IT FORWARD FOR BIG FREEZE 11 Fight motor neurone disease with the 2025 Australian of the Year.
Add warmth to interiors with beautiful deep reds and golds.
TREAD SOFTLY
Roll out a soft rug or runner and bring comfort to your home – and toes!
FLATPACK FAB!
Use off-the-shelf materials to create a custom home office.
Follow our expert tips to boost the health of your home this winter.
Plant or pot up these zesty specimens, then preserve excess fruit
WINTER FLAVOURS
Enhance cool-weather cooking with these four tasty herbs.
57 EASY STEPS TO A COSY BATHROOM
Turn your bathing zone into a welcoming and stylish retreat. 63 FEEL THE WARMTH
Make Mum’s day with great gifts at prices to suit any budget.
69 TAILOR YOUR TOOLKIT
Find the ideal tools to match your DIY skills – from newbie to pro.
75 VISUAL ARTS
Zhoosh up your space with tactile artworks and a plant pot tower.
82 THE PROJECT
Showcase your fave photos and artworks with this bespoke wallscape inspiration.
Regulars
7 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MAY & JUNE News, special buys and clever ideas.
51 THE PET SHED
Meet our Pet of the Month, plus how to combat muddy paws and make a cat perch.
Choose the right heater with this round-up Show us what you’ve been working on at home! Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned DIYer, this is your chance to share a favourite project, large or small. Look out for full entry details in our July issue, in store and online from June 26.
Editor Lisa Green
Associate editor Artemis Gouros
Art director Bridie Mahoney
Deputy art director Sophie Mullane
Senior designer Carol Baldas
Market & style editor
Sami Simper (acting)
Chief subeditors
Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson
Senior subeditor Lorna Gow
Digital producer Eunice Oh
Editorial & styling assistant
Anna Zielinski
Contributors Shelley Tustin, Harriet Upjohn
Account partner Henry Kalaf-Tyrrell
National advertising manager Vanessa Hanlan
Campaign manager Ellisa Kimura
Branded content editor
Deirdre Avenell
Advertising enquiries info@hammermedia.com.au
General magazine enquiries bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777
Managing director Nick Smith
General manager, Operations & Partnerships Teagan Barr
Head of content, Health, Home & Lifestyle Gemma Sutherland
Head of finance Adrian Thompson
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.
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. Bunnings magazine runs third-party advertisements. Bunnings does not endorse, evaluate or take responsibility for the products or claims in these advertisements. This publication is not for sale.
Welcome
Now is the time to set up for a healthy, happy winter, and we’ve got you covered with easy decorating layers, starting with rolling out a new-season rug (page 19), as well as a buyer’s guide to indoor heating options (page 63). There are also renter-friendly ways to improve bathroom amenity (page 57), inspiration for helping you winter well (page 37) plus three simple art projects to make (page 75).
Pet owners know animals are adept at finding the cosiest or coolest spot in the home, in all seasons. This month’s DIY pet project (page 54) is a window seat for cats – a handy suntrap and birdwatching perch in one – and a great floor-space saver for apartment dwellers. Along with fresh-picked herbs (page 48), the joy of plucking a lemon or lime from a tree in the garden or pot on the patio is real. Smaller backyards mean sun-loving citrus aren’t as prevalent as they once were but, if you’re short on space, dwarf varieties are tailor-made for pots with the same wonderful attributes as full-sized trees: lush green foliage, scented flowers and flavoursome fruit. Australia also has several native citrus varieties, including the finger lime. Our guide to citrus success starts on page 42, and includes ways to make your harvest surplus last, so you can have fruit year-round. Enjoy the issue!
The Bunnings magazine team
Bunnings respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and Elders of this Country and recognises their values, beliefs and continuing connection to land, waters, cultures and communities. May the stories, knowledge and wisdom shared on this land unite us as one people in the true spirit of Reconciliation for today, tomorrow and for our future generations.
Share your DIY creations with us or find inspiration for your next project. Use the hashtag #Bunningsmag
With footy season in full swing, Bunnings is excited to announce an important part of our AFL sponsorship: the Legend of the Tongs campaign. We’re celebrating the local footy legends who operate weekend sausage sizzles to raise funds for their clubs. Every week until August 24, five legends will be selected to receive a Legend of the Tongs barbecue kit, which includes a 3m x 3m Marquee gazebo, Jumbuck barbie, tongs and spatula, aprons, beanies and hats for their club, valued at over $570. One legend from each week will be chosen to compete for the inaugural Golden Tongs at the AFL Grand Final on September 27. Visit bunnings. com.au/legend to nominate your AFL footy club’s legend.
CLEANING TIP
A trip down auto alley
Next time your car is ready for a spruce-up, dodge the car-wash queue and head for the auto aisle at Bunnings. With a few key products and a spare half hour, you can DIY a car detail for a fraction of the cost – even if you have to bribe a teenager to help!
Royal Comfort 8 piece 100 per cent cotton plush towel set in Denim, I/N: 0593664*.
shoulders and neck heating pad, I/N: 0614803*.
Sunbeam
Ivory
Compiled by Anna Musarra.
Veronica heaps praise on her pretty palm!
What’s in your pot?
Majestic palm (Ravenea rivularis)
Plant name: Palmtree Swayze
Plant parent: Veronica Climate: Front patio of a south-western Sydney apartment that has varied sunlight and shade periods. How long have you had it? Two years Where is it from? Mum got it at Bunnings and
gifted it to us when we moved into our new place.
Best feature: It helps create privacy along the front fence and is also pretty to look at. Care routine: I water it and tell it that it’s doing a great job!
Top tip: If you live in an apartment, choose durable plants and move them around until they find their perfect spot to thrive in.
Do you have a favourite plant to share with us? Email your tips and images (with ‘Plant parent’ in the subject line) to submissions@bunnings.com.au
Established in 1985, Warlukurlangu Artists is a celebrated 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned, not-for-profit art community in the Central Desert Region. The creative collaboration between Bunnings and Warlukurlangu Artists – which began in 2021 and directly supports the community – has been a huge success, with plant pots bearing the artists’ stunning work selling out fast. New homewares and accessories featuring Warlukurlangu Artists designs (below) are now available in store or online, guaranteed to add vibrant beauty to any space. Visit bunnings.com.au/warlukurlangu-artists to find out more about the stories behind each artist.
TOOL OF THE MONTH
Flatpack
Whizz through self-assembly furniture, fencing and decking tasks with this efficient driver kit that makes light work of fastening screws and bolts. Designed for DIY use, the compact driver boasts a powerful 220Nm of torque, and the battery is sealed to protect against water and dust. ●
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
LIVING IT FORWARD FOR BIG FREEZE 11
The 2025 Australian of the Year shares how you can help fight motor neurone disease.
Words Neale Daniher AO
When I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2013, I was told to start ticking off the bucket list. After all, the average life expectancy for someone living with MND is 27 months following their diagnosis. It is a terminal illness with no treatment and no cure.
But this wasn’t an option for me. I wanted to fight back against MND, or as I like to call it, The Beast. Why? Because if I didn’t, how could I expect anyone else to?
In 2014 I joined forces with Dr Ian Davis OAM and Pat Cunningham to create FightMND. Strangers previously, we each shared a deep and personal connection with MND. Ian was diagnosed with MND at the
age of 33. He died from the disease in 2018 at the age of 40. Pat’s beautiful wife, Angie, was diagnosed with MND in 2012. She died from MND in 2016.
Rather than sitting back, we wanted to fight back. That’s what FightMND is about. Our vision is simple: a world without MND. So other families do not have to experience the pain of having a loved one with an MND diagnosis.
At FightMND, our tagline is: “It takes people.” This phrase carries a powerful double meaning.
Motor neurone disease is a disease that takes so much. Your ability to move. To speak. To breathe. It also takes people to fight back. And when we unite with a shared purpose, we become unstoppable.
Together, we’ve built a movement that has raised more than $115 million to fund vital medical research as well as projects to support Australians living with MND. This funding has helped build understanding of how MND works, introduced new drugs to the development pipeline and powered clinical trials.
Living with MND, I see firsthand the vital role care projects play in supporting Australians with MND. MND Australia, the state MND associations, MND and Me and other care organisations do an amazing job providing essential services. Investing in initiatives – like the development of MND care guidelines, training for physiotherapists to support patients
Three generations of Danihers rally around Neale to fight MND.
with an act as simple as coughing, and other important care projects – is crucial to support the MND community while the search for a cure continues.
This year I had the honour of being recognised as the 2025 Australian of the Year. But this recognition isn’t just for me. It belongs to Australia’s MND community. The families, the carers, the researchers, the volunteers, all those at FightMND and the MND state associations and the countless other Australians who have joined us in this fight. That includes you, reading this right now.
An MND diagnosis doesn’t just affect one person. It has an impact on everyone they love. My family is an integral part of my journey. Headed
toy,
●
‘Big
11’
I/N: 0746001‡, beanie, $25, I/N: 0115810, and bucket, $8, I/N: 0561833. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
by my wife, Jan, and our children, their partners and their children, my family have been with me at every step of this challenging journey. Their unwavering support fuels my determination to keep fighting.
While we’ve made tremendous progress in the battle against MND, there’s still much work to be done. That’s why, during Big Freeze 11, we’re once again calling on the Australian community to unite and live it forward; for those fighting MND and in memory of those who no longer can.
The true measure of a person is not in what they say, but in what they do. Together we can continue this battle and, one day, see a world without MND. ●
Bunnings is pleased to be a major partner of Big Freeze 11. This year you can purchase a Big Freeze 11 Beanie from Bunnings stores across Australia. We’ve also got Big Freeze 11 buckets and, for the first time, the Big Freeze 11 pet toy. Exclusive to Bunnings stores, all proceeds from these items will go towards FightMND to invest into vital MND research and projects supporting Australians living with MND. Purchase one from May 7 at participating Bunnings stores, and grab a snag at our National Sausage Sizzle for FightMND on Saturday May 17.
Find out more about FightMND’s work to find a treatment and cure for motor neurone disease: fightmnd.org.au Visit it!
The family attended the Governor-General’s reception when Neale was announced as Australian of the Year.
Neale and wife Jan have helped raise more than $115 million for MND research.
ABOVE
FightMND
Freeze
pet
$9,
May & June
IN THE GARDEN
Enjoy colour indoors, prep for winter and keep your lawn looking good.
Bring colour from flowers and foliage inside with indoor plants. Anthuriums (above), philodendrons and calatheas are all great options. If there is little to no sunlight in the room, consider buying a grow light.
In frosty areas, protect vulnerable seedlings and crops by covering at night with a frost cloth (drape over a structure to avoid contact with plants). Remove in the morning and replace the next evening if needed. Put potted plants under shelter until the danger of frost has passed.
Dreaming of everything coming up roses next summer?
Bare-rooted rose varieties will soon be available in stores,
so prepare the soil now for planting. For best results, choose a spot in full sun and dig in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.
Monitor lawns for that pesky weed bindii, which appears now as fine, fern-like foliage.
WORLD BEE DAY MAY 20
Treat with a selective weedkiller, such as Yates Weed ’n’ Feed, suitable for your type of grass and repeat during the season as needed. Controlling bindii now is key to avoiding the problem of painful prickles in the warmer months.
After applying fertiliser near 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, or when handling compost or mulch, read the label, follow instructions and wear gloves, a mask and protective gear. Always store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.
Scan the QR code
For more on what to do in the garden during May and June, go to bunnings.com.au/ gardencorner
PRETTY CHILLY
Cool colour
Grow these beauties for winter blooms pollinators will love.
Polyanthus (Primula x polyantha)
This cheerful annual will brighten up garden beds, pots and hanging baskets with its vibrant, yellowcentred blooms.
Hellebores (Helleborus spp. and hybrids)
Also known as winter roses, these delicate flowers in shades of white, pink and soft green bring a charming woodland feel.
Winter Daphne (Daphne odora)
A fragrant evergreen shrub that thrives in cool climates. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide a lovely backdrop for clusters of fragrant pink to white flowers.
GARDEN TOOL OF THE MONTH
This compact and lightweight chainsaw is battery powered, making fast and easy work of pruning jobs. No oil or petrol is needed – just charge it up and get to work tidying the garden. ●
● Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V cordless 8in/20cm pruning chainsaw, $179/skin only (battery and charger not included), I/N: 0349915.
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
A frost cloth offers a vital protective layer in winter.
We can help get bulky purchases home, whether building a deck or a pergola, tidying up the garden, taking a few loads to the tip, picking up a new fridge/washer/couch or moving house.
Book online or in-store:
For the latest prices and booking information, see websites below.
1 Tonne (1000kg) carrying capacity
Hire by the hour, day, week or longer – just Load & Go
Hire for one day or longer - first 100km free per day
Terms & Conditions apply.
For more information, scan or visit: bunnings.com.au/services/in-store/get-it-home or handyrentals.com.au
● 1 Background in Dulux Very Cherry paint ● 2 Dulux sample pot paint in Chocolate Souffle, $11.50/250ml, I/N: 1409312. ● 3 40cm artificial native twig with flower, $6.50, I/N: 0198036. ● 4 Pro Renovator 38mm wall paintbrush, $6.40, I/N: 1661751, handle painted with Dulux Very Cherry paint ● 5 Peperomia ‘Piccolo Banda’ in 11cm x 9cm XS plain ceramic egg pot in Cream, $4.98, I/N: 0258684 (plant sold separately). ● 6 & 8 Floor Select 305mm x 305mm x 6mm natural cork tile, $36/sqm, $19.80/pack of 6, I/N: 6690244 (trimmed to size). ● 7 Lane 128mm leather handle in Tan, $10, I/N: 0135452. ● 9 Dulux paint swatches in Very Cherry and Chocolate Souffle. ● 10 Johnson Tiles 200mm x 200mm tile in Ultra White Gloss, $32.05/sqm, $48.72/pack of 38 (1.52sqm), I/N: 0385647. ● 11 Lane 32mm lacquer wood cabinet pull, $9.67, I/N: 0364728, painted with Dulux Murray Red paint ● 12 Kaboodle Kitchen A5 sized cabinet samples, $2.98 each, in Paprika (top), I/N: 0492179, and Tagine, I/N: 0492182. ● 13 Think Benchtops timber benchtop sample in European Walnut, $4.94, I/N: 2669733. ● 14 Johnson Tiles ‘Spectrum’ 97mm x 97mm wall tile in Burnt Orange Gloss, $95.40/sqm, $0.90 each, I/N: 0637279. ● 15 Lane 128mm cabinet handle in Brushed Brass, $8.99, I/N: 0364730. ● 16 Background in Dulux Pookie Bear paint. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. ●
Photography Martina Gemmola, styling Melissa Rettore. Paint colours may vary on application.
Feel the De’Longhi difference this winter.
Stay warm and cosy with our premium heaters, designed to transform your home into your personal comfort zone.
TRRS1224E.G
HFX30C18.IW
Bring graphic interest to your interiors in the time it takes to roll out a rug! New-season designs combine antique patterns with plush piles that feel wonderful underfoot – a welcome layer of comfort as winter closes in. Look to timber furniture and finishes, and bring in more visual warmth with golden-hued metallics, eclectic artworks and natural materials such as jute and rattan.
own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Tread softly
Cosy up to the cooler weather by dressing your floors – and even walls – with velvety rugs and runners your toes will adore.
Photography Martina Gemmola
Styling Bree Banfield and Melissa Rettore
● Crystal Velvet 300cm x 70cm polyester printed runner rug in Termez, $29, I/N: 0375910. All other products, stylist’s
RUG CARE 101
Tips to help keep soft flooring looking fabulous.
+ Employ a ‘no shoes’ policy indoors.
+ Vacuum at least once a week, especially in high-traffic areas, and rotate rugs for even wear.
+ Blot spills such as coffee immediately with kitchen paper, then spot clean with specialty carpet stain-remover spray.
+ Hire a carpet-cleaner machine, such as the user-friendly Rug Doctor, and deep clean once or twice a year. Visit bunnings. com.au/hire-shop‡
● Cliftonvale 400cm x 300cm polyester and polypropylene rug in Ethnic, $299, I/N: 0713862.
● DIY hanging gallery, see page 82 for materials and instructions.
(On window seat) Astin Sinclair ‘Rib’ 45cm x 45cm chenille cushion in Pebble, $12.95, I/N: 0712594, and ‘Loop’ 45cm x 45cm cushion in Jet Stream, $12.95, I/N: 0712585.
(On bench) ● Mallet flower in 310mm x 260mm extra large round plain ceramic pot in White, $35.48, I/N: 0375844.
● Miuz American white oak solid timber bench, I/N: 0362883*.
(On table) ● Mint in Northcote Pottery ‘Italian’ 16cm terracotta planter, $5.48, I/N: 2833040, on ‘Italian’ 13cm terracotta saucer in Antique, $3.50, I/N: 0044339. ● Textured 16cm ceramic vase in Cream, $11.98, I/N: 0611084. ● Ribbed 28cm ceramic vase in White, $24.98, I/N: 0611087. ● Salisbury & Co ‘Eclipse’ 27cm dinner plates in Blue, I/N: 0367314*.
● Bay Gallery Furniture ‘Torquay’ 2.2m timber indoor dining table, I/N: 0807534*, and 1.8m bench seat, I/N: 0807521*.
(In foreground) ● Bay Gallery Furniture ‘Clovelly’ fabric corner lounge, I/N: 0445856*. All plants sold separately. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
it!
PAGE 82 FOR HOW TO CURATE THIS WALLSCAPE.
BE BOUNTIFUL
Take a floor-up approach to a large, airy room, where size and scale really matter. This outsize rug (4m x 3m) defines the dining zone within an open floorplan, adding visual texture as well as softness underfoot. Fresh flowers, foliage and produce bring a harvest-festival vibe to the table, while masterpieces and family snaps mingle in the gallery display on the wall.
● Crystal Velvet 300cm x 70cm polyester printed runner rug in Termez, $29, I/N: 0375910. (On rangehood shelves, from top) ● Maidenhair creeper in 230mm x 200mm small woven planter in Natural, $19.50, I/N: 0428673 (plant sold separately). ● Textured 16cm ceramic vase in Cream, $11.98, I/N: 0611084. ● 26cm ceramic vase in Olive/Stone, $19.98, I/N: 0611083. (On island benchtop) ● Salisbury & Co ‘Eclipse’ 27cm dinner plate in Blue, I/N: 0367314*. 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.
ABOVE LEFT and BELOW ● Crystal Velvet 300cm x 70cm polyester runner rug in Dune, $29, I/N: 0711197.
ABOVE RIGHT ● Crystal Velvet 230cm x 160cm polyester rug in Meadow, $49, I/N: 0711286. ● DIY cork artwork, see from page 75 for materials and instructions. ● Blue star fern in 230mm x 200mm small woven planter in Natural, $19.50, I/N: 0428673. ● Zanzibar gem in 280mm x 260mm medium woven planter in Natural, $29, I/N: 0426672. ● Miuz American white oak solid timber bench, I/N: 0362883*. Both plants sold separately. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can 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.
PRACTICAL MAGIC
Bring pleasing pattern to the hardest-working areas of the home – think the kitchen, butler’s pantry or laundry – with hardwearing, washable polyester rugs. These lightweight pieces are easy to roll up and stow away when needed and, if spills occur, can be given a gentle scrub with mild detergent solution, then rinsed with a hose and hung out to dry. Some smaller utility mats (150cm x 60cm) can even be popped in the washing machine! Check the care advice on the label first.
RUNNER UP
Make an entrance by laying a beautiful hall runner to lead visitors through your home. To ensure rugs stay put on polished hard flooring and to keep corners from curling, use non-slip underlay or rug-gripper tape and corner stickers.
LEFT ● Crystal Velvet 300cm x 70cm polyester runner rug in Heirloom, $29, I/N: 0711209.
BELOW ● Renaissance 230cm x 160cm polyester rug in Frost, $99, I/N: 0711194. ● Astin Sinclair ‘Tufted’ 45cm x 45cm cushion in Weathervane, $12.95, I/N: 0712577. All other products, stylist’s own.
For a cool-weather bedroom makeover, elevate an attractive rug and enjoy the warmth. Make it!
SEE BOX AT RIGHT FOR HOW TO RECREATE THIS FEATURE.
WALL ART WITH A TWIST Take one freestanding bedhead and give it a temporary glow-up! Thoroughly vacuum a new or freshly cleaned floor rug. Enlist a second pair of hands to help move the bed and bedsides out of the way, then drape the rug over the bedhead. If the rug is wider than the bedhead, use a length of dowel to support the overhang. Move bed and bedsides back into position.
● DIY rug bedhead made using: Porta 25.4mm Tasmanian oak dowel, $16.40/1.2m, I/N: 0099506•; and rug, for similar try Hufflett ‘Viera’ 280cm x 190cm polypropylene rug in Light Blue, $199, I/N: 0710996.
● Home Design ‘Trama’ table lamp, $32, I/N: 0123714 (globe sold separately). ● 26cm ceramic vase in Olive/Stone, $19.98, I/N: 0611083.
● Miuz American white oak solid timber bedside drawers, I/N: 0357879*, and bench in White, I/N: 0362885*. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can 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
Make it! See page 75 for details of these quirky plant stands.
Albert the border collie
LOOK 1 ● Vintage 270cm x 180cm wool rug in Pink, $199, I/N: 0711758.
LOOK 2 ● Renaissance ‘Ember’ 230cm x 160cm polyester rug,
ONE ROOM, THREE LOOKS
A rug is a low-risk way to stamp your personality on a room. Whether you’re drawn to traditional styles, contemporary patterns or graphic lines, a rug – like artwork – can set the tone. The three very different rugs on these pages are equally at home in our cosy living space.
Look 1 This antique-style, time-honoured piece in wool brings the room’s period details and modern furniture together in a comfortable setting.
Look 2 An abstract design in polyester works as a neutral, reflecting architectural lines, creamy walls and warm timber hues. Look 3 Our plush third option is a real scene stealer – a strong foundation piece in an on-trend cherry or plum hue. The geometric pattern has an Art Deco feel, with circular motifs repeated in the coffee table and plant stands. ●
3 ● Ronni ‘Bow’ 300cm x 200cm polyester rug in Plum,
OPPOSITE and ABOVE (on mantelpiece) ● Teardrop 15cm ceramic vase in White, $11.98, I/N: 0611080.
(On floor, from left) ● Bird’s nest fern in Astin Sinclair 250mm x 230mm seagrass tapered planter, $22.50, I/N: 0580348. Silver lady and maidenhair ferns on DIY plant stands, see page 75 for materials and instructions. All plants sold separately.
(On chair) ● Astin Sinclair ‘Waffle’ throw in Mahogany, $22.95, I/N: 0711783 (available in selected stores only). ● B2C Furniture ‘Paris’ occasional chair with walnut frame in Beige, I/N: 0249690*. ● Bay Gallery Furniture ‘Killara’ boucle fabric and timber 3 seat rattan lounge in Cream, I/N: 0441430*.
All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can 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.
$99, I/N: 0711196.
LOOK
$149, I/N: 0711201.
Flatpack fab!
A savvy DIYer shows how a blank wall can become a bespoke built-in home office.
Words Artemis Gouros
Photography Sarah Wimberley
Anew build is a blank slate, perfect for a creative couple wanting to turn a house into a home without having to undo any previous renovations or design choices. Sarah and Stephen built their place on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in 2018 and have been adding character and utility, room by room. “We loved our modern Australian home but it didn’t have any personality, so as we’ve lived here we’ve injected our own style through DIY builds and styling,” says Sarah. “Our interior aesthetic is coastal inspired, cosy and timeless, and our goal is to create an inviting and family friendly atmosphere.”
TAKE A TOUR…
Meet the family
Sarah, a content creator, and Stephen, who works in finance, live in a four-bedroom house on the Sunshine Coast, Qld, with their nine-year-old daughter, two sons, aged six and four, and Molly the border collie.
Design details transform off-the-shelf units.
DIY BY DESIGN
Sarah, a member of the online Bunnings Workshop community (@HousevsSarah), was inspired to create a home office after installing a mud room on one wall of her garage, a project that was featured in the February 2024 issue of the magazine (turn the page for a QR code to see the result). “I realised how easy it would be to take the same approach as I did in the mud room and turn off-the-shelf materials from Bunnings into cabinetry that looks custom made,” she says. “The room where I worked was disorganised, so I knew the priority was storage and a good-sized desk that I could work at.”
HACK A FLATPACK
“I’d seen people repurpose flatpack shelves into office storage, so I thought it would be a pretty easy and cheap way to make a home office that we could size to suit our space,” says Sarah. She chose Flexi Storage wardrobe shelf units and shelf/drawer units, as she loved the depth of the cabinetry, and used them to create a custom configuration that spans an entire wall. “We started by building the two side six-shelf units,” says Sarah. Then the flatpack hack came into play. First two drawer units were cut in half, with the drawers
used under the desktop and the two shelf units screwed onto the top of the six-shelf units.
“We screwed everything into wall studs to secure, then cut down a SpecRite 2200mm x 600mm x 26mm beech panel for the desktop and attached it,” Sarah explains. “Next we took another six-shelf unit and cut it vertically using a table saw to create two slimmer units. We used melamine to replace the missing side on each and nailed and glued them to the side shelf structures.” The cabinetry rests on DIY plinths made using framing pine and yellow tongue (structural flooring particleboard) left over from another project, but Sarah says plywood would work, too.
CUSTOMISE CABINETRY
To give the built-in home office architectural interest, Sarah clad the wall behind the desk with Easycraft VJ panelling, and attached trim to all the units. She used primed DAR moulding in plain and colonial profiles to trim the shelf fronts and unit bases, and to create a Shakerlook profile on the plain drawer faces, plus cornice at the top. To achieve a professional finish, Sarah filled all nail and screw holes with timber filler, let it dry, then sanded it smooth. Then came the final step: paint. She chose
DURING
The whole family has gone on the home improvement journey together!
“The project took two weekends and was a big effort to get done in that time but we had fun”
Sarah/homeowner
READY TO GO
Sarah built the home office using off-the-shelf materials from Bunnings.
+ Flexi Storage wardrobe shelf and drawer units
+ EasyCraft VJ wall panels
+ Specrite timber panel
+ Porta colonial moulding
+ Framing pine
a sprayer so was careful to use painter’s tape and drop sheets to protect the surrounds. “I sprayed the unit with two coats of Zinsser BIN primer, sanding lightly in between,” says Sarah. “Then I used the paint sprayer to apply Dulux Aquanamel in White Beach Half. It took two coats, plus touch-ups, sanding between each.”
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
As it was a similar process to the mud room she’d already built, Sarah didn’t encounter too many surprises along the way. “The hardest part was getting the right primer for laminate and the coverage we wanted. But research and help from the Bunnings paint desk led to a great result,” she says. Having completed most of the bedrooms and the home office, the couple are now turning their attention to one of the living spaces. “We plan to add wall trim boxes and herringbone timber flooring to create a cosy, peaceful vibe. This room is right next to the home office so the goal is to create a type of parents’ retreat,” says Sarah.
And she doesn’t intend to stop there. “In the next year or so we’ll begin a cosmetic kitchen renovation. We love the layout but would like to add more character with timber features, bench-to-ceiling cabinets and mood lighting,” she says. “Balancing beauty with everyday practicality, our home is designed to be both functional and welcoming.”
For more DIY projects and inspiration from Sarah and other community members, visit bunnings. workshop.com.au. ●
AISLE STYLE Shop the look
● 1 SpecRite 2200mm x 600mm x 26mm beech laminated panel, $169, I/N: 8330041• ● 2 Porta 2.7m x 138mm x 18mm pre primed FJ pine colonial architrave, $30, I/N: 8480070. ● 3 Un-Real ‘Chain of Hearts’ 36cm artificial plant in Green, $13.98, I/N: 0551363. ● 4 Flexi Storage Wardrobe 400mm 6 shelf unit in Matte White, $139, I/N: 0404286. ● 5 Elme Living ‘Vivek’ decorative photo frame, I/N: 0634229*. ● 6 Artiss velvet office chair in Cream, I/N: 0623459*. ● 7 Lane 128mm knurled cabinet T handle in Brass, $9, I/N: 0364732. ● 8 Urban ‘Amira’ 17cm ceramic double vase in White, I/N: 0536418*. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 See Sarah’s garage mud room build: bunnings.com.au/ flexi-storage-mud-room Read it!
“I love using soft textures, warm layers and natural elements that make a space feel stylish and lived in,” says Sarah.
JUST ADD LOVE
Find Mum that special something this Mother’s Day with our pick of thoughtful gifts for every budget. Can’t decide? Give her a Bunnings gift card! 2 1 4 3 11 10 9 7 8 6 5
● 1 Brilliant DIY orb glass pendant light in Black, $75, I/N: 0137651 (globe sold separately). ● 2 Home Design ‘Trama’ table lamp, $32, I/N: 0123714 (globe sold separately). ● 3 Mojo 45cm cushion cover in Solid Black, $7.49, I/N: 0292398. ● 4 Mojo ‘St Tropez’ outdoor square chair cushion, $18.10, I/N: 0196300. ● 5 Aglaonema in 43cm x 34cm ceramic indoor pot in White with stand, $58.98, I/N: 0200336 (plant sold separately). ● 6 Cyclone stainless steel weeder, $9.95, I/N: 3360999. ● 7 Cyclone stainless steel fork hand tool, $9.95, I/N: 3360486. ● 8 Cyclone stainless steel garden trowel, $9.95, I/N: 3360998. ● 9 Boyle ‘Crafty Kits’ hanging planter DIY project kit, $12.70, I/N: 0322581 (available in selected stores only). ● 10 Fiskars bypass pruner in Ruby, $29.95, I/N: 3350485. ● 11 Un-Real ‘Pink Orchid’ 38cm artificial plant in decor pot, $12.98, I/N: 0580554. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products may be ordered.
● 16 Marquee 1.5L insulated drink bottle in White, $18, I/N: 0371702. ● 17 Northcote Pottery ‘Cafestyle Villa’ 47cm x 37cm bird bath in Antique White, $59.98, I/N: 2800750. ● 18 Philodendron in Astin Sinclair ‘Natural’ 340mm x 280mm large planter, $39, I/N: 0580346 (plant sold separately). ● 19 Stanley 61 piece mixed hand tool set, $129, I/N: 0447771. ● 20 Mimosa ‘Cape Cod’ Adirondack timber chair, $199, I/N: 3191012. ● 21 Hard Yakka ‘Banjo’ gusset women’s safety boots in Brown, $130/size 7, I/N: 0262108. ● 22 Santalum Estate ceramic sandalwood/citronella candle in Cement Grey with lid, $26.10, I/N: 0371419. ● 12 14 15 16 22 21 20 19 18 17 13 Wing it Bring the birds to her yard.
Here’s how to keep your home in tiptop shape this winter.
Words Shelley Tustin
Most of us tend to hunker down indoors when the cold weather hits, but you don’t have to spend the next few months in so-so comfort or social hibernation. Instead, try these tips to optimise your home for the season, plus boost your physical and mental wellbeing, leaving you ready to embrace spring after a winter very well spent.
Heating efficiency
Save on energy costs by ensuring you have adequate insulation.
1REDUCE HUMIDITY
A healthy home is a dry home, but damp and mould are often uninvited and lingering guests over the cooler months. Colder temperatures, sub-standard ventilation and moisture from activities such as cooking, showering and hanging your washing inside can all add to higher humidity levels. Building and interior designer Maria Faalafi of The Healthy Building Designer (thbd.com.au) says mould spores thrive in damp environments, exacerbating respiratory issues and allergies, and even impacting mental health. “Proper ventilation, a dehumidifier and natural moisture absorbers like purifying charcoal can help mitigate these risks,” she says.
Asthma Australia’s Healthy Home Guide for Homeowners suggests keeping your home’s humidity level between 30 and 60 per cent1 (use a hygrometer to measure this), and advises keeping windows closed when outside humidity is high, and airing out rooms when it’s dry.
Balance airtightness
and ventilation by opening windows for an hour each day and use fans to circulate the air
2
BREATHE EASY
Mould spores aren’t the only nasties floating around homes over winter – one aspect of energy-efficient homes is that tight envelopes not only lock in warmth, but can trap pollutants.
“These pollutants include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from building materials, furniture and carpets, perfumed items and chemical odours from cleaning products, solvents and glues,” says Maria. Dust, pet dander and emissions from fuel-burning appliances and faulty or unserviced gas stoves and heaters can also contribute to poor air quality. Combat this by opening windows regularly, using an air purifier with a ‘true’ HEPA filter, if necessary, and by adding air-purifying indoor plants.
For renovators, Maria says choosing materials likely to contain less VOCs can also make a difference to indoor air quality. “No- or low-VOC paints like Dulux envirO2 or the UltraAir range are great options,” she suggests.
3
KEEP COLD OUT
Chilly temperatures are not only uncomfortable but can also aggravate health issues. However, you don’t need to blow the budget on excessive heating – instead, aim for a comfortable and healthy temperature. In its Housing and Health Guidelines, the World Health Organisation recommends 18 degrees Celsius2 as a safe and balanced temperature, or you can bump it up to around 22 degrees Celsius in a home with older or vulnerable residents.
Take control of your home’s climate by finding where cold air is creeping in – use a lit candle (carefully!) to identify draughts and plug them appropriately. Re-caulk windows and apply weather seals, attach door sweeps, fill gaps in walls, make sure insulation is up to scratch and ensure your heating systems are serviced and working efficiently.
4
GO WITH THE GLOW
Boost your winter mood – and your health – with light! Vitamin D is absorbed from the sun, but it’s difficult to get enough when we’re hibernating inside. Maximise natural light in your home or office and try to expose your skin to direct sunlight (outside, not through glass) daily through winter*. When you’re inside, choose warm light sources over cool lights and fluorescents. “Lighting plays a crucial role in our nervous system regulation. Blue light and fluorescent lighting can contribute to nervous system overload and disrupt sleep cycles by suppressing melatonin production,” says Maria. “Warmer light sources, such as full-spectrum LEDs or incandescent bulbs, can create a calmer atmosphere.”
12
IDEAS FOR WINTERING WELL
Check out these tips to make this winter the healthiest season yet.
1
Spice it up Experiment with health-boosting spices and aromatics. Nutrition scientist, dietitian and food futurist Dr Joanna McMillan recommends garlic and onion for fighting colds, ginger and turmeric for digestion, cinnamon and cloves to regulate blood sugar, and chilli and black pepper to support circulation and clear sinuses.
2
Garden for wellbeing “Activities like mulching, pruning and composting are great for both your physical and mental health,” says Dr Joanna. “And exposing your arms and legs to sunlight* while in the garden contributes to vitamin D production.”
3 Homegrown health Grow your own cold-hardy vegetables. “Cruciferous vegies like broccoli, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are among the best for fuelling a healthy gut microbiome and this is key for winter immunity,” advises Dr Joanna.
4
Fermented flavours “Fermented foods contain probiotics and/or prebiotics, both key for a strong immune system via a healthy gut,” says Dr Joanna. Sample store-bought sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, yoghurt and kefir – or try making your own!
5 Window garden If outdoor space is limited, try growing a little herb garden near a window. Fresh herbs like chives, thyme and parsley are easy to grow and add a bonus nutrient boost to meals.
6 Slow cook for slow days Master the art of batch cooking, stowing healthy soups, casseroles and curries in the freezer for busy days or when you’re sick and need low-effort nutrition.
7 Master crafting Learn a new crafting skill – try mosaic projects, macramé, watercolour painting, or whatever floats your boat and keeps your hands and mind busy on long winter evenings.
8 Battle boredom Dust off the Monopoly board or find new games to connect with housemates, friends and family, in real life or online.
9
Host with the most Cultivate your social connections and set a goal to host more dinner parties. Keep it casual – ask guests to bring a plate, fire up the pizza oven and enjoy feasts around the kitchen table to fill your social cup over winter.
10
Get organised Overflowing wardrobe or messy desk getting you down? Use your time indoors to nail your organisational systems and spring into the new season feeling calm and in control.
11 Set an exercise challenge Aim to reach 10,000 steps – or whatever is realistic for you – and enjoy the daily high when your fitness tracker signals the win!
12
Get out and about Help hit those steps with a daily walk outside. “It improves circulation, aids with blood-glucose control, can improve sleep (key for immune support) and is terrific as a mood booster,” explains Dr Joanna.
COMFORT FACTOR
MAXIMISE JOY
It’s normal to feel a little less energetic or cheerful through winter, so try setting up your home to foster joy. Think about the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ – the practice of creating an environment of cosiness –and take joy in the little things: a hot cup of tea, soft blankets, candlelight and easy time with loved ones.
Maria Faalafi suggests using biophilic design principles to create calm. “Incorporating indoor plants and water features, using shapes and patterns inspired by nature, having fresh flowers or essential oil diffusers and using natural materials like stone or wood helps to strengthen our connection to nature and has been shown to lower cortisol levels and boost mood,” she says. ●
Read it!
Help to clear the air with these breathe-easy specimens: bunnings. com.au/air-purifying-plants
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
● Raven ‘RP59’ self adhesive window and door weather strip in White, $10.20/5m, I/N: 3961089.
● Winix compact 4 stage air purifier, $279, I/N: 0531436.
● 280mm x 260mm medium natural woven planter, $29, I/N: 0426672 (plant not included).
Photography Anna Robinson, styling Tilly Roberts.
There’s nothing like gorgeous greenery to lift the mood.
CITRUS STARS
Make the most of your backyard trees with these tips for growing a bumper crop – and enjoying it far beyond harvest season.
A Meyer lemon tree can produce fruit all year round.
Acitrus tree weighted with jewel-like fruits is a thing of beauty, each sunny globe heavy with the promise of summerbright flavours. And with any luck, your trees will bear more fruit than your family can eat at once, so you can get preserving! It’s a great way to turn a glut into a gift and enjoy these vitamin-packed edibles all year round.
PICK OF THE CROP
The first step for a successful citrus harvest is choosing a tree to suit your space and tastes. If your citrus is going in a pot or a courtyard, dwarf varieties are the ones to go for, recommends landscape designer Charlie Albone. Climate will impact your choice, too; Eureka lemons are the most popular variety in Australia, but Meyer lemons are the hardier choice in frost zones.
“Personal taste is obviously a big one to think about,” says Charlie. “I love cumquats – they preserve well and are easy, as you eat the skin and all.” Your preferred preserving method might also dictate your choice – for example, Meyer lemons have thinner skins, which are ideal for salt preserving, while flavoursome and pectin-packed Seville oranges are considered the go-to for marmalade.
GOOD TO GROW
Australia’s mild climate means you can safely plant citrus trees at almost any time of year – just avoid planting in
the depths of winter in cold areas, and never in the full heat of summer. “Citrus require lots of sun and good-quality soil, so enrich with compost,” says Charlie. “Before planting, make sure you dig a nice wide hole to make it easy for the new roots to get out.” Depth of the hole is important, too. “When planting, ensure the graft point – the knobby area where the rootstock meets the fruiting stem – remains above the soil line,” he says. Water deeply and frequently when trees are getting established, then during dry periods or while fruiting. Potted citrus will need more frequent watering. And mulch well to keep the moisture in. Feed your trees every six to eight weeks with a product that’s formulated for fruit and citrus to give them all the nutrients they need, advises Charlie. “Citrus are heavy feeders as they do so much growing, flowering and fruiting,” he says. “Supplement with a liquid feed every 10 days when it starts to flower and set fruit.” For a robust tree, remove flowers and fruit during the first couple of years. “This directs the tree’s energy towards establishing roots and overall growth,” explains Charlie.
A healthy tree is the best pest prevention but, if your tree is hit by citrus leafminer, aphids or scale, treat with a horticultural oil spray.
HARVEST SEASON
Colour is the biggest clue to ripeness, though it varies according to fruit
LEFT Tangy cumquats are delicious eaten whole, as marmalade, candied or in syrup.
type. Cumquats should be completely orange before picking; mandarins can have a flush of green and still be ripe, while lemons should be yellow, firm and smooth skinned. Look for a strong citrus scent and give them a gentle squeeze – ripe fruit will have a little bit of give and its stem should easily break free from the branch when the fruit is twisted. If in doubt, try one. If it’s not juicy or sweet enough, wait a week or so and try again.
After your citrus tree has finished fruiting, give it a haircut. “Remove any crossing or rubbing branches to reduce wounds,” says Charlie, who is a brand ambassador for Richgro. Also remove all shoots from the rootstock – these are a different variety and there’s no benefit to leaving them as they don’t produce fruit and can sap energy from the tree. A light annual prune is usually enough but, if your tree is wild and woolly, give it a harder prune to allow light and airflow.
RAINY-DAY DELIGHTS
Preserving fruit is a little gift to your future self and there are several ways to enjoy the zesty, sweet and sour flavours of citrus fruit long beyond the harvest season. The easiest and most obvious solution is to freeze the juice – ice-cube trays hold perfect portions for dressing fish or a winter salad.
A pantry staple in Middle Eastern dishes, preserved lemons (bottled in salt and lemon juice) are little flavour bombs that can last, unopened, for months. Chef and farmer Hugh Wennerbom of The Argyle Inn in Taralga, NSW, preserves homegrown
Short on space? Choose dwarf citrus varieties: bunnings.com.au/dwarf-citrus Read it!
This Eureka lemon has been espaliered, which is a great way to grow fruit in a small space.
Meyer lemons in salt each year. “We usually serve them with cumin-roasted butternut pumpkin, and as part of an antipasti,” says Hugh Wennerbom.
Lemon juice is a common ingredient in jam recipes to help it set, but citrus can also be the main character in your condiments. A sweet-tart lemon curd is an incomparable breakfast treat or instant dessert. Farmer, chef and food writer Matthew Evans loves the Parks’ lemon chutney in his recipe book Not Just Jam. “It’s perfect for sandwiches,” he says. “And you need lots of cumquat marmalade in the house at all times!”
MORE RICH PICKINGS
No matter what you’re growing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the other fruits of your labour year-round.
Berries can be frozen to use in smoothies or to snack on straight from the freezer. And, of course, they can be turned into jam or a sauce. Stone fruit can also be made into jam.
Dried fruit is a fabulous winter treat to eat as-is, mixed into muesli or even rehydrated in porridge. Matthew says he regularly dries apricots and plums. “Flavour-wise, ‘Prune d’Agen’ are the best plums to dry,” he says.
Many fruits, from pears to peaches, can also be bottled in a light syrup, so you can eliminate canned fruit from your winter shopping list! ●
Keep in mind
■ Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch, compost and potting mix and also when pruning, along with long sleeves, as the leaves and sap of some plants can be a skin irritant and/or cause allergic reactions.
■ Store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.
CITRUS SUCCESS
GROWING ESSENTIALS
Feed your fruit trees what they need for a healthy and plentiful crop.
Fruiting formula
One with the lot for pots
● Scotts ‘Osmocote’ citrus and fruit premium potting mix, $13.24/25L, I/N: 2961638.
Fine food
Fish, seaweed and more
● Yates ‘Dynamic Lifter’ citrus and fruit plant food pellets, $16.98/3kg, I/N: 0624180.
HARVEST
Liquid asset
Makes up to 450 litres
● Richgro ‘Black Marvel’ fruit and citrus food liquid fertiliser concentrate, $13.48/1L, I/N: 0133325.
Complete solution
All-round health boost
● Seasol ‘Plus Nutrients’ fruit and citrus plant and soil treatment, $18.13/2.5kg, I/N: 0138394.
HELPERS
The right tools make all the difference come picking season.
Perfect pair
Keep your hands protected
● Cyclone patterned gloves in Winter, $8/medium, I/N: 0745938.
● WOLF-Garten ‘Multi-Star’ 15cm adjustable fruit picker, $35.95, I/N: 0314682.
Tall order
Reaches up to 5.5m
● Fiskars ‘PowergearX’ telescopic tree pruner, $238, I/N: 3350854.
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Photography (Preserve) Alamy Stock Photo.
Easy-to-grow bay trees are excellent in large containers.
Grow rosemary in a pot in a sunny spot where it’s handy for picking!
Winter flavours
Add homegrown deliciousness to your cooking with these four fab herbs.
BAY TREE (Laurus nobilis)
A staple in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, aromatic bay leaves are perfect for winter, adding depth to soups, stews and slow-cooked dishes. It grows into a large evergreen shrub or small tree, so prune as required to maintain size and shape. It’s tough and drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular deep watering during extended dry periods.
ROSEMARY (Salvia rosmarinus)
If you need a hardy, low-maintenance herb, rosemary is an ideal choice. This fragrant, bushy shrub thrives in dry conditions once established. No matter whether you choose an upright or prostrate variety, both have the same intensely scented foliage. It grows well in most climates but may struggle with high humidity. Plant in full sun and water only when the soil is dry.
CHIVES (Allium schoenoprasum)
The delicate onion flavour of this perennial herb makes it a wonderful garnish for savoury dishes. It’s a lovely addition to the garden too, producing edible purple flowers among clumps of grass-like leaves. It grows well in pots or planted out in full sun or part shade, and likes moist but well-draining fertile soil. Snip the leaves and flowers regularly to encourage continuous growth.
CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum)
Now’s the perfect time to grow this annual herb, as it thrives in cooler weather when it’s less likely to bolt. All parts of the plant can be harvested for use, including the roots, which have a deep, earthy and peppery flavour. Liquid feed fortnightly to promote growth, and sow seeds every few weeks to ensure a constant supply. ●
Bay tree
This culinary star is also a popular topiary plant.
Coriander Asian cuisine staple with a fresh, citrusy taste.
Rosemary The low-growing form makes a great groundcover.
Chives Loved for its flavour and bee-attracting flowers.
Cool for cats
Pheromone therapy can help keep puss calm in times of stress.
Polly wants a carrot
In the wild, birds have a wide and varied diet, depending on the season and their nutritional needs. While quality seed mixes, pellets or crumbles are a good base for captive birds, the majority of your bird’s diet should mimic what they’d find in their natural habitat. From your garden You might think of them as weeds but, to your bird, dandelions, summer and guinea grass heads, chickweed and milk thistle are delicious! Nectar-rich native flowers including banksia, bottlebrush and grevillea also offer a great foraging opportunity. From your shopping Vegetables such as corn, sweet potato, broccoli, capsicum and carrots are nutritious and an enriching activity, too –parrots especially are extremely curious and will appreciate something new to explore. Feed fruit as an occasional treat. Apples, bananas, grapes and pears are good choices, but avoid avocado and citrus as they’re toxic for birds.
FELINE FINE
If your cat is stressed or anxious, your vet may suggest pheromone therapy, which is available in the form of sprays, wipes and diffusers. While cats produce a range of pheromones from different parts of their body, the one that is used to calm them is a synthetic version of a facial pheromone (the scent they leave when they rub their face on things, including you). Facial pheromones send a message that this is a safe space, so work well when there’s change, such as moving into a new home. Or, for the opposite effect, catnip is a herb that will help your cat feel extremely happy and playful for about 30 minutes. But don’t be tempted to DIY. Most essential oils are toxic for cats, so you’re better to stick to prepared cat-specific products.
● 2 Trusty adult catnip spray, $3.97/50ml, I/N: 0438926. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Petof the month REUBEN
HAPPY CHAP
This cheerful pup is Mum’s best friend!
1 I am… three years young.
2 I live in… Bendigo in Central Victoria.
3 Others would describe me as… my mum’s best friend – she loves cuddles.
4 I have a habit of… getting what I want!
5 My perfect day involves… helping Mum do the shopping at Bunnings and getting loads of pats from everyone there.
6 I get grumpy if... Mum doesn’t give me treats.
A juicy apple is a welcome treat for parrots.
7 My best friend is… Dash the Cavoodle –Mum’s friends’ dog. We do zoomies together!
8 I often wonder… why does Mum sit at her computer doing ‘work’? It looks very boring!
Would you like to see your animal pal in our pages? Email your pet’s photo, name and breed (with ‘Pet of the Month’ in the subject line) to submissions @bunnings.com.au Good luck!
DIRT DEVILS
Wet winter weather means mud, which means mucky paws! Try these tips to minimise pet-related mess.
Adventures with your dog in the great outdoors are always entertaining, even in the colder months, but in winter your dog is more likely to bring home some unwanted souvenirs of their fun in the form of muddy paws. Check out these ways to help your house and car survive the combination of playful dog and wet weather!
WASH AND WIPE
Washing paws in a shallow bowl near the door is a good first line of defence and can also help prevent infections between the paw pads caused by dirt and moisture. Use warm water and a pet-friendly soap (try mild dog shampoo), then rinse and dry the paws thoroughly to avoid any irritation. Special pet wipes are a quick and easy alternative.
COLLECT THE MUD
Pet specialist cleaning company Molly’s Home and Pet (mollyshome
andpet.com.au) recommends microfibre mud mats – ideally one at every entrance – for cleaning mud and dirt from paws before it can be tracked into the house. As well as mats, ensure you have some dedicated dog towels just inside the door and teach your dog to wait to be wiped before it races inside.
FOLLOW FASHION
Booties can be a great option to protect paws (and floors). Most dogs won’t like them at first, but a bit of perseverance can be worth the effort. If your pooch is long-haired (or simply loves to get dirty), you’ll know it’s not only their paws that collect mud. Consider a well-fitting raincoat, or even one that covers their legs, to help cut down on the dirt.
BRUSH IT OUT
Wet and dirty fur is more likely to get tangled and matted, so regular brushing is important to remove
2 3 4
● 1 Happy Tails pet wipes, $4.48/pack of 100, I/N: 0439295. ● 2 All Set 60cm x 30cm all purpose wipes on a roll, $9/pack of 100, I/N: 4460950. ● 3 Simple Green pet stain & odour remover, $11.49/650ml, I/N: 4470549. ● 4 No Vac ‘Fresh Pet’ foaming sanitiser & deodoriser, $9.35/460g, I/N: 0455339. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
any caked-on mud. You could also speak to a groomer about trimming any long hair around the paw pads to help reduce pick-up.
STOP MUD AT THE SOURCE
If your dog has worn down the grass in your yard, try spreading straw over the mud, or fence off the area until the grass grows back. The team at Molly’s also suggest installing an artificial grass area. “By placing this outside you can help your dog avoid mud but still provide an area for them to toilet.”
PROTECT THE CAR
To limit the spread of muck in your car, try using a crate secured by a seatbelt – not only will this contain the dirt, but it is also safer for you and your pet. Also check out rubber or plastic seat protectors, booster seats and car hammocks – these are made especially for dogs in back seats and can be removed and wiped clean, or even hosed.
Achieve the look of traditional ‘VJ’ panelling with easyVJ150 and without the hassle of individual timber planks!
PRIMED & READY
Give your home a designer look for less with DIY-friendly wall lining panels from easycraft.
If you want the perfect finishing touch for your home, instantly adding texture, depth and creating timeless character, easycraft easyVJ wall lining panels could be the right choice for you.
Get into the groove
EasyVJ panelling can suit any number of interior design styles, from coastal to country and everything in between. It’s cost effective when compared with plasterboard and much easier to install, making it an excellent DIY product.
The quality panels, made in Australia from certified plantation pine, are 300 per cent tougher than plasterboard as well as being moisture resistant, so they’re suitable for most interior walls and ceilings.
They can also make eye-catching features over smaller areas – consider wrapping panels around a kitchen island, lining a banquette, or creating a striking headboard in your master suite.
Once you’ve measured your space and figured out how many panels you
need, cut them to fit with any circular saw and attach them straight to the studs using adhesive and nails or screws. Each 2400mm x 1200mm panel is sized to fit in between standard 600mm stud spacing, and concealed tongue-andgroove joins make it easy to slide each panel into the next for a seamless look.
1 Easycraft ‘easyVJ60’ 2400mm x 1200mm x 9mm primed MDF wall lining, $104, I/N: 0467515†
2 Easycraft ‘easyVJ100’ 2400mm x 1200mm x 9mm primed MDF wall lining, $90, I/N: 0330364.
3 Easycraft ‘easyVJ150’ 2400mm x 1200mm x 9mm primed MDF wall lining, $158, I/N: 0207950†
4 Easycraft ‘easyVJ300’ 2400mm x 1200mm x 9mm primed MDF wall lining, $104, I/N: 0479659†
INSTALL WITH EASE
Easycraft easyVJ wall lining panels are made to DIY, so with a little know-how they’re super simple to install. Each panel – whether you choose the easyVJ60, easy VJ100, easyVJ150 or easyVJ300 – is primed and ready to install and paint straightaway.
@easycraft.panels @easycraftpanels
Bunnings.
CAT SUN TRAP
Build a floating futon for your feline!
Cats love lounging in the sun, being up high and, as millions of memes show, a box! And that’s why this cosy perch is every kitty’s dream bed. Designed for a standard 600mm-wide window, this project uses budget-friendly pine and you can have the base panel cut to size in store. Add a frame with glue and nails, then secure the box to wall studs or noggins under the sill using off-theshelf brackets. No power tools necessary!
Pick it up!
Perfect for kitty’s perch
● Carinya 260mm x 230mm raw pine stayed bracket, $6.51, I/N: 0091705. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
NO-SEW CUSHION
To create your own ‘mattress’ for the bed, use a utility knife to cut two pieces of 30mm multi-use foam board to fit the tray. Stack them and cover with fabric (about 800mm x 750mm), folding the sides under to hold it in place, then position in the tray.
Hot stuff Put your perch on a north-facing window for maximum rays.
■ When painting, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated. Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
■ Use brackets suitable for the weight of the finished project and your cat, with fixings appropriate for your wall type.
■ Before fixing into walls, use a stud finder to check for wiring or pipework, and turn off the power before working. If unsure, call a professional. Keep in mind
Tools & materials
n Safety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection)
n Tape measure and pencil
n Mitre box and handsaw
n Hammer
n Lint-free cloths
n Mini rollers and trays
n 38mm paintbrush
n Stud finder
n Screwdriver
n Two 1200mm x 90mm x 12mm DAR pine lengths•
n 1800mm x 405mm x 18mm pine panel• (cut in store to 550mm x 405mm)
n Woodworking adhesive
n Masking tape
n 30 x 1.6mm bullet head nails
n Timber filler
n 180-grit abrasive paper
n Two 260mm x 230mm pine stayed brackets
n Primer
n Paint (same colour as your window trim)
n 8G x 50mm screws
n 8G x 30mm screws
1 Use a mitre box and handsaw to cut two 550mm front and back pieces, and two 429mm sides from the 12mm pine lengths. Position frame pieces around the precut 550mm x 405mm box base, running adhesive along the joints, including corners. Wrap masking tape tightly around the box to hold it together; leave to dry. Remove tape.
2 Tap nails into the corner joints and through the sides into the base using a hammer. Fill all nail holes, leave to dry, then sand box all over with 180-grit paper. Lightly sand pine brackets. Wipe away dust with a cloth. Apply primer to box and brackets, then apply two coats of paint, leaving to dry after each coat.
3 Use a stud finder to mark the stud centres on the wall (usually 450mm apart) under the sill, then position the brackets and transfer the hook marks (on the back of the short sides). Use a screwdriver to install 50mm screws and hang brackets on the protruding heads. Install a 50mm screw through the predrilled hole at the base of each bracket. Centre the tray over the brackets, against the window trim, and secure from underneath through the predrilled holes with 30mm screws. ●
SUPER CLEAN
Get fresh floors fast with the revolutionary new mopping system from Vileda.
With traditional mop-and-bucket systems, the more you mop the more you end up slopping dirty water all over the floor! Vileda has raised the bar with Australia’s first flat mop system to completely separate clean and dirty water. The new H2PRO Flat Mop System isn’t just a mop – it’s a total cleaning breakthrough.
Cleaner, smarter, better
This smart system features a specially designed bucket that channels dirty water into a lower tank, while keeping clean water fresh and ready in its own chamber. Every time you wring out the mop, used water is flushed away and fresh water is jetted onto the mop pad. It’s fast, efficient and satisfying to use. You can clean up to 60 square metres of hard flooring using just 1.2 litres of water. That’s up to 75 per cent less water than traditional systems*, so it’s better for your home and for the planet.
The reusable microfibre mop pad captures dirt and bacteria with ease.
It’s machine washable and will last up to six months, helping you save money. The mop and bucket are super simple to use – you can even guide, wring and re-wet your mop one-handed, making the process of cleaning up after kids and pets on a daily basis almost effortless. The H2PRO system is made from recycled materials, and the slimline bucket can easily be stored in a small space, so it’s ideal for compact homes and apartments.
USING THE H2PRO IS EASY!
STEP 1
Fill the front blue tank with water and, if wanted, add any non-oil based floor cleaning product.
STEP 2
Mop the floor with the textured mop pad, designed to remove even stubborn stains with ease.
STEP 3
Wring the mop out into the dry chamber, removing dirty water from the pad.
STEP 4
Slide the mop head into the slot and press down to trigger the spray nozzles, which will clean and re-wet the mop pad.
Say goodbye to dirty mop water and hello to the next-gen of cleaning!
DUAL-TANK BUCKET ENSURES CLEAN WATER EVERY TIME YOU MOP.
EASY STEPS TO A COSY BATHROOM
Zhoosh up your wet zones for winter with these easy updates.
Words Jane Parbury
Take your bathroom from basic and functional to warm and welcoming with these practical ideas to boost ventilation, improve heating and lighting, and prevent and treat mould, all without blowing the energy budget. Plus, learn some simple styling tricks to make the space look and feel more welcoming.
High achiever
An exhaust fan will help keep your bathroom fresh and free from mould.
SEE THE LIGHT
The right lighting is essential for creating a cosy bathroom space. For best results, interior designer Jordana Thirlwall, co-founder of Super Easy Storage, recommends a mix of ambient and task lighting. “Installing layered lights around the room, such as a light-up mirror or overhead lamps, can create further ambience and also give options for lighting,” she suggests. “Dimmers also provide adjustable lighting.” Another effective way to boost light levels is to install an Illume ‘skylight’, which operates via a solar panel to illuminate the device indoors, producing a similar effect to a real skylight. Mirrors can create the illusion of more light, help to make a space feel bigger and brighter and also provide a decorative focal point. Renters might like to try a battery-operated vanity light, which can be stuck in place with suction cups.
MIND THE GAPS
Good ventilation in the bathroom is a must, but unwanted draughts can affect both heating efficiency and your energy bills. Window frames are notorious for gaps. Where there’s excess movement around the window itself, weather strips can help – simply trim the self-adhesive rubber seal to fit between the window and frame, and stick in place. Make sure to pick the right width so the window can operate freely. Narrow gaps around window and door frames and skirting boards can be tackled with a filler formulated for wet areas. Plug a gap under the door with an inexpensive door snake.
COVER THE WINDOWS
Up to 40 per cent of heating energy can be lost through glazing with inadequate thermal properties*. Window coverings help retain warmth while enhancing aesthetics.
FREE UP SPACE
Arranging your things neatly might not make your bathroom feel cosier, but it will improve appearances and access to frequently used items. Display shelves make the most of vertical surfaces, as do wall hooks – ideal for robes and towels. A wall-mounted soap dish or shower caddy keeps bathing essentials under control – suction models are a quick solution and don’t require permanent fixings. Just don’t overload them, especially with anything breakable.
A corner shelf unit or trolley takes up little floor space. Jordana Thirlwall suggests finding storage baskets to fit in under-sink areas. “These add more room and an aesthetic appeal,” she says. “Woven materials help to generate visual warmth in the space as well.”
“Consider using warmer lights to make the space feel more comfortable”
Jordana Thirlwall/interior designer
Jordana suggests trying plantation shutters as they are easy to clean and look good in any space. “Or for a luxe vibe consider using linen-look fabrics for curtains,” she says. Roller blinds or non-timber venetians are other practical solutions for the bathroom that can be adjusted for light and privacy. “Moisture-resistant fabrics such as vinyl are great for these spaces,” Jordana adds.
TURN UP THE HEAT
Space-saving underfloor heating provides ambient warmth and can often be set according to when you need it, to help control energy costs. It’s usually fitted as part of a new build or major renovation and, depending on your state’s regulations, may require installation by a licensed expert or be partially DIY. Heated towel rails can take the edge off in chilly weather, as well as delivering warm, dry towels. Or for radiant warmth, heat lamps are relatively inexpensive to buy and run. Look for three-way models with an exhaust fan and ordinary light. Heat lamps and hardwired heated towel rails require professional installation.
AIR THE PLACE
Being naturally humid, bathrooms can breed mould, which is not only unsightly but can also affect your health. Aside from regular cleaning, the best way to prevent mould is to flood the bathroom with natural light and fresh air, says DIY specialist and renovator Natasha Dickins (littleredindustries. com). “Long-term solutions include installing a window or skylight, but even using a ceiling-mounted exhaust fan
while showering will help,” she says. If possible, open windows regularly to boost air circulation and avoid drying laundry in the room. A heated bathroom will dispel moisture more quickly – help it along by removing moisture from the shower screen with a squeegee, mopping up water and using a heated rail to air towels.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Tackle everyday issues such as dirt and soap scum by regularly wiping, scrubbing and mopping. Use a proprietary cleaner to remove mould from tiles, other hard surfaces and even grout. “Choose a low-odour product with a preventative formula that can be left to work its magic before being wiped away,” suggests Natasha. To combat grubby grout lines, try a dedicated grout cleaner. “If still discoloured, clean then trace over the grout lines with a grout pen or whitener,” says Natasha. Dirty coloured grout and mould-stained silicone sealant may need replacing. ●
Read it!
Bring your bathroom in from the cold with light: bunnings.com.au/bathroom-lighting
● Windoware 210cm x 90cm basic indoor roller blind in White, $15, I/N: 0044687.
● Barelli 900mm x 450mm frameless pill shape front lit LED mirror, $99, I/N: 0635477‡‡.
● IXL ‘Tastic Triumph’ 3 in 1 bathroom heat fan light, $136, I/N: 4442496.
● Living Elements 750mm x 450mm x 5mm flat edge mirror, $35.63, I/N: 0225475.
● Forme ‘Daytona’ 6 bar round heated towel rail, $112, I/N: 0103762‡.
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
STORAGE EVOLUTION
Having your tools and materials properly organised and accessible can save you tons of time as you work, but getting your garage or workshop set-up just right can be tricky. Rack It storage starter kits are a functional and flexible option that take the hard work out of the planning process, and their modular design means they can easily evolve as your needs change.
chests. They’re safe and reliable, too, with a cleverly designed pin system to hold the strong powdercoated steel uprights and beams securely in place, so you never need to worry about your shelving letting you down.
Add your accessories
Kick your workspace into shape with Rack It storage starter kits. Scan
1 Rack It 400kg 1900mm x 1526mm x 530mm
3 wire shelf starter kit in Black, $180, I/N: 0761078.
2 Rack It 1000kg 1938mm x 1830mm x 645mm
3 wire shelf starter kit in Black, $298.36, I/N: 2760599. 3 Rack It 1000kg 2135mm x 1938mm x 645mm 3 wire shelf starter kit in Black, $319.36, I/N: 0176969.
Set the stage
Rack It Wire Shelf Starter Kits offer a convenient, affordable and highquality foundation for your heavy-duty storage. The kits come in a variety of sizes and weight capacities to suit your requirements, with the most robust options holding up to 1000kg per shelf without breaking a sweat. This makes these customisable shelving units perfect for storing everything from paint tins to heavy tubs and tool
If all you need is a sturdy set of shelves to sort out your storage, then that’s the job done with the starter kits. But if you want to create a more functional workspace, Rack It 1000KG Starter Kits can quickly become something more with the addition of Rack It PRO storage accessories. Control clutter and customise your storage with cabinets, drawer units, pegboards and more. For larger spaces, you can join multiple Starter Kits together to create bays and bays of storage, for a fully functional and well-organised workspace that’s just right for you. Sorted!
FEEL THE WARMTH
From sleek, built-in systems to quick budget-friendly fixes, here’s how to heat your living room and bedrooms.
Words Georgia Madden
Nothing beats the feeling of sinking into the sofa or burrowing under the covers when it’s chilly outside. During the winter months, you’ll want your bedroom and living space to be warm, inviting retreats where you can truly relax. But when you shut out the cold, you also seal in the air you breathe – making indoor air quality just as important as temperature. The right heating doesn’t just keep you warm, it’s better for your health and promotes a good night’s sleep.
● Scandia ‘Warmbrite 200’ Series 4 indoor wood heater, $1,199, I/N: 0405097. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
REVERSE-CYCLE AIRCONDITIONING
LEFT ● Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ‘Ciara’ 7.1kW reverse cycle split system airconditioner, $2,078, I/N: 0641627.
SIZE IT RIGHT
As a general rule of thumb, to work out the right wattage or size of electric heater for your room, multiply the room size in square metres by 100, says Anna. “For example, if a room is 3m x 4m, it has an area of 12 square metres. So, for effective heating you’ll need a heater of minimum 1200W. If you’re heating a large living area with an electric heater, you’ll need a high wattage – ideally 2400W – with a good fan to distribute the hot air.”
If you want a system that works hard in winter and summer, reverse-cycle airconditioning is your best bet. It’s energy-efficient, easy to control and provides instant warmth with the bonus of cooling in the warmer months. Some models even have air-purifying filters and a dehumidifying function to help maintain a healthier indoor environment. It’s one of the most cost-effective heating systems to run at around $0.36 per hour1. To optimise savings, clean the filters regularly and use the programmable timer so it only runs when you need it.
These days, you barely have to lift a finger to keep your home comfortable – you can do it all via voice control or an app. Anna Safaryan, seasonal heating buyer at Bunnings, says heating systems are increasingly integrating with smart-home ecosystems, offering remote control and automation. “Sleek designs that seamlessly incorporate technology are particularly appealing, especially in smaller homes, allowing homeowners to manage heating efficiently while maintaining a clean look,” Anna says.
● Arlec 2200W smart glass panel heater with Grid Connect in Black, $125, I/N: 0163656.
WOOD HEATERS AND SLOW-COMBUSTION FIREPLACES
The crackling glow of a wood fire makes it a favourite for large, open-plan living areas. Slowcombustion models are more efficient than traditional fireplaces, providing long-lasting heat with less wood. It’s important to note wood fires produce air pollutants, which can be harmful to the environment and those with respiratory issues. They also need space for wood storage, regular cleaning and proper ventilation. If you have access to sustainable, free firewood, they cost next to nothing to run. Buying a tonne of firewood is about $500 and can give three months of moderate heat – about $0.75 an hour when burned for eight hours a day.
● Scandia ‘Warmbrite 140’ indoor wood heater, $799, I/N: 3171288. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Electric panel heaters come in slim and unobtrusive designs
ELECTRIC FIREPLACES
LEFT ● Mill 950W panel heater in White, $199, I/N: 0289315.
CUT YOUR COSTS
Heating your home efficiently isn’t just about choosing the right system – it’s also about making the most of the warmth you have. Seal gaps around doors and windows, hang thick curtains and close off unused rooms to keep heat where you need it and to ensure that your system isn’t working harder than it has to.
If you love the look of a fireplace but don’t want the hassle of wood, an electric fireplace is a good alternative. These modern fireplaces provide warmth and ambience without the need for ventilation or costly installation. While they won’t heat your whole home, they are perfect for adding a cosy touch to a bedroom or moderate-sized living room. They are simple to install, too, says Claire Richardson, principal interior designer at Revel Design. “They are literally plug in and play,” she says. At around $0.18 per hour to run, they are cost-efficient, too.
● Scandia ‘Aurora’ 36in/91cm electric fire, $586, I/N: 0411396 (available in selected stores only).
HYDRONIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING
A warm floor on a chilly morning is a delight. Architect Kat Prowse of Revel Design says hydronic underfloor heating provides a consistent, gentle heat that doesn’t dry out the air – ideal for those who suffer from allergies or dry skin. It works best with stone, concrete or tiled floors as timber can warp if heated too quickly. While it can be expensive to install, it’s worth considering if you’re building or renovating, especially when paired with a heat pump or solar power for energy efficiency. It costs about $0.16 to $0.38 per hour to run2
For fuss-free heating in living and sleeping areas, electric panel and convection heaters are a great and affordable option. They can be either portable or wall-mounted, and there are models that can be controlled by an app on your smartphone. However, they can take longer to heat large spaces and can dry out the air if used continuously. Running costs are around $0.80 per hour3. If you opt for a portable model, look for one with tip-over protection and a safety cut-off switch, advises Anna Safaryan. ●
● Bonaire 1000W electric panel heater with wi-fi, $187.50, I/N: 0435057. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
TAILOR YOUR TOOLKIT
From fast fixes to big builds, here’s the DIY gear you need to get the job done.
Words Mitchell Mclean
No matter where you live – a cosy apartment or a spacious house – or whether you rent or own, maintenance issues are bound to crop up. When they do, you need to be prepared, advises Bunnings power tools national buyer Daniel Gibney. “You never know when something in the home will fail, especially in older properties. Having a basic collection of power tools, hand tools and accessories can solve these problems in no time,” he says. “Often, the longer things are left in a failed state, the harder they are to fix.” With just a few basic skills, the right equipment means you can handle small jobs without calling in a professional. For hobbyists and seasoned DIYers, expanding your toolkit allows you to take on more complex projects with confidence. So whether you’re tackling simple repairs or a larger reno, here’s how to put together the right toolkit for you.
START SMALL, WIN BIG
Every DIYer starts somewhere, and that usually means undertaking small fixes and jobs around the home. For these tasks, a few key tools are indispensable. A tape measure is essential when it comes to a variety of jobs, so make that your first buy. A magnetic spirit level ensures your pictures hang straight, while a claw hammer makes driving nails effortless and an adjustable spanner is perfect for assembling flat-pack furniture or tightening a loose tap.
A screwdriver set, pliers, a utility knife and a steel rule can turn
everyday challenges into quick wins. As Daniel Gibney notes, “Kits like socket sets, spanner sets and screwdriver sets are great for small maintenance tasks – whether it’s tightening bolts on a bike or replacing batteries in a tool.” When starting out, it’s also worth investing in a sturdy toolbox or storage system to keep everything organised. A well-arranged toolkit saves time and ensures you can find what you need when you need it. For example, magnetic tool strips or drawer organisers can keep small accessories, screws and nails neatly sorted.
FOR NEWBIES
GOOD SAVE!
● Buy kits, not single tools. Bundles often save you money compared with buying items separately. For example, a drill and driver combo is more cost-effective than purchasing the tools individually.
● Store and maintain your tools properly. Regular care extends their lifespan and keeps them in top condition. Clean tools after use, keep them in a dry place, and lubricate moving parts as needed.
● Invest in high-quality tools. They may cost more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run by avoiding paying for frequent replacements. Look for trusted brands with good warranties.
BASIC DIY
■ Hang pictures or shelves
■ Patch minor holes in walls
■ Refresh silicone sealant
■ Fix a dripping tap
■ Clear blocked drains and gutters
■ Tighten loose fittings
■ Change door handles
■ Remove stripped screws
■ Seal window gaps
■ Replace toilet seats
Lay the foundations of your toolkit with these affordable essentials that will prove priceless.
Made to measure
Compact design, comfy grip
● Stanley ‘Control Lock’ 8m tape measure, $19.98, I/N: 0400603.
On the level
Small enough for tight spaces
● Trojan 240mm magnetic stubby level, $19.98, I/N: 0440392.
Once you’ve mastered the basics you might feel ready to take on more ambitious projects, which is when power tools become your best friends. A combo kit, featuring a drill driver and impact driver, delivers power and efficiency for fastening and drilling in timber, metal and masonry. A stud finder is essential when wallmounting on plasterboard, and a combination square guarantees precision when cutting timber. As your skills grow, so should your toolkit. A driving set provides the right bits for every screw, while clamps
keep materials steady as you work. A caulking gun makes resealing bathrooms and kitchens less messy, and a random orbital sander is essential for refinishing furniture or prepping timber.
For painting projects, consider adding a paint sprayer to your arsenal for a smooth, professional finish. If you’re tackling tiling, a tile cutter and notched trowel will make the job much easier. And for those squeaky hinges or sticky locks, a can of lubricating spray such as WD-40 is a must-have.
HOBBYIST DIY
■ Paint walls and ceilings
■ Swap kitchen cabinet doors
■ Sand and stain a deck
■ Hang a new door
■ Small tiling jobs
■ Install floating shelves
■ Change a showerhead
■ Install new light fixtures
■ Fix squeaky hinges
■ Reseal a shower or bath
MIDDLE GROUND
Up your game with a more comprehensive collection of tools. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
For those who dream big, your toolkit needs to match your ambitions and your skill set. At this level, investing in high-performance tools is a must, such as a combo kit of a cordless hammer drill suitable for masonry and an impact driver for high-speed and high-torque fixing installation. A circular saw speeds up cutting plywood and timber, while a jigsaw handles curves and intricate designs. For smoothing rough surfaces, a belt sander is indispensable, and a nail gun ensures rapid assembly for cabinetry or wall features. A line laser is a great ally for jobs that require precise levelling and alignment.
Daniel Gibney explains the benefits of modern tools: “Brushless motors offer greater efficiency, run time,
power and speed. Plus, improved battery life means fewer batteries are needed, reducing costs over time.”
If you’re working on outdoor projects such as building a fence or deck, a mitre saw ensures professional-quality finishes and a cordless reciprocating saw is ideal for cutting timber and metal in hard-to-reach spaces. For concrete work, such as pouring a slab or setting fence posts, a mixer drill or cement mixer can save time and effort. For large tiling jobs, a wet saw will make precise cuts in ceramic or stone tiles. If you’re replacing flooring, a planer and router are essential for achieving a neat, professional finish, while a nail gun will save time and ensure a secure, long-lasting fit. ● LEFT ● Ryobi ‘ONE+ HP’ 18V 165mm brushless circular saw, $249/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0405164‡.
SERIOUS DIY
■ Build a deck or pergola
■ Construct a garden bed
■ Pour a concrete slab
■ Build a fence
■ Large tiling jobs
■ Install cabinetry
■ Cut and install skirting boards
■ Replace flooring
■ Install a barn door
■ Renovate a laundry
Keep in mind
■ Any plumbing, drainage, gasfitting or hardwired electrical work must be carried out by licensed tradies.
■ When painting, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated. Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
■ When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask, and eye and ear protection), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
Here’s how to sort and store your gear: bunnings.com.au/ organise-your-toolkit
LIKE A BOSS
For high-level handiwork you need gear with grunt.
Laser focus
Precise levelling and alignment
● Ryobi 25m 360° green line laser, $199, I/N: 0437574.
Smooth moves
Locks on to ease fatigue
● AEG 18V 75mm brushless belt sander, $349/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 6230318.
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Visual arts
Add colour and texture to your interior spaces with these hardware hacks.
Photography Martina Gemmola Projects and styling Melissa Rettore
ABOVE ● Plant pedestal made using: Northcote Pottery ‘Italian’ 15cm terracotta cylinder pots in Greige, $9.98 each, I/N: 0044329, 15cm antique saucers, $3.80 each, I/N: 2833041, 13cm pots in Greige, $3.48 each, I/N: 0044322, 13cm saucer in Greige, $3.70, I/N: 0044327, and 31cm cylinder bowls, $14.98 each, I/N: 0044346; Crommelin ornamental sealer, $12.79/750ml, I/N: 2841705; and Rust-Oleum ‘2X Ultra Cover’ clear gloss spray paint, $17.98/298g, I/N: 1580816. ● Silver lady and maidenhair ferns. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
PLANT PEDESTAL
Paint and stack terracotta pots and saucers to make a bespoke, sculptural stand.
Tools & materials
n Safety equipment (mask, gloves and eye protection)
n Drop sheet
n Plant pots and saucers
n Terracotta sealer spray
n Medium paintbrushes
n Paint in three colours (we used Dulux Very Cherry, Murray Red and Mornington)
n Clear gloss spray
n Construction adhesive
n Plants in grower’s pots
● Selleys ‘Hold Up’ construction adhesive, $16.75/290ml, I/N: 0130875. Pick it up! Fastens the pots in an instant
1 Working on a drop sheet and wearing appropriate safety gear, spray the outside of terracotta pots and saucers with sealer; leave to dry. Tip: If you don’t use new pots and saucers for this project, ensure you clean them thoroughly first.
2 Using a paintbrush, apply two coats of paint to each sealed terracotta and ceramic pot and saucer, leaving to dry after each coat.
3 Apply a clear gloss sealer to each painted pot and saucer. Hold the can about 25mm from the surface and spray a few light coats in a side-to-side motion, then leave to dry.
4 Starting with a large upturned cylinder bowl, stack the pots and saucers using construction adhesive to join them; leave to set. Fill the top pot with an indoor plant in a grower’s pot.
A WORK OF CORK
Create abstract art without the gallery price tag by layering cork tiles on an MDF board. Sketch out your geometric design, then paint and glue your way to a 3D modern masterpiece!
● 305mm x 305mm x 6mm natural cork tile, $19.80/ pack of 6, I/N: 6690244. Pick it up! Turn cork tiles into an arty jigsaw
Tools & materials
n Safety equipment (mask, gloves and eye protection)
n Drop sheet
n Cutting mat
n Steel rule and pencil
n Utility blade
n Bowl
n Craft paintbrushes
n Screwdriver
n Cork tiles
n Paint in two colours (we used Dulux Chocolate Souffle and Porter’s Paints Bayleaf)
n 3mm MDF cut to 600mm x 600mm in store
n Construction adhesive
n Framing triangles and picture-hanging kit
ABOVE ● Cork artwork made using: Customwood 900mm x 600mm x 3mm standard raw MDF, $7.40, I/N: 0590077•; Selleys ‘Hold Up’ construction adhesive, $16.75/290ml, I/N: 0130875; and Everhang brass-plated picture hanging kit, $5.40, I/N: 3930110, and 6kg picture framing triangles, $10.28/pack of 25, I/N: 3930066. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
1 Working on a drop sheet and cutting mat, mark and cut four cork tiles into quarters using a utility knife. Use a steel rule and bowl to mark lines and curves on full and cut tiles. Apply two coats of paint to the geometric shapes, leaving to dry after each.
3 Arrange painted cork pieces on top of first layer to create a graphic, 3D effect. Attach with adhesive; leave to set. Use framing triangles and a picture-hanging kit rated to take the weight of the artwork to hang it, using fixings suitable for your wall type. STEP 1: PAINT CORK
2 Centre four full-size cork tiles on the backing board (inside edges will touch and outer edges will overhang by about 5mm). Apply a generous bead of adhesive to the back of each tile and attach to the backing board; leave to set.
STORE IT!
Go modern and modular with budget-friendly Flexi Storage.
Want to create a contemporary look with custom storage, but without the price tag of bespoke joinery? With the new Studio Silhouette range from Flexi Storage, you can design and construct your own system.
Three simple steps
A variety of Studio Silhouette shelving unit components makes it easy to plan a storage solution that meets your needs and fits your space, whether you’re equipping a living or dining room or clothes storage area. Assembly is straightforward, too, using the included hardware to connect components.
How to start
Not sure how to begin? Flexi Storage has you covered with Studio Silhouette Starter Kits, available as a 3 shelf, 5 shelf or 7 shelf unit. Each kit comes complete with a base ladder frame in different sizes, a cross brace and the desired number of shelves. Need a new living room storage unit or TV cabinet? Easy! Want a flexible wardrobe with
ample hanging space and plenty of closed-in storage? Simple! Start with the kits, then adapt and extend them with cabinets, drawers and shelves that suit your needs.
STYLE FOR YOUR SPACE
FRAME IT
Start with a Flexi Storage Studio Silhouette Base Ladder Frame then add Ladder Extensions, up to 13 rungs (just over two metres high) or, for a wider unit, additional ladder frames.
BRACE IT
Stabilise your set-up with Flexi Storage Studio Silhouette Cross Braces to keep it standing strong.
STORE IT
Complete your system with Flexi Storage Studio Silhouette 2 Drawer Units, open shelves or other storage accessories in the range.
1 Flexi Storage ‘Studio Silhouette’ 930mm 6 rung base ladder frame in Black, $36.49, I/N: 0411985.
2 Flexi Storage ‘Studio Silhouette’ 2 drawer unit in Oak, $135.64, I/N: 0411987. 3 Flexi Storage ‘Studio Silhouette’ cross brace in Black, $6.98, I/N: 0411989.
4 Flexi Storage ‘Studio Silhouette’ 755mm 3 shelf starter kit in Black & Oak, $141.22, I/N: 0411993.
5 Flexi Storage ‘Studio Silhouette’ 1475mm 5 shelf starter kit in Black & Oak, $229.88, I/N: 0411978.
6 Flexi Storage ‘Studio Silhouette’ 2195mm 7 shelf starter kit in Black & Oak, $314.97, I/N: 0411992.
DREAM WEAVER
This easy project will show you the ropes of basic weaving while you create a textural, dimensional artwork using off-the-shelf jute cord and lightweight canvases.
Touchy-feely Artworks with texture!
● Woven artworks made using: Boyle 40cm x 30cm x 3.5cm wood framed canvas, $11.97, I/N: 0415844, and 20cm x 20cm thin edge stretched canvas, $4.97/pack of 4, I/N: 0415848 (both available in selected stores only); and Grunt 8mm twisted sisal rope, $8.75/10m, I/N: 4310288. (On mantel, from left) ● Teardrop 15cm ceramic vase in White, $11.98, I/N: 0611080.
● Chinese money plant in ‘Linear’ 18cm x 16cm ceramic cylinder pot in Cream, $10.48, I/N: 0258709 (plant sold separately).
● Textured 16cm ceramic vase in Cream, $11.98, I/N: 0611084. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Tools & materials
n Safety equipment (mask and gloves)
n Scissors
n Stretched canvases in various sizes
n 6mm jute macramé cord
n 8mm sisal rope
n Picture-hanging kit
1 Wrap jute cord vertically around a canvas and tie off at the back. Take it around the canvas another seven times to form an eight-strand warp (vertical weaving), pulling the rope taut but not tight. Cut rope and tie off at the back.
2 Repeat to weave an eight-strand weft (horizontal weaving), going over the warp. Weave another eight-strand warp over the weft.
3 Continue weaving until the canvas is covered. Tip: Use thicker sisal rope for a subtle colour variation or vary the number of strands for visual interest.
4 Use a picture-hanging kit rated to take the weight of the artwork to hang it, using fixings suitable for your wall type. ●
■ When hanging artworks, make sure you use fixings and fasteners appropriate for your type of wall and for the weight of the artwork.
■ When painting, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated.
■ Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
■ When choosing indoor plants, always read the label as some can be toxic to children and pets.
Renter-friendly idea!
CREATE & CURATE
Flex your art curator skills and bring together favourite images in a gallery-style hang. Select prints and family photos to stick to lightweight blank stretched canvases or pop them into op-shop frames. The hanging rod and frames can be sprayed gold for gravitas and sprigs of faux or dried flowers add a little whimsy.
● DIY hanging gallery made using: Sandleford 1800mm x 25mm chrome tube rod, $14.90, I/N: 4821930; Dulux ‘Duramax’ metal primer, $15.90/340g, I/N: 1400721; spray paint, for similar try White Knight ‘Super Gold’ spray paint, $31.90/300g, I/N: 1571040; ScotchBlue ‘Original’ 24mm multi-surface painter’s tape, $8.25/55m, I/N: 1669657; Boyle 50cm x 40cm x 3.5cm wood framed canvas, $13.89, I/N: 0415846 (available in selected stores only); triple plant propagation station, $22.40, I/N: 0269227 (only vases used); Everhang brass plated picture hanging kit, $5.40, I/N: 3930110; Grunt natural sisal twine, $10.68/300m, I/N: 4310545; and Un-Real ‘Pink Lavender’ 30cm artificial flower, $2.20, I/N: 0197990, and ‘Billy Buttons’ 75cm dried look native artificial flower, $9.50, I/N: 0428968. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Watch it!
See more ways to upcycle frames and use in a nail-free gallery wall: bunnings.com. au/no-nails-picture-gallery
Old calendars make a great source of classic art prints. Cut out illustrations to fit your frames.
● Permastik large metal hooks in Brass, $5 each, I/N: 0445333. Pick it up! Hang your wallscape with peel-off hooks
STEP 1: SPRAY ROD
Tools & materials
n Safety equipment (mask, gloves and eye protection)
n Drop sheet
n Painter’s tape
n Ladder
n Tape measure and pencil
n Spirit level
n Scissors
n Chrome tube rod
n Spray primer for metal
n Metallic spray paint in gold
1 Working on a drop sheet and wearing safety gear, apply spray primer to the chrome tube rod; let dry. Apply several light coats of metallic gold spray paint, leaving to dry after each coat.
STEP 3: MOUNT ROD
3 Measure and mark the locations of the hanging hooks on the wall (here in line with the top of door and window frames). Attach the wall hooks, check for level then leave for an hour. Position rod on hooks.
STEP 5: DISPLAY ART
5 Attach screw eyes from a picture-hanging kit to top corners or centres of frames. Cut twine and wire to length for hangers. Tie the hangers to the screw eyes and loop over the rod.
n Framed stretched canvases
n Scrap cardboard
n Vintage picture frames
n Removable brass wall hooks
n Sisal twine
n Glass propagation vases
n Artificial and dried flowers
n Art prints and photos
n Spray adhesive
n Picture-hanging kit
STEP 2: PAINT FRAMES
2 Cover canvases with cardboard and painter’s tape. Disassemble picture frames. Apply metallic gold spray paint to the frames, then leave to dry. Remove the tape and cardboard.
STEP 4: HANG VASES
4 Thread twine through holes in glass vase necks, add flowers and hang from the rod. Hold up frames on wall; mark locations. Centre artworks on canvases; attach with spray adhesive. Reassemble picture frames.
Keep in mind
■ Make sure you use removable wall hooks appropriate for your type of wall and for the weight of the finished project.
■ When spray-painting, wear eye protection, a mask and gloves and work outside or in a well-ventilated space, covering surrounding areas with a drop sheet to avoid overspray.
■ Always use the right ladder for the job. Make sure it has non-slip feet and is set up on a flat, stable and solid surface. Wear sturdy footwear, maintain three points of contact (for example both feet and one hand) on it at all times and make sure another person is nearby in case you need assistance.
The project
Curate a mini gallery that’s ideal for rentals, with a mix of photos, art and floral notes.
Project and styling Melissa
Rettore
Photography
Martina Gemmola
Why you need it
This ‘wallscape’ is a great way to show off favourite artworks and family photos. It’s also tenantfriendly, with the rod suspended from removable hooks, leaving the wall hole-free. Keep it lightweight and low budget with upcycled picture frames and affordable off-the-shelf canvases. ● Project cost UNDER $140
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