My Renovation June 2023

RENOVATION

BRIGHTEN

There is a chill in the air and winter is well and truly upon us. For many Queensland homeowners, the thought of sitting outside in the cold is not an appealing one.

Well, not unless we are rugged up and huddled around a warm fire. Fire pits are a popular addition to coastal homes, but do you know the rules and regulations around using one?

This month, we share some tips about installing and using a fire pit to help you create a safe and homely outdoor area that can be enjoyed through the winter months. Turn to page 24.

Also in this edition, we take a look at some expert energy saving tips to help keep the costs down through the cooler months, and have our ever-popular styling tips and hints for readers.

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10 KITCHEN Fab flatpacks

9 WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILLS

With the increasing cost of living, many Aussies are finding it difficult to afford their energy bills and this winter is expected to cause a lot of financial pain for households already feeling the pinch of inflation and rising interest rates.

Daniel Clarke, the national commerce manager of solar retailer Chromagen, says this winter is expected to be the most expensive yet for households and he is urging people to take action now before it is too late.

Daniel says there are some simple yet effective things householders can do to prepare for the winter season to reduce their energy bills. Here are his top nine tips.

1. BE AWARE OF THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

“During the winter months, heating your house can result in astronomical power bills if you’re not prepared,” Daniel says.

“Stock up on comfortable winter clothing to wear around the house. In the cooler months, keep yourselves warm while inside by rugging up in something cosy and warm and set the thermostat to between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius.

“For every degree that you turn the heating up, that is adding an additional 10 per cent to your running costs.”

2. CHOOSE THE COLD WASH

“Purchase washing powder for cold washes. Choosing to wash your laundry with cold water can make an enormous difference. Besides the cost savings, washing in cold water actually helps your clothes last longer and colours don’t fade as fast,” Daniel says.

“Save the warm wash until you really need it. Hot water is a real energy zapper so you will want to be more wary the next time you throw a load in. If you are worried that cold washes do not sanitise clothes, simply purchase a laundry sanitiser from the supermarket.”

3. CLOSING YOUR DOOR AND CURTAINS

“Check the quality of your window dressings. If they need to be improved to prepare for winter, make the changes now. Blocking draughts that come in under your door, and keeping your doors and curtains closed is a simple and effective way of keeping warm air in during the colder months.

“The harder your appliances have to work to keep a large open space warm/cold, the more they are going to cost you. “It absolutely makes no sense to spend money on keeping the house at a comfortable temperature while at the same time allowing air leakage.

“When it comes to pets, do not keep a door open for the cat to come home. Get a cat flap and close the door.”

4. IMPORTANCE OF INSULATION

“Proper insulation is the key to reducing your energy bills as it helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature meaning that your heater or cooler is only closing the gap,” Daniel says.

“Upgrading your ceiling insulation means that you’re reducing heat transfer, and you could end up reducing your bills by up to 45 per cent, or between $200 and $500 for normal households.”

5. ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING

Have you changed all your light bulbs to energy-efficient bulbs? Besides the savings on your power bills, these lighting options have been proven to last up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs,” Daniel says.

“So even if you are spending a bit more up front when you buy them, they are well worth the investment because they’ll save you a whole heap in the long run.”

6. ENERGY MONITORING

“Look into purchasing an energy monitoring system. An energy monitoring system can lower utility bills and optimise operations. They provide real time and historic power usage so that you can be informed about when and how you are using power in your home through usage patterns,” Daniel says. “These monitors can also identify which appliances are the energy guzzlers which can help you make tactical decisions about how often you use them.”

7. ENERGY FREE DAYS

“Earth hour happens every year on March 25 for an hour, with the aim of reducing energy consumption, but why does it only have to be on that one day of the year?” Daniel asks.

“Do your homework and plan ahead. Instead of everyone holed up in their separate rooms engrossed in their own activities, with lights turned on, music in the background and an electric blanket going in each room, why not have a TV night together in one room, turn all the lights off, get blankets, popcorn and have some good old fashioned fun.

“Crazily enough, now that we’re out of lockdown, and everyone is shuttling back and forth doing things, some people have mentioned that they kind of miss some of the really good family time they had when we were forced to live more simply… and cheaply.”

8. GET SOLAR PANELS

“Besides doing your bit for the environment, installing rooftop solar panels can save you thousands in bills over time,” Daniel says.

“There are many products available on the market and governments also provide interest free loans for the purchase of clean energy solutions. Again, make the most of government incentives as they will not last forever.”

9. DO YOUR RESEARCH WHEN IT COMES TO POWER PROVIDERS

“It always pays to do your research, so take the time to compare the pricing from energy companies and choose the best one for your household.”

“Prices vary significantly depending on the provider and the type of plan you choose. Don’t forget to negotiate with your own provider as they would prefer to retain your business rather than lose it. Aim to do this before winter sets in so you are prepared in advance.”

Clark states that rather than seeing your utility bills as an inevitable expense, see them as something you can cut down on, if you are committed to taking action and being smart about it.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s summer or winter, by making smart, informed choices, you can be assured to be in better control of your power bills. Given we have winter approaching, do your research and make any changes needed ASAP to avoid winter bill shock,” he says.

WHAT IS A FLATPACK KITCHEN?

It’s like an easy jigsaw puzzle for the kitchen. Flatpacks are a modular DIY solution for your cabinets, doors and benchtops. They are pre-cut and delivered to you in a box, ready to install.

DIY KITCHEN

When it comes to a kitchen renovation, there are plenty of options and ideas to consider. Flatpack cabinets are growing in popularity for a number of reasons.

1. PRICE

POINT

Because they aren’t assembled, flatpack kitchens are a more affordable option for a kitchen renovation. There is still a range of colours, styles and quality to choose from. Like with anything, your product choice will come down to your personal budget.

2. PERSONALISATION

Although they are pre-cut, some companies do offer a personalised service to ensure your cabinets are designed and manufactured to your kitchen’s speci fi cations. Buying off the shelf can limit your options in regards to shape and style. It is

worth fi nding a company that will come to your home and measure your space first.

3. LONGEVITY

Despite being a less expensive option for your kitchen renovation, DIY flatpacks are durable, sturdy and have a good lifespan. Talk to the manufacturer about what

warranty they offer on their product.

4. STRAIGHTFORWARD

You don’t have to be a builder to install these kitchens. With a few tools and instructions, flatpack kitchens are relatively easy to figure out. The DIY component is one of the reasons they are a more affordable option.

VINYL

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• Aussie Made

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• Ask Us About Installation

Stockists

HELLO, YELLOW

Don’t let winter dull you down. Inject a little brightness and fun into your interiors.

1. Reminiscent of a visit to Capri, the Ghost quilt cover set is part of the new range from Kas Australia. The citrus-coloured watercolour print is printed on a luxurious cotton jacquard. Visit kasaustralia.com.au for local stockists. 2. A beautiful digital reproduction of Yellow, Blue and Red Sails, 2019, this artwork is printed on 100-per cent cotton rag, acid-free, textured fine art paper. Hand-signed and numbered by the artist. It’s available from Coast Store, Cotton Tree. 3. The Croco Hermes Design glazed ceramic tile will bring the wow factor to your home. Visit jerryandthetilemakers.com.au. 4. Featuring cascading yellow shading and a contoured top, the Madison yellow vase will decorate your coffee table or any shelf in the house. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre. 5. The fun flower-shaped ceramic Alice bowl will pretty up your home. It’s the perfect accessory to hold keys or small bits and pieces, or will make a statement simply on its own. It's from Pillow Talk. 6. Pictured is Haymes Paint’s King Ransom colour. Check out their website for local stockists, haymespaint.com.au.

CREATING SPACE

Leading Australian property stylist Justine Wilson from Vault Interiors shares her insider tricks to make any space feel and appear bigger. From mirrors to ditching the drapes and rugs and going all out white, there are a number of tactics stylists use when working with small or tight spaces.

Justine says:

“When working in small spaces or tiny homes it’s really important to not be tempted to overdo it. Simple furniture that doesn’t take up the entire space, room to move by creating pathways with couch and dining placements, coupled with the strategic hanging of mirrors throughout are a few cost eff ective ways to many any space feel larger in an instant.”

Mirror, mirror on the wall: Invest in a number of different shaped and sized mirrors to place throughout the home. The aim is to place the mirrors so that it brings the reflection of the outdoors in and where possible have them reflect on each other.

Ditch heavy curtains and rugs: It may be tempting to place heavy runners and rugs in the living area of the home however in small spaces this is a no-no. If you really feel like you can’t go without a rug opt for a cowhide and when it comes to curtains, opt for sheer blinds or light and airy freeflowing curtains.

White it out: All white walls and roofs are the way to go, and if you’re renovating go for white flooring options as well. The whiter the better to not close in any of the spaces or create dark corners due to paint choice. You can add pops of colour in your accessories, and it makes it easy to change colour hues as the seasons change.

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tip!

While we like a neutral, why not change it up a little? If you use white panelling, consider using a deep shade like indigo on the wall to create a statement.

Focus on the verticals: Vertical panelling is becoming very popular once again and it’s perfect for small rooms. It can be purchased in pre-made pieces and its relatively easy to install. Just remember to keep it light or white.

Keep it simple: Small spaces and homes require discipline to not over style or try and fit in as much furniture as you can. Less is always more in small spaces. Be savvy with furniture choices and opt for couches and beds with under-seat storage, or ottoman coffee tables versus traditional tables.

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DESIGN DREAM

FRESH NEW LOOK

For this stage of our renovation we seriously considered a simple cosmetic makeover. As most readers would know, bathrooms

can be quite an expensive part of a renovation so this was definitely worth considering.

Fortunately we decided to do the job properly and include some

Before

reconfigurations to assist with making the main bathroom more practical.

While building inspections showed the house was in good structural condition, upon demolition we found that there were leaks in the showers which could have caused extensive damage if we had only done a cosmetic upgrade.

The main bathroom was an awkward shape, it only had one basin crammed in a corner and it had a separate toilet.

Reconfiguring the bathroom allowed us to have a generous double vanity and a large space overall by combining it with the toilet space. Privacy for the toilet was still achieved with the retention of part of the dividing

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.

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. During the past few months, she has shared the renovation of her ensuite and master suite. In this edition, she leads us through the master bathroom.

IMAGES: VENITA WILSON

wall as a privacy blade wall.

When designing the elevations, for aesthetic purposes, we decided to keep the existing window opening but change it over to an awning window rather than a slider.

Cabinetry matching the kitchen was installed with custom-made timber benchtops

stained in a walnut tone to match the palette of the home.

To balance the vanity elevation, we sourced an extremely large round mirror that deliberately overlaps the window to meld the two forms together. This creates balance and symmetry in the basin elevation. This mirror was stained the dark walnut to match the colour scheme and creates quite a striking feature upon entry to the

room. NCP assisted us in selecting two round Timberline Gem basins that continue with this circular style along with the chrome Axus taps and Enhance Nobel mixers on circular surrounds. The mixes in both the shower and above the basins have an option for a smaller more refined shroud.

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.

Ask us

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

“To balance the vanity elevation, we sourced an extremely large round mirror that deliberately overlaps the window”

QEBS

design & build

THE BREEZE FACTOR

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.

Athoughtfully designed home will work with the climate and will consider the path of the sun, so you can live comfortably without having the air-conditioning on all summer and the heating on through winter.

Buying or creating a home involves many complex decisions and having a better understanding of how design and the environment are linked will enable you to ask the right questions when meeting with architects and builders.

Designing a home that connects the interior and exterior allows breezes and airflow to circulate, resulting in less need for fans and air-conditioning.

Tip: Let breezes in Cooling your home is literally a breeze when you have the right windows and doors to maximise natural ventilation.

Best of all, it’s a free way to cool down without the expense of air-conditioning.

You want the air to circulate throughout your entire home.

Breezes enter best via smaller openings on the cooler south or east sides (lovely easterly sea breezes).

Breezes exist best through larger openings on the north.

A combination of large and small openings, along with unobstructed internal spaces for the breeze to flow through your home, are perfect for cooling you, and your home down.

Things to think about:

• Combine louvres or small opening windows on the cooler south and east sides, with large retractable doors on the north to allow a flow of cooling breeze.

• Ideally position windows and doors

Sunday 19 March to Saturday 27 May

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opposite each other to maximise airflow and crossventilation

• An open floor plan is ideal to allow breezes to move through your home.

• Add ceiling fans indoors and out to help circulate the air. Ideally use fans in place of an air-conditioning system.

• Add whirlybirds to the roof to let heat and moisture out of the roof.

BE INFORMED

Sunshine Coast Council is focused on providing the tools to help inform and educate good design. Check out what’s available

DID YOU KNOW?

Ventilators such as whirlybirds (also known as a turbine vent) can reduce the temperature differential across ceiling insulation, increasing its effectiveness. These vents are wind-powered and remove hot air from between the ceiling and roof.

• 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

TIP

Spending more time in your outdoor entertaining areas and less time out in the yard? Consider adding shelves of small potted plants, or even hanging different varieties to green up the space and continue a connection with nature.

WINTER NIGHTS

Don’t let the cool air chase you indoors. Plan ahead and create a seasonal outdoor oasis.

PROJECT IDEA:

This could be our favourite backyard fire pit set up yet. Set into the ground, the lounge area will be somewhat protected against the elements, while the lounge chairs, throws and flame will keep guests toasty. The planting finishes the look nicely.

The use of heavy blocks and timber will of course increase the project price. If your budget doesn’t allow for something quite so luxurious, why not consider investing in an outdoor gas fire pit like the one pictured in the second image. Stylish and contemporary,

1.the pit can be used in closer proximity to your existing seating areas. When purchasing or installing a fire pit, be sure to do your research and talk to the store experts about safety. For local government requirements, visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

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.

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SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL SAYS…

Backyard fires are allowed in urban areas when made in a barbecue, pizza oven or brazier for cooking or heating.

When using a fire pit, make sure to only use dry, untreated wood to prevent smoke issues for yourself and your neighbours.

Green waste, plastics, treated wood or paper must not be burned. Fires must not cause a smoke nuisance.

Should council receive a complaint regarding a fire in an urban area and the fire does not meet the requirements, penalties may apply.

WHAT TO PLANT

Winter is a great time to enjoy the sunshine and feel the earth beneath your feet. Here are some great species to plant at this time of year. Why not get the entire family involved and have a gardening day?

Cornflower, sweat peas, snapdragon, carnations, violas, pansies

NORM EVANS FLOORS

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At Harlequin Blinds & Security, we understand the importance of keeping your Sunshine Coast home or business safe from intruders.

That’s why we offer a wide range of security screen doors and window screens designed to withstand even the most determined break in attempts.

Made from tough steel mesh and reinforced with a heavy-duty frame, our security screens are built to last. All our security doors and screens come with a 10-year warranty.

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IMAGE: Lauren Biggs Photography

The Linen House Sydney Walnut quilt cover set features a blossoming bouquet of native flowers in a beautiful watercolour technique. What more can we say? It’s simply stunning. Visit domayne.com.au

Come

We are the Coast’s leading cutting edge furniture retailer with brands including Molmic, Garstone, Toledo, La Forma, GlobeWest and Astra

3G HOME CENTRAL, 566 KAWANA WAY, BIRTINYA Tel:5493 7166 terri@indigoliving.com.au www.indigoliving.com.au

Featuring a wallpaper-style design with a vintage feel, the Adonis cushion adds a touch of nature to your interior. It’s from Coastal Drift Homewares, Mooloolaba.

PRETTY PATTERNS py

Get creative with colour and introduce mixed patterns into your home.

The stunning Rose shade with multicolour leaves from Discount Lighting and Fans, Warana, is a unique piece for your home. Each stained art glass is individually hand-blown and cut.

• Handcrafted Furniture

• Innovative Designs

• Committed to Quality

We have the biggest range of IMG Norwegian recliners in Queensland, boasting over 80 seats on the floor.

up of the so - so attention from most furniture retailers? You must try Indigo Living. The quality of products and the excellent after sales care and attention cannot be over rated. Both Terry-Ann and Chris go above and beyond. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Not all patterns have to be bold and bright. The Portsea armchair demonstrates how an interesting fabric can breathe new life into neutral tones. The chair is from Harvey Norman, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre

we love!

Available from Caloundra’s Briar Blooms, the Aboriginal Grandmother’s Country votive candle holders are handmade from glass and a layer of clay. The clay allows the candle flame to illuminate and radiate the magnificent colours of the design.

Chartreuse I, oil on canvas by artist Wendy Peters, Stevens Street Gallery, Yandina.

Still life painter Claire Manchenda’s acrylic on canvas entitled Peonies Bouquet with Fruit is a beautiful piece of artwork that will brighten any wall in your home. Visit stevensstreetgallery.com.au

BLUSHING BEAUTY

Rose, blush, pastel, bright – there are so many shades of pink to consider. Whether you choose the subtle route, or something a little more bold, it is a colour that works well in most interiors. we love!

The Adairs Giselle table light will bring a feminine touch to your living space thanks to its ruffled white shade. The pink terrazzo base is on trend, but is also a timeless statement.

This silver dollar eucalyptus spray in pink from Coastal Home Drift, Mooloolaba.

Designed to house flowers or dry stems, the Byron rose vase range features three options – round, large or tall. All of the pieces are handcrafted from glass and feature that pretty soft, organic form. They are available from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre.

Did you know that Coast-based property styling and retail business, Blink Living, stocks a wide range of GlobeWest products? Head to their website to find out more, blinkliving. com.au.

The contemporary Petal ottoman by GlobeWest features a distinctive retro style and on-trend curved design. It’s available in three colours and is pictured here in pink.

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

TEL. 5444 0152

sales@myweeklypreview.com.au

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.