The couple, who met on the fifth season of The Bachelor Australia, found their dream oceanfront makeover property on the South Coast of New South Wales—a beloved holiday location for Sydneysiders.

“A couple of months ago we bought a dilapidated old house down the south coast,” the couple shared on Instagram, describing the property as “a little glass house on the seaside filled with stories, and history that had been left locked up and empty for the past two years, known as Chante Mer (sing the sea).”

The house boasts an enviable oceanfront location in Ulladulla, a small coastal town on the New South Wales South Coast, and is only a few moments from the popular and family-friendly Racecourse Beach.

For Matty and Laura, who share daughters Marlie-Mae and Lola, the home’s dreamy coastal location and renovation opportunities are all part of its appeal.

“The south coast is a magical place to us, it’s where we got married, and now it’s where we will make memories as a family,” they shared in their Instagram post.

“We don’t know what we are doing, or what this house will become, but if you want to follow along the chaos @chante.mer.house while we restore this old beauty, honour it’s joyous little quirks and resist the millennial urge to paint everything white.”

While perhaps in need of a facelift, the property’s unique original features are part of its charm and to our relief, don’t seem to be something the family are planning of getting rid of.

Worth around A$2.2 million, the seaside home is a certainly a valuable addition to Matty and Laura’s growing property portfolio, which also includes a $5.2 million semi-detached home in North Bondi.

Before and after: Chante Mer house

After months of renovation updates, in March 2025 Matty and Laura revealed some highly satisfying before-and-after shots of Chante Mer House.

“The glow up! Some cheeky Before/After photos of where we started and where we are headed. Inching closer every day,” they said.

The living area has been completely refreshed, featuring new timber floors, an updated fireplace façade, and a striking ceiling makeover.

“And for my next trick to enrage the masses… THE SPEW TILES!” Laura joked, striking a dramatic pose with the fireplace tiles before they went up.

In the ‘After’ shot, the fireplace tiles create a colourful focal point. Matty and Laura’s tile choices have sparked plenty of debate, but the pair haven’t shied away from bold decisions. “Tile gate has started…” they joked in a post revealing the fireplace progress.

“A little update from when the tile stair risers were going in,” they shared alongside the tiled steps. “I am heading down to the house this weekend and can’t wait to see what progress has been made over the last two weeks. We finally have our wooden stairs installed and I’m counting down the days until our beautiful stone bench tops are going in… so close.”

The stairs now feel lighter and more open thanks to the removal of the nib walls, while playful checkerboard tiles add a punch of personality to both the steps and landing.

Gone is the carpet, making way for pale timber floors that flood the space with light and offer a crisp, contemporary edge to those breathtaking views.

The renovation process

Laura and Matty J have started sharing the renovation process on their Instagram page and while Laura’s ideas for earthy coloured patterned tiles on the fireplace wasn’t appreciated by viewers, people have been more excited by the fact the couple are planning to keep the stunning stained glass on their front doors.

“If the beige brigade come for these doors… I will riot,” Lauran wrote. “These old beauties are staying, but the big question is do we strip them back to all wood, or paint white?”

The second decision the couple are currently discussing is what colour to pain the bedroom walls.

On Instagram, they shared that Matty wants a salmon pink as a “testament to the sea life in the ocean” while Laura wants an off white with a feature door.

After testing the pink, Matty admitted that maybe Laura’s idea was the winner.

When it came to deciding the colour of the bedroom cupboard doors, the couple’s two daughters put the sea green and bright yellow shades to the test.

We’re excited to see what colours they end up settling on.

The kitchen

While the rest of the property offers plenty of opportunity for Matty and Laura to make the home their own, we were hoping that the couple would choose to preserve the kitchen’s unique tiling and wood cabinetry.

The couple have shared that unfortunately, the kitchen tiles were too damaged to preserve and have lead to a full kitchen rip out. While we did love the wood cabinetry, we’re also excited by their decision to remove the servery window and shelving to make the most of the incredible sea views.

The most recent picture of the kitchen came as a delightful surprise to those who expressed sadness at the home’s original features being ripped out. Fortunately, the couple have seemed to have embraced the home’s mid-century aesthetic with their choice of slick wood cabinetry and terracotta shade of tiles.

The bathrooms

While the original upstairs bathroom may have been very pretty in pink, it felt a little dated with a number of design flaws—including having a bidet in the room next to the toilet.

After lots of thought, Matty J and Laura have decided to remove the bath altogether and replace it with a spacious double shower, sharing that this will be a “bath-less house.” It also looks like they’ve opted for a modern type of shower storage, with a shower bench visible in their update pictures.

Colour-wise, the couple have gone for a muted green palette with striped green and white tiles from Tile Cloud covering the room from floor to ceiling.

The bathrooms all tie in with the couple’s chosen interior style, yet they’ve chosen not to go completely matchy-matchy. The second bathroom embraces floor-to-ceiling zellige tiles with statement wave design tiles on the floor.

In a second bathroom, the couple have opted for a pretty pink aesthetic with a wavy tiled floor and more neutral tiled walls.

See inside Matty J and Laura Byrne’s Ulladulla holiday property

Matty and Laura’s new holiday house is located on a generous 746 square metre block with a sun-soaked deck and thriving front garden overlooking the sea.

There also seems to be a sweet summer house (or perhaps future children’s cubby) in front of the main home.

Likewise, this quirky breakfast nook with original wood banquet seating is an opportunity to embrace the unique character of the home.

Almost every room boasts enviable ocean views, including this spacious lounge area that opens out onto the deck and front garden.

However, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a study area, the property offers plenty of places of play—just look at those floor to ceiling windows in the master bedroom.

At the back of the house, there’s also an enclosed alfresco area, which we’re sure will see its fair share of late summer barbeques and children’s parties in the years to come.

With such an opportunity to turn this characterful property into something special, we’re excited to see what they do with it.

The post The first before-and-after shots of Matty J and Laura’s home makeover are in appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Andrew Winter – real estate expert and host of Selling Houses Australia

1. What was your favourite house flip this season?

“That’s easy, Hastings [Episode 1]. The confusing multi household layout was completely off putting for the market. Homes that are successful as ‘dual’ living usually have the independent household areas designed to give privacy to both and generally favour a a larger and smaller combination. Rather than equal portions and a layout that made privacy more of a challenge which was the case in this quirky property. Plus for me I always love seeing young home owners grabbing the opportunity to buy their first home and then move up the ladder.”

2. Where are the most important places to spend money to ensure return on investment?

“If you are selling it is a challenge as you have to review the property as a whole. If you have a limited budget don’t spend it all in the kitchen, reduce the work there and spread the love. If it is your long term home, but you still are thinking ROI, it is kitchens and bathrooms as they are the big ticket items. But adding rooms, updating layouts etc can have equal if not more ROI.”

“The ideal time [to sell] is when homes like yours in your area are selling quickly and not many are on the market.”

Andrew Winter

3. How do you know when it’s time to sell up and walk away?

“Success selling is all about timing. Not the media hype about the market in general. It is about timing that suits your financial plans. You should always avoid distressed selling, such as falling behind with your home loan, or buying before you sell! Selling timing must suit you and ideally be at a point in the market cycle when your area and home type is in high demand with little stock.”

4. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the Australian housing market over your 13 years hosting SHA?

“Apart from huge price gains? Yes it’s data, every buyer now has easy access to market research, what homes sold for and when. That’s a positive. A huge negative is the increase in unpriced properties. A sale method that used to be reserved for the unusual and the high end. Now it is a sneaky, lazy sale tactic that has spread like Covid across so many market sectors. Occasionally I can accept the method but it is currently used too much and buyers hate it.”

5. What do you love most about the Real Estate game?

“That’s simple, it’s the combination of getting to see homes and the people who live in them. I still get excited about every home I get to see, why did the owners buy it, why do they want to sell it. Have they maintained it, have they renovated, well or badly? What would I do to make it better? I have been connected residential real estate across four decades.Not many can claim to have looked around probably in excess 10,000 houses and apartments all across Australia, the UK and many parts of Europe.”

Wendy Moore – interior designer and host of Selling Houses Australia

What’s your proudest design moment for this season?

“I think one of the proudest moments was working with the team to create a fund and child-safe space in the Annandale terrace. There was an attic that was really difficult to access – and definitely not safe or easy for kids, and we came up with a way of connecting that huge area to the kids’ room directly below it. It was such a great project and I hope it inspires others with similar unused space in their home. The team sent me footage of the moment the kids saw the room and I had a little tear to see their excitement. That was a family who have gone through so much, so to create a little bit of joy was a career highlight.”

What was the biggest renovating challenge you were faced with?

“Every house is a challenge! A few that spring to mind was solving the completely terrible floorplan for the Engadine house – and wrestling the budget back from Dennis to make it happen! The kitchen was tiny and in completely the wrong place, so it wasn’t an easy fix – or a cheap one! The house in Alice Springs was a huge challenge, getting everything we needed in time to get the best result, and SO much painting to be finished in the week – and I’ll tell you, that house needed paint like no other I have seen!”

“Kitchen makeovers are definitely in the spotlight this year, and I had a huge variety of budgets to work with, so there are loads of ideas on giving your kitchen a fresh look, no matter your wallet size.”

Wendy Moore

Which was your favourite colour scheme?

“Anyone who knows me will tell you that my favourite scheme will always feature green, green, green. I find it so calming, so easy to live with. So I particularly love the scheme we used in the Castle Hill home. The scheme suited the setting, and I could feel my shoulders relax as soon as I walked in the rooms. But this season, I found some beautiful tiles that I was just desperate to use when I found the right house – and the Harrington Park home was finally the perfect opportunity. The tiles are a modern terracotta shade, and it inspired a beautiful, earthy scheme underpinned by soft blush tones – not quite pink, but very close! I absolutely love it and it’s my new favourite kitchen!”

Your top 3 tips we can steal from your renovations this season?

“Kitchen makeovers are definitely in the spotlight this year, and I had a huge variety of budgets to work with, so there are loads of ideas on giving your kitchen a fresh look, no matter your wallet size. New benchtops and handles can make an instant difference, having your cabinetry completely resprayed for a colour refresh is a great way to give a boost to a kitchen showing its age, I also completely ‘refaced’ kitchens, with new doors and panels, transforming it so completely it looks like an entirely new kitchen – there are so many ways to recreate this space, and I loved being able to try so many different approaches. There’s something for everyone.”

What’s your secret weapon for transforming a home on a budget?

“For me, the first step is always to identify the biggest problems, and then prioritise them. Try to keep it to three issues that need to be solved, it helps focus your budget and your time on the things that will make the biggest impact, on either your lifestyle, or on the value of your home. Number one: does the layout make sense for your lifestyle? Number two: how are your surfaces working? Start with your flooring – we often overlook how flooring can drive our colour schemes, and mismatched flooring interrupts the flow of a home, and can make it feel smaller and more cluttered – new flooring can solve an array of problems in one swift movement – and it definitely adds value to your home.”

Dennis Scott – landscape designer and host of Selling Houses Australia

What’s your proudest landscaping design moment for this season?

“Turning a small narrow space, Annandale episode into a show stopper packed with features like tiled outdoor areas, feature circles of turf and one of the coolest outdoor kitchens you have ever seen. Talk about packing a punch, this has it all.”

What was the biggest challenge you were faced with this year?

“Every property is a challenge. We have such a limited time to design and create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing to potential buyers. The biggest challenge I find is where to stop, where to refine just enough so it isn’t over the top and feeling like it is trying too hard. We need to focus on spaces that complement the property and have function. A bloody hard thing to do!”

“The biggest challenge I find is where to stop, where to refine just enough so it isn’t over the top and feeling like it is trying too hard.”

Dennis Scott

What are your favourite feature plants to deliver bang for your buck?

“Too many to choose, each space will dictate what plants are to be used. Sometimes a structure or a pot can be a feature on its own and the plant simply enhances the space.   You don’t have to follow trends. Remember, it’s your garden and if you like the plant and it’s suited to the conditions plant it!”

Your top 3 clever tips we can steal from your landscaping renovations this season?

“Keep things simple, mulch is the hero of the gardening world in my opinion and turf is the carpet of the outside world. These three things alone can transform a space into a great first impression.”

What’s your secret weapon for transforming a garden on a budget?

“Mulch, turf and some good old fashioned hard work and sweat.”

Where to watch Selling Houses Australia

Watch Selling Houses Australia season 17 at 8.30pm on Wednesdays on Foxtel or stream on BINGE.

The post Strap yourself in for another incredible season of Selling Houses Australia appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“It’s a mishmash of poor, cheap materials that are uncoordinated. There’s a lack of basic environmental design,” Thalis later explained news.com.au. “That’s a west facade. You want to be shading the western side. You don’t want a black brick, you don’t want a black roof.”

Darker materials, which are regularly used in these new development estates and builds, absorb heat, rather than deflect it. A recent article from The Conversation, which discussed the Jordan Springs new development estate in Sydney’s suburb of Penrith, found that the estate’s use of concrete, asphalt and dark, poor quality building materials may put “residents at risk” in future heatwaves and leave them “dependent on increasingly expensive air conditioning.”

Yet, these new build estates also address the country’s housing shortage and affordability problem, with rising house prices leaving many Australians simply unable to afford a similarly sized home in a more established suburb.

So, if you’re one of the many Australians building a home in a new development estate, you might be wondering how you avoid these common design problems and make your home as liveable and future-proof as possible. We’ve spoken to Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, Duanfang Lu from the University of Sydney and The Block architect Julian Brenchley of Group Architects, to find out.

7 problems with your new development estate home—and how to fix them

1. Low quality construction materials

As a form of mass produced housing, new development estates may rely on more affordable building materials, which are rarely the best quality.

“Some homes might not be built with long-term durability in mind, leading to issues such as water leaks, cracks, or poor insulation,” Duanfang Lu explains. “Lack of attention to detail during construction might also result in poor finishes.”

If you can, Lu recommends opting for higher quality construction materials to “avoid problems in the future.”

2. Indoor air pollution

Lower quality construction materials may also impact indoor air quality. According to Lu, this is to do with something called volatile organic compounds (VOC), which can be emitted from certain building materials.

“New homes may sometimes have poor indoor air quality, particularly due to the use of materials that off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOC). These pollutants can lead to respiratory issues and affect general health. Inadequate ventilation systems can exacerbate these problems, trapping pollutants inside,” explains Lu.

For this reason, its important to opt for homes built with low-VOC materials—including within the paint, adhesives, flooring and other finishes.

Poor ventilation and insulation also commonly lead to mould and mildew growth, which can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and exacerbate conditions such as asthma.
“The house should have adequate ventilation to ensure that fresh air circulates throughout,” Lu says.

“Design the home with open windows or ventilation gaps on opposite sides of rooms (cross-ventilation) to allow good natural air movement.”

Duanfang Lu, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, University of Sydney

“Design the home with open windows or ventilation gaps on opposite sides of rooms (cross-ventilation) to allow good natural air movement.”

“Natural light from windows, skylights, and glass doors makes rooms feel open and bright. A well-lit space can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression,” Lu says.

3. Dysfunctional layouts

House and land packages will usually offer you a selection of pre-approved home designs to choose from but Lu says that its important to consider the functionality of the designs that are offered before you sign the dotted line.

“Some new estates might have layouts that are not as functional as expected, leading to issues with space, privacy, or flow within homes,” says Lu.

“A well-designed home should have balanced proportions, where the size and placement of windows, doors, and walls are in harmony. It should also carefully consider how the space is arranged and how the rooms relate to each other. Homes that seamlessly connect to the outdoors, through large windows, sliding doors or patios, enhance the feeling of openness and natural light. Flexible design features can allow you to expand or reconfigure your space easily as your needs change over time, such as adaptable floor plans or external space for future building.”

4. Lack of character and personality

One of the biggest problems with new development estate homes is their lack of character and personality but the recent James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2025 proves that modern homes don’t need to be “dull grey boxes.”

Julian Brenchely believes that the key to moving away from this colder, less appealing aesthetic is to “bring personality, texture, and warmth into new builds.” More specifically, The Block architect points to the modern ‘Barn’ design as an example of how to do this well.

“New interpretations of the Barn play with asymmetry in the rooflines, breaking away from rigid, predictable forms. Bold exterior colours, combined with natural-look materials, create striking yet inviting facades,” Brenchley explains.

“Inside, it’s all about warmth and simplicity—soft textures, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on natural elements help achieve that feeling of hygge (hoo-gah), a Danish concept centered around comfort and wellbeing. But beyond just aesthetics, the Barn design is about championing wellness.”

Even if you don’t have complete design freedom with your new build, there are plenty of ways to add character with some clever design choices.

• Add pannelling to your walls
• Install built-in-furniture, such as bookshelves
• Switch out your flooring for warm timber floors
• Embrace wallpaper
• Swap your white walls for colour
• Install interesting tiles in the kitchen and bathroom
• Decorate with patterned cushions, lamps and curtains
• Bring unique artworks and vintage furniture into the home

How to personalise your new build

5. Unsustainable designs

As rising temperatures and extreme weather events become more common in Australia, we need to think about future-proofing our homes in terms of structural resilience and future sustainability.

“Not all houses prioritize eco-friendly designs, resulting in homes that are not energy-efficient,” says Lu. “Ensure the home is built with energy-efficient systems like good insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy sources (solar panels, heat pumps, etc.). Smart technology features like smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems can also make the home more convenient, secure, and energy-efficient.”

“Building resilient homes for the future isn’t just about strength, it’s about smart, passive design that works with the environment rather than against it.”

Julian Brenchely, Principal Architect, Group Architects

Barn-style homes are a great example of this approach. Relatively shallow building depth for cross ventilation, deep canopy eaves and shading devices like HEKA hoods are essential for handling Australia’s intense sun, keeping interiors cool without over-relying on air conditioning. Double-skin lightweight walls, combined with high performance proper insulation and sarking, help maintain stable internal temperatures year-round. ”

If you live in an area that’s vulnerable to climate emergencies then Brenchely also recommends cladding for weather resistence, and steel frames and non-combustible external cladding for fire resilience.

6. Lack of outdoor space

The blocks found in new development estates tend to be much smaller than the traditional quarter-acre block found in Australia’s older suburbs—and generally these smaller blocks are taken up by more house than garden.

While you can definitely make the most of a small space with some smart landscaping, it’s also worth checking out how much access to nature your estate offers. If you don’t have a big backyard then you will benefit from having access to parks and local walking tracks.

7. Remote location

The often remote location of new development estates can make life more difficult.

“Some neighbourhoods are far away from cafes, parks, schools, healthcare services, or retail outlets, which can lead to frustration for new homeowners,” explains Lu.

Before purchasing a house in a new development estate, its important to learn about its local amenities and how well connected it is to the rest of the community. A nearby train station will make your daily commute easier than one that requires you to join a major highway to get to the nearest shops.

Having access to a shopping centre and a couple of cafes within the estate will also benefit you down the track.

The post 7 problems that can come with a new development estate home (and how to fix them)  appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The Block 2025: What We Know So Far

With cameras now rolling and drama practically guaranteed, here’s the scoop on what’s ahead.

Who are The Block 2025 contestants?

While the identy of the 2025 Block contestants still remain under wraps, we got a sneak peek of the new cast members at Daylesford’s annual LGBTQIA+ Chill Out Festival parade.

The new photos, which were posted on The Blockinator Instagram account, showed the five new teams dressed up in lots of colour and celebrating with the town. The images also captured some of the team’s names written on the floats, which means we now know the names of four out of the five couples. So far, we know that we’re going to be meeting Han and Cam, Robby and Mat, Britt and Taz, and Emma and Ben.

Julian Cress also dropped another cast hint in his Local interview: “The Block was the first TV show in the world to have a gay couple. And we’ve had a bunch of contestants from that community on the show over the years. This year will be no different.”

Given that Daylesford is Australia’s largest LGBTIQA+ regional town (as noted by The Local editor Donna Kelly), the casting choice makes perfect sense.

Regardless of their backgrounds, experience or representation, one thing is guaranteed – contestants are in for a gruelling ride. “Every season, every contestant says to me at some point, ‘Jules, I knew this would be hard. I just didn’t know it would be this hard,’” Julian shared.

Even the fit, trade-savvy Block 2024 contestants found the process brutally challenging, proving that no amount of preparation makes this competition a walk in the park.

The Block 2025 hosts

Scott Cam is expected to return to helm the series, fresh off selling his Gisborne home – his personal renovation project since 2022. Long-time co-host Shelley Craft is also anticipated to return, with no news suggesting otherwise. She’s been keeping busy, completing a stunning reno on her own Byron Bay family home.

The Block 2025 judges

After Neale Whitaker exited the show in 2023, real estate agent Marty Fox stepped in full-time, joining interior designers Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer. This expert trio dissected every design hit and miss in 2024, and they’re expected to be back for another season of fiery debates and divisive verdicts. In the meantime, find out Darren’s favourite The Block houses of all time.

The Block 2025 foreman

With original head foreman Keith Schleiger sitting out The Block 2024 to stay close to his daughters, Dan Reilly stepped up to lead the charge. Unfortunately, Keith’s return seems unlikely – he recently revealed on social media that he was hospitalised with a leg infection from a past hip replacement.

Dan has also faced personal tragedy, with him and wife Dani losing their newborn daughter Billie just 10 days after her birth in December 2024. The couple has received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow Block alumni.

The good news is, we will be seeing Dan resume his role on The Block 2025. Dani and their two dogs, Olive and Hazel, have relocated to Daylesford to be with him during filming.

The Block 2025 houses

This year’s contestants will tackle brand-new builds in a development at Daylesford’s entrance. Julian Cress revealed to The Local how the site came about: “We came across the location through a friend of ours, Natalie [Fagan] at Belle Property. She’s a great agent in the area, and she introduced me to the developers. I just love the fact that the property is so well positioned. It’s like the gateway to Daylesford.”

Julian knows the area well – he moved from Melbourne to the Macedon Ranges years ago, and his deep connection to regional Victoria has shaped The Block’s locations, including the 2022 season filmed in Gisborne.

The Block 2025 auction

With Daylesford’s charm setting the stage, all eyes will be on auction day. While the 2022 Gisborne season saw three homes passed in (despite Omar and Oz taking home a record-breaking $1.68 million profit), the 2024 series fared better. That season’s homes had more appealing reserves of $1.95 million, and super bidder Adrian Portelli ended up buying all five houses – netting sisters Maddy and Charlotte a $1.65 million windfall.

However, this year could be a whole different ball game. Adrian has vowed not to return, and reserve prices are yet to be set. Anything could happen when the hammer falls!

With the build about to begin, The Block 2025 promises high stakes, jaw-dropping transformations, and, of course, plenty of drama. Stay tuned!

• Mimi and Kristian’s house
• Courtney and Grant’s house
• Maddy and Charlotte’s house
• Kylie and Brad’s house
• Ricky and Haydn’s house

Tour every house on The Block 2024

The post We have our first look at The Block 2025 contestants appeared first on Home Beautiful.

So, will Dream Home return in 2025? Not just yet. Seven has hit pause, but a spokesperson confirmed the show “remains part of Seven’s content lineup” and that its debut season was “the number one new format of 2024”. Translation: expect it back… eventually.

Meanwhile, fan-favourite host Dr Chris Brown isn’t sitting still – he’s fronting the new animal adventure series Once In A Lifetime. And what about the contestants?

Dream Home contestants: Where are they now?

One year on, we checked in with the teams to see how life has changed since their time in the Dream Home spotlight. Spoiler alert: one of them is already selling up.

Winners: Rhys & Liam (Qld)

The ‘tradie brothers’ delivered a masterclass in hands-on renovating. Liam’s Queenslander got a stunning Scandi-coastal makeover – landscaping, pool, the works. But by February 2025, he and partner Shennyn had decided to move on. “We’ve loved living in this home, but we’re excited to be doing a renovation project together,” says Shennyn.

Rhys, meanwhile, pocketed the $100k mortgage prize and has been flat out with his reno business, balancing work with family life alongside partner Cassandra and their two little ones.

2nd Place: Lara & Peter (NSW)

With their red-brick Belrose home transformed into a Mediterranean oasis, for Lara Dream Home was a career game-changer. She landed a role with Three Birds Renovations. “Dream Home got me my dream job,” she says.

Pete, meanwhile, is “back to the daily grind” as a marine electrician, but the couple are still loving their home. They’re also grateful Lara’s mum got to see the finished result before she passed away in August 2024. “She was an interior decorator and was so impressed by what we’d achieved,” says Lara.

3rd Place: Elle & Taeler (Vic)

Elle received a warm timber-clad makeover for the Watsonia home she lives in with partner Brody. The couple got engaged soon after filming wrapped and are set to marry in March 2025. “They’re enjoying their dream home,” shares her sister, Taeler.

As for Taeler, her reno business, FTLO Design, has boomed. She’s worked with Koala, Kip & Co and Beacon Lighting, completed five projects, and is now on the hunt for the next one. “I want to develop homes in a sustainability-conscious way,” she says.

4th Place: Jacinta & Jordan (NSW)

Their Punchbowl home went from a modest structure to a luxe new build. “We still feel so blessed,” says Jacinta. “Entertaining has become our favourite thing.”

But there’s more on their reno to-do list – landscaping is next. “It’s like being back on the show, just without the crazy deadlines!” says Jacinta. With baby number three (a boy!) on the way, they’re also planning an extra bedroom upstairs.

5th Place: Hannah & Jonny (Qld)

Renovating on Dream Home was a wild ride. “We’d done a bit, but nothing like this,” says Hannah. Still, they wouldn’t change a thing. “We can’t imagine life without this home.”

Now they’re racing to finish their backyard – including a plunge pool and outdoor kitchen – before their April 2025 wedding, which they’re hosting at home. “Matching a ‘dream home’ aesthetic on a budget is tough,” admits Hannah. We’re confident they’ll pull it off.

6th Place: Brad & Mel (Vic)

The ‘reno rookies’ went from underdogs to fan favourites, thanks to their heart and Brad Pinto’s ’90s boy band past (shoutout to CDB fans). Their Northcote cottage gained a second storey, and their four kids now have all the space they need.

They’re still in touch with the other contestants, and Hannah shares that Mel’s kids “absolutely love their rooms”. In the end, that’s what Dream Home was all about – creating spaces that feel like home.

Not every contestant is staying in their Dream Home, but one thing’s certain – the experience changed their lives. And while the show might be on ice for now, it’s safe to say Dream Home left its mark.

Now, bring on Season 2 (whenever that may be).

The post Dream Home: One Year Later – Who’s Living the Dream and Who’s Moving On? appeared first on Home Beautiful.

1. Choose solar power and store your energy

Solar and home battery systems capture and store solar energy for use anytime—day, night, or during outages. Transition your home to stored energy instantly, reducing grid dependence and lowering your electricity bills, by powering your home from solar energy. Store energy when grid prices are low and use it when they rise with products like Powerwall 3 from Tesla. This compact battery with an integrated solar inverter helps you maximize savings, reduce bills, and power your home efficiently.

2. Only cool the rooms you use

Ensuring you have the appropriate home cooling system type is a vital step in minimising energy wastage. Low-cost and easy to install wall-mounted split air conditioning systems are a fantastic option for cooling commonly used spaces, such as the living room or bedroom, rather than paying to cool the whole home. This is a much more efficient way of keeping cool as compared to, for example, full-home cooling via multi-split or ducted systems.

3. Pick the right temperature

With Australians’ concern around the cost of energy increasing, it makes sense for us to take a few simple steps to keep those electricity bills as low as possible. Pay attention to your temperature settings. This can be a cause of many a family argument, so if you’re battling for control of the temperature gauge, remind your home companions that for every 1°C change in a thermostat setting, it’s estimated that our heating or cooling bill rises by around 10%

4. Regular system maintenance

Regular maintenance will improve the performance and extend the life of your heating and cooling systems. To ensure your system is operating with maximum efficiency, clean your unit as instructed by the manufacturer and have it serviced regularly and choose models with easy-clean features, which will allow for hassle-free maintenance between servicing.

As a general rule of thumb, the more a fan runs and the dirtier the conditions, the more often the filters require cleaning. However, humidity can also play a role because the more moisture in the air, the more dust can adhere to the filter, fan blade and indoor coil. This will reduce the amount of air that the fan moves. The less air the fan moves means that the unit can go into fault or cause the system to run at a reduced capacity.

5. Remember to close the door

“Air conditioners work most efficiently when in closed spaces, so it’s best to position your device far away from the front door and away from windows where sunlight regularly enters,” says Atesh Mani, Mitsubishi Electric Australia Air Conditioning National Product Manager. “This will ensure that the cool air continues to circulate throughout the house without uncontrolled amounts of heat entering.” Sunlight streaming in through the windows raises the temperature of a room so it’s a good idea to invest in some light blocking curtains or shade trees for outside of windows too. A door snake to keep the hot air out is another great cost effective option.

5. Selecting the right rooms

If you’re thinking about upgrading your heating or cooling, the first decision to make is to decide which room to place the heating or cooling source. Attempting to heat or cool your whole home will see energy bill costs spike, so it’s best to position a fireplace, heater or air conditioner in the rooms where you spend the most amount of time. With a fully integrated solar inverter, Powerwall can efficiently store solar energy and convert it into electricity to power your home. This means you can capture more of the solar energy your system is already generating during the day and use energy to power your home for free at night.

The post 5 ways to slash your energy bill in half appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Eventually, a new spiral staircase will extend from the original building into this tunnel.

There’s still a long way to go, with two years of building expected from October 2024, but the excavation of the tunnel is a significant step towards their grand plans for the place.

The couple bought the 150-year-old property for $8.5 million in 2021 and are now in the process of turning the crumbling mansion into their dream home.

“Mum saw a story about the house on the news – she filmed it off the TV and sent it to me with the message, ‘I think I’ve found your new home’ as a joke,” Andy told The Australian Women’s Weekly.

“We were out looking at another house, and sort of joked with one another, ‘Let’s drive past that weird place your mum showed us,’ and by chance it was open,” his fiancée, Bec, added.

“We stepped inside and looked at one another like, ‘Whoa … ’ We both had the same feeling – that feeling people tell you about when they find the perfect property. Something just felt so right and we’d never had that feeling before.”

The mansion, which is known locally as Ravenswood, occupies a prime position on the Yarra River with its own access to the water.

However, while the property comes with a desirable location, generous block size and desirable heritage features, the house had been sitting vacant for more than a decade before Andy and Bec snapped it up, and was in dire need of a restoration.

But the amount of work needed to restore this historic property to its former glory hasn’t seemed to put off Andy and Bec, who even got engaged inside the house.

After 10 years together, Andy chose the Hawthorn property as the location to propose to Bec by getting down on one knee while pretending to get something out of the marble fireplace.

The couple later posted to their renovation Instagram account with a picture of them sharing a romantic picnic in the garden with a red ring box clearly visible on the rug.

Now the renovations have officially begun, and you can bet that we’re watching every second of this exciting project.

The history of Hawthorn’s Ravenswood mansion

Located at 18 Yarra Grove, Hawthorn, Ravenswood is one of several impressive Victorian properties in Hawthorn’s exclusive Rookery Estate precinct.

The property was built in 1876 for a ship’s chandler named Alexander Tough, and at the time looked like an extremely grand home with a wrought iron balcony with columns, frieze and balustrade, as well as sash windows and a romantic arching trellis in the front garden.

The veranda was sadly removed by one of the home’s previous owners, and the lower floor windows have since been converted to doors.

Even in its state of disrepair, the property’s generous 1950 square metre riverfront block, eight bedrooms and unique heritage features offer obvious potential for a transformational renovation.

With the original baltic floor boards, open fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof and high ceilings still intact, the home is certainly a renovator’s dream come true.

And it seems like Andy and Bec weren’t the only ones to think so, with a reported 80 parties viewing the home before its eventual sale.

“We had a lot of interest from families looking to do a more simple restoration through to grander schemes,” listing agent Antony Woodley of Jellis Craig shared with realestate.com.au.

After two years of planning and receiving council approval for their renovation plans, the works have finally begun and we’re guessing Andy and Bec are in the “grander schemes” camp…

Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding’s plans for the historic Hawthorn house

Andy and Bec have been open about their plans for the property, even posting a picture of their desired outcome on Instagram for the audience following them on their renovation journey.

With the help of the architects from Flack Studio and Visioneer builders, the couple are planning to turn Ravenswood into two separate properties connected by an underground tunnel, with the plan to live in the newer build.

“We gave the architects a few broad rules,” the pair shared on Instagram, “1. Honour the old house. 2. We’d like to live in the new.”

“Flack Studio came up with this. The historic house sits proudly on its own and will be restored. The new part makes the most of the river views. All connected underground below the piazza.”

According to News.com.au, the intended works will cost the couple an additional $5 million, with their plans including a 97sqm main bedroom, as well as a pool, theatre, gym, golf simulator and reported ‘waiting room’ for guests.

The renovation progress

Since starting their renovations, the couple have been sharing the journey with 153,000 followers via their dedicated renovation Instagram account.

The interior

While boasting some ornate heritage features, the interiors of the home have needed a lot of work, with the couple even sharing that parts of the ceiling have been falling down.

“Due to the chimney being removed and never replaced, rain water has poured in causing the ceiling to collapse,” the couple shared on Instagram alongside a picture of Andy and their dog Henri, who has been getting some “joy” from jumping in the rubble.

A few weeks later, Andy shared another post of the property’s caved in ceiling with the caption. “I guess we’ll save some costs on demolition if the house continues to demolish itself. Just arrived to see more of the ceiling caved in. Even Henri seems a little perturbed by it.”

However, the couple recently shared an update after they discovered some incredible original beams within the ceiling in the upper floor of the house.

“The ceiling plaster was so water damaged that it all comes out exposing [these] incredible original beams that most likely came from Norway as ship’s ballast,” the couple wrote on Instagram. “I guess we can now say the house is “made in Scandinavia” which sounds rather fancy.”

The plans also include removing some of the walls on the upper floor of the property to create a new layout that will make the most of the floor-to-ceiling windows and their view to the garden. Framing for the second floor was reinstalled in January 2024, with Andy explaining, “The original walls and floors had to be removed due to water damage, sadly. Still, it lasted 149 years. This one is going to last another 300 minimum!”

In another update, Bec shared that they had cut in a front door and some windows on the street side of the building, and that they are planning to add a spiral staircase in as well.

Some of the couple’s followers have expressed their disappointment about some of the renovation choices, which include removing an original staircase and some of the original fireplaces.

The couple have, however, maintained that they will be keeping some of the home’s unique features, including this ‘widow’s window’ porthole, which “is not staying” in its current position but for which they will “find a place” somewhere else in the home.

Andy and Bec have also shared the more unique curiosities that the renovation has unearthed, including seaweed in the roof, which at one point in time was used for insulation.

The garden

When Andy and Bec bought Ravenswood, the property’s garden was wild and overgrown, while arguably beautiful to look at. A consultation with a landscape gardener revealed that “most of the trees and bushes on the property were dying given no one had lived here for nearly 40 years”.

For this reason, the couple have decided to remove a lot of the original garden and start planting from scratch — with the exception being this gorgeous oak tree, which they’re saving.

“This huge oak was a must keep for us!” Andy and Bec wrote on Instagram. “It looks like the giant monster from Stranger Things reaching down to grab Bec and Henri in winter, but is stunning in spring and summer.”

The couple shared that they have decided to buy “all of the trees now so they can grow off site and we’ll have mature trees when we move in”. These trees include Jacarandas, Oaks and Yellow Gums. Showing the sheer size of this home transformation, in October four mature trees bought by Andy and Bec in the Yarra Valley, needed a 50m crane to lift them over construction and into place at the rear of the site.

Another recent update to the exterior of the property is the couple’s driveway, with Andy shared that they have “10 trucks a day taking the rock away” and recently walked the site on Instagram, where we got a glimpse into just why they’re removing all of that rock. The scope of the golf simulator – which will include a home bar adjacent – is enormous and located deep underneath the newly built section by way of an underground garage and in-ground swimming pool.

We’re certainly excited to see what they do next.

The post Inside Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding’s historic ‘Ravenswood’ mansion renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

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“The brief was to create something different with an English/European style,” says Lauren. The couple also wanted a design that was sympathetic to the period of their home, which was built in 1921. Delightful touches, such as the rolling ladder from Ram Hardware, create old world charm.

On a functional level, they needed better flow with plenty of storage. For easy access to the outside entertaining area, the positions of the kitchen and family room were swapped. “The French doors are open most of the time with a great flow to outside and the pool, so the family can relax together,” says Jo. The result is a space enveloped in a mint green to reflect the leafy vista. It also has oak timber highlights and classic patterned flooring for wow factor. “We absolutely love it, it’s exactly what we hoped for and we couldn’t be happier,” shares Jo.

How to create a green kitchen

Colour is the star of this green kitchen. The bent plywood rangehood surround and the kitchen island are finished in Resene Spanish Green, while ‘Menton’ floor tiles from Kalafrana Ceramics complement. More green comes in the form of custom bar stools designed by Studio Trio, which are covered in soft Mokum ‘Vintage Deux’ velvet fabric in Lilypad. Adding balance with neutral tones is Talostone ‘Calacatta Oro’ matte-finish stone on the benchtops. This also sweeps up to the ceiling to form the splashback.

Brass handles and tapware

The architectural hardware creates cohesion. Many elements in this kitchen feature brass. These include the Visual Comfort ‘Oxford’ sconce lights in Antique Burnished Brass, Perrin & Rowe ‘Provence’ tapware in Satin Brass as well as La Cornue ‘Cornufé’ oven in Matte Black. “The La Cornue oven was the first thing selected, which ties all the lighting and tapware together,” explains Lauren. The statement Thomas O’Brien ‘Hicks’ pendants that are suspended above the island combine these accents of black and brass.

Butler’s pantry design

“The pantry is one of the busiest rooms in our house,” says Jo, who adds that it also functions as a laundry, food storage space and prep zone. Many of the materials in the kitchen are also carried through here, except for the Olde English Tiles ‘White Gloss’ subways that grace the walls. The fluted Turner Hastings ‘Novi’ fireclay sink is a smaller version of the one in the kitchen.

Interior design: Studio Trio, studiotrio.com.au
Builder: AMG Carpentry and Construction, amgcarpentry.com.au
Joinery: Coastline Kitchens & Joinery, coastlinekitchens.com.au
Stonemason: Architectural Stone Works, archstoneworks.com.au

Source book

The post Mint condition: Inside a showstopping green kitchen renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Liam’s family home, which was renovated on the debut season of Dream Home on Channel 7, is now for sale. The announcement was made in a video shared on social media by real estate agent Ben Hyrapietian from Image Property on February 19, 2025. In the reel, Liam and partner Shennyn shared the reason for putting their Deception Bay property on the market. “We’ve absolutely loved living in this home but we’re really excited to be doing a renovation project together,” Shennyn said. Head to the real estate listing for all the details.

News flash

Here’s a look inside and some thoughts from Dream Home judges Lana Taylor, Rosie Morley and Simon Cohen…

“It’s just so coastal and fresh,” said Simon of the new facade by Hannah and Jonny. “Stone and timber is the perfect combination.” There’s even a swing for Liam’s daughter Remi to play on.

Working with a generous entrance proved a challenge for Jacinta and Jordan, who didn’t seem to know what to do with it. “It looks messy and cluttered,” said Rosie of the styling in the arch. She also wished they’d built something larger in the centre of the space.

The kitchen was an ambitious room to attempt, but Hannah and Jonny made it look effortless. “It’s got a great feel, everything about it,” said Rosie.
The warmth of the benchtop and splashback went down well.

The butler’s pantry by Hannah and Jonny continued the feeling in the kitchen. “It’s simple, stylish and warm – certainly a space I want to hang out in.”

The dining room by Brad and Mel benefitted from the natural light flooding in from above, but the compliments stopped there.

“It’s a lot of timber,” said Lana. “I would love to see a rug under this table to help soften it.” The judges also thought the artwork wasn’t right.

While the living room by Jacinta and Jordan had pros such as the colour palette and arch, it wasn’t all positive.

“It feels cramped for a family living room,” said Simon. “It only caters for three people watching TV.”

The main bedroom by Jacinta and Jordan failed to excite the judges. “It’s just a little bit bland for me,” said Lana.

The walk-in robe by Jacinta and Jordan roused emotions, but not the good sort. “That’s absolutely criminal,” said Rosie of the fake rattan that was applied like contact on school books.

Brad and Mel impressed the judges with the layout and restraint of their ensuite design. “I would happily have this bathroom in my house,” said Simon.

The guest bedroom by Hannah and Jonny underwhelmed with its minimalistic style. The rug was placed in a position where it made the door difficult to open, which also didn’t go down well.

Liam’s daughter got a pink wonderland nursery by Brad and Mel. “I think Remi’s going to love it,” said Rosie.

The main bathroom was Brad and Mel’s territory, and while Lana thought it was fabulous, the other judges weren’t so impressed.

“The planning is not great,” said Rosie of the layout, which had the shower positioned open towards the bathroom entry.

Redeeming themselves after the living room flop, Jacinta and Jordan’s laundry made a good impression with its practical layout (including a clothes steamer appliance) and arch detail.

With Liam working as a carpenter, the “tradie’s bathroom” was designed as a place for him to wash off when he first gets in the door. “Tradie bathrooms need to be A++ these days,” said Simon.

As one of the teams in the top three, the brothers landscaped Liam’s backyard. It included a new pool, entertaining area and fire pit.

Rhys and Liam took out the winning $100k, with Lara and Peter coming second and Taeler and Elle third.

In case you missed any episodes, you can catch up on 7plus or browse all of the Dream Home reveals.

More Dream Home stories

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Just like the COVID-19 years saw a surge in the demand for home offices, these features tend to be a reaction to the world we live in.

So, what are home buyers looking for in 2025? The features impressing them may surprise you.

Home features buyers are looking for in 2025

Comfort

Whether fuelled by the cost-of-living crisis or the rise of the slow living movement, a recent Domain study found that today’s home buyers are less impressed by luxuries such as pools, saunas and wine cellars, and showing more interest in convenience and more modest creature comforts.

At the top of this list are ensuites, walk-in wardrobes and bathtubs, with the study finding that 62% of Australians believe that a bedroom with an ensuite is a must-have, while 50% rank a walk-in wardrobe as an essential feature.

Bathtubs are also favoured by Australians, with a little more than a third of us (36%) stating that a bathtub is a must-have feature.

Sustainability

This year has also seen an increase in demand for properties with energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials, which 50% of Australian home buyers are now considering crucial features in their home.

One storey over two

There also seems to be an increased preference for single-storey living, with 43% of buyers opting for a single-storey dwelling over a two-storey home.

Indoor-outdoor living

It won’t come as a surprise that Australians are still drawn to indoor-outdoor living, with 50% of home buyers seeking outdoor entertaining areas and 45% prioritising natural light.

The study also found that 51% of Australians would opt for a garden over high-tech security systems, making it clear that lifestyle features are important for today’s home buyers.

The features that put off buyers

When it comes to the features that put buyers off a sale, a 2021 study from the Rated People’s recent Home Improvement Trends Report found that dirty homes were the number one turn-off.

The study found that a home which presents as unclean would stop almost half (43%) of buyers from inspecting it and of those who did view an unclean property, 61% would put in a lower bid to purchase it. Scuff marks, mould or cracks in walls, bad smells and dirty kitchens were all cited as off-putting to potential buyers.

Other neglected home improvements that turn off the most buyers include:

• Signs of damp/mould

• Cracks in walls

• Mess and clutter inside

• Scuffed paintwork and marked walls

• No double glazing

• Peeling wallpaper

• Dirty bathroom

• Rubbish or debris in the front garden/in front of the house

• Broken or missing fence panels in the garden/outside space

• Bad smells inside

• Dirty kitchen

• Outdated decor

• Dirty/stained furnishings (carpet, curtains and sofas)

• Overgrown garden

• An interior that hasn’t been cleaned

• Broken/damaged windows and fixtures such as kitchen cupboard doors

This means that even if you aren’t planning a renovation, there can be no denying that investing time, energy and, if necessary, cash into presenting a home as clean and tidy is essential before bringing it to market.

The post The 8 features that will help your home sell in 2025 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

In late 2024, Darren and Olivier’s stunning home was listed for sale with an auction price guide of $8,500,000. This was dropped by $1 million from the initial price guide of $9,500,000. After several months, the home was taken off the market. Now in 2025, the home is back on the market and going to auction on the 8th March. We’re thrilled to be along for the ride and watch as this stylish couple ponder their next move. Stay up to date with the sale status here.

News flash

Who lives here?

Interior designer Darren Palmer and his husband, Olivier Duvillard, share the home with their teenage son and two dogs, Frankie and Razzie.
What style is your home? Darren: “It’s intentionally minimalistic with a lot of sandy pink tones.”
Biggest benefit of renovating? “We’ve got a lot more space now and it’s a lot more usable.”
Your favourite design choice? “The double-sided fireplace is impressive. It’s in our winter living room, with the study on the other side.”
Did you reuse any elements? “We saved the perfectly stable granny flat on the property from going to landfill and transported it to Hyams Beach to turn it into a holiday home.”

The home was a two-storey building when they moved in – a 1930s California bungalow downstairs with a 2010 addition upstairs. The walls were a “dirty cream colour,” so that was the first thing that had to go. “I hired a spray rig, bought a ton of paint and painted everything white,” he says.

When Darren’s ambassador duties for an appliance brand required him for a photo shoot in his own house, he did a speedy renovation to get it ready. “I did the kitchen, laundry and dining room in two-and-a-half weeks. It was like a real-life [episode of] The Block,” he recalls. He hosted his 40th birthday party there shortly after, with fellow judges Neale Whitaker and Shaynna Blaze on the guest list, so the pressure was on to make the place presentable. “They came in an hour after I’d unpacked boxes!” he recalls.

The high-profile interior designer says his home might have been meeting others’ expectations, but it still didn’t feel right for him. “So in 2018, I started again!” A good 18 months was spent “ticking details over” in his mind, then on paper, before he worked with architect John Deuchrass for the final plans. In 2022, construction company Taste Living began the rebuild.

It’s been upsized from two storeys to three, with a more open-plan design. One of Darren’s favourite spaces is the new “very sexy” kitchen. “I ended up making it probably a metre wider, so we got a much bigger island bench,” he explains. Made from CDK Stone’s Monreale marble with soft pinks and sandy tones, it’s the hero of the space and complements the impressive joinery, which features grooved Kinsman ‘Avalon’ doors in Coastal Oak Woodmatt. “It’s got this lovely coastal feeling to it,” shares Darren.

The home epitomises a Bondi oasis, with four bedrooms plus a study, two lounge areas, a Plungie pool and multiple alfresco zones. Yet just as Darren has finished the transformation, the family has decided it’s time to move on. “This is actually the longest-term house I’ve had in my entire life, except for when I was a child,” says Darren of their home of nine years. “Our teenage son’s lived here most of his life. It’s definitely been a family home.”

While it’s in Darren’s nature to already have his sights set on the next renovation, he also has his hands full with the latest season of Channel Nine’s The Block television series and multiple business ventures, from art and rug ranges to home fragrances and tapware. “To be honest with you, the next project would happily be about a year away from now,” he says with a laugh.

Living area

The walls are painted in warm Dulux Whisper White. On the Monreale marble ledge from CDK Stone is Bush Medicine Leaves by Gloria Petyarre. Nearby is an oceanic work, Rhythm and Blues, by Neil Frazer. On the lounge are Few & Far ‘Noah’ cushions in Burro and Adairs ‘Rosedale’ cushions in Rust.

Dining area

Velux skylights over the staircase let in natural light. Three ‘Orb’ pendants from Lighting Collective in the dining space hang over an En Gold ‘Paradis’ dining table in Fossil Stone, with Design By Them ‘Bobby’ chairs in Ash Solid. The ensemble sits on a Darren Palmer ‘Earth Natural’ rug.

Kitchen

To design the luxurious joinery in the kitchen, Darren worked with Kinsman, selecting ‘Avalon’ doors in Coastal Oak Woodmatt and pairing them with Matt White Knurled Bar handles. These marry well with the Carpet Court ‘Hickory Elegance’ flooring in Beverly Hills. CDK Stone’s Monreale marble makes a show-stopping kitchen island, with Design By Them ‘Bobby’ stools in Ash Solid.

Beacon Lighting’s MFL By Masson ‘Gypsum’ downlights light the island, which houses a Meir ‘Round Paddle Piccola’ kitchen mixer. The benchtop and splashback are Caesarstone ‘Mineral’ in Adamina, with ‘Rome’ wall sconces from Temple & Webster.

Winter living room

This cosy ‘winter’ living room features a Few & Far ‘Bonnie’ chair in Green and MCM House ‘Tonk’ stool in Aged White. The En Gold ‘Paradis’ coffee table in Fossil Stone chimes with a Darren Palmer ‘Zen White’ rug.

Study

The desk in the home office is designed with Kinsman ‘Avalon’ profiles in Coastal Oak Woodmatt. It’s teamed with a Casa Blanco ‘Nobu’ dining chair in Natural Oak Tan Leather.

Main bedroom

For a grand effect in the bedroom, Darren positioned two Lounge Lovers ‘Serenity’ ribbed king bedheads in Cream side by side. They’re a magnificent match for the Wallpaper Direct ‘Fabric Effect’ in Beige on the wall, which has a tactile quality. Demonstrating a clever design hack, a Loughlin Furniture ‘Alura’ full-length mirror in American Oak Light has been mounted horizontally above the bed.

The bed is dressed with Carlotta + Gee’s linen duvet set in Chocolate, which is a delicious contrast to the sandy shades of the Carpet Court ‘Bali’ sheer curtains in Flax. Few & Far ‘Agnes’ table lamps in White stand on RJ Living ‘Peggy’ bedside tables in Oak. A Darren Palmer ‘Travertine Brown’ rug adds textural elegance. ‘Bird of Paradise’ by Joshua Yeldham hangs on the wall, echoing the rusty pink tones seen throughout the home.

“I’ve used sandy pink and beige tones throughout our home, with statement artworks”

Darren Palmer

Ensuite

The vanity in the couple’s ensuite is crafted from CDK Stone Monreale marble. On the wall are Earp Bros square unglazed tiles in Off White Matt, lit by Estilo Living ‘Bartel’ wall lights in White with White Base. A pair of Loughlin Furniture ‘Alura’ mirror cabinets fit neatly above the sinks with Meir x Darren Palmer Lustre Bronze tapware.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, Porter’s Paints Interno Lime Wash in Cinnamon Sugar creates a chic finish. The ‘Zach’ bed frame in Off-White (with In Bed linen), is joined by a ‘Sorrento’ bedside table, both from Lifely, with a Rachel Donath lamp.

“We retained the original ceiling and used a lime wash paint on the walls for a cocooning effect”

Darren Palmer

Alfresco area

The home’s previous poky doors that led out to the patio were replaced with Architectural Window Systems ComfortEDGE Sliding Doors. “They’re floor-to-ceiling with no sills, no frames, nothing visible. You can open them completely without any impediments,” says Darren. “They let all this gorgeous light in and you can look out into the bamboo and palm trees.” In a video on Darren’s Instagram, he shows just how seamless the door design is. They’re a great idea if you’re looking to double your living space.

A significant consideration in the home’s redesign was how to maximise the outside areas. “We have four outdoor spaces now,” explains Darren. “There’s one poolside, a terrace above that, our backyard with a lawn and then another outdoor space outside our son’s bedroom.” Adjacent to the home’s main living area is the terraced alfresco space, which encourages indoor-outdoor living.

An Early Settler ‘Ripple’ curved outdoor dining table in White creates a casual and comfortable place for sharing a meal or enjoying a morning coffee. For more relaxed lounging, the Temple & Webster ‘Venice’ outdoor lounge set and Few & Far ‘Clifton’ coffee table in Red Alicante is just right, grounded by a Darren Palmer ‘Sandridge Ripple’ rug.

Pool

“The biggest surprise is probably the pool area,” shares Darren. “We put the pool in the front yard, which is kind of a strange thing to do really, but it made a lot of sense because we’ve ended up with this pretty massive poolside entertaining area that was unusable dead space before.” Prestige Fencing aluminium tubular fencing in Surfmist runs alongside the Plungie ‘Arena’ 3.5-metre pool in Kona Coast. An Original Parasol Co ‘The Fitzroy’ umbrella offers additional shade during dips, while a TH Brown lounge and foot stool provides a spot to unwind. The Few & Far ‘Odin’ coffee table in Elm Wood functions as a handy bench seat.

Architect: Deuchrass Architects, deuchrassarchitects.com.au.
Builder: Taste Living, tasteliving.com.au.
Interior designer: Darren Palmer, darrenpalmer.com.
Stonemason: Macarthur Marble & Granite using CDK Stone, macarthurmarbleandgranite.com
Landscaping: Ladybug Landscapes, @ladybuglandscapesaustralia.

SOURCE BOOK

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How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom?

Cost is one of the biggest factors to consider when embarking on any renovation—and it’s something that can vary greatly depending on a number of different factors.

“The cost of an average Australian bathroom renovation varies widely due to factors such as your suburb location, size of the room, materials you want installed and their quality level, ” Barber explains to Home Beautiful, adding that you also have to consider “whether you’re going to be project managing it yourself (DIY) or hiring licensed professionals to do all the work for you (outsourcing).”

The cost of a bathroom renovation in Australia

Budget: $10,000 to $15,000 (DIY), $15,000 to $25,000 (outsourced)

A basic renovation with minimal plumbing changes, budget fixtures and cosmetic updates.

Mid-range: $20,000 to $35,000 (DIY), $35,000 to $60,000 (outsourced)

Layout changes, quality fixtures, professional waterproofing and tiling.

Luxury: $35,000 to $50,000 (DIY), $60,000 to $100,000 (outsourced)

Room is completely reconfigured with high-end finishes, custom cabinetry and underfloor heating.

How to save costs on a bathroom renovation

When it comes to saving costs on a bathroom renovation, one of the most impactful things you can do it is leave your plumbing where it is and instead, just refit your fixtures.

“Leaving plumbing in place is significantly cheaper than relocating it,” advises Barber. “Moving a toilet, shower, bath or vanity often requires re-routing of your existing water lines which can add thousands of dollars to your renovation cost for a home with timber bearers and joists with reasonable access.”

“If you have a concrete slab home, jackhammering new water lines into the existing slab, can significantly increase this cost again.”

There is however, an exception to this rule— if your current bathroom layout isn’t functional.

In this case, Barber recommends you “invest the money and do your bathroom right.

“What might cost you extra now, will pay dividends later in your increased property value and your own personal sanity.”

Read: How to renovate a bathroom for under $10,000

DIY or building company?

Depending on our renovation knowledge and enjoyment level, there are pros and cons to both DIY and outsourcing the job to the professionals.

“If you go the DIY route, you’ll need to juggle multiple tradies, get the construction timeline right and make sure everything meets Aussie building codes,” says Barber.

“If that all sounds a bit overwhelming, it might be worth paying extra for licensed professionals—at least you’ll have peace of mind knowing the job’s done properly. Bathroom mistakes can be expensive and tricky to fix so be honest about your skills before diving in.”

What is the best bathroom layout?

Your bathroom renovation may involve rethinking your existing bathroom layout and designing a new one. While Barber doesn’t believe there’s one “perfect floorplan,” she does believe there are some “smart design principles” to consider.

“A good floor plan will always maximise functionality, ensure proper spacing between fixtures, create a comfortable flow in which to circulate within the bathroom, offer good privacy, be practical for everyday use, all whilst having great visual appeal,” Barber says.

It’s also important to remember that certain layouts will benefit different sized bathrooms.

“If your bathroom is on the smaller side, the “all on a wall” layout where your shower/bath, toilet and vanity is all on one wall is space efficient and cost effective,” explains Barber, who suggests the ‘wet and dry zone’ approach for bigger bathrooms.

“A popular and modern design these days is the “wet & dry zone” approach, where the shower and bath are placed in one area, separated by a glass screen or partial wall, while the vanity and toilet remain in a drier section.”

When designing your bathroom layout, Barber suggests considering the following elements:

• Bathroom plumbing locations – Moving plumbing is costly so try to work with your existing locations if possible but don’t do so, if it’s still going to compromise the overall functionality of your bathroom.
• Bathroom space efficiency – Avoid overcrowding by ensuring you have adequate clearance between fixtures.
• Bathroom storage – Consider vanities with built-in storage, mirrored cabinets that can utilise your internal wall cavity space and shower nooks to neatly conceal day to day items such as shampoo, soap and the like.
• Bathroom lighting – Natural light is ideal but don’t forget to supplement it with well-placed task lighting.
• Bathroom accessibility – Ensure users have easy access to all fixtures, especially for people with mobility issues.
• Bathroom ventilation – Ensure adequate airflow to prevent mould, especially in the more humid states of Australia.
• Aesthetics vs. practicality – While trends are tempting, focus on durable, easy-to-clean materials that will stand the test of time. Trends come and go quickly but your bathroom needs to last the distance, ideally at least two decades.

The biggest bathroom design mistakes

When it comes to bathroom renovating mistakes, Barber has seen them all.

1. Poor space planning
   “One of the biggest mistakes I see is poor space planning – trying to squeeze too many things in or larger fixtures than what they necessarily need to be. This often results in a bathroom where there isn’t enough room for movement or failing to consider door swings and clearance for fixtures,” explains Barber.
2. Improper toilet placement
   “Another big mistake is the improper placement of the toilet, where it becomes the first visible item when entering the room. Toilets generally aren’t attractive so don’t make them the focal point. If anything, try to hide them as much as possible.”
3. Poor ventilation
   Poor ventilation is also a frequent oversight, leading to moisture issues and mould growth, a big problem with our humid Australian climate.

Waterproofing is crucial – Australian building codes require strict waterproofing standards so always hire a licensed water proofer. This is not a DIY area

Consider future-proofing – If this is your long-term home, consider accessibility features such as a walk-in shower and grab rails which will be easier to manoeuvre around as you get older in age

Use light colours in small bathrooms – White and neutral tones can make a small bathroom appear larger

Invest in quality tapware – Cheap fittings may corrode quickly, especially in coastal areas

Plan lighting carefully – Use layered lighting: task lighting near mirrors and ambient lighting for general illumination

Think about resale value – If renovating for resale, stick to timeless designs rather than overly trendy styles

Cherie Barber’s best bathroom renovation tips

Bathroom layout dimensions

When designing your bathroom, Barber suggests adhering to these standard measurements.

Bath

· Standard length: 1500mm – 1700mm

· Width: 700mm – 900mm

· Depth: 400mm – 600mm

*Freestanding baths require at least 100mm clearance from walls for cleaning access.

Toilet

· Distance from wall to front: 600mm – 800mm

· Side clearance: At least 200mm from walls/vanities

· Height: 400mm – 450mm (seat height)

Shower

· Minimum size: 900mm x 900mm (recommended for comfort)

· Walk-in showers: At least 1200mm x 900mm

· Showerhead height: 2000mm – 2100mm from the floor

Basin / Vanity

· Height from floor: 850mm – 900mm

· Depth: 400mm – 500mm

· Width: 400mm – 1500mm

Other Fixtures

· Towel rails: 900mm – 1200mm from the floor

· Mirror height: Top edge around 1800mm from the floor

You can find Cherie Barber on Instagram and on her website.

The post All of your biggest bathroom renovation questions, answered appeared first on Home Beautiful.

After renovating 15 bathrooms herself and witnessing around 180 bathroom builds on The Block, television presenter, real estate agent and ABI Interiors ambassador Shelley Craft has learned a thing or two about making a bathroom beautiful. And the secret weapon she swears by to breathe new life into a bathroom on a budget? Tapware. “Once you start messing with tiles and layout, that’s when big bucks start racking up. But changing tapware can do wonders to lift a bathroom and make it feel fresh and loved,” she says.

Here, Shelley runs through her favourite tapware, the age-old conundrum of whether to select a mixer or a tap set and the best tapware to help you create a contemporary yet timeless bathroom you’ll love for years and years.

What is the best finish for bathroom tapware? 

Gone are the days of chrome, chrome, chrome – bathroom tapware is available in so many finishes these days, ranging from classic brass to contemporary matt black. But for Shelley, three finishes stand out from the rest for their versatility and beauty.

01

Brushed gunmetal

“I have used brushed gunmetal in many of my projects. I love the subtle sophistication of the finish,” she says. Shelley created this textured ensuite at her Byron Bay home and selected brushed gunmetal tapware to complement the room’s earthy materials palette.

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02

Brushed brass

“My next go-to would be brushed brass, as it allows me to bring some glamour and fun to a space,” says Shelley, who selected brushed brass to complete her girls’ Jack and Jill bathroom at her Pacifico House property.

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03

Brushed copper

“Brushed copper is so rich and unique and brings a lovely challenge to selecting the rest of your colour choices for the space,” says Shelley. One surprising shade that goes well with copper is blue, an example of which is on display in this luxurious space designed by Am Interior Studio.

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There are several advantages to selecting tapware with a ‘brushed’ finish. The first is that it doesn’t show fingerprints and watermarks as readily as polished metals. The second, is that it adds subtle bling to a bathroom without being too in-your-face. It’s also extremely versatile, and will look just at home in a modern bathroom as it would in a classic, Hamptons style bathroom.

Advantages of brushed tapware

What is the most popular bathroom tapware? 

There are no hard and fast statistics on the most popular tapware choice in Australia, but one of the most common tapware finishes is chrome. Chrome is so widespread because it hits the trifecta of durability, affordability and ease of maintenance. It’s also one of the most timeless tapware colour choices.

Want to take the style of your bathroom up a notch without having to revise your bathroom’s entire design scheme? Switch out basic chrome taps for those in a brushed nickel finish. Brushed nickel is like chrome’s subtle and sophisticated older brother. And the best part? Because of the colour similarity, it will fit right into a bathroom that previously had chrome tapware. 

What’s better, a mixer or tap set?

“I am a mixer fan,” says Shelley, but admits there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing between a mixer or tap set. The choice really boils down to personal preference, your budget, and the style of your bathroom. “Take into account the period of your home and the overall design you are going for. Sometimes the space will dictate the best option, so keep an open mind.”

Pros of a mixer tap

A mixer tap is perhaps the most convenient – in terms of both installation and everyday use – option for a modern bathroom. It’s simple for children to use, requires less effort to operate and makes the whole process of adjusting the water temperature so much easier. 

Pros of a tap set

There’s something undeniably beautiful about a stylish tap set. Maybe it’s the symmetry of the spindles and the spout, or the customisation and personality opportunities a pair of spindles presents? Either way, a tap set is simply another opportunity to add pizazz to a bathroom. The downsides: they may require more room and those that are designed to be wall-mounted can be expensive to add to a pre-existing bathroom. Some spindles can feel stiff and difficult for some people to operate.

“It really is important to speak with your plumber or builder in regards to layout and wall cavity space for what will work best,” says Shelley. “Be flexible, as sometimes your first choice might be impossible or double the cost of work.”

Keep it consistent 

Mixing metals may be a trend in the jewellery world, but in a bathroom, it can look jarring and awkward – which isn’t ideal when the goal is style and harmony. If you do decide to update your tapware, it’s a good idea to ensure all of the other metal hardware in the room matches.

Nowadays, most bathroom hardware (from shower screen hinges to towel rails and drawer pulls) is available in such a wide range of colours and finishes, that there’s really no longer any excuse for clashing chrome with brushed brass. 

Sample everything

To ensure the tapware you select fits right into your existing bathroom, be sure to get physical samples and study them in situ. Test them against the wall tiles, the floor tiles, the vanity, the benchtop and maybe even your towel set if you’re a stickler for absolutely everything looking good together. 

All in all, when updating a bathroom on a budget, swapping outdated tapware for something more contemporary is exactly the kind of simple but effective update that can make a marked difference to the way a room looks and feels. “It might be enough for you to feel like you’ve made big changes without sacrificing all the walls and floors,” says Shelley. 

Our top 5 bathroom tapware picks

01

Colour sample pack, ABI Interiors

$39

Samples are a designer’s best friend – and they can be yours too. This comprehensive colour pack from ABI Interiors showcases the brand’s extensive colour and finishes range and includes 10 samples including brushed nickel, brass and copper.

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02

Home Beautiful All Australian Kitchens, Bathrooms & Laundries Vol 1

$14.99

Start your bathroom makeover with a vision and be rewarded with a space that’s harmonious, stylish and calming. Home Beautiful’s special Dream Kitchens, Bathrooms & Laundries edition features 132 pages of design inspiration and floorplans to pore over.

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03

‘Milani’ extended basin mixer in brushed brass

$299.90

If you’re looking for an elegant and stylish mixer your can pretty much swap out yourself with minimal fuss or effort, then the ‘Milani’ mixer is for you. It’s sleek, modern and minimal – just the kind of qualities you want in bathroom tapware. This extended style is tall, which makes it perfect for a vessel sink. For an undermount sink, you may be better off with the standard ‘Milani’ basin mixer.

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04

‘Elysian’ minimal wall-mounted tap set in brushed gunmetal

$374.70

If you’re an interior design aficionado, then you’ll understand the allure of a sleek, well-designed tap set. The ‘Elysian’ range is the perfect all-rounder, whether you plan to create a classic bathroom or something more contemporary.

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05

‘Cross Assembly’ taps and spout set in brushed copper

$374.70

For the maximalist who wants to make a statement, you can’t go past this ‘Cross Assembly’ set in brushed copper. Pair it with duck-egg blue feature tiling or natural stone for a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind look.

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The post Why tapware is Shelley Craft’s go-to bathroom game-changer appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It’s striking a chord on social media, with content creator @therenegadehome sharing how she’s putting up walls to reverse her open-plan design.

“This is my petition to make open floor plans a thing of the past,” she said. The video has garnered 2.7 million views, with many chiming in to share their dislike for open-plan living.

The Block’s Steph and Gian have seen this sentiment firsthand at their architecture practice, Japandi Estate. “Open-plan living remains popular, but there’s a noticeable shift towards more defined spaces and room division,” they told Home Beautiful. 

Why the change of heart? People’s evolving needs for privacy, functionality and flexibility are reshaping how we live. “While open-plan layouts are still valued for their sense of space and social connection, the post-pandemic lifestyle has highlighted the importance of dedicated areas for work, study, and relaxation.”

Is open-plan a good idea?

It’s all about personal preference, but open-plan living has its drawbacks. Here are five reasons why people are falling out of love with it:

1. No privacy: Finding a quiet corner is nearly impossible when everyone’s in the same big room.
2. Noise overload: The lack of walls means you’ll hear everything – conversations, the TV and kitchen chaos.
3. Temperature troubles: Large spaces are harder to heat or cool evenly.
4. Zoning headaches: Without walls, it takes some serious design skill to define separate areas.
5. Clutter chaos: There’s no hiding that pile of dishes when it’s always in view.

If open-plan is over, what’s next?

According to Steph and Gian, it’s not about saying goodbye to openness but rather rethinking how we use our spaces. Here’s what’s trending: 

• Textural divisions: “Open plans now often incorporate subtle sliding shoji-style panels, timber screens, or half walls to break up spaces.”
• Multi-functionality: “Rooms that can transform – like living areas doubling as home offices or guest rooms – are becoming increasingly popular.”
• Enclosed retreats: “The rise of remote work and more time at home has created demand for quieter, enclosed spaces for focus and relaxation.”

The comeback of the separate dining room

Even Neale Whitaker, host of Love It or List It and interiors expert, is calling attention to the return of more traditional spaces. 

In his 2025 trends list which he shared on Instagram, Neale called out the return of the dining room – yes, a proper, separate dining room. “Not dining zones or little nooks leading off the kitchen, but good old-fashioned dining rooms are back,” he said.

Maybe it’s time to embrace the walls again. After all, there’s something undeniably charming about a home where every space has its own purpose.

The post Steph and Gian on why open-plan design is out – and what’s next appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Whether it is yours alone or shared, a bathroom that works for you and your home is a must. And while a retro bathroom can be charming, like all utility rooms, it will eventually show the wear and tear of daily use.

A brand new, fully renovated bathroom is undeniably appealing, but a full overhaul may not be essential if the plumbing is in the right spot and the tilework and waterproofing are intact. Updating an old bathroom can make it feel fresh and functional without starting from scratch. Here are some modern updates to bring a breath of fresh air into a retro bathroom.

1. Update your fixtures and hardware

Contemporary hardware with a hint of colour such as cool gunmetal, brushed brass or sophisticated matte black can make a design feature of these hardworking pieces.

Replacing outdated tapware and spouts with sleek, modern styles will give an instant lift. Swap a dated shower rosette with a luxurious rain showerhead featuring an optional handheld shower for a spa-like feel. Update your towel rails and toilet roll holders to match your new hardware finishes and choose fixtures from the same range to ensure a cohesive look.

2. Max your space and energy efficiency

A bath is an everyday luxury if you have the space for it. Swap a bulky inset bath for a back-to-wall design to get the freestanding look without any wasted space — or the hassle of having to clean behind it!

To conserve water, consider switching your toilet to a low-flow option, and choose tapware and showerheads with water saving features.

3. Choose a modern colour scheme

Colour can be the first thing to date a room, but it’s also one of the easiest things to fix with a fresh coat of paint.

Put together a mood board with colour swatches in modern neutral or earthy tones (e.g., greige, sage green, or soft blues). Consider whether you’re working in a warm or cool palette and choose your hardware tones to suit your colour scheme.

4. Refresh cabinetry and countertops

One of the hallmarks of modern design is hidden storage, which older bathrooms notoriously lacked. Update your bathroom’s storage options with floating shelves for a modern and airy look, and add baskets, open shelving, or decorative hooks for towels and toiletries.

Add modern hardware to your vanity in your chosen finish, such as sleek bar pulls or circular knobs. You can also swap outdated countertops for quartz or butchers’ block for a clean, durable surface.

5. Add contemporary finishing touches

Even if you can’t do a full overhaul of your retro bathroom, a few modern touches can easily bring it into the 21^st century.

Incorporate rugs and towels in complementary colours to distract from dated features or play them up with fun retro patterns. Finally, add a pop of lush greenery or decorative plants for a touch of life and create a sanctuary-style feeling you can immerse yourself in, every day.

The post 5 ideas to bring a retro bathroom into the 21st century appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The series has even taken off overseas. Foxtel sold the format on to Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany and Brazil. “It’s been a huge success,” says Neale. “I’ve been dubbed in German. I get people contacting me from all over the world.”

Well, a whole new set of homeowners are about to get help deciding if they should stay or sell as Love It or List It Australia is hitting our screens with a sixth season in 2025.

Is Love It or List It coming back?

Yes, in exciting news Love It or List It Australia is returning, with casting having just commenced. Foxtel and Beyond Productions announced on January 22, 2025 that the Foxtel original series hosted by renowned real-estate expert Andrew Winter and respected design guru Neale Whitaker is going ahead.

In a promotion for the series, the property duo shared the announcement. “Guess what, Love It or List It is coming back and because of that we’re going to need to find some homeowners who need our help,” said Andrew. “If you or your partner have fallen out of love with your home and you’ve got a healthy renovation budget stuffed under the mattress, apply now,” added Neale.

Should you love it or list it?

If the show itself is anything to go by, there is no hard and fast rule on whether you should stay in your current home and renovate it to suit your needs, or find a new dream home. So much depends on the couple. “On a show like Love It or List It, all the couples are different. All homeowners are different,” Neale tells Home Beautiful. “They all had a different set of problems. We had empty nesters for whom the home was now too big because all the kids had moved away. We had young couples who were just starting a family for whom the home was too small. And every problem in between.”

People sell because they dream of something else, says Neale, or they have problems they can’t resolve where they are. On Love It or List It Australia, as is the case in real life, a huge reason people come to sell is because there is something out there they love. “Let’s not forget the beautiful real estate that my colleague Andrew [Winter] showed them, which opened their eyes,” he says.

It sounds “very cynical”, but “in the case of the homeowners who decided to love it and stay, it was often a case of the property not realising the value, the resale value, that they’d hoped it would”, says Neale.

“That was a major influence. Let’s not underestimate the power of finance in all these things. I would say the majority of homeowners who decided to stay and love it, it was because it just wasn’t going to make them the profit that they hoped it would.”

Should you build or renovate right now?

Building costs, interest rates… Isn’t building or renovating too scary right now?

Neale acknowledges building costs are high. “There is definitely an increase. But that can often be offset by the increased value of the resulting home, if you plan to sell it. If you are renovating purely to sell, then just at this precise moment, you’re likely to be selling that property for an awful lot more money than you would have done a couple of years ago.”

If you’re not planning to resell after the renovation, Neale says, “I think it would be prudent to just sit tight for a little bit longer and see what happens with interest rates and the cost of building materials”.

“I think we’re probably going to see a lot of growth around the makeover market, as opposed to the full blown renovation market”

Neale Whitaker

“People are scaling down their renovations. They’re not maybe taking on the full-scale renovations that they were years ago. They’re picking just certain rooms of the house, doing more a makeover than a full blown renovation. Maybe doing a bathroom or two bathrooms, and not doing the kitchen. Whereas a couple of years ago they might have done the kitchen and both bathrooms.”

There are plenty of ways a refurb can add value to your home, and a kitchen renovation is one way many homeowners achieve this. Giving a lacklustre exterior a magic makeover can create a whole new vibe for a home as well.

What are the most popular renovation styles?

Australians love a renovation, says Neale. “I genuinely don’t think there’s another country in the world that is as obsessed with renovations as Australia,” he says. But whether Australians are going to renovate or find something new, they’re looking to tick certain boxes to suit their needs. Right now, when it comes to modern homes, Australians are prioritising specific needs.

James Hardie released a design forecast last year that outlined the kinds of houses those people who are planning an extension, renovation or new build in 2024 really wanted. It detailed seven popular, enduring and emerging contemporary home styles in its report. Through an extensive research piece combining advanced AI-driven technology, desktop research and interviews with architects, designers and key industry professionals, James Hardie believes its new Modern Homes Forecast 2024 has decoded the current and future trajectory of home design.

Neale says anyone deciding whether to renovate or find a new home needs to consider their very personal needs. For many Australians, an increase in regional migration and dissatisfaction with city life has fuelled aspiration for a modern farmhouse style house. The large-format design gives people the chance to have multi-generational living, and it accommodates the needs of different age groups under one roof. More of us, as couples on Love It or List It Australia have also found, want a home that caters for hybrid living and working as the modern farmhouse style does.

When should you list your property?

Sometimes it’s time to move on. Even Neale has sold houses in the past, deciding to pack up and “list it”, and start fresh somewhere else. In 2018 he put his stunning Sydney apartment in Alexandria on the market, only two years after he bought it. The apartment, which the television host and magazine editor shared with partner David Novak-Piper, was filled with eclectic high-end furnishings, artworks and had a spacious balcony and large windows that filled the various rooms with natural light. So what was not to love?

“It’s very unusual for us to be moving on [from a home] as quickly as this,” Whitaker told Domain. “We have a huge love of the South Coast, particularly the Berry area. We’ve been going back and forth … and suddenly realised, there’s nothing to stop us now from having our main home further out of the city,” he said.

Neale still lives in the South Coast, in the same home. “Whether to stay or sell is such a personal decision,” he tells Home Beautiful. “Some people are never going to sell, they just love their home too much.”

Is Love It or List It staged?

Australia’s favourite property duo were reunited once again when Foxtel and Beyond Productions released the highly anticipated fifth season of Love It or List It Australia. It followed the same pleasing format, which follows homeowners across the country who are struggling with whether to renovate and love the home they are in, or to sell up and find a new home somewhere else.

Real estate agent Andrew and interior designer Neale tour the couple’s home before meeting with them, and typically Andrew finds mostly negative things to say about the house while Neale thinks a renovation will transform it. Armed with an understanding of what each couple wants, Andrew is tasked with finding a new home for the couple while keeping location, needs and budget in mind. Neale is briefed on what the couples would like to see in their current house and his budget for the entire project.

Andrew then goes on to find three potential homes for the owners to explore and consider. Meanwhile, Neale works on the reno. The homeowners are then given a tour of their renovated home, while Andrew gives the couple an evaluation of the home’s new market value. Each couple has to decide: will they love it or list it?

While each episode and season follows this format, Love It or List It is not staged, it’s very much a reality show, shining a light on real couples with real problems and real decisions to make.

Love It or List It, the non-Australian version, is now streaming all eight seasons on Binge. You can follow Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp as they go head to head – like our Neale and Andrew – and convince homeowners to either sell their home or refurbish it.

Why do Australians love renovation shows?

It’s a national obsession, says Neale Whitaker. Australians love talking about renovations, they love doing them, they love watching them on television. “Australians love a renovation show,” he says. “We have so much, like The Block, and Selling Houses Australia, like Dream Home and all the shows that have been on over the years. They’re all prime time shows, and many are on free-to-air television.”

“For about 20 years Australians have been fed a diet of this stuff. It’s like a national sport, isn’t it? We are passionate about renovating and we are passionate about sport”

Neale Whitaker

Neale points to what he calls “the Bunnings phenomenon” as a sign of the national obsession. “There is no equivalent to that in the UK, for example. British people do not go to the DIY store on a Saturday morning unless they’ve got something that they need to fix urgently. We go there for pleasure. If you go to Bunnings, the world will be okay. Whatever problem you’ve got, you’ll find something there that will sort it out. It’s like a pharmacy. There will be something to make you feel better at Bunnings,” Neale laughs. “And that’s a uniquely Australian thing.”

Who is the cast on Love It or List It?

Neale appears as host on Love It or List It Australia with Andrew Winter, a residential property expert and host of Selling Houses Australia. Andrew has more than 25 years’ experience in the global property market. The duo bring their unique dynamic to the small screen. While Andrew is a residential property expert who encourages people to list and sell so that they can move into a new home, lifestyle expert Neale helps couples with his design knowledge that comes in handy during renovation.

Where to watch Love It or List It Australia

Watch Love It or List It Australia on Foxtel. All episodes from season one through season five are available to stream on Foxtel in Australia, with season six coming soon.

The streaming service also houses other home renovation favourites such as Selling Houses Australia, Grand Designs Australia and Pamela’s Garden of Eden.

Stream Love It or List It Australia on Foxtel Now with a 10-day free trial. Subscribe here.

The post Love It or List It returns with more dilemmas and dream makeovers appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The property, described as a renovator’s dream just waiting for someone to “unlock the potential”, had plenty of charm to begin with. Timeless design, expansive picture windows that showcase lush garden vistas, a charming pond and even an adorable birdhouse straight out of a fairytale. Whether those quirks will stay or get a Samantha-approved twist remains a mystery – but either way, it’s bound to shine.

This fixer-upper comes with a touch of personal history for Samantha. It’s just a stone’s throw from her former Berrima farm, where she lived with equestrian businessman Richard Lavender before the couple announced their separation in 2024. But Sam’s moving forward – and making bold choices along the way.

The renovation isn’t the only shake-up in Samantha’s life. Last year, she decided to take her stunning Hyams Beach home off the market and step away from hosting Farmer Wants a Wife on Channel 7. Instead, she’s embarking on a new adventure with The Golden Bachelor on Channel 9, set to air in 2025. Talk about a new chapter.

When it comes to property, Samantha is no stranger to turning hidden potential into showstoppers. Back in 2020, she sold her Burrawang weekender for $3.1 million and her North Bondi home for $3.15 million. She also holds onto a Rushcutters Bay waterfront apartment, picked up for $1.5 million in 2021. Clearly, she knows a good investment when she sees one.

As we eagerly wait to see how she transforms this Moss Vale beauty, we can only imagine the character, charm and sophistication Samantha will bring to her latest project.

Will the pond and birdhouse make the cut? Will she lean into nostalgic vibes or opt for a sleek modern touch? Time will tell – and we’re eagerly awaiting every detail.

The post Samantha Armytage is “unlocking the potential” of this Moss Vale charmer appeared first on Home Beautiful.

But Scotty didn’t complete the renovation entirely on his own. Building company Nine in Six took care of the extension, while former contestants and builders Duncan Miller (from the show’s 2010 and 2013 season) and Spence Thompson (from the 2018 season) were enlisted to bring the old homestead back to life. And while the home was exempt from official judging, last year’s contestants were treated to a tour of a newly completed room each week as inspiration for their own home renovations.

After spending 13 months on the market, Scotty Cam’s Gisborne house sold for an undisclosed price on December 31st 2024. While we don’t know the final price, we know the asking price was between $3.8 million and $3.9 million. You can see the full listing on Domain.

Newsflash

In 2023, winners of weekly room reveals were treated to a night at Scotty’s Gisborne house.

The renovation not only brought the 1866 homestead back from the brink of dilapidation, but saw the addition of modern creature comforts, including Australia’s first 3D-printed building in the form of a curvaceous pool cabana.

Listing agents Evans Realty Group say the 10-acre property’s most appealing aspects include: Baltic pine floors throughout, high ceilings, herringbone brick floors, custom Christian Cole timber island bench and butcher’s block and views of Mount Macedon framed by mature oak and Moreton Bay fig trees. 

Cast your mind back to the 2022 season and you might recall that the official price guides for all the homes was $4 million to $4.4 million. For this reason, it was thought that Scotty’s house might beat Oz and Omar’s record. Auction day proved a disastrous affair, with three of five properties passing in. Sharon and Ankur’s home remained on the market for weeks until it was eventually sold to entrepreneur Adrian Portelli for $4.2 million in November, 2022.

We’re looking forward to learning what the picture perfect property was finally bought for.

The post Scott Cam’s renovated Gisborne house from The Block 2022 has finally sold appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What causes roof damage in a storm?

“In a storm roof damage is most common typically caused by falling debris including tree branches or clutter in gutters resulting in external, and in some cases internal damage to your home,” says Jonathan.

How do you avoid roof damage in a storm?

“Your roof is one of the most vulnerable areas in a storm so you need to keep yours well-maintained,” Jonathan advises.

Things you can do to minimise the damage to your roof during a storm include:

• Ensuring there is no pre-existing damage to your roof like loose tiles or sheets. If there’s any physical damage, repair this as soon as you can. If your roof is in poor condition it’s much more likely to succumb to the ravages of a storm.
• Checking the trees around your home and trimming back branches that are close to your property is important. Also, if possible, remove any trees that pose a danger.
• Make sure that your gutters and drainpipes are clear as this is essential to drain the torrents of stormwater away before they can flood your home.

“If your gutter becomes clogged with leaves and debris the water will back up and can potentially enter your roof causing further damage.”

Jonathan Hayes, Tailored Construction Group

How do you find the source of roof leaks?

“If you have a leak in your roof it’s important to fix it immediately – small leaks can lead to big problems including mould, rotted framing and destroyed insulation,” says Jonathan. “Looking for a leak is not a DIY job! Instead, you should call on a licensed builder to assess the source of the leak and any other related damage.”

How to stop windows rattling

Older homes are more likely to suffer from rattling windows, says Jonathan. “As windows age the rubber between the glass and frame will wear away allowing movement in the window, resulting in the rattling noise you hear whenever there’s a strong gust of wind. You can silence your windows using a self-adhesive window tape, specifically designed to keep out drafts and breezes. If issues with your windows persist, it could be a sign that your windows are due for replacement.”

How often should you replace guttering on your house?

“The longevity of your gutters is dependent on the level of maintenance,” says Jonathan. “With regular cleaning your gutters should last up to forty years though if ignored, may only make it to ten.”

“Gutter cleaning should happen twice a year at a minimum, especially prior to any expected storms.”

Jonathan Hayes, Tailored Construction Group

“Gutters are essential as they protect your house from leaks but when a storm hits they can take a beating,” says Jonathan. “Before a storm hits, check your gutters and clear them of any debris or obstructions to avoid water overflowing into the eaves of your roofing.”

The post 5 ways to protect your home from storm damage appeared first on Home Beautiful.

You might feel like you’ve heard word that the series is coming to Daylesford before, and that’s because you probably have. The Block has been eyeing Daylesford for years now, and local real estate agent Will Walton of Belle Property Daylesford has been in talks with Channel 9 since 2022. “It’s been a very long process,” Will shares.

Fast-forward to early 2024, when Channel 9 finally locked in five 2400sqm blocks of land. By that point, however, plans for the 20th season had already been shelved, following a series of setbacks and a last-minute location switch to Phillip Island.

So, what caused the delays? A major hurdle was local pushback against fast-tracking planning approvals through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). “There’s no people power in the fast-track scheme. It bypasses democratic checks and balances,” said local resident Debora Semple, who led the objection efforts.

But just when it seemed like Daylesford might never happen, in July 2024, executive producer Julian Cress confirmed that The Block would go ahead in Daylesford after all—for the 21st season in 2025. With all approvals finally in place, plans are officially back on track.

The site at 1 Raglan St, Daylesford is part of a larger development called Middleton Field, a project led by Hygge Property. The development aims to embrace design-led, sustainable living with room for 60 carbon-neutral homes. A bit of a departure from the typical Block setting, and certainly a challenge for resident architect Julian Brenchley. But he’s up for it. He’s already designed five homes that incorporate “modern architecture considerate to Daylesford’s landscape,” according to Hygge, while still fitting seamlessly into the community’s design ethos.

Work is already underway, with filming beginning early 2025. And for all the drama and delays, the community is warming to the idea of their town playing backdrop to the show. Will shared that a recent survey on the local Facebook page saw 84 per cent of more than 500 responses in favour of The Block coming to Daylesford. That’s a solid show of support, especially considering the earlier pushback.

If all goes according to plan, we’ll soon be watching The Block 2025 contestants get to work, turning these new Daylesford homes into something special when the series airs later this year on Channel 9 and 9Now. Let’s hope the drama on screen is as rich as the town’s gold rush history.

The post A first look at The Block 2025 Daylesford location appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Matty J and Laura Byrne’s dream South Coast holiday property renovation

The Bachelor alum, Matty J and Laura, are currently sharing the trials and tribulations of transforming an old seaside property on the NSW South Coast into their dream holiday home. From snakes living in their roof to significant mould, water and termite damage, the couple aren’t afraid of sharing the reality of renovating an old property.

Those who appreciate some personality in a property will also delight in watching the family preserve the character and magic in their “little glass house on the seaside filled with stories.” There’s plenty of colourful tiling, stained glass windows and dreamy views to be found in this renovation.

Follow on Instagram: @chante.mer.house

read more about the renovation

Inside Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding’s historic ‘Ravenswood’ mansion renovation

When Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding announced they had purchased a run-down 150-year-old mansion, their followers couldn’t wait to see what they would do with it. Fortunately, the couple have been sharing the renovation journey and all of their fascinating historic discoveries, such as the home’s porthole windows and Egyptian motif door handles, as they go.

Despite the challenges that arise as they peel back the onion that is an old home like this one, the couple are passionate about the property and their renovation journey. If you harbor any sort of fascination for old buildings then you’re going to enjoy following along with this reno.

Follow along on Instagram: @thebuild_ravenswood

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Brooke Styles’ renovation of her 100-year-old Queenslander

With her classic country style and talent for restoring antique furniture, its not exactly a surprise that Brooke Styles has over 250,000 people following along with her renovation of a 100-year-old Queenslander. Leaning into the building’s age, Brooke’s kitchen renovation saw the installation of a blue antique-style range cooker, a custom pot rail and plenty of cottagecore-style open shelving.

Along the way, Brooke has also been sharing her second-hand furniture finds and country-inspired decorating choices.

Follow along on Instagram: @brookestyless

Chloe Brookman’s 1970s home renovation

Having completed her dreamy dolls house-style renovation, Chloe Brookman is onto her next renovation project and we couldn’t be more excited to follow along. This time around, Chloe is renovating an old 1970s home by the sea—complete with patterned yellow wall paper, hardwood floors and a tiled retro bar. We’re waiting in anticipation for this exciting renovation to kick off.

Follow along on Instagram: @70shousereno

Ronnie and Georgia’s 1925 weatherboard cottage renovation

The Block alum, Ronnie and Georgia might have been renovating their 1925 weatherboard cottage for the last five years but we’re still as onboard as ever. By taking their time with the renovation, the couple have been able to carefully preserve the building’s character features while adding some magical updates of their own. This is a renovation that shows there’s nothing wrong with going slow when it comes to your dream home.

Follow along on Instagram: @ronnieandgeorgia

Claire Kennedy’s renovation of her Victorian-era property in England

Fans of British interiors will appreciate Claire Kennedy’s current renovation of her Victorian era property in England. With good bones, Claire has made sure to preserve the home’s unique features while putting her own whimsical spin on the fairy-tale space. With a knack for pastel prints and playful décor, this renovation is full of colourful inspiration.

Follow along on Instagram: @claireakennedy

The post 6 real-time renovations we can’t stop watching on social media appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What is a French door?

French doors are characterised as two matching doors fitted with glass panels that open from the centre. When closed, the doors meet in the centre of the entryway with the symmetrical door handles sitting alongside each other.

While French doors are traditionally made from wood with glass panelling, modern French doors may use aluminium, fiberglass and vinyl. Like their materials, French doors can also vary in shape and size, with an arch top being a popular choice today.

Internal French doors that connect the kitchen to the butler’s pantry

This classic kitchen in the Mornington Peninsula makes use of French doors to separate the kitchen from the butler’s pantry, which also cleverly houses the laundry and mudroom. The choice to use fluted glass in the French door panelling is an elegant way to ensure these more functional areas remain out of sight.

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French doors that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces

In this stylish Vancouver home, a line of tall custom French doors beautifully connect the living room to the back patio and bring the light in.

“As our home looks out onto the green belt, a wall of French doors allows the dappled sunlight to stream in,” explains the owner of the home.

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French doors create a statement front door

Paired with a set of storm shutters painted in Porter’s Paints Chintz Grey, these French doors bring an island aesthetic to this coastal resort style home. As the front door, the doors set the tone from the outset.

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French bedroom doors that open to the water

Thanks to two walls of white French doors, this main bedroom is not only drenched in sunlight but enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding water.

“It has such a beautiful outlook; you could sit in there all day and watch the world go by,” says the owner of this home.

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French doors add romance to this verandah

Looking over the storeybook-garden below, the wisteria-draped French doors bring an element of romance to this lovely verandah.

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French doors leading to the ensuite bathroom

In this classic bedroom, French doors create an elegant separation between the bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Those wanting more privacy might also benefit from hanging a sheer white curtain along the edge of the doorway.

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French doors create a separate entry for this garden guest house

The one-bed guest house is like a mini-me version of the main home, finished in the same materials and hues with one exception: pretty French-style shutters in a custom colour.

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Wall-to-wall French doors are an elegant choice for this conservatory

When restoring this 1920s home, the owner wanted a modern-style Edwardian conservatory— “a space that feels like an outdoor room but allows you to use it all year round.”

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The difference between French doors, double doors and patio doors

French doors can easily be mistaken for other popular styles of doors, including double doors and patio doors. To understand the difference, we have outlined the identifying features of each door style below.

French doors: two symmetrical doors fitted with glass panels

Double doors: two doors usually fitted with a solid material, such as wood, rather than glass

Patio doors: traditionally slide along one track and open out to an outdoor space, however people may use the term to describe their French doors or double doors, if they happen to lead out to a patio.

What do French doors cost to install?

French door prices can vary depending on the material and size that you select, with prices ranging anywhere from $500 to upwards of $10,ooo.

The post 8 homes that illustrate the enduring elegance of French doors appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A nature-inspired home on the outskirts of Melbourne

The ability to blend into the environment was of the utmost importance to the owners of this sustainable property on the outskirts of Melbourne.

“I have a desire to try and tread lightly on the earth,” shares Ann. “If we’re going to design a home and put such an imprint on the ground, then we need to do it wisely.”

To do so, the couple opted for local materials, including rough-sawn silvertop ash board and batten cladding, for the facade, alongside Colorbond Spandek.

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Hempcrete is the hero of this sustainable Melbourne home

A desire to prove that style and sustainability can go hand in hand drove the owners to create this truly innovative eco family home.

“It’s just about wanting to do something for the next generation,” says the eco-conscious homeowners.

To become a passive house—a building standard that focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability—the home is made with hempcrete, a construction material that has a natural insulation and traps carbon, making it almost carbon negative.

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This 1950s cottage embraces reclaimed timber and natural materials

More than just a sustainable home renovation, this Melbourne cottage delights in all things natural.

The rear facade of the home, clad in reclaimed southern blue gum timber from CERES Fair Wood and coated in Cutek oil, “nestles well into the garden”, says architect Nicola Dovey, while double-glazed timber windows and doors, maximum insulation in the extension, and passive solar design and ventilation to keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter.

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A sustainable family home nestled in the bushland of outer Melbourne

“We collect eggs from the chooks, pick raspberries and bake potatoes in the fire pit at the weekend,” explains the owner of this sustainable home.

Wanting to utilise as much of their 800-metre-square block as possible, the open-plan kitchen and dining spaces blend with the alfresco area, thanks to bifold doors on either side and a large ‘tilt’ door.

“The whole wall lifts up, creating a covered area and beautiful place to sit,” explains Hamish. “On one side, there’s a barbecue and on the other, a paved area with strategically placed rocks, which we use as stepping stones to reach the fire pit and other parts of the garden.”

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A new, sustainable home made from rammed earth, steel and recycled timber 

Situated on a glorious part of the Mornington peninsula, this home’s rammed earth, recycled timber and polished concrete blend beautifully with the natural setting.

“We are very much embedded in the land, but well protected from the elements and prevailing wind by the rammed earth and double glazing,” explains the owners.

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Energy efficient updates transform this poky cottage into a future-proof rental

The owners of this “poky” cottage wanted to turn it into a future-friendly rental property with energy-efficient updates including the installation of double-glazed windows, insulation in the roof, walls and under the floors, a heat-pump hot water system and hydronic heating with a 10kW solar system and solar battery

“I feel like we all need to be thinking that way,” says Elissa. “With climate change, it’s inevitable. We’ll all have to go electric.”

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Australian native plants are the secret to this sustainable garden

This garden perfectly balances all the clever design of sustainability and Australian native plantings with serious style.

The use of Australian native plants led to a hardy, drought-resistant and water-wise garden that also encourages a wide range of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to birds. In turn, these frequent visitors help Anthony’s produce to flourish. Clever design choices such as these Biofilta garden beds from Foodcube built-in water reservoirs allow the owners to go holidays for extended periods without worrying about their growing produce.

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The post 7 sustainable home design ideas appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It’s often the smallest changes that have the biggest impact, so don’t feel as though you have to undertake a full-scale renovation to make a return. In fact, when renovating for profit it’s very important to avoid overcapitalising.

Here, we run through 12 easy things you can do to make your home more appealing to buyers as well as increase its value.

12 easy ways to increase the value of your home

1. A new paint job

A new coat of paint is the easiest and most cost-effective way to refresh the look of your home while boosting value. Decide whether you want to redo the whole house or focus on a couple of rooms, or perhaps a feature wall?

As for the colour, it’s important to select a shade with broad appeal. Check out our list of Australia’s most popular paint colours for inspiration.

2. Increase storage space

Unless you’re converting to hardcore minimalism, zero storage space is going to be a massive shortfall for potential buyers.

Think open shelves in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Additionally, installing hooks on the back of doors is another simple convenience that’s often overlooked.

3. Add solar panels

Solar panels will increase the value of your home by improving your energy efficiency of your property. This won’t only appeal to those home buyers concerned with their home’s sustainability model but also those simply wanting to cut costs on their energy bills.

4. Improve the outdoor area

An outdoor space perfect for entertaining will increase the desirability of your home.

While shade and shelter are essential, fire pits have also become a popular addition to many backyards.

4. Install gas heating and appliances

Gas appliances are a favourite home feature for a couple of reasons plus they’re efficient. Gas heaters and in particular, flame-effect fires, give all the warmth and comfort of a wood heater without the hassle or damage to the environment.

Installing gas cooktops and ovens add value in the kitchen and is often preferred to electric ovens and cooktops due to its ability to provide instant heat and even temperature compared to electric. As for the environment, gas may produce less greenhouse gas emissions than electricity.

5. Simple swaps

It’s possible to create a whole new bathroom look without renovating. Small, but modern updates, such as replacing handles and taps is a simple way to elevate the appearance of this room.

Consider painting tiles if they look old, or grubby. If your vanity is outdated, replacing it will make a remarkable difference to the feel of the room.

6. Street appeal

A home’s kerb appeal influences desirability. Adding a fence can be expensive but won’t necessarily increase the value of your home. However, it would be worth fixing and painting any existing fences around the property.

Additionally, replacing or painting your front door a different colour will boost your curb aesthetic for little cost.

7. Stage it right

Don’t underestimate the results on buyers of making your home look at though it’s ready to move into – new fresh pillows and linen on beds, clutter free cupboards and surfaces and all rooms sparkling clean and ready to go wont put off those not willing to exert themselves towards a makeover as soon as they move in

Essentially, staging your home for sale is all about selling the idea of a life there to prospective buyers. Perhaps people can look past a little dodgy paint work and a few easy fixes, but if you do the work for them, they’ll focus instead on the possibilities of a life to be enjoyed in your home.

8. Build a granny flat 

It’s becoming more common for generations of families to live together and split the cost of living.

If you have space, adding a granny flat to your property can increase the overall value as long as it’s done right. They’re also a great way to generate an income to help pay off that mortgage.

10. Remove all personal possessions

“One of the biggest rules of presenting an attractive home is to declutter it, remove all personal photographs and elaborate ornamental displays,” says Laura Pollard, head of product at PerfectRoom. 

“You can tackle this yourself with some online inspiration or you can bring in a professional. Booking a one-off appointment with a design consultant to advise on what to keep and what to store can provide the guidance needed. Alternatively, hire a home styling company to bring in furniture and decorative pieces for a complete design overhaul.”

11. Increase square footage

“Adding to the square footage of any home, as long as it’s highly functional, should add a substantial amount of value,” says Laura.

“Consider whether you can convert the roof space into a guest bedroom, office or extra storage space for example. Even if there isn’t space for a fixed staircase, often a pull-down ladder is an option and there are many companies who specialise in creating this space.”

12. Walk through with a real estate agent

“Much like styling, inviting a local real estate agent into your home can help to define exactly what will and won’t add enough value to make it worth doing,” says Laura.

“Walk through the property with the agent and ask them exactly what they would recommend. They see things through the eyes of a buyer and can make recommendations around finishes, how to add privacy, walls to remove, areas to upgrade and more. You can ask them exactly how much value it could add as they will have comparable properties to use as a reference.”

The post 12 easy ways to increase the value of your home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Builder and content creator Alicia, her electrician husband Ian, and the couple’s two young daughters and son.
Location? North-east Melbourne.
Original laundry? A new build laundry with no bench space and cabinetry that had been selected only because it was available during Covid lockdowns.
Timeframe? Two weeks.

The works: “It was about creating an English cottage vibe with colour drenching and a timber benchtop. By reworking it, I actually doubled storage and also gained work space.”

Who lives here?

Cabinetry

What are the options? If you are content with the layout and size of your cabinetry, then simply replacing the doors will enhance the look of the space without significantly hurting your wallet. Otherwise, Rachael says, “Opt for lower-cost cabinetry, such as laminate or even flat pack.”

Installing open shelves will also reduce costs. “Eliminating overhead cabinets also helps to make the room feel less top heavy and overbearing,” she adds. John agrees with this, while stressing the importance of ensuring you plan for all of your cleaning and ironing supplies, which can be bulky. “Consider adding practical features like pull-out hampers and tall cabinets to neatly tuck away vacuums, mops, and brooms,” he suggests. To maximise storage, try internal solutions such as Kaboodle Kitchen base mount laundry hampers.

Estimated cost: $750–$1500 for typical flat pack options.

Benchtops & splashbacks

What are the options? To update a tiled splashback, save money by simply painting instead of replacing. For benchtops, consider laminate or timber. These more budget-friendly materials are perfect in laundries as they are tucked away, rather than on show like a kitchen. John suggests timber for warmth, or “water-resistant options such as laminate.”

Estimated cost: $50–$800.

Appliances

What are the options? We love front-load washers and dryers, as they allow you to maximise bench space, making everyday laundry tasks more convenient in one dedicated area,” says John. While Rachael advises that some people prefer stacking appliances, or installing them up high to avoid bending down, placing front loaders side by side does allow for a benchtop to run seamlessly over the top

Estimated cost: $500–$1500 per appliance.

Ventilation

What are the options? Natural ventilation is important, especially in Australian climates. “Most budget dryers require ducted ventilation, so if your laundry doesn’t have a window, an exhaust fan will be necessary,” advises Rachael. “A standard ventilation fan is a cost-effective choice, with plenty of upgrade options available, such as high-extraction models.”

Estimated cost: $50–$800.

Hardware & tapware

What are the options? “Tapware comes in a wide range of finishes, so choose the best quality within your budget,” suggests Rachael. The most important thing is to pick a finish that fits within your budget as well as the overall style of your home.

Estimated cost: $50 for washing machine tapware. Sink sets range from $100–$600.

The best builder’s tips for an affordable laundry renovation

1. “Reconfiguring walls for a laundry rarely produces life-changing results,” says Rachael. “While we often remove walls in main areas to greatly increase function and liveability, we rarely see the value for money in making massive structural changes to a laundry. Save your money here!”
2. Building new, or renovating right back to the bare frame? Line all the walls with VJ sheets (rather than gyprock) and use this to double as a splashback,” suggests Rachael. This will eliminate the cost of tiles, a tiler and a plasterer while adding classic Australian aesthetic appeal.
3. “Consider installing a hanging rail, perfect for air-drying delicate items,” suggests John.

The post How to renovate a laundry for under $10K appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Before and after: Josh and Jenna’s Rutherglen Homestead revival

A complete timeline of Josh and Jenna’s epic country home renovation.

see the magical makeover

A dramatic transformation: dim and dated to a beautiful beachside cottage

This sweet home by the beach was a diamond in the rough, unearthed by a seasoned renovator.

SEE THE FULL RENOVATION

Before and after: A classic Queenslander transformed

Carefully undoing layers of mismatched finishes from bygone eras have restored this classic home’s original beauty

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Before and after: A stunning outdoor renovation

A magic makeover tranforms the exterior of a lacklustre dwelling into a bright and breezy family home.

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Before and after: Shed to gorgeous guest house

An old work shed in Byron Bay has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis.

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Before and after: incredible living room transformation in Bowral

Clever updates turned the jaded extension of a cottage into a spectacular, light-filled living space.

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Before and after: A jaw-dropping kitchen makeover

An open-plan redesign that’s ideal for entertaining.

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Before and after: Small bathroom to stunning sanctuary for under $10k

With a serene, nature-inspired colour scheme.

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Before and after: Alisa and Lysandra’s surprise renovation of their mum’s unit

The renowned interiors duo have a new renovation project.

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Before and after: a cabin renovation in the Blue Mountains

A gorgeous rural dream.

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The post The best before-and-after home makeovers that continue to inspire appeared first on Home Beautiful.

After all, it’s just the washing machine, dryer, sink and some cupboards, right? Not so. The way we view laundries is changing. We’ve collected some of the best laundry design ideas, layout advice and interior design techniques to help you dream up a laundry makeover that’s as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of your home. From space-saving and storage ideas to appliance integration, we’ve got you covered.

1. Add colour and pattern in the laundry

Colour, pattern and texture can harmonise in a laundry just like any other room in the house, using wallpaper and window coverings in a similar hue and theme across all sections. Texture-rich laundries will benefit from a simple palette, while more uniform spaces can support more colour. Even a rug on the floor can work, says interior designer Lisa Burdus, whose top tip is to keep surfaces clear. “Ensure what you see from the open door is as neat as possible,” she says.

2. Get the laundry layout right

Where space allows, consider a U-shaped laundry layout, which allows plenty of work space either side of the sink while keeping appliances within reach. Add interest and warmth with colourful paint colours or window dressings. 

Studio Trio interior designer Lauren Mahoney says that for an ergonomic laundry of your own, focus on the finer details. “Allow extra depth behind appliances to get a flush finish with the joinery, or the machines will stick out,” advises Lauren. “Add pull-out baskets to hide dirty laundry and, if possible, face the sink to the outside or near a window.”

3. Maximise your laundry storage

It’s amazing what you can fit into a small laundry design. Whether you’ve got a cupboard-sized nook or a converted bedroom space, cut laundry clutter by maximising your storage options,” advises interior designer Anna-Carin McNamara. “Utilising your space doesn’t necessarily mean filling every wall with storage. I’d recommend optimising hanging space so that you have less use of the dryer by allowing room to hang things up and more space for a nice benchtop.”

4. Customise your laundry design

Extend the style of your home into your laundry by choosing tapware and cabinetry hardware to match your kitchen choices. This Sydney laundry (below) by Stritt Design & Construction is pure function. “The laundry incorporates a stacking dryer and washing machine, which allows for ease of access, plenty of bench space for folding and a long hanging rail perfect for hanging freshly ironed clothes,” says Janine Stritt. “A pull-out cupboard below with double hampers is wonderful for sorting washing and to the right of the benchtop is a laundry chute.” Janine likes stacking appliances to free up bench space, or elevating appliances so they can be easily reached, though, there are better-suited laundry design top loader machines will require.

5. Small laundry design ideas

The secret to aceing a small-space laundry is spatial planning and careful colour consideration. This space-saving Melbourne laundry (below) by Terri Shannon of Bloom Interior Design & Decoration combines a European design with practical solutions. “Ensure your appliances and sink all fit within the cavity space, and the doors need to fold clear of the work area,” says Terri. “White is always a good all-rounder, and you can add a splash of colour through a gorgeous mosaic tile.”

6. Stamp your style on your laundry

Chloe Brookman, founder of lifestyle brand Olli Ella, channelled much of the brand’s Hygge aesthetic when she renovated her dark and dated 1970s bungalow in Byron Bay. A standout example is the light-filled laundry (below), with its Scandi timber cabinetry, chunky rug, rattan pendant light, plenty of baskets, potted plants and an abundance of shelving to display her flea-market finds. “Our style is unfussy and casual,” says Chloe. To re-create this inviting look, employ the basic principles of Danish hygge interiors, prioritising comfort, cosiness and contentment through the use of texture and treasured possessions.

7. Heated laundry floor

While it might seem like a bit of a splurge, Anna-Carin explains that floor heating is in fact a great ergonomic investment. “Floor heating is a great versatile investment; the subtle heat dries laundry when you hang them up and it also gets rid of that murky damp feeling.”

Shop laundry baskets

01

Joseph Joseph ‘Tota’ laundry separation basket

$113.97 (usually $189.95), Myer

What lies beneath the sleek lines of this clever laundry hamper is a foolproof system of laundry handling. Take the guess work out of whether or not you have enough for a load by sorting your darks and lights directly into their designated baskets after wearing and, you are literally… sorted!

Key features:

• Handy carry handles to remove baskets and take straight to the washing machine
• Stylish, seamless outer
• 2 x 45 litre fabric tote bags

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02

Kendrick laundry basket in Natural

$69.99 (usually $99.99), Adairs

Merging the classic old-school laundry basket with a modern aesthetic, then Kendrick is part of a wider basket range from Adairs for a cohesive look to storage throughout your entire home. For a coastal look, choose the neutral paper weave or bring your laundry to life with crisp white or striking black – also available in the same collection.

Key features:

• Large size H52 x D30 x W30cm
• Study built with handles built into the frame and reinforced with stylish timber detail
• Matching washing basket and extra large divided laundry basket in range.

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03

Wire laundry hamper cabinet

$29 (usually $39), Target

Key features:

This tidy but mighty laundry station might be the affordable answer to your dirty washing dilemma. Great for a small laundry, the dual polyester bags allow for sorting as you go in clever tilting bays. A shelf on top will hold washing powder and pegs, or provide a folding surface for clean washing. Genius!

• Compact size H67 x D33 x W70cm
• Powder-coated white frame with removable liners
• Wall fixings included for added safety

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04

Ferm Living ‘Herman’ laundry basket

$143 (usually $205), Finnish Design Shop

A classic minimal line meets the utmost practicality in this namesake from the Danish design office Herman Studio. Perfect for a Scandi-style home, or for a minimal, contemporary look to avoid a cluttered laundry or bathroom space where dirty washing collects. There’s also a cute magazine rack to match!

Key features:

• Large size H65 x D40 x W50cm
• Powder-coated black frame with 100% cotton canvas bag and leather string detail
• Designed with sustainability in mind for a long life.

Shop Now

The post Makeover masterclass: Simple tips for a bold laundry appeared first on Home Beautiful.

With some clever bathroom renovation ideas, you can complete a dream makeover without going over your renovation budget. The secret? Planning: Itemising tasks to be carried out and listing every component and purchase necessary for the job, including taps, tiles, joinery, plumbing and electricals. Down to the last tube of grout. It may seem like overkill, but it’s the key to keeping a lid on spending.

“For a full bathroom renovation, a rough guide would be to spend 40% of your budget on fixtures, 35% on tiling, 20% on plumbing and the last 5% on electricals,” says Wesley Sinclair from Highgrove Bathrooms. “And always allow for a 10% buffer for any unexpected costs that may come up along the way.”

What’s the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Australia?

The average amount spent on a bathroom renovation is $26,000, according to a June 2023 report by Housing Industry Australia. This is an increase from the previous average of $21,000.

Bathroom renovations budget breakdown

For any bathroom renovations, this is a guide for how to spend your budget.

• 40% of your budget on fixtures

• 35% on tiling

• 20% on plumbing

• 5% on electricals

How much should you spend on fixtures and fittings for bathroom renovations?

Accounting for nearly half of your renovation budget, the fixtures and fittings you choose can make or break the look and feel of your bathroom. Keeping a bathroom renovation under $10,000 means careful allocation of spending across all items. “The fixtures to splurge on are your cabinetry, toilet and bathtub (if you’re looking to include one),” says Wesley.

“Don’t blow your budget on pricey mirrors, robe hooks, tapware, basins, towel racks and the like,” says Wesley. “Quality, affordable accessories that can coordinate your whole bathroom look are readily available and can be updated later when you’re ready for a refresh.”

If you’re keen to install a bathtub in your new bathroom, a freestanding tub might add that extra touch of luxury but could also make or break your $10,000 budget. On the other hand, a bath adds value to your home.

When choosing a toilet, consider the WELS (water efficiency) rating as well as how easy it will be to keep clean. Wall-face toilets, where the cistern is hidden in the wall, are an interior designer’s favourite since they take up slightly less floor space and eliminate the need to clean behind your toilet. However, the installation can cost more and because the cistern isn’t as accessible, could be trickier and more expensive to repair down the track.

Ample bathroom storage is a must, so choosing the right vanity and shelving for all your bathroom essentials is vital. “Opting for a wall-hung vanity will free up floor space and give you the illusion of a bigger bathroom,” suggests Wesley. You can also buy one ‘off the rack’ from a bathroomware supplier, rather than fork out for custom joinery.

How can you save money when tiling a bathroom? 

The cost of tiling depends on the size of your space and how high you want your wall tiling to go. “Floor-to-ceiling wall tiles is a luxury bathroom trend we’ve seen emerge and it can instantly add value to your home,” says Wesley.

 However with prices ranging anywhere from between $40 to $500 per square metre (or more), you may want to be more discretionary about which tiles you choose and where to put ’em. Still want some opulence? Consider using a combination of tiles at varying price points; for example, basic square matte tiles in a neutral colour in the shower then a feature splashback of kit-kat or fish-scale tiles at the basin.

“Complex designs like mosaics and herringbone patterns are more expensive and can cost more to lay, too,” says Wesley. “On top of the price of your tiles, the actual installation can set you back around $40 per square metre – including things like site preparation, labour, glue and grout.”

 If your tiles are still in good condition, you could stick to a bathroom renovation under $10,000 by re-grouting instead of completely replacing. “A bit of facelift rather than a complete overhaul will save you a lot of money. In some cases, some fresh white grout is all that’s needed for a brand new look!” says Wesley.

Don’t go too cheap when it comes to plumbing

While saving money on your bathroom renovation is a top priority, plumbing is not something you want to cut corners on. “Don’t scrimp when professionally fitting your basin, toilet, shower and bathtub, as poor plumbing can lead to many problems later down the track,” Wesley warns. A leaking tap or busted pipe could cost you so much more to fix than the initial installation fee.

Some products are only covered by warranty if they’re fitted by a licensed plumber too, so do your research. The average cost of a plumber is $110 per hour; they can also charge a flat fee per task.

If you were to completely renovate and rearrange the space, your plumber would need more time to change the bathroom layout, so sticking with the existing plumbing ‘footprint’ of your bathroom is an easy saving.

Don’t forget about the cost of electricals when renovating a bathroom

Often overlooked in a bathroom reno, the electricals need to be considered up front and included in your budget planning. “Think, exhaust fans, down lights, LED mirrors, heated towel rails, power points and light switches,” explains Wesley. “Always plan your electrical layout before doing any tiling because this will make it much easier to run the necessary wires and cables.”

Effective lighting is a must, for shaving, make-up and brushing your teeth. Bathroom renovations under $10,000 may be challenging if you opt for statement lighting or fancy appliances. Keep it simple. “Since most everyday tasks centre around your vanity, having a wall sconce or an LED mirror will help illuminate this area,” suggests Wesley. A couple of down lights should complete the job.

Consider the big picture, too, to keep running costs down in the long term. Heated towel rails, when fitted with a timed eco wall switch are an energy-efficient way of ensuring your towel is toasty warm and dry, year-round. It might be cheaper than under-floor heating, as well.

You can complete your bathroom renovation for under $10,000, and on time, especially if it’s a small bathroom renovation. Set a firm budget, plan it well from the start and get several quotes. Speak to the experts first: plumbers, tilers and electricians. “Their advice is free and can help you avoid costly mistakes,” Wesley adds.

The post Experts on how to renovate a bathroom for under $10,000 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

So what is a mood board?

Mood boards can take one of two formats: a physical board or a digital board.

A physical mood board might be a scrapbook, a pin board or a tray that you fill with images and tangible, touchable samples. Think tiles, door handles, surfaces, fabrics, carpets or wallpapers, as well as magazine tear-outs, Polaroids and paint tiles. These mood boards have great visual impact and are easy to tweak – simply add or remove things as you like – but you can’t always take them with you when you’re out and about.

A digital mood board is perfect if you love scrolling online for ideas. You can use platforms like Pinterest or Canva or any number of mood board creator websites and apps, such as Style Sourcebook or Moodboard, to pull all your ideas together in one place. Digital mood boards are easy to edit, can be shared with your interior designer or friends and can be accessed when you’re out sourcing items for your home – just whip out your phone!     

Interior designer Carlene Duffy from Cedar & Suede says physical and digital mood boards both play an important role in the design process. “I would start with a digital inspiration board to get you going. For client projects, we always present our concepts with the physical samples, as digital colours and materials are typically not well depicted. There’s nothing like having the real deal in your hands to touch and feel before pressing go.”

Lucy adds, “I use digital moodboards for my magazine shoots because I have to work at a fast pace and there is less need for physical samples, as the images will be printed in the magazine or online. For real homes and interior design, it’s important to feel all the physical samples before you buy them for your home.”

What should you include in a mood board?

There is no limit to what you can add to a mood board. Start with imagery of rooms and interiors that you love – like these very adult pink spaces – followed by the colours, textures and materials that make your heart sing. Then, Lauren suggests casting the net wider.

“Think about the vibe that you want to create. Remember, it’s a ‘mood’ board, so it doesn’t have to be literal photos of spaces, it can also be images that underpin the way that you want the space to feel. Consider photos of nature, cities, architecture, fashion and even food,” she says.

“You may also collect materials, artwork and even found objects. Anything that captures the essence of the space – it’s quite abstract.”

Carlene agrees: “As well as completed spaces by other designers, I’ll add some metals in the form of hardware, fabrics, paint colours, carpets and hard finishes like brick, timber or tile. You might even be bowled over by the colour of a rock. There really are no rules and certainly no restrictions as to what you can be inspired by.”

Case in point: Carlene and husband Michael’s vintage caravan renovations ‘Goldie’, ‘Bumblebee’ and ‘Millie’ all had strong visual concepts achieved with mood boards.

Hot tip from Lucy: “Most companies will send you three samples of paint/wallpaper/fabric for free before you need to start paying for them.”

How to get started

Both Carlene and Lauren agree that the secret to a successful mood board is to not overthink it.

“Start by saving anything that speaks to you into a folder,” says Lauren. “You don’t need a reason to save it yet; collect as much as you like, because the editing process comes later. You might also like to write down some key words that help you articulate the way you want your space to feel. This mind-mapping can assist in the kind of images that you’re looking for.”

Take your time, scouring styling blogs, websites, magazines and Pinterest or Instagram for online inspiration and visiting fabric stores, home centres, hardware specialists and tile showrooms for physical examples.

Once you’ve got a good collection of images and items, it’s time to cull. Remove any items that feel out of place or just not right and take notice of any themes that might be forming. Maybe you have a lot of blue in your moodboard or you’re leaning towards rattan details or all of your room shots have a similar look and feel.

Keep adding and moving things around, and come back to your mood board over a period of days, weeks or even months until it feels right.

Lucy shares this mood board above that she created for a decorating story that appeared in the November 2024 issue of Home Beautiful. “You can see the mix of velvet, deep red, gold, white and walnut taken from the mood board and interpreted for the photo shoot. This scheme is rich, elegant and abundant,” she says. “Start with your chosen colours and finishes on your board and use them on repeat through your scheme so it feels cohesive throughout.”

The post The secret weapon used by stylists and designers to get a room scheme right appeared first on Home Beautiful.