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

Define Your Zones: Creating Purposeful Areas

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

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

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

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

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

Prioritize Flow and Functionality

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

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

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

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

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

Choose Weather-Resistant Materials

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

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

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

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

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

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

Style and Add Finishing Touches

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

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

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

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

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

How CROSSRAY Elevates Your Outdoor Kitchen

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

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

Ready to Design Your Dream Outdoor Space?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information

McMahon Earth Solutions

The post Utterly unique appeared first on Completehome.

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

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

Why Smart Heating Is the Future

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

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

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

Flexible Heating Control

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

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

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

Easy to Use, Easy to Enjoy

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

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

Built for Australian Life

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

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

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

Where to Buy

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

How Much Room Do You Have?

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

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

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

Electric vs Gas: What’s Best for You?

The great BBQ debate — electric or gas?

Here’s the breakdown:

Electric BBQs

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

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

Gas BBQs

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

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

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

Portable, Trolley, or Built-In?

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

Portable

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

Trolley BBQs

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

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

BBQ Kitchens

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

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

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

Built for Aussie Conditions

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

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

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

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

Which CROSSRAY BBQ Is Right for You?

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

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

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

Ready to Cook Smarter Outdoors?

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

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

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

Words Jennifer Stackhouse

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medicinal and other benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grow your own

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

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

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

Availability

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

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

Echinacea label

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

The post Prairie flower appeared first on Completehome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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For more information

SERVICEABLE AREAS

Australia-wide

CONTACT

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

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

Optimising an outdoor living space is one of the very best investments a homeowner can make. To help you maximise the return on your investment, here are two upgrades that are simple to install and will add meaningful value to a deck.

The first is to extend your deck life with protective flashing tape. Today’s high-performance deck boards are warrantied to last for decades, but the deck’s foundation could begin decaying within the first 10 years. This is because most substructures are built with timber, which is susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements.

When joists and bearers are exposed, water can seep into screw holes and sit on the surface leading to mould growth, rot and rust. Additionally, timber’s natural expansion and contraction can cause joinery to split and weaken over time.

Deck flashing tape is a simple and cost-effective way to protect timber from the damaging effects of weather and time. Designed to shield wood from moisture, it also helps fasteners hold longer for enhanced structural integrity.

Trex®Protect is a self-adhesive butyl tape that works on horizontal and vertical surfaces. The peel-and-stick application is simple, and the tape features a non-skid surface, making it safer to walk across during the deck’s construction.

For added peace of mind, Trex® Protect is the only tape on the market with a 25-year warranty, ensuring the substructure will last as long as the decking it supports.

The other simple recommendation is to optimise the space beneath an elevated deck. Outdoor space and ample storage are among the most sought-after home amenities. In both cases, the area beneath an elevated deck can offer an ideal solution with the addition of an under-deck drainage system. Using a network of troughs and downspouts, a deck drainage system captures and diverts water to protect the substructure from moisture and create dry, usable space under a deck.

But not all drainage systems are created equal. For maximum protection, opt for an above-the-joist system with poly or rubberised membranes that drape over joists to ensure the entire foundation is shielded from water. Once protected, the dry space beneath the deck can be used for storage or as additional living space. You can also add utilities to power lighting, ceiling fans, cooking appliances, entertainment components and more, depending on how you plan to use all that new-found space.

The possibilities are limitless, and the process is simple. Trex® RainEscape®, for instance, is an above-the-joist deck drainage system that can be installed in a few hours using a stapler, utility knife and caulk. This system is also backed by a 25-year warranty and world-leading decking brand.

Both of these upgrades add considerable function and value to a deck project without requiring a lot of additional time or cost.

For more information

TREX

• Website trexprotect.com/au
• Website trexrainescape.com

The post Outdoor upgrade appeared first on Completehome.

Beautiful new designs are already attracting the attention of designers and architects across the country and that’s without experiencing one of the greatest features, a mesmerising flame pattern that defies current trends. When required it has a roaring flame that dances across the front window. Turn the fire down and it becomes a deep glowing slow dance. ADF fires are proudly made in Portugal and changing the landscape of what the modern Australian fire looks like, lasts like and performs like.

The Clare 100S Insert

The ADF Clare 100S Insert wood-burning fireplace has been designed for those who appreciate both style and performance. With an impressive 16.0kW heat output, this fire delivers powerful warmth while seamlessly blending into any room. Crafted with precision, its sleek steel construction and expansive glass viewing window create a stunning centrepiece, offering an unobstructed view of the flames.

Beyond aesthetics, the Clare 100S Insert is engineered for efficiency and sustainability. Featuring innovative air control technology and an inner lining for optimal combustion, it ensures a cleaner burn with low emissions that meet Australia’s stringent standards. Designed to accommodate logs up to 84cm, this fireplace allows you to harness the natural heat of hardwood fuel while giving you the flexibility to adjust the burn level to your preference.

For those seeking even greater efficiency, the optional closed combustion kit allows you to use external air, making it ideal for airtight spaces.

The fireplace is also available in a freestanding version.

The Clare 85S

Make a statement with the ADF Clare 80S Insert wood-burning fireplace designed to be the heart of your home. Its extra-large viewing window creates a stunning focal point for any room.

More than just a beautiful centerpiece, this fire delivers an impressive 11.2kW heat output, ensuring your home stays warm and cosy all season long.

Blending sleek, contemporary styling with a durable steel body, the ADF Clare 80S Insert complements any space, enhancing both modern and traditional interiors. For added comfort, the built-in 2-speed Ventilation Kit ensures even heat distribution, making every moment by the fire even more enjoyable.

The fireplace is also available in a freestanding version.

The Clare 60S Vt

The ADF Clare 60S Vt Insert wood-burning fireplace will transform any space with warmth and sophisticated design. Engineered for enhanced heat output efficiency, this fireplace combines sleek, contemporary lines with unmatched craftsmanship that ADF has perfected over decades.

What sets the Clare 60S Vt Insert apart is its striking vertical design. The tall shape draws the eye upward, maximising the view of the flames through its expansive glass door, creating a focal point in any room.

With a perfect blend of style and eco-conscious technology, you can enjoy the comforting glow while knowing that you are making an environmentally conscious choice.

The fireplace is also available in a freestanding version.

For more information

Castworks

ADF Wood Burning Fireplaces

The post ADF Clare Range Fireplaces: Elevating Wood-Burning to New Heights appeared first on Completehome.

Uniting three powerhouse trade events — ArchiBuild Expo, Design Show Australia, and Kitchen+Bath Show — this highly curated week is set to transform over 15,000sqm of exhibition space into the country’s most inspiring destination for architecture, interior design and next-gen living.

Positioned as the industry’s most comprehensive design experience, Design & Build Week brings together architects, interior designers, developers, builders, cabinet makers, manufacturers and retailers for three days of cutting-edge innovation, product discovery, expert insight, and meaningful connection — all under one roof.

ARCHIBUILD EXPO: Building a Better Future

Presented in partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects, ArchiBuild Expo is Australia’s premier event for the architectural and building sectors. This year’s program centres on sustainable design and high-performance materials — connecting thousands of architectural and building professionals with cutting-edge technologies and CPD-accredited content.

At its heart lies the 1,500sqm FutureBuild Neighbourhood — a bold showcase of sustainable building innovations helping to achieve Net-Zero and Nature Positive goals. Expect carbon-conscious materials, modular construction systems, circular design solutions, and trailblazing brands leading the next evolution in building.

Find out more and register here.

DESIGN SHOW AUSTRALIASIA: The Ultimate Interiors Event

Authentic. Original. Inspired. Design Show Australia is where the world of interiors comes to life — celebrating exceptional furniture, lighting, surfaces, textiles, and objects from Australia and abroad. With over 200 exhibiting brands, immersive installations and trend-led showcases, the event is a go-to for interior professionals, retail buyers and design lovers alike.

Featuring:

• Global and local product debuts across interiors, lighting, finishes and furnishings
• Sustainable materials and circular design products
• Design Talks, designed by Arthur Koutoulas, featuring visionary Australasia and international speakers
• The 5th edition of Australia’s Next Top Designers, spotlighting emerging talent in collaboration with Workshopped and sponsored by FlexMirror Australia
• Australian Made Trial debuts – championing home-grown suppliers across the 3 co-located events.

Find out more and register here.

KITCHEN+BATH SHOW: Trends for Changing Lifestyles

With home and lifestyle expectations evolving rapidly, Kitchen+Bath Show makes its mark as Australia’s newest and only targeted event for the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and home storage sectors. This is where practical meets premium — a vibrant showcase of the latest appliances, fittings, cabinetry, smart technologies and modular innovations.

• Top-tier global and local brands unveiling new products and solutions
• Sustainable surfaces, water-saving innovations, and tech-driven designs
• Panels, talks and trend briefings with industry leaders and forward thinkers

Find out more and register here.

A DESIGN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

Design & Build Week 2025 offers more than just inspiration — it delivers real business outcomes. With unmatched networking, hands-on exploration, live demonstrations and educational content, it’s the most comprehensive platform for Australia’s design & build community this year.

The post Design & Build Week 2025 Returns to Melbourne: Australia’s Ultimate Showcase for Architecture, Interiors & Innovation appeared first on Completehome.

Nestled in the historic village of Mount Kembla, New South Wales, historical home Wallaby Cottage stands as a testament to the enduring charm of late 19th-century architecture. Constructed in the 1890s, this former worker’s dwelling has been meticulously restored by Jon and Elle of Kibbin Design Studio, who sought to honour its original character while introducing modern comforts.

The restoration process began with extensive research into the cottage’s history and architectural details. It was discovered that the original structure consisted of four rooms arranged along a central hallway, with a detached kitchen at the rear—a common layout for homes of that era. Over time, various renovations had altered its appearance, including a 1990s kitchen and dining extension that departed from the cottage’s original aesthetic.

To return the cottage to its former glory, the team focused on the façade. The bullnose veranda, a distinctive feature of the period, was reconstructed based on historical photographs, and the original double-hung windows were restored to working order. A new galvanized iron roof was installed, and a Federation-inspired colour scheme was applied, featuring off-whites complemented by a red oxide front door. Painstaking effort was made to carefully remove layers of paint from the cottage’s cladding, which revealed the original 125-year-old mixed hardwood timbers beneath.

Protecting and restoring timber of this age requires the right products, and CUTEK® Extreme CD50 was the perfect choice for historical home Wallaby Cottage. Designed to deeply penetrate and nourish wood from within, CUTEK® helps stabilise and protect aged timbers, preventing issues like cracking and warping while enhancing the natural grain and beauty of the wood. Unlike traditional coatings that can obscure the timber’s character, CUTEK® allows the true history of the material to shine through while providing long-lasting protection against the elements. By using CUTEK®, the owners are ensured that the historic timber elements of the home were not only revived but also safeguarded for the future.

Wallaby Cottage now stands as a beautiful example of how thoughtful design and a deep respect for history can breathe new life into a structure, allowing it to tell its story for generations to come.

Design and Ownership: Kibbin Design Studio
Construction: Souter Built
Photography: Light & Lines

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