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.

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

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.

In order to produce a decorative finish, ceiling panelling is the use of panels, planks, battens, or boards that are installed on the ceiling surface in a variety of patterns and styles. This method has been used for centuries to add texture and improve the appearance of ceilings and interior spaces overall in both residential and business settings.

Additionally, they can be used to cover up flaws like roof cracks or water damage stains. They are typically made of MDF or natural wood, which can be painted or stained to match the design and give the room the appearance you want. There are numerous ceiling panelling choices available.

The different types of Ceiling Panelling

Tongue and Groove: Interlocking boards with a tongue on one side and a groove on the other make up tongue and groove ceiling panelling. This layout makes installation simple and guarantees that the boards fit together firmly and securely, producing a uniform appearance. This form of ceiling panelling can be made using lining boards and Intrim VJ Panelling (timber sheets).

Coffered: Square or rectangle recessed panels are spaced apart by beams in coffered ceilings. They are a chic and sophisticated way to give a space depth and elegance. Although they are quite formal and traditional, they can be incorporated into a wide range of Australian homes and can be made to your desired depth based on your personal preferences despite the wide variety of architectural designs available today. This style of ceiling can be made using a variety of timber mouldings. To discuss your desired appearance, get in touch with one of our design consultants.

Geometric pattern panelling: A contemporary and original method to add interest to the space is with geometric panelling. It features repeating ceiling patterns made of geometric shapes like triangles, squares, and hexagons and looks great in modern or eclectic-style houses.

Exposed beams: In coastal, farmhouse, rustic, or industrial-style residences, exposed beams are a wonderful way to add warmth and texture to a space.

Ceiling battens: Ceiling battens are a kind of wood moulding with various designs that are used to make patterns on painted ceilings. To achieve the desired appearance, choose from the numerous designs and patterns of wall and ceiling battens offered by Intrim.

Design ideas for ceiling panelling using timber mouldings

VJ panelling or lining boards can be used to give the ceiling flair and personality. Tongue and groove Intrim VJ Paneling and Lining Board complement houses in the Hampton, coastal, modern, or even country/farmhouse styles. In order to add warmth to the living/dining area and the bedroom of their lake house renovation, Kirsty and Jesse used VJ board pro 150 to construct ceiling panelling.

Timber mouldings can be used to achieve the classic coffered ceiling appearance. A Cape Cod-style home’s coffered ceiling was made by Rachel Turner using SK323 curved profile, DAR battens, and CM14 cornice mould.

Utilizing the wall and ceiling battens from Intrim Casa Trim, create a distinctive appearance with curves and detailing. In their most recent job, House 15, Three Birds Renovations used WB42a and 42b wall and ceiling battens in the kitchen, living room, and dining area. The space’s looks were elevated significantly by the curves. In addition, these ceiling battens contributed to the optical illusion that a space is longer. Any type of interior area can be given a contemporary and chic appearance by using these adaptable battens. By ordering samples of the timber mouldings that were used, you can envision how House 15 will appear.

Adding curves to the roof gives the walls and ceiling style and depth. Your home will have a unique appearance if the ceiling panels are made of curved wood mouldings. In order to obtain the desired luxurious finish, Astina Suites, a new luxury service, used Intrim concave and half round profiles.

As renowned carpenter Alex Garcia did in this contemporary Hamptons home using Intrim CM20 cornice moulds, add more dimension to your coffered ceiling with lovely cornice moulds. The coffered ceiling’s look was enhanced and made truly spectacular by the cornice detailing.

For more information

Intrim

The post Design Ideas for Ceiling Panelling appeared first on Completehome.

Join us as we examine the development of our four interior design trends, all of which still have the same core principles. Our sanctuary is our home.

What has led to this evolution of interior direction?

We had to reevaluate our “four walls” during the pandemic when everyone stayed inside. As much as “Home” has always served as our personal haven from the outside world, it has recently evolved into our sanctuary—a place of solace, protection, and cocooning. Our fashion trends heavily rely on color. While color has always been an important part of self-expression in our homes, as we move out of an uncertain time, it acquires new meaning and symbolism as we strive for optimism and hope as well as stability and balance in our lives. In addition to uplifting interiors, color also uplifts our spirits.

Many of us started using our homes as places to work, to educate our children, to find entertainment, and to discover new interests. Another major force behind the emerging design trends that deliver useful and adaptable functionality without ever compromising on comfort or style is the multipurpose nature of our living spaces. Ingeniously created work from home spaces and tiny libraries can be found in crevices and nooks. With a nod to five-star hotels, bathrooms are transformed into opulent, self-pampering spas.

Brighter times ahead

The first trend we’ve discovered creates the foundation for happier, more confident, and more optimistic times to come. Prepare to “Lighten Up.”. Lighten Up, which has a foundation of cheery brights, is inspired by various people, places, and things as well as by universal stories that have stood the test of time. It brings these elements together in a beautiful and harmonious way. Contrasting materials, surface finishes, and textures add a little drama and luxury to the ordinary. Celebrate the good things in life, such as happiness, connections, creativity, and comfort, with extravagance and unrestrained joy.

The upcoming style is Timeworn Treasures, which redefines home comforts. It’s all about cozy, artisan-crafted homes that are warmed by nostalgia and enhanced by the reassuring patina and textures of natural materials. Timeworn Treasures’ trend replaces the traditional cornerstones of luxury with a new rustic-luxe that is artisanal, “slow,” and understated. It is warm, lived-in, and characterful like all of our trends and is based on an earthy and organic color palette. Between form and function, furniture strikes a delicate balance. The handcrafted charm of tribal statement pieces coexists peacefully with mid-century design classics.

Our upcoming trend, Smooth Operator, combines the comfort of the well-known with the present-day desire for novelty while heavily referencing a retro aesthetic. This style layers clean interior lines with monochromatic and restrained color palettes for an air of cool, calm, and collectedness. Traditional design elements like arches and sinuous, sensual curves offer comfort on both a visual and physical level. Stone, concrete, and wood are made to be soft and fluid materials for monuments. Natural hues such as soft celery green, faded parchment, dusty lotus, and the opulent blush of cashmere pinks combined with tonal layering to create a warm, tactile, and restorative environment.

The “new normal” will be anything but normal, according to our final trend. The look established by Firm Foundations is one that is unwavering in its understated modern elegance and comfort while also emphasizing dependable function and practicality. With a soft and futuristic pastel color scheme, it gives the traditional industrial aesthetic a luxurious update. It combines an industrial, utilitarian vibe with the tenacity and strength of nature. An upbeat and calming backdrop for opulent living is created by moody hues, thoughtful textures, and pops of color.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these deep dive into interior design trends in a pos covid world.

For more information

Karndean Designflooring

The post Karndean’s Interior Design Trends for a Post Pandemic World appeared first on Completehome.

One of the major features of a Hamptons home is the timber mouldings. These are the skirting boards, architraves, wainscoting wall panelling (which includes inlay moulds, chair rails or dado rails), beads, trims, cornice mouldings, picture rails and elements such as skirting blocks, corner blocks, sil nosing and more. So how do you select these items to achieve your Hamptons vision? You engage the experts.

Founded in 1993 by the Quinsey family in Picton, NSW, Intrim has grown to become one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of finely crafted, quality timber mouldings, skirtings, architraves and handrails for residential homes and commercial buildings. The company’s customer base spans all sectors, from professionals such as architects, interior designers, builders and carpenters to homeowners themselves. Intrim is the brand that delivers spectacular interiors through its impressive range and first-class service.

The Hamptons style in Australia has evolved with classic, country, coastal, tropical and modern substyles. That is why Intrim has a design partnership with Natalee Bowen, the “Queen of Hamptons”, to curate a collection of timber mouldings for each of these Hampton’s styles in her new service, Selections In A Box. Taking the guesswork out of selecting moulding shapes, sizes and finishes, makes what can be an overwhelming decision into a simple and enjoyable experience. Select the style, and you will be presented with the recommended profiles to deliver the look.

Skirting remains Intrim’s largest product category, and the trend of larger profiles and design options has been driven by savvy consumers and designers wanting to create bespoke interiors. Hamptons interiors demand decorative skirting profiles that are larger than the standard home design of 66mm or 90mm. For all Hamptons designs, a 185mm skirting or larger is recommended. Team with 90mm or 115mm window and door architraves, layer in some skirting blocks, sil nosing and beading, and the windows and doorways suddenly become a Hamptons design feature. Size and scale are key considerations when selecting timber mouldings, so always check the recommendations for your ceiling and door heights. These details can be found on Intrim’s website.

No Hamptons home is truly finished without wainscoting wall panelling. If you have a two-storey design, the staircase will be a major feature, and when finished with wainscoting wall paneling, it will be a beautiful Hamptons design.

Wainscoting can be full height or the lower third under a dado or chair rail. The option you select is down to your style preference and budget. If adding wainscoting to every room isn’t in your budget, focus on areas such as the entrance and hallways, main living spaces, main bathrooms and master bedrooms for the biggest impact. The investment will add real value to your property.

Once you have selected the Hamptons timber mouldings to achieve your vision, you can order samples via the Intrim website, and create your own flat lay to finalise your selections. Buying from Intrim is as easy as requesting a quote via the website or specifying your selection with your builder or carpenter. They then order directly with Intrim or via one of the nationwide distributors, depending on your site location. Your order is manufactured to your exact specifications and quantities in Intrim’s Australian production facility with state-of-the-art machinery to ensure afirst-class quality finish backed by a friendly service-focused team.
Intrim regularly shares its clients’ projects on the website and through social media, so it is a great place to see how other homeowners have achieved their Hamptons vision using Intrim Timber Mouldings.

For more information

Intrim Mouldings

The post Adding Value to Your Property with Timber Trims appeared first on Completehome.

Ever wanted to build a prefab home but didn’t know where to start? Prefabricated homes, also known as prefab homes, are becoming increasingly popular as a housing solution. These homes are constructed in a factory and then transported to the building site, where they are assembled. They are a cost-effective and time-efficient option, as the manufacturing process takes place in a controlled environment, reducing construction time and minimizing waste. Prefabricated homes can take many forms, including shipping container homes, which are made from repurposed shipping containers. The use of shipping containers as a building material has gained popularity in recent years due to their durability and eco-friendliness.

In this article, we will explore 15 of our favourite prefabricated homes, including shipping container homes, and why they are an excellent choice for modern living.

1. Harmony space by Kenjo

Harmony by KENJO System AB, in Sweden, is built entirely from Swedish spruce, a local and renewable resource. Foldable glass sliding door systems set in aluminum profiles reinforce Kent Johansson’s design intent of an openness in look, feel and use, whether for offices, saunas, pool houses, or perhaps a floating guest house or thinking room. The options are unlimited as the module system uses different-sized glulam frames, different wall sections and roofs. Energy-efficient, customisable, connectable and extendable, Harmony is attracting global interest. There’s a choice of DIY assembly on delivery; supply fully assembled; or built on site by Kenjo carpenters.

2. The Mod house by Prebuilt

Take a look inside this Grand Designs Australia home

3. Freedom house by Prebuilt

PREBUILT is a design collaboration between the Kilsyth (Melbourne)-based company’s in-house design team, external architects and interior designers. Each of the six houses in the range can be oriented to maximise natural light and cross ventilation, coupled with double glazing and high insulation as standard. These prefabricated homes are constructed from locally sourced products and materials so factory waste is minimised. Prebuilt designs are transported Australia-wide as whole modules complete with kitchens, bathrooms and joinery, fully plumbed and wired, ready to connect directly to services. Set aside eight to 12 weeks build time post planning approval from your local council.

4. Container Homes project

CONTAINER HOMES has an easy solution to prefabs: pre-packaged is best. Available in two sizes, Container Homes offers shipping container homes that are ready to be lived in almost immediately after they arrive on site; only the plumbing and electricity need to be hooked up. Each home comes cyclone- and storm-proof, and has solar power for lighting. These shipping container homes don’t miss out on anything and each has its own kitchen and designated living spaces, and come filled with furniture.

5. Transportable Space (TS1) external office by Pluscreate

TRANSPORTABLE SPACE is available in five different sizes (10sqm to 32sqm). Designed and manufactured by Pluscreate in Melbourne, modules are delivered flat-packed around eight weeks after design sign-off. Parts can be carried through a standard doorway and assembled without tradespeople. Height-adjustable legs avoid the need for excavation. The butterfly roof with box gutter provides excellent water catchment for water tanks, and there is a choice of window and door placement with optional skylights and decks. Its well-insulated PIR wall panels and steel components are recyclable. Available Australia-wide and cyclone-rated, application is unlimited.

6. Hong Kong garden pavilion e.pod by Ecoshelta

ECOSHELTA is made from marine-grade structural aluminium alloy framing that is stronger but lighter than steel. Designed by architect Stephen Sainsbury and manufactured by Wonders Building Company Pty Ltd, Ecoshelta has been used for backyard studios, holiday or residential homes, emergency relief housing, remote-area research stations, walking lodges, ecotourism resorts, ultra-remote housing, and cliff-face construction during the past 20 years. Sustainable design measures include an EcoCost environmental impact evaluation system analysis; a high level of wool insulation for all floors, walls and ceiling panels; plantation timber, recycled PET composite timber substitutes or ECOply and passive solar and natural ventilation design. Ecoshelta prefabricated homes are fully modular, extremely strong and robust.

7. San Remo house by Ecoliv

ECOLIV buildings, designed by Beaumont Concepts, are modular prefabricated homes constructed in the company’s sustainable factory in Wonthaggi, Victoria. Ecoliv has a range of standard module configurations or custom designs, available Australia-wide, to suit various site and living requirements. Standard inclusions in the seven-star-rated design is a 10,000-litre rainwater tank, 1.72kW solar power unit, solar hot water, energy-efficient lighting, electricity usage meter, water-saving plumbing, double-glazed windows, sustainably sourced timbers, cladding and joinery finished with Australian-made VOC-free Ecolour paint. Ecoliv isn’t just prefabricated, it is totally focused on sustainable prefabricated homes from conception to construction. With lightweight construction and a small environmental footprint, each home is delivered on site within 14 weeks.

8. Bungalow-style prefabricated home by Huf Haus

HUF HAUS, headquartered in Germany, has been involved in the design and manufacture of prefabricated houses since the 1960s. Defining the HUF HAUS brand today is the visible timber frame, use of a highly-efficient thermal insulation layer, frameless floor-to-ceiling glazing (triple-glazed), rooms flooded with natural light, spacious living, and enduring clarity of form. Components of a HUF HAUS emerge from a state-of-the-art production line and are assembled to create very individual house designs. Semi-automated prefabrication and pre-assembly of the components results in a quality standard regarded as superior to manual on-site assembly.

9. Container guest house by Poteet Architects

POTEET ARCHITECTS jumped at the chance when its client asked for a guesthouse in the form of a shipping container home. Fitted with a custom-designed bathroom, the container was transformed into a second living space that doubles as an art studio and garden storage. One of the key elements of the project was to use as many sustainable resources as possible. The interior was sprayed with foam for insulation and then lined with bamboo plywood. The container “floats” on top of a foundation of recycled telephone poles and the deck is made from HVAC equipment pads, created from recycled plastic bottles.

Photography by Chris Cooper

10. Kyneton residence by Intermode

Take a look inside this Grand Designs Australia home

11. Kilmore residence by Intermode

12. Emerald residence by Intermode

INTERMODE homes are at the higher end of the modular homes sector in Australia. A 1.2m x 1.2m grid is used to customise each home design to suit the individual needs of a client and their site. Designs maximise passive solar performance and feature eaves, concrete floors for thermal mass, full height, double glazing, along with recycled or renewable plantation timber. The residence arrives on site as components during a 20-week program, and local labour means no long-haul transportation. Scalable to suit rural and coastal houses, winery accommodation or resorts. Voted #1 Grand Designs Australia home, second series.

13. Residential house by KLIK

KLIK is designed by Elenberg Fraser architects and manufactured by Unitised Building Australia in Melbourne. Its aim is to provide developers and architects with a tool to help them realise their prefabricated goals. Best suited to multi-residential developments, the Klik product range is available Australia-wide and includes low- to mid-rise residential, super towers and hotels, as well as housing. The complete package, Klik is a pre-engineered, pre-designed and pre-assembled solution. It takes 20 days on average per module, from design sign-off to completion of the module in the factory. Klik offers a raft of green benefits, including reduced material requirements and increased material recyclability. There’s less wastage, water usage, transport energy
and embodied energy over the lifecycle of the building, and a reduced carbon footprint.

14. LV Series house in West Virginia by Rocio Romero

LV SERIES, designed and manufactured by Rocio Romero, includes the LV, LVL, LVM and LVG, as well as exclusive add-on modules which are custom connections and include the LVC (courtyard), the LVT (tower), and the LV2 (two storey). They feature prefabricated systems and deep wall and roof cavities containing high levels of insulation to achieve very high R-values. They are bathed in natural light and well ventilated, and water catchment systems can be integrated with ease. A design service is available to assist customisation, whether that’s reconfiguring an interior layout or combining and stacking LV models. Initially conceived for vacation homes, the LV Series is used as a permanent abode for many. Supplied flat-packed, the LV Series can be shipped to Australia.

15. Aireys Inlet project by Modscape

MODSCAPE modules arrive on site, fully completed with the lot. That includes flooring, painting, tiling, appliances, window furnishings, decks, lighting, heating and cooling, joinery and shelving. They are designed and manufactured by Modscape in Brooklyn, Melbourne, with an emphasis on architecture and sustainability to create a holistic solution for any site or application. Modules are individually customised to suit the site, space and design requirements of each client. Features include recycled or reconstituted materials, high thermal-rating insulation, solar hot water, double-glazed windows and doors, and LED lighting. Modscape’s architect-designed, prefabricated homes offer unlimited scope and possibility for design outcomes. The average timeframe, from design sign-off to obtaining the building permit and, finally, fruition, is 12 weeks.

By Marg Hearn and Jessica Milsome
From Home Design magazine, Volume 16 Number 3

The post 15 fabulous prefabricated homes appeared first on Completehome.

For a beautifully curated selection of Hamptons-style furniture and homewares, you can’t go past OneWorld Collection, where you can find just the right piece for your living room, bedroom or patio and bring that Hamptons coastal look to life.

Colour palettes, textures and materials used in Hamptons design are influenced by nature, ideal for creating a beachside ambience, and add a relaxed aesthetic to your home, combining elegance and comfort with a sophisticated, casual coastal look. Mindfully upholstered furnishings in shades of white, beige, blue and grey reflect nautical tones, allowing you to create a cosy, relaxed interior with that year-round holiday feel.

With its sophisticated design and timeless appeal, furniture made from rattan or light-coloured timber is the perfect choice for a Hamptons-inspired living room. Rattan coffee tables, cabinets and buffets with glass doors will complement your Hamptons interior perfectly. By using soft, neutral tones, you can transform a room into a calm, inviting space, where every detail reminds you of the warm atmosphere of the beach, enchanting guests as they step into your living room.
If you want to add bold accents that complement softer colours, think dark rattan armchairs and a comfortable sofa with navy blue upholstery to beautifully contrast white walls and create a sense of balance and comfort.

Meanwhile, create a relaxed and soothing atmosphere in the bedroom, where you can take your mind off the day’s stresses. Elegant bedside tables, rattan bedheads and trunks, classic white timber dressers and drawers will help you evoke a serene and warm coastal atmosphere.

Hero image Caption: The Clovelly sofa exudes a sophisticated elegance, ticking all the style boxes, with great design detail, like the gently sloping arms, plush cushioning and high-density foam for a comfortable, durable seat. 

For more information

oneworldcollection.com.au

The post The Coastal Charm of a Hamptons Inspired Interior appeared first on Completehome.

A comfortable winter home is warm and inviting. There are textured throws draped over sofas, plump scatter cushions and subtle ambient lighting. Shades drawn on the windows keep out winter chills and a roaring fire beckons.

1. Ramp up the “cosy” factor

Whether that’s putting a couple of plush bean bags in a corner of the rumpus room or creating a reading nook under the stairs, winter is a time of reflection, of comfort. For many, that also means space or solitude. But it’s also a time for rounding up the gang, for playing family board games, of baking cookies and warming up the kitchen, and also drinking hot chocolate on family movie nights.

Set the scene for warmth and comfort at home by making sure draughts aren’t flowing through window seals and fix any draughty windows. Check your home heating devices to ensure heaters are in good working order, and ensure you have an ample supply of firewood on hand for your wood stove.

Make sure your towels pass the plushness test and if not, order some fresh ones. Replace light doonas with warmer options.

2. Draw the blinds

One way to keep your home snug is through thermal insulation. Danielle Crosby, marketing manager at Dollar Curtains and Blinds, says curtains and drapes can preserve up to 20 per cent of the total heat in your home. “They create a trapped layer of air between the fabric and the window, which results in an insulating air pocket,” she explains. Blockout curtains, blackout roller blinds and cellular or honeycomb blinds can all work efficiently to keep you and your family warmer in winter.

A combination of blockout curtains and sheer curtains offers a well-designed and practical finish. “Open the blockout curtains during the day and keep the sheer curtains closed for diffused light and daytime privacy,” she suggests. “Close the blockout curtains in the evening for complete light control, privacy, noise reduction and thermal insulation.”

Automation also affords homeowners flexibility and convenience with indoor and outdoor window coverings, with app control. “As weather shifts during winter, you can use sensors and timers to reduce excessive use of heating and lighting to increase your home’s energy efficiency,” says Danielle.

3. Let lighting weave its magic

During winter, lighting goes a long way to create a cheerful, warm and inviting space you’ll want to come home to. Lighting at home should ideally create a soft and inviting ambience. During winter, as the days grow shorter, relying on illumination through layered lighting becomes even more important.

Add a few mirrors to dark corners — it will maximise light, reflecting it around the room. An extra table lamp or two helps to create a light-filled space and make sure you swap out bulbs to a warmer colour temperature. On cloudy and rainy days, lamps strategically positioned in dark corners are a great way to lighten and brighten up a darker room.

Bring out the tea lights and pillar candles to add a rosy glow to a space and a touch of whimsy or romance. Pop a few candles in the bathroom so next time you have a soak in the tub, you can relax by candlelight.

4. Toasty winter toes

Warm feet are good for your mind, body and soul. After all, no-one likes having freezing toes in the middle of winter. One way to ensure you have warm feet, as well as the rest of you, is through underfloor heating, which is basically available in two different types: electric and hydronic. Comfort Heat describes electric heating like “an electric blanket for your floor”; heating elements are fitted under the surface, offering consistent reliable heat.

In contrast, hydronic heating delivers heat via pipes under the floor and it’s often used for larger spaces. This type of underfloor heating is very energy- and cost-efficient. Hydronic systems can use different heat sources including gas, heat pumps, hot-water units and even wood stoves.

5. Inject some colour to liven a space

Chase away the winter blues by adding a little colour through bunches of blooms, and add some pops of warmth with scatter cushions and throws. Invite colour into your home — winter doesn’t need to be drab. Change up traditional winter colours with a light white palette and a few splashes of colour.

Another tip: lighten up a dark corner with a bold artwork; adding colour infuses warmth. A winter centrepiece, crafted with natural materials, also creates a warming vibe to
a table.

Lighten spaces with colourful rugs; you can even layer one new winter rug over another for a fresh look. A rug will look good and also feel beautiful to walk on in the cooler months.

Some contemporary designs are all about clean, uncluttered lines. In the cooler months, change it up by adding a few simple pops of colour. Try a coloured photo frame, a vivid table lamp, a stack of books with coloured spines, and a few colourful trinkets on display.

6. Stoke the fire

You can’t go past a fireplace to keep you snug in winter. Chris Kent, national sales and marketing manager at Lopi and DaVinci Fireplaces, says positioning your fireplace, and correctly sizing your fireplace model for the room size, is essential. “Wood heaters can heat a whole home but if positioned in the wrong place, can cause inadequate heat in areas you want warmth and cause other spaces to be too hot,” he warns.

Chris adds that gas fireplaces are often more zonal in their heating abilities. “They are best positioned to heat one or multiple rooms that are closed off from the rest of the home,” he advises. To ensure correct placement, Chris suggests consulting your local heating specialist.

For larger spaces, Chris says wood heaters are a better option. “This is due to wood burning hotter than gas by up to eight times, and they also produce more radiant heat,” he explains. “Gas fireplaces are designed for smaller spaces or multiple rooms, not usually entire homes.”

Chris adds there is a revival in squared-format fireplaces and more traditional formal designs in keeping with popular Hamptons styling. “Over recent years, sleek linear or landscape fireplaces have dominated designs and while still popular, traditional fireplaces with mantlepieces have made a comeback,” he says.

7. Say it with air

Reverse-cycle air conditioning is one way to keep you warm in winter. New innovations in air conditioning are changing the way we live. At Polyaire, marketing manager Adam Connell says AirTouch smart air conditioning is up to the challenge of providing winter warmth. “With ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning controlled with AirTouch, you get app control of the home climate. The app control is really useful as you can warm up the home and make it cosy before you get home on a cold day, or send the pets a little extra warmth,” he says. “If the home is getting too cold, AirTouch 4 can send you a temperature alert to your smartphone so you can choose to turn on the system, away from home.”

There’s also plenty happening with Panasonic systems. Joe De Bella, senior product marketing at Panasonic Air Conditioning at Panasonic Australia, says selected Panasonic air conditioning systems feature revolutionary nanoe X technology, which cleans air within the room, creating a fresher and healthier living environment. “It uses water molecules filled with OH radicals to neutralise micro-organisms, inhibiting up to 99 per cent of airborne bacteria, viruses and mould,” he says.

There are also some new looks in air conditioners and new technologies that Joe says are worth getting excited about. “At Panasonic, we’ve introduced artificial intelligence-powered features that enable our air conditioning solutions to auto-adjust to temperatures based on heat load conditions,” he explains.

8. Fans for winter comfort

Did you know your fan can help you cut your winter heating costs? Generally ceiling fans are built to rotate both clockwise and counter-clockwise. Switch your fan to a clockwise direction and it draws cool air up and forces warm air down to keep you warmer in winter.

Amber Mostert, marketing manager for Big Ass Fans, says fans with variable speed settings don’t need to be reversed and can be run at low speeds to push the hot air at the ceiling downward. “It’s best to choose a fan that generates their power from their size rather than their speed as they’re able to thoroughly mix the entire volume of air in a space,” explains Amber. “With uniform temperatures throughout the space, heaters don’t need to run as frequently to maintain thermostat set points, resulting in energy savings up to 30 per cent.”

As for what’s new in ceiling fans, Amber says they’ve seen an emerging trend of the use of industrial-style fans in commercial and residential spaces. “People have been wanting
a bold industrial-style look that’s still quiet so as not to interrupt the activities below,” she says.

9. Change up your decor

Invite in some winter cheer with natural organic materials and textures. Source some decorative pieces that pay homage to winter but also infuse life and warmth. Pot up some indoor plants to increase oxygen flow; on the days when it’s too chilly to venture outdoors, you’ll feel as though you can still connect with nature. Layering up adds warmth. Opt for luxe fabrics such as velvet, faux fur and wool to create a feeling of warmth.

While you are at it, use this time to declutter your living spaces; added clutter weighs you down. Come spring, your home will feel lighter and brighter. Make it a family activity and get everyone involved. Winter is a time when charity shops need donations the most.

10. Outdoor warmers

When winter’s chill is in the air, an outdoor heat source will allow you to still enjoy the outdoors. From firepits to fireplaces and more, you’ll not only add a little flare, but a whole lot of heat to your outdoor space.

For a small outdoor entertaining area, a firepit is a great solution. As an added bonus, a firepit is portable — move it around as needed. Wood-burning firepits also offer another way to cook simple foods with a grill plate on top. Elevating a space to make it feel warm and inviting, your guests will fee love it. Bioethanol freestanding fire tables are an environmentally friendly, cost-efficient option to provide inviting warm ambient heating. They are very versatile and can be used both indoors and out. Designer fireplaces are also making their mark — a custom-built fireplace is a focal point.

With radiant heaters there is also a lot on offer to keep you snug. Greg Trezise, national sales manager at Heatstrip, says radiant heaters are a great option. “There are Heatstrip slimline heaters that are specifically designed for outdoor spaces,” he says. “The heaters come in a variety of styles and this allows you to select a model that works well with your environment.”

Technology is also finding its way into outdoor heating. Greg says the Heatstrip Elegance with remote and app (THE-RA) control is compatible with iPhone, Android, Alexa and Google Hub. “It’s a suitable solution for your undercover protected alfresco area, balcony, patio and verandah,” he says. Research undertaken by FCG Research Institute, Kitasato Research Centre for Environmental Science and Japan Food Research Technologies.

WORDS CARROL BAKER

This article originally appears in Grand Designs Australia 11.1

The post 10 Ways to Create a Warm and Inviting Home appeared first on Completehome.

In this blog, Intrim Mouldings share the article they commissioned with Birdblack Design, who will be commenting on the latest trends influencing projects that they are currently working on.

Zellige tiles are proving to be ever popular. Zellige means “to slide” in Arabic and as the light hits these tiles, the light slides and dances across the tiles.

Three popular styles in 2022 are Modern Farmhouse, Hamptons and Coastal Luxe. Lets explore these styles in a bit more detail.

Fusion of a Minimal Contemporary Design and Traditional Country

Modern Farmhouse is a wonderful fusion of a minimal contemporary design and traditional country. The style is all about comfort and cosy elements, a blend of rustic and sleek looks. The Modern Farmhouse oozes warmth and character with that gorgeously, stylish modern approach. Organic and natural materials are quintessential to the Modern Farmhouse. Matte finishes and low-shine materials lend to the majesty of the Farmhouse: Intrim Mouldings recommend playing with plenty of texture.

Skirting selected: SK767 Intrim can be used as skirting board trim or architrave trim.

As you can see from the flatlay above, the clean sleek lines of modern design are more than apparent, yet the cosiness and warmth of the fibres and materials lends itself to the Farmhouse aesthetic. The combination results in a fresh palette.

Warm whites, greys and timbers were used in amalgamation with the contemporary blues to compliment both styles. Natural textures and warm rugs both contrast and compliment the modern matte black handles with the focus being on the rustic/traditional styling of the Intrim moulding.

Hamptons Living

The popular Hamptons is consistently charming. Chic blues and greys with crisp whites and light timbers evoke the sophisticated coastal living inspired by the stunning beach homes of The Hamptons, Long Island, New York. This style is elegant and welcoming: classic designs married with a casual beach vibe. Panelled walls and timber flooring allow the resort-like aesthetic to come to life in your home.

Skirting selected: SK58 Intrim can be used as skirting board trim or architrave trim.

The Hamptons flatlay focuses on the mixture of cool, classic and slightly modern take on a sophisticated beach home. The classic look of mosaics, stone and marble define the Hamptons look, with dark timber flooring and light-coloured rugs and fabrics to compliment it. A simple Intrim moulding is stylised within this flatlay, to help reinforce the busy mixture of the palette. It is good to keep in mind that the interior mouldings for Hamptons style are noticeably high skirting boards and beautiful wainscoting details incorporated on the walls.

Coastal Luxe

For your Coastal Luxe moment, you are going to focus on soft sandy colours and the variety of tones of the ocean, light timbers and refined, uncomplicated, clean, simple lines. With a striking neutral palette and added-in textures, this style delivers a homely appeal: all very complimentary, and the absence of stark contrasts.

Skirting selected: SK460 Intrim can be used as skirting board trim or architrave trim.

This Coastal Luxe flatlay encompasses the blend of coastal and tropical living with contemporary design. Subtleties in the light timbers and the stunning beige tiles bring the modern coastal home alive whilst feeling undeniably luxurious. Brass details and travertine colours contribute to the luxe feel of the home. Sandy colours and detailed elements within the flatlay bring out the simplicity of the Intrim moulding.

Framing each room is imperative to communicating the final layers of the design. In each room, windows, doors, walls, ceiling and floors all need attention. For an exquisite design, it is essential to pay tribute to each of these with selections of architraves, cornices, coffered ceiling trims, handrails, chair rails and inlay moulds. Intrim Mouldings are your design specialists. It’s the small details that finalise the whole look. Careful consideration results in fabulous impacts.

Written for Intrim Mouldings by Birdblack Design. 

For more information

Intrim Mouldings

The post Trending Styles to Consider for 2022 appeared first on Completehome.