Storage Dramas? Just Look Up?

Do you have storage issues? Is your home cute and cosy but super restrictive when it comes to spare space? Well there's no need to despair. There are simple solutions to ease your clutter concerns, just look up. Yes, you heard right. Tilt your head back and look towards the ceiling, soon enough you will see the possibilities. End your woes with the quick and easy installation of a shelf above the door or on top of the cupboards. Soon enough you will see the floor again and feel happy emptiness when the benches are finally cleared.

From the kitchen to the bedrooms and beyond, this is sure to be a welcomed storage solution for every home.

Images via www.apartmenttherapy.com

 

Hardworking materials rise to the surface

Whether it's a three dimensional aesthetic you're after to liven up an old bathroom, or a rough and rugged appeal to add rustic tones to a humble home kitchen, textured surfaces are a great way to add a new flavour to any space. Elle Decor recently asked the pro's on their surface favourites and they shared their recent discoveries.

 

 

Amy Lau, Designer

"Heath Ceramics makes tiles with hand-applied glazes in its original 1950s factory in Sausalito. The tile has a three-dimensional feeling and comes in saturated colors-from misty green to bright red or blue-that really grab the light. I've used their tile for a bar backsplash and on fireplace surounds." Heath tile; heathceramics.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Steven Gambrel, Designer

"I use Grove Brickworks Field Tile in kitchens, especially in country houses. They're clay-based subway tiles that are rough in texture and coated with a glossy glaze. They come in different colors. I like the contrast that these tiles have between rugged and refined." Grove Brickworks Field Tile; waterworks.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carl D'Aquino, Designer

"We've been using a lot of resin, especially in kitchens. It comes in every imaginable color, and you can embed it with almost anything. We've used crushed clear glass and gold-leaf sheets. Resin can also be cast in any shape, from counters to sinks. My favorite resin fabricator is Atta Inc." Custom-made resin tub; attainc.com.

 

 

 

Read the full article at Elle Decor.

 

A Vanity Issue

Ok so you've decided your bathroom needs an update and after flicking through the latest design mags for inspiration you're somehow more confused than when you started off. There is so much to factor in when deciding on the right bathroom, especially one that will not only suit your tastes now for a fresh and modern appeal, but also one that will stand the test of time and won't date too quickly. Let's face it, you are probably going to spend quite a fair chunk of your cash on this and so it needs to be a long term investment.

So Build Expo Online looked for you, and found a great `Bathroom Trends' feature on Masters.com  that we had to share.

Happy Renovating!

Colour

Drawing inspiration from nature, neutral tones continue to be in the ‘must-have’ list.  From tiles to towels, soft tones of camel, olive and oatmeal add warmth and serenity to the bathroom. Pure white is an all-time favourite – not only does it evoke freshness, it also gives the illusion of more space.

For a more daring approach, dark, shimmering tones bring pure glamour to the bathroom – picture glossy charcoal or onyx tiles, gleaming chrome fittings and, for a theatrical look, a stunning black chandelier.  A little bit of luxury never goes astray in the bathroom!

Bath

Once an old-fashioned item, the freestanding bath has come into its own with sensual shapes and modern materials that make it the star of the show.  It evokes pure romance and relaxation – all you need are a few candles, soothing music and a great book on hand!

Built-in baths, meanwhile, have never disappeared – latest ranges boast modern contours and durable materials.  Various sizes and shapes mean that even the most modest zone can be transformed into a personal sanctuary.

Showers

As a morning pick-me-up, the shower now offers massaging sprays to get the day started on the right track. Once a star performer in boutique hotels, the wet room – with no shower screen – has now become a popular option at home.  With clever tiling and stainless steel floor grates, it creates an open feel with minimal splash.

Rain showerheads are also making their way into more bathrooms. Oversized versions are on offer for a descent drenching, while the most high-tech ranges are built into the ceiling for a seamless approach.

Combining an overhead shower rose dropped down from the ceiling and a sliding shower on a wall bracket brings the best of both worlds together. Use a shower mixer with a diverter to toggle between the two. Overhead showers are great for taller users whilst the wall bar can be lowered for small children and the hand piece is useful for rinsing the shower area during bathroom cleaning.

Vanity & storage

Flexibility is key in the cabinet world, with storage units that can be mixed and matched. Open shelves are handy to store towels, deep drawers can store larger appliances such as hairdryers, and narrow drawers keep cosmetics and other essentials in perfect order.

Wall-mounted shelving and freestanding cupboards also minimise clutter.  With various cabinetry on offer, it means that similar surfaces and shapes bring continuity to the bathroom. Wall mounted vanities expose more floor area to the eye creating the illusion of a bigger space and make cleaning a breeze.

A mirror-fronted cabinet positioned above the basin – which can be recessed or semi-recessed for a streamlined look – helps keep clutter at bay.  Mirrors are also available with electrical demisters so they can be used even when your partner is having the steamiest of showers. A recessed shower niche has also become a must-have in new bathrooms, offering easy access to essential shampoos and body gels.

Basins

Placed on top of the vanity, the solid above-counter basin makes a strong statement – a popular choice in many designer bathrooms. Setting an above counter basin to one side of the benchtop can free up convenient bench space. For a space-saving solution, a semi-recessed basin overhangs the vanity utilising a shallower cabinet provides more floor space. 

For a sleek look, an under-counter basin – also known as an undermount basin that sits seamlessly under the vanity top – has a contemporary feel. It’s a perfect option for those who adore the sleek, minimalist look. When choosing a compact ensuite or powder room, a wall basin is irresistible – various shapes can range from strong square angles to more feminine curves.

Toilets

These days, most new toilets are water efficient, so the only real choice to make is the style. Wall facing toilet suites butt up against tiles from the top of the cistern to the foot of the pan creating a flush line, no dust traps, easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

In wall cisterns are making their way from the commercial world into bathrooms.  Sleek flush mount button systems combined with a wall face pan or a wall hung pan save space and are ideal for powder rooms and smaller ensuites. In wall cisterns can also be incorporated in the vanity unit if the wall cavity doesn’t allow.

Tapware

Design is key when selecting tapware but water efficiency is equally important. The latest ranges ensure you don’t suffer from poor flows or low-water pressure. When deciding, look at taps that have high Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating – a 6-star rating is the most water efficient available.

On the design front, the current geometric shapes on offer boast straight lines, smooth edges and defined curves.  But the organic look is also on the trend radar, drawing inspiration from nature.The easier-to-use mixers are still prominent, while wall-mounted tapware above the basin saves space and evokes a boutique-hotel style.

Splurges

A shapely soap dish, decorative small objects, or a selection of body lotions or perfumes – beautifully grouped beside the basin – can personalise the room. Heated towel rails have a sense of indulgence and the good news is that they are now affordable, with various designs and configurations on offer.

To finish the look, a stack of folded bath towels can look stunning on an open shelf – for pure style, choose a colour that has the same tones as the tiles or wall paint.

 

 

Colour your world

There are plenty of ways to make your home appear bigger than it is. While you might have future plans to knock down a wall and open up the space, in the meantime you can offer the illusion of a bigger room with a few coats of paint.

Generally, cooler paint colours will open up a room just as different colours will have varying effects on your mood.
- Use cooler colours to open up a room
- Use primary colors if you have children
- Use white, black, brown or beige to lend a formal air
- Blues and greens are thought of as relaxing, and yellow and green evoke the outdoors

A burst of colour is always welcomed and bright colours can work well as a feature wall. You can inject colour in other ways such as a canary yellow chair or bright pink book shelf, even a fire-engine red ladder for a boy's children's room.
When redesigning the space of your home, there are other factors to consider too. While it is tempting to stroll into a paint store and just pick out your favourite colour, most often you’ll find that it won’t translate to your home and could clash with existing furniture or flooring.

Here are a few tips to think about before you get out the paint swatches and make a drastic change;

Think about the big picture – consider the flooring, textures and tones of furniture fabrics, curtains and tiles as well as artwork on the walls. Don’t forget the skirting boards – will you want another colour for these or the same as the walls? And the celing? A matt finish is usually best as gloss shows imperfections.

Size Matters – lighter colours on the ceiling and walls can make the room appear larger. If you want to use darker colours then paint a feature wall in

the darker tone and keep the others light. Celebrated UK Atelier, Abigail Ahern recently posted of her affection for dark colours on her blog: 

“Dark colours scare people I know that from experience – and yet for me it’s a bit like sprinkling some fairy dust magic into an interior. Once you cross

over (to the dark side that is) life just seems a little more enchanting. Furniture, accessories and art pop out and almost tantalise. You need some high voltage jolts of colour to stop the scheme from becoming depressing – but not crazy amounts. Sophisticated yet laid back is the perfect scenario. You can go dark anywhere think teeny tiny small spaces, large spaces, spaces with poor light and even in hot climates there are almost no boundaries.”

Textures – but before you cringe at the visual of daggy sponge walls, this is long gone. Think metallic, silk, suede and stone paints which are all the rage in the paint world. A blackboard wall is a fun addition, especially for kids to paint their own murals every day. A fun addition to the lounge room. Or for some serious texture, go for this eco trend by French manufacturer, the Bleu Nature who offer a very unconventional wall made from driftwood.

via Eco Trend

For more on this topic, head to www.masters.com.au

 

Kitchen Chic

For many homes, the kitchen is never big enough. So for this week's home zone we hone in on the home's most popular room. Most can identify with kitchen drawers overflowing, usually from being stuffed with all the extra knick knacks such as mail, batteries and kids toys in an effort to clear the benches. Being the central room of the house that everyone uses the most, the fridge can also be left seriously cluttered with notes, lists and bills stuck down by a myriad of magnets.

So this edition we looked into some simple and functional ideas to switch up your kitchen and give it a little breathing room.

Contemporary Open Shelving 

Open shelves keep a kitchen open and airy with free space to display dishes in an orderly yet relaxed and informal way. It also means ingredients, measuring tools and crockery are kept within reach on the airy open shelves and it’s much cheaper than cabinetry and much easier to install. To keep the look clean, stack dishes into neat piles, coordinate colours and use baskets for smaller objects.

Find out how to install them in your home here.

Over-The-Door Shelving

For those pokey kitchenettes, extra shelves are always welcomed for storage of recipe books, vases and accessories. Why not mount a shelf on a plain or intricate bracket above the doorway to the kitchen? Towels and coordinating accessories can also be neatly displayed here, and can also be used in bedrooms to store books, magazines and DVDs.



Find out how here.

Chic Kitchen Chalkboard

This chic DIY project is simple and a whole lot of fun. With a bucket of chalkboard paint, cover a corner of the kitchen in the green-flavoured paint and frame it with crisp moulding. Say goodbye to messy notes and lists on the fridge and let the board be your new go-to for messages. Other excellent uses are an extra-large calendar or write-up tonight’s menu selections a la carte.

To paint a chalkboard in your kitchen head here.

Runway-to-Room

Fashion influences more than our daily wardrobe choices, it is also a key indicator of what’s hot in interior design and home renovation. This is especially prevalent with the influx of bright, bold colours and prints that are popular for interiors right now. We only have to take a look at the runways to see how the trend emerged from the catwalks to a feature wall in your hallway.
Proenza Schouler clashed prints effortlessly in their fall winter 2011/12 shows and colour blocking was seen in spectacular style at Gucci with bold purple tops and acid orange skirts. Because let’s face it, a bright room certainly feels more alive than antique white. So it’s not surprising that these are now making their way into our homes.

This transition has been appropriately titled runway-to-room trends. Take inspiration from Toronto interior decorator Holly Dyment. She artfully plays with patterns, will combine a bold-striped wallpaper hung horizontally with graphic black and white marble flooring and a punchy green fabric on the bench, which sounds like a disaster in theory but turns out brilliantly modern and edgy.

A clashing colour or print can evoke a renewed mood and energy in a flat area of the home, or brighten up a darkened corner of the room. It

can be tricky at first breaking the conventional rules of colour and pattern, but the result is bright, cheerful and welcoming. Most interior designers will incorporate the runways into their collections, and it only take slick of paint to get it back to antique white once you’ve had enough of teal or burnt orange.

So go ahead and be bold, clash exotic prints and colour ways to create an eclectic modern home.
To learn more about the runway-to-room style head to House & Home.

 

Cool Sustainability

Ever since the term `sustainability’ entered into our mainstream consciousness, it is suddenly the new buzz word across all aspects of our lives. The most common area we all share is our home, and this is where we can all make a difference in saving energy and our children’s future.

But being green doesn’t mean you have to strip your home of modern comforts and revert to a mud hut to conserve mother earth. Kermit the frog was wrong, it is easy being green.

Just check out our simple tips to keeping your home eco-friendly and trendy. Now that gets a green thumbs up!

Build a vertical garden wall

It might look quirky and no more than a cool novelty but beyond its modern, artistic design, this is a great way to circulate fresh air through your home to restore its natural balance.

Plants around the home are a great way to reinvigorate and reenergise for a fresh feeling. To create this green zone visit here.

 

Make an eco pillow

Never know what to do with all those left over sheets, blankets, outdoor upholstery fabrics or painter’s drop cloths? Well they can be converted into comfy outdoor cushions.

The simple square shape is the easiest style to get you started and make fabulous cushions for the kids, to add comfort to outdoor furniture, or they make great seats for picnics in the park during summer. Then when you come inside, simply hang your cushions on a rack until they’re ready to be used again.

Follow the simple how-to-guide here.

 

Cool junk

We all have piles of `junk’ lying around the house, so why not turn it into something useful or decorative around the home? If this sounds like you, then the new book titled “Recycled Home” by Mark and Sally Bailey’s is a must-read. This couple have an eye for decorating and a knack for recycling. Through photos and explanations, they show their readers how to turn old furniture, clothes, and flooring into household items and features. You will be inspired to decorate your home in an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and creative way.

To find out more head here.

 

Sitting Pretty 

If you’re keen to have a clean out of your old clothes, then why not turn them into something useful? The Giving Tree project designer, Jongho Park wrapped up the eco trend by turning second hand clothing into stools that mimic tree stumps. If you feel like giving this a go, visit here to find out more.

For more ideas to upgrade your home from a 5-star to a 6-star green rating register as a visitor to the Building & Home Improvement Expo at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from July 15-17.

Visit, www.buildexpo.com.au

 

Be Organised and Make Time For You

Life is constantly pulling us in the forward direction, at a rapid pace, leaving us to juggle an increased workload, family commitments and social life. Phew...

With all balls in the air, who has time to keep the domestic household chores in order? More often than not, we come home to a cluttered dining room table, or kitchen bench top overloaded with paperwork, bills, spare change, keys, kids toys and pens.

Well there is a more efficient storage available, and it's not always about getting extra drawers or shoving it under the bed. Sometimes it’s just a case of sorting, tidying and organising yourself and the space around you in your home so that you can operate more effectively and efficiently in every room. We’ve compiled some handy hints that can help make our hectic life a little less, so you can manage your crazy schedule more efficiently and make time for the more important things in life.


Get organised:

•Get rid of it - If you haven't used it in a year, chances are you won't. Enhance your efficiency by removing unnecessary items.
• Labelling - containers, boxes, shelves and even freezer items so that everyone in the household knows things belong in their specific space.
• Grouping - by clustering similar things together nearest to where they're most likely to be used you cut down on non-productive time wasting.
• Alternative storage locations - think outside the box to maximise the options in your home. Some boards over beams in the roof space can become a footing for rarely used items such as a boxed Christmas tree and decorations. An outdoor garden shed or cabinet can free up garage space for overflow items from inside the home.

Kitchen Storage

• Create more bench space by using shelving boosters in your kitchen cupboards or pantry.
• Save shelf space by attaching a spice rack to the inside of a cupboard door.
• Sick of finding tea towels littering your bench top? Perch them on hooks and rails.
• Be ready for unsightly spills and sticky fingers by keeping paper rolls on purpose built towel holders.
• Tidy up cooking implements with stylish utensil holders.
• Eradicate time wasting trying to find things in overloaded junk drawers with draw organisers.
• Contain that unruly collection of plastic bags with a dispenser holder or convert to reusable shopping bags.
• Reduce paper clutter in your kitchen by hanging a pin board or magnet board inside your pantry door to maintain a clean look.
• Save freezer space by stacking products in similar labelled containers or using lightweight, vinyl-coated wire units.

Bathroom hints

• Organise those frequently used bathing items in shower caddies and suction baskets.
• Group your daily cosmetics, moisturisers and creams into a morning basket and an evening basket and grab the relevant one for your morning or evening routine.
• Use the space behind doors or create extra hanging room with towel bars and racks.
• Anywhere there is a space, use it! Above your toilet or below your basin, storage racks can create many possibilities in areas you may not have considered.
• Hooks behind doors can enhance hanging space by hiding towels, robes or even mesh bags for bath toys or toiletries.

Bedroom Storage

• Better organise your shoes and WIR or BIR to regain more space and save time finding things.
• Dresser organisers can also help you find things at a glance.
• Tidy up your closet and maximise storage space by using storage boxes on top shelves or on the floor.
• Get rid of any clothes that you haven't worn in over a year.
• Buy a bed with built in drawers or use under bed organiser chests or vacuum bags - they're great to store out-of season clothes.
• Bed side cabinets offer more storage space with drawers, rather than a table.
• If there’s space consider end of bed storage like an ottoman or blanket box.

Laundry Storage

• De-clutter your floors by hanging shelving units or open shelves on the wall and mounting ironing racks.
• Hang mesh laundry bags on hooks behind your bathroom or laundry doors to store dirty washing (two bags help you sort colours or hand washing as you go).
• Compact folding clothes airers can be tucked away in tiny gaps as well as mops and brooms on racks.
• Hang mini shelves inside laundry cupboards or roll shelving stands into gaps beside washing machines or the spare fridge.
• Attractively store rolled bathroom towels in a large wicker basket and leave them on display.

Garage Storage

• Eradicate clutter in your storage shed or garage by adding tool holders, cabinets and hooks.
• Organise nails, screws, glues and electrical fittings in wall mountable storage holders.
• Store bulky and large items in ceiling storage units, up out of the way when not in use. This will use the wasted space above your car.
• Bikes can be suspended on ceiling or wall mounts and used quickly when needed.
• Keep all your long handled tools like rakes, brooms, mops, shovels and brushes on wall mounted tool holders. These come in many types and styles to suit your requirements.

Living room

• When choosing display furniture, consider pieces that contain drawers, hinged doors or fitted boxes.
• Choose coffee tables and entertainment units with drawers or enclosed cabinets.
• Use ottomans with storage underneath.
• Consider bar stools and dining chairs that can be stacked when not in use.
• Create more usable floor area by mounting your large screen television on the wall.

 Child's room

 • A sofa or trundle bed is a great asset for sleep overs.
• Wall hangings with storage pockets will help keep small items off the floor or prevent them getting lost in larger toy boxes.
• Consider a bed or cot with built-in drawers or shelves - or maximise the space under beds by using storage tubs for sports gear, shoes or blankets.
• Novelty fold away laundry hampers are fantastic for toys.
• A pin board can be fantastic for reminders, photos or showing off latest artwork, certificates and sports rosters.
• Multi-purpose tubs can create versatile shelving or storage options. • Use nappy boxes to store baby clothes elsewhere - marking the size on the outside ready for the next child's use.
• Every six months going through what your child has grown out of (and into) and update their wardrobes.

The Tile Files

The humble tile has been reinvented, with striking and colourful geometric designs as well as a host of new materials and sizes creating a vast spectrum of decor opportunities.

Design
The move away from minimalism has been in process for some time, with designers re-interpreting the flair of those beautiful heritage tiles so evident in older buildings, but adding a modern twist.

In his new collection for tile manufacturer Popham Design, UK interior designer Ashley Hicks took influences from his father, legendary decorator David Hicks, to create striking geometrical tiles (pictured left). Meanwhile, for a look that creates a blend of retro and modern, round penny mosaic tiles (pictured below left) are in high demand. Available on sheets and easy to install, they're also a relatively hassle free and low cost option.

New techniques
The use of digital imagery to print onto unglazed porcelain tiles can create the look of natural stone, granite, and limestone. The tiles are then highly polished to create a realistic look that is much a cheaper yet highly attractive alternative to stone. Larger sized tiles are increasingly in vogue creating a dramatically different look from traditional smaller tiles. Rectangular tiles are also increasingly popular. In terms of that necessary evil, grout, given its grime attracting qualities many decorators are now opting for skinnier grout lines. There are also a few stain-proof grouts emerging onto the market.

Installation
Though smaller projects like a backsplash or countertop may be feasible for DIY fans, floors or large areas of wall in bathrooms, which require underlay, adhesive, and layout, are best handled by a professional. Tile suppliers should be able to recommend certified and trusted installers in your area. Always ask potential candidates for references and even photos of previous projects.

Maintenance
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to maintain, with glazed versions generally resistant to stains, odours, water, fire and dirt. Unglazed porcelain, while providing a beautiful, natural look, is more demanding and requires care to avoid staining. A tip: you may need to replace broken floor tiles occasionally, so it's worth saving some spares from the initial installation.

Images top to bottom: elledecor.com; pophamdesign.com; pennytile.com

 

Boost your kerb appeal

With blazing summer over and winter around the corner, the cool but not too cold climes of autumn provide the ideal time to give your home's exterior a face lift and boost its kerb appeal. Whether tweaking the existing palette or going for something radical, it's worth bearing a few pointers in mind.

Make colour work for you
Good use of colours will emphasise your home's best features and disguise its flaws, and can even secure that holy of holies - a better market value.

Pay homage to heritage
While the trend towards an eclectic blend of old and new works wonders inside, a historically accurate colour scheme usually works best on exteriors for heritage homes. Companies such as Heritage Paints and Décor in Melbourne can provide expert advice.

Be inspired by your surrounds
The colours of the elements surrounding your home, such as plants or paving treatments, are well worth considering as influencers of your overall scheme. A beautiful silver green eucalypt or stone path might inspire similar hues in the decorative elements of your exterior. Remember also to consider the colour of your roof - is it terracotta red, grey or sand?

Keep it in the family
Be mindful that colours come in families. Contrasting colours, used well, can work wonders, but clashing colours detract from the overall effect. The most effective approach is to stay within a single colour family, while for some accents, you could use a darker or lighter shade of the main hue instead of a completely different colour.

Size up
Light colours such as white or cream not only give a clean, fresh finish, they also provide a size boost to diminutive homes.

Consider your neighbours
Try to neither copy your neighbour exactly nor clash with them too radically. Choose colours that will make your house stand out, but also keep its links with the surrounding streetscape.

Images: www.inspirationspaint.com.au

 

Child's Play

A child's room is the one place in your home that offers an ‘open brief' in terms of colour and fun, so you might as well make the most of it. Here are some quick and easy pointers to help you do just that.

Getting into colour
Your child's room may double as a spare room, so consider carefully your use of colour. If this is the case, you may want to paint the room white or off white and stick to colour for pictures, furniture and accessories that can be easily removed and stored away. Ikea (pictured left) is clearly a winner in terms of affordable children's furniture, textiles and accessories. IQ Kids & Furniture and Best Rest Beds are also great suppliers of children's themed bedding - so if your kid likes the idea of sleeping in a fantasy bus or racing car, look no further than these brands.

Floor treatment
If your child's bedroom has yucky carpets, you may find a gem beneath in the form of underlying floorboards. Unlike other areas of the house, less-than-perfect floorboards can still pass muster by being painted instead of varnished. White is a great colour that is more versatile than most, but if try red or yellow if you dare. Otherwise washable vinyls in bright colours accented with fun rugs and carpets can make a great statement that is also practical and easy to clean and maintain.

Think long term
Children grow up all too quickly, and you don't necessarily want to have to redecorate their space (in terms of fundamentals like walls and floors) every other year. Keep this in mind when choosing wall colours and consider the use of wall stickers (Monster stickers from easydecor.com.au pictured right) or pre-pasted borders which can be easily removed. When your child gets into their teen age years, update their room to make it more like a studio apartment, through the use of entertainment units, comfortable seating and on-trend accessories such as lights and smaller furnishing pieces. You may want to replace colourful wall stickers with a larger wall decal that looks like a mural.

Work with the best
Within reason, your child is probably the best judge of what he or she wants. So to avoid future wrangles it pays to consult with your ‘client'. More importantly, if you can successfully treat the re-decorating as a fun exercise that involves your child (again, within reason and dependent on their age) with some of the hard graft, so much the better. If they have worked on creating their own room, their sense of achievement will be huge.

 

Magical properties

If you're thinking of selling your home, take advantage of these five quick tips to boost its market appeal without over-capitalising.

Brave face
Revamping the visible exteriors and front of your house is a quick and easy way to grab potential buyers' attention while promising them more once they cross the threshold. If your home's ‘face' is truly tired, it might be worth spending the dollars to bring professional house painters onto the job; for external painting in particular, the work of an expert tradesman is easily distinguished from that of a well meaning amateur. However if you just need a bit of a refresh, a thorough scrubbing with sugar soap, including front door, window sills and painted walls and features, will bring out some much needed shine. Finish this off by cleaning the windows and you're well on your way to boosting the external appeal of your abode. Make sure cracked or rotting timbers are replaced, or (if you're feeling crafty and the damage is minimal) disguised. You may want to invest in some affordable new potted plants to further enhance your entrance, and if you are lucky enough to possess a front garden or area, make the most of it. Weed pavers and paths and trim shrubs and lawns to create that ‘buy-me' allure.

Interior motives
If your budget allows, tackle walls yourself and get professionals in to do the ceilings, as these can be back breaking, particularly in a house with many rooms. Even if neutrals are not to your taste, it's worth considering painting your home in whites, off-whites and or pale earth tones. These maximise light and space and allow viewers to imagine themselves putting their own mark on the house. Tackle one room at a time to limit disruption to your normal routine, and use the displacement of furniture and other household items as an excuse to send any unwanted items to the op-shop or local council; many councils will remove limited amounts of hard waste for free. If you can afford to spend the money and you're planning to move in more than six months time, it's well worth adding useful features such as built-in wardrobes to your home. These remove clutter and are well regarded by prospective purchasers.

Take to the floor
Beautiful walls and ceilings are worthless if your flooring is tatty. If your carpets are passable, a professional, reputable cleaner will give them new life and remove any unpleasant odours. However, if they're really beyond help, take the plunge; rip them out and replace with an affordable, quality newbie. Again, neutral, earth tones are practical and fashionable and won't offend anyone. Similarly, timber flooring is a plus in most houses and should be shown off to best advantage. If your floors could do with a sand and re-varnish and your budget allows, then make the investment. If the removal of carpet reveals timber floors, a solution of boiled linseed oil, turpentine and white vinegar in equal parts will clean the timber and may reveal a marvel. Kitchen and bathroom flooring that is scuffed or out-dated should be replaced. There are plenty of low-cost vinyl coverings available that steer well clear of kitsch and have a surprisingly modern appeal.

Splash out
Bathrooms and kitchens are the most scrutinised areas of any house, so make sure they work their charms to maximum effect (for both rooms, the above tip on flooring applies 100 per cent). Enhancing your bathroom by replacing truly dated toilets and sinks is worth the money you spend, and if you shop around for end of the line or good second hand products, it shouldn't weigh too heavily on your budget. However if the main elements of these are white or cream and relatively unscathed, you may simply need to update your tapware. Again, shop around for bargains. If your tiling makes you think you're in an Austin Powers movie, it might be time to bite the bullet. It is possible to paint over existing tiles with high-gloss tile paint and specialised pens for grouting, but an affordable, plain white tile is the surest way to bathroom heaven.

 

Kitchen stories
Old but plain kitchen fittings can often be rejuvenated through the simple addition of new stainless steel handles. If the cupboards are timber, repainting them in eggshell white or another colour that suits the surrounding scheme may work wonders. If you can afford it, replacing bench tops with re-constituted stone or stainless steel versions will add contemporary pizzazz to the kitchen and is far cheaper than an overall kitchen re-fit. Remember, the kitchen is the heart of your home - if its dimensions allow, make the most of it as a living space as well as a functional area, through the use of diffused lighting, contemporary furniture and attractive artworks.


Light my fire!

As cooler weather approaches, many householders are considering the benefits of a ‘real' fire. Home Zone sheds some light on current fireplace options.

With increasingly energy-conscious consumers moving towards gas fireplaces, inserts and pellet stoves to provide ‘zone heating' for the spaces used most often, there are clear benefits to the environment and the pocket in using sustainable fireplaces. A fireplace is also a pleasure to look at and experience and provides a reassuring focal point for the home amid the colder months of the year.

Builders and renovators are increasingly advising clients to install gas fireplaces or sustainable equivalents, rather than masonry wood burning fireplaces, which can lose up to 85 percent of the fire's heat through the chimney.

For conversions from wood burning to gas, specially designed inserts can be installed in most existing masonry fireplaces. They are also available in numerous designs to suit traditional or contemporary home decor.

For the truly innovative, the trademarked EcoSmart Fire (pictured) is an Australian product that guarantees an environmentally friendly fireplace. EcoSmart EcoSmart Fires are flue less and do not require any installation or utility connection for fuel supply, which makes them applicable to most settings. Fuelled by a renewable modern energy (Denatured Ethanol), they burn clean and are virtually maintenance free.The simplicity and modular structure of the EcoSmart burner also gives consumers considerable versatility and choice.

Independently tested, EcoSmart products can be used in apartments, houses, bars, restaurants and offices, are fuelled by a renewable green energy and easy to operate and regulate.

Before installing a gas fire insert, get an expert to inspect the chimney and flue and if necessary have the chimney cleaned to ensure no blockages appear.

 

Paint Job

Re-painting your home is a relatively affordable and quick way to transform it. But don't be deceived, there's more to a ‘new coat' than meets the eye.

Living in colour
Before your start your paint job, think about colour. While you might be drawn to particular hues due to personal preference, it's worth considering what the space will be used for. Those designed for relaxation or contemplation, such as living rooms or home offices, should probably steer away from bold, distracting hues. If your heart is set on colour, consider incorporating it into the space on a feature wall, although this requires enough space for it to be a true ‘feature'. A cluttered or cramped feature wall can look contrived.

Remember that light colours recede, making a room seem more generous, while dark colours advance, making it seem smaller. Think about the dimensions of your home as a whole. A small home often works best in a unified tone. White or off white give an airy feel, and serve as a backdrop to eye-catching artwork, furniture and ornaments.

It's also worth thinking about the orientation of your house; different kinds of light can radically alter a colour, and south facing rooms can seem a little cold, requiring warmer tones... vice versa for north facing rooms. Dulux has a great online tool, MyColour, which allows you to visualise a colour on a photo of your own home. However with dramatic colour changes, it's probably worth investing in sample pots to see how the colour translates to a specific environment.

Have patience... and be prepared
Once you've chosen your colour, you'll be itching to get painting. At this stage, take a deep breath and accept that some tedious but worthwhile preparation is needed before the fun starts. The most important step is to prepare your surfaces. Put a drop sheet on the floor and cover any furnishings. Thoroughly clean and dry the surface before painting; as a rule, anything with a shiny surface needs the shine taken off it before painting. Scrape off flaking paint, patch holes and cracks and sand back imperfections. Repaired, patched, stained and new surfaces will very likely require a coat of sealer before painting.

Start from the top
Work downwards, from ceilings, to walls, and finally trims. Use masking tape to mask off edges where a skirting board, window or door frame meets a wall. This application won't ‘send you over the edge'!

High rollers
Rollers are a godsend for painting large surfaces; tradespeople recommend a 270mm roller. Start with diagonal strokes and when the roller is almost dry, go back over the area with long, vertical strokes for an even finish. This is called "laying off". In terms of brushes, new filament brushes are designed to make painting easier as they don't lose bristles.

Relax and enjoy
You'll probably feel like you've run a marathon once your paint job is finished - it can be a deceptively tiring process. Avoid the temptation to plonk yourself on the nearest item of furniture and gaze at your handiwork... until you've changed out of your paint spattered work clothes.

 

Secrets of sustainable landscaping

February 24 2010

Once a home enters renovation central, attention is inevitably drawn to the aesthetic and ecological potential of the back yard, at which point some helpful hints apply.

An eco-friendly garden uses a wide range of plants such as trees, screening shrubs, low shrubs, groundcover, grasses, climbers, perennials and bulbs. With the help of a landscaping expert, these can be used in harmony to maximise ecological harmonies of the garden.

Many sustainable gardens will also contain areas for growing your own fruit and vegetables - a satisfying and conscience-appeasing way of reducing your ecological footprint! Fertile soil with good drainage, regular watering and moderate amounts of sunlight are prerequisites for a veggie patch or fruit plot. Raised veggie patches make for easy maintenance and a pleasing visual effect.

The two key elements to landscaping are hardscaping - which refers to the immovable parts of the garden such as decks, water features, terraces and so on - and softscaping, which refers to the plants, trees and grasses used in the garden. Before embarking on your project, consider the best way to integrate these two elements to maximise appropriate areas of light and shade, as well as enhancing the privacy and visual pleasure of your garden.

Australian native plants such as Banksia, Grevillea and many more make good sense in a water sensitive environment. For more information on appropriate plants, their aesthetic qualities, maintenance requirements and appropriate uses, websites such as www.australian-natives.com.au are a useful starting point.

Lawn, that much loved staple of the traditional Australian yard, generally requires high levels of water, fertilisers and energy to maintain its appearance. Consider replacing lawn with a mix of groundcover and permeable surfaces such as gravel. If you can't bring yourself to lose your square of green, you could replace more high maintenance grass species with drought tolerant native grasses.

Before any landscaping project, it's also worth giving some thought to who will be using the garden - for example will there be children playing there frequently or is this a space for entertaining adults?

Also consider how much maintenance you're prepared to undertake, and the potential outlay of your project. Re-landscaping your property can entail substantial costs, so a good guideline to utilise is to ensure you spend no more than ten per cent of the total value of your home on the garden.

If you're working with a professional landscaper, ensure you sight their qualifications and references.

Images: www.australian-natives.com.au

 

The great kitchen reno

February 3 2010

If you're doing up your place, one of the most complex areas of the house to alter is the kitchen. In modern homes, this is also one of the most visible areas, so it pays to do your homework before embarking on "the great kitchen reno".

Avoid common pitfalls by carefully measuring all components of your kitchen and considering which areas of the room will be used for specific functions, in order to maximise the efficiency of the space. Ensure that you take into account unforeseen problems by measuring swing outs for cupboard doors and so on. Current trends in kitchen units also allow for large easy-glide drawers instead of cupboards.

Extending your bench top seamlessly into the splashback gives an uncluttered look and an easy-to-clean surface. Man-made kitchen surfaces that emulate natural products such as stone are a hot trend right now, and with easy clean and durable benefits, they're also a practical option.

For a natural, clean look, neutral colours with a limestone or sand-pebble effect are popular. If you're after a dash of colour, splashbacks in bright hues such as green or orange are currently the hot tip.

Modern cooking favours the cook top over the oven and new technology has seen the rapid evolution of this kitchen appliance - with induction and ceramic cook tops currently the trend. Think about the configuration of your cook top and decide how much you really need.

Current trends will see many new kitchens opening up the back of the creating a unified space from the kitchen to the living area to outdoor entertaining deck and back yard. A kitchen bench can be used as a divider between kitchen and living areas, while modular islands are also popular.

Kitchen flooring trends include polished concrete, tiling, and even wood, although the latter may require special proofing near wet areas. Many modern vinyls also emulate the look of polished concrete and can provide a stylish and affordable alternative to "the real thing".

Lighting should be carefully considered to illuminate key spots in the kitchen, such as down lighters over your cook top or eating area.

Images: Impala Kitchens

 

It's a winner!

November 12 2009

 

 

The winner of Build Expo Online's hotly contested bathroom reno competition is Melanie Cruikshank of Cheltenham, Victoria. Melanie's reno was a stand out in a tough race, winning through thanks to its contemporary, neutral colour palette and simple lines, enhanced by the use of glass. Melanie, the proud winner of two Gold Class Village Movie Passes, says the neutral ground can be enlivened through the use of colourful accessories. It's also timeless and immune to passing fads.

 

 

Keep your cool

November 12 2009

As temperatures rise, keeping cool becomes a priority, but that doesn't necessitate sky rocketing energy bills. Build Expo Online shares some key tips on staying chilled on the temperature and financial fronts.

Air conditioning plus...
For those real scorchers, it's worth having your air-conditioning serviced or replaced. However, remember that cooling your house can cost you a fortune every year. Adding a quality awning system to your windows will help keep you cool, offer extra security for your home and can significantly reduce your energy usage inside. Install sun shading devices or awnings (Awnings of Distinction pictured) to block out intense western sunshine and to protect your home from northern summer sun. For entertaining, shade sails and structures provide comfortable living areas outside without exposing you or your family to excessive sunlight.

Insulate now
Your cooling system won't work to best effect if your house is not adequately sealed and insulated. Install insulation to ceiling space, walls and under floor if possible. The insulation will protect your internal air from the outside elements. As a result you have a cooler home in summer, and save on costly energy bills as you use your air-conditioning less.As a result you have a cooler home in summer, and save on costly energy bills as you use your air-conditioning less.

Before proceeding with insulation, check whether you're eligible for to the Federal Government's $1200 home insulation rebate: www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency.

Supercharged windows
You might also want to consider high performance window treatments like double glazing or tinted glass to keep internal temperatures stable. Ensure all windows and doors are weather stripped, and wall vents, exhaust fans etc are sealed or fitted with dampers.

Fresh and natural

If you've ever harboured a secret desire to break out of the box by creating a pair of French doors, now's the time to act on it. When outdoor temperatures are not too extreme, allowing fresh air in will help you keep your home comfortable naturally. They're also a great way to increase the natural lighting in your home.

 

Tips for small bathrooms

September 17 2009

Making a small bathroom bigger may seem like wizardry, but a few visual cues can work serious magic. Build Expo Online share some top tips. Read on for information on how to win gold class movie tickets!

Let there be light

Select pale tones, neutrals, and whites for backgrounds. "Cool" tones give the feeling of serenity. Strategically placed lighting will open up your bathroom and add interest. Recessed lighting can be installed into the ceiling and focused on any work space. If you have the budget, consider including skylights or larger windows.

Pare it back

Remove wall shelves, hanging racks, or decorative accessories on the walls that cut into the room and make it look smaller. Replace open shelves with cupboards to reduce clutter. If your bathroom contains a shower, consider replacing the glass surround with a curtain that can be pulled back to reveal more space.

Pause for reflection

You didn't hear it here first, but of course that old favourite, the mirror, is the small space's best friend. A larger mirror over the bathroom sink or even across a whole wall will work wonders to expand your space.

Get more from your floor...

A floor will open up if executed in a pale colour. Make sure you look for 'easy to clean' options if taking this route however! There are plenty available. Also note, though this sounds counter-intuitive, larger tile patterns will make the space seem bigger. (The same rule applies to wall tiles.)

...and your door

A sliding door gives more room than a normal hinged door, and can be hidden in an in-wall cavity for a clean look. If you are using a hinged door, don't clutter your walls with towel racks. Hang them on the back of the door instead.

Picture this

One large, artfully placed photograph or painting - or a couple of smaller, co-ordinated ones - will draw the eye into the big blue beyond - particularly if depicting wide open spaces, perhaps beach or river scenes to work with the water theme. Hang key pieces where they will most easily be seen.

Be good

No matter the size of your bathroom, try to keep your water usage small - remember that if you shower in under four minutes you'll be clean all over, including in your conscience.

For a chance to win two Gold Class Village movie passes, send a photo of your bathroom reno, with 25 words on why it stands out, to belindas@aec.net. au by October 31 2009. Good luck!