To celebrate the long-awaited launch of Caesarstone’s new marble inspired design – Statuario Nuvo, Caesarstone have launched the Supernatural Designs Kitchen Renovation Competition. The competition rewards customers that choose any of the Supernatural Designs as a benchtop surface in their kitchen renovation, with a chance to win a share of $35,000 in cash prizes!
To enter, all renovators have to do is select any Caesarstone Supernatural Design and complete the online entry form, including a before and after photo of their kitchen renovation and a short blurb on why they chose a Supernatural Design.
The competition is open for all kitchen renovations completed from 1 July to 30 October, with first place winning $15,000 in cash, second place $10,000 and third place $5,000.
Darren Palmer, interior designer and judge on Reno Rumble, was floored by the level of detail in each and every one of the twelve Freedom Kitchens revealed on Reno Rumble. Below, he picks out his top six, based on their design, appropriateness to the homeowners, finish and inclusions.
Contemporary Australian by Carly & Leighton
Contemporary Australian by Carly & Leighton: The materials and palette in this kitchen are stunning, and it’s great to see a blend of the reliable choice of white being contrasted against timber-grain cabinetry and black, giving the kitchen real wow factor. The beautiful bronze and black pendant lights tie in with the door handles and cabinetry colour which in turn direct the tapware, chairs and decor choices.
The thin profile of the Caesarstone benchtops is absolutely on trend and I love that the day-to-day dining happens at bench height. This kitchen fits a young couple’s lifestyle perfectly.
Hamptons by Kyal & Kara
Hamptons by Kyal & Kara: A super simple palette of white and soft grey works a treat to create a light and bright cook’s kitchen with ample bench space, integrated fridge and dishwasher, and large family sized pantry. The Shaker style doors and the herringbone marble tiles give this style of kitchen a fresh and contemporary look whilst still honouring the Hamptons style.
Freestanding ovens are de rigueur for the Hamptons style and the concealed rangehood is a modern detail that lifts the traditional style into 2015. This is truly a kitchen that will stand the test of time.
Shaker by Ayden & Jess
Shaker by Ayden & Jess: Symmetry is the star in this kitchen with the white palette and timber-look laminate bench being the perfect fresh and homely palette for a young family’s day-to-day needs. The pendants over the generous island solve the challenge of task lighting and are sculpturally beautiful.
The whole kitchen is a great fusion between contemporary and shaker style with detailing being crisp and clean with a nod to the purist, functional brief but in a friendly and welcoming way.
Industrial by Carly & Leighton
Industrial by Carly & Leighton: This kitchen bucks the utilitarian approach to industrial design by providing something that is industrial in feel yet visually soft and tactile. The brick wall is a beautiful backdrop and works in with the unique colour palette of timber-grain and black. Integration of appliances always allows for a streamlined look, with the big standout in this kitchen being the knock to open Miele integrated dishwasher!
The butler’s pantry containing laundry and fridge works brilliantly and the rules of the working triangle still apply – there is just the right amount of space to allow for a perfectly flowing and functional cook’s kitchen.
Modern Vintage by Josh & Jenna
Modern Vintage by Josh & Jenna: Colour is the star in this modern retro kitchen, with the bold choice of blue cabinetry working beautifully with the overall palette featuring tan leather handles and timber that is carried from the windows through to the open shelves, bookending the concealed rangehood.
There’s also lot of pattern and texture squeezed into this space with integrated fridge, dishwasher and pantry disappearing to allow the porcelain butler’s sink to be a standout feature. This kitchen goes to show you that small can still be mighty.
Contemporary Art Deco by Carly & Leighton
Contemporary Art Deco by Carly & Leighton: This kitchen has all the bells and whistles you’d ever want, such as a nice wide cooktop and a pair of wine fridges. It also shows how you can elevate a simple palette of grey and white with something as simple as a unique and appropriate cabinet knob.
The tiles are stunning and the diamond shape of the marble ties in beautifully with the backs of the bar height chairs. Beautiful pendants give the kitchen the punch of colour it needs to lift it from special to out of this world.
Freedom Kitchens offers an in-home design consultation with a professional kitchen designer. Book today online or by calling 1800 113 733. For more kitchen inspiration, follow Freedom Kitchens on Pinterest and Instagram.
Kitchens are consistently topping home renovation project lists, and with this living space now the hub of the modern-day home, it’s no surprise. Houzz, the world’s leading home renovation and design platform recently undertook the Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study, where they surveyed over 2,800 homeowners who had recently completely a kitchen reno. Here’s the trends they found:
Size matters: Australian homeowners have big plans when it comes to their kitchens, with the majority of those renovating their kitchen expanding its size (55%).
Open-plan: In addition to cooking, kitchens are a hub for quality time with family and friends, with 41% noting ease of entertainment as their top-rated kitchen function. Lending itself to socialising and entertaining, nearly half opt for an open-plan design (46%) and one-in-five are including a built-in bar or wine storage.
Over-budget: More than half of homeowners surveyed budget $20,000 or less for their upcoming kitchen renovations (54%), yet only 46% spent less than $20,000 on completed projects. 13% of Aussies reported spending over $50,000 on their kitchen upgrades.
Contemporary wins: When it comes to style, contemporary is the clear preference across all ages (55%). Under 35s prefer the neutral tones, recycled objects and utilitarian surfaces of industrial style (10%) over the crisp whites, soft blues and rustic timber of a beach style look (2%).
Professional help: More than three-in-four homeowners are hiring a professional to assist with kitchen projects (77%). While the majority hire pros for construction (69%), many homeowners are also hiring pros for design and project management (45% and 23%, respectively).
Appliance wish list: The majority of those renovating their kitchen are upgrading appliances (84%). Among these, cooking is a clear priority, as eight-in-ten are replacing ovens (82%) and another 11% installing the healthier alternative of a steam oven. Small appliance wishlists include the Thermomix (33%), coffee machines (25%) and food processors (22%), among others.
Hardwood tops flooring lists: When replacing flooring, two-in-five homeowners use hardwood in their upgraded kitchens (41%), compared to 26% installing tiles.
Integrating technology: While kitchens remain functional with 62% of homeowners incorporating a pantry cupboard, many also include entertainment technology such as televisions (10%) and built-in music systems (8%).
Rock solid benches: Although engineered quartz (52%) is the favoured choice when replacing benchtops, wood (12%), stainless steel (6%) and concrete (4%) show Australians’ love for industrial style.
For home inspiration and renovation ideas, visit Houzz.com.au.
The teams struggled to transform Ben and Danielle’s tricky 70s split level home this week, with the house rules and the wild Queensland weather putting them to the test. The newlyweds left behind some interesting instructions such as “style our house preppy eclectic” and “retain a hint of ski chalet in the living room,” which led to some confusion amongst the teams (can’t say I’m surprised!).
But what did team Queensland and judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell think?
Cassie and Matt – 28/30
Before – Living RoomAfter – Living Room
Tasmania had no trouble deciphering the house rules to finish first for the second time this competition. Receiving the highest combined score this series, judge Joe Snell gave them his first 10, lauding praise on their living room and bathroom. “I think the living room was the best example of meeting Ben and Danielle’s wish for a preppy eclectic home. The team had a great collection of pieces, filled with personality and history.”
Ryan and Marlee – 26/30
Before – Dressing RoomAfter – Dressing Room
Judge Wendy Moore also handed out her first 10 to South Australia’s Ryan and Marlee. Their ensuite, dining room and particularly their dressing room were a massive hit. “The dressing room made me go weak at the knees,” said Wendy. “Such a luxury of space and the amazing way you utilized that roof cavity was just inspired. You guys completely blew me away.”
Karina and Brian – 20/30
Before – KitchenAfter – Kitchen
WA’s Karina and Brian were scored down by both the judges and homeowners for the size of the kitchen, with Wendy saying they should have fought harder for more space: “It was simply too small to be the true heart of the home.” While Danielle loved the art studio they’d designed for her, it was criticised for its lack of functionality. “There is no desk, no sink and no working space,” said Joe.
Bronik and Corrine – 19/30
Before – Guest BedroomAfter – Guest Bedroom
Victoria’s Bronik and Corrine struggled this week and it showed in their zone. Their guest bedroom, laundry and entry underwhelmed with Wendy saying: “There were too many directions and that made the rooms feel a bit confused.” While the homeowners liked the rooms, they thought the finishes let them down.
Steve and Tiana – 18/30
Before – Master BedroomAfter – Master Bedroom
NSW came last for the second time, with their lack of time management seeing their butler’s pantry left incomplete. “I just loved the space and the storage but it’s sad it wasn’t finished,” said Danielle. The judges liked the master bedroom and thought it was clean and inviting but that it didn’t hit the brief.
This week the teams are off to Tasmania to transform Cassie and Matt’s original 60s house in Hobart. House Rules airs Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm with a new house reveal each week on Sunday at 7:00pm.
This week on Reno Rumble saw two perfect scores awarded to two very different Freedom Kitchens; an edgy Industrial style versus an elegant Hamptons kitchen. The judges couldn’t find fault with either! Let’s delve into how both the Redbacks and the Blue Tongues did it…
Carly & Leighton’s kitchen
Industrial: Blue Tongues Carly & Leighton were briefed to transform Tara’s outdated 1940s kitchen into one with a relaxed industrial aesthetic and plenty of storage.
Inspired by the industrial warehouse living of Manhattan, they opted for strong matt black cabinetry and brought in timber elements to create a sense of warmth. The butler’s pantry and integrated dishwasher kept appliances hidden from view, whilst the added textures of Caesarstone benchtops, transparent glass splashback and metal factory pendant lights ensured a tightly edited result.
Carly & Leighton’s kitchen
Tara says it’s a completely different dynamic at home now: “I can entertain, whereas I didn’t enjoy it before because using more than two pots at the same time caused space issues! With the central bench family and friends can now sit there whilst I finish cooking which is perfect. It’s a much more social and beautiful space.”
Kyal and Kara’s kitchen
Hamptons: The Redbacks, Kyal and Kara, were tasked with turning Cathryn’s dark, pokey and very uninviting space into one with the sophisticated, country charm of the Hamptons.
Their perfectly executed design featured a neutral colour scheme of classic white Shaker doors and Clam Shell Caesarstone benchtops. Detailed open shelving, vintage inspired pendants and plenty of natural light were the finishing touches for this relaxed yet sophisticated Hamptons kitchen.
Kyal and Kara’s kitchen
Cathryn says her new Freedom Kitchen is now part of the living and dining area and has opened up the whole space. “I didn’t enjoy being in my old kitchen, but I love being in the new one. I can now cook and still talk to my daughter and visitors.”
— To get the Reno Rumble look, visit your local Freedom Kitchens showroom. For a free, in-home kitchen design appointment, visit freedomkitchens.com.auor call 1800 113 733. And follow Freedom Kitchens on Instagram @Freedom_Kitchens.
A dramatic first week on Reno Rumble saw two talented teams delivering two amazing home makeovers.
Ayden and Jess’ kitchen
When it came to the kitchens, the heart of these two homes, Redbacks’ Ayden and Jess were briefed to turn Alex and Angela’s cramped kitchen into a spacious and sophisticated space. Whilst the dynamic Blue Tongue duo Nick and Chris, were tasked with transforming Lisa’s dated kitchen into an open plan, coastal cooking haven.
How did they do it?
Ayden and Jess extended the kitchen area in Alex and Angela’s home, choosing Freedom Kitchen’s Alaskan white gloss cabinetry, soft grey Newbury Baye and on-trend copper accents to brighten and modernise the space. The Caesarstone benchtops in Calacatta Nuvo are nothing short of stunning and add an air of elegance. The black handles pull the look together, resulting in a modern classic that will stand the test of time.
Ayden and Jess’ kitchen
Homeowners Alex and Angela say it’s the abundant storage and new appliances that have them grinning: “We have our whole family over every second Sunday for lunch, so it’s now going to be a joy to cater for 10 people, rather than fighting for space in the kitchen!”
Ayden and Jess’ kitchen
Nick and Chris chose a fitting neutral base, pairing Freedom Kitchen’s Iceland White matt finish and light grey Impressions Alaskan Nuance cabinetry. CaesarstoneSleek Concrete benchtops and complementary overhead pendants add to the earthy, coastal appeal. Mirrored splashbacks and LED strip lighting further accentuate the new, bright space, whist the big deep soft close drawers ticked Lisa’s box for “ample storage.”
Nick and Chris’ kitchen
Lisa says the generous island and the extra-large sink for cleaning those big pots are the big winners for her: “The kitchen is now not only very functional for food preparation, it also serves as another living and entertaining space that family and friends enjoy spending time in.”
Nick and Chris’ kitchen
— To get the Reno Rumble look, visit your local Freedom Kitchens showroom. For a free, in-home kitchen design appointment, visit freedomkitchens.com.auor call 1800 113 733. And follow Freedom Kitchens on Instagram @Freedom_Kitchens.
Is white boring and predictable? No! It’s timeless, sophisticated and sharp — especially when designed correctly. Darren Palmer shares his secrets of how to make a white kitchen pop!
White is the most popular choice for consumers looking for a new kitchen, but there’s no need to settle with a lifeless kitchen devoid of contrast. To make it pop, you need ‘wow factor’ and a little luxury appeal. Here are a few tips, along with the beautiful examples from Freedom Kitchens, on how to do it.
White cabinetry
White cabinetry is the little black dress of the home, but as anyone knows it’s the things you wear with the LBD that take it in a certain direction and add drama, interest and class.
For a kitchen, those interest-adding things aren’t shoes or earrings, but benchtops, splashbacks and a little bling with things like lighting and appliances. Door handles can transform a basic kitchen from drab to fantastic – just like the right kitchen tap can add interest and functionality to the kitchen sink.
Door and drawer front profiles
Door and drawer front profiles can add an edge to a white kitchen, with different profiles fitting with differing styles of homes. The Shaker style door for instance lays the foundations for a Hamptons or French Provincial setting, whilst a super matt finish like the Iceland range from Freedom Kitchens, is sleek and modern.
Benchtops
Benchtops have got to be the biggest ticket item in kitchens, but there is no questioning the impact of a beautifully chosen benchtop, like a stunning Caesarstone top or satin-smooth Portfiino solid surface top. Freedom Kitchens’ professional designers can help you choose the right colours and textures, or a combination of dual-tone benchtops, to give your white kitchen a designer finish.
Layered lighting
Layered lighting is the key to creating ambience and it is also an opportunity to bring in colour. Balance necessary task lighting with undermount or LED strip lighting, and choose beautiful hanging pendants as a statement against a white backdrop.
Splashbacks
Splashbacks are far more than just colour-backed glass. Look to stone, tiles with texture, pattern, colour or even mirror to add a sense of luxury and space.
Furniture
The last item for attention is the furniture. Bench stools add a little designer element, while accessories like a toaster, small appliances, bowls, books and tea towels can all be layered into your beautiful white kitchen for colour and interest.
The kitchen is one of the most expensive investments in your home. A white kitchen gives you a blank canvas to play with, so use accessories to reflect your personal style.
— To view the latest product range and kitchen displays, visit your local Freedom Kitchens showroom. For a free, in-home kitchen design appointment, visit freedomkitchens.com.auor call 1800 113 733.
When renovating a home we often look to the experts to gather tips and inspiration to ensure the best possible results. And with Shaynna Blaze, of The Block and Selling Houses Australia, having just renovated her new studio’s kitchen and bathroom, she is the perfect person to share her tips.
Photo credit: Design with Colour and Style by Shaynna Blaze, published by Viking, rrp $39.99
Small budget, huge inspiration!
Collect everything and anything that inspires you and create your own lookbook or mood board to capture it all. In the kitchen, I was inspired by the heritage of the 1880 building while still making if feel and work as a kitchen of the 21st century. Whereas the bathroom was complete fantasy, referencing Versailles.
Usage – who is using the space and how?
It’s important to think about who is going to be in the area and how the area is going to be used on a daily basis. Keeping these things in mind helps to create your layout, the appliances and fittings you need, right down to the colour palette you will select.
Define your must-haves.
Both the bathroom and kitchen are frequently used spaces and therefore it’s critical the fittings are both functional and practical but also visually appealing. Ensure you have accounted for those items you can’t live without and build from there. These are areas that are not just for me so I wanted whoever walks in the rooms to be transported somewhere.
Make the most of the spaces footprint.
Limited space often restricts the layout of a kitchen or bathroom. Ensure every space is well thought out and planned. With only one wall for tall items, in the kitchen my main priority was to make sure I would be able to fit as much bench, drawer and cupboard space as possible.
Add colour, texture and patterns.
Colour, texture and patterns are stylistic building blocks of any decorating palette. These key elements help to create the style, mood and the feel of each room. The kitchen has subtle features with panel details in the island bench and glass overhead cabinets with a modern twist on the herringbone pattern in the custom subway mirror splashback tiles. The bathroom takes it to a more extreme level of a period style with detail in every form from tiles and light fittings to the furniture which was a signature of the Victorian era, even though all the details aren’t of a Victorian nature.
While The Block’s kitchen reveals may have left the judges a little disappointed, the organic colours and textured surfaces of the benchtops did manage to invite some enthusiasm!
With the Blockheads picking their surfaces with the help of quartz surface specialists, Cosentino Australia, their colour specialist and showroom manager Ruba Jaajaa now shares her advice with us. Read on to find out how to bring the latest kitchen trends into your home.
Ayden and Jess
Marvellous marble
All four couples on The Block selected marble patterns for their kitchens – a sign that this popular European trend is not going away any time soon. Marble adds depth to any design, with lighter patterns complementing other elements while bold marbling can create a focal point within the room.
Nice and natural
With natural materials continuing to grow in popularity, it’s no surprise that all four couples featured natural elements in their kitchen renovations. From wood and greenery in Dea and Darren’s modern-glam space, to the beautiful contrast of marble tones and timber in both Josh and Charlotte’s and Ayden and Jess’s renovations, natural materials help create a space that strikes a balance between polished and warm.
Darren and Dea
Tempting textures
The Block renovations show that you don’t have to be bold to create a striking space. Adding texture to any room helps add interest to your kitchen. From the rough grain of timber to their showstopping, jewel-toned splashback, Dea and Darren created a kitchen that offers plenty of excitement while still keeping their kitchen design classic.
Durable designs
Kitchens are one of the busiest rooms and one of the biggest investments in a home. With constant traffic, people, plates and food, it makes sense to invest in high-quality products that will not only last, but will look great for many years.
Josh and Charlotte
Seamless spaces
Like the contestants on The Block, it’s important to consider not just the kitchen but how the space will flow into other rooms within the home. Selecting natural tones and common colours will help create a space that flows seamlessly into adjoining rooms. You can extend this further by using complementary or even matching materials throughout spaces like the kitchen and outdoor areas to create spaces that encourage interaction.
Tim and Anastasia
What the Blockheads used
Kitchen winners Ayden and Jess, selected Silestone Lyra for their traditional, classy kitchen with neutral, veined tones for their benchtop.
Josh and Charlotte and Tim and Anastasia opted for the subtle marbling of Silestone Lagoon.
Darren and Dea chose the charcoal tones of Silestone Cemento Spa with Suede finish for their benches, along with a floating island in Silestone Pulsar to complete their modern, glamorous design.
When Corrie C and her husband John bought their weatherboard bungalow in Victoria’s Bentleigh East, they had grand plans to renovate, but – like many of us –limited funds.
BeforeAfter
However, fast forward a year and a half and Corrie, pregnant with daughter number two, decided it was now or never; so together, they went hammer and tongs to finish the reno before the new bub arrived. “We started in April 2014 and finished August 2014,” says Corrie. “Being heavily pregnant, working and juggling a toddler, there were definitely moments of regret during the renovation (usually in the middle of the night when visiting the toilet via a thin plank of wood while we had no floor!) but we’re now over the moon with the results.”
BeforeAfter
With John being a plumber – as well as a Jack-of-all-trades – they were lucky enough to do a big chunk of the work themselves, with the help of an excellent carpenter. Renovating the main bathroom, kitchen (to include a butler’s pantry) and laundry, and then adding a bedroom, ensuite and rear deck; the home went from a three bedroom, one bathroom house to a four bedroom, two bathroom, three living area (including an indoor/outdoor living space) property.
With the kitchen and deck being their favourite spaces, they were – and remain to this day – blown away by the transformation. “I love all of it but the kitchen and deck are definite favourites of both John and I. The addition of our rear deck has created a really awesome place for the kids to play, for us to entertain and a great place for my hubby to watch the football/cricket on the flat screen TV!”
After
While the home did include some bargains, including the deck’s bi-fold doors bought via eBay and the kitchen cabinetry from IKEA, Corrie admits her greatest challenge was sticking to budget. “My biggest learning would be that no matter how tightly you manage your budget there are always blow outs! Inevitably you always end up spending more than planned on things. My advice would be to shop around and always ask for a better price on everything! There is always room to move if someone wants your business.”
BeforeAfter
With the renovation costing $100,000, the property, which was purchased for $600,000 in 2010, now has an estimated value of $900,000, not a bad effort for first time renovators! As a result, the couple has most certainly caught the reno bug. However, while they would love to do it again, they are happy to call their newly transformed house, their forever home. “I’m super proud of my hubby for what he achieved with this reno and the blood, sweat and tears (and long nights) he put into making it as beautiful as it is. Above everything, we’ve created a lifestyle that we love with open plan, indoor/outdoor living, space for the girls and a lovely retreat for us in the master bedroom.”
As the renovation boom continues to thrive, Australians are reinventing their homes more frequently than ever. Kitchens have been said to sell houses, so spending big on a kitchen renovation can be a worthy investment in the long run.
Therefore the below advice couldn’t have come at a better time, with the professional kitchen designers at The Good Guys sharing their expert advice, on how to get a designer look in the kitchen, for less!
Share your budget with a professional designer as they will be able to provide you with helpful and expert advice on getting the most for your dollar.
To avoid any changes to your design, select quality finishes that look great but won’t date quickly, and spend as much as you can afford on durable work surfaces. The cost of quality: priceless.
Buy appliances through your kitchen company. This will allow you to take advantage of package deals and ensure the delivery of your kitchen happens at the same time.
The best bang for your buck in terms of cabinetry comes in the form of a melamine. Alternatively for a fraction more, ask about the satin smooth melamine finish that will give the impression of a high-end kitchen.
Kitchen doors are less expensive than drawers and by positioning them correctly, your designer will be able to maximise storage while continuing the vertical and horizontal lines throughout the kitchen for the most streamlined finish.
Use the concept of colour blocking to bring a designer edge to your kitchen – by bringing in a contrasting row of coloured or timber grain cabinetry, you instantly add a wow factor.
Contrasting benchtops in material, colour or thickness is another trick to achieving a luxe look.
New technologies have given life to laminates, and with The Good Guys Kitchen’s European imported range you can achieve a stone or timber look or select from a wide range of colours.
