Opinions – Completehome https://www.completehome.com.au Turn your house into a home... Tue, 25 Jun 2019 06:12:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.2 https://da28rauy2a860.cloudfront.net/completehome/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/24103109/complete-home-favicon.jpg Opinions – Completehome https://www.completehome.com.au 32 32 Sustainable spaces: Creating an eco-friendly kitchen https://www.completehome.com.au/kitchens/kitchens-articles/kitchens-articles-opinions/sustainable-spaces-eco-friendly-kitchen.html Tue, 25 Jun 2019 06:06:59 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=51020 An eco-friendly kitchen space requires planning and research, but making an effort in this area goes a long way for our planet and our homes.

The post Sustainable spaces: Creating an eco-friendly kitchen appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
Make your green dream a reality in the heart of home

What’s in your kitchen? Benchtops, cabinetry, appliances, tapware and many more components build your space to create what you see. Designed for daily wear and tear, this room, the heart of the home, needs to be composed of durable surfaces that will stand the test of time and be fitted with efficient lights, appliances and taps.

Homing in on one of the most important surfaces in your house, benchtops come in all shapes, sizes and materials. With a plethora of options available — from timber or quartz to stainless steel — it can be difficult to understand the sustainability of each surface.

First of all, remember there’s a range of elements to consider. A wooden countertop does not necessitate unsustainable practices. Recycled timber or wood certified as sustainably harvested by the Forest Stewardship Council can care for our supply of trees. The manufacturing of wooden benchtops is relatively low in energy use as wood is sawn, a definite plus to wood usage. Be careful of the sealant used on this surface and use natural oils as advised by your benchtop provider. Consideration of your sealant choice is important to maintain a good indoor air quality and avoid any harmful side effects of volatile organic compounds (VOC) which are present in polyurethane sealants.

On the flip side, stainless steel is a durable choice, VOC-free and with recycling potential. However, the large energy output and toxins associated with the manufacturing process need to be factored in; this is not necessarily the most sustainable option for your space.

Granite and marble surfaces are typically considered unsustainable due to the finiteness of the materials and the high cost in extracting and manufacturing these natural stones. While there is damage to the environment and it’s not the most environmentally friendly choice, natural stone is extremely recyclable and reusable, and the longevity of the stone is a positive element.

A unique, eco-friendly benchtop option is organic bamboo. One of the fastest-growing plants in the world, non-toxic and recyclable with a low-carbon footprint, bamboo is a great benchtop option for your home. Similar to other wooden materials, bamboo requires routine maintenance to prolong its lifespan.
Each benchtop material can range in sustainability depending on the company’s sourcing and manufacturing of the product and their environmental practices. Before deciding on a product, research each company for a benchtop that will suit your kitchen as well as being eco-friendly.

Beyond the material makeup of the space, the kitchen is also the biggest user of energy in your house. Ovens, dishwashers and refrigerators are in high use and can be heavy on electricity. Investing in energy-efficient appliances that will stand the test of time reduces your power bill and your environmental footprint. Long-term thinking is needed in an eco-friendly kitchen, and rather than purchasing the cheapest on the market, buy a product that will save you money down the track.

Before looking into energy ratings, consider your lifestyle and the space available. If you’re living alone or with a partner, a smaller fridge will save on resources. For larger families, a correspondingly larger fridge may be necessary and would be more efficient than two smaller fridges. So what constitutes an energy-efficient appliance? The six-star energy rating program run by the government means the more stars, the more you save.

A sustainable kitchen space requires planning and research, but making an effort in this area goes a long way for our planet and our homes. Choose a planet-healthy home and be a part of the change.

The crust of the matter

One of the most abundant and durable materials on the planet, quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen found in the earth’s crust. Non-porous by nature and featuring a high resistance to scratching or chipping, quartz is a great sustainable option for your kitchen when sourced ethically. Healthy interiors are important, so choose surfaces that have been certified for low VOC emissions and are safe for all food environments.

If you’ve got sustainability in the kitchen figured out, start next on your home as a whole and creating an eco-friendly bathroom.

Featured image and images 2-3: Courtesy of Smartstone

Image 1: Design by Bent Architecture

Originally published in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly 26.1

The post Sustainable spaces: Creating an eco-friendly kitchen appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
Four ways to make your kitchen appear bigger https://www.completehome.com.au/kitchens/four-ways-make-kitchen-appear-bigger.html Mon, 10 Dec 2018 01:41:26 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=48331 Make the most of a small space with these four tips that will open up your kitchen and create the illusion of a larger floor plan

The post Four ways to make your kitchen appear bigger appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
Make the most of a small space with these four tips that will open up your kitchen and create the illusion of a larger floor plan

With apartment living on the rise and compact houses becoming more common, it’s easy for a smaller kitchen to feel cramped and closed off. Thankfully, making a kitchen appear bigger and creating a more spacious feel is within easy reach with a few simple tricks.

1. LIGHT COLOURS

Neutrals are a great way to create an airy feel in the kitchen as paler tones reflect light and make the walls appear to recede. Maintaining a similar colour scheme across the walls and cabinetry can reduce the impact of contrasting colours, which can crowd a room. Using simpler elements and clean lines also allows the eye to glide over a space.

2. SMALLER APPLIANCES

Match a compact room with compact appliances. Most come in at least a few different sizes, giving you the option to choose a model that suits your lifestyle and floor plan. Certain types of ovens and fridges were designed with smaller spaces in mind and are narrower or shallower to accommodate this.

Norsuhome Kitchen

3. ABUNDANT LIGHT

Keeping your area light and bright is the easiest way to create a spacious feel. Mirrored splashbacks are perfect for this, bouncing light from all angles around the room. With the added benefit of being very stylish, a mirrored splashback can seriously elevate your kitchen to the next level. Other reflective surfaces like marble benchtops or stainless-steel accents can also create a brighter space.

4. CUT OUT CLUTTER

If you don’t use it, throw it! Minimising non-essentials and keeping benchtops clear allow a room to breathe. Utilising appliance cabinets in the kitchen or in surrounding rooms is a great way to hide less commonly used appliances and keep the space free and functional.

Featured Image: Dulux Colour Awards 2018: Multi Residential Interior, Lt Collins Apartment by DE.ARCH Pty Ltd

Image 2: norsuHOME

Originally in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Vol. 25 No. 4

The post Four ways to make your kitchen appear bigger appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
A light-bulb moment: kitchen sustainability https://www.completehome.com.au/kitchens/light-bulb-moment-kitchen-sustainability.html Thu, 08 Nov 2018 03:33:37 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=47747 Here are four accessibly ways to create a more energy-efficient space that will not only save you money, but also the planet.

The post A light-bulb moment: kitchen sustainability appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
Sustainable-living household products that reduce our environmental footprint have become increasingly accessible. Here are four ways to create a more energy-efficient space that will not only save you money, but also the planet

1. START FROM THE TOP

The kitchen is one of the most frequently used spaces in the house. Understandably, with this high level of use comes an increased level of power, particularly from lighting up the room. Making the change to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can illuminate your space while reducing your energy usage. Going natural and utilising sunlight is still the best way to brighten your room and, if you’re able to do so, your kitchen will be all the better for it.

 

2. KEEP COOL

Refrigerators are one of the big purchases for a kitchen, and features such as energy efficiency, cost, size and extras including water dispensers or ice makers are important considerations. One fridge is always better than two for power use, but the bigger the fridge, the higher the energy consumption. Choosing the right size for your household’s demands will ensure all your cold goods are accessible in one location while not wasting space or electricity. Check out a refrigerator’s star rating to identify how energy efficient it is and to save your dollars.

 

3. GO WITH THE FLOW

Dishwashers are renowned for being a time saver in any household, especially for larger families. Utilising only a third of the amount of water used when hand washing, they are a great investment for a kitchen. To maximise this saving, the two rules are to operate your dishwasher only when it’s fully stacked and to scrape, not rinse, the dishes before stacking. Looking for higher star ratings is also a great indicator of the dishwasher’s effectiveness, but it has to be noted that it might be the eco wash function that wins the stars on the dishwasher, not the everyday wash.

 

4. THE GREAT OVEN DEBATE

Gas or electric? For most Australians, an electric oven is the option chosen for their home. Typically cheaper upfront and with a simpler installation, electric ovens can seem like a more economical option. But with power rates booming and electricity sourced primarily from burning coal, gas is actually more cost-effective and nature-friendly. The debate is complex and different options will suit different homes, but for now a gas oven’s efficiency and cleaner energy sourcing is the best green option. If renewable energy sources such as solar or wind become more accessible, electric ovens could become the more environmentally friendly option in the future.

Featured image: Amara

Originally in Luxury Kitchens & Bathrooms 17

The post A light-bulb moment: kitchen sustainability appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
Tried and tested: smoothie makers https://www.completehome.com.au/kitchens/tried-tested-smoothie-makers.html Tue, 25 Sep 2018 05:00:25 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=46743 Smoothies are more than a drink — they’re a way of life! We searched out the best smoothie makers to help you decide which machine will work best for you

The post Tried and tested: smoothie makers appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
Smoothies are more than a drink — they’re a way of life! We searched out the best smoothie makers to help you decide which machine will work best for you

THE RIGHT SIZE – 5/5 stars

Bellini Btgw845 (300dpi) 1

With a mix of different-sized jugs and containers, this smoothie maker is perfect for a cup — or two — of tasty liquid refreshment. Chic and seamless, with no buttons or switches, this handy smoothie maker produced delicious smooth drinks without a problem. The operational method of pressing down and slightly twisting the blending container was a new experience for me and it took a little bit of time to get used to this hands-on experience. After using it successfully the first time it became simple and enjoyable to switch blades and containers. Allowing time for the blender to work its magic will ensure smoothies are always blended well; in one instance I stopped the blender a little early and the smoothie was a bit lumpy. Besides that one time, all the others I made were silky smooth. Another plus with this machine is that it is quiet to operate — definitely an advantage if you don’t want to wake the family. The most cost-efficient smoothie maker of the bunch, this machine was well worth the money. Its only negative is the small container options. Bellini 1000W Liquidiser, $59, target.com.au

 

THE HIGH INTENSITY – 4.5/5 stars

Bbl910 The Boss Product Only

Obvious from first sight, this is one heavy-duty, pulverising machine. It created one of the silkiest smoothies I’ve ever had — blending oats, ice and berries was not a challenge at all. The result was a gorgeously creamy smoothie with no lumps and bumps. The machine was noisier than I expected, but that’s unsurprising due to its high-powered engine and the intense smoothie function which has different pulses and blending speeds. This smoothie maker has a large blending container which is remarkably lightweight and could easily cater for a family of smoothie drinkers. With a considerably higher price tag, this fantastic machine offers great quality and versatility. Breville The Boss, $699.95, breville.com.au

 

THE SPACE-SAVER – 3.5/5 stars

Cuisinart 46219

Ideal for kitchens that have limited space, this smoothie maker is sleek and compact. Easy to use, it has two speeds — high or low — and blended the smoothies to a great consistency. It wasn’t quite as operational in terms of pulses or a specific smoothie function, but it was very efficient and had my drink blended in no time. Its size produces just the right amount of smoothie, and it could also cater for more people than just myself. It was a little tricky to clean this machine due to its steeply downward-facing blades, but the components all came apart so you could access the blades separately to the main container. It is nice and light, as well as being easily portable. Cuisinart CPB-300A portable compact blender and chopping system, $189, cuisinart.com.au

 

THE TRAVEL READY – 4/5 stars

Mix & Go Pro Jug 21820au

With its unique ability to use interchangeable blending containers, this smoothie maker is ideal for those rushed mornings or days when you’re on the go. You can blend directly into your chosen travel container or other container that suits your situation and quantity of smoothie needed. Featuring a smoothie-specific function, a pulse setting, as well as three other levels of intensity, this machine blended all the classic ingredients of ice, frozen berries and oats with ease. The glass container, while feeling very durable, also felt a little heavy. Despite this, the jug was easy to fill up, pour and clean. Quick and very straightforward to use, this smoothie maker delivered generous portions and handled the ingredients like a pro. George Foreman Mix & Go Pro, $89.95, georgeforeman.com.au

Originally in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly, Volume 25 Issue 2

The post Tried and tested: smoothie makers appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
Our intern picks: 7 house design masterpieces https://www.completehome.com.au/new-homes/new-homes-articles/house-design-intern-picks.html Fri, 22 Jun 2018 04:08:15 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=45095 A twenty-two year old intern, who still lives at home with her parents, audaciously composed this list.

The post Our intern picks: 7 house design masterpieces appeared first on Completehome.

]]>
 

I’m a twenty-two year old student intern, who still lives with my parents, so I don’t have much of a justification for making such a list. What I do have is a complete addiction to home design pages on Pinterest, and, as a non-home-owner, the sweet naivety of being able to overlook the more complicated aspects of house design or renovations: à la financial costs, legal restrictions, structural limitations, and time constraints. I think the fact that I had to Google “things to consider when building or renovating a house” to finish that last sentence, really drives that point home.

Yet since being at CompleteHome, I have stumbled across some houses that have absolutely floored me in their stunning design. I decided to pick out my top seven, and share them with you.

 

#39820

love this house design. Reminiscent of an old beach shack while having all the touches of good design, it’s basically what I imagine a Jack Johnson song would look like, if encompassed in ‘brick and mortar’. Two rusty boxes are linked by a bridge, with the kitchen/entertaining area featuring sweeping verandas, glass doors and floor to ceiling windows: suddenly, the lines between ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ are blurred.

The second box offers more protection from the elements, with sunken windows inside the rich rust-coloured design. The darker interiors contrast to the washy neutrals of the beach landscape surrounding. I legitimately cannot imagine being stressed in a place like this. I can’t imagine wearing shoes either. It’s the perfect compliment to my dream beachy lifestyle: I just need to win the lottery or something so I can move in.

#37961

This image of the back of this house truly sold me on it’s design. Soaring ceilings in the triangulating roofs are capitalized on, by nearly full-wall windows that look out onto the backyard. The split level design, featuring exposed brick and timber, contrasts to the modern concrete of the bottom level while maintaining the sleek and minimal lines that define this house. It’s a simple layout, with a central hallway and two wings on either side makes, but attention to detail, from the warm lighting design to the mix of timbers, brick and concretes used for the base materials, makes this house design so powerful. The sliding barn doors on the bedroom, and the rustic timber bookshelf add traditional homey touches. I can’t help but think I’d be inevitably cooler if I lived in this house: I can just imagine the owner reading classic novels, listening to jazz records and visiting hip cafes on weekends. Life goals.

#37619

I’m not usually a fan of darker house design colours: this house features a grey exterior, metallic style ceilings and granite tiles throughout the main living space. But it was that window that really sold me to this house design. It’s a feature wall in itself: 5-metres of north-facing window space, that pulls the modern and sleek house together with an incredible design choice. The rest of the house could have been a shack, and I would still consider adding this house to the list, just from this window: the fact that it isn’t a shack is what makes it a complete stand out.

The captivating design is carried into the roof, with gutterless panels being separated by windows: these have been designed so that, when it rains, you can see waterfalls flowing down the roof from the coziness of inside. Remember that bit about being floored by stunning design? This is a prime example; suddenly this roof design is all I need in my life.

 

#37008

Look at that staircase- it’s art in itself. Sitting beneath a central, north-facing light well, it’s truly the feature of this renovated terrace. I love the blending of old an new in this house. The original facade is maintained, but with a striking lick of blue paint on the door. The classic windows and exposed brick fireplace blend with the more contemporary designs of the back of the house: concrete flooring, and stacking aluminium sliding doors that fully open the back of the house to the rear terrace. The interplay between space and design through beautiful and innovative architectural features makes this terrace stunning. With the full potential of the space well and truly taken advantage of, I’m in awe of this renovation.

#24803

I’m noticing a trend in my house designs list, and that’s my affinity to incredible windows.  And this is probably one of the best I’ve seen. Taking advantage of the beautiful South Australian landscape, the closer you look at this house design, the better it gets. Unlike typical house designs that have basis in box shapes, this house features curves lines, including on the roof and through the feature window wall. I’ve always thought curved walls would make for interior decorating nightmares, but the dynamics of space and light, in addition to custom-made features like the curving bookshelf, completely sell the unique design to me. It’s a complex house design that’s pulled off to appear simple and raw, as though it melts into the landscape on which it sits.

I’ve never seen a house design take advantage of it’s surrounding landscape quite like this.  I can just imagine that sandstone fireplace, a nice homage to more traditional elements of Australian house design, with a full, warm fire, while the tenants enjoy a grand outback sunset. Please forgive me for being jealous.

#27363

We’re looking at a future of increasingly crowded cities, so great house designs that go up, instead out, will always capture my attention. And this East Melbourne terrace is my absolute favourite. Sustainable and minimal, the floor-to-ceiling windows take advantage of the views on every floor. The ingenuity of the space saving solutions in this house incites the same excitement I get when walking through those little rooms in Ikea. If excitement over innovative storage solutions isn’t the marker of a house design lover, I don’t know what is…

The use of light sustainable timber interiors for counter-tops and stairs offsets the darker grey of the exterior design. Space on staircase landings isn’t wasted, and instead features a little reading nook for quieter moments. And then there’s the roof: stained timber, a custom-made hot tub that shakes the tackiness typical of store-bought design and a small garden in front of sweeping views makes this the entertaining place of dreams.

#30141

Ah, warehouse renovations. They tick all the boxes: an unassuming facade, rustic feature elements blended with modern design, high ceilings, the space and potential for hidden courtyards… This house capitalises on the original structure like a charm. Using neutral wall colours and exposed brick, the designers left it down to the modern furniture to capture the blend of old and new, with colourful statements splashing against the historical neutrality of the warehouse. Leaving old concrete fixtures in place, and thick timber beams exposed ensures echoes of history reverberate around the house. It’s like living in your own little piece of history.

If you liked this list of stunning house designs, check out more in our archive!

The post Our intern picks: 7 house design masterpieces appeared first on Completehome.

]]>