Bunnings Magazine Winter 2024

Reno bliss! Phillip & Hannah

Editor

Associate

The winter season is when we turn to our home’s interiors for warmth and comfort to escape the bracing weather outdoors. In this latest issue, we show how to fully embrace the chilly temperatures by creating inviting and snug spaces layered with the latest colours, fabrics, plants and lighting (from page 13).

Guided by our ‘Warm, well & wise’ feature (page 50), embark on a home audit to ensure your sanctuary is primed for the cooler months: discover innovative heating solutions, health-boosting insights and ways to maximise comfort while working from home. For those seeking advice on home building and renovation, our comprehensive guide on future-proofing your home considers climate change, smart technology advances and different life stages (page 57). We also have practical advice on selecting the right tools for demolition and creating the perfect workshop space.

In super-exciting news, we’re launching a nationwide project search to keep everyone busy during D.I.Y. July! Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, there’s a category for you to enter. To help you find your next project, we interview some familiar and unsung DIY stars from across New Zealand, who share their favourite work and tales of creativity (page 25). Great inspiration!

The winter garden is all about roses, as this is the ideal time to plant bare-rooted specimens and prune established shrubs (page 38). We also explore the art of espalier – a beautiful and functional way to grow edibles in small spaces (page 43). Enjoy the issue!

Bridie Mahoney

Deputy art director Sophie Mullane

Senior designer Carol Baldas

Market & style editor Anna Musarra

Chief subeditors

Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson

Senior subeditor Lorna Gow

Digital producers

Amanda Ghalaini-Yacoub, Eunice Oh (acting)

Editorial co-ordinator

Abigail D’Souza Contributors

Shelley Tustin, Harriet Upjohn

Account partner Henry Kalaf-Tyrrell

Junior accountant Carina Law

Advertising sales Kerry McKenzie, Hawkhurst Media Services +64 27 5969979

Advertising production manager Yulia McKenzie +64 21 969091

National advertising manager Alek Jovanoski

Campaign manager Deanna Kane Branded content editor Victoria Thorp

General enquiries +61 3 8831 9777; bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au

Managing director Nick Smith Chief commercial officer Fiorella di Santo

NZ general manager Sido Kitchin

Head of sales Annii Hirst

Head of content, Health, Home & Lifestyle Gemma Sutherland Head of audience intelligence Catherine Ross Finance controller Adrian Thompson

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. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice.

Published by Medium Rare Content Agency NZ Ltd. for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, Botanicca 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia. © 2024. All rights reserved. For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on +61

Keep the winter chill away, swap today!

Swap your gas bottle at Bunnings today. bottle swap

Cleaning & Caring for Your Timber

NEW YEAR

Celebrate Matariki

Look to the stars! Dazzle the kids with a crafty project

Add a little twinkle to this Matariki (Māori New Year, June 28) and gather the family to celebrate, acknowledge the past and look ahead to the future. For a day of fun, why not create a craft table to enjoy with the kids then wrap it up with a family barbecue? Try creating a Matariki kaleidoscope – see bunnings.co.nz/matariki-craft.

Light moves

Two’s company Up the ambience on chilly nights

● Verve Design ‘Erin’ table lamp, $34/pack of 2, I/N: 0455928 (globes sold separately)

Bold as brass Adjust the lighting to suit the mood

● Brilliant ‘Ivy’ 155cm floor lamp in Gold/Black, $128.98, I/N: 0465075 (globe sold separately)

AT YOUR SERVICE

We could all do with a helping hand around the house, and you can access plenty of useful services via Bunnings. These include a free on-site heat pump measure and quote, plus a ‘Homefit assessment’ – an inspection-led service to help you achieve a warmer, drier and more energy-efficient home. For landlords,

the ‘Healthy homes standards assessment’ is a useful way to ensure your rental meets Government tenancy regulations. Visit bunnings. co.nz/services for more information‡.

UPCYCLE REVIVAL

Revamp, reuse, rejoice!

Embrace the satisfaction of upcycling this D.I.Y. July and turn items earmarked for landfill into useful treasures. Try these tools to upgrade your next vintage gem.

● Monarch ‘Comfort Grip’ 270mm roller frame, $14.98, I/N: 1560517

● Dulux ‘Design Effects’ chalk effect paint in Extra Bright base, $50.98/1L, I/N: 0193087

● Ozito 200W detail sander and sandpaper, $43.90, I/N: 0098548

● Selleys ‘Liquid Nails Ezi Press Fast’ construction adhesive, $18.05/130g, I/N: 1210584

● Craftright folding workbench, $32.99, I/N: 0098261

● Stanley ‘SharpShooter’ heavy duty staple gun, $65, I/N: 0126854

● Wagner ‘W350’ high volume low pressure paint sprayer, $161, I/N: 0216877

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

IN THE GARDEN Winter

Potted colour, frost protection and propagation time

Bring winter cheer to a garden or balcony by filling pots and hanging baskets with potted colour. Primula, polyanthus and pansy are all great options. Remove spent blooms and liquid-feed regularly to promote additional flowering.

In frost-prone areas, protect vulnerable plants by covering them at night with a frost cloth. Remove it the next morning and, if needed, put back on again in the evening. Move potted plants under cover or to a sheltered spot until the danger of frost has passed.

Monitor lawns for onehunga weed, which appears in winter. Spray with a selective weedkiller suitable for your grass type.

Moss, algae, mould and lichen tend to build up in the cooler months and can create a slip hazard on surfaces such as paths and driveways. Control by spraying with a specially formulated product that also helps to inhibit future growth.

Propagate new plants from hardwood cuttings. Try roses, hydrangeas, wisteria and mulberries. To reduce the risk of disease, use clean tools to take cuttings, dip their ends in a rooting hormone, pot into seed-raising mix and water in well.

roses

WINTER WOW

Shady characters

Bring light to dark corners with these shade-loving plants

Hosta spp. Attractive clumps of large, lush leaves with many variegated forms in shades of green, bluegreen, yellow and white.

Clivia

A shade-loving favourite that delights with its bright orange, yellow, cream or pink blooms from late winter to early spring.

Viola

This five-petalled shrub with delicate flowers, mostly in white, yellow and purple, is a great groundcover choice, but also grows well in pots.

TOOL OF THE SEASON

Whether sanding, drilling or high-pressure washing, power up your portable Ozito tools with this sealed battery. It’s resistant to water and dust and designed to handle demanding tasks and extended run times. ●

After applying fertiliser near edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, or when handling compost or mulch, read the label, follow instructions and wear gloves, a mask and protective gear. Always store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.

Scan the QR code

For more on what to do in the garden during winter, go to bunnings.co.nz/ gardencorner

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

Propagate

from hardwood cuttings

● Ozito PXC ‘PXSBP-400’ 18V 4.0AH sealed battery, $119, I/N: 0590317

Photography (background, top left, hosta, clivia and viola) Getty Images; (rose pruning) Alamy Stock

Photo

Bunnings Ute & Van Hire Service

We can help get bulky purchases home, whether building a deck or a pergola, tidying up the garden, taking a few loads to the tip, picking up a new fridge/washer/couch or moving house.

Book online or in-store:

For the latest prices and booking information, see websites below.

1 Tonne (1000kg) carrying capacity

Hire by the hour, day, week or longer – just Load & Go Hire for one day or longer - first 100km free per day

Terms & Conditions apply. For more information, scan or visit: bunnings.co.nz/vehicle-hire or loadgo.nz

Ph: 0800 245 645

LOVE your bathroom

REFRESH YOUR VANITY, SHOWER BASE OR TILES THIS WEEKEND WITH THE DULUX RENOVATION RANGE.

Are you looking for inspiration? Scan the QR code for recent transformations and learn more about how the Dulux Renovation Range works.

Life’sa-Door-able

START YOUR FRONT DOOR PROJECT AND MAKE YOUR ENTRANCE ONE TO REMEMBER THIS WEEKEND WITH DULUX AQUANAMEL.

Are you looking to paint your front door? Scan the QR code for a step-by-step guide, inspiration, and colour ideas.

Dulux

Cardrona

Dulux Benhar

Dulux Rangitīkei River

Dulux Ōkārito

®Dulux and Worth doing, worth Dulux are registered trade marks of DuluxGroup Pty Ltd.

Dulux Ōkārito

STYLE FILE

Soothing colours and materials sourced from nature’s palette are the ideal way to embrace the cooler months

● 1 IBS ‘PanelLine’ 1200mm x 1200mm x 9mm MDF V-groove internal lining, $36.80, I/N: 0395670, painted in Dulux ‘Wash&Wear’ low sheen interior paint in Ōkete, $70.98/1L, I/N: 1370166. ● 2 Johnson Tiles ‘Herringbone’ 325mm x 305mm marble mosaic wall tiles, $24.50, I/N: 0191648. ● 3 Un-Real ‘Eucalyptus’ 100cm artificial stem, $16.50, I/N: 0279095 (store stock may be limited). ● 4 Kaboodle A5 benchtop swatch in Black Pudding, $2.98, I/N: 0212224. ● 5 Jack jute webbing, $3.91/5m, I/N: 0127338. ● 6 Sylvan ‘Upton’ 28mm knob in Satin Nickel Plate, $5.55, I/N: 0154831. ● 7 Tuscan Path 15-20mm natural pebbles in Black, $15/5kg, I/N: 0177523. ● 8 Sylvan ‘Berwick’ 96mm cabinet handles in Satin Nickel Plate, $7.95 each, I/N: 0144549. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ● 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 2

Cottage comforts

Create warm, inviting and calm spaces that are perfect for hunkering down during the chilly months ahead

Words Caroline Botting Photography Reuben Looi Styling Sam van Kan

From the outside in, each space in this cute cottage has been transformed into a snug sanctuary. We set the mood through texture, plants, colour and accessories, but it’s the clever DIY projects that truly elevate this home into a winter oasis.

are not available at

(From left) ● Northcote Pottery ‘Squat’ 110mm Italian terracotta pots, $4.19 each, I/N: 2863583, ‘Patavium’ 16cm Italian terracotta pots in Greige, $7.98 each, I/N: 2833042*, ‘Antique’ 13cm Italian terracotta pots, $4.20 each, I/N: 0044335, ‘Rupee’ 22cm x 20cm terracotta planter, $14.87, I/N: 0329357, 110mm Italian terracotta saucers, $2.45 each, I/N: 2863460, and ‘Antique’ 13cm Italian terracotta saucers, $4.60 each, I/N: 0044339. ● Thyme and monstera sold separately. ● Mechanix Wear ‘Classic Landscape’ leather medium rigger gloves, $26.50, I/N: 0270067. ● Jack 1.5mm jute twine economy pack, $5.60/300m, I/N: 0188965. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products

all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Plant up a cook’s corner of kitchen herbs in pretty pots

PEBBLE PLACEMATS & ROPE RINGS

Employ a hot-glue gun to craft these unique dining pieces.

✚ Cut a PVC foam grip mat slightly larger than your placemat’s finished size, and tape baking paper over your work surface to protect it. Starting from the centre, hot-glue pebbles to the mat piece close together. Once set, peel from the baking paper and trim excess mat.

✚ Wrap baking paper around a 400mm-diameter cylinder (we used scrap plumbing pipe) and tuck in the ends. Cut a 600mm length of rope, hot-glue one end to the cylinder and wrap around three times, gluing as you go. Once set, remove rope ring from cylinder. Cut a 200mm length of rope and wrap twice across the top of the ring, hot-gluing as you go, to form a decorative knot. Leave to set.

ABOVE ● Thyme, basil, rosemary and sage in Northcote Pottery ‘Antique’ 13cm Italian terracotta pot, $4.20, I/N: 0044335, on 13cm saucer, $4.60, I/N: 0044339, ‘Han’ 14cm cone pot in Blue, $12.85, I/N: 0089340, ‘Han’ 9cm x 8cm pot in Blue, $6.98, I/N: 0430357*, and ‘Imperial’ 16cm x 16cm pot in Blue, $19.48, I/N: 0430415*. All plants sold separately. ● Northcote Pottery 25cm Italian terracotta bowl, $17.40, I/N: 2833044. LEFT ● DIY pebble placemats made using Tuscan Path 15-20mm natural pebbles in Black, $29.50/10kg, I/N: 0229754, and Innova 200cm x 50cm grip mat in Black, $8.38, I/N: 8905392. DIY rope napkin rings made using Jack 12mm coco fibre rope, $8.85/10m, I/N: 0188967. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Make it!

Artful natural-stone placemats and rustic rope napkin rings add intriguing texture (see opposite)

STYLE TIPS

1 Choose a colour palette that reflects the wintery season – earthy tones such as warm browns and olive greens.

2 Set the seasonal feeling with mood lighting, created using a cluster of candles and floor lamps in corners.

3 Pay attention to table settings ensuring napkins, placemats and glassware complement the scene.

DINING ROOM

Natural elements combine to set the scene for an inviting winter gathering of friends and family. Savvy crafts include black river-stone placemats and jute rope napkin rings. These simple, inexpensive DIYs work harmoniously with the bare natural timber dining table and neutral hues of the tableware.

LEFT ● Mimosa ‘Bordeaux’ 250cm x 100cm recycled teak dining table, $1,595, I/N: 0426365†, and ‘Rope’ dining chairs, $89 each, I/N: 0033123*. ● Monstera in Lotus Collection 30cm ceramic pot with stand in White, $65, I/N: 0260823 (plant sold separately). All other products, stylist’s own. Never leave lit candles unattended.

SNUG SPACES

Hand-make a convenient and decorative blanket wall rack to introduce instant warmth and comfort. Display evergreen plants at different heights to freshen up a corner and cultivate a feeling of calm.

Illuminating idea

This rattan shade brings a dappled lighting effect, and instantly uplifts the vintage base

be ordered.

● Verve Design ‘Drum’ rattan lamp shade, $79, I/N: 0021463. ● Bluestar fern in Lotus Collection 43cm x 34cm ceramic indoor pot with stand in White, $65, I/N: 0200336. ● Monstera in Lotus Collection 30cm ceramic pot with stand in White, $65, I/N: 0260823. Both plants sold separately. ● DIY blanket ladder (see opposite) made using Hume Pine ‘Pinetrim’ 30mm dowel, $14.92, I/N: 0293813•, Briwax ‘Original’ wax, $44.75/400g, I/N: 0350908, and Zenith 10mm sisal rope, $3/m, I/N: 0124486. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may

WINTER PALETTE

Mossy green

Soft grey

Dark timber tones

Make it!

Fill a blank wall with a blanket display, courtesy of this clever DIY storage solution (see below)

LORD OF THE RUNGS

Round timber dowel and rope combine to create functional and chic storage.

1 Cut dowel to 800mm lengths using a handsaw. Measure 50mm in from the ends, clamp firmly to your workbench and drill through using a 10mm bit. Sand cut edges and breakout from the holes, then apply wax and allow to dry.

2 Hang rope over a wall hook and thread through dowel holes, spacing each rung about 300mm apart and holding in place using cable ties. Remove from the wall and clamp dowel to your workbench again, to tap 19mm panel pins through the dowel and rope using a small hammer.

3 Snip off the cable ties, form knots in the rope under the bottom rung, trim the rope and fray to form decorative tassels.

SCANDI-STYLE TABLE

Slender hairpin legs deliver designer looks on a budget.

1 Have your plywood cut in store to 1100mm long. Sand all sides smooth, rounding corners slightly.

2 Measure and mark 30mm in from each corner, then attach the legs within the marks using 19mm timber screws.

3 Apply Danish oil using a lint-free cloth. After drying overnight, sand lightly with 240-grit abrasive paper, then apply a second coat.

Make it!

You can DIY this sleek piece for less than $250 (see above), with enough timber left over for the hall table on page 20

LIVING ROOM

Unwind and embrace winter in your living space. Grab a hot drink, a book and relax in front of the glow of the fire. Bring in candles and floor lamps to increase soft, ambient lighting. Layer furniture with plush cushions, blankets and throws for extra comfort and warm vibes.

LEFT ● Mimosa ‘Butterfly’ wicker chairs in Black, $179 each, I/N: 0244162*. ● Tuscan Path ‘Half Barrel’ 55cm wooden planter, $69.98, I/N: 2890294. ● Variegated monstera in Northcote Pottery ‘Lex’ 24cm x 20cm pot in Stone, $37.48, I/N: 0430392. ● Prayer plant in Scheurich ‘Zen’ 18cm x 15.5cm textured indoor pot in Black, $26.98, I/N: 0430328*. ● Prayer plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Lex’ 24cm x 20cm pot in Black, $37.48, I/N: 0430380*. ● Bluestar fern in Lotus Collection 43cm x 34cm ceramic indoor pot with stand in White, $65, I/N: 0200336. ● DIY coffee table made using 2200mm x 600mm x 25mm untreated American white oak veneer plywood, $99, I/N: 8902287•, Briwax Danish oil, $27.50/250ml, I/N: 0728564, and Taskmaster ‘Hairpin’ 400mm x 10mm steel table legs, $18.95 each, I/N: 0038470. All plants old separately. All other products, stylist’s own. Never leave lit candles unattended.

SHADOW PLAY

Use up old cardboard boxes, leftover sample pots of paint and kitchen staples to put on a show.

1 Select a sturdy box for the playhouse and cut out the front screen and puppeteer’s side slots. Use another box to form a pyramid-shaped roof with scalloped edges.

2 Paint the playhouse (we used Dulux Black Reef) and stripes on the roof (we used Dulux Taieri and Ōhiwa).

Tape baking paper to the inside of the screen.

3 Poke a bamboo skewer through the roof and glue on a paper flag (we painted our flag in Dulux Cape Campbell).

Cut characters from card, then glue these to the ends of skewers to form puppets.

4 Arrange self-adhesive battery strip lights on the rear inside wall of the playhouse.

(Opposite) Artwork Rocky Seascape, Te Kaha by Ruth Taylor.

PLAY/READING ROOM

Set up a snug indoor play space with a soft rug and comfy storage bench for story time. Add a homemade balloon light overhead and imaginations will take flight.

Make it! SEE PAGE 72 FOR HOW TO DRESS UP THIS HOT-AIR BALLOON LIGHT

Make it! Puppet shows never get old… Show the kids how it’s done with this handmade theatre (see opposite)

ABOVE ● Mimosa timber outdoor storage box, $299, I/N: 3190580*. ● Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ water hyacinth insert in Natural, $25.79, I/N: 0285878*.

● DIY shadow-puppet theatre made using Click RGB LED battery operated strip light, $16.18/1m, I/N: 0099705, and Jumbuck flat bamboo BBQ skewers, $2.98/pack of 50, I/N: 0280567. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

BACK PORCH

When the rain and windy weather arrives, an undercover ‘mud room’ area is the ideal place to keep dirty and wet items outside. But this doesn’t mean it has to be a drab space. Add a handmade timber boot tray to capture any dirt and let soggy footwear dry. Lift the mood with plants, art and, if space allows, a potting table. An old butcher’s block provides stow space – and a place to rest garden-fresh veges. ●

(Indoors) ● Alocasia ‘Frydek’ in Northcote Pottery ‘Lex’ 24cm x 20cm pot in Black, $37.48, I/N: 0430380* (plant sold separately). ● DIY hall table made using 2200mm x 600mm x 25mm untreated American white oak veneer plywood, $99, I/N: 8902287•, Briwax Danish oil, $27.50/250ml, I/N: 0728564, and Taskmaster ‘Hairpin’ 700mm x 10mm steel table legs, $24.93 each, I/N: 0038471. ● Axton ‘Cordoba’ 900mm x 600mm jute mat in Natural, $44.75, I/N: 0047663. (Porch) ● Troopers size 6 infant gumboots in Black, $24, I/N: 0402869, size 9 children’s gumboots in Grey, $25.50, I/N: 0402865, and ‘Endeavor’ size 5 gumboots in Black, $74.50, I/N: 0075713. ● Axton ‘Eco’ 75cm x 45cm coir mat in Natural, $19.97, I/N: 0286827. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Make it! SEE PAGE 70 TO FIND OUT HOW TO BUILD THIS NEAT TRAY

(Bunnings Workshop community member @Helsbren) achieved this light and bright kitchen makeover by reinventing old cabinets as open shelves, and adding an artistic tiled splashback

THE SEARCH FOR NZ’S BEST DIY PROJECT!

We’re on the hunt for local DIY stars. So now’s your chance to share a favourite project, large or small

More and more New Zealanders are discovering the satisfaction and savings that come with DIY. This year we’re on a quest to find the country’s best DIY projects, and here is your chance to shine. We are giving individuals and community groups the chance to show off their fabulous DIY endeavours. With help from industry-expert judges, finalists will be selected and winners will feature in our Spring issue, on stands across New Zealand stores and online. Submit your before and after photos of weekend projects, proud paint

moments and clever upcycles, along with more ambitious makeovers of key rooms such as a kitchen, laundry or bathroom. The community category allows groups to enter, whether you’re a men’s or women’s shed, a social club or clever school group. Simply find a category (see right) that best fits your ambitions. Need help to find your next project? This issue is packed full of inspiration, plus Bunnings Workshop (workshop.net.nz) is a great source of practical tips and advice.

WHICH CATEGORY DOES YOUR PROJECT BELONG TO?

 Best bathroom/ laundry makeover

Whether you’ve painted over your dated bathroom tiles for a stylish new look, stripped it right back to start all over again or pieced together new flatpack cabinets for your laundry, show us your wash-zone efforts.

 Best kitchen makeover

Created an Insta-worthy kitchen?

We want to see the breezy Hamptons, chic contemporary or traditional farmhouse look you’ve gone with to amp up your kitchen’s functionality and style.

 Best paint project

If you brandished a paintbrush, roller or spray paint to refresh a chest of drawers, benchtop, tiles or even your whole home exterior, this is the category for you. Let’s see your before and after pics.

 Best small project

Your weekend project may be small in size, but we bet it’s useful or even just looks great! For anything from plant stands to spice racks, or even bedroom revamps, we’re keen to admire your clever DIY.

 Best upcycling makeover

A pro at transforming old pieces? We love these projects that breathe new life into the tired and weary. Show us how you repurposed and recycled preloved household items.

 Best community project

Have you and your mates created a cheerful street library, a fun, safe place for local kids to play or a productive neighbourhood garden? We’d love to see how your team or organisation has DIYed for good.

 Best outdoor project

If your backyard, shed or garage is your pride and joy – and made more so through your hard work – send us the before and after pics so we can admire it, too.

Helena

The feature wall created by Amy (Bunnings Workshop community member @TheSparrowHome) transformed her young son’s simple bedroom into an inspirational, tranquil space BEFORE

ABOVE Innovative upcycling of a vintage cabinet by Claire (Bunnings Workshop community member @Renowayoflife) resulted in a unique – and very useful – bathroom vanity

YOUR JUDGES

Meet our judging panel, a group of industry experts who love everything about DIY! They’re ready to review your submissions and will unveil their favourites in the Spring issue of the magazine (in store September 5) and online at workshop.net.nz.

her

for

the

get a DIY job done right the first time.

To enter our D.I.Y. July Project Search, head to our Instagram @bunningsnz and follow these steps:

● Upload before and after images, and tag us on the post using @bunningsnz

● Caption details should include the category you are entering and any Bunnings products used in the project. Plus, don’t forget to tag #BunningsDIYJuly2024

OR

Visit workshop.net.nz or scan the QR code below to go to Bunnings Workshop, then sign into your Bunnings Workshop account. Don’t have one yet? It’s free – and easy – to sign up! Once you’ve logged in, here’s what to do:

● Click the ‘share a project’ button on Bunnings Workshop

● Include a brief description of your project, the tools and materials used, the steps you undertook and before and after photos

● Add the ‘D.I.Y. July New Zealand’ label before hitting ‘post’.

Entries close 11.50pm NZST on Sunday, July 28, 2024. For full terms and conditions, visit bunnings. co.nz/diy-july

Please remember that all professional work, such as plumbing and hardwired electrics, must be carried out by licensed trades. ●

DIY goals.

unappreciated items given a whole new lease

Mitch is one of the experts guiding Bunnings Workshop community members with practical tips and info to help them achieve their

Kathy from 3M – home of ScotchBlue and 3M Safety brands – has more than 20 years of experience in the home improvement sector and is an enthusiastic DIYer.

CAROLINE BOTTING Bunnings Magazine Associate Editor Caroline leads the team producing Bunnings magazine in New Zealand. She loves upcycling and seeing

on life.

With

keen eye

detail and 24 years in

home improvement space, Vicki knows what it takes to

VICKI KITTO National Account Manager, Monarch

MEET THE MAKERS

These Kiwis show exactly why we’re renowned for our ‘do it yourself’ attitude

Compiled by Caroline Botting

Welcome to the world of DIY, where creativity is key and has no limits. In this special feature, we profile individuals from across Aotearoa who embody ingenuity. From a retired farmer, a father-son duo and first-time homebuyers to a renowned artist and designer and an Instagram influencer, these unsung DIY stars and Bunnings regulars come from diverse backgrounds but share a passion for making.

Crafting, renovating and creating gives these DIYers purpose and delivers joy and savings too. Here, they share their stories, tips and advice on how to embark on your own project – just in time for Bunnings D.I.Y. July!

Phillip and Hannah Rubery

The Art Deco-leaning renovation of a cottage in the city of Napier has given this creative young couple the chance to flex their DIY muscles. Bunnings best buy: “Laminated panels to make a desk.”

MELDING OLD AND MODERN

Hannah: We’ve always been interested in architecture and interior design. Phillip also grew up watching his dad renovate their family’s Californian bungalow and learned plenty of skills from him! Our house is an 1890s port cottage and we wanted to retain or add back as many heritage features as we could, plus honour the Art Deco influences of the area. So our DIY style has become ‘modern Art Deco’, with lots of geometric shapes, curves and brass and gold fittings.

The biggest challenge was taking out a load-bearing wall in the kitchen

“We use YouTube and other DIYers for research and advice – the DIY community in NZ is extremely supportive!”

Hannah Rubery/homeowner

and lounge – both getting consent* and digging 700mm x 700mm x 700mm holes under the floor. Trying to dig through limestone via a hole in the kitchen and clambering under the house with a camp-sized shovel was tough! By adding a front deck we’ve doubled our summer living space and also, along with a new garden bed and fence, created a huge amount of street appeal. We plan our projects thoroughly and try to foresee issues, but there are always going to be problems in a house of this age with crooked floors and walls. Looking back on our projects, we would have done some things differently but that’s all part of the learning.

CRUSHING ON COLOUR

“Before embarking on a project I plan and think it through – but I also believe in instinct and figuring it out as I go!“

Evie Kemp/artist and designer

and functionally sound, but I just wanted it to better reflect our style. So I painted the kitchen (and bathroom) cabinets with the Dulux Renovation Range. We essentially gave ourselves a brand new kitchen full of personality for a fraction of the cost and, even better, with zero waste.

My parents DIYed everything in our home – from building the kitchen to making curtains. And my mum, Angela, is a DIY master, so for me it was just how you got something done! Even before I moved out of home I had projects for my room.

I have an absolute ‘can-do’ attitude – whether that’s entirely good is questionable – and I love to problem solve. I also have a real issue with renovations causing skips full of landfill if it’s not necessary. For example, our kitchen was both structurally

The biggest DIY challenge I’ve faced was tiling the floor of my parents’ conservatory using cement tiles – I’d never tiled a floor and it was the hardest job I’ve ever done. Tiling is difficult to reverse and can also be really time sensitive, so I felt like I had no option but to get it right. I pulled up YouTube videos to guide me and focused on doing the best job I could. To new DIYers, start with an easy win! Pick a project that’s achievable but gives you a nice, big feeling of success, such as painting a room. Follow online DIY guides [such as Bunnings how-tos] for specific projects and Google when needed – someone has almost always done this before you!

Artist and designer Evie Kemp brings her ‘eclectic, bold, colourful and functional’ style to her Auckland home, with much of the interior showcasing her DIY. Bunnings go-to: “The paint aisle – to collect Dulux colour cards.”

Evie Kemp

“All projects have tedious parts but it’s very satisfying seeing the final result“

Brooke Spong/retiree

Richard and Brooke Spong

Richard Spong, from Auckland, and his dad, retiree Brooke from Whangamatā, bond over projects big and small, turning every task into a memorable experience. Bunnings go-to: “Power tools section – you can never have too many!”

SHARING A PASSION

Brooke: DIY is in our blood. My three uncles and some cousins were all DIYers – my grandfather was a manufacturing engineer. It was the norm. It’s a Kiwi thing to be able to put your hand to most things and find a solution. I’ll often look at something and think, “I could make one of those

and make it stronger or include an extra feature”. And there’s always the feel-good factor in building something yourself and mastering a new skill.

For size alone, I’m most proud of the pool deck surround project Richard and I completed at his family home. It covered a large area and all the pool edges were rounded!

For creativity, I’m proud of the bathroom barn door, basin cabinet and wall cupboard I made of macrocarpa – the natural timber finish looked and smelled fantastic.

My advice to beginners is to start small or simple as you will get results that should encourage you to go further. Practise heaps, ask lots of questions of people you’re confident know what they’re talking about. Google lots. Have fun. And be safe.

Richard: My dad inspired me to DIY. He has been doing it for as long as I can remember. In our first family home he did major landscaping (by hand),

added two decks and expanded a bathroom! Replacing our pool deck with Dad was a huge project taking many months and a massive improvement on what we had before. We found an old concrete spa under our deck from the 1960s. It was built like a nuclear fallout shelter. It took a jackhammer to break through it!

I like DIY as I enjoy creating things, problem solving and having the exact product I want. Plus, staying active helps with fitness!

On the fence

Three generations of Spongs made the painted ply wall art

Creating this pool deck was challenging but very rewarding for the father and son duo

Take a seat

Brooke designed and built this furniture

Paige Wainui

She once doubted her DIY skills, but now this Hamilton-based content creator loves taking on new projects and inspiring others with her creativity and positivity. Bunnings best buy: “My Ozito jigsaw is easy to use and cost-effective.”

CREATING CONFIDENCE

DIY has helped break down personal barriers. As a mum and a woman, I initially felt out of my depth putting my DIY hat on. Now I have a few projects under my belt, I’ve gained confidence and the mindset, ‘If there is a will there’s a way’ – with anything in life!

Buying my first house led me to start DIY – and now what fuels my passion for it is saving money, inspiring others and letting my creative juices flow. My first DIY project was a curved, full-wall headboard for my kids’ room. This is still very special to me, as I learned that it’s possible to ‘do it yourself’. It gave the room a playful pop and seeing how excited my kids were with the transformation was great. I approach each project with a great deal of planning. Goodnotes app helps me add inspirational photos and ideas. I watch YouTube videos or TikTok tutorials that offer tips and tricks before jumping in. Only after thorough preparation do I gather materials – first looking for second-hand options online – and then construction begins! I love the process of piecing it all together, but my favourite part is the moment when I see it come together.

There have been challenges along the way, mainly from my impatience for instant gratification! When I start a project I am all in. All of my focus and attention goes into it until it’s finished. The downside of this is the exhaustion after long days and late nights working to complete it.

One piece of advice: take before and after photos to record your journey. You never know how you may encourage others!

Cushioned curves

The headboard is made from timber cut to shape, foam mattress topper and fabric

“I wouldn’t DIY without my jigsaw – it’s been a lifesaver for many projects!“

Paige Wainui/content creator

Photography

Reuben Looi

Talking point

The locals were impressed with Neil’s construction

Neil Grant

Recently retired farmer and Bunnings Workshop community member Neil Grant (@Xfarma21) from Mosgiel is putting his newfound spare time to good use. Bunnings best buy: “Stainless-steel wire rope to support my tomatoes.”

BUILDING A REPUTATION

Before moving to Mosgiel I was too busy on the farm to consider DIY projects. But my partner Barbara and I had a newly built passive house and wanted a rustic country look for the overall landscaping design.

This is what inspired me to create the gabion basket wall. I’d never

done any stonework like this before, and it was so satisfying coming out with a result that is close to what I’d imagined. The wall is next to a public walkway and the locals commented that it was a big job. Some days I did not get much done as I kept getting asked what I was doing. I’d reply, “I’m building a hedge I don’t have to cut,” which left them with a puzzled look!

The size of this project did not overwhelm me – the wall is 35m long and 975mm high x 525mm deep – as I knew I had the ability, time, materials and resources to complete it.

I made the baskets from whole sheets of mesh, along with a machine to make my own spirals for joining the mesh. I also made a sign on the wall of our street address out of the cup holders from telephone poles and decorated the gate (recycled from sheep yards) using bits from old harrows (cultivation equipment). My advice to DIYers starting out is to always think carefully about the materials and processes required. And give it a go – as you never know what you can achieve! ●

Calling all DIYers! ENTER YOUR PROJECT IN D.I.Y. JULY! FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 22

Discover more detail behind Neil’s ‘no cut hedge’: bunnings.co.nz/ workshop-gabion-wall Read it!

Neil even made machinery to help construct his wall

Photography

Jodie Gibson

Wireless or optional wired or WiFi controller Ideal for residential applications

for rapid heating and cooling functions

The inside running

Read our round-up of the latest interior design trends, to inspire quick updates and help you nail down bigger plans

Words Caroline Botting

Interior style morphs and shifts, and at times takes dramatic turns, influencing colours, shapes, materials and fittings. And 2024’s ’newstalgia’ trend has us looking back to move forward. The term combines the familiarity of the past with sparks of joy and excitement, explains Bunnings trend and design manager Jane Wright.

“This year is all about selfexpression: creating a space that’s mood-boosting, playful and reflects individual personalities,” says Jane. “We’re shrugging off cool and careful minimalist style and hunting down bold decor to refresh our living spaces on a budget.” And along with a focus on dramatic yet nostalgic interiors, there’s a

drive towards sustainability and a need to connect with nature.

1

RETRO GLAMOUR

Sophisticated spaces with a feeling of understated luxury and warmth come to the fore. Curved and linear designs remain, but with a touch of old-school glam.

“Design classics from the 1970s and ’80s are back in fashion, but with a twist –they’ve been modernised and reimagined in rich colours, textures, patterns and finishes,” says Jane. Warm woods, glass, lacquer finishes, geometric shapes and bold patterns in tiling and textiles all feature, as do tactile, nostalgic textures, such as velvet, bouclé and

shag, for cushions, throws and rugs. Colours like smoked paprika, pomegranate and caramel can bring both warmth and drama to painted walls, furnishings and accessories.

2

HERALD HANDCRAFTED

The handmade movement is in full swing and decor that feels both crafted and authentic, with traditional techniques like caning and rattan weaving, is celebrated. Vintage, unique finds and upcycles are also in demand.

“We might invest in a single statement piece that brings us joy every time we look at it. Or we might look to upcycle, rehome, repaint, re-love or repurpose nostalgic or

Dulux Cardrona British Paints Foundation Stone Dulux Three Kings

inexpensive pieces that provide us with comfort,” says Jane Wright. Rugs appear handmade and ceramics naturally aged. Soft furnishings use weaves, linen and natural cotton, giving a stripped-back, sustainable feel.

”Look for freeform designs that are wavy, mushroom-shaped and geometric – anything that has a handmade look to it,” she says.

3

BRING NATURE IN

Connecting with nature is known to have a positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. It’s a huge inspiration for this year’s style trends, with designs that amplify wellbeing and stability.

“The focus of this trend is creating calming spaces we can retreat to, encouraging a connection with our natural surroundings,” says Jane.

The trend can be achieved with the use of authentic, natural materials, like timber wall panelling for an organic, textured backdrop to a room, travertine for floor tiles, stone plant pots and ceramics. Using colour, such as browns, leafy greens and flower golds, is another option. “The emphasis is on selecting natureinspired colours, pieces and materials that update spaces, rather than transforming them,” says Jane.

4

KITCHEN CONFIDENCE

Our desire to create homes that are individual is a key driver to saying goodbye to the all-white kitchen and bringing colour in, says Giorgia Manenti at Kaboodle Kitchen.

“Shades of blue and green, once considered bold and daring choices in kitchens, now effortlessly integrate,” she says. “Inspired by nature, these colourways blend with most interior palettes while also adding some personality and charm to the space.”

Cool metals are making a comeback with chrome, aluminium and steel bringing a new shine.

“Adding a sleek and contemporary vibe, cool metals enhance a kitchen’s aesthetic appeal,” says Giorgia. “Most appliances come in chrome, steel or aluminium finishes, allowing you to match hardware and accessories to maintain cohesion.”

Combining rustic and vintage accessories with modern surfaces can help to personalise a space

5

FUTURE BATHROOMS

A flush of colour is edging out the all-white bathroom, with bold shades, more subtle hues and earthy tones emerging. Look out for traditional wallpapers and patterned tiles, and lighting with customised shapes and mood options.

Increasingly, bathrooms will have sustainable features (water-saving fixtures, eco-friendly products and more natural light). Soothing textures such as timber, stone and plants will be popular, combining well with sleek and modern touches. ●

NEW MOULD

Selleys Wet Area

Introducing... CLEAN & PROTECT ™

Interior wall paint

Whether you’re looking to refresh your home, renovate a room or simply add some character to your space, Clean & Protect Interior wall paint by British Paints is the answer.

Each can is packed with years of expertise for a great value paint that’s easy to apply and keeps your walls looking fresher for longer.

STEP 1: PLAN

Choose your British Paints colour and gloss level. Here are some all-time favourite colours:

STEP 2: PREP

Use Selleys® Sugar Soap to clean and wash your surface, then apply British Paints® Prep 4in1® to seal, prime and work as an undercoat and stain-blocker.

STEP 3: PAINT

Use a roller to make light work of Clean & Protect and a brush around the edges. Don’t forget to stand back and admire your work afterwards too.

Colour with confidence

Give your interior a fresh vibe with a new colour from the British Paints Clean & Protect range

Breathe life into your bedroom and create a snug retreat you can truly relax in, or give family areas a vibrant refresh. The all-new Clean & Protect range from British Paints® makes transforming your home and getting a long-lasting finish simple. Being wipeable and low odour, its improved formula is designed to make your DIY journey a breeze. With innovative UltraProtect™ technology ensuring durable protection against mould and mildew, achieving a quality paint job has never been easier.

Get the look

WALL REFRESH

Clean your walls with Selleys® sugar soap, followed by a coat of British Paints Prep 4in1 (primer, sealer, undercoat and stain blocker). Then apply two coats of your chosen colour. We recommend using 2 litres for a feature wall, 4 litres for a small room (3m x 3m), and 8 litres for a large room (6m x 6m). Still unsure? Use the British Paints paint calculator. Once dry, make sure to admire your handiwork!

FINISHING TOUCHES

Bring your room together with some complementary styling. Begin by anchoring the space with a textured rug, such as rattan. Pair it with timber furniture, then incorporate accents in your selected colour palette to tie everything together. Don’t forget to add some indoor plants to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.

painted

and

1 British Paints ‘Clean & Protect’ semi gloss interior wall paint, $98.73/4L, I/N: 0561960. 2 British Paints ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior wall paint, $98.73/4L, I/N: 0561928. 3 British Paints ‘Clean & Protect’ gloss doors, walls & trims paint, $98.73/4L, I/N: 0561975. 4 British Paints ‘Clean & Protect’ matt interior wall paint, $98.73/4L, I/N: 0561948.

palette inspiration

All available in semi gloss, low sheen, gloss and matt.

For more project ideas and colour inspiration, speak to a team member at your local Bunnings, or visit britishpaints.co.nz.

Walls

in Gentle Wind

Diamond White

Walls painted in Daintree Beauty

Coming up roses

Whether you’re a dedicated grower or more ‘rose-curious’, now is the time to get active!

Words Roger Fox

Winter is prime time for roses.

It’s when newbies get planted and oldies get pruned to stimulate a cycle of growth and flowers. For gardeners, it’s the time when a fabulous selection of bare-root rose plants appear in nurseries, including new releases and old favourites. Whatever you choose, you’ll be richly rewarded in the months to come.

GROWING ESSENTIALS

Roses are tough, long-lived plants that grow in most climate zones. And growing them isn’t hard, says Wilma van de Laak-Verhaegh at Southern Roses, as long as their essential needs are met. “Anyone can grow roses,” she says. “It can be a fun and rewarding experience for any gardener.”

Wilma’s top tips for flourishing roses are to choose strong performers and plant them in a sunny, well-draining spot, avoiding areas where there is competition from other trees and plants. “Water well after planting and

feed with rose fertiliser to encourage flower growth in spring,” she advises. “Deadheading spent blooms regularly will help promote future flowering.”

A steady supply of nutrients is also key. Whatever type of soil you have, Angie Thomas from Yates advises adding plenty of organic matter.

“To help give the rose a great start, improve the soil in the planting hole with blood and bone or pelletised chicken manure,” says Angie.

And for the best blooms, feed plants with rose food three times a year in spring, summer and autumn.

“A regular spray program from spring to autumn can help prevent pests and diseases”

Wilma van de Laak-Verhaegh/ Southern Roses

PLANTING BARE-ROOT ROSES

Most roses are planted in winter as bare-root plants. While they look a little uninspiring – a cluster of thorny sticks with plastic-wrapped roots – remember they’re just waiting for spring when they will burst into leaf and bloom. “If you plant roses in their dormant stage, they will have more time in a somewhat friendlier environment to get root establishment. This will result in more prolific growth in spring and summer,” explains Wilma. When you get your plant home, unwrap it and shake off the medium

around the roots, put it straight into a bucket of water and let it soak for one to two days.

Step 1 Dig a hole wide enough for the full spread of the roots, and deep enough so the bud union (the knobbly swelling on the stem) ends up a couple of centimetres above soil level –roughly 30cm wide and 20cm deep, at a minimum. Tip: If you have not already prepared your soil, mix cow manure and compost through the excavated soil.

Step 2 Using the excavated soil, form a mound at the bottom of the planting hole. Untangle the roots and spread them over the mound, holding the plant upright. Adjust the mound as needed, so the bud union will sit just above the finished soil level. Step 3 Backfill the hole halfway, then add water. When the puddle has drained, fill the rest of the hole, firming the soil down with your hands to remove any air pockets. Water again with a shower spray. Tip: Don’t fertilise when planting. Instead, wait until spring for signs of leaf growth, then sprinkle on rose food, water in well and mulch. Check out the amazing range of roses at bunnings.co.nz/roses.

GROWING STRONG

Get your roses off to a healthy start for a blooming bonanza in the year ahead

Chop chop

Make the cut with a quality pair of pruners

● McGregor’s alloy body bypass secateurs, $14.98, I/N: 0519090

Pest control

Keep fungal diseases and bugs at bay

● Yates ready to use rose gun, $14.97/750ml, I/N: 0049614

Super food

Boost nutrient levels for healthy growth

Scotts Osmocote rose, camellia, azalea and gardenia mix, $13.09/25L, I/N: 8912725

Petal power

Feed with a flowerpromoting formula

● Yates ‘Thrive’ rose & flower granular fertiliser, $15.94/2kg, I/N: 0208808

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

●

A bare-root rose makes a lovely gift for gardeners

roses

“Treat roses well – feed them and give them loads of gardening love”

Wilma

van de Laak-Verhaegh/ Southern Roses

POTTED BEAUTIES

Many roses grow well in containers, giving you the flexibility to put them in the sunniest spot in your garden. Wilma van de LaakVerhaegh says patio roses and floribundas are the most suitable varieties for growing in pots. For the best results, Angie Thomas recommends choosing a pot that’s around 40cm wide and using a premium potting mix. Feed periodically with a liquid fertiliser formulated for roses, from early spring to autumn.

PRUNING BASICS

Roses have the handy habit of bearing their flowers on new growth. So when they’re cut back in winter, they respond by pushing out vigorous new stems in spring, which quickly produce buds. If you live in a frost-prone area, delay pruning until all danger of frost has passed, so you won’t risk the new growth getting burnt off. It is all about rejuvenating the plant and – essentially –keeping it young. Here are the basics for pruning established bush and shrub roses. (Climbing, rambling and mini roses often have different pruning requirements for best results.)

1 Cut the whole bush back by about a third to a half, making each cut just above a nice, plump, outward-facing growth bud. Use clean, sharp secateurs to reduce the risk of disease and so you don’t tear the bark.

2 Remove any dead canes, cutting them at the base of the plant. Also remove crisscrossing canes, to open up the centre of the bush, and any sick or spindly growth.

■ Wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix/mulch/compost.

■ When handling thorny plants or pruning, wear protective gear such as gloves and long sleeves.

■ Store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets. Keep in mind...

3 Bin all prunings, in case they’re harbouring pests, then treat the bare plants with a spray of lime sulphur and/or pest oil to clean up any fungal spores or dormant bugs that might be hanging around. ●

Growing

in pots is ideal for gardens with limited space

GET IT DONE IN RED BANDS

From tending to the garden to cheering on the kids’ sports, Red Bands have you covered. Handcrafted from 19 individual pieces, they’re built to last. A timeless classic since 1958, Red Bands are an iconic staple. Whatever the weather, you’ll be ready to take on anything in Red Bands. Red Bands are available for Junior, Children, Women/Youth, and Men.

Support network

The horticultural practice of espalier involves training a fruiting or ornamental tree, shrub or woody vine to grow in a pattern flat against a wall, fence or freestanding frame. Practical and beautiful, espalier is a fantastic way to make the most of a small outdoor space, or hide an unsightly surface.

Landscape designer Brielle Economos says espalier creates a striking focal point. “It can also transform vertical spaces into an opportunity for a compact and productive orchard,” she says.

THE RIGHT CONDITIONS

An espaliered plant requires the same light conditions as its regular-growing counterpart. “A full-sun location such as a north-facing wall is ideal for fruiting plants like apple or citrus,” explains Brielle. “A shadier aspect may better suit a camellia or Japanese maple.” Always check the plant label information before buying a tree to see if it’s suitable for growing in your space. If planting in the ground, ensure the soil is

well-draining and enriched with organic matter. If growing in a pot, espalier specialist Chris England recommends choosing a large rectangular planter. “This means it sits flat against a wall or fence, whereas a round container protrudes more,” he says.

In cooler climates, an espaliered fruit tree against a wall or fence can be a good idea as the surface absorbs and radiates heat, offering extra warmth and protection. However, in frost-prone zones, additional precautions are necessary. “Use hessian covers when growing citrus, or go for deciduous fruit trees as frost won’t harm them as much,” says Chris.

TOOLS AND TREES

Almost any tree can be espaliered. “Evergreen and deciduous fruit trees (both regular and dwarf forms) such as lemon, lime, apple, fig, pear and olive, and ornamental shrubs and trees like gingko, camellia, magnolia, gardenia, star jasmine and rosemary are all suitable candidates,” says Chris.

“You’ll need a good pair of secateurs, a sturdy structure to secure the branches to – such as a wooden lattice – and soft, flexible ties or plant clips,” he advises. If training against a wall or fence, you can construct a framework using heavy-gauge wire (see Watch it! on the next page).

When choosing a tree, Brielle suggests looking for one that has the growth pattern of an espalier with a good central stem and several evenly spaced horizontal branches. “Alternatively, choose a young plant as they are quite flexible and pliable, and will be easier to train and tie the branches to the frame,” she says.

STYLE GUIDE

There are a number of espalier styles, which can be divided into two main types: formal and informal. “A formal design has a central leader with symmetrical growth on either side,” explains Chris. “An informal style simply aims to fill the entire space with branches.” For beginners interested in attempting formal espalier styles, Chris recommends

FLAT-OUT FABULOUS

While there are limitless shapes you can achieve with informal espalier, formal styles have enduring appeal. Try the horizontal cordon shown on the previous page or one of the classics below.

Branches

A series of trees is trained into a lattice-like pattern, which becomes an impressive living screen

CANDELABRA

From a strong central trunk, branches are first trained horizontally, then up

FAN OR VASE

radiate out at an elegant 45° angle to the central trunk of the tree

BELGIAN FENCE

Regular pruning and tying are essential to maintain the pleasing shape of an espaliered plant

“An espalier is a timeless feature, adding beauty and vertical interest to almost any garden“

Brielle Economos/landscape designer

the horizontal cordon, which is characterised by a central stem with horizontal branches every 30-40cm. “It’s a classic shape and also one of the easiest,” he says. After securing a support structure (such as lattice) in place, plant the tree in the centre of the framework. Loosely tie the trunk to the frame first, then the side branches, and prune excess growth. Water the tree in with diluted seaweed solution to help reduce transplant shock and encourage faster root establishment. Other formal styles include fan or vase, Belgian fence and candelabra (see Flat-out fabulous, previous page). Whatever shape you choose, pruning is necessary. “It’s important to prune at least twice a year, in summer and again in winter,” says Chris. “Summer pruning should be done two or three times during the season, depending on the growth of the plant. A general tidy is all that is required in winter.” ●

Learn how to make a stylish wire support for your espalier: bunnings.co.nz/wire-trellis

From fruiting favourites to verdant vines, you’re spoilt for choice with espalier. Here’s what you need to get started

Lovely lattice

Choose a sturdy trellis to support your plants

Williams Trellis 1800mm x 900mm x 70mm unframed square trellis, $62.55, I/N: 0890285

Soft option

Gently does it when tying up your plants Jack 5mm twistable soft plant tie in Green, $6.66/5m, I/N: 3320935

Star climber

This popular espalier choice prefers wire to trellis Star jasmine

Fruity favourite

Cover an empty wall with a supply of figs Fig tree

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

Energy is what we do, but it’s people we do it for.

Clarus is one of New Zealand’s largest energy groups. Whether it’s transmission, distribution, supply or storage of energy, the companies within Clarus service over half a million homes and businesses* of all sizes around New Zealand.

While the majority of our existing assets and investments remain in the traditional natural gas and LPG sector, we are also looking to the future. We are investing in

innovative renewable gas technologies such as biogas upgrading and hydrogen blending, even a large solar farm. These technologies have the potential to play a role for the country long-term in the ongoing transition to a lower emissions energy system.

Warm, well & wise

Give your home a health check, then layer in warmth, comfort and money-saving tweaks

Words Shelley Tustin

The start of a new year is peak season for assessing what needs to be improved in your home (and life) but, while those January resolutions are now just a distant memory, winter is a great time to review your overall home health – inside, outside and financially. Start by making sure your health and comfort are covered – your home should provide everything you need in terms of warmth – and also your physical and mental wellbeing. Then look at how you can do things better in the second half of 2024, focusing on organisational systems and savvy financial tips to make your life run more smoothly.

Photography Gap Photos/Marcin Grabowieckie. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Emily MacAlpine: marg.studio

WARMTH

Make your home a haven this winter with these tips for creating a cocooning space that keeps out the chill without breaking the bank.

LAYER UP

Blankets, rugs and cuddly cushions are essential ingredients for a winter nest, while the visual effect of ampedup texture makes us feel warmer as soon as we enter a room. Natural fibres, such as wool, are one of the best ways to add texture and warmth, says interior designer Emily MacAlpine of MARG Studio. “This could be by adding a thick, knitted wool throw rug to the end of your bed or sofa to snuggle up under,” she says.

EMBRACE THE SUN

Sunlight is a fantastic no-cost source of heat – and a dose of sun also helps keep the winter SAD (seasonal affective disorder) away. Note where the sun falls in the cool months and take advantage of every beam. “Homes should act like a living thing that changes with the seasons and throughout each day,” says Emily. “Consider where the sun rises in the morning and how it tracks through the home as the day progresses.” Emily suggests tweaking your window treatments to control the amount of light you get into the home, especially during the warmest times of day. Angle shutters to welcome in light, open curtains fully and, crucially, close shutters and draw curtains closed when the sun fades to lock in that lovely warmth.

PLUG THE GAPS

The whistle of a winter draught is the sound of your money blowing out of the door. Keep your home snug and your energy costs down by blocking draught points that let in icy air and steal your warmth. Fabric door snakes, fixed door seals and weather seal tape (for doors and windows) are affordable and easy DIY solutions. Insulate windows (especially single-glazed ones)

with good window treatments – hang curtains high and wide to cover the gaps around the edges of the frame, and opt for thermal fabrics where possible.

SMART SOLUTIONS

Using smart technology to fire up your heating systems gives you complete control over your home’s climate from wherever you are, says John Campbell, Bunnings electrical buyer. “Smart technology allows users to remotely control heat pumps, and some models can even sense the temperature of the home and adjust settings automatically,” he says. It’s not just heat pumps, either. “Fans with winter modes can be controlled using smart technology, offering convenient and efficient heating solutions,” John says. This technology allows you to come home to an already warm and comfortable space, and can even cut your energy bills as you fine-tune the system to match your routines and override it when your plans change.

“Like we dress in layers in winter, a home should be layered to create a sense of cosiness“

Emily

MacAlpine/interior

designer

Read it!

Find out how to keep your place cosy and warm this winter at bunnings.co.nz/home-heating

WELLNESS

Winter can test our physical and mental wellbeing. Use your home environment to boost your health with these breathe-easy ideas.

FRESH AIR

Shutting all the windows and cranking up the heater is the go-to comfort solution in winter, but it’s not great for air quality. Between occupant-related pollution (the carbon dioxide we breathe out), pollution from cooking and heating (specifically gas and wood heaters), mould and moisture, our health can be negatively impacted. Aim to balance airtightness and ventilation by opening windows daily for an hour or so. Fans can be used to further circulate air. Using a heat pump can help too, as many models have air-purification filters.

BREAK THE MOULD

Mould and damp deserve special consideration, as their negative health effects can be dramatic. Guard against mould this winter by following the tips above, while also targeting sources of damp within the home. Make sure you use bathroom extractor fans and rangehoods to suck out damp air; avoid drying clothes on racks indoors; consider upgrading to a condenser dryer (or run it in a room with an open window); use a window vacuum on ‘crying’ windows; and place moisture absorbers in cupboards and any damp corners.

JUNGLE ESCAPE

Pot plants are said to improve air quality in the home, with some of the top performers including peace lilies, sansevieria, Boston ferns and spider plants. As well as claims that they help to remove toxins from the air, plants have also been found to

“There is a plant to fit every type of gardener and natural light in a home“

Emily MacAlpine/interior designer

have a calming effect – win-win!

“I have chosen indoor plants like rubber plants and parlour palms because, beyond looking good, I know I can neglect them a little bit and go away and not have to worry too much about water,” says Emily MacAlpine.

GREEN THERAPY

The mental health benefits of gardening have been well documented – pottering in the

garden has been shown to soothe stress and anxiety and promote positive emotions. Why not combine the psychological benefits of gardening with the physical benefits of homegrown herbs and vegetables? Herbs such as coriander, thyme, sage and rosemary are all fantastic for winter stews and curries, and veges like kale, lettuce, peas and radishes are all easy to grow and great for your health.

Embrace the power of plants to reduce stress with an uplifting display of greenery

WISE MOVES

Give your home and finances a midyear health check and commit to an organised, well-budgeted year.

HUNT FOR SAVINGS

An annual health check of your major expenditure is the ultimate adult move. Flex your financial responsibility muscles by checking in with lenders, insurers and energy suppliers – make sure you’re getting the best rates and that, in the case of insurance, you’re adequately covered. Hannah McQueen, financial adviser and founder of enable.me, says shopping around for better deals is not only easy, it can also pay off. “For example, sites like powerswitch.org.nz give you a quick assessment of whether you could pay less with another power provider,” says Hannah. Also consider whether you could get a better deal on your mortgage with a different bank. “It’s not just about getting a better interest rate, many banks will give you cash for changing to them,” adds Hannah.

SET A BUDGET

With budgeting, it’s rarely about making one big change. “Rather than going on a spending detox and cutting all the fun out of your life, it’s more sustainable to focus on being intentional about where you spend your money, and track that it’s going where you meant it to go,” says Hannah. She suggests paying

attention to small, frequent costs. “Try having a separate account for all food and drink expenses, and only top it up weekly – we find people tend to spend about 15 per cent less when those regular costs are kept in check.”

Scan your bank statement for subscriptions and automatic payments and check you’re getting what you pay for – and paying for things you want. If you’re shelling out for a streaming service you never use or a gym ‘donation’ when your runners are gathering dust, consider cancelling the membership or diverting the funds to a service you’ll actually use.

HONE THE HOME OFFICE

Organising your work from home or study set-up can help boost focus and productivity, as well as set boundaries between work and home life. Emily MacAlpine recommends organising your work equipment and storage so everything has a place and can be packed away to create a sense of finality to your work day. “This could be especially important if you are working from a space like the dining table that needs to be returned to its other function,” says Emily. She suggests using wheeled storage or anything with a door or lid so everything can be tucked out of sight.

WARDROBE SMARTS

Take your organisational skills beyond the office to bring order to other areas, and potentially save – or make – money in the process. A seasonal storage audit and winter wardrobe cull allows you to see what you already have and identify any gaps in your wardrobe, so you can make intelligent purchases, not knee-jerk online buys. And you can sell your unwanted clothes or accessories. Look for local markets and team up with a friend to hold a stall. Or sell stuff online using a fashion marketplace like Depop to turn preloved clothes, bags and more into cash. Plus, by assessing and storing your summer kit neatly, you’ll have an easier auditing job next season! ●

HOME COMFORTS

Create a warm environment and add gorgeous greenery and smart tech

Warmth Wellness Wise moves

Hot stuff Freestanding or wall-mountable

Natural high Nature’s mood boosters

Glow factor

Smart lighting you can control from anywhere

● Peace lily in Northcote Pottery 25cm x 19cm terrazzo egg pot in White, $24.98, I/N: 0096210 (plant sold separately)

● Philips ‘Wiz’ A60 E27 smart LED 640lm tunable 7W filament globe in Amber, $29.95, I/N: 0331083

● Arlec 2200W smart convection panel heater with Grid Connect in White, $149, I/N: 0163657

SECURITY TO THE MAX

Feel safer all the time with Swann’s complete home surveillance solution

We’ve all loved how easy it is to install wi-fi security systems over the years, but new technology is bringing even better features! With 4K resolution plus wideangle view, the latest range of Swann wireless security products captures clear, high-definition vision and provides mobile alerts, so you’ll always be in the know. Whether you need a long range, multiple camera set-up or a video doorbell, Swann has a solution to suit your property’s size – and your budget.

COVERAGE FOR LARGE SPACES

Swann’s MaxRanger4K Solar Security System is the longest and strongest option in wireless security, with more powerful signal than typical wireless camera systems, so it’s ideal for bigger homes, farms or small businesses. Its four weatherproof cameras can each be mounted up to 200m (in typical use) or 600m (in open air) from the hub – perfect for monitoring fences, gates and sheds. And they’re fitted with sensor lights and colour night vision, plus technology that detects heat, motion, people and vehicles, and triggers notifications to your phone. Two-way talk means you can answer the door from anywhere, whether you’re just upstairs or away for the weekend. There’s even a siren to deter intruders from going any further.

The system is easy to install and powered by built-in solar panels, so you never need worry about recharging or signal dropouts – it’s always keeping an eye on your property, recording and storing footage.

PRECISE AREA SURVEILLANCE

Have a single area you want to keep an eye on? Monitor a yard, entrance or garage using the Swann Xtreem4K Wireless Security Camera. With an extended battery life of up to four months per charge and motion detectors to trigger spotlights, sirens and alerts, you can relax knowing you’re always protected.

EASY MONITORING AT HOME

See who’s at your front door and talk to them using the SwannBuddy4K Wireless Video Doorbell and Chime Speaker Unit. The head-to-toe view and 165° viewing angle provides comprehensive coverage of what’s on the ground or outside the door, with alerts sent straight to your phone.

1 Swann ‘MaxRanger4K’ 4 camera wireless solar security system, $1,899, I/N: 0562006. 2 Swann ‘Xtreem4K’ wireless security camera, $349, I/N: 0562011. 3 Swann ‘Buddy4K’ wireless video doorbell, $349, I/N: 0562008.

Each MaxRanger4K camera has built-in solar panels

Scan the QR code to discover the full range of Swann security cameras

Think ahead

Set up a home that evolves as your family grows and your lifestyle changes

Words Caroline Botting

Incorporate

Building from scratch or renovating entails many decisions that relate to your immediate needs, but it pays to consider the years ahead, too. Futureproofing your home up front can improve its performance now and reduce the likelihood of costly renovations later. Here are seven ways to ensure your home adapts and endures as time goes on.

1

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Optimising your orientation is key to creating a low-energy warm home, says architect Sian Taylor, a specialist in energy-efficient and passive house design (teamgreen architects.co.nz). Positioning your house so it’s north-facing is ideal. It can maximise solar gain in the colder months and avoid overheating in the summer. “West- and east-facing windows could let in too much heat as the sun is much lower in the sky. To avoid overheating, external blinds or shutters should be used,” says Sian.

To understand the effects of your site and design, Sian recommends getting the building energy modelled, as it can be an invaluable tool. “This

can help to determine the type of windows you need and wall thicknesses required to ensure you have enough insulation,” she says.

If renovating, it’s important to create a comfortable environment in every area of the house. “Tackle spaces that are cold first by putting in heat pumps, which are energy efficient,” says Sian. “Then see whether you can improve the standard of insulation in that space, and next see if you can add windows to bring in more sun, or if you can improve the quality of the existing windows.”

2

INSULATE & VENTILATE

For a new house, it’s ideal to have a continuous thermal blanket around the exterior. This

“There are times of year when shade is required and others when you want the sun to shine in. A shade sail is a great budget option that is easy to put up and down“

Sian Taylor/architect

means avoiding any uninsulated cold bridges, also known as thermal bridges. These occur in areas where building components join, such as slab edges, window and door frames and areas of a building that have materials of higher conductivity, such as aluminium-framed windows.

“If left exposed, a huge amount of heat can leak from the building,” says Sian. “These cold bridges also lead to areas on the inside where damp and mould will grow over time.

If you keep adding more and more insulation to new houses, you don’t get the same return for what you spend on it. It’s better to spend your money making the building airtight.”

A heat-recovery ventilation system – which ventilates while retaining heat – coupled with an airtight home, can lead to a low-energy warm place, adds Sian.

● Coolaroo 5.4m x 5.4m square commercial

shade sail in Graphite, $336, I/N: 3300358. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

panels Insulation

Pendant lights

Ground floor bathroom

Double glazing

Non-slip floor

Deciduous trees

Ceiling fan

Extractor fan

Smart appliances

Rainwater tank

A reverse-cycle heat pump warms in winter and cools in summer

It’s recommended to add more insulation to existing houses where you can. “Start with easier areas, such as in the roof space or under raised floors. After this, I would block draughts and look at better windows to make your building more efficient,” suggests Sian.

3

SUN-LOVING SOLAR

Introducing a photovoltaic system to capture free electricity from your roof works even better when incorporated with low-energy technology, such as hot-water heat pumps that have 4:1 efficiency1 “This means that for every kilowatt you pay, you’ll get four kilowatts of energy out of it,” says Sian. “This further reduces your power bill, while being good for the planet.”

4 BE WATER WISE

Choose water-saving fittings and appliances, and consider installing rainwater tanks to help conserve water. Make sure wet areas can be easily adapted to accommodate future design and technology changes.

5

LIGHT CHOICES

Good lighting makes a home more pleasant to be in. Correct orientation on the site can deliver light and sunshine in winter, while eaves, awnings and deciduous plants can provide shade and block summer heat. Research efficient interior lighting for your home. For example, pendants and lamps create a cosy setting in rooms for relaxing, while task lighting, such as downlights, is required in areas like the kitchen.

6 SMARTEN UP

Smart technology (appliances and electronics connected to the internet) allows you to control things remotely and automatically. Even if you don’t need it now, having the right infrastructure – ethernet cables and electrics – in place will futureproof the house for when you or someone else wants it. Lighting, shade, curtains and blinds, heating and cooling, ventilation and security systems can all be operated via smart technology.

7

LIFETIME HOMES

Living comfortably at home until a ripe old age is made more achievable by planning ahead. Design to support comfortable ageing should be included in new builds or renovations, says Geoff Penrose at Lifemark (lifemark.co.nz), a division of CCS Disability Action, which advises how to build homes for all life ages and stages. “Thinking of this now will put you in a better position as you adapt to your changes later on,” he says.

Considerations include ensuring that at least one entrance is free of any steps and that flooring is slip-resistant. Wide corridors and internal doors allow for easy manoeuvrability and windows should provide a view to the outdoors when seated. A ground-floor toilet, step-free level-entry shower and reinforced walls around the toilet, shower and bath to support the safe installation of grab rails are key. Kitchen and laundry areas should have ample space, with under-bench drawers. Put light switches and power points in easy-to-reach places.

SIMPLE STEPS

What you can do now to help futureproof your home

● Install an energy-monitoring system and discover which appliances are power gobblers.

● Swap out gas appliances for energy-efficient electric models.

● Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 85 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs but produce the same amount of light2

● Double glaze and seal older windows, and add shade covers.

● Invest in storage. A wall of ‘clever cubes’ in a kid’s room can later move to the home office or living room. Even better, buy furniture that has in-built storage.

● Replace flooring to ensure it is level and hard-wearing.

● Lay non-slip tiles in bathrooms and install open-access showers.

● Use water-saving shower heads and flow restrictors.

● New wardrobe? Add lighting and pull-out drawers, which are easier to access than shelving.

● Wire bedside lights to the wall – it makes them easier to reach and use in your twilight years. ●

● Brilliant ‘Orb’ DIY glass pendant light in Black, $92.90, I/N: 0137651. ● Brilliant ‘Anji’ 26cm small DIY rattan pendant light, $142.90, I/N: 0277235. (Globes sold separately)

Safe as houses

Build an advanced whole-home protection system with eufy premium security products

When you purchase a home security product from eufy, you’re investing in a marketleading range that uses the latest technology to deliver a complete local ecosystem. Data recordings are kept securely on the device, so there are no extra fees needed for cloud-based storage. Plus, with many products available wire-free, a secure home could be yours quickly and easily.

FRONT UP

The entryway is the perfect place to start your set-up. Fit the batterypowered eufy 2K Wireless WiFi Security Doorbell and you’ll be able to see who’s standing on your doorstep in clear, top-to-toe, full-colour imagery. It comes with 4GB local storage, with the data secured on the doorbell chime inside the home. The low-power connection between the two units delivers up to 120 days of coverage from a single charge. It includes a motion sensor and app connectivity for real-time alerts and two-way audio.

BEST OF LOCK

Comprising a smart lock, doorbell and camera, eufy’s 3-in-1 Video Smart Lock won a prestigious Australian Good Design Award for 2022. Its 2K camera offers impeccable glarefree recordings even in the brightest sunlight, and infra-red illumination ensures sharp night-time viewing.

Enjoy key-free entry with fingerprint detection, and receive notifications when the unit is locked or unlocked. Thanks to onboard storage in the chime module, you don’t have to pay for cloud services, while military-grade encryption keeps your footage and data safe.

SMALL WONDER

At just 95mm tall, the eufy Indoor Cam Mini 2K Pan and Tilt is about the height of a credit card yet this tiny, discreet device can be set to track movement it detects. By panning and tilting, it can keep the action in frame – or even identify where a sound is coming from – and pivot to focus on what it ‘hears’. Install a microSD card (sold

Rain or shine, night or day, you can enjoy peace of mind with the eufyCam 2 Pro 2K Core camera keeping an eye on things

separately) to store a massive 128GB of footage, and connect the Cam Mini 2K to your home’s wi-fi to stream video to your phone.

VIEW FINDERS

A quality camera system is invaluable for home security. The eufyCam 2C, available in sets of two or four, is a wire-free, 1080 full-HD security camera set that gives you a 135-degree diagonal field of view, for clear vision around your home, day and night. It can detect whether movement is generated by a person or animal, to minimise false alerts. One charge gives you 180 days of battery life and its IP67 weatherproof rating means it can cope with virtually any weather. Or go next level with the eufyCam 2 Pro 2K Core, which has 2K resolution and advanced night vision for superior video recording after dark, with 365-day battery life from one charge. Both models come with the HomeBase 2 system hub, compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

You can set up a comprehensive home security network with eufy’s high-tech ecosystem

CLEVER CAMERAS

With the award-winning eufyCam 3, which comes in a pack of four along with the HomeBase 3 system hub, camera surveillance gets really serious. It has astounding 4K resolution that lets you see vehicle licence plates from up to 10 metres away, while a built-in starlight sensor and F/1.4 aperture deliver true colour imagery even at night. An integrated solar panel powers a built-in battery that can last up to a year, and you can connect the set to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice activation. But the really clever stuff comes with its BionicMind™ artificial intelligence, a facial recognition platform you can ‘train’ to differentiate between people you know and people you don’t. It’s self-learning, so it updates recognition continually.

1 eufy ‘Security 2C’ 4-camera pack with HomeBase, I/N: 0297035. 2 eufy ‘Security’ pro 2K core 4-camera pack with HomeBase 2, I/N: 0436350. 3 eufyCam 3 4-camera pack with HomeBase 3, I/N: 0429564. 4 eufy ‘Security’ 2K wireless wi-fi doorbell add on, I/N: 0188157. 5 eufy ‘Security’ E330 professional 24-hour recording 4-camera pack with HomeBase 3, I/N: 0510361.

6 eufy ‘Security’ pro 2k floodlight camera in White, I/N: 0297041. 7 eufyCam ‘Security 3’ S330 camera add-on, I/N: 0429565†

eufy ‘Pan and Tilt’ 2k indoor camera, I/N: 0238995†

eufy ‘Security’ 2K solar spotlight camera, I/N: 0297038†

eufy ‘Security’ video smart lock, I/N: 0385502

Demolition time

Call in the big guns for your winter reno projects – the tools tough enough to knock down walls and break up concrete

Words Mitchell Mclean

When cooler days arrive, the temptation to breathe new life into your home can be hard to resist – whether it’s prying off kitchen cabinets or ripping up carpet. And when you leap into action, the right tools make all the difference in transforming your space.

Outdoors, don’t let cracked concrete or sagging fences hold you back. With the help of a reliable breaker or a sturdy sledgehammer, you can tackle any hardscaping challenge with ease.

Anti-vibration

The fibreglass handle helps reduce vibrations upon impact

SLEDGEHAMMER

The design of a sledgehammer ensures durability even when performing the most strenuous demolition tasks, while its ergonomic handle reduces fatigue and helps maximise striking efficiency. Use it to break up concrete, demolish walls or dismantle structures effectively.

● Trojan 3.63kg (8lb) fibreglass sledgehammer, $79, I/N: 0131379

DEMOLITION HAMMER DRILL

Ideal for demanding projects, a demo drill delivers high-impact force for chipping, chiselling and breaking concrete or masonry. Swift tool changes and thoughtful design provide comfort and control. Chip away at tiles, break apart concrete slabs or chisel through brickwork.

● Full Boar ‘SDS Max’ 1050W 7kg demolition hammer kit, $397, I/N: 0094370

RECIPROCATING SAW

Precision and power define this saw, with its aggressive cutting action and manoeuvrable design. Its adjustable front shoe allows for precise cutting, making it an efficient companion for demolition work. Use it to easily cut through timber framing, metal pipes or plasterboard.

● AEG 900W corded reciprocating saw, $229, I/N: 0721610

Gel grip

Non-slip comfort that’s kind to hardworking hands!

CLAW HAMMER

This dual-headed design has a striking face for driving nails and breaking materials, while the claw end is a reliable lever to remove nails and boards. The claw hammer’s adaptability is indispensable in any demolition toolkit.

OSCILLATING MULTITOOL

Numerous attachments have you covered for just about every task, with adjustable speed settings and illuminating LED lights for precise work in any location. This is a must-have when making detailed cuts in tight spaces, sanding irregular surfaces or removing grout.

SAFETY FIRST

Before firing up the demo tools, read these tips from Chris Sutcliffe at tool manufacturer TTI (Techtronic Industries)

● Safety should always be your top priority. Prior to starting any demolition, inspect the space thoroughly to identify potential hazards and any hazardous materials (such as asbestos or lead) for appropriate removal.

● Turn off the water, gas and electricity to the area you’re working on. Puncturing a water line or nicking an electrical cable can lead to major hazards and additional costs.

● Dress in suitable protective attire: long pants, longsleeved shirt, quality work gloves and thick-soled boots to safeguard against sharp objects; safety goggles and ear plugs or earmuffs to protect eyes and ears; appropriately rated dust mask to help prevent inhaling debris.

● Clean as you go to reduce tripping hazards and ensure you’re keeping a safe working environment. Before you start, organise all the required tools and materials.

● In demolition tools, look for safety features such as anti-vibration handles, a sledgehammer with a throughhead design and masonry chisels with contoured handles to reduce hand fatigue. ●

● Kincrome 20oz (567g) claw hammer, $54.95, I/N: 5560271

● Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V multitool kit, $178, I/N: 0249429. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

DIY BY DESIGN

Turn your how-to dreams into can-do projects with a workshop kitted out for success

Words Caroline Botting

When you’re a lover of DIY, you know it’s important to create, repair and experiment at home. Whether it’s a bench in the garage or an entire shed, your personal workspace needs to encourage productivity and creativity.

Mitchell Mclean is one of the experts guiding Bunnings Workshop community members with practical tips and information to help them achieve their DIY goals (workshop.net.nz). He says the key to a functional workshop lies in organisation. “Having the right tools at your fingertips saves time, while a well-ordered environment reduces the risk of hazards – no tripping over cords or sharp objects lying around,” he says. “Plus, it’s just much more pleasant to work in a clean, streamlined space.”

STORE IT AWAY

If your space is big or small, it’s always important to create a workshop that is effective and safe. Ozito’s Bryan Jo says the way to achieve this is great storage. “By reducing clutter and debris you’ll reduce the risk of accidents,” he says. “Efficiency improves as tools and materials are easily accessible, minimising time spent searching for items. Organised storage also prevents damage to equipment.”

Everything needs to have its place, which is why the mainstays of workshop organisation are pegboards, shelves, drawers and cabinets. “It’s important to arrange your tools according to their

function and how often you use them,” says Mitchell. “There’s no point having a tool close at hand that you use infrequently when one you use daily could take its place. Pegboards are essential for keeping your most-used tools within arm’s reach so you can readily access them, and cabinets are perfect for storing larger tools you use less often.”

Tool holders are great for keeping screwdrivers, pliers and other hand tools sorted and reachable.

“Keeping your workshop clean makes it easier to find the tools you need, so you can spend more time doing what you love“

Bryan Jo/Ozito

THE BENCH MARK

A dedicated, solid and flat workbench is the foundation of your workspace. It’s where plans take shape and projects come to life. Whether portable or built-in, make sure your bench has a sturdy, durable surface. This is a place that will sustain hammering, sawing, painting, sanding and assembling. When creating a space for your workbench, ensure it fits comfortably without obstructing walkways or other work areas, and that it’s well lit.

UP YOUR STORAGE GAME

● Do you really need that many screwdrivers or three hammers? Apply the one in, one out rule and donate unwanted tools to charity.

● Use a magnetic pick-up tool to gather those pesky dropped screws and nails. Cover the end with a plastic bag and seal for when you need a spare!

● Pegboards need not be poky. Buy full sheets and use them to cover an entire wall.

● Create pegboard cubby holes with cut PVC pipe to store pencils, cable ties, blades and more.

● Use clear, stacked and labelled jars to store screws, nails, washers and other small loose items.

● Get onto Pinterest! It has an array of storage ideas for every tool, paint, fastener and fixing.

Include a powerstrip so portable lights and, of course, power tools can easily be plugged into an electrical source.

A TIGHT SPACE

For many DIYers, space is at a premium, so plan around what you have. Use foldaway benches and overhead and under-bench storage and hooks. Opt for multipurpose tools and declutter regularly. By using vertical spaces and choosing adaptable storage systems,

ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

Light fantastic

Features a swivel LED head and foldable stand

● Arlec 25W 2400lm LED portable work light, $53.44, I/N: 0233248

even small workshop spaces can create big projects, says Rack It’s Lachlan King. “For example, the modularity of the Rack It 400kg and 1000kg systems allows DIY enthusiasts to choose the width, height and depth of their storage, tailoring it to their requirements,” he says.

IN THE ZONE

Creating work zones for different tasks can streamline your projects. Mitchell Mclean advises a section for woodworking, painting and assembly, and keeping tools and materials for each task at hand. “Work zones are as important in the workshop as they are in a kitchen. They’re a productivity driver, allowing you to divide and dedicate specific areas for different tasks,” he explains. “Having a designated spot for each job and being able to move fluidly between them helps you stay focused, minimises time wastage and keeps you on track.”

HOUSEKEEPING

A clean and tidy workshop is crucial for making your DIY space a safe and enjoyable place to be, says Bryan Jo. “Ozito’s PXC Wet and Dry vacuum is the perfect tool to have in your workshop as it allows you to easily clean up both wet and dry debris,” he says. ●

These workshop wonders will make your DIY space clean, comfortable and functional

Stand on me

Bevelled edges mean easy trolley access to your work space

● Axton 900mm x 600mm workshop mat, $44.60, I/N: 0187526

Got the power Individual switches for extra safety, with surgeprotection circuitry

● Click ‘Surge Protect’ 4 outlet powerboard, $14.46, I/N: 0255492

Lock it up

Shallow and deep drawers, stylish timber top and castors

Ultimate Storage 950mm x 730mm x 490mm tool trolley, $749, I/N: 6120455

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

Dream clean Vacuum wet and dry surfaces, and corral mess with a blower function

● Ozito PXC 18V wet and dry vacuum cleaner, $98/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 8914090

●

Photography Alex Reinders, styling Anna Musarra. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

BATHROOM SOLUTIONS

DESIGNED FOR LIVING

Does your wash zone need an update? Whether you want a full renovation or are looking to update it over a weekend, Caroma has you covered

Do you feel like your bathroom is a battleground of outdated fixtures and hygiene concerns? Bring it up to the 21st century with the Caroma Luna and Cosmo ranges, to cover both big and small renovations. These collections are sleek, stylish and effortlessly easy to install.

ULTIMATE UPGRADE

For those embarking on a full renovation or planning a new build, the Luna range by Caroma is the ideal choice for redefining bathroom spaces. With an array of colours from sleek chrome to eye-catching brushed brass, there

are options from mixers and showerheads to basins and toilets to complement your aesthetic. This versatile collection, designed and engineered in Australia, ensures not only style but also durability, with a 20-year warranty on its colour finishes. And with advanced technology like CleanFlush® and GermGard® that feature rimless toilets and antimicrobial surfaces, you can get peace of mind with exceptional hygiene.

WEEKEND REFRESH

On a mission to modernise your bathroom quickly? Look no further

than the Cosmo range – the perfect balance of style and practicality that suits the whole family. With its seamless design and variety, Cosmo accessories promise a swift upgrade without the need for a plumber. Backed by a 20-year warranty, the Cosmo range ensures that your bathroom makeover is both stylish and of enduring quality. If you’re looking to make your bathroom more child-friendly, the Family toilet seat will give the younger ones added comfort and convenience. For more information, visit bunnings.co.nz/ brands/c/caroma.

Give your bathroom a luxury spa feel with Caroma’s Luna collection

KEEPING CLEAN

Ensure a cleaner environment for busy households with GermGard ® , an innovative antimicrobial formula designed to tackle bacteria with a minimum kill rate of 99 per cent*. This technology simplifies cleaning and helps prevent the spread of harmful germs. The surface treatment is integrated into Caroma’s Care Support grab rails, Family toilet seats and Urbane II toilet seats.

ABOVE Caroma ‘Family’ toilet seat with GermGard, $134.30, I/N: 0438159.

WELS 6-star 4.5L/min tower basin mixers in (from left) Brushed Brass, I/N: 0327289, Chrome, I/N: 0327083, Brushed Nickel, I/N: 0327292, and Satin Black, I/N: 0327286.

RIGHT Caroma ‘Luna’

*Caroma GermGard® is tested to JIS Z 2801:2010 Antibacterial Products – Test for Antibacterial Activity and Efficacy.

Scan the QR code to discover the full Caroma range at Bunnings.

Choose from the gorgeous array of finishes in the Luna range

Meet the needs of all the family with an integrated child and adult toilet seat

Caroma ‘Cosmo’ toilet roll holder, I/N: 0130092, and metal towel ring, I/N: 0130094, both in Black

Holiday handiwork

Put a few days aside during the July school break for these good-looking DIYs

Projects and styling Sam van Kan Photography Reuben Looi

BESPOKE BOOT TRAY

Corral muddy footwear in a practical timber tray with a removable mat

Use durable kwila decking timber to build a simple box with a slightly raised slatted base. Danish oil adds extra moisture resistance and brings out the lovely wood grain.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection)

n Tape measure and pencil

n Rafter square

n Circular saw

n 180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block

n Microfibre cloths

n Drill with 6G countersinking and driver bits

n Four 600mm quick-grip clamps

n Scraper

n 50mm paintbrush

n Four 1.8m lengths of 140mm x 19mm kwila decking•

•

n Three 1.2m lengths of 40mm x 18mm untreated pine

Expert tip

As you cut each timber piece, label them with painter’s tape: ‘front’, ‘back’, ‘sides’ and ‘slats’

n Woodworking adhesive

n 6G x 40mm timber screws

n Timber filler

n Danish oil

n 900mm x 600mm doormat

Cutting list

From kwila decking:

n FRONT & BACK 938mm x 140mm x 19mm (2)

n BASE SLATS 900mm x 140mm x 19mm (4)

n SIDES 600mm x 140mm x 19mm (2)

From pine:

n LONG RAILS 900mm x 40mm x 18mm (2)

n SHORT RAILS 564mm x 40mm x 18mm (2)

Pick it up!

Keep your angles and cuts crisp

● Empire 300mm aluminium metric rafter square, $31.99, I/N: 0459674

1 CUT THE TIMBER

Mark and cut the kwila and pine to length using a rafter square and circular saw. Smooth cut edges using 180-grit abrasive paper and a sanding block. Wipe off dust.

2 MAKE THE FRAME

Mark the front and back pieces 10mm from the ends and 20mm from the top and base. Predrill with a countersinking bit, then apply adhesive to the sides and position between the front and back. Clamp and secure with 40mm timber screws. Wipe away the excess adhesive and leave to set.

3 ADD THE INSIDE RAILS

Use adhesive to attach the long rails and then the short rails to the inside of the frame, flush with the base. Wipe away the excess adhesive and clamp until set.

4 INSTALL THE SLATS

Position the slats inside the frame on the rails, leaving 5mm gaps at the front and back, and with 10mm spacing between each slat. Secure with adhesive, wipe away the excess and leave to set.

5 SAND AND FINISH

Fill screw holes with timber filler using a scraper and leave to dry. Sand the entire boot tray with 180-grit abrasive paper and wipe away dust. Apply a coat of Danish oil with a paintbrush, leave to dry, then lightly sand and wipe away dust. Apply a second coat and leave to dry. Position the doormat in the tray.

TOP LEFT ● SpecRite 140mm x 19mm pre oiled select grade smooth kwila decking, I/N: 0200173• ● Doormat, for similar try Axton ‘Cordoba’ 900mm x 600mm jute mat in Natural, $44.75, I/N: 0047663. ● Home Bazar ‘Palermo’ timber stool, $99, I/N: 0533746 (store stock may be limited). Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Keep in mind...

■ Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask, ear and eye protection when cutting and sanding timber.

■ Keep adhesive, Danish oil and any chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

I/N: 0535733 ENERGIZER HEADLAMP 250 LUMENS

I/N: 0535735 ENERGIZER HEADLAMP 325 LUMENS

I/N: 0535734 ENERGIZER HEADLAMP 500 LUMENS

©2024 Energizer. Energizer and certain graphic designs are trademarks of Energizer Brands, LLC and related subsidiaries.

BEAUTIFUL BALLOON

Give a sturdy spherical pendant a fun makeover

Little ones will adore this whimsical hot-air balloon pendant light transformation, for their play area or bedroom. Just make sure your fixture is strong enough to support the basket.

Pick it up!

Take your crafting to the next level with a quality hot-glue gun

●  DeWalt ‘Rapid Heat’ ceramic glue gun, $47, I/N: 0110324

Up, up and away An upcycle to make everyone smile

STEP 1: MARK SHADE

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (eye protection)

n Tape measure and pencil

n Scissors

n Hot glue gun with glue sticks

n Existing spherical pendant light

n Painter’s tape

n 4.5mm twisted-paper rope

n Lightweight small plastic plant pot

n Canvas fabric scraps

TOP RIGHT ● Verve Design ‘Lexie’ 40cm pendant light in White, $93.94, I/N: 0248620

● Lotus Collection 14cm x 12cm plastic pot in White, $1.50, I/N: 0269261. ● Jack 4.5mm twisted paper rope, $9.29/40m, I/N: 0188974

All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Keep in mind…

■ When using a hot-glue gun, always work in a well-ventilated area out of reach of children and pets, place the appliance on its stand after use and allow it to cool down before storage.

■ Any hardwired electrical works must be carried out by a licensed tradie.

1 Disassemble the pendant light, measure halfway down the shade, then divide this circumference into eight and mark using painter’s tape and a pencil.

STEP 3: SECURE BASKET

3 Divide the pot rim into eight and mark with pencil. Measure equal drops down the vertical ropes and mark with tape, then hot-glue to the pot at the pencil marks and around the base. Trim the ends.

STEP 2: GLUE CANOPY

2 Cut rope into eight 1m lengths and hot-glue vertically from the top of the shade to the marks, removing tape as you go. In between, hot-glue decorative double loops of rope.

STEP 4: WRAP & FINISH

4 Wind rope around the pot and the top pendant holder to cover, hot-gluing as you go. Cut canvas into triangles and hot-glue to rope to form bunting, then hot-glue ends to the pot. Reassemble pendant. ●

PEACE OF MIND.

Life gives you lemons

This vitamin C-rich fruit is a kitchen garden star

Little wonders

Small but mighty dwarf orange can be surprisingly productive

For citrus success in a small space, try a dwarf variety in a pot or garden bed

DWARF LEMON (Citrus x limon)

A prolific fruiting lemon tree, dwarf ‘Meyer’ grows up to 1.8m tall and is best grown in warm, sheltered areas, but tolerates cooler climates if protected from winds and frost. Keep well watered during drier periods and prune and feed in spring. With lower acidity and reduced bitterness, the fruit is great for juicing. Dwarf ‘Lisbon’ produces a heavy crop from late winter to spring. It also grows up to 1.8m, and has excellent pest resistance.

DWARF ORANGE (Citrus sinensis)

Seedless medium-to-large ‘Powell Navel Dwarf’ fruit are ready to harvest from late spring. They are perfect for juicing and become sweeter with time, so leave these on the tree for a bit. Tangy ‘Harwood Late Dwarf’ is ready to pick over summer into late autumn. Grow both of these varieties for a long season of fruit.

DWARF MANDARIN (Citrus reticulata)

Dwarf ‘Encore’ fruit is firm-fleshed and easy to peel with a super-sweet flavour. A prolific producer from December to March, it’s also known for being resistant to pests, diseases and cold. Growing up to 1.5m tall and wide, it’s excellent for containers or small gardens. The seedless, sweet and popular dwarf ‘Satsuma’ is a hardy tree that’s easy to look after and fruits from May to July.

DWARF TAHITIAN LIME (Citrus x latifolia)

This evergreen tree grows up to 2m and has medium, round, juicy fruit on near thornless branches. It prefers warm areas and full sun but tolerates colder climes with frost protection. ‘Sublime’ (Citrus aurantifolia, also known as ‘Key Lime’) grows into a dense shrub to 3m high, and has juicy fruit with a tart flavour. ●

Photography Getty Images; (dwarf oranges and Tahitian lime)

Alamy Stock

Photo. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. When pruning, always wear protective gear, such as gloves and long sleeves.

Dwarf lemon Bears full-sized juicy fruit on a small tree

Dwarf orange Suits areas with hot, dry summers and dry winters

Dwarf mandarin An attractive tree with good pest resistance

Dwarf Tahitian lime Usually picked when green, the fruit will ripen to yellow

One ceiling paint for your entire home.