The best homes of 2016

Editor Cy Clayton looks back at seven of the most inspiring WA homes that were showcased in Habitat in 2016.

Island paradise

An 8m-long concrete island bench is the show-stopping centrepiece of this Cottesloe kitchen.

Architect Gavin Hestelow, of builder Weststyle Design & Development, had concrete at the top of his wish list when it came to designing his own kitchen.

The off-white bench, with an angled leg at the far end, was created with help from Melbourne’s Hungry Wolf Studio.

Concealed cabinetry and integrated appliances allow the design of the kitchen to shine while luxury fixtures include a bronze pendant light, designed by Mr Hestelow, which runs the length of the island, and a stunning Gessi Gocchi tap that resembles a droplet of falling water.

Recipe for success

When a kitchen designer creates her own kitchen, the results are bound to be impressive.

One of three designers’ own kitchens showcased in our August kitchens special, Western Cabinets’ Kia Douglas wanted to make a big impact on a small budget when it came to the kitchen of her new-build Mt Lawley home.

Highlights include an island with a built-in herb garden, which also serves as a casual dining area, a subway tile splashback, American walnut floating shelves, industrial-style pendant lights and a bronzed mirror-clad range hood which complements the recycled red-brick feature wall in the adjacent living area and scullery.

Work of art

Back in July Habitat visited the homes of three Perth interior stylists.

Ms Ledger purchased the home in its original 1970s condition before embarking on a full-scale renovation, which included replacing the windows and doors, lining walls with painted MDF panelling and installing beautiful yet cost-effective timber-look vinyl plank flooring.

Ms Ledger’s work space features a trestle-style desk from Freedom, an IKEA chair, an Armadillo & Co floor rug from Moora-based retailer Cranmore Home, and a Potter pendant light by Anchor Ceramics, which is one of her favourite items in the home.

This gorgeous monochrome nursery was one of three showcased in our March feature on cool kids’ rooms.

Style to inspire

This picture-perfect Mosman Park home was styled by interior designer Kim Pearson, who was brought in by the owner-building homeowners part-way through the renovation to help style the interiors of the renovated 1950s cottage.

Amazing makeover

Building designer Janik Dalecki instantly saw the potential in a daggy, dark and dated 1940s cottage, transforming it into this stylish, modern home.

Mr Dalecki, of Dalecki Design, redesigned the layout of the Maylands property to turn the confusing floor plan — all small, dark rooms and wasted space — into a light, bright home that takes advantage of the north-facing rear.

The simple colour palette (all walls and trims are painted in shades of white) allows the furnishings and art to be the focus.

In the kitchen (from Emilia Jane Kitchens) the minimalist palette includes white cabinetry and a custom-made raw concrete benchtop by Concrete Studio, with a splashback of Andy Warhol-inspired mosaic tiles.

Bathroom bliss

Designed by The Maker Designer Kitchens, this classic Dalkeith bathroom features a Pietra Grigio honed-marble tile feature wall, a Caroma Pearl freestanding bath, Caesarstone Raven benchtops with Cleaf Yosemite Old Jack cabinetry, and dual Villeroy & Boch My Nature basins either side of a window that connects the ensuite to the main bedroom.