In some parts of the world, during winter gardening often takes a backseat until the cold weather begins to subside. In Australia, however, our winters are generally a little milder, marked by sunny days and cold nights. And although soil temperature is lower, that doesn’t mean that you can’t plant during winter!
If you’re about to embark on your forever home-building journey, it’s crucial to think about future-proofing your house and projecting how its design can meet the changing needs of the inhabitants over the course of 10 or 20 years – or even longer.
You don't need a crystal ball to make smart design choices that will serve your family now and into the future. With a little common sense and careful forward planning, you can create a home that’s sustainable, efficient, and adaptable to the changing lifestyle needs of its occupants.
New homes will be more accessible and more cost effective to heat and cool as the latest National Construction Code (NCC) comes into effect for Victoria on 1 May 2024.
Houses built after 1 May require a 7 star energy rating, wider doors and halls, and a toilet and shower that is deemed accessible.
Whether you’re replacing your current heating and cooling system, or purchasing one for the first time, there are a few things to consider.
How big is your home? Consider the size, space and layout of your house to determine the type of system that will perform most effectively. Split system units will suit apartments, while a multi system is better for small houses. Or if you have a large home, a ducted air conditioning system may be the best option.
Just about to move into your new house? Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s still possible to deck out your pad with everything you need. Here are our top tips for doing exactly that.
Needs vs Wants. First, create a list of all the things you’ll need to furnish your new home. If you’re on a budget, stick to items you can’t live without and worry about ‘wants’ later on.
An Inside Look at Interior Design Trends for Autumn
While Summer weather still remains in the air, it’s time to look forward to cooler days and muted colour tones. Autumn brings to interiors a cosier feel, whilst still connecting to the outdoors. This season we focus on four of the upcoming trends as we collect inspiration for your interior.
If you're planning to renovate or refresh your home this year, start planning now! Many popular looks from the past are coming back—and they're better than ever.
So what’s in? Here are the top design trends we predict will make a comeback in 2024.
Innovative Materials
Expect a rise in sustainable materials in both design and buildings. Think unique pieces like seaweed lamps, features made out of mycelium, or Japanese shikkui plaster made out of natural seaweed fibres.
Modern townhomes and villas are increasingly popular for people choosing an affordable home without sacrificing space, features, and lifestyle.
Townhomes are usually designed as multi-floor houses sharing at least one wall with a neighbouring property. Modern floorplans also come with a front and back garden and a garage.
Space
Innovative designs generally offer between 2 to 4 bedrooms, multiple living areas, open plan layouts and clever storage spaces. This makes them ideal for first-home buyers and young families.
There are several ways you can set up your garden to spend less time weeding, mowing and mulching, and more time enjoying the space itself.
Outdoor living areas.
Extend your living space and options for entertaining in warm weather with outdoor dining areas around fire pits. Patios, decks and terraces all cut down on planting space and the size of lawns to maintain.
No matter how often you clean your home, it’s never fun. But that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. Here are our tips for best way to tackle stains on any household surface.
Carpet stains.
Add a splash of vinegar to the stain and dampen a cleaning cloth. Gently pat at the stain and rinse the cloth at regular intervals. Repeat this process until the stain lifts. Then sprinkle bicarb on the damp area and work it into the carpet. Once the bicarb dries, use a vacuum to clean it up.
