Sustainability has shaped recent consumer trends, and house renovation is no exception. An impressive 95% of respondents in a 2023 Houzz study chose to embrace sustainable features when revamping their kitchen, the room which remains the most expensive when renovating. That said, their reasons were more about saving money than saving the earth.
Clearly Renovations
Compared to other areas in the house, homeowners often create major changes to the kitchen, with median spending on renovations increasing steadily since 2019 ($15,000) to $20,000 in 2021.
“Homeowners are gravitating towards sustainable choices during kitchen renovations, and it is interesting to see the intersection of economic solutions and environmental concerns. The most frequent reason behind choosing sustainable options is long-run cost effectiveness, with environmental-friendliness as a secondary consideration,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist.
NOTO Architects
The survey of more than 450 respondents found that popular choices include LED bulbs (71%), energy-efficient appliances (63%), and water-efficient fixtures (49%). More than two in five homeowners also opt for a timeless design as a sustainable choice during renovations (45%).
While the alleged health dangers of engineered stone are well reported in the press at the moment, the study also reveals that engineered quartz is still the most popular benchtop material (36%) followed by laminate and granite.
Chris Snook
Additional insights from the 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study:
Contemporary leads the way: Contemporary is the top style choice for renovated kitchens in 2023, followed closely by modern.
Popular pantries: 53% of kitchen updaters are installing pantry cabinets, and 27% making space for a walk-in pantry.
Classic colours: white is the most popular colour for walls, cabinets, benchtops and splashbacks.
Electronic upgrades: Renovating homeowners incorporate technology into their kitchen appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone/tablet controls, and colour touchscreen displays.
Kitchen usage is varied: As well as cooking, homeowners also bake, eat, entertain, socialise and work in the kitchen.
Chris Snook
The 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study is a report of homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a kitchen renovation. The online survey was fielded to Houzz Australia users in November-to-December 2022. Spend data is taken from the Houzz & Home Survey, sent to registered users of Houzz Australia and fielded March-to-April 2022.
Building or renovating a home is fraught with multiple decisions and competing priorities. But TV interior designer and new home building specialist James Treble, says there are certain things it’s worth getting right from the outset, even when you think you can’t afford it.
While some decisions simply can’t be altered later, there are also clever things you can do to futurepoof your house, even if you don’t plan on finishing the job for several years. Read on to see what we mean!
When it comes to your electrical and lighting plans, James humbly considers himself a pro, often being told electricians have copied his because they’re that good! As well as working as an interior designer on TV shows like Open Homes Australia and Renovate or Rebuild and for private clients, the bulk of James’ work these days is for new home builders’ clients.
“I create what I call an electrical rough-in for all my clients,” says James, who uses proposed furniture placement as the biggest guide. “I try to help them walk through the floorplan, which can be hard for people who can’t visualise things well, thinking about things like where the Christmas tree will go and if there’s a powerpoint there! The aim is to avoid the use of extension leads.
“Is there a powerpoint for the lamp on the console table in your entry? Is there one in an upstairs hallway for vacuuming upstairs and the stairs? In terms of powerpoints, you can’t have too many. My dad was a sparky and we had them everywhere growing up!”
James adds: “Always make sure you have a powerpoint on the side of the kitchen island, for example. USB powerpoints are also a really practical addition these days. And don’t neglect outside. I’d always put a powerpoint on a balcony because in today’s busy households maybe that’s a space for a teenager to plug in their laptop and get some studying done, or for the mum to do some work in peace.”
Thinking about gas, and making the most of your gas connection, if you plan to have one, is also paramount, says James. “I have to say, a lot of my clients have a preference for cooking on gas. There’s nothing quite like it and a huge number of my clients comment on it. People also need to think about if they’re cooking al fresco and having a gas point there too for their outdoor kitchen or built-in barbecue. You might also want a powerpoint there in case you need it for an ignitor, or perhaps an outdoor fridge, and even plumbing for a single sink.” Can’t afford that outdoor kitchen right now? Allow for the plumbing, gas and powerpoints now at the build stage, so it’s an easier job later when you can.
James says the ambience of a gas fire in the home is almost as important as the heat it provides. “Heating is a high cost in Australian homes so gas is a great consideration for that reason too (depending on which state you live in). If you’re putting in a gas point for your fire, which you can only have in larger open areas, think about having a data point there too. Many gas fires these days can be turned up and down from your phone.” (Mind blown!). James says to try and make your fireplace against an external wall so it can be flued to the outside easily.
“A gas fire gives a beautiful ambience which is as much about the look as the heat it gives. I personally love the heating from a gas fire as air con can sometimes dry out the room. And if you’re going to have a feature fireplace, this will be a feature and destination in the home even when you’re not using it.”
James says many of his clients who are multi-generational living, might have a gas point in the butler’s pantry too, which functions as a second kitchen, perhaps for the in laws. On this point, James has another smart tip. Add a shower to your downstairs powder room so if you’re one day unable to use the stairs, you have an option downstairs. If you think you might have elderly relatives living with you in future years, consider an additional gas point downstairs. Perhaps what starts life as a bar, later becomes a kitchenette for them. Having a gas point there ahead of time makes this easier.
There are some things of course which can’t be changed later, and ceiling heights are one. If you’re building, James says nothing less than 2.7m ceilings will do! With flooring, James says if budget is an issue, invest in the higher quality floor downstairs and go for a carpet in the bedrooms which you can replace later on. Stain resistant, synthetic carpets can be a practical choice when the kids are younger, making a mess and playing on the floor. When it comes to floor tiles, James says opt for 600x600mm floor tiles with a 1.5mm grout joint, rather than standard 450x450mm tiles with a 3mm joint. This makes for easier cleaning and they’re also easier to pull up later if you want to change them. A staircase too, is something you want to get right from the outset because changing it later is too big and messy of a job.
We hope you found these expert tips useful if you’re currently planning or thinking about your future dream home!
Elevated Retro is set to become a primary interior design influence as Aussies move into 2023 and give the nod to the cosiness of bygone eras and a familiar charm that centres us and evokes feel-good comfort.
Insights gained at the world’s most extensive tile and ceramics trade show, Cersaie, held in Italy, also indicate that New Year styling will embrace an exciting fusion of biophilic and dopamine design, defined by home, hearth, and nature influences at its core.
To explain more, Beaumont Tiles strategic designer Rachel Gilding has shared her insights.
“2023 will explore the playful movement of nature through wallpaper looks, organic tones, 3D structures and large format stone look tiles with new technology underpinning the ability for exciting applications. Expect to see these tiles tonally warm even further in 2023, with soft and inviting sun-baked hues teamed with cosy neutrals with a hint of retro inspirations in New Year projects.”
The new stone age
Rachel said that we’re all searching for balance, and you could see this reflected at Cersaie with trends that reflect a primal instinct rising to the fore, bringing the cave aesthetic into our homes. Natural stone look tiles are among the most robust growth trends, with travertine, slate and sedimentary limestones being must-watch designs for 2023.
“Thanks to advanced print technology, these stone-look tiles perfectly emulate the real thing yet boast all the durability and hard-wearing appeal of ceramic tiles.”
WOW, with wallpaper print
Rachel said the designs and tones of decorative print tiles have grown and developed over the past 24 months into such a broad range, ensuring that no matter what your preconceptions, you are bound to become a fan in 2023.
Decorative tiles in small formats and slabs up to 3 metres all drive the narrative of nature with wallpaper-style detail. Everything from ornate florals reminiscent of bygone eras to retro tropical palm prints and birds. “Wallpaper prints in all spaces of the home reflect our broader social desire to connect with patterns and styles of the past but with a new world twist.”
Dopamine dressing continues
She said interiors that provide an excellent dopamine hit with pops of bright colours continue to dominate. “From decorative format sky blues, paired with apricot pinks, through to subways in sage green and charcoal, the design narrative is fun with colour, and the application is sophisticated and charming,” Rachel said.
“Palette direction is most certainly continuing to draw from our connection to the environment, with soft greens, tonal blues and organic variations taking the leading cue at Cersaie.
Earth-toned neutrals, charcoals, and sun-kissed hues were the other colours predominately used to bring spaces to life instead of green. Shades of natural and earthly organic neutrals balanced the colour palette for those less adventurous.
“Farmhouse, Mediterranean, or wanderlust decorative styles that are organic and minimalist will continue to anchor neutral-toned projects. Yet their evolution is more pared back in detail when compared to their predecessors, tying into the broader feeling of a need to connect with the past but adapt it to a new post-COVID world. The revival of French lay pattern is a great example of this.”
The lure of fresh country air, wide open spaces and a community feel continues to entice Australian homebuyers. Alongside larger, more affordable spaces, and the promise of a simpler way of life, comes the charm of older homes and their intricate period details. The cost of maintaining, repairing and restoring these features, however, can be significant.
Tom & Sarah-Jane’s master ensuite on The Block 2022
For those period homes that require a touch of modernising, knowing when to hold onto, or replace, original features can be a tricky path to navigate. CSR Gyprock have shared some top tips on how to retain the heritage charm of your country home while incorporating modern updates.
Blending old and new
One popular way to modernise a period home is to open up the original structure with a modern extension, resulting in a more spacious and airier floorplan.
Contrasting period features against modern design can make a big impact architecturally, but it’s also important to retain a flavour of the old in the new. High ceilings, decorative cornice, chandeliers, door knobs and ceiling roses are typical hero moments in older homes and showcasing some of these features in a new renovation can serve as an anchor between the eras.
Rachael & Ryan’s master bedroom on The Block 2022
Whether you’re renovating or extending the home’s footprint, it’s important to retain the authenticity and character of the existing home,” says Renee McGinty, general manager of marketing for Gyprock. “The installation of interesting design features that stay true to the era can help set the scene.”
Ceiling roses
A ceiling is an element that can easily transform the look and feel of a room and ceiling features can make an enormous difference no matter what style or era of your room. Ceiling roses have been used throughout the decades and come in a variety of designs from simple to very elaborate and ornate. The original purpose of a ceiling rose, particularly in large and spacious homes, was to provide a focal point for a high ceiling, as well as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of light fittings.
Bathroom Tom & Sarah-Jane
“The style you choose will largely depend on your current décor and any other pre-existing heritage features,” says Renee. Whether original or newly installed, a ceiling rose can add an elegant and sophisticated touch to a room. For example, incorporating decorative elements in bathrooms can provide a unique focal element and, when used alongside modern plasterboard such as moisture resistant Gyprock Aquachek, can signal a tangible blend of old and new.
“The trick to choosing the right ceiling rose is to consider the ceiling height and room size, and to match the smaller and larger diameters with the same patterns. You can select from different periods’ styles to suit your home or by a particular design, which helps if you are trying to match a cornice style or pattern in a room.”
Cornices
When renovating a home with a particular era in mind, there are ways to respect the character of the property, preserving the past while allowing for modern day living. Effectively, cornice bridges the junctions between walls and ceilings and today there are many modern profiles which, beyond function, work to make a striking style statement in a home. Throughout the eras, cornice styles have changed to reflect the building trends of the time and were typically known for their intricate and decorative mouldings.
Ankur & Sharon’s walk-in robe on the Block
“Ornate plasterwork is often the defining feature of a heritage home and will give a clear reference to its period,” says Renee. “Understanding how the building was originally finished and following that lead will give the best result.”
Carrying the same detail throughout a newer or more modernised space in a period home, will result in a more cohesive design narrative reflective of its past. Beyond decorative moulding many other factors will contribute to the liveability and aesthetic impact of a period renovation. Consider paint colours, wall patterns, furniture and cabinetry to assist in maximising the charm.
Rachel & Ryan’s master ensuite
With thought and planning you can create contemporary spaces that preserve a beautiful, timeless quality. You can speak with your builder about how to incorporate Gyprock Decorative plaster features when you are renovating or building. Made in Victoria, they are available to order from Gyprock Trade Preston.
Rebeka Morgan of BuildHer Collective, an experienced builder, renovator and renovation educator, explains why the old game of renovating for profit no longer works.
Let’s go back a little with this conversation! Remember the times when developers were all men, they’d buy a renovators delight to tart up a bit. They’d throw a lick of paint on the walls and the tiles, then maybe they pop a box on the back and then resell it for a profit? The mantra was do it as cheaply as possible – which we think has given all developers a bad name!
Well, we are here to say that this does not work anymore!
The market is far too smart for that now. We know when a renovation is cheap and nasty and we are demanding better and more!
Why is this? The vast number of renovation shows have meant that we are more aware of how to renovate, we know what we want and we don’t want to pay for work which we could have done better ourselves. There is also way more access to information – purchasers now know what you bought a property for and how much time it took to renovate, and they’ll make their own calculations on what the renovation is worth (in most situations, forgetting to factor in holding costs, stamp duty and sale costs)!
So, does this mean you can’t make money renovating for profit?
No – but it does mean you need to focus on creating value, presenting a product that is fit for your market and providing solutions that will be valued and paid for by the purchaser.
Style and flair mixed with practicality (ummm, yes that means storage!) has become the key and creating a home that the purchaser is willing to pay for which is more than the cost of the work. There is so much inspiration and imagery available now and our dreams of the home we will live in have adjusted accordingly!
The good news is that this is increasing the standard of the build and means that if you are working in this area you can do really well renovating for profit.
However, it’s not all good news.
With the increase of these renovation shows we have seen more people pick up tools and decide to tackle projects without really understanding the process and the costs, missing the mark and making either no profit or, much worse, a loss. We recently spoke to a couple who had great success in their first build (probably due to a rising market) but despite investing more than 500 hours of physical work on each of the two subsequent projects, they only just broke even. They couldn’t understand what had gone wrong.
We unfortunately hear this type of thing all the time, and whilst renovating for profit can be super fun, there is a key: profit. You do need to make a profit, and a profit that is worth the investment of time.
At BuildHer Collective, we have an amazing group of women, DevelopHers, who are renovating and developing for profit the right way! They know how to run the numbers and make sure they are adding value from the outset. With our experience in this game, we have identified 11 different aspects of renovating for profit that can make or break the budget!
If you have dreamed of renovating for profit, or perhaps you already are giving it a go and you want to know how to maximise your profits, then please join us for our free Stop Dreaming, Start Renovating – three evening event:
Stop Dreaming, Start Renovating for Profit!
When: Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 November 2022, 7.30-to-8.30pm
While we often tell you it’s the finer details that add up make an interior feel finished, layered and cohesive, making the actual decisions on these elements can be confusing for many and ultimately lead to design paralysis, otherwise known as the too hard basket! Fear not, if Hamptons is your vibe, because achieving that look in your home just got a lot easier.
Hamptons queen Natalee Bowen has teamed up with Intrim to take the guesswork out of choosing the right mouldings for your Hamptons home
Leading timber mouldings supplier Intrim have teamed up with Hamptons interior design queen Natalee Bowen of Indah Island on a somewhat genius idea and a perfect match!
Hamptons style in Australia has evolved with classic, country, coastal, tropical and modern sub-styles. No wonder it can be a little overwhelming! Natalee has curated a collection of the best timber mouldings for each of these Hamptons styles from Intrim’s huge range, so the hard work is done for you. And by an expert!
The Intrim Hamptons Selections in a Box take the guesswork out of selecting moulding shapes, sizes, and finishes, making it a simple and enjoyable experience. Here’s how it works:
Skirting remains Intrim’s largest product category, and the trend of larger profiles and more options of designs has been driven by savvy consumers and designers wanting to create bespoke interiors. Skirting is no longer something basic that just blends in, but can be a real feature in itself.
Hamptons interiors demand decorative skirting profiles that are larger than the standard home builder offering of 66mm or 90mm. 185mm skirting or larger is the preference for all Hamptons designs. Team this with 90mm or 115mm window and door architraves, layer in some skirting blocks, sil nosing, and beading and the windows and doorways suddenly become a Hamptons design feature.
Size and scale are key considerations when selecting timber mouldings so always check the recommendations for your ceiling and door heights to get this right. These details can be found on Intrim’s website.
No Hamptons home is truly finished without wainscoting. If you have a two-story design, the staircase will be a major feature, and when finished with wainscoting, it will become a Hamptons highlight! Wainscoting can be full height or lower third only (under a dado or chair rail), depending on your personal preference and budget. Adding wainscoting to every room can be more than some budgets will allow, so Intrim recommend focusing on areas such as entrances and hallways, main living spaces, the main bathrooms, and master bedrooms to get the biggest impact.
As the judges soon discovered, the Block Tree Change contestants took week four very seriously, turning out high-end luxe master suites that stunned them all. From spacious dressing areas to reading nooks, fireplaces and more, every combination was tried to win this important sanctuary zone.
As the judging began, Scotty said he thought they’d all done brilliantly. I really agreed with this week’s winner and thought they were all pretty impressive. Let’s see what the judges had to say…
Tom & Sarah-Jane (First – 28.5)
With three French doors opening to the wraparound balcony and a wood-fired heater, this is a room the judges felt embraced the country it sits in, but was its own cosy sanctuary.
Your chance to win this artwork in the competition at the end of this article!
“This is a room that hugs you!” said Shaynna as she took in the high ceilings and king size bed, “They’ve really thought it through!”.
Neale was speechless for a while, before declaring he loved it, there was “zero” he didn’t like and that they’d nailed the new rural look. “I love the way they’ve mixed so many mediums. They’ve curated this room beautifully.”
For Darren it was the scale that won him over – a big bed, big drapes and big mirror TV was all very grand, he thought, with the bone inlay side tables a perfect match for the rattan of the bedhead. “The fireplace is a really charming choice.”
Darren said they’d styled the walk-in well. Shaynna thought without any doors, they’d have to keep things tidy in there as it’s on view from the bedroom!
Only half a point in it for second place! So close!
From the beautifully restored original door to antique furniture, a Marie Antoinette portrait and grand bedhead, this was a room that had the judges from the moment they walked in. “This room says period drama to me!” Neale said, with Shaynna agreeing, pointing out the corbels, archways and the beautifully framed mirror TV.
Neale summed up that it was a crazy mix of eccentricity that worked well. Neale said congratulations for giving them something they’ve never seen before: antique furniture.
Shaynna added: “It’s phenomenal. It’s elegance personified.” She said the lighting though, was too Deco and not grand enough to match everything else. She also worried that they were going to run out of money and said they didn’t need to spend quite as much every week.
Shaynna said the walk-in was glamorous and would rock the world of any would-be buyer. “It’s so beautifully done,” added Darren, who said their painting, although not perfect, was getting better, and he admired the risks they were taking.
“Ooh la la!” said Darren as he rushed in to embrace the stacked stone fireplace, then admired the neutral palette and subtle styling choices he felt combined to create a perfect balance of contemporary and country.
They all loved the fireplace and Neale said they’d redeemed themselves from last week. “It’s a room that works despite itself. There are some things that don’t work but it’s got a lovely vibe.” Darren said every element in there got two thumbs up apart from some very minor paint issues.
And a perfect walk-in, Neale said when he rolled back the barn door to find what he called “prime real estate for buyers”, a dressing zone divided into separate zones. With oak finishes and woodgrain surfaces on the wardrobes, Darren called it palatial and Shaynna said it was elegant and had a country contemporary essence.
Darren said it had him by the heartstrings and it’s exactly what he’d want if he moved to the country.
Walking straight into the spacious wardrobe – complete with the first dressing table of the day – the judges found themselves admiring the wallpaper, the view, the storage galore and the way this space was unusual, but still made sense.
They headed into the bedroom, and were impressed by the window seat but not its execution or the curtains and wondered if the artwork could have been scaled down. It’s a room with style they agreed, but does it live up to their earlier successes? Perhaps not. Neale said once they fixed that, it would make a big difference.
Walk-in robe? More like a drive-in robe, the judges said! Shaynna said styling made a big difference to the robe; the cherry on top. Darren didn’t expect to walk through the walk-in to get to the master but he really liked it. He said it oozed quality.
With a mini library reading area at one end and a smaller bed to compensate, the judges found Omar and Oz’s master a confusing space that showed promise, but didn’t quite live up to its potential.
Neale said it was very visually confusing and giving so much space to a study and reading area made no sense. Shaynna said she loved the fretwork but it had then been over cluttered. Darren said the bookshelves were cheap and best not looked too closely at!
The lack of storage was a real issue for all three, with Shaynna advising: “Lose the shelves, lose the desk” and Neale adding “there’s too much going on, guys!”. Even Darren, impressed by the carpets, drapery, uplights and doors to the wardrobe that cut off the space to the bathroom, had to admit that this was a room where less would have been more.
Neale said the boys raised expectations with their bathroom last week and this was not the bedroom that ensuite deserved. Darren said there were elements in the room that really paid off but the study space didn’t add value.
The ottoman in the walk-in made it hard to walk through, they said and there wasn’t enough storage for a couple.
A quarter of the way through the build and last night saw one of the most important rooms of the Block build – the master ensuite. I do love a good wet room reveal!
A space that completes the owner’s new sanctuary, the ensuite will help form that emotional connection that will bring in buyers on auction day.
For some, it was a room that proved way more complex than they thought, with the huge spaces nearly too much, but with a lot of effort and a mix of styles, another week of beautiful spaces showed the judges this year’s Blockheads are here to win.
Read to the end for your chance to win the artwork from Tom and Sarah-Jane’s master ensuite.
Omar & Oz (first place)
All hail the bathroom kings, with another wet area to blow the judges away. “Boom!” said Darren as all three admired the best layout they saw on the day, taking in the bench seat under dual showers, a corner bath looking out on spectacular views, kitkat tiles playing off HardieGroove panels, and a natural colour palette.
Despite their tilers’ massive fail, they came back from the brink to achieve such a beautiful space. Bless Keith and Dan for helping out there as it really wasn’t their fault!
Missing only a few face-level lights and a bathrobe hook for the door, there was a lot to love, the judges agreed, with Darren declaring this was a room that would “photograph like a dream” and help buyers fall in love with their home.
“I would never design this bathroom in a million years!” said Darren, taking in the statement wall tiles and basins, the spa bath with a view, black tapware and Grafico mural of the Macedon ranges, “but it works!”
Shaynna and Neale were worried it all might be a bit too much, but agreed it’s a statement space, particularly loving the addition of a fireplace… right up to the point where Shaynna noticed the fire’s double-sided glass would give a view of the toilet to anyone in the master bedroom! Be careful of those choices, she warned, and be mindful, Darren added, of the line between eccentricity and saleability.
The French doors looking out from the bath do it for me! I too feel like it’s too much but it does kind of work!?
With what Shaynna called “a timeless colour palette” and a mix of gloss tiles on the walls and matte on the floor plus a very country mix of timber and brass, this was a room that grabbed the judges from the moment they walked in. “Yum!” said Darren from the door. “I love this!” Neale said he felt the couple’s confidence in how they wanted their home to feel.
But not everything got their approval, with Neale noting that once again the pair had decided against face-level storage in vanity cabinets, the sconces were just too high for her and the pelmet, Darren said, was “pretty chunky”. It’s a room that set a high bar for the others to follow, but the functional flaws kept them from the win.
“Feels palatial,” the judges said as they walked into the vast space of Rachel and Ryan’s ensuite, taking in the heritage details of cornices and architraves, the timber vanity, and feature tile.
But while Darren was impressed by the contemporary luxury, with the shower heads in what he said was just the right spot, the inclusion of an IXL heater lamp and pendants over the bath, both Shaynna and Neale weren’t convinced. For Shaynna is was a case of things being half right – she loved the vanity area, but nowhere else. And Neale said he found the sea of grey “a bit bland”. It’s in keeping with the house, they said, but just not quite there.
Darren said he liked seven eighths (so precise!) of the room while Neale said he only liked three eighths, and that it had no charm or personality! He said it needed another layer and some more pizazz. Shaynna was more 50/50 and in the middle!
With a luxury benchseat shower area, double shower heads and plenty of space, this has “day spa potential”, the judges agreed. Mixing the same tile Ryan and Rachel had chosen, but not going full height, then blending in a mushroom tile in the vanity area, with oak and brass touches and the couple’s signature arches, the combination is understated elegance, Neale said.
Not everything won their approval however, with the bath too close to the wall and toilet – hard to understand with so much space, Shaynna said – and both caulking and grout incomplete. But with styling on point, right down to a real chrysanthemum, it was, Neale summed up: “A contemporary room with just enough heritage touches.”
Win the art from Tom and Sarah-Jane’s master ensuite!
This week’s art giveaway in association with Artist Lane and The Block Shop is Linen Breeze by Lydia Ben-Natan. For your chance of winning, enter here.
The Block Tree Change 2022: week 2 guest bedroom reveals
I feel like this week’s Block rooms looked much better on the TV (and hopefully in real life!) than they…
The Block 2022 tree change: main bathroom reveals
Today, our friend and interior designer Kathryn Bamford, recaps last night’s room reveals. Whoa what a first week on The…
New research reveals Aussies are savvy at safety-proofing their homes, but are prone to delaying repairs and underestimate the danger they could be in as a result.
Australian online tradie marketplace, hipages, has unveiled its Know Your Home report, revealing 40% of homeowners currently have repairs requiring tradie attention in their home. Almost half (46%) admit that they’re likely to delay a repair because it’s ‘liveable’, while nearly a quarter believe they can fix it themselves.
Out of these jobs, four in 10 (39%) homeowners believe they have repairs worth more than $5,000 in their household, 25% between $1,000-to-$5,000, and 22% believe their jobs are worth up to $1,000.
Since Aussies underestimate the skill and danger associated with home repair jobs, some homeowners may try to fix them themselves or delay the repair. However, according to licensed tradies, this could be costing them additional thousands. Additionally, there are some jobs that homeowners should never attempt, such as electrical work and most plumbing, in addition to dangerous jobs like climbing ladders onto roofs.
In fact, Aussie tradies say that half (48%) of customers underestimate the complexity of a job, and 10-to-20% of their repair jobs could have been avoided if the customer had called in an expert sooner, instead of trying to fix it themselves.
“We’re a nation of DIY-ers, so I understand the temptation to have a go at repairs yourself, but often this causes a bigger problem and costs more in the long run,” said plumber Justin Tanios. “Put down the tools to avoid a more expensive repair, and know when to call in a licensed tradie who you can trust.”
Justin Tanios
Stuart Tucker, hipages’ chief customer officer, is urging homeowners not to delay repairs.“Homeowner repairs never stop, but every year we see a spike during spring for renovation and repair jobs. During times of high demand it can be tempting to opt for the quickest or cheapest help. However this can create additional problems and wind up more costly than if a qualified tradie had been sought in the first instance.”
He adds “Working with a licensed and trusted tradie is important year-round, and something homeowners shouldn’t compromise on – even during busy periods. One way to ensure you’re not caught out is to book as far in advance as you can.”
A report based on search result data on Houzz has identified home design trends of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home professionals in the past year. Among these trends are dedicated activity spaces, a focus on outdoor living, a rise in bathroom grooming and a deep dive into resort-style pool design. The report also shows that honouring architectural origins and smart storage solutions are more important than ever in 2022.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, people have continued to make their homes the centre point for new avenues of activity and entertainment and it shows in the increased searches we’re seeing on Houzz this year for ‘home bar’ (up by 79%), ‘media room’ (up by 48%), ‘library’ (up by 46%), ‘rumpus room’ (up by 43%) and ‘studio’ (up by 43%).
Hindley & Co on Houzz. Photography by Tatjana Plitt
Outdoor living
Connecting homes to the great outdoors is a trend we’ve seen grow stronger over recent years. It appears more and more homeowners are looking to achieve the idyllic beachside lifestyle, with searches for ‘Hamptons exterior’ quadrupling and ‘coastal kitchen’ doubling in 2022 (up 331% and 116%, respectively). Making the most of alfresco settings continues with searches on Houzz for ‘greenhouse’ (doubled), ‘decks’ (also doubled) and ‘outdoor dining’ (up by 66%) surging higher over the past year. In addition, capturing the open-air Palm Springs-inspired vibe is gaining popularity and searches are up by 56%.
inovasis design on Houzz
Making a splash
Bathrooms remain one of the most popular interior rooms to be upgraded and saw spend by homeowners increase 13% from $15,000 to $17,000 year-on-year. Specific searches for ‘bathroom mirrors’, ‘baths’, ‘wet room’ (up by 64%) and ‘ensuite’ (up by more than 38%) have jumped up on Houzz in 2022 compared to the year prior.
Santamaria Design on Houzz. Photography by Ryan Linnegar
Poolside plunge
People are searching for ways to cool off in style, and pool professionals confirm interest in swimming pool design has certainly heated up recently. Homeowners are diving deep for inspiration with the search terms ‘pool house’, ‘swimming pool’, ‘swim spa’, ‘pool cabana’ and ‘plunge pool’ surging higher on Houzz than the previous year.
Square Design on Houzz
Preserving charm & character
Preserving the original charm and character of a home appears to be top of mind among homeowners . Dramatic search spikes for ‘exposed brick’ (almost tripled), along with ‘balustrade’ (more than doubled), ‘Federation’ (up by 52%) and ‘industrial’ (up by 41%) show that decorative styles and architectural features, that are unique to period style homes, have become popular this year. In addition, ‘Australian native gardens,’ which are well-suited to local growing conditions, saw growth by more than 2.3 times, when compared to 2021.
MMAD Architecture on Houzz
Smart storage
Custom smart storage solutions are becoming increasingly important for homeowners, with more than a third enlisting the help of a cabinet or cabinetry home professional in the past year (32%). Creating a well-functioning ‘butler’s pantry’ more than quadrupled in searches on Houzz in the first quarter of 2022, compared with the same period in 2021 (up 311%). Home organisation is increasingly prioritised with higher searches on Houzz for ‘garage storage’ (up by 90%), ‘built-in wardrobe’ (up by 77%), ‘mudroom’ (up by 64%) and ‘walk-in wardrobe’ (up by 58%).
The Best of Houzz 2022: Australia’s most popular architecture and design
Every year, Houzz.com.au announces its annual people’s choice awards where the Houzz community highlights the renovation and design professionals with…
As Australian households tackle rising living expenses amid increasing inflation rates, local tradie business owners are doing their best to reduce the impact on home improvement costs.
“We’re living in conditions where prices are inflated across the board but renovations and home repairs don’t stop. That’s why our tradies are essential to keep the country moving,” said Roby Sharon-Zipser, CEO of hipages, who just released a Tradie Trends Report.
Home improvement prices
In 2022, 85% of Australia’s tradies have had to increase their prices primarily due to surging building material and petrol costs, with more than half forced to do so in the past three months. For the vast majority of tradies (84%), any price increase has been made with great hesitancy, with the majority only willing to increase their prices by 10%.
While the report shows that close to a quarter (23%) of tradies have had to increase prices to make up for financial losses over the tumultuous past 12 months, some are attempting other strategies, such as exploring more innovative, affordable materials for their customers (59%), and many are also seeking to minimise the distance of travel between jobs (38%) to lower fuel usage.
Material costs surge
According to tradies, the current cost of materials is doing the most damage to the bottom line and remains the main reason (62%) they’ve had to increase prices. This is unsurprising, as the domestic and global supply of building materials is tight, with shipping delays, strong demand, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and high international freight costs impacting suppliers and businesses. Ongoing shortages of timber and increasing metals prices have placed added pressure on material costs, with input prices to house construction rising 15.4% over the past 12 months due to timber, board and joinery increasing by 20.6%, and other metal products seeing a 16.2% surge.
Cost of living impact on renovation and repair
Despite the cost of living pressures, and 91% of respondents being concerned about inflation in some way, over a third of homeowners intend to spend $5,000 on renovations or repairs in the next six months. When asked why they intend to spend on their home, the majority responded for repair and maintenance (68%). A further 22% will be catering to changing living needs, while 20% will be updating a home they purchased.
When it also comes to price, more are inclined to pay more for tradies with more experience (50%), those that are local to their home (45%), and those they have received recommendations for (44%), over tradies that could complete the job quicker than others (31%). A total of 60% of homeowners say that they’re not willing to pay more for jobs being completed sooner.
When asked what renovations they had planned in the next 12 months, interestingly the majority opted for money-saving additions to their home including solar power, lighting, security and automation (27%), solar panels (20%), and water conservation (11%).
Of concern is that more than half of households don’t give themselves a big enough safety net in their budgeting (stating safety nets of only 0-to-10%) for home improvement jobs. In the current climate, hipages recommend homeowners allocate a budget buffer of 10-to-20%.
Skills shortage: wages increase but apprentices let go
Tradie businesses are trying to support and incentivise employees as inflation rates impact living costs, with almost two-thirds (63%) claiming to have increased pay to their employees. And it’s not just employees who are receiving support from business owners, with 61% of those who use subcontractors having also increased their pay packets. For the vast majority of these increases, the pay rise has been 5-to-10%.
Unfortunately, however, the next generation of tradies are being negatively impacted by rising overheads, with nearly a third (27%) of apprentices being let go. The research also shows just half of the businesses (51%) currently have an apprentice on board.
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In the cooler months, there’s nothing like cosying up in a winter retreat set amongst nature. It’s hard to imagine anything better than coming home after a day on the slopes to mugs of hot chocolate by the fire, cosy nights in with friends and family, or gazing upon the winter wonderland outside from the comfort of your sofa.
Follow these tips from Kustom Timber to create a chalet-style haven inspired by Bec Judd’s Mount Buller holiday apartment (pictured), with a decorative scheme based around warm timbers, tonal hues and touch-me textures. Don’t have the luxury of your own winter cabin? No problem – this warming and on-trend scheme will work beautifully in your home too, while making you feel like you’re on holiday even when you’re stuck indoors!
Here are the key ingredients of the chalet look:
Start with the right foundations
Create chalet-style ambience and draw nature inside with a scheme based around warm timber. And don’t just think floorboards – embrace the chalet aesthetic by extending it to walls, ceilings and even custom furniture.
Photo by Armelle Habib
Add interest by using different timber tones for your kitchen, bathroom or walk-in ‘robe joinery, or consider painting cabinetry in a tonal shade drawn from your room’s colour scheme. Engineered timber is the ideal option for creating this look. It is solid, sophisticated and versatile enough to be used on floors, walls, ceilings, wardrobes and bespoke furniture. Unlike solid timber, it’s quick and easy to install and allows you to update the look of your home without a costly, full-scale makeover. It will even help keep your winter retreat naturally warmer, reducing your heating bills.
Cocooning colours
Set a sophisticated yet nurturing tone with a palette of warm neutrals, such as mushroom, nougat, warm white and greige. Play up the cocooning vibe by using these hues across everything from walls, furniture, painted timberwork, artwork and décor items.
Touch-metextures
Engage the senses with a medley of textures in different forms, such as a faux-fur or boucle-covered armchair, sheepskin cushions, velvet sofa upholstery, richly woven chair backs and striking, patterned marble in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Modern accents
Pops of sleek, matt black in furniture legs and light fixtures add a contemporary edge to this cosy scheme, while aged bronze hardware and taps bring warmth and a touch of luxury.
Fireplace as a focal point
Put the focus on relaxation and togetherness by positioning living room furniture around the fireplace and concealing the television within a built-in joinery unit.
Furniture with curves
Seek out sofas and armchairs with curved lines and deep seats that cry out to be curled up in. Carry the theme through with table legs with curved battening and round or oval mirrors in the bathrooms.
If your cabin or living area is on the small side, you’ll find that curved furniture is also a clever way to draw the eye throughout the area and maximise the sense of space.
Mood lighting
No cosy scheme is complete without great lighting. Rather than relying exclusively on harsh ceiling lighting, create a gentle, layered lighting scheme consisting of floor lamps, table lamps, pendants and wall sconces, which cast a warm glow across walls and surfaces. Adding dimmers allows you to dial up or down illumination levels to suit the mood.
Kustom Timber’s engineered timber boards are specially heat and moisture-treated to suit Australian conditions, which means they won’t swell or warp. You can even use them on the walls and ceiling of a drying room – pair them with a tiled or concrete floor to create a cosy and practical space to take off your wet ski gear after a day on the slopes.
Home renovation activity and spend have reached the highest rates reported since 2019, according to the annual Houzz & Home survey of more than 2,200 Australians. Nearly half of homeowners renovated their homes in 2021 (48%), up from 44% in 2020. Homeowners recorded a significant 43% jump in median renovation spend at $30,000 up from $21,000 in 2020. This growth can be attributed to homeowners with higher budget projects (the top 10% of spend) increasing their investment from $150,000 in 2020 to $230,000 in 2021.
Home renovation activity continues into this year, with nearly half of homeowners planning to renovate (49%) and nearly two-fifths planning to decorate (39%). For the first time since 2019, homeowners’ planned spend has increased to $25,000 for 2022 versus $15,000; a 67% jump. Homeowners with higher-budget renovations are planning to spend $138,000 on projects in 2022.
“Homeowners are clearly committed to investing in their homes despite heightened product and material costs driven by supply chain disruptions, and are exploring diverse funding sources. This is especially pronounced among recent homebuyers, who rely heavily on cash from previous home sales to fund their projects and spend significantly more than the national median,” said Tony Been, managing director of Houzz Australia.
Recent homebuyers (those who have not yet moved into their home or moved in less than a year ago), who accounted for 10 percent of renovating homeowners in 2021, spent more than the national median ($40,000), surpassing short-term (1 – 5 years ago) and long-term (6+ years ago) homeowners ($35,000 and $25,000, respectively). Recent homebuyers with higher budget projects (the top 10 percent of spend) invested $250,000 compared to $240,000 invested by short-term homeowners and $200,000 for long-term homeowners. This is likely attributed to the larger scope projects they undertake, averaging three to four rooms, as well as home systems, such as electrical and plumbing.
Cash from savings remains the most significant source for funding renovation projects (82 percent), however, homeowners financing renovation projects with credit cards gained four percentage points (17 percent). Savings and credit cards hold their ground as the leading forms of payment regardless of homeownership tenure. Recent homebuyers and short-term homeowners were more likely to rely on cash from previous home sales (47 and 22 percent, respectively), whereas long term homeowners had more access to cash through refinancing in 2021 (11 percent).
Homeowners sought help from professionals for their renovations in 2021 (94%) more often than in the year prior. They relied most heavily on the expertise of specialty service providers such as electricians (68%) and plumbers (54%) for their projects. That said, builders and architects were the most hired professionals in construction and design-related services, and saw a significant jump in 2021 compared with 2020 (19% and six percent, respectively). With recent homebuyers tackling more projects than their peers, it’s no surprise that the majority were most likely to hire professional help.
Investments in interior rooms remained the priority for seven in 10 renovating homeowners in 2021 (70%). Kitchens are both the most popular room to be upgraded and the room that commanded the highest spend at $20,000. Rooms that saw the most dramatic increase in popularity from the previous year included guest bedrooms (24%), guest bathrooms (23%), an entry or mudroom (17%) and wardrobes (16%).
There has been an increase in home security upgrades too. In fact, outdoor security cameras (17%) were the second most frequently purchased upgrade behind outdoor lighting (29%).
The annual Houzz & Home survey is the largest survey of residential renovation, building and decorating activity published. It covers a wide range of renovation projects in 2021, from interior remodels and additions to home systems, exterior upgrades and outdoor projects. Data gathered includes historical and planned spends, professional involvement, motivations and challenges behind building, renovation and decorating projects, as well as planned activities for 2022. The 2022 study, sent to registered users of Houzz and fielded March through April 2022, includes more than 2,200 respondents in Australia.
An industrial look can suit more than just warehouse apartments. The trend continues to evolve with its modern and sophisticated edge. Often connected to exposed bricks, a peppering of wood and black features, creating a more industrial look in your home can create an enviable eclectic look and feel.
Henley’s Sahara 40 at their Lara display centre, showcases an industrial look with Austral Cultured Sands Opaque Calcite brick and contrasting painted timber cladding in Monument.
Henley Design’s Dean Peatling shares his tips and tricks when it comes to creating the no-fuss industrial look.
Getting into the industrial zone
Industrial design has many elements to it. People usually think of old industrial warehouses or factories that have been converted into apartments, but an industrial vibe can still be achieved in your house even if it isn’t a renovated factory.
The Sahara 36 at World of Homes Truganina features an industrial styled kitchen with dark timber laminate cupboards, contrasting dark grey cabinetry and concrete look Caesarstone.
To celebrate a room with an industrial finish, opt for furnishings which are simple in design but can be accentuated with natural textures and a neutral palette. Think oversized comfy cushions and throw rugs, as well as faux fur and linens.
“When designing a space with an industrial finish in mind, simplicity and comfort are the two priorities. Consider stripping back on the architectural details and stick to fixtures and furnishings that have that raw sophistication to them such as a statement dining table with pared back chairs on top of a textured rug in latte or beige.”
What’s to love about the industrial look?
“What I love most about an Industrial finish is the boldness and character this style brings to your home. It’s exciting and interesting and seeing recycled and raw materials being used is inspiring and conversational. Industrial finishes can be dark and moody or light and bright; it’s a truly timeless style.
Industrial kitchen vibes in the Ashbury 30 at World of Homes Wollert
“The emphasis with the industrial look is to incorporate natural and bare materials in your styling choices. However, an occasional pop of colour, often seen in flowers or soft furnishing, is also welcomed!”
Pulling off industrial style
To create the ultimate industrial space, your go-to materials include stone, distressed leather, copper and wood. With stone benchtops and wooden or laminate floors, you have the foundation to build on the industrial feel with fittings and fixtures you come across on your travels.
Industrial style also celebrates the silhouette – often leaning towards block shapes or squared lines. While there is flexibility to this ‘rule’ keeping it simple and sharp sets the scene to any industrial space in your home.
Keeping spaces clutter-free is king. A peppering of abstract wall art, coupled with cool and decorative pieces will amplify your space.
Whether it’s the sleek modern look or a nod to Australia’s brick architectural heritage, contemporary brick homes are increasing in popularity, matching the design desires of architects, designers and homeowners alike.
Ebony brick – Perimeter house
Once associated with older homes, the humble brick has gotten a makeover. It provides flexibility with on-trend colours, elegant finishing and textural options for interiors and exteriors. “Concrete face bricks can make a statement with stunning design elements,” says Nathan Martyn from Adbri, Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer. Adbri’s concrete bricks are Australian made, making them a good option for building or renovating projects. Their newest series of coloured concrete brick products are 100% colour-through to reduce chipping and increase longevity.
Bricks are versatile and can be used to create a number of innovative looks from mid-century to contemporary. Homeowners trying to achieve a fluid design in their exteriors can choose anything from shapely furnishings, softly curved walls, round windows to arched doorways and stairways. Curved architectural detailing like this promotes a sense of calm and beauty to the home.
Used internally, exposed face bricks can embed a sense of permeance, security and style. Adbri has multi-design options so you can personalise by introducing speciality laying patterns. Reflect your inner aesthetic by creating a feature wall, a fireplace or highlighting an entry point. Utilising the material within the exterior and interior design of the home creates a cohesive, modern look throughout.
Ivory brick – Carwoola house.
With new colours ranging from stunning white to moody dark greys and blacks, as well as a made-to-order option, there’s a colour to suit all styles of houses from the clean lines of contemporary minimalist to the relaxed style of modern coastal.
A smooth, rendered finish suits a modern contemporary home, a lightly textured shot-blast finish is perfect for a raw and natural finish, or a highly detailed exposed aggregate honed finish that offers a luxurious crushed stone appearance can completely change the look and feel of a wall.
Ebony brick – Perimeter house.
The bricks are also energy-efficient, durable and require little to no maintenance. Their strength helps guard against a range of environmental elements that homes face today and provides a stunning curbside appeal.
Property stylist Justine Wilson shares her expert tips and tricks for her favourite season of the year. From colour palettes to adding some ambience, here’s how to create a cosy feel in every room of your home this autumn.
Colour palette
Autumn encompasses earthy and warm tones. Spruce up your interiors with colours such as rust, amber, mustard, brown, caramel, and deep greens. You can introduce colour through a variety of ways, such as artwork, accessories, florals, and soft furnishings. Or, go for rich colours like red, deep browns and tan across furniture, pillows and accessories. The trick is to not overdo it, rather work in small accents throughout your home.
Texture
Styling this season is all about layers. Think heavy coverlets and blankets on your bed, snuggly throws on your sofa, lots of plush cushions and warm rugs underfoot. You can also layer many textures together with materials such as velvet, wool, cashmere and flannel and thick natural linens, creating an inviting and cosy feel in your space.
“It is a time of year where there is the perfect mix of warm sun and cool breezes, coupled with the beautiful colours of the turning landscape,” Justine says. “When it comes to interiors, autumn is the perfect time to embrace this transitional feeling – and use it as a time to reset, refresh, and prepare your abode for the cooler months.”
Pattern
Expect lots of patterns in decoration trends; classics such as tweed and tartan will be back with force, especially as many embrace the ‘cottagecore’ aesthetic. More classic patterns such as gingham and check will make a comeback. As well as florals with more moody, muted colourways in dark emeralds, navy and warm rust tones. Try broadening your horizons and incorporating more woodland motifs and leather.
Ambience
There’s a number of ways you can represent autumn within. Lots of pumpkins and root vegetables displayed around the kitchen foster a feeling of abundance. Whilst pears in a bowl, jars of nuts and herb cuttings displayed in urns or vessels on your counters, and beautiful vases of greenery also set the natural fall mood. This time of year is all about feeling cosy and being prepared. As the light fades, use muted lighting with candles, and table and floor lamps to set the desired relaxed scene.
-Justine Wilson is owner of Vault Interiors and selected stylist for Space Invaders on channel 9.
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Always great at taking a trend and bringing it to the residential bathroom market at an affordable price while not compromising on quality, we’re really impressed with the latest new products at Highgrove Bathrooms.
We love the organic curves of the freestanding concrete bath at an unbeatable price
Concrete, like rattan perhaps, is one of those trends everyone said was a fad and years later is still going strong. Coloured concrete has become particularly popular and it appeals to many for its organic, imperfect feel. Highgrove’s CRETE range, inspired by the Mediterranean island of the same name, includes baths, basins and vanity tops.
You can get the latest in concrete style and technology without the weighty (pardon the pun!) price tag. Edges are soft and streamlined and meticulously designed to create a statement piece in a bathroom renovation. And we’re big fans of letting one or two pieces be the hero while paring back the rest, with simpler tiles for example.
Highgrove are also offering concrete as a vanity top option
Highgrove’s Wanda Duggan says: “We have developed, designed and manufactured the extremely high quality range at a price point that is unrivalled in market.” Basins start at just $299, vanity tops at $249 and the gorgeous freestanding 1500mm bath tub is under $3,500.
Whether you like sleek right angles or softer organic curves, there is a basin for you.
The oval/organic bench mount CRETE basins
The rectangle version still has an organic feel thanks to the material
It is recommended you seal the concrete every six months with flooring wax, and providing you do so, the material is surprisingly easy to maintain.
Also popular at Highgrove this season and while we’re talking about trends which have proven themselves and stood the test of time, the terrazzo products are also great statement pieces. The Fingal basins come in round or square (with rounded corners) and black or white. The round white version is our fave. Each basin is slightly different, featuring crushed stone, glass and quartz. From $399.
The terrazzo is also available as a 25mm thick vanity top from $349.
The brand’s range of Marri timber wall hung vanities continue to represent amazing value for money and there’s now a version featuring rattan fronts too, called the Seanna. It’s protected by a long-lasting lacquer to repel water. You can even just buy a Marri timber vanity top if you don’t want to go the whole hog.
The Seanna vanity combines Marri timber and rattan
Highgrove Bathrooms offer quality products making the brand a trusted choice amongst tradesmen and home renovators since 2004. Being at the forefront of bathroom design, Highgrove Bathrooms always offer the most on-trend fixtures and accessories to help customers turn the bathroom of their dreams into a reality.
Every year, Houzz.com.au announces its annual people’s choice awards where the Houzz community highlights the renovation and design professionals with the most popular designs and top ratings. From a stylish wine cabinet to a showstopping powder room, this year’s awards recognise just three per cent of the more than 207 million active home professionals on the home renovation and design platform.
“We launched the Best of Houzz awards program over a decade ago to highlight the work of the most talented and customer-focused professionals in our industry. When homeowners come to Houzz to find professionals to complete their projects, the Best of Houzz badges offer a marker of credibility, supporting their decision to move forward,” says Tony Been, managing director.
A spa-style bathroom in Sydney The average spend on the bathroom has risen 15% in the past year, according to the latest Houzz & Home report with some homeowners opting for hotel-worthy luxury features such as a freestanding bath. In fact, searches on Houzz for ‘free-standing bath’ rose by 328% in the past year and this Sydney bathroom, by Renotech Building, is a case in point. One of the most popular spaces on Houzz, it seems that users were drawn to its monochromatic palette and textural details such as porcelain chevron tiles and rose gold fixtures.
Leichhardt contemporary bathroom by Renotech Building
A stylish wine cabinet in Melbourne Wine enthusiasts looking to store beloved collections, are gaining traction among the Houzz community, with ‘wine cabinets’ and ‘wine room’ topping searches year on year (337% and 245% respectively). And if there is one that is deserving of a toast, it’s this glamorous wine cabinet addition to a newly built kitchen. Created by First Avenue Homes, this winning design incorporates black timber veneer, a marble worktop and splashback with brass glass hangers.
Brighton Wine Cellar by First Avenue Homes
A crisp laundry space in Canberra Over recent years, we’ve seen the laundry, once a purely utilitarian space, transformed into another Insta-worthy part of the home like this winning design by Studio Black Interiors. Houzz has reported that searches for ‘marble-look chevron laundry tiles’ surged by 203% in 2021 (compared to the year prior). Not only does this bathroom showcase that trend, but its white joinery pairs well with a concrete benchtop, matte black tapware, and reclaimed timber shelving. Topping it off, the natural light filtering through the glass door makes the space feel bright and open.
Laundry room by Studio Black Interiors. Photography: H Creations
A showstopping powder room in Geelong There is something to be said about a moody wash space, and Houzz has noticed a growing number of ‘dark’ inspired spaces cropping up in homes, with searches growing by 294% more than the previous year. In this popular powder room on Houzz, by Dylan Barber Building Design, some may consider a contrast of materials to be the primary aesthetic, however it’s the VJ panelling, gently veined vanity and grainy timber that really tie the look together.
Powder room by Dylan Barber Building. Photography: Nikole Ramsay
A beachside kitchen in Wollongong When it comes to refreshing the kitchen, changing the layout is a priority for more than half of homeowners according to the latest Houzz & Home report. Searches on Houzz for an ‘open kitchen’ just like this one by Chronis Building Design, have proven to be popular among the Houzz community, with the search term increasing by 254% from last year.
A spacious marble island adjoined with a timber breakfast bench creates a multifunctional space that serves to cook, while providing an entertaining as well as work space. Plus, what’s not to love about a kitchen that takes advantage of its beachside location with endless views to the horizon?
Beachside kitchen by Chronis Building Design
A Victorian verandah in Perth Outdoor projects are heating up across Australia, in particular, with searches for ‘front door’ inspiration experiencing a 666% year-on-year upswing on Houzz. This Victorian verandah, by Suzanne Hunt Architect, sticks to tradition, standing tall with its period trimmings. It also has a garden bed of ‘yuccas’, which is one of the most sought-after plant varieties on Houzz, with searches up by 1651% more than the previous year. It’s a charming scene and easy to see why it’s a Houzz community favourite.
Victorian Verandah by Suzanne Hunt Architect
An indulgent main bedroom in Naremburn This room, by Amanda Smyth Design, features an Australian Hamptons aesthetic which is proving very popular on Houzz. It’s a modern take on traditional style, with a muted combination of serene neutrals, cool whites and lighter blue-based greys. Integration of picture-perfect ‘bay windows’ are also popping up more frequently in homes on Houzz, with 2021 searches up by 296% more than the previous year. They are a feature used to maximise light while also serving as a retreat space.
Contemporary Naremburn bedroom by Amanda Smythe Design
An indoor-outdoor living room on the Gold Coast Searches for ‘beach house’ inspired interiors and exteriors are surging on Houzz (they’re up by 125% compared to last year), and this winning living room, by Donna Guyler Design, evokes the easy, carefree feeling of being by the coast. The vinyl plank flooring seamlessly connects the open-plan living areas internally, while the sliding recess doors allow the room to extend onto the indoor-outdoor deck.
Kingscliff beachside living room by Donna Guyler Design
A poolside cabana in Brisbane Backyards are another area where homeowners are exploring hotel resort-style potential and searches for landscaping ideas (specifically for ‘gazebos’ and ‘pools’) surged on Houzz by 303% and 226% respectively, when compared to last year. The design below, by Beau Corp Aquatics & Construction features a white cabana and sun loungers with pops of green that make this outdoor space feel like an everyday escape.
Brisbane cabana by Beau Corp Aquatics Construction
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