Tag: caesarstone

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Caesarstone branches out into new porcelain surface range

Caesarstone have unveiled their first ever porcelain collection. Leveraging their 35-year legacy of craftsmanship and innovation – they introduced the first quartz surface in 1987 – they’re now attempting to master the porcelain surface for both interior and exterior use.

Caesarstone Porcelain Striata used in a project by Studio Minosa

The three pillars of this new advanced technology comprise a fortified frame (providing an extremely hard surface that is exceptionally resistant to scratches, pressure and rupture), a high heat structure, that will withstand extremely high temperatures (hot objects can be placed directly on it), and great design in the striking colour schemes, bolder veins, palpable textures, and magnified patterns.

Caesarstone Porcelain Beige Ciment and Sleet used in a design by Studio Minosa. 

The company’s design team, together with Li Edelkoort, one of the world’s leading trend forecasters, have created the Light Collection and designs range from a virtual pure white (Whitena) through warm white stone effects to dramatically striated stones (Archetti and Striata), plus a polished concrete finish (Concrita).

Each slab is produced from natural materials, such as clay, feldspar, quartz and natural oxides. The slabs, with a 12mm profile, provide a far greater opportunity for creativity than many other surfaces. Their 1600 x 3200m size means larger, sweeping expanses of joint-free surfaces can be achieved.

Caesarstone Porcelain in Striata

In keeping with Caesarstone’s environmental sustainability commitment, porcelain carries the Greenguard, HPD (Health Product Declaration), LBC (Living Building Challenge) Red List Compliance, CE (European Conformity) and Kosher certificates of approval.

Caesarstone Porcelain can be used both inside and outside the home – its surface is resistant to UV rays as well as chemicals, food spills (like red wine and beetroot) and extreme heat. 

Caesarstone Porcelain Beige Ciment and Sleet. Design by Studio Minosa.

There’s a deluxe range for $800 per sqm, supernatural range from $1,050 per sqm and the supernatural ultra range from $1,200 per sqm.

See the Caesarstone range here

Caesarstone Porcelain in Sleet

Caesarstone choses the humble pebble as inspiration for new range

Celebrating its 35th year, Caesarstone has chosen the pebble – a symbol of nature’s inimitable role in the art of…

Wattyl & Caesarstone make perfect pairings easy

Wattyl and Caesarstone have collaborated once again to help take the guesswork and mystery out of choosing a successful colour/finishes…
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Bathrooms Interiors Addict Kitchens RENO ADDICT Reno Products

Caesarstone choses the humble pebble as inspiration for new range

Celebrating its 35th year, Caesarstone has chosen the pebble – a symbol of nature’s inimitable role in the art of creation – as inspiration for its very latest collection of quartz surfaces.

Caesarstone Pebbles Riverlet

As a precious creation of nature – crafted over many, many years and shaped by the forces of water, wind and sunlight – the pebble is a fitting inspiration for Caesarstone’s new range of quartz sustainable surfaces.  

They’ve crafted four organic designs, each one taken directly from the earthy, natural hues and patina of a single pebble. The Pebbles collection comprises four designs intended for surfaces throughout the home – from bathroom to kitchen, living space to laundry.

As with all Caesarstone quartz collections, Pebbles is one of the most durable surfaces available, being non-porous (never requiring sealing) as well as chip, stain, scratch and heat-resistant. 

Riverlet is a gentle off-white base with soft, honied-amber capillaries that flow across the surface. Its honed finish reflects light and is ideal for low-light areas.

Wyndigo features a wash of warm, earthy hues over a soft greige surface. Veining in foaming greys is a feature. Its two-toned mottled patina is in a honed finish.

Raindream’s two layers of slate greys are accentuated with soft dark grey strokes. Its surface emulates the look of wet river stone – in a polished finish.

Agger Grey is a rich, two-toned base of warm, smoky greys with delicate clay undertones and white veining. Available in a polished finish.

Caesarstone Pebbles Riverlet

In designing the above kitchen for an extended family, Darren Genner, principal designer at Studio Minosa, has applied a modern style to a Mid Century home. “The kitchen is designed to accommodate numerous family members cooking together, with the white-on-white walls, cabinetry and benchtops adding a level of sophistication to the space. The soft white of Pebbles Riverlet, in a light-reflective honed finish, is ideal for this otherwise low-light space,” he said.

Caesarstone Pebbles Raindream in a bathroom

Caesarstone’s sustainability commitment, announced last year, sets out the four pillars of its environmental approach to creating the world’s most sustainable surfaces.

Caesarstone Pebbles carries a lifetime warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind for the consumer. It is available nationally and retails from approximately $700 to $900/m2 (which includes basic fabrication and installation).

Wattyl & Caesarstone make perfect pairings easy

Wattyl and Caesarstone have collaborated once again to help take the guesswork and mystery out of choosing a successful colour/finishes…

The big kitchen reveal

Photography by Jacqui Turk I am so excited to finally share my new kitchen with you today! Seeing these beautiful…
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Bathrooms Design Kitchens Laundry RENO ADDICT Reno Trends

Caesarstone launch four new ‘marble’ colours in Whitelight Collection

Caesarstone have released four new light neutral colours. Crafted with the human touch, the new Whitelight Collection (Arabetto, Aterra Blanca, Adamina and Calacatta Maximus) brings the calm, serene beauty of nature into our homes.

Calacatta Maximus

“We’re experiencing life in a new way now with everyone, everywhere, spending more time at home. We’re longing for that connection to the outdoors and a sense of calm,” says Emma Bush, Caesarstone brand manager. “The Whitelight Collection evokes the essence of wellness and serenity; it brings a beautiful, long-lasting piece of the Earth into the heart of our homes.”

Arabetto

The collection works in harmony with a broad range of interior styles, colour palettes and applications, from kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and butler’s pantries to luxurious walk-in robes and home offices.

Arabetto

A modern and timeless evolution of the classic arabescatto marble look, Arabetto is the marble of tomorrow. Dynamic grey veins interlacing with jade and copper span across a crisp, white, polished surface.

Aterra Blanca

A misty white base that unravels with the softest strokes of earthy veining, swirling slowly into the stone, Aterra Blanca captures the beauty of natural marble. This gorgeous marble radiates a translucent glow with warm, milky movements.

Adamina

Recreating the tender touches of golden sand dunes, this sandstone and travertine inspired design will calmly settle into the modern Australian kitchen capturing the essence of nature.

Calacatta Maximus

Calacatta Maximus encapsulates the revival of prominent Calacatta veining and the unique beauty of the mineral layers found in nature. Enhanced by its subtle natural finish, its surface terrain reveals a complex layer of authentic oversized soft grey and delicate copper veining complimented by its pure white base.

For more information

My new navy and gold laundry revealed: before and after

Our kitchen was the very first room we renovated in this house, almost four years ago. It was a case of “I’m not buying the house unless we can afford…

Caesarstone expands its line-up of marble inspired designs

Given our collective appetite for all things marble seems to be continuing unabated, it’s a savvy move by engineered stone company Caesarstone to add a range of marble-inspired finishes to their…
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Appliances Design Kitchens Shopping

Australian kitchen trends: Spring 2020 edition

In kitchen news this spring, iconic laminate brand Formica adds 30 new on-trend finishes to its line-up (can you believe the company launched in 1912?), while Caesarstone moves to the dark side with a textured, matte black stone.

Caesarstone Piatto Black: The black kitchen trend seems set to endure if the latest from Caesarstone is anything to go by. Pitched as the “ultimate dark,” Piatto Black is a deep intense black and is part of the brand’s Deluxe range. The slightly textured finish has a satin sheen for a new, elegant take on matte.

Caesarstone Piatto Black looks fabulous paired with timber

Bocchi Casa ceramic kitchen sink: Available locally at Paco Jaanson, this statement sink is available in 16 colours, in single and double iterations and in sizes including 500, 600, 750 and 850mm. We love its deep shape, statement good looks and that it’s super easy to clean.

Fisher & Paykel classic wall range hood: Offering a heritage aesthetic with modern performance, the new Fisher & Paykel wall range hood has been designed to pair with the New Zealand brand’s freestanding cooker. Available in four classic colours (white, black, stainless steel and red), the range hood comes complete with user-friendly chrome buttons, energy-efficient LED lights and a quiet three-speed fan. $2,549.

Formica: The iconic surface brand has just added 30 new colours to its portfolio including 14 stone patterns, five solid colours and 11 woodgrains, all designed to reflect the latest trends.

Standout finishes include ‘White Cement’ which captures the raw texture of concrete and ‘Calacatta Gold’ which is a white ‘marble’ with large golden cream veins. The new solid colours are equally eye-catching with ‘Olivette’ which is a pale olive green, ‘Teal’ which is a mid-toned blue-green, ‘Bluegrass’ which is a soft grey blue and ‘Deep Sea’ which is a strong bluish green.

Hera by Paco Jaanson kitchen mixer: Available in matte and bright chrome, this new design is a modern take on the traditional gooseneck spout. Art Deco styling springs to mind with its smooth, yet square lines. Priced from a very reasonable $264.

Australian kitchen trends: Autumn 2020 edition

From open shelving (perfect for styling up a shelfie), to a stunning coral hued stone and Gaggenau’s new high-tech oven, Autumn kitchen pickings are looking pretty inspiring indeed. Fibonacci Stone…

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Appliances Design Kitchens Shopping

Australian kitchen trends: Autumn 2020 edition

Caesarstone

From open shelving (perfect for styling up a shelfie), to a stunning coral hued stone and Gaggenau’s new high-tech oven, Autumn kitchen pickings are looking pretty inspiring indeed.

Fibonacci Stone latest: Fibonacci Stone has released four gorgeous new designs. ‘Bloc’ has a grainy grey and black-fleck base (anchored by light to mid-grey Carrera marble chips), while ‘Brackish’ has a subdued palette of white and faded grey. ‘Striker’ is perfect for a contemporary Australian project with its palette of bisque, olive, tan, sand and beige and my personal favourite ‘Coral Underground’ has diamond-like silver grey shards set into the palest coral base. It’s feminine without being girly.

Fibonacci Stone
Fibonacci Stone (clockwise from top left): ‘Coral Underground,’ ‘Brackish,’ ‘Striker’ and ‘Bloc’

Fibonacci stone
The stunning ‘Coral Underground’ stone

Kaboodle Kitchen open steel frame shelving units: A stylish and on-trend alternative to standard kitchen cabinetry, this new shelving range doubles as a practical storage feature that’s perfect for displaying your favourite things. Designed to be used in conjunction with Kaboodle cabinetry, or as a standalone piece, the shelves are available in powder coated black.

Kaboodle

Kaboodle

Fisher & Paykel touchscreen built-in oven: These new ovens are equipped with a high resolution digital interface that gives step-by-step instructions for a wide range of pre-loaded recipes. Precise measures and ideal cooking times and temperatures are provided, and the ovens are available in stainless steel and black, or monochromatic all-black.

Fisher & Paykel oven

Fisher & Paykel oven

Caesarstone ‘New Darks’ range: This new range of quartz surfaces was created in response to the black kitchen trend. Suitable for bench tops, splash backs and walls, the collection also introduces a brand new ‘natural’ surface finish – the slightly textured finish emulates the tactile experience of stone, and has a satin sheen and slight grain.

Highlights include ‘Empira Black’ which is a lustrous polished finish with a dense black base and overlay of fine white natural veins. ‘Black Tempal’ combines the new rough ‘natural’ finish with a deep charcoal base which is in direct contrast to the subtle, marbled veil of soft mineral deposits across its surface.

Caesarstone
Caesarstone ‘Empira Black’

Caesarstone
Caesarstone ‘Black Tempal’

Caesarstone & Wattyl Perfect Pairings II: The collaboration between Caesarstone quartz surfaces and Wattyl paints has been expanded after the initial launch was warmly received by consumers keen to take the guesswork out of what can be a daunting process. Homeowners can access a diverse selection of Caesarstone and Wattyl pairings alongside metallic tapware finishes from Sussex and door cabinetry from Polytec. The latest pairings include terracotta and mustard paint hues (for the more adventurous), as well as more neutral options too.

Wattyl Caesarstone
Wattyl ‘Red Ochre’ with Caesarstone ‘Cloudburst Concrete’

Wattyl 'Grey Ember' with Caesarstone 'Vanilla Noir'
Wattyl ‘Grey Ember’ with Caesarstone ‘Vanilla Noir’

Wattyl 'Sirens Call' with Caesarstone 'Airy Concrete'
Wattyl ‘Sirens Call’ with Caesarstone ‘Airy Concrete’

Gaggenau combi steam oven: Gaggenau’s combi-steam oven not only allows the amateur chef to steam, braise, bake, cook, grill and gratinate, but it’s self-cleaning too.

The latest version of the oven features a fixed water connection. Using a cleaning cartridge, the oven’s water supply descales and removes any heavy soiling from the inside, leaving it pristine in less than four hours. The fresh water connection also means water is constantly available which is a vital feature when cooking using the oven’s sous-vide functionality. The high-tech oven features a temperature probe too. What more could you want?

Gaggenau combi steam oven

Gaggenau combi steam oven

Cosentino Dekton Liquid collection: Comprised of three new colour ways inspired by nature, this new surface range was designed in collaboration with London pattern experts and designers PATTERNITY. All three surfaces have rippling and marbled patterns across backgrounds of inky black and pearlescent white.

Dekton Liquid Shell
Cosentino Dekton ‘Liquid Shell’ finish

Cosentino Dekton 'Liquid Embers'
Cosentino Dekton ‘Liquid Embers’ finish

Australian kitchen trends: Summer 2019 edition

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Designers Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Adding character to a kitchen: steal Georgia’s style

It can be hard to add character to a brand new kitchen but Melbourne interior designer Georgia Ezra makes it look easy in this stunning space.

A love of Mediterranean style and a predilection for handmade and natural finishes were the inspiration for her family home.

An historic building, untouched for decades, gave Georgia the scope to introduce a contemporary U-shaped kitchen with an inspired mix of pale timber, Moroccan zellige ceramic tiles (which she herself imports and sells), Caesarstone quartz surfaces, hemp burlap and limewash paint.

The palette is one of warm, earthy tones that exudes natural and handmade, yet overall the look is tailored and refined. “I wanted to create a bespoke look, inspired by two of my favourite places on the planet – Morocco and Spain. But overall, functionality was at the forefront of the design,” said Georgia, of Studio Ezra.

The kitchen’s traditional work triangle encompasses lush garden views from the sink and has at its focal point a solid oak work island. The minimalist cabinets are inlaid with a sutble grasscloth that softens some of the other harder materials.

Caesarstone Topus Concrete

The benchtops are Caesarstone Topus Concrete, a beautiful soft oatmeal hue with a patina comprising mineral formations found in nature – the sublime, almost delicate surface belies its strength and durability.

“I chose Caesarstone for its resilience – I can relax about the everyday wear and tear that comes with a young family and not worry about damaging or staining of the surfaces,” said Georgia. It’s both heat and scratch-resistant, easy to clean and will never require sealing.

For more information on Caesarstone | For more information on Studio Ezra | Georgia’s tile business Tiles of Ezra

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Appliances Design

Australian kitchen trends: Summer 2019 edition

Caesarstone Empira White
Deb and Andy's winning kitchen on The Block 2019

When it comes to kitchens, summer seems to be the season of the surface. There’s a new marble-look finish from Caesarstone, five new colours from Laminex, new glass splash backs and a collaboration that makes pairing your kitchen bench top and paint colours even easier.

Stegbar splash backs: Stegbar has collaborated with interior designer and trend forecaster Marylou Cafaro to launch the Stegbar Create Splash backs Series, including mirror, metallic and colour collections. “The aim was to create understated refined spaces that speak to quality and longevity. A decade ago splash backs stood out, but now they need to blend in with the whole home design and be an integral part of the joinery and space,” says Marylou.

Stegbar 'Metallics' splash back range
Stegbar ‘Metallic’ splash back range

And while the glass splash back has fallen out of favour of late there’s no denying its appeal; a single pane of made-to measure glass per surface, the Create Splashback Series offers a seamless look, free from grout lines. Also, a special coating repels oil and water, removing the need for harsh chemicals and reducing cleaning time too.

Stegbar 'Mirror' splash back range
Stegbar ‘Mirror’ splash back range

Caesarstone Empira White: The new Caesarstone quartz finish ‘Empire White’ is the brand’s latest interpretation of authentic white marble and combines a white base with shadows and fine black veins. But unlike marble, it is scratch, heat, chip and stain resistant.

Caesarstone 'Empira White'
Caesarstone ‘Empira White’

The finish was used in the recent series of The Block where Deb and Andy combined it with shaker-style matte white cabinetry, brass fixtures and natural timber; a combination that resulted in the couple winning the competition’s kitchen category.

Caesarstone Empira White
Deb and Andy’s winning kitchen on The Block 2019, featuring Caesarstone ‘Empira White’

Smeg: One for the Dolce & Gabbana fans, Smeg has just expanded its ‘Sicily my love’ range (created in collaboration with the iconic Italian fashion designers) to include a stand mixer, slow juicer, and four slice toaster. Each piece is emblazoned with Sicilian symbols including golden yellow lemons, fiery red cherries and the intense cerulean blue of the Sicilian sky.

smeg X Dolce & Gabbana toaster
Smeg X Dolce & Gabbana toaster, $999

Smeg X Dolce & Gabbana stand mixer
Smeg X Dolce & Gabbana stand mixer, $1899

Laminex: Laminex has added five new colours to its ever-growing collection with two new woodgrains, two minerals and a reclaimed shade in the mix. The new colours include ‘Black Birchply’ (a very dark timber), ‘White Painted Wood,’ ‘Avenza Bianco’ (a classic Italian-style marble),’ ‘Urban Pezzato’ (concrete look) and ‘Reclaimed Denim Fibre’ which looks as it sounds.

Laminex 'Avenza Bianco'
Laminex’s new ‘Avenza Bianco’ is inspired by classic Italian-style marble

Of the line-up, ‘Reclaimed Denim Fibre’ is an interesting one given it’s made with offcuts from clothing production and captures the classic indigo look of denim jeans. Reused denim makes up 60 per cent of the finished product and the texture is jean-like too.

“Laminex is committed to sustainable and innovative design practices. In moving towards a waste-less future, we welcome the challenge to transform something that would otherwise have gone to waste into a value-added material with its own design aesthetic,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager of marketing at Laminex.

'Reclaimed Denim Fibre'
‘Reclaimed Denim Fibre’

Samsung: Samsung has expanded its fridge line-up with a new side-by-side range available in a choice of silver stainless steel or matte black. Interestingly, in response to consumer insights, the brand now offers over 20 black refrigerators across its range.

Samsung fridge

The fridges feature flat door designs, recessed handles and Samsung’s SpaceMax technology which uses high-efficiency insulation to keep the internal walls thin, thereby creating more storage space inside the fridge without increasing external dimensions.

There’s also the option of a non-plumbed water and ice dispenser model which is perfect for Aussie renters. You simply fill the 4.5 litre water jug inside and you’re good to go! Prices start from $2,099.

Caesarstone & Wattyl: Given that visualising colour and surface pairings can be a tough gig for the novice, Caesarstone quartz surfaces and Wattyl paints is the latest Australian interiors duo to collaborate in a bid to reduce the associated guesswork.

Wattyl 'Mermaid's Smile' paired with Caesarstone 'Airy Concrete'
Wattyl ‘Mermaid’s Smile’ paired with Caesarstone ‘Airy Concrete’

Homeowners can access a diverse selection of Caesarstone and Wattyl pairings alongside metallic tapware finishes from Sussex and door cabinetry from Polytec. The palettes range from crisp white and soft grey to neutrals, dark charcoals and black. Wattyl has also provided a couple of saturated hues, for the more adventurous.

Wattyl 'Turbine Grey' paired with Caesarstone 'Black Pearl'
Wattyl ‘Turbine Grey’ paired with Caesarstone ‘Black Pearl’

“Consumers can lack confidence in their ability to pull a successful colour palette together.  They want something that expresses their personality and has the sophistication of a designer-led project – but they are unsure of how to get there.  This collaboration has enabled Wattyl, Australia’s longest standing paint brand, to give some really creative – and practical – examples of customised colour pairings.  Ones that are foolproof and yet inspirational,” says Sarah Stephenson, colour expert and Wattyl senior brand communications manager.

Australian kitchen trends: Spring 2019 edition

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Appliances Shopping

Australian kitchen trends: Spring 2019 edition

Lavello sink
Lavello sink in gold

From a variety of Smeg newbies (a fun Mickey Mouse fridge and new high-tech dishwasher), to a new speed oven and the dark kitchen trend, Spring is proving an interesting season for kitchens.

Smeg: The special edition Smeg Mickey fridge was released in the UK a little while back but Aussie Disney fans can now get their hands on it locally through Winning Appliances and Appliances Online. The fridge pairs the FAB fridge’s signature 1950’s retro style with a bespoke drawing of a cheeky Mickey Mouse front and centre. $3490.

SMEG

The same iconic fridge as above (but without the animation!), Smeg has added a few new colours to its FAB28 fridge line-up of late – taupe, ruby red and emerald green. $2990.

SMEG fridge
The new Smeg FAB28 fridge is now available in this chic taupe tone

Smeg has also just released a new range of dishwashers that feature a new way of washing and promise sparkling dishes with zero effort. Yes, please! The dishwashers feature an aerodynamically designed orbital wash system (for maximum efficiency) that includes nine spray jets that clean up and down simultaneously. They also feature the patented ‘Planetary Wash’ system that offers a unique rotation around two axes, delivering the brand’s most intensive wash action to date. The range has good eco-credentials too. From $1390.

SMEG dishwasher

Wolf ICBSPO30 60cm speed oven: Treated as a primary cooking device, or paired with a conventional oven, the Wolf Speed Oven is compact and super quick. Available in two sizes (60cm and 76cm), the oven can prepare entire meals or even just simple tasks such as defrosting or melting – in some ways it’s like a far superior alternative to a microwave. $9495

Wolf speed oven

Caesarstone: Global trends forecaster (and Caesarstone collaborator), Li Edelkoort has noted a dramatic shift away from the all-white kitchens of old with dark tones firmly in vogue. “While at first, choosing black for the kitchen seems surprising, it is actually logical and connected – it is as stylish as the black bowls and plates we now choose to present our food on,” says Li.

Caesarstone offers four finishes that epitomise the look. ‘Vanilla Noir’ features a deep, dense black base with delicate traces of greyed-white veins while ‘Jet Black’ is a rich black that has subtle, yet consistent patterning. ‘Raven’ is a deep slate grey (almost black) that features subtle dappling and ‘Piatra Grey’ is a deep slate grey with chalky white veining.

Caesarstone
Caesarstone ‘Vanilla Noir’

Caesarstone 'Piatra Grey'
Caesarstone ‘Piatra Grey’

Electrolux: Echoing the sentiments above, Electrolux notes that Google searches for black and dark colours in kitchen design were up 93% in the past six months, with tastes turning to the dark side. “What I love about dark appliances in a kitchen is that they become a more subtle part of the room, working beautifully in a space where darker more earthy colours and materials are used,” says interior designer and Electrolux ambassador Anna-Carin McNamara.

Anna-Carin also believes that concerns about dark colours making spaces appear smaller are misplaced. “Space and size doesn’t really influence what colours work best. For example, a small room can be dramatic if dark,” says Anna-Carin.

Electrolux 90cm dark multifunction steam oven
Electrolux 90cm dark multifunction steam oven, from $3299.

Electrolux fridge
Electrolux 681L dark stainless steel French door fridge, from $3299.

Haier freestanding oven: Affordable household appliance brand Haier has just released a new 90cm freestanding cooker featuring nine functions, a spacious 138L capacity, as well as a five-burner gas cooktop. $1749.

Haier freestanding oven

Meir Lavello sink: Created by Meir, the gorgeous Lavello kitchen sink range has just won the Architectural Product Design Award for 2019 via the esteemed Architectural MasterPrize organisation, based in Los Angeles. The award recognises the greatest architectural product designers and manufacturers around the globe, so it’s a pretty big deal for the Aussie brand!

Lavello sink
Lavello double-bowl kitchen sink in brushed bronze/gold, from $1099

Lavello sink in gun metal
Lavello kitchen sink in matte black gun metal, from $590

Artusi 90cm AFG999 Pellegrino freestanding cooker: Designed and manufactured in Italy, this oven combines vintage aesthetics (chrome fittings and retro styling) with modern technology. It’s available in matte black, white and stainless steel and we like the handy storage drawer underneath. $4799.

Artusi Pellegrino freestanding oven
Artusi Pellegrino freestanding oven

Australian kitchen trends: Winter 2019 edition

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Appliances Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Australian kitchen trends: Summer 2018 edition

Smeg wine cellar
Smeg wine cellar

From LG’s new matte black range to Smeg’s new white appliances and fabulous wine cellars, there’s plenty to love in our latest round-up of kitchen finds.

LG Matte Black appliance range: With matte black a solid trend at present, LG has released a range of complementary on-trend appliances. The range includes a microwave, dishwasher and fridge with a unique ‘InstaView’ technology. You literally knock twice on the fridge door and the glass panel on the front of the fridge turns transparent to reveal the inside of the fridge. Not only is it obviously super handy, it reduces cold air loss and temperature fluctuations too. From $379.

LG matte black range

LG matte black appliances

Smeg white collection: For a company that rose to fame on the back of colour, it’s ironic that Smeg’s latest offering sees an expansion of its white line-up. Not only has it introduced a white option for its iconic Victoria freestanding cooker, but the brand’s retro blender is now available in white too. $299 (blender) and $6290 (cooker).

Smeg Victoria oven white
Smeg’s iconic Victoria oven is now available in white

Smeg blender white
Smeg blender in white

Caesarstone: Inspired by carbon fibre, fire and dust, the latest Caesarstone finishes feature deep black shades, bold charcoal and midnight grey and are a response to global trends. “Kitchens, for example, will take inspiration from carbon fibre, those materials that come naturally from fire and dust. It’s a new way of looking at beauty and dark, dramatic colours will be used in bathrooms to create a more sophisticated, hedonistic ambience too,” says trend forecaster Li Edelkoort of the new range.

Caesarstone rugged concrete
Caesarstone’s new ‘Rugged Concrete’ finish

Caesarstone Vanilla Noir
Caesarstone’s new ‘Vanilla Noir’ finish

ILVE SuperINOX cooktop: Made in Italy from stainless steel, ILVE’s latest cooktop is available in two sizes – 77cm and 90cm and the best part about it is that the edges are bevelled making it look like it’s part of the bench top. It’s a nice alternative to a flush mounted design. From $2199.

ILVE inox

Smeg Dolce Stil Novo wine cellars: Dolce Stil Novo, Smeg’s luxury kitchen appliance range, introduced two new wine cellars recently. There’s a 450mm high built-in model and an 820mm under bench option and they offer precise controlled temperature (between 5˚C and 20˚C), ideal humidity, perfect air quality, UV protection and are vibration free. Made with black glass, each option is paired with copper or stainless steel detailing and they complement the collection’s other appliances. From $2190.

Smeg wine cellar
Smeg wine cellar

Smeg wine cellar
The built-in wine cellar complements other appliances in the Dolce Stil Novo collection

The Sommelier drawer is available in the under bench option
The stylish Sommelier drawer is available in the under bench option

Cosentino Dekton industrial collection: Cosentino has introduced four new colours in its Dekton Industrial collection that are inspired by aged and oxidised metals, stones and cement and are perfect for creating a strong, urban aesthetic.

Cosentino Dekton in 'Soke'
Cosentino Dekton in ‘Soke’

Cosentino Dekton in 'Laos'
Cosentino Dekton in ‘Laos’

Spring 2018 kitchen trends

Categories
Bathrooms Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Caesarstone new colours 2018: texture and patina rule

Caesarstone 'Excava'
Caesarstone 'Excava'

Inspired by the unpolished colours, textures and patinas found in industrial architecture, Caesarstone’s latest collection evokes a New York loft and includes three brand spanking designs. “Caesarstone’s new Metropolitan collection rethinks the brutalism of concrete incorporating textural effects, aged patinas, and oxidized accents for the first time ever in quartz surfaces using innovative proprietary technology. The result is an urban look of concrete with a more experimental, refined and romantic expression,” says Caesarstone vice president of marketing Eli Feiglin.

Caesarstone's new 'Topus Concrete' design
Caesarstone’s new Topus Concrete design

“The new 2018 colours are created with the view towards the upcoming trends and our vision of consistently meeting and anticipating different interior design schemes and palettes. They represent our steadily evolving journey as leaders in premium surfaces,” says Eli of the three new designs – Airy Concrete, Topus Concrete and Excava.

Caesarstone's new Excava design
Caesarstone’s new Excava design

The new collection has been designed to reflect the textures of manufacturing – think oxidised steel, poured plaster and raw concrete – and it’s also the first time that weathered patinas have been achieved in quartz. The variations in appearance certainly look like the real thing.

Airy Concrete
Perfect for concrete lovers, this new design is a versatile light grey colour that features dark grey and white areas. It has an authentic rough concrete finish making it indistinguishable from the real thing, but with all the easy care features of Caesarstone. This is possibly the most versatile of the new designs and will complements most tiles or shades of timber.

Caesarstone's new 'Airy Concrete' design
Caesarstone’s new Airy Concrete design

Topus Concrete
Similar to the Airy Concrete design but with a blush undertone, this new design is inspired by topological strata and combines nature’s mineral formations with the rugged patinas of industrial materials. It also features a rough concrete finish and while a perfect foil to the pastel interior trend, it looks equally at home paired with dark timbers and black elements too.

'Topus Concrete'
Caesarstone’s new Topus Concrete has a pink undertone

Excava
This finish is no doubt a response to the statement stone trend. The design is intended to mimic the intriguing patinas of casting and oxidising, combining the authentic features of rust and concrete – the finished result features shades of copper and dark brown. Equally, it’s made to look like the geological decay of stone, weathered by time and nature and has a rough concrete finish also.

Caesarstone 'Excava'
Caesarstone’s new Excava design makes a statement

For more information

How Jen used Caesarstone in her own kitchen reno | A chic industrial inspired kitchen

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Kitchens RENO ADDICT Smart Home The Block

Julia & Sasha share kitchen, mudroom and laundry

Photography by Marcel Aucar

Last time we caught up, our kitchen and laundry had just been installed but the finishing touches were a mere pipedream. Fast forward to 2018 and we’re done and dusted. If we’d ever questioned the notion of love at first sight, we don’t anymore. These spaces have far exceeded our expectations and we’re walking around with all the heart eye emojis. If you’re not yet familiar with our design and installation process, you can read about it here. Go on… I’ll wait.

Kitchen

Now we’re on the same page, it’s time for the fun stuff. We’ve always loved the process of fixing stone bench tops as it pulls the entire look together and adds an element of luxe. We opted for Caesarstone in Calacatta Nuvo for its marble-like appearance and ability to blend classic meets contemporary. It’s also extremely low maintenance and more cost-effective than natural stone. At this point in the renovation, any saving is a good saving and we’re thrilled to bits with the end result. We opted for a frontal waterfall on the island as it defines the sink from the prep area and looks bangin’ to boot.

There’s still more than enough room for three stools and ample space to hang about. Our island measures 3000mm x 1200mm, the maximum when using only one slab of stone. We’re not big fans of longer benches as they require multiple slabs, resulting in an extra join on the surface.

We stuck with the same stone for the splashback in the kitchen but changed it up in the butler’s pantry. The zone opened up ten-fold by using a smoked mirror and we love how it defines the spaces. There’s still a seamlessness as the cabinetry and bench tops are consistent but the use of mirror adds depth and interest. It’s also really easy to keep clean which should always be the MO in any prep area (or so I tell a very messy Sasha).

Among our favourite things are the soaring Sierra cabinets in Matt White from Freedom Kitchens. The Sierra range is a beautiful Shaker-style profile which looks modern yet classic at the same time. We love a generously proportioned space and one of the best ways to achieve this is by taking joinery sky high. The upper cabinets are readily available and measure 1250mm. There’s more storage than you can poke a stick at and they make the room feel infinite. It’s a great trick to implement if you have limited floor space but want to increase the grandeur of your kitchen. You can thank us later, alligators.

Drawers were always big on our list of must-haves and we crammed in as many as we could. They’re so much easier than cupboards when storing everyday items like crockery, containers, and pots and pans. I once did my back while searching for a mixing bowl which was very inconvenient as I had a party to attend and wound up sitting at the dessert table with my friend’s grandma all night. There’s no chance of that happening at Little Willow as we have drawers for days! Freedom Kitchens are clever folk and added some nifty storage solutions like cutlery dividers, a walnut knife holder, and our amazing spice rack. We could buy all the spices from the supermarket and still have room left over. Clever, indeed.

Of course, cupboards are still handy for those things used less often and they’re in abundance in the butler’s pantry. I’m crazy for the corner carousel shelves they installed in the corner cupboard, previously known as the place ‘where things go to die’. It makes such perfect sense and is also really fun to play with. The added depth of our island made way for extra storage in the seating area. Big props to our designer Jack for working so hard to maximise functionality by utilising every inch of available space.

Another big hit are the white sinks. When we settled on the gold tap, we knew we had to skip the standard stainless steel as it can be hard to mix metals. White was a natural alternative and the effect it has is seamless. The sinks are made of composite granite so they’re durable and virtually scratch-resistant. We’re more than happy to share the love so if you need one in your life, head to Reece and ask for the Franke Impact Granite Undermount in White.

On The Block, we were lucky enough to work with Gaggenau and we loved them hard. We didn’t think it possible to develop an affinity with any other appliance brand until NEFF came along. Golly gumdrops, they’re amazing! Our oven stack is so impressive – the doors actually tuck themselves away when you open them. If you haven’t seen them in action, hit up our Insta for a Boomerang demonstration. Our stack includes an in-built Coffee Machine, Compact Oven with Microwave, Slide&Hide Combi-Steam Oven, and Slide&Hide Vario-Steam Oven. That’s a lot of ovens for one house so the new owners best enjoy cooking. The piece de resistance is of course the FlexInduction Cooktop with Integrated Downdraft. Rather than going up into a regular rangehood, steam is sucked down into the vent. How’s that for forward thinking?!

The kitchen is complete with two NEFF dishwashers and our double fridge/freezer from Bosch. Where are they, you ask? Hidden behind four integrated panels right near the island bench. It’s such a great way to dress large appliances and something we’ll be doing in every property moving forward.

We utilised the working triangle when designing this kitchen and it really does make a difference. The general rule of thumb is there should only be a few steps between your sink, cooktop, and fridge. Ours are positioned just so and the space sings because of it.

Of course, we’re all about lightness and brightness so we decided to splash out on three VELUX skylights. They let in a phenomenal amount of natural light and we can’t recommend them enough. Even if you’re not doing a full renovation, it’s worth considering adding a few throughout your home as they truly offer bang for buck. They’re such a focal point and amplify everything in the space, including our White Smoked boards from Royal Oak Floors. Together, they bounce the light around and are a match made in Heaven.

Laundry and Mud Room

If there’s beauty in simplicity then this is it. We carried through the Sierra profile to maintain consistency and added functional shelving to break up the look. Our penny round tiles from Beaumont work so well with the Intense White bench top from Caesarstone. The gooseneck tap from Sussex pops against all the white and marble and collectively elicits the most serene vibe. There’s a high chance I’ll be rolling around in dirt just so I can use this space. (OK, maybe not rolling around but I won’t crack it if I spill coffee on my white dress, that’s for sure).

It’s hard for me to admit but Sasha’s mud room came up trumps. Originally I wanted a whole bank of cupboards but she insisted on creating an Insta-worthy space so I relented and let her at it. It’s such a usable zone with outdoor access so there’s no reason for muddy footprints to be dragged through the house. After endless harping, I managed to get my way with tropical wallpaper and I love how it pops against all the white.

I’m calling it – of the four kitchens and laundries we’ve created, these are my absolute favourites. They’re so striking and functional. Some people think all-white spaces are boring but I truly believe there is nothing better. They have an elegance all their own and give off a feeling of light. As Bill Murray said, ‘There has to be a lightness; you have to be as light as you can be and not get weighed down and stuck in your emotion, stuck in your body, stuck in your head. You just want to always be trying to elevate somehow.’ Sure he was talking about something deeper than kitchens and laundries but his advice rings true. We have all the lightness there is and I hope you love our spaces as much as we do.

Our sincere gratitude to all our suppliers for working tirelessly with us. Their knowledge and commitment has made all the difference and we’re forever indebted for the time, energy, and care they’ve shown. There’s something extra special about companies that not only supply product but eagerly anticipate the end result. That kind of enthusiasm is hard to come by but they have it in spades.

Until next time,

Julia xx

More kitchens and bathrooms | Jen’s kitchen reno

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House Tours Jen's reno Kitchens

The big kitchen reveal

Impressive Ultra in classic oak beige in my own kitchen

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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The Block

The Block series 13 kitchen week room reveals!

It’s always a popular week on The Block! We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home and we are continually told that kitchens sell houses. On top of that, there’s a lot of work involved and that usually means tight timeframes and a fair amount of, you guessed it, drama! I got to tour the kitchens last week so it was extra interesting to watch the judging this week, having seen them for myself. And I would agree with the top two scorers, for sure!

It was an extra exciting episode, with the countdown on to see if Jason and Sarah would finish (start even!) their master suite as well as their kitchen (or face being sent home) and they did. And well!  The judges were blown away. Onto the judging…

Jason and Sarah (second place with 28.5 out of 30)

First, the judges saw last week’s master suite, which they weren’t being scored on. Darren and Neale agreed they could have been in with a chance of winning last week if they’d produced this then. Shaynna said: “You are kidding me? I want to shake them. If they can do this in a week and the kitchen, they gave up last week. This is amazing.” Neale said it was the best Block comeback ever.

Onto the kitchen, the judges were equally impressed. “Beyond back in the game, this is incredible,” said Shaynna. They liked the metallic surfaces on the cabinetry. Darren said everything about the functionality, the materials and handles was perfect. And Neale said the built in shelf behind the cooktop was simply genius. I loved that too!

The judges also loved the mix of materials in the benchtop, using two different Caesarstones. Neale said he thought the kitchen would feel as fresh a decade down the track as it did now.

Darren summed it up as super successful and while Shaynna said the paintwork needed attention, she added buyers would fall in love with the kitchen because it works so well with the rest of the house. Having seen it, I agree.

Our picks to buy: Taburet bar stools from Life Interiors and LEDlux Strix LED pendant from Beacon Lighting.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances

Hannah and Clint (last place with 26 out of 30)

Shaynna loved the mix of finishes saying it had a beautiful, layered feel.

Darren noted they had a bigger dining table and more chairs and the size of the island bench was fantastic. Shaynna loved the placement of the sink, bins and dishwasher. They were let down by size of the fridge however. Ultimately this lost them valuable points and saw them come last.

Neale thought a study nook would have been a much better better use of space than a bar in a family home. And Shaynna said while there were some big ticks, the too-small fridge and the cocktail area were overshadowing how she felt about it.

Despite this, the judges said the room was contemporary and sophisticated and will impress the buyers.

Our picks to buy: Encore stools from Freedom and Organic Choice cleaning products.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Ronnie and Georgia (third place with 28 out of 30)

Shaynna said it felt really sexy and loved the new Caesarstone concrete island. Darren called it absolutely beautiful.

He also loved the size of the kitchen sink, the double integrated fridge and the fancy benchtop exhaust. He noted the use of black and how it tied together with the rest of the house, cutting through the grey.

There weren’t enough powerpoints though and this may have led to them coming third instead of second. But the judges loved the study nook, especially the pocket doors.

Shaynna said it felt like the right kitchen for the rendered walls of the living area. But she said it felt a little bit cold and they needed to add some accent colours in. “It needs a little bit of a lift.”

Darren said it was what a modern luxury palette should be and the kitchen was just knockout.

Neale said there was a lot for a buyer to get very, very excited about.

Our picks to buy: Franke Impact undermount sink in onyx from Reece, Sussex Scala curved sink mixer from Reece, Therapy kitchen candle and marble cookbook holder from Williams Sonoma.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Stick and Wombat (fourth place with 26.5 out of 30)

Luckily, Sticks returned this week after the birth of his baby!

Darren said “this is beautiful,” loving the solid chunk of Caesarstone intersecting with the timber laminate.

Neale thought the Ceasarstone on the splashback was “bloody beautiful”. Shaynna loved it too and the concrete-look cabinetry. She didn’t like them together though, because they were both features and in her opinion, cancelled each other out. I totally agree on this point and although I love the Caesarstone, I don’t like its use over the rangehood. I think it looks clunky. I do love the mix of finishes, the timber accents and the warm feeling and personality this space has though.

The judges loved the secret door, the whiskey bar and the workmanship of the timber by Sticks.

Shaynna said it had lots of personality and Neale said they’d delivered on their style, and very well too. “They’ve got their signature love of timber but they seem to know how to bring it into a contemporary context. They do raw luxury so well.”

Our picks to buy: Rachel Bainbridge resin homewares and Bailey bar stools from Life Interiors.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Josh and Elyse (first place with 30 out of 30)

It was 10s all round for the youngest contestants whose kitchen stood out for many reasons. Changing the profile of their stairway earlier gave them an amazing, large hidden butler’s pantry. And facing the island bench out towards the garden was another point of difference.

Darren said it was beautiful. “It looks a million dollars.”  Neale said it felt very, very special and sociable. Shaynna said the layout, and the continuation of the timber floor and the styling, meant it engaged with the dining and the lounge, as well as connecting to the garden. Neale said it had a beautiful warmth and sense of community that people will find really appealing.

All the appliances got ticks. Shaynna’s face when she found the butler’s pantry said it all!  The judges couldn’t find anything to fault in the execution; the paintwork was spot on and the styling “perfection”. Darren said everything was just so!

And here’s the biggy! Shaynna said up until this point she had Ronnie and Georgia pegged as the frontrunners for winning, but after today, she thought these two! Controversial! (And I’m inclined to agree).

Our picks to buy: Lacey light shades from The Family Love Tree, paddle cutting board from west elm and Sorrento cuddle mugs from Freedom.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

We’ll have many more details of the kitchens throughout this week from the main suppliers at Freedom Kitchens, Caesarstone, Bosch and Neff.

All our Block coverage.

Categories
Bathrooms Kitchens

Caesarstone celebrates 30th anniversary with five new designs

To celebrate three decades in the engineered stone world, Caesarstone have introduced five new designs to their already impressive line-up.

With exposed concrete and the industrial vibe all the rage now (if you don’t believe me, take a look at the latest reveals on The Block), Cloudburst Concrete fits the bill perfectly with its white-on-white, tonal cloud-like patina. The rough look (not actually rough!) surface finish will pair fabulously with rich timber or even stainless steel.

If you are in the market for something moodier, the Canon Terra offers a dark grey concrete and terrazzo fusion highlighted with specks of black; add some brass tapware to create a look that’s totally industrial luxe. Frozen Terra is Canon’s lighter cousin, with the same beautiful black basalt highlights on an off-white base.

On the natural stone side of things, Turbine Grey is the next generation in modern granite, featuring mid-to-dark grey veins contrasting against a white background; a great alternative to the much-loved marble options.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with white – Intense White’s bright white is modern, crisp and fresh, at home in any style.

The new designs are available through kitchen retailers nationally and are on display in all Caesarstone showrooms.

Categories
Jen's reno Kitchens

The plans for my new kitchen revealed (and the before!).

In partnership with Latitude Financial Services

I feel like I’ve been planning my new kitchen for months. Oh yeah, I have been! It’s been five months since we moved into our new (old) home, affectionately called the “nanna house” due to the old lady who lived here for three decades before us. We have been slowly but surely bringing her into the 21st Century but the first major job on the list was the kitchen and now the wheels are finally in motion. We are looking at an imminent demo, so any tips for surviving without a kitchen for a few weeks, will be gratefully received in the comments (thanks in advance!).

So here’s what we’re dealing with now. A very original kitchen which had a little spruce-up prior to the house going on the market. We’re talking old school solid timber cabinets installed long before soft close doors and smooth drawer runners were invented. They’re not even tall enough for most of today’s mod cons, like the Vitamix and the bigger wine glasses, for example. I haven’t unpacked more than the essentials because despite much scrubbing, you can only get that orange floral lining paper (which has become one with the cupboards) so clean. The laminate benchtop is actually in amazingly good condition and the brown oven and electric coil cooktop still work surprisingly well. But the museum piece dishwasher keeps tripping the electric and leaks every time we use it. But at least we have a working dishwasher!

We’ll be replacing those sliding dining room doors with French doors

Then there’s that random half-wall three quarters of the way down on the lefthand side. On the other side of that is, well, dead space! And the beautiful sliding door to the laundry.

The design was always going to be relatively straightforward: maximise use of space by removing the half-wall and bricking up the back door (we have two others!) and move the breakfast bar back into the kitchen as it is currently encroaching on our already-narrow dining room. Making space for a modern fridge-freezer (ours currently lives in the dining room because there’s nowhere for it!) was also pretty important!

While I had a pretty good idea what I wanted to do, when you have talented friends, you’d be mad not ask their advice, and I have several! So when interior designer James Treble (from Channel 10’s The Living Room) was at our place for brunch one day, I made him earn his food by drawing me up a quick plan! And it suddenly all clicked into place.

Poor James wasn’t actually expecting me to publish this when he scribbled it down in 5 minutes!

We than had a designer from Freedom Kitchens come out to tell us what was actually possible, using the drawings as a rough guide. This was really helpful as there were plenty of things I hadn’t considered. She explained everything really well and I felt much more confident in what we were doing after that. Some plans were produced, which I was happy with, and we are now waiting for a site check and measure this Friday before we can go any further. I am dying to lock in my trades and get going! Our friends at Integriti Bathrooms (they did our beautiful bathroom reno at the old place) are coordinating the trades with me (thanks guys, I wouldn’t trust anyone else!) and this has been a huge learning curve for me too, but it was about time I learned a bit more about the process!

Initial plan from Freedom Kitchens

So, what will be be doing in here? I’m going for classic with a touch of glam!

Shaker-style cabinetry was always going to be my choice. Due to a very tight budget (we maxed out on our mortgage!), we decided to go with Freedom Kitchens’ new and very affordable flatpack option, The Essential Kitchens Range. My handyman will assemble the cabinets, even though it’s apparently a piece of cake. That stuff just isn’t mine and Damian’s forte!

As this is a longterm home, it had to be a stone benchtop. I’ve chosen Caesarstone’s Noble Grey as a nice contrast to the white cupboards while still being quite light (I had dark benchtops in my last place and hated them). I’ll be taking that up the splashbacks too. Our kitchen is flooded with natural light, the best light in the house, so I wanted to keep it all light and bright in here.

Against many people’s opinions on what will date or what is on trend, I am sticking by my decision to go with brass handles from Kethy, a gold Zip tap and even (wait for it) a gold undermount sink. Controversial!

Personally, I think brass is a classic look. Rose gold, I’d agree, may be having an extended temporary moment, but when you think about it, brass has been around in interiors for a really long time! I don’t have resale in mind as we intend to live here for at least a decade so I’m taking the opportunity to specify what I really want. This is one flatpack kitchen that is being seriously pimped!

To add a little colour, pattern and texture, I’m considering a Roman blind made from some kind of navy-based textile (you knew there’d be navy, right?) and some navy rattan stools like these from Naturally Cane.

I love this kind of look. Image: blinds-2go.co.uk

Or I might add the colour and pattern with wallpaper (away from any water or potential oily splashes, don’t worry!) and have plantation shutters instead. Lots to think about!

Appliances were a learning curve! I’ve chosen mine from Ilve and after dreaming of a freestanding cooker for a really long time, at the last minute, I decided a more streamlined built-in look would be better for our kitchen. What I knew I needed though was quality that would last and something big enough to cope with entertaining and a growing (no, that’s not an announcement!) family. I’ve gone for a 90cm oven, a 90cm induction cooktop, a concealed rangehood and an integrated dishwasher. I won’t pretend this European brand’s style credentials didn’t sway me too!

Flooring is still up in the air after a supplier let me down at the last minute (yes, this happens to media too!), but we are looking to replace the floor everywhere bar the bedrooms (which are newly carpeted) as soon as the kitchen’s finished.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you over the coming weeks!

–Looking to renovate your kitchen? Get some tips on how to finance it from our partners at Latitude Financial Services.

Categories
Kitchens RENO ADDICT Shopping

New flagship Caesarstone showroom opens in Melbourne

Caesarstone has just opened the doors to a brand new Sales and Distribution Centre in Heatherton, Victoria.

caesarstone_141116_5237

Caesarstone quartz surfaces feature throughout the showroom with large wall panels of every colour and an awe-inspiring kitchen island benchtop that spans 5.2 metres and features the Supernatural design, Statuario Maximus combined with the Bora down draft induction cooktop, Abey undermount sink, Gessi mixer, Gaggenau oven and Vintec wine fridge.

caesarstone_141116_5130

“We are thrilled to open our new state-of-the-art showroom here in Melbourne and offer our customers the full Caesarstone brand experience” said Chris Lenihan, regional manager Caesarstone Victoria. “We wanted to show a variety of new colours not only in large format panels but also in applications such as our very latest new release White Attica, which is showcased in a very impressive 4 metre long reception desk.” Inspired by classic natural marbles, White Attica features a clean white base with dense, dark grey interwoven veins.

caesarstone_141116_5123

With expert staff on hand to assist with colour selection this new showroom will no doubt become a popular destination for anyone looking to design, renovate or build.

The Heatherton Showroom and Distribution Centre is located at 57 Corporate Dr, Heatherton. Doors are open Monday to Friday from 9am-to-5pm and Saturdays 9am-to-5pm.

For more information.

Categories
Kitchens

Caesarstone expands its line-up of marble inspired designs

Given our collective appetite for all things marble seems to be continuing unabated, it’s a savvy move by engineered stone company Caesarstone to add a range of marble-inspired finishes to their line-up. An extension of their first marble-inspired design (the gorgeous Statuario Maximus), the brand has added seven fabulous new designs to its already impressive stable. From large-veined statement designs to more subtle patterning, and a great neutral colour palette, the range truly caters to all interior persuasions.

5143_White_Attica render
White Attica

Modern interiors are often criticised for their lack of warmth and you could say the same thing about marble. Yet while marble (and marble-inspired finishes) can feel cold to touch, they are actually brilliant at injecting warmth into a space. Just as textured fabrics, faux fur, natural materials and indoor plants bring the outdoors in, so too can a splash of marble. From very obvious vein detail, to subtler designs, the new collection has something for any interior.

Georgian Bluffs: This light grey colour way is flecked with white and grey streaming veins.

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Georgian Bluffs

Cosmopolitan white: This subtle pattern is essentially white-on-white but the diagonal veining adds some depth and interest.

Tuscan dawn: This finish boasts a rich taupe background that contrasts fabulously with the creamy off-white veins that run through it.

Symphony Grey: A subtly textured dark grey finish.

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White Attica

White Attica: The most traditional finish in the range, White Attica was inspired by classic natural marbles. Think a super white base paired with dark grey interwoven veins. This is a statement finish.

Noble grey: Grey-on-grey, this finish combines wide, dark grey natural veins with a soft, light grey background.

Nordic Loft: This light taupe is perhaps the most versatile of the bunch and it’s a brilliant complement to Scand-inspired spaces.

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Nordic Loft

See here for more.

Categories
Bathrooms Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Caesarstone launch new marble inspired design

Featuring broad, warm grey veins and a soft white background,  Caesarstone‘s latest offering ‘Statuario Maximus’ is perfect for lovers of the marble trend.

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The new design joins the Caesarstone Supernatural designs collection and offers the same benefits we have come to love about the brand – it is scratch, heat and chip resistant.

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“Over recent years we have seen the market truly embrace the natural inspired marble designs in Australia and overseas,” says Andrew Dixon, Caesarstone GM Marketing.

It’s a trend we have been tracking and we think this product could have a number of great applications in kitchens and bathrooms in particular – we love the luxe feel of marble but also its scope as a neutral.

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“Statuario Maximus will work with many other materials and colours providing wide colour scheme flexibility,” says Andrew. From classic white to warm neutral or grey toned cabinetry to all the fabulous woods available now (oak and walnut spring to mind), the design options are endless.

See here for more.