Updating or changing taps might seem like a small renovation detail, but it can significantly enhance the value of a property. First impressions matter, and taps are often one of the first things noticed in a kitchen. By installing new taps, you instantly improve the aesthetics of the space, giving it a fresh and modern look. This aesthetic upgrade can greatly appeal to potential buyers or tenants, making the property more attractive overall.

Beyond aesthetics, changing taps can also contribute to increased functionality and efficiency. Old taps may suffer from leaks, drips, or low water pressure, which not only inconvenience occupants but also waste water and increase utility bills. By installing new taps with improved features like better water flow control and energy-efficient designs, you enhance the functionality of the kitchen.

The quality and style of taps can reflect the overall quality of the property. Upgrading taps to higher-quality materials such as stainless steel or brass not only improves durability but also gives the impression of luxury and sophistication. This attention to detail suggests the property has been well-maintained and cared for.

Furthermore, changing taps can align the property more closely with current design trends and the preferences of the target market. Whether it’s choosing a sleek and minimalist design for a modern aesthetic or opting for vintage-inspired taps to complement a historical property, selecting the right taps can help create a cohesive and appealing interior design scheme.

Upgrading taps can also have practical benefits in terms of maintenance and upkeep. Newer taps often come with warranties and require less maintenance compared to older models, reducing the likelihood of future repair costs. Additionally, by installing taps with features such as anti-limescale technology or easy-clean surfaces, you make it easier for occupants to keep the kitchen clean and hygienic.

Finally, from a resale perspective, changing taps can provide a relatively inexpensive way to add value to the property and increase its marketability. Compared to major renovations or upgrades, replacing taps is a relatively quick and affordable project that can yield significant returns in terms of improving the overall appeal and perceived value of the property. Whether it’s for selling or renting purposes, investing in new taps is a smart strategy to enhance the attractiveness and desirability of the property in the eyes of potential occupants.

Check out hacks one and two for more great kitchen ideas!

While some people prefer symmetry in design, sometimes having a mix of asymmetrical elements helps to create a vignette that’s more eye catching. Each piece needs to be looked at separately to appreciate it, rather than being overlooked as it’s simply a mirror image.

So here are some more ways to achieve asymmetry in your vignette:

The important thing here is to express your creativity in an individual way. Have fun!

A hunter green and red colour scheme can offer several advantages, particularly in design and aesthetics. It provides a strong visual contrast, enabling individual elements to stand out as well as being visually dynamic.

Overall, a hunter green and red colour scheme can offer a harmonious balance of traditional elegance, seasonal appeal, and visual interest, making it a versatile choice for various design projects.

With energy prices rapidly rising, it’s inevitable that some of the focus when designing and building homes needs to be on energy efficiency. This fits in with a broader focus on sustainability, flexibility, and well-being.

Energy Efficiency

These homes are designed to generate as much energy as they consume, often using solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and smart building management systems.

They also incorporate improved insulation and energy-efficient glazing to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption. A focus on water management is also expected to become more common, especially in regions prone to extreme weather events.

Weather Responsive Designs

As more homes are built in areas susceptible to severe weather occurrences, such as cyclones, bushfires and floods, new designs that are more practical in those areas are emerging. They include the ability to withstand high winds, or bushfire-resistant features.

Australia is a land with many different weather and energy challenges, and building trends are moving in the direction of being more sensitive to regional requirements. The ultimate goal is housing that saves money in energy costs and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Styling your bed is a wonderful way to enhance the overall look and feel of your bedroom. Let’s take a look at some easy ways to give your bed and bedroom the Wow! factor through styling.

Quality Bedding

Invest in the highest quality bedding you can afford, including sheets, pillowcases, a duvet cover or comforter, and a bedspread or quilt. Choose materials that are soft, comfortable, and durable, such as cotton, linen, or bamboo.

Nothing is as unappealing as manchester that is noticeably dull and tired, or with fabric that is pilling or worn. You don’t have to break the bank, but good quality bedding will look better for a lot longer than the cheap stuff.

Layering

Layering different elements of manchester adds depth and texture to the bed. Start with a fitted sheet as the base, followed by a flat sheet or duvet cover. Add a comforter or quilt for warmth, and top it off with decorative pillows and a throw blanket.

Patterns

Incorporate patterns into your manchester for added style. Mix and match patterns such as stripes, florals, or geometric designs for a dynamic look. Make sure you keep the scale of the patterns in mind to ensure they complement each other, rather than clashing hideously!

By keeping these tips for styling your bed in mind, you can create a stylish and personal bedroom retreat that reflects your own personal style and enhances your overall decor.

Adding a pop of colour with statement lighting is a fantastic way to infuse personality and vibrancy into a space. Here are some ideas to help you achieve this:

Consider Colour Blocking

Introduce a lighting fixture that complements or matches the colour of a key element in the room, such as a piece of furniture or an accent wall. This creates a cohesive and intentional design. Colour blocking can be particularly effective in spaces with minimalist or neutral palettes.

Use Coloured Bulbs

If you already have a lighting fixture you love, you can add a pop of colour by using coloured light bulbs. These come in various hues and can instantly change the ambiance of a room. LED smart bulbs can also be controlled for different colours, allowing you to switch between tones based on your mood or the occasion.

Remember, the key is to balance the statement lighting with the overall design of the room. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and have fun incorporating a pop of colour that reflects your personality and style.

In our first post about building design trends, we covered flexible and multifunctional spaces, sustainable and energy-efficient design and smart building technology. This time we’re focussing more on how your home makes you feel – the “liveability” element of design.

If our home helps us to feel good, then it scores a big tick on the liveability building trend scale.

Nowadays it’s hard to ignore technology and its impact on every aspect of our lives – and that includes design. While this blog post will probably seem outdated very quickly, it’s still worth taking a look at some of the technology that’s now being integrated into bedroom design.

Smart Lighting: With smart bulbs and lighting systems you can control the colour and intensity of light in your bedroom through mobile apps or voice commands.

Smart Blinds and Curtains: Remote controls for blinds and curtains aren’t a new idea, but using technology that can control them remotely or program them to open and close based on a schedule or environmental factors is growing.

Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants: The use of smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, takes operating devices around your home with voice commands a step further. You can play music in the bedroom, while turning on your morning coffee from bed. Or just turn up the heat a little so you’re warm once you emerge from the bedroom.

Smart Furniture: Bedroom furniture with integrated technology, such as charging stations for devices, built-in speakers, or adjustable settings, is gaining popularity. Smart beds now include features such as sleep tracking, ambient noise machines and adjustable firmness.

Augmented Reality (AR) Mirrors: Now we’re getting a bit more out there! AR mirrors that can simulate different lighting conditions or even suggest outfits are emerging in the market. Cher from Clueless on steroids!

Some of these trends will turn out to be gimmicks, but others, such as sleep assistance technologies, may well lead to a better life outcome and gain in popularity. Only time will tell!

Building design trends evolve over time based on factors such as changing lifestyles, technological advancements, environmental concerns, and architectural innovations. Keep in mind that trends can change, and it’s essential to consult with local architects and builders for the most up-to-date information.

Flexible and Multifunctional Spaces:
Building designs that offer flexibility and adaptability for different uses, including working from home, are gaining popularity in response to changing work and lifestyle patterns. Building designs are prioritizing flexible spaces that can adapt to changing needs. This includes home offices, multipurpose rooms, and adaptable living areas.

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Design:
Sustainability continues to be a significant focus in Australian building design. This includes the use of energy-efficient materials, passive design principles, and renewable energy systems.

Smart Building Technology:
The integration of smart home technology is anticipated to become more advanced, with features such as energy management systems, home automation, and advanced security systems becoming more common.

More to come next time!

Adding a pop of colour with a rug is a great way to liven up a room and give it a fresh, vibrant look. A long runner can also add colour to unexpected places and add dimension to just about any room or hallway. Here are some tips on how to choose and incorporate a colourful rug into your space:

Consider the Room’s Colour Palette: Take a look at the existing colours in the room. Choose a rug colour that complements or contrasts with the dominant colours in the space. If your room has a neutral colour scheme, you have more freedom to select a bold, vibrant rug.

Play with Colour Psychology: Keep in mind the psychological effects of colour. For example, blue and green can create a calming atmosphere, while red and yellow can add energy and warmth. Choose a colour that matches the mood you want to evoke in the room.

Balance with Accessories: Once you’ve added a colourful rug, balance the room with coordinating accessories such as throw pillows, curtains, or artwork that incorporate the same or complementary colours. This helps tie the room together.

Maintenance: Keep in mind that colourful rugs may show dirt and stains more easily than neutral ones. Choose a rug material that is easy to clean and maintain.

Remember that adding a colourful rug should be a fun and creative process. It can instantly transform the look and feel of a room, so take your time to find the perfect rug that suits your style and the overall aesthetic of your space.