Bunnings Magazine July 2021 by Bunnings

July 2021

YOUR

FREE MAGAZIN

The makeover issue

Paint a feature wall

RENOVATING INSPIRATION FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME

GET A NEW LIVING ROOM IN A WEEKEND

3 BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMS + PARENTS’ RETREAT + KIDS’ ZONE + MULTIPURPOSE GUEST ROOM DREAM IT

Style with indoor plants

UPDATE IT

DIY kitchen makeover

FIX IT

Best brushes & rollers

MAKE IT

3-step dining table

Carefully considered contrast. Whether it’s subtly blending in with the environment or combining contrasting materials and textures, COLORBOND steel offers beautifully understated yet striking impact. From the calming tones of Shale Grey™ to the deep elegance of Monument , COLORBOND steel can help create a more dramatic design statement for any style of home. Visit COLORBOND.COM or call 1800 022 999

July

Contents

THE MAGAZINE TEAM Editor Jane Parbury Associate editor Shelley Tustin Art director Bridie Mahoney Creative services manager Katharine McKinnon Senior designer Carol Baldas Style editor Matilda Roberts Chief subeditors Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson Senior subeditor Lorna Gow Content co-ordinator Amanda Ghalaini Contributors Lisa Balemi, Tom Lazarus, Judie Siu, Harriet Upjohn

62 DIY timber projects

32 House-warming decorating

Thrifty reno

Exterior facelift

Sleep room styling

Dream it

S leep doctor Conjure up a beautiful bedroom that suits your needs 21 Lush for life Enhance your interiors – and your wellbeing – with plants P lan it 28 First things first Work out where to start with our beginners’ reno guide 32 W inter escape Be inspired by clever styling tricks to keep the chill at bay

Indooor jungle

Update it

41 Reno remedy Find out how a renovator got a new look on a budget 46 S itting pretty See a blank canvas become a chic lounge in a weekend

Fix it

51 Nap time Know your paint-tool terms with our deep dive into decorating kit 54 Front garden refurb Discover how an ugly-duckling facade got a swan-over!

56 About face Fix up your window frames and boost your street appeal

Regulars

7 What’s happening in July News, special buys and things to do at home and in the garden 11 Australia’s best DIY projects 2021 Show us your own homemade efforts! 66 Sleeping beauties Plant dormant shrubs and trees now for spring glory

Share your DIY creations with us or get inspiration for your next project. Use the hashtag #Bunningsmag CONNECT WITH US

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Managing director Gerard Reynolds Executive general manager Sally Wright Chief operating officer Fiorella di Santo Head of sales Annii Hirst Group content director Nick Smith Head of content, Food & Homes Julie Lee Digital strategy director Karla Courtney Social strategy director Scott Drummond Finance manager Leslie To Every effort has been taken to ensure instructions for DIY projects are correct. However, before you undertake any DIY activity, please ensure that you have the appropriate skills for the task at hand, use the correct tools and that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. Any professional installations must be undertaken by a licensed tradesperson. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice.

Make it 58 Goodnight stand Build a roomy bedside chest with this clever hack 60 Heads up! Recreate our gorgeous handmade bedheads in your home 62 Cabin fever Try your hand at our ‘Winter escape’ DIY projects

National advertising manager Alek Jovanoski (02) 8114 8955 NSW account manager Anthony Sullivan (02) 8114 8954 Victoria advertising manager Kristina Frohlich (03) 9292 2273 Business manager Rosanna Costa (03) 9292 2273 Junior account manager & sales support Claire Wischusen (03) 9292 2297 General magazine enquiries bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777

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Published by Medium Rare Content Agency Pty Ltd. ABN 83 169 879 921, Upper Ground Suite 58, 26-32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, 16-18 Cato Street, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. © 2021. All rights reserved. For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, 16-18 Cato Street, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Colours may vary slightly from images shown due to the printing process. Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas. Pricing is to be used as a guide only. This publication is not for sale.

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News What’s happening in

July

Find out what’s new, what’s trending and what’s inspiring us in the home and garden this issue A word from our editor

Words Amanda Ghalaini. Photography (editor) Sue Stubbs; (butterflies) Getty Images; (rugs) Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. ‡Not all products are available in all states and territories.

So now you’re a nature lover…

A stylish bedroom is the perfect place to relax and recharge, but there are certain elements you’ll want to include: good storage for a clutterfree space, calming colours to promote restfulness – and, of course, a fantastic bed! Check out our three inspirational rooms (including a kids’ space) from page 13. Plus, we’re sharing how to give a living room a new look in a weekend – with a lot of help from paint! See page 46. Enjoy the issue!

You’re not alone. According to Plant Life Balance’s 2021 Plant Trend Report, more than half of Australia’s population are embracing indoor plants. They’re thought to boost mood and reduce stress – and shopping for them is a new way to invest in self-care! Visit myplantlifebalance.com.au for more info. Green where you work Increase productivity and help create a happy workspace with potted plants. Garden for wellness Daily stresses messing with your Zen? Head to the vegie patch for a spot of therapeutic weeding. Engage kids with nature Set up a backyard nature station for kids to play, fostering creativity and a sense of connection with nature. Plant style your home Dine outdoors around a lush table dressed in florals or foliage. Embrace the edible garden Introduce organic, homegrown produce into your diet for a healthy glow from within.

If your kitchen, bathroom or laundry is desperate for a do-over, we’ve got just the tool to get you started. Our Kitchens Bathrooms & Laundries guide will walk you through the planning stages and provide the inspiration you need to clarify your personal style.

Cyclone ‘Kids Patch’ short handle garden trowel, $3.65, I/N: 3360654 Mr Fothergill’s chamomile seeds, $3.72, I/N: 2961792

HOT TIP:

Dans Plants 170mm assorted indoor foliage in decorative pot, $55, I/N: 0201487‡

Printed by Ovato Print Ltd. Paper fibre is from well-managed forests and other controlled sources.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

WATCH THIS SPACE

Pansy ‘Avalanche’ plants‡ **In an average 4m x 5m space. To calculate how many plants you’ll need for your room, visit plantlifebalance.com.au/the-science.

Country Value ‘Red Cherry’ vegetable tomato seeds, $1.68, I/N: 2961271

Top tip To increase your mental wellbeing by 60 per cent, Plant Life Balance recommends welcoming five indoor plants into your favourite room**

KEEP YOUR RUG IN PLACE WITH CARPET TAPE! Vacuuming a slippery rug just became a whole lot easier. Water-resistant and rot-proof, this double-sided adhesive will secure anything from your living room rug to synthetic grass and marine carpets.  Ideal Distributors 36mm indoor/outdoor carpet tape, $21.72/ 12.8m, I/N: 6656415

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YOU DID IT! Ever thought of sharing your home projects with our DIY community, Bunnings Workshop? With members of all skill levels, this online platform is a great place to find DIY advice and inspiration. This project was posted by rookie Workshop member and first-time tiler Nikki. With the help of the White Knight ‘Renew’ range, custom Taubmans paint, a couple of hardwood panels and some subway tiles, Nikki created this cool kitchen for just under $1,000!

BEFORE

NIKKI’S TOOLKIT TOOLS

Flexovit ‘Wet and Dry’ 100mm 400 grit sandpaper roll, $2.59/1m, I/N: 1210526

PAINT Frog Tape ‘Delicate Surface’ 24mm masking tape, $10.90/55m, I/N: 0088299 Monarch ‘SmartLock’ 100mm microfibre doors, skirtings & cupboards mini roller, $10.65, I/N: 1670284

SPLASHBACK

Duratile ‘Subway’ 30cm x 10cm ceramic wall tile in White Gloss, $18.26/pack of 34 (1.02sqm, $17.90/ sqm), I/N: 0038766

Hardwood utility panel

Nikki, Vic

White Knight ‘Renew’ tile and laminate paint primer in Cream, $57.50/1L, I/N: 0197362

Nikki used the Taubmans Coloursmith app to craft her own paint colours from scratch

BENCHTOP

Dunlop flexible coloured grout in Misty Grey, $8.95/ 1.5kg, I/N: 6829727

Dunlop ‘Tile-All’ tile adhesive kit, $34/2kg, I/N: 6650077

Cabot’s ‘Benchtop Clear’ timber finish in Satin, $49.90/1L, I/N: 1520590

Friends with a gamer? You’re bound to know at least one or two. Take their gaming room to the next level by gifting some cool essentials.

GEEK OUT!

White Knight ‘Renew’ tile and laminate satin finish paint in White, $59/1L, I/N: 0197788

For an immersive experience, Nanoleaf light panels (left) include real-time music sync and screen mirroring. Fit out the battle station with a throne designed for frequent and longer use. What’s a gaming pad without a desk?

1 Nanoleaf ‘Shapes’ mini triangles starter kit, $190*/ 5 panels, I/N: 0235934†. 2 ONEX ‘FX8 Formula X’ module injected gaming chair in Black/Blue/White, $299*, I/N: 0224151. 3 Eureka Ergonomic small gaming computer desk in Black, $279*, I/N: 0191640. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

News

During the winter dormant season, many varieties of affordable bare-rooted roses are available

This month in the garden

Take it outside

Tick off this to-do list for tiptop outdoor areas. For more on what to do in the garden during July, go to bunnings.com.au/garden-diaries

Turn to page 21 for more indoor plant care advice and styling ideas!

Cyclone sharpening and maintenance kit, $12.98, I/N: 0122520

HOW TO GROW BARE-ROOTED PLANTS

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography (Rose, plum and apricot) Alamy Stock Photo, (indoor plants and maple) Sue Stubbs, styling (indoor plants) Kerrie-Ann Jones. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Winter is the perfect time to plant bare-rooted (sometimes called ‘bagged’) deciduous trees and shrubs. It’s costeffective and allows them time to settle before the growing season begins. Prepare the soil at least a couple of weeks before planting by loosening and enriching it with organic matter like compost and aged manure. After purchase, remove the bare-rooted plant from the plastic and soak in a bucket of diluted seaweed solution for at least one hour. Use this time to dig the planting hole, making it twice as PLUM

wide and the same depth as the root ball; the colour change on the trunk is a good indicator of how high the tree or shrub was previously planted. Remove from the bucket and prune back one-third of all the branches, making sure you cut above an outward-facing bud. Position in the centre of the planting hole and backfill with soil. For roses, ensure the graft union (bump or knobbly bit along the stem) is sitting well above the soil. Water in well with diluted seaweed solution and stake if necessary. For more on bare-rooted trees and shrubs that will make a statement come spring, turn to page 66

Clean, sharpen and oil secateurs, shears, loppers and digging tools. Apply linseed oil to timber handles to help preserve them.

Reduce watering of indoor plants and avoid feeding, too. Keep them away from heaters to ensure they don’t dry out quickly.

Yates ‘Lime Sulfur’ fungicide concentrate, $15.30/500ml, I/N: 2962741 Give bush roses a hard prune. Remove up to twothirds of the growth and spray the remaining canes with lime sulphur to treat any overwintering pests and diseases. Make sure to read package instructions carefully.

Scotts ‘Osmocote’ premium soil improver compost, $9.29/25L, I/N: 2962102 If you’ve always wanted a crop of asparagus or rhubarb, now is the time to plant the crowns. You can grow from seed, but they crop faster when grown from crowns. Give them a large bed, enriched with plenty of compost and aged manures.

Whites 180mm ‘Super Gutter Guard’ gutter mesh, $12.98/8m, I/N: 3040589 Take the time to clean the gutters, removing fallen leaves and any other debris. Consider installing gutter mesh to help prevent leaf litter but allow good water flow.

APRICOT

MAPLE

Keep yourself or the kids entertained by making a terrarium. Growing plants inside a clear container looks fabulous – and is easy to do! Visit bunnings.com.au/howto-make-a-terrarium.

Coolaroo 0.9m prepacked frost cloth, $11.49/20m, I/N: 3040826 Protect plants from frost by throwing a frost cloth or horticultural fleece over vulnerable plants on nights when frost is expected. Remove the following morning. ◆

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change your kitchen Renovate for less than $700*

BEFORE

Scan here to see how to make this change. *Relates to the paint products and accessories only. Based on retail prices of paint products and accessories at Bunnings Warehouse as at April 2021. ®Dulux is a registered trade mark.

DIY

Lauren and Tim’s backyard disaster became a triumph!

Enter your project

LIA’S AUSTRA Y

I BEST D T PROJEC

2021

Australia’s best DIY projects 2021

BEFORE

nce again we’re celebrating #diyjuly by searching for Australia’s best DIY projects. Spending extra hours at home has inspired much creativity, from simple crafty makes to complete room makeovers – and we’d be thrilled to see what you’ve been up to! This year we’ve teamed up with the experts at Dulux to find the country’s top DIY tasks. Chances are, with myriad colours and specialist paints as part of the vast Dulux collection, you may very well have used a Dulux product to finish your own job! So whether you’ve taken on a small revamp or undergone a full room renovation, we want to hear from you.

Enter one of five categories: Best bathroom/laundry makeover Have you retiled the bathroom floor or redesigned the laundry to master the mountains of clothes? Let’s see your work!

A select showcase

Photography John Downs, styling Kylie Jackes.

Look out for the September issue of Bunnings magazine, in store on Thursday, August 26. We’ll present the best reader projects as judged by our panel (below). You can also view them online at bunnings.com.au/diy-july.

ANDREA LUCENA-ORR Dulux colour expert

JANE PARBURY Magazine editor

Andrea Lucena-Orr is colour and communications manager for Dulux Group. She has a passion for colour forecasting and the transformative power of paint. Editor Jane Parbury heads up the team that produces Bunnings magazine every month.

The Bunnings team

Best kitchen makeover Transformed a bland and barely functional cooking space into a haven for the whole family? Send it on in. Best paint project If your paintbrush and roller restored the front door, or made their mark on a feature wall, share the rad refresh. Best small project No project is too small – let’s see that ingenious spice rack! Built a bench seat? Don’t hold back – shoot it through. Best upcycled project If you’ve given a new lease of life to a preloved household item, we can’t wait to see your creativity.

HOW TO ENTER Share your project on instagram using #DIYJULY or send an image or two of your work, together with a brief rundown of what you DIY-ed, to diyjuly@bunnings.com.au. If the project’s a makeover, a ‘before’ pic will help heaps. Feel free to enter the same project in more than one category. The best will be showcased in the September issue of the magazine and online at bunnings.com.au. For full terms and conditions, visit bunnings.com.au/diy-july. Entries close Friday, July 30, 2021. *Please remember that all professional work, such as plumbing and electrics, must be carried out by licensed trades. bunnings |

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Sleep doctor

Dream it

Create a bedroom scheme that’s calm, soothing and fit for purpose

Make it! See page 60

Bedroom styling tips

bedroom should be a serene space for sleep, but it can also be so much more: a parents’ retreat to cocoon from chaos, a cosy room for guests that doubles as a study, or a playroom that fires a child’s imagination. Get ready to be inspired! Master class The main bedroom should be a space apart from the rest of the world, one that evokes peace. “The colour scheme is going to set the tone, and the tone should be that of a beautiful place to retreat to,” says Melanie Stevenson of Porter’s Paints. “Keep your colour scheme simple. You want to avoid ‘invigorating’ the space.” }

Soothing rich hue

Photography Sue Stubbs, styling Samantha Torrisi, styling assistant Lucinda Roe. Paint colours may vary on application. •Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

PRO TIP Choose lighting that’s soft and ambient, but bright enough to read by. Bedside lamps, wall sconces or pendants hung low beside the bed are ideal

Double down on texture

Layers of linens, pillows and throws create an inviting space. Change the look with weightier or more plush fabrics and deeper hues in winter, then floaty pieces in paler shades in summer Home Design ‘Struzzo’ pendant light, $93.50, I/N: 7072352. Wall painted in Dulux Vivid White paint (used throughout). Windoware ‘Harmony’ 2500mm x 1400mm sheer rod pocket curtain in White, $20.50, I/N: 0019249. Jute bedhead, see page 60 for DIY instructions. Home Bazar ‘Santa Cruz’ rattan chair, $279, I/N: 0239937. Porta 92mm x 18mm FJ bullnose primed pine moulding, $19/2.7m, I/N: 8260117• (used as skirting throughout). Bayliss ‘Nolan’ 290cm x 200cm polypropylene rug, $499, I/N: 6670907. HanWood Home 7mm laminate flooring in Mink Oak, $40.18/pack of 12 (2.872sqm, $14/sqm), I/N: 0135639 (used throughout). Bedside table, Lounge Lovers, loungelovers.com.au. Bedlinen, Adairs, adairs.com.au. Textured cushion, Target, target.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings |

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Guest room goals If you’ve been reluctant to try a new design look, a ‘spare’ room is a great place to test-drive bolder hues. “Deeper colours can be perfect for a bedroom,” says Rachel Lacy, Taubmans chief coloursmith. “The play of light and shadow from bedside lights can add dimension and interest.” It’s also the place to think ‘multipurpose’. Interior designer Emily MacAlpine of MARG Studio (marg.studio) says, “A guest room is unique because you usually don’t need as much storage, so it could be an opportunity for a study space.”

STYLE TIP Keep the desk clear of clutter, so it can easily double as a dressing table when guests come to stay

Make thoughtful choices

Look to enhance the room’s functionality Right: Multistore 2000mm x 608mm x 450mm storage unit in Crisp White, $400, I/N: 0027261. Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 360mm x 330mm x 330mm inserts in Water Hyacinth, $15.75/each, I/N: 2582736. Philodendron ‘Birkin’ plant in Tuscan Path ‘Diego’ 13cm x 13cm pot in White, $13.80, I/N: 0096769 (plant sold separately). Home Design ‘Sabbia’ table lamp, $59, I/N: 0123719 (globe sold separately). Canopy made using Windoware ‘Harmony’ 2500mm x 1400mm sheer rod pocket curtains in White, $20.50, I/N: 0019249, Zenith 10/15kg small ceiling hooks in White, $8.85/pack of 2, I/N: 3932997 (not shown), Windoware hooks and eyes expanding curtain wire kit, $3.10/2m, I/N: 1283471 (not shown), and curtain rod accessory holdback arms, $18.70/pack of 2, I/N: 0033152 (not shown). Bayliss ‘Dura’ 290cm x 200cm jute rug, $345, I/N: 6670900. Desk, chair and bedside table, Lounge Lovers. Wall art, bedlinen and cushions, Adairs. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Above: Storage units allow your own work items to be easily tucked out of sight, and you can keep a drawer or two empty for guests bunnings.com.au |

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For a neat look, try installing decorative holdback arms on the wall, just below mattress level, to tie back the curtains

Dulux Black Water

Dream it

Creative curtains A dreamy canopy helps separate the working area from the sleeping space. If you don’t have a four-poster, try installing four small white ceiling hooks that will hold up to 10kg in plasterboard. Thread expanding curtain wire through two sheer rod-pocket curtains, and use the supplied hooks to attach the wire to the ceiling hooks. The curtains will drape either side of the bed. }

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Dream it DESIGN TIP Create visual calm, however disparate your kids’ possessions, by focusing the decor within a defined theme and colour scheme

Child’s play Experiment with colours and shapes to create a children’s room they’ll love. It should be quirky and engage their imagination, but you don’t have to go down the road of primary colours. A sophisticated palette has longevity, and it can be made fun with offbeat shapes, cute accent pieces and storage that puts the occupant’s own toys and treasures on display. Facilitate floor-based fun with comfy cushions and plush rugs. }

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Hide and seek

Choose storage appropriate to your child’s size – if they can easily tidy toys away themselves, they might actually do so! Flexi Storage Kids ‘Cloud’ 400mm floating shelf with hooks in White, $23.99, I/N: 0191682, 2 x 2 storage cube with toy bin, $99, I/N: 0191671, ‘Stars’ storage baskets in Grey, $12.99/set of 3, I/N: 0191658, and ‘Cloud’ 58mm x 45mm x 28cm open toy chest in White, $54.99, I/N: 0191675. Fern plant in 120mm indoor straw basket, $17, I/N: 0264598 (plant sold separately). Boyle ‘Wiggle’ wood animal paint kits, $8.22 each, I/N: 1662741. Cork bedhead, see page 61 for DIY instructions. Verve Design ‘Lexi’ desk lamp in White, $24.90, I/N: 0257818 (globe sold separately). Decor Villa ‘Pom Pom’ chambray cushion with feather insert in Mustard, $79*, I/N: 0186834. Splosh ‘Baby Elephant’ 50cm x 30cm cushion with insert, $39.95*, I/N: 0231403. Bayliss ‘Cortina’ 290cm x 200cm wool rug, $399, I/N: 6670903. Wall art, side table, bedlinen and throw, Adairs. Koala stool, Kmart, kmart.com.au. Scarf, sneakers and backpack, Target. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

Make it! See page 61

Room for growth Bear in mind that kids develop fast and their tastes and needs shift quickly. “Bedding, artwork and styling can easily be changed as they grow,” says Emily MacAlpine. When buying significant items like beds and large furnishings, she suggests choosing sturdy, timeless pieces that will survive growing bodies and changing trends. “Make sure you have super-easy storage, so it’s quick to get everything away and make the space look neat and tidy in a flash,” she adds. ◆

Favourite things

Indulge a little one’s current passions – be it for butterflies or dinosaurs – with whimsical artworks and soft furnishings Top left: Flexi Storage Kids ‘Cloud’ 400mm floating shelf with hooks in White, $23.99, I/N: 0191682. Wall art, Adairs. Scarf, Target. Top centre: Decor Villa ‘Pom Pom’ chambray cushion with feather insert in Mustard, $79*, I/N: 0186834. Splosh ‘Baby Elephant’ 50cm x 30cm cushion, $39.95*, I/N: 0231403. Bedlinen, Adairs. Left: Fern plant in 120mm indoor straw basket, $17, I/N: 0264598. Boyle ‘Wiggle’ wood animal paint kits, $8.22 each, I/N: 1662741. Cork bedhead, see page 61 for DIY instructions. Flexi Storage Kids 2 x 2 storage cube with toy bin, $99, I/N: 0191671, and ‘Stars’ storage baskets in Grey, $12.99/set of 3, I/N: 0191658. Verve Design ‘Lexi’ desk lamp in White, $24.90, I/N: 0257818 (globe sold separately). Bayliss ‘Cortina’ 290cm x 200cm wool rug, $399, I/N: 6670903. Side table, Adairs. Above: Flexi Storage Kids ‘Cloud’ 58mm x 45mm x 28cm open toy chest in White, $54.99, I/N: 0191675. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

SAFETY TIP To prevent the danger of artworks falling and furniture toppling, always secure pieces to the wall with recommended fixings bunnings.com.au |

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Dream it

Lush for life

Styling with greenery

Raise your decorating game and jump on a growing trend with decor-enhancing indoor plants

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Belinda Merrie, styling Sam van Kan.

e’re all a little obsessed with indoor plants right now. They look great in any setting and help us to feel closer to nature – and in feeling grounded, our moods, productivity, focus and creativity levels increase. More is more when it comes to plants, but it’s not just about quantity – where you put them can change the whole look and feel of your room. Make sure they get the right amount of light, and follow our tips on where and how to place them to enhance your space. 

Weeping fig tree in Northcote Pottery ‘Precinct Lite’ X-large moon pot in White Terrazzo, $85.10, I/N: 2831971 (plant sold separately). Home Bazar ‘Bali’ rattan 1 seater lounge, $79.98, I/N: 0183688. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Dream it Consider the size In a medium-to-large space, go big. “A larger, more established plant, like a tree or palm, fills the room with its presence,” says indoor gardener Alan Chan (@plant.jungle). A fiddle leaf fig, rubber tree or giant bird of paradise fits the brief perfectly. “These work well as an accent feature in open-plan living, where they can add height and drama,” says Narelle Peart from Scotts Osmocote. But avoid using them in small spaces. “They can be overpowering and make a room feel cramped,” she says. For best effect, pair with an equally impressive pot to complement the size

A large rubber plant is a low-maintenance choice that makes a bold statement

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of the plant; otherwise, it may look top heavy. You can also experiment with fruit trees, such as olives and citrus, but just for a short while – they perform better outside where they can enjoy full sun. If you do want to try them indoors for a spell, place them on pot wheels so you can easily move them outside when they need their light hit. Make them a focal point Bring life to a coffee or dining table with a planted centrepiece. Protect your table by placing a small potted plant in a decorative ‘cache’ pot, which doesn’t have a drainage hole and essentially

acts as a saucer. A row of pretty, tiny pots arranged along the centre of the table can look amazing. For a more impactful display, or as a centrepiece for a circular table, try planting a shallow ceramic or concrete bowl with a selection of succulents, such as a mix of largerosette echeverias, crassulas and trailing sedums. A terrarium works well too, and it can be planted in theme with a variety of succulents or indoor plants – don’t mix the plant types though, as their watering requirements are different. Try changing the height of your indoor greenery to make an impact. The plants can all sit on the floor, but you can

A black bean plant makes a striking centrepiece

Above: (At rear) Japonica plant. (Front, from left) Bird’s nest fern plant. Candytuft plant. Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ plant.

Trailing rhipsalis and devil’s ivy on a high shelf create a living wall

Sansevieria and Zanzibar gem are hardy additions to an indoor plant collection

“For the best effect, use a mix of different heights to create a dynamic display” Alan Chan indoor gardener

Photohgraphy (this page, top right) Brigid Arnott, styling Rachel Peters; (all other images) Anna Robinson, styling (this page, top) Tilly Roberts.

How to keep your plants happy

achieve a far more interesting display by using plant stands, says Alan. They don’t need to be purpose-built – stools, chairs or upturned pots are all creative ways to give plants height. It may take a little playing around to see which plants and pots work best. Trailing varieties like hoya and devil’s ivy work well, but upright plants can stand out too. Arrange in numbers A single statement plant can be a feature, but several grouped together can create real impact. Follow the stylist’s classic rule and arrange in odd numbers – three, five, or more. “It is more pleasing to the eye and, when done right, can have a casual, effortless vibe,” says Alan.

Most indoor plants will thrive in  a brightly lit spot, but out of direct sunlight. Make sure to keep them away from the afternoon sun as this can scorch their leaves. Water when the top 2.5-5cm of soil  is near dry. “Insert your index finger into the potting mix until you reach the second knuckle – if the mix is dry, give it a good water,” says Narelle. T hey may be indoors, but plants can still succumb to pests and diseases. Regularly check for signs of trouble and treat at first sight. To boost plant growth, feed regularly  with a liquid fertiliser throughout the growing season (this is usually the warmer months). Repot every couple of years, or  sooner if the plant is outgrowing its pot – you’ll see roots poking through the base. This will refresh the mix and give it more room to grow.

Also try experimenting with different heights, textures and colours. “Create depth by arranging taller plants at the back and smaller ones in the foreground,” suggests Narelle. You can also use other decorative elements to help tie it all together. The only way is up If you have limited floor space, take your indoor jungle to a higher plane. Creeping or trailing vines look fantastic displayed high on floating shelves or suspended from the ceiling. Do ensure that shelves or hooks can bear their weight, as potted plants can become quite heavy, especially after watering. For a low-fuss option, hang air plants. “Make or buy macramé plant hangers, sit different varieties of air plants (tillandsias) in them and display at different heights,” suggests Alan. 

Read it! Find out why some plants are good for mind and body: bunnings.com.au/ best-indoor-plants-for-health

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Dream it

Green room

Create your own indoor jungle with plants and planters

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1 Calathea plant in Tuscan Path ‘Ava’ low bowl in White, $16.98, I/N: 0125613. 2 Scheurich 21cm x 19cm indoor glazed pot in Curcuma, $24.50, I/N: 0195712. 3 Coleus plant in Scheurich 21cm x 19cm indoor glazed pot in Olive, $24.50, I/N: 0195714. 4 Northcote Pottery Precinct Lite ‘Maxim’ 32cm x 29cm drum planter in White Terrazzo, $43.60, I/N: 2930037. 5 Northcote Pottery Precinct Lite ‘Maxim’ 42cm x 36cm drum planter in White, $65.40, I/N: 2930031. 6 Eden 17cm glass bowl planter, $18.68, I/N: 0090799, in ‘Gypsy’ 115cm cotton macramé hanger, $8.50, I/N: 0089915. 7 String of pearls plant in Tuscan Path ‘Lily’ 11cm x 9.5cm ceramic hanging basket in Blue, $13.98, I/N: 0187732. 8 Tuscan Path ‘Florence’ 16.5cm x 15cm ceramic hanging basket in Green, $27.98, I/N: 0187742. 9 Echeveria plants in Scheurich 15cm x 13cm terrazzo indoor glazed pot, $16, I/N: 0195716, and 11cm x 9cm terrazzo indoor glazed pot, $9.98, I/N: 0195715. 10 Sansevieria plant in Scheurich 23cm x 21cm indoor glazed pot in Grey, $35, I/N: 0206120. 11 Whites outdoor corner heavy duty plant stand, $97, I/N: 2870690 (excludes pots). 12 Mayo Hardware concrete plant cloche, $29.98, I/N: 0207205. 13 Monstera plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Lunar’ 53cm x 31cm bullet pot in Rock White, $56.90, I/N: 2834100. 14 Eden ‘Moroccan Tile’ 14cm ceramic planter in Black, $8.52, I/N: 0057473. 15 Eden ‘Moroccan Tile’ 14cm ceramic planter in White, $8.52, I/N: 0057472. 16 Fiddle leaf fig plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Arc’ 43cm x 41cm planter in Grey, $59.98, I/N: 0239043. 17 Eden 18cm glass low bowl planter, $13.18, I/N: 0090797. 18 Rattlesnake plant in Capi ‘Rib III’ 15cm x 13cm round taper vase in Ivory, $14.82, I/N: 0086567. 19 Whites outdoor 4 wheel heavy duty pot holder, $26.09, I/N: 2870434. 20 Yates ‘Thrive’ natural indoor plant food spray, $10.99, I/N: 0225073. 21 Northcote Pottery ‘Villa’ 600mm terracotta plastic window box, $8.50, I/N: 2941143. 22 Northcote Pottery ‘Frog’ 15cm terracotta self-watering reservoir, $5, I/N: 0138227. All plants sold separately. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆ bunnings.com.au |

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Photography Anna Robinson, styling Tilly Roberts.

EAS Y IN STA LL

ADVERTISING FEATURE

It’s in the mix The secret to great plants isn’t a green thumb, it’s in the potting mix. If you start with the best, you’ll bring out the best in all your plants

ust as we need a strong foundation for a solid home, our plants need the best potting mix to maintain happy and healthy growth. The first step is to find the best potting mix, so look for a mix that carries the red tick logo. This indicates that it is manufactured to comply with the Australian standard and contains a fertiliser. Second, understand your plants’ needs and find the right potting mix for the job. Scotts Osmocote has the right mix for almost every plant and all Osmocote potting mixes include a quality controlled release fertiliser.

GREAT INDOORS When we bring plants into our home, pesky bugs can come along for the ride. The most common indoor plant pests are fungus gnats. These small black, fly-like bugs tend to hover around indoor plants and breed inside the potting mix. Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for

Indoor Plants has been formulated without compost or pine bark, making it less prone to fungus gnats. If you prefer the wonderful world of succulents, Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Cacti and Succulents is boosted with calcium and potassium for stronger plant cells and steady growth. It’s also a free-draining mix – just what cacti and succulents need!

FLOWER POWER Many of our flowering friends require a more acidic base in order to bloom their best. Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Roses, Gardenias and Azaleas has been specially formulated for plants that require growing conditions of pH 6 or less. It is also boosted with higher levels of iron and magnesium for lush, deep green leaves.

EDIBLE GARDENS There’s nothing more satisfying than picking your

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

own home-grown produce and Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Tomatoes, Vegetables and Herbs is perfect if you are growing in pots, containers or raised garden beds. The mix contains higher levels of iron and calcium, which helps prevent diseases like blossom end rot, which can affect tomatoes, capsicums and zucchinis. Citrus lovers should look to Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Citrus and Fruit, which is packed with iron and magnesium to keep leaves green all year long. It also contains trace elements and micro-nutrients, which are vital for healthy growth. If you’re looking for an all-rounder, Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix has been developed to suit the growing needs of most plant types and, like all Osmocote mixes, it includes Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser.

1 Scotts Osmocote indoor plants premium potting mix, $9.98/10L, I/N: 0164627. 2 Scotts Osmocote premium potting mix, $8.29/25L, I/N: 2962139. 3 Scotts Osmocote rose, gardenia & azalea premium potting mix, $11.98/25L, I/N: 2961491. 4 Scotts Osmocote cacti & succulent premium potting mix, $11.98/25L, I/N: 2961490. 5 Scotts Osmocote tomato, vegetable & herb premium potting mix, $9.29/25L, I/N: 2962103.

www.osmocote.com.au

28 The recipe for success with any renovation hinges on getting the timing right, so check lead times for items like custom kitchen cabinetry

Before

First things first

fter years of dreaming and scheming, it’s incredibly exciting when your renovation plans are on the verge of becoming reality. But the first question asked by newbie renovators is, ‘Where do I start?’ Understanding what to do first, the order of events and how long each step will take is key to getting your renovation off the ground and, ultimately, over the finish line. Set your budget You’ve got a broad vision of what you want to do – a new kitchen, an upstairs extension, a large renovation – so the first thing to do is set a realistic budget and lock down the funds. If it’s a smaller job like a bathroom revamp, you may have savings you can draw on, but a large renovation can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s a good idea to talk to your bunnings.com.au |

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bank or lender about a construction loan and what’s realistic for you. There’s no point getting excited about a reno that’s going to cost $300,000 if the bank will only lend you $100,000. “Renovating can be expensive because each job is unique and there’s always the chance you’ll come across an unexpected and potentially pricey problem,” says residential builder John Davis of 5to50 (5to50.com.au). With this in mind, make sure your budget includes contingency funds. Chat with a builder Builders are not designers, but they do have a good idea of how much things cost. Meet with a builder – and pay them for their time and knowledge – to discuss what’s possible. “Understanding your realistic budget and getting the finance approved before you start will ensure a

smooth and stress-free project,” says Eyal Snehor of Novam Design Studio (novam. com.au). “Council fees, permits [if needed], design and documentation fees, other consultants’ fees [for example, structural engineer, hydraulic engineer and surveyor] will be approximately 15 to 20 per cent of your total budget.” Taking initial plans to a builder, before you’ve had them finalised, is essential, adds Eyal. “Their preliminary estimate will be good enough to evaluate your project and decide which design option is the right one to pursue.” Finalise your plans When choosing your design plan, online and in-store tools can be helpful – try Bunnings’

Words Nellie McLaren. Photography Tim Williams, styling Alice Pearson; (opposite) Brigid Arnott, styling Chontelle Samios.

When it comes to renovating, timing is everything. Get your head around the order of events and how long jobs might take with our beginners’ guide

Expert tip

Plan it

As soon as you begin thinking about renovating, start collecting pictures and prices of fixtures and finishes you like, to get an idea of designs and costs

Schedule a reno

Before hiring an architect or builder, seek references from at least two recent clients

Before

Kitchen Design service or the 3D Kaboodle planner. Depending on the scope and budget of your job, you can also work with an architect, building designer or draftsperson on your design. They will be able to advise you on whether you’ll need council approval, plus they should be aware of council requirements, and can prepare all necessary documentation. Depending on the scope and complexity of your project, getting plans drawn up can take at least a month. Making multiple revisions will add to the time frame (and cost). You should only proceed to the approval stage once you’re happy with the design and have a realistic idea from a builder of how much it will cost. If your project has a heritage overlay, work with heritage consultants from the start to avoid costly delays and redesigns later in the process. A development application (DA) is often the first step in the approval process; once that’s done, you can get final quotes or estimates from your builder or put the job out to tender. To give you a rough idea of timing, in NSW a DA should ideally be processed within 40 days and in Victoria within 60 days, however, the average time in NSW is closer to 70 days. More complex developments may take longer and the council may ask for variations. Once your builder has been selected, you’ll usually need to apply to council or a private certifier for construction approval and any other service-related approvals.

“When sourcing quotes, have a comprehensive scope of works so each builder knows exactly what they’re quoting on – this should make comparison of what’s included clearer” John Davis Builder

Get your orders in Consider the lead times on prime cost items, like tiles, fixtures and fittings, and custom elements like joinery. If your taps and toilet aren’t on site when they need to be, it will hold up the job and have a knockon effect. For joinery (like custom kitchen cabinetry) you should typically allow a minimum of six weeks, while custom doors and windows could take up to three months. These time frames vary, so make sure you check when placing your order. If you are ordering tiles and fixtures from overseas, ask your supplier for a realistic time frame for delivery. With the current building and reno boom, lead times for joinery – and even for structural timber and other building supplies – may also be longer than previously. So it’s important that you or your builder talk to suppliers and joiners early on to make sure everything has been ordered and will arrive on schedule.

a fixed-price contract, you’ll usually be billed weekly or monthly for a set amount. Or you might have agreed to a cost-plus contract, where the builder charges you for time and materials, and payments vary depending on what’s been done on-site. Builders need to pay their staff and subcontractors as well as for materials, so it’s important that invoices are paid in a timely manner to keep the job flowing. “Renovations always seem to take more time than planned, even when you’ve considered all aspects of the project, site restrictions and have it all mapped out and organised,” explains Eyal. “Despite all the best intentions and great planning, I have never come across a renovation that finished on time!” ◆

Watch it! Learn how to put together standard flatpack units: bunnings.com.au/how-tobuild-kitchen-base-cabinets

Pay your bills Payment terms will be laid out in the contract you sign with the builder. With bunnings |

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

All the storage, no compromises!

Get the luxe stone benchtop you’ve always wanted

The fabulous flooring of your dreams

Reno rescue Don’t let a tight budget hold you back from your dream renovation. With Openpay, you can buy now, pay smarter

* Fees may apply. Refer to openpay.com.au/bunnings for more information. T&Cs apply. Openpay available to approved applicants only. Visit openpay.com.au/legal for full details.

alancing the budget is the most stressful part of a renovation, but it shouldn’t hold you back from creating your dream home. Even the kitchen – traditionally the most expensive room in the house to renovate – can tick every item on your ultimate wish list with a little help from Openpay. Worried whether you can afford enough cabinets to store your stuff in style? Lusting for a luxurious stone benchtop over standard laminate? Openpay offers longer repayment terms with no interest – none. You can open a repayment plan from $1 to $15,000, and spread the cost over 2-18 months.*

If you can DIY it, You can Openpay it. Spread the cost over 2-18 months. No interest. None.

Download the app to use Openpay today!

Terms & conditions: Openpay available to approved applicants only. Fees, T&Cs and eligibility criteria applies. Visit openpay.com.au/legal for full details.

Plan it Cool-weather decor

Winter escape

Set the scene

Frame a front door with a pair of oversized pots, planted here with standard bay trees. The greenery, together with the inviting glow of fairy lights in the hallway beyond, delivers a warm welcome Above: Lytworx LED fairy lights in Warm White, $24.90/250 lights, I/N: 4352183. Bay trees in Eden 35cm x 33cm self-watering round planters in Granite, $44.44 each, I/N: 2941328 (plants sold separately). All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Photography Belinda Merrie, styling Sam van Kan, styling assistant Sophie Heyworth.

Be inspired by these clever decorative ideas to create a snug and inviting environment for the chilly season

Glow ‘Tambo’ weathered steel fire pit, $69, I/N: 3171835. Toasting sticks, see below for DIY instructions. All other products, stylist’s own.

ith clever styling tweaks, chosen with comfort in mind, you can take the edge off the winter chill no matter how cold and gloomy it is outside. Now is the season to wrap up warmly and revel in the contrast between the fresh outdoors and a cosy home. Textures, natural hues, lighting and furnishings all play a part in helping us unwind in cocooned comfort throughout the long evenings, and to stay snug during the day.

Nothing says winter quite like toasting marshmallows around an open fire – get creative and make your own quirky utensils

Toasting sticks What you need  Safety equipment (gloves, eye and ear protection)  Handsaw  Tape measure and pencil  Drill with 4mm bit  Side cutters  Foraged sticks  Steel skewers (we used Jumbuck metal barbecue skewers)  Epoxy (we used Selleys ‘Araldite’ 5 minute epoxy adhesive)  Bamboo skewer  Cord (we used Whites jute twine plant tie)

Method Forage for sticks between 15mm and 25mm thick, and at least 250mm long. Trim ends cleanly using a handsaw. Drill a centred, 40mm-deep hole into the end of each stick with a 4mm bit and, 20mm in from the opposite end of the sticks, drill a hole sideways (for the cord). Cut the loop off the steel skewers using side cutters. Mix up the epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions and dab it into the end holes of the sticks with a bamboo skewer. Slot the cut ends of the skewers into the sticks, positioning them upright while the epoxy cures. Thread cord through the sideways holes and knot to form a loop. Tip: To work the twine through the hole, thread a piece of thin wire through and make a loop. Pass a length of twine through the loop and pull the wire, along with the twine, back through the hole. 

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Plan it

Wood works

Timber finishes are a classic addition to bring cosiness to your scheme Mini loom, see page 64 for DIY instructions. Grunt cotton shop twine, $3/75m, I/N: 4310293. Whites jute twine plant tie, $8.99/100m, I/N: 3320946. Green cushions, Kmart, kmart.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Make it! See page 64

Indoor appeal

Create a warm, wintry vibe with earthy colours, natural fibres and rustic timber. If the weather is keeping you indoors, why not try your skills at a little craft – or even a bigger DIY project?

Make it! See

Make it! See page 63

page 62

Top: Mini loom, see page 64 for DIY instructions. Grunt cotton shop twine, $3/75m, I/N: 4310293. Whites jute twine plant tie, $8.99/100m, I/N: 3320946. Whites twist cotton twine, $3.99/50m, I/N: 0188966. Above centre: Dining table, see page 62 for DIY instructions. Mimosa rope dining chair, $74.98, I/N: 0033123. Right: Boot rack, see page 63 for DIY instructions. DeWALT ‘Titanium Pro Comfort’ extreme duty leather safety work boots in Wheat, $175/size 11, I/N: 0067314. All other products, stylist’s own. 

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The beauty of a DIY table is that you can make it to precisely fit your space

Make it! See page 62

SAFETY TIP Keep candles away from draughts and flammable materials, and never leave a lit candle unattended

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Plan it Great outdoors

Enjoy the crisp air – rug up and bring a lamp to take a bracing walk as the sun goes down Right: Arlec 500 lumen camping lantern, $35.98, I/N: 0174964. All other products, stylist’s own.

A well-positioned mirror helps bounce natural light around the bathroom

†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Walls in creamy tones provide the perfect backdrop for warming mood lighting

Glowing praise

Invite as much low winter sunshine inside as you can to enhance the honey hues of timber and natural textiles, freshened with pops of white Opposite: Dining table, see page 62 for DIY instructions. Mimosa rope dining chairs, $74.98, I/N: 0033123. Light globes, for similar try Luce Bella 4W 470lm G125 LED ES globes in Warm White Amber, $11.98 each, I/N: 0019568. Throws, Kmart. Above: Mirror, for similar try Future Glass 600mm stainless steel framed round mirror in Black, $165, I/N: 0198324†. Philodendron plant in Scheurich ‘Sado’ 18cm x 15cm glazed indoor pot in Cream, $18.10, I/N: 2891440 (plant sold separately). Basin and mixer, for similar try Estilo square vitreous china basin, $79, I/N: 0200695, and Shaw & Mason WELS 5-star 6L/min basin mixer in Chrome, $77, I/N: 5004301. Right: Mercator walnut timber table lamp, $99, I/N: 0126619 (globe sold separately). Bird’s nest fern. Throw, Kmart. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆ bunnings |

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Nothing draws a gathering like an open flame; make a fire pit the centre of a garden conversation zone

Hot favourite Spark up some outdoor magic this winter with a Glow fire pit

he allure of collecting around a fire, not just for warmth but also for a good chat and a cosy social gathering, is deeply rooted in our history. On a chilly night, few things beat the feeling of contentment you get from sitting around an open fire and enjoying the flickering flames. With Glow’s stylish range of fire pits, it’s easy to get that relaxed sense of enjoyment.

REKINDLE THE SPARK Glow fire pits have a magnetic effect. Just watch as the magic of dancing flames draws people in and inspires moments of connection with family and friends. Gather with a bunch of mates for a party under the stars, toast marshmallows on a winter afternoon or just sit and soak up the ambience. Whatever you choose, a Glow fire pit will transform your outdoor area into a wonderful entertaining zone in the cooler months.

Glow ‘Ironbark’ fire pit, $129, I/N: 0152691

Glow ‘Aurora’ fire pit, $199, I/N: 3170728

GARDEN CENTREPIECE Not just for taking the chill out of outdoor entertaining, Glow fire pits also make great feature pieces and can be used to stunning effect as a centrepiece on a patio or to lure people deeper into the garden. From a simple shallow bowl on a geometric base to more intricate designs with cut-out patterns, mesh lids, cooking grills and log grates, there is a style to suit every taste and setting. Nail the rustic look with a fire pit crafted from rust-toned weathering steel or, for something more modern, go for a design with a sleek black metal finish, or even a clay/metal combo.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Always watch children and pets around open fires and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Avoid burning any timbers that have been painted, stained or treated with preservatives.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Cyclone 2kg polished axe, $71.80, I/N: 3363940 Glow ‘Tambo’ fire pit, $69, I/N: 3171835

FUEL FEATURE A neatly stacked wood pile is a joy to behold, even for the relatively small amounts you’ll need for a Glow fire pit. Think of your wood store as a design feature and make the most of Glow’s stylish log holders, or consider the compact ‘Tambo’ fire pit, which has a built-in log storage compartment – perfect for Glow ‘Cellar’ log small spaces. holder, $99.98, I/N: 0246657

Glow ‘Aurora’ log holder in Rust, $79, I/N: 0247183

Glow ‘Cellar’ fire pit, $179, I/N: 0233223

A CUT ABOVE When it comes to chopping wood, you want a tool that can handle the toughest jobs. Cyclone tools all come with polished, one-piece, drop-forged high-carbon steel blades, hardwood handles and a lifetime guarantee. A great general-purpose axe, the Cyclone polished model (2) is a good choice for felling, chopping and trimming large/ medium branches and trees. The head of the lightweight ‘Supersplitter’ (1), true to its name, is designed to split the wood apart on impact and is best used for chopping and splitting medium and small branches and logs. The Cyclone heavy-duty ‘Blocksplitter’ (3) is ideal for splitting tough hardwood, with its long handle, impact-resistant overstrike protector and chisel-shaped cutting edge.

1 Cyclone 2kg Supersplitter, $72.40, I/N: 3360321. 2 Cyclone 2kg polished axe, $71.80, I/N: 3363940. 3 Cyclone 2.5kg heavy duty Blocksplitter, $62, I/N: 3362724.

Pictured CBEE652 - 60cm Ceramic Cooktop RBES622 - 60cm Slide Out Rangehood OBEGS602 - 60cm Built In Oven DWF146SC1 - Stainless Steel Dishwasher

Customer Care and Website Information 1300 766 066 | www.everdure.com customercare@shriro.com.au

Update it Budget-friendly makeovers

Reno remedy

Words Kylie Jackes. Photography Jody D’Arcy, styling Grace Buckley. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Perth homeowner Jamie has given her tired kitchen, bathroom and laundry a whole new look

amie had always loved DIY shows, but it wasn’t until she did a renovating course that she had the confidence to buy a doer-upper. After a long search, she found an affordable 1960s duplex. “I wanted something that only needed cosmetic upgrades rather than structural changes that would blow my $30,000 reno budget,” she explains. The bulk of the budget was spent transforming the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. “It was a lot of hard work,” says Jamie, “but also incredibly satisfying and something I’d love to do again.” 

“The reno took three and a half months,” says Jamie. “Each afternoon after work I’d spend a couple of hours on site, and every weekend was spent painting and assembling flatpacks” bunnings |

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Update it

Kaboodle ‘Modern’ profile cabinetry in Gloss White helps bounce light around

Taubmans Admiral Blue

Bonnie blues As white-on-white kitchens run the risk of looking a little plain, Jamie added an element of wow to the face of the peninsular bench with contrasting texture and colour. VJ-look wall lining panels were cut to size, painted in Taubmans Admiral Blue and attached to the base cabinets. “I wanted a really deep, rich navy and the first sample pot I tried was perfect,” says Jamie. “It’s a beautiful, classic colour, which is sophisticated and adds depth and personality.”

KITCHEN More in store The biggest issue in the compact kitchen was lack of storage. “It had just two overhead cabinets and no pantry, so the challenge was providing more storage space, without encroaching on the dining area opposite, which was also quite small,” explains Jamie. Using the online Kaboodle kitchen planner, Jamie played around with layout and cabinetry options, then had an In-Home Services team member visit to discuss options and measure up the new configuration. While the original U-shaped layout was kept, the new peninsular bench was pushed out to slightly enlarge the kitchen footprint. On the back wall, vertical space was maximised with a bank of overhead cupboards and a 600mm pantry cabinet. Once ready to go, Jamie had a carpenter install both the cabinetry and benchtop. “I love the modern yet timeless combination of navy, white and brass” Jamie homeowner

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Shop the look 1

Bright spark Jamie opted for Taubmans Crisp White on the walls and ceiling, and Kaboodle cabinetry in Gloss White personalised with brushed brass pulls for a touch of luxury. White splashback tiles add to the timeless palette, as does the Kaboodle laminate benchtop in Mayonella, which resembles natural stone. “I wanted something affordable and low maintenance, and the finishes are so easy to clean,” says Jamie.

4 1 Easycraft ‘EasyVJ’ 1200mm x 900mm x 9mm primed MDF interior wall lining, $32, I/N: 0330843. 2 Kaboodle 600mm cut to measure benchtop in Mayonella, $187/m, I/N: 2666408†. 3 Bellini 60cm ceramic cooktop in Black and 60cm stainless steel electric oven package, $766, I/N: 5103599. 4 Kaboodle ‘Modern’ profile 450mm pantry door in Gloss White, $148, I/N: 2660123.

Paint colours may vary on application. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Before

B AT H RO O M Demolition derby While arches are making a comeback, they just didn’t work in the original bathroom. “The arch took up valuable space and made the room feel disjointed and dark, so the first step was demolishing it along with the bath, toilet and dated cabinetry,” says Jamie. Removing the bulky Roman-style brick and tile bath, in favour of a walk-in shower with a glass screen, greatly enhanced the light and sense of space. Mirror, mirror Dual-functionality pieces set a small space up for success, as Jamie found with the Mondella mirrored shaving cabinet. “It provides considerable head-height storage without encroaching too much into the space and, being reflective, it also helps boost the natural light in the room,” she says. Smooth accent The simple white backdrop allows contemporary brushed brass tapware and shower fixtures to shine. For a similar finish, try the Mondella ‘Maestro’ range in Brushed Brass. A timber vanity also injects warmth, while opting for a floor-standing style with an above-counter basin made for maximum storage. 

“I did the demolition myself to save costs,” says Jamie. “Removing the bath and toilet, which was concreted in, took a lot of time on the jackhammer!”

Shop the look

Low cost, high impact Rather than splash out on pricey tiles, Jamie used inexpensive subways laid in a herringbone pattern to create striking impact across the back wall. The rest of the walls were tiled from floor to ceiling in large rectangular white gloss ceramic tiles for a seamless, easy-clean finish.

1 Johnson Tiles 297mm x 97mm neutral ceramic wall tile in White Gloss, $26.73/pack of 27 (0.77sqm, $33/sqm), I/N: 0111657. 2 Johnson Tiles 400mm x 200mm ceramic wall tile in White Gloss, $46.66/pack of 18 (1.44sqm, $32.40/sqm), I/N: 6661016. 3 Mondella ‘Rococo’ 1200mm 3 door mirrored shaving cabinet in White, $231, I/N: 0181395. 4 Mondella ‘Resonance’ 365mm round above counter basin in Matt White, $157, I/N: 0205462. 5 Cibo ‘Tonic’ 1200mm full height vanity in Coast, $629, I/N: 0138293 (cabinet only)†. 6 Mondella ‘Maestro’ WELS 3-star 9L/min single function hand shower on rail in Brushed Brass, $178, I/N: 0137887†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

bunnings |

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Update it

Before

Top tips Save on plumbing costs by keeping your pipework in the original location where possible. Always use licensed trades for plumbing and electrical works

“The finishes are fresh, light and easy to look after and clean,” says Jamie

LAUNDRY Originally, the laundry had just an old tub in the corner and a medicine cabinet, says Jamie, whose priority was adding storage, a bench for folding and a full-width tiled splashback for better water resistance.

“I really enjoyed the challenge of transforming spaces and doing as much as possible myself” Jamie homeowner

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Storage boost Adding storage was easy, as the dimensions of the space perfectly matched standard-size Kaboodle cabinets. On the wall, a pair of 600mm cabinets was teamed with a single 400mm cabinet. Below the bench a 600mm and 400mm cabinet sit either side of the washing machine. Sink smarts Even though the laundry is small, Jamie chose a deep, generously sized sink, good for filling buckets or tackling messy jobs, and an ideal size to sit above a 600mm Kaboodle base cabinet. A statement mixer tap is the ultimate in stylish practicality. ◆

Shop the look 1

3 1 Everhard ‘Nugleam’ 70L utility laundry sink, $518, I/N: 0087001†. 2 Mondella ‘Resonance’ WELS 5-star 6L/min pin side lever sink mixer in Chrome, $137, I/N: 5004139. 3 Delf Trade ‘Madrid’ passage lever set in Matt Black, $42.58, I/N: 0047356†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Cohesive feel Using consistent finishes and fixtures across the kitchen, bathroom and laundry simplified the selection process and created a seamless look throughout the home. The same cabinetry and benchtop as the kitchen were used again, while the subway tiles are a combination of leftovers from both the kitchen and the bathroom, with the different lengths used to create an interesting splashback pattern.

Methven ‘Tūroa’ VJet® WELS 3-star, 9L/min rail shower, $359, I/N: 0067534

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Below: ‘Tūroa’ WELS 6-star 4.5L/min basin mixer, $239, I/N: 0067537, ‘Tūroa’ WELS 4-star 7.5L/min wall mounted basin mixer (including spout and mixer), $359, I/N: 0067542

Your Shower. Your Way. With their Tūroa collection, Methven have created a personalised shower experience, plus outstanding innovation and design across the entire bathroom

ethven’s innovative VJet® technology puts you in complete control of your shower, allowing you to transition between variable functions. No two days are the same, so why not choose a shower that can change to suit your needs? Increasingly, people are looking for personalisation in the bathroom and an experience uniquely tailored to their needs. This is especially true with showering – the desired spray will vary depending on use, from the

TAILORED TO YOU Your showering needs change, so Methven has created an experience that evolves with you. The Tūroa handset slider (powered by VJet®) allows you to activate a seamless transition from a firm, invigorating shower spray to a gentle, enveloping warmth and everything in between. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

basic purpose of cleaning through to calming or revitalising the senses.

BEAUTIFUL AND DURABLE More and more, the environment is influencing customers’ home design purchasing decisions. Stainless-steel tapware is an eco-friendly choice as it doesn’t need chemical-heavy chrome plating. Stainless steel is also incredibly hardwearing, yet offers a modern and stylish look for all your tapware. The Methven Tūroa collection is made from grade 304 stainless steel and is considered low lead. Plus, the textured finish is perfect for hiding finger marks.

MADE TO MATCH The Tūroa range also includes a set of designer stainless-steel tapware and matching bathroom accessories, which suit virtually any modern design. This robust collection is supported by an industry-leading lifetime warranty on showers, a 20-year warranty on tapware and a 10-year warranty on accessories. See the entire range at bunnings.com.au.

1 ‘Tūroa’ VJet WELS 3-star 9L/min handset, $176, I/N: 0067535. 2 ‘Tūroa’ WELS 6-star 4.5L/min basin mixer, $239, I/N: 0067537. 3 ‘Tūroa’ shower mixer, $209, I/N: 0067538.

Update it Living room makeover

Before

The room had good bones: a tall ceiling and great natural light, however it lacked personality and warmth

While the budget didn’t stretch to upgrading floor coverings, the existing carpet’s neutral tone of beige was a bonus

Sitting pretty With clever styling and a little budget-friendly DIY, you can transform a blank space in no time. Try our eight steps to create a beautiful room in a weekend

here and how we live has a marked effect on our wellbeing. Not surprisingly, the living room – the place where we spend most of our time, relaxing with family, watching TV, entertaining friends and, well, living – has a vital role to play. Creating a comfortable, stylish and inviting space is key. The project doesn’t

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have to be costly and complicated – simple additions, such as a feature wall, a large textured rug, timber shelves and soft furnishings, can help to give a room a sophisticated vibe with a light and airy feel. With this blank canvas, we show how to style a living room from scratch. Be inspired, then make it yours, to create a fresh new look you’ll love.

SAFETY TIP Enlist the help of others to move heavy pieces of furniture. Bend your knees, keep your back straight and use your leg strength. Where possible, use sliders or a furniture dolly for heavy items

Always secure floorstanding shelves to the wall using brackets and fasteners suitable for your wall type

1 Paint a feature wall An accent wall is a simple and effective way to transform a room. Dulux Bold Yellow gives the rear wall a sunny, welcoming glow, creating a natural focal point. It also helps make a feature of the tall, narrow window and draws the eye to the timber shelves.

2 Include display storage A large bookshelf or display shelving brings interest to an empty corner. Here, two Clever Cube storage units have been placed side by side, adding height and a sense of depth, while the timber finish adds warmth and works beautifully with the wall colour.

Words Harriet Upjohn. Photography Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts. Paint colours may vary on application.

Try using double-sided carpet tape to hold your rugs in place

3 Lay down a rug – or two Rugs work on several levels. They contribute colour and texture and can help to define a seating area in the heart of the room – especially handy if you’re carving out a cosy spot within an open-plan space. We’ve used two side by side to fill out the area.

4 Place your furniture Your furniture layout can make or break a room. The golden rule in a living room – especially if you entertain a lot – is not to have everything aimed at the TV. Position seating to make the most of a garden view, if possible, and group it for ease of conversation.  bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

A neutral colour scheme with clean lines and light, bright walls works wonders in opening up the space

5 Just add greenery Spread plants around, away from the centre of the room, to draw the eye in different directions. Use a large plant – or a variety with an interesting leaf shape – to give life to an empty spot. 6 Dress the windows Curtains complete and soften a space. To make a room feel bigger, go for a clean and simple look; choose something lightweight in a pale colour that blends with the walls.

EXPERT TIP Floor-to-ceiling curtains can help to add height to a room. Blockout fabrics provide insulation and privacy; if you prefer a more open, airy feel, choose sheers instead

7 Style your shelves Think of shelves as more than just functional. Instead, use them to create a focal point with a display of favourite objects. Follow the tried-and-tested rule of three when grouping pieces together and arrange them in differing heights. But remember restraint is key – leave some empty shelf space to give the illusion of depth.

Update it

Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 385mm x 335mm x 335mm divider insert in Oak, Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ $15, I/N: 0079580 370mm x 330mm x 330mm fabric insert in Earth, $4.99, I/N: 0230921

Dans Plants 240mm indoor foliage in ceramic pot, $105, I/N: 0144878

‘France’ 230cm x 160cm textured loop weave rug in Ivory, $149, I/N: 0244175

Arlec 2000W ceramic wall heater with remote control, $79, I/N: 0014806

Uni-Pro ‘Extenda Rolla’ 230mm heavy duty paint roller, $15.57, I/N: 1671979

8 Channel your inner stylist While you don’t want to crowd a small space with a mishmash of patterns and colours, splashes of colour in cushions and other soft furnishings can subtly lift a scheme. Here, the blue, green and cream scatter cushions complement the space-enhancing cool whites, greys and natural timber in the rest of the room. ◆

Left and above: 40cm ‘Palla’ paper shade in White, $5.60, I/N: 7072316. (On walls) Dulux paint in Bold Yellow and Porter’s Paints Popcorn. Windoware ‘Hilton’ 1200mm x 2230mm eyelet blockout curtain in Quartz, $49, I/N: 0019254. Fiddle leaf fig plant in Home Leisure ‘Balconia’ 350mm round plastic pot in Taupe, $12.98, I/N: 2941237. Ficus umbellata plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Italian’ 30cm terracotta low bell pot in Antique, $17.90, I/N: 2833074, with ‘Italian’ 19cm terracotta saucer in Antique, $4, I/N: 0044340. Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 2 x 4 storage units in Walnut, $94 each, I/N: 0206276, and ‘Living’ paper weave basket, $12/set of 3, I/N: 0234690. Ceramics, jug, gold trays and vase, Zakkia, zakkia.com.au. Cushions and wooden bowl, Adairs, adairs.com.au. Sofa, James Lane, jameslane.com.au. Ottoman, armchair and white bowl, West Elm, westelm.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. All plants sold separately. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Monarch 230mm paint tray, $8.85, I/N: 1662148

Windoware ‘Barcelona’ 1200mm x 2230mm eyelet blockout curtain in White, $52.20, I/N: 0019287

Roberts 508mm x 254mm rug gripper roll, $7.90, I/N: 6670605 Scotch 48mm ‘General Painting’ multi-surface painter’s masking tape, $12.23/55m, I/N: 1660169

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bunnings | bunnings.com.au

The best paint jobs start with

The #1 Most Preferred Brand by Professional Painters.* www.scotchblue.com.au

Fix it

Choosing the correct size, shape and type of brush for the job makes all the difference

Decorating tools 101

Brush strokes Synthetic paintbrushes are the most common style and are recommended for plasterboard, timber, concrete, masonry, tiles and metal; synthetic filaments can be used on most surfaces and with most paints, says Ashley Simpson of Uni-Pro. “For general-purpose jobs, on broad surfaces, we recommend using a wall brush,” says Ashley. “These brushes hold a good volume of paint and are great for walls, weatherboards, fences and brickwork. For precision work – for example, around windows and trims – use a sash cutter brush. An angular cutter brush will also help to get straight lines on trims and skirting, and get into small corners.” The smallest paintbrushes (12-25mm) are ideal for detailed work, while the largest ones (88-100mm) are designed for fences, walls and roofs. “In between are the 38mm (for furniture, small panels, window frames, mouldings and shutters); the 50mm (for trims, architraves, skirting, cabinets); the 63mm (for fascias and outdoor furniture and structures); and the 75mm (for broad areas, decking, weatherboards and floorboards),” adds Ashley. 

Nap time

1 Monarch 50mm moulding and skirting synthetic paint brush, $20.25, I/N: 1660273. 2 Uni-Pro ‘You Can Do It’ 38mm synthetic wall paint brush, $6.45, I/N: 1660497. 3 Monarch 50mm cutting in and framing synthetic paint brush, $12.78, I/N: 1660278. 4 Monarch 63mm all purpose synthetic sash paint brush, $14.38, I/N: 1660614. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Words Louise Tigchelaar

The first step on the road to a perfect painting project is picking the right equipment. Sort your mini roller and sash brush from your spray gun with our guide to paint tools

o you know your wool from your woven, your roller nap from your end cap? While you don’t need to learn all the jargon around painting tools, knowing where to use a roller or a brush, and which type to choose, can make all the difference to the end result of your painting project.

Generally, DIYers will tackle flat walls and ceilings with a roller or sprayer, and the trim with a brush or a mini roller. Rollers lay down a thick coat of paint fairly quickly and roller covers are easy to change. Brushes are great for more detailed work, while spray guns are a fantastic way to get a large job done quickly.

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Uni-Pro ‘Little Ripper’ 100mm x 10mm nap microfibre mini roller set, $7.83, I/N: 0022469

2 3

Roller cover fabric… which to choose?

Polyester Cost effective, lint-free,  ideal for walls and ceilings.  Mohair For tables, doors and floors. High density foam For cupboards,  and smooth or metal surfaces. Woven nylon For industrial  applications.  Acrylic synthetic An all-rounder. Unifibre Shed-resistant, good for  smooth surfaces. Microfibre Popular for its lint-free  finish and value. Corrugated foam Makes quick  work of corrugated surfaces. Let it roll Rollers let you cover a surface quickly, without leaving brush strokes. They come in different fabrics and multiple sizes. “Nap is the length of the roller cover’s fabric from the roller’s core,” explains Ashley Simpson. “The thicker the nap, the more paint a roller will hold. A thick or long nap is designed for rough surfaces, and a short/medium nap will give you a smooth finish.” Renovator Kath Friedrich of Twisted Lime Designs (twistedlimedesigns.com) suggests a 10mm nap, 270mm-wide roller as a multipurpose go-to. “It’s a good general purpose roller and great value for money,” she says. An extra short nap (4-5mm) is ideal for doors, cupboards and tables; short/medium (10-12mm) is for walls and ceilings; and medium (15mm) is ideal for smoother render – it holds more paint than the 10-12mm naps, but is also heavier when loaded. Use a long nap (20mm) for textured surfaces, stucco and besser blocks. Mini rollers are perfect for small areas such as trims. If you’re painting tiles, it’s better to use a roller with a short nap, Bernadette Janson of The School of Renovating (theschoolofrenovating.com) advises. “You definitely need a roller when using epoxy paint, not a brush, and a short nap will help to avoid that orange-peel effect,” she says. bunnings.com.au |

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Wagner ‘Control Pro 150’ (HEA) airless paint sprayer, $449, I/N: 0098286

EXPERT TIP 1 Scotch 24mm x 55m general painting painter’s masking tape, $7.19, I/N: 1660167. 2 Uni-Pro ‘You Can Do It’ 230mm 4mm nap microfibre roller cover, $6.13, I/N: 1662800. 3 Uni-Pro ‘Genius’ 230mm 10mm nap sheepskin roller cover, $22.90, I/N: 1660053. 4 Frog Tape 24mm delicate surface masking tape, $10.90/55m, I/N: 0088299. 5 Uni-Pro ‘Little Ripper’ 100mm 4mm nap microfibre mini roller covers, $5.45/pack of 2, I/N: 1662563. 6 Monarch 230mm comfort grip roller frame, $10.95, I/N: 1560516.

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5 4

“I always spray two coats before doing a final coat with a roller. Otherwise, if you have to touch up a wall that’s been sprayed, you can’t do it without leaving telltale roller marks on the sprayed surface” Kath Friedrich Twisted Lime Designs

Come out to spray There’s no quicker way to conquer big paint jobs than with the might of a spray gun. “I can spray the inside of a whole house in a day when it would normally take weeks, so it’s a no-brainer, really!” says Kath. Spray guns are great for covering bumps, cracks and other surface imperfections, and are really quick once you get going, but if you’re only doing a small area, the prep and clean-up is not really worth it. And you must remember to clean them thoroughly immediately after painting. “There’s at least an hour of painstaking cleaning to keep your sprayer in tip-top condition,” says Kath, “but it’s well worth it.” ◆

Watch it! 1 Wagner ‘Flexio 590’ complete paint sprayer kit with case, $239, I/N: 1662949. 2 Wagner ‘W95’ exterior paint sprayer, $89, I/N: 1560028. 3 Wagner ‘W200’ wood and metal paint sprayer, $159, I/N: 0076328. 4 Paint Partner coloured rags, $7.50/1.5kg, I/N: 0105940. 5 Paint Partner 3.6m x 2.6m plastic backed canvas drop sheet, $16.80, I/N: 1660308. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Get to grips with painting ceilings and cornices with this expert advice: bunnings. com.au/how-to-paint-a-ceiling

PAINT LIKE A

See our full range online at www.unipro.com.au/bunnings

Fix it Exterior makeover

Front garden refurb This facade refresh has seen a brick ugly duckling transformed into a beautiful home

Before

Homeowner LISA (left) and LUCY GLADE-WRIGHT

British Paints Status Cloud and Taubmans Cotton Sheets combined for the facade facelift

lthough she loved her neighbourhood, homeowner Lisa loathed her 1960s bungalow, and says she used to cringe, directing people to the “ugly house at the end of the street”. But when Make It Happen host and renovation expert Lucy Glade-Wright of Hunting for George (huntingforgeorge.com) arrived on the scene, she saw its potential. Painting the green brickwork light grey, and the trims white, gave the house instant bunnings.com.au |

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Above, on brickwork: British Paints ‘Four Seasons’ low sheen exterior paint in Status Cloud, $136/10L, I/N: 0207083. On trims: Taubmans ‘Ultimate Enamel’ semi gloss paint in Cotton Sheets, $88/4L, I/N: 0147146. Lavender, standard ficus, armeria and grevillea plants and S-shaped bay tree. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

kerb appeal. “We switched out the door’s hardware to modernise it and it worked a treat,” says Lucy, who weaved in a country look with two farm-style wall lights.

A stylish letterbox works well with the theme, adding old-school charm

Fix it!

Paint your frames, see page 56

The bench seat was sanded and repainted for a fresh new look

Great storage

Hamptons with a twist Lisa loves the Hamptons look, but Lucy, conscious they were in the country and not by the beach, decided to give the style a twist. “For our colour scheme, we opted for neutral greys and whites to create a Hamptons beach-house style, but we also brought in timbers and warm tones and textures to add some farmhouse charm,” she explains. The concrete porch was covered and widened to create extra outdoor space,

using timber decking that was white washed using a deck stain. “We put planter boxes around the edge to give it structure,” explains Lucy. Seagrass baskets, potted trees and fragrant lavender were added to create a warm and homey ambience. With the existing hedge already fitting the theme, there was one last thing that needed attention: the letterbox. “People can forget about how important a letterbox is to a house. First impressions count!” says Lucy. Installing a freestanding letterbox is an easy DIY job that has great impact. ◆

Shop the look 3

1 4 5

Watch it! To see the makeover team in action, visit youtube.com/bunningswarehouse

1 Feast Watson timber and deck stain in Grey Mountain Ash, $112/4L, I/N: 1520597. 2 Verve Design ‘Bristol Farm’ 60W wall light in Black, $43, I/N: 4371473 (globe sold separately). 3 Ring 2020 release video doorbell in Satin Nickel, $125, I/N: 0192691. 4 Eden ‘Stonelite’ 22cm round self watering planter in White, $17.83, I/N: 0086670. 5 Ikonic entrance knob set in Matt Black, $13.50, I/N: 0199987. 6 Matpro ‘5 Cross’ 90cm x 55cm synthetic mat, $16.90, I/N: 4494273.

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56 Finish frames in white or neutral tones to brighten them up – a shade significantly lighter or darker than the walls makes a strong statement

Fix it Facade refresh

Taubmans Cotton Sheets

Before

About face

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Maximise your home’s street appeal with this project from the Make It Happen makeover

To clean window frames, remove dirt build-up in the joins with a scraper, wiping away dust with an old dry brush, removing grime with sugar soap wipes.

he front of house renovation carried out by the Make It Happen team (see page 54) showed how effective basic changes, like freshly painted windows, can be. Here’s how to make them happen at your place.

PA I N T I N G TIMBER WINDOWS Window frames may form a small part of your home, but they can make a big difference to its look. This simple DIY project will transform your frames, while also helping to extend their life and protect them from the elements. bunnings.com.au |

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Use an angled brush to apply exterior water-based enamel paint, leaving it to dry thoroughly. Sand over any drips before applying a second coat. Tip: Keep a cloth on hand to catch spills.

Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust, then apply painter’s tape over the glass and around the edges. Tip: Tape over hardware, including handles, locks and hinges.

Sand around the frames with 180-grit abrasive paper, folding it to get into the joins and around the edges. Note: Sanding should remove flaking paint or varnish and smooths out any marks.

Remove the painter’s tape and leave the frames to dry completely. Tip: To clean up brushes, wipe excess onto a cloth, rinse clean with lukewarm water, pat away the excess and leave to dry. ◆

Your DIY toolkit 3

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1 Taubmans ‘Ultimate Enamel’ semi gloss paint in White, $46.60/1L, I/N: 0147143. 2 Trojan 6 in 1 multi paint scraper, $8.65, I/N: 0093215. 3 Monarch 63mm all purpose synthetic sash paintbrush, $14.38, I/N: 1660614. 4 Frog Tape 24mm multi surface masking tape, $10.90/55m, I/N: 0088295. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

PRO TIP Take care when removing old paint as it could contain traces of lead. For more information, visit bunnings.com. au/health-and-safety

Photography Paul Johnstone, styling Sharon Begg. Project editing Natasha Dickins. Paint colours may vary on application.

Safety equipment (mask  and eye protection) Paint scraper  O ld, dry paintbrush Angled paintbrush  Sugar soap wipes  180-grit abrasive paper  C loths Painter’s tape  Exterior paint 

Make it Bedroom storage

Goodnight stand This DIY bedside chest features plus-size storage for an organised sleep space

oo good to be restricted to the cooking zone, a flatpack kitchen cabinet has been repurposed as the drawer of a custom night stand. Surrounded by a timber frame (painted in Taubmans Dark Green Velvet, but you could use any colour or leave the frame natural) and with a leather pull handle with brass detail, this practical piece has good looks that can be customised to suit any room – it also works well as a lounge side table.

Wall painted in Taubmans paints in Dwarf Pine (top) and Dark Green Velvet. HPM 300mm batten fix lampshade in Traditional White, $10.55, I/N: 0094562. Brilliant DIY pendant light suspension kit in White, $9.50, I/N: 7070172. Bedlinen, Adairs, adairs.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Leather pull  handle set Three 1200mm  x 600mm x 18mm hevea FJL panels• Woodworking  adhesive 8G x 40mm  timber screws Timber filler  Four 5/16" (8mm)  vertical leg plates Four 150mm  round tapered furniture legs 180-grit abrasive  paper with sanding block Clean cloth  Enamel paint  (we used Taubmans low sheen in Dark Green Velvet) 8G x 30mm  timber screws Four 22mm  self-adhesive slide glides with screws

Project, instructions and steps photography Natasha Dickins. Photography Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts. Paint colours may vary on application. •Not all timbers are available in all states and territories.

Safety equipment  (mask, eye and ear protection) Tape measure  and pencil Masking tape  and felt-tip pen Drill with driver,  4mm and 8mm bits Pliers  Combination pliers  Circular saw  with 1200mm straight edge 8G countersinking  bit Combination  square Mini roller  with tray Flat-pack drawer  (we used a Kaboodle 600mm 1 drawer base cabinet) Drawer front (we  used Kaboodle ‘Modern’ profile in Antique White) Drawer runners 

Your DIY toolkit 1

Assemble the drawer cabinet according to the supplied instructions, adding the front drawer panel and runners but leaving off the supplied legs. To add the handle, position tape to mark the centre of the drawer front and 120mm from the top, then drill through with a 4mm bit.

To make the frame, measure the FJL panels lengthways from the ends for a top 600mm long, back 485mm long, two sides each 500mm long, plus a shelf and base each 580mm long. Cut with a circular saw and straight edge, labelling the pieces with masking tape. Tip: Working from either end keeps the nicely finished factory edges.

Lift the drawer cabinet into the frame and position the shelf on it, with front edges flush. Mark the shelf along the outside to countersink and secure with 40mm screws, then remove the drawer cabinet. Turn the frame upside down to add the back piece, countersink the sides and secure with adhesive and screws. Cover all screws with timber filler and leave to dry.

To fit the handle, clamp the supplied snap-off screw with pliers held vertically. With your other hand, clamp combination pliers over the last segment, pulling downward to snap it off. Push the screw through from inside the drawer, adding the handle and twisting on the brass cap.

Along the top and bottom of the side pieces, countersink holes 10mm in from the edges. Position the top piece against the sides with factory edges facing forward and flush, then apply adhesive, securing with 40mm screws. Repeat to attach the base piece, ensuring the front is flush, with a gap at the back.

On the base of the frame, use a combination square to position leg plates 20mm from the front and back. Mark the centre holes, then remove the plates to drill through with an 8mm bit. Reposition the plates, secure with the supplied screws and twist in the legs. Sand the frame all over, wiping away dust with a damp cloth.

7 1 Lane leather handle in Black, $8.36, I/N: 0135451. 2 Surface Gard 22mm round slide glides with screws, $6.30/pack of 8, I/N: 3965295. 3 SpecRite 1200mm x 600mm x 18mm FJL panel in Hevea, $41, I/N: 8330181•. 4 Taubmans water based semi gloss enamel paint in Neutral, $51.75/1L, I/N: 0147175. 5 Adoored 150mm round tapered plain pine furniture leg, $3.60, I/N: 0225586. 6 Ryobi 1500W 184mm circular saw, $79, I/N: 0013549. 7 Adoored 5/16" (8mm) vertical leg plates, $2.20/pack of 2, I/N: 0101570. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

While the cabinet is upside down, use a mini roller to paint the legs. Turn the cabinet right-way up to paint all over, applying at least two coats, leaving to dry thoroughly after each. Tip: Paint inside the shelf and around the front of the drawer cavity, but there’s no need to paint into the back as it won’t be seen.

Position the drawer cabinet in the frame, checking the drawer front is flush with the frame, then remove the drawer. Secure the cabinet to the frame from the inside using 30mm screws into the sides and base. Install the drawer and add glides to the legs, securing with the supplied screws. ◆ bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

Pro tip

Attach the bedhead by drilling through the frame directly into wall studs or anchors. Alternatively, use small L-brackets along the top and base, securing into the frame with timber screws and into the wall using appropriate fasteners

Make it Bedhead DIY

WOVEN JUTE BEDHEAD If you don’t have a saw, have the pine for the frame of the bedhead cut in store. Note: The finished size of our bedhead is 1740mm wide by 1520mm high, which suits a queen-sized bed (1530mm wide).

Heads up! Create impact with a DIY headboard, chic enough for grown-ups, or kid-friendly cute TOOLS & MATERIALS

70mm x 30mm dressed all round (DAR) pine• C lear varnish our L-shaped  F mending brackets 5mm timber  2 screws 0G 150mm  1 batten timber screws T hree 33m rolls of jute webbing 5mm flathead  2 nails

Your DIY toolkit

Cut the pine into two 1600mm lengths for the top and base rails and two 1520mm lengths for the sides with a mitre saw. Use a paintbrush to seal with varnish on all sides. Leave to dry.

Centre L-shaped mending brackets over each join, make sure the pine is flush, then use a drill to secure with 25mm timber screws. Note: Treat this side as the back of the piece.

Position a rail between the sides, flush with the tops, and the other 1080mm down from the top, positioning the base of the rail at the mark.

At each join, pre-drill through the sides and into the rails using a 10mm bit, using a hex head bit to secure with 10G 150mm batten timber screws.

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1 Porta ‘Standard and Better’ 70mm x 30mm DAR pine, $20.50/2.4m, I/N: 0021332•. 2 Carinya ‘Make-ABracket’ 150mm x 40mm x 140mm x 50mm x 1mm mending L plate, $1.78, I/N: 3960653. 3 Zenith 8G 25mm Type 17 passivated countersunk head timber screws in Gold, $8.56/pack of 100, I/N: 2409119. 4 Whites 50mm jute webbing plant tie, $15.99/33m, I/N: 3320008. 5 Zenith 150mm x 14-10mm galvanised bugle head batten timber screws, $26/pack of 50, I/N: 2420699. bunnings.com.au |

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Cut lengths of jute to span the bedhead top to the base rail, with 100mm extra on both ends. Fold over along the top to the back, securing each with two flathead nails. Pull lengths tight and fold over the base of the frame. Trim any excess jute with scissors.

Position lengths of jute to span the width of the bedhead, with 100mm extra on both ends. Fold over one side to the back, and secure with two nails for each piece. Weave the jute over and under to secure on the other side. Alternate the over-under weaving for consecutive pieces.

Photography Sue Stubbs, (jute project steps) Stefan Staltare, styling Samantha Torrisi. Project editing Natasha Dickins. Paint colours may vary on application. •Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

afety equipment  S (mask, eye and ear protection) ape measure T and pencil M itre saw or handsaw D rop sheet P aintbrush D rill with driver, hex head and 10mm bits cissors  S H ammer our 2.4m lengths  F

PA I N T E D C O R K BEDHEAD Use round cork mats to make this pattern for a single bedhead. Add another, longer row along the base to make it for a wider bed. Style tip Create a cool artwork to match the bedhead by painting larger 300mm-wide cork mats and applying them with the same method

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Safety equipment (mask)   Drop sheet  Paintbrush 1000mm ruler  250mm round cork mats (we  used 28) Paint sample pots in various  colours (we used Dulux Solar, Surprise, Silkwort, Malay Grey and Dromedary) Five 12-packs of adhesive  picture-hanging strips

Working on a drop cloth, apply two coats of paint to the cork mats with a paintbrush, leaving to dry thoroughly after each coat. Note: We used five different colours to paint the cork mats, and left five mats raw.

Set out the pattern on the floor, decreasing the number of mats for each row and mixing up the colours. Tip: To create our design for a single bed, start with seven mats, then six, working up to one.

Your DIY toolkit 4 3 1

To transfer the design onto the wall behind the bed, work upwards from the base row, applying an adhesive strip to the back of each mat, to one side. Position the mats on the wall with strips along the bottom, using a ruler to check the row is straight, pressing them flat.

Repeat applying the strips and positioning the next rows, tucking the mats behind each row below. When the design is complete, add strips behind the top of each mat, pressing them flat. ◆

1 Monarch 38mm all purpose synthetic wall paintbrush, $8.48, I/N: 1660606. 2 Dulux 250ml deep paint sample pot, $9.98, I/N: 1409312. 3 Command narrow picture hanging adhesive strips in White, $16.98/pack of 12, I/N: 0180142. 4 Crescent Lufkin 1000mm stainless steel rule, $19.95, I/N: 5663003. 5 Northcote Pottery 250mm pot accessory cork mat, $4.90, I/N: 0138555. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings |

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D I N I N G TA B L E TOOLS & MATERIALS

Safety equipment (mask, eye  and ear protection) Random orbital sander with  180- and 240-grit abrasive discs Tape measure and pencil  Drill with Phillips head bit  Cloth  5mm-wide paintbrush  7 2100mm x 900mm x 30mm  laminated pine panel• Four 700mm hairpin legs  0mm timber screws  3 Timber varnish 

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2 3

Rock a retro vibe with black, solid steel hairpin legs

Rustle up these rustic pieces for indoor craft and dining, and to tidy up outdoor gear

ild winter weather curtailing your outdoor activities? Head to the shed, take out your toolkit and turn timber into a table, a nifty boot rack and a cute little weaving loom.

1 Monarch ‘Woodcare’ 75mm paintbrush, $20.75, I/N: 0022591. 2 Taskmaster ‘Hairpin’ 700mm x 10mm steel table leg, $21, I/N: 0038471. 3 Ozito ‘PXC’ 18V 125mm random orbital sander, $51.98/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 6290614. 4 AraucoPly 2100mm x 900mm x 30mm clear FJ pine laminated panel, $136, I/N: 0290007•. 5 Cabot’s ‘Cabothane Clear’ water based polyurethane timber varnish in Gloss, $49.90/1L, I/N: 1522392.

Smooth over the top and sides of the pine panel using an orbital sander with 180-grit abrasive disc, rounding over the corners slightly.

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Turn the panel upside down. Position a hairpin leg in each corner, with the plates 50mm from the sides, securing with 30mm timber screws.

Wipe away dust with a damp cloth, then seal the top and sides with varnish using a wide brush, leaving to dry thoroughly. Sand lightly with 240-grit, wipe away dust, apply a second coat of varnish and leave to dry.

Projects, styling and steps photography Sam van Kan. Photography Belinda Merrie, styling assistant Sophie Heyworth. Project editing Natasha Dickins. •Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

Cabin fever

Make it DIY furniture & craft

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Safety equipment (mask, eye and ear  protection, gloves) Tape measure, pencil and felt-tip pen  Mitre saw or handsaw  Drill with 25mm spade, 3mm and  Phillips head bits Pair of sawhorses  Cloth  Two 1.2m lengths 40mm x 18mm  DAR clear solid pine• Two 2.4m lengths 25mm pine dowel•  180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block  Timber adhesive  8G x 30mm timber screws  Danish oil 

To install the dowel, apply adhesive into the holes, position the 300mm dowels in one base and the 400mm dowels in the other. Secure the dowel through the bases with 30mm timber screws.

Keep outdoor footwear up off the deck and neatly stored on a good-looking peg-style boot rack

BOOT RACK

From the pine, measure, mark and cut two bases 800mm long and two sides at 300mm. From the dowel, cut six 400mm lengths and six 300mm lengths. Smooth over all the pieces with 180-grit abrasive paper.

On the side pieces, measure and mark 20mm in from the ends and 10mm in from the sides, then pre-drill holes with a 3mm bit.

On the bases, measure and mark along 100mm, 220mm, 340mm, 460mm, 580mm and 700mm. Drill halfway through the marks using a 25mm spade bit. Tip: Mark the depth on the bit with a felt-tip pen and use it as a guide to avoid drilling right through.

Position the bases upside down between the sawhorses. Apply adhesive to the ends, position the sides so the ends are flush with the bases, and secure with 30mm screws. Wear gloves to apply Danish oil with a cloth.  bunnings |

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Make it MINI WE AVING LOOM TOOLS & MATERIALS

afety equipment (mask, eye  S and ear protection) Ruler and pencil  Handsaw  D rill with Phillips head and 3mm bits Hammer  900mm length 40mm x 18mm  DAR clear solid pine• 180-grit abrasive paper with  sanding block Timber adhesive  G x 30mm timber screws  8 25mm x 1.6mm wall panel nails 

To create simple patterns, choose contrasting twines for the weft threads

From the pine, measure and mark two 160mm end pieces and one 230mm spine. Use a handsaw to cut pieces, then smooth all over with 180-grit abrasive paper.

Dab adhesive onto the end-grain of the spine, then position it against the holes in the end pieces, securing with 30mm timber screws.

Style tip We used Grunt cotton shop twine for the warp, and Whites jute twine and twist cotton twine for the weft

On the 160mm ends, measure and mark along 70mm and 90mm, and 10mm in from the side. Pre-drill through the marks with a 3mm bit.

Along the top of the end pieces, use a ruler to mark 10mm intervals, leaving 20mm at either end. Hammer wall panel nails into the marks, leaving them to protrude about 10mm.

HOW TO WE AVE The vertical threads on the loom are the warp of a weave; the thread woven under and over it to create the textile is the weft. You’ll need a variety of twine and cord, scissors and a large tapestry needle (from a haberdashery store).

Thread a 3m-length of jute through a large needle. Leaving a 50mm tail, weave the needle over and under the warp. For the next row, weave back, alternating the over-under. Repeat, pressing the rows down as you go. Tip: If changing twine, leave a tail at the beginning and end of each change.

To tie off the weaving, turn the loom over to pull the tails through to the back. Working on one tail at a time, thread it through the needle to make three or four stitches back through the warp. Trim the excess with scissors.

To finish the piece, snip the warp twine just under the nails, leaving length either side of the weaving. Separate the first two strands and tie them together with a simple knot. Tie the next two together and continue knotting along both ends. Trim to neaten both ends. ◆

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•Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

To make the warp, knot the shop twine around the top left nail of the loom. Pull it down to wrap around the first nail at the base, then pull up to the top and wrap around the second nail. Repeat, keeping the twine taut, until the loom is strung, knotting at the last nail.

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Plant pick

Sleeping beauties Plant a dormant, bare-rooted tree or shrub, ready to burst into life come spring Japanese maple Cultivars vary from a small-medium tree to a large shrub, with lacy foliage on weeping or spreading branches. The leaves may be red-purple or green for most of the year, but come ablaze in autumn in orange, yellow and red tones. Ensure the soil is well drained and feed with an organic fertiliser in spring. Roses Fill your garden with romance, colour and, if you’re lucky, scent by planting a selection of roses. They grow well in most climates but can succumb to fungal diseases in areas with humid summers. Choose a spot in full sun with welldrained soil. Dig in plenty of aged cow manure and compost, then mulch. Feed regularly from spring to autumn.

Japanese maple

(Acer palmatum cvs)

Roses

(Rosa spp. and cvs)

For most climates, position in full sun, but in warm humid climates, grow in part shade.

Prune back in late summer to encourage a second flush of lovely blooms in autumn.

Forest pansy

Flowering fruit trees

Flowering fruit trees For beautiful spring blossom – and a tasty summer snack – plant a peach, nectarine, cherry, apricot or plum tree. They need cold winters as they require a certain amount of ‘chill hours’ for the fruit to ripen; to grow in warmer climates, look for trees with low chill hours. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. ◆ FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT bunnings.com.au/plants

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(Cercis canadensis)

Popular for its ever-changing display, this striking specimen tree grows to only 5m tall and wide.

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(Prunus spp.)

If space is limited, look for dwarf forms of peach (pictured), nectarine, cherry, apricot or plum, or multi-grafted trees.

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Getty Images, (peach) Alamy Stock Photo.

Forest pansy This is much loved for its red flower buds, which appear on bare stems in early spring, and open to a profusion of pink blossoms. Heart-shaped, glossy purple leaves follow soon after and age to dark green, before turning red-orange in autumn. The colour is best when planted in full sun, but avoid hot and windy sites.

Bunnings Magazine July 2021

Articles inside

Sleeping beauties Plant dormant

Heads up! Recreate our gorgeous handmade bedheads in your home

Cabin fever Try your hand at our ‘Winter escape’ DIY projects

Front garden refurb Discover how an

Goodnight stand Build a roomy

About face Fix up your window frames and boost your street appeal

Sitting pretty See a blank canvas become a chic lounge in a weekend

Reno remedy Find out how a renovator got a new look on a budget

Nap time Know your paint-tool terms with our deep dive into decorating kit

Lush for life Enhance your interiors – and your wellbeing – with plants

First things first Work out where to start with our beginners’ reno guide

Winter escape Be inspired by clever styling tricks to keep the chill at bay

What’s happening in July

Australia’s best DIY projects 2021