Home Vision Winter Edition

WINTER EDITION 2014

BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

CLUTTERFREE ZONES MUST-HAVE STORAGE SOLUTIONS TO RESTORE CALM TO YOUR HOME

GET FIRED UP FOR WINTER

WITH THE LATEST FIREPLACE TRENDS

WHAT LIES BENEATH

A HOME ONE COUPLE’S JOURNEY TO BUILD THEIR PERFECT ABODE

EUROPE’S UNDERFLOOR HEATING TREND TAKES OFF IN AUSTRALIA

For a huge variety of internal and external blinds and awnings watsonblinds.com.au 6280 4443 5 Pirie Street Fyshwick fyshwick@watsonblinds.com.au 3/143 Lysaght Street Mitchell mitchell@watsonblinds.com.au

HOME VISION WINTER 2014 5 WELCOME Technology is changing more rapidly than ever before and nowhere is this more apparent than in the construction industry. From innovative building products designed to save energy and look good, to intelligently designed fixtures and fittings, the end result is always the same—an enhancement to your lifestyle.

With that in mind, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of these advancements so that we can incorporate the latest developments into our homes. You can read about some of our favourite innovations in this edition.

Enjoy!

The Classic Constructions Team

CONTACT Head Office 1/66 Dacre St Mitchell ACT 2911 P 6299 8467 F 6299 8461 E homes@classicconstructions.com.au classicconstructions.com.au ACT License Number: 2012823 NSW License Number: 264470C

‘THE SORRENTO’ Take a peek into Adam and Susie’s award-winning home!

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CONTENTS 2 A winning home

12 What lies beneath

5 Get the look

13 The warmth of wood The durability of tiles

6 Put it away!

8 A roof over your head

14 Leave high energy bills Out in the cold

10 Fire up for winter

16 Design trends

FROM FINDING THE PERFECT BLOCK OF LAND TO DESIGNING THEIR DINING ROOM TABLE, YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, ADAM AND SUSIE, WERE BLOWN AWAY BY THEIR BUILDERS’ EFFORTS TO HELP THEM CREATE A MULTI AWARD-WINNING HOME!

AFTER FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE ‘SORRENTO’ DESIGN, A LIGHTFILLED, ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME THAT MAXIMISES SUNLIGHT IN WINTER AND MINIMISES IT IN SUMMER, YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, ADAM AND SUSIE, SEARCHED UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR A BLOCK OF LAND WITH THE RIGHT NORTH EASTERLY ASPECT THAT WOULD DO IT JUSTICE. FINALLY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS STEPPED IN WITH AN UNEXPECTED BUT PERFECT SOLUTION.

The stunning high-gloss, egg-yolk door that greets you at the entrance of Adam and Susie’s home, like many of the striking features throughout the house, has a compelling story of collaboration and innovation behind it.

“Our painter wasn’t sure how he could achieve the finish we were after,” says Susie. “So he brought in his retired father who used a technique that hasn’t been used in years. The result was absolutely amazing, but so was the process of watching father and son work side by side as they created something completely new and different.”

It’s the interweaving of personal stories and significant meaning, combined with the suggestions of their building team along the way, that make this home so perfect for its owners. And it all started with finding the right block of land.

“We were living in Woden and just assumed we’d build there”, explains Adam. “But we just couldn’t find a block that would give us the aspect we wanted.”

“Classic Constructions said they knew of the perfect block of land in Crace,” says Susie. “We’d never even considered it as a place to live, but we went out to have

THE SORRENTO

a look and bought the block that same day. It was exactly what we wanted.”

From that moment on, Susie and Adam developed an intensely collaborative working relationship with the Classic Constructions team, made especially sweet with the help of Susie’s baking.

“We were constantly adding things to our wish-list and asking for modifications,” smiles Susie, “so when I heard that our site-manager, Dave Ingram, had a sweet tooth, I figured the way to his heart was through baking!”

The collaborative process began with tweaks to the ‘Sorrento’ design and Adam and Susie worked with Building Designer, Guy Mahony, to incorporate modifications that would better suit their lifestyle.

“The central living room and kitchen is lifted straight off the plan,” explains Adam, “but because we have large families and lots of visitors from out of town, we modified the rear wing of the home to create more of a self-contained space to accommodate guests.”

But it soon became apparent that the Classics Construction team could help them with other dilemmas that extended well beyond the brief of building their home.

“I was complaining to the guys one day that I couldn’t find a dining room table to suit our space,” recalls Susie.

“And they told me about this fantastic place in Canberra, Thor’s Hammer, that specialise in custom-made tables.

Then they helped me measure up the space, with exact design specifications, including a request for Blackbutt timber to match our floors. Now we’ve got the perfect table which I see as a wonderful foundation for our home.”

For Adam, one of his main concerns was the idea of having to tackle the landscaping once they moved in.

“So the guys offered to do it for us,” he marvels. “Susie and I knew exactly what we wanted and came up with a design, and they constantly added value with helpful suggestions, like the garden lighting and the bench seats.”

Storage was also a huge priority for the couple and because ducted heating typically uses the upstairs closets to accommodate duct boxing, they asked Classics to come up with an alternative, so that they didn’t lose any closet space.

The solution was to construct a false wall against the exterior back of the upstairs section, and run the duct though this cavity, leaving all upstairs closets free of duct boxing and allowing the downstairs space to be free of ceiling bulkheads.

“Classics also helped us create a larger walk-in pantry, a massive linen cupboard in the laundry and extended built-inrobes for each of the bedrooms,” adds Susie. “This is the first home we’ve lived in where storage is not an issue.”

TAKE A PEEK INTO ADAM AND SUSIE’S AWARD-WINNING HOME! VISIT: www.classicconstructions.com.au

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

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“THIS IS THE FIRST HOME WE’VE LIVED IN WHERE STORAGE IS NOT AN ISSUE.” “The bench seats have a special meaning to us,” adds Susie. “My parents have retired to the Eden area and the Classics team helped us source timber from the old Eden wharf.

So now when my family come and visit and we’re sitting around the fire pit, it has a lovely significance.”

Entertaining is something the couple do a lot of, and the home’s design is perfect for their many large gatherings.

In the central living area, the steeply raked high ceiling and north-facing floor-to-ceiling windows create a warm and welcoming heart of the home, with bi-fold doors that extend the room outdoors. Minimalist lines dominate the kitchen design with a spacious butlers pantry to hide appliances, extra power outlets tucked neatly on the underside of the stone benches, clean white joinery and sleek Bosch appliances.

A purpose built entertainment unit on the living room wall addresses Adam’s need to be fully connected, in conjunction with the integrated sound system and ADSL2 Broadband connection. And upstairs, the couple can retreat to their spacious master bedroom with expansive views, a massive walk-in robe and a stylish and functional ensuite.

The result is a home that not only meets the lifestyle needs of its owners, but has also won several industry awards, with Classics winning the MBA Project Home of the Year Award and the HIA ACT & Southern NSW Region Project Home Award.

“I just love living here,” says Adam.

“It’s comfortable and it works perfectly for us.”

“People kept telling us about the horror stories of building,” adds Susie. “But for us the whole process was a dream and we’d do it all again with Classics in a heartbeat.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Nothing creates a more striking impression than a high-gloss, vividly coloured, oversized front door to anchor your entry. Using enamel gloss and a time-honoured technique, a perfect mirror-shine finish was achieved by local specialists, Barresi Painting Services.

CONTACT: Frank Barresi Barresi Painting Services | 6242 0033

RECYCLED TIMBER TABLE Adam and Susie had their table custommade by Thor’s Hammer located at The Brickworks in Yarralumla. Using beautiful timber recycled from demolition sites around Australia, they can make a range of architectural products, built to your specification and made to last for generations.

CONTACT: 6282 9900 | www.thors.com.au The Brickworks, Denman Street, Yarralumla

GET THE LOOK FEATURE RUG To extend the accent colour of egg-yolk yellow throughout the home, Susie contacted the same designer who made her wedding dress, Alex Perry, to custom make a rug incorporating the exact colour.

CONTACT: Designer Rugs | 1300 139 561 www.designerrugs.net.au/alex-perry

SLEEK JOINERY Adam and Susie had their entertainment unit, kitchen cabinets and built in robes custom-made by M&S Kitchens CONTACT: M&S Kitchens | 6241 4119 8/67-71 Vicars St, Mitchell ACT 2911 ms-kitchens.com.au

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

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PUT IT AWAY! WHETHER IT’S A MESSY OFFICE, CLUTTERED KITCHEN OR WAYWARD WARDROBE, THERE’S NO DENYING THAT CLUTTER CAN CREATE CHAOS IN YOUR LIFE. EVEN IF YOU HAVE A SLEEK MINIMALIST HOME, IT WON’T STAY THAT WAY FOR LONG UNLESS YOU HAVE DEDICATED AND AMPLE STORAGE SPACE.

The best time to address this issue is during the design stage of your new home or renovation where consideration is given upfront to the issues of lifestyle, belongings and number of occupants, that will dictate your storage needs.

“Storage is a crucial component of our design philosophy,” agrees Jason Tanchevski from Classic Constructions. “We’re constantly researching the latest developments in storage technology and design techniques so that we can integrate those into our building designs. After all, there’s no point creating beautiful living spaces for our clients if they don’t have enough storage to maintain a sense of order and calm.”

HERE JASON LISTS SOME OF THE LATEST STORAGE TRENDS THAT CAN NOT ONLY MAXIMISE THE SPACE IN YOUR HOME, BUT ALSO ENHANCE YOUR LIFESTYLE:

CUSTOM-BUILT CABINETRY Built-in storage units can add hundreds of square metres to your home by turning empty, unused space into efficient and hardworking home offices, playrooms, or even entertainment centres. By using the same finishes as the rest of your home, they have the added benefit of blending seamlessly with your interior.

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MUD ROOMS A mud room is usually a narrow walk-through hallway or room off the kitchen or laundry that serves as a clear boundary between indoors and out. It’s perfect in regions with wet, muddy winters for storing boots, coats and bags and for preventing animals and exuberant members of the household from rushing straight into your clean, carpeted home.

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

BUTLER’S PANTRY

WALK-IN WARDROBE

If you love entertaining but hate the clutter it creates, a butler’s pantry is the perfect solution. Hidden away inside your main kitchen, it allows you to store all your major kitchen appliances, prepare food and clean up after meals without actually dirtying your main kitchen— the kitchen that people see.

No longer considered a luxury, a well-designed walk-in wardrobe allows you to easily put away and access all your belongings whilst protecting them from dust, sunlight and other elements that can cause damage.

WINE CELLAR Wine cellars are becoming more and more popular thanks to advances in insulation and climate control technology that create optimum conditions for storing wine.

“You don’t have to have a huge amount of space,” points out Jason. “Often a dedicated wine fridge and some cabinetry are all that’s required, depending on our client’s requirements.”

Big plans require big heating solutions.

Introducing the Rinnai 950 – the latest addition to our comprehensive range of Gas Log Flame Fires.

Combining a modern, elegant appearance with incredible efficiency, this heater is perfect for large spaces and open plan living.

- High 5.5 star efficiency rating when using extended flue - Heat output up to 8.13 kW when using short flue - Choose from 2 burn media options, Pebbles or Australian Eucalyptus Log Set - Choose from 2 fascia options, stainless steel on black or black on black - Easy to install – can install after plaster - Multiple flueing options www.rinnai.com.au

A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD

THE OLD SAYING, “BE GRATEFUL YOU HAVE A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD,” WILL ALWAYS APPLY. BUT THESE DAYS IT’S ALSO ABOUT ENSURING THAT YOUR ROOF MAKES THE RIGHT STATEMENT FOR YOUR HOME. JASON TANCHEVSKI FROM CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS SHARES A FEW POINTERS ON HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE.

Your roof takes up around 30% of the profile of your home. So it’s important that the materials and colour you choose, complement the character, design and colour palette of the rest of your home.

When it comes to choosing materials, a roof made from COLORBOND® steel is a popular choice due to its proven durability and long life performance.

With its crisp, clean lines and colour palette of 22 designer colours, COLORBOND® steel is a fashionable choice.

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“It creates an attractive roof that works well with most home designs including traditional styles, contemporary designs and everything in between,” says Jason Tanchevski. “Plus manufacturers of building products such as exterior paints, garage doors, window frames, doors, fences, sheds and even water tanks have most, if not all of the COLORBOND® steel colours in their range, making it easy to coordinate the palette of your entire home facade.”

The issue then comes down to your choice of colour.

Jason explains that the process of choosing your roof colour can be made less daunting by following a few basic principles. “In situations where the roof is a dominant feature of the home, it’s important to ensure that the colour doesn’t over shadow the entire aesthetic of the building,” he points out. “So we would recommend opting for a mid tone colour such as Surfmist®, Woodland Grey®, Dune® or Ironstone®.”

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

The second consideration when choosing the colour of the roof is the location of your home and its surrounding natural and built environments. “We recommend that our clients spend an afternoon looking at similar styled homes in their neighbourhood and take note of the colours they like,” explains Jason.

“Clients should also be guided by their natural surroundings for colour choice,” he adds. “If your home is located in a rural area, surrounded by a bush or green landscape, then colours in muted tones such as Mangrove®, Gully™, Cove™, Pale Eucalypt® or the subdued brown of Jasper ® are ideal” For homes in a coastal environment, it’s best to capture the seaside ambiance.

“Subdued tones such as Evening Haze® or Windspray®, darker blues such as Deep Ocean®, or even sandy qualities of Paperbark® are the sorts of colours our clients tend to go for,” says Jason.

For inner city areas where heritage buildings are the norm, Jason recommends more traditional roof

colours such as Manor Red® or Cottage Green®, whilst for modern suburban areas, a more striking roof colour may be the best option. “A lot of our clients choose sophisticated colours such as Monument® or Basalt® that create a prominent feature without being overwhelming.”

Once you’ve chosen your roof colour, this can determine the colour scheme for the rest of your home such as walls, fascia, gutters, garage door, window frames, front door and feature panels.

If you’ve already selected some of these finishes prior to the selection of your roof colour; co-ordination is vital. Collecting actual samples of all the materials and finishes and assembling them will help you determine the final scheme. You will then have your own individual ‘Colour and Finishes’ board to play around with.

As the Director of a company that specialises in utilising a mixture of innovative materials, Jason encourages his clients to think outside the square.

“When it comes to wall colours and finishes, we consider a range of options

from bricks, render, timber, timber panelling, corrugated iron, cement sheet and stone, depending on the look our clients want to achieve. We’ve even used COLORBOND® steel corrugated as a vertical or horizontal cladding or as a feature panel.”

The garage door is the next major feature that will make up your home’s façade.

ONCE YOU’VE CHOSEN YOUR ROOF COLOUR, THIS CAN DETERMINE THE COLOUR SCHEME FOR THE REST OF YOUR HOME “We tend to consider the materials and colours once the roof, wall colours and finishes have been selected,” says Jason.

“In some of our homes, the garage door is a stand out element of the façade, whilst in other home designs the garage door colour is the same as the wall colour so as to be less dominant.”

The front door should be a colour that

welcomes the visitor to the house and co-ordinates with the external and interior colours. “Again this will depend on the style of your home. Some of our contemporary homes feature bright welcoming colours, whilst others feature traditional black or white finishes. Either way, your door should ‘beckon your visitors’ inside and complement the overall colour scheme of your home.”

Still not sure about what colours to choose? Jason recommends going to colorbond.com and playing around with their Colour Visualiser. “It lets you experiment with colour choices on an image of a real home, so that you can get an idea of how things will look before making a commitment,” says Jason.

“After all, your home’s façade is the first thing you’ll come home to everyday, so it’s important that you feel 100% happy with the result.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON COLORBOND® STEEL CALL 1800 732 704 or VISIT www.colorbond.com

COLOUR CHOICE SHOULD BE GUIDED BY YOUR NATURAL SURROUNDINGS MUTED TONES SUCH AS COLORBOND® STEEL IN MANGROVE® SUIT GREEN LANDSCAPES

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

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FIRE UP FOR WINTER AS THE TEMPERATURES PLUMMET, NOTHING HAS MORE APPEAL THAN THE CHARM, CHARACTER AND WARMTH OF A FIREPLACE. BUT WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIREPLACES AVAILABLE TODAY, THERE ARE A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE TURNING UP THE HEAT.

DOUBLE-SIDED FIREPLACES Since fire was first discovered, mankind has always gathered around it, to swap stories, share food and wine, or simply gaze into the flames. So it’s no surprise that a fireplace continues to be a must-have item for homes, significantly adding to a home’s resale value and creating a stylish focal point and entertaining feature.

Where once a fireplace consisted of a brick façade that only burned wood, now you can choose from a myriad of styles powered by gas, electricity and ethanol as well. What you decide on will depend on your budget, heating requirements, aesthetic vision and environmental considerations.

Whilst there’s no denying the charm of a crackling wood-burning fireplace, they also have a reputation for being environmentally unfriendly because of their inefficiencies and potent emissions.

But if you can’t go past the allure of real flames, and you’re prepared to do the extra work, there are a number of highly efficient wood-burning models, along with fireplace inserts and accessories that can dramatically improve efficiency. As for managing emissions, make sure you only use seasoned wood, as it’s more efficient and cleaner to burn.

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With a gas fireplace you don’t have to install a chimney or worry about storing and hauling wood into the home and struggling to start a fire. All it takes is the flick of a switch. They’re also more affordable, energy-efficient, easier to maintain and produce fewer emissions than wood-burning fireplaces. For those reasons, gas fireplaces are the number one choice amongst consumers. And because of their versatility in design, they offer a huge range of options to showcase a room, thanks to their ability to add ambiance and warmth to a room, while looking realistic.

Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular because of their ease of maintenance, versatility and simple plug-in installation. They add atmosphere without any construction costs, and their price point is significantly lower. The new styles have come a long way from the older electric models in simulating realistic flames, and are available in a variety of sizes, styles and trim options to complement any décor.

Ethanol burners are also gaining popularity, as they are portable and efficient. People can use them indoors and out, and they’re ideal as a tabletop fire.

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

See-through, or doubled-sided fireplaces are a fast-growing trend, adding a new approach in home décor. See-through styles offer light and heat on both sides of a wall, with the fireplace serving as a focal point for two rooms, or as a divider for larger areas, such as the dining and living rooms or master bedroom and bathroom.

LARGER SIZE FIREPLACES Influenced by the advent of widescreen television sets, fireplaces are also getting bigger, with the trend towards classic clean-face units and wider dimensions.

ELECTRIC FIREPLACES ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR BECAUSE OF THEIR VERSATILITY LINEAR FIREPLACES This trend is still popular in contemporary homes for creating a striking style statement. They can be flush mounted into the wall or onto the floor and can even be placed in the centre of the room, so that you can observe the fire from all sides.

HIGHER UP Some consumers are putting their fireplaces higher up on the wall, just like a television. New technology is also allowing homeowners to insert enclosed gas fireplaces anywhere in the house including bedrooms and bathrooms.

WHAT’S HOT

STACKED STONE Stone finishing continues to be a popular choice thanks to the availability of thin stone veneer that can recreate the look of natural stone without the cost and weight issues. Another trend is stacked stone fireplaces with the TV above it—addressing the issue of where to create the focal point in a room.

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

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STEADY HEAT RADIATES INTO THE ROOM WITH NOTHING TO NOTICE BUT THE COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURES.

IT’S ONE OF THE MOST COMMON METHODS OF HOME HEATING IN THE WORLD THANKS TO ITS EFFICIENCY, COMFORT AND HEALTH BENEFITS. BUT AUSTRALIA IS ONLY JUST STARTING TO CATCH ON TO HYDRONIC UNDER-FLOOR HEATING, WITH ITS POPULARITY GROWING STEADILY EACH YEAR.

Hydronic, or radiant heating, uses heated water to distribute warmth to the surfaces of your home via tubing in the floors to create a gentle, humid heat that is not only healthier but more energy efficient.

In fact the biggest impact that a hydronic system will have in your home is the money that you will save on your energy bill each month.

“Because water is a better heat conductor than air, warmth is more easily transferred throughout the home,”

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explains Rainer Brandrier from Branco Boilers. “So less energy is needed in heating the medium.”

Most hydronic heating systems such as those installed by Branco, use gas boilers that achieve efficiency ratings of up to 95 percent. However, you can even use solar to power your boiler, making it even cheaper and more efficient to run. Efficiency is enhanced further by the ability to multi-zone your home to heat areas according to use and personal preferences.

Hydronic heating also takes comfort to a new level according to Rainer Brandrier.

“It’s a gentle humid heat that is easily regulated with special thermostats, keeping it at an optimal comfort level,” she explains. Hydronic heating also creates a much healthier heat than the dry, air blown heat generated form gas and electric heaters that can stir up asthma or allergies. Not to mention the fact that it’s completely silent!

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

“There are no sounds of the heating unit kicking on and off during the night,” agrees Rainer Brandrier.

“Instead, steady heat radiates into the room with nothing to notice but the comfortable temperatures.”

And you can say good-bye to ugly heating appliances taking up unsightly space in your home. Because hydronic pipe work is hidden within the floor, its completely invisible.

Whilst initial purchase costs may be slightly higher than ducted or fan forced heating options, the efficiency, performance and reduction in ongoing running costs easily make hydronic heating the best long term, cost effective, heating solution for your home. No wonder Australians are now turning to the heating system used by the rest of the world!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT BRANCO CALL (02) 6024 4628 or VISIT www.brancoboilers.com.au

WEATHERED TIMBER

THE WARMTH OF WOOD THE DURABILITY OF TILES AS WINTER APPROACHES, DESIGNERS TEND TO LOOK TO EUROPE FOR THE HOTTEST TRENDS IN FLOORING, AND THIS SEASON THERE IS A CLEAR WINNER: WOOD EFFECT TILES. The wood tile trend has been gaining momentum for several years, but with more styles and sizes to choose from than ever, the possibilities for creating unique effects are endless.

We love the distressed New England style that mimics the off-whites and greys of birch and aspen timbers, reminiscent of the Eastern US Seaboard. You can even get tiles that look like weathered painted planks, perfect for the vintage inspired home.

TRADITIONAL PATTERNS Getting creative with floor patterns has never been easier and now homeowners can go for a more formal look with geometric and angular ‘parquet’ designs and the zigzag effect of ‘herringbone’ parquetry flooring.

“We’re seeing long narrow planks, different colours, patinas and finishes,” says James Hibberson from Rivoland.

“Thanks to high-grade printing techniques, their finish is rich in colour with an extra texture that’s not found on most plastic laminate or vinyl flooring.”

MIXED WOOD-LOOK TILES The great thing about all the different styles and colours is that you can mix and match them in unique ways that would be next to impossible with reclaimed wood.

Unlike real wood, laminate or lino wood flooring that can be damaged by environmental factors, wood effect tiles in ceramic or porcelain remain pristine for longer. Fired at a higher temperature than ceramic, porcelain is especially durable and much less porous, making it suitable for use in wet areas and even outdoors.

From finishes that replicate parquetry flooring to the distressed timber from a well-weathered fishing boat in France, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating a timber look you love. Here are some of Home Vision’s favourite looks this season:

VARIATIONS IN PLANK SIZE The wood trend is growing, and so is the number of different sizes of these tiles. Rare wide planks that are hard to find in real wood are easy to find in tile, and different widths and lengths can be mixed and matched.

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

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LEAVE HIGH ENERGY BILLS OUT IN THE COLD

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT YOU LOSE UP TO 30% OF HEAT IN YOUR HOME THROUGH UNCOVERED WINDOWS. IF YOU DON’T HAVE ADEQUATE HEATING PROTECTION THIS WINTER, CRANKING UP YOUR HEATER AGAINST THE COLD WILL ALSO RESULT IN CRANKING UP YOUR ENERGY BILLS—ESPECIALLY WITH ELECTRICITY AND GAS PRICES AT ALL TIME HIGHS. LUCKILY THERE IS A PRACTICAL AND COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO KEEP YOUR ENERGY COSTS DOWN.

“Honeycomb blinds offer unparalleled insulative qualities when compared to the older style of blinds,” explains Rohan Watson from Watsons Blinds and Awnings. “These economical energy savers insulate the house via the uniquely shaped cells that hold still air in the pockets, keeping that precious heat in.”

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Having kept the Canberra community warm for over 47 years, Watsons have established a dedicated Honeycomb Blind Manufacturing facility that aims to provide quality, yet cost effective Honeycomb Blinds to the Canberra market.

But they’re not just a great investment in keeping your energy bills down.

Thanks to advances in technology they’re now available in a range of styles and colours for a sleek contemporary look.

“You can choose from blackout and light filtering options and because they’re made from anti-static, dustresistant polyester, they’re incredibly easy to clean,” adds Rohan.

With their ability to keep your home cool in summer as well, honeycomb blinds are a smart, all-year-round investment.

HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

HANDY HEATING TIPS

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For your blinds to be effective at retaining the heat inside your home, make sure they’re fitted closely to windows, overlapping them slightly on all sides wherever possible.

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Make sure that you close your blinds tightly when the heater is on, to reflect heat back into the room and prevent it from escaping through windows.

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If it is a sunny day, open up your blinds to allow the sun’s heat to stream in and warm up your home.

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Experience. Range. Service

Rivoland is the aCt and Region’s laRgest tile stoCkist Builders, Architects, interior designers And renovAtors Visit our showroom - Rivoland’s experience, range and expertise will make it easy for you to choose the perfect tile.

rivoland showrooms 100 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan 55 Darling Street, Mitchell

tel: 6297 4510 tel: 6241 1557

trade outlets 24-28 Aurora Street, Queanbeyan 55 Darling Street, Mitchell

tel: 6297 9930 tel: 6255 0535

2005 & 2009 Supplier of the Year

www.rivoland.com.au Member of Australia’s Tile Power Group

DESIGN TRENDS

FEATURE RUG Alex Perry will custom design a rug to match your existing décor.

CREATE A HOME WITH STAYING POWER In an ever-changing trend based market, it’s easy to fall under the spell of design whims and make impromptu purchases that rapidly fall out of style. By seeking out designs, styles, colours and materials that have been created to last, you can create a beautiful home that will withstand the tests of time and fashion fads.

KEEP COLOURS SIMPLE Stick within a neutral colour palette of beiges, greys or offwhites to keep the lines, shapes and room as a cohesive whole and provide a perfect backdrop for your furniture, artwork and accessories.

SPLURGE ON QUALITY FURNITURE Furniture is for life, not just for fashion. The first rule of thumb when buying large furniture items such as sofas and tables is to ask yourself, will you still love it in another 10 years. Pieces that exhibit quality craftsmanship, in natural materials, will endure far better than that gold velvet loveseat you bought online!

THE EIFFEL BASE SHELL CHAIR It looks exactly as the name suggests—the base legs reflect the Eiffel Tower and the seat resembles the curves of a turtle shell! Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1948 it makes a great dining table chair.

INVEST IN KEY TIMELESS ACCESSORIES Rather than buying cheaper accessories and furnishings that end up cluttering your home and dating quickly, invest in a few timeless classics that inject immediate sophistication to your interior. Think about combining some of the Mid-Century modern icons with your existing decor to create an enduring appeal.

THE ARCO FLOOR LAMP Designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962, this sculptured lamp has become one of the most recognised designs from the 1960’s.

OUR TOP 5 INVESTMENT PIECES ARNE JACOBSEN EGG CHAIR Using state-of-the-art material, it’s now considered an ambassador for Danish furniture design due to its timeless design.

EAMES LOUNGER It’s a perfect balance between perfect form and practicality is the main reason it has survived 6 decades of constant change in the décor and furnishing world.

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HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

now IN STORE Southern Innovations is Canberra’s exclusive stockist of the new Caroma Marc Newson collection. The collection has recently been awarded the coveted Good Design Award of the Year 2014, an accolade which acknowledges its ground breaking design at a global level.

Discover your dream bathroom as two Australian icons come together. Newson’s award-winning minimalist design, combined with the trusted functionality of Caroma, sets the collection at a new standard in bathroom engineering, manufacturing and luxury.

Fyshwick 21 Lyell St* Mitchell 149 Flemington Rd Goulburn 110 Clinton St

southerninnovations.com.au for your bathroom, kitchen & laundry *Caroma Marc Newson products are only on display at our Fyshwick store.

I F

SPACE

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A LWAYS

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LU X U RY,

F E E L

YOU ’ L L

I N DU L GE D…

The Glebe is hallmarked by its intelligent design that maximises space. Featuring high ceilings, multiple indoor living areas that seamlessly flow to two outdoor living areas, a parents retreat and clever use of storage, you’ll always feel spoilt.

DISCOVER THE LUXURY OF SPACE The Glebe Display Home, 4 Bonarba Link, Googong NSW | OPEN Monday to Wednesday and Saturday to Sunday, 11am – 4pm ABN: 35 143 150 396 ACT License Number: 2012823 NSW License Number: 264470C