Based in Sydney, they offer furniture restoration services Australia-wide. Here, we are lucky enough to sit down and interview Dan Hurditch the CEO of Covesmore Solutions.

1. How did you come to meet Tony Parker / Parker Furniture

Tony has kept an active interest and relationships with his past employees, it is through his interest and love for the industry that he is able to keep these relationships alive and in turn build new ones

2. What is it that got Covesmore into furniture restoration?

Covesmore has always done furniture restoration and always will, we love putting new life into an old piece and we love even more so making our clients extremely happy to restore a piece that may have been their mothers or grandmothers.

3. What do you bring to upholstery and furniture restoration?

As a company we bring not only a wealth of knowledge through our experienced tradesmen but also a fresh outlook to the industry. With most new items from retail stores being made offshore, we are aiming to help people keep their older furniture instead of tossing it out. In majority of cases, we can make an older item look modern just through changing its fabric or colour. We can also adjust some design elements to give it a new contemporary look.

4. What are some of the complexities of furniture restoration

The biggest complexity to furniture restoration is that you never know what you are going to get until you work on it. That is why it is important to have such a wide variety of skills to overcome the obstacles that can be thrown at you. We can be repairing an old veneered table and the more you repair the more the old veneer seems to break, or we can strip a lounge to be redone and there can be broken springs that could not have been seen before.

5. Is there a cut off date for when something can be restored?

There is no cut off date for restoration, we work with antique pieces that can be a couple hundred years old, all the way to items that may only be a year or two.

6. What is the process of a furniture restoration?

Take a lounge for example, first thing we do is strip it back to the bare frame which involves removing hundreds of staples. Next we prepare the frame for the new fabric which means rewebbing the support systems and replacing the foam on the frame. Next we need to cut and sew the fabric using the old covers as templates usually. Finally we upholster the lounge with its new fabric and fill the cushions. The very last step is to check all the work and deliver it back to the customer.

7. How did you learn the art of furniture restoration?

We have a variety of tradesman from qualified upholsterers, qualified cabinetmakers and qualified polishers. We even have some who are qualified across multiple disciplines. We have a first year apprentice and our oldest having worked in the trade for over 50 years

8. What does Covesmore do that is unique

What really makes Covesmore unique is our commitment to quality, as a growing business we are continually looking at ways to improve our service and workmanship. We continue to invest in new machines, we also work with Tony Parker to see where we can improve which includes areas such as seat foam construction and the different types of foam. How the foam is applied to help it last longer. We do not take short cuts, for example when a lounge is unpicked, every last staple is removed before we reupholster. There are many more little things like this that we do to make sure we are delivering our best quality all the time.

9. What else is in the pipeline for Covesmore?

We have a very exciting few years ahead which will include custom bedheads, a new luxury lounge range plus other new products as we head into manufacturing as a new branch of the business. We also have our sites on starting a school to teach people the art.

For more information

Covesmore Solutions

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How did you start doing what you do?

Some say I was born to be a builder, following in my father’s footsteps, as well as my mother’s, who was an interior designer. I think this played a big role from an early age because I found a passion for creating new and wonderful spaces. It’s the creative side of me that loves turning a dream into a reality.

Why is building needed?

We all need a home to live in but at O’Shea & Sons Builders we believe your home should be your happy place. It needs to incorporate all the things that make you happy and comfortable. We know how to achieve this, with our clients’ needs put first.

What are the things that consumers want to know about your field? (What are the common questions that are asked?)

How much is this going to cost me? Yes, price is important and a budget is crucial in making a project actually get off the ground in the first place. But it’s very important to choose a builder who will be able to deliver on the things that mean the most to you. Often expectations of price versus reality can be two different things. Choose a builder who you feel you can have a good working relationship with, and work at achieving your primary goals from the start within your budget.
The second most common question is, how long will it take? Naturally the size of the build has a bearing, as well as our existing schedule. It’s critical that we only take on the volume of work that we can deliver on. It’s all in the preparation and planning. The time spent on planning and defining the specs can drastically improve the build time.

Are there any common misperceptions about this field?

There’s a belief that builders are out to pull the wool over clients’ eyes. Yes, there are cowboys out there, as in most industries, but 95 per cent of builders try to provide professional services to help you achieve your dreams. It’s very important to research who you are going to be working with and get testimonials from previous working relationships. After a few conversations, you will soon know the type of builder you are looking at.

What are the best ways for a consumer to get a great outcome in this field?

Involve the builder from the start. Find a good designer/architect and work together as a team in order to get an outcome that suits your desires and your budget. It’s all about collaboration. One of our interior designers calls it “the collaboration of the minds”. If potential clients could capture the buzz and interaction on our building sites, they would soon realise we are a happy bunch. All our trades are like extended family. There’s lots of banter, laughs and hard work all rolled into one. So if the measure was workplace satisfaction, O’Shea & Sons would be up there with the best.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Builders are generally highly skilled and educated tradespeople and also successful business owners. Their time and experience should be valued. Your builder is the person you will deal with the most, rely on the most and trust the most throughout your project. It’s a very important role in one of the biggest investments in your life. Make sure this relationship is solid. This requires trust and appreciation from both parties.

For more information

O’Shea & Sons Builders

The post Building on a strong foundation: A Q&A with Nick O’Shea appeared first on Completehome.

What service does your company provide?

We are a small family building company specifically concentrating on making a difference to people’s lives. Our focus is on improving our communities by designing, building and decorating homes based on purpose and values and engaging contractors and suppliers who share our vision.

How and why did you get into the design/building industry?

Initially my interest in the building industry started long ago when my husband was a mere 19-year-old undertaking a carpentry apprenticeship. I was there helping with the college assignments and advanced studies. Back then women didn’t really pursue a career in the building industry. I had a successful career in government as I advanced from an administration officer right through to executive. Then out of the blue I had an “a-ha moment”. From there I attended retreats, undertook studies, met some incredible individuals and focused on creating a life where I could make a difference.

How does your business work now?

Now my husband and I work mostly for our son Nick. For O’Shea & Sons Builders, the interior design and decorator service is integral to the building process. I share the role with my colleague Ann Gillis, from Ann Gillis Design. Ann takes the lead in our renovations while I’m involved in all the new builds. Collaboration is key. Ann and I bounce ideas off each other, which results in enhanced outcomes for our clients.

What are some of your most popular designs and why?

The Hamptons style is very popular and I can totally relate to why it resonates with people. Interiors and exteriors are extremely elegant and are very close in style to our Queenslander. I personally prefer contemporary/modern design, mostly because it is more aligned to my values. I’m very committed to sustainability and that means making good choices when it comes to products and finishes that are good for the environment, and which make my life trouble free.

What precautions do you take to make your pieces environmentally friendly and sustainable?

We pride ourselves on affordability, sustainability and liveability. These ideas are now so ingrained in our work that I find it hard to think of them separately. When I refer to sustainability, it’s not just the physical aspects of the building but the personal and social ones too. We try to make homes liveable for everyone regardless of age, family needs or changes a person may experience during their lifetime.

What colours, textures and furniture pieces do you love the most?

A theme is a great way to create consistency and flow throughout a home or a room and it can be the difference between balance and chaos. Try to match styles with furniture and decor. The overall theme should reflect your lifestyle, personality and how you want the room to “feel” when people walk in. I try not to stray past about four colours internally and externally. Selecting the right colours brings together a complete look and theme with ease and can be really effective in decorating or restyling the home. I always ask clients what mood and feel they wish to evoke. Bright colours can add energy and fun, darker colours can be more sophisticated and trendy, and neutral colours can be homely and soft.

What are your design dreams and goals?

I’m proud to be able to stand here today and say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and that’s due to doing the work I love. I am living my calling.

For more information

O’Shea & Sons Builders

The post One of a Kind: A Q&A with Maree O’Shea appeared first on Completehome.

Dean Herald of Rolling Stone Landscapes answers all your key landscaping questions, including who to design for, what to prioritise and what motivates him to succeed

When did you make your start?

After leaving school at 15 I started my training in landscape construction, drawn to the industry by my love of the outdoors. Soon, I developed a keen interest in architecture and the use of space. By 19 I had started my own company which allowed me to develop my skills in design and construction.

What is your design philosophy?

I often say that each landscape project has three clients. Firstly, there is the actual client who brings with them a personal brief and set of preferences; then there is the architecture, which has a voice and needs to be considered and respected. Lastly, there is the environment. This includes everything from the fall of the land, which affects drainage, to the aspect, which determines how well the plants will grow. Listening to all three voices is the key to a well-designed garden.

What do you always prioritise?

One of the key elements in a successful garden design is the correct scale. This touches each element of the garden and influences the material selection and choice of furniture right through to the plants and their eventual mature height and width. Too many people overlook the importance of scale or just get it wrong. Getting it right comes down to simple things like working out how wide the pavement needs to be so you can comfortably walk around and access furniture or making sure the size of the pavers is in proportion to the size of the area to be paved.

How do you build relationships?

From concept stage through to the build process, I prioritise close and constant communication — and getting to know the client well. It is never lost on me that the client has been thinking about their project for a long time — well before we first meet. This is why it’s important to just stop, listen and allow the client to share their ideas with you first. Next, I try to gain an understanding of the family and how they like to live because I can’t design a space unless I know who will be using it and how they will be using it.

What services do you provide?

We are a design and construction company with a special interest in the design of swimming pools, external structures such as pavilions and landscapes. We have a team of skilled professionals in our company who can undertake the entire process, from design to construction and handover.

What are some career highs?

Over the years we have constructed seven show gardens and been fortunate to win a Gold medal on each occasion, including at the Chelsea Flower Show in London. We have also won a slew of industry awards. Showcasing these projects in both my books, Resort Style Living and, more recently, Residential Landscape Design, has been a satisfying process for everyone involved in the creation of these spaces.

For more information

Rolling Stone Landscapes

The post Q&A with Dean Herald (Rolling Stone Landscapes) appeared first on Completehome.

Laundry day can often feel like a sixth day of work. How can good laundry organisation change a chore into something, dare we say, enjoyable?

I: The secret is creating a seamless design that effortlessly helps keep everything organised and easy in your laundry space. The best question to ask yourself is: is it practical? Assess how you will be using your space and all the tasks involved, then arrange your space to allow enough room to complete all your tasks in a flowing nature — ensure dirty laundry can go straight from the basket to the washing machine, then through to drying and onto the countertop for folding.

The laundry can easily become the dumping ground for all the miscellaneous items that don’t quite have a place anywhere. What are some of the best ways to keep a laundry full of diverse items organised?

I: An organised space will always keep you feeling calm and on top of your daily tasks. Although the laundry may not always be top of mind when it comes to the home, it is still important to create clutter-free areas that work to your needs. A trick is to make the most of unused space. Think vertically and use walls and nooks if possible to find space where you didn’t even know you had it. Use combinations of shelves, closed storage, rails or baskets to store things that are used often. By using the height of the wall, you are maximising your storage potential and reducing clutter from surfaces, making room for other tasks such as sorting and folding. Empty wall space behind doors is often overlooked, but makes for great storage of extra supplies or miscellaneous items. Store your ironing board behind the door or install hooks to hang clean clothes.

What are some situations that encourage inefficient storage and how can these be avoided?

I: It’s important to always keep surface areas clean and clutter free. The best way to do this is to create clever storage solutions to organise your items. Clever storage is about finding what suits your needs — this may mean using hidden storage to ensure everything is tucked away or labelling your storage to ensure everything is always put back in its place. Even if your laundry is quite small, it doesn’t have to be bigger to work better — strive for an uncluttered practical layout. When it comes to dirty clothes, often they don’t make it to the laundry and wind up piled around the house, from the bathroom to the bedroom and beyond. Look to using laundry baskets on castors that can easily move between spaces and always remember that less is more. Strive for an uncluttered layout to make your laundry feel more spacious. An easy way to start is to separate and label your laundry baskets to suit the way you wash. Label tubs to separate work clothes, school uniforms or delicates, or to split up your dark and white colours. Alternatively, you can organise your laundry baskets so that everyone in the family has their own.

Are there any products that you would recommend?

I: The GRUNDTAL laundry series (from $39.99) is great to kick-start your organisation haul. There are a lot of smart ideas, like a wall-mounted drying rack that folds when you’re not using it, a laundry bag with castors and a movable rack stand that can be placed in any room of the home.
The MULIG laundry series (from $7.99) offers the basics you need for sorting, storing and drying your garments and suits even the smallest of spaces.

For more information

IKEA Australia

Originally in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly, Volume 25 Issue 3

The post Laundry organisation Q+A with IKEA Australia appeared first on Completehome.

Why is it so important to have a well-organised pantry?

D: The more organised your pantry is, the easier it is to find things when you’re in the swing of cooking. It’s never good to have to disassemble your cupboard to look for that one thing you know is lurking just out of sight. You also can fit more into your pantry if it’s perfectly organised, and the better access you have to things that might be otherwise lost at the back of your pantry, the more effective your food storage and purchasing will be, saving you time and money.

With houses getting smaller and smaller, it’s more important than ever to use pantry space effectively. What are some small actions that can reap huge results for storage?

D: Make sure you get use out of every inch of space available. There’s no point having deep cupboards that relegate things to the back, out of reach and out of sight. You won’t know what’s there and you’ll find it hard to locate what you need. Products tend to go out of date, too, which creates wastage and it’s generally just a wise idea to be able to get the most of your spaces, no matter how big or small.

What are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make with their pantry space and how could these tricky situations be improved?

D: Disorder is the big one. Make sure you have a system for storing your goods, whether it be by type, size, usage or whatever makes most sense to you. Have things in easy-access containers and make sure you know what is inside them with labels or see-through packaging. Don’t have anything in there that’s not going to be used. Don’t duplicate more than you need to. Shop regularly so you don’t need to stockpile, though always leave the space to be able to bulk-buy goods you use a lot of that you can store away for later. Be sure you can access products easily and see inside your pantry easily — whether that be by having pull-out pantries like the Häfele Convoy Premio or utilising lighting on the inside of your cabinets, such as striplighting down the sides of the carcass, or by being able to bring the back of the cupboard forward with products like the Tandem pantry by Häfele.

What is your top tip for soon-to-be pantry organisers?

D: Focus on function first. Look at getting the most use out of the space you have. That could mean using a smaller product, like the half-height Tandem that is a good fit for underneath coffee machines or ovens. Or something like the iMove that helps you reach higher over-bench cabinets that otherwise don’t make it easy to be used as pantry spaces. Also, don’t forget the aesthetics of the internals of your kitchen. If you have the budget, there are so many amazing upgrades to the internal functionality and finish of your pantries. My personal favourite is the Häfele Convoy Premio in Anthracite with Fineline shelving. The dark, matt, metallic charcoal and beautiful oak timber woodgrain elevate the functional to the fantastical.

Are there any products that you would recommend?

D: All the ones mentioned above. The Kesseböhmer CONVOY range of pantries
would be my favourite.

For more information

Häfele Home

Originally in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly, Volume 25 Issue 3

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Question: We’re about to start designing a new home in Camberwell, Melbourne, on a standard, quarter-acre block. Having a young family of four with two dogs, we need as much space as possible. We are contemplating putting in an underground basement carpark that would accommodate three cars, a trailer and a small yacht — plus my husband’s old motorbike collection. We hope this will free up much-needed outdoor space for our growing kids, but wonder about the cost viability and the access issues. Would you recommend this strategy? Are lifts viable for domestic situations?

Answer: There’s no doubt it’s expensive to excavate simply to store cars — building a retaining wall, waterproofing, pits, pumps, lifts, extra stairs … Not knowing your total budget, it’s difficult to comment on whether this strategy is viable for you. I would recommend you get prepared design drawings and have them costed by a quantity surveyor. Generally, you can fit a large home over two levels on a quarter-acre block and still be left with enough space for cars and a play area — I’m pleased to see you’re prioritising this. Many others are sacrificing this space for unnecessarily large houses. Today, we’re relying more on school sport programs and home entertainment in lieu of kicking a ball and rolling on the grass. Maybe you could consider featuring your husband’s rare motorbike collection at the entrance as a showcase for anyone that visits? That could be fun.

Question: Peter, what are the best floor finishes in the kitchen area? We have anguished over replacing our worn-out ’80s vinyl that sits on a concrete slab.

Answer: There are lots of solutions given your concrete slab is stable and dry. Things to consider include durability, slip resistance, aesthetic appearance and VOCs. Given the period of your house, a suggestion is the use of studded Pirelli rubber sheeting or sheet linoleum, which is made from natural pigments and hessian backing. Either of these solutions could suit, but make sure the slab is dry by moisture testing professionally. You may need to apply a self-levelling concrete screed and waterproofing, which would add 5mm height, but provide reassurance the floor will be flat and not bubble with moisture being released beneath it.

Question: What are your favourite episodes so far on Grand Designs Australia?

Answer: This is often asked and hard to answer because the episodes are all so different. The ones that stick with me are the Callignee Bushfire House by Chris Clarke; the Very Small House in Surry Hills, Sydney by Domenic and Sue Alvaro; the Hunters Hill Textural House by Niran Peiris and Daniela Turrin; the South Melbourne Brick House by Greg Saunders and Emma Calverley; the Inverloch Sand Dune by Glenn and Kate Morris and the King Island Whale Tail by Andrew and Dianne Blake. See, I love so many!

Got a question? Need Peter’s expert help? Email your queries to homedesign@universalmagazines.com.au

Originally from Grand Designs Australia magazine, Volume 4 Issue 4

The post Expert advice: Ask Peter Maddison appeared first on Completehome.

Question: We are a family of four living in a small three-bedroom, two-storey terrace house in Paddington, Sydney. Our house is a modest 180m². Our kids are young teenagers, and we are struggling with the small rooms and lack of living space. Should we move out to a bigger home or somehow renovate and make our house bigger? Budget is an issue for us.

Answer: Paddington is a sought-after location and I would have thought that in the medium term, when the kids eventually move out of home, you may wish to be where you are now. Moving can also be expensive, with stamp duty and moving costs. These are lifestyle issues I can’t answer.
What I can say is that the old terraces do have spare space in the roof. You can occupy that space easily without the problematic DA issues and hold ups encountered when you extend the property. Spiral stairs are a very efficient space-saving method of accessing this space. You will need a structural engineer to assess your existing roof and determine any reinforcement it may require.
You could also consider multi-use for some of your rooms and installing a galley kitchen. Most apartment developments use this type of kitchen because they’re compact. In fact, there are many space-saving tips in apartment design you
could consider.

Question: I’m 28 and have a partner who aspires to build many of the projects you showcase on Grand Designs Australia. Where do we begin and how do we break into this world of design? We have saved $220k and can get a loan for $300k. Our parents own a block of land in Brunswick, Melbourne, and are prepared to subdivide, giving us their backyard to build in. Is this a good idea?

Answer: What a fabulous scenario — I suggest you’re very nice to your parents. They are very generous. I think this is a very sensible idea and the way of the future. The key is to design your “house out the back” with its own private entry and exit and visual/acoustic privacy, so you can be independent. I suggest you also visit findanarchitect.com.au. Brunswick is such a cool location, and I’d be surprised if there’s not an architect just around the corner that could help you.

Question:   Why should we aspire to grand homes when they are so expensive? It’s disappointing there are no well-designed apartments for sale. They’re usually crammed in and lack the attention to sustainability and quality of design you get in freestanding houses.

Answer: You make a very good point here. Most apartments are pre-designed and have a certain cookie-cutter appearance. There are some well-designed and sensitive apartment developments in Melbourne. Neometro and Breathe Architecture are two firms doing great stuff. I suggest you jump on the internet and have a look at The Commons project in Brunswick. This development has been designed for a community of occupants and breaks new ground. This is the sort of apartment type you should be looking for. Developers will eventually listen when you vote with your hard-earned cash.

Question: Peter, how much emphasis should we put on sustainability when building the new home in Hobart we are planning? It seems like there are limitless options. It’s all very confusing.

Answer: You are correct in saying there are limitless options. The Building Code of Australia will insist on a minimum performance criteria of six stars. It’s called Section J, and it has been legislated that every home must conform using a formula that takes into account the number of windows and their glazing type, insulation proposed, water collection, etc. My suggestion is to carefully consider solar orientation and its penetration because Hobart can be very cold. Also, consider some thermal mass where the sun warms up the fabric on your house and re-radiates this at night. A protected outdoor space could also be useful. I recommend going to an architect to help navigate the “sustainable quagmire”. Don’t forget, the best sustainable houses are the ones that are not only designed well, but are used responsibly in the long term.

Got a question? Need Peter’s expert help? Email your queries to homedesign@universalmagazines.com.au

Originally from Grand Designs Australia magazine, Volume 4 Issue 2

The post Expert Advice: Ask our architect appeared first on Completehome.

Question: We live in the ACT and have cold winters. Would you recommend retrofitting double glazing in our 1970s house? should we also retrofit wall insulation to stop condensation that double glazing may cause? Is it all worth the cost? Different suppliers tell us different things!

Answer: My recommendation is to definitely look at replacing your glass with double glazing, particularly in the ACT where it gets very cold. If your timber windows are in good condition and the rebate in the frame is deep enough, it is possible to retrofit and put in glass only. I’m doing this in my house. However, if your window frames don’t allow this, it may be necessary to replace the whole window suite. The level of performance does improve somewhat with higher-performance glass and window frames, but this may be a cost benefit analysis for you.
Assuming the roof is insulated, the windows are probably the weakest link in the performance of your home. In Victoria, the ceiling insulation values required are 3.8, the walls 2.5 and the floors 1.5. But these values can change depending on the overall performance — window size, orientation, eave overhangs, etc. It may be worth getting your house assessed by an energy rating consultant. For a few hundred dollars, you can establish the best strategy for your home. All this is predicated on the overall condition of your house, that it is sound and that you intend staying there in the medium term. The tangible factor in all this is comfort level. How do you value the cost and effort of installing new windows against not having to wrap a rug around you at night and not noticing that pesky dog barking next door?

Question: I’m 21 and interested in architecture and all things design. Having completed the VCE and not knowing my direction at the moment, I’m considering studying architecture. Is it worth the effort of qualifying as an architect and eventually practising?

Answer: From my experience, architecture is at the same time the most difficult yet most rewarding profession. The art/creative side of architecture is counterbalanced with science/business/technical/communication skills. You are expected to be good at everything, which of course is very difficult. To take it on, you need to have an underlying love and appreciation of design and the built environment that sustains you over time. The other thing is that you’ll need a deep reservoir of tenacity and resilience — it’s not for everyone.

Question: Peter, what’s your favourite part of making Grand Designs Australia TV?

Answer: Without doubt, it’s when an episode is wrapped and about to go to air. I forget about all the hard work that goes into making an episode and anticipate the joy a show like ours brings.

Got a question? Need Peter’s expert help? Email your queries to homedesign@universalmagazines.com.au

Originally from Grand Designs Australia magazine, Volume 4 Issue 3

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