With consumers increasingly concerned about their eco-footprint it makes sense that we’re seeing more and more enviro-focussed interiors companies arise. And the latest one to enter the market is the furniture maker E9 Design which has just opened its first showroom in Sydney’s Alexandria.
“I wanted to create a furniture company and manufacturing process where environmental responsibility was built in from the start – to create products than were born green – rather than trying to re-engineer existing or traditional methods,” says founder Steven Higgs who has had a long career in the Australian furniture industry.
Flux modular sofa
After two years of research and development, Steven and his team have created a novel furniture manufacturing process that is evidenced in the brand’s debut range of modular lounges. Made from 97% recyclable materials, the sofas are made in Sydney and are designed to be truly recyclable when the time comes to move them on – by not permanently fixing together ‘unlike’ materials, each sofa’s components are easily dismantled and can be sorted for recycling down the line.
“But I wanted to create beautiful and comfortable furniture also; furniture that simply ‘works’ as you really need it to, that makes things a little bit easier, and that fits our Australian spaces and lifestyles. Plus, you can feel good, because you know that it isn’t going to end up it landfill.”
Eclipse modular sofa
The E9 Design manufacturing process uses digital technology to precision cut a steel frame from a single length of steel and form it into complex shapes. Further, each sofa has a unique seating system that utilises steel springs, high resilience, comfortable foams and tailored, removable covers. The unique manufacturing system allows for the creation of almost any shape while minimising material wastage and facilitating efficient customisation.
Locus modular sofa
“With designers, architects and design enthusiasts looking to create a unique look and a perfect fit for their spaces, our system means that we can respond quickly and efficiently. For example, if you love our Ethos Plus sofa, but you’d like the length to be 100mm longer than the standard sizing, and want a different height leg, we can do that. And your sofa won’t travel the world and take six months to a year to get to you.”
Adelaide family business, Natural Flooring, have launched a new online arm, Natural Rugs Australia. “Our rugs are designed to counteract today’s throwaway culture and stand the test of time,” says co owner Catriona Morgan. “In a world of fast fashion, product quality and durability can be low. The natural fibres we use for our rugs are incredibly tough and perfect for high transit areas of your house. Some of our Natural Floors customers have had our rugs for 15 years and they still look great.”
Natural Rugs uses fibres sourced from sustainable village industries throughout India and China. Jute, seagrass, sisal, coir and wool fibres are derived from naturally occurring, recyclable sources such as coconut husks, vegetable fibres, plants, and animal textiles.
The rugs are cut from reams of these natural fibre materials and stitched to shape. All rugs are proudly assembled in their Adelaide warehouse. “All of our rugs are handcrafted, so you know they’ll stand the test of time, as we’ve given them attention to detail, care and precision that a machine couldn’t.”
Though Natural Rugs is a new brand, the team behind it have over 30 years’ experience in handcrafted flooring.
Their handcrafted, beautiful and sustainable rugs are available for delivery nationwide. Investing in a rug can be a big decision, so they provide free rug samples and free 30-day returns for change of mind.
What’s more, our readers can get 10% off using the code NRIA10%OFF
A look inside this stunning eco friendly modern home
By Jade Diamond-Haggert Tucked away in a cul-de-sac in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Northcote, Maxwell House is a high-tech eco-friendly home built for a young family of five, plus their…
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Modest in size and rural in sensibility, this home in Albury’s East Street blends natural and modern aesthetics. Kerstin Thompson Architects took inspiration from the surroundings and all that nature has to offer when designing this single-storey evocative and finely crafted, climate considered house.
“The client had chosen the site many years earlier because of its sweeping views to Mt Huon. The design of the house frames and captures these stunning views,” says Lynn Chew, of Kerstin Thompson Architects.
An environmentally responsive building envelope, it can open up or shut down via sliding cement sheet screens, louvres and windows. These features allow the home to adapt to the extremes of Albury’s climatic variation.
“Adjusted to the slope of the land, the house is arranged along two terraces, an upper and lower one, which organise functions and differentiates between a warmer north side and a cooler south side,” Lynn continues. “The stepped floor, in combination with the roof angle, create living spaces that are shady in summer, sun-filled in winter and completed by magnificent views south towards Mt Huon.”
In a desire to capture its rural setting, the material palette is robust and direct, with concrete, bricks, and cement sheeting used for for interior linings and joinery. A restrained palette of darkly stained plywood, raked cement-sheet ceilings and matt sheen concrete floors further enhanced the spaces.
Keeping in mind the material palette, the architects knew that timber would complement the aesthetic of the home perfectly. Having worked with Big River Group before, they used Armourpanel Blackbutt hardwood lining on the doors and walls, which injected warmth into the home. The Blackbutt panelling is also a fire resistant wood, responding to the bushfire prone location.
“The timber walls and joinery are a feature of the residence. Not only do they complement the concrete and cement,” Lynn explains, “they also visually connect with the colours of surrounding bush environment.”
The natural masterpiece has already won awards, taking home both an AIA National Award and an AIA NSW Award in 2020.
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Tucked away in a cul-de-sac in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Northcote, Maxwell House is a high-tech eco-friendly home built for a young family of five, plus their dog Otto, a miniature schnauzer.
The Maxwell residence rethinks traditional suburban dwelling by allowing the occupants to indulge in a deeper connection with nature via biophilic design. From internal courtyards to large windows, the well-balanced home centres around wellbeing and enriching the family’s health.
A collaborative effort between architectural practice Melbourne Design Studios and the owners, with interiors by The Stylesmiths, the house is a contemporary triumph completed in 2020. Split over two levels and consisting of four bedrooms, two internal courtyards, pool, fireplace and large living areas, the home is the embodiment of healthy and sustainable living.
The Stylesmiths were handed a blank canvas to create an interior that worked in harmony from where the architects left off, by respecting the original values and balancing robust materials such as polished concrete floors, American oak paneling, large windows and slate. Maxwell House, also known as Biophilia-Slate Home, won Best Sustainable Design in Australia, Design Matters Award and is an National Association of Building Designers (NABD) winner, recognised widely for its sustainable and innovative design.
Building on the original brief – to create a family home that inspires, relaxes and calms busy minds, with beautifully crafted spaces, natural materials and an endless dialogue with nature. Each space offers intimate views and engagement with natural surroundings and vegetation, be it from courtyards, gardens, green roofs, or planters. Natural light, ventilation and direct sunlight gives a profound sense of seasonal rhythms, blurring the reality of the suburban setting.
With that, The Stylesmiths were set to embark on an interior design journey that was centred around wellbeing. Timber warms the spaces throughout, creating contrasts against the dark stone, terrazzo, brickwork, marble and glazing. Texture played a vital role in enhancing the interior material palette. Through the use of soft furnishings, textures were selected based on their tactility – boucle fabrics, hand woven rugs, felt folded cushions, chunky weaves and wallpaper. Tactility helped form an emotional response to each room thoughout the home.
The owners were open to exploring new ideas – and were particularly keen to support local home-grown design, so many of the pieces throughout the home are sourced and manufactured locally. Lead designer Silvia Roldan (the Stylesmiths) believes that the use of colour which has been applied in every room is key to creating calming spaces that are warm and inviting. Thought the home the colour palette continues to develop as you move throughout the house allowing for unexpected surprises in every room.
Photography by Fiona Susanto | Lead designer: Silvia Roldan
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This is an edited extract from Less Waste, No Fuss Kitchen by Lindsay Miles published by Hardie Grant Books.
Kitting out your kitchen Reducing waste – and fuss! – in the kitchen is not just about the food in our pantries and fridges; what we use to prepare that food matters too. Whether you love cooking or simply want the job done as quickly as possible, kitchen equipment that saves resources, time and money is always going to win. It is amazing what a difference it makes to set up your kitchen as thoughtfully as your pantry.
Useful kitchen tools For a kitchen tool or gadget to be truly useful (and not just taking up space in a cupboard or drawer somewhere) it needs to save us time and do the job at least as well as and preferably better than we’d manage without it. It needs to be easily accessible when we want to use it, easy to use and easy to clean afterwards.
Tools are there to make life easier, not harder. There are so many kitchen gadgets and tools out there, and one person’s ‘essential’ is another person’s ‘waste of money’. As a rule, it is better to have a few tools you use often rather than a lot that rarely get touched, require constant cupboard rearranging and create a cluttered, chaotic kitchen that lends itself to ordering takeaway rather than actually cooking.
I keep things low waste and no fuss with a few key kitchen items. Where possible I’d always choose glass or stainless steel over plastic because these materials don’t stain or scratch as easily, can handle heat and are much easier to clean. Before investing in an item, read reviews of models online and think about what features you need and would actually use. Secondhand gadgets are a great way to save some money and test something out – if you don’t get on with it, it should be easy to sell again.
Knife There is one tool that absolutely every kitchen needs, and that is a good, sharp knife. Think about it. We use a knife every single time we prepare food. Why wouldn’t we invest in the best one we can afford? We think nothing of spending money on food processors, bread machines, ice cream makers and other gadgets that we might use only a few times a month. Yet for the one tool we use most often, we purchase something cheap and then lament our choice two weeks later when we realise that it can’t cut cleanly through an avocado.
A good knife is a buy-it-once purchase (look after it and it will last you your whole life) and worth every penny. I own two kitchen knives: a bread knife with a serrated edge for cutting bread and, for everything else, a Global vegetable knife with a 14-centimetre (5½-inch) blade. It’s the perfect size blade and handle for me, made from one piece of stainless steel, meaning the handle can never fall off, and it can be sharpened with a sharpening stone or taken to a knife sharpener for servicing. I’ve owned that knife for more than fifteen years, and it will last forever.
Are dishwashers eco-friendly?
I don’t think the answer is a simple yes or no. From a water perspective, modern dishwashers are actually more water efficient than washing dishes by hand. From an energy perspective, making a dishwasher from metals and plastic has a higher footprint than the sink we already have in the kitchen. But it’s not just about footprints. If a dishwasher is what you need to maintain order in the kitchen, then embrace it. If you can manage without, embrace your sink. Whichever we choose, we can still be mindful of the resources we use – whether that’s power, water or the detergent we choose.
My kitchen essentials
Kitchen scales The most accurate way to measure ingredients is with kitchen scales. When choosing scales you have the option of balance, mechanical or battery-operated. It’s worth considering how much accuracy you need, whether you’d prefer metric or imperial measurements or both, and also the maximum load you’ll want to weigh. I have electric scales that can measure to the nearest gram or 0.1 ounce and take up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds).
Measuring cups A simple way to measure basic ingredients such as flour and sugar. US and Australian recipes often refer to cup measurements rather than weight, and owning a set of these is less fuss than trying to convert a recipe.
Measuring jug Useful for measuring and pouring larger volumes of liquids (such as when adding stock to a saucepan). A measuring jug is great for figuring out the volume of glass jars (for bulk store shopping). I use a glass Pyrex jug that holds 500 ml (1 pint), with metric measurements printed on one side in 50 ml increments, and imperial and cup measurements in ¼ cup increments printed on the other.
Pestle and mortar Useful for grinding up spices and seeds, and making pastes and dips.
Food processor/blender If I had to choose just one gadget, I’d always vote for a high-power food processor or blender. Mine saves me so much time chopping, grinding and blending. I’d recommend choosing one that’s easy to take apart and wash.
Silicone spatula I use this all the time. It is perfect for getting every last drop of sauce, batter or leftovers out of a bowl or pan, and silicone is tolerant of high temperatures (unlike plastic).
Rethinking single-use itemsin the kitchen
There are a number of single-use items we come to rely on in the kitchen. Reusable items are often an ‘investment’ – meaning they cost a lot upfront, but will last and save you money in the long run. That being said, there are definitely options for every budget. Stepping back and looking at our waste can lead us to question whether we actually need these things at all. Could we do without or switch to a reusable alternative?
Just because the manufacturer labels something single use, that doesn’t mean we need to limit it to one use. Aluminium foil can be washed and reused several times, as can ziplock bags and other plastic. Baking paper can often be wiped down and reused a few times before composting.
Clingfilm/plastic wrap From placing a plate on a bowl to switching to reusable silicone, there is a reusable solution for every need you might have thought you had for plastic wrap.
Paper towel/kitchen roll Consider using a dishcloth for wiping spills, or using old tea towels to absorb excess liquids and then washing before reusing. It’s possible to buy purpose-made ‘unpaper towel’: reusable fabric cut to size, often attached to form a roll.
Bin liners If you still buy food in packaging, could any of that packaging be used as a bin liner? Could you line your bin with old newspaper? Could you do away with a liner altogether?
Baking paper/parchment paper Some brands of paper have a thin layer of plastic and may be bleached with chlorine. A reusable alternative is silicone baking sheets. If you prefer baking paper, If You Care are a brand making Forest Stewardship Council–certified compostable baking paper. Choose a roll rather than pre-cut sheets to reduce the waste.
Aluminium foil If you use foil for wrapping leftovers, consider switching to a reusable alternative. If you use it in cooking, look for a brand that is 100 per cent recycled.
Muffin cases A thorough greasing of baking tins can reduce the need for single-use muffin cases. Alternatively, silicone bakeware is oven safe and reusable. If sticking with single-use, choose unbleached paper and avoid glitter or metallic papers that are not compostable.
Ziplock bags Reusable silicone storage bags are much sturdier and long lasting – plus the best ones are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.
Wooden skewers A fun alternative is to use rosemary sprigs: remove the leaves and use the central stem. Metal skewers have the advantage of reducing cooking time (hot metal cooks the inside of the food).
Plastic straws Consider reusable bamboo, glass, stainless steel and coloured metal or silicone options: almost all are dishwasher safe.
–This is an edited extract from Less Waste, No Fuss Kitchen by Lindsay Miles published by Hardie Grant Books $29.99 and is available where all good books are sold.
Spring cleaning is one of those things that beforehand sounds horrible, during is even worse, but after? After you feel phenomenal… it’s a bit like exercise really! So to make the process easier we spoke to Jessica Bragdon, founder of natural cleaning range Koala Eco about her top tips for nailing this year’s big clean (and yes you should still do it, even though it’s nearly summer).
Cull before you clean
Your spring clean is a great time to get rid of any clutter or items around the house that you don’t need or want. Once you’ve done that, take everything off the shelves and surfaces and brush them all down with a feather duster. Then use a dust-brush or crevice tool on a vacuum to reach the tight spots and wipe all surfaces down. Once the cleaning spree is complete, return your belongings (only the ones you wish to keep) back to their rightful spots.
Work from the top down
When it comes to dusting, always work from the top of the room down, finishing off by vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor. Remember not to neglect hard-to-reach places such as the tops of ceiling fans and window casings.
Kitchen capers
Attack the stubborn surface grime on benchtops and kitchen cupboards with tea tree or eucalyptus oil or a solvent-free degreaser. Each of these options can also be used to remove stubborn bacteria that resides in fridges and microwaves, thanks to the powerful yet natural properties of essential oils. Make sure to give the kitchen bin a good rinse and wipe down too, it’s a dirty job but worth doing a few times a year, at least! Finish up by mopping the floors with one-to-two tablespoons of soap mixed in a bucket of warm water.
Don’t forget the furniture
Furnishings and upholstery can house an endless supply of dust so remember to take cushions outside and give them a gentle beat. If there are stains, wash them as per the care instructions and use your crevice tools to clean between cracks and under seat cushions. Likewise, many draperies and curtains are machine washable, so check labels before giving them a good wash and vacuum. Use beeswax to clean wooden furniture and blinds. Simply melt it and mix it with a few drizzles of olive oil and a few drops of essential oils (for example peppermint) and then leave it to cool before rubbing into the wood.
The bathroom blitz
Spray and scrub the bath, shower, basin and toilet. Plus wipe down air vents, light switches and fixtures, as well as things like toothbrush holders and soap dishes where lots of bacteria can lurk. Bicarb soda is a wonderful ingredient to unclog and clean drains and shine up chrome and silver bathroom taps and fixtures; to clean sinks and fixtures simply sprinkle the bicarb soda directly onto the surface or onto a soft sponge and begin scrubbing in circular motions. Finally, use a glass cleaner to give the mirrors and shower screens a super sparkly shine.
Clean living
The living room isn’t a place that we ordinarily think needs much cleaning beyond a good vacuum, but if you’re going for gold start with dusting the ceiling, floor moldings and wall corners. Next wipe down the walls, ceilings and light switches with soap mixed with water, which can also be used to polish wooden furniture. Finally it’s time to clean the windows. For a quick and easy homemade window cleaner, mix in a spray bottle 50% white vinegar and 50% tap water. Simply spray the solution directly onto the window and wipe with newspaper. After cleaning the windows both inside and out, give each space a good vacuum, not forgetting to dust lamps and vacuum lampshades.
— Koala Eco boast a sleek-looking, highly versatile range of chemical-free, eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning products. The range uses high concentrations of Australian essential oils, combined with plant-derived ingredients to provide all-natural cleaning power for every room and surface.
Love the look of timber flooring but wary about its environmental impact? Carpet Court has got you covered. The new Stockmans Ridge collection released by the flooring giant is both sustainably sourced and FSC certified which means that the timber has been sourced from well managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. It’s the ideal eco-friendly timber flooring choice.
Timber flooring is becoming a hugely popular choice with home buyers and renovators and with good reason. “Timber is increasingly popular with customers who are looking for a flooring solution that combines durability with a luxe look,” says Darren Palmer, Carpet Court Ambassador and interior design guru. “The Stockmans Ridge range launches at a time when demand for this look hits an all-time high, as people prepare to ready their home for the year ahead.”
The Stockmans Ridge production process yields up to five times more finished product than traditional engineered floors from the same amount of Australian Hardwood, making it the ideal flooring option for the environmentally conscious.
There are six styles available within the range, each offering a different grain and gradient to tone. Sydney Blue Gum, Spotted Gum, Jarrah, Grey Ironbark, Blackbutt and Brush Box timber species all feature giving those on the hunt for timber floors, a variety of options.
With 14 acrylic coats offering exceptional dent and scratch resistance, the Stockmans Ridge is the ideal choice for high traffic areas or families with children, while the patented Välinge click-locking system and micro-bevelled finish offers easy installation and a seamless finish for those with an eye for detail.
What is sustainable renovation? Here is our guide to sourcing eco-friendly materials, selecting energy and water-saving products, and creating environmentally sustainable spaces.
Sustainability is more than a buzzword, it’s a way to be resourceful and create long-lasting changes for the better. Being aware of environmentally sustainable products and practices when you renovate can reduce your carbon footprint, help you decrease energy and water usage and give you long-term financial savings.
Image courtesy of Dezeen
What is sustainable renovation?
In this context, sustainability is reducing our impact on the environment. Sustainable renovation is the practice of using materials and products that maintain ecological balance through form and function.
Sustainable materials may include recycled surfaces such as reclaimed timber, secondhand fixtures and eco-friendly choices of certain products, such as paints and tiles. You may also choose to install products that will assist energy and water saving, such as LED lighting and appliances with good energy ratings, plus low-flow showerheads and water-saving toilets.
Image courtesy of Dezeen
1. Choose sustainable materials
Sustainable materials are those that come from a replenishable source or have been reused, repurposed or recycled.
Timber from old growth forests is not sustainable; compare this with plantation timber or reclaimed wood. The benefit of reclaimed or recycled wood is its beautiful weathered look and sense of history. Don’t forget you’ll need to treat the wood to protect it from rotting and this substance should also be eco-friendly.
Your choice of material may dictate the aesthetic of your renovation or vice versa, but fortunately there’s a big enough range to fit into a lot of different themes. Reclaimed pieces can be used for retro chic, rustic or industrial looks, for example, or it can shake things up in a modern home.
Consider also the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content in the materials you select. VOCs are chemicals containing carbon that evaporate into the atmosphere and unfortunately little is known about the health hazards. Low or zero VOC paints, urethanes and particle boards are all available, albeit at a higher cost.
Other materials you might consider include recycled plastic and laminates as well as glass and ceramic, both of which can be recycled.
Image courtesy of Dezeen
2. Aim for efficiency
The bathroom, kitchen and laundry are the three areas where we tend to use the most energy and water so when you’re in the market to purchase fixtures, fittings and appliances for these rooms, make efficiency a key criterion. Not only will this reduce the resources you use, it will save you money in the longer term as well.
Energy star ratings and water ratings (WELS) are a good start but even before you buy items, think of how you can reduce or eliminate the need for them. Creating a temperate environment within the home through good insulation (including to insulate your water pipes) and ventilation will reduce the need for air conditioning and heating. Having a lot of natural light may reduce your reliance on lighting.
Efficiency in heating and cooling also applies to water. A continuous flow hot water system, for instance, will heat water when you need it, whereas a tank system uses energy all day by heating water in the tank whether or not you’re using it. Keep in mind that what a continuous flow system saves on energy it can waste in water as you wait for the water to heat up and reach the outlet. So choose a water wise unit or install a recirculating pump.
If you want to go a bit further, installing green spaces, such as vertical gardens or a green roof, can also support insulation as well as improve air quality.
Image courtesy of Architect Matt Elkan, photograph by Simon Whitbread
3. Future-proof your home
You can use your renovation to future-proof your home in two ways. The first is by preventing unnecessary repairs in the future, for example leak-proofing your house by checking gutters and the roof and undergoing proper waterproofing for wet areas such as bathrooms and the laundry to prevent damp.
Secondly, you can install sustainable features—or plan for them if you cannot afford to include them now. Some ideas include:
Rainwater tank to capture clean rainwater. Instead of going down the drain you can use rainwater on the garden or to flush your toilet.
Greywater recycling takes soapy water from washing machines and basins for use as above.
Solar panels and a set of home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall will store the sun’s energy. It’s possible to live ‘net zero’ (no more electricity bills!) but have the security of being connected to the grid if you ever need it.
Roof colour is often overlooked as a way to reduce energy usage. Dark colours can absorb up to 90% of the sun’s radiant heat—fantastic in a cold climate but uncomfortable if not. Studies show that a white, mid-grey, or steel roof can have approximately 30% lower heat gain than a dark roof.
Don’t forget to see what rebates, buy-backs and other incentives are available for sustainable practices.
Lastly, make sure the people you hire demonstrate sustainable practices too. There are certifications for professions such as plumbing that will help you discern practitioners. A certified Enviroplumber, for example, completes six years of training to become a qualified plumber, drainer and gasfitter and has additional training in sustainable plumbing practices such as installing rainwater tanks and fixing solar hot water systems, as well as abides by the Enviroplumber Code of Practice.
With these considerations in mind you’ll be well on your way to creating a sustainable home.
Laney Clancy is the marketing and finance Manager at Pipe Perfection Plumbers in Sydney. She is married to Darren, the owner of the business, which has a team that includes specialist enviroplumbers and more, servicing the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
I admit it, I’m a clean freak. Regular readers will know this is nothing new! And there’s nothing I love more than a clean and tidy home, it comes as no surprise that good looking, good smelling, good value cleaning products, in beautiful, neutral, modern packaging that looks nice enough to leave out (perhaps even deliberately!) get me more excited than they probably should do! And now that I have a toddler in the house, into everything and eating things off the floor, non-toxic, earth-friendly products are much more of a priority for me.
Introducing the new brand Organic Choice, which three lucky readers are going to win a year’s supply of! We’re not just talking cleaning products, but candles too.
This beautiful range has been developed right here in Australia, from the belief that products can be both effective, and sourced from sustainable, natural ingredients. Organic Choice is definitely filling a gap in the market. These environmentally friendly, sustainable household products are not only a healthier alternative to other cleaning products, but they have modern, non-garish packaging that looks great displayed in your home! Better yet, they are half the price of competitors that tick all those boxes and conveniently available exclusively at your local Coles.
We’re talking $5.50 for a 500ml Multipurpose Cleaner, $5 for a 500ml Dishwashing Liquid (it’s great to be able to leave these out and close at hand, especially when they’re not ugly!) up to $15 for a lidded Candle made with pure soy wax and essential oils.
There’s a large range too, also incorporating Fridge, Dishwasher & Bin Cleaner (I didn’t know I needed it until now either!), Shower and Vanity Cleaner (I’ve been road testing this and it seems to tackle glass and mirrors well too), and Air Freshener in a pump action bottle.
The packaging looks like dark green glass but is in fact recyclable plastic. It looks expensive and natural and will blend in well in your interiors. The products are not tested on animals and are palm oil free. And they all really work! I’ve been road testing them at home for you for a few weeks now.
Now let’s talk about the fragrances. Cleaning is certainly a much more enjoyable (okay, maybe the word is therapeutic!) experience when it leaves you smelling of essential oils rather than chemicals and bleach, right? We’re talking scents like West Indian Lime and Coconut, Lemongrass and Cedarwood (my personal fave) and Grapefruit and Pomegranate. I’ve tried a lot of candles in my time and these are great. The French Pear and Cinnamon Bark is perfect for Christmas and I love the Lemongrass and Cedarwood one burning in my kitchen.
Organic Choice is made right here in Australia by Aware Environmental, also behind well known brands like Orange Power, supported by Planet Ark Australia.
HOW TO ENTER
We know you’re a creative bunch so for your chance to win a year’s supply of Organic Choice products* we’d love you to head to Coles and pick up a product/s from the range. Of course we hope you’ll love it, and we’d like you to style a photo of the product in your home, or as a flat lay or vignette. Whatever you fancy really! Then simply share your picture to Instagram (and follow @organicchoiceaustralia) with the hashtag #OrganicChoiceMoment by midnight AEST on 30 November 2016. Remember, there will be three winners!
*Three winners will each get 12 bottles of Organic Choice Dishwashing Liquid (in two fragrances), six bottles of Organic Choice Air Freshener, three bottles of Organic Choice Multipurpose Cleaner, three bottles of Organic Choice Shower and Vanity Cleaner, three bottles of Organic Choice Fridge, Dishwasher and Bin Cleaner and six Organic Choice Candles (in two fragrances) delivered to their door. Open to Australian residents only.
If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments below.
If the popularity of television shows like The Block is anything to go by, Australians don’t just love their homes – they also love to decorate, renovate and generally improve them.
If you’re bitten by the renovation bug, rest assured, a well-planned renovation can give your lifestyle — and your home’s value — a welcome boost. However, the key is to focus on improvements with broad market appeal and give careful thought to how you will fund the project, something that is often glossed over in renovation shows!
ME customer Neil Ellis renovated this home and profited $335,000!
So here’s how you can finance your project:
1. To avoid overcapitalising – where you spend more on the renovation than the value it adds to your home — consider the market in your area to be sure your improvements will fit in. Adding a fourth bedroom for instance, can make sense if you live in a family friendly suburb, less so if you’re in an area popular with young singles.
2. Next, put your hard-earned cash to work where it will deliver the greatest benefit. High quality kitchen and bathroom renovations almost always add value to a property. The same can’t be said of outdoor spas or swimming pools, which can be high maintenance and don’t always deliver a fiscal return.
3. It’s also worth thinking about eco-friendly renovations. Home buyers can’t get enough of green features like rainwater tanks, energy-efficient appliances and drip-feed irrigation systems. Along with adding value to your home, you’ll also save on utility bills.
ME customer Neil Ellis renovated this home and profited $335,000
4. Planning a renovation is exciting, but before thumbing through colour charts or carpet samples, it’s critical to think about how you will pay for it all. If you’re starting from scratch, you may have to make a few lifestyle sacrifices in order to get a decent amount of money together. Your home loan is a valuable tool here offering a low-cost source of funds, and there are a number of options to weigh up.
5. If you’re ahead with your loan, a redraw facility provides easy access to those extra payments. If you need a little more cash, a home loan top up could be the solution. This simply means bringing your loan back to its original level – or borrowing a bit extra, and it’s a far simpler process than refinancing to a new loan.
6. A top up works best for non-structural improvements like painting, adding new floor coverings, or kitchen and bathroom makeovers. The funds are generally paid directly to you, providing the flexibility to complete the project in your own time.
ME customer Neil Ellis renovated this home and profited $335,000
7. For structural renovations like adding a new extension or an extra floor, a construction home loan can be the answer. Lenders will ask to take a look at your building plans, so you’ll have the benefit of an extra set of eyes checking the quality of your project. Funding is then provided as a series of drawdowns as various stages of the project are completed. The beauty of this approach is that you only pay interest on the funds drawn down.
8. Finally, remember to be upfront and realistic about your budget. It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement and go overboard – decide on a budget for your renovation project and stick to it.
— Patrick is head of home loans at ME, a bank owned by the industry super funds committed to helping everyday Australians get ahead.
Marrickville, Sydney (NSW) Houzz Professional: Danny Broe Architect
In their first ever report into the Australian design and renovation industry, leading home improvement site Houzz.com.au have revealed that Australian homeowners are well and truly renovation aficionados!
Marrickville, Sydney (NSW) Houzz Professional: Danny Broe Architect
Out of the 13,000 people who took part, one in 10 (12%) renovate or decorate their homes monthly and nearly a third (30%) every three-to-six months. The Houzz Australia Report also found that in the next two years, 75% of Aussies plan on decorating their homes and 38% plan on undertaking a major renovation.
Other key findings were as follows:
Colour preferences: While two-thirds of Australians stick to neutral colours for their front doors, a few are daring to go bold with blue (6%), red (5%) and green (5%). Once indoors, after the traditional white, it’s yellow and green that are the most common colours used to decorate the dining room, and blues and purples in the bedroom.
Chatsworth Modern Entry (NSW) Houzz Professional: Cambuild
Kitchens on the chopping block: One in four Aussies plan to update their kitchen in the next 12 months (26%), which makes sense given that nearly the same number report that it’s the area of their home that is in most need of renovation (23%). A designer kitchen tops Australian’s wishlists (42%) when given the choice to add any feature to the home, irrespective of cost.
Style by state: Australian homes include a diverse mix of styles, with more than half of homeowners (55%) choosing contemporary and modern styles, followed by traditional (23%) and eclectic (19%). Sydney leads the trend in global influences, as the most likely to pick up Asian, European and Scandinavian styles (17%), whilst Adelaide-residents prefers eclectic and vintage designs for their homes (31%) and unsurprisingly Brisbane-residents prefer tropical (34%).
How eco are Aussie homes? Eco-friendly choices matter to Australian homeowners, including energy-saving lightbulbs (69%), insulation (69%), low flow showers (37%), rainwater tanks (36%), compost (34%) and low flow toilets (33%). Nearly a quarter are even installing solar panels (24%). Adelaide dwellers are most likely to take advantage of natural resources, with 53% choosing to introduce rainwater tanks and 33% installing solar panels. In Brisbane, indoor eco-features lead the way, with homeowners most likely to choose low-flow showers (43%) and energy-saving bulbs (73%) than other Aussies.
A self-claimed tree hugger from Colorado USA, Kari Whitman is an interior designer who puts the environment above all else, but that doesn’t mean she lets style fall by the wayside! Kari is so in-demand that she has gained the title of Designer to the Stars, designing the homes of Jessica Alba, Emelio Esteves, Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffiths, and the list goes on.
Kari Whitman
Yet for Kari, being a designer was a career that nearly never happened, with her first love actually being acting. “When I was a broke actress, my very successful actor friends would come over to my modest apartment to see what I had done in such a small space,” explains Kari. “They saw my potential and then started hitting me up to do big places in LA County, like Hollywood, Malibu etc.”
A home Kari designed on Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, for a Royal family
Since then, Kari’s never looked back, with her projects taking her all over the world, including this month, Australia, where she will be headlining the International Seminar Series at Decor + Design and Furnitex in Melbourne. “I will be discussing the process of green design, star clients, and pet-friendly collaborations,” says Kari. “I will be giving everyone my secrets for making green, earth-friendly design tangible for any style and I will also be sharing my experience and findings for creative, innovative products, art and expressionism through design!”
A home Kari designed on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles for a Royal family
A home Kari designed on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles for a Royal family
Kari isn’t afraid of stepping outside of the box, believing green design can fit any style. “We do tons of different things to make our designs eco-friendly and creative. From old blue jeans used as insulation to existing furniture being completely stripped down, reformed and modernised, all the way to adding a rescue pet at the end for an overall “good vibe” in the home!”
Kari’s own Colorado home
As an animal lover as well, Kari has a great interest in pet-friendly design, leading her to start her own eco-friendly dog bed company greenerpup.com. “Animals should always be a part of the family and sleeping inside with their owners. I also believe in having beautiful dog beds with covers that match the room. It will always make your doggy or kitty’s sleeping area vibe with the space.”
Kari’s Colorado home
Kari’s Colorado home
With a style that is very eclectic, funky and fun-yet-elegant, Kari’s work life isn’t just meeting with celebs and playing with pets! “An average day for me is work, work, work,” says Kari. “Constantly dealing with installations, clients and products. I’m also actively creating my paint mixing kit Wall Makeup and my furniture line. Because my clients are all over the world, I’m on a plane more than I’m at home.”
Decor + Design and Furnitex will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from next Thursday 10 July to Sunday 13 July. For the seminar schedule and to purchase tickets to hear Kari speak, visit Decor + Design here.
A unique design statement and they’re energy-efficient… someone sign me up for a whole batch of these lightbulbs!
CFL Spiral Designer Light Bulb
Coming in two designs, the spiral and squirrel, these lightbulbs are the latest offering from Fat Shack Vintage. The energy saver CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs have exposed filaments. Being a warm white colour, they’re ideal for creating atmosphere, and providing high-performance and long-lasting light, they’re perfect for task lighting in areas such as the kitchen, bathroom or office.
CFL Squirrel Designer Light Bulb
At $38 a pop, these unusual designs are available in B22 and E27, so they’ll work with all standard ceiling, wall and lamp fixtures. Shop online.
Ironing’s not fun; I think we can all agree on that. But what is fun, are clothes. And a well-designed iron can be pivotal to keeping your clothes looking good. Therefore the great thing about Electrolux’s latest offering is it not only promises to do that, but to be environmentally friendly as well.
The new UltraSteam Precision Green, is the eco solution in steam irons, from the product packaging and production process right through to the product itself and the energy consumption. Set to launch in June, the UltraSteam Precision Green utilises 99% recycled paper in packaging, along with 15% recycled plastic in the iron itself. The model also boasts a 30% saving in water and energy consumption during the production process.
Some of its key features include: working as a vertical steamer for delicate garments, automatic steam adjustment, precision tip on soleplate to navigate tricky areas and a three way safety auto-off.
Recommended retail price $99. For stockists visit Electrolux here.
The bathroom has emerged as a key focus for both designers and homeowners as we seek respite from our busy lives. Belinda Try, founder of leading luxury stone composite bathware company, apaiser, shares her thoughts on what we can expect to see in bathroom design in 2014.
A sensory space
Sensory appeal is a worldwide trend in bathrooms that I think will continue to grow in 2014. More than ever, customers are looking for the luxurious, indulgent and sanctuary-like experience they enjoy whilst travelling. To meet this growing demand, designers are looking to enhance the consumer experience in the bathroom and increase customisation as we shift from function to enjoyment.
We are also starting to see larger bathrooms with spa-like design features in new homes, as designers, clients and homeowners are sacrificing space elsewhere to create a larger bathing area.
A shade of black
Organic material and darker spaces will become more common, with a definite trend towards a sexier and moodier space. We can expect to see charcoals and ‘darker blacks’ become more prominent in bathware products as we move even further away from the sterile white ceramic bathware that dominated for so many years.
Eco-sensitive materials
Soothing stone and natural-based materials continue to be a focus, as Australian designers are trending towards the dominant use of eco-friendly organic materials. However, it has taken some time for consumers to embrace this growing global trend. We still see many designers and homeowners looking to ‘match the toilet’ – this is a curious and frustrating barrier to eco-sensitive design. Innovative designers are now, more than ever willing to embrace an eco-sensitive aesthetic.
The wet room
The total wet room look is very much becoming the centrepiece of the modern bathroom – we are seeing this trend gather serious momentum globally. We will continue to see large free-standing baths, oversized showers and showerheads as well as floating wall hung vanities with storage to maximise floor area and to create the illusion of more floor space.
The resort appeal
Outside of the home,resorts and hotels globally have embarked on a huge investment in the bathing space, using higher value materials and fit outs as they strive to make a statement. This is driven by the need for differentiation and also by customers who demand an indulgent bathing experience when they travel.
apaiser is the preferred supplier of luxury baths, basins and vanities for the world’s leading hotels, resorts and prestigious homes. Visit www.apaiser.com for more information and stockist details.
Boutique textiles brand On The Sly has a green conscience and products with a punch of personality.
Specialising in cushions and tea towels, all the products are designed by founder Lauren Finks and printed by hand in Melbourne. “I think our overall look is slightly retro influenced, but with contemporary accents,” explains Lauren. “Geometrics are a favourite of mine and I am always experimenting with new patterns and colours.”
With an aim to be as eco-friendly as possible, from the fabrics to the inks printed on them, there is little to no wastage – with scrap fabric even being used for swing tags for each item.
Style and sustainability: they can work together, right? Of course! With so many products available, it can be difficult to know which type of flooring will best suit the needs of your home, but it’s easier than ever to find an eco-friendly solution.
1. Reclaimed hardwood
Have you considered installing a floor with a story? Perhaps it was from a school, church or farmstead? Reclaimed hardwood floors come from a variety of buildings and locations across Australia and each board has its own history! Reclaimed hardwood flooring is suitable for most areas of your home and can be purchased in a wide range of styles, colours and varieties. Purchasing a darker coloured wood will add warmth to your home, while a lighter colour will brighten up your room. Depending on the textured finish, your floor could look smooth, wire-brushed, distressed or hand-scrapped, but why not keep its rustic beauty?
If you find hardwood floors are too cold or too hard on your feet, adding a floor rug can add warmth, softness and colour to your room, all the while protecting the wood underneath.
2. Bamboo
Homeowners who invest in bamboo flooring do so for its unique and eco-conscious properties. Bamboo is durable and looks great in modern or traditional spaces. The texture adds a very organic, natural and elegant feel. Bamboo flooring comes in a wide range of different shades and grains. Regardless of your existing furnishings, you will be sure to find a shade of bamboo that will match. Colours range from mellow light hues to warmer reds and browns. Complete the look with a high gloss, matte or semi-gloss finish.
Due to the speed of growth (approximately 60cm per day), bamboo is a highly sustainable flooring choice. Although it can take between 3-to-5 years to reach maturity, in comparison, trees can take up to 20 years.
3. Cork
Cork flooring is the ultimate in eco-chic. Made from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, this product is highly renewable. Cork can be made to mimic hardwood floors or made to look just like tiles. Think of cork as traditional and vintage to luxurious textures and shades, classic patterns and elegant finishes, artistic and modern. The options are endless.
Although cork is relatively new to the flooring market, this is a worthwhile option to consider.
4. Concrete
Concrete isn’t typically an eco-friendly product, however it has made the list for several reasons.
Pre-existing concrete
Concrete that already exists in your home has no additional environmental impact and it’s ready to go! Concrete floor slabs can be hidden under flooring materials such as carpet, hardwood or tiles. But why waste resources and money to add another layer of flooring when you can simply leave the concrete exposed? Decorative techniques such as colouring, staining, stamping, stencilling and polishing allow you to create floors that mimic more traditional materials.
Green Concrete
Green concrete uses industrial waste by-products. These products are sourced from power plants, steel mills and other manufacturing facilities and are commonly used as partial cement replacements. To make your floor look more decorative, why not consider materials such as recycled crushed glass or plastic, marble chips, metal shavings and seashells for a truly unique look?
5. Natural stone
Natural stone isn’t renewable like cork, however it can be considered eco-friendly due to its durability. Carpet will last anywhere up to 10 years, wooden floors approximately 50 years, while natural stone will last a lifetime. It will even withstand fire! Stone comes in an array of colours and textures including granite, limestone, marble and slate. No two stones are alike, which adds to its unique, elegant and timeless appeal.
Natural stone is strong and hardwearing which makes it perfect for areas that attract high foot traffic and is also beneficial for anyone who suffers from airborne allergies, as dust and allergens are unable to build up on its surface.
–Mark Hutchison is managing director of Bamboozle, Perth’s leading bamboo flooring provider.
With the rise of the more conscious, sustainable consumer — think fair trade, organic and environmentally friendly — some talented interior designers have been busy turning their creative minds to designing products with this ethos in mind. There are some truly beautiful homeware products available today, created by designers who place sustainability and fabulous design on equal footing.
We decided to go shopping, and style an eco-friendly kids bedroom. By sourcing sustainable products, not only are you purchasing a beautiful and often unique piece, but you’re purchasing their story, and we love our products having good ones. So happy shopping, conscious shopper. Your kids’ bedroom will look amazing!
For the floor
Armadillo & Co are an Australian rug company who create wonderful floor coverings. Their artisan weavers are seen as integral part of their design process, using generations old, hand weaving techniques. As well as providing fair trade working conditions for their weavers, they also support education programs for the children in the villages. The Armadillo & Co Junior Collection comes in a range of bright, wonderful colours.
Junior Collection Carnival Stripe in Orange and Junior Collection Braid Weave in Pink
