also, the open-plan kitchen and living area feature a vaulted ceiling rising up to 4 metres – framed by dual arched windows. As the cherry on top, the Escea DFS730 Fireplace infuses the living area and makes it look more chic and comfy.
See how these award-winning projects by Roseleigh Homes incorporate our signature French fireplaces and gas heaters? The striking curvature of these spaces is doubled by installing these beautiful fireplaces that certainly offer an arresting contrast to the surrounding.
Additionally, Benalla is another award-winning home (Best Custom Home $800,000 to $1M) filled with the ambience of our freestanding fireplace. Built by DKM Builders, this Scandinavian barn-style family home has enough room for all occupants to enjoy their own space and sit together in the open living area, lounge or dining area while falling in love with the warmth of our legendary Cheminées Philippe fireplace.
The owners of MANNA MADE – a full-service design and construction practice, have made their Blairgowrie House a coastal retreat, where they can reset, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. The entire project spanned over four long years of planning, preparation and construction with an outcome worth craving for, considering the huge amount of effort that went into every single detail.
Positioned exquisitely on the pristine coastline of Mornington Peninsula, the built form of the house, which sits seamlessly within its surrounding landscape, was designed in collaboration with Bellhaus Design Office. And the interior, which impeccably complements the outdoors, features an eco-smart wood fireplace from Wignells.
The seemingly essential outline of Blairgowrie House belies the multitude of complexities that Dan and Dani – the owners of MANNA MADE, faced in designing and constructing this minimalist coastal home. Restrictions and unforeseen obstacles were obviously there, but they were not ready to shy away from all the challenges associated with working through rigorous lockdowns and on a steep site within a bushfire attack level zone of 29.
If you look at the pictures, you will notice that Blairgowrie House creates this powerful external visual impact, the inspiration for which was taken from the rugged coastline and European Essentialism. The real task was to treat the interior in an equally bold manner as the exterior, which MANNA MADE managed to achieve with excellence and competence.
They adopted a pared-back and purposeful design approach throughout the house. For instance, the built-in joinery and furniture feature a palette of natural and sustainable materials, such as handmade bricks, natural timber wood veneer and French oak engineered flooring.
The main bedroom was designed in such a fashion that it connects with the exteriors. And this was done by the inclusion of wide glazing that reveals the indigenous landscaping, outdoor kitchen and intimate fire pit. Also, other elements like a sunken lounge with a freestanding fireplace, a plunge pool, home automation and surround sound bring luxury and comfort to this modern family home.
Integrated sustainability creativities mainly include:
Venetian blinds for thermal and light control
Dan and Dani were not happy with their chosen fireplace. This particular Cheminées Philippe fireplace is 100% French-designed and manufactured, sparking style, performance and environment safety. The fireplace sits beautifully in Dan and Dani’s Blairgowrie House and creates a sophisticated ambience of warmth, comfort and luxury that go beyond aesthetics.
Remember the movie ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ and how the protagonist went on an extraordinary adventure, where he celebrates the delightfulness of clementine cake? Well, that’s exactly what I am going to do today!
Hello! My name is Marianne and I love cooking and baking. Today, I will share with how I make a Clementine cake.
It’s wonderful how a movie can influence, inspire and educate! When I first watched the movie with my colleagues in 2013, I knew clementine was a citrus fruit. However, preparing a cake out of it was not my thing. Luckily, my mother knows the recipe. So, here we go!
Today, I am going to share the secret recipe of clementine cake, inspired by ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.’ This is a step-by-step guide in which I am using our Falcon Cooker, which is great when it comes to combing convenience with healthy cooking.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
To serve…
Just invert the cake onto a serving plate and spoon over some syrup to glaze the fruit slices. Serve the Clementine cake with the ice-cream/crème fraiche and the remaining syrup. Unlike me, don’t forget to share the delightfulness of this cake with your family, friends or your loved ones. Have fun!
When it comes to transforming an industrial space into a home, it takes a lot of courage, creativity and clarity. Rather than just using design elements to hide certain features, one should try to focus on exposing all that lies beneath to accentuate the style of that structure.
For instance, turning structural components into feature elements can help you achieve a look that seems unfinished, yet cohesive and contemporary. And that’s the case with the beautifully transformed Annandale Warehouse by SQ Projects.
You may see a warehouse as a blank canvas, screaming for the paint to be filled. However, the Annandale Warehouse is different as it uses materials from the existing building. Most of the home décor elements it incorporates were recovered and reused from the warehouse itself. In addition to that, raw steel, recycled timber, exposed brick and bare concrete were introduced to heighten the edgy aesthetic of this building.
When SQ director Joe Sidoti took over this industrial warehouse conversion project on Nelson Street, he had no idea what his future family house would look like. Development Application (DA) drawings were drafted by Humphrey + Edwards Architects and once approved, the SQ team got to work on the drawings in the direction of Joe himself.
By mashing up different textures, tones and materials, SQ Projects managed to create an interior that’s not only aesthetically-pleasing, but also functional and authentic, making it a perfect example of how a huge area can be transformed into a sophisticated and welcoming home. All detailed design, management and construction were done in-house, except for the wet areas and kitchen design that were managed by Sam Crawford Architects.
Despite its naked structure, the Annandale Warehouse radiates a warm ambience and offers an open-plan living, which is carefully executed with a punch of elegance and comfort. Each and every single detail was carefully crafted on-site in close collaboration with suppliers and subcontractors. In essence, this project is a true reflection of an urban industrial warehouse conversion, where our Cheminées Philippe fireplace takes the centre stage.
Heating solutions for the urban industrial spaces often pose design challenges, but Cheminées Philippe was installed in such a way that it beautifully characterises the living and dining areas without interrupting the minimalistic aesthetic and openness of the Annandale Warehouse.
Inspired by a renowned French manufacturer of heavy-duty cast iron fireboxes, the dual action open and slow-combustion fireplace not only offers unique design capabilities, but also the perfect heating solution right at the centre of the warehouse. On top of that, the fireplace nicely integrates with the accent of high ceilings, exposed bricks, large glass windows and glass feature walls to provide the space with efficient heating – a true reflection of an ambient and sophisticated space.
