Home Magazine Jan 8

January 8-14, 2012

home help Shannon Lush has some outdoor living tips for summer P19

gardening Trevor Cochrane predicts the garden trends for 2012 P36

photo finish Celebrity chef Manu Feildel shows us his favourites P40

what’s hot 2012

Shining lights

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HOME

02

contents

SANDRA PETERSON home editor

28 28

hot STYLE

HEART-TO-ART

04

side e sales and verge- home in her -hand stores, garag scouring second takes pride of place s much of her time up becomes a “shrine” and ent and Desi Litis spend a time for reassessm anything she picks the house signal can see Desi and a particular one new object collections and on things like change. Even a major weekend I was very set

build The Look by Ross Griffin Homes

And ’s home undergo rd who curates sheets.” you see Lachlan bedspread or ESI Litis is a bowerbi her home today, treasures into transformation. work are stored Walking through she calls them that no longer her many found “shrines”, as Existing pieces out her home shed, while the groupings – or interior spaces ing garage and “shrines” through s each her in her overflow new shrines the light, bright She consider – throughout rescued greyin Cottesloe. s are used to create ces, family Lachlan and their latest favourite ode to her experien she shares with cat. and interest. how it object a visual and Unagi the gs, of nostalgia Horn. don’t know hound, Mia, evolves – I loads of belongin just things and partner Lachlan , is not just a hobby for have “It may “I simply place is a casual While Desi ,” she says. they Curating, however ensures that there Perth’s uberleave them. If ent, so happens curatorial eye is co-owner of if they work, I and arrangem and, amalgam her Desi, since she display together inning their things until I’m despite its the award-w orderliness to trying different creative Venn, a feeling of space, Queen St that our trip to don’t, I keep cafe and bar in the home achieves pieces I got from new The of shop, gallery, a whole les. happy.

I will start doing nally works three artists’ studios. the world many collectab recently mean she professio also includes into orary art, Uluru However, while takes her daily s contemp sation.” g at thought It’s a job that collects, reorgani and gatherin most – the evolving in, and privately always the top not hunting weekof art. that inspires her ions are not When Desi’s and stores, the finished pieces modern installat home. behind second-h life.

Desi’s and to works s near Desi’s and roadside it comes walking Mia vintage as creativity define priority when and Lachlan All forms of that I am into her mother dog park. ends find her friends at the interested “It’s not so much in a home where more that I am She was raised beach and meeting at cool Cottesloe with them for she says. “It’s a past. the an artist to live usually pieces that have and ceil- such,” commissioned Breakfast is John Street Cafe. on their walls want to collect that is and nearby murals then in the paint story, or one a year to about it or cafe Il Lido by clouds in to their home If it has a history where it has up surrounded they invite friends ings; she grew to it. I imagine Alternatively, s in others. a dip in the pool. why I am attracted the previous global location barbecues and has travelled, room, exotic she attended for brunch or but I try to stay from, where it age of three home.” on weekends, where come And from the separate,” “I often work it sat in another ori school, to keep that owner, where and nostalgia ive Montess from the gallery the alternat a story, history a child’s natural sales, away It’s that love of hy is to nurture n to garage and the philosop her addictio is very clean be Desi says. that drives treasures to at home – it interests.

“I love being spaces. It’s during primary stores and the it’s these a lot of work light and open second-hand with a lot of “So I didn’t do clean-ups. And most of it,” simple be on days off.” roadside through to at siren are painted found favourite place everything that school – I just definitely my Anna Flanders meccas for preloved s. of art really laughs Desi. love weekend on her are her where calls to – and there After high school, s honours go to anything of garage “I pretty much received a first-clas ty before there,” she says evolved, she out Universi ones ns. When a lot of bad art from Curtin ’s internadegree in fine verge-side collectio side to study at Florence sales. “And I love things on the heading to Italy a. garage sale or so Lachlan sees a school, Polimod my attention tional design ia, working in tries to divert stint in Colomb of the road, he stop. He gets Then it was a and make him returned home I don’t spot them arts, before she time with community sometimes!” ity role, this scouring away with it weekend hours to another commun le arts organisation for d, While she spends Fremant e and Guildfor DADAA (the and the opporstores in Fremantl such as disadvantaged) second-hand or suburbs in of s disabled studio the the roadside artists’ she also targets The Ballroom During weektunity to run Peppermint Grove. haunts Cottesloe and a browsing to Perth. lifestyle has favourite is one). s her career and ends away, she Desi attribute love of form, Camberwell Markets she could developing a (Melbourne’s childhood spent question of how into one Which begs the acquisitions my house colour and objects. fit all these was similar to ce and home possibly my experien “As a child, is where her ns were always into “The collectio home. And this pieces brought now,” she says.

I grouped the kick in. New specific colours. . discipline ordered and in of my bedroom different areas same tones in

D

06

build Monaco by Summit Homes

08

build Argyle by The Rural Building Company

10 Horn, at home her partner, Lachlan Desi Letis and Angelita Bonetti Flanders / Pictures: Styling: Anna

expert advice Resolve Finance general manager Don Crellin shares his top 12 tips for 2012

in Cottesloe.

12

hot trend The roof garden concept has reached new heights

14

hot trend Webb & Brown-Neaves’ new “man cave” concept is taking off

HOME

16

master builders The new Building Act takes effect from April 2

30 18

first homebuyers What 2012 has in store for would-be first homebuyers

19

home help Handy hints to make alfresco entertaining a little easier

20

hot development Architect Barry Baltinas has designed a sustainable landmark apartment building in West Perth

22

most wanted

Picture: Andrew Pritchard

The hottest furniture and homewares for 2012

features editor Di Sattler Tel: 9326 9559 / Fax: 9326 9411 email: sattlerd@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

home editor Sandra Peterson Tel: 9326 9539 / Fax: 9326 9411 email: petersons@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

24

feature writer Kristy Symonds Tel: 9326 9549 email: symondsk@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au HOME

magazine designer

Kim Marocchi

designer Michael Moralee

production Saliya Goonewardene, Martin Saxon

administration Bev Bott Tel: 9326 9452

advertising Jamie Grindley Tel: 9326 9219 email: grindleyj@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au Thelma Sims Tel: 9326 9225 email: simst@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

our cover An award-winning Waterman home designed

by Arc Seven.1’s Jason Saunders.

Photographer: Andrew Pritchard

24

hot home An award-winning Waterman home that’s awash with style

26

hot renovation The power of teamwork

28

hot style Desi Litis’s Cottesloe home is just as impressive as the ultra-hip Venn shop, gallery, cafe cum bar that she co-owns in the city

what’s hot 2012

30

Welcome to HOME magazine’s first issue of the year.

We’re kicking off 2012 in style by showcasing some of WA’s most striking homes and profiling the hottest homewares and furniture designs.

HOME’s Master Builders Bankwest Housing Awards 2012 coverage also begins this week. Get ready to feast your eyes on plenty of the entrants in the lead-up to the gala awards ceremony on March 10.

what’s hot 2012 Trendsetting products for your home

34

shopfront Nespresso has opened its first stand-alone coffee boutique in Perth

36

gardening Trevor Cochrane predicts the top gardening trends for 2012

40

photo finish Celebrity chef Manu Feildel shows us his favourites

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HOME

04

build UNDER $800,000

THE LOOK ✱ builder

Ross Griffin Homes ✱ price

$771,541 ✱ location

Orsino Blvd, Port Coogee ✱ open

Today, 1pm-5pm; Saturday, 1pm-5pm; or by appointment ✱ phone 9201 0500 ✱ website www.rossgriffin.com.au

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Display Homes over $650,000

porch

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ISN’T COMPLEX ISN

DEVELOPING AD DUPLEX OR TRIPLEX

FUTURISTIC LOOK T seems like a contradiction in terms, but “modern timeless” may well become the motto for many homebuyers this year. It’s a description that certainly fits The Look, a stunning ocean-view concept home built by Ross Griffin Homes on an odd-shaped corner block of 470sq m in Port Coogee.

“By modern timeless we mean clean, crisp lines echoing luxury apartment-style living, but in a single residential format,” says Emma Benney, general manager at Ross Griffin Homes.

Predicting a sharper focus on quality rather than quantity, Emma says The Look demonstrates a return to simplicity, clean lines and stunningly resolved details.

Designer Yaros Gilenko has worked with tiled features, shadowline cornice, ceiling details, glass, timber and glossy cabinetry to give The Look detail and depth without the fuss.

Rooms are filled with natural light and beautifully proportioned, while soaring banks of glass open up the home to the outdoors at every opportunity. www.developwest.com.au To allow thermal Contact David on 9431 8113, 0413 994 246 or email davidtims@rossnorthhomes.com.au

CALL

US NOW!

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HOME

control, e-glass, cavity-wall insulation and increased roof insulation have been incorporated, contributing to the home’s 6-star energy rating.

“The Look has been designed as a ‘complete home’ concept from the ground up,” Emma says. “With a single direction in mind, all aspects of the project – from design and interiors, through to landscaping, furnishing and finishes – become harmoniously integrated to form a complete solution that is synonymous with luxury living.

“The Look is all about modern, clean lines and sophisticated yet simple finishes. It’s about maintaining practicality without compromising on quality.”

The detached alfresco with its built-in kitchen is reached via a covered walkway featuring Modwood decking, while the pool and water feature effectively wrap around the sunken living area.

Vast stacker doors connect the indoors to the outdoors, helping to make the most of the small block and its awkward shape.

In the kitchen, the floor-to-ceiling handlefree cabinets are sleek, white and glossy. There are slab ends to the Essa Stone benchtops and the stainless steel appliances have all been

Pictures: Justin Walford

smoothly integrated into the overall kitchen design. To one side of the kitchen, Yaros has made a feature of the wine cellar by adding a glass door.

Completing the ground floor are a study and an audio/visual room with a space-saving cavity sliding door. Both rooms have been designed as multipurpose spaces that can meet a variety of needs.

An open-tread staircase with a frameless glass balustrade, powder-coated steel spine and tasmanian oak treads leads up to the upper floor living area with its balcony, kitchenette and walls of glass to take in the ocean views.

Understated styling is the order of the day in the master suite with its dressing room and chic ensuite featuring windows across the top of the double vanity to throw in yet more light.

Each of the two minor bedrooms are goodsized doubles with double-door built-in wardrobes.

“The Look, as a concept, is a response to current thinking in terms of internal/external living with the WA environment in mind, as well as modern interior design and furnishing trends,” Emma says.

Paula Evans

DEVELOPMENT.

It’s the equivalent of the Oscars for the building industry with a record number vying for honours this year

It’s all that we do.

MASTER Builders WA is once again searching for Perth’s top home as it prepares to reward outstanding quality in the residential building industry.

Honouring our best builders, the 2012 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards will recognise the cream of the crop, from cost-conscious properties for first homebuyers to lavish multi-million-dollar mansions.

This year, the competition is fiercer than ever, with a record 396 residential projects across the metropolitan area vying for a prestigious Master Builders trophy.

Gavan Forster, housing director at Master Builders, says the figure represents an 18 per cent increase over last year.

He believes the high number of entries reflects the kudos associated with winning a Master Builders award, particularly at a time when the housing industry is doing it tough.

“The subdued nature of the industry is prompting builders to look for a marketing edge and the awards provide that to the winners and finalists,” Gavan says. “There’s a desire to get recognition and to have that edge over your competitors.”

The judges have been casting their ever-critical eye over projects large and small in the categories of contract homes, display homes, and alterations and additions.

Approximately 180 contract homes have been entered, with a significant increase this year in the number of entries in the $400,000 to $650,000 categories.

About a quarter of the contract home entries cost more than $1 million to build and 12 of these topped $2 million.

There are approximately 160 display homes under scrutiny this year, with the busiest categories being under $190,000 and between $230,000 and $250,000.

With many homeowners deciding to stay put and renovate an existing home, there’s been a surge in the number of entries in the alteration and additions category.

“That’s where the industry activity has probably been concentrated in the past 12 months,” Gavan says.

A Master Builders award is held in particularly high esteem because the judges are all registered builders and well respected in their field.

“It’s a case of builders judging builders,” Gavan says. “It’s all about the quality of the workmanship, the craftsmanship.

“It’s not just the workmanship that’s immediately visible to the naked eye that they check.”

Gavan says it’s one of the reasons that the awards, now in their 32nd year, have continued to grow in stature, with a wide cross-section of builders battling it out. From highvolume project home builders to boutique custom builders ground targeting a niche market, the Master Builders Bankwest fl oor Housing Excellence Awards also attract new companies hoping to win the prestigious title of best new builder.

There are individual sponsors awards, recognising outstanding workmanship in trades such as plastering, tiling and cabinet-making, plus awards to recognise topical issues such as water conservation, affordability, energy efficiency and customer service.

This year, Master Builders has introduced an award for the best approval authority. “We wanted to highlight the value of having a pro-active, industry-friendly, customer service approach by local government,” Gavan says.

WA’s country builders will be rewarded for their craftsmanship and commitment to housing excellence as the highest-scoring homes from the Kimberley-Pilbara, South-West, Kalgoorlie-Esperance, Great Southern and Geraldton-Midwest regions compete for the title of WA’s Best Country Home.

Join HOME over the coming weeks as we tour some of the five-star metropolitan and regional residences that have been entered in the 2012 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards, culminating in our winners supplement in March.

The key to successful development is finding a trusted partner who can add value, offer professional advice and be part of your solution.

Because development is Ventura ID’s only business, we focus on the smartest ways to maximise your returns.

We know the most efficient way to subdivide a block.

Our designers know how to make a plan work, even on a tight site. And our team of experts handle everything from concept to handover. You have peace of mind knowing your development is with partners whose aim is to help you get the most out of your block.

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Paula Evans

9241 1674

Picture: Ross Swanborough

Gavan Forster

Ed Meyerkort meyerkorte@venturaid.com.au

South West: Jim Evans | 9792 2388 | evansj@venturaid.com.au

ventura-id.com.au VHID000122B

HOME

build UNDER $350,000

06

MONACO ✱ builder

Summit Homes ✱ price

$311,300 ($321,200 South-West) ✱ location

Lyon Rd,Wandi ✱ open Today, 1pm-5pm; Monday and Wednesday, 2pm-5pm; Saturday, 1pm-5pm ✱ phone 9333 0888 ✱ website www.summitnewhomes.com.au

essentials ✱ size

✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

335.01sq m, including triple garage, porch and alfresco width 17.99m depth 24.71m bedrooms Four bathrooms Two, plus powder room garage 57.24sq m

features ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

Rear master suite Study IT nook Theatre room Alfresco Raking ceilings

trade secrets ✱ Masterchef devotees might recognise the Ariston 900mm fan-forced electric oven and sixburner gas hotplate endorsed by celebrity chef Gary Mehigan.

HOME

SLICE OF PARADISE

W

E’LL be demanding more than ever from our outdoor entertaining areas this year, with swim-up bars, alfresco kitchens and freestanding cabanas on many a wish list.

Summit Homes has gathered together a host of hot outdoor ideas in its Wandi display home, the Monaco.

“We called the home the Monaco because it brings a little bit of the French Riviera to Perth – the opulent living, the love of the alfresco lifestyle and a passion for entertaining,” says Tim Underwood, sales and marketing manager at Summit.

There are features galore both inside and outside, from the negative detail in the kitchen and the built-in seat in the shower, to the raking ceilings and the covetable outdoor entertaining area.

It’s the biggest Summit home on display in the metro area and the builder has gone to town to show homebuyers how they can create their own slice of paradise.

“We wanted to show clients what was possible with their own homes by offering design inspiration,” Tim says.

“The Monaco is a home built for entertaining so the outdoor area with the pool, swim-up bar, cabana and alfresco kitchen is a really strong way to tie the lifestyle in with luxury.”

While they’re not included in the price of the highlights everyday functionality and display home, the pool, the outdoor kitchen, the fridge/freezer recess has been cleverly the bar and the cabana are available as optional concealed so that it doesn’t interrupt the clean, extras. clutter-free lines of the kitchen.

With affordability continuing to drive design Approximately 4m long, the main stretch of in the coming months, Tim says the market kitchen benchtop is one of the longest Summit faces two options in 2012. has featured in a display home.

“It can scale back to meet clients’ perception The raking ceilings in the dining area of affordability or it can keep on being pushed continue out to the large alfresco for smoothly to deliver that wow factor,” he says. integrated indoor/outdoor living.

“One element is certain, though – energy Placing the master suite at the rear of the concerns will absolutely drive the design home has created a private parents’ retreat that process in 2012.” has been a hit with many visitors. Shutters Carrying an 8.8-star energy rating, the divide the ensuite from the bedroom and there Monaco features spacious living areas designed are sliding doors to a private courtyard. to face north in line with the principles of A waterwise garden featuring grass trees and passive-solar design. other native plants, stone and woodchips sets “The rear living areas in particular are domi- off the front elevation, where granite tiles have nated by glass, which allows light to flood the been used beneath the roofline. main entertaining zones,” Tim says.

“This is growing in popularity, particularly Raking ceilings, recessed ceilings and high with homebuyers who are looking for a ceilings have been used extensively to add different and striking street presence,” Tim volume, definition and detail, while the says. zoning has been carefully considered to suit Paula Evans a growing family.

There are even two studies – one for the adults and a separate IT space off the minor bedroom wing for entrant the kids.

MASTER BUILDERS Making the laundry a seamBANKWEST HOUSING less extension of the kitchen

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When you share a dream with someone, creating it is easier and more enjoyable. So if we don’t talk much at the beginning, it’s because we’re listening. We need to know you, how you live now, and what you’re thinking. Only then can we come back with suggestions on how to maximize your space and the quality of your home. So there are no surprises mid-relationship we work to an agreed timeline and a fixed price. With the right partner everything’s better, but you knew that already.

your renovation partner HOME

build UNDER $450,000

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ARGYLE ✱ builder

The Rural Building Company ✱ price

$400,000

COUNTRY CHIC

10 metre wide Duplex Development

Triplex Development

UNIT 3

GARAGE STORE

UNIT 2

UNIT 1

STORE

essentials ✱ size

✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

357sq m, including verandas and carport width 32m depth 16m bedrooms Four bathrooms Two carport 34sq m

features ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

Central fireplace Raking ceilings Activity room Home theatre Office Entertainment space

trade secrets ✱ Build extra storage into the upstand at the end of the kitchen workbench.

entrant

MASTER BUILDERS BANKWEST HOUSING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2012 Display Homes $350,000 to $450,000

Two Storey Duplex Development

Melville Waters Two Storey Strata Display Home at Unit 2, 3 Money Place, Melville

GARAGE

GARAGE STORE

Raking ceilings provide an impressive sense of height and volume, while the portal steel frame enhances bush-block views. Doors either side of the living area lead out to the veranda and an elevated deck.

“People fall in love with the large free-form living area as it’s very light, bright and open,” Jay says.

The builder has opted for simple chic in the kitchen and has included an e-nook that could easily be turned into extra storage space.

“We kept the kitchen simple on purpose as we found that although people love a show kitchen, it’s still a work area at the end of the day and it needs to be easy to use,” Jay says.

That said, the kitchen could easily be customised to suit a variety of tastes, from classic country to uber-modern.

Each of the three minor bedrooms is a generous double with built-in wardrobes and easy access to the activity room.

The spacious parents’ wing on the opposite side of the house includes an office and a multipurpose room.

Outside, the Woodbridge handmade bricks from Boral, the weatherboard trim, the bush poles and the mossy-green rendered walls are the perfect match for the display home’s Hills setting.

Paula Evans

Darlington Rd (junction with Coulston Rd), Darlington ✱ open Today, 1pm-5pm; Monday and Wednesday, 2pm-5pm; Saturday, 1pm-5pm ✱ phone 1800 643 800 ✱ website www.ruralbuilding.com.au

Pictures: Joel Barbitta, D-Max Photography

T

HE Argyle by The Rural Building Company shows how traditional farmhouse designs are moving with the times. With its voluminous living areas, modern fittings, mix of materials and vast statement windows, this Darlington display home is providing plenty of inspiration for buyers who want a classic country home with a contemporary twist.

“The Argyle showcases what the ultimate farmhouse can look like,” says Jay Walter, general manager at The Rural Building Company.

Jay predicts that buyers will continue to mix it up when it comes to materials, working with face brick, feature timbers, weatherboard cladding, steel and plenty of glass.

“These are all the items that enable us to be creative and people love adding them to their homes to make them more interesting,” Jay says. “We’ve also noticed some people becoming a lot braver with their colour choices as they pick one element of their home and choose a contrasting noticeable colour to give it a more individual feel.”

The company’s trademark unlined verandas also continue to be a popular feature, adding to the rustic charm of any homestead.

A big, practical family home with sensible zoning and excellent versatility, the Argyle is perfect for making the most of a leafy outlook on a rural or semi-rural block.

“The home has been built in an established area on an established block with plenty of surrounding greenery,” Jay says.

“A lot of people can easily picture living in a home such as this as it looks exactly what they have in mind and want to build.”

The Argyle’s main drawcard is the large freeform living area that encompasses the kitchen and a huge living and entertaining space with a central dual-sided fireplace.

✱ location

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HOME

COULD THIS BE YOUR HOUSE ON THE HOUSE? ?

ELEVATION OF THE ALKIMOS

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4.2 x 4.2

Family 4.5 x 4.5

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Bar

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v

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fr shr

4.3 x 4.3

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wc

Study Alfresco

28c gyprock ceiling

Theatre 4.3 x 3.8

fr

recess

Kitchen

Dining

Lounge

3.9 x 4.5

4.4 x 4.5

Study

Comp Nook

Bed 4

3.9 x 3.0

4.2 x 3.1

tr

linen

shr

2.5 x 3.0

wm

top only

wc Bath

v

L'dry linen

v

tr

wm

L'dry

robe

bath

v

Entry

Bed 2 3.2 x 4.0

robe

Entry

Bath

Double Garage linen

28c ceiling shr

top only

pwd

brm

wc

bath

pty mw wo

robe

wc

v

Bed 1

© Ross North Homes 2008. Photos for illustrations purposes only.

© Ross North Homes 2008. Photos for illustrations purposes only.

Ens

28c ceiling

Kitchen

Double Garage

Bed 3

28c gyprock ceiling robe

2.9 x 4.0

Bed 2

Portico

28c gyprock ceiling

3.0 x 3.9

Bed 4

25c brick bulkhead

robe robe

3.7 x 3.9

remote sectional garage door

2.9 x 4.0

Bed 3 Verandah 28c ceiling

The Shorehaven Similar home on display.

The Alkimos – Topsail Loop, Alkimos

$242,290

Similar home on display.

Honeywood – Fortis Pass, Wandi

The Hampshire

$220,790

Build with Ross North Homes and you’ll be in with an excellent chance to WIN back the price of your new home* There are a few conditions but there are no tricks. The offer applies to our full range of homes. We haven’t bumped up the house prices to cover it. Nor have we reduced the specification list of our homes. In fact, we have recently added a host of impressive inclusions to our already impressive specifications list, adding even more value to your home.

So grab this offer, build with us and you could well wipe off your entire home mortgage. Now that’s a life changing difference! *The winner receives $200,000.

Conditions apply. See our website for details or better still, why not visit one of our displays and talk to a consultant about this rare and exciting opportunity?

COMFORT & STYLE $11,000 worth of air-conditioning and $5,000 worth of Essa Stone.

ROSS NORTH BUILDS AWARD WINNING, ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES.

“With over 100 designs to choose from, you’re sure to find a home to suit your lifestyle and block within your budget. We can save you countless weekends looking around by speaking with one of our consultants who is professionally trained to find you that dream home you have been looking for.”

HOUSE & LAND PACKAGES AVAILABLE ALL AREAS FROM YANCHEP TO DAWSVILLE.

For more information about our homes, visit any of our display homes or our website. * All Ross North Homes are 6 Star Rated, subject to orientation and the climate zone they are built in. Any variation to the design and materials may affect this rating.

www.rossnorthhomes.com.au

HEAD OFFICE 5 The Esplanade, Mt Pleasant Telephone 9431 8036 Facsimile 9431 8096 sales@rossnorthhomes.com.au DISPLAY HOME OPENING HOURS Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm, Monday & Wednesday 2-5pm DISPLAY LOCATIONS ALKIMOS Callosa Cresent (Trinity) 0423 398 220 ALKIMOS Topsail Loop (Alkimos) 0419 192 995 BALDIVIS Strathmore Close (Strathmore) 0419 048 401 LANDSDALE Monticello Meander (Monticello) 0418 913 800 PIARA WATERS Mina Close (Minara) 9397 2244 SOUTHERN RIVER Trumpet Way (Churchill) 0411 455 566 THE VINES Adlington Way (Lexia) 0438 691 037 WANDI Fortis Pass (Honeywood) 0435 081 699 WEST SWAN St Leonard Blvd (Da Vinci) 0413 758 404

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6 ENERGYEFFICIENCY

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10

expert ADVICE

Many feel this is the best time to enter the housing market, and following these simple guidelines can help you to get on the property ladder faster, says Resolve Finance general manager Don Crellin

$262,631

Choose a builder with a credible reputation and a long history in assisting first homebuyers. That’s because there’s lots to consider, such as home design, available grants, land releases etc. Advice from a builder specialising in working with first homebuyers is invaluable.

TIP 6 Pay your bills on time:

TIP 4 Lending options:

Be prepared to consider home loan options offered by second-tier lenders and mortgage managers. These lenders offer innovative solutions for many segments of the market, especially first homebuyers. Many people worry about taking out a loan with a second-tier lender or mortgage manager as they aren’t as prominent as the major lenders, but this shouldn’t be the case. In fact mortgage managers are often

The Armitage

and products to consider, navigating the best deal for you can be difficult without expert advice.

TIP 5 Your builder:

Use a mortgage broker who specialises in construction finance.

A thorough understanding of the construction process is key to transitioning you to construction quickly. The quicker the process, the greater your savings – not just in time, but also in interest and rental costs.

Remember that an adverse credit report, irrespective of the amounts involved, can make the difference between a home loan being approved or not. So paying your bills on time, every time, is crucial.

TIP 7 Savings: While there are several lenders who can provide the option of entering the market with

$275,758

TIP 8 Reducing/consolidating your debts: Focus on reducing or consolidating existing debts. For example, if you have multiple credit cards, consider reducing their limits or consolidating them. Doing so can lower the monthly commitment that you need to pay, thereby increasing the amount that a lender will approve.

TIP 9 Manage your expectations: Remember that your very first home is often a stepping stone into a future property. Be prepared to look at different designs, locations and prices. Sometimes just being in the market is better than waiting for your dream home, especially if it’s your first.

The Atlantic

TIP 2 Use the services of an accredited mortgage broker: With so many lenders

TIP 3 Save time, save money:

a non-genuine savings deposit – for example, gifted or borrowed money, or proceeds from a taxation return – some level of savings does assist during the credit approval process. Even if it’s not the full 5 per cent deposit, some savings are better than none.

$293,991

From $289,519

WIR

Housing affordability has been improving for some time. In fact, today’s property market is arguably the best we’ve seen for more than five years. But with rental vacancy rates falling and rents increasing, it’s only a matter of time before we see a return to growth in house prices as more people enter the market.

While housing should always be considered a medium to longer-term proposition, purchasing now looks to be a good bet.

funded by major lending partners, such as Adelaide Bank or ING.

Genesis Series

TIP 1 Timing:

However, a qualified mortgage broker can help you choose which lender and product suits you best.

The Duval

I

F 2012 is the year that you’re determined to get into your own home, then here are my top 12 tips to make the journey easier.

BED 3

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3710 x 2800

BED 4 3820 x 2980

WIR

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WIR

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Displays open Saturday and Sunday from 1-5pm and Monday and Wednesday from 2-5pm.

Iluka, Romano Cresent Ph: 9202 9262 all hours. Alkimos, Shipmaster Avenue Ph: 0417 981 911. Wandi, Bruny Meander Ph: 9202 9348. Southern River, Aldenham Drive Ph: 0404 032 008. Mandurah, Cobaki Place, Lakelands Ph: 9583 3743.

HOME

Picture: Richard Polden

TIP 10 Time to change jobs?

Employment stability plays a big part in a lender’s assessment policy.

Frequently changing employers, especially just prior to making an application for a home loan, can make things difficult. Lenders generally look for a reasonable period of job stability. Their policies vary with regard to what they consider as “reasonable”.

Again, the services of a qualified mortgage broker are important to ensure you have the best chance of approval and that the products recommended best suit your individual circumstances.

TIP 11 Mum and Dad may be an option! A number of lenders have home loan products that combine with parental assistance to get you into your first home.

They’re worth checking out.

TIP 12 Investment as a first step?

With vacancy rates falling and rents increasing, entering the market with a couple of friends or family members on the basis of an investment property may be an option as a stepping stone to future purchases. It helps spread expenditure and can get you on the property ladder earlier.

Picture: iStockphoto.com/pagadesign

The best home designs are done face to face with our designers While other builders hide their designers away and take four weeks to return a sketch, at In-Vogue we welcome you to come in and work it out face to face.

Whether you simply want to make changes to one of our many two storey designs or even start from scratch, all we need is a couple of hours of your time. It’s free, and of course, the coffee’s on us! ✔ ✔ ✔

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Two-storey designs from $199,999 One week turn around on designs No design fees or charges No 4 or 5 week wait for designs

p 9202 9202 e sales@in-vogue.com.au first choice in two storey | in-vogue.com.au

Builders of the Telethon Home since 2006

Part of the Residential Building WA Family

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12

hot TREND

GARDENS HIT THE ROOF King Nebuchadnezzar is said to have started it all with the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Environmentally friendly roof gardens, already a common sight in Europe and the US, are now putting down roots in Australia

G

REEN roofs are the ultimate architectural no-brainer – aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly and with the added bonus of offering oodles of green outdoor space to urban concrete jungles.

They improve air quality by capturing airborne pollutants and filtering noxious gases, reduce electromagnetic radiation penetration by up to 99.4 per cent and absorb noise pollution. And let’s not forget all the nesting nooks they provide for our feathered friends.

Admittedly, these benefits were not on the mind of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar who is credited with creating the first, and most famous, green roof back around 600BC. Rather, he is said to have commissioned the 120m-long, 120m-wide Hanging Gardens of Babylon to please his homesick wife, Amytis, who longed for the fragrant plants of her homeland. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the tree-filled NEED ADVICE? CALL US NOW... gardens cascaded over arched stone beams, Developing a duplex or triplex isn’t complex which were waterproofed with layers of when you enjoy the Developwest D experience. reeds and thick tar.

These days, soil and vegetation are supported by a sophisticated system of layers placed over the roof, which waterproof, drain, filter and repel roots.

This concept was developed in Germany in the 1960s and soon www.developwest.com.au spread to other An artist’s impression of the Burns Beach home designed by Adrian Fratelle.

Picture: Supplied

BUYING A

DEVELOPMENT

BLOCK?

02 43

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RN

Contact David on 9431 8113, 0413 994 246 or email davidtims@rossnorthhomes.com.au

European countries thanks to government financial support and legislation that recognised the public benefits of roof gardens.

In Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland there is now a multi-million-dollar market for green-roof products and services.

Not so in Australia and there’s a simple reason for this, says building designer Adrian Fratelle of Fratelle Group.

“There has been a fear of additional costs, no question about that,” he says. “Green roofs are more expensive than a standard roof construction, so a client will want to see some return from investing in a roof garden that goes beyond just aesthetics.

“As electricity prices continue to soar, many people are beginning to realise the initial investment that goes into a green roof will result in huge long-term energy savings.”

Adrian recently designed a home with a green roof – with construction of the Burns Beach project beginning early this year – and the energy-savvy designer was thrilled to have a client keen to push the envelope in terms of green aspects to the home.

“There seems to be a real lack of knowledge when it comes to green roofs over here,” he says.

Adrian concedes that Australia faces some additional challenges when it comes to green roofs – namely lack of rainfall and strong winds. However, arid countries such as Spain are showing the concept can absolutely work in this environment.

“We’re taking a lot of our cues from Spain,” Adrian says. “A lot of it was finding correct planting for green roofs that would survive.

There are a large variety of plants you can use that don’t require a lot of water – succulents are a good example.”

The coastal location of Burns Beach provided even more trials for Adrian.

“The home is very exposed,” he says. “One of the critical things when designing a green roof in Perth is that wind exposure is quite prevalent in a lot of areas. So you need to make sure the green roof stays where it is meant to stay and the type of plants selected need to be tolerant to wind and salt spray.”

Adrian is confident that it’s only a matter of time before Australia cottons on to the benefits of green roofs in residential design.

“Green roofs keep energy costs down substantially and, as we move toward 6-star and 8-star ratings in the future, it makes sense we will see a lot more of them. And the bigger the increase, the more they will go down in cost,” he says.

Smaller lot sizes and more high-rise dwellings will also result in an increase in green roofs, according to Adrian.

“As more roof areas are visible from upper floors, it’s important to have structures that are aesthetically pleasing,” he says.

“And lifestyle-wise, people are also looking at green roofs as an accessible place where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine on a tight block or grow vegies on your roof.”

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newgenerationhomes.com.au HOME

14

hot TREND

GOING FOR BLOKE Gone are the days when a backyard shed was used to dump the lawnmower and any other junk. Webb & Brown-Neaves has now developed the “man cave” as a comfort zone for the chief bloke to sip a beer with mates or watch the cricket

M

OST Australians know that a man’s shed is his sacred space, but these days a humble backyard shed doesn’t quite cut the mustard. The modern man of the house wants his very own “man cave” to retreat to and, according to award-winning builder Webb & Brown-Neaves, this trend is accelerating fast.

No longer a place for lawnmowers, drop saws and old bar fridges, the man cave has evolved to take the form of a private retreat or comfort zone, where the chief bloke can entertain and socialise.

Homebuyers choosing to build one of W&B’s White Series collection of homes have shown remarkable interest in the concept, as both men and their partners realise the benefits of a dedicated and yet separate area where male-bonding can take place and flourish.

W&B sales manager Rob Crawford says they wanted to demonstrate what could be

achieved, while also injecting some fun into the design process.

“When we launched the White Series, we were overwhelmed at how much interest was generated in our new concept of the man cave,” he says.

“There was huge interest and we’ve found that men want to treat themselves to a pleasant environment which is their own, but which they can also share with family and friends.

“It’s a place where they can enjoy a beer in comfort while watching the car racing or cricket on their flat screens or where they can indulge in their hobbies, whether that’s playing their electric guitar, watching a DVD, polishing their Harley-Davidson or playing on their Xbox.”

Rob says W&B has seen an incredible demand for luxury kitchens in recent years, particularly as a result of popular cooking shows such as MasterChef, and “although the kitchen isn’t necessarily exclusively the woman’s domain,

the trend we’re seeing for the man cave is as a secondary hub of the home, where men in particular can spend time enjoying their hobbies and socialising”.

The man cave concept can be seen at W&B’s new Salt display in Alkimos, which is part of the White Series of homes.

Rob says the White Series represents a revolutionary approach to building, hallmarked by fixed design options and a streamlined building process.

As part of the White Series, predetermined, pre-designed floor plan alterations are offered to accommodate a wide variety of family combinations and lot sizes. Interchangeable elevation options are also provided to enable

the personalisation of individual homes and to simplify the decision-making process.

This means that purchasers can access an easy, four-step decision process, whereby a floor plan is chosen followed by the elevation, the preferred kitchen specification and finally the designer options, which could include a data hub, three-car garage or stone benchtops in the ensuites.

The White Series display homes include Salt and Pearl, located at 3 and 5 Shipmaster Ave in Alkimos, and Quartz and Silk, at 361 and 363 Wright Rd (cnr of Broadway Blvd) in Piara Waters. ✱ For more information about the White Series, visit www.whiteseries.com.au or phone: 6365 2922.

The “man cave” design concept as seen in a Webb & Brown-Neaves’ Salt display home in Alkimos.

Pictures: Joel Barbitta, D-Max Photography

lateralaspect.apg5253

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the ‘express’ range, the faster way to go asalto

Display Homes Open: Sat & Sun 1-5pm, Mon & Wed 2-5pm LAKELANDS: savana Cobaki Brace

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HOME

HARRISDALE: colonnade Foundry Turn

JINDALEE: lamont Santa Barbara Parade

WOODLANDS: riviera Granich Gardens (off Pearson St) BURNS BEACH: asheville Backwater Crescent

9441 5888 BALDIVIS: rochdale Makybe Drive

A collection of stunning homes from Easystart.

Each home comes with a stunning array of inclusions.

Easy Start, Easy Life, Easy Land and Easy Investment.

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easystarthomes.com.au Visit one of our Stunning Display Homes The Abrolhos, Wellard, Onyx Lane • The Bayview & The Echo Beach, Baldivis, Ruskin Brace • The Cable Beach, Jindowie, Blackwood

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Meander • The Cove, Piara Waters, Broadway Boulevard • The Floreat, Butler, Landbeach Boulevard The Lodge, Banksia Grove, Botanic Avenue • The Metropolis, Ellenbrook, Adlington Way • The Swanbourne, Lakelands, Jasper Way

HOME

16

master BUILDERS

GAVAN FORSTER

Homeowners face hotter weather, hotter tradie demand and a more heated construction market in 2012, says Master Builders communications director Geoff Cooper

T

HIS year promises to be more active than 2011, with demand for homes and trades set to increase. Last year, housing approvals in WA declined by about 16 per cent to about the 20,000 mark.

With lower activity levels, home builders and renovators benefited from more readily available trades and shorter construction times.

This is unlikely to be repeated in 2012.

In fact, there is a real risk that we could see the market heating up over the next 12 months.

The last time we had a strong housing market was in 2007, when builders, trades and supplies were in short supply. In that period we produced more than 24,000 homes. At the time, homebuyers faced long construction times, supply restrictions and substantial cost escalations.

There are several factors that could see a return to the same strong market conditions that prevailed in 2007 this year.

The Reserve Bank lowered interest rates twice at the end of 2011, following on from Euro-centred fragility in international markets and improved inflation figures.

Anecdotal evidence from members suggested increased confidence among new homebuyers, even prior to the rate cuts.

In WA, we are now, finally, seeing the massive investment in mining projects flow through to the construction industry. Red-hot rents and property prices in our key NorthWest towns reflect

the mining and civil engineering investment splurge, fuelled by a substantial commodity price lift.

Consequently, WA has assumed the lead with the fastest growing population in the country.

Our resource and engineering projects are expected to continue to attract workers from all over to our state this year.

The commencement of “on the ground” construction for major mining projects and employment growth is directly feeding into a huge increase in demand for accommodation.

Many builders based south of Geraldton have looked to the north to fill their order books and meet needs.

The demand from the construction phase of the mining boom is also putting strains on the availability of skilled labour for construction of homes in Perth and the South-West.

The increased call on tradies will put upward pressure on construction costs across WA over the course of 2012. The good news, though, is that our builders can still find good trades available in most areas.

This year, we will see the introduction of new legislation from April 2. This includes a new levy of .09 per cent on new building contracts, adding to the cost of building applications.

The increased costs may be offset by faster approval times, but this will depend on the effective implementation of the reforms by state and local governments in WA. Overall, the scene is now set for renewed confidence in the WA home construction market in 2012. You should consider the timing of any building and renovation plans carefully, given that availability of labour could tighten during the year. ✱ If you need to find a builder or consultant to assist you with your construction, use the free Find a Member service on Master Builders’ website at www.mbawa.com. wa..com.

Gavan Forster from Master Builders answers readers’ questions about home building issues.

Q

I am building a new holiday home in a rural area. How should I best protect it during the bushfire season?

Recent bushfire tragedies in Margaret River and in early 2011 in the Perth Hills reinforced the need for homeowners in bushfire-prone areas to take precautions against fire risk.

The Building Commission has produced a booklet called Building for Better Protection in Bushfire Areas which describes how owners can reduce the risk of fire damage.

A

For example: ✱ For timber-framed houses on stumps,

✱ ✱

✱

✱

cover external areas between floor and ground with masonry or other non-combustible materials. This will help prevent burning embers from getting under the floor space.

Use non-combustible external doors with seals.

Protect windows with metal screens or bushfire shutters or use toughened glass.

Consider the use of fire-resistant wall cladding or timber that is treated with a fire retardant.

Use non-combustible materials for roofs and gutters.

Hopefully, including these elements in your home will help protect it against a bushfire attack. ✱ Visit www.buildingcommission.wa.gov. au for more information or to download the booklet. ✱ For more information on building, visit the Master Builders A-Z Building Information Directory at www.mbawa. com. If you have any questions about home building or purchase issues, email gavan@mbawa.com

Picture: iStockphoto.com/ymgerman

A-Z BUILDING information The way the residential building process is controlled is about to change dramatically, says Master Builders technical adviser Romina De Santis

A

NEW Building Act will come into full force in WA from April 2 this year. This is the most anticipated regulatory change for the building industry and has been discussed and developed for about 30 years.

The new Act will adopt a number of new provisions for a modernised building control system for WA. WA is the only state in Australia that allows for private certification without legislation. Private certification means you are not restricted to having your plans checked

for compliance with the Building Code of Australia and building standards required by the local government.

As a homeowner, you may go to a neighbouring local government or a private certifier to have your plans checked and then return to your own council or shire just to have a building permit issued.

New homeowners will also now be able to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the local council for their home. Under the current system, a certificate similar to this (Certificate of Classification) is only available

for commercial ercial or apartment buildings. ings.

This certifi ficate is issued prior to the he owner or tenant occupying cupying the building. This certificate is important ortant to ensure all ealth, life safety and amenity required health, requirements nts of the BCA are installed, and that the he building is built in accordance with the approved plans.

The new Act requires a builder to provide thee local government with

a Notice of Comple Completion once the building is complete. compl The new owner may then pay the $90 fee to the local government and obtain a Certificate C of Occupancy.

A residenti residential building (domestic, not no apartments) is not required require to have this certificate, h however your lending institution in or insurance company c may request one, as in other states Certificates o of Occupancy are required to be issued for single dwellings. dwellin

Picture: re: iStockphoto.com/pagadesign

WANT TO VISIT 69 DISPLAY HOMES THIS WEEKEND? VISIT displayhomeswa.com.au FOR EASY VIEWING OF: Display houses Single and double story New home designs Floor plans Photo galleries Building suppliers and services Display villages 2080116ST20120108

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Millard Way

Thiele Rd

Hoffman Way

The Armani Safford Ave, Aveley.

Colesbr ook Dr

Saxicola Rd

Ghost Gum Blvd

Millhouse Rd

ve ic A an ot

Safford Ave

The Capri St Leonards Bvd, West Swan.

The Havana Claret Ash Blvd, Baldivis.

*Conditions apply. All repayments quoted are after the reduction of the $7000 fi rst home owners grant. Weekly repayments based on house & land package price at a rate of 6.44%.

Terms and conditions, fees and charges, and normal lending criteria apply. Photos for illustration purposes only.

6200 2022 all hours idealhomes.com.au

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18

first HOMEBUYERS

DELAYS CAN PROVE COSTLY Experts say this is best time to enter the housing market before increased activity sees prices rising and build times extending

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experience labour shortages and longer build times,” he says.

“The downturn in housing has seen a lot of labour move to other industries, in particular the mining industry. Just because housing gets busier again doesn’t mean these workers will come back in a hurry.”

The interest rate cuts made at the end of 2011 have already resulted in higher home-buying activity at estates in Perth and the SouthWest, says Aspen Living sales and marketing manager Nick Harvey.

Nick says high buyer activity will also correspond with greater use of technology when homebuyers search for property in 2012.

Nick says a first homebuyer preference to utilise QR codes, apps and social media is now catered for with iPads in Aspen Living’s sales offices.

He says buyers increasingly utilise the opportunity to scan a QR code with a smart phone to download information about house-and-land packages.

“Now they don’t even have to leave the Aspen Living sales office to get a tour of their potential new home,” Nick says.

“It’s all available at their fingertips on our iPads.”

Nick says the growth in WA’s fly-in, fly-out workforce will drive demand for new

Gavan Forster

Dale Alcock

He says FIFO workers have limited time at home and tend to want to spend it living in low-maintenance new homes that have easycare landscaping and the latest technology.

Urban Development Institute of Australia WA chief executive Debra Goostrey says, despite the challenges of 2011, that she is optimistic that house and land sales, particularly for the bottom end of the market, will pick up in 2012.

Debra says residential land developers have found it tough, but strong

Nick Harvey

Debra Goostrey

economic conditions, recent interest rate cuts, low unemployment and flat prices make for ideal buying conditions.

She says first homebuyers, who historically comprise 20 per cent of the house-and-land package market, will continue to see high competition among land developers and builders for their business.

This translates into the continued release of affordable buying opportunities for houseand-land packages for under $280,000.

“First homebuyers are in the best position to make the most of the current slow market conditions as they don’t need to sell an existing property,” Debra says.

“But don’t wait too long, as there is growing consensus the market will return to strength within 12 months with sales rates picking up through 2012.”

Evelyn Duffy

Pi ct ur e: iS to ck ph ot o. co m /3 dt s

W

HILE builders and land developers see challenges in the year ahead, the early months of 2012 continue to present great buying opportunities for first homebuyers.

A plethora of incentives, an abundance of offers for affordable house-and-land packages, rapid build times and lower interest rates all combine in the homebuyers’ favour, say experts.

On the other hand, the introduction of the carbon tax, the 6-star energy rating, the effects of economic uncertainty in Europe and possible labour shortages are concerns for industry sources.

The customers who benefited from the difficult housing market of 2011 will continue to be the big winners in the early part of 2012, says Gavan Forster, housing director of the Master Builders WA. Gavan says the confidence boost gained from the two interest rate cuts of late 2011 is unlikely to result in higher building activity until the second half of 2012.

But once this occurs, many of the things that currently act as a great purchasing incentive to homebuyers will fade away.

“We’ll start to see a return to normal conditions again later in the year and as a consequence we’ll see less advertising of builders competing for a point of difference with giveaways,” Gavan says.

“It’s possible the build times, which are now between 20 and 26 weeks for an average singlestorey home, will start to increase again.

“The year ahead also brings the introduction of the carbon tax and the 6-star energy efficiency rating, so this will push material costs up.”

According to housing industry leader Dale Alcock, there’s a likelihood build times will increase, labour shortages may occur and the lavish builder giveaways – such as free landscaping, electrical goods and cars – that have been seen over the past few years will disappear in 2012.

Dale, managing director of the ABN housing group, says there will be a gradual improvement in the housing market early in 2012, providing economic uncertainty in Europe doesn’t impact too negatively on Australia.

However, a combination of pent-up housing demand and higher rents, as well as the confidence inspired by a climate of lower interest rates, may see the market gaining momentum earlier than anticipated, he says.

Dale says this is because the market has been flat for almost three years already and low rental vacancies are now stimulating investor activity.

“Smart purchasers will get into the housing market before it gets busier and starts to

homes in estates with convenient access to the airport, the city, shops and transport.

Nick says an example of a popular area among first homebuying FIFO workers is seen at Aspen’s Byford on the Scarp Estate, which is 30 minutes from the airport and city and a short drive to beaches.

19

home HELP

SHANNON LUSH Queen of clean Hi! Shannon here again to help you with your domestic disasters.

Shannon’s tip of the week

See these narrow lot homes this weekend.

Open for display 2 - 4pm Sat and Sun.

If you are using a tablecloth on an outdoor dining setting, use wind clips or table weights. The clips are either plastic or metal and slide against the edge of the table. Table weights attach to the edge of the tablecloth and weigh it down. They are often very decorative and can be themed to suit most occasions. If you use an umbrella to shade your table when eating outside, remember that they are best left up so they don’t hoard bugs. If they are down, keep them wrapped in a cover. To clean canvas umbrellas, put two cups of table salt or swimming pool salt in a small bucket of water and apply it to the canvas with a brush or stiff broom.

Allow it to dry, then brush the salt off with the stiff broom.

Q&A

Hwy

Money Rd

Gimber St

Stock Rd

Melville Waters Unit 2, 3 Money Place, Melville Money

Have you any suggestions for rejuvenating dark clothes (i.e. khaki, black, navy blue, dark brown, etc)? I have several pairs of trousers, which are still perfectly good but have faded somewhat.

Years ago I used to buy Gilseal dyes that were available in a number of colours and could be used in the washing machine. Now the only dyes available seem to be for small jobs such as craft, etc. Any ideas would be great because it is a shame to throw out good clothes purely because they are faded.

A

Dye that is suitable for washing machines is still available (many large pharmacies stock it). However, I much prefer to do them in a large

9366 0024

Q

On a recent trip to Cambodia I had a jacket made and, unfortunately, didn’t notice what appears to be several tailoring marks on it until I returned home. The jacket is cream-coloured wool with a multicoloured silk lining. The marks are only on the wool and are yellow, pink and blue. I tried wiping them with a damp cloth just on one spot, but with no luck. Please help. Apart from these marks, the jacket is perfect.

Tailoring chalk is a really easy to remove, A but only in one way. You will need to take a pencil eraser (a really soft one) and rub it

Leederville Display 2 Byron Street, Leederville

Marian St

Tennyson

Thanks for all your great questions this week. Keep them coming and keep them specific. To work out how to remove a stain, I need three pieces of information.

I need to know what the stain is made of; what surface it’s on (Is there a varnish?

What is the topmost surface that the stain is affecting?); and what, if anything, you’ve already tried to remove it. Each thing you try changes the chemical composition of the stain.

Include a photograph if you can.

Photographs really help the stain diagnosis. Don’t forget, alternative recycling questions are also welcome.

Shannon Email your questions to Shannon Lush at spotless@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au Shannon will not be able to answer your questions privately. © Shannon Lush 2012.

✱ Spotless, Spotless 2, Speed Cleaning, How To Be Comfy and SAVE, by Shannon Lush and Jennifer Fleming, and Stainless, by Shannon Lush and Trent Hayes, published by ABC Books, all $19.95.

The Leederville 9366 0322

Loftus St

backwards and forwards, and side to side, gently across the marks until they disappear.

The area that you have treated with water may take longer to remove because the water leeches the chalk pigment into the fabric, but if you persist, it will come out. If you’re having difficulty with the area that you rubbed with a damp cloth, try dipping the pencil rubber into a little warm water before erasing the stain again.

Street

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RARE_PLH19069D

Q

McLean St

Byron St

chemical soaps around the dishes at high speed, virtually sandblasting them.

Glass does not respond well to being sandblasted. All porcelain and crockery have a glass surface (that’s why they shine) that the dishwasher is gradually eroding with this abrasive action. The abraded surface being rougher allows staining tannins to adhere more easily to the surface. Adding more chemicals to dry and clean it off is simply exacerbating the problem.

A light sprinkle of bicarb soda into the cup can be rubbed out with a pair of damp pantyhose, removing the tannin stains easily. It must be pantyhose – no other variety of cloth will do it quite as well.

If you are concerned about hygiene, please don’t be, because pantyhose wash very well in the washing machine and last such a long time that they are very handy to keep at your sink.

I use them for washing all of my dishes. I simply keep them rolled up tightly in a ball for better surface cleaning and change them daily. It is likely that you are using way too much soap in your dishwasher in an effort to remove the stains, which is simply speeding up the process.

I suggest you exchange your current dishwashing powder for bicarb soda and instead of your normal rinse agent use white vinegar.

Not only does it clean well, but it does far less damage to the surface of everything you place in the dishwasher.

Place

Shakespeare St

This question comes up a lot with people A who use dishwashers. Dishwashers clean by flinging water, food and dirt particles and heavy

pot even when they tell you it is suitable for use in a washing machine (one small amount of dye left behind in the pipes can ruin an entire load of washing).

Large art suppliers carry a variety of highvolume dyes and even some supermarkets that have a big craft section should stock them.

Oxford St

Q

Can you please advise what I need to do about stained tea and coffee cups in the office.The cups are made from white porcelain and we use a dishwasher to clean them. We use dishwashing powder in our dishwasher. Someone in the office had been using bleach and water, but I think this is a dangerous practice. Can you give me instructions as to what I can use and how to clean the cups?

The Melville Waters

Williams Rd

Canning

Kitchener Rd

HOME

20

hot DEVELOPMENT

An artist’s impression of the new Halo City Apartments on Mount St. Pictures: Supplied

Total Area 562m2

When architect Barry Baltinas was commissioned to design the Halo City Apartments – on one of the most sought-after sites in town – his vision was to create a set of buildings that would stand the test of time and be relevant even in the next century

W

HEN designing apartments for one of the most enviable locations in Perth, architect Barry Baltinas didn’t simply want to make the most of the scenery. Rather, he wanted to reflect the location – high on treelined Mount St, overlooking the city, Kings Park and the Swan River – by creating a sustainable, sympathetic architectural statement, one that would last for generations.

Construction is expected to start on the Halo City Apartments early this year. The boutique nine-level building will feature 21 apartments.

“Our inspiration behind Halo started with the magnificent location,” Barry says. “The building responds to all these cues by taking advantage of the views and location. We aim to create a landmark architectural statement that thoughtfully responds to its surroundings

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through carefully thought-out architectural design and aesthetic as well as the primary incorporation of sustainability principles.”

According to sustainability agent Marc Drexel from Arc Eden, there is a real gap in the market for people wanting to be sustainable but also live in a cosmopolitan and stylish city.

“Perth City has come of age and many want to be part of it. To do this in a sustainable way makes Halo truly special,” Marc says.

Barry says Halo’s objective is to provide highquality, stylish, inner-city living while also addressing long-term environmental issues.

“I feel that we have a responsibility to society to create architecture that responds to our environmental issues, as well as provides a positive legacy to our children and our grandchildren,” he says. “Long after we are gone our buildings will be around and if designed

correctly will provide a positive contribution to the environment and well being of users.”

Longevity, efficient use and reuse of resources, the location and a thoughtful contemporary and flexible layout form the foundations of the design process. Foremost is achieving a “design life” of more than 100 years through a smart mix of apartment design and durable and robust materials.

Halo’s design concept is rooted in responsible, sustainable development principles to reduce energy consumption, water usage and long-term maintenance of the building.

Internal air quality is improved through the use of low-emission materials. Passive engineering techniques, such as opening windows, provide cross-flow ventilation ensuring reduced reliance on airconditioners.

Water harvesting helps supplement the

building’s water needs through rainwater collection tanks, while Halo will also have selfgenerating power to support common areas.

“We believe that people will love living in a well-designed, sustainable building,” Barry says. “The practicality of inner-city living with its numerous benefits as well as the privacy and potential serenity of these apartments will provide a wonderful living space.”

Construction is expected to take 16 months to complete and more than 30 per cent of the apartments have already been sold.

“It just goes to show how much genuine interest there is for well-designed, affordable and sustainable apartments in the city,” Marc says.

Lisa Shearon

Oversized double lock-up garage.

302 litre electric boosted solar HWU. Premier vinylwrap kitchen cabinet doors.

Quality stainless steel 900mm wide cooktop, underbench oven & canopy rangehood.

Stylus President 1900 body therapy spa bath to ensuite.

Wet bar to games room.

Paved outdoor living & verandahs.

Powder room with vanity & basin off entry foyer.

32c ceilings throughout.

Glazed doors to games, family & meals.

Massive master suite with WIR.

DIGITAL HQ - STHO06112011

SUSTAINABLE STYLE

✱ For more information contact Marc Drexel, phone: 041 292 8504 or visit www.arceden.net

HOME

Oversized double lock-up garage.

302 litre electric boosted solar HWU. Premier vinylwrap kitchen cabinet doors.

Quality stainless steel 900mm wide cooktop, underbench oven & canopy rangehood.

Stylus President 1900 body therapy spa bath to ensuite.

Wet bar to games room.

Paved outdoor living & verandahs.

Powder room with vanity & basin off entry foyer.

32c ceilings throughout.

Glazed doors to games, family & meals.

Massive master suite with WIR.

DIGITAL HQ - STHO06112011

Total Area 562m2

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most WANTED

22

2 3

1

4

5

10

9

heat seeker

8

RING in the New Year by spicing up your pad with these hot new wares. There’s no better way to kick 2012 into gear than by resolving to redecorate your domain with bold, statement pieces.

Kristy Symonds 1. Flos Can Can pendant light, price on application, scheduled to be available from Space Furniture, to register your interest phone: (02) 8339 7588, www.spacefurniture.com.au.

2. Foscarini Maki pendant light designed by Studio Nendo, $595, from Space Furniture.

3. Lampe Licorne (unicorn lamp) in Limoges porcelain, €1490 ($1890), from 22 22 Édition Design, www.2222editiondesign.fr or www.absolumentdesign.com. 4. Chaise C1715 chair, €539 ($682), from 22 22 Édition Design. 5. Muuto crushed bowl, large (pictured) $148, small $74, from Design Farm, Perth, phone: 9322 2200, www.designfarm.com.au. 6. Driade Pavo Real seat, $4125, from Space Furniture. 7. Bukan magazine racks, $450 each, from Top 3 By Design, phone: 1300 867 333, www.top3.com.au. 8. Fauteuil Perle chair, €1690 ($2140), from 22 22 Édition Design. 9. Arabeschi di Latte So Sweet cake stand, $220, from Portal and Zekka, Mosman Park, portal.zekka.com. 10. Big Bug lounge, $11,585, from Poliform, phone: (02) 9690 0777, www. poliform.com.au.

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6

7

ENCORE! More Value. More Extras. More Quality.

The Virtuoso

By Ventura

$184,911 278sqm Alfresco 4.20 x 4.08

Living

Master Suite

5.01 x 4.50

4.11 x 4.02

wir Games

A show-stopping range at stunning prices!

Meals

4.11 x 4.40

5.01 x 4.34

· Guaranteed value that outperforms every time. · No compromise on quality extras and fittings. · Plans that maximise space and flexibility. · Total confidence in a multi-awarded builder.

Ensuite

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More in your spec

4.09 x 2.56

Get ahead with the standard V-Spec, the highest in its class by far, packing quality and features that others don’t, including: · Free colour consultation with our award-winning interior designer · Semi-frameless pivot door to ensuite shower · Built-in laundry trough with cabinets and benchtop · Euro styled stainless steel oven, hotplate and rangehood · Stylish levers on all internal doors

top only

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Bed 4

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Laundry

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Activity 3.19 x 2.41

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Encore! by Ventura is a hard act to follow! Talk to us about flexible options for your perfect home.

Double Garage with Remote Sectional Door

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b'paved path & driveway

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Pictures for illustration purposes only. Ventura Homes $10K Shopping Spree promotion is available with all homes except one-off designs and Freestyle Living homes. Not to be used with any other offer. Ventura Homes reserves the right to alter or discontinue this promotion at any time without prior notice. Speak to your Ventura Homes consultant for full details.

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hot HOME

24

GET THE LOOK ✱ Building and interior designer: Jason Saunders and

✱

✱

✱

✱

✱

✱

✱

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Nicole Tollman, Arc Seven.1, North Perth, phone: 9201 1280, www.arc-seven1.com.au Building supervisor: Gino Di Vincenzo, Di Vincenzo Construction, Marangaroo, phone: 9342 1042 Pool and ponds: Westralia Pools, Hillarys, phone: 0438 918 960, www. westraliapools.com.au Cabinet maker: Classic Cabinets, Malaga, phone: 9249 1599 Wall cladding: Eco Outdoor, Osborne Park, phone: 1300 13 14 13, www. ecooutdoor.com.au Glass balustrading: Designer Frameless Glass, Murdoch, phone: 0411 462 844 Lighting: Lighting City, Balcatta, phone: 9240 1080, www. lightingcity.com.au Audiovisual: Intelligent Home, Osborne Park, phone: 1300 652 633, www. intelligenthome.com.au

A REAL POOL IDEA By making the pool seem as if it was part of the extended living area, Arc Seven.1 director and building designer Jason Saunders has brought a clever indoor-outdoor connection to this home

M

AXIMISING this Waterman block’s ocean views and catering to the owner-builder clients’ keen interest in horticulture dictated the design of this contemporary three-level residence.

Building designer Jason Saunders, director of Arc Seven.1, says the main aim was to create a home that placed an emphasis on the connection between the internal and external living areas. “We really played on the ideas of water, tranquillity and sunsets,” he says.

According to Jason, the strategically placed ponds, an inviting water channel and the swimming pool create a harmonious and ambient connection to the ocean.

“We didn’t want the pool to be a stand-alone entity. We wanted it to feel as though it was incorporated into the home,” he says.

“We didn’t want the edge of the pool to be the start of the pool and the end of the living areas. We wanted the pool to seem as if it was part of the living area.”

Creating enough distance between the rooms became important so that Jason could install viewing corridors throughout the home and further enhance the connection between the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home and its landscape design.

“You don’t just want to walk down the passageways and see doors,” he says. “We

wanted to create the visual connection between the indoors and outdoors.”

Picture windows were included in both the master bedroom and the dining room to frame ocean views and minimise glimpses of neighbouring rooftops. A balcony that cantilevers over the front yard also captures views.

Jason says the natural construction materials played an important role in connecting the interiors and exteriors. Granite cladding, rust wall panelling and Lebanese sandstone, sourced from overseas, feature throughout the design.

His clients, a couple with adult children who had decided to downsize, wanted an

The Waterman home designed by Jason Saunders of Arc Seven.1.

Pictures: Andrew Pritchard Photography

entertainers’ home with enough space to create zoned areas over the three levels.

The undercroft level of the home has a garage, sauna and gym, while the ground floor incorporates two bedrooms, a sitting room, laundry, study and alfresco area.

The owners have the run of the top floor.

This level includes the palatial, resortinspired master suite, the kitchen, main living and dining areas and the balcony.

Each level was designed to be protected from the strong southwesterly winds traditionally associated with the coast.

“Having lived in the area for 25 years prior to purchasing their new block allowed the clients

to have a clear understanding of what living on the coast was like,” Jason says.

Arc Seven.1’s Nicole Tollman was responsible for the home’s contemporary interior design.

Jason says the choice of materials and overall design were carefully thought out to ensure it did not date in the near future.

“We wanted to create a form that was still contemporary in years to come,” he says. “We included some future trends for this purpose.”

Kristy Symonds ✱ This home won the Best Residential Interiors category at the BDAWA Design Awards 2011. It was also commended in the Residential Buildings over 450sq m category.

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26

hot RENOVATION

before

A LABOUR OF LOVE The successful renovation of this North Perth home has turned out to be more than just a good team effort by building designer Mario Tascone and owner-builder Vince Fiorenza. It has led to the pair now working together on a second project

W

HEN building designer Mario Tascone, of Tascone Design Team, and owner-builder Vince Fiorenza transformed this two-bedroom Californian bungalow into a spacious family home, they achieved a striking balance between old and new.

The traditional exterior of the North Perth home has been given a modern touch with simple columns – which replaced the large arches on the front veranda – but still retains the essential “bungalow” feel.

“They are more modern, but still capture and keep the essence of the era,” Mario says.

A trendy colour scheme of deep greys flows from the updated frontage to the polished and contemporary interior, drawing the home’s traditional and modern elements together.

Vince says it “was a bonus that the exterior colour scheme complemented the rest of the house so well”.

HOME

An aged Archistone archway in the hallway is where the home’s character elements merge with its contemporary addition.

Mario says this design approach was in keeping with Vince’s desire for the house to have a “mixed character” by combining different materials and textures.

“It’s the biggest feature of the house,” Vince says.

As well as connecting the renovation’s various elements, Mario’s other major challenge was to maximise living space.

He achieved this by converting the existing dining room into a third bedroom and relocating the bathroom to improve the mid sections of the house.

In addition, a large rear wing to the north side of the house was designed to incorporate the master bedroom and ensuite and also open-plan living and alfresco areas.

An island bench is the focal point of the

modern kitchen, drawing the indoor and outdoor entertaining areas together to create a flow between the living spaces.

The use of crisp, clean lines and a monochrome palette with splashes of red, allow the living and dining rooms to feel contemporary and inviting as they flow through to the alfresco.

The large glass panels surrounding the northfacing living areas also allow the rooms to take full advantage of the sun, which further creates a warm and open space.

The renovated bathrooms are another standout. Vince proposed using large marble slabs instead of tiles for the showers and sink areas in the bathrooms.

Mario says the marble has a very distinctive quality, with the individual grain patterns working to highlight and contrast with the bathrooms’ black and off-white colours.

The second bathroom has a freestanding

bath and “hovering” cabinets with a small glass chandelier.

The home’s renovation also included extending the existing roofline towards a parapet wall to create a two-car garage with ample storage space.

Mario says the seamless renovation would not have been achieved without having Vince as the owner-builder.

“He’s done an excellent job,” Mario says.

The home was a labour of love for Vince, who furnished it with photos and artwork from his travels around Europe and the United States.

“They really make the house ‘zing’,” Vince says. “The home’s a really great project I’m very proud of.”

Since the North Perth renovation, Vince has started working with Tascone Design Team on a second project.

Kate Dromey

BUILDING OR RENOVATING?

GET THE LOOK ✱ Building designer:

Mario Tascone, Tascone Design Team, West Perth, phone: 9227 6719, www. tascone.com.au ✱ Owner-builder: Vince Fiorenza, phone: 0411 879 879 This home was an entrant in the Residential Additions /Alternations more than $200,000 at the BDAWA Design Awards 2011.

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The North Perth home renovated by building designer Mario Tascone of Tascone Design Team and owner-builder Vince Fiorenza.

Pictures: Supplied

SAT 4 Feb

Course Outline “Very informative, I will deinitely Choosing your builder recommend this course” Negotiating to save money Understanding building contracts Avoiding costly variations Making the right material selections Price includes one set of the best selling “Building and Renovating Guide” per single or one set per double, valued at $110 Date: Saturday 4th February 2012 Time: 8:45am - 5:00pm Cost: $165 per person or $195 per double

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INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE

Starts Mon A professional interior designer will give you the knowledge and conidence 13 Feb to create an interior design scheme that is perfect for your home.

Course Outline Colour theory & colour application Planning kitchens, bathrooms & laundries Task and mood lighting Flooring, window treatments & accessories Understanding building plans

Design Extend Renovate Often the smartest move is to simply extend or renovate

Date: Monday 13th February 2012 Date: Tuesday 14th February 2012 Date: Wednesday 15th February 2012 Cost: $300 per person

Design, extend or renovate. We can transform your house with a complete or partial makeover to suit your budget. From a kitchen family room renovation through to a two-storey extension, our experienced design team will develop your ideas and create a 3D image to give you a real sense of the possibilities. We will then begin the transformation that will convert your dreams into reality.

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28

hot STYLE

HEART-TO-ART Desi Litis spends much of her time scouring second-hand stores, garage sales and verge-side collections and anything she picks up becomes a “shrine” and takes pride of place in her home

D

ESI Litis is a bowerbird who curates her many found treasures into “shrines” throughout her home in Cottesloe. She considers each object a visual ode to her experiences, family and partner Lachlan Horn.

Curating, however, is not just a hobby for Desi, since she is co-owner of Perth’s ubercreative Venn, the award-winning amalgam of shop, gallery, cafe and bar in Queen St that also includes three artists’ studios.

It’s a job that takes her daily into the world that inspires her most – the evolving thoughts and works behind finished pieces of art.

All forms of creativity define Desi’s life.

She was raised in a home where her mother commissioned an artist to live with them for a year to paint murals on their walls and ceilings; she grew up surrounded by clouds in one room, exotic global locations in others.

And from the age of three she attended the alternative Montessori school, where the philosophy is to nurture a child’s natural interests.

“So I didn’t do a lot of work during primary school – I just painted through most of it,” laughs Desi.

After high school, where her love of art really evolved, she received a first-class honours degree in fine art from Curtin University before heading to Italy to study at Florence’s international design school, Polimoda.

Then it was a stint in Colombia, working in community arts, before she returned home to another community role, this time with DADAA (the Fremantle arts organisation for the disabled or disadvantaged) and the opportunity to run The Ballroom artists’ studio in Perth.

Desi attributes her career and lifestyle to a childhood spent developing a love of form, colour and objects.

“As a child, my home was similar to my house now,” she says. “The collections were always ordered and in specific colours. I grouped the same tones in different areas of my bedroom.

HOME

And I was very set on things like a particular bedspread or sheets.”

Walking through her home today, you see her groupings – or “shrines”, as she calls them – throughout the light, bright interior spaces she shares with Lachlan and their rescued greyhound, Mia, and Unagi the cat.

While Desi may have loads of belongings, her curatorial eye ensures that there is a casual orderliness to their display and arrangement, so the home achieves a feeling of space, despite its many collectables.

However, while she professionally works in, and privately collects, contemporary art, modern installations are not always the top priority when it comes to Desi’s home.

“It’s not so much that I am into vintage as such,” she says. “It’s more that I am interested in and want to collect pieces that have a past.

If it has a history about it or story, then that is why I am attracted to it. I imagine where it has come from, where it has travelled, the previous owner, where it sat in another home.”

It’s that love of a story, history and nostalgia that drives her addiction to garage sales, second-hand stores and the treasures to be found at roadside clean-ups. And it’s these meccas for preloved everything that are siren calls to her on weekends.

“I pretty much go to anything – and there are a lot of bad ones out there,” she says of garage sales. “And I love verge-side collections. When Lachlan sees a garage sale or things on the side of the road, he tries to divert my attention so I don’t spot them and make him stop. He gets away with it sometimes!”

While she spends weekend hours scouring second-hand stores in Fremantle and Guildford, she also targets the roadsides of suburbs such as Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove. During weekends away, she has favourite browsing haunts (Melbourne’s Camberwell Markets is one).

Which begs the question of how she could possibly fit all these acquisitions into one home. And this is where her experience and discipline kick in. New pieces brought into

the house signal a time for reassessment and change. Even one new object can see Desi and Lachlan’s home undergo a major weekend transformation.

Existing pieces that no longer work are stored in her overflowing garage and shed, while the latest favourites are used to create new shrines of nostalgia and interest.

“It just evolves – I don’t know how it happens,” she says. “I simply place things together and, if they work, I leave them. If they don’t, I keep trying different things until I’m happy. The new pieces I got from our trip to Uluru recently mean I will start doing a whole reorganisation.”

When Desi’s not hunting and gathering at roadsides and second-hand stores, the weekends find her and Lachlan walking Mia near the beach and meeting friends at the dog park.

Breakfast is usually at cool Cottesloe cafe Il Lido or the nearby John Street Cafe.

Alternatively, they invite friends to their home for brunch or barbecues and a dip in the pool.

“I often work on weekends, but I try to stay away from the gallery to keep that separate,” Desi says.

“I love being at home – it is very clean and simple with a lot of light and open spaces. It’s definitely my favourite place to be on days off.”

Anna Flanders

Desi Letis and her partner, Lachlan Horn, at home in Cottesloe.

Styling: Anna Flanders / Pictures: Angelita Bonetti

âœą This article appears courtesy of Inside Out magazine. The

January - February issue of Inside Out is on sale now for $8.20.

30

what’s HOT 2012

Florinda Features ✱ The latest lighting

FROM GLITZY TO RITZY Flashy – and sometimes trashy – home interiors will give way to understated luxury with items reflecting your own personality

L

AST year’s home interiors were full of glitz, glamour and no small amount of bling. While that was one way to make a statement, the experts are predicting a return to creature comforts in 2012.

“Subtle comfort will be a major trend in 2012 as understated luxury through craftsmanship seeks to further stamp out the flashy, sometimes trashy, bling culture of excess,” says Andrew Thornton Hick, commercial manager at Ultimo Interiors.

“There will also be a return of fun and humour in design as layered interiors juxtapose with more intriguing and highly personalised pieces to create unique concepts that are client or environment specific and escape the feel of the mass-produced.”

This year is all about personality, and stamping it on your home in a subtle, understated fashion. From the taps in your bathroom to the bed linen in the spare room, homeowners will be making their mark in unique, creative ways.

It’s for this reason that feature walls are set to be huge for 2012, although perhaps not in the way we’re familiar with.

“One of the latest trends coming this year is for heavily patterned feature walls,” says Ceramo managing director John Tavelli.

“These are designed to make a statement in any room of the home.

“Not just for bathrooms anymore, tiled feature walls can bring living areas, bedrooms, entrances and facades to life. Large format, rectified feature tiles, which use texture and

collection from Modoluce ✱ Family of products that includes pendants and wall lamps ✱ Pendants are available in various sizes up to 153cm in diameter ✱ Designed and made in Italy Price on application, from Halo Lighting, phone: 9221 5544, www. halolighting.com.au

visually striking 3D effects, can turn any wall into a work of art.”

Wallpaper, too, will continue to be used to make a house a home.

“Wallpaper is definitely here to stay,” says Ann-Louise Jansson, owner of Scandinavian Wallpaper & Decor. “During 2011 a strong trend was focusing on graphic murals with black/white cities and much is showing that this trend will continue in 2012.

“Wallpaper imitating wood and concrete is also going to be very popular. Charcoal is here to stay but strong colours such as turquoise and blue are coming in as well as pastel colours.”

Andrew predicts a bolder colour palette for 2012 – not in tone but in volume.

“Contrasting pairs may be doubled to feature four colourways in a setting,” he says. “Expect to see mustard, teal and cinnamon together with French seams and quilted surfaces. Finely crafted metal and timber detailing will add a luxurious dimension to upholstered goods.”

Lisa Shearon

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designer François Azambourg for Ligne Roset ✱ Comfortable and ergonomic ✱ Different colours available From $1769, from Ligne Roset, available exclusively from Domo Collections, phone: (03) 9277 8888, www. domo.com.au

GuerètArras Features ✱ Console and

shaped mirror by FLAI ✱ Console is made from 12mm-thick curved crystal ✱ Arras is an irregular polygon of mirrored glass Price on application, from Ultimo Interiors, phone: 9201 2479, www.ultimointeriors. com.au

✱ All prices are estimates

DIA Parrot by nodesign Features ✱ Cutting-edge digital photo frame ✱ High-resolution screen ✱ Offers comprehensive connectivity (USB,

SD, wi-fi, Bluetooth), wi-fi and Bluetooth connections to transfer photos from almost any digital device $549, from Parrot, www.parrot.com/au

HOME

Duresta Wolfgang Features ✱ Sofa featuring a Rococo-style carved

frame coupled with burnished silver leaf finishing ✱ Available in a variety of Duresta fabrics ✱ Feather, down or fibre interior ✱ Chairs also available From $15,625, from Domo Collections, phone: (03) 9277 8888, www.domo.com.au

Paco Jaanson Oh My God od Features ✱ Latest tapware collection from Paco Jaanson ✱ Collection comprises eight elongated mixers and nd spouts ✱ Available in three finishes: chrome, matte black and matte white From $400 for a wall mixer, from Paco Jaanson, phone: ne: 1800 006 260, www.pacojaanson.com.au Continued on Page 32

HOME

32

what’s HOT 2012 Continued from Page 31

Heavy Light

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Features of an oversized bird’s nest

✱ Lighting

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collection designed by Benjamin Hubert for Decode ✱ Making use of concrete, this series includes pendants, wall lamps and desk lamps ✱ Designed and made in London

Dedon fibre, guaranteeing a sturdy and solid weave ✱ Designed by Paris-based Daniel Pouzet and Fred Frety for Dedon From $14,525, from Dedon, available exclusively from Domo Collections, phone: (03) 9277 8888, www.domo.com.au

Price on application, from Halo Lighting, phone: 9221 5544, www.halolighting. com.au

Spyder Dining Table by Cattelan Italia Features ✱ Table with an eight-pronged pedestal base ✱ Legs available in stainless steel, matt white, graphite

varnished steel or walnut Not on display

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shaped table top Price on application, from Ultimo Interiors, phone: 9201 2479, www.ultimointeriors.com.au

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Highlights Features ✱ Latest wallpaper collection

from Decor Maison ✱ Traditional printed

wallpaper ✱ Released January 2012 $199 for a 10m x 53cm roll, from Scandinavian Wallpaper & Decor, 9387 1549, www. wallpaperdecor.com.au

Swarovski Ambiray Features ✱ New line of home

accessories from Swarovski ✱ Combines stainless steel with tiny clear crystals ✱ Range includes pen holders, photo frames and tealights

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✱ ✱

✱

Price on application, from Ceramo, phone: 9445 1777, www.ceramo.com.au

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34

shop FRONT

EXPRESSO YOURSELF Perth’s sophisticated coffee culture has attracted Nespresso to open a store in WA where those in search of a caffeine fix can select a brew they fancy and a machine to make it

P

ERTH’S new Nespresso Boutique is rapidly becoming a mecca for coffee connoisseurs. So much so, that people in search of a quality caffeine hit have been flocking to the state-of-the art, 277sq m showroom to sample the latest coffee blends and learn how the whiz-bang Nespresso appliances continually create perfect brews at the press of a button.

Renaud Tinel, general manager of Nespresso Oceania, says opening the boutique, the ninth in Australia, is part of the company’s global expansion.

“We now operate more than 225 boutiques all over the world,” he says.

“We recognise Perth has a strong and sophisticated coffee culture, a growing taste for premium lifestyle and all the finer things in life. It is also home to some of Australia’s most discerning taste makers.

“We opened our new boutique on Murray St to make it our new brand embassy for Perth.

We designed Murray St with the intention of providing a luxury retail space where we can offer consumers and club members a different type of coffee and retail experience.”

Distinctive in-store features include the

Discovery Wall, the Coffee Room and the Collection Wall. Renaud says they create a unique experience where customers can discover Nespresso with all their senses.

According to Renaud, Australia is one of Nespresso’s fastest-growing markets worldwide.

“What is particularly unique in Australia, which also applies to WA, is our love of coffee with milk,” he says. “We have become a country of very discerning flat white, cappuccino and latte drinkers.

“Nespresso pioneered the pre-portioned coffee category more than 25 years ago and in that time we have redefined and revolutionised the way millions of people enjoy their coffee.”

Only an estimated 1 to 2 per cent of the coffee grown globally meets Nespresso’s specific taste and aroma profiles, not to mention its high standards of quality and sustainability, Renaud says.

“We are also able to offer our members a diverse choice from a range of 16 Grand Cru coffees, which have been specially selected by our coffee experts,” he says.

There are also plenty of machines to choose from.

Renaud says the Pixie model is the smallest, most intuitive machine, which comes in six bright colours.

“We wanted to open up a new market with Pixie, by targeting a younger coffee consumer.

It was also awarded the AIDA home-appliance award in 2011. It is also one of the most popular machines in Australia,” he says.

“Latissima+, our most recent Nespresso machine, has taken barista-style coffee making at home to another level thanks to an in-built milk function that allows you to create lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos at the touch of a button.”

Nespresso Boutique ✱ location: 255 Murray St, Perth ✱ phone: 1800 623 033 ✱ open: Monday to Thursday,

9am-5.30pm; Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm ✱ website: www.nespresso.com

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NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE FEATURES Discovery Wall Customers are invited to explore the Discovery Wall, just like at an exhibition, to discover the range of Nespresso machines and the “Les Collections” set of accessories.

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gardening

36

COMING UP ROSES

I

T’S always hard predicting trends, but last year I said that fruit and edible gardens would grow in popularity enormously and they have. Rooftop gardens and living walls have also been another strong area of interest and all of these trends will continue to be popular this year. That said, these trends may plateau once another new trend grows in popularity at a rapid rate With improved water security, good winter and spring rainfall, and people becoming tired of strappy leaf plants, colour is back.

Internationally, this has been reflected in street plantings featuring colourful annuals and cottage perennials and, where the climate is mild enough, hanging baskets and window boxes overflowing with petunias and lobelias and other stunning flowering plants.

Garden design trends will see colourful shrubs remove the need for brightly rendered wall finishes and bold accessories being used to lift the entertaining areas. This will evolve into the art of selecting plants that deliver colour at different stages of the year.

In other words, shrubs, trees and groundcovers will be selected not just for their shape and form, but also because they deliver certain colours at certain times or months of the year.

The likely stars in the first half of the year include dwarf bougainvillea, Hawaiian hibiscus, dwarf oleanders, mandevillas and fragrant old-fashioned beauties such as gardenias and jasmine.

Evergreen magnolias, which are already popular, will continue to gain popularity with varieties such as Teddy Bear providing huge fragrant white blooms and new hybrids such as Fairy magnolias coming out in a greater range of colours and better fragrance.

Speaking of fragrances, daphne flowers are famous for fragrance, but notorious for not lasting. New varieties such as Eternal Fragrance will bring them back into vogue because they are incredibly hardy, compact, dense and smothered in flowers almost all year round.

What more can you ask for or expect from a plant?

Now for the controversy: I believe that the colour trend will extend to include azaleas and camellias. These plants will become incredibly popular in spring this year with the

only limitation on their popularity being the number growers can make available.

It’s controversial because many azaleas, in particular, died during the driest periods of recent years, yet suburbs such as Leeming have retained huge plants everywhere that looked incredible last spring.

They can be grown if you have the right irrigation system. Sub-surface irrigation is absolutely perfect for azaleas. Planted in an improved soil with lots of mulch and a sub-surface drip system azaleas will make a stunning garden plant.

More controversy: Natives will lose popularity as higher expectations are placed on plants’ performances in home gardens.

That’s controversial because natives – that is, local endemic species – do so well in Perth’s climate and gardening environment without great care or effort. But unless they meet the high expectations of homeowners who recognise the advantage plants bring to a property’s value and a person’s lifestyle and environment, they are going to lose momentum.

Some people are going to get upset at me for suggesting this, but times have changed and our climate allows for colourful plants to do incredibly well in the right garden environment and your local waterwise garden centre can help you find the best ones for you.

The last trend you will see start to re-emerge in home gardens is roses, enjoying a revival after years in the doldrums.

Roses grown on the rootstock Fortuniana are almost indestructible and with so many magnificent new varieties having been released in recent times the modern rose garden is about to deliver huge, colourful, fragrant bouquets to vases in homes across the metropolitan area.

Look out for the stunning new David Austin English Rose collection and the French Delbards that deliver amazing colour and fragrance with fewer pest and disease issues than the old-fashioned varieties.

Trevor Cochrane

Roses, mandevillas and azaleas will be popular in the garden this year.

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Picture: iStockphoto.com/cjmckendry, Yo-Q and fesoj

The emphasis will be on colour this year with the likely stars tipped to be dwarf bougainvillea and hibiscus, with roses enjoying a revival

Perth’s Most Affordable Two Storey Builder

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Q&A Q

Bev, of Perth, asked about her agapanthus which is showing signs of deformity on the emerging leaves and a white, sticky substance is leaving the plants looking weakened. How can she fix these problems?

The answer is to beat the pest that is sucking the sap and life out of it. Surprisingly, I’ve seen this a lot with agapanthus in recent times. The pest is mealybug, which invades the roots and gets to the heart of the growing tips in many plants, including agapanthus. The solution is to apply a systemic insecticide which travels through the sap and impacts sap-sucking insects.

MaxGuard is incredibly effective on mealybug and you have to treat this pest because it attacks so many different plants. Spray now and again when the mealybug start becoming active again.

A

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Tip of the week Joan Berryman, via email, knows a fair bit about pawpaws. She discovered that they grow perfectly well from seed when the seeds are mixed into compost and placed in a warm, sunny place.

If you want great pawpaws, Joan’s advice is to mix the seeds in some well-rotted compost and put the mixture in a place where you want some plants to grow. Once the seeds have germinated, thin them out to the main plants and let them grow as a clump.

Great advice, Joan! Thanks for sharing that with us. Pawpaws are considered to be one of the best fruits on the planet from a health perspective because they are so good for our stomachs. They are easy to grow and don’t take up much room.

Trevor Cochrane

The Garden Guru to the rescue For your chance to get the benefit of gardening advice from Trevor Cochrane, tell us in 100 words or less about your garden and its problems. Send an email to housecalls@ sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au or write to The Sunday Times, home Editor, GPO Box D174, Perth, WA 6840. Include your full name and address and a daytime phone number. Please do not send any soil samples or plant cuttings.

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Leeuwin, by Ventura, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, d/g, Cape Meander, 9241 1715 Muiron, by WA Housing Centre, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Cape Meander, 9523 0213 Bayview, by Easystart, S, 4x2, st, h/t, a/r, alf, dc/p, Ruskin Brace, 9333 0833 Echo Beach, by Easystart, S, 3x2, st, h/t, alf, dc/p, Ruskin Brace, 9333 0833 Sandown, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Cape Meander, 9523 0241 Aspire, by Impressions, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, Jerboa Green, 9523 0087 Ritz, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Pemberton Blvd, 9302 4920

Banksia Grove

Cape Cuvier, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, c/r, Wholly Rd, 9214 1111 Lodge, by Easystart, S, 4x2, g/r, d/g, Botanic Ave, 9333 0833 Caesars, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, d/g, Botanic Ave, 9302 4920

Butler

New York, by Impressions, S, 3x2, h/t, st, a/r, g/r, alf, d/g, Landbeach Blvd, 9562 5371 Boston, by First Abode, S, 4x2, st, a/r, alf, dc/p, Impington St, 0411 444 808 Floreat, by Easystart Homes, S, 3x2, h/t, st, dc/p, Landbeach Blvd, 9562 4368 Alkimos, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, st, Landbeach Blvd, 9562 5358 Sands, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Impington Rd, 9302 4920

Byford

Coogee, by Easystart Homes, S, 3x2, d/g, Mead St, 9526 2318 Bathurst, by Commodore, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, t/g, Colesbrook Drive, 9525 1379 Oxford, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, Mead St, 9525 0726 Denver, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Colesbrook Drive, 9526 2806 Point Samson, by WA Housing Centre, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Warrington Rd, 9214 1111 Ashton, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, c/r, h/t, Warrington Rd, 9525 0873 Bugatti, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Millard Way, 9525 0801

Caversham

Watershed, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, st, Colorino Ave, 6461 5200

Champion Lakes

Chessell Cottage, by Summit, S, 3x2, d/g, St Catherines Prom, 9390 3761

Dalyellup

Amari, by New Generation, S, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g, Dalyellup Blvd, 9795 4870

Ellenbrook

Metropolis, by Easystart, S, 3x2, d/g, st, h/t, alf,Adlington Way, 93333 0833 Florence, by Impressions, S, 3x2, h/t, st, g, Brigalow Bend, 6296 6172 Hamelin, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, alf, a/r, Elmridge Parkway, 6296 6086 Armada, by HomeStart, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, dc/p, Pallarup Cres, 9231 4567 Castle, by Aussie Living, 4x2, h/t, g/r, a/r, dc/p, Ewen Pass, 6296 6114 Mojo, by Aussie Living, 3x2, c/r, dc/p, Elmridge Parkway, 6212 7699 Silverstone, by Commodore, 4x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, Ewens Pass, 6296 6345 HOME

Anchorage, by First Abode, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Rufous Lane, 9397 2342 Vertu, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9393 2019

Lakelands

Good Times, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/cp, Karridale Loop, 9523 1689 Seachange, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, st, g/r, a/r, alf, d/g, Cohen Vista, 9583 4280 Bremer, by WA Housing Centre, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Jasper Way, 9214 1111 Swanbourne, by Easystart, S, 3x2, h/t, st, dc/p, Jasper Way, 9581 9406

Landsdale

Monaco, by Commodore, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Kingsway, 9303 4361 Lamont, by Impressions, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, Kingsway, 9302 6097 Coronade, by HomeStart, 4x2, h/t, g/r, alf, dc/p, Kingsway, 9231 4567 La Grange, by WA Housing Centre, S, 3x2, d/g, alf, h/t, st, Kingsway, 9303 2019 Ambiance, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, Monticello Meander, 9333 0880

West Swan

Tribute, by Domain, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, st, d/g, St Leonards, Blvd, 9250 1840 Chandon, by New Generation, S, 3x2, d/g, h/t, alf, St Leonards Blvd, 9250 7632 Plantation, by Content Living, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, st, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 9202 5222

Yanchep

Cable Beach, by Easystart, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/c, Blackwood Meander, 9561 5648

$200,000 to $250,000 Alkimos

Alkanta, by Content Living, S, 4x2, d/g, st, alf, h/t, Point Link, 9202 5222 Alexa, by MyGen Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Leeway Loop, 1800 806 803 Accolade, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, Leeway Loop, Alkimos, 9562 5599

Australind

Destiny, by New Generation,S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, a/r, Adlington Way, 9333 0880 Oasis, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Brigalow Bend, 6296 6649 Alto, by Ultimate Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Brigalow Bend, 6296 6111 Luxor Games, by Affordable Living, 4x2, g/r, h/t, Ewens Pass, 9302 4920

Treendale

Dayton

West Swan

Ellenbrook

Greenmount

Yanchep

Avonview, by Ross Squire Homes, S, 4x2, st, Bullarra Rd, 9294 3800 Coolgardie, by Ross Squire Homes, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, sc/p, Bullarra Rd, 9294 3800

Hammond Park

Chicago, by Metrostyle, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Macquarie Blvd, 9414 3399

Hocking

Valencia, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, alf, d/g, Montreal St, 9405 6794

Abbey View Resort, by WA Country Builders, S, 3x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Lunar Ave, 9792 0100

Landsdale

Aveley

Leederville

Trump, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, g/r, Safford Ave, 9320 4920 Villa d’Este, by National, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, Safford Ave, 6296 7784

Baldivis

Austin, by Metrostyle, S, 4x2, g/r, alf, d/g, Cape Meander, 9524 3082 Executive, by Premiere, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Claret Ash Blvd, 0425 445 578

Majestic, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Monticello Meander, 6461 5297 Strata Development, by Dale Alcock, S, 3x2, alf,d/g, Leicester St, 9242 9500

Maddington

Breakaway, by TR Homes, 4x2, pre-manufactured home, h/t, alf, 105 Kelvin Rd, 9493 2998 Peninsula, by TR Homes, 3x2, pre-manufactured home, st, alf, 105 Kelvin Rd, 9493 2998

Equinox, by New Generation, S, 4x3, d/g, h/t, st, alf, a/r, Orion Lane, 9797 0682 Darlington, by MyGen, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 1800 806 803 Caversham, by Metrostyle, S, 3x2, alf, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 9202 9210

Bushland, by TR Homes, 3x2, pre-fab transportable home, 105 Kelvin Rd, 9493 2998

Madeley

Location, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Greylock Meander, 9408 1743 Quest, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, alf, Buffaloe Ave, 9409 5010 Albert Park, by Commodore Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, alf, Buffalo Ave, 9408 0273

$250,000 to $300,000

Forrestdale

Alkimos

Nautilus, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, s/t, alf, d/g, Point Link, 0403 260 404 Trinity, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Callosa Cres, 0423 398 220 Archipelago, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, st, t/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9242 9200 Cable Beach, Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, g/r, st, a/r, d/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9562 3984

Australind

Clifton Retreat, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, d/g, Luna Ave, 9796 1639 Pebble Beach, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, t/g, Luna Ave, 9792 0100

Aveley

Escape, by Ventura Homes, 4x2, alf, d/g, Safford Ave, 6296 7645 Baby Boomer Loft, by Baby Boomer Homes, loft, 3x2, st, d/g, Wesley Way, 9302 2250

www.developwest.com.au To develop your block, ph: David 9431 8113, 0413 994 246 or email davidtims@rossnorthhomes.com.au No finance? No worries!

Contact us today!

Kasbar, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, a/r, Millbridge Blvd, 9724 1318

Piara Waters

Seville Grove

Corondale, by Complete, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Seville Rd, 9497 2919

Tapping

Riviera, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g,Tandara Fairway, 9302 4920

Wellard

Abrolhos, by Easystart, S, 3x2, h/t, st, dc/p, Onyx Lane, 0439 990 799 Capel, by WA Housing Centre, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9214 1111 Inception, First Home Buyers Direct S, 3x2, g, st, Onyx Lane, 9439 2525 Newmarket, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9439 5149 Portland, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9419 2574 Savoy, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, a/r, g/r, Esher Lane, 9419 6779 Strand, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, Gemstone Pde, 6461 5200 Zone, by Aussie Living, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, dc/p, Ditton Corner, 9419 1881

Hammond Park

Secret, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, dc/p, Macquarie Blvd, 9414 3060

Harrisdale

Newport, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, st, h/t, a/r, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9242 9200

Hocking

Amari, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Elliot Rd, 9242 9200 Hollywood II, by Highbury, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, st, d/g, alf, Elliot Rd, 1800 214 864

Jindalee

Cable Beach, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Jindalee Blvd, 9562 0786

Lakelands

Kartika, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Jasper Way, 9583 4040 La Dolce Vita, by Shelford, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Cohen Vista, 0438 389 530 Sanctuary, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, d/g, Cobaki Brace, 9242 9200 New Dimension, by Ventura, S, 4x2, g/r, st, d/g, Jasper Way, 9583 4516 Everest, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Cobaki Brace, 9581 6614

Landsdale

Palazzo, by National, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Kingsway Rd, 9303 2573 Monticello, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Monticello Meander, 0418 913 800

Madeley

Eagle Bay, by Ventura Homes, S, 4x2, a/r, d/g, Glendale St, 9583 4003

Millbridge

Coral Bay, by WA Housing Centre, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Caporn Turn, 9358 4762 Independence, by Aussie Living, S, 3x2, h/t, c/r, d/cp, Karridale Loop, 9523 1689

Nautilus, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, cnr Isla Place/Highland Rise, 9242 9200

Meadow Springs

Flemington, by Commodore, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Glendale St, 9583 4053

Queens Park

Olympus, by Summit, S,4x2, h/t, alf, g/r, d/g, Sticks Blvd, 9534 8840

Lexington, by Lifestyle, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, d/g, Madeley Rise, 9409 4242 Rendezvous, by Ventura, 4x2, alf, h/t, s/t, d/g, Greylock Meander, 9408 0659

Meadow Springs

Monza, by Commodore Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 1639 Realm, by Domain, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, st, g/r, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 0576 Soto, by Impressions, S, 4x2, st, d/g, a/r, h/t, Isla Place, 9397 2413 Cove, by Easystart, S, 3x2, h/t, st, dc/p, Emerald Park, 9393 2094

Monarch, by National, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Ewens Pass, 6296 6441 Willows, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g,Adlington Way, 9242 9200 Lexia, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, Adlington Way, 0438 691 037

Erskine

Enjoy a priceless experience with WA’s most experienced unit development builder.

Maddington

Da Vinci, by Ross North Homes, 4x2, h/t, c/r, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 0413 758 404

Vdara, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Blackwood Meander, 9302 4920

RNG 24067

38

Cosmos, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, Ruskin Brace, 9333 0880 Infinity, by New Generation, S, 4x2, d/g, h/t, st, alf, c/r, Ruskin Brace, 9333 0880 Havana, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, g/r, st, alf, d/g, Claret Ash Blvd, 9523 0694

Banksia Grove Aston, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Botanic Ave, 6400 0535

Bunbury Kasbar, by New Generation, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, alf, d/g, Millbridge Blvd, Millbridge Estate, 9724 1318

Madeley Fullerton, by National, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, st, alf, Greylock Meander, 9408 0459 Haven, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Buffalo Ave, 9409 2716 Madeley, by Ultimate Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, BelCastro Way, 9408 1305 Ramada Retro, by Affordable Living, 4x2, g/r, h/t, s/t, Owen Link, 9302 4920 Treviso, by Ideal Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, st, g/r, d/g, Owen Link, 9408 1189

Mandurah

Busselton

Viena, by Ultimate Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Jasper Way, 9200 5555

Colorado, by New Generation, S, 4x2, st, h/t, d/g, Nougat Cres, 9754 7247

Meadow Springs Eagle Bay, by Ventura, S, 4x2, d/g, Glendale St, 9583 4003

Butler

Piara Waters

Vibe, by Ventura Homes, S, 4x2, st, h/t, dc/p, Impington Blvd, 9562 3383

Caversham Watershed, by Impressions, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Colorino Ave, 6461 5200 Champion Lakes Waterside, by Summit, S, 3x2, h/t, d/g, St Catherines Prom, 9390 3710

Dalyellup Broadway, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Dalyellup Blvd, 9792 0100

Ellenbrook Cincinnati, by Metrostyle, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Brigalow Bend, 9296 6238 Centro, by Ventura Homes, S, 3x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Elmridge Parkway, 6296 6649

Colorado, by New Generation, S, 4x2, st, h/t, d/g, alf, g/r, Highland Rise, 9397 1266 Hacienda, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, g, Ditton Cnr, 9419 2104 Resort, by Ultimate Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, a/r, st, d/g, Isla Place, 9397 2741 Trump Alfresco, by Affordable Living, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Ditton Cnr, 9302 4920

Queens Park Frangipani, by Dale Alcock, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Narla Place, 9242 9200

South Yunderup Riverbank, by Ventura, S, 3x2, st, d/g, Countess Circuit, 9537 8459 Amberley, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Bremer Way, 9537 7325

Baldivis

Reflection, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, alf, g, Cape Meander, Settlers Hills, 9242 9200 Elwood, by Dale Alcock, S, 3x2, st, d/g, Strathmore Close, 9242 9200 Strathmore, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, d/g, Strathmore Cl, 0419 048 401 Rendezvous, by National, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, alf, Cape Meander, 9523 0210 Leeuwin, by Ventura Homes 4x2, h/t, d/g, alf, Cape Meander, 9241 1400 Quay Resort, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, st, a/r, d/g, alf, Cape Meander, 9524 2644 Toorak, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, c/r, d/g, Burlington Drive, 9366 0036

Bunbury

Parkdale, by Dale Alcock, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Forrest Estate, 9792 0555

Busselton

Envy, by Summit, S, 4x2, g/r, a/r, alf, d/g, Nougat Cres, 9754 7134 Newport, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, d/g,Almond Parkway, 9792 0555

Byford

Ecco, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, a/r, d/g, Colesbrook Drive, 9242 9200

Caversham

Homestead, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Domina Turn, 9242 9200

Dalyellup

Luxxe, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Millbridge Blvd, 9795 7167 Coastal View, by Rural Building, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, c/r, d/g, Dalyellup Blvd, 9792 0100

Millbridge

Lotus, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Millbridge Blvd, 9725 2852

Piara Waters

Minara, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, c/r, Mina Close, 9397 2244 Bellagio, by National, S, 4x2, h/t, s/t, alf, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 1643 Prestige, by Ventura, 4x2, alf, h/t, s/t, d/g, Highland Rise, 9397 1489

Southern River

Archer, by Dale Alcock Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g,Trumpet St, 9242 9200 Geisha, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g, Michigan Turn, 9333 0888

South Yunderup

Boulevard, by Dale Alcock Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Byron Drive, 9242 9200 Daintree, by Plunkett Homes, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, a/r, d/g, Countess Circuit, 9537 7428 Astor, by Summit Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, t/g, Bremer Way, 9537 8481 Amberley, by Ventura Homes, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Bremer Way, 9537 7325

The Vines

Lexia, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g,Adlington Way, 0438 691 037

Vasse

Vasse, by WA Country Builders, S, 3x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Bridgeview Entrance, 9792 0100

Wandi

Monaco, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, alf, t/g, Lyon Rd, 0412 575 336 Wisteria, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, a/r, d/g, Marmion Ave, 9242 9200

Wanneroo

Kilimanjaro, by Summit, S, 4x2, h/t, g/r, alf, d/g, Montreal St, 9206 5276

West Swan

Da Vinci, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, g, St Leonards Blvd, 0413 758 404 Kingston, by Rural Building, S, 3x2, a/r, st, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 1800 643 800 Essence, by Ventura Homes, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, d/g, St Leonards Blvd, 9250 2422

Woodvale

Manhattan, by Dale Alcock, S, h/t, st d/g, Solia Loop, 9292 9200

over $300,000 Alkimos

Alkimos, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, d/g,Topsail Loop, 0401 836 616 Alkimos, by In-Vogue, D, 4x3, alf, h/t, d/g, Shipmaster Ave, 9202 9200

Australind

Homestead, by Dale Alcock SW, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, st, d/g, Orion Lane, 9792 0555

Jindalee Connecticut, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, h/t a/r, st, alf, d/g, Jindalee Blvd, 0417 981 911 Integra, by Novus, D, 4x2, h/t, st, t/g, alf, Jindalee Blvd, 9562 5581 Lamont, by APG, D, 4x3, a/r, st, d/g, Santa Barbara Pde, 9562 1155 Heston, by Broadway, D, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Jindalee Blvd, 9302 6161

Lakelands

Shoalwater, by Cedar Homes, D, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Neary Blvd, 9240 2125 Newman, by Broadway, D, 3x2, st, alf, d/g, Wesley Way, 9302 6161

Savana, by APG, D, 4x2, a/r, c/r, g, Cobaki Brace, 9583 3387 Lexington, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, alf, h/t, g/r, d/g, Cobaki Brace, 9202 9200 Berkley, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, a/r, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Jasper Way, 0429 939 576

Baldivis

Leederville

Aveley

Sinatra, by Broadway, D, 4x2, Makybe Drive, 9302 6161 Matrix, by Novus, D, 4x2, h/t, alf, d/g, Makybe Drive, 9523 0231 Rochdale, by APG, D, 4x2, t/g, Makybe Drive, 9523 0555 Diva, by Highbury Homes, D, 4x2, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g, c/r, Makybe Drive, 1800 214 864 Four Seasons, by Shelford, S, 4x2, st, a/r, dc/p,Wanderer Parkway, 0438 389 530 or 0419 929 961

Belmont

Lincoln, by APG, D, 4x2, a/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Vaucluse Circuit, 1800 884 041

Booragoon

Aurora, by Dale Alcock, S, 4x2, g/r, h/t, c/r, d/g, Marmion Ave, 9242 9200

Burns Beach

Sanctuary, by Peter Stannard, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Backwater Circle, 9304 9822 Asheville, by APG, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, d/g, Backwater Cir, 9304 9562

Busselton

Lamont, by WA Country Builders, S, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g,Almond Parkway, 9754 1609

Leederville, by Plunkett, D, 3x2, alf, d/g, Byron St, 9366 0322

Margaret River Cape Skillion, by Rural Building Company, S, 3x2, h/t, a/r, d/g, Crellin Place, 9758 7058

Melville Melville Waters, by Plunkett, D, 4x2, alf, st, d/g, Money Place, 9333 4003

Millbridge Woodbridge, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, a/r, h/t, d/g, Hatfield Way, 9724 1942

North Coogee Studio 78, by Platinum Homes, D/L, 3x3, s/t, h/t, dc/p, Mewstone Cres, 0415 406 820 The Look, by Ross Griffin, D, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Orsino Blvd, 9444 7965 Horizon, by Highbury, D, 4x2, h/t, d/g, Orsino Blvd, 1800 214 864 Halcyon, by Residential Attitudes, D, 4x2, a/r, st, d/g, Arabella Lop, 1800 331 388

Butler

Provence

Ready Built, by Dale Alcock, S, 3x2, d/g, Dania Way, 0417 177 978

Bunker Bay, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, a/r, h/t, d/g,Almond Parkway, 9751 2604

Churchlands

Southern River

Viento, by Residential Attitudes, D, 4x2, h/t, c/r, st, d/g, alf, Pinnata Mews, 1800 331 388 Luna, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Prionotes Cnr, 9202 9255 Onyx, by Novus, D, 3x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Pinnata Mews, 9284 1282 Emporio, by APG, D, 4x2, st, alf, d/g, Pinnata Mews, 9284 9013

Cottesloe

Lumiere, by RiverStone, D, 3x2, alf, Lillian St, 9436 9696

Dalyellup

Residence, by Dale Alcock, 4x2, a/r, h/t, alf, d/g, Dalyellup Blvd, 9792 0555

Darch

Rose Bay, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, a/r, d/g, Monticello Meander, 0302 6417

Darlington

Argyle, by Rural Building, S, 4x2, a/r, h/t, st, dc/p, Cnr Darlington and Coulston Rd, 1800 643 800

Ellenbrook

Avon Lodge, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, h/t, alf, a/r, d/g,Adlington Pass, 6296 6755

Erskine

Plaza, by National Homes, S, 3x3, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Sticks Blvd, 9534 7053 Bay Breeze, by Highbury, D, 4x2, g/r, a/r, c/r, st d/g, Sticks Blvd, 1800 214 864

Floreat

Toorak, by Peter Stannard, D, 4x2, st, d/g, Cnr Dunblane and Pearson, 0417 294 116

Hamilton Hill

Sienna, by Bellagio, D, 4x3, d/g, alf, Annean Lane, 9337 4500

Michigan, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Aldenham Drive, 9394 0437 Churchill, by Ross North, S, 4x2, h/t, d/g, a/r, Trumpet St, 0411 455 566 Monroe, by Broadway, D, 4x3, h/t, a/r, d/g, Harlequin Pass, 9302 6161 Arcadia, by Vision One, S, 4x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Michigan Turn, 9398 2883 Bletchley Park, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, st, d/g, Michigan Turn, 9394 0720 Ashford, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, alf, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Aldenham Drive, 9202 9202

Stirling Stanford, by In-Vogue, D, 4x3, st, h/t, a/r, alf, d/g, Lycium Quay, 9349 7554

Vasse Nautilus, by Dale Alcock, 4x2, st, h/t, alf, t/g, Bridgeview Entrance, 9792 0555

Wandi Honeywood, by Ross North, S, 4x2, c/r, alf, d/g, Fortis Pass, 0435 081 699 Woodlands, by Lifestyle, S, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st. g/r, alf, t/g, Lyons Rd, 0419 049 609 Australis, by Plunkett, S, 4x2, alf, h/t, g/r, st, d/g, Fortis Pass, 9366 0028

Woodlands Riviera, by APG Homes, D, 4x2, t/g, alf, h/t, a/r, Granich Gardens, 9204 1843

Yanchep Sorrento, by Rural Building, D, 3x2, dc/p, Beachhaven Drive, 1800 643 800

Harrisdale

Colonnade, by APG, D, 4x2, alf, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9397 2439 Shangri-La, by Ventura, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Countess Circuit, 9537 8459 Vale, by Ultimate Homes, D, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Foundry Turn, 0417 951 486 Liberty, by Lifestyle Homes, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9393 2544 Avonlea, by Peter Stannard, D, 4x2, st, d/g, Foundry Turn, 9397 2454

Hillarys

Bogart, by Broadway, D, 4x3, g/r, c/r, st, d/g, Seychelles Lane, 9302 6161

Hovea

Murchison, by Benlin, S, 4x2, h/t, st, d/g, Mueller Place, 9379 9220

Iluka

Notre Dame, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, h/t, a/r, st, d/g, Burns Beach Rd, 0418 943 549 Cove, by W&B, S, 4x2, g/r, d/g, Burns Beach Rd, 1800 802 636 Limelight II, by Highbury, D, 6x2, h/t, st, alf, d/g, Romanao Cres, 9304 0549 Westmont, by In-Vogue, D, 4x2, a/r, st, alf, d/g, Romano Cres, 9202 9202

KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS ✱ S: single storey ✱ D: double storey ✱ L: loft ✱ 3x2: 3 bed, 2 bath ✱ 4x2: 4 bed, 2 bath ✱ g/r: games room ✱ h/t: home theatre ✱ a/r: activity room

✱ c/r: computer room ✱ st: study or home office ✱ alf: alfresco ✱ sc/p: single carport ✱ dc/p: double carport ✱ g: garage ✱ d/g: double garage ✱ t/g: triple garage

opening hours ✱ Display homes are usually open 1pm-5pm on Sunday, 2pm-5pm on Monday and Wednesday, and 1pm-5pm on Saturday and public holidays. Please ring the builder to confirm. ✱ Price categories are correct at time of publication. Please check with the builder as to what specifications are included in the advertised price.

✱ From top to bottom; ✱ $150,000 to $200,000 Chandon by New Generation Homes in West Swan. ✱ $200,000 to $250,000 Havana by Ideal Homes in Baldivis. ✱ $250,000 to $300,000 Homestead by Dale Alcock Homes in Caversham. ✱ over $300,000 Alkimos by In-Vogue in Alkimos.

Pictures: Joel Barbitta, D-Max Photography and supplied.

HOME

40

most WANTED

Manu

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FEILDEL

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The co-host and judge of My Kitchen Rules and GQ magazine’s Chef of the Year shows us his favourites

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My son This artwork is by my son, Jonti. He’s charming, polite, genuine, giving, sharing and cheeky. I just love him with all my heart. Jonti, everything I do, I do it for you, buddy.

My bed I rarely have a chance to sleep in because of my crazy life, but when I do, what bliss! There is nothing like getting into your comfortable bed after a long and hard day at work.

Champagne Who? What? Did you say champagne? Yes please! I’ll have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Jewellery I love Linneys’ jewellery and ever since I discovered it, my taste (in jewellery) has definitely matured.They have a huge selection of men’s pieces that are very elegant, unique and masculine. I love that it’s handcrafted.

Cheese Cow’s milk, goat’s, wash rind, hard, creamy, blue – you name it, I love it. No matter what you do, you always end up needing more bread to finish your cheese, more cheese to finish your wine and more wine to finish your bread, and so on.

Coast I’m very lucky to have been chosen as an ambassador for Coast clothing. It’s casual but smart with lots of linen, great shirts and T-shirts, swimwear and even pyjamas. It’s perfect for me.

Cookbook I find that lots of Australians are scared to open a French cookbook. They think French cuisine is too complicated or that they have to spend hours in the kitchen. Well, not anymore! Manu’s

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French Kitchen features everything, hing, including everyday cooking and d recipes to impress your friends. s.

8 Sunglasses I kept breaking my sunglasses until my business ss partners decided to buy me a pair of Mykita’s.They’re light, flexible, don’t lose their shape, are indestructible and very cool. ol.

9 Coffee Coffee is a big thing in n Australia. I only need one in the he morning, but it has to be good..

I’ve got a little espresso machine ne from Lavazza at home and it’s quick and efficient.

10 My Kitchen Rules I get to eat great food, travel around d this beautiful country and, you have to admit, the hosts are pretty retty tt amazing. It’s the best cooking show on TV!

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Picture: Supplied

AFFORDABLE

EXCELLENCE

ROBE

4.2 X 3.0

5.0 X 4.3 PAVED

LINEN

LIVING

SHR

MH

KITCHEN

FR

BATH 31c HIGH CEILING

DINING

KS

KITCHEN

GAS HP UBO FLUMED DW R/HOOD REC

3c BULKHEAD

4.7 X 4.7

FEATURE DROPPED BULKHEAD

FR

ALFRESCO DINING

PAVED 3.4 X 4.8

DW REC

5.1 X 5.1

PTY

FEATURE DROPPED CEILING

ROBE

PTY

HOME THEATRE

BED 2

4.5 X 4.0 31c HIGH CEILING

4.2 X 3.0

$179,900 $237,900

SHR

SD

Display opening times

WC

5.0 X 4.0

31c HIGH CEILING

LINEN

L'DRY FW WM

PDR

LIVING

STORE

WC FW

4.2 X 2.9

The Alexa Shorehaven Estate, Alkimos, Leeway Loop

ROBE

4.6 X 4.5

FW

KIDS STUDY

The Alexa

3.1 X 4.0

ROBE

ROBE

ALFRESCO

BATH

REC

Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 1-5pm Mon & Wed 2-5pm

BED 2

3.9 X 2.9

3.9 X 4.0

3.2 X 3.0

NEW

BED 3

BED 4 BED 4

Whatever your stage in life there’s a craftsman built MyGen home for you. Quality and high specification come as standard.

ROBE

BED 3

STORE

L’DRY WM

HOME THEATRE

STORE

6.1 X 4.2

WIR

FW

DOUBLE GARAGE

SHR

5.8 X 5.7 28c HIGH CEILING

ENS ENSUITE NSUITE WC FW

DOUBLE GARAGE ENTRY

The Darlington

28c HIGH CEILING 5.8 X 6.0

31c HIGH CEILING

SD

ENTRY 31c HIGH CEILING

MASTER SUITE 1st

4.6 X 4.3

$177,900 $219,300

WIR REMOTE SECTIONAL DOOR

The Darlington St Leonards, West Swan, St Leonards Blvd

PAVED DRIVEWAY

CH PORCH

SHR

MASTER SUITE WC

4.0 X 4.5

PORCH PAVED

REMOTE SECTIONAL DOOR

PAVED DRIVEWAY

PAVED

Fre e c a ll 1800 806 803 HOME

ENS

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