that once needed instant concrete, like putting in a new washing line, mailbox or fence, can now be done much quicker and easier thanks to Sika’s new Post Fix.
Suitable for wood, PVC, metal or concrete posts, Sika Post Fix turns big projects into easy DIY jobs. So rather than using 60 kilograms of instant concrete to fix one average sized post into the ground, you can do so with just one 1.1 kilogram bag of Sika Post Fix.
The easy-to-mix solution requires no special tools and does not use water. Simply pre-mix in the bag before opening, pour and watch it expand rapidly to fill the hole and fix the post in place. Setting in just three minutes, it hardens completely in two hours, so you can get on with finishing the job. Any excess material cured above the surface of the ground can be cut away with a sharp knife before covering with top soil.
Sika Post Fix has a unique chemical formulation that does not harm the soil or surrounding environment. Once mixed and in foam state, Sika Post Fix is inert and will not leach into the soil.
Available from Hardware & General, Mitre 10, Bunnings and other hardware stores, visit Sika Australia for more information.
I’m the first to admit to having a serious addiction to both Instagram and Pinterest. I am a visual learner and well, there are just so many pretty pictures, how can you not be? Yet, I still find myself collecting magazine cutouts and swatches of fabric (surely I can’t be the only person out there doing this?).
I wanted to create an inspiration board for my home office where I could physically pin such finds. I had a bit of a look around online and in stores and couldn’t find anything that matched my decor, let alone any that I was willing to have on show to visitors. All I found were plain boring cork boards or, if you wanted to mix it up, half cork board/half whiteboard and let’s be honest, nothing that looked like that would be going up on my walls! So, as you do, I decided to make my own. Here is what I made and now I’m going to show you just how easy it was to whip up!
Step1: Decide on a frame and design + Pick up supplies
Being a renter, I needed something relatively light so my trusty 3m velcro strips would hold it up. This threw out my original idea of an ornate vintage frame, so I went for a lightweight and budget friendly option from my local junk shop. I opted for a monochrome pattern that was striking with a relatively easy pattern to paint (given my lack of painting skills).
Cork board
White primer paint
Black water-based acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Masking tape
Pins
Step 2: Time to prime
I never realised just how absorbent cork board was! It literally soaks up the primer as you’re painting, so you will need to do at least two coats to make sure you have a decent base.
Step 3: Mark out your pattern and paint
This is the most time-consuming part of this relatively quick project. Mark out your pattern with the masking tape. I didn’t use anything fancy, just a tape measure and a lead pencil to make sure my pattern was going to work out evenly across the board.
Then simply paint over the pattern. I would recommend two coats for this stage as well.
Step 4: Affix to wall
Once the paint is dry, remove the masking tape and ta-dah! Your pattern will all make sense. Then all you need to do is affix to your wall and get pinning!
I picked up these gold pins in a pack with gold paperclips and bulldog clips from Kmart for only two bucks!
–Kathryn Bamford is our girl on the ground in Melbourne; you can follow her DIY & design adventures on Instagram @thedesignrookie.
Pokey, with no bench space or storage and mice living under the pantry (!), Hayley Kessner knew a good project when she saw one. Married to a builder and an interior designer herself, the dark, dank and uninviting kitchen of her new home in Perth was in dire need of renovation, and she had the perfect team to tackle it: them.
BeforeAfter
“100 percent of the kitchen was done ourselves,” explains Hayley. “From the very initial design – my husband Chadd worked out all the structural elements, whilst I took care of the floorplan. We then chose all the materials and finishes together. I really wanted to push the boundaries and do some difficult DIY projects that I had seen floating around the internet, so that I knew they would work before I made any suggestions to clients. Thankfully, we pulled off every idea!”
After
Originally a little room with a load bearing wall separating it from the rest of the house, they immediately knocked it down and installed supporting beams in the ceiling. Replacing all the cabinetry, benches, electricals and plumbing, the last stage of the renovation saw the cosmetic makeover begin, which included spraying the lower cabinets in flat black enamel paint, replacing the island benchtop, hand painting the grout and pendants, replacing the cabinetry handles with DIY leather straps and the biggest job of all: creating concrete benchtops.
After
“We laid concrete directly over the existing laminate benchtops that ran along the walls of the kitchen,” says Hayley. “We sanded down the laminate then poured concrete over the top. Once it was dry, Chadd sanded down the concrete for a smooth finish — this was the absolute worst part of the entire renovation by far. Because the fronts were off all the doors and drawers, every single thing was covered in dust. We had to wash it all. It was so worth it in the long run though, the concrete brings the most beautiful texture to the space and adds that perfect element of grunge that was needed to tie it into the rest of the house.”
AfterAfter
Now open plan, the kitchen shares the same space as the lounge and dining areas and, as a result, flows on beautifully to the rest of the house. “The house was built in the sixties and definitely has some traditional elements like the Jarrah floors and the decorative cornices. I didn’t want to bring in a highly modern kitchen that would look new and out-of-place. I think what we built fits just right with the look of the rest of the home.”
After
Having done all the work themselves, Hayley estimates the cost of the kitchen renovation to be around $10,000. And while there were some big-ticket items, she notes the replacement of the island bench as her most cost-efficient move. “The simplest update was probably swapping out the laminate island bench with a piece of laminated pine we bought from Bunnings. We softened the edges with a sander and rubbed an oak stain on it before sealing it with some food-safe oil. It was $99 for the pine and $11 for the stain, and it makes a huge difference.”
After
Home to Hayley, Chadd and their three children (10, eight and three) it was also very important that storage was kept front of mind. “The kitchen now has ample storage, plenty of bench space and looks so good. All the under-bench storage is deep drawers, so nothing gets lost and everything gets used. We also decided to take up some of the dining space by installing a big two-door pantry that is also fitted with open drawers — again making every space accessible. The other key is to get rid of appliances you don’t use. No one really needs a hot dog/milkshake/cake pop maker. We have in our cupboards only what we use all the time.”
For more on Hayley’s projects or to ask her questions about what she did or used here, visit her website.
Enthusiasm for your DIY projects and renovations is the best attitude to have before beginning any task, but this shouldn’t be at the cost of having a level head. Taking on a project too hastily can often result in costly mistakes. On Selling Houses Australia, I’ve seen the same error made time and time again so I’ve put together my top tips on how to avoid these throughout your next renovation.
Leave the specialist jobs to the pros
Taking on skills you aren’t trained for is not only risky but also dangerous. Jobs such as plumbing, electrics and construction should never be attempted by anyone other than a qualified professional. If you’re looking to do things like open up a room by knocking down a wall, it’s always important to consult a builder first. A builder will be able to identify if a wall is load-bearing or structural, i.e whether or not it can be knocked down. Not consulting a professional for these major jobs is a mistake many DIYers make, which can result in major damage to your home, turning what would have initially seemed like an easy way to cut costs into unplanned repairs.
Do your research
Google and YouTube have revolutionised the DIY world by showing us what we can achieve ourselves within our homes. It’s important to remember that you won’t always find the right answer from one Google search or by watching a YouTube tutorial. Before starting a task, make sure you research thoroughly and understand what it takes to achieve the best result.
Plan and budget your project
Before you begin any renovation, it’s important to plan out the project and break it up into stages. This will ensure that the project is completed both on time and on budget. Most people have champagne tastes and beer budgets so make sure you do your maths for the entire project and not just the cost per room. Too often I’ve seen walls with no plaster or missing flooring due to a lack of planning that results in DIYers running out of time and/or money to complete the job.
Tackle the project room-by-room
Once you’ve got a plan and budget in place, it’s best to tackle your project room-by-room or stage-by-stage. This will break the job up into easy-to-manage tasks and won’t seem like such a daunting challenge. Also, keep in mind that having a clear design plan to begin with will ensure there is cohesion in the final look, otherwise you could end up with a disjointed disaster.
Preparation is key before painting
Paint can be used to hide a multitude of sins but it can’t hide everything — including cracks and holes. Before you begin any paint job, it’s important to get the preparation right to ensure you get the best result. Filling in holes and sandpapering might seem tedious but if you get it right the first time, you’ll avoid touch-up jobs in the future.
Be budget conscious without going cheap
There is a big misconception that ‘going cheap’ is the only way to be budget conscious. While you’ll always have a budget in mind, which you need to stick to, there are ways of saving money on a project without going for the cheapest of everything. This usually results in using lesser quality products, which need to be replaced or repaired more often, which ends up being a higher cost than if you’d chosen a quality product to begin with.
Create a colourful finish
Once renovations are complete, it’s always nice to polish it off with a healthy dose of colour. Clinical, boring and no personality is certainly not a brief I’ve ever been given by a client and definitely aren’t moods I’d encourage. Before you pick up a brush, it’s important to take your time to choose a paint colour that will complete your look and make you happy with the result. Start off by seeking inspiration for the colour palette you want to create and select tones that will evoke the right mood for you and give your project a great finishing touch – no matter what the room.
– Shaynna Blaze is Taubmans’ brand ambassador and colour creative director, host of Selling Houses Australia and judge on The Block.
Breakthroughs in tiling technologies are providing incredible new styling opportunities, not just in the size of tiles (which are getting bigger and bigger) but in natural variations, colours and textures. The choice is now so great, people can easily personalise their space, and thanks to manufacturing processes being trimmed, they’re an increasingly affordable and durable material.
At Beaumont Tiles, our buyers are busy travelling the globe to track down the best tiles. So we’ve got a pretty good view of what’s at the fingertips of style fashionistas! Here are the trends we are seeing for 2015 and beyond.
Bigger is better: The popularity of seamless, open-plan and outdoor living has meant home owners are carefully considering their flooring choices to achieve an integrated, spacious feel.
One of the golden rules to create a free-flowing home is to minimise the number of grout lines in the space. So with clever positioning, less cut lines and the benefit of being easy to clean, big tiles are quite literally a growing trend in Australia.
We’re seeing 600 x 1200mm floor tiles and even large format wall tiles. Note to DIY novices: due to their size, they’re a little more intricate to lay requiring some additional surface prep.
Natural beauty: With such busy lifestyles, people are drawing design inspiration from nature for their homes. It’s a trend that’s taking off across the globe and tiling is presenting the most affordable option in achieving a tranquil and calming environment.
Advancements in printing technology have produced tiles able to imitate natural materials with wood, worn wood, cement, marble and stone being replicated. It’s almost impossible to tell them apart from the real deal unless you touch and feel the temperature variance – even a wooden texture, for example, can be mimicked.
The great thing about natural lookalike tiles is they provide a base for DIYers to insert their own personality and create a layered interior with flecks of colour, texture or pattern. At that same time, the low maintenance required makes them a highly desirable alternative.
Make a statement: Beige be gone! Over the past few years tiles have become a design feature in the home as much as a flooring solution. Think bright, bold, textured and shaped feature walls and floors. Statement trends range from edgy modernist with bold artistic designs, neo classical black and white, to creative shaped, textured and 3D tiles.
If you want to make a subtle statement, look out for variations in cement-based tiles. Cement-look tiles are evolving and are mixing with natural materials like wood and stone. The result is stunning, textured surfaces with a raw finish, perfect for a minimalist industrial interior.
–Rachel Gilding is the Beaumont Tiles strategic designer. With 100 outlets Australia wide, Beaumont Tiles is still strongly committed to bringing the world’s best and latest tiles and bathroomware to Australian consumers, builders and renovators.
There are many reasons bathroom renovations get put off and put off (sometimes for years) despite a brand new shiny one being top of many people’s wish lists. Two of these are the expense and having better things to do with your weekend then traipse around bathroom showrooms. But did you know, as with most things these days, you can now get a great deal online and not have to leave the comfort of your own home? Yes, even with bathrooms. So long as you have a tape measure, you’re set!
Allure Bathrooms are one such supplier, specialising in a wide range of great value vanities at all budgets, delivered direct to your home. Having replaced one last year, I know a new vanity alone can transform the look of a tired bathroom, not to mention adding valuable storage space you may not have had before.
Starting at just $549, they have a wide range a range of styles and sizes, from contemporary, wall mounted bathroom vanity units to more traditional, timber ones. Whether you want one basin or two, sleek and modern or traditional, a budget buy for your investment property or something really fancy for your spacious family bathroom, Allure have you covered.
They also sell tapware, shower screens, basins, toilets, bath tubs and accessories. Pretty much everything you need except the tiles and flooring. And of course you just need someone to rip out and install at your house, whether that’s your trusted tradie, a plumber or yourself!
If you’re in Melbourne you can even visit their Collingwood showroom and see for yourself, or give them a call on (03) 9419 5282 for some advice.
“Allure Bathrooms is passionate about bringing the best in quality contemporary bathroom products to Australians at a price they can afford. With guaranteed lowest prices and the best in contemporary bathroom design, a walk through of our showrooms in Melbourne will be enough to convince you that we have the bathroom supplies you need to give you the refined decor you desire. Come in and talk to us and we will help you bring your bathroom to life.”
With its rotting cabinetry, leaking dishwasher and even some resident possums, Nadine Wood’s kitchen was in serious need of renovation! “It was just revolting! I had originally thought we’d live in it for a while, but we ended up renovating it straight away. I always knew the space had potential; it’s got great sunlight and in the neighbouring room (I call it my breakfast room), there’s big east-facing windows.” The space has now become her favourite in the house.
Before
With the hope to one day knock down and rebuild their 1966 North Turramurra home in Sydney, Nadine created what she calls an affordable and temporary kitchen; replacing all the internals, but putting the new appliances in the same spot as where they originally were. “I didn’t want to go really cheap because there was always the thought in the back of my mind that we might end up living here for 20 years! I didn’t want to spend too much on the fixtures that were permanent to the house, in case we knock it down, but many of the things, like the carcasses, the doors and the handles, could easily be used in a new kitchen.”
Before
As an interior decorator and organiser, Nadine had all the necessary skills to design the kitchen; sourcing all the appliances and finishes and even building a lot of it herself. “The floors have all been re-polished, the cornices were changed (I had a great carpenter do that) and the upper cupboards were moved so there was an instant sense of space. I designed the kitchen and ordered it through DIY Australia and my husband and I built it and did all the painting. We then got a contact to put in the Caesarstone benches.”
What’s even better is Nadine managed to come in under budget, with the tiles and the blue-grey feature wall her cheapest but most effective quick fixes. “I always thought the splashback tiles would cost more, but they really didn’t and I just love them. I love the colour, it’s made the kitchen go from drab to something a lot nicer. Then the dark wall behind it (Porter’s Paints’ Atlantic), ties everything together beautifully. That’d have to be my favourite.”
After
With her current home being her third personal reno project, Nadine is a serial renovator. With a great love of transforming spaces and making them both functional and beautiful, she also offers decorating services through her business, Fresh Focus Design.
How to: make your own bed head for under $50 (yes really)!
I can’t even recall how many conversations I’ve had with people wanting a bed head for their ensemble but not wanting to fork out for an expensive store-bought one. My housemate happened to be one of these people, so we decided to give her room a makeover on a minimal budget. This bed head could actually be the easiest DIY project I have ever done and it’s renter-friendly!
What you need:
1x piece of ply board
Sandpaper
Paint and paint brush
Matt finishing spray
Nails or 3M hooks to attach to wall
Pencil.
Step1: Picking a pattern & size
The first thing you need to do is work out your tile size. I was working with a double bed, so I went with 39cm x 39cm timber tiles (I wanted to allow for a slight overhang on either side). Deciding on a pattern we both loved and finding something relatively simple to match my poor painting skills was a whole other story! I found so many cool patterns it made it hard to choose, so go with your gut on this one. Trust me when I say the hardest part is deciding on a pattern to put on the tiles. Once you’ve locked in the pattern, it will take you no time at all!
Step 2: Get your supplies
I headed down to my local hardware store and managed to get everything relatively easily (Hint: Get them to cut your ply for you into your tile size. It’s free, only takes a few minutes, and saves all the mess at your own place!).
Step 3: Mount, draw and paint the tiles
Mount your tiles to the wall and draw on the pattern you chose. Once you’re happy with the way the pattern will look, paint away. Then all you have to do is wait for it to dry!
Step 4: Spray with finishing spray
Apply a few coats of finishing spray to your ply tiles and wait for it to dry.
We were lucky that we had some 3M velcro strips laying around. 3M hooks will up the price but understand that if you’re renting, your landlord probably won’t appreciate you nailing the ply tiles to the wall. If you love the idea of this bedhead but don’t have the time to make one yourself, you can always spend a bit more and opt for some of Bonnie and Neil’s ready done gorgeous tiles ($25 each).
Kathryn Bamford is our girl on the ground in Melbourne; you can follow her design adventures on Instagram@thedesignrookie.
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.
Outdated kitchens to be overhauled by nooks & cranny
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.
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.
Two demolition scenes, by nooks & cranny
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.
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.
Complete flat pack kitchen, by nooks & cranny
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.
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).
With the warm weather upon us, it’s time to spend time outdoors, open the windows, and start the home renovation projects. You might be planning to get some jobs done over the holiday break. If you choose to do your home renovation projects on your own, make sure to do your best to prevent injuries, be prepared for accidents, and to have a basic understanding of first aid.
It is always better to be prepared, even if you don’t need your first aid skills, than it is to find yourself or a loved one injured and not know how to handle it.
Know what you know, and what you don’t
The best kind of first aid is prevention. You know what you are capable of, so use your best judgment when determining when to do it yourself, and when to hire a professional. Saving money and pride by completing an entire project by yourself is not worth your health and safety, and the health and safety of those who will interact with your renovation when it is completed.
Wear protective clothing and gear
No matter what your home renovation project may be, you always need to wear the right kind of clothing during the completion of the project.
Eyes: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from both flying objects and airborne particles.
Feet: Especially when you are working with any kind of equipment, wear thick work boots that will protect your feet from all sides, whether you drop something on them or you step on a sharp object.
Skin: If you are working with chemicals, keep your skin covered to prevent burns, contamination, or potential allergic reactions.
Nose & mouth: If you are painting, working with chemicals, removing asbestos, or near dust, protect your health with masks to keep yourself from inhaling harmful substances.
Have the right tools
Not only do you need to make sure that you are using the right tools for the job, and using them the right way, but in order to take care of yourself or loved ones in the case that they do get hurt, you need to make sure that you have well stocked a first aid kit. Depending on what your renovation entails, you should be prepared to treat burns, cuts, abrasions, stings, splinters, sprains, strains, blisters, mild pain, and know when to call an ambulance.
Basic first aid skills
Working on home renovation projects means that there is always a chance for injury. It is in your best interest to have some key first aid skills. Make sure that you have some knowledge of first aid relating to your project. If the injured person is bleeding, put pressure on the wound. Cuts and scrapes should always be cleaned and left covered during the day. If they have suffered a stab wound, do not remove the object, but immediately call an ambulance. The best way to get the skills that you need might be to take a certification class.
CPR: A CPR certification is usually valid for one year, and could potentially be a lifesaving skill, especially if you are working around water or at heights over ground level. If a person stops breathing before an ambulance arrives, knowing CPR may be their only chance at survival and minimising brain damage.
First Aid Certification: A first aid certification can train you to take care of anything from cuts and scrapes to blisters, sprains and minor head injuries. You can learn how to set a broken bone, how to care for burns, and when you need to call an ambulance. It is always best to be prepared for what might happen.
Please remember that no matter what your project entails, your safety should be the number one priority. Good luck with your renovation, and stay safe!
–Mark Partridge is the director of Training Course Experts (TCE) in Perth, Western Australia. TCE is a registered training organisation which specialises in forklift training, senior first aid training and more.
New to Space Furniture, the Paper Vase Cover is not only a genius idea, but the perfect affordable and stylish Christmas gift!
A tactile paper skin, the vase cover is designed to encase and repurpose a disused empty glass bottle and turn it into an intriguing sculptural vase. Starting out as a folded piece of paper, the triangular structure of the paper skin invites the user to create unique shapes by rolling up the paper and adjusting its size to fit bottles of different shapes. Made from recycled coated paper, each vase cover is individually folded and stitched by hand, ensuring a consistent and high quality finish with minimal energy use.
Yet what is arguably the best bit of all, is the Paper Vase Cover is an amazing example of design with a social conscience, with Dutch designer and creator Pepe Heykoop overseeing the handcrafted making process through the Tiny Miracles Foundation. Established by Pepe’s cousin, Laurien Meuter, the Tiny Miracles Foundation works to break the poverty cycle of a community of 700 people living in a slum in Mumbai, India. In a workshop set up by Pepe, he teaches men and women the skills to produce high-end designer pieces.
With prices starting at $29, the Paper Vase Cover is available in a choice of black, white, green gradient, grey gradient, silver or milkmaid designs and is available at Space Furniture showrooms (in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and their online store.
Picking a colour to paint your home isn’t easy. In fact, for 70 percent of the nation it can be so daunting that they just choose white. Boring! But Taubmans want to change that so they’ve launched two new digital tools: the Paint Your Own Room tool and Shaynna Blaze’s 10 Commandments of Colour, in the hope that Australians will embrace adding that little splash of colour to their home.
The 10 Commandments of Colour were created to help give consumers the confidence to get started on their DIY projects this Spring. Written by Taubmans brand ambassador and colour creative director Shaynna Blaze, it features the 10 tips that debunk common colour myths and arm consumers with the knowledge they need to get painting with colour right, every time!
“It always surprises me how many homeowners resort to painting with white despite the catalogue of over 5,500 Taubmans paint shades available,” explains Shaynna. “It’s obvious that, despite Australia’s vibrant culture, people lack the confidence to use colour in their homes. It’s my mission to provide DIY novices with a better understanding of how colour can transform a space. By breaking down the paint selection process into simple steps, my 10 Commandments of Colour help people to tackle their fear of colour head-on and feel empowered to choose the perfect colour for their home.”
The visual guide (see below) provides quick and easy rules to follow when selecting a paint colour. Colour theory is broken down into bite-sized tips, including how to manipulate a space with colour, getting the colour proportions right and choosing the correct colour combinations for your home.
Once consumers have narrowed their selection using the 10 Commandments of Colour, they can head to the Taubmans website to virtually test out colours in their room using the Paint Your Own Room tool. This allows users to upload an image of the room that they plan to paint and digitally re-colour the walls with the hue of their choice.
Taubmans is also offering personal colour consulting services on the weekends of the 4 and 11 of October at 50 Bunnings stores. Visit their website to find the dates and locations or to download the 10 Commandments of Colour, try out the Paint Your Own Room tool and discover more expert decorating tips and tricks.
Houzz, the world’s leading destination for home renovation and design, today launched Houzz.com.au, providing even more relevant inspiration, information and advice to help Australians improve their homes from start to finish. Over 700,000 Australian homeowners are already using Houzz every month to renovate and design their homes and to connect with over 10,000 Aussie home professionals who are already showcasing their projects on the site.
By using Houzz.com.au, Aussie homeowners and design enthusiasts can:
Browse thousands of Australian interior, exterior and garden photos uploaded by design professionals to find inspiration. With more than 3.5 million photos of professionally-designed home interiors and exteriors, Houzz has the world’s largest online database of professional home photos, home tours and more.
Research and hire the best Australian architects, interior designers, builders, tradies and other professionals for their project.
Seek support and advice from the largest home community on the internet.
Discover new products and materials to source for their project.
Design professionals and tradespeople can add their profiles for free. Check out Darren Palmer’s Houzz profile as an example.
CEO and co-founder Adi Tatarko, who is in Sydney for the launch this week, said: “We’re excited to launch Houzz in Australia and to bring the local experience our growing community of Aussie homeowners, design enthusiasts and home professionals have been asking for in addition to the global resources Houzz provides. We want to make the home renovation and design process more fun and productive for everyone involved by providing technology and tools that help every step of the way.”
Co-founders and husband and wife, Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen
Are you a designer or homeowner using Houzz? What do you think of the new Australian version?
Creating a better bathroom on a budget is now easier than ever thanks to the new Rust-Oleum Tile Transformations Tint Base Kit. Designed for the budget-conscious DIYer, Tile Transformations adheres to ceramic surfaces to deliver a big change in a single weekend.
Using the same breakthrough technology of Tile Transformations in popular Aspen White, Rust-Oleum’s new Tint Base Kit offers homeowners a palette of 40 contemporary colour options, including Blue Haze and Cool Mint – perfect for turning a lack lustre, dated bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary.
BeforeAfter in Aspen White
The kit covers up to five square metres and contains almost everything required for a successful renovation, without the expense, mess or inconvenience of demolition. Durable and long lasting, it can also be applied to floors, unlike other tile paints. Easy enough for even the novice DIYer, simply clean the tiles with the special cleaner, included in the kit, and roll on the new coating. No sanding or undercoating is required.
Rust-Oleum Tile Transformations Tint Base Kit is RRP $99.95. Available from Bunnings Warehouse and independent hardware stores nationally. Go online or call 1300 784 476 for more information.
Here at Interiors Addict, we just don’t buy into the idea that rental homes have to look bland or lacking in style and personality. Rent My Style is dedicated to showcasing the best of our readers’ rental home decorating efforts. They’re not show homes, they’re real homes!
When Anne Ellard stumbled upon her Brisbane townhouse, she knew she had found a gem. Bright, white and full of open space, she saw it as the perfect blank canvas!
“What drew me to the property when we first went to look at it was the fact that everything was white or neutral; white kitchen, white walls and neutral floor tiles. It was the prefect crisp backdrop for our colourful wall art, reclaimed furniture and vintage unique accessories.”
A kitchen designer by trade, Anne has always loved decorating, having constantly rearranged her bedroom furniture from a very young age. Combine this with a very eclectic taste and an appreciation for all design styles and Anne has managed to do what many deem impossible: making a rented house feel homely.
“The addition of artwork on the walls always helps to make a house feel more homely,” explains Anne. “All the photographs on our walls were taken by us so we really feel like we have put our stamp on the place. I’m also a huge fan of cushions and throws, nothing makes a lounge room or bed more homely and cosy than the addition of some comfy cushions!”
Sharing her home with her husband Joe, they both have a passion for DIY projects and designing their own furniture. Their most recent collaboration saw them design and build an entertainment unit in their living room, something Anne marks as her favourite impermanent change to the house.
“We designed and built an entertainment unit to suit the living space in our home. We designed it to fit around a boxed in corner of the wall so that it has more of a built-in look. We loved the idea of having it floating but obviously didn’t have the option of fixing the cabinets to the wall – so we sat the unit on a recessed base and put some LED ribbon lighting underneath which gives it the effect of floating!”
Other successful DIY jobs include both their indoor and outdoor dining room table, the former being Anne’s favourite piece of furniture that she salvaged from kerb side collection. “It was very faded and drab looking when we found it. We sanded it right back, painted the beautiful colonial style legs black and oiled the top. I love real wood and oiling the top has brought out some beautiful tones.”
Having a true love affair with furniture, Anne sees one of the benefits of rental decorating being that she can experiment. That she doesn’t have to worry about investing in the expensive pieces that may or may not suit her future home. “We don’t spend as much on furniture and accessories for our rental home as we would if it was our own home,” says Anne. “There’s always that thought in your head that this isn’t your house and the furniture you choose now might not be what you want for your new home when you eventually buy somewhere.”
It’s an old and arguably tired adage, but the saying: ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ couldn’t be truer in the case of Feast Watson’s Re-Love Project. The initiative brought together eight designers who donated their time and expertise by ‘upcycling’ worn timber furniture items into unique, one-off designer pieces, all in the name of charity. For those new to upcycling, it involves turning used or useless furniture or other household items into something far more glamorous.
Simone Barter
The project was an undeniable success, raising an admirable $5,000 for Salvos Stores Australia after Feast Watson agreed to match the funds raised from the eBay auction of the pieces earlier this month. James Fisher, brand manager at Feast Watson, notes that the success of the auction was a great reflection of both the strong support demonstrated by the public, and the delivery of such stunning products from the designers.
The project also shines some light on a craft form that, while popular, has yet to come into its own; with many seeing upcycling as a task best suited to smaller furniture pieces. Salvaging a larger item of furniture from the trash heap and showing it a little TLC, can in fact yield fantastic results and doesn’t require a lot of hard work.
According to Simone Barter (above), who fashioned a stylish chair and desk combination as part of Re-Love, it all starts with the search. And once you’ve purchased your piece, creating a masterpiece is as simple as planning, preparing and then achieving your vision.
Check out Simone’s step-by-step guide to achieving the look:
What you need:
Feast Watson Timber Primer
Feast Watson Stain & Varnish Black Japan Satin
Dulux Super Enamel in Tango Semi Gloss
Dulux Super Enamel in Malay Grey Semi Gloss
Planning:
Decide where the item will be placed in cohesion with the rest of the space and then choose a desk that will enable a large workspace. “Shop around and explore old and loved stores, you never know what you might find or what bargain you could stumble across!”
Preparation:
Prepare the wood by sanding it back, first with a coarse sand paper, followed by a finer one to smooth the timber. When selecting paint, “choose colours that will add a ‘wow’ factor – I chose Feast Watson Black Japan, Malay Grey and Pop of Tango from the Dulux range for a dramatic effect.”
Achieving your vision:
After applying the primer and allowing it to dry, remove all drawers and apply the first layer of stain and varnish, building up coats until the desired colour is achieved. For the chair, apply the Dulux Super Enamel in Tango Semi Gloss then allow to dry. When it comes time to paint, tape approximately 10cm from the bottom of each chair leg, evenly wrapped all the way around each leg. Then paint the bottom section of each chair leg. Remove the painters tape when the paint is completely dry.
For those who can’t get enough of DIY, Chrissie Jeffrey from No Chintz is the person to talk to. A fabric designer and craft guru, she has spent 30 years in the business, and thanks to this week’s Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair, you get the chance to learn from the woman herself!
Chrissie Jeffrey
“I will be showing how anyone from novices to creative geniuses can turn humdrum living spaces into incredible rooms using DIY interiors, creative patchwork, curtains and wallpaper ideas,” explains Chrissie. She’ll also be hosting daily, 50-minute ‘Make & Take’ workshops, where you can create your own lampshade using a pre-made kit and your own fabrics or a choice of 10.
Chrissie has created homewares and furniture for designers and architects for many decades, through her store, No Chintz Textiles and Soft Furnishings. Giving people retail access to well-designed fabrics off the roll as opposed to having to order them in through designers, No Chintz makes getting crafty a whole lot easier. They also offer goods to order, manufacturing anything from lampshades through to bed quilts, curtains and blinds.
However, one of the things Chrissie and her team are most known for is their new spin on patchwork, something that you will get the chance to hear more about at the fair. “We have been experimenting with patchwork on furniture since Vogue asked us to do a patchwork chair, curtains and tablecloth for them in 2007,” says Chrissie. “We love to piece together uneven, large pieces of assorted patterns. We have put together a kit for creating a blue/green quilt or a pink/cream quilt for the craft fair and online.”
While Chrissie admits she sees far more bad DIY interiors than good ones, she believes that through her workshops even novices will be able to create something beautiful. “Visitors will learn how to make something well through the step-by-step processes that we use in manufacturing ourselves,” explains Chrissie. “These are simple projects that even inexperienced sewers and decorators can easily master, are cost-effective, visually interesting and can totally transform any room.”
Chrissie’s lampshade classes, Handmade Room display and wallpaper demonstrations will be amongst a host of other Make and Take classes and displays at the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair this week.
From Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 July, Sydney Exhibition Centre. Buy tickets here.
I love a bit of DIY renovation, because what’s more encouraging than seeing everyday people like you and me, transform their homes into masterpieces? It tells me that while I lack a crafty bone in my body, there’s still hope! So I was very impressed to see Adelaide couple Katie Vagg and Ben Spry’s renovation project that converted an old, dark family room into two bright and fun modern kids bedrooms.
After: Tayla’s bedroomAfter: Mason’s bedroom
Built in 1965, their home had all the beautiful mid-century features they loved — a stone fireplace, architectural corner windows, polished wooden floors — but their was one catch: they were one bedroom short.
With three children between them aged five, nine and 10, Katie and Ben dreamed of creating a room for each of them. So after deliberating over the floor plan they finally found a way, deciding to divide a family room into two functional bedrooms.
Before: family roomBefore: family room
As a graphic designer, Katie’s experience in home and architectural design had been limited to paper, but with Ben being a production manager and quite the handyman, they had the confidence to tackle their project head on. The final result is two bedrooms full of personality; one for 10-year-old Mason, which features bold primary colours, teen furnishings and a long chalkboard wall, and the other for nine-year-old Tayla, which features a study nook, a built-in robe and a colour palette inspired by gelato and lollies.
After: Mason’s bedroom
With a successful renovation under their belts, Katie and Ben share five renovation tips, which they wish they had known before:
In the design and planning stage, make sure you know exactly what you want. Think about layout and the correct scale and measuring.
Inspiration is very important and you need to visualise what you want to create. A Pinterest board is a great way to collect ideas.
Budget is key, always allow a contingency for unexpected costs.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it can be a great time saver in the long run.
Make sure you are using the right tools, selecting the wrong equipment can cost a lot of time.
After: Tayla’s bedroom
Katie and Ben were awarded the first Gyprock HomeStyle ‘Share your Style’ prize for this project. The competition celebrated the 2013 launch of HomeStyle magazine and invited renovators to showcase their home via Pinterest for a chance to win a share of $6,000 in prizes.
