It’s not often that we feature an overseas home but this one is so full of colour and whimsy that we just had to share it. Located in Canada, the beautifully renovated home was designed by Reena Sotropa In House Design Group with a particular emphasis on green and coral pink. “Our clients have an incredibly colourful and playful personal style that they wanted to reflect in the redesign of their home,” says the project’s interior designer, Alanna Dunn.
Entry
The owners’ colour obsession is established upon first entering the home – a saturated green ceiling is paired with bamboo trellis print wallpaper and a pair of bright coral upholstered ottomans. “Coral and green are our clients’ two favourite colours!” says Alanna.
Living room
Kitchen
Keen entertainers, the redesigned home features maximised spaces that make it the perfect party house. Clever space planning resulted in the main floor TV room being opened up onto the adjacent living room to serve as a formal dining room and this space boasts some of the boldest patterns in the home. An oversized floral fabric features in the form of two sets of curtains and a nearby upcycled green cabinet draws the eye.
“The green bamboo hutch in the dining room was a serious secondhand score! Our client found the Thomasville cabinet for a steal of $200! We had it refinished and lacquered in Kelly Green to bring a big dose of personality into the dining space,” says Alanna.
Dining room
The dining room features a gorgeous upcycled green cabinet
Upstairs, an existing bedroom was opened up onto the adjacent hallway to create a playroom for the family’s two young children. A super cute playhouse was built into the room (within the eaves of the roof) before being clad with scalloped cedar shingles.
“We chose to wrap the playroom with half-height wainscoting to protect the walls from the littlies who would occupy this space. Kate Spade wallpaper brings a big dose of colour and charm to the otherwise white monochromatic interior.”
Playroom
The room features lovely personal touches including a large gallery wall installation that includes art, prints and treasures.
Child’s bedroom
The master bedroom features a statement brass framed canopy bed that sits centrally against geometric textural wallpaper in grey and olive tones. Running off the master, an enviable walk-in closet/dressing room features purse-patterned Manuel Canovas wallpaper and a statement green island joinery unit for accessories.
Master bedroom
“Like the rest of their home, our clients wanted their bedroom to better reflect their fun personalities and tastes,” says Alanna.
Dressing room
And rather than hanging traditional artwork, a gorgeous series of kimonos and fans take centre stage. “The kimonos hanging down the white hallway are all heirloom family treasures belonging to our client, her mum and her grandmother!”
Laminex have added 17 options to their expansive range in the new Living Pigments and Calm Charactercollections. They explore warm, earthy tones and rich greens that bring energy and optimism, and the subtle organic textures of stone and timber.
Wardrobe doors in charred red, Kalamata
They offer a world of possibility for those wanting to incorporate pops of organic earthy colours into their spaces, whether they be residential, commercial, or for work.
Morrocan Clay, reminiscent of the dusty North African terracotta
“With this new collection, we wanted to create a modern yet classic take on neutrals, offering a muted version of colours that had previously not been thought of as natural tones,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager at Laminex.
Pastel forest green with Hushed Pine
These include a warm, dusty red (Moroccan Clay), a dramatic blackened red (Kalamata) and a pastel forest green (Hushed Pine).
Conversely, the Calm Characterrange showcases two new woodgrains and eight new patterns that celebrate the textural beauty of marble, terrazzo and timber. These decors sit harmoniously with other existing materials and finishes.
Figured Limestone and Surf
The woodgrains include a cool walnut (Danish Walnut) and a worn charcoal (Shou Sugi) which emulates the glossy, cracked surface of Japanese charred timber.
Colours abound in this month’s Australian kitchen & bathroom trends
While green has been in the interior spotlight for some time now, it’s finally made its way into the bathroom sphere in a really solid way. From basins to tiles…
This year, the way in which the home functions has fundamentally altered, as it has played a more meaningful role than ever in our daily lives. Wattyl have reflected this…
A natural complement to the ochre, terracotta and rust shades currently trending, olive green certainly appears to be one of the key colours of the moment. I first noticed the emergence of the shade when it was embraced by leading Australian architects and interior designers in the form of paint – from staircases to bedroom and bathroom walls it suddenly feels like the murky, verdant hue is everywhere!
Beechwood by KWD. Photographer: Armelle Habib
But if you’re not feeling brave enough to embrace it in paint form, read on for our favourite olive green furniture, lighting and homewares buys.
I love this statement green staircase by Kennedy Nolan in its Caroline House project. Photographer: Derek Swalwell
Mustard ‘The Skinny’ locker in Olive: Perfect as extra storage and lightweight enough to move around the house when your needs change, there’s a reason why these lockers have reached cult status. $299
Globewest Bogart block three seat sofa: I love the masculine yet pillowy vibe of this gorgeous lounge and the deep green velvet only makes it more sumptuous. $4840.Capra Designs etch pot: Hand crafted in small batches, this vintage inspired pot even comes with a handy tray so your plant can adequately drain. $69.
Lovely Linen bed linen in Jeep Green: Made from 100 per cent European long flax, this range has that glorious relaxed rumpled texture that only linen can provide. As with most linen, this bedding will soften even more with use. From $108.
Bastille and Sons Riviera pendant and wall light: From French designer Maison Sarah Lavoine, the Riviera collection is smart, chic and timeless and combines rattan with lacquered green wood. I love the vertical lines and gorgeous green hue of both these pieces. $425 (pendant) and $695 (wall light).
Just as Pantone’s Greenery was considered a calming antidote to the chaos and distraction of modern life, Taubmans’ 2019 Colour of the Year has similar aspirations. Called Night Watch, it’s a deep luxe green that is the perfect way to bring the outside in. It’s also bang on trend with indoor plants, jungle motifs and green of almost every shade popular at present.
Taubmans 2019 Colour of the Year ‘Night Watch’
“Green is a colour we will be seeing so much more of in 2019, from forest to sea foam and all tints and shades in between. It makes perfect sense that we are seeking to bring the calmness and soothing power of Night Watch into our decor given the trend to bring the outdoors in,” says Taubmans colour consultant Grace Garrett.
And with apartment living on the rise, and the 2016 Australian Census revealing that people in developed countries are spending 90 per cent of their time indoors, it makes sense that we are longing to bring some greenery inside.
The dramatic green shade is also a highly adaptable one. “Night Watch uses a tone that can be adapted to an array of styles using a variety of furniture and accessories from the velvet and marble of Hollywood glamour to the raw, natural materials that belong to the eclectic and tribal trends. In terms of a colour palette, Night Watch’s versatility means it pairs well with a multitude of tones such as Taubmans Ionian, Dusky Taupe and Rusty Rail,” says Grace.
Taubmans ‘Night Watch’
Complementary colours
Master renovator Cherie Barber recently used the colour to transform a small apartment. “I made over a small apartment using Taubmans Endure Interior in a matte finish to maximise the depth of colour. Creating a feature wall of Night Watch and using Taubmans Crisp White on the others means that you can bounce and regulate the light in the room. If you wanted to create a cosier feel, you could even use Night Watch on all of the walls,” says Cherie.
Cherie Barber used ‘Night Watch’ in this small apartment
The Taubmans Colour of the Year is the result of an annual workshop that the paint brand holds, bringing together over 20 global colour stylists from the automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and home paint industries. Night Watch is just one of the 200 colours in the brand’s 2019 Global Colour Trends Forecast which looks to guide homeowners, designers and architects alike.
Following on from its recent industrial range, BIG W is back for spring with ‘Super Nature’ – a range brimming with lush botanicals, rich pigments and a clean tropical vibe. And while it draws on big global trends, the pieces don’t come with expansive price tags – none of the decor or furniture items cost more than $200.
The ‘Marmont’ comforter set is a standout from the range
“The Super Nature range is all about uncomplicated living! The range is focused on a bright patterned refresh using jungle and floral prints to complement natural wood in the home. The inspiration came largely from the fluid movement of moving indoors to outdoor entertaining which is something that Australians are so big on during the warmer months,” says Monique Yallouris, BIG W ‘About Home’ category manager.
Knot cushion in green, $15
One of the standout pieces is the ‘Marmont’ seven-piece comforter set ($89 for a queen bed) with a bold banana leaf print that evokes the famous Martinique wallpaper. “The beautiful print and contrast on this comforter set make this a favourite. It’s a beautiful complement to white walls and light coloured wood tones which are very popular in homes at the moment. Make a statement – go for print!” says Monique.
‘Paradiso Teal’ three piece comforter set, from $49.
Another noteworthy buy is the ‘Seattle’ chest of five drawers which is a steal at just $99. “We’re loving the entire Seattle range with the light oak finish and rounded contemporary legs – in particular the chest of drawers from the bedroom suite is a really nice update to a traditional style with the two smaller featured drawers on top,” says Monique.
The ‘Seattle’ furniture range
As for the enduring appeal of nature, Monique believes Australians always love a bold print. “The endurance of the natural trend is based on reinventing basic wood items and pairing them with the colourful and vibrant Australian aesthetic.”
Leaf trinket dish in gold, $10
As with most of BIG W’s trend-based drops, the range is only in-store for one month so if something has caught your eye, you’d better act quickly!
I bet you never thought you’d see the words glamour and avocado in the same sentence but the bathroom we’re bringing you today marries the two with aplomb. Inspired by the green bathrooms of the 1970’s, this contemporary take is an entirely more stylish beast that manages to look rather timeless too which is no mean feat.
“We wanted to create a sense of glamour and so often designers think glamour and end up with a deco inspired look. We wanted a fresher take on a classic design and looked instead to the glamour of Pan AM, Farrah Fawcett and the 70’s, which led us to the avocado palette!” says Graeme Martinow, the co-director of London’s Boundary Space who created the bathroom for a client that works in the film industry and lives in Notting Hill.
Combining marble with a bespoke green bath, a green chevron patterned tiled floor and green subway tiles on the wall, it’s the brass accents that really make the space sing. “The palette is modernised with bespoke lighting, chunky brushed brass taps and ironmongery and cool grey Carrara marble. The use of greys continues into the joinery and furniture. Allowing the avocado to be the focus, the palette is kept quite clipped to create a sense of calm with photography chosen to complement and add splashes of colour,” says Graeme.
“The client wanted a sense of luxury, without being stuffy and classical. Space is always luxurious and the bath next to a fireplace adds an element of decadence, turning the room into a destination,” says Graeme who also filled the space with clever storage solutions (such as shallow vanity units concealed behind bespoke mirrors) that allow the space to feel uncluttered.
The Kohler ‘Kathryn’ pedestal sink was refinished to achieve that gorgeous green hue, as was the bath. “Kohler are known for their colours and we are discussing with them how we can revive the image of avocado. Similarly, the bath is a ‘Soho’ from JEE-O which was custom sprayed, but we would like to work with more suppliers to get colour back into their ranges. Hopefully soon all this expensive refinishing will not be needed, and bathrooms can break out of the white and embrace some colour!”
Aside from the leaves turning brown, Autumn brings with it plenty of opportunity to mix up your décor and what better way to look at the latest trends than to find out what people have been pinning on Pinterest. A trend nerd, I find that this kind of data always makes for interesting reading and the latest findings don’t disappoint.
Green marble is a hot trend of late. Image source: Pinterest/CB2
Herbariums Essentially dried plant or flower arrangements (how oddly 80’s?), herbariums deliver botanical flare without any of the plant care associated with their living, breathing cousins. Typically, the dried flora is placed between two sheets of glass for display and given searches for the term are up 345 per cent compared to last year, it’s clearly a trend to watch.
Green A tranquil, soothing hue, green is a great way to bring nature indoors. Sage is the shade du jour (it’s being embraced as a neutral) and searches for green marble accessories are sky high too. Plenty of pinners are into the colour in an all-inclusive way too – monochrome green rooms have been pinned 115 per cent more than this time last year.
Vacation vibes Initially identified as a top trend in this year’s ‘Pinterest 100’ (a collation of the top trends), resort-inspired living is having a moment with pinners. A cheap and simple way to inject greenery, the single palm leaf (housed in a vase) is a strong trend with searches up 136 per cent.
Pins featuring fringe pillows have experienced a 336 per cent spike in popularity, when compared to last year. As with the palm leaves, these do a great job at evoking resort style vibes.
A favourite for weddings, pampas grass is having a major moment with saves up more than 500 per cent. Imparting fabulous texture, the feathery foliage is right at home on a mantelpiece or the centre of a dining room table.
Ceramics Perhaps it’s the allure of the handmade but ceramic dinnerware is a big tabletop trend this Autumn with ‘ceramic dinnerware’ searches up 185 per cent.
I’m a big believer that you can’t go wrong when you use beautiful, solid timber in your home, whether it’s a tabletop, furniture, bathroom vanity or floor. When I see beautiful timber, I just want to run my hand over it! I love that this durable, good-looking material comes from nature and never fails to add warmth and texture, in the most modern or traditional homes.
The bathroom in my old apartment
One thing’s for sure, wood never goes out of fashion, but we do change the way we use it. Last year, I chose to make custom timber vanities the star of my own bathroom and WC. Faced with wanting something simple and timeless but not at all boring, it was the obvious choice. I kept the tiles and bathroomware white, chrome and very simple, with a few marble feature tiles. This let the timber do the talking, and there’s no doubt that when we sold the apartment at Christmas (I still miss that bathroom, sob!) the bathroom certainly helped us get a block record price.
I was absolutely in love with our bathroom. Recently featured in Grand Designs Australia magazine, I wasn’t the only one who thought it nailed the brief of simple, timeless, quality. I mean, just look at that wood grain! You just can’t recreate that artificially! And yes, I spent a lot of time in there, stroking the timber!
There are many misconceptions around using timber though. I was genuinely surprised how many people questioned whether timber was a practical choice for the bathroom. I’d done my research of course, but many people thought the vanities wouldn’t last with so much exposure to water (more on that later). People also think that using new timber is bad for the environment (in that it’s not sustainable to cut down trees) or much more expensive than other options. These are understandable and legitimate concerns and I hope I can shed a little light on these important considerations in this post too.
Wood + water can work!
Ben Purchase of Ingrain Design, who made my vanities, says: “Timber selection in the bathroom is important, and regardless of the timber you choose – new timber or recycled hardwoods – it’s the way you seal it and protect it that ensure its longevity. Sealing prevents moisture getting into the timber, and can reduce issues with warping, movement or water damage. We use Osmo Poly-x because it’s made with natural wax and oils, which absorbs deep into the timber without the use of any harsh chemicals.
A timber stool is another great way to add warmth to the bathroom; a too often cold and clinical space
“Floating timber vanities are a popular choice, and they create the illusion of space. The benefit of a custom vanity is you can completely customise for each individual space, your family’s needs and the amount of storage you require.” That’s something I really loved about the tiny vanity in my WC which could hold an impressive 12 toilet rolls!
Environmentally sound
Interior designer James Treble, star of The Living Room and an ambassador for Planet Ark, told us: “The fact that most timber these days comes certified from regrowth forests (which has a full chain of custody so you know it’s the real deal) means we can all use and enjoy the benefits that timber brings in our homes as one of only 10 materials which is both renewable and recyclable! (More on choosing the right wood here). As for the cost, well quality timber flooring, furniture and cabinetry are made to last, and unlike other finishes they can be sanded stained and refinished many times over, meaning their value outlives many other products.”
Make It Wood, a partnership between Planet Ark and Forest and Wood Products Australia, say when sourced responsibly, wood can play a big part in helping tackle climate change. This is because wood is a low carbon option for building; it sequesters carbon during the growth phase, it stores carbon for the long-term, it is renewable and it has a lower embodied energy than many other building materials such as concrete, steel or plastics. As a result, using wood allows us to live a low carbon lifestyle. Wood is unique among building materials because it is a natural carbon store – up to 50% of its dry weight is carbon. Responsibly sourced wood products store the carbon that the growing trees have removed from the air.
You get what you pay for
I certainly believe that a large portion of society is moving away from the cheap and disposable mass market furniture and homewares that flood the market, and are prepared to pay a little more for something quality which will last, or something custom made which is perfect for their home and their taste. I, for example, have quite a narrow dining room in my new house, and I’m considering having a table custom made to make the best use of the space. We’ll be there for at least 10 years, so it will absolutely be worth it. You also cant beat a timber table top. My previous table was veneer and my toddler soon scratched and marked it at meal times! Solid timber can always be sanded back or re-stained if the worse happens or you change your colour scheme for example, but I personally love the look of a slightly gnarly, dented, well-loved family table that tells a bit of a story about the people who’ve eaten and done their homework at it so I wouldn’t be too precious!
Ben adds: “We’ve found people assume a hefty price tag applies to custom made furniture, when in fact, commissioning your own handmade piece of furniture is more accessible than you think. By choosing custom made, you’re doing your bit for the environment and a piece you can share with generations to come.
“Custom made is more affordable in the long run and people are cottoning on to the longevity you get out of a custom piece. Instead of buying several pieces of furniture over a period of time, you can have that one custom piece in your home – completely customised to your style and specifications, using sustainable, reclaimed or recycled timber, that is built to last and will stand the test of time.”
Where and how to use it in your home
And how about some more unusual uses for timber in the home? While timber clad feature walls have been gaining popularity for a while now, James also suggests ceilings!
We love the timber ceiling in this award-winning project, Yasmine Ghoniem’s (Amber Road) ‘Deco House’, recently featured on Interiors Addict. Click image for more.
“It’s a stylish and unexpected place to see timber cladding! It’s great for alfresco, as a feature under the front portico, and can also work very well inside the home, like the foyer, to make a modern yet stylish entrance,” James says. “And don’t forget the humble timber screening, large recycled timber posts placed close together, are a great way to screen off the front entry into a living area, or to act as a room divider between the living and dining areas.”
A Colourcube Interiors project recently featured on Interiors Addict. Click image for more.
While recycled and upcycled timber furniture is an obviously environmentally friendly, you should know you can buy certified new timber pieces without the guilt too. Before buying furniture or planning renovations such as a new deck or flooring, follow this advice to help you avoid buying illegally logged imported wood or wood from forests of high conservation value.
James says: “Timber is the only product that provides shade and habitat for wildlife while it’s growing, it can then be responsibly harvested, with a new forest to take its place. Those responsibly harvested trees can be used for a huge range of uses, and at a later date can be recycled and reused again and again! While all of this is being done, timber also stores carbon, so it’s great for our planet and global warming, and just like a walk in the bush makes us feel recharged, it’s proven that timber finishes in the home actually lower blood pressure and increase wellbeing! ”
Ben adds: “We’ve seen a growing trend towards locally made, people are becoming more conscious of where their furniture is coming from, and they’re making smarter buying choices when it comes to the environment. By choosing custom made you’re reducing the amount of furniture going to landfill and supporting smaller makers in the process. Purchasing that one custom handmade piece will outlive any flatpack – you’ll not only have a piece with your unique design stamp on it, you’ll also have done your part for the environment. And that means one less flatpack on the street curb.”
Disclosure: this post is in collaboration with Planet Ark’s Make It Wood campaign which supports the use of sustainably sourced, certified wood based on the benefits to the environment and our health and wellbeing that it provides.
As with anything tech, we hand over the reviewing to our resident former consumer technology journalist Damian Francis, aka Mr Interiors Addict 😉
Do you remember that time you wished your bedside lamp had a speaker in it? No, not just in the lamp itself, but right inside the actual bulb? Nope, neither can I. And yet here I am, staring at my bedside lamp with a bulb in it that contains a speaker.
The company in question is Sengled and its aim is to turn your home into a connected home in a DIY fashion. No need to call in an electrician or rip down a few walls, just buy some of these Pulse Solo LED bulbs with 2×3-watt JBL speakers in them, download the app, and then boom, connected home. Kind of. In the sense that only the lights and speakers are automated via the Sengled app. Decent start, though. Carry on…
Sengled has four products in the range; the Pulse, Pulse Solo, Boost and Snap. They are all bulbs that can be controlled through the app, some with speakers in them. But they are not cheap. The Pulse Solo I tested retails for an eye-watering $129.99. Yes, it has a speaker in it. Yes, the bulb is LED and should last decades, but it’s quite a serious upfront cost for what essentially costs you a couple of dollars down at Coles for a traditional version sans speaker.
Is it worth the hernia inducing hit to the wallet for the long term benefits and the sweet sound of music coming from your lamp? Yes and no, but mostly no.
Let’s cut straight to the chase. It’s an app controlled light bulb and speaker with Bluetooth. For Interiors Addict readers that likely means a few things prior to purchase. It has to be stylish, it has to be functional, and it has to have a bit of ‘wow’ factor.
In terms of style, it’s heavier than a standard bulb and slightly bigger to boot thanks to the speakers. Largely white, you’re still going to want to hide this under a lamp shade. This isn’t a bulb you can show off naked. It doesn’t look bad, you just wouldn’t leave it bare.
Functionality is a big one for this bulb. It comes in E27 screw or B22 twist. It screws in easy and is ready to pair as soon as you switch it on. Once you download the app (iOS or Android) you can find the bulb and name it for easy access. You then have control of volume and brightness via a well laid out user interface. So installation and set-up are a breeze.
As for use, the Bluetooth is patchy, and that is being generous. Even with the source device within a metre of the bulb the sound would completely cut out regularly. And the sound quality – it’s just not good. Sorry, Sengled, but there is no other way to put it. For the price, consumers shouldn’t expect good sound quality, but this is certainly at the lower end of expectations. No bass what-so-ever, tinny highs, distortion. For anything other than soft background music, the Sengled Pulse Solo just isn’t up to the job.
When it comes to ‘wow’ factor, the Pulse Solo is much like the first iteration of Apple TV, the Toyota Prius or that coffee made from animal droppings. It makes you do a double take, the features seem pretty cool, but the execution just isn’t there to be continually useful or urgently needed.
If you just want a connected bulb, Belkin provides a similar system for cheaper as it doesn’t contain speakers. Personally, I would go in this direction if I really wanted to buy into the app-controlled lighting space. The Belkin solution is called WeMo and it is much closer to home automation in that you can get power sockets as well that can be controlled by the app plus proper light switches (electrician required) and motion sensing detectors. But even then, I probably wouldn’t do that. It’s just not truly necessary unless you live in a very big house.
At the end of the day, the outlay is massive for what is essentially a dimmable light controlled by your phone. Again, happy to acknowledge the bulbs last decades, but still, expensive is expensive, especially when the speaker is sub-par and the Bluetooth is patchy.
Spring will bring with it a slightly masculine air this year as we throw open our doors and windows and bring a little of our surroundings inside. It’s the forecast from leading colour experts at Dulux who predict earthy browns and greens will be the hero colours for the 2015 spring season.
“Think about a formal room or a casual sanctuary and create the mood of a library or space to escape,” Dulux creative consultant and stylist Bree Leech says. “The ambience won’t be strictly traditional in style, but rather will have a sophisticated mix of old and new items, with plenty of plants to bring nature inside.”
They say reducing our impact on the earth continues to be a crucial community goal as we aspire to get in touch with nature on a more personal level. Responding to the trend, the Dulux Earthwerks palette includes the range of greens we might discover in our own landscapes, forests and gardens and explores our desire to have greenery in our homes and workspaces.
There are nature-inspired greens, from soft silvery greens through to moss and sage leaf and beautiful earthy sepia browns and ochres. “Natural colours such as green and neutrals with green undertones will be pivotal this spring,” Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr says. “This includes earthy colours, such as Dulux Federal Fund and Dulux Peppercorn Rent; and brighter shades, such as Dulux Gooseberry Fool and Dulux Domain. Even the most neutrally toned home can benefit from splashes of colour.”
Above all, homeowners should remember a fresh coat of paint is a simple and inexpensive way to add colour, personalise or create a place to feel comfortable, inspired and happy.
Style tips for spring 2015 from Bree Leech, creative consultant and stylist for Dulux
• Create a stylish, sophisticated and moody feel by pairing brown with a limited palette of neutrals, such Dulux Domino and Natural White.
• Add a highlight of green to brown schemes to lift the mood and provide a point of interest. • Green and brown are great together but choose one as the hero and the other as a support. Colours can be lost when applied in equal amounts.
• Brown is a nostalgic colour; keep it contemporary by mixing nostalgic pieces, such as art and antiques, with modern furniture, lighting and accessories.
• Adding a touch of pink to an all-green colour scheme can give it a modern edge and draws on inspiration from spring blooms.
• For a touch of luxury, add metallic highlights of gold and brass, either in your accessories or using a special finish such as Dulux Dusty Gold Design Metallic.
With energy costs rising and consumers becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, builders and renovators are looking for ways to save costs and ensure their own build is green.
Ask an Architect, the online building design, inspection and advice service, offers owners, builders and renovators some helpful advice that could not only save money but hopefully help save the planet. Here are their tips:
1. Quality based building inspections. One of the biggest trends in new homes and renovations is the introduction of quality based building inspections, which are aimed at ensuring homes with a six or more green star design will actually perform as expected. The six star building code rating only applies to the building fabric (floor/walls/roof) – how the owner lives in the home can bring the performance down substantially.
2. Site orientation. The first step in orientation is maximising the northern aspect, where exposure to the sun is best controlled. Eaves and pergolas can be precisely designed to block the summer sun, and still allow the desirable winter sunshine to penetrate. It is important to prioritise rooms based on access to views and solar penetration orientation. An open-plan kitchen and living area, for example, should have top position, while bedrooms or bathrooms require less daylight, as they are largely used for short periods of time, or at night.
3. Zoning. By zoning the home, unused areas can be closed off, and cooling and heating appliances can be designed for maximum efficiency and minimum use.
4. Additionally, Ask an Architect recommends the following:
Insulate the ceiling
Weather seal windows and doors
Fit blinds, curtains or drapes
Buy high star-rated appliances
Install solar panels
Replace single flush toilet cisterns with dual flush cisterns
Upgrade your heating system to a more efficient design
Put in a rain water tank
Upgrade your hot water service
Fit a grey-water diversion system
Upgrade your windows using double glazing or other high-tech glass
Recently I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Milan Design Week 2015 and I had the most incredible time! There are so many events you can attend; you’d need a team of five scouts to even come close to covering the whole week. So while I didn’t get to see it all, I did get to see some amazing displays and products, which proved why Milan is the go-to city for design inspiration.
Shaynna
Some of the world’s best designers from around the world showcased their works, but standouts for me were Tacchini, Louis Vuitton and Moooi. It was a very inspiring experience to be able to see all the furniture, lighting, accessories and colour on display, which got me thinking of ways we can incorporate these trends into our lives here in Australia. So below are my top five tips for incorporating Milan Design Week’s trends into your home.
1. Keep it cosy with an autumnal colour scheme
Tacchini display from Milan Design Week 2015
I wandered through a field of autumnal colours at the Tacchini display. Pale peaches, bold oranges, deep yellows and a spectrum of muted greens. The boldly coloured furniture was softened with the low lighting of the floral-printed drum shades.
Autumnal colours are perfect for making a room feel cosy as they draw the space inward creating an intimate scene. To prevent an autumnal palette from feeling too heavy, I would keep your accent timbers to a light oak as opposed to a dark brown or black colour, and dress with off white bed linen to give the perfect contrast. If you want to be a little more subtle, but still want that warmth, go for a stone colour on the walls like Taubmans Endure Portland Stone, and pull the deeper autumn tones through the room via a rug or artwork. This way you won’t overwhelm the room too much.
2. Go green!
Louis Vuitton display from Milan Design Week 2015
Amongst all the warm hues there were constant pops of dark green, like at the Louis Vuitton display, which showcased their Objets Nomades collection. Set amongst the backdrop of the magnificent nineteenth century Palazzo Bocconi, the cream and gilded walls with hints of pale duck egg blue were an incredible contrast to the dark greens of the display, which were inspired by Ernest Hemmingway’s travels.
The key to making any shade of green work in your home is to mix it with elements of white and light coloured timbers so it feels fresh. Avoid using dark colours in your accessories and furniture as it can often make green feel dated and old-fashioned.
3. Dark walls and mood lighting
Moooi’s display from Milan Design Week 2015
Most of the displays I saw featured backdrops of stark white, charcoal or black to accentuate each designer’s products. This also drew focus towards the feature lighting of many displays – another popular trend from Milan Design Week. Moooi’s display’s had a very dramatic, moody, yet playful feel to it with its dark walls, which showed off the unique feature lighting.
Dark colours have a tendency to enclose a room making it feel much smaller than it really is. To make a dark room feel more spacious, reflect the wall colour in your flooring or use a rug with a similar tone. This makes the room feel like one, big open space. Walls in a dark charcoal or black like Taubmans Chasm or Black Fox should also be mixed with plenty of white and light grey furniture and accessories, along with statement pendant lighting for the ultimate moody yet sophisticated look.
4. Bold and beautiful
Moooi’s display from Milan Design Week 2015
Moooi was definitely one of my favourites from Milan Design Week 2015. The large-scale prints on their new carpet range served as dramatic floor canvases in bold statement colours, which along with extravagant wall hangings offset the elegant furniture and unique feature lighting. A palette of red with accents of raspberry and purple was one dramatic combination I saw and loved at Moooi. They cleverly used strategic lighting to mute the intensity of the tones.
When incorporating into your own home, the key to using bold colours like these is to layer different variances of similar hues but keep the lighting soft around the walls. Use brighter lights on the furniture areas to balance the room.
5. Layers and layers
Milan Design Week 2015 was bold, playful and quirky with nothing pared back, especially when it came to colour. The same warm tonal colours caught my eyes at nearly every display. Shades of gold, brass, yellow, peach, tangerine and deep oranges layered upon each other were a common theme. Dark greens and blues often also popped up alongside the warm hues.
The trends we continue to see today are multi-layered looks, which means they appeal to many different personalities and markets providing something for everyone. Milan was a great example of a place that offers endless inspiration and unique ways to adapt colour and interior trends – from the exhibition into your home.
— Shaynna Blaze is Taubmans’ brand ambassador and colour creative director, host of Selling Houses Australia and judge on The Block.
With more than half of Australian homeowners planning to renovate in the next four years,it has never been more important to put energy efficient renovating on the map. Yet while installing energy efficiency measures in your home can improve year-round comfort, save you money and add value to your home, there is still very little practical information available to help renovators go beyond minimum building standards. Well, until now!
Sustainability Victoria’s new Smarter Renovations program is an online planning resource that provides home renovators with interactive tools, information and independent advice on how to improve and maximise the energy efficiency of any home or size of project.
Features include: the Smarter Renovations Planner that calculates accurate cost savings that can be achieved by making energy efficiency improvements; Your Guide to a Smarter Renovation, a consumer guide with practical advice on how to incorporate energy efficiency improvements during a home renovation; a series of Renovation Profiles, detailing the experiences of several individuals during their home renovation projects; and the latest evidence-based energy efficiency solutions, from efficient lighting to dressing the windows, draught-proofing and improving insulation.
The Smarter Renovations Planner in particular is a tool worth using. Accurately calculating the cost saving that can be achieved by making different energy efficiency improvements such as improving insulation, windows or lighting, draught-proofing and upgrading appliances. It works by assessing the type of house, current energy needs and use, together with the renovation work being planned.
To try these tools for yourself, visit Smarter Renovations here.
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.
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.
Even in tough economic times, your home and office can still look great and be environmentally friendly with the use of recycled and upcycled materials. Melbourne property styling expert Brianna O’Neil says it’s not difficult to use recycled items to add personality and flair to your home whilst reducing your carbon footprint.
Wall hanging made from recycled wrapping paper, clock made from industrial letter P (formally Hoyts movie signage), telephone table and typewriter from eBay (secondhand), books from thrift shop, faux fur throw from Kmart.
“When styling a home, it may surprise you to hear that places like eBay and the Salvation Army are one of my first ports of call for artwork and decor,” she said. “Sometimes the most interesting items can be found where you least expect it and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Vintage items are not a new trend and many blogs and websites give ideas on how they can be best used.”
Diane Haynes Smith chats to former Dinosaur Designs co-founder, sustainability advocate and design lover, Liane Rossler.
Photo by Karl Schwerdtfeger
The most exciting revelation in interior design at the moment is the gaining momentum of sustainable practices. Both designers and consumers are becoming more aware of the consequences of purchasing a mass produced cheap thrill. There is a renewed appreciation for the beauty of handmade objects and their skilled makers. We’re seeing truly innovative recycling projects everywhere, from our neighbours’ DIY to the latest online homewares store. It’s trendy to ‘upcycle’. It’s even trendier to do so whilst retaining good design and style.
