There’s so much of my life that I’d love to share with you, from my journey as a novice gardener to how I host and entertain. In my job, and over the past 20 years working alongside the best of Australia’s interior designers, decorators, gardeners and hosts, I’ve learnt a lot. And it’s information I hope you find as helpful and inspiring as I have. Let me know if there is a topic you’d love me to explore!
The cook’s wares
I’ve said several times that I renovated my whole house because I wanted to install a bigger cooker. I love cooking that much. And what brings me even more joy are the pots, knives, gadgets and accessories that I use to cook with. In my job, I’m lucky that I get to see and sometimes try out a variety of cookware, but what do I willingly pay money for? In the save-up-and-splurge category are two pieces of cast-iron Le Creuset: the large oval casserole (the perfect shape for a chicken or a longer loaf of bread) and the 30cm shallow casserole, which is my go-to for curries, bolognese and risottos. My knives are another investment – I love the Crafter range from Wüstof. A dream to chop with! On the other end of the spectrum, I can’t live without the Rört wooden spoons from Ikea. Or a range of Amazon buys, such as Epicurean cutting boards and a de Buyer pepper mill. All reasonably priced, but amazing quality.
“Even if it’s just for me, I like to elevate the everyday.”
Elle Lovelock
Low maintenance
I loathe doing dishes. Luckily my husband usually does them (he doesn’t cook, so it’s a fair deal). Even so, I appreciate cookware that’s dishwasher friendly. My best finds are the Our Place Titanium Pro range – I rate the Mini Perfect Pot and the Large Always Pan. Honestly, I’ve given them a real thrashing with turmeric-laden curry and seared steak and they still wash up a treat. I’m impressed. I’ve also recently discovered the Mauviel 1830 collection at Victoria’s Basement, which has some ceramic non-stick pans you can put in the dishwasher. Now, this brand is licensed from Mauviel, so it’s not made in France like the main line, but nevertheless, I think it’s a good buy at a great price point. A note on dishwasher tablets: I choose the Ecostore fragrance-free ones so my pots and pans don’t absorb those strong detergent smells.
On to the pretty things. Some of my most regularly used kitchen items may surprise you. Pastry forks. Not just for cakes, but also fruit and picky bits, they are so versatile. Let’s continue along the diminutive line with cocktail napkins. I use them as coasters and to line bowls of dried snacks or to place under toast on a breakfast tray (they absorb the steam so your toast stays crisp). Even if it’s just for me, I like to elevate the everyday. I also adore large platters and prefer them to bowls when serving salads. Plus, they take up less storage space. Use them as trays, too. They’re great for cakes, cheese boards or to corral a group of glasses if you’re hosting drinks. A current favourite is the Ceramic Cheese Plater by The Fine Cheese Co.
Kitchen decor
There’s no disputing kitchens are utilitarian spaces, but I still like to decorate mine as I would any other room in the house. An artwork or two, out of splatter’s way, adds interest. So, too, do accessories. Though my tapware is brushed nickel, the rest of the hardware in my kitchen is aged brass, so this is a material I’ve carried through into the decor. A lamp on the benchtop adds instant cosiness, while a brass jewellery tray acts as a catch-all for the bits and bobs that accumulate in the kitchen. Scent is important here, too. I love fresh fragrances – clean, woody, citrus – as they help to dispel cooking smells. And I always have a beautiful handwash by the sink. I don’t mind going a bit ritzy with a posh wash as I like to romanticise my life whenever possible.
Shop The Edit: From Elle
Clockwise from top Cocktail napkins in White, $40/set of 4, In The Roundhouse. Spode blue Italian pastry forks, $122.99/set of 6, David Jones. Byredo ‘Vetyver’ hand wash, $97/450ml, Mecca. The Fine Cheese Co Ceramic Cheese Plater, $99.95/30cm, Minimax. Studio VC ‘Dauphine’ lamp, $590, The Montauk Lighting Co. Salt pig, $39.95, Robert Gordon. ‘Cyprès 21 Indigo’ special edition classic candle, $147/245g, Le Labo. Puebco small brass tray, $65, The Rake. De Buyer ‘Marlux’ pepper mill, $71.38, Amazon. ‘Rört’ spoon, $1.75, Ikea. Cast-iron shallow casserole in Satin Black, $710, Le Creuset.
Have you tuned in to The Edit yet?
Hosted by Editor Elle Lovelock, The Edit podcast opens the door to beautiful homes and the people and stories behind them.
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