Cedar House has a striking modern design, which is clearly evident from the street. With a unique street presence of a recessed entry door unit, cleverly designed with privacy glazing, organic dry-stone walling and soft white walls, the building reads like a feature of the landscape. The clients’ design brief was to take maximum advantage of the wide block and create a clean, contemporary home to suit their busy, evolving lifestyle — and to provide a sanctum in which the growing family can thrive.

Upon entry, the home reveals a light-filled gallery — an oversized void area with six metres of architectural glazing and a central staircase boasting spotted gum open treads and a steel mono-string spine. The internal courtyard was designed as an architectural feature and floods the double-height living area with light during the day.

To address the slope of the block, the design has two subtle level changes, with a third up to the master suite, bedrooms and retreat. Staying true to the overarching design concept, a simple yet robust materials palette, taking cues from Nordic design, features light timbers, natural concrete tones and an abundance of glazing.

The kitchen is a design showpiece. Here you will see contrasting finishes, reflective surfaces and integrated passageways which cleverly lead to the working areas of the home. One of the most valued inclusions of this build is a spacious mudroom with a wall dedicated to custom joinery and clever storage.

Successfully achieving a strong sense of style throughout a home requires thoughtfulness and balance. Gremmo Homes has achieved this in all spaces by cleverly combining modern finishes with touches of warmth and softness.

For more information

Gremmo Homes

The post Modern house for a young family appeared first on Completehome.

Planned to perfectly suit the needs of the modern lifestyle, this architect-designed SHAWOOD home by Sekisui House, the Type SW19, delivers an uncompromising level of comfort and sophistication. In other words, the home’s functional and organic design principles offer the ultimate in lifestyle and wellbeing. And above all, the home is also equally suitable for large families or investors.

“This grand double-storey five-bedroom family home is the ultimate in architectural sophistication and unique spatial design,” says Craig Barnes, Sales and Marketing Director, NSW Home Building and The Hermitage. “Dramatic design features, including signature SHAWOOD exposed beams and elevated ceilings throughout, create a sense of elegance and expanse.

Rooms for connectedness

“Intelligent human-centric design has been applied throughout the first floor to carefully balance peace and connectedness. The wide hallway upon entry leads to a luxurious lounge and a guest suite with a bathroom. The flowing ground-floor plan opens to a generous integrated kitchen, dining and living area with a stunning double-height void that fills the space with an abundance of natural light,” said Craig.

He further explains, “Upstairs, there are three bedrooms which adjoin a centrally-located rumpus, while the generously-sized master bedroom retreat enjoys an element of privacy, with additional living space, a large walk-in robe and an ensuite.”

Furthermore, the designer immaculately design the interior of the home. They carefully considered the window and door positioning, and extended ceiling heights. These features allow the lights and air to naturally flood the open-plan dwelling. Also, the thoughtful spatial design makes the home feel much larger. In addition, it has well-defined zones offering ample storage and making everyday activities effortless and stress-free.

Japanese heritage

“A strong Japanese heritage permeates the design, giving the home an organic sense of consideration. Integrated living spaces and clever connectivity is used between rooms to create a calming sense of continuity,” emphasises Craig.

“Each colour and texture in the exterior facade design has been well considered to achieve a sophisticated aesthetic. We have utilised a contemporary palette with earthy tones based on the timber features throughout. The monochrome palette creates a sophisticated aesthetic. Meanwhile, the use of timber features imparts a sense of warmth and organic design.

Natural materials, striking architectural features, contemporary finishes and state-of-the-art appliances are all part of the SHAWOOD experience. SHAWOOD thoughtfully designed and intuitively crafted the home with future years in mind.

Craig further explains, “‘Yutaka’ is a Japanese word for richness of experience, and it is the human experience that defines every detail of a SHAWOOD home. From the custom exposed architectural SHAWOOD timber beams to the light-filled voids and architectural raked ceilings, the interiors of a SHAWOOD home are a testament to our unrelenting commitment to precision and craftsmanship.

“Our commitment to quality also means that pre-engineered technology is used to enhance the liveability of each home. All SHAWOOD structural framing is pre-engineered in Sekisui House’s very own Manufacturing and Quality Control Centre here in Australia. It is optimising lead times and adherence to strict in-house assurances. Every SHAWOOD home is inspected and tested by trained professionals who examine the building extensively throughout key construction phases in order to ensure the company’s strict requirements are met.”

For more information

Shawood by Sekisui House

The post A modern Japanese inspired home to improve wellbeing appeared first on Completehome.

One well-known and celebrated custom of Chinese New Year is a comprehensive clean out of the home, specifically removing all the previous year’s bad luck and preparing for the year ahead. The clean usually begins three days before the start of celebrations. In short, it can involve anything on your home’s ‘To-do’ list, such as large-scale painting and decorating, to simply dusting, doing the dishes and tidying furniture. If you’re celebrating Chinese New Year – or preparing for a luck-filled year ahead – why not use this occasion to bring your whole home back to life with a new or revitalised look? Recline Furniture has a wide range of furniture and accessories that suit a makeover like this perfectly.

Traditional Chinese New Year decorations use calligraphy, poetry, plants and food to express ‘resolutions’ of happiness and good luck, so ensuring you have a clean and well decorated home will help attract good fortune for the year ahead.

What do the symbols of Chinese New Year mean?

• Red lanterns will warn off bad luck
• Door couplets offer best wishes for the coming year
• Paper cuttings (i.e. window decorations and paper lanterns) welcome good luck and happiness
• New Year paintings are a traditional symbol of New Year’s greetings
• Upside-down ‘Fu’ characters connote a household’s luck ‘poured out’, ready to be filled for the new year
• Kumquat trees provide a wish for wealth and good luck
• Blooming flowers, particularly plum blossom and bamboo, signify wishes for a prosperous New Year

Have a a clean home, clear mind and delicious meal to welcome in the New Year. All as a result of your preparation and planning in the lead up to New Year’s eve.  No matter what your cultural background this is something many of us have in common and enjoy during times of celebration. Now you’re ready to receive the good wishes of the universe for 2018, the year of the dog.

Start your New Year the right way with a trip to Recline Furniture, find out more at reclinefurniture.com.au

The post Celebrating Chinese New Year: How to prepare and declutter for the year ahead appeared first on Completehome.

Many of us rely on disposable batteries for everyday household items, yet buying just one rechargeable battery could not only potentially save 1500 disposable batteries a year from landfill but could also save you $298 a year! IKEA have launched their new range with this in mind, while designing a range of chargers that are both functional and designed with aesthetic in mind.

The VINNINGE portable charger costs just $4, while the STORHOGEN battery charger, at $40, has an inbuilt cable manager so it can be disguised as a book or hung on a wall when not in use. The VINNINGE also comes with a USB plug, so you can charge your batteries anywhere. And the batteries themselves? The LADDA batteries can be bought in a pack of four for $4.49.

IKEA Australia’s Home Furnishing Expert Helen Longford says that the new range was developed out of a need for affordable, functional batteries.

“Our customers told us that they find lots of challenges with using rechargeable batteries, such as that they are never charged when needed and require bulky charging stations. People also find them too costly. Our new batteries and charging devices were designed to address some of these issues, offering an affordable solution that makes the process simpler,” Longford says.

IKEA recently launched a range of products at the IKEA – Let’s Make Room For Life festival that ran alongside Milan Design Week earlier this month. One of their great focuses, driven by society, has been a push to create sustainable products. IKEA Australia’s People & Planet Positive Report 2016 found that 63 per cent of Australians want to live a more sustainable life at home, but are unsure where to begin.

“At IKEA we believe that sustainability shouldn’t be a luxury and we design our products so that they are affordable for everyone and we also want to help our customers live a more sustainable life at home by providing solutions that make this easy. By buying just one rechargeable battery you could save up to 1500 batteries from landfill. This is a really small change that anyone can make in their home to reduce waste and help prevent batteries from ending up in landfill,” Longford says.

For more information or to purchase IKEA’s new rechargeable battery range, visit IKEA’s Australian website

The post Stylish rechargeable batteries: IKEA launches new range appeared first on Completehome.

With Australia’s growing population, the amount of vacant land is becoming increasingly limited and expensive. Knocking down an old home is an extremely viable option as it means you can choose the home you want and stay in the area you love.

Master Builder and TV personality on Channel Ten’s The Living Room, Barry Du Bois, says that knocking down an old home and rebuilding is often a cost-effective option to achieve a home that is more suitable for the occupant. “A rebuild can give a homeowner a more low-maintenance home in the size of their choosing. For example, you might actually want a smaller home to suit your lifestyle,” says Barry.

Whilst renovations have typically been a popular choice for homeowners, the costs involved can quickly outweigh the final result. “An older home might have good bones, but if it has lots of band aids all over it then it is easier, and sometimes even cheaper, to give it a heart transplant and have a fresh start,” says Barry.

Additionally, older homes, even those that have been updated, tend to require copious maintenance compared to a newly built home. It is also worth noting that homes built before 1987 are likely to contain large amounts of asbestos, so a total knock down and rebuild is a good solution to remove this.

Overall, the wholistic value built into a home or neighbourhood can be priceless, says Barry. “Personal relationships and the security of a community can sometimes be tricky to find and take years to build.

If you are choosing between moving home or rebuilding to stay on your existing plot, this, along with being able to go to the same schools, shops, transport options and other important landmarks, can be a reason to rebuild.”

Finding your builder

As with any building project, the most important tool to achieve the results you want is the ability to communicate effectively with your builder.

“For any project, I want the same things and ask each builder for the contact details of their last five building projects and compare how similar they are to my project,” says Barry. By doing this you will be able to effectively understand whether the builder you are consulting is capable of the project you want to undertake.

Asking questions with regards to how the builder would plan to undertake the project will give you further understanding of their work ethic and quality of service. “Absolutely ask as many questions as you can and if the response to any of your questions is ‘You don’t need to know that’, then that is a red flag,” Barry says. The builder should be able to explain in simple terms what is involved, the costs and duration it will take.

Dealing with council restrictions

“Development and building controls are governed by and vary between each state government,” says Barry. “Your local council will have a DCP (Development Control Plan) and LEP (Local Environmental Plan), which set out guidelines for all building projects.” To avoid any issues arising make sure you check for the specifics in your area.

Heritage-listed homes or other caveats could delay your project so be wary of these before deciding on a knock down and rebuild. Another consideration homeowners are often unaware of is that the development and control guidelines around size and floor ratio may have changed since the construction of the first home. This means that you may not be able to have the same size footprint or layout with the new home. Before commencing your chosen project, consult your local council for all building guidelines.

Barry’s top tip

Investment in good planning can pay great dividends. Not only will a well-planned project result in a more sustainable design and a home that gives you longevity because it was created thoughtfully, it will also reduce waste and loss of time.

Knock down and rebuild in The the Hills

The Hills Shire Council council is now offering a $2000 rebate for residents in the area looking to knock down and rebuild. The council is actively looking to encourage this form of building with its knock down and rebuild scheme that is aimed at rejuvenating low-density housing estates within the area’s more established suburbs. To be eligible, homeowners must spend more than $250,000 on upgrading their home, with the rebate to go towards landscaping. For more information, visit thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for Knock Down Rebuild Landscape Contribution Scheme.

Knock down rebuild specialists
Hotondo Homes: hotondo.com.au
Masterton Homes: Masterton.com.au
MacBuilt Homes: macbuilthomes.com.au

Originally from Build Home magazine, Volume 22 Issue 1

The post New home advice: Knock-down rebuild appeared first on Completehome.

A

A good breakfast is the best start to any day. And a good toaster is essential for any kitchen. Today’s homeowners not only want a high level of functionality from their toaster, they also insist on good looks and great design. The name Russell Hobbs is synonymous with excellence in design and the new Distinctions toaster is a testament to the company’s good name. Frosted glass and stunning stainless steel, together with a minimalist design, make this toaster a sophisticated statement in any kitchen. With a frozen bread function, variable LED browning control and electronic pop-up, this toaster is a must for today’s stylish and functional kitchens.

B

Blenders are such an integral part of today’s kitchens that most homeowners could not imagine living without one. Streamlined and designed to be displayed, modern blenders perform a variety of functions to assist in meal preparation. Sunbeam is a company well known for innovative and functional small appliances and its Legend blender is no different. A solid die-cast metal base and a 1.5-litre heat-resistant glass jug are the basis of this excellent kitchen accessory, which also has two speeds and pulse action.

C

Coffee machines are now an item most kitchens would not be seen without, either residing on the benchtop or installed with a trim kit to become part of the overall kitchen design. The chance for piping hot, aromatic coffee at your fingertips is becoming almost too hard to pass up for many homeowners. Breville has just launched a new range of kitchen appliances that includes the Barista Express Espresso Machine. Stylishly designed, the unit features world-class innovation with a 15-bar Italian pump system and heavy-duty die-cast and stainless-steel housing to provide precision, durability and exceptional performance.

D

Dishwashers are an item most homeowners would list as essential. Becoming more and more water and energy efficient, the dishwasher has risen in popularity over the years. With the launch of Fisher & Paykel’s DishDrawer two-drawer dishwashing system, dishwasher design has reached a new level. Each drawer operates fully independently with separate wash programs for each load. There is a genuine half-load wash option and an extensive choice of wash programs. A flexible racking system allows homeowners to personalise their dishwasher to meet their own individual needs.

E

Easy-clean is a term most homeowners love to hear. We are all too busy to be spending hours scrubbing the kitchen and today’s modern appliances are just the ticket. From pyrolytic ovens that clean themselves to new finishes that ward off fingerprints, scratches and other day-to-day marks, smart appliance choice means it is now possible to attain a very easy-to-maintain kitchen. Fisher & Paykel has recently released its range of EZKleen refrigerators and DishDrawer dishwashers, which are made from 100 per cent stainless steel with an innovative transparent coating to make them much easier to clean and maintain.

F

Food processors make the cooking process easy. These handy appliances do just about everything from chopping, slicing and shredding to grating and chipping. Sunbeam’s Multi Food Processor is an absolute whiz in the kitchen with its 800-watt motor and five speeds, including pulse action. Stainless-steel attachments together with a plastic kneading blade and whisk make this unit both functional and practical. No home should be without one of these handy items designed in Australia.

G

Gadgets make excellent kitchen accessories and today’s homeowners have more choice than ever before. From simple, small gadgets such as electronic can openers to more complex, larger items such as juicers and mixers, the range available today is simply overwhelming. These handy gadgets from Roost Homewares will make measuring ingredients for that gourmet meal a breeze. Looking sleek and space-aged, the Adjust-A-Spoon and Adjust-A-Cup adjust (as the name suggests) to suit any measurement, meaning you can throw away those plastic cups and spoons.

H

How could a kitchen be complete without a cooktop? Whether gas, electric or induction fuel, a cooktop that operates efficiently and delivers heat when and where you need it is an essential element in any well-functioning kitchen. This Smeg cooktop combines elegance and simplicity with an excellent design that allows it to be flush-mounted, giving a smooth and clean finish. The appliance is countersunk into the bench, leaving no lip, ridge or crevice to collect germs or bacteria. Five burners in three sizes ensure that every style of cooking can be accommodated, with allowance made for large pots and pans.

I

In-Sink-Erator presents an alternative to garbage disposal for a cleaner, healthier kitchen. The In-Sink-Erator garbage compactor can compact general rubbish or separated recyclables down to a mere 25 per cent of their original size. Sleek and elegant on the outside with a gleaming stainless-steel finish, the unit is a perfect addition to any kitchen. Not only will the unit cut down the number of trips from kitchen to wheelie bin, the resultant minimisation of landfill can only be good for the environment.

J

Juicers now come in a huge range for the health-conscious consumer. The popularity of juice bars is mirrored in the popularity of juicers for the home kitchen. Homeowners enjoy the luxury and accessibility of being able to make their own fresh juice whenever they wish. The 800 Class Citrus Press is a newly released product from Breville. State-of-the-art form and sophistication make this model perfect for a benchtop position, while innovative technology ensures the maximum juice extraction every time. The unit takes all sizes of citrus fruit, from the smallest limes to the largest grapefruit and everything in between.

K

Kettle technology has come such a long way from the simple element-in-ceramic-jug types our grandparents used. Today’s cordless kettles make life very easy for busy homeowners, while the variety of styles and finishes available makes them great for display on a benchtop. Stylish and sleek, the Mona kettle from Russell Hobbs is a visually stunning appliance that is designed to be displayed. Available in brushed stainless-steel or satin finish, the kettle has a one-litre jug for as many cups of tea or coffee as you can manage.

L

Lovers of fresh, cool filtered water will know the amount of space taken up in the refrigerator with jugs and bottles of bought water. Imagine the convenience of having fresh filtered water available at the touch of a finger. The Puretec water filtration system incorporates the latest filtration technology in one system. Installed directly onto the benchtop with the filtration system hidden underneath, the only visible part is a slim, stylish taphead from which pure, filtered, chilled water pours forth. Enjoy peace of mind with the unit’s ability to reduce chlorine, sediment and parasitic cysts, leaving you with fresh, safe, clear and pure drinking water.

M

Mixers are an essential ingredient in today’s kitchens. With the influence of celebrity chefs such as Nigela Lawson, Jamie Oliver and many others, mixers have been elevated to celebrity status themselves. This KitchenAid mixer has been popular for many years and makes an ideal gift for lovers of food. Its features include a heavy-duty 10-speed 300-watt direct-drive motor, all-metal construction with a durable enamel finish and a 4.3-litre stainless-steel bowl with handle and cover — all designed for a lifetime of quiet strength and durability. Attachments include a flat beater, dough hook and stainless-steel whisk.

N

No wonder retro is back in fashion with great-looking appliances like this. The four-slice DeLonghi toaster is modern technology disguised by retro simplicity. The rounded knobs are actually electronic controls enabling a variety of functions, including browning, arming and an extra-lift feature for small slices. Toasters are not the only kitchen appliances enjoying the retro comeback theme. Look at the popularity of Smeg’s retro refrigerators and the many freestanding traditional-style cookers now featuring in many brand-new kitchens.

O

Ovens are an item no kitchen can be without. Today’s ovens can be freestanding, wall or underbench designs in a range of styles, themes and finishes. The new Designer built-in ovens from Kleenmaid have the ability to automatically calculate the temperature and time required to cook your favourite meal. The sensor-touch control panel allows you to select the type of food you are cooking and the oven automatically selects the appropriate function, temperature and cooking time. It will even automatically switch off once the set cooking time has expired. Think of the benefits when entertaining — no longer is the cook stuck in the kitchen while the guests entertain themselves.

P

Powerful rangehoods are almost a staple of kitchen design in today’s open-plan homes. More than ever before, it is important to ensure that everyday smells and odours from cooking don’t permeate the rest of the house. Most manufacturers offer a variety of rangehoods and canopies to take care of any cooking fumes, with many able to be directly ducted outside, either through the wall or through the floor. Some even retract into a benchtop to be completely hidden from view when not in use. Many homeowners make this area into a feature, which is where style and design come into play. Fisher & Paykel’s new Titan rangehood utilises industrial design and a combination of finishes for an eye-catching and visually appealing result.

Q

Quick cooking is a must for busy homeowners. Today’s microwave ovens are a bonus for busy people and can be used for reheating last night’s leftovers or cooking an entire meal from scratch. Reece has recently launched the D’amani range of Italian-designed kitchen appliances. The D’amani microwave, with its stainless-steel exterior and interior, is a stylish addition to any kitchen. The aim of this new range is to provide great food, excellent functionality and impeccable design, in keeping with the Italian family-focused way of life. All D’amani appliances combine stylish versatility with advanced features, at a reasonable price.

R

Refrigerators are no longer the simple icebox of days gone by. Homeowners can choose from the regular freezer-above-refrigerator style and upside-down refrigerators to side-by-side refrigerator/freezers in a variety of styles and finishes. In fact, most homes have more than one. Samsung has recently released a range of Silver Nano Health System refrigerators, which apply a sophisticated silver technology that minimises the spread of bacteria. The interior is coated with a nano-sized silver that sanitises and deodorises those surfaces that come into contact with food or skin. In addition, the refrigerator boasts a twin cooling system, CoolSelect Zone and digital display and is environmentally friendly.

S

Sinks are no longer simply a bowl used for washing up. From single or two-bowl top-mounted sinks with either one or two drainers to undermount sinks, moulded sinks and recessed sinks, most kitchens now boast more than one. Sink accessories are also gaining in popularity. Additions such as chopping boards, drainers, sieves et cetera can make your sink area an extremely functional part of your kitchen. Tasman Sinkware’s Monet range is renowned for functionality and adaptability. An innovative range of accessories makes it easy to retain benchtop space yet still have the luxury of a large sink, with the full-size Monet bowls designed to convert easily and elegantly into useful food preparation space.

T

Taps have come into their own as an integral part of kitchen design. Sleek, sophisticated, traditional, modern and antique styles are all popular. A range of hobs, spouts, mixers and accessories has made taps a very important choice for kitchen renovators. Function and style are at the heart of today’s tap designs, with a range to suit just about every type of kitchen. Teknobili Plus is a new range of architect-designed tapware from Reece Plumbing Centres. Its ergonomic design and sophisticated style make it an excellent choice for a contemporary room.

U

Undeniably an essential ingredient in a well-functioning kitchen is its organisational and storage capacity. The market has seen a huge increase in the number of storage systems available, all with the aim to make your kitchen more ergonomic and functional. These internal drawer systems from Blum are the perfect example of products designed specifically to assist you in the kitchen. From the patented Blumotion quiet drawer-close system to the variety of internal organisational systems, you’ll never be fumbling around in the back of a cupboard again.

V

Variety is the spice of life! Sunbeam’s Cafe Contact Grill and Sandwich Press is a great addition to any kitchen. The unit makes cafe-style snacks, focaccia or Turkish bread in minutes and will also grill meat or vegetables to perfection. A sloped grilling plate drains away any fat, making your cooking much healthier, while the non-stick surface is easy to clean. Australian designed, this essential appliance has a floating hinge system and die-cast metal arms. The variety of meals you can make will be limited only by your imagination, so let yourself go wild with ideas!

W

Www — with the growth in popularity of the Internet, it was inevitable this technology would make it into the kitchen. Internet refrigerators are now available with the expectation that, not too far in the future, homeowners will be able to monitor the contents of their refrigerator and/or pantry, re-order food and re-stock supplies, all from the comfort of their home. Today, connectivity technology allows home systems to be controlled externally, from airconditioning and lighting to garage doors and sprinkler systems.

X

X marks the spot — or in this case, the splashback. Gone are the days when the splashback was the last consideration in a kitchen’s design. Today, splashbacks are considered integral to the overall look and functionality of the kitchen. Splashbacks can be made from glass, tiles, natural stone, composite stone, manufactured material, stainless steel… in fact, just about any material you can imagine. Glass — and particularly, coloured glass — has become very popular in recent times and it’s easy to see why. Crisp and light, glass simply gleams in natural light and can make an excellent kitchen accessory. The glass splashback in this picture was supplied by Deco Glaze.

Y

Yes! A good set of knives is essential for anyone who cooks — whether gourmet meals for many or a quick snack for one. Global Knives products are meticulously handcrafted in Japan in the time-honoured Samurai sword tradition. Only the finest grade stainless steel is used, ensuring outstanding edge-holding performance and unsurpassed corrosion resistance. The seven-piece block set is a razor-sharp collection comprising an 8cm peeling knife, 10cm paring knife, 11cm utility knife, 14cm vegetable knife, 15cm serrated utility knife and 20cm cook’s knife in a stainless-steel block.

Z

Zip HydroTap offers the convenience of instant boiling or chilled filtered water at the touch of a button. Proud winner of an Australian DesignMark — an award conferred to only the best examples of design and innovation — the Zip HydroTap is a stylish addition to any kitchen. Never again wait for a kettle to boil or water to cool. This excellent product is designed with a unique childproof safety lock that requires two-fingered, adult operation for added safety. The unique font can be mounted on virtually any benchtop where plumbing is available, with the boiling, chilling and filtration unit installed out of sight underneath the benchtop or sink.

The post A-Z of Kitchen Appliances appeared first on Completehome.