Words Carrol Baker

The profound influence of our homes is created by design elements such as natural light, acoustics, textures and materials. The way that spaces are designed also has a part to play. All of these things feed into human emotions and experiences — they influence how we feel.

Over the past few decades, architecture has undergone a subtle change, which is slowly gathering momentum. Ton Vu, director of Atlas Architects, says this new defining culture is all about human-centred design. “Architecture has experienced a fascinating shift, moving in a wide arc from modernist ideals, through periods of more commercially driven housing, and back towards a renewed focus on people and place,” he says.

At the very heart of human-centred design are strategies that foster organic connection. It’s a design philosophy that seeks to offer connection. Ton explains that this connection is between the inhabitants, each other, and also nature. “This was a defining feature of Australia’s mid-century bespoke houses by architects such as Robin Boyd, and even the suburban project homes developed by the Merchant Builders, which carefully integrated courtyards, gardens, and shared spaces to foster interaction and a sense of community,” he explains.

Humans enjoy architecture that is visually appealing. The beauty of human-centred architecture is that it’s more than skin deep. Mick Moloney from Moloney Architects says the focus on human-centred design is a welcome change. “Over the past five years I’ve noticed a real shift away from heroic, ‘look-at-me’ architecture,” he shares. “The focus now is on more nuanced projects that derive meaning from their relationship to place, history, and the people who live in them.”

Human-centred design encompasses many modalities and nuances. It’s holistic, driven by a desire to foster feel-good spaces that boost health and wellbeing. Sam Crawford from Sam Crawford Architects says great domestic architecture elevates the everyday human experience. “It considers the simple rituals of our day, such as cleaning our teeth — so designing the bathroom could provide a view out the window to a beautiful garden, or to the canopy of a gum tree lit up by the early-morning sun, or a glimpse of the ocean,” he says. “Or it may be creating a small ledge where we might sit to drink the first cup of coffee of the day, with the winter sun on our back.”

A healing home

A home designed with wellness in mind is uplifting. It seeks to nurture, to heal. It offers respite from everyday pressures that can exist the moment you step outside your front door.
Human-centred design is achingly complex, yet peel back the layers and it’s refreshingly simple. Sam says it’s all about spaces that dignify and bring joy to our everyday lives.

“We may not experience this at a conscious level, in the same way that we may not, at a conscious level, bemoan the lack of human touch in a given day,” he says. “Well-designed, considered spaces make us feel better — make us feel loved and cared for, make us feel safe.”

Your home plays a huge role in your mental health. The right design, materials, colours, textures, light, and connection to the natural world can have a deep impact. “Today we are seeing a return to those human-centric ideals, now strengthened by building science and sustainability imperatives,” says Ton. “Contemporary human-centred design in Australia goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about creating energy-efficient, healthy, and comfortable homes.”

For Ton, thoughtful selection often comes down to a few key criteria: choosing products with low-embodied energy, which are non-toxic and ideally from renewable or responsibly sourced materials. “For example, specifying VOC-free paints, FSC-certified timbers, and natural wool insulation reduces exposure to harmful chemicals and creates healthier indoor air quality,” he says.

Human-centred design also encompasses design flexibility. Mick says a family’s life isn’t static, so spaces shouldn’t be either. “Operable screens, dual-use spaces and layered floorplans let you open things up for connection or close them down for privacy or to hide clutter,” he says. “Flexibility makes a home more enjoyable and more enduring as your circumstances change.”

Naturally good

Biophilic design is a part of human-centric planning. It’s all about connection. It’s based on the notion that humans have an innate relationship with nature. Sam says looking for ways to enhance that sense of connectedness is important. “Views to a garden, to the ocean or the sky; the sound of birdsong — these things calm our nervous system and lead to healthier, happier lives,” he says.

There’s a host of ways you can foster connectivity to the outdoors. One of Mick’s favourites is the window seat. “Is there a better architectural invention than the window seat?” he ponders. “In our house, the window seat is the most loved spot — the only issue is that all five of us want to sit there at once!”

Biophilic design is, at its heart, human centric. It’s all about plants and indoor-outdoor connectivity to greenspaces, but that’s only part of the story. “It can apply to spaces with surfaces made of natural materials that make us feel more comfortable, happier and healthier,” adds Sam. “The surfaces of the things that we see and touch change the way we feel inside ourselves.”

Biophilic design encompasses flowing water, warm spaces bathed in natural light, even organic shapes that occur in the natural world, such as a curved benchtop or curved mirrors. It’s all about flowing shapes rather than geometric or ordered patterns.

Calm the chaos

Human-centred design seeks to offer calm and solace. Cluttered spaces influence our emotions. It can lead to feelings of overwhelm and disconnect. Creating interior spaces that have adequate storage helps to corral the clutter and calm the mind. Well-designed spaces offer solutions for storage, so what you need is at your fingertips when required and tucked out of sight when it isn’t. Custom joinery pieces are tailored to individual storage needs. Multifunctional storage spaces offer design flexibility over time as needs change.

Community living

With booming population growth in inner cities and along coastal fringes, the only way to go is up. Apartment living in residential communities is on the rise — in more ways than one. Modern apartment living is human centric — it fosters connectivity between residents. But it hasn’t always been that way. Ton points out that for a long time, architects grappled with the disconnect between residents and the ground plane, as well as the isolation created by repetitive, stacked apartment layouts.

“In recent years, we’ve seen innovative strategies to re-establish those incidental moments of connection,” he says. “Projects such as Nightingale Apartments in Melbourne show how communal laundries, rooftop veggie gardens, and outdoor dining areas can become places where neighbours naturally meet.”

Light me up

Natural light is balm for the soul. It boosts your serotonin levels and can elevate your mood. Some say it’s essential to the human condition. “If natural light isn’t in our charter of human rights, it damn well should be,” states Mick. “Sunlight does more than brighten a room — it sets our sleep–wake cycles, sharpens concentration, and also supports our mental health.”

Human-centred design captures natural light, it looks at ways to harness dappled light, and at times it seeks to punch light deep into a home. Other times it needs to offer shade. Mick explains that design wise, it’s about getting the right light in the right place at the right time.

“Bedrooms facing east allow you to wake up with the morning sun, while living areas oriented north stay bright and comfortable throughout the day,” he explains. “We usually avoid harsh western sun in the afternoons, but sometimes we like to design in a little sun trap to capture that warmth on a chilly winter afternoon.”

Some say to design a human-centric home, we should also be able to look up and see the heavens. “I firmly believe that we need to be able to see the sky from indoors,” says Sam. “Rooms with windows with a low head height that prevent us from seeing the sky from within our domestic spaces lower our mood.”

Sound bites

Design elements in residential architecture are what makes up human-centred design. Acoustics refers to how sound waves radiate from a source and interact with other surfaces in a space. Sam says well-proportioned rooms, with the right balance of hard and soft surfaces, create a comfortable acoustic environment.

“Our voices can be heard and not drowned out by echo or reverberation,” he says. “We may not be conscious of acoustics when a room is comfortable, but we will certainly be conscious of it when a room is loud and uncomfortable.”

The acoustics of a space is important, yet Ton says it’s not given its due. “Acoustic design is one of the most overlooked aspects of residential architecture,” he notes. He explains that acoustics can be enhanced through deliberately minimising noise transmission from outside and between rooms.

“For example, this can be done by separating quiet bedrooms from noisy living areas, specifying solid internal doors, and using wall and floor assemblies with higher acoustic ratings,” he says. “Thoughtful surface selection is equally important: incorporating sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic ceilings, rugs, and upholstered finishes can reduce reverberation and create a softer, more comfortable sound environment.”

This article originally appeared in Grand Designs Australia, issue 14.4.

The post My Sanctuary appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Baker

Passive design

You might have heard the term “passive cooling” bantered about. David Noordhoff from Freeman Group Architects says it’s basically a collection of design strategies to keep a building comfortable in warm weather without relying on mechanical systems such as air-conditioning.

“It uses elements such as orientation, cross-ventilation, shading, thermal mass and insulation to naturally regulate temperature,” he explains. “The idea is to work with the climate rather than fight against it, allowing heat to escape, encouraging airflow, and preventing excess heat from entering in the first place.”

With effective passive cooling design strategies in place, you and your family will benefit. Taras Wolf from Wolf Architects adds that designing with passive cooling has many other advantages. “It reduces energy consumption, lowers running costs, and aligns with our sustainable design ethos,” he says.

For many architects, sustainable building practices are at the very heart of what they do. One of David’s projects, Atria House in Torquay, has a central courtyard with a pool that acts as a natural cooling element. “The pool cools the surrounding air, which is then drawn through the home via louvred windows and operable sliding doors,” he explains. “These openings are positioned to harness prevailing breezes, allowing the cooled air to move freely through the living spaces and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.”

There’s a host of other reasons why a home designed with passive cooling is a great idea. For starters, says David, they have better air quality and fewer fluctuations in temperature. “These homes can also perform during power outages or extreme weather — they remain cooler and more liveable even without electricity, offering a type of built-in resilience.”

In the wind

One way to really beat the heat is to maximise cross ventilation. This concept occurs naturally when wind enters an opening, flows through the space, then exits through an opening on the other side.

Taras says one of his favourite passive cooling strategies involves cross-ventilation. “For example, in one of our homes built along the coast, we positioned operable windows and vents on opposite sides of the main living areas, allowing cool breezes to flow straight through the house, flushing out hot air. We also incorporated overhangs and vertical fins to shade those windows in summer while still allowing winter sun to penetrate.”

Perfect placement

When building, ideally you don’t just plonk your new home anywhere on the block. The direction the home faces is important. In fact, according to Taras, it’s fundamental to clever design. “Getting orientation right at the start is one of the most powerful tools in passive design,” he says.

In a nutshell, explains Taras, a well-oriented, north-facing home makes the most of natural light in winter and limits heat gain in summer. “At Wolf Architects, we take great care in siting our homes to ensure that living spaces benefit from northern light while minimising exposure to harsh western sun,” he says. “This not only aids passive cooling, but also improves overall comfort and liveability.”

Look up

Your roofing materials will also play an active role in comfort. Taras suggests Colorbond steel with high solar reflectance (a lighter colour) is a clever option. “It’s durable, low maintenance, and helps reflect rather than absorb heat,” he says. “We also explore green roofs and insulated metal panels in some of our projects, particularly where sustainability is a key focus.”

The design of your roof will also play a role. David says ventilated roof spaces, or skillion roof forms with high-level openings, can allow stifling air to escape. “Shading is equally important,” he says. “In our Pyrenees residential project we used deep eaves to shade windows and external walls, significantly reducing solar heat gain in summer and helping the home stay cooler naturally.”

Cool like concrete

Thermal mass can improve the performance of your home. High-density materials including brick, rammed earth and concrete have good thermal mass. These materials need a lot of heat to rise in temperature; they also lose stored heat slowly.

David explains that this slow release can even out temperature swings, especially when shaded from direct sunlight. “On the other hand, lightweight, well-insulated materials such astimber framing with external cladding can prevent heat from transferring indoors in hot climates,” he explains. “The key is balancing the two depending on the climate and how each space will be used.”

Feel the breeze

Fans are one way to keep your cool in summer. Clea de la Nougerede from Big Ass Fans says for a ceiling fan to really do its job, placement is everything. “Big Ass Fans recommends hanging your fan so the blades sit about 2.4m to 2.7m above the floor — or higher if your ceilings allow,” she advises. “Ideally, leave at least 30cm of space between the top of the fan and the ceiling so air can move freely above the blades.”

Clea suggests that in living rooms, bedrooms or dining areas, try to centre the fan over the main spot where people spend time — such as above the couch or the bed. “If you have an open-plan space, one large fan (such as an i6 or Haiku) often works well, but really big rooms might be better with two smaller fans to spread the airflow evenly,” she explains.

Smart sensors are making it even easier to keep your cool, save money and precious resources. “Tiny sensors detect motion, temperature and humidity, and automatically adjust the fan’s speed and light for you,” notes Clea. “Leave the room, and the fan turns itself off — and when you come back, it switches back on at the perfect speed.”

Turn up the air

An air-conditioning unit is an effective way to set a comfortable indoor temperature. When selecting a new air-conditioner, Dr John J. Shiel, principal of EnviroSustain, suggests choosing one that contains lower-impact hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) greenhouse gases (which are used for cooling) to help reduce global warming.

It’s also important that the product has a good energy star rating for heating and cooling for your climate zone and that it is not oversized, as a smaller unit is more efficient and costs less to run. He also suggests choosing a unit that does not require ducting, if possible, as it reduces efficiency.

Open it

A key element in energy efficiency is window glazing. This incorporates the placement, style and also the glazing component. Use of double or triple glazing and well-sealed frames are perfect to keep out the summer heat. From single to double and even triple, there are many glazing options available that directly impact the amount of heat loss and gain within a home.

Cover it

Blinds and awnings will also influence thermal comfort. Michelle Fitzgerald, marketing manager AU/NZ for Tuiss Blinds Online, says today’s most sustainable window furnishings aren’t just about what they’re made from, but how they actively contribute to energy performance. “Honeycomb blinds are a standout,” she says. “Their unique cellular structure traps air, creating a natural thermal barrier that significantly reduces the need for artificial heating
and cooling.”

Michelle says that layering diverse types of window furnishings is a great concept. “This can mean combining energy-saving honeycombs with thermally lined curtains or Roman blinds, or pairing them with insulating timber shutters,” she says.

Michelle adds it’s important to target west-facing windows. “Whether it’s a block-out blind, outdoor window blind or a layered combination, it can reduce internal temperatures significantly,” she explains. “Outdoor blinds are particularly effective; they function as the first line of defence, an external shield that keeps the home cool before the sun has a chance to heat up internal surfaces and spaces.”

Hot stuff

Changing design strategies, coupled with modern technology, means many new homes are becoming more adept at handling sweltering summer temperatures. But what about existing homes? The performance of a new air-conditioner is compromised if it’s positioned in a poorly insulated home. Gaps around windows and doors will impact thermal comfort.

Many existing homes are underprepared, under-insulated, and lack the energy efficiency to create a comfortable and healthy interior environment. The reality is that poorly designed and insulated homes can have an impact not only on comfort levels, but also on health.

Dr John J Shiel’s report, Cooling Your Home, published by Beyond Zero Emissions, notes that the average Australian house is rated at only 2 stars out of 10 in the scale of the Nationwide House Energy Ratings Scheme (NatHERS) home.

It’s not good enough. Globally, temperatures are rising and greenhouse gas emissions are acknowledged to be a big contributor. In Australia, notes Dr Shiel, temperatures increased by around 1.4°C between 1910 and 2020. The number of “extreme heat days” over 35°C has risen 500 per cent in only the past 30 years, he reports.

To cool your home, Dr Shiels recommends some of the following: creating an efficient one-room Cool Retreat retrofitted with efficient cooling strategies; updating appliances such as fans, air-conditioners and evaporative coolers; and using them more strategically. He also suggests considering a heatwave emergency plan.

This article first appeared in Grand Designs Australia 14.3

The post Shady Character appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Baker

As we roll into summer, winter is but a distant chilly memory. With the warmer weather, it’s time to rejuvenate your home, adding splashes of colour, texture, and nature-inspired looks.

Recycled materials, and upcycled furniture, are making their mark, as are vibrant colours and organic textures. We are seeing bold statement pieces, curves and slimline furniture, coupled with curious textiles and bespoke bohemian accents.

Hey Sunshine

Adding summer vibes to your home means lighting up spaces and adding some splashes of colour and texture. Zoe Cash from Saint Atlas says introducing brighter or pastel accent colours can lighten a room, bringing the essence of spring and summer to your home. “For example, replace your darker-coloured linens and cushions with f orals, nature-themed or nautical-themed prints,” she suggests. “For a coastal-inspired bedroom, add some sandy neutral hues with blue and green accents, and a splash of yellow to add more warmth.”

Tonia Polorotoff from An Interior Thing says in the bedroom, lighter and softer material such as Egyptian or Pima cotton in solid pastels, waffle weave, geometric or f oral patterns gives your space an airy, fun and fresh mood. “This is what the bedroom should be all about in the spring,” she notes. “If f orals aren’t right for your style, add a nod to spring with textural details such as fringe, faux fur or ruffles to add depth and dimension.”

Old Becomes News

It’s time to dust off those pieces of furniture you’ve stored in the garage and give them a new lease on life. Zoe says antique, vintage furniture and decor is making more of a resurgence. “These pieces are often the inspiration for more contemporary furniture, however they’re more unique as they reflect their history in their aged patina and handcrafted quality,” she notes.

Some pieces might just need a wipe over, but if repairs are required, leave that to the experts. Antiques are of real value and DIY without experience may inadvertently devalue them. A beautiful, overstuff ed sofa, striking console, or antique table that is a talking point can all infuse timeless beauty into your interiors.

Snug as a Rug

Add a touch of summer feel-good vibes with the addition of a beautiful designer rug. Organic materials including jute or sisal fabric are a great option. They’re durable and cool underfoot. A stylish rug adds a touch of designer f air. Pop and Groove, two groundbreaking rugs designed by Dutch visionary Bertjan Pot, are a fabulous addition to add colour and texture. These designs blend structure, pattern, colour and technique and they’re suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Lighten Up

With clean lines and simple shapes, adding a mirror to your interiors is an ideal addition to your summer decor. Mirrors are an innovative way to invite more light into your home, and they complement any look or style. Zoe says they’re a simple idea that can make a big impact. “Creating a more airy and open atmosphere to your spring/summer home can be as simple as incorporating large mirrors to reflect light,” she says. “This also serves to create the sense of more space.”

Arched mirrors, and large ovel mirrors, also give the illusion of more depth to a space. Slimline mirror prof les with minimal embellishment is a look that’s on trend.

Spring is Sprung

Spring is a time of renewal, with pretty pastels and calming soft colours. As the long lazy days of summer approach, transition with bolder brighter colours and more dominant accents. To invite warmer seasons into your home, Tonia says introducing displays with plants and f orals is a must. “During winter you might opt for anemones and violets; spring embraces beautiful blooms such as tulips and daffodils,” she says. “We like to accentuate a space with fresh flowers and potted plants around the room. Choose seasonal blooms for a burst of colour and fragrance.”

Colour to Captivate

In the lead up to summer, the colours and tones being embraced by designers are more dominant, with a softer organic vibe. Zoe says bold colour palettes, balanced with nature-inspired tones, are definitely making their mark. “Think lush and moss greens mixed with the softer palettes of peach and lavender, or even hot pinks,” she enthuses.

Muted shades with underlying hues that capture the light are also in demand. “These can include warm neutrals of beige and taupe, with emerald greens and deep purples,” shares Zoe. “Corals, sunset orange, cinnamon brown, turquoise and navy are also having a moment.”

When you design with a fresh colour palette, many designers advocate the 60 30 10 rule. This means 60 per cent is allocated to the principal colour, 30 per cent to the secondary colour which complements the first, and the final 10 per cent is allocated to accent colours. When applied, this is where you’ll see pops of colour that tie the look together.

Collectable Art

Art can provide visual texture, can soften a space as well as add intrigue, joy, or inspire introspection as it taps into human emotions. Tonia suggests swapping out more dominant pieces of art as spring arrives.

“When decorating with art, many pieces, particularly landscapes and florals, can lean more towards a particular season, so if any feel more wintery, swap them out for something brighter,” she suggests. “Select pieces with pastel hues or bright shades to add pops of colour, texture and visual interest to your home.”

Curated Bedroom Spaces

Designer bedrooms are all about creating intimate spaces that reflect who you are. Tonia says personalised wall art can def ne your space. “Create a gallery wall with your favourite photos, artwork, or even DIY pieces,” she says. Incorporate lighter distinctive textiles in spring and summer. “Use unique or handmade textiles for your bedding, curtains or rugs,” adds Tonia. “These can lend a personal touch and make your space feel cosy and inviting.”

Add an ottoman, plush pillows and throws in spring and summer hues. Throw open your windows, draw back the curtains and invite in warm sunlight.

Take a Seat

A comfortable chair is the perfect place to sip a long cool drink in the heat of the day. It can also be a favourite place to unwind after a tough day at work or play. For the living space, GlobeWest’s new Kip occasional chair exudes coastal charm. Keti Lytras from GlobeWest says the light shade of Nimbus Blue softens interiors while adding that welcoming pop of colour. “Paired with our new Emery drum table lamp, which features a faceted glass base and tapered fabric shade, the lamp adds a breezy, airy feel to the room, perfect for summer,” says Keti.

Well Hello Nature

Biophilic design is more than just a buzz word on the lips of designers; it’s part of the way we live. It’s all about living well and connecting with nature by inviting it into our homes. Kerena Berry from Designbx says it not only improves wellbeing, it also improves air quality by introducing living greenery. “Bring the outdoors in by adding potted plants, fresh flowers, or a small herb garden to your kitchen and bathroom,” she advises. “These natural touches add colour, life, and a refreshing connection to nature, instantly transforming the space.”

Designer Damian Corney from Grafico agrees that going au naturel is definitely the way to go. He suggests grabbing bunches of blooms to brighten your space.

“Take a leaf out of nature’s colour palette by looking out the window! What you see in springtime is usually a great source of inspo. “The obvious is grab some flowers and arrange them in your space, however it’s a great colour palette to then use for other homewares such as towels in bathrooms, vases, and even artwork/wallpapers that can bring those spring tones into your spaces.”

Play with Walls

Spring and summer are seasons that are light, breezy and fun. Wallpaper is a fabulous way to brighten up a space for summer. Damian says self-adhesive wallpapers have come a long way over the years. “Being self-adhesive they can be DIY installed,” he points out. “Most self-adhesive wallpapers are removable; I can’t think of a more impactful way to refresh a room.”

There are plenty of other options to brighten up a tired space for spring and summer. “If a full wallpaper feature isn’t your jam, check out peel and stick ‘wall decals’,” suggests Damian. “They’re often used in kids’ rooms but there are designs that could be used in adult spaces, too,” he adds. “I recently used some ‘archway’ decals overlapped in different colours to make a vibrant feature on a wall.”

This article was first featured in Home Design 27.1

The post Fresh and Fabulous appeared first on Completehome.

Their speakers are crafted from Australian timber, tuned for real living rooms, and styled to complement contemporary interiors rather than dominate them. The result? A listening experience that’s dynamic and emotionally engaging, housed in furniture-grade cabinetry you’ll be proud to put on display.

Complete Home is all about ideas that elevate everyday living and SpectraFlora fits that brief perfectly. Their approach is equal parts engineering discipline and design sensitivity—speakers that look at home in a Hamptons-inspired lounge as easily as a modern minimal apartment. The brand’s rising reputation stems from something listeners feel within the first track: scale and nuance, without the “tech-box” aesthetic. That’s rare. And it’s very Australian.

“We design loudspeakers that invite you to sit, stay, and rediscover your favourite music—without asking you to redesign your room.”

Why SpectraFlora stands out

Australian timbers, Australian craft. Each cabinet is built from locally sourced timbers with finishes that honour the grain rather than hiding it. Think warm oaks, rich blackwoods and clean, modern lines that sit comfortably alongside stone, linen and soft metals. Inside, you’ll even find Victorian wool used as acoustic damping—sustainable, effective and proudly local.

Technology you can hear. SpectraFlora is known for engineering ideas that serve the listening experience. A signature is the Dynamic Waveguide—a carefully sculpted horn-like feature that guides how the tweeter disperses sound into your room. It’s about preserving clarity and balance across a wider area, so the music feels coherent whether you’re centred on the sofa or curled up at the end with a book.

Tuned for real homes. The team listens and measures in living-scale rooms, not just labs. That means their speakers aim for consistent, even sound across a wide listening area, with bass that’s articulate rather than boomy and treble that stays refined as you move about. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening, the presentation remains balanced and engaging.

Meet the range

• Celata 88 — statement sound with sculptural poise

Type: 3-way stand-mount Signature: Scale, serenity and a “disappearing act” image

Celata 88 is the speaker that put SpectraFlora on many Australian audiophiles’ shortlists. It uses the company’s Dynamic Waveguide (a patent pending design developed in-house) to achieve a smooth, consistent spread of high frequencies—so your sofa’s sweet spot becomes a sweet zone. A dedicated midrange driver preserves vocal texture and presence, while the low end is delivered by SpectraFlora’s performance-first approach to bass, their patent pending Celata® design.

What listeners often remark on is how effortlessly the Celata 88 scales: a solo piano sounds intimate and woody; a full orchestral climax arrives with drama but not glare; a late-night indie track breathes with air and space. You can listen loudly without fatigue, or quietly without losing the thread.

Aesthetically, Celata 88 reads as crafted furniture rather than equipment. Rounded edges, restrained geometry and real-timber finishes help the pair settle into both light and moody palettes, sitting comfortably alongside stone, linen and matte metal accents.

• Aphelia 8 — compact, contemporary and captivating

Type: 2-way stand-mount Signature: Detail, timing and room-friendly bass

Launched in Melbourne at the June 2025 Australian Design Show, Aphelia 8 brings the Dynamic Waveguide concept to a smaller, design-friendly footprint. A superb 8-inch graphene-coated magnesium woofer works in a sealed cabinet for taut, tuneful low end that integrates gracefully into modern Australian architecture—think timber floors, plasterboard walls and generous glazing. Expect crisp transients, open vocals and an almost tactile sense of rhythm. For design-forward spaces where you don’t want bulky boxes dominating the vignette, Aphelia 8 delivers a composed, confident presence.

With its slim silhouette and curated timber finishes, Aphelia 8 feels at home in Scandi, coastal and Japandi schemes, especially when paired with slender stands flanking a lowline cabinet.

The SpectraFlora difference, decoded (in plain English)

Dynamic Waveguide (what it does for you). In most rooms, sound bounces off walls, glass and ceilings. A waveguide is a gentle, sculpted flare around the tweeter that shapes how those high notes spread. SpectraFlora’s Dynamic version is tuned to maintain a more constant directivity—that’s engineer-speak for “similar tonality in more seats and in reflections off surfaces.” Practically, your music feels even and clear as you move around.

Quiet cabinets & natural damping. By combining braced timber enclosures with carefully chosen internal materials—most notably Victorian wool—SpectraFlora helps suppress unwanted resonances. Translation: lower noise floor, better micro-detail, and that sense of ease that invites longer listening.

Controlled bass, happier rooms. Especially in Australia’s mix of open plan living and reflective surfaces, a sealed cabinet can sound cleaner because it doesn’t lean on the room for extra bass. You get articulate low end that still carries weight, but with less boom and more groove. For larger rooms and lower bass extension—bass you can feel—SpectraFlora Celata system uses two horizontally opposed, internal 8-inch subwoofers that provide feedback to one another to prevent overshoot and boomy, bloated bass.

Designed for interiors as much as audiophiles

SpectraFlora treats each speaker as an object for living with, not just listening to. Finishes are curated to complement common Australian interior schemes—oak floors, pale stone, bronze hardware, bouclé and textured weaves—so your speakers become part of the styling, not an afterthought. Prefer a stronger design statement? The baffle’s sculptural waveguide reads beautifully under a soft wash of lamplight, and darker stains pair naturally with smoked glass, leather and moodier palettes.

Because the cabinetry is real timber, minor bumps and scratches can be refinished, and the look improves with age. The net effect is intentional luxury: materials that feel grounded and genuine rather than glossy or disposable.

Sustainability you can see (and hear)

• Local timbers, responsibly sourced, finished for longevity and repairability.
• Australian wool for internal damping—renewable, effective and low-VOC.
• Made in Victoria, supporting skilled jobs and shortening supply chains.
• Designed to last decades—drivers and internal components are accessible, and real-wood finishes can be refreshed if life happens.

Buying once—and buying well—is a sustainability choice. SpectraFlora leans into that philosophy with objects designed to last, both acoustically and aesthetically.

What you’ll hear (even at everyday volumes)

• A wide, stable soundstage that places performers precisely, with believable scale.
• Natural, intimate voices—from jazz crooners to podcasts—without splashiness or nasal glare.
• Fast, tuneful bass that keeps time with drums and bass guitar rather than swelling around them.
• Low-level detail that makes recordings feel alive: the breath before a phrase, fingers releasing a string, the room around the notes.
• Consistency across seats thanks to controlled dispersion; the music stays balanced as you move.

It’s this combination—scale, speed and serenity—that has earned SpectraFlora repeat “wow” moments at demos and enthusiastic word-of-mouth among design-savvy music lovers.

Quick guide: which model suits you?

• Aphelia 8 if you want compact elegance, sealed-box composure and a sound that flatters smaller to mid-sized living spaces.
• Celata 88 if you crave the dynamic ease and scale of a 3-way in larger rooms or open-plan zones—without losing subtlety at low volumes.

Either way, you’re getting the same design DNA: the Dynamic Waveguide’s even dispersion, beautiful cabinetry, and meticulous attention to materials that rewards long sessions.

Hear them, feel them, style them

Speakers shouldn’t ask you to choose between sound and style. SpectraFlora’s answer is a confident “both”: advanced acoustic engineering wrapped in handcrafted Australian cabinetry, designed to sit beautifully in the homes we actually live in. Whether you’re cueing Sunday morning jazz or setting the soundtrack to a dinner with friends, these are the kind of objects that make everyday moments feel cinematic—and make music feel like part of the room.

Ready to listen?

• Book a private audition or design consult—bring interior design ideas and your favourite tracks.
• Discuss finishes and stands to harmonise with your interior palette.
• Settle in and hear what careful dispersion control and intelligent cabinet design can do for the music you love.

Contact

Website: www.spectraflora.com
Email: listen@spectraflora.com
Based in Victoria, Australia

The post SpectraFlora loudspeakers: where beautiful Australian design meets breathtaking sound appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Baker

As the weather cools down, there’s nothing like kicking off your shoes, wrapping yourself in a warm woollen throw and relaxing at home. The mood is peaceful, it’s relaxed, and it’s all about comfort.

Feeling cosy is like a big warm embrace; it lowers your heart rate, it helps you feel calmer. The science of cosy is a fascinating one. When you feel cosy, your brain emits feel-good hormones, dopamine and oxytocin. Feeling cosy makes you happier, and research shows it also improves your creativity.

In winter, nature gently slows down. It is the season of peace, of rejuvenation and renewal. Winter can also be a time of wonderful get-togethers with friends, and evenings spent by a roaring fire, sharing warming winter dishes. Creating a home that is cosy is something both you and your guests will enjoy.

Author Kate Hanley says feeling cosy really matters. “Seeking cosiness is more than just a comfort measure — it’s a survival mechanism that boosts all aspects of health,” she writes.
Gemütlichkeit is a German word that translates to warmth, good cheer, and a sense of belonging. We are a human-centric society — relationships with others matter. Creating a cosy welcoming home, where friends and family can connect, fosters our innate desire for togetherness. Regardless of the season, you want your home to be inviting, with a welcoming ambience.

Can you feel it?

“Atmospherics” means effects that are created to curate a certain mood or atmosphere in a space. It can apply to any number of creative or organic forms of art, including music, literature, architecture and interiors. To create warm winter interiors, designer Emma Blomfield suggests layering. “It really is the best way to add cosy vibes to your living spaces,” she says. “Think about textures and textiles, from fabric sofas, throw rugs, printed linen or boucle fabric cushions to beautiful linen curtains and wool rugs for the floors.”

Take stock of your interiors and declutter spaces if necessary to create the cosy feels. Refresh your spaces with a deep clean. Swap out warmer-season decor for winter accessories.

Creating cosy vibes

The psychology of colour plays a role in creating warm cosy interiors. Emma says it’s all entwined with the human psyche. “Colour has a profound impact on our moods and studies show the benefits of surrounding ourselves with colour,” she says.

When applying colour, there are a few rules of thumb, according to Emma. “Choose three to five colours per room and then carry one to two colours from room to room to create some cohesion,” she explains. “For example, if you have blue tones in your living room, bring one of those blue tones into the dining room.”

When opting for a colour palette to inspire a sense of cosy, aim for warm undertones with your colour choices. “That means colours such as warm creamy whites, taupes, yellows and other citrus tones as well as pinks and peachy corals,” notes Emma. “Steer clear of colours such as cool greys, crisp blues and charcoal tones which can feel too cool to be cosy.”

Winter curtains and soft furnishings

In home design, curtains play a significant role. They add privacy, colour, texture, and control the light coming into a space. Jarred Parkinson from Maurice Kain says thoughtfully chosen curtains and blinds transform a house into a home, wrapping each room in a sense of warmth and comfort. “Soft, flowing curtains instantly create an inviting atmosphere,” he says. “Textured fabrics such as linen looks and boucle yarns are a popular trend, adding depth and tactility, helping to diffuse natural light for a soft, glowing effect.”

Jarred adds that layering sheer curtains over block-out blinds offers both practicality and a designer edge, giving you flexibility in light control while enhancing the aesthetic, making the room feel thoughtfully curated. “With an increased focus on sustainability in all aspects of the home, Maurice Kain and Four Families offer both curtain and blind fabrics using recycled polyester yarn,” he says. “Each metre of fabric uses between 40 and 60 one-litre post-consumer PET bottles, preventing them from entering landfill. The recycled yarn meets all the high-level performance criteria required for window furnishings in Australia.”

Lighting to add cosy winter feels

The artistry of lighting is a skill that can transform your living spaces. Changing up your lighting as we move into the cooler months of the year can help to set the scene for comfort. Tara Pollard from Alti Lighting says using indirect low-level lighting is the ideal way to transition into the evening.

“Table lamps, floor lamps or indirect lighting eases us gently into winding down for the night,” notes Tara. “The softness and warmth of the light allows you to relax and slow down after
a day of stimulation and activity.”

To create warm pockets of gentle light in a space, Tara suggests portable rechargeable lamps. “Position a lamp wherever you like — on a bookshelf, a coffee table, by the bath, outside dining, balconies, the options are endless,” she enthuses.

To bring warmth and depth into an area, use several distinct types of lighting. “Layered lighting involves different light sources in one space but won’t over-light the room. For example, you might have some direct downlighting over a kitchen island, as well as concealed LED strip lighting over a back countertop, complemented by an ambient table or floor lamp in the dining or living room,” she suggests. “Each light source is performing a different task in each area, but in essence the light is gently and indirectly travelling around the room, providing softness, warmth and tranquillity.”

Comfort underfoot

The sumptuous soft feel of carpeting or rugs adds an immediate sense of cosiness. Chanel Bragg from Wautier Carpets says a great rug is the ultimate accent, instantly warming up cold hard floors, creating a soft, inviting surface underfoot, while reducing noise for a peaceful ambience. “With rich colours and plush pile heights, a rug transforms any room into a cosy winter haven,” she shares.

The key for winter warmth is texture and layering. “For ultimate luxury, choose merino wool for its soft, insulating and naturally durable qualities, or add a touch of lustred elegance with Lumi silk via Wautier Carpets, a premium shiny faux silk also renowned for its easy cleaning.”

And for a unique twist, Chanel suggests considering rami, an eco-friendly, natural fibre resembling linen. It’s been used for centuries, particularly in Asia, to bring natural elements in. “These materials not only enhance comfort, but also bring a sophisticated, winter-ready ambience to any space.” Chanel says oversized patterns and mural-esque designs are also making an enormous impact, as well as colours such as chartreuse and rich winey burgundies.

This winter, Chanel suggests investing in a quality rug or carpet as the finishing touch to your warm winter haven. “Our studio with dedicated design team focuses on creating the perfect rug or wall-to-wall carpet design for our clients’ homes with their interior architects and designers,” she says.

Stoke the fire

If you’ve never considered adding a fireplace to ramp up the cosy feels, Natalie Tarabay from Chazelles Fireplaces says adding a fireplace adds real value. “It can be a primary or a secondary heating source in your house, and it creates a wonderful ambience most people love, whether indoors or out.”

Modern fireplaces have evolved over the decades, with new innovative features and safety guidelines. “In Australia we have strict guidelines to abide by for wood-burning fireplaces, so the wood-burning fireplaces are much more efficient and friendly to the environment. They meet less than one gm emission per kilo of wood burnt, which is amazing,” notes Natalie. “Wood is a 100 per cent renewable source so it’s a no brainer that we should be using wood fires.”

Electric fires have also come a long way, adds Natalie. “We have the option of holographic and vapour electric fireplaces, which look a lot better than older electric LED flames,” she points out. “The older models do still remain quite popular, however, as they are a cheaper option.”

From chaos to cosy in five

Most of us have been there. You’ve been roped into a last-minute impromptu get together and guests are arriving soon. Emma advises how, in a few minutes, you can give your home a mini makeover to add warmth and comfort. “For starters, light a candle. That’ll add ambience and kill off any house smells such as pet odours really quickly,” she says.

Grab some blooms from the garden and add them to a vase on the kitchen bench or dining table. Pop a few stems from the same posy in a smaller bud vase for the bathroom vanity. Plump up the lounge cushions and add a warm throw. “Then crack open your best hand soaps and lotions along with a fancier hand towel than your usual day-to-day ones to add a touch of luxe for your guests when they visit the powder room,” she suggests.

If you’ve a little extra time, throw a batch of muffins or cookies in the oven for a tasty warming treat that will also make your home smell wonderful. Find your favourite laid-back tunes on Spotify and put on lamps to add light and warmth to dark corners.

This article was originally published in Grand Designs Australia.

The post Huggable Homes appeared first on Completehome.

What is Destratification?

Destratification is the process of mixing air to create a more unified temperature throughout a space, and make the air feel fresh. In a typical setting, warm air rises to the ceiling while cooler air stays near the floor. This forces heating systems to work harder to warm the lower levels, increasing energy consumption and costs.

How Big Ass Fans Help

Big Ass Fans use large-diameter blades set at low speeds to gently mix the air in your space. This mixing process combines the warm air near the ceiling with the cooler air below, creating a consistent temperature throughout the room. By achieving total destratification, you can lower your heating system’s temperature setting without compromising comfort, leading to significant energy savings. With the added benefit of movement in the air, this combats the stuffiness that heating rooms can bring – leaving the room feeling fresh but warm.

Benefits of Destratification

• Energy Savings: Destratification can reduce your heating bill by up to 30%. By allowing your heating system to operate more efficiently, you save money while maintaining a comfortable environment.
• Improved Comfort: A uniform temperature means no more cold spots or drafts. Your entire space feels consistently warm and cosy.
• Quick Return on Investment: Many users, like Mike Shirley, owner of Double Diamond Gym, have seen a full return on investment within 12 months. After exploring various options to increase building efficiency, Mike found that Big Ass Fans were the best money-saving investment to reduce power consumption.

Real-World Example

Mike Shirley’s experience with Big Ass Fans highlights the practical benefits of destratification. By installing a fan in his gym, he was able to lower his energy costs significantly while providing a more comfortable environment for his clients. The fan’s ability to mix air effectively made it the top choice for enhancing building efficiency.

Energy-Saving Statistics

• Up to 30% Savings: Destratification can lead to energy savings of up to 30% on your heating bill.
• Temperature Adjustment: You can raise your heating system’s temperature setting by 1 to 2 degrees without compromising comfort, thanks to the uniform temperature created by Big Ass Fans.
• Quick ROI: Many users experience a full return on investment within 12 months, making Big Ass Fans a cost-effective solution for improving energy efficiency.

Big Ass Fans offer a smart, efficient solution to winter heating challenges. Through destratification, these fans help you save money, improve comfort, and achieve a quick return on investment. If you’re looking to enhance your heating system and reduce energy costs, consider the benefits of a Big Ass Fan to destratify your home or work environment.

Discover the range today

For more information

Big Ass Fans

The post Stay Warm and Save Big in Winter with Big Ass Fans appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Baker

With Jack Frost nipping at our toes, it’s time to batten down the hatches and head indoors. Create a warm and calming sanctuary at home with plenty of feel-good vibes. Stoke up the fire, add splashes of comfort with soft plush throws and pillows. Break out the candles and moody hues to winterise your home. Fill your interior spaces with seasonal charm for the ultimate winter escape — without having to leave home.

Kids rule

Design warming winter spaces the whole family can enjoy. Perhaps start with your children. After all, winter can be a tough gig when you’re a kid. The days are shorter, you can’t play outside for as long, and grown-ups can get a little grumpy when it’s so cold the car won’t start!

Put a smile on your kids’ faces by creating cosy winter spaces they’ll love. Edel O’Neill from Og Design Studio says a comfortable sanctuary-like bedroom for your teen in winter can be achieved through colour lighting and soft furnishings. “Dark moody painted walls add depth and character to a bedroom, creating a cosy and cocooning space while promoting a better sleep environment,” she notes.

With lighting, Edel says the focus is on ambient illumination. “Incorporate bedside lamps, wall sconces or fairy lights — this will enhance cosiness but still be functional for study. Edel says combining luxury throws, plush beanbags and cushions is a stylish way to soften a space. “You create warmth and comfort while elevating the design,” she shares.

As the days start to grow shorter, kids will be spending more time indoors. Edel says creating warm winter spaces in the rumpus room that kids will gravitate to begins with making subtle changes. “Warm colours breathe energy, positivity and sunshine into any room,” she says. “Use soft muted tones of warm colours (red, orange, yellow) or cooler colours (green, blue) with warm undertones on floor cushions, throws and walls to create a snug space.”

Edel adds that texture and natural fibres are key to warming up any space. “Adding rugs, woven storage baskets, knitted throws, cushions and timber accents in furniture creates a cosy, inviting playroom,” she notes.

To curate a play space for your younger kids, Megan Butler from Lilly & Lolly suggests creating a range of “stations” where kids can focus on one activity at a time. “Break up the space into areas where kids can pick and choose the activity they most love,” she says. “The dress-up corner or the playdough table or exercise corner, for example. Use the four corners of the room and place the last station in the centre.”

Another tip from Megan is to not put all toys out at once, but rotate them so there is only one activity per station. “The key is to offer frequent changes during the winter months so that the kids don’t get bored,” she advises.

Stoke the fire

The warmth and comfort of sitting by a fireplace is the perfect antidote to chase those winter blues away. Perhaps you’ve always thought about a fireplace but just weren’t sure where to begin?

Natalie Tarabay from Chazelles Fireplaces says adding a fireplace is the best way to create a warm and welcoming feel to your home. “It needs to be the right size, style, and be able to adequately heat the area,” she says. “There are also many fireplace surround options that will suit the room.”

From gas to electric, bioethanol and woodburning, there are many types available. Once you have done your initial homework, it pays to speak to the experts. Kerry White from Castworks says real wood-burning fireplaces are a definite winner.

“They offer an authentic atmosphere that cannot be replicated,” notes Kerry. “There’s an array of wood-fired fireplaces to suit everyone’s needs, from small pot-belly stoves such as the charming cast-iron Morsø 1410, perfect for that smaller living space or shed, to the new ADF Clare range that already exceeds the new emission requirements coming later this year, making it a real game changer.”

There are plenty of new innovations in fireplaces. Natalie says we now have zero clearance installation gas fires, which makes them easier to install. “Gas fires now also have plentiful size and shape options — they can be single-sided, double-sided or three-sided,” she says. “The aesthetics are so much more modern and slimline, with less chunky frames.”

Ethanol fireplaces have also evolved; they’re safer, have automatic lighting, and come with a pump. “We are fortunate enough to have a modern option of the ethanol fireplace which are so easy to install, they heat well with a beautiful real flame,” she says.

Natalie adds that electric has also come a long way. “We now have the option of holographic and vapour electric fireplaces, which look a lot better than older electric LED flames,” she points out.

Kerry from Castworks adds that electric fires are a great option for areas where you cannot install a wood-burning fire, for example, if you are renting or in an apartment: “They don’t require ventilation but include features such as Bluetooth, remote controls and adjustable flame speeds. They’re available in an array of sizes and can be installed into an existing fire or wall hung. And when you move you can even take it with you.”

Underfloor heating

Start your morning with toasty warm toes with underfloor heating. If you have never experienced the sheer bliss of underfloor heating on a cool morning, it’s worth considering. The future of home heating includes electric and also hydronic heating systems. Hydronic underfloor heating is cost-effective and efficient. It relies on pipes laid in the concrete slab or screed to carry heated water from a boiler, which is then distributed around the house through piping within the floor or walls, where the heat radiates into the room.

Electric underfloor heating incorporates the use of heating cables that are fitted underneath the flooring. Electric heating can be used in small or larger areas.

Underfloor heating offers energy savings, comfort, and a touch of luxury.

Huggie hosting

Short on ideas to get you through the chilly days of winter? Gather your friends together and entertain in style. Host a block party or start your own book club. Have a long lazy Sunday brunch at home with friends, a pizza night with home-made offerings, or an afternoon cocktail party with fresh canapes.

You can entertain at home in winter in sublime style, with just a few simple touches. Set your dining table so it’s warm and welcoming. Frances Cosway from White Pebble Interiors says the use of foliage can work well. “Olive branches or greenery looks fabulous,” she says, “as does beautiful table linen. Incorporate rich tones and hues rather than bright summer florals to create a warm cosy environment.”

As a centrepiece, Frances suggests a tray of candles. “Use candles that are different heights, a candelabra, or a runner with a selection of candles to give your entertaining space a snug winter feeling. Soft subdued lighting can also help to create the right ambience. “I’d suggest mood lighting, lights turned down on dimmers, and subtle floor and table lamps,” she adds.

Winterising your home is about setting the scene for comfort. Stock up your bar cart with warming winter beverages and ensure it’s cosy underfoot. Frances says in warmer climates, rugs aren’t usually used under dining tables, but in winter it’s a different story. “Bring out a rug — it’s a wonderful way to add another layer of soft furnishings and warmth underfoot,” she advises.

Add some flair to your powder room with a little winter comfort that will also wow your guests. Frances says the essentials are luxe towels, a scented candle, and accent or decorative lighting to set the tone.

Winterise your garden

Winter is a season of rest and renewal. Many plants enter a state of dormancy as they conserve energy for the upcoming spring. Beautiful sunny winter days spent in the garden at home can be richly rewarding. If you’ve always wanted a vegetable patch, get planting. Before you know it, you’ll have a bountiful winter harvest of crops.

Winter is a time to catch up on chores that are not appealing outdoors during the steamy days of summer. Clean and refresh your outdoor furniture, pressure wash pathways, add mulch to garden beds, and give your fence a lick of paint. Your lawn will slow down its growth and a slow-release fertiliser will protect it during winter.

Break out the firepit and spend time with family and friends. Update or add outdoor lighting; portable rechargeable lights allow you to move them wherever you please. Then string up some festoon lights to add a little cheer to your outdoor spaces.

This article was originally published in Home Design. Subscribe now to start creating your perfect home.

The post Winter Bliss appeared first on Completehome.

Home interiors serve as a canvas for personal expression, where every detail plays a role in crafting a space that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. As an important design element, cornices are often overlooked when home owners are planning and designing their rooms, but the right cornice can quickly transform any living space. By adding depth, texture, and visual interest, cornices can significantly elevate a space’s overall aesthetic and complete the look of the room.

“This year we are going to see a new focus on cornices playing a key part in design – especially given the myriad of functional and aesthetic benefits they offer,” says Renae McGinty, Marketing Director, CSR Gyprock. “From contemporary with clean lines, timeless classic or smooth curves, there’s a range of cornice profiles to complement interior design elements while defining the room and suiting a home’s individual style. When paired thoughtfully with other design features such as architraves, skirting boards and door hardware, cornices are emerging as an unexpected design hero, bringing sophistication and polish to every space.”

Adding to its comprehensive Inspirations Range, CSR Gyprock has launched the new Opera cornice, offering a new dimension of style and detail. The CSR Gyprock Opera cornice combines smooth flowing curves and distinctive modern lines, making it an instant classic option for Luxe and Contemporary interior styles. The timeless 90mm profile adds an architectural accent designed to bring a sense of sophistication and elegance to any room.

“There are no hard and fast design rules to follow when choosing a suitable cornice,” says McGinty. “Visually, cornices instantly draw the eye upwards and appear to lift the ceiling making rooms appear bigger. The Opera cornice is a versatile choice, with its clean geometric lines offsetting a contemporary room, while its formal curves look right at home among period or Art Deco-inspired interiors. As a design element, cornices act as a foundation to highlight interior features like bespoke joinery, textures, paint colours, flooring, lighting and furnishings. To extend an interior style throughout a room, cornices can be painted to match skirting boards, resulting in a seamless design flow. For those wanting to add interest through colour, painting the cornices in a contrasting colour to the walls can have a bold dramatic effect.”

To help visualise the perfect cornice design for your living space, Gyprock’s Cornice Visualiser is an innovative online tool that lets you experiment with cornice designs in real-time. Test the Opera Cornice in living rooms, hallways, or bedrooms and explore how it pairs with different wall heights, ceiling colours, decorating and design styles.

The wide range of Gyprock cornices has been designed to complement eight emerging Australian interior style trends and provide an easy and cost-effective way to make a subtle or dramatic style statement in your home.

1. Gyprock Duo cornice: Suitable for Mid-Century and Barn interior styles, this minimalistic cornice features a simple, strong profile design with modern lines for a short, sharp statement.

2. Gyprock Aria cornice: The perfect choice for modern décor and Hamptons interior styles due to its slimline profile with a subtle centre deflection that creates a contemporary feel.

3. Gyprock Alto cornice: Perfect for Contemporary and Coastal interior styles, Alto features a deeper profile with smooth surfaces complemented by a crisp shadow line at the ceiling, delivering a simple, yet striking presence.

4. Gyprock Trio cornice: The ideal choice for Mid-Century and Barn interior styles, Trio brings modern, symmetrical lines with its dramatic 3-step profile and strong modern lines.

5. Gyprock Concerto cornice: Concerto suits Japandi and Contemporary interior styles. A versatile performer, by day Concerto combines smooth curves and distinctive lines for a modern architectural profile. By evening, its subtle centre step creates a dramatic shadow that changes the mood of the room.

6. Gyprock Tempo cornice: Perfect for those who enjoy Barn and Mid-Century interior styles, Tempo features multiple shadow effects, giving every room a designer edge with strong lines and clean surfaces.

7. Gyprock Symphony cornice: Suited for Contemporary and Luxe interior styles, Symphony is a timeless design with a more traditional character. Inspired by European master craftsmen with its flowing lines and multi-dimensional curves, giving an attractive wave effect, Symphony gives an elegant touch to any room.

8. Gyprock Opera cornice: An instant classic, the Opera design suits Luxe and Contemporary interior styles and features a combination of flowing curves and distinctive lines.

Whether you’re renovating a single room or building your dream home, Gyprock’s cornice collection makes it easy to create spaces that feel intentional, stylish, and complete.
For more information on CSR Gyprock Opera cornice, please visit www.gyprock.com.au

About Gyprock

Australia’s leading manufacturer of gypsum-based products, Gyprock has been Australian for ‘plasterboard’ since 1947, transforming the building industry with the introduction of paper-faced plasterboard, further advancing lightweight construction methods. The most reputable producer of plasterboard and cornice, as well as compounds, adhesives, specialty plasters and associated finishing materials and accessories, Gyprock supplies a comprehensive range of high-performance products and systems for many applications to meet fire, acoustic and thermal requirements across all segments of the construction industry.

Gyprock actively supports plasterboard recycling both to help the environment by reducing waste going to landfill and also because it is often a great way for builders to save on waste tipping fees and site clean-up costs as well as improve site safety with better resource management.

For more information

CSR Gyprock Opera cornice

The post A Top Design Trend in Home Interiors appeared first on Completehome.

Looking to strike the perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency? Big Ass Fans shares expert tips to help you cut energy costs—without breaking the bank.

Lighting

In many Australian homes, lighting alone can be responsible for more than 10 per cent of your energy consumption. An affordable and efficient solution to cutting energy costs is switching to LED. LEDs use approximately 75 per cent less energy than traditional halogen and incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. So, not only will your lights shine brighter for longer, you can also cut down long-term costs with the flick of a switch.

Another way to maximise your lighting efficiency is by installing dimmers and sensors, allowing more control over usage. Installing dimmers can help reduce costs while improving the overall ambience of your space. Haiku by Big Ass Fans with optional LED Light Kit is available in a down or uplight variation, with multiple temperature and colour options.

Natural ventilation

With something as simple as opening a window, you can help reduce energy consumption while also improving the overall air quality of your home. Since 2022, the National Construction Code (NCC) requires all rooms to have either natural or mechanical ventilation, stating that rooms within climate zones 1-3 need to have a minimum ventilation opening of 10 per cent in order to be deemed inhabitable.

Natural ventilation methods such as windows can be used to optimise the overall comfort and airflow quality of your home, as well as saving a significant sum of money on air-conditioning expenses.

When designing your dwelling, windows can often be overlooked for fear of disrupting the overall flow. However, they can be utilised to create a more open look and feel. With indoor/outdoor living growing in popularity, allowing for natural ventilation can boost your home’s comfort level throughout the year and minimise the excessive use of traditional cooling and heating systems.

Insulation and ventilation

Incorporating appropriate insulation and ventilation can give you a large jump in your energy assessment rating, while allowing for maximum comfort all year round. Often underestimated, properly insulating your ceilings can prevent the heat from escaping in winter and keep the cool air in during summer. As such, ceiling insulation often pays for itself in temperature control savings. Following on from natural ventilation systems, incorporating features such as quality ceiling fans can help maintain sufficient airflow throughout your home and reduce your reliance on expensive air-conditioning.

Positioning and planning

Throughout the conception and design period, focusing on the orientation and common areas can help influence the temperature of your home throughout the seasons. For example, prioritising north-facing glazing in common areas can help block the sun in warmer months and maximise sun exposure in winter.

Some of our favourite tips for futureproofing are:

• Consider creating multi-functional spaces over more traditional and solely dedicated rooms. This allows for energy usage to be confined to highly occupied spaces
• Plan to shut off rooms that have lower use and occupancy throughout the day, so when in use, air-conditioning will be more effective
• Incorporate external shade devices and internal window coverings
• Draft seal your home to prevent air-conditioned air from leaving your space. A great trick is to purchase window-sealing tape, which is easy to install and retails for approximately $2 per metre
• Analyse your climate in order to integrate passive design principles

Ceiling Fans – Install a feature that’s practical

Installing ceiling fans can help you stay cool in summer, as well as provide a proactive cooling solution that can significantly shrink your energy consumption. The residential range by Big Ass Fans is designed to adapt to your environment.

These fans are integrated with smart home automation and temperature control, allowing for optimal functionality. Compatible with energy-efficient LED lights, these fans can cut down on costs without compromising on comfort and design.

For more information

Big Ass Fans

The post Big energy savings with Big Ass Fans appeared first on Completehome.

Whether you’re in an apartment or downsizing, decorating a smaller space calls for careful selection and arrangement of furniture to achieve a functional and visually appealing environment. In a compact living area, each piece of furniture should fulfill multiple roles while enhancing a cohesive design.

Oz Design has created this guide to provide tips for optimising your interior with smart furniture choices, including sofa beds, extendable dining tables, round tables, storage solutions, and modular sofas.

Sofa Beds: Versatile Dual-Purpose Solutions

A sofa bed is an ideal solution for limited spaces, especially for those who frequently host guests. When choosing a sofa bed, consider these factors to maximise functionality without compromising on style:

• Size: Measure your space to ensure the sofa bed fits well. Look for designs that allow for easy conversion from sofa to bed, ensuring there’s space for a coffee table alongside.
• Style: Select a design that enhances your existing decor. Options vary from sleek, modern styles to more traditional looks with plush upholstery.
• Storage: Many sofa beds come with built-in storage for bedding and pillows, helping you keep your space organised and clutter-free without needing an extra linen closet.

Adaptable Dining Solutions

In smaller homes, an extension dining table offers a perfect solution, allowing you to adjust its size according to your needs:

• Mechanism: Look for tables with easy-to-use extension mechanisms. Some have leaves that fold out and can be conveniently stored away when not in use, while others may have a sliding mechanism that can be easily adjusted.
• Material: Opt for durable and easy-to-clean materials like wood or high-quality laminate. Choose a finish that complements your overall interior style.
• Shape: While rectangular tables are common, round extension tables that transform into an oval shape can create a more intimate dining experience and are often easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Round dining tables are an excellent option for smaller spaces, as they foster a more open and welcoming atmosphere.

Storage: Optimising Vertical Space

Effective storage is vital for keeping your space organised and minimising clutter. Choose furniture that features built-in storage, like ottomans with concealed compartments, coffee tables with shelves, or beds equipped with drawers underneath. Additionally, maximise vertical space by adding tall buffets, bookshelves, or cabinets that draw the eye upward, enhancing the sense of height and openness in the room.

Modular Sofas: Customisable Comfort

Modular sofas are an excellent choice for compact living areas because they provide flexibility and can be rearranged to suit your needs. Typically made up of multiple sections, these sofas can be configured in various layouts to accommodate your room’s dimensions and adapt as your family grows. Lightweight modular pieces are easy to move, giving you the freedom to refresh your space whenever you like.

Here’s how to select the right one:

• Flexibility: Look for sofas that can be easily reconfigured. Modular pieces can be separated and combined in multiple ways, allowing you to tailor your seating arrangement for different activities or gatherings.
• Size & Scale: Measure your space before making a purchase. Choose a modular sofa that fits comfortably without overwhelming the room. A low-profile design can also help maintain an open atmosphere.
• Style: Pick a style that complements your existing decor. Whether you’re drawn to a sleek modern aesthetic or a cozy traditional feel, there are plenty of modular options available in a wide range of fabrics, colours, and designs.

For more information

Oz Design

The post Choosing Ideal Furniture for Small Spaces appeared first on Completehome.