SUMMER 2025
Tastemakers with
Simone Haag
PAGE 4
Behind the build
Hillside farmhouse
PAGE 8
Located on Victoria’s scenic Mornington
Peninsula, this gallery offers an impressive
permanent collection that champions
Indigenous artists from across Australia.
Business of
design: Sorrento
Contemporary
Simone Haag, a leading figure in Australian
interior design, shares her insights on the art
of mastering textures and how to spot
new classics
Tastemakers:
Simone Haag
Smart design choices, modern finishes and
local materials, harmonise to create a beautiful
modern farmhouse.
Behind the build:
Modern Farmhouse
Summer 2025
Contents
Welcome to our Summer edition of In Focus magazine. Discover a curated selection of style and design
inspiration from industry-leading experts and explore a handpicked collection of beautiful homes across
Central Victoria, Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine. Find your dream home with Jellis Craig.
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Discover the epitome of coastal luxury in this
architecturally designed sanctuary, where every
detail has been meticulously crafted to enhance
your living experience.
Feature Property:
46 Finlayson Avenue,
Mount Martha
Now is the perfect time to start preparing your
home for sale in the new year. Contact us today
for a successful sale in 2025.
Sell your home
in the new year
Nestled on approximately 4.5 acres of
picturesque landscape, this fully renovated
property seamlessly combines serene living with
refined elegance.
Feature Property:
920 Eureka Street,
Ballarat East
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Simone Haag
Interior stylist Simone Haag is a leading figure in the Australian design
scene renowned for blending vintage and contemporary pieces to create
richly textured spaces that reflect her clients’ unique personalities.
We visited Simone at Red Crest House, a stunning mid-century modern home that
combines rich materials and a warm palette to echo the beauty of its picturesque
Dandenong Ranges setting. Here, Simone shares her insights on the art of mastering
textures and how to spot new classics.
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
04
Embrace diverse materials
Layering diverse materials like wood, marble,
metals, and soft textiles adds tactile interest
to your space. Incorporating a variety of
textures - smooth surfaces, rough finishes,
and soft fabrics – creates a dynamic sensory
experience. At Red Crest House, we use
natural materials bound by an earthy palette
such as treated timbers, cool concrete and
buttery leathers.
Balance visual weight
Strike a balance between heavier materials
like stone and lighter textures, such as soft
rugs or woven baskets, to create harmony.
This helps the eye to move through the room
while providing visual intrigue.
Pair sleek leather with plush velvet, or linen
with wool. This interplay of fabrics adds
depth and richness to the design.
How to master textures
Engage the senses
Incorporating textured items like shaggy rugs,
chunky knit blankets, or rough-hewn ceramics
can engage the tactile elements of your
design. To elevate this effect, aim for a mix
of materials that invites touch. In the master
suite, elegant drapery, a vintage leather chair,
tactile seagrass wallpaper, a cork side table,
and a plush rug - all in warm, earthy tones -
work together to create a sensual space that
invites relaxation.
When looking for new classics, I always opt for clean lines, simple
silhouettes and durable materials. These elements are timeless,
making it easier for pieces to remain relevant as styles evolve.
I also seek out designs with a slight twist on the traditional -
whether that’s an unexpected colour accent or an asymmetrical
shape - something that adds a modern edge without being overly
trendy. Choose understated, neutral hues that can easily adapt to
changing tastes.
Invest in furniture that blends timeless materials, like timber with
modern finishes, and look for thoughtful detailing, such as unique
leg shapes or subtly curved edges. I also believe in investing in
quality - sourcing from brands with a reputation for craftsmanship
ensures longevity, both in terms of aesthetics and durability.
Pieces we sourced for the Red Crest House property, such as
the 1960s Pernilla leather chair and footstool in the lounge,
Featherston chaise lounge in the entry, and Nord Modern leather
chair in the bedroom will never go out of style.
I also love sourcing bold, abstract art, unique sculptures or rare
vintage pieces that bring character and serve as focal points
within a room. Look for organic, sculptural art or ceramics that
create a dynamic yet understated focal point within the space.
How to spot
new classics
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
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RED CREST HOUSE | ARCHITECTURE Dion Keech Architects |BUILDER Hedger Constructions | INTERIOR DESIGN Dion Keech
Architects & Loopea Design Studio | FURNITURE ART & OBJECT Simone Haag | PHOTOGRAPHY Dylan James
Simone Haag Studio specialises in residential interior styling,
focusing on furniture, art, and object curation. To discuss your
next design project with Simone, visit her website to schedule
a consultation.
Scan QR to watch the Jellis
Craig Tastemakers series
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
07
Modern hillside farmhouse
built for generations
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque
Pastoria district, just minutes from the
vibrant town of Kyneton, this hillside
property is filled with smart design
choices. The home seamlessly blends
modern finishes and local materials,
that harmonise with the breathtaking
natural surroundings. Set on 180 acres
of farmland, the property offers a new
lifestyle. We caught up with owner Ben,
to learn more about the build of this
beautiful modern farmhouse.
What was the initial vision for this build and how did the rural
setting in Kyneton influence the design?
The site and setting dictated both the size and shape of the building,
while we tried to complement the native palette with the selected
finishes. We always wanted to build a modern farmhouse, but the
design evolved with our needs. Initially we wanted a weekender,
but once we decided it was to be our full-time family home,
the footprint increased accordingly.
Tell us about the collaborative design process between yourself,
the architect and the builder.
We engaged with our builder first, as we were particularly
impressed by a project they had completed nearby. VR Builders then
introduced us to our architect Rilla from Small Studio. We were quite
settled on what we wanted from the house, but Rilla allowed us to
express that and introduced a lot of additional elements that have
certainly added to the liveability of the house.
Across 73 hectares of land, the home sits on a commanding
position with beautiful views. Can you share some insights
into the planning process, including the home’s orientation
to the landscape?
There were a few positions considered when selecting the house
site. From the top of the property there are views of Mt Macedon,
but in the end, we decided to build further down and be part of
the hill rather than sit atop. It also allowed us to create a ‘house
paddock’ with a terrific northerly aspect, somewhat separate from
the rest of the farm.
The northern side of the home is predominantly glass to allow
sunshine to warm the concrete floors – much needed for Kyneton’s
cold winters. The western wall is the first thing you see as you
reach the top of the driveway, which gives an almost Brutalist first
impression. Made up of 450mm thick recycled concrete rammed
earth with zero penetrations, to combat the blazing western sun
in summer.
Simple,
honest,
homely.
The use of rammed earth walls, local bluestone, and blackbutt
timbers connect the home to its environment. Could you share
your approach to selecting these materials, and how they reflect
the character of the property?
We selected the recycled concrete rammed earth walls first, which
are sympathetic and respond to the basalt. We wanted the building
material to give the house an authentic feel. At night, the Blackbutt
timber ceiling has a honey glow from the lighting plan and works
beautifully with the recycled red brick. The polished concrete floors
are both hydronically heated in winter and cool to touch in summer,
granting the strong thermal properties.
What do you love most about the home, or its connection to
nature?
Every part of the home feels solid and secure. The glass obviously
lets the outside in, but it feels quite private with no neighbours
within cooee. In summer the large glass windows seamlessly stack
open to the deck and lawn. Yet in winter when the curtains are
drawn and the fireplace roaring, the house still feels cozy.
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
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600 Baynton Road, Kyneton recently sold by Jellis Craig
Central Victoria.
Are there any unique or custom-made features in the home that
you’re particularly proud of?
We turned the basalt ridge that skirts the house-site into a rock wall
that now defines the house yard from the farm area. Champion
Stonemasonry then used some of that rock to create the amazing
fireplace area, which tied the interiors to the outside environment.
The finish of the fireplace area is intentionally less refined and more
agricultural. It also complements and contrasts with the concrete
well, bringing in some natural colours.
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
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Sorrento Contemporary and
the legacy of Indigenous creativity
Business of DESIGN
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
12
Australian Indigenous art captivates audiences with its beauty and storytelling, weaving
heritage, landscapes, and ancestral wisdom into each brushstroke and pattern. In this
article, we talk to Adam Knight, a distinguished Australian art curator, whose career has
been instrumental in bringing Indigenous art to the forefront. As the visionary behind
seven art galleries, including Mitchelton, Gallery of Aboriginal Art, and the recently
opened Sorrento Contemporary, Knight is committed to showcasing the richness and
diversity of Aboriginal Art to both local and international audiences.
What inspired you to open Sorrento Contemporary, and how does
it reflect your vision for showcasing Indigenous art in Australia?
Our family were regular visitors to Sorrento and surrounds for many
years. I love the feel of the area and the Peninsula in general.
We purchased a home in Blairgowrie 2 years ago and I was keeping
a constant eye out for vacant suitable spaces. I was delighted when
our current location became available as the space offers great
presentation to the street and allows us to present a large number of
works to the public even if they choose not to physically enter
the gallery.
How would you describe the role of Sorrento Contemporary
compared to your other galleries and the broader Victorian
art scene?
Most galleries are destination galleries with established clientele
however Sorrento Contemporary, like our other galleries, are all
located in tourist orientated locations as we have found this to be
an exceptional way of introducing Indigenous art to a broader
market. Based on the locations we exist, we have created many
passionate collectors who may never have started collecting
through traditional approaches.
Sorrento Contemporary located on Victoria’s scenic Mornington Peninsula, offers an impressive permanent collection that champions both
emerging talents and acclaimed Indigenous artists from across Australia.
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
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Our gallery changes views and starts
conversations, and that is a wonderful
outcome for all Australians.
You have dedicated your career to Indigenous art.
What considerations go into selecting the works and the
artists represented in your galleries?
As we have been in the industry for over 30 years, most of the artists
we deal directly with, we have been dealing with either themselves
or their family members for 20-30 years. This is a privileged
position and one we take very seriously. We also work with 15 - 20
Government Art Centres, some of which support 100’s of artists.
These relationships with art centres are long standing and
highly valued.
Selecting works is complicated as there are several considerations in
doing so. Like many things in life, the longer you do something - the
better you get. My eye for art has matured over my career and seems
to serve me well.
How does Sorrento Contemporary connect with the local
community and engage visitors from the Peninsula and beyond?
As we are a relatively new space we are continuing to engage with
the local community and the region. We recently donated a painting
to the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club 2024/25 Fundraising
Campaign and we are also an enthusiastic partner of the newly
formed Sorrento Galleries Campaign, whereby the 9 galleries intend
to work together to promote Sorrento as an art precinct. We will
continue to forge new relationships and support local causes when
opportunities present.
What’s on the horizon for Sorrento Contemporary?
We intend on conducting specific exhibitions representing high
profile artists who we feel suit the gallery and location. One such
artist is Kate Constantine, whose works have been very popular at
Sorrento Contemporary since our opening. Kate is a proud Gadigal
woman of the Eora nation and a neo-contemporary Indigenous artist.
She is re-imagining the traditions of her peoples’ dot painters and
providing a modern narrative for all Australians to better understand
First Nations People as part of the fabric of Australia.
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
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Can you share a memorable experience that’s reinforced your
passion for the art business?
In general, the genuine enthusiasm received from the constant gallery
visitors is a highlight. Visitors often comment that they didn't realise
Aboriginal artwork was so beautiful and contemporary. Many people
had the view that Aboriginal artwork was just dots or earthy colours,
with many purchasers often saying they never thought they would
have bought a piece of Indigenous art for that reason. Our gallery
changes views and starts conversations, and that is a wonderful
outcome for all Australians.
Your gallery has gained a reputation for promoting Australian
Indigenous artists and voices from the across the country. How do
you see the role of these artists evolving in the global art market?
We have been fortunate enough to have worked with the identified
founding artists of our movement. Artists such as Emily Kame
Kngwarreye, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, and Rover Thomas;
their individual styles have been elevated to a serious level
internationally, and deservedly so.
Artists who essentially came slightly later but exercised a style in
the most artistically gifted and beautiful way such as Sally Gabori,
Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Yukultji Napangati, Daniel Walbidi, and
Vincent Namatjira have also risen to international acclaim.
With the recent exhibitions and promotions by the likes of Steve
Martin, and with support by industry leaders such as Larry Gagosian,
the market appears very potent. The late Emily Kame Kngwarreye
has a solo exhibition at the Tate Modern next year.
Are there any emerging trends or movements within Indigenous
art that you’re particularly excited about or believe will shape the
future of the industry?
As art movements go, Aboriginal Art could be considered still in its
infancy as it has been running for a relatively short period of time.
It is the only art movement in our history to completely evolve out
of itself, i.e. most other art movements are an evolution or adaption
of a previous movement. Whilst the works are generated with cultural
knowledge and wisdom, their outstanding visual cannot be ignored.
The number of Aboriginal artists creating new, inventive, beautiful
yet contemporary works derived from their cultural knowledge and
ancestors is extraordinary, with new stars arising all the time.
The second or third generation of artists is a very exciting progression
to observe, with the collision of cultures from all over the world
having an impact on Aboriginal Art. Aboriginal artists are now being
considered amongst the most important contemporary artists -
not just protectors and promoters of cultural knowledge.
Sorrento Contemporary | 85-99 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
sorrentocontemporary.com.au
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
15
Private Sale
Price
$2,350,000 - $2,550,000
Jellis Craig Barwon Heads
Andrew Ingham 0406 619 645
Milly Patista 0491 165 274
4 beds, 3 baths, 2 cars, 1052.0sqm approx
Designer coastal elegance
61 Samphire Drive, Connewarre
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
16
Private Sale
Price
$3,100,000 - $3,400,000
Jellis Craig Barwon Heads
Andrew Ingham 0406 619 645
Spencer Luppino 0435 509 028
5 beds, 3 baths, 3 cars, 1209.0sqm approx
Luxury show stopping residence in
Thirteenth Beach
16 Stone Pine Court, Connewarre
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
17
Private Sale
Price
$1,395,000 - $1,495,000
Jellis Craig Barwon Heads
Andrew Ingham 0406 619 645
Milly Patista 0491 165 274
4 beds, 2 baths, 2 cars
Coastal luxury living
183A Fellows Road, Point Lonsdale
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
18
Private Sale
Price
$3,600,000 - $3,800,000
Jellis Craig Barwon Heads
Andrew Ingham 0406 619 645
Milly Patista 0491 165 274
4 beds, 3 baths, 2 cars, 427.0sqm approx
Magnificent contemporary masterpiece
59B Orton Street, Ocean Grove
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
19
Private Sale
Price
$2,950,000 - $3,200,000
Jellis Craig Barwon Heads
Andrew Ingham 0406 619 645
Milly Patista 0491 165 274
5 beds, 3 baths, 4 cars, 912.0sqm approx
A showcase of sophisticated design
46 Cashmore Drive, Connewarre
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
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