My Renovation July 2023

RENOVATION

PROJECTS | DESIGN | PRODUCTS

Dine on colour

REFRESH YOUR DINING ROOM WITH A SPLASH OF PAINT

FROM

When it comes to dreaming up your ideal renovated home, there is no shortage of ideas, information and inspiration.

But sometimes it’s worth thinking outside the box and turning to the new to better the old. This is exactly why I love the annual HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards.

While the renovation categories are terrific for sourcing ideas, the new-build categories can also provide design, style and landscaping inspiration.

This year’s Home of the Year (pictured on our cover) is a beautiful build encompassing a variety of raw natural materials that can be adapted to any project. You can see more of the stunning property, as well as the 2023 Renovation/Addition winner on page six.

Happy renovating!

06 COVER STORY Inspired by design

10 COOL HOMES Sustainable ideas

12 STYLE Purple haze

14 PAINT Dining room makeover

18 EXPERT ADVICE With Adrian Ramsay

22 EXPERT ADVICE Container living

26 OUTDOORS Homegrown tips

Perforated Panels

INSPIRED BY DESIGN

Allow

Featuring rich wood panelling, quality stone work and million-dollar views, this home is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Described by Housing Industry Association (HIA) judges as “a once-in-a-lifetime build”, the cliff-hugging property by Tasmanian builder Lane Group Construction has been named the 2023 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year.

The spectacular single-level winning home is anchored to its windswept, bushland location by a series of heavyset stone pavilions. Its floor-length glass windows create a serene atmosphere for the owners and their guests to enjoy, connecting them to the rugged coastline of the Derwent River from all public and private living areas.

The home was one of 23 projects and companies to be

2023 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year

recognised in the 2023 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards.

In the renovation category, a sophisticated restoration and addition of a heritage-listed bluestone residence by Victorian builder BCG Constructions won the accolade.

The home is a fusion of old-world glamour and modern elegance, proving that renovation can breathe new life into a home.

The HIA awards are the

ultimate platform to showcase the talents of the nation’s top builders and designers.

Winners are selected from state-based fi nalists, with awards in categories including professional builders, display home, apprentice, bathrooms and kitchens.

To view all of the winning projects for some inspiration for your own project, visit hia.com. au/awards-and-events/.

your renovation project to be influenced by some of Australia’s best modern design and building principles.

2023 HIA AUSTRALIAN RENOVATION/ ADDITION PROJECT

WINNER: BCG CONSTRUCTIONS

The home:

This sophisticated renovation/addition project involved a complex, but sympathetic and painstaking, restoration to a heritage-listed 1856 bluestone residence, in tandem with a modern double-storey extension.

The project was named the 2023 HIA Australian Renovation/ Addition Project winner for Victoria’s BCG Constructions.

From the handcrafted stonework and powerful concrete walls to

STYLE & PRIVACY

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the polished Venetian plaster ceilings and a detailed geometric steel staircase, this home is all about creating wonder with the cohesion of old and new materials.

Stand-out features include the marble-clad kitchen and

bathrooms, and the beautiful joinery in the ladies’ lounge, library and formal dining room. Unexpected design moments, such as the glass link to the secluded master suite, add to the home’s dramatic appeal.

The fastidious skills of the

builder and trades, in particular the stone mason, are evident in every element, which when combined together, create a fusion of old-world glamour and ultramodern elegance to this architecturally significant colonial landmark.

“The neutral palette created from dark hues brings a modern yet moody vibe to the home”

KITCHEN DESIGN

WINNER: DARREN JAMES INTERIORS

This ultra-modern and chic kitchen is the work of Brisbane-based designer Darren James. The welcoming galley-style kitchen features a walk-through scullery, breakfast settee and connected study in thoughtful materials. Described by the HIA judges as “visually stunning”, the uncluttered palette and functional layout were the result of both meticulous planning and workmanship.

CHOOSING RIGHT

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 our local climate.

The Sunshine Coast subtropical climate sets the scene for a lifestyle focused on enjoying life outside. A place 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.

Unplanned growth can 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, and hot treeless streets can erode the qualities we love most about our naturally significant region.

The Sunshine Coast Council aims to provide the tools and share tips to help inform and educate good design to enhance and protect the liveability of our region.

Tip: Choose the right building materials

Talk to an architect, building designer or builder about the best materials to use in your home to suit the climate. The external walls and roof that are exposed to direct sunlight are best made of materials that do not absorb and store heat.

“Did you know that a well-insulated roof can cut your home’s heating and cooling costs? Talk to an expert to find out how to insulate your home correctly”

Don’t forget insulation. It’s essential for Sunshine Coast homes. A well-insulated roof can significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Add wall and floor insulation, and shading to windows and doors, and your savings will increase even more.

Things to think about

• Use timber and fibreboard (or other lightweight materials) on the hotter west and northfacing exteriors.

• Add a light-coloured roof that reflects heat – dark roofs will heat up your home and your surroundings.

• Insulation in the roof, walls and floors will help keep the heat out in summer and heat in, during the winter.

• Inside the home, use materials such as concrete and brick that can help keep summer temperatures down naturally by absorbing heat from the air.

• Make sure cooling breezes can remove any heat that accumulates.

BE INFORMED

Sunshine Coast Council is focused on providing the tools to help inform and educate good design. 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 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.

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PURPLE HAZE

From mauve to magenta and lilac to lavender, purple is a much-loved and varied shade of colour that will add a burst of beauty into your home.

1. The Blush Bliss print on canvas is an artistic mix of pink and purple hues. The deep violet tones complete with gold specks, create a unique piece reminiscent of the amethyst crystal, Sunshine Coast Art and Framing Gallery, Minyama. 2. The shapely San Marco purple fluted candle holder will give a new dimension to your space. Contemporary yet quirky, we love it. It’s from Adairs. 3. This could be one of our favourite shades for the season. The Crested Iris hue from Haymes Paint can be used to accentuate shelving or even wooden chairs or a vintage-style bedframe in your child’s room. Visit haymespaint.com.au

4. Oh so pretty, the Bilbi cushion from Kas Australia will uplift your bedroom or living space. We love the abstract large-scale florals in various shades of lilac. It’s feminine, yet artistic. Visit kasaustralia.com.au for local stockists. 5. Luxurious and perfect for winter, this Australian merino sheepskin rug features an unusual lavender shade. It’s from Yellow Earth. 6. Popping with fun colours and sculpted in irregular form, the Frenchy decorative vase will make a statement in your home, Pillow Talk

Breathe new life into one of your home’s most used areas with paint tips from an interior expert.

Interior decorator Nicole Rosenberg of Liberty Interiors is known for creating bright and bold colour schemes.

So, when she was given complete creative control to inject personality into her client’s dull and uninviting dining room, Nicole looked to the Revive palette from the 2023 Dulux Colour Forecast to ensure the new design exuded boldness, braveness and fun.

“In addition to designing a dining room that supported the hustle and bustle that comes from having a family with small children, my client wanted a space that would inspire a talking point during their weekly dinner party gatherings,” Nicole says.

“We adore the vibrancy and playfulness of the colour range in the Revive palette and it spoke to my client’s sense of boldness and their joyous personality.

“Once the palette was introduced to the project concept, we could all see that it was a match made in heaven and solidified the intent of the room from the beginning.

“It was important that the room steered clear of genderskewed shades, so we settled on a predominantly green colour palette featuring a combination of Dulux Diorite and Pharoah’s Gem on the walls, with accent splashes of Integra added to the furniture and doors.”

The combination of the two shades of green on the walls gives the entire room an added dimension, Nicole adds. In addition, using a larger portion of the Diorite on the top helps to create a sense of height and grandeur in the space.

“The bold combination of all three colours work so beautifully

IMAGES: Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 – Revive palette. Styling: Nicole Rosenberg (pictured). Photographer: Elise Scott.

together and evoke a sense of playfulness and fun.

“With such striking bold colours on the wall we offset the space with a crisp white ceiling colour, rather than a warmer, natural white.

“Lexicon Quarter was the perfect white to pair back against the striking colour

choices in the space.”

Adding texture and interest through decorative elements to complete the overall look, Nicole layered shades of blue as seen in the scalloped shaped glassware, checkerboard dhurrie rug and a wavy vase from Fenton & Fenton.

A single pendant light from

About Space and bright linen tablecloth complements the crisp white ceiling to further soften the space.

The four strut dining chairs by Fenton & Fenton and artwork by Jai Vasicek introduce a splash of pale pink and deep red shades to the room, adding contrast and create balance in the space.

Nicole’s biggest tip? Don’t be afraid of colour.

“Colour can always be painted over, so it’s better to take a leap of faith and choose a colour that you truly love rather than trying to keep things neutral,” she says.

“We always try to incorporate colour splashes in at least a few rooms in a house to create more variety within the home and different energies in each space.

“Adding colour on walls can also be particularly inspiring for younger families with small children. Consider high traffic areas that are likely to get knocked and marked.

“If you choose a white or light colour for walls you’ll probably

spend a lot of time cleaning off marks and scratches, especially in bedrooms, hallways and dining rooms.”

Reflecting on other colours within the Revive palette she might use together within a

space, Nicole explains that she loves so many of the colours and there are so many combinations to try as the colours work so beautifully together.

“Dulux has really done the hard combination work for you

and there are so many colours I love from within the Revive palette. I would love to work on a girl’s bedroom, where I use Dulux Princess Pink and Paper Brown as the base with hints of Golden Sand as the accent colour used throughout the space.”

Nicole adds that colour is such an easy and cost-effective way of transforming a space. No other design element compares to the impact of painting a room a colour.

“Colour can evoke so many different emotions and moods from the moment you walk into a space, whether it be cool or warm tones.”

If you’re interested in adding bright and bold colours to your home but unsure how, Nicole recommends to just go for it.

“It’s all about experimenting in the space.

“However, a good way to get some confidence with colour if you can’t 100 per cent commit is to paint a few lengths of butcher’s paper, hang them up and let them

settle in the space for a week.

“This way you can get a sense of the colour and its impact on the room before making your decision.

“Making mood boards is

Nicole’s styling tips:

Bright and bold colours are great for disguising scuffs and scratches. If you can’t commit to painting the whole wall, paint the bottom half in colour and leave the top half white. Installing a picture rail can also help prevent marks from being made in the first instance.

• Painting lengths of butcher’s paper and hanging them up in your home to let them settle for a week is an easy way to show how your favourite colours will settle in the space and the impact to the space’s mood and energy. It also inspires confidence and builds excitement for your painting journey.

another useful tool to help you get excited about the new journey of your space and inspire other furniture ideas to complement the new energy of the room.”

Call

• Feature walls can make your space feel smaller, especially in bold and brighter colours. Nicole always recommends painting all four walls in a space as feature walls can cut off the flow of a room and make the space feel smaller. If you want to add colour but are afraid to paint your walls, look to painting furniture items or doors and trims to add vibrancy to your space.

• For colour surety, order A4 Colour Stickers or Sample Pots from dulux.com.au in your chosen colour(s) for your space – view these colours in your home’s natural lighting conditions.

quote!

TACKLING RISING COSTS

Renovating an existing space can be an affordable option. WORDS: Adrian Ramsay. and emotional attachment.

In recent years, renovations and interior design have become increasingly popular, with many people choosing to update and upgrade their existing homes rather than build new ones.

There are several reasons for this growing trend, including cost-effectiveness, sustainability

Rising building costs are a result of increasing materials and labour costs. Renovating can often be a more affordable option, allowing you to update your home without breaking the bank.

Sustainability is another factor driving the trend towards

renovations and interior design. Building new homes can have a significant impact on the environment, from sourcing the materials to transportation and the energy used to heat and cool the finished structure. Renovating reduces that waste and minimises carbon emissions, making it a

more sustainable choice.

Many people have an emotional connection to their homes. Updating the space allows you to stay in your family home while still making necessary changes to improve your quality of life and live in a healthy home.

If you are looking to build or renovate, remember to take advantage of government grants and incentives. It is also important to set a realistic budget before you begin. Leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses. By starting with a clear budget, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about materials, labour, and other costs.

Coast’s Most Awarded Modular Builder

ADRIAN’S TOP TIPS FOR RENOVATING

1. Dig deep on what your really need. Writing a wish list will help. Break it up into three areas: a) This project won’t happen if I can’t get this. b) I’d really like this, if we can afford it. c) If my designer can get me this into the project and the budget I’d be over the moon. Complete it individually and then sit with your partner and combine the lists into one you are both excited about.

2. Get a good idea of your budget and consider if it’s a construction budget or a project budget. A construction budget is what you will pay the builder, a project budget will be what you pay the builder and consultants. Check in early and see if the designer thinks your budget will cover the dream you have for your home. Question: is my budget realistic for all these things I want?

3. Ask your designer which builder they work with and then meet that builder with your designer on site. See how they interact right from the start and be sure they are able to discuss what will be required from both their points of view to achieve the result you want. Engage your builder early so they can work together to make sense of your home and the possibilities.

4. Ask your designer to look at the design from the point of view of shifting as few structural walls and window openings as possible, as these will all have additional engineering requirements, and additional costs.

Adrian Ramsay is an awardwinning designer who specialises in identifying your personal style. He works with luxury new homes and renovations. For more visit ardesignhouse.com.

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SMALL IN SIZE, BIG IN CHARACTER

Australian stylist queen Justine Wilson has just moved for the nineteenth time and also made a dramatic tree change from a large four bedroom, three living room inner-city terrace to a studio-sized 40-foot container home in the country. How?

The self-confessed maximalist and director of Vault Interiors, who loves to decorate, shares her top tips on how to get the most impact and function, while also overcoming the limitations of small living spaces without compromising on style.

“As an interior designer and stylist, I love to decorate and change things up each season, so this move has certainly been the most challenging,” she says.

“However, I feel that I can prove that with a well thought out design you really can achieve the life and home you want, no matter

what the size. There are so many benefits to going tiny such as financial, less maintenance and thus more life. Plus, it encourages living outside which is great for your physical and mental health.

“I promise it’s life-changing and worth the cull of everything you don’t really need.”

TIP 1: GO VERTICAL

Justine has collected many mementos from her travels and loves to display them. She says the best way to display these in a small space is to use as much of the vertical space in your home as you can. In her tiny home she has used multiple bookshelves that allow for ample display, especially as books and clusters of items can be stacked for maximum impact. The trick is to group like items together, such as a group of candles or crystals, and try to alternate larger items like sculptures and vases in between.

1.

TIP 2: DUAL-FUNCTION FURNITURE

The container home is only 2.3 metres wide and about 12 metres long, so it really is tiny, and every inch counts. To get the most function out of the home but still have it feel styled and cosy, all furniture items need to serve a purpose. Justine has custommade a kitchen island so there is an additional workspace for meal prepping, but it also has shelves that mean she can display her cookbooks, bowls and collection

2.

of platters. She has storage ottomans that work as both a seating area but also store excess linen. The bed also has storage underneath, and in a tiny home using wall hooks is a great way to tidy up bags and coats.

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TIP 3: IT’S ALL ABOUT SCALE

Ensure each furniture item is low profile and compact. Most importantly, make sure you measure all items before purchasing to ensure everything fits snuggly and no areas are wasted. If you make smart furniture choices you will be able to fit in a small living area, a bedroom and a kitchen, all-in-one open room and keep it functional. Also, by selecting mainly white furniture it has meant the overall space feels light and airy and open.

TIP 4: CONSIDER A COLOUR SCHEME OVERALL

In this tiny home, Justine has chosen a monochromatic look with whites, greys, blacks and some pops of wood to warm it up. The way to make it feel less cluttered is to opt for tonal items. So, try to group the same colours together with your personal displays and if you can stick to one general colour accent overall for linen and cushions and main décor, the home will feel more cohesive. Justine installed white vinyl flooring and painted the ceiling white, and used many mirrors, which all help enhance the feeling of space and reflect the light.

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4.

3.

TIP

5: MAKE USE OF OUTDOOR LIVING

This tiny home is liveable as it has an attached decking area that doubles Justine’s living space and is fairly all-weather. This is crucial for entertaining, something Justine didn’t want to give up. So, she has a large outdoor dining table, an outdoor lounge area and also an outdoor fire pit area that is fantastic for cooler months. You can also consider extending your internal space by creating external zones also with decks, pavers or pergolas. “Also, remember you don’t have to sacrifice creature comforts to go tiny,” she says. “My new home was cleverly designed and built by a good friend of mine who is also a designer, and it has all the mod cons such as a washer dryer, air-con and a dishwasher. It truly is possible to go tiny.”

5.

HOMEGROWN TIPS AND TRICKS

With beautiful sunny days, winter is a great time to get outdoors and put your green thumb to the test.

FOOD PRODUCTION

While the traditional Aussie backyard was designed as a place to grow food for the family, even high-density suburbia can still produce herbs and vegetables. According to the Australian Government’s Your Home website, food that is grown locally and sustainably will reduce reliance on the use of water, energy and forms of transport to obtain it from elsewhere. In other

words, it reduces your ecological footprint.

Most vegetables and fruit plantings require:

• Fertile soils with good drainage

• Regular watering

• Sunlight (as dependant on the plant species).

Backyard tips: Vegetables and herbs can be planted in raised garden beds with the use of home-made compost. They may require a regular drip irrigation system. In addition, keeping bees or chickens in your backyard can provide bene fi ts but check with your local government for regulations and requirements before you purchase them.

Apartment/small block tips: You can still grow a garden worthy of feeding the family by using large pots and vertical gardens to grow a selection of your favourite species.

WHAT TO PLANT

During winter you need to find plants that are hardy to the cooler conditions. We recommend planting the following varieties:

• Beetroot

• Carrots

• Lavender

• Leeks

• Mint

• Onions

• Oregano

• Spring onions

• Thyme

• Tomatoes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sunshine Coast Council regulates the ownership of animals, including chickens, to ensure the animals “do not impact on the safety and amenity of the community”. Approval is required from council for residents who want to keep more than six head of poultry in an urban area on a lot that is smaller than 800 square metres, or more than 20 on an urban lot that is 800 square metres or bigger. In all circumstances, there are specific conditions outlined in the local law for keeping poultry, including hen house building specifications.

TIP

Enclose the top of the chicken-run to discourage wild birds from eating the chicken food and introducing diseases to your animals, stop predators stealing eggs and prevent foxes climbing in the run and killing birds. Wire netting with mesh size not exceeding 80 millimetres should suffice.

Source: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

DID YOU KNOW?

YES TO STRIPES

seater channels nautical chic. It’s available in a wide array of size, colour and fabric to suit different and interiors.

Reminiscent of Hamptons style, the Ella three-and-a-half seater lounge channels nautical chic. It’s available in a wide array of size, colour and fabric options to suit different spaces and interiors. Visit Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre

Once a popular interior design trend, stripes have taken a back seat in recent years. Now they are starting to shine again. We show you how to incorporate the look into a modern space.

Vertical stripes (the more traditional style for interior design) create a sense of height. They work particularly well in smaller spaces or in homes with a standard ceiling height. Horizontal stripes offer a contemporary look and can be used in a playful manner to inject personality into a room.

Constructed from durable terrazzo, the Cooper & Co. set of three nested white stripe terracotta pots are suitable for inside and outside use. Visit Harvey Norman, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre

When using stripes, stick with a set

palette – two to three colours at a maximum. Otherwise a space can feel cluttered and overwhelming.

The Amara rattan pendant range is both stylish and functional. Crafted from a natural rattan material, these lights are both a feature and light source that can blend well with the aesthetics of the room. Available from Discount Lighting and Fans, Warana.

This vintage gold holiday umbrella will brighten your outdoor area no matter the season.

It is lightweight and will look beautiful poolside, or in your alfresco dining space.

It’s from Coast Store, Cotton Tree.

The striking and contemporary Baja poster is quintessentially Palm Springs with its pink-peach coloured background and tall green cactus. We love it! Visit urbanroad.com.au

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