Table of contents for Issue #24.3 2022 in Home Design

Last issue, we began our search for the Home Design Renovation of the Year. I had so much fun looking at all of your home renovations and it has inspired me to take on another renovation project of my own. It’s time to tackle my dated bathroom! This edition, we take a look at three more outstanding finalists. If you would like to see the work of our other entrants, we’ve uploaded a digital showcase at completehome.com.au/2021-home-design-renovation-of-the-year-digital-showcase. Whether you are creating your forever home or getting ready to sell, updating your kitchen is one of the most important things you can do. Our feature this issue takes a look at kitchen specifics, from planning and design to splashbacks — we hone in on the essentials. Now, as we head towards…

Highly efficient and low on emissions, the BRUNNER kit system BSK is here to warm the cockles of your heart. Designed and manufactured by BRUNNER in Bavaria, the designer inbuilt refractory kit of the BRUNNER wood heater allows a simple, cost-effective and safe installation. The BRUNNER kit system BSK fireplace can be set up in just a few hours thanks to its precisely formed heat-storing concrete components. The designer inbuilt kit can be finished with paint, render, tile or a stone cladding. Designed for an exposed flue installation for maximum efficiency, a traditional brick installation is also possible. The BRUNNER BSK 6 and BSK 8 are fully Australian emission and clearance tested. Being highly efficient with low emissions, they not only produce a beautiful picture of a perfectly clean-burning flame,…

If you want to buy Australian, champion Australian makers and support local manufacturers and businesses, then we have some exciting news. Real Flame is thrilled to reveal it has officially received the exclusive certified Australian Made® certification. If you’re not sure what this means, being Australian Made® is the official mark of Aussie authenticity and the logo is Australia’s most trusted, recognised and widely used country of origin symbol. Every single product that carries the official logo is certified as “genuinely Australian”, so you can be sure the Real Flame product range meets the highest of Australian manufacturing standards. “At Real Flame, we take pride in the authenticity and premium quality of our products and we’re so happy that all of our gas fireplaces have finally been recognised,” a spokesperson…

Built by Smith & Sons Southern Highlands and designed by Kathy Barnsley Architect, this charming cottage extension is superb. Maintaining the look of the original two-bedroom, two-storey country cottage was important to the owners, who were keen to add a new master bedroom and additional downstairs living space. “When the couple bought the cottage, it had a small living/dining area and both the bedrooms and bathrooms were upstairs, so they wanted a larger master area and additional living on the ground floor,” explain Brendan and Patrick Byrne from Smith & Sons Southern Highlands. The Smith & Sons team certainly delivered. The renovated home now enjoys a master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, as well as a lounge room equipped with a Rinnai gas fireplace and bifold doors leading to…

Ahouse built in the ‘60s and occupied by a couple in their 60s has been given the Smith & Sons treatment. The owners decided to renovate their family home while still working so it would be set up and ready for their retirement. Built by Smith & Sons Toowoomba East, the resulting double-storey extension is sublime. “Our team demolished the existing poorly constructed separate garage on a lower level and built a new double-storey extension,” says Smith & Sons Toowoomba East managing director Darryl Van der Kley. The extension consists of a garage with internal access on the lower level, a sun-soaked studio with internal access on the upper level and a new patio positioned next to the extension. The client selected all cladding materials (Custom Orb wall cladding, Scyon…

Choosing the right cabinet application for your kitchen, bathroom or living area can transform functionality around the home. Products such as Blum’s AVENTOS lift systems not only provide increased functionality, but also offer homeowners and renovators the ability to utilise quality hardware that complements their designs as well as meeting today’s design trends. AVENTOS lift systems are an ergonomic and practical solution that is suitable to almost every overhead storage application. Blum’s range of lift systems help homeowners achieve easy access and better workflows by moving cabinet fronts up and out of the way, allowing clear access to the contents of the cabinet, preventing the need to duck and weave around open cabinet doors. The AVENTOS range of lift systems ensures no overhead cabinet space is wasted, no matter how…

When you think of wall panelling, you may experience flashbacks of eras gone by when dark timber, drab interiors and a host of other hideous trends best left to the pages of history reigned supreme. Thankfully, modern wall panelling is nothing like these scary flashbacks, with today’s styles only limited by your imagination. The hottest looks emerging in 2022 are timeless options that provide stylish layers of texture, turning a bland new build or older home renovation into a stylish masterpiece. VJ WALL PANELLING Australians can’t get enough of VJ wall panelling. Cover existing damaged walls or use it in place of plaster for walls and ceilings in new builds. This option looks great with a variety of interior styles, including Hamptons-, coastal-and country-style homes. CAVETTO WALL This latest addition…

Green plants, shrubs and trees provide dynamic height and textural variations and create the sense of an oasis nestled right in the middle of the city There’s a whimsical energy to this South Melbourne home. It’s a collection of delightful spaces nestled against and on top of each other, flanked by a charming courtyard with the Melbourne city skyline the glorious backdrop. True magic abounds here thanks to a renovation with Honto Architecture at the helm. This Victorian-style home was built more than a century ago and, despite a renovation in the ‘90s, was well and truly showing its age. The dwelling suffered from a deficit of natural light in its core due to its position in the middle of three attached terraces, and a series of disjointed and compartmentalised…

Abbey specialises in a range of high-end gas, wood, ethanol and electric fireplaces. Including in-built, freestanding, wall-hung or ceiling-suspended options, Abbey has a fireplace to suit the most discerning customer. Established more than 20 years ago and with stores in Brookvale (Sydney), Oak Flats (Wollongong) and Tuggerah (Central Coast), Abbey entrusts a trained team to help customers through the selection process by identifying the client’s specific requirements and selecting a choice of models that best handle their circumstances. Finding the right fireplace for your home can be tricky. Visiting a showroom should be your first port of call. The experts at Abbey then suggest considering the following: HEATING CAPACITY For most customers, ensuring the fireplace can sufficiently heat the area it is located in is essential. However, there are some…

From gas to wood-burning to electric — there are a number of options when it comes to heating, but which one is right for your home? Les Sperring, national sales manager at Herschel, answers a few questions about an innovative option that is gaining popularity: infrared heating. HOW DOES HERSCHEL INFRARED WORK? Herschel infrared heats your home the same way the sun heats the earth. It uses far infrared energy to warm up the fabric of the building and all the things inside it, including you. This turns the very surfaces of your home into part of your radiant heating solution, delivering you a consistently warm and comfortable environment. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RADIANT AND CONVECTION HEAT? Simply put, convection heat is heating the air and moving it around…

A visually striking new kitchen renovation by Peter Gill, this space exudes character and an eclectic sophistication. The design combines soft-timber finger-pull handles and dark metal porcelain tops in the Infinity range to create a harmonious yet striking contrast. The strong use of metals within the fixtures, benchtop and appliances adds to the industrial style, while the appliances are semi-integrated to continue the use of metals throughout the room. The kitchen space was originally half the size as a wall separated the living and kitchen areas. Once this wall was removed, it allowed for a more open-plan design with an exceptional amount of natural light radiating throughout the space. It also enabled the inclusion of a bar area that integrates with the kitchen. The bar is one of the main…

The HEATSTRIP® collection of electric radiant heaters is perfect for the outdoors and hard-to-heat indoor spaces. As there is typically constant air movement in an outdoor or open indoor area, many conventional heaters rely on convection heating that works by heating the surrounding air. This can be quite impractical, as the heated air can easily blow away with natural air movement. Radiant-style heaters transfer heat directly to objects through infra-red waves. While convection heaters heat the air between objects, radiant heaters heat the surface of the objects themselves. HEATSTRIP® electric radiant heaters are more effective in an outdoor or uninsulated indoor area because they provide targeted warmth directly to the people and objects in their path. Years of research and development, along with a fruitful partnership with the coating technology…

PETER MADDISON JOINS COSENTINO Cosentino is delighted to announce Peter Maddison, multi-award-winning architect and host of Grand Designs Australia, as its new brand ambassador. This exciting partnership builds on the brand’s already consolidated position as a global leader in state-of-the-art surfaces for architecture and design. Through a series of collaborative events, campaigns and projects, Peter will tell the Cosentino success story, one of continual business expansion and a brand that offers high-performance, hybrid surface solutions that are more natural, more sustainable and have less environmental impact. cosentino.com/en-au FOLLOW US facebook.com/homedesignmagazine @homedesignmagazine_au GOLDEN HOUR COLLECTION BY KIP & CO Bursting with bold florals, statement stripes and tactile tartans in golden hues, fresh blues, berry tones and ivy greens, Kip & Co’s Golden Hour collection captures the simple pleasures of life. Woven…

We take a look at the first three finalists We called on our readers to enter their renovation before and after photos for a chance to win this prestigious award and huge exposure in the magazine and across its online and social media platforms. We looked at outstanding home transformations both big and small, interior and exterior, kitchen, bathroom and the whole home. The finalists wowed us with dramatic home transformations that demonstrate the drastic improvements that can be made with home renovations. To vote for your favourite renovation visit completehome.com.au/ROTY KANGAROO VALLEY HERITAGE COTTAGE The Brewer Family purchased a 100-year-old heritage cottage that was in a very poor state and undertook a major renovation. “We managed to retain the original front of the cottage and were super careful to…

New generations of home heaters are creating cleaner, greener environments and tapping into smart technology and innovation to provide a warm winter. Fuelled by electricity, gas, wood or ethanol, many heaters are also decorative features, striking focal points that are as beautiful as they are functional. ELECTRIC HEATING TO WARM YOUR HEART This option has undergone some innovative transformations over the last few years. Dimplex commercial manager Ciaran Murphy says energy used by electric flame and heating appliances is being reduced through new technologies like seven-day time and temperature control, occupancy sensors to avoid heating unused rooms, and eco-heating functionality. “There are differences in heating capacity from heater to heater — this is measured in the rated wattage of the appliance,” he explains. “A good rule of thumb is that…

With a rich history spanning more than 110 years, Belling is one of the only range cookers to still be produced in the UK. With its tradition also comes style and innovation, as illustrated by the new offerings in the company’s popular Colour Boutique range. There’s the playful Mojito Mint, the natural shade of Porcini Mushroom and rich Kingfisher Teal, adding to the other colours on offer such as Peach Blush and Floral Burst, while Day’s Break blue is as clear as a summer day’s sky. Take your pick from these diverse colour choices, all of which are available across Belling’s new Colour Boutique Richmond Deluxe range of cookers. Richmond Deluxe boasts market-leading features including a ground-breaking three-to four-oven converter, a gas-through-glass cooktop with two 5kW PowerWok Plus™ burners and…

Built by Smith & Sons Ballarat and designed by Zarif Designs (with interior design by Jess Young), this Victorian residence is a far cry from its previous incarnation. Despite its shortcomings, the owner was keen to renovate rather than rebuild the sorely rundown property, which had been passed down to her by her father. With a strong sentimental connection to the dwelling, the team from Smith & Sons Ballarat have respectfully revived the home so it can now play host to its owner and her frequently visiting grandchildren. “The house was practically unliveable when we first got to site,” remembers Ben Beasley, builder and co-owner of Smith & Sons Ballarat. “The kitchen appliances didn’t work, broken windows had been boarded up, the brickwork was cracked and the roof damaged. The…

Smith & Sons Gold Coast Central was the builder responsible for the revitalisation of this Surfers Paradise unit, which is mostly used for holiday letting. Looking to completely renovate the 22-year-old unit, the owners — retirees from Melbourne — are enthusiastic travellers who use the unit as a holiday retreat. As such, they opted for a calm coastal interior aesthetic that welcomes Quantum Quartz Ultra White 20mm benchtops and Laminex Aquamarine laminate in the Bosch-equipped kitchen. “Located in a beachfront building, it was important that the unit reflected the subtropical beach feel and lifestyle of the Gold Coast. Brave colours were chosen for cabinetry and benchtops and these choices paid off when furnishings were added,” says Neil Whittred, builder and owner of Smith & Sons Gold Coast Central. “Our team…

This issue is all about “the essentials”, and what could be more essential to a home than power? From fixing up your house to getting it ready for sale, installing a solar power system is one of the smartest ways to improve your home’s value. As research from realestate.com.au shows, most people looking for a property value sustainable features, particularly if it means they help reduce ongoing energy bills. Solahart is the expert when it comes to solar power, helping residents future-proof their homes and protecting them against surging energy costs while making the planet a little cleaner and greener in the process. “One of the smartest ways to improve your home’s value is to install a solar power system on your roof,” suggests general manager for Solahart, Stephen Cranch.…

Want your house to look great but don’t want to harm the planet in the process? You’re not alone and the brains behind Weathertex have created external cladding and internal lining solutions that are good for your family and Mother Nature. Sustainable and affordable, Weathertex products are 100 per cent natural, made from 97 per cent hardwood and three per cent paraffin wax. In other words, there are no nasties like toxic chemicals, glues, formaldehyde or silica. With more than 40 different profiles to choose from, Weathertex products have an impressive “better than zero carbon footprint”, which means that more carbon is stored in the timber used to make Weathertex than is produced in its manufacture. Sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources recognised by the Australian Forestry Standard…

“The history of architecture is also the history of windows,” said Le Corbusier, the Swiss-French pioneer of modern architecture. The modern window not only consists of glass and frame, it is a complex structure providing more than views and the ability to keep out the weather. Modern architecture is influenced by the technological possibilities of window production, meaning innovations in window technology open up opportunities in the design of buildings. Very common in Europe, and achieving a growing following here, are tilt & turn windows. These open two ways: they can tilt to the inside at the top like a hopper window for ventilation, and with the turn of the handle they open sideways to the inside like a casement window. A major advantage of opening your window to the…

SUE DOWSE 1/ Sue is an Adelaide-based artist who uses recycled magazines, type, maps, photos, patterns and more to create one-of-a-kind collages. By ripping and cutting up these items, she is able to construct unique works of art that appear semi-realistic from a distance, yet abstract up close. She loves people to lose themselves in the artwork, scanning the fine detail to discover the text and images that intertwine to make these unique “paintings”. Sue’s artworks are available to buy at Art Lovers Australia, artloversaustralia.com.au LORIBELLE SPIROVSKI 2/ Loribelle grew up in the Philippines and after moving to Australia at age nine, she was struck by the stark differences between the two countries. The land itself was physically very different — the only similarity was the same grey concrete. The…

Luxaflex® Pirouette® ClearView™ Shadings is a patented and innovative window fashion allowing light and privacy to be controlled precisely with its unique design. The soft horizontal fabric vanes float on a clear, sheer backing which allows for infinite combinations of light control, privacy and view-through. With a clear view to the outside while transforming the light inside into a comforting glow, the vanes appear to float, giving the appearance of a soft shutter when open. Clearview™ is available in three fabric ranges including Satin, Satin Metallic and Apollo. Luxaflex® Window Fashions is a market-leading brand, offering the nation’s largest range of quality window coverings for inside and outside the home. The suite of products includes blinds, shutters, soft shades and awnings — all with a focus on innovation, durability and…

Do you remember your childhood kitchen? Perhaps there were long retro benchtops and drawers filled with all kinds of wondrous gadgets to whip up delicious food. You might have come home from school to the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread, made chocolate-chip cookies from scratch and had flour fights with your siblings, or helped your grandma ice pretty cupcakes for afternoon tea. In those days, the kitchen was often tucked into the rear of the home. Modern kitchens have evolved to meet the everchanging needs of growing families; many are big and welcoming, with lots of storage, appliances, and ample room to gather together. But one thing hasn’t changed. The kitchen is still the heart of the family home. DESIGNING YOUR KITCHEN Planning a new kitchen is a balancing…

Fresh coastal vibes mix with subtle masculine styling inside this bespoke kitchen that focuses on ergonomic design and functionality. Along with a slew of practical enhancements, the placement of colours and finishing materials in this kitchen renovation has made it visually cohesive and highly appealing. The crisp Lexicon satin two-pack cabinetry offers the space that “bright white feeling” as it blends with vertical Tasmanian oak battens finished in Danish oil and dark stainless-steel appliances. Designer Kate Anderson, who is based out of the Sunshine Coast, made sure that understated, practical luxury was hidden at every turn. For example, the black laminate applied behind the timber battens conceals a host of cabinets including a double-door pantry. Placing the battens on the black laminate creates a vertical shadow line detail, adding depth…

BONNIE AT ALL SAINTS ESTATE, VICTORIA Country chic aesthetic meets artisanal pizzas and wine at Rutherglen’s new local. Set against the scenic All Saints Estate, Bonnie — a casual dining venue in Rutherglen by Eliza, Nick and Angela Brown — is now open, offering a traditional wood-fired pizza oven and a menu celebrating local and estate-grown produce and wines. The picturesque venue is set within the old bottling building at All Saints Estate, originally designed by the renowned Philip Cox in the early 1960s. The contemporary restaurant has been reimagined by Techne with a design direction to bring the outside in. Bonnie’s interiors are informed by its surrounding landscape, displaying a touch of the outdoors throughout the space. Stepping outside the restaurant, diners can make their way to the…

Home Design is proud to announce the Home Design Renovation of the Year Awards. At Home Design, we love renovations and want to see yours — big or small, interior or exterior, kitchen, bathroom or the whole home! HOW IT WORKS For your chance to win, simply visit therenovationoftheyear.com.au and upload your before and after photos. Your entry will be showcased in a Home Design Renovation of the Year purpose-built microsite for the duration of the competition, so other renovators can be inspired by your work. Finalists will be chosen by the editor of Home Design magazine and feature in our January and April issues. Selected by the judging panel, the winner will win $9000 and the runner-up will win a $999 gift card. Both winning projects will be featured along…

With their realistic flame effects and advanced features, modern electric fireplaces have become a true alternative to wood and gas fireplaces. In the past, electric fireplaces gained a reputation for being less authentic, less powerful and unable to produce a beautiful flame when compared to more conventional fireplace solutions. However, electric flame technology has evolved and many of those old perceptions no longer hold true. Nowadays, electric fireplaces are leading the way in terms of visual graphics, design and heating technology, resulting in a lower-cost, green, functional and stylish option when wood and gas fireplaces are not suitable. Today, there is a range of high-quality models that have realistic-looking flames created by a reflector or rotisserie that reflects light from an LED (light-emitting diode) strip. In addition to advanced flame…

Known for its surf beaches and stunning scenery, Torquay is home to this masterfully extended abode. Built by Smith & Sons Geelong, the extension consists of an office, master bedroom, walk-in robe and ensuite. Additionally, the home received a remodelled kitchen, bathroom and entry/foyer. A new second-storey alfresco barbecue area, modernised living zones and a revamped exterior round out the work completed. A key component of the brief was to transform the dated external aesthetic of the home by implementing classic coastal features. The combination of Cypress pine shiplap and Linea weatherboards on the front facade, for example, exudes a welcoming and modern coastal vibe. The couple that own the home requested a larger master suite that included an office space, which was achieved by extending out over the existing…

Your smart home begins with AirTouch and Zimi, the Australian home automation solution that adapts to your lifestyle. With the latest update to integrate with Zimi, AirTouch offers smart control for almost anything, anywhere around your home with smart lighting, ceiling fan controllers, power points, garage doors and other multi-purpose switches. AirTouch and Zimi fuse comfort and energy savings with smart home integration and style, making home automation an affordable luxury for everyone in every house. With AirTouch and Zimi, you can manage your entire dwelling by voice, your phone, or the Smart AirTouch console on your wall. Elevating your air conditioning to a new level of comfort and energy efficiency, AirTouch is a smart air conditioning controller designed to look great and keep the whole family comfortable. Control multiple…

There’s something magical about the Whitecliffs house. Charred timber rises from the lush green landscape, creating austere, dark shapes with sharp definition. When paired with the natural stone wall, this creates a sense of contrasting visual splendour. Looking upon this property, you’re invited to connect with nature and reflect upon its majestic beauty. Yet this house wasn’t always such a homage to natural grace. Before Ascui & Co Architects began their work, the one-acre property played home to a 1970s kit home that had been added to over the years, providing a holiday destination for the Melbourne owners. One element the family loved prior to the renovation was the golden elm tree — quite an unusual feature for a coastal property, but one which represents growth, life and new beginnings.…

The Urban Beach House is a place of purpose. This building is a carefully considered sensory masterpiece where touch and feel are highlighted and put ahead of cost. In fact, the architect refers to it almost like a high-performing classic sports car, built for function and form. But it wasn’t always like this. Originally, the Californian bungalow was dilapidated and hidden from the street with overgrown gardens — almost as if it were embarrassed of its very existence. Today, thanks to The Quinlan Group’s clever architectural planning and design, the building integrates seamlessly with its surrounding context, folding away from the street to create space and visual impact without crowding or dominating the streetscape. “It bridges the building forms on either side and steps down to complement its heritage-listed single-storey…

Entering this spectacular home through a custom blackbutt door, guests are immediately consumed by the beauty of the view and the simplicity of the design. A modern bohemian vibe has influenced the styling and materials chosen, incorporating a palette of glass, stone and natural timbers. Seamless integration between the internal and external spaces adds to the relaxed feel and laid-back atmosphere. The facade is lined with Berrimah natural stone and blackbutt battens, which will age naturally over time in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Berrimah has also been used as the fireplace surround in the family room, further emphasising the relationship between the exterior and interior of the home. Natural stone tiles and custom blackbutt vanities in the bathrooms also add to the earthy feel. The vast windows throughout make…

Successful online art gallery Art Lovers Australia opened in 2016 and offers around 30,000 curated pieces of art to browse through from approximately 1000 artists. A gallery was opened on the Gold Coast and another in Melbourne, which has art enthusiasts turning up in droves. The Melbourne gallery’s focus is showcasing local artists; however, it also exhibits works from across Australia in a wide range of mediums including painting, photography, collage and sculpture. Josh Simpson is the gallery coordinator and a practising artist with a Master of Fine Arts. “I really enjoy hanging work and considering the best way to display different pieces in relation to each other,” he says. “I also love meeting artists and getting to know their practices, which are always wildly divergent and inspiring.” Gallery assistant…

Wellness is a term that is often bandied about, but what does it really mean? At its heart is a core philosophy that living well is about actively pursuing good health in mind and body, while nurturing your spirit. THE FIRST STEPS TO WELLNESS Living well is about engaging your mind, fuelling your body with the right kind of food, pursuing gentle exercise and relaxing to rejuvenate. Creating a comfortable and restful space in your home environment goes a long way to achieving wellness. Start by taking off your shoes. Not wearing your footwear inside does more than prevent bringing dirt, mud or germs into your home. In some cultures, leaving your shoes at the door and walking through a home with clean, bare feet is a sign of respect.…

Open plan yet classic period style, this new kitchen designed by Kitchens by Peter Gill is an amazing combination of modern, accessible design and heritage style. The clients’ brief was to design and build a period kitchen that embodied a high-quality look and feel. They also wanted the new kitchen to be very practical and easy to work in, and to add value to their home. The original kitchen was a U-shaped space with a Tasmanian oak pantry in one corner. This pantry was removed in the renovation in order to open up the space and create an expansive effect. The final product is open and light and maintains a heritage feel. The design integrates appliances such as the fridge and dishwasher into the actual period-style cabinetry, keeping the overall…

The style is in the detail with this beautiful renovation by Attard’s Kitchens & Cabinetry. Despite the small space, the unique materials and minimalist style give the area an air of grandeur. Although the kitchen is cosy in size, the clients wanted it to leave a lasting impact on whoever visited the space. This can be a challenge if the area is small as designers need to be very careful with placement and products so as not to reduce the amount of free space even further. Everything inside needs to have a purpose and the builders have executed this flawlessly. What we truly love about this room is how complementary every element is to the other. The mix of light brown, grey and white throughout works in seamless harmony, providing…