My Renovation April 2023

Each year, as we prepare to go to print with our Easter edition, I find myself thinking the same thought about how this time of year is my favourite season.

The weather is cooling, the sky is (generally!) blue and clear, and there is something in the air that makes me want to enjoy the afternoons outdoors at home.

It’s the time of year that we find ourselves spending more time around the house on maintenance and small renovation projects –whether it be restaining the deck, planting a new garden, or styling the alfresco area, there is always an enjoyable task to be done.

The Easter long weekend is a great time to take care of these jobs. In this edition, we share the latest autumn trends to kick of the new season, as well as Easter styling ideas and kitchen renovation tips. Enjoy!

18

06 FEATURE STORY

Expert tips

08 COOL HOMES Sustainable ideas

12 STYLE

The Easter tree trend

14 KITCHEN

Give your space a facelift

18 EXPERT ADVICE

Bathroom blitz

20 NEWS

The latest from the industry

22 INSPIRATION

Autumn trends

28 FINISHING TOUCHES

Products, looks and styles

Epoxy floors are seamless and extremely abrasion resistant. Making it the ideal concrete surface treatment when durability, resistance to heavy foot traffic and minimal maintenance is important. Call for a free onsite inspection and quote!

IN WITH THE NEW

Renovating an older home comes with its challenges, particularly when it comes to bringing dated architecture back into the modern era. James Hardie has recently launched its Hardie Home Guide to help renovators work through these types of projects. Here are their tips for bringing your home into the present.

Decision 1: Extend or build up?

Deciding whether to extend your floor plan with a rear extension, build a new level or explore an option in-between will largely depend upon the size of your land, the layout of your existing home and the

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

IDEA: Triple-front homes. The Bundeena renovation by J.P. Build ably demonstrates the complete transformation that’s possible with the right mix of materials. The single-storey home has been transformed into a modern, dual-level home, where render-like Hardie Fine Texture Cladding contrasts beautifully alongside the vertical lines of Axon Cladding.

requirements of your local council.

To help you decide, chat to neighbours, contact council or tune in to the expert advice on the BuildHer Collective podcast. Some councils will have restrictions on the types of updates that can be done to the exterior of heritage homes. Always check with your council before you begin planning a renovation. The cost of your extension can vary depending upon all the above factors, too. It’s best to source a few quotes as early in the process as possible.

Decision 2: Exploring the style options

When we’re considering a renovation, it’s easy to focus on the internal floor plan and forget to think about the exterior. What will the new extension look like?

To help you decide what you like, take a walk. Notice the details on similar homes in your area, what you like about them, or what doesn’t work. Consider architecture, materials, colours, hardscaping and landscaping when building your mood board. Look to the roofline and take particular note of renovated homes: some extensions offer a

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complete style contrast, updating and modernising these abodes in an eye-catching way, while others hark back to the original style in a compelling and charming visage. Both have their merits, and can apply to a myriad of home styles.

IDEA: Triple-front homes

Triple-front describes homes that started to proliferate across Australian suburbia as early as the 1960s, but encompasses homes built in the ’80s, ’90s and beyond. These practical mid-sized abodes often star blonde brick or brick veneer as a feature material, and have open-plan or multiple living spaces and a limited connection to the outdoors. How to extend: Usually located on larger plots of land, these properties can be extended at the rear to create large, flowing floor plans. Their multi-front facades can be transformed with a clever mix of materials, as they provide a variety of surfaces on which to contrast or complement chosen finishes. See above for a renovation project idea.

For more inspiration, visit hardiehomeguide.jameshardie. com.au

P: 0418 457 406 or visit www.cfsau.com/bathroom-renovations

My Renovation has partnered with Sunshine Coast Council to bring you a series of tips and tricks over the next few months to help you create a comfortable home that responds to the region’s climate.

The Sunshine Coast sub-tropical climate sets the scene for a lifestyle focused on enjoying life outside. Where our buildings, streets and spaces do not block the outdoor environment but instead highlight it.

We channel a summer breeze, capture rays of winter

sun and frame a glimpse of the ocean or trees. This is the essence of our living.

While we are poised to thrive, we know that unplanned growth could adversely impact the Sunshine Coast’s special character and liveability that we love.

Large-scale bland developments, bulky buildings

that block access to sunlight, breezes and view lines, hot treeless streets and featureless parks can erode the qualities we love most about our naturally significant region.

If we don’t consider our local climate and environment in building design, our lifestyle, our health and our private property investments may suffer.

Our natural environment, that took millions of years to form, may be compromised.

TIP: THE LAYOUT OF YOUR HOME IN RELATION TO THE SUN

The layout of your home and how it is situated on the block determines the amount of sun and breeze each room receives at different times of the year. This affects the temperature of your home and of course, how comfortable you feel.

The sun’s path and position in the sky changes with the seasons and impacts your home in different ways. For example, the sun in higher in the sky in summer and lower in the sky in winter.

CONSIDER THE LOCATION OF YOUR ROOMS

Ideally, you’ll buy or create a home that has the rooms positioned to take advantage of the climate, sun and breezes.

continued over >

The north side of your home will be sunny all day and will capture the most natural light – but it will be hot in summer without shade.

The south side of your home will be cooler, have more shade and will have less natural light. The west side will be very hot on summer afternoons and the east will receive morning light in winter, and sea breezes.

IDEAL ROOMS FOR EACH OF THE DIFFERENT SIDES OF YOUR HOME

• North: Living room, merged indoor/outdoor space, outdoor entertaining area, verandah, deck, pool.

• South: Bedrooms, bathroom, office, studio, laundry.

• East: Kitchen, merged indoor/ outdoor living, courtyard, studio, office, bedrooms.

• West: Less used rooms, laundry, bathroom, garage, driveway, sunset deck.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

The amount of warmth and light coming in depends on the angle of the sun but also on the size and position of windows, glass doors, awnings, eaves and trees.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We often hear about how much extra good design costs to build but what we really should be asking is, how much extra does bad design cost us over its entire lifespan?

Good design is not generic, it responds to the values of a place.

The negative impacts of urbanisation such as tree canopy loss, native habitat destruction, pollution, urban heat island effect, and general stress to wellbeing, are all symptoms of poor design (or cities designed for cars and air-conditioning).

Boutique tile shop offering an extensive range of tiles, stone, vinyl planking & hybrid floors all at affordable prices.

BE INFORMED

Sunshine Coast Council is focused on providing the tools to help inform and educate good design to enhance and protect the liveability of our region.

Check out what’s available…

• Download a free copy of the Sunshine Coast design compass by scanning the QR code above. The Sunshine Coast design compass is a free tool to assist with building orientation and room layout. Alternatively, you can visit propertycompass. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/

• The Sunshine Coast Design book (also known as The Yellow Book) – available online for free or hard copy coffee table books can be purchased from selected Sunshine Coast

bookstores. Visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ development/developmenttools-and-guidelines/sunshinecoast-design/sunshine-coastdesign-book

• The Cool Homes Design Guide – a free guide with handy tips for people buying, building, or renovating. Visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ development/developmenttools-and-guidelines/sunshinecoast-design/coolhomes

• Free online courses to learn the fundamentals of designing your home for our local climate. Visit sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au/development/ development-tools-andguidelines/sunshine-coastdesign/freeonlinecourse

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Most people opt for a small table-sized twig tree (either bought or homemade), but some keen decorators are pulling out their Christmas tree! Whatever direction you take, decorate with a range of pastel eggs, crochet decorations, and lots of pretty colours.

THE EASTER TREE

The year is 2023, and apparently anything is possible – even the Easter tree. That’s right, fans of all things celebratory have adapted the humble Christmas tree into autumn-inspired pastel perfection.

Stockists

1. Giving vintage vibes, this wooden egg and bunny decoration will be the star of your Easter tree. For small trees, we suggest using one as a feature piece. For larger trees, opt for three or five (odd numbers always look better!), Bed Bath N' Table. 2. We love this simple, yet stunning piece. The pre-lit faux twig tree measures 60 centimetres in height, which makes it perfect to use as a tabletop centrepiece. It’s from Myer, Sunshine Plaza. 3. The four-pack of speckled egg ornaments, available from Myer, presents a classic, colourful style. 4. The personalised Easter basket bunny tag in rose gold with mirror finish is designed and engraved right here on the Sunshine Coast by One Chew Three. We think it could also be used as a great hanging decoration. 5. The Morgan & Finch clip-on butterfly decoration is from Bed Bath N' Table. Simply attach to your tree for an enchanted Easter vibe.

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

NEW LEASE ON LIFE

Renovating your kitchen can be a costly and time-consuming affair. The experts at Dream Doors Kitchens share some of their costeffective and on-trend kitchen renovation tips.

1. KEEP YOUR EXISTING KITCHEN LAYOUT

This is the number one home renovation hack. If you like your layout, there’s no reason to change it. This is generally the

most expensive part of a remodel, so if you can skip it, you will end up saving a lot of time and money that can be spent elsewhere. In particular, keeping the position of your sink and

stove will remove the expense and hassle of moving gas and plumbing lines, since these kinds of alterations need to be done by an experienced, accredited plumber. Talk to your supplier about a kitchen facelift. It is a perfect alternative with as much of your existing kitchen structure used as possible. Doors, handles, benchtops and splashbacks are replaced to give you a brand-new kitchen with less fuss.

2. UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN DOORS

Your cabinets and cupboards make up the bulk of your space, so updating these will go a long way in transforming the look of your kitchen. It doesn’t need to be a huge overhaul either. By simply replacing your doors and keeping the internal structure intact, you can achieve the same result as a new kitchen. The new doors will go a long way in achieving your desired vision, and you can choose from a

variety of colours and finishes. Maybe you want a high-tech white gloss for a modern feel, or maybe you want a fun vibrant colour for a more eclectic look. You could even make a statement with a striking colour.

3. REPLACE YOUR FIXTURES

Replacing your fixtures is also a great home renovation hack, especially in tandem with new kitchen doors as it can really tie the style together. New taps and sinks that fit in with the aesthetics of your cupboard doors can give your kitchen character and create a subtle visual interest. Maybe something in matte black or white is your missing piece, or you could try a solid ceramic or stone. Otherwise, a classic stainless steel sink will never miss. Your lighting can have the same effect. Match the mood and choose from a range of options, whether it be downlights, spotlights, or pendant lights.

Sunshine Coast’s Most Awarded Modular Builder

INSTALL A NEW SPLASHBACK

Along with protecting your walls from grease and grime build up, your kitchen splashback is a great frame for your kitchen. Often the most eye-catching piece, it’s an opportunity to create a feature wall that elevates and alters your space. Mirrored splashbacks are quite

popular, especially because they create the illusion of a more expansive room. Otherwise, laminate options are easy to wipe down and clean, and reflective surfaces like stainless steel contribute to a contemporary look. Add personality with a unique pattern, shape or colour, or achieve elegance with stone or mineral.

5. MAKE USE OF OPEN SHELVES

A storage and styling method, open shelving is popular as you can use it to store less-used items and showcase your best kitchenware. You may even decide to place art pieces and decor items to add pops of colour. Simple and effective, open shelving is a great, inexpensive way to create vertical visual interest in your kitchen that adds to your overall vision for the space.

TIP – Use hooks to display your pots and pans, which is a fun way to add a touch of practicality.

6. INVEST IN A QUALITY BENCHTOP

Your benchtop is a key design element that must combine function and style. This is where you can spend a little extra on quality, durable materials that align with your vision. After all, it has to hold up against the day-to-day chopping, spilling, wiping and general cooking

activities. The most popular option is stone, which is sophisticated and scratch and water-resistant. Laminate is another option people like due to its affordability, easy cleaning, and hard-wearing nature. Timber is also a potential choice. It is often contrasted with steel or glass elements in modern kitchens.

For more ideas, visit dreamdoorskitchens.com.au.

PROJECT IDEA

We love a stone benchtop. And while it may be more costly than laminate, it has a range of benefits. Stone is made to be highly durable. Best for a polished aesthetic, it comes in a range of colours and finishes.

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

4.

Epoxy and Concrete Coatings Specialists

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COOKIES & CREAM DESERT CAMO ASH GRANITE GRAPHITE

DESIGN DREAM

Cassandra Fenaughty is a landscape architect with more than 20 years’ experience. She is the founder and owner of an innovative renovation design consultancy, creating photoreal renovation concepts for clients looking to visualise their dream renovation before it begins. For more visit cassandrafenaughty.com.

BATHROOM BLITZ

For this stage we really needed to use the ensuite to make the master bedroom feel larger and more luxurious –the obvious solution was to knock some walls down and create

more of an open-plan feel. An open ensuite can be controversial however if designed well it can work. An open ensuite is best suited in a home that is private so there is no risk of neighbours

Before looking inside. The design also needs to locate the bath as close to the bedroom as possible to create a day spa or high-end resort room feel. Locating the toilet to the rear of the room enabled us to close this space off with a sliding door for privacy. Once the floor plan was resolved, design of the elevations and finishes followed. We started with our cabinetry, which matches the new kitchen. This was installed with custom-made timber benchtops stained in a walnut tone to reference the feature timberwork throughout

WITH CASSANDRA FENAUGHTY

Last year, My Renovation columnist Cassandra Fenaughty welcomed readers into her home as she shared the exterior renovation of her Sunshine Coast property through a series of articles. In coming months, she will unveil the renovation of her bathroom and master suite. In this edition, she walks us through her new ensuite.

IMAGES: VENITA WILSON

the rest of the home. The Naga Fina bath and Naga Donato oval above-counter basin from NCP are in a fresh white to add contrast and lighten the palette. NCP’s streamlined chrome Axus taps and Enhance Nobel mixers also freshen the palette and have the option for a smaller shroud to give a more refined design feel.

Amber Tiles helped us choose the Riverstone large format stone-look porcelain tile that matched the cabinetry colour perfectly, the lappato finish is perfect for bathroom floors that

need to be easy to clean but non-slip. The feature Manual handmade tiles in Blanco gloss and Argila Snow matte reference the kitchen splashback tiles with

a slight change in tone to create a subtle point of difference.

Finishing touches of sheer roman blinds and a custom and locally made wall hanging by Rabbit and Bear build upon the timeless luxe coastal feel we wanted for this room.

Ask us

Do you have a landscaping or renovation question? Email your questions to enquiries@ cassandrafenaughty.com.

WOMEN POWER ‘TO GET THE WORK DONE’

More women engineers and tradies, and different skills to solve new problems, will be needed to rapidly decarbonise the economy, an energy ambassador says.

Anna Collyer, chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), says women excel at the skills Australia needs to build a new energy system.

Opportunities will only grow for the highly valuable “power skills” that women tend to bring when tackling challenges, she told the Women in Energy and Climate Symposium at Parliament House in Canberra in March.

But women account for less than 40 per cent of the clean energy workforce and closer to 20 per cent across the whole

sector, making energy the third most male-dominated industry in Australia after mining and construction.

“With the scale of the build ahead of us, it can only help to add more women in traditional technical roles – engineering and the trades – otherwise we simply won’t have enough people to get the work done,” Ms Collyer says.

Thousands of jobs in research, development, investment and regulation will need to be fi lled.

And different skills are needed to work with communities to fi nd space for 10,000 kilometres of new poles and wires or invent new business to support more rooftop solar, she adds.

Women will also be making important decisions about household energy use to get the

most out of a growing virtual power plant of solar panels, electric cars and appliances across the country.

The industry needs to improve physical and psychological safety and change hiring and promotion practices to attract and retain women, she says.

Traditional disadvantages of pay and progression that women face as parents are another barrier.

FAST FACTS

Did you know that only 13 per cent of the construction industry are female? However, the statistics are rising steadily according to information from the Housing Institute of Australia.

There are now nearly 6000 female apprentices and trainees undertaking training in the construction industry which is more than double the number in training three years ago 2019

Words: AAP

Ms Collyer says Australia needs every available talent and every perspective applied to the energy sector to reach net zero by 2050.

DON’T MISS OUT!

If you love our monthly style and fi nishing touches sections, and are craving more, be sure to check out My Weekly Preview’s My home section. Published in the second edition of every month, it focuses on style and project ideas for your Sunshine Coast home. For more, visit myweeklypreview. com.au

Green Zebra Restaurant and Bar.

Tickets are $95 for members and $115 for non-members. To register visit hia.com.au/awardsand-events/events and search for ‘women’s lunch’.

AFFORDABLE AUTUMN

As we head into the cooler months, it’s time to spend more time indoors. To kick off autumn, leading Australian property stylist Justine Wilson provides her sustainable and cost-effective ways to refresh interior spaces to ensure they are both cosy and inviting.

Ms Wilson, who is the director and founder of Vault Interiors says, “With inflation soaring and many households under financial stress, I have noted some sustainable and cost effective tips to get your home ready for autumn. The change of season is always a great time to refresh your home, but you don’t have to break the bank.”

For more styling tips visit vaultinteriors.com.au

rug up!

1. ADD LAYERS TO REDUCE YOUR ENERGY BILL

This means having thick rugs in your home, such as sheepskins or layer rugs on top of each other for added depth. Introduce hall runners, and matts where possible. Add thick cosy blankets and throws paired with extra plump cushions to your living and bedroom spaces, this will create warmth and texture. Faux fur, wool and thick fabrics like velvet are great. You can keep costs down by changing the covers only and reusing your inserts or consider hunting at your local op shops for blankets and cushions, which also give new life to these handy items.

Sunday 19 March to Saturday 27 May

When there are so many different colours, styles and designs available, it can be difficult to choose the best flooring for your home and lifestyle.

With over 50 products on sale from flooring, window furnishings and rugs, you’ll be sure to find the style you’ve been searching for. View our online magazine with over 100 inspiring pages at choicesflooring.com

Choices Flooring Maroochydore 3/32 Wises Road, Maroochydore (07) 5443 6280 • choicesflooring.com

Images: Shutterstock, unless otherwise stated

Featuring a beautiful subtle print, the rust-coloured cotton Slub throw is from Coastal Drift Home, Mooloolaba.

When it’s cold outside you want to visually warm up your interiors so opt for rich earthy tones which are also bang on trend and echo the changing leaves and colours of nature. Deep rich colours like chocolate, terracotta and rust tones, mustards, coral or orange tones are a great way to achieve this. You can get creative and paint a canvas, or knit your own blankets or cushion covers. You can also bring in autumn foliage from your garden gather branches with turning leaves for a great floral arrangement.

we love

Haymes Paint has a wide range of autumnal colours to inspire your decor. These are our paint picks of the season:

Bringing fresh smells and scents into your home at the change of the season will always uplift your space. For sustainable options consider creating your own simmer pot! This is as easy as boiling water and adding things like cinnamon, cloves, orange slices or other natural elements that give your home an aroma. This will penetrate your space and get rid of any musty smells. You can also consider making your own candles or wax melts, and it’s fun to pick the scents to customise to your preference. Candle making is easy, and suppliers can be bought inexpensively online and delivered. You can use old vases, or old store-bought candle votives, and reuse and repurpose these to give them a new lease on life.

product alert

For a ready-made sweet autumnal scent, try the Panier des Sens candle from Coast Store, Cotton Tree. Capturing the essence of Provence, it boasts a blend of lemon, artemisia and cypress essential oils.

2. ADD WARM TONE-COLOURED ACCENTS

1. Uluru Red, 2. Mustard

3. Coraline.

1.

2.

3.

3. SCENTS

This is a great way to transform your space. Take any darker tone or dated furniture, sand it back, and paint easily with chalk paint (which doesn’t require undercoating usually). Autumn can traditionally feel quite dark and moody, so why not brighten up and paint your older items

white, or beige for a modern look – or even have fun with a colour accent to make your furniture item stand out. This is a great project especially for smaller items like side tables, bar tables or bedsides, and the updated look will help your room feel fresh.

tip

We are huge fans of reading chairs! Create a cosy and comfy space that can be utilised year-round. It’s a great way to encourage reading in children, as well as quality time spent as a family, or simply on your own. Consider recovering an old occasional or lounge chair, or scout around vintage and op shops to find something suitable. Layer with cushions and a throw. Add a side table with a lamp and vase of dried scented flowers. Bliss!

4. UPCYCLE YOUR FURNITURE

“Paint your older items… Have fun with a colour accent to make your furniture items stand out”

Lighting is a great way to battle the changing seasons, as the light fades earlier. Consider adding extra floor or table lamps to your home. Ambient light always creates an inviting space. Also consider swapping your cool tone bulbs to warm white for additional glow – this is an inexpensive hack. If you

don’t have enough space to inject additional lamps, opt for pretty candles. You can even make your own candles; this is a fun activity to beat off the autumn blues. You can also harness the sun, so consider outdoor solar fairy lights to create a magical glow.

The

two-light

table lamp is from Discount Lighting and Fans, Warana.

5. LIGHTING

Nylon Carpet

Kodiak Lite

• 5.5mm Thickness

• 100% Waterproof

• 5 Star Acoustic Rating

• 14mm Thickness • Ultra matte finish

• 2mm Thickness

• Easy to clean and maintain

The adorable Shelf Bunny is the perfect decor item to hang from the edge of your bookshelf or side table. It is perfect for the holidays, or to add a little personality year-round to your child’s bedroom, home office or living room. It’s from Coast Store, Cotton Tree

This sweet set of tea towels from Pillow Talk is a must-have for your Easter entertaining. We love the soft colours and vintage-style blue gingham check.

Bring a touch of contemporary styling to your Easter table with this pink origami paper bunny from Provincial Home Living, Maroochydore. The bunnies are available in a range of colours and sizes.

This beautiful Easter candle is a we love!

The Florence bunny dining set from Bed Bath N’ Table.

This beautiful Easter candle is a lovely gift idea, or use it as part of your table centrepiece. It features of bergamot, jasmin, rosewood, geranium, balsam, vanilla and musk. It’s from Adairs

These gorgeous check carrot picks come in a set of four. Display them in a vase along with a dried floral arrangement, or a selection of twigs from your garden. They are from Bed Bath N’ Table, Kawana Shoppingworld and Sunshine Plaza.

Our team is ready to help you frame all your art and precious memories. With the largest range of frames on the Coast, there’s nothing we can’t frame.

Tonal greenery is subtle and stylish. The Succulent Blue from Coastal Drift Home, Mooloolaba, will shine in a small pot or decor piece, such as this shell.

LOVE YOUR BATHROOM

Breathe new life into your space with these décor accents.

we love!

The Polo LED vanity wall light from Discount Lighting and Fans, Warana.

We love, love, love the Avalon bathroom accessories in navy. Featuring smooth ceramic elevated silhouettes and decorative arches, it is elegant and contemporary. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre

Around, Warana.

than half of our readers plan to renovate or improve their property in the next 2 years.

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We’ve been providing quality blinds, screens and curtains that are made to withstand the Sunshine Coast climate since 1982. Our loyal customers receive end-to-end service that includes local manufacture, installation and after-sales support. Our local team of over 20 specialised staff are based in our interactive showroom.

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