One of the first couples to have their home undergo the (sledge)hammer were total rookie renovators, Brad and Mel, who in turn worked on their fellow Victorians, Taeler and Elle’s, Watsonia home. And while the competition’s first week saw them sit at the bottom of the leaderboard, it wasn’t all bad — we’re sure they’ll find their sea legs eventually.

The property they’ve thrown up for other contestants to tackle is their untouched, three-bedroom, “1920s Edwardian old girl” in Northcote, which has housed their family of six…somehow. In terms of a brief, Brad and Mel’s was loose and open to interpretation. Humble as ever, they simply say they want their home to be a place of love and somewhere their children can thrive and are proud to be their friends — with lots of storage!

Who are Dream Home’s Brad and Mel?

Married for over 20 years, musician Brad and shopping centre delivery manager Mel have four children aged between 12 and 18. It’s no small feat that has left them with little time to renovate their home and a track record of loan rejections along the way. Although the pair have a learn-along-the-way approach, they do foresee themselves butting heads as they reconcile Mel’s strict and structured approach vs Brad’s eclectic style.

Tour Brad and Mel’s Northcote home

Living area

Hannah and Jonny’s interpretation of Mel and Brad’s ‘light and bright’ desires amounted to this breezy living room, which features a tiled fireplace, built-in cabinetry and a huge L-shaped sofa that can accommodate their whole family. Judge Simon Cohen felt the fireplace was a great value-add, and we agree.

Kitchen

A simple but effective layout sees this kitchen design by Jacinta and Jordan shine. A generous island bench (uninterrupted by a sink!) leaves room for casual family meals, and opting for a window instead of a splashback creates more opportunities for light to enter. The space’s only downfall, according to judges, was the two-tone joinery.

Dubbed ‘boring’ and compared to a boardroom, Jacinta and Jordan’s dining room fell flat with the judges, who recommended the addition of a half-wall to separate the space and a cosy rug underfoot.

After a nerve-wracking and painstaking relocation of one of the home’s original ceiling roses, Taeler and Elle felt they were set up for success with 16-year-old Spencer’s bedroom, which also features a half-height textured nib wall (great for storage!) and warm-toned bedding. Although we think the room’s chic design leaves it open for adaptation, judge Lana Taylor questioned if it had the appropriate ‘edge’.

Spencer’s ensuite

The decision to hide Spencer’s ensuite bathroom behind a wardrobe door was a divisive one. However, the space is undoubtedly redeemed by lots of storage, a neutral colour palette, and double sinks. It’s worth noting that to create this large space, Taeler and Elle sacrificed future potential for a second bathroom.

Bennett’s bedroom

18-year-old Bennett’s bedroom was the second tackled by Hannah and Jonny in week 1, and it was dubbed ‘epic’. The arched built-in desk is sleek and minimal, perfect for a teen transitioning to adulthood.

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If you’ve ever spent more time agonising over the difference between “Sunshine Yellow” and “Daylight Yellow” than you have with your family in a given week, we feel your pain. Choosing a colour isn’t a decision to take lightly as it sets a room’s mood and impacts how your furniture looks.

To save you potential agony, we’ve asked the experts and devised 9 major paint colour mistakes to avoid.

1. Painting a ceiling flat white

The biggest wall in a room is the one most of us don’t even think about.

“I never paint a ceiling dead white because all white paint has a bit of grey in it, and it takes the room down,” designer Athalie Derse says. Her suggestion: Choose a creamy neutral shade instead. Don’t be afraid to choose a grey or a beige either. We suggest hiring a pro for this job.

2. Going too matchy-matchy

It’s tempting to keep things easy and just bring a fabric swatch to the paint counter. Not so fast.

“You never want to match your walls to a colour in one of your fabrics,” designer Sallie Giordano says. “It will be too strong. Find a greyed-out version of the colour.”

3. Leaving out ‘palette-cleansing’ elements 

Once you fall in love with a colour, it’s easy to go overboard.

“The biggest mistake people make when they’re trying to be colourful and exciting is to forget that you need to balance it with neutrals,” says designer Todd Klein. Painting architectural elements in white or simply adding a grey throw or two can give your eye a place to rest.

4. Playing it too safe

Conversely, if you go with a palette of neutrals, don’t forget to add a few stronger colours.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make with neutrals is not using enough contrast,” designer Betsy Brown says. “You have to interject elements that add intense personality. Make it gutsy, or else it’s boring.”

5. Using wildly different colour schemes

You know it when you see it: The neutral living room says “relaxed, coastal chic,” but then the vivid bathroom goes “1920’s decadence”.

“Even when I don’t use the same colours everywhere, I still like the rooms to feel connected,” designer Mona Ross Berman says. “The bedroom should never feel like it’s in a completely different house from the living room – the whole house has to make sense as one.”

6. Using the same colour palette everywhere 

Faithfully sticking to your favourite hues in every room can create an “uptight” vibe.

“You need to know when to pull back,” says designer Tom Scheerer. “A two-colour scheme can be great, but there has to be some relief, or it comes across as too pat and makes everything seem stiff.”

7. Forgetting the impact finish makes 

For instance, an eggshell finish can take the intensity out of a rich hue — for better or worse.

“Darker colours in general can read very flat, so use a high-lustre finish,” designer Meg Braff says. If you decide to go down this route, do your homework first. “Good prep is key to any high-lustre paint finish, so skim-coating the walls helps. You can get a deep, rich gloss without the expense of lacquering.”

8. Selecting a one-dimensional hue

This is another pitfall that often comes up with more dramatic choices.

“Colours that have no depth are oddly fluorescent,” top designer Suzanne Kasler says. “They will leap out at you, rather than pull you in. It’s a subtle difference, but failure to recognise it sometimes makes people afraid of using colour.”

So, that might be why “Creamsicle” ended up looking like “Construction Cone Orange” on the wall.

9. Pressuring yourself to find a forever colour 

With all the hassle of painting, it’s understandable to keep falling back to the same look you’ve always had in your home. But, like personal style, our rooms can change over time.

“You have to trust yourself, but you don’t have to commit to colour all at once — you can play with it as the rooms evolve,” says designer Ashley Whittaker.

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It feels like only yesterday that the final hammer came down on Charming Street, drawing a shocking conclusion to last year’s 1950s-themed season — certainly for Leah and Ash, whose psyche-deco abode only just sold after months on the market. But The Block producers are already charging ahead with the milestone 20th season: demolition has begun, and the site is crawling with tradies and crew members, and filming is underway. So, here’s everything we know about The Block 2024.

Be sure to bookmark this page for the latest updates.

When does The Block 2024 start?

While an official start date is yet to be revealed, we think it’s pretty safe to assume that The Block 2024 will premiere in early August. Historically, the show has kicked off on the very first weekend of the month, but we expect it will be held until the conclusion of the Olympic Games on 11th August 2024. According to trusty insider Facebook group 2024 Phillip Island “The Block”, the admin of which shared a shot of an article published by the local paper, both this year’s contestants and hosts Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft were set to arrive at the end of February with a reported film start-date of March 1st.

Where will The Block 2024 be held?

If you’ve been following along closely, you might already have clocked The Block 2024’s semi-isolated filming location. After rumours the show could be set to return to the Victorian countryside — Daylesford, to be specific — were quashed, it was revealed that The Block would be heading even further afield, to a 14-year-old holiday resort on Phillip Island, in the western part of Cowes.

Worth a whopping $9.58 million, the site (previously Island Cove Villas) promises breathtaking views and the slow, quiet lifestyle only island life can afford. Sounds lovely, though we can’t help but wonder how the contestants will fare against the logistical challenges of a site located over two hours away from Melbourne’s CBD. It’s almost like the producers welcome drama!

You can find out more about The Block 2024’s location here.

Is Scotty Cam doing The Block 2024?

Channel Nine has already confirmed that Scotty Cam, the man synonymous with The Block, is not going anywhere. “Unfortunately for those who might want to see the back of me, a couple of months ago I signed a long-term deal. We’re ready to go!” Scotty told his “beloved” Nine Network last year. He is also reportedly renting a home in Cowes West for the duration of the season.

You can see Scotty’s real estate portfolio — worth multiple millions — here.

Who are The Block 2024 judges?

And on that note, another very important question arises. Who are this year’s judges? Will Marty Fox take over full time? Are any of them 100% in?

Well, judge Shaynna Blaze has finally shared a photo to her Instagram, flanked by Marty Fox and Darren Palmer. Check out The Block judges various homes and holiday escapes here.

Will Neale Whitaker be returning as a judge for The Block 2024?

In 2023, Neale took a break from filming to spend more time with his partner, who was dealing with health issues at the time. While he had previously told Homes to Love that he would be returning for its 20th season, Neale has announced his decision to remain at home with his partner as much as possible. While we may be seeing him on Phillip Island from time to time, the judging role has been permanently handed over to Marty Fox, alongside Shaynna and Darren.

To his Instagram audience, Neale wrote: “It’s been such a privilege to be part of Australia’s most iconic TV show for an unbelievable 13 years – unbelievable to me, anyway… Congratulations and good luck to this year’s Blockheads for their Phillip Island journey!”

Who are The Block 2024 contestants?

Grainy photos of the lineup (one of which also reveals the new logo) during promo filming have been leaked, courtesy of locals, and all of the contestants were named: Kristian and Mimi (purple team), Jesse and Paige (blue team), Kylie and Brad (green team), Ricky and Hayden (yellow team), and Courtney and Grant (red team).

However, à la Elle Ferguson and Joel Patful’s dramatic ghosting in 2022, suspected insider @theblockinatorblog shared via Instagram that one of the teams have called it quits.

“DRAMA!! Rumour has it that a couple competing on The Block 2024 has quit the show. It’s not yet known who has quit the show, but it’s been said that the couple have already been replaced by a new couple,” wrote the anonymous source.

Could the new couple fulfil the ‘All Stars’ prophecy predicted by many? Steph and Gian, who made history last year after taking home the biggest profit the show has ever seen, have confirmed that they will return in some capacity. It has been suggested that the pair will play a role in divvying out the show’s ‘Block Bucks’, perhaps in line with their soon-to-be-launched brand, Japandi Estate.

Taking a more cryptic tact, Kristy and Brett’s latest Instagram post, a studio shot of them looking ready for competition captioned “The writing was always on the wall…”, has also raised some eyebrows — could they be hinting at a possible return so soon?

Or perhaps there’s some credit to the ‘All Star’ rumours after all — Tom (of Tom and Sarah-Jane) famously made a reappearance as a HiPages ambassador in 2023, so we guess anything is possible!

But, as we learned from the 2022 season, the production team have prepared for every instance, including shock mid-season drop outs. We already hear rumblings of another plucky duo rearing to take on the challenge five weeks in, two young girls by the name of Maddy and Charlotte.

Here’s everything we know about The Block 2024 contestants.

Is Foreman Keith returning to The Block in 2024?

Sadly, Neale Whitaker is not the only loss The Block will suffer in 2024. Although he is practically synonymous with the show, respected and revered Foreman Keith (Keith Schleiger), has also announced that he is reducing his role, putting the decision down to the difficulties of traveling to Phillip Island and the need to prioritise his family. He will reportedly make a few appearances throughout the season, but will largely hand over to Dan Reilly. He also announced on Instagram that he is starting a new business, Keith’s Bathrooms and Renovations.

The Block 2024 houses

Thanks to The Blockinator Blog’s Facebook group, THE BLOCK 2024 PHILLIP ISLAND, we now have our first glimpses of the finished homes — or renders of them, at least. As they have done in previous years, producers have opted to erect Domain-branded ‘Forthcoming Auction’ signage way ahead of time (like, way ahead — historically, auctions aren’t held until around November).

This year, contestants were working with dated, resort-style properties, and in a nod to their locale, it appears they have stuck with a theme of Palm Springs coastal and mid-century-style asymmetry.

So what’s happening now?

With the teams on-site, we can now only guess as to what kind of renovation chaos is ensuing. A local source has supposedly hinted that the challenge room was a bathroom, which would truly be a baptism by fire!

Ever wondered what happens before The Block hits our screens? What preparation the contestants are given, if any? We spoke to 2023’s Steph and Gian and 2021’s Mitch and Mark to get the low-down on what happens before The Block kicks off — check it out here.

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Yes, it has been confirmed that Channel 7 is bringing on a brand-spanking new renovation show called Dream Home. Anticipated to air sometime in the coming months of 2024, the show is modelled off a New Zealand/Aotearoa counterpart of the same name, which saw two couples compete for a cash prize as they fully renovated a dilapidated property to create their, well, “dream home”.

And while we don’t like to play favourite child when it comes to reality reno shows, we can’t help but wonder: after a dramatic finish in Hampton East last year, could this already-successful show topple The Block off its throne?

When is Dream Home‘s air date?

We can finally reveal that Channel 7’s Dream Home is set to air on Sunday 26th May at 7pm on Channel 7 and 7plus, cutting ahead of both The Block and the 2024 Olympic Games.

Who will host Dream Home?

And who will fill the rival work boots of Scott Cam and be entrusted with the reigns of this brand new show? Channel 7 has officially confirmed that it will be Bondi Vet and The Living Room‘s Dr. Chris Brown, who left Channel 10 last year to join the Channel 7 network.

For those questioning Dr Chris’ authority to host a show about renovating, he admits that while his skills are “a renovator’s delight”, he feels this will mean he can genuinely relate to what the contestants experience on the show – “possibly more than they’ll ever know.”

What is Dream Home Australia about?

Mitre 10 Dream Home, which preceded The Block (a cause of much contention and even a lawsuit), saw a successful life in New Zealand/Aotearoa between 1999 and 2013. Much like The Block, the original rendition of the show followed contestants as they were challenged to renovate room-by-room while sticking to a strict budget.

In the original series, viewers were also invited to participate, voting each week for the room they liked best, but it appears this format has been dropped by its new producers, Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay company).

In the 2024 Australian reboot of Dream Home, six pairs of ‘everyday Aussies’ will redesign and rebuild each other’s outdated homes room-by-room, battling it out each week with a winner declared every Sunday evening (sounds familiar!). Once the homes are complete, the three top-placing teams will have the opportunity to take to their home’s backyards and outdoor living areas.

The prize? Their dream home, of course – no nail-biting auctions here. The winning couple will also receive a cash prize of $100,000.

Who are the judges on Dream Home?

But arguably more important than the host, is who will form the assemblage of judges on Dream Home. We can now confirm that Luxe Listing’s Simon Cohen, Selling in the City star and principal at architecture firm Hassell Rosie Morley, and Three Birds Renovations’ Lana Taylor have been cast as judges for Channel 7’s upcoming renovation show. 

Speaking with Homes to Love, Simon Cohen, buyer’s agent and co-founder of Cohen Handler said, “Dream Home will be an incredible competition that sees mind-blowing house transformations in such a short time. It’s going to be [something] that every Australian can relate to… [it’s] definitely the show to be watching at the moment.”

“These renovations will be incredible and absolutely life-changing. The stakes are high in any competition, but when it comes to your home, the sky’s the limit.”

“Knowledge is power and I think people underestimate just how many decisions they’re going to have to make,” adds Three Birds’ Lana Taylor.

Whether they will bring the same banter and pizazz as Darren Palmer, Shaynna Blaze, Marty Fox and now-ex-judge Neale Whitaker remains to be seen, but with the expertise between them, we think Simon, Rosie and Lana will be a force to be reckoned with.

Who are the contestants on Dream Home?

The show will play host to six teams of two from across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales. The teams are as follows:

Brad and Mel, Victoria

Brad and Mel have been married for over 20 years, and have four teenagers to prove it. Their home in Northcote, VIC, is described as an untouched 1920s “Edwardian old girl” simply too small for their family and lifestyle. After attempting to renovate for six years, the pair “took a punt and applied” to the show.

Taelar and Ellie, Victoria

Sisters Taelar and Ellie are taking to the competition with an upper hand – Taelar is a professional house-flipper and graduate architect. The home undergoing the hammer is Elle’s 1960s Watsonia North property, which she purchased in 2022. The pair say they’re dreaming of a modern 70s aesthetic with a focus on natural materials. “I would hate to see white on white on white on white in Elle’s house, it just isn’t her,” says Taelar. Listen up, contestants!

Hannah and Jonny, Queensland

Hannah and Jonny are parents to 10-month-old twins, so for them, life has been a juggle. Their 1950s weatherboard, located in the inner-city suburb of Coorparoo, has high potential, but is rundown and cramped in its current state – and not fit for a young family. Their brief is for an open-plan home packed with colour, fun and personality. “I hope people don’t interpret our brief as “retro” and give us a house that feels like an Austin Powers movie with different bold colours in every room,” says Jonny.

Rhys and Liam, Queensland

Tradie brothers Rhys and Liam have already been dubbed the ‘pair to watch’. Their self-described style is a blend of Scandinavian and coastal Mediterranean, so we expect they’ll be after a home that is light-filled and packs a punch with great outdoor entertaining areas. After helping his Rhys renovate his home, it’s Liam’s turn on the reno-go-round with his 1970s Deception Bay pad.

Jacinta and Jordan, New South Wales

Sydney couple Jacinta and Jordan attribute communication and shared humour as the hallmarks of their successful partnership. The pair have two young daughters and have been forced to live in Jacinta’s grandparents’ single-bedroom granny flat while they save to renovate their cramped and rundown home in suburban Punchbowl. “I grew up around construction as most of my family are tradies,” says Jacinta. “I always loved taking part in any renovation project anyone around me had. So, you could say I have some experience, but still very much a rookie.”

Lara and Peter, New South Wales

Family-first Lara and Peter describe themselves as a ‘typical fiery Italian’ and an ‘Aussie bogan’. They hope their 1960s red brick home in Belrose will be transformed with an open-plan floorplan with a coastal vibe and plenty of greenery. “This renovation will mean we finally get to entertain. Being around friends and family is super important to us.”

While we’re champing at the bit for fresh reality renovation content, The Block will always hold a special place in our hearts. To find out everything that’s happening with this year’s season – including news about the sites, contestants and judges – head over to our article.

And now, back to The Block

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Blinds tend to be one of the most popular options because they’re affordable, come in a range of styles and fabrics, and suit a wide variety of needs, whether that’s blocking out light and heat or providing privacy. But there are plenty of options on the market, and knowing where to start looking is half the battle.

“Window covering solutions help manage light, heat and energy at the building envelope, reducing the need for artificial lighting, cooling and heating.” says Managing Director, Residential Division, Steve Saboune, Hunter Douglas Australia.

2024 marks 70 years since Luxaflex, the worldwide leading brand in window coverings, was introduced into the Australian market. “This year is a very special year for Hunter Douglas, as we celebrate 70 years since launching the Luxaflex brand in Australia,” says Steve. “To this day, we continue to expand the Australian product range of custom-made blinds, shutters and awnings, some of which are certified Australian Made, combining the best of international and local innovations.”

As with many things in our home, it’s important to not only weigh-up what it will look like, but also the function your window blinds will serve. Hot tip: don’t forget that you can sometimes see window blinds from the outside too!  To help you decide whether you’d rather Roman blinds or a Plantation shutter, we’ve put together the ultimate guide for choosing the right window coverings for your space. 

The best types of window blinds

Roller blinds

By far one of the most popular window coverings, roller blinds provide an easy up-and-down motion, which lets you flood your space with natural light or block it out as needed. They are usually fitted inside a window reveal or casement and suit the modern, mess-free aesthetic. 

There are a few different fabric types to choose from with roller blinds. Transparent blinds — like unlined linen — are sheer and allow you to have a clear view outside during the day, while those outside can’t see in easily. But take note, at night time when the lights are on inside the opposite happens, so it’s common for people to use a ‘dual blind’. 

Translucent blinds — often made from a polyester or blend — are light filtering but as you can’t see through them, so they provide more privacy throughout the day and night. Alternatively, BlockOut blinds have a solid backing and offer total privacy. They block out all light so they’re great for bedrooms, and also help keep out or retain heat. 

Honeycomb blinds

Honeycomb blinds, also known as cellular shades, have gained immense popularity in homes due to their blend of practicality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. One of their primary draws lies in their energy efficiency. Luxaflex® Duette® Shades is the most energy-efficient window covering on the Australian market. With superior insulation properties, the unique honeycomb structure traps air to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

Their sleek and modern appearance adds a touch of sophistication to any space, complementing various interior styles. Additionally, they come in a wide range of colours, textures, and opacities, making it easy for homeowners to find the perfect match for their decor preferences.

Venetian blinds

Enjoying a recent resurgence, the humble Venetian blind has a clean horizontal blade that now comes in a more sleek profile and choice of narrow or wider blades. Venetian blinds can also work in every room of the house. PVC and aluminium designs are a practical option for wet areas, while timber Venetian blinds are a cost-effective alternative to plantation shutters while still providing that popular horizontal-blade look.

Plantation shutters

Plantation shutters offer a blend of timeless elegance and practicality, making them an excellent choice of window covering. Their classic design adds a touch of sophistication to any room while providing exceptional light control, privacy and insulation. Unlike traditional curtains or blinds, Plantation shutters are durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas of the home. 

Additionally, their adjustable louvers allow full control over the amount of light entering a room.

Vertical blinds

Hanging from the top on a slide-out track, vertical blinds are actually quite practical as the blades can be angled to provide privacy when allowing light to penetrate. Modern designs don’t have problems with their beading like older styles do, as instead there’s generally a weight in the base of each vertical blade, which makes them sit and look better than earlier designs. 

Roman blinds

Made from fabric, Roman blinds fold up in wide horizontal panels, pulled by cords on one side. They are a popular choice to soften the look of a window and room overall. Often paired with curtains, Roman blinds provide insulation and work well in cooler climates. 

The variety of fabrics you can use also provides endless options, including matching patterns and designs to your bedding or soft furnishings. There are also many designs in lightweight sheer fabrics, such as cotton, linen and hemp, which are a perfect choice for coastal-style homes. 

Roman blinds are convenient because you can precisely adjust the amount of light entering a room at any time of the day, as well as helping to keep sound levels down in busy households (depending on your choice of fabric). 

The post How to choose the best window blinds from the most popular options on the market appeared first on Homes To Love.

It’s little wonder why concrete is such a ubiquitous building material; it’s strong, reliable, low maintenance and versatile. And while some view concrete purely as a structural material, others appreciate it as an aesthetic choice, particularly following on from the 1950s architectural movement of Brutalism. Deriving from the French term ‘beton brut’, meaning raw concrete, Brutalism is characterised by exposed structural elements and minimalist design, as seen in Sydney’s iconic and divisive Sirius Building.

However, more recently, we’ve been seeing a smoother iteration of concrete splashed across modern interiors. Enter: microcement.

What is microcement?

Microcement is a decorative coating or overlay system made from a mix of cement, water-based resins, mineral pigments and additives that can be used on floors, walls and even joinery. Compared to concrete, which is a mix of cement, water, sand and rock, microcement is much thinner and is typically hand-applied at just a few millimetres of thickness.

From an aesthetic point of view, microcement can create a smoother more seamless finish than regular cement, although the coating comes in a wide variety of finishes and colours, meaning you can also opt for the classic gritty concrete look too.

According to David Montalti, director of Alternative Surfaces, microcement started gaining popularity a few years ago and is only set to continue trending.

• It’s durable
• It can be applied over a range of materials like tiles, MDF, existing concrete
• It’s UV-resistant
• It’s waterproof and non-slip
• It’s easy to repair and maintain
• Typically cheaper than tiling
• Is warmer underfoot than concrete

The advantages of microcement

How is microcement used?

Given its thin consistency and application compared to concrete, microcement can be used in all rooms of the house, from the bathroom to the living room. David says because microcement has such a minimalist look, it can be paired with all different types of architecture.

Being both non-slip and water-resistant, microcement can be found in showers, steam rooms, pools, kitchens, garden pathways and balconies. There really is no area of the home where it can’t be used! And being grout-free, it’s a particularly popular choice for bathrooms.

Is microcement expensive?

Naturally, the cost of using microcement in your home comes down to the area of application, what kind of surface preparation is required and the type of microcement you’re looking to use, as there is a range of brands and finishes.

At Alternative Surfaces, X-Bond has been the microcement of choice for around 25 years now and is priced at $200 plus GST per square metre for floor installations (based on a minimum 100-square-metre over concrete job).

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay more per square metre for smaller jobs, ranging from $200 to $300 per square metre, depending on which company and microcement you choose to go for.

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Whether it’s a seemingly impossible stain removal, a car deep clean, a dramatic hair colour do-over, or, in this case, an amazing home renovation, comparing the bad with the good shows what’s achievable with a little hard work and a good dose of elbow grease (or some super strength stain remover).

Here, we’ve picked out eight of the most impressive and dramatic before and after home renovations to give you goosebumps. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to create your own.

Our favourite before and afters that need to be seen to be believed

1. A dark century-old cottage made light and bright

When Nat and Zach Spadavecchia purchased this c1920s sandstone cottage in Helensburgh, ‘Luck Cottage’, they thought the renovation would be a speedy and cosmetic one. But that was not the case. With 2022 came rain and flooding the couple could not have anticipated, and the termite-ridden back half of the home completely collapsed. “I was pregnant and hormonal and kept thinking – what have we done? We’ve basically paid for a few sandstone walls,” recalls Nat, the stylist and photographer behind The Palm Co. Pushing through their doubt, Nat and Zach gave the quaint cottage a complete overhaul, blending its original charm with a “modern touch”.

2. A run-down Queenslander turned stylish family home

Emily and Dan MacKillop used to look over their garden fence at the run-down 1880s worker’s cottage next door. When the property hit the market in 2020, the pair took the opportunity to transform the then-student accommodation into a family-friendly home with a backyard of 100 square metres – despite the sloped block. “We wanted to create a modern reinterpretation of a traditional Queenslander,” says Dan. By changing the floor plan and extending backwards, the couple created a bright and open home that steers clear of cookie-cutter.

3. A once “gross” Victorian home now exudes pared-back chic

When Ivy Huang chanced across this Victorian-era home in Albert Park, it was the typical worst house on the best street. “The fact that this project was so challenging and so gross actually made it really attractive to me,” she says with a laugh. A total hoarder’s house, the property was in complete disrepair – and carried the less-than-welcome smells that went with such a state. Honouring a heritage overlay but tearing down the rest, Ivy made way for a design that was both contemporary and sympathetic to the original era, complete with sweeping archways and an organic feel.

4. A colourfully elegant weatherboard cottage

Nicola and Tom purchased this weatherboard cottage home in 2017 from a retired ferry driver who had lived there since the mid-1960s and extended in the 70s, using no insulation and seeking no council approval. Working with interior designer Caitlin Parker-Brown of Parker Studio, the pair formulated a brief that combined colour and elegance with a hardy material palette of limestone flooring, walnut joinery and travertine stone. “I love the colour palette and materials here,” says Caitlin. “Our clients were very trusting, which gave us freedom to push the envelope.”

5. A renovation took this cottage from “awkward” to an “urban oasis”

Situated in Melbourne’s Fitzroy North, this now sun-dappled and spacious home was not always as such. “We always intended to renovate the house as it was pretty run-down, with poor light, mouldy ceilings, and very awkward communal spaces that weren’t conducive to modern living,” says homeowner Mooey, who purchased the property in 2019 with her husband, Simon. Working alongside Imogen Pullar Architecture and Nick Healey of Healey Constructions, the pair devised a plan for the worker’s cottage that would maximise the feeling of spaciousness, the available natural light and garden views.

6. A renovated 1900s worker’s cottage with a contemporary extension

Dubbed Hazelwood House, this breezy home is a shining example of a Brisbane dream home, where outdoor entertaining and poolside lounging are paramount. When Interior designer Morgan Braithwaite and architect Tom Favell bought the property, it was all but derelict, but now, the sunshine-filled home features natural, bespoke finishes spread across a two-storey layout that easily accommodates both social gatherings and quieter moments.

7. A renovated 1920s brick bungalow with a soaring extension

When Bill and Kellie bought this Newcastle home in 2012, they were charmed by its near-century-old cornices, ceiling mouldings and picture rails. But beyond, it was a mishmash of rooms from serial renovations and a rear extension that did no justice to the floorplan. To bring the home up to scratch, the couple called in interior designers Courtney Atkinson and Marissa Hamling of Bone and Blanc Interiors, who layered textures and light, earthy tones to create a look that is “coastal Mediterranean with a mix of heritage”.

8. Interior designer Kate Lawrence-Parker’s reimagining of her childhood home

Long before her romance with Sydney Swans AFL star Luke Parker, and even before her career in interior design, Kate Lawrence-Parker grew up in a leafy Sydney suburb with her parents, Rhonda and Bruce. Working closely with her mum, Kate used her talents to reimagine the three-storey brick abode, completely gutting the kitchens and bathrooms, adding a fireplace and replacing the flooring and paint. “It started as bathroom renovations, and then we expanded and did the whole house,” says Kate. “We said, ‘If we are going to do it, let’s do it right.’”

See more renovation inspiration

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With these highly visible open spaces, the kitchen is now expected to not only function well but also blend seamlessly with the home’s aesthetic. But where do you begin (and draw the line) when it comes to giving your kitchen a makeover?

Designed for the way you live today

If you’re thinking about upgrading your appliances, you can find yourself on a slippery slope into a full-blown renovation when you consider the aesthetics of matching your cabinetry with your appliances, tapware, and handles. How else can you achieve a seamless look?

The latest collection from German brand NEFF answers this challenge to perfection with its Flex Design range, allowing for both creativity and practicality when it comes to kitchen design.

Have your kitchen your way

The NEFF Flex Design range allows you to choose the colour of the sidebars and handles on your appliances. From your stovetop to the oven and range hood, now you can call the shots as to how your appliances fit into your décor, instead of the other way around. 

In four distinctive colours, you can choose from Brushed Bronze, Deep Black, Metallic silver and Anthracite Grey. Flex Design is available for the wider NEFF range of built-in ovens and steam ovens, induction hobs and coffee machines.

Both the side trims and handles are easily changeable so down the track, if you decide to change up your kitchen cabinetry, tapware or handles, you can easily change your colours again, without having to replace the entire appliance. It truly gives you the freedom to change up your kitchen whenever inspiration strikes.

Seamless customisation to fit your space

Here’s how it works: When you choose your appliances from the NEFF Flex Design range at Winnings, they will order your oven with a handle and side trims in your choice of colour. The side trims will already be ordered in the correct length for your desired inbuilt situation to ensure you have a seamless combination for your kitchen.

Watch how easy it is to change up the Flex Design elements in this video.

You can see some of the combinations that are possible and the trim lengths available on the NEFF product information website.

Where form meets function

The sleek NEFF product range includes ovens (including models with the award-winning Slide & Hide® ergonomic oven door that does exactly that – slides away to give full access to the oven without having to lean over the door), cooktops, rangehoods, dishwashers and more.

NEFF’s user-friendly tech makes using the range a seamless experience. The unique Twist Pad Flex® is a smart piece of tech that’s compatible with all NEFF appliances featuring Flex Control. The Twist Pad Flex® is a transferrable control knob that can be used to operate your oven, cooktop and coffee machine.

Simply place the magnetic dial in place and twist to select your settings. The interactive display lights up, offering instant assistance for easy use, whether you’re making a coffee or cooking a roast. And guess what: you can colour match its trim to your other appliances. 

NEFF brings over 100 years of manufacturing experience and innovation together with a thoroughly modern understanding of the kitchen’s role at the heart of the home – and their outstanding range of appliances is designed to make life in that domain a pleasure. Discover the NEFF range at Winnings.

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Deconsecrated churches are among a group of buildings like regional banks, inner-city warehouses, sheds and post offices that are increasingly regarded as ripe for renovation. Unlike the other properties in this group, however, churches possess many of the features that regularly draw crowds to heritage properties: high ceilings, expert craftsmanship, leadlight windows and most importantly, character. Location is yet another drawcard of a converted church home. Once the centre of everyday life, churches tend to be located right in the heart of the community.

But it’s not all about location and heritage details. Anyone lucky enough to become the custodian of an old church may find themselves on the receiving end of tales and recollections from those who experienced life’s highs and lows within its walls.

Here are 8 captivating church conversions from around Australia.

8 clever church conversions from around Australia

When Elise Pioch and Pablo Chappell were searching for a home on the Hawkesbury River, they fell head over heels in love with an old church dating back to the 1880s. The building was crumbling in parts, but Elise said to Pablo, “I think this is going to be our house.” The couple worked on the house for four years, patching up holes and restoring it with their own hands. P.S. The couple have since listed the property on Stayz, so you can enjoy the magic for yourself!

An 18-month renovation transformed the former St Andrew’s Church in Perth, TAS into a contemporary family home. The restoration involved restoring the convict brick walls, hand-painting all of the home’s detailed features, replacing the roof, installing new gutters, adding stormwater drainage and more!

This eight-by-18-metre converted church in Boonah, QLD contains a mezzanine floor and five bedrooms. It is home to vintage shop owner and stylist Cheryl Carr and contains her life’s collection of rustic homewares. “We fell in love with this home – the space, the feel and the breeze,” she says.

On a fateful drive in 2012, Amanda Callan noticed a ‘For Sale’ sign out the front of an old Catholic Church in Billinudgel, NSW, a town just 25 kilometres away from Byron Bay.

Partnering with the team at Doherty Design Studio, Jennifer and Grant Peck transformed a 1930s church in Hawthorn, VIC into a contemporary urban oasis. It had already been converted many years previously, but these renovations had left the home feeling dark and cluttered. The design team was given freedom to resolve issues of space and light and the owners couldn’t be happier with the result.

Elizabeth Richards moved her whole life to Orange, NSW to create the heritage-style garden of her dreams – but that’s not all she brought with her. A dilapidated, deconsecrated church she’d purchased decades ago came along for the ride and has since been resurrected, refurbished and converted into her home. “A wonderful team of builders put it back together and added a long cross-section at the back to create a T-shaped house; the main body of the church is now a large drawing room with a big open fireplace,” she says.

When partners Sally Bell and Jim Smith purchased the original Wesleyan (Methodist) Church in Underwood, little more than barren paddocks surrounded the rough-sawn timber structure. Determined to create a wonderful cottage garden, the pair set to work planting soft sweeps of roses and lavender, stoic bodies of maples, cherries and wisterias. The church itself was renovated and converted into a home by the former owner.

“Whenever I pass an old weatherboard hall, church or cottage on a country drive, I wonder who has trodden its boards over the years,” says Claire Mactaggart, who writes regularly for Country Style magazine. “I can’t help but imagine it restored.” One such building, for Claire, was a small weatherboard church, on the northern outskirts of Duaringa in central Queensland – and she’s since made it her own, bringing it back to life with a lick of white paint.

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This family home in Newcastle, NSW, is an open house in more ways than one. Not only does it welcome a seemingly endless stream of visitors, especially the friends of the three teenagers who live there, but inside and out blend seamlessly into one, providing the perfect setting for their active lifestyles.

But it wasn’t always like this. When the owners, Bill and Kellie, bought the brick bungalow in 2012, they were seduced by its near-century-old charms. “At the front, the 1920s house was still period correct, with lead lighting, cornices, ceiling mouldings and picture rails, and we loved that,” says Bill. But beyond, it was a mishmash of rooms from serial renovations, the most inspired of which had inserted two bedrooms in the roof cavity, creating four all up. Meanwhile, within the original footprint, the rear of the home had been rejigged for open-plan living but clumsily so.

To lift the look from ho-hum, they called in interior designers Courtney Atkinson and Marissa Hamling of Bone and Blanc Interiors in December 2020. Above all, the couple wanted to make the back section work better for their active family, especially as the poky kitchen was little more than a hole in the wall, according to Marissa, and hardly a gathering point for a family with all its coming and goings.

“The kitchen and living area were dark, with limited light,” says Bill. “In our previous house, the living area opened directly to the pool area – that was the first thing to address here.”

“We wanted somewhere all our family and friends could gather and spend quality time together, [that was] open and bright, with natural materials – resort-style living while keeping the home’s heritage charm,” adds Kellie. For the overall look, says Courtney, “They wanted a layering of textures and light, earthy tones – coastal Mediterranean with a mix of heritage.”

The front section, with its two bedrooms, including the main, a rumpus room downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs, functioned fine, but it would need a tweak to accommodate a new main ensuite. And the two existing bathrooms, both tired and dated, would need a refresh.

Courtney and Marissa shaved off the back and created a soaring new addition bathed in natural light. Moved from its alcove, the kitchen now luxuriates in space, anchored by American oak joinery, the airiness accentuated by a pitched, double-height ceiling. “Bill’s main desire was for a soaring cathedral ceiling to create a sense of spaciousness,” says Marissa. “It feels big and grand with the skylights.” The sightlines extend to the exterior with a wall of glazing, where an all-weather covered area echoes the pitch of the open plan. It provides continuity and connects both spaces to a remodelled pool area with spa. Meanwhile, in the existing house, space was borrowed from a bedroom to create an ensuite for the main bedroom.

Bill and Kellie retained the existing house at the front and made minimal changes in that section. With three skylights and a soaring ceiling, their new extension optimises light and provides plenty of cross ventilation. Quality materials and timeless design ensure they won’t need to renovate again any time soon.

GOOD NEWS

To create unity between two sections nearly a century apart, Marissa and Courtney took their cues from the period part of the house, with the addition boasting VJ on its pitched ceilings and replica stained-glass windows specially crafted for the kitchen. “We didn’t want to take away from the home’s heritage,” says Courtney. “But that is difficult when you add a brand-new back section.” The engineered European-oak flooring which runs throughout helps to unify it – no more mismatched floors. It’s also tough and resilient. The timber is complemented by walls in Dulux Snowy Mountains, a white chosen for its warm look without a yellow glow, says Marissa.

The finishes also had to have a “spontaneity, nothing too polished”, adds Courtney. This is perhaps best illustrated in the Mediterranean-inspired bathrooms. Their rectangular terracotta tiles (referencing the brick exterior) are set in a herringbone pattern, with prominent grouting sharing the limelight. Meanwhile, the living areas have linen sofas with slip covers that can cope with the demands of boisterous boys. “Those loose covers were non-negotiable,” says Marissa.

The result suits the active family’s needs swimmingly. “We love the indoor/outdoor living,” says Bill. “Even with the sliders shut, you still feel like you’re outside. The glass sliders and triangular windows allow the grandeur of the cathedral ceilings to flow from inside to out.”

“It really is an open house,” adds Kellie. “The boys are always bringing mates home, and we love to entertain. The indoor/outdoor living space is where we all spend time together. But the boys also have individual areas where they can hang out with their friends. It’s so right for us and how we like to live.”

Lessons learnt

“There is always a way. Sometimes it just costs more,” says Bill, homeowner. “Make sure your builder has the right attitude. A can’t-do is not what you want on a quality renovation. It’s important to be adaptable because no plans are perfect. You need to be ready to make a call and help, not hinder, the builder.”

Bone and Blanc Interiors is at boneandblanc.com.au and @boneandblanc

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A beautiful, tree-lined street with wide proportions and easy parking was a drawcard for Mooey Carter and her husband, Simon Harris, when they were looking for properties in 2019. Discovering a single-fronted Victorian cottage along that road in Melbourne’s Fitzroy North, its proximity to the Merri Creek trail and Edinburgh Gardens added to the appeal. However, it didn’t echo the spacious, sun-dappled ease of its leafy locale.

“We always intended to renovate the house as it was pretty run-down, with poor light, mouldy ceilings, and very awkward communal spaces that weren’t conducive to modern living,” says Mooey. Despite its narrow footprint, the home was already built to both boundaries, so the couple could see what was possible. “Being a freestanding house on a very long block with rear access, it had a lot of potential.”

Contracting Imogen Pullar Architecture to come up with a plan, Mooey and Simon were presented with three different designs that ranged from a low-cost, simple renovation to a more involved extension. “This was really helpful to get us thinking about what we could do with the house, what we wanted to spend, and how long we intended to stay here,” says Mooey. Overall, they wanted to create a feeling of spaciousness while maximising the available natural light and garden views.

“The house’s 180-square-metre internal footprint is quite small for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house when compared to standard new homes being built,” says Imogen, noting the need to build up rather than out to minimise site coverage. She worked with builder Nick Healey of Healey Constructions on a second-storey addition that is the full width of the five-metre-wide site and cleverly repeats the pitch of the original cottage at the front. The double-storey wall heights on the boundary were kept lower in order to minimise the impact on neighbouring homes.

“As well as catering to the functional needs of the family, we wanted to make sure the house was comfortable, healthy and energy efficient,” says Imogen, who incorporated many eco-focused elements into the project. These include double-glazed, high-performance tilt-and-turn timber windows that allow for cross ventilation and provide security while night purging, plus recycled brick on the ground floor, LED lighting throughout, and a hydronic heating system that replaced the home’s inefficient gas-ducted heating.

The renovation included many eco-friendly features, notably the considered use of glazing to provide passive heating and cooling. “Existing timber windows were retained and upgraded to double-glazing, with the northfacing first-floor windows shaded by external blinds,” says Imogen. “North-facing glazing is maximised in the dining and kitchen area to allow solar gains in winter, while east and west glazing is kept to a minimum to promote minimal solar gains during summer.”

GOOD NEWS

“Blue joinery provides a highlight colour that is repeated throughout to complement the neutral palette.”

IMOGEN PULLEN, ARCHITECT

The living, dining and kitchen area now allows for breezy dining and entertaining while offering a seamless flow out to the garden at both ends of the space, with windows capturing views of greenery, trees and sky. Glazing at either end of the living area allows daylight to flood the space, with large doors opening to the north-facing courtyard and backyard at the south end. On the ground floor, a modest 55-square-metre addition has boosted the size of the interior and retained a substantial amount of the backyard.

Landscape designer Josh Arkey of JALA Studio was brought in to create a garden that could host parties and family gatherings, with the owners’ busy jobs also requiring a soft approach with regard to the maintenance schedule. “The garden was to provide an abundance of colour throughout the year and reflect both the historical archetype of the front of the house and the contemporary nature of Imogen’s architectural extension,” says Josh.

An abundance of natural light and a clear visual connection to the outdoor areas are highlights of the renovation for the owners, and one of their favourite additions is the upstairs bedroom, which offers a view over the roof and tree canopy. “It’s the perfect spot for a nap because it gets all the afternoon sun,” says Mooey. “We wanted to create a little urban oasis here, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

Lessons learnt

“Flag issues as soon as they arise,” says Mooey Carter, homeowner. “Sooner is better to raise any concerns, which can become increasingly difficult to rectify as things progress. Regular site visits and meetings with the builder are essential to make sure things are on track and progressing as planned, as well as checks on shop drawings and factory inspections for anything being manufactured offsite.”

Imogen Pullar Architecture is at imogenpullar.com and @ip_architecture. Healey Constructions is at healeyconstructions.com.au. JALA Studio is at jala-studio.com.au and @jala_landscape_studio

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Thankfully while many former Blockheads no longer grace our (big) television screens, they’re still out there renovating, and documenting every detail for their own online renovation shows. And it’s not just ex-Block contestants flipping and filming…

Plenty of renovators share their journeys, garnering a dedicated online following in the process, including Three Birds Renovations and a host of real-life builders delivering jaw-dropping homes, educating us along the way on what life is really like on a building site.

Here are some of the most binge-worthy renovating series to watch now (or, in the near future).

1. Josh and Jenna’s ‘The Castle House’

Josh, a project manager, and Jenna, an interior designer, were mere babies when they first appeared on The Block back 2011. Since then, they’ve renovated and sold a Melbourne cottage, reappeared on The Block: All Stars in 2013, had two daughters and moved to the country — which is the subject of a new web series.

They’re restoring a crumbling homestead on acreage in Rutherglen, Victoria, and are documenting it in ‘The Castle House’ on YouTube. In one of the episodes, Josh and Jenna chatted with John Nott, whose family owned the property for more than 100 years. In others, they take their audience step-by-step through their renovating process, sharing insider tips and tricks along the way.

2. Andy and Deb’s ‘DNA of Design’

Another alumni couple from The Block to launch their own design series is Andy and Deb from 2019. Their YouTube series, DNA of Design follows the couple as they tackle some tough home renovations, creating casually cool spaces inspired by the Australian lifestyle — without breaking the bank.

In the first season, they turned a “humble Aussie home into a coastal Hamptons retreat”. The result was breathtaking and packed with ideas you could recreate in your own space. The second season saw them transform a “very old ’80s double-storey home” in the Gold Coast hinterland into a beautiful, breezy bush retreat.

And you bet they’ve already started on the third season.

3. Alisa and Lysandra’s ‘Design Duo’

Another favourite — and easy to digest — online renovating series is the Design Duo from The Block royalty, Alisa and Lysandra. In the first series, the sisters gave an old home in Melbourne’s Albert Park a modern luxury renovation. The second series saw them step out of their comfort zones (and state!) while building a deluze waterfront property on the Gold Coast from scratch.

The third season of their online series took a bit of a twist. Titled the ‘Twin Off’, it followed the sisters as they renovated side-by-side duplexes. Each week they’d reveal rooms and ask the audience to vote for their favourite. Episodes run for about 10 minutes each and cover the construction of each zone, the finished room as well as the twins’ design process.

4. Shaynna Blaze’s ‘Country Home Rescue’

You probably know interior designer Shaynna Blaze from her time as a judge on The Block and former host of Selling Houses Australia, but did you also know that she has renovating shows of her own? Deadline Design on Binge is a 10-part series that sees Shaynna transform entire homes on a tight deadline. The final episode sees Shaynna revive a dated, 90s-era home with a whopping $350,000 renovation budget.

More recently, the designer documented the extensive renovation of her 120-year-old “forever home” in Kyneton in Victoria’s picturesque Macedon Ranges, in a series with Nine called Country Home Rescue. You can see the full transformation here.

5. Love It Or List It Australia

Fellow host of The Block Neale Whitaker has also tried his hand at hosting another online renovating show — Love It List It Australia — alongside real estate expert Andrew Winters. Available to watch on Foxtel, each episode features an Australian family who have outgrown their home are deciding whether to renovate or relocate.

Neale is tasked with trying to convince them to stay by renovating their home to show how it can suit their new needs, while Andrews has the job of convincing them to sell by showing them suitable properties they could purchase instead.

6. Three Birds Renovations

If you’re a true renovation fanatic, chances are you’re already familiar with Bonnie, Lana and Erin of Three Birds Renovations.

The trio have flipped an impressive number of houses and aren’t afraid to take a design concept to its extreme, whether that’s creating an all-white Mediterranean-inspired home for Lana or creating a stunning pastel green kitchen.

In their regular online series, they break down each renovation with dedicated episodes per space, showing you everything you need to know to recreate the look at home.

7. Kyal and Kara’s renovation series

Who can forget fan-favourites from The Block, Kyal and Kara. Since first appearing on The Block back in 2014, the stylish Central Coast couple, and parents of two, have tackled over 30 home renovations, three of which feature in their online Reno Series.

Each episode is around 5-10 minutes in length, and the series takes you from construction to final reveal, showing you everything you need to recreate their trademark coastal style in your own home. Word on the street is that they’re currently awaiting council approvals to transform a fibro shack in Toowoon Bay, which will likely be covered in another online series from the couple.

8. Selling In The City

Selling in the City is Binge’s Selling Houses Australia spin-off, which sees designer Rosie Morley and landscaper Paddy Milne transform small, urban homes. The online series is aimed at young millennials looking for realistic ways to maximise (or even break into) the property market.

The Australian Dream may no longer realistically be to own a large backyard, but it’s what you do with what you’ve got that counts. “Ultimately it’s about unlocking the potential of these compact homes through strategic design decisions,” says Rosie.

9. Ronnie and Georgia’s ‘Quick Room Flips’

In Quick Room Flips, former The Block contestants Ronnie and Georgia battle the clock to deliver a room makeover in the space of a week. The eight-part series sees the pair transform a garage, a nursery and create a modern eclectic bathroom. You can still watch the series on Nine Now.

More recently, Ronnie and Georgia have filmed a six-part YouTube series of a dilapidated shack they transformed into Palm Springs-inspired paradise. You can see the renovation and watch their series here.

10. Michael and Carlene’s ‘Ready Set Reno’

Former Block contestants Michael and Carlene, now run their own home design and construction service Cedar + Suede and have a whole heap of inspiring videos on their website. Topics range from making over a vintage caravan to transforming a kids’ bedroom in just 48 hours.

Back in 2017 they also starred in a series called Ready Set Reno, which followed them around Australia, helping out and bringing new inspiration to nine home renovations. The series also starred fellow contestants from The Block Jimmy and Tam, Jess and Norm, Jesse and Mel, and Andy and Deb.

11. Studio McGee’s series

If you love modern Hamptons style, then you’ll love Studio McGee’s content. Shea McGee, who founded Studio McGee in 2014, is a predominantly self-taught interior designer who creates stunning homes for her clients, and her entire portfolio is the stuff of Instagram heaven!

Following on from their success with [a YouTube series](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXvzpK4eKUJysEZ42zjTUdw |target=”_blank”|rel=”nofollow”) and Instagram, Shea and her husband/business partner Syd launched their own Netflix series, Dream Home Makeover in 2020. The series follows the couple as they design their own dream family home and make over the homes of their clients. Watch it on Netflix.

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Oftentimes, it’s the cost of a full-scale renovation that holds people back from achieving their dream home. But there is an abundance of simple ways to improve your spaces, without digging deep into your pockets.

Below, we share our design-savvy ideas for renovating on a budget.

1. Re-purpose existing furniture

From family-sized sofas to new bed frames, big furniture items can swallow up a portion of the budget before you’ve even started renovating.

Instead of investing in expensive new furniture, consider repurposing or refurbishing existing pieces to suit your new design style. A fresh coat of paint, new upholstery, or simply rearranging furniture can breathe new life into tired pieces — and save money in the process.

2. Replace cabinet doors

Instead of pulling your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry apart, simply upgrade the cabinet doors to create an entirely new look.

For inspiration, browse the kaboodle range at your local Bunnings Warehouse. They stock an array of cabinet designs in multiple colours and styles that are available to take home today, straight off the shelf. Kaboodle’s gloss white doors and panels, for instance, feature a reflective finish that bring a sense of spaciousness to smaller kitchens.

3. Update hardware

A quick and affordable way to refresh the look of any room is by updating hardware such as doorknobs, cabinet handles and drawer pulls.

It’s a small and instant change that makes a big impact on the overall aesthetic of a room. Choose modern, monochrome options for a contemporary look (like kaboodle’s geometric Cali handles), or dig for treasure in antique stores for a characterful, vintage vibe.

4. Create bespoke storage solutions

In the planning stage of your renovation, look for pockets of space in your home and convert them into storage solutions to maximise space and minimise clutter.

Vertical space between cabinets in the kitchen can be used to store chopping boards and trays, while built-in shelving can free up bench space in the bathroom. Designing custom storage compartments helps you make the most of every inch of your home.

5. Install smart home technology

Smart home technology has come a long way. And there’s a variety of appliances that can improve the efficiency of your home without the need for aesthetic changes. Think smart lightbulbs that can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, voice-activated televisions, and tech-savvy refrigerators.  

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Ideal for larger blocks, semi-rural or rural areas, the Modern Farmhouse is designed for flexible family living and adapts well to fluctuating family dynamics over time. Its high ceilings and pitched rooflines allow for effective cross-ventilation, indoor/outdoor living and shade in warmer weather, and equally for coziness in cooler months. Here, some other hallmarks of this modern classic style.

Textural exterior features

The exterior of the Modern Farmhouse style is a contemporary interpretation of classical farmhouse architecture, updated with contemporary architectural elements and finished with the classic farmhouse gabled roof. It often features board and batten cladding and stone for a balance of old and new, as well as multiple, interconnecting pavilions.

The floorplan

An open floorplan allows for generous family living and shared spaces, anchored at the heart by the kitchen, living and dining spaces. The cohesive design relies on space, balance and symmetry for uninterrupted movement throughout.

Bedrooms and bathrooms are set apart from living spaces in separate pavilions to create a sense of serenity away from bustling family areas.

Interiors

A blend of modern design and vintage styles brings comfort and ease to these interiors, with space for plush sofas and generous armchairs to curl up in. Natural stone and limestone finishes bring a natural textural element, juxtaposed with sleek kitchen appliances and modern, sculptural lighting.

Colour scheme

A soft, neutral colour palette echoes natural themes of stone and wood throughout, giving a sense of ease and relaxation. Neutral grey, beige and white allow natural textures to shine and bring a sense of serenity.

Windows and doors

Generous windows and French doors that invite light and garden views in, help to create seamless indoor/outdoor living spaces. Black framed windows are a signature look, and a classic four-light grille door echoes traditional farmhouse architecture. A striking dark finish and streamlined hardware puts a modern twist on the look.

Landscaping

Use windows as picture frames to capture your view and plant to create a picture, with shades of green from a turf lawn, varying heights in hedging with lillypilly and callistemon and leafy trees for shading. Classic sandstone crazy pavers bring a contemporary twist to formal paths and driveways.

How the Bakkers brought their Modern Farmhouse to life

In picturesque Port Stephens, NSW where the ocean meets the countryside, homeowner and builder Carina Bakker and her team at Bakker Homes brought their Modern Farmhouse to life. Inspired by Scandinavian architecture and contemporary New Zealand barn houses, their process was guided by both aesthetics and practicality.

As builders, Carina and her team knew that the right materials were crucial to achieving the desired outcome. To achieve the look they wanted for the exterior, three products from the Hardie Architectural Collection became the backbone of the project.

“We loved the look of the Hardie range of cladding,” explains Carina. “Using products that were all designed to complement each other made the design process easy.”

Bakker Homes installed Hardie Oblique Cladding painted in Dulux Black around the master suite, garage and pool house walls to get the signature vertical panelling. “We installed it vertically with a mix of both 200mm and 300mm widths. The unique pattern we installed was a pattern without it being a noticeable pattern.” Carina says.

The four striking projecting gables on the house were created with Hardie Fine Texture Cladding painted Dulux Black. 

The remainder of the home was clad in Hardie Brushed Concrete Cladding painted Dulux Natural White. “The Hardie Oblique Cladding definitely gave the house depth and rhythm,” Carina says. “The windows blended with the cladding and the brushed concrete finish, which are hallmarks of the Modern Farmhouse look.”

As an owner-builder project in a rural area, there were unique challenges, particularly around bushfire zone regulations. “The house is in a bushfire zone, and the cladding had to meet the bushfire rating,” Carina explains. “Hardie exterior cladding products not only met but exceeded BAL rating, providing the necessary durability and safety standards we needed.”

The post Why the modern farmhouse style is an enduring Australian classic appeared first on Homes To Love.

Achieving a timeless aesthetic is just as important as the functionality of the space. From figuring out the perfect layout to choosing the right fittings and fixtures, each design decision requires careful thought and research to ensure you create the bathroom of your dreams – and one that won’t date before you’ve even had a chance to settle in.

From timeless tapware designs to simple styling ideas, these luxurious updates are guaranteed to give your bathroom timeless appeal.

1. Eye-catching accessories

Cool white marble and ample natural light create a calming atmosphere in this space. Gunmetal tapware, paired with sleek black hardware, contrasts beautifully with the marble countertop and highlights the dark tones in the terrazzo flooring.

2. Open shower space

Historically, shower spaces have been compact and closed off, taking up just enough space to be functional without imposing on the rest of the bathroom. More recently, the open-plan, resort-style shower is experiencing a surge in popularity. Consider an open floor plan and walk-in shower to maximise the size of your bathroom, as well as effortlessly modernising the space.

3. Bespoke window coverings

Privacy is crucial in a bathroom, and it’s important to weigh up whether your choice of window coverings can withstand the moisture levels in this particular space. For a quality finish and low-maintenance window covering, Australian Made Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are the classic solution. Ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries, they are backed with a 20-year warranty.

4. Excess mirrors

It’s one of the oldest design tricks in the book, but incorporating multiple mirrors into a room will make any space feel larger. Mirrored cabinetry in a bathroom looks chic and, let’s face it, you can never have too much face-level storage or room to do your hair and make-up.

5. Statement taps

There is a wide range of different tapware finishes on offer these days — from brass to rose gold, gunmetal, chrome, matte black and more — and while aesthetics are certainly a consideration, it’s also important to keep in mind the longevity of the design. While brass and matte black tapware have been popular in the past few years, chrome has made a recent resurgence and is touted as the most timeless of finishes.

6. Natural textures

If you’re looking to create a minimalist, streamlined look in your bathroom without it feeling sterile, be sure to inject warmth by incorporating natural materials such as timber or textured stone. In this instance, the custom timber vanity provides some much-needed relief from the crisp white walls while adding to the contemporary coastal aesthetic.

7. Indoor greenery

Incorporating[indoor plants into your bathroom has to be the easiest and most affordable way to turn the space into a lush and luxe oasis. Whether it’s a small fern or a statement fiddle-leaf fig, a suitable plant will add a verdant pop of colour to any wet area.

The post 7 luxurious bathroom updates to do right now appeared first on Homes To Love.

To help you choose the right white paint colour for your home, and to stop you from wasting your time comparing colour swatches in the paint section of your local hardware store, Dulux asked some trusted design experts. We chat to Three Birds Renovations, Julia Green from Greenhouse Interiors, and The Real Estate Stylist’s Sara Chamberlain and Amy Chamberlain-Primrose — to share Dulux’s best white paint colours.

Dulux’s best-selling white paint colours

“We enlisted design ambassadors who live and breathe whites, so they can arm consumers with the knowledge they need to make the selection process simple and fun – showing them how to get their white right the first time,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux’s Colour and Communications Manager.

“Our aim is to explore how various elements, such as the amount of natural light your home receives and the colours of your flooring and soft furnishings, can affect the way a shade looks on your walls,” she adds.

As the most popular of all of the neutral paint choices from greys to beiges, white is the perfect backdrop for all kinds of interior design styles and home decor trends. All you have to do is pick up the paint brush!

So, here are the most popular and best-selling Dulux whites.

Most Loved Cool Whites

• Dulux Lexicon Quarter ®

• Dulux Lexicon Half ®

• Dulux White on White

• Dulux Vivid White

Most Loved Natural Whites

• Dulux Natural White

• Dulux Snowy Mountains Half

• Dulux Casper White Quarter

Most Loved Warm Whites

• Dulux Antique White U.S.A. ®

• Dulux Whisper White

• Dulux Hog Bristle ® Quarter

The most popular Dulux white paint colours

1. Dulux Natural White

Not only does white paint help to amplify a sense of natural light within the home, but it can also enhance a sense of space in compact rooms, and create a perfect neutral backdrop for all kinds of interior design trends.

Perhaps the most neutral white of them all is Natural White. The coolest of the warm whites, “its versatility spans across new and old properties, contemporary homes, as well as traditional. It is an excellent choice if you are giving your home a facelift before the sale as it is easy to work with when styling with fresh plants and light-coloured furniture,” says Sara Chamberlain, from The Real Estate Stylist.

2. Dulux White on White

The colour, Dulux White on White is one of Three Birds Renovations’ go-to whites. “Dulux White on White has got a touch of blue-grey,” says designer Bonnie. “It is a cooler-toned white that isn’t polarising, as it still complements warmer colours, tones and furnishings. It’s clean and energising.”

With these cooler tones, she believes it suits “modern homes with timber or concrete flooring; and hard surface areas like the kitchen and bathroom. To add warmth and texture to the space, style it with timbers, blush-toned furniture, flowers and greenery. Given it is a clean colour, it helps keep the styling minimalist.”

White on White is also a great colour for architraves and skirting, particularly if it is an attention-grabbing feature that contrasts against a dark wall.

3. Dulux Vivid White

Three Birds Renovations tend to lean towards cooler whites, which, as Bonnie says, don’t “throw too much yellow or too much blue. Dulux Vivid White is perfect as it sits in the middle. It is the purest white you can get and is fresh and crisp.”

She also recommends styling it with layered whites and textures. “If we do use pops of colour such as blush, pink and soft greys, we introduce it through artwork or furniture pieces. When we renovate, we like consistent colour throughout the space — meaning painting the same colour on the ceilings, walls and all the trims. We do change the sheen level, however, using low sheen on the walls and semi-gloss for skirting and architraves.”

4. Dulux Lexicon®

If you like a contemporary interior, Lexicon® is a very fresh cool white. The “bold white also pairs brilliantly with timber flooring, exposed brick and polished concrete. It’s perfect for displaying your artwork collection or bouncing around lots of natural sunlight,” says Amy Chamberlain-Primrose, from The Real Estate Stylist.

If you don’t have much natural light it can be a bit too cold and look greyish in shadows. People often adjust Lexicon® to suit their space by using half or quarter strength.

5. Dulux Lexicon® Quarter

Like Lexicon full strength, Lexicon® Quarter has cool tones, with an even more blueish undertone. It’s ideal for contemporary spaces and minimalistic interior styles that embrace a few select vibrant colours and design-focused furniture. It’s also perfectly suits Scandi-style homes that embrace blue, grey, and cooler tones.

6. Dulux Whisper White

Soft and serene on interior walls, Whisper White is a warm white that pairs beautifully with heritage properties or classic interiors. The colour is reminiscent of old, pre-brightened starched linen and has a cult following in the paint world.

Pair it with polished mahogany, elegant patterns and materials and it will bring out their deep tones without competing.

7. Dulux Antique White U.S.A.®

Stylist Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors prefers Antique White U.S.A.®. “Antique White U.S.A.® is my hero of all whites as it is fresh and crisp without being austere and clinical, and tends to work in most spaces despite varied conditions. A total all-rounder that never disappoints!”

8. Dulux Hog Bristle® Quarter

Julia also loves Hog Bristle® Quarter. In her opinion, the classic shade is “a beautiful warm white that has the slightest ‘biscuit’ undertone. It has always been my go-to when creating cozy spaces. I have seen this colour work beautifully in heritage homes, but equally in spacious lofts to avoid austerity.”

Hog Bristle is also ideal for the recent resurgence in neutral interiors that embrace all shades of sand and beige.

• Paint a large swatch or A4 Colour Sticker of your shortlisted colours on the wall — immediately all is revealed about their differences and their nuances.

• Ensure you look at the painted swatches in the morning, the afternoon and at night to see how the colour changes under different light conditions.

• We only put Dulux tint into a Dulux paint, otherwise you are taking a gamble with the outcome if you mix and match tints and brands.

How to choose the perfect white paint

What is the most popular shade of white paint?

There are plenty of whites that people tend to gravitate towards.

From the cool toned range: Dulux Lexicon Quarter ®, Dulux Lexicon Half ®, Dulux White on White and Dulux Vivid White are some of the most loved.

Many love the natural white ranges: especially Dulux Natural White, Dulux Snowy Mountains Half and Dulux Casper White Quarter.

And for warm whites: Dulux Antique White U.S.A. ®, Dulux Whisper White and Dulux Hog Bristle ® Quarter lead the pack.

What is the most versatile Dulux white?

The most neutral white of them all is Dulux Natural White – a neutral white with a subtle warmth. As the lightest of the warm whites, its versatility makes it perfect for both contemporary and traditional homes. It remains one of the most loved choices of home renovators and interior designers alike.

How do you pick a Dulux white?

Your key consideration when choosing a white paint should be centred around the undertones, which are typically either warm (yellow) or cool (blue). Some interior styles suit certain undertones better – like industrial designs pairs well with a crisp cool white, whereas heritage homes tend to suit a warmer palette – and the availability of light in your home also plays a big part. The best way to tell is to bring a swatch into your home to watch how the colour transforms in each room at different times of the day.

The post Review of Dulux’s best white paint colours according to Three Birds Renovations appeared first on Homes To Love.

After all, bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces. They’re retreats, places for pampering, and some are not unlike day spas in their luxury touches and finishes. So, how much does a bathroom renovation cost? Here’s how to create a bathroom you’ll want to spend time in — whatever your budget.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

The golden question: how much should you spend on a bathroom renovation? Well, how long is a piece of string? A number of factors come into play when planning a bathroom reno, such as room size, cost of materials, hardware, permits and labour. It can also come down to design specifics: are you installing a bath? Floor-to-ceiling tiles? A custom-made vanity?

According to HiPages, this can mean a range from anywhere between $8000 and $35000, or more. Plus, a 10-20 per cent buffer should be allowed for. However, stats released by the ABS suggest that people are generally spending less, with the value of total building approvals falling 5.9 per cent in March 2023.

Sometimes, builders will quote per square metre for renovations. HiPages suggests that this can fall somewhere between $2300 and $4600 per square metre for a bathroom, but again, it really depends on the materials and specs you’ve opted for.

The per square metre rule

Low-cost bathroom renovation

BUDGET: $2000 to $7000

Put down the tiling tool kit. As you have probably guessed, there is not a lot of room in this price bracket for remodelling and you’ll almost certainly have to keep all of your plumbing and electrics in place. But there are still plenty of affordable updates to try. “You can paint the tiles, change the vanity, update shower accessories and sometimes even paint the bath,” according to Oscar Merhebi from Eternity Kitchens and Bathrooms.

If you want to add some new accessories, go for a new toilet roll holder, mixer taps, a fresh vanity, or a new shower head. It’s also important to pay attention to clean lines and continuity, according to owner of Interiors By Cason, Noelene Cason. “Wall-mounted vanities with drawers create clean lines and provide good storage, while shaving cabinets are good for storage and easy to access,” says Noelene. “Look around for ex-demo showroom stock items for savings.” She also adds that extractor fans and heat lamps are also a must in every bathroom, as are LED downlights, which are reasonably priced these days.

Mid-range bathroom renovation

BUDGET: $8000 to $16,000.

Bigger jobs, such as ripping out old tiles and replacing them with chic new ones, are doable in this price bracket. “What it really comes down to is the accessories you choose, what brand you want to use and how lavish you want to be,” says Oscar. “The cost of accessories are scalable though.”

At this price point you can start to incorporate a little luxury. “Frameless and semi-frameless shower screens create a feeling of clean lines and space,” says Noelene. “Introduce a feature tile for a section of one wall or a whole wall depending on cost, either within the shower or behind the vanity.”

“Wall lights placed either side of the vanity mirror bring elegance to a room, while in-wall cisterns for toilet suites are a great way of creating more floor space,” she adds. “If the room allows for it, standalone or back-to-the-wall baths creates style and luxury.”

Luxury bathroom renovation

BUDGET $16,000 to $45,000+

The luxury bathroom budget is a thing of a beauty, with large demolition projects, total layout changes and complete overhauls now possible.

“You can add more features like heated floors, a spa bath, additional lighting and any other trimmings you think will make your bathroom luxe,” says Oscar. “You can start to look at big brands, such as Dorf, and some higher-end features, such as free-standing baths, which can cost around $12,000 alone.”

This is also the time to opt for luxury materials, such as porcelain or stone tiles or glass mosaics as feature walls, or adding in extras like heated towel rails or underfloor heating. You could also go for custom-designed vanities, with either marble or stone tops and wash basins.

“Built-in LED strip lighting also creates mood lighting and illuminates floors for night lighting,” says Noelene. “Depending on the size of the bathroom and its windows, dressing the window with either sheer curtains, blinds or shutters will bring a feeling of indulgence to the space.”

How much does each trade cost for a bathroom reno?

• PLUMBING: Expect to pay a call out fee of between $60 and $100, and hourly rates between $100 and $150.
• TILING: Tiling can range from between $35 and $120 per square metre – not including the cost of the tiles themselves.
• BATH INSTALLATION Plumbers charge $350 upwards to replace and fit a bath.
• SHOWER SCREEN INSTALLATION A basic shower screen will set you back around $400 for installation, but frameless can cost up to $600.
• WATERPROOFING: This can cost anywhere between $500 and $750 for an average-sized bathroom.

The post How much does a bathroom renovation cost in 2024? appeared first on Homes To Love.

Hazelwood House is a glowing example of a Brisbane dream home. Breezy indoor spaces flow onto the well-appointed backyard, where outdoor entertaining and poolside relaxing are rolled out among leafy garden beds and the all-important stretch of lush lawn. Inside, there’s plenty of sunlight and natural, bespoke finishes are spread across a two-storey layout that easily accommodates both social gatherings and quieter moments.

Located in the hills of Paddington on a sloped corner block of 520 square metres, the five-bedroom property presents as an early-1900s worker’s cottage from street level at the top of the lot. Then it falls away to encapsulate voluminous spaces perfectly tailored with refined design touches. This impressive house glow-up is down to the design talents of Favell Architects, team of two Tom Favell and Morgan Braithwaite, an architect and interior designer who happen to be married.

The couple, who live in the nearby suburb of New Farm, bought the property as an investment in late 2020. The original 90-square-metre cottage was all but derelict, and the extreme slope of the block presented a world of potential design and construction complications, yet Morgan and Tom weren’t fazed.

“There were a few people at the auction who were saying it was too hard, and what would you do with it,” says Morgan. “We knew it would be quite a challenge for a non-designer to visualise problem-solving the issues of a very steep block to actually make something work.”

Passive temperature control was achieved through the building’s orientation and by prioritising natural ventilation and sunlight. High-quality insulation was installed in the original cottage and solar panels added.

GOOD NEWS

Razing the dilapidated shack was never an option for Morgan and Tom, who appreciate older homes and have renovated many in the past. Here, their goal was to create a family-friendly property suitable for Brisbane’s subtropical climate and local house hunters. “We focused on how to retain and refurbish the character elements of the existing cottage, bringing it back to its former glory while also complementing the traditional portion with a modern extension,” says Tom. Wrapping the addition around a levelled backyard was also key.

In between their busy schedule of client work for Favell Architects, the couple hit a rather large speed bump while planning their cottage transformation. “In mid-2021, the building industry was affected by rapid cost increases and material shortages,” Tom explains. “It was so bad that we couldn’t get anyone to give us a price for the construction, as price increases were happening at such a rapid rate.” The cottage was uninhabitable and unrentable then, so there was financial pressure to hit the ‘go’ button on the build. At the beginning of 2022, the couple engaged trades directly to start stripping the cottage and commencing earthworks, avoiding further delay.

Prying apart the cottage revealed that its structural integrity was compromised. “Once you get someone to remove asbestos and rotted timber boards, there is no house left. You’ve literally got a pile of sticks. We ended up replacing every chamfer board, beam and post,” says Morgan. They reroofed, reclad, and opened up the front verandah, which was enclosed at some point in the last 100 years. “We also raised the original house by 890mm,” says Tom. “Thanks to the site’s topography, we could minimise the overall height we needed to lift the house.”

The resurrected dwelling now forms a kids’ wing, with three bedrooms and a bathroom running off the main hallway. The extended footprint at this level incorporates a study, an extra living space and primary ensuite access via a walkway that overlooks the kitchen and entry on the new ground floor. “You enter the house from the side, where the modern house and cottage meet and we have the double-height void,” Morgan explains. “The windows and skylights bring in so much light, and you see the wall of Zellige tiles in the kitchen. It makes an impact.”

Lessons learnt

“How you respond to challenges is important,” says Favell, owner/architect. “Some things are out of your control, regardless of how well you plan. The build was delayed by Covid-related material and labour shortages, compounded by the torrential rain that hit parts of Australia’s east coast in early 2022. While the site was not directly affected by flood, it was a very difficult time to build in Brisbane.”

Favell Architects can be found at favellarchitects.com.au and @favellarchitects

The post A renovated 1900s worker’s cottage with charm in the front and a pool party in the back appeared first on Homes To Love.

With a plethora of room planner apps available — many of which are free —  you can now visualise, plan and make all the tough interior design decisions right at your fingertips. Arranging furniture? Go to IKEA’s Kreativ app. Buying a rug? Try Miss Amara’s Virtual Rug Styler. What about styling different colours of bed linen together? There are so many apps that can help. 

Thanks to such advances in AI technology, you no longer need to stand in a store or stare at a website, umming and ahhing over whether something will look good in your home. These apps will simply show you. And we think they’ll end up saving you a lot of time, money and tears in the long run. 

To help you get started on your design journey, we’ve sourced six of the best free house design apps to help you. From intuitive interfaces to advanced 3D modeling, these room planner apps provide a virtual canvas for experimenting with layouts, colour schemes and even specific furnishings.

The best free room planner apps

1. IKEA Kreativ

Only just recently released, IKEA’s new Kreativ app offers users a free, AI-powered mixed-reality experience that lets you scan your room, erase any existing pieces and drag and drop IKEA furniture into the space. You can then rotate, move, swap, stack or hang pieces to work however you wish. 

For those starting from scratch, you can choose from 50 pre-designed ‘showrooms’ and once you’re happy, you can simply save the design, add the products to your cart, and shop online.

Try out IKEA’s Kreativ app here.

2. Miss Amara Virtual Rug Styler

Buying a rug is a big deal. As famously quoted in the movie, Big Lebowski, rugs can really tie a room together, so getting it wrong can be a costly mistake. Apart from deciding what size rug you need, it’s also important to check whether certain patterns or colours will clash with other items in your room. 

Miss Amara’s Virtual Rug Styler solves all of that. Simply take a photo of your room, upload it, and select from Miss Amara’s extensive range of rugs to find something that suits your space. For those stuck on making the final decision, Miss Amara also offers an online styling service.

Try out Miss Amara’s Virtual Rug Styler here.

3. Reece’s Imagin3D Bathroom Planner

Designing a bathroom is tough, and once you’ve made your final call, changing things can be incredibly costly (if not impossible). Plus, when you’re working with such a tight space, it can be hard to know whether you’ve picked the right layout. 

That’s where Reece’s Imagin3D bathroom planner comes in. Enter your specific room dimensions, select from Reece’s range of baths, tiles, tapware, toilets, showers, vanities, mirrors and more, and drag and drop them into the space. You can opt for a floor plan view or a 3D side view, and you can download a detailed product summary and price list once you’re happy with your design.

Try out the Reece Imagin3D Bathroom Planner here.

4. Build your own bed bundles

Just like a fresh coat of paint can transform a space, a new set of sheets can make all the difference in your bedroom. But they can be pricey and knowing that all your different colours will still go together can sometimes be hard to visualise. 

Well, thankfully, several linen bedding brands have developed their own visualiser tools so that you can ‘build your own bed’ and test out different colour combinations before buying.

Try out I Love Linen’s Bundle Builder here.
Try out Cultiver’s ‘Build a Bedding Set’ tool here.
Try out Bed Threads’ ‘Build Your Own Bedding Bundle’ here.

5. 3D kaboodle Planner

Your kitchen is famously known as the heart of the home, so it’s a space you want to nail the design of. Accessed via Bunning’s website, the 3D kaboodle planner is designed to help you bring your kitchen, laundry and home cabinetry projects to life. 

From the layout to the look of the space, right down to your choice of appliances, finishes and fittings, the 3D kaboodle planner lets you test drive the design of some of the most important spaces within your home, get quotes and make orders. There is even a style quiz if you get stuck, and plenty of resources to help inspire you along the way.

Try out the 3D kaboodle Planner here.

6. iPhone Measure app

One app that you may already have without realising is the Measure app which is automatically added on all iPhone Pro devices. Stuck in a store without a measuring tape? No worries. The Measure app uses augmented reality technology to gauge the size of an object or the distance between two points using your camera (and a whole heap of cool tech) and will even save the measurements for you. Plus, if that’s not enough to convince you, there is an in-built spirit level feature so you can quickly check that your art is actually hung straight.

Simply search for Measure in your apps.

The post 6 free design and room planner apps you should know about  appeared first on Homes To Love.

While this luminous terrace in Sydney’s inner west is home to a family of four – a professional couple with two children – there is a fifth, adopted member of the family, for which this has been home for generations. A stately 20-metre-high spotted gum in the backyard, cherished by the owners and the whole neighbourhood, is a living, all-abiding presence. Towering over the home, it informed this smart renovation by architect David Boyle, and not just physically – he has also brought its earth-mother essence into the tactile interiors.

The eco-aware owners bought the old-timer in 2015, attracted by the property’s small footprint and potential efficiency of terrace-style living, as well as its inner-city amenities. “We love the compactness of the terrace-style format,” says the owner. But its share-house past had left it looking and feeling tired, while a jumble of lean-tos at the rear made it dark and dank. With just 2.5 bedrooms – the .5 was little more than a closet – it was unsuited to a growing family.

Three years later, they asked David to design them a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, with lashings of light and a smoother flow for the family, plus a new open-plan addition, where the house would open up with the wow factor at the back. It also had to be planet-friendly, with eco initiatives such as a green roof for its visual appeal and thermal properties, together with natural materials throughout, including concrete, hardwoods and brickwork. And, last but not least, it needed to honour that precious spotted gum.

“Like most terraces, it had that blinkered effect, created by long party walls on each side, with light at each end but none in the middle,” says David, who saw letting in the light, maximising the sense of space and incorporating that special tree as his biggest challenges.

Retaining the front section for a bedroom and bathroom on the ground level, and the previous main bedroom upstairs as a living room/study for the children, David sliced off the back. There he created a new soaring, airy space, with massive triple-glazed sliding windows, framed in recycled timber, soaking up views of the back garden, resplendent with its treasured spotted gum. As the site slopes gently downwards, he excavated to allow a lofty four-metre ceiling while keeping within council height limits.

“Soft and gentle curves introduce human scale, and as they bend around corners they create links between spaces”

DAVID BOYLE, ARCHITECT

Equally striking is David’s cantilevered bay window. “It is as if you are sitting right under the tree,” he says. And, as the room’s off-form concrete ceiling is set back from the wall, it allows skylights in the upper storey to bathe the interiors below in natural light. Those skylights also ensure sightlines up to the sky and the gumtree canopy.

The earthy, textural material selection reflects the view through those windows. Concrete floors and ceilings, recycled timber joinery, white V-groove cladding and rendered-brick walls rub shoulders with elegant curves, a Boyle trademark. “I created a sculptural contrast between the new brick and existing brick, painted white for a cleaner, more uniform surface,” says David. “Soft and gentle curves, so tactile you just want to touch them, introduce human scale. And, as they bend around corners, they create links between spaces.”

This home’s small footprint, combined with smart design, ensures efficient use of space. Skylights and generous glazing now bathe it in natural light, and quality materials will ensure longevity. “This house should last for another 100 years,” says the owner, who was happy to retain original materials where possible, including some floors, walls, fireplaces and ceilings in the front section.

All the timbers used for the joinery and windows are recycled. There’s also a green roof, with deep soil and Australian natives, providing good thermal insulation while being kind to the planet. In addition, solar panels adorn the roof (although the green roof lessens the space for these), and a heat pump ensures energy-efficient hot water.

GOOD NEWS

Again for unity, he included three space-saving built-ins. A sofa in the bay window morphs into recycled timber joinery beneath a brick wall, which in turn morphs into seating behind the dining table. “They provide a binding element from one part of the open plan to the other and also lots of storage,” he says.

The bathrooms, meanwhile, sport funky sage-green tiles, which pay homage to David’s love of all things retro. “They bring in a little joy and, while they’re mid-century, they also hark back to the tessellated tiles of the era in which the home was built,” he says. “And the owners just love green.”

For the furnishings, the couple hired interior designers Smith + Levine. Key to their brief was “pops of bold, block colour to offset the concrete and white brick, with a mid-century feel”, says principal Talia Levine, who obliged with a kaleidoscopic rug that anchors the space and draws the natural palette together. A sofa’s gentle curve echoes the glazed wall behind it, a counterpoint to the linearity of the built-ins on facing walls. “It needed curves to relieve all the angles,” she says. Those sinuous curves are enhanced by an extendable dining table with rounded ends and splayed legs, at once compact but also flexible for entertaining large numbers occasionally. “We welcomed 20 people here the other day, and they all fitted into the living area nicely,” says the owner. “Also, unlike our old home, they weren’t all crowded around the kitchen bench.”

Both David and the owner enthuse about the light, rare in a terrace. “This place is a David Boyle sculpture,” says the owner. “We can’t fault it. Built to last, it’s our forever home. While the kids might move out, we aren’t going anywhere.” And neither is that huge gum, which will always keep them company.

Lessons learnt

“If you can afford it, pay professionals and just let them get on with it,” says the homeowner. “Just don’t rush them! David, Talia and our landscapers at Spirit Level all worked so well together, with spectacular results. We were very time poor, so we were happy to pay for their advice and leave them to collaborate. Though I’d also suggest not pouring your concrete in a year with record rainfall, as 2022 was!”

David Boyle Architect is at davidboylearchitect.com.au. Smith + Levine is at smithandlevine.com.au. The builder was Hammond Building at hammondbuilding.com.au. Spirit Level is at spiritlevel.com.au

The post Lashings of light meet punchy colours in this revamped 1860s terrace appeared first on Homes To Love.

People like to keep Stradbroke Island a secret. It’s a haven — for people and nature. Being here feels wild.

People say the island feels this way because a planned bridge was never built to connect it to the mainland. Being isolated only attracts a ‘certain type of person’, the type who doesn’t see travelling over water as a barrier, and who yearns for simplicity. The seclusion has kept the island safe from change.

Inspired by Kara’s love letter to her Stradbroke Island home? Since buying and renovating the property in 2018, she has decided to open the doors and share it with the rest of us. To experience the magic of this three-bedroom ’70s escape, book a stay via Airbnb.

BOOK A STAY

My husband and I bought a weekender here about 18 months ago. An original 1970s timber A-frame, which we are slowly doing up. We fell in love with the house the moment we first saw it. Lots of natural light and glass, with knotty pine shiplap walls.

Starting Friday nights, we abandon city life and head for the ferry. I’m usually cutting it very fine timewise, dashing to catch it and running with baskets and weekend bags madly slung over my shoulders, with whatever precious find I have made for the house that week in my arms.

Once onboard, I head straight out the back to my favourite spot. There are lots of seats inside, but there are six magical faded plastic chairs on the open deck, drilled into the floor and this is where I sit. For an old ferry it goes fast, quickly gaining speed over the bay. Within this moment onboard I feel completely free, watching the mainland disappear in the distance, as the churned water trails behind.

Our life before the island was very different. Instead of catching ferries, we would be catching planes, going all over the country and all over the world for work. Always in different directions. We were worried — how long could we keep going in such disparate ways from each other? I would think often about an Esther Perel quote: ‘The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.’

Something needed to shift and it did when we found this island. Embracing this new life was very easy. I began to see the weekends differently. As two special days which needed to be protected from other days of the week. Sacred time.

When I started to think like this, simple things began to reveal themselves to me — or maybe I had the time to let them in. It started one Saturday afternoon, seeing shadows dancing on the wall of the back bedroom. The shadows were cast by a palm tree outside the window. The fronds gently swayed in the breeze. The shadows looked like a slideshow; the warm sunlight projecting on the pine walls.

In that visual flicker of insignificance, I was reminded of the weekends I grew up knowing — weekends of simplicity.

I would bring all the week’s dirty washing over to the island with me — the washing has a way of catching up with you wherever you live. First thing on Saturday morning I would put a load of washing on. We don’t have a tumble dryer at the house, instead I use the weathered old timber clothesline in the backyard — which is half falling apart. I would peg the washing out, gingerly adding more and more layers to the shaky line.

I found myself looking forward to this morning activity with an unusual level of excitement and wonder. I would be precariously pegging the white sheets on the rickety line, while getting slightly tangled up in a cocoon of wet white linen, trying hard not to let them touch the ground.

Being in the moment and seeing the beauty of sunshine and shadows on the clothesline would bring me such joy. I decided to start documenting the simplicity of these ordinary days — photographing my everyday life on the weekends as something to remember them by.

I had always longed to photograph the sea, to capture the freedom of being underwater. How the waves crash against your body, invigorating the skin and mind. I wanted to share the simple pleasure of rearranging objects at home and how satisfying it can be to bring together a collection of things you absolutely love.

When you allow time for the ordinary moments, they have a way of becoming so much more.

The post You can stay at photographer Kara Rosenlund’s North Stradbroke Island weekender appeared first on Homes To Love.

Following on from last year’s thrilling season, this year will be no different as the trio takes on some of the most desperate homes and transforms them into something truly spectacular.

With a record run of interest rate increases, crippling cost of living pressures and skyrocketing property prices, it’s never been more difficult to transform Australia’s unsellable property disasters into must-have homes.

“This season it felt like, for every home we turned up at, the home loan interest rates had gone up again, along with everything from building materials to trades and even filling up the car with fuel,” said Andrew Winter in a press release.

“Yet we must convince our homeowners to invest in change to get a sale. Not easy. As for results, this is the season for variety and surprises.”

With that, you probably want to know exactly how you can tune in for Selling Houses Australia season 16, among other things, so we’ve gathered all the essentials below.

What is the release date for Selling Houses Australia season 16?

Selling Houses Australia premieres on Foxtel Now with its 16th season on March 20, with new episodes to be released weekly on Wednesdays at 8:30pm.

Where to watch Selling Houses Australia

Every season of Selling Houses Australia, from season one through season 16, is available to stream on Foxtel Now in Australia.

The streaming service also houses other home renovation favourites like Grand Designs Australia, Love It or List It Australia and Pamela’s Garden of Eden.

Start streaming now on Foxtel Now, live and on demand with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

Watch Selling Houses Australia on Hubbl

Hubbl is a new entertainment platform from Foxtel that brings together all your favourite streaming services (think Netflix, Binge, Stan) and free-to-air TV apps in one easy-to-navigate interface. You need to purchase the settop box for $99 but there is no fee to use Hubbl. You will still need to pay for your individual streaming subscriptions but if you bundle three or more through Hubbl, you can save up to $15 a month. You can watch Selling Houses Australia on Hubbl through the Lifestyle app, available for just $8 a month – an affordable alternative to a full Foxtel plan.

What is Selling Houses Australia season 16 about?

In season 16, the Selling Houses Australia team take on a decrepit inner-Melbourne house – neglected for decades, a tiny timber cottage – rundown and bursting at the seams, and a Sydney house they need to, quite literally, turn back to front. 

That’s not all, the team have also taken on the challenge to tackle a beach shack, a country church and even a bus this year, because sometimes a house is just not enough.

Helping the homeowners are of course Andrew, Wendy, and Dennis, who not only deliver advice and makeovers but also provide a wealth of real estate knowledge, design tips and money-smart style ideas that anyone can achieve in their own homes.

The post What to expect from Selling Houses Australia season 16 appeared first on Homes To Love.

Lighting is a key design feature in your home and deserves consideration, whether it’s to brighten up a dull corner or you’re planning a full renovation. Carefully curated lighting can make small spaces seem larger, intimidating hallways feel inviting and create a feature of architectural elements that may otherwise be overlooked.

The key to using lighting to its full potential is layering. A blend of light, depth and shade brings practicality to workspaces like kitchens and laundries, warmth and atmosphere to your living spaces, and cosiness to quiet spaces such as bedrooms or a reading nook.

Here, we put the spotlight on four key lighting design layers and how you can use them to capture every room of your home in its best light.

General lighting

Think of general lighting as the background layer that casts an even illumination throughout a room, most commonly from your ceiling lights. As these are often the main source of light for a room, it’s wise to choose dimmable options to give some flexibility depending on the time of day, desired brightness, or subtlety to suit the mood and the room’s purpose at the time.

Recessed downlights (with an LED wattage of 9W to 15W) or a single, central flush mounted light are unobtrusive options.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is the layer that adds warmth and softness to your space. Think strip lighting under the kitchen bench, or floor lamps in the corner. Use ambient lighting where you want to encourage rest and relaxation, such as living spaces and bedrooms.

Task lighting

The next layer to consider is task lighting for more practical uses. These are brighter and are designed to illuminate workspaces, such as kitchen benches, cooktops and bathroom vanities. Task lighting is also used for study areas, home offices, bedside tables and reading nooks where table or floor lamps with LED lamps and adjustable heads are ideal, adding a difference layer of light and depth to a space.

You can also make a design statement with task lighting over a dining table or living space with an elegant pendant light, such as the on-trend brass Caspian pendant from Beacon Lighting.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is placed to create a specific light effect, such as downlights or spotlights to highlight artwork, and wash lights against walls. The layering of accent lighting can be used to highlight architectural details or furnishings and is an artful way to create focus and play with light in your space.

There’s a huge choice of lighting for every room of your home, and if you’re embarking on a renovation or new build and could use some professional advice, Beacon Lighting can help. Their expert lighting design service can take the hard work out of choosing the right lighting for your various spaces to make sure you end up with the best result. Choose from an in-home consultation or get the designer touch with a lighting designer in the Beacon Design Studio. For big jobs or small, they’re well placed to set you on the right track.  

The post 4 different types of lighting and why you need them all appeared first on Homes To Love.

The biggest names behind Australia’s Modernist movement include architects such as Harry Seidler, Robin Boyd and Hugh Buhrich, whose ground-breaking designs built throughout the 50s and 60s now enjoy heritage-list status.

Lately, there’s been a resurgence of interest in and appreciation of mid-century modern homes, with many proud owners choosing to restore rather than renovate these sought-after properties, preserving them for themselves and future generations to enjoy.

Here we take a look at some of our favourite mid-century modern properties as well as newly-built homes inspired by mid-century style.

18 mid-century modern homes around Australia

This Torquay home nods to the colour and textural design of the 1950s and mid-century design. The owners worked from a detailed vision board, including colours, materials and textures inspired by the style and architecture of mid-century homes, along with the work of Melbourne architecture firm Kennedy Nolan.

This home, known as The Quarterdeck, was designed by architect Glynn Nicholls and built in 1959. A recent restoration saw the interiors updated and two new wings added in keeping with the building’s original design. During the renovation, the butterfly roof, exposed structural steel beams, shiplap panelling, bagged brick interior walls and original 1950s windows were restored.

Before Madeleine Blanchfield Architects arrived on the scene, this home was a featureless, 1970s brick house. Located on the NSW South Coast, where many homes were built in the mid-century modern style, it seemed only fitting to bring the home into line with its surroundings. “We wanted the home to be laidback, understated and honest,” says Madeleine, who also chose materials that would withstand salty coastal air and bushfires, which are a constant threat in the region.

When Sally McGarry set about building a mid-century-inspired home in the Byron Bay hinterland, she wanted to capture the essence of her grandparents’ Canberra home, The Fenner House, which was designed by architect Robin Boyd. “It features the same elongated roofline, large expanse of glazing, modernist lines and passive orientation as The Fenner House,” says Sally of her home, which she named Las Palmas.

Once coated in brown paint with carpet in every room (yes, even the bathroom), this two-bedroom beach shack was in dire need of a revamp. Owners Bec and Marcus decided to renovate the home, but made the decision not to extend, instead working within the existing footprint to create a spacious, open-plan family home.

This mid-century modern cottage was built in 1962 from locally quarried bluestone. The home’s interior was renovated in 2018, mostly to remedy the home’s lack of insulation. “The bones and original design intent were sound, but the place needed an update in terms of building technology and interior palette,” says architect Paul Cooksey who worked alongside interior architect Bek Buchnall of Northern Edge Studio to bring the home into the 21st century.

Tim Ross is an advocate for Australian architecture, with a self-confessed soft spot (or obsession) with Modernist design. His own home, an original 1959 Modernist abode designed by renowned architect Bill Baker, is testament to his affection. “As a nutty Modernist it has been a dream home for me,” Tim says.

An untouched, original 1960s brick and weatherboard house in Beaumaris, Victoria was the perfect blank canvas to showcase this Melbourne family’s passion for mid-century retro style. A sensitive renovation has refreshed the home with many original features restored and new additions inspired by the home’s heritage.

Interior designer Rhiannon Farmer and her builder/carpenter fiance Matt Orr (pictured) completely gutted and renovated this 1950s clinker-brick house in Melbourne to create a light-filled home that embraces mid-century modern design.

Mid-century style continues to shape many modern homes built today. Take this modernist-inspired contemporary holiday home for example. From its steel and glass structure to the brickwork and timber panelling, it’s clear this modern home borrows heavily from classic mid-century design.

This Modernist style home was originally designed by Peter Hall, the architect famous for completing the Opera House. “It’s a testament to Peter Hall that this house is still the perfect design decades later,” she praises. “It’s really sustainable; cool in summer and warm in winter. And it’s designed to complement the natural environment, something more houses today should consider!” says owner Lill Jenner.

Stepping into this mid-century modern home in Moorooka, Queensland, built by architect Robin Spencer, is like stepping straight back into the 60s. It has remained intact and undisturbed by any additions or incursions. Even the original bathroom and kitchen remain.

This 1960s beach house on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has been transformed into a modernist masterpiece. Floor-to-ceiling windows, timber panelling and a raked ceiling pay homage to the home’s heritage while a Scandi-meets-retro interior has refreshed the home tenfold.

Self-confessed fans of mid-century modern style, restaurant owners Sarah Doyle and her husband Elvis Abrahanowicz live in this charming home in Surry Hills. A mix of modern and vintage furniture and bold decor choices, like this jungle-inspired wallpaper, inject character and soul into the lively abode.

This riverfront house designed circa 1959 on Queensland’s Gold Coast has been resurrected by architect Paul Uhlmann, who reinstated the Modernist character by accentuating the original features with stunning new joinery. “I love that we have been able to keep this wonderful house in the family, as well as retain its characters,” says David. “That, to me, is priceless.”

Bower Architecture & Interiors and LBA Construction Group remodelled this 1960s modernist home in Melbourne’s St Kilda. Remaining sensitive to the era of the house, the architects maintained its single-storey profile, choosing to extend out across the former side driveway to create more living and storage space, and inserting voids and galleries to bring light and a feeling of spaciousness to the home.

“Its connection to nature, proximity to the beach, and rich mid-century architecture” is what won the owners of this 1950s home in Beaumaris, Victoria over at auction. Rather than renovating, they have injected the home with plenty of colour and a mix of modern and vintage furniture to amplify the retro aesthetic.

The owners of this open and airy modernist home in inner-city Brisbane hired Brisbane architect Robyn Booth to draw on the principles of modernist design to complement the existing structure for a home renovation that included a new ground floor hub, open-plan living, informal dining area and bespoke kitchen.

The post 18 marvellous mid-century modern homes appeared first on Homes To Love.

Tour Georges Antoni’s Bilgola Plateau bungalow

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Phoebe and Georges set out to transform the existing 1960s home into an inviting and plentiful space. In their main living room sit vintage reupholstered Camaleonda sofas by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The curtains are from Luxaflex and the walls are Topciment microcement.

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The texture and tone of the home is simple and monochrome and the homeowners wanted to incorporate as many natural materials as possible, such as render, stone, travertine, wood and linen alongside the creamy vanilla tones.

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Bespoke kitchen bench ends were crafted in a curvaceous design, which overflows to the adjacent curved breakfast seating area.

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Curves run through the home and extend out to the Mediterranean-inspired pool area. The walls around the pool have been finished in Topciment microcement from Spain. Landscape design by Melissa Wilson. Wall sconces from Nightworks.

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“Seeing the family navigate and use the space while we are all at home is the best aspect of this home. Everyone can carve out their own area but still, somehow, we are all together. It’s unusual in that way but wonderful,” says Phoebe.

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For the exterior, brickwork was a key consideration and forms the foundation of the home, not only in structure but also aesthetic, where a light render has been applied so the shapes and lines of the bricks are visible.

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From the outset, the owners made a conscious decision to maintain the original ’60s, mid-century modern vibe of the house, which sits
on top of Bilgola Plateau and is nestled on the northern edge of the Angophora Reserve.

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Brass accents work throughout the bathrooms and kitchen, bringing personality and a natural lived-in feel. In the powder room, custom tiles, a pedestal sink and wall scones are by Lara Hutton Design Studio. Tapware and towel hook from Mina. Hand towel from Cultiver.

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Tube chair by Joe Colombo for Cappellini, from Cult. The Gervasoni Heiko coffee table is from Anibou.

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The voluminous and inviting organic shapes of the main living room have an otherworldly feel, layered in various creamy tones.

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Microcement in a custom colour gives the Northern Beaches home a restrained, soft texture, creating a sense of calm throughout.

The post High ceilings and light rule in this fashion photographer’s reimagined mid-century home appeared first on Homes To Love.

Creating the perfect laundry is easier than you think. Whether you’re opting for a European-style kitchen/laundry or a standalone space, or are considering adding it to your master bathroom, a designated laundry zone will help you keep your home tidy.

Not sure where to start with your laundry? We asked Rebeka Morgan and Kribashini Hannon, founders of the BuildHer Collective to share their top tips and ideas on creating a practical and stylish space.

“The once-forgotten laundry is back, and with a bang,” explain the pair. “Today, we see it being a space that is super functional and beautiful. This important room is now receiving its share of the buzz and increasingly fitted with ‘jewellery’ to match.”

Here are some of our favourite laundry ideas to create the space of your dreams.

How deep should a benchtop be?

The ideal depth for benchtops in a laundry is usually between 600mm and 700mm. One of the key factors that will determine this is the appliances. If you have an underbench washing machine and dryer, they will need to fit neatly under the bench, with enough room to form the tap connections.

Another factor to consider is the sink or laundry trough that integrates with the bench depth. If you use a ceramic farmhouse sink, often the tap will sit behind the bowl, so you need enough space for this.

Plus, don’t forget to allow for clearance on either side of the appliances and sometimes above. Most of the time you’ll need 30–50mm on either side, but check the whiteware specs and installation guides during the design phase.

How big should a laundry be?

If you are building new, the location and size of the laundry are super important. Generally, these spaces are between 1800mm and 2400mm wide – this gives you enough space for the appliances and sinks on one wall, while the other wall can be for shelving or hanging storage and circulation space.

With that said, if you are renovating, you may need to compromise on the size and depth of the room, based on the existing space you must work within. Either way, measure twice to be sure!

How can I make my laundry room more efficient?

A walkway of between 900mm and 1200mm will usually be sufficient to help with the use of integrated items such as ironing boards or drying cabinets.

Also, think about the workflow in the laundry in terms of space and laundry hampers. Rebeka has four in her laundry – one for clean laundry to be folded and put away, one for general washing, one for whites, and one for towels and bedding.

What is the best way to organize a laundry?

Storage is so important, but how much do you need? Write a list of all the things you keep in your laundry, as this will inform what is best for overhead storage and elsewhere. The list will probably be bigger than you imagine.

Think about the overhead storage of chemicals to keep them away from children, and whether these are things you want to see on open shelves or in overhead cabinets. Overhead hanging rods work well – for storing or drying items.

How to save money on a laundry renovation

You can save on the level of finish here. Rather than a full laminate on the insides of cabinets, use standard melamine.

Save on tiling by not tiling the walls to full height – just the floor and a small skirting. Buy wire storage systems if you can’t afford new joinery, although Ikea has affordable cabinetry.

What to splurge on

I [Kribashini] think you should splurge on the quality of your washing machine and dryer, your iron and your storage solutions. But also consider your individual needs. I have a fantastic iron with a water base, but it is large and bulky and I won’t use it if I have to get the board out. I’m always rushing around, so having the iron out is important for convenience.

But honestly, it’s unsightly and takes up so much space! Other items to splurge on are a great sink and storage, which will

add useability and functionality.

If you are building, you’ll have the potential to resolve all your laundry issues with the new design. If you’re renovating, you may need to compromise features to suit the space you have.

Think about high-end touches, such as gorgeous cabinet handles (you only need a few in a laundry space). You could also add an expensive tile or stone you love for the splashback – if it’s a small quantity, you may be able to buy a cheap offcut.

Other things to consider

A laundry can be considered a wet area, so make sure that the new plasterboard behind your appliances and at tap penetrations is fully waterproofed.

You may also like to consider storage for pet food and other related items. And if the trough or sink will be large enough to wash your pet, or sporting gear and other muddy items.

For obvious reasons, families value full-scale laundries and often look for this when buying a house. In apartments, however, having a compact laundry off the hallway, as in a lot of European homes, is perfectly acceptable. Smarter appliance choices like opting for a combo washer/dryer can also help when working with compact spaces.

Ticking off these factors will create a laundry that’s super fit for purpose…

• Sufficient ventilation
• Enough circulation space
• Natural light (if possible)
• External door for access (if possible)
• Durable flooring
• Ample storage
• Bench space for folding
• Good-quality appliances with high ratings for energy consumption and water usage
• Dryers vented to the outside if required (based on model and type)
• Full-height cupboard for brooms, mops and vacuum cleaner
• Doors to conceal the laundry if it is in a bathroom, garage or hallway

LAUNDRY MUST-HAVES

20 of the best laundry ideas

Just in case this country-coastal laundry room didn’t grab you with its looks alone, it boasts a bunch of functionality. At one end, integrated hanging space and a timber bench create ease of use, and at the other, a built-in bench seat by the door provides a space to take off dirty shoes.

Located within a renovated 70s home in Fingal, this gorgeous green laundry carries the same design as the rest of the home, making it a seamless fit. The polished concrete floor adds functionality while the artwork adds a lived-in feel.

The home of design guru Kerrie-Ann Jones is all neutral hues and layered textures. Her peachy-toned laundry is no different and features Bejmat splashback tiles, brass tapware, stone mosaic flooring and decor touches.

Powder blue has a moment in the laundry room of this vivacious home in Bondi. Needing to withstand the demands of a family, the room is finished with lots of storage and hardy surfaces — and even includes a WC.

The most extraordinary aspect of this Sydney laundry by interior designer Caitlin Parker-Brown is that it’s hidden in plain sight. Tucked away behind bifold doors in the kitchen/dining area of this renovated home, the design allows unobstructed access to a sink, appliances, and hanging space, courtesy of LED lights triggered by the doors’ opening and closing.

“The joinery runs the length of the room, making it seamless,” says Caitlin. “And the pale green V-groove doors with timber moon handles are elegant yet striking.”

With cool tones and a serene feel, this lovely laundry by Carole Whiting performs double duty in its Melbourne home. Well proportioned and filled with storage space, its functional features really shine.

Entry to the house from the garden happens here, so there’s a bench seat for taking off shoes and a concealed hanging rail over the sink that allows items to drip-dry unobtrusively, much like a mud-room set-up. The dark-hued walls are elegant and splash-friendly.

This compact laundry in Geelong was thoughtfully considered by SGS’s Rebecca Jansma so that every square centimetre can be used. The all-white palette ensures the room feels spacious and fresh, while terrazzo underfoot, stone on the benchtop and an unexpected brass shelf with strip lighting give it a contemporary look.

“Every bit of this room was mapped out to meet the owner’s requirements,” says Rebecca. “There’s a spot for everything, and all the shelves, drawers and hampers were customised to their contents. The LED strip light is on a separate circuit, so if you’re just popping in to drop some laundry into the hamper, you don’t need the full-room lighting.”

To emphasise the modern-farmhouse aesthetic of this property on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, interior designer Kate Walker specified hand-chipped black limestone floor tiles in a herringbone pattern and gave a calming rural-landscape art piece pride of place. Below it is plenty of room to fold clothes.

“People think you need to have appliances side by side or on top of one other,” says Kate, “but by having the washing machine on one side, you can take clothes from it, use the sink area to sort them and then dry as required, in the dryer or drying cupboard” – the latter a nifty addition that removes the need for pop-up clothes racks when the weather is wet.

Fior Di Bosco stone takes centre stage in this Sydney laundry by Amarot’s Alexandra Marrotte, who used the material to zhoosh up this traditionally utilitarian zone. “The joinery next to the stone benchtop and splashback houses a washer/dryer stack with functional storage space above,” she says, adding that a separate broom cupboard to the right has its own door and powerpoint for easy vacuum-charging and cleaning-appliance use.

The timber cabinetry brings warmth to the cool scheme and is a nice point of textural difference. On another wall is a series of louvred windows, providing ample airflow when required.

Just off the kitchen of a Melbourne home, this laundry has made it possible for the owner to put through a load of washing while cooking dinner. But despite being meticulously planned, there was a glitch in the build and necessity became the mother of invention for the project’s designer, Lena Bruno, halfway through.

“The client and I were looking forward to seeing show-stopping 150mm x 75mm straight-laid blush-pink tiles – and we were crushed when there were supply issues during construction,” says Lena. “With only the 100mm x 100mm option available, the client was hoping for a different look. So I came up with an unusual laying pattern that was drawn to scale and executed by the tiler – an on-the-fly solution that’s given the laundry its own personality.”

Hidden behind the beautiful doors of this sleek laundry – part of a home in the Byron Bay hinterland – is a huge linen cupboard and lots of storage. Also featured are baskets for sorting washing and a set of floating shelves for displaying treasures.

“The mix of materials is definitely the hero design element,” says The Designory director Melissa Bonney. “That includes the fossil limestone benches and splashback, the copper tapware and leather handles, plus timber features that tie in with the truss timber ceiling.” Better yet, this home is off the grid and eco-friendly appliances are fitted throughout, including an energy-efficient heat-pump dryer.

Aiming to surprise and delight the owners of this Sydney laundry, the interior experts at Arent&Pyke chose a predominantly blue palette. “It injects a sense of fun into a space that is generally overlooked,” says designer Sarah-Jane Pyke. “Now it feels like a beautiful space you’d want to spend time in.”

The floor plan was also changed, to connect the laundry to the garden and to maximise styling opportunities, such as the tiled benchtop and blue tapware at the back. Proving this space has both beauty and brains, 5-star energy-rated appliances were selected for the finish.

In the modern makeover of this Californian bungalow, Studio Gorman opted for multi-tonal blue kit kat tiles to create a striking feature splashback that complements the dark cabinetry. A discreet hanging rail helps to make the laundry process easier.

In interior designer Jillian Dinkel’s Federation home this sun-soaked laundry space features striking grey cobblestone floor tiles and cabinetry as well as white exposed brick walls.

The laundry in this cosy country farmhouse doubles as a mudroom, with the space opening to the rear of the property.

In this Scandi-style family home the laundry room features a hanging brass rail which adds a touch of glamour against a backdrop of vibrant pennyround tiles and white cabinetry.

The owners of this Palm Springs-style home opted for a clean and simple look in their laundry with white subway tiles for the splashback paired with grey cabinetry. Open floating shelves add a decorative touch, as does the timber hanging rail.

The laundry space of this chic beach house in Mooloolaba leads towards the rear of the property and features black panels and a timber floating shelf.

The post 18 laundries that master the art of being both stylish and practical appeared first on Homes To Love.

When renovating a kitchen, the pressure is on to get the big decisions right. One of the biggest decisions any budding cook or entertainer will make? Deciding whether to invest in a gas or induction cooktop.

For a quality solution that will serve you now and for years to come, Wolf has Dual Fuel and Induction Ranges for budding renovators to choose from. Prized for their craftsmanship, innovation and design, Wolf appliances offer professional-grade kitchen solutions at home. The brand’s products are designed to last for 20 years (or more) so you know that a Wolf cooktop is a sound investment. 

Ready to find the perfect cooktop for your home? Here, we chart the differences and benefits of both the Dual Fuel and Induction Ranges by Wolf.

Dual Fuel Range

Key benefits: 

• Responsive cooktop allows for swift temperature control.
• Available in 76, 91, 122, and 152 cm widths.
• Choose from gas burner, infrared teppanyaki, and infrared chargrill cooktop configurations. 

Put simply, gas cooktops use gas burners to create an open flame and create heat to cook on. This type of cooktop is responsive and allows the user to quickly adjust the heat up or down.

The Wolf Dual Fuel Range has recently been redesigned while retaining the brand’s signature professional heritage. The brand uses patented dual-stacked, sealed gas burners that provide the user with temperature control that swiftly switches from a boil to a simmer or melt. For safety, the knobs are illuminated when the burners are active.

This Wolf cooktop is paired Dual VertiFlow convection electric oven below. This oven is tried-and-tested and provides reliable cooking and baking. Utilise the 10 chef-approved modes, including gourmet mode, which automatically controls the cooking process for up to 50 preset items. 

Induction Range

Key benefits:

• Sleek ceramic glass design.
• Precise heating and instant temperature adjustment. 
• Available in 76 and 91cm widths.

This style of cooktop works by using electricity to heat conductors under a ceramic glass surface. At a glance, an induction cooktop will look like a flat glass surface in your kitchen. 

For those who prefer this style of cooktop, the Wolf Induction Range is a stylish-yet-functional option. The efficient ceramic glass surface provides equal and precise heating, along with nearly instant temperature adjustment that is in line with the brand’s Dual Fuel Range. Use this cooktop to boil water, simmer a curry or melt chocolate with ease. 

Similar to the Wolf Dual Fuel Range, this Induction Range is supported by a Dual VertiFlow convection electric oven that evenly distributes air for consistent cooking. Whether you are roasting a chicken for lunch or preparing creme brulee for dessert, rest assured, it will come out perfectly every time. 

The question is: which style of cooktop will you choose? 

The post How to choose a cooktop that will serve you for years to come appeared first on Homes To Love.

How do you fit style and sophistication into a small space? With clever touches and thoughtful joinery, says interior designer Michael Allsopp, who remodelled this petite yet super-practical apartment in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay for its owner, Simon. It ticks all the boxes, but still manages to be elegant.

“Elizabeth Bay is absolutely beautiful, but I think there’s only a handful of freestanding houses,” says Michael. “Whenever I’ve worked in the area, it is about understanding small spaces and how to maximise the space you have. The people buying there want a home where you can entertain, and where you can work from home. They want a place that ticks almost all the boxes of a full-sized house, but in a smaller space.”

Simon is a buyer’s agent and very savvy with real estate and the technology that goes into it. His brief to Michael was to make the apartment suitable for entertaining and to maximise the adjoining courtyard. “I originally just wanted to update the kitchen and bathroom, but the more we were talking, the more I realised that I didn’t want the kitchen to look brand new and the existing joinery to look old,” says Simon. “So, we decided to renovate the whole thing.”

The ground-floor apartment is located in an attractive Art Deco-style building and on the small size – about 75 square metres. “But it had an amazing courtyard attached to it,” says Michael. “The interior space looked good. It wasn’t a rundown apartment or anything, but it really didn’t have that connection to outside, and it didn’t allow Simon to fulfil the function that he wanted. He wanted to turn it into an entertainer’s house and have parties there. When we started the design process, we were just coming out of lockdown and he had really embraced cooking. He wanted to have a chef’s kitchen in what is essentially a one-bedroom apartment. So, we had these multiple layers to the design that I had to include.”

“I wanted a design that wasn’t generic, just a bit more playful and fun”

SIMON, HOMEOWNER

With limited space inside, Simon abandoned the idea of a formal dining area and instead enjoys casual meals around the kitchen island bench and hosts larger dinner parties outside.

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“The first thing I did was to really understand the existing floor plan and layout,” Michael continues, “and how we could then reconfigure and adjust it without getting any bigger.”

“I knew what I wanted,” says Simon. “I wanted a home that wasn’t generic, just a bit more playful and fun. Michael came up with a lot of the design, and we worked together on the result.” Michael had the ceiling lowered by 55mm in the kitchen and living space, which allowed them to hide the plumbing and wiring. It also meant the curtain tracks and artwork lighting could be recessed, creating a cleaner palette for the room.

“It’s funny because I was really worried about dropping the ceilings,” says Simon. “I thought that it would make the room feel claustrophobic. But it didn’t at all – it lifted the door line, which was previously much lower. So, I think with the larger steel doors bringing in more light, it gave us the element of space. And it allowed us to choose nicer lighting.”

Interior designer Michael Allsopp is at michaelallsoppdesign.com. The builder was Acumen Corp at acumencorp.com.au

The post The renovation of this Art Deco apartment proves that compact can be clever appeared first on Homes To Love.

From clever conversions to complete new builds, there are plenty of options out there to build your dream barn house.

What are some of the key design elements of barn houses?

Barn houses are a unique architectural style that combines the rustic charm of traditional barns with the comfort and functionality of modern homes. If you don’t have the scope for a new build, conversion or renovation, you could simply try and incorporate some of the key elements commonly found in barn houses into your current home.

These can include things like open floor plans, exposing beams and ceiling rafters, including natural materials like stone and wood, repurposing existing barn structures or using reclaimed materials from old barns, or integrating the interiors with the surrounding landscape through garden design, outdoor living areas or large windows that frame your view.

20 modern barn house ideas to inspire

Both very much its own space and a reflection of its scape, The Barn at Rangeview is a unique identity, whichever way you spin it. The raked ceiling and wrap-around windows of the barn-style house make the most of natural light and picturesque views.

Rachel Luchetti and her builder husband Gerard Cook have transformed a barn style kit home into a family retreat known affectionately as the Little Red Barn. The red exterior sets this home apart as does the concrete plunge pool with views of the hinterland.

This small barn-style house in Daylesford follows classic barn design, with a high-pitched ceiling, exposed beams and split “Mr Ed-style” doors. Four large windows from an old schoolhouse add authenticity to the new build and flood the space with light.

When Hayley Priest finally got to build her dream home, it was always going to be a barn of some kind. And “It was always going to be black,” she says, with a laugh. The modern barn-style house, named The Highlands Black Barn, is influenced by Norwegian summer houses and New Zealand barn architecture.

The sleepy village of Jugiong in South West NSW has become a destination for Canberrans and Sydneysiders because of the Sir George, a renovated country pub with luxury accommodation that resembles a series of charred timber barns and a converted granite stable.

Inspired by the traditional pitched-roof cabins of their homeland Denmark, couple Michael and Kristine decided to build their own barn-style home with floor-to-ceiling windows by Rylock and Velux. Barn doors are also a feature inside the door, with a 19 metre-long railing connecting a sequence of rustic, sliding doors.

Forget hay bales and hoedowns. This handsome home’s take on the classic barn style house is worlds away from those down-on-the-farm notions. The original cottage on the Byron Bay property had a separate sleeping barn, which inspired the design of the new house, which has been described as the “love child of Italy, Aspen and Malibu”.

A simple coat of red paint has transformed an old 1880s farmhouse into a cosy barn-style home. Before moving in, residents Katie and Luke also polished the original floorboards and updated the home’s wiring. “We love the house’s charm and its quirks,” says Katie.

Regular trips to Europe inspired couple Daniel and Glenny to construct their own brick barn on the outskirts of Castlemaine in Victoria’s Goldfields. “We wanted to build something tat suited the historic landscape around here, and we were also inspired by the architecture we’ve seen in France,” says Daniel.

This modern barn-inspired home, located in the picturesque Perth Hills, pays homage to its owners’ European heritage. The design concept stemmed from the owner’s desire for a simple, honest lifestyle, and the barn-style architecture that is common in Poland.

On Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, one couple’s desire to blend beauty with practicality has produced a modern country home which they have since dubbed the ‘über shed’. From the outside, it could be mistaken for a barn but inside, it’s Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic and modern finishes make you feel right at home.

In the heart of Melbourne, interior designer Carole Whiting and her architect husband Steven have transformed a Edwardian double-fronted house into a charming family home that has a barn-like feel with a Scandinavian twist.

After spending years living in a series of converted garages, sheds and basic kit-home cottages, the owners of this country retreat decide it was time to build something a little more comfortable. And so their son, interior stylist and designer Jono Fleming, helped them design a cosy and contemporary farmhouse complete with cathedral ceilings and a ceiling-height stone fireplace.

After purchasing a property in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, a couple set about converting an existing shed into a temporarily liveable space as they drew up plans for their dream home. But after a kitchen, bathroom and three bedrooms were added to the shed, fondly dubbed the ‘shouse’, the couple decided they probably didn’t need to build a new home after all.

After a fuss-free design with open-plan living spaces that made the most of the property’s spectacular views over a golf course to the ocean beyond, the owners of The Shed in Gerroa on the NSW South Coast opted for a modern barn style design with an industrial aesthetic when building their dream holiday home.

With it’s high ceilings, loft bedroom, exposed timber beams and concrete floors, this pool house that doubles as an Airbnb on the Sunshine Coast is a classic example of how a barn-style home can work in a coastal setting. The timber barn doors inside add to the rustic charm.

Custom-made barn doors, timber wall panelling and rustic country decor, give this beach house a barn-like feel. The home’s exterior is also clad in timber panelling and painted in Dulux Domino.

Looking over Lake Conjola on the NSW south Coast is the modern barn-inspired home David Gleeson and Leah Atkins created in just 10 weeks. Leah has always loved the aesthetic of barns, particularly dark-coloured Scandinavian interiors, which were her inspiration when designing this home.

By connecting and converting two barns on their property, Nguuruu Farm, the Prior family created a spacious four-bedroom home. “It’s essentially two pavilions connected by a glass air bridge,” says owner, Murray Prior. “We live in one and go to bed in the other.” The barn-style home boasts six-metre ceilings, rammed-earth walls, and a solar-passive design.

Designed by Slap Architects, this modern barn house in rural Victoria was conceived by two city slickers in search of a more sustainable lifestyle. Minimally decorated with functionality at the fore, the use of natural materials throughout are a nod to the surrounding landscape of West Gippsland.

The post 20 barn-style houses built for modern living appeared first on Homes To Love.

While it’s possible to create an attractive kitchen design with gleaming finishes and top-line appliances, what truly makes a kitchen great is a point of difference.

We have pulled together some of the best kitchens from the Australian House & Garden archives, each with an element of wow factor that sets it apart. Flick through the gallery for ideas and expert kitchen design tips to inspire your own unique space.

Shop modern kitchen decor ideas

Kitchen design ideas to inspire

Heritage details are celebrated as this inner-city terrace is ushered into a sparkling new era. The enlarged kitchen is designed in a galley layout, with the dining zone opposite occupying what was once an unused internal courtyard. Feature joinery in Ashgrove veneer pops against the island facing, benchtops and splashback in Grigio San Marco marble.

Period features were restored in this 1920s bungalow and the dated extension was given a contemporary refresh with a sparkling white kitchen and custom joinery.

The brief from the owners of this gracious Federation-era Sydney home was clear: create a light, luxe new kitchen in which timeless form truly meets function. Interior architect Jade Bury, director of Harper Lane Design, relished the task.

Clean lines and beautiful natural stone combine to create a deliciously light-filled and luxe kitchen conceived by Lara Ette Design. The cabinetry adds texture while the clean-lined benchtops ensure the room feels contemporary and fresh. Touches of brass create the effect of subtle jewellery in the room.

With white, marble and timber accents, the kitchen in this harbourside house brings heart to the home. A butler’s pantry is concealed behind an arched VJ-panel doorway and lined with Moroccan wall tiles in Snow from Surface Gallery.

A ‘European farmhouse aesthetic’ was what Lucy and Steve Cahill had in mind for their whole-home renovation on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. And their new kitchen – the centrepiece of the revamped home – encapsulates their vision, brought into being by interior designer Kate Walker, principal of KWD.

A combination of white and soft grey imbues this Sydney kitchen with a sense of calm, which is also derived from having an abundance of storage. “Everything has a place,” says interior designer Annie Bowen.

A luxurious ‘plinth’ of marble is the centrepiece of this timeless, simple and sophisticated kitchen. The owners “wanted a modern, fresh, inviting and timeless design,” says Chris Ruffe, director of Bondi Kitchens who revamped the space in collaboration with The Interior Collective.

Tying this kitchen’s scheme together is the Shaker-style joinery, painted jungle green. “We explored various tones of green before settling on this one, Dulux Amazon Depths, which works beautifully with the timber benchtops,” says designer Lydia Maskiel.

This beautiful kitchen was a finalist in 2022 at the Australian House & Garden Top 50 Rooms. “The concrete island transitions into an American oak timber extension, for a subtle separation between the zones,” says Susanna Bilardo of Adelaide interior design firm Enoki.

The kitchen within this revamped Modernist home retains a retro flavour with American walnut joinery and a vintage George Nelson Butterfly clock. Photograph: Maree Homer

An island bench in a beautiful Bengal Black honed granite is at the centre of this bold kitchen in a warehouse conversion in Brisbane.

The white kitchen within this Mornington Peninsula getaway could be very dull indeed, but the diverse materials – subways tiles, tongue-and-groove doors – pique visual interest.

The highlight of this delightfully modern kitchen conceived by architect Adam Brewer and Braeside Joinery is the sinuous island bench that features custom-routed cladding.

It was a two-year wait to have to have this kitchen installed in a Federation terrace. It was designed in the classic ‘Plain English’ style Andrea favoured from the owner’s time living in London.

Brass casts a warm glow over the rear cabinetry in the kitchen of this renovated heritage cottage.

Lining boards on the walls in this kitchen add to the Hamptons vibe, while the sliding-door pantry offers discreet functionality.

In creating this eco-friendly kitchen, Druce Davey of Greener opted for a combination of FSC-certified birch plywood, stainless steel, concrete and glass. “We used natural materials and finishes throughout, selecting robust and readily renovatable surfaces that would work well for the family over a really long time,” he says.

The kitchen is very much the heart of this home; to give it some gravitas, designer Morgan Ferry specified a muted blue-green for the joinery and Versilia marble for the benchtops and splashbacks. A butler’s pantry and laundry are cleverly concealed behind a pivot door.

This pared-back kitchen features a concealed pantry and study nook which are both illuminated by a skylight.

Cat Cruger, the owner of this postwar worker’s cottage, says “most of the love went into the kitchen”, which divides the dining and living areas. Spanning three metres, there was no issue with storage – it was more about the footprint. “I wanted it to be in the heart of the room and have an island to define the spaces, so I can interact with whoever is on either side,” she says.

A symphony of textures plays the lead role in this glorious white-on-white kitchen.

A deep tonal blue and a mix of natural, durable materials were the key ingredients in this country-style kitchen conceived by interior designer Georgie Shepherd.

A row of skylights flood Darren Palmer‘s classic white kitchen with natural light.

There is a lot to love about this kitchen which opens out to a private courtyard in this Federation semi.

Respect for tradition and a love of blue prove to be magic ingredients in this classic shaker-style kitchen. “The clients adore navy and white, so it was only natural that this would be the palette we worked with,” says interior designer Kate Walker

In this modern kitchen, shields and bowls the owners bought in Africa are earthy elements in the restrained palette.

Owners Crystal and Oliver picked up the renovation reins, calling on interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones to really make the house a fabulous family home. The original kitchen was rather awkward to use; reorganising the layout has vastly improved its convenience.

“This is such a warm and welcoming room,” says designer Adelaide Bragg. “With checked curtains, natural linens, hanging baskets and a dresser filled with china and trinkets, it epitomises a country kitchen.”

A black and white palette creates a fresh yet elegant feel in the kitchen of this renovated Edwardian home.

The owners of this beachside townhouse in Newcastle called local interior designer Stewart Horton to help them redesign their dated kitchen to create an open plan entertaining zone.

The impeccable finishes are what really make the kitchen in this classic Queenslander shine.

The post 32 cutting-edge kitchen designs to inspire your next renovation appeared first on Homes To Love.