Latest news with #Japandi
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Machynlleth-based Ynyshir named among UK's best restaurants
A highly decorated Michelin Star Powys restaurant has once again been recognised among the UK's best. The National Restaurant Awards took place on Monday (June 9), celebrating "the brilliance and vibrancy of the UK restaurant scene, honouring the best chefs and operators across the country". Awards handed out at the annual event included: National Restaurant of the Year Gastropub of the Year Chef of the Year Cocktail List of the Year Wine List of the Year Opening of the Year Best Restaurant in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (four individual awards) View this post on Instagram A post shared by The UK's Best Restaurants (@nationalrestaurantawards) A list of the UK's top 100 restaurants was also revealed, featuring one Powys restaurant - Ynyshir. Why Ynyshir is among the UK's best restaurants Ynyshir was ranked the ninth best restaurant in the country at the National Restaurant Awards and was also named the best in Wales. It was commended for its "in-your-face" Asian-influenced tasting menu and "rambunctious" atmosphere. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The UK's Best Restaurants (@nationalrestaurantawards) The Awards website says: "Located just south of Snowdonia National Park on the western edge of mid Wales, Ynyshir is surrounded by rhododendron bushes and undulating yet carefully trimmed lawns. "Yet this is not your typical country house hotel, as its black painted brickwork hints at. "The intimate dining room is stripped back and a little Japandi in feel with a fully-open kitchen where diners can watch the brigade at work." Ynyshir chef Gareth Ward is a protégé of the Nottinghamshire-based Sat Bains, and cooks "uncompromisingly edgy, Asian-influenced food" described as "ingredient-led" and "flavour driven". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ynyshir Restaurant & Rooms (@ynyshirrestaurant) The Awards website adds: "This is an entirely accurate description, but one that doesn't quite do justice to Ward's explosive cooking. "His approach is strikingly different to the norm – a peculiar but effective marriage of top-quality produce, Asian flavours and unusual technique served in a succession of tiny bites. "To dine at Ynyshir is to have more than a meal, it is an experience unlike any other on these shores. "The in-house DJ (surely the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in Europe to employ one?) keeps things lively, playing a set that reads the vibe of the room, with a glitter ball put into action as the night unfolds. "Anywhere else this might not work, but at Ynyshir and under the spell of Ward's supreme cooking, it's something to savour." Customers agree Ynyshir is "absolutely amazing" It's not just the experts who love Ynyshir, but customers as well, with the Machynlleth-based restaurant boasting a 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 459 reviews. One person, commenting about their experience at Ynyshir, said: "What an extraordinary visit. "Staying overnight is definitely worth it. Everything was exceptional, and the team went above and beyond. The DJ was spot on, and we absolutely loved the music. "This place is, without a doubt, the best restaurant (with rooms) in the UK for me." RECOMMENDED READING: While another guest added: "Can't wait to go back! "Wow, this restaurant certainly lives up to its reputation had the most amazing time, food was exceptional, DJ played great music throughout the experience and what a lovely man Gareth Ward is who took the time to chat to people.
Herald Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Must-know home design transforming Australian suburbs and killing off beige box builds
Aussie homeowners are ditching beige box builds in favour of calming, sanctuary-style homes, with new research revealing barn-style and Japandi designs are leading the shift. A growing number of Australians are turning their backs on cookie-cutter homes, with new research revealing a dramatic shift toward calming, sanctuary-style spaces, and two design trends leading the charge. Figures from the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2025 show barn-style builds and Japandi-inspired interiors are fast becoming the top picks for home builders and renovators, as families rethink what they want from their living spaces. The Block architect Julian Brenchley said Australians were increasingly focused on simplicity, serenity and space, and moving away from overly decorative exteriors. 'People want value, and they want volume. The barn form gives you that,' Mr Brenchley said. 'It's a really smart shape, builders understand it, it works well on tight blocks, and you end up with these beautiful open volumes that feel calm and expansive. 'And it doesn't cost a fortune to achieve.' RELATED: Newport home stuns with post-auction price reveal 'Thrilled': one seller, three separate first-home buyers Insider deal: $50m Besen mansion changes hands The Block architect Julian Brenchley says more Australians are choosing simple, cost-effective homes that prioritise emotional wellbeing, space and functionality. Photo: Adam Yip Barn-style homes are emerging as a top choice for families seeking open interiors, dramatic volume and stress-free construction. Architects say the barn house form offers smart design solutions with fewer structural complexities and more lifestyle appeal. Also gaining traction is Japandi — a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian principles — which architects say is resonating with a new generation of homeowners seeking stillness, flexibility and connection. Winners of The Block 2023, Steph and Gian Ottavio said the desire for homes that feel like retreats had surged in the past year, and that Japandi represented more than just a look. 'Japandi isn't just a design trend,' Ms Ottavio said. 'It's about creating a space that slows you down. 'We're seeing more people move away from fads and focus instead on how a home makes them feel.' The Block 2023 winners Steph and Gian Ottavio are helping lead the Japandi design movement, creating sanctuary homes that feel calm, warm and deeply personal. Source: Supplied Japandi design blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth, creating homes that promote stillness, softness and intentional living. The pair recently completed a Japandi-style home in collaboration with James Hardie, incorporating timber, earthy tones, internal courtyards and layered cladding profiles to create a sense of stillness and warmth. Mr Ottavio said Melbourne's more introspective design style made it the perfect fit for Japandi-inspired builds. 'In Sydney, it's all about the view,' Mr Ottavio said. 'But in Melbourne, it's about how the home feels inside — and that's where Japandi thrives.' Box Modern homes embrace strong geometric lines and clean facades, offering sleek urban living with flexibility and architectural edge. The Modern Farmhouse style blends rustic charm with practical living, featuring pitched roofs, expansive windows and nature-inspired palettes. Modern Heritage homes honour historical architecture with contemporary touches, balancing period charm with fresh colours and smart materials. The Ottavios said intentional design has a direct impact on how people live and feel. 'When every space in the home has purpose, it changes your whole outlook,' Ms Ottavio said. 'We're designing for how you feel at 7am, or after a long day, not just how the house looks in a brochure.' Their observations are backed by Hardie's trend data, which shows wellness, flexibility and build efficiency are now top priorities for Australians designing or renovating a home, with aesthetics becoming more considered and intentional. The forecast outlines eight key styles expected to shape the future of suburban Australia, including Box Modern, Modern Classical, Modern Coastal and Mid-Century Modern — with Barn and Japandi leading early adoption. Modern Coastal homes reinterpret classic beach design with indoor-outdoor flow, weather-smart materials and laid-back luxury. With clean lines, muted tones and a focus on breezy comfort, Modern Coastal is a go-to style for relaxed Australian living. According to Mr Brenchley, the sanctuary-style shift is already well underway. 'More clients are asking for multipurpose zones, natural materials and internal courtyards,' he said. 'They're less worried about front facades and more focused on acoustic comfort, thermal performance and zoning for everyday life. The home is becoming a retreat.' The Block architect added that the new wave of 'non-beige' homes would be better suited to modern lifestyle demands, including hybrid working, multigenerational living and increased time spent at home. 'The beige box is over,' Mr Brenchley said. 'What comes next is personal, practical and peaceful, and it's going to reshape our suburbs.' Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Must-know investor shift behind Melb's auction surge The rate cut move Melbourne has been warned against Warning as Melbourne's CBD car parks face financial pressure
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Must-know home design transforming Australian suburbs and killing off beige box builds
A growing number of Australians are turning their backs on cookie-cutter homes, with new research revealing a dramatic shift toward calming, sanctuary-style spaces, and two design trends leading the charge. Figures from the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2025 show barn-style builds and Japandi-inspired interiors are fast becoming the top picks for home builders and renovators, as families rethink what they want from their living spaces. The Block architect Julian Brenchley said Australians were increasingly focused on simplicity, serenity and space, and moving away from overly decorative exteriors. 'People want value, and they want volume. The barn form gives you that,' Mr Brenchley said. 'It's a really smart shape, builders understand it, it works well on tight blocks, and you end up with these beautiful open volumes that feel calm and expansive. 'And it doesn't cost a fortune to achieve.' Also gaining traction is Japandi — a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian principles — which architects say is resonating with a new generation of homeowners seeking stillness, flexibility and connection. Winners of The Block 2023, Steph and Gian Ottavio said the desire for homes that feel like retreats had surged in the past year, and that Japandi represented more than just a look. 'Japandi isn't just a design trend,' Ms Ottavio said. 'It's about creating a space that slows you down. 'We're seeing more people move away from fads and focus instead on how a home makes them feel.' The pair recently completed a Japandi-style home in collaboration with James Hardie, incorporating timber, earthy tones, internal courtyards and layered cladding profiles to create a sense of stillness and warmth. Mr Ottavio said Melbourne's more introspective design style made it the perfect fit for Japandi-inspired builds. 'In Sydney, it's all about the view,' Mr Ottavio said. 'But in Melbourne, it's about how the home feels inside — and that's where Japandi thrives.' The Ottavios said intentional design has a direct impact on how people live and feel. 'When every space in the home has purpose, it changes your whole outlook,' Ms Ottavio said. 'We're designing for how you feel at 7am, or after a long day, not just how the house looks in a brochure.' Their observations are backed by Hardie's trend data, which shows wellness, flexibility and build efficiency are now top priorities for Australians designing or renovating a home, with aesthetics becoming more considered and intentional. The forecast outlines eight key styles expected to shape the future of suburban Australia, including Box Modern, Modern Classical, Modern Coastal and Mid-Century Modern — with Barn and Japandi leading early adoption. According to Mr Brenchley, the sanctuary-style shift is already well underway. 'More clients are asking for multipurpose zones, natural materials and internal courtyards,' he said. 'They're less worried about front facades and more focused on acoustic comfort, thermal performance and zoning for everyday life. The home is becoming a retreat.' The Block architect added that the new wave of 'non-beige' homes would be better suited to modern lifestyle demands, including hybrid working, multigenerational living and increased time spent at home. 'The beige box is over,' Mr Brenchley said. 'What comes next is personal, practical and peaceful, and it's going to reshape our suburbs.'
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- New Indian Express
How to achieve the perfect balance through Japandi
Japandi is nothing but the coming together of Scandinavian and modern Japanese interior design styles. Both have the spotlight on clean lines and shapes. A design style that focuses on minimalistic yet functional spaces through natural elements and muted colours. This design style does not encourage gaudy detailing, high contrast palettes, and dark spaces. Here are the key elements of Japandi. Materials The materials used in Japandi are neutral, earthy, and comforting. For furniture, rattan, bamboo, cane, wicker, and wood are used. Textiles used are usually organic linens, brushed cottons, and organic muslins. Japandi also promotes handmade and artisanal work like terracotta, clay, and concrete artefacts, which adds to the majority of décor used here. Hardwood floors are the top favourite to add the required warmth and aesthetic to these spaces.
The Age
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
This inner-city terrace serves outrageously juicy katsu and boss-level drinking food
Previous SlideNext Slide Critics' PickHow we score Sometime around 2005, wood-fired pizza became the default accessory to a tasting paddle of beers. Craft breweries – endlessly creative with what they put in their beer – began to feel like a hall of mirrors when it came to their menus. Get harissa lamb ribs over here, but harissa lamb skewers at a rival beer hall. This one skips chicken tenders, instead you get buffalo chicken ribs. Would you like your fried calamari with lemon or lime? Benchwarmer, a West Melbourne craft beer hangout, breaks that mould. It's not a brewery but it sure gets behind them, which must be a godsend for struggling independent brewers right now. Since opening in an old Victorian terrace in February 2020, it's gradually grown more Japanese-focused with each change of chef and trip to Japan taken by owner Lachlan Jones. The front half holds a few blond wood communal tables and stools (very Japandi), cosy window seats, a small bar and a big beer fridge. The back half is a bit more grungy. New chef Geoff Marett has a CV that makes a lot of sense for a venue that's striving to be an izakaya: the loud and loose Japanese joints where food is there to soak up the copious sake and beer slammed down.
