What's New?
Hand-picked new products and ideas from talented designers and leading boutique retailers
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Five Elements of Decorating
Tips for choosing the right builder from Neil Hipwell, Founding Director of Australia's leading design builders, Futureflip
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The reviva™ range of power tools is designed for a new generation of eco-conscious homeowners, who want to have DIY tools
Fancy a bit of DIY painting this weekend? Then let Dulux guide you with paint application tips.
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Featuring visually dynamic architectural bricks from Adbri Masonry, this multigenerational award-winning home is bold and breathtaking
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Discover how this ‘90s Suburban House was Transformed into a Spacious, MultiGenerational Masterpiece
NEW YEAR DECOR RESOLUTIONS
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AND MUCH MORE
I'm delighted to welcome you to the fifth issue of 'Plush Homes' and our first issue as we go monthly
Renovating and redecorating our homes is a national past-time in Australia and New Zealand so it's a pleasure to bring you inspiration, tips and expert advice
In this issue we'll investigate many aspects of renovating and redecorating including how to avoid renovation regret, 2023 colour forecast, paint prep tips, and much more
We'll also look at sustainable power tools and some real renovation projects of Aussie homes
It was an honour to speak with Neil Hipwell, Founder of 'Future Flip' Australia's leading design build company for expert renovation advice so you can avoid reno regret
Your home is your sanctuary and it should be a calm, happy, restful and safe place for your and your family. It's your authentic space and a place you don't want to leave
I'd love 'Plush Homes' to help you on your journey
Thank you for being here
Now you can have super stylish barn doors as your shower screen Available in four finishes with flexibility to fit almost any shower area DIY solution with everything you need in one kit See more at Future Glass
Add luscious curves to your home with a new arch door Exclusive to Hardware Concepts, includes door + architrave in two handy sizes
See what's new at Kimmy Hogan, one of our favourite Australian artists You'll find the perfect art work for your wall available on canvas or fine art paper in a variety of sizes
70's conversation pit inspired, the FLOAT is new from designer Sarah Ellison Striking and confident, the FLOAT is a flexible modular offering several different options Hang out with the hip crowd on this deep seated modular with puffy channelling Groovy baby!
Pared back and timeless, the June Lamp features a carved travertine stone base making each piece unique Organic and craftsman at En Gold
Add colour and texture to your wet area renovation with a gorgeous metal sink 304 stainless steel Water sense acoustic cushion for sound deadening Available in a variety of sizes, sink layouts and four colours from ABI Interiors
by Penelope Herbert
Tips for choosing the right builder from Neil Hipwell, Founding Director of Australia's leading design builders, Futureflip
Image Supplied by Bisley
Australian homeowners are undertaking more home renovations then ever. So
“Besides traditional word of mouth, the Find a Builder online tool, with its local search functionality is a great resource and one which can help you find local builders,” suggests Neil. “Tapping into the amazing content and direct lines of communication with builders via their social media accounts is another way to find a potential builder and see if their previous projects align with your vision.”
Did you know that 34% of home renovators are not completely happy with their finished product? This data was secured by leading building products company James Hardie who conducted a survey of over 1,025 qualified respondents
Dissatisfaction occurred due to various factors including compromising on the home layout, the exterior look, or fittings and finishes This data makes choosing a builder even more critical.
As an interior designer, I know most builders are not designers. As a home owner, you need a clear vision and an experienced professional to help you even before you engage a building company
With this in mind, I had a chat with Neil Hipwell, Founding Director of Futureflip, Australia's leading design build company, and James Hardie Ambassador
Regardless of whether you engage an interior designer or you have the skills to create the home you want yourself, you need to know exactly what you want to achieve
"Before you approach potential builders, having a set vision from the start is the key to a successful build," says Neil "Clarify your vision by gathering relevant images and present them as a mood board "
I'm pleased to hear Neil recommend this as we encourage clients to use Pinterest and Instagram to find ideas, colours, shapes and room-scapes they like Neil further suggests using Style Sourcebook which is a free mood board creator used by interior designers (we use it), decorators, stylists and DIY'ers alike
Neils says "Mood boards make for consistent decision-making and help illustrate ideas to builders so they can understand and work towards your vision"
“Start to consider the needs of your build including the materials to help you achieve the look you want,” recommends Neil “Resources like James Hardie’s Modern Look Book helps with design, style and materials choice
Don't be afraid to ask builders and tradies questions that concern you If they don't communicate adequately then maybe they aren't the right builder for you Once you have a list of potential builder candidates, ask about their experience, build start time, project cost, and licenses. “It’s important to set and communicate a firm budget with your builder, while also keeping in mind the potential difference between the budgeted and final costs of the project,” says Neil
Neil recommends looking for craftsmanship and an eye for design, by going through your builder’s past projects and checking that they have strong attention to detail. “You should also check if they have worked with the building materials you are considering using and confirm previous projects were delivered on time and budget,” said Neil
“Gravitate towards builders who are happy to provide addresses of past projects and contact details of former customers Their transparency in this area, as well as license and insurance details, specifically Public Liability Insurance and Home Building Compensation, provides great peace of mind ”
To successfully achieve your vision, lines of good communication, and a solid rapport with your selected builder and their team will need to be established.
“Ask about their tender process, check their standard inclusions list, request their timelines and hand-over procedure, and triple check the contract,” notes Neil
“Finally, review the head contract to check the build speed, liquidated damages, and run the costs again.”
while most renovations deliver on the homeowner’s overall vision, renovation regret is a factor for those whose renovation didn’t meet expectations.
Starting a building project is a really exciting time and a good builder will help bring your unique vision to life - but it can be daunting If you are looking for inspiration to start your journey, James Hardie’s Modern Look Book is the place to start If you’re searching for quality local builders, try the Find a Builder tool on the James Hardie website: https://www.jameshardie.com.au/find-a-builder.
Neil's advice is based on his defining work as a builder and Founding Director of Futureflip However, how Neil got to this point is an interesting story itself I was intrigued as to what influenced Neil to become a builder
"I’ve always loved building, ever since I was a kid When I was three years old, I was in the backyard building cubby houses with sticks, " shares Neil "I think it’s in my makeup to be a builder - I’ve always loved creating things, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do "
Neil started Futureflip in 2008 during the GFC He saw many builders and developers go bankrupt because of a decline in the property market which flowed into construction.
Neil says " The people who were scaled to build at volume, building big units, townhouses and duplexes had big overheads However I had very little overheads, I just had my tools and ute and I was living in my parent’s garage
"People weren’t looking to do big knock-down rebuilds, they just wanted to make their home more comfortable and liveable. So I focused on cost-effective bathroom and kitchen renovations, as you needed a builder to help with this (they could make other smaller cosmetic changes like new carpet or painting on their own) This filled a gap in the market initially, I was getting a lot of work while others focused on larger scale projects were struggling for work "
As Neil moved through this period the market began to stabilise and then increase in 2010. When Neil noticed the market picking up, he saw his opportunity to do more full-scale homes and duplex projects.
"At first duplexes weren’t particularly profitable, but as the market increased into 2011 and 2012 and I was doing my own duplex development, we started taking on more developments for clients. Then in 2013 to 2018, there was an insane boom for duplexes, explains Neil.
"We completed nearly 100 duplexes in that time, and my clients were making an incredible amount of money from Futureflip designing and building their duplexes That was the duplex heyday, I’ve never seen anything like it, the property market was increasing year on year, and sometimes the value of the duplexes was rising up to 20% from starting construction to completion."
Neils says that nearly all the duplexes designed and built by Futureflip set a record for the suburb they were developing in because they were creating high-end developments with custom designs The market slowed in 2018 but increased rapidly in mid2020. Now in 2022 the building landscape is changing again.
"Now, we see a gap in the luxury market. People who have worked hard and made money in developments in 2013-2018 are now looking to settle down and build their forever homes, says Neil "They’re not as interested in flipping properties or developing, but they want to settle down We are finding that the property market doesn’t have much of an influence here, people just want to design and build their forever home that they’ll love to live in, and that’s what we are passionate about creating."
Neil confirms that being a media personality wasn't something planned or even something he thought was possible He says when he started Futureflip he felt too awkward to even record his own voicemail
"I don’t know how it evolved, but it shows that if you’re passionate about something and you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, you can go far, Neil explains with his trademark grin "I was always an introvert and wasn’t great at communicating, so sometimes I’m shocked to find myself speaking on camera. I’m really passionate about what I do and the construction industry as a whole, and I love learning about new materials and new techniques, so when I’m talking about it I think the passion comes through
"Being an Ambassador for James Hardie has provided a great opportunity to communicate with a broad range of builders and homeowners. I’ve worked on a series of videos focused on building business topics, as well as top tips for homeowners when choosing a builder, and designing and building their dream home "
Neil says he loves being a builder because there is diversity in his work and the opportunity to wear many hats. He says every day offers different challenges and he enjoys problem solving
"I’m now in more of a designer role, and I’m leading a team of designers to help create the product I’ll build.
"Architects have always been seen as the top of the food chain However, now I’m controlling the house and the product from day one I’m not building something that’s not in line with my creative approach. I love being able to create something that’s going to last and be low impact on the environment, I can build my brand now - I’m able to create the design as well as the product that gets built
Perhaps surprisingly (or perhaps not) Neil would love to see more affordable options for eco-friendly luxury homes.
"I think people need to stop being caught up in massive houses If you want a luxury home that's eco-friendly look at smaller homes Tiny houses and smaller high-performing modular dwellings are the next trend. Australia is starting to wake up to climate change, and we’ll be forced to build houses that perform well because of the increasing cost of energy The easiest way to achieve a sustainable house is to build them smaller, and to just choose a design that reflects what you need There’s no need to overkill with creating big homes with rooms that will never be used."
BLACK+DECKER® has launched the reviva™ range of power tools designed for a new generation of eco-conscious homeowners, who want to have tools to complete an array of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects in and around the home
The new sustainable power tools range includes a Drill Driver, Detail Sander, Jigsaw and Screwdriver
Most DIYers have an impressive range of tools to help them create the home they want. And often they are looking for the 'next best thing'. Well how about a range of sustainable power tools for the ecoconscious?
The reviva™ power tools deliver all the reliability, ease of use, and safety that users expect from the BLACK+DECKER brand, with the added benefit of eco-friendly construction and a fully sustainable lifecycle Manufactured from 50% recycled material that has been formulated for optimum durability, these tools provide exceptional power, runtime and cordless convenience, with no compromise on power or performance
Each reviva™ tool is constructed with a durable housing made from Tritan™ Renew – a 50% certified recycled material created from repurposed single-use plastic bottles Within the first three years, more than 10 million[1] plastic bottles are forecast to be removed from oceans and landfills to manufacture the BLACK+DECKER reviva™ range. In addition to its eco-friendly composition, every tool in the reviva™ family is delivered in 100% recycled packaging, which doubles as a storage box and is fully recyclable No plastic is used in the production of the sleeve or internal carton
Phillippa Harding, ANZ Group Marketing Manager for Consumer Products at Stanley Black & Decker says, “With the launch of the reviva™ series, BLACK+DECKER has taken the next major step in its journey to sustainability Made from environmentally-friendly, recycled materials, these revolutionary products are designed to meet the needs of a new generation of eco-conscious homeowners, who actively seek products that make less impact on the planet. Our research has shown that many would purposefully switch to a more sustainable brand when choosing household goods.”
Developed to have minimum impact on the environment throughout their entire lifecycle, reviva™ tools are built without common components such as rubber over moulds or coatings, to facilitate more efficient ‘end of life’ disposal Once the tool is no longer fit for purpose, it can be sent back to BLACK+DECKER for recycling into future products: the owner simply scans the QR code on the tool for instructions on how to return the equipment
This first-of-a-kind cordless Drill Driver contains the equivalent of eight single-use plastic water bottles[4] Designed to complete a huge variety of drilling and screwdriving tasks around the home and garden, the reviva™ Drill Driver is equipped with an 11position clutch for ultimate control This versatile tool delivers power and speed, drilling over 200 holes on a single charge[3]the 12V 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery ensures excellent runtime on a single charge
Perfect for accessing tight or awkward spaces, it’s compact and slimline and weighs in at just 1kg, making it extremely comfortable to use, even for repetitive jobs Putting the user in complete control, the reviva™ Drill Driver features a variable speed trigger and forward/reverse switch, and is therefore ideal for both driving and removing screws. A keyless 10mm chuck affords quick and effortless bit change, while the built-in LED indicator makes it easy to see when the battery is fully charged and ready for use
Made with the equivalent of 13 repurposed single-use plastic water bottles[1], the impressive cordless reviva™ Detail Sander delivers over 30 minutes of constant run time[5] with lightweight, ergonomic styling and multiple grip positions This makes it an extremely flexible and manoeuvrable tool for tackling a variety of applications including smoothing, finishing and paint removal It is suitable for sanding intricate areas, as well as furniture or crafting, thanks to its precision detail base With a 12V 1 5Ah lithium-ion battery, there is plenty of power and runtime to complete various upcycling projects, while the convenient LED indicator will alert when it is time to plug in and recharge For added durability and long life, the reviva™ Detail Sander is equipped with a protective dust-sealed switch
Built for power and flexibility, the reviva™ Jigsaw is constructed from recycled materials, incorporating the equivalent of 18 singleuse plastic water bottles[6] Light and compact in form factor, it can cut up to 8M2 on a single charge.[7] This versatile cordless Jigsaw enables precise and effortless cutting around profiles, curves and corners in wood, metal and plastic. A variable speed trigger allows finger-tip control, while its slim ergonomic handle and low 1.4kg weight make it suitable for working in narrow or restricted spaces
Protecting the user from accidental operation, it features a builtin safety lock trigger, while a wire blade guard ensures excellent visibility of the workpiece and highly accurate operation
Outstanding power and runtime are provided by the integrated 12V 1 5Ah lithium-ion battery, and a helpful LED indicator warns when the battery requires a charge This high-quality Jigsaw also includes a metal shoe for added durability, and a tool-free blade clamp for quick and simple blade change
The perfect tool for tackling flat pack furniture assembly and other common household screwdriver tasks, the reviva™ 3 6V Screwdriver is manufactured from recycled material amounting to 4 single-use plastic bottles[8] Simple to use, with a single switch forward/reverse action for tightening and loosening, this lightweight, compact screwdriver fits into tight spaces with ease, while the bright LED work light illuminates dark, hard-to-see areas
Thanks to its convenient 2A micro-USB charge port and efficient Lithium-ion battery that holds 80% of its charge over 90 days – even when idle, there is no need to charge before each use, meaning reduced downtime, less hassle and more projects completed. The built-in LED state-of-charge indicator ensures users always know when the tool is ready to go
The reviva™ range is available online from https://www.blackanddecker.com.au/solutions/reviva
For additional information, inspiring project ideas and videos, please visit the BLACK+DECKER website at https://www.blackanddecker.com.au/
Over 13,400 images in curated design sets to make finding inspiration even easier
Then let Dulux guide you with paint application tips.
prior to use, flick the bristles of a paint brush back and forth to remove dust moisten the brush with water if using a water-based paint or mineral turpentine if using oil-based paint dip only half the length of the bristles in the paint tap, don't wipe, against the side of the tin - don't over press - allow the paint to flow from the brush paint with light even strokes working from the top down when painting a large area, apply paint to a 50cm x 50cm area, brsh the paint with horizontal strokes to even out the paint and finish off with light vertical strokes in one direction
pre-wash your roller in water for use in water-based paints This will 'de-fuzz' the roller sleeve fit your roller to the frame pour paint into the reservoir at the end of the paint tray, and don't over-fill
lightly dip the roller into the paint covering less than half the roller roll back and forth on the tray ramp to evenly distribute the paint roll the paint onto the surface using large zig-zag strokes then fill the space with criss-cross strokes once covered, even the finish with long, parallel strokes - this is called 'laying off'
it's important that laying off be completed before the paint dries so work in sections never leave a paint-covered roller exposed to the air for very long When taking a break, even a short one, wrap the roller in plastic wrap
clean very well after use
give yourself ample room by clearing out furniture lay down a drop sheet clean the walls with sugar soap, an important step that shouldn't be missed mask your trim for cutting in load your brush with paint as described on the previous page
start brushing a few centimetres from the edge or corner as you move the brush, a line of paint will be established Drag the brush into the edge so that the line on the paint follows the edging
now roll out the wall Load the roller as described on the previous page start from where you cut in and roll across the wall, rolling as far into the brushed areas as possible
After you have covered a section of the wall, it’s time to lay off to get a smooth finish. This is arguably the most important step in rolling a wall and should be done when you’ve painted a section roughly 3-4 metres
Laying off your wall means giving it a smooth consistent finish and hiding those streaky brush strokes. Simply place your unloaded roller at the top left corner of your wall
Ensure the handle side of your roller is to the right Then with almost zero pressure roll straight down your wall until you reach the bottom
Remove your roller, return to the top, and slightly overlap where you just rolled so that each panel rubs away the line from the previous lay-off
Featuring visually dynamic architectural bricks from Adbri Masonry, this multi-generational home is bold and breathtaking awarded the Kevin Borland
Masonry Award - High Commendation, at the Think Brick Awards 2022
Brimar House, an expansive 600sqm home in Mount Waverly, Victoria was built to accommodate the owners – a retired couple and their two youngadult children, as well as various family and friends who often visit from overseas
The brief supplied to architect Michael Ong from MODO, was to create a visually dynamic house with spaces that can accommodate their family and guests, allowing there to be communal space as well as privacy The outcome is a generous and tranquil multi- generational home, that is both striking and composed
“From the street the homeowner wanted something that was dynamic and had a point of difference,” explains Michael Ong, Director of Michael Ong Design Office. The exterior of the house is divided - the bottom half consists of ivory-coloured concrete brick, while the second storey is clad in thermally modified timber
Michael thought it was important that the house felt grounded and embedded into the earth - that it provided a sense of ‘mass’ and ‘weight’ “We naturally looked into concrete bricks and blocks and moved away from the grey and darker tones, as we wanted a house that felt welcoming and homely. The light-coloured ivory architectural brick from Adbri Masonry, worked wonderfully to give us a smooth yet subtly textured finish, which paired beautifully with the timber cladding and the landscape design,” says Michael.
The concrete brick walls of the ground floor are designed as two linear wings, one containing the guest zone and the other for the kids, with a sweeping curved glass corridor link - a contrastingly lightweight structure to the two brick veneered volumes. The second floor provides the family with bedrooms, kitchen, living and dining areas, as well as a pool, sauna and gym.
The family wanted the space to remain comfortable when they were all together whether there was just the two of them or more To give an intimate feel, dark interior tones within the space were incorporated - dark wood walls, wooden cabinets, timber ceilings and floors, and dark details on fireplaces and bookshelves. The style between the two floors is deliberately subdued, minimal and restrained
Central to the lower floor is a sun-filled private courtyard Michael says, “The courtyard allowed us to create a centre and an anchor for the whole house I wanted the house to feel like it’s connected with the courtyard as the central area, so you always know where you are ”
The outside and inside spaces are carefully shaped to form an architecture that invites and encourages the residents to use and enjoy every part of the house, inside and out “I have always been fascinated by courtyards, and here we looked at a version which was formed by two volumes wrapping around each other at two different levels,” adds Michael.
To create a soft and delicate atmosphere in the courtyard, a series of silver birch trees provide a space for contemplation and quiet and a curved in situ concrete bench acts as a “rest stop” encouraging one to slow down
On a warm day, the series of pivot steel doors and louvre windows can be opened, transforming the space to perform more similar to an exterior bench and verandah.
Instead of the traditional distinction between house, front yard and backyard layout, Michael was able to weave the garden through the design to create a house that is bonded to its surroundings and landscape
By utilising the first-floor structure, a covered outdoor space connecting to the courtyard was created, linking a pool area, putting green, the rest of the garden and an outdoor fire place, which has been built into the exterior architecture, showcasing Adbri Masonry’s ivory concrete brick
The second-story timber structure provides the cover for the outdoor space Michael says “I like to let the building work in a way that actually provides a cover for the outdoor space instead of having to add a cover such as an awning ”
Curves feature throughout the build adding a softness and more sculptural look. Adbri Masonry’s concrete bricks were the obvious choice for the lower build, as they provide unrivalled design flexibility, and can be used both internally and externally
To offset the heaviness of the brick, delicate lace-like details were created throughout to curve gently with the wall Steel plates were used through each level of brick to hold the lacework together “The architects did a lot of work with the bricklayer and the engineer to get the concrete brick lacework to curve.
The result of the lace detailing allows more light in and draws the eye to the sculptural element within the build,” says Michael
The lace-like brick theme is also used downstairs as a screen, in a smaller pebbled courtyard, accessed via a guest bedroom This allows light into the guest bedroom and adds a beautiful visual element The remaining downstairs area has the capacity to house guests comfortably and ensures visitors have their own privacy and space, both indoor and outdoor.
Michael mentions that the most satisfying aspect of working on the “Brimar” house is to now see how it settles into the garden and slowly ages. He has already noticed that the bricks are slowly picking up the environment, and building up a beautiful patina “It is wonderful and I can’t wait to see what it will look like over the next 5 to 10 years!”
For more information, visit www.adbrimasonry.com.au
Adbri Masonry is Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer producing quality concrete bricks, Besser® blocks, pavers and retaining wall products
Australian-made and built to last, Adbri Masonry bricks are manufactured locally with local materials for durability and longevity
Adbri Masonry are building a better Australia, with a proud history of supplying products to many of Australia’s most iconic projects including Sydney Olympic Park, Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens, the Adelaide Oval, City of Sydney streetscapes and thousands of designer homes and landscapes
Discover how this ‘90s Suburban House was Transformed into a Spacious, Multi-Generational Masterpiece
Situated on the southern edge of metropolitan Sydney and backing on to the Royal National Park, this Bundeena home is the embodiment of a modern renovation adding value, style, and a place for family to come together
Homeowner Jen and her three children live in the home but recently welcomed Jen’s parents which was a defining moment in making the choice to extend and renovate the home Originally a single-storey dwelling, the house has been transformed into a modern two-storey oasis where multi-generations can live comfortably
The new second level is practically self-contained, providing a space for Jen’s parents with bedrooms, living areas, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry included to optimise privacy and provide the family with options for years to come
“The façade is your first impression of a home, your welcome, and it’s incredibly important to get the scale and materiality right here to make sure you are building a home with an inviting space that homeowners want to be in,” says Graham Irving from Arctec Circle Building Design, who worked with Jen to ensure the design of the addition provided the look that appealed to her and updated the design of the original house
For inspiration, Jen accessed designs online, visited display homes, and also viewed the surrounding neighbourhoods’ new builds so her new home would fit into the streetscape and softly blend into the bushland just metres from the back of the property “Living on the edge of the Royal National Park, we didn’t want our home to stand out too much Harmony with the natural setting we wake up to every day was important to us,” said Jen
Giving the house a modern and warm vibe, a variety of exterior cladding profiles were chosen featuring a predominantly neutral palette that reflects the natural bushland surrounds Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding fibre cement panels provided the consistent embedded texture look and was ideal as the dominant exterior building material making an impact with its clean lines and form to deliver a modern design aesthetic
With its vertical grooves, Axon™ Cladding has been used as a contrasting feature on the front of the house at the entrance and around the living room window and at the rear of the house where the home opens to decks on each level from which to enjoy the view of the National Park which stretches until the horizon
Both cladding types appealed to Jen, but particularly, the Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding after it was suggested by her builder James Powditch from J P Build “I really liked the simple but styled textured panelling look provided by Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding,” said Jen
The home’s original exterior was rendered brick veneer and the decision was made to cover the original brickwork with the cladding to ensure a continuous look, offering a contemporary transformation of the house. “Using the cladding instead of building with brick and then rendering was a wise decision as not only would rendering have increased both the cost and build time of the renovation, but we have all the benefits of the cladding material ”
The fire-rating of both cladding types was ideal for the home’s location. “With our home located on the edge of the Royal National Park, we are in the worst bushfire category so knowing that Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding and Axon™ Cladding had a strong fire rating put my mind at ease,” said Jen Windows also had to include shutters for the same fire safety reasons
For a timeless look, Jen has chosen a minimalist colour palette, keeping it to two colours and choosing a low-sheen paint that works with the modern profile to give a contemporary matte look
For this project, the Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, which is shipped pre-primed and ready to paint, has been painted in a dark Taubmans’ Wallaby to match the Colorbond roof Axon™ Cladding, with its striking vertical lines, colour contrasts with the rest of the build by being painted in Dulux’s Winter Fog
While increasing square feet is an obvious benefit of any home addition, it should also be an opportunity to consider your block and how you live, to define the new space and redefine the entire home
This renovation has exceeded Jen’s expectations and she could never have imagined her vision for her home looking this good. The result is a stunning modern family home perfectly suited to the family’s lifestyle for many years to come.
Having a break over the festive season is a great time think about your home Is it a sanctuary to which you retire at the end of a busy day? Or is it a minefield of disorganisation and décor you can’t stand Our homes should be calm and relaxing places that are our sanctuary from the stresses of modern life
However, if you come home and immediately feel anxious, stressed, out of sorts, and you don’t really like your home then these are indications that your décor needs to change It’s been proven that decor you love helps you to be calmer, happier and more relaxed So here are a few New Year resolutions you can make to help you love where you live.
This is the first most important resolution. Do you waste time trying to find things? Is takeaway an easy option because your pantry is too cluttered? Do you find yourself wishing you had a room just to put all the junk in? Being organised is the gift to give yourself in 2023. Have a ruthless cleanout Donate what is still in good condition and chuck out anything that’s broken. Retain only what you love and what you use
Every home needs an unusual, surprising or quirky twist This could be wall art, a piece of sculpture or furniture, a bold wallpaper or even a brightly coloured feature wall or front door. Resolve to have at least one thing in your home that no-one expects
Greenery, plants and flowers energise a space and therefore bring life to your home. Succulents are excellent if you really don’t have a green thumb Otherwise talk to your local plant nursery about the best plants for you home and lifestyle
Embrace your travels or someone else’s with decor that references far-away places or a different culture. Display objects, hang wall art or use tribal fabrics to inject a sense of worldliness to your home.
Set up an area in which you can relax and read a book or listen to music. A book nook, a bench seat by the window, an area of the garden that’s peaceful Set up comfy seating and good lighting in a place away from the rest of your home (or family) We all need a private and personal space Where will yours be?
Have a wonderful New Year and resolve to make 2023 your Year of The Home
Decorating your home isn’t about how much money you have to spend. It’s more about the five elements of decorating that will help you to visualise and finish your home decorating.
The first question I ask my clients is “Who uses this space?” As I’ve said before, your home must be functional before it can be stylish. How a room is used, and by whom, is critical to the redecorating process
So whether it’s a bedroom, kitchen, games room, living space or other, consider this question Is it the whole family or more specifically children, teenagers, parents, grandparents? Your redecorating decisions may alter when you look critically at how the space is used.
Also consider if you use the space for different activities at different times of the day
Why default to a neutral palette when there are so many gorgeous colours from which to choose Choose three and no more than five colours you wish to use in one space. Neutral tones – white, cream, beige, and pastels – could be considered two choices
Let’s say you choose cream and beige for your main colours Next add one, two or three other colours For example, blue, teal and caramel Repeat these three colours in various ways with accessories such as cushions, vases, lampshades and ornaments
Mix block colours and patterns in the same tones
It’s important to vary the shape and size of items in your space as well as the vertical and horizontal lines Create a harmonious space by bringing in balance.
Balance flat or horizontal lines – bookshelves, back of the sofa, tables – with taller or vertical lines – floor lamp, wall art, tall plant.
This can be difficult so remember to use the rule of odd numbers and the rule of balance When displaying objects, odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye. Give the eye a place to rest by repetition of colours, as per rule #2
Having a lighting plan is vital to the success of your decorating. Don’t only think about ceiling lights but also strip lighting, wall scones, up and down wall lights, floor lamps, table lamps, candles and pendants
Lighting has a powerful effect in any space so consider day-time use and well as night-time Always install dimmer switches with downlights and consider having strip lighting on a different circuit Lighting choices are very important so please don’t ignore this important element of decorating.
in any space so consider daytime use as well as Lighting has a powerful effect night time use
