My Renovation Xmas_January 2023

One of the best parts of my job is having time to scour and devour the latest trends in home design and style.

And, as a lover of all things Christmas, compiling our annual Christmas edition of My Renovation is definitely a whole lot of fun! This year’s seasonal looks are a mix of old and new. There are new bright colour themes coming through, while the traditional favourites are also having their moment back in the spotlight. Turn to the cover story for a snapshot of the trends (page four), and be sure to check out our style and finishing touches sections to see how the bright and bold colours work, as well as some great decorating products.

From the entire team here at My Renovation, we wish all of our readers and supporters a safe and happy holiday.

HOLIDAY AT HOME

It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas. And with the big day upon us, we have some tips to help get you house ready to welcome guests. Plus, we share the latest holiday décor looks.

SPOIL YOURSELF

Do yourself a favour and consider booking a professional cleaning service to come into your home the week before Christmas. Have your curtains and blinds professionally cleaned also to really freshen up the home.

DECK REFRESH

Short on time? According to the timber experts at Cabot’s, it is possible to brighten your deck in one day. For a previously stained or oiled timber, Cabot’s recommend cleaning the surface with a deck cleaner and then applying Aquadeck thoroughly with a broad flat paddle. Allow to dry for one hour before applying a second coat. For more details, visit cabots.com.au/project/ how-to-refresh-your-timber-deck.

t has been a busy year, and as we emerge from under the pandemic cloud, many of us are looking forward to our first real Christmas in three years. Bring on a traditional stress-free Christmas! In order to make the most of the celebratory season and reduce the preparation workload, we have compiled five key tasks to focus on to ensure the house is in tip top shape. The best part? You don’t need to spend a week cleaning!

1. Remove debris from roof gutters to prevent water damage during the storm season.

2. Check outdoor and indoor lighting, replacing any old bulbs.

3. Prune the trees and tidy the gardens.

WHAT’S TRENDING

Ready to deck the house with festive spirit? According to interior stylists, and what we have spotted in local stores, these are the biggest seasonal styles.

1. Flocked Christmas trees.

2. Eco-friendly – sustainable wrapping paper, reusable bon bons and paper decorations, as pictured.

3. Coloured glass – a product that is sustainable and durable. See Style on page 12 to get the look.

4. Traditional – we are all feeling a little nostalgic, craving the good old days after the pandemic. Turn to page 30 for ideas on how to introduce the theme into your home.

4. Clean – It’s that dreaded chore, but one that will leave you feeling great. Set time aside to wash down the walls, clean air-conditioning vents and wipe over ceiling fans. The more clogged an air-conditioning filter is, the harder it has to work to keep the house cool. We recommend removing the filters, taking them outside and giving them a good shake or brush down. Next, wash them in some warm soapy water and rinse. Be sure that the filters are completely dry before reinstalling.

5. De-clutter – This is a big one in the lead up to Christmas. Clean out the kids’ rooms or toy room and donate any unused or unwanted toys and books.

Jasper hanging paper bells in brown, set of four. Available from Coast Store, Cotton Tree.

5. Blue and gold. Bold, bright and beautiful, we love this twist on Christmas theming. See page 28 for products we love.

5 DESIGN TIPS

Former Block contestants Brad and Lara Cranfield recently renovated their beach house into a shrine of style.

When it comes to renovating and decorating, space is a major factor to consider, especially if you have a compact floorplan without the luxury to extend its footprint. Carpet Court style collaborators and exblockheads, Brad and Lara Cranfield, recently renovated their dream Byron Bay family home, taking it from shack to shrine through conscious design decisions that enhanced and maximised small space.

“Our house was in its original 1960s condition when we purchased it,” Lara says. “There were small rooms everywhere – an entry foyer, a lounge room and a poky kitchen and dining room – so we knew that we had to open it up

IMAGES: DEPTH FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

to increase the light, space and make it family-friendly.”

To help home dwellers make the most of their space available within their home, Brad and Lara have compiled their top fi ve design elements that must be considered when designing your home to maximise space.

FLOORING

“Living close to the beach, the interior of our home was always going to be beachy – we wanted it to be light, bright, and make the room feel spacious so that it could stand up to family living. That’s where flooring came in,” Lara says.

“We selected Carpet Court’s Oak Essentials flooring in Bronte – a beautiful light colourway. Not only was this a practical decision, but it also met our budget and desired aesthetic.

“By selecting lighter flooring, we were able to visually open each room, particularly smaller areas such as the bedrooms and home office, making each look and feel larger.

“Installing the flooring so that it ran along the length of each room was critical in visually elongating the rooms, making them appear larger.”

WINDOW FURNISHINGS

“Windows play an important role in opening up a space – from

letting in natural light to drawing the eye upwards or towards the outdoors – so how they are dressed needs to be carefully considered,” says Lara.

continued over >

“By selecting lighter flooring, we were able to visually open each room, particularly smaller areas such as the bedrooms”

For the large sliding doors on each end of the house, the couple opted for floor-to-ceiling shades to emphasise the home’s high ceilings.

LIGHTING AND PALETTE

“If budget allows, adding a skylight or larger windows that sit from the floor to ceiling will help make any space feel and look larger. Ensuring your home

has enough access to natural light is essential in helping it feel spacious, bright, and open,” Lara says. “Using light-coloured paint on the walls and ceiling will also help maximise the space and work alongside the natural light to brighten your home. If you opt for a darker paint, less natural light will be reflected within the home and artificial light will be muted.”

OPEN-PLAN LIVING

“To maximise space, we knocked down all adjoining walls to create a large, open-plan living area. As some of the walls were load bearing, we had to add ceiling beams. Eliminating these walls has changed the way that we live – I can now see where the family is and what they’re up to, which is great when you have young children,” says Lara.

SCALE AND STORAGE

“Make sure that you select the right scale furniture for a space – and that doesn’t always mean including small items for small rooms. Large furnishings can still be put into a small room. And remember, less is more.

“You also want your room to be functional. You may create a beautiful room on paper, however in reality it doesn’t always work. Built in furniture, like a banquette with storage… allows you to enjoy the room and your home free of unnecessary clutter.”

TIP

Adding a skylight or large windows will help to create a sense of space in a small house.

Design

COLOUR POP

Stick

Alternatively,

Both of these options are easy and inexpensive to remove or change.

COLOURED GLASS

This vintage-inspired look has made a major comeback this season. From vases and bowls, to cups in all shapes and sizes, there is a colour to suit any home style theme.

Stockists

1. The Tyler blue glass vase by Muse is fluted with a unique ribbon design, and is available in a range of sizes, from PillowTalk. 2. Perhaps the biggest must-have sweeping the globe this season is the Anthropologie Ramona coupe glasses. To buy the authentic glasses, do an online search for Australian stockists, or visit anthropologie.com. 3. The Alex Liddy Mode carafe set in purple is sleek, contemporary and popping with colour. Available from House 4. Combining curves with translucent construction, the Arch vase in blush, is made from hand-blown glass created exclusively for KAS. Visit kasaustralia. com.au for local stockists. 5. The elegant Valesta urn features a geometric silhouette in a rich green hue. The glass vessel boasts intricate etched detailing anchored by a clear base, from Domayne. 6. The amethyst Honeycomb plum bowl is described as featuring a “hypnotic design”, while a contrasting base refines the look with a luxurious appeal. Available from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre

“The Anthropologie glasses, pictured above, are so popular that knock-off designs are popping up everywhere”

HOW TO: CREATE A CHRISTMAS TABLESCAPE

The colours: pink, white and gold.

The look: One of our favourite styles, this luxe look has become a Christmas mainstay. We like dusty pinks and blush tones, but you can incorporate deeper or brighter hues of pink too, particularly in your main centrepiece.

< CENTREPIECE PERFECTION

This is where you can have lots of fun! Your centrepiece should include various textures, heights and colour tones. The key is to first select a feature piece – whether it be a magnificent cake or dessert like the one pictured, or a large décor element. You can then build your centrepiece from here.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Linen can play a big factor in creating a finished look. The Habitat Parker cotton napkin in dusty rose is from Pillow Talk

CREATING YOUR PERFECT POOL AND LANDSCAPE

DESIGNING YOUR POOL

When you design your pool with Poolfab, you will be able to see the finished pool before we even begin the build. Using our 3D Design Software, we will provide a customised design, fit with all of your requests. Your pool design will be created by one of our experienced landscape and pool designers or by the architect of your choice.

Our Sunshine Coast pool builders understand that each home will have specific requirements. We will design your pool to suit your lifestyle and backyard, tailoring each design to your specifications. If necessary, we will create spacial illusions through creative pool shapes, lighting and strategic placement of plants.

When you are creating the design for your pool, you need to ensure it not only looks beautiful, but it also fits into your lifestyle.

We suggest satisfying three aspects: Practical to Use Visually Attractive Soothing Sounds.

After an onsite consultation, Poolfab will present you with a FREE 3D digital design of your pool. We will present this to you in our Sunshine Coast showroom with the pool and landscape proposal. During the 3D presentation, you will be able to see the different finishes available in sample form. You will even be able to make your colour selections on the spot if you wish. For more elaborate designs why not opt for our Full Design Service? The overall concept can be provided in a digital 3D Fly Through Presentation with plans containing details of hard and soft landscapes. The whole project is designed by our award-winning pool and landscape designer who will create the aquatic environment of your dreams.

• Creative all-inclusive 3D designs.

• Detailed and itemised all-inclusive quotes, without hidden extras.

• Quality equipment and finishes on every project.

• Professional project management and weekly client updates.

• Personal service from concept to completion with our unique 6 tier service guarantee.

• Celebrating over 45 years of designing and building pools on the Sunshine Coast.

• Build with the industry professionals and let us show you the future of pool building.

• Contact us today for a free onsite design consultation for your project.

QUEENSLAND’S MOST AWARDED POOL & LANDSCAPE BUILDERS SINCE 1978

Poolfab can turn your landscape dreams into a reality by designing the perfect outdoor sanctuary for you. Through the use of soft and hard landscapes, we will enrich your pool area and outdoor space. Dramatic lighting can enhance quality plant selections, and creative garden shapes can make your backyard unique and inspiring.

We offer you a fully comprehensive landscape design service which begins with a personal consultation with one of our highly qualified designers. We then create plans for your approval and can even provide you with a fly around 3D design. Our Sunshine Coast pool builders will only begin construction once you are completely satisfied with the design.

At Poolfab, the structural integrity of our pools is our top priority. There are no shortcuts in building quality projects, and our team are required to perform to the highest of standards. We will not compromise on the quality of your project and pride ourselves on being the best Sunshine Coast pool builders.

To all the team at Poolfab my deepest thanks for making my vision a reality. The pool is fab and a credit to your care and professionalism. I would recommend the whole team and especially Sean with his eye on creating a perfect outside space to anyone.

Judy – Buderim

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.

A MODERN UPDATE

This issue we are sharing a house renovation design that is mainly cosmetic. The owners have purchased a gorgeous home in a fantastic location and they just want to put their own twist of style on the property so that it feels like home.

This project is a great example of how renovations don’t always have to be for old rundown houses. In fact, cosmetic changes can make a house better reflect the family that lives within it.

The previous owners had constructed some additions to the home to modernise it, however the new owners were keen to see the house with a different palette on the outside. With some simple cosmetic changes we could completely transform the home to suit the interior style of the house, and the owner’s personal taste.

The orange entry statements were the main aspects that

BEFORE

needed changing and we wanted to give the house a new look but not incorporate new materials. We also wanted to keep the budget reasonable by avoiding any major construction works.

At the initial consultation we had a good look at the house and talked about the existing materials of the home that could be replicated in the new design. The existing weatherboard cladding on the house and the

existing brick chimney were the two elements we decided to accentuate in the new design. The inside of the home has a modern feel with the inclusion of dark grey colour tones, so we decided to bring the interior palette outside to ensure connectivity and cohesiveness from the inside out.

As you will see in the artist impression for the new design, we resolved the facade style by painting the orange entry

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WITH CASSANDRA FENAUGHTY

statements white, and the feature battens black, which tie in with the interior palette. To soften the interface of the feature blade wall and ground the house, linking it to the outdoors, we included three raised planters in a recycled brick to match the existing chimney. The incorporation of this recycled brick warms the palette and gives it a modern warehouse feel. The decorative screen in the existing blade wall has been removed and the feature blade wall is painted dark grey.

The screen outside of the bedroom was removed and replaced with a planter. Fencing has been added to the design as a functional element for the young family and in the landscape plan we have also produced for the property, additional retaining walls have been added into the yard to increase the grassed kick-about space for the children.

Finishing touches include the installation of three new exterior pendant lights and feature pots to provide a welcoming look and feel.

We are also working on a new fence and planting design to provide more privacy from the street. This design will reflect the colour and material palette of the house, and of course, a signature designed letterbox will provide an entry statement for the property.

Ask us

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

PRODUCT ALERT

We scoured local stores to find a similar pendant light style as displayed in Cassandra’s artist impression design. The Clovelly Collection by Cougar Lighting features an aluminium cage construction with clear curved glass panels to make a bold statement. Available from Discount Lighting and Fans, Warana.

PHOTO REAL AFTER

TIPS FOR SUMMER GARDENING 3

1. Shade

Summer time is ideal for selecting where in your garden you would like to introduce some shade. This is because the sun moves in different ways throughout the other three months of the year, so you won’t know how effective your shade tree will be until summer. Before planting, check the growth dimensions of the plant species to ensure it won’t take

over your garden space.

Popular large shade trees that grow well in Queensland include the Delonix regia, also known as the poinciana tree (pictured), and the weeping lilly pilly.

If you don’t want to lose the all-important winter sun in your garden, consider deciduous (trees that shed their leaves annually) varieties that will give you the best of both worlds. For example, the Australian red or white cedar trees.

2. Water wise

Installing an irrigation system will help maintain your lawn’s health during the summer months. Sprinkler systems are convenient, assist in conserving water and improve time efficiency.

The Nordic recliner program from IMG offer unsurpassed comfort with high quality and a truly Nordic design theme. The unique design with a laminated wood yoke and construction frames made of solid steel ensure unquestionable comfort, stability and long lasting quality. The steel frames are covered with high resilience cold-cure molded foam.

Also available with:

Some of the things to consider when planning your garden include:

• Where are hard structures going to be placed? For example, decks, pools, paths, pergolas.

• Where are my pathways going to lead me to?

• What is the planting theme? Do you like tropical, ornamental or native?

• Where are the gardens going to be located?

• Do I need an irrigation system and garden lighting?

TIP

When planting large shade trees, remember to consider the boundaries around your home, fence lines and underground infrastructure to prevent root damage into the future.

Signature Blinds is a local, family-owned and operated business.

By partnering with Australia’s leading manufacturers, including internationally recognised names such Acmeda, Somfy and Turnils, Signature Blinds provide high quality products tailored to suit all budgets.

With the majority of products coming with a 5 to 30 year warranty, you can rest assured when purchasing from Signature Blinds you are always receiving a quality product.

From the time you book your free measure and quote to final installation of your new products, the feedback from our customers consistently demonstrates a level of service that exceeds their expectations. This is something we are proud of and work hard to maintain.

HOW TO: CREATE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS HANGING

This fun and festive hula hoop hanging idea from Three Birds Renovations is as easy as plum pie! Hang on your front door as a wreath, or on walls throughout your home.

YOU’LL NEED

• Hula hoops – any size you like is fine!

• A spray can of Dulux Duramax Bright Finish spray paint (we chose gold)

• Tie wire – from a garden shop or hardware store

• Greenery – raid the garden for branches. Hardy tree foliage will last longer than flowers and soft greenery.

METHOD

Spray the hula hoops with paint, leaving to dry as per instructions. Attach the greenery using tie wire.

TIP Dulux Duramax Bright Finish is a fast-drying spray paint ideal for use on all primed smooth surfaces such as metal, wood, glass and plastic.

ABOUT Three Birds Renovations consists of best friends and busy mums Bonnie, Lana and Erin who, in 2014, took a leap of faith, quit their jobs, followed their hearts and created more time for family by launching their renovation business. Fast forward eight years and the trio have completed more than their fair share of renovation projects, and offer industry education via their reno and styling schools. For more information about the education program and to increase your renovation knowledge, visit threebirdsrenoschool.com.

The pretty blue rainbow wall art from Adairs will brighten a little one’s space.

Just like the ginko tree this trinket plate has a unique fan-shaped leaf. Made from ceramic, the plate comes in a deep ocean tone with a gorgeous golden edging. It’s from Coastal Drift Home, Mooloolaba.

we love!

This rattan tray on stand from Coastal Drift Home, Mooloolaba.

The Ana defined pineapp cent fabric dr wo characte Discoun Fans W

The Ananas table lamp is ned by a hand-cut glass pineapple accent built into the central base. Beautiful antique chrome finish and a fabric drum shade give this lamp wonderful detail and character. It is from Discount Lighting and , Warana.

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Marc Newson Tritan® Drinkware Collection. Quality, unbreakable drinkware range with non-slip base. Available in four colours and three drinkware styles, $9.95 each.

Enjoy Christmas lunch without the flies. Shoo Away is a must-have. Available in two colours, $21.95 each (purchase two or more for $20 each).

BLUE CHRISTMAS

Bold and beautiful – it is easy to see why blue has emerged as one of the hottest looks this season.

With a nod to 1920s Art Deco, the Luna dark blue candle holder from Pillow Talk is made from stylish pleated glass and will bring a touch of glamour to your Christmas table.

Gleaming with glamour, the ginko leaf blue bauble boasts rich, bold hues and touches of glitter. Style with contrasting colours and textured tinsel for an elevated Christmas arrangement. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre

The Daria long coral bunch in blue, from Domayne, radiates the serene ambience of a deep-sea oasis. Elongated coral stems in calming hues branch out for a truly striking statement. Style it at the dining table with your favourite festive décor for a layered look.

Add a burst of bling to your tree. The Ming Blossom sequin bauble is from Coast Store, Cotton Tree.

we love!

The ice blue snowflake ornament from David Jones, Sunshine Plaza

Blooming with beauty, the Stella clip on peony stem in blue is the perfect statement piece for your festive arrangement. This luxurious decoration is from Domayne

property styling | design | furniture packages

Blink Living has the furniture solutions for you:

• Property styling to help you sell

• Home and holiday furniture packages

• Designer only furniture suppliers such as GlobeWest

Visit our retail showroom in Noosaville for your complimentary one-on-one consult with an experienced designer.

Scan the QR Code to learn more.

Open Mon to Fri 10am-4pm or by appointment.

TRADITIONAL TONES

Go back to where it all started with the classic Christmas colours of red, green and gold.

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Adorn your Christmas tree with the elegant glass velvet emerald ribbed small bauble. The glass ornament is covered in velvet for a luxurious look. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre

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love!

This solid gold Christmas Nutcracker is 40 centimetres tall. Regal and impressive, this is the perfect piece to add to your Christmas décor. Available from Coast Store, Cotton Tree.

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Made from resin with vibrant red and gold, this reindeer will shine under your Christmas tree, or as a centrepiece on your table, available from Domayne