Tag: laundry

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Kitchens RENO ADDICT Smart Home The Block

Julia & Sasha share kitchen, mudroom and laundry

Photography by Marcel Aucar

Last time we caught up, our kitchen and laundry had just been installed but the finishing touches were a mere pipedream. Fast forward to 2018 and we’re done and dusted. If we’d ever questioned the notion of love at first sight, we don’t anymore. These spaces have far exceeded our expectations and we’re walking around with all the heart eye emojis. If you’re not yet familiar with our design and installation process, you can read about it here. Go on… I’ll wait.

Kitchen

Now we’re on the same page, it’s time for the fun stuff. We’ve always loved the process of fixing stone bench tops as it pulls the entire look together and adds an element of luxe. We opted for Caesarstone in Calacatta Nuvo for its marble-like appearance and ability to blend classic meets contemporary. It’s also extremely low maintenance and more cost-effective than natural stone. At this point in the renovation, any saving is a good saving and we’re thrilled to bits with the end result. We opted for a frontal waterfall on the island as it defines the sink from the prep area and looks bangin’ to boot.

There’s still more than enough room for three stools and ample space to hang about. Our island measures 3000mm x 1200mm, the maximum when using only one slab of stone. We’re not big fans of longer benches as they require multiple slabs, resulting in an extra join on the surface.

We stuck with the same stone for the splashback in the kitchen but changed it up in the butler’s pantry. The zone opened up ten-fold by using a smoked mirror and we love how it defines the spaces. There’s still a seamlessness as the cabinetry and bench tops are consistent but the use of mirror adds depth and interest. It’s also really easy to keep clean which should always be the MO in any prep area (or so I tell a very messy Sasha).

Among our favourite things are the soaring Sierra cabinets in Matt White from Freedom Kitchens. The Sierra range is a beautiful Shaker-style profile which looks modern yet classic at the same time. We love a generously proportioned space and one of the best ways to achieve this is by taking joinery sky high. The upper cabinets are readily available and measure 1250mm. There’s more storage than you can poke a stick at and they make the room feel infinite. It’s a great trick to implement if you have limited floor space but want to increase the grandeur of your kitchen. You can thank us later, alligators.

Drawers were always big on our list of must-haves and we crammed in as many as we could. They’re so much easier than cupboards when storing everyday items like crockery, containers, and pots and pans. I once did my back while searching for a mixing bowl which was very inconvenient as I had a party to attend and wound up sitting at the dessert table with my friend’s grandma all night. There’s no chance of that happening at Little Willow as we have drawers for days! Freedom Kitchens are clever folk and added some nifty storage solutions like cutlery dividers, a walnut knife holder, and our amazing spice rack. We could buy all the spices from the supermarket and still have room left over. Clever, indeed.

Of course, cupboards are still handy for those things used less often and they’re in abundance in the butler’s pantry. I’m crazy for the corner carousel shelves they installed in the corner cupboard, previously known as the place ‘where things go to die’. It makes such perfect sense and is also really fun to play with. The added depth of our island made way for extra storage in the seating area. Big props to our designer Jack for working so hard to maximise functionality by utilising every inch of available space.

Another big hit are the white sinks. When we settled on the gold tap, we knew we had to skip the standard stainless steel as it can be hard to mix metals. White was a natural alternative and the effect it has is seamless. The sinks are made of composite granite so they’re durable and virtually scratch-resistant. We’re more than happy to share the love so if you need one in your life, head to Reece and ask for the Franke Impact Granite Undermount in White.

On The Block, we were lucky enough to work with Gaggenau and we loved them hard. We didn’t think it possible to develop an affinity with any other appliance brand until NEFF came along. Golly gumdrops, they’re amazing! Our oven stack is so impressive – the doors actually tuck themselves away when you open them. If you haven’t seen them in action, hit up our Insta for a Boomerang demonstration. Our stack includes an in-built Coffee Machine, Compact Oven with Microwave, Slide&Hide Combi-Steam Oven, and Slide&Hide Vario-Steam Oven. That’s a lot of ovens for one house so the new owners best enjoy cooking. The piece de resistance is of course the FlexInduction Cooktop with Integrated Downdraft. Rather than going up into a regular rangehood, steam is sucked down into the vent. How’s that for forward thinking?!

The kitchen is complete with two NEFF dishwashers and our double fridge/freezer from Bosch. Where are they, you ask? Hidden behind four integrated panels right near the island bench. It’s such a great way to dress large appliances and something we’ll be doing in every property moving forward.

We utilised the working triangle when designing this kitchen and it really does make a difference. The general rule of thumb is there should only be a few steps between your sink, cooktop, and fridge. Ours are positioned just so and the space sings because of it.

Of course, we’re all about lightness and brightness so we decided to splash out on three VELUX skylights. They let in a phenomenal amount of natural light and we can’t recommend them enough. Even if you’re not doing a full renovation, it’s worth considering adding a few throughout your home as they truly offer bang for buck. They’re such a focal point and amplify everything in the space, including our White Smoked boards from Royal Oak Floors. Together, they bounce the light around and are a match made in Heaven.

Laundry and Mud Room

If there’s beauty in simplicity then this is it. We carried through the Sierra profile to maintain consistency and added functional shelving to break up the look. Our penny round tiles from Beaumont work so well with the Intense White bench top from Caesarstone. The gooseneck tap from Sussex pops against all the white and marble and collectively elicits the most serene vibe. There’s a high chance I’ll be rolling around in dirt just so I can use this space. (OK, maybe not rolling around but I won’t crack it if I spill coffee on my white dress, that’s for sure).

It’s hard for me to admit but Sasha’s mud room came up trumps. Originally I wanted a whole bank of cupboards but she insisted on creating an Insta-worthy space so I relented and let her at it. It’s such a usable zone with outdoor access so there’s no reason for muddy footprints to be dragged through the house. After endless harping, I managed to get my way with tropical wallpaper and I love how it pops against all the white.

I’m calling it – of the four kitchens and laundries we’ve created, these are my absolute favourites. They’re so striking and functional. Some people think all-white spaces are boring but I truly believe there is nothing better. They have an elegance all their own and give off a feeling of light. As Bill Murray said, ‘There has to be a lightness; you have to be as light as you can be and not get weighed down and stuck in your emotion, stuck in your body, stuck in your head. You just want to always be trying to elevate somehow.’ Sure he was talking about something deeper than kitchens and laundries but his advice rings true. We have all the lightness there is and I hope you love our spaces as much as we do.

Our sincere gratitude to all our suppliers for working tirelessly with us. Their knowledge and commitment has made all the difference and we’re forever indebted for the time, energy, and care they’ve shown. There’s something extra special about companies that not only supply product but eagerly anticipate the end result. That kind of enthusiasm is hard to come by but they have it in spades.

Until next time,

Julia xx

More kitchens and bathrooms | Jen’s kitchen reno

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Designers Kitchens RENO ADDICT The Block

Julia and Sasha’s new reno, update 5: kitchen and laundry week

It’s instalment five of our exclusive series with former Blockheads Julia and Sasha and so much has happened! Read on for Julia’s warts and all account, some exciting developments (and, let’s be a honest, a few fails!).

Kitchen Week was by far our favourite on The Block and it was no different this time around. I mean, what’s not to love? We got to create the space of our dreams with the help of our dear friends at Freedom Kitchens. Because they’re so fab, they also mucked in with our laundry and trust me when I say she’s a beauty. You want to stick around for this one, folks.

Julia and Sasha’s Block kitchen

The kitchen is indeed the heart of the home and we started thinking about what she might look like early on. One of the best ways to maintain consistency in a property is to utilise the same cabinetry throughout, so what we installed here will be mirrored in other rooms.

After considering our options and starting way too many Pinterest boards, we settled on our trusty fave – the Shaker profile. Yes, yes, I know. We’ve used it before so why not do something different? Short answer – because it works. I’ve never met a Shaker I didn’t like and that goes for most buyers. Elsternwick is a conservative suburb so it didn’t make sense to risk the eventual sale price with anything too out there. The Shaker provides the perfect blend of classic meets contemporary and appeals to the widest market. We opted for touch joinery over handles to add a modern twist (and also because the drawers are just really fun to open).

Julia and Sasha’s other Block Kitchen. Credit: Freedom Kitchens

Once this decision was locked and loaded, it was time to think about layout. Our kitchen is the star of the open-plan space and boasts a north-eastern orientation. It needed to cater for a growing family so a butler’s pantry was a must. I fell down a rabbit hole when researching island benches before settling on a design with multiple waterfalls. Our bank account was none too impressed, but the heart wants what the heart wants! We’ve long loved Caesarstone’s Calacatta Nuvo and made plans for it to take centre stage. See, I told you it was the stuff dreams are made of!

Ahead of our appointment with Freedom Kitchens, I mocked up what I considered to be a fabulous sketch of what we were after. Alas, graphic design is not my forte and our designer took one look at it, laughed, and pulled out the red pen. Thanks for nothing, Jack! Seriously though, he was nothing short of fabulous and got our brief in seconds. Within a few short hours, he delivered a stunning space high in functionality. We never thought we’d be able to squeeze in a four-stack of appliances but he proved us wrong and I’m so glad he did.

We wanted to play on two things – height and light. We specified ultra-tall cabinets and a white finish to elongate the proportions. For a seamless transition, we kept the butler’s pantry open and integrated the double fridge/freezer from Bosch. Because our house Little Willow sits in a Jewish locale, it was important to incorporate elements of Kosher living. This meant providing multiple sinks, preparation areas, and two unique ovens.

The kitchen becoming reality. Flooring in White Smoked by Royal Oak Floors

Of course, we couldn’t do this without the amazing folk at NEFF. They’ve supplied us with the most incredible range of appliances and we feel like spoilt squids. Did someone say FlexInduction cooktop with integrated downdraft? Oh yeah, it’s going in our kitchen. How about a combi steam, coffee machine and two dishwashers? We’ve got them all as well. NEFF have seriously upped the luxury stakes and taken things to a whole new level. We couldn’t love them more.

The kitchen featuring NEFF appliances

With the kitchen sorted, it was time to turn our attention to the laundry. There was a time when this space was merely for utilities but my how things have changed. Though often compact in size, there’s so much you can do with joinery, stone, tiles and tapware. The laundry we created on The Block was a crowd favourite thanks to its white cabinetry, brass hardware and marble splashback. Truth be told, it didn’t cost the Earth, but looked more high-end than Kim Kardashian’s grill!

Julia and Sasha’s Block laundry. Credit: Urban Angles

Taking a leaf from our own book, we specified Shaker joinery throughout, plus a few open shelves. The benchtop is from Caesarstone’s latest range in the shade Intense White. Of course, a splashback isn’t a splashback unless it’s covered in marble so we locked in penny round mosaics from the excellent Beaumont Tiles. Reece always come to the party with a hint of bling and I can’t wait to show you the incredible champagne gooseneck they’re supplying, courtesy of Sussex Taps.

The laundry in progress

Now, I know that all sounds divine and almost too much to handle but we haven’t even arrived at the best bit. I have two words for you – mud room. Yep, the other side of the laundry is a dedicated mud room and 100 percent Sasha’s baby. It’s the only part of the house she had free rein on and I must admit, she nailed it. The laundry can be accessed from outside so she’s included a bench seat for removing shoes, enough cubbies to stow them in, plus storage options for school bags and stinky soccer gear. It’s all looking a bit bare right now but will soon be dressed with millions of cushions and pretty wallpaper. I’m pushing for a tropical vibe but she keeps telling me to mind my own business. Watch this space!

Admitting defeat in the mud room

Once our design was set in stone, it was time for installation. This is always my favourite part as it finally becomes real; everything you’ve carefully curated comes to life before your eyes. It only took the boys two days to build both spaces and they absolutely nailed it. Sasha picked up the drill on a few occasions because she’s a walking stereotype and can now add kitchen installer to her long list of clichéd skills!

Sash getting her hands dirty

We’re currently awaiting stone installation, then our fab plumber will be back to connect the sinks and tapware. In all honesty, we couldn’t be happier with our two heroes. They speak volumes about the quality of Little Willow and will be an absolute delight once complete. I swore I wouldn’t get too attached to this house but it’s getting increasingly difficult because it’s just too beautiful!

Stand by for a blow-by-blow of the finished product before we start spamming our Insta with summer parties and stain removal tips (any excuse to take pics of the laundry).

Until then,

Julia xx

Missed a bit? Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4

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RENO ADDICT

Top 5 tips to make laundry day a breeze

With the average Australian spending at least three hours a week on laundry (three hours?! I am definitely not part of that average), it seems that an intuitive, intelligent and efficient laundry setup is a must.

“Time and style conscious families want a laundry space jam packed with functionality and storage to create the ultimate in laundry layouts,” says Henley designer Micaela Campbell.

Here are some top tips from home builder Henley for creating a beautiful and functional laundry space.

Storage

A laundry without enough storage is like navy without gold, or a cupcake with no icing. To avoid the modern family nightmare, a combination of cupboards, drawers and shelves is a great way to cover all bases. Eliminate clutter by creating custom fit storage for brooms, detergents, dirty laundry and ironing.

Style

Gone are the days when the laundry was a sad combination of a laundry sink and cheap lino/tiles. Benchtops and built-in cabinetry that match or complement your kitchen create a look of consistency and style. Although built-in washing machines aren’t a trend (yet?), cupboards are a far better option than open shelves to keep the laundry looking neat and streamlined.

Details

Floor-to-ceiling feature tiles aren’t just reserved for bathrooms; they can create opulence and stylish function in an often overlooked laundry. Built-in solutions such as washing and ironing hampers will keep the room feeling organised, even when the laundry pile is high. Air dryers are also a chic add-on that saves energy and money, while an extended benchtop can make sorting, folding and stacking a breeze.

Colours

While white is often the go-to colour choice, light greys and teak trimming can add interesting texture and visual appeal. White and stainless steel appliances will pop against hints of colour in the tiles and benchtops.

Store, sort and stack

The laundry doesn’t have to be a tiny cubicle; larger families will benefit from a larger laundry, as the extra space is perfect for storing assorted items from family members (think cricket bats and dirty soccer boots). However, smaller spaces don’t need to skimp on functionality either, with creatively designed cupboards making good use of odd and awkward spaces.

Doing the laundry might not be fun, but it doesn’t have to be an all-day chore either.

Want more on laundries?

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT The Block

The Block series 13 hallway and laundry week room reveals!

Hallway and laundry week: the one week contestants underestimate every season. As a result three couples didn’t finish, but there were still some pretty spectacular reveals. Without further ado… the good, the bad and the ugly!

Jason and Sarah (third place with 26.5 out of 30)

With an unexpected 10 grand in their pocket, plus a challenge win, the couple decided to reach for the sky, literally, with a cathedral skylight feature in the hallway. When the judges first saw it jaws hit the floor! “Is this the hallway or the ballroom?” said Neale.

The rest of the hallway got a big tick, bar the pendants which Shaynna thought detracted from the skylights. All the judges agreed the couple had underestimated the scale of the project, with the execution letting them down. Paintwork was unfinished and even some plastering needed to be completed.

Into the laundry — with toilet, and Neale was big fan: “I don’t think I’ve ever used the word sexy to describe a laundry but I’m going to use it now!” The judges were fans of the smoked mirror, Caesarstone, dark timber, brass tapware and tiles, plus they agreed functionality was spot on. Despite not finishing, Jason and Sarah were named the most improved.

Our picks to buy: Freedom Milena basket, Beacon Lighting Saville 4 Light Pendant and Life Interiors Flynn Round Mirror

Hannah and Clint (fifth place with 22 out of 30)

I would’t want to follow Jason and Sarah’s grand hallway, but unfortunately for Hannah and Clint, someone had to do it! Neale praised the room as elegant and restrained, however the compliments stopped there. Shaynna said it felt ordinary and criticised the couple for not panelling the hallway, like they had their living room (they will, they just ran out of time). Execution was also an issue for the couple, with dirty floors and unfinished painting.

The laundry was received much more positively, Darren calling it: “Surprisingly fantastic.” The storage got big ticks, as did the benchtop, Caesarstone, tiles and colour palette. The judges liked that they had added a toilet, but criticised the lack of window treatment. Neale ended the judging by saying while the laundry had some nice touches, combined with the hallway they had a long way to go.

Our picks to buy: Ziporah Lifestyle Aura Bath Towel Bathroom Makeover Set and Freedom Modernist Console

Ronnie and Georgia (fourth place with 24.5 out of 30)

The judges immediately spotted it was unfinished. “If Ronnie and Georgia can’t finish, you know it’s bad,” said Shaynna. The hallway got praise for having drama, but Shaynna criticised the space for having Art Deco and Victorian period features: “Purists will have an issue with this.” The art got big applause, as did the linen cupboard and the separate powder room. “This is good, smart planning,” said Neale.

Finally the laundry, and the judges loved the skylight, benchtop and its spacious feel. But then some rookie errors were realised; the laundry lacked storage and the drying racks extended into the door. “I get the impression they were really rushing,” said Neale.

Our picks to buy: Anya Brock The Secrets Print, Globewest Elle Criss Cross Marble Console and Rug Addiction Bordeaux Eco Friendly Runner Rug

Sticks and Wombat (first place with 28.5 out of 30)

After some harsh criticism from the buyers’ advocates, this week Sticks and Wombat stepped it up in the styling stakes. And boy oh boy, they did well! The hallway was praised for being feminine and soft (something their rooms have lacked in the past). The judges loved the timber panelling on the walls and ceiling: “A masterstroke!” said Shaynna. The colour palette and separate toilet got big ticks, as did the execution, with their rooms being the first to be finished.

Into the laundry and the judges immediately spotted a remote control which revealed an attic ladder. “I love a gadget when it really works,” said Neale. The judges loved the storage, tiles and colour palette, with the only criticism being that the washing machine could be seen from the hallway (as the laundry had no door).

Our picks to buy: Sherren Comensoli Down Under Paper Print and Globewest Ascot Cross Console

Josh and Elyse (second place with 27 out of 30)

The couple decided to create some major drama with nine-foot ceilings and it definitely paid off. “Get out of here,” said Neale. “This is a knockout,” agreed Shaynna. The judges loved the steel door at the end of the hallway which separated the original home from the extension. Styling got commended, as did the chandelier. “Throughout the history of The Block I can’t think of a hallway that’s ever had as big an impact on me as this one,” said Neale.

Next the laundry, which was praised for its panelling, tiles and drying room. However, the judges thought it needed more storage and criticised the fact they were the only home without an extra toilet. “Is this a triumph of style over substance?” asked Neale.

Our picks to buy: Klaylife The ‘Elongated’ Clay Pendant and Steel Window Design Hallway Steel Door

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Bathrooms Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Darren Palmer’s top laundry design tips

Darren Palmer's top laundry design tips

Imagine a laundry room where everything you need is at your fingertips. Where clutter is kept cleverly out-of-sight and functionality meets style. What if we told you that it’s not just a pipe dream?!

On the recent series of The Block, the contestants cleaned up with their laundry design. My fellow judges and I were thrilled to see six very different and exciting designs that really pushed the envelope – showing that laundry design doesn’t have to play it safe.

Here are my main considerations when creating a laundry that’s both functional and fashionable.

What’s new in laundry design and styles?

There are endless style options that you can choose for your laundry – from Scandi and Hamptons to modern and industrial. A recent trend in laundry design is coordinating the style and finishes of your laundry to match other ‘wet’ areas of your home, such as the kitchen. This provides a seamless transition into this essential working space. Another big trend in traditional homes is that of the mudroom. If you’re squeezed for space, the laundry is a great way to create the mudroom look in a space that often transitions to the exterior of your home. A stylish mudroom includes upholstered seating, shaker style doors, elegant aged brass handles and even VJ panelling – lifting your laundry from the functional to the indulgent.

Don’t be afraid to be bold with your design choices. You can create any number of looks if you start with simple grey or white cabinetry as your base – then accessorise creatively. Cup handles, aged brass and porcelain sinks work to jazz up a traditional look. While matt black, subway tiles or brick with oak can give you that industrial edge. Smooth silky marble (or marble look) with bright chrome can also give your laundry that smart and classic look. You just need to work in with the rest of your home’s style or theme and apply the appropriate details.

LayoutDarren Palmer's top laundry design tips

Just like a kitchen, you have a variety of choices when it comes to the layout of your laundry – namely U-shaped, L-shaped or galley. The shape and configuration of your floorplan will dictate which layout is best for you. In a dedicated laundry, keeping the space ‘open’ is key – both from a functional and aesthetical point-of-view. When planning, consider the location of the most-used elements in your laundry – such as appliances, benchtops and the sink – plus what will be in your line-of-sight as you enter the space.

Appliances and the sink should be kept together for plumbing purposes. And ideally, you want a design that keeps appliances concealed or out of your initial line-of-sight.

StorageDarren Palmer's top laundry design tips

Storage is king in the laundry. If you design your laundry correctly, it can be so much more than just a place to launder your clothing. Maximise cabinetry as much as possible (without comprising your ability to move around the room of course). If space permits, consider tall cupboards to store items such as brooms and mops. Wall cupboards are more practical than drawers in a laundry. However, consider an internal drawer, as this will allow easy storage of items like washing powders and pegs. If you introduce open shelving to your laundry design, you can both increase storage space and create a stylish nook in what is usually considered a purely functional space. Add special touches – such as plants, candles, folded towels and stylish canisters for your washing powders and pegs – to garner instant ‘wow’ and interest in your laundry.

Bench spaceDarren Palmer's top laundry design tips

Along with storage, creating enough usable bench space is an important consideration in any laundry design. Be sure to position the benchtop to facilitate cleaning chores. This way, clothes can be pulled from laundry hampers or your washer and dryer and immediately sorted on the benchtop. Caesarstone benchtops, manufactured from 93% natural quartz, are a great option for laundries (and kitchens). They’re highly resistant to stains and scratches, and are very easy to clean. You can choose from a variety of colours – from marble-looks to beautiful and durable representations of contemporary concrete.

If working on a tight budget, you should consider contemporary laminate benchtops as a viable and aesthetically pleasing option. They’ve come a long way in recent years, and you can achieve marble or timber looks for a fraction of the price. Karlie and Will featured the new Natural Halifax Oak in their winning laundry (below). It’s a new addition to the Freedom Kitchens range – beautifully replicating the appearance and texture of solid oak, without the maintenance issues.

AppliancesDarren Palmer's top laundry design tips

Your selection of appliances and how you fit-out this space will affect the way you use your laundry. You may opt for a pair of front-loading appliances. You can fit these beneath a benchtop or simply stack a washer and dryer. Either option is a great space-saving solution that will depend on your available space and layout. Should you wish to conceal your appliances in the laundry, consider stacking them to allow the addition of an extra shelf or cupboard. As mentioned earlier, consider coordinating the style and finishes of your laundry to match other ‘wet’ areas of your home – such as the kitchen. This provides a seamless transition from the other areas of your home into this essential working space. Additionally, using the same materials as your kitchen and even bundling the two projects together can save you money in production, and also add significant value to your home.

Book a FREE in-home design appointment with a professional Freedom Kitchens’ designer or download their latest catalogue.

For more inspiration, follow them on Instagram.

 

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Bathrooms Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT Shopping

Design your bathroom, kitchen or laundry using virtual reality!

The Blue Space is revolutionising bathroom, kitchen and laundry retail with world-first Virtual Reality technology.

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“We are changing the future of buying your bathroom, kitchen and laundry with our world-leading Situ Virtual Reality technology experience powered by HTC Vive,” says The Blue Space managing director, Josh Mammoliti.

The eCommerce retailer’s incredible Virtual Reality technology allows customers to design the space to replicate their own kitchen or bathroom, then see what an almost endless range of packages would actually look like.

It even shows real lighting and reflections, from the exact position of the sun as it moves through the day, to the accurate ambience of light fixtures. It is also dimensionally accurate, within 99.9 percent, to correctly display all the fixtures and fittings in your space.

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All hardware and surfaces are also rendered in stunning real-life accuracy. “It simply takes the hassle out of shopping for a kitchen, bathroom or laundry,” Josh says.

“You can really see what each choice you make will look like in your house. You can ‘live in it’ before you buy. It helps with choice, saves time and reduces the risk of buying something you don’t actually like. And experiencing VR is lots of fun! It’s hard not to jump out of the shower if you turn the virtual water on!”

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The Blue Space consultants can help you design your space in 3D and buy what you see online. Every premium bathroom, kitchen and laundry featured on The Blue Space can be purchased as a package and delivered straight to your door.

You can experience your space in Virtual Reality at any of The Blue Space showrooms near you or with your own Virtual Reality equipment at home.

“The Blue Space is changing the future of shopping for your next kitchen, bathroom or laundry,” Josh says.

For more information click here.

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT

How to: Work with ugly plumbing

Image courtesy of Reece

By Laney Clancy

Being married to a plumber and working for a plumbing business, I know that plumbers consider a flushing toilet, clear drains and well-organised pipes a thing of beauty. But for everyone else, aesthetically plumbing scores very low on the design scale. Every property, big or small, old or new, has some plumbing feature that’s oddly placed or simply an eyesore. Here’s how to hide, complement or even enhance your plumbing to make it easier on the eye.

Image courtesy of Reece
Image courtesy of Reece

In the bathroom

Vanity units have long been the go-to solution to hide sink drain pipes but if your bathroom or powder room is too cramped you may not have room for one.

The cheapest and easiest solution is to paint the pipework. You can choose the same colour as the bathroom wall for camouflage, or choose a more decorative colour like black (just make sure you apply a PVC primer first). Another option in a natural or nautical themed bathroom is to wrap the pipes in a material like rope. The patina of copper is quite beautiful — in my home we have run copper water supply pipes against a background of a black wall. The pipes are narrow so don’t take up space and the contrast is striking.

You can also convert ugly waste traps (where the pipes bend, often in a U shape after their connection to the basin plughole) from the standard plastic white ones to shiny chrome or modern black ones.

Image courtesy of Reece
Image courtesy of Reece

If you have a budget to work with, consider a pedestal basin to contain the pipes but keep the bathroom’s sleek look. Ensure a plumber has access to the pipes though, just in case they need to be repaired.

Toilets are also unavoidable eyesores in the bathroom. A wall-hung toilet puts the cistern behind a wall but be aware this does compromise a plumber’s access for repairs in future. A close-coupled toilet is the next best option as it reduces the visual impact of the toilet while maintaining accessibility. Or distract with a feature wall or impressive wall tile that moves the eye away from the toilet.

Ventilation fans are never the most attractive thing in a bathroom and the best way to hide one is to ensure it’s the same colour as the ceiling to make it blend in. Or you can safely cover it with a decorative grate that can also be sprayed to match your ceiling colour. A more expensive option is to rearrange your lighting so the fan falls in shadow.

Image courtesy of Dan Kitchens
Image courtesy of Dan Kitchens

In the laundry

No matter how sleek your washing machine, its taps and tubes are always going to be aesthetically troublesome. With front loaders in particular, you can run the hoses behind a shelf or cupboard or under a benchtop to your sink to keep them out of.

If space is an issue, you may be able to put up a curtain or screen. Make it practical — a rod you can use to hang drying items can also support a curtain you can draw across to hide the plumbing when not in use for laundry. Hiding your laundry behind cupboard doors is another way to maintain a sleek look.

Image courtesy of Vertical Gardens Australia
Image courtesy of Vertical Gardens Australia

Outside

Rainwater collection tanks and hot water tanks are bulky and often unsightly but there are a few things you can do to hide it or make it a feature. Camouflage is one way to disguise a tank—you could paint it to match your house or fence colour. Other people simply acknowledge the tank for what it is and turn it into a feature, using it as a canvas for artwork for example.

If you have enough room, consider erecting a screen or encasement around it. There are a number of decorative screens available that draw the eye to the screen rather than what’s behind it. An encasement turns the tank into a closed area that you can treat like a shed – particularly handy if you need to keep children or pets out. If the screen or encasement can support a living wall (vertical garden) then this is a beautiful idea as the greenery from this distracts from the tank behind it.

Don’t forget the plumbing!

Plumbing is an essential part of a house and you can certainly be inventive about designing around eyesores. Don’t forget that these pipes, drains, tubes and tanks have a function first so your decorative efforts should not compromise plumbing operations. Also be aware that if a professional does need to repair something, you need to make sure the plumber can access the fixture.

Pretty plumbing? It is possible.

— Laney Clancy is the marketing and finance manager at Pipe Perfection Plumbers in Sydney. She is married to Darren, the owner of the business. Laney gets to talk to plumbers about plumbing and home maintenance a lot, and loves a good bathroom makeover.

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RENO ADDICT The Block

Caro & Kingi’s real reno week 4: indoor or outdoor laundry?

Kingi gets to work

By Caroline Tahana

We won our laundry week on The Block so the expectations for our own home laundry will be pretty high! I love to clean and to be organised. I hate to cook believe it or not, Kingi is the cook in our household so when kitchen week comes around, I might get him to blog for us!

Caro & Kingi's winning laundry on The Block
Caro & Kingi’s winning laundry on The Block

In the last two properties we have owned as a family, the laundries were outside. Growing up in my family home, our laundry was always inside. So the great debate begins! Kingi likes the outside laundry whereas I prefer one inside. I think having an outside laundry actually creates more dirt on the clothes and can damage them, whereas Kingi thinks an outside laundry is great for ventilation and less noise. But again I ask…who does the laundry in your house anyway? My point exactly! ME! So after months of arguing I finally won this round! Inside laundry it is!

This laundry had to go!
This laundry had to go!

Now when planning the new position of the laundry, where do you put it? Near the bedrooms so you can access the rooms quickly to put clothes away? Or will that be too noisy? These are the questions you need to discuss when renovating your family home. We want to position it somewhere that’s going to be close to the outside clothes line and also in an area that isn’t wasting space.

When planning a laundry just like I did on The Block, my main goal was to be practical. Think about what you need to do in a laundry. What do you want to store? Will you have a washer and a dryer? In our new renovation, we won’t be having a dryer as we live in North Queensland so that’s our dryer! But we will be having two washing machines. With Kingi’s uniforms always being covered in render, I knew from the start of these renovations that we would be having two!

Kingi gets to work
Kingi gets to work

I want to make sure that there is enough storage for everything: brooms, mops and buckets! This space is purely practical. It isn’t a space the whole family will be spending a lot of time in so don’t overdo it. The laundry shouldn’t take a big chunk out of your budget either. Pick some cheaper tiles than what you would use in your bathroom. Your guests won’t be using your laundry so you don’t need to impress anyone here! But the one component I would spend a bit more money on would be your cabinetry. I would recommend storage with doors, you want to hide all those cleaning bottles! Our laundry will also include a massive sink. We got big points for this on The Block! You need to be able to wash a small dog in there and to be able to soak any sheets (mums, I know you hear me on this one!)

If you’re about to tackle some renovations at home, I would always suggest starting in the laundry. It’s a great area to learn and make any little mistakes in. No one will really see this area too much so if you make a bad choice then it’s really not going to affect the whole house. Doing a laundry first will also teach you the process of what’s involved in a “wet area” and this will be a great learning experience before you tackle your bathrooms!

Caro and Kingi’s top tips this week:

  1. Plan your storage solutions – Think about what you have in your laundry now and how you want to store it better.
  2. Pick cheaper tiles – I would recommend neutral colours as they are normally cheaper.
  3. Research online – you can save heaps when buying online! We recommend www.renovatorstore.com.au

Check out Caro & Kingi’s website | Follow them on Facebook or Instagram

Categories
Bathrooms Before & Afters Design Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: tired rental transformed into chic owner-occupied abode

After several years of hard time as a rental, this Sydney apartment undertook a major cosmetic renovation when its owner decided to move back in, and the results are fabulous.

Before Kitchen

BEFORE kitchen

After kitchen AFTER kitchen

From paint to lighting, window coverings, flooring and storage, the apartment was entirely stripped back making way for a new kitchen, bathroom, laundry and two bedrooms – all in under four months.

“The client wanted a contemporary home with a touch of luxury and she loved black and white,” says interior designer and decorator Anoushka Allum of Smartspace Interiors who accented the monochromatic colour brief with pops of bright colour.

Before laundry BEFORE laundry

After laundry AFTER laundry

“We had a generous budget, given the size of the apartment, which allowed me to use premium features,” says Anoushka.

“The bathroom was the biggest concern, as the client wanted a full sized bath and to achieve this we had to remove a wall,” says Anoushka who used on-trend black bathroom fixtures, and a black and white cement floor tile, for a contemporary finish.

Before bathroom

BEFORE bathroom

After bathroom AFTER bathroom

The bathroom layout was altered completely to improve its use of space and to allow for the addition of a bath and storage.

The laundry floorplan was reconfigured and major cosmetic changes were made to overhaul the space too. “I added extra lighting and a colourful yellow splash back to make this windowless area brighter,” says Anoushka.

Web Bathroom Lane Cove 2 AFTER bathroom

The black and white theme continued in the kitchen which features a black counter, white subway tile and the same floor tile as the bathroom, for continuity – TeraNova supplied the tiles throughout.

The shaker-style doors add a classic element to what is an otherwise contemporary scheme and Castlewood Kitchens created all of the apartment’s new cabinetry.

Web Bedroom Lane Cove 1 AFTER main bedroom

AFTER living room
AFTER living room

One major change, that you wouldn’t necessarily notice at first, is the addition of thoughtful storage – essential for keeping the interior tidy and making it seem larger. “The introduction of quality storage in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom improved functionality and allows for an uncluttered space,” says Anoushka.

Web Study Lane Cove AFTER study

Soft furnishings had a major part to play too with the finishing touches providing colour and texture throughout – King Living, BoConcept, Globe West, Forty Winks and La Maison were the main suppliers. Abstract prints, Morrocan-printed wallpaper and touches of elegant grey all worked to transform the space into a stylish, contemporary abode.

Web living room extra AFTER lounge room

“I added artworks, accessories and soft furnishings and the results were striking. The design has created an impactful first impression which is fun and vibrant whilst still elegant and cohesive,” says Anoushka.

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Appliances RENO ADDICT

Your guide to the latest laundry trends

With contestants on The Block teasing us with stylish yet functional laundries, it’s not surprising to learn that kitchens aren’t the only rooms enjoying a few tasteful remakes. The Good Guys Kitchens designer, Julie Hanover, shares the latest trends making waves in laundries.

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Custom built cabinetry It is becoming increasingly popular to renovate laundries in conjunction with kitchens, and built-in cabinetry is at the top of the trend to maximise space. Using your kitchen company to also design your laundry means you’ll enjoy complementing joinery, as well as saving time and money.

Concealed storage Tall utility cupboards for ironing boards and built-in solutions like baskets and hampers mean you can enjoy a stylish and clutter-free laundry.

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Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg Front Load Washer

Benchtops Gone are the days of the freestanding steel tub. Sleek Silestone benchtops dominate with their seamless built-in sinks, providing plenty of space for sorting and folding. Laminate benchtops will also do the trick (and be softer on your wallet).

Details It’s the little things that count, right? Although you don’t generally show off your laundry, you might have a reason to with the abundance of feature tiles and smooth, shiny handles on offer. Decorative and under cabinet lighting would help show off those stylish features as well as provide some much needed lighting to a generally dim room.

Appliances The main reason for the existence of your laundry is, of course, to house your washing machine and dryer. These come in many different shapes and sizes, and feature plenty of different functions, so it’s important to find the ones that best suit the needs of your household.

Samsung 8kg Heat Pump Dryer
Samsung 8kg Heat Pump Dryer

Washing machines To front load or to top load? That is the question. To save space, front loaders can be stacked on top of one another. A stacking kit can help save space not only by stacking your washer and dryer, but also by incorporating a handy pull-out shelf to hold your laundry items. With modern technology comes a hoard of available features, from steam eco washes to live Twitter streams (ok, I may have made that one up). Don’t get too carried away with all the extra features – focus on the functions that will best suit your lifestyle, such as size and water efficiency.

Dryers Dryers are expensive to run, so keep an eye on those little energy star ratings stickers when buying. The capacity of your dryer is determined by how much you want to fit in each load, with a larger drum size suiting larger households. Obviously, you don’t want anything that impedes on the functionality of the rest of your laundry, so keep in mind the space you have set aside for your dryer. If you’re not much of an ironer like me, a smaller but faster dryer will result in fewer creases (as well as a smaller energy bill).

Categories
Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Neale Whitaker’s 5 tips for a Block-tastic laundry renovation

Whitney and Andy's Laundry -

This season, contestants on The Block have been tasked with a massive challenge, to create stylish, functional spaces in an octagonal-shaped building. I don’t envy them!

Whitney and Andy's Laundry -
Whitney and Andy’s Laundry – featuring the grey-toned Silestone Steel with a slimline 20mm edge.

Last week’s laundry reveals proved particularly interesting, with contestants embracing bold contrasts within the odd-shaped spaces to create unique, modern designs. Now judge Neale Whitaker shares his top tips for designing a Block-tastic laundry!

1. Laundries should take stylistic cues from the kitchen or bathroom 

If you’re looking to mix things up in the laundry, be sure to use your kitchen or bathroom for inspiration in terms of tile choice, surfaces and colour palette.

2. Functionality is king

Dean and Shay's laundry -
Dean and Shay’s laundry – featuring the modern shade of Silestone with a 20mm edge.

With so much happening in the laundry, functionality needs to be at the centre of your design plan. Aesthetics are important but purpose is the primary consideration. Nobody says it shouldn’t look good but the laundry is a hard-working room! Dean and Shay have done this perfectly in their laundry, through the strategic positioning of their sink and in-built cabinetry over their bench space.

3. Think of your storage needs 



Kingi and Caro's laundry
Kingi and Caro’s laundry – featuring the speckled white of Silestone Blanco Maple Orna with a 20mm edge.

When designing your laundry it’s important to be realistic about your storage needs. Kingi and Caro have definitely thought about this in their design with both short and long cupboards in their space.

4. Neutral palettes are the safest option 



Luke and Ebony's Laundry - fetauring
Ebony and Luke’s Laundry – fetauring the stunning Silestone Ariel with a 20mm edge.

Your laundry needs longevity and durability, so neutral palettes are generally the best option. Ebony and Luke have done just that, partnering the muted tones of Silestone Ariel against dark tiling.

5. Non-porous surfaces are your best friend in the laundry 

As the laundry is a high traffic and wet space, non-porous surfaces are a must. Four out of the five couples used Cosentino’s Silestone range, as it offers durability against water damage, stains, heat and even knocks and scratches.

For more on Cosentino.

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Appliances

How to choose a washing and drying machine

Washing and drying your laundry has long been a tedious chore, but picking the right washer and dryer to suit your needs can end up saving you a lot of time and money. This means you can worry less about the dirty clothes and worry more about what new clothes you can buy and throw in next time! Below, The Good Guys appliance experts offers tips to consider when purchasing your next laundry appliance.

Copyright Eliot Cohen - Zeitgeist Photographyemail: eliot@zeitgeist.com.au
Photo credit: Zeitgeist Photography
  • Before purchasing, understand what you want out of your washer or dryer. Differences in capacity, energy and water efficiency, preferred programs and cycles are important considerations for your purchase. Thinking long-term about how you plan to use your appliances will also ensure you get the most out of what you spend.
  • Size is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a washing machine. A capacity of 6kg-to-7kg will be enough for a typical family of four but smaller families should opt for more compact models. Do not be tempted by cheaper alternatives; if you are using your appliance twice as much as you expect, it will actually cost you more in the long run.
  • Look out for Energy Star Rating and Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) labels to give you an idea of how energy-efficient and water efficient your appliance is. The higher the number of stars, the more environmentally friendly.
  • In terms of the debate between front-load and top-load washers, a front-loader’s greatest claimed advantage is generally improved water and energy efficiency. Top-loaders require enough water to cover all the clothes in its drum. Front loaders require less amounts of water because water sits horizontally in the machine. This means as the drum turns, gravity will consistently submerge your clothes back in the water.
Copyright Eliot Cohen - Zeitgeist Photographyemail: eliot@zeitgeist.com.au
Photo credit: Zeitgeist Photography
  • Typically, front-loaders can be more expensive than traditional top-loaders as they present higher spinning mechanisms. The higher the spin, the less water is left in your laundry, which means shorter drying time and energy saved.
  • Only run your appliances with a full load and use cold water in your washing machine whenever possible. In a warm wash, 80 per cent of the energy is associated with heating the water, so cold washing will use less than one-quarter of the energy.
  • As much as front-loaders provide you the opportunity to be stacked on a companion dryer, families with limited space in their laundry should consider a washer-dryer combo. However, this means you can’t wash and dry loads of washing at the same time.
  • Heat Pump dryers, whilst more expensive, have a six star energy efficiency whereas most other dryers are between one and two stars. If you are a regular dryer user, Heat Pump dryers in the long run are a better option and will save you money over time investing in a more efficient unit.
  • Understanding the space you can utilise will restrict the type of dryer you can purchase and whether you need to wall mount the dryer or not – not every model can be mounted. As a result, you might need to opt for a vented (which require plumbing and installation) or condenser dryer. Also, capacity should be a key consideration as the more space around your clothes, the quicker they will dry.

Visit The Good Guys’ website for more information.

Categories
Appliances

LG’s SmartWasher washing machine: a top loader that thinks it’s a front loader

The big debate: a top loader versus a front loader. Both have their pros and cons. A top loader is super convenient but not so sensitive to your clothes (thanks to its agitator), and a front loader? Well it’s the complete opposite. So which to choose?image13Well LG have come up with a pretty great solution. With their new SmartWasher washing machine range offering the convenience of a top loader, with the features usually associated with a front loader.

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The LG SmartWasher uses a combination of six motions, based on hand-washing movements to provide an outstanding wash, whilst caring for your clothes. The drum moves in a range of unique customised motions so the washing cycle is not just dictated by speed and temperature, but the actual movements of the drum. Better yet, the unique combinations of motions for each different type of cycle cover most laundry needs – from woollen winter items to sportswear and delicate fabrics.

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LG also have the only range of top loaders in Australia that feature on-board heaters, offering 60°C Allergen and 40°C Stain Care courses to help remove common household allergens and stubborn stains. But my favourite part of the washing machine is that there’s no agitator in sight, meaning you no longer have to spend ages unknotting wet laundry!

Other great features include: wide-view glass soft-closing lid, touch LED display and a 10-year direct drive motor warranty.

For more information.

Categories
Bathrooms House Tours RENO ADDICT The Block

Triple room reveal on last night’s Block

I really couldn’t get TOO excited about last night’s room reveals because they were so utilitarian. I’ve never renovated and although I love wine, I currently can’t drink it because I’m pregnant, so maybe that’s why! Or the fact that a wine cellar is something so South Yarra is it outside most people’s reality, but a great feature for what will be luxury homes, nonetheless!

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I was not surprised Dee and Daz won but I think they all did pretty well. Although I’m a little worried my favourite couple (personality wise) Ayden & Jess are losing their touch and I hated those brown mosaic tiles! Tim & Anastasia seem to be seriously lifting their game while Charlotte & Josh, bless them, but I just can’t get too excited. Here’s what the judges had to say…

Charlotte & Josh

The judges said their powder room was simple and elegant. Darren said it was just the right balance and liked the finish on the taps. Neale loved the tiny basin and Shaynna loved the touches of texture and personality. They all agreed it was almost perfect but they needed to be careful with attention to detail. And Shaynna thought the tap was too long for the basin.

Our pick to buy: Timber vanity shelf.

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Shaynna said the laundry was like an oasis in a battlefield and a good size. Neale said it wasn’t a show pony but it had everything you’d want in a laundry. They were disappointed not to see a laundry chute but thought the speakers were a nice touch.

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Then to the cellar. They loved the recycled timber wine rack. Neale said it was a serious cellar, beautifully done. And they all loved the storage area too. Then they cracked open a bottle and discovered it was full of coloured water! And were impressed by their money-saving ingenuity!

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Tim & Anastasia: came a close second

All the judges were impressed by the size of the powder room. Neale said it had a feel of luxury and grandeur similar to last week’s bedroom. Shaynna was worried they were spending a bit too much money too soon, like on underfloor heating in the powder room. But Darren said why not in chilly Melbourne? Neale loved the styling. Darren said the execution and finishes were up to their usual standard.

Our pick to buy: Unika pendant light.

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It was compliments all round for the laundry too. Darren said it felt well finished, resolved and really beautiful but needed better paintwork. Shaynna said a laundry chute would have been nice. Darren said he was very confident that they were on the right path now.

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They all agreed the cellar was a serious cellar and they had put a lot of time and money into the wine collection. Neale said it was impressive in its simplicity. Shaynna preferred a moodier cellar and said that there were too many lights. It was all going so well until they realised how dangerous the glass door with no stopper was against a concrete bulkhead…

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Ayden & Jess

Neale and Darren and Shaynna loved the light and bright powder room and the restraint in only putting hex tiles on one wall! They thought the sliding door was a smart move.

Our pick to buy: Sigma mirror.

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Onto the laundry. Neale loved it and said they had their confidence and mojo back. Shaynna liked the overall functionality but noted there was nowhere for an ironing board.

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And in the cellar it got controversial! (Come on, all those compliments and agreements were getting kind of dull!). Darren thought the idea of drinking down there at a couple of stools facing the wall was ridiculous and reeked of a lonely afternoon! Neale really liked the idea of it though. Darren said it was a step back into the mid-nineties. Shaynna said it didn’t convey the same feeling of luxury as the laundry and power room. Darren hated the paint colour on the walls and Shaynna said they weren’t romancing the buyer and it was like a basic storage cabinet. Neale argued again, saying he felt very comfortable in there. They all agreed the painting was a mess.

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Darren & Dea: WINNERS by half a point!

They all loved the powder room on first glance and Darren said Dea had a really refined eye for detailed design. Shaynna said the styling was beautiful and details gorgeous but the painting was bad quality. Neale said poor finishing was particularly inexcusable for the Double Ds because they’d been there and done it before.

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Shaynna thought the laundry was beautiful, especially the benchtop. And when she finally found her first laundry chute she was over the moon! Neale said it was simple but oozed luxury. They loved the storage room too.

Our pick to buy: Planet Luxe laundry products.

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Of course they couldn’t fail to be completely blown away by that amazing cellar! Shaynna realised it was the same storage system Ayden and Jess used but because it was full of wine and painted the same colour as the wall it looked much better. She said it was beautiful. Neale said they’d now seen three great cellars and one amazing one! Shaynna said it was too warm for keeping wine but visually absolutely stunning.

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 What did you think about the triple reveal? Did the right couple win?

Categories
Appliances

Common laundry mistakes with wool & how to easily avoid them

Gone are the days when washing and caring for your wool garments was a challenging and time-consuming process. AEG can help you avoid wool care disasters with some expert advice and a few simple instructions. You’ll never have to spend days hand washing your woollies again! 

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Washing

  1. Look out for the Woolmark Apparel Care logo on washing machines and tumble dryers to know your wool will be properly cared for.
  2. Remove lipstick, make-up or shoe polish by gently rubbing with a lint-free cloth soaked in turpentine, spot cleaning spray or fluid, and rinse with mild soapy water.
  3. Always turn your garments inside out for laundering to prolong the ‘as new’ surface appearance of the garment.
  4. Use your washing machine on the wool setting if it has one, to help reduce shrinkage by gradually reducing the temperature before the rinse phase.
  5. Use a special programme, such as the AEG steam programme, to refresh your clothes, including those labelled dry clean only to remove odours and reduce creasing.

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Care

  1. Rest wool garments for 24 hours before wearing again. This gives the natural resilience and spring in the wool fibre time to recover and return to its original shape.
  2. Wool garments can be refreshed after unpacking or wearing by hanging them in a steamy bathroom. Moisture from the steam will remove wrinkles.
  3. To remove cigarette or food odours, lay wool garments flat on a bed or towel for an hour. Woven garments may be hung in fresh air or on a suitable hanger.

From wear to care and fleece to fashion, AEG, The Woolmark Company and Camilla and Marc have partnered to create a Wool Wear and Care Guide to share their insider tips and tricks of the trade. You can download it here.

Categories
Appliances Travel

The $50 life-changing appliance: the Kambrook handheld garment steamer

I’m heading to Dubai next week and it reminded me I lost my trusty garment steamer on our big Europe trip. I have just ordered another because I simply cannot travel without it and it’s worth every dollar!

It’s a big statement, I know, but the Kambrook Swift Steam Garment Steamer is a bit of a life changer. OMG I am in love with it. And the good news is, it’s less than $50!

Kambrook Swift Steam Garment Steamer (KSS20)

I’ve ALWAYS wanted one of those garment steamers but they tend to be bulky and pricey. I really hate ironing. And anything laundry-related in fact. In the division of labour at our house, laundry is Damian’s domain (he may not thank me for revealing that) but that doesn’t (sadly) include ironing. Where possible, I’ll avoid it. This includes ignoring plenty of lovely clean clothes in favour of others, made more appealing by the fact they either don’t need ironing (or I can get away with it). It makes for a limited wardrobe but luckily I work from home and wear a lot of jeans.

Continue reading “The life-changing appliance: the Kambrook handheld garment steamer”
Categories
House Tours The Block

The Block Glasshouse: Apartment six final reveals

Once again, I think the judges made the right call on picking Michael and Carlene’s laundry as the winner last night. The fact that a laundry is such a hard room to impress with made their gorgeous space even more worthy, don’t you think? And yes, Max and Karstan’s terrace was fabulous, but let’s be fair, they paid the experts to pull that off for them. While it’s not against the rules, there would have been some serious bad feeling if they’d won, right?!

Here’s that lovely laundry (and powder room) from Michael and Carlene. Pretty and practical:

The Block in Melbourne

(Read our tips on how to turn your laundry into a beautiful, multi-purpose hub)

The Block in Melbourne

Chris and Jenna’s living room: I didn’t like this one. Sorry guys! Too much TV, too much black, and I’m not a massive fan of yellow.

Apt 6 R2 CJ LivingDining EA 06

Dee and Darren’s kitchen: This was not a patch on the kitchen in their own apartment but still very nice. Couldn’t really knock anything about it but thought it lacked a bit of personality. Loved the timber pendants.

Apt 6 R2 DD Kitchen EA 11

Max and Karstan’s terrace: Gorgeous! And works so well with the inside I think. But, as mentioned before, the pair can’t take much credit for this one. Maybe we should be applauding their smart decision to outsource though?

The Block in Melbourne

Shannon and Simon’s terrace: LOVED the fire pit and thought this space really worked well in general. Nice and neutral with timber for warmth. A cosy space I’d love to curl up and have a drink in!

The Block in Melbourne

Buy what you loved from these rooms in The Block Shop.

Auctions on Sunday! Eeeek! Who do you think is going to win?!

Read all our Block coverage.

Categories
Bathrooms Expert Tips

Transform your laundry into a beautiful multi-purpose hub

By Laney Clancy

I have sometimes looked at photos of laundries of the likes of Martha Stewart and found myself daydreaming about ironing clothes in a pristine sunlit room with French doors and then happily spending hours sorting coloured from whites… Yeah right! Seriously though, while we can’t all have the luxury of space and unlimited budgets to make over the humble laundry, we can inject life and style to hopefully make laundry day a bit more pleasant. Whether you have a tiny room or an expansive one, here are some tips to improve the functionality of one of the home’s busiest space.

Clever features with a load of functionality

PPP_Laundry by Richard Cole Architecture_Photo by Simon Wood Photography
Laundry by Richard Cole Architecture. Photo: Simon Wood Photography

The key to laundry makeovers is doing away with all pre-conceived ideas about what a laundry should look like:

1)   Replace the ugly laundry tub with a half small kitchen-style sink and a more versatile, pull-out vegie sprayer.

2)   Consider a bench over the washing machine if possible and squeeze in as many cupboards as aesthetically possible. Use them to hide washing machine taps – us plumbers are the only ones who need to see them!

3)   Add a rod under the top cupboards, or a ceiling-mounted drying rack to hang items to dry.

Multipurpose your laundry

PPP_Laundry by Dan Kitchens_2
Laundry by Dan Kitchens

You can make the most of the laundry by having it do double duty:

1)   Install a spare loo to improve your house’s toilet-to-people ratio.

2)   Use it as a mud room, or as an alternative entry to the house if access is convenient. Add some hooks for wet raincoats, bags and shelving for sports bags and you’re set!

3)   Consider a pet-washing station.

Maintenance mojo

PPP_Laundry by Dan Kitchens
Laundry by Dan Kitchens

Floods due to a burst hose or valve are one of the most common insurance claims, with damages costing several thousand dollars, so maintenance goes beyond just cleaning the lint filter.

1)   Ensure appropriate ventilation.

2)   Change the washing machine hoses and valves every two years and keep a reasonable gap between appliances and the wall to prevent kinked hoses and blockages.

3)   Install flood-stop valves to close the pipes and stop the flow of water in the event of an overflow.

Inject some style

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The phrase ‘glam laundry’ is not an oxymoron; there are loads of ways to inject some style into your laundry. Use colour to add interest with paint, tiles and splashbacks. Just make sure your paint is designed to withstand humidity and ideally has chemicals that prevent the formation of unhygienic mold and mildew.

You can add some warmth with wood in your furnishings or cabinetry or bright accessories for pops of colour. Some of our clients have had beautiful framed artworks and funky lighting hanging in their laundries, and others have used plants to warm up their space. The idea is to not be restricted in your thinking, simply because it’s a laundry.

What’s your best laundry makeover tip?

– Laney Clancy is the marketing and finance manager at Pipe Perfection Plumbers in Sydney, a business that includes specialist Enviroplumbers and more.