Category: LifeStyle
Life Style
Burgundy, Blues, Browns, and a Hint of Green
As the weather cools down, it is the perfect excuse to refresh your home and make it feel a little more inviting. If you are wondering what is trending this winter, here is the lowdown. It is all about rich, earthy tones, layered textures, and cosy, welcoming spaces. Here is what is standing out this season. Burgundy is BackBurgundy is making a strong return this winter. Deep and luxurious, it brings warmth and sophistication without feeling overpowering. You might see it popping up in statement armchairs, artwork, throws, or textured cushions. It pairs beautifully with timber finishes and soft, earthy ... Read more
What Should Be on Your List When Building a New Home? Start Here First
If you are about to start building a new home, chances are you have a list filled with things like tapware, benchtops, splashbacks, and feature lighting. While those details are exciting, they should not be the first things you decide on. If you want a home that is comfortable, affordable to run, and built to last, you need to start with the right foundations. Here is what should actually be at the top of your list when planning a new build. These steps will help you create a home that is both beautiful and energy efficient. 1. Choose your home ... Read more
Floor Plan Friday: A Thoughtful Family-Friendly Layout
Welcome to Floor Plan Friday! Today, we’re taking a look at a stunning, practical layout that’s perfect for family living. This design is all about balance – with clear zoning for family areas, private spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Let’s break it down: Key Features: Open Plan Living: The heart of the home is the open-plan kitchen, meals, and family area. The large kitchen island is not just functional but a perfect spot for family gatherings. It’s designed to keep everyone connected, whether you’re cooking, dining, or relaxing in the lounge. Outdoor Living: A fantastic feature of this design is ... Read more
Every Home Buyer Should Ask These Questions Before Buying
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a potential new home—imagining furniture placement, dreaming up renovation ideas, or picturing that first family gathering. But while layout, aesthetics, and flow are important, there are some bigger-picture questions you absolutely need to ask before signing on the dotted line. These questions might not be as fun, but they can save you thousands—and a whole lot of stress—down the track. What Every Buyer Should Be Asking Before you fall in love with the paint colours or get your heart set on a sunken lounge, dig a little deeper: How old ... Read more
Why We’re Using Timber Frames and LVLs in Our 8-Star Home Build
When it comes to building a high-performance home, the frame is more than just the skeleton – it’s the foundation for everything that follows. From structural strength to energy efficiency, getting the framing right sets the tone for the entire project. For our new 8-star rated home, we opted for timber frames paired with LVLs (Laminated Veneer Lumber). Here’s why. Why Timber Framing? Timber is a natural, renewable material that’s ideal for sustainable building. It’s strong, lightweight, easy to work with, and has a lower embodied energy than steel. But beyond that, timber offers flexibility – literally and figuratively – ... Read more
What’s the Difference Between Laminate, Vinyl, Hybrid and Engineered Timber Flooring?
imber-look flooring has come a long way, and if you’re building or renovating, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the options. Laminate, vinyl planks, hybrid, engineered timber—they all look similar at a glance, but there are some big differences when it comes to price, feel, and suitability for different rooms. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand which one might be right for your home. 1. Laminate Flooring Budget-friendly, DIY-friendly, and scratch-resistant Laminate is a popular choice for good reason—it’s one of the most affordable timber-look options and is relatively easy to install as a DIY project. It’s made ... Read more
One Thing I’d NEVER Skip in an Energy-Efficient Home…
When it comes to building a home that performs well year-round, I could talk all day about insulation, double glazing, and clever orientation. But if I had to choose just one thing I’d never skip in an energy-efficient build? Thermal mass zones. (Yes, I’m looking at you, concrete slab!) What is thermal mass, and why does it matter? Thermal mass refers to materials that can absorb, store, and release heat. Think concrete floors, brick walls, or even tiles in the right spot. When you design with thermal mass in mind – and pair it with good orientation – you can ... Read more
Floor Plan Friday: Central Courtyard
Hey everyone! Welcome to another Floor Plan Friday! Today, we’re looking at a plan that really caught my eye – and not just because it has an amazing country-style courtyard (which, as many of you know, I’m totally loving right now with my own build!). This layout cleverly makes the most of outdoor space, blending indoor and outdoor living for a relaxed yet functional feel. Key Features: Central Courtyard & Pool: The heart of the home, this space features a pool and a timber deck, perfect for outdoor living and entertaining. You’ve got a clear view from the living, dining, ... Read more
Master the Magic of Colour Harmony to Create Beautiful, Balanced Spaces
Colour harmony is all about creating a space where colours work together beautifully. It’s not just about picking pretty colours but finding combinations that make a room feel balanced and inviting. By understanding how colours interact, you can set the mood and enhance the overall vibe of your space, making it both visually appealing and emotionally engaging. The Essence of Colour Harmony Creating a harmonious colour scheme goes beyond simply choosing colours that look good on their own. It’s about finding the right balance and combination that makes a space feel cohesive and inviting. The right colour harmony can evoke ... Read more
Turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis
Living and entertaining outdoors is part of life in Australia. The connection between indoors and outdoors is highly valued and should not be overlooked when building or renovating a home. A seamless flow between the two is what homebuyers are looking for, so getting it right could put your home at the top of the list. Build a deck A deck will add instant appeal to any outdoor space. Even if you already have an alfresco or pergola, adding a deck off the end will provide another designated space for relaxing and entertaining. A deck also offers the perfect spot ... Read more