Tag: diy

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to prepare an exterior wall for painting

By Naomi Findlay

Before guests step foot inside your home, what is the first thing they see? If the answer is a façade covered in flaking paint or last century’s colour scheme, it may be prime time for a paint redo. A few fresh coats can give your home some serious curbside appeal – but before you run off to Bunnings, you need to take the time to prepare.

Preparing the exterior surface of your home is crucial. Considering the type of surface and surrounding environment will ensure beautiful, long lasting results. This pre-painting stage should take around half a day per wall – depending on whether you will be applying fillers.

BEFORE
AFTER

Clear the area
Before you start cleaning, caulking or sanding, make sure any potential obstacles are removed. The last thing you want to do is position a ladder precariously far away from the actual walls because of a pot plant. Remove any pot plants, garden hoses and other transportable items that are blocking access to the exterior. There is no need to dig up shrubs or trees, though – simply cover them with drop cloths or rags to avoid damage. Plastic drop sheets are perfect for any delicate flowers (not to mention very budget-friendly). Use painter’s tape on window frames and trim to protect them from paint splatter.

Clean the walls
Once all obstacles have been removed or secured, use a sponge and some warm soapy water (or sugar soap) to give the walls a good rinse. A home’s exterior tends to attract a lot more dirt than the interior walls, so you need to ensure any stubborn dirt, dust and spider webs are cleared before the paint goes on. Pay particular attention to any mould, usually found lurking in dark corners that aren’t exposed to light very often. Give any mouldy areas special treatment using a mix of bleach and water, letting the bleach do its work for 15 minutes. Finish off with a thorough hose down to remove any soapy residue.

An exterior painting transformation

Sand and fill blemishes
Once the walls have dried, assess the existing paint for any peeling or flaking. A good way to test the existing paint for adhesion is to cut a small ‘X’ through the old paint. Apply painter’s tape firmly over the ‘X’, then rip it off quickly; if the old paint comes off, it needs to be removed entirely prior to repainting. If not, you can move on to touching up blemishes and gaps.

Use a scraper to scrape down any flaking areas of loose paint. Fill any dents or nail gaps with a premixed filler, and use an acrylic gap sealant for any cracks where there might be movement (such as near doors or windows). Make sure you use paintable sealants (not silicone!) on areas you plan to paint – otherwise you will end up with paint that doesn’t stick to the wall and starts to peel. Once all the sealants and fillers have dried, give the entire exterior a light sand. The aim is to produce a clean, smooth finish ready for fresh paint to adhere to – so pay particular attention to any shiny spots when sanding.

Finish off the preparation with an undercoat primer and get ready to paint!

NEXT WEEK: How to paint your newly prepped exterior!

–Naomi Findlay is Australia’s rapid renovation expert, an internationally renowned renovator, award-winning property stylist and speaker. She’s an industry leader in creating healthy wealthy spaces and creating wealth and profit from renovating property. Naomi is founder of the Rapid Reno Mate app, CEO of staging company Silk Home and founder and principal of education provider, the International Institute of Home Staging (IIHS).

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DIY RENO ADDICT

How to: Easily and cheaply refresh a garage door

Hammerite garage door paint

We talk a lot about kerbside appeal and the impact a gorgeous front door can have, but the same can be said for the garage. In some ways you could argue that the garage door is even more important, given its large surface area. It’s a topic we have covered before.

Black garage door
This black garage door certainly dominates this home from the kerb. Image source: Pinterest/Anissa & Izzy Gissing

So if your garage door is looking a little downtrodden (extreme use and extreme weather are the primary culprits), a lick of paint could be just the DIY job to tackle this weekend.

Hammerite garage door paint
The materials required

  • Wire brush or sandpaper
  • Bucket
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Hammerite Garage Door paint
  • Newspaper or drop sheet
  • Paint brush

The foolproof method

  1. Remove rust and loose paint with a wire brush or coarse sandpaper.
  2. Using water and a diluted detergent wash the garage door down thoroughly to remove all dust, grease and dirt which may prevent the paint from sticking to the surface. Rinse with clean water.
  3. Place a drop sheet or newspaper around the surrounding area to catch any spills or drips.
  4. Ensure the garage door is completely dry before painting.
  5. For best results apply two coats of Hammerite Garage Door Paint. You will need to apply second coat after 16 hours.
Hammerite garage door paint
AT $34.75 per 750ml tin, this paint makes for a cheap DIY project.

For more | DIY kitchen makeover tips

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DIY RENO ADDICT

Coloured front doors: Boost your street appeal!

Taubmans Exterior Stormy Shadow Pink Dust
Taubmans Exterior Stormy Shadow Pink Dust

I’ve long been a fan of a colourful front door. It’s always baffled me as to why most are painted in basic neutrals because, given the relatively small surface area, it’s a low-risk gambit. Plus, aside from being a cheap and easy home refresh, it’s also a great opportunity to embrace the latest colour trends.

Taubmans Exterior Stormy Shadow Pink Dust
This front door is painted in Taubmans Pink Dust, a lovely pastel tone.

It’s a view shared by ex-Blockheads Julia and Sasha who opted for a very punchy lilac colour on the front door of their latest renovation. “There’s something extra special about arriving at a property and to be greeted by an unexpected pop of colour. It gives an aura of Notting Hill by adding instant character to any home,” says Julia Treule.

Taubmans Lavendula
Julia and Sasha’s fabulous front door is painted in Taubmans Lavendula

“We knew we wanted a variation of lilac from the get-go to reflect our love of pastels. Once we had swatched Lavendula, we fell in love straight away as it set the most wonderful tone for our home and we often find ourselves standing in the garden just to stare at it,” says Julia.

Taubmans Suddenly Sapphire
Taubmans Suddenly Sapphire is the feature paint on the door and porch of this heritage home

From orange to sapphire, emerald, aqua and pink, there there is a veritable kaleidoscope of colour to choose from. Plus, a signature front door colour is also a great way to introduce your home’s feature colour upon arrival. For instance, in my own home (below) I chose a bright yet muted/pastel blue (the husband vetoed pink!) which is a shade that runs throughout our house. It works well with the other colours on the outside of the home too – a crisp white and black.

Amy's front door
My front door. It’s painted in Taubmans Kingston Aqua.

The white paint/bright door combination is another technique that Julia and Sasha employed to really harness the front door as a focal point, when it came to their lavender door. “Choosing the right white for your home is one of the most difficult decisions as there are so many around. We decided to go with Taubmans Crisp White to add a contemporary edge to our heritage abode. It’s striking in its simplicity and has passers-by desperate to see inside,” says Julia.

Taubmans Irish Stone
I LOVE this door painted in Taubmans Irish Stone – it really makes the brass knocker pop.

For more | The barn door trend

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RENO ADDICT

How to paint a bath tub

By Naomi Findlay

Let’s face it, bathrooms should be spaces of zen and relaxation. No matter how big or small, every home deserves a beautiful, practical bathroom. Rather than spending big on major renovations (bathroom renovations and dollar signs go hand in hand), there are some simple changes you can do to update the look and feel of your bathroom – starting with the tub. Today, we share how to paint a bath tub.

Bath tubs are built to withstand endless hours of bath time, but that baby pink shade of enamel (or turquoise in Jen’s new reno!)? Not so much. Save yourself the hassle (and dollars) involved with ripping out your dated or worn-out bathtub by giving it a fresh lick of paint instead! A DIY paint job can not only give your bathtub a facelift, but also help protect the enamel so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Source: http://adrianned-onedayatatime.blogspot.com.au Click through for more

Stock up
Unlike DIY paint jobs involving tiles or cabinets, most bathtubs are of a similar size – meaning no calculations are needed to work out how much paint you will use. Just one pack of White Knight Tub ‘n’ Tile should adequately cover your whole tub (unless it is in really poor form, in which case you may need two packs).

Clean
Preparing your tub’s surface is a crucial step in a successful DIY makeover. Use an abrasive scrubber to blitz away any soap scum or bath oils that may be lurking on your tub – taking care not to overlook the drainage hole.

Source: thermoglazing.com Click through for more

Sand
Sanding is probably one of the more tedious steps in a bathtub makeover, and one that may be tempting to skip. However, a proper sand will ensure that your newly painted tub won’t start flaking and cracking after a couple of uses. Use some sandpaper (or an electric sander) to roughen up your tub’s surface – the aim here is to remove that glossy enamel finish. Chipped paint can lead to rust or damage to the rest of the finish, so be sure to carefully sand back any bumps or cracks.

To finish off, rinse the tub with warm water and let it dry before giving the tub a wipe down with some rust guard solvent for an ultraclean finish.

Protect
Use painter’s tape to protect the tiles surrounding the edges of your bathtub from paint, and lay down some drop sheets (or rags) on the floor. Wrap the taps and faucets in some plastic bags, securing with an elastic band (or hairband) – there is nothing worse than starting a paintjob and then dealing with a leaking tap. Also, don’t forget to tape your metal drain cover (unless you want to give it a makeover too).

BEFORE
AFTER
Source: My Creative Days. Click through for more

Paint
White Knight’s Tub ‘n’ Tile consists of two parts. Prepare two sealable containers (preferably glass) – one of these containers should be large enough to hold both parts A and B. Use this container to stir together both parts for at least five minutes (yes, five whole minutes!). Pour half of this mixture into your second container, seal both containers tightly and place one of them in the fridge, leaving the other out in room temperature. After an hour, stir up the room temperature paint for another five minutes, then get ready to paint!

Starting from the bottom of the bath tub, use a bristle brush to layer the paint in a criss-cross motion. Leave the first coat to dry for at least a day to a day and a half (depending on how warm or cold the temperature is).

Pull your second container of paint out of the fridge about an hour before applying your second coat. Give this container yet another five-minute stir, then apply in the same way as the first coat.

You will have to quarantine the bathtub for a full five days before using again, and keep the plastic bags covering the taps until the tub is ready for use.

That’s it! Treat yourself to a good, long bath in your shiny new tub.

How to paint tiles

–Naomi Findlay is Australia’s rapid renovation expert, an internationally renowned renovator, award-winning property stylist and speaker.She’s an industry leader in creating healthy wealthy spaces and creating wealth and profit from renovating property. Naomi is CEO of staging company Silk Home and founder and principal of education provider, the International Institute of Home Staging (IIHS).

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Architecture Design DIY Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

The DIY fencing solution that is quick, easy & on trend

Sponsored by ModularWalls

Renovations are expensive. Very expensive. And by the time you get to landscaping, it’s fair to say your budget has well and truly dried up. So when there’s an opportunity to cut down on costs but not sacrifice on quality or style…well, I’m all ears!

ModularWalls is a smart DIY option which has the look of a rendered brick wall, for just a fraction of the price. ModularWalls can be used for boundary fences to pool walls, or even to retain up to 750mm of soil; perfect for pools, sloped blocks and garden beds. Plus, no engineered footings or trades needed!

Made specifically for harsh Australian conditions, they are super durable and also reduce noise; ideal if you live on a busy road. But best yet, they’re fully customisable! You can add aluminium or timber slats, gates, lighting and letterboxes, or finish it with tiles, cladding, or paint in any colour of your choosing.

So they’re stylish, versatile and good quality. Tick, tick and tick. But what about the installation? How easy can it be to install a wall yourself?

Turns out, very. Installation is simply a matter of digging some holes, concreting the posts into position, sliding in the panels and finishing the fence as you desire — check out the video below if you don’t believe me! It can easily be done in a weekend, with no DIY experience required. The walls don’t even require council permission when they’re under 1.8m high, making the installation even simpler.

Still hesitant? Don’t be. ModularWalls provides tailored advice on style and materials, easy-to-follow installation guides, videos and 7-day phone support. But if DIY is still not for you, they also offer professional installation via their national network of Trade Partners.

Need some inspiration? Below are some of our favourite ModularWalls looks.

White and bright: Let the plants do the talking by using a solid, white backdrop. This helps bring a fresh, bright look to your garden and the colourful blooms will look amazing.

Drama, drama: A dramatic look, having a dark wall showcases your garden’s spectrum of colours and lends a modern feel to your property.

Keep it natural: A fence in natural tones perfectly complements the plants and creates a look that is simple and subtle. Suitable for all styles, the earthy wall colours blend beautifully with any garden.

Be bold: Feature panels can be a fun way to juxtapose materials and give your garden splashes of colour and depth.

Step it up: If your block is sloped, retaining walls can create the perfect tiered garden. Not only are they a good use of space, the gravity-fed irrigation system makes maintenance so much easier.

For more information.

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DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to paint laminate cabinets

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether large or small, your kitchen deserves to look its best. But we all know how expensive a kitchen renovation can be – so rather than ripping out the cabinetry to keep up with this year’s trends, why not simply spruce them up with a little paint? Today, we’ll show you how to paint laminate cabinets.

If your cupboards are in good condition but simply look a little dated, this DIY is right up your alley. Before picking up a paintbrush, keep in mind that not any old paint will do. The paint needs to be specifically designed to stick to cabinetry material (most likely laminate or melamine) and ensure long-lasting results.

BEFORE (Image source: placeofmytaste.com)
AFTER (Image: placeofmytaste.com)

Clean and protect
As with any home makeover, preparation is key. Before you begin, be sure to give your cupboard doors a good scrub with White Knight’s tile and laminate cleaner to remove any residual grease (mould can be removed with a blend of water and bleach). Use drop sheets (or rags) to protect the kitchen floor, benchtop and splashback from paint splatter.

Measure up
First up, knowing how much paint you need for your kitchen. The same golden formula from my previous post on revamping bathroom tiles applies here; simply multiply the length and height of your cupboard surfaces, then divide that number by twelve. Pick up that many litres of White Knight Laminate Paint, and you’re ready to transform!

Prepare doors
To ensure your kitchen doesn’t turn into a hot mess, you need to remove all the cabinet doors and drawers you are planning to paint by their hinges. Remember to label them all before removal, that way you can easily place them back where they belong after painting. Cover the back edges of the doors with painters tape, and remove any door knobs (unless you want to paint them too). Finally, lightly sand back the door surfaces to get them ready for the primer.

Prime
White Knight’s tile and laminate primer provides a base coat that helps your final coat of paint stick to the laminate surface. Use a small roller and roller tray (never straight from the tin) to prime the door edges first, then apply the primer in a zig zag motion across the front of the door. After four hours you can apply the second coat of primer, then leave for another four before lightly sanding in preparation for the laminate paint.

Image: https://showyourvote.org/small-kitchen-renovations-ideas/

Paint
Depending on what sort of finish you are after, you can use either White Knight’s laminate paint (satin finish) or their tile paint (gloss finish), and have them tinted to whatever colour your heart desires.

Stir your paint well (otherwise the pigment might sink to the bottom!), then apply your paint; using a roller and tray, start with the edges first, then use nice, long strokes for the front of the doors. Keep the coats thin to prevent any cracking or bubbling. Leave the first coat to dry for six hours, then give the doors a light sand before applying the second coat using the same long strokes.

Your flash new cabinetry will be ready to host My Kitchen Rules challenges in a week. Before then, be gentle with the fresh surfaces, and avoid pulling out the bleach or bicarb.

–Naomi Findlay is Australia’s rapid renovation expert, an internationally renowned renovator, award-winning property stylist and speaker.She’s an industry leader in creating healthy wealthy spaces and creating wealth and profit from renovating property. Naomi is CEO of staging company Silk Home and founder and principal of education provider, the International Institute of Home Staging (IIHS).

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Bathrooms Before & Afters DIY RENO ADDICT

Real reno: This incredible bathroom makeover cost just $2,000!

It’s fair to say that we’re privy to plenty of renovation projects here but there’s something about this one that really piqued our interest. Aside from its stunning good looks, this bathroom overhaul is proof that budget constraints are no obstacle for human ingenuity. The entire transformation was carried out for just $2,000!

Before
After

The work of DIY decorator Kristine Franklin, of The Painted Hive, the original bathroom (her parent’s) was tired, dark and very, very beige. “Given my parents are now empty nesters, the room is rarely used so they wanted to update the 25-year-old decor and create a space they could proudly share with guests. Plus, they also wanted to walk past it daily without cringing!” says Kristine.

Vanity BEFORE
Vanity AFTER. The new basin and round mirror are from IKEA and the basin mixer($60) and wall sconces ($50) were found on eBay.

“The idea was to retain as much as possible to create a fresh look on a tiny budget but we didn’t have much of a plan – things just evolved,” says Kristine of the startling transformation that owes much of its success to paint. “The vinyl floor was stencilled. We sanded, cleaned and primed then painted it using chalk paint,” says Kristine who finished it off with several coats of floor-grade sealer.

“The wall tiles were sanded, cleaned and painted with tile paint. It’s not difficult, though you need to work somewhat quickly so it does take confidence. Of course, I can’t comment on the longevity as it’s only been in place for a few months however so far, so good,” says Kristine.

Bathroom cupboard BEFORE
Bathroom cupboard AFTER – the original doors were sanded back to reveal warm wood. The towel hooks are IKEA.

“The vanity base was sanded and cleaned then painted with three coats of white semi-gloss and the bath panelling was sanded and cleaned then painted with two coats of chalk paint (leftover from the floor) before being sealed,” says Kristine whose mother had the shower base and vanity top professionally refinished.

Shower BEFORE
Shower AFTER – the shower screen was replaced

Perhaps the most amazing part of the renovation is the tiny budget. “All up it cost around $2,000. Excluding the styling items such as towels, stool, art and decorative accessories it was actually around $1,500,” says Kristine.

As for her favourite part, Kristine really loves the room’s new palette. “Obviously, the floor is a nice statement feature. Overall though, the colour scheme is something I really love. The blue and crisp white teamed with the brass and warm wood and the soft grey of the walls just works,” says Kristine.

Let’s take one last look at the gorgeous floor! The stencil was an Etsy find.

I’m not sure about you but I found this project incredibly inspiring – particularly as Kristine is untrained. “I’m just a mum who loves decorating! Several years ago, I started a blog to share some of my DIY projects and budget-friendly home ideas, and am lucky to have seen it grow. Although I still consider it a hobby, I feel fortunate to be able to do something I love,” says Kristine.

The Painted Hive | For more renovation stories

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

3 affordable ways to transform your home using timber

AFTER

By Cherie Barber

Anyone familiar with my renovating projects knows just how much I love timber, whether it’s gleaming polished floorboards, wood panelled walls, or outdoor rooms awash in timber. It just has such a warming effect and never goes out of fashion.

Here are just some of the ways to incorporate timber into your next renovating project.

Cover all bases
Cladding can be the answer to a whole raft of issues, from remedial problems you want to cover up to just pure decorative indulgence.

In this inner city courtyard, timber panelling deftly acts as both a privacy shield and as cladding on an ugly wall. The pinkish tones of merbau work beautifully with the old brick pavers. And built-in timber seating completes the cosy setting.

BEFORE
AFTER

This next studio was in an old converted warehouse, so I wanted rustic finishes that mirrored the old bones of the building. Recycled floorboards for a feature wall and old sleepers for the steps and office nook definitely hit the right note.

BEFORE
AFTER

Make an entrance
We all know the importance of first impressions, especially when it comes to street appeal. And whether you have a brick, weatherboard or plain old fibro house, a lavish spread of timber can certainly dress up a bland entrance.

BEFORE
AFTER

This is something you could easily pull off in a weekend. It was a matter of removing the old rusted iron railing and pillars, centring the new timber stairs in front of the entry door, adding timber frames around the windows and new planter beds. Together with the new exterior colour, it completely transforms the façade of this suburban home.

Lastly, a much more ambitious (and luxurious) project, here I’ve used extensive merbau decking to create a whole new outdoor living area – at the front of the house. It’s something to keep in mind if you have a generous front yard and a passion for outdoor entertaining.

BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

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Bedrooms Expert Tips Kitchens

‘Decluttering’ is trending on Pinterest – check out fave inspo

While Spring wasn’t that long ago, there’s something about January that makes me want to immerse myself in home organisation in preparation for the year ahead. And, according to Pinterest, it seems I’m not alone. Compared to last year, the number of ‘decluttering’ ideas saved has increased by 225 per cent and ‘DIY organising’ ideas have seen 415 per cent growth.

The sort of pantry that dreams are made of. Image source: Pinterest/Renee

Kitchen
Possibly my favourite area of home organisation (I know, I’m tragic!) is the pantry. Not only does an organised pantry make cooking easier, but it’s something that gives me great joy every time I use it. Family life is hectic and it’s my little bit of control amidst the chaos. Aside from some uniform containers and baskets, a label maker is a must.

This pantry is small but perfectly formed. Image source: Pinterest/Patricia Soto

Study
A clutter-free desk ensures a clutter-free mind – at least in my experience. And whether you’re working from home or simply paying bills, a clean, minimalist desk is just the ticket for productivity. Pinterest provides much inspiration on this front.

This home office is a minimalist’s dream. Image source: Pinterest/Alexis Brown

Laundry
Long time readers will know all about my obsession with folding fitted sheets, but the linen cupboard is an area of my home that I am constantly waging war with. Given it is a bit small for my family of five, organisation is key – from matching baskets to precision folding and a neutral palette (obviously not always possible) the example below is pretty fabulous.

Image source: Pinterest/Lisa Marchese
Store your matching sheets inside their pillow cases. Image source: Pinterest/Emma Hillhouse

Bedroom
From shoe and earring storage to whipping your clothes rack into shape, Pinterest is full of fabulous bedroom organisation ideas.

This is someones’ ACTUAL wardrobe. Image source: Pinterest/Charlize Watches

The bedside table is a bit of a serial offender, such is the clutter that can accumulate on top – especially if you don’t have drawers.

The trolley bedside is a novel idea that allows you to locate items swiftly. Image source: Pinterest/Nicola Duck

For more decluttering ideas

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

6 feature walls that can work in virtually any interior

By Cherie Barber

In any interior, lashings of colour can be overpowering, but a striking feature wall can add real va va voom. The trick is to choose a highlight that blends into whatever interior style you have chosen, whether it’s retro chic or highly contemporary. Here are six feature walls that stand out for all the right reasons and can be easily used in virtually any interior.

Timber feature walls

The warm tones of timber have a calming effect on any interior, and not just as flooring. They’re perfect as cladding for walls, whether it’s rugged or smooth – or a combination of both, as I’ve used below. The same ironbark floorboards have been used for the fireplace, which I’ve then contrasted with red-toned timber panels. The modular panels are made from reclaimed Australian hardwoods fixed to a ply backing board.

Pressed metal wallpaper

For this apartment in an old converted Sydney warehouse I chose wallpaper that mimics the look of an old pressed metal ceiling; it blends perfectly with the exposed timber ceiling.

Panelled wall

This panelled wall, the standout feature of the master bedroom, was fashioned out of slats of MDF architrave, painted white and then glued onto the wall. It was done for under $200!

Blue wallpaper

This is one of my rental properties in Sydney’s west. It’s really light and bright and open plan, so can cope with a good smack of personality. This Lines wallpaper from Annandale Wallpapers was just the ticket!

Painted brick wall

Before you go rushing to clad or render an old internal brick wall, why not make a feature of it instead? In this sunroom I’ve used Taubmans Coalmine paint, framed by a crisp white.

Retro wallpaper

In this retro themed apartment I was looking for a wallpaper that would pay homage to the seventies – but not lairy 70s! I wanted a subtle backdrop for the furnishings and pendant lights, so opted for the vintage highlights of Orla Kiely Scribble wallpaper.

— Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Our top 10 names in Australian wallpaper

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DIY RENO ADDICT

The reno tool that gives you Superman-vision

If you could have any super power what would it be? To fly? Be invisible? How about see through walls? Well turns out the latter may be possible, with new reno tool, WalabotDIY, giving users Superman-vision to see up to ten centimetres into drywall, cement and other materials.

For a special introductory price of $165 (it’s usually $220) WalabotDIY prevents you from making needless mistakes, letting you know the location of studs, pipes, wires and even rodents. Agh!

Compatible with all Android smartphones 5.0 and higher (unfortunately iPhone users miss out), it connects to the back of the phone and can be used to scan the wall. Images of objects hidden behind the wall are then projected on the smartphone’s screen. WalabotDIY also helps users know precisely how deep to cut or how far to drill to avoid damaging pipes, wires and hidden objects.

Additional features include Pan Mode, which allows users to scan an entire wall and combine everything detected into a single image; three sensing modes; and the ability to seamlessly snap photos for use in offline analysis.

To order WalabotDIY or learn more, visit their website.

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DIY RENO ADDICT

What does an Aussie renovator look like?

With popular shows like The Block and House Rules dominating our televisions, it’s safe to say our nation has well and truly caught the reno bug. But what does an Aussie renovator look like and how much are they spending? Turns out a lot!

A new survey of 1,000 homeowners has revealed that the cost of hardware products is the most-cited road block in a renovator’s quest to creating the perfect home. For those that renovate it can quickly become the largest expenditure of the year, with two thirds of homeowners spending more than $1,000 per project and 31% parting with $5,000 or more.

Conducted by Monsta – a manufacturer-direct online shop for renovation supplies – the survey had some surprising findings.

  • Almost half (44%) of Aussie homeowners put off undertaking DIY projects because of the cost of hardware supplies
  • Value for money is a top priority for 85% of DIY consumers
  • Homeowners will undertake on average 1.6 DIY projects each year
  • NSW and QLD residents are more likely to incur significant expenses on renovations; nearly 70% of homeowners in NSW/QLD spend more than $1,000 per project (average across other states is 60%)
  • Women are slightly more price sensitive than men when it comes to the cost of DIY supplies, with nine in ten women stating that the cost alone influences their purchasing decisions (compared to men, which is eight in ten)
Designed using Monsta products

To combat rising prices Monsta is committed to providing premium DIY products at a fair price. “We recognise that the industry is plagued by inflated mark-up costs,” says founder Phil Scardigno. “Monsta ensures price-conscious consumers can purchase quality products at the best possible prices. Our free, online delivery service gives customers the freedom to shop at a time most convenient to them, without having to commute to the hardware store.”

Shop online | Get you Block fix

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Three DIY projects to do before Christmas

Give yourself a present this Christmas with a DIY project that is both cost effective and adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your outdoor space. Below are three projects that are under $3000, easy to do (I promise!) and will compliment your home for years to come.

The outdoor shower

Embrace nature and create a tranquil space in your backyard with an outdoor shower. For those who don’t have the space for a pool, an outdoor shower is a great alternative to cooling off during those scorching Aussie heatwaves. It is important to consider the plumbing points, screening for privacy and a sustainable water management system. Opt for pavers that are specially designed to allow water to permeate through the surface into the layers below, where water can be harvested or redirected. Surface water runoff is minimised and the need for additional surface drainage is reduced.

 

BBQ grilling station

The Aussie love affair with the great outdoors means we can create an outdoor kitchen and grilling station that is both enjoyable and practical. Creating the perfect base for a BBQ bench top is made easy with Adbri’s AB Courtyard Blocks. They provide a genuine DIY solution to creating functional, individualised outdoor kitchens for any backyard. The beauty of these blocks is that they don’t require glue or mortar to keep them in place, which means you aren’t stuck to one location. If you want to move your BBQ in the future, you can easily do so.

 

Built-in furniture

Extend your entertaining possibilities and invest in built-in furniture that will add structure, dimension and aesthetics to the backyard while maximising your space. You can easily construct custom, freestanding walls that double as seats using the same Adbri AB Courtyard Blocks. The DIY walling system allows you to build directly atop of existing paved or flat concrete surfaces. The great thing about using the AB Courtyard Blocks is that they can withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring longevity and functionality.

 

For more information | DIY projects we love

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Styling

Haymes Paint’s new range of imperfect, textured finishes

Matt Polish

Launching today, the Artisan collection by Haymes Paint brings together a unique range of hand-crafted, imperfect, textured finishes; designed to transform a space, both inside and out. Divided into three core product ranges: Surface, Metallics and Textures, each has its own colour palette and application techniques. The extensive range of finishes, textures and colours ensures you won’t be short of options!

Surface – Gravity

The first range, Surface, offers an extremely versatile finish. With just one product, it can be applied in four ways: Bloom, Brushed, Gravity and Industrial, it also comes in 18 custom colours. Talk about versatility! The subtle qualities of the product bring out the beauty in the finish, giving your walls a contemporary yet timeless feel and adding a sense of movement and tactility.

Metallics – Matte Polish

The Metallics range was inspired by the Haymes team’s recent trip to Milan. A favourite of colour and concept manager Wendy Rennie, she says it stands out from its competition: “In the past, I have found the metallic finishes in paint to be too glossy and a bit tacky but this range provides a level of sophistication that takes metallics to a new level. My absolute favourite product is the Matte Polish, which we describe as understated silken metallic. It reminds me of the Venetian plaster look and in the Pink Drift colour it is exquisite.” Alongside Matte Polish, the collection encompasses Metal Trace, Real Iron, Real Copper and Patina, each offering gritty, high-end qualities and an ultra-premium finish.

Textures – Mortar
Textures – Sand

Last is the Textures range that pushes the boundaries in both residential and commercial settings. Each of the textured finishes: Rendercoat, Mortar, Soft Chalk and Sand, are available in their own colour ranges and have been carefully considered in the context of where they will achieve the best results, inside or out.

Metallics – Patina

While some of the finishes and techniques seem a bit daunting from the photos — I can’t be the only one who looked at the Surface range and thought ‘Agh!’ — Haymes promise it’s not that hard. “The finishes have been developed with the end consumer in mind, ensuring each effect is easily achieved,” says Wendy. “To support consumers we have uploaded instructional videos to our website. We also offer trained Haymes painters for those who prefer to remain hands off.”

For more information | Paint inspo

Categories
DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Two courtyard makeovers you could achieve this weekend!

As Spring approaches, thoughts turn to those long days of sunshine ahead and ways we can maximise our outdoor living space. It’s literally an extension of your home, so if you can find an easy way to turn a barren, unusable space into an inviting, resort-style balcony or courtyard, then what are you waiting for?

There are a few key things to remember when creating an outdoor room:

  • Privacy is important; you can often achieve this through screening or vegetation
  • Make it as multi-purpose as possible (eg, a lounging, eating and possibly even cooking area)
  • Make sure there’s sufficient shade
  • If you can factor in some storage, all the better
  • Create a smooth indoor/outdoor flow so there’s no jarring transition when you step outside.

With those pointers in mind, here are two courtyard makeovers that can be tackled in a weekend, and use the warmth of merbau timber to soften the surrounding surfaces.

Suburban oasis

This half-day makeover relied almost entirely on paint, plants and a flexible DIY decking system to transform a bleak slab of concrete into a beautiful outdoor room, for around $5,000.

BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER

I started with an industrial clean, then painted the walls a muted grey and used Good Times modular decking system for the hard surfaces, and for screening on both sides that were overlooked by neighbours. It also worked perfectly as a day bed, creating a cosy lounging area for the owners. The beauty of this DIY system is that you don’t need any holes or footings; you simply lay the framing straight over the top of what’s there. Plants, rustic pots and artful styling provide the homely touches that turn it into a true outdoor room.

City chic

This 12 square metre courtyard in Sydney’s Chippendale flowed out from an inner city studio, so was valuable space that had basically been relegated to a clothes-drying area. Engulfed in greenery, it had the potential to be an inner city oasis, but was anything but!

For around $3,000, I turned it into a proper outdoor entertaining area, with merbau decking boards, a daybed, integrated barbecue and bench, and a foldaway table. The deck was raised to make it level with the studio floor, creating that all-important, seamless indoor/outdoor flow.

It now easily doubles as an outdoor kitchen, as well as a calming oasis to relax in.

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Categories
Furniture

The cheap & effective new product to hack your IKEA favourites

Listen up, Ikea lovers! There’s a new kid in town to easily make some of your most bargain furniture look expensive.

Stylkea offers fretwork overlay panels to make luxury-inspired furniture available to everyone. The panels are purposely designed to effortlessly customise classic Ikea pieces, including Malm, Kallax and Besta (coming soon). Similar products have been available in America for some time, but we now have our own version, right here in Australia!

The idea came to Kylie Hughes a couple of years ago while working on a home renovation with her husband. “I literally spent hours trawling through design sites and interiors magazines looking for stylish and affordable furniture,” says Kylie. “Ikea has such a great Scandi-inspired range, but I wanted to make their pieces more personalised – and they are the perfect blank canvas.”

A copywriter by trade, designing the panels while juggling her day job with being a mum hasn’t been without its challenges. “There have been a lot of late nights and weekends – and the self-doubt always manages to creep in. But I knew that I wanted: to build a product-based business doing something creative and artistic, so chipping away at Stylkea has been worth it.”

She looks to other designers for inspiration (with Jonathan Adler being at the top of the inspiration list) and utilises a range of materials built to withstand both trends and practical use. “I aim to create panels that capture very classic design styles – be they Moroccan, quatrefoil or Art Deco – that will look very sleek and sophisticated for ages to come.

“The PVC panels are UV stabilised, meaning they won’t fade in the sun, and are also completely paintable. Or you can leave them naked, because they will match your white IKEA furniture perfectly. And if you want to add glamour, we have a range of metallics in our aluminium composite panels.”

The best part about the panels is that you can be completely DIY inept and still pull off the luxurious look perfectly. The measurements and guesswork have been taken care of – it is literally as easy as wiping the furniture surface clean, peeling the sticky backing off the panel, and sticking it on to produce your own luxurious statement piece.

The panels are designed in-house on the Gold Coast, and Kylie hopes to extend that to the manufacturing process in the future.

“In the long run, I would invest in my own machinery and control the whole process from start to finish. I would also love to extend the range to include more designs as well as knobs and handles that pair perfectly with the panels.

“Ultimately, I want Stylkea to be a one-stop-shop for achieving the designer look on a budget. People deserve to live in beautiful, personalised spaces, whatever their budget.”

Shop online with prices from just $9.95.

Categories
House Tours Kitchens

A Sydney blogger’s light-filled and lovely IKEA kitchen

Photography by Lucas Boyd

We recently checked out blogger Rebecca Lowrey Boyd’s kitchen and loved it so much, we persuaded her to share all the details with us. You can check out more of Rebecca’s writing at Wee Birdy.

I never thought I would renovate our kitchen. When we bought our ‘70s modernist pole house on Sydney’s upper North Shore three years ago, I was a staunch defender of its wood-panelled walls and ceiling. While everyone peered around in the gloom, I felt like I was living in a little wooden cabin in the the bush.

Why renovate?

After three months of living with our kitchen, the charm of the timber-lined space wore thin. The darkness of the kitchen was at odds with the rest of the house, which we’d since painted white and was bathed in light. More than anything, the clunkiness of the cabinetry was annoying. The drawers were heavy and frequently got stuck, and everything felt disorganised and messy. The overhead cabinets dividing the kitchen and living room made the room feel dark and closed in.

Why IKEA?

We knew a stone benchtop was out of the question because we have two poles going through the benchtop. The only option was timber so we could cut around the poles like a jigsaw. For a flatpack option, IKEA appealed because of the budget-friendly cabinetry and oak benchtops. We’ve got a Scandi-style home and it’s easy to get the Scandi look with IKEA. Finally I was drawn to the soft-closing, deep drawers that are so much more expensive in a custom-made kitchen.

Big changes

We removed the overhead cupboards that hung over the benchtop, which opened up the space and allowed the light from the living room to flood the kitchen. We also painted the dark timber panelling white in Dulux Natural White.

Benchtops

IKEA’s AKERBY worktop in oak (no longer available but there are similar).

Cabinetry

White IKEA FAKTUM cabinets (now called METOD).

Splashback

Hand-made ceramic subway tiles with black grout. We loved the organic look and the wavy surface imperfections. It gave our flatpack kitchen a more handcrafted, customised look.

Sink and tapware

The DOMSJÖ double bowl sink completed the relaxed Scandi-style look, which tied in with the rest of our house. We’d like a black kitchen tap but for now we’ve got an ELVERDAM tap (we love the pull-out spout for rinsing dishes).

Appliances

IKEA SVAVANDE ceiling-mounted extractor hood.

Lighting

We spray-painted IKEA’S white RANARP pendant lights black, and hung them over the working area of the benchtop. We also ran LED strip lighting under the bottom cupboards. It gives the space a soft glow at night, which is great when we have the TV on in the next room.

Mini vertical pole gardens

Our home is filled with plants and the kitchen wasn’t going to be the exception, so we painted the poles white and turned them into mini vertical gardens with Little Urban Farmers’ hanging gardens planters.

Worst thing we did

We orginally went with IKEA’s recommended tradesperson. We ended up having to rip out the benchtop and start again.

Best thing we did

Hire our builder, Matthew Blackmore. He carefully cut around our poles and joined the new IKEA oak benchtops seamlessly with a biscuit-joint, held together with benchtop clamps and wood glue. (The first tradie butt-jointed the benchtop together with Sikaflex and the finish was messy.

Our tradie dream team

Builder: Matthew Blackmore 0499 997 375

Painter: Joey Neukam 0435 162 240

Matt Blackmore’s top 3 IKEA timber benchtop tips

  1. If you’re joining together IKEA timber benchtops, ask your carpenter to make a biscuit joint and hold it together with benchtop clamps and wood glue.
  2. Use kitchen grade benchtop oil and give your benchtop three generous coats of oil with a second sand.
  3. It’s worth choosing the IKEA solid timber benchtops instead of the timber veneers, as the woodchip can disintegrate around the cut-outs to the sink and it can get black mould. If you do get a timber veneer, use the end strip to protect around the pieces which are exposed to the sink.

More kitchens and bathrooms

Categories
Expert Tips

How to buy tiles, paint, shutters or rugs online. Yes, really!

When it comes to decorating and furnishing your home, there are a few things you’d probably never dream about buying online. Until now!

They include paint, tiles, window furnishings and rugs. They’re either too hard to buy online because of the necessity to touch or see the product; the fact you’ve never traditionally bought them online, or via a salesperson doing a “free” measure and quote in your home or returning them is just too hard if you get it wrong.

We’ve noticed a definite increase in businesses making it easier than ever for you to buy things from the comfort of your own home with very little risk, so we thought we’d do a roundup for you! They’re things you have probably never considered buying online, but we hope you might now!

TILECLOUD

Buying tiles online is a very new phenomenon and online store TileCloud say there are multiple benefits for the customer. We particularly love how they offer to send you five samples for $5 in the mail. You can quickly and easily browse everything in one place (they only feature what they currently have in stock so you know it’s immediately available) and they promise year-round fair prices so you’ll never see big discount sales from them.

They also have a great range of all the tiles we have seen trending recently such as herringbone, mosaics, timber and concrete-look tiles, encaustic, travertine and natural stone for your bathroom, kitchen, floors or outdoor. They display all their tile and freight prices on the site so there’s no waiting around for a salesperson to get back to you and it’s easy to budget. There’s also customer care via phone and email to help you work out what and how much you need, as well as an online tile visualiser. Shipping (Australia wide, no exceptions!) is cheaper than you’d think, and often free, depending on the size of your order. And there’s a discount for trade customers too.

We say it’s definitely worth order ing your five samples and giving it a go!

MONSTA PAINT

Monsta are redesigning the way people buy paint, enabling you to do so online and have it delivered for free. They claim you’ll pay less than other paint brands with no sacrifice in quality.

Their paint is made in Australia with extras like mould inhibitor included as standard. You can get free white colour cards (they have a range of 20 whites) and buy sample pots online. They also offer free customer advice via phone, email, Facebook Chat and Skype.

We haven’t tried it ourselves, but we like the direct-from-manufacturer model.

DIY ONLINE  BLINDS

DIY Online Blinds are making it super easy to buy blinds and plantation shutters (yes, you heard right) from your laptop at home! This is an industry where you are probably used to getting a free at-home measure and quote. But of course, nothing in life is free! DIY Online Blinds cut out the middleman. You can get huge savings on PVC plantation shutters by cutting out the middleman, measuring and installing yourself. It might sound daunting but they give you all the help you need to do it right. It’s actually nowhere near as tricky as you’d imagine! However if you live in metro NSW, VIC or QLD you can choose to have them installed for you, but it will obviously cost more.

We had our shutters installed by DIY Online Blinds and highly recommend them! Because they’re made here, unlike many suppliers, the turnaround time is just a couple of weeks.

DIY Online Blinds’ shutters in the latest reno of former Blockheads Bec and George

MISS AMARA

We’ve written about Miss Amara before but we like their online model so much, they’re getting another mention here. The rug-buying experience is not always the most inspiring, and why is it that those rugs shops (you know the ones) are always having a closing down sale but never actually closing?!

Miss Amara have a great range to suit all tastes and budgets but it’s how you buy (and return them if necessary) that appeals to us. For starters, delivery is free. Then you get to try it in your home for up to 30 days. Because it is really hard to visualise without having it there, don’t you think?! And if you don’t like how it looks, you can return it and they’ll cover the cost of pickup etc. It makes rug-buying online pretty much risk-free. We love it.

There’s even a free styling service so if you send them a photo of your room, they can advise you on some good options.

What do you think? Would you buy tiles, paint, shutters or rugs online after reading this?