ISSUE 35 WINTER 2022
STYLE & DESIGN // HOME // LIFESTYLE // BACKYARD
A Gabion is a wire cage filled with rocks. Each one is individually hand made so is unique and can outlast a lifespan.
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Contents STYLE AND DESIGN
FROM THE
editor
The style edit Winter cosy has gone to a whole new level this season. Sweeter than honey Pottery has pinched its way to popularity.
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Flick the switch 25 Light up your winter and brighten your home with on-trend and sustainable lighting. Heart of the home Helping make your kitchen the centre of activity.
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HOME
HOME IS WHEREVER I’M WITH YOU When does a house become a home? It’s all in the feels. Our Home is about making your living space into your very own universe. A bit like the Norwegian concept of ‘hygge’, which embodies the warmth and cosiness of a house while emphasising the contentment, conviviality and wellness of it. This edition of Our Home is about achieving these homely feelings of fullness from within.
How’s the serenity? An oasis of sustainable living in the bush.
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Mixing it up A carefully curated and eclectic mix of old and new.
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Embracing nature Off-the-grid and sustainable living reach new heights.
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LIFESTYLE Blinded by automation
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Food + flame = delicious
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Stay warm from the ground up Keeping you home warm and energy efficient.
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Window coverings help create energy efficient homes.
But like the concept of hygge, this doesn’t have to be achieved with an extreme consumption of new home décor purchases and other furniture.
As the weather cools, try cooking on open fires.
It is all about sourcing the components of your dream house ethically and second-hand, just like Leonie and her beautiful home full of eclectic charm in Arcadia.
Light my fire 27 Nothing beats the warmth and ambience of a flickering fire.
It’s also about building a home around a deep respect for environment, such as Catherine and Guy did in the heart of Strathbogie.
Keep winter chills away 33 The race is on to get heating systems installed before winter frosts start biting.
It is about building a home around a running spring, not trying to deviate the course of nature, just like the one Jill and Malcolm have built on top of the hills of Euroa.
Turn on to energy savings 38 Making your home energy efficient to keep the bills down.
It’s about embracing nature at every opportunity, especially the most convivial ones, as chef Richard Hayes knows when he cooks outdoors. This winter, it’s all about getting that flame glowing in your fireplace and in your heart. Until next edition.
Clemence Carayol
Put the ‘do’ into DIY Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the experts.
39
Move that mess Decluttering doesn’t have to wait until September.
45
BACKYARD Nurture your winter garden Winter gardens still need some TLC.
COVER Photo by Megan Fisher / Story page 34
Got a scoop on a cool house for the next edition of Our Home magazine? Get in touch: clemence.carayol@mmg.com.au
4 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2022
EDITOR Clemence Carayol
SUB-EDITING Sandy Lloyd
WRITERS Gianni Francis Nicola Ceccato Thomas Monaghan Caitlyn Grant Youssef Saudie Fiona Lloyd
PHOTOGRAPHY Aydin Payne Megan Fisher ADVERTISING Leesa Haeusler Phone: 5820 3188
PUBLISHED BY Shepparton News, PO Box 204, Shepparton VIC 3632 (03) 5831 2312
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Three Threegenerations generations ofofpassion, passion, perfection and and perfection designexcellence. excellence. design
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HOW’S THE SERENITY?
Careful planning and creative design have created an oasis of sustainable living in the bush, with form and function merging seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. STORY: NICOLA CECCATO. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER
D
eep in Strathbogie Shire, out past Euroa, sits a home completely camouflaged by the surrounding dry Australian bushland.
“We are all a part of the earth’s ecosystem, we wanted to make sure the animals felt comfortable here,” Guy said.
Bare and plain on the outside, the home still exudes a quiet beauty — with its cement walls, timber garage doors and ornamental grapevine draping down the pergola.
“We’re passionate about the environment, both globally and locally, and would like to do our little bit towards making the world a better place for future generations.”
Catherine and Guy Cameron bought the 162-hectare property in 2010, with the intention to keep the area as untouched as possible, protect the native species and highlight the natural beauty of the area.
These ideas were put into practice with varieties of native Australian flora subtly planted around the home, allowing it to blend into the surrounding landscape.
“Part of the design was to hide the house in the landscape. When people arrive, we want their eyes to go to the hill above, not the house,” Catherine said.
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Architect Edwina Thomson, from About Architecture, knew the site needed careful planning and took great care to design a home that complemented its natural beauty. Story continues on page 10.
The creek’s water pours over a stunning waterfall, only a minute’s walk from the house.
The home’s interior is simple but stunning, using natural tones to bring it all together.
OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 7
The home was designed to hide in the bush and highlight the beauty of the surrounding scenery.
The Camerons are passionate about using solar principles to keep their home at the right temperature. 8 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2022
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“When you’ve got such a natural and raw site, the challenge is to not overdo the architecture,” Edwina said. “When Catherine and Guy first came to me, part of their brief were pictures of bunkers and as an architect that is so exciting for a client to not show a typical home. “It gives you scope to do something out of the ordinary … The passion they had for the site allowed us to test these ideas.” This passion for sustainability flows throughout the home, with the incorporation of solar and building principles that make use of, and care for, the environment.
The double-glazed windows and precise position of the eaves take advantage of the sun’s seasonal movements to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home all year round.
pump that provides them with hot water and heating to the floors.
The concrete walls, padded with insulation and brick, also help maintain the home’s temperature, making it as energy efficient as possible.
A spring-fed creek provides them with their water supply, which is gravity fed into tanks and distributed across the home.
These materials were chosen not only for their insulating properties, but also because they are fireresistant — fire is always a threat when living in the Australian bush.
Black and grey water waste is processed through a worm septic farm underground and once the liquid is extracted, it’s pumped away from the creek area to realm drains on the property.
As a passive solar home, the Camerons make use of the sun’s energy with a solar-powered heat
Not only functional and selfsustaining, the home is also aesthetically stunning.
Artwork from Papua New Guinea and Indigenous Australia add to the home’s interior aesthetic.
The home is filled with dried flowers and common native Australian plants, complementing the various plants and grasses outside.
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Another aspect of Catherine and Guy’s environmentally planned home is their careful use of water sourcing and waste disposal.
Catherine and Guy Cameron prioritised keeping their 162ha property as untouched as possible.
Outside sits a pool that makes use of natural water and overlooks the property, with the nearby creek and a waterfall only a stone’s throw away. A verdant hill stands behind the house highlighting the natural beauty of the area and providing a breathtaking view from the couple’s balcony. The home’s interior is filled with beige, brown and cream tones sporting collections of dried flowers, books and artefacts. This — alongside the eclectic style of Papua New Guinea and Indigenous Australian artwork, collected by the Camerons on their travels — gives the home a natural, colourful aesthetic.
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W
hen it comes to decorating your house to make it your home, every detail counts.
What’s the secret to make your home décor a perfect representation of taste and beauty? It’s all about remembering that less is more. For Paula Dohrman, this is about choosing timeless over trends. And a nude palette is always a safe bet. “There are just certain givens in decorating that will never date – like black, white, cream, beige and grey as a colour palette,” Paula says. Nature is inviting itself back in our homes for our greatest pleasure. “There is such a nature perspective in design at the moment,” Paula says. “All shades of green are swirling around homes’ interior environment – from fresh greenery to organic materials, it’s a refreshing element.” She says linen, stone and wood tones make a stunning statement. For a clean look, you need a clean style, and choosing purified patterns and colours doesn’t mean there is no room to add your personal touch.
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“I love mixing things up so you have a twist in the home that might be old meets new, a contemporary style in an old worldly home,” Paula says.
style THE
“The look you get when you mix different mediums together really adds feeling to a home like different timbers, fabrics, stone, wallpaper or metals.” Lately, it’s all about bouclé, a French word for ‘curly’. Taking over Instagram feeds across the globe, the soft, white cloud that is bouclé is the perfect addition to make your house a home.
EDIT
When it comes to design, trends come and go but elegance is timeless. Our Home had a chat with Paula Dohrman from Shepparton’s Walls and Windows about why she always chooses timeless over trends. STORY: CLEMENCE CARAYOL AND CAITLYN GRANT
“We’re seeing it everywhere at the moment,” Paula says. She says the differing textures in material is also having its moment, so don’t be afraid to take the risk with contrast – velvet on bouclé, what’s the worst that can happen? Versatility is key when it comes to classic pieces – Paula says opting for pieces that can be personalised is a way to always keep your space fresh and new. A timber sideboard can be matched with ever-changing perennials, a marble side table can look completely different with the touch of coffee table books. For Paula, style rhymes with love, and where there is love there is beauty.
“I think that a huge part of decorating, the whole idea, is to just love it.” And where there is beauty, there’s light. “Beautiful natural light hitting these elements can really give a home a warm loving feeling.” Lastly, a nude style doesn’t mean naked walls. “Art has a huge impact on a home, the colours that can come out of a piece of art to add interest into a room like cushions, throws, flowers, rugs, etc can make all the difference,” Paula says. Same when it comes to choosing artwork, make sure it will make butterflies fly around your stomach before purchasing it, and you’ll be sure to have chosen the right piece. “When you are looking for pieces for your home just love it, it will aways make you smile.”
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GET THE LOOK
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The sitting room is inviting.
MIXING IT UP A carefully curated and eclectic mix of old and new combine to create a warm and inviting family home, filled with colour, comfort and love. STORY: CAITLYN GRANT. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER
C
rossing the threshold of Leonie and Cameron O’Mahony’s home in Arcadia is much like taking a step back in time — but with a vivacious modern twist. Nestled in a picturesque rural area, the nostalgic dream palace has souvenirs from each decade since the 1920s. From rag dolls to velvet riches, the home is teeming with brightness and colours, blending into one another with a seamless ease. And to the untrained eye it may appear that way, haphazardly organised in a stroke of luck that each piece works together.
Leonie reading to her youngest child, Herb.
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But on closer inspection the home is a work of art, meticulously created by Leonie’s knack for piecing together a puzzle of sorts — including sourcing every single item.
“I’d say a lot of time went into it but honestly when you love it, it’s not work,” she said. Strolling through the open spaces, you’d never guess that Leonie and Cameron — with their three children Matilda, 15, Alfie, 11, and Herb, 4 — had only occupied the home for seven months. With sprawling windows and wooden floorboards, making the move back to the Goulburn Valley from Tasmania was a no-brainer. “I knew, the second we stepped foot in the house, I knew this was what I wanted,” Leonie said. “The fact that it’s ‘60s/’70s is right up my alley, I just knew I could have so much fun here.
“There’s no point in us having a modern home, it just wouldn’t work. I think you need to have the style and the home, altogether.”
The Arcadia home features elements from many decades.
Leonie said her style instincts had always come quite naturally, and was something she hoped to pursue in her career — much of which has been influenced hugely by her grandmother. “I just go with what I love without really having to try or think. I’ve always been a bit of an old soul, “she said with a laugh. “I remember going to Nan’s on holidays and just admiring her sifters and her canisters, the colourful dishes that she gave out food on. “I remember her clothes — even as a teenager I wanted to wear her granny cardigans, her dresses. “I reckon she’s played a part in everything.” Sentimentality plays a huge part in the home’s character, with many pieces holding a story for not only the O’Mahonys but guests too. It’s the little things that Leonie loves the most.
Humpty Dumpty sat on the cane shelf.
The O’Mahonys have collected pieces over time.
OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 15
The kids’ playroom is enough to get any adult excited.
Cane bookshelves are home to colourful toys reminiscent of a childhood before the digital age, with Humpty Dumpty, Raggedy Ann and a Cabbage Patch Kid sitting contentedly.
Op shops, antique stores and the tip have all been go-to spots in Leonie’s 12 years of collecting, along with Facebook Marketplace being a huge contender in recent times.
In the sitting room, wooden floorboards flow with the mid-century furniture making the hues of mustard and emerald greens right at home.
Individual rooms tell an unwinding tale — the master bedroom an eclectic masterpiece of patterns on patterns, while the playroom is captured straight from a scene in a 1980s arcade, jukebox and all.
Contrasted further by the bright pops of colour in cushions, rugs and throws, the rooms balance the line of retro, vintage and boho-chic — it’s the stuff of any trendy Pinterest board.
Many different colours are balanced in the lounge room.
Except that rather than spending thousands of dollars on achieving the perfect look, the O’Mahonys have made a lifestyle in finding their own style on a budget. In a match made in heaven, Leonie’s husband Cameron is just about as nifty as her. “It just means a lot to me. Friday nights I am always so excited going through the garage sales and which markets are on in the coming days thinking, ‘oh my God, this weekend is going to be so fun’,” she said. “Obviously apart from my family, it’s at the top of my list of what makes me happy, that’s for sure.”
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And while Leonie said it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, each has been layered with careful consideration and love. “It’s your home and it’s your biggest investment, and I always say that your home should be an extension of you,” she said. “I’m really old school but I’m young at heart and I’m quite kiddy. “I love my vintage stuff, I’m really very easily pleased with the little things in life — all this stuff plays into how I am and how my home is styled the way it is. “Whether it’s vintage, modern — your home should just be an extension of you.” Follow Leonie’s styling journey on Instagram at thesifterandshifter.
Denielle Anderson took up pottery in 2018, before the COVID-19 rush.
SWEETER THAN HONEY Being creative is not a hobby, it’s a way of life for a Kialla woman who has discovered the joys of getting her hands dirty. STORY: CAITLYN GRANT. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER
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here’s no glazing over the fact pottery has pinched its way into popularity over the past two years. But for Kialla’s Denielle Anderson, it wasn’t the pandemic that introduced her to the art of creating — it had always been on the cards. With four kids and working part-time, life is more often than not lived in the fast lane for Denielle. “I always wanted to do it, ever since I was little; I always thought that I would do pottery when I was older, once I’d retired,” she said. “Back in 2018, I thought, ‘oh my God, why am I waiting? I should just do it now’, thinking if I start learning now I can do it in the future.
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“But then I was just absolutely obsessed and completely hooked.” While she began her craft for pleasure, Denielle has since created Honeypot Pottery — where she shares and sells her works on Etsy and Instagram. What was once her husband’s shed has now been turned into a dedicated pottery studio, renovated to match the rustic charm of Denielle’s works. Upcycled white timber planks line the roof adding a warmth to the room, further accentuated by the wood-fire furnace nestled in the corner. The studio would not be complete without the potter’s wheel and an array of ceramics made by Story continues on page 20.
Rustic over perfect is Denielle’s motto.
One of Denielle’s angelic creations.
Denielle recently started hosting ‘sip and clay’ nights.
OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 19
Denielle — bowls, pots, plates and other delicates — some set out to dry, others ready for sale. A self-proclaimed “nanna at heart”, Denielle said she always had a passion for making things and getting her hands dirty.
“When COVID came around and pottery picked up I thought, wow, for once I’m on trend,” she said with a laugh. Since beginning her journey with lessons, Denielle has taken the skills learnt into her own hands and created her own touch on the ceramics.
And recently, the potter also began hosting ‘clay and sip’ nights for other aspiring ceramic fanatics to enjoy a night with friends in her pottery shed. “Everyone can do it, it’s really just practice,” she said.
Denielle Anderson, the hands behind Honeypot Pottery.
Honeypot Pottery is home to many different ceramics.
Bowls, plates, spoons and more.
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“I love all my things looking not so neat, but rather more rustic — I don’t like perfect.” Denielle can be found via Facebook and Etsy at Honeypot Pottery, and on Instagram at honeypot_pottery.
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BLINDED BY AUTOMATION Window coverings are a simple and effective way to create a more energy efficient home. Add some high-tech automation, and you’re well on your way to sustainable living. STORY: GIANNI FRANCIS Use interior design to make your home more sustainable.
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he world’s need for energy efficient solutions continues to grow, and Dollar Curtains + Blinds is committed to help accelerate the movement to a better connected, secured and emission-free home. A sustainable future that doesn’t fall short of the luxuries you’ve come to expect, but one that enhances your level of comfort without damaging the world around us. “Regardless of how sophisticated window glazing or tint may be, they’re rarely a match for Mother Nature’s dynamic tendencies,” Dollar Curtains + Blinds Shepparton store owner Glenn McAuliffe said. “Weather shifts, from strong sun rays to cold overcasts, usually invites excessive use of airconditioning, heating and lighting.” A dynamic window covering system can cover your windows in times of intense heat to create a comfortable shady sanctuary and just as easily raise all the window coverings
in a home to absorb as much sunlight as possible, reducing the amount of internal heating that is needed during the cooler months. Research has found that uncovered windows are responsible for up to a 40 per cent loss of heating energy, while conversely also contributing up to 87 per cent of a home’s heat gain. “At Dollar Curtains + Blinds our automate motors can determine where window coverings should be positioned based on the solar exposure, using a sun sensor and smart sunrise and sunset detection, to ensure shades move to optimise the home’s energy efficiency,” Glenn said. With the Dollar Curtains + Blinds product, Pulse Hub, you can connect to your home’s network to unlock the luxury of automated window covering control, using voice control via Apple HomeKit, Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT or Smart Things.
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FLICK THE SWITCH Light up your winter and brighten your home with on-trend and sustainable lighting. STORY: NICOLA CECCATO. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER
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aving recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary, Lights Plus Shepparton has seen all the changes and trends of the lighting market for the past two decades.
LED has changed up the lighting market — providing a more affordable and sustainable option for home owners.
Owner Mark Libro is astonished by how much the lighting industry has changed in the past 20 years.
Alongside LED lighting, Lights Plus offers other energy saving items such as ceiling fans and smart lighting systems.
“It’s completely different compared to when we first opened, we had hardly any stock. It was fairly basic, but now we’re booming,” Mark said.
“We also have ceiling fans, which are huge in summertime, and there’s a lot of new styles of ceiling fans,” Mark said.
“LED wasn’t around 20 years ago but everything is LED now, which is a huge bonus for customers with saving money and the lifetime expectancy of LED fittings is better.
“There’s the DC range, which is energy efficient and quieter than any standard ceiling fan, it’s been very popular as well.
“It’s very energy efficient and long lasting.” With a majority of past light fittings being either halogen or fluorescent,
“Smart lighting is another big option too. That’s coming through very strong as well so people can control their home automation and have their lights come on at certain times.
Satin brass is right on-style.
“You can have the program on sensors, so you’re not having to leave your lights on.” With trends in home styling and furniture constantly changing, the lighting industry has kept up — providing larger varieties of materials and lighting styles. Materials such as wicker and satin brass have made a regular appearance in people’s homes recently, with the modern industrial
style enjoying a boom in the market in the past year. Lights Plus Shepparton also offers a free consultancy service to help you with your everyday lighting needs. “We run through your plans and help you with selections according to your colour schemes and what you’re designing with,” Mark said. To see what Lights Plus has on offer, visit the store at 203–205 High St, Shepparton, or phone 5821 1300.
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OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 25
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LIGHT MY FIRE Nothing beats the warmth and ambience of a flickering fire. It doesn’t matter if you’re burning wood or gas — the comfort and charm of flame is eternal. STORY: YOUSSEF SAUDIE. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER
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ith winter upon us, the chilling question is: how am I going to stay warm? Barbeques Galore proprietor Jason Bathman says it starts with “igniting passion around the flame”. “Deep down we’re all still cavemen and we all enjoy the warmth of a flickering flame,” he said. Managing the Shepparton business for more than 25 years, what Jason loves most is helping his customers. “Making sure that they’re getting the right product that suits their needs — products that create warmth among friendship and family.” So when it comes to cold mornings and nights, what do you do about it?
There are a few options. “The charm and the appeal of a wood heater might be a secondary form of heating for the homeowners,” Jason said. “It’s like when you stand out in the morning sun, it gives you that radiant heat and that really nice feeling. “Sometimes your split-systems and other forms of heating does not give that warmth that you can get back up to and feel nice and cosy.” He said there was still the effort of having to collect wood, so that’s why people can opt for gas log fireplaces. But keeping warm will also come in handy if you want to invite people around for dinner.
Jason Bathman from Barbeques Galore is passionate about helping people with their seasonal needs.
“The pizza ovens are always popular — the Bucshbeck, which combines the warmth of an outdoor fireplace that can also be used as an outdoor barbecue and pizza oven for entertainment,” Jason said.
“Or you could get a small round fire pit with a cooking grill, that is good to entertain the kids with some marshmallows on cold nights like now.” He suggests getting in quick to be first in line for your fire favourites.
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OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 27
EMBRACING NATURE Off-the-grid and sustainable living reach new heights in a carefully designed house and garden that work with the natural environment, not against it. STORY: NICOLA CECCATO. PHOTOGRAPHY: AYDIN PAYNE
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n the foothills between Euroa and Gooram lies a home fully off the grid and using the provisions of nature to thrive. Designed by Mark Shapiro from Habitat Design, the home is simply stunning — with unique architectural elements that make it stand out. The home sits in front of a hill layered with boulders and greenery, overlooking a 150-hectare property filled with sheep and native Australian flora. Removed from the busyness of town, owners Jill and Malcolm Altson have lived a peaceful life in the quiet countryside since they built the house in 2010. Not only are they well protected from noise, they’re also prepared for the threat of fire that comes with living in a bushfire prone area. Built with fire-resistant materials like rammed earth walls, double glazed aluminium windows and the fibre cement Cemintel, Jill and Malcolm’s home is prepared for bushfire season.
These materials, alongside low-emission coating on the windows, contribute to the home’s passive solar design and provide insulation — allowing a comfortable temperature throughout the home all year round. The above-ground pool, which sits on the deck next to the living area inside, is the home’s source of cooling. As wind comes across the pool, it blows through the windows at the bottom of the living room, cooling the home down as hot air exits via higher windows at the top of the room.
Malcolm Altson designed the labyrinth to mimic the one at Chartres Cathedral in France.
“You drive the temperature of the house according to the doors and windows for cross ventilation,” Malcolm said. “In winter, the sun shines in and heats up the concrete floor which provides our heating; as long as we’ve got a sunny day, we can walk around in a T-shirt. Even if it’s pretty much zero degrees outside.”
OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 29
To keep the lights going and appliances working, solar panels are used to power the home — keeping them entirely off the electrical grid. “We bought a solar system 12 years ago and we knew things would be cheaper and more efficient and that’s exactly what happened,” Jill said. As the world continues to get warmer, the couple has also designed a garden acclimatised to hotter weather. Their desert-style garden is packed with rocks and pebbles, preventing fire from spreading to the house and limiting the need for water. Dry plants like pennisetum grass, perovskia, westringia shrubs and yakka plants are dotted throughout the front yard, with banksias and varieties of eucalyptus spread across the property. A netted area for fruit trees sits at the back, growing an array of stone fruits alongside a vegie patch, herb garden and a stunning stone labyrinth. The garden sustains its energy from a dripper watering system, which continually feeds the plants from the flow of the spring on top of the hill,
making it both easy to maintain and sustainable. For household water, the couple makes use of wet days — with water tanks which take in the rain, filter it and pump it into the house. The interior also showcases a unique feature — a stream, which flows through the house from the top of the hill behind it, to the front of the home. Running adjacent to the bedrooms and main hallway, the stream falls down into a mini waterfall at the stairs to continue its path out the front where an array of taro root brings colour to the water display. Another outstanding design element of the home are the Japanese sliding walls turning an open living area into a closed off library, and a side entrance into a spare room with the help of a hidden Murphy bed in the wall. Colourful artwork and wooden furniture feature throughout, with potted plants dispersed throughout the rooms complementing the natural landscape just outside.
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HEART OF THE HOME Kitchens are the centre of activity in every home, so make sure yours is up to the job. Anything goes, so choose the style, colour and design to suit your life. STORY: NICOLA CECCATO. PHOTOGRAPHY: SMITH & SONS
K
itchens have evolved from being the simple place you cook your meals to a feature of the home, with design elements to maximise space and efficiency. Karli Vanderwey, alongside her husband Travis from Shepparton’s Smith & Sons Renovations and Extensions, has seen the various changes in kitchen trends over the years.
classic country and Hamptons, with many people opting for big butler’s pantries. Renovating your kitchen doesn’t always mean you need to pull everything out and start fresh, with a lot of people choosing to keep their kitchen’s original skeleton. “We work with people’s kitchen skeletons too, and nowadays people can also sell their kitchens too so it’s not going to waste. So, that’s another option,” Karli said.
“We’re seeing more coloured cabinets, especially muted warm colours like olive and dark beige,” Karli said. “Open shelving is also making a comeback and really dramatic bench tops like stone with lots of colour. “Black appliances and curves in bench tops and cupboards is also becoming quite popular and colour options for the tapware like gold, brass, nickel, black and chrome is becoming a feature in people’s kitchens. “It all makes for a lot of choices.” The styles of taps and cupboards are also changing, according to Karli, with finger-pull cupboards dominating the market over those with handles, and the goose-neck tap being the most common tap option. Karli said common kitchen styles right now are contemporary modern,
The colour of kitchens is also transitioning, with neutral colours changing to a more expanded variety. “We’re still seeing classic combinations of greys, whites and neutral tones but a lot more that we’ve seen coming through are navy, baby blue, olive green to name a few,” Karli said. Kitchen renovations are not the only service Smith & Sons Renovations and Extensions provides. The business also does home extensions, home design and makeovers, knockdown rebuilds, and deck and outdoor renovations. Visit the Smith & Sons Renovations and Extensions showroom at 97 Fryers St, Shepparton, or phone 1300 787 577.
Lighter colours are still a popular choice for homeowners.
32 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2022
Standout colours like blue are becoming more popular in modern kitchens.
More cupboard space and bigger butler’s pantries are current kitchen trends.
KEEP WINTER CHILLS AWAY The race is on to get heating systems installed before winter frosts start biting. You just need to choose the option that works best in your home. STORY: THOM MONAGHAN
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ith winter fast approaching, now is the time to look at the best ways to keep your house warm on those icy cold days and nights. With many short- and long-term solutions, Dickson’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning business and development administration assistant Josh Mei said ducted gas and reversecycle systems were the best and most reliable. “The main branches of heating that we do are the ducted gas heating and the reverse-cycle split-system and reversecycle duct system,” he said. “Each of them operates differently and warm the house differently, and so they all definitely have pros and cons about them.” Ducted gas is a type of heating powered through an external heat
exchanger that pumps warm air into the house and its rooms via a series of ducts and vents. A reverse-cycle system both heats and cools the house by taking air from outside and either heating or cooling it, depending on the season, and blowing it into the home. The difference between a reverse-cycle split-system and reverse-cycle ducted system is the split-system is wallmounted and only warms or cools the room it is in, whereas the ducted system can be installed throughout the house, warming or cooling the entire house at the same time. “The reverse-cycle split-system is by far the cheapest of the options and the quickest to install, however, you aren’t getting the same amount of coverage as the other options,” Josh said.
John Dickson and Josh Mei from Dickson’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
“The most energy efficient is the reverse-cycle split-system as well, because the reverse-cycle duct system has a larger unit that uses a bit more power, although it is energy efficient.” Josh said homeowners would go for reverse-cycle duct system over the ducted gas system as it was more energy efficient and because it heats and cools the home. “Nowadays you can actually zone different parts of the house so you can turn on separate zones, or the entire house when using the reverse-
cycle system. “You don’t have to waste energy heating or cooling rooms that you didn’t want any more.” For those looking to find a lastminute solution to prepare them for the upcoming winter, Josh said the reverse-cycle split-system was the fastest and easiest to install due to it not being used throughout the house, but just one room. Dickson’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is at 55–57 Longstaff St, Shepparton.
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FOOD + FLAME = DELICIOUS As the weather cools and open fires beckon, do more than just warm your toes beside the coals. Try cooking on them instead. STORY: GIANNI FRANCIS. Chef Richard Hayes cooking up an outdoor storm.
T
here is a resourcefulness that one employs when cooking over an open fire and, while challenging, chef Richard Hayes says the experience is incredibly rewarding. Richard earned his stripes working in European Michelin-starred restaurants Wild Honey and The Ledbury. After meeting his fiancée in Paris, he moved back to his home town of Euroa and now works at the Butter Factory Restaurant. He developed a passion for outdoor cooking after spending time with his fiancée’s family in southern France, where her grandfather had a strong connection with open fire cooking. Richard and his fiancée keep alive her family’s cultural tradition by often cooking together over an open fire. “The smoky fire taste in meat when it’s cooked directly on the coals is just fantastic,” Richard said. “The sky is the limit with outdoor cooking.” Richard says the introduction of the gas barbecue has deprived Australian culture of a cooking method steeped in history. And while fire restrictions make open fire cooking difficult during summer, the cooler winter and autumn seasons are perfect to enjoy the ambience of outdoor cooking. “In my friendship circle we all enjoy cooking and eating and hanging out together,” Richard said. “We get excited when this autumn weather comes through, and there’s a change in the weather and you can have … the first fire of the season, where we can sit around and share some good food and wine and friendship.” Richard has prepared some easy recipes for open fire cooking that are simple to execute, using ingredients sourced form your local butcher and supermarket.
34 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2022
The first recipe is a delicious roast lamb with curry sauce cooked in a camp oven, with some of his favourite spices. “It’s a nice warm thing that you can get the nice smokiness from the fire into and sit around with your friends and share it easily.” The second recipe, Choucroute Garnie, is a meeting of two cultures, coming from Strasbourg in southern France on the border of Germany where his fiancée grew up. “It has the German influence of sauerkraut, which is fermented cabbage. And it has a lot of sausages and smoked ham and bacon and different meats through that, typically from that region,” Richard said. “It’s completely different to the Australian style of cooking, but it’s just an amazing pot of sour cabbage and riesling with a lot of smoked meat. “And I think it’s a great thing to share with people as well.”
OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 35
CAMP OVEN LAMB CURRY INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • •
1 lamb shoulder or leg 3 grated carrots 3 sliced brown onions 4 chopped garlic cloves 1 tbsp grated ginger 2 chillies (hot or mild, as preferred) 300ml pouring cream 2 cans of tomatoes
SPICE MIX: • • • • • • • •
2 tsp black peppercorns 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds 2 tbsp smoked paprika 10 cardamon pods 1 tbsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp curry powder 1 tsp caraway seeds 2 tbsp amchur powder
METHOD: • Add all spices to a blender or spice grinder and blend well. This can be done prior to the camping trip and be stored in an airtight container or jar.
• Heat camp oven over hot coals and add a few tablespoons of oil followed by carrots, onions, ginger, garlic and chillies. Season generously with salt and stir until softens and colours slightly. • Remove from hot coals and stir in spice mix and keep stirring to toast spices but be careful not to burn them. • Add cream and tomatoes then fill tomato tins half with water and add the water. • On a grill over some hot coals, colour the lamb on all sides. This adds a great barbecue smoky flavour to the curry. • Place the lamb on the curry sauce in the camp oven and cover with the lid. • Dig a hole, shovel hot coals then place the camp oven and cover with hot coals and some dirt. Leave to cook for three to four hours. • Once curry has cooked remove camp oven from hole and serve with rice or potatoes.
Creating
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CHOUCROUTE GARNIE INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1 pickled pork roast 500g smoked uncut bacon 1 smoked ham hock 6 pork and fennel sausages 1 kabana 1 white pudding sausage (optional) 2 jars of sauerkraut 2 large onions, coarsely chopped 4 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped 8 juniper berries 3 large bay leaves ½ tsp caraway seeds 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1½ cups riesling or pinot gris
METHOD: • Rinse the pickled pork and pat dry with paper towel then place a grill over some hot coals and grill the sausages and pickled pork. Once a nice colour is achieved set aside.
Choucroute Garnie.
• Rinse the sauerkraut in cold water and squeeze dry. Heat your camp oven over hot coals with a few tablespoons of oil then add the onion and garlic, season with a pinch of salt. Stir until soft and lightly caramelised. • Stir in the sauerkraut, juniper berries, bay leaves, caraway seeds, black pepper, stock and wine and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. • Nestle all the cuts of meat in the sauerkraut and place the camp oven lid on top. • Place the camp oven in a small hole with coals in the bottom. Shovel coals on the lid and let cook for two hours. • Serve the choucroute with boiled potatoes and assorted mustards. Note: The types of meat cuts used is totally optional and most smoked meats can be used as replacements.
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28/4/22 2:21 pm
TURN ON TO ENERGY SAVINGS With the cost of electricity rising each year, homeowners are always looking for ways to be as energy efficient as possible to keep their bills down. STORY: THOM MONAGHAN
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here is a wide range of options for homeowners to be more energy efficient, from installing solar panels and using batteries so no electricity goes to waste, to utilising the latest technology and smart apps. Watters Electrical general manager Peter Copley said while these options on their own were effective choices, utilising a combination of them all was the best way to ensure that homeowners were being as energy efficient as possible. “Utilising solar. Utilising batteries. Utilising apps. That’s the best way to be as energy efficient as possible because they all complement each other,” Peter said.
“If you’re building a new home, or renovating, I’d recommend for you to sit down with your electrician and come up with a plan to be as efficient as possible. “These days, you can set up your home so your essential power runs on one circuit, and your non-essential runs on another. “You could wire your ovens, fridges and freezers and whatnot onto their own circuit, whilst having all your other electronics such as TVs and lamps on their own circuit so when you go away, you can turn off the master switch without cutting off the essential power. “And if you are just looking to upgrade, speak to your solar installer or your battery installer and ask them
TAT U R A
For Watters Electrical general manager Peter Copley, energy efficiency goes hand-in-hand with effective choices.
what you can do.” While solar panels can be seen as an expensive investment, Peter believes it is worth the cost for what it provides in the long term. “At the moment, the average price per kW is 28 cents, whilst on average, solar owners are getting paid six or seven cents for every kW they export back to the grid. That’s at least a 35 cent per kW saving which adds up.” However, unless homeowners with solar panels have a battery, they will
be paying for any electricity used after the sun sets, amplifying the need for both solar panels and batteries, so any electricity that was generated during the day can be stored and used at night. “If you want to be as energy efficient as possible, solar is the way to go,” Peter said. “You’d be foolish not to use it.” Watters Electrical is at 19–35 New Dookie Rd, Shepparton.
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38 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2022
Learn a thing or two about how to stay in tune with your home from Mooroopna Hardware’s Al Doherty.
PUT THE ‘DO’ INTO DIY Don’t be afraid to ask the experts for help when it comes to home maintenance or DIY projects. It could save you time, money and stress. STORY: YOUSSEF SAUDIE. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER
I
f you’re thinking about trying to be handy around the house this winter, sometimes it isn’t as easy as one, two, three.
If you turn the tap as tight as it can, and water continues to leak — you can either call a plumber or try fixing it yourself.
For those who are new to the world of DIY, it can help to get some advice from the experts.
“If they want to do it themselves, they need to turn the water off (at the meter) and pull the tap apart and replace the washer seal in it,” Al said.
When it comes to plumbing, Mooroopna Hardware’s Al Doherty said we don’t get cold enough weather to damage pipes, but people should watch out for their gutters. “Depending on how much rain you get, gutters overflow and they would need to get up on a ladder and make sure their downpipes are clear of leaves and branches and things like that,” Al said. But for the average person, he advised them to hire a specialist plumber. What about everyday water problems, like a leaky tap? Al said the first thing to check was how tight the faucet was when turning it off to stop the leaking.
For people thinking about freshening their walls with a repaint, it is quite simple.
Bzzz, B zzz, Sl ap!
“Give the walls a light sand to lose old paint, and then just paint over the top,” Al said. When you need advice and products for either your home set-ups or blowups, Mooroopna Hardware is an option just down the road. “We’re locally owned and operated, you can talk to us about the different jobs you’re doing then we try to satisfy the customers’ needs,” Al said.
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“Most of our prices are competitive, we have helpful friendly staff who are willing to offer advice — I’ve been working here for five years.”
OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 39
TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS
Watters Electrical is a locally owned company, dedicated to delivering whole home technology solutions. Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or looking for new ways that technology can help or improve you daily living than we have you covered. Our tech experts can design and install a solution to suit your needs. Contact us on 03 5821 3944 for an obligation free quote.
MAKING YOUR HOME A SMART HOME
When you think SMART HOME you probably think your alarm system or lighting system needs to be connected Amazon Alexa. A smart home is more than that, a SMART HOME offers convenience and safety but is also completely customisable as it can be built around you and your family’s personal preferences, needs, and budget.
COMMERCIAL AUDIO VISUAL
It’s fair to say boardrooms and offices have changed over the last few years, more than ever technology has become a valuable component for any business. This is where the ideas get pitched and decisions are made, so efficiency is key. You might be looking for a solution for the boardroom or camera solution for the zoom meetings. At Watters Electrical we can design, install and deliver the technology needed for you and your business.
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SERVICES • • • •
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Watters make sure all speakers throughout the house are customised to the room they are in and easy to control, from inside the home to the back yard or pool area. Music in any room at any time.
Arm/disarm your security system via the mobile app. Receive alerts when a door or window is opened. Lock or unlock your front door and view your security cameras from one app.
Be connected to what matters most, no matter where you are. Remote access to your Intercom and home keeps you informed and in control of what’s happening at home while you are away, at work or on a family holiday.
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Smart lighting goes far beyond beautiful switches and dimmable lights. It provides energy efficiency, added safety and security, custom lighting scenes, and the ability to control several smart products in your home at once with just the touch of a button.
With a simple voice command, your smart home is prompted to turn on/off lights, lock/ unlock doors, adjust the thermostat and security system, and more, depending on what you have connected to your Smart Home.
Wondering what we could bring? Watters can integrate all your Audio Visual onto one screen, from the touch of one button you can lower your blinds, turn the projector on, drop the screen, turn on the audio and lights can be dimmed.
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STAY WARM FROM THE GROUND UP
Shepparton’s Choices Flooring owner Annette Ellis (left) and sales and commercial estimator Eleanor Gwynn can provide customers with a range of options this winter.
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Keeping your home warm and energy efficient is a priority as the colder months approach. And when it comes down to it, your choice of flooring can be very important. STORY: NICOLA CECCATO. PHOTOGRAPHY: RECHELLE ZAMMITT
H
eat-insulating carpets, flooring and window coverings are the key to keeping your home energy efficient this winter, according to Shepparton’s Choices Flooring.
and warmer under your foot and you don’t have grout lines to clean like you would with tiles,” she said. Window awnings and coverings that work in hot and cold seasons — such as the Luxaflex Duette shades, which provide insulation by trapping air in their honeycomb cells — is also recommended for keeping the home warm.
“For an energy efficient home I would suggest wool or triexta carpets, even timber or the vinyl planks are good, with the Duette blinds would be the best options,” Choices Flooring sales and commercial estimator Eleanor Gwynn said.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, Eleanor suggests the triexta carpet which is currently popular in the market and works to keep the home warm.
“Wool carpet is a good one for winter in the carpet ranges, as wool is a natural fibre and more insulating, but timber flooring is another natural product that can be good too.”
“It’s made out of corn sugars and is low in volatile organic compound, so they’re eco-friendly and chemical-free so you can clean them with water.”
These flooring options trump tiling, which has declined over the years — proving to be a less insulating material in the colder months — with more people opting for vinyl flooring, which Eleanor said was a better option.
Choices Flooring Shepparton offers a wide range of Australian-made flooring and window covering options, and can help you keep your home warm this winter.
“With our hard flooring like timber, hybrid vinyl and vinyl plank, it’s more insulating
To find out more about your flooring and window shade needs, head to the store at 186 High St, Shepparton, or phone 5822 2777.
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Find us on stihlshopshepparton OUR HOME // WINTER 2022 // 43
R
Various flowers grow during winter, including pansies.
Larry Smith enjoys helping others with their gardening.
NURTURE YOUR WINTER GARDEN Winter gardens still need some TLC, even if you’ve got to rug up to go outside. The mental and physical benefits of gardening don’t vanish with the warm sun. STORY: YOUSSEF SAUDIE. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER
S
tep outside to the bracing cold air and grow something new this winter. Whether you’re a green thumb or just starting off, this season could fill your backyard with anything from pansies and violas to fresh cabbage and spinach. “It’s really relaxing when you can zone out to your own thoughts and be creative in the garden, it’s a good pastime,” Riverside Gardens co‑owner Larry Smith said. This winter you could treat yourself to some fresh vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower. “You could get the plants up to a size where they’ll handle the cold ground of winter and keep growing through,” Larry said. But during winter your plants can also go dormant. So how do you get them ready for spring? “Around about July you could start your rose pruning, some of the other trees could be a little
44 // OUR HOME // WINTER 2022
bit earlier like your deciduous ornamental trees that can be pruned around May/June,” Larry said. “A lot of it is just cleaning up around the garden as well, plants which have got their flower heads can all be pruned.” Larry said this was helpful for when your plants get frosty during the chilliest time of year. “To tender frosted plants like jacarandas you spray them with a product that can protect the tips of the growth through the winter — or making up covers to cover your plants.”
Winter is a time to care for and prepare your garden for spring.
Winter may make you feel more “nurturing” towards the plants as you prepare and care for them when flowers grow.
when seeing his achievements.
Green thumb Larry has been gardening since he was 16 — he’s now 62.
“Being able to help people and inspire people on what they can achieve, that’s the majority of our jobs in the nursery at the moment.”
He is drawn to creating and building in his garden, and feeling rewarded
But what Larry loves most is encouraging other people to achieve their goals in their own gardens.
It can also be both physically and
mentally beneficial to get outside in the garden, no matter what the task. “You’re surprised how much people realise the amount of exercise is involved in gardening, it gives you mobility and strengthens your muscles,” Larry said. “It’s quite a relaxing pastime, it gets rid of stress.”
MOVE THAT MESS It may be too early for a spring clean, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until September to get on top of your clutter. STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY: FIONA LLOYD
W
e all have THAT drawer in the kitchen, shelf in the linen cupboard and sometimes even a whole (spare) room. Filled with could be useful but I don’t know what for items and objects that are just too hard to find a forever home for. Amy Revell and Kirsty Farrugia, the duo behind The Art of Decluttering, describe themselves as “experienced professional organisers and declutter coaches”. In a recent episode of their The Art of Decluttering podcast, they detail simple activities for different spaces to help declutter your home. Here’s an abridged version of their advice.
In the lounge room • B ooks. Ditch any double ups. Consider downloading a digital
• C Ds. As above but swap ‘watch’ for ‘listen’.
mashers. Group like with like, keep your favourite and let go of the rest. • Broken saucepans/pots. Let. Them. Go. • Orphan plastic containers. Pull it all out, match bottoms and tops and get rid of the rest.
• In the study
In the bedroom
• B roken printers/old appliances/ old mobile phones. Let them go.
• C lothes. Listen to one of Kirsty’s and Amy’s ‘deep dive’ podcasts on how to sort your wardrobe out. • Paperwork. It doesn’t belong in the bedroom. Move it to the study.
version rather than buying the real thing. • D VDs. Be honest — it’s highly unlikely you’ll watch any of them again. And it’s highly likely they’re now available on a streaming service.
• O ld paperwork. Get it under control by using any of a million available online software options. • O ld stationery. You will never use it so ditch or donate.
Kids’ bedrooms
In the kitchen • U tensil drawer triplicates. It’s okay to have one wooden spoon for each hob on your cooktop but no need for two graters or multiple
• C lothes. They grow very quickly, so if it doesn’t fit and is in good condition pass it on. • Toys. Interests change so get your kids to help decide what’s going and where it goes.
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In the bathroom • P roducts with a past use by date. Ditch them. • P roducts bought but never used and never going to be used. Ditch or donate. • D uplicate or broken appliances. Pass on if they’re in good working condition, otherwise, get rid of them. More tips at: https://www. theartofdecluttering.com.au/ The Art of Decluttering podcasts are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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