Home Magazine Jul 1 by PerthNow

July 1- 7, 2012

home help Shannon Lush has some tips on kitchen storage for pots and pans P6

gardening Trevor Cochrane says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to grab a spade and start digging P25

photo finish Self-taught artist David Bromley shows us his favourites P28

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renovation

ARYLENE WESTLAKE home editor

AWAITING CO 1 Ad Number: Artwork: 1436 Size: 34.9x2 H Description: Account: Hom Colour: CMY 20 me: Filena

Alcock ent, Home Improvem Osborne Park, phone: 9204 9056, www.dahi.com.au

HEART CHANGE OF

✱ Builder: Dale

tyle us Hamptons-s t ormed into a spacio has been transf Dale Alcock Home Improvemen ment property by a second storey with an island This one-time invest large kitchen the addition of “I wanted a ere where we s a sink – somewh family home with bigger bedroom living zones, bench without and the kids could

meals areas.” y wanted separate have our casual kitchen and wet home was originall the team could and a modern HIS South Perth homework.” ent property to extra space needed, ts when she added do their To create the she had momen bought as an investm sold on, but Improvement y after Fiona admits and then Alcock Home and I done?”, especiall be refurbished with at Dale similar fixtures , “What have storey, using so much in love taken place. the thought on work had the owners fell to make a second avoid a stark contrast between some demoliti jarring experithat they decided fittings to says it was a addition. result. its old-world charm But though she and the new storey with the final original facade home. that the second it was she is very happy it their family and in keeping “but ence, with how fast really lovely “We were worried pleased admits, a is really Fiona were “We think it’s on,” e, which “We as if it Perth landscap might look added Fiona. us that it looks and some we had with the South all done,” says people have told six months and modern homes in many ed very of , mixture ner Fiona. there. “It was complet were fantastic says homeow an home, has always been the builder. They -style Australi older-style houses,” style. It’s well no issues with kept us happy. quite an old “It was a colonial d we have r-focused and “The house has k for the people have had it renovate of attention to ns- very custome but since we a bit of a landmar did pay a lot more of a Hampto known and is “And we really matching details, told it now has oofing, been as soundpr in the area. wanted to maina part in the the detail such renovate, we type look.” has really played e features is “In deciding to and I think that nd.” of Fiona’s favourit from l One backgrou .” n looks beautifu tain its historic house into the is final outcome which she says Alyesha Anderso transform the residence and the balcony, To help them and side of the owners sought both the front residence, the guests. perfect family Alcock Home she enjoys hosting a spot where is the large the team at Dale nment hub assistance of The other entertai items on Fiona’s Improvement. as being our of the main new second storey. see our house kitchen – one home with the it to be a “We now really The South Perth hy so we wanted must-have list. D-Max Photograp and I got it,” new kitchen permanent home, as a family,” Pictures: Joel Barbitta, “I needed a lovely could grow into place where we she says. says Fiona. with it, so we our kids to grow “We wanted

display home of the week Taylor by Broadway Homes

home help Shannon Lush gives some tips to prevent accidents in the kitchen

market place Ross Griffin Homes launches its new renovations division

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expert advice Find out what the carbon tax means for you as a homeowner or as someone who is about to build

build Serenity by Impressions the Home Builder

master builders Master Builders discusses the WA economy and its effect on the building industry

features editor Di Sattler

HOME editor

The latest kitchen and bathroom trends from around the world

Arylene Westlake 9326 9451 email: westlakea@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

designer

Kim Marocchi Jamie Grindley 9326 9219 email: grindleyj@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au Alycia White 9326 9186 email: whiteal@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

The Taylor display by Broadway Homes in Woodvale. Photographer: Joel Barbitta, D-Max Photography

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shopfront Furniture store Stylecraft finds a home in WA

Blum’s Servo-Drive, an electrical opening system for cupboards.

This time of year we’re usually thinking about how much money we’ll get back from the taxman. But the new carbon tax kicks in today, so we need to start thinking about how this will affect us when it comes to both building and running our homes. We get some expert advice on the implications on Page 10. We have also included a Kitchens & Bathrooms special this week for those thinking about reworking those high-traffic areas of the house. Learn about the design trends from this year’s international design shows on Page 16, and check out a contemporary kitchen fit-out on Page 19.

renovation A South Perth landmark has been transformed with the addition of a spacious second storey

our cover

kitchens & bathrooms This Bicton home has a sleek kitchen and ensuite fit-out

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most wanted Artistic home furnishings take their cues from Picasso to Warhol

gardening Get your soil in tip-top shape

open for inspection Your essential guide to metropolitan and country display homes

photo finish Australian artist David Bromley shows us his favourites

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display home OF THE WEEK

✱ Visit the new Display

Home of the Week gallery at PerthNow and feast your eyes on more of the Taylor’s impressive features.

TAILOR-MADE GLAM

ROADWAY Homes has added another Hollywood legend to its collection of glamorous display homes. Just opened in Woodvale, the Taylor is a singlestorey stunner with double-storey style. It’s also the ﬁrst single-storey display home Broadway has opened for several years and marks a return to the builder’s early days. “Broadway, in earlier times, was renowned for high-end single-storey homes and we are renewing this with Taylor,” says Peter Gobetti, sales and marketing manager at Broadway. From the Qstone benchtops in the kitchen and bathrooms and the frameless glass door to the shower in the ensuite, to the European cooking appliances and designer tapware, the Taylor is both elegant and unpretentious. “The design brief for the Taylor was for a large family home to grow into, with clever zoning and versatility,” Peter says. Priced at just over $300,000, the home has an impressive line-up of standard features, including a fully rendered elevation with sections of stone cladding, commercial-grade Armani windows, waterfall ends to the kitchen island bench, gloss laminate cabinetry and 31-course-high ceilings throughout.

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For buyers who want all the top-end fixtures, fittings and finishes as displayed, Broadway has drawn up a list of optional extras that include the tinted bifolding doors from the dining room to the alfresco, the streamlined outdoor kitchen, the stained cedar garage door and the extra wide cedar-lined eaves. Buyers can also choose to sink the family room, fit out the walk-in wardrobe with custom-made storage and add a CCTV security system. The Taylor’s free-flowing floor plan connects indoor and outdoor living spaces and provides the considered zoning that today’s families demand. Offering almost 300sq m of accommodation, it’s a generous four-bedroom home with a media room and a study. “This is the biggest single-storey design we could fit on to the 534sq m block,” Peter says. There’s a sense of space from the outset, with double front doors opening up to a dedicated entry foyer with a recessed ceiling and an artwork niche. A short passageway off the foyer leads to the study, past a large walk-in storage cupboard. The media room has been tucked in behind the garage, giving a sense of separation that

will no doubt encourage movie buffs and sports fans to turn up the volume. A sleek glossy kitchen is the focal point of the everyday living area and illustrates a lightness of touch and attention to detail that will appeal to a range of design-conscious buyers. As well as ample cupboards, drawers and benchtops, there is a large walk-in pantry, wide stainless steel appliances and an extra deep island bench with a 40mm stone top and integrated breakfast bar. Concealing a short section of kitchen benchtop behind a wall has created a nifty spot for the toaster and coffee maker. In the master suite, soft golds and warm creams emphasise sophisticated styling, while the ensuite features a hob-free shower, two square above-counter vanity basins, an oval bath in a tiled hob and a Velux skylight to ensure the space is ﬂooded with light. With maximum versatility in mind, Broadway has drawn up plans for a smaller version of the Taylor and a second-storey version with a studio. The builder also offers optional elevations encompassing both traditional and modern looks. Paula Evans

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home HELP

Shannon’s tip of the week Don’t store your cooking pots stacked inside one another from largest to smallest. This saves on space but it can become annoying when you have to unstack them each time you need a pot. Pots used regularly should be stored standing alone with their lids on top. The best place to store them is below waist height because they are heavy. This means if you drop them, the shorter distance to the floor means you are less likely to hurt yourself. Store them near the oven if possible to inhibit bugs.

Q&A My mother has given me a beautiful dress that she Q sewed for herself 40 years ago. I was devastated to find a stain on the top part (pictured), which was left there by a sticky name tag. I’m not sure what the exact fabric is, but it does feel synthetic. Can you please tell me how to remove the stain? This dress has great sentimental value.

adhesive on labels can vary chemically so in order AIf theThe to be precise I will give you a couple of alternatives. stain has yellowed and feels dry and crispy under the fingertips, you need to use lavender oil. Place a couple of drops of cheap lavender oil on to the stain with your fingertips and rub in circles. (Don’t buy expensive lavender oil as it is designed specifically for fragrance and does not contain as many of the volatile enzymes necessary for stain removal). Do not use any water. Once the stain starts to move you’ll see a sort of pasty sludge you can rinse out with a little dishwashing liquid and cold water. If, however, the stain is tacky, sticky and greyish brown in colour, you will need to use tea-tree oil in the same way, removing the excess with dishwashing liquid and cold water. Make sure you wash the entire garment afterwards to prevent water marks. We have a problem with mould in our kitchen Q cupboards from a leaking tap. We are having all the insides of the cupboards replaced as it is quite bad.

Hi! Shannon here again to help you with your domestic disasters. the solution any stronger than what I suggest. Making this solution stronger can damage surfaces and will not kill mould any better. Place a quarter teaspoon of oil of cloves into a litre of water in a spray bottle and lightly mist over the surfaces; you do not need to soak the surfaces. Leave the spray in position for 24 to 48 hours before wiping over with a little more of the mixture on a cloth to remove any detritus. Often you will find that the mould simply falls away by itself as dead spore cannot grip.

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

We will take off the cupboard doors while this is being done and was wondering what you would advise to do to totally get rid of the mould spores off the doors and out of the cupboards. We thought about washing the doors and putting them out in the sun for a few days but we’re guessing you have a better solution.

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

The easy way to kill mould spore is simply spray over the surfaces with a mixture of oil of cloves and water. The quantities are important – do not be tempted to make

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.

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SHANNON LUSH Queen of clean

House: Price: Display:

Cable Beach $295,820 Shipmaster Avenue, Alkimos

If you’re looking for a home that’s contemporary and stylish, take a fre esh look at Plunkett Homes. Drop by one of our display homes, call 9366 0100, visit plunketthomes.com.au or find us on facebook.

Displays Open – Monday & Wednesday 2 - 5pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 1 - 5pm Australis – Fortis Pass, Wandi Avon Lodge – Adlington Pass, Ellenbrook Bletchley Park – Michigan Turn, Southern River Cable Beach – Shipmaster Avenue, Alkimos Chittering Lodge – Solaia Loop, Woodvale Kartika – Jasper Way, Lakelands Rose Bay – Monticello Meander, Landsdale Toorak – Burlington Drive, Baldivis Leederville – Display open Saturday & Sunday 2 - 4pm 2 Byron Street, Leederville

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Ross Griffin Homes is bringing its contemporary style to a new renovations division. Pictures: Supplied

Renowned Perth builder Ross Griffin Homes is bringing its experience and expertise in the trade to a new renovations division, which will help homeowners looking to revamp their properties

T’S a common problem faced by many people building in an urban infill area. Do I bulldoze the old house and start from scratch or can I use the old house as a starting point for something fabulous? Builder Ross Griffin Homes has recognised the dilemma and is preparing to help, whatever the decision. The company’s new renovation division, which will be launched this month, will help those who decide to revamp and extend, while the existing new homes business will continue to work with those who opt to demolish and rebuild. Either way, clients will get the contemporary design flair and award-winning construction expertise that the family-run builder has become renowned for. They’ll also be able to take advantage of Ross Griffin’s integrated solutions, from the design and specification, right through to the pool and landscaping. Emma Benney, managing director at Ross Griffin Homes, says the company regularly receives inquiries from clients who love the

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Ross Grifﬁn design ethos and its display homes, but are weighing up the pros and cons of a new build or a renovation. “It seems crazy to send people away to other companies to explore the renovation/extension option when we have the design, drafting and construction expertise already in-house to fulﬁl the brief for them,” Emma says. What’s more, the builder specialises in providing solutions for buyers who are time poor and need a convenient “turnkey” solution that addresses their luxury building project in its entirety. “Increasingly, our clients are asking us to create a solution for their whole block of land, not just the house,” Emma says. “Building a home is one thing. Finishing it off is quite another.” Adding a sizeable contemporary extension to an existing structure needs even more project management and co-ordination than a new build. “We are equipped to help people, from the design and shire issues right through to the

point when they walk into their finished home and start entertaining,” Emma says. With town planning schemes varying from suburb to suburb, buyers also often encounter strict local government limitations that can influence their decision when it comes to renovating or rebuilding. “Town planning schemes and heritage agendas can often make it impractical to completely demolish and start from scratch,” Emma says. “Sometimes the smarter way to maintain the contemporary dream is to maintain the streetscape elements of the existing home and add a contemporary structure behind it. “This marries the local government’s desire to maintain the ‘feel’ of the suburb’s street appeal with the client’s desire for a new luxury home.” Would-be clients have the benefit of being able to tour several Ross Griffin display homes to check out the contemporary design and attention to detail they can expect from the new renovations division. Paula Evans

WE MAXIMISED LIVING. AND MINIMISED THE PRICE. THE GEOGRAPHE, JUST $479,000

Moments such as these do not arise very often. Right now, you have the rare opportunity to build The Geographe by Webb & Brown-Neaves for an incredible $479,000! Featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms and truly elegant open-plan living, The Geographe showcases how magnificent two-storey living can be for every family, no matter your stage of life. Contemporary,

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JINDALEE - THE WATERSUN, 265 Santa Barbara Pde. Ph: 9562 3070. MOSMAN PARK - THE PACIFICA, 70 Mathieson Ave. Ph: 9431 7600. NORTH COOGEE - THE SOUTH BAY, 20 Orsino Boulevard. Ph: 9434 9085. PIARA WATERS - QUARTZ, 361 Wright Road. Ph: 9397 0578.

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expert ADVICE

With the carbon tax coming into effect today, Alex Bruce from eTool discusses its impact on homeowners and home builders

HE price on carbon has been kicked around as the favourite political football for some time now, and it is ﬁnally coming into play today. With information also being thrown in from all sides of industry, it is pretty hard to get an understanding of how it’s going to impact the average homeowner or builder. To begin with, there may be additional costs when it comes to building a home because of the carbon price on materials, transport and labour. Subsequently, we may also have to fork out more when it comes to running our homes because of the taxes being imposed on our energy providers. So how nasty is it really going to be and what can you do about it? Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer as there are many variables that inﬂuence the cost of building. However, there is a lot you can do about it. In fact with a bit of intelligent design, you can achieve a cheaper build with lower ongoing costs and a reduced carbon impact.

Firstly, we need to understand how much carbon actually goes into building a new home and how much you will have to pay for it. There is a substantial amount of carbon attributed to manufacturing building materials, transporting them to site and assembling them. This is generally referred to as “embodied carbon”. Our research indicates that this sits at about 80 tonnes for the average Australian house and based on $23 a tonne, this would result in an increase of $1840 in costs. However, depending on which group you listen to, the stated impact of the carbon tax seems to vary between $0 to $6000 a house. Some groups suggest that due to all the shielding of manufacturing industries from initial carbon prices, the ﬂow of costs to consumers will be negligible. Others argue that not only will material costs go up but labour and services will also increase. The truth of it all is that it is pretty hard to predict how the industry will react.

One thing that is for certain, though, is that when compared with other existing impacts such as increasing labour costs, material shortages, increased design speciﬁcations and increases in average building size, the price on carbon will be pretty insigniﬁcant. To put this in perspective, houses have grown 40 per cent in size in the past 20 years and at the same time we have 10 per cent fewer people living in them. Therefore, even with a worst-case analysis of carbon costs, we are looking at only a 2.5 per cent increase in building costs. Another thing to consider is that houses are lucky to reach their 40th birthday in Australia, not because they fall over but because we push them over for redevelopment. So it’s not unreasonable to expect to be able to double this life span and get twice the value out of your home, thereby reducing the impact of this price on carbon by about 50 per cent. When it comes to actually running your home, it is predicted that the price on carbon

will increase your energy bill by about 10 per cent. This is about the same cost of having that second beer fridge running in the garage, setting the thermostat at 25 degrees in winter instead of 18 degrees, or about the cost of one cup of coffee per week. I know we’d all probably still like to be able to afford that weekly cuppa – and the good news is that you can.

Here are some very simple and costeffective improvements you can make to reduce the impact of the carbon tax on your new home: ✱ Focus on quality not quantity: The more

functional you can make your building, with the least amount of redundant space and redundant materials, the better your return on investment will be. If you look towards Melbourne and some more progressive parts of Australia, including Perth, this trend is moving fast. ✱ Design for the future: Make it last. Look for timeless character rather than flavour of the day and imagine what the area will look like in the future. Ideally, someone will still enjoy your

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building in 40 years time and value it rather than knock it down. Don’t let all of your efforts today go to waste in such a short period. ✱ Select materials wisely: Naturally some materials and fit-outs will have a higher carbon impact than others. Good material selection and sound construction methods will ensure you reduce the cost to build and maintain the home. ✱ Go green: A number of progressive builders and developers are creating energy efficient homes at no extra cost. This is being achieved through good solar-passive design principles and the inclusion of solar hot water and other energy efficient appliances. ✱ Think about transport: The carbon price will influence how much it will cost you to get to work, the shops, to school and even to go to the movies. Try and build and live somewhere with good amenities where you can walk, ride a bike or use public transport. In fact, taking this into consideration will increase your resale value too. Finally and most importantly, ﬁnd a progressive builder with an intelligent design process that accounts for all of the above components. You’ll end up with an affordable, quality home that is more comfortable, cheaper to run, environmentally sound and future-proof.

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F you’re looking for affordable luxury then the Serenity by Impressions the Home Builder may be the answer. On display in Harrisdale, this warm and inviting family home has a carefully balanced blend of style and space for a smidgeon over $235,000. The builder believes the flexible fourbedroom home encapsulates everything that the Impressions brand stands for, from its flexible floor plan and long list of features, to its smart elevation and energy-saving credentials. “Our objective when designing the Serenity was to showcase the true essence of the Impressions brand – affordable luxury,” says Laurie Baker, general manager at Impressions. Laurie says the home offers class and sophistication coupled with a stylish facade and a cleverly designed floor plan that can be adapted to suit the needs of growing families. “The Serenity was designed to appeal to families who seek a relaxed way of living and to encourage the seamless integration between indoor and outdoor entertaining,” he says. The home has been divided into two distinct zones. The theatre room and everyday living areas are to the front, while all four bedrooms have been arranged together towards the back. A cafe-style kitchen takes pride of place overlooking the dining area and family room. Its

high-gloss design features plenty of drawers, overhead cupboards and wide stainless steel appliances. Part of the kitchen has been slipped neatly behind a section of wall with slim cut-outs to the living area. This effectively keeps the sink and oven out of sight but makes a feature of a long section of benchtop around which friends and family can gather. A fireplace has been integrated into the wall on the living room side and there is space for a wall-mounted television. Sliding doors connect the dining room to the alfresco, which Impressions has dressed to impress with a sleek outdoor kitchen, available as an optional extra. “The Serenity showcases how the alfresco can act as an outdoor room and an extension of the house,” Laurie says. “This allows for seamless indoor/outdoor interaction.” Also opening out to the alfresco is the fourth bedroom, which has been set up in the display home as a versatile study or playroom. By using full-height bifolding louvred doors to separate the room from the living space in the display, Impressions has cleverly shown buyers how to add an extra layer of flexibility to the floor plan. An ideal playroom when the kids are small, this versatile room can instantly

be sectioned off and converted into a study or bedroom when needs change. Placing the master suite at the rear of the home has given the Impressions designers the opportunity to create a private resort-style courtyard that leads off the main bedroom. “Featuring a luxurious ensuite with twin vanities and a walk-in wardrobe complete with a stylish ﬁt-out, plus a sliding door to your own outdoor area, the master suite adds a resort-style feel to the home,” Laurie says. Traditional elements have been given a modern twist when it comes to the front elevation. The designers have married a sandﬁnish render with distinctive brickwork and a projected rendered band. “As an environmentally conscious home builder, Impressions was also mindful to produce a home design that embraces GreenSmart principles,” Laurie says. The Serenity includes energy-saving features, scores an 8-star energy rating and maximises accessibility. Paula Evans

bed 3

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bed 1

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bed 2 bed 3

alfresco bed 4/ study

bath pdr linen dining kitchen

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store

living double garage foyer home theatre

veranda

SERENITY ✱ builder

Impressions the Home Builder ✱ price

$235,170 ✱ location

Dealy Elbow, Harrisdale ✱ open

Today, noon-5pm; Monday and Wednesday, 2pm-5pm; Saturday, 1pm-5pm ✱ phone 6461 5297 ✱ website www.impressions.net.au

essentials ✱ size

✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

259sq m, including veranda, alfresco, garage and store width 13.4m depth 23.9m bedrooms Four bathrooms Two, plus powder room garage 37.77sq m

features ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

Veranda Alfresco Study/fourth bedroom Rear master suite Large walk-in wardrobe Store in garage

trade secrets ✱ Dark timber shutters complement warm tones and animal print fabrics.

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WIN ONE OF THREE OUTDOOR HEATERS HOME is giving you the chance

to win one of three Heatstrip Classic 2400W outdoor heaters, each valued at $699. Although temperatures outside may be falling, energy efficient outdoor heaters are enabling families to enjoy outdoor entertaining all year round. The Heatstrip Classic is a stylish electric radiant heater that provides an even and comfortable heat. With a distinctive slim profile and black face, the Heatstrip Classic blends elegantly into any decor. It is one of the most energy efficient heaters available in Australia with running costs starting from just 30c an hour. Australian designed and manufactured, the Heatstrip Classic provides excellent heat in any outdoor area. It comes in a range of sizes, with a two-year warranty. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a DIY installation. For your chance to win, simply write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to:

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master BUILDERS

GAVAN FORSTER

Mixed signals are being sent out with regard to the true state of the WA economy and this is having an adverse effect on the building industry, says Master Builders director Michael McLean

Picture: iStockphoto.com/mstay

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

EADING the headlines in The Sunday Times and tuning into other media outlets, you would have picked up the following information about our state’s economy: ✱ WA has experienced 7.8 per cent growth and

our economy is now higher than China’s ✱ We have a 3.8 per cent unemployment rate –

the lowest in the country ✱ More than 1000 people are relocating to WA

each week from the eastern states or overseas workers to alleviate critical skills shortages ✱ Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier is organising a delegation to NSW and Victoria in October to entice skilled workers to relocate to WA because the state could be 76,000 workers short by 2015 With this information in hand, it would be logical to conclude that everything is rosy in WA and we simply need more labour. But the recent decision by the Reserve Bank to reduce interest rates by 0.5 percentage points to their lowest level since the Global Financial Crisis – making it 1.25 percentage points since November last year – starts to paint a different picture. The Reserve Bank identiﬁed an uncertain outlook for the international economy, highlighted a sovereign debt crisis in several European countries and noted a slowing down in China. All of these developments have adversely impacted on consumer conﬁdence

that has contributed to fewer people buying new homes than expected. Consumer confidence is an extremely dynamic and volatile factor in everyone’s decision-making process. It’s like listening to the daily weather reports and adjusting your clothing before you step out of your door. Negative news seems to be dominating the airwaves, which is having the same effect on the housing industry. And this is in spite of all the strong economic conditions and WA Premier Colin Barnett describing current times as a “golden decade”. What builders and others would like to know is what will it take to turn things around? Will more interest rate reductions do the trick? Will sorting out Greece and other European countries improve consumer conﬁdence? Will it take a federal election and a majority government to settle things? The psyche of individuals becomes allimportant when buying a home. Unless you

feel confident about the future, you will tend to keep your hands in your pockets as you walk through display homes. Unfortunately, this turns into a “herd mentality” and a selffulfilling prophecy of doom. It takes courage to go against the flow. More than 20,000 West Australians will commit to building a new home in the next 12 months. They realise you can’t put off forever a decision to build. There will always be something that might hold you back. But, at the moment, there are a lot of things in your favour if you are thinking about building or renovating your home. The value you place on WA’s economic strength, your future job prospects and the benefits of building now versus uncertainty on the overseas front could have a bearing on your final decision. Being positive is a state of mind that each of us is able to control without the aid of weather forecasts. Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

A-Z BUILDING information Keeping steel components in your home protected against corrosion is a requirement by law if you are living close to the ocean, warns Master Builders technical adviser Romina De Santis

UR love of the ocean and urban creep along the coast means we are exposing ourselves to more than just the sound of lapping waves. The National Construction Code states that corrosion protection is required for buildings constructed within 1km of breaking surf and other exposure environments. Breaking surf refers to any body of saltwater in which waves break on an average of at least four days a week, but does not include white caps or choppy water. Breaking surf normally occurs in areas exposed to the open sea, and does not

normally occur in sheltered areas, such as the Swan River and similar locations. For example, because of the Swan River’s brackish water, wind direction and topography, the Building Code of Australia has classiﬁed the Perth metropolitan area in the medium/mild to steep corrosion level. Corrosion protection requirements are applicable to wire ties and structural steel beams as well as other building elements, such as roof sheeting, lintels, etc, and your builder is responsible for the suitability of the materials selected. But as the client and owner of the building,

you need to know about the maintenance requirements for your home. Keep steel components – in particular structural components – protected from corrosion in areas subject to more severe conditions. Wash down walls and the roof, inspect all the parts of your building for any signs of rust, and treat immediately. Paint protects the timber and steel used in your building so if it starts to show signs of cracking, bubbling or peeling, it is time for a repaint. There are also components of your home the NCC does not require corrosion protection for, and these are usually non-structural elements.

Picture: iStockphoto.com/ntmw

✱ Mining companies want to recruit 1700 foreign

Q A

Should I use pine timber or steel for my roof frame? I am very worried about termites. This is an interesting question. Over the past 10 years or so there has been an increasing use of steel in roofs, although untreated pine has a substantial market share still. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Supporters of steel roofs, which are being used nowadays by a number of major builders, argue that it is more environmentally friendly, firesafe and termite-proof. However, the timber industry rejects these arguments, stressing the high level of embodied energy used in steel roof manufacture, and the fallacy of the fire and termite arguments. Proponents of timber argue that the use of plantation pine is a renewable resource and that there are various effective termite prevention methods available in the marketplace. Even concerns about the European house borer may be a non-issue with the use of treated pine. Products such as Wespine Blue are promoted as effective against infestation. There is also an ongoing debate over the relative strength of steel versus wood. Timber is of course lighter than steel and is easy to work with. From a builder’s point of view, steel provides an opportunity for wider ceiling spans, which is important with the popularity of open areas in new homes, straighter ceilings and screwbased rather than nail fixing. Steel roofs are prefabricated rather than constructed on-site and perhaps reduce the chances of human error. Such “supply and fix” arrangements free the builder from supervising the work of on-site roof carpenters. Some people argue that steel roofs are much noisier due to expansion and contraction as the air temperature rises and falls. However, owners of steelroofed houses tell me that their homes are whisper quiet.

✱ 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

In this case, the builder only needs to build to a minimum standard so it might be wise to consider increasing the speciﬁcations of the corrosion protection for your home to keep it looking good for longer. You’d be surprised how quickly a home can age in a harsh coastal environment.

WANT TO VISIT 69 DISPLAY HOMES THIS WEEKEND?

On Display - Honeywood Estate Wandi Call Martyn Ferris on 0438 389 530 For a preview of this stunning home visit www.shelford.com.au

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

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As two of the most used areas in the home, it’s a wonder that we don’t spend more time and thought on the way our kitchens and bathrooms look. This week we showcase some of the trends coming out of international design shows and experts in the trade predict revolutionary change in these two areas.

kitchens & BATHROOMS

FROM WARM TO HOT Gone are the days when the kichen was purely a place for food preparation and the bathroom was there to help us get cleaned up. Both these areas have now become showpieces in the modern home

WO of the most functional rooms in the home – the kitchen and bathroom – are in the midst of a design revolution. What were once considered clinical, sterile spaces are being transformed into personal sanctuaries, packed with state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings. Nowhere was this more in evidence than at this year’s EuroCucina International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition, held biennially at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. Pernilla Johansson, Electrolux’s design director of major appliances for Asia Pacific, says the use of recycled and reclaimed wood was a big theme at EuroCucina this year, in addition to the use of new composite stone materials and more ecological cement surfaces. Retreat Design’s Steve Johnson, who also visited Milan, agrees. “There have been several shifts in designs and finishes for both kitchens and bathrooms in 2012,” he says.

According to Steve, we can expect to see more wood veneer, cement and acrylic finishes in both kitchens and bathrooms, complementing matt white cabinetry. He says there’s been a definitive move away from gloss, with matt lacquer the kitchen and bathroom door finish of choice. “Most exhibits at EuroCucina this year used the same colour palette with a variation of white, beige, brown and black,” Pernilla adds. “The tones are warm and often tone on tone. “There is an increase of black, however, and white as a base colour is still more commonly seen, though white would be mixed with other materials and rarely used by itself. The all-white kitchen is out. “Often, darker tones are used inside lighter cabinets or sometimes the other way around. More importantly, the use of multiple material, colour and texture experiences is coming through everywhere.” In the last few months, Cosentino has exhibited at EuroCucina, Milan Design Week and Sydney’s DesignEX. Gary Isherwood, country manager of Cosentino Australia, has noted some distinct trends for both kitchen and bathroom design. “We’ve noticed a desire for ultra-thin benchtops in both the kitchen and bathroom,” he says. “This return to thinner benchtops has come about to balance the bulky cabinets below.”

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David Noakes, Blum’s director of sales and marketing, saw the sharp angles of the past being replaced in many of the designs at EuroCucina. “There weren’t many differences in function, however softer lines and curves complemented the natural visual impact of wood grains and neutrals,” he says. In the kitchen, integration continues to be king. “Seamless integration in the kitchen makes the space feel less like an area for household chores and more an extension of the living space,” says Lisa Sutcliffe, Asko sales and marketing executive. “Items such as fully integrated dishwashers and concealed range hoods help create this feel.” Steve Johnson adds: “Electrical appliances are still being integrated to assist in creating the feeling of simplicity and clean lines. Retractable doors are here to stay. “Emerging technologies that allow for the clever use of space are continuing to grow. At EuroCucina I saw a spectacular sliding breakfast bar that slid over the hotplate and sink when not in use. This was coupled with a retractable tap. “And over the last few years, we have seen bathroom vanities being increasingly hung off the wall. This design trend is now emerging in kitchens. Kitchen cabinetry is trending towards having no plinths and instead being

wall-hung. This assists to create a sense of simplicity and clean, functional design.” According to Steve, range hoods are still used to create a feature with a big and bold hood when on a kitchen island. However, there is a move back to simple, hidden hoods when they are on a wall in a kitchen. Pernilla Johansson says handles are almost entirely absent in modern kitchens. “If they are there, they consist of ﬂatly angled grips, perfectly integrated with the base material, such as wood-on-wood or glass-on-glass,’’ she says. “The most premium kitchens continue to build on the trend of motorised doors and drawers, with solutions for more types of cabinet and cupboards. These include extremely large sliding doors which can conceal an entire work area.” In the bathroom, we’re moving away from the notion of the “wet room” and towards the concept of the bathroom as a luxury retreat. “The bathroom provides us with a wealth of opportunities for creating our own personal space for wellbeing in everyday life,” says

Philippe Grohe, head of the Axor brand at Hansgrohe. “Therefore, it makes sense to ask ourselves what we really need in the bathroom functionally and emotionally, what gives us pleasure, and how we want to handle and experience water.” Tanya Sharpe, senior marketing executive at Rogerseller, agrees. “Enjoying the beneﬁts of wellness therapy in your own home is a major trend in luxury bathrooms,” she says. “Whether it’s a steam room in your shower, a sauna or spa, the variety of products to deliver a relaxing and therapeutic experience is expanding.” Gary Isherwood has also noticed more Australians turning their personal bathrooms into a house spa and relaxing room. “With this, we’re seeing a desire for natural colours like whites and beiges, which help to give the room a fresh and soothing feeling,” he says. The trend for the bathroom as a sanctuary will see the freestanding bathtub become a must-have. “In the last few years we have seen the Continued on Page 18

1. Philippe Starck’s Salon d’Eau – a living space with water – for Axor at Hansgrohe, www.hansgrohe.com.au. 2. Cubo Doccia LED showerhead, from $1677, from Candana, www.candana.com.au. 3. Retreat Design recently completed this bathroom in Subiaco, which shows off the trend for lineal design and long, slim-line cabinetry. 4. The use of recycled and reclaimed wood was a big theme at EuroCucina, in addition to the use of new composite stone materials. 5. Thin Silestone work tops, distributed by Cosentino through Galvin Hardware, phone: 9441 8588. 6. New from Blum is Servo-Drive, an electrical opening system for cupboards.

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE... Contemporary to Traditional Award Winning Kitchens 2012 FIAA West Australian Furniture of the Year Awards Winner • Excellence in Built in Furniture – Kitchens 2011 HIA Kitchen Award Winners • Kitchen Design of the Year • Excellence in Showroom Display • Renovated Kitchen Project of the Year • Renovated Kitchen Project $30,001 - $40,000 • Renovated Kitchen Project $40,001 - $50,000 • Renovated Kitchen Project $50,001 & Over

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Phone (08) 9445 2677

www.westerncabinets.com.au 1/9 Sundercombe St, Osborne Park

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kitchens & BATHROOMS

Continued from Page 17

100% West Australian owned, designed and manufactured.

freestanding bath rapidly become a statement piece in Australian bathrooms,” says Belinda Geels, Reece Bathroom marketing manager. “Thanks to the vast options in shape, size, material and price point, it is clear to see why these options are overtaking inset bath sales.” Jonathan Carter from Victoria + Albert says: “Having a beautiful freestanding bath to relax in within the home seems to be a definite musthave with consumers. Moreover, we are seeing a trend towards the bathroom space becoming more adventurous with a movement towards installing the freestanding bath within the bedroom for a more luxurious, indulgent feel.” Freestanding showers have also emerged as one of the hottest trends this year. “People want their bathrooms to be a peaceful and soothing sanctuary rather than a functional space now,” says Paco Jaanson Australia director Ari Zorlu. “This year we are seeing more shower changeovers than any other product in the bathroom. The freestanding shower is a serene fixture, which many consider the most important facet in the room today. “Right now they are a vital selection for customers who are considering a mini-makeover in their room to bring out that R&R aspect.”

Bathroom fixtures brand Raymor reports a growing trend towards the “outdoor” bathroom. The company says homeowners are opting to install floor-to-ceiling windows and louvres, through which to view foliage and shrubs, or in the case of major renovations, positioning the shower cubicle outside the exterior line of the house in order to create a sense of “enclosure” by foliage. Along with this trend, according to Raymor, is a preference for clean, organic shapes in the bathroom such as curved baths, soft edges to toilets and tapware and generally an earthy, natural palette in wall and floor finishes and accessories. Belinda Geels adds: “Gentle, sweeping curves are emerging in tapware as the trend of organic shapes continues to grow. The contrast of sleek chrome and soft curves is becoming ever-more desirable.” Steve Johnson believes that softer and muted colour palettes are being used in bathrooms to create the sense of a sanctuary within the home. “Bathroom cabinetry is more lineal with long and integrated sinks fitting into slim-line cabinetry,” he says. Lisa Shearon

7. D38 freestanding shower in chrome, $2300, from Paco Jaanson, phone: 1800 006 260, www.pacojaanson.com.au. 8. Montana “timber” tiles, from $145/sq m, from Ceramo, phone: 9445 1777, www.ceramo.com.au. 9. Cabrits bath, price on application, from Victoria + Albert, phone: 1300 737 779, www.vandabaths.com/aus.

Kitchen Craftsmen is Western Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and installer of beautiful, original kitchens. Because we are involved in every aspect of your dream kitchen’s fruition, you’re guaranteed a highly personalised service, incomparable craftsmanship and our absolute attention to detail. Call or visit a Kitchen Craftsmen showroom today and share some of your aspirations with a professional kitchen craftsmen. 9

1300 548 272 www.kitchencraftsmen.com.au there’s a Kitchen Craftsmen showroom near you Joondalup 9300 0064 Cannington 9258 4219 Midland 9250 8866 O’Connor 9331 5377 Osborne Park 9443 7200 Mandurah 9581 8166 Karratha 9185 5766 KC9019

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kitchens & BATHROOMS The ensuite bathroom and kitchen in the Bicton home after the Western Cabinets makeover. Pictures: Joel Barbitta, D-Max Photography

DREAM REMEDY The team at Western Cabinets were given a free hand to transform the kitchen and bathrooms in this Bicton home into contemporary areas and the owners say they are now a dream to use

HEN the owners of this new Bicton abode wanted a functional kitchen that would form the hub of the family home, they found their knights in shining armour in the team at Western Cabinets. The busy family – a professional couple and their two teenage children – were looking for a clean and contemporary kitchen that complemented the rest of the home. In addition to the kitchen, the owners also wanted Western Cabinets to redesign their ensuite and guest bathroom. They gave Western Cabinets designer Debbie Ferguson a free hand in coming up with a concept and immediately fell in love with the designs created, according to the ﬁrm’s design and sales manager Simon Cox. “The obvious choice to create the clean lines was to do away with handles for the

contemporary style of cabinetry,” Simon says. “A strong European influence is also evident in the kitchen with the modular cabinetry and the way the island bench is suspended by the use of stainless steel legs and a low-height drawer unit.” Through the careful selection of products and finishes, the same sleek look was achieved throughout the rest of the wet areas. “Doors in Navlam grey oak veneer in a sandblasted finish were chosen to complement the travertine marble floor and wall tiles of the ensuite and bathroom,” Simon says. “The floor tiles were followed through to the living areas and kitchen and the veneer was repeated in the kitchen to create a feature to the island bench and storage cabinetry. “High-gloss acrylic doors were used in most of the kitchen cabinetry to contrast with the textural, matt effect of the sand-blasted

veneer, and white CaesarStone has been used with a negative detail to the underside of the benchtop. “The CaesarStone was also used in the bathroom and ensuite and complements the bold patterns of the wall and ﬂoor tiles.” A large, freestanding, composite stone bathtub bought by the owners on a recent trip to Indonesia completes the ensuite. Simon says that when redesigning kitchens, attention should be paid to its role as the “epicentre and engine room” of the home. “Most families spend a lot of time there and it is important that the kitchen is tailor-made to suit you, your lifestyle and your family’s needs,” he says. “The owners say the kitchen and bathrooms are a dream to use. They now love to invite their friends over to entertain.” Alyesha Anderson

KITCHEN TIPS ✱ Make the most of your space

within your kitchen cabinetry. Use pull-out drawers, pull-out detergent and spice racks as well as LeMans and carousels for corner cabinets. ✱ Choose durable surfaces. Your floors and benchtops take the most of the wear so it is worth investing in the best surface you can afford, to ensure that it is fit for purpose. ✱ Ensure your lighting is right, with well-illuminated preparation and cooking spaces. Use energy efficient LED lights for task and mood lighting. ✱ As a general rule of thumb, 7 per cent of the value of your home is a good amount to spend on renovating your kitchen. Whatever your motive is for a kitchen makeover, it will add value to the quality of your life. ✱ Cabinets: Western Cabinets, Osborne Park, phone: 9445 2677, www.westerncabinets.com.au

Bathroom Renovations Perth is a WA family owned and operated business. Specialising in Bathroom, Laundry, WC and Kitchen renovations. Providing everything from tradesmen, supplies, products and 3D designs. Let Bathroom Renovations Perth take the hassle and mess out of renovating, so all you have to do is enjoy the stunning results. Sam Karkar Mobile: 0409 101 373 Email: skarkar@bigpond.net.au www.bathroomrenovationsperth.com

w w w. b a t h r o o m r e n o v a t i o n s p e r t h . c o m HOME

renovation

CHANGE OF HEART This one-time investment property has been transformed into a spacious Hamptons-style family home with the addition of a second storey by Dale Alcock Home Improvement

HIS South Perth home was originally bought as an investment property to be refurbished and then sold on, but the owners fell so much in love with its old-world charm that they decided to make it their family home. “We think it’s really lovely and in keeping with the South Perth landscape, which is a mixture of very modern homes and some older-style houses,” says homeowner Fiona. “The house has quite an old style. It’s well known and is a bit of a landmark for the people in the area. “In deciding to renovate, we wanted to maintain its historic background.” To help them transform the house into the perfect family residence, the owners sought the assistance of the team at Dale Alcock Home Improvement. “We now really see our house as being our permanent home, so we wanted it to be a place where we could grow into as a family,” says Fiona. “We wanted our kids to grow with it, so we

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wanted separate living zones, bigger bedrooms and a modern kitchen and wet areas.” To create the extra space needed, the team at Dale Alcock Home Improvement added a second storey, using similar ﬁxtures and ﬁttings to avoid a stark contrast between the original facade and the new addition. “We were worried that the second storey might look added on,” Fiona admits, “but many people have told us that it looks as if it has always been there. “It was a colonial-style Australian home, but since we have had it renovated we have been told it now has more of a Hamptonstype look.” One of Fiona’s favourite features is the balcony, which she says looks beautiful from both the front and side of the residence and is a spot where she enjoys hosting guests. The other entertainment hub is the large kitchen – one of the main items on Fiona’s must-have list. “I needed a lovely new kitchen and I got it,” she says.

GET THE LOOK ✱ Builder: Dale Alcock

Home Improvement, Osborne Park, phone: 9204 9056, www.dahi.com.au

“I wanted a large kitchen with an island bench without a sink – somewhere where we could have our casual meals and the kids could do their homework.” Fiona admits she had moments when she thought, “What have I done?”, especially after some demolition work had taken place. But though she says it was a jarring experience, she is very happy with the final result. “We were really pleased with how fast it was all done,” says Fiona. “It was completed in six months and we had no issues with the builder. They were fantastic, very customer-focused and kept us happy. “And we really did pay a lot of attention to detail such as soundproofing, matching details, and I think that has really played a part in the final outcome.” Alyesha Anderson

The South Perth home with the new second storey. Pictures: Joel Barbitta, D-Max Photography

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