Huch offers four different, thoughtfully designed eco-stays, with each complemented by a Stoked Stainless wood-fired hot tub, a centrepiece of the experience that invites you to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. Whether you’re soaking in solitude or sharing the moment with friends or family, there is a ritual of lighting the fire, waiting for the water to warm, and slipping into the tub. This becomes an experience of its own in this landscape.

The tubs are handmade in New Zealand from 316L marine-grade stainless steel and clad in natural cedar. Stoked tubs are built to perform in real conditions. Durable, low-maintenance, and designed to last, they’re as suited to remote, off-grid locations as they are to residential backyards. comes with a front-row seat to nature. Deer wander nearby, kangaroos move freely through the valley, and native birdlife fills the air, alongside the occasional visit from the friendly neighbouring cattle. This is what an off-grid getaway should be.

This partnership between Stoked and Huch combines two shared philosophies: a commitment to craftsmanship and the belief that luxury should feel authentic rather than artificial. At Huch, experiencing an off-grid getaway doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Instead, it’s about simplifying life to focus on what truly matters while still enjoying the quality and coziness of a thoughtfully designed space.

It’s this balance that defines the Stoked experience. Durable, intentional, and built for any environment. Whether it’s a remote retreat like Huch or your own backyard sanctuary, the intention remains the same: to create spaces where people can slow down and reconnect.

For more information

Stoked Stainless

The post Off-Grid Escape, Centred Around the Soak appeared first on Completehome.

Manufactured from a reinforced, UV-resistant engineering polymer, V-LOCK® lids offer outstanding strength, rigidity, and long-term weatherability – without the corrosion or tea staining commonly seen in stainless steel lids. Because the V-LOCK® polymer is non‑conductive, it removes the need for electrical bonding, simplifying installation and compliance.

V-LOCK’s unique locking mechanism provides secure, concealed access to skimmers and other deck equipment, meeting Australian Safety Standard AS1926.3 across all inlay materials and thicknesses. Its straightforward, on-site installation and broad model range integrate effortlessly with tile, stone, timber, paver and poured concrete finishes. The result is a flush‑fit, seamless lid that blends into the surrounding deck for a refined, premium look on any pool.

Summer Stone — Introducing a Fresh, Warm‑Toned Colour Option

To meet increasing demand for warmer, brighter pool deck finishes, AQUEA is introducing a new
V-LOCK® colour option: Summer Stone. Designed to complement natural, sun‑washed palettes, such as travertine, limestone, and warm porcelain inlays – Summer Stone delivers a soft, contemporary aesthetic suitable for a wide range of pool designs.

For projects with neutral or cooler toned finishes, AQUEA’s classic Cement Grey is a versatile and popular choice – offering a crisp, timeless finish.

Summer Stone will be available from early June 2026 across all single‑key V-LOCK® models suited to 10–32 mm inlays, including the popular VS COMBO kits for fibreglass pools.

Why choose V-LOCK® for your pool?

• Secure locking mechanism that enhances pool safety and ensures full compliance with Australian Standard AS1926.3 across all inlay types.
• Award‑winning design delivering intuitive operation, proven reliability, and a premium finish.
• Non‑conductive, reinforced polymer construction providing superior durability with no electrical bonding.
• Flush‑fitting, seamless appearance across tile, stone, concrete, paver and decking surfaces.
• Versatile range suitable for both new builds and retrofit applications.

Discover the complete V‑LOCK® range, along with technical specifications, installation guides, inspiration galleries and more, at www.aquea.com.au

The post V-LOCK® Skimmer Lids: Secure, Reliable, Concealed appeared first on Completehome.

Each knob and handle in the Manor range creates a tactile surface that not only enhances grip but also establishes a strong visual identity that exudes exclusivity.

In a world where home design is dominated by subtlety and care in the details, the Manor collection is a perfect fit for any modern kitchen.

Expanding To Two New Finishes

The Furnipart Manor collection has expanded its range of finishes, welcoming Matt Bronze and Inox Look to the options. It builds on an already extensive range that includes black and antique brass. This expanded range gives homeowners greater creative control when it comes to new builds or renovations.

With multiple size options available, Manor can be specified consistently across drawers, cupboards and larger pantry doors, supporting cohesive design outcomes throughout kitchens, bathrooms and living areas.

Whether adding warmth to an industrial kitchen, highlighting the deep elegance of a rural setting or complementing a contemporary interior, the Furnipart Manor range delivers tactile detail, durable performance and timeless appeal.

For more information

Nover

P 1300 688 371
E sales@nover.com.au
F Nover Australia
I noveraustralia

The post Timeless By Design appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Baker Photography Shannon Mcgrath

This renovated Edwardian residence has been artfully transformed into a modern family home. The renovations included the addition of a single-storey extension, and a complete renovation of the original cottage to preserve its timeless heritage appeal.

Before work began, Chahid Kairouz, managing director and principal architect of CKA Studio, says the house was in significant disrepair, with limited light and a layout that was outdated and disconnected. “However, the home offered good bones, generous ceiling heights and a reasonable footprint,” he says. “It also had charming period details such as pressed-metal ceilings, timber floors and fireplaces.”

The homeowners, a professional couple with two young children, had an idea of what they wanted to achieve — a functional, warm and welcoming home — one that was flexible and would cater to their future needs.

Sammy Kairouz, director of interiors from CKA Studio, says they were looking for a calm, cohesive aesthetic inspired by an earthy Australian palette, and a balance between open-plan living and more private, adaptable spaces.

“At its heart, the design aimed to weave together past and present, celebrating the home’s original charm while introducing thoughtful, contemporary touches,” notes Sammy.

As well as three generous bedrooms, there’s a fourth room that offers flexibility as a guest room or study. There are also two bathrooms, a powder room and formal living room. The open-plan kitchen, living and dining area feels spacious and serene. A muted colour palette adds a sense of calm.

Sammy explains the joinery was kept soft and neutral to avoid visual clutter. “Natural materials — timber, stone, white brick — were chosen for their texture, durability, and the way they respond to light,” he notes.

One of the challenges of the project was a south-facing rear that limited light penetration into the home. The inspired design, that’s likened to a butterfly unfolding its wings, has helped to overcome this.

The butterfly roofline is one of Chahid’s favourite aspects of the design. “It’s a metaphor brought to life through the sculptural L-shaped rear extension and distinctive butterfly roofline,” comments Chahid. “This form not only introduces a sense of lightness and elevation, but also symbolises transformation and connection, guiding the spatial journey from the original heritage home to the new, open living spaces.”

The clever shape of the extension also offered an opportunity for two courtyards; one is internal and one rear-facing. Clerestory windows welcome in light. The large expanses of internal glazing blur internal and external lines, flowing out to a comfortable alfresco space complete with custom fireplace and outdoor kitchen.

For Sammy, one of his favourite aspects is the retention of the original elements. “This includes fireplaces, existing timber flooring and pressed-metal ceilings — it ensures the home’s heritage is not only preserved, but celebrated,” he explains. “These features add richness in texture and detail, sympathetically balanced against the modern additions.”

The success of the project was also due to the close collaboration between parties involved. This included the design team at CKA Studio, project managers Shepherd Development Partners, and builder Agora Homes. “From the very beginning, there was a shared commitment between all parties to quality and detail,” says Chahid.

Sustainable elements have been ably implemented. They include passive design, high-performance insulation, retaining existing timber floors with added insulation underneath, and salvaging as much of the existing weatherboards as possible. There’s also a rainwater tank, provision for a photovoltaic solar panel system, as well as water-efficient fixtures and energy efficient appliances.

This family home is a delight. It’s a symphony of sculptural planes and light, and of timeless tradition and modern living.

Details

House: Butterfly House
Location: Thornbury, Vic
Architect: CKA Studio
Interior designer: Sammy Kairouz
Designer: Giuseppe Passuello
Builder: Agora Homes, +61 431 261 956
Project management: Shepherd Development Partners,
Landscape architect: Gardens of the Sun

The post Set to Soar appeared first on Completehome.

The old assumption was simple:

Duplex block = no room for a ‘proper pool’

That assumption is ageing badly.

Today’s duplex projects are more design-aware, more compact and more intentional. As Sydney continues to make better use of its land, the question is no longer just how to fit two homes on a block. It is how to make those homes feel complete.

That is where Blue Haven Pools enter the conversation.

• Not oversized pools that eat the whole yard.
• Smarter pools.
• Better-shaped pools.
• Mineral wellness heated pools.
• Acoustic rich therapy with running water wall integrations, mini jet systems and arc deck jets
• Pools designed to work with the home and optimize lifestyle from day one.

In duplex settings, the pool has to do more with less. It has to sit neatly within tighter footprints, respect access and setbacks, and still feel like a considered part of the project. This is where custom concrete design becomes especially valuable.

Blue Haven’s own approach to concrete pool design for duplex homes reflects exactly that shift: design-led pools that suit shared outdoor zones, compact sites and modern architecture. For tighter backyards, their plunge pool designs show how smaller pools can still feel generous when the proportions are right.

The real mistake is not lack of space.

It is lack of planning. Or worse – oversized pools that don’t balance the yard, home and integration.

When a duplex is designed first and the pool is squeezed into the leftovers, the result usually feels compromised. But when the pool is considered early, it can improve the whole outdoor arrangement — circulation, sightlines, entertaining, and how the backyard feels from inside the home.

That is why more duplex projects are making room for Blue Haven Pools in 2026.

Because on a compact block, every square metre has to earn its place. And a well-planned pool does exactly that.

To see how compact-site pools are being approached with more intention, browse duplex pool design and plunge pool ideas at Blue Haven Pools. Blue Haven Pools — built for the way modern backyards actually live.

The post Why More Duplex Builds in Sydney Are Planned around a Blue Haven Plunge Pool appeared first on Completehome.

In 2026, the backyards that feel most current are not the ones following old formulas, but the ones designed with shape, mood and cohesion in mind.

Something has changed in residential design.

Homes are feeling warmer. Softer. More tactile.

You can see it in arched entries, rendered walls, limestone tones, curved edges and outdoor spaces that feel composed rather than assembled. And in established Sydney suburbs — where knockdown rebuilds and major renovations are common — this shift is becoming especially visible.

The pool is changing with that architecture.

What used to be a standard blue rectangle is increasingly becoming something more integrated:

• curved walls
• softened corners
• textured finishes
• shapes that feel connected to the house and landscape

This is not styling for the sake of styling.

Curves do something practical. They soften density, work beautifully in compact yards and help outdoor spaces feel calmer and more resolved.

But here is the important part:

Curves need planning.

A convincing curved pool is not a last-minute flourish. It requires design intent, the right material choices, and a builder who understands how the pool and home need to speak the same language. This is one reason concrete plays such a big role in the trend — it gives far more freedom when the design brief moves beyond standard shapes.

For inspiration, Blue Haven’s pool case studies and pool renovations and upgrades show how architectural direction, material tone and backyard layout can come together in a more cohesive way.

In 2026, curves are not just a trend.

They are a signal.

They say the backyard was designed, not dropped in.

For homeowners chasing a softer, more architectural outdoor space, explore Blue Haven’s case studies and renovation inspiration. Blue Haven Pools — where pool design starts with the bigger picture.

The post Curves Are Moving Into Sydney’s Established Suburbs — And Blue Haven Pools leads design appeared first on Completehome.

It is not just a construction choice. It is a design tool — one that gives homeowners and designers more freedom to respond to architecture, levels, layout and the way outdoor spaces are meant to feel.

Some materials follow design.

Concrete helps create it.

Over the past decade, the expectations around pools have changed. Homeowners are no longer choosing between “pool” and “no pool.” They are choosing between different types of outcomes.

Do they want a standard installation?

Or do they want a pool that works with the house, the levels, the site and the way they actually live?

That is where concrete keeps winning attention.

Concrete allows far more flexibility when the brief gets specific:

• custom sizes an internity flexibility such as integrated spa, ledge, wet deck
• free-form shapes
• curved walls
• ledges and seating
• better adaptation to angled sites or those needing a design solution around sewer lines, trees, nearby structures
• closer alignment with architecture and landscaping

Blue Haven’s overview of the types of pools in Australia lays this out clearly: different pool types suit different budgets and site conditions, but concrete is where design flexibility broadens considerably. Their in-ground concrete pool design page pushes that point further, showing how custom sizing and layout can turn the pool into a more integrated part of the home.

This matters more now because homes themselves are more architectural than they used to be. Outdoor zones are expected to feel cohesive, not separate. In tighter backyards, the pool often has to perform several roles at once — visual centrepiece, cooling zone, wellness feature, entertaining anchor.

That is hard to do well with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Concrete is not simply the premium choice because it sounds better.

It is often the right choice because the design brief has become more demanding.

And in 2026, that demand is only increasing.

To compare your options properly, start with Blue Haven’s guide to types of pools in Australia and explore their custom concrete pool designs. Blue Haven Pools — design-led, detail-obsessed, built to last.

The post Why Concrete Has Defined the Architectural Pool Era appeared first on Completehome.

The modern pool brief has changed.

It used to be enough for a pool to look good.

Now homeowners want more:

• water that feels better on skin and hair
• less chemical harshness
• simpler upkeep
• Lowest running costs including water, energy and chemical use
• a pool experience that feels more like a retreat and less like a chore

That is why the Blue Haven Enviro Smart Mineral Pool gets more attention.

Not because they are fashionable.

Because they answer a practical lifestyle question.

How do you build a pool that feels good to live with without costing the earth? Well the answer is naturally Blue Haven Pools.

Blue Haven’s Mineral Pools Sydney page frames this well, focusing on magnesium- and potassium-based mineral water as a gentler alternative to a more traditional chlorine-heavy feel. The company describes the system as softer on skin and hair, with reduced chemical smell and a more natural swimming experience for families.

And the appeal is not only sensory.

The water system now becomes part of the overall backyard mood. In homes designed around calm, wellness and outdoor living, the quality of the water matters just as much as the colour of the tiles or the shape of the coping. A pool should not only look inviting. It should feel inviting.

For homeowners planning a full outdoor upgrade, it also makes sense to explore how water system decisions sit alongside broader pool design choices. Blue Haven’s stories and inspiration and case studies help show where mineral systems fit into a more complete backyard vision.

Because in 2026, the best pools are not just built to impress visitors.

They are built to improve the way the space feels every day.

If you want a pool that feels as good as it looks, explore Blue Haven Mineral Pools, along with their stories and case studies. Blue Haven Pools — better water, better living, better-planned backyards.

The post Why The Blue Haven Enviro Smart Mineral Pool Is The Wellness Upgrade Homeowners Actually Want appeared first on Completehome.

For years, the pool sat in the ‘too hard basket’ because established houses can often mean restricted access increase the cost to excavate the pool or risks of undermining house footings were largely increased.

When planning a knock down / re-build the access opens and the reality of a concrete pool structure installation becomes a wonderful opportunity and Blue Haven Pools are leading the way in concrete pool two stage builds.

The first stage is structural placement. Excavation, steel, primary plumbing and concrete placement.

The house build then takes shape and when the home is ready for occupation, the finishing touches are done to the pool including tiling, filtration, heating, fencing, interior and filling the pool with water.

Knockdown rebuilds are no longer a niche move. They are a major part of how homeowners are upgrading in established areas, especially closer to city centres, where site constraints matter more and every decision has a ripple effect on access, levels, drainage and outdoor flow.

That matters because a pool is not just a finishing touch.

It is a planning decision.

When the pool is considered early, the project gains real advantages:

• access for machinery is easier
• placement is smarter
• levels and drainage can be coordinated properly
• outdoor areas feel integrated, not pieced together later

When it is left too late, the opposite tends to happen:

• finished work gets disturbed
• access becomes restricted or undermines nearby structures
• layout options shrink
• costs rise because the site is harder to work with

This is exactly why early pool planning has become such an important conversation in rebuilds and major renovations. Blue Haven breaks this down well in its guide on when to install your pool during a knockdown rebuild, especially for Sydney blocks where timing can directly affect cost and construction flow.

The smartest projects in 2026 are not asking, “Can we add a pool later?”

They are asking, “How do we make the house and pool work as one plan from the start?”

That is a much better question. And usually, it leads to a much better outcome.

If you are planning a rebuild or major renovation, explore more practical planning advice and project inspiration at Blue Haven Pools. Blue Haven Pools — plan first, build once.

The post Blue Haven Pools — Smart Planning for a Perfect Pool appeared first on Completehome.

But when it comes to rest, even the smallest amount of unwanted light can make a noticeable difference.

Whether it’s the early glow of sunrise slipping through the edges of your curtains or the constant flicker of outdoor lighting, these subtle interruptions can affect how well we sleep and how easily we switch off at the end of the day.

It’s no surprise that more homeowners are looking beyond standard window furnishings for a solution that offers something more complete. Tuiss Blinds Online now offer what we’ve all been looking for in their collection of Total Blockout Curtains. Created to block all light gaps, they also designed for easy DIY, of course.

Why Blocking Out Light Isn’t Always So Simple

Blockout curtains are often the go-to choice for creating a darker room. Designed with specialised fabrics and linings, they do an excellent job of stopping light from passing directly through the material.

But in many homes, the challenge isn’t the fabric itself. It’s everything around it.

Light has a way of finding the smallest openings. Gaps at the top of the curtain, slivers along the sides or a slight opening at the bottom can all allow light to filter through. And while each gap might seem minor on its own, together they can significantly reduce the overall effectiveness of blockout curtains.

It’s something many people have experienced. The moment when the sunrise shines through to wake you up, or a streetlight casts a glow across the room, despite the curtains being fully closed.

Over time, these small disruptions can impact sleep quality, create unwanted glare and make a space feel less private or less comfortable.

A More Considered Approach to Darkness

For those looking to create a truly dark room, a more complete solution is needed.

Total Blockout Curtains from Tuiss are designed with this in mind, taking a more holistic approach to light control. Rather than simply covering the window, they work as a full system, covering not just the window itself, but sealing the edges where light most often escapes.

Each set of Total Blockout Curtains combines several carefully considered elements:

• A fitted pelmet that helps block light from entering at the top
• Magnetised inner hems that reduce light gaps through the centre part of the curtains
• Discreet Velcro side seals that minimise light leakage along the edges

Together these features create a more enclosed environment, significantly reducing the light that enters the room from all angles.

It’s a subtle shift in design thinking, but one that makes a meaningful difference in how a space performs.

Designed for the Way We Live Now

Creating a darker room isn’t just about aesthetics. We need to make sure it’s about supporting real-world lifestyles and creating an atmosphere that benefits our health and wellbeing.

Bedrooms are the most obvious place where light control matters. A darker environment can help signal to the body that it’s time to rest, allowing deeper, more consistent sleep.

For nurseries and children’s rooms, managing light can help establish more predictable sleep routines, creating a calm and consistent environment for rest.

In media rooms or home theatres, reducing ambient light enhances screen visibility, improving the overall viewing experience without distractions or glare.

And for the homes in busy or street-facing locations, better light control can also mean greater privacy, helping create a space that feels more sheltered and relaxed.

There’s also a growing number of people working non-traditional hours. For shift workers needing to sleep during the day, the ability to create near-total darkness can make a significant difference to both comfort and wellbeing.

A Practical Alternative to Larger Updates

When it comes to improving comfort at home, it’s easy to assume that meaningful change requires major renovation.

Upgrading windows, installing external shutters or undertaking structural changes can all help manage light, but they often come with higher costs, longer timelines and greater disruption.

Solutions such as Total Blockout Curtains offer a more accessible way to achieve a similar result.

Made to measure for a precise fit and designed with straightforward DIY installation in mind, they provide a practical upgrade that doesn’t require extensive work. It’s a way to enhance the performance of a room without altering the structure of the home itself.

And because they’re tailored to each window and are available in a wide range of fabrics and colours, they integrate seamlessly into the space, combining function with a clean, considered finish.

Rethinking What “Blockout” Really Means

Not all blockout solutions are created equal. While traditional curtains offer an important first step in managing light, addressing the gaps around them is what truly transforms a space. By considering how light enters from every angle, Total Blockout Curtains from Tuiss Blinds Online provide a more complete approach. And one that aligns with how we actually use our homes.

For those seeking a darker, more restful environment, it’s a solution that goes beyond the surface, delivering both practical benefits and a more considered living experience.

Because sometimes, the smallest changes, like closing the gaps where light slips in, can make the biggest difference of all.

Explore the full range of Total Blockout Curtains online at Tuiss Blinds Online today and discover how easy it is to achieve true darkness for the best nights sleep.

For more information

https://www.blindsonline.com.au/

The post Total Blockout Curtains to create truly dark rooms for sleep appeared first on Completehome.