Bunnings Magazine August 2019

August 2019

YOUR

FREE MAGAZ

INE!

FATHER’S DAY TOP GIFT IDEAS FOR DAD

+

TINY HOME TIPS

WHIP UP A TASTY BARBECUE FEAST

WAYS TO MAXIMISE EVERY ROOM

KITCHEN CONFIDENCE

+MASTER YOUR PANTRY STORAGE MODERN COUNTRY + MAKEOVER

Stysafari le

SPICE UP YOUR SPACE WITH DRAMATIC DECOR & FABULOUS FINDS INSPIRED BY WORLD TRAVELS

PLAN IT

MAKE IT

Clever garden screening Easy floating shelves

FIX IT

Vegie patch essentials

UPDATE IT

On-trend tiles

Father ’s Day figured out KITS TO GET DAD STARTED WITH ONE+ RYOBI 18V

DRILL & IMPACT DRIVER KIT 0087753

$199 KIT INCLUDES: 1 1 2 1

x 18V DRILL x IMPACT DRIVER X 2.0AH LITHIUM ION BATTERIES x CHARGER

RYOBI 18V

33CM LAWN MOWER KIT 0067145

$299 KIT INCLUDES: 1 x 18V LAWN MOWER 1 X 4.0AH LITHIUM ION BATTERY 1 x CHARGER

Representations of products shown in this advertisement are for illustrative purposes only, and actual product may differ. FSA/TECH1005-01

GIFTS TO GROW HIS COLLECTION RYOBI 18V

RYOBI 18V

7L SPRAYER

BRUSHLESS JET BLOWER

0089397

$99

0091631

$169

RYOBI 18V

RYOBI 18V

BRUSHLESS JIGSAW

115MM ANGLE GRINDER

$219

$99

0091014

6210440

RYOBI 18V

SOLDERING IRON 0097308

RYOBI 18V

RYOBI 18V

6210631

6210597

$69

BLUETOOTH 5.0AH BATTERY RADIO TWIN PACK

$ 85

$199 ryobi.com.au

Ryobi AU

ryobiau

MAKE HARD WORK EASY WORKHORSE RANGE

When it’s time to make work a little easier, make your way into one of Toyota’s WorkHorse vehicles.

Featuring the HiLux, LandCruiser 70 series and the All-New HiAce, it’s the legendary range that works with you to get the job done. Make reliability your best ability in a Toyota WorkHorse vehicle.

Search ‘Toyota WorkHorse Range’

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Photography Sue Stubbs

Welcome

A word from our editor There’s been a trend recently towards staying within our own four walls, especially in the cooler weather, when snuggling up on the sofa, with Netflix on the box and Uber Eats on speed dial has an appeal all of its own. Assuming that, like most of us, a home cinema isn’t on your floor plan,

turn to page 42 to find lots of ways and products to give your living room mini movie theatre status – popcorn not included!

With Australian homes getting smaller and more of us choosing to live in units and townhouses, it seems a good time to share tips and tricks (buys too) on how to make the most of a compact room. Check out ‘Amazing space’ on page 30, and learn the secrets of pantry storage on page 46.

Of course, we couldn’t let this issue go by without an homage to dads everywhere. Find a great gift for him on page 12, and have a look at our ‘Father’s Day feast’ from page 60, where we’ve gone beyond the sausage sizzle to create barbecue fare the whole family will love.

Enjoy the issue!

Jane Parbury

Editor

THE MAGAZINE TEAM Editor Jane Parbury Associate editor Shelley Tustin Art director Bridie Mahoney Chief subeditors Catherine Sanders and Frances Pearson Creative services manager Katharine McKinnon Market editor Matilda Roberts Content co-ordinator Amanda Ghalaini Contributors Carol Baldas, Lorna Gow and Judie Siu

National advertising manager Daniel Hennessey (03) 9292 2521 Victoria advertising manager Kristina Frohlich (03) 9292 2273 NSW account manager Aleksandar Jovanoski (02) 8114 8955 National sales coordinator Claire Wischusen (03) 9292 2297 General enquiries bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777

Managing director Gerard Reynolds Executive general manager Sally Wright Chief operating officer Fiorella di Santo Chief content officer Margaret Merten Digital strategy director Karla Courtney Social strategy director Scott Drummond Finance manager Leslie To Every effort has been taken to ensure instructions for DIY projects are correct. However, before you undertake any DIY activity, please ensure that you have the appropriate skills for the task at hand, use the correct tools and that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. Any professional installations must be undertaken by a licensed tradesperson

Hidden gems Go for gothic New handles can instantly lift an old cabinet, and this stylish pull has a touch of medieval magic about it.

Delf ‘Round Cross’ drop cabinet handle, $12.47, I/N: 4010532

On the up

Fixing a shelf on the wall is an easy way to add storage in a small room.

Make it pretty with elegant timber and a decorative bracket.

Carinya ‘Crisscross’ 200mm x 200mm x 20mm x 3mm stayed bracket in Satin Black, $6.50, I/N: 3961998

Shining example This clever gadget makes light work of cleaning smooth surfaces, including windows, mirrors, glass tables and tiles.

No more scrubbing!

Karcher KV4 cordless all surface cleaner, $99, I/N: 0115455

Soft stuff

Perfect for a quick decor refresh, new cushions don’t come cosier than these bobbly beauties in two go-withanything shades.

‘France’ 45cm x 45cm interior cushions in Cream, $25, I/N: 0109221, and Smoke, $25, I/N: 0109222

Sparkling style

It used to be tricky to find cool batten lights, but not now! This chic model also converts to a pendant if you add a suspension kit to your trolley.

Brilliant ‘Mila’ curved glass batten fix light in Clear, $69.20, I/N: 4371030

Published by Medium Rare Content Agency Pty Ltd. ABN 83 169 879 921, Upper Ground Suite 58, 26-32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, 16-18 Cato Street, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. © 2019. All rights reserved.

For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, 16-18 Cato Street, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas.

Pricing is to be used as a guide only. This publication is not for sale.

Printed by Ovato Print Ltd. Paper fibre is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.

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Contents August 2019

DREAM IT

11 WORK THE ANGLES Get graphic with geometric design both inside and out 12 DADDY COOL Tools and toys to make Father’s Day extra special 15 THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED Be inspired by global adventures to bring an exotic edge to your home 20 COUNTRY LIFE Track the reno of a kitchen into an engaging, modern space

PLAN IT

25 BUILDING A RENO BUDGET Follow our expert advice to crunch the numbers with confidence 26 NATURE’S NEUTRAL Embrace the warmth of brown in all its rich and earthy tones 30 AMAZING SPACE Feeling the squeeze? Make compact areas seem airy with our ingenious tips and tricks bunnings.com.au |

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34 SOMETHING TO HIDE Disguise the ugly ducklings in your backyard

UPDATE IT

38 TILE STYLE Bring grout expectations to your bathroom walls and floor 42 SOUND & VISION Smart hacks to seamlessly integrate home entertainment 46 PANTRY PROVISIONS Make the most of your food storage space and save!

FIX IT 48 CUTTING QUESTION What’s the best power saw for you?

Take your pick from our guide 52 VEG OUT Prep your vegie beds now for a bumper harvest come summer 55 WATER WISE Waste not with WELS ratings

bunningsau

MAKE IT 56 SPARE THE CANE How to make a retro wicker magazine rack hip again 58 SHELF HELP Style your favourite things into an Insta-worthy wall display 60 FATHER’S DAY FEAST Fire up the barbie and enjoy delicious recipes Dad will love

REGULARS 05 A WORD FROM OUR EDITOR Which products inspired the editor?

08 CALENDAR What’s on, and what to do, in August 66 SWEET & SOUR Give acid-loving plants a boost with our clever ideas

h t i w t i f t c e f r e THE“P our fire pit” DECK

There is no deck that handles the heat quite like HardieDeck™ decking. That’s because it’s made from premium fbre cement so it’s perfect for bushfre zones, backyard barbies and fre pits. Plus it won’t rot, warp or splinter. If you want to make sure your deck makes the grade, rethink timber and lesser decking options and ask for HardieDeck™ by James Hardie.

Discover more at hardiedeck.com.au

Copyright ©2019 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. ™ and © denotes a trademark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd.

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Calendar Father’s Day Feast Fire up the backyard barbie to celebrate the man of the house. Our smokin’ hot recipes on page 60 will have everyone coming back for more!

Spring is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to give your garden tools TLC before the heavy work of the growing season. Clean, sharpen and oil blades so they’re in tip-top shape.

Fiskars maintenance set, $31.98, I/N: 3360613

AUGUST MON

TUE

WED

THU 1

Discover what you should be doing in your garden with The Garden Diaries from Bunnings, which go live on the first of each month. You’ll find great tips and advice, plus ideas on what to plant for each state.

Visit bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/garden-diary.

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Head in store from July 27 to August 25 for the Spring Clean & Organise Event to help you get your home looking its best in no time!

Check with your local store for details.

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SAT 3

After being closed up during winter, with wet washing drying indoors, many homes may have an unwelcome and unhealthy case of mould 8 and mildew – especially 9 in laundries, bathrooms 10 and wardrobes. Tackle any problems with mould sprays or white vinegar, and add moisture absorbers to cupboards.

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International Left-Handers Day The struggle is real for left-handers, but we’ve got our leftie loved ones covered. Give a gift of left-handed scissors or secateurs and make a southpaw smile.

Felco 9 left-hand ergonomic secateurs, $94.13, I/N: 3350063

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FRI 2

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Oates 12L round pedal bin in White, $59.95, I/N: 0095303

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Cli-mate ‘Sunsack’ moisture absorber dehumidifier, $9.95/150g, I/N: 4470300

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Keep Australia Beautiful Week Reducing litter starts at home, so before you take your rubbish collecting bag to the beach or park, clean up around your backyard and in gutters. Look out for any loose bits of lightweight plastic, which can easily blow away and end up in our waterways.

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Father’s Day Family Night Bunnings stores have a great night of celebrations for Dad, including light refreshments and fun activities for big and little kids. Check your local store for details.

Left your Father’s Day gift buying down to the wire? Buy an eGift Card online, personalise with a photo or message, and it will be delivered via email instantly.

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ther ’s y fa Happ

day

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal ‘Cube’ portable charcoal barbecue in Orange, $197, I/N: 3180826

Connect with us Share your DIY creations with us or get inspiration for your next project. Use the hashtag #Bunningsmag youtube.com/bunningswarehouse

instagram.com/bunnings

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Photography (barbecue food) Brigid Arnott, Getty Images

SUN

WIN 1 OF 4 HOLIDAYS TO

VALUED AT $12,000!

P lus with the purchase of a selected split or ducted air conditioner between 1/6/19 and 31/8/19.

To celebrate our 20th anniversary of keeping Aussies comfortable in their homes, we are inviting you to win a trip to the home of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan!

Promotion period: 1 June 2019 to 31 August 2019. Claims must be submitted by 13 September 2019 (16:59 AEST). Terms and Conditions apply. See website for details. NSW Permit No. LTPS/19/33836, ACT Permit No. TP 19/03130, SA Licence No. T19/578

MHIAA.COM.AU/WINTER

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Dream it

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Shop the trend

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Work the angles

Try it

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Add graphic elements to boost a subtle scheme

Make an impact with geometric patterns in all shapes and sizes, from futuristic fixtures to cool garden pieces

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Create a standout feature wall with a three-dimensional wallcovering

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12 1 Cafe Lighting ‘Tribecca’ 240V medium pendant light, $1,299, I/N: 0026081. 2 Johnson Tiles 266mm x 305mm satin diamond mosaic wall tile in Black, $15.90, I/N: 6661787. 3 CeVello 900mm round meeting table in Oak and Charcoal, $189, I/N: 0098778 (available in Vic, NSW and Qld only). 4 Matrix ‘Cobblestones’ 116cm x 58cm wall art in Charcoal, $34.90, I/N: 2800844. 5 Prestige 25mm conical knob in Brushed Nickel, $3.99, I/N: 3962325. 6 Mondella ‘Rococo’ bath set, $89, I/N: 5002761.

7 Otway 200cm x 290cm soft rug in Blue, $399, I/N: 0075830. 8 Eden ‘Paris’ 14cm x 12cm medium ceramic pot, $6, I/N: 2891550. 9 Scheurich ‘Anthrazit’ 13cm x 15cm indoor pot, $15.95, I/N: 2891342. 10 Wet by Home Design ‘Geo’ soap dispenser, $11, I/N: 5230380. 11 Whites ‘Zen’ 1800mm x 600mm outdoor trellis plant trainer in Black, $49, I/N: 3321521. 12 Superfresco Easy ‘Checker’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper in Black, $57.67, I/N: 1661156. 13 Northcote Pottery ‘Lewis’ 22cm x 28cm x 96cm pillar letterbox, $259, I/N: 0055489. 14 Home Design ‘Farfalla’ pendant light in Black, $44, I/N: 0012897. 15 Cafe Lighting ‘Diamond’ table lamp, $92.95, I/N: 4371292.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆ bunningsau |

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Dream it

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Father ’s Day inspiration

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Try it

Dad will never lose his keys again!

Daddy cool Spoil the most important man in your life with gifts and gadgets you know he’ll love

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1 Tactix bluetooth earmuffs, $69.98, I/N: 5810828. 2 Fiammetta ‘Momentum’ 4 burner hooded barbecue, $699, I/N: 0096989. 3 Makita LXT 7.2-18V cordless bluetooth job site radio, $239/skin only (battery not included), I/N: 6240365. 4 Sandleford portable key storage safe, $19.90, I/N: 4210698. 5 Ryobi ‘One+’ 18V USB power adapter, $29.90, I/N: 6210800. 6 Victa ‘Classic Cut’ 18” (457mm) cut and catch lawnmower, $399, I/N: 3380770. 7 OZtrail ‘Hercules’ jumbo chair, $59, I/N: 0048687. 8 Irwin 10 pocket construction tool belt, $129, I/N: 5821655. 9 Jumbuck 3 in 1 barrel charcoal smoker barbecue, $69, I/N: 0087528.

10 Coleman 150cm x 200cm extra large picnic rug in Blue Tartan, $19.98, I/N: 3240469. 11 Gift card, from $10. 12 Panther ‘Vision’ 4 LED power cap in Navy, bunnings.com.au |

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Try it

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A Bunnings gift card is built for all kinds of Dads!

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Try it

He’ll grill up a storm with these stylish utensils

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$19.98, I/N: 5820933, and Olive, $19.98, I/N: 5820936. 13 Matador ‘Radiant Go’ kettle barbecue, $99, I/N: 0096795. 14 TP-Link 300Mbps wi-fi range extender, $59.95, I/N: 0090991. 15 Trojan 40 piece stubby set, $19.98, I/N: 6111061. 16 Supatool ‘Premium’ 6 drawer wide tool trolley, $429, I/N: 0043915. 17 Esky 9 can soft cooler, $14.95, I/N: 3240590. 18 Pinnacle 1405mm x 1100mm x 530mm compact garage workbench, $99, I/N: 2760256. 19 Arlec 24 LED rechargeable camping lantern with compass, $45.98, I/N: 4410443. 20 Matador 3 piece barbecue tool set, $33.96, I/N: 3171341. 21 Fiametta cast iron firepit, $259, I/N: 0084091. 22 Matador smart meat thermometer, $49.95, I/N: 3171335. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ¿ bunningsau |

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Dream it Global-inspired decorating

The road less travelled

Embark on a visual voyage in your home with exotic furnishings and souvenir-style objets d’art

Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’ rubber plant in Tuscan Path ‘Abbey’ 44cm x 37cm fibreglass pot in Black, $92, I/N: 2833252. Brilliant ‘Cuba’ DIY plug-in whitewash rattan pendant light, $44, I/N: 0089050. Mimosa ‘Lava’ aluminium side table, part of corner lounge set (not shown), $1,399, I/N: 0025683. Waxworks ‘Prism’ citronella wind resistant pot candle in White, $11.98, I/N: 0064810. Zebra 152cm x 201cm polyester faux hide rug in Black and White, $79, I/N: 0098866. Philodendron plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Linear’ 30cm x 28cm egg pot in Antique White, $27.85, I/N: 2834104. ‘Como’ sofa and ‘Granada’ 900mm polished concrete coffee table, James Lane, jameslane.com.au.

Rust linen cushions and Mercer + Reid ‘Manarola’ rust tassel throw, Adairs, adairs.com.au. ‘Rosa’ and ‘Lyra’ indoor cushions, Fab Habitat, fabhabitat.com.au. Beads, Orient House, orienthouse.com.au. Ecology ‘Ocelot’ mug, Myer, myer.com.au. Dried twig wall hanging and all other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

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Dream it

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et your wanderlust loose within your own four walls with interiors inspired by global travels. This wayfaring trend sets cultural curiosities against a bold monochrome backdrop, warmed by shades of deep chocolate and accented with spicy hues of terracotta, burnt orange and saffron. Woven materials, such as jute, rattan and leather, and simple geometric shapes provide pattern. Everywhere the eye falls, there’s some point of textural interest, to create an interior scheme that’s multi-layered and intriguing.

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Fine dining

Against a stark black and white setting, warm timber with steel accents creates an oasis for good food and travellers’ tales Hartman ‘Sorrento’ timber outdoor dining table, $1,000, I/N: 0045803. Mimosa ‘Rope’ dining chairs, $59 each, I/N: 0033123. Northcote Pottery ‘Linear’ 35cm x 15cm bowl in Dust Grey, $19.98, I/N: 2834114. ‘Kal’ medium vessel, napkins in Black and abstract artwork (see how to make it, right) in ‘Adler’ A1 poster frame, Country Road, countryroad. com.au. ‘Caviar’ coupe plates in Black, Maxwell & Williams, maxwellandwilliams.com.au.

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Take it outside

Add spicy colour to freestanding furniture and a built-in bench seat for a seating zone that’s flexible, informal and a touch exotic

Make it

Mimosa ‘Lava’ side table, as before. Mimosa ‘Waiheke’ deluxe half egg chair and cushions, $279, I/N: 3191961.

Bayliss ‘Hampton’ 155cm x 225cm sisal border rug in Natural, $197, I/N: 6670579. Painted planter (see how to make it, below). Northcote Pottery Precinct Lite ‘Omni’ 28cm bowl in Black, $19.70, I/N: 2832576. Chunky knit throw and Mercer + Reid ‘Boracay’ mustard cushion, Adairs. Orion indoor cushions, Fab Habitat. Platter, teapot, mugs, Myer. Brae bedcover, Country Road.

Assorted Leggz wooden furniture legs, from $3.20, painted in Megatreat liquid terracotta paving paint, $12.58/350ml, I/N: 1561835 (see below). Philodendron plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Linear’ pot, as before. ‘Tonga’ basket, Orient House.

Tribal sculptures What you need  Assorted pine furniture feet (we used Leggz)  Wood adhesive  50mm paintbrush  Terracotta paint (we used Megatreat liquid terracotta paving paint)

Method Stack furniture feet into sculptural shapes.

Use wood adhesive to glue feet together.

Allow to dry for six hours.

Apply two coats of terracotta paint, leaving a couple of hours’ drying time between coats.

1 2 3

Make it

Photography Cath Muscat, stylist Stephanie Powell, styling assistant Dominique Boersma. Paint colours may vary on application

Make it

Abstract artwork

Patterned pot

What you need  Black acrylic paint  Paintbrush  A2 watercolour paper  Scissors  Glue stick  A1 poster frame

What you need  Timber planter  Masking tape  Paint  Paintbrush

Method Use watered down paint to create abstract stripes and circles on watercolour paper.

When dry, cut paper into 3cm-4cm squares.

Stick squares neatly onto another piece of paper within the frame mount area. When dry, mount paper in frame.

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Method Use tape to mask off horizontal strips around the planter, and dab on pattens of your choosing in a contrasting colour (we used Dulux Domino), using the tape to keep your design straight.

When dry, remove masking tape. Note: pot suitable for indoor use only.

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‘Paulownia’ 26cm x 26cm timber pot, $29, I/N: 0066548.

Dulux 250ml Extra Bright sample pot in Domino, $9.74, I/N: 1408277. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

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All seasons

A semi-permanent gazebo makes alfresco entertaining easy Mimosa ‘Cairo’ 3m x 4m semi permanent gazebo, $599, I/N: 3191235. Mimosa ‘Lava’ aluminium corner lounge (with side table, not shown), $1,399, I/N: 0025683. Dream Home 230cm x 160cm rug in assorted colours, $79, I/N: 0038562. ‘Javi’ 230cm x 160cm hand tufted wool rug, $79, I/N: 0099852.

Waxworks pot candle, as before. Black stripe throw, Orient House. Yellow and rust cushions and sheepskin rug, Adairs. Square cushion fabric, Warwick, warwick. com.au. Amalfi lantern, Myer. Napkin, Country Road.

Ecology ‘Ocelot’ platter, Myer. Cup, Target. Other products, stylist’s own.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Dream it

Feel the heat

Make a holiday vibe poolside with cosy chairs, snuggly cushions and a warming fire pit Mimosa ‘Waiheke’ deluxe half egg chairs with seat pad and back cushion, $279 each, I/N: 3191961. Hartman ‘Java’ timber outdoor side table, $64.95, I/N: 0045807. Glow ‘Aurora’ 900mm x 900mm x 660mm rustic fire pit, $199, I/N: 3170728. Hot Shots kindling, $15.98/10kg, I/N: 3170526. Waxworks pot candle, as before. Plants, for similar try fiddle leaf fig and buxus. Pots, for similar try Eden ‘Ribiera’ 80cm plastic pot in Grigio, $299, I/N: 0057637. Waffle throw, Aura Home, aurahome.com.au. Square cushion, Orient House. Maxwell & Williams ‘Caviar’ plate in Black, Myer. All other products, stylist’s own..◆

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Before

Country life A modern interpretation of a farmhouse kitchen has delivered the ideal, functional space for a NSW family

T

he windows aren’t the usual starting point when planning a new kitchen, but it made perfect sense in Jaqui and John’s case. Having abandoned the site of the old and poky cook zone, located right in the middle of their NSW country farmhouse, they had earmarked a tartan-carpeted former bedroom as the perfect spot for a new kitchen.

Here, they pushed the walls out around a metre or so, and installed a double set of oversized windows, giving them wonderful views of their extensive garden and masses of natural light streaming into the refurbished space.

“We started with the light and then we had to work out how to fit in what we needed,” says Jaqui. The size of the windows determined that wall space was confined to just one side of the room. “It meant we were quite limited, despite the huge amount of room, as to where everything would go,” she adds.

The answer to the family’s storage challenges was an expansive island in a rich black finish that is a dramatic counterpoint to the L-shaped run of cabinetry in crisp white, both stocked with a plethora of drawers. “I thought they were better for storage, and it’s easier to get to the back of them,” explains Jaqui

“We knew we wanted the black and white, we knew we wanted it to be light and airy, I knew I wanted lots of drawers” Jaqui, home owner

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Window wonder The newly installed deep windows offer a wonderful spot to sit with a cup of tea and enjoy some winter sun. The couple’s carpenter worked with off-the-peg cabinets to devise the window seat, and Jaqui commissioned a local seamstress to make the custom-sized linen-covered seat cushion.

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Dream it Kitchen creativity

Colour magic Having decided early on that the kitchen would be an all-white space, Jaqui changed her mind quite late in the process. “I think, almost up until the day that we bought it, that it was going to be all white, and then we went, ‘No.’ ” It was an inspired decision, producing an elegant monochrome colourway around the island that draws the eye to what has become a central hub for the whole family.

Words Jane Parbury. Photography Sue Stubbs, stylist Samantha Torrisi.

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Left and below: Kaboodle cabinetry in Alpine profile in Nougat Truffle and Black Olive.

Kaboodle 900mm cut to measure benchtop in Mayonella, $286/ linear metre, I/N: 2666409.

Take it back The clean lines of a glass splashback allow the pretty patterns in the benchtop to take centrestage.

Handling it Neat cup handles in silver and black are a discreet finishing touch.

Double impact A double bowl stainless steel sink is paired with an elegant mixer tap with a pull-out spray. 

Above left: Kaboodle 64mm cup handle in Matt Black, $6.51, I/N: 2667728. Centre: Kaboodle 64mm cup handle in Brushed Nickel, $6.30, I/N: 2667727. Right: Tap, for similar try Mondella WELS 5-star 6L/min ‘Cadenza’ side lever spray sink mixer in Chrome, $105, I/N: 5003166. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Marquee 42cm x 42cm industrial bamboo stools in Black, $20 each, I/N: 0064825

Dream it

Vertical limits The big windows meant there was limited wall space available for high-level cupboards, but this bank, which includes neat mushroom knobs and a built-in rangehood, lifts the storage quota nicely. Tucked in the corner cupboard is a clever carousel which makes the most of this usually awkward space.

Left: Kaboodle 27mm ‘Mushroom’ knob in Matt Black, $3.99, I/N: 2667730

Design success The couple worked through the functionality of the kitchen extensively, considering everything from where to store wine glasses and cereal, to how the space was going to be used.

With the fridge in its own zone on the other side of the entry door, the kids can grab breakfast and sit up at the island while coffee drinkers can brew their espresso in the corner by the window seat, all keeping clear of the cook zone.

Industrial-style accessories add a contemporary vibe

“We got to the point where we knew what we wanted and what our budget was, and that was a Kaboodle kitchen” Jaqui home owner Island life The large island has become a focal point for the family.

“We use it for everything,” says Jaqui. “I knew that was the starting point, and everything that we talked about was about making sure we could have the maximum-sized island.” One drawback for a big island is potential joins in the worktop, bunnings.com.au |

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but the couple avoided that by opting for Kaboodle’s cut to measure benchtop, with their Mayonella finish a perfect foil for the island’s moody tones.

“I do try and keep it clean, but sometimes it gets covered with paperwork, and my son’s drawings and that sort of stuff,” says Jaqui. “Then I go right, stop, clean it up!” ¿ bunningsau

Kitchen wish list 1

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3 4 1 AquaSmart hybrid vinyl planks in Spotted Gum, $92/pack of 11, I/N: 0066638. 2 Verve Design ‘Houston’ pendant light in Black, $107.50, I/N: 7071918. 3 Blanco double bowl with overflow inset flushmount sink, $1,466, I/N: 5090304. 4 Blanco stainless steel drainer tray, $85, I/N: 5110362.

5 Kaboodle 2 tier corner rotating baskets, $141.50, I/N: 2667709. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

A kitchen transformation should last the test of time.

Use nothing less than Blum quality hardware in your next project. @blumaustralia *A limited range of Blum CLIP top BLUMOTION hinges can be found in the cabinet hardware aisle of Bunnings stores

THE MATADOR RADIANT PRO MAKES CHARCOAL COOKING EASY

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Plan it Project finance

Building a reno budget Focus on estimating your project’s costs, right from the planning stage

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Words Nellie McLaren. Photography iStock

ailing down renovation costs is like asking the length of a piece of string. The answer will depend on the size of your project, the level of finishes and unexpected problems.

The first step is to determine how much you can afford or want to spend, followed by working with a designer and builder to establish how that money can best be used to achieve your renovation goals.

“Getting a fixed price quote from a builder as early as possible in the design stages of your project is essential,” says Steve Burke, builder and co-author of Nail Your Renovation Without Getting Screwed. “There is no point falling in love with a design, only to find when it is fully costed that it far exceeds what you can or are willing to pay.”

Wants versus needs It’s important to establish your needs versus your wants and to make budget decisions accordingly. “Generally it helps to understand why a client needs their home renovated,” says Steve. “Is it because they are about to have a baby? Or they have teenage kids and need more space?” This can help you decide what is essential now and what you can live without. Nicole Cox, building company owner and blogger at The Builder’s Wife (thebuilderswife.com. au), agrees that compromise is crucial.

“Any large items that could be built at a later stage could be left out for now; for example, a pool, carport or shed,” she says.

How much?

As a general rule of thumb, the more complex and detailed your project, the more it will cost. Many renovators are surprised to discover labour is a major cost component of building jobs. The fixtures

“Many custom builders will allow you to source and pay for trades like tilers and painters, which means you can save the builder’s margin. But your builder won’t be responsible for the quality of these trades’ work” Nicole Cox The Builder’s Wife and finishes you select will obviously affect your budget and can be a good place to save money. For example, you could spend less by specifying aluminium windows instead of timber, tiling to half height rather than to the ceiling in the bathroom or opting for mid-range kitchen appliances.

But wait, there’s more As well as the project’s cost, you need to consider whether you can stay in your house throughout the build. Living in during renovations can be stressful, so you may have to factor in the cost of a rental property and, potentially, furniture storage.

Every renovation (especially those on older houses) will have a surprise or two; it could be rock where you wanted to dig a pool, wiring that needs a complete overhaul, or structural members that aren’t as strong as they should be. Having money

set aside – ideally about 20 per cent of your budget – for these situations means you can keep the project moving and won’t miss your timeslot with each trade.

Show me the money Knowing when you need to pay your builder is another important aspect of managing your budget. “When signing a contract, clients will be given a payment schedule,” says Nicole. “This will outline the process by which the builder will be paid throughout your build and typically will involve a deposit, then payments at slab/ base stage, frame stage, lock up, fit-out and practical completion.” Each stage is paid with a percentage suitable to the build costs of that stage, and before payment is made you should undertake an inspection to ensure the work for that stage is completed. ◆

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Plan it Decorating with colour

Nature’s neutral

The ultimate chameleon colour, there’s a shade of brown to suit every room in your home, from rich cocoa and deep russet to smoky taupe and pale mushroom

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ot traditionally considered the sexiest of colours, brown is having a resurgence in modern interiors. “Brown reflects and reinforces our connection to nature,” says Rachel Rimmer, founder of colour consultancy Hello Colour (hellocolour.com.au). “There’s been a shift away from all-white interiors – people want to live in warmer, friendlier spaces – and brown fits the bill.”

Plan it Earthy tones promote relaxation in living zones, while high-energy areas like kitchens are ripe for spicy hues

Walls in Dulux Peppercorn Rent and (right) Very Terracotta

Words Vanessa Keys. Photography (top left and right) Lisa Cohen, stylists Bree Leech and Heather Nette King; (bottom) British Paints; (opposite) James Moffatt, stylist Stephanie Powell. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings

Why we love it Brown’s appeal lies in its versatility. Fill a space with dark cocoa, taupe and umber and you’ll feel instantly cosy. Or paint your walls a lighter hue to create a welcoming backdrop for every decorating style from rustic to retro. “Brown is often referred to as nature’s neutral, because it has this incredible earthy quality people find soothing,” says Rachel. It also plays nicely with almost every colour, and is the perfect foil for tactile timber, concrete, brick and terrazzo.

Choosing your hues Think about the purpose of the space. “In the living room, you’ll want to gravitate towards warm, earthy tones to generate feelings of comfort and relaxation,” says Rachel Lacy, colour category manager for Taubmans. “Whereas in the kitchen, where you want higher energy levels, go for a spicy brown with undertones of red and orange.”

Next, look at how much natural light your space gets. Lighter hues reflect artificial illumination most successfully, so if your space has low natural light, go for a pale, buttery brown like amber or

➜ Planet earth Background: BC Plywood 900mm x 600mm x 7mm project panel, $14.50, I/N: 0390152, painted in Dulux Sea Elephant. From top left: Graham & Brown 52cm x 10m marbled wallpaper in Pebbled/Rose Gold, $93, I/N: 1662889. Superfresco Easy ‘Visgraat Fishgrass’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper, $61.70, I/N: 1662952. Superfresco Easy ‘Calico’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper in Mushroom, $64.70, I/N: 1662183.

Brilliant ‘Havana’ DIY plug-in rattan pendant light in Deep Natural, $44, I/N: 0089051. Winton Ideal 457mm x 457mm self stick vinyl slate tile in Charcoal-Brown, $5.24, I/N: 6600050. REKO 55mm ‘Grow Your Own’ paper seedling pots, $18.18/90 pack, I/N: 2940610. Monarch 100mm fence brush, $5, I/N: 1667948. Northcote Pottery 110mm Italian terracotta saucers, $1.49 each, I/N: 2863460. Paint (in saucers, from top): Blind Date, Toffee Fingers and Sea Elephant, all Dulux.

Tuscan Path ‘Stream Lite’ 200mm egg saucer in Grey, $8.80, I/N: 2832824. Benchtop samples (from left): Think Solid 38mm custom made in Riverbed, $678/sqm, I/N: 2662195; Essential Stone ‘Urbane’ 40mm square in Java, from $839/ sqm, I/N: 2669477; Think Timber 32mm custom made in European Walnut, $855/sqm, I/N: 2666192; and Kaboodle custom 38mm square edge premium laminate in Hazelnut, from $318/linear metre. Prestige ‘Mushroom’ 45mm knob in Raw Pine, $2.83, I/N: 4028236. Buttons, Tessuti Fabrics, tessuti.com.au. Spoon and hemp twine, Planet, planetfurniture.com.au. Reversible linen, Warwick, warwick. com.au. Feathers, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores but may be ordered.

suede. Darker hues work best in open-plan spaces and any room where you want to create a cosy atmosphere – think shades of coffee and chocolate.

Sweet dreams With its associations of calm and stability, brown lends itself well to sleeping spaces. “Deep, dark browns like British Paints Dark Master will create 

“Reddish browns and rich, chocolatey hues make wonderful accents. These add depth and warmth without completely dominating a space” Kelly Magee British Paints expert

To create intimacy in larger rooms with lots of natural light, opt for a deep, rich brown; walls in British Paints Timber Loft

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Paint a single wall for impact and add interest with varying textures and tones

Plan it a cocooning feel, while a soft, creamy brown like Set In Stone will make your bedroom feel airy,” says British Paints expert Kelly Magee. Continue the theme with accessories that take their cues from nature: a jute rug beside the bed, timber bedside table and a chunky woollen throw over linen sheets.

Walls in Taubmans Taywood and (right) Dulux Nomad; (below right) lower wall in Beige Artefacts, upper walls in Natural White and screen in Sassy, all Dulux

Perfect pairing Dark browns look fantastic with bold colours like orange, or more muted hues such as pale pink. At the other end of the spectrum, lighter browns love blues, greens and jewel tones. For a soothing 70s palette, pair with cream, apricot, clay and blush.

“Believe it or not, brown and blue are best friends,” says Rachel Rimmer. “Think camel and navy, tobacco and teal or beige with just about any blue, with a splash of deep brown for contrast.” She also recommends mustard with dark navy: “Exotic and dramatic, this combination is warm and wonderful.”

If you’re still unsure, look to colours that sit opposite brown on the colour wheel. “Try colour blocking a terracotta brown like Taubmans Warm Wassail against an adjoining wall in dusty blue like Shindig,” says Rachel Lacy.

The right white Vanilla and chocolate, coffee and cream – you only have to look at a dessert menu to see why brown and white work so well. Choose a white that shares a similar tone to your chosen colour. “Most browns have a warm undertone, so try to avoid cool whites with a bluish undertone,” says Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr. “Both Dulux Natural White and White Polar Quarter look great when paired with darker brown walls, while Lexicon Half looks fabulous against lighter, softer browns.” ◆ bunnings.com.au |

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For flexibility, add a stronger tone to a portable element, such as a room divider

Your colour palette: shades of brown Whether your inspiration is Mother Nature, metallic patinas or lolly-shop staples, you’ll find a brown that’s perfect for your decorating style 1

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1 Taubmans Fudge 2 Dulux Reddy Brown 3 British Paints Sandy Gorge 4 Taubmans Rundle Rust

Photography (top left) Taubmans; (top right) Lisa Cohen, stylists Bree Leech and Heather Nette King; (bottom) Mike Baker, stylist Bree Leech. Paint colours may vary on application

The great outdoors Brown isn’t just a practical choice for exterior walls, it’s also the perfect foundation to recreate the sun-scorched feel of the Mediterranean. Choose a rich, muted tone such as ochre, sepia or terracotta and accent with pops of pinky-red, sunset orange or peach. Just remember that lighter browns will reflect the sun and keep the inside of your home cooler, while darker walls will absorb heat and keep your house warmer.

Time to bond

Go for a spin

Everyday explorer

Tool Time

Save the day

Music fanatic

Game on

Loctite Kintsuglue (available in two colours), $7.85

www.loctite-consumer.com.au

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Trick the eye

Paint the walls, trim and ceiling slightly different shades of the same colour and you’ll find that the room’s boundaries seem to disappear, creating an instant illusion of space. Start with the darkest shade on your walls, and finish with the lightest on the ceiling.

TRY

Dulux Natural White in full, half and quarter strength

Amazing space

TRY

Make the most of a squeezy footprint or create the illusion of a larger room with highimpact hacks for small areas

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TRY

TRY

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Verve Design ‘Selena’ wall light in Black, $62, I/N: 0019390

Sliding and pocket doors (which tuck invisibly and neatly into the wall) are a small-space dream, as they don’t need room to swing open. Barn doors are a bang-on-trend variation of this, with the added bonus of being an easy DIY retrofit project.

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Strike a balance

Small items aren’t always best for tiny spaces. “A few larger pieces – a substantial dining table, a large mirror and a statement pendant – will make the space feel larger, rather than a lot of smaller pieces,” says interior stylist Amanda Smythe (amandasmythe.com).

Hume ‘Frontier’ 2150mm x 1000mm x 35mm internal barn door, $249, I/N: 0064595

Sliding doors

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Bright ideas

Use lighting tricks to visually expand a room.

Direct beams upwards, as an illuminated ceiling will make a small room feel bigger than it is.

Don’t skimp on lamps, but consider wall lights instead of table ones to save on valuable surface space.

Guiding light

Tiny living areas – especially those that don’t receive much natural light – will appear bigger and brighter when painted in warm, pale shades like primrose yellow or cream.

Paint the interior window frame a crisp white to reflect as much light as possible.

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Cafe Lighting ‘Valmont’ 240V prism pendant light, $169, I/N: 0026047

TRY

Taubmans Celest Yellow

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Plan it Make more room

TRY

D’LUCCI 10mm x 2000mm x 1175mm glass frameless shower panel, $248, I/N: 4890735

TRY

TRY

200mm String of Tears in a hanging basket

Kaboodle 300mm 3 tier soft close pullout basket, $143.50, I/N: 2669880

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Divide and conquer

Benchtops are important real estate in a small space. “Cut the clutter by installing wireware, waste bins and drawer dividers into kitchen cabinets,” says Lisa Mayski of Kaboodle Kitchen. “This way there’s a space for everything.”

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Bathing beauty

Snug bathroom? The trick is to extend sight lines, so more flooring is exposed.

“Opt for a wall-hung vanity,” says Bunnings bathroom buyer Dan Gibney. He also suggests a ‘wet room’ or frameless shower screen to avoid the closed-in feeling that shower doors and frames can create in small areas.

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Hang around

If you love greenery but are struggling for room, “Hang plants from the ceiling,” says interior stylist Lauren Keenan (laurenkeenan. com.au). “This makes use of an otherwise empty space and helps to purify the air at the same time.”

TRY

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Secret storage

Find hideaway opportunities in unexpected places.

“This might be a bed with drawers underneath (perfect for extra bedding or out-of-season clothes), or a banquette seat within the kitchen that lifts to reveal secret storage,” says Lauren. Shallow rolling containers are an easy hack, sliding neatly away under beds or cupboards.

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Out of sight

Choose furniture that sits off the ground on tall, thin legs. “Negative space helps to filter light and makes a room appear larger,” says interior designer Shilpa Mohan (ddc-group.com.au). Or wall-mount furniture so it doesn’t touch the floor.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

TRY

Hartman ‘Marseille’ outdoor bench seat, $270, I/N: 3192580

All Set 34L underbed storage container with wheels, $9.99, I/N: 2583375

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TRY

MAZE vertical garden, $155/20 pot kit, I/N: 0027633

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Look up

Think vertically when planting up your garden, with wall baskets or green wall systems, which often come with built-in irrigation for set-and-forget care. Creeping plants, such as jasmine or white potato vine, provide maximum greenery in a minimal footprint and can also make wonderful privacy screening.

From the ground up

“The right flooring can do wonders for a small bathroom,” says interior stylist Louise Dammer (thehotelstylist.com). “Large neutral or white tiles will bounce light around the room, creating the illusion of space.” (For more artful styling with tiles, see our story on page 38.) 

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TRY

Johnson Tiles ‘Arizona’ 800mm x 800mm porcelain floor tile in White, $68.89/pack of 2, I/N: 0036307

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Plan it

TRY

Hufflett ‘Sahara’ 200cm x 290cm rug in Desert Blue, $239, I/N: 0075835

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For a space-saving way to stash the clutter of paperwork and files, opt for a wall-mounted shelf system which you can customise to suit. Flexi Storage wall strip systems include shelves and drawers that can be put to this purpose. Ensure they’re securely fixed to your walls. Pair with mobile baskets that can be wheeled in and out when needed.

TRY

Hudson Living ‘Ferrara’ 1820mm x 905mm leaner mirror in Silver, $589, I/N: 0033088

“A large rug works wonders at tricking your brain into thinking a space is wide,” says Shilpa Mohan. “Unlike a small one, it allows the floor to seem continuous.

Ideally your rug should be large enough to sit completely under your furniture, otherwise the front legs of the sofa should sit over the rug.”

TRY

Mojo 116cm x 48cm outdoor bench cushion in Grey, $40, I/N: 3191124

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Caroma ‘Urbane’ wall-faced Invisi ll toilet suite, $1,206, I/N: 4870371

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A strategically placed mirror will reflect and bounce light around the room, while leaning an oversized mirror against a wall can create the impression that the room is expanding and opening up at head height. For safety, secure to the wall with invisible fixings.

Sitting pretty

A custom-made or DIY bench in a bedroom, living or dining area can multi-task. “It can be a beautiful feature, with timber moulding, fabric and cushions, practical seating and under-bench storage,” says Amanda Smythe. Or pop a padded cushion on a sturdy trunk or storage box for extra seating.

Tucked away

“For the ultimate space-saving toilet, go for a concealed style,” says Luke Di Michiel from Caroma.

“By hiding the cistern in the wall, ceiling or under-counter, only the pan remains visible, significantly reducing the footprint of the toilet.”

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Miracle mirror

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TRY

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The same flooring across as many rooms in your house as you can will create a seamless effect that helps each room flow into the next. If using timber or vinyl planks, choose wide planks over narrow, as fewer seams mean a less busy feel.

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TRY

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Get the skinny

Planting for height gives a small garden a layered look and seems to expand it visually by drawing the eye upwards. Opt for columnar shapes over spreading boughs, like a pencil pine or the tall and slender ‘Ballerina’ apple tree range. You could also try espaliering fruit trees along a boundary wall.

Pattern play

Decor8 Tiles 268mm x 283mm x 8mm diamond mosaic tiles in Metal Mix, $29.98/sheet, I/N: 6661838

Go with the flow

Hurford Wholesale ‘Select KD’ 210mm x 23mm hardwood flooring in Spotted Gum, $33.64/linear metre, I/N: 0070855

Don’t be afraid of mini tiles in small spaces.

“Using a small tile en masse creates a visual illusion that the room is larger than it is,” says interior designer Abby Whiteley Greeff (whiteleyco.com.au).

“This is because there are no strong lines breaking up the space.” ¿

TRY

Flemings Nurseries Ballerina ‘Flamenco’ apple tree

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Words Vanessa Keys. Photography Flexi Storage, (previous page) Lisa Cohen, stylists Bree Leech and Heather Nette King. Paint colours may vary on application.

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Rug up

Tall storage

Easy hose on application with the ability to reach second storey windows

Spray on glass and brush to loosen all residue

Thoroughly rise off your glass leaving a streak free finish

SIMPLE GREENÂŽ High Reach Sprayer Exterior Window Cleaner The Simple Green Exterior Window Cleaner comes with a power hose-end, which allows it to reach second storey windows with ease. The non-toxic formula is safe to use around plants and will leave your windows with a sparkling clean finish.

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Plan it Screening ideas

Something to hide nazzy outdoor kitchen? Check. Tranquil zen courtyard? Check. A gorgeous garden takes hours of planning and labour, so the last thing you want is a rotary clothesline plonked in the centre, but your backyard needs to work hard, too. Factor unglamorous essentials into the design for a garden where form meets function.

wall and collapses when not in use, but it’s still a bulky bit of hardware. Try distracting the eye with a green wall, decorative screen or similar statement feature next to the line or on an adjacent wall.

Clotheslines themselves are becoming more attractive. Austral’s lines are designed in popular Colorbond colours, so they can better blend into the fence. But if you can’t find one to suit your aesthetic, landscape designer Adam Robinson (adamrobinsondesign.com) suggests, “You can create a custom clothesline with recycled railway sleepers and stainless steel wiring.” Choose materials that echo those used elsewhere in the garden, and when not in use, the line will be virtually invisible.

Washing day A clothesline is the most economical way to dry your clothes, but it’s unlikely to be your garden’s greatest design asset. The challenge is to find a way to hide the clothesline from sight without banishing it to the darkest corner of the block, where your laundry will never dry. Retractable lines can be neatly wound away, and even the classic rotary clothesline can now be packed out of sight, with newer versions able to be taken down and removed from a ground socket when company calls. A fold-down line attaches to a

Waste warrior There’s nothing beautiful about bins, but somehow they often end up sitting centrestage in the front garden. Though they do need to be accessible – so you don’t have to drag them too far to reach the kerb – they don’t need to be visible. Bin housing is an obvious solution and, while a custom-built box is an option, many low sheds can also be turned to this purpose. Ideally it should look nice and fit seamlessly into the garden scheme; try Keter’s ‘Grande Store’, which can be painted to match the house.

Bins, clotheslines and sheds are a fact of life, but shouldn’t be the star feature of your garden

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Words Shelley Tustin. Photography Sue Stubbs; (opposite, top) Natalie Hunfalvay; (bottom) Gap Photos/ Clive Nichols. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Make an attractive feature out of a garage wall with a lattice screen

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If whiffy bins are an issue – particularly in a hot climate – Adam suggests, “Bins are best hidden in an open storage structure – semi-open so they don’t smell.” If you choose a flat-pack shed, ensure it has vents, while custom housing should be built with slatted timber or a similar material that allows airflow.

For safety, position clotheslines away from thoroughfares to avoid running into them

Shed the mess Between the pool gear, sports equipment and garden tools, most homes have enough stuff to fill a sizeable garden shed, but beware of going too big. “Choose a shed based on the size of your yard, rather than taking the ‘bigger is better’ approach,” says Ronen Mazor of Keter. “This will ensure the shed is a nice feature in your yard rather than the main feature.”

Sheds come in all shapes and sizes, but choosing one that matches your home – in style or colour – is the first and easiest way to make it a visual asset, not an eyesore. It’s also helpful to choose a material that can be customised, such as timber or a paintable resin surface like Keter’s Duotech.

Ronen explains, “The shed can be used in its original colour, or the walls can be painted to match your landscape, deck, patio or outdoor setting.”

When choosing a colour, you can either paint it to match the main house – like a little ‘mini me’ home – or Adam suggests, “Paint it a dark colour so the sun doesn’t bounce off it and it will appear  Make sure your bin storage has ventilation and easy access

Shopping

Keter ‘Grande Store’ 1.90m x 1.09m x 1.32m storage shed, $799, I/N: 3318207

Austral ‘RetractAway 40’ cabinet clothesline in Colorbond Woodland Grey, $223, I/N: 4510550

STILLA ‘Master’ 2.53m x 3.64m x 2.55m cedar shed, $3,239, I/N: 3315266

Daytek ‘M58’ rotary clothesline in Grass Green, $289, I/N: 4510420

PRO TIP If you want to hide an unremarkable fence and can’t wait for your greenery to grow, artificial hedge tiles are straightforward to install and will disguise it instantly

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Northcote Pottery ‘Geometric’ 1800mm x 900mm screen panel, $99, I/N: 3042457 Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Plan it to nestle into the garden. We like to use a timber shed, stained with Feast Watson Black Japan.”

Surprise storage Making your garden features work harder by integrating storage is a great way to hide clutter without the bulk of a freestanding shed. Storage hidden inside bench seats is a great use of space, though Mark Curtis, design consultant at Secret Gardens (secretgardens.com.au), warns, “It’s virtually impossible to ensure that it is a watertight space. It’s fantastic for kids’ toys, plastics, rakes and garden hoses, but hopeless for cushions and things like that because moisture will build.”

If you want weatherproof storage, a cost-effective solution is to buy a watertight container that fits neatly within the bench space.

Screen stars Sometimes there’s no way to disguise a shed (or bins or a clothesline) as anything other than what it is, which is where screens can mask all manner of sins.

“Work out if you want your screen to be a feature or if you want it to be discreet,” says Adam Robinson.

“If you want it hidden away, paint it the same colour as other parts of the garden, or use natural timber and allow it to age. If you want it to be a feature, use a different texture or direction of timbers.”

A screen doesn’t need to be a solid wall. Lasercut patterned screens allow a glimpse of what’s beyond – a great idea to enhance the sense of space in a small garden – while disguising it. Trellis or even hedges can be used to similar effect, while softening the scheme with an added touch of green. ◆

Paint your shed the same colour as your fence so it blends into the background

Matrix 1800mm x 900mm x 9mm ‘Orbit Decor’ screen with frame in Charcoal, $99, I/N: 0012567

Watch it!

Photography (top) Natalie Hunfalvay

Learn how to make your own outdoor storage bench seat with this handy guide: bunnings.com.au/ outdoorbenchseat

bunnings.com.au |

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bunningsau

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Tile style 1

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Functional as well as beautiful, tiles can make an incredible statement in your bathroom

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uilt to last, tiles need to be chosen with care, as you’ll be living with them for the long haul. Determining the best size, colour, pattern and combination can seem overwhelming, but if you’re guided by your space, you can create a designer look in the humblest of bathrooms.

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Words Kylie Jackes. Photography Brigid Arnott, stylist Tilly Roberts

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Update it

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Wet room walls & floors

Where to start The first step is considering the look you want to achieve, says interior designer Tricia Mancini (pmgdesign.com.au): light and airy, warm and enveloping, contemporary or sophisticated?

This will get you thinking about colour combinations.

“For an interesting designer look, it’s best to use two to three different tile selections. Any more than three and the space starts to look cluttered,” says Tricia. “Bathroom fixtures and other materials will also impact the overall look, so decide whether you want to create contrast with bold tapware or prefer more subtle accessories, so the tiles are the star.”

Regarding size, be guided by the dimensions of your room. “A large-format tile will look fabulous in a larger space, but will lose impact in a small powder room,” says Tricia.

“A better option in a compact zone is a 60cm square, a 60cm x 30cm rectangle tile or a softly patterned mosaic.”

Neutral tiles offer myriad benefits. “They’re a timeless canvas against which you can layer pattern, colour and texture and be more creative with a striking vanity, mirror and fixtures,” says Tricia.

What’s trending Earthy materials, colours and finishes like raw concrete, marble and timber are having a moment. “The advantage of wood-look tiles is they have the natural beauty of wood with the performance characteristics

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Style at a glance

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All tiles Johnson Tiles 1 238mm x 238mm glass mosaic wall tile in Mink, $12.50/ sheet, I/N: 6660986. 2 20cm x 10cm bevelled edge ceramic wall tile in White, $30.90/carton of 48, I/N: 0012684. 3 300mm x 600mm rectified ceramic wall tile in Marble White, $29.62/carton of 8, I/N: 0012640. 4 ‘Sorrento’ 400mm x 400mm ceramic floor tile in Charcoal Matt, $43.05/carton of 9, I/N: 6660970. 5 300mm x 100mm ceramic wall tile in Grey Gloss, $35.88/carton of 40, I/N: 0012680. 6 ‘Spectrum’ 97mm x 97mm ceramic wall tile in Storm Grey Gloss, $0.75, I/N: 0012026. 7 300mm x 100mm ceramic wall tile in Charcoal Gloss, $35.88/carton of 40, I/N: 0012679.

8 20cm x 30cm ‘Ripple’ ceramic wall tile in Ultra White Gloss, $25.77/carton of 24, I/N: 6661104. 9 300mm x 300mm crystal glass & stone blend mosaic wall tile, $12.50/ sheet, I/N: 6661938 (full sheet not shown). 10 ‘Mars’ 60cm x 30cm semi polished porcelain floor tile in Grey, $42.12/carton of 6, I/N: 6661172. 11 Mondella ‘Signature’ WELS 4-star 7.5L/min basin mixer in Brushed Rose Gold, $89, I/N: 5004177.

When choosing tiles for bathroom floors, check their slip-resistance classification is suitable for wet areas of tiles, making them ideal for wet areas,” explains Grant Haffenden, Decor8 Tiles national sales manager. Matt and lappato (semi-polished) finishes offer a softer, sophisticated look and are less likely to show water marks or smudges than gloss tiles.

Subways remain a favourite.

White is the classic, but as with other parts of the home, colour is creeping in here too.

“Subways in bright colours and pastels – particularly blues and greens – are a vibrant change to the traditional, still-popular white,” says Grant.

 Hamptons Try subways in brick (stretcher bond) or basket-weave patterns; also hexagonal tiles, and grey and white marble.  Organic Tiles with non-uniform edging or a textured surface; tiles that mimic stone or timber.  Contemporary Larger format tiles; raw concretelook tiles; geometric mosaics as a feature.  Minimalist Neutral, mutedtoned large-format tiles.

Visual trickery Tiles can be a brilliant tool for solving quirks or shortfalls in a room’s size or configuration.

Tiling from floor to ceiling creates a luxe look and helps boost the sense of space.

“Large-format tiles with a rectified edge, which minimises grout lines, are a great option,” says Grant. Try installing tiles on a 45-degree diagonal, as this will make the tiles and room appear larger.

To give a big bathroom warmth and personality, Nicole Budge, national account manager of Johnson Tiles, suggests using patterned tiles or mosaics such as penny rounds to create a feature wall.

“Pairing colour with natural materials can also create an intimate feel,” she says. “A combination of blues with crisp white and a wood-look tile laid in a herringbone pattern offers a contemporary, stylish look.” 

Opposite page: 1 Decor8 Tiles ‘Metro’ 291mm x 296mm porcelain mosaic wall tile in Light Green Gloss, $9.07/sheet, I/N: 0044490 (full sheet not shown). 2 Johnson Tiles ‘Spectrum’ 97mm x 97mm wall tile in Storm Grey Gloss, $0.75, I/N: 0012026. 3 Decor8 Tiles ‘Boulevard’ 76mm x 306mm x 8mm ceramic wall tile in Shadow Gloss, $1.58, I/N: 0054132. 4 Decor8 Tiles 48mm square 306mm x 306mm porcelain mosaic wall tile in Matt White, $6.96/sheet, I/N: 0044499. 5 Decor8 Tiles ‘Devonshire’ 300mm x 75mm ceramic wall tile in Olive, $45.83/carton of 22, I/N: 6661889. 6 Decor8 Tiles ‘Bianco’ 75mm x 100mm honed Carrara marble wall tile, $105.50/carton of 40, I/N: 6661862. 7 Johnson Tiles ‘Spectrum’ 97mm x 97mm wall tile in Sunflower Gloss, $0.75, I/N: 0012028. 8 Johnson Tiles ‘Urban Cement’ 30cm x 60cm lappato porcelain floor tile in White, $44.83/carton of 6, I/N: 6661690. 9 Decor8 Tiles ‘Devonshire’ 150mm x 75mm ceramic wall tile in Seamist, $45.83/carton of 44, I/N: 6661892.

10 Johnson Tiles 20cm x 10cm ceramic wall tile in White Gloss, $24.90/carton of 50, I/N: 0012683. Some tiles pictured are sample sizes and not representative of actual tile. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Boost light Pale colours and glossy finishes have great reflective qualities.

“Using gloss tiles to reflect light and the use of mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space should always be considered for any bathroom renovation,” says Nicole Budge.

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Vertical vs horizontal Use tiles to visually alter a narrow or compact space.

Rectangular tiles across the floor will create the illusion of width, while if laid vertically on the walls make the ceiling seem higher.

Pull focus “The visual ‘busy-ness’ of a patterned tile draws attention,” says Tricia Mancini. “If you have a low bulkhead or a toilet in your direct line of sight, create an alternate focal point with an eye-catching patterned wall.”

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Up the contrast For a bold look, Grant Haffenden suggests a contrasting grout: “This will highlight a diamond or herringbone pattern, and define tile shapes like fish scales, hexagonal or rhomboid patterns.” ◆

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Background Dulux Texture Fine Cover paint in Oyster Linen. 1 Kinetic 20mm x 150mm brass plain all thread fitting, $14.90, I/N: 4700164. 2 Decor8 Tiles 48mm square 306mm x 306mm porcelain mosaic wall tile in Matt White, $6.96/sheet, I/N: 0044499. 3 Grunt 12mm webbing brass grommets, $7.50/pack of 50, I/N: 4310877.

4 Mondella ‘Resonance’ WELS 4-star 7.5L/min basin set in Rose Gold (taps not shown), $99, I/N: 5004202. 5 Johnson Tiles ‘Urban Cement’ 400mm x 800mm natural porcelain floor tile in Cement Matt, $62.61/carton of 4, I/N: 0036325. 6 Johnson Tiles ‘Urban Cement’ 30cm x 60cm lappato porcelain floor tile in Anthracite, $44.83/ carton of 6, I/N: 6661689. 7 Johnson Tiles ‘Pietra Necchio’ 242mm x 280mm hexagon ceramic floor tile in Light Grey, 38.95/carton of 17, I/N: 6661609 (colour sample only, actual shape not shown). 8 Decor8 Tiles ‘Boulevard’ 76mm x 306mm x 8mm ceramic wall tile in Shadow Gloss $1.58, I/N: 0054132. 9 Johnson Tiles ‘Spectrum’ 97mm x 97mm wall tile in Storm Grey Gloss, $0.75, I/N: 0012026. 10 Johnson Tiles ‘Urban Cement’ 30cm x 60cm lappato porcelain floor tile in White, $44.83/carton of 6, I/N: 6661690. 11 TIC picture hanging kit (wire only shown), $5, I/N: 3930110. 12 Decor8 Tiles ‘Bianco’ 75mm x 100mm honed Carrara marble wall tile, $105.50/carton of 40, I/N: 6661862. 13 Decor8 Tiles ‘Devonshire’ 150mm x 75mm ceramic wall tile in Seamist, $45.83/carton of 44, I/N: 6661892. 14 Johnson Tiles ‘Urban Cement’ 30cm x 60cm porcelain floor tile in Grey Matt, $41.62/carton of 6, I/N: 6661681. 15 Johnson Tiles ‘Hickory’ 242mm x 280mm hexagon ceramic floor tile in Grigio, $38.95/carton of 17, I/N: 6661607 (colour sample only, actual shape not shown). 16 Kinetic 20mm brass threaded back nut, $1.30, I/N: 4700216. 17 Johnson Tiles ‘Travertine’ 30cm x 30cm ceramic floor tile in Bone Matt, $42.96/carton of 15, I/N: 6661007. 18 Decor8 Tiles ‘Venetian’ 305mm x 305mm marble mosaic wall tile in Silver Travertine, $18.98/sheet, I/N: 6661860. 19 Decor8 Tiles ‘Java’ 300mm x 300mm marble mosaic wall or floor tile in Beige, $10.90/sheet, I/N: 6661037 (full sheet not shown).

20 Kinetic 38mm polished brass deluxe ring pull plug, $10.66, I/N: 4920218. 21 Johnson Tiles 45cm x 45cm ceramic floor tile in Desert Clay Gloss, $34.33/carton of 6, I/N: 0044508. Some tiles pictured are sample sizes and not representative of actual tile. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Paint colours may vary on application

Tile tricks

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DIY f looring It’s easy to transform your bathroom from the ground up with these stunning Senso self adhesive planks.

Affordable and easy to transport, Senso offers DIY’ers a simple way to improve every room in the home. View the entire Senso by Gerflor range online at sensof looring.com.au

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‘Natural Oak Pine ’ 914 x 184 x 2mm self adhesive f looring planks

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Update it Home entertainment

A recessed alcove, clever use of colour and savvy styling make the TV ‘disappear’ in this chic living room

Sound & vision

Get the most out of movie night or set the mood for the ultimate dinner party with a seamless home entertainment system

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hether for a weekend binge of The Handmaid’s Tale or blasting Michael Bublé at Christmas, a good entertainment system is an essential feature of the modern home. Often, however, they’re stuck in as a bit of an afterthought. But with clever planning, you can have an AV set-up that performs well and looks great – with no stray cables.

Building for fun The best time to think about home entertainment is when building or renovating. If you really want to get the most from your system, assess your choice of building materials. Therese Tarlinton, marketing communications manager at Gyprock, says that people often forget about the acoustic properties of simple things such as plasterboard.

“Poor acoustics can make the most advanced hi-fi equipment sound mediocre, whereas good acoustics can make average gear sound spectacular,” she says. “Using specialised plasterboards, such as Gyprock ‘Soundchek’, will improve the sound within the listening room and help reduce unwanted noise-spill into other areas of the home.”

Insulation also plays an important role; choose acoustic insulation to reduce noise transfer between rooms, so you don’t have to worry about the TV volume after the kids’ bedtime. This can also be a boon in a multi-generation home where your teen’s choice of music may not chime with Gran’s.

Entertainment unwired Aim to hide ugly cables from view. In-wall or in-ceiling speakers make your sound system all but invisible and, provided you choose weather-resistant outdoor speakers, can even be installed in your undercover alfresco areas.

Bluetooth sound kits enable an even cleaner look, with the speakers controlled directly from your smartphone via a discreet wall plate. bunnings.com.au |

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“With some understanding of building acoustics and careful consideration of the room use and layout of your home, you can create quiet zones where you need them and keep noise contained” Therese Tarlinton Gyprock marketing communications manager

Now you see it…

Televisions are an essential feature in most homes, but the gogglebox shouldn’t be the star attraction of your living space.

Niche design Constructing a large niche or cavity to house your TV saves space and makes it less of a feature. But it’s important to note that televisions use convection cooling to shed excess heat, so it’s best not to frame them in too closely as they need good air circulation around the rear.

Paint power If you don’t want your TV to be the main focus of a room, consider painting the wall or recess behind it in a darker colour such as charcoal, so the screen is camouflaged and appears to blend into the background.

Behind closed doors Enclosing the TV in a well-ventilated cabinet is an easy way to render it invisible – just shut the telly away when it’s not in use!

Art of distraction Another clever trick for disguising a television is to surround it with framed pictures, to entice the eye away from the big black screen.

Words Adam Woodhams. Photography Brigid Arnott, stylist Chontelle Samios.

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings

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If you’re wall-mounting your television, include a power point and aerial, HDMI and ethernet connection plates out of sight behind the screen, making sure they are clear of where your mount will be attached. Another option (which can usually be retrofitted into a stud wall) is an in-wall cable duct, such as CableClear. This comprises top and bottom wall-mounted ports with a connecting tube concealed within the wall; all you have to do is drop the cables through.

If there’s no renovation on the cards, you can still get that mess of cables under control with cable clips, or cable covers that easily adhere to the wall and can be painted over to match your room’s colour scheme.

When planning your viewing space, pay attention to light conditions to reduce glare on the TV screen

Special effects Before you start going through the Netflix back catalogue, make sure your television is mounted in a way that ensures both optimum viewing and safety. With 85-inch TVs often weighing in at more than 50kg, picking the right support is essential.

Wall mounts give a professional finish, especially when paired with concealed cabling and sockets, but ensure that your wall is able to support the load and that the mount you select is the right capacity for your appliance. There are three main types: fixed, where there is no movement in the mounted TV; tilt, where the TV can be angled downwards; and full-motion, where the TV can be tilted, moved out from the wall and angled sideways.  bunningsau |

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A wall mount is usually preferable to sitting the television on its built-in stand, both for aesthetic reasons and for safety. If you do sit the TV on a console table or similar, secure it with a safety strap to help prevent it tipping over.

Aural report Whether you want to amplify your TV audio or simply tune into your Spotify playlist, thoughtful positioning of your speakers will have a huge impact on the quality of the sound. Freestanding speakers allow you to play with positioning to find the spot that sounds best to you. Avoid placing them on hard surfaces as this will result in an echoey, tinny sound (you can reduce this by using floor rugs), and allow clear space in front of the speakers and, where possible, to the side and the rear, to keep the sound clean and balanced. If you’re wiring in, the best sound will come from speakers at ear level.

This gives in-wall or on-wall speakers an advantage over in-ceiling models, which direct sound down into the room and directly at the top of your head.

Plug and play Expanding your sound system is now as easy as changing a light bulb with products like the Sengled ‘Pulse’ range, which combines LED globes with in-built bluetooth speakers. “You can add up to seven satellites to a master light to give you eight lights in total, all linked together, so you can install lots in one room or create a multi-room sound system,” explains David Clerk, director of Sengled.

“One of the best areas to use them is under your eave or in an outdoor patio-type area.” Just ensure they’re not directly exposed to rain.

If you want to add an extra element to your entertainment set-up, the Philips ‘Hue’ lighting system can synchronise with music or movies, adjusting the bulb colour to suit the sound.

Smart TVs have become the norm, with even budget units now connecting to the internet.

Many can also be voice controlled; a Google Home voice assistant can take things to the next level, allowing you to simply call out, “Okay Google, play The Crown on Netflix,” and start watching. ◆

Full-motion TV mounts can hold the screen flush against the wall, while still allowing complete access to cables at the rear when needed

Watch it!

Find out how to install a TV wall mount at: bunnings.com.au/ tvwallmount

Tech wish list for smart sound and vision 3

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1 D-Line micro adhesive cable cover in White, $11.60/2m, I/N: 4430322. 2 HPM Vivo bluetooth sound kit in White, $381, I/N: 0015013. 3 Studio Acoustics 2-way indoor/ outdoor universal speakers in White, $62, I/N: 4360434. 4 CableClear 50mm wall cavity cable management duct, $63, I/N: 4430714. 5 Crest TV safety strap, $16.50, I/N: 0011987. 6 Crest full-motion TV wall mount, $129/medium, I/N: 0011979. 7 Google wi-fi home mesh, $499/pack of 3, I/N: 0110199. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Photography iStock

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Planning a cinematic space or the ultimate listening experience? Choose from these gadgets for ingenious integration in your home

Promotion

Clean sweep Get a head start on spring cleaning with the latest brooms and brushes. Winter muck doesn’t stand a chance!

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pring is nearly here, so it’s time to sweep away the winter blues – and the accumulated muck of the cold months – and get your home ready for the season of barbecues.

With a full quiver of clever cleaning tools, you can have your house looking garden party ready in a jiffy! Read on to brush up on the latest sweepers and scrubbers.

Cold case

With sunlight in short supply over the winter months, your deck may be a petri dish of moss, mould and mildew, which will eventually damage your decking timber. Move everything off the deck – bulky furniture and especially pots, which are havens for moisture – and give the entire area a good scrub with an Oates Long-Handled Deck Scrub Brush (3), concentrating on any grubby or stained areas. Mild detergent and elbow grease should be all that’s needed to get your patio looking perfect again.

Stiff competition

The best way to keep your path or patio looking lovely is to regularly sweep up the mess, but for tough outdoor surfaces, you

need a broom that means business. The Oates Click ‘N’ Store Outdoor Broom (2) has extra stiff bristles that will whisk away debris, plus a built-in scraper for stubborn bits of dried mud and the like, which would trip up a lesser species of broom.

Spidey sense

It’s not just floor surfaces that might be showing signs of neglect after the long winter. While you were hunkered up in front of the heater, spiders were likely making themselves at home in the eaves.

Before you pull out a ladder and start awkwardly poking at the webs with a duster, try the Oates Swivel Outdoor Domed Cobweb Broom (1); this clever contraption features a contoured shape and a swivel head (which locks into five positions) to help get into the trickiest of corners, and a 1.4-metre extension handle so you can keep both feet firmly on the ground.

Everything in its place

Half the battle of keeping the house clean – inside and out – is having the right tools to hand; if you have to go searching for a broom, the sweeping just won’t get done.

A wall-mounted organiser, like the Oates

Aluminium Handle Holder (4), keeps five brooms (or dusters, or garden tools) neatly stored, off the ground and easily accessible the moment you spot an errant leaf.

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1 Oates Swivel Outdoor Domed Cobweb Broom ESP: $15 2 Oates Click ‘N’ Store Outdoor Broom ESP: $16 3 Oates Long-Handled Deck Scrub Brush ESP: $12.50 4 Oates Aluminium Handle Holder ESP: $19.88

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Update it Food storage solutions

Pantry provisions A well-planned pantry is a cook’s best friend – and might even slash your grocery bills

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e’re all fixated on organisation at the moment, but turning this lust for order towards the kitchen can help with another worthy obsession: food waste.

“A dream pantry is one that inspires us to use all the ingredients, because we can see everything that we have,” says professional organiser Carolyn Verhoef (outsidethebox solutions.com.au).

The size of it If you’re planning a kitchen from scratch, this is the optimal time to dedicate thought to your ideal pantry, whether that’s as big as a walk-in ‘second kitchen’ or as modest as a tall cabinet.

Jessica Haslem of Flexi Storage suggests, “The more you can fit in the pantry, the less you’ll have cluttering your bench or cooking space. Think about your household: how many people is your pantry feeding?

Are there kids with school lunches? Or is it just you?”

Keen cooks can make the most of the extra space for kitchen tools as well as ingredients. “Storing small appliances on the lower shelves works well, so you can see exactly what you have and utilise your appliances rather than storing them at the back

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Maximise your storage with shelves, baskets, good lighting and a sturdy stool to access items stored up high

EXPERT TIP “Carry the cabinetry, splashback and benchtop materials used throughout the kitchen into your walk-in pantry space, so it appears like an extension of the kitchen rather than a mere afterthought” Chontelle Samios interior designer

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of a cupboard and forgetting about them,” says interior designer Chontelle Samios (@ellesindesignsydney).

When planning your space, measure the ceiling height as well. “If you have high ceilings, make the most of them,” says Jessica. There are always seldom-used platters and servingware that can be stored above head height.

What’s in store Once you’ve mapped out your pantry’s size and location, choose your storage options.

Narrow open shelving – about 300mm deep – is ideal, so you can see everything on the shelves. Drawers or basket storage store huge amounts and allow you to see the entire contents at a glance. “Have a vision of your space and

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Shopping Keep less frequently used items on high shelves and store more often used products within easy reach

Versatile systems such as the Flexi Storage range allow you to tailor even awkward corners to your needs

the underside of shelves (or wherever you need them) and are controlled through an app.

Words Shelley Tustin. Photography (above) Brigid Arnott, (above right) Flexi Storage, (opposite) TI Media/Paul Massey. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings

Display your pantry’s contents in clear containers to make supermarket shopping a breeze – and help to reduce food waste understand what your pantry needs are,” says Jessica. “For containers and jars, shelves are great, but drawers and baskets are real lifesavers for any bags, packet food or boxes, as well as dry veg, like onions and garlic.”

Mesh baskets let air circulate, so food doesn’t sweat the way it would in sealed storage.

Customisable storage works wonders. Look for adjustable shelves, or deck out the pantry with a Flexi Storage strip and bracket system, and alternate between shelves and wire baskets in varying sizes based on your storage needs.

Light meal Pantries can be dim nooks, but the space is far more likely to be used if you can see clearly.

Natural lighting is ideal, if you

can manage it, but pantries rarely enjoy the luxury of a window. Instead, look at outside-the-square solutions such as a skylight or sun tunnel. Task lighting is an obvious essential if the pantry is housing appliances and operating as a working space, but will also help you keep track of your provisions. LED strip lighting is perfect for this and some can be installed yourself; try LIFX smart LED strips, which simply adhere to

What goes where The experts’ top tip for shelf stocking is to categorise.

“Categorising starts with knowing your cooking style and habits. Then look at how frequently food items are used,” says Carolyn. “For example, you may have young children who you would like to allow free access to certain foods – creating a healthy snack zone in the front of a pantry at their level might help limit constant requests for food.” Store treat foods higher and out of sight for more infrequent access.

To avoid the pantry descending into chaos, give everything a home, embrace containers, and label! “Get rid of as much packaging as you can from the start, as this takes up space,” suggests Jessica. ¿

Buyer’s guide to storage “The right storage can save thousands of dollars on your shopping bill each year, not to mention the time and levels of frustration when trying to prepare meals for your family,” says Carolyn.

These are her top tips: In plain sight “Clear storage is the best for finding what you need. Remove items from plastic or cardboard wrappers so you can see the food itself.”

Perfect seal “Choose airtight storage containers, especially for infrequently used items like flours, nuts, seeds and spices. You can seriously extend the shelf life with high-quality sealed containers.”

Stack it “Where space is limited, choose storage based on the height of your shelving. Most of the wasted space in pantries is in the gaps between the shelves.”

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Practa Solutions 490mm base mount slide out basket, $78.40 I/N: 2669910

LIFX Z multizone colour wi-fi smart LED strip 1m extension, $39.99, I/N: 0067274

Practa Solutions adjustable spice rack in White, $20.90, I/N: 2669896

Flexi Storage 185mm 2 runner wire basket in White, $7.13, I/N: 2590158

Kaboodle 450mm 6 tier pantry pullout baskets in Chrome, $386, I/N: 2667708 Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Fix it Buyer ’s guide to power saws

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Cutting question Whatever DIY project you have planned, there’s a power saw to suit. Read our guide to decide which tool makes the cut

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� Makita 12V max cordless reciprocating saw, $139/skin only (battery not included), I/N: 6240356. 2 Ozito 2100W 254mm double bevel sliding compound mitre saw, $189, I/N: 6290588. 3 AEG 18V brushless jigsaw, $339/skin only, I/N: 0089363. 4 Ryobi ‘One+’ 18V Gen II reciprocating saw, $149/skin only, I/N: 6210742. 5 Ozito Power XChange 18V 210mm compound mitre saw, $179/skin only, I/N: 0035841. 6 DeWALT 18V 165mm cordless circular saw, $189/skin only, I/N: 6260261. 7 Ozito 2000W 235mm circular saw, $169, I/N: 6290185. 8 Makita 18V x 2 cordless brushless circular saw, $349/skin only, I/N: 0079004. 9 Ryobi ‘One+’ 18V 165mm circular saw, $139/ skin only, I/N: 6210595. 10 AEG 2300W 355mm metal cut off saw, $259, I/N: 0037704. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.  bunnings.com.au |

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Words Adam Woodhams. Photography James Moffatt, stylist Stephanie Powell

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SAFETY TIP

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Always follow the safety guidelines when using any power saw, as they are unforgiving and potentially very dangerous tools.

As a minimum, always wear eye and ear protection

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Fix it

Tip:

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hether used by a DIYer or a professional, power saws are among the most essential of tools. There’s a huge range available, and it can be hard to know where to start. Read on to find the saw you need.

Circular saw tips

With great power (tool), comes great responsibility, and a circular saw needs to be handled carefully. Paul Nosko, national training manager with Bosch Power Tools, has these simple tips.  Familiarise yourself with the tool, check the safety guard retracts properly and “ensure the blade is mounted in the correct direction, matching the arrows on the tool and the blade,” he says.  Make sure cables are away from the cutting zone and your work area is clear.  Set the cutting depth before you start. “When cutting, only the tips of the teeth should protrude from the material.”  “Ensure the material being cut is well supported and offcuts can fall away, otherwise dangerous kickback may occur.”  “Allow the tool to do the cutting – don’t force it.” This can be dangerous to the user, results in a poor cut and can damage the tool.  “Always hold the circular saw with two hands.”  “Use dust extraction when cutting, as many materials contain chemicals.” Also, always wear a mask!  “Ensure the blade is well maintained and replaced when blunt.”

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Types of power saws

Don’t yet own a power saw? Head in store for Bunnings’ timber cutting service

Choose the right saw for your job with our run-down of the different models Circular saw This works for a multitude of cutting jobs. It uses a rotating blade, is categorised by blade diameter and comes in a range of sizes. With the correct blade, a circular saw cuts many materials. “Think whether a cordless or corded circular saw would suit you; corded has unlimited run time but the trade-off is portability,” says Bunnings tool buyer Paul Bailey.

Sliding mitre saw When you need clean, accurate cutting or are cutting a lot of angles for joinery, look at a sliding mitre saw. This has rails that allow you to slide the saw forward and backward, meaning you can cut thicker pieces of material. The angles of the saw and table on which it sits can be adjusted to cut compound angles. Cordless models are available, but many need two battery packs.

Jigsaw This single-handed cutting tool uses a small reciprocating blade that works using a pendulum or an orbital action. “A jigsaw with pendulum action will cut much faster,” says Paul Bailey. A flat base plate gives the saw stability so you can use it to accurately cut circles, shapes or patterns of virtually any sort.

Reciprocating saw Often called a demolition saw, a reciprocating saw uses a similar action to a jigsaw, but is a two-handed tool designed for heavy cutting, rather than precision work.

Depending on the blade, it can cut through almost anything: soft or hardwoods, timber with embedded nails or screws, metals, even brick or light concrete.

Table saw A table saw consists of a circular saw blade, driven by an electric motor, that protrudes through the surface of a table.

It’s designed for accurate trimming of timber, particularly longer lengths, for example reducing the size of skirting boards. A table saw gives a professional milled finish with consistent sizing that is more accurate than hand ripping.

Band saw Most often a bench-type saw, a band saw uses a ribbon blade – a band – to cut. It’s like a larger scroll saw (see ‘Specialised saws’, below) as it can be used to cut shapes in timber, but is more often used for ripping down timber. There are also hand-held band saws available, which are designed for pipe cutting.

Specialised saws Plunge saw A circular saw that is often used with guide rails for making long, clean, accurate cuts in surfaces like benchtops or floorboards. The ‘plunge’ comes from the design that allows it to be lowered into timber rather than needing to start from an edge.

Scroll saw This bench-type saw uses a fine blade that moves in a jigsaw-like action. It allows you to perform scrollwork – fine and detailed cuts in all shapes and angles, including curves and circles.

Tile saw Available as a bench or handheld model, a tile saw is generally a ‘wet’ saw (water is applied to the cutting surface to keep the blade cool and eliminate dust) and uses a diamond-tipped blade to cleanly cut through ceramic tiles.

Brick saw A larger version of a tile saw, this wet bench saw is designed for cutting through bricks and pavers. bunningsau

Blade options

No longer just for cutting wood, blade technology now allows many saws to be used on a greater variety of materials.

Aluminium blade Cuts timber, plastic and non-ferrous metals, such as aluminium.

Demolition blade Intended for timber yet tough enough to saw through nails in wood.

Fibre cement blade Designed for sawing through fibre cement sheets and cladding. A dust mask and eye protection must be worn.

Metal blade For spark-free cutting of ferrous metals such as mild steel and steel in stud frames or battens, angle iron and flat bars. ◆

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Fix it Boost your crops

Veg out

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n most parts of Australia, the majority of winter crops are coming to an end, but it’s a sign of warmer times – and more vegies, herbs and fruits – to come!

If you prepare early and get your beds up to scratch now, you’ll enjoy a productive patch this spring. Follow these tips to get a head start on a bumper harvest.

Supercharge summer’s bounty by taking the time to enrich your vegetable beds before the growing season

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War on weeds Weeds have an uncanny ability to pop up anywhere, anytime, especially in vegie beds. “It’s important to remove them because not only do they look unsightly, but they steal valuable water and nutrients from your plants and can also potentially harbour pests and diseases,” says horticulturist Matt Carroll (fb.com/hortiman). Combat the spread of weeds by digging them out, roots and all.

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Nourish to flourish A good, productive vegetable patch starts from the ground up, so revitalise and rejuvenate your soil by adding organic matter and compost. You’ll improve your chances of achieving bountiful crops if your garden beds get a generous dose of a soil improver, such as Seasol liquid compost, which doesn’t have to be dug in.

Read it!

Find inspiration to grow your own: bunnings.com.au/ startavegetable garden

53 Tip If you have irrigation, check that lines, drippers or sprinklers aren’t blocked, and replace worn parts. Thinking about installing irrigation?

Buy DIY kits in store and get to it now.

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Out with the old Your winter vegies have served you well, but now it’s time to harvest the last of them and add the rest to the compost or green waste. If pests or diseases affect any parts, discard them so you don’t spread the problem.

Use the last weeks of the cooler weather to prepare your soil for spring and new-season plantings

Growing essentials

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography iStock, (forking in compost) Getty Images

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Water works Over time, soil can become hydrophobic (water repellent), meaning that despite your best efforts, water will not sink through the soil so isn’t directed where it needs to go: to your plants’ roots.

“Hydrophobic soil is problematic for both plants and our water usage,” says Matt.

“We need to ensure each drop of water is not wasted and we can do this by adding wetting agents to the soil.” These agents help soil absorb water and are available in both granular and liquid options for easy application.

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Preparing for planting Most leafy greens, including spinach, lettuce and Asian greens, can go in the ground now. Feed them regularly with a complete fertiliser. “Don’t forget to apply a layer of mulch, like sugar cane or pea straw, to keep the soil warm and help suppress weeds,” says Sue Edwards of Seasol. “Also, get a head start on your spring and summer crops, like tomatoes and silverbeet, by sowing seeds in a mini greenhouse and keeping them on a warm windowsill.” Once the weather warms, they’ll be ready for transplanting outside. ◆

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1 Fiskars nyglass weed garden fork, $3.48, I/N: 3367499. 2 Seasol liquid compost, $12.38/1.2L concentrate, I/N: 0077921. 3 Yates ‘Waterwise’ granular soil wetter, $29.85/30L, I/N: 3020407.

4 Hozelock 12mm drip irrigation universal kit, $79, I/N: 0019982. 5 Yates mini greenhouse, $26.83, I/N: 2946171. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

bunningsau |

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www.orecogroup.com.au

ORGANIC|SUSTAINABLE|AUSTRALIAN

MANUFACTURERS OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Perfect for Plants

POSITIVE FOR THE PLANET

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Fix it

ater efficiency is a necessity in our famously dry country. The WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) scheme, introduced in 2005, regulates basic plumbing products, sanitary ware and water-using appliances to improve levels of water efficiency. At a time when large areas of the country are in drought, it couldn’t be more important.

A recent study showed that in 2017, WELS technology saved consumers more than $1 billion on water and energy bills, while saving 112 billion litres of water – that’s 44,000 Olympic swimming pools!*

Words Nellie McLaren. Photography Methven. *Source: Institute for Sustainable Futures.

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings

Change starts at home In your home, WELS is applied to taps for sinks, showers, toilets and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

(It does not cover garden hoses and sprinklers.) The more WELS stars it has, the more water efficient the product is. “All showers, sink and basin fittings sold within Australia must have a flow restrictor device/disc fitted, which in turn restricts the flow to an acceptable level to enable a WELS rating to be assigned,” explains Nick Swan, brand manager at Methven.

Water technology works While we’re all keen to save water, our appetite for a luxurious wash hasn’t eased – especially when it comes to showers.

New technology developed by tapware manufacturers means that water-efficient showers can still feel fabulous.

“If you engineer the shower from the beginning knowing the flow parameters, you can ensure that you get the most out of the available resource,” explains Nick. “When you do this right you can easily get a better experience from a nine-litre-a-minute shower compared with a 22-litre-a-minute shower.” Satisfying shower experiences are a result of force as well as coverage, which can be achieved in several ways; each brand has their own technique, but it will usually involve creating force by colliding jets of water against each other, against angled surfaces or by creating spirals of water.

Waste not If you want to improve your home’s water efficiency without buying new tapware, it’s possible to update your existing taps. “Some taps can reduce their water usage through the installation of a water-reducing aerator,

Tapware tech

When upgrading your tapware, start with the kitchen. Methven WELS 4-star 7.5L/min ‘Gaston’ pull down sink mixer, $298, I/N: 5003400

Water wise Get more for less with water-efficient fixtures that enhance your experience and decrease your bills

though this may not suit the aesthetics of the tap,” says Bec Senyard, licensed plumber and blogger (theplumbette.com.au).

Consider replacing the kitchen sink mixer first, because it doesn’t need to match the other fittings like in a bathroom. “The most important label to consider is the WaterMark logo,” says Bec. “If it’s not on the tap, then it hasn’t been tested to Australian Standards and cannot be installed.” ◆

Read it!

WELS belles 1 3 2

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Discover more ways to reduce water usage: bunnings.com.au/savingwaterathome 1 EnduraSeal WELS 6-star 4.5L/min aerator in Chrome, $10.70, I/N: 4980126. 2 Mondella ‘Signature’ WELS 6-star 4.5L/min sink mixer in Brushed Rose Gold, $149, I/N: 5004175. 3 Methven ‘Krome’ WELS 3-star 9L/min hand shower in Black, $199, I/N: 5003774. 4 Mondella ‘Rococo’ WELS 3-star 7.5L/min 400mm rain shower head in Chrome, $164, I/N: 5003341. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

bunningsau |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Make it Mag rack revamp

Spare the cane Weave a little magic to give new life to old wicker furnishings like this pre-loved magazine rack

Rack

$5

Revamp cost

$50

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Before

ane furniture is bang on trend, so it’s worth rummaging through the garage (or second-hand shops) for vintage pieces left

over from cane’s last moment in the spotlight. However, while it is pliable, as it ages it becomes brittle, and old furniture is often damaged, with splits or tears in the binding that wraps around the joints. It’s simple enough to replace the broken pieces with new cane, securing with timber adhesive and tapping in tiny nails to hold in place.

We’ve mended a retro magazine rack, but the same techniques can be applied to repair vintage chairs, tables or other storage pieces.

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Project and steps photography Natasha Dickins. Photography Brigid Arnott, stylist Tilly Roberts. Purchase cane and cane binding online at cane and rattan suppliers such as houseofbamboo.com.au or wickerworks.com.au

Working on a drop cloth, use a multitool or pliers to pull broken or bent pieces from the frame and remove any loose nails or staples.

To reinforce any wrapped joints, trim off frayed cane then bind the wrapping cane around the joint, pulling under the previous wrap to hold it tight. Tap in a nail to hold the end underneath.

Reuse the removed pieces in other areas, cutting to fit, dabbing adhesive in the holes and securing with masking tape to dry. Wipe away excess with a damp cloth.

Place the rack on a flat surface to work from the inside, tapping nails into the crossover joints. If you’re having difficulties, use a pair of pliers to hold the nail while tapping with a hammer.

PRO TIP Cane isn’t as porous as timber – the most effective finishes to use on it include water-based enamel paint for all-over colour, a highgloss varnish for a lacquered effect or a tinted satin varnish for a matt finish

TOOLS & MATERIALS  Safety equipment  Drop cloth  Multitool or pliers  Secateurs  Clean cloth  Drill with 8mm bit  10mm bullet-head nails  Small hammer  120-grit abrasive paper  Timber adhesive  Masking tape L engths of 8mm cane

 Wrapping cane  Stain and varnish aerosol in Black

To fit any new cane pieces, use an 8mm drill bit to widen the holes, drilling at the same angle as the existing holes.

Dab some adhesive into the holes, wiping away excess.

Use 120-grit abrasive paper to sand the magazine rack all over, removing the original varnish, smoothing any breakout around the holes and cleaning up around the joints.

Cut new cane pieces, angling the ends for a better fit into the holes, twisting the cane to sit straight. For a tight fit, soak the cane in warm water for 10 minutes to make it more pliable.

Wear gloves and a mask, and work in a well ventilated area to lightly apply coats of spray varnish to the rack, leaving it to dry between each coat and moving the rack each time to make sure you saturate all areas. u

Begonia in Northcote Pottery 15cm Italian terracotta cylinder pot in Greige, $7.49, I/N: 0044329. Brilliant ‘Annette’ 240V timber effect pendant light, $77.70, I/N: 0014343.

Smart Home Products 230cm x 160cm silica wool blend rug in Natural, $129, I/N: 0102823. Monstera deliciosa leaf in vase, Zakkia, zakkia.com.au. Side table, Kmart, kmart. com.au. Armchair sofa, James Lane, jameslane.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

bunningsau |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Shelf help

Making the most of your vertical spaces is as easy as arranging objects on floating shelves. Follow our tips for styling success

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loating shelves, stocked with pretty and personal pieces, are an easy way to transform a plain wall into a gorgeous and practical feature.

The magic of these shelves lies in the invisible fixings. A metal bracket with protruding tubes fixes directly to the wall (screws and fixings for both masonry and stud walls are included). These slide into a cavity in the back of the shelf, which then conceals all the hardware.

Note the load capacity. The larger shelves we’ve used here can handle up to 10kg for masonry walls and 5kg for plasterboard, while the smallest shelf can hold up to 5kg in masonry and 3kg in plasterboard. This makes them perfect for an elegant display, but not suited to storing your entire cookbook collection!

Ready to style? Follow our six easy steps to help you ace the art of display.

Read it!

You’ll love these clever ideas for shelving: bunnings.com.au/fiveshelvingideas

bunnings.com.au |

bunnings |

bunningsau

PRO TIP Position items towards the back of the shelf for safety

Flexi Storage 600mm x 240mm x 38mm floating shelf in Oak, $27.90, I/N: 2583899 (top shelf).

Flexi Storage 1200mm x 240mm x 38mm floating shelves in Oak, $38.90 each, I/N: 2583901 (two for the middle shelf and one for the bottom shelf). Bottom shelf: Succulent in glazed bowl, Target, target.com.au. Scented candle, Kmart, kmart.com.au. Heart leaf philodendron in Northcote Pottery ‘Precinct Lite’ terrazzo moon pot in White, $18.65/small, I/N: 2831975.

Haworthia. Middle shelf: Succulent. Baskets, Kmart, kmart.com.au. Picture frame, Country Road, countryroad.com.au. Under shelves: Philodendron Hope. Sofa, Lounge Lovers, loungelovers.com.au. Cushions, Fab Habitat, fabhabitat.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Make it Create a display

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Shelf pick Choose shelving in the same style and colour, but try different lengths and thicknesses to add visual interest. Mounting them asymmetrically looks elegant and less formal than a straight stack.

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Take aim Install your shelves at a comfortable height so you can easily see the pieces on display, without the risk of them being knocked off.

Words Shelley Tustin. Photography James Moffatt, stylist Stephanie Powell

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Go personal Display treasured things, such as photographs or sentimental objects. The idea is to bring your own personality into the room.

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Group items This will make pieces stand out, while ensuring your arrangement has some blank space to stop it looking too busy and cluttered.

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Think harmony Place an equal number of items on each shelf and balance taller pieces with short ones. Tall vases and artworks are good for creating height, while books make a stylish plinth.

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Add greenery A potted plant or a vase of flowers or foliage adds instant vibrancy. Trailing plants look amazing draped over the edge of a shelf, or choose something perkier for height. â—†

bunningsau |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Make it Family entertaining

Father’s Day feast

Recipes Kerrie Worner. Photography Brigid Arnott, stylist Tilly Roberts.

Food stylist Kerrie-Ann Jones. Styling assistants Savannah Cohen and Samantha Torrisi

Light the barbie and invite the family over to indulge in a delicious spread in honour of Dad

bunnings.com.au |

bunnings |

bunningsau

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elebrate Father’s Day with a few of Dad’s favourite things: family, good food and a barbecue with all burners blazing! We’ve catered for a crowd, with recipes to impress your guests (kids included), all cooked on an outdoor grill. It’s a great opportunity to explore the versatility of the backyard barbecue, which can lend a distinctive smoky favour to an enormous range of ingredients.

Barbecues are not just for summer, and certainly not just for steaks and snags! 

A rustic fire pit allows for outdoor winter entertaining

A timber table and chairs create a relaxed and comfortable dinner setting Opposite: Matador ‘Artiste’ 6 burner hooded barbecue with side burner, $799, I/N: 3180793. Northcote Pottery ‘Patavium’ 16cm Italian terracotta pots in Greige, $5.20 each, I/N: 2833042, and Northcote Pottery 17cm Italian terracotta pots in Greige, $3.98 each, I/N: 0044324, with assorted herbs inside. Above, left: Mimosa ‘Avani’ timber daybed with grey polyester seat and back and 4 assorted patterned cushions, $579, I/N: 3192158. Cable knit 43cm x 43cm interior cushion in Grey, $19, I/N: 0106474. Mimosa ‘Honolulu’ timber coffee table, $99, I/N: 0024800. Glow ‘Valley’ fire pit, $149, I/N: 0082769. Smart Home Products 120cm x 160cm throw rug in Valletta, $11.98, I/N: 0086765. Lytworx solar candle lanterns, $12 each, I/N: 0066136. Above, right: Mimosa ‘Honolulu’ timber dining table, $349, I/N: 0024804, and dining chairs with cushions, $99 each, I/N: 0024798. Smart Flooring 160cm x 230cm cotton floor rug in Sahara, $69, I/N: 0021635. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunningsau |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

Tablecloth, I Love Linen, ilovelinen. com.au. Serving dishes and cutlery, stylist’s own

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Make it

Smoked Portuguese snapper

BBQ Buddy fish griller, $13.98, I/N: 3180238

Barbecued Mediterranean vegetables with garlic and hummus Grilled corn cobs with coriander avocado sauce

PRO TIP You can barbecue the Portuguese snapper without the smoker box and chips, but they help to impart a lovely woody flavour to the fish BBQ Buddy stainless steel smoker box, $14.85, I/N: 3180252. Samba seafood smoking chips $9.90/1kg, I/N: 0086981

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Smoked Portuguese snapper Serves 4–6  1kg whole snapper, cleaned  1 lemon, sliced, plus extra wedges to serve  Olive oil cooking spray  Coriander sprigs, finely sliced red onion and spring onion, for garnish  100g smoking chips, for grilling  1 smoker box Portuguese marinade  3 long red chillies, seeded and chopped  2 garlic cloves, crushed  1 tsp sea salt flakes  1½ tsp sweet paprika  1 tsp ground coriander  ¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper  1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano  2 tbsp lemon juice  2 tbsp olive oil  1 tbsp brown sugar

1 Soak the smoker chips in a bowl of water for 30 minutes. To make the marinade, place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade. Place the snapper on a tray and cut four slashes across the top. Spread the remaining marinade over both sides and inside the snapper; cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

2 Drain the smoking chips. Heat the barbecue to a medium-high heat. Spread the chips in the smoker box and sit the smoker box on the hot plate. Lower the barbecue lid and allow the chips to heat and smoke for about 20 minutes.

3 Place three lemon slices down the centre of the snapper and the remaining slices inside the cavity. Place the snapper in a fish griller or on a non-stick barbecue mat and spray with olive oil. Place the griller or mat on the barbecue hotplate. Cook with the lid down for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway, until charred and cooked through (the flesh will be white).

4 Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with the coriander and finely sliced red onion and spring onion. Serve with lemon wedges.

Use the reserved marinade to drizzle over the flesh once removed from the bones.

TIP: You can use the marinade for thick fish fillets, green prawns, butterflied chicken, chicken fillets and chicken wings. To increase the heat, add some chilli seeds or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.

Grilled corn cobs with coriander avocado sauce Serves 6  6 cobs of corn with husks  75g soft butter  1½ tsp finely grated lime zest  1½ tsp garlic salt  1½ tsp onion powder  1 tsp smoked paprika  Cracked black pepper  Dried chilli flakes and chopped coriander, to serve Coriander avocado sauce  1 ripe avocado  ¼ cup lime juice

 1 tsp ground sea salt  640g bag Greek pita bread (see Tip)  250g tub hummus  200g tub garlic dip (see Tip)  80g baby rocket leaves, rinsed and drained  Sumac, for sprinkling (optional)  1/� cup pomegranate arils (optional)  Caramelised balsamic vinegar, to serve

Pit Boss pellet grill and smoker barbecue, $699, I/N: 0037585. Tongs, part of Char-Griller 3 piece tool set, $29.98, I/N: 3171443. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.  1 tsp honey  ¼ cup Greek yoghurt  2 tbsp chopped coriander  ½ tsp sriracha chilli sauce

1 Bring a stockpot of water to the boil. Peel back the corn husks, discarding the few dry outer husks and leaving the remaining husks intact and attached to the cob. Remove and discard the silks. Tie the husks together on each cob with string or with strips of discarded corn husk. Trim the dry ends with scissors.

Lower the cobs into boiling water, leaving the husks out of the water. Boil for 5 minutes, then lift out of the water and allow to cool.

2 Combine the butter, lime zest, garlic salt, onion powder and paprika, and season with pepper. Spread over the cooled cobs.

3 Heat the barbecue to a medium-high heat.

Add the corn with the husks hanging over the edge of the barbecue. Cook with the lid down, resting on top of the husks, for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.

4 To make the coriander avocado sauce, blend all the ingredients with ¼ cup of water in a blender or food processor until smooth. Spread some sauce on a serving board. Place the corn cobs on top and spread with more sauce.

Sprinkle with the chilli flakes and coriander.

Serve with the remaining sauce on the side.

Barbecued Mediterranean vegetables with garlic and hummus Serves 4–6  1 large eggplant, cut into 2.5cm cubes  2 large zucchini, cut into 1.5cm cubes  350g cauliflower, cut into 4cm florets  1 large red capsicum, seeded and cut into 1cm strips  1 large red onion, halved and cut into 1cm wedges  1/� cup olive oil, plus extra for the pita and serving  1 tbsp chopped rosemary  2 tsp chopped lemon thyme leaves  1 garlic clove, crushed

1 Heat the barbecue to medium. Place the eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower, capsicum and onion in a large heavy-based roasting dish that will fit in your barbecue with the lid down. (You can also cook the vegetables on a lower heat on the flat hotplate in batches.)

2 Combine the oil, rosemary, lemon thyme, garlic and salt in a jug. Pour over the vegetables and toss until coated. Place the dish on the barbecue hotplate. Close the lid and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Remove the pan and set aside to cool.

3 Brush the pita lightly with oil and barbecue for 1-2 minutes each side or until puffed and charred. Transfer to a plate, cut into wedges and cover with foil to keep warm.

4 Spread the hummus on a platter then spread the garlic dip on top. Add the rocket to the vegetables and toss to combine. Arrange the vegies on top of the hummus and garlic, sprinkle with the sumac and pomegranate, drizzle with the balsamic and oil, and serve with the pita wedges.

TIP: You can buy Greek pita bread and garlic dip from greengrocers and delis.

Texas blackjack barbecue beef kebabs Makes 20 kebabs; serves 6  1 cup dark beer or ale  1/� cup barbecue sauce  2 tbsp dark coconut syrup or molasses  2 tbsp apple cider vinegar  ¼ cup lime juice  2 tbsp brown sugar  2 garlic cloves, crushed  2 tsp ground chipotle or chipotle hot sauce  700g skirt steak (see Tip, next page)  Olive oil, for grilling  Thinly sliced green chilli and herbs, to garnish

1 Combine the beer, barbecue sauce, syrup, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, garlic and chipotle  Texas blackjack barbecue beef kebabs

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Make it in a pan over a medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Boil for 12 minutes or until thickened slightly. Pour into a heatproof jug; allow to cool.

2 Cut the steak, against the grain, into 5mm slices.

Add 2/ � cup of the marinade to the steak and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

3 Soak 40 x 16cm wooden skewers in cold water for 10 minutes. Thread the meat onto a skewer, then thread another skewer at an angle to secure any loose pieces. Repeat with the remaining meat. (You can use single skewers if preferred.)

4 Heat an oiled barbecue to medium-high.

Cook the skewers for 5 minutes with the lid down, turning halfway and brushing with more oil until charred and just cooked through. Greek chicken souvlaki kebabs Remove and transfer to a clean plate.

5 Drizzle with some of the remaining marinade and turn until coated. Arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with the chilli and herbs and and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for serve with the rest of the marinade on the side.

1 hour. Avoid marinating for too long as the lemon juice will begin to cook the chicken.

TIP: With minimal cooking on a hot 2 Soak 14 x 25cm flat wooden skewers in water barbecue, skirt steak produces a tender kebab, but you can also use rump, sirloin, for 10 minutes. Thread the chicken onto the skewers. Heat an oiled barbecue plate to porterhouse or eye fillet to make the skewers. Unused marinade can be stored medium. (Try using a mesh grill mat on top in a jar in the fridge for up to one month. of the barbecue plate to avoid sticking, see Tip.) 3 Cook the kebabs for 10-12 minutes with the lid down, turning halfway and brushing with more Greek chicken souvlaki kebabs oil, until cooked through. Transfer to a serving Makes 14 kebabs; serves 6 platter, sprinkle with extra thyme sprigs and  1kg chicken breast fillets, trimmed serve with the lemon wedges and tzatziki.  Olive oil, for barbecuing  Lemon wedges and tzatziki, to serve Greek souvlaki marinade  ¼ cup olive oil  Finely grated zest of 1 lemon  1 tbsp lemon juice  1 tbsp red wine vinegar  2 tsp chopped fresh oregano  2 tsp chopped thyme, plus extra for serving  1 tsp chopped dried mint  1 tsp smoked paprika  2 garlic cloves, crushed  Ground sea salt and black pepper

TIP: The marinade is also suitable for pork and lamb leg kebabs, cutlets, butterflied leg or shoulder. The Fornetto mesh grill mat is available in the barbecue section in Bunnings ($9.95, I/N: 3171810).

Roasted baby sweet potatoes with dill ranch dressing

1 Combine all the marinade ingredients, then slice the chicken into 3cm cubes. Add to the marinade

Serves 6  1kg small sweet potatoes  2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing  2 garlic cloves, crushed  1 tsp sea salt flakes  Crunchy chickpea snacks (see Tip, right)

Shopping

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1 Matador ‘Boss’ 4 burner hooded barbecue, $899, I/N: 3180783. 2 Pit Boss wood pellet vertical smoker, $599, I/N: 0094876. 3 Glow ‘Carla’ fire pit, $99, I/N: 0085715. 4 Fornetto ‘Master the Flame’ BBQ fuel apple wood smoking chunks, $24.90/3kg, I/N: 0086996. 5 Fornetto ‘Master the Flame’ BBQ fuel apple wood smoking chips, $10.98/1kg, I/N: 0086992. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered

bunnings.com.au |

bunnings |

bunningsau

1 Scrub the sweet potatoes under cold water and pat dry. Cut in half lengthways then cut again lengthways into 3cm wedges. Put in a large bowl with the oil, garlic and salt and toss to combine.

2 Heat the barbecue to medium-low. Place the wedges on the hotplate and cook for 15-20 minutes with the lid down until tender and charred, brushing with oil and turning halfway.

3 To make the dill ranch dressing, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, lime juice, dill and chives in a blender and blend until smooth.

Add the hot sauce to taste and blend.

4 Arrange the potatoes on a serving platter and drizzle with some of the dressing. Sprinkle with the chives and chickpeas and serve with the remaining dressing on the side.

TIP: Crunchy chickpea snacks are available in the health food section in some supermarkets. ◆

Read it!

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Dill ranch dressing  ½ cup buttermilk or Greek yoghurt  ⅓ cup whole egg mayonnaise  1 tbsp lime juice  1 tbsp chopped dill  1 tbsp chopped chives, plus extra to serve  Habanero hot sauce or sriracha, to taste

Check out our handy guide for more tips to add that smoky flavour: bunnings.com.au/ gasbbqsmoking

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Roasted baby sweet potatoes with dill ranch dressing

$699

$44.98

Promotion

I/N: 0088369

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$119 I/N: 0861080

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$499

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FATHER’S DAY

GIFT GUIDE

Put a smile on Dad’s face this Father’s Day with the gift of a new toy or tool he’ll love From

$19.98

I/N: 0074293

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$19.98

I/N: 6111061

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For the dad who enjoys the great outdoors, the Thermacell Bristol Repeller Lantern is the perfect companion.

It effectively repels mosquitoes, black flies, and other biting insects by creating a 21sqm zone of protection, while also providing the ambient light of a lantern, making it ideal for fishing, camping and sporting events!

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Give Dad the gift of safety with a Bailey P120 4 Step Platform Ladder. With a large, sturdy platform, 900mm handrail for improved safety and functional tool tray for organising small hand tools, Dad will be able to tackle the high jobs while feeling as secure as if he had both feet firmly on the ground.

Perfect for the dad who loves to barbecue low ‘n’ slow, the Char-Griller Competition Pro BBQ is the ultimate offset smoker. Made with heavy duty steel, this charcoal barbecue features a side fire box, an adjustable side air vent and smokestack damper.

Dad can create succulent, flavour-filled meals for the whole family to enjoy.

If your handy dad is after a new toy, he’ll love the Bossweld MST185 180amp welder.

Simple to set up and operate, with a 10 amp domestic power plug, this multipurpose welder is great for small to medium jobs around the house and workshop.

It’s a great portable all-round machine for the novice to semi-pro welder.

Mr Fothergill’s Bee and Insect House kits are the perfect gift for Dad – they’re eco-friendly and look great in the garden! They come complete with a sachet of pollinator-friendly flower seeds, so you can help bees and other friendly insects by providing them with both food and shelter.

Ideal for the home and garage, the Trojan Stubby Set is the perfect gift idea for a DIY dad, with 40 pieces, including comfortable soft grip handles, 14 sockets and 20 driver bits, all packed in a handy carry tray to keep your workshop neat and your tools conveniently easy to find.

This quality set is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

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Plant pick

Sweet & sour What are they?

One of the many things that helps plants grow to the best of their ability is the acid or alkaline rating (pH) of the soil.

Soil pH is measured on a scale from one to 14, with anything below seven considered acidic or ‘sour’, and anything above alkaline or ‘sweet’. Most plants grow in a pH range of 5.5-8, although some, such as gardenias, azaleas and blueberries, thrive at the lower end (pH 5.5-6.5). Acid-loving plants can suffer if your soil pH is too low or high, so it’s important to ensure it’s in the right range for what you want to grow.

Testing pH To test your soil’s pH, buy a test kit – it’s a simple, accurate way to measure and monitor your soil. If it is alkaline, you can boost acidity by adding one or more of compost, well-rotted cow or horse manure and sulphur. If it’s too acidic (less than pH 5), add liquid lime, dolomite or chicken manure to help increase the pH. Altering soil pH can take time, and may also take a few applications of product for any noticeable change to occur.

Azalea

Gardenia

Masses of colourful flowers in white, red, pink, apricot, orange or a mix, often spot flowering throughout the year.

Fragrant cream-white blooms set against glossy, dark-green foliage. Use as borders around edges of the garden.

Blueberry

Hydrangea

Juicy and oh-so sweet! Plant different varieties to extend the harvest window.

Big, beautiful, blowsy blooms that can be blue or pink, depending on the soil pH.

Our acid-loving picks Natives, like banksias, flowering gums, grevilleas and pigface (Carpobrotus species) are perfect choices as they have evolved to grow in soils in Australia that are nutrient poor and acidic. Once established, they can be fairly drought tolerant, too. If you prefer exotics, camellias, abutilons and gardenias are beautifully showy, while food plants such as citrus, olives and blueberries will thrive in your productive patch.

FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT bunnings.com.au/plants

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Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Getty Images

The lowdown on growing acid-loving plants

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