Heleena (pictured left): My grandparents came to Australia by ship in the 1960s. They created a wonderful life here, and their drive and passion for living has influenced me greatly. I have been surrounded by a family that loves to live life to the fullest and celebrate every moment of being. My childhood was filled with mountains of Greek food shared with loved ones – both my grandmothers were very good cooks. I began travelling at a young age and have always been curious about culture and the way people live.
Alexandra: My mother and grandmother were both strong, creative women who shaped my love for design, food and fashion. My grandmother, an artist from New Zealand, designed and made all her own (very chic) outfits. She taught my mum – who went on to have a few small fashion labels – and my mother taught me. I was brought up surrounded by rolls of fabric, trims and cutting tables, and we made weekly car trips to suppliers and makers around Sydney. My mother loved to cook and entertain, which was always so exciting to me. It feels very natural to be working among all these things now. The thrill of a finished garment and a beautifully laid table is never lost on me.
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
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This story is from the December 2020 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CERTAIN CHARM
A young couple enlists the expertise of a savvy team to refresh and expand their original 1930s Brisbane worker's cottage into a light-filled family home.
UP TICK
Creating better connections inside and out through clever design brought this family's vision to life.
VIEW to thrill
Elegant curves, magnificent marble and sublime colours make this Federation-era bungalow's interiors as enchanting as the Sydney city skyline seen through its windows.
MOODY beauty
Gently curved forms and shadowy grey tones give this Edwardian home, in a leafy neighbourhood of Melbourne, a refined character.
SEASIDE story
A creative couple design a relaxed yet refined coastal getaway for their family on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
SPACE mission
Dubbed the Big Small House’, this historic Melbourne cottage receives a contemporary makeover, packed with welcome surprises.
PICTURE perfect
A century-old weatherboard in Melbourne's north-east is given a storybook finish for a young family yearning for their forever home.
Luli Farrell
Having developed an appreciation of beautiful surrounds from a young age, the ABI Interiors co-founder and designer has found her calling.
MODERN HISTORY
Life is now a breeze for a family of five in this calm coastal home with nature-inspired interior finishes and playful art at every turn.
WITH love
What better way to turn up the romance than with this delicious Valentine's Day dinner menu for two from The Cordony Kitchen.