Better Homes and Gardens Australia April 2021

And at this time of year, the temperature is perfect for planting, pruning and prepping your garden. So where to start? For an instant payoff, transform your old or op-shop kitchen colanders into cute containers for hanging flowers and herbs (page 64). You can also set up an organic vegie patch (page 82), steal fab inspiration from a bush garden 50 years in the making (page 76) and plant spring bulbs (page 48) for a riot of colour to come. Oh, and don’t miss our special bulb offer on page 58. Elsewhere, the season is all about juicy, ripe pears. We show you how to grow (page 68), cook and eat them (page 94) – even in savoury dishes you might never have thought to try. Same goes for our cover…

black and white is a classic colour combo. And is it any wonder when the strength of these neutrals serves as a solid backdrop for many a texture and decorating style, including a factory- or loft-style interior. Taking on such a reno or home makeover can be daunting, but when working within such a defined palette and design brief, it’s similar to colouring within the lines — offering design and material guidelines so to speak. Occasionally you will want to stray outside the lines to give your home its own special brand of personality. Read on, be inspired… RAISE THE CEILING FOR AN AIRY FEEL AND A MASTER SUITE UPSTAIRSUTILISE PLUSH ROUNDED SHAPES TO SOFTEN EXPOSED BRICKS DESIGN TIPS ENCAUSTIC BEAUTY • Introduce bathroom pattern via soft grey encaustic floor tiles – they’re definitely…

Updating or renovating your kitchen is like navigating choppy waters – do you take the safe but staid route or risk choices that may date quickly? As always, there is a happy medium, but you’ll need patience and lots of research so you get all the details just right. Feel free to borrow any of these ideas. Allow yourself to be inspired by the charm of the Victorian and Georgian eras and design an elegant, modern-day cooking and entertainment space influenced by the character, furniture forms and proportions of these periods. You may wish to pare back some of the details, but fine craftsmanship is essential if the kitchen is to stand out from the rest of the pack. TREAT YOUR ISLAND and yourself to a wine chiller. As it’s likely to star…

WINDOW WOW For a streamlined and modern look, forgo architraves in favour of a shadowline around the reveal of your windows. As for a timber stain colour, select a rich shade of merbau or a colour to suit. Simply stunning! RAISE THE CEILING Raise a central section of your ceiling, even if only slightly, to make room for diffused lighting effects. Fit strip LEDs within the recess – you’ll love the mood, while the extra height enhances the sense of space. IT’S A KNOCKOUT Knock down part of a wall to open up a cramped galley kitchen to your living areas. Then extend your galley’s base units out and around the new opening for an island-like divider clad in timber for contrast. FOR SHOPPING DETAILS, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE DESIGN NOTES It’s hard to decide what the starring…

SHAKER CRAFTERS ESPOUSED THE PRINCIPLE ‘BEAUTY RESTS ON UTILITY’ GREY MATTERS Grey or greige tones can look completely different under natural and artificial light. So it’s imperative you paint up sample swatches to test in your kitchen before you commit to an expensive mistake! UNIVERSAL APPEAL The beauty of Shaker cabinetry lies in its unpretentiousness. Without elaborate mouldings and little to no decoration, its understated elegance and simple lines make it contemporary and forever timeless. PLATE IT UP Where you can, opt for contemporary full-height storage, not least of all for its clutter-busting effect. As a counterpoint that blends storage and style, include a useful plate rack – utterly charming! FOR SHOPPING DETAILS, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE DESIGN NOTES Large family? Equip your kitchen with a bank of built-in convention, steam and microwave ovens and a coffee machine to…

CHROME ACCENTS For shine and pop, look to cool chrome and brushed stainless steel appliances, tapware, hardware and pendants. Let exposed decorative hinges in on the act for authenticity and to add a visual boost. COLOURFUL ATTITUDE Prefer a punchier look? Add a colour hit of soft blue with an undertone of grey so it’s in tune with the veining of the marble. GO UP A LEVEL With an all-white kitchen, layers of interest are key. Stir the pot, so to speak, with worktops at varying heights. Note the slight elevation of this all-marble breakfast bar. Marble not in the budget? Check out quartz lookalikes! SHAKE IT UP For authentic-looking cabinetry, opt for Shaker or a raised and mildly decorated frame around a recessed panel so you can take in the simplicity of the joinery before engaging…