Black and white houses

Black and white houses

There is something very appealing about an exterior colour scheme with strong contrasts.  They make an impact and this is no more true than with black and white houses.  Pinterest is full of inspiration for gorgeous black and white houses.  Many will be white with black trim and windows or all black with fresh white.. Read more

How to use Colorbond Shale Grey

How to use Colorbond Shale Grey

Colorbond Shale Grey is one of the classic colours in their range.  Originally called Gull Grey and sometimes still referred to as this, Shale Grey is a simple silver tone that works beautifully as an exterior colour.  For lovers of grey schemes or anyone looking for a simple colour scheme, you can’t go wrong with.. Read more

My favourite rooms on The Block 2021

My favourites on The Block 2021

The Block Auction took place this weekend with, I must say, some surprising results.  I thought this would be a good opportunity to review the season and put forward which were my favourite rooms on The Block 2021. Let us be clear though that this was derived from the current market and the reserves that.. Read more

Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year winners

Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year

Founded by leading appliance brand Gaggenau in October 2020, the Kitchen of the Year Design Contest was created to honour truly unique and outstanding kitchen design. Open to industry professionals across Australia, the contest sought designs defined by a pursuit of excellence. Gaggenau appliances adorn the most luxurious kitchens worldwide and the contest offered the.. Read more

The Block 2021 Front Garden and Facade

The Block 2021 Front Garden and Facade

The Block 2021 has been an interesting series as the houses are all so different and the front garden and facade reveal show they all have merit.  It’s much harder therefore to judge them fairly as they all hold appeal.  Personally, I love Mark and Mitch’s house as this is the style that I like,.. Read more

Kate Walker’s Caribbean style home

Kate Walker's Mount Martha home

One of my favourite styles, and those of my readers, is British Colonial Style.  After time spent living in Asia and many Singapore Slings at Raffles, it is a nostalgic look that I love.  Caribbean style however is much better suited to our lifestyle here in Australia and I was therefore thrilled to see Kate.. Read more

The Block 2021 Study, Garage and Wine Cellar

The Block 2021 Garage, Study and Wine Cellar

The Block study, garage and wine cellar reveal had a clear winner for me this week.  Ronnie and Georgia absolutely stole the show and nobody came close to them.  This week, these guys have completely set themselves apart in the competition. The judges only marked Kirsty and Jesse a half point behind the winners, but.. Read more

10 things you must include when planning a Mud Room

Who wouldn’t like to see the back of school bags, shoes, hats and coats cluttering up the entrance hall?  I would hazard a guess that this is pretty much everyone, which is why when you are planning a new house or renovating an existing one you should consider including a Mud Room. Once considered the.. Read more

The Block 2021 Back Garden reveal

The Block 2021 Back garden and pool

With three couples taking second place, only just behind the winners, the judges clearly thought that the Block 2021 back garden reveal was a very tight contest this week.  I thought that all of the back gardens had their merits but none were as close to perfect as the scores would have you believe. Back.. Read more

What colour do I paint my skirting boards and architraves?

Skirting boards and architraves are often given the least thought – they are in fact an after-thought but the colour and tone that you use here can make or break your colour scheme.  I have some guidelines and tips to help you to decide the right colour for your look. Skirting Boards and Architraves are.. Read more