#Kitchen Island Melbourne

[ricciardo133]

Winter Break 2025

maxiel, weight gain, body worship, pregnancy briefly alluded to

-

Daniel always loves the way Max looks during the winter months. As Max steps into Daniel's Monaco apartment, Daniel eyes the tight fit of Max's running shorts along his softening hips.

"So, you have new merch?" Max asks, oblivious to Daniel's ogling. Daniel snaps to attention and follows Max into the living room.

"Well, obviously. As your new sponsor, we gotta make a whole Verstappen collection," Daniel adds with jazz hands for pizazz. "And I wanted to get your approval before we send the designs to print and you're stuck wearing all this for a year."

"It can look like anything," Max says, unbothered.

"Oh, good. I'll tell them we're a go on the Enchanté-branded assless chaps."

Max laughs, eyes crinkling in mirth. "Yeah, perfect for Media Day. I assume there is a matching cowboy hat."

Daniel feels his cheeks flush, picturing Max actually wearing that combination and nothing else.

"Just try on the samples and humor me, Maxy."

Thankfully, he's now not the only one blushing. They've been friends for long enough to know how to edge the unspoken line without ever crossing it, neither ever making that final push to send them spiraling onto one side or the other.

"Yeah, alright," Max says. "I'll do a fashion show."

Daniel claps and leads Max over to the dining room table where an already-opened cardboard box holds an assortment of red, blue, white, and orange apparel. He holds up one of the pull-overs, assessing which to try first.

"They're just the rough drafts, so let me know if you think they look like ass."

"No, Daniel, they look very cool. I like the classic look. And the big "É." Very you."

Daniel feels his dick twitch in his pants, thinking of Max branded with his label, marked as his, for the world to see. He tosses the shirt into Max's arms and pulls out a pair of summery shorts to match. "Just give these a spin. I sent them your size, so they should fit."

Daniel has seen how deep the flush can go over the years, like an old-timey thermometer measuring of how flustered his younger friend can get. He bites his full lips as his neck turns pink.

"I, uh, might be a bit bigger right now. But they'll fit for Melbourne. I'll look better."

"You look great now, Max."

Max spins on his heels and into the adjacent half-bath, door closing, as if Daniel hadn't seen him almost naked before. Daniel sits on the barstool at the kitchen island.

Sometimes he hates gooning this fucking horny friendship line and wishes he could just buck up the nerve to say something. Anything. Maybe now that they're not somewhat teammates, it'd be okay? Or is it inappropriate for a patron to think about cupping their client's ass and spreading his soft flesh-

"Okay, remember, they'll fit better in a few months."

Daniel looks up and feels his body tighten as he takes in the sight of him. Max squirms in the pull-over, zipper done all the way up. The orange sleeves hug his full arms, and the white, soft fabric stretches tight along his chest. Oh God, his tits, Daniel thinks guiltily before trying and failing to think about the design aspect of all this and not how Max's soft stomach pulls the pullover's fabric taught. His fuller belly peeks over the top of the shorts. His hips, always seemingly begging to be held, curve and slope down to full thighs. Max shaved. His normally fuzzy legs smooth as he shifts his weight on one bare foot to the other.

"I know," Max says, voice nervy. "It happens every year. I'm on holiday, but I'll get better."

"Don't say that," Daniel gets up. He feels the line veering closer, like pushing too hard on a circuit he knows by heart. He stops just an inch beyond appropriateness. "You look great."

"Daniel." He can't parse the pleading note in Max's voice, something shaky.

"You always look so good this way," Daniel goes on, watching Max's big blue gaze get thrown in starker contrast as his cheeks flush again. Max even shaved his face. He looks so young, like when he was his teamma-

"Daniel," Max says again. "I just feel too big."

"You're perfect, Max. You normally don't wear these things zipped all the way up, though. More like this,"

The line. Daniel crosses it, fingers gently pulling the pull-over's zipper down at an agonizingly slow rate. He didn't realize Max was holding his breath until he shudders a shaky exhale.

"Does it feel good?" Daniel asks, hands trailing up the sleeves, feeling the soft fabric casing Max's biceps.

"Yes. It's good."

"And not too tight here?" Daniel lets his hands draw inwards along Max's chest. Seeing he's already blown past the point of no return, he lets his palms rest over Max's full breasts. "Is it okay?"

Max nods, fast. Through parted reddened lips, Daniel sees Max's perfect, glistening tongue against his straight teeth.

Daniel squeezes. Max keens, a note Daniel has never heard from the other man. He rubs, making gentle circles over hardening nipples.

"Oh, Daniel," Max whispers.

"Maxy," Daniel returns, hands trailing lower, feeling the full rise of his belly. "Breathe."

Max acquiesces, belly shuddering. Daniel relishes the soft, pliable skin below the warm fabric.

"You look so good like this, Max," he says, stepping even closer. He lets his gaze dip, feeling Max's head lower to rest their foreheads together as Daniel stares at his soft belly. He rubs gentle lines around it, dick hardening as Max lets his body go even softer. He could even look three months pregnant, how round and full he fills out the top.

Max whispers his name again and then again as Daniel pulls up the fabric and finally touches smooth skin and then once more as Daniel's fingers dip into the waistband of the shorts, exploring back as Daniel presses flush to squeeze his hands into Max's full, soft ass.

"You deserve to feel good," Daniel says into Max's ear, words falling on the red nape of his neck. "At every weight, you deserve to be so fucking worshiped, Max."

"Oh my God, Daniel."

Daniel squeezes again, more firmly this time as he traces up to hold his pillowy hips. They always look so bitable in his fireproofs, and now they're filling out even more in the too-tight shorts, begging to be gripped. To be used for everything Daniel has wanted for years.

"I know," Daniel says, suddenly self-conscious, "this is, uh, a lot."

"It's good," Max asserts, his own hands flying to Daniel's back as if to keep him in place. "If it's good for you."

Daniel snorts a laugh, letting his hips rut forwards. His stiff cock meets Max's soft thigh. Max whines.

"More than good, Maxy." He presses his lips into heated, soft skin at Max's shoulder. "You're perfect like this. So fucking perfect." He reels at Max pressing his own hard length into Daniel's hips. It's bliss. Max's body, warm and eager and full and, for now, his.

"Alright, so, should I try on the others?" Max asks, a gentle mirth in his tone.

"Yeah, let me help you take these off first."

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Anyone for a double dome home that looks like twin igloos? Look, there's even a little one for the doggo. The 1985 build was well-cared for, is in Melbourne, Florida, has 3bds, 2.5ba, $500K. Oh, and it will withstand a cat5 hurricane.

It's gated, which is kind of cool.

2 ponds w/fountains.

Front door opens to a mirrored wall and stairs, with the living area straight ahead.

I like the ceiling and floor.

To the left is a modern double-sided fireplace and the kitchen, plus doors to the patio.

The kitchen's smallish, but very nice and has a wine rack, plus a island that accommodates some seating.

In front of the doors is space for a dining area and there's also a built-in cabinet.

The primary bedroom has a closet, door to the terrace, built-in cabinets with a headboard for the bed, and a bench.

The terrace overlooks the patio.

A ladder goes up to a loft.

In the loft are 2 built-in benches with glass to look down at the bedroom. The loft is up in the cupola on the top of the house, so you can open the louver shutters to look out.

Plenty of built-in storage for clothes.

The bath is pretty roomy.

Cute built-in office.

Secondary bedrooms.

Bath #2.

The room up here is air conditioned and everything, but it's unfinished.

Nice bright basement.

The 1/2 bath is down here.

The outdoor patio is surrounded by a planter.

The lot is 1.24 acres.

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3500-Harlock-Rd_Melbourne_FL_32934_M61023-13287

[cocoaandco]

Wildflower - George Russell x f!reader [prologue]

You and Delilah have been friends for years. When Delilah finds out the boy she loves has fallen for someone else, she seeks refuge in your arms. Little does she know you are the very reason for her undoing.

PROLOGUE

You smile as you shut the door to your apartment. The warmth that spread through your body was unmatched. In fact, you began to wonder if you had ever felt such a way before. The grin that was plastered on your face failed to dissipate, as if it had been stretched and glued that way.

You touch your cheeks, feeling how warm they were. How rosy they must have been the entire night, an evening where the blushing was endless. It was the middle of August in Melbourne, most nights had you spending countless dollars on the gas bill in order to heat the house. But tonight was different. No, not tonight. Your body was warm. Like you had been wrapped in an electric blanket and fed the best soup made by your Nonna. That just wasn’t true, though.

Your warmth was a direct result of your happiness. It’s crazy how a man you barely know could make you feel things that men you had allowed into your life and trusted in long term relationships had never come close to creating. You close your eyes, press your back against the, now closed door, and slide down. You bring a hand to your mouth, feeling the smile on your lips and pressing them against your palm before giggling.

God, I must look like a teenage girl! The giggling continues as you bring your hands from your mouth and look down at them, seeing that your lip gloss had smudged itself on your palm. You are startled when you hear a low chuckle sound from the other side of the door, before footsteps boom, growing softer as they moved away from the door and down the hallway. Oh my goodness, you thought to yourself, he just heard my fucking giddy laugh.

Springing to your feet, you move away from the doorway in embarrassment, and head to your kitchen. You switch on the kettle and pull out a stool from under your island bench. You sigh as you finally sit down, you must have walked around Church street for hours. As you wait for the kettle to boil, you think back to the past 24 hours and how the string of events followed through as a result.

————

36 hours prior. Thursday 9.30am

“Dan, I really don’t care about the bullshit corporate boxes. If you don’t release more upper ground seating to the public, we’re gonna have half empty stands to answer for!” You exclaim into your phone, gripping it tighter as if that would sway Dan into agreement.

You worked for the MCG, Melbourne’s biggest sporting venue, and had multiple blockbuster AFL matches to plan for that weekend, the biggest being Friday night’s class between Carlton and Essendon. The two teams are historical rivals that always draw large crowds and today was Thursday, the day before. Supporters from around the state were going nuts on every radio station and media outlet spraying the league for its lack of seating for the match. The problem? The large corporations hoarding the seats for businesses and international clients that had no real interest in the match, taking away from die hard fans.

Who has to deal with this problem? Why of course, it’s you. And the fact that you had gotten the train this morning made your venture that much more aggravating as the quiet roads were filled with electric scooters rather than cars. This probably seems like a boring and rather complex issue, so don’t worry, it is not pivotal to your story, Y/N.

“Y/N, listen. We can’t release those seats, we anticipate a large turnout from the upper tiers-”

“You’re telling me 8,000 seats are being put aside for Melbourne Demons supporters for a Bombers v Blues match?”

“Come on, Y/L/N. You know Demons supporters aren’t the only MCC members.”

“No but they make up the majority. I am doing your job- Shit!” All of a sudden something pushes into your back and you are sprung from the pavement and onto the road. You squeeze your eyes shut as you see a single vehicle plummet towards you. A large black car swerves before jolting to a stop just beside where you have fallen on your face.

You press your palms into the road, and push yourself up. You snap your head in the direction of an electric scooter which has zoomed off after screaming a “Sorry!”

“Fucking idiot!” You scream out. “Ugh!” You kneel down and locate your phone which is actually just a scrap of metal as it has been completely squashed by the wheel on the black car.

“Well, I guess thats a ‘no’ from Dan.” You mutter to yourself. Dusting your skirt off, you examine your outfit for any rips or pulls before returning to the sidewalk. You lift your head to notice the black car has not moved. Shrugging you continue to walk and wave off the car to let it know your alright.

Immediately, the rear passenger door swings open and a tall fair headed man hops out before approaching you. “Are you alright there?” He calls.

You laugh at his accent and continue to walk away from him, towards your office. “I’ll be alright mate, don’t worry about me!”

He frowns down and jogs lightly to catch up. “No seriously, are you okay? You were pushed and fell pretty hard.” You shrug.

“Im alive aren’t I?” He raises an eyebrow, “well you didn’t hit me, your car is alright, I’m in one piece.” He walks with you and motions to your hand, holding what was once your functioning phone.

“I’ll get work to get me a new one, it’s not a big deal.” Thats a lie, your work will not get you a new one.

“No, no. I almost ran you over, let me buy you a new one.” You furrow your eyebrows at him before shaking your head with a chuckle.

“Thats really not necessary, I need to get to work so I’ll just-”

“Well then what about a coffee? Tomorrow perhaps?” He quizzed. This brought you to a halt, which also stopped the tall man. You fold your arms over your chest before looking up to his face. This is the first time you’re able to take in his appearance.

He has wide bright blue eyes and fluffy eyebrows. His nose is large and pointed and he has defined cheekbones with a sharp jawline. His lips are full and pink, complimenting his soft cool brown hair. A gorgeously defined man, he does not look British at all. He wears a classically smart casual outfit that looks like it came straight from an R.M Williams catalogue; refined and sleek.

“Who are you?”

“Erm.” He coughs, “my name is George.”

You raise an eyebrow again, more whimsical this time. He really is quite attractive. “Well, George” you emphasise, “I am now well and truly late for work, and have a very busy couple of days, so if you would excuse me-”

“I’m sorry, I just-” he cuts his own sentence off this time, “I feel really bad, when I saw you fall, immediately felt awful for you and then I watched you get up and you looked so lovely, I felt even worse!”

He concludes and you look at him dumbfounded, quite literally with your mouth parted. You pause for a second. “Alright, so you have only checked on how I’m doing,” you pause again to recollect, “because you think I’m attractive and want to ask me out?”

Without hesitation he grins widely and responds “Precisely.”

This is ridiculous! You think to yourself about how completely absurd this is. You quite literally had almost died five minutes ago. But something inside you felt excited, felt warm. And so, the better part of you prevailed and entertained the idea.

“Alright.” You hum, “walk me to work then, George.”

“Uhh.” He turns back to his car which still is stopped in its same position. He motions for the car to go on with his hand and the car slowly pulls away and drives off without hesitation. Weird. “Okay then, where is work?”

“Just up here! About a five minute walk.”

“Only five minutes?” He smirks down at you as you both begin walking. A smile creeps onto your face before you respond.

“Yes, any longer and I may not have a job or a head if my boss has a say.” He laughs at your sadistic remark.

“What is your name?” He asks.

“Y/N.”

“Y/N.” He tests out, “suits you perfectly.”

You smile in response.

“So what do you do for work, Y/N.”

You explain to him your role with the MCG, particularly how your responsibilities are spread across ticketing and media which somehow meshes into one title. He seems impressed with your extensive knowledge of sporting and passion for fan experiences.

He listens to you talk like you are giving the most captivating speech in world. His eyes peer into yours, you feel heard and understood. Not an ounce of judgement clouding his expression. He was so easy to talk to, you never wanted him to leave.

You quickly learn that your suspicions were correct and that George is, in fact, from the UK. As well as the fact that he has never been to an AFL match in his life. It was even more shocking that he had never even heard of the sport.

“What!” You shriek as you arrive out the front of your office, which is actually inside the MCG. “You’re telling me, you’ve never heard of the AFL?”

He laughs at your hysteria and nods “nope!” He pops his ‘P’.

“Oh my gosh, we have to go to a game!” ‘We’? Pull it together, Y/N! “Let’s um- oh shoot!” You look at your watch. It’s almost 10am. You may be hung when you get inside. “Ok, ok. If you’d like, we can hang out tomorrow.”

George’s eyes light up in excitement. “Really?”

“Yes, yes! If you’re keen.” You double guess yourself, of course he wants to hang out you freak. “If you meet me here, tomorrow night at 7.30, I’ll take you to your first AFL match.

He grins widely, “That would be wonderful.”

“Alright, so I’ll see you then?” You confirm, “I really have to go now, I am sorry.”

“Yes, I’ll meet you here.” You begin to walk away from George, backwards. And towards the sliding doors.

“I would give you my number, but I don’t currently have a phone!” You exclaim.

“Don’t worry, Ill see you tomorrow.” He waved.

“Bye George.” You wave before spinning and speeding inside.

You can’t help but peer over your shoulder one last time to see him watching you walk away with a slight smile on his face.

This is absolutely crazy.

————

You sip on the last of your tea, an hour later, cozied up in bed. The memory of yesterday makes you shiver, but in a good way. George was incredible. You had never known a human to be so welcoming and friendly. He was truly lovely.

As you set your tea aside, and push your supporting pillows off the bed, your body begins to drift into a heavy state of tiredness. Just as your eyes begin to droop close you hear a loud knocking on the door.

What the hell?

You slip out of bed and walk out of your bedroom. As you approach the kitchen you grow nervous. Oh my goodness, George must be a serial killer. You shake your head at your ridiculous conspiracy. You look through the peephole to see a familiar face, with tears streaming down it.

Instinctively, you quickly unlock the door and swing it open. “Delilah!” You exclaim.

She quickly moves inside and engulfs you in a hug as she lets out soft sobs. What has happened to your poor friend? More importantly, why was she here and not back at home in London?

————

[swissboyhisch]

The Aussie BBQ Experience

Pairing: Nico Hischier x Reader

Summary: You finally got to take Nico home to Australia. He got the true experience of an Aussie BBQ.

Word Count: 2770

Warnings: Uh none I think. Lyrics about sex at some point.

A/N: Shout out to @alwayshughes for allowing me to bounce ideas off of you ❤️

THE MASTERLIST JOIN THE TAGLIST HOCKEY DISCORD

Off season meant spending time with family and travelling to the boys of the NHL. For you and Nico, you were heading to both of your home countries. First stop of the trip was Australia, back to your small coastal hometown. The place where you were born and raised until you decided to go to college in the US.  It was the first time Nico had come home with you. He had met your close family when the NHL had an exhibition game in Melbourne and some of your family came over to meet him but never saw your home.

You had made it to Australia a couple days before. Spending time with your parents in your childhood home while you two acquainted yourselves with the timezone. But by the time the week had finished, you two were back to life. Ready to take on the weekend. Which was good because your mum organised a family barbeque and bonfire to celebrate you being home. Oh and the derby was on. Knowing your parents, everyone was invited.

The weather was great for a winter Saturday. No rain in the last two weeks meaning a dry bonfire pile. Warm in comparison to the ice rinks that Nico felt at home in. Everyone was due to come over just before 2:30 in the afternoon for the start of the footy. Leaving you and Nico to do whatever you want during the morning. You took him around your town, showing home where you grew up. The schools you attended throughout your childhood. Which studio you danced at. You stopped by a beach side cafe to have breakfast. But you were back home before 1 so you could help your mum make food. 

When you got back home, your sister and her girlfriend were already there. Music was playing whilst your mother and sister were in the kitchen preparing the food. Tash, Kendall’s girlfriend, was outside helping set up the yard with your father. From what you could see outside the kitchen window were all the plastic chairs around the glass table that your parents had since you were a kid. Actually everyone you knew had the same glass table. And the large pile of branches that were just out past the shed. 

“What do you want me to do?” You question as you enter the kitchen. 

You mum turned away from the stove, pointing to a bag of groceries sitting on the counter. “Can you make the two cheese boards? You’ve always had a knack for doing those.” 

“Yeah, easy.”

“Can I do anything?” Nico asks, hating sitting around while he could be helping. 

He got set up cutting up the potatoes for the potato salad your mum always makes for these types of things. You set yourself up on the kitchen island with everything you need. Kendall had put on your parent’s playlist as AC/DC was currently playing. Soon Tash joined you all in the kitchen where she was set up on the salad making station with Kendall. 

Kendall came over to your little area, “How was the end of the season?” 

“Crazy, still can’t believe the boys actually won the cup!”

Nico laughed, “Honestly, it was all a blur.”

“Yeah because we all got absolutely smashed after the cup game and then for the next week straight.” You got your phone out and pulled up the folder of pictures you had from all the cup stuff. From games to the parade. “God, it was a blast.”

Nico pressed a kiss to your cheek as he walked by you on his way to the fridge. Making you blush bright red which Tash pointed out with a laugh. The conversation stayed on hockey and all the things that had happened during Nico’s playoff run. That was until your Nan walked in with your dad carrying bags of stuff behind her. 

“Nan!” You grin, rushing forward to hug her. 

The petite woman embraced you tightly. “You look lovely sweetheart.”

“I haven’t even gotten ready yet.”

“Nonsense.” Your Nan looked past you to where Nico was standing beside Kendall. “And you must be Nico. I'm glad we can finally meet.”

Nico was pulled into a hug as well. He stood a whole foot and a half above her. “It’s lovely to meet you. I’ve been told so much about you.”

“Don’t believe all the nice things you hear,” Your mother cuts in, smiling at her mother.

“Don’t let Paul hear you,” Your nan smirks, “your husband loves me.”

“The best mother-in-law I could ask for,” Your dad responds as he comes and kisses your mum’s cheek.

By 2:15, all the food had been prepared. The chips in bowls ready for everyone to arrive. You had retreated into your room so you could change. Just into a pair of simple denim jeans and a singlet. Later, you found a red flannel you had stolen from your dad when you were a teen. Surprisingly it still fit. A pair of thongs were your choice of footwear. Nico kept what he had on from this morning, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He wasn’t that cold but he had a hoodie for later in the night.

When the pair of you went outside, your dad handed Nico a beer from the esky while you got handed a glass of Jacks and dry. On the TV was the pregame footy, West Coast vs Fremantle were to play at 2:30. The derby. Kendall and Tash had found their spots around the table with Molly, Kacey and Dan. In Kacey’s arm was your niece, Charlotte who you had yet to meet. 

“Oh my god!” You didn’t expect Kacey and Dan to make the trip from the city. Kacey got up and placed the 5 month old in your arms. Charlotte was so cute. “She’s so precious.”

Nico peered over your shoulder at the baby in your arms. He had seen many photos and videos that Kacey and your other two sisters had sent you two but it didn’t do the baby justice. 

“Wanna hold her?”

“Sure,” Nico grinned. You gently passed him Char, watching as he stood next to your chair, saying side to side. His eyes fixed on the bub in his arms. 

A voice broke over the chatter. “When did my best friend push out a baby? And why was I not informed?”

That made you turn your head quickly to the side gate. Your best friend stood there in all her glory, holding a fridge pack on her arm. You got up quickly running to hug her. It had been months since you had seen her in person and it was about time. 

“Nico and I don’t have kids yet,” You tell her as you two moved to the line of eskies against the wall.

“Yet,” she responded with a smirk. “Look at him though, he’s a natural.”

“You want to push a baby out of your vagina?”

You two share a laugh and settle around the table as well. One by one, family and friends rocked up. All hugging you and Nico, happy to meet him for the first time. Everyone had gotten there by 2:25, not willing to miss the first centre bounce of the game. Bowls of chips, different dips and the cheese boards you had prepared were brought out before the game for everyone to snack on. 

“We’re an Eagles family, Nico,” Your dad informs Nico as the two take a seat on the other side of you. 

Nico laughed, “You’ll have to explain the game to me as we go.”

“Spook hasn’t shown you AFL yet?” The use of your childhood nickname made your siblings laugh. 

“We’ve watched it before but I still don’t get it.”

“Main thing is if the ball goes between the centre of the middle two posts, it’s a goal. 6 points, it’s worth. Then between the inner posts and the other posts, it's a behind. 1 point,” Your dad explains.

Centre bounce happened and everyone was cheering. There was a mix of eagles and dockers supporters in attendance. Soon Kennedy was tackled to the ground by one of the Dockers’ players. 

“High tackle!” You shouted at the screen. Multiple people agreeing with you.

Everyone watched as a free kick was given. Kennedy kicked the first goal of the game making the Eagles fans cheer. You and your dad, either side of Nico, stood up and clapped and cheered. By quarter time, Nico was getting into the game with everyone else. He had even shouted at the tv with your dad.

“Want another drink?” You asked after you had finished your glass. It was quarter time meaning time for toilet and refill. 

“Bush chook for me,” Your dad answers, shaking his near empty can.

“Uh same,” Nico responded, a little confused with the name.

 The same happened for half time and three-quarter time. Within the final quarter the score was close. 89 to 72 with Eagles in the lead. Final minute the Dockers had caught up making the score 96 to 97. Dockers in the lead. 

You dad and his best mate were pacing as everyone watched on. The players were playing roughly and tackles happened left, right and centre. You watch on as Jamie Cripps goes to mark the ball, jumping on the back of his opponent. Making the speccy but coming down badly. His body crunching as he lands on the grass under another body. Nico winces, swearing he could feel his arm being shattered just but watching him.

“Ouch. That’s gotta hurt.”

Surprisingly, Cripps clambers up from the grass, wiping the dirt from his hands. He was given the mark and allowed to kick it. He waited, trying to find someone who would be clear of Dockers players. He found one and booted the ball a quarter way down the field. Oscar Allen marked the ball just within the Eagles’ 50 metres. Nico was up with your dad clapping and cheering along with him.

“Let’s go Allen!”

He put the ball on the ground while he put his mouthguard in his sock, waiting until the siren sounded. Fans waited with baited breath. He had to get a goal to make them win. He picked the ball back up and lined up his kick. Allen took a couple steps before kicking the ball straight through the middle of the posts. 

Nico and your dad cheered loudly, you were up with them. All the Eagles fans around the table were happy with the outcome. Another year of bragging rights for the team. The best team in the West. 

Once the game had finished, and the team’s anthem sung, the tv was turned off and the speaker turned on. The playlist consisted of music you had grown up with; Pink Floyd, AC/DC, The Angels,  Paul Kelly, Queen all included. The barbeque was fired up as the sun set. You had turned on the party lights while everyone enjoyed themselves. After dinner, your dad would light the bonfire like normal.

You sat around the table with the women of the family, chatting and catching up. The men around the barbeque all holding a drink in their hands. Kids running around the backyard and jumping on your old trampoline that surprisingly hadn’t rusted too badly just yet. This was a common thing within your family and friend group. 

“Dinner!” Uncle Glenn called to everyone.

One by one, everyone lined up at the food table with paper plates. The table was filled with all the sides that your mum had made earlier in the day along with other people’s sides they had brought. All the meat had been placed there too. You grabbed a chop, two snags and some salad. A bit of potato salad and some of your aunt's Mexican style salad. You couldn’t forget the two pieces of white bread for your snags. One with tomato sauce and the other with bbq sauce. 

“Want some tomato sauce?” You ask Nico.

“You mean ketchup?”

You roll your eyes. You should have known he’d say that. “You know it’s not ketchup. Stop trying to piss me off.”

He smiles, pressing a kiss to your cheek and taking the bottle of sauce from you. Once you have everything, including the plastic cutlery, you two take your seat again. Everyone just enjoyed their food while the music played in the background. Every now and then someone would break out into song, singing Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel. 

“Wanna come help me Spook?” Your dad called as he walked towards the bonfire pile with a jerry can and torch. It was night now and it was time for the bonfire. 

You lit up. Growing up, you had always loved fire thanks to your dad. Sure it was weird but the flames were hypnotising. Nico and many others followed behind you two. You got passed the jerry can of diesel to tip onto the pile. Just like you had watched your father do many times over the years. Once you had stepped back to a safe distance beside your father, mother and Nico, your father lit a match and flicked it onto the pile of branches. It went up in flames with a woosh. Everyone was enjoying the warmth and the music playing in the background.

Nico wrapped his arm around you and brought you in front of him to cuddle. You leaned back into him. It was nice to be able to be yourselves without worrying people watching you. He kissed the top of your head swaying in time with ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ by INXS. 

“I was standing… You were there…” You sing, turning in Nico’s arms so you could face him. “Two worlds collided and they could never, ever tear us apart.”

This song was special after watching your parents dance to this song in the kitchen many times throughout your childhood. You had always wanted a love like theirs and you had found it. Standing here amongst your family wrapped in Nico’s arms. It was all you could ever wish for. 

The night came to a wind down in the late hours of the night. Most people had left or found a spot to crash for the night. Leaving a few awake. Those that were, were sat around the glass table that at some point was dragged closer to the fire throughout the night. Yourself and Nico were snuggled up beside each other, you dad and uncle there as well as Kendall and Tash. Music was still playing in the background. Loud enough for you all to hear that ‘Animals’ by Nickelback was playing.

“Oh god,” Kendall groans when she realises which song was playing.

“Huh?”

“So come on baby, get in. Get in, just get in.Look at the trouble we're in,” You dad sings. 

You grew up with the song. Singing it from such a young age. Oblivious to the actual meaning of the song. You even knew it word for word. It was a must have in the family road trips. You’ve lost count how many times your mum has cringed at you and your father when this song came on.

“And that was when she started screamin' that's my dad outside the car. Oh please, the keys, they're not in the ignition.” You shifted to face Nico, pointing to him whilst you sang the next line. “Must have wound up on the floor while we were switching our positions.I guess they knew that she was missing. As I tried to tell her dad it was her mouth that I was kissing.”

Nico blushed bright red. You were singing these lyrics to him, in front of your dad. Sure, you dad was nice. Nico and him had always gotten along. But he was 6’3, built, tattoos on his arms, a long beard. He looked scary. But to his family he was the BFG. Nico included that sentiment.

It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that you and Nico stumbled to your bed. Changing from your jeans into a Devils shirt you had stolen years ago from Nico when you first started sleeping at his apartment. Nico just wore a pair of sweats to bed. Both of you snuggled under the covers. The fan above you going full blast

“I love you,” You whisper into the darkness.

Nico pressed his lips to your shoulder, “I love you too Spook.”

“Not you too.”

He chuckled at your reaction. Repeating the sentence once more, pulling you tightly against him before you passed out. 

TAG LIST

@findapenny @mp0625 @hischierhaze @11zegras @lvrzegras @francesfarhadi @cixrosie @daisysthings @jayrami3

[hagrag]

Not to dox myself but I want to list all the places I remember living now

The first place I remember living when i was 5/6 was a dilapidated terrace house in summer hill, sydney. I can't believe my mum could afford that. She worked part time as a receptionist during school hours. I am pretty sure it was a 1 bedroom which was mine and she converted the pantry or the laundry into her bedroom. Her bedroom was all brick wall and stone flooring I am pretty sure and she always had red and black sheets and smoked cigarettes in bed. I remember my sheets as well, she bought them with her first big paycheck, they were gingham with mermaids. I remember the backyard really clearly too. It had a little gate to our neighbours house who we loved.

The second place was a 2br house in dulwich hill, sydney. Vividly remember the living room, kinda the bedroom. The bedroom had this weird window/hole in the wall to the hallway so I didn't have privacy which was weird and the living room is where I liveddddd I begged to sleep on the sofa bed all the time and many memories of playing sims 1 here and watching rage all night and morning on the weekends.

Then we moved to melbourne when I was 7. We lived in a 2br seventies brick house in northcote. Again how did my mum afford this? Sold for $88k in the 80s and $1.3m in 2021 apparently. Really nice place and I remember it well because after we moved out my stoner dj uncle moved in and lived there for like 10 years or something. There was also such a neighbourhood vibe with street parties on halloween and christmas it was so cute.

Then my mum started dating a guy who lived in the west so we moved to his house in yarraville. Don't think we lived there that long but it was nice, I think it had 3 bedrooms, and stone flooring in the kitchen with this big kitchen island. I had never had an island before.

Then we moved to a different place in yarraville and I don't remember this one either really. I was like 10 and remember the place I lived in when I was 5 better.

Ok then we move somewhere when I'm like 10/11 and I gained consciousness there so remember it like the back of my hand. 2br classic terrace house in kensington. I had a big beautiful bedroom right at the front with a fireplace. Super noisy because it was across from the train line. The kitchen and bathroom were renovated, it was a really nice fancy place to live, I loved it. There was this big open plan living and kitchen, with a little terrace backyard it opened up to. We had these little ponds with koi fish out there.

To be continued for ages 12 to now...

[opera-ghosts]

In 1978 the ABC made a film about Amy Sherwin.

Frances Amy Sherwin  (1855-1935) was one of five children, born and raised  in Tasmania’s Huon Valley. Even as a child she had a lovely voice, and dreamed of becoming a famous singer. This seemed highly unlikely, as the family struggled to make a living on a remote farm. Amy, as she was known,  would wander down to the paddock closest to  the road and sing her heart out.  She later confessed that she hoped a passerby  would hear,  and carry her off to stardom. In an autobiographical piece she wrote;

‘It was not until my tenth year that I had any lessons, except in the way of home teaching. Then a great treat came into my life in the person of Mr Russell, a dear old music teacher……..In order to take these lessons I had to get up at four in the morning and ride or drive along a difficult bush track for eight miles.’

However, the Sherwins did possess a treasured piano;

‘The care we lavished on our piano was  in the eyes of our neighbours in the bush, only another  instance of the quips and cracks of the ‘Mad Sherwins’.  I well remember one scorching summer day, when our homestead and all the country round was suddenly enveloped in a fierce bush fire. It was washing-day, and I have heard my mother say that the tubs were charred to a cinder and crumbled at a touch, but that the damp clothes inside remained in intact, white heaps. But it was to the piano we devoted all our energies at this domestic crisis. It was covered with wet blankets and dragged to an island of shingle in the middle of the Huon River, that ran near our house. Even in that position it did not escape, and the charred old instrument is still treasured in my Tasmanian home…’

As she grew up, Amy performed locally in concerts and musicals.  Amazingly, in 1878 her childhood dream came true.  The story went that  members of  the  Pompei  and Cagli  Italian Opera Company  were picnicking near her home and were impressed when they  heard her singing.  Now the picnicking part sounds a little unlikely to me , but never mind.  She accepted an invitation to join the company, and made her professional  debut  at Hobart’s Theatre Royal.  That same year  she married Hugh Gorlitz, a German businessman with interests in Australia.

Her voice inspired these verses of effusive praise, published in June, 1878;

Before long Amy  was thrilling audiences  in Melbourne,  Ballarat and Sydney. She was dubbed The Tasmanian Nightingale.  It was not all glamour, as touring could be hazardous in those days. On one occasion, when the singer and her entourage were  in the middle of nowhere,  the leather on the  coach’s brake failed during  a steep descent.   When it was finally brought to a halt it was Amy who came up with a solution, which was to use her  boots  as replacement leather on the brake.

Amy Sherwin travelled the world, but made her home in England. The family settled in a lovely property at Hampstead, where Amy gave concerts in the vast  music room.  The property was once targeted by burglars, and judging  by a report in The Evening News (October 24 1895), they certainly made themselves at home;

Mme.  Amy Sherwin’s house has been burgled, everything of value taken, everything else broken. The family were at the seaside. The thieves cooked supper in the kitchen, and made a dark lantern of Mr. Gorlitz’s new silk hat. The candle  fell over, and the hat, as a hat, is a hat no more.

By 1907 Amy was living in Kent, but also kept a suite of rooms above her music  studio in London’s Bond Street. She became a singing teacher.  It was at this time that The Tasmanian Nightingale made her final  visit to her old home. A journalist with Launceston’s Daily Telegraph attended a concert in Launceston;

Amy Sherwin has worn remarkably well. Perhaps her temperament and continual change of scene has something to do with it. The voice of today is the same old sweet one, with intense culture added. There was no straining after effect, none of those difficult trills and excursions into the attics which vocalists of the De Mursca type are so fond of. One did not make oneself known to her. Musical stars as a rule have not much time to waste talking of days  that are gone. This is a moving-on age, and Amy Sherwin and the writer have to keep going.

During WWI Amy helped raise funds under the banner of the Women’s Auxiliary Force by arranging concerts.

Sadly, Amy was eventually forced to give up work completely. She spent her time caring for her actress daughter Bobbie, who was suffering from tuberculosis. Adding to her troubles, Amy and her husband separated,

Amy’s daughter Jeanette ‘Bobbie’.

Never wise at managing money,  Madame Sherwin eventually  fell  into poverty.  She moved to a  small cottage in Essex, but as she was ineligible for an aged pension she struggled to cover the rent. In 1934 she became ill herself, and was unable to pay for her care.

In a charity ward at London’s Charing Cross Hospital, doctors and nurses  were struck by the sound of a beautiful soprano  voice. It was the almost eighty year old Amy; down on her luck, but still singing like a nightingale.

Amy in later life.

When news of Amy’s sad  situation reached Tasmania a public fund was set up. Despite the difficult economic times of the 1930s, two hundred pounds was raised and forwarded  to London. The singer expressed her appreciation in a letter to the Mayor of Hobart;

‘I must crave your indulgence for not having acknowledged before the last generous help sent by you on behalf of the kind friends who have so warm-heartedly aided me in my desperate plight, caused by my darling daughter’s sad state of health. As it happened, the kind donation, final instalment, sent by you, arrived on the eve of my being admitted to hospital as above for treatment, and which was too costly for me  to obtain otherwise. 

I hope to be out of hospital in a week or 10 days, but I cannot wait till then to thank you all for your warm-hearted practical help in my disaster, and I send off this message from my sick bed- hoping you will pass round the fact that I am most deeply touched, and would write more fully but that circumstances prohibit a longer letter.’

Those ‘circumstances’ were that she was just too frail. Amy  died on September 20 the following year. A wreath was sent from the Tasmanian Government with the message; ‘A tribute to the memory of a famous Tasmanian, from the Government of Tasmania.’

Her daughter  Jeanette only survived a further twelve months. Son Louis died in America in 1978.

Madame  Sherwin  is remembered by a plaque on the wall of the former Del Sarte’s Rooms, on the corner of Hobart’s Harrington and Davey Streets.

[crinkled-emotions]

OK ok ok ok I'm TRYING to remain calm over the puppy (lol not working)

It can me a prompt idea. I don't know if you're taking on requests still.....

Bradley's childhood dog that Mav had kept over the years passes away a couple of months after the mission and him and Mav making up so B did get some time with him. (Yeah the dog was a very good healthy boy that lived to about 20😅) And then I'm thinking maybe Hangster vibes, Jake buys him this puppy to cheer him up 😭😭🥰🥰

Quick little one while I work on the Slider fic from March (I know, I'm crying about it too, I am in the process of getting some shit sorted and I kept getting writer's block)

Funny story, my childhood dog was a mutt and he actually lived until he was seventeen. He survived being lost in Melbourne, a fight with a bulldog (which he actually won?) and being run over by a tractor. His name was Jack and I miss him sm but now I have Boss who is the biggest shithead ever (see: video of him yowling and then getting zoomies)

Brisket is... potentially the cutest puppy I've ever seen (I'm only saying that because I didn't know my dog until he was 6 months old lmao, I may continue to be biased) and I feel like he matches the shithead energy (affectionate) Glen has deep down... anyway! On to the fic!

CW: the passing of a beloved pet

-

"Holy shit, Jet's still here?!"

Bradley dumped his duffel bag on the floor and barrelled over to the dog asleep on Maverick's kitchen floor, gently kneeling and extending his hand first just in case the dog didn't recognise him. Instead of getting a growl or maybe even a head lift, the dog lazily thumped his tail and stretched out.

"Jet is nearly sixteen, his hearing is pretty much gone and before I left he walked into my leg."

Maverick's own luggage hit the floor and he made his way over, pressing a kiss to Rooster's hair and then heading for the kitchen. Jet's ears pricked up and he was gone in seconds, trotting off to follow Maverick in hopes of some kitchen scraps. Rooster trailed after him, taking a seat at the island and accepting the cheese sandwich passed to him. He pretended not to see the spare piece "dropped" to the floor where Jet was sitting at his godfather's feet.

"I didn't think he was still alive," Bradley murmured between bites of sandwich. Maverick hummed, reaching down to give the older dog a pat.

"Well, I'd say he knew you'd come home when you were ready, and he wanted to see that."

Maverick then glanced up at Rooster, and rounded the corner to hug him.

"Glad you're home, kid," he murmured.

"Thanks for letting me back in, Mav."

-

As per usual, Jake was wearing his usual shit-eating grin when Bradley got home, sitting on their couch with a book, the football on in the background and a beer in his lap. Peak Seresin behaviour.

"Hey, baby. How was Mav?"

"Uh, good, my dog from right before I left is still alive."

"Jet?"

Jake tossed the book to the coffee table, carefully putting his beer down to extend his arms to his boyfriend. They kissed and then Bradley flopped down beside him, taking the beer for himself.

"Yeah, did I ever tell you the story of Jet?"

"Getting childhood stories from you is like pulling teeth, Roos," Jake replied. That got him a glare, followed by an eye roll and then Bradley leaned into his side.

"So, my mom, she died when I was fifteen, right? And I wasn't coping all that hot. Mav was getting called away on deployments because he can't follow the rules and I think he worried that me staying with Ice all the time was displacing... so one night he comes home after work with this puppy. It pissed everywhere and I'm pretty sure he chewed at least three pairs of Mav's boots, but Jet was what I needed when talking to people or even thinking of going to a therapist would be enough to send me into a panic attack."

"I didn't know you were that anxious," Jake murmured, reaching over to push his fingers through Bradley's curls.

"I'm not; it was the grief and I was constantly moving between Mav's, Ice's, even Penny's, once, when Mav and Ice were in the shit together."

"I can't even imagine- wait... the Ice? As in Iceman?"

"Yes, Jake. Keep up, babe."

-

Sitting in Maverick's kitchen, there was silence. Jake, Bradley and Maverick were all in various positions, but Jake had a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder and Maverick was waiting for what he was thinking was going to be another fight.

"Was it quick?" Bradley asked quietly. Maverick nodded, eyes on the floor. Despite knowing he wasn't in trouble, the worst feeling in the world was Bradley being upset with him and Bradley was giving off those vibes.

"He went in his sleep, the vet said. It was age, he wasn't in pain."

"I need him," Bradley murmured. Jake rubbed between his shoulders, sighing as he turned to Maverick.

"Have you already buried him?"

"I was waiting for you two to get here."

Jet was gone. After sixteen years, he was gone. Bradley was staring at the island counter, brows furrowed, and he finally glanced up at Mav.

"Let's just do it now, what's another one to bury?"

"Roo-"

"-Bradley-"

He held up a hand, effectively stopping his boyfriend and godfather.

"No, let's just do it."

-

It had been a couple of months, and whilst he'd given Bradley some time to grieve, Jake was getting the itch to get him a little surprise... no, not the sexy surprise, hEY- get your head out of the gutter! Before Bradley found out Jet was still alive they'd been talking about getting a pet once they'd moved in together properly. Jake had been more or less living at Bradley's for almost a year, so when his lease came up for renewal he didn't hesitate to cancel it at Bradley's insistence that he move in for real. Jake was surprised at how much Jet's passing had affected his boyfriend, but he understood the underhanded grieving of his mother all over again that was associated with the pet. He didn't want to overstep, but- well. It just so happened a local shelter was having an adoption drive over the weekend while Bradley went to an event with Maverick for TOPGUN. Perfect timing, if you ask him.

"B, you home?"

"Here."

Bradley waved from the desk in the living area, huffing at the computer in front of him. He was working through some documents by the look on his face, and Jake cleared his throat as he knelt on the ground to put the item in his arms down.

"I, uh, went to the store."

"What, did you forget cheese again? You know how I feel about cheese."

"Yeah, I also know how your stomach feels about cheese. Admit you're lactose intolerant already."

Bradley closed the laptop and wheeled around before Jake was even slightly ready and immediately his eyebrows shot up.

"The store, huh?"

"I never said which store," Jake grinned. He glanced up at Bradley, sending him a cautious smile.

"This little guy doesn't have a name, and he's not to replace Jet, but I felt like the house had been a little too quiet lately- oof! Oh, okay, this is nice. Hey, can you hug the puppy too? I think he'd like that."

Bradley pulled away from Jake's shoulder to give him a kiss, and then knelt by the tiny puppy yapping at their feet.

"Hey, hey, shhhhhh..."

The dog darted around his feet before Bradley carefully caught him and lifted him to his chest, grimacing at the wet licks on his neck.

"The first time Mav ever picked up Jet, the dog pissed all down his shirt," he murmured, laughing to himself. Jake snorted, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek.

"Do you want to give him a name?"

"What do you think?"

"Well, you named Jet after your love for the air, so..."

Jake beamed.

"Oh, I think I know the perfect name."

-

"Oh my god, look at you! Hi Roo- gimme the puppy, holy shit!"

Phoenix darted around Rooster's offer of a hug when he opened the door, taking the puppy from his arms and giving kisses to his nose. The puppy yapped and his tail was wagging a million miles an hour at the excitement.

"B! Is that the dog again?"

Jake came down the stairs, rounding the corner to look for the puppy.

"Hey, Tooster! C'mere, dude!"

The puppy barker from Phoenix's arms. She couldn't help the way she gaped between her best friend and Hangman, before she smirked.

"Jake, you didn't."

"I did, but I'd like some clarification on what exactly I did."

"Rooster and Tooster?"

"He goes by Toaster a majority of the time, he burns energy and farts all the damn time so the house is full of hot air."

Phoenix stifled a snort, and then buried her face into the puppy's fur to stop laughing. Jake and Bradley exchanged a look, and then Bradley smacked his ass on his way to the kitchen.

"He loves cheese, and naps, and doing zoomies around Jake's feet in the kitchen."

"Ha, Roos, he's you."

"I'm not allowed to discuss the resemblance, I get sex-iled," Jake grumbled.

-

[eandamj]

ADELAIDE 26 & 27 April 2024

We took a day’s trip to the Barossa wine region on the 26th. We chose a trip that would include visiting some other places apart from vineyards for wine tasting!

We visited a village called Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills which had been established by German immigrants in 1839. It was quaint with many old buildings. The village has retained many businesses with a German theme, although apparently the businesses are no longer owned by the descendants of the original immigrants. Here is the brewing company:

We drove from the Adelaide Hills into the Barossa Wine region. There were vineyards as far as we could see at times. We also saw huge areas of fruit trees growing as apparently there are huge fruit farms in this area.

We saw kangaroos in the Barossa region and some were close to the road:

During the day we visited three vineyards for wine tasting. In each of the first two vineyards we tried several wines. We learnt that fizzy red wine is very popular in Australia. At the second vineyard we had lunch as well. At this vineyard there was a display of old machinery near some of the vines:

The third vineyard gave us a different experience to the other two in that we tasted “meads” which are made from honey. They were delicious and a bit like a dessert wine. These were the bottles we tried:

After visiting a small chocolate making factory we finished our day trip with a visit to a cafe owned by Maggie Beer - Australia’s Mary Berry. The cafe has kitchen areas where Maggie Beer has been filmed for TV. There is a cookery school on the same site. We were able to have a cup of tea there and the grounds were stunning and very tranquil. The large pond had turtles swimming in it:

On the 27th we spent time in Adelaide. We walked through the pedestrianised shopping area. Although the city has skyscrapers it also has many older buildings directly next to the modern high rise towers. In the shopping district we found an old fashioned arcade:

We then visited the large fresh food market. It was very busy and we were really impressed with the range of produce. There were plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as meats and fish but also coffee beans and specialty sauces and vinegars. We enjoyed seeing all the stalls. People were arriving with large trolleys to buy fresh food. There were also many there enjoying a morning cup of coffee. There was even a stall specialising in produce from Kangaroo Island.

We then took a tram out to the coast to Glenelg to see the beach. The journey took about 40 minutes. This is the beach that those living in Adelaide must use in the summer:

After we had returned to the city centre we walked to see the River Torrens which runs through the city. This shows the area where there is a huge convention centre and entertainment district:

We then walked around the river area to see the Parliament building for South Australia, Government House and the University of Adelaide. Walking along the river we saw many rowing clubhouses as we had in Melbourne. We then finished our city exploration by visiting the city’s botanical gardens which were lovely:

We have enjoyed our visit to Adelaide as well as the surrounding areas.

[south-beach-homes]

What Are the Key Features of a Perfect Hampton Style Display Home?

When it comes to timeless elegance and relaxed sophistication, Hampton style display homes Melbourne residents admire have captured the hearts of many. Inspired by the coastal vibes of New York’s Hamptons, these homes exude a sense of luxury while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. But what makes perfect Hampton style display homes in Melbourne? Let’s explore its unique features and why it’s a sought-after choice for modern homeowners.

Why Choose Hamptons Style?

The Hamptons style is synonymous with understated luxury, evoking a serene coastal charm that feels like a permanent getaway. Originating from the affluent seaside villages of Long Island, this style has transcended its origins to become a global design phenomenon. Hampton style display homes Melbourne homeowners admire stand out due to their seamless blend of functionality, elegance, and comfort.

Architectural Features: Coastal Charm in Every Detail

A perfect Hampton-style display home starts with its architecture. Timber elements dominate the design, from weatherboard facades to intricate ceiling details that add character. High ceilings and large windows flood the interiors with natural light, creating an airy and spacious feel. Natural materials, like stone and timber, tie the design together, giving the home its signature cohesive look.

Architectural precision is key to displaying homes in Hampton style in Melbourne. Hampton-style display homes in Melbourne are architectural. These homes often feature pitched roofs and symmetrical layouts, enhancing their timeless appeal.

Living Spaces: Relaxed Yet Refined

The living areas in a Hampton-style home are where coastal elegance comes to life. Soft, neutral colour palettes dominate, with whites, greys, and sandy beiges forming the backdrop. To add depth and warmth, layers of texture are introduced through plush cushions, linen sofas, and woven rugs.

Natural light is crucial in creating the relaxed ambience these homes are known for. Large windows, often paired with sheer curtains, allow sunlight to flood in while maintaining privacy.

Kitchens and Dining: Functionality Meets Sophistication

The kitchen is the heart of any Hampton-style home. Timber cabinetry with panel detailing and marble or stone benchtops give the space its characteristic elegance. Open-plan designs are a staple, allowing seamless interaction between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This layout perfectly complements the coastal lifestyle, making it ideal for entertaining guests.

Pendant lighting, often in soft metallic tones, adds a touch of glamour while remaining practical. Hampton-style display homes in Melbourne often showcase stylish and functional kitchens, demonstrating how to balance aesthetics with everyday utility.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Personal Retreats

In the bedrooms and bathrooms, simplicity meets comfort. The colour palette matches ocean-inspired blues, whites, and soft greys. The bedding is layered with quilts, throws, and cushions in natural fabrics, creating a serene and inviting space.

Hampton-style bedrooms are equally captivating. They feature freestanding bathtubs, subway tiles, and polished chrome fixtures. These spaces are designed as personal retreats where luxury and functionality coexist.

Exterior Design: Timeless Appeal

A Hampton-style home’s exterior is just as impressive as its interiors. Light-coloured facades, often in shades of white or pastel, give the house its signature coastal look. Wrap-around porches provide a welcoming feel, making the home as inviting outside as it is inside.

Landscaping plays a vital role in enhancing the overall aesthetic. Manicured lawns, lush greenery, and coastal plants like lavender or agapanthus beautifully complement the design. Hampton-style display homes in Melbourne often feature these thoughtful details, making them a standout choice for modern families.

Conclusion

A perfect Hampton-style display home captures the essence of coastal living with its timeless elegance, thoughtful design, and inviting ambience. From architectural details to functional interiors, every element works together to create a luxurious and comfortable home.

If you’re considering building or renovating, exploring Hampton style display homes in Melbourne is the ideal way to find inspiration and visualise your dream home. This style's enduring popularity proves that it’s more than a trend – it’s a lifestyle.

[lightingstoresmelbourne]

Why Designer Pendant Lights Are a Must-Have for Elegant Interiors

Designer pendant lights, those dazzling fixtures suspended from the ceiling, have evolved from mere functional lighting sources to stunning design elements. Among them, designer pendant lights stand out, capable of transforming a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Let's delve into why these lighting marvels are a must-have for creating elegant interiors.

Elevate Your Aesthetic:

A Focal Point: A striking designer pendant light at lighting stores in Melbourne can instantly become the focal point of a room. Its unique shape, colour, or material can draw the eye and create a captivating visual interest.

Personalized Style: With a vast array of styles available, from minimalist to maximalist, you can choose a pendant light that perfectly complements your personal aesthetic. Whether you prefer sleek, modern designs or ornate, vintage-inspired pieces, there's a designer pendant light to match your taste.

Enhanced Ambiance: The right lighting can dramatically alter the mood of a space. Designer pendant lights, with their ability to cast warm, inviting light, can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Functional Brilliance:

Task Lighting: Pendant lights can provide targeted illumination for specific tasks, such as reading or working at a desk or kitchen counter.

Ambient Lighting: By strategically placing multiple pendant lights, you can create a balanced and well-lit space, enhancing visibility and reducing eye strain.

Energy Efficiency: Many designer pendant lights incorporate energy-efficient LED technology, helping you save on energy costs while reducing your carbon footprint.

Versatility for Every Room:

Living Room: A single, statement pendant light can elevate the sophistication of your living room. Consider a contemporary chandelier or a minimalist pendant to complement your interior design.

Dining Room: A cluster of pendant lights above your dining table can create a dramatic and inviting ambience. Choose a design that complements your dining table's style and size.

Kitchen: Pendant lights can illuminate your kitchen island or dining nook, providing both functional and aesthetic appeal. Opt for sleek, modern designs or rustic, industrial-inspired fixtures.

Bedroom: A pair of pendant lights flanking your bed can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Consider a soft, diffused light source to promote relaxation.

By incorporating designer pendant lights into your interior design, you can create spaces that are not only functional but also visually stunning. So, why wait? Elevate your home's aesthetic with the timeless beauty of designer pendant lighting.

Source

[damcokitchens]

Designing Your Dream Space: Custom Kitchens Melbourne

The kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it's the heart of the home, where memories are made and moments are shared. In Melbourne, where design innovation meets functionality, custom kitchens are growing in popularity. They allow homeowners to personalize their space to reflect both style and practical needs. Here's a guide to designing your dream custom kitchen in Melbourne, packed with insights and inspiration.

Why Choose a Custom Kitchen?

Opting for a custom kitchen has significant benefits, including:

Personalized Design: A custom kitchen gives you full control over the layout, materials, and finishes, allowing you to create a space that matches your style. From sleek modern aesthetics to cozy traditional designs, the choice is yours.

Maximized Functionality: Unlike pre-designed options, custom kitchens are tailored to suit your daily routines. Features like tailored cabinetry, specific appliance placement, and bespoke storage solutions can greatly improve efficiency.

Increased Home Value: A well-designed custom kitchen not only enhances your living experience but also boosts your property’s resale value. Homebuyers in Melbourne often seek homes with modern, high-quality kitchens.

Key Design Trends for Melbourne Kitchens

Melbourne homeowners are drawn to unique designs that combine style and practicality. Here are some of the top trends for Custom Kitchens Melbourne:

Minimalist Aesthetics: Clean lines, neutral tones, and uncluttered spaces define minimalist kitchens. These designs emphasize simplicity and functionality, creating a calming atmosphere.

Natural Materials: Using materials like timber, stone, or concrete can add a touch of nature to your kitchen. These elements blend seamlessly with Melbourne’s penchant for modern yet earthy interiors.

Smart Technology Integration: From touchless faucets to Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, smart features are a growing trend. They improve convenience while giving your kitchen a contemporary edge.

Bold Color Accents: While neutral palettes remain popular, many Melbourne kitchens feature bold accents like deep blues, greens, or metallic finishes, adding a striking visual element.

Designing Your Custom Kitchen: Essential Tips

Define Your Needs: Before starting the design process, list your priorities. Do you need more storage? Are you aiming for an open-plan layout? Understanding your requirements will help guide your decisions.

Plan the Layout: The layout is the foundation of any kitchen design. Common options include:

U-Shaped Kitchens: Great for maximizing counter space.

L-Shaped Kitchens: Perfect for open-plan homes.

Island Kitchens: Ideal for entertaining and additional workspace.

Choose Quality Materials: Investing in durable materials is key to a long-lasting kitchen. Popular options in Melbourne include quartz for countertops and hardwood for cabinetry.

Optimize Storage: Incorporate innovative storage solutions like pull-out pantries, corner drawers, and overhead shelving to make the most of your space.

Lighting Matters: Layered lighting, combining task, ambient, and accent lights, creates a well-lit and inviting kitchen. Pendant lights over an island are particularly trendy in Melbourne homes.

Collaborating with Experts

Working with a professional kitchen designer or contractor in Melbourne can streamline the process. They bring valuable experience and ensure your kitchen is not only beautiful but also complies with safety and building standards.

Conclusion

Designing a custom kitchen in Melbourne is an exciting journey that transforms your house into a home. With personalized layouts, innovative trends, and professional guidance, you can create a space that reflects your style and meets your practical needs. Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, investing in a custom kitchen is a decision that pays off in both comfort and value.

Ready to bring your dream kitchen to life? Start planning today and embrace the possibilities of a truly unique culinary space.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Former 1870 bakery superbly converted to a home in Carlton North, Victoria, Australia, a suburb of Melbourne. It stayed a bakery until 1967 and had 3 horse stables on the side that are now bedrooms. 7bds, 4ba, $1.475M.

It has a huge living room that opens to the courtyard. Love the ceiling and the the pipe that is a hint of the building's former life. Isn't the corner fireplace cute?

I love the open airy layout, but if you want completely open concept, this home is not for you. Isn't the kitchen lovely? It has a huge island and row of windows that face the courtyard and let in lots of sunshine.

Isn't the dining room fabulous? And look at the atrium in the middle of the house.

This lovely bedroom has a glass door that opens to the atrium. How beautiful is that?

The upper level bedroom has vaulted ceilings, beams, and doors to a terrace. It might be the primary suite.

This could either be a casual dining room, a library or a den.

A kitchen table is in this wing, which is very light and open.

The current owners have this area set up as a home office. This home certainly brings the outdoors in.

A secondary bedroom that opens to the patio has a lovely beamed ceiling.

The architectural feature in this bedroom gives it a lot of interest. It appears to be one of the stable bedrooms.

This home has an awful lot of tables and chairs. I guess the owners didn't know what else to do to with all the space, but this table is next to the kitchen.

This is another dining room with doors to the garden. There's a sofa and book shelving, so this room would make a nice den or even an art studio.

This nice bedroom has its own en-suite and would make a great guest room.

Cute cheery room for children.

Isn't the garden beautiful?

This little cobblestone alley is an entrance.

That must be Melbourne in the background, so it's not far from the city.

There's this diagram, but the realtor doesn't give the dimensions of the property.

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-carlton+north-143652596

[decorworks]

Eight characterful kitchens with sleek metal details

Our latest lookbook focuses on eight homes fitted with metal kitchens, from a flat in London informed by fish-and-chip shops to a 19th-century apartment with period details in Paris. While stainless steel has long been a material associated with restaurant kitchens due to its durability and functionality, it can bring a sleek, modern feel to residential kitchens and many now opt to integrate metal kitchens into their homes. Here, we spotlight eight homes that make use of metal in residential kitchens in various ways. Included in this collection of projects is a fish-and-chip-shop-inspired kitchen in London, a live-work apartment space in a brutalist building in Quebec City and a 24-square-metre micro apartment in Melbourne. This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring conversation pits, living rooms with autumnal hints of red and orange and members' clubs with lavish interiors.

Photo is by Edmund DabneyHighbury apartment, UK, by Holloway Li Local studio Holloway Li renovated this apartment set in a converted Victorian house in north London, creating a single-storey home with an open-plan layout for its co-founder Alex Holloway. Designed to reference materials found in London's many fast food outlets and fish and chip shops, its custom-built kitchen was clad in circle-brushed stainless steel with a curved splashback. Find out more about the Highbury apartment ›

Photo by Maryse Béland, Maxime Brouillet and Antoine MichelBrutalist apartment, Canada, by Jean Verville Metal surfaces were juxtaposed against bright yellow wall lamps within this live-work apartment space that architect Jean Verville designed for himself as a "creative laboratory" inside a residential tower in Quebec City. Stainless-steel commercial restaurant furniture was used for the kitchen, blending in with the raw concrete walls of the 1970s brutalist building. Find out more about the brutalist apartment ›

Photo is by French + TyeTrellick Tower apartment, UK, by Archmongers Surfaces and fixtures made from industrial-style materials were paired with newly exposed concrete aggregate walls in this home renovation by London studio Archmongers in North Kensington's Trellick Tower. In the kitchen, speckled brown and cream terrazzo was incorporated alongside brushed stainless steel counters, white cabinets and matt-black linoleum flooring. Find out more about the Trellick Tower apartment ›

Photo is by Giulio GhirardiHaussmann-era apartment, France, by Rodolphe Parente Set within a 19th-century Parisian apartment, French interior designer Rodolphe Parente balanced cabinet finishes of stainless steel and pastel pink with a frame-like marble splashback for the kitchen. During the overhaul of the Haussmann-era apartment, Parante set out to preserve and restore some of the classic features while improving the sense of flow by connecting the dining room with the kitchen. Find out more about the Haussmann-era apartment ›

Photo is by Félix Dol MaillotUnivers Uchronia, France, by Uchronia Named Univers Uchronia, this eclectic Paris apartment was designed by Uchronia founder Julien Sebban as his home, intended to be an extension of his studio – known for its bold application of shape, colour and reflective surfaces. A metallic island was incorporated in the open-plan kitchen, topped with a blobby seaweed-shaped table lamp, alongside an array of contrasting materials and colours. Find out more about Univers Uchronia ›

Photo is by Yevhenii AvramenkoStalinist-era apartment, Ukraine, by Mirzoyan Studio Partition shelves and built-in furniture were used to distinguish open-plan spaces in Ukrainian architecture practice Mirzoyan Studio's renovation of this Stalinist-era flat in the historic centre of Kyiv. Fitted in the corner of the open-plan living and dining room, the cabinets and countertops in the primary working area of the kitchen were finished in polished stainless steel. Find out more about the Stalinist-era flat ›

Photo is by Pier Carthew Kerr, Australia, by SSdH Metal surfaces were combined with wooden cabinetry in this mezzanine-style apartment by local studio SSdH, located in a warehouse building in Melbourne that once housed a chocolate factory. Part of an open-plan living space, the kitchen was fitted with geometric cabinetry made from local spotted gum timber, as well as brushed stainless steel and nickel fixtures. Find out more about Kerr ›

Photo is by Peter Bennetts Microloft, Australia, by Studio Edwards Australian architecture practice Studio Edwards remodelled this 24-square-metre micro apartment on the top floor of a 1980s apartment block in Melbourne. A horizontal raw aluminium surface was used for the angled wedge-shaped countertops in both the kitchen and dining area, designed to seamlessly merge the two spaces. Find out more about Microloft › This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring conversation pits, living rooms with autumnal hints of red and orange and members' clubs with lavish interiors. Read the full article

[selectkitchens]

Essential Tips for Functional New Kitchen

Have you become overwhelmed while designing your kitchen? You are in the right post. In this blog post, we will uncover the tips that are required to build a new kitchen. Without wasting any moment, let’s jump into it-

Plan the Layout Wisely

An organised kitchen requires major arrangements that make it a functional yet comfortable space for cooking. You can start by assessing the space you have decided to establish your kitchen planning. Here are the lists of some of the choices you can adopt-

• U-shaped plan: This type of kitchen planning makes it look larger. That provides ample counter space and storage facilities.

• L-shaped plan: The L-shaped form of the kitchen design encourages open flow in smaller areas.

• Island plan: An island design can be used as a place to host visitors or have a casual eating area. It is also ideal for giving additional workplace-in-office kitchen designs Melbourne.

All this setup reduces needless movement and enhances the pleasure of cooking.

Choose Quality Materials

The secret to obtaining both longevity and style is to invest in high-quality materials in different sections.

• For countertops: Use granite or quartz as they are heat, stain, and scratch-resistant.

• For cabinetry: Use hardwoods such as maple or oak for a classic appearance. You can also use laminate for a contemporary look.

• For flooring: Use solid hardwood, tile or luxury vinyl to make it durable and easy to clean.

All these little adjustments are ideal for building a new kitchen.

Incorporate Smart Storage Solutions

Utilise clever storage options to maximise your available kitchen area.

• Drawers and shelves with pull-outs can improve accessibility and cut down on clutter.

• Corner cabinets and lazy Susans can be useful tools for making effective use of hard-to-reach spaces.

• Pots and pans are kept perfectly organised with the help of deep drawers and built-in organisers.

• For more space, think about putting in a pantry or vertical storage cabinets.

These solutions improve the efficiency of cleaning and cooking, which saves time.

Conclusion

Fuse your new kitchen with these few tips mentioned above so that you can spend quality time in your kitchen. You can get all this from Select Kitchens when designing your kitchen. They offer expert advice and ideas for customised, functional kitchen solutions. Careful planning and imaginative selections can make your new kitchen a stylish and practical heart of your house.

[smarterbathrooms]

Why Choose Custom Kitchens for Renovations in Melbourne

The kitchen is often the heart of a home, a space where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are made. When it comes to renovating this crucial area, opting for custom kitchens in Melbourne can elevate your space from functional to extraordinary. Here's why:

Tailored to Your Lifestyle

A custom kitchen is designed with your specific needs and preferences in mind while doing a home renovation in Melbourne. Whether you're an avid cook, a busy family, or someone who loves to entertain, a custom kitchen can accommodate your lifestyle. From ample storage for cookware to a spacious island for meal prep, every inch of the space is optimized to suit your daily routines.

Unmatched Aesthetics

A custom kitchen is a blank canvas for your kitchen renovation ideas and dreams. You have complete control over every aspect, from the cabinetry and countertops to the backsplash and lighting. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look, a rustic farmhouse feel, or a classic elegant style, a custom kitchen can be crafted to perfectly match your taste.

Increased Home Value

A well-executed kitchen renovation can significantly boost your home's value. Potential buyers are often drawn to kitchens that are modern, functional, and visually appealing. A custom kitchen, with its unique design and high-quality materials, can be a major selling point.

Optimal Space Utilization

Every home has its unique challenges when it comes to kitchen layout. With a custom kitchen, you can maximize your space efficiently. Whether you have a small galley kitchen or a large open-plan layout, a skilled designer can create a solution that makes the most of your available area.

Quality Craftsmanship

Custom kitchens are typically built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. This attention to detail ensures that your kitchen not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time. You can choose from a wide range of materials, finishes, and hardware to create a kitchen that is both stylish and durable.

While custom kitchens may require a larger upfront investment, the long-term benefits in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and home value make them a worthwhile consideration. By working closely with a skilled kitchen designer, you can create a space that is truly the heart of your home.

Source

[optikes]

Dr Destiny Deacon (1956-2024) Kuku Yalanji and Erub/ Mer   Australian

1-4 details of Blak Bay (2023-4) photographic media, light boxes

exhibited at Biennale of Sydney 2024

5 Me and Virginia's Doll (1995) photograph image: 31.8x25.1cm

6 Come to my Kitchen (2009) photograph image: 80x60cm

7 Baby love (from 'Forced into images' portfolio) (2001) 119x101cm Bubble jet print from polaroid photograph on paper

www.biennaleofsydney.art    

A     www.biennaleofsydney.art/participants/destiny-deacon/

Dr. Destiny Deacon was from the KuKu and Erub/Mer peoples of the Torres Strait Islands and lived in Melbourne most of her life. Her multi-disciplinary practice – across photography, film, sculpture, performance and installation – was forged from personal family and community stories that enveloped her urban playground. As well as being an artist, she was also a respected activist, performer, writer and broadcaster. 

Deacon’s intriguing works continually provoke, challenge and reimagine the Aboriginal narrative through the photographic lens. She intuitively engages her audience through an exchange of ideas, stories and approaches to thinking with works that often have a subtle political guise. Using satirical black/blak humour she interrogates and explores the tales, events and imagined lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

B artgallery.nsw.gov.au

...she considers the casual cruelty of everyday racism with a humour particular to her identity. Jokes mostly rely on mocking the weak, yet in Deacon’s twisted currency one cannot be quite sure who is the joker and who the joke is on. Deacon’s anti-art is seemingly slapdash, but is in fact thoroughly cunning. She describes herself as ‘just a crappy artist’, and has said that the ‘worse’ the art – the more unfocused or uneventful – the tougher its impact. ...

C artreview.com

Indigenous Australian multimedia artist Destiny Deacon (of K’ua K’ua/Kuku and Erub/Mer descent) is best known internationally for her photographs that depict friends, family and kitsch artefacts in unsettling and surreal scenarios that describe Indigenous trauma, memory, identity and cruelty via the artist’s characteristic visual language of ‘Blak humour’. Among the photographed objects, her collection of Aboriginalia (which she calls ‘Koori Kitsch’) and black dolls are her most frequent muse: “I feel sorry for those little dolls lying in trash and treasure markets… looking all forlorn and stuff. I don’t know why – I just seem to rescue them,” .... The term was coined by Deacon (and is also often traced to her photographic triptych Blak lik me, 1991) and continues to be used by Indigenous communities in Australia as a means of self-determination. Its specificity lies in the reclamation of the word ‘Black’, understood by Deacon to be a concept imposed on Indigenous people by the continent’s colonisers, where the omission of the letter ‘c’ transforms it into a term that is now used to describe contemporary Aboriginal culture, history, art and shared social experiences, rather than racial categorisation.