So if your garage door is looking a little downtrodden (extreme use and extreme weather are the primary culprits), a lick of paint could be just the DIY job to tackle this weekend.
The materials required
Wire brush or sandpaper
Bucket
Dishwashing detergent
Hammerite Garage Door paint
Newspaper or drop sheet
Paint brush
The foolproof method
Remove rust and loose paint with a wire brush or coarse sandpaper.
Using water and a diluted detergent wash the garage door down thoroughly to remove all dust, grease and dirt which may prevent the paint from sticking to the surface. Rinse with clean water.
Place a drop sheet or newspaper around the surrounding area to catch any spills or drips.
Ensure the garage door is completely dry before painting.
For best results apply two coats of Hammerite Garage Door Paint. You will need to apply second coat after 16 hours.
AT $34.75 per 750ml tin, this paint makes for a cheap DIY project.
Bright fuchsia carpet, pastel blue and pink walls and emerald green velvet make for a fabulously opulent feel in this Melbourne family home that was renovated recently by the team at The Stylesmiths, with lead designer Danielle Brustman at the helm. The homeowners were keen to create a more ‘adult-friendly’ vibe given their children have grown up, and what emerged certainly filled the brief.
Dining room
“The makeover was inspired by the clients’ love for the fabulously eclectic New York apartment of American-Italian model Carmen Dell’Orefice which is artistic and chic but not too precious. The project aim was to create a mix of re-purposed vintage furniture with the kitsch, embracing the client’s poster and print collections,” says The Stylesmiths creative director Richard Misso of the 19th Century Victorian weatherboard home.
Bedroom
“The lead designer Danielle, with an eye for colour, materials and composition felt that the furnishings, surfaces and fixtures were outdated, which made the home dull. Bringing fresh eyes we injected more personality, colour, elegance and style. Receptive to these changes the clients entrusted in The Stylesmiths to integrate their original pieces of art with sentimental family value, whilst considering a matching palette that incorporated a broad spectrum of colour throughout,” says Richard.
And they certainly embraced colour! Each room is painted with a different colour swatch including base tones made up of soft, muted pastel pinks and blues. As a colour fan, I love how monochromatic each space is and I’m not surprised that the project was a finalist in the 2018 Dulux Colour Awards.
Lounge room
“It was important to look at the house and scheme as a whole. The process involves creating a spread of swatches, fabrics and materials throughout the home to ensure that the balance works throughout the entire scheme,” says Richard who explains that strong contrasting tones formed the icing on the cake. “Deep green, navy, black, gold and magenta were layered via furnishings, paint, wallpaper and surface treatments,” says Richard.
The renovation included several fabulous upcycling projects too. The living room features reupholstered, well-loved art deco chairs that look completely fresh courtesy of a sumptuous bottle green velvet and the family’s circular dining table now features Japanese black lacquer legs and a black glass top.
The dining room features an upcycled dining table.
The home also boasts an abundance of texture. “We worked with layers of texture to mix things up. We used a combination of very shiny and reflective glass surfaces alongside rich velvets and earthy wool/linen and leather textures. Mixing it up gives each space a unique feel. We went to town with velvet on this project too,” says Richard.
Percy St residence, Bagnoli Architects. Photography: Ari Hatzis
In its 32nd year, this year’s Dulux Colour Awards had a record number of entries (more than 300) from across Australia and New Zealand, many of which were pretty incredible. I’ve no doubt the judging panel (including industry luminaries Miriam Fanning, David Flack and David Hicks) had a tough time of it before the awards were handed down recently at a gala event at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Hawthorn residence, Bagnoli Architects. Photographer: Ari Hatzis
Taking out the top award in the ‘Single Residential Interior’ category was the ‘Percy St’ residence by Bagnoli Architects. The original Victorian cottage was renovated and extended and features the most glorious pastel paint shades.
Dulux Colour Awards 2018 – Single Residential Interior winner. Percy St by Bagnoli Archiects. Photographer: Ari Hatzis
“Underpinned by an innovative approach to its philosophy and execution, this entry has a beautiful energy and innocence, which captures the essence of what the Dulux Colour Awards mean to us. The exploration of colour is soft and serene, yet commanding, and responds to the architectural form rather than being simply applied to a surface. With greys, blacks and splashes of colour, the interior scheme flows seamlessly to the exterior, demonstrating how the consideration of colour in a design concept can add light and depth to a home,” says judge David Flack.
Dulux Colour Awards 2018. Percy St Residence by Bagnoli Architects. Photography: Ari Hatzis. Styling: Ruth Welsby
Special commendation went to Fiona Lynch’s ‘Elsternwick House’ project which another grand Victorian restoration. “This classically beautiful and sophisticated residence has been pared back for all the right reasons, and the monochromatic palette fits the architecture: white and black highlight structural elements and openings, while a range of greys tint the walls,” says David.
Image credit: Dulux Colour Awards 2018 – Single Residential Interior commendation. Elsternwick House by Fiona Lynch. Photographer: Sharyn Cairn
Another special commendation went to Arent&Pyke’s ‘Amarelo Terrace’ project which is a glorious celebration of blue. “The considered delivery of the whole project, fully resolved in composition, style and design, is evident here. It wasn’t forced, and results in a timelessness that is heightened by clever layering, materiality of finishes and an intimacy in the design and use of colour,” says David.
Image credit: Dulux Colour Awards 2018 – Single Residential Interior commendation. Amarelo Terrace by Arent&Pyke. Photographer: Felix Forest
The ‘Multi-residential Interior’ category was taken out by Perth architect Simon Pendal for his daring ‘North Perth Townhouse’ project. “A clear, concise concept at the heart of this entry separates it from the rest. With bold hues cutting through a base of white, the internal spaces are cleverly defined, while a play of gloss and matte paint finishes adds another dimension to the form. There is no subtlety here; instead there’s an unwavering commitment to the use of contrasting tones to delineate the interior,” says David.
Image credit: Dulux Colour Awards 2018 – Multi Residential Interior winner. North Perth Townhouse by Simon Pendal Architect. Photographer: Robert FrithImage credit: Dulux Colour Awards 2018 – Multi Residential Interior winner. North Perth Townhouse by Simon Pendal Architect. Photographer: Robert Frith
I’ve long been a fan of a colourful front door. It’s always baffled me as to why most are painted in basic neutrals because, given the relatively small surface area, it’s a low-risk gambit. Plus, aside from being a cheap and easy home refresh, it’s also a great opportunity to embrace the latest colour trends.
This front door is painted in Taubmans Pink Dust, a lovely pastel tone.
It’s a view shared by ex-Blockheads Julia and Sasha who opted for a very punchy lilac colour on the front door of their latest renovation. “There’s something extra special about arriving at a property and to be greeted by an unexpected pop of colour. It gives an aura of Notting Hill by adding instant character to any home,” says Julia Treule.
Julia and Sasha’s fabulous front door is painted in Taubmans Lavendula
“We knew we wanted a variation of lilac from the get-go to reflect our love of pastels. Once we had swatched Lavendula, we fell in love straight away as it set the most wonderful tone for our home and we often find ourselves standing in the garden just to stare at it,” says Julia.
Taubmans Suddenly Sapphire is the feature paint on the door and porch of this heritage home
From orange to sapphire, emerald, aqua and pink, there there is a veritable kaleidoscope of colour to choose from. Plus, a signature front door colour is also a great way to introduce your home’s feature colour upon arrival. For instance, in my own home (below) I chose a bright yet muted/pastel blue (the husband vetoed pink!) which is a shade that runs throughout our house. It works well with the other colours on the outside of the home too – a crisp white and black.
My front door. It’s painted in Taubmans Kingston Aqua.
The white paint/bright door combination is another technique that Julia and Sasha employed to really harness the front door as a focal point, when it came to their lavender door. “Choosing the right white for your home is one of the most difficult decisions as there are so many around. We decided to go with Taubmans Crisp White to add a contemporary edge to our heritage abode. It’s striking in its simplicity and has passers-by desperate to see inside,” says Julia.
I LOVE this door painted in Taubmans Irish Stone – it really makes the brass knocker pop.
Reflecting the eclectic nature of contemporary interiors, the latest Haymes Paint colour forecast is a real mixed bag, but in the best way possible. From earthy tones to moody jewel tones and primary colours, the latest collection (Volume 10) is organised into three themes and is anything but dull.
The Streetscape palette features muted primary tones
“Volume 10 is our most diverse collection yet, with the introduction of texture to The Colour Library. All three themes feature some tactile new colours and texture from our Artisan Range, which launched late last year,” says Wendy Rennie, colour and concept manager at Haymes Paint.
The Unearthed palette
“A one size fits all attitude is no longer applicable in a modern, multi-cultural society. We wanted Volume 10 to feature contrasting palettes and textures to highlight the different ways that we as individuals navigate our daily lives,” says Wendy.
The Verge palette features a sumptuous berry colour
Unearthed The most subdued of the three themes, Unearthed is inspired by rural Australian landscapes and, more specifically, the earth under our feet. Mud, soil and bark were the organic inspiration behind this soothing mix of hues that includes warm charcoal, tan, rich red and rust tones.
Unearthed paletteUnearthed palette
Verge
The moodiest of the three palettes, Verge is the perfect fit for the forthcoming cooler months with its sumptuous, dark hues. Berry, plum, teal and midnight make for a sultry mix that is all about calm.
Verge paletteVerge palette
Streetscape
Urban inspired, Streetscape features a muted take on primary colours with coral, mustard, bright blue and aqua the stars. Haymes Paint looked to the streets and laneways of our larger cities for inspiration with this palette that is designed to capture the energy of inner city, multicultural life.
Renovations are expensive. Very expensive. And by the time you get to landscaping, it’s fair to say your budget has well and truly dried up. So when there’s an opportunity to cut down on costs but not sacrifice on quality or style…well, I’m all ears!
ModularWalls is a smart DIY option which has the look of a rendered brick wall, for just a fraction of the price. ModularWalls can be used for boundary fences to pool walls, or even to retainup to 750mm of soil; perfect for pools, sloped blocks and garden beds. Plus, no engineered footings or trades needed!
Made specifically for harsh Australian conditions, they are super durable and also reduce noise; ideal if you live on a busy road. But best yet, they’re fully customisable! You can add aluminium or timber slats, gates, lighting and letterboxes, or finish it with tiles, cladding, or paint in any colour of your choosing.
So they’re stylish, versatile and good quality. Tick, tick and tick. But what about the installation? How easy can it be to install a wall yourself?
Turns out, very. Installation is simply a matter of digging some holes, concreting the posts into position, sliding in the panels and finishing the fence as you desire — check out the video below if you don’t believe me! It can easily be done in a weekend, with no DIY experience required. The walls don’t even require council permission when they’re under 1.8m high, making the installation even simpler.
Still hesitant? Don’t be. ModularWalls provides tailored advice on style and materials, easy-to-follow installation guides, videos and 7-day phone support. But if DIY is still not for you, they also offer professional installation via their national network of Trade Partners.
Need some inspiration? Below are some of our favourite ModularWalls looks.
White and bright: Let the plants do the talking by using a solid, white backdrop. This helps bring a fresh, bright look to your garden and the colourful blooms will look amazing.
Drama, drama: A dramatic look, having a dark wall showcases your garden’s spectrum of colours and lends a modern feel to your property.
Keep it natural: A fence in natural tones perfectly complements the plants and creates a look that is simple and subtle. Suitable for all styles, the earthy wall colours blend beautifully with any garden.
Be bold: Feature panels can be a fun way to juxtapose materials and give your garden splashes of colour and depth.
Step it up: If your block is sloped, retaining walls can create the perfect tiered garden. Not only are they a good use of space, the gravity-fed irrigation system makes maintenance so much easier.
With a record-breaking 305 entries from Australia and New Zealand, this year’s Dulux Colour Awards is perhaps its best yet. From blue to yellow, green and pink the bold and inventive use of colour this year is next level – honestly, there are so many amazing finalists I found it hard to play favourites.
That pale blue is beautifully sophisticated. ‘The Matlock House by Danielle B for The Stylesmiths. Photographer: Nicole England
“We were thrilled to see such dynamic and inventive use of colour in this year’s entries. Architects and designers have really pushed the boundaries with colour application to create uplifting, engaging – and often thoroughly surprising – interior and exterior spaces,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour planning and communications manager.
Such inventive use of colour. ‘Modernist Wonderland’ by WOWOWA Architecture. Photographer: Martina Gemmola
A celebration of the exceptional use of colour, this year’s 305 entries have been eliminated down to a list of 124 finalists (across commercial and residential spaces) with the final awards due to be presented at a gala event on May 10, 2018 at the National Gallery of Victoria. The judging panel includes design experts including David Hicks, Miriam Fanning and David Flack.
Fitzroy North Townhouse by Lisa Breeze Architect. Photographer: Caitlin Mills
“Darker tones of black and charcoal continue to dominate in commercial and exterior spaces, but this year they’ve been punctuated with fun, vibrant accents of red, yellow and lime green in the form of panelling, door and window trims. There’s an unmistakable sense of 80’s nostalgia creeping in,” says Andrea.
North Perth townhouse by Simon Pendal Architect. Photographer: Robert Frith.
“At the other end of the spectrum, we’re seeing a trend towards softer, warmer palettes in commercial interiors – chalky grey-greens, diluted pinks and earthy terracotta that add character and a cocooning vibe,” says Andrea.
I love that chalky grey green. ‘Classic Mosman’ by Ann King Design. Photographer: Amanda Prior.
“Blue is emerging as a popular choice in residential interiors – warm denim tones are adding a relaxed elegance to bedrooms and kitchens, while funky turquoise is being used to energise and excite. Impactful tones of yellow are also making an appearance, often in unexpected places, such as ceilings and interior trims, adding a sense of unbridled joy into interior spaces,” says Andrea.
An unexpected splash of yellow on the ceiling. ‘Joyful House’ by Mihaly Slocombe. Photographer: Tatjana Plitt
“Grey has lost none of its appeal, particularly in residential exteriors, but rather than opting for a single shade, designers and architects are layering up multiple shades of the one colour for a more sophisticated and interesting, tonal look,” says Andrea.
‘The Matlock House’ by Danielle B for The Stylesmiths. Photographer: Nicole England
Wall (upper): Dulux Natural White | Sideboard: Dulux Maiko | Partition: Dulux Beige Artifacts, Sassy & Reddy Brown
“This colour palette exudes warmth, but in a sophisticated and contemporary way. It is easy to work with, allowing you to add character with minimal fuss,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour expert.
Combining terracotta tones with russet, soft grey-greens, cosy neutrals and vibrant red, the palette pairs fabulously with the tribal-inspired, earthy textures that are in vogue at the minute – think natural, warm timbers, stone and linen.
Wall: Dulux Natural White | Partition: Dulux Sassy
And while these colours do require some decorating confidence, like dark paint, sometimes just a splash is all you need to ramp things up a notch. “If you’re nervous about the idea of introducing deep colours to your space, you needn’t be. You’ll find that even a small amount of these richer hues against a white or neutral background, in the right spot, can make a big impact,” says Andrea. Accent areas, ripe for colour experimentation, include the front door, the edge of a shelf or even a storage nook.
Wall (upper): Dulux Natural White | Sideboard: Dulux Maiko | Partition: Dulux Beige Artifacts, Sassy & Reddy Brown
“Paint is such an easy and affordable way to keep your interiors up-to-date, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone colour-wise can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Best of all, if a colour isn’t what you’re looking for, you can easily change it,” says Andrea.
Michelle Halford, interior stylist, writer and Dulux Colour Trends 2018 contributor, has plenty of great ideas for making these rich, autumnal hues work in your home. “Offset rich colours with a soft, complementary neutral to create balance and introduce furniture and accessories in warm, natural materials, such as a vintage timber console or dresser, rattan chairs, woven lighting and baskets. Bold abstract art, textured wall hangings and plenty of greenery provide the perfect finishing touches,” says Michelle.
Wall (upper): Dulux Natural White | Sideboard: Dulux Maiko
“You can also up the cosiness factor by adding in lashings of texture – think oversized knits, luxurious velvets and linens,” says Michelle who suggests using black accents in your furniture and artwork to ground your scheme.
For Claudia Damichi, pursuing something other than art was never an option. As a young girl she would spend hours immersed in paintings and drawings… and in many ways that hasn’t changed, except for the fact that her hobby is now her full-time job!
Claudia
With her practice encompassing several different mediums, from paintings on canvas and walls to a new series of adhesive prints, all of Claudia’s work is interested in colour, pattern and geometry. “I draw on a wide range of influences from Sonia Delaunay’s fabric designs through to the optical installations of Sol LeWitt,” explains Claudia. “I am essentially focused on the effects of colour and pattern and how they charge a space, be it real or imagined.”
Claudia’s art has been exhibited in galleries across the country and abroad, as well as on the walls of city laneways and celebrity homes. Borne out of an interest in architecture and the built environment, her Artwalls – as she names them – are large scale, colour filled, site specific murals. “I respond and create an original work that is specific to the space and environment,” says Claudia. “These works push art beyond the boundaries of a picture frame and propose the idea that every surface or wall is a blank canvas.”
Two Attachables
However Claudia’s most unique work – in our opinion – are her Attachables: adhesive fine art prints that can be attached to any flat surface. The initial design is entitled Round About, with two more launching next year. “These are created with the idea that art can go anywhere – wall, floor or ceiling! They work as an individual art pieces, but also have the potential to be applied in multiples.”
Wattyl have released their colour trends forecast for 2018. Having monitored and analysed the global trends – looking at living behaviour and design styles – Wattyl have translated them into four colour palettes. Findings point to an increased focus on the home being considered a refuge, a place to retreat from the fast pace of everyday life… FOMO (fear of missing out) has been replaced by JOMO (joy of missing out)! So what colour palettes did these trends amount to? Let’s take a look.
Nowstalgia: A desire to return to a time when life was simple and optimism ruled. The look echoes the mid-century modern design of Palm Springs with a hint of luxe! Colours include Midnight Seas, Silver Shadow, Gold Mine, Fifi and Space Odyssey.
NowstalgiaNowstalgia
Grounded: This reflects our desire to gain meaning and purpose in our lives, and regain a connection to the environment. Botanical and mineral palettes set the scene; for example Grey Ember, Sashimi, Fossilised, Bobby Brown and Calcium.
GroundedGrounded
Mood monitor: Reconnecting with ourselves, taking time to reset and strengthening our bodies and minds are all key focuses in this palette. Colour and light stimulate our dormant senses and we can breathe. Be relaxed with the colours of Coastal Views, Posh Pink, Alta Sierra and Imperium.
Mood monitorMood monitor
The slow down: We are searching for ways of slowing down in a bid to manage our connected and busy lives. We want to spend more time at home, the fear of missing out is no more! Colours are soft and quiet; think Baby Seal, Subtle Hint, Pilbara Sand and Sheer Granite.
The slow downThe slow down
The 2018 colour palettes are available in Wattyl’s premium paint range, in a range of styles.
Pantone has named Ultra Violet the colour of the year for 2018. It was something I must admit got me a little nervous… after all, purple is a very polarising colour. But Ultra Violet is different, it’s complex, magical and portrays the mysteries of the cosmos. That sounds a bit over the top, but it actually does look like the night sky! So if you’re hesitant about using the shade in your home, don’t be! We have put together a selection of homewares that encapsulate lavender to deep purple and everything in between.
Bonnie and Neil’s Winter Geometric Purple 50cm Cushion (front left)
Kip & Co Sky Blue Pink Melange Tassel Throw: This woven textured cotton throw features a beautiful blend of colours and gorgeous over-sized contrasting tassels. Made from 100% cotton it retails for $269.
Kip & Co Sky Blue Pink Melange Tassel Throw
Takeawei Bud Vase Purple Cobalt: Handmade with love in Torquay, Victoria, each high fired ceramic vase is uniquely one of a kind. Available in varying heights, they are suitable for holding small buds, leaves and other foraged pieces. $29.
Takeawei Bud Vase Purple Cobalt
Amigos de Hoy Totem Rug Lavender: This vintage-inspired totem rug is woven by hand and features a mixed base of cotton and lurex; plus tonal cotton fringed ends. Boho at its best, the super pretty lavender colour is a knockout. $449.
Amigos de Hoy Totem Rug Lavender
Urban Road Triumphal Framed Art Print: Soft and stunning, this abstract piece features textured paint strokes in a muted colour palette with pops of purple. Giclee printed using archival inks on paper, there will be no fading over time. Available in multiple sizes and a variety of frames. Prices start from $180.
Urban Road Triumphal Framed Art Print
Country Road Tapas Bowls Set of 4: Hand-glazed to give a beautiful, glossy finish, the bowl is a stylish addition to your everyday dining. Perfect as a cereal or noodle bowl, it comes in a unique dusty purple shade. $54.95.
Country Road Tapas Bowls Set of 4 (back left)
Sage and Clare Juliet Paisley Quilted Cushion Lilac: This luxurious, quilted velvet cushion is adorned with hand embroidered retro paisley motifs and defined with a contrast tassle trim. Totally seventies cool! On sale, it is available for the bargain price of $59.
Sage and Clare Juliet Paisley Quilted Cushion Lilac
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you would add.
In any interior, lashings of colour can be overpowering, but a striking feature wall can add real va va voom. The trick is to choose a highlight that blends into whatever interior style you have chosen, whether it’s retro chic or highly contemporary. Here are six feature walls that stand out for all the right reasons and can be easily used in virtually any interior.
Timber feature walls
The warm tones of timber have a calming effect on any interior, and not just as flooring. They’re perfect as cladding for walls, whether it’s rugged or smooth – or a combination of both, as I’ve used below. The same ironbark floorboards have been used for the fireplace, which I’ve then contrasted with red-toned timber panels. The modular panels are made from reclaimed Australian hardwoods fixed to a ply backing board.
Pressed metal wallpaper
For this apartment in an old converted Sydney warehouse I chose wallpaper that mimics the look of an old pressed metal ceiling; it blends perfectly with the exposed timber ceiling.
Panelled wall
This panelled wall, the standout feature of the master bedroom, was fashioned out of slats of MDF architrave, painted white and then glued onto the wall. It was done for under $200!
Blue wallpaper
This is one of my rental properties in Sydney’s west. It’s really light and bright and open plan, so can cope with a good smack of personality. This Lines wallpaper from Annandale Wallpapers was just the ticket!
Painted brick wall
Before you go rushing to clad or render an old internal brick wall, why not make a feature of it instead? In this sunroom I’ve used Taubmans Coalmine paint, framed by a crisp white.
Retro wallpaper
In this retro themed apartment I was looking for a wallpaper that would pay homage to the seventies – but not lairy 70s! I wanted a subtle backdrop for the furnishings and pendant lights, so opted for the vintage highlights of Orla Kiely Scribble wallpaper.
— Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.
As you know, we recently finished a couple of major jobs in our own reno: a new kitchen and a new floor. The photoshoots for these are imminent so I look forward to sharing the before and afters soon!
Kitchens and floors are pretty major investments but there are lots of other things you can achieve in your home for a few thousand dollars which make a huge impact. Here are some of my top suggestions:
Lighting: When we moved into our nanna house we changed all our lighting, swapping old and very dated pendants for gorgeous new brass chandeliers with LED filament-style bulbs as well as rattan pendants from Beacon Lighting. Total cost including the electrician was less than $3,000 and the difference it made was priceless!
New lights and shutters in our living room (before we changed the floors)
Window treatments: We went for plantation shutters from DIY Online Blinds which aren’t the cheapest option but they make a huge difference (in our case, hiding some old and yellowing window frames which is a lot cheaper than replacing all the windows and the window treatments!). You could probably do all new matching blinds in your home for less than a couple of grand.
Paint: We had our whole house painted internally before we moved in (so much easier than moving furniture!). It cost a few thousand but it made the world of difference. We did most of our home in Haymes Greyology 4. We are now saving up to have the red brick exterior painted. This is a more expensive job but it really will be the icing on the cake! And then there’s the driveway (it never ends when you buy an older home!).
Walls painted in Haymes Greyology 4 in our bedroom
Doors: The last job on my list before Christmas is replacing all my internal doors, and my front door, with some new ones from Corinthian Doors. I’ve found the more we update things around here, the more the older/cheaper things stand out! It’s time for some quality doors and I’m confident they will make a huge difference. I can’t wait to share them with you.
Bathroom on a budget: With all the work we’ve been doing, we sadly can’t afford a full bathroom reno (or two!) just yet. But after Christmas we’ll be embarking on a family bathroom refresh on a budget which I hope you’ll all love. The idea is to have the bath and tiles professionally sprayed, paint the walls, replace the vanity and possibly tile over the floor, all for well under $5,000.
I talk more about these ideas in this latest video with Jess Aloi from our partners Latitude Financial Services.
For help achieving your reno dreams, speak to Latitude about your best borrowing options.
Transforming the outside of your home with the right colour scheme can future-proof your exterior and help you achieve curb appeal for years to come. But choosing the right paint can be tricky, it’s a long-term investment after all. So to eliminate colour guesswork, Dulux have curated three on-trend and foolproof exterior colour schemes which can be easily applied to virtually any architectural style.
Bright Spot
Featuring pops of brighter hues and a selection of easy-to-use neutrals, Bright Spot is especially ideal for popular mid-century architecture. Experiment with hues to achieve a modern take on architectural colour palettes. Use bold hints of colour such as Dulux High Blue or Go Alpha in architectural details such as the front door, pot plants and even letterboxes.
Dulux Natural White, Ticking and Go Alpha
Expert tip: Try a pop of colour on the doors and exterior trim, or pair neutrals such as Natural White and Timeless Grey with bright pots, chairs and exterior accessories.
Dulux Terrace White, Vivid White, High Blue and Surf’n’Dive
Botanical Life
Offering a more traditional colour scheme, Botanical Life achieves a warm and welcoming lush look. Globally inspired, it features spicy colour accents, bohemiam styling and tropical flare as seen in Dulux Cinnamon Sand, Coyote and Jungle Cloak.
Dulux Cinnamon Sand and Tambo Tank
Expert tip: Bring this theme to life with bohemian styling including woven exterior furniture and planters as well as lush tropical greenery.
Dulux Pale Tendril Half, Jungle Cloak, Water Rock and Coyote
Natural Beauty
Inspired by tactile elements, Natural Beauty offers colours which are drawn from nature, focusing on neutrals, warm greys and charcoals. The colour scheme achieves a relaxed look with colours such as Dulux Vintage Beige, Malay Grey and Domino, which can be paired perfectly with materials such as brick, timber and stone.
Dulux Teahouse and Domino
Expert tip: Pair these neutrals with natural textures such as wooden elements and stone accessories and decorations.
Dulux Colorbond Shale Grey and Harold
Achieving the right look and selecting colours can be daunting, so these exterior colour schemes can simplify the process, helping you avoid a costly colour mistake.
Whether perusing Pinterest or devouring the latest interior design magazine, you’ll note the most stylish homes have one thing in common–consistency. From paint to flooring, window treatments and hardware, there are plenty of ways to achieve aesthetic unity throughout the home.
Paint
If there’s one single renovation product that can truly unify a home, it’s paint. From warm whites to cool grey shades, running the same hue throughout an abode creates a fabulous sense of visual continuity.
Image: t01.com.au
Flooring
Whether it’s carpet, timber or tiles, it’s wise to use the same floor covering throughout your entire home for maximum consistency, flow and to make it feel more spacious too. Conversely, if you really want to combine carpet with tiles or timber, choose complementary shades to connect the spaces.
Hardware
From door handles and pulls to tapware, matching hardware is key to creating consistent style across the home. And while you may not choose the exact same shape of handle for instance, choosing the same finish will ensure a unified look throughout.
Image: onekingslane.com
Window treatments
A prominent feature in any home, running the same window treatment throughout is a great way to give a sense of cohesion and connect all the rooms. Whether it’s plantation shutters, sheer curtains or roman blinds, try to stick to one style of window treatment for maximum consistency.
Lighting
Aside from a smattering of fun feature pendant lights, try to ensure the rest of the lighting in your home is consistent. Fabulous lighting should be unobtrusive but create ambience and warmth the home.
Image: homestolove.com.au
—Australia’s rapid renovation expert, Naomi Findlay is an internationally renowned renovator, award-winning property stylist and speaker. She’s an industry leader in creating healthy wealthy spaces and creating wealth and profit from renovating property. Learn more about Naomi.
This summer, interiors will be eclectic and tropical, think vibrant colours paired with crisp white walls. I love this look, it’s totally 80s glamour!
Identified by Dulux as one of their summer colour trends for 2018, the Escapade palette features a medley of playful, tropical colours, such as pale mint and soft pink. Guaranteed to stimulate the senses and add a sense of energy and fun to any neutral space, it’s about creating that holiday feeling all year round.
If you’re hesitant to branch out into colour, fear not! Even small doses of these exuberant shades can have a huge impact. You can create fun, eye-catching accents in unexpected places, such as doors, the inside edge of a wall or door frame, along a staircase or in a storage nook. Go one step further and complete the look by painting one or two smaller pieces of furniture in the same striking hue.
Colour in the home is nothing to be afraid of. Rather, introducing new colour schemes can invigorate a space – making you more positive and productive. And the beautiful thing about paint is if you decide you don’t like it, you can simply paint over it!
Finish the look with Dulux’s summer styling tips by Dulux colour trends contributor Pip Brett.
1. Declutter your interiors so that furniture and accessories have plenty of room to breathe.
2. Seek out retro furniture with organic shapes and simple lines.
3. Add in plenty of luxe textures – think soft furnishings and accessories in sumptuous velvet, silk and sheepskin.
4. Introduce bright artworks that pick up on the season’s bold, tropical hues.
5. Touches of gold will add a glam feel.
6. Don’t forget greenery – indoor palms and ferns will bring a botanical-inspired interior to life and help you create a happier, healthier home.
Bricks… not the most interesting topic of conversation! But when it comes to renovating, they can absolutely transform your home. For those seeking an architectural edge and something that little bit different, the Morada range from PGH Bricks & Pavers is worth considering.
Coming in four contemporary shades: Ceniza, a timeless stone hue; Gris, an on-trend charcoal grey; Nero, a dramatic black and Blanco, a crisp white, they come in a refined matte finish with a porcelain-like texture.
Made in Spain from ultra-fine clay, the monochromatic shades provide the perfect neutral base for contemporary home facades, kitchen splashbacks or feature walls. Use one shade alone or mix and match to create two and three-tone schemes.
The bricks are available in three sizes: Linear, Splits and Standard, allowing for versatility in the way they are laid.
As summer approaches, outdoor living is back on the agenda. So who better to speak to than Block judge, Taubmans brand ambassador and all round design guru Shaynna Blaze?! The right use of paint and colour, paired with the perfect furniture and accessories can create an entirely new outdoor space, effectively adding an extra room to your house. But how to pick the right colour? Below Shaynna unpacks four different colour palettes to suit a multitude of tastes, decorating themes and architectural styles.
Shaynna Blaze
White Heat
Taubmans Snowbank and January Dawn sit perfectly together in this beautiful white palette, creating a modern classic look with soft timber and natural accents. The contrast between the trims and walls is very subtle, giving the exterior a simple, textural feel that focuses on the setting rather than the architectural features. However, this is a palette in danger of becoming clinical if not styled right, so make use of your surrounds with large trees for a canopy, potted plants and natural timbers.
Taubmans exterior in Snowbank and January Dawn
Flaming Hot
Taubmans Stormy Shadow on the decking with Akimbo on the walls, set up a base that heroes the ‘cube’ feature in Black Flame, Taubmans 2018 Colour of the Year. The palette has strong contrasts that highlight the features of the architecture. The white showcases the doors and balcony with almost a traditional touch, allowing the Black Flame to add a contemporary focal point. When you have such strong contrasts just be careful to keep your features minimal so as not to overpower the overall look. This style is right on trend — modern minimalist is the new Hamptons!
Taubmans exterior in Akimbo, deck in Stormy Shadow and ‘cube’ in Black Flame
Fade to Grey
There are layers of grey but still so much romance in this colour scheme. This house has multiple lines and angles so having a grey tonal palette softens the impact, as long as you stick to greys that are close together tonally. For instance, don’t mix a blue grey with a green grey as this will highlight features rather than soften them. A perfect palette of greys would be Taubmans Grey Castle, Cable Ash and Grey Haze, with trims in Alpine Snow.
Taubmans outdoor living room by Corella Construction
Fifty Shades Darker
Kyal and Kara have here created a dramatic, inviting space that you want to explore. This house is all about the windows and the combination of charcoal and white highlight this feature. To pull off the look, pick one hero feature and stick with it, but don’t overdo it! Their wall is in Taubmans Mojo, but also try Viking Grey or Black Fox with trims in Snow Drop.
