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DIY RENO ADDICT

What does an Aussie renovator look like?

With popular shows like The Block and House Rules dominating our televisions, it’s safe to say our nation has well and truly caught the reno bug. But what does an Aussie renovator look like and how much are they spending? Turns out a lot!

A new survey of 1,000 homeowners has revealed that the cost of hardware products is the most-cited road block in a renovator’s quest to creating the perfect home. For those that renovate it can quickly become the largest expenditure of the year, with two thirds of homeowners spending more than $1,000 per project and 31% parting with $5,000 or more.

Conducted by Monsta – a manufacturer-direct online shop for renovation supplies – the survey had some surprising findings.

  • Almost half (44%) of Aussie homeowners put off undertaking DIY projects because of the cost of hardware supplies
  • Value for money is a top priority for 85% of DIY consumers
  • Homeowners will undertake on average 1.6 DIY projects each year
  • NSW and QLD residents are more likely to incur significant expenses on renovations; nearly 70% of homeowners in NSW/QLD spend more than $1,000 per project (average across other states is 60%)
  • Women are slightly more price sensitive than men when it comes to the cost of DIY supplies, with nine in ten women stating that the cost alone influences their purchasing decisions (compared to men, which is eight in ten)
Designed using Monsta products

To combat rising prices Monsta is committed to providing premium DIY products at a fair price. “We recognise that the industry is plagued by inflated mark-up costs,” says founder Phil Scardigno. “Monsta ensures price-conscious consumers can purchase quality products at the best possible prices. Our free, online delivery service gives customers the freedom to shop at a time most convenient to them, without having to commute to the hardware store.”

Shop online | Get you Block fix

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Three DIY projects to do before Christmas

Give yourself a present this Christmas with a DIY project that is both cost effective and adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your outdoor space. Below are three projects that are under $3000, easy to do (I promise!) and will compliment your home for years to come.

The outdoor shower

Embrace nature and create a tranquil space in your backyard with an outdoor shower. For those who don’t have the space for a pool, an outdoor shower is a great alternative to cooling off during those scorching Aussie heatwaves. It is important to consider the plumbing points, screening for privacy and a sustainable water management system. Opt for pavers that are specially designed to allow water to permeate through the surface into the layers below, where water can be harvested or redirected. Surface water runoff is minimised and the need for additional surface drainage is reduced.

 

BBQ grilling station

The Aussie love affair with the great outdoors means we can create an outdoor kitchen and grilling station that is both enjoyable and practical. Creating the perfect base for a BBQ bench top is made easy with Adbri’s AB Courtyard Blocks. They provide a genuine DIY solution to creating functional, individualised outdoor kitchens for any backyard. The beauty of these blocks is that they don’t require glue or mortar to keep them in place, which means you aren’t stuck to one location. If you want to move your BBQ in the future, you can easily do so.

 

Built-in furniture

Extend your entertaining possibilities and invest in built-in furniture that will add structure, dimension and aesthetics to the backyard while maximising your space. You can easily construct custom, freestanding walls that double as seats using the same Adbri AB Courtyard Blocks. The DIY walling system allows you to build directly atop of existing paved or flat concrete surfaces. The great thing about using the AB Courtyard Blocks is that they can withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring longevity and functionality.

 

For more information | DIY projects we love

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Before & Afters Design DIY RENO ADDICT

How to renovate for profit by just picking the right paint colour

A recent US study highlighted the power of blue to tap into the psyche of buyers. Analysing more than 32,000 listing photos of homes that had sold across the US, it found blue was a colour that people gravitated to, which possibly explains why it seems to be the colour du jour.

In kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms… blue reigns supreme when it came to attracting top dollar, so I’m feeling pretty chuffed about my choice of colour palette for a couple of recent renovation projects.

 

After: Painted in Taubmans Blue Willow with Juniper Berry for the feature walls.
Before

Twin shades

This was a whole-house renovation of a home in Sydney’s western suburbs. It was part of a low-budget cosmetic renovation designed to spruce up the property prior to the owners putting it on the market. The total renovation spend, inside and out, was a meagre $15,000, so a fresh new paint scheme was pivotal to the makeover.

After: Painted in Taubmans Blue Willow with Juniper Berry for the feature walls.
Before

I chose a mix of Taubmans Blue Willow and darker Juniper Berry for the interior. After’s a week’s work, the house was revalued at $25,000 more than when we started! A testament to the power of blue?

Kitchen essentials

This is the kitchen of one of my rental properties in Sydney’s west. The kitchen was treated to a facelift on a wincy $2,000 budget, which included a $700 appliance package and Senso vinyl flooring – most of the work (except the electricals, of course) done with the help of my sister, Jeneane. However, the real change in personality came from the powder blue colour I chose to gloss over the kitchen cabinets. It’s like a breath of sea air.

After: Cabinets painted with White Knight Laminate tinted to Taubmans Surf Spray.
Before

— Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit. You can pre-order her new book here.

Categories
Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Where to spend and where to save on your kitchen renovation

Have a tired kitchen and not sure where to start? Well, if you know one thing for sure, it’s that your kitchen needs improvement and you have a limited budget to make your dollars count.  This brief guide will help you work out where to save and where to splurge, so your kitchen can be updated and fit your expectations in no time.

Make sure you plan ahead

With the average cost of an Australian kitchen renovation being between $12,000 and $19,000, it’s important to dissect the details and get the most bang for your buck.

Over the past few months you’ve likely been thinking about how your kitchen might look and have collated numerous sources of inspiration, but have you spent the time organising everything and working out what’s really going to work for your space and lifestyle? You should.

Putting time into planning will:

  • Help you avoid making expensive mistakes
  • Give you the power to budget your kitchen renovation accordingly, and
  • Assist you in working out a realistic schedule to work to

Think about what’s practical

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While we might all want a kitchen fit for a celebrity chef, sometimes all the trimmings just aren’t practical.

Is a double sink and a huge kitchen island really necessary? Think about how practical these items are for you in the long-term. If you’re a person who likes to entertain and has a large and busy family then this might be a necessity. And if not, you could be wasting your money.

It’s important to think about your lifestyle as this can help to dictate whether you spend more on items and areas that support your day-to-day movements and priorities. So hey, if you’re a budding cook, a high-end appliance range may be worth the investment.

Consider faux or lookalike materials

 

There a plenty of high quality look-alike materials on offer, and choosing to use them doesn’t mean you’re going to reduce the quality or functionality of your kitchen. Many of these materials are just as aesthetically pleasing than their more expensive counterparts with amazing durability to boot.

Consider:

  • Vinyl or laminate flooring — these materials can look just as fantastic as timber or tiles and cost a fraction of the price
  • Acrylic splashbacks — these cost little to buy and install and can give you the sleek and expensive appearance you desire
  • Laminate benchtops — there’s a reason why laminate is so popular in Australian homes. It’s durable, stain resistant and available in a huge range of styles and colours that successfully mimic more expensive benchtop materials

Mix and match your materials

 

You might not be able to budge on having that natural stone benchtop on your kitchen island, and that’s fine, because there are ways to make this work for a limited budget. You can splash out on expensive materials for one component of your kitchen and then choose complementary materials in other working areas.

For example:

  • Install a natural stone benchtop for your kitchen island and use laminate materials in other areas
  • Use melamine for cabinet, drawer and door fronts and splash out on more expensive brass fixtures
  • Choose a cheaper flooring option and spend big on a modern tiled splashback or dramatic lighting

In these cases it can pay off to make a compromise with more expensive fixtures, materials and items taking centre stage. You can have a kitchen full of middle-range materials, or you can truly elevate it by choosing wisely.

Only you can work out and choose what needs replacing and how much you can afford to allocate to different components. While you might have to make some compromises, remember you can do so without sacrificing quality and style.

– Samantha Thorne is a content marketer at hipages.com.au, Australia’s number one site to hire tradies and the perfect place to find a kitchen specialist in your local area.

Categories
Designers RENO ADDICT Styling The Block

9 former Block couples now working in design

You love them on The Block and then suddenly auction day comes and goes and they’re out of your life. However, while some contestants go back to their pre-Block life, others harness their new love of design and decide to give a job as a stylist, designer, builder or TV star a red-hot go! Below are the contestants doing just that. 

Dan and Dani: Dorcas Street, South Melbourne (2012) and All Stars (2013)

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Following on from their successes on The Block, Dani Wales said goodbye to her career in finance and founded interiors blog and e-commerce site Basic Habitat. She also returned to TV as the co-host on home and lifestyle series, Healthy Homes TV Australia. Meanwhile, Dan ‘Foredan’ Reilly upscaled his carpentry qualifications and is now a qualified Master Builder. For the past two seasons of The Block, he has worked alongside Keith as an assistant foreman. Dan and Dani have also recently launched design and construction company Red Door Project and have almost completed a two–year long renovation project in Melbourne’s Inner West.

Josh and Jenna: Cameron Street, Richmond (2011) and All Stars (2013)

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Since being on The Block, plumber Josh Densten and wife and hairdresser Jenna, have found a true passion for renovation, in particular interior styling and decorating. Jenna has completed a Diploma of Interior Design & Decoration at RMIT and in partnership with Josh, has renovated and built a handful of properties. They have also started their own style and design business Bicker Design Co., the name stemming from their trademark of bickering whilst on the The Block! They are currently ambassadors for Beacon Lighting where they launched the Josh and Jenna Range of lights and earlier this year featured on new renovation show, Reno Rumble.

Alisa and Lysandra: Sky High (2013) and Fans Vs Faves (2014)

After a successful career in the police force, Alisa and Lysandra Fraser hung up their handcuffs for the pursuit of their dream, which kick-started with their appearance and winning success on the The Block. They now have a successful interior design business, are resident experts on our sister site Reno Addict and have collaborated with Grafico on a wallpaper range, United Artworks on an artwork range and Forty Winks on a bedroom range.

Shay and Dean: Blocktagon (2015)

shay and dean

After their recent win on The Block, Shay and Dean Paine have launched the fresh and innovative design brand The Wild Creatives. Featuring an online shop and a range of interior design consultancy options, we’re confident this is only the beginning for the duo.

Bec and George: Sky High (2013)

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Since filming wrapped up Bec and George Douros certainly haven’t put down the hammer and nails. Bec completed studying at the International Institute of Home Staging and launched both Empire of Style, an interior design and consulting business, and blog Bec Marks The Spot, where she draws on her former life working in the beauty industry as well as her current life as a mini real estate mogul with husband George, who has been busy building and developing properties. The couple have also recently been appointed the first ever ambassadors for Melbourne based construction company Nostra Homes and style ambassadors for Australia’s leading homewares brand Adairs.

Kyal and Kara: Fans vs Faves (2014)

kyal kara

Now running their own construction, renovation and styling business, Diverse Design and Construct, qualified carpenter Kyal Demmrich and his wife, physiotherapist and style-guru Kara help transform clients’ visions into a beautiful and practical reality. They are also brand ambassadors for leading tile manufacturer Beaumont Tiles and clothing brand Bisley Workwear and starred in this year’s debut season of Reno Rumble.

Matt and Kim: Sky High (2013)

matt and kim

After appearing on The Block, plasterer turned architecture student Matt Di Costa and teacher Kim Owen got straight into designing and project managing a Perth build. Since then they’ve gone on to design many other projects, landed their own TV show Matt and Kim to the Rescue (exclusively shown in Perth) and Matt also launched polished plastering business, Sky High Renders, for archirectural wall finishes and polished concrete custom furniture. They also gave The Block another crack, however got eliminated in the first round of The Block Triple Threat.

Simon and Shannon: Glasshouse (2014)

shannon and simon interiors addict 1

With the The Block win under their belt Simon and Shannon Vos have remained busy. Builder, plumber and site foreman Simon opened his business VOSA, where he offers a complete start to finish service, from interiors to building and everything in between. Meanwhile Shannon has been studying interior design and now runs Vos Creative, where he provides interior design services, consulting and even writing. However, for those hoping to see them together again never fear, there are talks for a TV show!

Michael and Carlene: Glasshouse (2014)

Carlene and Michael Duffy

After achieving the most number of room wins Michael and Carlene Duffy were destined to keep renovating. They founded Cedar & Suede, a design and construction service and candid renovation and design blog with video focus and also appeared in the inaugural season of Reno Rumble. They now have partnered with DecoRug, Homeworld Helensvale, Dri.Glo, Domain, and Open Colleges in a range of capacities.

Categories
Homewares

Top 7 Father’s Day gifts

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching — it’s on Sunday September 6 for those not in the know (don’t worry I had to Google it too!) — we thought we’d put together a gift guide that has something for all tastes and all budgets. So this year, give Dad something a bit more interesting than socks and undies!

PosterCandy from PosterCandy: With just $15 and a few clicks of your mouse, you can create a stunning personalised poster using your own photos from Instagram, Facebook or your smartphone and computer. Every poster is finished on gallery grade Kodak paper following a traditional photographic process, meaning the quality is superb (I have a poster myself, so I can attest they’re great!).

PosterCandy-Interiors-Fireplace

The Salt&Pepper FROMAGE 28cm Round Board from House: There’s truly nothing quite like a glorious cheese platter, and what better way to display it then on an Acacia wood board that pays homage to the true cheese-connoisseurs: the French?! At only $19.95, it will add rustic charm to a contemporary space.

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GPO UK Attaché Case Turntable – Vinyl Record Player from Rockit Record Players: Stylish, lightweight and available in a range of colours (vintage brown, pillar box red, sky blue, black and pastel green) this $199 record player makes it easy to play vinyl. Made of wood and bound in leatherette, it features a built-in stereo so you can tune in without needing a speaker system.GPO_UK_Attaché_Case_Turntable_–_Vinyl_Record_Player_–_Green_21Mad Men Draper DOF Tumbler Pair from Waterford Crystal: Steeped in ’60s style and luxury, the Mad Men Draper DOF Tumbler Pair is neither subtle nor inconspicuous — thanks to its crystal with superior cutwork detailing and bands of rich 18 carat gold. At $249 it is perfect for indulging in a decadent night-cap!

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BUSINESS MAN from Man Mail: The ultimate kit for every type of business man, this gift box sorts out Dad’s desk, snack attacks and life. Boom! At $170, it includes a signed copy of Unleash Your Alpha by Mike Campbell, a travel essential pack by Murchison Hume, a porcelain mug and tub by Seletti and some yummy snacks from Pana Chocolate.

Business+Man-Man+Mail

Inissia & Aeroccino3 Breville from Nespresso: Add some colour to Dad’s daily grind with the Nespresso Breville Inissia in ruby red, tropical green or white. Catering to all coffee needs, the Inissia features two programmable cup sizes, a 25 second heat up time and an Aeroccino3 milk frother with ceramic coating for milk based coffees. Compact and lightweight it is ideal for any interior space – from the benchtop to Dad’s home office, and is currently available at the special price of $189.

Screen Shot 2015-08-14 at 5.32.07 pmJump Start Kit from Uniden: It may not be the most stylish, but it gets a huge tick for practicality. The Uniden Jump Start Kit provides drivers with a one-stop-shop for all car troubles, recharging a flat car battery and adjusting the tyre pressure without the need of third-party roadside assistance. The compact, self-sufficient kit also has the ability to charge mobile devices, inflate sporting equipment and includes an LED flashlight. It retails for $199.95.

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We hope you found this list useful. Let us know what you’d add. 

Categories
Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Why winter is the best time to start planning your pool

Planning the installation of your pool during the colder months is the perfect way to ensure you’re ready to dive in by the time summer rolls around. Below are five main factors to consider when preparing for your pool:

1. Create a look book 

Gather design inspiration from a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines and even scenic shots taken on holiday, pay particular attention to the pool water colour and the finish/treatment, tile or otherwise that is helping to create it. Then get an expert in to advise on making your design vision a reality. A good landscape designer will then put your ideas into a cohesive plan that considers your property holistically as it is not just about the pool. A comprehensive landscape design will mean you are ready to construct a clear vision of what your pool oasis will look like come summer.

2. Find a credible team 

After you’ve established your aesthetic vision the next step is to source the right team to execute the job. Ensure they are credible and well established; a great way of monitoring this is to check that they are a member of the right associations. Spasa for pool builders and the LNA Landscape Association NSW (for which I am the current president) for all of the other exterior construction builders; as this will mean that they are highly regarded, have earned the respect of the construction industry, government bodies and other associated professionals. Going with a LNA member will also offer protection should there be any issues during the design and construction phase, as all LNA members have the necessary insurances and proven track records.

3. Establish a budget 

It’s likely that you will have an idea of what you’re willing to spend on your pool installation and materials. However, it’s also important to speak with your team to establish a more accurate idea of what the process will cost. Design experts will be able to collate more information and give you an estimate on what it will cost to make your pool come to life and integrate within your outdoor space.

4. Check your local building codes 

It is important to know the rules before you embark on the pool installation process.  The NSW legislation states that pools must be registered with local councils or risk facing fines. To ensure compliance with the regulations, a ‘Development Application’ can be lodged through council, or if certain guidelines are met a ‘Complying Development’ can be carried out through a licensed private certifier. Both will need to meet the following requirements: that pool fences are 1.2m high (with no gaps of more than 100mm), all horizontal pales must be at least 900mm apart, latches must be 1.5m above ground and boundary fences must be 1.8m high.

5. Water features for a finishing touch 

Once you’ve made the decision to dive into swimming pool ownership, why not add a stylish water feature. A water feature can be an eye-catching addition to any pool design and also adds to the ambience with the sound of running water. I recommend installing your water feature during the initial construction period as retrofitting can be difficult and costly.

– Matt Leacy is a landscape designer and director of Landart Landscapes.

Categories
Designers Interviews

Virginia Kerridge on fusing indoor and outdoor living

Writing for Interiors Addict, I see my fair share of drool-worthy homes, but never have I ever been so set on moving into one, as I am for Virginia Kerridge Architect’s project, Lilyfield Warehouse.

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Virginia Kerridge

A creative adaptation of a rendered brick industrial warehouse building into a family home, the heart of the design is the central garden. Visible from most areas of the house, it is the pinnacle of indoor-outdoor living and most simply just looks effortlessly cool!

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Lilyfield Warehouse
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Lilyfield Warehouse

It is therefore not surprising that it is one of Virginia’s favourite projects, winning four awards, including the AIA Interior Architecture Award and two Houses Awards. Yet it is a favourite of Virginia’s for another reason, and that’s the clients. “My dream project is any project where the client, architect and builder are on the same wavelength,” says Virginia. “So my favourite projects are always for my favourite clients and most recently the Lilyfield Warehouse was a favourite project, not least because of the lovely clients!”

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Lilyfield Warehouse
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Lilyfield Warehouse

Another two projects close to her heart for the very same reason are the Taylor Square Warehouse and the House in Country NSW. The Taylor Square Warehouse in particular, being a catalyst for a style that would end up being synonymous with Virginia Kerridge Architect. “Taylor Square Warehouse began an interest in adaptive re-use projects,” says Virginia. “From there it was the House in Country NSW, which was the design of three houses in the country including ancillary sheds in the surrounding area. Achievements in architecture are always related to the most successful projects and this was a very special project.”

House in Country NSW
House in Country NSW

With a focus on adapting spaces to suit different needs, Virginia will always design with nature and the property’s surrounding land, in mind. Her projects are very detailed and one-off, tailored to the clients and very place specific. While this design style works very well for residential, Virginia also enjoys branching out into the hospitality and commercial sectors.

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House in Country NSW

Currently designing several new houses in Byron Bay, a hotel in Cabarita, an eight-storey apartment building in the Gold Coast and alterations to individual houses, Virginia is by no means slowing down, but that’s exactly how she likes it.

In fact it was for that very reason — being able to pick her own projects and choose how much or little she worked — that Virginia started her own firm almost 20 years ago. “You have more freedom,” says Virginia. “You have a choice in what you design and who your clients are. That’s what I enjoy!”