Australian homemakers are favouring safer styles such as Traditional, Coastal and Scandinavian when it comes to home renovation, according to new data from more than 20,000 Australians who have taken the Beaumont Tiles What’s My Style quiz in the past year.
Lifestyle Beachwood Kuni Grey Matt
The data shows more than half of the respondents lean towards the three lighter, neutral styles out of the top 10 global interior design trends available, which also include Contemporary, Farmhouse, Industrial, Mediterranean, Modern, Vintage and Wanderlust.
Christie Wood, Beaumont Tiles design specialist, said that Australians’ love of these looks has only solidified over the last five years, hitting 51% this year following four years of incremental growth for the three styles.
“While these styles may be seen as safe, it isn’t surprising that Traditional, Coastal and Scandi are favoured when you consider the Australian environment,” she said. “Thanks to our warmer climate, we are looking for openness and lighter spaces with these looks ticking the boxes for these requirements.”
Scandinavian Live a Little Mint Complete Bathroom Package
Christie said some may see the prominence of Traditional, Coastal and Scandi styles by Australian homemakers as being safe, subdued, and conservative. “But the good news is these styles can easily be injected with a bit of fun and personality through the addition of colour, the use of decorative tiles, addition of soft furnishings.”
Traditional Florence Value Complete Bathroom Package
“In the bathroom for instance, you can easily create a splash of colour which wouldn’t be out of place with any of these styles with the new Nood Co range of colourful basins exclusive to Beaumonts. In the kitchen, you can create a statement that is just a little bit different from the regular houses of these styles by trying a pop of colour or pattern with your kitchen splashback and adding a bit of greenery to the space.
“Being bold through some choice additions can really make your space unique and personalise your new reno look.”
Rebeka Morgan of BuildHer Collective, an experienced builder, renovator and renovation educator, explains why the old game of renovating for profit no longer works.
Let’s go back a little with this conversation! Remember the times when developers were all men, they’d buy a renovators delight to tart up a bit. They’d throw a lick of paint on the walls and the tiles, then maybe they pop a box on the back and then resell it for a profit? The mantra was do it as cheaply as possible – which we think has given all developers a bad name!
Well, we are here to say that this does not work anymore!
The market is far too smart for that now. We know when a renovation is cheap and nasty and we are demanding better and more!
Why is this? The vast number of renovation shows have meant that we are more aware of how to renovate, we know what we want and we don’t want to pay for work which we could have done better ourselves. There is also way more access to information – purchasers now know what you bought a property for and how much time it took to renovate, and they’ll make their own calculations on what the renovation is worth (in most situations, forgetting to factor in holding costs, stamp duty and sale costs)!
So, does this mean you can’t make money renovating for profit?
No – but it does mean you need to focus on creating value, presenting a product that is fit for your market and providing solutions that will be valued and paid for by the purchaser.
Style and flair mixed with practicality (ummm, yes that means storage!) has become the key and creating a home that the purchaser is willing to pay for which is more than the cost of the work. There is so much inspiration and imagery available now and our dreams of the home we will live in have adjusted accordingly!
The good news is that this is increasing the standard of the build and means that if you are working in this area you can do really well renovating for profit.
However, it’s not all good news.
With the increase of these renovation shows we have seen more people pick up tools and decide to tackle projects without really understanding the process and the costs, missing the mark and making either no profit or, much worse, a loss. We recently spoke to a couple who had great success in their first build (probably due to a rising market) but despite investing more than 500 hours of physical work on each of the two subsequent projects, they only just broke even. They couldn’t understand what had gone wrong.
We unfortunately hear this type of thing all the time, and whilst renovating for profit can be super fun, there is a key: profit. You do need to make a profit, and a profit that is worth the investment of time.
At BuildHer Collective, we have an amazing group of women, DevelopHers, who are renovating and developing for profit the right way! They know how to run the numbers and make sure they are adding value from the outset. With our experience in this game, we have identified 11 different aspects of renovating for profit that can make or break the budget!
If you have dreamed of renovating for profit, or perhaps you already are giving it a go and you want to know how to maximise your profits, then please join us for our free Stop Dreaming, Start Renovating – three evening event:
Stop Dreaming, Start Renovating for Profit!
When: Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 November 2022, 7.30-to-8.30pm
Sadly, creating the dream kitchen for many can simply be too expensive. But can you put a price on the perfect dinner creation station? Luckily you might not have to thanks to The Block’s Jason Charles, who has shared five of his top tips for an affordable kitchen reno.
Jason Charles, a hipages ambassador and the lead builder for Mitch & Mark | Photo by Eugene Hyland
1. Buy ahead, buy it yourself, buy it on sale
You can purchase good selections of materials and appliances with 15-year warranties without going to the top shop. Look for quality at a discounted price, with less mainstream suppliers who might be having a sale, and purchase from there. But, be sure to let your builder know!
For example, a tile shop might have a small amount of tiles on sale, which could be enough for your kitchen! Keeping an eye out for these sale purchases before your renovations begin, means the power is in your hands and you won’t have builders adding builder’s margin to your price.
2. Opt for cheaper but durable appliances
The rose gold sink and tap may be the most attractive option, but they can be on the pricier side and often stain or scratch over time. Opting for stainless steel will not only save you money, but will last a lot longer, meaning you won’t have to undergo another renovation any time soon.
Otherwise, if you have your heart set on something specific, but can’t afford it right away, there are some appliances you can insert temporarily. Door handles are a common one. Buy a budget handle and upgrade it in 12 months when you’ve saved up the extra cash. Do your research to see what other appliances you can purchase that are within your budget, suit your needs, are known to be long lasting, or can be temporary and upgraded later down the line.
3. Book a licensed tradie
Don’t try to man this one on your own, or pay the price. 23% of Aussies will try to do a job such as a kitchen renovation themselves, and 48% underestimate the complexity of it. Save yourself the effort and money by getting it right the first go and booking a licensed tradie. A tradie who has a portfolio of previous kitchen renovation experience will make a huge difference to the journey and output of the job. Don’t forget to source at least three quotes to see what else is out there and to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
4. Discuss your options with your tradie
Work with your tradie to mitigate the material cost by opting for cheaper (but still suitable) material alternatives. This will help you stay within budget, and your tradie can provide a better quote for you. Have a conversation with them before the building begins, ask questions, and they’ll be able to give their expert advice on what’s going to work best for your home and your budget.
5. Make sure your budget has wiggle room
Of course having a budget is important, but keep in mind that not all plans go to plan. Allocate an extra 10-to-20% in case of an emergency, such as your desired appliance being out of stock or needing to call in for an extra helping hand.
With our purse-strings getting tighter and pandemic life changing the way we work, many are considering selling their homes for something new. So how can you get the maximum sale price? Simple – work smarter, not harder when it comes to renovations. Renovating your backyard can be an efficient way to give your home a competitive edge on the market. Here are some ways you can achieve that from Trex.
Create the space
Upgrade your backyard by building a deck, or resurfacing an existing deck, using composite materials. You’ll not only increase time enjoyed outside, but your home value, too. Unlike wood, high-performance composite decking like Trex resists fading, staining, scratching and mould – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. Maintenance is hassle-free with no sanding, staining or painting required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water. Your beautiful new outdoor space will last for decades, and is a key selling point for realters looking to showcase a work from home lifestyle to potential buyers.
Plant the seed
Trees are one of the few things that truly appreciate over time. You can buy a sapling for just $10 at the nursery, and once it has grown, a mature tree can add $1,000 to $10,000 to the value of your home – not to mention the value of added shade, privacy, and charm.
Light the way
Make your home a 24-hour hangout with outdoor lighting, which adds both ambiance and safety to any space. Choose energy-efficient, low-voltage lights for durability, and remember to check if they are weather-proof and salt-air resistant – so you can talk to how they will retain a “like new” appearance for years to come in your sales pitch. Fixtures that are dimmable and cool to the touch will provide ambiance while being safe for children and pets. Outdoor lighting is an easy way to “wow” guests and potential buyers.
Today’s before and after is a bit of a wild one. The original 1970s era home was so overgrown that we can’t even show you how it used to look from the street! “Someone was living in the home when we bought it, but I didn’t think it was very liveable,” says the home’s architect and developer Taeler Jordan of FTLO Design who is also part of the DevelopHer collective. “The concept was to retain as much of the existing structure as possible, the new home plunging itself into the existing 1970’s structure,” says Taeler.
BEFORE bedroom
AFTER bedroom
Located on a bushy 1100 square metre block in the Melbourne suburb of Research, the original home, rather incredibly, had no connection to the landscape. “Subsequently, a lot of the home’s new design was centred around framing the home’s bush views,” says Taeler who chose a muted colour palette and black picture frame windows to draw the eyes outside from every room. “The windows were very intentionally designed and are a massive element of the home,” says Taeler.
BEFORE bathroom
AFTER bathroomAFTER sitting room.
And while originally planning to maintain as much of the home as possible, Taeler and her building team had to change tack during the first week of construction. “We were planning on keeping a lot of the brickwork but when we started work on the home a lot of the walls fell over,” says Taeler who cleaned said bricks and used them to build the home’s new garage.
AFTER front elevation
BEFORE laundry
AFTER laundry
Design revisions aside, Taeler ended up retaining the home’s walls and roof structure but completely gutted the home internally – she turned a dingy three-bedroom, one-bathroom home into a four-bedroom, two-bathroom light-filled abode. “The existing roofline remains, as do the original raked ceilings in each room,” says Taeler.
BEFORE lounge
AFTER loungeAFTER dining
Custom designed, handmade timber details feature throughout from the home’s sleek bathroom joinery to its kitchen shelving and custom island bench. The kitchen features a natural stone kitchen benchtop paired with Tasmanian oak and a Beacon Lighting pendant light. “The intent was to create a very subtle nod to the Alister Knox homes that the area is best known for,” says Taeler.
BEFORE kitchen
AFTER kitchen
The topography of the site also presented its own challenges. The original home was accessed through the front door and had no connection to the surrounding landscape at all – hard to believe given Australia’s collective obsession with bringing the outdoors in.
BEFORE backyard
AFTER backyard
The living, dining and kitchen area were dropped to connect the spaces to the backyard – tiered decking and an above-ground pool further minimise the effects of the slope. “The house explores the seamless transition between the inside and out. The living opens out to an outdoor dining space where, sitting up in the tree tops, it overlooks the lush garden below.”
This heritage listed property in Sydney’s Fairlight was overhauled by the team at Designbx recently with fabulous results. Home to a young professional couple and their two daughters, the home was transformed with a nod to traditional English interiors as well as Aussie coastal ones.
Having resided in Fairlight for many years, owners Harry Jayaweer and Sam Gilchrist were on the lookout for the perfect hub to build their dream home for a growing family. As it happened, a quaint little cottage hit the market and the couple pounced with a view to renovate and transform it into their forever home.
The formal lounge features new and existing elements
“The bones of this property allowed Harry and Sam to combine a unique blend of traditional and modern elements to create a very functional, yet warm and inviting home for their growing family,” says Designbx interior designer Kerena Berry.
Upon entering the home, a cosy formal lounge presents the first in a series of inviting spaces – it’s also the perfect hub for the owners’ book collection. The original stonework and central fireplace were maintained while the room was framed with traditional cornices and high line skirting – a reclaimed timber floor completes the room. “The floor was ethically sourced, each piece hand-picked, custom carved and hand laid – a true labour of love that brings such warmth and character to the home,” says Kerena.
Living room
As you walk further into the abode, a two-tiered open plan kitchen, lounge and dining area form the heart of the home. “The contrast from the smaller nook and warm feel of the front lounge to this expansive bright white and concrete floored, light filled box is incredible,” says Kerena. Floor to ceiling windows span the full rear of the lounge area allowing natural light to permeate the spaces.
The home from the backyard
The amount of light at the rear of the home meant that Kerena wasn’t afraid to experiment with deeper tones in the kitchen – the galley style space features a mix of timber, aged copper and terracotta. “Warm and rich colours and textures act as the glue between the old and new parts of the home,” says Kerena. The kitchen had to be functional too – the owners are keen cooks and entertainers, and the space was designed to be inclusive when having guests over.
Kitchen
Upstairs, the children’s bedrooms, master bedroom, ensuite and study all feature custom designed joinery to maximise the efficient use of space. Blank Joinery created those as well as the library wall in the formal lounge and the kitchen.
Bedroom
The streamlined, easy to clean bathrooms are a striking feature on the second floor. A concrete look finish gives a moodiness that offsets the oversized skylights that make the spaces feel light and airy. Antique brass tapware adds a rustic feel.
Bathroom
“The clients said that they often walk around their home thinking they knew what they wanted for their dream home but the final design has totally exceeded their expectations.”
The talented duo behind Hunting for George, Lucy Glade-Wright and Jonno Rodd are back with another series of Reno Goals – a renovation series they launched in 2020. This time they’ve taken on the transformation of a 1930s weatherboard beach shack in Victoria’s Lorne and they’ve produced an amazing result.
BEFORE kitchenAFTER kitchen
Located along the Great Ocean Road, the duo restored the ageing home while adding a new extension – it’s now a five-bedroom, five-bathroom beach house with expansive entertaining areas and today we’re focussing on the character-filled kitchen.
“We wanted to retain the nostalgic warm charm of the existing beach house, whilst applying a modern touch throughout the interiors. We combined both warm and cool tones throughout the house to create a neutral base to work from and then accentuated with pockets of eucalyptus green. The kitchen needed to feel nostalgic whilst at the same time being modern and functional,” explains Lucy.
BEFORE kitchenAFTER kitchen
While Lucy and Jonno are no strangers to renovating, this project was different to their last in that it involved a full rebuild and renovation of a large home designed to accommodate a busy and growing family. Creating different spaces to accommodate three generations certainly had its challenges!
“Building during COVID, it was difficult to get products, materials and deliveries on time and not to mention the labour shortage. As we weren’t building in a major city, we had limited access to skilled trades and had to do quite a lot of jobs ourselves,” says Lucy.
AFTER: Complementary materials make for an interesting result
They also gave the laundry a complementary look when they renovated it.
Laundry before & after
Design tips: creating a kitchen that lasts
Given Hunting for George’s renovation experience, we reached out and asked them for their top tips on how to create a future-proof kitchen.
1. Think about the purpose Anything you select for your home needs to be able to fit the needs of you and your family. We are housing three generations (and growing!), so kitchen cabinetry needed to be functional – for now and for the future. To maximise storage, we ensured the base cabinetry wrapped around the entire kitchen island and opted for an integrated Electrolux dishwasher to achieve a seamless finish.
The kitchen contains an integrated Electrolux dishwasher
2. Don’t forget about size, space and capacity Make sure to choose appliances that will suit you and your space beyond the next five years. Are you only catering for only two people, or do you need to consider the potential for a bigger family down the track? Think about space, size and capacity that is appropriate beyond just now. The original oven in the kitchen was tiny, with no head height or room to function effectively. We decided to open this up into a cavity, extending both the width to fit a 90cm freestanding cooker, and the height of shelves in order to keep the original feature but make it more functional.
AFTER: A wider freestanding cooker expanded the home’s cooking capacity
3. Invest in quality appliances that will stand the test of time A saying we always think about when it comes to appliances is ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. Appliances are always an investment area for us, while we can save money in other areas of the renovation, like painting ourselves. Make sure to choose appliances early in the design process so when it comes to install, you have exact measurements to support seamless integration into cabinetry for a timeless look.
Hunting for George’s Lucy Glade-Wright in the gorgeous new space
Photography: Jonno Rodd | Interior design & styling: Lucy Glade-Wright for Hunting for George
The latest inspo pics from Dulux landed this week and they showcase the brand’s Restore palette from the 2022 Dulux Colour Forecast. Comprised of rich, soothing colours, the palette was explored by Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech when she undertook a multi-room makeover in a renovated 1980’s brick home.
“We chose to make over three rooms – a toddler’s bedroom and two entry areas – showing the versatility of the palette to energise different interior spaces,” says Bree. Starting with the home’s toddler room, she overhauled that space twice – there’s feature colours of both New Penny and Natural Flora paired with a base colour of Hog Bristle Half (a warm white chosen to soften the spaces).
BEFORE toddler roomAFTER toddler room (option one): Dulux New Penny features on the room’s v-groove wall.
“Both accent colours add interest and make the bedroom more inspiring for a young child but are also colours that they can keep as they grow,” says Bree who added even more texture and warmth to the room via pale timber, woven cane and natural fabrics including linen, cotton and wool. “We also amped up the texture by adding a thick pile rug to the already carpeted floor,” says Bree.
AFTER toddler room (option two): Dulux Natural Flora features on the room’s v-groove wall.
Bree also worked on the home’s two entry spaces with the intention of making them feel more inviting, sophisticated and memorable. “The entries have gorgeous, exposed beams and curved arched doorways; we wanted to celebrate both architectural features and did so through colour and décor,” says Bree.
Dulux Ferry features on the entry ceiling
The main entry features a dramatic splash of Dulux Ferry on the ceiling while the secondary space truly shows the power of paint – Bree replaced a stark white shade with Dulux Finnegan before finishing the space with art and handmade ceramics to imbue it with further character.
BEFORE entryAFTER entry. Dulux Finnegan elevates the space.
Winter colour tips from Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr
When considering colours for your walls, always factor in existing fittings and decor that will remain once the makeover is complete. This may be flooring, cabinetry, window colour, furniture, etc. – knowing what colours and textures will remain will help drive your colour decisions with paint.
Determine whether your room relies on a lot of natural or artificial light to help add warmth and atmosphere to the space. For example, south facing rooms will do well with warmer colours to offer comfort. If the space faces north, you may want to select softer, cooler colours in the palette to keep that sense of light and brightness.
Paint’s not just for walls – try it out on décor and accessories like ceramic sculptures, pictures frames and lamps! This is a subtle but impactful way to add new life to a room, especially for those who may not feel ready to inject colour on a larger scale.
Always test colours before you purchase your paint to ensure you’re happy with the final colour choice. Dulux sample pots are available in hardware stores nationwide or via the Dulux website. Leave your painted samples up for at least two or three days to ensure the colour(s) work in your space and under different lighting conditions, both natural and artificial and view in different weather conditions i.e., bright sunny day versus a dull grey day.
Annie Sloan has launched a new collection of wall-specific paints. There are 32 colours of the water-based matt emulsion paints including 15 existing Chalk Paint favourites and 17 new hues to complement the palette.
Living room in Bright Green
Each shade is inspired by colours found in iconic architecture and homes throughout history, from the neoclassical Charlottenh of Villa to the terracotta houses of Morocco. The wall paints are launching in Australia and available in 120ml and 2.5 litre tins.
Dining in Old White
While the existing Chalk Paint can already be used on walls, especially those needing a breathable paint, its very thick and viscous consistency make it a furniture paint first and foremost. It’s ideal for wood, metal, glass and laminate. On walls in high traffic areas, it would also require a coat of wax or lacquer to protect it. This extra step led Annie to create her new one-step solution wall paint collection after years of experimentation.
“It’s quick-drying, wipeable, durable, live in-able, and made with the highest quality ingredients. I am thrilled with the depth and clarity of colour. You can really trust these paints to give beautiful results and survive the wear and tear of a busy, happy, lived-in home,” says Annie.
Designed by The Stylesmiths lead interior designer Priscilla Elasi, this renovation and extension, to a heritage red brick Federation home located in Sydney’s Burwood, has a timeless feel and uncomplicated design. With a project brief that called for liveability, the home has been designed to support the everyday life and entertaining needs of its occupants; a busy family of five.
The home’s gorgeous heritage front
The sensitive renovation highlights the original home’s heritage details; the exact details that drew the owners to the home. “These features remain the quiet heroes that inspired every decision but our clients are what made this experience special, and I wanted to do them justice. Even Uncle Amil who lives next door was included in the conversation,” says Priscilla.
Hallway
From the front door, architectural mouldings and archways at the entrance hall work to set the scene. The front reading room has been lavishly coated in layers of deep navy to further reflect the era of the home, using rich colours to create a moody yet cosy feel by the fire. An eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings complete the sumptuous space.
Stained windows are framed by midnight velvet Mokum fabric curtains and complemented by the Healey soft chair by Walter Knoll in tan leather. An authentic vintage crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
Fireplace
A new bathroom with integrated laundry replaces what was formerly the undersized kitchen. Fresh and neutral, the understated joinery allows the aged brass tapware to shine, while Calacatta marble tiling in a classic hexagon mosaic pattern takes the attention away from what is hidden behind the shaker style joinery doors.
Bathroom
The large rear addition marks the transition from heritage to modern with more neutral tones featured. The dining area boasts a ten-seater solid timber table paired with black leather chairs that complement the kitchen island bench stools by Grazia & Co. Skylights above let natural light permeate while pure linen curtains soften the space.
Dining room
Handmade and slightly imperfect, Moroccan Zellige tiles add depth to the kitchen splashback while the marble island is the main attraction – the underside of the bench is wrapped in a deep walnut colour. “By positioning the sink to the left side of the kitchen, the generous counter becomes flexible enough to double as a second, less formal dining space,” says Priscilla. Nearby, a hidden butler’s kitchen was a must for the family of five.
Kitchen
The rear lounge area features a double-sided wood fireplace that can be enjoyed from the outside too. “Our clients craved a space to unwind, prompting the use of neutral colours, plush furnishings and warm accents to realise their vision. Walking through, every element is of generous proportions, including the emotive art that feels immersive and soothing with shades of blue, orange and green,” says Priscilla.
Lounge room
The kidney shaped pool keeps the kids entertained
Upstairs, the daughter’s bedroom replicates the use of natural fibres and fabrics – a wool-blend Armadillo and Co rug underfoot, light timber side tables and aged brass antique bed frame, kept for sentimental reasons. The wardrobe joinery references the Federation style.
There’s no doubt that our readers are always very excited for a before and after (it’s the most popular category on the site) which means that many of you will be very interested in today’s fabulous makeover. Located on the Northern Gold Coast riverfront, this 1990’s four-bedroom home was renovated and furnished recently with interior designer Mel Hoekstra, of MH Interiors, at the helm.
“It’s owned by a couple who divide their time between their riverfront Gold Coast home and a farm which is a few hours away,” says Mel, who furnished the home in a modern coastal farmhouse style.
BEFORE bedroomAFTER bedroom
“Our clients wanted to transform their home into a modern coastal farmhouse retreat which was light, airy and suitable for entertaining family and friends,” says Mel. The design combines the owner’s existing furnishings and artworks with new custom furniture and accessories in tranquil grey and green tones. The result is a calm, comfortable abode that is hugely enjoyed by the owners, their children and grandchildren.
BEFORE ensuite
AFTER ensuite
Highlights of the home include an entertainer’s kitchen (in Dulux Lexicon) combined with a large island bench (in Dulux Timeless Grey). The island bench seats eight people making it a great hub for the family to congregate. Nearby, a six-metre butler’s pantry houses all the kitchen appliances, save for the cooktop and coffee maker. “Our client wanted most of the cooking and mess behind closed doors,” says Mel.
BEFORE kitchen
AFTER kitchenAFTER butler’s pantry. The open pantry shelving, commercial glass fridge and wine fridge are perfect for large gatherings.
The lounge area was made significantly larger by combing the old lounge and dining areas. “It’s now a spacious, comfortable lounge area with custom cabinetry in Dulux Charcoal Fusion, a refined colour which camouflages the tv and complements our MH Interiors custom dusty blue sofa,” says Mel. Farmhouse style occasional chairs complete the look.
BEFORE lounge
AFTER loungeAFTER lounge
“The exterior has been transformed as much as the inside,” says Mel. What was once a yellow, square 1990’s design is now unrecognisable – a light, custom paint colour contrasts with new curved metal balustrade in Dulux Monument.
BEFORE front elevation
AFTER front elevation
“It has been a privilege and absolute pleasure to work alongside our beautiful clients to transform their riverfront home into a much-loved sanctuary. In fact, they haven’t been back to their farm much since we finished!”
The kitchen leads onto an outdoor area that features a new undercover alfresco and landscaping
A super stylish heritage home makeover in rural NSW
After moving to Australia over 20 years ago from Mexico, Cecilia Mazadiego was very happy living in the Sydney seaside suburb of Clovelly with her property developer husband Sam Brewer…
A COVID-led renovation wave gripped the nation in 2020 (as we all spent more time at home) and this trend was certainly reflected in our most popular posts. From an affordable bench top reno solution to the ideal kitchen dimensions and a post that details just how long it takes to renovate a bathroom, our most popular stories had a strong renovation focus. On a related note, our most popular category for 2020 was the before and after – again, unsurprising given the current climate!
Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail – The Interiors Addict
When renovating your kitchen, working towards the standard Australian dimensions is a great idea for optimum ergonomics and functionality. Sydney interior designer and colour consultant Martina Hayes, shares this expert…
2. The best places to buy Australian bed linen online: A perennial reader favourite, it seems that our appetite for gorgeous Aussie bed linen is insatiable. This post tells you where to find the best on the market.
The best places to buy Australian bed linen online
Get our FREE eBook: 10 tips to fall back in love with your home This very popular post has been updated for 2021. L&M Home Previously known as Linen &…
3. How long does a bathroom reno REALLY take and why?: Another practical reno post, this one gives an honest breakout down of just how long it takes to renovate a bathroom along with all the nitty gritty details.
How long does a bathroom reno REALLY take and why? – The Interiors Addict
By Sarah Nolen I, like anyone, am a true fan of a great before & after makeover. And that’s exactly what reality TV has harnessed. The fact that you’re reading…
4. Interiors Addict bathroom reno 2: what I chose and why: Unsurprisingly, many of you were interested to see what Jen did in her own home. From tile selection to the vanity and bath, Jen unpacks the design decisions for her main bathroom in detail in this post.
Image: Jacqui Turk
Interiors Addict bathroom reno 2: what I chose and why – The Interiors Addict
There is so much to share about my recent bathroom reno and I couldn’t possibly fit it all into the reveal post, so I’m sharing a little more detail today,…
5. 3 ways to transform your benchtop for a few hundred dollars: With kitchen bench tops a big ticket item, the popularity of this post comes as no surprise. Cherie Barber talks you through how to overhaul a bench top without breaking the bank.
3 ways to transform your benchtop for a few hundred dollars – The Interiors Addict
By Cherie Barber Kitchen renovating can be wildly expensive, so instead of scrapping the original and starting from scratch, it’s always good to consider if you can apply one of…
6. Why biophilic design is increasingly important right now: With all that time spent inside (thanks COVID!) the biophilic design trend has never seemed more appropriate. In this post, renovator Ozge Fettahlioglu explains why connecting our homes with nature is more important than ever.
Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Park by INC Architecture & Design | Photo by Eric Laignel
Why biophilic design is increasingly important right now – The Interiors Addict
Renovator Ozge Fettahlioglu shares her recent experience and views on biophilic design. She explains why connecting our homes with nature is more important than ever following a lockdown and in…
Painted brick houses: 3 readers share before & afters – The Interiors Addict
Having recently taken the plunge and had our sixties red brick house painted grey (Haymes Paint Rockslide if you’re interested!), I’m a bigger fan than ever of the transformative effect this…
Jen’s own painted brick before & after
8. IKEA hacks Australia: DIY built-in HEMNES cabinetry how-to: In this post, renovator extraordinaire Naomi Findlay explains how she used IKEA flat packs to create a custom built-in cabinet in one of her renos. The end result was pretty special and looked far from budget!
9. DIY wainscoting just got really easy!: Wall panelling was always something that had to be left to the professionals but in this popular post we show you how to do it yourself!
DIY wainscoting just got really easy! – The Interiors Addict
If there’s something that’s stayed consistently popular in interiors in the last few years, it’s wall paneling. Whether it’s whole walls of VJ or half walls of a more traditional…
Charlie Albone and Juliet Love share a first look at their new home – The Interiors Addict
With two sons, it didn’t take long for Aussie landscape designer and TV host Charlie Albone and his interior stylist wife Juliet Love, to outgrow their two-bedroom home. After going…
While COVID-19 has changed our lives in so many ways there’s no doubt that the focus on our homes has never been greater. Re-examining how we live in our homes, and use our living spaces has resulted in a huge number of Australians undertaking home renovations. In fact, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians spent over two billion dollars a month on renovations and additions in 2021.
With a desire for more functional, agile and purposeful living spaces, that can accommodate family time, working from home, schooling, recreational activities and entertainment, there’s much to consider when undertaking a home renovation. We reached out to James Hardie partner, and renovation expert Rebeka Morgan of BuildHer Collective, to get the skinny on how to achieve your dream home through renovation.
This modern extension was created using James Hardie products. It sits at the rear of a 1940s cottage.
Consider form and function Before starting the renovation process, figure out the inspiration for the form and function of your home. What are the problems you are trying to solve with the renovation – is it more space, better joinery or connection to outside? Think about how you want the space to feel. Remember you are building a space of connection, a living space and a place to share with family and friends. The way you want it to feel will connect to the form of the home.
Have a clear budget A common mistake that people make when renovating is not having a clear budget and realistic expectations of what this can achieve. Start off with a solid foundation, as it will be difficult to rectify mistakes along the process. It is essential to understand and balance the cost of labour and materials, as it will make budgeting easier. The cost of materials is easier to quantify, but it is important to understand how complex and time consuming the labour component is.
Define the look More than ever, Australian homeowners are pushing the boundaries when it comes to the style of their homes. To get the modern look, focus on elements that make you feel pride and joy and spaces you would enjoy living in. Focus on what makes you feel that way – it could be big windows, timber floors, embedded textures or simple materials.
Exterior building materials have many roles to play. They need to be beautiful, long-lasting, keep out the elements, fit within budgets, work with our thermal requirements, as well as define our personal design style. Mixing cladding styles on a home façade has become a popular choice to create an architectural feel.
Create a consistent interior and exterior look The façade is your first impression of a home and can give instant street appeal. It is incredibly important to get the scale and materiality right here to make sure you are coming home to an inviting space that you want to be in.
Less is more when it comes to creating a modern exterior. Focus on clean lines, little ornamentation and pare back with only a few finishes that contrast well with one another. To achieve a consistent look with internal and external spaces, try to carry elements between both areas such as textures, colours and materials. Minimise the number of materials used internally and add personality to the space with a few statement pieces that resonate with you.
James Hardie has a variety of textured exterior products to choose from
BuildHer Collective’s Rebeka Morgan
Add more than an addition Adding a modern extension to a traditional home has become increasingly popular. An important consideration is to marry the old and new well. Focus on creating clear delineation between the existing building and new addition. Often this means a level change internally and a material change externally, to help experience the transition between spaces.
Whether you’re renovating to make room for a growing family or to get more out of your home, it’s important to plan so that your renovation process is streamlined, and you feel empowered to make the decisions that create the house of your dreams.
Melbourne artist’s new renovation full of statement black
Named after the structure that joins the home’s heritage front and modern extension, Colonnade House is the latest creation by the talented team at Melbourne architectural studio Splinter Society. Located…
The final chapter in the home renovation of Adore Home Magazine’s Loni Parker, this front garden project was finished recently and it’s quite the bright and breezy summer-ready gem. For context, Loni and partner Mark have overhauled their modest brick Queensland home into a fresh, white weatherboard delight with this space the final finishing touch.
“The ‘before’ was pretty woeful. We started with a humble brick abode with patchy grass and have turned it into a white weatherboard home complete with a lush courtyard perfect for entertaining,” says Loni of the garden design that covers 49 square metres and makes excellent use of space.
BEFORE front yardAFTER front yard. What a difference!
“I designed the front yard myself and the overall vision was to have a little oasis in the middle of suburbia,” Loni explains. “I wanted it to feel coastal and go with the exterior of the house. It also needed to be practical and offer us two zones in which to entertain – a dining area on the deck, and lounging area complete with built-in bench seat.”
A key moment in the redesign, the front garden now features a lovely deck that runs straight off the kitchen. Made from composite decking (Ekodeck Ironwood), the charcoal colour was chosen to match the home’s roof colour – Colorbond Monument. And given it’s a composite product, the deck won’t need to be sanded, oiled or stained. “It’s easy to clean too!” says Loni.
Outdoor dining area
The outdoor table and bench seats from Early Settler, which they’ve had for years, Loni considers her best bargain. “It’s just the best. It doesn’t rust or warp in the weather, it’s just hard-wearing and built for the elements!” Her favourite thing is the new outdoor coffee table from P&R Styling and the biggest splurge was the deck.
Sun protection, in the bright north facing backyard, is afforded by a large Basil Bangs umbrella. “Basil Bangs’ umbrellas are always used in commercial venues, because they’re the highest standard. They may cost a bit more but are made to last and totally worth the investment in my opinion,” says Loni.
Adjacent to the dining zone is the lounge area which features on-trend crazy pavers on the floor. “My favourite areas of the crazy paving are the larger pieces so if we were to do it again, I would make sure to keep as many larger pieces as possible as opposed to smashing them into smaller sizes. This also means a bit less work when gluing them down,” says Loni who, impressively, did the paving herself.
The lounge area features custom built-in lounges
“To save some money we rendered the bench seat ourselves, but we didn’t know the masonry blockwork needed to be waterproofed prior. It’s resulted in the render swelling when it rains heaps – whoops! Also budget was a big challenge. I had a price in mind and went slightly over. In the end, I just wanted it done before Christmas so hired trades that maybe were a bit more expensive, but were available straight away.”
The lounge area also features a stylish timber battened privacy screen, built-in bench seat and terrazzo coffee and side tables that all work to create a hugely welcoming conversation hub.
The whole scene is pulled together by a variety of fabulous white pots filled with a gorgeous array of greenery. Loni chose to pot most of the plants to give her the ability to move them around, further increasing her styling opportunities down the line. “In my eyes, gardens are always evolving, and if something doesn’t work, you change or move things around until they do work.
“I look after the new grass like I’m an elderly man! I even trim the grass next to the garden edging by hand with scissors because I don’t like the line trimmer flicking grass onto the white pebbles. Yes, I’m next level!
“We always get asked if we hired a landscaper to do the work and everyone is surprised that we organised and designed it all ourselves. I think that’s our greatest area of passion when renovating: gardens and the outdoor spaces. There’s a real sense of accomplishment watching the plants grow and thrive.”
Covet my coffee table: Adore Home magazine’s Loni Parker
Loni Parker is the founder of Adore Home magazine who recently published her very own coffee table book, Adore. We asked her to share what’s on her coffee table. Turns out…
It’s never too early to start planning your next reno project and with material shortages as a result of Covid and many trades booked out months in advance due to the boom in home improvements, follow these top tips to give yourself the best chance of getting what you want, when you want it, and on budget.
Decide your budget
It’s always important to know what your maximum budget is when you’re planning and then add 10-to-20% on top of that which can be reserved for any unexpected challenges that you might face during your project. You should then think of the remaining 80-to-90% as your maximum project budget for hiring tradies and organising any materials.
two joiners installing a kitchen
Map out your timeline
Next step is to determine a realistic end date of when you want the job completed. From there you can work backwards on a timeline. Remember to always give yourself a buffer for any delays, especially given shortages which have been experienced for certain materials as a result of the pandemic. Always be clear on your timings when speaking with your tradie on the brief and ask for the agreed timeline to be included in the contract.
Have your measurements ready
An estimated quote can’t be provided until you have the measurements and specifications of the area or space you want to renovate. It’s important to provide the clearest brief possible – a great way to do this is with photos. With tradies currently in high demand, it’s important to eliminate back and forth where possible.
Painter man at work with a paint roller
Begin talking to tradies early
Different renovation categories boom according to season so if your job is included in hipages’ Home Improvement Report’s anticipated top five categories, such as a deck installation, you need to brief a tradie as soon as possible. We’d recommend starting conversations with tradies now for any jobs planned for early next year too.
Harness the power of technology
The positive side of COVID-19 is that it has accelerated how tradies are using technology, with 29% of tradies increasing their use of digital platforms in light of the pandemic. This makes it easier for you to communicate with tradies ahead of the job, sharing your budget and timeline. The lockdowns in some states have also inspired tradies to give video call consultations before coming out to your property.
-Stuart Tucker is chief customer officer for hipages, the online platform that connects Australia with trusted tradies to simplify home improvement, and proud sponsor of The Block Fans v Faves.
The Block 2021 exterior facade and front garden reveals
It was an emotional night on The Block as the contestants said goodbye to their trades and it sunk in that they were almost done! The scores were a lot…
“The style that immediately came to mind was British Colonial, but being so close to the bay I wanted to add more of a luxe, coastal hotel feel with a Floridian, Island vibe,” says interior designer Kate Walker of her sparkling new home ‘Biscayne,’ located on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The bayside Mt Martha residence is situated on over 2000 square metres and includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two powder rooms, gorgeous gardens, a pool and tennis court.
Stunning Gucci Heron print wallpaper makes a sizeable statement in the powder room
A renovation of an existing home, Kate incorporated existing architectural elements in the makeover – the large double-deck verandah is one of them and it certainly helped dictate the home’s British Colonial vibe. Elsewhere wide hallways and luxe finishes imbue the home with grandeur – think floor to ceiling wide glass panelled doorways, myriad artworks and colonial inspired finishes.
Deck
The interior walls are filled with texture, colour and pattern, from white walls adorned with gorgeous artwork to GucciHeron print wallpaper in the bathroom, alongside wood, brass, marble and porcelain – all the elements add up to create a refined yet eclectic aesthetic.
Lounge room
Kitchen and dining
Most notably, new architectural details were added with the application of cornices and wainscoting on the walls and ceilings, ensuring a seamless finish throughout. “Gyprock plasterboard was used throughout the home, it was part of every room and gave us the opportunity to create the perfect blank canvas for featuring the much-loved artwork and wallpaper,” says Kate.
Bedroom
Bathroom
And while the original house had great bones and was well built, it needed some major reworking in terms of spatial planning. “We redesigned the floor plan, which included restructuring how the entrance worked and changing the location of the kitchen,” says Kate. The team also turned an external verandah into an internal room utilising Gyprock to cover up the external brick walls. “Using Gyprock made transitioning external walls to internal walls such a simple and smooth process,” says Kate.
Laundry
Unsurprisingly, the designer is absolutely thrilled with the result. “To see your vision come to life is the most rewarding aspect of what I do. I designed Biscayne with resort-living in mind and I wanted to make every part of the property a pleasure to be in. Now that I am living there with my family I have absolutely fallen in love with my home.”
Reclaimed brick stars in new Mornington Peninsula sustainable home
This stylish new home is located on a block in the small seaside town of Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula. Incredibly, the block was purchased 45 years ago for just…
An exciting new renovating event for Australia and New Zealand is happening next month and in good news for everyone, including those in lockdown (hands up!), it’s online. And it’s free! And even better, it features some of our very favourite suppliers and speakers.
The Home Renovation Summit 2021 is going to be three jam-packed days of learning for anyone looking to renovate or build. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and you don’t know where to start, start here! The organisers, Nine Yards Consulting, have curated an impressive line-up of brands and will be giving you easy, direct access to them, so they can help you with your questions and selections.
Clare Le Roy from The Little Design Corner will be talking about her hugely popular SketchUp online course. Kaety Thompson from Oliver Thom will talk about bathroom decor and design, and Gemma Gillett from StudioGemma will spill the beans on custom cabinetry. Former The Block NZ winner Alex Walls, of A&C Home, is also speaking.
“Each company will explain what exactly it is that they do as well as share useful tips and expert advice about the design and build or reno process and what specific fixtures and finishes are available from their range,” says Jen Jones, construction project manager and owner of Nine Yards Consulting.
“Think of it as a boutique home show, showcasing a niche community of specialists whom you can learn from, all in the comfort of your home or office.”
Sounds good to us!
Other brands already announced include Tile Cloud, Natural Paint Co, Concrete Nation, Mineral Fox, Social Light, Boho Art Styling and Nodi Rugs.
Jen is interviewing all the experts via video and each will be released ‘live’ on the website over three days from August 24 to 26.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about what companies are best suited to your personal needs, as well as their products and services, in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Each day will have a different focus such as design and build with kitchen, bathroom and lighting experts; finishes such as tiles, timber profiles and rendered plaster; and fixtures/fittings such as basins, hardware and more.”
Tickets are free, but you can choose to sign up for a VIP ticket for just $45 (or NZD $47) which will get you bonus free content from the likes of Style Curator’s Gina Ciancio, boundary-pushing interior designer Alex Fulton and our very own Jen Bishop, who’ll be talking frankly about her own experience as a rookie renovator. This early bird price will increase to $92/NZD$97 as the event gets closer.
VIPs also get entry into a prize draw to win $750 worth of reno goodness, immediate access to all the content from day one, as well as lifetime access in case the timing doesn’t work for you. There’s also exclusive supplier discounts which could save you thousands, and much more. A bargain!
In her day job, Jen Jones helps rookie renovators transform their homes without unnecessary stress, timeline overruns and budget blowouts. Over the past 10 years, she’s worked with established New Zealand commercial businesses such as NorthWest Shopping Centre, Auckland Airport, BNZ, BP, Lumino, Flight Centre and more, managing their construction projects as well as undertaking residential projects of her own.
“This combination of fit out, project and cost management experience allows me to take a holistic approach to any renovation or extension project,” she says. “I set up Nine Yards Consulting in 2019 to offer this experience and expertise as a project consultant to the residential sector.”
Renovating or planning to? Love looking at great house ‘before and afters’? Our Reno Addict section has the latest expert advice and inspiration for Australian renovators.
Built in the 1980’s this large Sydney family home, located in Bellevue Hill, was in serious need of a facelift before interior designer Hilary Ryan was engaged to overhaul its layout and dated aesthetic. “It was badly built in the ‘80’s and was ugly, ugly, ugly!” says Hilary of the original home that, while palatial in size, was in desperate need of a modern update.
The kitchen looks onto the outdoor entertaining area
“The owners wanted a ‘Parisian apartment’ style aesthetic to bring the right blend of tradition to suit a modern lifestyle and create a character filled home. They wanted the home to feel luxurious yet welcoming,” says Hilary who clearly did many things right given the project has just been named as a finalist in several categories in this year’s KBDi (Kitchen Bathrooms Designers Institute) awards. The home’s kitchen, laundry and wine cellar were all recognised in the competition.
Lounge roomThe stairs house a unique wine cellarBathroom
A standout space in the home, the new kitchen replaces one that had no appliance storage, little preparation room and was squashed into a corner making it difficult for more than one cook to work at the same time. “In contrast, the renovated space is large, filled with storage and has enough workspace to accommodate the home’s busy family of five,” says Hilary.
The spacious new kitchen
French Oak timber floors, a butler’s sink, a custom traditional style rangehood, integrated fridge and freezer, shaker doors with inner detailed moulding, and polished nickel taps and lighting all feature in the large space. The kitchen island is painted with Dulux Grid, a statement shade. “The indigo island bench adds drama to a timeless classic kitchen and exudes a refreshing style that complements the wider aesthetic of the renovated home,” says Hilary.
The large butler’s pantry
Adjacent to the space, the butler’s pantry houses appliances, a zip tap and a second integrated dishwasher. “This allows the butler’s pantry to function as a scullery when entertaining to keep the main kitchen looking pristine,” says Hilary.
Previously cut off from the home, the outdoor space is now connected to the kitchen to create a fabulous entertaining area. “The new footprint offers open plan living with luxurious fittings and features yet is robust enough to cater to a bustling domestic life but stretch effortlessly to large scale entertaining,” says Hilary.
