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Design Designers Home Office Interiors Addict Living Room

A designer living room inspired by Fantales lollies

Woodgrain textures and bold colour combine in this stunning living room collaboration inspired by the classic Allen’s lollies. Laminex teamed up with YSG Studio on this project, which follows on from their Fantales-inspired kitchen last year.

The living space offers a reinterpretation of the traditional living room, creating a multifunctional space that is the ultimate inspiration for the modern home.

“Larger homes might have separate rooms that can be dedicated purely for office work,” says Yasmine Ghoniem, principal of YSG Studio. “But where space is at a premium, the challenge is how can we use each space in multiple ways? Everything you put in has to be really well considered.”

Laminex woodgrain joinery in Danish Walnut and Milkwood is teamed with a contrasting wave of soft Porcelain Blush. “You walk from this quite cocoon-like experience of the kitchen into a living space which is a lot brighter and just feels lighter,” explains Yasmine. Synonymous with YSG’s signature bold style, the living space also features bursts of daring Laminex Pillarbox red, found within the drawers, cupboards, handles, and even the coffee table.

One aspect of YSG’s design vital to the multifunctional performance of the space is the study nook. A highly practical area with ample desk space, drawer storage and shelving, the nook embodies ultimate flexibility. Featuring an operable screen system made from Laminex Danish Walnut laminate, the nook can be easily accessed through the sliding screen, which can be closed at the end of the day to conceal any office mess, and even more importantly, visually separate the work day from recreational time.

The study nook also features open shelving in Pillarbox, allowing the study nook to double as a display area for books and personal objects. Even when the screen is closed, its partial transparency creates a sense of visual interest and depth. This functional versatility allows for optimal personalisation.

Perhaps the most explicitly decorative element in the interior of the Fantales Living Space is the front surface of the tower cabinetry. Two units sit side by side, their doors featuring a captivating inlaid laminate design. Along the bottom edge, Milkwood is paired with Danish Walnut in alternating stripes of light and dark, almost like a piano keyboard. Above, sheets of Danish Walnut have been laid at angles to each other, creating a subtle geometrical pattern from the woodgrain texture.

From the woodgrain cabinetry to French-washed walls, texture is abundant. With each structural element harnessing the design flexibility of Laminex laminate, a harmonious relationship between curved and linear shapes is introduced in every corner. The screen and shelving elements are fabricated with a bullnose profile, highlighting a shapely consistency throughout the space.

“The Fantales Living Space marks a distinct change in the way we use our homes,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager sales & marketing at Laminex. “Expertly designed to be just fit for work as it is for rest and leisure, the living space is perfectly curated to suit modern living.

“Marrying Yasmine’s unique design perspective with the design flexibility of Laminex laminate, the Fantales Living Space encapsulates the notion of finding joy in the small things, emphasising vibrant details and textured finishes.”

For more on the Laminex x YSG collaboration

Categories
House Tours Jen's reno Kitchens

The big kitchen reveal

Photography by Jacqui Turk

I am so excited to finally share my new kitchen with you today! Seeing these beautiful pictures makes the last two months of mess and chaos seem more than worth while!

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home and in this house, it really is. Not just because everyone hangs out in this room, but because it really is in the middle of our home. And the light here is the best in the house. It used to drive me nuts that people gravitated towards this room because of the light when it was unrenovated, as we had much nicer spaces to entertain in like the living room! Now I am no longer embarrassed of my kitchen, I am happy for people to congregate in here and admire it whenever they want!

Black barn door hardware from Bunnings

Bar stools from GlobeWest

This really is my dream kitchen. I’m going to blog about some of the finer details separately, but today’s post is just the first overview of what we chose, what we did and why. In terms of layout, this has not changed drastically, but we did get rid of the back door (see before pix at the end of this post) to allow the cabinetry to go right to the end of the kitchen. We were also able to move our fridge freezer into the kitchen (it’s the little things, right?!) because previously there was nowhere to fit it and it lived in the dining room!

The starting point for this room was the cabinetry from Freedom Kitchens. I always knew I wanted white shaker style doors so when I found out this was possible using their new, more affordable flatpack option, the Essential range, I was thrilled. I saw flatpack as an opportunity to make great savings, which would allow me to still have the other things I dreamed of like stone benchtops.

My good friend, TV interior designer James Treble, sketched me out a rough layout I loved over dinner one night and we were off! I then worked with Freedom Kitchens design consultant Nina Hughes to turn that sketch into a detailed plan, taking into consideration the flatpack options available. This in-home service is included for everyone buying from their flatpack range, as well as a site check to make sure nothing has slipped through the net, before your cabinets are made. This really made me feel confident. I think buying a kitchen off the shelf with no professional advice or checks would have made me worry myself sick!

The next thing I chose were the handles. Anyone who knows me or has been to my home knows I just love a brass accent! I was always going to have gold handles and I sourced these from Kethy (available through The Block Shop) after seeing similar in Julia and Sasha’s beautiful Block kitchen. It was a winning combo from the start. I didn’t look at another handle so this proved to be one of the easiest decisions!

Then benchtops: through my job, I know Caesarstone by reputation and I loved their designs. I had three samples on high rotation but I finally went for the most subtle, Noble Grey, for a few reasons. I liked the contrast of the grey with the white cabinetry, and while the Calacatta marble-look designs have been hugely popular recently, I wanted something a little different. Then I saw blogger Briar Stanley from Sunday Collector use Noble Grey in her amazing kitchen and that sealed the deal.

Of course, then I needed to decide on a complementary splashback. I absolutely love tiles but trying to choose some left me paralysed by indecision! There were just too many amazing choices. I could have opted for subways, and I am a fan, but again, I wanted something a little different. So I decide to carry the Caesarstone up the splash as well; a decision I have not regretted for one second! The splash behind the cooktop is really quite deep so it makes a real feature. When the light through the opposite window hits it, it really shows off the veins in it. I also think the streamlined look it has created has allowed me to add my other, more bling touches, without it feeling cluttered or over the top.

Speaking of bling, the gold tap is from Meir and I am so in love with it! Taps really are like jewellery in a kitchen. You can’t miss them so you might as well make a statement! Their new Tiger Bronze colour was released at just the right time a few months ago and I was lucky enough to be one of the first to get my hands on it! Would a gold sink as well prove too much? I must admit, I did really worry about my decision, but in the end, it all came together beautifully. And nobody can believe that sink came from Bunnings!

Of course, a kitchen can (and should!) look beautiful but it needs to function too! Having room for a fridge freezer was a great start! But I needed to think long and hard about the appliances, which I chose from Italian brand Ilve. I was really excited to get an integrated dishwasher from an aesthetic perspective but this one works brilliantly and even has a light inside, plus one which shines onto the floor so you know it’s on (being that it’s hidden behind a cabinet door). I just love how it seamlessly blends into the kitchen.

Choosing an oven was a lot harder than anticipated and something I’ve never done before. I eventually decided on a 90cm electric oven and having that extra space is already proving a Godsend when entertaining. I can’t wait to give it a really good workout on Christmas Day.

Then of course you have to match that with a 90cm cooktop even though I’m not sure I’ll ever use all six burners at the same time! We first wanted gas but had a delay finding out if we could get connected, which led us to opt for induction. I’m so glad we went this route because I bloody love it! I cannot believe how quick it is to heat up, it’s a dream to clean and, importantly, it’s safe, which when you have an adventurous climbing toddler around is one less thing to worry about. I’m also thrilled with our hidden rangehood which allows me to have an uninterrupted row of overhead cupboards.

So, we had the bones of a great kitchen, but there were two other things I needed to achieve: replacing the dated sliding door to the laundry, with a modern take on a barn door and black hardware was the first. I wanted the door to have VJ panelling so we did this by cutting Easycraft panels (I’m in love with this product) to size and fixing them to the front of a very cheap, plain door. We then decided what the hell, why not panel the entire wall and wow, wasn’t that the best call? This wall has become a real feature of the kitchen. We also did the back of our breakfast bar in the same paneling and colour.

Art by the Print Emporium

Secondly, I wanted to tie in the dining area, which adjoins the kitchen and previously had a cork floor, much better. I did this by adding VJ wainscoting to this room and painting it in the same grey (the panelling is in Haymes Paint Chinchilla Fur and the walls are Haymes Paint Greyology 4). It has made a huge difference. Of course, having the same floor helped massively too.

The icing on the cake of all this was our new Quickstep Impressive Ultra laminate floor (more on that next week) which we have also laid in the living room, hallway and my home office. Once that went down, we were finally finished!

A few other things I’m really glad we did and are worth a mention were:

  • adding bulkheads for a more finished, streamlined look (and no dust or clutter accumulating on top of the overhead cupboards)
  • putting a power socket in the back of the pantry so I could hide the Nespresso machine and toaster away in there
  • making sure there was a space for the microwave under the breakfast bar out of sight, so it didn’t have to use precious benchtop space
  • making one of the five powerpoints (you can never have too many) a USB one (we use this every day to charge a phone or laptop and it has proven really handy)
  • opting for a pullout double bin under the sink so there’s no ugly bin on show or in the way (I obviously need to get out more but I really love this!).

I could rave about my new kitchen all day but I’ll focus on some other aspects in future blog posts.

Overall, I am thrilled with kitchen and that it is finished before Christmas! I’m just waiting on my blinds (Romans) and looking for the perfect new kettle! A huge thank you to our friends at Integriti Bathrooms who helped project manage this reno.

Now, we could finish this without taking a look back at the before photos!

What do you think of the transformation? If you have any questions, please write them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you.

Want more? Take the VIDEO TOUR with Jen.

Listen to my husband Damian interview me about our kitchen reno in this podcast!

More kitchen and bathroom inspo.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

Why you should splurge on custom cabinetry

Renovating can get expensive… very expensive! So inevitably the question comes: when to splurge and when to rein it in? Custom cabinetry is, in my opinion, something worth spending money on. Not only do you get exactly what you want, but you also get a seamless design that works for kitchens, entertainment units, bathroom vanities and laundries.

There’s a lot of hard work that goes into cutting the intricate pieces and sections of custom cabinets to justify that premium price, so it’s important you do your research and ensure you are getting a genuine made-to-measure service.

Sarah Comerford, Director at HOME by belle, a kitchen and bathroom renovation specialist based in Sydney, shares her top tips and trade secrets for getting the best bang for your buck.

Start with the layout
This may seem obvious but is so important. Look at the layout of the home, make sure you get the orientation right and that all the cabinetry flows together. Also consider the sight lines and what areas you notice the most. Find ways to get the most functionality out of your space to maximise storage and clever design ideas will start to come to you.

Steer clear of swinging doors
Swinging doors take up a lot of space and traditional cupboards can accumulate clutter so consider filling the base cabinets with draws.  Draws are much better for maximising storage and are ideal for both kitchens and bathrooms. While you may lose a small amount of space due to draw runners, what you gain back in practicality is more valuable. There are also many functional design ideas that can go into a draw, for example a spice draw, pull-out bins and slide out benches that can be designed bespoke for your home.

Consider the finishes
The trend today is to introduce a lot of different finishes and there are many to choose from. For instance polyurethane, satin finish, timber veneer, stone and marble. The mix of finishes makes the design process more involved but it is becoming increasingly important as people look to create spectacular centrepieces for the home.

Treat handles like jewellery
Handles can take beautiful cabinetry to the next level and make a big style statement. There are many different styles of handles to choose from, which can allow you to add a personal touch. But handles aren’t for everyone and there are a number of handle free options available.

Create concealed walk-in areas
There is currently a big trend towards butler’s pantries and creating concealed spaces in the home. This is a result of more people integrating their kitchen and living areas and wanting to hide unsightly mess. Walk-in pantries can act as multi-purpose storage areas, for instance a place to store kid’s schoolbags or conceal a laundry.

Don’t forget the laundry
It’s a mistake to think laundries don’t need a lot of effort. Laundries need storage and functionality and deserve to be just as amazing as the kitchen. Consider things like a spray tap for cleaning muddy boots, basins large enough for soaking, built-in ironing boards and pull-out bars for airing clothes.

For more information | Check out our sister site Reno Addict

Categories
Kitchens

Freedom Kitchens launch new flatpack range for DIY-ers

Freedom Kitchens have today announced a disruptive new product: the ready-to-assemble, high quality Essential Kitchen range. Developed to address the needs of the DIY market, the range is available now, distributed throughout their kitchen showrooms within Freedom stores.

While the most appealing selling point of a ready-to-assemble kitchen is the price — saving the customer thousands in labour costs because they can assemble and install it themselves — the Essential range has been developed in response to feedback about the lack of high quality options on the market.

“The Essential Kitchen range is a real game-changer because it’s filling a gap in the DIY market for a product that’s been expertly designed, using high quality materials,” explains Tracy Smedley, director of marketing and retail for Freedom Kitchens.  “They’re still cost-effective, but without compromising material quality. Because we deliver the cabinetry ready to assemble rather than factory assembled, we’re able to offer the DIY customer outstanding value.”

The Australian-made cabinetry comes with a seven-year warranty and soft close doors and drawers as standard. Customers buying the flatpack range will still get the services of a Freedom Kitchens designer included, who will visit them in their home for a consult and site check.

Download The Essential Kitchen range catalogue now from the Freedom Kitchens website, or visit a Freedom Kitchens showroom in Freedom Furniture stores.

Categories
Expert Tips Kitchens

How to create a truly unique kitchen

By Victoria Braithwaite

Creating a kitchen based on the latest style or trend can be fairly straightforward, but what happens when you don’t want what everyone else has and instead you want something that is truly unique and individual to your style?

We talked to Ellen Wundersitz, general manager of Space Craft Joinery, HIA award winner for the last four years for the Renovated Kitchens up to $30,000 category, to find out what makes a bespoke kitchen successful. “It is important to listen to your client assess their needs and wants,” she says. “Considerations will take into account how they live their lives and how they use their current kitchen, what they want their kitchen space to say about them (how will it reflect them as people) and then the obvious stuff about technical requirements, budget, and spatial considerations.”

Ellen says what sets them apart from other kitchen cabinetmakers is that everything is bespoke. “Every piece of joinery is unique to our client and their space. We never do anything identical. Our kitchens may not be to everyone’s taste but they always stand out and are memorable. They are designed around our client’s style, taste and lifestyle and of course, their budget.”

When asked what makes a kitchen installation successful, Ellen was quick to answer: planning. “Our kitchens are fully constructed in our workshop then packed down ready for installation. There is always the potential however for issues to crop up at installation time. Say for example, we might discover issues with electrical wiring or cabling positions, plumbing challenges, or floors, skirting or walls that can be completely out of whack. In older homes in particular (but sometimes new builds too), walls tend not to be straight, and stone walls can present a real challenge when trying to get fixings for cabinetry. But that’s where the skill of our highly qualified tradies comes to the fore. They really know their stuff and are great problem solvers. They will persevere until they’re satisfied they’ve achieved an excellent result.”

As the client, she says you should ask as many questions as you can. “Don’t be afraid. It’s better to ask a question you think is silly, rather than not ask and your query not be addressed and then you are potentially disappointed with the result. At the end of the day, we want our clients to love their new space, but communication is vital. Say for example, you have chosen timber for your overheads, but fail to mention that you want it in a particular shade or running on a particular grain direction (say horizontal). That’s the stuff we need to know from the outset. The more detail the better.”

Ellen adds you need to feel comfortable communicating with your designer, as their role is to translate your dream into a physical reality. “This can only be achieved if you’re on the same page. At the end of the day, great communication is imperative for a successful kitchen design and build.”

All kitchens shown are by Space Craft Joinery.

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Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Darren Palmer: The Block’s best kitchen ever!

The level of creativity displayed in the kitchens on this season of The Block from Freedom Kitchens has blown me away. Then, just when I thought I’d seen it all, the incredible kitchen from the challenge apartment was revealed. To me, it was worthy of a 10 – and my fellow judges agreed – scoring it a perfect 40/40!

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This showstopper embodies an emerging trend from this year’s EuroCucina – New Heritage – where contemporary design celebrates heritage style, while incorporating touches of modern luxury.

There are so many standout features in this space, but the one that strikes you first is the stunning backlit Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz island bench. It’s suspended above the mirror kick – showcasing a monolith of backlit, glowing quartz.

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The real beauty of this style of kitchen is the fusion between old and new. This approach is respectful to the heritage of The Block building, with features like the shaker-style doors and the rustic library ladder – giving the space the feeling of old world charm. However, the functional elements are strictly 21st century.

Embracing the new, the futuristic aspects of the kitchen create the perfect space for the modern cook. Top-of-the-range Bosch appliances, impressive features and everyday practicalities – like double ovens – give the kitchen an extra sense of functionality, while remaining high-end.

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And when it comes to hosting, the generous Caesarstone benchtops, Bluetooth sound system, modern black palette and generous storage in both the kitchen and butler’s pantry make it the perfect match for the modern day entertainer.

Reno Addict feature writer Lauren Ellis visited The Block and created this video interview with Julia and Sasha about the kitchen.

Standout design features:

  • The matte black cabinetry makes a real statement and is right on trend
  • The shaker ‘Sierra’ profiles on the cabinetry add a heritage feel, while still being sleek and stylish
  • The use of mirror kickboards on the backlit Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz island bench creates the illusion of a floating, glowing box
  • Clever use of accessories – from the Bluetooth sound system to the walnut knife holder and spice racks – take the space to the next level for the modern entertainer
  • The storage space in this design is never-ending – from drawers and doors in the main kitchen to the open shelving of the butler’s pantry.

Featuring:

  • Cabinetry: Sierra Black Matt & Super Matt Black
  • Benchtops: Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz, London Grey & Vanilla Noir; and Noir Matt Nano Streamline
  • Kickboards: Mirror
  • Lighting: LED Strip Lighting
  • Accessories: Bluetooth Sound System, Square double bowl undermount sink, Walnut Knife Holder, Walnut Spice Rack, Sink Drainer, Square Chopping Board & Steel Cutlery Trays.
  • Bosch Appliances

To create a kitchen that’s the best on your block, book your free, in-home design appointment with Freedom Kitchens.

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Appliances RENO ADDICT

Your guide to the latest laundry trends

With contestants on The Block teasing us with stylish yet functional laundries, it’s not surprising to learn that kitchens aren’t the only rooms enjoying a few tasteful remakes. The Good Guys Kitchens designer, Julie Hanover, shares the latest trends making waves in laundries.

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Custom built cabinetry It is becoming increasingly popular to renovate laundries in conjunction with kitchens, and built-in cabinetry is at the top of the trend to maximise space. Using your kitchen company to also design your laundry means you’ll enjoy complementing joinery, as well as saving time and money.

Concealed storage Tall utility cupboards for ironing boards and built-in solutions like baskets and hampers mean you can enjoy a stylish and clutter-free laundry.

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Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg Front Load Washer

Benchtops Gone are the days of the freestanding steel tub. Sleek Silestone benchtops dominate with their seamless built-in sinks, providing plenty of space for sorting and folding. Laminate benchtops will also do the trick (and be softer on your wallet).

Details It’s the little things that count, right? Although you don’t generally show off your laundry, you might have a reason to with the abundance of feature tiles and smooth, shiny handles on offer. Decorative and under cabinet lighting would help show off those stylish features as well as provide some much needed lighting to a generally dim room.

Appliances The main reason for the existence of your laundry is, of course, to house your washing machine and dryer. These come in many different shapes and sizes, and feature plenty of different functions, so it’s important to find the ones that best suit the needs of your household.

Samsung 8kg Heat Pump Dryer
Samsung 8kg Heat Pump Dryer

Washing machines To front load or to top load? That is the question. To save space, front loaders can be stacked on top of one another. A stacking kit can help save space not only by stacking your washer and dryer, but also by incorporating a handy pull-out shelf to hold your laundry items. With modern technology comes a hoard of available features, from steam eco washes to live Twitter streams (ok, I may have made that one up). Don’t get too carried away with all the extra features – focus on the functions that will best suit your lifestyle, such as size and water efficiency.

Dryers Dryers are expensive to run, so keep an eye on those little energy star ratings stickers when buying. The capacity of your dryer is determined by how much you want to fit in each load, with a larger drum size suiting larger households. Obviously, you don’t want anything that impedes on the functionality of the rest of your laundry, so keep in mind the space you have set aside for your dryer. If you’re not much of an ironer like me, a smaller but faster dryer will result in fewer creases (as well as a smaller energy bill).

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Appliances Kitchens

Homeowner’s tears as Kyal & Kara deliver stunning Reno Rumble entertainer’s kitchen

There were tears of delight when Kyal and Kara’s amazing kitchen was revealed to the homeowner on Reno Rumble and we can see why. And that was before she even pressed the button which revealed a butler’s pantry behind an automatic sliding door!

Judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill described it as a great and beautiful kitchen with its two-tone cabinetry, top end appliances and Caesarstone marble-look tops. See how they used darker overhead cabinetry to provide balance and contrast in the otherwise light and bright space, with help and advice from Freedom Kitchens.

The former Block contestants also share their top tips kitchen tips in the exclusive interview with our reporter Lauren Ellis.

Enjoy!

Watch every episode of Interiors Addict TV.

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Kitchens Renting

10 DIY updates for your rental kitchen

By Kay Harrison

Rental kitchens are not known for their idyllic makeup. From dim lighting to a lack of storage options, they can be a source of everyday dissatisfaction. However, with a little kitchen-whispering, you can coax more usability from your space. Here are 10 quick and easy tips, ranging from storage to aesthetic, to set you on your way.

Ugly cabinetry? 

1. Line your shelves

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Photo credit: Jessica McIntyre Interiors

This is a sleek and simple solution to dingy cabinets. It keeps them neat and chic without tempting the wrath of your landlord. Select from a range of wallpapers and adhesive coverings. This injects pops of colour and personality into your space – understated or brazen according to your taste.

2. Change up your cabinet handles

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Photo credit: House to Home

Go shopping for new hardware for your cabinet doors. It’s amazing what a difference this can make to the overall look of your kitchen. And there are plenty of cheerful-on-the-wallet options available.

3. Remove your cabinet doors altogether

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Photo credit: Jenny Steffens

So you can’t stand the sight of those bland pine panels or (worse) that wood veneer? Get handy with your screwdriver and remove them for a fresh open-cubby look. Don’t throw them away! You’ll need to attach them again before you leave but in the meantime clean-lined kitchen shelving is uber-chic. Make-good the edging/cover the holes with wallpaper or adhesive covers.

Starved of storage?

4. Wire shelf inserts

Inserts are a great way for increasing the space available. Hook them under your shelves, over your doors or stand them over your plates to maximise the useable space.

5. Magnets

Consider a magnetic knife board to free up your counter space.

6. Hooks

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Photo credit: Fortikur

Add hooks to the insides of or beneath your cabinets. Ideal for teacups and mugs.

7. Think vertically

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Photo credit: A Gentlewoman

Install a series of hooks on your ceiling or walls to utilise this hanging space. This is a visually impacting way to display your pots and pans for a rustic aesthetic.

Too dim? 

8. Increase the wattage

A wattage of 80-to-100w is recommended for the kitchen.

9. Add swing-arm task lights

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Photo credit: Dan The Sparky Man

Add designated task lights above your counters. A couple of swing-arm lamps add vintage accents and increase your functionality ten-fold. You don’t need to hardwire these in necessarily – just ensure some care is taken to secure the cords out of the way.

10. Install LED ribbon lighting under your cabinetry

If you’re a little handy with a drill, LED downlights are to-die-for. I love mine. But I didn’t install them. I’m smart enough to realise that DIY with electricals is not for me. If you’re the same, outsource the install or opt instead for stick-on battery-operated lights – you can buy them in most supermarkets.

La-voila! There you have it. Not too taxing on the grey matter I hope. Happy renting!

— Kay Harrison is a feature, blog and copywriter. She has work published in ACP magazines, ABC fiction, Overland, Seizure, trade publications and online forums and her creative writing has won several awards. Kay wrote this piece for Zanui.

Categories
Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Laminex launch new timber tone and gloss finishes

Showcasing warm timber tones paired with a gloss finish, Laminex has introduced four new and on-trend decors to its Silk Finish range.

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Responding to the growing interest in more subtle gloss finishes for the kitchen, bathroom and living areas, the four decors: Domain, Burnished Wood, Jericho and Sublime Teak, offer the natural appearance of woodgrains in a smooth melamine finish.

For a rich dark woodgrain option, Domain
 offers a blended balance between popular dark shades of browns, greys and blacks, while Burnished Wood delivers a deep charcoal colouring for an ebony effect with grey undertones. 
Lighter colour options are achieved with Jericho or Sublime Teak. Jericho displays soft brown-grey tones, while Sublime Teak incorporates muted honey tones.

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Easy to clean, the new additions bring the total Laminex Silk Finish offering to 27 decors. Each decor comes with matching gloss ABS edging for an effortless finish for doors, drawers, cabinetry and other vertical surfaces.

To find out more about the latest Laminex decors in the Silk Finish range, visit the website.

Categories
Design DIY Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Kitchen design tips for small spaces

Sponsored by Freedom Kitchens

Small kitchens often conjure images of inadequate bench space, a cramped work triangle and precious little space for appliances. With space at a premium, designing with every square centimetre in mind is paramount.

A professional designer can help you make your small space not only look good but maximise the storage space and layout, so you never have to compromise on functionality. Freedom Kitchens share five strategic design tricks to create the impression of a larger kitchen in a small space.

1. Light and bright

A neutral palette will help achieve a seamless, uncluttered look. When choosing materials, gloss finishes will help bounce light around the room and glass and mirrored splashbacks will reflect surrounds, creating the illusion of space.

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2. Fuss free

Handles on every cupboard door can be too busy for a small kitchen. Consider fitting them only to the base cupboards, and opt for handle-less touch catches on the upper cabinetry.

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3. Double up

Ensure every centimetre of space counts by making it work hard, for instance, incorporate a breakfast bar at one end of the preparation space, then utilise space underneath for additional storage. Also, choose a sink that comes with a range of accessories, such as an integrated chopping board, to make food preparation easier.

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4. Storage solutions

Deep drawers make items more accessible and are a more space-efficient option than a standard cupboard. Then take your upper cabinetry all the way to the ceiling to maximise storage and minimise dust.

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5. Downsized appliances

Appliance companies have responded to the growing demand for inner-city and apartment style living with compact appliance solutions. Downsized dishwashers, ovens and fridges will keep a small space from feeling cramped and allow for more cabinet space.

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Make the most of your small space and book a free in-home design appointment with a professional Freedom Kitchens designer. Visit freedomkitchens.com.au or call 1800 113 733.

Categories
Expert Tips Kitchens RENO ADDICT

How to create beautiful DIY kitchens on a budget

By Nikki Dudley

Does your beloved kitchen need an overhaul (as in wham, start from scratch)? If sweating over a scouring pad with a second bottle of spray n’ wipe and a fresh lick of paint won’t cut the mustard, then your answer is yes, go for it.

Step Zero. Where to even begin?

Take a good hard look at what you’ve got to work with in terms of the size, structural walls (those that are load-bearing), type of interior materials (such as plasterboard or asbestos) and if you’ve got existing character like timber casement windows or antique fittings.

Measure it up as it looks now. Sketch it on a piece of paper. Take pictures on your phone. Decide if any aspects will stay such as cupboard handles, flooring, lighting, cabinetry or white goods.

Nobody (except maybe Beyoncé) has an endless bank account, so we must consider budget. For some guidance, realestate.com.au suggests $12,000-to-$16,000 can create a sparkling kitchen that shouldn’t over capitalise your property. We feel this is quite hefty and using DIY methods could save you up to half this amount.

Know that kitchens do (help) sell homes. They are the heart, soul and personality of your bricks and mortar and it’s generally where you meet, entertain and dine with those you love. So don’t be too tight with your wallet.

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Outdated kitchens to be overhauled by nooks & cranny

Image 1- Project Two. Before

Step One. Planning.

Before you start swinging around a crowbar (or a Miley Cyrus wrecking ball, which looks like fun) you do need to plan (and plan some more). We would wholeheartedly agree with Oliver Davis’s recent guest post, “to direct your spend appropriately.” This also applies to your time, energy and elbow grease.

Plan for your budget. Plan for your time. Plan for your design. Plan to stay committed to this project ‘til the very end (it’s worth it). Let the internet and online shopping be your friend. Google. Pinterest. Houzz. Instagram. eBay. Gumtree. Craigslist. And so on…

[contextly_sidebar id=”DuGXMQUHgjejQpk6NujGPt4Mp0UMf2ff”]Attend showrooms, open homes for sale and high-end display villages. Seek out trends, designs, colours, ways to entice natural light. Do consider splurging on a butler’s pantry, tap mixers, pendant lighting, gas stove tops and energy-efficient white goods. Alternatively, you can save on a DIY timber meat safe as a unique island bench (made at the standard 900mm height, of course). This is an excellent way to save on cabinetry costs.

Image 2- Project Two. Handmade Island Bench
Custom made island bench by nooks & cranny

And note that leftover tiles are often a lot cheaper than glass, stainless or Perspex panels when planning your splashback. The subway tile or mosaic effect, we think, is just as glamorous and easy to clean.

Also, keep in mind that leaving the existing sink, dishwasher or integrated refrigerator portals where they are (or as close to their current location as possible) saves a lot of money. However it is often crucial to redesign the layout but just know that employing trades to move and reconnect infrastructure will eat into your moolah.

Consider the existing and new location of powerpoints, switches, television ports, plumbing and air-conditioning units (and their direction of airflow). Importantly, also think about where you will place your Vitamix, kettle, toaster, knife block, fruit bowl and microwave. Ensure there is room for any bulky items. Don’t have any? Bet you do. Think breadmaker, ice-cream maker, casserole dishes, saucepans, pots (heavy things that require a sturdy shelf). Plan for their home.

You now certainly have a solid plan to take your sketches to a hardware store for quoting. Also email them to local cabinet makers. Tip: It pays to shop around.

Step Two. Demolition.

Let the games begin. And may the odds be ever in your favour! (Oops yes, we are both Hunger Games fans). Start by turning off your power. Disconnect everything (as you don’t want to blow the place or yourselves up the wazoo).

Has your skip bin hire arrived? This is a good $150(ish) well spent, as opposed to 20 dump trips. Trust us on this.

Image 3- Project Two. During demolition
Two demolition scenes, by nooks & cranny

Image 4- Project One. During demolition

Demolish strategically and logically. Stay safe. Follow your plan. Big items out first. Flooring removed last. Everyone always forgets the clean-up phase. Allow time to clean your now empty shell in preparation for the grand installation. No dust. No grime. No live wires. Consider sugar soap and a decent vacuum and mop x2.

Image 5- Project One. Clean up
Empty (clean) kitchen shell, by nooks & cranny

Step Three. Construct.

The right tools are (sooo) important for efficiency (and your sanity). Ensure your workshop is stocked and any extra help and supplies are arriving as per schedule.

Follow the DIY cabinetry flat pack kit instructions is our best advice. Away you go with a drill, Allen key set, level and silicone.

Image 6- Project One. After
Complete flat pack kitchen, by nooks & cranny

Image 7- Project One. After
Step Four. Entertain and enjoy.

Ensure the budget allows for your finishing touches such as an indoor herb garden, new cookbooks for display, fresh flowers (always), or a set of new cocktail glasses to peep through the glass overhead cabinetry (oh how very Dee and Daz from The Block).

Finally, make sure you now take time to marvel in this beautiful space you’ve personally created for your home and family. Entertain and enjoy.

Image 8- Project Two. After
Complete custom made kitchen, by nooks & cranny

–Nikki Dudley is one half of nooks & cranny, a brand spankin’ new DIY renovation blog to inspire and assist enthusiasts create beautiful homes (on a budget).

Categories
Appliances House Tours Kitchens The Block

Video: Darren Palmer talks kitchens with real homeowner Meagan

Sponsored by Freedom Kitchens

We all love a good Block room reveal but you can’t beat a snoop around a real life, everyday person’s kitchen! The first in a new series of videos from Freedom Kitchens, our friend Darren Palmer, interior designer and The Block judge, talks about the features people have chosen for their own dream kitchens. They’re kicking off with a gorgeous monochrome number, which combines style (hello, beautiful integrated marble dining table!) with function (very hidden butler’s pantry!).

Copyright Eliot Cohen - Zeitgeist Photographyemail: eliot@zeitgeist.com.au

Meagan’s kitchen definitely impresses Darren who loves the mirror splashback and glossy black cabinetry reflecting the garden and bringing the outside in. Meagan said she wanted a kitchen which worked for her family but she also wanted people to walk in and say “wow,”and I’m pretty confident she has achieved that.

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Meagan came up with the concept herself and took her sketches and ideas to Freedom Kitchens, where they helped her make it a reality. You’d never know this large pantry was even there, as it is hidden behind what looks like two regular cupboard doors! And this is how her kitchen looks so spotless, being that everything you need to actually have out and use is in here! Smart!

Copyright Eliot Cohen - Zeitgeist Photographyemail: eliot@zeitgeist.com.au

The cabinetry is completely handle-less and Meagan has chosen almost all drawers instead of hard-to-reach-to-the-back-of cupboards.

Copyright Eliot Cohen - Zeitgeist Photographyemail: eliot@zeitgeist.com.au

Watch Darren’s chat with Meagan in the video.

Copyright Eliot Cohen - Zeitgeist Photographyemail: eliot@zeitgeist.com.au

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Click here if you’d like a Freedom Kitchens designer to visit you in your home and help you get started creating your dream space!

 

Categories
Interviews The Block

Freedom Kitchens: bringing the latest trends from Milan to Australia within weeks

Last week saw THE event of the interiors calendar Salone Internazionale del Mobile (the international furniture fair) in Milan, and I was lucky enough to go for the first time. Within this mega fair sits Eurocucina, a kitchens-only showcase bigger than most Aussie trade fairs and full of beautiful things (read about the top trends I spotted here).

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A display at Eurocucina in Milan

Freedom Kitchens sent a team of 10 of their designers to Milan to be inspired by Europe’s latest trends, innovations and materials in kitchens. Because they have their own Australian factory, this inspiration can become reality in customers’ kitchen within months — weeks even. This flexibility and freedom to move fast is what keeps their kitchens cutting edge and fashionable, as you may have seen on The Block Sky High.

Kim & Matt
Matt and Kim’s Freedom Kitchen from The Block Sky High

At the fair, Freedom Kitchens’ national sales director Susan Hasler said the kitchens at Milan were darker and moodier than last year with a lot of highlights in timber veneers and more matt than gloss finishes. “Some of the Dekton surfaces were very interesting and there was a lot of the concrete look and feel. It’s all a lot about texture. Touch and feel is really important.”

Cabinetry was perhaps more vertical than horizontal with taller pull-out drawers containing several internal drawers. Another trend she noticed was for integrated handles rather than a completely handle-less look.

Large drawer storage seen at Eurocucina
Large drawer storage seen at Eurocucina

Freedom Kitchens will be able to translate these innovations and trends to the local Australian market very quickly, while remembering that not everything will be popular or appropriate to our lifestyle. “We will be able to update some of our designs within a couple of months due to us manufacturing in Australia. We can do smaller runs, move quickly and see if things work and are popular,” Susan says. “It’s really important for us to come here to things like Eurocucina. Australia is sometimes thought of as being behind the times. You’re going to have a kitchen for a very long time so it’s important we’re ahead of the game. You don’t want to invest in something which is already a couple of years out of date. We have 10 kitchen designers here which is a big investment but it’s worth it for what we can bring back and the level of credibility it gives us. It’s about us bringing that fashion look at a value price.”

It’s not as simple as copying a load of ideas and expecting Australians to accept them as the latest and greatest, by any means. “It’s about adapting ideas to the Australian market and our way of life,” Susan says. “In terms of the differences between Europe and Australia, we entertain outside a lot, with kitchens often leading out onto decks or yards, or other entertaining areas. This lends itself well to the single wall and island design of kitchen.”

Kitchens were moodier, with more timber veneers and matt surfaces at Eurocucina
Kitchens were moodier, with more timber veneers and matt surfaces at Eurocucina

While people are often tempted to play it safe on a room which costs a lot of money and they hope to keep for years, Susan says a good kitchen designer can help them to be braver without wasting money or making an unwise investment. Her advice for a ‘safe’ yet fashionable kitchen is to stick to neutral cabinets and be bold with things you can change every couple of years (if desired) like wall colours (wallpaper even!), pendant lights and even splashbacks. You can make a real difference with how you accessorise (the great thing about Freedom Kitchens being that you can pick up Freedom homewares in store too). “We love being able to show customers how to accessorise and style their kitchens with our examples in our showrooms,” Susan says.

In terms of the strong presence of timber veneer at Milan, Susan doesn’t think many Australians will opt for that look in a big way. They may, for example though, choose to do their base cabinets in timber veneer and top cabinets in white, or just their end panels for example. These are all flexible options Freedom Kitchens can offer. “We also have to bear in mind that something that looks great here in Europe may not translate well in Australian light. It’s very different.”

Timber veneers seen at Eurocucina in Milan
Timber veneers seen at Eurocucina in Milan

The previous snobbery about veneer is disappearing these days, due to the huge advances in quality. “The new ones are so good you can’t even tell they’re not solid timber. They’re also more durable and hygienic which makes them a smart choice for kitchens.”

Look out for more expert tips on kitchen storage and how to get the most out of working with a kitchen designer on the blog next week. 

My trip to Milan was hosted by Freedom Kitchens with support from Caesarstone Australia.

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Categories
Appliances Travel

Top kitchen trends from Eurocucina Milan 2014

I’ve spent many hours at Eurocucina today, the kitchen section (I say section, but it’s bigger than most standalone trade fairs) of Salone del Mobile in Milan. I thought I’d share the top trends I noticed and some photos from day one.

I should preface this by saying the combination of swarms of super-keen visitors and lighting designed to create atmosphere and mood, don’t make for the best photos I’ve ever taken!

  • Timber and timber veneer were everywhere, mostly muted cool greige tones which I found surprisingly warm and interesting. For me, this was the most obvious and overarching kitchen design trend at the fair.

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The new timber kitchen is modern and sleek and just a touch industrial. Although the timber finishes tend to be pale, the look isn’t Scandi as you might expect.

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I love the texture and warmth in these kitchens.

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  • There’s also very little gloss. It’s all about the matt surfaces on cabinetry.
  • Many kitchens incorporated some kind of open shelving. This makes the kitchen feel like more of a dressed room than ever before and not just a functional space. Seeing as it’s the heart of most homes these days, this makes absolute sense!

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  • Large pullout drawers for storage, replacing cupboards, are still big, with many featuring lights which automatically come on when opened.

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  • Touch-open cabinet doors are here to stay with very few doors with handles seen.
  • I saw a lot of glass fronted cabinets (and poor staff constantly polishing fingerprints off them!).
  • Cabinet doors folded up or back on themselves. I loved some of these smart features.

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This looks like a splashback until it lifts up to reveal the storage behind. Neat.

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  • Low hanging multiple interesting pendant lights over kitchen benches and dining tables were popular; another way to dress the kitchen, as mentioned above.

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  • Where I saw a few pops of colour against the timber it was almost always red.

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  • Bench tops were super slim in many cases; just a few mm.

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  • I spotted many gloss white appliances, like ovens, and some black ones too, making a change from steel. Isn’t it funny how appliances (and electricals like TVs) go through colour trends like this? The white works well with the timber, I must say.

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This is my first ever trip to Salone del Mobile and Eurocucina. It is huge and rather mad, especially on opening day. You can feel the buzz of excitement around and there are people from all over the world everywhere. There is a lot of ground to cover. Literally! It was an exciting day, getting a look at what will no doubt become common trends in Aussie kitchens in the not too distant future. Tomorrow, I’ll be chatting to two experts from Freedom Kitchens to get their take on what’s going to be big.

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I’m in Milan thanks to Freedom Kitchens and Caesarstone Australia.

Categories
Designers Kitchens The Block

Lysandra from The Block on designing a kitchen to stand the test of time

By Lysandra Fraser

Many people are at a loss when it comes to defining their style. I’m not afraid to admit that Alisa and I had no idea what the difference between contemporary and modern styles were. We would often get asked to define our style and we would reply with “the Alisa and Lysandra style”. Some people know what they like but are afraid of getting the terms wrong, so they struggle to be able to describe verbally what style or look they want. I believe that you don’t necessarily need to have a degree, or even have experience, to be able to put a room together, just a good eye for detail and a passion for design.

Alisa and Lysandra's kitchen on The Block Sky High
Alisa and Lysandra’s kitchen on The Block Sky High

When it came to designing our kitchen and bathrooms on The Block, we were very conscious about what they would look like in comparison to the changing trends, 10-to-15 years down the track. Kitchens and bathrooms cost a lot of money to change, so I believe that if you think carefully about your choices at the very beginning, you could have a kitchen/bathroom for 10-to-15 years without the need to upgrade in 5-to-10, when most kitchens and bathrooms would seem dated.