Words Karen Booth

It’s said the pull we feel towards nature is innate. That we are all hardwired to seek out the natural world and when we do, we find solace … joy, even. Biophilic design is about bringing nature into our homes in a way that is emotionally uplifting. It’s about forging connections with the outdoors, literally
and visually.

“Biophilic design means incorporating nature to create a calming space. By blending natural materials, colours and textures, you not only beautify your space but enhance your wellbeing, offering a sanctuary where you can truly relax,” says Sarah Jobse, co-founder of design duo Oak and Orange. “It’s about achieving a thoughtful blend of aesthetic beauty and emotional resonance, influenced by the world right outside your doorstep. As you incorporate nature and all its beauty into your home, remember that each choice, whether it’s through your flooring or the colour of your walls, is an opportunity to deepen your connection
with the natural world.”

Using natural materials, such as stone and timber, will bring the warmth of nature into your kitchen but materials that replicate the patterns and textures of nature, used in conjunction with earthy colour palettes, abundant natural light, plenty of greenery and organic shapes can be just as effective at achieving a sense of wellbeing.

Natural Instincts

“The natural aesthetic brings calm to the kitchen, a space that’s often busy and hectic so it’s great to bring some balance by using neutral tones and textures,” says David Bartlett, head designer and owner of Art of Kitchens. “It also makes any interior space feel welcoming and this is particularly relevant in the kitchen where you want to bring friends and family together.

“We go back to nature when we want to reconnect, so bringing that ambience into a kitchen is a brilliant way to create a haven within the home to help destress after a busy day, or relax on the weekend. It also helps promote the idea of a seamless flow, particularly between indoors and out, when we want to expand the entertaining zone to include both.”

Biophilic design is no longer considered a trend. This desire to bring the outdoors in and experience a deeper connection to nature on a daily basis is here to stay and can find expression in the kitchen in myriad ways. One is texture, which Julia Stojanovic, senior interior designer at CG Design Studio, says is key. “As nature’s offerings don’t often tend to be sleek and perfect, celebrating the tactility of each material is paramount to achieving an organic look,” she says. “Think leathered, honed and tumbled stones, notably textured timber grains, and warm ‘living’ metal finishes in tapware.

“The use of natural finishes and materials, such as a beautiful marble paired with timber-veneered cabinetry, offers not only a timeless aesthetic but a natural feel. Selecting finishes derived from natural materials, especially when handcrafted, such as Zellige and Bejmat tiles, can achieve a perfectly imperfect outcome. Textured rendered finishes can also enhance the notion that a space has been crafted from earthy, natural elements. Applying an earthy tone or warm white textured render or plaster finish to walls envelopes a space with a natural feel.”

Tempting Timber

The appeal of timber, with its warm hues and distinctive woodgrain patterns, is undeniable and can be used to bring in some texture and soften harder elements such as those you would find in an industrial-style kitchen.

Solid-wood cabinets can look amazing but timber and water don’t always mix well, so if opting for natural hardwood flooring, which will take its fair share of splashes and spills, just be sure it’s properly sealed. On the upside, timber flooring is softer under foot and quieter than tiles. There are plenty of lower-cost, lower-maintenance alternatives, though, from wood-look vinyl planks and hybrid flooring to timber grain tiles.

“One of our biggest tips for homeowners is to consider the flooring in harmony with other elements in your home, not only the interior but also outdoor living spaces,” says Sarah. “A flooring sample may look beautiful on its own, but its true essence comes out when it complements the wall colours, kitchen hues, tiles, and even the materials you’ve used on a patio. So, before laying down any flooring, ensure it aligns with the overall colour and texture palette you’ve chosen. This is the key to not only achieving a harmonious biophilic design but also adding that all-important wow factor.”

Using solid-timber for feature shelving is one way to bring in the warmth of wood and turn it into a feature if you don’t want to use solid timber elsewhere. You can also introduce the softening effect of timber in your accessories – perhaps wooden bowls for benchtops, timber stools for the breakfast bar.

High-grade timber veneer and precision-engineered decorative wood panelling is also readily available for use on interior walls, ceilings and cabinetry, providing a clean, natural look that merges interior and exterior spaces.

Set it in Stone

Natural stone for benchtops, splashbacks, feature panelling and flooring brings depth of colour, texture and the unique patterns that only Mother Nature can produce. It does comes at a price, and the stone needs to be properly sealed and maintained, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for a variety of reasons.

“With the regulations recently enforced surrounding composite stones, there has been a large industry gravitation towards natural stone. Stunning natural marbles, quartzites, limestones, travertines and granites have been among the preferred choices for benchtops and kitchen detailing, offering unique natural allure to kitchens. As no two natural stones are the same, the exquisite veining in each slab gives the space a sense of individualism,” says Julia.

While engineered stone is now off the table, there are stone-look solid-surface and porcelain alternatives that offer similar durability and have that sought-after natural aesthetic.

Caesarstone’s porcelain surfaces range, which replicates the look of marble, alabaster and more, is one example. Some have deep colour bases with dramatic veining, others have light white or cream bases with more delicate patterning.

Smartstone’s new stone-style porcelain Sintered collection is another. With options such as Calacatta Lusso, an Italian marble-inspired surface in which swirls of gold, amber and grey trace their way across a background of grey-white, it’s easy to go natural in a way that speaks of luxury.

Stone-look floor, wall and splashback tiles are in equally abundant supply and a cost-effective choice. colours of nature

There are countless ways to coax the colours of nature into the kitchen, creating a natural, nurturing vibe. Paint colour is one. In recent times, forest greens have been in favour, bringing deeper, moodier natural tones into the kitchen but new nature-inspired palettes are constantly being launched that make creating a natural colour scheme much easier.

Wattyl’s 2024 Autumn/Winter collection by Neale Whitaker is one example. “I live where the coast meets the country, so I am constantly inspired by nature’s ever-evolving seasonal colour palette,” says Neale. “To me, the colours of the local landscape are as impressive as those of the ocean and beach – so for this palette I focused on the subtle seasonal changes in elements such as bushes and flowers, sand, driftwood and shells. I think this palette perfectly captures those subtleties and their endless variations.

“Adding colour through painted surfaces is hands-down the most effective way of creating mood, and having drawn these colours from nature, they will never feel inappropriate or dated.”
Tiles – used for a splashback or feature –can inject a swathe of earthy colour that can be subtle or attention-grabbing, depending on the tone and finish you choose. A matt finish will give you a more subdued, natural look.

In recent years, companies such as Laminex have been prioritising palettes that evoke nature. One example is the Design Directions Collection comprised of four earthy palettes: Connected Calm, Nature’s Nurture, Energised Contrast and Sunburnt Country. The collection captures the calming qualities of nature, creating a sense of comfort while invigorating the spirit.

When choosing a colour palette, keep it consistent and ensure it resonates with your local landscape, advises Sarah. “If your home is near the coast, shades of blue, sand and weathered timber can create a serene atmosphere. If you’re closer to a bushland area, then greens, browns and earthy tones might suit you better. The aim is to create a fluid visual experience as you move from indoor to outdoor spaces,” she says. “As you incorporate nature and all its beauty into your home, remember that each choice, whether it’s through your flooring or the colour of your walls, is an opportunity to deepen your connection with the natural world.”

Going Organic

Incorporating organic shapes into the design can add to the natural feel, but that’s not all it can do. “Organic lines and curves have become a prominent cabinetry detail because they also add softness to the usually rigid or linear forms you find in a kitchen,” says Julia.

Curves and rounded forms are calming, much like watching the gentle roll of waves. Popular options are to work curves into the design of the cabinetry or to have at least one end of an island bench boast a seductive curve. The effect can be enhanced with curved pendant lights, breakfast bar stools with rounded backs, and a built-in wall niche incorporating an arched form … perhaps an oval or round dining table if you have an eat-in kitchen. Curves can also be introduced in a subtle way through cupboard and drawer handles or in the form of a gooseneck mixer tap.

While soft curves enhance a sense of wellbeing, irregular shapes are common in nature so these can be introduced as accents or a feature element. One way to do this is with the veining of natural stone which can be highly distinctive.

Favouring an organic approach can also find expression in the accessories and decor you choose. It’s often the smaller details and flourishes that make all the difference so accessorise your kitchen with natural elements like potted plants or decorative items made of timber, stone or ceramic. Prioritise kitchen furniture crafted from timber, rattan or jute; choose natural fabrics for cushions and upholstery; if having window dressings, opt for those that let in ample light to enhance the organic feel.

Decorative accents, especially those that evoke organic shapes, colours and textures are especially useful if you’re going for a strong colour palette with shades of the one colour. Adding natural contrasts with the benchtop or flooring is recommended, as is including ornamental accents of earthy but contrasting tones – perhaps terracotta jugs or pots, raffia shades for pendant lights, woven bamboo storage baskets, a ceramic vase filled with fabulous foliage or seasonal blooms.

A matter of style

“The natural aesthetic can work beautifully with a number of different styles,” says Julia. “When two or three natural materials are paired together with refined and sleek detailing, you can achieve a minimalist aesthetic. In contrast, when natural materials are layered, an artisanal, crafted look is achieved, well suited to country-style and traditional homes. When the richness is dialled up and further layering and contrast is detailed, a maximalist aesthetic can come together.”

“The biophilic approach is pretty versatile and in the hands of a skilled designer should be able to be incorporated into almost every style of kitchen,” says David. “But it does work really well with a classic-style kitchen, because this is such a versatile style, and it can be really impactful in an industrial-style kitchen where it can be used to off-set the sometimes-colder aspects of that theme.

“Depending on how the aesthetic is applied, it can also be beautifully incorporated into a modern style kitchen, again because this theme is quite broad. It can even work well in a contemporary style kitchen when applied with care – you’d want to keep it very simple and make sure the elements are understated but it can be done.

“For the ‘stronger’ styles, such as industrial or contemporary, you’d probably look for where you can use accents of natural aesthetic to complement the overall design of the kitchen without overwhelming it. For example, you could have a solid-wood block breakfast bar to really bring nature into the home without going overboard with a full wood kitchen, or you could have a stunning piece of natural stone on an island bench.”

Whatever the style, don’t overdo it, advises David. “Try to aim for a balance of tones and textures,” he says. You can go all-out but for most people it’s best to pick one natural or earthy colour that really speaks to you and see how that can be applied within the kitchen. “It could be on the benchtop, or in the tiles, or the cabinetry and you can use that to represent nature.”

Go for Greenlife

“Don’t forget to look for opportunities to add real greenery,” says David. “This could be via a window splashback so you can see the foliage outdoors, or it could be a herb garden within the kitchen for easy access while cooking.”

The concept of growing a few herbs on a sunny window sill is hardly new, but we now use our kitchens as places to eat, entertain, study and work, not just cook. Just as we would add plants to a home office or dining room, adding plants to a kitchen, whether to grow herbs or salad veg, or simply for the spirit-lifting effect of the foliage, is just as important.

Every indoor plant needs a pot, of course, and that can be turned into a decorative advantage, introducing an accent colour or interesting patterns, textures or shapes. If you’re short on shelf or bench space, hanging planters are a great way to introduce some greenery or you can go a step further with an “upside down” hanging planter such as the Boskke Sky Planter.

If you want to grow plants that need a bit more care, and if you have space and a nice sunny spot, an indoor greenhouse is an option. And if you’re super-serious about maximising your greenlife, consider an indoor vertical garden system. They are in plentiful supply and range from kit-form frames to which you attach individual pots to geotextile pockets that you fix directly to a wall.

And don’t forget the importance of capturing the view of outside greenery and establishing a literal indoor-outdoor connection. “A vista to lush greenery and an abundance of natural light can further enhance the perception of an interior,” says Julia. “The seamless transition between these spaces, including full-height, operable glazing and the continuation of flooring materiality from the interior to the exterior, offers the notion of feeling grounded and connected to nature.”

Article originally featured in Kitchen Yearbook

The post Natural Attraction appeared first on Completehome.

Throughout the three-day event, Nover showcased its latest products and solutions, engaging with visitors and industry peers. Attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand the innovative designs and technologies shaping the future of home renovation.

Nover expressed enthusiasm about participating in such a dynamic event, recognising it as a valuable platform to connect with clients, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of emerging industry trends.

During the show, Nover showcased a curated selection of its leading brands, including Peka, Salice, Fenix, and Evostone. Visitors enjoyed exploring Peka’s sleek organisational hardware, the smooth Exedra pocket door systems from Salice, the stunning and durable surfaces by Fenix, and the versatile, high-quality benchtops from Evostone. Each product was designed to support the creation of beautiful, functional spaces built to stand the test of time.

A highlight of the event was the launch of Nover’s latest innovation — Exedra Gravity. This revolutionary pocket door system impressed guests with its smart, user-friendly technology and sleek design. Visitors were captivated by its ability to fully retract the door into the compartment when open, offering both practicality and discretion. The product drew significant interest and is set to inspire future projects — coming soon!

Nover extends a big thank you to everyone who visited the booth. The enthusiasm and conversations shared during the event made it a truly memorable experience and reinforced Nover’s commitment to delivering top-quality solutions that elevate kitchen and home design.

For those who couldn’t attend, a gallery of booth highlights from the three-day event is available here.

Nover welcomes continued connection with clients, industry peers, and anyone interested in its products. For more information or to get in touch, feel free to reach out via email — the team is always happy to help at sales@nover.com.au.

For more information

Nover

The post Nover Highlights at Kitchen & Bathroom Show 2025 appeared first on Completehome.

They were after a forever kitchen, one in which they could share long family meals and entertain guests. They requested a two-tone kitchen and personally chose the timber colour that appears on the cabinets, hero lighting and rangehood canopy. They loved the look of Silestone in Ethereal Glow, so this was selected for the splashback behind the rangehood, as well as the island.

This kitchen’s new island is made for entertaining – it’s nearly 3m long, around 1.5m deep, and boasts plenty of bench space and extra seating. There’s also a bar fridge at the side of the island, making topping up drinks during dinner parties a piece of cake.

This kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful. There’s plentiful storage, including a dedicated appliance cabinet, push-to-open cabinetry at the back of the island, Blum soft-close drawers, and tall cabinetry with inner drawers. With so much storage space, keeping this kitchen sleek and uncluttered is incredibly simple. This entertainer’s dream was exactly what the homeowners were after to elevate their home life and dinner parties.

Design & Build: Nobby Kitchens

Design response

Objective

An open kitchen with improved functionality, designed with entertaining in mind.

Solution

A sleek update to the island to open the space, clever storage solutions, and a modern two-toned design

For more information

NOBBY KITCHENS

Belrose
A HomeCo. Belrose, Shop G17, 4-6 Niangala Cl,
Belrose NSW
P 02 7209 0755

Pymble
A 19 Ryde Rd, Cnr West St, Pymble NSW
P 02 9498 1377

Castle Hill
A HomeCo. Castle Hill, Ground Level,
South Building, 16 Victoria Ave, Castle Hill NSW
P 02 9659 0769

Taren Point
A 6/120 Taren Point Rd, Taren Point NSW
P 02 8224 9688

Newcastle
A 2/66 Park Ave, Kotara NSW
P 02 4044 5620

F @NobbyKitchens
I @NobbyKitchens

The post An Entertainer’s Dream appeared first on Completehome.

For better or for worse, AI is here to stay. It’s making its mark on the design industry, both locally and globally, so we asked three experts in the field to weigh in.

Words Nishi Amaratunga

It doesn’t seem so long ago that artificial intelligence (AI) technology was the stuff of movies and futuristic sci-fi stories. But the future is now, and the rise of AI touches all our lives – though perhaps not how we originally imagined.

It’s hard to escape news of AI technology influencing and seeping into myriad industries globally. Some are excited about AI’s capabilities and the new doors it’s opening to solving the world’s problems, while others are concerned about how it will impact their profession. Either way, AI is likely here to stay.

But what role is AI playing in the design landscape locally? We spoke to three design creatives based in Australia to learn how they are integrating AI into their day-to-day workflow, and whether they are excited or worried about the role it’s playing in the industry.

AI meets interior design

Nicholas Kaiko, director and design principal at Kaiko Design Interiors, has been working on high-end residential projects, as well as luxury hotel projects, for more than a decade now. He has witnessed a lot of change in the industry first-hand during this time, including the rise of AI tech used in design. While some find learning how to navigate this brave new world daunting, Nicholas’s sentiments on the topic are very much the opposite. He’s excited that AI is becoming a powerful design tool, revolutionising interior design in real time. In his view, AI can help designers enhance creativity, improve efficiency and create personalised design solutions.

This striking kitchen concept, generated with AI tools, showcases bold contrasts and sculptural forms, pushing the boundaries of materiality and design innovation

“AI has become an invaluable tool in the world of interior design, enabling us as designers to ideate options based on the brief for our clients at speeds like never before. The cost benefits to the client are massive, but what I find most fascinating is the unlocked potential in pure creativity – based on a prompt,” Nicholas says.

He shares that in his experience, AI has facilitated transformative creative ideation through simple text prompts. And now, thanks to plugins available for popular design software like Revit, massing models traditionally used to showcase an interior’s layout can be transformed to help his clients visualise their home’s new interior.

“Sometimes these outputs can surprise you – combining materials or adding features that perhaps may never have been considered,” he reveals, when touching on the value of leaning on AI during the initial stages of the design process. “As designers, we approach a problem through our lens of past experiences and sources of inspiration – but the key here is time. AI is fast and it can be as constrained and analytical or as playful and creative as you prompt it to be. The prompt is key to your relative success with AI, and just like any skill, it can be learned.”

When asked whether he’s concerned AI will eventually replace the role of designers, Nicholas is optimistic. “While AI has undoubtedly changed the interior design landscape, I believe that it will not replace interior designers. Instead, AI will continue to enhance the designer’s role, enabling a more collaborative and people-centric approach to design,” he says. “I am proud to embrace AI as a tool for business and design, and I am personally excited about the possibilities it offers for the future of interior design.”

Adding value through renos … and AI

Kristen Jackson has a unique understanding of the benefits of AI in the design space. Kristen is the founder, project manager and designer at Wealth House, which specialises in renovating homes with the intention of maximising their value prior to sale. The Sydney property market has been hot for years, so Kristen knows the value of sprucing up a home before it hits the market.

“AI is particularly helpful in the early planning stages,” she shares, when describing how she leans on AI for her design work. “For example, I can upload a floor plan and ask ChatGPT to give me recommendations on ways to improve it, or if I have a specific challenge like adding in an ensuite or an extension. It helps expand the possibilities very quickly, and I can make changes based on local council and building codes.

“I’ve also used AI to help estimate renovation costs, even going so far as to upload a PDF of council fees, and it was able to calculate how much a DA approval would cost. What would take me a long time to calculate is done in seconds,” she explains.

Kristen has gone one step further recently, giving her savvy clients the chance to use AI when planning how to renovate to increase their home’s value. She’s built a custom AI chatbot, which is now live on her website. This invaluable tool is a hit with her would-be clients based in Sydney. Why? It lets them instantly calculate their home’s current value, and it also offers renovation recommendations to help increase the home’s value.

“This has been a great first step in the design process as potential clients can explore options on their own before they contact me to determine that, yes, renovations will add value, and which ones they should focus on,” she adds.

Whimsical walls and AI

Designer Damian Corney is no stranger to working closely with clients to help them design their dream space. He’s the founder and creative director of Grafico – you may know them from their wallpapers featured in The Block. He and his team specialise in custom print wallpapers, art prints and tiles for residential and commercial interiors and exteriors. Grafico has an in-house design team and manufacturing and printing facilities in Melbourne, meaning their designs are created by locals, for locals. As Damian explains, AI technology has begun to play an important role in their workflow. “We’ve integrated AI into our design process to ‘aid’, not ‘replace’, our design team consisting of graphic designers and an interior-focused sales team.”

He says the Grafico sales team lean on AI to produce quick mock-ups of their products against walls to give clients a fast yet effective visual of how the product will transform their home. At this point, the client can easily decide whether the tile or wallpaper’s print or pattern suits their home and its existing decor. And if not, they can decide whether to go ahead with the wallpaper or tile purchase and tweak the home’s interior styling to suit, or keep searching for a more suitable design – well before they commit to the purchase and bring it home for application.

Damian shares a recent anecdote of how this way of integrating AI into their way of working helped solve a client problem via speedy new mock-ups. “For example, a client I was dealing with recently wanted a particular pattern of gingham wallpaper on their walls. The bedspread and furniture clashed with the wallpaper choice, so we used AI to quickly replace all the bedroom furniture with more suitable pieces which complemented the wallpaper. Of course, the client loved this and proceeded with purchasing the wallpaper (and a new bedspread from someone else).”

When asked if he feels AI has or will replace traditional design methods or processes, Damian’s response aligns with the thoughts of many leaders in the design space. He believes that while AI is useful to integrate into the design process where possible, it is not yet quite capable of doing things like creating large-scale prints for his business.

“Our team might utilise AI to assist with small elements in a design. For example, if we’re trying to design a small flower pattern and need a particular small leaf or flower in the pattern, we might use AI to assist. However, the rest of the pattern and design would still be completed by our design team in-house,” Damian shares. What AI does contribute to in his line of work is fast mock-ups to help his clients with their decision process.

If AI can be used creatively to help improve client satisfaction, then leaning into it in an ethical and responsible way will no doubt become an obvious next step for many creatives in the design space.

Change is the only constant in this world, and the introduction of AI is certainly accelerating it. But these designers are proving that embracing change and finding creative solutions to integrate new technology into their work not only benefits their businesses, but their clients too, thanks to this out-of-box thinking.

For more information

Kaiko Design

The post Brave New World appeared first on Completehome.

While a home renovation opens up myriad exciting design possibilities, the prospect can, at first, feel daunting. There are colours and finishes to choose. Appliances, fittings and fixtures to consider. Layout decisions to make.

Richard Bell, Flexi Renovation Group’s senior designer, knows only too well just how many choices must be made, and how broad – and diverse – the options are. Passionate about all things design-related, and with more than 10 years’ experience in the design industry, Richard is perfectly placed to help clients refine the vision they have for their renovation project.

With Richard at the helm, the award-winning Flexi team offers design services for projects ranging from kitchens, laundries, home offices and wardrobes to study nooks, home theatres and outdoor kitchens. This design expertise is backed by a full suite of trade services, ensuring hands-on project management from start to finish.

The path to success, of course, always starts with good design. “Our difference is that we meet with the client in their home at the start of the project so we can gain an understanding of the nuances of each property. I need to see the space and understand how the client uses it so I can ensure the new design suits their individual requirements, whatever their style,” says Richard.

If it’s a kitchen renovation, and given Richard has a background as a professional chef as well as in design, he has the ideal combination of skills to work with clients to create kitchens that are beautiful, functional and lifestyle-enhancing.

“Knowing the Flexi team has the experience and skills to deliver at all levels allows me to design with confidence,” adds Richard. “As a result, since 2018 we have consistently been winners or finalists in a variety of industry-specific awards, and Product Review voted us Best Kitchen and Best Home Renovators in 2022 and 2024.”

Operating in and around Perth, Flexi Renovation Group has been transforming homes – and lives – for close to 25 years.

For more information

Flexi Renovation Group
Address: 21 Delage St, Joondalup WA
Phone: 08 9301 4200
Facebook: @FlexiHomeStorageSolutions/

The post WA Designer Profile: Flexi Renovation Group appeared first on Completehome.

In 2024, we’re thrilled to showcase four standout trends that are revolutionising kitchens across the globe: the Bar Area, Pet Feeding, Bold Stone, and Timber accents. Let’s explore how these trends are reshaping kitchen spaces and bringing both functionality and style to the forefront.

Bar Area: Where Entertainment Meets Elegance

The traditional kitchen isn’t just for cooking anymore; it’s a hub for socialising and entertaining. Enter the bar area trend, which seamlessly integrates a designated space for mixing cocktails, serving drinks, and hosting guests. From sleek built-in bars with wine fridges and glassware storage to stylish islands with integrated bar seating, homeowners are embracing the idea of bringing the cocktail lounge experience into their kitchens. At Collaroy Kitchen Centre, we offer a range of customisable bar solutions to suit every taste and space requirement, ensuring that your kitchen becomes the ultimate entertainment destination.

Pet Feeding: Pampering Your Furry Friends

Pets are cherished members of the family, and their needs are increasingly being integrated into kitchen design. The pet feeding trend emphasises convenience and functionality, with dedicated feeding stations seamlessly incorporated into kitchen layouts. From pull-out drawers with built-in bowls to elevated feeding stations with storage for pet food and treats, homeowners are prioritising the comfort and well-being of their furry companions. At Collaroy Kitchen Centre, we understand the importance of pet-friendly design and offer innovative solutions to make caring for your pets a breeze while maintaining a stylish and cohesive aesthetic.

Bold Stone: Making a Statement with Natural Materials

In 2024, homeowners are eschewing subtle neutrals in favour of bold and dramatic stone surfaces that demand attention. From striking marble countertops with dramatic veining to luxurious granite islands with eye-catching patterns, bold stone is taking centre stage in kitchen design. At Collaroy Kitchen Centre, we source the finest natural stone materials to create bespoke countertops, backsplashes, and feature walls that add depth, texture, and visual interest to your kitchen. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of marble or the rugged beauty of granite, our expert craftsmen will help you select the perfect stone to elevate your kitchen design.

Timber Accents: Infusing Warmth and Texture

Nothing adds warmth and character to a kitchen like the rich texture of timber accents. From rustic reclaimed wood beams to sleek hardwood cabinetry and shelving, timber is a versatile and timeless material that can complement any style of kitchen. Whether you’re aiming for a cosy farmhouse aesthetic or a modern minimalist look, timber accents can be incorporated in various elements of your kitchen design to create a sense of warmth and harmony. At Collaroy Kitchen Centre, we offer a wide range of premium timber options, from classic oak and walnut to exotic teak and mahogany, allowing you to customise your kitchen to reflect your unique style and personality.

At Collaroy Kitchen Centre, they’re committed to helping you bring your vision to life, whether you’re looking to incorporate the latest trends or create a timeless masterpiece that will withstand the test of time. Visit their showroom or schedule a consultation with one of our expert designers to discover how you can elevate your kitchen with these exciting trends and more.

For more information

Collaroy Kitchen Centre

The post Elevating Your Kitchen: 2024’s Hottest Trends at Collaroy Kitchen Centre appeared first on Completehome.

Stocks Designer Appliances & Bathrooms has been owned and operated by the Stock family since 1975. One of the first specialist premium appliance retailers in Brisbane, the company has grown over the years, recently being named National Retailer of the Year (2022). As Brisbane’s only one-stop kitchen, laundry and bathroom showroom, Stocks is a favourite of clients and design professionals throughout South East Queensland.

Stocks’ Clayfield and Ashgrove showrooms are the perfect destinations for homeowners, designers, architects and other design professionals to view, select and specify for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

As part of the Designer Appliances group, Stocks is a member of the largest independent premium appliance group in Australia. With 23 stores across Australia, the national support and buying power behind this company facilitates its friendly and expert service.

The knowledgeable team and premium-experience showrooms ensure clients receive the best advice when specifying for kitchens, laundries and bathrooms. The broad range means any new kitchen, bathroom or laundry supplied for is on trend and in tune with the home’s broader design style.

Whether completing a renovation or building a new home for yourself or a client, Stocks Designer Appliances & Bathrooms is here to help with choosing the best kitchen and laundry appliances, and the perfect bathroom products for any home, need or lifestyle.

For more information

Stocks Appliances

The post Brisbane’s only one-stop kitchen, laundry and bathroom showroom appeared first on Completehome.

This is a second win for Ashley and underscores her profound understanding of solid surface materials and how to harness their qualities in the design process for her clients.

The inspiration for this stunning kitchen arose from the exterior design of the new home, which prominently featured curved elements in the home’s façade. With a minimal client brief, the goal was to create a kitchen that exuded a light and warm ambience, with a soft and non-masculine colour palette. The clients were keen on a palette that embodied personality and movement. To fulfil this request within a predominantly linear space, the kitchen was skilfully designed with bold curved lines shaping the front of the island bench, complemented by slightly more subtle curves.

In line with the clients’ desire for an entertainment-friendly kitchen, designed to accommodate their love for hosting parties and events, this kitchen stretches a substantial 8 meters. This extensive space provides ample room for catering to large gatherings and facilitates seamless interaction around the kitchen.

The choice of Supreme Ocean View for the kitchen surface not only adds complementary texture but also demonstrates the versatility of solid surface materials, allowing for the creation of oversized counters and elegant curved details seamlessly integrated into the design.

As the home’s centrepiece, Staron Solid Surface has brilliantly brought the design vision to life. The kitchen is a testament to the cohesiveness of various stunning surfaces, working harmoniously to shape this unique project.

Photography: Brock Beazley, Jacob Jon, Mitchell Kemp, ABI Interiors

For more information

Austaron Surfaces

The post Curves of Elegance: Ashley Maddison Wins Residential Category at Staron Design Awards appeared first on Completehome.

We delve into the sources that influence their design concepts and product selections, while also presenting the distinctive projects they’ve materialized for their clients.

In this edition, we explore a recently finalized residential project undertaken by Scott and Sharon of Mill Design & Joinery.

We find ourselves on the set of Sharon’s recently completed residence, where we delve into the backstory of this remarkable project.

The vision for this dwelling centred around incorporating sleek aesthetics with distinctive elements, resulting in a subtly captivating outcome.

What sets this undertaking apart and which handles have been employed to achieve this effect?

The choice of Momo Handles’ ‘Brave’ in a sleek matte black finish was strategically made to instil a seamless flow throughout the entirety of the home. Additionally, the inclusion of the substantial, ribbed Momo ‘Barrington Eclipse’ handles on the bathroom vanities serves to harmonize with the texture showcased in the herringbone-patterned vanity panels.

As for the wellspring of your creative influences, where do you draw your well of inspiration?

Foremost, it’s the desires of the clients themselves that stand as the primary wellspring of motivation. After all, it’s their aspirations that we are dedicated to transforming into reality.

Which kitchen styles are most frequently requested by your clientele?

The Hamptons Style is a consistent favourite, characterized by its white tones and shaker doors. The diverse styles and colour options within the Momo Handles New Hampton range seamlessly complement this aesthetic. Notably, the New Hampton range stands as our company’s most sought-after handle collection.

What are the foremost emerging trends anticipated for the year 2022?

1. The inclination towards vanities that rest on the floor rather than being suspended.
2. Heightened emphasis on storage solutions, regardless of the room’s purpose.
3. A rise in the popularity of flat doors devoid of trim, owing to their ease of maintenance, while shaker-style doors maintain their enduring appeal.

When devising your overall design and styling, do you centre it around a particular kitchen handle, or do handles come as an afterthought?

Handles never find themselves relegated to an afterthought; they’re always an integral part of the holistic design. The extent to which they are integrated into the process depends on the client’s preferences and the stage at which their decisions are finalized.

Is there a prevalent inclination, shared by both you and your clients, to employ a uniform handle finish throughout all the cabinetry in residence, or does this choice differ based on the specific room?

This choice is significantly influenced by individual client preferences. Typically, uniform handles are favoured when it comes to replacing a kitchen. However, when dealing with an entire household project, the range of options expands.

Do you hold a particular leaning towards certain handle materials or finishes?

Within the extensive Momo Handle range, the abundance of exquisite handles allows for flexible interchangeability across various collections, yielding impressive outcomes.

What distinguishes the Momo handles range from its counterparts in the market?

The notable qualities of our sales representative play a crucial role. Additionally, Momo excels in furnishing remarkable product expertise and customer service, accompanied by exceptional delivery standards and an outstanding product offering.

A big thank you to Scott and Sharon from Mill Design & Joinery for taking part in our Momo Inspirations series. Follow Mill Design & Joinery on Instagram @milldesignandjoinery to stay up to date with completed projects or get in touch through: www.milldesignandjoinery.business.site/

For more information

Furnware Group

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When it comes paving your outdoor areas, few materials can match the timeless appeal and durability of natural stone. And among the various types of natural stone available in the market, bluestone stands out as one of the most versatile and attractive choices. Among the different varieties of bluestone, Harkaway Bluestone Pavers are particularly popular among builders, landscape designers, garden designers, and architects for their premium quality and aesthetic value.

Why choose Harkaway Bluestone Pavers?

These pavers have a deep and rich blue-grey colour, which adds a unique and elegant charm to any outdoor space as they are a natural stone product, making each paver unique.

The natural, lightly honed surface of each paver adds sophistication and luxury to any outdoor design. Bluestone is exceptionally strong and durable, which makes it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas like driveways, pool areas, gardens, and walkways.

Additionally, the non-slip surface of Harkaway Bluestone makes these pavers a safe option for wet areas like pool surrounds. Harkaway Bluestone pavers are available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, ensuring that there are a variety of options to suit all design preferences.

The Harkaway Bluestone range includes pavers in rectangular and French patterns, pool coping, crazy paving, and steppingstones.

The range includes pavers in rectangular and French patterns, pool coping, crazy paving, and steppingstones.

Applications of Harkaway Bluestone Pavers

Harkaway Bluestone Pavers are versatile and can be used in various applications in residential and commercial settings.

Here are some of the most common uses:

Driveways: They are strong enough to withstand heavy vehicles and can add a touch of sophistication to the entrance of a property.

Pool surrounds: They are non-slip and can withstand exposure to chlorine and other pool chemicals, making them an excellent choice for pool decks and surrounds.

Pathways: Harkaway Bluestone Pavers are ideal for creating meandering paths that lead to gardens, courtyards, or other outdoor spaces.

Patios and outdoor entertaining areas: Harkaway Bluestone Pavers can create a natural and elegant look for outdoor spaces where people can gather and relax.

Feature walls and cladding: They can be used as a wall cladding material to add texture and depth to indoor or outdoor walls.

Harkaway Bluestone Pavers are a premium product that offers exceptional durability, natural elegance, and versatility for a wide range of outdoor applications. Whether you’re a builder, architect, landscaper, or garden designer. They are a reliable and attractive choice that can enhance the value and appeal of any residential and commercial projects.

Garden design and photography: Chin Liew Studios 

Browse our range: Stone & Slate Discounts 

Contact: 03 9706 9767 

The post Harkaway bluestone pavers are an attractive and versatile choice appeared first on Completehome.