Tag: 2017

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Expert Tips The Block

Block’s Greville Pabst shares tips ahead of Sunday’s auctions

Greville Pabst

By Greville Pabst

This season of The Block is about to come to an end, but we still have one main event left before we say goodbye to the beautiful houses on Regent Street in Elsternwick. The contestants have been working very hard for three months to save five houses from demolition and transforming them into dream properties.

If you are thinking about selling your home, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the best possible outcome on auction day. Here are 10 tips and tricks you should consider before putting your home on the market:

Restore the old: The front part of the houses on The Block are old period homes and the contestants have done a great job in restoring these original details that have a charm that can’t be replaced, such as fireplaces and crown moulding. Hannah and Clint have even kept the bulky old-fashioned light fittings, but given them a modern touch that ties in well with the period charm.

Add more light: Many of the contestants have done this really well by making the most of the natural light. I was impressed by the large cathedral ceiling and skylight that Sarah and Jason added in their hallway, as it gives you that wow factor and also creates a bright welcoming feeling as soon as you step through the front door.

Jason and Sarah’s light-filled hallway

Fresh curtains and blinds: The sun can easily make the colour fade and it is a quick DIY job to install some new modern ones.

Replace outdated fixtures: A quick, easy and cost-effective fix that will make a huge difference to the look of the house, is to replace old doorknobs and handles. Such a simple change in the kitchen and bathroom can make a massive difference.

Light zones: In four of the five houses, the kitchen, living and dining area is one large open space. Ronnie and Georgia took their open area and created a different mood in each zone by using clever lighting. Carefully planned lighting creates space and purpose to an area.

Bathroom updates: Whitening the grout between bathroom tiles will make a noticeable difference and instantly make the bathroom feel more fresh and clean.

Refresh and repaint all doors: It is particularly important to pay attention to the front door, as this is one of the first thing a potential buyer will see when walking up towards your house. You can make an impressive entrance just by repainting the door and updating the door handle. Jason and Sarah added a beautiful double door, while Hannah and Clint painted their door in a light pink. Have a look around the street you’re in and see what is suitable for the street appeal.

Hannah and Clint’s front door

Replace old yellowing electrical covers: While you’re at the hardware store, pick up some fresh, bright new covers for your light switch and power point covers – throw out the old yellowing ones covered in dust and the kids’ fingerprints. Again, this is quick, easy and cost effective, and will make the house look fresh and modern.

High pressure clean: Make sure to clean the house properly before inspection. And remember, it’s not just the inside that matters — a high-pressure clean of the driveway/paved outdoor area can make a huge difference.

Landscaping improvements: More often than not, an auction is held out the front of the property. This is where first and final impressions happen. Make sure you have trimmed the trees and bushes and cut the grass to make the property inviting. All the contestants restored the period features of the front properties, except Ronnie and Georgia, who gave it a more modern look by painting their house black and adding tiles to the veranda. 

Ronnie and Georgia’s bold facade

With the auction only a few days away, I am sure the contestants are getting really excited (and nervous) about the outcome. There is nothing like The Block auctions — anything can happen!

–Greville is CEO and executive chairman of WBP Group and one of the buyer’s advocates on The Block. He is a regular commentator on Sky News and the daily papers such as Herald Sun, the AFR and The Australian, helping everyday Australians make better property decisions.

Greville Pabst

The Block auction is on Sunday night at 7pm on Nine. We’d love to know who you think will win and why? Please comment below!

Categories
Bedrooms Homewares

You’ll want to stay in bed with the new Linen House collection

Not that I need much persuasion to stay in, being a total homebody, but Linen House’s Winter 2017 collection sure does make it seem like a good idea! As ever, they’ve included an impressive number of completely different styles and trends in one collection.

Although it’s hard to imagine wanting to snuggle up and get cosy if you’re in the Sydney heat this week, we’re loving these tribal textures and patterns, rich in thick embroidery, natural rustic weaving, quilting, printing, faux furs, velvets and knits, detailed with pom-poms and tassels.

Black and white and accents of rust emerge throughout the entire collection. Complementing the bohemian theme are their new decorative baskets (and we all know you can never have too many of them!) made in Rwanda.

The evolution of chenille continues with Sanura – a white-on-white lattice pattern, exquisite when paired with black and white cushions and throws.  I seriously love this one!

Despite all this, the brand, a family-owned business based in Melbourne, say minimalism is also still a focus, with the simple design of Hemsworth, a grey marle cotton jersey, comfortable like your favourite lived-in t-shirt.

Other styles this season include the signature pure linen range, printed digital textures, floral, art-inspired abstracts and quilted geometrics, all in contemporary, neutral colours.

The Linen House Winter 2017 Collection is available at leading retailers and department stores nationally and online from next month. For stockist details or call 1300 350 886.

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Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Top five kitchen appliance trends for 2017

New year, new you? More like new year, new kitchen! ILVE’s Australian managing director Jamey Colbert shares his insight on kitchen trends for this year:

1. Steam ovens
A demand for more nutritious meals saw steam cooking start to become a prominent and integral part of day-to-day life in 2016 and it looks like the trend is still running full steam ahead in 2017.

2. Streamlined design
Concealed rangehoods are all the rage as they are specifically designed to blend in with the kitchen ceiling and create a minimalistic space. Big statement-piece island hoods are out!

3. Black glass finish
The huge popularity of stainless steel appliances has always been driven by availability, but with advancements in manufacturing technology, there are many alternatives about to be launched into the marketplace in 2017. The ILVE 70cm black glass induction cooktop is definitely the most coveted appliance in my kitchen.

4. Coloured appliances
Stainless steel appliances? Yawn. Colour is the easiest (and funnest) way to make your kitchen pop. There are plenty of small and large appliances to create a unique and personalised kitchen space, from the retro designs by Smeg to the modern and funky K-Mix colour selection by Kenwood. ILVE even offers freestanding cookers in over 1,600 different custom colours! A personal favourite is my electric blue K-Mix toaster; it adds much needed colour to my largely black and white kitchen.

5. Outdoor living
The boundaries between indoor and outdoor living will become more fused than ever before and the outdoor area, whether it be a compact balcony or a sprawling back garden, will truly be seen as an extension of the home. This means people will be investing more into quality outdoor furniture as well as stainless steel barbecues as they are resistant to humidity, salt spray and weathering, perfect for the Aussie elements. It will become popular for consumers to plan their outdoor living space in a similar way to designing their kitchen.

–With over 60 years of heritage the ILVE brand is dedicated to bringing its unique brand of Italian hand craftsmanship to the passionate home and professional cooks of Australia.

Categories
Homewares

Top six tile trends for 2017

Beaumont Tiles’ design specialist Christie Wood outlines six trends for 2017. It’s less about which tiles and more how we put them together.

EARTH  

This trend may be designed by man but has the earth very much at its heart. It’s a return to nature, the original masterpiece, where you surround yourself with the art of the ages. The stone look is very big in this trend and using natural tones that actually bring the outdoors inside. The earth trend is working in cohort with nature, rather than enforcing another style on it.  It’s about a calming, relaxing sanctuary ambience. In earth, you can also be very high contrast with your material choices to amp up the wow return.

earth-6

earth-5

RAW

We’re moving from the industrial trend into a rawer, unconventional ambience where imperfection (often hidden or disguised) is being brought to the fore.

Raw is about items that are found or unearthed and been naturally affected over time, they have character and age. For example you may be renovating a home and come across a beautiful fireplace – it’s about stripping  it back to what it once was, and celebrating the beauty of it.  It could be an old fence, wall or door. Or it may be handmade. Something that is part of what’s gone before is very grounding and demonstrates that we’re all part of a time continuum. Concrete, unfinished timber-look tiles, handmade or irregularly shaped tiles feature here.  

raw-3

FORMATION 

Formation is the materialisation of a concept into a design. It’s where surfaces are shaped, moulded and fashioned with the eye of the designer. They are laid out to capture light, shade or to create a transition to carry the eye. Each piece has its own contour or shape to create pattern with a myriad of applications.  Hexagons, triangles and cubic tiles feature in this trend which can be spectacularly outside your comfort zone or as a subtle background design to lift a space. 3D tiles are new kids on the block and beautiful examples are coming from Europe, particularly Spain.

formation

MONOCHROME

Black and white makes a classic entrance but its extrovert temperament runs stripes all over the rest. Shades of grey soften the hard edges, and metallic embellishments are the finale to completing the luxurious look. The new monochrome encompasses all shades of grey too. Monochrome is a confident contrast that people feel good and comfortable about.  For example you can use black and white across the floor but it would take a bold personality to do that with other colours. You can experience it with different elements, for example shapes, or patterns, and take it in different directions by introducing a burst unexpected colours.

monochrome

NOSTALGIA

In a rapidly changing world where every day we face uncertainty and change, we’re finding comfort in by gone eras. This is about the weight of history (in fact, anything that is memory related) whether it’s exposing retro, 70s, 50s, even the 90s. You can go all out or use subtlety but it’s about bringing a memory back to life and revelling in that memory. In particular retro is making a huge comeback and will be the next big thing after Scandi. There’s plenty of choices in this trend: older look timbers, subway tiles, fans, penny rounds and chevrons from the thirties.

BURST

Don’t hold back; let it burst out in colourful and contrasting energy! Like a curator’s enthusiasm for exquisite pieces, surround yourself with joyful style choices. Multiple textures, colours, and materials are combined in seemingly random composition to make a room pop. Burst is all about splashes of the eccentric and idiosyncratic to create positive and vibrant spaces that ooze personality. Experiment and play with elements like tile structure and texture or coloured fittings to set a room apart from all others and go bold to make it scream character.

burst

 —Beaumont Tiles is Australia’s biggest retailer of tiles and bathroom with 111 outlets across most states. Their buyers travel the globe to bring back the best in tile designs.  www.tile.com.au

Categories
RENO ADDICT The Block

Applications are open for The Block 2017!

If you’ve always sat there watching The Block thinking ‘I could do that,’ then now is your chance! You have until 4 February 2017 to get your application in for the next series. You’ll need to be available for 10-to-12 weeks from April 2017.

the-block-applications-2017

Here are the guidelines and requirements:

  • Couples must be aged between 18-65, energetic and with a sense of humour.
  • First round couples will be reduced to final participants in the first week of filming.
  • Successful couples must be available for a 10-12 week shoot period from April 2017. Exact dates to be confirmed closer to filming.
  • Location of The Block is to be confirmed.
  • You will NOT be able to work during the shoot period.
  • Previous home renovation experience is an asset, but not required from both partners.
  • Long term couples, family teams and enduring friendships need only apply.
  • Submissions accepted from Australia wide.
  • Successful participants will be paid a nominal weekly fee during filming of The Block to cover basic living costs and expenses.
  • You must complete all elements of the application, including providing photos and video, or your application will not be reviewed.
  • Applications can only be made online. Hardcopy submissions will not be accepted or processed.
  • McGregor Casting will carefully review applications for consideration of inclusion in The Block. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by March 2017.
  • Due to the volume of applications, only successful applicants will be notified.
  • Follow McGregor Casting on Facebook for any updates or announcements.
 Ready to apply? Find out more.
Categories
Designers Expert Tips

12 interior trend predictions for 2017

Image: Tamara Armstrong | Houzz

With 2017 just around the corner, Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design, have shared what they expect to see more of in our homes next year.

1. Green is meant to be seen. With a surge in eco-consciousness and garden-to-table living, leafy, botanic greens have been dug up in homes this year. Couple that with Pantone’s colour of the year Greenery promising a fresh, reinvigorated start and we think green will be a big colour for 2017.

Image: The Room Illuminated | Houzz
Image: The Room Illuminated | Houzz

2. Porcelain surfaces. While porcelain isn’t a modern material, it’s a relative newcomer as a surface material. It’s hard-wearing, virtually non-porous and can take on a variety of looks that could make it ‘the’ material of the future.

3. Experimental tiles. We’ve had a lot of fun with tiles this year from oversized slabs to striking 3D shapes, and even fun new ways of laying tile patterns. Expect to see more of that next year.

Image: Alexandra Crafton | Houzz
Image: Alexandra Crafton | Houzz

4. Free-spirited decorating. Homeowners are increasingly inspired to experiment with styles and products that suit their personalities and not necessarily follow trends. It’s the idea that a home is decorated for us, and inspired by us.

Image: Lisa Atkinson | Houzz
Image: Lisa Atkinson | Houzz

5. Nomadic nuances. We’re seeing primitive, raw materials, an increasing appreciation for artisan objects, crafts and techniques, new patterns inspired by exotic global cultures, and rich desert tones such as tangy oranges, dusky pinks and buttery yellows.

6. Rough and ready fabrics. Natural, textural fabrics will continue to set the mood for 2017 – think raw fabrics such as linen, heavy cotton, canvas, hemp and wool; roughed up with unfinished edges, salt-washing and even tea-dying.

Image: Nikki To Photography | Houzz
Image: Nikki To Photography | Houzz

7. Swinging seventies. We’ve already seen the ’70s influence popping up, but Houzz experts predict we’ll continue to revisit this era in 2017. Look out for house plants, jewel colours, macrame, surfer artwork, terracotta, and bright kaleidoscope and abstract patterns.

Image: Tamara Armstrong | Houzz
Image: Tamara Armstrong | Houzz

8. Forget the upper cabinets. We’ve seen some fun alternatives to upper kitchen cabinets this year, with many homeowners opting for easy-to-reach open shelves, striking bench-to-ceiling feature splashbacks, or neat niches. What’s next for 2017?

9. Rethinking beige. Once a mainstay in homes across the country, beige has sort of been getting a bad rap in recent years with the popularity of greys. But designers are starting to rethink beige-based neutrals, giving the palette a refreshing update for the modern world.

10. Playful bedside pendant lights. Forget boring old table lamps. Pendant lights free up bedside space for nightstand essentials, especially helpful in small rooms.

Image: Andrew Snow Photography | Houzz
Image: Andrew Snow Photography | Houzz

11. Romantic bedroom colours. Most homeowners strive for a calm and cosy bedroom by sticking with walls painted in soothing whites, greys and blues. According to a recent Houzz Bedroom survey, intimate or romantic falls behind as the fifth-most desired atmosphere for a master bedroom after calm and cosy. Bring the love back and look to colours like raspberry pink, deep ruby red, caramel and even black.

12. White and wood kitchens. When it comes to cabinets and splashbacks, the colour white dominates in kitchens. To keep the all-white look from becoming too sterile, designers and homeowners are introducing wood accents to help break up the look visually and provide much needed warmth — we expect to see more of that in 2017.

Image: Suzi Appel Photography | Houzz
Image: Suzi Appel Photography | Houzz

–With a community of more than 40 million unique monthly users and nearly 1.5 million active home renovation and design professionals, Houzz has unique insights into how people are designing their homes.

Categories
Designers Expert Tips

The top 10 interior design trends for 2016/17

Image source: Bonnie and Neil

By Kerena Berry

When it comes to self-expression, interior design has become every bit as important as the outfit you’re wearing right now (hopefully you’re not reading this while wearing an ancient pair of trackie dacks). Like fashion, design trends change with the seasons, but here are 10 movements in interior design that will be making waves for the next 12 months.

1. Two-tone kitchens

Image source: Gisbert Poeppler
Image source: Gisbert Poeppler

Stark and bold, the two-tone kitchen purposely limits colour range to create diversity in other ways, most notably finishes. From afar, the simple palette is deceptive because on closer scrutiny, brave combinations of textures reveal the complexity of the design. Rustic finishes on cabinets may not marry well with marble benches in your imagination, but in reality can work beautifully, creating a dramatic textural statement brought to life by the two-tone approach.

2. Wall tiles outside the kitchen and bathroom

Image source: Bonnie and Neil
Image source: Bonnie and Neil

Wall tiles are on the move, no longer trapped in their traditional domains. They’re migrating from kitchens and bathrooms to become features in common areas, and the effect is stunning. Now that they’re making their mark as ornamental bling in living areas, the humble tile is now enjoying a rapid evolution as designers compete to think outside the box and produce work that is aesthetically and practically superior. Tile designers are pushing the boundaries of shape, colour and functionality.

3. Mirrors as decor

Image source: The Hoxton
Image source: The Hoxton

They’ve always been a handy way to trick the eye into believing a room has greater dimensions (or simply to make sure we’re gorgeous), but mirrors are now being used much more creatively. With an increasingly diverse range of shapes and colours, you can throw out your old notions of where a mirror belongs, and start considering them as a feature that will add vibrance to any room. As with the more unorthodox use of tiles, consider using mirrors as decorative elements rather than functional items.

4. Wallpaper becoming more a part of the room

Image source: Clarke & Clarke
Image source: Clarke & Clarke

Finally shedding the yolk of tradition, wallpaper is making a comeback by becoming a more active element in a room’s styling. Rather than a backdrop, it becomes a partner for furniture by matching wallpaper pattern with fabrics. This brave combination generates a striking effect on the eye that is currently inspiring a wallpaper renaissance.

5. High-gloss cabinetry

Image source: Kate Coughlin Interiors
Image source: Kate Coughlin Interiors

Always preferred for its durability, high-gloss is now producing startling results in modern designs. Rich and vibrant, high-gloss is a finish that continues to surprise, using its relationship with light and reflections to offer a range of bold and unpredictable effects.

6. Pendant lights

Image source: Edward Linacre
Image source: Edward Linacre

Initially used to produce clean lines and hidden sources of light, pendants have evolved and are refusing to be concealed. With rising popularity, they’re being used more creatively and can now be seen creeping into design plans as decorative elements. No longer limited to select spaces, we’re seeing pendant lights as a general preference, even in powder rooms. With the right planning, it’s easy to use these lights more artistically by creating interesting sequences and patterns.

7. Moody colours

Image source: Debi Treloar
Image source: Debi Treloar

Expect deep and moody colours contrasted with two-tone walls. This is the trend of the year and although it may seem brave, this stark juxtaposition seldom fails when designed well. The same combination can also create a lighter, upbeat atmosphere but there’s no doubt that the use of deeper colours creates a sense of comfort. For added impact within the darker tones, a feature mirror can add spark.

8. Sustainability

Image source: Elle Decoration UK
Image source: Elle Decoration UK

The customer is always right and more clients are insisting on materials that satisfy their ecological standards. Although designers don’t usually embrace limitations, we certainly welcome sustainability. The preference for organic, recyclable and upcycling materials is now a mainstream trend. Aesthetics and textures are no longer enough. Rather than a hurdle for designers, embracing this trend can lead to the use of materials with greater character.

-Kerena Berry is an interior designer and co-founder of Designbx, Australia’s online interior design solution.