As specialists in outdoor living solutions, we understand how to transform a simple backyard into a dynamic and inviting extension of your home. This guide will walk you through essential design and functionality tips to help you craft an outdoor space that truly meets your needs and enhances your lifestyle.

Define Your Zones: Creating Purposeful Areas

The first step in effective outdoor planning is to delineate distinct zones, much like you would inside your home. Each zone should serve a specific purpose, contributing to the overall flow and utility of your outdoor area.

1. The Cooking Zone: This is often the heart of outdoor entertaining. Your outdoor kitchen or barbecue cooking area should be positioned with both safety and convenience in mind. Ideally, locate it close to indoor access, perhaps near a kitchen door, for easy food preparation, serving, and cleanup. This proximity minimizes trips indoors, keeping the host engaged with guests. For managing smoke and cooking aromas, consider adding a CROSSRAY rangehood, designed to provide effective ventilation for your outdoor culinary adventures.

2. The Dining Area: Once the food is ready, you need a comfortable place to enjoy it. Allocate sufficient space for your chosen outdoor dining table and seating. When positioning the table, think about its relationship to the cooking zone. Placing it close enough to the barbecue ensures that the cook remains part of the conversation and can easily serve dishes without feeling isolated. This creates a more communal and enjoyable dining experience.

3. The Lounge Zone: If your outdoor space permits, establishing a dedicated lounge zone can elevate relaxation. This area is perfect for unwinding with a book, enjoying conversations, or simply soaking up the ambiance. Furnish it with comfortable lounge chairs, outdoor sofas, and perhaps even an outdoor rug to define the space. To extend the usability of this zone into cooler evenings, integrating outdoor heaters such as those offered by Heatstrip will keep the area warm and inviting.

By consciously defining these zones, you create a multifunctional outdoor environment that caters to various activities and preferences.

Prioritize Flow and Functionality

Beyond defining zones, ensuring smooth flow and optimal functionality is paramount for a successful outdoor design. A well-planned layout feels intuitive and effortless to use.

1. Ensure Clear Walkways: Leave ample space for walkways between furniture pieces, as well as between your cooking, dining, and lounge zones. Clear paths prevent congestion and allow people to move freely and safely, even when carrying plates or drinks. This attention to circulation enhances comfort and hospitality.

2. Incorporate Counter Space: Any effective outdoor cooking setup benefits immensely from dedicated counter space. This provides a practical area for preparing ingredients, holding cooking utensils, or plating food before serving. The CROSSRAY BBQ kitchen is an excellent example, offering generous bench space that is perfect for all your outdoor culinary tasks, making the cooking process more streamlined and enjoyable.

3. Solutions for Limited Space: Even if your outdoor area is compact, functionality does not have to be compromised. Innovative solutions exist for smaller footprints. CROSSRAY, for instance, offers compact gas or electric BBQ kitchens. These designs are cleverly engineered to provide essential features such as benchtop space, a bar fridge, and ample storage, all within a compact and efficient design. This ensures that even modest outdoor areas can boast a highly functional cooking and entertainment hub.

Thoughtful planning of flow and functionality transforms your outdoor space from merely decorative into a truly practical and enjoyable extension of your home.

Choose Weather-Resistant Materials

Given Australia’s diverse climate, selecting weather-resistant materials for your outdoor fixtures and furniture is a crucial decision for longevity and minimal maintenance.

1. Protecting Your Barbecue: Unless your barbecue is situated in a fully enclosed outdoor area, it is wise to select a model constructed from materials known for their weather and rust resistance.

Exposure to sun, rain, and humidity can quickly degrade inferior materials.

2. Opt for Durable Stainless Steel: Look for barbecues and outdoor kitchens made with UV-resistant, rust-resistant, and durable stainless steel. This material not only withstands the elements but also maintains its appearance over time, ensuring your investment remains visually appealing for years to come. CROSSRAY kitchen cabinets, for instance, are designed for all-weather performance, featuring corrosion-free, zinc-coated, powder-coated mild steel construction. This makes them suitable even for exposed and coastal applications, where salt and moisture are significant factors.

3. Furniture Material Choices: For outdoor furniture, excellent material choices that combine durability with aesthetic appeal include concrete, aluminium, teak, and stainless steel. Each offers unique benefits in terms of weight, maintenance, and style, but all share the common trait of being able to withstand outdoor conditions effectively.

Investing in high-quality, weather-resistant materials protects your outdoor living assets and reduces the need for frequent replacement or intensive maintenance.

Style and Add Finishing Touches

Once the foundational elements are in place, the finishing touches are what truly bring your outdoor space to life, adding ambiance, comfort, and character.

1. Strategic Lighting: Effective lighting is essential for extending the usability of your outdoor area into the evening hours and enhancing its safety. Consider installing downlights over your cooking zone. This provides ample visibility, allowing you to grill confidently even after sunset. Beyond practical lighting, decorative lights, fairy lights, or lanterns can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your dining and lounge zones.

2. Outdoor Heating Solutions: As mentioned, outdoor heating plays a vital role in comfort during cooler seasons or evenings. Electric heating solutions, such as those offered by Heatstrip, provide efficient and targeted warmth, ensuring your outdoor space remains comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of the temperature. This allows for year-round usability, maximizing your investment in the outdoor area.

3. Personalize with Accessories: Introduce outdoor rugs, decorative cushions, potted plants, and perhaps even a small water feature to infuse personality and create a welcoming environment. These elements add layers of texture, color, and comfort, transforming a functional space into a truly personal retreat.

These finishing touches are what elevate an outdoor area from merely functional to truly extraordinary.

How CROSSRAY Elevates Your Outdoor Kitchen

At CROSSRAY, we specialize in outdoor cooking solutions that are not just highly functional but also built to last in the Australian climate. Our products directly address the key considerations for designing an exceptional outdoor space.

• Designed for All-Weather Performance: CROSSRAY BBQs and Outdoor kitchens are engineered with durability in mind, capable of withstanding various weather conditions. This means less worry about corrosion or damage, allowing you to enjoy your investment year-round.
• Corrosion-Free Construction: Our kitchen cabinets have been upgraded to a zinc-coated, powder-coated mild steel construction, making them remarkably corrosion-free. This robust material choice renders them suitable even for exposed and coastal applications, where salt and moisture would typically be a concern for other products.
• Modular Design for Customization: A significant advantage of CROSSRAY BBQ kitchens is their modular design. This flexibility allows you to configure the layout in a way that is best suited to your specific space and preferences. Whether you desire your bar fridge on the left or right side of the BBQ, CROSSRAY offers this adaptability, enabling a truly personalized outdoor kitchen setup.

Ready to Design Your Dream Outdoor Space?

Planning your outdoor space is an exciting journey that culminates in a rewarding extension of your home. By thoughtfully defining zones, prioritizing flow, selecting resilient materials, and adding personal touches, you can create an outdoor area that is both beautiful and functional.

To explore the innovative solutions that can bring your outdoor kitchen dreams to life, we invite you to:

• Explore the full range of CROSSRAY BBQs and Outdoor Kitchens: https://www.crossray.com.au/
• Visit a CROSSRAY stockist near you: https://www.crossray.com.au/pages/stockists

The post Planning Your Outdoor Space: Design and Functionality Tips appeared first on Completehome.

This is a unique garden offering something new to engage the eye at every twist and turn. Matt McMahon, owner of McMahon Earth Solutions, designed the one-of-kind garden drawing inspiration from the owners of the acreage property. “They wanted an outdoor space they could meander through, and they wanted to be able to sit and relax in the garden, gathering with friends and family around a fire pit,” explains Matt.

Matt surveyed the tapered corner of the sprawling site where the garden was to go, contemplated the flat, sparsely turfed expanse and the ideas began to flow. He conceived a design he describes as “industrial and arid juxtaposed with natural appeal and a hint of subtropical elements”.

He imagined a circular fire pit area defined by a curved wall of stone embracing a Corten steel fire bowl, all set within a grassy knoll. He pictured winding paths of lush green grass, feature boulders, eye-catching plantings, and raised garden beds fashioned out of stone that would give the space depth.

He also envisioned the use of sculpture. For something striking that would add a dash of drama and give a nod to the home’s location in the rural town of Yandina Creek on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Matt installed a large sculpture of a bull. For something fun but of a smaller scale, he installed a cactus sculpture. Both are fashioned out of Corten steel in reference to the fire pit.

The path and garden edging is also of Corten steel, with the rust finish of the metal working in harmony with the blonde granite which has been used liberally throughout the landscape in the form of feature boulders and large stone retaining walls.

“The granite boulders and walling create the structural backbone of the garden and the stone texture perfectly complements the metal art and edging featured within the landscape,” says Matt.

Natural stone also makes an appearance in the guise of the random bluestone steppers placed at the entry to the garden and the bluestone crazy paving installed in the sunken fire pit area.

The stone and metal materials are softened by the turf mounds behind the fire pit. For these mounds, Matt chose Sir Grange Zoysia grass, a fine-leafed, dark green turf. Feature plantings include Cyathea cooperi (Australian tree fern) and the hero planting, placed right in the middle of the garden, is a five-metre-high Brachyton rupestris (bottle tree).

For more information

McMahon Earth Solutions

The post Utterly unique appeared first on Completehome.

Smart technology has changed how we live. From lights to security, many parts of our home can now be controlled with a phone. Heating is no different. Heatstrip is keeping up with this change by offering smart heaters that you can manage with an app.

These heaters are designed for modern life. You can switch them on or off, set timers, and even control the temperature with just your phone. For people who enjoy comfort and ease, this is a game-changer.

Why Smart Heating Is the Future

Today, many people expect to control their home with their voice or smartphone. It’s part of a trend called smart living. This includes heating. Heatstrip has created heaters that work with popular smart home systems. Depending on the model and controller setup, you can connect them with:

– Google Home – Amazon Alexa – Apple HomeKit (with supported accessories)

This means you can turn on your heater with a simple voice command or by tapping your phone. It’s a helpful way to warm your space before you even step outside.

Flexible Heating Control

Heatstrip’s app-connected heaters give you more than just on and off options. You can:

– Turn heaters on or off from anywhere – Set your preferred heating level (low, medium, high) – Create heating schedules to match your routine – Set timers for 1, 2 or 4 hours – Pre-warm an outdoor area before guests arrive.

This kind of control is useful for both homes and businesses. For example, restaurants can pre-heat outdoor seating before service begins. At home, you can warm up your deck or patio before your morning coffee.

Easy to Use, Easy to Enjoy

The best part of Heatstrip smart heaters is how easy they are to use. You don’t need to be a tech expert. Once installed, they connect quickly to your app or smart home system. From there, it’s just a few taps to set things the way you like.

This level of control is also great for saving energy. You don’t need to leave your heater on all day. Just program it to run when you need it.

Built for Australian Life

Heatstrip heaters are proudly designed and made for Australian conditions. They are tough enough for commercial settings but stylish and smart enough for your home.

They’re perfect for: – Alfresco areas – Outdoor kitchens – Patios and decks – Cafes and restaurants.

Award-winning and trusted, Heatstrip heaters are heating homes and businesses all over the world.

Where to Buy

Heatstrip heaters are available at Bunnings. Whether you’re updating your outdoor area or planning a full home reno, these heaters can help you enjoy outdoor spaces all year round.

Final Thoughts

Smart homes are not just a trend. They’re quickly becoming the norm. Heatstrip heaters are a simple but powerful way to add smart comfort to your outdoor living. With easy app control, energy-saving features, and strong performance, they make it easy to stay warm and enjoy your space.

To learn more or to buy, visit your local Bunnings store or visit heatstrip.com.au today.

The post Smart Heating: How Heatstrip’s App-Connected Heaters Are Changing Comfort at Home appeared first on Completehome.

Whether you’re renovating your home, or just making better use of your balcony, the right BBQ setup is a decision worth taking your time with. But how do you choose the right model? Gas or electric? Trolley or built-in? Let’s break it down to help you make the right call for your lifestyle and space.

How Much Room Do You Have?

Before you get into fuel types or features, consider the space you’re working with.

If you’re in an apartment or a home with a small balcony, the CROSSRAY electric BBQ is a game changer. The barbecue plugs into a standard power point, produces no open flames and doesn’t need a gas bottle. This makes it ideal for spaces with safety restrictions or limited ventilation.

Meanwhile, if you’ve got a larger backyard or a dedicated alfresco area, you can afford to go bigger. That’s where CROSSRAY gas BBQ kitchens or trolley BBQs shine. They offer the power and feel of a traditional outdoor grill plus the added flexibility of layout and style.

Electric vs Gas: What’s Best for You?

The great BBQ debate — electric or gas?

Here’s the breakdown:

Electric BBQs

Electric BBQs aren’t just for balconies anymore. With CROSSRAY’s patented infrared technology, you get the ease of plug-and-play simplicity, but with serious cooking performance. Think of it as a cleaner, smarter way to BBQ. There’s no need to worry about refilling bottles or gas safety checks. It’s also ideal if you want to pack up and go — CROSSRAY’s portable electric BBQ is designed for travel, camping trips, or small space living.

Why choose electric? – Safe and flame-free – Easy to clean – No gas bottles needed – Apartment and balcony friendly – Portable and lightweight options available

Gas BBQs

For the BBQ purists, gas still holds strong appeal. CROSSRAY’s gas BBQs don’t just deliver flame-cooked flavour – they elevate it with infrared burners that heat evenly and reduce flare-ups. This means no more burnt sausages or uneven heat zones.

If you’re after the full outdoor kitchen experience or love the tactile feel of traditional BBQing, gas is likely your pick.

Why choose gas? – Suits larger-scale cooking – Perfect for outdoor kitchens and family gatherings – Available in trolley or built-in models.

Portable, Trolley, or Built-In?

Now that you’ve chosen your fuel type, it’s time to match it with a format that fits how you want to use your outdoor space.

Portable

The CROSSRAY portable electric BBQ is ideal for people on the move. Lightweight and compact, it’s built for camping, weekend getaways, or quick set up in smaller outdoor zones. Despite its size, it’s no slouch on performance. The patented infrared cooking system means food cooks fast and evenly, like its larger cousins.

Trolley BBQs

If you need flexibility without committing to a built-in setup, the CROSSRAY trolley BBQs are the answer. Available in both gas and electric models, they come with sturdy castor wheels that allow you to move the BBQ around your space as needed. This is ideal if you’re still finalising your outdoor layout or want to bring the BBQ closer to the action.

Designed for convenience and style, the trolley offers a streamlined BBQ station without the needing permanent installation.

BBQ Kitchens

For those building or renovating a dedicated outdoor entertaining area, CROSSRAY BBQ kitchens are a standout. These modular systems come pre-assembled with sleek UV stable sintered stone benchtops and zinc powder coated mild steel constructed cabinetry designed to withstand Australia’s harsh weather.

They’re a smart option if you want the luxury of a built-in outdoor kitchen without going down the expensive path of custom cabinetry. Installation is straightforward; many DIYers are surprised at how easy they are to put together.

Features of CROSSRAY outdoor kitchens: – Modular, easy to expand or reconfigure – Rust-resistant components – Sintered stone benchtops for a luxury feel – Fast and easy DIY installation – Available in gas or electric models

Built for Aussie Conditions

What sets CROSSRAY apart isn’t only the variety of options. It’s also the durability and efficiency of their range.

All CROSSRAY BBQs are designed specifically for Australian backyards, balconies and camping grounds. That means high-grade materials, thoughtful engineering and smart safety features that won’t let you down.

Here’s what you can expect: – 304 stainless steel components that resist rust and corrosion – UV-stable benchtops to prevent colour fading – Infrared cooking for faster, more even heat with fewer flare-ups – Easy-clean surfaces to save time after entertaining – Flexible modular designs that grow with your needs

So whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, you’ll enjoy a smooth, stress-free BBQ experience, as well as a product that’s built to last.

Which CROSSRAY BBQ Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all BBQ — and that’s exactly why CROSSRAY offers such a versatile range.

Apartment dwellers will love the simplicity and safety of the electric portable model – Growing families can benefit from the space and power of a trolley system – Serious entertainers will appreciate the sleek look and performance of a full outdoor kitchen setup

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be getting cutting-edge technology, smart design, and the kind of long-term reliability perfect for entertaining for years to come.

Ready to Cook Smarter Outdoors?

If you’re planning your next home improvement or want to upgrade your outdoor space, there’s never been a better time to invest in a BBQ that works as hard as you do.

Discover the full range of CROSSRAY gas and electric BBQs, outdoor kitchens, and accessories at https://www.crossray.com.au

The post Choosing the Right CROSSRAY BBQ: A Guide to Gas vs Electric for Every Outdoor Space appeared first on Completehome.

When it came to selecting a fireplace for their expansive open-plan living spaces and high ceilings, the homeowners knew they needed something exceptional. The Lopi 6015 HO Linear Gas Fireplace proved to be the ideal solution for the homeowners’ expansive open living spaces and high ceilings. With its impressive heating capacity of up to 260Sqm and advanced features including flame level control, smart thermostat mode, and lighting control, it offered everything modern homeowners demand.

What truly sets this installation apart is the meticulous attention to detail in the surrounding materials and design. The fireplace is beautifully framed by Travertine concave kit-kat tiles, each approximately 300mm long, creating a sophisticated textural element that complements the modern aesthetic of the home. This feature combined with the tall dancing flames of the 6015HO GS2 create an extraordinary focal point for the home, enhancing the feeling of luxury and warmth in the home.

The designers drawing on their instincts, made a crucial decision to soften the original square surround design. By adding subtle curves to the edges, they created visual relief in a space that features many flat and large surfaces, demonstrating how thoughtful design choices can transform a good installation into an exceptional one.

The Lopi 6015 HO GS2 Linear Gas Fireplace is packed with cutting-edge features that make it perfect for year-round enjoyment. The GreenSmart 2 (GS2) system provides complete control over the fireplace’s operation, allowing homeowners to adjust flame levels and underbed lighting over six intervals, and operating on a smart thermostat mode that modulates the flame to keep the room temperature consistent for optimal comfort and efficiency.

The linear design creates a striking focal point that enhances the modern aesthetic of the home while providing substantial heating capacity for the large open-plan living areas. The clean lines and contemporary profile perfectly complement the home’s architectural style, creating a seamless integration between form and function.

The success of this installation is perhaps best summarized by the homeowners themselves: “Lopi fireplace is of great quality, and it works like a charm – a great addition to our house.”

This install serves as perfect inspiration for homeowners looking to incorporate a linear fireplace into their modern living spaces, demonstrating how the right choice of fireplace and thoughtful design details can create a stunning focal point that enhances both the aesthetic and functionality of a modern home.

The combination of advanced technology, elegant design, and quality craftsmanship makes the Lopi 6015 HO GS2 Linear Gas Fireplace an excellent choice for modern Australian homes seeking both style and substance. Additional features in this install include our Driftwood Log Media, 10mm Trim, Black Glass Liner and Bronze Glass Floor Media.

Build and fireplace images and information supplied by Merci Creative and Casa Flair Interiors.

The Lopi 6015 HO GS2 is available in either Natural Gas or LPG (Bottled Gas) configurations, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an efficient, traditional gas fireplace equipped with advanced technologies.

For more information on the 6015 HO GS2, feel free to contact our team on 1800 064 234 or contact us here. To view more of our Linear Gas Fireplace Range, please visit our website or view our Linear Gas Fireplace Brochure.

The post Modern Elegance Meets Functional Design: Lopi 6015 HO Linear Gas Fireplace appeared first on Completehome.

Versatile Design with Seamless Cohesion

Designing a striking exterior façade is all about creating harmony between form and function. O’Shea & Sons Builders excel at crafting contemporary façades that are both visually impactful and highly practical.

Leveraging the adaptability of DecoBatten®, they achieve cohesive and streamlined exterior aesthetics by using the same aluminium battens in consistent DecoWood® timber-look finishes across multiple architectural features—including screening, garage doors, fencing, and gates. This unified approach enhances visual continuity and adds a premium, polished finish to every project.

Bold Aesthetic, Minimal Upkeep

Beyond visual appeal, DecoBatten® delivers long-term performance with minimal maintenance. Finished in Super Durable DecoWood®, these battens are built to endure—offering up to 50% more durability than standard polyester architectural powder coatings.

DecoWood’s UV stability and chemical resistance, combined with enhanced metal pre-treatment and a marine-grade powder coating, make it an ideal choice for coastal environments. Unlike traditional timber, its high-performance finish provides exceptional durability and long-term resistance—perfect for exterior design elements exposed to the elements. Ideal for coastal builds and harsh conditions—such as O’Shea & Sons’ Brisbane-based projects—DecoWood® stands up to intense UV exposure while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Sustainable by Design

Sustainability is a shared commitment between DECO Australia and O’Shea & Sons. By using lower-carbon aluminium and zero-VOC finishes, their projects help reduce environmental impact without compromising on quality or style.

Fully recyclable at the end of its lifecycle and requiring no staining or painting, DecoBatten® is a future-focused solution that balances environmental responsibility with enduring performance and aesthetic appeal.

Collaborative Projects That Make an Impact

The partnership between DECO Australia and O’Shea & Sons Builders highlights the versatility and striking aesthetic of DecoBatten®, beautifully enhanced by the signature DecoWood® finish.

Standout examples include The Collina Home, The Mesa, and Mirabello. In these builds, DecoBatten® has been seamlessly integrated across key façade elements.

• The Collina home: This project embodies craftsmanship, comfort, and contemporary living.

• The Mesa: A combination of Spanish revival architecture and innovative modern design elements

• Mirabello (As seen on 9Life’s My Aussie Build, airing Saturday, 14 June 2025): Named after the stunning Mirabello Bay near Crete, this home’s exterior proudly embraces the hallmarks of traditional Greek architecture—featuring soft curves, elegant arches, natural stone, and crisp white-rendered surfaces.

Mirabello by O’Shea & Sons Builders will be featured on 9Life My Aussie Build on Saturday 14 June 2025.

Learn More

O’Shea & Sons Builders

To explore the full DecoBatten® range and the DecoWood® Colour Series, visit: deco.net.au

The post Sleek, Enduring, and Smart: How DecoBatten® is Transforming Modern Façade Design appeared first on Completehome.

Words Jennifer Stackhouse

Part of the huge daisy family, echinacea is a herbaceous perennial from the prairies of North America’s Midwest that flowers for many months through autumn.

The rosette of hairy leaves produces tall stems of mauve, pink or white flowers — such as in the variety ‘Swan Lake’ — but what makes it distinctive and ideal to mass-plant in a sunny garden is the prominent dome of black and gold stamens in the centre of the flower.

‘Magnus Superior’ is a variety that has large mauve flowers and a prominent boss of golden stamens.

As well as the widely grown Echinacea purpurea, there are other species including E. angustifolia and E. pallida.

In recent years, new and colourful varieties have been released including ‘Watermelon Sugar’, which has bright-pink double flowers.

In cold areas, seed pods persist for many months, adding interest to the winter garden.

Medicinal and other benefits

While echinacea is a beautiful addition to the garden it also has traditional medicinal uses, including the treatment of respiratory problems.

It’s best known for its ability to boost the immune system and perhaps reduce the duration of colds and sniffles (although research on this is inconclusive). It has also been shown to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory uses and can be applied to the skin as a cream to reduce eczema.

All parts of the plant have medicinal properties, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides, volatile oils and flavonoids. The upper part of the plant is used to extract the polysaccharides that are said to reduce cold symptoms.

Preparations containing all three species of Echinacea are available commercially as herbal teas, tablets, ointments and the like.

It’s worth noting, however, that some people are allergic to echinacea and it shouldn’t be taken for more than a week.

The flowers with their prominent cones of stamens also attract beneficial insects, particularly pollinators, and can be picked for autumnal flower arrangements.

Grow your own

Echinacea grows in all but hot, humid settings but is best in temperate climates. Plant in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Plants die down in winter when they are cut back but reappear in spring.

Once established, it’s low care and drought tolerant but new plantings, especially if the weather is warm and dry, should be kept watered.

In winter or early spring, cut the plant down to ground level to make way for new growth.

Availability

Look for echinacea in the perennial section of your local garden centre, especially in autumn, or search online for suppliers. It can also be grown easily from seed sown in autumn
or spring.

Organic plants are available by mail order from Mud Brick Cottage and Diggers Club, which offer named varieties.

Echinacea label

Common names: Echinacea, purple coneflower, hedgehog coneflower
Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Aspect & soil: Sun; well-drained soil
Best climate: Cool, Mediterranean, temperate, subtropical
Habit: Perennial
Propagation: Seed, potted plant, division of existing clump
Difficulty: Easy

The post Prairie flower appeared first on Completehome.

Creating an outdoor space to entertain and relax with friends and family is top of most people’s Summer wish list – and putting in a @mrtrampoline trampoline ticks all the boxes. It’s an outdoor activity for the kids to enjoy; an attractive addition to your garden landscape; and an asset that will increase the resale value of the home (for the more hard-headed amongst us).

Hand-made, hand-painted, and fully Australian made, this is a premium product. The frames are made from all-Australian steel, galvanised through a hot-dip process that gives the frame decades of serviceability over its closest rivals.

The springs are made from high-tensile galvanised steel according to Mr Trampoline’s specific design, delivering a longer, smoother bounce and decades of performance. The springs are set to ‘quiver’ at rest, which means there’s no ‘dead’ feel to the bounce. Every component is carefully and exactingly manufactured to be the very best it can be. But it’s the trampoline bed that is the bona fide, ‘piece de resistance’.

No less than six specialists handcraft the bounce bed over a period of four days. A single piece of string makes up the entire bed, double-threaded in an open-weave fashion to increase airflow and give a better bounce. Each bed is coated in ultra-violet-stable rubberised paint which ensures long life and elastic flexibility.

Mr Trampoline trampolines have been the preferred choice in family homes for longer than any others – over 75 years in fact! They come in a range of sizes: Olympic size, family size and teeny-weeny for the littlies, inground, above ground and in-deck. Bespoke models can also be commissioned for tricky sites, delivering premium bounce and ultimate flight for years.

Start those garden plans and see how adding some bounce to your house can be valuable in many ways.

 

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For more information

SERVICEABLE AREAS

Australia-wide

CONTACT

MrTrampoline
P 1300 631 130
E info@mrtrampoline.com.au

The post A Fun Family Investment with Priceless Returns appeared first on Completehome.

Here’s why No Drill Blinds are the new must-have for every kind of home, and how you can install them in minutes.

Why You’ll Love No Drill Blinds

1. Fast and Easy DIY. No drills, no mess, no complicated instructions. Just click, twist, or stick, and you’re done. Perfect for busy lives and weekend projects.

2. No Damage, No Stress. Protect your walls, your window frames, and your peace of mind. No Drill Blinds are ideal for renters, for areas you won’t want to drill into such as tiles, or for anyone who likes to switch up their style without leaving a mark.

3. Custom Style, Made for You. Choose from a wide range of fabrics, colours, and textures. All made-to-measure for a perfect fit. It’s effortless style, your way. You can even opt for exclusive designer brands such as William Morris, Liberty and more!

4. Landlord-Friendly for Renters. Still renting? No problem. The Tuiss Click2Fit and Twist2Fit blinds leave no trace behind and can be removed without causing any damage. Consider choosing a cordless option so there’s no child-safety clip to be installed. Motorised Click2Fit Roman Blinds, or Click2Fit Cordless Honeycombs are the best choice.

5. Transform your space easily. They’re a great way to maximise light control and privacy even if you’re limited in how much you can alter your space.

Meet The No Drill Blinds Range from Tuiss Blinds Online

If you’re ready to ditch the toolbox and still enjoy a sleek, made-to-measure look, you’ve found the right place. At Tuiss Blinds Online, they’ve created a clever range of No Drill blinds designed to suit every room, rental, and renovation. From Twist2Fit rollers to clever clip-in Venetians, here’s how each option delivers on style, simplicity, and stress-free installation.

Click2Fit Roman Blinds and Honeycomb Blinds

Looking for a stylish, No Drill solution that slots neatly inside your window frame? The Tuiss Click2Fit Roman and Honeycomb Blinds make it beautifully simple. With no traditional brackets or power tools required, these clever designs click into place in just moments. Ideal for renters or anyone who loves an easy DIY win. Whether you prefer the soft folds of a roman or the insulating power of a honeycomb, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your space, including blockout and light filtering fabrics, cordless controls, and a wide choice of colours and patterns. The Click2Fit system is also used in the Total Blockout Honeycomb Blinds which feature a full frame to eliminate all light gaps.

Perfect for: Recessed window frames and those looking for stylish energy efficiency. They offer minimal gaps around the sides.

Benefits

• Neat, minimal look
• Extensive range of roman blind fabrics to choose from (look at our entire range of romans, and then upgrade the headrail when you’re ordering)
• Great insulation and light control
• Available in energy-saving honeycomb blinds or beautiful soft roman blinds with choice of lining
• Option to motorise your roman blind

Twist2Fit Roller Blinds

Love the look of roller blinds but not the thought of drilling into your walls? The Tuiss Twist2Fit Roller Blinds offer a smarter, tool-free way to upgrade your windows. No drills, no stress. Whether you choose a single roller for a clean, minimal look or a double roller for ultimate light and privacy control, these blinds install in under a minute. Just position, twist, and you’re done. Perfect for everything from bathrooms to bedrooms, they come in a wide range of timeless colours and fabrics to suit any room.

Perfect for: Classic roller blind lovers who want ultimate ease. Ideal for recessed windows where you don’t want to drill. Think bathrooms, kitchens and everyday living spaces.

Benefits

• Engineered for stability so your blinds stay put, even in high-traffic areas
• Built for your exact window size for a professional finish every time
• Install in minutes with no power tools required, perfect for first-timers or weekend makeovers

Stick2Fit Honeycomb and Venetian Blinds

No drill? No problem. Tuiss Stick2Fit Honeycomb and Venetian Blinds are designed to stick securely into place, literally. Using strong adhesive strips, they’re ideal for those tricky or smaller windows where traditional brackets won’t work. The honeycomb style offers impressive thermal insulation to help keep your home comfy all year round, while the venetians bring that classic, adjustable light control in a range of beautiful colours. It’s sleek, smart, and surprisingly simple. Just peel, stick, and enjoy.

Perfect for: Tricky windows where you might not be able to install other types of blinds. When you need to adhere directly to the glass.

Benefits

• Secure and sturdy hold. That blind isn’t going anywhere!
• Great for tricky windows
• Versatile options with honeycomb blinds (for insulation) and venetian blinds (for timeless style)

Real Homes, Real Results

No Drill Blinds from Tuiss Blinds Online have transformed thousands of homes across Australia and New Zealand. Whether you’re dressing up a rental, refreshing your family home, or fitting out your first apartment, these clever blinds make it easy to enjoy a stylish, functional space, without any stress or even prior experience with blinds.

Ready to DIY Your Way?

Updating your windows has never been simpler, or smarter. If you’re someone who loves a fast and fabulous refresh, No Drill Blinds are your secret weapon.

Explore the No Drill collection from Tuiss Blinds Online and start your DIY makeover today!

For more information

Tuiss. Blinds online

The post Why No Drill Blinds Are the DIY Hack You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner appeared first on Completehome.

Photography Jenny Tan

Designed by Martha Karas of Karas Design and built by Barnett Building, this kitchen is a feast for the eyes. Set inside a new extension of a heritage house, the light and airy space is worlds away from the home’s original kitchen. Where the old kitchen was dark and dingy, Martha and her team changed the footprint of the house to make way for a much brighter and more user-friendly kitchen setup. “The previous kitchen was old, small and dark,” says Martha. “By altering the home’s footprint, we were able to extend the space, which allowed us to design a larger and brighter kitchen with a big island and lots of storage and integrated appliances.”

While the kitchen is noticeably bigger than its predecessor, it is by no means a large space. “We had to use clever design to achieve everything we wanted and to make it practical and beautiful,” Martha adds. High ceilings and a long clerestory window can be credited for amplifying the space and making it appear larger than its square footage. Indeed, a number of strategically placed windows punctuate the kitchen, increasing the amount of light afforded to the room and allowing verdant outdoor vistas to infiltrate the space.

Adding to the kitchen’s practicality is the large statement island located in the centre of the room. Ideal for accommodating family gatherings, the island boasts a white countertop with a waterfall edge on one end and modern black frame on the opposite end. “We wanted the kitchen to feel modern without feeling out of place with the period features of the existing home,” shares Martha.

Another special feature, and one Martha is particularly fond of, is the tea station. Featuring gorgeous Japanese tiles and hidden behind pocket doors when not needed, this little nook transforms into a stunning feature when the doors are open.

Like what you see here? Martha is always up for a challenge, so consider Karas Design for your next project. With more than 25 years of architectural drafting experience and more than 15 years in interior design, Martha brings ample expertise and knowledge to guide clients through every step of the process.

For more information

Karas Design

The post Karas Design’s Recipe for Success appeared first on Completehome.