When Amigos de Hoy launched around eight years ago, it was the more affordable, bohemian little sister to the much-loved Art Hide brand. With sisters Kura Perkins and Bree Hay-Hendry at the helm, the brand amassed a cult following who were drawn to its unique rug and homewares designs. But as with many small businesses, things became stressful behind the scenes due to a changing retail environment and the effects of the pandemic.
Some of Amigos de Hoy’s iconic wares
“Even when thriving, Amigos de Hoy is a business of tight margins and it has a high-cost base that’s unavoidable; staff, storage and the cost of holding stock. Plus, it’s difficult for a smaller boutique player to play in what has become a very competitive space in the past four years with big business coming in,” says Kura Perkins referencing the move by many mass-market brands into the homewares arena.
Bree Hay-Hendry and Kura Perkins with rugs from their Art Hide and Ground Control ranges
“It’s bittersweet and it was hard to make the call to close as there is a sense of failure. Everyone says that retail is ok, but I know for a fact that it’s very tough out there and for us we’re just being honest. When you’re talking about tight margins and employing staff it’s very stressful for a ‘mum and dad’ family business,” says Kura.
The Amigos de Hoy Flufflebuster throw is one of its most loved products
Central to the decision to close the brand was the growing and continued success of sister brands Art Hide and Ground Control. Both rug brands are made to order which means the duo can avoid holding large amounts of stock. And in a world where people are drawn to bespoke solutions, both brands can offer their customers a custom design service. Where Art Hide offers fully customisable hide rugs, the Ground Control range is made from wool, cotton, jute and silk.
“Art Hide was already established, and we have built up Ground Control now to the point where we really don’t need Amigos de Hoy anymore. There’s something to be said for focussing on what you’re good at an what’s yielding us the most benefit,” says Kura who says that both businesses are thriving here and in the US.
Ground Control rug
While both businesses have in-stock products, potential customers can use the ‘Try it at home’ room service where you can upload a picture of your space and receive a render of your preferred rug in situ. In addition, for just $5, you can order a sample box online to see the fabrics in real life before making a purchase. The custom turnaround is 4-6 weeks for Art Hide and 6-8 weeks for Ground Control.
“In addition to residential work, we’re doing lots of commercial work too. Those two businesses offer a much more sustainable business model and they’re going really well.”
We’ve all heard the same story. Cities are becoming more populous, more expensive, houses are getting smaller and backyards are on the way out. While some see the shrinking size of the back garden as the end to an outdoor oasis for entertaining and relaxing after a hard week’s work, a small garden can often be more easily transformed into a lavish exterior than larger spaces. According to Beaumont Tiles design specialist Rachel Gilding, with a bit of savvy styling and know-how, even the most modest backyards could be magically transformed into a lavish exterior with these three ideas:
A calm watery paradise
Pending the size of your garden, Rachel said consideration should be given to a bath, spa, or water feature to help transform your patch into a bit of beautiful backyard bliss.
“Any water design feature can create a relaxing vibe and brightens any space with its brilliant bluey reflective hues,” said Rachel. “The feature doesn’t have to be big; water features can create that zen vibe without a massive loss of square metres.
She said a water feature matched with outdoor porcelain pavers will create a beautiful coastal feel. Just make sure your outdoor wall colour matches the neutrality of your paver to maximise this gorgeous aesthetic.
“On the other hand, you could opt for a darker paver which will give off a stunning, smooth modern feel that is sure to impress. And by opting for outdoor porcelain pavers, you have a durable and long-lasting surface that is slip-resistant and can handle exposure to any household chemicals.
“Installing them with pedestals or raised supports is perfect for renters and small spaces with open joints creating great drainage which will solve any outdoor bath spills.”
Add that firepit flare
Rachel said that while a firepit may seem unrealistic for a smaller backyard, there is a range of smaller braziers or fire pits available that overcome the challenge. “A fire pit is a design feature that draws the eye at a social gathering and is where people will naturally gravitate to.
“If you have modest space, try a freestanding outdoor fireplace to utilise that limited space you have, just make sure you check your fire regulations before installing this one.
“This, combined with a stone or wooden bench a safe distance around your brazier and a basalt grey paver as the base and some pot plants can create an amazing wanderlust sanctuary. Adding outdoor porcelain pavers with a concrete base can be the perfect accessory to this area, as pavers can be used as a suitable base thanks to being fireproof and durable.”
Being porcelain, these thicker pavers have excellent durability for outdoor weather with UV fade-resistant qualities and they don’t curl on the edges as some natural stones do.
Gorgeous greenery
An all-natural look can be a soothing focus for creating a hideaway from your nextdoor neighbours or the sprawling neighbourhood you live in, and you don’t need too much room for this!
“This biophilic inspired design is sure to bring you closer to nature,” said Rachel. “It’s all about bringing nature into an overall design narrative, to bring harmony and wellness to the space.
“One of the incredible ways to make the most of limited space is to make a vertical garden which can create a great privacy screen from your neighbours. It can also be used to grow herbs and vegetables for lovely garnishes for those home-cooked meals.
“Outdoor porcelain pavers are easier to maintain than many other types of material and when you lay them out in a diagonal pattern they will actually make your backyard look much larger than it actually is so you can get an expansive feel to your green sanctuary.”
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With sustainability a leading social issue, the pursuit of more environmentally building practices continues apace and can be seen in property developer Mirvac’s new ‘Future Ready Display Home’ in Melbourne’s Altona North. Nestled inside the developer’s $350 million community The Fabric, the display home explores how small choices in the home can have big impacts on the planet.
Mirvac’s Future Ready Display Home
Partnering with 16 Australian brands, Mirvac engaged interior designers Without Studio to curate and style the display home. Visitors to the home can learn more about sustainable furniture, appliances, cleaning, bedding and more with Mirvac’s sustainability collaborators that include Jardan, Koala, Harvey Norman, Smeg, The Plant Society and more.
“Our partnerships with this amazing group of Australia’s most innovative sustainable consumer brands will allow us to collectively connect with and educate our community on how sustainable products can positively impact their daily lives,” says Mirvac’s general manager of Residential Victoria, Elysa Anderson.
Kitchen
Like all homes at The Fabric, the 7-star NatHERS rated Future Ready Display Home is designed to use 27% less energy annually to heat and cool compared to a standard 6-star rated home. With the additional inclusions of energy efficient, fully electric appliances and rooftop solar panels, the home is estimated to deliver substantial savings to customers on energy bills with the opportunity to choose renewable grid power and have a fossil fuel free home.
Lounge room
Lounge and dining room
“Mirvac is at the forefront of driving change in housing sustainability initiatives, and we understand that home efficiency is more important than ever to homeowners. The Future Ready Display Home is part of our long-term goal to improve our residents’ lifestyle by reducing their energy bills and environmental impact,” says Elysa.
Bedroom
Currently over 60 residents across 30 homes live at The Fabric and, upon completion, the development will be home to around 1500 residents across town homes and mid-rise apartments. The development has a strong focus on creating green, landscaped public and private garden spaces set within an urban village. The newly opened 4,000 square metre Patchwork Park is a highlight and features a spiral slide, climbing structures, musical elements, herb garden, barbecues and picnic shelters for everyone to enjoy.
With people spending more time at home than pre-pandemic, our wants and needs of a home are changing. Our predominantly all-white and all-dark homes are ready for something new. To help show us the way, Rebecca Burrows, interior designer at home builder Henley, looks into her 2023 design crystal ball to unpack a suite of design predictions guaranteed to delight and inspire.
Be bold with colour
Rebecca says: “There’s definitely been a move away from white on white. Be brave, be bold and bring in some colour through your cabinetry, furniture or decor items.
“There is a wide spectrum of colours to play with and choose from. If you’re afraid of colour and don’t want to try bright or dark deep jewelled tones, try soft pastel colours. Subtle pinks, greens and blues are popular and offer a nice, calming effect and add a bit of fun to your space.”
Earthy neutrals
“If bold colours are not your thing, palettes with soft earthy neutrals, muted greens, deep mustards and warm browns are beautiful.
“After a decade, there has been a shift away from greys, white and black. This new colour palette from nature reconnects us with the outdoors – these colours are much warmer and create a relaxed, welcoming space. With this shift, matte black tapware is being replaced with brushed nickel, gun metal and bronze.”
Tapping into textures
“We love using different textures. Layering textures will add visual interest to your space. Use textures from nature like, sisal, grass cloth, hessian, clay, stone and wood. Their natural organic shapes add interest. Textured fabrics like leather and boucle are also popular.”
Express yourself
According to Rebecca, it is important to be fun, creative and joyful with your interiors.
“The minimal and uncluttered look is still popular but with a twist. Home décor is taking on a more individualised style, rather than looking like a perfect display home.
“Your home should reflect your personality, passions and interests. Express your personality throughout the space. Avoid mass produced designs and use décor items that are handmade by artisans; or use special treasures you’ve found on a favourite holiday. Items don’t need to be perfect – the more unique, the better. Beauty comes form imperfection and you can mix and match different elements together.”
Organic shapes
“We’ve seen a big shift to curved edges – curves are soft, fluid and organic. Cold, modern elements like sharp edges and glossy finishes are being replaced with soft curves. i.e. vanity basins, kitchen islands, coffee tables.”
While people often argue that dark houses feel small, Melbourne’s Splinter Society would beg to differ. “We use dark colours as a way of focussing attention and framing things. With light colours, everything is washed out and in your face. With dark colours you have more control over what is highlighted – it’s all about creating theatre, intimacy and atmosphere,” says director Chris Stanley. He adds that playing with natural and artificial light is key to the aesthetic which is demonstrated beautifully in this Brunswick East renovation and extension.
A skylight floods the moody lounge room with light. A joinery unit separates it from the kitchen.
Home to a family of five, this small but perfectly formed abode sits on a narrow 4.5-metre-wide block inside a classic single fronted Victorian terrace. Affectionately named Villa Italia in reference to the owners’ Italian heritage, the designers attempted to distill classic Italian qualities into the home. “Our clients are classically Italian in every way. They love simple beautiful things, food, they are very hospitable, and the house is always immaculately clean and well presented,” says Chris.
Green marble features in the kitchen
“The house is very well put together and it’s designed to host people despite being on the smaller side. Australians don’t cope with living in such squishy spaces because we’re not used to it, but Europeans are much better at it. I’ve found that people can be very fulfilled in small spaces,” says Chris who explains that the family decided to sacrifice extra space to stay in the inner city.
Lounge room
A carefully curated open plan space, the kitchen, dining and lounge areas are all designed to serve multiple functions – various seating and dining configurations have been composed to accommodate gatherings with the owners’ large Italian family. For instance, the banquette in the dining area doubles as soft seating for the living area.
“The family eat around the kitchen bench every night – it’s the centrepiece of the home and the ‘dining’ area is used when friends come over. The kids sit at the bar and the adults at the dining table when entertaining,” says Chris.
Kitchen and lounge. Adding another layer of texture, the ceiling features limewash paint applied with a horsehair brush.
Dining. Natural light filters through the central stair behind.
The sophisticated materials palette references the patina of an archetypal Italian village with layered fresco finishes on the walls, bespoke upholstery, textured stonework and parquet timber flooring. Moments of colour are incorporated through the interiors also with with emerald, aquamarine and lapis shades taking centre stage.
Master bedroom
Ensuite
“Drawing on the clients’ heritage, the redesign is guided by qualities often associated with Italian brands: fine craftsmanship, sophistication, elegance, and a touch of luxury.”
Highgrove Bathrooms’ latest vanity range, Wave, features a contemporary design of curved corners with a matt white finish and soft-closing drawers.
Wave is available as both wall and floor-mounted and accommodates your choice of basin and tapware. It comes in sizes from 600mm to 1200mm wide to hold one or two basins in a sealed v-groove finish and your choice of single, double, or triple soft-closing drawers.
The corner unit with a single curved feature end is ideal for compact bathrooms, while the larger floor-mounted double vanity is the perfect choice for open-style bathrooms and ensuites. Prices start from a very affordable $569.
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.”
Festive and full of flavour, this cream cheese olive Christmas tree from Chef Ness is the perfect crowd pleaser. Served it with classic Arnott’s Jatz and Arnott’s Cheds.
Cream cheese olive Christmas tree
Festive and full of flavour, the Arnott’s Cream Cheese Olive Christmas Tree is the perfect Christmas crowd pleaser.
1 cheese slice (1 cm thick)
1 kg cream cheese
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
11/2 cups grated cheddar
2 tbsp chives (finely chopped)
2 x 120 g green olives (marinated, pitted, halved)
80 g pitted kalamata olives (halved)
120 g semi dried tomatoes (sliced)
5 rosemary sprigs
Arnott’s Jatz and Cheds to serve
Using a 5cm star cutter, cut a star from the cheese slice and set aside.
Combine cream cheese, paprika, onion and garlic in large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
Mix in grated cheese and chives.
If your mixture is quite soft, chill for 1 hour or until firm enough to shape. If your mixture is already firm, you can skip this step.
To assemble, place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface, then turn cheese mixture onto plastic wrap.
Using plastic wrap, form mixture into a cone shape (base will need to be about 13cm diameter). Place on a serving platter.Push olives, semi dried tomatoes, and rosemary into the cream cheese to decorate. Top with cheese star.
When it comes to renovating and decorating, space is a major factor to consider, especially if you have a compact floorplan without the luxury to extend its footprint. Ex- Blockheads Brad and Lara Cranfield, recently renovated their dream Byron Bay family home, taking it from shack to shrine with an enhanced and maximised small space.
Before: kitchenAfter: kitchen
They’ve shared their top five design elements to consider when designing your home to maximise space.
Flooring
“Living close to the beach, the interior of our home was always going to be beachy – we wanted it to be light, bright, and make the room feel spacious so that it could stand up to family living – that’s where flooring came in,” says Lara.
“We selected a beautiful light oak timber floor. Not only was this a practical decision, but it also met our budget and desired aesthetic. By selecting lighter flooring, we were able to visually open each room, particularly smaller areas such as the bedrooms and home office, making each look and feel larger.
“Installing the flooring so that it ran along the length of each room was critical in visually elongating the rooms, making them appear larger.”
BeforeAfter
Window furnishings
“Windows play an important role in opening up a space – from letting in natural light to drawing the eye upwards or towards the outdoors – so how they are dressed needs to be carefully considered,” says Lara.
“For our large sliding doors on each end of the house, we opted for Veri Shades, installing them from floor to ceiling to help emphasise our high ceilings. Unlike many shade track systems that can be bulky and distract the eye, Veri Shades feature simple and sleek tracks helping them look elegant and sophisticated.”
Before
After
Lighting and colour palette
“If budget allows, adding a skylight or larger windows that sit from floor to ceiling will help make any space feel and look larger. Ensuring your home has enough access to natural light is essential in helping it feel spacious, bright, and open,” says Lara.
“Using light coloured paint on the walls and ceiling will also help maximise the space and work alongside the natural light to brighten your home. If you opt for a darker paint, less natural light will be reflected within the home and artificial light will be muted.”
Open living plan
“To maximise space, we knocked down all adjoining walls to create a large, open plan living area. As some of the walls were load bearing, we had to add ceiling beams. Eliminating these walls has changed the way that we live – I can now see where the family is and what they’re up to, which is great when you have young children,” says Lara.
BeforeAfter
Scale and storage
“Make sure that you select the right scale furniture for a space – and that doesn’t always mean including small items for small rooms! Large furnishings can still be put into a small room. And remember, less is more, so if a room is cluttered make sure you declutter and take any unnecessary items out.
“You also want your room to be functional – you may create a beautiful room on paper, however in reality it doesn’t always work. Built in furniture, like a banquette with storage or a coffee table that works as a box, allows you to enjoy the room and your home free of unnecessary clutter.”
There’s no doubt about it; installing or replacing your floors, is one of the major expenses of any reno or build. But it can also be the biggest gamechanger for your interior! So when the chance for a genuine 20% saving is on offer, and from one of Australia’s most beautiful flooring providers, Kustom Timber, it’s a good idea to jump on it!
From forest to floor, Kustom Timber deliver an end to end turnkey service – a company first for engineered hardwood timber flooring specialists in Australia. Treading the industry boards (pardon the pun!) since 2013, they’re involved in all facets of the supply, install and preservation of responsibly sourced, FSC certified, premium European Oak for residential, commercial and hospitality projects.
While the sale, on until 31 December 2022, applies to supply only, the company can help you with every aspect of design, install and maintenance too.
“We choose the trees; we source the timber; we customise the product with a natural spectrum of in-house stains plus custom finishes; and with our specialist team, install flooring (including stairs) across the country,” says co-founder Mark Chaz. “Our job isn’t complete until our customers are expertly briefed on the maintenance and aftercare of our finished results.”
Based in Melbourne with showrooms in South Yarra, Mornington and now Geelong, co-founders Mark Chaz and Tristan Tiller bring over 35 years of combined industry expertise to the company. Mark gained his hands-on expertise in the family business installing, polishing and sanding floors, whilst Tristan, who oversees product acquisition – from sourcing through to production and delivery – comes from a buying background for Australia’s largest retail businesses. Forging relationships with major timber suppliers throughout Europe has enabled the company to develop Australia’s highest quality timber flooring range.
Kustom Timber offers five distinct collections with more than 30 unique shades and finishes. Unlike their competitors, these customised elements are devised in-house to maintain optimum consistency between colour batches and surface patinas with the option to create bespoke tones if requested.
Habitatis the largest, comprising premium European Oak available in four widths with shades ranging from beach house blondes to saturated mocha browns, while Como offers extra-long and wide floorboards for larger spaces. Peninsula speaks to the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula’s shores with a refined selection of timber washes, textures and knots articulating European Oak. Resonating with abundant pigment depth, Immerse features the most textural woodgrains. Finally, Atelier is an Italian timber range available in four pre-finished colours, as well as a natural raw clean grade timber which can be stained to set the tone, perfect for that custom project.
“The high expectations we place upon ourselves guarantee low maintenance for the end user,” adds Mark. “Every board is heat and moisture treated by our dedicated team and is scratch tested to ensure we use the perfect coating weight to guarantee peak performance prior to installing. Our honed polishing techniques add the finishing touch plus by utilising eco-conscious solutions, which enhance durability without toxic fumes, our customers can settle back in sooner.”
Designed specifically to weather Australia’s dry conditions, Kustom Timber floors retain their original foundation with minimal seasonal expansion and contraction thanks to the stability of their multi-layer plywood construction engineering and can be laid in myriad patterns. They range from plank, herringbone and chevron styles to more elaborate arrangements including square-on-square and basketweave motifs, amongst others.
Mark says unlike competitors, who only offer a 2mm surface, all Kustom Timber’s engineered boards are designed to have a 4mm veneer surface. “This gives our customers the same depth of timber above the joint as a solid timber board and allows floors to be refinished and restored the same way whilst using substantially less wood and reducing costs. For this reason, we can proudly offer a 25-year structural guarantee and a 10-year installation warranty for our flooring installations.”
You want to maintain your investment and keep it looking its best, so completing their suite of services, Kustom Timber also offer extensive care and maintenance packages – from professional cleaning and nourishing treatments to sanding, polishing and refining existing floors (including outdoor decking). They are also experienced in timber restoration including staircases, floors and wall panelling.
And they’re not just for Melbourne homeowners. Having established their reputation amongst Victoria’s boutique builders, architects and interior designers, in recent years Kustom Timber has solidified its offering to other states, particularly along the East Coast and abroad. Its internal team provides site measure and installation services as far north as Brisbane. Certified contractors collaborate with them for locations further afield unless clients specifically request their services.
Extensive remote support is readily available for those requiring services outside Victoria, including virtual showroom tours. Electronic brochures plus product samples with specific stains and finishes can be ordered online.
They strive to not simply to create products, but to comprehend the person who is going to use them. Sales staff with design-focused backgrounds have a thorough knowledge of the collections (timber species and colour ranges, plus oil and lacquer finishes that best compliment specific timbers) and can address installation queries through to maintenance advice.
From the latest high-tech ovens and fridges to hit the market to beautiful stone-look porcelain panels, building the kitchen of your dreams has never been easier.
Artedomus MAXIMUM porcelain panels: An expansion to an existing range, the latest MAXIMUM porcelain panels range from complex and intriguing burgundy veining, to warm, golden tones and earthy textures. Comprised of four new designs (Viola, Damascato, Roccia and Luna), these panels recreate the beauty of natural stone in a highly durable, low-maintenance finish that can be used on walls, floors and surfaces making them ideal for the kitchen.
Artedomus MAXIMUM porcelain panels in Luna
Artedomus MAXIMUM porcelain panels in Luna
AEG 90cm SensePro PyroLuxe Multifunction 16 Oven in matte black: With built-in assisted cooking (the oven comes with a food sensor that you can insert into your food ensuring maximum precision), you can control how you would prefer food cooked and this oven will do the rest. Self-cleaning, this oven also allows you to scroll through menus, select a food category and the oven will generate the correct settings for the dish. Amazing!
Essastone: A new range of European-inspired engineered stone has joined the Essastone collection and it celebrates classic looks through intricate veining and luxe finishes. The new range includes Warm Taupe (a light taupe with a speckled appearance), Vena Grigia (a creamy white enhanced by grey veining), and Light Concrete which is suggestive of classic concrete with its restrained texture and off-white background. Like all Essastone products, the new finishes recreate the appearance of natural stone while remaining cost-effective and durable.
Essastone Vena Grigia
LG Fridge: With home entertaining on the rise, LG has just launched its latest French Door refrigerator range and it features the LG Craft ice maker which creates slow-melting ice balls ideal for cocktails. Water flows straight from the fridge door and we love the LG InstaView™ Door-in-Door® feature which, with two quick knocks, illuminates the fridge’s sleek glass panel allowing you to see inside.
Methven: With the kitchen considered the heart of a home, it’s no surprise that renovating or building a new kitchen will reach record highs in 2022 according to the HIA Kitchen & Bathroom Report 2020-21. The kitchen mixer is a key component to any fabulous kitchen and, from space saving to pull-out goose neck iterations, there’s one for every space at Methven.
Methven Urban pull out sink mixer
The Methven Kiri sink mixer is a great space-saving alternative
ARKE: In a market dominated by plastic gadgets, Swedish design company Aarke has just launched a sparkling water maker in stainless steel with glass bottle. Called the Carbonator Pro, the stylish kitchen accessory is practical too – you only need one hand to use it.
Scarabeo Ceramiche UP sink: Available locally from Paco Jaanson, the UP sink features eye-catching raised edges and was inspired by ancient ceramic design. It’s available in a smooth matte black or glossy white finish and features antibacterial properties too.
5 stylish kitchen design trends to look out for in 2023
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As great as the festive season is, for many of us Christmas can be a stressful time with hosting duties expected of us. It’s hard enough to keep the house clean and tidy let alone make it scream Christmas spirit for visiting family and friends! Thankfully with Christmas just around the corner, property stylist Justine Wilson has shared her top Christmas styling tips for 2022:
1. The main event – a tree!
There are so many styles and price points that there is something for everyone. From real trees to real touch trees, to sparse looking, or snow-covered, pre-lit or plain, there are so many to choose from. This year I have been a big fan of the ones available at Target which are beautiful and very affordable, or for a more top end fuller tree my other favourites are Alfresco Emporium and Balsam Hill, these trees will last a lifetime.
2. Ornaments
You can’t have a beautiful Christmas tree without lovely decorations or ornaments and as with Christmas tree styles, ornaments are just as varied. A traditional colour palette of gold and silver is timeless and my pick this year. Alternatively, you can go for the minimal Nordic look marked by bead garland and handmade wood ornaments, or a more traditional tree adorned with red and gold tones and lots of ribbon and trimmings. Pick a style that reflects you and your family for the best impact. David Jones always has beautiful ornaments as do Pottery Barn and Adairs.
3. Tablescapes
One of the highlights of any Christmas is the Christmas feast! Whether you gather for a family breakfast, lunch, or dinner, whatever your tradition, having a beautifully styled table will always set the tone. A tablescape can be as simple as a run of garland and a few candle votives, or it can be an elaborate setup that mirrors the style of your tree. My tips for a magical table are in the small details, such as place cards so everyone feels welcome, nice napkins and simple under-plate chargers – charger plates can dress up any crockery set and adds a sense of occasion to the meal.
4. Wreaths
Nothing says welcome like a beautiful Christmas wreath at your front door and like Christmas trees – the style you opt for will depend on your overall decorating theme. It could be a beautiful native wreath, a flocked snowy wreath, a glittery wreath, or simple greenery. Real or faux they make a beautiful statement and add that festive touch to your home’s entry. This season my favourite wreaths can be found at Tara Dennis Store and The Christmas Cart.
5. Pets
Last but not least get your furry friends involved this Christmas. I have three beautiful dogs who love a dress-up and of course new Christmas themed toys and beds that also act as decorations in their spaces.
When interior designer Rachel Collard first perused this 1940s Mount Martha beachside shack, she had every intention of knocking it down and replacing it with a brand new build. But instead, she fell in love with the area (there’s hot springs, wineries, breweries and miles of beach) and decided to perform a cosmetic flip on the abode which she has affectionately titled Miss Morris. With a comfortable work/life balance as the goal, Rachel splits her time between Melbourne and the home which is also available to rent for short stays.
Lounge room
“The home’s maximalist feel came from me wanting to be able to give other people and myself an alternative to the normal cookie-cutter homes in the suburbs. So I decided to play with colour and have fun so when that people come and stay at Miss Morris they feel like they’re on a getaway,” says Rachel who runs her own business, R&Co.Design.Studio.
Bedroom
In describing the maximalist design aesthetic in general, Rachel explains that while most people think it’s just a huge amount of stuff and colour thrown into a room, all the choices are very deliberate.
“It’s about getting the balance of colours and textures right. Everything is very considered, despite how it looks,” says Rachel who recently went on interior designer Simone Haag’s tour of LA where she got to experience some incredible homes in the maximalist vein.
“What struck me was how much fun they have over there with materials and colour. Nothing is safe and it’s about personality and not fitting in with trends,” says Rachel who shares her top maximalist tips with us today.
Kitchen
Bathroom
Layering The layering of materials and finishes is central to the look. “For example, if you paired striped and spotted fabrics you would need to include a plain or flat surface to offset them. It’s about creating negative and positive spaces as well as breathing space,” says Rachel. It’s important to get the scale of your patterns and textures right too – finding the right balance helps make a home feel considered and not chaotic.
“Grouping is another important part of laying. Put a cluster of objects/vases or plants in one corner then leave the other bare to give the eye a break,” says Rachel.
Rachel in the lounge room
Colour “Start with cool or warm palette and then commit to that. Colour is a feeling. Does it make you feel happy? Does it make you want cosy up on the couch? For me it’s important to create emotion when you move into a space,” says Rachel.
Rachel always wanted to use colour in this home as she didn’t want white, blank canvas walls. Obsessed with pink at the time, a custom Porter’s Paint blush shade adorns the walls and Porter’s Paints’ Glasshouse transformed the home’s timber floor. A seafoam green, the floor colour references the ocean and was designed to bring the outside in.
Children’s room
Go bold or go home “Don’t worry about what other people think. If this is a style you love, keep going on that journey. Most people can’t create this type of look. It’s about having faith in what you can achieve and sticking to your guns,” says Rachel.
When Rachel embarked on this home, most people thought her design brief wouldn’t work but feedback has been nothing but positive. “It’s big and bold and people remember it.”
It’s that fun time of year where we can start to consider what trends will define 2023. Wallpaper remains a key complement to creating the perfect ambience, as colour and pattern continue to have a meaningful impact in our homes. So, to help you decide on next years wallpaper and colour, Superfreso Easy’s trend and deign expert Paula Taylor has shared her insights on what to expect.
Grecian Grey Wallpaper
Neutrals
Traditional neutrals such as grey, taupe, and timber brown add calmness and sophistication to interior home design and will always be popular due to its subtleness, while warmer rich tones will pull through in 2023. According to Paula, terracotta red and rich browns are coming to the fore. Celadon green and navy will still remain key.
Neutrals introduce a calming atmosphere that is often balanced with darker layers. Silvery geometric outlines deliver wallpaper that is both masculine and contemporary. Styling is easy, work with black and grey interiors. Alternatively, bring colour back the space by selecting colourful soft furnishings that will act as a fun feature look.
Wall Panel Grey Wallpaper
Teal is a shift away from true greens, but brings subtle green and blue elements of the ocean and nature to interiors, without the blaring intensity other greens and blues bring. The Contour Tegula Teal (RRP $93.50) wallpaper design oozes style with sophisticated copper detailing. This product is extra durable and designed to suit your bathroom or kitchen needs.
Tegula Teal Wallpaper
Wood, brick, panels and tiles
2023 will see a lot of realistic wallpapers that replicate wood, bricks, panels, and tiles. “This is a much easier and inexpensive way to achieve a look or trend in your room than going to the expense of the real thing,” says Paula. “Biophilia is still a key trend. Bring the outside in with lush green imagery and combining this with the realistic woods creates a really contemporary vibe.” Paula also notes geometrics will continue to be popular in 2023. “Repetitive grids and fine lines bring harmony to a room and reduces stress and anxiety,” said Paula.
Natural Wood Clad Wallpaper
For those seeking middle ground between stripes and shapes, geometric wallpaper designs are a popular option. Tile-themed wallpaper and its simplified, structured design is on trend. Geometric arrangements with monochrome colour schemes offer pattern and routine, bringing a sense of tradition and comfort to rooms. The Contour Grecian Black wallpaper transports you to a traditional Greek island. Extra durable, this wallpaper is designed to suit your bathroom or kitchen needs.
Giving a naturally rustic, cosy feel to rooms, wood effect wallpapers are perfect for delivering a traditional aesthetic. Bringing a wood effect wallpaper into a contemporary space delivers modern rustic appeal. Superfresco Easy’s wooden slats Natural Wood Clad design adds depth and style to any interior space with its 3D design.
Grecian Black Wallpaper
Add a touch of architectural detail to walls through timber panel designs. Providing depth and definition to walls, wood panelling look wallpaper also adds a chic look. The Superfresco Easy Wooden Panel design brings an element of luxury to any space.
Once a major investment in a home’s look, wallpaper is now a design element that can be easily changed with the trends thanks to removable options like Superfresco Easy. Its ‘paste the wall’ technology allows homeowners and even renters alike to quickly put up wallpaper without the need for messy pasting tables and can be peeled off by hand without fear of ruining the wall beneath.
Located in the NSW Southern Highlands, this Burradoo manor home was purchased by a couple keen to use it as a weekend retreat and as the grandparent’s retirement home. Dana Tosolini of Concepts Interior Design transformed the home into a modern, elegant and functional abode that draws on the surrounding countryside for inspiration.
BEFORE living roomAFTER living room
The owners wanted someone fresher and more inviting, and for it to feel more congruent with living in the Southern Highlands while servicing several generations. “Sara and Danny wanted an alternative home in the country that would suit theirs and the grandparents’ tastes. There also needed to be extra room for the kids to roam and a spare room for when guests stay over,” says Dana.
BEFORE bathroomAFTER bathroom
The kitchen went from a tired cream affair with dated flourishes to a much cleaner, more sophisticated space. “The existing kitchen colours, finishes and lighting were dated and the flow of the kitchen did not suit a homeowner who loves cooking,” says Dana who enlarged the island bench in response to the owner’s culinary predilections. “We doubled the bench size in width and created a comfy seating area to the side for coffee and conversation,” says Dana.
BEFORE kitchenAFTER kitchen
Nearby, the dining room features an antique style pendant light alongside Iksel’s beautiful ‘Italian Panoramic’ wallpaper mural. “It is dramatic yet classic and really suits the Southern Highlands area. It really sets the tone of the room,” says Dana, who came recommended by a friend who’d worked with her after finding her on Houzz.com.au.
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AFTER Dining room
What makes this project quite remarkable is that because it commenced shortly after lockdown restrictions set in, it was managed entirely online through the Houzz Pro tool. Dana was able to meet the homeowners safely and build rapport from a distance using a set of remote communication and online collaboration tools. For the entire length of the project, in person consultations were replaced with video meetings over Zoom. Incredibly, Dana didn’t even step foot in the house until delivery day!
Our Christmas Gift Guide is now live and, as well as it being chock full of stylish options for your friends who love their homes (and yourself, naturally!), there’s so much more that makes it great!
On page 2 of the guide, you’ll find an amazing competition to enter for your chance to win a $500 giftcard from Fenton & Fenton. Whether you want to spend it on gifts, amazing Christmas decor or some statement homewares, the choice will be yours!
And last but not least, many of the brands featured are offering you an exclusive discount code, with savings of up to 25%, even after the Black Friday sales are over!
There’s homewares, art, fashion, candle, bath and body, jewellery and much much more!
Sara Adams, the artist behind Stella Patrice, knows the purpose of her art: “I create art to evoke feel-good emotions such as calmness, warmth or playfulness – we all need more of this in our lives, don’t you agree?”. But, in such a chaotic world, what drove her to dedicate her life and art to spreading positivity?
With such a soothing painting style, one could think that Sara’s life has been nothing but zen, however like all of us, Sara has had her struggles with stress. “I had an 18-year career in mental health and public health before burnout got the better of me late 2021 and I went on stress leave.” Sara turned to her old passion. “I explored my creativity, through embroidery first (my first small business was an embroidery kit business), then I grew confidence to explore digital art,” said Sara.
Since deciding to explore her creative side Sara has gone from strength to strength. “My creative confidence grew more and I made the leap to acrylic painting only six months ago.” These paintings have now become her first range of art prints for sale.
Despite moving away from her role in mental health, Sara carries characteristics of her old job with her. “I have a strong sense of social justice so I am pleased I dedicated the first half of my working life to helping others. I love a good debate about politics and recognise the role art can play in sparking important social and political conversations. However, for me art is about pure pleasure for the senses; almost as a form of escapism from real life! I think that is why I make slightly minimalistic art as I like to keep it simple, not overwhelm.”
Sara’s prints start at $90 and can be bought online.
