Home Scene November 2019

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November N No vember 2019

EMERGING DESIGN TRENDS

Savvy ways to sort your stuff Laundry Finishes Hot new interior looks

SUSTAINABLE LIVING Building materials Permaculture gardens Waterless toilets

The handbook for builders, renovators and decorators

KEEP YOUR COOL THIS SUMMER

Call us for new installations, repairs and maintenance to existing systems.

We service the whole Clarence Valley!

AUTHORISED DEALERS OF:

6646 2394

U n i t 1 / 1 2 U k i S t r e e t , Ya m b a

2 Home Scene - November 2019

Welcome: Welcome to this latest edition of Home Scene In this issue, there is a strong focus on making your home more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

By making your home more sustainable you can cut down your carbon emissions at home and become more self-sufficient. In addition, making your home more sustainable can also cut down on your electricity and water costs, saving you money.

In this edition you will find articles about things such as permaculture, water efficient toilets, water tanks, plus many more ways that you can create a sustainable home environment.

With summer just around the corner now is the perfect time to make your home more sustainable.

Inside: 6.

Emerging design trends

8.

Ways to reduce your plastic use

10.

What to consider when choosing bedroom carpet

12.

Hottest new interior looks

13.

Savvy ways to sort your stuff

15.

Laundry finishes - awash with colour

20.

Sustainable building materials

21.

Creating sustainable gardens

23.

Don’t move - improve

24.

Waterless toilets

25.

Let’s all recycle right

33.

Water tanks - what you need to know

Published by: Auzmags Independent Publishers Unit 4, Fairtrader Drive, Yamba Business Park, Yamba 02 6646 9466 sales@cvreview.com.au clarencevalleynews.com.au Printed by: APN Print

General Manager Editor Journalist Graphic Designers

Sales Consultant

- Ann Mazzitelli - John Warden - Marissa Newman - Caitlyn Billington, Chloe Billington, Lynda Davidson - Fran Dowsett

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is given in good faith. This publication should not be used or relied on as a substitute for detailed professional advice or used as a basis for formulating important lifestyle decisions.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Auzmags (publisher of the Home Scene and North Coast Seniors Revolution) accepts no liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any person acting in reliance on information contained in this publication.

Cover image and Index image provided courtesy Carpet Court

Auzmags is not responsible for views or comments contained in advertisements. Therefore, it is the advertisers or their agency’s responsibility to ensure the content and claims in their advertisements are not in breach of the Trade Practices Act. Copyright. All material including graphic design, editorial, photography and advertising appearing in this magazine is copyright restricted and may not be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher or from persons holding copyright for specific feature articles/photographs.

Home Scene - November 2019 3

The Shop

THE LITTLE GEM ON THE SOUTH SIDE

172 Ryan Street, South Grafton (next to the Liberty Servo) theshopsouthgrafton 0439 572 408 Open Mon – Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-3 during the Summer months Here comes Summer….. time to visit The Shop in South Grafton to choose that perfect piece to dress up your home or find some fabulous garden pots & ornaments! Relax in your garden with a beautiful high quality cast iron seat, bench or table setting. You will admire the choice of quality pots & garden décor available in the Garden area. Perhaps a recycled teak dining table would suit you for years of enjoyment on the patio? They are all available at The Shop.

Expecting a crowd? Entertain them with any of the large range of timber games available. Hours of fun, and great Christmas gift ideas!

The Shop is definetely the “go to” place for gifts for those you love!

Mexican & Moroccan handicrafts, Japanese ceramics, Turkish & Indian rugs & bathmats, 100% cotton nighties, gift soaps, greeting cards and much more… or Say it with flowers – you will find the biggest range of ‘everlasting’ flowers & plants in the Valley at The Shop.

xx Home Scene - November 2019

Exciting news!! The Shop has a dedicated Christmas room - This is every Christmas lovers dream!! Full of unique decorations and gift ideas, you will find something for everyone!

A one stop shop without the hassle of the shopping centre for Teachers gifts or Secret Santas as well.

Also, The Shop has Gift vouchers for those special friends in your life.

It’s definetely time to take a trip to The Shop – The Little Gem on the South Side! You will be pleasantly surprised! Remember The Shop stays open until 3pm on Saturdays.

We just love

sustainable rugs Sustainability is a real buzz word at the moment and when you are redecorating or building your home it is best to make sure your home as sustainable as possible. One way that you can do this is buy installing carpets made from recyclable materials or updating your look with a new sustainable rug.

Most new carpets and rugs are made from new materials, but some carpet manufacturers are starting to produce carpets and rugs made from recycled materials; a trend that will hopefully grow.

Did you know that old carpet is one of the top 10 landfill items? We can reduce this figure by recycling old carpet.

Landfills in Australia are also full of plastic. PET plas-

tic can be used to make carpets and rugs from recycled bottles.

PET carpeting and rugs look as good as any other type and gives the owner the satisfaction of knowing they are using recycled materials on their floors.

While PET carpet is not as durable as other materials, it still has the ability to last a long time and can be suitable for living rooms, bedrooms and other rooms.

PET carpeting and rugs vary in quality so it is important that you shop around when buying PET.

Recycled PET (coke) Bottles These rugs are made from recycled PET (coke) bottles.

Suitable for indoor or outdoor use they are made in India. They look and feel like wool. To clean you simply hose them off and line dry.

They come in several sizes and quite a few designs and colours.

These rugs are available from The Shop.

Recycled Plastics These rugs are made from recycled plastics.

Suitable for indoor or out. To clean simply hose off - great for beach, caravan annex or the patio.

Sizes are from 150mmx90mm rightaup to 270mmx180mm and b 270mmx270mm.

Many styles and colours are available from The Shop.

Home Scene - November 2019 5

I BY KAREN HIRST

2019 – 2020

Emerging Design Trends It is hard to believe we are on the downhill run of 2019. Where has this year flown? With the onset of longer days & warmer weather, it is only natural that we feel inspired to freshen up our homes. So what themes & trends can we expect to see filtering into the retail environment to tempt us? After taking part in the annual trend seminar at this year’s Decor & Design, conducted by UK Trend forecasting company Scarlet Opus I discovered there are three main themes we will see. All are heavily influenced by environmental concerns.

SATORI In response to a “virtual overload” the Satori theme shows a deepening consideration & compassion for ourselves & the natural world. It’s core principals revolve around serenity, balance, preservation & focus on “the art of living”.

Unnecessary items are removed, leaving only items of integrity & true nature.

Satori has distinct Japanese influences.

Materials are honest, natural, durable, sustainable & carefully crafted, enabling us to find a sense of solace & calmness. Natural timbers, natural products dominate. Shapes are smooth & rounded & all are carefully crafted.

Colour Palette includes a range of greens, celadon, washed denim, peach, indigo, weathered gold & the surprise…….RED will be back!

Satori

Satori

Satori

Inspired Design

Fellowship

Interior • Exterior • Residential • Commercial

Karen Hirst 0439 506 430 khinspireddesign.com.au 6 Home Scene - November 2019

Fellowship

GAME CHANGER

This emerging theme is conceived from an “ecological guilt” associated with irreversible changes to the landscape & environmental damage.

Making new innovative products from discarded rubbish is the basic hallmark of Game Changer.

Reflecting this trend, products will show both botanical & oceanic influences & be made from materials that you wouldn’t believe! Yet the result will be beautiful & or very useful.

Colour Palette Reflecting the environment – renewed greens, ranging from the key colour darkest jade, to pale jade, teal & mint. Also purple, frosted lilac, iced blue, dark rose gold & pale gold, coral, blush pink & silver.

Colours will often have an iridescent quality about them.

Shape / Texture Heavily influenced by the ocean, product shapes will appear fluid & flowing. More often than not they will be cylindrical with distinct sea creature parallels. Think lighting, bowls & décor items inspired by corals, anemones.

Crystal inspired products will also be part of this trend.

Textures will show a balance between natural & artificial – liquid shine / velvet softness / “plastic” fabrics with the “touch” of linen.

More design tips

SUSTAINABLE AND NATURAL FABRICS

Game Changer

Game Changer

FELLOWSHIP Fellowship reflects a global outlook instilled with hope & positivity.

It reflects a determination by communities to collaborate & co-operate & be mindful of our environmental responsibilities, focussing on cleaner, more efficient manufacturing processes while celebrating each community’s ethnic diversity. The “Boho” style still fits squarely in this category, however it’s origins are cleaner & greener.

Materials The emphasis is on hand made items which have a timeless quality. Old crafts are resurrected with new technology & are re-imagined, giving them a new lease of life.

Bespoke floor rugs, natural fabrics, handmade lights, weaved items are just a few examples.

Terazzo is becoming larger in scale.

Colour Palette Is bold. Ultramarine blue, chilli & earthy reds, burnt ochre, mustard yellow, pasture green, indigo, rose pink.

Across homes, sustainable and natural fabrics are a key trend.

Look for these fabrics in upholstered furniture, throws, cushions and tapestries. The movement towards natural fabrics speaks to the broader conversations across design right now that is all about embracing a peaceful retreat from crazy, modern life. The good news is the embrace of natural textiles will work across so many styles and looks, from Hamptons to Boho, to French Country, to Scandi, and just about everything in-between.

GOLD, GOLD AND MORE GOLD This metallic finish has had a revamp and it has come out us in a major way this year. With finishes covering gold patinas, black golds and bright golds being paired with raw and natural finishes and highend appliances, gold has never looked so good.

GO GREEN Indoor plants will never go out of style. At the moment plants with patterned or textured leaves are in. If you don't have confidence in your gardening abilities

an artificial plant is the answer. These days artificial plants are indistinguishable from the real thing and don't need any gardening skills at all, however you may need to occasionally dust them.

YOUR PERSONAL TOUCH It is easy to get caught up in the latest trends or fashions however they should act as a guide and inspiration when you are about to decorate or update a space, but the most important design expert you can ever bring on board to a project is, your own inspiration. Decorate your space with the things that are valuable to you, remind you of good times or are just beautiful to you. Trust yourself and enjoy the space that you create.

Home Scene - November 2019 7

Compass - everything curtains for home or business Have you ever sat in your home and looked at your surroundings and thought “somethings not quite right with those curtains (or blinds)? Perhaps they’re hanging a little wonky, maybe they’re covered in dust you haven’t noticed before or they don’t slide across the track like they used to.

Maybe the curtains are simply old and need to be replaced.

Barbara Wilson of Compass Curtains has the knowledge and experience to help answer all these questions. After 35 years in the industry and 22 years with her own business, there aren’t many problems she hasn’t come across and solved. Barbara offers a full-service obligation

Image: freepik.com - topntp26 pn nttp ntp tp26 26

free measure and quote, replacing curtain tapes or hooks (conditions apply) curtain cleaning and of course making custom made curtains and tracks including the installation. If the new curtains can’t be completed before tenants move in (for example) Barbara offers loan curtains in the interim at no cost. They are also offered with the curtain cleaning service while the curtains are away getting cleaned, the loaners help provide privacy in the interim.

With summer approaching, insulation against sun and heat is very important. By using a relatively new curtain fabric generally called ‘Triple Weave’ or ‘Night Rider’, the home is immediately more comfortable. This new

UPDATE YOUR SPACE with new

CURTAINS AND BLINDS TO SUIT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS From the master bedroom to complete motel outfitting - we do it all.

• Personal, In-home Service • Since 1997 delighted customers have come back for MORE! • The choice for those who Value QUALITY! • 10% Discount Seniors Citizens Creating • FREE measure and quote bu fa lous window including colour & design furnishings for advice years. over 20

COMPASS CURTAINS Phone Barbara Wilson

0435 954 212 compassinteriors@optusnet.com.au 8 Home Scene - November 2019

fabric has replaced the old acrylic coated fabrics and is woven in such a way that about 95% of the sun is blocked from the room, which cools the area beautifully.

It has been rated Fire Retardant Standard AS 1530.3 so is suitable for motels. The best bit is that its achieved with 100% polyester fibres, rendering it totally washable and stain resistant.

This fabric is supplied by many wholesale companies which Barbara uses, such as Nettex, Charles Parsons, Hoad, Zepel and many others.

They are available in a huge range of colours, textures and printed designs to suit most tastes. Naturally the same degree of insulation is evident when the cooler weather comes around, warmth stays in

and cold stays out.

Barbara doesn’t restrict her clients to domestic dwellings.

She also provides window coverings in commercial properties, motels and rental properties.

In many cases, daytime privacy is an issue.

To accommodate this need, she offers a selection of sheer fabrics.

The person inside the home can easily see out through the sheer curtains and let light in, but anyone outdoors cannot see in. At night of course the reverse is true, and the solid curtains are needed then.

Phone Barbara Wilson at compass curtains on 0435 944 212 to arrange your obligation free measure and quote for all your window covering needs.

Ways to reduce your plastic use...

There has been a strong focus lately on the impact that plastics are having on the environment and there has been a focus on turning away from single-use plastics and using reusable materials. The main impact of plastic in the environment has been on our rivers, oceans, and waterways.

Every time that we refuse to use a piece of plastic, it is a small victory for our marine environment and together we can make a big difference. With one simple decision to reduce the amount of plastic we use in our daily lives, we can help to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our waterways and give our sea creatures a healthier future.

There are many simple steps you can take at home to reduce your plastic use.

The average plastic bag is used for 12 minutes but essentially takes forever to break down. You are no longer able to get single-use plastic bags from major

supermarkets so it is important to remember to bring your reusable bags with you to the shops.

Plastic packaging is everywhere in the supermarket.

Choose the unwrapped produce where you can, bring your own fruit and vegetable bags from home, choose bulk products where possible and choose glass bottles or buy containers that are made from recycled plastic.

Australians use 1 billion disposable coffee cups a year and millions of straws. Many people think that coffee cups can be recycled however they have a plastic lining that prevents this.

By bringing your own reusable coffee cup to get your daily coffee you are helping to end this plastic pollution. You can also say no to plastic straws, many cafes and coffee shops now have the option of paper straws or you can buy your own metal or bamboo straw… or better still just drink from the bottle or glass.

Have you ever wanted to look smarter than you really are?

Your home is a great place to start.

Smart home gadgets are there to make your life simpler, safer and more secure; giving you peace of mind.

With technology constantly improving, it is now possible to operate your lighting, control your heating and cooling, even close the blinds whilst you’re still at work… or too lazy to get out of your chair.

This is made possible via the apps on your smartphone, relative to the particular product purchased.

And whilst on the subject of being a “smarter” homeowner.

Did you know that lighting accounts for 10 percent of the average household electricity budget in Australia. The popularity of of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) is now more affordable for general household use and

is responsible for the reduction of lighting costs over recent years.

If you would like to see what smart technology lights and lamps can do for the ambience of your home, come in to the store and see the latest designs and trends available for the modern home.

Love your lamp but hate the shade? We have a huge range of replacement shades in various designs, sizes and colours.

Also available are tiles, vinyl tanks, vanities, mirrors, toilets, baths, ceiling fans, and of course smart lighting.

You won’t find Yamba Tiles and Light on any Smartphone app, but you will find great service and advice at this locally owned store. Drop in and see Tim, Nicky and the team at 14 Treelands Drive Yamba or phone 6646 2525.

14 Treelands Drive, Yamba

Ph: 6646 2525 Home Scene - November 2019 9

What should you consider when

choosing carpet for your bedroom?

When choosing carpet for any room in your home always consider your environment. Do you live in a sub-tropical climate with high humidity? In a rural or coastal setting? These factors help to determine whether you should consider wool or synthetic carpet, cut or loop carpet pile and even the best carpet colour for the room.

As your bedroom is a place of rest and relaxation, a soft synthetic or wool carpet is ideal on a bedroom floor which doesn’t

COULTERS

10 Home Scene - November 2019

Images: Carpet Court

see huge amounts of wear and tear. Cut carpet pile tends to deliver a more deluxe soft feel underfoot than loop carpet pile.

There is also the luxurious comfort of the Cloud Walk collection, which is available in 20 divine colours in a twist or plush carpet pile. Stepping on to this heavenly synthetic carpet first thing in the morning will have you feel like you are still dreaming.

For stunning master bedrooms with

YAMBA

floor to ceiling windows, remember that light coloured carpet is cooler and dark coloured carpet is warmer, as it absorbs the heat from the sun. Keep the aspect of your master bedroom in mind when choosing new carpet.

If you would like to arrange a free, in-home measure and quote with your friendly Carpet Court consultant simply call in and see the team at Coulters Carpet Court or give them a call on 6646 8555.

2 ANGOURIE RD PH 6646 8555

Children and sleep For many parents getting children ready for bed can be a daunting task but it is important that children get an adequate night’s sleep to allow them to function and learn at their full potential.

1. ESTABLISH A REGULAR SLEEP PATTERN

3. MAKE SURE THE BEDROOM IS COMFORTABLE.

2. A CONSISTENT BEDTIME ROUTINE

4. BED IS FOR SLEEPING, NOT ENTERTAINMENT.

Regular hours of sleep are important. Bedtime shouldn’t vary by more than an hour between school and non-school nights. The same goes for the time your child wakes up.

The bedroom should be a quiet, comfortable and dark.

Some children like a night light.

This is fine. Make sure your child sees the bedroom as a good place to be.

It is good to have the same routine before bed each night. This will help prepare for sleep. Quiet activities are good, avoid anything too active in the hour before bed.

TV, computers, mobile phones and other things that distract your child are not good for their sleep.

Keep them out of the bedroom.

“Needing” the TV to go to sleep is a bad habit.

5. A SNACK BEFORE BED

6. CAFFEINE IS A STIMULANT

Caffeine is found in many popular drinks. It can make it harder to get to sleep. Your child should have as little of these as possible, and certainly not after lunchtime.

7. TAKE CARE WITH DAYTIME NAPS.

It is normal for young children to nap during the day. As your child gets older, they will need less sleep. This means they will need to nap less. If your child naps after 4pm (except for the very young) it can be harder to get to sleep at night.

It’s harder to sleep on an empty stomach. A light snack can help.

SWISSTEK a good night’s sleep for the whole family

DOOR YOUR ED TO LIVER

FROM

A B M A Y

DE

8. EXERCISE AND TIME OUTSIDE

Daily exercise is an important part of healthy living. It also promotes good sleep. Time spent in bright daylight does the same.

Outdoor exercise achieves both things.

9. WORK WITH YOUR DOCTOR

If your child is sick or isn’t comfortable, their sleep will suffer.

Some children suffer from specific sleep problems such as frequent nightmares, snoring or sleep apnoea.

Source:sleephealthfoundation. org.au/sleep-tips-for-children

D

id you know that most people will sleep for a minimum of 25 years? For some, it will be even longer. Given that you will spend at least a third of your life in bed, it makes sense to ensure your bed is comfortable and supportive, provides you with a good night’s rest and helps to prevent stiffness and soreness.

All SwissTek® mattresses feature seven dedicated posture zones, so that optimal support is delivered to every part of your body as you sleep.

Each zone has a different level of flexibility so it can respond to your body as it needs to. Every part of your body is supported by zones that allow for exceptional conformability to your body’s curves, including targeted support to the lower back. This helps to provide correct spinal alignment and sleeping posture so your body gets the rest it needs and deserves. Body weight is distributed evenly across the mattress so that your entire body is supported, which results in pressure point reduction in the hip and shoulder areas, reducing tossing and turning for a more restful sleep.

Whether you prefer a firm, medium or soft mattress, if you’re looking for the perfect night’s sleep you must talk to the team at Coulters Beds R Us, Yamba. With years of experience in the bedding industry, they can advise you on which mattress is best for you and explain the benefits of the different styles of beds.

MANUFACTURED IN SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR! COULTERS BEDS R US YAMBA *Participating stores. Discount off recommended retail price.

Mattress only. Limited time. Conditions apply.

2 ANGOURIE ROAD,

YAMBA PH: 6646 1544 Home Scene - November 2019 11

RECHARGE YOUR INTERIORS WITH THE HOTTEST NEW LOOKS

From sun-bleached to saturated - Look-at-me colours are making a comeback in interiors, according to Carpet Court. Here’s how to use them in your home. Pastel and Outback colours are set to trend says Carpet Court style forecasters After years of low-key neutrals, striking colour combinations are back in the spotlight, according to Carpet Court trend forecasters.

The Pastel look, with its soft gelato hues, and the Outback look, inspired by the rich colours of the Australian landscape, are two trends you need to know about right now, say the forecasters.

“Colour is one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform a space, and these two looks have it in spades,” says Heather Nette King, Carpet Court’s style ambassador.

“The Pastel look is serene and uplifting – ideal for a bedroom or living room – and really plays into the current wellness trend.

The Outback look is inspired by our magnificent landscape – it’s rugged and warm and translates beautifully to open-plan kitchen-living-dining spaces or family rooms.

“With its muted apricots, mauves and dusty pinks, the Pastel look is undeniably feminine – but combining it with pared-back, modern furniture and bolder accents of mint and pale grey will take it from cloying to contemporary,” says Heather. “Seek out furniture with clean, unfussy lines and soft furnishings in the gentler hues.

“Keep the look bright and airy with pale flooring. I love an ultra-soft, plush carpet such as Carpet Court’s Luxe Palette in Calla – a light, sage shade – looks and feels luxurious underfoot. Or opt for a lime-washed or pale 12 Home Scene - November 2019

timber flooring such as Carpet Court’s Precinct Oak timber in Loire or Laneway vinyl planks in White Oak, which gives you the look of timber but none of the maintenance,” she says.

The Outback look is a celebration of all things modern Australian, with a palette of rusty terracotta, ochre, olive green, wattle yellow and charred black. “These muddy tones are paired with raw, grainy timbers, rustic furniture and tactile, woven elements to create a look that feels cocooning and authentic,” says Heather.

“Add depth by layering similar tones of the one colour – say from walls to an upholstered sofa and cushions. Inject drama by painting joinery or kitchen cabinetry in matte black,” she says.

“For this look, you’ll want a warm, earthy tone and texture underfoot. Choose flooring in a neutral shade with plenty of textural appeal, such as Carpet Court’s Ocean Road textured wool loop pile carpet in Lorne – a deep grey-brown, or a luscious twist plush pile

carpet such as Lifestyle + Rising Splendour in Cottonseed,” she says. “For timber flooring, think warm mid tones, such as oak or walnut, with natural knots and swirls or a weathered finish. Carpet Court’s Aqua-Tuf Hybrid in Blackbutt or Exquisit Laminate in Tuscany Walnut would both work well.”

“Before your store visit, take photos of your rooms and any existing furniture, and gather together paint and fabric samples so your sales consultant can help you make the right selection,” says Heather

Images: Carpet Court

Savvy Ways to

Sort Your Stuff

If you’re drowning in paperwork and overrun with clutter at home or work, then now is a good time to clear the decks and press re-set.

“Research shows that mental clarity, productivity and endorphins increase when you’re living and working in an organised space,” says Erin Boyce, owner of Your Organised Life, a professional organising service for individuals, families and businesses.

Here, Erin shares her top tips for sorting and storing your stuff: 1. Baby steps – often when we think about tackling a big job such as clearing clutter, we can feel overwhelmed. Start with one room – the sense of achievement you feel when you have finished it will help you move onto the next.

2. Sort it out – sort your stuff into piles of store, throw and recycle. Bag up and remove the throw and recycle items so you are left with just with those you want to store. Already, you’ve got rid of more than half your clutter! If you haven’t, then take a second look and be firm. If you haven’t worn it or used it in a year or more, then it’s time to say goodbye!

3. Storage – choose the right storage for the job. Storage containers should always be functional over pretty. In my opinion, see-through and stackable storage will always win.

Keep it simple.

4. Central Station - create a ‘command’ station somewhere in the home full of all those useful items we use often like batteries, stationary and sticky tape. Group items together and store them in storage drawers or plastic takeaway containers. Label each box on the front with a permanent marker (I like Pilot’s new Permanent Markers as they’re long lasting and don’t fade out) so you’ll always know what’s inside and you’ll never have to rifle through a drawer full of junk again!

5. Toy time – give your kids some sticky labels and a fine-tipped marker pen and ask them to draw pictures of their toys, e.g. dolls, soft toys, games etc. and stick them onto the storage containers. They’ll have fun and it’s a great way to get them involved in sorting their stuff from an early age.

6. Paper trail - Keep the majority of your paperwork virtually to ensure paper clutter doesn’t start taking over but with the important documents,

store hard copies into a space saving expanding file folder, then group and label into categories, e.g. ‘bill’s, ‘receipts’, ‘school’, ‘health’ etc.

7. Freezer pleaser - keep track of food that’s stored in the freezer and pantry. Use freezer labels or masking tape to label the food item and date stored. Store in the freezer by food type and date to save searching next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal.

For further organisational tips and tricks, visit: http://www.yourorganisedlife.com.au/. For information on Pilot SCA Permanent Markers, visit: https://pilotpen.com.au/.

Home Scene - November 2019 13

Time for an update to your

bathroom Is your bathroom due for a new lease of life?

Is it time to renovate your bathroom?

Then why not give the team at Lower Clarence Total Maintenance a call.

Renovating your bathroom can add atouch of elegance to your bathroom. It can also add value to your home.

Lower Clarence Total Maintenance is your complete bathroom specialist with over 25 years’ experience. The team is fully licensed and insured. They can help you with all your floor and wall tiling needs for any size and any budget. The team will ensure that your project is completed from start to finish.

Lower Clarence Total Maintenance specialises in complete bathroom renovations, servicing Yamba and surrounding areas.

Inquire now for a free quote on a complete bathroom / laundry renovation, any floor and wall tiling. No job is too big or too small.

Custom Bathrooms – by LCTM Phone 0419 974 341 or email lctmain@bigpond.net.au

YOUR COMPLETE BATHROOM SPECIALIST...

• 25 years experience • Fully licensed & Insured • Floor & wall tiling • Any size - any budget )URP VWDUW WR ÀQLVK

LOWER CLARENCE TOTAL MAINTENANCE &ODUN DQG +HDWKHU 5ROIH Lic No: 118390C M: 0419 974 341 E: lctmain@bigpond.net.au 14 Home Scene - November 2019

LAUNDRY FINISHES awash with colour and texture

Like kitchens before them, laundries have stepped out of the shade and are receiving long overdue attention.

New finishes, more colour/texture and light plus a focus on clever storage options are all part of today’s laundry.

And perhaps most excitingly, homeowners are being more adventurous in their choice of surfaces and inbuilt idiosyncrasies!

Caesarstone is a key inclusion in today’s laundries, both for its extensive range of colours and textures – including marble, granite and concrete-inspired surfaces – and its sheer practicality and durability.

Being a quartz surface, Caesarstone is even harder than granite as well as being chip and stain resistant. So it can quite literally take everything that is thrown at it in a hardworking laundry!

Caesarstone is available in 48 quartz finishes, each of which melds the authentic look of natural stone or marble with the superior functional benefits of Caesarstone – it is scratch, heat, chip and stain resistant.

Caesarstone is committed to the highest safety and environmental standards and carries the ISO 14001 international standard for environmental management and performance.

Bonnie of Three Birds Renovations, for example, included a purpose-built dog bath in a lush chequerboard of pink and grey teamed with Caesarstone Noble

Grey benchtops in her family laundry.

This primarily utilitarian inclusion immediately became the focal point of the entire space!

In another Three Birds Renovations laundry creation the inclusion of a large circular window is both truly inspirational as well as practical. The space is transformed into an oasis of tranquillity and calm – light floods the beautiful Caesarstone Cloudburst Concrete benchtops with recessed laboratory sink doubling as a laundry tub. Wash-day blues have been banished forever!

Maria, of Studio Black Interiors, created a beautiful light filled laundry space in a soft palette of greys - in a mix of chevron tiled splashback and Caesarstone Sleek Concrete. By replicating some elements of the palette used in the rest of the home, a sense of flow and cohesion, coupled with a timeless sense of style, was extended to the ‘engine room’ of the home. (above) Images: threebirdsrenovations.com (left) Design: studioblackinteriors.com.au, Photography: hcreations.com.au Builder: repbuilding.com.au Home Scene - November 2019 15

Combine your outdoor & indoor living areas

Entertain in Style with Barbeques Galore from Ballina Barbeques Galore at Ballina has everything you need for entertaining your family and friends, or to create the ultimate outdoor living experience.

Barbeques Galore can turn your outdoors into a beautiful living space that invites your family and guests to relax, talk and just enjoy the moment.

You will find outdoor furniture in a range of settings. They have everything from sofas, dining sets, modular lounges, balcony sets, and umbrellas; in fact everything that you need to create your new favourite getaway at home.

Barbeques Galore can help create your perfect backyard.

Whether it’s fresh and contemporary, classic or modern, Barbeques Galore has something that will suit your personal tastes.

They have a wide range of colours and materials, including wicker, aluminium and timber.

If you are looking for outdoor furniture, heating, fireplaces, wood heaters, accessories or barbeques for your outdoor spaces, then look no further than Barbeques Galore at Ballina.

The Ballina store is located at Lot 15, Southern Cross Drive, Ballina or call 6686 6805.

Making the best of your alfresco lifestyle – entertaining all year round.

The only solution for the large size openings of today is our range of Pleated Retractable Screens…perfect for alfresco rooms, stacker doors, bi-fold doors, French doors, pivot doors, entry doors and timber sliding doors… screening up to nine metres.

Our advanced European range of standard (wide span advantage), Zero (trackless design) or Vertical (servery) are more durable than mesh and are perfect for retro fitting.

Our range of screens will enhance your bug-free alfresco lifestyle and are made in Australia…it is the only solution for those ‘hard to’ screen areas.

Connect your indoor and outdoor environments - into one harmonious space Ziptrak Blinds is Australia’s favourite track-guided blind system, offering protection from UV, sun, wind and rain for yearround outdoor entertaining.

Ziptrak is the original

and trusted track guided blind system, with a patented design that glides smoothly and stops at any height.

Australian owned and invented, Ziptrak is custom made for every installation and can span up to 6 metres. The blind can be motorised or solar smart (eliminating the need for an electrician to hard wire).

Instantly transform your space to create a sense of seclusion and sanctuary. You’ll spend more time enjoying life outdoors with family and friends.

Call our experts at B & K Blinds and Awnings to show you how you can spend more time enjoying our outdoor lifestyle with these two fabulous products.

OUTDOOR LIVING RUST FREE, STYLISH, CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS FOR ALL YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING NEEDS

6646 3566

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SORRENTO TEAK TABLE WITH SORRENTO TEAK & ALUMINUM CHAIRS

POMPEII STONE TABLE WITH MIAMI CHAIRS

NASSAU DINING WITH NASSAU DEEP SEATING IN NATURAL COLOUR

CHECK OUT OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE INSTORE!

Southern Cross Drive,

BALLINA

Ph: 6686 6805 bbqballina@gmail.com 16 Home Scene - November 2019

BLINDS AWNINGS SHUTTERS CURTAINS CLEANING REPAIRS

Beat the heat with air-conditioning this summer With summer almost upon us what better way to cool down your home than with air-conditioning. At Clarence Coast Air Conditioning it is their goal to provide premium products, exceptional service and competitive prices. The team are committed to ensuring that each customer receives the right advice, the right products and lasting quality workmanship.

You can also take advantage of the interest free periods that are offered by Clarence Coast Air Conditioning and install an air-conditioner in your home now. The interest free period with Clarence Coast Air Conditioning covers the cost of your air-conditioning unit as well as the cost of the installation.

Why not consider ducted air-conditioning? Ducked systems have come down in price and are also a lot quieter these days.

There are so many air-conditioning options available on the market today and the technology is always improving. With many of the split systems available today you can connect them to your wifi and download an application on your phone which enables you to turn on your air-conditioner on your way home.

Also, did you know that air-conditioners are more energy efficient in summer as they don’t need to warm up the heating coils?

In winter it can take a while for your air-conditioner to feel like it is blowing out any hot air.

Did you also know the most energy efficient temperature to set your air-conditioner to is 22 or 23 degrees Celsius?

Why not give the friendly team at Clarence Coast Air Conditioning a call today to discuss the best air-conditioning option for your home on 6626 2394 or 0418 227 014.

Home November 2019 17 Hom Home me Scene SScene Scen cen ene e -- November Novem No vember be 2019 1 xx 19

What should you consider when

buying a home WHAT IS CONVEYANCING? Put simply, conveyancing is the legal side of transferring ownership of a property/title from one entity to another.

It encompasses all document preparation from when a property is listed for sale until a settlement is completed and confirming the final financial transaction.

Image by Freepik.

Thinking of buying or selling property in NSW?

CONVEYANCING DONE

DIFFERENTLY When service counts call...

KAREN COOPER

0409 812 638 - (02) 6619 6440 GUIDING ING YO YOU THROUGH YOUR NEX NEXT PROPERTY SALE OR PURCHASE WITH EASE Licensed Conveyancer • Licence No: 05000979

Unit 3 (Carney’s Arcade) 247 River St, Maclean 163 Pound St, Grafton (by appointment)

karen@conveyancingbykaren.com.au www.conveyancingbykaren.com.au 18 Home Scene - November 2019

GET THE RIGHT ADVICE For most people, buying a home is often a once in a life-time decision. When they decide to buy, they probably have little idea of all the ins and outs of the entire process.

It’s hard to know exactly where to turn for good sound advice.

Most people will openly discuss with their parents, their friends, their work colleagues etc. While you may get some great ideas from talking to these people, they may not be necessarily up to date or as well informed as trained professionals who specialise in conveyancing. It is important to remember that this is probably the biggest financial transaction you have undertaken and the advice that you receive (or more particularly the wrong advice) will probably affect your life for a long time to come.

WHAT TYPE OF ADVICE SHOULD YOU GET? There is really no one person who can help you with every aspect of the transaction and the best advice we can give you is to seek specialist advice in each of the following areas.

Financial advice – When buying a house you will be

exposed to financial risks and you should talk to someone who is trained and experienced in financial matters.

Mortgage advice – There are many different loan products available on the market and the one that suits you better than the rest may not be that you have always dealt with. It is always a good idea to seek advice from a reputable mortgage broker.

Legal advice – There are a number of legal pitfalls in property transactions Licensed Conveyancers are specialists, in Property Law, that is what they do. Your Licensed Conveyancer will describe the terms of the contract to you, they will help you negotiate terms that are more favourable to you and they will ensure that you are aware of your own obligations as well as ensuring the other party to the transaction honours their obligations. Most importantly they will discuss with you the characteristics of the property that you are buying, which may not be exactly what you thought it was.

Building quality advice – Since the Seller does not have to admit to you to quality defects, you should get advice from a profession as to those defects, if any. This is to ensure that you know what you are getting into before you buy it.

For an obligation free quote contact me, Karen at Conveyancing By Karen or by going to the website www.conveyancingbykaren.com.au.

You will be able to relax knowing that my experience and proven, tested systems provide you with true ‘value for money’ service.

Why would I use a finance broker?

As the home loan market becomes increasingly complex, more people are turning to finance broker. Here’s why They save you time - The choices in the mortgage market can seem limitless and completely overwhelming. You can research the subject, the lenders and products yourself, or work with a finance broker who already has that knowledge.

They give you choice - Finance brokers have a panel of lenders from which they recommend a loan. They have to become accredited with the lender to offer their product, and are required to keep up-to-date with their latest offers.

They will find the right loan The best deal is not necessarily the cheapest rate. A good broker will examine your circumstances and future plans to recommend a loan that is right for you. Having an appropriate loan which works for you can help you build wealth.

Most finance brokers don’t

charge you - the lenders pay them a commission for the loans they write. Most lenders offer the same rate via the finance broker as they would directly, and a finance broker could save you money in other ways.

Avoid pitfalls - Many products seem to offer a great deal, but they could have penalties, fees and charges you may not be aware of. Or, they may not offer the flexibility you require in the future. A finance broker can help you avoid taking out a loan you might later regret.

An MFAA Approved finance broker is not your average mortgage broker.

Home Loans PROVIDING YOU WITH

RCOMMITMENT RCONVENIENCE RCHOICE RCOMFORT to quality service

to meet your interview needs

34 lenders & 1400 products

with a referral process for your insurance peace of mind

TREVOR HAGEMAN - 0437 002 445 KRISTY CONROY - 0401 129 425 163 Pound St, Grafton NSW 2460

6642 1355

trevor.hageman@eldershomeloans.com.au kristy.conroy@eldershomeloans.com.au Authorised Representative under Elders Home Loans Lic No: 384408

Get quality Home Insurance at a great price Our Home Insurance includes features like: • New for old replacement of your belongings • Up to a year’s temporary accommodation for you, your family and even your pets • Cover for theft and damage, even if you forget to lock the door Home Buildings We’ll rebuild or repair your home if it’s damaged or destroyed.

Plus, if you can’t live in your home we’ll provide temporary accommodation for up to 1 year. That way you’ll have a roof over your head while your home is being rebuilt.

Home Contents We provide new for old replacement of your household contents and personal belongings. Even if you leave a window or door unlocked in your home we’ve got you covered.

You’re covered for a range of events and household items.

Plus, we have a lifetime guarantee for any authorised repair work on your home.

Landlord Protect your rental income, plus your investment property and its contents against loss or damage with NRMA Landlord Insurance.

Single Item Insurance Simple, affordable insurance for things in your home, such as your laptop, tablet or TV. You can select what to insure and how much to insure it for.

Home Buildings & Contents Protect your home inside and out with our Buildings and Contents combined insurance.

Drop into your local branch and chat to the team today.

NRMA Grafton Shop 1, 2 King Street 6643 5999 NRMA Maclean Shop 5, Palace Arcade, River Street 6645 2233 NRMA Yamba Shop 4/25 Coldstream Street 6646 1277 or visit www.nrma.com.au

Things you should know: To see if a product is right for you, always read the Product Disclosure Statement from the product issuer, Insurance Australia Limited trading as NRMA Insurance.

Home Scene - November 2019 19

Selecting the right sustainable building material for your home

W

hether you are looking to build a new home or renovate your existing home, it is no secret that every building material comes with an environmental cost of some description.

However, there are some principles that you can use to help guide your choice of sustainable materials and construction systems.

Your main priority when planning the building process is to use as much sustainable material as possible. This reduces the demand for new materials, rather than knocking down and rebuilding a home, it's worth trying where possible to renovate or at least reuse materials from the existing home.

The next step is to select materials with low environmental impact. Put simply, a 'sustainable' material is one that does not impact negatively on non-renewable resources, the natural environment or human health.

WHAT IS EMBODIED ENERGY? Embodied energy is the energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a building, from the mining and processing of natural resources to manufacturing, transport and product delivery.

HOW TO REDUCE WASTE Around 42% of the solid waste generated in Australia is building waste. A lot of energy and resources go into the manufacture and transport of materials to construct a home, yet eventually most of these materials end up in landfill.

It is best to utilise the 'three Rs' of waste minimisation - reduce, reuse, recycle should be applied throughout the design and construction process; reduce (or avoid) demand for materials by renovating rather than demolishing and rebuilding, and building smaller homes that are better designed for your needs; reuse existing materials or building components; and recycle materials rather than sending them to landfill.

20 Home Scene - November 2019

WHAT IS A CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM? The combination of materials used to build the main elements of our homes - roof, walls and floor - are referred to as construction systems. They are many and varied, and each has advantages and disadvantages depending on climate, distance from source of supply, budget, maintenance requirements and desired style or appearance.

I AM READY TO CHOOSE MY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM - WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE? There are many different options available to use below are a few examples: Lightweight framing - Lightweight framed construction is the most popular construction system in Australia. Steel and timber, the two most commonly used framing materials, can contribute to the comfort, appeal and environmental performance of a home.

Brickwork and blockwork - Bricks and blocks are components of durable masonry construction. They consist of high mass materials with good compressive strength formed into units that can be lifted and handled by a single worker.

Cladding - Cladding is a non-load bearing skin or layer attached to the outside of a home to shed water and protect the building from the effects of weather. Your choice of cladding has significant implications for the environmental performance of your home.

Concrete slab floors - Concrete slab floors come in many forms and can play a significant role in thermal comfort due to their high thermal mass.

Insulating concrete forms - Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are proprietary modular units in the form of interlocking blocks or panels, made from polystyrene or polyurethane foam and filled with concrete Autoclaved aerated concrete Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is concrete that has been manufactured to contain

many closed air pockets. It is lightweight with a moderate embodied energy content and performs well as thermal and sound insulation, due to the aerated structure of the material and its unique combination of thermal insulation and thermal mass.

Precast concrete - Precast concrete offers durable, flexible solutions to floor, wall and even roof construction in every type of housing from individual cottages to multi-storey apartments. High initial embodied energy can be offset by its extended life cycle (up to 100 years) and high potential for reuse and relocation. Common production methods include tilt-up (poured on site) and precast (poured off site and transported to site).

Mud brick - The ideal building material would be ‘borrowed’ from the environment and replaced after use. There would be little or no processing of the raw material and all the energy inputs would be directly, or indirectly, from the sun. If used carefully mud bricks come close to this ideal. Mud bricks are joined with a mud mortar and can be used to build walls, vaults and domes. With its low embodied energy, this ancient construction method has much to commend it.

Rammed earth - Rammed earth walls are constructed by ramming a mixture of selected aggregates, including gravel, sand, silt and a small amount of clay, into place between flat panels called formwork.

Straw bale - Straw has been used as a building material for centuries for thatch roofing and also mixed with earth in cob and wattle and daub walls. Straw is derived from grasses and is regarded as a renewable building material. Straw bale walls are surprisingly resistant to fire, vermin and decay. Finished straw bale walls are invariably rendered with cement or earth so that the straw is not visible. The final appearance of rendered straw bale can be very smooth and almost indistinguishable from rendered masonry, or it can be more expressive and textural.

Creating sustainable gardens at home Part of sustainable living is becoming more self-sufficient in your everyday life.

One way that you can become self-sufficient at your own home is by installing a permaculture garden.

Permaculture is a set of design principles centred on whole systems thinking, simulating or directly utilising the patterns and resilient features observed in natural ecosystems.

There are three central ethics to permaculture, care for the earth, care for people and fair share.

Below are twelve principles of permaculture.

8. INTEGRATE RATHER THAN SEGREGATE - "Many hands make like light work".

Research the right things to put into place. It is important to have a strong focus on companion planting. This allows for relationships in the garden to form and will create a harmonious environment for everything to work together and to support each other.

1. OBSERVE AND INTERACT - "Beauty is in the mind of the beholder". It is important to take the time to engage with nature so that you can design a solution that suits your particular situation.

9. USE SMALL AND SLOW SOLUTIONS - "Slow and steady wins the race". Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than bigger ones. Make the use of local resources and produce more sustainable outcomes.

Sustainability is a key concept so it is important that your garden is sustainable as you want it to produce a yield for many years to come.

2. CATCH AND STORE ENERGY - "Make hay while the sun shines". It is important to develop systems that collect resources when they are abundant so that they can be used in times of need.

10. USE AND VALUE DIVERSITY - "Don't put all your eggs in one basket". Diversity is key as it reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides.

3. OBTAIN A YIELD - "You can't work on an empty stomach". You need to ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.

11. USE EDGES AND VALUE THE MARGINAL - "Don't think you are on the right track just because it's a well-beaten path".

The interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.

4. APPLY SELF-REGULATION AND ACCEPT FEEDBACK - "The sins of the fathers are visited on the children of the seventh generation". You must ensure that you discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems continue to function well. It is important to note that negative feedback can be slow to emerge.

12. CREATIVELY USE AND RESPOND TO CHANGE - "Vision is not seeing things as they are but as they will be". By becoming sustainable you can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing and then intervening at the right time.

5. USE AND VALUE RENEWABLE RESOURCES AND SERVICES - "Let nature take its course". While you are establishing your permaculture garden it is important to make the best use of nature's abundance to reduce the consumptive behaviour and dependence on non-renewable resources.

6. PRODUCE NO WASTE - "Waste not, want not". You need to value all the resources that are available to you, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

7. DESIGN FROM PATTERNS TO DETAILS - "Can't see the forest for the trees". Take the time to step back and observe the patterns in nature and society.

This, in turn, will create the backbone of your design, filling in the details as you go.

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay Home Scene - November 2019 21

Why is it important to mulch your garden?

Thinking of a beautiful freshly mulched garden; organic mulch not only adds beauty to any garden landscape, it is also essential to the overall health of both your soil and plants.

Mulching plays an important part in soil management; it helps to maintain an even

temperature, minimises weed growth and helps to maintain moisture in the soil.

The breakdown of organic mulches such as tea tree mulch also helps to release nutrients into the soil to keep it fertile.

Tea tree mulch adds a fresh and natural feel to your garden, while stim-

ulating fast growth of your plants and crops.

A generous application of mulch can also help to fill in any holes that you may have in your garden and discourage weeds from taking root. MI Organics have a selection of garden mulch supplies available, for both home and

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES Pine Bark Wood Chip Tea Tree Mulch Cypress Mulch • Sands • Poultry Manure Organic Super Soil • Top Dressing Decorative Gravels • Potting Mix Organic Compost • Cow Manure & many more Box trailers catered for

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6643 4069

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MI ORGANICS Landscape Supplies

22 Home Scene - November 2019

gardens and commercial landscape projects alike.

They also carry a wide range of landscaping supplies which are available at their two Clarence Valley retail outlets in Grafton and Townsend, as well as their outlets in Woolgooga and Coffs Harbour.

You can’t go past their full range of organic soils, mulches, composts, sands, manures and extensive range of pebbles – a range which is updated regularly. MI Organics offer the best range of gardening and landscaping products at competitive prices in the Clarence Valley.

A one piece garden sleeper wall system Garden Sleeper is a DIY friendly low height garden wall which is perfect for edging, planter boxes, mowing strips and low height retaining walls.

The system is easy to use

because one sleeper does it all - sleepers can be used as a low-cost alternative to steel posts! Each sleeper features a raked surface texture providing a natural finish that will look great in your project!

Adbri’s Garden Sleeper is perfect for low height garden walls. Sleeper units can be installed to a maximum 3 courses high.

For level retained ground in garden applications. They are not suitable for pavement use, retaining driveways or structures.

Adbri’s Garden Sleepers are available from Blanchard’s Bricks & Pavers, 373 Fry Street, Grafton. Ph (02) 66049111. E: bricksales@ blanchard.com.au

Recommended for: Garden Beds, Garden Edging, Mowing Strips, Retaining Walls

Don't Move...

Improve!

Create a new outdoor room at your place that will last a lifetime Given Australia’s slowing property market, a record number of homeowners are planning to stay in their houses for longer, preferring to avoid property sales and invest in home improvement projects to suit their lifestyle changes over time. Recent research undertaken by Adbri Masonry indicates 32 per cent of homeowners intend to live in their property for more than 20 years, while a further 20 per cent expected to stay between 10 and 20 years. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that many feel the need to reinvigorate their outdoor space in that time. Homeowners can maximise their living space by creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition and a functional Outdoor Room.

“People overestimate the cost and effort involved in renovating the outdoors, yet it is the one of the easiest home improvement projects to tackle. One of the positives of investing in the backyard is that the outdoor room grows with us. Aussies are looking through their windows to the beautiful blank canvas of the backyard to create new living areas that grow as our family and lifestyle does”, says Jason Hodges, award winning landscape designer and Adbri Masonry Brand Ambassador.

The first step of refreshing your outdoor space is having a game plan that considers how your use of the area may change over time.

Once you have some ideas of how the area can grow with you, pull together a mood board of inspiration from magazines, social media or Pinterest.

Jason Hodges offers the following trends that will inspire and give you a place to start.

GREY IS THE NEW BLACK Darker colours are becoming increasingly popular with design choices for pavers and retaining walls in backyard spaces. “Greys, Charcoals and monochrome col-

ours inject moody and maturity to an outdoor space which conveysthe luxury and sophistication of any area,” says Jason. Apart from being bang on trend, easier to maintain because they hide stains, dark greys are also softer on your eye than light colours that reflect the sun – a big benefit in Australia where we are blessed with many bright, sunny days.

If you wanted to contrast the dark grey and charcoals, it’s worth considering pops of colour, such as lime, pink or yellow, then use your accessories to jazz up the area – this is the chance to really personalise the space to suit your style with pots, flowers, cushions or outdoor furniture that can pull together the colour theme of your garden.

DITCH UNIFORMITY Whilst large format slab pavers are still proving a design favourite with random, naturalpaving pattern designs rising in popularity.

“The French-style pattern is really aesthetically pleasing, you can use two different sized pavers and mix them together to create an appealing, irregularvisual that is distinctive on the eye,” says Jason.

You can achieve this look by intergrating Adbri’s Euro Stone pavers in the larger 600 x 400 format with 400 x 400 pavers, creating an elegant finish.

As homeowners decide to stay in their houses for longer, it’s important to considerthe fact that your needs of the area will change with time.

“It’s important to plan for the future, so consider areas in your outdoor space that can be easily evolved. This doesn’t need to be complicated, but think about your family’s needs.

“For example, if you have a family home with young children, consider building a sand pit. Over time and when the children get older, this could become a veggie

the teenagers needing space, transform that veggie patch into a fire pit”, remarks Jason.

For more information visit www. adbrimasonry.com.au

garden they can help maintain, and when it’s time for

NEW PRODUCTS FROM

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For all enquiries and expert advice, phone or visit our Display Centre at 373 Fry Street, GRAFTON, NSW 2460 Ph: 6604 9111 | W: www.blanchard.com.au Email: bricksales@blanchard.com.au Home Scene - November 2019 23

Save water with a waterless toilet

One way that you can make your home more environmentally friendly is by installing a waterless toilet. Waterless toilets or ‘dry sanitation’ systems do not use water to treat or transport human excreta. If appropriately designed, they conserve precious water resources and keep effluent and pollutants out of waterways and the general environment. They can also save money on your water bill. The composting toilet has come a long way from the pit latrine.

Types of composting toilets Continuous composting toilets These single container toilets receive excrement which decomposes as it moves slowly through the container and is removed as compost from the end-product chamber. Single containers are fitted under a bathroom and can easily replicate a flush toilet with little physical or social adjustment.

The container is permanently fitted under the toilet seat, and never has to be fully emp-

OUR LOCAL TRADIES

tied as the compost can be gradually removed when it reaches the end-product chamber.

Although a great idea, there are a few drawbacks to this system.

Batch composting toilets Batch composting toilets consist of two or more containers that are alternated so that the active container is being used while the pile in the fallow container has time to compost with-

Yamba, Iluka, Maclean, Grafton • Servicing Homes & Businesses in the Clarence Valley • Single Items to Full Households • Hydraulic Lifter • Backloads available

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out the addition of fresh excrement and the potential for recontamination.

Self-contained composting toilets Self-contained composting toilets are available for use where a composting chamber can’t be installed beneath the floor, such as an existing on-ground concrete slab. They are usually fitted with a small heater and fan to facilitate waste decomposition, and have the capacity to serve only households with a maximum of 3–4 people.

A composting toilet that is working well and correctly maintained does not smell.

Avoid complicated designs. Simple passive systems with minimum moving parts are usually easier and cheaper to build, monitor and maintain. Designs that have more moving parts may require less maintenance if the system is working well. But if there is a problem, the more complicated designs can be more difficult to fix.

0419 416 046 mick@mfhomeloans.com.au www.michaelfloriehomeloans.com

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS • Floor & Wall Tiling • Leaking Showers • :DWHUSURRĆQJ

Jacob Renelt 0431 708 149 L/N R85640

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catchtrev@gmail.com Ph: 0412 965 615 www.whiteandsonroofing.com.au

McLean Fencing ALL TYPESS OF DOMESTIC M S C FENCING C xColorbond xPool Fencing xPaling xPicket xRetaining Walls xDecking Screens xSteel Framed Gates OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE - FREE QUOTES COVERING THE LOWER CLARENCE

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Let’s all

Recycle Right #RecycleRight is region wide campaign asking people to make some simple changes to their recycling routines. If we all do this, we can keep our resources coming ‘round and get the most life out of every product.

Here are some interesting facts about recycling in the Clarence Valley: • It is cheaper to process recyclables than send them to landfill as it avoids the State Government waste levy.

• 25% of what ends up in the typical red bin is recyclable material that should be going into the recycling bin and being diverted from landfill.

• Council accepts the following for free at the Grafton Regional Landfill and at the Waste Transfer Stations in Grafton and Maclean: bulk carboard, glass bottles and aluminium cans, oil, hazardous materials including paint, e-waste, gas bottles and scrap metals such as whitegoods.

Here is a quick guide to the #RecycleRight routines:

1 - Keep it Simple Only recycle household items made of plastic, glass, steel, aluminium, paper and cardboard.

2 - Keep out Soft Plastics Keep out all soft plastics including plastic bags, soft plastic packaging, cling wrap, pasta packets, bread bags, biscuit trays etc.

3 - Keep out Small Items Do not place anything smaller than a credit card into your recycling bin including bottle lids, bread tags and straws. Council can no longer accept these, even if collected together in an old milk bottle. If it’s smaller than a credit card keep it out.

4 - Keep it Safe Keep it safe for Councils Materials Recovery Facility workers and machines. Keep out anything hazardous that can harm our workers or anything that can stop or damage the machines, particularly things that can get wrapped around the machinery such as strapping, cords, clothing, hose, netting, wire, fishing line, building materials, chemicals and other hazardous materials.

NO Food or Dirty Containers

NO Nappies

NO Small Items Nothing smaller than a credit card

5 - Keep it Clean Keep it Clean by rinsing or wiping out your containers of any food or drink. You can also Keep it Clean by keeping out items that will contaminate your recycling bin.

Rinse or wipe out containers

NO Cords or Rope

NO Building Materials

NO Fabrics or Shoes

6 - Keep it Loose Don’t bag or box your recyclables – just place them loose into your recycling bin. Things move quickly along the conveyor belt at the Materials Recovery Facility and there is no time for staff to sort out bags or boxes.

Let’s All Recycle Right to keep it coming ’round

For further information visit your local Council website or go to www.newaste.org.au

Home Scene - November 2019 25

Love the house... Hate the bricks!

You’ve finally found the house of your dreams... well almost. The interior is perfect, but the brick exterior leaves a lot to be desired. Don’t despair.

Render it. Here are five great reasons for rendering your home.

• The most obvious reasons to get a cement render is that it immediately adds to the value of your property.

• It helps to improve the appearance of your home.

• A coat of render on the walls can provide better insulation.

This insulation allows the heating or the cooling to remain intact and not escape through the walls.

• It helps improve the durability of the walls. External walls are under constant exposure to the elements. Wind, water and sunlight can weather the walls and cause them to crumble over a period of time.

• Cement rendering also tends to be a great deal more affordable than other rendering options and materials.

P & L Cureton are experts in cement rendering and are more than happy to provide advice if you are considering rendering.

Give Paul a call today on 0417 675 822 or 6642 5915.

For your complete kitchen needs – Ken Willis Joinery Servicing the Clarence Valley and surrounding area for over 35 years, Ken Willis Joinery is a locally owned and operated second generation family business proudly employing 10 local staff members.

Ken Willis Joinery will take care your kitchen project through all stages; from designing your kitchen to the making of cabinetry and installation.

Our high quality custom kitchen cabinetry is manufactured in our very own factory; this gives us complete control over each and every step of your kitchen renovation or brand new kitchen designing project.

We work closely with clients to understand their specific needs, ideas and desires to come up with the perfect design whether it’s a kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, wardrobe, office or even bedrooms.

All projects are designed and

custom made to suit and fit your space perfectly every time.

Ken Willis Joinery also carry an extensive range of hardwoods, softwoods and specialty timbers, including decking, flooring, doors and treated timbers for building and construction. Offering specialist timber machining of skirting boards, architrave, weatherboards and produce custom made timber products, including stairs, doors and furniture. They also supply timber to local builders, corporate companies and the public.

Ken Willis Joinery specialise in: • Kitchen design and manufacture • Vanities, wardrobes and laundry cabinetry • Flat packs • Elfa storage solutions • Custom made joinery • Timber sales • Wood matching

Paul & Leanne Cureton Cureton

BEFORE

AFTER

• Kitchens • Vanities • Timber Sales & Machining • Wardrobes including Elfa Storage Systems

cement rendering designer concreting • texture coatings concrete driveways • boat ramps

Thinking of a new kitchen?

292 North St, Grafton Phone Paul 0417 675 822 or 6642 5915

6642 4735

26 Home Scene - November 2019

Give the team a call today and ask for Keith or Ken.

38 Swallow Road, Sth Grafton

How safe is your home?

Crimsafe is the strongest security screen on the market; providing you with the ultimate safety and security for your home with many other benefits.

Crimsafe products also have an extended warranty of up to 15 years. Image Windows & Doors caters for all domestic and commercial customers and has been a Crimsafe licensee for almost 15 years.

As your local authorised Crimsafe licensee in the Clarence Valley Image Windows and Doors cover the Clarence Valley as well as most of the Northern Rivers.

In today’s modern world it is more important than ever to protect your family and home from intruders. A way that you can ensure security for your family is by installing security screens on your windows and doors.

Crimsafe believe that when it comes to the safety of you and your family, there should be no compromise.

Crimsafe is the strongest security screen on the market; providing you with the ultimate safety and security for your home with many other benefits.

With a flexible range of products and styles, there will be a Crimsafe option to suit your home perfectly.

The product range of Crimsafe includes doors, windows, emergency exits, patio and outdoor enclosures, cyclone debris protection and bushfire protection.

The features and benefits of Crimsafe include strong security, fresh air and breezes, energy efficiency, unhindered views, fall protection from heights, insect protection, storm and cyclone

protection, fire protection.

Crimsafe products also have an extended warranty of up to 15 years.

As well as providing your home with the best security that is available on the market, Crimsafe is a great way to add value to your home.

Image Windows and Doors business owner Neil Mactavish has more than 30 years of industry experience and can provide you with the right professional advice on the products that will suit your needs.

Image Windows & Doors caters for all domestic and commercial customers and has been a Crimsafe licensee for almost 15 years.

As your local authorised Crimsafe licensee in the Clarence Valley Image Windows and Doors cover the Clarence Valley as well as most of the Northern Rivers.

For an obligation free quote and advice call the friendly team and helpful staff on 6643 3373 or call into the showroom at 170 North Street, Grafton.

“Beat more burglars with the only security mesh that’s screw clampedTM”

QUALITY SERVICE & VALUE

GRAFTON 6643 3373 Image Windows 170 North St, Grafton www.imagewindows.com.au

Security doors, windows, patios… & lifestyle

Home Scene - November 2019 27

BIG RIVER TREE SERVICE

FULLY INSURED PENSIONER DISCOUNT

0407 438 138

Buying or Selling Property?

Why not use a conveyancer...

CLARENCE RIVER CONVEYANCING For contract preparation and advice on sales and purchases...

TERRI HARRINGTON

BLJS, MAIC

CERTIFIED PRACTISING CONVEYANCER Lic No 1148405

• Local independent operator • All Areas

Phone: 6647 7498

40 Cook St, Lawrence | PO Box 4083 Lawrence NSW 2460 M: 0418 609 701 E: terri.harrington@clarenceconveyancing.com

Greg Forrest CONCRETING PTY LTD Phone 0408 615 831 or email gregforrestconcreting@hotmail.com for an obligation FREE quote & advice!

LN. 103770C

METAL METALROOFING ROOFING SPECIALIST SPECIALIST GUTTERS & DOWNPIPES GUTTERS & DOWNPIPES WHIRLY BIRDS & SKYLIGHTS CEILING INSULATION PENSIONER WHIRLY BIRDSDISCOUNTS & SKYLIGHTS

• Shed Slabs • Exposed Aggregate • Spray on • Stencil • Boat Ramps

PENSIONER “We will beat any DISCOUNTS genuine quote�

ph: 02 6646 7798 0425 300 634

info@excellrooďŹ ng.com.au www.excellrooďŹ ng.com.au EJBKĤAT?AHHNKKĹ‚JC ?KI =Q SSS AT?AHHNKKĹ‚JC ?KI =Q

YAMBA POOLS & SPAS Agents for:

FREE WATER TESTING

• • • • • •

Healthy, hassle free pool servicing for your family & business

Pool Cleaning Supplies START Servicing PLANNING YOUR Maintenance DREAM POOL Repairs FOR SUMMER Chemical Sales NOW Pool Cleaners

4/12 UKI ST YAMBA p. 6646 1188 m. 0448 611 102 e. info@yambapools.com.au w. yambapools.com.au

New Builds • Commercial • Renovations • Natural Stone ‡ 3RRO $UHDV ‡ 5HFWLÀHG 7LOH 6SHFLDOLVW

)25 $// <285 48$/,7< 7,/,1* 1(('6

YAMBA & SURROUNDS

Lic No: 199663C

28 Home Scene - November 2019

Denis: 0414 511 690 Heidi: 0409 825 138 E: dhg@dhgtiling.com.au A: PO Box 573, Yamba NSW 2464

NIGEL Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NEILL i s

A sustainable

business In an effort to become more sustainable J Notaras and Sons have installed 1111 solar panels on the roof of the business. This has effectively created a power station for the business all from the power of the sun.

No material is wasted by the business, all sawdust/shavings and woodchips are either used for fuel in the boiler to produce steam to run the kilns or sold to contractors to use for other applications such as mulch, animal bedding and fuel.

J Notaras and Sons pride themselves on parquetry flooring. Parquet flooring is where individual pieces or blocks of wood are fitted together to form a patterned floor. Usually, these patterns are geometric in shape, and the most popular are created using four-sided blocks. This look brings class and sophistication to any home.

A sustainable option for floor-

ing your home is also using hardwood timber flooring.

The strength and durability of timber flooring has seen it become the popular floor covering that has stood the test of time. Timber has a unique and aesthetic quality, whilst rich in colour. There are many other positive benefits associated with timber floors: • Wood floors are easier to clean and less likely to be damaged • The longevity of hardwood floors makes them a cost effective flooring option • There are a variety of colours available according to your choice of wood; from blonde, browns, light pinks to deep reds.

A professional flooring installer is able to advise you on the right finish for your timber floor, which

Floor Sanding Lic i N No: o: 118390C 11 18390C

Professional & Reliable Sanding - Sealing - Polishing Over 25 years experience

LOWER CLARENCE TOTAL MAINTENANCE Clark and Heather Rolfe - M: 0419 974 341

will enhance the look to suit its position and the customer’s expectations.

Research has shown that the use of timber in the home or office has many benefits; it has a calming effect which can increase productivity, and can help promote better learning.

Local timber specialists J Notaras and Sons have been in business for close to 70 years and the company is one of the leading manufactures of hardwood flooring in NSW, supplying their products Australia wide.

They have a range of products including T&G flooring, parquetry, overlay, structural KD products and pencil round decking.

Family Business Operating Since 1952 Manufacturer of Quality Australian Hardwoods Specialising in Kiln Dried Products • • • • • • • •

Tongue and Groove Flooring Overlay Flooring Parquetry Eco-Lam (Glue Laminated Hardwoods) Pencil Round Decking Sawn Hardwood Treated Palings VJ Lining Board

We are members of ATFA. (Australasian Timber Flooring Association) and are accredited Flooring

Located at 33 Heber Street, South Grafton Email: jns@notarastimbers.com.au www.notarastimbers.com.au

Phone: 02 6642 3477 Fax: 02 6642 7013 Home Scene - November 2019 29

Get your home looking great with Yamba Ready Hire

Create Your Own Sanctuary Rowan Stanfield has been designing, building and renovating swimming pools for over twenty years. With his vast experience in all aspects of the industry, from formwork, steel fixing, concrete shaping, plumbing and filtration, to repairs, renovations and servicing it was only natural that Rowan established Clarence Valley Mineral Pools when he moved to Yamba.

Rowan is passionate about building and renovating high quality swimming pools. Most

enquires come from recommendations of past clients and he prides himself on upholding the excellent reputation they have in the pool construction industry.

Clarence Valley Mineral Pools are a true family business and the family is passionate about what they do and pride themselves on their excellent reputation, customer service and superior workmanship.

Give Rowan a call on 0423 760 004 and talk to him about installing your new pool.

SIMPLY HEALTHY NATURAL SWIMMING ABN 67 085 749 113 NSW Lic 294741C

Call in and meet Kev and Sonya the new owners of Yamba Ready Hire.

Kev and Sonya are ready to help you with all your DIY hire needs. Both Kev and Sonya can you help you with the right equipment for the job at hand.

As the weather warms up it’s a great time to think about cleaning those tiles, or why not give your carpets a freshen up. It will soon be time for summer entertaining they have all the right tools you will need.

Yamba Ready Hire have carpet cleaners, pressure cleaners, floor sanders, hedge trimmers, lawn aerators and whipper snippers for hire to get your

home and garden looking great for those summer parties.

They also have a scissor lift and cherry picker so you can get up high to clean the cobwebs and gutters.

As an added bonus you can pick up your weekend hire equipment any time after lunch (if available) on Friday and only pay for one day (return Monday morning).

Run out of gas for your summer

barbeque? That is no problem for Yamba Ready Hire with swap and go gas bottles so you can get back to cooking and entertaining in no time at all. if you want to get your home in tip top shape call into Yamba Ready Hire today for all the equipment that you may need for that DIY job. You can find Yamba Ready Hire at 8 Uki Street or phone 6646 2167. www.yambareadyhire.com.au

Spring DIY we have you y covered!

CLARENCE VALLEY

Mineral Pools Rowan

Bart

0423 760 004

0403 245 572

23 Binnacle Court, Yamba NSW 2464

www.clarencevalleymineralpools.com.au 30 Home Scene - November 2019

• carpet cleaners • pressure cleaners • floor sanders • hedge trimmers • lawn aerators • swap & go gas bottles • scissor lift & cherry pickers plus more

ABN 29 002 984 367 8 Uki Street, Yamba 2464

www.yambareadyhire.com.au

Beat the Heat with a Solar Powered Roof Vent

Solar heat causes elevated heat in the roof but SolarArk Vents continuously exchanges roof air to avoid heat build up.

COOLER IN SUMMER Summer roof temperatures often exceed 70°C. This greatly increases room temperatures inside your home. SolarArk solar roof ventilators can reduce roof temperatures by up to 30°C and room temperatures by up to 6°C. QUIET OPERATION Whisper quiet operation by using a brushless DC motor and polycarbonate fan blades.

AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF BELOW 24°C All SolarArk solar powered roof vent fans come standard with a thermostatic shut-off system. The fan will automatically stop operating when the temperature drops below 24°C, preserving beneficial roof space heat in the winter months.

REDUCES CONDENSATION BUILD UP Fights mould and conden-

sation build-up in your roof space. Reduces the likelihood of mould spores in the roof space that can effect the health and air quality inside your home.

IMPROVES ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING Roof temperatures of up to 70°C in summer, significantly effects the efficiency and performance of roof ducted A/C systems, by heating up the cooler air running thru the A/C roof duct pipes. SolarArk solar roof ventilators address this reduction in efficiency and cooling by reducing the air temperature in the roof by up to 30°C in summer.

NO RUNNING COSTS EVER Being totally solar powered, SolarArk solar roof ventilators have a $0 operating cost over the life of the product.

Servicing the Clarence Valley for over 26 years

Suitable for homes, cabins, schools, workshops, factories, warehouses, =JEI=H AJ?HKOQNAO D=HHO KBł?AO

• cooler in summer • less condensation • no running costs • quiet operation • thermal shut off • energy savings

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING 135 Fitzroy St, GRAFTON Ph: 6642 7314 Home Scene - November 2019 31

Helping you with all your kitchen & joinery needs

Beamers – Maintaining the urban landscape When you are travelling around the Lower Clarence region, you will often see the team from Beamer Tree Services at work.

All staff at Beamer Tree Services are experts in whole tree removal or simple pruning or branch removal. As well as removing trees, the team at Beamer Tree Services offer sound advice and can educate clients on the importance of correct arboriculture care.

By selectively pruning, thinning and maintaining trees it is possible to remove many of the risks that may be present without degrading our urban environment.

Beamer Tree Services also provide tree reports and liaise with councils to ensure only trees that are dead, diseased or pose a significant risk or problem are removed.

All pruning is carried out to Australian Standard AS 4373 ‘Pruning of Amenity Trees’ which is the industry standard in arboriculture.

All staff are trained and qualified to perform their roles in the safest and most efficient manner. The team is fully insured and carry Public Liability insurance of $20,000,000 and Professional Indemnity insurance for $5,000,000.

So if you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start?

Why not ring B & S Kitchens for a no obligation, free consultation, measure and quote. The team will come to you and talk you through the options and process.

B & S Kitchens is a family owned business that has been operating for over 28 years in the Clarence Valley; servicing commercial and domestic clients with quality joinery items including: • Kitchens (being our speciality) • Bathrooms/vanities • Laundry cupboards • Wall units, TV units • Wardrobe & linen cupboards • Shopfitting • Flat packs At B & S Kitchens they are committed to superior service, highest quality and unsurpassed experience that has been built over the

years. Offering all clients a guarantee that they will work closely with you on your project, doing their utmost to allow projects to run smoothly and provide a high quality service at a competitive price.

B & S Kitchens can take the pressure off and make your kitchen journey enjoyable.

B & S Kitchens Supplier of quality kitchens, wardrobes, vanities etc.

Safe Professional Tree Work

Commercial and Residential

Tree Removal & Trimming Stump Grinding • Wood Clipping Arborist Reports • Consultants Qualified Arborist/Horticulturist

FACTORY & SHOWROOM

*Fully Insured*

32 Hyde St, South Grafton

Call Graham 6645 5445 / 0427 467 329 www.beamertreeservices.com.au 32 Home Scene - November 2019

Ph: 6643 2373 Mob: 0414 857 130 EMAIL: made@bandskitchens.com.au www.bandskitchens.com.au Proprieters: Stephen & Michelle Whitton

Lic No: 67162C

Smarter Energy Solutions to Save You More

All about

water tanks

We are currently living in a time when we are constantly in drought and many people are looking to add water tanks or water storage systems to their homes to ensure that they have a water supply on their property.

Below is a list of considerations that need to be made when choosing a water tank for your property.

TANK SIZE One important decision to make is the size of your tank. You need to ensure that the tank size you select is big enough for: • uses to be supplied — maximise the uses of rainwater to get the best value from your rainwater tank.

• average amount of water consumed by these uses — available from your water supplier.

• local rainfall pattern — find the annual rainfall in your area on www.bom.gov.au — in areas with highly variable rainfall, much bigger tanks are required for the same supply of rainwater • area of roof draining to the tank — 1mm of rainfall on 1m2 of roof area = 1L of rainwater • security of water supply you desire — a larger tank volume leaves fewer periods without rainwater.

TANK MATERIALS Common tank materials include polyethylene, fibreglass concrete and steel. Steel tanks are strong and can be made to a custom size. Smaller tanks are prefabricated; tanks over 30kL are usually assembled on site. Prefabricated steel tanks are usually coated internally and under the base with a polymer film to prevent corrosion. The polymer lining com-

monly used in Australia should be protected from direct sunlight as it is not UV stabilised. Suppliers generally require steel tanks to be installed on a concrete slab, pavers or a stand.

TANK TYPES Round, above-ground rainwater tanks are usually the cheapest type of prefabricated tank per litre of volume. However, in recent years a range of innovative systems has been developed to provide rainwater storage capacity where space is limited.

Slimline tanks may be installed along a fence line or at the side of your house (check local government planning regulations).

They usually need a properly formed concrete slab for support, depending how tall they are relative to their width.

Storage walls are very slim modular slimline tanks (typically plastic) that lock together to fit into tight spaces. They are generally the most expensive tank type.

Underground tanks save on space and usually have greater catchment potential than aboveground tanks. However, this option requires excavation and if the water is to be used inside the house, the Plumbing Code of Australia also requires that a testable backflow prevention device is fitted on any mains water supply to the house and tested annually Bladders are sealed, flexible sacks that are suitable for subfloor spaces with as little as 600mm height clearance. Their installation is more technically involved than a standard tank but they can be especially good for renovations where space is limited.

More than ever there is a focus on sustainable living in order to help the environment and preserve our natural resources for years to come. One way that you can make your home more sustainable is by installing solar power.

Solarworx Northern Rivers is here to help.

With more than 10 years’ experience in the solar industry, Jaye Bolte from Solarworx has won numerous awards over the years.

Using only quality and efficient products, Tier 1 panels with offices here in NSW and also a range of top quality inverters.

The team at Solarworx will design and install a solar power system to suit you. We install

systems for homes and businesses from 1kW to 100kW. Solarworx Northern Rivers also offer customers with existing systems, a recommended 5-year report. This includes panel cleaning and a report by a CEC accredited electrician to ensure your solar system is operating safely, correctly and efficiently.

Should you need a service the friendly and helpful team at Solarworx Northern Rivers are ready to take your call.

Solarworx is an Australian owned business with an Australia based support team. As an exclusive agent for Ecosmart solar hot water, we supply and install the Invincible

range of solar hot water systems.

Ecosmart’s unique combination of high STC values and comprehensive warranties provides you with one of Australia’s top performing solar hot water systems.

This means with a combination of solar power and solar hot water, you’ll not only reduce your impact on the environment but also save money on your energy bills ow and into the future. That’s a little ray of sunshine we all can use.

Call today on 02 6646 3140 or email info@solarworx.com. au. Finance options are available.

For more information check out the website www.solarworx.com.au.

PANEL CLEANING SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE TALK TO ONE OF OUR LOCAL TEAM MEMBERS TODAY 02 6646 3140 or 0402 310 031 info@solarworx.com.au www.solarworx.com.au

CALL TODAY for an appointment

SolarWorx NR

Home Scene - November 2019 33

Stockists of

YAMBA Proudly local, helping locals

for our valued customers:

• Outdoor furniture • Hose fittings • Storage & organisers • BBQs • Lawnmowers • Pool & spa • Power tools

Walk around and experience the more spacious layout full of everything from electrical to plumbing and general hardware, shelf after shelf of timber, panel

boards, cement sheeting, Colorbond…the product range just goes on and on.

The stock in the store is tailored to local needs however if there is something that you

are searching for, they can get it in for you with access to many suppliers through the Mitre 10 brand. So come in today and see how Mitre 10 can help you.

Cordless innovation is more than just bigger batteries It’s about creating battery technology and motor engineering that work together for optimum performance. Makita is creating the cordless future.

• DIY specialists

for the tradie:

• Timber • Builders hardware • Makita • Dewalt • Doors • Plaster • Roofing • plus much more

34 Home Scene - November 2019

THE WORLD’S LARGEST 18V LITHIUM-ION RANGE

MIGHTY REWARDS CARD COMING SOON!

Check out out ourCheck new range our new range from Lawn Pride! from Lawn Pride!

Want a great lawn? The secret is in the fertiliser We all dream of having the perfect lawn with lush green grass that mirrors that of a professional sporting field. The team at Mitre 10 Yamba can help achieve the best looking lawn on the street with the help of Turfmaxx.

Turfmaxx (which may also be known as Sportflexx) is an eco-

nomical well-balanced turfgrass fertiliser ideal for use on turfgrass areas where exceptional colour must be maintained. This fertiliser contains 67% slow release nitrogen for extended feeding of the turfgrass.

By using lawn fertilisers on your grass you will ensure that you are supplying the right nutrients

to your lawn. Fertiliser can also encourage your grass to grow.

It can help to make your lawn greener. It can also improve the quality of your soil.

Call the expert team at Mitre 10 today to talk about the Turfmaxx products and help promote the best possible grass growth.

ONLY AVAILABLE AT YAMBA MITRE 10 HYDRAMAXX – SOIL WETTING AGENT As the name so clearly suggests, HydraMaxx is all about adding that much-needed hydration back into your soil - particularly in regions where watering restrictions are in place.

As our number 1 wetting agent, HydraMaxx delivers exceptional penetration, retention and overall uniformity across your lawn.

To get the most out of HydraMaxx, apply evenly up to 150sqm using the handy hose-on nozzle.

Mitre 10 Yamba 2 Uki St, Yamba NSW 2464

Phone: (02) 6646 9999

Hours:

Monday - Friday 7am til 5pm Saturday 8am til 12 noon Sunday 9am til 12 noon

• • • •

Bow and arrow 500ml Turfmaxx 20kg Grennxtra 2l hose on Grennxtra 5l concentrate • Hydramaxx 2l hose on soil wetter • Hydramaxx 5l concentrate • Groturf 8kg • Turfmaxx 4kg • Acelepryn gr 10 kg bags

FERTILISERS LAWNPRIDE GROTURF 8KG $39.00 A lawn fertiliser with Instant release technology for rapid growth response. Boosted with Trace elements to build soil nutrients.

Extra phosphorus encourages healthy roots.Application Rate: Existing Turf (2Kg/100sqm) Freshly Laid.

BROWSE THROUGH OUR SHOP AND THE NEW TRADE WAREHOUSE. LOTS MORE TO CHOOSE FROM! Home Scene - November 2019 35

Is a transportable/ manufactured home right for you?

Sometimes when it comes to building in rural and remote locations it can work out to be very expensive but did you know that there is another option with a manufactured transportable home.

With a transportable home you are only limited by your imagination. The advantage of these homes is that the home is built in far less time and is more affordable. Consequently, you can have your home where you want, when you want it.

Austam manufactured transportable homes are the ideal alternative. Transportable building technologies allows Austam Homes to build at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacturing location in Tamworth, taking advantage of the lower costs, availability of a wide range of skilled trades people, better supervision and access to quality materials.

Austam Homes is a locally owned Tamworth firm employing local people. Although they are based in Tamworth, Austam homes also cover the Clarence Valley. Delivering and serving the valley with quality homes.

36 Home Scene - November 2019

The Austam Homes award winning designs range in size from the humble one bedroom cottage through to its largest designed home of 30 squares. Designs and inclusions can be arranged to suit the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own individual tastes and needs with higher pitched roofs available. Austam Homes have time frames made of Treated Radiata with high quality cladding (Hardiplank) with the selection of colours, finishes and inclusions made by the owner.

The directors are involved with the company on a daily basis giving a personalised service to you as the customer. The company employs permanent staff in sales, administration, purchasing, supervision and hands on trades. Some trades are employed on a sub-contractor basis, most of who have

operated from the manufacturing plant for the past 20 years.

Materials for the homes are purchased locally as much as possible. The thriving building company sends homes to centres through New South Wales including the New England, North West and Hunter Valley as well as the coastal areas.

Austam Homes have delivered their manufactured homes to countless locations including Lawrence, Grafton, Gulmarrad, Maclean, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Tamworth, Walcha, Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Barraba, Bingara, Inverell, Warialda,

Moree, Collarenebri, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Coonamble and the list goes on.

Austam Homes holds a gold licence as a registered builder and each home comes with a 6 year structural guarantee. For more information and to see if a transportable home is right for you phone 1800 044 575 or visit www.austamhomes.com.

The only limit is your imagination

7.:*7.3&

The Austam Homes award winning designs range in size from the humble one bedroom cottage through to its largest designed home of 30 squares.

Designs and inclusions can be arranged to suit the client’s own individual tastes and needs with higher pitched roofs available.

Each home has timber frames made of Treated Radiata with high quality cladding (Hardiplank) and come with a 6 year structural guarantee.

922*71&3)

922*71&3) &1+7* (4

Austam Homes 5LSRI Ȧȁȉȉ ȉȏȏ ȍȮȍ 2.)1&3)

info@austamhomes.com.au 54 'S\ ȮȦȍȉ 3 * 2 ( 3 ; ȶȴȏȁ www.austamhomes.com.au '13 ȶȏȏȍȟȉ( &'3 ȏȍ Ȧȍȍ ȉȰȦ ȟȴȟ Home Scene - November 2019 37

Doing the heavy lifting around your property – hire or buy The great Australian Dream is to own your own house, and make it a home. The reality of that is that homes require ongoing maintenance and upkeep – and what better way to do that than with known, trusted and quality brands like John Deere, Stihl and Silvan? These brands offer some of the most versatile machines and equipment in the field – and with Chesterfield Maclean, you now have the option to put some of them to use without any obligation to buy.

This is the best of both worlds for home-owners who have hard work that needs doing, and needs doing well – but not often enough to warrant the significant investment of purchasing machinery.

Maybe you need to dig new holes for fence posts, or you’ve got a few tonnes of dirt you need to move across your yard - something a John Deere 1025R with backhoe and 4-in-1 bucket would be perfect for – your local Chesterfield

branch now offers rental machines to help you get the job done. For $250 a day, or $400 for the weekend, you can hire the machine you need for as long as you need – no more, no less.

If you’re looking to take the plunge and invest in your own machinery, Chesterfield Maclean have got you covered there too!

The store prides itself on being a ‘one stop shop’ when it comes to yard and property maintenance and machinery. Whether it’s your home basics such as

MOVE IT

push mowers and brush cutters, or property maintenance needs like ride-on mowers and compact tractors, right up to your farming equipment such as slashers and cane harvesters – you’ll find it at Chesterfield Maclean, along with advice and information on your options (electric, petrol or diesel), in store.

All the facilities to care for and protect your investment are in place, with a fully equipped workshop staffed by highly trained technicians to service equipment,

MOW IT

WITH A JOHN DEERE RIDE-ON MOWER

WITH JOHN DEERE BLADES & BUCKETS

TOW IT

BAG IT

WITH JOHN DEERE CARTS

BLOW IT

WITH A STIHL® BLOWER

See the team at Chesterfield Australia 181 River Street Maclean or call on 02 6645 4714

38 Home Scene - November 2019

and an in-store parts department stocking any replacement parts and consumables you may need – like filters, oil, trimmer cord, blades, grease and so much more.

There’s more than just toys for big kids, too – you’ll also find a huge range of children’s toys in store, making great gifts for all occasions for the younger family members.

If you’re in the market to invest in new machinery, or looking to hire equipment to finish up some of those odd jobs around the property, or even just looking to find a great birthday or Christmas gift – then look no further than Chesterfield Maclean, your onestop shop for all your property maintenance and machinery needs.

WITH JOHN DEERE MATERIAL COLLECTION SYSTEMS

CHOP IT

WITH A STIHL® CHAINSAW

See the team at Chesterfield Australia 181 River Street Maclean or call on 02 6645 4714

The ultimate lifestyle awaits YOU 3

2

Picture yourself spending relaxing days on the river sailing, water skiing or fishing and then sitting by the fire-pit with a glass of your favourite wine, watching yet another stunning sunset over the river. The quality of lifestyle here can only be matched by the quality of the home and fixtures.

Set on ¾ acre with a northerly waterfront aspect, a rural feel, central location and the highway bypass nearing completion, this property has the best of everything on offer.

As you enter the home you are immediately impressed by the open feel to the lounge/ dining area with stunning river views. Adjoining the dining area is the large modern kitchen that will impress the most fastidious of cooks. The huge stone-top island bench with induction cooktop provides a great workspace and is cleverly positioned so that fridge, oven, cooktop and sink are readily accessible whilst having ample of space to move. The vast storage options with touch open drawers/cupboards complete the sleek and clean feel of the kitchen.

The generous sized main bedroom boasts river views, feature panel wall, A/C, ceiling fan and access to the rear deck. The walk-through ensuite with quality fixtures is bright and airy, with a layout set for easy maintenance. The huge walk-in robe has plenty of space and storage options.

The remaining bedrooms are spacious with ceiling fans and BIR’s.

The large media room in its deeper, darker tones has a soothing feel and is the perfect spot for a family movie night

5 or quiet relaxation reading a book. The A/C and ceiling fan ensure comfort and the USB charging ports allow phones etc. to always be ready to go.

The main bathroom caters for the needs of the family with generous space, modern fixtures and focus on ease of maintenance. The large laundry boasts a large functional benchtop with cupboards and huge floor to ceiling storage.

Additional features that make this home unique and special are; • 2 car garage with remote control roller doors, double carport and attached side 4.5 x 10.7 mtr Colorbond shed with power, electric roller door and workshop space • 5KW solar system plus solar HWS • Solar powered roof vents with battery backup and self-closing bathroom exhaust vents to keep the home at a comfortable temperature • LED lighting throughout, including LED ceiling fans • External window roller shutters to the south and west windows for storm protection if needed • Herb garden with tub attached. The hot and cold water taps make clean up or pet washing a breeze.

This property is centrally located in between Grafton and Maclean, plus the coastal beaches of Yamba are an easy 30 minute drive which makes this, the perfect location.

The ONLY way to fully appreciate all of the unique features of this property is to inspect for yourself.

To arrange your inspection, please contact Alan Bruchert on 0458 495 172.

2315 Pacific Highway, Cowper $836,000

Home Scene - November 2019 39

Prestige Waterfront Lifestyle Awaits YOU!

Cowper 2315 Pacific Highway

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Are you looking for the ultimate prestigious waterfront property that has a relaxed country feel and sense of space? Look no further, this magnificent property ticks all the boxes and is an ideal central location. Just imagine the quiet evenings relaxing on the riverbank beside the fire-pit with your favourite drink while you watch yet another stunning sunset over the river and be entertained by the abundant local birdlife. The perfect way to end your day after, water skiing, fishing or sailing on the river right at your doorstep.

Price $836,000

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Prestige waterfront property with quiet rural feel

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Open plan living with stunning river views over the rear deck

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Spacious, modern, kitchen of exceptional quality is a feature

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5KW solar + solar HWS + 5 car accommodation + workshop

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Superb central location between Maclean and Grafton

raywhitemaclean.com

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View By Appointment Alan Bruchert 0458 495 172 alan.bruchert@raywhite.com Ray White Maclean