Tag: exteriors

Jason Hodges’ expert guide to a Hamptons style outdoor area

Post author By Hugo Alley
Post date December 19, 2022
No Comments on Jason Hodges’ expert guide to a Hamptons style outdoor area

Architectural photography of a grey Hamptons style home facade with a topiary trees at the entrance and a bench set and flower pots

For over a decade, Australians have had a love affair with the Hamptons style, with the trend increasing throughout the 2020 renovation boom and now considered as one of the most desired design themes for Aussie homes in 2022. However, it’s not just the indoors where the Hamptons trend is featuring, it’s a favourite in outdoor areas as well.

Award-winning landscape designer and Adbri Masonry ambassador, Jason Hodges, has shared his expert advice on achieving the Hamptons look, from your side path to your front garden.

Front garden and entry

The front garden and entry offer the first impression of your home, so it’s important to maximise street appeal. A typical Hamptons house garden consists of a mix of lush, green lawns, neatly trimmed hedges and topiaries, as well as traditional flowering plants mostly in blues, whites and purples, like hydrangeas, orchids and gardenias. Rather than chaotic paving and random flowerbeds, Hamptons-style landscaping demands an organised approach, so structured symmetrical paving is essential. “Consider a lawn edging product to create formal and well-defined zones, such as Adbri Masonry’s lawn edge. It’s a versatile DIY-friendly garden edging unit perfect for separating the lawn from the garden bed. It also stops turf runners from creeping into plants,” says Jason.

Driveway

Driveways don’t have to be just functional concrete slabs. Light-coloured rectangular pavers, such as Adbri Masonry’s Havenbrick, placed in a stretcher or herringbone pattern, add to the overall neat, manicured landscaping of the front yard and creates a stunning first impression leading up to your home. There are many different pavers to choose from, however, when considering pavers for your driveway, ensure they are rated for driveway use.

Side Paths

A well-presented side path is practical and attractive and can increase the value of your home, as well as adding valuable additional space to utilise. To have the continuity of Hamptons style throughout your property, consider a footpath or feature stepping stone path using large format square or rectangular concrete pavers. Concrete pavers such as Adbri Euro Classic or Euro Stone are hard-wearing, easy to install and look great. For added ‘wow’ factor, lay the pavers offset in a stretcher bond pattern and fill the voids with decorative stones or greenery.

Backyard

To many Australians, Hamptons gardens are synonymous with size, large expanses of lawn, pool houses and monster hedges. The reality is, there are key elements of a Hamptons style that can be brought into a garden of any size with smart material selection. A beautiful deck with white rails bordered by lush, green hedges will create the classic Hamptons garden design, however, if you have a smaller space, you can bring in the greenery with buxus balls that still allow for formality and provide a manicured aesthetic.

Jason suggests creating an entertaining area with large concrete pavers, where you can unwind with friends and family. “You need a functional paved area to appreciate the beauty of your garden.”

Jason adds: “You will never regret improving your home with a destination garden, you will get more out of your home, increase its value and literally feel like you are on holiday all year round.”

See Adbri Masonry’s “Kerb to Back Fence” manual for more

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Tags exteriors, Garden, hamptons, jason hodges, outdoors, styling

Design Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Reno Trends

House facade ideas 2021: making the best first impression

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 11, 2021
No Comments on House facade ideas 2021: making the best first impression

Mixed material facades favoured by young home builders

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date May 2, 2019
No Comments on Mixed material facades favoured by young home builders

Australia’s younger homeowners are preparing to end the country’s love affair with brick houses, according to new data. The findings of a James Hardie survey of people who have built their home in the past five years, or are currently planning to do so, showed that only one third preferred the traditional brick cladding or veneer facades found in quintessential Aussie properties. Meanwhile 44% preferred to use a mix of cladding types and styles including horizontal, vertical and panel arrangements. This trend points toward a preference for modern design says Cathleya Buchanan, their Australian marketing director.

“Our data shows that almost one in three (31%) new builds are being undertaken by people under 30. These younger homeowners are most likely to want a contemporary appearance that mixes a number of building materials and profiles to ensure their home doesn’t look dated in the near future.”

However, unlike other styles such as Queenslander and Hamptons, this modern movement encompasses a number of looks, explains Cathleya. “We’re seeing a leaning to clean, angular lines, monochrome palettes, cantilevered second levels and open plan spaces, while moving away from detailing such as eaves and balustrades. These basic tenants of modern design drive toward new materials like Premium Fibre Cement Cladding, which can be used to create strong, striking shapes. It’s also lightweight making it suited to large open plan spaces and second storeys and overhangs.”

While the market is softening following the 2015 building boom, there are still a large number of new builds compared to historic standards. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures there were a record number of homes under construction in NSW in 2018, while Victoria was marginally below its own construction record, so while numbers have and will likely continue to fall, there are still a considerable number of projects being planned or finalised in 2019.

The trend, which will affect approximately one million new build homes is being driven by higher value projects, with more homeowners working with an architect or designer (61%) requesting an individualised modern look, compared to a those using a volume builder (44%).

When asked to choose the most important factor of their project, four out of five (80%) prioritised the look of their property over the cost (70%). However, it’s important to know how to communicate your aesthetic to your architect or builder.

“We all want a home that reflects our tastes and lifestyles, which is why it’s important to know how to communicate what you want, for example our research has shown that what most homeowners call ‘modern’ is referred to as ‘contemporary’ by architects and building professionals. It’s also important to specify the right materials, with two thirds (65%) of young homeowners citing this as an important part of their project,” said Cathleya.

The move away from the brick look is being driven by a preference for building products that help create architectural design motifs, adds Cathleya: “Modern looks require more design variation using modern materials, such as James Hardie’s range of Premium Fibre Cement Cladding, including the large panel format of Matrix Cladding, or the vertical lines of Axon Cladding. Combining these and other profiles can deliver striking features like floating walls, overhangs, and protective cantilevers that define a contemporary style.”

Considering the longevity of the property when defining your vision is important, adds Cathleya: “We often focus on the finished home, without thinking about its longevity. No one wants to deal with ongoing maintenance, which is where Premium Fibre Cement Cladding adds another benefit as it resists flaking, warping or swelling, as well as fire and damage from termites and moisture.

“What we are seeing in new builds is a new modern tone for the future of the average Australian home both in look, design and quality.”

For more information.

Photographs show a variety of Scyon materials.

Tags cladding, exteriors, facades, james hardie, mixed material facades, mixed materials, new builds, scyon

Outdoor & Exteriors The Block

The Block series 13 front facade and garden reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 23, 2017
No Comments on The Block series 13 front facade and garden reveals

I never used to take much interest in exteriors because I lived in apartments and well, that’s all out of your control. But now we own our first house (and she’s not the most beautiful red brick number, bless her) transforming her inside and out has become the goal. I hope to share plans for our house exterior with you in the not too distant future but for now, let’s concentrate on The Block’s exterior reveals. These houses had character and good bones in spades to start off with (unlike mine), but boy, did the contestants make them all even better with their overhauls!

Jason and Sarah: 2nd place with 28

The judging started well! “Isn’t it just the sweetest little dream house you’ve ever seen?” asked Darren! He thought it was a master stroke to make the effort to restore the original front doors and paint them in a contrasting black. Agreed!

Shaynna loved the combination of the bluestone, timber and beautiful original door and windows as well as the choice of plants.

Neale said it had an amazing sense of harmony. “Just beautiful. This is exactly what I was hoping it would be.” He said they’d shown such respect for the age and heritage of the building with just enough of a contemporary twist. “It feels like it’s been here forever.”

Our pick: Black wall light

Hannah and Clint: last place with 23.5

Hannah’s longed for pink door was a winner with Shaynna: “The door! How beautiful! Oh, it’s so sweet!” She also loved the carriage light and thought it went very well with the door and the handle.

Darren liked that it was a different grey to next door and with the soft pink and dark timber, it made for a nice palette.

Neale said it was lovely but didn’t have the same level of finish as Jason and Sarah’s.

Darren said for a couple who had never renovated to deliver this whole house as their first project was quite remarkable. The judges said they should be commended for taking on a challenge and finishing a house that looks this good.

Our pick: Black wire chairs

Ronnie and Georgia: 4th place with 24.5

Well, they said they knew it would be polarising. I for one loved it. Although I’m not sure about the tiles. I love that they used tiles but they didn’t feel heritage enough to me.

Darren was a big fan: “Va va voom!”

Neale however, although accepting it was a statement and that he loved the exterior colour, was not keen on the tile. “It’s too much. It’s fighting with everything else.” Shaynna said they would soon look dirty and messy. Neale was surprised at the look they’d gone for considering their interior was largely very subtle. “I expected something more classic.”

Darren really liked the tiles and thought the pops of white relieved the darkness of the house.

Shaynna loved how the dark colour made the leadlight windows pop. Agreeing with Neale, she said while the interior was very feminine this was very masculine and didn’t necessarily suit. Neale added: “They’ve gone for wow factor and I understand it but I’m just not sure that it’s working.”

Darren said it would be polarising and if you didn’t love it, this house is not for you.

Our pick: Black occasional chairs

Sticks and Wombat: first place with 28.5

If there was one exterior that was true to its interior, it was Sticks and Wombat’s. I wasn’t sure about those timber posts at first but they grew on me.

Neale said if someone had asked me what their exterior was going to look like it, it would have been this. “They’ve used that beautiful Scandinavian brushstroke and this is perfect. This is all it needed to be.”

The blue-grey paint colour choice was one of Darren’s favourites, a “perfect heritage colour”.

Shaynna liked the maintenance-free front garden and Neale said while they’d not used a house name or a welcome mat, they didn’t need one: “It’s all like one big welcome mat!”

Our pick: Fence mount letterbox

Josh and Elyse: 3rd place with 26

Well, this one surprised me (and the judges!) this week. I must admit while I didn’t really like it, especially those concrete posts and the warm colour scheme, I admire them for trying to be authentic and different and I could see it would appeal to many.

Shaynna said it felt like nan’s home. “I absolutely adore the entry, the flowering and the hedging. But I don’t think it matches the house. They have a mix of old and new in there and out here is very old fashioned, but not in the boho way they’ve done. I’m honestly surprised because it doesn’t connect with the backyard or the entry.”

Neale agreed. “It’s definitely not the front garden I was expecting to find. I hate the pillars. So ugly. I know they’re authentic but sometimes history gives you permission to rewrite it.”

Darren on the other hand, loved the red brick and crazy pavers. “It’s really cosy, friendly and authentic.”

Our pick: Cement planters

Auction this week! Eek! Who do you think will win? Love to hear in the comments below!

All our Block coverage.

Tags exteriors, facade, front garden, front yard, judges, judging, scores, sticks and wombat, the block, win, winenrs

Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

How to pick the right exterior colour for your home

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date September 6, 2017
No Comments on How to pick the right exterior colour for your home

By Naomi Findlay

Have you ever walked past a house and thought, “what were they thinking when they chose that colour?!”.

Your design taste is on show before anyone even steps foot inside your house; it begins on the kerbside. Inside, you have the freedom to express your personality and creativity in each and every room, but your outside colours should highlight the most beautiful features of your home while getting along with everyone else’s.

Before you pick up that paint brush, here are a few tips to ensure your neighbours aren’t running to detox their eyes from a particularly offensive shade of baby blue.

Take cues from the architecture

Your exterior colour palette should feel appropriate to the style of your home – be it a Californian bungalow, Queenslander, Art Deco or modern duplex. Draw on the unique architectural elements – such as the character, details, textures and original colours – to showcase the history of your home.

You can choose to go against the grain, but historically accurate colours will not only enhance the street appeal of your home, they will also enhance resale value. That doesn’t mean you have to adhere to strict historical guidelines (unless your council specifies it), but a Mediterranean colour palette on a Victorian terrace will just look jarring.

Use existing elements

Unless you are planning a major exterior renovation, you should always take the existing details and materials of your home into consideration. Work with the current colour and texture of the roof, driveway and stonework, as these are the hardest (and most expensive) to change. For example, some bricks are a deep red, others a bluish brown; coordinate paint so that it matches the undertones of those materials. If the bricks are warm, stay warm!

Blend in with the environment

The colours of the natural greenery and surrounding landscape should harmonise with the exterior colours of your home – there’s a reason Hamptons style colour palettes work so well in coastal locations! Coastal homes take inspiration from the sand, water and sky with soft shades of white, tan, blue and yellow.

The same thing applies with neighbouring homes. Most home exteriors are neutral for a reason. Your community most likely has some sort of colour scheme already in place; find the balance between being unique in your selection and blending in beautifully with the other homes on your street.

Choose three different shades

Think of your exterior colour scheme as three pieces of a puzzle that come together to form one beautiful façade. Your main colour choice should cover (and complement) the brick/timber/render. Ideally, the windows, railings and roof edgings should contrast against the main colour. If that main colour is a dark grey, then a stark white will frame the home beautifully (or vice versa).

The front door is your opportunity to add a dash of personality and flair to an otherwise understated colour scheme. Just make sure that if you do choose to paint the front door a plum purple, you keep it confined to the door – there’s a difference between creating a little ‘oomph’ and having your home look like a life-sized doll house.

Try before you buy

Never rely on paint swatches alone. Colour shades can vary significantly from the way they appear on a swatch (Jen recently learnt that the hard way– luckily it was just an interior space!). Painting the whole exterior of your home and then realising it was the wrong colour with be a very time-consuming – and expensive – exercise.

Also, remember that different paints come in different finishes – the main ones being high gloss, semi-gloss, satin and flat – which can alter the way the colours you choose will look.

Buy a sample pot and test it on an inconspicuous area. See how it looks in different types of light and under different weather conditions. This way you can determine whether you’ll be happy with the choice for years to come.

If you’re still stuck on choosing the right colours, consider asking the advice of a colour consultant – check out this budget makeover to see how handy a colour stylist can be!

—–Australia’s rapid renovation expert, Naomi Findlay is 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. Learn more about Naomi.

Tags architecture, colour consultsnt, exterior colour scheme, exteriors, naomi findlay, paint, painting your house

Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

How To: Revitalise exterior timber in a weekend

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date April 18, 2017
No Comments on How To: Revitalise exterior timber in a weekend

Exterior timber in need of some TLC? Fear not, it doesn’t need to be a massive hassle. It is a common misconception that re-coating a stained timber deck will hide everything. According to Anthony Scott of Channel 10’s DIY program The Home Team, re-coating instead of cleaning first, is more likely to highlight the stains, trapping them and making the timber look worse than it was.

Revitalising a timber deck to protect it over the coming cold and wet winter months can be a simple weekend project when using a specific cleaning program that removes stains properly and rejuvenates the natural beauty of timber. “Having a timber deck helps frame the home as well as adding a soft touch to the front or backyard,” says Anthony. “However, a grey weathered deck will do just the opposite. Sikkens provides a quick and easy solution to remove dirt and grime from timber, leaving it fresh and in its natural raw timber state. The Sikkens Cetol BL Deck and Wood Cleaner is a fast acting gel that only takes 15 minutes to revitalise and brighten grey and weathered timber.”

In some instances, the existing coating may be peeling, flaking or have a different product to the new coating, for example if the existing is an oil based coating and the new coating is water based. If this is the case, it will be necessary to strip back and sand the timber before applying a new coat.

Once the timber is clean and dry, and the surface ready for a new coat, Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro is a water based coating that can be re-applied within two hours. Providing superior durability and flexibility, with quick drying properties, Cetol BLX-Pro is available in five ready mixed stains and will provide a high-quality, transparent finish that accentuates the natural characteristics and colour of the timber.

For more information visit the Sikkens Australia YouTube channel or www.sikkens.com.au

Tags deck, diy, exteriors, outdoors, timber decks

RENO ADDICT

How to choose the right exterior cladding

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date April 11, 2017
1 Comment on How to choose the right exterior cladding

So you’ve taken the plunge to renovate or build your new home. After hurdling with Sally Pearson precision through the initial design process, you’re now faced with the almighty decision of how to choose the right exterior cladding. After hours (and hours) of trawling Pinterest, Houzz and every home blog and magazine imaginable, it’s obvious the exterior cladding aesthetic will set the tone and street appeal for your new home. So it better be the right decision, huh?

Boutique Brisbane-based builder James Anthony Construction have compiled a cladding-hit-list of the best, most durable and economical styles so you can feel comfortable in your final selections.

How to choose the right exterior cladding

1. Custom Orb (Corrugated Iron) – Custom Orb by Lysaght is an iconic Australian roof and wall product with many benefits – it’s lightweight, strong and versatile with little-to-no maintenance. It’s favoured by many architects due to its distinct sight lines, both horizontally (as shown) or vertically, and surprisingly suits both traditional and modern architecture like a glove.

Teneriffe House by James Anthony Construction

2. Fibre Cement Sheeting – Fibre Cement Sheeting is one of the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly materials currently on the market. And let’s face it, we all want to be ‘green-thumbed’ when building! This recently renovated home achieves an urban ‘pod feel’ with 6mm Fibre Cement Sheets covered with 42mm Cover Battens which interestingly vary in width – drawing the eye to the right hand side outdoor entertaining area.

Chelmer House by James Anthony Construction

3. Timber Chamferboard – In fitting with the Queensland climate and style, original Timber Chamferboard is a very popular solution, especially for cladding heritage homesteads. This home features a thicker than usual 230mm x 20mm board which can be purchased unprimed or primed pending your needs. Note it will need to be maintained every 10-years due to weather for maximum coverage.

Red Hill House by James Anthony Construction

4. Glass Paneling – Instead of blocking in the view with solid fixed panels or timber balustrading, consider glass paneling for your extended rooms and outdoor entertaining areas. They allow maximum light and sight lines to the view beyond. These beauties do come with a price tag to match and are required to be cleaned regularly (especially if you have small children). However the end open-plan result is definitely worth the hip-pocket expense!

Hamilton House by James Anthony Construction

5. James Hardie, Scyon Axon – ‘Axon’ is one of the popular cladding profiles currently produced by James Hardie. It offers distinct vertically grooved pre-primed panels which look sharp and uniform in any environment. Being a Scyon fibre cement product, it acts as a great insulator plus is durable and lightweight due to the advanced cement composite (keeping your tradies happy and avoiding heavy lifting).

Chapel Hill House by James Anthony Construction

This post has been crafted by Gold Coast Interior Designer Nikki Dudley in partnership with Brisbane-based boutique builder James Anthony Construction. All luxury homes featured have been designed by local Brisbane architects Biscoe Wilson & KO&Co, with photography by Kate Mathieson, Anne Langdon and Angus Martin.

Tags architecture, BMT Tax Depreciation, cladding, exteriors, home renovation, outdoors, renovating

Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Create a summer deck in a day using Hebel PowerFloor

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 28, 2015
No Comments on Create a summer deck in a day using Hebel PowerFloor

A highly versatile solid flooring system, PowerFloor provides the feel of a concrete floor but at a significantly lower cost and with easy DIY installation. They promise you can make a summer-ready deck in just the one day!

Simply installed over conventional floor framing such as decking joists, the system of panels snugly fit together to form a solid, strong, smooth floor. Easy to build with, PowerFloor has superior termite-resistance, low noise transmission, thermal insulation and fire resistant properties making it the perfect choice for your deck. Also, once it has been water proofed it can be tiled over to create an idyllic entertaining space.

So if you fancy a weekend project, the Hebel website and their DIY expert, Brad Trethowan have provided plenty of down to earth and practical advice on creating your own deck. Along with a video, there’s a shopping list of building materials and tools required and also step-by-step instructions and photos which guide you through the process ensuring that you are on track. Really you have no excuse not to end up with a beautifully finished deck!

All Hebel DIY projects are designed to be easy to make and use readily available products. Hebel PowerFloor is available through major hardware retailers such as Bunnings.

For the step-by-step DIY instructions visit their website.

Tags Brad Trethowan, deck, design, diy, exteriors, hebel, landscaping, PowerFloor, Summer

Designers House Rules Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

The battle of the gardens begins with House Rules’ first semi-final

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 1, 2015
1 Comment on The battle of the gardens begins with House Rules’ first semi-final

After tying for first place in last week’s holiday home challenge, Bronik and Corrine’s good form continued with the Victorians taking out the first semi-final.

Here’s what judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell had to say:

Bronik and Corrine — 17/20

Before - NSW front yard — Before – NSW front yard

The pair earned 17 points for overhauling team NSW’s front exterior. They impressed with a modern front fence and a diagonal wooden path, giving Steve’s yard an angular and contemporary look. “You guys delivered a really fantastic front garden,” said Wendy. “Great design, great ideas and great execution.”

Steve and Tiana — 14/20

Before - QLD front yard — Before – QLD front yard

After - QLD front yard — After – QLD front yard

NSW and South Australia tied for second place with 14 points, joining forces to transform Ben and Danielle’s red-brick eye sore into a French Riviera masterpiece. Steve and Tiana worked on team Queensland’s front yard, using boulders and stairs to create different levels heading up to the front door. They also splurged on a luxe outdoor setting in the courtyard to create a French inspired retreat. “You guys instantly changed the street appeal of that home,” said Wendy.

Ryan and Marlee — 14/20

Before - QLD backyard — Before – QLD backyard

After - QLD backyard — After – QLD backyard

Ryan and Marlee renovated the Brisbane backyard, creating a raised deck area and a separate alfresco lounge area. “Your decked area was great,” said Wendy. “And the decision to put that retractable awning was a really good design choice.” But their furniture choices cost them points. “The lounge whilst a great idea in terms of design, the aesthetic was nowhere near French Riviera and that was just disappointing,” said Joe.

Ben and Danielle — 13/20

Before - NSW backyard — Before – NSW backyard

Ben and Danielle were not up to their usual high standards finishing last on 13 points. The newlyweds were tasked with transforming Steve’s massive backyard. Their design included a timber deck and paved outdoor lounge area with a fire pit. “Whilst part of the design worked beautifully, it really didn’t have a clear vision,” said Joe.

The second semi-final showdown kicks off Sunday at 7pm with the final garden reveals on Monday at 7.30pm. For more House Rules.

Tags back yard, design, exteriors, front yard, Garden, home reno, house rules, interiors, joe snell, landscaping, outdoor, reno, renovating, renovation, wendy moore

DIY Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Baz Du Bois’ guide to easy home maintenance which will save your bank balance

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date May 18, 2015
No Comments on Baz Du Bois’ guide to easy home maintenance which will save your bank balance

It’s funny, the average price for an average medium sized car in Australia is around $33,000 and over a five-year period we will spend about 30% of the purchase price on service and maintenance (remember this is just servicing, not rego, insurance etc, just upkeep). For all that money, your car depreciates at the rapid rate of about $50 dollars a week.

Now let’s look at our homes. The average home in Australia is currently worth just under $600,000 and generally has positive capital growth. Let’s ask ourselves how much we spend on regular maintenance and servicing of our home or investment property? Most of us don’t carry out regular maintenance at all and just wait until something breaks, when whatever it costs to fix seems too much.

There are some simple facts here that many people don’t allow for or realise. Here are some average maintenance figures to consider:

A good guide for maintenance costs for the average owner occupied house is 8% of its value over 10 years.
For a tenanted house: 10% of value over 10 years
For an owner occupied unit: 4% of value over 10 years, not including building strata levies
For a tenanted or investment unit: 5% of value over 10 years, not including building strata levies.

Basically, if your home is worth $600,000, you will spend, one way or another, about $50,000 maintaining it over 10 years. Your home is a very important asset and if you don’t look after it you could end up spending a lot more than the estimates above.

Here are my DIY maintenance tips:

INSIDE

Silicone is a great sealant and is used in the bathroom around the top of the bath and at the junctions of wall and floor tiles. The thing is, it only has 100% integrity for about five-to-seven years. Whilst it may look okay, if the seal is compromised and moisture is able to get below the surface, the damage that could be caused may run into the thousands. Water damage is something that may not be noticed until the real damage is done. Removing silicone and replacing it is a job that can be DIYed but even if you get in a pro, the average bathroom would only cost about $250. A re-grout and new silicone make for a nice bathroom facelift.

Another bathroom nightmare is clogged or leaking drainage and one of the biggest enemies of drainage is hair; mixed with other debris, body oils and soap, it will clog drains could even cause premature leakage. A hair strainer for the bathtub drain is a great idea but I recommend removing the grate of shower and main floor waste and using a large bottle brush, twisting and dragging out hair that will have accumulated. Skip products like Drano. Though the acids it contains can help unclog a drain, they can also cause significant damage to your plumbing, including leaking. This can lead to costly repairs later on.

The main cause of dripping taps is worn out washers. The washers inside the tap handles are rubber and tend to wear out quickly. Replace them by turning off the main water supply, unscrewing the leaky handle that controls the flow of water to the spout, removing the old washer, and dropping in the new one. Rather than turning the water off every time a tap leaks which means a waste of water, I turn off the water every two years and replace all the washers at once, regardless. The cost of the washers is insignificant but leaving pipes to rattle or over-tightening taps to stop the water will eventually cause major damage to plumbing.

OUTSIDE

While roof gutters may go practically unnoticed when you look at your house, they are the main line of defence between your foundation and siding and the elements. Gutters are designed to capture water and debris runoff from your roof and divert it away from the perimeter of your home to help prevent undermining your foundations and it basically get the area around well drained which will help prevent subfloor mould etc.

Clean your gutters at least once a year by physically removing debris from the channels and rinsing them thoroughly. I have made an extension for my leaf blower from PVC piping and two 90 degree bends which will blow out the larger debris, then a flush with the garden hose. If you have installed gutter guards, these help with the large debris but I recommend removing them every couple of years to flush out built up silt that will cause early corrosion.

There’s no one answer to the question “How often should I paint my house exterior?” The answer depends on several factors, some of which include:

The climate in your area.
The type of cladding on your house.
The quality of paint that was used previously.

Timber exposed to the weather will expand and contract, jeopardising the integrity of joints and junctions which could allow moisture penetration and eventually rotting. However, well sealed timber will last decades so the key is to create a good base with quality primer and sealer and two top coats, then about every five-to-seven years, give it a wash down, light sand and a single top coat to give your timber work its longest life.

Having a home maintenance plan can make a huge difference to your bank account. And, fortunately, performing proper home maintenance does not require a lot of specialised training, nor does it require a lot of time or money. Take on small jobs and build your confidence. After a while, it will start to come naturally.

Read all Baz’s articles, read more about Baz or ask him a question.

Tags barry du bois, bathrooms, baz du bois, blocked drains, blocked pipes, exteriors, guttering, gutters, home maintenance, painting, silicone sealant, taps, the living room, timber, washers

Before & Afters Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: from blank canvas to the perfect kids-friendly backyard

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date May 13, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: from blank canvas to the perfect kids-friendly backyard

It wouldn’t be a true home reno if there wasn’t some nasty surprises along the way! And for Alana Koch and her husband Alex, their unexpected expense came in the form of a $14,000 hole! “Our pool had to be dug out of solid rock. So instead of two days digging, it took 14 and cost $14,000. Jackhammering for two weeks straight anyone? The neighbours loved it of course.”

Buying their Randwick property off-market, they immediately fell in love with the home for its flat backyard, a rarity in Sydney’s east. The ideal blank canvas, the couple was quick to decide on a renovation plan, wanting to transform the outdoor space into the perfect garden for their three young boys.

Taking five months to transform – though a few plumbing issues with the pool saw this drag to nine – the backyard renovation wasn’t cheap, costing $120,000! Putting in a pool, deck, new shed (concealed behind the pool’s feature wall) and new fencing, Alana called on the help of professionals to bring her ideas to life. “My husband and I have zero handyman skills, so we called on the team of Harrison’s Landscaping to help us design and build the garden with another subcontractor for the pool. It was a massive job, and I can honestly say that bar painting the fence, we could have done little of it ourselves. I gave Harrison’s a big pile of images that I liked and they bought it together.”

However, while the reno was costly, there were some budget buys! “The Bluestone around the pool from Eco Outdoor was only $59 per sqm, which was cheaper than some non-stone tiles! Bargain. We also got our pool interior tiles online and they were really cheap – we didn’t mind that they were a plain colour as it allowed the outside of the pool to be the feature. We didn’t want too much going on! Finally the frangipani was a bargain buy off Gumtree, but then my husband dropped it off the back of the truck so it lost many of its branches. Still not sure if it will ever look as good again!”

Being their third renovation, and with Alana currently managing a fourth reno in Clovelly: “My husband is happy I get to enjoy the renovation with someone else’s money for a change!” she has learnt some valuable lessons from her garden reno. “My biggest learning would be just trying to manage communications between the certifiers, landscapers, pool builders and council. It is a big beast to keep track of! And my advice for would-be renovators would be if you have a hard budget, then take 30% off when you tell the builders/landscapers/architects. They will go over it. Every time!”

Processed with VSCOcam with 4 preset — After

Now there forever home, Alana is ecstatic with the final result; though it’s a challenge to pick her favourite part. “The deck is awesome as it has made the whole space feel larger. It goes straight out from the house which is great for entertaining and little kids. Of course the pool is amazing too – it is far easier for us than dragging three little kids to and from the beach! And lastly we noticed the biggest change when we painted the fence charcoal (Dulux Monument). It tied all the fencing together and really made the plants pop.”

Tags design, exteriors, Garden, garden reno, home reno, interiors, landscaping, outdoor, randwick, real reno, reno, renovating, sydney

Furniture Homewares Outdoor & Exteriors

Tait’s Sydney and Melbourne clearance sales

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 24, 2015
No Comments on Tait’s Sydney and Melbourne clearance sales

For one weekend only, outdoor furniture maker Tait, will be offering 30% off everything!

Running 2-to-3 May at their Sydney and Melbourne showrooms, product highlights include the Tait Box and Softline Planters (from $84), the perfect compliment to any outdoor setting; the Tait GardenWall Set of 3 Planters (was $870, now $609), ideal for screening or dividing in/outdoor areas; the Tait Jak + Jil dining setting (was $4,190, now $2,933), which includes a Jil 1150mm glass top table and four Jak chairs; and the Tait Breeze Daybed (was $4,620, now $3,234), finished in a white frame with grey cushions.

I_820AqqqwTyDolIy_tNnJCtCt6Xjb4DaH77eR05XQc — Tait Jak + Jil dining setting

The floor stock clearance sale will take place at the Sydney showroom: 611 Elizabeth Street, Redfern NSW 2013 and the Melbourne showroom: 176 Johnston Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065.

For more information.

Tags clearance sale, design, exterior, exteriors, fitzroy, furniture, melbourne, outdoor furniture, outdoors, redfern, sydney, tait

Expert Tips

Top tile trends for 2015 and beyond from Beaumont

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date March 26, 2015
No Comments on Top tile trends for 2015 and beyond from Beaumont

Australia’s largest tile house, Beaumont Tiles, have just revealed their 2015/2016 trends. Bringing 100,000 tonnes of tiles into the country each year, they pride themselves on being at the forefront of style, technology and production.

So, trend wise, what’s in store for this year and beyond?

“Tiles are increasingly stepping outside the traditional white and beige,” explains Beaumont’s strategic designer, Rachel Gilding. “We’re seeing a huge resurgence in home styling and tiles are an essential product, not just as a canvas, but as a critical part of the design. Overall across the trends we’re seeing enormous diversity in shaped tiles, tiles that emulate natural stone and wood to bring more texture and tactility to a home, and the use of bigger tiles to create the illusion of space.”

Beaumont have split the trend directions into four categories: Nostalgia, Relief, Sense and Bang.

RLDuMCJygdZpBMTHA_hD0Ybb5YplrGMR-hyHzOD5PHk,_Ee1ziF-xC0nO59DtecZPpsQVwrz7i7rIFxHg6N4N4U,SEbNljsG5vzYgvAoQlZDpbnypIYkKHQ7So43VXH5lNU,LuXrh7Zcu5a-j9R6UEp1XrgkTLXVpdvsfjdrkiOxEtA — Nostalgia’s Arcade tile

Nostalgia challenges people’s ideas of tiles through its style of retro meets industrial; with worn, lived in, textured looks. It features handmade elements, cement aspects and bold and colourful patterns.

Puy0Xoo0lmPEaXv6go80B9v6bYLT6xhxBbSn9m9UoNo — Relief’s Buxy tile

Relief has an earthy and textured palette that’s socially driven. As Rachel says: “We live close together in smaller homes and lead really busy lifestyles so we want to come home and relax in our own sanctuaries.” Stone and wood looks dominate this trend, made possible by inkjet technology.

Sense's Pure Fold tile — Sense’s Pure Fold tile

Sense is all about touch, feel, tactility, subtle surprises and structure.

And the Bang trend is vibrant and bold and where colour and shapes play. “It’s all about being playful, surprising and pushing the boundaries,” explains Rachel. “Perfect for the quirky home living space.”

For more information.

Tags beaumont tiles, design, exteriors, flooring, flooring trends, interiors, tile house, tile trends, tiles

Design Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Styling

Charlie Albone and Juliet Love’s landscape and styling tips for your balcony

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date February 20, 2015
No Comments on Charlie Albone and Juliet Love’s landscape and styling tips for your balcony

Alfresco living is a widely celebrated aspect of the Australian lifestyle, so whether you’re happiest throwing a dinner party or prefer nothing more than a quiet drink watching the sun go down, your balcony offers the perfect space to enjoy your own city oasis.

Our resident expert Charlie Albone, and his stylist wife Juliet Love, have teamed up with leading developer Mirvac to help Australians create their ultimate outdoor space this autumn. So to help get your balcony looking bespoke and beautiful for 2015, Charlie and Juliet have pulled together their top landscaping and styling tips for the perfect outdoor space.

Charlie’s top balcony landscaping tips

Green walls get the green thumbs up

It’s no secret that vertical gardens, otherwise known as green walls, are a gardening trend on its way up. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, the concept of a green wall makes them suitable for any balcony size as they require very little space. They also have a positive effect on the environment as the increased green space within the urban environment helps reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.

Weathering the conditions

Densely populated suburban areas receive milder temperatures and reliable rainfall allowing you to successfully grow a wider range of plants. If your balcony gets a lot of sun then try herb gardens, grasses or succulents as they are more tolerant of heat and harsher climates.

Potting appeal

Decorative or oversized pot plants are an ideal option for adding visual appeal and breaking up a space. Potted plants dry out much quicker than plants in the ground so ensure you keep the watering up during hot dry weather.

Styling your garden

Different garden styles evoke different emotions and set a distinct mood and tone for your space. Designing your garden to reflect a particular style that resonates with you starts with choosing a combination of similar plants known as a plant palate. Contrasting styles can also be achieved with the right balance between style and layout, however only select a few elements from each to avoid a busy mismatch of styles.

Choosing the right plants

Just because your balcony is shaded doesn’t mean you can’t grow stunning plants and flowers — there are plenty of beautiful plants and flowers that thrive in shady conditions. Walking Irises, Peace Lillies, Fuschias and Bleeding Hearts are just a few plants that will still blossom in low-light areas.

Juliet top 5 outdoor style tips

juliet and charlie reno addict — Juliet and Charlie

Cushion candy

Stylish people know the power of a throw cushion or two — they can transform a space in seconds, making them a fun and easy decorating tool! From monochrome to vibrant floral prints, you can add a pop of colour and pattern to any outdoor ‘room’. Play with size and texture to achieve the most interesting look. For seasonal updates, experiment with trending colours or opt for geometric patterns for a more trans-seasonal look.

Weather-proof your furnishings

Weather-proof outdoor furniture can be both stylish and practical. When styling your outdoor area, consider the elements your outdoor furniture will be exposed to and choose materials that are built for those conditions. For wet or damp weather, choose synthetic rattan and waterproof fabrics to prevent rotting.

Don’t just look at it

With balmy nights and beautiful weather all year around, there’s no reason not to go outside. The simple addition of a table and chairs will immediately convert an outdoor area into an outdoor living area. Grouping your furniture and adding large pot plants to break up the space work well as virtual room dividers should you want a lounge that is separate to the dining area.

Balance the space

Symmetry and balance play an important role in good design and should be a priority when considering the layout of items within a space. The aim is to enhance some areas while concealing others by evenly distributing the proportions of furniture and decor. Select two or three focal points and spread them out within the space so the eye can rest on one before progressing to the other.

Dine in style every season

Make your outdoor area an entertainer’s paradise by updating your dining table accessories to reflect seasonal trends. Consider the trending colours of each season and how they fit with your existing furniture and natural surroundings. Soft lighting from practical and pretty hurricane lamps or candle holders makes dining outside a delight.

For more information on Mirvac.

Tags alfresco living, balcony, charlie albone, design, exteriors, furniture, Garden, green walls, interiors, juliet love, landscape, outdoor entertaining, outdoor styling, outdoors, styling, weather-proof furniture

Competitions Designers

One week until 2015 Dulux Colour Awards entries close

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date February 5, 2015
No Comments on One week until 2015 Dulux Colour Awards entries close

Bricolage House: Winner of Residential Interior 2014

With just a week left until entries close for the 2015 Dulux Colour Awards, now’s the last chance for architects, designers and students to submit their latest projects featuring inspiring use of colour.

The entry process for the awards has been simplified from previous years, making it easier for those in the industry to gain recognition for their work. Entrants are no longer required to submit a board as part of their initial entry, with only those who make it to the finalist stage asked to complete a showcase board for review by the judging panel.

With four new categories, there are more opportunities to showcase and celebrate great work in the industry. The categories include:

Commercial Interior – Office Fitout & Retail (New)
Commercial Interior – Public Spaces & Hospitality (New)
Commercial Exterior
Single Residential Interior
Single Residential Exterior
Multi Residential Interior
Multi Residential Exterior; International (New)
Installations and Events (New)
Student.

They’ll be judged by an esteemed industry judging panel including: Andrea Wilson – senior associate at ARM Architecture; Hannah Tribe – principal and founding director of Tribe Architects; David Bromley – contemporary artist; Sian MacPherson – interior designer and editor of EST magazine and Simon James – contemporary furniture designer from New Zealand.

The Dulux Colour Award entries close on Thursday 12 February, with finalists announced on Tuesday 24 February and winners announced on Wednesday 25 March.

Enter here.

Tags 2015 Dulux Colour Awards, awards, colour, dca, design, designer, dulux, dulux colour awards, exteriors, interiors

Expert Tips

Shaynna Blaze’s tips for kerb appeal & exterior colour schemes

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date January 5, 2015
No Comments on Shaynna Blaze’s tips for kerb appeal & exterior colour schemes

By Shaynna Blaze

Everyone wants to make sure their home looks the best on the street. To ensure you give your home kerb appeal, there are some considerations to take into account before picking up a paintbrush.

When painting your exterior, you need to determine what the hero feature of your home is. This could be its architectural style, any unique structural features or even the materials your home is made from. You can then create a colour scheme which highlights or compliments your home’s best feature.

If your house has a modern architectural design with angular rooflines, choose a colour scheme that highlights these eye-catching features. Accentuate this detail by choosing a palette of light and shade. Use a mid-grey charcoal such as Taubmans Hi Ho Silver on the eaves and fascia of the roofline, and a lighter colour like Taubmans Metal Low on the exterior walls.

Similarly, this technique can be used for a period home such as a Victorian. Highlight the decorative latticework by painting it in Taubmans Snow Ballet contrasted with cream walls in Taubmans Torte.

The location of your home can have a significant impact on the style of your home and therefore your exterior colour scheme. For example, Queenslander type houses will have a very different exterior look than a sandstone home you might find in New South Wales.

The Queenslander is one of Australia’s most iconic architectural designs. Their wide expansive balconies are perfect for lounging during the warm summer days. The cool colour scheme in this image works as visual relief from the extreme heat and enhances the home’s natural surrounds. Contrasting the dark roof with lighter walls in Taubmans Sea Command, and even lighter trims in Taubmans Blue Strike, gives the exterior an airy feel.

If your home has no distinct architectural feature, use colour to add some personality. A bold colour on your front door creates an inviting entrance and is an easy way to change the look of your home with on trend colours. A deep purple such as Taubmans Magic Magenta or a bright red like Taubmans Poinciana Red on your door creates a focal point and will give your home a strong street presence.

Once you’ve decided on a colour scheme that best suits your home’s exterior it’s important to choose an exterior paint which will not only look good, but also gives your home UV protection like Taubmans Sunproof Exterior. This paint has been specially formulated to withstand the sun’s punishing UV rays.

—Shaynna Blaze is Taubmans’ brand ambassador and colour creative director, host of Selling Houses Australia and judge on The Block.

Tags architecture, colour, colour scheme, curb appeal, exteriors, paint, selling houses australia, shaynna blaze, taubmans, the block

Designers RENO ADDICT

Austral Bricks partner with Camilla Franks in unlikely pairing

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date December 4, 2014
No Comments on Austral Bricks partner with Camilla Franks in unlikely pairing

In a unique collaboration, Austral Bricks have partnered with fashion icon Camilla Franks on a collection of bold and bright bricks inspired by Mexico.

Named From Mexico City to Oaxaca, the collection, which came about after Camilla travelled through Central America, was inspired by the colonial grandeur and cobbled streets of Mexico City; the earthy tones of the Teotihuacan pyramids and Aztec treasures; the vivid symbolism of Frida Kahlo’s artworks; and the Spanish-infused culture of Coyoacan and Oaxaca.

With colours well suited to the Australian culture, climate and environment, the collection is warm and inviting and infused with Camilla’s fashion forward design sense. Designed to be long-lasting and adaptable for a range of contemporary projects, the vivid Azure and Aubergine hues are balanced by the warm Sol, with the Flame and Rosado colours bringing a touch of vibrancy to the collection.

For more information visit Austral Bricks website.

Tags austral bricks, bricks, camilla, camilla franks, design, exteriors, fashion design, mexican design, mexico, renovating

Designers

Entries now open for expanded 2015 Dulux Colour Awards

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 26, 2014
No Comments on Entries now open for expanded 2015 Dulux Colour Awards

Entries are now open for the 2015 Dulux Colour Awards, Australia’s premier showcase of paint application in commercial and residential environments.

The newly expanded competition will see the introduction of three new categories, increasing the possibilities for innovative examples of inspiring colour application.

The 2015 categories are:

Commercial Interior – Office Fitout & Retail (New)
Commercial Interior – Public Spaces & Hospitality (New)
Commercial Exterior
Single Residential Interior
Single Residential Exterior
Multi Residential Interior
Multi Residential Exterior
International (New)
Student.

The 2015 program also sees a change in the entry process with entrants not required to submit a board as part of their initial entry, making it easier for industry professionals to gain recognition for their work. Only those who make it to the finalist stage will be required to complete a showcase board.

Each category winner will receive prize money and a certificate. All entries, except for the student category, will also stand the chance of taking out the Grand Prix title. The Grand Prix winner will receive $5,000 cash and a certificate.

Entries for all nine categories are open until Thursday 12 February 2015. For information on how to enter visit their website.

Tags 2015 Dulux Colour Awards, commercial, deisgners, design competition, dulux, dulux colour awards, exteriors, interiors, residential, student, students