My Renovation September 2023

RENOVATION

Spring in

your step

AND RENEW

REFRESH AND RENEW YOUR HOME FOR THE SEASON

Refreshing update

DON’T MISS OUR EIGHT PAGES OF POOL TIPS, IDEAS AND PRODUCTS

Installing a home pool was one of the best decisions we have made since purchasing our property more than 10 years ago.

Of course, adding a pool to your home comes at a cost. There are earthworks, fencing, the surrounding concreting/tiling/ decking, plus landscaping, additional structures, and the pool itself. Phew.

But, it does add financial value to your property, and priceless value in the form of wellbeing benefits and family time.

Keep in mind that planning your pool project also takes an investment of time. Start with a clear vision of what you hope to achieve, establish your budget and go from there.

If you’re thinking about renovating your existing pool, or installing a new one, be sure to read our eight-page feature starting on page 20.

06 COVER STORY Spring into the new season

08 EXPERT ADVICE Bathroom makeover

12 STYLE Enchanted dreamscape

14 EXPERT ADVICE with Cassandra Fenaughty

16 INDUSTRY NEWS

The latest in building

20 POOL FEATURE Tips and advice

26 DIY Sealing outdoor tiles

28 FINISHING TOUCHES Products, looks and styles

REFRESH & RESET

With spring blooming, what better time is there than now to revitalise your home and bring fresh vibes into your space? Breathe new life into your space with our five spring ideas.

1. CREATE AN OUTDOOR OASIS YOU’LL LOVE

Spring is all about embracing the outdoors, so why not extend your living space outside? If you don’t yet have a comfortable outdoor entertainment area, patio or deck, consider your options. Do you have the space for one? Where would it be best utilised (taking into account trees, the north/south-facing aspects and existing structures)? If you decide to DIY, be sure to check your local council regulations and requirements before getting started. If you choose to work with a professional builder, they will be able to take care of this for you.

DID YOU KNOW?

A development building work permit is needed for the construction of, or alteration or addition to:

• roofed decks, verandahs, patios and balconies including gazebos and shade sails regardless of size or height above ground

• unroofed pergolas that exceed 10m² in area, 2.4 metres in height or 5 metres in length

• unroofed decks, verandahs, patios and balconies that are 1 metre or more above the surface level below, or that exceed 10m² in area or 5 metres in length.

Source: Sunshine Coast Council

2.

LANDSCAPING MAKEOVER

A little spruce up will do wonders for your home’s street appeal and for your own enjoyment. Trim overgrown shrubs and trees, plant colourful flowers, replace garden bark with stones, construct a pretty garden path, update the mailbox – the choices are endless. We recommend planting a mix of carnations, chrysanthemums, everlasting daisies, gerbera and petunias to brighten your garden.

3.

UPDATE THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

Your kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in any home. Is yours due for an upgrade? While a full kitchen renovation will cost you tens of thousands of dollars, there are small projects you can undertake to brighten and modernise the room. Update your cabinets with a fresh coat of paint and new handles. Incorporate energy-effi cient lighting through new modern pendants or strip lighting under your cabinets. A trend we are obsessed with is the revival of display cabinets and open shelves.

project idea

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Be bold! Paint that boring wall in a fresh and fun shade. If you don’t like it, you can change it!

SEALED WITH STYLE

These tips from renovation gurus Lucy GladeWright and Jonno Rodd will help take your dated bathroom to new heights.

Victorian renovation masterminds Lucy and Jonno’s 1980s timber cabin was in serious need of a bathroom makeover. The space was not only modest in scale, but poorly structured, with no free-flowing ventilation, leading to a build-up of mould and condensation.

Its all-white look and satin gloss fi nish had not dated well over the years, leading to a space that Lucy – the cofounder and director behind Hunter George, one of Australia’s go-to sources of inspiration for all things home, design and lifestyle – could only describe as impractical and uninviting.

To help breathe new life into the room, Lucy and Jonno

recently teamed up with Selleys to customise the space, gutting it to introduce all new focal elements.

To ensure the room was safe for use, Selleys products were used to enhance the function, with the Wet Area Silicone Sealant offering waterproof, mould-resistant properties to safeguard against future build-up.

Moving away from the satin gloss fi nish and instead embracing the increasingly on-trend matte look for the new aesthetic, the entire room was complete with the injection of more colour and texture for points of interest.

When it comes to choosing fi nishes, Lucy says she always takes a holistic approach to

make sure all the different elements work together.

“I opted for matte tiles to wrap the bathroom, together with a matte basin and used the Wet Area Matt White Silicone Sealant to perfectly seal and complement all of the fi nishes in the bathroom to deliver a cohesive and premium fi nish.

“To add depth, I chose brushed nickel hardware and a timber vanity to lift and elevate the predominantly matte fi nish.” Timber became an important focal element to complement the surfaces as it created a sense of grounding within the space.

“We added timber with the Kado Arc vanity and mirror cabinet, as well as a handmade timber bath tray,” Lucy adds.

When it came to colour, Lucy says green was the obvious choice to create a harmonious and uplifting feeling for the bathroom.

Before continued over >

“The entire room was complete with the injection of more colour and texture for points of interest”

“The moss green tiles on the walls tie into the surrounding environment and complement the trees that can be seen through the bathroom window.

“The richness of the earthy brown tiles on the floor also grounds us to nature and evokes feelings of warmth and belonging.”

To balance the richness of these tones, shades of white were integrated through the silicone, walls and tub.

“Overall, we spent less than $10,000 in hardware and product and DIY-ed the renovation ourselves to keep trade costs down. However, this look could easily be achieved with a $5000-6000 budget by mixing and matching different timbers, tiles or vanity items to meet your budget needs.”

USING SILICONE

• Practice on an area that is not as critical or less visible fi rst before attempting to silicone a feature basin for example.

• If you’re not con fi dent, you can tape the area either side of the join you are siliconing for a clean line and fi nish.

• Go slow and don’t apply too much silicone.

• Check out the Selleys website for how-to instructional videos for easy-to-follow demos.

Whether you want to entertain friends, have a secure space for the grandkids to play or create a private sanctuary to read the morning paper, d the m we’ve got you covered.

Our experienced team will design and build your bu patio to perfectly suit your home and lifestyle. tly lifesty

thrive in your space.

• Always get product samples to test in the space before committing to purchasing. Matte surfaces do not reflect light the same as satin or gloss fi nishes, so it’s always a good idea to choose from a physical sample in the natural light of the space.

• When working to a budget for bathroom improvements, opt for small upgrades, like re-doing your silicone, or painting your cabinetry. These are low-cost measures that can create a major impact. You could even look to paint the tiles if you don’t have the budget, time or know-how to re-tile.

• When working in small spaces, be considered in your placement of decorative items, and use colour to help make the space feel bigger, especially if you’re working with small windows and limited natural lighting.

Made in Australia from versatile solution dyed nylon, Redondo Beach is the perfect way to bring luxurious softness to any home interior.

• Stain & Fade Resistant

• Durable Solution Dyed

• Nylon Fibre

• Soft Cut Twist Pile

from $59.95m²*

*Fully installed on quality Dunlop Underlay

Fairhaven Hybrid Flooring is a game-changer in the world of flooring with acoustic backing and Ceramic Bead Coating for extra protection against scratches, stains and UV damage. It comes in 12 on-trend designs in both the 1220mm and 1840mm options. This highly water-resistant flooring is the perfect solution for anyone looking to elevate the look and feel of their home.

FAIRHAVEN

from $39.95m²*

*Supply only

ENCHANTED DREAMSCAPE

Create the room of your little one's dreams with this beautiful range of pastel products.

Stockists

1. Take your child on a journey into the enchanted world of Fleur Harris in her latest collection for Adairs Kids. The Garden Party range features gorgeous illustrations inspired by her childhood memories. Pictured here is the Garden Party Teepee. 2. Oh so pretty, this Dahlia flower in coral exudes the joy of a floral pinwheel. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre. 3. We love the matching Garden Party wall art from Adairs. 4. The Unicorn Animal Friend rattan storage basket is a fun storage solution for your little one’s bedroom. It is woven using natural rattan fitrit around an iron frame, Pillow Talk. 5. Add a pop of purple to your child’s room. Dulux says, the mid-tone pink and violet undertone of their colour, Lilac Fluff, makes it perfect as an accent colour in bedrooms and nurseries. It suits warm whites. 6. The KAS Petal plush toy cushion will spring your child's play table or bedspread to life. It’s a great size for a toddler to use as a floor cushion too. Visit kasaustralia.com.au for local stockists.

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.

WANDERLUST INSPIRED

In this month’s edition we’re thrilled to showcase a kitchen renovation design for a lovely Sunshine Coast unit. Nestled by the beach, this apartment’s fantastic location makes it an ideal choice for the couple seeking to transform it into their forever retirement home.

Having travelled extensively across Australia, they’ve collected a treasure trove of ideas from family and friends met during their journeys, inspiring them to create

a space that resonates with their personalities and preferences.

The couple’s vision for the kitchen was clear from the start – a contemporary design that would stand the test of time, avoiding trendy fads that might fade in the years to come.

They aimed to strike a balance between modern aesthetics and a touch of natural charm, incorporating beautiful timbers with striking black accents.

One of the primary challenges

in this renovation was to create a sense of openness and brightness without altering the kitchen’s footprint. With cream-toned walls, a bulkhead and a relatively tall island bench, the space felt a bit confined. The solution was simple yet effective – replacing the cream walls with pristine white tones, removing the bulkhead and lowering the island bench to standard height. These design changes immediately opened up the space, allowing for improved visibility into the kitchen.

To further enhance the sense of space, a feature back wall of custom cabinetry with fluted glass doors was added. This clever design element draws the eye upwards, creating the illusion of a larger area. The rest of the cabinets were kept plain and white for ease of cleaning, with the spotlight firmly on the feature back wall and its artistic display.

The marriage of black and natural timber found its continuity through the use of hi-tech gun metal handles that perfectly complement the framework of the

Before

striking feature shelving. A cleverly placed shadow line under the bench seamlessly ties the timber shelving and flooring to the overall kitchen scheme.

Smart living solutions were also integrated into the design. Modern electrical and lighting systems will be installed, complete with overhead cupboard inserts that can be easily lowered to reach contents without a stepladder. While the couple currently has no trouble with this, they understand the importance of future-proofing their home for their golden years.

The lighting design plays a pivotal role in the overall

ambiance. The existing main kitchen light will be retained, while contemporary pendants will be added above the island bench, offering the flexibility of bright or mood lighting. These pendants will also be visible from the front entry door, setting the perfect tone for a warm welcome.

To complete the entire transformation, new timber floors add a touch of sophistication, and carefully chosen artworks adorn the walls, breathing life into the space.

As this Sunshine Coast unit evolves into its new identity, it serves as a beautiful testament to the power of thoughtful design and vision. With their retirement haven taking shape, this couple eagerly awaits the next chapter of their lives and the joy of a place they proudly call home.

Ask us

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

RENOVATION COSTS REVEALED

The Sunshine Coast has ranked fourth on the nation’s renovation spend list, trailing closely behind Brisbane, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

The Coast’s total value of additions and alterations was a whopping $234 million in 2022, according to Budget Direct’s The Home Renovation Capitals of

Australia report.

Brisbane came in as the renovation capital of the country with more than $880 million spent, while Sydney’s total fi gure was $345.2 million.

So, how much exactly will a renovation set you back?

Well, according to the Budget Direct report, a two-storey addition has an average cost of

7.2 times the Australian median annual salary, which stands at $69,888.

The analysis, which was based off data collected from various LGAs and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, also suggested that while new home sales declined in some areas, renovation spend increased substantially.

THE DETAILS

The Home Renovation Capitals of Australia report showed:

• Brisbane spent more than $880 million on home improvements

• Perth spent the least on home renovations – $19 million in 2022

• The Sunshine Coast came in fourth with $234 million spent

• Keeping in mind that expenses vary from region to region, a two-storey extension has an average price tag of $504,000

• Basement conversions cost around $375,000

• Single-storey extensions have an average cost of $138,000

• Popular renovation topics include kitchen and bathroom renovations, while optimising space in smaller homes is also a key focus for Australians.

A low-cost modular home that was installed in a single day has won a national design award.

The Brisbane house by architects Vokes and Peters, along with Blok Modular, won the Houses award for the best new home under 200 square metres. The recognition is exciting for the growing modular design industry, Blok architect Daniel Burnett told AAP.

“It’s an important part of shaping the future of the industry and making uncompromising and inexpensive architecture in a factory,” he said.

The owners had lived on the sloping block for about 10 years, and plans for a knock-downrebuild project had proved too expensive.

They then decided to try a cheaper modular design. “They’ve been champions of the process from the start they really enjoyed the process and they love the outcome,” Burnett said.

About half of the site has been made into a walled garden, and the other half is a single-storey pavilion, with city views on one side and garden views on the other. The house was designed in four sections, with each finished offsite in a factory including tiles, paint and even windows.

The modules were delivered by truck and installed in a single day. Current estimates put prefab at about five per cent of the construction market, but that’s expected to grow to 15 per cent within the next three years. –AAP

Sunshine Coast’s Most Awarded Modular Builder

Affordable Luxury

OASIS Rectangle Pencil Edge Mirror Cabinet Matte White 450x900mm $349 - OA450-W SPIN In Wall Top Assemblies Set Brushed Brass $149 - SP161-BB SPIN In Wall Basin Spout Brushed Brass 200mm $80 - SP090-200-BB (WELS 5 Star, 6L/min)

EDEN Bench Mount Basin Matte White $269 - FL135-M

KIMBERLEY Curved Floor Mount Vanity 1500mm Beech Finish $2719 - KCF1500-T MOON Pull Handle 100mm Brushed Brass $9 (each) - VHM-BB SPIN Hand Towel Rail Brushed Brass 250mm $56 - SP60-250-BB

REFLEKTA Pencil Edge Arch Mirror 600x900mm - $119 - MV600X900X5PR

SPIN In Wall Top Assemblies Set Brushed Brass $149 - SP161-BB

SPIN In Wall Basin Spout Brushed Brass 200mm $80 - SP090-200-BB (WELS 5 Star, 6L/min)

LUSINI Solid Surface Bench Mount Basin Matte White - $336 - BLU101-M

PURE WHITE 20mm Thick Stone Top 750mm - $249 - PWS720

EDEN Wall Hung Modular Vanity 750mm Timber Laminate - $429 - VED750-T

ESSENCE Freestanding Corner Bath LHS Gloss White 1700mm - $1390 - ES1700L-W

SPIN In Wall Top Assemblies Set Brushed Brass $149 - SP161-BB

SPIN Freestanding Bath Spout Brushed Brass $368 - SP-FS02-BB

VISTA Rimless Floor Pan - $329 - TVI3-W

Push Plate For Pneumatic Cistern Brushed Brass - K5110-BB - $189

Concealed Pneumatic In Wall Cistern 80mm - K301-Q - $220

SPIN Toilet Roll Holder Brushed Brass - $45 - SP51-BB

Frameless Arch Fluted Glass Panel 900x2200x10mm - AG900F - $460

POOLSIDE PERFECTION

Give your pool the wow factor with our useful style ideas.

GO COASTAL

The Sunshine Coast’s natural environment lends itself to the classic coastal style. Think crisp white or sandy beige

tones for your furniture, accessories and painted areas including the fence, exposed brickwork, patio or pool cabana. Incorporate your favourite blue colours with soft furnishings,

get the look

Bring a nautical touch to your pool entertaining area with the Durbin denim all-weather cushion from Coast Store, Cotton Tree.

tableware and decorative accents. When it comes to landscaping, opt for species such as pandanus, birds of paradise (strelitzia), golden cane palms, agave attenuata and coastal banksia.

Outdoor Screening & Gates

TAKE A SEAT

We recommend including two separate seating areas within the vicinity of your pool – one for lounging and relaxing, and then a more social space where you can enjoy a meal. Choose furniture that is weather-resistant and durable. We recommend materials such as sun-treated wood, wicker, rattan and aluminium.

we love!

The Talara outdoor lounge features a contemporary mix of natural knots and acacia wood. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre

Enhance your pool area with ambient lighting. Hang string lights above the dining area or brighten walkways with solar-powered lanterns for a sustainable and pretty look. Wall lights are also a great addition along fences and nearby structures. Pictured is the Havit 316 stainless steel up and down wall light in black from Discount Lighting and Fans, Warana

Integrate potted plants into your pool area and surrounds to create a resort-style sanctuary. Use pots in varying shapes and sizes that suit your overall theme. We like the sculptural textured Odyssey rustic white pot from Adairs

LIGHTING AND HEATING

Make energy efficiency one of the focuses of your renovation. Swap traditional pool lighting for energy-saving LED fixtures that provide great illumination with lower power consumption. Incorporate a solar-powered heating system.

MAKE A SPLASH WITH SUSTAINABILITY

Homeowners are increasingly seeking new ways to transform their pools into environmentally friendly havens that meld sustainability and style.

INTEGRATE THE ENVIRONMENT WITH ARCHITECTURE

When renovating, prioritise the seamless blend of your outdoor space with the environment. Opt for eco-friendly materials that align with the surroundings. Choose recycled glass tiles for the pool that create a shimmering effect, enhancing the blend of nature and architecture. Sandstone, timber and rocks are also great materials to use.

UPGRADE POOL FILTRATION

Install a variable-speed pump that adjusts based on pool needs, leading to energy savings. Introduce a natural biofiltration system using aquatic plants, enhancing aesthetics and decreasing chemical use.

DID YOU KNOW?

A natural biofiltration system for a home pool employs aquatic plants to naturally purify water. These plants act as filters, removing impurities and nutrients as water passes through their roots and substrate. This eco-friendly approach enhances water quality, reduces the need for chemical treatments, and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable pool environment.

Start by picturing your dream pool design. Consider factors like shape, size and elements such as a sunken seating area, water features and water jets. Talk to your pool builder about options and associated costs.

TRANSFORM YOUR POOL

Get ready to renovate your outdated pool into an oasis that will be enjoyed by your family – and that will add value to your property.

Enhance your pool’s functionality with an updated filtration system. Not only will this result in less maintenance, but it will also extend your swimming season. You can also talk to your local pool expert about converting your pool to salt or magnesium.

Explore durable material options. Opt for slip-resistant tiles that won’t date. Also, research pool interior finishes. Textured pebble, glass mosaic or even natural stone are luxurious products that will go the distance. Alternatively, modern and good quality fibreglass pools can have a lifespan of around 30 years.

If your pool is still in good condition, but the overall area needs jazzing up, look into updating the surrounding area. Replace old concrete or tiles with natural stone, composite decking or fresh exposed aggregate.

Embrace the now by integrating smart technology into your pool area. Install automated lighting, adjustable water features and remote-controlled pool equipment. With a tap on your smart phone, you can set the mood for an evening swim or easily adjust water temperature.

Image: Brite Decking

HOW TO: SEAL YOUR POOL TILES

Brighten and improve your pool surrounds with this easy-to-follow project that will protect your area for years to come.

MAKE A LIST, HIT THE SHOPS

Before you start, make a note of everything you require: highquality tile sealer, paint rollers, paint trays, a soft cloth, painter’s tape and a mild tile cleaner. Opt for a sealer that is designed for outdoor use and compatible with your tile type. Do your research to ensure you find the best product for your needs.

LET’S BEGIN

Start by cleaning the tiles meticulously. Use a gentle tile

cleaner to remove dirt,

any residue that might affect the sealing process. Allow the tiles to dry thoroughly.

DEFINE THE AREA

To ensure clean and precise application, use painter’s tape to mark the area you’ll be sealing. This step prevents sealer from spreading to surrounding surfaces.

THE SEALING

Pour a small amount of the sealer into a paint tray. Dip a paint roller into the sealer, ensuring an even distribution across the roller’s surface. Begin applying the sealer to the tiles in smooth, overlapping strokes. Work in manageable sections to avoid uneven drying. Tip: be sure to follow specific product directions.

TAKE CARE

As you apply the sealer, pay careful attention to ensure you apply it in a uniform, thin layer. Excess product that pools in an

area or that drips, can lead to an uneven appearance.

LET IT DRY

Following the product’s recommendations, allow the sealer to dry thoroughly. This step ensures that the sealer forms a protective barrier on the tiles.

FINISH UP

Once the tiles are dried, carefully remove the painter’s tape. Use a soft cloth to gently buff the sealed tiles. You can then hose down and brush over with a soft broom.

TIP: Before this final step, you may consider applying a second coat of sealer for additional protection.

TIP

When choosing your tile sealant, consider the elements. Opt for a product that is UV resistant. Also, make sure you find a sealer that works on your tile product. Natural stone tiles are more porous, so you will need a quality product.

Introduce warm, earthy materials and tones like taupe, soft browns, greys and muted greens. The beautiful Felix green bathroom set from Adairs ticks all the boxes.

Capturing the essence of a coastal summer’s day, this framed black and white canvas print is understated and yet striking. It’s from Coastal Drift Home, Mooloolaba.

To achieve that welcoming, homely feel, be sure to incorporate personal touches – framed photos, art painted by the family and trinkets passed down through generations. If you don’t have any vintage pieces, scour the local homewares stores to see what you can find. It doesn’t have to be authentic – as long as it looks vintage! We like the Nautical door knocker from Coast Store, Cotton Tree.

Warana ming, uches ainted ts t have ur the s to see esn’t as ike the rom e

Timber is a great material to warm up a space. Introduce it through photo and art frames, coffee tables, stools, lamps or decorative accents. The Moon stool from Sitting Around in Warana is a classic mix of timber and fabric.

Timber is a warm up a ph coffee tabl

Available as a hand towel or in a larger bath towel size, this 100 per cent combed cotton material is commercial quality. Pictured here in charcoal, it is also available in navy or camel colours. It’s from Main Linen, Warana.

LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

New laundry renovation? We bet you’re excited. Now that the hard work is done, it’s time to style. work is done, it’s time to s st

we love!

This pull down sink mixer in matte black from Highgrove Bathrooms

LOCALLY OWNED

ROLLERS GENERATORS

DEMOLITION

SCISSOR LIFTS

COMPRESSORS

Bring a touch of the outside in – without the hard work. This faux monstera from Domayne comes in a black pot, but will also look great in a ceramic pot in the colour of your choice.

ACCESS EQUIPMENT

EARTHMOVING

LANDSCAPING

SCAFFOLD PUMPS