Bunnings Magazine July 2022

E EEZIN FRAGA

MAKEOVER MAGIC

M

July 2022

DO YOU HAVE AUSTRALIA’S BEST DIY PROJECT? PAGE 13

EASY DIYs AND AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS

Paint a desk

DREAM IT, DO IT!

✚ MAKE A BEDHEAD ✚ START COMPOSTING ✚ UPCYCLE A SIDEBOARD ✚ HANG YOUR TV

Check out this kitchen reno!

Everyday just got

more rewarding

Enjoy 40,000 Flybuys bonus points. That’s $200 Flybuys dollars!

When you apply for a Coles Rewards Mastercard®.

Apply by 31 July 2022 and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from approval.*

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*Credit criteria, fees and charges, terms and conditions apply. Individuals must be 18+. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other new credit card offer. You will receive 40,000 Bonus Flybuys Points when you apply for a Coles Rewards Mastercard by 31 July 2022, are approved and then spend $3,000 or more on eligible retail purchases (excludes Cash Advances, Balance Transfers, Special Promotions, BPAY payments, purchases of foreign currency and travellers cheques, transactions made in operating a business, bank fees and charges such as interest, and ATM charges) in the first 90 days of being approved. Your Flybuys Membership Account number must be provided on your application to receive this offer. The 40,000 Bonus Flybuys Points will be credited to the Flybuys Membership Account linked to the Coles Rewards Mastercard within 4 weeks of meeting the spend criteria. Your Coles Rewards Mastercard needs to be in good standing for the Bonus Flybuys Points to be awarded. Points will be forfeited if you close your Account before we instruct Flybuys to credit them to your Flybuys Membership Account. Standard Flybuys terms and conditions apply and are available at flybuys.com.au. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Coles unsecured credit products are issued by National Australia Bank Limited (ABN 12 004 044 937, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 230686) (“NAB”) and distributed by Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd ABN 45 004 189 708. NAB has acquired the business relating to these products from Citigroup Pty Ltd (ABN 88 004 325 080, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 238098) (“Citi”) and has appointed Citi to assist to administer the products. Coles receives commission for the introduction of credit business to NAB.

The magazine team

Editor Katrina O’Brien Associate editors Helen Martin, Caroline Botting (NZ) Art director Bridie Mahoney Creative services manager Katharine McKinnon Senior designer Carol Baldas Style editor Matilda Roberts Chief subeditors Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson Senior subeditor Lorna Gow Junior digital producer Amanda Ghalaini Contributors Tom Lazarus, Samantha Pointon, Judie Siu, Shelley Tustin

JULY

Do it yourself

Every effort has been taken to ensure instructions for DIY projects are correct.

However, before you undertake any DIY activity, please ensure that you have the appropriate skills for the task at hand, use the correct tools and that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. Any professional installations must be undertaken by a licensed tradesperson. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice.

Published by Medium Rare Content Agency Pty Ltd. ABN 83 169 879 921, Level 1, 83 Bowman Street, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia. © 2022. All rights reserved.

For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Colours may vary slightly from images shown due to the printing process. Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas. Pricing is to be used as a guide only. This publication is not for sale.

We’re on the hunt for clever handiwork

17 20 23

ALL CHANGE See how a pale, dated kitchen was transformed

SLEEPER HIT Be inspired by this serene and beachy bedroom

HIDDEN DEPTHS Save space: tuck a laundry behind sliding doors

Plan it 26 M AKE ME OVER

Upgrade your bathroom with refreshing ideas

33 SET THE SCENE

National advertising manager Alek Jovanoski (02) 8114 8955 NSW account manager Anthony Sullivan (02) 8114 8954 Victoria business manager Rosanna Costa (03) 9292 2273 Victoria junior account manager & sales support Claire Wischusen (03) 9292 2297 General magazine enquiries bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777 Managing director Gerard Reynolds Executive general manager Sally Wright Chief operating officer Fiorella di Santo Head of sales Annii Hirst Group content director Nick Smith Head of content, Food & Homes Julie Lee Digital strategy director Karla Courtney Finance controller Leslie To

Dream it 13 AUSTRALIA’S BEST DIY PROJECT 2022

Design a garden you’ll love with our expert tips

38 43

TRASH TO TREASURE Turn waste into resources by composting THAT WARM FEELING Keep winter chills at bay with the right heater

Update it 46

IN SUSPENSE Get the hang of statement pendant lights

F IVE DIY DOs & DON’Ts 52 Know when to call in the professionals

56

56 STROKE OF GENIUS

Revolutionise homewares with specialty paint

UPCYCLED DESK 62

Simple but spectacular paint projects to try

Give a desk a textured look with milk paint finish

Do it 65

BENCHTOP BEAUTY Revamp the kitchen surface yourself!

PICTURE THIS 70 Learn how to wall mount a television safely DREAM WEAVER 72 Make a gorgeous bedhead with unlikely materials

43

Heating solutions for your space

65

Regulars 7 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JULY Install a timber benchtop

News, special buys and things to do

74 COMING UP ROSES

Enjoy spring blooms from bare-rooted bushes

Share your DIY creations with us or get inspiration for your next project.

Use the hashtag #Bunningsmag CONNECT WITH US

instagram.com/bunnings

pinterest.com.au/bunnings

youtube.com/bunningswarehouse

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$1,000

UPCYCLE PRIZE PACK

Feast Watson ReLove is back! Restore & upcycle a furniture piece with Feast Watson timber finishes this June/July for your chance to WIN! For details, entry & upcycling inspiration scan the QR code or visit our Instagram.

*T&C’s apply.

NEWS

Editor’s letter

GET PAINTING!

Welcome!

Brighten up the cooler months with colourful projects for the whole family. We’ve got tips and tricks for the bigger tasks, such as revamping a piece of furniture with specialist paint (see from page 56). Prefer to start with something on a smaller scale? Pick up a craft kit – or even just a brush and some paint – and let your creativity flow.

W

elcome to DIY July! Here at Bunnings, we know there’s nothing quite like creating something that’s uniquely yours. Whether it’s upcycling a desk (see page 62) or building a laundry from scratch with your mates (see page 23), tackling a project gives you a sense of achievement plus one-off style. So this month

Space-saving laundry reno, page 23

we’re celebrating all things DIY. In conjunction with Bunnings Workshop, we’re on the lookout for Australia’s best DIY project.

To find out how to enter, turn to page 13. As the new editor of Bunnings magazine, I can’t wait to see what you’ve been creating lately – and to keep bringing you inspiration to help you explore the possibilities of your home and garden every day.

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Enjoy the issue!

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Printed by Ovato Print Ltd. Paper fibre is from well-managed forests and other controlled sources. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

Words Anna McDonald. Photography (editor) Sue Stubbs; (laundry) Kaboodle Kitchen; (paint projects) Belinda Merrie, styling Sam van Kan. ‡Some services are not available in all states and territories; contact your local store for information.

JULY

1 Boyle ‘Leni Decorator’ 20ml matt acrylic paints, $23.16/pack of 10, I/N: 1662773.

2 Nylon round craft paintbrush, $3/ size 8, I/N: 0287029. 3 Boyle craft timber birdhouse paint kit, $12.98, I/N: 1662097.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered

Bathroom blitz

WONDER WALL A great way to enhance an interior wall is to paint it a vibrant colour and add a contrasting design, such as the stripes shown here. To start, clean and dry the wall. Next, don protective wear and paint the wall in the lighter colour, leaving to dry thoroughly.

Use a spirit level and pencil to mark out straight, evenly spaced stripes and an adjustable compass to mark curves joining the ends. Position painter’s tape to mask just outside the pencil lines, tearing it into small pieces to make curves. Remove pencil marks with an eraser, then paint on stripes with a brush slightly wider than the gaps, applying two coats and leaving to dry after each. Remove the tape as soon as you’ve finished, to avoid tearing dried paint.

To create these painted plinths, see from page 56

Need help with a bathroom reno?

From July, the new on-site or virtual Bathroom In-Home Consulting service‡ offers stacks of great ideas for inspiration, plus custom 3D concept plans so you can visualise your new space. Visit the Special Orders Desk for an obligation-free quote.

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HAPPY AT HOME

Hibernating in winter is easy when your place is a cosy, fun and inviting haven

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Samsung ‘T5300A Series’ 32" 1920x1080 FHD LED smart TV with wi-fi Dolby+ HDMI/USB, $649.95*, I/N: 0302687

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FOR TIPS ON WALL MOUNTING YOUR NEW TV, TURN TO PAGE 70

Pure Acoustics wireless soundbar speaker with bluetooth/HDMI/ optical input, $79*, I/N: 0328870

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Dreamaker copper infused quilted top electric blanket in Rose Copper, $99.95*/queen, I/N: 0283263

Samsung ‘S-Series S61A’ 76cm 5.0 channel Dolby audio soundbar speaker with bluetooth/ wi-fi/HDMI, $539*, I/N: 0316377

Morphy Richards ‘Accents Rose Gold’ 4 slice toaster and 1.5L pyramid kettle in White, $289*, I/N: 0231957

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Esatto ‘VDE45W’ energy star rating 2-star 4.5kg vented clothes dryer, $379*, I/N: 0282505 Photography, project and styling Tilly Roberts

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Englaon 24" full HD LED 12V TV with HD tuner & DVD combo for caravan, $369.95*, I/N: 0362658

Simplife 65cm replica Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ kitchen stool in White & Natural, $253*, I/N: 0267690

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Frank Hudson linear pleat throw in Blush, $79.99*, I/N: 0153637

A smart matt black frame and grey cord now helps the clothesline ‘disappear’ into the garden!

Before

SPRAY PAINT

Wash-day wonder Style editor Tilly’s clothesline was an eyesore but the structure was sound, so it seemed a waste to rip it out. The solution? Two-in-one primer and paint spray plus new cord. “I used cutter pliers to remove the old cord, then gave the frame a good wipe down with soapy water,” says Tilly. Next, she sprayed the frame with two coats of matt black paint, leaving each coat to dry. Then she threaded new grey cord through the holes, making sure to keep each run taut and knotting firmly at each end. Transformation complete!

ABOVE Tilly used Rust-Oleum ‘2X Ultra Cover’ paint + prime spray paint in Flat Black, $15.05/340g, I/N: 1580675, and Daytek clothesline replacement cord in Grey, $15.90/30m, I/N: 4510626. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

When spray-painting, wear eye protection, a mask and gloves and work outside or in a well-ventilated area, covering surrounding areas with a drop cloth to avoid overspray.

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

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Safe as houses

Hazards come in all shapes and sizes, and so do security systems. From keeping track of who’s where and when, to watching what’s happening with the weather, there are many ways to protect your home.

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Got a rose bush? Give it a good prune, taking stems back to half the plant size and leaving a framework of three or four canes (for more rose care,

see page 74). Delay pruning if there’s still frost.

3

Clean, sharpen and oil your tools; this will give them a longer life span and ensure they continue to perform in the garden.

Grow herbs during the cooler months 4 (and year-round!) with an indoor kit.

Simply set up, then wait for your harvest.

Moss on walkways is hazardous. Reduce the risk by spraying

driveways, paths and around the house with an organic weedkiller.

5

Too cold to garden?

Bring the outside in with a potted plant or two. See below for our indoor plant picks.

1 Eco-Organic Garden ‘Eco-Seaweed’ soluble fertiliser, $17.66/100g, I/N: 2960290.

2 Trojan carbon steel pruning saw, $14.84, I/N: 0246314.

3 Trojan 200mm x 50mm x 25mm steel tool sharpening stone, $13, I/N: 5760314.

4 Mr Fothergill’s ‘Veritable Classic’ indoor garden, $299, I/N: 0273902. 5 Eco-Organic Garden ‘Slasher’ ready to use organic weedkiller, $13.23/1L, I/N: 0189791. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Ring wired spotlight security camera in White, $269, I/N: 4211503

Swann Communications wireless driveway alarm alert kit, $36.05, I/N: 4220596 Swann flood and leak detector, $47, I/N: 0343426†

HOW TO CHOOSE

A FIRE PIT

When temperatures drop, there’s nothing like an outdoor fire to rekindle the warmth.

Before buying a fire pit, take into account the space you have, timber storage solutions, whether it needs to be built in, safety precautions and local council rules. The range includes simple, open flame styles, more covered designs and heating/grilling options.

1 MOTH ORCHID

A beautiful bloom that can last for months. Available in a variety of colours and large and miniature forms.

CALATHEA

Available in a range of sizes, shapes and colours, with attractive patterned foliage.

For impact, group species.

SWISS CHEESE VINE

With heart-shaped, perforated foliage, this looks great in a hanging basket or elevated on a plant stand.

Scan the QR code

For more on what to do in the garden during July, go to bunnings.com.au/ gardencorner After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, always read the label, follow the instructions carefully and wear suitable protective equipment.

Store all garden chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

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3 1 Glow ‘Tambo’ fire pit, $79, I/N: 3171835.

2 Glow ‘Acheron’ fire pit, $179, I/N: 3180659. 3 Jumbuck ‘Fuoco’ standing grill and fire pit, $199, I/N: 0094252 Ensure lit fires are never left unattended, supervise children and pets at all times and have a hose and/or fire extinguisher nearby. Only burn dry, well seasoned and chemically untreated hardwood (not painted, stained or treated with preservative); do not burn plywood, particle board, garbage or plastic.

Words (garden corner) Tammy Huynh. Photography Getty Images. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

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Winter is perfect for planting bare-rooted shrubs and trees. Before planting, remove the plastic around the roots and soak the root ball in seaweed solution for a few hours. This gives you time to prepare the planting hole, too.

Dulux Five Fingers Peninsula

Dulux Whisper White

Before

After

Refresh. Revive. Reimagine.

Easy and affordable kitchen renovations with Dulux & Selleys ®

®

®

Dulux, Worth doing, worth Dulux. and Selleys are registered trademarks of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Kit_Kat New Contributor

How do you tile a splashback?

ProjectPete Trusted Contributor

You’ll find what you need in my step-by-step guide...

“Workshop your project with D.I.Y. experts.”

BRENDAN, TEAM MEMBER

workshop.bunnings.com.au

DREAM IT

ENTER YOUR PROJECT

ST LIA’S BE AUSTRA CT

OJE DIY PR

2ou2by 2u0 ght to y Bro

KYLIE, NSW @INSPIREDBY COASTAL

Before Australia’s best DIY project 2022!

DO YOU LOVE DIY? WE’RE ON THE HUNT FOR AUSTRALIA'S BEST PROJECT – BIG OR SMALL!

J

uly brings weekends spent at home hibernating, so it’s the ideal time to… #diyjuly! This year, in conjunction with Bunnings Workshop, we’ve teamed up with Dulux, Scotch, Command and Openpay to hunt for the country’s best DIY project to feature in the pages of our September issue on stands in Bunnings stores across Australia, plus online.

With help from our expert judges (aka industry professionals ready to admire your fantastic DIY work), finalists will be selected from each project category (see right). Choose your category and flip over to the next page for the simple entry instructions. We can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!

ABOVE Need ideas? Check out last year’s great projects, like this chest of drawers revamped by Kylie with paint, timber mouldings and canister-lid handles

ENTER ONE OF FIVE CATEGORIES: n Best bathroom/laundry makeover Whether you’ve painted over your dated bathroom tiles for a stylish new look, stripped it right back to start all over again or pieced together new flatpack cabinets for your laundry, show us your wash-zone handiwork. n Best kitchen makeover Created an Insta-worthy kitchen?

We want to see the breezy Hamptons, chic contemporary or traditional farmhouse look you’ve gone with to amp up your kitchen’s functionality and style. n Best paint project If you brandished a paintbrush, roller or spray paint to refresh a chest of

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

drawers, benchtop, tiles or even your whole home exterior, this is the category for you. Let’s see your before and after pics (and get inspired with fantastic paint projects, from page 56)! n Best small project Your weekend project may be small in size, but we bet it’s useful, or even just looks great! For anything from plant stands to spice racks, we’re keen to admire your clever DIY. n Best upcycling makeover A pro at transforming old pieces?

We love these projects that breathe new life into the tired and weary.

Show us how you repurposed and recycled preloved household items.

LISSETT AND CURTIS, VIC

Chelsea and James’s kitchen overhaul found itself on our cover!

Before

ABOVE This impressive new look came courtesy of a Dulux repaint by DIYers Lissett and Curtis

Before

CHELSEA & JAMES, WA

YOUR JUDGES Get to know our judging panel – they’re keen to check out your handiwork! We’ll be presenting their favourite reader projects in the September issue of Bunnings magazine (in store on Thursday August 25) and online at workshop.bunnings.com.au.

MITCH MCLEAN Workshop DIY Expert

DION APPEL KATHY CASHA KATRINA Openpay Regional Business O’BRIEN Chief Executive Leader, 3M Bunnings Officer Consumer Business Magazine Editor Group helping DIYers achieve their colour forecasting and the dream projects faster by transformative power of paint. enabling a smarter way to n Kathy Casha, from 3M pay for their materials.

– home of Scotch and n Editor Katrina O’Brien leads Command brands – has more the team producing Bunnings than 20 years of experience in magazine. She loves mixing the home improvement sector. practicality with style.

An enthusiastic DIYer, Kathy n The Bunnings magazine has a keen eye for all home team put together every issue. transformations.

They’re ready to see your work n Dion Appel, CEO at celebrated on our pages.

Openpay, is passionate about

ANDREA LUCENA-ORR Dulux Colour Expert

n Mitch Mclean is one of Bunnings Workshop’s DIY experts who guides Workshop community members with practical tips to help them achieve their goals. He sure knows a good project when he sees one. n Andrea Lucena-Orr is colour and communications manager for Dulux Group.

She has a passion for

Supporting partners Double-Sided Mounting Tape

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To enter scan the QR code

To enter the competition scan the QR code above (or follow the link on our social pages) to go to Bunnings Workshop, then sign into your Workshop account. Don’t have one yet? It’s free – and easy – to sign up! Once you’ve logged in, start a new post and upload your before and after photos with a detailed description of why and how you completed your DIY project… the more information, the better! We don’t want to miss your project, so make sure to apply the label ‘DIY July’ in your Workshop posts (our judges will view all projects under “DIY July”).

For full terms and conditions, visit bunnings.com.au/diy-july.

Entries close 11.50pm AEST, Saturday, July 30, 2022. *Please remember that all professional work, such as plumbing and hardwired electrics, must be carried out by licensed trades.

With Openpay, DIY projects are possible for every room of the house.

2 – 18 month payment plans.

No interest. None.

Sign up. DIY now.

Scan the QR code to sign up to Openpay.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Shop Bunnings instore and online with plans up to $15,000.

Checkout with Openpay.

Select the plan term that best suits you 2 - 18 months.

Relax with no interest. None.

Openpay is the proud Buy Now, Pay Later sponsor of Australia’s Best DIY Projects 2022.

Terms & conditions: Openpay available to approved applicants only.Fees, T&Cs and eligibility criteria applies. Visit opy.com/au/legal-stuff/ for full details.

The best

paint jobs

start with Painter’s Tape The best paint jobs all start the same way, with Scotch® Painter’s Tapes.

Scotch® Brand has a full line of painter’s tapes to help you conquer whatever surface you’re painting.

DREAM IT

COOK-ZONE SOLUTIONS

ALL CHANGE

Before

OPENING UP WHAT WAS A SMALL, DATED KITCHEN BRINGS LIGHT AND COLOUR TO THE HEART OF THIS HOME Words and styling HOLLY BYRNE Photography ANNA ROBINSON

DIY JULY

‘Before’ photograph courtesy of Ray White Henley Beach. Reproduction of colours may vary due to lighting and the printing process.

KITCHENER MAKEOV

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plain white kitchen was never on the cards for homeowners Catherine and Josh.

After moving into their 1950s brick home in Adelaide, they wasted no time in planning their dream cook zone. Catherine wanted colour and character – and a more open-plan layout for keeping watch over their young daughters, Billie and Bobby – but didn’t want costs to blow out, so the couple worked with Kaboodle Kitchen to bring their plans to life.  bunnings.com.au |

The original kitchen was enclosed and uninspiring, but removing a wall and replacing the white cabinetry with a sophisticated colour scheme has transformed the room bunnings |

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Measure, plan, check

After the northern wall was removed and the kitchen opened up to the adjacent dining room, the couple called in some professional help from Bunnings. “Luke from the Kitchen Design Service team measured the entire space, then within two hours he’d fully drawn up the design,” explains Catherine. “I triple checked everything by putting masking tape all over the floor and walking around the kitchen, making sure that I’d allowed enough distance between the cabinets and the island.”

Colour me happy

“Everyone does a white kitchen, which can be beautiful, but I wanted something with more depth and character,” says Catherine, who made multiple trips in store to see products up close and to scale before locking anything in. “That was really important, because sometimes a swatch alone can be misleading – you want to see a panel of it to see how the light plays with it.”

One of her visits even led to a last-minute switch of benchtops.

“I just had this feeling, so I went into the store and saw it on a large scale, and realised the vein was too intense,” she recalls. Their final selections

included a more understated marblelook engineered stone on the benchtops, splashback and shelving, paired with premium thermoformed Alpine profile cabinetry in Grey Fig.

Island life

Opening up the space and creating a functional kitchen island was essential. “The square shape is something different, because people often go for a rectangle island, but it

also adds to the storage underneath,” says Josh. The pair opted for backto-back 600mm base cabinets with push-to-open cupboards on one side and a pull-out waste bin and drawers on the other, forgoing the counter overhang they had planned. “We had the cabinets set up, and our toddler was running around the island one day when we realised that the overhang was perfect head-height for her to hurt herself,” says Catherine.

Catherine and Josh are thrilled with their new family-friendly area

DIY INSTALL!

TOP CENTRE Kaboodle Kitchen 2 x 38L side mount pullout bin in Grey, $377, I/N: 0220934. TOP RIGHT Mondella ‘Resonance’ WELS 5-star 6L/min curved sink mixer in Stainless Steel, $179, I/N: 5004143. All other products, stylist’s own.

Always engage licensed trades to carry out plumbing and hardwired electrical work.

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†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

PLANNING TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN? TURN TO PAGE 65 TO SEE HOW TO PUT IN A TIMBER BENCHTOP

Stainless-steel appliances complement the modern styling of the refreshed space

FLOOR PLAN Essential Stone 20mm round premium stone benchtop in Calacutta Max, from $1,048/sqm, I/N: 0213927†

“The absolute non-negotiable was a pull-out bin, because I grew up in a household where the bins were always sitting inside a cabinet, where they got messy and would always smell,” explains Catherine. “We did not want that! So with the pullout bin, I can chop my food and scrape the scraps straight in. It’s unbelievable!” A dishwasher was strategically placed just a step away for a streamlined scrapeand-stack process, and concealed with an integrated cabinet panel.

On the opposite side of the island, soft-close pull-out wireware has levelled up the organisation and storage capabilities in the family pantry. “The pantry pull-out baskets are the thing we didn’t know we needed!” says Josh.

SINK D/W

Planning perfection

STOVE

FRIDGE BIN ISLAND PANTRY

ABOVE Kaboodle Kitchen 150mm 2 tier soft close pullout baskets, $104, I/N: 2667713, and ‘Plaza’ 96mm kitchen handles in Matt Black, $6.90 each, I/N: 0175953†. BELOW LEFT Kaboodle Kitchen 900mm soft close pullout baskets, $113.50 each, I/N: 2667712†. All other products, stylist’s own.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Scan the QR code Be inspired to create a unique look: bunnings.com.au/personaliseyour-kitchen-design

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t i h r e p Slee DIY JULY

BEDROO REDO

Before

M

A CLEAR VISION AND A LOVE OF DIY HELPED TO CREATE THIS SERENE COASTAL BEDROOM Words SHELLEY TUSTIN Photography MARCEL AUCAR Styling GEORGIA DUNCAN

A

woodworking whiz at high school, homeowner Kirsty had shelved her toolbelt until she and husband Paul built a new house in a seaside town in Victoria. This renewed her passion for DIY as she dreamt of ways to add character to the plain build, documenting her adventures via Bunnings Workshop and Instagram as @eleventhcoastal. “I love working with my hands, thinking of something and then just making it,” she says.

Lampshade suspended using Zenith 2mm dimpled chain in Matt Black, $7.90/2.5m, I/N: 0046182. Smart Home Products ‘Kendel’ 34cm x 30cm storage basket in Diamond, $27, I/N: 0351814. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

DREAM IT

NEW-BUILD BOUDOIR

SHELF HELP

Building a new home means endless decisions – and choosing the fit-out of the walk-in wardrobe was one decision too many for Kirsty. “I was getting a bit frustrated, so I said, ‘Just put in the standard and I’ll fix it when we’re in the house,’” she recalls. The ‘standard’ was full-height rails and a single shelf – leaving barely any room for folded clothes. With a can-do attitude, Kirsty spent a Sunday afternoon adding melamine shelves up to waist height, with baskets for storage.

LEFT Living Elements 900mm x 600mm x 23mm rounded corner framed mirror in Black, $129, I/N: 0225481. Ezy Storage ‘Brickor’ large baskets in White, $3.50 each, I/N: 0279843. ABOVE Lightly ‘Palm Springs’ 215mm x 150mm metal pot in Clay, $49, I/N: 0262357. All other products, stylist’s own.

Paint colours may vary on application.

Beach-chic bedhead

“I call the house our coastal boho haven,” says Kirsty. “We wanted to create an inviting vibe, so our family – and visitors – could relax and feel like they’re on holiday.” In the bedroom, to capture that feeling of beachside serenity, she sketched out a design for a VJ panelled half wall instead of a traditional bedhead.

Google research showed her how to build a frame for a stud wall, a trip to Bunnings supplied the materials, including the Easycraft VJ lining panels, and she was off!

The resulting wall plays the role of a bedhead in giving visual structure to the room, but with the added practical benefits of a narrow shelf along the top and two more shelves either side of the bed. The existing power points were moved up by an electrician to sit almost invisibly beneath the bedside shelves.

Kirsty experimented with a warm neutral paint (“sort of a cappuccino

spend any more money,” she says, so the innovative renovator contrived a solution with Lytworx batteryoperated puck lights. The lights are housed inside black shades (found at Kmart), which are then suspended from the ceiling with black chain.

“We have industrial lights in our kitchen, so even though the spaces aren’t next to each other, it sort of ties everything together,” she says. Plus, as a bonus, the lights are operated via a remote, so they can be switched on and off without getting out of bed.

colour”) on the VJ feature, but quickly returned to a classic coastal palette with Dulux White on White.

Minimalist bedsides

Floating timber shelves serve as bedside tables, but mounting those shelves, using Carinya floating-shelf brackets fitted into the solid timber, turned out to be one of the fiddliest bits of the bedroom makeover.

“If you don’t drill into the shelf straight, the rods don’t go in,” recalls Kirsty. “There were a few choice words said in that process!” Still, she’s thrilled with the simple design in lieu of bedside cabinets, which she notes actually helps prevent clutter: “You end up having junk in your bedside anyway, so this just stops it,” she says.

Light hacks

Bench warmer

Hardwired lights must be installed by a licensed sparkie, but Kirsty found an easy DIY workaround for her pendants.

“I get impatient, and I didn’t want to

The first project Kirsty undertook was crafting a long bench seat to match their dining table, and its smaller twin is a perfect fit for the main bedroom.

Kirsty designed and cut the crossshaped legs herself, topping them with a slab of recycled messmate timber, simply finished with Feast Watson hard wax to show off the beautiful wood grain.

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3M CLAW™ PLASTERBOARD PICTURE HANGER

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DREAM IT

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DIY JULY

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Hidden depths SLIDING DOORS REVEAL A COMPACT DIY LAUNDRY THAT PUNCHES ABOVE ITS WEIGHT

Photography Kaboodle Kitchen. Reproduction of colours may vary due to lighting and the printing process.

Words SHELLEY TUSTIN

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ack of space is a common prompt for a laundry reno, but in the case of this Melbourne unit the issue was too much space. “You could have had four machines in there!” says homeowner Ben. “It was the sort of room you’d have for a big family.” For a two-bedroom apartment this was too much of a good thing, so the laundry was reconfigured into a cupboard tucked behind sliding doors.

The maximum amount of storage was top priority when designing the space

Choosing Kaboodle Kitchen cabinetry was a no-brainer – the same finishes are in the new kitchen, giving a sense of cohesion, plus Ben was comfortable putting it together with help from some friends. “We’re the type of guys who will YouTube it until we work it out!” he says. Ben further flexed his DIY muscles, taking on everything from tiling and plastering to painting, to create a space that’s as good-looking as it is functional. bunnings.com.au |

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ABOVE Custom sliding doors hide the workspace and form a striking feature

Must-haves

“For me, a laundry is not a big deal,” says Ben. “I wanted a space where I could clean my footy boots!” But with an eye on the practicalities – and potential future needs – he added a few more items to the list. A washing machine and a deep sink, teamed with a gooseneck mixer, were musthaves, along with bulked-up storage.

A dryer, however, didn’t make the cut.

“I like the feeling of my clothes when they’ve been drying in the sun, and there’s a laundromat down the road in case of an emergency,” explains Ben.

Colour cues

With navy-toned charcoal cabinets – Kaboodle Kitchen ‘Modern’ profile in Poppy Seed – and black accents in the Kaboodle ‘Plaza’ cabinet pulls and in a steel-framed shelving unit, the moody colour scheme is bang on trend, while also matching the style of the home. Ben chose lowmaintenance marble-look laminate to give the benchtop a sense of luxury without overcapitalising.

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Sense of order

When you’re dealing with a small but functional zone, good storage is important. This was front of mind when Ben designed the layout using Kaboodle Kitchen’s online 3D planner.

Cabinets above and below the sink, plus a large cupboard and an industrial-style shelf unit, give plenty of stash space. Inside the cupboard, there’s lots of room for linens and miscellaneous bits and bobs, all neatly contained in lidded tubs.

Out of sight

A laundry cupboard is a fantastic space-saver when you can’t have – or don’t want – a dedicated room. Ben’s new laundry is tucked at one end of the new and expanded kitchen and dining area, but you wouldn’t know it was there, with everything hidden behind neat white doors. The threepanel sliding door (custom-made to fit) is on three tracks, so it can slide to one side or the other, or stack in the middle, so every part of the laundry is accessible.

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LEFT and PREVIOUS PAGE Kaboodle Kitchen ‘Modern’ profile cabinetry in Poppy Seed; ‘Plaza’ 96mm kitchen handles in Matt Black, $6.90 each, I/N: 0175953†; and compact radius customisable benchtop in Calcutta Grey, $190/m, I/N: 0193831†.

Inabox modular storage containers with lids in Cactus Blue, $13/19L, I/N: 0319496; $8.50/8L, I/N: 0319493; and $6.50/5L, I/N: 0319487. Walls painted in Dulux White Exchange Half paint. Wall tiles, for similar try Johnson Tiles 297mm x 97mm ceramic wall tiles in Neutral White Gloss, $26.73/ carton of 27, I/N: 0111657. Sink mixer, for similar try Mondella ‘Cadenza’ WELS 5-star 6L/min vege spray sink mixer in Chrome, $139, I/N: 0166158. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Always engage licensed trades to carry out plumbing and hardwired electrical work.

Scan the QR code Find more compact laundry inspiration: bunnings.co.au/makea-stylish-cupboard-laundry

Read it!

Paint colours may vary on application. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

A Kaboodle Kitchen pantry provides ample storage, while lidded containers keep clutter organised

Advertising promotion On walls, from left: Gayafores 625mm x 320mm ‘Sassi Gris’ porcelain floor tiles, $61, I/N: 0264098/carton of 5, and ‘Deco Sassi Gris’ 625mm x 320mm porcelain tiles, $61/ carton of 5, I/N: 0264100. On floor, from left: ‘Sassi Gris’ floor tiles, as before, and ‘Heritage’ 331mm x 331mm porcelain tiles in Black, $71.55/carton of 12, I/N: 0264115

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FOUNDATIONS IN HISTORY For more than 120 years, the family-founded company has been crafting world-class tiles, leading the way in design, technology and sustainability. The range is available Australia-wide at Bunnings, meaning Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

you can embrace the latest design trends from across the globe with genuine European-made tiles, without the designer price tag.

TILES FOR EVERY STYLE The Gayafores collection has been designed and curated so there’s a tile for every style of interior, from cool contemporary to a heritage home. For homemakers and renovators looking to get creative, there’s a simple three-step design process that empowers you to use the range to bring your vision to life.

The next step is to select a decorative or textured tile to complement the base tile (on the floor or wall). The third and final step is to choose a square patterned tile to add an extra accent to your finished masterpiece.

With such a wide variety of tile designs to choose from, you can follow these simple steps to make a brave and bold style statement, or stick to the more understated options for a neutral, pared-back, timeless look.

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MAKE ME OVER TIRED OF THE STATE OF YOUR BATHROOM? TRY THESE 10 DIY IDEAS TO TURN YOUR WASH SPACE AROUND Words SHELLEY TUSTIN

Dulux Grass Sands

T

he bathroom is a tradie-heavy space to renovate, requiring specialist attention from top to bottom. But there’s still plenty you can do yourself to transform an in-need-of-love bathroom, without having to launch into a wholesale upgrade. Read on for inspiring ideas and renovation tips.

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For a smart finish after painting the vanity, replace grungy sealants around the basin and tiles with a mould resistant, waterproof silicone

Paint the vanity

A shabby vanity might be just a coat of paint away from a fab new life. “Your colour choice should be directed by the undertones found in your bathroom materials such as the vanity stone, cabinetry, tiles and other major elements,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager.

“The bathroom vanity doesn’t sit at eye level, so this is a great opportunity to bring in stronger accent colours, such as Dulux Grass Sands, Italian Clay or Ticking.”

The Dulux Renovation Range can be used on almost all interior surfaces, including melamine and timber.

PLAN IT

2

Change up the mirror

Update an old bathroom mirror with a new one in a modern finish like brass, or a bold form such as an arch or pill shape. Alternatively, Ange Sibley of Ever So Homely (eversohomely.com. au) suggests creating a DIY frame to modernise the mirror or disguise ageing. “Create a simple frame, fixed to the front of the mirror, out of moulding. Cut your timber of choice to the size of the existing mirror at 45° angles for a flawless join, and either glue or use double-sided mounting tape to attach to the mirror,” she says.

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Get into the (VJ) groove

Plain bathroom walls can be given a whole new look with VJ panelling – simply attach the wall lining to the existing plasterboard. Create a half wall (dado height) for traditional country charm, or run it from floor to ceiling for a textured look that works in any style of home. Use water-resistant panelling, fix to walls outside the shower or other splash zones, then paint for an instant update.

Photography (top) Sue Stubbs, styling Tilly Roberts; (below) James Hardie; (opposite) Getty Images. Paint colours may vary on application. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

BATHROOM REVAMP

James Hardie ‘Hardie Groove’ 2700mm x 1200mm x 7.5mm lining, $189/3.24sqm, I/N: 0712677. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Add warmth

A heated towel rail is the ultimate indulgence on a cold winter morning, and you might be surprised to learn you can install one yourself. If you’ve got a well-positioned power point, a plug-in model can be DIYed. Use a stud finder to locate hidden wires and pipes in the wall before drilling the mounting holes. You’ll still need a sparkie to install a hardwired version, though.

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DIY expert Ange Sibley’s mirror was de-silvering at the edges, so she made a pine frame which she attached over it

Upgrade handles

Your cabinet knobs or drawer pulls might be drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. If that’s the case, a new set is an easy upgrade. If you’re also planning to switch up features like taps and towel rails at the same time, pick a finish to match for a cohesive look.

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Install handy hangers

New towel rings, toilet-roll holders and hooks can add instant good looks plus practicality, and all you need is a drill with a masonry bit and some basic tools. Again, use a stud finder to locate hidden wires and pipes. If you’re renting or are nervous about drilling into tiles, there are no-drill solutions you can use instead, like the vacuum suction Fusion-Loc range or the Tesa range, which utilises removable adhesive. 

Scan the QR code Learn to put up a new towel rail: bunnings.com.au/how-to-installbathroom-accessories-into-tiles

Watch it! bunnings.com.au |

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Shower screen frames can be spray painted – just be meticulous when masking off, and use pull-down drop sheets to prevent overspray

Switch a shower

Your old showerhead could be wasting water and costing you money, as well as giving you a substandard spray. Time for an upgrade? Most plumbing work is off limits to non-tradies (see from page 52 for more DIYs you can and can’t do), but replacing a showerhead is classed as a DIY fix in most states and territories. Check your local rules and choose a showerhead that just screws onto your existing fixture.

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Be creative with colour

If current finishes are too hard to remove, try painting them. “Spray-paint existing doorknobs or towel rails for the perfect finishing touch,” says DIYer Ange Sibley. “You could even spray-paint your shower frame. The power of paint makes an incredible and affordable transformation.”

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Improve the loo

There’s no need to put up with a tatty or broken toilet seat, as this simple upgrade can be done yourself in minutes. Choose one the right size and shape to suit your toilet bowl.

But replacing a whole toilet is strictly a job for a licensed tradie. Ask at the Special Orders Desk in store about the Toilet Installation Service‡.

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1 Living Elements 750mm x 500mm x 26mm framed oblong mirror in Black, $99, I/N: 0225479. 2 Dulux ‘Renovation Range’ cabinet doors satin paint in Ticking, $86.50/1L, I/N: 0116486. 3 Lane 32mm cabinet pulls in Brushed Brass, $8.50 each, I/N: 0364738. 4 Fusion-Loc 13kg suction bathroom towel ring, $28.47, I/N: 4823124.

5 Lytworx RGB motion sensor LED strip light, $19/1m, I/N: 0246809. 6 Tesa ‘Deluxxe’ self-adhesive towel rail, $74, I/N: 0280381. 7 Methven ‘Krome’ WELS 3-star 9L/min 150mm hi rise shower, $93, I/N: 5002718. 8 Forme retro fit 6 bar square plug in heated towel rail, $353, I/N: 0230402†. 9 Mondella ‘Concerto’ soft close toilet seat, $73, I/N: 4870432.

10 Selleys ‘Wet Area’ waterproof silicone sealant in Clear, $15.60/300g, I/N: 1230999.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Make lighting work

Good lighting makes a world of difference in a bathroom.

While hardwired lighting is strictly for licensed electricians, there’s a luxury addition you can easily add yourself: sensor lights. These sit underneath the vanity and come on when you step into the room – handy for late-night bathroom visits.

Installing them is as simple as ‘peel and stick’ with battery-powered sensor strip lights. ◆ 28 bunnings.com.au |

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ABOVE Wall hung towel rail, for similar try Forme ‘Boston’ 5 bar round heated towel rail in Black Satin, $199, I/N: 0102765

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Keep in mind

n All plumbing and hardwired electrical work must be carried out by licensed professionals.

Photography (top) Brigid Arnott, styling Chontelle Samios; (below) Anna Robinson, styling Tilly Roberts. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. ‡Not all services are available in all states and territories; conditions apply.

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Advertising promotion

HARDIE™ GROOVE LINING DELIVERS THE BEAUTY OF VERTICAL JOINT TIMBER WITH THE DURABILITY OF CEMENT

Enduring love Create a bathroom with character plus rock-solid durability with James Hardie

W

hen planning a bathroom, it’s easy to get fixated on elements like taps and sinks, but a space you’ll love – and one that will go the distance – starts with your structure. Hardie™ fibre cement wall linings are the go-to wall boards for bathroom construction. And if your bathroom is built on timber joists you also want to ensure the structural floor is fibre cement, not particle board.

WARM WASH Tiles are a go-to finish for bathrooms, but can result in a wash zone that lacks warmth and texture. For a material that delivers all the practicality of tiles but the charm of tongue-and-groove timber, try Hardie™ Groove Lining Panels.

This ‘VJ’ look is a staple of period and Queenslander-style houses, but works equally well in modern homes, where it adds a sense of craftsmanship to plain walls. Use it as a full-length feature wall or, for a more traditional look, opt for a Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

half wall below a dado rail. Hardie™ Groove Lining Panels can be painted any colour you like – bold, bashful, or a different colour every year!

RESISTANT PLUS Though it gives the look of timber, fibre cement Hardie™ Groove Lining Panels are actually far more durable, with greater impact resistance. It’s also resistant to damage from moisture, rot, fire and termites. What’s more, it can be used in every part of the bathroom, except the shower zone, as well as in any other room in the house.

BEHIND THE SCENES Where you do opt for tiles or similar finishes, what lies beneath is just as important as what’s on show, particularly in wet zones like the bathroom. Hardie™ Secura™ Interior Flooring is a tongue-and-groove fibre cement floor panel that’s all about fast

Hardie™ cladding products offer strength and endurance and secure construction. Tiles can be fixed directly without the need for an underlay. Moisture damage is a big risk in bathroom construction. Not only is the fibre cement resistant to moisture damage, Secura™ also has a moisture resistant sealer which removes the need for waterproofing outside the shower recess.

For shower recesses, use Hardie™ Villaboard™ Lining Panels beneath your tiles. Being fibre cement, it’s also resistant to damage from rot and moisture. It also boasts superior tensile bond strength (up to 75 per cent greater than wet-area plasterboard), ensuring your bathroom lasts long term.

To help you get started on your modern bathroom renovation, download the James Hardie Renovation Guide from jameshardie. com.au/renovationguide.

@jameshardieau @jameshardieau Follow @jameshardieau on Instagram and Pinterest for more inspiration.

Advertising promotion

How to renovate your bathroom, with Caroma If you’re new to renovating, upgrading a bathroom can seem daunting. Follow these tips to create a space that brings pleasure and adds value to your home

W

ith careful planning and expert help, you can achieve the bathroom of your dreams. But before you rush off to select your sanitary (that’s the loo, basin and bath) and tapware, there’s a few things you need to do to ensure your renovation goes smoothly.

1. FIND INSPIRATION Begin by getting a sense of the type of bathroom you want. Look at Pinterest, magazines, blogs, renovation shows and even friends’ homes to kickstart the process of defining style.

2. MAKE A MOODBOARD Collect images and samples of what you love and create a collage. Include colours, textures and the style that best reflects you and the people who’ll be using the bathroom.

3. PLAN YOUR SPACE It’s time to get practical. Measure the area you’re working with. Mark out existing fixtures and plumbing (it’s more economical if you don’t move fixtures too far) and ask important questions: - Who’ll be using the bathroom the most, and what do they need?

- What are the priority inclusions?

- Do I have room for a bath?

- How much storage do I want?

4. CREATE A BUDGET Budgets are critical and not hard to compile. It’s important to work out how much money you have available so you don’t end up overspending. Always leave an amount as a contingency, because bathroom renovations often throw up budget surprises. Caroma has a free budget template online which can help.

5. ASK THE EXPERTS Consulting professionals is important when it comes to bathrooms – and the earlier you do so, the better. A number of different skills have to come together, including plumbing, tiling, waterproofing and electrics. Obtain at least two quotes for each trade and be sure to check licences and reviews.

6. CHOOSE THE ESSENTIALS There are many decisions to make when renovating a bathroom, including tiles, vanity, sink, bath, shower, taps, toilets and accessories. For a luxurious finish, ensure all these elements work together harmoniously. Luckily Caroma can help. The Luna range has been designed to work together, no matter what you choose. With Caroma Luna you don’t need to be a designer to get a bathroom that looks and functions like it’s been designed by one.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.All plumbing and hardwired electrical work must be carried out by licensed tradies.

Luna by Caroma offers you effortless matches for effortless style So you can customise your bathroom to your own unique style and taste, the Luna collection is available in four highly durable colour finishes: Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Brass.

Head to your local Bunnings to get help from our experts and explore the Caroma Luna range.

To access the budget template, find out what trades you will need and more, visit www.caroma.com.au/ first-time-renovator.

MATCHING TAPS ADD THE WOW

PRACTICAL AND DURABLE

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The Luna range of toilet suites features Caroma patented Cleanflush® technology.

Caroma Cleanflush® is our most effective and hygienic toilet. The patented design features revolutionary rimless technology that delivers the next generation of toilets: easy to clean, water efficient with superior hygiene and backed by a 20 year warranty.

ABOVE Caroma ‘Luna’ inset basin with 1 tap hole in White, $290, I/N: 0184848†; WELS 6-star 4.5L/min basin mixer, $208, I/N: 0327287; toilet-roll holder, $45, I/N: 0327371†; Cleanflush WELS 4-star 3.5L/min toilet suite, $589, I/N: 0088812; WELS 4-star 7.5L/min overhead showerhead, $139, I/N: 0327348†; 210mm straight arm square flange, $129, I/N: 0327353†; WELS 4-star 6L/min multifunction hand shower, $159, I/N: 0327344†; bath/shower mixer with diverter, $249, I/N: 0327302†; WELS 6-star 4.5L/min wall basin/bath mixer, $249, I/N: 0327306†; back-to-wall acrylic bath, $1,409, I/N: 0186577†.

Bathroom features the Luna Collection in Brushed Nickel. Colours also available:

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Chrome

Matt Black

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PLAN IT

GARDEN DESIGN

SET THE SCENE

FOLLOW A FEW GUIDELINES AND YOU CAN CREATE THE BACKYARD OASIS OF YOUR DREAMS

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Photography Gap Interiors/The Contented Nest. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

esigning a garden is like choosing a style for your home. It should suit your tastes and needs, and speak to you on a personal level, says landscape architect and Greener Spaces Better Places ambassador Charlie Albone (greenerspacesbetterplaces. com.au). “You’re the one using it the most, so you should feel most comfortable,” he says.

A variety of styles can help achieve this: follow our guide to four great garden looks to love. 

Tammy

Words TAMMY HUYNH

H

uynh

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Traditional style

Formal gardens are all about structure and geometry, with a strong focus on symmetry.

They’re typically organised around a central axis, says Charlie Albone. “Drawing a line through the garden will allow you to design your garden off this point, giving it a feeling of formality,” he says. Mirroring elements on either side can give a strong impression, but be careful it doesn’t feel boring, says Charlie. “The repetition of plants or certain features helps create flow and maintains a sense of balance.”

In this style of garden, keep planting simple, says landscape architect Sophie Greive of Think Outside Gardens (thinkoutsidegardens. com.au). “A minimal palette of lush green foliage plants maintains year-round formality,” she says. Ensure there is variation between species to sustain interest – look for different heights, textures and shades of green. Use hedges, topiary plants or pleached (woven) trees to emphasise the formality.

Focal centrepieces help punctuate plantings and draw you into the garden. “A feature pot on a plinth, a teak garden bench or a water feature are common,” says Sophie. Statues, large urns or archways are also suitable.

Flowing paths invite a sense of journey in a cottage garden

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Cottage garden

Cottage gardens are much more informal and relaxed. “Their structure is less defined, with gravel-lined, meandering paths and garden beds adorned with lots of charming annuals and perennials,” says Sophie. Look for soft, wispy flowers and cascading foliage forms as they contribute to the overall unrestrained appeal. Sophie suggests French lavender, Mexican sage, rosemary and climbing roses.

Charlie recommends planting with the seasons to maintain year-round interest. “The aim is to get various plants in the ground that perform at different times of the year, so you always have a reason to head outside,” he says. The materials palette is mostly traditional, adds Sophie: “Decomposed granite, natural stone walls, sandstone flagging or secondhand bricks are often used as paving.”

“Cottage gardens are all about meandering, soft pathways in gravel and lots of planting creating a tapestry of colour and texture” Charlie Albone, landscape architect

Coastal cool

Photography Gap Interiors/Bureaux; (opposite) Sue Stubbs.

Coastal gardens are typically landscaped with hardy species and hard-wearing materials — particularly in exposed locations with sandy soil, brutal winds and salt spray. Tough plants like coastal rosemary, blue chalk sticks, licorice plant and creeping boobialla embrace the salty air. “Plant in drifts or prune shrubs into balls for interest,” suggests Sophie. Many hardy coastal plants have silvery-grey foliage to cope with extreme conditions (the silver is fine hairs, which protect from heat and drying winds); this colour scheme teams beautifully with aged hardwood timbers, concrete and metals with a patina.

While there can be structure in the design, coastal styles are usually relaxed, with organic curved paths and garden beds offering texture that suits the surrounds. “Coastal gardens are often very drought tolerant so are generally low maintenance, too,” says Charlie. While these elements suit seaside locations, the same principles apply to any backyard where you want a relaxed, coastal vibe. 

Chairs, for similar try Marquee ‘Verna’ chair in Black, $49, I/N: 0057736.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings.com.au |

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Modern design

Framing pavers with groundcover or grass gives a soft, organic feel

“The focus of a contemporary garden is to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle,” says Charlie Albone. As a modern extension of the home, the garden should blur the line between interior and exterior spaces. This can include a large entertaining area, an outdoor cooking station and a structure to provide shelter from the sun, says Charlie: “It is designed to allow you to focus on being outside.” The plants are simple, but impactful. “There is a strong focus on leaf shapes and architectural foliage,” says Sophie Greive. Try giant elephant ears, giant bromeliad and aloe ‘Outback Orange’. They can bring warmth to the space, softening hardscape materials such as steel, masonry or large vitrified tiles.

Bold, geometric lines enhance this style, and should also be coordinated with the furnishings and accessories. “Metal sculptures, laser-cut screens and flat-bar steel balustrades are all complementary to a modern garden,” says Sophie.

RIGHT Plants, from left: Giant bromeliad plant. Planter, for similar try Respect ‘Milano’ 58cm self watering planter in White, $129, I/N: 0217100. Succulent plants in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo Mod’ 23cm glazed egg pot in Cream, $18.98, I/N: 2830106, and ‘Primo Jardin’ 28cm x 25cm planter in White, $18.50, I/N: 2833004. Dwarf umbrella plant. Pot, for similar try Tuscan Path ‘Harper’ 37cm x 37cm fibreglass egg pot in White, $65.98, I/N: 0252488.

Agave plant in Tuscan Path ‘Harper’ 55cm x 35cm fibreglass cylinder pot in White, $109, I/N: 0252506. Banana palm plant. Pot, for similar try Tuscan Path ‘Harper’ 54cm x 54cm fibreglass egg pot in White, $121, I/N: 0252490. Patio heater, for similar try Mimosa stainless steel outdoor gas patio heater, $219, I/N: 0161025. On table: Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ plant in Northcote Pottery 21cm x 20cm fibreclay cylinder pot in White, $26.98, I/N: 0238843. All plants sold separately. Beige and white cushions and sculpture, Adairs, adairs.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own.

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1 Gardman ‘Classic’ 2.4m x 1.15m garden arch, $109, I/N: 0092395. 2 Tuscan Path 20mm-80mm natural stone mix, $18.98/15kg, I/N: 3451809. 3 Northcote Pottery 55cm extra large terrazzo egg pot in White, $108, I/N: 0096213. 4 Lotus 30.5cm steel wire hanging basket, $5.50, I/N: 0294104 (plant sold separately). 5 Tuscan Path ‘Cascade’ 90cm water feature in Slate, $299, I/N: 0271607. 6 Tuscan Path 600mm x 400mm x 20mm sandstone paver, $18.96, I/N: 0129314. 7 Whites ‘Oxy Shield’ 1180mm x 130mm outdoor garden edging, $21, I/N: 0056596. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

“If you design a garden to a certain style, it looks more considered and refined, and therefore is more visually appealing” Sophie Greive, landscape architect

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Photograph Brigid Arnott, styling Tilly Roberts.

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A clever locking mechanism stops the pad of the Oates Spin & Clean rotating while mopping

Advertising promotion The mop simply folds for ease of cleaning near skirting boards

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Take the dirty work out of mopping with the NEW Oates Spin & Clean Compact Spin Mop & Bucket Set

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irty floors are inevitable in any home, but keeping them clean doesn’t have to be a challenge thanks to the new Oates Spin & Clean Compact Spin Mop & Bucket Set. Whether you’ve just moved house, replaced your floors or it’s simply time to upgrade your mop, this new set should be top of your shopping list.

THE SPIN EFFECT Spin mopping has never been so easy, or affordable. This carefully designed The microfibre mop head can be removed for washing or replacing

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

duo harnesses the power of spin through a handle-driven system that gives total control over the amount of water required in the microfibre mop head – spin slow to help the mop pad absorb water, or fast to remove excess water. Its simple, effective method will bring a sparkle to all hard floors, but is especially ideal for timber floors that can be damaged by the pooling water other mop types can leave behind.

A THOROUGH CLEAN Oates Spin & Clean Compact Spin Mop & Bucket Set includes a scrubbing roller within the bucket that removes dirt and hair from the pad as you go.

This leaves the mop head always clean and prevents dirty water, grime and hair being spread across the floor.

The circular shaped mop head is also foldable to 90˚, making it easy to clean right up to skirting boards and corners without bending over. Oates Spin & Clean Compact Spin Mop & Bucket Set is now available exclusively at Bunnings for only $39.99, with refills sold separately for $12.

IDEAL FOR ALL HARD FLOOR SURFACES

SCRUBBING ROLLER REMOVES DIRT & HAIR

1 Oates ‘Spin & Clean’ compact spin mop & bucket set, $39.99, I/N: 0362060.

2 Oates ‘Spin & Clean’ microfibre mop refill, $12, I/N: 0362237.

CLEANS SKIRTING BOARDS & CORNERS

@oatescleaningproducts

TRASH TO TREASURE TURN HOUSEHOLD WASTE INTO A GARDEN HELPER WITH THESE EASY COMPOSTING TIPS Words TAMMY HUYNH

Tumbleweed ‘Worm Buffet’ in ground worm farm, $34.98, I/N: 0201386

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e all know we can do more to reduce household waste, and one easy – and productive – way to cut down your rubbish is by composting. “It’s the natural process of recycling organic waste into a nutrient-rich fertiliser for the garden,” says compost coach Kate Flood (@compostable.kate). This improves the soil and helps it hold moisture and nutrients, enhancing the overall growing conditions for your plants. “It’s about finding a compost solution for your space and lifestyle,” says Kate.

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Compost options

Your choice of composting system comes down to the space and type of waste you have. Traditional composting involves layering food and household and garden waste in an above-ground bin or tumbler, but if you have mostly kitchen scraps, choose a worm farm or bokashi bin. These are great if you’re time-poor, says Kate: “It’s as easy as throwing scraps in a rubbish bin.” A bokashi bin can be kept in the kitchen, where it breaks down food through fermentation, while a worm farm should be outdoors (or in a garage or basement) in a cool, shaded spot.

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“It’s empowering to know that we can make a massive difference in our own homes, if we compost and manage our food waste responsibly” Kate Flood, composting expert

PLAN IT Composting is about balance – contrary to popular belief, citrus and onion waste is fine to add to compost, just not in great quantities or too often

SOIL ENRICHMENT

WHAT TO COMPOST DO: n Food scraps nN ewspaper, non-glossy paper and cardboard (shredded is best) nG rass clippings and garden trimmings nO rganic mulch nH air, feathers and fur DON’T:

nW eeds that have gone

to seed

nD iseased plant parts nC at or dog droppings nM eat or dairy (unless in

a bokashi bin)

nT ough-skinned fruit, like

watermelon, which takes a long time to break down

Above-ground compost bins are ideal if you have space, says Kate Flood: “You can process more food scraps and large amounts of garden waste.”

Position bins or tumblers in an easily accessible spot – a shadier setting will help the compost stay moist, while direct sun will speed up the process.

Photography Getty Images.

Recipe for success

The type of waste added to compost bins is key. You need alternating layers of nitrogen-based (green) and carbonbased (brown) materials. Greens consist of food scraps, grass clippings and fresh garden trimmings; browns include small twigs and branches, straw, newspaper, and non-glossy paper and cardboard. Get into the habit of tearing or cutting up the materials into small pieces as this helps increase the rate of decomposition.

Water and oxygen are also essential.

Introduce oxygen by aerating your compost regularly, says Chantel Brillantes of Tumbleweed. “Aeration promotes microbial activity, which helps break down the materials faster.”

Use a compost aerator to bring air into the mix. A moist environment allows microbes to flourish, adds Chantel:

“Only a small amount of water is required – not too wet or too dry.”

For the perfect compost, balancing all the elements is important. Kate recommends one part green to two parts brown; aerate frequently and maintain moisture levels. “The result of this recipe turns a waste problem into a garden solution,” she says.

Garden gold

Keep in mind...

Always wear a mask and gloves when handling compost.

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Don’t rely on time as a measure of compost maturity, says Chantel.

“The time to mature varies between systems – a compost bin can be ready in as little as four weeks, but a worm farm can take three to six months.” Instead, use sensory cues.

“Compost is ready for use when it becomes dark brown, crumbly and has an earthy smell,” says Kate. “It also needs to be cool to touch – if it’s hotter than ambient outdoor temperature, it needs to rest before use.” Once ready, spread it in existing pots and beds or use it to prepare new planting zones.

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4 1 Tumbleweed ‘Compost Mate’ compost tool, $22.98, I/N: 3363916. 2 Maze ‘Airtight’ 14L indoor bokashi compost bin, $49.95, I/N: 0232277 (includes 500ml liquid bokashi).

3 Maze 245L 2 compartment compost tumbler, $249, I/N: 3160068. 4 Tumbleweed ‘Worm Cafe’ worm farm, $94, I/N: 3160013.

5 Trojan 4WD compact fork, $17.60, I/N: 0190210. 6 Cyclone 175L premium pop-up garden bag, $32.97, I/N: 0242134.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Tuscan Path’s ‘Harper’ egg and cylinder pots look extra stylish in clusters with contrasting plants

Zhoosh it up Give your outdoor spaces an instant lift with the stylish and affordable range of garden decor from Tuscan Path

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here are few better ways to boost the value and appeal of your home than by introducing stylish architectural elements to the mix in your outdoor living areas. Whatever the space – a balcony, small yard or large block – a few contemporary additions will go a long way to take it to the next level. With Tuscan Path’s garden decor range, it’s easy to achieve the wow factor at a cost that won’t break the bank – think designer landscaping at warehouse prices.

GET THE LOOK For a modern, streamlined feel, go for a monochrome palette and choose Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

pieces in shades of black, grey and white that complement the living elements of your garden. Start with the edges – clean, crisp borders around lawns, garden beds, trees and paths work wonders to define spaces and keep it all tidy. Tuscan Path’s ‘Roman Stone Eco-Edging’, made from 98 per cent recycled rubber, is perfect for the job, combining strength and durability with a natural stone look.

PAVE THE WAY More than merely practical, patios and pathways provide a golden opportunity to create aesthetically pleasing features that really draw the

eye. And with Tuscan Path paving, stone and pebble products, combining beauty with functionality is easy to achieve – try teaming stone-look porcelain pavers with artistically arranged pebbles to highlight and instantly lift (or create new) paths and outdoor entertaining areas.

SCREEN STARS No matter how big or small your outdoor space, Tuscan Path decorating screens are a fabulous addition to instantly enhance the overall look and feel of the place.

Striking, affordable and simple to install, the weathering steel screens come in a range of designs and can be used to provide privacy, obscure or soften unsightly areas or simply add an artistic element to fences and walls.

Advertising promotion For a stone look that’s lightweight and easy to handle, try Tuscan Path’s ‘Roman Stone’ garden edging

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL A collection of statement plants in large pots can make a dramatic difference to any space. Even the smallest areas can be transformed by a grouping of pots, and they work a treat in making a space appear bigger. For a clean, contemporary look, go for big and bold designs in black and white – Tuscan Path’s ‘Harper’ series of weatherresistant fibreglass pots are ideal – and mix up shapes and sizes in groups of pots to pleasing effect. For something a bit more Zen, a water feature is another great way to enhance an outdoor space and brings a wonderful sense of calm. Whatever you choose, Tuscan Path’s curated range will give you all the creative inspiration you need to make a big impact with the latest on-trend designs.

tuscanpath.com.au @TuscanPath

Tuscan Path ‘Harper’ 45cm x 28cm cylinder fibreglass pot in White, $53.98, I/N: 0252505

@tuscanpath

1 Tuscan Path ‘Cascade’ 90cm water feature in Slate, $299, I/N: 0271607.

2 Tuscan Path 10-15mm pebbles in Snow White Quartz, $19.98/10kg, I/N: 3463667. 3 Tuscan Path 600mm x 600mm x 20mm porcelain paver in Charcoal, $25.92 each ($72/sqm), I/N: 0129322. 4 Tuscan Path ‘Ficus’ 1800mm x 900mm screen in Rust, $117, I/N: 0046117. 5 Tuscan Path ‘Eco-Edging’ 120cm x 8cm edging in Roman Stone, $29.98, I/N: 3321736.

Tuscan Path ‘Harper’ 31cm x 31cm egg fibreglass pot in Grey, $43.98, I/N: 0252493

Advertising promotion

Flame and fortune Transform your home with the unique ambience of the Dimplex Versa linear electric fireplace

Flame colour can be easily customised from a range of options

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ring the traditional delight of a fireplace into your living area without the complicated flue installation that a wood-burning heater requires – and you don’t need a gas outlet, either. Looking to renovate, or update your heating?

Thanks to innovative LED technology, you can enjoy an ultra-realistic flame experience just by plugging your Dimplex Versa linear electric fireplace into a power point.

FEATURE PRESENTATION These 21st-century electric fireplaces are a far cry from their ancestors.

Today’s models offer advanced features such as touch-screen controls, a built-in eight-hour timer, and a

remote to effortlessly operate your Dimplex Versa from the comfort of your sofa. Unlike a wood fireplace, the glass front is cool to touch, too.

GLOW YOUR OWN WAY Choose from flickering natural orange hues or create an ethereal look by selecting alternative colours for the flame effect. The interchangeable media beds – including crystals, pebbles or logs – give you options that beautifully enhance any decor.

HEAT OF THE MOMENT During the colder months, switch on the powerful fan-forced heater to create the delicious toasty warmth that you would expect from a conventional

fireplace. When summer rolls around, you can still gaze at the gorgeous flame effect without the heater, for year-round ambience.

SPOILT FOR CHOICE Dimplex Versa linear electric fireplaces come in three widths (1219mm, 1524mm and 1829mm) and can be installed either within your wall or on its surface.

They also feature a freestanding option for maximum versatility, and all are fitted with a plug-and-play cable that does not need to be hardwired into the mains by a licensed electrician.

Choose between having the Versa installed in or on your wall, or freestanding on legs

1 Dimplex 'Versa DVF1800' linear electric fireplace, $1,599, I/N: 0260244. 2 Dimplex 'Versa DVF1500' linear electric fireplace, $1,499, I/N: 0260243. 3 Dimplex 'Versa DVF1200' linear electric fireplace, $1,299, I/N: 0260242.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

PLAN IT

HEATER OPTIONS

g n i l e e f m That war WARD OFF WINTER CHILLS WITH HOME HEATING SOLUTIONS TO HELP KEEP YOU SNUG

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Words KYLIE JACKES

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here’s a special contentment that comes from being cocooned in a warm home during the colder months. Beyond layering your winter woollies, the best way to beat the chill is with a heater.

But with so many options available, how do you choose? We’ve asked the experts for advice.

Scandia ‘Styliste 10’ wood heater, $2,699, I/N: 3171533

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Reverse cycle airconditioning

Form and function

“Think about the size and layout of the area you want to heat and whether a radiant or convection heating method is preferable,” says Bunnings home heating buyer John Campbell. “Convection heaters circulate heated air throughout the room, which is beneficial when heating a larger area, whereas radiant heaters generate a more direct heat. As they don’t directly heat the air, radiant models often take more time than convection heaters to warm a room,” he explains.

Also consider running costs, energy efficiency and fixed versus portable, as well as style preferences.

Split system reverse-cycle airconditioners are among the most efficient ways of heating your home, and are suitable for single rooms through to large areas. Compare energy star ratings and, for maximum efficiency, make sure you get the right size for the space. “Most models can also link to a smart device, allowing you to remotely set temperature and schedules to ensure rooms are warm before you get out of bed or arrive home,” says Daniel Kitchen of Arlec.

Units must be put in by a licensed installer, which Bunnings can organise for you; ask at the Special Orders Desk.

“When choosing an electric heater, always look at wattage to match the heat output to the size of the room” John Campbell, Bunnings home heating buyer

Arlec ‘Rayton’ 3.5kW smart split system air con inverter, $800, I/N: 0336152

Electric fireplaces

If you love a wood fire but prefer the convenience of simply clicking a button, an electric fireplace might be for you.

“Utilising electricity rather than timber as the fuel source, they draw in cool air which is heated via an electric heating element, before a fan pushes out the hot air,” explains Daniel. Added extras include smart controls (for scheduling via a smartphone) and heat-free flame effects. Unlike with a genuine wood fireplace, there are no health and safety issues relating to smoke and no ashes to clear. Plus, without the need for a flue they’re simple to install and retrofit.

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1 Mistral 7 fin retro column heater with timer, $109, I/N: 0329507. 2 Euromatic 1600W electric fireplace heater, $89, I/N: 0155075. 3 Arlec 2000W 9 fin oil heater with 24hr timer, $68, I/N: 0163645. 4 Carrier ‘Allure’ 6.0kW reverse cycle split system air conditioner, $1,330, I/N: 0236195†. 5 Mill 1500W panel heater in White, $269, I/N: 0289317. 6 Mistral 2400W retro fan heater, $64, I/N: 0329505. 7 Arlec 1000W convection panel heater with digital control, $59, I/N: 0163654. 8 Masport ‘Bowden Portrait’ indoor wood heater, $1,999, I/N: 0259742. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Scandia ‘Helix’ indoor radiant wood heater in Black, $2,249, I/N: 3171227

“In terms of size, generally the larger the firebox, the more area it will heat, for longer” Quinn Stirling, Scandia

Wood heaters

With its atmospheric crackling flames, a wood heater can be a wonderful focal point. Quinn Stirling of Scandia suggests first looking at the size of the firebox (bigger being better for large spaces). “The next decision is whether to opt for a convection or radiant appliance,” adds Quinn. “Convection wood fires use a fan to provide a very consistent, controllable ambient warmth. By contrast, on a radiant appliance, it’s the outer skin of the firebox that radiates heat to warm nearby objects and people, which can be preferable if you want to ‘feel’ the fire, while watching the flames.”

Keep in mind...

Any hardwired electrical work must be carried out by a licensed tradie. n Wood heaters should be installed by a licensed professional to manufacturer’s specifications and complying with local council regulations. n Only burn dry, well seasoned and chemically untreated wood (not painted, stained or treated with preservative) and do not burn garbage or plastic. n Supervise children and pets around fires and heaters at all times. n

†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. ‡Not all services are available in all states and territories; conditions apply.

Portable heaters

There are two main types of portable heater: oil and fan.

Oil column heaters use electricity to warm oil-filled cavities that produce radiant heat. They generally take longer to heat up than other portable models but often have a large surface area, allowing more heat to be transferred. “Fan heaters work by fanning air, which has been circulated over a heating element, into a room. They’re generally smaller and best used in small areas, or where targeted heating is required,” says Daniel.

Panel heaters

Sleek and quiet, panel heaters can be a great space-savvy solution. “They work using convection heating,” Daniel says. ”Air is drawn over the element and rises up through the unit and out the top through vents.” Features to look for include multiple power settings and a thermostat to maintain your desired room temperature, without wasting energy. Ask about the Panel and Convection Heater installation service at the Bunnings Special Orders Desk‡.

TOP TIP

TO BOOST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HEATERS, ENSURE ROOMS ARE WELL INSULATED, DRAUGHTS ARE BLOCKED AND CEILING FANS ARE SWITCHED TO WINTER MODE

ABOVE Arlec 2200W glass panel heater in White, $89, I/N: 0091456 bunnings.com.au |

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UPDATE IT

PENDANT PLACEMENT

In suspense LIFT YOUR LIGHTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY HANGING IT Words CAROLINE BOTTING

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lthough it has been around for centuries, the pendant light has undergone a surge in popularity – and it’s not hard to understand why.

Pendants are versatile and stylish, and can make a design statement to be admired, whether they’re switched on or off.

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Shade matters

In basic terms, a pendant light hangs from the ceiling by a rod, cord or chain, with a bulb and shade. Yet, says Brilliant Lighting’s Sharon Breeze, it’s often how they shine their light and the style of shade that makes them memorable. “You can enhance timber floors with natural weave pendants for a coastal vibe, introduce timbers to accent Scandi furniture, and bring a room to life with the modern industrial shades that showcase featureled filament globes,” she says.

No matter where you intend to hang your pendant, four factors to keep in mind are the size, colour, materials and height of your chosen light, as each will have an impact on the final look.

Kitchen spotlight

Pendants can provide excellent task lighting for meal preparation but, equally, they can give an intimate vibe for dinner parties.

There are a few principles to bear in mind in the kitchen. First, odd numbers work best.

For large islands, “Three is the magic number,” says Sharon. Space them evenly, but not so far apart they leave shaded spaces. Alternatively, try one wide model.

For a small island, hang just one and centre it. If you need the pendants to double as task lighting, they must be able to cast strong light onto the benchtop.

Include a dimmer to quickly change the space from a work zone to a place to entertain and dine.

“For new builds and older homes with central globe holders in rooms, choose DIY pendants that plug in, like a globe.

They are ideal for renters” Sharon Breeze, Brilliant Lighting

Make an entrance

Pendants offer both a functional and stylish touch to an entrance, and add to the impression of space by drawing the eye upwards. For a smaller entrance, a single pendant is perfect; for a hallway, try a series, evenly spaced. Another trick is to use multiple fixtures, says the team from Mercator Lighting: “Layering lights gives the room added dimension and character. Try it in a tall foyer, where staggered heights make a statement.”

Perfect placement

n Centred over width of bench, about

75cm apart for multiple pendants n Approximately 80cm-90cm height

from bench to the base of the shade n About 15cm from the edge of island*

Perfect placement

Photography Sue Stubbs; (opposite) Larnie Nicolson, styling Sam van Kan. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. *‘Perfect placement’ guides courtesy of Mercator Lighting. Measurements are a guide only.

n Centred

In a greasy kitchen environment, timber, glass or metal pendant shades are easier to clean than those made of rattan or fabric

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between walls, at least 120cm away from surrounding walls n Minimum of 210cm-240cm from the base of the shade to the floor (to allow passage beneath) n For doubleheight ceilings, pendants should hang no lower than ground-floor ceiling height (about 2.4m)

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A sleepy glow

Pendants can bring elegance to bedside tables or light a reading nook. If a pendant is not over a table, you’ll need to factor in the room’s size. “Refrain from placing them in small rooms or rooms with standard-low ceilings, as they can make the room feel smaller,” says the team from Mercator Lighting.

Hanging pendants can help free up valuable space on bedside tables

Perfect placement n Centred

over each bedside table n About 45-60cm above bedside tables

Fine dining

A pendant over a dining table can make an ideal pairing, introducing a feeling of intimacy. The pendant – or pendants, depending on the size of the table – can be a statement in itself, says the team from Mercator Lighting, but the lighting shouldn’t dominate the space. A good rule of thumb is to choose a light the size of about one-third to half the width of the dining table. Make sure pendants are hung at a height that won’t block guests’ view across to the people seated opposite.

Perfect placement

n Centred or evenly spaced over

the table n Approximately 70cm-90cm from the

tabletop to the base of the shade n 15cm from the edge of the table

on each side

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Mercator ‘Laya’ 240V large pendant light in Concrete/ Glass, $175, I/N: 0019797† (globe sold separately)

Bathroom details

For a luxurious alternative to traditional sconces or downlights in the bathroom, consider hanging pendants beside bathroom mirrors. “Pendants are a great way to add a spa retreat feel to a bathroom,” says Sharon Breeze.

When choosing bathroom pendants, ensure they’re suitable for damp areas and seek professional advice on suitable clearance from water sources.

Also be sure to check their placement against mirror cabinets – you don’t want to risk the doors hitting them.

Photography (top, left) Larnie Nicolson, styling Sam van Kan; (top, right) Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts.

Image rendering (bottom) Alejandro Sosa 3D. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

A metal-shade pendant complements a modern industrial style

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1 Verve Design ‘Mirian’ 240V glass pendant light, $65, I/N: 0261988. 2 Mercator ‘Gladiator’ 240V pendant light, $206, I/N: 0019808†. 3 Brilliant ‘Bloomsbury’ 11.5cm vintage style glass DIY pendant light, $59.90, I/N: 0277202. 4 Home Design ‘Tre’ pendant light, $163, I/N: 7071874. 5 Home Design ‘Antica’ small brass look pendant light, $79, I/N: 7071880. 6 Home Design ‘Mesen’ pendant light, $163, I/N: 7071561. 7 Brilliant ‘Anji’ 26cm small DIY rattan pendant light, $119, I/N: 0277235. 8 Mirabella ‘Olivia I001323’ 50cm pendant light in Copper, $364, I/N: 0177838†. 9 Brilliant ‘Bataan’ 30cm small rattan DIY pendant light, $119, I/N: 0277240. 10 Home Design ‘Factory’ pendant light in Gold, $97, I/N: 7071878. 11 Home Design ‘Deco 3L’ pendant light, $137, I/N: 7072250. 12 Cafe Lighting ‘Ophelia’ 8 arm chandelier pendant light, $1,380, I/N: 0153922†. 13 Mercator ‘Vista’ 240V 3 light prism pendant light in Matt Black, $153, I/N: 7072102. 14 Mercator ‘Vanessa’ 1 light small pendant light in Aged Brass, $127, I/N: 0019809†. All globes sold separately. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Mercator ‘Porto’ small pendant light in Black, $158.50, I/N: 0259788† (globe sold separately)

‘Try’ before you buy

Not sure how your pendant will look before purchasing? Wherever you decide to hang the lights, Sharon suggests first attaching string to your chosen spot on the ceiling with a paper cut-out of the shade. “You can choose your best hanging height and balance their location easily this way – and even choose between designs. A handy hint is to print out a large (as close to scale as you can) image of the pendant and cut it out,” she says.

Keep in mind...

n All hardwired electrical

fixtures need to be installed by a licensed electrician.

Scan the QR code Go energyefficient: bunnings.com. au/how-tochoose-energysaving-lightbulbs

Read it! bunnings.com.au |

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Finishing touches Dress your home for comfort and decorative flair

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ot just for cocooning in winter, soft furnishings are the essential elements of a warm and gracious home, providing comfort underfoot, softening acoustics (by absorbing the noise that bounces off hard surfaces) and giving an indefinable feeling of welcome. With the Smart Home Products range of soft furnishings you can create soothing decor in four easy steps!

1. CUSHION STYLING Even the plushest sofa looks more inviting with a clutch of cushions.

Arranging cushions is more of an art than a science, but a good rule of thumb is to stick with uneven numbers – three or five. Whether they’re grouped at one end or evenly spaced, ‘chopped’ or not, depends entirely on what feels right to you.

Cushions are an easy (and easily changed) way to introduce colour to a room, but it can be just as Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

effective to stick to calming neutrals.

A neutral palette creates an elegant and sophisticated look, and puts the emphasis on texture – bring in a variety of patterned weaves and tasselled or fringed edges.

2. BLANKET COVERAGE On chilly evenings, there’s nothing nicer than snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and a blanket over your lap. Not only useful for cold nights, a soft throw creates a visual impression of comfort.

How you display a throw helps set the tone for the room. Neatly folded and laid across the arm of a chair, it looks pressed and preppy. Or draped casually across a sofa or bed, it evokes welcoming informality.

3. SOFT STORAGE There’s no such thing as too much storage and woven baskets do double duty, as decor-enhancing elements as well as clutter tamers. Use them to hold

toys in kids’ rooms, cast-off shoes in the entrance, extra towels or loo paper in the bathroom, or to store your bed cushions and throws at night. Neutraltoned baskets can sit unobtrusively in a corner, or choose one with an interesting patterned weave and position it to be admired.

4. TOASTY TOES When your goal is warmth and comfort, a floor rug is a must-have. Choose a rug in neutral tones and natural fibres to marry beautifully with any colour scheme or style of decor. Positioning is everything – make sure your rug is big enough to sit under at least the front feet of your sofas and chairs in the living room, or at least the bottom third of the bed in the bedroom. If you’ve got a huge space to fill, double up!

You can layer different-textured rugs over each other, or sit two identical rugs side by side to create the impression of an enormous one.

Textured baskets not only look lovely but also provide handy storage

Tassels, fringed edges and contrasting weaves add interest to your interior scheme

Advertising promotion

Contrast soothing neutral colours with moody hues

Create a cosy corner under a lamp for reading and relaxation

A casually draped soft throw is irresistibly inviting

Group cushions in threes rather than pairs for a stylish look

1 Smart Home Products ‘Sicilia’ 230cm x 160cm wool blend rug in Ivory, $129, I/N: 0164996.

2 Smart Home Products 160cm x 120cm basket weave interior throw in Beige, $11.95, I/N: 0349259. 3 Smart Home Products 43cm x 43cm basket weave interior cushion in Beige, $11.95, I/N: 0349264. 4 Smart Home Products ‘France’ 43cm x 43cm multiweave interior cushion in Ivory, $19.95, I/N: 0349270. 5 Smart Home Products ‘France’ 38cm x 38cm storage basket in Ivory & Grey, $42, I/N: 0351812.

6 Smart Home Products ‘Kendel’ 30cm x 34cm diamond storage basket, $27, I/N: 0351814.

7 Smart Home Products ‘Bucharest’ 160cm x 120cm throw rug, $14, I/N: 0300555†. 8 Smart Home Products ‘Bucharest’ 45cm x 45cm waffle interior cushion, $12, I/N: 0300578†.

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5

REGULATIONS CHECK

DIY DOs & DON’Ts

Lighting improvements can really enhance a room, but for complex tasks, call in the professionals

UPGRADING YOUR HOME? KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO PICK UP OR PUT DOWN THE TOOLS Words GUN ARVIDSSEN

What you can & can’t do

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install dimmable smart lights

Replacing a light bulb is fair game, so why not upgrade to a smart globe? These go into an ordinary light fitting and let you legally add a dimming feature yourself.

“Smart LED bulbs provide a whole new way to control your lighting,” says Felicity Stewart from the Grid Connect team at Arlec. “Adjusting the brightness lets you jump

If you’ve ever wondered how hard it is to replace a broken light switch, be warned – it’s illegal to work on any mains wiring unless you’re a licensed sparkie. “Australia has some of the strictest rules in the world governing DIY electrical work,” says Belinda Zordan of Youi Insurance. “While the biggest consequence by far is that you, or someone you know, gets electrocuted, there are also significant monetary risks,” she says.

“As it’s against the law to carry out DIY electrical work in Australia, insurers will not cover damage caused by DIY electrical work.”

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between functional and ambient lighting, and you can use the [Grid Connect] app or voice control via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.”

try to install dimmer switches

If you’d prefer to dim your lights from the wall, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician, who will also know what type of dimmers are needed for your specific application.

Like mains-voltage electricity work, you also need to stay away from all gasf itting jobs and almost all jobs related to plumbing

Photography Anna Robinson, styling Samantha Pointon; (opposite) Anna Robinson, styling Tilly Roberts. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

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he world of DIY offers so many opportunities for improving your home and surrounds, from colour transformations with paint to putting down a floating floor. The good news is there are many clever ways you can achieve the results you want without falling foul of your insurance company – or the law.

put up a heated towel rail

Yearning for toasty-warm towels to cocoon yourself in as soon as you step out of the shower? If you opt for a heated towel rail that plugs straight into a power point, there’s no need to call in a pro, and some rails include a fixing kit with a diamond drill bit for boring holes through tiles.

2 3

replace a showerhead

install a heat lamp/extraction fan

If you want to add heat from above, you will definitely need a licensed electrician. Especially if you’re going for a three-in-one combination of extractor fan, light and heat lamps; this will take considerable expertise to wire correctly.

Still tolerating a leaky old rose that likely has half a WELS star of water efficiency?

Replacing a showerhead can be a DIY job, plus putting in a multifunction unit may also be a job you can do yourself – but, for both tasks, first check your state or territory’s legislation. And be aware you’ll need to know where pipes are located to avoid drilling into them.

try to fix leaky pipes

Tempting as it may be to get your tools out to tackle an annoying leak, if you’re not a licensed plumbing professional, there’s a real risk you may make the problem much worse – and the last thing you want is burst pipes! 

4

PRO TIP

IF YOU’RE PLANNING A BIG OUTDOOR JOB, SUCH AS BUILDING A DECK OR SHED, CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY TO SEE IF YOU NEED PERMISSION

install a garage door opener

5

add solar-powered security

Anyone who has discovered the benefits of smart-home connectivity will love the idea of app-controlled wire-free cameras. Outdoor units are sturdy and weatherproof, and feature built-in or optional solar panels to keep them powered up.

For areas where you’re not too worried about surveillance, but you still want a deterrent – or if you just need to see where you’re going at

try to modify any electrical fittings

If the nearest power point is not quite close enough to use, don’t attempt to tackle it yourself by moving it.

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try the mainspowered options As ever, if your security system is to be hardwired into the mains, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician.

SHOP

1

WE WILL INSTALL

If you’re not confident tackling DIY jobs around the home, don’t worry – Bunnings can take care of it. With a long list of tradie tasks on offer, from installing heat lamps, downlights and hot water systems to assembling sheds and advising on smart home set-ups, a Bunnings in-home service‡ will have you safely sorted. Ask a team member at your local store, head to the Special Orders Desk or visit bunnings.com. au/services for more information.

night – solar-powered spotlights are easy and legal to install yourself.

Some of these motion-activated marvels feature blazing brightness of up to 2000 lumens – plenty to send a potential intruder packing.

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2

DIY it

8 9

4 6

7

Call an installer

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11

1 Solar Magic 2000lm solar security light, $79.98, I/N: 0176846. 2 Mondella ‘Rumba’ rectangular rain showerhead in Matt Black, $45, I/N: 0134843. 3 Arlec 12W 1050lm RGB colour mode LED B22 smart globe with Grid Connect, $25/pack of 3, I/N: 0283331. 4 Forme ‘Retro Fit’ 6 bar square plug-in heated towel rail, $353, I/N: 0230402†. 5 Swann wire-free 1080p security camera with solar charging panel and outdoor stand, $198, I/N: 0223102. 6 Chamberlain ‘SectionalLift Plus’ sectional garage door opener, $410, I/N: 0133218. 7 HPM ‘Sika’ 12W LED twin security light, $92.31, I/N: 4371440. 8 Ring ‘Pro’ wired floodlight security camera, $379, I/N: 0295276†. 9 Arlec ‘Smart Rayton’ 3.5kW split system inverter air conditioner with Grid Connect, $800, I/N: 0336152. 10 Deta 200W universal electronic dimmer with X6 Series wall switch, $34.19, I/N: 0098354. 11 IXL Tastic ‘Mirage’ 3 in 1 bathroom heater with exhaust fan and motion sensor LED, $120, I/N: 0251868. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Some items will require professional installation.

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Photography Getty Images. ‡Not all services are available in all states and territories. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Tired of having to get out into the rain to open or close your garage door by hand? Or perhaps you have an ancient garage door motor that’s on its last legs and you’d like a new model compatible with app control? In both cases, installing your own upgrade is within your grasp.

You will need to check that your door’s dimensions are compatible with the system you choose, and you’ll need a power point located suitably close to the door motor – typically up to 1.5m away. From there, it’s a straightforward matter of following the instructions – but if you don’t feel up to it, ask about the Garage Door Opener Installation service‡ at the Special Orders Desk.

Advertising promotion

Breathe easy Tackle your toughest projects safely with 3M™ Safety products Starting a DIY project? To help keep you protected from airborne particles, it’s vital to wear the correct respirator

W

hen there’s dust and debris flying, a good respirator is essential to help keep you protected from airborne particles. If a respirator doesn’t have a good fit, it’s likely you won’t want to wear it, leaving you unprotected when undertaking DIY projects.

COMFORT PLUS

9205+ | N95

*Performance Tested to AS/NZS 1716: P2 1 3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9205+, pack of 10, I/N: 0300889. 2 3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9205+, pack of 3, I/N: 0300887. © 3M 2022. All rights reserved. 3M and Aura are trademarks of 3M. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

The 3M ™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9205+ provides comfortable respiratory protection.

Its 3-panel design fits a wide range of face shapes and sizes, an adjustable nose clip helps provide a custom, secure seal, and soft inner materials feel comfortable against your skin. The innovative chin tab is designed for ease of positioning, leaving you to concentrate on the job at hand.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE Great news for spec wearers! The 3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9205+ is designed to direct exhaled air away from the nose panel, helping reduce fogging up of your glasses or safety goggles. Its curved, low-profile design conforms well to the nose and eye contours, allowing more room for eyewear.

SAFE AND SOUND The 3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9205+ meets *P2 performance standards. These individually packed flat-fold respirators help filter certain airborne particles including dust and debris, smoke, smog, pollen, and pet dander. Whether you’re sawing, sanding, sweeping, grinding - or tackling other DIY projects, 3M respiratory protection products are there for you.

UPDATE IT

SPECIALTY FINISHES

Before

Verdigris patina

When copper, bronze or brass are exposed to the elements, an attractive green pigment called verdigris develops. The Dulux Design copper range emulates this reaction 56 bunnings.com.au |

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s u i n e g Str oke of

CREATE UNIQUE HOMEWARES WITH THE MAKEOVER POWER OF PAINT

DIY JULY

PAINT HACKS

T

oday’s specialty paints make it easier than ever to take any area of the home from drab to fab! A kerbside find becomes a glistening treasure, lightweight planters find new life as stone-look plinths, and inexpensive lampshades become a fashion-forward lighting feature. Be inspired by our projects to spread out the drop sheet, grab a brush or spray can and get creative.

DIY TOOLKIT

COPPER CONSOLE Transform a dull and dated timber cabinet into a one-of-a-kind piece, using a two-part technique for an aged copper look.

Photography James Moffat. Project and styling Samantha Pointon.

Project editing Natasha Dickins. Paint colours may vary on application.

Tools & materials n Safety equipment (mask, eye protection and disposable gloves) n 120- and 180-grit abrasive paper n Bag of cloths n Paint stirrer n 50mm angled paintbrush n Small paint pot n Timber entertainment unit n Dulux Design copper effect paint 500ml n Dulux Design copper patina effect solution 500ml

2

1 3 4 1 Use 120-grit abrasive paper to smooth over scratches and dents on the visible surfaces of the console. Repeat with 180-grit to dull any glossy areas, then wipe all over with a damp cloth to remove dust.

2 Working in a well-ventilated area or outside, stir coppereffect paint thoroughly and apply paint over visible surfaces with an angled brush, leaving to dry for 12 hours. Stir to apply a second coat.

Tip: Prevent the brush from drying out between coats by sealing in plastic wrap.

ABOVE Finish with classic ring pulls. We used Prestige small rustic ring pull knobs in Antique Brass, $6.23 each, I/N: 4026577

5

1 ProRenovator disposable paint pot, $2.43, I/N: 0328832. 2 Dulux Design copper effect paint, $94.90/500ml, I/N: 1400913.

3 Paint Partner rags in White, $8.90/1.5kg, I/N: 0105941. 4 Dulux Design copper patina effect solution, $41.50/500ml, I/N: 1400911.

5 Pro Renovator 50mm mini cutter paintbrush, $7.31, I/N: 1661761. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

3 While the paint is still damp, scrunch a clean cloth to stipple it in a dabbing motion. Tip: Wear disposable gloves while working with these materials.

4 Pour patina-effect solution into a small paint pot. Dip a

clean cloth in, squeeze out the excess, then apply in random areas using a dabbing motion to create a stippled pattern.

Tip: The aged effect will continue to develop and can be rubbed back with a cloth.

OPPOSITE Verve Design ‘Anna’ 42.5cm table lamp, $45, I/N: 0198459 (globe sold separately). Tuscan Path 14cm x 14cm ceramic vase in White, $9.98, I/N: 0204154, painted with Dulux ‘Duramax’ rust effect spray paint, $28.50/300g, I/N: 0195384. Tuscan Path 25cm x 16cm ceramic vase in White, $22.98, I/N: 0204158, painted with Dulux ‘Duramax’ granite effect spray paint in Light Grey, $28.50/300g, I/N: 1400744. Cuphea plant in Elho ‘Greenville’ 25cm round recycled plastic self watering pot in White, $27.98, I/N: 0115276 (plant sold separately). The Estate Collection ‘Bayonne’ 230cm x 160cm polypropylene rug in Grey Blue, $244, I/N: 0189089. HanWood ‘Home’ 1215mm x 197mm x 7mm laminate flooring boards in Mink Oak, $16.99/sqm, $48.79/pack of 12 (2.872sqm), I/N: 0135639. All other products, stylist’s own. bunnings.com.au |

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Wall painted in Taubmans Palewood (background) and Allamanda (stripes), and Dulux Pancake Mix (lower wall) paints.

Verve Design ‘Grace’ pendant, $52.90, I/N: 0198460 (globe sold separately). Globe, for similar try Verve Design ‘Grid Connect’ smart G125 E27 LED 180lm decorative 4W globe, $25.50, I/N: 0329577. Mimosa ‘Malibu’ bench, $169, I/N: 0256334.

(On bench) Fittonia ‘White Angel’ plant in Capi ‘Row’ 12cm x 9cm ball vase in Ivory, $10.05, I/N: 0086582. (On tall plinth) Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’ plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Benji’ 15cm chaff pot, $5.48, I/N: 0263710. (On short plinth) Philodendron ‘Hope’ plant. All plants sold separately. Lotus 34cm x 28cm large rattan woven basket in Light Brown, $44.50, I/N: 0238925. Flooring, for similar try Senso ‘Rustic’ 914mm x 152mm x 2mm self adhesive vinyl planks in Pecan, $33.50/sqm, $73.70/pack of 16, (2.2sqm), I/N: 6600042. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Taubmans Russet Stone

Achieve the look of painted concrete pieces with this clever idea using lightweight plastic pots

PLANTER PLINTHS Stack round or square planters to make a plinth, adding a top cut from MDF, and texturise the finish with a paint additive. The materials here are for a 610mm-high rounded plinth.

MIX IT UP

TRY THIS METHOD USING ANGULAR PLASTIC POTS. TIP: USE THREE IF POTS ARE TALL

Before

Photography Belinda Merrie. Project, styling and steps photography Sam van Kan. Styling assistant Faith Tapsell. Project editing Natasha Dickins. •Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

Tools & materials n Safety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection) n Pencil n Jigsaw n Cloths n Caulking tool n 50mm paintbrush n Small bucket n Paint stirrer n 55mm oval chalk paintbrush n 900mm x 600mm x 6mm MDF panel• n Four 310mm low bowl plastic planters n 180-grit abrasive paper n Fast-grab construction adhesive with caulking gun n Flexible gap sealer with applicator n Primer n Interior paint (we used Dulux Wash & Wear low sheen in Fennelly) n Paving grip additive with supplied scoop

Keep in mind...

Always wear the recommended safety gear when using power tools.

Work in a well-ventilated area to use cutting tools, including jigsaws and holesaws. n When painting, always use a drop sheet to protect the surrounding area from spills or overspray, and always paint in a well-ventilated area or outside. n Any hardwired electrical work must be carried out by a licensed tradie. n Projects are for indoor use only. n Plinths are intended for decorative purposes only and are not to be used as seating. n

1 To make a top for the plinth, on the MDF panel, mark around the rim of a 310mm low bowl planter. Cut with a jigsaw and smooth around the edges with 180-grit abrasive paper.

2 Top and tail four planters to make a stack, applying construction adhesive between the bases and around the rims, pressing them together to hold. Tip: Begin with a planter upside down.

3 Apply adhesive around the rim of the top planter. Centre the MDF top and press down to secure. Wipe away excess adhesive from all joints with a damp cloth and leave to dry.

4 Apply flexible gap sealer around the joints between the planters, smoothing it with a caulking tool. Remove the excess with a clean, damp cloth and leave to dry.

5 Apply primer over the plinth with a 50mm paintbrush and leave to dry. Apply a first coat of interior paint with the same brush and leave to dry.

6 In a small bucket, combine 500ml interior paint with 20 scoops of paving grip additive, stirring well. Apply two coats with the tip of a chalk brush in a stippled effect, leaving to dry between each coat.

1 Uni-Pro 55mm oval chalk brush, $14.97, I/N: 0298844. 2 Ozito 810W pendulum jigsaw, $69.90, I/N: 0048823. 3 White Knight ‘Ultra Pave’ grip additive, $15.70/200g, I/N: 1540637. 4 Respect ‘Green Earth’ 31cm low bowl planter in Charcoal, $14.98, I/N: 2940901. 5 Monarch 3 in 1 caulking tool, $6.23, I/N: 1661363. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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DIY TOOLKIT 2

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RETRO PENDANTS Create designer pendant lights at a fraction of the cost by joining plastic shades painted in a modern colourway. Hang a set of three at various heights using DIY suspension light kits.

Tools & materials n Safety equipment (mask, disposable gloves, eye and ear protection) n Two quick-grip clamps n Timber offcuts n Drill n 44mm and 64mm holesaws n Ruler and pencil n Handsaw n Cloth n Drop sheet n Clothes pegs n 14 235mm x 76mm plastic lamp shades

n Small piece of 6mm MDF• n 180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block n Two-in-one primer and spray paint in various colours (we used Rust-Oleum in Blush Pink, Red Currant, Deep Teal and Serenity Blue) n Three suspension light kits n Clear, solvent-based adhesive n Vintage-style light globes

DIY TOOLKIT

3

2 Clamp the piece of 6mm MDF over the offcut and use a 64mm holesaw to drill six discs as the top and base of the pendants.

3 Smooth the edges with 180-grit abrasive paper. Mark the centres with a ruler and cut in half with a handsaw. Wipe over shades and half discs with a damp cloth to remove dust.

Set them out on a drop sheet.

4 Working outside or in a wellventilated area, spray a light coat of paint over shades and half discs, leaving to dry. Turn to spray undersides, leaving to dry, then spray a second coat.

Tip: Paint half discs in colours to match the shades at the top and base of the pendants.

5 Beginning at the top, thread the shades onto the DIY suspension light kits, topand-tailing them in various formations. For shades that join at the rims, apply adhesive around the edges, position them together, hold with clothes pegs and leave to dry.

6 Match the half discs to the same-colour shades at the top and base of each pendant, applying adhesive to secure and leaving to dry. Hang from existing fixtures and attach vintage-style globes.

4

1 Rust-Oleum ‘Ultra Cover’ 2X paint and prime spray paint in Red Currant, $17.65/340g, I/N: 0197883. 2 Craftright 9 piece bi-metal holesaw set, $29.98, I/N: 6370857. 3 Alpine 900mm x 600mm x 6mm standard MDF panel, $11.80, I/N: 0590070•. 4 Selleys ‘All Fix Small Jobs’ glue, $8.70/ 30ml, I/N: 1230122. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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1 Clamp a timber offcut to the work surface to position each shade upside down, holding them firmly to drill through the centre with a 44mm holesaw.

Tip: Enlarging the hole allows the shades to fit over the suspension light kits.

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Photography Belinda Merrie. Project, styling and steps photography Sam van Kan. Styling assistant Faith Tapsell. Project editing Natasha Dickins. Artwork Bloom by Marie Valencia. •Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

2

1

Statement globes add even more character to these striking fixtures

SAFETY TIP

DIY LIGHT KITS ARE ATTACHED TO HARDWIRED BATTENS, BUT THE BATTENS MUST BE INSTALLED

BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN

Wall painted in Dulux Iced Aniseed paint. Tuscan Path 28.5cm x 16cm ceramic vase in White, $27.98, I/N: 0204160.

Kaboodle Kitchen 800mm wall cabinet, $130, I/N: 2662263, painted with Taubmans Earth Angel (pink), and Dulux Fennelly (pale green) and Hidden Depths (dark green) paints. Fiddle leaf fig plant in Lotus Collection 53cm x 30cm XL plain ceramic egg pot with legs in White, $54.50, I/N: 0260823 (plant sold separately). Senso ‘Lifestyle’ 3m wide vinyl sheet flooring in Sherwood Brown, $21.76/sqm, $65.29/m, I/N: 0228976.

Suspension light kits, for similar try Brilliant DIY pendant light suspension kits in Black, $14.50 each, I/N: 7070173. Globes, for similar try Verve Design ‘Grid Connect’ smart G125 E27 LED 180lm decorative 4W globes, $25.50 each, I/N: 0329577. All other products, stylist’s own.

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DIY JULY

D E SK R E F R E SH

Before

d e l c y c Up desk

TRANSFORM A TIRED TIMBER PIECE WITH MILK PAINT Photography JAMES MOFFATT Styling SAMANTHA POINTON

COVER, INSET AND ABOVE Pinnacle 900mm x 450mm metal pegboards, $43 each, I/N: 0038055 (painted with Dulux ‘Metalshield’ multipurpose spray paint, $14.50/300g, in Pale Eucalypt, I/N: 1400665, and Paperbark, I/N: 1400658), and 810mm x 520mm x 500mm 4 drawer mobile storage unit, $379, I/N: 0038059, both in Matt Black. Pinnacle 1350mm x 900mm x 540mm timber top workbench, $358, I/N: 0038058, tote box holders, for similar try plastic tote box holders, $9 each, I/N: 0339548, organiser, for similar try multipurpose pegboard slotted tray organiser, $11.50, I/N: 0339544, and large single prong pegboard hooks, $22/pack of 20, I/N: 0135523. Pinnacle assorted pegboard tool holders, $18.90/pack of 10, I/N: 0135525, heavy duty pegboard tool holders, $16.90/pack of 6, I/N: 0135518, small single prong pegboard hooks, $16.90/pack of 20, I/N: 0135521, and large heavy duty pegboard tool clips, $13.90/pack of 4, I/N: 0135519, all in Gloss Back. (On pegboard) Craftright 60mm aluminium spirit level, $15.95, I/N: 5660197, ear muffs, $9, I/N: 5820953, 7 piece screwdriver set, $16.50, I/N: 6060081, and 500mm handsaw, $7.95, I/N: 5710074. Protector ‘Ultralite’ wraparound safety glasses in Clear, $4.50, I/N: 5814707. Stanley saw guide combination square, $20.50, I/N: 5666302, and 6 piece metric spanner set, $24.98, I/N: 6110509. Trojan 8oz 225g timber claw hammer, $9.99, I/N: 0131353, and 1.3kg timber club hammer, $24.99, I/N: 0131372. Handy Storage size 20 plastic totes, $5 each, in Grey, I/N: 2583910, and Clear, I/N: 2580742. (On workbench) AEG 18V 165mm circular saw, $219/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0298404. Empire carpenter’s pencils, $10.45/pack of 10, I/N: 5660735. Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V 62 bunnings.com.au |

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Steps photography Michelle Holden. Styling assistant Katie Turner. Project editing Natasha Dickins. Paint colours may vary on application. Desk suitable for indoor use only.

Re-create our cover project!

UPDATE IT

G

MAKEOVER MAGIC

ive an old desk new character with a lightly textured finish using water-based milk paint.

It has a high-adhesion formula that doesn’t require primer and is fast-drying. Complete the update by replacing the old handles with stylish new brass knobs.

Tools & materials nS afety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection) n Drop sheet n Timber offcuts n Random orbital sander with 180-grit abrasive discs n Paint stirrer n 50mm angled paintbrush n Cloth n Timber desk n Sugar soap wipes n Water-based milk paint n Matt clear protective topcoat n 32mm cabinet knobs with supplied fasteners

1 Set out a drop sheet and position the desk on offcuts, checking it is stable.

Sand all over using a random orbital sander with 180-grit abrasive discs, removing paint or varnish and smoothing out bumps. Clean with sugar soap wipes.

2 Stir the milk paint well. Using an angled paintbrush, apply one coat in the direction of the wood grain, working from the desktop down to the legs. Leave to dry for at least 30 minutes.

3 Apply the second coat by moving the brush across the wood grain to create a cross-hatched finish. Leave to dry for about an hour. Tip: Wash out the brush and pat dry with a cloth.

4 Stir protective topcoat. Apply with smooth strokes, working from the desktop down to the legs. Leave to dry. Install drawer knobs, securing with the supplied fasteners through the existing holes.

Keep in mind...

When using a power sander, be sure to wear a mask and eye and ear protection. Always sand and paint in a well-ventilated area. n Choose new handles to fit the existing holes.

Depending on the thickness of the drawer fronts, you may need a shifting spanner and pliers to shorten the snap-off screws. n

DIY TOOLKIT 1

3 2

5

Scan the QR code

4 6

1 Lane 32mm round thick knobs in Matt Brass, $5.22 each, I/N: 0135448. 2 Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V random orbital sander, $109/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 6210660.

3 Selleys ‘Sugar Soap’ wall cleaning wipes, $5.50/pack of 25, I/N: 1210330. 4 Rust-Oleum ‘Milk Paint Finish’ paint in Eclipse, $49.85/946ml, I/N: 0104878. 5 Rust-Oleum ‘Chalked’ protective topcoat in Matt Clear, $49.78/887ml, I/N: 1580863. 6 Uni-Pro ‘You Can Do It’ 50mm angled sash cutter brush, $10, I/N: 0019773. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

See how this desk was given a smart new look: bunnings.com.au/ upcycle-a-desk-with-milk-paint

Watch it!

4.0Ah battery and charger combo kit, $149, I/N: 0291349, and random orbital sander, as before. Stanley ‘FatMax’ 8m tape measure, $26.90, I/N: 5662780. Paint Partner paintbrushes, $9.91/set of 4, I/N: 1662336. Verve Design ‘Hector’ desk lamp in Chrome, $70, I/N: 4371345. Craftright ‘F’ clamps, 200mm x 80mm, $13.30, I/N: 5860087, and 300mm x 80mm, $14.99, I/N: 5860088. (On desk) Pinnacle 14L galvanised bucket, $30.49, I/N: 4460180. Trojan medium rigger gloves in Cream, $30/ pack of 6, I/N: 0366086. Rust-Oleum paint and topcoat, as before. Craftright 5 pocket leather nail and tool belt, $10.60, I/N: 5820549. Trojan 75mm paint scraper, $7.49, I/N: 0093213. ScotchBlue ‘Original’ 24mm multi-surface painter’s masking tape, $7.85/55m, I/N: 1669657. Pro Renovator 38mm trim paintbrushes, $6.10 each, I/N: 1661757. (On floor) Wagner 3.6m x 1.5m heavy duty canvas drop sheet, $26.95, I/N: 1660140. Handy Pail 5L plastic pail with lid, $5.99, I/N: 4475883.

Sabco jumbo wash sponge, $4.29, I/N: 0065282. Selleys wipes, as before. Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ broadwall washable paint, $10.70/100ml, in Dragon’s Eye, I/N: 0162924, Gulf Stream, I/N: 0162929, and Mist, I/N: 0162910. Paint Partner 230mm paint roller frame with cover, $6.40, I/N: 1663261. Bata ‘Meteor’ steel cap boots, $54.98/size 9, I/N: 3360433. Oates ‘Marine’ bassine handle scrub brush, $34.69, I/N: 4484199. Cyclone 22T springback steel leaf rake, $36.90, I/N: 3360946. British Paints ‘Clean And Protect’ low sheen interior paint in Sweet Candy and Wisteria Wonder, $71.50/4L, I/N: 0093363. Dulux ‘Weathershield’ low sheen exterior paint in Atlantic Mystique, $111.50/4L, I/N: 0144796. Holman 9L galvanised watering can, $18.30, I/N: 3120984. All other products, stylist’s own. bunnings.com.au |

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DO IT

KITCHEN COUNTERS

BENCHTOP BEAUTY Before

HOW TO GET THAT WARM, NATURAL LOOK WITH YOUR FOOD PREP SURFACES Project NATASHA DICKINS

Photography Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

DIY JULY

CUSTOM BENCH

ABOVE For a no-fuss upgrade, keep utilities, including the oven and sink, in the same place while doing a straight swap of existing cabinets and adding new benchtops

W

hether you’re building a flatpack kitchen from scratch or simply replacing countertops, here’s how to install new timber or bamboo benches with joins over corner cabinets.

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PRO TIP

TO PREVENT TIMBER OR BAMBOO FROM WARPING, UNPACK AND LEAVE IT IN THE KITCHEN TO ACCLIMATISE FOR A DAY BEFORE WORKING ON IT

Tools & materials n Safety equipment (mask, ear and eye protection) n Tape measure and pencil n Three saw horses n Two quick-grip clamps n Circular saw with straightedge n Drill with 10mm, driver and 4.5mm bits n Jigsaw n Mini roller with tray n Combination square n 32mm spade drill bit n Small handsaw n 10mm chisel n Hammer n Small shifting spanner n Cloth n Two 600mm x 33mm panels•

A standard bench is 600mm deep and an L or U shape requires a join over corner cabinets. We’ve used bench joiners by making bore holes along the adjoining edges and securing from beneath (see step 5). Before cutting and installing your benchtop, sand with 180-grit abrasive paper and wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Apply two coats of hard wax oil or varnish with a mini roller, leaving to dry between each coat. After the bench is installed, apply a final light coat to seal the joins.

1

n n n n n n n

Masking tape Sealer (hard wax oil or varnish) Woodworking adhesive Three benchtop joiners 38mm x 38mm angle brackets 8G x 14mm chipboard screws 8G x 28mm chipboard screws

DIY TOOLKIT 3

4 Check if your trades make the utility cutouts when installing. If not, use the supplied templates to mark the sink and cooktop with tape. Pre-drill into one corner with a 10mm bit to allow for the jigsaw blade and cut, clamping the cutout from underneath for the last side to prevent it dropping. Tip: Finish the cut with sealer.

4

2 7 5

6

8

1 Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V 165mm circular saw, $149/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 6210595. 2 Kaboodle Kitchen 2400mm x 600mm x 33mm American oak benchtop panel, $640, I/N: 0246290•. 3 Rhino trade saw horse, $64, I/N: 5820759. 4 Makita 450W orbital action corded jigsaw, $149, I/N: 6240425. 5 Empire ‘True Blue’ 150mm combination square, $18.09, I/N: 5660527.

6 Irwin ‘Marples’ 10mm high impact chisel with strike cap, $31.98, I/N: 0021700. 7 Irwin ‘Speedbor’ 32mm spade drill bit, $11.90, I/N: 6354255. 8 Kaboodle Kitchen benchtop joiner, $26.30/pack of 6, I/N: 2662003. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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7 From each hole to the edge, mark a centre line and 5mm either side and cut with a handsaw to the same depth as the holes. Position a 10mm chisel with the angled end facing down and tap with a hammer to clean out the channels, checking the joiners fit snugly.

Photography (top left) Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts. Steps photography Natasha Dickins. • Timbers and wall linings vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information. ‡Not all services are available in all states and territories.

NEED TO KNOW

1 When measuring up to cut panels, for a wall-to-wall bench, deduct 5mm from the final length to allow for movement when installing. Add 20mm for the overhang at the open end of the bench, and allow for the thickness of end panels that haven’t been attached to the cabinets yet.

2 Set the bench on saw horses with the top facing up, ready to cut from the outside edge to avoid breakout. Clamp a straightedge parallel to the cutting mark. Tip: Measure from the edge of the circular saw baseplate to the blade and use this to position the straightedge.

3 Set the blade to cut 10mm deeper than the bench thickness, then run the saw against the straightedge to make the cut.

For this 33mm-thick bench, the blade depth is 43mm. Tip: Position two saw horses under the bench, with a third under the offcut, away from the cutting line.

This technique joins benches over a corner cabinet, with one end positioned against the side of the other

FOR A MITRE JOINT

To use a mitre instead of the above corner joint, check the manufacturer’s instructions to make the 45° cut to the panels, then follow from step 5 to install the joiners.

5 To set out the bore holes for the bench joiners, make sure the undersides of the benches are facing up and use a combination square to mark 20mm in from the edges to be joined, then mark the centre and 100mm in from either end.

Note: One bench has holes along the side, the other has them at the end.

6 Use a 32mm spade bit to drill the holes, checking the tip is centred and the edge of the hole is on the 20mm line. Hold the drill straight, stopping regularly to check the hole goes no deeper than 23mm to avoid drilling right through.

MEASURE & QUOTE

You can also order a custom benchtop with professional installation at Bunnings‡. Visit the Special Orders Desk.

Keep in mind...

All electrical and plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed professional, including plumbing in the sink and hooking up the oven and cooktop.

Check with your trades if they will make the utility cutouts in the bench. n Position a set of saw horses to cut and finish the benches outside for improved ventilation, and always wear the recommended safety gear. n Make sure cutting equipment is sharp – invest in a new speed bore bit if necessary, and check the jigsaw blade is suitable for timber. n Like laminate or marble, a timber bench isn’t designed for directly chopping on and should be coated with a more moisture-resistant sealant than food-safe oils used for chopping boards. n Concrete, stone or marble installations require different methods of cutting and joining and are best left to the professionals. n

8 Ensure the shelf is positioned in the corner cabinet before installing the benches, enlisting a second pair of hands to move them. Apply adhesive along both edges of the join, push the benches together and position the joiners in the holes, tightening with a small shifting spanner until the adhesive beads, wiping away excess.

9 Use a 38mm x 38mm angle bracket as a template to mark the screw holes inside the cabinets and under the benches.

Pre-drill with a 4.5mm drill bit, securing the brackets with 14mm screws. Secure into the bench through the cabinet rails with 28mm screws. Tip: Angle brackets and screws are supplied with new cabinets, or buy them in store.

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RANGEHOOD Forever burning the sausages?

A good rangehood is a must, sucking up smoke, steam, grease and whiffy odours to keep your kitchen healthier and cleaner.

A canopy rangehood is a powerful choice and the perfect match for enthusiastic cooks who work with all burners blazing! It also makes a visual statement – choose one to suit your kitchen style.

If you want a rangehood that sits out of sight, a slide-out model might be the one for you. Despite its smaller size, a slide-out rangehood can still handle whatever steam and smoke you throw at it.

Robinhood 900mm glass wall canopy rangehood, $628, I/N: 5103587†

YES CHEF! Turn your time spent over a hot stove from a tedious chore to the highlight of your day, with Everdure appliances

Everdure ‘RBES692’ 60cm classic canopy rangehood, $339, I/N: 0147023

R

enovating your kitchen is an exciting adventure, with myriad decisions to be made on everything from souped-up storage to a perfect working triangle.

But your choice of appliances is arguably the most important element of your new space. Thankfully, you can make these key decisions easily and all in the one place, with the Everdure range at Bunnings. By purchasing all your major appliances from the one family, they’ll play well and look great together, and you’ll get to enjoy the same fantastic functionality throughout your brand-new kitchen.

So now the only question is which of these fabulous appliances to choose!

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Everdure ‘RBES62B2’ 60cm slideout rangehood with black glass fascia, $178, I/N: 0182421

Advertising promotion

COOKTOP

DISHWASHER A good dishwasher is a must in any kitchen. When choosing, look for a model that offers flexibility with several different washing programs. Everdure’s 60cm freestanding model has six cycles, to tackle everything from rinsing glassware to scrubbing dirty pots. The other important factor is capacity – do you have a big family or do you regularly cater for a crowd? Opting for a model with a third layer for cutlery will give you more room for plates and pots in the bottom level.

Everdure ‘DWF146SC1’ WELS 4.5-star 12L/min 60cm stainless steel freestanding dishwasher, $616, I/N: 5103644

Induction cooktops have gone from ‘new-fangled technology’ to the preferred choice of many. They give an incredible degree of precision, they’re easy to wipe clean and very efficient, with all the heat going to your pans and very little escaping into the kitchen. But while induction cooktops are amazing and their streamlined profile is ideally suited to a modern kitchen, gas versions will never go out of fashion. Many home cooks prefer a gas burner, as it allows them to visually monitor the flame and adjust as needed. Gas burners are also compatible with all types of cookware (some pans aren’t suitable for induction).

†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

OVEN

Everdure ‘OBES6782’ 60cm side-opening built-in oven, $982, I/N: 0328030†

Everdure ‘UFEE507W’ 50cm freestanding electric cooktop and oven, $675, I/N: 5102044 Everdure ‘OBEGS602’ 60cm built-in oven, $559, I/N: 0089568

Do you want a built-in version or a freestanding oven? Built-in ovens win on ergonomics, able to be positioned at a better height for viewing and handling hot dishes; for even easier access, go for a side-opening model. Built-ins are less bulky than freestanding, but this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on capacity.

Everdure’s 60cm ovens punch well above their weight in useable space, so you’ll never struggle with the Christmas ham again!

If a freestanding oven is your preference, but space is limited, you can still have your first choice with an Everdure 50cm cooktop and oven. This appliance delivers all the bells and whistles, including two ovens (the smaller one has both grilling and baking options) and four hot plates, without hogging valuable kitchen space.

Everdure ‘CBGS92’ 90cm stainless steel gas cooktop with wok ring, $559, I/N: 5102711

Everdure 70cm stainless steel 5 burner gas cooktop (fits a 60cm cutout), $509, I/N: 5103816

Everdure ‘CBIE62’ 60cm induction cooktop, $747, I/N: 5103065

PICTURE THIS

DIY JULY

HANG A TV

FOR A CLEAN LOOK, MOUNT YOUR TV ON THE WALL. HERE’S HOW Project NATASHA DICKINS

S

ecuring your TV to the wall frees up floor and bench space – a bonus in a small room – plus it gives the sense of a cinematic experience. Fastening it securely is essential, so buy a bracket that suits your TV size and wall type, and ensure you choose the right fittings for your wall. If you still aren’t confident doing it yourself, book a professional installation; ask at the Special Orders Desk‡.

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PRO TIP

THE CENTRE OF THE TV SHOULD BE ABOUT EYE LEVEL WHEN YOU’RE SEATED TO WATCH IT. WHEN POSITIONING THE WALL MOUNT, CHECK THE CABLES WILL REACH THE POWER POINT AND INPUT CONNECTIONS

DO IT

Tools & materials n Safety equipment (eye and ear protection) n Stud finder n Tape measure and pencil n Level n Drill with 4.5mm and driver bits n Long-handled Philips head screwdriver n Adjustable spanner (if required) n Painter’s tape n TV wall-mount kit

FOR A MASONRY WALL

1

WALL MOUNT HOW-TO

DIY TOOLKIT 4 3

2 5 1 Bear ‘Interior Decorator’ 48mm masking tape, $8.30/50m, I/N: 0144254. 2 Crest large extra strong fixed TV bracket wall mount, $69, I/N: 0011974. 3 Ozito 50mm stud detector, $39.99, I/N: 5660757.

4 Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V 2.0Ah drill driver kit, $99.98, I/N: 0029012. 5 Empire ‘True Blue’ 600mm spirit level, $51.95, I/N: 5660685. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Replace steps 1 and 2 by using the mount as a template to mark out holes onto brick, avoiding mortar joints. Use a 10mm masonry bit to pre-drill 60mm-deep holes.

Tap in the supplied anchors with a hammer and attach the mount by securing bolts through the washers.

Keep in mind...

When using power tools, always wear the recommended protective gear. n Choose a product robust enough for the weight of the TV. It must be installed into solid supporting structures that can hold the combined weight of the TV and mounting equipment. Always secure through plasterboard and into wall studs, or into brick, avoiding mortar joints. Before drilling into walls, use the stud finder to check for wiring or pipework, and turn off the power before working.

If unsure, call a professional. n Have two people to lift the TV. Hold it from underneath and avoid pressing on the screen. n The TV’s vibrations can loosen fasteners over time, so check the fasteners on the mount are secure every few months.

Photography Gap Photos/Bieke Claessens. Steps photography Natasha Dickins. ‡Not all services are available in all states and territories. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

n

1 For a plasterboard or sheeted wall, the TV mount must anchor into two wall studs.

Use a stud finder to locate the centre of the studs and mark with tape. Using the mount as a template, and with a level to check, mark two holes at each end in line with the tape. Tip: The standard spacings for wall studs are 450mm or 600mm apart.

2 Use a 4.5mm bit to pre-drill the holes to 55mm deep. Attach the mount by securing the supplied bolts through the washers, leaving them loose to check with the level, then tightening them snugly against the wall. Tip: To plan the positioning, check how your TV fits the mount. Some attach to the centre, while others are offset towards the base.

3 Place the TV face down on a clean blanket and match the mounting arms to existing holes in the back. Remove the screws from the TV, then position washers on the arms to secure the supplied bolts.

Tip: Mounting kits have a range of fasteners and some require a spanner, so choose the bolts that fit your TV. If the back of your TV is recessed, position the supplied spacers under the arms.

4 Pull the cords on the mounting arms down to open the locks. Enlist a second pair of hands to hold the TV from the base, lifting it over the mount to hook the arms along the top. Carefully lower until the base of the arms hook over the base of the mount. Tip: If you don’t hear the locks snap into place, tap the back with a screwdriver to engage (as shown above, without the TV attached).

Scan the QR code Before you try, watch how it’s done: bunnings.com.au/how-toinstall-a-tv-wall-mount

Watch it!

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DREAM WEAVER

USE A DROP SHEET, STAPLES AND A DOOR – YES, REALLY! – TO MAKE THIS STYLISH PADDED BEDHEAD Project, photography and styling NATASHA DICKINS

DIY JULY

M BEDROO R E F R E SH

ABOVE Mercator ‘Alfie’ marble table lamp, $79, I/N: 0126621, with Luce Bella GLS filament E27 450lm 4W globe in Warm White, $10/pack of 2, I/N: 0254511 (globe sold separately). All other products, stylist’s own.

1

DIY TOOLKIT 3 4 5 6

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G

ive your bed a luxurious makeover.

The classic upholstery technique of tufting is usually achieved by stitching buttons through wadding, but we’ve simplified the method with staples and decorative nails.

Tools & materials nS afety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection) n Timber offcuts n Tape measure and pencil n Drill with 8mm, 3mm and driver bits n Scissors n Heavy-duty staple gun with 10mm staples n Small flathead screwdriver n Pliers n Small hammer n Handsaw n Iron n Stud finder n 2040mm x 870mm x 35mm honeycomb core door n 6.5m length 1500mm x 150GSM polyester wadding (from a haberdashery store) n Fast-grip spray adhesive n 3600mm x 1500mm heavy-duty canvas drop sheet n Two 50-piece packs of daisy head upholstery nails n Clear construction adhesive with applicator n Two 400mm x 30mm round tapered furniture legs n Painter’s tape n Two furniture safety anchors

1 Hume ‘H1’ 2040mm x 870mm x 35mm primed MDF flush internal door, $67, I/N: 1973121.

2 Wagner 3.6m x 1.5m heavy duty canvas drop sheet, $26.95, I/N: 1660140. 3 Selleys ‘Kwik Grip’ spray contact adhesive, $21.99/350g, I/N: 1230030. 4 Trojan 3 in 1 heavy duty staple gun set, $19.99, I/N: 0217503. 5 Pinnacle Hardware daisy head upholstery nails in Antique Bronze, $4.55/pack of 50, I/N: 2360783.

6 Adoored 400mm round tapered pine furniture leg, $12.24, I/N: 0225613. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

DO IT

DIY HEADBOARD

Dreambaby child safety furniture anchor, $10, I/N: 4210552

1 Position a honeycomb core door on timber offcuts to raise it off the work surface. Along one side, find the centre (1020mm in from the ends) and mark 600mm to either side.

Pre-drill at both marks through the middle of the frame with an 8mm bit. Note: The holes snugly fit the 3/8" lug screws of the legs.

4 Mark the first row of stapling by loosely pushing in upholstery nails, 150mm from the top, at the centre, and 150mm and 585mm in from each end. Mark the second row 375mm from the top, 360mm from the ends and 440mm apart. Mark the third 280mm up from the base, at the centre, and 150mm and 585mm from each end.

7 At the back of the headboard, at the centre, pull the fabric along the top to staple a 200mm-wide section into the frame, staple the opposite side, then work around in sections. Cut the bulk from the corners, fold the fabric like wrapping a gift, with raw edges tucked under to prevent fraying, and staple the excess.

2 Cut the wadding into three equal pieces 2160mm long by 990mm wide. Spray the door face with adhesive and centre a piece of wadding, spreading it evenly and stapling into the sides. Layer the other pieces with adhesive between each.

Use scissors to trim wadding from around the leg holes.

5 Beginning at the centre of the top row, remove the nail with pliers and staple horizontally over the indented hole, using this as the base of a stapled square. Replace the remaining nails, working outwards, smoothing the fabric and checking the measurements before making each stapled square.

Tapered legs plus the gap created by the safety anchors should create enough space to allow for skirting behind the bed

3 Flip the door over, fold the wadding around to the back and secure with staples angled 45° to the edge. Fold down the corners, trimming away the bulky excess and stapling the loose edges.

Avoiding the seams, cut a drop sheet to 2350mm long by 1150mm wide and centre it over the assembly.

FOR THE SAFETY ANCHORS

Position the headboard and use a stud finder to locate wall studs behind either end, marking with tape.

To install safety anchors, pre-drill into the studs with a 3mm bit and secure the wall plate. Mark the furniture plate on the back of the headboard, trim the wadding and secure into the frame. Complete the assembly according to the instructions, and push the bed into place.

6 To create diamond patterns, position daisy head upholstery nails into the staple squares, with the side nails inside the square and the top and bottom nails on the outside, avoiding any overlap. Dab clear construction adhesive under the head of each, tapping in with a small hammer and leaving to dry.

Keep in mind...

8 Measure the height of the bed base from the floor, then mark the length on the legs, measuring from the top. Use a handsaw to cut the legs from the bottom. Find the holes in the headboard and snip 10mm cuts in the fabric. Dab adhesive around the top of the legs, twist them into the holes and leave to dry. Smooth with a medium-heat iron. bunnings.com.au |

When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear. When using spray adhesive, work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask. n When using a staple gun, ensure the base is completely flat on the surface before pulling the trigger and always wear eye protection.

Loosen any stray staples with a small flathead screwdriver and remove with pliers. n Before drilling into walls, use a stud finder to check for wiring or pipework, and turn off the power before working. If unsure, call a professional. n

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PLANTS

BLOOMING WONDERS

Coming up roses Plant bare-rooted roses now for a floral flourish in spring

Why we love them

Roses are one of the world’s most loved flowering plants. They bloom from spring to autumn, transforming the garden into a vision of floral romance, and often smell great, too.

What types are there?

Shrub, climbing, bush, miniature and groundcover or carpet roses are just some of the varieties.

Standard ‘lollipop’ forms are also available – usually bush roses grafted onto an upright stem.

Fragrant

Where to grow them

Roses will grow in most climates – less well in very hot and humid areas, but some will flourish in these zones. Choose an area with full sun and ensure soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter, like manure and compost.

(‘Mister Lincoln’)

Shrub

(‘Just Joey’)

A classic romantic red rose, this hybrid tea rose is renowned for its heady fragrance.

Large apricot flowers adorn this shrub rose. Prune heavily (about one-third of the canes) in winter.

Climbing

Cut f lower

Most roses should be pruned heavily in winter to encourage an open crown. Carpet roses only require a light trim (or leave unpruned). Spring-flowering climbing roses, such as banksia, should be cut back hard when flowers finish but repeat-flowering versions such as ‘Pierre de Ronsard’ and ‘Climbing Iceberg’ are pruned in July, like most others. Feed regularly with a rose-specific fertiliser once buds form, to encourage prolific blooms. Watch for blackspot and spray with a suitable fungicide if required.

FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT bunnings.com.au/plants

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(‘Climbing Iceberg’)

A profuse bloomer, this nearly thornless climber is best trained up an arch or trellis for support.

bunnings

(‘Double Delight’)

With long stems and a sweet scent, the strawberry-and-cream stunner is great for vases.

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Alamy Stock Photo.

How to care for them

Help protect Australia

from pests and diseases Australia is free from many serious pests and diseases that are present in other countries.

You can help keep it that way by being biosecurity aware when bringing or receiving plants or seeds from overseas.

Before you bring or buy plants or seeds from overseas, check Australia’s biosecurity rules. Strict import conditions apply, even for small amounts for your home or garden. Imported plants and seeds can carry pests and diseases or introduce weeds that could harm our gardens, farms and environment.

It’s your responsibility to help protect Australia by: •

meeting biosecurity requirements when bringing or buying plants or seeds from overseas

•

telling your family and friends overseas not to send plants or seeds to Australia that don’t meet import conditions

•

reporting any unusual pests or diseases in your backyard or farm.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Penalties of up to $2,664 apply for breaching Australia’s biosecurity laws.

awe.gov.au/mailing-bringing-goods

Australian Biosecurity

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

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